2. WordBank File. The fully enabled WordBank file comes with about 50,000 words installed. WordBank generates random prompt-words in Module 3.
3. There is also a spelling-checker for Module 1; it should not be opened, altered, or worried about.
4. GraphBank File. The fully enabled GraphBank comes with more than one-hundred practice paragraphs. GraphBank randomly generates prompt paragraphs in Module 2.
5. ErrWdBank File. ErrWdBank holds the words you mistype when in WordDrill. It can be used when you select "ErrorWdBank" in the Options menu. When in use it prompts only words you've previously mistyped in WordDrill. The bank remembers errors from session to session. Erasing ErrWdBank can also be done from the Options menu. Similarly, if you drag the ErrWdBank to the trash, a new, empty ErrWdBank will be created the next time you use WordDrill in TypingTutor. (Be careful to NOT throw away WordBank or GraphBank by mistake; these three files will NOT be automatically replaced.) Of course, if you retain the MacTypingTutor disk received in the mail, you can re-install WordBank or GraphBank should you make such a mistake).
General usage of MacTypingTutor program:
To move from the opening screen to any work area of the main program, use the mouse to select one of the five work locations in the "Files" menu. However, since this is a typing tutorial, all actions of the program can also be controlled from the keyboard, using keyboard shortcuts (see menu items for the particular shortcuts). For example, you can navigate among the work areas by simultaneously pressing command/1, or pressing command/2, and so on. The command key (with the squiggly, square mark) is usually the key to the left of the space bar.
Each work area (module) has Options menu commands that help you work in that area. If a menu command is intended to work in a particular module it appears in black lettering; if a command is not intended to work in the area it appears in gray lettering. Time spent with the program during on session is shown in the upper right area of the screen. The number left of the marker " | " shows time spent in a particular module; the number to the right of the marker shows the total time spent with the program
In Modules 2 to 5 (the ones with prompts) you will get a words-per-minute score about once a minute (if the timer is ON). This is also a signal to rest for a moment, between practice periods. If you want to lower or raise a words-per-minute goal for a particular module, choose "Set Minimum Wpm" in the "Modules" menu. You can turn off this feature of the program by setting individual words-per-minute goals to 1 .
Although the program should never "jam, " if on some rare occasion it does, try one or more of the following: click the 'new' button, press 'return' several times; move to a different module than back to the one you're working in; close the program down and re-open, restart the computer and reopen, reinstall MacTypingTutor.
Using the individual work areas:
MODULE 1. can be used for free-typing. You can also test your typing speed and accuracy here. The module allows you to type from printed copy you select (or create in your head). The best way to work here is to select a printed paragraph from a book, magazine or some other source. Prop the material up next to the screen, start the timer by pressing "return," and begin. After you have typed a paragraph or some other selection, stop the timer by pressing "return" and then visually examine your typing for errors. Retype if necessary.
Checking Spelling in Module 1 (Free Typing):
If you desire, you can use MacTypingTutor's spelling-checker feature to identify typing errors. Just click the spell checking button at the top of the screen to turn this feature off or on (registered version only).
Score Keeping when in Free Typing:
Module 1 (FreeTyping) has its own private score keeping feature, separate from the score sheets in the Options menu. To see these private Free Typing scores, you type Return after you finish a typing trial. This is how it works: You start typing to begin a new trial. You then type Return to end the trial. If you wish, you then type Return a second time to see Free Typing scores. You can then start another trial by typing something new. Repeat as often as desired.
MODULE 2. prompts you to type paragraphs kept in the GraphBank. The paragraphs are randomly selected and then prompted several words at a time. Many of these paragraphs contain helpful suggestions to improve your typing. Others are designed to s t r e t c h your typing skills.
In Module 2 (and Modules 3 to 5) you can elect to show your typing by using the "Show Typing" command in the "Modules" menu. (Use "Hide Typing" to reverse the "Show Typing" command).
MODULE 3. uses the WordBank to randomly select individual words for you to type. The words you mistype are remembered by the module and can be used as prompts (see "Options" menu). At the end of a session try typing just the error words, after clicking the "error words" option.
Modules 4 and 5 are designed to help develop very basic typing-skills.
MODULE 4. trains your hands to feel for the "home" position and then jump to other keys. There are eleven different modes (see "Options" menu) to work in that help you practice a wide variety of typing skills. You can work on letter combinations of various difficulty. You can also work on numbers or symbols. You can even practice using the numbers pad at the right of the keyboard (choose "numbers only" in the "Options" menu then position the first three fingers of your right hand over the "4", "5", and "6" keys on the pad, using the thumb for "0").
MODULE 5. teaches which finger to use for typing each key on the keyboard. In the "automatic" mode, the program randomly selects one finger to work on at a time. After it selects the finger, you get up to ten key prompts only for that one finger. After you successfully type the prompts a new finger is randomly selected. The process then repeats itself. If you select "Slice Keyboard" in the Options menu can can tell when a new finger has been selected. The sliced keyboard redraws every time a new finger is selected, showing only the keys for that finger. Thus you learn to use the correct finger for each key because you're conscious of which finger is being tested at any one time. You can also work in this module in the "manual" mode. Do this by selecting "manual" in the "Options" menu. In "manual" mode you're asked to select the finger to work on. You then get unlimited prompts just for that finger.
If you have any problems, reactions, or questions, etc. send a note. (Regarding problems, be sure to mention what type Macintosh you use, and exactly what you did, or what you're doing, when the problem occurs). Send the note to:
