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Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing is a software program for teaching touch typing. It is published by Brřderbund. The original version was published by The Software Toolworks. The program has been published regularly since 1993. Version 5 supports both QWERTY and the alternative Dvorak Simplified Keyboard layout, though more recent versions support only QWERTY. The current version is version 17, released for both Mac OS X and Windows. Earlier versions were made for Apple II, Commodore 64, Atari 400/800 (version 1 only), Apple IIGS, Atari ST, Mac OS, Windows, PalmOS (version 16), and Amiga systems.
The program includes a number of speed tests and constantly tracks the user's words-per-minute typing speed. It also includes a number of typing games; games of some sort have been included since the first release. A certificate of achievement can be printed by the user upon the completion of tests (regardless of level of proficiency).
This program is also used in many schools and homes to improve typing skills.
The character of "Mavis Beacon" is not a real person, but rather a fictional character created to bring a personal touch to the tutorial. The original photo of Mavis Beacon was of a bankteller in Sherman Oaks, California, the city in which Software Toolworks, the original publisher, had its offices. Former TV talkshow host Les Crane, who was then a partner in Software Toolworks, invented the name. Her first name is meant to evoke the concept of a maven. Her last name represents her role as a light to guide your way[1].
Mavis Beacon was mentioned in the US version of the TV series The Office by the character Jim while talking to Pam about how fast she types. Actor Josh Hartnett said he used Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing to teach himself to type in preparing to play a journalist in the movie Resurrecting the Champ.
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