 M                                                                 f the credit goes to ExperType (ET.)
     ET is COLECO's original typing tutor software program. It can improve the performance of any typist, ages 10 to adult, and is Sma 
ExperType Review by Richard Lefko, as it appeared in his March '90 MOAUG column (warning to editors: contains some hyphenated lines.) 
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     How's your typing?  Mine stinks!  It is getting better, though, and some of the credit goes to ExperType (ET.)
     ET is COLECO's original typing tutor software program. It can improve the performance of any typist, ages 10 to adult, and is SmartKey driven for ease of use.
     ET comes on a data pack but is easily copied to disk format.  Placing either medium in the proper drive and pulling RESET causes ET to autoload. After the opening screen you are asked to type in your name, and if this is your first time, your age.  ET creates your lessons, in part, based on your age!  This is the only time you will be asked for your age, unless you use another name.  You see, ET saves your own personal profile at the end of each session!
     After you press <RETURN>, ET will go directly into touch typing mode. ET will then teach you where the home keys are, while your instructions on what to type appear at the top of the screen.  As you type, ADAM under- lines in red any mistakes you might make as you go along.  After comple- ting five touch typing lessons, ADAM presents your report card (which will be discussed later.) Once you are done touch typing, which can be any time you decide, pressing DONE (SmartKey VI) will display a whole new set of SmartKey options.  These are: Characters, Words, Free Style, Dictation, Touch Typing and Sign Off.
                 Let's take a look at each of these:
     Pressing the Characters SmartKey will take you into a lesson where you will have the opportunity to practice your problem keys.  How do you know what your problem keys are, you ask?  That's one of the great things about ET.  IT keeps track of the keys you're having problems with from your touch typing lessons!
     Pressing the Words SmartKey will give you practice typing words that contain your problem keys.
     Pressing the Free Style SmartKey will cause ADAM to choose one of two different freestyle lessons.  The first will ask you to type something off the top of your head (a story, poem, whatever.) In the second, ADAM starts a thought and asks you to finish several lines beyond.  The results of both these exercises are stored in your personal profile.
     Pressing the Dictation SmartKey will display a READY or PRINT SmartKey.  When the READY SmartKey is pressed, the dictation lesson begins and you type the lines as they appear at the top of the screen.  Pressing the PRINT SmartKey will allow you to put a piece of paper in the ADAM printer.  Then ET will print out the passage for you to type.  ADAM stores this information in your profile as well.
     Your performance report is displayed after each Free Style or Dicta- tion exercise.  It is shown as a typewriter keyboard with your problem keys in red.  After viewing this you may choose any other lesson, and that lesson will be geared toward helping you with those problem keys!
     At the end of every fifth lesson, ET automatically displays your report card.  (See, I remembered!) The report card screen displays one line EXACTLY as you typed it, and it will also show your typing speed in words per minute, AND it will display any keys you are still having problems with!
     Once you are finished with your lesson, you MUST press the Sign-off Key.  This will allow ET to store your profile on the DDP/disk and it will be called up the next time you log on so your lessons will once again be tailored to your problem keys!
   Overall, ExperType is a well thought-out and useful program.  It can help those just beginning typing to get a good start, and I think even those who type well can get some good practice using ExperType.  In fact, even if you do type well, you may consider using ET to gauge your words per minute speed.
     ExperType is available from American Design Components for $7.95, item # 20864, 1-800-524-0809. 
^I 
Editor's Note: I did not know how to type when I got my computer and, in fact, did not believe I was capable of learning after all those years of hunt-and-peck.  ExperType not only worked for me, but it was fun! 
 
^J 
 
so show your typing speed in words per minute, AND it will display any keys you are still having pro
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