Keyboarding Software Analysis

Running head: KEYBOARDING SOFTWARE ANALYSIS

Keyboarding Software Packages:

Analysis and Purchase Recommendation

Jeff Cantrell

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Purpose and Scope

B. Procedures

II. FINDINGS

A. Overview of Software Being Evaluated

B. Evaluation of Software

1. Based on Cost

2. Based on Ease of Use

3. Based on Feature Set

4. Based on Help and Support

5. Based on Supported Configurations

III. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

A. Summary of the Problems and Procedures

B. Summary of the Findings

C. Conclusions and Recommendations

INTRODUCTION

Every company needs to ensure that it is receiving the utmost in productivity from its employees. In the current age of technology, this productivity is partially defined not only by computer proficiency, but also by a demonstrated ability to key-touch. Employees who never learned to type correctly diminish the productivity gains made by their companies' computerization (Ferguson, 2008).

To ensure that the almost 2,000 employees of our firm are performing at the best keyboarding levels, while at the same time making as little errors as possible, Charles R. Underwood, supervisor, authorized this report on February 13, 2008.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

Specifically the following problem was addressed in this study: What IBM-compatible, adult-geared and self-taught piece of software could we use to educate our employees on correct typing procedures, therefore increasing computer productivity?

PROCEDURES

In order to answer this question, the following methods were utilized:

* A list of four potential candidate software packages was compiled.

* Research resulting in comparisons by the following criteria was performed:

1. Cost

2. Ease of Use

3. Feature Set

4. Help and Support

5. Supported Configurations

* The data was compiled and an overall rating was assigned to each software package.

FINDINGS

Below you will find the results of my analysis into these four different software packages.

SOFTWARE PACKAGES

For the sake of time and keeping this study from becoming too lengthy, four of the most popular keyboarding software packages listed on TopTenReviews.com were selected for this evaluation. Those software packages are as follows, in no particular order:

1. TypingMaster Pro (by 1 Software Way)

2. Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing (by Broderbund)

3. 21st Century Typing (by 21st Software Corp.)

4. Typing Instructor Deluxe (by Individual Software Inc.)

EVALUATION OF SOFTWARE

The four software packages in question were evaluated based on cost, ease of use, feature set, help and support, and supported configurations. The findings are summarized in the following table:

TypingMaster Pro Mavis Beacon Typing Instructor 21st Century

Price $29.90 $29.99 $19.95 $14.99

Number of Lessons 27 44 64 14

Number of Practice Articles 0 0 300 75

Results and Progress

Words Per Minute Yes Yes Yes Yes

Accuracy Yes Yes Yes Yes

Initial Skill Level Test Yes Yes Yes Yes

Create Custom Tests Yes Yes Yes No

Help and Support

Phone Support Yes Yes Yes No

Email Support No Yes Yes Yes

Manual Yes Yes No No

Supported Configurations

Windows Vista No No No No

Windows XP Yes Yes Yes Yes

Windows 2000 Yes Yes Yes Yes

Windows 9x, NT No No Yes Yes

Customer Ratings

Ease of Use 2/4 4/4 3/4 4/4

Feature Set 3/4 4/4 4/4 2/4

Ease of Installation 4/4 4/4 4/4 4/4

Overall Ranking 4 1 2 3

COST

As shown in the table, the Mavis Beacon software package is the most costly, with a price tag of $29.99 per unit installed. 21st century typing came in as the cheapest package available, at roughly half the price of Mavis Beacon, at $14.99 per installation. Cost is just one factor