Garfield Typing Pal Deluxe review:5 stars (It will get you a great career.) - The program is really fun even though I didn't have much experience and I have only passed a few levels so far. There are fun games (but only two). Lots of stories and jokes about Garfield. You get to chose who will be your assistant - Odie, Garfield, or Arleena, Garfield's friend. They also give clear instructions. There are funny animated pictures, for example: surfing, step-dancing on a wall in the alley, and working in a cup-cake factory. I recommend this program, it's worth it, it helps a lot, and it gives you something to do when you don't have anything to do. 5 stars (Great program for learning "QWERTY" or Dvorak method) - I have tried a couple of other programs (Mavis B, Jumpstart), and this is the one my daughter (7) likes the best.

All of them will teach you to type in a couple of weeks, it's just a matter of which interface you prefer. My daughter loves this program so much, we have to pull her off it every time, or she won't stop "playing".

Another great feature I found by accident, is that if you switch the keyboard to "Dvorak" (under Control Panel), the program automatically detects this and adapts the lesson for this setup (also works for "Dvorak for left hand only" or "...right hand only").

Do a search on "Dvorak keyboard" and you will see more about it.

Basically, it's an alternative keyboard setup, available on all Operating Systems, that is supposed to "increase speed and accuracy, as well as being more ergonomic". Rumor is, the "qwerty" setup was designed to slow people down so they wouldn't jam the old typewriters. I've found many sites that claim this, but further research shows it was just to get letter pairs to strike from opposite directions, so they wouldn't jam.

Most people, while not finding this method faster, do find it less stressful on the hands, decreasing RSIs

I don't know if other programs adjust for "Dvorak" as well, but either way, "Garfield Typing Pal" is a great program for kids and adults, and I highly recommend it.5 stars (Fun and educational) - I bought this for my 9 year old daughter. She enjoys it, along with me and her grandma. It is quite addictive. I did find the comments a little annoying. I am a fast typist and I would exceed the speed and have one or two errors - many less than allowed - and Garfield would tell me to just slow down and I'd make less errors.

But overall a fun way to learn the basics.

Garfield Typing Pal Deluxe Features:
Computer software (programs)
Education (Educational)
Touch Typing (Typist)
CD
Based on 12 years of research and development; keeps motivation and interest high
Play with Garfield, Odie and their friends as you develop essential keyboarding skills
Special exercises walk you through each lesson, and you'll see your skills improve as you chuckle with Garfield
Multiple skill levels to keep the challenge fresh for any skill level
Special reports track your progress and encourage better performance

Garfield Typing Pal Deluxe is the CD-ROM version. The full version can be purchased by clicking on the "CLICK HERE TO ORDER" button below for around 19.99USD.