Information Technology (IT) has changed the information processing to an unimaginable improved state. Storing information in different mediums is the most important achievement. Computer keyboards and magnetic tapes, CDs etc, have replaced the old typewriters and the hardcopy filing respectively. Word processors in computer have replaced the typing on paper. But the keystrokes remain the same. Typing lessons, typing tutorials are still needed. The keyboard itself and keyboard typing are improved and comfortable than before. The letters, symbols stroked are transferred electronically and visible in the word processor as opposed to pressing letter typesets to paper via carbon papers.

The number of words typed per minute without any error evaluates the speed and accuracy of typing. In old typewriting test a few paragraphs were to be typed on the paper and the time was noted. The number of words /minute and the total number of errors were counted. Now the testing process has changed. It is done online through computer electronically. The test results are then displayed and can be printed.

Online typing test may be alphanumeric entries on keypad or numeric entries on numeric pad (10 stroke test). The scores of type testing are represented by word per minute (WPM) or Character per minute (CPM). Five CPMs are equivalent to one word.

An average computer user can type 33 wpm for transcriptions and 19 wpm for compositions; the highest is 40 wpm and lowest is 23 wpm. The typing speed of professional typists is 50 to 70 wpm. Special positions may require typing speed of 80 to 95 wpm. Advanced typists work at a speed of 120 wpm. The fastest typing speed record is 216 wpm by a Stella Pajunas Garmand from Chicago in 1946. Numeric entry typing speed is represented by KPH (key strokes per hour). The data entry typist requires this test. Professional data entry typists have speed of 8000 to 10000 KPH.

Online typing tutorial starts with Touch Typing Instructions for alphanumeric and numeric keyboard. The basic tutorial generally consists of about 15 lessons like typing characters in different sequences, typing sentences and paragraphs. Interactive feedback is provided for wpm and accuracy. Typing practice can be done on these types of keyboards:

UK QWERTY keyboard

Dvorak keyboard

Colemak keyboard

The online course includes basic level to professional level typing practice. The practice speed and accuracy can be improved through typing games. Testing can be taken freely in many web sites.