Search the Internet for websites offering free typing courses. No reputable, legitimate, online typing course should ask for anything more than a valid email address and a password to start an account. In the interest of caution, find an online typing course that offers typing exercises within the confines of the website itself. Occasionally, free software downloads contain viruses, which can leave your computer vulnerable or cause it to function erratically.
Select a beginner's typing tutorial test from the website you've chosen. Established typing tutorial websites offer a range of tests for varying levels of skill. If you are what is known as a "hunt-and-peck" typist, you'll want the beginner's tutorial.
Follow the instructions of the beginner tutorial. Instructions will most likely involve rudimentary discussions, such as proper hand positioning on your keyboard (e.g., left index finger on the "F" key, right index finger on the "J" key.) You may also be asked to type letters that don't actually spell any words, in an effort to get your hands acquainted with the order of the keys. Often, a picture of a keyboard will be displayed on the screen in front of you, with struck keys temporarily lighting up, and accidentally struck keys eliciting a buzzing or alarm sound. Beginner tutorials may also have a time clock which will display the amount of time you have to complete the typing task the program has presented to you. Typing programs for beginners are more often geared towards orientation than speed, however.
Practice your way through the beginner's course by following the sequential steps the website has laid out for you. Each time you log in to do the typing exercises, compete with yourself by trying to beat your last time. Online typing programs will record and display your progress and will usually inform you via automated response that you are ready to progress to an intermediate course.
Make note of the grading system that should be part of your typing program. Specifically, a typing program grading system will inform you of your strengths and weaknesses by displaying not only your speed in words per minute, but also your accuracy, including which keys you frequently miss or accidentally hit too often.