-> index.html - open this file with your Web browser to view the User's Manual
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What is MTX?
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MTX is a simplified means for creating HyperText Markup Language (HTML) documents. HTML is the page layout standard used by the World Wide Web. Unlike HTML, the MTX format is easy to learn and use. You can use any word processor or text editor to create MTX formatted files. The MTX Tool converts these files into HTML pages in a matter of seconds. Features of the MTX system include:
Source files are easy to create and maintain
No special editor or editing skills are needed
Timed "make" function for updating HTML files
Consistent stylistic and functional elements
Automatic creation of complex HTML elements:
Document outlines and tables of contents
Home, Parent, Previous, and Next navigational buttons
Key Word Indexes Across Families of Documents
Several types of interactive questions with feedback
Tables, floating graphics, and other extensions
Presentation Slides for the Classroom
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How to Use This Tool
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First, save your MTX formatted files as plain (ASCII) text with an ".mtx" file name extension, then follow these steps:
1) Create a project by clicking on "New Project".
2) Give your project a descriptive name.
3) Identify the MTX and HTML folders with "Set Folders".
4) Choose a one of the "Make" options:
Use "Make All" to rebuild the entire project.
Use "Make Timed" to selectively rebuild the project.
Use "Make Single" to rebuild individual files.
5) Review the HTML files with your Web browser.
6) Repeat the process as needed.
The special "One File" project is useful for small jobs.
To delete a project, simply delete its card.
Shortcuts:
Command-N for "New Project"
Command-M for "Make Timed" and "Make Again"
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Version History
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Version 1.3.1 March 1996
Several Small Bug Fixes
A few minor changes (%LOCATION becomes %PATH, etc.)
Print Layout Now Suppresses Counter
Additional markup tags for background gifs and text color
Version 1.3 January 1996
Second General Release
Added Timed "Make" Feature
Added Presentation Slides
Added Header Links
Added Counter and Refresh Tags
Improved Table Format
Improved Navigation Links Format
Version 1.2 October 1995
First General Release
Added Tables
Added Floating Graphics
Added Centered Headings, Graphics, and Text
Improved Question Format
Improved Handling of Non-Macintosh Text Files
Version 1.1 June 1995
First Internal Release
Version 1.0 December 1994
Prototype
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Changes from Version 1.2
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If you have been using version 1.2 of MTX, please be aware of the following incompatibilites:
Tables
The "untitled" switch no longer suppresses the caption.
Spaces in empty cells no longer have special meaning.
Use the star (*) to force a non-blank cell.
Several table switches have been added (noborder, etc.)
Navigation Links
New tags (%HOMEURL, etc.) are used for the link URL.
The older tags (%HOME, etc.) are now used for the
optional text for each link.
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Future Enhancements
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Suppression of Question Feedback for Tests
Suppression of Navigation Links for Printing
Forms-Based Questions with CGI Server Support
Interactive Calendars
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Author and Copyright
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MTX was developed by Richard Rathe, MD, Director of the Office of Medical Informatics for the College of Medicine at the University of Florida. The MTX format, documentation, and tools are Copyright 1995 and 1996 by the University of Florida. MTX is available without charge for non-commercial use at:
http://www.med.ufl.edu/medinfo/mtx/
All copyright and authorship notices must remain in place.
Questions, comments, or suggestions should be sent to: