Multimedia Windows Spanish/MM_SPANISH.ISO/progfile.sfs/SPANWIN.DOC

Text File | 1994-10-15 | 27KB | 596 lines

                         Windows Spanish
                         CD Version 1.0

Program and supporting materials, including this documentation
file, are copyrighted 1993-1994, by BC Enterprises Software, Inc.
Provided under license to Sofsource, Inc.

This software is licensed for use upon a single computer.
Unauthorized duplication is a violation of federal law.


I. Introduction

        Congratulations on your acquisition of Windows Spanish
from BC Enterprises!  We have worked hard to bring a program to
you that helps you build your Spanish vocabulary, but which is
also fun and easy to use.  We think Windows Spanish fits this
bill, and we hope you will agree.

        This program is directed toward anyone who would like to
have a better working vocabulary in the Spanish language.  The
program is not so much meant to teach you Spanish as to give you
vocabulary drill.  However, the program does also include
sentences for each of the words used.  This will help you get an
idea of the real-world usage of the words.

        The testing program contains a total of 1200 words (all
with sentences), and 400 sentences for translation.  The words
are broken down into three categories: Nouns, Verbs,
Adjectives/Misc.  The third category is predominantly adjectives,
but several tests of adverbs, prepositions, and pronouns are
included.  The sentences for translation are sentences taken from
the first three word lists.  Up to 400 hundred new words can be
added in a category called Custom File.  Additionally, any or all
of the current words can be replaced or modified.  Each of the
categories is broken up into 20 tests of 20 words each.  The
program offers three separate testing formats for drill on these
words -- multiple choice, matching, and type word.

        You might think that learning 1200 Spanish words is not
very much.  Compared to the total number of words in a language,
that is true.  But compared to the working vocabulary you would
need to be fairly fluent in Spanish, 1200 words is a very large
number.  If you can learn the words in this program, and study
verb tenses and sentence construction, you will be well on your
way to a good working knowledge of Spanish.  In fact, you will be
amazed at how soon you will be able to read in Spanish.

        Besides the word files, this CD-based version of Windows
Spanish also includes sound files for all the words and
sentences, as well as a Spanish pronunciation guide.  Not only
will you learn Spanish words, but you will learn proper Spanish
pronunciation.


II. Using Windows Spanish

II.1. System Configuration

        Windows Spanish is written in Microsoft Visual Basic 3.0,
and requires Windows 3.1 or higher, running in Standard or 386
Enhanced mode.  Any computer which can run in at least Standard
mode can run Windows Spanish, although faster computers will
certainly have improved performance.

        Windows Spanish is optimized for screen resolutions from
640 by 480 to 800 by 600.  Higher screen resolutions are NOT
recommended, and may cause the program display to be incorrect.
If you try to run the program at a resolution higher than 800 by
600, the program will warn you of the potential problem and ask
you if you want to go on.  The program will work at higher
resolutions, but the display tends to be difficult to read.


II.2. Program Installation and Start-up

        For installation and start-up, see the Installation and
Start-up Guide packaged separately in the Windows Spanish box.
This version of Windows Spanish can be run entirely from the CD,
except for information the program keeps on each user.


II.3. Setting a Current User

        One of the most helpful functions of Windows Spanish is its
ability to graphically display your progress via a sophisticated
graphing package.  In order to keep track of the data needed to
generate the charts, the program allows you to enter up to 50
users.  At least one user must be entered for the program to run.

        The first time you run Windows Spanish, you will be asked
to enter a user name.  The first name you enter will
automatically become the current user.  After that, you can enter
other users, if you wish, and choose a current user from among
them.  You do not need to enter more than one user, but you must
enter one.

        When you exit the User window, the program will create
user data files for everyone you entered, as well as a general
user file which keeps track of the other files.  The list of the
users is kept in a file called SPANUSER.DTA.  The individual user
data is kept in files with the first eight (or fewer) characters
of the user name, plus .DTA.  (This means that you cannot have
two users with the same first eight characters of a name.)

        You can change and edit current users from many different
screens in Windows Spanish.


II.4. The Main Menu Screen

        On the Main Menu Screen, you will notice that there are
listed five different categories of tests which you may select:
Verbs, Nouns, Adjectives/Misc., Sentences, and Custom.  Item
number six is Pronunciation.  To choose any of the test
categories or Pronunciation, use the mouse to click on the
applicable push button -- clicking on the words will not produce
any result.

        Along the bottom of the screen is a section showing the
current user, and offering the buttons "User", "Stats",
"Maintenance", "About", and "Exit".

II.5. Choosing Test Number and Format

        Once you decide which category of test you would like to
use, a new window will pop up in which you can choose the test
number (1 through 20), and the test format.  The three test
formats are multiple choice, which deals with one word at a time;
matching, which deals with five words at a time; and type word,
which is for more advanced users.

        To choose the test format, click the radio button of the
format you want.  To choose test number, click on the pull-down
box arrow, and choose a test number.  It is a very simple system
and you should have no trouble with it.

        If you choose the Sentences tests, you cannot choose test
type.  Only multiple choice is available.  You can, however,
choose Spanish to English, or English to Spanish.

        Note: Custom File tests will not be available unless you
enter them yourself.  All twenty words in a custom file must be
entered before the file is usable.  To enter words, choose
Maintenance.


II.6. The Word Tests

II.6.1. The Multiple Choice Test

        The Multiple Choice test is very straightforward, and
should not be difficult to understand.  The target word is
presented at the top of the screen.  Underneath the target word
are four translations.  You must choose the number corresponding
to the translation of the target word.  The program will tell you
if you make the right choice.  If you miss a word, the program
will tell you this, and will indicate the number of the correct
translation.

        In the form title, the program notes which number and
category test you are taking.  At the bottom left, the program
notes the word you are currently on.  If you are using the Verbs
section of the test, then the program will note at the bottom
left of the screen whether the "Conjugation Display" is on or
off.  If the conjugation display is on, then after you enter your
response to the target word, the program will open a window
showing you the present simple conjugation of the verb.  In order
to remove this window and continue, you may push -Enter- or click
on Continue.  In order to toggle this option on or off, click the
command button at the bottom left.  We suggest that you generally
keep this option set to "ON", especially the first few times you
go through a test.

        To go to the next word, click on Next.  The program will
allow you to skip words without guessing their meaning, but it is
probably not a good idea to do so.  To exit from the test, click
the Exit button.

        The see the current word in a sentence, click on the
word.  To hear the word pronounced, hold down the Shift key and
click on the word.  To hear the sentence with the word
pronounced, click on the ear icon in the sentence window.


II.6.2. The Matching Test

        The Matching Test is just as simple as the Multiple
Choice Test.  On the left side of the screen are five target
words, with the letters A through E next to them.  On the right
side of the screen are the translations, with boxes next to them.
You must match up the correct word with the translation.  To do
this, use the drag-and-drop method.  (Click and hold the left
mouse button down on the letter, then, still holding the button
down, "drag" the letter to the box on the right.)

        If you want to change a letter, then you can "undo" the
dropped letter by double-clicking on it.  Of course, each letter
can only be placed with one word at a time.

        In order to see the sentence associated with a word,
click on the word.  To hear the word pronounced, hold down the
Shift key and click on the word.  To hear the sentence with the
word pronounced, click on the ear icon in the sentence window.

        If you are using the Verbs tests, then the program will
note at the bottom middle of the screen whether the "Conjugation
Display" is set to on or off.  You may toggle this option by
clicking the button.

        When you are finished entering your choices, click on the
OK button at the bottom right of the screen.  At that point the
program will display a happy face for each word right and a "not-
happy" face for each word wrong.  If you want to skip a set of
words, you can click the Next button.

        After the program displays which words are right and
wrong, the "Next" button changes to "PUSH ME!".  Click that
button to go to the next set of words.  If you want to end the
test, use the Exit button.


II.6.3. Type Word

        Once you have made progress on Spanish vocabulary through
the multiple choice and matching tests, you can advance to the
type word tests. The type word tests are a good exercise, because
you will be able to gauge your progress in building your
vocabulary.

         In this test, an English word is displayed and you must
type in the Spanish equivalent in the area provided.  If you need
to enter an accent over a letter, type the letter, and then press
the tilde (~) key.  The tilde key will scroll through all
possible accents for the letter.  When you are done typing, press
-Enter-.  If you are correct, the program will place the Spanish
word in the Correct box at the left of the screen.  Otherwise,
the Spanish word will appear in the Incorrect box at the right.

        Pronunciation of words and sentences is not available
from the type word tests.


II.7. Pronunciation

        When you choose Pronunciation from the main menu, a
window will come up with a list of letters and letter
combinations in the left-hand window, and an explanation of the
pronunciation of each of these letters or combinations in the
right-hand window.  To hear a word pronounced with the letter or
letter combination, click on the ear icon.

        You should be aware that Spanish pronunciation varies
from region to region and among Spanish-speaking countries.  The
pronunication of the word given is not necessarily the only
possible correct pronunciation.


II.8. Stats

        Pushing the Stats button on the main menu screen will
bring up a sophisticated graphing package which helps you to see
your progress in learning words.

        The graphing package will show you many different types
of graphs.  The graph loaded when the function first comes up
shows you the percentage of right and wrong answers on all tests.
Other graphs, shown in the pick list under "Available Graphs",
shows you the percentage of right and wrong in each category, or
the number right and wrong for individual tests in a category.
Also, you can see how much you have worked with each category of
words, as well as which tests you have used, and how many words
you have attempted.  These last two graphs are good for making
sure that you have done all the tests.

        Below the Available Graphs pick list is a "Graph Types"
pick list, in which you can choose from several different types
of graphs, including bar graphs and pie graphs.  Which graph
types are available depends on what figures are being graphed.

        The last pick box on the left is the "Graph Background"
box, which changes the background, as well as the foreground,
colors of the graph.

        You can change users while in the graphing function by
pushing the User button in the bottom right hand corner.  You can
also erase the figures the program uses to generate graphs by
using the Reset function from the User window.

        Graphs generated by the program can be printed to a
printer, or copied to the clipboard.  If you are printing the
graph, it can be output in either color or black and white.  If
you are copying to the clipboard, the graph is copied in color,
in Windows metafile format.  Since metafiles can be stretched or
shrunk to any size, they are very convenient if you want to
include a graph in another application.

        The graphs generated by the program can help to show you
the areas in which you are weak and need to concentrate more.
This means that your study can be more effective and systematic.


II.9. About

        The About box tells a little bit about the Windows
Spanish program.

        You can also view the manual from this box, by clicking
on the Read Manual button.  If you want to find a particular word
or phrase in the manual, push the Find button.  If the word or
phrase is found, it will generally be located in the last line of
the text box.

        If you want to print the manual, then load the file into
Notepad and use its printing capabilities.

III. Maintenance

III.1. Introduction

        The File Maintenance window offers an easy way for you to
customize the Windows Spanish program to your tastes.  Through the
File Maintenance window, you can set many program options,
including the use of sound and fonts.  Additionally, you can add
to or modify the data files which come with the program.  You can
also print out any or all of the data files.

        Note: In order to modify the Spanish words or add words
of your own, you will need to copy the word files to your hard
drive, since files on a CD cannot be modified.  See section
III.2.3 for more information on copying files to your hard drive.

        When you load the File Maintenance window, the last word
file you used will be automatically loaded as well.  If you have
not used any word file, then the file Span1.1 (first category,
first word file) will be loaded.  The name of the currently
loaded word file is displayed at the upper left corner of the
screen.  If, for some reason, the word file cannot be found, then
the program says "No File Loaded."  (If you ever go into file
maintenance and have "No File Loaded" show up, you probably need
to set a new Word Path.)

        As mentioned, the name of the file you are working on is
displayed in the top left of the window.  You will notice that
this is a numerical file name.  For instance, if you choose to
change the third test in the verb category, the file name
displayed will be Span1.3, rather than VERBS3.  Span1.3 is the
actual file name on disk of the third test (or word file) in the
verbs category.  This is because "Verbs" is the first category
listed in the Windows Spanish program and in all other selection
boxes.  All the word files are named in the same way.  For
example, the tenth data file in the category Nouns is named
Span2.10.

        The File Maintenance window has a pulldown menu system
along the top, and a set of four pushbuttons on the right.  The
four buttons are Next, Previous, Blank, and Restore.  These
buttons operate on the words in the currently loaded file.  The
Next and Previous buttons will show you the next or previous word
in the file.  The Blank button will erase all fields for the
current word.  The Restore button will restore all fields to
their previous contents, in case you make a change that you
decide you do not want.  Once you go to the next or previous
word, however, changes cannot be undone.

        To edit fields, simply click the mouse on the field you
want to change, or use the Tab key to change fields.  You can
easily see the current edit field because it has highlighted
colors.

        To enter an accent, type the letter first, then push the
"tilde" (~) key.  This is generally located to the left of the 1
key, and just above the tab key, on the top row of the keyboard.
Pushing the tilde key repeatedly will scroll through all possible
accents for a letter.


III.2. The File Menu

        The File menu has four choices, Open, Print, Copy Files
to Hard Drive, and Quit Maintenance.


III.2.1. Open

        When you choose open, another window appears in which you
can specify which word file you want to use.  The file selection
process is pretty self-explanatory.  The file you specify is
looked for in the current directory or the current path.  If the
file you pick is not found, the program will ask you if you want
to create the file.  If you are trying to open one of the Custom
files, then you will probably want the program to create the
file.  Otherwise, you will probably not want to create the file,
but enter a path where the file may be found.


III.2.2. Print

        When you choose the Print function, the program will
first ask you if you want to print the current file.  Note that
only the current word file can be printed.  If you say that you
do want to print, then another box will pop up to show you the
progress of the printing.  The printed output is in the currently
selected font, at 12 point.  (If the current screen font is
unavailable for printing, the program substitutes Courier.)

        If you have a slow dot-matrix printer, then you would be
well-advised to print using the print spooler, since printing can
take a very long time.  With a laser printer, the printing will
likely be acceptably brisk whether you use the spooler or not.

        Since the printing function uses the currently selected
font, the printed output may take one, two, or several pages.
Printing Verbs will take more pages, since the conjugations are
also printed out.


III.2.3. Copy Files to Hard Drive

        As mentioned above, if you want to change any word files
or add your own words, you will need to copy the word files from
your CD to your hard drive.  You will need approximately 1
megabyte of space on your hard drive to copy the files.

        When you choose this function, you will need to enter the
directory that you want to copy files to.  (The "copy from"
directory is assumed to be the current Word Path.)  The default
directory to copy files to is your current User Path, where data
on each user of the program is kept.

        Before copying the files, the program will close any
currently open word file.  After the files are copied, you will
be asked if you want to designate the "copy to" directory as your
new Word Path.  Normally, you would want to say yes.


III.2.4. Quit File Maintenance

        When you are finished with the File Maintenance session,
use this to return to the main program window.


III.3. The Setup Menu

        The Setup menu has six functions: Path to Data, Find Data
Files, Display Conjugations, Play Sounds, Fonts, and Users.


III.3.1. Program Path(s)

        Windows Spanish, CD Version, needs to have three paths
set up: the Word Path, the Sound Path, and the User Path.  The
Word Path is where you word files are located.  This will
initially be your CD, but if you want to make any changes to the
data, you will need to copy the files to your hard drive.

        The Sound Path is the path where the sound (WAV) files
for the program are located.  This should normally be on your CD,
because the sound files are several hundred megabytes long.
You could, theoretically, copy the files to your hard drive, but
there would be little reason to do so.

        The User Path is where user information is kept.  As
mentioned above, the program keeps statistics on each user, such
as which tests they have done and how many words they have gotten
right and wrong.  This path must be on your hard drive, because
no data can be written to your CD.  This defaults to C:\SPANISH.

        Normally, you do not have to worry about these, because
the installation program sets the proper paths.  As long as you
do not make any changes to the files, you do not need to set
paths.


III.3.2. Find Data Files

        If for some reason the program cannot locate the word
files, and you do not know what directory they are in, you can
use this function to locate the word files.  (Problems locating
word files can occur, for example, if you start the Windows Spanish
program from other than its home directory.)

        This function will search all directories on a drive for
files that start with "SPAN".  The Windows Spanish word files all
start with "SPAN", followed by some numbers.  If you see a
directory with a large number of files (80 to 100) beginning with
"SPAN", you can be pretty sure that you have found the Windows
Spanish word directory.

        To start the function, click the Go button.  To change
your word path to a new directory, just click on the directory
you want.  The program will then ask you to confirm that you want
to set a new word path.  To exit without setting a new path,
click on Exit.

        If your system has more than one hard drive, you can
choose a different drive to search in the drive list box.

        By the way, you can change the file specification which
this box searches for.  For example if you change "Span*.*" to
"*.EXE", the function will find all .EXE files on your hard
drive.  So, this function can be used as a general purpose file
finder.


III.3.3. Display Conjugations, Play Sounds

        These menu selections set different options for Windows
Spanish.  When these options are enabled, they have a check mark
beside them on the menu.  When they are disabled, they have no
check mark.  To change the settings of these, click on the menu
item you want to change.

        Setting Display Conjugations ON means that when you are
using Verbs in the Windows Spanish tests, the program will bring up
a screen of the simple present conjugation of the verb. Setting
Conjugations OFF means that this screen will not be shown, and
the program will run faster.  However, this specifies only the
initial setting, and can be changed while in the testing program.

        Setting Sound ON means that the program will generate
sound as it runs.  When sound is on, many different actions
generate sound.  However, it is not necessary for the smooth
operation of the program.  Setting Sound ON or OFF has no impact
on the word or sentence pronunciation.

        NOTE: Due to the way in which Microsoft Windows handles
sound, it is possible that other programs may not be able to
generate sound while Windows Spanish is running with Sound ON.
Also, if, for any reason, Windows Spanish terminates abnormally
with an error, you may need to restart Microsoft Windows before
any program can use sound.


III.3.4. Fonts

        The fonts dialog box lets you pick the primary font for
use with Windows Spanish.  This font is used in all the tests, as
well as for printing word files.

        All your screen fonts are listed in the font list box on
the left side.  Below the list are check boxes for bold and
italic.  Next to these are arrows for increasing or decreasing
the point size of the font.  In the upper right part of the form
is a sample of text with the currently selected attributes.

        Click on OK to exit and save the currently selected
attributes, or click on Cancel to exit without saving.


III.3.5. Users

        The Users windows has been explained somewhat above.  It
is pretty self-explanatory.

        To run the Windows Spanish program, you need at least one
user.  If you have only one user, that is the current logged
user.  If you have more than one user, you can set a current user
by highlighting a user in the list box and clicking on the
Current User button.  Up to 50 users may be input.

        You can also delete or reset a user by highlighting the
user and clicking on the appropriate button.  Deleting a user
removes that user name from the user list.  Resetting a user
leaves the user name in the list, but it deletes all user data
used for generating graphs.

        You cannot delete or reset the current user.  If you only
really want one user, but want to delete or reset the current
user, you will have to add another user temporarily, then make
the new user the current user, and delete or reset the other
user.  (It is less complicated than it sounds.)



                            Appendix A
                          Program Errors

        Most program errors that may occur are handled by the
program in such a way that you will not even know that an error
happened.  This is the case for such errors as file not found
errors, or printer errors.

        However, it is possible that an error may occur which the
program cannot handle.  In that case, Windows Spanish will give
an error message and end.  If you wish to contact technical
support about any error, please have ready 1) the text of the
error message, 2) the circumstance(s) under which it occurs, and
3) whether the error is reproducible (does it happen every time).
This will help to correct the error.

        If an error occurs in such a way that the program is
interfering with access to other programs, push Ctrl-Alt-Del.
This will give you an opportunity to force closure of the
program.