Shareware Overload/ShartewareOverload.cdr/educ/sm356.zip/README.DOC

Text File | 1990-12-16 | 10KB | 191 lines

SCHOOL-MOM is an educational tool for children of all ages.
Its main options are Music, Art, Spelling, English, Math, Exams
and Time.  There is also an additional Registration Form
option to assist you with registering your copy of the software.
Also, a hidden File Change Menu exists for parents and teachers.
This menu can be used to make additions and changes to the data
files.  For more detailed information you can read the manual
which is stored in the manual.doc file.  You can print
manual.doc to the screen while in the operating system by typing
TYPE MANUAL.DOC then pressing ENTER, or you can print it to a
printer by typing PRINT MANUAL.DOC then pressing ENTER.

The minimum hardware requirements for SCHOOL-MOM are 256K of RAM
and Color graphics.  The minimum software requirement is DOS 2.0
or higher.  I regret that the program no longer runs on 128K RAM
but the program has just grown too large and breaking it down
into several small programs is too messy.

To run the program simply place the disk in the drive, type
"go", then press ENTER.   When you see the main options window,
use the up and down arrow keys or press the key corresponding to
the first letter of the option you desire to highlight your
desired option.  Next, press the enter key to accept the option.
A suboption or level window will become visible then.  You must
then choose a suboption or level from this window using the same
technique as before.  If you get into trouble just accept "END"
or press the "ESC" key.

If you want to turn the sound off, use the left arrow key to
highlight OFF.  To turn it back on use the right arrow key to
highlight ON.  You can change the sound on/off setting at any
time you are able to see the sound on/off indicator.

You may place this program and its files on your hard disk.
I recommend you place it on a directory called SM.  To make
this directory you must be in the C drive.  Type MD SM then
press ENTER to make the directory.  Now place the SCHOOL-MOM
disk in drive A then type COPY A:\*.* C:\SM\*.* and press
ENTER.  After you've done this you can run the program from
drive C.

If you find that the program does not run properly try executing
the DOS command SET 87=NO before running the program.  This
command tells the computer not to use the math coprocessor.
Although this program should run on computers with math
coprocessors, it is possible that it could give you trouble.  If
you still have trouble, it could be that you do not have a color
graphics adapter or color monitor.  This program requires color.

If it still does not work perhaps it could be that you have
loaded a memory resident program.  These programs remain in
memory and can prevent other programs from running properly.
These memory resident programs are usually loaded by the
autoexec.bat file.  You can solve this problem by rebooting
your computer without loading the memory resident programs.

Finally, if you use a mouse it must be a Microsoft(tm)
compatible one.  If it is not, you must not load the mouse
driver from the config.sys file.  If you have the wrong mouse
driver installed the program will lock up your computer in the
Main Menu.

I suggest that you keep a safe backup copy of all the files on
this disk.  If the work copy of the data files gets damaged, you
can reproduce it using the backup.

I think you'll like this software.  As it grows, I believe it
will become the most complete piece of educational software
available.  If you find the program useful please contribute to
its development by sending the registration fee.  Your
registration will cover all versions of SCHOOL-MOM, past and
future.

There are two registration options you can choose from.  If
you want me to send you a manual and you want update notices,
you can send $25.00.  If you only want to register your
software and do not need a manual or update notices you may
register for $15.00.  With either registration option I'll
provide you with mail support.  This means that, through
the mail I'll answer all your questions relating to the program
and how to use it.  If you are a member of Compuserve you may
also leave messages for me there.  My user ID is 73757,1111.
Please send your registration and/or your questions and comments
to me at the following address:

                         MOTES EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE
                         1632 Brooks St.
                         Fayetteville, AR. 72701

When you are ready to register your copy of SCHOOL-MOM, you may
select the Registration Form Option to print a registration
letter.  When you register I'll also give you free registration
for my program called THE CHILDREN'S GRAPHICS PROGRAM.  This
graphics program can be used to draw lines, boxes, circles, arcs
and text in multiple colors.  Once you've completed your drawing
you can paint, edit, print, store, copy or animate your drawings.
When you register using Option A ($25 registration), I'll send
you the most recent version of this graphics program.

Site licenses are available.  To use this software on 2 to 10
computers the site license is $50.00.  To use it on an unlimited
number of computers the cost is $100.00.  For those institutions
that desire a site license an invoice is available on this disk.
Just print the file invoice.doc to your printer.

I want to develop an EXAMS disk for SCHOOL-MOM that contains a
large collection of EXAM files on a variety of subjects.  I need
your help to supply these exams.  If you will send me exam files
you have created, I will send you a copy of the completed
collection when it is done.  Also, send me written permission to
distribute your examination file.  The completed disk will also
contain a read file with the names of all the contributors and
descriptions of the exams.

I allow individuals or groups to sell disks with this
software on them.  Just keep in mind that you are selling the
disk and not the software.  A reasonable price should not
exceed $7.00 for the disk.  This is a good way for computer
clubs, scouting groups, and schools to raise funds.

What is a Shareware Author?  A Shareware Author is someone who
writes computer software then shares it with others for them to
try out.  If they like the software they are expected to share
in the development costs by registering the software with the
author.  These authors receive no other compensation for the
time and money spend developing the software.  In fact, it
requires a considerable amount of money to distribute copies
of these programs.  The authors send regular updates to the
shareware dealers and the dealers do not support the authors
in any way.  As long as the users continue to support the
authors, the shareware concept can be used to provide the
public with inexpensive, quality software.

It has been my experience that very few people are actually
willing to register their shareware.  I estimate that over
200,000 copies of SCHOOL-MOM are in use today but only 92
people have registered.  So, you can see that I continue to do
this because I want to do something good for our children and
not because I'm trying to get rich.  If I was doing this for
money I could certainly find another form of work that is more
profitable.

I believe the strength and prosperity of this country has always
relied on the level of our education and character of our
people.  Now, the education level in the U.S. is actually
decreasing rather than increasing.  Illiteracy is becoming
common and knowledge of science and technology is becoming rare.
In most U.S. Universities the foreign students specializing in
science and technology now outnumber the American students.  By
putting this software on the shareware market I hope to do my
part to help educate our youth.  Please help me!  If you find
this program useful please register your copy.  I can't continue
to update and support this program without your support.

Finally, let me say that perfection is something that I continue
to strive for but never expect to achieve.  Therefore, you
may find errors in this program.  I do not have a staff of
quality assurance personnel to check my programming and
spelling.  If you find any kind of error in the program or the
included files please let me know.  I appreciate the help
you provide.  I promise to do my best to fix the errors then
send you (the person who finds the error) a corrected copy at
my own expense.

Andrew Motes, PhD
Parent, Educator, Engineer, Scientist



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        │   ┌─────┴╨──┐ │  Association of
        │   │         │─┘  Shareware
        └───│    o    │    Professionals
      ──────│    ║    │────────────────────
            └────╨────┘    MEMBER



This program is produced by a member of the Association of
Shareware Professionals (ASP).  ASP wants to make sure that the
shareware principle works for you.  If you are unable to resolve
a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the
member directly, ASP may be able to help.  The ASP Ombudsman can
help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but
does not provide technical support for members' products.
Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at P.O. Box 5786, Bellevue, WA
98006 or send a Compuserve message via easyplex to ASP Ombudsman
70007,3536.