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Text File | 1993-03-01 | 18.5 KB | 525 lines

CBMATH.TXT - CHALKBOARD MATH FOR WINDOWS PRODUCT DOCUMENTATION - VERSION 1.50 _______________________________________________________________ RELEASE NOTES ------------- Version 1.5 is an interim release of Chalkboard Math. Improvements implemented in this release include the following: More efficient memory handling. Improved graphics and animation. Improved sound effects (Chalkboard Math now supports Windows-compatible sound cards or other audio hardware). Wider range of difficulty levels. Improved keyboard-command support. INTRODUCTION ------------ Chalkboard Math is a fun, easy-to-use math tutor program that teaches and enhances elementary math skills in children between the ages of 5 and 12. The program can be used by a single child or by a child and an adult. The program presents the player with a blank chalkboard area in which elementary math problems are drawn, answered, and assessed. Progress through a given Chalkboard Math session is measured via a Scoring Mode option, in which correct answers are tracked and difficulty levels are automatically adjusted. PROGRAM FILES ------------- The Chalkboard Math package consists of 13 files: README.TXT An ASCII text information file, containing program notes and installation guidelines. This file can be loaded and viewed with Windows Notepad or any text editor or word processor that accepts the ASCII text file format. CBMATH.EXE The executable program file. CBMATH.HLP The Windows Help file, used for providing comprehensive run-time help for Chalkboard Math users. A registration form is included in the Help file; both it and any other Help topic may be easily printed through the Windows Help menu bar "File/Print Topic" command. CBMATH.INI The initialization file, used for storing program configuration data and the Chalkboard Math high-scores Honor Roll. CM_01.MDF - CM_08.MDF Music data files for Chalkboard Math's audio hardware support. CBMATH.TXT This file, containing program information, notes, general instructions, and an ASCII text format registration form (see end of file). PROGRAM NOTES ------------- Chalkboard Math runs within the Microsoft Windows environment, and requires the following: * VGA graphics capability (640x480) or higher. EGA-equipped systems do not provide sufficient resolution for the Chalkboard Math display. * Microsoft Windows version 3.1 or higher. This release of Chalkboard Math cannot be run under previous versions of Windows. Chalkboard Math will detect a Windows-compatible sound card or other audio hardware, and attempt to make use of that hardware for its music sound track routines. Audio hardware is recommended for Chalkboard Math 1.5, but is not required in order to run the program. A Windows-compatible mouse or other pointing device is not required, but is strongly recommended. Chalkboard Math runs in 16-color mode, but will run acceptably on monochrome or black & white VGA systems -- provided the minimum resolution requirements are met. INSTALLATION GUIDELINES ----------------------- Although Chalkboard Math 1.5 can be run from a floppy disk, we strongly recommend installation to a hard disk. 1. We recommend making a backup copy of your program disk. Keep the master copy in a safe place and use the backup disk for program installation. 2. Copy the program files (CBMATH.EXE, CBMATH.HLP, CBMATH.INI) and the music data files (CM_01 - CM_08) from your master disk to an appropriate subdirectory on your hard disk (e.g., C:\CBMATH). There are no hidden files or "key" files on the program disk, so the file copying process can be accomplished with the DOS "COPY" command or, if you prefer, through the Windows File Manager File/Copy command. This file, CBMATH.TXT, is not required in order to run Chalkboard Math. However, the three program files (CBMATH.EXE, CBMATH.HLP, and CBMATH.INI) are required, and must all reside in the same directory in order for Chalkboard Math to work properly. The music data files (CM_01 - CM_08) must also reside in the Chalkboard Math directory; they are required by Chalkboard Math's MIDI-based music routines. 3. You may use the "Windows Setup" utility to setup a program item (icon) for Chalkboard Math. Windows Setup will recognize the CBMATH.EXE file and assign its icon to a program group for you. or... You may assign a program item icon to Chalkboard Math manually, through the File/New commands in Program Manager. Always make sure that the correct path and filename (e.g., "C:\CBMATH\CBMATH.EXE") is assigned to the Chalkboard Math program item. The "Browse" control in the Program Item dialog box will make it easy to locate and assign the correct path and filename. 4. If installed correctly, Chalkboard Math should load from the Program Manager screen when the program's icon is double-clicked (or from File Manager when the Chalkboard Math listing is selected with "Run" or double-clicked). USING CHALKBOARD MATH --------------------- Chalkboard Math was designed to be fun and easy to use -- educational software that "feels" like a game to the user, yet sharpens elementary math skills through eight different levels of difficulty. Although Chalkboard Math can and should be used by children to sharpen math skills on their own, the program is even more valuable when used by an adult and child together. Help is available at any time through the Chalkboard Math menu bar "Help/Contents..." command. You can directly access any Help topic through the Contents, or browse from topic to topic. Help topics may be printed through the Windows Help menu bar "File/Print Topic" command. GETTING STARTED --------------- Chalkboard Math will post a warning or notification message dialog if it detects an invalid or missing program file during start-up. Depending on the nature of the error, you may still be able to run Chalkboard Math, but selected program features may be disabled. If you are given a warning message, please check to make sure each of the program files from your master disk have been successfully copied to the same directory (see "INSTALLATION GUIDELINES" above). Chalkboard Math's interface opens with the default chalkboard display and button control panel. A group of four math mode controls are located along the left side of the control panel. These buttons are used to create a new problem (Addition, Subtraction, etc.) and draw it to the chalkboard screen. The mouse can be used for "pressing" any of the four math mode buttons. The keyboard numerical keypad "operator" keys (+, -, *, /) can also be used for selecting the desired problem's math operation. Ten numerical button controls (0-9) are provided for entering the answer to any displayed problem. These controls are automatically disabled after an answer has been completely entered (based on the total number of digits in the answer itself). The mouse can be used for "pressing" any of the ten numerical buttons. The keyboard number keys 0-9 or numeric keypad number keys 0-9 may also be used for entering answer numbers. NOTE: Full use of your keyboard's numeric keypad requires the keyboard "NumLock" feature to be turned on. Answers are drawn on-screen from left to right. A "GO" button control is provided for checking the entered answer. The keyboard "G" key can be used for checking the entered answer. A "BACK" button control is provided for "erasing" any answer, allowing the user to start entering a new answer in its place. The keyboard "B" key can be used for erasing the current answer and starting over. Chalkboard Math will create random math problems throughout a twenty-problem lesson. Progress through the lesson is displayed on the yellow "LED" progress meter display along the underside of the chalkboard graphic. The meter will fill with red as each problem is completed. Comments and score updates are given in the large status window just under the chalkboard. If the answers on both the first and second attempts are incorrect, the answer to the problem is also provided in the status window. The complexity of the problems generated by Chalkboard Math can be manually set via the menu bar "Difficulty" command, which allows easy selection among eight levels of difficulty. CHALKBOARD MATH MODES OF OPERATION ---------------------------------- Chalkboard Math may be run in two different modes, Scoring Mode or Practice Mode. In Scoring Mode, Chalkboard Math will compile and track a user's score, based on the number of correct answers given throughout a lesson. A higher score is awarded for correct answers given on the first attempt. Proportionally higher scores are awarded at higher difficulty levels, as well. If the user's score qualifies, he or she is "inducted" into the Chalkboard Math Honor Roll, which records the top five "Math Whizes" and their scores. In Practice Mode, Chalkboard Math simply provides math problems and checks for correct answers, but does not track a running score throughout the twenty problem lesson. As a result, you cannot qualify for the Chalkboard Math Honor Roll in Practice Mode. NOTE: Switching modes in the middle of a math session will clear the score and reset the program. AUTO-ADVANCE ------------ Although Chalkboard Math's difficulty level can be manually set via the menu bar "Difficulty" command, the program can also automatically advance the difficulty level during a twenty-problem lession. When Auto-Advance is on, Chalkboard Math will increase the difficulty level each time five correct answers are entered at the current level. KEY FEATURES ------------ Please note the following key features, accessible from the menu bar: New Lession ----------- The New Lession command clears the chalkboard area, resets all scores to zero, and allows the player to restart a Chalkboard Math lession. This command is available through the menu bar "File/New Lession" command. Honor Roll ---------- The current top five scores, as recorded by Chalkboard Math, may be viewed by selecting the menu bar "File/Honor Roll..." command. Clear Honor Roll ---------------- The contents of the Chalkboard Math Honor Roll can be erased by selecting the menu bar "File/Clear Honor Roll..." command. Scoring Mode ------------ The Scoring Mode feature can be toggled on and off through the menu bar "Options/Scoring Mode" command. Scoring Mode (Enabled) ---------------------- With Scoring Mode enabled (indicated by a check mark -- the default), the program provdes the user a total of 20 problems in a given lession. The program will keep a running score of the number of correct answers given. A higher score is awarded when the problem is correctly answered on the first attempts. Higher scores are also awarded at the higher difficulty levels. Chalkboard Math maintains a record of the top "Math Whiz" players and their high scores. The program will prompt the player for his or her name if their score ranks in the top five, and will record their name and score in the Chalkboard Math Honor Roll, as well as the date on which the score was reached. Scoring Mode (Disabled) ----------------------- With Scoring Mode disabled, the program runs in Practice Mode, and does not track the number of correct answers given or offer the player the option to automatically advance to the higher difficulty levels. However, the player can always manually select any difficulty level in which to practice. NOTE: Regardless of the Scoring Mode setting, only two answer attempts are allowed per problem. Difficulty Level Control ------------------------ The current difficulty level, ranging from 1 to 8, may be selected from the menu bar "Difficulty" command. Each of the eight levels will provide for generation of increasingly complex math problems. The Auto-Advance option may be used to automatically increase the difficulty level when 5 correct answers are recorded at the current level (see below). Red stars "thumb-tacked" to the top of the chalkboard frame represent the current difficulty level. NOTE: During start-up, Chalkboard Math always defaults to the lowest difficulty level (Level 1). Auto-Advance (Level) -------------------- The Auto-Advance option automatically increases the Chalkboard Math difficulty level when 5 problems have been correctly answered at the current level. This command is available through the menu bar "Options/Auto-Advance" command. Chalkboard Math may be run with Scoring Mode enabled (turned on) and Auto-Advance disabled (turned off), allowing the player to compete for a high score without having the difficulty levels adjusted during play. The Auto-Advance option is only available when Scoring Mode is enabled. Help System ----------- Comprehensive run-time help for Chalkboard Math users is provided through the menu bar "Help/Contents" command. You may select specific topics to read, or browse from topic to topic. PRODUCT SUPPORT --------------- If you have a problem with this program, and can't find the answer in the Help System or text file documentation, you can contact Pegasus Development's Tech Support Hotline (furnished courtesy of Advanced Support Group, Inc.) by telephone Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. C.S.T. Our number is: (314) 965-5630 Please be prepared to furnish us information regarding your PC hardware, operating system, and version of Microsoft Windows you are currently running. And, if you manage to stump us, we can usually get back to you within a day with a solution. LIMITED WARRANTY AND REMEDIES ----------------------------- Before release, our applications software is tested on a wide variety of hardware configurations, under the most rigorous test conditions possible. We therefore warrant that the software will perform in substantial compliance with the specifications set forth in this text, provided that the software is used on the computer hardware and operating system(s) for which it was designed. Pegasus Development makes no other warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this software (or media, if this is a registered version), including its quality or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will Pegasus Development be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of or the inability to use this software, even if Pegasus Development has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Pegasus Development is not responsible for any costs including, but not limited to, those incurred as a result of lost profits or revenues, loss of time or use of the software, loss of data, the cost of recovering software or data, the cost of substitute software, claims by third parties, or similar costs. In no event will Pegasus Development's liability exceed the amount of the paid registration fee. PRODUCT REGISTRATION -------------------- Chalkboard Math is shareware, not freeware. Product registration is necessary if companies like ours are to continue providing quality software for the shareware marketplace. Registration entitles a single end-user to install and run this program on a single personal computer or work station. If you are interested in obtaining a registration for more than one user, please read the "Site License Registrations" section below. Registered users receive the registered version of this product (available in 3.5" or 5.25" disk formats). Registration also entitles the user to advance release information on upcoming Pegasus Development products (including updates and upgrades to this program) -- as well as other new titles in our expanding product line. The single-user registration fee for this product is $16.00 (U.S.). Registrations are accepted both by telephone (with a major credit card) or by mail. NOTE: Registrations from outside the continental U.S. or Canada should include an additional $2.00 for shipping and handling. Registrations are handled by Advanced Support Group, Inc. As a result, all credit card registrations will appear on your statement as "ASG, Software - Services." For your convenience, a registration form is provided here and within the program's help file (accessible via the Windows Help system as outlined previously). The help file registration form, or any help topic, is easily printable through the Windows Help menu bar "File/Print Topic" command. SITE LICENSE REGISTRATIONS -------------------------- Site license registrations are available for corporations wishing to obtain multiple (20 or more) registrations of this product. Site licenses allow many users to obtain product registration at a substantial discount from the standard registration fee. Please contact Pegasus Development for site license information. _____________________ We at Pegasus Development appreciate your support, and hope you enjoy using Chalkboard Math 1.5. CHALKBOARD MATH (Version 1.5) Copyright (c) 1993 Pegasus Development "Microsoft" and "Windows" are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOFTWARE REGISTRATION FORM -------------------------- Return this form along with your remittance to: Pegasus Development CBMath 1.5 Registration 11900 Grant Place Des Peres, MO. 63131 U.S.A. You can also register by telephone using your MasterCard, American Express, or VISA through Advanced Support Group's Product Registration Hotline at 1-800-788-0787. ____ Chalkboard Math 1.5 Registration(s) @ $16.00 U.S. ea. For orders outside the continental U.S. and Canada, please add $2.00 shipping and handling. Checks and money orders must be drawn on a U.S. bank. Total enclosed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $______________ Payment by: [] Check [] AmEx [] MasterCard [] VISA Card# _______________________________ Exp. Date __________ Signature of Cardholder __________________________________ Name _____________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________ City __________________________ State/Province ___________ Zip/Postal Code________________ Country __________________ Telephone (______)________________________________________ Disk Size Required: [] 3.5" (720K) [] 5.25" (360K) Please indicate where you obtained Chalkboard Math 1.5: (Mail Order, BBS, etc) ___________________________________