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&CWH01*** Crossword Creator Quick Start ***
This section is a quick overview and a mini-tutorial. Even if
you are totally unfamiliar with Crossword Creator, you should be
able to follow these basic directions and get right to work.
Crossword Creator's user-interface is consistent and intuitive.
Once you learn a few simple keyboard (or mouse) operations,
you'll be able to apply them everywhere in the program.
For the rest of this discussion, we'll assume that you'll be
using the keyboard to operate the program. If you have a mouse
and use it frequently with other programs, Crossword Creator's
operation will already be familiar.
--------------------
You should think of CWC as a specialized word-processor,
designed specifically for making crossword puzzles. The major
difference is the ability to type VERTICALLY, as well as
HORIZONTALLY.
To design a puzzle, you must complete two major tasks: typing
the puzzle words as they would appear in the completed crossword
(the "solution"), and providing a clue for each of those words
(up to 4 lines per clue).
To see how this works, let's design a simple puzzle. Startup
Crossword Creator, and when you arrive at the main editing
screen, follow these directions:
1. At this point, your puzzle grid should be
completely blank and should have a title of
"UNTITLED", indicating that the current puzzle is
brand new.
2. Type the word ELEPHANT. The cursor should move
horizontally to the right as you type.
3. Press the LEFT ARROW four times, positioning the
cursor under the "H" in ELEPHANT.
4. Press the PLUS ("+") key (either the grey PLUS on your
keypad, or the shifted EQUAL ("=") sign). The typing
direction indicator should change from "ACROSS" to
"DOWN".
5. Type the word HORSE. The cursor should move down
vertically as you type.
6. Press the HOME key. The cursor should jump to the top
row, under the "H", at the intersection of ELEPHANT and
HORSE.
7. Press Ctrl+C, the shortcut keystroke for the EDIT CLUES
function. A dialog box should appear showing the words
ELEPHANT and HORSE, with a place to type the clue for
each word.
8. Type "A pachyderm" for the clue of ELEPHANT. Press the
TAB key five times. Type "Cowboy transportation" for
the clue of HORSE.
9. Press the PGDN key. The highlight should jump to the
"OK" button. Press the SPACEBAR. Your clues are saved,
and the EDIT CLUES dialog box disappears.
10. Press Ctrl+S, the shortcut keystroke for the SAVE
function. Type "MYPUZZLE" for the NAME. Press the TAB
key once, and type "My First Puzzle" for the TITLE.
11. Press the PGDN key. Press the SPACEBAR. Your puzzle is
saved.
12. Press Alt+F, then press "E" for "Exit". Press ENTER.
This ends the program and returns you to DOS.
13. Start Crossword Creator again. When you arrive at the
main editing screen, press Ctrl+O, the shortcut
keystroke for the OPEN function.
14. Press the DOWN ARROW key until "MYPUZZLE" is
highlighted. Press ENTER, then press the TAB key, then
press the SPACEBAR. Your puzzle should appear on the
screen.
Those are the basics. Remember to read about the AUTO PLACE
function, Crossword Creator's AUTOMATED puzzle-building feature.
See "Keyboard", "Menu", "Mouse", and "Dialog Box Operations" for
a complete explanation of Crossword Creator's user-interface.
&CWH02Features and System Requirements
Features
--------
- Windowed, "industry-standard" user-interface featuring
pull-down menus, dialog boxes, and mouse support.
- Comprehensive, context-sensitive HELP available on-line.
- Automated puzzle design using an advanced "auto-placement"
function that helps you position words in the puzzle. Word
placement can be "freeform" or constrained to a pre-defined
"template".
- WORDFIND interface. Search dictionary files for words with
unique letter-patterns. Make custom WORDFIND files with the
WFMAKE utility.
- Foreign language support. Custom "language" files can be
translated into any language that uses the PC's character set
and alphabet.
- Prints puzzles in the traditional format, complete with
numbered boxes and an indexed clue list. Solutions, too.
Supports dot-matrix, daisy-wheel, ink-jet, and laser
printers.
- CWDTP utility creates "plain ASCII" puzzle files, suitable
for importing into DTP applications.
- Identification of "orphaned" clues whose target words are not
being used in the puzzle.
- Type horizontally AND vertically.
- Edit ACROSS and DOWN clues simultaneously.
- Line-oriented UNDO function.
- Create puzzles up to 36 letters wide by 23 letters high, with
up to 300 words and clues. Clues can be up to four lines in
length, 33 characters per line.
- Compatible with all popular networks. Individual users can
customize their own environment.
System Requirements
-------------------
- IBM PC or compatible computer
- DOS 2.1 or higher, 320K minimum memory
- color or monochrome monitor
- one floppy disk drive, hard drive optional
- Microsoft-compatible mouse (optional, but recommended)
- printer Since CWC prints TEXT, not graphics, the best
results are obtained from printers that support
the IBM PC character set or a proprietary
line-drawing character set.
Printers that support only the ASCII character
set are useable, but will produce output of poor
quality. PostScript is not supported.
See "Printer Compatibility Issues" for a discussion on using
printers with Crossword Creator.
&CWH03Installation and Startup
Installation
------------
Crossword Creator is not copy-protected, and does not require a
"formal" installation, but it is a relatively large program with
many supporting files. If you are a novice computer user, you
may find that using the SETUP program supplied on the PROGRAM
disk will get you up and running faster than trying to configure
the software on your own.
To run SETUP, place the Crossword Creator PROGRAM disk in your
floppy drive. At the DOS prompt, type
A:SETUP
and press ENTER. If you are using a floppy drive other than A:,
prefix the SETUP command with the appropriate drive ID.
SETUP will ask you a number of questions about your system and
then copy the necessary files from the distribution disks to
your own working disks.
Crossword Creator and WORDFIND are distributed on both 5.25",
360K floppy disks, and 3.5", 720K micro-floppy disks. In the
latter format, files from multiple "disks" may be present on the
same physical medium. The following files should be present on
your distribution disk(s):
Crossword Creator PROGRAM disk
------------------------------
. CWC.EXE - the Crossword Creator program
. SETUP.EXE - Installation utility
. ENGL.CWL - English language master file
. ENGL.CWH - English language help file
. ENGL.CWI - English language help file index
. README.CWC - miscellaneous notes
. *.CWC - other information, if present
Crossword Creator SUPPORT disk
------------------------------
. CWHPRINT.EXE - HELP file print utility
. CWDTP.EXE - Desktop publishing utility
. WFMAKE.EXE - WORDFIND file utility
. *.CWP - printer definition files
. *.PUZ - sample puzzle files
. *.CLU - sample clue files; paired with *.PUZ
Crossword Creator LANGUAGE disk (one per language)
--------------------------------------------------
. lang.CWL - language master file
. lang.CWH - language help file
. lang.CWI - language help file index
WORDFIND disks 1 thru 2 (one set per language)
----------------------------------------------
. lang2 thru lang20 - dictionary files
Startup
-------
To start Crossword Creator, type
CWC
at the DOS prompt and press ENTER. CWC.EXE must be in the
CURRENT directory unless you've issued a PATH command that
allows DOS to find it.
Crossword Creator's configuration file, CONFIG.CWC, must also be
in the current directory, and the CWCDirName= keyword in the
file must name the path or directory where CWC's language files
(*.CWL, *.CWH, *.CWI) are located.
Several optional parameters may be specified on the DOS command
line when you start Crossword Creator. The general form is:
CWC [puzzle name] [/L=language name] [/BW]
If you specify a puzzle name, CWC will load that puzzle for you
on startup.
Use "/BW" if you are using a monochrome monitor with a color
video adapter; this forces CWC to use its "black and white"
color scheme for maximum contrast.
If you use "/L=", you must supply the PRIMARY part of a
Crossword Creator language master filename, for example, "ESPA"
(do not use the ".CWL" extension). The program will read those
language files on startup. You CANNOT run CWC without language
files. The default is "ENGL", so you do not have to use this
option to run in English.
examples:
CWC movies (loads MOVIES.PUZ)
CWC /bw demo1 (loads DEMO1.PUZ, forces black and white
colors)
CWC /l=espa (reads ESPA.CWL)
See "CONFIGURATION" for instructions on how to change the
settings in CONFIG.CWC.
&CWH04Screen Layout/Landmarks
╒═════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ Action Bar │
╞═══════════════════════╤═════════════════════════╡
│ Puzzle Box │ Reference Box │
│ │ │
│ ╒════════════╧══════════════╕ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ Dialog or Message Box │ │
│ │ │ │
│ ╘════════════╤══════════════╛ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ ╞═════════════════════════╡
│ │ Status Box │
╘═══════════════════════╧═════════════════════════╛
The graphic above shows the layout of Crossword Creator's main
screen, and identifies its five major elements. Other sections
in this manual make references to these elements, so use this
picture to orient yourself.
The ACTION BAR is the "control center" for the MENU SYSTEM. The
group names of the puzzle functions are listed in the action
bar, and the pull-down menus descend from there.
The PUZZLE BOX is where you edit your puzzles. You cannot move
the cursor outside of the puzzle box boundaries, nor can you
type in other areas of the screen. The DOS filename of the
current puzzle is displayed in the top boundary.
The REFERENCE BOX displays a summary of the basic keyboard and
mouse edit actions. Use it as a "quick reference".
The STATUS BOX contains status information about the current
puzzle. The values are updated continuously, so you always get
up-to-the-minute data.
"MEM=" displays two values separated by a vertical bar. On
the left is the total number of bytes of unused memory in
your system. On the right is the number of unused characters
available for the text of new puzzle clues.
"CLU=" displays two more values. To the left of the bar is
the number defined by the MaxPuzClues= configuration keyword.
To the right is a count of the actual number of clues defined
in the current puzzle.
The current typing direction is displayed in the top-left
corner, and the row and column position of the cursor is
displayed in the top-right corner.
DIALOG BOXES and MESSAGE BOXES are not fixed areas. They can
open up anywhere, but generally these boxes appear in the center
of your screen.
See "CONFIGURATION" for instructions on how to customize the
colors of these screen areas.
&CWH05Keyboard Operations
Crossword Creator is, essentially, a specialized word-processor
and a good deal of your time will be spent typing on the
keyboard. Since this tutorial is not intended to be a primer on
computers, we'll assume you already know what the keyboard is,
how it works, and what all the keys do. We will, however, need
to highlight some special keystrokes and explain the naming
conventions CWC uses when it refers to the keyboard.
One of the first things you should notice in CWC is the large,
rectangular REFERENCE BOX that takes up most of the right-half
of the screen. The keystrokes (and mouse movements) listed in
this box summarize the basic keyboard operations available to
you when you are editing a puzzle design -- a "cheat sheet".
Although these keystrokes are undoubtedly familiar, you are
probably only used to thinking of them in a HORIZONTAL
orientation, as in a word-processor. But in Crossword Creator,
everything applies to the VERTICAL orientation as well.
The PLUS KEY ("+") toggles the program back and forth between
the ACROSS typing direction and the DOWN typing direction. Each
time you press this key, the orientation reverses. The current
typing direction is displayed in the STATUS BOX, just beneath
the REFERENCE BOX.
In addition to the standard QWERTY keystrokes you use every day,
the PC keyboard can also generate dozens of other "special"
keystroke combinations. For example, the Ctrl+Alt+Del sequence
that reboots the computer. Crossword Creator uses several
special combinations, many of them as menu "accelerators".
What's important is that you interpret these keystrokes
correctly when you read about them in the HELP information or
see them displayed on the screen.
CWC uses a simple notational convention to describe multi-key
keystroke combinations -- Alt+F, for example. Notice that the
keycap names are joined together with a "+", indicating that you
should first press and hold down the ALT key, then press the F
key. Likewise, if you see the combination Ctrl+Right, you
should press and hold down the CTRL key, then press the RIGHT
ARROW key.
The F1 function key is the universal HELP key. You can display
CONTEXT-SENSITIVE help information for any dialog box by
pressing F1. If you want to browse through the entire HELP
file, press Shift+F1 to display a LIST BOX of help topics, then
select the subject you want to read about.
The ESC key is the universal QUIT key. Pressing it will get you
out of any dialog or help screen.
See "Menu", "Mouse", and "Dialog Operations" for instructions on
using the other parts of Crossword Creator's user-interface.
&CWH06Menu Operations
Crossword Creator, like all computer programs, is simply a
collection of related functions that help you accomplish a
specific task. In that sense, CWC can be thought of as a
"toolbox" for building crossword puzzles, and to use those tools
you must interact with the MENU SYSTEM.
Every "tool" built into CWC is listed in the menu system. To
use one of those functions, you simply select it from the menu
and ask the program to execute it. When the function is
complete, you can select another tool, and so on.
The way that you use the functions, and the sequence that you
use them in, will be unique to your needs; Crossword Creator
imposes no pre-defined structure on your work. As you become
more familiar with the program, the location of the various
functions in the menu system will become second-nature to you
and, as you'll see, the menus are flexible enough to assist the
novice without hindering the expert.
The menu system is composed of two parts: the ACTION BAR, and
the PULL-DOWN menus. The ACTION BAR is displayed along the top
line of the screen. Each word in the action bar is associated
with a group of related functions. To select a group, press the
ALT key together with the CAPITALIZED LETTER in the action bar
word. For example, to select the "File" group, press Alt+F.
When an action bar group is selected, a PULL-DOWN menu will
appear. Each word in the pull-down menu is associated with a
specific function to be performed. To select a function, press
the CAPITALIZED LETTER in the pull-down word. To execute it,
press ENTER. For example, to perform the "Print" function,
press P, then ENTER.
There are also other ways to manipulate the menus. For example,
you can also use the ARROW keys to scroll vertically and
horizontally through the functions. When you find the one you
want, just press ENTER. Or, if you change your mind and decide
not to do anything, press ESC and the pull-downs will disappear.
As you will notice, some menu functions have a special keystroke
combination listed to the right of the function name. These are
called menu "accelerators" because they are a short-cut way of
executing a function WITHOUT going through the menu system.
You can use the accelerator keystrokes whenever the menus are in
a neutral state, that is, when no pull-downs are displayed.
When you press the accelerator keystroke, the associated
function will be immediately executed. As you begin to memorize
these "accelerators", you'll find that your interaction with CWC
as a whole will speed up considerably.
If you see a function name that ends with "...", it means that
you will have to supply further information in a DIALOG BOX
before that function will execute. Functions that do not use a
dialog box are executed as soon as you initiate them.
Lastly, if you want a detailed explanation about any of the menu
functions BEFORE you execute them, you can use the HELP key.
First, select a function using the techniques described above.
Then, instead of pressing ENTER, press F1. The HELP window for
that function will be displayed.
See "Keyboard", "Mouse", and "Dialog Operations" for
instructions on using the other parts of Crossword Creator's
user-interface.
&CWH07Dialog Box Operations
Crossword Creator's user-interface is based on the concept of
"windows". A window is a rectangular box that "pops-up" on top
of your work, asks you for some information, and then
disappears.
The WINDOW has been adopted as "the" user-interface object by
almost all leading software manufacturers. CWC's user-interface
was re-engineered at Version 4.0 specifically to follow these
"de facto" industry standards.
The most common use for a window is to display a DIALOG BOX or a
MESSAGE BOX. In general, DIALOG BOXES are a way for you to give
information to the program -- an INPUT. MESSAGE BOXES, on the
other hand, are a way for the program to give information to you
-- an OUTPUT.
When you see a dialog box or a message box, you should notice
that it contains (or more correctly, is composed of) one or more
dialog OBJECTS.
One simple kind of object is a line of text; an error message,
perhaps. But there are many other, more powerful objects that
have been designed for specialized uses. Some of the objects
you'll see in Crossword Creator dialogs are INPUT BOXES,
CHECK BOXES, LIST BOXES, RANGE BARS, RADIO BUTTONS, and
PUSH BUTTONS.
As you work within a dialog box, use the TAB/BACKTAB keys to
highlight individual objects. A highlighted object is said to
"have the INPUT FOCUS", meaning that your keyboard input will
affect it.
See "Keyboard", "Menu", and "Mouse Operations" for instructions
on using the other parts of Crossword Creator's user-interface.
See "Dialog Box Anatomy" for a visual example of each dialog box
OBJECT.
&CWH61Dialog Box Anatomy
┌─────── Dialog
╒═════════════════════════════════ reservation ═╕ Title
│ Name Airline │
│ ═════════════════ ══════════════════════ │
Input │ ┌───────────────┐ ⌐> American │
Box ────── │Joe Businessman│ ╔════════════════════╗ │
│ └───────────────┘ ║Alaskan │
│ ║American___________ ▒ ──── List
│ Special Needs ║Delta ░ │ Box
│ ════════════════ ║Northwest │ with
Check │ [ ] Sunglasses ╚════════════════════╝ │ Scroll
Box ────── [ X ] WS Journal │ Bar
│ [ X ] Computer Luggage Items │
│ ═══════════════01234567══ │
│ Seat Location Nbr to Carry: <░░▒░░░░░> ── Range
│ ════════════════ Nbr to Check: <░░░░▒░░░> │ Bar
Radio │ ( ) Window │
Button ─── ( ) Center │
│ ( ■ ) Aisle │
│ │
│ ╔════╗ ╔════════╗ │
│ ║ Ok ║ ║ Cancel ║ ─────────────── Push
│ ╚════╝ ╚════════╝ │ Button
Help ╘═ F1=help ═════════════════════════════════════╛
Reminder ─────┘
INPUT BOXES allow you to input freeform text; for example, the
clues that you provide for the words in your puzzle. You can
think of an input box as a "mini" word-processor because you can
type words, delete and insert characters, move the cursor, etc.
When you've finished typing, press ENTER to signal the end of
your input.
CHECK BOXES allow you to select a subset of "options" from a
larger list. "Give me that, but NOT that", for example. A
single check box has only two states: ON and OFF. Pressing the
SPACEBAR toggles these two states.
Like check boxes, RADIO BUTTONS also allow you to select from a
set of available choices. The difference is that you may select
only ONE item from the group -- they are all mutually exclusive.
To "push" a radio button, press the SPACEBAR.
A LIST BOX is another "single choice" object, but it is used in
place of radio buttons when the number of possible choices is
quite large; more than could comfortably be displayed together
on the screen. For this reason, list boxes are usually
SCROLLABLE.
You can identify a scrollable LIST BOX by the SCROLL BAR present
on its right-hand border. To make a selection, highlight your
choice using the ARROW keys or the PGUP/PGDN keys, then press
ENTER.
Sometimes you need to specify a single numeric value that falls
within a specific range. For example, "Pick a number between 1
and 100." In this situation, a RANGE BAR is commonly used.
Simply use the LEFT/RIGHT ARROW keys to slide the "range
pointer" over to the desired value.
PUSH BUTTONS are a special class of radio button. They are the
"control panel" for the entire window because pushing one of
them causes some action to be taken on the dialog box as a
whole.
All dialog boxes and message boxes will contain at least one
PUSH BUTTON. The word inside the push button indicates the
action that will be taken when you "push it" by pressing ENTER
or the SPACEBAR.
For example, "OK" would accept your input (or acknowledgement)
and complete the dialog, where "CANCEL" would simply exit
without doing anything at all. Pressing the ESC key on the
keyboard is equivalent to pressing a dialog's "CANCEL" button.
&CWH08Mouse Operations
Crossword Creator has built-in support for Microsoft-compatible
mice. If the appropriate mouse software is installed on your
system and a mouse is indeed attached, CWC will recognize it
automatically.
As with the "Keyboard" topic, this tutorial will not tell you
how to install a mouse, nor explain how it works. If the
terms BUTTON, CLICK, PRESS, RELEASE, and DRAG are unfamiliar to
you, spend some time with your mouse's owner's manual and
practice these techniques. It will be well worth your effort.
CWC's mouse support is extended primarily to the MENU SYSTEM and
the DIALOG BOXES. In addition, there are some simple short-cuts
you can use while editing your puzzle.
To operate the menus, place the mouse cursor on top of one of
the words in the ACTION BAR. PRESS BUTTON 1; a PULL-DOWN menu
will be displayed. DRAG the mouse cursor over the function
names in the menu until the one you want is highlighted.
RELEASE the button; the function will be executed.
Inside a DIALOG or MESSAGE BOX, the mouse simultaneously moves
the INPUT FOCUS and manipulates the OBJECT. With "selection"
objects like RADIO and PUSH BUTTONS, and CHECK and LIST BOXES,
just CLICK BUTTON 1 on the item you want to select.
If a list box displays a SCROLL BAR on one side, you can scroll
forward and backward by CLICKing BUTTON 1 inside the SCROLL BAR
or on the ARROWHEADS at each end.
With RANGE BARS, move the mouse on top of the "range pointer",
PRESS BUTTON 1, DRAG the pointer to the desired value, and
RELEASE the button. With INPUT BOXES, CLICK BUTTON 1 anywhere
inside the edit box, then move the cursor or type your text as
needed.
Note that all of these mouse operations are accomplished
with BUTTON 1. This is a LOGICAL identification and does not
always mean the left-most button. Mice have different numbers
of buttons, and most allow you to specify which PHYSICAL BUTTON
is BUTTON 1. If you have problems using your mouse, check your
owner's manual first.
There are three more short-cuts you can use with the mouse while
you are editing your puzzle. First, CLICKing BUTTON 1 anywhere
in the PUZZLE BOX will move the cursor to that position.
CLICKing BUTTON 2 on any WORD in the puzzle will automatically
execute the EDIT CLUES dialog box. Lastly, CLICKing BUTTON 1 on
the PLUS SIGN "(+)" in the STATUS BOX will toggle the typing
direction.
See "Keyboard", "Menu", and "Dialog Operations" for instructions
on using the other parts of Crossword Creator's user-interface.
&CWH09Registering With PC HELP-LINE
PC HELP-LINE believes that no one should have to pay for
software before they have a chance to try it out for themselves.
You are free to evaluate the program for a reasonable length of
time, but if you want to continue using it you have an
obligation to register with PCHL.
Registration establishes you as a customer of PC HELP-LINE and
entitles you to the CWC Support Disk, discounts on future
upgrades, news about upcoming products, technical support, and
other privileges.
The registration fee is $20 U.S. dollars. Overseas customers
should add an additional $7 to cover postage. A registration
form is provided in the REGISTER.CWC text file. Simply print
out the form, fill in the information, and return it to
PC HELP-LINE with your registration fee.
Comments and suggestions for enhancements are always welcome at
PCHL. If you have an idea for a new feature or a new way to do
something, or even if you find a bug (gasp!), PCHL wants to hear
about it.
Thank you for supporting shareware and PC HELP-LINE products.
&CWH10*** New Features/Changes In Version 4.3 ***
1. New AUTO PLACE "Robot" feature. Totally automated puzzle
design is finally here. Simply load a list of words into
the "word bank", activate the "robot" puzzle builder, and
sit back. CWC constructs a puzzle from your words while
you watch.
2. WORDFIND no longer requires the 300+ "leading letter" files
to support searches where the first letter is known. The
19 standard files (one set per language) are the only ones
required, saving about a megabyte of disk space.
Since WORDFIND now supports more than one language, the
naming conventions for the dictionary files have been
changed. Instead of the old "X" prefix, the files are now
prefixed with a language name. For example, the "X12" file
(English 12-letter words) is now called "ENGL12".
3. Improved national language support. CWC's "language files"
and WORDFIND dictionaries are now available in Spanish and
French. National language support has not yet been
extended to the on-line "help" files; PCHL is working to
provide this support in a future release.
4. The "CWC=" and "WF=" DOS environment variables are no
longer used. These subdirectory names are now specified in
the "Configuration..." dialog and stored in CWC's
configuration file, CONFIG.CWC.
5. User-interface inconsistencies associated with
MESSAGE BOXES have been fixed. MESSAGE BOXES now behave
exactly like DIALOG BOXES, and use the keyboard in the same
way.
6. The "changes have not been saved" warning now asks you if
you want to "save them now ?", and presents you with three
choices: Yes, No, Cancel.
7. The SETUP utility has been rewritten to support the
installation of multiple sets of language files.
&CWH11NEW - Start From Scratch
The NEW function clears the current puzzle and erases all clues
from memory. You're left with a "clean slate".
If you have made changes to a puzzle already in memory, but have
not saved your work, NEW will warn you. Even if you choose NOT
to save your changes, your disk files are safe. NEW erases
memory, NOT disk files.
&CWH12OPEN - Retrieve Your Puzzles
The OPEN function reads a puzzle file and its corresponding clue
file into memory so you can edit or print an existing crossword.
Use the TAB/BACKTAB keys to move the INPUT FOCUS (highlight)
among these objects in the OPEN dialog box:
Name - A LIST BOX. Select the name of the puzzle you
want to work with, using the UP/DOWN ARROW keys,
then press ENTER. The selected name will appear
above the list box as a confirmation.
Ok - A PUSH BUTTON. Press this button, using the
SPACEBAR, to dismiss the dialog and open the
puzzle you've selected.
Cancel - A PUSH BUTTON. Press this button, using the
SPACEBAR, to EXIT from the dialog without doing
anything.
Crossword Creator will only look for puzzles in the directory
named by the PuzDirName= keyword in the CONFIG.CWC configuration
file. If no pathname is supplied, CWC will look in the CURRENT
directory.
See "CONFIGURATION" for more information on the PuzDirName=
keyword.
&CWH13SAVE - Save Your Work
The SAVE function takes the crossword data currently in memory
and writes it to disk.
If the puzzle was previously loaded from disk using the OPEN
function, SAVE overwrites that disk file with the new version.
If the puzzle has been built from scratch (an "UNTITLED"
puzzle), CWC will execute the "Save As" dialog box so you can
enter a puzzle name and title.
CWC will write all puzzle files into the directory named by the
PuzDirName= keyword in the CONFIG.CWC configuration file. If no
pathname is supplied, CWC will write into the CURRENT directory.
Two files are always created; a ".PUZ" file and a ".CLU" file.
The first contains an image of the puzzle itself. The second
contains the text of your word clues. These files are always
paired and will have the same primary DOS filename. For
example, MOVIES.PUZ and MOVIES.CLU.
See "SAVE AS" for instructions on how to change a puzzle's
title, or save it under a new name.
See "CONFIGURATION" for more information on the PuzDirName=
keyword.
&CWH14SAVE AS - Change Puzzle Name/Title
The SAVE AS function is identical to the SAVE function, except
that you are given the opportunity to rename the puzzle and/or
change its title.
Use the TAB/BACKTAB keys to move the INPUT FOCUS (highlight)
among these objects in the SAVE AS dialog box:
Name - An INPUT BOX. Type the primary (8-character)
part of a DOS filename. Do not type the ".PUZ"
extension. This is the external, disk filename
of your puzzle and clues.
Title - An INPUT BOX. Type up to four lines. Crossword
Creator automatically centers this title above
the puzzle when you print it.
Ok - A PUSH BUTTON. Press this button, using the
SPACEBAR, to dismiss the dialog and save the
puzzle.
Cancel - A PUSH BUTTON. Press this button, using the
SPACEBAR, to EXIT from the dialog without doing
anything.
Note that if you change the puzzle name, the original disk files
will NOT be disturbed. This provides you with a convenient
method for copying puzzles, or saving different versions of the
same puzzle.
In addition, SAVE AS will warn you if you are about to overwrite
an existing puzzle having the same name as the one you supplied
in the input box.
&CWH16PRINT - Print Your Puzzles
The PRINT function formats and prints the puzzle currently in
memory.
Use the TAB/BACKTAB keys to move the INPUT FOCUS (highlight)
among these objects in the PRINT dialog box:
Format - A set of RADIO BUTTONS. Highlight the print
format you want to use, then press the SPACEBAR.
The indicator "dot" will jump to your choice as a
confirmation.
Options - A set of CHECK BOXES. Highlight the option you
wish to change, then press the SPACEBAR; this
toggles the option on ("X") and off (blank).
"Separate Clue Page" causes CWC to skip to the
top of a new page before printing the puzzle
clues.
"Continuous Forms" tells the program that your
printer can feed new pages of paper WITHOUT
intervention from you. Turning this option off
will cause CWC to pause between each page to
allow you to insert a new piece of paper.
"Fill Puzzle Area" always produces
rectangularly-shaped puzzle printouts. Unused
squares are filled in, producing the familiar
black-and-white "checkerboard" look of
traditional crosswords.
Turning this option off will cause CWC to print
only the OUTLINE of the puzzle. Unused squares
are not printed, producing a puzzle with a
freeform shape. If your puzzles are not very
dense, this can save you a lot of time -- and
ink.
Printer - A LIST BOX. Select the name of the printer
definition file you want to use, using the
UP/DOWN ARROW keys, then press ENTER. The
selected printer will appear above the list box
as a confirmation.
Destination - An INPUT BOX. Type the device or filename
you want the printout sent to. The default
value is "LPT1".
Ok - A PUSH BUTTON. Press this button, using the
SPACEBAR, to dismiss the dialog and print the
puzzle.
Cancel - A PUSH BUTTON. Press this button, using the
SPACEBAR, to EXIT from the dialog without doing
anything.
As the puzzle is formatted, Crossword Creator calculates the
number of print columns that will be required to reproduce the
crossword on paper. The actual calculation is:
If HighestClueIndexNbr < 100, then PuzzleBoxWidth = 3
If HighestClueIndexNbr ≥ 100, then PuzzleBoxWidth = 4
NbrColumnsRequired =
(PuzzleBoxWidth * NbrPuzzleLettersWide) + 1
Even though the maximum puzzle width is only 36 letters, many
more columns are required to print the outlines of the puzzle
boxes and other details that are not shown when editing a puzzle
on the screen.
The number of AVAILABLE print columns is specified by the
MaxPrintCols= keyword in the printer definition file you've
selected. If this is less than the calculated number required,
CWC presents you with three choices: cancel the print routine,
truncate the puzzle to fit and continue printing, or ignore the
warning and print the puzzle anyway.
Depending on your printer, trying to print a too-wide puzzle
will probably result in garbled output. Most printers will
perform an automatic carriage-return if a print line is too
long, throwing off CWC's line spacing and "wrapping" the extra
characters to the next print line.
If you get a "Puzzle is too wide" warning and your printer has a
condensed-print mode, try using a different printer definition
file. Crossword Creator supplies both NORMAL and CONDENSED
drivers for all printers that support condensed printing.
See "Printer Definition Files" for complete documentation on
MaxPrintCols= and the other printer control keywords.
See "Printer Support List" for a list of the printers supported
by Crossword Creator.
&CWH18DOS SHELL - Execute DOS Commands
The DOS SHELL function temporarily suspends Crossword Creator in
memory, and presents you with the DOS command line.
Use this function when you need to execute some DOS commands
without exiting the main program. Theoretically, you could run
another application, but remember that CWC is still consuming
memory and you will have a lot less RAM to work with.
To get back to Crossword Creator, type
EXIT
at the DOS command prompt and press ENTER.
&CWH20EXIT - End The Program
The EXIT function terminates Crossword Creator and returns you
to DOS.
If you have made changes to a puzzle in memory but have not
saved your work, EXIT will warn you.
&CWH21UNDO - Restore A Changed Puzzle Line
The UNDO function allows you to reverse the effect of a recent
puzzle edit action.
UNDO works on a line-by-line basis. As long as you have not
moved the cursor off of the edited line, your action can be
undone. Once you move to another line, however, your edit
action becomes permanent.
For example, your current typing direction is ACROSS, and the
cursor is on row three, column five, of your puzzle. You
accidentally press Ctrl+End which erases all the letters to the
right of the cursor. As long as the cursor remains on row
three, UNDO can restore the line.
A puzzle "line", as far as UNDO is concerned, can be either a
row or a column, depending on the current typing direction. So,
as long as you do not move the cursor PERPENDICULAR to the
typing direction, UNDO will work.
Your edits will also become permanent if you execute one of the
menu functions. The only exception is the AUTO PLACE function.
Even after successfully placing a word in the puzzle, UNDO can
still remove it if you do so BEFORE moving the cursor off of
that line.
See "Keyboard" and "Mouse Operations" for a description of the
available puzzle edit actions.
&CWH23EDIT CLUES - Enter Your Puzzle Clues
The EDIT CLUES function allows you to input the text of your
puzzle clues.
Use the TAB/BACKTAB keys to move the INPUT FOCUS (highlight)
among these objects in the EDIT CLUES dialog box:
Across/Down - An INPUT BOX. Type up to four lines. This
will be the clue for the word shown above
the input box.
Delete - A CHECK BOX. Highlight "DELETE", then press the
SPACEBAR; this toggles the option on ("X") and
off (blank).
Ok - A PUSH BUTTON. Press this button, using the
SPACEBAR, to dismiss the dialog and update your
clue(s).
Cancel - A PUSH BUTTON. Press this button, using the
SPACEBAR, to EXIT from the dialog without doing
anything.
In Crossword Creator, puzzle clues are DEPENDENT on puzzle
words. This means that you cannot input a clue BEFORE its
corresponding word has been placed in the puzzle. Likewise, if
you wish to delete a clue from the puzzle, you must do so BEFORE
removing its corresponding word.
To edit a clue you must first select a word, then execute the
EDIT CLUES function. Selecting the word you want to work with
is easy; just place the cursor on ANY LETTER of the word. Then,
press the Ctrl+C "accelerator" combination or use the menu
system to execute the function.
When the dialog box is displayed, you may see the clues for TWO
words. If the cursor was at the intersection of two words, CWC
will display both the ACROSS clue and the DOWN clue. If the
cursor was NOT at an intersection, you will still see both
INPUT BOXES, but only one of them will be useable.
See "REVIEW CLUES" for an explanation of how to check for
"missing" and "orphaned" clues.
See "NEXT ACROSS" and "NEXT DOWN" to learn about a quick way to
step through all the words and clues in your puzzle.
&CWH25NEXT ACROSS - Edit The Next ACROSS Clue
The NEXT ACROSS function moves the cursor to the next ACROSS
word in the puzzle and executes the EDIT CLUES dialog box.
You will probably find this useful when entering the text of
your puzzle clues. Instead of manually jumping from word to
word, NEXT ACROSS will step you sequentially through each ACROSS
word in the puzzle.
The NEXT DOWN function provides the same capability for DOWN
words.
&CWH26NEXT DOWN - Edit The Next DOWN Clue
The NEXT DOWN function moves the cursor to the next DOWN word in
the puzzle and executes the EDIT CLUES dialog box.
You will probably find this useful when entering the text of
your puzzle clues. Instead of manually jumping from word to
word, NEXT DOWN will step you sequentially through each DOWN
word in the puzzle.
The NEXT ACROSS function provides the same capability for ACROSS
words.
&CWH28AUTO PLACE - Let CWC Do The Work
The AUTO PLACE function assists you in building a puzzle by
automatically intersecting the words you supply.
Use the TAB/BACKTAB keys to move the INPUT FOCUS (highlight)
among these objects in the AUTO PLACE dialog box:
Word - An INPUT BOX. Type the word you want CWC to
"place" for you.
Bank - A LIST BOX. If the word you want to place is
already in the word bank, you don't have to
retype it. Simply select the word you want to
place, using the UP/DOWN ARROW keys, then press
ENTER. Your selection will appear in the "Word"
INPUT BOX as a confirmation.
Mode - Two RADIO BUTTONS. Highlight either "Freeform"
or "Template", then press the SPACEBAR. The
indicator "dot" will jump to your choice as a
confirmation.
A CHECK BOX. Highlight "Robot", then press the
SPACEBAR; this toggles the option on ("X") and
off (blank).
"Freeform" mode causes CWC to search the entire
PUZZLE BOX looking for potential intersections.
A "potential" intersection is any location where
the new word can be placed WITHOUT creating any
unwanted "side-effect" words.
"Template" mode forces AUTO PLACE to constrain
its search to a shape you have drawn in the
PUZZLE BOX. You draw the shape by typing CWC's
special "template character", the UNDERSCORE.
With "Robot" turned on, AUTO PLACE will attempt
to build a puzzle for you, using the words
currently stored in the "word bank".
Limits - Two INPUT BOXES. Type the highest row and column
number that AUTO PLACE should consider when it
searches the puzzle area.
By default, AUTO PLACE searches all rows and
columns, but you can specify smaller values if
you want to constrain the size of your puzzle to
specific dimensions.
Across... - A PUSH BUTTON. Press this button, using the
SPACEBAR, to begin the placement search. CWC
will initially try to place your word in the
"Across" orientation (horizontally), but will
switch to "Down" if necessary.
Down... - A PUSH BUTTON. Identical to the "Across..."
button, except that the initial placement
orientation is "Down" (vertical).
Load... - A PUSH BUTTON. Press this button, using the
SPACEBAR, to load the word bank from a disk file.
Another dialog box will prompt you for the DOS
filename to read in.
The input file should contain only plain, ASCII
text, with one word per line. The bank can hold
up to 100 words.
Cancel - A PUSH BUTTON. Press this button, using the
SPACEBAR, to EXIT from the dialog without doing
anything.
AUTO PLACE scans the PUZZLE BOX, looking for places where NEW
words can be properly intersected with EXISTING words. When a
potential location is found, a second, smaller dialog will ask
you if you would like to have your word placed there.
If you press "OK", it's done. If you press "CONTINUE", the
search proceeds until another location is found, and so on. If
your word cannot be placed anywhere in the puzzle (or you pass
up all the opportunities), it will be placed in the "word bank"
so you may try it again, later.
If you're short on time, using AUTO PLACE's "robot" feature can
speed up the construction of your crossword dramatically. With
this option turned on, CWC will take complete control of the
design process and actually build a puzzle for you, word by
word, while you watch.
Before you can use the "robot", however, you'll have to do some
preparation. First, you must create a disk file that contains
the list of words you want to include in your puzzle. You'll
have to do this with a word-processor or text editor BEFORE you
run Crossword Creator. Second, you must load your word list
into the word bank. To do this, press the "LOAD..." button on
the AUTO PLACE dialog and supply the name of your disk file.
See "AUTO PLACE - Load The Word Bank" for additional
instructions on creating a word list and loading the word bank.
&CWH50AUTO PLACE - Confirm The Word Placement
When AUTO PLACE finds a potential placement location for your
word, you are prompted to take some action.
Use the TAB/BACKTAB keys to move the INPUT FOCUS (highlight)
among these objects in the AUTO PLACE dialog box:
Ok - A PUSH BUTTON. Press this button, using the
SPACEBAR, to place the word in the puzzle.
The proposed location is displayed with
blinking letters in the PUZZLE BOX.
Continue - A PUSH BUTTON. Press this button, using the
SPACEBAR, to "pass up" the proposed placement
location, and continue searching.
Cancel - A PUSH BUTTON. Press this button, using the
SPACEBAR, to stop the placement search.
&CWH51AUTO PLACE - Load The Word Bank
AUTO PLACE needs to know the name of the disk file you want to
load into the word bank.
Use the TAB/BACKTAB keys to move the INPUT FOCUS (highlight)
among these objects in the AUTO PLACE dialog box:
Name - An INPUT BOX. Type the name of the file you want
to load. Include the drive ID and/or pathname if
necessary.
Append - A CHECK BOX. Highlight "Append", then press the
SPACEBAR; this toggles the option on ("X") and
off (blank).
"Append" causes the words in your new list to be
ADDED to those already in the word bank. Turning
this option off will ERASE the word bank before
loading the new list.
Ok - A PUSH BUTTON. Press this button, using the
SPACEBAR, to load the word bank and EXIT back to
the main dialog.
Cancel - A PUSH BUTTON. Press this button, using the
SPACEBAR, to EXIT back to the main dialog without
doing anything.
The word bank knows how to read only two types of disk files:
"ASCII text" files and "comma-delimited" files. The ASCII text
format is provided by most word-processors, and the
comma-delimited format is a common database export option.
If you will be using a word-processor to create your word list,
type a single word on each line, and end each line with a "hard"
carriage-return. Remember to save your list as an unformatted,
plain ASCII text file.
If you will be exporting a comma-delimited file of words from a
database, bear in mind that the word bank will read only the
FIRST FIELD of each record.
&CWH31REVIEW CLUES - Show Missing/Orphan Clues
The REVIEW CLUES function helps you identify and correct errors
in your clue definitions by displaying the puzzle words, the
text of their corresponding clues, and the index numbers.
Use the TAB/BACKTAB keys to move the INPUT FOCUS (highlight)
among these objects in the REVIEW CLUES dialog box:
Continue - A PUSH BUTTON. Press this button, using the
SPACEBAR, to view the next page of clues.
Cancel - A PUSH BUTTON. Press this button, using the
SPACEBAR, to EXIT from the dialog.
Even in a small crossword, it's easy to skip a word and forget
to supply a clue. It's also common to "orphan" a clue by
inadvertently deleting or misspelling a puzzle word. REVIEW
CLUES will find these errors for you so you can correct them.
In addition, you will also be able to "preview" the clue index
numbers without actually printing the puzzle. This is useful
when you want one puzzle clue to reference another, for example,
"Opposite of 12 across".
Clues are presented a page at a time, beginning with the ACROSS
clues, followed by the DOWN clues. If you see *** missing ***
flashing on the screen, it means that no clue has been defined
for that word.
After the last page of DOWN clues, CWC will display any
"orphaned" clues it may have found. These are clues that were
once legitimately defined, but their corresponding words are no
longer part of the puzzle.
For example, suppose you type the word "DOG" into your puzzle
and define its clue to be "Man's Best Friend". If at some point
you erase the word "DOG" from your puzzle without first deleting
"Man's Best Friend", you've "orphaned" that clue. But it's easy
to get it back. Simply retype the word "DOG" back into your
puzzle and the connection to "Man's Best Friend" will be
restored.
If some orphaned clues are identified AND you never press
"CANCEL" while paging through them, CWC will give you a chance
to "clean house" at the end. A message box will be displayed
asking if you want to delete all the orphaned clues that were
found. If you press "OK", the clues will be discarded. If you
press "CANCEL", they will be retained, thus giving you the
chance to "hook them back up" if need be.
REVIEW CLUES is a handy function to perform just before you save
the final version of a puzzle.
&CWH32WORDFIND - Find Just The Right Word
WORDFIND is a file compression and search technique developed by
Castle Oaks Computer Services. If you have purchased a set of
WORDFIND files from PCHL, or created your own with the WFMAKE
utility, you can search through those "dictionaries" looking for
words that match a letter-pattern you specify. This can be
quite useful for puzzle designers who need to find a word with
just the right combination of letters.
Use the TAB/BACKTAB keys to move the INPUT FOCUS (highlight)
among these objects in the WORDFIND dialog box:
Name - An INPUT BOX. Type the group name of the
WORDFIND files you want to search. The default
name is the same as the language files you are
using.
Unless you have created custom WORDFIND files
with the WFMAKE utility, there is no reason to
change this setting.
Pattern - An INPUT BOX. Type the letter pattern of the
words you want to search for.
Ok - A PUSH BUTTON. Press this button, using the
SPACEBAR, to begin searching the WORDFIND files,
using the current pattern.
Continue - A PUSH BUTTON. Press this button, using the
SPACEBAR, to view the next page of words.
Cancel - A PUSH BUTTON. Press this button, using the
SPACEBAR, to stop searching for the current
pattern, or to EXIT from the dialog.
To search for words, type a letter pattern in the second
INPUT BOX. A pattern may contain letters of the alphabet or
WILDCARDS (any non-alpha character). For example, B??L??S is a
valid pattern.
Once you have supplied a pattern, press "OK". CWC will display
the matching words in a paged, columnar format. At the end of
each page you may continue searching by pressing "CONTINUE", or
you may begin a new search by typing in a different pattern and
pressing "OK".
In the above example, two of the words displayed would be
BALLADS and BOILERS. Notice that where a LETTER was specified
in the pattern, the words also contain a matching LETTER in that
position. Where the pattern contains a WILDCARD, any letter
will do.
Crossword Creator will only look for your WORDFIND files in the
directory named by the WFDirName= keyword in the CONFIG.CWC
configuration file. If no pathname is supplied, CWC will look
in the CURRENT directory.
See "CONFIGURATION" for more information on the WFDirName=
keyword.
See "WFMAKE - WORDFIND File Utility" for instructions on making
your own, custom WORDFIND dictionary files.
See "ABOUT CWC" for more information about Castle Oaks Computer
Services.
&CWH34CONFIGURATION - Customize The Program
In order for Crossword Creator to run properly, you need to
supply the program with a few important pieces of
"configuration" information. This data is stored in a special
file called CONFIG.CWC and contains, for example, the name of
the directory where your puzzle files are located. The
CONFIGURATION function allows you to modify your CONFIG.CWC
file.
Use the TAB/BACKTAB keys to move the INPUT FOCUS (highlight)
among these objects in the CONFIGURATION dialog box:
CWCDirName - An INPUT BOX. Type the DOS directory name
where you want CWC to look for its printer
definition files (*.CWP), and language files
(*.CWL, *.CWH, *.CWI).
PuzDirName - An INPUT BOX. Type the DOS directory name
where you want CWC to look for your puzzle
files.
WFDirName - An INPUT BOX. Type the DOS directory name
where you want CWC to look for your WORDFIND
files.
NOTE: For any of the above three items,
you may leave the entry blank. If
you do, CWC will look only in the
CURRENT directory.
Colors - A set of RANGE BARS. Highlight the setting
you wish to change, then use the LEFT/RIGHT
ARROW keys to select the desired color. The
"screen icons" are updated to show you what
the new color scheme will look like.
Colors are identified by a number between 0
and 7:
0=black 1=blue 2=green
3=cyan 4=red 5=magenta
6=brown 7=white
PrinterDef - A LIST BOX. Select the name of the printer
definition file that best supports your
printer, using the UP/DOWN ARROW keys, then
press ENTER. The selected printer will
appear above the list box as a confirmation.
MaxPuzClues - An INPUT BOX. Type the maximum number of
clues that CWC will allow you to define in a
single puzzle.
The program will allocate EXACTLY this many
"slots" in memory to hold the clues you
supply, so give yourself enough room.
Ok - A PUSH BUTTON. Press this button, using the
SPACEBAR, to dismiss the dialog and update
your CONFIG.CWC file.
Cancel - A PUSH BUTTON. Press this button, using the
SPACEBAR, to EXIT from the dialog without
doing anything.
If you press "OK", all of the new settings will take effect
immediately, with the exception of MaxPuzClues. To make this
setting effective you must EXIT Crossword Creator and start the
program again.
See "Configuration File (CONFIG.CWC)" for complete documentation
on the configuration file keywords and their valid values.
&CWH41HELP TOPICS - An On-Line Reference
The HELP TOPICS function is a "Table of Contents" for the HELP
file.
Use the TAB/BACKTAB keys to move the INPUT FOCUS (highlight)
among these objects in the HELP TOPICS dialog box:
Help topics - A LIST BOX. Select the topic you want to
read, using the UP/DOWN ARROW keys, then
press ENTER. The text of the selected topic
will be displayed in a scrollable window.
Cancel - A PUSH BUTTON. Press this button, using the
SPACEBAR, to EXIT from the help window
and/or the dialog.
Many of the help topics listed are the ones that would be
invoked automatically by the F1 function if you were using a
dialog box or the menu system. But there are also many other
topics that provide valuable documentation on the more technical
aspects of Crossword Creator.
For example, there are detailed instructions on how to use the
keyboard or a mouse with CWC. There's also a list of ERROR
MESSAGES with explanations, descriptions of the command line
parameters, and more.
As you have time, browse through these topics. Even if you
don't read every word, you will at least find it beneficial to
know what information is available.
See "CWHPRINT - Help File Print Utility" for instructions on
printing the contents of a HELP file.
&CWH42ABOUT CWC - Author/Copyright Information
The ABOUT CWC function simply redisplays Crossword Creator's
logo/copyright notice. The program's version number and release
date are shown in the center of the screen.
CROSSWORD CREATOR is a product of PC HELP-LINE
Copyright 1988-90
PC HELP-LINE
35250 Silver Leaf Circle
Yucaipa, CA 92399
United States
Sales/Technical Support Hours
-----------------------------
M-F 6pm - 10pm, Pacific time
S-S 10am - 2pm, Pacific time
Telephone: 714-797-3091
Compuserve: 72357,3523
PC HELP-LINE is 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
545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442 or send a Compuserve message
via easyplex to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.
WORDFIND is a product of Castle Oaks Computer Services
Copyright 1988-90
Castle Oaks Computer Services
P.O. Box 36082
Indianapolis, IN 46236-0082
United States
The PC version of Crossword Creator was written using the
Microsoft BASIC Compiler, version 6.0. The development work and
system testing were conducted on both a 386-clone and an
XT-clone, running PC-DOS 3.3.
Additional BASIC functions were provided by these products:
String space management: "Mach2", by MicroHelp, Inc.
File/directory routines: "QuickPak", by Crescent Software
Windows/mouse: "QuickWindows", by Software Interphase
&CWH52CWHPRINT - Help File Print Utility
CWHPRINT is stand-alone program that will read a Crossword
Creator HELP file and print its contents in book form, complete
with numbered pages and a Table of Contents. To start CWHPRINT,
type
CWHPRINT
at the DOS prompt and press ENTER. CWHPRINT.EXE must be in the
CURRENT directory unless you've issued a PATH command that
allows DOS to find it.
Crossword Creator's HELP files (*.CWH) must also be in the
current directory.
Some optional parameters may be specified on the DOS command
line when you start CWHPRINT. The general form is:
CWHPRINT [topicID[+|-[topicID]]] [device|filename]
[/L=language name]
If you specify a topic ID, CWC will print ONLY the text for that
topic. If you append a "+" to the topic ID, printing will BEGIN
at that topic and CONTINUE to the end of the file. Appending a
"-" and another topic ID will cause that RANGE of topics to be
printed. If no topic ID is specified, the ENTIRE contents will
be printed. A table of contents and a title page are ALWAYS
printed, regardless of the topic ID option.
The default device is "LPT1". If you want the output from
CWHPRINT to go to a file or to a different device ("LPT2", for
example), specify that name on the command line.
The "/L=" option is used in exactly the same way as described
for Crossword Creator in "Installation and Startup".
examples:
CWHPRINT (print the entire contents)
CWHPRINT 16 (prints only help topic 16)
CWHPRINT 64+ lpt2 (prints all topics from 64 to the
end of the file, output to LPT2
CWHPRINT 22-35 /l=espa (reads ESPA.CWH, prints all topics
from 22 to 35, inclusive)
The program formats the output for a generic text printer at 58
lines per page, 80 columns per line. Printer definition files
are not needed; CWHPRINT will work with any printer that uses
continuous forms or a cut-sheet feeder.
See "Installation and Startup" for a complete explanation of
CWC's command line parameters.
&CWH53CWDTP - Desktop Publishing Aid
Crossword Creator's puzzle output cannot be used directly by
desktop publishing programs like PageMaker and Ventura
Publisher. It is possible to "print to disk" in CWC, but the
printer control codes imbedded in the output never import
properly and CWC's "overprinting tricks" do not translate well.
CWDTP is a stand-alone program that can read a printed-to-disk
puzzle file created by a special printer definition file,
CWDTP.CWP. From this input, a plain, ASCII text file is
generated, containing a modified image of the puzzle or
solution.
This new file can be displayed using DOS's "TYPE" or "PRINT"
commands, and is suitable for importing into a desktop
publishing package (you must format the text with a MONO-SPACED
font like "Courier", rather than a PROPORTIONALLY-SPACED font).
Unlike CWC's printer-specific output, no "over-printing tricks"
are used, and no printer control characters are imbedded in the
file.
To use CWDTP, follow these steps:
1. Crossword Creator will need access to CWDTP.CWP. Copy this
printer definition file from your distribution disk into
the same directory where your other printer drivers are
installed. Start Crossword Creator and OPEN a puzzle.
2. Execute the PRINT function and select either "PUZZLE AND
CLUES" or "SOLUTION" for the puzzle format. You must also
select "CWDTP" from the printer definition file list. When
you press "OK", CWC will read the new driver information
and "print" the puzzle. You now have a disk file
containing all the printer output.
3. Run CWDTP. To start the program, type
CWDTP
at the DOS prompt and press ENTER. CWDTP.EXE must be in
the CURRENT directory unless you've issued a PATH command
that allows DOS to find it.
Some optional parameters may be specified on the DOS
command line when you start CWDTP. The general form is:
CWDTP [inputfilename] [outputfilename] [/C]
The INPUT to the program is the disk file created in
step 2. If you've used all the defaults, the filename
should be CWDTP.TXT. If you do not supply a specific input
filename, CWDTP will use this default name.
The OUTPUT of the program is another disk file, containing
the converted puzzle. If you do not supply a specific
output filename, CWDTP will use the default name,
CWDTP.ASC.
The "/C" option instructs CWDTP to draw the puzzle boxes
using standard ASCII characters. If you do not specify
"/C", CWDTP will use IBM PC characters. Some desktop
publishing packages may not recognize the IBM PC
block-graphic characters. Also, make sure your fonts
support the PC character set if you use it. You may have
to experiment.
examples:
CWDTP (input: cwdtp.txt
output: cwdtp.asc)
CWDTP newpuz.asc (input: cwdtp.txt
output: newpuz.asc)
CWDTP c:\cwc\cwdtp.txt c:\wp\newpuz.asc /c
(input: c:\cwc\cwdtp.txt
output: c:\wp\newpuz.asc
use ASCII chars; supply pathnames if
necessary)
4. Start your desktop publishing application and follow its
directions for importing ASCII text. Import the file you
created in step 3. Remember to format the text using a
MONO-SPACED font. This is the only way you will be able to
get the puzzle columns to line up.
5. Manipulate the puzzle as you would any other block of text
in your document layout. You're done.
&CWH54WFMAKE - WORDFIND File Utility
If you frequently design thematic puzzles that have a lot of
jargon or "specialty" words in them, or if you want to build a
set of WORDFIND files for another language or add on to the
English version, you'll need this utility.
WFMAKE is a stand-alone program that allows you to create your
own custom WORDFIND files (ASCII to WORDFIND mode), or
uncompress existing WORDFIND files (WORDFIND to ASCII mode).
To start WFMAKE, type
WFMAKE inputfilename outputfilename [/[*|{a...z}]]
at the DOS prompt and press ENTER. The "input" and "output"
parameters are always required on the command line; the optional
"/" parameter is explained below.
WFMAKE.EXE must be in the CURRENT directory unless you've issued
a PATH command that allows DOS to find it.
WFMAKE works in two different modes. If WFMAKE sees a "/" on
the command line, it assumes you want "WORDFIND to ASCII" mode.
Otherwise, you get "ASCII to WORDFIND" mode.
The nature of the INPUT and OUTPUT files are dependent on the
mode.
For "ASCII to WORDFIND" mode, the INPUT filename can be any
valid DOS filename. The file must contain plain, ASCII text,
and each record in the file must contain one, complete word.
The lengths of the words may differ. The OUTPUT filename cannot
have an extension (.???), and must end with a numeric value.
WFMAKE will extract all words from the INPUT file whose lengths
are EQUAL to the numeric part of the OUTPUT filename.
For "WORDFIND to ASCII" mode, the INPUT file must be a
"compressed" file in WORDFIND format. The OUTPUT filename can
be any valid DOS filename. The "/" switch must be followed by
either an alphabet letter, or an asterisk ("*"). If "*" is
used, WFMAKE will extract ALL words from the INPUT file. If a
letter is used, only words beginning with THAT letter are
extracted.
The required naming conventions for all WORDFIND files are as
follows:
The FIRST four (or fewer) characters define a general NAME
for a group of related WORDFIND files.
The LAST character(s) must be a numeric value. This value
indicates to CWC that the file contains ONLY words that are
exactly that many letters in length.
Filename extensions (.???) are not allowed.
example: ENGL7
| |
| | contains only 7-letter words
|
| is part of a group of files named "ENGL"
ASCII to WORDFIND example:
WFMAKE newwords.txt new11 (extract all 11-letter words
from "newwords.txt", create
WORDFIND file "new11"; group
name is NEW)
WORDFIND to ASCII example:
WFMAKE engl5 allwords.lt5 /* (extract all words from
engl5, create ASCII file
allwords.lt5)
Although it is not required, Crossword Creator's WORDFIND
function will perform better if the words in your dictionary
files are stored in ALPHABETICAL order. Before using WFMAKE to
create new WORDFIND files, sort your ASCII input files.
Most versions of DOS come with a SORT utility, and many
word-processors and text editors can also sort files. Don't mix
upper and lower case letters in your ASCII input files; most
sort routines are case-sensitive.
See "WORDFIND - Find Just The Right Word" for instructions on
how to use custom WORDFIND files in Crossword Creator.
&CWH55Printer Compatibility Issues
If you can't get Crossword Creator to produce sharp, square
boxes and continuous lines on your printer, you may have a
compatibility problem. The following facts about PC printers
should help you determine the best way to use your printer with
CWC.
When a printer manufacturer advertises a particular model as
"IBM compatible", they usually mean that the printer recognizes
the same control code sequences as IBM printers.
For most word processing and spreadsheet applications this is
quite sufficient because only the standard alphanumeric ASCII
characters are required by these kinds of programs. But letters
and numbers are only a subset of the symbols that make up a
printer's "character set".
When IBM introduced the original PC, they endowed it with a
special, proprietary character set that included a nice set of
line and box drawing characters, and programmers used them to
good advantage in their software to spruce up their screens.
Crossword Creator uses them, for example, to draw the frame
boundaries around the windows and dialog boxes.
All "IBM compatible" computers can reproduce these characters on
the screen, BUT NOT ALL PRINTERS CAN REPRODUCE THEM ON PAPER.
That's the rub. Your printer may be IBM "control code"
compatible, but not IBM "character set" compatible.
Now as far as Crossword Creator is concerned, character set
compatibility is much more important than control code
compatibility. A printer definition file can be built for any
printer, no matter how complex its control codes are (witness
the HP LaserJet's definition files), but if your printer can't
reproduce the IBM character set, you just won't be able to
produce the best possible output.
Which is NOT to say that you can't use an "oddball" printer AT
ALL. You CAN use the standard ASCII characters "|", "-", and "+"
to draw boxes, they'll just produce rougher looking output. In
fact, drivers are provided for printers that don't support
EITHER level of IBM compatibility, like the DIABLO 630 standard
for daisy-wheels and the Epson RX-80 dot-matrix.
Some printers even have their OWN box drawing characters that
are different from IBM's, but Crossword Creator can still use
them effectively to print good looking puzzles.
The point is, CWC can use ANY characters that your printer knows
how to draw, but it can't give IBM CHARACTER SET COMPATIBILITY
to a printer that doesn't already have it.
If you're in doubt about your printer's capabilities, try this
simple test. Startup Crossword Creator, and when you get to the
copyright/intro screen, press Shift+PrtSc on your keyboard. If
the Crossword Creator logo prints out just like it appears on
the screen, your printer is IBM "character set" compatible. If
you get italic characters or something else besides the
double-outline boxes, you'll probably have to use the standard
ASCII characters to draw your puzzles.
One last important point. Crossword Creator uses a printer
technique called "overprinting". This means that the program
"layers" different characters on top of each other by making
multiple "passes" on a single line of print.
To accomplish this, CWC sends a "carriage return (CR)" character
to the printer WITHOUT an accompanying "line feed (LF)"
character. This causes the printer's printhead to return to the
left margin, but does NOT advance the paper. Another layer of
characters is then printed on top of the existing line.
Printers equipped with an "auto line feed" feature can defeat
CWC's overprinting because they insert a LF character after
every CR character received. Since the paper is advanced before
CWC has finished its overprinting, your output will look VERY
STRANGE. The most obvious symptom of this problem are puzzles
that look "double-spaced" and are regularly broken up by
horizontal lines of "white space".
There is virtually no way that Crossword Creator can adapt to or
correct for an "auto line feed" problem because it occurs
"behind the program's back", at the hardware level. Check your
owner's manual. This feature is usually enabled/disabled by
positioning a hardware DIP switch somewhere on the printer.
See "Printer Support List" for a list of the printers supported
by Crossword Creator.
&CWH56Printer Support List
If your printer is not explicitly supported, you still have two
options. First, check your owner's manual to see if your
printer EMULATES any of those listed. If so, you can probably
use THAT driver. Second, PCHL will build custom drivers free of
charge for REGISTERED owners of CWC.
All printer definition files have an EXTENSION name of ".CWP".
The naming conventions used in the PRIMARY part of the filename
are as follows:
The FIRST two characters are an abbreviation of the
manufacturer's name.
The LAST character is a numeric digit. Every printer will
have at least a type "1" definition file, with a
MaxPrintCols= value of 80. If multiple drivers are provided
for the same printer, they will be numbered sequentially,
beginning with "2", and the MaxPrintCols= value will be
larger, as well.
The five (or fewer) characters in the MIDDLE are an
abbreviation of the printer's model name.
example: EPFX86E1
|~|~~~~|
| | | type "1", 80 columns
| |
| | model name, FX-86e
|
| EP, Epson manufacturer
Manufacturer CWP Name Model Name / Description
------------ -------- ------------------------
PCHL CWDTP special driver; use with CWDTP
----------------------------------------------------------------
all DABLO631 any, DIABLO 630 standard printers
----------------------------------------------------------------
C. Itoh CI8510A1 8510A
CI8510A2
----------------------------------------------------------------
Epson EPFX86E1 FX-86e, FX family
EPFX86E2
EPLQ8501 LQ-850, LQ family
EPLQ8502
EPLX8001 LX-800, LX family
EPLX8002
EPPLAIN1 early FX, no IBM character set
EPPLAIN2
EPRX801 RX-80
EPRX802
----------------------------------------------------------------
HP HPDJET1 DeskJet Plus
HPDJET2
HPLJET1 LaserJet Series II
HPLJET2
HPLJET3
HPSF99P HP generic PCL printer, soft
HPSF99L font ID 99
----------------------------------------------------------------
IBM IBGRAPH1 Graphics Printer, Proprinter
IBGRAPH2
----------------------------------------------------------------
NEC NEP22001 P2200, P6/P7 Pinwriters
NEP22002
----------------------------------------------------------------
Okidata OKML1901 Microline 190 Plus
OKML1902
OKML1921 Microline 192/193
OKML1922
----------------------------------------------------------------
Panasonic PAKX1081 KX-P1080, KX-P10 family
PAKX1082
PAKX1181 KX-P1180, KX-P11 family
PAKX1182
----------------------------------------------------------------
Tandy TADWP221 DWP-220
TADMP131 DMP-130
TADMP132
----------------------------------------------------------------
Toshiba TOP13511 P1351
----------------------------------------------------------------
Star STGM10X1 Gemini 10-X
STGM10X2
&CWH57Error and Warning Messages 1 of 4
When Crossword Creator encounters an error (or some other
unusual situation), it informs you with a MESSAGE BOX. The text
of the message will describe the NATURE of the error, name the
DEVICE or FILE involved (if any), and show the error NUMBER (if
applicable).
Common messages are listed alphabetically below, along with the
possible causes and remedies. If you receive a message that is
not listed, or if you cannot resolve a documented error
yourself, contact PC HELP-LINE Technical Support.
Can't load language file; insufficient memory
---------------------------------------------
You don't have enough memory in your system to run CWC. The
minimum memory requirement is 320K. You need to make more
memory available to CWC.
Number: 248
Device (device name) disk is write-protected
--------------------------------------------
The disk drive named in the message has been write-protected.
Remove the write-protect tab, or use another disk.
Number: 70
Device (device name) drive not ready
------------------------------------
The disk drive named in the message was not on-line and
available. Make sure it is powered up, and that the drive
doors are fully closed.
Number: 71
Device (device name) not ready
------------------------------
The device named in the message was not on-line and
available. Make sure all your peripherals are powered up and
ready.
Number: 24, 25, 57, 68
Device (device name) out of paper
---------------------------------
CWC is trying to use the printer, but it is out of paper.
Try printing again after you've put in more paper.
Number: 27
Disk (device name) is full
--------------------------
The disk drive named in the message does not have enough free
space to store the data you are trying to save. Use a new
disk, or delete some existing files to free up more space.
Number: 61
DOS command processor not available
-----------------------------------
CWC could not create a DOS SHELL because it could not locate
the DOS command processor, typically COMMAND.COM. This is
usually only a problem with floppy-based systems. Put your
original boot disk back in the drive and try again.
Number: 252
End of word list
----------------
WORDFIND has searched to the end of the dictionary file.
There are no more words in the dictionary that match the
pattern you specified.
&CWH58Error and Warning Messages 2 of 4
File (drive\path\filename) access error
---------------------------------------
CWC attempted to alter or delete a "read-only" file, or
violated a network access rule. Use a different
drive\path\filename.
Number: 75
File (drive\path\filename) input past EOF
-----------------------------------------
CWC tried to read past the end of a file. Report this error
to PCHL.
Number: 62
File (drive\path\filename) not found
------------------------------------
The drive, path, or file named in the message does not exist.
Check that the drive, path, and filenames are spelled
correctly.
Number: 52, 53, 64
File or device I/O error
------------------------
No explanation. CWC encountered an error it was not
expecting. Report this error to PCHL.
Number: 1-255
Language file (drive\path\filename) contains an invalid PCHL
language code
------------------------------------------------------------
All CWC language files are assigned a unique code by PCHL,
once they have been thoroughly tested for compatibility. The
language file you are trying to use has either not been
tested, or has been corrupted in some way. Report this error
to PCHL.
Number: 251
Language file (drive\path\filename) incompatible with this
version of CWC
----------------------------------------------------------
All CWC language files contain a "version number" that
corresponds to the internal version of CWC.EXE. The format
of the language files has changed with each new release of
Crossword Creator. You are trying to use a language file
that is in the wrong format. Contact PCHL to obtain a
"matched" set of CWC program and support files.
Number: 253
Mach2 (memory type) Error
-------------------------
This is a special "out of memory" error. It usually
indicates that CWC did not (or could not) allocate enough
memory for LANGUAGE, HELP, or CLUE data. Report this error
to PCHL.
Number: 244, 245, 246, 247
Maximum clues exceeded
----------------------
You have exceeded the upper limit on the number of puzzle
clues imposed by the MaxPuzClues= configuration keyword.
Save your puzzle, increase the MaxPuzClues= value on the
CONFIGURATION dialog, and exit the program. Start CWC again
and reopen your puzzle. This should enable you to create
more clues.
Number: 250
&CWH59Error and Warning Messages 3 of 4
No clues defined
----------------
The REVIEW CLUES function cannot be used until the text of at
least one clue has been input. See "EDIT CLUES" for
instructions on how to input the text of puzzle clues.
No HELP available for this topic
--------------------------------
A "header" record for this topic was found in the HELP file,
but there was no accompanying text.
Number: 243
No printer selected, or destination is blank
--------------------------------------------
You have not selected a printer definition file, or have not
specified a destination for your printer output. Select a
printer from the LIST BOX of the "PRINT" dialog, and supply a
device name or a filename in the "Destination" INPUT BOX.
Number: 255
Out of MEMORY
-------------
CWC could not allocate enough memory to run properly, or all
available memory has been consumed by the text of puzzle
clues. The minimum memory requirement is 320K. You need to
make more memory available to CWC.
Number: 7
Out of STRING SPACE
-------------------
CWC could not allocate enough memory to display the text of a
help topic (about 10K), or the text of puzzle clues has
consumed all of the memory available (about 36K). These are
absolute limits. Decrease the length of your puzzle clues.
Number: 14
Path (drive\path) not found
---------------------------
The drive or path named in the message does not exist. Check
that the drive and pathname are spelled correctly.
Number: 76
Pattern requires at least 2 tokens
----------------------------------
The WORDFIND search pattern you specified is less than 2
characters long. The minimum word length is 2 letters, so
you must specify a pattern containing at least that many
tokens.
Number: 254
Puzzle is too wide for printer
------------------------------
Your puzzle requires more print positions than are available,
as defined by the printer definition file you are using. You
may need to use a different printer definition, or decrease
the size of your puzzle. See "PRINT" for a complete
explanation of these limitations.
Recent changes have not been saved
----------------------------------
You have made changes to the puzzle currently in memory, but
have not saved your work. To save your changes, respond
"Yes" to the message box prompt. If you respond "No", your
changes will be discarded.
&CWH60Error and Warning Messages 4 of 4
Setup paper in printer
----------------------
CWC has paused during a print operation to allow you to put a
new sheet of paper in your printer. Deselecting the
"Continuous Forms" option on the PRINT dialog sets this
condition.
Too many words in the puzzle
----------------------------
Your puzzle is too complex for CWC to format properly. You
will have to remove some words from the puzzle in order to
continue. Report this error to PCHL.
Number: 249