Shareware Super Platinum 8

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ Shareware Super Platinum 8 / Shareware Super Platinum 8.iso / mac / EDITORS / BESTH102.ZIP;1 / BESTHES.DOC < prev next >

Wrap

Text File | 1994-05-06 | 26.6 KB | 592 lines

- 1 - CONTENTS Page DISCLAIMER 1 PRINTING BESTHES.DOC 1 WHAT IS BESTHES ? 2 BESTHES ARCHITECTURE 3 INSTALLING BESTHES 3 USING BESTHES 4 LOOKING UP A WORD 4 CUSTOMIZING 5 VIRUS-SAFE 5 FUTURE VERSIONS 6 REGISTRATION 6 REGISTRATION FORMS 9 - * - * - DISCLAIMER - AGREEMENT Users of BesThes must accept this disclaimer of warranty: BesThes is supplied as is. The author and distributors disclaim all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use of BesThes. Any license to use BesThes is granted conditionally upon the user's acceptance that any liability on the part of the author or distributors of Besthes for damage caused either directly or indirectly through its use is limited exclusively to a refunding of the license fee, and that any lawsuit shall be prosecuted in the city of Beersheva, Israel. - * - * - PRINTING BESTHES.DOC Simply type at DOS command line: COPY D:\DIR\BESTHES.DOC PRN/B <ENTER> Where D is the drive and DIR the directory where BESTHES.DOC is found. - 2 - WHAT IS BESTHES BesThes is a totally new experience in the field of electronic thesauruses. Its current versions, the present V1.02 and the forthcoming V2.02, respond to 16,520 and 28,635 entries, respectively, giving an average of 185 and 210 related words per entry. They are, therefore, a 3,056,200- and a 6,013,350-word electronic thesaurus (16,520 x 185 and 28,635 x 210) which in book-form would require either 10/20 heavy volumes, or a discouraging system of cross-references. What makes this possible, using only 300K of your disk and 46K of your computer's memory, is that the sets of related words do not physically exist in BesThes. They have been replaced by an "alphabetic" list of "crunched" words with a meaning code attached to each, and an intricate network of these meaning codes - files BESTHES.DIC and BESTHES.CDF, respectively. A specially designed ultrafast algorithm builds up, at run-time and at astonishing speed, the sets of related words. Freed from the space limitations that the physical existence of sets of related words generally imposes on thesauruses, BesThes provides highly inclusive sets of related words. Since you are the only one who knows what you have in mind when turning to BesThes for help, we have endeavored to supply you with as many related words as possible, thus increasing your chances of finding the exact word you need. Clearly, choosing the word is your exclusive responsibility. If you are not totally sure of the meaning or use of a given word, consult a good dictionary. A thesaurus is not a substitute for a dictionary. Put the cursor at the end of a word related to the idea you have in mind and press the HOT KEYS; in just a few seconds, you have at your disposal a huge vocabulary arranged in sets of dozens of closely related words. You can now move quickly and easily, back and forth, among the different sets, searching for the precise word you need. These related words are similar to the ones you would find in a weighty thesaurus in book-form after a long and tedious search. Instead of repeatedly flipping through pages looking for a word, and then for words related to it, simply touch a key and BesThes will do the rest for you. But there is no rose without a thorn. The meaning codes used by BesThes connect the words in a reciprocal manner, that is, any word related to a given meaning automatically becomes an entry for that meaning. Therefore, there are entries which show only a portion of their meanings, not always including the main one. However, this shortcoming, which affects less than 10% of the entries in BesThes V1.02, is barely noticeable in V2.02, and will virtually disappear in future versions due to their increasing completeness. BESTHES IS VERY SIMPLE TO USE, AND IS TOTALLY INTERACTIVE. EACH SCREEN INCLUDES A COMPLETE HELP-FRAME WITH ALL THE RELEVANT INSTRUCTIONS. - 3 - After you have placed the cursor at the end of a word and pressed the HOT KEYS, there are no additional instructions you need to know or remember. Just follow the instructions that will guide you step-by-step. BESTHES ARCHITECTURE Besthes classifies the most common English words and expressions according to: 1. Spelling 2. Parts of speech 3. Underlying idea 4. Meaning The first category groups the various meanings of "orthographic words," i.e. the denotations expressed by the same letters. In this way, BesThes is similar to the more modern thesauruses, yet differs from Roget's, in which the different meanings of a word appear in different places. Enter a word, and BesThes will return with a menu of its denotations represented by triads of words -- the MEANINGS menu. The second category classifies the words according to parts of speech. For technical reasons, and our belief that it will serve you better, the words have been divided into four groups: verbs, nouns, adjectives and others (adverbs, prepositions, etc.). The third category groups conceptually related words, i.e. words with a common underlying idea. This is similar to Roget's classification, but carried out with a more modern approach. Pragmatic concerns for serving you better have displaced any other academic considerations in assigning the classification codes related to this category. Finally, the fourth category packs together words of closely related denotation. BesThes' criterion for the clustering of denotatively related words is much more comprehensive than in other thesauruses. Hence, the user may find many words that seem out of place. But this comprehensiveness means a much greater chance of finding the desired word. INSTALLING BESTHES BesThes consists of five files: 1) BESTHES.COM, 2) BESTHES.DIC, 3) BESTHES.CDF, 4) BESTHES.DOC and 5) INSTALL.DOC. The first three are the operative ones and must be together in the same subdirectory, whose path cannot include extensions - 4 - within the names of the subdirectories, e.g. C:\WORDPROC.ENG\THESAURUS\BESTHES - wrong. C:\WORDPROC\THESAURUS\BESTHES - correct. IMPORTANT! Don't change the names of BesThes' files. USING BESTHES BesThes is a memory-resident program that must be loaded before your word processor. It will remain stored in your computer's memory, completely unnoticed, yet ever-alert to serve you, acting as an integral part of your word processor any time you press its HOT KEYS. Press the first HOT KEY and let go, press the second HOT KEY and let go, or press the first HOT KEY and, while keeping it down, press the second. Either way BesThes will respond to your call. BesThes is user-friendly and always does its best to understand the user's intention. You may also use BesThes as a stand-alone application by entering a word in the DOS command line and pressing the HOT KEYS. LOOKING UP A WORD To ensure compatibility with most word processors, BesThes is equipped with two "reading modes" -- SCREEN READING and KEYBOARD READING. Looking up a word requires a slightly different procedure in each of the two reading modes. From either within your word processor or in the DOS command line: a) When in SCREEN-READING MODE (default), position the cursor at the end of a word, and press the HOT KEYS. If you place the cursor in the middle of a word, BesThes will read from the beginning of the word to the letter just before the cursor. Use this to enter the base-form from an inflection. b) In KEYBOARD-READING MODE, BesThes traces the keys as they are being pressed, storing them in an internal buffer. When the cursor leaves a word, BesThes deletes the buffer, ready to begin reading a new one. To enter a word, type it and press the HOT KEYS with the cursor still at the end of the word you have just typed, before it is deleted from the internal buffer. When you enter a verb BesThes automatically includes its compound forms with the prepositions: AT, DOWN, FOR, IN, OFF, ON, OVER, TO and UP. Other prepositional forms must be entered as compound words. To enter a compound word or expression, join the words with underscores, e.g., work_up, get_rid_of. - 5 - After you press the HOT KEYS, Besthes will ask you for the part of speech you need. Once you answer, BesThes will display the MEANINGS menu, showing different meanings represented by triads of words. These triads stand for sets of words that include the entered word and are, in turn, associated with other sets conceptually related to it - the RELATED WORDS sets. Since each one of these sets is by itself very comprehensive, the triads of words that appear in the MEANINGS menu cannot give more than a vague idea of the words you will find behind it. Once you choose the meaning, the RELATED WORDS menu comes on, offering you different sets of words conceptually related to that meaning. Make your choice, and a set of dozens of words will appear. Bear in mind that the sets of words in BesThes are much more comprehensive than in other thesauruses, and only pressing <ENTER> and less than a second are all that separate you from the complete set. Go on, therefore, to see the complete set of words, even if the triad doesn't seem to precisely characterize the word you need. Now you can move quickly and easily, back and forth among the different meanings and sets of related words, looking for the exact word you need. All your commands are carried out in fractions of a second because BesThes is not idle while you are making your choices. It uses your thinking-time to read from the disk, by means of an ultra-fast procedure, all the information it needs to fulfill your upcoming requests. For this reason, you see BesThes often reading from the disk, but simultaneously keeping an eye out for your orders. SO DON'T WAIT FOR BESTHES TO STOP READING FROM THE DISK; GIVE YOUR COMMAND, CONFIDENT THAT BESTHES IS ALWAYS LISTENING TO YOU. Note: In some cases, BesThes needs a second, or less, to complete what it is currently doing before it manages to carry out your order. When that happens, BesThes acknowledges your command and apologizes that it is doing its best. CUSTOMIZING BesThes enables you to adapt the HOT KEYS, the READING MODES and the LETTER CASES to suit your needs and personal taste. Simply type HK, press the HOT KEYS, and follow the instructions that appear on the screen, guiding you step-by-step. VIRUS-SAFE Any virus attached to a program invariably alters that program's code. BesThes verifies the integrity of its code every time it's loaded. The possibility that the change caused by a virus would pass by BesThes unnoticed is less than 1 in 4000. Moreover, it doesn't matter if it is a known or unknown virus. This gives you a very high measure of security. Once you see the comforting statement: "CODE'S INTEGRITY VERIFIED - NO VIRUS FOUND" you can copy BesThes onto your hard disk and enjoy it, virtually free of virus-worry. Nevertheless, a virus might - 6 - attach itself to the very beginning of BesThes'code and act before BesThes manages to detect its presence. Therefore, we recommend that the first time you run a copy of BesThes of dubious origin, you take precautions such as checking it with an antivirus program. BesThes is virus-protected to encourage copying and trying it out. The more people experience BesThes, the more will register and get to enjoy the resulting material and ethical benefits. FUTURE VERSIONS BesThes is intended to develop in two distinct paths: Vocabulary addition and program enhancement. * VOCABULARY ADDITION. BesThes is now being released in two versions - V1.02 and forthcoming V2.02 - which differ only as to the extent of their respective vocabularies, namely 16,520 and 28,635 entries. Future versions with more entries and other linguistic enhancements, such as examples of word-usage, are being prepared. They will be designated V3.xy, and so on. These versions with varying numbers of entries will stand together on the shop-counter, enabling the potential user to choose according to his/her needs and budget. Any registered user will be able to upgrade to a vocabulary-expanded version at a significantly reduced cost. * PROGRAM ENHANCEMENT. The V1.10 and V2.10 versions, with automatic replacement, are in preparation. Also versions for WINDOWS - Vx.yW - are being planned. Any new version with an enhanced program is designed to replace the previous one, and will be sent to registered users for slightly more than the p. and h. costs. REGISTRATION OUR SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL OFFER: The present version, V1.02, is intended to acquaint the potential users of BesThes with its capabilities, and is being offered under the following exceptional promotional conditions: Any registrant of BesThes V1.02 will receive BesThes V2.02, with rights of usage, for only the postage and handling costs ($5 if included in the same check with the registration fee; $7 if in a separate check, to defray cashing costs). In addition, if you register before 12.31.1994, you will be considered a "FOUNDER USER," and enjoy preferential conditions when upgrading to future versions. Note: The right to use BesThes V2.02, granted to V1.02 registrants as a promotional offer, does not change their status to V2.02 registrants. Language Software Co. issues three kinds of REGISTRATION/LICENSES for V1.02/V2.02: - 7 - PERSONAL REGISTRATION: $30 for V1.02; $40 for V2.02. SITE LICENSE (For government offices, public institutions, and businesses): $30/$40 for the first user, plus $10/$15 for any additional user. COLLECTIVE LICENSE (For educational institutions): $200/$250. It grants the right of usage to staff members and students. The institution is authorized to collect, either directly or through its bookstore or student union, a fee of up to $8 per copy from its students and staff members. In addition, each staff member or student may become a PERSONAL REGISTERED USER for only $10/$15. All three kinds of REGISTRATION/LICENSES enjoy the following advantages: * NEXT ISSUE: Add $5 to the V1.02 registration/license fee ($7 if in a separate check to defray cashing costs) and Besthes V2.02 will be sent to you, along with rights of usage. V2.02 licensees will be notified of the release of V3.0, and invited to upgrade under very attractive conditions. * UPGRADING: Upgrading to any future vocabulary-expanded version of BesThes will be offered at a significantly reduced cost, and a program-enhanced version will be available for only slightly more than the postage and handling costs. * ADDITIONAL PERSONAL REGISTRATIONS: Give your friends the gift of a BesThes registration for only $10/$15 each for V1.0/V2.0, respectively, adding $5 if mailing is required. They will enjoy all the rights of a registered user. * TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: We are always at your disposal to answer any questions you may have regarding the use of BesThes, either you have yet registered or are still trying out the program. If a serious bug is reported within six months after registration, we will fix it and send a corrected copy to the registrant, or refund the registration fee. Following the initial six-month period, feel free to turn to us with any problems you may have. We are always willing to assist any customer on a friendly basis. By mail: Language Software Co., POB 3080, Beersheva 84130, ISRAEL. By FAX: 972 7 433 103 By E-mail: 100274.655@compuserve.com All prices are in U.S. dollars, but we also accept the equivalent amounts in the following currencies: Can$, $A, S$, ú, úIr, DM, Fmk, F, SwF, BF, SKr, NKr, DKr, R, S, Pta, Yen, Lit, NIS. To register, simply send a check to: Language Software Co., Moria 52 Apt. 4, P.O. Box 3080 Beersheva 84130, Israel - 8 - Or transfer to our account: Language Software Co., Bank Hapoalim, branch 12-54700, account 233108 Beersheva, Israel. You may deduct $2.50 from the transferred sum, as our share of your transfer costs. Please send us, either by regular or electronic mail, your name, address, sum, date, transfer number, bank and branch. In any case, add $5 for p. & h. if a copy is to be sent by air, or $8 if you want the copy to be sent by E-mail. (If in a separate check, send $7 and $10, respectively, to defray cashing costs.) NOTE: E-mail is an experimental service. To use it, contact us by E-mail before sending any money. - 9 - REGISTRATION FORMS PERSONAL REGISTRATION NAME: ADDRESS:...................................................... CITY:........... STATE:........ COUNTRY:.......... ZIP:....... VERSION: V1.02/V2.02 REGISTRATION FEE:($30/$40 for V1.02/V2.02, respectively): $... Airmail, diskette 5.25"/3.5", $5/$7, respectively E-mail $8 (Experimental - Contact us by E-mail before sending any money) $.... ------- TOTAL $.... PAYMENT BY MEANS OF: Check/Order/Transference: number: Bank: Branch: Bank address: CITY:........... STATE:........ COUNTRY:.......... ZIP:....... SIGNATURE:...................... DATE:.................... ADDITIONAL PERSONAL REGISTRATION CURRENTLY REGISTERED USER: NAME (Personal/office/institution/company):.................. ADDRESS:..................................................... CITY:........... STATE:........ COUNTRY:.......... ZIP:....... NEW REGISTRANT: NAME: ADDRESS:...................................................... CITY:........... STATE:........ COUNTRY:.......... ZIP:....... FEE $10/$15 for V1.02/V2.02, respectively: $........ Postage and handling: Airmail diskette 5.25"/3.5", $5/$7, respectively E-mail $8 (Experimental - Contact us by E-mail before sending any money) $...... ---------- TOTAL $...... PAYMENT BY MEANS OF: Check/Order/Transfer number: Bank: Branch: Bank address: City: State: CURRENT REGISTRANT'S SIGNATURE:................................ TITLE (If Site or Collective Öicense):........................ NEW REGISTRANT'S SIGNATURE (OPTIONAL):.............. DATE:..... - 10 - SITE LICENSE FORM OFFICE/INSTITUTION/COMPANY NAME:.............................. DEPARTMENT/BRANCH/SECTION:................................... ADDRESS:...................................................... CITY:........... STATE:........ COUNTRY:.......... ZIP:....... VERSION: V1.02/V2.02 NUMBER OF COPIES to be used: First copy $30/$40 for V1.02/V2.02, respectively: $....... Additional copies to be used x $10: $....... Postage and handling: Airmail diskette 5.25"/3.5", $5/$7, respectively E-mail $8 (Experimental - Contact us by E-mail before sending any money) $....... (Only 1 copy will be sent) ------- TOTAL $....... PAYMENT BY MEANS OF: Check/Order/Transference: Number: Bank: Branch: Bank address: CITY:........... STATE:........ COUNTRY:.......... ZIP:....... SIGNATURE:...................... DATE:.................... TITLE:.................................................... COLLECTIVE LICENSE for an EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION INSTITUTION NAME: DEPARTMENT/FACULTY/SCHOOL:.................................... ADDRESS:...................................................... CITY:........... STATE:........ COUNTRY:.......... ZIP:....... FEE $200/$250 for V1.02/V2.02, respectively: $........ Postage and handling: Airmail diskette 5.25"/3.5", $5/$7, respectively E-mail $8 (Experimental - Contact us by E-mail before sending any money) $........ (Only 1 copy will be sent) -------- TOTAL $........ PAYMENT BY MEANS OF: Check/Order/Transference: Number:........... Bank:.......... Branch:.................. Bank address: CITY:........... STATE:........ COUNTRY:.......... ZIP:....... SIGNATURE:...................... DATE:.................... TITLE:.................................................... - 11 - PERSONAL REGISTRATION for STAFF and STUDENTS of a COLLECTIVELY-LICENSED INSTITUTION INSTITUTION NAME: DEPARTMENT/FACULTY/SCHOOL:.................................... ESTABLISHMENT ADDRESS:........................................ ADDRESS:...................................................... CITY:........... STATE:........ COUNTRY:.......... ZIP:....... PERSONAL NAME:................................................ TITLE: STUDENT/STAFF MEMBER (Circle appropriate) PERSONAL ADDRESS:............................................ CITY:........... STATE:........ COUNTRY:.......... ZIP:....... FEE $10/$15 for V1.02/V2.02 $......... Postage and handling: Airmail diskette 5.25"/3.5", $5/$7, respectively E-mail $8 (Experimental - Contact us by E-mail before sending any money) $........ --------- TOTAL $........ PAYMENT BY MEANS OF: Check/Order/Transference: Number:........... Bank:........... Branch:................. Bank address: CITY:........... STATE:........ COUNTRY:.......... ZIP:....... SIGNATURE:...................... DATE:....................