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1993-01-07
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Documentation for Word Buster
Word Buster is a learning game for all people who wish to increase
their knowledge and vocabulary level. This program allows you to
test and improve your vocabulary. The level of words included in
Word Buster is college entry. Silver & Sage Software does sell
additional programs with different words chosen for this education
level. These programs are not distributed as shareware. They can
be purchased directly from Silver & Sage Software. Silver & Sage
Software will give you two (2) additional `word learning' programs
when you register this shareware program.
WHAT WORD BUSTER DOES
Word Buster is organized as a multiple choice game, in which up to
six players can play. Each player may interact with the program.
The player may answer the question, request a hint, or get help.
The hints contain information that may be helpful. The help will
contains sufficient information to select the correct answer. This
format was chosen to make Word Buster an enjoyable and informative
learning tool! The questions, answers, hints and help were written
with the intended goal of increasing the user's knowledge of words
no matter what level of vocabulary or sophistication of the user.
Word Buster - Version 1.0
Copyright 1993, Silver & Sage Software
This program is distributed as shareware. It may be freely copied
and distributed as long as this file is included. If you find this
program useful, you are requested to register your program. Those
who register will receive the latest updates to this program, hard
copy of the manual, and information on other products by available
from Silver & Sage Software.
The registration fee is $20.00. Please send your name, address
and any comments today. Registrations should be sent to:
Silver & Sage Software
P.O. Box 43800
Las Vegas, NV 89116
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS". SILVER & SAGE SOFTWARE MAKES NO WARRANTY
OF PERFORMANCE, MERCHANTABILITY, AND/OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
SILVER & SAGE SOFTWARE MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED.
THE USER MUST ASSUME THE ENTIRE RISK OF USING THE PROGRAM. ANY LIABILITY
OF THE SELLER WILL BE LIMITED EXCLUSIVELY TO PRODUCT REPLACEMENT OR REFUND
OF THE REGISTRATION FEE.
SILVER & SAGE SOFTWARE HAS MADE THE BEST EFFORT POSSIBLE TO PROVIDE CORRECT
AND ACCURATE INFORMATION IN THIS PROGRAM. HOWEVER, LANGUAGE AND WORD USAGE
ARE ALWAYS CHANGING. NEW, DIFFERENT OR CONFLICTING DEFINITIONS MAY EXIST.
SILVER & SAGE SOFTWARE WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INACCURACIES OR
DISCREPANCIES WITHIN. IF AN INACCURACY IS DISCOVERED, PLEASE CONTACT THE
AUTHORS. PLEASE INCLUDE IN YOUR STATEMENT WHAT THE INACCURACY IS AND ALSO
PROVIDE US WITH TWO SOURCES WHICH SUPPORT YOUR POSITION.
_______
____|__ | (R)
--| | |-------------------
| ____|__ | Association of
| | |_| Shareware
|__| o | Professionals
-----| | |---------------------
|___|___| MEMBER
Silver & Sage Software is a member of the Assoc. 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 49442-9427 or send a Compuserve message via CompuServe Mail
to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.
WHAT IS SHAREWARE
Shareware is software that allows you to examine before you spend.
Shareware authors can get their product to a broad market spectrum
with few costs. Since the costs associated with product promotion
and distribution are minimized, the shareware customer gets more
"bang for his buck". This product would cost much more if it were
marketed using standard commercial practices. There are no fancy
bubble wrapped packages, distribution costs or retail store profit
to be added to the cost of software. Shareware authors place their
trust in their product. Unlike commerical packages, if you do not
like the product after you run it, you don't buy it. Those users
who decide to keep shareware software after trying it are asked to
register their product with the authors. You register by sending
your name, address and a modest fee to the shareware author of the
product. Registered owners of shareware often get additional value
when they register. Silver & Sage Software will send you the very
latest version of the program, two additional `hundred plus' word
programs, a typeset manual, and information on other programs.
WHAT IS SHAREWARE (Cont)
The printed manuals, version updates, and additional support which
are sent to all registered owners may provide additional incentive
to register. If you enjoy the product then the shareware author
deserves to be compensated. The only way that the author can be
compensated is if you register. When you support the concept of
shareware by registering, you encourage the authors to continue to
develop useful and affordable shareware products. The additional
incentives provided by `Silver & Sage Software' to encourage users
to register include a typeset manual and additional word programs.
There are several companies that distribute shareware for a small
fee. This fee covers their costs and profits. None of the money
paid to a shareware distributor goes to the authors. The shareware
concept only works if enough of you register your products.
DESCRIPTION
Word Buster is a learning game in which up to six players can test
their vocabulary skills. While this program is scored as a game,
the primary objective is for the player or players to learn.
During the game, each player will answer a question in turn. There
are five possible answers to each question. If the player is not
sure about the answer he can view a hint. If the player does not
know the answer, they can get a help on the question. The hint is
just that, a hint. It can help supplement the players knowledge,
but, the hint will not always contain enough information to answer
the question. Sufficient information to answer the question is
provided in the help. Help will contain a working definition of
the word in question. It is recommended that a college edition
dictionary be used to supplement the help information. Should the
the player view the help before answering, the player will receive
no credit for answering the question. Help and hint can be viewed
after answering the question without penalty.
The scoring of the game is simple. Each player receives one point
for each correctly answered question. If the player read the help
before answering, no point will be awarded.
REQUIREMENTS
The disk should contain the following files:
README.
WORD.DOC
WORD.EXE
WORD.FRM
In order to play the game you must have the following:
- An IBM Personal Computer XT or AT or compatible computer.
- The computer must have 256K of RAM.
- Your computer must run the PC-DOS or MS-DOS operating
system at version 2.0 or higher.
- Monochrome monitor with graphics or a color monitor.
WHAT'S IN EACH FILE?
README - This should be the first file you read!
WORD.EXE - This is Word Buster. Type `WORD' in the directory
with this file to execute the program.
WORD.DOC - This is the on-line manual for Word Buster. This is
the file that you are reading currently. If there
is information you need to know it is in this file.
WORD.FRM - This is a one page comment and registration form.
This registration form can be printed on almost any
printer. WORD.FRM is a text file. WORD.FRM doesn't
contain any special symbols or format characters.
INSTALLING THE PROGRAM
Before installation or playing the game, it is recommended that you
make a backup of the original disk that you received. Instructions
for the DOS command "DISKCOPY" are displayed on the next page.
If you need to make a bootable copy do the following:
- Format a blank disk with the /s option.
- Copy README and WORD.* to that disk.
- DO NOT enable the write protect on the disk.
The program maintains a history of which questions were asked, when
they were asked and whether they were answered correctly. The Word
Buster program has a finite number of questions. Information is
maintained in a file named WORD.HST. This program will create this
file if it is not found in the current directory. Since WORD.HST
is updated after every round, you must not write protect the disk.
USING DISKCOPY
The procedure to use to make a backup disk is as follows. If your
diskette works in drive A:, then enter the following command:
DISKCOPY A: A:
If your diskette works in Drive B:, enter the following command:
DISKCOPY B: B:
You will need one blank floppy disk for this operation. The disk
can be unformatted. The DISKCOPY command will tell you what to do.
HARD DRIVE INSTALLATION:
If you wish to install the Word Buster program on your hard drive,
use your experience, follow these instructions or some combination
of the two.
- Place the diskette into your floppy drive.
- Select the drive which you which to install the software.
In this example, we will assume that the drive is C>.
- Change to the C> drive by entering: C:
- Change to the root directory by entering: CD \
- Make a directory for the Word Buster program: MD WORDS
- Change to the WORDS directory by entering: CD WORDS
- Copy the diskette to your new WORDS directory. If the floppy
with the Word Buster program is located in the `A:' drive,
type in the following command: COPY A:*.*
CONVENTIONS
The keys on the keyboard are referred to in this document within
< >. For example, the Escape key is <Escape> and return key is
<Return>. The function keys on the top OR along the left side
of your keyboard are referred to in this document and within the
program by <Fn>, where n is the number of the function key. For
example, function key number one is referred to as <F1>.
PLAYING THE GAME
The game can be played by up to six players. Begin the game by
selecting the drive and directory where the game is installed.
Then type: WORD
After the initial copyright screens, a screen will be displayed
which requests that you "Enter the number of Players:" Please
enter the number of players (range: 1 to 6) by typing the number
followed by the <ENTER> or <RETURN> key.
The names of each player are asked for next. One by one, each
player can enter his or her name. Please note: The order that
these names are entered is the order in which the questions will
be asked.
WELCOME SCREEN
The next screen welcomes the players to the game. There is a
menu at the bottom of the screen which displays what key options
are available. The screen shows:
<ESC> = Exit, <F1> = Play Game, <F2> = Options
If at this time, the player(s) want to exit the game, the <ESC>
key can be used.
Hitting function key number one <F1> will begin the game.
Hitting function key number two <F2> will allow you to customize
the game.
OPTIONS IN WORD BUSTER
WORD has some options that can be set before the game is played.
Hit Function key number 2 <F2> to display the options menu. The
options screen that is displayed defaults as shown below:
Music Yes
Sound Yes
Nice Comments Yes
Caustic Comments No
Use History Yes
Display Correct Answer No
Limit time per Question No
Seconds per Question 30
The bottom menu bar of the screen displays the `valid' input for
this screen. It appears as:
<Enter> to toggle, <Esc> to exit, ^ - Up, ^ - Down
Most of these options are either enabled (Yes) or disabled (No).
The initial settings of these options is shown above.
MUSIC OPTION # 1
Music - When this option is set to Yes, a little tune will
be played when the question is answered. No tune
is played when this option is set to No.
SOUND OPTION # 2
Sound - When this option is set to Yes, a Beep sound will
be heard when an incorrect key is hit. This just
means that one of the correct keys must be entered
before the program can continue. When this option
is set to No, no beeps will be heard, however, the
program will still not continue, until a valid key
is entered.
NICE COMMENTS OPTIONS # 3
Nice Comments - This option, when set to "Yes", will display
friendly praise-type comment when a question
is answered correctly. If set to "No", the
generic "you got it right" is displayed.
CAUSTIC COMMENTS OPTION # 4
Caustic Comments - Those players who love insults should set
the Caustic Comments option to "Yes". If
set to yes, an insulting comment will be
displayed at random intervals when player
gets the answer incorrect. If set to "No"
the generic "you got it wrong" comment is
displayed.
USE HISTORY OPTION # 5
Use History - The questions appearing in each game are chosen
in one of two ways. The first way is by random
choice. The second keeps a history of all the
questions that the players have been asked and
"ages" them. The program then selects heavily
from the "older" questions. There is randomness
in this feature, so questions will not be asked
in the same order. If set to "Yes", the history
of questions asked will be used. If set to "No"
the random question selection strategy will be
used. Option is set to "Yes" by default.
DISPLAY CORRECT ANSWER OPTION # 6
Display Answer - When this option is set to "Yes" the program
will display the correct answer whenever the
player misses the question. If set to "No"
this information will not be displayed.
LIMIT TIME PER QUESTION OPTION # 7
Limit time - This option selects whether players must respond
within a time limit set for the game. When on,
each question must be answered before the limit,
or the player will get the question wrong. When
this option is set to "NO", each player can take
as much time as they want. The amount of time
can be set in option number 8.
SECONDS PER QUESTION OPTION # 8
Seconds - This option provides the time limit (in seconds) by
which the question must be answered. This option
can be set in the range from 10 to 600 seconds. A
time limit is only used if the option number 6, the
"Limit time per Question" option, is set to "Yes".
PLAYING THE GAME
When the game is started, each player, in turn, will be asked a
multiple choice question. The question may be answered by hitting
the letter corresponding to the correct answer. Players can also
select either a hint or a help display. This display will be put
on the screen. The help message is selected by hitting <F2> and
the hint message is selected by hitting <F3>. Hitting the <ESC>
will terminate the game.
HOW TO CHANGE OPTIONS
To change the options, use the up and down cursor keys to position
the cursor on the option you wish to change. The current option
will be displayed in inverse colors. Once positioned, to change a
"Yes" or "No", simply hit the <Enter> or <Return> key.
To change the `seconds per question' option, just type in the new
time limit desired, then press the <Enter> or <Return> key.
To exit the options menu, press the <Escape> key. The options that
are displayed on the screen will be valid.
WORD BUSTER DISTRIBUTION AND LICENSING AGREEMENT
This disk may be freely copied and distributed. However, if you wish to
charge a minimal fee for a copy of Word Buster, you must have the written
permission of Silver & Sage Software. The application should include your
statement of consent to the terms below in exchange for authorization to
distribute Word Buster 1 as shareware. Send the application to:
Silver & Sage Software
P.O. Box 43800
Las Vegas, NV 89116.
Please include $10 for processing. Authorization will be granted upon your
meeting the following conditions.
1.) The distributor's advertising must explain that the program
is shareware. Advertising must state that the software is
copyrighted and that the shareware distributor is providing
the program for evaluation purposes. It must explain that
further use of the program DOES requires registration.
2.) The authors maintain the right to withdraw the program from
distribution.
SUPPORT
Silver & Sage Software is an undertaking by two programmer types
who work full time jobs. We pledge fast replies to any question
sent us by mail. Silver & Sage Software regrets that currently
there is no way we can offer phone support. Should you write us
for assistance, please include all of the following information
about your system: brand, memory, speed, processor type, version
of DOS, video adapter card, monitor, and as complete and detailed
a description of the problem as possible. Those who have already
registered, please include your registration number. All queries
and comments should be directed to this address:
Silver & Sage Software
P.O. Box 43800
Las Vegas, NV 89116.
Those that question our pledge of support as too general and less
than specific will appreciate the following. Shoestring Software
will provide 180 days of support via the U.S. Postal Service. The
period of support begins the day we process your registration. If
you, like us, detest legaleeze, then you have our honest pledge
of support!
REQUEST FOR USER SUPPORT
Silver & Sage Software requests your support as well. We welcome
user feedback. We are anxious to hear everything and anything
about our product. If you don't like something about our program
that you have reviewed, we'd like to know why. If you think of
anything that could improved it, please tell us. If you know of
a subject or question we could use, please write us. Our goal
is to develop software that educates and informs while being FUN!
Anything you can think of that would add to the enjoyment or make
Word Buster more educational would be appreciative. Suggestions,
questions or comments should be directed to this address:
Silver & Sage Software
P.O. Box 43800
Las Vegas, NV 89116.
FINAL PLEA TO REGISTER
This program is distributed as shareware. If you decide to keep
this program, you have a moral obligation to send us money. The
only way that the shareware concept and continued quality and low
cost software will be available is if a fair portion of the users
meet this obligation. A portion, smaller than it should be, will
always register shareware they use. This plea is to the rest of
you!
When you register you will receive the very latest version of the
program. You will also receive two (2) additional word learning
programs and a typeset manual for the programs. This additional
products are not offered as shareware.
The registration fee is only $20.00. We ask you to print the file
WORD.FRM on your printer. Please fill in the form with your name,
address, system configuration, and any comments.
Mail your registration to: Silver & Sage Software
P.O. Box 43800
Las Vegas, NV 89116