OS/2 Shareware BBS: Educate/Educate.zip/splms154.zip/READ.ME

Text File | 1996-08-05 | 23KB | 550 lines

Hello,                    (read.me  08/05/1996)

                Spell Master 1.54

It talks to you (requires Multimedia setup (MMPM2 with sound card & microphone),
          and extra REXX UTILS to be loaded (done automatically now)).

/* History:
**   1.0 Very first release
**   1.01  Found out that I needed to ship vputil.dll with Spell
**          Master.  Included it now.
**          If after a new install it still does not work copy
**          vputil.dll into x:\os2\dll     x: is where os/2 installed.
**   1.02  Found that some functions I was using required the extra
**          REXX Utils be loaded which I always had in my startup.cmd
**          but apparently others do not. My mistake. Sorry.
**          Unless you loaded them yourself the install would just
**          disappear without completing.
**   1.3   1996/03/19 - ENHANCEMENTS & A FIX
**          fixed bug where program thought you were unregistered after
**          you did 1 spelling practice session.
**          Added settings for 'Repeat Word', 'Auto Hints', & 'Multi-Responses'
**          You can create a list of verygood, tryagain, and incorrect responses
**          which the program will pick from randomly to play.  (As requested
**          by a customer).
**          Also reworked 'hint' function and added an uninstall.
**          Along with a couple of kill process programs (by name & by hex #),
**          I included a spllini.cmd file in case you want to learn about OS/2
**          ini files.
**   1.31  1996/03/24 - ReFix & Enhancements
**          ReFix for registered users.  For On add/modify:
**          It did not know you were registered and still limited your list size.
**          Other fixes:
**          If you change one of the command response lists it rereads the file
**          to use it immediately.
**          If you delete words from a list the word count changes.  Without
**          lowering it could limit your list size.
**          Give you the option of allowing retries or not.
**   1.39  1996/04/10 - Enhancements
**           Added Prefix Phrase before words.
**           Added Clear List button in Record.
**           Added Save Settings.
**           Added Drag-N-Drop of .wav files on left word list window to add words
**           to a list.
**           Added ability to make a word in the list the default by moving it to the top.
**           Added ability to rename words and their filenames.
**           Added check for a sound card and MMPM/2 installed.
**           Coding enhancements you wouldn't notice (unless I screw something up).
**   1.53  1996/04/27 - Enhancements
**           Allow Drag-N-Drop of .wav files onto both word list windows to add words
**           to a list.
**           Made both modify windows scroll together.
**           Allow selecting/unselecting thru both modify windows.
**           Cleaned up a hand full of little things:
**               Rerecord, Save List, Delete List return if nothing to do.
**               Clear leftover msg line in a few places.
**               Give proper word count when import one list into another.
**               Changed name of Delete Word button to Clear Word.
**               Update word count when drop new words into list.
**           Allow to drop a word list .spl file to load whole list.
**           Allow drop of any number of .spl and .wav files at once.
**   1.54  1996/08/01 - A FIX
**           If you installed spell master to a path that was more than 32 char.s
**           you would have had troubles saving/reading spelling lists.
**           Found that the 'List:' field on the form was cutting the filepath down
**           to 32 char.s.  Bumped it up to 300 char.s.  Bumped other fields that
**           were being cut to 32 up to 300 also.
*/

The purpose of this program is to help people learn how to spell properly.
It is also designed so that the pupil himself can go through the whole
process of inputting the list of words, practicing the words, and optionally
printing out his scores (to show to Mom and Dad).  Hopefully you will
be able to send the child off to do his spelling and he can bring back
proof of how he did!

This program was originally written for my third grade daughter, who
unfortunately couldn't spell for beenz.  I don't know for sure if this did
it, but when they started her out in school they tried something new
(invented spelling) where they let the kids spell however it makes
sense to them, and you got woordz lik choclet, vary gud, hows, and kar.
Unfortunately, she kept spelling that way!  One of our other
daughters, on the other hand, never studies spelling at home and gets
100% almost all the time!

Anyway, that's what made me write this for daughter number 1, and when
I first had her use it 2 or 3 times per week her grades went from D/E to
A/B!  I was amazed.

So I have turned it into a GUI program and here it is.  It is
shareware, NOT FREE, but hopefully has a reasonable price.  It has
built in limits when not registered.  If you like it and send me
payment for it I will send you back a registration number keyed to your
registration info.  that will unlock the full capabilities.
To register see below.

UPGRADING (Just unzip into the existing program directory):
==========

Whatever major version you register at, say you buy it at 1.2, you will
be allowed free upgrades to all 1.x versions.  This will be done by you
by downloading the newer version if you choose and copying the newer
version into your existing directory.  Your registration key is saved
in a file call spllmstr.ini in your program directory.  Do not erase
this file and it will automatically work with all 1.x versions.  It
will not work with 2.x, 3.x etc....  These higher versions would have
to be bought at an upgrade price.  My plan for any possible upgrades
will be that you would pay for the new programming and not for a whole
new program.

At this time since the program is new there could be more frequent
upgrades (including fixes) but they would all be for a 1.x version and
would therefore be free.

MOVING PROGRAM OR SPELLING LIST:
================================

Run setup.exe which will let you change the location of the files which
is why I changed it from install.exe to setup.exe.

INSTALLATION (after you unzipped the file):
===========================================

1.) run setup.exe     (can also be used to change the location of program & .spl files)

2.) run spell master  (spllmstr.exe or by the icon)

3.) Close the registration window for now.

4.) go into 'Add/Modify a Spelling List'   (click it and hit O.K.)

5.) Click on 'File List...'

6.) You need to ReRecord the command phrase for each of the following 4 lists.
     INCORRECT, REDO, TRYAGAIN, & VERYGOOD  .SPL.  I did this so as
     to not unnecessarily increase the size of the downloaded file.  This
     also lets you customize the program in your own voice (dialect, language).

    Understand that the basic lists (like tryagain.spl) already exist.  All you
    are doing is opening them and rerecording the words in them to create the
    *.wav files which can be big which is why I did not include them.

     Select the list INCORRECT.SPL

7.) Select the word INCORRECT and hit ReRecord.

8.) Add any other words you want the program to randomly chose for this phrase.

9.) Make sure the 'List Type:' pull down box contains the appropriate type.
     Select 'Incorrect List' this time.  This ties this list of words to particular command
     phrases or to a 'Spelling List'.

10.) Click on 'Save List' to save it.

11.) Goto steps 5-9 for the other 4 lists; REDO, TRYAGAIN, VERYGOOD, & PREFIX  .SPL.

     For each word use the following phrases (or something similar):

    For Word:        Record:
    =========       ==========================
    VERY_GOOD       "Very good."

    TRY_AGAIN       "Incorrect, Try again."

    INCORRECT       "Incorrect, Next word."

    PREFIX            "Please Spell."         (Optional)

    REDO_LIST       "Would you like to redo the ones you got wrong?"


    (You can select a word and click on "Play" to test your recording,
     and rerecord again as necessary.)

12.)  The program is now ready to use.   You can now enter your own
      spelling list(s), and then hit 'Exit' and go to practice your list(s).

NOTE:
=====

I found that you can actually use this program while listening to an
audio CD!  Pretty amazing.  Recording gets the music though which
comes thru loud.

DIAGNOSTIC HELP:
================

The install is pretty simple.  It just copies the spllmstr.exe, maincmds.spl,
and read.me to your chosen directory and the vputil.dll to \os2\dll for
os/2 2.1 or less or to the program directory for os/2 3.0 or more.  It
then writes a couple system ini entries to keep track of where you
installed it.

All it takes to run is spllmstr.exe and vputil.dll.

THINGS TO CHECK:

Note these are done in my program in case you want to know:
call RxFuncAdd 'SysLoadFuncs', 'RexxUtil', 'SysLoadFuncs'
call SysLoadFuncs

Do you have MMPM/2 functional?
For MMPM/2 can you go into your multimedia folder and start the digital
audio device and play *.wav files and record them?

The install should also say if it installed successfully.  Did it say so?
Once the icon is installed on the desktop you will have to delete it for
it to say 'successful install' if you run install again.

It should also create a desktop icon (a bee).  Did it?  I can run it by
typing spllmstr.exe but did you try double-clicking on the icon?

Did the program spllmstr.exe ever bring up the first window?

When you run the program it will create a spllmstr.ini in your
program directory (probably of size 0 unless registered).  Did it?

If you get an error like:
mciRxGetErrorString(70555) = File not found
It just means the .wav file does not exist.  You need to record it.

If you get any error messages please write down the exact message and
any error number for me to look into.

What version of OS/2 are you running?

Do you have real OS/2 drivers for your sound card?  (The last I saw of
Ensoniq (standard Gateway sound card) OS/2 drivers they were lousy and
not worth using).
Which sound card are you using?

If you get the new Sound Blaster drivers from 2-12-96 the record volume
is a lot lower so if you play old .wav files they can blast you out with
the speakers. (even the the drivers sb_os2.exe are .exe you still need to
unzip them by sb_os2.exe -d  to have them keep the directory structure
when they unzip or they won't install correctly).

I tried once and found that if you try, in the record window, to play
one of the maincmds.spl words before you record it, it messes up the
program and you need to quit out and come back in before rerecording
them or it won't rerecord.

Volume Control:
To play with the volume I assume you to have some kind of mixer software
with your sound card.  CTMIXER.exe for example for a Sound Blaster 16.
You can get it from Creative Labs BBS, or Compuserve forums, or elsewhere.
You might play with the 'Output Gain' and 'Record Gain'.

GETTING AROUND THE SCREENS:
===========================

TAB KEY
-------

The tab key is how you move from field to field with the keyboard.
Otherwise you use the mouse to point directly at what you want.  I
taylored the TAB key order to make it as easy as possible to get around
with the fewest amount of keystrokes.

For example:  After you type in your word for a test and want to check
                    it hit 'TAB' which moves you to the 'Check Word' key and
                    then hit 'Enter'.

                    Also after you enter the list you want to use you can hit
                    'TAB' which moves you to the 'Load' button and then hit
                    'Enter' to load it.


PRACTICE A SPELLING LIST:
=========================

1.) In the 'List' field enter file name of spelling word list and then click
     'Load', or hit 'File List...' to use the dialog box to load a spelling list.
    (A Start window appears)

2.) Choose to scramble the word list or not.

3.) Click the 'Take' picture or close the window to start the practice
     session.

4.) After the computer says a word on your list you type in how you
     think the word is spelled in the 'Answer >' box.

5.) Hit 'tab' and 'enter', or click 'Check Word'.  The computer checks
    your spelling.

6.) The computer goes thru the whole list of words, keeping track of
     your score and of the words you got wrong the first time.

7.) At the end of the list it will ask you if you want to retry any words
     you got wrong. Select Yes or No.

8.) When you have gone thru all the words it will highlight the 'List' box
     and put 'Enter List filename'.  You are done with that list and can do
     another list.

Other Options:
--------------

Print Menu:
     When you first start a practice session the computer automatically
     checks the option under the 'Print' menu labeled 'Start Capturing Scores'
     and brings up the associated dialog box.  (see below).

     'Print This Score':  This will print the scores immediately shown on
          your screen to lpt1:

     'Start Capturing Scores':   Checking this will bring up a dialog box
          asking you what file you want to capture completed practice
          run scores into.  It will then capture any subsequently completed
          scores into this file for later print out if desired.

     'Stop Capturing Scores':  This will stop subsequent capturing of
          completed scores into your file.  It will leave the file out there
          and not erase it.

     'Print Captured Scores':  This will print out the captured file to lpt1:

Settings Menu:

     'Use Prefix':  This will say the prefix phrase before the word to spell.

     'Repeat Word':  This will say the word to spell twice.

     'Auto Hint':  For an incorrect spelling this will automatically give you
         the spelling for the part of the word you got correct plus the next
         letter.

     'Multi-Responses':  This lets you toggle on or off whether you want
         random responses to be chosen from the particular command list
         or to just use the default (first) phrase in the command list.

Buttons:

     'Repeat Word':  This will replay the word.

     'Hint':  This will give you the spelling for the part of the word you got
         correct plus the next letter.  It also counts against your grade!
         Hit this instead of 'Check Word' to check you spelling.


ADD/MODIFY A SPELLING LIST:
===========================

To Add a New List:
------------------

1.) In the 'List' box enter the name of the new spelling list you want
     to create (for example, 'test' ).

2.) Go to the 'New Word' box and type in the next word you want to
     add to your list.

3.) Tab to 'New File Name'.  It should automatically fill in a file name
     based on the new word you are adding.  The only reason this field
     is in here is if you are using an FAT file system instead of HPFS so
     you can shorten words longer than eight (8) characters down to 8
     characters or less.

4.) Tab to record and hit 'enter' (or click it).

5.) When the window pops up, record your word, and hit OK when done.

6.) Repeat steps 2 thru 5 for all words you want to add to your list.

7.) Select the appropriate 'List Type:' from the pull down box.
     This ties this list of words to particular command phrases or to a
     'Spelling List'.

8.) After entering all new words you want click 'Save List' to save it.


To Modify a List:
-----------------

1.) In the 'List' box enter the name of the spelling list you want
     to modify (for example, 'test' ).

2.) Click on 'Load'.

3.) Use the steps above to add new words and the available options
     listed below to modify your list.

Other Options:
--------------

'Load':  This will load the list you chose into the existing list of words.
           In other words you can load multiple lists into one to combine
           them if you want.

'ReRecord Word':  This will let you rerecord the selected word that is
          is already in your list.

'Play Word':  This will play the selected word to test how it sounds.

'Delete Word':  This deletes the selected word(s) from your list.

'Save List':  This saves your list of words into the chosen *.spl file for
          later recall in the practice session.

'Delete List':  This will delete the opened list *.spl file and all the
          associated *.wav files for the words in the list.

'Clear List':  This will clear the list of words.

'Exit':  Quits out of this window.

Drag-N-Drop Into Word List Window:
--------------------------------------

You can create new lists from existing .wav files by simply dragging
*.wav and/or *.spl files onto either word list window.
If you drop a *.spl file it will load all the words in that list!

If you do not have a list open and you drop a single *.spl file it will
open that list and use its name.
If you have already established a spelling list name (either opened an
existing one or put in a name for a new list) and drop files onto
the window they will be added to the existing open list.

If you drop a file other than *.wav or *.spl it will just ignore it,
therefore you can select a range of files with non-applicable files
in the list and it will load all the applicable files and skip the others.

Pop-Up Menu (for left word list window):
--------------------------------------

'Make Default':  This moves the first selected word in the list to the top.
          For the special list like the multi-response list, if you do not have
          the multi-response checked for a list you can still have a list of
          responses and it will then use the first in the list.  Likewise for the
          Prefix phrase you can have a list of them and it will use the top
          phrase in the list.

'Rename':  This lets you rename the word and or the filename associated
          with the word.  If you change the path for a word it will MOVE the
          file to the new location.

**********************************************************

License:

You are granted a license to use the software as is for up to 30 days
after which you must either pay to register it or discontinue using it.
If you do not register it you have no further rights to use the program.
If you do register it you are paying for the right 'to use' that major
version of the program for which you paid.  You have no other rights
to the program.  You cannot disassemble the code or modify the code
in any way.  You can freely distribute the original file to others as
shareware. All rights are reserved by me.

Warranty and Guarantee:

None.  If you are the kind that likes to sue people instead of earning
a living and doesn't mind further turning this country into a crap shoot
of who can sue who first, don't use this program.  I certainly can't
guarantee it will make your child an Ace speller.  You judge its usefullness.

Support to Registered Users:

If you find a major bug that damages the usability of this program for its
intended use I will make every effort to provide you with a fix within 30
days or return you your money.  You can either write me thru snail mail
or send email to my CompuServe address listed below.  I also hang out
in the os2user forum.

My Intent:

To provide a good and useful program at a reasonable price and to remedy any
bugs that might be found in a reasonable time as long as it doesn't impede
my real job.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

To Register Spell Master software:

Fill out these fields below.  Be exact in these as they tie into your registration key.


      Whole Name: ________________________________  (First Middle Init. Last)(At least 9 characters)

         Address: ________________________________     (At least 7 characters)

City, State, Zip: ________________________________     (At least 9 characters)

Where did you get the program: ______________________________________

Your Email address and type: ________________________________________

If Internet, does your email have MIME (file attachment) capabilities?: _________
(like OS/2 Ultimail) so I could send you a zip file.

Your sound card: __________________________________

[I will try to keep registered users, that have email, abreast of pertinent updates, etc...]

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Send U.S. $20.00 with this info. and a self addressed stamped envelope to:

Stan Towianski
(spell master software)
8711 Leslie
Sterling Hts, MI  48314

I will send you back the registration key in your envelope to
put into your program to unlock the full functionality of the program.

Or if you wish you can skip the self addressed stamped and enclose me your
Internet or CompuServe address and I will email you back your registration
key.

Any and all constructive comments are welcomed!

Other Languages:

This program can be used by anyone for (almost) any language.
If you speak a different language and would like a version with all the
windows in your language you could write down all the English window
phrases and the equivalent in your language and I (time and ability
permitting) might make an attempt to publish a version in your language.

I studied Spanish a lot before, though it has been a long time, so that is
a likely candidate.

Notify Educators:

If you happen to know any educators you might let them know about this
program as I think they would be interested.  I would appreciate it and it
could help OS/2.


Main Posting Areas:

CompuServe: os2share (Shareware lib), os2user (Open Forum lib)
BBS: Pete Norloff's at 1-703-385-4325
Internet: ftp.cdrom.com   (/pub/os2/incoming - until they move it)
Internet: hobbes.nmsu.edu
Internet: Pete Norloff's   www.os2bbs.com

Contact Info:
=============
Stan Towianski

CompuServe:  72242,221
Internet:  [e-mail]              (that is 72242period...)

Thank You.