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USER'S MANUAL FOR TYPE TREK (C) Copyright 1991 by Joe Kretschmer Tea Time Software CONTENTS: What is TYPE TREK?........................1 Installing TYPE TREK......................2 Playing TYPE TREK.........................3 Basics of Touch Typing....................7 What is Shareware?.......................10 Disclaimer and Agreement.................12 Registering Your Copy of TYPE TREK.......13 WHAT IS TYPE TREK? TYPE TREK is a typing tutor in game format. As a game, it follows (loosely) the classic Star Trek games that originated on mainframe computers, where the goal was to seek out and des- troy Klingon ships. (That was long before "Star Trek: the Next Generation" appeared, when Klingons were the enemy.) As a typing tutor, TYPE TREK introduces the keys on the keyboard, starting with the "home row" keys, and adding keys until the keyboard is mastered. Controlled drills are provided through the use of "code words" that fire phasers and photon torpedoes, move the Enterprise, dock and refuel, etc. TYPE TREK can be enjoyed by experienced typists as well as novices. For example, Level 14 provides drills for the number keys (usually the top row of keys). Typing classes may not cover this row, since it really isn't essential, so here is a chance to finally learn it. Level 15 provides a general review of all the keys. There are so many keyboard layouts that TYPE TREK does not attempt to teach function keys (F1, F2, etc.) or specialized keys such as PgUp, PgDn, Insert, Num Lock, and so on. TYPE TREK concentrates on the "QUERTY" layout -- the alphabetic, number and punctuation keys (including the SHIFT keys and the space bar) normally found in the middle area of typewriters and computer terminals. Page 1 INSTALLING TYPE TREK If you have a floppy disk system (no hard disk): (1) Boot your computer with your DOS (system) diskette. (2) Insert the TYPE TREK disk into Drive B. (3) Type B:TTK and press ENTER to start TYPE TREK. (If you have only one floppy drive and no hard drive, remove your DOS disk from the drive and replace it with the TYPE TREK disk. Type TTK and press ENTER to start.) If you have a hard disk, I would suggest the following: (1) Turn on your computer and get the C:> prompt. (2) Insert the TYPE TREK diskette into drive A (or B). (3) Make a subdirectory called TTREK by typing "md ttrek" (without the quotes), then press the ENTER key. (The space between "md" and "ttrek" is important!) (4) Change to the new subdirectory by typing "cd ttrek". (5) Type "copy a:ttk.*" and press the ENTER key. (Make that "b:" is your disk is in the B drive.) +-------------------------------------------------------+ | TIP: The best way to have games on a hard disk is to | | make a subdirectory called GAMES. (Type "md games" | | and press ENTER.) Then type "cd games" [ENTER] to go | | to this subdirectory. Then make "sub-subdirectories" | | to hold each individual game and its files. (Type | | "md xxxx" [ENTER] where "xxxx" is the name of the new | | subdirectory. Eventually, you will end up with an | | arrangement like this: | | C:\------GAMES------+--game1 | | (root) |--game2 | | |--game3 ...etc. | | This will keep you from overwriting README and other | | files with similar names, and enable you to copy or | | erase individual games easily. | +-------------------------------------------------------+ TYPE TREK needs only the TTK.EXE file to execute. The files on the distribution diskette include: TTK.EXE -- the executable file README.COM -- how to install TTK.DOC -- the manual (this file) POEM.COM -- mildly amusing TTK.FRM -- registration form poem Page 2 PLAYING TYPE TREK The object of the game is the same as "classic" Star Treks: to rid the galaxy of hostile Klingon ships. After you've picked a playing level, boxes at the lower right of the screen will show how many Klingons are left, as well as how many photon torpedoes remain and the current quadrant coordinates. The TYPE TREK galaxy is composed of 21 quadrants. Each quadrant may have a maximum of 4 Klingons, or it may be Klingon-free. The TYPE TREK game screen is divided into four areas: +---------------------------------------+ | +-------------------------+ | [WPM | | | | | BOX] | (1) VIEWPORT----> | |---------| | | | | | | +---[...Message Area...]--+ | <--- (3) WORD | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 - = <- | | BOXES | Q W E R T Y U I O P [ ] | |---------| (2) KEYBD.---> A S D F G H J K L ; '<-+ | | | SH Z X C V B N M , . / SH | <--- (4) STATUS | [ SPACEBAR ] | | AREA +-----------------------------+---------+ The VIEWPORT (1) is where most action occurs. There is also a message area right below the viewport where you will do your typing, and receive messages from your crew. When you type, each key is highlighted in the KEYBOARD (2) area, including the space bar and shift keys. The keyboard area allows you to have a keyboard image in front of you and watch the viewport at the same time. During refueling, which is a "mini-game" by it- self, certain keys will highlight and you will have to type them to complete the refueling process. ------------- SPECIAL NOTE: You will make faster progress if do NOT look at ------------- the keyboard (especially the real one) as you type. However, at first it will be necessary because you are just learning where the keys are. Soon after you have mastered the"Home Row" keys, you will be able to find any key without looking. (See "Basics of Touch Typing" -- page 7.) To do anything in TYPE TREK, you must type special code words for each command. These words appear in the WORD BOXES (3) area, and change after each action. These "code words" have been specially selected to give you the practice you need at whatever level you are playing. For example, at Level 1 you use only four keys, A, S, D, and F, so the code words are words like "fad" or "as". Sometimes the codes are two-word phrases. They may also contain capital letters. You must press the ENTER key after typing each code word or phrase. You can use the backspace key to correct your mistakes, but if the word is misspelled or mistyped when you press ENTER, a nearby Klingon ship will be alerted and Page 3 move into your quadrant. You will get a lot of unwanted company if you type carelessly! Finally, the STATUS AREA (4) shows you how many torpedoes you have left, how many Klingon ships are still lurking in the galaxy, and the coordinates (e.g., A1, B3, C5, etc.) of the current quadrant (the one the Enterprise is in). When you select "Start a New Game" from the main menu, TYPE TREK will ask you to select a playing level. This screen will appear in the viewport: +----------------------------------------------------+ | Choose from one of these levels... | | | | 1: ASDF only 6: adds Q P 11: adds Z X | | 2: adds JKL; 7: adds G H 12: adds C , | | 3: adds E I 8: adds T Y 13: adds ? . | | 4: adds R U 9: adds V M 14: adds numbers | | 5: adds W O 10: adds B N 15: all keys | | | | Type playing level and press ENTER: | +----------------------------------------------------+ Type the number of the level, press the ENTER key, and you will be asked: Long or Short Game? Press L or S key to select: Just press the "L" or "S" key--you don't have to press ENTER. A pop-up screen will show you where the code words are. After you press a key, the pop-up box disappears and the viewport shows you the current quadrant which is always the one containing the Enterprise. It is a good idea to immediately type the code word under the COMPUTER box, then press ENTER. A computer scanner will display the contents of all 21 quadrants, showing your present location (a flashing 'E'), the base ('B') and any Klingons (K's) in the quadrant. You will be asked if you want to warp to a new quadrant. You are not timed while studying the scanner, so you can take your time to decide where you want to go, or just take a break from the action. Klingons may be destroyed by phasers or torpedoes. You may have to hit the Klingons with several phaser blasts, but a torpedo will always destroy them. In return, the Klingons will attack you the instant you enter a quadrant where they are present, and every so often, damage reports will appear. (Attacks are suspended when you consult the computer scanner, however.) When damage levels reach a certain point, a message will appear, and you will have to take time out for repairs. Areas of the Enterprise that have been damaged (such as warp drives, Page 4 life support systems, etc.) will be shown in the viewport. The specific areas that need repair (e.g., oxygen, water) will be displayed over the word boxes, and you will have to type in code words just as you do to fire phasers or bring up the computer when you're in battle mode. The reserve computers will scan for damages and tell you when they've been repaired. In a short game (about 10-15 Klingons) you may be able to finish your mission without docking, but in a long game (about 20-40 Klingons) you will eventually run out of torpedoes and phaser power and will have to dock at the starbase to refuel. (You have reserve tanks that will always get you to the quadrant with the base.) When you type in the code word to dock, the screen will change and the refueling area of the Enterprise will appear. Now the game changes. Instead of typing words from the boxes, you will have to type characters highlighted in the keyboard area. You aren't timed during this exercise, but mis- takes will prolong the process. When finished, you will have full phaser power and a complete set of (10) torpedoes. To move around the galaxy, type the code word for the computer. A scanner will appear, showing the TYPE TREK galaxy: +---------------------------------------------------------+ | QUAD: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | | -------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------| | S | A | KKK | K | E | K | KK | | K | | C | | | | | | | | | | A +---+------+------+------+------+------+------+------| | N | B | K | KK | K | | K | KKK | KKKK | | N | | | | | | | | | | E +---+------+------+------+------+------+------+------| | R | C | KK | | | KKKK | KKK | K | KK | | | | | B | | | | | | +---------------------------------------------------------+ Quadrants are labelled by row and column: A, B or C for the rows, and 1-7 for the columns. In the above example, the Enterprise (a flashing "E") is in Quadrant A3 (Row A, Column 3). The starbase ("B") is in C2. Each red "K" is a Klingon ship. Stars are not shown in the computer scanner because they play no real part in the game. A message will ask you: "Warp to a new quad (Y/N)?" If you press the "N" key, you will be return- ed to the game, but pressing "Y" will indicated that you want to move (warp) to a new quadrant. A "pop-up" sign will appear telling you how to warp to a a new quadrant. After you press a key, the sign disappears and a flashing cursor marks your present quadrant. Just move this cursor with the arrow keys (it will move a quad at a time) to the quadrant you want to go to, the press ENTER. After some special effects, you will find yourself in the new quadrant, and you will see the Enterprise, Klingon ships, stars, and whatever else is there. Page 5 The game is over when you have destroyed the last Klingon ship, and an animated "congratulations" screen appears. When you press a key, the next screen tells you if you have main- tained an average typing speed of 25 WPM (words per minute). If you have, you will be "promoted" and should pick the next higher level for the next game you play. TYPE TREK has no high score lists. In fact, TYPE TREK has no scoring at all other than the WPM in the upper right of the screen. The satisfaction comes from raising your typing speed and mastering the entire keyboard. Even after you have done this, it's still fun just to while away a few minutes blasting Klingons. TYPE TREK has many options while playing. First, the main menu offers six options: +----------------------------------+ | 1. Start a new game | | 2. Resume a game in progress | | 3. Playing instructions | | 4. Basics of touch typing | | 5. Registration information | | 6. Quit and return to DOS | +----------------------------------+ You can access this main menu anytime while playing TYPE TREK by pressing the ESC key. To resume the game, just press the number "2" key. Pressing the "3", "4" or "5" keys makes a "pop-up" box appear with short playing instructions, touch typing hints, or information on how to register your copy of TYPE TREK. Pressing the "6" key immediately exits the program and returns you to DOS. In addition to the main menu, five function keys are active while you are playing TYPE TREK. Pressing F1 will bring up this help screen: +---------------------------------------------------------+ | SPECIAL KEY ASSIGNMENTS IN TYPE TREK: | | | | F1 -- Shows this hints screen. | | F2 -- Shows a Home Row Fingering Chart | | F3 -- Shows a 'Reach Chart' (which fingers type keys | | other than those on the Home Row.) | | F4 -- Shows playing hints. | | F5 -- 'Boss Key': clears the screen and shows a DOS | | prompt. Pressing any key will resume the game. | +---------------------------------------------------------+ Pressing F2 or F3 displays fingering charts in the viewport. These charts can be very helpful for those just learning to type. See the section on touch typing for more details. Pressing F4 brings up a screen of playing hints. F5 is the traditional "boss key", Page 6 and will cause the entire game screen to disappear and be replaced by a blank screen with a "C:>" prompt and flashing cursor. Just press any key to instantly restore the game at the point where you pressed F5. This means you have five ways to pause the game: pressing ESC, or F1 through F5. While the object of TYPE TREK is to clear out the Klingons, the actual goal of the game is to provide an entertaining way to learn to type. TYPE TREK provides exercises at appropriate levels, but it is also necessary to understand certain techniques that form the basis of touch typing. This is the subject of the next section. BASICS OF TOUCH TYPING Watching an experienced typist's fingers fly over the keys can be intimidating. You could easily get the impression that rapid typing is the result of years of learning complex tech- niques. The truth is that the touch typing method is very simple. The "secret" is memorizing the positions of only eight keys, called the HOME ROW KEYS. These keys are show below: +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+ | A | S | D | F | G | H | J | K | L | ; | +-|-+-|-+-|-+-|-+---+---+-|-+-|-+-|-+-|-+ little | | | | | | little ring | | | | ring middle | | middle index index Don't worry about the G and H keys, they will be learned later. When you begin to type, the bottoms of your palms rest just in front of the keyboard. The left little finger rests on the A key, the left ring finger on the S key, the left middle on the D key, and the left index finger on the F key. The right hand fingers rest on the J, K, L, and semicolon (;) keys respectively. The most important habit to form when touch typing is to ALWAYS KEEP YOUR FINGERS ON THE HOME KEYS. Of course, you will have to lift a finger or two temporarily while you type keys other than A-S-D-F-J-K-L-;, but immediately after typing a non- home-row key, your finger should always "come home" to it's assigned home row key. For example, to type "dad" you don't have to leave the home row--just press the D key with the left middle finger, press the A key with the left little finger, then press the D with the left middle finger again. But to type a word like "fade", you would type the f-a-d with home row keys, then "reach up" with the left middle finger to type the "e", then RETURN YOUR LEFT MIDDLE FINGER TO ITS "HOME"--THE D KEY. This last point cannot be emphasized enough--it is the key to touch typing, for it enables you to find every key without looking at the keyboard. In other words, by "touch." Page 7 This might seem difficult at first, but it's really not too hard. The trick is to take it slowly, mastering the home row keys first, then adding one or two others until the whole keyboard is committed to "kinesthetic memory"--a psychological term for "muscle" or "touch" memory. It's the same kind of memory that enabled you to learn to walk, ride a bicycle, swim or do most physical activities. To make the task of "finding" the other keys easier, each finger has several "non-home-row" keys assigned to it. Below is a "reach chart"--it shows which keys are assigned to each finger: Q W E R T Y U I O P | | | | / \ | | | | +---+ +---+ +---+ +---+ +---+ +---+ +---+ +---+ | A | | S | | D | | F |--G H-- | J | | K | | L | | ; | +---+ +---+ +---+ +---+ +---+ +---+ +---+ +---+ | | | | \ / | | | | Z X C V B N M , . / If you study the chart, you can see that the index fingers bear most of the work, being responsible for 12 keys--almost half of the 30 keys shown. The other fingers have only three keys to worry about, with the exception of the right little finger, which reaches over to press the ENTER key when necessary. (By the way, both the HOME ROW chart and the REACH CHART are available for reference during the game. Just press F2 to see the HOME ROW chart, and F3 to see the REACH CHART. Then press any key to return to the game without penalty.) There are four other keys you will use right from the start: the SPACEBAR, the ENTER key, and the two SHIFT keys. The SPACEBAR, the long key at the very bottom of the keyboard, is always typed with one thumb or the other. For example, if you are typing with your left hand, it will be easier to press the spacebar with your right thumb. You won't really have to think about this--after a while it will come naturally. It takes a bit of a stretch to press the ENTER key while keeping your fingers on the home row keys, but don't be tempted to lift your fingers. On most IBM-compatible computers the ENTER key (also called the RETURN key) is located to the right of the "quote" key, as shown below: "Quote" key +---+ | | | +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+-|-+--+ | | | A | S | D | F | G | H | J | K | L | ; | " | <--+ | +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---|--+ | ENTER key Page 8 Since the left little finger is normally resting on the semi- colon (;) key, it's just a short stretch to the ENTER key. To make the ENTER key easier to find by touch, most considerate key- board manufacturers not only make this key larger, but give it a "backwards L" shape. You shouldn't have any trouble finding this key after a while, especially since TYPE TREK requires pressing ENTER after you type in each code word. The SHIFT keys take a little getting used to. To type a capital letter (or the symbols over the numbers on the top row), you have to HOLD DOWN one of the shift keys while typing the key you want 'shifted.' TYPE TREK will mix in capital with small letters from the first level so you will learn this quickly. You only have to hold down one of the shift keys, so common sense will tell you to use one nearest the hand that is not busy typing the letter. (Again, this will come naturally with practice.) TYPE TREK provides exercises in order of difficulty, start- ing with the left home row keys (Level 1: ASDF), then the right home keys (Level 2: JKL;). Each level above Level 1 also re- views the previous levels by providing words with those letters as well. For example, Level 1 has words like AS, FAD, SAD. Level 2 has words such as LAD, SALAD and FLASK, which use the ASDF keys as well. This way the words get far more inter- esting and realistic as you progress up the levels. Level 3 adds E and I, Level 4 adds R and U, Level 5 adds W and O, and Level 6 adds Q and P. Thus, by Level 6 you will have mastered most of the three major rows of keys. Each level (beyond 2) adds two new keys, one for each hand. The bottom row of keys are generally the hardest to learn, because they require some unusual stretches. For this reason, keys like B, N, C, Z, X and V are added last--Levels 9-13 in TYPE TREK. Level 14 gives you the opportunity to learn the num- ber keys along the top row of the keyboard. This was important to master during the age of typewriters, but most computer key- boards have a numeric keypad to the right that is really better suited for numeric entry. Nevertheless, many people still like to use the top row numbers, and often need the symbols (!, @, #, $, %, ^, &, *, (, ), _ + ) which are accessed by holding down one of the SHIFT keys and pressing the appropriate number key. TYPE TREK provides this practice in Level 14. Level 15 uses all the keys, including the number keys on occasion. A short comment is in order regarding WPM (words per minute) scores. TYPE TREK's algorithm to compute WPM is not exact--but it is based on average word lengths and comes close. I would recommend against trying to become a speed demon, but urge you to strive for accuracy instead. Take your time and have fun with your game lessons. Most people do very well "coasting along" at 20-30 WPM. (Actually, this is pretty fast.) If you were enrolled in an actual credit typing class, your WPM would be adjusted for any mistakes you made while typing. TYPE TREK uses subtle methods (such as luring Klingons to your quadrant) to penalize inaccurate Page 9 typing, so if your WPM is 18, but 100% accurate, it's probably as good as 35 WPM with several "type-o's" every 100 words or so. Generally speaking, don't get hung up on speed--especially on levels 14 and 15. You are not "promoted" past Level 13 anyway, since these levels are designed to be especially challenging. Besides keeping your fingers on their assigned "home" keys, and working your way through the levels one at a time, the only sure way to master the keyboard is practice! Practice at least 15-20 minutes a day--more if possible. With an hour a day of concentrated practice, most people should be able to master touch typing in less than a month. With more practice, learning will go faster. However long it takes you, it will be one of the best investments of time you can make. Touch typing is like riding a bicycle--once you learn it, you never really have to learn it again, especially if you use it frequently. TYPE TREK not only provides a way to learn to type, it also provides a pleasant way to keep your skills fresh, or to become even faster and more accurate. WHAT IS SHAREWARE? Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs differ on details -- some request registration while others require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using the software to an updated program with printed manual. Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a specific group. For example, some authors require written permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware. Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy. And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee--if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it. Page 11 DISCLAIMER - AGREEMENT Users of TYPE TREK must accept this disclaimer of warranty: "TYPE TREK is supplied as is. The author disclaims 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 conse- quential, which may result from the use of TYPE TREK." TYPE TREK is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with your friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of another system. The essence of "user-supported" software is to provide personal computer users with quality software without high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to continue to develop new products. If you find this program useful and find that you are using TYPE TREK and continue to use TYPE TREK after a reasonable trial period, you must make a reg- istration payment of $20 to Tea Time Software. The $20 registration fee will license one copy for use on any one computer at any one time. You must treat this software just like a book. An example is that this software may be used by any number of people and may be freely moved from one computer location to another, so long as there is no possibility of it being used at one location while it's being used at another. Just as a book cannot be read by two different persons at the same time. Commercial users of TYPE TREK must register and pay for their copies of TYPE TREK within 30 days of first use or their license is withdrawn. Site-License arrangements may be made by contacting Tea Time Software. Anyone distributing TYPE TREK for any kind of remuneration must first contact Tea Time Software at the address below for authorization. Authorization is automatically granted to distributors recognized by the Association of Shareware Professionals as adhering to its guidelines for shareware distributors, and such distributors may begin offering TYPE TREK immediately. (However, Tea Time Software must still be advised so that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latest version of TYPE TREK.) This program is produced by 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 re- solve 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 CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536. Page 12 REGISTERING YOUR COPY OF TYPE TREK To register your copy of TYPE TREK, just print the file on the disk called TTK.FRM. With the distribution disk in the A drive, type "copy a:ttorder.frm prn". (Spaces are important! If the disk is in the B drive, just substitute "b:" for "a:".) You could also type "print a:ttorder.frm" with the same results. If you don't have a printer, give the command "type a:ttorder.frm" and copy the form from the screen. Filling out the order form will insure we have a complete record of your registration so that you can receive notices of new products, free updates, technical support and, of course, your 20% discount on all future Tea Time Software registrations. Send the form with cash, or a check or money order for $20 made out to Tea Time Software. (Ohio residents add $1.00 for sales tax.) Send your registration to: Tea Time Software 92 Acorn Circle Oxford OH 45056 Soon after we receive your registration you will receive a postcard which will serve as a receipt and acknowledgement. If you have any problems or questions about TYPE TREK or any Tea Time Software product, please contact Joe Kretschmer at the above address or via CompuServe at 71020,1350. Sorry, but I don't have telephone support yet--I haven't "quit my day job" as they say. TYPE TREK was beta-tested by both adults and children, and I think I've gotten all of the bugs out, but there is always a possible "sneaky bug" lurking out there. Technical support is available for any Tea Time product for a full year after the software is registered. (But we're probably not going to turn away your calls or letters even after the year has elapsed. Shareware authors tend to be rather flexible about these things.) Many of TYPE TREK's best features were suggested by my beta testers, so if you have comments or suggestions, feel free to let me know. And be on the look-out for WORDTRIS--a new EGA/VGA game from Tea Time Software that teaches phonics through a Tetris- like game format, complete with high-resolution, full-color picture clues! This game should be available sometime in the fall of 1991. Thanks again for considering TYPE TREK for your software collection. It made its first appearance as a 16K BASIC program for the Tandy Color Computer. Since then, it has been converted to compiled BASIC for the IBM PC, then completely rewritten in Turbo C++. It consists of over 9,600 lines of code. It has been a labor of love for me, as well as a valuable learning experience. I hope it will be a pleasant experience for you as well. Page 13