home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
Fritz: All Fritz
/
All Fritz.zip
/
All Fritz
/
FILES
/
HOBBBIES
/
CROSSW.LZH
/
XWORD.TXT
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1987-12-31
|
6KB
|
159 lines
XWord Toolkit by JJO Software
PURPOSE
XWord is a fast, flexible and compact menu-driven crossword puzzle
toolkit for the IBM PC and compatibles. While easy to use, the present
release is intended for serious crossword puzzle creators. Future
releases may include solve-for-fun capability, if registered users so
desire.
FEATURES
1. A define function permits entry of puzzle title and size, from 15x15
(NY Times daily) to 23x23 (NY Times Sunday). The default is 21x21.
2. By means of the cursor, words may be entered in any order and in any
location of the puzzle grid; and, cursor speed is adjustable.
3. Words may be rubbed out (erased) from any location; but, they are
saved to a "move" list and can be recovered and placed in another
location.
4. The word lists "across," "down" and "move" and clues may be viewed
at any time.
5. Clues need not be entered at the time words are entered into the
puzzle grid. They may be entered and edited whenever it is convenient
to do so.
6. A complete set of printed materials is produced: puzzle blank, list
of clues and puzzle solution. Word numbers, blanks and "blocks" are
automatically inserted.
7. All puzzle information, including the "move" list, is saved to a
disk file. When the file is loaded, the puzzle size is set and words
entered automatically.
8. Safety and ease of use. Functions are interlocked so as to prevent
inadvertent loss of current the puzzle. In addition, you are beeped
when attempting a function which cannot be accomplished from the
current puzzle state.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
System: Any member of the IBM PC or PS/2 family, or compatible, with
DOS 2.1, or later.
Memory: 96 kb, over and above DOS and any resident programs, should be
adequate.
Video: XWord does not require graphics and has been run with IBM VGA,
EGA, mono and CGA adapters, and a Hercules adapter. However, no
accommodation has been made in this release for color monitors.
Printer: An IBM ProPrinter, or one which emulates it, is needed to
print the IBM block graphics characters used for printing the puzzle.
RUNNING XWORD
To run XWord, type XWORD at the system prompt. A title and copyright
block will appear, followed by the main menu. Menu functions are
selected by typing a key letter, in either upper or lower case, as
follows:
C)lues: View, add or edit clues for words already entered into the
puzzle grid. You may enter or replace existing clues, or simply scroll
through the word lists.
D)efine: Create a new puzzle definition, including size and title. You
will be cautioned that any current puzzle existing in memory will be
lost so that you can exit and save it.
E)dit: Invokes the XWord Editor which places the puzzle grid on the
screen and permits words to be entered or rubbed out in any order and
in any location. See XWord Editor for details.
I)nfo: Displays this file screen by screen, if it's in the current
directory.
L)oad: Load a puzzle file from disk. You will be cautioned as for the
Define function. Based upon the definition record, the puzzle is sized
and titled automatically.
N)ame: Name or rename the current puzzle. Has no effect otherwise.
P)uzzle: View and print (optional) the current puzzle blank, clues
list and solution (completed puzzle).
S)ave: Save a puzzle file to disk. Automatically saves the current
puzzle definition, title and word lists.
W)ord: View and print (optional) the current word lists - "across,"
"down" and "move."
X)it: quit. You will be cautioned as for the Define function.
XWORD EDITOR
Invoked from the main menu by E)dit, the editor is the XWord engine.
Upon entry to the editor, the current puzzle name and size are shown,
along with a grid for word placement. Words, if any, from the current
lists are displayed in their proper locations. The active keys are:
Cursor (4): arrow keys which position the cursor.
Rate (1..8): change cursor travel rate to the selected value. If the
rate is set greater than one, you may not be able to get to the edges
of the grid. If so, simply reset to 1.
+: insert a new word at the cursor location. You will be prompted to
(1) specify "across" or "down" by means of the arrow (cursor) keys
and (2) enter the word.
-: rub out a word at the cursor location and place on the "move" list.
You will be prompted to specify "across" or "down."
*: place a word from the "move" list at the cursor location. You will
be prompted to specify "across" or "down." The "move" list is then
displayed and the word selected (by number) for placement on the grid.
<Enter>: exit the editor and return to the main menu.
The editor performs checking to be sure that words will fit in the
prescribed location and direction. If not, you are "beeped" and the
operation is aborted.
FUTURE UPGRADES
Possible future functions/enchancements include:
1. A solve-for-fun capability with file setting to "read-only."
2. Greater range of sizes (and shapes?). Somewhat dependent upon
video adapters, e.g., EGA.
3. Printout options as to size and placement.
4. Adjustments for color monitors.
What is to be implemented, if anything, will be determined via feedback
from the registered users.
REGISTRATION
Written communications from all XWord users will be accepted and
answered. However, only registered users will be given a daytime phone
number which may be used for discussing upgrades and for technical
support. Registered users are to receive at least one upgrade, not
including bug fixes. To register, send a $20 check or money order along
with your name, address and phone number (optional) to:
JJO Software
174 Westover Court
Delran, NJ 08075
***