Experimental BBS Explossion 3/Experimental BBS Explossion III.iso/educate/spanwp10.zip/SPANISH.DOC

Text File | 1994-01-09 | 31KB | 713 lines

                        Spanish Word Power
                from BC Enterprises Software, Inc.

I. Introduction

     Congratulations on your acquisition of Spanish Word Power
from BC Enterprises!  We have worked hard to bring you a program
that helps you build your Spanish vocabulary, but which is also
fun and easy to use.  We think Spanish Word Power fits the bill,
and we hope you will agree.

     This program is directed toward anyone who would like to
have a better working vocabulary in the Spanish language.  The
program is not so much meant to teach you Spanish as to give you
vocabulary drill.  However, the program does also include
sentences for each of the words used.  This will help you get an
idea of the real-world usage of the words.

     The testing program contains a total of 1200 words (all with
sentences), and 400 sentences for translation. The words are
broken down into three categories: Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives/Misc.
The third category is predominantly adjectives, but several tests
of adverbs, prepositions, and pronouns are included.  The
sentences for translation are sentences taken from the first
three word lists.  Up to 400 hundred new words can be added by
the student in a category called User File. Additionally, any or
all of the current words can be replaced or modified.  Each of
the categories is broken up into 20 tests of 20 words each. The
program offers two separate testing formats for drill on these
words -- multiple choice and matching.

     You might think that learning 1200 Spanish words is not very
much.  Compared to the total number of words in a language, that
is true.  But compared to the working vocabulary you would need
to be fairly fluent in Spanish, 1200 words is a very large
number.  If you can learn the words in this program, and study
verb tenses and sentence construction, you will be well on your
way to a good working knowledge of Spanish.


I.2. Shareware

        Spanish Word Power is marketed as shareware, meaning that
if you like it and use it, you are expected to register the
program by sending $19 to:

        BC Enterprises Software
        P.O. Box 18
        Front Royal, VA  22630

        When you register you will receive the Windows version of
this program, which is now available only as a commercial program,
and includes a nice printed manual.

        Please support shareware by registering this program.


II. Using Spanish Word Power

II.1. System Configuration

     The minimum system configuration needed to run the program
is an IBM or compatible with 256K of RAM and one floppy drive.
Running with two floppy drives is better, however, since this
will mean you will not have to switch disks during program use.
Running the program from a hard disk is optimal, as this will
increase ease of use and the speed of the program.

     If you do not have a hard disk, then be sure to make a copy
of the distribution disk.


II.1.1. Using a one-drive system.

     To start Spanish Word Power, put your copy (you did make a
copy, didn't you?) of the program disk in drive A:.  Type SPANISH
and then hit <Enter>.  When the program screen comes up and the
drive stops spinning, take the program disk out and put the data
disk in.  From this point, you should be able to run the program
normally.

     Note that the program automatically saves a file of words
you miss each day, so make sure periodically that your data disk
does not fill up with these files.  If your disk does fill up,
you could erase these daily files, or you could copy some of the
data files to another disk.

II.1.2. Using a two-drive system.

     Put the program disk in drive A:, and the data disk in drive
B:.  To let the program know that it should look for the data in
drive B:, you must run the Spanish Word Power Installation
program.  To do this, type SPANINST and then hit <Enter>.  When
the program screen comes up, push <S> to enter the Setup Menu.
Now push <P> for Path. Type "B:" in the space provided, and then
hit Enter.  Now push <E> to enter the Exit Menu, and push <E>
again the exit the program.  Now you are ready to run Spanish
Word Power by typing SPANISH and then hitting <Enter>.

II.1.3. Using a hard disk system.

     If you have a hard disk system, the most convenient way to
run the program is to have all the files in one directory.
However, if you wish, you may keep your program files in one
directory, and your data files in a different directory.  If you
want to do this, then you will have to tell Spanish Word Power
where to look for the data files.  In order to do this, following
the directions above in section II.1.2. for setting the path.


II.2. The Main Menu Screen

     On the Main Menu Screen, you will notice that there are
listed five different categories of tests which you may select:
Nouns, Verbs, Adj./Misc., Sentences, and User File.  You may also
choose to exit the program from here.  In order to choose a test,
or to exit, use the up and down arrows to move the selection bar.


     Two other commands are available to you from the Main Menu
Screen.  The first of these is "DOS Shell", which is accessed by
holding down the <Alt> key and pushing <X>.  The shell command is
useful if you need to delete or copy files while Spanish Word
Power is running.  Note that in order to execute a Shell, your
system must have access to a copy of the COMMAND.COM program
which is located on your boot disk.  If you are running the
program from a hard drive, then you need not worry about this
since your computer probably boots from the hard drive.  However,
if you are running the program with floppy drives, then you must
be sure to have a copy of your boot (system) disk in drive A:
when you execute the shell.

     By holding down the <Alt> key and pushing <S>, you will see
the statistics on the number of words you have attempted, the
number you have answered correctly, and the number you have
answered incorrectly.  These numbers are, of course, reset each
time you enter the program.  However, the statistics are not lost
by Shelling to DOS.

     Also on the Main Menu Screen are shown the Time and the
Date.  You will want to make sure the date shown is the correct
date.  The name of the file generated by the program for words
missed is based on the system date.  If your system does not have
a clock/timer, then the date will always be 01-01-1980 if you do
not set the date when you boot your computer.  This would mean
that all missed words would be written into a file named WRD01-
01, which might become a very large file over time.  So, for this
program, and for most other programs, it is a good idea to set
the correct date when you turn your computer on.


II.2.1. Choosing Test Number and Format

     Once you decide which category of test you would like to
use, move the selection bar to your choice, and Hit <Enter>. You
are now asked to choose a test number. There are 20 tests
available in the categories Nouns, Verbs, Adj./Misc., and
Sentences.  You can add up to 20 tests in your User File category
also.  To increment the test number, use the <UP ARROW> key.  To
decrement the test number, use the <DOWN ARROW> key.  If you try
to decrease the number below 1, it will cycle up to 20, and if
you try to increase the number past 20, it will cycle back to 1.
So, the fastest way to choose test 20 is to push the <DOWN ARROW>
one time.  If you decide you wish to take a test from a different
category, push <Esc> to cancel.

     After you have chosen the test number, you will be asked to
choose the test type.  There are two types of tests available:
Matching Test and Multiple Choice.  The main difference between
the two is that the Matching test works with five words at a
time, while the Multiple Choice works with only one word at a
time.  At this point, you may push <Enter> to begin the test, or
you can push <Esc> to cancel.


     If you choose the Sentences tests, you cannot choose test
type.  Only multiple choice is available.  You can, however,
choose Spanish to English, or English to Spanish.


II.3. The Word Tests

II.3.1. The Multiple Choice Test

     The Multiple Choice test is very straightforward, and should
not be difficult to understand. The target word or sentence is
presented in a box at the top of the screen. Underneath the
target word or sentence is a box containing four translations or
sentences.  You must choose the number corresponding to the
target word.  The program will tell you if you make the right
choice.  If you miss a word or sentence, the program will tell
you this, and will also highlight the number of the correct
translation or sentence.

     On the top left of the screen, the program notes which
number test you are taking.  On the top right, the program notes
the number of words you have attempted, and the number of correct
responses.  If you are using the Verbs section, then the program
will note in the upper left of the screen whether the "Display
Conjugations" is on or off.  If the conjugation display is on,
then after you enter your response to the target word, the
program will open a window showing you the conjugation of the
current verb.  In order to remove this window and continue, push
any key.  In order to toggle this option on or off, push the
<F10> function key.  We suggest that you generally keep this
option set to "ON", especially the first few times you go through
a test.

     In order to exit from the test to the Main Menu Screen, you
may push the <Esc> key instead of entering a translation number.
Pushing the <Esc> key is not recorded as an incorrect answer.

II.3.2. The Matching Test

     The Matching Test should be no more difficult to understand
than the Multiple Choice Test. In the window on the left side of
the screen are five target words. In the window on the right side
of the screen are the translations, with the letters a-e
identifying them.  You must match up the translations with the
correct word. In order to move the cursor up and down, use the
<UP ARROW> and <DOWN ARROW> keys.  If you are at the top word and
you push <UP ARROW>, then you will be placed at the last word.
If you are at the last word and you push <DOWN ARROW>, then you
will be placed at the top word.  The <Enter> key acts in exactly
the same way as the <DOWN ARROW> key.


     Please note two things.  First, the program only accepts
input of the letters a-e.  If you enter a capital letter, it is
changed to lower case. Also, entering a letter does not move you
to the next word.  In order to move to the next word, you must
push <Enter> or one of the arrow keys.

     If you are using the Verbs tests, then the program will note
along the bottom of the screen whether the "Display Conjugations"
is set to on or off.  You may toggle this option by pushing the
<F10> function key.

     When you are through entering your choices, push the <End>
key (located on the numeric keypad next to the arrow keys). The
program will count the number right and wrong, displaying them in
different colors.

     In order to exit from the test and return to the Main Menu
Screen, push the <Esc> key.


III. Using the Spanish Word Power Installation Program

III.1. Introduction

     The Spanish Word Power Installation program is an easy way
for you to customize Spanish Word Power to your tastes. Through
the Installation program, you can set many program options,
including the use of sound and colors. Some of these options can
be set only from the Installation program, while others can be
changed while you are in the Spanish Word Power program.

     Additionally, the Installation program is an easy way for
you to add to or modify the data files which come with the
program.  You can also print out any or all of the data files.

     In order to start the program, make sure your copy of the
program disk is in your disk drive, or that you are in the proper
subdirectory of your hard drive, and type SPANINST then push
<Enter>.  The Installation program has an easy-to-use pulldown
menu interface.  You will notice that there are three headings on
the menu: Files, Setup, and Exit.  In order to choose one of
these headings, move the selection bar to your choice and push
<Enter>.  Or, push the key corresponding to the first letter of
the choice.


III.2. The Files Menu

     Move the selection bar to "Files" and push <Enter>, or just
push <F> to choose the Files Menu.  On this menu, you have three
further choices: Change, Add, and Print.


III.2.1. The Change option

     If you want to change any words or translations of existing
files, choose the option "Change".  The program will now offer
you a box containing the five different test categories. To
choose one of these, move the selection bar, or push the key
corresponding to the first letter of the name. Once you choose
the category, you will be asked to pick a test number. Use the
<UP ARROW> and <DOWN ARROW> keys to choose a test number.  In
order to cancel, you may push <Esc> at any time.

     Once you choose the test number and category, you will be
placed in the data entry screen.  If you are working with the
Verbs, then this will consist of one line for the word, one line
for the translation, one line for a sentence, and eight lines for
the conjugation.  Nouns and Adj./Misc. data entry consists of one
line for the word, one line for the translation, and one line for
a sentence.  The Sentence tests contain one line for English and
one line for Spanish.

     The name of the file you are working on is displayed in the
top center of the data entry box.  You will notice that this is a
numerical file name.  For instance, if you choose to change the
third test in the verb category, the file name displayed will be
WORDS2.3, rather than VERBS3.  WORDS2.3 is the actual file name
on disk of the third test (or data file) in the verbs category.
This is because "Verbs" is the second category listed in the
Spanish Word Power program and in all other selection boxes. All
the data files on the disk are named in same way. For instance,
the tenth data file in the category Nouns would be named
WORDS1.10.

     The number of the record you are working on is displayed in
the lower left hand corner of the data entry box.  Above the data
entry box is a menu listing the different keys available to you
to do such things as move around the file, or to save your work.
Pushing the <F4> key moves you forward one record in the file.
Pushing the <F3> key moves you back one record in the file.  You
cannot advance past record 20, nor go back past record 1.  Going
forward or backward through the file automatically saves any
changes you have made to each record.

     Hitting the <F2> key will erase the entire contents of the
record, so that you can start over entering a word and
translation.  The <F1> key erases any changes you have made to
the record.  For instance, if you use the <F2> key to erase the
contents of a record, but then decide you want the record back,
you can push the <F1> key to Un-Save the change (actually the
erasure) you made.  Remember that hitting the <F3> or <F4> key to
go forward or backward will save the record to the disk, so that
you will not be able to undo your changes using the <F1> key.


     The <F9> key is the special accent key.  It is possible,
though difficult, to enter accented letters directly.  But using
<F9> is much easier.  After you type a letter which needs an
accent, simply push <F9>.  This will change the letter to an
accented letter.  Most letters, such as "e" can take several
different accents.  Repeatedly pushing <F9> will cycle through
all possible accents for the letter.  Note that <F9> operates on
the letter to the left of the current cursor position. You should
NOT type a letter, then hit left arrow to go back, and then hit
<F9>. If you need to enter an accented letter as the last
character of a data entry line, you will need to accent the
letter first, then use insert mode to move it over.

     Pushing the <F10> key saves whatever record you were working
on and deposits you back at the main menu.

     The editing commands used while in the data entry screen are
fairly standard.  Below is a list of active keys and their
respective commands:

<UP ARROW>  Moves cursor up one line
<DOWN ARROW>  Moves cursor down one line
<RIGHT ARROW>  Moves cursor one character to the right
<LEFT ARROW>  Moves cursor one character to the left
<Ctrl-RIGHT ARROW> Moves cursor one word to the right
<Ctrl-LEFT ARROW> Moves cursor one word to the left
<PgUp>  Moves cursor to the first data entry line
<PgDn>  Moves cursor to the last data entry line
<Home>  Moves cursor to the beginning of the line
<End> Moves cursor to the end of the line
<Ctrl-End>  Erases everything from the cursor to the
 end of the line
<BACKSPACE>  Delete character to left of cursor,
 moves rest of line back one space
<Del> Deletes character at cursor position,
 moves rest of line back one space
<Ins> Toggles cursor between Insert and
 Overwrite modes
<Enter>   Moves cursor down one line
<Esc> Moves cursor up one line

Most other keys (including Ctrl- and Alt- combinations) are
treated as text characters; however, some key combinations (such
as Ctrl-PgDn) generate error beeps.


III.2.2. The Add option

     The add option works in much the same way as the "Change"
option.  Use this option to add a new file.  You first choose the
category (normally "User File") and test number on which you want
to work, and then you are placed in the data entry screen.  All
of the same key combinations apply as when changing a file.


     When you are adding a file, the data entry system tends to
run a bit more slowly than when you are making changes.  This,
however, should not cause any problems.  Of course, you cannot
put more than 20 words in a file.  Also, you must enter all 20
words into a file before it can be used.


III.2.3. The Print option

     The Print option allows you to print the contents of any of
the data files.  First you must choose the category and number of
the test you want to print. The program then prints this out to
port LPT1: (parallel printer port 1).  If your printer is
attached to a port other than LPT1:, then you can use the DOS
"MODE" command to send output to a different port.  Consult your
DOS manual for more information on this.

     When printing a Verbs data file, the output takes three
sheets of paper.  Output for sentences takes one sheet.  Other
tests take two sheets. The program sends a Form Feed command
after printing the data files, but not before printing.  In order
for the program to output the data properly over page breaks, you
must be sure that your printer is set correctly at the top of a
page.  In order to do this, take your printer "OFF LINE" and then
use the "LINE FEED" button to advance the paper so that the print
head is just below the top of a page.  Now, turn your printer
off, and then turn it back on again.  This will insure proper
printing position.

     You may have to consult your printer manual if the accent
marks do not print properly.  If you have a laser printer, you
will have to make sure that you have the printer set to a font
which includes accented characters.  (On the HP LaserJet III,
font #32 works well.)

III.3. The Setup Menu

     In order to access the Setup menu, move the selection bar to
"Setup", or just push <S>.  You have five further options on this
menu: Path to Data, Colors, Conjugations, Sound, and Missed. You
can choose any of these with the selection bar or by pushing the
highlighted key.

III.3.1. Path to Data

     Setting a path to data tells Spanish Word Power where to
look for your data files.  For instance, if you are using a two-
drive system, you will probably want to set the path to "B:".
This tells the program to look on the "B:" drive for data.


     When you set a path to data, the Spanish Word Power
installation program also uses this path when it reads and writes
data files.  However, setup files (such as the file containing
the color settings and other parameters) are written on to the
current logged drive, rather than using the specified path.  So,
if you have specified "B:" as the path to data but are running
the program from "A:", all word files will be written to be "B:",
but all setup files will be written to "A:".

     If you have set an invalid path using the Path to Data
option, you will receive an error message if you try to Modify,
Change, or Print any of the data files.  You will then have to
set a proper path.  Setting a path when you receive an error
message also changes the path that is saved for use by the
Spanish Word Power program when you exit from the installation
program. For example, if you use the Path to Data option to set
the path as "E:\", but then you receive an error message and
change the path to "C:\", then the "C:\" path is saved for use by
Spanish Word Power, not the "E:\".

     If you change the path to data while using the SPANISH.EXE
program, the new path is not saved, and is only valid for the
current session.  This is true for other settings as well.  To
make permanent changes, you need to use the SPANINST.EXE program.


III.3.2. Colors

     Spanish Word Power has different default colors for both
color (including CGA, EGA, and VGA) monitors and monochrome
monitors, so you do not have to set colors to run the program.
However, you may choose to change the colors to those more to
your liking.

     You will see down the right side of the screen a list of the
colors you can set with an example of their current settings. On
the left side is a box containing samples of all possible text-
color combinations.  Choose the one you want to change from the
list on the right. Once you pick the one to change, use the arrow
keys to move around the color box and pick out the color
combination you want.  The colors on the right will change as you
move around, so you can see exactly what you are picking.  When
you decide on the right color combination, hit -Enter-.  You can
then go on and set other colors, or you can exit the color
setting function.  You have three choices at this point.  You may
Save and Exit, Exit with no save, or restore the default colors
(those initially used by Spanish Word Power).

     You may change the colors as often as you like and restore
the default colors as often as you like.

     Some of the color settings for Spanish Word Power are based
upon your other color choices. You do not have the opportunity
to set directly every last possible color for everything (this
would be too much trouble).  You can set just about every color,
and you can set all the colors at least indirectly.


III.3.3. Derived, Sound, Missed

     These three menu selections set different options for
Spanish Word Power.  To change the settings of these, push the
<SPACE> bar.  This changes the setting from "ON" to "OFF" and
back again.  When you decide which you want, push <Enter>.

     Setting Conjugations "ON" means that when you are using
Verbs in Spanish Word Power, the program will bring up a screen
of the present tense conjugation of the verb.  Setting
Conjugations "OFF" means that this screen will not be shown, and
the program will run faster.  However, this specifies only the
initial setting, and can be changed while in the testing program.

     Setting Sound "ON" means that the program will generate
sound as it runs.  When sound is on, almost every action
generates some sound.  However, it is not necessary for the
smooth operation of the program.  This setting cannot be changed
while in the testing program.

     Setting Missed "ON" means that the program will create or
add to a file saving the words for which you give incorrect
answers.  This file is handy for future study. As stated above,
the name of this file is "WRD" then the system month and day. For
instance on June 14, the file would be called WRD06-14.  This
file can be browsed or printed out using a word processing
program.  This setting cannot be changed while in the testing
program, but the program will stop writing to this file if you
run out of space on your disk.


III.4. The Exit Menu

     This menu contains only two functions: Shell to DOS, and
Exit.  Shell to DOS, as explained above lets you temporarily exit
the Spanish Word Power Installation program while keeping the
program in memory.  When you want to return to the Spanish Word
Power Installation program, type "EXIT" at the system prompt,
then push <Enter>.

     The Exit option saves all file settings and ends the Spanish
Word Power Installation program.  You should always exit the
program through this route, because this assures that all changes
you may have made are saved to the disk.



IV. Suggestions for Use

     This program will be most effective if it is used in
conjunction with other materials.  If you are currently taking a
course in Spanish, this program will be a good supplement.  If
you are not currently taking a course in Spanish, you would
probably do well to check out a Spanish language text from the
library, along with a Spanish language dictionary.  The books
will help you understand Spanish grammar, and help you understand
the sentences in this program.


     If your local library has simple Spanish literature books,
these are also help in learning.  You might not understand every
word you read, but you will be able to understand much of it.
Also, you will become more familiar with the construction of
Spanish sentences.  Even though many English and Spanish words
are very similar, Spanish syntax (sentence construction) is
different from English.

     If you are not familiar at all with Spanish, and you don't
have a Spanish language text, then you might want to study the
words, meanings, and sentences in the program first, by going
through the word lists using the SPANINST.EXE program. You can
also print out the word lists, and study them that way.  Then,
when you have achieved some familiarity, you could begin using
the main program.

     Entering more Spanish words in the User File list will also
help you learn.  Reading and writing a language is a much more
effective way to learn than simply reading.



       Appendix A

  Spanish Word Power Error Messages

This file is not on the current disk.
Enter new data disk and/or path:

     The file you have tried to open is not in the current path.
Enter a new path where the program can find the data file. Occurs
in Spanish Word Power or Spanish Word Power Installation program.


Disk is full.  Cannot continue to save
missed words to file.  Hit Enter.

     Spanish Word Power has been writing missed words to a file.
The disk is full, so it cannot continue to write.  No action need
be taken.  Occurs in Spanish Word Power.


Disk is full.  Cannot continue to write
to disk. Suggest Shell to DOS to delete
any unnecessary files. Hit Enter.

     You have been adding a data file but your disk is full and
the program can no longer write to disk.  You can use the "Shell
to DOS" command to temporarily exit and delete any unnecessary
files off your disk.


That is not a valid drive and/or path. Please
enter a valid drive and path:

     The path that you have entered is not a valid path or drive
for your system. You have specified either a drive which does not
exist, or a directory which does not exist.  Enter a valid drive
and/or path.  Occurs in either Spanish Word Power or Spanish Word
Power Installation program.


Disk drive not ready.  Close door,
then hit Enter.

     The door on your floppy drive is open. Close the door and
hit <Enter> to continue.  Occurs in Spanish Word Power or Spanish
Word Power Installation program.


Path not found.
Enter new path:

     You have entered a valid drive, but not a valid path on that
drive. Enter a valid path and hit <Enter>.  Occurs in Spanish
Word Power or Spanish Word Power Installation program.


Sorry, this file exists but cannot be used.
It is not a complete data file.  Hit Enter.

     You have selected a data file which is not complete.  It is
either not the correct length or contains blank records.  Use the
Spanish Word Power Installation program to correct this data
file.  Occurs in the Spanish Word Power program.


Sorry, you don't seem to have a
printer.  Hit Enter to cancel print.

     The operating system reports that you have no device at
LPT1: (parallel port 1) to which the program is trying to send
data.  If you do have a printer at a different port, then use the
DOS MODE command to redirect output from LPT1: to another port.
Consult your DOS manual.  Occurs in Spanish Word Power
Installation program.


The printer says it is out of paper.
Please correct, then hit Enter to print.

     The printer is indicating it has no paper.  It could also be
turned off or have some other problem. Occurs in Spanish Word
Power Installation program.



Printer error. Please check printer.
Hit Enter when you are ready to print.

     There is some printer error.  This can be caused by the
printer being off line, or by a hardware error (such as a printer
malfunction).  Isolate the problem and hit <Enter> when you are
ready to print.  Occurs in Spanish Word Power Installation
program.


Unknown error <Error Number> has occurred. Suggest
restarting program.  If this error
continues, contact technical support.
Hit Enter to end program.

     An untrapped (unknown to the program) error has occurred.
This type of error should not occur.  If it does, try restarting
the program and running it again.  If the error continues, write
the number down and consult your BASIC manual (it comes with your
DOS) for an explanation of the error number.  If you cannot
correct the problem, contact technical support.

                            Appendix B
            Using Spanish Word Power with Windows(TM)

     Although Spanish Word Power is not a "Windows" program, you
can run the program from Windows.  If you are running Windows in
386 enhanced mode, then you can run the Spanish program in a DOS
window.  If you are running in real or standard mode, you must
run the Spanish program as a full screen application.

       The icon SPANISH.ICO is included on the disk for you to
use as the icon for Spanish Word Power in the Windows Program
Manager.

       Remember, when you register this program, you will receive
a Windows version of the program which is currently available only
as commercial software.

Questions or comments?  Write to:

BC Enterprises Software, Inc.
P.O. Box 18
Front Royal, VA  22630

FAX:   [phone]
BBS:   703-635-7528
Phone: [phone]