Spellswell 2.0 is latest version of the spelling checker from Working Software Inc. (formerly Greene Johnson, Inc.).This edition has a revamped user interface as well as some features not found in previous versions including the ability to check Microsoft Word 3.01 files , a new Guess function, and a Transfer facility.
When Spellswell is opened initially, the program asks you to find its 93000+ word dictionary. Thereafter it remembers the location of the dictionary and will not prompt you to find it again unless you move it to another disk or HFS folder. After prompting you for a document to spell check, Spellswell goes about its business sorting the words in your file against the dictionary and a homonym table included with the program. The user variable options it will use in checking are: double word errors, mixed letters and numbers, proper noun capitalization, capitalization after periods, two spaces after periods, and homonyms. All these features may be toggled on or off as you desire.
As it checks, if word is correctly spelled, you can skip to the next word, or add the word in question to the dictionary. If the word is incorrectly spelled you can replace it with the programs suggestion, or enter your own choice, or use the Guess button. The Guess query presents you with a list of possible alternatives from which to choose.
The program proceeds through your document in this manner until it reaches the end. Spellswell then presents you with the number of words scanned and the number questioned. If you want to save this spell checking document , the program will do so by appending the files name with ".dict'". If you have reason to check the document again, the documents dictionary is available with its list of skipped words thereby cutting down the amount of time spent covering old territory.
In execution, Spellswell functions similarly to other spell checkers with a few features that make it unique. If homonym checking is enabled, the program will stop at every homonym it finds to list possible alternatives and how it is used in a sentence. In a file of any length this procedure can be laborious! It is possible to stop checking particular homonyms, but the program finds so many you'll probably disable this feature entirely. (In the short time I've used Spellswell, I found that it offered 'dough' as a homonym for 'do'. There may be other examples I haven't found. I think homonym table needs work.)
Adding words to the dictionary ( as well as deleting) is very simple. When you add words you are presented with a screen showing the word with all available suffixes. A check box is provided to select correct versions of the word. Thereafter, all versions of the word you have checked are added to the dictionary. The responsibility is yours to know which suffix endings are correct.
Deleting is just a matter of clicking the Delete button. Spellswell will ask you if you really want to delete the word before it proceeds so that you have the ability to cancel the operation if necessary.
Wildcard guesses are possible when you aren't sure of a words spelling. You supply as many letters as you know for sure, and represent the unknown letters with a question mark and click on the Guess button. Spellswell then presents you with a list of all the words that conform to your query, and hopefully the right word will be listed.
Spellswell is a standalone application and therefore not interactive with a word or text processor. As a concession, the Transfer item has been added to the menu enabling you to directly transfer to another program, quit that program and return to Spellswell avoiding the Finder. This is handy to use in updating files. Although Spellswell is Switcher compatible, the Transfer function is valuable to those without the memory to use a word processor and spell checker with Switcher.
Checking documents with a different document dictionary involves making a copy of the dictionary you want to use (any dictionary with the '.dict' suffix), changing the name of that dictionary to the document you will be spell checking. When you open Spellswell, you will be asked to if you want to use the dictionary for document you will be checking, click Yes.
This is just a brief description of the features of Spellswell and does not fully cover describe the capabilities of the program. Because of its large dictionary it can should adequately cover most spelling requirements, and if you are like me you use the program to find typos. It's more than adequate for that.
