Softdisk for Windows 40/Softdisk for Windows 40.iso/HAPPYCAR/README.TXT

Text File | 1996-12-05 | 25.9 KB | 597 lines

SECRETS TO A HAPPY CAR 1.0 ON-LINE USER GUIDE:


SECRETS TO A HAPPY CAR 1.0 is written to HTML (Hypertext Markup
Language) 2.0 specification, but does contain extensions thereof.
These extensions to HTML 2.0 are visible through some, but not all,
World Wide Web browsers.  If your World Wide Web browser does not
support Netscape or Microsoft extensions, your display may vary
slightly from the intended format but the same information will be
present.


SECRETS TO A HAPPY CAR 1.0 works in conjunction with your World Wide
Web browser to provide assistance with automotive difficulties.  The
program has two major components: THE PROBLEM PROPHET(tm) and THE
MAINTENANCE MAESTRO(tm).  THE PROBLEM PROPHET(tm) is a troubleshooting
guide that will help you diagnose the cause of a wide variety of
problems.  THE MAINTENANCE MAESTRO(tm) provides maintenance and light
repair advice for common servicing procedures.  The two modules are
interrelated since automotive troubles are often caused by lack of
maintenance.  Conversely, lack of maintenance will often cause
automotive problems.

_______________________________________________________________________

USING THE PROBLEM PROPHET(tm)


THE PROBLEM PROPHET(tm) prompts you for a description of your problem,
then presents the possible causes and solutions.  The initial screen
is divided into seven categories, each representing a type of problem.
The categories are:


1) FAULTY COMPONENTS -- for most problems not associated with the
senses described below; parts simply malfunction or are inoperative
2) MOTION -- for problems that occur when the car is moving
3) SOUNDS -- for problems that cause abnormal sounds and noises
4) SMOKE -- for problems that generate unusual smoke
5) ODORS -- for problems that create odors
6) DASHBOARD INDICATORS -- for unusual dashboard indicator readings
7) FLUIDS -- for leaking fluids or related problems


Choose the appropriate category (select the FIND button), through
multiple levels if necessary, to generally describe your problem.
For example, if your car's problem is apparent when the car is in
motion, you would select MOTION.  The next screen will prompt you to
further describe the motion-related problem.  Perhaps the problem
occurs when braking.  If so, you would choose BRAKING (once again,
select the FIND button).  Repeat the process until your problem is
completely described.


Your problem, once completely described, will appear in a list with
OPEN buttons.  At this point, you have worked your way through the
description matrix and are ready to consider the possible cause(s) of
your problem.  Selecting the OPEN button will generate THE PROBLEM
PROPHET's(tm) response to your trouble.  The response has four basic
features:

    1) Reiteration of the problem, perhaps with description of
     other simultaneous conditions to be certain the problem
     is accurately described.
    2) Slight problem variations, if applicable, may also
     be listed under CONDITION(S).  If so, the appropriate
     response will be found via the hypertext link describing
     the variation.
    3) List of Potential Causes -- the list of potential
     causes is grouped into three categories.  The categories
     are: Check These (or This) First, Check These (or This)
     Next, and Check These (or This) Last.  Within each
     category, the causes are arranged in order of likelihood
     to help you correct the problem quickly and cost
     effectively.  If the list exceeds 15 potential causes,
     the last two groups, Check These Next and Check These
     Last, are accessible through a hypertext link.  Just
     select the appropriate group heading label.
    4) Suggested Course of Action -- Under each potential
     cause is a recommended course of action.  Based upon
     the severity of the problem and the difficulty of
     repair, the course of action specified is either a
     maintenance or light repair procedure found in THE
     MAINTENANCE MAESTRO(tm), or simply the suggestion to
     have the vehicle professionally serviced in a certain
     manner.



If  professional services are recommended, the cost of repairs and the
existing value of the vehicle are not considered.  In some cases, the
cost of professional repairs may approach, or even exceed, the value of
the vehicle and not be recovered at resale.


In other words, without compromising safety, you should determine for
yourself if professional repairs are truly warranted.  Also, these
suggestions do not need to be followed literally.  You may not wish to
perform the actual work yourself, even if directions are given.  If a
professional automotive technician services your automobile in all
situations, then at least you will have an idea of what work should be
done.


If you wish to correct the problem yourself, you may first verify the
cause by selecting the hypertext link, if available, to reference the
appropriate inspection procedure located in THE MAINTENANCE
MAESTRO(tm).  Some hypertext links will help explain the potential
cause in greater detail, though you may not be able to correct the
problem yourself.  If the inspection procedure confirms the problem's
cause, you can also follow links to the relevant repair or maintenance
procedure.


World Wide Web browsers generally indicate a hypertext link by
underlining or coloring the text, or both.  Furthermore, the cursor
arrow will become a pointing finger when placed over a link.  Active
links (not yet viewed) for many browsers are generally a shade of
blue (in a default mode, if the user has not changed the browser
settings).


Likewise, visited links (already viewed) are generally a shade of red
or purple.  Hypertext buttons will have an appropriate colored border
around them.  Use the color changes to help navigate through the
program and remember the areas you've investigated while prompting you
to explore others you haven't.

________

GLOSSARY


Certain words throughout THE PROBLEM PROPHET(tm) and THE MAINTENANCE
MAESTRO(tm) are explained in a glossary.  These words appear in
italics.  Simply select the word and its definition will appear at the
top of the relevant glossary page.  If a defined word appears in
multiple locations on one page, its first appearance is usually linked
to the glossary.

The glossary can also be accessed from the OPEN button on the initial
screens of both modules.  The alphabetical array at the top of the
glossary contains hypertext links to lettered sections.  Simply select
the letter to advance to a desired section of the glossary.  Each
glossary section contains an upward arrow that can be used to return to
the beginning of the glossary.  Alternatively, the scroll bar can be
used to find words.

Because many glossary words are related, certain definitions contain
hypertext links to supplementary words within the glossary itself.
Selecting these supplementary words will retrieve appropriate
definitions to further explain the original word.


________________________________

ADDITIONAL NAVIGATIONAL CONTROLS


The upper left-hand corner of each screen contains a hypertext link
hierarchy.  The control can be used to quickly move up or down the
problem description hierarchy to any level.  This feature is handy if
you desire to change the description of your problem if it still
remains in the same general or intermediate categories as previously
described.  If you wish to go back to the opening screen to describe a
completely different problem, choose CONTENTS.


The lower left-hand corner of each screen contains three buttons: TOP,
PREVIOUS, and NEXT.  The PREVIOUS and NEXT buttons are represented by
left and right arrows, respectively.  The TOP button has a "Contents"
label and will return you to the opening screen.  The PREVIOUS and NEXT
buttons are specifically labeled as to their destinations.  If you are
still in the problem description area of the program, with FIND and
OPEN buttons still visible, the PREVIOUS and NEXT buttons will take
you sequentially through the problem description hierarchy.  If you
are currently in a problem resolution area, with CONDITIONS and
POTENTIAL CAUSE(S) listed, the PREVIOUS and NEXT buttons will let you
traverse sequentially through the problem resolution list.  PREVIOUS
and NEXT buttons function independently of screens previously accessed
via hypertext links.  Remember that these buttons differ from the BACK
and FORWARD buttons found on most browsers in a way further described
below.


Any extension of the problem resolution area accessed by hypertext
links, such as through problem variations or additional potential
causes, will neither have hierarchical controls in the upper left-hand
corner nor navigational controls at the bottom.  It will simply have a
BACK button to return to the problem area.  The BACK button will be
labeled "Return to Problem."


_______________________________________________________________________

USING THE MAINTENANCE MAESTRO(tm)


VEHICLE SYSTEMS


THE MAINTENANCE MAESTRO(tm) is a handy guide to help you perform
general maintenance and light repair work on your vehicle.  Information
is provided in enough detail to enable you to service a particular
component.  The components are arranged in categories that are
essentially vehicle systems.  The categories (systems) are:


1) ENGINE MISCELLANEOUS -- miscellaneous engine components not
attributed to other systems
2) FUEL DELIVERY -- components related to fuel storage and consumption
3) ELECTRICAL -- devices related to the engine's electrical operation
and other accessories
4) COOLING -- components related to cooling the engine
5) EMISSIONS/EXHAUST -- pollution control devices and exhaust-related
components
6) DRIVELINE -- components that help convert engine power into motion
7) STEERING/SUSPENSION -- components related to vehicle's ride and
control
8) BRAKES -- components related to stopping the vehicle
9) HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING -- devices related to heating or
cooling the passenger compartment
10) LUBRICATION -- components related to lubricating moving parts
11) VEHICLE MISCELLANEOUS -- generally exterior miscellaneous vehicle
components; includes other information not part-related
12) INDEX -- an alphabetically arranged list of commonly serviced parts


Choose the appropriate category that represents the system you wish to
service.  Select the FIND button.  You will be presented with a list
of major components.  For example, if you wanted to perform cooling
system maintenance, you would select "COOLING."  The succeeding screen
would have a list of cooling system components.  For example, the
COOLING system is comprised of these basic serviceable components:
COOLANT HOSES, COOLANT, THERMOSTAT, RADIATOR CAP, RADIATOR, COOLANT
RECOVERY RESERVOIR, WATER PUMP, and COOLING FAN.


If you wish to find advice on other vehicle systems, you can use the
navigational controls in the lower left-hand corner of the vehicle
system screen.  The TOP button would take you to the opening menu, in
other words, the beginning of the program.  The PREVIOUS and NEXT
buttons are represented by left and right arrows, respectively, and
will permit you to "walk" through the 11 major vehicle systems
categories.  In the upper right-hand corner of each system screen, the
SYSTEMS hypertext link will return you to the overall systems menu,
that is, the opening screen.

_________________

SYSTEM COMPONENTS


Continuing with our example, suppose you wish to service your engine's
coolant.  Choose "COOLANT" by selecting the OPEN button on the COOLING
(vehicle system) screen.  The OPEN button indicates you are ready to
access advice about a certain component.  Alternatively, you can select
"COOLANT" from the index (after choosing OPEN) if you are uncertain of
the vehicle system to which "COOLANT" belongs.


After selecting the OPEN button, you will be presented with a brief
description of the component's purpose followed by an outline of the
advice related to the component selected.  The advice is presented in
five areas:


1) PROPER CARE -- proper maintenance and light repair procedures
2) CORRECT OPERATION -- indications that component is working properly
3) VARIATIONS -- variations in replacement parts that should be noted
4) SAFETY TIPS -- tips to prevent personal injury when servicing your
vehicle
5) LONGEVITY TIPS -- tips to maximize the useful life of a component


If there is no relevant information or advice in a particular area, the
outline on the component screen will be abridged.  For example, if
there are no substantial variations to a part, or any applicable safety
tips, these items will not be listed in the outline.


The initial outline will have one or two levels depending on the
importance and relative complexity of the topic.  For some topics, the
information may be detailed enough to require you to select additional
hypertext links in order to navigate through the menu hierarchy.
ENGINE OIL and TIRES are two examples of extremely comprehensive
categories.


If you wish to obtain advice about other components within the same
vehicle system, you can use the TOP, PREVIOUS and NEXT buttons as
previously described.  However, on a component screen such as
"COOLANT," the PREVIOUS and NEXT arrows will permit you to navigate
through the list of other cooling system components.   Alternatively,
you can use the hypertext links in the upper left-hand corner to
travel up the menu hierarchy to a new location.

________________

COMPONENT ADVICE


Continuing once again with our example, suppose you wish to check your
coolant level or condition.  Select the hypertext link "Checking Your
Coolant."  The procedure for checking your coolant will appear.
Underneath the procedure heading will be a level of difficulty
indicator surrounded by asterisks (*).  There are four levels of
difficulty: VERY EASY, EASY, MEDIUM, or HARD.  These indicators will
help you determine the amount of effort or skill required to perform
the procedure.   Most procedures fall within the VERY EASY or EASY
categories.


If you wish to obtain additional advice about the component, you can
use the navigational controls in the lower left-hand corner of any
screen related to component advice.  The TOP button will return you to
the vehicle systems menu while the back button will bring up the
component's menu.  The NEXT and PREVIOUS arrows are labeled with their
specific destinations and will permit you to travel throughout all
portions of the PROPER CARE, CORRECT OPERATION, VARIATIONS, SAFETY
TIPS, and LONGEVITY TIPS sections (as available).


Many sections are illustrated with simplified pictures to make the
advice easier to understand.  The pictures are meant to convey
concepts and may differ slightly from the actual components in your
vehicle.

________________________________

ADDITIONAL NAVIGATIONAL CONTROLS


As previously indicated under the instructions for using THE PROBLEM
PROPHET(tm),  World Wide Web browsers generally indicate a hypertext
link by underlining or coloring the text, or both.  Furthermore, the
cursor arrow will become a pointing finger when placed over a link.
Active links (not yet viewed) for many browsers are generally a shade
of blue (in a default mode, if the user has not changed the browser
settings).


Likewise, visited links (already viewed) are generally a shade of red
or purple.  Hypertext buttons will have an appropriate colored border
around them.  Use the color changes to help navigate through the
program and remember the areas you've investigated while prompting you
to explore others you haven't.  Some hypertext links in THE MAINTENANCE
MAESTRO(tm) will bring you into THE PROBLEM PROPHET(tm).  This will
help you troubleshoot problems in the event that your car is not
operating properly.


On occasion, a "MORE" button will appear.  This button is used to hide
abnormally large pictures or tables until you request that they appear.
To call up the picture or table, simply select MORE.  Once the picture
or table has been displayed, select the BACK button to return to the
previous screen.


The location of some vehicle components is more easily understood when
presented in the context of a larger part of the car, namely the engine
compartment and underside of the vehicle.  For selected components, an
"OPEN THE HOOD" or "LIFT THE CAR" button may appear within a PROPER
CARE section.  Selecting the OPEN THE HOOD button will cause an open
hood diagram to appear with labeled parts indicating their location by
number and color.  Use the hypertext link labels below the picture to
return to the appropriate component's PROPER CARE-related section.


Likewise, the LIFT THE CAR button will cause a picture of a hoisted
vehicle to appear.  The parts will also be numbered to correspond with
a list of components.  The parts are colored for easier identification.
Once again, the hypertext labels below the picture can be used to
return to the selected component's PROPER CARE-related section.


_______________________________________________________________________

USING SUPPLEMENTARY BROWSER FEATURES


Since SECRETS TO A HAPPY CAR 1.0 must be run through a World Wide Web
browser, typical browser features can be used to enhance the
functionality of the program.  Refer to your particular Web browser
for operational details, but consider the use of these extra controls,
if available, while investigating your problem or obtaining maintenance
advice:

BACK -- returns to the screen that was visible prior to the current
one.  Generally, it is the source of the hypertext link that was
selected; the current screen is the resulting destination.  If no
previous screen existed, this button will not work.

FORWARD -- moves forward though a series of hypertext linked screens,
only if the links were activated and the BACK button was used to
navigate backward.

BOOKMARK (or HOTLIST) -- saves screen for quick recall, thus
eliminating the need to traverse the problem description or vehicle
components matrix unnecessarily.

PRINT -- print contents of current screen so information can be taken
to vehicle maintenance and repair area for convenient reference.

ANNOTATE -- add specific notes concerning your vehicle to any screen
within the program.  This may be helpful in documenting repair history,
costs, or quotes.


_______________________________________________________________________

CONTACTING INTELLIPRO(tm) SOFTWARE, INC.


The INTELLIPRO(tm) SOFTWARE, INC. "HOME PAGE" button, located at the
bottom of the opening screen for both THE PROBLEM PROPHET(tm) and THE
MAINTENANCE MAESTRO(tm), can be used to directly access the company's
World Wide Web site (http://www.intellipro.com).  At that site, you
can find:


1) Personalized technical support.
2) Supplementary information, as necessary or available, regarding
SECRETS TO A HAPPY CAR 1.0.
3) A COMMENTS e-mail box to convey suggestions regarding program
improvements, content enhancement, or bugs.  All suggestions are
gladly received.


If you wish to communicate with the company, send e-mail to:

[e-mail].

If you require technical support in operating the program, send your
request to:

[e-mail]


These two mailboxes are also accessible from the company's World Wide
Web site at the User Support section.

The company can also be contacted at the following postal address,
phone number, or fax number:

INTELLIPRO(tm) SOFTWARE, INC.
PO Box 9653
Alexandria, VA 22304
tel [phone]
fax [phone]

_______________________________________________________________________

INTELLIPRO(tm) SOFTWARE, INC. SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT


Ownership of the Software

1. The enclosed software program, Secrets to a Happy Car ("Software")
and any accompanying materials, is licensed by IntelliPro(tm) Software,
Inc. and is protected by United States copyright laws, by laws of other
nations, and by international treaties.  The Software is not being sold
or purchased, but is being licensed to you by IntelliPro(tm) Software,
Inc. under this nonexclusive, nontransferable license ("Agreement") for
use only under the terms contained herein.

Grant Of License

2. IntelliPro(tm) Software, Inc. grants to you the right to use one
copy of the Software on a single computer. You may load one copy into
permanent memory of one computer and may use that copy only on that
same computer.

3. You may not install the Software on a network server for private or
public group use, or on any other type of on-line distribution system.
Any public use of the Software is strictly prohibited.

Restrictions on Use and Transfer

4. You may not use the Software on another computer or loan, rent,
lease, transfer, modify, distribute, sell, sublicense, or assign it to
another user.  You may not create any derivative work or incorporate
the Software in any other work.  You may not remove, alter, or obscure
any copyright, trademark, or other notice from the Software or any
screen displayed by the Software.

5. You may not make or distribute copies of the Software in any form,
directly or indirectly, without prior written agreement with
IntelliPro(tm) Software, Inc., except that (1) you may make one copy
of the Software solely for backup or archival purposes, and (2) you may
transfer the Software to a single hard disk provided you keep the
original solely for backup or archival purposes. Unauthorized
reproduction or distribution is subject to civil and criminal
penalties.

6. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the
Software, or otherwise attempt to re-create the source code, analyze
it, or transform it into human-readable form.

Severability and Termination

7. If any part of this license is found unenforceable by a court, it
shall be limited only to the extent necessary to make it enforceable,
without otherwise affecting the license.  This license shall remain in
effect until terminated.  The license will be terminated immediately
and without notice by your failure to comply with any provisions of
this license agreement.  Upon termination, you must destroy the
Software and all copies thereof.  You may terminate this license at
your own discretion by destroying the Software, the accompanying
materials, and all copies.

Warranty

8. INTELLIPRO(tm) SOFTWARE, INC. PROVIDES THE SOFTWARE "AS-IS" AND
DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT, WITH RESPECT TO THE SOFTWARE
AND THE ACCOMPANYING WRITTEN MATERIALS.  Some states do not allow
exclusion or limitation of implied warranties, so the above disclaimer
may not apply to you.

9. INTELLIPRO(tm) SOFTWARE, INC.'S ENTIRE LIABILITY AND YOUR EXCLUSIVE
REMEDY FOR ANY CLAIMS ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR OTHERWISE
RELATING TO THE SOFTWARE SHALL BE REPLACEMENT OF THE SOFTWARE. This
remedy is not available outside the United States of America.

10. IN NO EVENT SHALL INTELLIPRO(tm) SOFTWARE, INC. BE LIABLE TO YOU
FOR DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY MONETARY LOSS, DATA LOSS, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR
OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR PHYSICAL OR FATAL INJURY
ARISING OUT OF YOUR USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE, EVEN IF
INTELLIPRO(tm) SOFTWARE, INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES.  Because some states do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the
above limitation may not apply to you.

11. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of
Virginia and the United States of America.

If you have any questions concerning this Agreement or wish to contact
IntelliPro(tm) Software, Inc. for any reason, please write to:

IntelliPro(tm) Software, Inc.
PO Box 9653
Alexandria, VA 22304
or call [phone]
or fax  [phone]


IntelliPro(tm), The Maintenance Maestro(tm), and The Problem
Prophet(tm) are trademarks of IntelliPro(tm) Software, Inc.
Secrets to a Happy Car, copyright 1996 Richard G. Elieff


_______________________________________________________________________

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS


Automobile maintenance and repair work can be inherently dangerous to
amateurs and professionals alike and may not always solve the problem
addressed.  Diagnosis of automotive problems may require sophisticated
equipment, or substantial experience, judgment, and knowledge beyond
the scope of these products.  THE PROBLEM PROPHET(tm) and THE
MAINTENANCE MAESTRO(tm) are intended only to:

1. Provide instructions that would be generally applicable across a
broad variety of vehicle makes and models.

2. Provide general knowledge to persons unfamiliar with automotive
mechanics in order that they may better understand the requirements of
certain repair and maintenance procedures.

3. Identify potential problems early so they can be repaired cost
effectively and prior to becoming safety hazards.

You should also refer to the maintenance and repair manual particularly
suited to the vehicle being serviced, and/or consult a professional
automotive technician, to ensure that all appropriate procedures are
followed as well, should you choose to do the work yourself.  If you do
not understand what you are doing or feel that you cannot accomplish
the work correctly, have the work performed by a professional
automotive technician.  Maintenance or repair work that is incorrectly
or improperly done can harm the vehicle and jeopardize the safety of
the vehicle occupants.


EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY

INTELLIPRO(tm) SOFTWARE, INC. and its related parties shall have no
liability for property damage, or personal or fatal injury, that
may result from the correct or incorrect performance of the procedures
outlined herein.


-- END --