Play and Learn 2/19941.ZIP/19941/EDUCMISC/VERBALAT/VAP.DOC

Text File | 1994-02-04 | 29.8 KB | 655 lines

The Verbal Assault Program
from BC Enterprises



I. Introduction

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

        This program is directed toward two groups of people who
have widely divergent goals, but whose methods can be very
similar.  The primary focus of this program is to provide a quick
and easy drill for students who will be taking the SAT test.  For
this reason, most of the words in the tests are those commonly
found on the SAT.

        The second group this program will benefit is the large
number of adults who would like to improve their vocabulary.
There are many books available these days which help improve
vocabulary, but a computer program is infinitely easier and more
practical.  With this computer program, you can drill whenever
you want to, taking any test as many times as you want.  Also,
you can add to or modify the tests as much as you like, so that
you can concentrate on any problem area.  We have heard many
times that the way to improve vocabulary is to learn a certain
number of new words every week.  With the Verbal Assault program,
you would simply enter your new words, and you have ready-made
tests.

        The testing program contains a total of 1600 words in
four categories: Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives, and Word Elements.  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 and definitions 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.

        The Verbal Assault program, however, is more than just a
drill of words.  We think that the most significant feature of
the program is that it teaches prefixes, suffixes, and roots
(word elements) -- the very building blocks of words.  The
program shows you the word elements (usually taken from Latin or
Greek), and then you can see the English words that are built out
of it.  If you sit down and learn 400 words, then you only know
400 words.  If you learn 400 word elements, then you will be able
to discern the meanings of tens of thousands of words.

        Due to the importance of learning these words elements,
we suggest that you take the time of study these first, before
going through the other tests.  Having learned the word elements
beforehand, the meanings of previously unfamiliar words on the
other tests will be clear to you.

        Please do register this program.  The program and typing
in all the words was a lot of work -- take it from a guy with
sore fingers.  The $15 donation we ask is not excessive.  Even
after you finish taking the SAT, or if you never plan to take the
SAT, this program will benefit you, since you can add and change
words all you want.  Send your payment to BC Enterprises, PO Box
18, Front Royal, VA  22630.  Your registration of this program
will assure you receive timely updates and allow you to suggest
improvements.  We don't offer a printed manual at this time,
because, frankly, the program is too easy to need one.  But, if
enough people want them, we will probably make them available.



II. Using the Verbal Assault Program

II.1. System Configuration

        The minimum system configuration needed to run the
program is an IBM or compatible with 256 K of RAM and one floppy
drive.  Running with two floppy drives is recommended, 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
copies of the two distribution disks.  You may want to copy your
operating system onto the copy of the Verbal Assault program
disk.  To do this, format a new disk with command "format /s".
Then copy the Verbal Assault program onto the newly formatted disk.

        If you have a hard disk, then copy the contents of the
distribution disks into a subdirectory.  After copying, place the
original disks in safe place to serve as your backup copy.

        Note for those who received this software via bulletin
board in an archived format: If you have a hard drive, then you
can just unarchive the whole package into one subdirectory.  If
you are using floppy drives, then unarchive all the WORDS*.*
files onto one floppy, and all the VAP*.* files onto another
floppy.


II.1.1. Using a one-drive system.

        To start Verbal Assault, put your copy (you did make a
copy, didn't you?) of the program disk in drive A:.  Type VAP 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 Verbal Assault installation
program.  To do this, type VAPINST 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 the Verbal
Assault program by typing VAP 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 the Verbal Assault
program 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:
Verbs, Nouns, Adjectives, User File, and Word Elements.  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.  As you move the bar, different notes are sounded.
This, and all other sounds generated by the program, can be
turned on or off using the Verbal Assault installation program.

        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
the Verbal Assault program 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 might 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 most other programs, it is a good idea to set the
correct date when booting.


II.2.1. Choosing Test Number and Format

        Once you decide which category of test you would like to
take, 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, Adjectives, and Word
Elements.  You can add up to 20 tests in your User File
category also.  To increase the test number, use the <UP ARROW>
key.  To decrease 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.


II.3. The Vocabulary 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 is
presented in a box at the top of the screen.  Underneath the
target word is a box containing four definitions.  You must
choose the number corresponding to the definition of the target
word.  The program will tell you if you make the right choice.
If you miss a word, the program will tell you this, and will also
highlight the number of the correct definition.

        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 Word Element section of the
test, then the program will note in the upper left of the screen
whether the "Derived Word Display" is on or off.  If the derived
word display is on, then after you enter your response to the
target word, the program will open a window showing you up to ten
words derived from the target word.  For instance, if the target
word element is "portare", then the program would open a window
showing such words as "portable", "importance", and "transport".
In order to remove this window and continue, you may 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 definition
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 definitions, with the
letters a-e identifying them.  You must match up the definitions
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 Word Elements tests, then the
program will note along the bottom of the screen whether the
"Derived Word Display" 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 Verbal Assault Installation Program

III.1. Introduction

        The Verbal Assault Installation program (located on the
program disk, under file name "VAPINST.EXE") is an easy way for
you to customize the Verbal Assault program 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 Verbal Assault
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 in your disk drive, and type VAPINST 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 definitions of
existing files, the 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
Word Elements, then this will consist of one line for the word,
two lines for the definition, and ten lines for words derived
from the main word.  Otherwise, the screen will show only one
line for the word, and two lines for the definition.

        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 WORDS1.3, rather than VERBS3.  WORDS1.3 is the actual file
name on disk of the third test (or data file) in the verbs
category.  This is because "Verbs" is the first category listed
in the Verbal Assault 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 WORDS2.10.

        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.  Notice that 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
definition.  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.

        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.


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 Word Elements data file, the output takes
four sheets of paper.  Other tests take two sheets.  The program
does not send a Form Feed command either before or after printing
the data files.  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.


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, Derived, Sound, and Missed.  You
can choose any of these with the selection bar or by pushing the
key corresponding to the first letter of the option.

III.3.1. Path to Data

        Setting a path to data tells the Verbal Assault program
where to look for your data files.  For instance, if you are
using a two-drive syste, 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 Verbal Assault
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 paramters) 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 Verbal
Assault 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 the Verbal
Assault program, not the "E:\".


III.3.2. Colors

        The Verbal Assault program 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 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 combations.  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 initally used by the Verbal Assault program).

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

        Notice that some of the color settings on the Verbal
Assault are based upon your other color choices.  You do not have
the opportunity to directly set every last possible color for
everything (we thought this would be too much trouble for you).
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 the
Verbal Assault program.  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 Derived "ON" means that when you are using Word
Elements in the Verbal Assault tests, the program will bring up a
screen of words which are derived from the target word.  Setting
Derived "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 Verbal Assault Installation program while keeping the program
in memory.  When you want to return to the Verbal Assault
Installation program, type "EXIT" at the system prompt, then push
<Enter>.

        The Exit option saves all file settings and ends the
Verbal Assault 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.



Appendix A

Verbal Assault 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 Verbal Assault or Verbal Assault Installation program.


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

        The Verbal Assault program 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 Verbal Assault program.

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 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 Verbal Assault or
Verbal Assault 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 Verbal Assault or Verbal
Assault 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
Verbal Assault or Verbal Assault 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 Verbal Assault Installation program to correct this data
file.  Occurs in the Verbal Assault Installation 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 Verbal Assault 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 Verbal
Assault 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 Verbal Assault Installation program.

Unknown error <Error Number> has occurred. Suggest
restarting program.  If this error
continues, contact BC Enterprises.
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 BC Enterprises.


BC Enterprises
PO Box 18
Front Royal, VA  22630

Voice: [phone]
Data:  [phone]  (24 hr. 300-2400 baud)


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