XWord (v1.6) by JJO Software December 1988 PURPOSE XWord is a fast, flexible and compact menu-driven crossword puzzle tool box for the IBM PC and compatibles. While easy to use, it is intended for serious crossword puzzle creators. RELEASE NOTES This release (#2) supports color monitors, reduces minimum memory requirements and cleans up some anomalies found with some of the screens. 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 file. Puzzle size is set and words entered automatically when a puzzle file file is loaded. 8. For safety and ease of use, functions are interlocked to prevent inadvertent loss of work. In addition, you are beeped when attempting an illegal operation. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS System: Any member of the IBM PC or PS/2 family, or compatible, with DOS 2.1, or later. Memory: 70 kb (minimum) to 100 kb (if available), over and above DOS and any resident programs. Video: XWord does not require graphics and has been run with IBM VGA, EGA, mono and CGA adapters, and a Hercules adapter. A menu function permits color/mono toggling for the best display. Printer: For the puzzle blanks, an IBM ProPrinter or one which prints the IBM graphics character set is required; otherwise, any printer will do. RUNNING XWORD The files XWord.Exe and XWord.Txt, along with any sample files, should be in the current (logged) directory. To run XWord, at the system prompt type Xword. A screen containing a title and copyright block and a main menu will appear. XWord is not case sensitive, so all entries may be in upper or lower case as preferred. Functions only appear on the menu when appropriate and are selected by typing one of the letters, as follows: C)lues: View, add or edit clues for words already entered into the current puzzle grid. You may enter or replace clues, or simply scroll through the word lists. D)efine: Create a new puzzle definition, i.e., title and size. E)dit: Invokes the XWord editor which places the current puzzle grid on the screen and permits words to be entered or rubbed out, in any order and in any location (see XWord Editor). I)nfo: Displays this file, if present in the current directory. L)oad: Load a puzzle file from disk. A definition record in the file permits the puzzle to be automatically sized and titled. NOTE: Puzzle files are not ASCII files. N)ame: Name|rename the current puzzle. P)uzzle: View|print (optional) the current puzzle blank, solution (completed puzzle) and numbered list of clues. S)ave: Save a puzzle file to disk, i.e., its definition record and three word lists (across, down and move). V)ideo: Toggle color on/off for best effect. The XWord title block text will be visible when video is set correctly. W)ord: View|print (optional) the current word lists, across, down and move. eX)it: Quit. You will be cautioned if changes to the current puzzle have not been saved. XWORD EDITOR Invoked from the main menu via "E," the editor is the XWord engine. Upon entry to the editor, the current puzzle contents, if any, are displayed. The active keys are: Cursor: four (4) arrow keys used to position the cursor on the puzzle grin. Rate: the numeric keys (1..8) may be used at any time to set cursor speed (advance). When set greater than 1, you may not be able to reach all edges of the grid. Insert: the + key is used to insert a word at the current location. You will be prompted to: (1) specify the direction (across or down) with the arrow keys and (2) enter the word. Rubout: the - key is used to remove a word from the grid to the move list. You will be prompted for direction, only. Move: the * key is used to insert a word from the move list at the current cursor position. You will be prompted for direction. The move list is then displayed for selection of the word to be placed on the grid. NOTE: During insert, rubout and move, the function may be aborted via the key or by entering an empty word. Exit: use alone to leave the editor and return to the main menu. The editor performs checking that words will fit within the grid if inserted at the prescribed location and direction. If not, you are beeped and the operation is aborted. REGISTRATION Communications from all XWord users will be accepted and answered by mail or via CompuServe (73407, 550). However, registered users will be given a daytime phone number which may be used to discuss upgrades and for technical support. To register, send a $20 check or money order to: JJO Software 174 Westover Court Delran, NJ 08075 ***