SKILL-ORIENTED ALGEBRA, VERSION IV and MATHEMATICS, BASIC SKILLS by Alfred D'Attore Aside from fixing some minor bugs, version IV takes note of the fact that the software will print to HP compatible laser printers, and continuous form dot-matrix and daisy wheel printers only. An attempt was made to format the material for Epson-compatible and HP-compatible ink jets too. (Applicable files are EPINKJET.PRN and HPINKJET.PRN.) Successful tests were conducted with the Epson Stylus 800 printer and the Hewlett Packard Model 310 only. SOAV4.EXE is freeware. The "enclosed" software reflects the latest revisions. As you might guess, the documentation (accompanying the printed exercise programs) pertains exclusively to "Skill-Oriented Algebra." It is presented herein in ASCII only as "SOA.TXT." It is complete, using the Courier typeface exclusively, (10 characters per inch; 12 points), but except for paragraphing, it is entirely unformatted. This "manual" is given in subsequent programs (listed herein in Compuserve) as AMISOA.EXE, WPSOA.EXE and DOCSOA.EXE, formatted for Amipro, WordPerfect and Word wordprocessors, respectively. These latter three documents contain the fully functional Contents pages, with tests and word problems suitable for copying for in-class use. ******************** OPERATING PROCEDURES ******************** "SOA" and "MBS" are both compressed files. To properly install the programs, command "Install C: D:," for example or more generally, "Install Origin Disk Drive, space, Destination Disk Drive." The two program groups will be placed in separate directories and expanded therein. Note! Install C: C: (or equivalent) is adequate to install to the same drive. Command "SOA" within the algebra group and "BASICS" within the Basic Math group, to get to the respective MENUS. Notice that in all the following setups, SOA exercises can be printed to the screen. The display scrolls by very quickly, but a touch of the space bar will stop the display. Touching it again will recommence the display. Regrettably, for modern, high speed personal computers, the display may be too fast for a user to "catch it" quickly enough for appropriate review. Ideally, "one screen at a time" should be provided. But at this stage in SOA's development, such is simply not practical. However, I did provide automatic "stops" at the end of the each exercise page, just before the answers are provided. This should help. Keep in mind, please, that this software provides printed exercises. The screen "preview" was added as a convenience feature only. SETUP ONE ********* SOA is configured to print using EPSON 1500 printer codes. This is pretty much an industry standard today. If your printer responds to this standard, and if it is not a laser or ink jet printer (see below), the operating procedures are very brief: Assuming you are "in" the SOA directory, command SOA. You will be put into the MENU immediately. Use the cursor up/down keys to highlight your choice and hit RETURN (ENTER). Proceed as indicated. SETUP TWO ********* Wherein the printer is not Epson 1500-compatible, or the user has a laser or "daisy wheel" printer. Command PSETUP, (that is, highlight the command and press Return). A listing is provided. If the user's printer is contained therein, or if there is one listed that has comparable printer codes; then choose "e," and input the printer filename with or without the ".PRN" appendage. Those with laser printers, use "HPLASER.PRN," notwithstanding IBM or Epson compatibility. The reasons relate to proper spacing in the printed exercises. Since printer requirements are moderate, this will serve for PCL 5 types too. The user will then be returned to the MENU. Printer configuration is now complete. Proceed as above. Note that a few daisy wheel printer codes are also supplied, including that for the very popular Diablo 630. SETUP THREE *********** Note SETUP TWO, above. If your printer is not listed, and if -- further -- there are none with comparable printer codes; command "s," and hit Return, (Enter). Then armed with your printer manual (containing the printer codes), follow directions as indicated exactly. Use base 10 integers only,(no hexadecimal). Keep in mind whem formatting for ink jet printers, the printed portion of the page is smaller than normal. Decrease "line spacing" by 1/48th to 145th inch. "Page size" will decrease appropriately. When inputs are complete, you will be asked the name for this new printer file. Use eight characters or less and no appendage; this latter will be added automatically. After which, you will be asked if you want this file trans- ferred to "USERP.PRN," the working file for SOA. If you answer "yes," this will be the printer file through which SOA will output its exercises, tests and documentation. You will be returned to the MENU. If you make a mistake, simply exit the program and the directory and start again. For MSB, (Mathematics, Basic Skills), commanding "Basics" while "in" the BASICS directory, will bring you to the "MENU." From that point onward, operations with MBS mirror SOA exactly. Except for the obvious differences, procedures are the same. While entering dates on programmed exercises, the user is reminded that commas and semicolons are delimiters and should not be used. The military annotation is suggested, to wit: October 11, 1992 would be written as 11 Oct 92. July 5, 1992 would be 5 Jul 92. The form is concise and needs no "delimiters." If the standard form must be used together with its comma, the full date must be enclosed in quotes. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. My CompuServe address is 75222,1254. I will list this file with SCIENCE\MATHEMATICS and IBMNET\SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS\MATHEMATICS. Please direct letter correspondence to -- Alfred D'Attore 1300 South Farm View Drive Apartment B-21 Dover, Delaware 19904 USA