ALGEBRA, A SKILL-ORIENTED APPROACH by Alfred D'Attore Version 9 updates the three manual files extensively. Aside from cor- recting typographical errors, a serious attempt was made at making the manual files independent of wordprocessor and printer. Algebra, A Skill-Oriented Approach contains three program groups: ALGEBRA.EXE comprising the complete elementary algebra. GMATH.EXE which provides all of the elementary arithmetic. DBASE.EXE an electronic 'address book,' (a small but true data base), found extremely useful by teachers. The printer files have also been upgraded to include software commands for USA/Europe character codes in the Epson Model LQ570 and the Epson Stylus 800 ink jet printer. (See EPLQ570.PRN and EPINKJET.PRN.) Algebra, A Skill-Oriented Approach, (short title, "Skill-Oriented Algebra," [SOA]), is designated FREEWARE. The documentation, (manuals and catalogs), accompanying the printed exercise and test programs of "Skill-Oriented Algebra," is presented in three forms: 1. AmiPro word processor: SOA.SAM and CATALOG.SAM. 2. WordPerfect for Windows: SOA.WP and CATALOG.WP. 3. MicroSoft WORD for Windows: SOA.DOC and CATALOG.DOC. True Type typefaces are used throughout to maximize compatibility. Con- tents are formatted properly for photo-copying or direct, in-class use. * * * * * * NOTE! * * * * * * The SOA manual is a FORMAT-INTENSIVE DOCUMENT, (as are, indeed, the programmed exercises and tests). Sometimes the formatting provided in these wordprocessors does not hold completely in translations from one printer to another, or from one wordprocessor to another; or, for that matter, from one version of said wordprocessor to another. True Type fonts were used throughout this manual to maximize compa- tibility. Except for the first and last page, Courier fonts were used for their accuracy and predictabilty vis-a-vis spacing. "Page breaks" were provided at the end of each page, whenever the wordprocessors permitted. These should help maintain "page to page" formatting; or at least provide points of departure for further adjustments deemed necessary by the user. Tests, word problems, answer keys -- virtually everything in the manual, "fills" most all of the space available on applicable pages. These pages need to be printed accurately, in their entirety, character for character, line for line, column for column; if they are to be used -- via photocopy -- in classes. Therefore, the manual must be perused carefully by the prospective user -- especially teachers -- prior to printing, for "proper" formatting; then "adjusted," if necessary. ******************** OPERATING PROCEDURES ******************** After initial decompression, (if applicable), the software must be "installed." Command -- INSTALL B: C: for example, or more generally -- INSTALL ORIGIN DISK DRIVE, SPACE, DESTINATION DISK DRIVE The three 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, "BASICS" within the Basic Math group, and "DB" within the database group to get to respective MENUS. Notice that in the algebra group, 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 might scroll by 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 was developed to provide PRINTED exercises. The screen "preview" was added as a convenience feature only. SETUP ONE ********* SOA is configured to print using HP Laser Jet printer codes, (PCL 4). If your printer responds to this standard, and if it is not an 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. (Those with non-HP laser printers should use the default setting notwithstanding IBM or Epson compatibility. The reason relates to proper spacing of printed exercises.) A note with reference to non-laser jet printers -- If the user finds that printing produces a "v" for the divide sign and other odd characters, he is probably using a restrictred character set with his printer; that is, 128 bit coded characters as opposed to the full 256. Either reset the printer for the full grouping or add the code corresponding to the full character set to the FIRST LINE in your printer code. Software coding always overrides hardware settings. (Use any ASCII editor to revise an otherwise satisfactory code.) For Epson printers, this particular code is probably 027116001. Epson users might try EPLQ570.PRN or EPSTY800.PRN. It contains this "character table code" already. SETUP TWO ********* Wherein the printer is not HP PCL 4 compatible, or the user has a dot matrix 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. The user will then be returned to the MENU. Printer configuration is now complete. Proceed as above. Those with Ink jet printers should try HPINKJET.PRN or EPINKJET.PRN, as indicated. 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). Whem formatting for printers of the "single page feed" variety, the printed portion of the page is smaller than for laser jets and certainly smaller than for the "continuous form" types. For these cases, decrease "line spacing," if possible, by 1/48th to 1/45th inch. "Page size" will decrease proportionately. 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 and tests. You will be returned to the MENU. If you make a mistake, simply exit the program and start again. For MSB, (Mathematics, Basic Skills), commanding "Basics" while "in" the BASICS directory, will bring you to its "MENU." From that point onward, operations with MBS mirror SOA exactly. Except for the obvious differences, procedures are the same. "Catalogs" are provided formatted for the three major wordprocessors -- CATALOG.SAM -- AmiPro. CATALOG.WP -- WordPerfect for Windows. CATALOG.DOC -- MicroSoft Word for Windows. 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, 1994 would be written as 11 Oct 94. July 5, 1994 would be 5 Jul 94. 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. The "DBASE" directory, containing the "electronic address" book has three extensive "DB" files, (comparable to the SOA "manuals," above); that is -- DB.SAM, written with AmiPro. DB.WP, written with WordPerfect for Windows. DB.DOC, written with MicroSoft Word for Windows.. Complete instructions are provided herein for the proper use of this data base program. * * * * * Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. My CompuServe address is 75222,1254. Please direct letter correspondence to -- Alfred D'Attore 1300 South Farm View Drive Apartment B-21 Dover, Delaware 19904 USA