
Desktop School 101 Shareware
Authored by Dale Kleinknecht, CET
For Drafty House Graphics

1. Introduction & Help
2. Installation Notes
3. User agreement
4. Copyright concerns
5. Registration and Contact Information

1. Introduction & Help

Thank you for trying Desktop School 101 Shareware. This software program is the first I've
released to the public, and the first I've written that wasn't aimed at technical engineers.
The target age for DS 101 is children 4-8. There are four modules for you try with your child 
(Tic Tac Toe is disabled until registered).

Spelling 101 - This is a 'drag and drop' application to help with spelling. The child can 
               choose a picture from the main menu to spell, or they can freely spell any-
               thing they wish. There are three levels of difficult in the words to spell. 
               Numbers have been included for math problems not covered by the math module 
               (see below). If the picture is hard to identify, clicking the hint button 
               will highlight the number of letters in the word. I could have provided the 
               starting letter as well, but half the reason for the 'drag and drop' method 
               is to help the child's mouse control skills. If a child is spelling a word 
               from a picture, clicking the answer button will reveal the spelling. The 
               erase button clears the tiles, and the mediaplayer button plays a midi file 
               if clicked.

Math 101 - Fairly straight forward addition, subtraction, and multiplication module.  
           Division was not included because of the decimal results that could be obtained. 
           Subtraction can yield a negative result, and you may need to explain this to the 
           younger users. Choose addition, subtraction, or multiplication with the main menu, 
           or use the speed buttons directly below. Choose the images associated with the 
           numbers using the radio group. Once an answer has been entered, the check button 
           can be used to show the correct answer. Only single digits can be entered top and 
           bottom, so more advance children may use the spelling module to practice more 
           complex equations.
	
           		Addition result range: 0 to 18
			Subtraction result range: 9 to -9
			Multiplication result range: 0 to 81

Hangman - This game was always a favorite of mine as a child, and I believe it reinforces 
          the spelling module. Three categories of words can be chosen from. The 'New Game'
          button resets the form, and the 'Begin' button loads the new word.

Tic Tac Toe - Once registered, the user can play against the computer, or take turns with
              a partner. When playing the computer, the user is always 'X'.

Sketch Pad - No rules here. Choose a sheet color, a pen color, a shape, and start drawing. 
             This release does not support saving, however, using 'Alt' + 'Print Screen', 
             the user can copy an image to the clipboard to save as he wishes.

2. Installation notes

The setup program takes care of setting up the directory for DS 101, as well as creating a 
program group with shortcuts. One problem that could arise is if an image is removed from 
the installation directory. Should this happen, the program will raise an error, because it 
can't find the target image. Be careful to leave the directory structure as installed. If 
you accept the default, the installation directory will be C:\DSchool\ .

This program has been tested on Win95 and Win98 computers with no troubles. I don't believe 
it will run on Windows 3.1. If you are still running Windows 3.1, why?

Should unforeseen problems occur, email me at dhgraphics@xoommail.com and I will do what I 
can to help. Please note that the user assumes all liability when he/she installs this 
software, and the author is not responsible in the unlikely event that this program harms 
the users computer in any way, shape, or form.

3. User agreement

This program is freely distributed as shareware. Shareware is the best way for private 
developers and authors to get their product distributed and purchased. I really didn't want 
to cripple this program in any way, which is why both the Spelling module and the Math module 
are fully functional, but without any incentive to register, I may have wasted many hours of
programming time.

After trying the program for 30 days, please register for the marginal fee of $10.00 USD 
($14.00 Canadian). You can find the registration instructions below.

4. Copyright concerns

All images, clipart, and sound files, have either been created by the author, or are 
designated 'freely redistributable' by third parties. The author only claims copyrights to
the executables.

5. Registration & Contact Information

At the time of this documentation, I am considering Credit Card registration via my website. 
If you prefer this method of payment, please check http://members.xoom.com/dhgraphics/ to see 
if I've implemented this service. Or contact me at dhgraphics@xoommail.com

Money Orders

Money orders in either US or Canadian Dollars can by made payable to:

	Dale Kleinknecht

And sent to:
	
	P.O. Box 1589
	Redcliff, Alberta
	Canada
	T0J 2P0

Again, registration is only $10.00 USD or $14.00 Canadian. Include your email address 
and/or your mailing address, so I can provide you with the registration code.

Cheques

Registration by certified cheques will receive immediate registration codes. 
Registration by personal cheques will be held until funds are verified. Cheques are to be 
made payable to Dale Kleinknecht and sent to the address above.
 
	Again, thank you for trying this program, deeper thanks if you are registering it. 
        I hope you and your child will find it beneficial.
				Dale Kleinknecht, CET
				29/11/1999

	
	



