----------------------------------------
I I
I ABC FUN KEYS I
I I
I Version 4.2 I
I I
I A Musical Learning Game for I
I Small Children I
I I
I For IBM Compatible Computers I
I I
----------------------------------------
September 2, 1991
Courtney E. Krehbiel
199 N. El Camino Real, Suite F175
Encinitas, CA 92024
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| 24 Hour Message and Software Support |
| On-line Registration with MC/Visa |
|-----------------------------------------|
| ABC FUN KEYS Bulletin Board System |
|-----------------------------------------|
| Telephone: (619) 436-3525 |
| Modem Settings: 300 to 2400 BPS, |
| No parity, 8 Bits, 1 Stop Bit |
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Copyright (c) 1991 Courtney E. Krehbiel All Rights Reserved
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
QUICK START FOR ADVANCED USERS
------------------------------
About the program:
------------------
ABC FUN KEYS is an educational game for children between the ages
of two to six years old. The game features 38 colorful full
screen graphic pictures, action, and lots of nursery rhyme songs.
The ABC FUN KEYS program consists of four different games: An
entry level game where a picture is displayed and song is played
for each letter and number key that is pressed; a beginner game
where the child must match the letter/number picture displayed on
the screen with the corresponding key on the keyboard; a more
advanced version where the picture is gradually revealed and the
child must make the correct match in a limited time period; and a
child's typing tutor where letters and numbers float in the "air"
between "heaven" and "mud". In the last game, letters need to be
"hearted to heaven" by pressing the corresponding key before they
expire and sink into the mud.
Advanced features of the ABC FUN KEYS include the ability to
select any combination and order of letters and numbers, an adult
control panel utility with on-line help, and configuration files
and command line parameters for automatic game startup. The
program opens with an easy-selection child's menu.
ABC FUN KEYS will run on any IBM PC compatible computer with 512
KB or more of available RAM, one floppy disk, and DOS 3.1 or
greater. The program works with Hercules Monochrome, CGA, EGA,
or VGA video systems. ABC FUN KEYS is written in Turbo C.
How to Start:
-------------
To start ABC FUN KEYS from a floppy, use the distribution disk or
copy all the program files to a single floppy diskette. Place
the disk in drive A:, make A: the default drive, and type: ABC
If you are using a hard disk, make a subdirectory labeled ABC and
copy all the ABC FUN KEYS files to that subdirectory. Make the
ABC subdirectory the current directory, and type: ABC
On the registered user distribution diskette, pictures are
compressed to enable all files to fit on the diskette. ABC Fun
Keys must be installed prior to use by typing: INSTALL
Typing ABC /? will display a help screen listing the command line
options. If the program fails to display graphics correctly, you
may need to explicitly tell the program which graphics adapter
your computer uses. For example, ABC /V=7 starts ABC FUN KEYS
for a Hercules monochrome graphics system.
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page i
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
TABLE OF CONTENTS
-----------------
QUICK START FOR ADVANCED USERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
COPYRIGHT NOTICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN ABC FUN KEYS . . . . . . . . . 1
WHY SHOULD I REGISTER ?? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
REGISTRATION BENEFITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
COMPUTER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR ABC FUN KEYS . . . . . . . . 4
PROGRAM OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
GAME DESCRIPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
GAME ONE -- Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
GAME TWO -- Guess Quick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
GAME THREE -- Heaven and Mud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
GAME FOUR -- Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
INSTALLING THE ABC FUN KEYS PROGRAM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
STARTING THE GAME -- Floppy Disk System . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Optional Program Setup Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
STARTING THE GAME -- Hard Disk System . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
CONTROL PANEL FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Clear and Start Over . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Select All . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Select All Alphabet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Select All Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Disable/Enable Nursery Rhyme Music . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Enable Random/Sorted Order Selection . . . . . . . . . . 13
Enable/Release Keyboard Plus Key Hold . . . . . . . . . 13
Lock/Unlock Songs to/from Pictures . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Return to Menu After nn Plays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Save Game Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
HEAVEN & MUD CONTROL PANEL FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Use LowerCase/UpperCase Letters in Heaven & Mud . . . . 15
Heaven/Mud Letter Velocity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Heaven/Mud Letter Duration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Heaven/Mud Letter Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
COMMAND LINE CONTROL FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page ii
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
TABLE OF CONTENTS, Cont.
-----------------------
HIDDEN GAME FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
USING ABC FUN KEYS WITH A RAM-DISK . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
NOTES ON USING ABC FUN KEYS WITH A HARD DISK . . . . . . . . 20
OTHER ABC FUN KEY NOTES OF INTEREST . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
LISTING OF ABC PROGRAM FILES AND USES . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
INSTANT MAILER REGISTRATION FORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page iii
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
----------------
The ABC FUN KEYS program and manual are copyright (C) 1985-1991
by Courtney E. Krehbiel. All rights are reserved.
Non-registered users, PC software libraries, and computer
software clubs are granted a limited license to use this product
on a trial basis, and to copy the program for trial use by others
subject to the following limitations:
The ABC FUN KEYS program must be distributed in unmodified
form, complete with all files and documentation. See the
file list later in this documentation for details.
No fee, charge or other consideration may be requested or
accepted for program distribution with one exception. PC
software libraries may charge a maximum of $6 per
distribution diskette to defray costs of copying and
mailing.
ABC FUN KEYS may not be distributed in conjunction with any
other hardware or software product without the written
permission of the author. For example, this means the
program can not be given away by computer outlets as part of
a computer system without my written permission.
If you intend to use ABC FUN KEYS after an evaluation period, you
must register the program. To do otherwise is a violation of the
distribution license and United States Copyright laws.
Commercial, educational, business or government use is prohibited
without site registration. For example, you may not use this
program in a Pre-School or Day-care center without site
registration. Registration fees for such uses are extremely
reasonable. Please refer to the registration form for details.
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page iv
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN ABC FUN KEYS
-------------------------------------------
Thank you very much for looking at ABC FUN KEYS. I sincerely
hope that you and a child important to you will find this program
fun to use, easy, and educational.
I have tried very hard to make ABC FUN KEYS as intuitive to use
as possible. However, there are features and capabilities
included in the program that are not obvious from the screen
displays. I strongly recommend a quick review of this
documentation file to get a feel for the range of possibilities
that ABC FUN KEYS provides.
Because of the age of the intended audience, I encourage you to
participate with the child in playing the games. You can provide
the vocalization of letters and numbers, positive feedback
rewards, and closeness that a program can never match.
If you choose to let your child play solo, be reassured that the
program has been carefully designed to prevent a small child from
inadvertently damaging other files which may be on your computer.
For example, one program option deliberately makes it difficult
to exit so a small child won't accidentally get to DOS.
Obviously, I hope that you will register your copy of ABC FUN
KEYS. All registration proceeds are placed in an account for my
two children. I don't expect you to register if you decide the
program does not meet your needs. If you choose not to register,
I would greatly appreciate a note describing what you expected
the program to do and why you are disappointed. In either case,
please pass the program along to others who may be interested.
Once again, THANK YOU for looking at ABC FUN KEYS. I hope it
provides many hours of enjoyable learning for a child you love.
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page 1
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
WHY SHOULD I REGISTER ??
------------------------
Many people tacitly regard "Shareware" distributed software as
"free". This is not true. There is also the inclination to "let
the other guy register". As a result, very few users bothered to
register earlier versions of ABC FUN KEYS which contained the
complete alphabet. I nearly abandoned the concept of "Shareware"
software distribution.
After this early discouragement, and in a fashion similar to many
other shareware programs, the full benefits of ABC FUN KEYS were
set aside for those who registered their copy. Therefore, the
complete set of auxiliary pictures for ABC FUN KEYS is no longer
included in the shareware version of the program. However, the
program is completely functional. There are no missing features
or capabilities in the Shareware version other than the auxiliary
picture files.
I will abide by the spirit of "Shareware". If you feel the full
set of picture files is required to properly evaluate ABC FUN
KEYS, please send me a letter stating why you feel you are unable
to fairly evaluate the "Shareware" version of the program. You
must also include a self addressed floppy disk mailer, one 5 1/4
inch floppy disk, and $1 for postage and handling if you expect
to receive a complete evaluation diskette. I reserve the right
to refuse any requests which are inadequate or unreasonable in my
opinion.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I will gladly send a complementary copy of ABC FUN KEYS to any
children with special circumstances such as a learning disability
or physical problem. Please send me a brief letter requesting a
"special" copy.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
User feedback is an integral part of any successful software
program. Please share your impression of ABC FUN KEYS by writing
me a message when you register. Any comments or suggestions you
care to pass along will help me improve the program and enhance
the enjoyment of other children who may use it. I have answered
every letter I have received about the program. To a great
extent, the program has been shaped by user comments.
An instant mailer registration form is contained in a separate
file named REGISTER.DOC. I have continually upgraded and
supported this program since 1985. In return, I greatly
appreciate your support by registering the program if you use it.
Thank you in advance for your registration.
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page 2
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
REGISTRATION BENEFITS
---------------------
When you register the ABC FUN KEYS program by sending the $15
registration fee, you will receive my family's thanks plus the
following direct benefits:
- All registered users will receive a floppy disk with the
latest revision of the ABC FUN KEYS program. Your program
disk will contain a serial number assigned only to you.
- All registered users will receive the picture files which
complete the alphabet A - Z plus picture files for the
number keys 0 through 9.
- All registered users will also receive the ability to
place their name or their child's name as registered owners
in the Initial Window display and the Registration Window
display.
- All registered users will receive notification of any
major updates of ABC FUN KEYS.
Most important, you will receive a good conscience and the
knowledge that your fairness and integrity are setting a good
example for your children. The "C Language" source code for this
program contains over 25,000 lines of code. A program of this
magnitude requires thousands of hours to write, debug,
illustrate, and document for public delivery. By registering and
showing your support, I am compensated for my effort and
encouraged to improve this program and provide others via the
"Shareware" software distribution method.
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page 3
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
COMPUTER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR ABC FUN KEYS
---------------------------------------------
In order to run ABC FUN KEYS, you must have the following minimum
level of computer equipment:
An IBM Personal Computer or compatible with:
- 512 K RAM or more.
- 1 double sided floppy disk drive. (360 KB)
- PC / MS-DOS Ver. 3.1 or later.
- Video display card which supports any of
the following PC standards:
CGA, Hercules monochrome,
EGA, or VGA.
- Monochrome monitor capable of
displaying graphics.
Recommended equipment additions include:
- 640 K RAM
- RAM disk software
- Color monitor or EGA/VGA color monitor
and appropriate video card.
- Hard Disk drive.
By storing the picture files on a floppy disk simulated in RAM
(RAM disk), the speed and keyboard responsiveness of the program
are substantially improved. The use of a hard disk for program
and file storage will also result in good performance.
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page 4
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
----------------
ABC FUN KEYS is a learning program designed to introduce a child
from the ages of 2 to 6 years to the concept of letters, the
alphabet, and computer keyboards. The program has been designed
around colorful, full screen pictures and familiar nursery rhyme
melodies to make learning as enjoyable and stimulating as
possible. There are on-screen scrolling lyrics for those who
wish to sing along with the nursery rhyme melodies.
The program consists of four learning games with several game
options structured around the alphabet and numbers. The ABC Fun
Keys game starts with a picture menu intended for small children.
A child only needs to press any key to move a blinking star from
descriptive picture to picture. The "enter" key selects the game
for play.
For adults, a paged window help screen with game descriptions can
be accessed by pressing "ALT-H" from the picture menu. This
"adult menu" can also be accessed directly by starting ABC with
the command: ABC /M.
Control over the selection of letters and numbers is critical to
the learning process since few small children can assimilate the
entire alphabet at one time. To accomplish this, a setup screen
for the games can be accessed from the picture menu by typing
"ALT-S". This allows you to select the letters and numbers which
will be used in the game as well as various game options. For
advanced users, ABC FUN KEYS can be started with command line
parameters and configuration files for virtually automatic
operation. One of the setup options is a "Repeat Control
Counter" which sets the number of plays before the program
returns to the main menu.
Due to the age of the intended user, it is recommended that an
adult supervise the operation of this program.
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page 5
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
GAME DESCRIPTIONS
-----------------
ABC FUN KEYS contains four different games. Any game can be
selected from the children's picture menu.
GAME ONE -- Basic
-----------------
Once the first game is started, a letter and object picture
are displayed on the monitor. The child must press the
corresponding letter key on the keyboard. When successful,
a short nursery rhyme is played and the colors in the
picture flash. Incorrect key responses are greeted with a
buzz. This is repeated until all the selected letters have
been used whereupon the picture selection begins to repeat.
A picture "flashcard" mode is also available in this game.
GAME TWO -- Guess Quick
-----------------------
The second game is better for older children with some
experience with numbers, letters, and the keyboard. It is
similar to the basic game except the picture is gradually
revealed. The rate of picture growth increases as the
picture nears completion. The child must recognize the
picture and letter and press the corresponding keyboard key
before or shortly after the picture is completed. Success
is met by a complete picture, a nursery rhyme, and flashing
colors. If unsuccessful, the picture disintegrates and
another begins to take its place.
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page 6
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
GAME DESCRIPTIONS Cont.
-----------------------
GAME THREE -- Heaven and Mud
----------------------------
This game is a child's typing tutor. It's been designed to
appeal to older children. The game screen is composed of
three areas. There is "Heaven" at the top with a smiling
sun face, "Air" in the middle of the screen, and "Mud" at
the bottom of the screen with a frowning mud face. When the
game is started, three of the preselected letters or numbers
begin to float in the air. If the keyboard key
corresponding to a letter is pressed, the letter explodes
into hearts and floats to heaven. Another letter or number
takes its place. If the letter hasn't been "hearted to
heaven" within a random preset time, the unloved letter
sinks into the mud. Letters that are about to expire change
color as a warning.
During game play, action can be slowed down by pressing
"down" arrow. Movement can be speeded up by pressing "up"
arrow. These speed changes are semi-permanent for the
duration of the session with ABC Fun Keys. Permanent speed
changes can be made by using the Heaven & Mud control panel.
In the control panel, you have control of the initial speed
and lifetime delay factors to allow you to tailor the game
to your child's abilities.
Computer processing power limits the velocity beyond a
certain point due to requirements imposed by the animation
technique. If you're lucky enough to be using an 80386
computer, characters can literally fly across the screen.
The game ends when either Heaven or the Mud become full of
letters. For an extra challenge, lower case letters can be
used in this game.
GAME FOUR -- Display
--------------------
The fourth learning game is for the youngest children. It
allows the child to press a key on the keyboard and the
computer will respond by displaying a picture of the letter
and an associated item. The picture is displayed for the
duration of a nursery rhyme melody. Lyrics for the nursery
rhyme appear across the top of the screen. If a color
graphic picture is not available for the key, a picture of
the key is displayed instead.
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page 7
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
INSTALLING THE ABC FUN KEYS PROGRAM
-----------------------------------
Before using the ABC Fun Keys program, it must be installed on
either a blank floppy diskette, or a hard disk. A hard disk is
recommended if it is available.
1. For installation to a floppy disk, you will need a
formatted, blank floppy diskette. See the FORMAT command of
your DOS manual to prepare a formatted floppy disk if
necessary.
2. It is recommended that you make a backup copy of the ABC Fun
Keys distribution diskette to safeguard the program in case
of an accident. In order to make a backup copy, a second
blank floppy diskette is required. Refer to the DISKCOPY
command in your DOS manual for additional information if
necessary.
3. Place the copy of the ABC distribution diskette in the disk
drive on your computer.
4. To install on a HARD DISK, start the installation program by
typing:
A:INSTALL A: C:\ABC [Enter]
This will install the ABC program from the A: disk drive to
the subdirectory \ABC on the C: disk drive.
5. To install on a FLOPPY DISK, start the installation program
by typing:
A:INSTALL A: B: FLOPPY
This will install the ABC program from the A: disk drive to
the floppy diskette in drive B:. Note that if you only have
one floppy disk drive, you will be prompted to switch
diskettes at the proper times.
6. Follow the instructions provided by the installation
program.
A generic description of the installation command is:
d:INSTALL [source_drive] [destination_drive\path] [FLOPPY]
Where: d: is the drive containing the installation disk.
FLOPPY is a keyword to make a floppy disk install.
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page 8
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
STARTING THE GAME -- Floppy Disk System
---------------------------------------
1. Turn on the computer with a copy of your DOS diskette in
disk drive A.
2. If the DOS program asks you for the date and time, press the
[Enter] key twice. The date and time are not needed for
this program.
3. At this time, the display should contain the DOS prompt...
A>
4. Remove the DOS diskette from drive A and insert the
ABC FUN KEYS diskette made by the install program into disk
drive A.
5. Enter the following command after the DOS prompt:
ABC [Enter]
6. The drive light will be activated and the children's menu
for ABC FUN KEYS will be displayed.
7. To start a game, select any of the game variations by
pressing any key except "Enter" until the blinking star is
in the desired game window. Press [Enter] to start game.
(Please note that if the ABC.CFG configuration file is not
present, ABC will immediately enter into the setup mode
described below. To create a configuration file, use the
"Save Game Configuration" option in the control panel.)
Program Setup Mode
------------------
8. Instead of starting a game, you can enter the help or setup
modes with verbal game descriptions and access to the
control panel by pressing "Alt-H" for Help or "Alt-S" for
Setup. Pressing "Alt-S" jumps directly to the setup
function described in steps 11 through 16.
9. The Help screen presents six windows with instructions, a
brief description of each game, and a message about
registering your copy of ABC FUN KEYS. To move between the
windows, press any key except the [Enter] key. To select a
game for play, activate the window that describes the game
and press the [Enter] key.
10. From the help window, all games except Display automatically
lead into the Picture Selection and Control Panel. This
allows selection of letters and other game features.
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page 9
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
STARTING THE GAME Cont.
-----------------------
11. In the picture selection menu, an alphabetical listing of
the available ABC pictures and a Control Panel is presented.
Help is available for this screen by pressing "Alt-H". You
can escape from the help screen by pressing any key.
12. The letters can be selected for play individually or in
groups. To move the cursor to the individual letters, press
the [Left arrow] key or [Esc]. To highlight a letter and
select it for game play, press [Spacebar] or [Enter].
Pressing the [Spacebar] again deselects the letter.
13. Repeat step 12 to select as many pictures as desired.
Pictures can be selected in any order. The order of
selection is the order in which the pictures will appear in
Basic and Guess Quick games unless random order presentation
is selected in the control panel.
14. If it is desired to select all the pictures, all the
letters, or all the numbers, that can be easily accomplished
in the control panel. To return to the control panel, press
[Esc] or use the [Right Arrow] key.
15. If you wish to save the letter selections for a later game
session, move the cursor to the Control Panel. Then press
"S" to save the game configuration. You can also use the up
or down arrow keys to move the cursor to the "Save Game
Configuration" line and then press [Spacebar] or [Enter] to
select that option.
16. Once all the desired pictures and game options have been
selected and the configuration optionally saved, move the
highlighted cursor to the top choice labeled "START GAME
PLAY" and press [Enter] or [Spacebar] key to begin the game.
You can also start the game by pressing "G".
17. Pressing "Ctrl-Home" will restart the game at the opening
menu. Pressing "Ctrl-End" or "Ctrl-Break" will exit the
game. These are available whenever the program is waiting
for a user keystroke. If the ABC game was started with the
"Easy Exit" command line option, (/E), then the F9 function
key will restart the game and F10 will exit the game. If
you are starting ABC from a menu of choices for your child,
this allows your child an easy way to return to the menu.
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page 10
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
STARTING THE GAME -- Hard Disk System
-------------------------------------
If you are fortunate enough to have a hard disk in your computer,
you should replace the instructions contained in steps 1 through
5 above with the following procedure to run the ABC game from
your hard disk.
1. Turn on the computer and get to the DOS prompt. This will
usually be: C:\>
2. Make \ABC your default subdirectory by typing:
CD \ABC [Enter]
3. Start the ABC game by typing: ABC [Enter]
You can now continue with Step 6 in the instructions for floppy
disk users above.
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page 11
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
CONTROL PANEL FEATURES
----------------------
The Picture Selection & Control Menu is accessed from the
Children's Picture Menu by pressing "Alt-S" for Setup. The
Control Panel is on the right side of the menu screen. On the
left side is an alphabetical listing of available picture letters
that can be used in the game. Any pictures that have been
selected for play are highlighted.
If no picture files appear, make sure that you have run the
installation program. The file ABC_PICS.EXE on the registered
user distribution disk must be run to expand the picture files.
This happens automatically during the installation.
The control panel is divided into three sections by horizontal
lines. The top section contains disk drive information and a
brief reminder of useful keystrokes. The middle section contains
a bar selection menu for different game features. The bottom
section contains status indicators for several game features.
Not all menu bar features apply to each game. Features that are
available for the selected game are presented in normal colors
with a highlighted key letter. Unavailable options are in a dim
color without a highlighted letter.
There are two ways to select an option. The first is to press
the highlighted key that corresponds to the menu bar option. A
feature can also be selected by using the "Up" and "Down" arrow
keys to move the highlighted bar to the desired item. The item
can then be selected by pressing [Spacebar] or [Enter].
The features in the Control Panel are as follows. Applicable
games for each option appear in parenthesis.
Clear and Start Over
--------------------
Deselects all letter and number pictures and starts over
with a clean slate. Note that at least one picture must be
selected to successfully start the game. (1,2,3)
Select All
----------
Selects all available letter and number pictures for game
play. (1,2,3,4)
Select All Alphabet
-------------------
Selects all available letter pictures A-Z for game play.
All number pictures are automatically deselected. (1,2,3)
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page 12
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
CONTROL PANEL FEATURES, Cont.
-----------------------------
Select All Numbers
------------------
Selects all available number pictures 0-9 for game play.
All letter files are automatically deselected. (1,2,3)
Disable/Enable Nursery Rhyme Music
----------------------------------
This option toggles a switch which selects either nursery
rhyme melodies or a "TA DA" sound when pictures have been
successfully keyed. An indicator in the bottom panel shows
TONE when the "TA DA" sound has been selected, or RHYM when
nursery rhymes are active. (1,2,4)
Enable Random/Sorted Order Selection
------------------------------------
This option toggles a switch which causes pictures to be
presented for play in sorted or random order. In the sorted
order mode, pictures will be presented in the order in which
they were selected. This will be numeric and alphabetical
order if control panel group selection was used. In random
mode, pictures will not be repeated until all pictures have
been shown. An indicator box in the bottom panel shows
RANDM for random order and ORDRD for selected order mode.
(1,2)
Enable/Release Keyboard Plus Key Hold
-------------------------------------
The Plus Key Hold is a feature which can be used by an adult
to moderate the pace of play. I added this feature to an
early version of the program when my daughter insisted on
bashing all the keys at random just to hear the noise it
made. Plus Key Hold causes the keyboard to be dead once a
picture has been displayed until the "Plus" key on the right
side of the keyboard has been pressed. Then the keyboard is
live. As a reminder, a tiny "+" symbol appears in the upper
left corner of the screen.
The current status of the plus key hold toggle switch is
shown by an indicator in the lower panel. PLS OF
corresponds to "plus off" or a normal live keyboard. PLS ON
indicates that Plus Key Hold is active. (1)
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page 13
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
CONTROL PANEL FEATURES, Cont.
-----------------------------
Lock/Unlock Songs to/from Pictures
----------------------------------
This is one of many features based upon a user's suggestion.
This option allows the nursery rhyme songs to be "locked" or
synchronized to the letter/number pictures. When songs are
not locked, they are selected at random. To the extent
possible, songs try to emphasize the featured letter when
they are synchronized to the picture. For example, if the
songs are "locked", "The Old Brass Wagon" is always played
when the letter "B" is pressed. The control panel indicator
displays SYNC when the nursery rhymes are locked to the
pictures. NOSYNC is displayed for random selection of
songs. (1,2,4)
Return to Menu After nn Plays
-----------------------------
This option provides a return to the opening menu after a
defined number of pictures have been displayed. If nn = 0,
the selected game will continue indefinitely until Ctrl-
Break, Ctrl-Home, or Ctrl-End are pressed. (1,2,4)
Save Game Configuration
-----------------------
This is a very powerful feature which allows all pertinent
game information to be saved in a configuration file. The
saved information consists of the picture selection list and
the status of every item in the Control Panel indicator
field. The name of the default configuration file is
ABC.CFG. This file will be updated every time the Save Game
option is selected. The next time ABC FUN KEYS is started,
it will automatically use the letters and parameters stored
in the configuration file. (1,2,3,4)
This semi-permanent configuration capability allows you to
design a custom game environment for your child. Once
configured, a game can be easily selected from the
Children's Picture Menu until you decide to change
parameters.
For advanced users, ABC FUN KEYS has the ability to use
multiple configuration files by means of the command line
parameter /C=<ABC config file name>. (See the next section
for more information on command line control parameters.)
When you specify a configuration file name other than the
default, ABC FUN KEYS saves its configuration information to
a file of that name. If the file does not already exist, it
is created. Therefore, you can have multiple configuration
files that are designed for different purposes.
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page 14
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
HEAVEN & MUD CONTROL PANEL FEATURES
-----------------------------------
Use LowerCase/UpperCase Letters in H&M
--------------------------------------
This menu bar option allows selection of uppercase or lower
case letters in Game 3, Heaven and Mud. Numbers are not
affected. Upper case letters will be used when G3 UPR is in
the indicator display. Lower case letters will be used when
G3 LWR is displayed.
Heaven/Mud Letter Velocity
--------------------------
This selection controls the speed at which the characters
move across the screen subject to the capabilities of the
computer. When this item is selected, a setting window
appears that allows the speed variable to be changed.
Applicable values are from 0 to 15 with lower numbers
introducing less delay in the character movement for a
faster game. If set to -1, the computer's speed is
automatically sensed and velocity is adjusted automatically
for an intermediate level of play. Note that when using a
4.77 MHz PC, the fastest character movement is fairly slow.
Speed can be adjusted during the course of game play by
pressing the [Up Arrow] key to speed up play and the [Down
Arrow] key to slow down play. These speed adjustments are
semi-permanent and remain in-place until the ABC program is
exited.
Heaven/Mud Letter Duration
--------------------------
The duration selection controls the maximum number of moves
that a character can make before expiring. The actual
number of moves is set by a random number generator for each
character subject to this maximum value. When this item is
selected, a setting window opens that allows the duration
variable to be changed. Applicable values are from 1 to 50.
Lower values correspond to a shorter average duration time
and hence a faster game requiring more skill.
Heaven/Mud Letter Warning
-------------------------
Before each character is about to expire, it changes color
as a warning. The warning selection allows you to set the
number of moves before expiration that the warning appears.
Notice that it should be set lower than the duration
variable discussed above. When this item is selected, a
setting window opens that allows the warning variable to be
changed. Applicable values are from 1 to 10. Lower values
correspond to less expiration warning time and hence a game
requiring greater skill.
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page 15
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
COMMAND LINE CONTROL FEATURES
-----------------------------
A command line parameter is an instruction to the ABC FUN KEYS
program that is entered on the same line as the command to start
the program from DOS. These are generally for advanced users.
You do not need to enter any commands other than "ABC" to make
the program run. The command line instructions add extra
options. All command line instructions start with a forward
slash "/". If you type "ABC /?", the program will provide a
brief listing of all available command line options. Following
are listings, descriptions, and examples for the optional command
line parameters for ABC FUN KEYS.
/D=<Drive:pathname> (Drives A: thru H: are valid)
This command allows you to specify a drive and pathname
to the ABC picture and auxiliary files. If omitted,
ABC FUN KEYS defaults to the current drive and
directory. The program will run on most local area
networks. If you need to use drive letter greater than
H:, consider using DOS's ASSIGN command.
Example: ABC /D=C:\GAMES\ABC
/G=<Game number> (1 thru 4 are valid numbers)
This option allows you to automatically select one of
the four games to be played. If you select this
option, ABC FUN KEYS immediately begins the chosen game
without any menus.
Example: ABC /G=3
/V=<Video mode> (1=CGA, 2=MCGA, 3=EGA, 7=MONO, 9=VGA)
ABC FUN KEYS has the ability to automatically detect
the type of video display board you have installed in
your computer. This command line option allows you to
override the default selection. If you are having
trouble with your display, you may wish to experiment
with different options from 0 through 10.
Example: ABC /V=7
/C=<ABC config file name> (The default file is ABC.CFG)
When you start the game, ABC FUN KEYS looks up initial
game settings in a configuration file. This option
allows you to have multiple configuration files and
recall any of them from the command line. This might
be useful if you wanted to develop a front end
selection menu for different types of games.
Example: ABC /C=MYGAME.CFG
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page 16
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
COMMAND LINE CONTROL FEATURES Cont.
-----------------------------------
/N=<Number of Songs> (The default is 27 songs available)
This setting allows you to restrict the number of songs
available to the ABC program. It is probably more
useful if you wish to add additional songs. Utilities
to manipulate the song file and add songs are available
on the ABC bulletin board system (BBS) to registered
program users.
Example: ABC /N=20
/T=<Tempo Modify Factor> (The default is 10, normal speed.)
The Tempo Modify Factor allows you to change the tempo
of the nursery rhyme games that will be played by the
ABC Fun Keys program. Factors can range from 5, the
fastest tempo, to 30 which will produce the slowest
tempo. Experiment to see which you prefer.
Example: ABC /T=15
(Produces a slightly slower rhyme tempo.)
/Q (Quiet operation)
This option kills all sound effects and nursery rhyme
melodies for totally quiet play. Most kids find it
boring. Many adults love it. You decide!
Example: ABC /Q
/M (Skips the children's opening Menu)
You may want to exercise total control over the game
setup. If you find yourself usually using the help or
setup key from the Children's opening menu, this option
provides an easy way to skip it.
Example: ABC /M
/S (Snow reduction)
Many early CGA video display boards produce a snowy or
static filled image during screen updates when a
program writes directly to the video display. Most
programmers (including this one) like to design
programs that write directly to the display since it
provides fast, snappy graphics. If you have one of the
old video boards, you have a choice between a fast
static filled display, or a slower but relatively
static free display.
Example: ABC /S
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page 17
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
COMMAND LINE CONTROL FEATURES Cont.
-----------------------------------
/E (Easy Exit)
Several people requested an easy way to exit or restart
the ABC program for children rather than the obtuse
"Ctrl-Home/End" keys. This allows you to provide that
option. When enabled, "easy exit" allows the F9
function key to restart the program and F10 to
immediately exit. These keys are active any time the
program is waiting for keyboard input.
Example: ABC /E enables "easy exit".
/P (Print Screen Activated)
Some users wanted to be able to print the screen
pictures. The [Print Screen] keyboard key is normally
disabled to prevent the program from hanging if a
printer is off-line, or lots of paper from being
wasted. This switch activates screen printing. As a
reminder, you will need to utilize a graphics driver
such as DOS's GRAPHICS.COM to successfully print a
graphics screen image. Check your printer and DOS
manuals for details. Not all printers may be able to
do this function correctly.
Example: ABC /P enables screen printing.
/L (Lyrics are not shown)
This switch disables the scrolling lyrics for the
nursery rhymes at the top of the picture screens.
Example: ABC /L disables scrolling lyrics.
You can combine multiple command line instructions on the same
line. For example, if you want to set up your own front end menu
for ABC FUN KEYS, a command line setup like this might be useful:
ABC /D=C:\GAMES\ABC /C=ALPHANUM.CFG /G=3
Another few examples:
ABC /Q /M
abc /v=1 /s /d=e:
Notice that either upper or lower case can be used and the order
of the commands is not important.
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page 18
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
HIDDEN GAME FEATURES
--------------------
1. At any time the program is waiting for keyboard input, it is
possible to restart the game at the opening menu selection
by pressing "Ctrl-Home". (Press both keys simultaneously.)
2. Press "Ctrl-End" or "Ctrl-Break" to end the game and return
to the DOS prompt.
3. A "flashcard" mode is available in Game "Basic". To enter
the flashcard mode, press the "Scroll Lock" key in the upper
right hand corner of the keyboard. The length of the
flashcard duration can be adjusted by pressing the "up
arrow" key to speed up the rate and the "down arrow" key to
slow down the rate. The flashcard mode can be stopped by
pressing the "Scroll Lock" key once again.
Note that the flashcard rate is dependent upon the speed of
the disk drive and can not be increased beyond a certain
point. Use of a ram-disk or hard disk can significantly
improve the performance of the program in this mode.
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page 19
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
USING ABC FUN KEYS WITH A RAM-DISK
----------------------------------
The use of a simulated floppy disk drive in RAM memory (commonly
called a RAM Disk) can greatly speed up the rate at which the ABC
program retrieves picture and music files. This makes the game's
operation seem instantaneous.
To speed up the program in this way requires ram-disk software
such as VDISK.SYS which is included with many copies of DOS.
Ram-disk software is not included with this program.
Follow instructions to use your ram-disk software. Create the
electronic disk drive. Label the disk drive C:. Copy the
picture and music files from the game disk to the electronic disk
by issuing the following commands...
COPY A:*.S* C: [Enter]
Begin the ABC FUN KEYS game by typing...
ABC /D=C: [Enter]
Note that using the program command "/D=C:" following the call
for the ABC program instructs the program to look for picture and
other auxiliary files on the electronic disk, C:. These files
can be retrieved from any valid disk drive by changing the drive
designation. If no drive/path information is specified, the
program assumes the current disk drive.
NOTES ON USING ABC FUN KEYS WITH A HARD DISK
--------------------------------------------
Using ABC FUN KEYS with a hard disk is similar to the operation
of the program with a RAM disk. For example, suppose the program
ABC is located in a subdirectory called "c:\games" off of the
root directory. To avoid cluttering up the games directory with
the picture and auxiliary files, you may have placed them in the
directory "c:\games\pics". You must have all files with an
extension that begins with "s" in the pics subdirectory. (ie:
*.s*) To start the game type...
CD \GAMES [Enter]
ABC /D=C:\GAMES\PICS [Enter]
Note that the ABC game must always receive drive information.
Any necessary path information to the picture and other auxiliary
files must follow the drive specification.
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page 20
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
OTHER ABC FUN KEY NOTES OF INTEREST
-----------------------------------
The picture files are labeled ".spf" which stands for "scrunched
picture file". A crude form of data compression has been used to
minimize the space required by the pictures and enable faster
data loading. The picture files can be created using the
Paintbrush program provided with Microsoft's Windows 3.0. Once a
*.BMP image is created with Paintbrush, it must be "scrunched"
for use with ABC FUN KEYS. The program SCRUNCH.EXE is available
on the ABC Bulletin Board System (BBS) for registered users for
this purpose. It is contained in the BBS archive file
ABCPICS.ZIP. The format of the files is different for ABC FUN
KEYS Version 4.02 and above. Old version picture files will not
work.
Any assistance with either musical scores or pictures is
gratefully accepted. The author is neither an artist nor
composer.
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page 21
ABC FUN KEYS Program Documentation_________________________________________________________________
LISTING OF ABC PROGRAM FILES AND USES
-------------------------------------
ABC.CFG -- The initial game configuration file. This is
the file which contains the letter/number
selection list and status of game options.
This file can be modified by the user in the
Control Menu.
ABC.DOC -- This users manual.
ABC.EXE -- The main ABC program.
ABC_PICS.EXE -- Picture files that will be loaded and
(Registered displayed by the ABC program. These files
version only) are compressed into a self-extracting
archive.
A.SPF - Z.SPF -- Uncompressed picture files. Not all picture
(Shareware files are included with the shareware
version only) version.
INSTALL.BAT -- The installation batch file. This will
create a usable ABC floppy diskette, or
install the ABC program onto a hard disk.
MENU.SCR and
GAME3.SCR -- Picture files used for the opening menu and
the background for Heaven & Mud. These files
must be located in the same directory as the
picture and music files.
MUSIC.SNG -- A file with nursery rhyme songs that will be
loaded and played by the ABC program.
READ.ME -- Introduction to the ABC FUN KEYS program.
REGISTER.DOC -- The instant mailer registration form.
WHATS.NEW -- A text file describing the improvements
incorporated in Version 4.2 of ABC Fun Keys.
ASK.EXE -- A support file for the INSTALL program that
allows batch file branching.
BROWSE.COM -- A support file for the INSTALL program that
allows a text file to be viewed. Use to view
the documentation by typing BROWSE ABC.DOC.
Copyright (C) 1991 by C. E. Krehbiel Page 22
INSTANT MAILER REGISTRATION FORM
--------------------------------
Please support quality shareware by registering your copy.
THANK YOU in advance for registering ABC FUN KEYS!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Make check Courtney E. Krehbiel / ABC Fun Keys Order Form
payable to: 199 N. El Camino Real, Suite F175
Encinitas, CA 92024
=========================================================================
Qty Description Unit Extended
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
| INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION | |
| ABC FUN KEYS Ver. 4.2 | $15.00 | $
| (Latest version, manual on disk, number | |
| files, and complete set of alphabet | U.S. |
| picture files.) ** 5 1/4 inch floppy ** | only |
---------|---------------------------------------------|--------|--------
| COMMERCIAL / INSTITUTIONAL | $50.00 | $
| REGISTRATION PER SITE | |
| ABC FUN KEYS Ver. 4.2 | U.S. |
| (Same package as above) | only |
---------|---------------------------------------------|--------|--------
| 3 1/2 inch format instead of 5 1/4; ADD | $ 2.00 | $
---------|---------------------------------------------|--------|--------
Subtotal: $
(CA residents must add 8.25% sales tax) Tax: $
Total U.S.: $
Payment by: ( ) Check ( ) Money Order ( ) Visa / MasterCard
Name: ...................................................................
Addr: ...................................................................
.........................................................................
City: ............................... State: ........ Zip: ...........
============ The following is needed only for Credit Card ===============
Work Phone: (....) ................ Home Phone: (....) ................
Card #: ........................................... Expires: ...........
Name of Cardholder: .....................................................
Signature: ..............................................................
Note: On-line registration via modem is available at the ABC BBS. To
order, dial (619) 436-3525. Open 24 hrs/day, 300/1200/2400, N,8,1
=========================================================================
THANK YOU!! Please allow up to two weeks for program delivery.
------------------- INSTANT MAILER ----------------------
Fold at the page break with the printing facing out. Then fold letter
style, exposing the mailing address and hiding your information. If
necessary, staple check to the mailer, then staple or tape sides and top.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Place
----------------------------
Stamp
----------------------------
Here
----------------------------
Courtney E. Krehbiel / ABC FUN KEYS
199 N. El Camino Real, Suite F175
Encinitas, CA 92024
ABC42 U.S.A.
