	       Crosswords for Teachers V3.1
		    (documentation V1.0)

       For Crosswords, Wordsearches and Crossnumbers

		(All trademarks acknowledged)

Terms Used:

	Clicking        -- Pressing the left mouse button once.
	Double-clicking -- Pressing the left mouse button twice 
					    in quick succession. 
	Icon            -- A small picture/logo/graphic


WARNING!!

It is very important that you always keep backup copies of all
important programs and data, to guard against accidental loss!!

All new discs should be treated with suspicion and should be scanned
using an up to date virus scanner, from a reputable software writer,
before use!!

This documentation includes these sections:

		INTRODUCTION
		PROGRAM FEATURES
		USING AND INSTALLING THE PROGRAM
		RUNNING FROM THE FLOPPY DISC UNDER DOS
		RUNNING FROM THE FLOPPY DISC UNDER MICROSOFT WINDOWS
		HARD DISC INSTALLATION FOR THE CONFIDENT
		USING THE INSTALLATION PROGRAM 
		STATUS BAR OPTIONS
		PROBLEMS WHEN PRINTING?
		SLIGHTLY SCRAMBLED LOOKING MENUS?        
		ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS


INTRODUCTION

This is a crossword and wordsearch constructor designed for use by 
teachers/lecturers, to produce homework sheets for vocabulary 
reinforcement, simple end of topic tests and work sheets of a
semi-recreational nature. It can also be used by students to create 
their own puzzles as a language/subject specific activity.  It 
would also be appropriate for family recreational use and those 
involved with producing club/association newsletters etc.

It also allows the user to create crossnumbers, which are suitable
for practising mental arithmetic, tables, use of a calculator etc.
Unless otherwise stated, what is said about crosswords also applies
to crossnumbers and wordsearches.

Crosswords for Teachers 3.1 requires 346K of RAM. It can be run from
floppy disc or hard disc, as required, on XT or AT type computers.
A "286+" version of the program is available, that will run faster,
but requires a 286 or higher processor.  See XWORD.REG for details of 
this and how to register.


The user is able to enter a list of words using the Create 
option. These are then fitted together, as far as is possible, 
to produce the crossword. Alternatively words and clues can be
selected from one or more libraries. It is also possible for a 
combination of these methods to be used. Users can create their 
own libraries, each containing up to 80 items.  Each library item 
can have up to 3 clues associated with it.

To ensure that as many words as possible will fit, it is 
recommended that a range of long, medium and short words are 
used. When producing a tables crossnumber, it is very important
to 'seed' the puzzle with several longer numbers, in order to 
achieve a good fit.

Up to 40 words/numbers can be entered in a crossword, although for 
most purposes around 20 is a good number.  The grid size can be up 
to 24 by 14.  A grid size of 24 by 12 leaves more space for clues 
and generally yields good results.

The user can either enter the clues for each word, or select clues
from the libraries. Once all the clues have been entered then the 
crossword can be printed out. 

The crossword can be saved at any time and continued later (press F2). 
Words, clues, the title and the grid size, can be edited at any time, 
select the "(3) Edit" option from the main menu.  

Words or words and clues can be added at any time from a library.  
The program will automatically detect whether a chosen library 
contains words or numbers. Words and numbers are not allowed on 
the same crossword.

When loading a puzzle, the program will detect whether it is dealing
with a crossword, crossnumber or wordsearch and will adjust automatically.

Puzzles can be printed directly or can be "printed to disc" as either plain
text files (with a .XPT extension) or as Rich Text Format files (.RTF).
The RTF files can then be imported into a variety of WINDOWS programs, such
as Word for Windows, Ami Pro, etc. The .XPT files can be imported into
DOS editors and word processors.

PROGRAM FEATURES 

	1. Word and number libraries.  Users can create their own 
	libraries, each containing up to 80 words or numbers.  Each 
	word or number can have up to 3 clues associated with it.
	Crosswords, crossnumbers and wordsearches can be created entirely 
	from library items, or a mixture of new and library items may be
	chosen.  Using libraries it is possible to create a 20 word 
	crossword and print it out in under 5 minutes.  Two sample 
	libraries are provided, COMPLIB (suitable for use with 
	IT/CS/Information Studies classes) and TABLES (fairly simple 
	arithmetic/tables library).  Library functions can be accessed 
	by pressing F10 from the main menu.

	2. Crosswords, crossnumbers and wordsearches are available via 
	one program. Version 2.0 brought together Crosswords for 
	Teachers 1.06 and Crossnumbers for Teachers 1.06.  Version 3.0
	introduced wordsearches for the first time.

	3. A refined user interface, making the program easy to
	use.  The program can be run in upper or lower case mode, choose 
	"Print..."  (option 7) followed by F4 to toggle between the
	two modes. You can set your preferred mode by changing the 
	program defaults ("Edit default options", option 4).  This option 
	allows you to customize the program so that it starts up in the 
	way that you use the most.  You can also change the text that 
	appears at the top of the printout for students' names, set how
	you want wordsearches to print out, etc.

	4. The option of printing to disc, to allow crosswords and/or
	solutions to be imported easily into other packages.  Choose 
	"Print..." (option 7) followed by option 2 of the print menu, to 
	toggle between printing to disc and printing to your printer.
	RTF files can be imported into Windows programs, XPT files can be
	imported into DOS programs, since they are plain text files.

	5. Converting from crosswords to wordsearches and vice versa.
	To convert a crossword to a wordsearch, first load the crossword. 
	Then choose option 7 from the main menu "Print..." and choose 
	"Change to wordsearch mode" from the printing options menu.

	The new wordsearch can then be printed, however the words will
	still interlock as in a crossword.  If you want to change to a
	"wordsearch type" fit, press f8, "Auto Refit" (or Main Menu Option 6, 
	"Refit Words") to refit the words.

	6. Wordsearch printing options.
	A wordsearch can be printed out:
		i)   By itself
		ii)  With a list of the words
		iii) With a list of clues
		iv)  With lists of words and clues (in different orders)
	You choose how you want your wordsearches to be printed by selecting
	"Edit default options", option 4.  (Note: When printing to disc in
	RTF format, there is currently no list of words option.)

	7. Fitting targets.  To speed the fitting process, you
	might want to select say 22 items for a crossword, crossnumber or
	wordsearch and set a fitting target of say, 20.  The fitting 
	algorithm will halt as soon as it meets or exceeds the target 
	(except when the target is set to 40, see below).

	Wordsearches fit more easily than the other two types of puzzle.
	A "tables" crossnumber will need to be "seeded" with several longer
	numbers if you want to achieve a good fit.  Otherwise go to the
	Printing Options menu and choose "Allow floating numbers" (see
	paragraph 8. below).

	If the fitting target is set to the maximum (default) target of 
	40, then the program will not stop when all the items have been 
	fitted, but it will continue searching for alternative fits.  If 
	the fitting target is set to anything less, then it stops as soon
	as all the items have been successfully placed, or the fitting 
	target has been met or exceeded.

	If you abort during the fitting process, the program will revert to
	the best fit found so far.  Every time a new best fit is found, it
	is indicated on screen by the highlighted numbers in the central 
	box, which give the number of items that were fitted. If more than  
	one best fit has been found, you will be able to view up to ten
	alternatives and choose the one you like best.  If you later change 
	your mind, you must use "Auto refit" (press F8) to regenerate the
	list of alternatives.

	8. Floating words/numbers.  If you are having trouble getting all 
	your words or numbers to fit, you can opt to allow floating
	words/numbers.  This means that once as many items as possible have
	been fitted, the program will then try and place any that remain,
	unconnected to the rest of the puzzle.  This option is not applicable
	to a wordsearch and is disabled in wordsearch mode, with the menu
	option being shown in brackets.

	Choose option 7 "Printing..." from the main menu, followed by
	"Allow floating words/numbers", from the Printing Options menu.
	(This menu option toggles between allowing/not allowing floating
	words/numbers.)

	9. A fully functioning string editor for clues, etc.  Long 
	strings of characters such as library and puzzle clues, are edited 
	using a powerful string editor.  The operating keys are:
		The arrow keys- move one space in the appropriate direction.
		Page Up       - move to the beginning of the string.
		Page Down     - move to the end of the string.
		Home          - move to the beginning of the line.
		End           - move to the end of the line.
		Insert        - toggle between insert and overtype modes.
		Delete        - delete the character at the cursor.
		Back Space    - delete the character to the left of the
				cursor and move it back one space.

	When a string, eg. a clue, first appears, it will be highlighted in 
	green.  To replace it with a new clue, simply start typing.  If you
	press <ESCAPE> before you press <ENTER> then the new entry will be
	abandoned and the program will revert to the previous one.  Otherwise
	press <ENTER> to accept the new string.

	If you want to edit the old clue instead, your first key press must
	be a cursor movement key, but NOT the delete key, which will delete
	the entire clue at this stage.  Press <ESCAPE> if you accidently
	lose the old clue to abort the editing session and reinstate the old
	clue. Once the green highlighting has disappeared you can edit as
	normal.

	10. Normal/dark printing modes.  The default, and previously the 
	only printing mode was "normal" mode.  This works well with ink-jet
	printers, however it may be a little light for some dot matrix
	printers.  A range of printing modes has been added, which
	may be accessed through the Printing Options menu (select Option 7,
	"Printing..." from the main menu) by pressing F2 to step through the
	alternatives. 

	NB. This option only changes the density of the shaded out areas,
	and what type of frame surrounds the puzzle, it does not alter the 
	density of the text, for example the title, clues etc.

	11. A simple installation program.


USING AND INSTALLING THE PROGRAM

!Note! This section does not apply to discs supplied by a shareware
vendor, since they usually provide their own installation programs.

All that the user has to do is to run the file XWORD.EXE . The 
procedures for doing this under DOS and Microsoft Windows 
(trademark of Microsoft Corporation) are outlined below.

The program can be run from floppy disc, although it is more
convenient to set up a crosswords directory and copy the file
XWORD.EXE onto your hard disc.

If you are not familiar with copying files and setting up directories,
an installation program has been written to set up a crosswords directory 
on your hard disc and copy the relevant files into it (see USING THE 
INSTALLATION PROGRAM below).

For those of you that are interested, the following file extensions
are used:
	.XWD    Crossword/crossnumber/wordsearch files
	.XLB    Library files
	.XPT    Print to disc files in plain text format
	.RTF    Rich Text Format print to disc files, to allow puzzles
		to be imported into Windows programs.

RUNNING FROM THE FLOPPY DISC UNDER DOS

If your computer has only one floppy disc drive then put the
program disc into the drive and type:

      a:\xword   <ENTER>    (or <RETURN>)    at the DOS prompt.

If you have more than one floppy disc drive then you may need
to change the "a" to a "b" depending on which drive the disc is
in.


RUNNING FROM THE FLOPPY DISC UNDER MICROSOFT WINDOWS

If your computer runs Microsoft Windows 3.0 or 3.1, then the 
program can be run from the File Manager by:

1. Double-clicking on the File Manager icon to start it.

2. Putting the program disc into a disc drive.

3. Clicking on the disc drive icon 
   (<A> on a single drive computer, 
    <A> or <B> on a twin drive computer).

4. Double-clicking on the file XWORD.EXE .


HARD DISC INSTALLATION FOR THE CONFIDENT

If you are familiar with file management, then all you need to
do is set up a crosswords directory e.g. C:\XWORD31, and copy the
file XWORD.EXE into it.  You may also want to copy the various other
files which include sample libraries and this text file.

To run the program, make your crosswords directory the current
directory and type XWORD <ENTER>.


USING THE INSTALLATION PROGRAM

To use the installation program, put the program disc into a
disc drive and run INSTALL.EXE .  This can be done from DOS by typing:

	A:\INSTALL <ENTER> or alternatively,
	B:\INSTALL <ENTER> if the disc is in drive B.

From Windows you must:
	1. Double click on the File Manager icon
	2. Click on the "A" or "B" drive icon and
	3. Double click on the icon for INSTALL.EXE

Once installed, the Crosswords for Teachers can be run from Windows by
double-clicking on the icon for the file XWORD.EXE in the File Manager.  

Alternatively you can add XWORD.EXE to an existing program 
group or create a new program group, so that the program is 
available on your desktop.  XWORD.ICO is an icon that you may 
wish to use if you do this.  Refer to your Windows manual for 
instructions on how to customise your desktop.


STATUS BAR OPTIONS (Main menu)

 F1 - Help - One screen of basic instructions to get you started.

 F2 - Save - Once at least 2 words have been entered, you can save
	     your work. You do not have to wait until the crossword
	     is finished.

 F3 - B/W  - Use to switch between colour schemes designed for black
    (or COL) and white and colour monitors.

 F4 - Show - Will show you the current crossword, once at
	     at least two words have been entered.

 F6 - Files- Press F6 and <ENTER> to access DOS.  This allows you to 
	     change your current directory, delete files etc. Type
	     EXIT <ENTER> to return to the main menu.

 F8 - Auto Fit - Select this if you have tried alternative fits using 
	     the"Refit Words"  option on the main menu, and want to return 
	     to the "best fit".  Auto Fit works by repeatedly calling
	     Refit Words and finding the arrangement that gives the best
	     fit.

 F10- Lib  - This gives you access to the library options. It will present
	     you with a sub-menu, which allows you to select words from
	     an existing library to add to your crossword, create a new
	     library or to edit an existing library.

	     A new crossword or crossnumber can be started from here, without
	     going through the "Create puzzle" option. The program will
	     automatically detect whether you have loaded a word or a number
	     library and change mode if necessary. The grid will have the
	     default size, which can be set by choosing "Edit default 
	     options" (option 3) from the main menu.  This can be changed 
	     later if required.

	     To insert new words into a library, first choose "Edit Library"
	     and enter the name of the library you wish to add to.  Press 
	     <INSERT>.  Type in the new word and any associated clues.

	     "Edit Library" also allows you to delete words and their
	     associated clues.  Move to the word to be deleted, then press
	     <DELETE>".  To change words or clues in a library, move to the
	     word and press <ENTER>.


PROBLEMS WHEN PRINTING?

Usually the program will print quite happily on any printer, but a 
few people have experienced minor difficulties.

This program uses a standard extended character set, which includes 
sets of lines and shaded blocks, as well as numbers and letters, in 
order to print out the grid.  If the grid is not printing properly it may
be because your printer is set up to use a more restricted character set.

Look at a table showing code page 437 to see the type of line draw
characters and shaded blocks, that you should have available.

If you need to adjust your printer, you will have to change the
function switches ("dip" switches) on your printer.  Refer to
your printer manual to locate the switches and to find the setting
for an appropriate character set.  Remember that you will have to turn
the printer off and on again before the new settings are accepted.


SLIGHTLY SCRAMBLED LOOKING MENUS?

Most computers will be set to use code page 437 and this presents
no problems.  However, just occasionally a computer will be set to
an alternative, such as code page 850.  This results in some letters
being output on screen in place of some of the corners of the menu
boxes.  This does not effect the performance of the program in any
way, however it looks unsightly!  The code page used can be easily
changed by adjusting either your CONFIG.SYS or AUTOEXEC.BAT files,
see your DOS manual for instructions.


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

My thanks go to the following people, who have made useful suggestions
which have been incorporated into the program:

  Mr. J.K. Groves of Banbury School (printing to disc).
  Mrs. Jean Hutchins of the British Dyslexia Association's Computer
  Committee (lower case mode).
  Mr J.A. Spiller of Stockport (light/dark print modes).

