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Information about “BALLOON SPELLER”
Your kindergarten or early elementary student will delight in these
three happy games that teach spelling. Make 20-word lists of the words
you want your child to learn and sit back while your PC turns into an
infinitely patient tutor.
In one game, the word flashes for an instant on the screen. The child
pilots a balloon around the screen, picking up the correct letters to
rebuild the word. If the child forgets the word, you can flash it again
by pressing the space bar. The second game is like the first, except
that each flashing of the word costs a point. In the last game, the
letters are scattered about the screen and the game
resembles Hangman.
BSPELL.DOC
User's Guide For:
BALLOON SPELLER
(c) 1989 by KIDware
Portions (c) 1988 by Microsoft Corp.
KIDware
1380 156th NE, Suite H2
Bellevue, WA 98007
(206) 725-4859
BALLOON SPELLER User's Guide - Page 2
BALLOON SPELLER
BALLOON SPELLER is a program for home or school. You can
play three different spelling games using lists of words you
input or any of the 70 built-in lists. In each game, you move a
hot air balloon around the screen picking up the letters you
need. In "Word Flash," the word to be spelled is flashed to you
and then you spell the word. In "Word Jumble," the letters of
the word are scattered around -- you pick them up in proper
order. And, in "Word Guess," you guess the letters in the word
to be spelled (a Hangman type game).
COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS AND INSTALLATION PROCEDURE:
To use BALLOON SPELLER, you need an IBM compatible computer
with at least 256K of memory, at least one floppy disk drive,
DOS 2.0 (or higher), and color or monochrome graphics. Before
using the program, you must do two things: install the program
on your disk, then configure the program to your particular
system. Depending on the number and types of disk drives you
have, follow the given instructions for installing the programs.
INSTALLATION ON SINGLE FLOPPY DRIVE SYSTEM:
Working with a single drive system can be tricky. Please
pay close attention to instructions provided.
1. Place DOS disk in drive A and start system.
2. You first need to format a disk and put a copy of
the operating system on it. Type: FORMAT A:/S
3. Replace DOS disk with blank disk and follow
instructions provided by computer.
4. When formatting is complete, replace blank disk
with BALLOON SPELLER disk and type: COPY A:*.* B:
This will allow you to copy the files from the
BALLOON SPELLER disk (referred to by DOS as disk
A) to your newly formatted disk (referred to by
DOS as disk B). Follow instructions provided by
computer.
5. Installation is now complete. Put the original
copy of the BALLOON SPELLER disk in a safe place;
you will always use your copy. Now, place that
copy of the program in drive A and proceed to
configuration instructions.
BALLOON SPELLER User's Guide - Page 3
INSTALLATION ON DUAL FLOPPY DRIVE SYSTEM:
Pay close attention to instructions provided.
1. Place DOS disk in drive A and blank disk in drive
B; start system.
2. You first need to format a disk and put a copy of
the operating system on it. Type: FORMAT B:/S
3. Replace DOS disk in drive A with BALLOON SPELLER
disk. Type: COPY A:*.* B: This will allow you to
copy the files from the BALLOON SPELLER disk in
drive A to your newly formatted disk in drive B.
4. Installation is now complete. Put the original
copy of the BALLOON SPELLER disk in a safe place;
you will always use your copy. Now, place that
copy of the program in drive A and proceed to
configuration instructions.
INSTALLATION ON HARD DISK SYSTEM:
Pay close attention to instructions provided.
1. Start system.
2. You first need to create a directory for the
programs. At C: prompt, type: MKDIR C:\SPELL\
This creates a directory named SPELL on your hard
disk (you may use another name if you want). Now,
move to that directory by typing: CD C:\SPELL\
3. Place BALLOON SPELLER disk in floppy drive A.
Type: COPY A:*.* C: This will allow you to copy
the files from the BALLOON SPELLER disk to your
hard disk.
4. Installation is now complete. Put the original
copy of the BALLOON SPELLER disk in a safe place.
Proceed to configuration instructions.
BALLOON SPELLER User's Guide - Page 4
CONFIGURATION INSTRUCTIONS:
To configure the program to your system, place your copy of
the program disk in drive A (or go to directory C:\SPELL\ on a
hard disk) and type: BSCON
You will be asked two (or three) questions; answer
accordingly. The first question asks you if you have color
graphics (press 1) or Hercules monochrome graphics (press 2).
If you have both, press 1 and use color graphics, because the
monochrome graphics simulator will not work properly when both
color and monochrome graphics cards are installed. The second
question asks if you have a single floppy system (press 1), a
dual floppy system (press 2), or a hard drive system (press
3). If you answer dual floppy system (2), you will then be
asked which letter designates the drive you will be storing
your spelling lists on (press A, B, C, D, or E).
Once the program is installed and configured, you can run
it. Please note if you ever change your system configuration,
you should rerun the configuration program.
PROGRAM RUNNING INSTRUCTIONS:
Running the program is simple. If you are using floppy
drives, place your copy of the program disk in a drive. If
using a hard disk, move to the proper directory by typing:
CD:\SPELL\ Type BS and press <Enter>. The program will begin
running after a few seconds of loading some needed files. Once
the title screen appears, press any key to continue. (If the
title screen is unreadable, rerun the configuration program
making sure you answer the question concerning graphics
correctly.)
BALLOON SPELLER User's Guide - Page 5
SPELLING LIST EDITOR MENU:
The first screen to appear is the list editor menu. You
have six choices:
1. Input new word list: choose this option to input
a new list. The use of the list editor is quite
straightforward. All instructions are provided in
the program. The cursor control keys move you
around the list, the <Enter> key moves you from
word to word, the <Space> bar deletes characters
in a forward direction, the <Backspace> key
deletes in the reverse direction, and the slash
key (/) ends the editing session. Once the list
is input, you may save it on disk or print it
out. Note when saving a list, the list name must
begin with a letter and be no more than 8
characters long.
2. Edit current word list: choose this option to
change/save/print the list currently being used by
the program. You can add new words or delete old
ones. To delete a word simply blank it out using
the space bar or backspace key. The program will
close up any gaps left in the list. To add a
word, type it in a blank space or type over an
unwanted word.
3. Read user list from disk: choose this option to
read in a list you have previously saved using the
list editor. The files you have stored (maximum
of 54 files per disk) will be listed. Use the
cursor keys to point to the file you wish to read
in, then press <Enter>. Once read in, you may
edit/save/print that list.
4. Use built-in list: choose this option to use one
of the 70 built-in spelling lists. There are 10
lists for each grade level from K to 6. The
program will first ask which grade level
(K,1,2,3,4,5,6) and then which particular list (1-
10). The built-in spelling lists cannot be
changed. You may, however, read in a built-in
list, modify it and then save it to your own disk
for future use.
BALLOON SPELLER User's Guide - Page 6
5. Change cursor/letter input option: choose this
option if you want to change the method of
inputting your answers in the spelling games.
There are two input options. With the Cursor
Input option, you use the cursor control keys to
move the hot air balloon around the screen picking
up letters. This option requires no keyboarding
skills. Using the Letter Input option, you simply
press the desired letter on the keyboard and the
balloon will move and pick up that letter. This
option results in faster game play and helps teach
letter locations on the keyboard. We suggest the
Cursor Input option for younger children, while
older children like the faster play of the Letter
Input option. Default option is Cursor Input.
6. Go to Game Selection Menu: choose this option to
select a game to play. You may only choose this
option if a word list has been input or
selected.
The final option from the list editor menu is stopping the
program (press 0); select this option when you no longer want
to use the program. Once your spelling list is selected and
ready and the desired input option is chosen, you should
proceed to the Game Selection Menu.
BALLOON SPELLER User's Guide - Page 7
GAME SELECTION MENU:
You may choose from three different games. In each game,
every word on the spelling list will be used (unless you stop
the game before completing the list). Also, in each game, you
maneuver a hot air balloon around the screen picking up the
desired letters. If using the Cursor Input option, the cursor
control keys are used to move the balloon. Once the letter you
want is in the balloon's basket, press <Enter> to pick it up.
If using the Letter Input option, press the desired letter on
the keyboard. The balloon will move to that letter and pick it
up. To stop any of the games, simply press the slash (/) key.
These instructions are also printed on each game screen.
The three games that can be played are:
1. Word Flash: In this game, you first flash the
word to be spelled by pressing the <Space> bar.
You must then pick up, in proper order, the
letters to spell the word. If you make a mistake
and pick up a letter out of order, an 'uh-oh' is
heard. You are allowed three mistakes before you
are given the proper spelling. If you need help,
you may press the <Space> bar to flash the word
again. But note each additional flash counts as
one mistake.
2. Word Jumble: Here, the letters to spell the word
are scattered about. You must spell the word by
picking up the letters in proper order. Incorrect
letters count as one mistake. The word may be
flashed by pressing the <Space> bar, but each
flash counts as one mistake. You are allowed a
maximum of three mistakes per word.
3. Word Guess: A game like Hangman. You guess at
letters in the word. If your guess is correct,
the letters are shown in their proper position.
If your guess is incorrect, you continue. If you
make more than five mistakes, the proper spelling
will be given to you.
You can return to the List Editor Menu screen from the Game
Selection Menu by pressing 4 and the program can be stopped by
pressing 0.
Once you have finished playing a game (either by trying all
words in the list or stopping the game), your score will be
given to you and a list of the words you had trouble with will
be provided. At this point, you will be returned to the Game
Selection Menu.
BALLOON SPELLER User's Guide - Page 8
HIDDEN MENU OPTION:
Realizing this program will usually be used by unattended
children, we have added an option that should prevent any
accidental or intentional stopping of the program or changing
of the spelling lists; it is the Hidden Menu option.
The Hidden Menu option works with the Game Selection Menu
only. What the option does is turns off the ability to stop
the program (pressing 0) and the ability to return to the List
Editor Menu (pressing 4). The option is turned off or on by
pressing <Ctrl>-H while in the Game Selection Menu. Notice
that when the option is on, only one of the three games can be
selected and the message "HM On" appears at the lower right
hand corner of the screen. When the option is off, the Menu
appears as normal.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
Some other things to be aware of concerning the program:
1. When saving spelling lists on disk, please make
sure the disk you want to save the list on is in
the proper drive and the drive is ready. The
program contains some error trapping routines, but
at times erratic behavior occurs when trying to
read/write from/to a disk drive that is not
properly ready.
2. Similarly, when printing your list, make sure the
printer is on-line and ready before starting the
print option.
3. If you need to abruptly stop the program at some
point, pressing <Ctrl>-Break will accomplish
this. Note this will take you completely out of
the program, so make sure you have saved any lists
you may have input. This option is disabled when
using the Hidden Menu option described above.
BALLOON SPELLER User's Guide - Page 9
4. Note there are no provisions in the program for
deleting unwanted spelling lists. This was done
for a purpose--we did not want children to have
the ability to accidentally erase a needed list.
To delete a file, you must use the DOS ERASE
command (refer to your DOS manual). Spelling
lists are stored with the name you have given it,
plus a .BSL extension. So if you want to erase a
file named LIST1 from the disk in drive A:, you
would type ERASE A:LIST1.BSL at the DOS prompt.
5. When using Hercules monochrome graphics, the
screen may appear compressed; this is normal. If
any screen appears scrambled, you have to adjust
your monitor's vertical and/or horizontal hold
controls.
WARRANTY INFORMATION:
The BALLOON SPELLER program has been written with care, but
there still may be bugs and problems. If you find any such
problems, please let us know. We cannot guarantee the program
is completely error free. We do guarantee it will load and
run. If, within one year of purchase, the programs fail to
load and run, simply return the original disk to us (postpaid)
for quick replacement. This warranty only applies to
manufacturing defects. No further guarantees are expressed or
implied. Also note that copying this disk, other than for
personal archival purposes, is strictly prohibited by US and
world copyright laws. For further information or help, contact
us at:
KIDware
1380 156th NE, Suite H2
Bellevue, WA 98007
(206) 725-4859
BALLOON SPELLER User's Guide - Page 10
BALLOON SPELLER ORDER FORM
The commercial version of BALLOON SPELLER allows 20 words
per spelling list, has 70 built-in lists, has a printed user's
guide, and sells for just $11.95 ($12.95 for 3.5" disk).
Purchasing the commercial version also keeps you informed of
future program updates and new program releases. If you use
the shareware version of BALLOON SPELLER and like it, we ask
that you purchase the commercial version. Thank You!
Name
----------------------------------------------------------
Address
-------------------------------------------------------
City State Zip
----------------------------- ------ -----------
Please send BALLOON SPELLER on:
5.25" disk ($11.95) 3.5" disk ($12.95)
-------- --------
Washington residents must add 8.1% sales tax.
Payment Method:
Check Money Order VISA/MasterCard
--------- --------- --------
Card Number Exp. Date
-------------------------------- --------
Signature
-----------------------------------------------------
Where did you obtain your shareware copy of BALLOON SPELLER?
---------------------------------------------------------------
Send order to: KIDware
1380 156th NE, Suite H2
Bellevue, WA 98007
(206) 725-4859
FILE1333.TXT
Disk No: 1333
Disk Title: Balloon Speller
PC-SIG Version: S1.1
Program Title: Balloon Speller
Author Version: 2.02
Author Registration: $11.95 or $12.95.
Special Requirements: Hercules graphics.
Your kindergarten or elementary student will delight in these three
joyous games that teach spelling. You make 20 word lists of the
words you want your child to learn and sit back while your PC turns into
a combination teacher and babysitter.
In one game, the word flashes for an instant on the screen. The child
pilots a balloon about the screen to pick up the correct letters. If
the child forgets the word, you can flash it again by pressing the space
bar. The second game is played like the first except each flashing of
the word costs a point. In the last game, the letters are scattered
about the screen and the game resembles Hangman.
PC-SIG
1030D East Duane Avenue
Sunnyvale Ca. 94086
(408) 730-9291
(c) Copyright 1989 PC-SIG, Inc.
GO.TXT
╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ <<<< Disk No 1333 BALLOON SPELLER >>>> ║
╠═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ To start the program, type BSPELL (press enter) ║
║ ║
║ To copy the documentation to your printer, type MANUAL (press enter) ║
╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
ORDER.DOC
BALLOON SPELLER ORDER FORM
The commercial version of BALLOON SPELLER allows 20 words
per spelling list, has 70 built-in lists, has a printed user's
guide, and sells for just $11.95 ($12.95 for 3.5" disk).
Purchasing the commercial version also keeps you informed of
future program updates and new program releases. If you use
the shareware version of BALLOON SPELLER and like it, we ask
that you purchase the commercial version. Thank You!
Name
----------------------------------------------------------
Address
-------------------------------------------------------
City State Zip
----------------------------- ------ -----------
Please send BALLOON SPELLER on:
5.25" disk ($11.95) 3.5" disk ($12.95)
-------- --------
Washington residents must add 8.1% sales tax.
Payment Method:
Check Money Order VISA/MasterCard
--------- --------- --------
Card Number Exp. Date
-------------------------------- --------
Signature
-----------------------------------------------------
Where did you obtain your shareware copy of BALLOON SPELLER?
---------------------------------------------------------------
Send order to: KIDware
1380 156th NE, Suite H2
Bellevue, WA 98007
(206) 725-4859
README.DOC
Welcome to BALLOON SPELLER!
The BALLOON SPELLER disk should have the following files:
BSCON.EXE BSPELL.DOC BSPELL.EXE C0.COM
C1.COM M0.COM ORDER.DOC README.DOC
We suggest you first print out the user's guide which is found in file
BSPELL.DOC. To do this, at the DOS prompt >, type:
TYPE BSPELL.DOC >PRN
This guide tells you everything you need to know about running and using
the program. Of particular importance, note you must run the
configuration program BSCON.EXE before you can use the program (to do this
enter the command BSCON at your DOS prompt). The BSCON program will write
two additional files to your disk: BS.BAT and BSCON.DAT. Once you have
run the configuration program, the program is executed by simply typing
BS. We hope you enjoy the BALLOON SPELLER program.
Directory of PC-SIG Library Disk #1333
Volume in drive A has no label
Directory of A:\
BSCON EXE 46116 12-11-88 2:12p
BSPELL DOC 22057 6-13-89 7:22a
BSPELL EXE 117918 6-05-89 7:49p
C0 COM 957 1-18-87 9:55p
C1 COM 7 9-10-86 11:54a
FILE1333 TXT 972 12-14-89 12:32p
GO BAT 38 1-11-89 1:55p
GO TXT 540 3-06-89 2:00p
M0 COM 7 9-10-86 11:55a
MANUAL BAT 147 3-06-89 2:00p
ORDER DOC 1990 6-13-89 6:46a
README DOC 868 12-11-88 3:20p
12 file(s) 191617 bytes
123904 bytes free