Please use ***NotePad*** with wordwrap enabled to read this message.  I recommend that you print it out...print it out...print it out.     :>)

********General Setup:

For best performance do the following to your computer:

1.  Create a new directory to your liking and copy the self-extracting file into it (UnZipVocabulous.exe).  Execute this file and then create a shortcut to the Vocabulous.exe file (Vocab29x.exe).  A Mexican flag is included for the icon.  You can now delete the self-extracting file if you wish.

2.  Disable the Windows default sound.  This is done by: 

	ControlPanel -> Sounds -> DefaultSound -> NoSound.  

If you do not do this your beeps may sound strange. You can later add the default sound back if you want.

3.  The Spanish alphabet has tilde-characters. Here is how to enter the characters 

For Windows 9x and up, simply install the U.S. - International keyboard.  
	1)  Open the Control Panel. START->SETTINGS->CONTROLPANEL.
	2)  Double-click the Keyboard Icon.
	3)  Click the Language Tab.
	4)  Highlight the English (United States) entry.
	5)  Click the Properties button.
	6)  Click the Down Arrow key and choose United States-International.
	7)  Click Okay
	Depending on how Windows was installed, you may be asked to insert the CD or a disk so the file can be copied.  In case Windows cannot find the correct file a copy is included with your download.  Just put the file (Kbdusx.kbd) in your Windows\System folder and go thru the steps again.
	8)  Now pressing the RtAlt key + letter key will give you:
		RtAlt a =  and etc. for the vowels.
		RtAlt y = , RtAlt n = , RtAlt ! = , Rtalt ? = 
		
4.  If you ever want to UNinstall Vocabulous, just delete the directory. Vocabulous does not mess around with your registry nor your INI files.

********Playing Sets:

5.  To play sets just follow the instructions on the main screen: Select size, select data file and click Play.

The program gives you a word in either of two languages and you type in the meaning in the second language.  The program will work between any two languages that you can type. If you get the word right it won't show up again; if you get it wrong it will continue to show up until you start getting it right. Words and phrases can be added, deleted or edited, and new data files can be created.  When you exit the program you are given a chance to copy to file all the words you had trouble with.  This creates a data file of problem words that can be loaded and run until you have mastered those words. This file is named RELEARN.VDB	
Vocabulous is set to present words in sets of five or twenty.  If you have an odd number of entries in your data file, the odd words left at the end are not presented in that particular session.  Don't worry, they will show up in other sessions, but if you want to avoid this, just make sure your files are divisible by five:  5, 10, 15,.....etc.

6.  Power playing.

To make the play go faster, you can use the space bar for the ENTER key or for a mouse click in many instances.

********Misc

A Dictionary Button is furnished to launch a dictionary if you have one.  You must copy your dictionary's files into a directory named SPANISH and rename the executable file SPDICT.EXE for the button to work.

A Hangman feature has been added for your enjoyment.  I am not convinced that it is much help in building vocabulary, but it probably reinforces retention of words.

*********Three-File-System

This is how I use the program: I make a new file with all the new words in a study unit and work with that file until I have mastered the words.  A consistent score of 90 or more is considered sufficient. Then I combine that file with other files so that I have one large main file rather than several smaller ones. I review the main file weekly or whenever desired. This is discussed in greater detail in the ThreeFileSystem.txt file which I hope you will read.

You may also play against the databases furnished with the program, but the main purpose is to create your own database as you encounter new words.

You will have no problem learning how to use Vocabulous.  Just execute the program, select a set size and select a data file, then either play a set or Hangman or explore the options under the Manage File menu.

********Starting Your Own Database: 

Instead of selecting an existing database, simply type the name you want to give to your DB in the Filename block of the File Routine window.  A VDB extension is required: urfilename.VDB.

To type in a file description that will appear when you play your database, go to Manage Files then click Show First, then Show Previous.  Type your description in the blanks that appear (they may have garbage in them - just type over it using the Edit button).  Now your description will appear when you use the Play option.

If you have any questions about the Vocabulous program just send me e-mail. I appreciate any feedback and suggestions.

Remember a good learning resource is the Condorito comic strip at
  < http://www.condorito.cl/>  
Funny strips in good street Spanish. 

Dilbert has advanced Spanish (much irony) at:
  <http://www.unitedmedia.com/comics/dilbert/spanish/index.html>

Good luck with your Spanish.

Jack Dinsmore
<vocabulous@hotmail.com>