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FoDOsys Learning Systems
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 SOFTWARE On this page we have listed some of our own software projects as well as software from other vendors that we have found to be especially useful. Please note that as of this writing (June 9, 1998) our own software is in a state of flux. Edusuite 98 is available as a 16-bit application (and with a couple of known bugs), but a new 32-bit version will soon be available, we hope. Using Computers..., our HTML-based tutorial on basic computer use is currently unavilable. We have just been too busy to get it ready for publication in this form. (We use it in textbook form for our classes at Mohawk College.) Again, we hope to have it available soon. A self-contained text/tutorial covering the basics of using Windows-based
computers and applications such as Word, Excel, and Netscape Navigator.
Basic concepts of word processing, spreadsheets, data bases and the world wide web are
also discussed. NOTE: These files are still being updated. We hope to have them available
shortly. Introducing a quartet of small but, we hope, entertaining and enlightening programs finally available here! Included are Quizzer, (A simple multiple choice quiz program complete with all ten quizzes that accompany our Using Computers... course as delivered to Ontario Basic Skills' students at Mohawk College.) Mousey, (A simple way to perfect your mouse manipulations if you are new to computers.) Guess My Number, (A simple concept, but still a lot of fun.) and What's the Good Word. (A 'hangman' like game without the violence!) Please note that these are 16-bit (Windows 3.1x) versions, but will run just fine on Windows 95. We've posted the complete installation version which includes every possible file you might need - and probably quite a few files you don't need. Sorry about that, but our space on the web site is limited so we list only the one version. EduSuite 98 (EduSuite.exe) (File size:
2,935 kilobytes: 3 floppy disks) For a limited time, you can register EduSuite 98 for free! Just send us an e-mail mentioning "Free Registration". In return, we'll keep you informed on any improvements. We are currently considering improvements and enhancements that will be included with the Windows 95 version, coming soon! (But not too soon, so download what's available now!) NOTE: If you need to transport (or store) these files on floppy disks, you can split the file with programs such as EZSplit, Splitty or Splitz. Splitz is available as freeware and, although it has a couple of rough edges, works very well (in my experience). If you need it you can also download it here. Splitz.zip (116 kilobytes) This is NOT our program. It was written by Diego Barros (alien@yoyo.cc.monash.edu.au). LINKS to other SOFTWARE Some of the best software is released (or
released initially) as shareware*. Here is some of the software that was at least
initially shareware and which I have found useful. I have also listed a few titles that I
think you may enjoy, even though I may not personally use them. I still use version 4.14, which is shareware.
Version 5 is now available which I believe is being released commercially. This is the one I use primarily for creating
animated gifs. This program makes file transfers (FTP)
relatively easy. It also will allow you to continue a transfer that was interrupted. Hot Dog Version 4.5 This is a good HTML editor. You can use it to create web pages like
this one. Unfortunately, you do need to know some HTML. I find this program is rich in
features, but runs somewhat slowly. Version 5 will soon be released. If interested, check
out the package deal that includes Paint Shop Pro. You can also get Hot Dog
Express which allows for easy page creation without knowing HTML. Another good HTML editor. This one doesn't come with all the bells
and whistles of Hot Dog, but runs somewhat faster. You still need to know some HTML. The best known file archiver and extractor. Most downloadable files
on the web are compressed, usually using the ZIP format. (Don't confuse zipped files with
the popular mass storage device of the same name. Zipped files can be stored on any kind
of storage device, including floppies and hard drives.) You need some kind of zip
extractor program to uncompress these files. WinZip is one of the best. EZ-Split If you transport files from one computer to another using ordinary
floppy disks, you're going to need some way to break large files up into disk-sized pieces
and put them back together. Unlike Splitz,
described above, EZ-Split is shareware, although it only costs about $10. EZ-Split is
somewhat easier to use, but it must reside on your hard drive. If you want to, you can
keep Splitz on a floppy to use on any machine. The choice is yours, both are excellent
products.
*If you don't know, shareware is software that you can freely try out. Sometimes the shareware version lacks certain features and sometimes it comes with a time limit. After you have had a chance to try the software you are expected to either remove it from your system, or pay for it. When you pay for the software, you get the latest version (with all features and no 'nag' screens). Sometimes you get the software on disk or CD with a manual. You usually also get a certain amount of free support. By paying for the shareware you actually use, you encourage small developers to keep coming up with new ideas for useful products. Often shareware provides a product for a niche that may be too small for commercial developers to exploit.
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 Copyright © 1998 by Fred Oldfield is
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