                 Roo&Robby/SchoolWorks Learning Environments
                            from Forware Systems

0. Preface
1. Roo&Robby description
2. SchoolWorks description
3. About Forware Systems

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0. Preface

This version of the Roo Environment is being distributed as shareware. You may
freely copy and distribute it provided that:

1. No fee beyond normal media, duplication, and shipping costs may be charged.

2. Shareware vendors and computer user groups who charge less than $7 per disk
   may distribute the Roo Environment, but Forware Systems must be supplied
   with a copy of the first catalogue issue offering the Roo Environment.

3. Others may only distribute the Roo Environment with the written permission
   of Forware Systems. In all cases, it must be clearly stated to the purchaser
   that he or she is receiving an unregistered copy of a shareware product.

4. The distribution files must be distributed in their original forms.

5. You may choose to distribute Roo with or without Robby and SchoolWorks
   demo versions.

                             Trademarks

Roo&Robby/SchoolsWorks is a trademark of Forware Systems.

All other products or services mentioned are trademarks, registered trademarks,
or service marks of their respective owners.


                             Disclaimer

Forware Systems makes no warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied,
including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness
for a particular purpose.

In no event shall Forware Systems be liable for any errors contained herein or
for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing,
performance, or use of the Roo&Robby/SchoolWorks product or documentation.


FORWARE SYSTEMS
Headquarters: 7 Bebo K., Budapest 1039 Hungary
U.S. address: 2286 Bowdoin St. Palo Alto CA 94306

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1. Roo&Robby description

Roo and Robby are LOGO-like environments. Roo teaches basic algorithmic
constructions (without study of data structures) and step-by-step design
method. Robby teaches main data structures in algorithms: variable, array,
file, stack.

Algorithmic languages used in these environments have the same syntax but 
different sets of possible actions. It allows to avoid confusion between 
constructions and actions, and makes it possible to develop better 
understanding of algorithmic constructions themselves.

Since the execution of a computer program involves both language translation
and performing some actions, we use special personages for performers (Roo and 
Robby), and translators (Chris and Milly).

There are four modes in the Roo&Robby environments: Program mode, Game mode, 
Test mode, and Demo mode.

In the Program mode, one can type a program on the special program sheet. 
Deep syntax control forbides one from writing incorrect statements. 
Context-dependent functional keys help one in fast typing. Just nine f-keys 
provided are enough for typing any program.  Before a program starts, full 
logical analysis takes place. One can entrust Chris (or Milly) to trace  
the program step-by-step. 

In the Game mode, one has to reconstruct a pattern program given the initial
positions and the final result. There is some assistance avaliable: Hint and 
Compare. Hint shows how the pattern program works. Compare allows to run the 
pattern and the user's programs simultaneously. It is easy to create new games 
with a special option of the R&R environment. Any program may be converted 
into a game.

In the Test mode, one must carry out a sample program instead of Chris. All
errors (and other statistics) are collected and then written into a special
file. One can create such tests by just converting a program into a test with 
a special option.

In the Demo mode, the environment reads a special demo file containing 
explanations and keystroke codes. R&R outputs explanations in a special demo 
line and simulates pressing keys.

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2. SchoolWorks description 

This system consists of "teaching versions" of a word processor, spreadsheets,
and database. Using SchoolWorks, you may acquaint your kids (or grandparents)
with essential features of corresponding professional applications. All three
programs are hosted by corresponding funny charachters as well.

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3. About Forware Systems

We started to work on our Computer Science Courseware in 1984 in Sverdlovsk 
(now Ekaterinburg), Russia. Since 1985, there have been 1,500,000 copies of 
our "ABCs of Computer Science" textbook printed (and sold) in Russian. The 
textbook and Roo&Robby/SchoolWorks software are recognized as the official 
courseware for the IBM - U.S.S.R. Pilot Schools Project, and is now used in 
about 300 school districts all over the former Soviet republics. In 1991, our 
Forware Systems company was registered in Budapest, Hungary, with branches in
Moscow and Sverdlovsk. In cooperation with IBM Arthur K. Watson Education 
Center, Forware Systems helped to launch the very first IBM Pilot Computer 
Center of Russia in Sverdlovsk.

