Random Test Generator-PRO  V3.0
===============================

Copyright 1999, Timothy Hirtle. All Rights Reserved. 
 
Release Date: 5/10/1999

Note: Random Test Generator-PRO is Y2K compliant
 


Object:
=======
 
The object of Random Test Generator-PRO is to allow educators to create
test databanks which questions can be randomly selected. This serves
two purposes, one is that it allows an entire class to receive different 
tests on the same subject, eliminating cheating and other test compromises. 
Second, it eliminates the instructor the burden of selecting test questions
themselves. The idea is to maintain a large databank of questions of which
this program will select from making all your tests unique.
 
 
Description: 
============

Random Test Generator-PRO is designed for educators at any level to develop
databanks of test questions from which randomly selected questions are then
extracted to create tests.  Each databank acts as a repository to house a
wide range of questions for a specific topic.  There are no limits to amount
of questions which can be stored in each databank and no limit to the number
of databanks which may be created.

The Test Builder option can be set to tell this program exactly how many
questions to select from each databank to create a single test.  Random
Test Generator-PRO© will then randomly select questions within each
databank requested by the user without selecting the exact same question
twice. These tests may be administered on the computer with an optional timer
or printed on paper.  Tests administered on the computer may be automatically
graded.  

This professional version adds many new features which standard version
does not contain.  You may now add Graphics, AVI videos, WAV and/or MIDI
sound files to any question in a databank.  Both databanks and completed
tests are maintained in Microsoft® Access database files for reliability
and security.  Best of all, MS-Access® is not required to use this product,
all the functionality is built-in Random Test Generator-PRO©. This program
is a must for educators! 
 

Requirements:
=============
 
- Windows 95/98/NT4+ 
 
- VB500A.ZIP
 
Note: To conserve disk space on many Internet archive sites, this version
does not contain common files which are used for 1000s of other software programs.
Many times users will already have these files installed on their systems
because many software packages require and provided them. However, if you do not
have any of the following files installed in you SYSTEM directory, then you will
need them in order to run this program:

- MSVBVM50.DLL
- STDOLE2.TLB
- OLEAUT32.DLL
- OLEPRO32.DLL
- ASYCFILT.DLL
- COMDLG32.OCX

If you do not have any one of these files then you can download a free
installation copy of these files from any of the following Internet locations:

ftp://ftp.simtel.net/pub/simtelnet/win95/dll/vb500a.zip
ftp://ftp.cdrom.com/pub/simtelnet/win95/dll/vb500a.zip
ftp://ftp.digital.com/pub/micro/pc/simtelnet/win95/dll/vb500a.zip
ftp://ftp.rge.com/pub/systems/simtelnet/win95/dll/vb500a.zip
http://search.shareware.com/code/engine/File?archive=sim-win95&file=dll%2fvb500a%2ezip&size=1325316

Simply unzip the VB500A.ZIP file and run the SETUP.EXE file to automatically
install them on your system.


 
Installation: 
=============

- Run SETUP.EXE using the RUN option from the START BUTTON or double-click
on the SETUP.EXE icon from the Program Manager. Follow the SETUP
instructions.

NOTE: Shareware users will see a Registration box when the application is
first activated. In order to review this program you must select the CONTINUE
button. The REGISTER button is for registered users to use once they have a
registration code.


 
Distribution: 
=============

- Random Test Generator is distributed as Shareware. The Author maintains 
all rights to the program in its entirety.  See the LICENSE.TXT file for
licensing and evuating details.
 
- Random Test Generator may be distributed freely as long as the 
integrity of Shareware is maintained. 
 
- In the tradition of Shareware, the author grants a 30 day trial period 
to the user to decide whether they want to keep the program. If so, a 
$59.95 payment (plus shipping and handling, see order form) is required.
If not, then before the 30 days is up, you  must delete the program from
your system. 

- Volume discount pricing. Here is a breakdown of Hirtle Software's
volume discounts based on number of registrations requested:

Quantity     Price per Copy    Discount Percentage 
1   - 9         $59.95                0% 
10  - 49        $56.95                5% 
50  - 99        $53.96               10% 
100 - 499       $47.96               20% 
500 - More      $41.97               30% 

- This version is FREE to registered users of Random Test Generator-PRO V2.0.
Anyone who has purchased an earlier version of Random Test Generator may upgrade
to this version for $29.95 (plus shipping and handling, see order form). Only
one upgrade is allowed per original registration. 

- If you are a registered user of a previous version of Random Test Generator
and requesting a free or reduced rate upgrade, you must send Hirtle Software
e-mail or utilize the order form via postal mail. In order to be eligible,
you must provide the full name of the registered user, approximate date of
original purchase and the method of payment the original purchase was made
(i.e. check, credit card, Compuserve, etc...). At this time you must be able
to receive an upgrade code via e-mail for any FREE upgrade. No diskette shipping
will be provided to anyone eligible for a FREE upgrade. Any free or reduced rate
upgrade request eligibility will be at the sole determination of Hirtle Software.
 
- Note: Any free, reduced rate upgrade or volume discounts cannot be handled
via the online credit card method.  This method can only be used to purchase
software at the full price. Users who purchase software via this method are
soley responsible and accept the pricing which the online web site identifies
at the time of purchase (acceptance) online.

- Use the Order Form under the HELP munu of this software or use the
ORDERING.TXT file to order this software now.

Would you rather use a major credit card?  Here's How:

Secure Online Internet:   http://members.xoom.com/hirtlesoft/
                          http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/hirtle/
TOLL-FREE:                1-877-REGSOFT  (1-877-734-7638) Product ID# 8824
International Customers:  (770) 497-9126
Fax:                      (770) 497-9234 (provide card type, number and
                                          expiration date. Visa, MasterCard,
                                          American Express and Discover cards
                                          accepted)




Shareware Limitations:
======================
This software besides having a 30 day trial period, also imposes the following
limitations:

- A maximum of 25 questions may be added to databanks.
  (No question limit for registered version)

- A maximum of 10 questions can be selected to create random tests. Includes
  screen or printed tests.  (No question limit for registered version)

- Starting and exiting program will display registration reminder windows.
  (No reminder screens will auto display for registered version)

- Registration advertising on toolbar. Unable to hide toolbar.
  (No toolbar advertising and toolbar may be hidden for registered version)



Disclaimer: 
===========

Random Test Generator-PRO has no expressed or implied warranty. The user 
accepts full responsibility for this program by loading it on their 
computer. At no time is the author responsible for any hardware or 
software malfunctions caused by Random Test Generator-PRO. Although the
author knows of no such problems from this software, he is not liable
if any should occur. 
 
 


Release Standard Version Information:
=====================================

V1.0:
=====

- Initial Release.



V1.1:
=====

- Fixed bug in Video Test. If more than one video test was set-up, the previous
  student answers would be pre-filled into new exam.

- Added a Replace option to search for and replace specified text with verification.

- Added highlights to found text for easy viewing in Find, Find Next, and replace options.

- Reformated Shareware Registration screens.

- Added an ability to print an entire database file.

- Added the ability to select up to 10 files to manually select questions from.

- Added a View List capability, to list all databank files and entries in each.
  also added completed Test file viewing capability.

- Modified Password Login-in window to be more restrictive.

- Set all windows to center when they pop-up.

- Prevented users from editing Help file. It now can not be written to.

- Set screen objects to resize when a lower resolution monitor is used.



v1.2:
=====

- Administrative release to update registration information.



V1.3:
=====

- Fixed a small bug whereby occassionally you could not open a specified
  test databank file.

- Fixed a bug in the View menu that would exit the application if a file
  was unreadable. Now it will alert the user of such, and continue running.

- Fixed a bug where some buttons would display strange colors. 

- Added the ability to select any font available on your system for printed tests.
  You may also set the font size and whether you want it bold or standard.



V1.4:
=====

- Administrative release to update authors new address.



V1.5:
=====

- Modified the password function in the defaults menu. Reminder boxes and
  a de-activate password option has been added. Fixed a bug where in some cases
  the application would ask for a password when initially installed.

- Added a help button to the Print Test window to aid users in this area.

- RTG can now be used in a root directory (not recommended) if desired.



Professional Version Information:
=================================

V2.0  Initial Release:
======================

- 32-Bit operating system only such as Windows 95/98/NT4+

- Full Microsoft® Access database support.  All test questions are now
  contained in a true database.  This allows for a high degree of security
  and reliability in databanks with almost no concern of file corruption.

- Videos (AVI), still graphics or sounds (WAV/MIDI) can now be included in any
  test question. This new feature is a significant change from previous
  versions which had no capability to add anything other than a text question.

- Printing update. This professional version has completly modified printing.
  Previous versions did not work with many printers, this upgrade drastically
  changes that.  Almost any printer will work with this version. Also print
  previewing was added.

- Up to 25 test databanks can now be used to generate a single exam. Previous
  versions only allowed up to 10. 

- All generated tests are archived to a Microsoft® Access database file and
  can be reviewed, printed or retaken on the computer at any time.

- Import feature was added to convert your existing test databank files
  automatically into Microsoft® Access database files designed specifically
  for Random Test Generator-PRO.

- If you own Microsoft® Access you may use these files with that program. If
  not, no worry, all the MS-Access functionality needed to create and
  maintain secure databank and test files is embedded into Random Test
  Generator-PRO.

- Fixed a bug in previous version which would reformat the database whenever
  a comma was used. Commas can be used now without any worry.



V3.0:
=====

- Added the capability to assign system fonts from the Tool Bar on the main
  form vice using the OPTIONS menu item. Set a default font if no font is
  selected by the user.

- Now allows displaying of graphic images to their original full size for
  screen tests and to view media. Previous version would shrink or stretch
  graphics to a predefined size.

- Added the ability to select a printer, paper size and paper orientation for
  any print driver installed on your system. Previous version could only use the
  default printer and settings while only printing in portrait mode.

- Added the ability to select both a text and background color while entering
  test questions and their associated distractors.

- Fixed a programming bug which only allowed a maximum of 11 databank files to
  be used to create a test vice the 25 databank files advertised.

- Added the ability to prevent questions and their answer choices to print
  across pages. Now, if a question with their answer choices are too large to
  print on the current page, the entire group will print together on the
  next page.

- Fixed a printing bug that would on occassion adjust the font name, size,
  bold and color on the first question only when these font values where changed
  and then a new print was requested.

- Upgraded all MDB files to direct MS-Access 97 compatibility. Previous version
  was directly compatible to MS-Access 2.0.

- Questions and their answer choices along with Reference entry boxs no longer
  limit the number of characters to 255. These entry areas can now have an
  unlimited amount of text entered into them. Note: Existing databank files
  created in v2.0 are still limited to 255 characters. This change only affects
  newly created databank files of this version. 

- Modified the RECALL SCREEN TEST option to disallow changing answer selections
  from what was originally chosen when the test was administered. Now only tests
  in progress can answer choices be selected.

- Fixed a small bug in the Timer set option of the TEST BUILDER form which would
  sometimes not place a check mark after a time was set. 

- Greatly enhanced the RECALL SCREEN TEST function. Color coded student answer,
  actual correct answer and matching answer. In addition, created a correct/incorrect
  readout display when reviewing previously administered tests. This function is
  much more pleasing.

- Fixed a bug in which some Windows NT systems would not fully load this program
  and then shut it down. After a complete NT testing cycle, this problem is
  completely fixed.



Hirtle Software is on the WWW. The latest versions can be found here including
other fine software products. You can get the latest information, preview software
on-line, and download the latest versions all at one location.  If you are online
and have Random Password Generator-PRO running, use the HIRTLE SOFTWARE HOMEPAGE
option under the HELP menu item to be transported director to there on your browser.


WWW Addresses:
==============

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/hirtle/
http://members.xoom.com/hirtlesoft/
http://www.digitalriver.com/dr/v2/ec_MAIN.Entry?CID=0&SP=10007&SID=33


E-Mail Addresses:
=================

hirtle@usa.net
hirtle@pinn.net

