============ HYTEXT v2.8 - Release Notes ============ Features: Inexpensive HYPERTEXT for MS-DOS. Provides nonlinear access to text/programs/algorithms for computer-aided instruction. Simple control codes imbedded in any document create hypertext "links" or scripts. These scripts are maintained using a text editor or word processor which can output ASCII text. Several HYPERTEXT "objects" are supported: o TOPICS containing HOT WORDS o CARDS for notes, definitions, etc... o external TEXT to link to other documents o external PROGRAMS to link to other programs o MS-DOS system commands (dir / del / etc...) Authoring "tools" such as file/path info, trace mode and HOT WORD search are provided. An individual HYPERTEXT may span multiple files. "Point-and-Shoot" user interface. HOT WORDS are displayed as high- lighted areas which may be selected using the cursor control keys. The key is used to "jump" to the next TOPIC. The key is used to return to a previous TOPIC. What you will need: This disk Text editor (plain ASCII text mode) IBM-PC compatible with one disk drive MS-DOS v2.0 or higher Hercules mono, IBM mono, or IBM color graphics adapter Epson compatible or ASCII printer Files on this disk: HYTEXT.EXE ......... hypertext development environment HYTDOC.HTX ......... hypertext HYTEXT documentation HYTDOC.HTF ......... hypertext HYTEXT documentation (fast) HYTDOC.EXE ......... hypertext HYTEXT documentation engine HELLO.EXE .......... HELLO WORLD program for demo FIRST.HTX .......... external hypertext file for demo GO.BAT ............. demonstration batch file GO.HTX ............. demonstration hypertext menu HYTFAST.EXE ........ hypertext pseudo-compiler MSDOS.HTX .......... MS-DOS instruction hypertext CHINA.HTX .......... foreign language hypertext CHINAVOC.HTX ....... foreign language vocabulary HYTEST.EXE ......... hypertest system PLANETS.HTS ........ sample hypertest LOG.COM ............ work log utility LOG.DOC ............ work log documentation VERSION ............ HYTEXT revision history README ............. this file ================= HYTEXT v2.8 page 2 ================ Basic usage: hytext hytdoc ........ run program with its own documentation hytext filename ...... run program using filename for hypertext hytext -f filename ... run program using filename for fast hypertext (NOTE: HYTEXT supplies the extension ".htx" or ".htf" to each filename) Basic terminology: hypertext ............ nonlinear access to information hypertest ............ quiz / drill / exam based on hypertext hot word(s) .......... word or phrase which is linked to other information label ................ link between a hot word and a topic topic ................ information (a phrase / a page / a book) may contain other hot word(s) card ................. small topic (definition / explanation / etc.) path ................. route to topic through information tree jump level ........... number of links from opening topic information tree ..... a hierarchical arrangement of information using hot words and topics tangled tree ......... an information tree with cross linked branches Limitations: HYTEXT Version v2.8 (shareware) ===================================== hot words per screen 50 jump levels 10 secondary files 2 secondary program arguments 5 About the Display: This version of HYTEXT supports three display variations: 1) Hercules Mono (default) HOT WORDS ----------- bright white SELECTED HOT WORDS -- inverse ALERTS -------------- inverse flashing 2) IBM Mono or LCD Laptops (-m switch) HOT WORDS ----------- inverse SELECTED HOT WORDS -- inverse flashing ALERTS -------------- inverse flashing 3) IBM Color (-c switch) HOT WORDS ----------- bright blue SELECTED HOT WORDS -- bright red ALERTS -------------- bright magenta ================= HYTEXT v2.8 page 3 ================ Hints: o Keep individual topics small, about a screen full. Leave plenty of room on the right margin, HYTEXT can only display 77 characters out of a total of 118 on each line (total = text + hot words). o Avoid circular links. Use the special "BACK" topic to backup one level instead of jumping ahead to where you started. o Develop and debug your hypertext in default (slow) mode. Then use HYTFAST to produce a "fast" version of your work. Your original ".htx" file will not be changed and you may edit it and recompile to a fast ".htf" file as many times as you need. Remember: DO NOT edit a ".htf" file! o Use the "-b" command line switch of HYTFAST to build an end-user version of your hypertext (to sell or distribute). You will find two new files which your readers will use: "mytext.htf" (your content) and "mytext.exe" the hypertext engine. Copy these two files to a disk and have them type "mytext" to run your material. HYTEST: By using the framework provided by HYTEST it is possible to construct instructional materials which evaluate their readers. Tests and exams can become better teaching opportunities through the use of hypertext links to supportive material, review with commentary, pop-up definitions, and multiple paths to a "right" answer. By encouraging exploration and synthesis, hypertest authors will be able to create exams which promote learning and self-confidence. Please send us your comments and suggestions! LOG: The work log utility LOG is included with HYTEXT free of charge. Bugs: The HYT engine does not perform normally on the Toshiba 1000. The display will "snow" when using a CGA display. Tabs may not be handled appropriately when printing. Errors will occur if there are more than 77 DISPLAYED characters or 118 TOTAL characters on a line. The cursor will occasionally be displayed at the end of hot words. 9/15/89