











                                      VAR Grade

                             Grading Tools for Teachers

                                     Version 6.0

                                  BEGINNER'S MANUAL

                                    AND TUTORIAL








                               Written by DENNIS REVIE

                         (c) Copyright 1993 by Dennis Revie



                            Distributed by VARed Software
                                1490 Calle Fidelidad
                            Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-6819
                                         USA
                                   (805) 523-7546
                               Compuserve:  73427,112
                         Internet:  73427.112@Compuserve.com



                                  +---------+
                            +---------+     |              (R)
                          --|         |o    |------------------
                            |   +------+--+ |  Association of
                            |   |         |-+  Shareware
                            +---|    o    |    Professionals
                          ------|    |    |--------------------
                                +----+----+    MEMBER
















          VAR Grade is COPYRIGHTED (C) 1987-1993 by Dennis Revie.
          All rights are reserved.



          VAR Grade can be distributed as SHAREWARE.  It is not free.



          VAR Grade is written in Borland International's Turbo Pascal.
          The files that can be listed by the "DIR *.BGI" (screen drivers)
          and "DIR *.CHR" (fonts) are copyrighted by Borland International
          and are used in accordance with the license.



          The files that can be listed by the "DIR $*.BGI" (screen drivers)
          and other print driver files are copyrighted by Fleming Software
          and are used in accordance with the license.


          PKUNZIP.EXE is Copyright (C) 1989-93 by PKWare, Inc.


          Product names from other manufacturers are mentioned, and are
          copyright and/or registered and/or trademarked by the respective
          companies.




          Last Revision:  March 1993.

























                                  TABLE OF CONTENTS




          TABLE OF CONTENTS...........................................1

          DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE.....................................2

          DISCLAIMER - AGREEMENT......................................2

          I. INTRODUCTION TO VAR GRADE................................5

              A. Program features.....................................7
              B. Conventions used in this manual.....................13
              C. Sample classes......................................13

          II. REQUIREMENTS...........................................14

              A. Hardware............................................14
              B. Versions............................................14
              C. Networks............................................15

          III. INSTALLATION OF VAR GRADE.............................16

              A. Using INSTALL.......................................16
              B. Installation without INSTALL........................19

          IV. TUTORIALS..............................................20

              A. Starting the program................................20
              B. Using an existing class: tutorial...................21
              C. Starting a new class................................27
              D. Entering data.......................................30
              E. If you are lost.....................................31
              F. Starting another class..............................31
              G. Advanced mode.......................................32
              H. Exiting the program.................................32
              I. Using a Mouse.......................................32
              J. How Special Keys are Used...........................33
              K. How the Cursor Keys Work............................34







                                          1








                               DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE





               Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software
          before buying it. If you try a shareware program and continue
          using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs
          differ on details -- some request registration while others
          require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With
          registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue
          using the software to an updated program with printed manual.

               Copyright laws apply to both shareware and commercial
          software, and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few
          specific exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are
          accomplished programmers, just like commercial authors, and the
          programs are of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are
          good programs and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method
          of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy
          and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a
          specific group. For example, some authors require written
          permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their
          shareware.

               Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software.
          You should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook,
          whether it's commercial or shareware. The shareware system makes
          fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy.
          And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware
          has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the
          product, you don't pay for it.


                               DISCLAIMER - AGREEMENT




               Users of VAR Grade must accept this disclaimer of warranty:
          "VAR Grade is supplied as is.  The author disclaims all
          warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation,
          the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose.
          The author assumes no liability for damages, direct or
          consequential, which may result from the use of VAR Grade." VAR
          Grade is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to



                                          2








          the user for evaluation.  Feel free to share it with your
          friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of
          another system.  The essence of "user-supported" software is to
          provide personal computer users with quality software without
          high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to
          continue to develop new products.  If you find this program
          useful and find that you are using VAR Grade and continue to use
          VAR Grade after a reasonable trial period, you must make a
          registration payment of $50 (US).  You will receive the current
          version plus printed manual.  In addition, you will be notified
          of any future updates.  If a major new version of the program is
          released within 90 days of registration, you will receive the new
          version free of charge.  Canadian checks are accepted.  Outside
          the US and Canada, registration is $60, payable in US dollars on
          an international postal money order.  This registration fee will
          license one copy for use on any one computer at any one time.
          You must treat this software just like a book.  An example is
          that this software may be used by any number of people and may be
          freely moved from one computer location to another, so long as
          there is no possibility of it being used at one location while
          it's being used at another.  Just as a book cannot be read by two
          different persons at the same time.

               Schools, colleges, and universities must register and pay
          for their copies of VAR Grade within 60 days of first use or
          their license is withdrawn.  Site-License arrangements may be
          made by contacting us at the address listed below, and can be
          arranged on a per-school or per-user basis.  Further information
          on site-licenses is in the file SITELIC.DOC.

               Anyone distributing VAR Grade for any kind of remuneration
          must first contact us at the address below for authorization.
          This authorization will be automatically granted to distributors
          recognized by the (ASP) as adhering to its guidelines for
          shareware distributors, and such distributors may begin offering
          VAR Grade immediately (However we must still be advised so that
          the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latest version of
          VAR Grade).

               You are encouraged to pass a copy of VAR Grade along to your
          friends for evaluation.  Please encourage them to register their
          copy if they find that they can use it.  All registered users
          will receive a copy of the latest version of VAR Grade, as well
          as the next significant upgrade.

               To register, send the registration fee to the address listed
          below.  The manual is the same as the on disk version, except



                                          3








          that it includes figures and an index, as well as looking
          "spiffier".

               Note that if you find any significant bugs, they will be
          corrected and a corrected version of VAR Grade sent to you as
          soon as possible.

               Registered users will have the opportunity to purchase
          further updates at a nominal cost.

               When you register please include your name, address, and the
          version of the program that you have.  A suggested form is
          included with the program in the file REGISTER.DOC.

               If reporting bugs, please include the version of VAR Grade
          that you have, as well as:

               (1) The type of computer AND microprocessor 8088, 80286,
                 ...).
               (2) The type of printer you will use with it.
               (3) The version of DOS that you are using (important for
                 finding bugs).
               (4) List the bugs that you have found--and EXACTLY, if
                 possible, how they occurred.  This information is needed
                 to find and correct the bug.
               (5) Also include any other suggestions for improving the
                 program--wish lists, etc.

               This program is produced by a member of the Association of
          Shareware Professionals (ASP).  ASP wants to make sure that the
          shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a
          shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the
          member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can
          help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but
          does not provide technical support for members' products. Please
          write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Rd., Muskegon, MI 49442
          or send a Compuserve message via easyplex to ASP Ombudsman
          70007,3536.












                                          4









                                    Registration


          Fees and conditions are listed above in the Disclaimer-Agreement
            ($50 inside North America, $60 outside it).

          To order direct from us, send a check or P.O. to:

               VARed Software
               1490 Calle Fidelidad
               Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-6819
               USA

          Credit card orders:  You can order VAR Grade from the Public
            (Software) Library with your MC, Visa, AmEx, or Discover Card
            by calling (800) 2424-PsL or (713) 524-6394, or by FAX to (713)
            524-6398, or by Compuserve to 71355,470, or by mail to:

            PsL
            P.O. Box 35705
            Houston, TX 77235-5705.

            These credit card numbers are for ordering only.  Please do not
            ask them technical support questions.  The PsL program number
            is 7392/1394.


                                     Information


          For dealer pricing, volume discounts, site licensing, shipping of
            product, returns, latest version number, or other technical
            information, contact us by calling (805) 523-7546, or by
            Compuserve to 73427,112, or write to the address for VARed
            Software listed above.  A text file, SITELIC.DOC, is included
            with the program that gives more information on site-licenses.













                                          5










                            I. INTRODUCTION TO VAR GRADE




               WELCOME TO VAR GRADE!  This program has been written to be
          flexible enough to allow you to grade your class with the same
          methods you now use--except that the program does the tedious
          chores of adding, plotting, and writing the scores.  The program
          has been written by and for teachers and requires no special
          knowledge of computers or MS-DOS.

               This manual will help both computer novices and computer
          experts get the most out of the VAR Grade program.  If you are
          not an experienced computer user, this Beginner's Manual and
          Tutorial will show you how to get started with the program.
          Before putting data from your own classes onto the computer, we
          suggest that you go through the tutorial in Chapter IV, First Use
          of VAR Grade, which uses a sample class to illustrate the steps
          in starting the program.

               If you are acquainted with MS-DOS and want to modify the
          program to meet your specific needs, the Advanced Manual contains
          information on how to do so.  Menus are used to access all areas
          of the program.  When in the program, you can read the manual at
          any time by simultaneously pressing the <Alt> key and the "H"
          key.

               One of the most powerful features of the program is its
          ability to analyze student grades in a wide variety of ways.  The
          tutorials and additional material in Chapter IV will enable you
          to examine both individual and group performance using several
          different methods of data analysis.  The calculations generated
          by VAR Grade will give you a great deal of information helpful in
          assigning final grades.  Both you and your students will benefit
          from this data, since you can identify clearly how the student is
          performing relative to the rest of the class, and also evaluate
          the student's work on different assignments.  The program also
          allows you to generate clear and attractive graphics, which will
          answer the question "why did I get this grade?" in more detail
          than most students will need.

               The program can be used for both grades and attendance.  You
          may grade with either letter or number grades, and you can use
          any combination of letter and number grades.  You can change the



                                          6







                                                            Introduction
          points of any assignment or score at any time.  You can also use
          many different types of pre-defined assignments (tasks),
          including ones that are the sums, averages, and weights of other
          tasks.  Any task or combination of tasks can be plotted,
          correlated, and analyzed statistically.  Attendance for your
          classes can be recorded.  Individual student scores can be
          printed or scores for each section of the class can be printed.
          You can control page length, margins, and type size when printing
          the data.

               The program has also been designed to be as immune as
          possible from errors on your part. The program checks for
          reasonable task scores, will not easily let you exit the program
          without saving your data, and will check to ensure that the data
          sent to a disk was actually written before letting you exit from
          the program.  It will also prevent accidental deletions of your
          files by making them read-only files (which you cannot delete
          with the DOS "del" or "erase" commands). You can also protect
          your grades from prying eyes by requiring a password before
          allowing access to your data.

               The program has been in use for several years, and has
          undergone constant improvements and corrections.  However,
          suggestions are always welcome for additions, deletions, or
          improvements to the program.  Please send comments!  Most of the
          recent changes in the program were suggested by people using this
          program.


          A. Program features


            An unlimited number of students, tasks, and classes of students
            are allowed by VAR Grade.  Only the amount of memory in your
            computer limits these.

            1. Beginner vs. advanced modes


               When you first start the program, you will be in "beginner"
               mode.  This mode lacks many of the options of the "advanced"
               mode.  Switching between the two modes is done quite easily
               on the Main Menu.  Since the beginner mode has fewer
               options, it is easier to learn and use.  However, to unleash
               the full power of the program, you will need to move to the
               advanced mode.  Those features only in the advanced mode are
               listed in this manual with an (AM).



                                          7








            2. Entering the students


               You can enter the students either by entering their names
               directly into the program, or by telling the program to use
               a file of names for the students (AM).  You can enter both
               names and IDs for the students.  Printouts can print one or
               both of these, and, if desired, print only the last few
               digits of the ID.

               You can sort and list students several ways, including by
               names, IDs, sections, and task scores.  You can display and
               print students by their names and/or their IDs.

            3. Sections


               The number of sections is initially set at 1 when you first
               start a new class.  For elementary schools, that is probably
               all that you will need.  For secondary schools and colleges,
               several sections of the same class are frequently taught by
               one instructor.  There is a limit of 254 different sections
               of students in the class.  Students can be printed, plotted,
               or analyzed in any combination of sections.

            4. Tasks


               Tasks include, but are not limited to, assignments.  Regular
               tasks include exams, tests, homework, papers, quizzes, and
               any other assignment.  Special tasks are not assignments,
               but rather mathematical manipulations of other tasks.  Below
               is a quick overview of both kinds of tasks.  For more
               information, see the Advanced Manual.  Besides defining
               tasks, you can use a variety of tools to analyze or modify
               the tasks after they have been defined.

               (a) Regular tasks

                 There are eleven different types of tasks allowed.  Two of
                 them correspond to ordinary number and letter grades.

                 (i) Number tasks are ones in which the scores are numbers.

                 (ii) Letter tasks are ones in which the scores are
                 letters, like A, B-, or C+.




                                          8







                                                            Introduction
                 (iii) Extra credit tasks are ones where the points can be
                 added to a number task, but the total points of the number
                 task are not altered.  Extra credit tasks are treated in
                 special ways by the program.  The special tasks, listed
                 below, count extra credit as 0 total points.

               (b) Special tasks

                 The second type of tasks are called Special tasks.
                 Special tasks are sums, averages, highest, percentages,
                 etc., of other tasks.  You do not enter scores into
                 special tasks.  Instead, you pick the tasks to be counted
                 in the sum (or average, percentage, highest, etc.) of
                 other tasks.  The program then calculates the scores for
                 you.  These scores will be recalculated each time you
                 change student scores.

                 (i) Sum tasks

                    These are tasks that are the sums of other tasks.
                    Tasks that are not yet entered can be included in the
                    list of tasks that will be summed.  When the tasks are
                    then defined, they will be included in the sums.

                 (ii) Averaged tasks

                    These are tasks that are the average of other tasks.
                    If you use letter grades, the averages are averages of
                    the point values of the letters, otherwise they are the
                    numerical average of the scores.  Any scores that have
                    not yet been entered are not averaged, so the averages
                    reflect only those tasks for which the student has
                    scores.

                 (iii) Percentage tasks

                    These are tasks that average scores, then convert those
                    averages to percentages.  Like averaged tasks, any
                    scores that have not yet been entered are not used in
                    the calculations.

                 (iv) Highest tasks (AM)

                    These are tasks that sum the scores of other tasks,
                    then the lowest one or more scores are discarded
                    ("throw out the lowest of several scores").  The
                    program will find the lowest of a set of scores and add



                                          9








                    up only the remaining ones.  Scores that are unentered
                    are discarded first, then the lowest that have been
                    entered are discarded.

                 (v) Weighted tasks (AM)

                    You can define a task as the sum of other tasks, each
                    worth a certain weight of the final grade.

                 (vi) Attendance tasks (AM)

                    Attendance can be given values.  These values can then
                    be used to calculate a score that can be used like the
                    other special tasks.

                 (vii) Attendance extra credit tasks (AM)

                    These are defined like the attendance tasks, except
                    that, like the regular extra credit task, they are
                    treated special ways by special tasks--as having 0
                    total points.

                 (viii) Final tasks (AM)

                    You can define a task as a final task.  Letter grades
                    are assigned to this task based upon student scores and
                    grade cutoffs specified by you.

                 (ix) User tasks (AM)

                    You can define a task as a user task.  You enter a
                    formula, like you would in a spreadsheet, to define how
                    the student scores are calculated.

            5. Attendance and seating


               You can use VAR Grade to record attendance for your class.
               There can be up to 240 days of attendance, with several
               different types of attendance (present, absent, late, etc.).
               Seating charts can be made, printed out, and used for
               recording attendance.








                                         10







                                                            Introduction
            6. Database items (AM)


               Besides names and IDs, you can enter up to 200 different
               database items per student.  Database items can be numbers,
               memos, strings, booleans (yes/no), etc.  They can represent
               addresses, comments, sex, age, year in school, birthdates,
               etc.

            7. Entering data


               Scores and attendance can be entered spreadsheet style.
               Students and their data are listed either by individual
               students or by the whole class.  Data entry is checked for
               valid input, so no scores can be entered if they have more
               than the allowed points.  The program also includes an
               "inline" calculator for adding up scores that are to be
               entered.

            8. Writing the scores


               You can print the scores of one student OR you can print the
               scores for an entire class or combination of sections of the
               class.  After choosing which way to write out the scores,
               you can choose the printer, page size, type size, and if the
               data should be written to the screen, or also to a disk file
               or a printer.  The program allows a great deal of
               flexibility in how you print student data.  The program also
               allows you write your own "report forms" so that you can
               print the scores just about any way you want (this feature
               is only in the advanced mode).  You can then change anything
               printed by the program.  In other words, if you don't like
               the way the program prints things, you can probably change
               it.

            9. Plotting the scores


               You can plot and graph the scores of any task that you
               choose.  If you grade with numbers, you can choose the low
               and high scores to plot.

               In advanced mode, you can plot all the scores for one
               student.  You can correlate scores on two tasks.  The scores
               will be plotted against each other and the correlation



                                         11








               coefficients calculated.  You can also plot the class scores
               for any task or set of tasks.  Ranges, means, medians, and
               standard deviations are calculated and plotted.

               All the plots can be displayed and printed using a variety
               of fonts.

            10. Define grading systems


               You can pick just about any grading system you want, simply
               by renaming the grades and changing their values.  In
               addition, each class can have up to 4 grading systems at the
               same time!  You can also use the program to automatically
               assign grades according to your own grading scale(s).

            11. Statistics & assigning grades


               At the end of a semester, you can assign grades and have the
               grades and grade cutoffs neatly printed.  If you use number
               grades, you can weight exams by adding or multiplying the
               current scores by a number.  You can calculate statistics on
               tasks and adjust the final grades.  You can even calculate
               what students need to get particular grades (what-ifs).

            12. Printers


               For printing student scores, you can use any printer.  In
               order to be able to print graphs and plots, you need to
               specify your printer(s) during installation.  VAR Grade
               support most printers.  You can print in pica, elite, and
               compressed characters.  Graphs are printed at the resolution
               of your printer.

            13. Passwords


               If your computer is accessible to others, you can prevent
               people from accessing the student data by using a password.
               The password can be up to 15 characters long, and can
               include spaces and punctuation marks.







                                         12







                                                            Introduction
            14. Other program features


               There are many additional features in the program.  Among
               them are (a) the colors used by the program can be changed,
               (b) the number of lines and characters on a screen and on a
               printed page can be specified, (c) the number of decimal
               places to use can be specified, (d) whether to round or
               truncate scores can be chosen, and (e) macros can be
               specified for repetitive typing, and much more.

            15. International support


               You can define your own grading system, dates, and translate
               all program output into your language of choice.  You can
               even write your own report forms.


          B. Conventions used in this manual


            Names of files and programs are printed in UPPERCASE letters.
            Warnings and notes are printed in italics.
            Examples of what to type are in double quotes: "TYPE THIS".
            MS-DOS prompts are usually listed as: A>.  Anything after the
               prompt should be typed.

               Example: A> GRADE
               The prompt is A>, and you should type "GRADE".

            Special keys are those that do not print normal characters.
               They are designated in the manual and program by bracketing
               the key name with "<" and ">".
               Example: <Esc> means the Escape key, <Rtn> means the Return
                 or Enter key.


          C. Sample classes


            To look at the capabilities of VAR Grade, four sample classes
            called GSample, A, B, and C have been included.  Many of the
            features of the program have been used for these classes.  To
            view them, type "GRADE GSAMPLE", "GRADE A", "GRADE B", or
            "GRADE C".  These classes are also used for tutorials and
            figures in the manuals.



                                         13









                                  II. REQUIREMENTS






          A. Hardware


            1. This program will run on an IBM PC or compatible computer.

            2. It requires MS-DOS 2.0 or later.

            3. It requires at least 420,000 bytes of free memory (memory
               LEFT after DOS and memory resident programs are running). If
               you have 512K memory or greater in your computer you should
               have no problem running VAR Grade.

            4. One drive of 720K or more.  A hard disk is highly
               recommended.

            5. The program can run using either a monochrome or a color
               monitor.  To see graphs and plots, you need a display
               adapter that can display graphics (e.g., Hercules, CGA, EGA,
               VGA, and others).  If you want to print graphs and plots, a
               dot matrix, ink jet, or laser printer is required.  Grades
               and attendance can be printed on any printer.


          B. Versions


            The standard version of this program allows you to have up to
            16,000 students in up to 254 sections or groups per class, up
            to 2,000 tasks per class, 240 attendance days per class, 200
            database items per class, and an unlimited number of classes.
            In reality, the limitations are due to available memory.

            In addition to regular memory VAR Grade takes advantage of any
            EMS and XMS memory that your computer has.  EMS and XMS memory
            is memory above 640K.  The program also automatically uses math
            coprocessor chips (80x87 math chips).  There is also a
            protected mode version of VAR Grade that eliminates any memory
            limitations.  The protected mode version requires an 80286 or
            later microprocessor, 2 megabytes of memory (RAM), and a DPMI



                                         14







                                                            Requirements
            compatible operating system (e.g., MS-DOS 5, OS/2, or Windows
            3.0 or later).  The protected mode version is not distributed
            as shareware.

            Should you desire "custom" versions of this program, they are
            also available.  When you register your current version, should
            you desire a custom version, indicate so and we will try to
            meet your requirements.


          C. Networks


            This version will run on networks (LAN).  It will not, however,
            take advantage of special features of the networks, such as
            interactive mail or print queues.  There are options, discussed
            in the Advanced Manual, that explain how to set up for a LAN.

































                                         15










                           III. INSTALLATION OF VAR GRADE




               VAR Grade can be installed onto either a hard (fixed) disk
          or onto floppy (removable) disks.  The program INSTALL will
          automatically install VAR Grade.  You will need to answer some
          questions and follow the instructions, but will not have to worry
          about which files are needed.  If you prefer to install the
          program yourself, directions are given below in Section B.


          A. Using INSTALL


            To install the program, you can run the program INSTALL.
            Follow the instructions below.  INSTALL will not modify any
            existing files on your computer, except, if you have a previous
            version of VAR Grade, it will replace some of the old program
            files.

            1. Put Disk #1 (the "Program" disk) into a drive.  It can be in
               any drive.  For the instructions below, it is assumed that
               the disk is in drive A.  If you use drive B, or any other
               drive, replace the "A:" in the instructions with "B:" (or
               "d:", where "d" is the letter of the drive).

            2a. Installing to floppy disks:  You will need two blank
               formatted 720K 3 1/2" or 1.2 megabytes 5 1/4" disks.  If the
               disks are not formatted or not empty, they can be formatted
               during the installation.  NOTE: The program uses the MS-DOS
               format command for formatting, and will only format disks of
               1.44 Megabytes capacity or less.

               Put a blank disk into the drive used for installation.

            2b. Installing to a hard disk:  You need 1.4 megabytes of disk
               space.

            3a. Installing in DOS:  Type "A:INSTALL".  If the VAR Grade
               installation disk is in another drive, type "d:INSTALL",
               where "d" is the letter for the drive.
            3b. Installing in MS Windows:  Run a DOS program selecting the
               Files menu when in the Program Manager, then "Run" to run a

                                         16









                                                            Installation
               DOS program.  Then type "A:INSTALL".  If the VAR Grade
               installation disk is in another drive, type "d:INSTALL",
               where "d" is the letter for the drive.

            4. An opening screen will appear, explaining the hardware
               requirements of VAR Grade and how to use the installation
               program.  If you have a monochrome monitor and the screen is
               hard to read, you may need to type "A:INSTALL/b" to force
               the program into black and white mode.  This may be required
               for some monochrome boards, as these boards sometimes tell
               programs (erroneously) that they are color boards.
               "A:INSTALL/c" will force the program into color mode.

            5. Note that you can exit the installation program at any time
               by pressing the "Ctrl" and the "C" keys simultaneously
               (<CtrlC>).  If the program has not completely installed VAR
               Grade, it will not run correctly, and you may have to redo
               the installation.

            6. After reading the opening screen and pressing a key, you
               will be asked whether to install the whole program, parts of
               the program, or whether to print the README.DOC or manuals.
               Choose to install all the program installation (option "A").

            7. You will then be asked where to put the program.  INSTALL
               will probably suggest the directory "\VARGRADE", but you can
               specify any drive or directory.  To type in a new directory
               or drive, just type in a new name.  For example, to change
               it to drive A, type "a:".  After you have specified the
               directories and drives to place the program, press <AltS>.

            8. The program will now install the program.  If it does not
               find the disks or ZIP files it needs, it will request them.

               If the disk you are installing to does not have enough room
               on it for the VAR Grade files, you will be asked what to do.
               There are three options: (a) You can format the disk.  (b)
               You can tell the program to write the files to another disk,
               or (c) You can tell the program to write the disk anyway.
               Choose option c if you have changed to a new disk or if you
               are installing VAR Grade over a previous version of the
               program.  If a previous version of the program is present,
               the installation program will ask if the existing files
               should be replaced (overwritten).  Note that you will only
               be asked this once:  if you say yes, all the duplicate files
               will be replaced.  NOTE: INSTALL does not delete all the old


                                         17










               VAR Grade files, but does replace those that have the same
               name as the new files.

               During the installation, the program will ask you to pick
               your printer.  To do this, you will need to know the name
               and model number of your printer, and if it emulates any
               other printers.  Most dot matrix printers emulate the Epson
               FX printer.  Most laser printers emulate the HP LaserJet
               printer.  Use the <Arrow>, <Page up>, and <Page down> keys
               to traverse the list and find your printer(s).  Then press
               "Y" to select it.  You can repeat this process until you
               have picked up to 5 printers.  When you have picked all your
               printers, press <AltS>.  The program now asks if the listed
               printers are the correct ones.  To continue, press "Y".  To
               change the list, press "N".

            9. You will return to the screen that asks whether to install
               the whole program, or just part of it.  If desired, you can
               print the documentation from this screen.  Press <Esc> or
               "X" when you are finished.

            10. When the installation has been completed, a message will be
               displayed.  If you installed onto floppy disks, the message
               will explain how to label the disks and how to start VAR
               Grade.  If you installed the program from MS Windows, the
               message will quickly disappear.

               If you install onto floppy disks, when you run VAR Grade,
               the disks containing the overlays (GRADE.OVR) and text
               (GRADE.STR) must be in the drive at all times.  Part of the
               program is in "overlays", which means that some of the
               program is on the disk and is read into the program only
               when needed.  NOTE: If you have removed the overlay disk,
               the program will print a message asking you to reinsert the
               overlay disk, as it needs the overlay file to continue.
               Also, do not move the disk with the overlays from one drive
               to another.  It must always be in the same drive.

               The protected mode version doesn't need the GRADE.OVR file,
               but instead needs the RTM.EXE and DPMI16BI.OVL files.

            11. Installing in MS Windows: After installing the program, you
               want a program icon to be created.  VAR Grade includes the
               file GRADE.PIF, which suggests an icon and standard
               conditions to use for the program.  To create a new group
               window, select the Files menu when in the Program Manager,
               then select "New".  Select "Program Group", and then "OK".

                                         18









                                                            Installation
               Next, enter a description of the program, e.g., "VAR Grade".
               Next, move to the next line, "Program File", and type
               "VARGRADE.GRP".  You now have a window, but no program in
               it.  To add the program to that group window, again select
               "Files", then "New", and "OK".  Select "Browse", then the
               directory where VAR Grade is located, probably
               "C:\VARGRADE".  Then select the filename "GRADE.PIF".  The
               icon should appear in the group window.  An alternative way
               to add the program to the group window is to select "Files",
               then "New", and "OK".  Then, type in a program description,
               e.g., "VAR Grade, Version 6.0" and a program command line,
               e.g., "C:\VARGRADE\GRADE.PIF".


          B. Installation without INSTALL


            To install the program without INSTALL, you need to follow the
            instructions found in the Advanced Manual.  In general, you
            need:

            1. Up to 1.4 megabytes of disk space, including at least one
               720K drive, and the program PKUNZIP (available either on BBS
               systems or from disk vendors).

            2. To know you video adapter (Hercules, CGA, EGA, VGA).

            3. To know the type(s) of printer(s) you have.




















                                         19












                                    IV. TUTORIALS




               In general, you move around the program by choosing options
          on menus.  The "Main Menu" is the menu that appears after
          specifying a class name.  If you choose one of the options on the
          Main Menu, the program goes to another set of menus ("secondary
          menus"), etc.  Below is a short description of how to enter data
          for a new class, as well as a list of some of the features of the
          program.


          A. Starting the Program


            1. Type "GRADE" when in DOS (i.e., at the prompt:  A>  ).  If
               you have a monochrome monitor and the screen looks weird,
               you may have to type "GRADE/B".

            2. The opening screen will appear.  It identifies the program,
               and shows a list of classes.  If you have a mouse attached,
               a colored block will appear in the center of the screen:
               that is the mouse cursor.

            3. The program asks for the name of a class.  The first class
               listed will be highlighted on the screen.  Press <Rtn> to
               select that class, or use the <arrow> keys on the keypad to
               move the highlight to a new class before pressing <Rtn>.
               You can also type the name of the desired class and then
               press <Rtn>.  If the program cannot find the class, it will
               make a new class with that name.  Typing can be corrected
               with the <Backspace> key.  After a class has been selected,
               the Main Menu then appears.  This chapter describes both how
               to start a new class and how to use the class supplied with
               the program.  The tutorials assume that you installed the
               entire program (including the sample classes), and that you
               are in the beginner mode.







                                         20









                                                               Tutorials

          B. Using an Existing Class: Tutorial


            Start the program as described in Section A, above.  Next, you
            will see four classes highlighted: GSample, A, B, and C.  Move
            the highlight to GSample with the arrow keys, and press <Rtn>.
            If you have a mouse, you could also select GSample by moving
            the mouse cursor to it, and then pressing the <Left button>.
            VAR Grade will now read the students into the program.

            A menu will appear.  This menu is called the Main Menu.  On the
            menu are several options.  These options are separated into
            four categories.  First, there are several options involved
            with entering data.  Second, there are options regarding
            analyzing the student data.   Third, there are other options,
            such as changing how parts of the program work, seeing the help
            screens, and running other programs.  Last, there are options
            for leaving the class and program.

            You can use the arrow keys to move the highlight to a different
            menu choice.  To pick a choice, either move the highlight to
            the desired choice, then press <Rtn>, or just press the key
            shown on the left side of the option.  If you have a mouse, you
            can move the mouse cursor to the desired choice, then press the
            <Left button>.

            1. Entering data


               Press "D" on the Main Menu.  You will see a list of students
               in the class and scores for several of the tasks that have
               been defined.  You can use the arrow keys on the keypad to
               move around the class, or a mouse.  If you have a mouse, and
               there are more students or tasks than fit on one screen,
               mouse bars are shown on the right and/or bottom of the
               screen.

               (a) Names

                 Use the <Down Arrow> to move to the second name, "Bimson,
                 Keith".  The cursor will be at the end of the name.  Press
                 the <Backspace> key.  Next press an "s".  The name will
                 now read "Bimson, Keits".




                                         21










               (b) Number tasks

                 Move down one name to "Crick, Francis".  Now move right
                 four cells to the number "85.0".  If you look to the top
                 of that column, it will say that it is task #3, with the
                 name "Number 2".  The cursor will be at the end of the
                 number.  Type an "86".  The number should read "86".
                 Notice that, when you typed the "8", the previous score
                 disappeared.  When you move to a cell, and, for a first
                 keystroke, type a regular character (letter or number),
                 the data in the cell will disappear.  If the first key you
                 type is a <Backspace>, function key, cursor key, or <Alt>
                 key, the previous data is not cleared.  NOTE: If you
                 accidentally type something, and decide that you want the
                 old one back, press <AltU> (undo) before leaving that
                 cell.  This returns the cell to its original value.

                 Move down one cell with the down arrow.  Notice the 86
                 stays in the previous cell.  You do not have to type a
                 <Rtn> to signal the end of input; just moving to another
                 cell with the cursor keys is sufficient.

                 NOTE: Scores higher than the allowed points for a task
                 will not be accepted.  A beep or noise will tell you this
                 has happened.

                 If you are entering scores from a test, you can use  to
                 add up the scores on the test.  Move to the cell where
                 "86" was entered, above.  Now, type "+".  You will see a
                 tiny window pop up.  It will have the 86 on the left, then
                 a +, and is waiting for another number.  Type "5", then
                 "=".  The tiny window will disappear and "91" will appear
                 in the cell.  This is the inline calculator.  It pops up
                 any time that you type in a +, -, /, * (multiply), or =,
                 and can be used like any other simple calculator.

               (c) Letter tasks

                 Now move to the name "Darwin, Charles".  Move right three
                 cells, to a "B".  This is under the column header task #2:
                 "Lette".  The "Lette" is the first five letters of "Letter
                 2", the name of task #2.  Only the first few letters of
                 each task name is shown (to show all the letters takes
                 more screen space, but there is an <AltO> option that can
                 be used to change the width of the columns).  To change
                 the task score, use the <Backspace> key to delete the B,
                 then put in a new grade, from A to F.  Notice that if you

                                         22









                                                               Tutorials
                 type any letters other than A to F, they will be ignored
                 by the program, as the only letters that are in letter
                 grades are accepted.  You may enter a + or - after the
                 first letter, if needed.

               (d) Scrolling to the right

                 From "Darwin, Charles", task #2, move right four cells
                 with the right arrow key.  Notice that when you moved to
                 the third cell, the screen shifted.  The names are still
                 listed on the left, but a slightly different set of tasks
                 is shown.  If you want, you can change the score as above.

                 If you have a mouse, you can scroll to the right by moving
                 to the bottom line, then pressing the <Left button> on the
                 right arrow.  Pressing the <Left button> on the stippled
                 area moves the cursor to that relative position in the
                 tasks.

               (e) Scrolling down

                 Just as in the previous example, you can also scroll down.
                 This time you will see more names.  Use the down arrow on
                 the keypad to go all the way to "Watson, Jim": the last
                 person in the class.  Notice that the screen shifts as you
                 do so.  You can scroll through the students and tasks
                 until you find the data you want to change.  If you scroll
                 down one more time, you will be back at the beginning of
                 the class.

                 You can scroll the names down with a mouse by moving to
                 the right side of the screen, then pressing the down
                 arrow.

               (f) Changing which data is displayed

                 To change which data is listed on the screen, press
                 <AltC>.  You will see the "Items to List", which asks
                 whether to display the name or ID.  A "Y" means yes, an
                 "N" means no.  They are both set to "Y", so both are
                 displayed.  Move down one cell to the ID, then choose "N".
                 The ID will no longer be displayed.  Press <AltS> to leave
                 this menu.

                 If there had been more than one section of students in
                 this class, you would have been asked whether to display
                 section numbers.  In GSample, there is only one section of

                                         23










                 students.  In advanced mode, you would be asked, on this
                 list, which database items to display.

                 Next, you are asked which tasks to display.  The list at
                 the top of the screen is all the tasks that have been
                 defined that accept input (letter, number, or extra credit
                 tasks).  Type "1 3:2 ", then <Rtn> (or
                 "1<Rtn>3:2<Rtn><Rtn>" also works).  You have told the
                 program to list tasks 1, 3, and then 2 on the screen, in
                 that order.  You can display any tasks, in any order.

                 If you have a mouse, you could have picked the tasks by
                 moving the cursor to the task, then pressing the <Left
                 button>.  The task number where the mouse cursor was
                 located appears below.  At the end of the list of tasks,
                 "End of tasks" is listed.  If you select this with a
                 mouse, it is equivalent to entering a "0"--it signifies
                 the end of the list.

                 You now see the names and task scores for tasks 1, 3, and
                 2.  You could now alter the data, if you wished.

               (g) Adding a new input task

                 You can add a new task by pressing <AltT>.  Move to the
                 second task column (task #3).  Now, press <AltT>.  You
                 will see a list of all the tasks, and the Define Task Menu
                 that allows you to define number, letter, or extra credit
                 tasks.

                 Press "N".  You are then asked for the new number.  You
                 can enter any number.  For example, type in "5", then
                 <Rtn>.  Since task 5 is already defined, you are asked
                 whether to replace the old task, insert the new task
                 before task 5, or to exit without defining a task.  Pick
                 "I".  You are now asked for the task name.  Notice that,
                 above, tasks 5 and 6 both look like the same task.  You
                 are asked for the new name, with "Number 3" suggested as
                 the new name.  Delete the name with <F10>.  Now type in
                 "Number 4", then <Rtn>.  Next, you are asked for the total
                 points for the task.  The program uses the total points
                 for calculations, and for checking data input.  Press
                 <Rtn> (which causes the 100 to be accepted as the total
                 points for the task).  You now return to the Define Task
                 Menu.  You could define as many tasks as you want here.
                 However, for this tutorial, press "X".


                                         24









                                                               Tutorials
                 The new task is listed just after the one where the cursor
                 was.  You could then enter data if you had some student
                 scores.

               (h) Exiting

                 To leave this part of the program, type an <AltS>.  The
                 data you changed is saved into memory.  It isn't saved to
                 disk unless you press "S" on the Main Menu or exit the
                 program.

            2. Analyzing grades


               We can see a plot of the scores on task #1 by pressing "P"
               when we are on the Main Menu.  A list of all the tasks is
               shown, and you are asked which task to plot.  Type in a "1",
               then a <Rtn>.  The program automatically determines the high
               and low scores for the plot.  If you want to pick your own
               high and low scores, you need to go to the "O" (Option) part
               of the Main Menu (see the Advanced Manual).

               You next see a menu, the Print Menu, that will list several
               options, such as printing to a printer, disk file, etc.
               Press "S" (screen only).  The plot is displayed.  The mean,
               median, and mode are shown, along with +1 and -1 standard
               deviations from the mean.  At the bottom right of the screen
               is a message: "Press any key to continue."  When you are
               through looking at the plot, press any key on the keyboard.
               You will return to the Plot Menu.  Press <Esc> to return to
               the Main Menu.

               The advanced mode offers many more options.

            3. Writing scores


               If you want to list some of the task scores of the class on
               the screen, press a "W" when on the Main Menu.  You will see
               another menu, the Write Data Menu.  To print out grades for
               all the students in the class, press an "S".  You can then
               choose to display task scores, attendance, or an attendance
               summary.  Pick "T", task scores.  You are then asked for the
               list of tasks to display.  Type "<F1>", then <Rtn>.  You
               have just told the program to list all the tasks in the
               class.  <F1> is used frequently in the program to designate
               "all of the above".  Next, you are asked if you want to

                                         25










               display the student names, and/or IDs.  Press "B" to display
               both.  Last, you will see the Print Menu.  Press "S" on the
               Print Menu to see the scores.

               The first screen shows a list of all the tasks, the points
               that are possible, and part of the class.   The listing will
               stop after every screenful of students.  When the screen
               stops, press a key to see some more data.  Since only 7 of
               the tasks fit on the first listing, the program will repeat
               with tasks 8 through 14, and then 15 and 16.  When you have
               seen all the scores, the Write Data Menu will appear again.
               Press "X" or <Esc> to go back to the Main Menu.

            4. Defining Special tasks


               Press "T" on the Main Menu.  You will see the Define Task
               Menu, with several different options.  We can define three
               different special tasks, averages ("A"), percentages ("P"),
               and sums ("S").  In the list of tasks, there is a column
               labeled "Type".  This is the letter used to define the task
               type.  Task #1 is "N" (number), task #2 is "L" (letter),
               etc.

               If you want to define an average, you type an "A".  The
               program asks for the number of the new task.  Type a "16",
               then <Rtn>.  The program then asks for the name of the task.
               Type "New average", then <Rtn>.  The program then asks for
               the tasks to average.  Type in "1 3 5 ", then <Rtn>.  You
               are now asked if this is correct.  Type "Y".  You are now
               back at the Define Task Menu, except that task #16 is
               listed.  Sum and percent tasks are done the same way.  In
               the advanced mode, several other special tasks are
               available, including weights, attendance, and discarding the
               lowest of a group of tasks.

            5. Defining attendance


               Press "A" on the Main Menu.  To define some attendance days,
               then press "D".  You can either define single days, or, by
               pressing <F2>, define a lot of them.  For this tutorial,
               press <F2>.

               You are asked which days of the week the class is held.  For
               a class held Monday through Friday, press "23456", then
               <Rtn>.

                                         26









                                                               Tutorials

               Next, you are presented with a calender, and are asked for
               the month of the first class.  Use the <Page Up> and <Page
               Down> keys to find the first month for the class, then enter
               the number.  Next, enter the number for the first day for
               the class.  Next, enter the month for the last day of class,
               then the number of the day.  If you have a mouse, you could
               have picked the first month and day by pressing the <Left
               button> on the correct day, and picked the last day the same
               way.

               The program now puts you back to the Attendance Menu.  If
               you want to check if the days were correctly defined, press
               "D".


               (a) Attendance Options

                 You can alter the names of the attendance, and the keys
                 used for entering the data by pressing "O" on the
                 Attendance Menu.

               (b) Entering attendance

                 Press "C" when on the Attendance Menu.  Shown listed will
                 be the students in the class and the attendance days you
                 just defined.  Near the top of the screen are all the
                 possible keys to use for entering data.  Data is entered
                 just like when entering task data.  Press <AltS> to save
                 the data when you are finished.

            6. Quitting the program


               Press "Q" on the Main Menu to leave the class.  Since we
               changed some of the data, the program will ask you if you
               want to save the data before exiting.  Press "N" (don't save
               the data).


          C. Starting a New Class


            To start a new class, start the program as in section A, by
            typing "GRADE".  This time, instead of moving to a class and
            pressing <Rtn>, type in a name of a new class (one not listed--


                                         27










            like "Math").  The Main Menu will then appear.  At the bottom
            left of the screen is listed the words "New class".

            1. First, if there are more than one section of students in
               your new class, you will need to tell the program to use
               more than one section.  You can have as many sections as
               there are students.  Press "N" when on the Main Menu.  On
               the second menu, press "U" (change the number of sections).
               Type in the new number, then <Rtn>.  Then exit back to the
               Main Menu by pressing "X" or <Esc>.  If you have several
               classes that use the same tasks and turn in the same
               assignments, calling them different "sections" of the same
               class lets you easily compare them.  The program allows
               printing and statistics of each section separately, or of
               all of them.

            2. Next, you want to enter the names of the students.  Enter
               the names by pressing "N" on the Main Menu.  There are two
               choices.  You can type in only names ("N") or type in both
               names and IDs ("I").  The advanced mode also allows input
               from text files.  Names, IDs, and sections of students can
               be changed at any time.  After you choose "N" or "I", you
               will be asked for the section in which to add students.

               If you are typing in the names, just type in the names
               (ending each name with <Rtn>).  If you are also typing in
               ID's, type them in the second column.  If a name was entered
               incorrectly, you can change it by using the cursor keys to
               move back to it, then changing it.  When you have finished
               entering names, press <AltS>.  By default, names have up to
               20 characters, and IDs 15.  These sizes can be changed in
               the advanced mode.

               Example:  If you are on the Main Menu, type an "N", then "N"
               again.  The program will ask for the section number.  Type
               in "1", then <Rtn>.  You can now type in names, ending each
               with a <Rtn>.  If you misspelled a name, but did not notice
               until you were on the next name, press <Up Arrow> to move to
               the previous name.  Retype it in correctly.  After the last
               name has been entered, press an <AltS>, and an <Esc> when
               the program asks for the section number.

               NOTE: The program can sort the names alphabetically.  If the
                 names are entered last name first, they will be sorted by
                 last name.  If they are entered with the first name first,
                 they will be sorted by first names.  The program will
                 check for duplicate names., so you cannot put the same

                                         28









                                                               Tutorials
                 name into the same section twice.  In the advanced mode,
                 you can print the names "flipped", where the last and
                 first names are reversed, or with first names, only.

            3. Tasks are assignments for students.  They can be exams,
               tests, homework, projects, etc.  If you have task scores to
               enter into the program, press "T" when on the Main Menu to
               define the new assignments.  Initially, no tasks are listed.

               The program requires you to define a task before you can
               enter data into it.  This is like most database programs,
               but unlike spreadsheet programs.  Making you define the
               tasks saves memory and ensures correct calculations of
               grades.

               The Define Task Menu is shown.  To define a task, you first
               choose a task type.  You are then asked the name and, if it
               is a number or extra credit task, the total points.  You can
               continue to define as many tasks as you like.  There are six
               types of tasks that can be defined in the beginning mode,
               twelve different types in the advanced mode.  You must
               define a task before you can enter task scores for it.  Note
               that if you are grading with numbers, scores cannot be
               entered that are higher than the total points of the task
               (NOTE: you can change this).  If you are using letter
               grades, only letters defined by you can be used (the
               "default" grades are A to F, with + and - grades, but these
               also can be changed).

               Example: Press "N" to define a number task.  Type in a "1",
               then <Rtn>.  You are then asked for the name of the task.
               Type "New".  You are then asked for the total points.  If
               you want it to be worth 100 points, just type a <Rtn>,
               otherwise, type in a new number, then <Rtn>.  For tasks
               worth 100 points, it is easier to use the <F1> key to pick
               the next task, and give it 100 points.  You only need to
               type in the name of the task.

            4. Next, you can enter the scores.  You may enter scores for
               multiple tasks or for only one.  You can enter the scores
               "by individual" ("I" on the Main Menu), or "by section" ("D"
               on the Main Menu). "By individual" lists all the tasks for
               one student, while "by section" or class lists for every
               student in the class only those tasks that you have chosen.
               With either method, the program lists the students in order.
               You can use the cursor keys (up, down, etc.) to move to a
               new task or student.  Pressing <Rtn> will cause the program

                                         29










               to move to the next task, while using the cursor keys will
               move you up, down, or over to new tasks.  Use <AltC> to pick
               new tasks to put into the columns.

               NOTE: The program can switch between "using" or "not using"
               edit keys.  Using edit keys will let you use the left and
               right arrow keys to move between the letters within a cell.
               If you are "using" edit keys, you move between students with
               <Ctrl>-cursor keys.  Pressing <CtrlE> when entering data
               will change back and forth between "using" to "not using"
               edit keys.

            5. When you are finished entering data, press <AltS> to exit
               the section and save the data to memory.  Next, when on the
               Main Menu, type an "S" to save the data to a disk file.  The
               program will ask for the class name.  Most of the time, you
               will just type <Rtn>.  If you want to change the name of the
               class or the directory in which it is located, you can do so
               before pressing <Rtn>.


          D. Entering Data


            In general, if the program asks you to "enter" data, end it
            with "<Rtn>" or a cursor key, and when you are asked to "press"
            a key, only one key needs to be pressed (no <Rtn>).

            1. Menu choices


               The program accepts as input only the keys listed on the
               menu, and will respond to the key when it is pressed.

               When you are asked for a menu choice, to select it you can
               (a) press the key, OR (b) use the cursor keys to pick the
               correct choice and press the Return or Enter key, OR (c) use
               a mouse to select the choice and press the left mouse
               button.

            2. Entering numbers


               When you type numbers in, you must press the return key
               (<Rtn>) or, a cursor key (arrow, page up and down, etc.) to
               signal the end of your data.


                                         30









                                                               Tutorials
               A <Rtn> alone, with no number, tells the program:

                    (a) do not change the current value;    OR
                    (b) end current input of the number;    OR
                    (c) let the program choose the appropriate number.

               Which possibility (a, b, or c) that the program will use is
               stated when the data is requested.

            3. Selecting and entering names


               When you enter words or names, you must press either <Rtn>
               or a cursor key (arrow, page up and down, etc.) to signal
               the end of your data.

               When names of classes or students are listed on the screen,
               the cursor keys can be used to select the student or class
               name.  Select the desired name with the cursor keys, then
               press <Rtn>.


          E. If You Are Lost or Want to Leave a Section of the Program


            If you are lost, or want to return to the Main Menu, you can
            usually reach it by repeatedly pressing the <Esc> key.  The
            <Esc> key can also be used to exit a section of the program
            that you don't want to be in.


          F. Starting Another Class


            Elementary school teachers teach several different subjects to
            the same students.  It is convenient to keep grades for each of
            the subjects in different classes. VAR Grade has features that
            allow you to combine and separate the subjects.

            To write the current students to a new class, pick option "W"
            on the Main Menu.  Then, type "V".  You will be asked for the
            name of the new class.  Type it in.  The current students,
            including names, IDs, and section numbers will be written to a
            new class.  Task scores will not be written.

            To write out scores for more than one subject for a student,
            type "W" on the Main Menu, then "N".  Next, pick a name of a

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            student.  You will be asked whether to display task scores,
            attendance (if it is being used), or "designate subjects to
            list".  Pick "D".  Shown is a list of up to ten subjects.  You
            need to specify each one you want to use.  When finished, type
            <AltS>.  You will now return to the "Print by Name" Menu.  If
            you print out task scores, you will display or print scores for
            each of the classes you chose in addition to the current class.


          G. Advanced Mode


            Although some advanced features were mentioned in these
            tutorials, there are many other features as well.  After you
            are familiar with the beginner's mode, you are strongly urged
            to type "B" on the Main Menu.  This will put you into advanced
            mode.  The Main Menu will look only a little different, but the
            other menus will have more significant changes.  For example,
            if you type "P", for plots, there is now a large number of
            different plots you can try.  You can change fonts, and so
            forth.  Until you use the advanced mode, you haven't fully
            tried the power of VAR Grade.


          H. Exiting the Program


            Normally, you exit the program by going through the Main Menu.
            To exit, pick the "Q" (quit the program) option.  If any data
            has been changed since the last time the it was saved, the
            program will ask if you want the new changes to be saved.  You
            can also exit from almost anywhere in the program by pressing
            <CtrlC> (the Control key and the "C" key simultaneously).
            Again, if student data has been changed, you will be prompted
            about saving it before leaving the program.


          I. Using a Mouse


            If you have a mouse, it is used by the program.  The mouse
            cursor is a box, larger than a character, and is seen on the
            screen as having different colors than the surrounding text.
            Both two and three button mice are supported.  NOTE: Mouse
            drivers over two years old may not work correctly:  you should
            get a newer version from the manufacturer of the mouse.


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                                                               Tutorials
            Mouse button(s)   Meaning
            <Left button>  Select.  If the button is pressed while the
                           mouse cursor is at a menu choice, that choice
                           will be selected.  If the mouse cursor is at a
                           number or name, the cursor will move to that
                           place.  If the mouse cursor is outside the
                           current window, this will usually cause that
                           window to close.  If the mouse cursor is inside
                           a window, but at no choice, number, or name,
                           nothing will happen.  If there is more
                           information than can be seen on one screen,
                           "mouse bars" will appear on the right and/or
                           bottom of the current window.  Pressing on these
                           bars will move you the screen to a different
                           part of that information.

            <Right button> Escape.  This is equivalent to pressing the
                           escape key.

            <Center button>   [Three button mice, only.]  Clear the name or
                           number.  Equivalent to pressing the <F10> key.


          J. How Special Keys are Used


            These keys are not used in all parts of the program, but will
            be used in most parts.  Other keys are also used, but these are
            listed on the screen when they can be used.

            Key          Name of key(s) Program Function
            <Esc>        Escape         Exit this program section.
            <Rtn>        Return, Enter  End of input.
            <Pg Up>      Page Up        List previous screen.
            <Pg Dn>      Page Down      List next screen.
            <Home>       Home           Go to the first screen.
            Key          Name of key(s) Program Function
            <End>        End            Go to the last screen.
            <Tab>        Tab            Move to the next entry (cell).
            <ShftTab>    Shift+Tab      Move to the previous cell.
            <F1>         Function key 1 Use all choices, or select the next
                                        available choice.
            <F10>        Function Key 10     To delete the current entry.
            <AltH>       Alt+H          HELP--always available.
            <AltU>       Alt+U          Undo a cell when entering numbers
                                        or words.
            <AltV>       Alt+V          Run a designated program.

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            Key          Name of key(s) Program Function
            <CtrlC>      Control+C      Exit from the program.  If data has
                                        been changed, you will be asked
                                        whether it should be saved before
                                        exiting the program.
            <CtrlE>      Control+E      Switch between how the cursor keys
                                        work.
            <CtrlS>      Control+S      Stop writing to the printer or
                              disk.


          K. How the Cursor Keys Work


            You have options as to how you want the cursor keys to work.
            If you do not redefine the functions of the cursor keys, they
            will work as follows:

            Key(s)            Movement
            <Home>,
            <Ctrl-Pg Up>      Go to the first name or cell
            <End>,
            <Ctrl-Pg Dn>      Go to the last name or cell
            <Pg Up>           Go up one screen
            <Pg Dn>           Go down one screen
            <Left Arrow>      Go left one cell or column
            <Right Arrow>     Go right one cell or column
            <Ctrl-Home>       Go up one half column
            <Ctrl-End>        Go down one half column
            <Up Arrow>        Go up one name or line
            <Down Arrow>      Go down one name or line
            <Ctrl-Left Arr>   Go left two columns
            <Ctrl-Right Arr>  Go right two columns
            <Backspace>       Delete previous character

            You can switch between using or not using edit keys by pressing
            <Ctrl-E> (simultaneously press the "Ctrl" and "E" keys) anytime
            you are entering numbers or names (strings of characters).
            Furthermore, if you choose to use edit keys, you can use
            "insert" or "overstrike" modes.  Just press the <Ins> key to
            switch between these modes.  In insert mode, the characters are
            inserted at the position of the cursor, with the rest of the
            characters pushed to the right.  In overstrike mode, the
            character typed replaces the one that was at the cursor.  The
            cursor is fatter in the overstrike mode, so you can tell which
            mode you are in.


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                                                               Tutorials
            If you "use" edit keys, by redefining their functions, you will
            be able to move left or right in the data with the cursor keys
            functioning as they would in a word processor.  If you switch
            to "using" the edit keys, they will be redefined as below.

            Edit key(s)       Movement
            <Home>            Go to the first character of a cell.
            <End>             Go to the last character of  cell.
            <Left Arrow>      Go left one character in a cell.
            <Right Arrow>     Go right one character in a cell.
            <Ctrl-Left Arr>   Go left one name or cell.
            <Ctrl-Home>       Go left four names or cells.
            <Ctrl-Right Arr>  Go right one name or cell.
            <Ctrl-End>        Go right four names or cells.
            <Del>             Delete the character at the cursor.
            <Ins>             Switch between insert and overwrite.
































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