ReadMe File for
PandaPic(C) Version 2.0
Copyright Bill Buckels 1990-1999
All Rights Reserved.

Program Description
-------------------

PandaPic is the fourth program in the Small Packages Collection. This
collection has been designed to provide unique computer experiences for
preschool and primary school level students.

The software is directed mainly towards CHINESE students learning to
read both CHINESE and ENGLISH words. Alternately, if a student is
already sight reading CHINESE, then this program can be used
to learn ENGLISH sight reading of words.

PandaPic builds vocabulary and familiarity with the use of words by
presenting the student with 6 exercises, 3 in ENGLISH, and the same 3 in
CHINESE.

Additional Libraries for PandaPic of English Word and Picture files are
also available for download.

Installing and Running PandaPic
-------------------------------

Install PandaPic by "UNZIPPING" PandaPic.ZIP complete with pathnames to
the drive of your choice. If you decide to install PandaPic to Drive C:,
PandaPic will be installed into the directory C:\PandaPic.

In DOS, start PandaPic by typing PandaPic and press [ENTER]. In WINDOWS,
start PandaPic by clicking on PandaPic.EXE.

The PandaPic User's Guide
-------------------------

Please see the PandaPic USER'S GUIDE for information not included in
this ReadMe. The PandaPic USER'S GUIDE is available for viewing or
download from the Teacher's Choice WebSite:

http://www.escape.ca/~bbuckels/kidstuff

The PandaPic USER'S GUIDE is written in ENGLISH, and it is in in HTML
format. An Internet Browser like "Microsoft Internet Explorer"tm or
"Netscape Navigator"tm is required to use and to print the USER'S GUIDE.

To Install the PandaPic USER'S GUIDE, "Unzip" complete with PathNames.

Install the PandaPic USER'S GUIDE by "UNZIPPING" PPUSER.ZIP complete
with pathnames to the drive of your choice. If you decide to install to
Drive C:, the USER'S GUIDE will be installed into the directory
C:\PandaPic\PPUSER. After installing, "Click-on"
C:\PandaPic\PPUSER\index.htm to begin.

Copyright and Licence Agreement
-------------------------------

PandaPic is distributed as ShareWare. Registration is $10.00 for A
Single Family for Home Use, or for a Single Computer for Commercial Use.
Commercial Users like DayCares etc. must purchase a Commercial Licence
at $10.00 per licence for each computer that PandaPic is used on.

You must register with the Author if you use PandaPic beyond a 30-day
evaluation period, or you must remove PandaPic from your computer.

Send registration in the form of cheque, or money order to:

Bill Buckels
589 Oxford Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3M 3J2

Email: bbuckels@escape.ca
WebSite: http://www.escape.ca/~bbuckels

Disclaimer and Conditions of Use
--------------------------------

PandaPic and its associated files are Copyrighted by their author, Bill
Buckels. PandaPic is not a derivative work of any other author and is
the exclusive property of its author, Bill Buckels.

The graphics used in PandaPic were produced by Bill
Buckels (the author) and as such are the author's own expression, and a
fair use of content that is believed to be in the public domain. You may
use these in any way you find useful, provided you do not compete with
Bill Buckels or his agents, and that you agree that Bill Buckels has no
warranty obligations or liability whatsoever resulting from any
associated loss or damage.

If you redistribute the PandaPic program, please distribute it its
entirety. If you are missing files, you can download a complete version
from the internet at:

http://www.escape.ca/~bbuckels/kidstuff

This program may be distributed freely. This program may not be
distributed for personal gain, with the exception of a modest
duplication fee.

Additional Picture and Word Libraries Are Available
---------------------------------------------------

Additional Libraries for PandaPic of English Word and Picture files are
available for download from the Teacher's Choice WebSite at:

http://www.escape.ca/~bbuckels/kidstuff

The additional libraries are provided as-is. These files are completely
free of charge for registered and non-registered users alike.
Non-registered users must remove PandaPic and all associated files from
their computer after the 30 day evaluation period. But this excludes the
additional library files, which may work in other programs if you know
how to use them, and are provided as a public service.

Registered users of PandaPic may email their questions about additional
libraries for PandaPic to the author:

bbuckels@escape.ca

No questions about how to use Windows or Dos please. We can only answer
questions about how to use PandaPic and PandaPic's files, and those we will
cheerfully answer, even in great technical detail if you are interested.

Tools for working with these are also available. Registered users who
are technically inclined and who want to create and work with these
files can also get the additional tools they need from the author.

General Description of Library Files
------------------------------------

PandaPic is provided with a single lesson plan called "CHINESE.DAT".
This is the lesson that is loaded when PandaPic starts.

A total of 8 lesson plans can be selected by using the library menu. A
second lesson plan sampler called "GRBBD3.DAT" has been included to
demonstrate the functionality of the picture libraries feature.
GRBBD3.DAT can be used in the ENGLISH modules as a sampler of an
additional lesson plan. GRBBD3.DAT is not intended for instructional
purposes and CHINESE.DAT should be reloaded for full functionality.


Library File Format Specifics
-----------------------------

Registered users of PandaPic may email their additional questions about
file formats for PandaPic to the author:

bbuckels@escape.ca

The file format used by PandaPic for the images and word lists is the
original "Old PrintShop" file format, consisting of a .DAT and .NAM
file. PandaPic uses some additional files as well. Like the .NAM file, all
the other supporting files for the "Old Printshop" .DAT file have the
same "Root Name" as the .DAT file, and are synchronized with the .DAT
file (all files have an entry for each and every .DAT file image).

The CHINESE language modules of PandaPic use a .BIN file in place of the
.NAM file but share the .DAT file (images) with the English version. If
this file is missing, the English .NAM file will be used with the
CHINESE menus.

If you are technically inclined, a look at the files that are already
provided with PandaPic will likely answer some of the questions that you
might have, and when you register you will have access to additional
information. (Remember to work on a copy of you want to "play around".)

Converting from other formats
-----------------------------

Utility programs for converting from "Old Printshop" formats like ".POG"
to ".DAT", and from the "Old Printmaster" format to ".DAT" are readily
available, but a description of these is beyond the scope of this
document. Registered users can email the author for more information.

End of ReadMe
