Glencoe Computer Applications and Keyboarding
(GCAK)

This program is designed to assist middle school students learn computer basics and keyboarding. The program is designed to work with Office 97, Works 4.0, 4.5 for Windows and Macintosh and ClarisWorks for Macintosh. **It has also been known to work with Office 2000, 2002, 2003.

General Issues:

Will this program run on Windows XP, 2000, NT 4.0, ME, and Macintosh OS X?

While trying to set the path to Word, I receive: Winword.exe This file is Read-Only. To save your changes, use a different file name.

What are the differences between the CD-ROM and diskette versions?

How do I access Teacher Management?

What is the password to access Teacher Management?

What word processors are used for the templates?

My screen freezes at the Keys TV screen, but I can still move my mouse.

What is included in the Teacher’s Resource Binder?

A newer version of QuickTime already exists on my computer, but the video is not working. -OR- I receive an error “A file handle could not be opened. Increase the number of files available.”

Windows

When the program starts, a Projecto error occurs.

When a student tries to start the program, a message appears stating MSK.LOG file is missing.

When more than one student tries to access the program on our network, an error appears stating: “Problem with Logon.DXR -49.”

An INSTINST30 error appears while trying to install.

Mac

Video/Audio sputters during playback or doesn’t play at all.

The program will not launch when you double-click the startup icon.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

Windows:

Windows 95 and 98
Intel 486DX 33Mhz processor*
8MB RAM with Virtual Memory enabled (diskette version)
16MB RAM with Virtual Memory enabled (multimedia version)
40 MB available hard drive space (diskette version)
20 MB available hard drive space (multimedia version)
VGA 640 x 480 screen resolution
256 color set at small font mode
2x CD-ROM drive

*Note: If a customer asks about networking the program, the school’s machines must exceed the hardware requirements. In addition, when classes are created, they should have no more than 20-25 students per class. Otherwise they will most likely experience delays when the program launches, and during it’s operation.

MAC:

68030 processor (diskette version)
8MB RAM with Virtual Memory disabled (diskette version)
68040 processor (multimedia version)
16MB RAM with Virtual Memory disabled (multimedia version)
Operating System 7.1 or higher
20MB available hard drive space
2X CD-ROM drive
13 inch 8bit monitor

Extensions Needed:

Apple CD-ROM (for CD-ROM version only)
QuickTime Power Plug (for Power Macs only)
General Controls
Any printer extension required by the printer in use.
Network extension (if the system is on a network).

INSTALLATION TIPS:

Network Rights: Students will need all rights except Supervisor and Access Control. Also, make sure that the files in the GCAK/Files directory are all flagged as Shareable.

CD-ROM Version:

Minimum installation requires 20MB of hard drive space. This only installs the executable files on the hard drive. You will need to have the CD in the drive in order to run the software.
Full installation requires 450MB and should be used for network installation. The entire program is loaded on the server and does not require the CD to run.
QuickTime must be loaded for the audio and video segments to run.

Attention System Administrators: You will want to mark all files in the specific subdirectories as Read Only and Shareable. Do this for the files in the Scoop subdirectory:

Go to the DOS prompt.
Change to C:\Glencoe\gcak\files\scoop
Type attrib /s +r press Enter
Return to Windows by typing Exit.

Diskette Version:

Diskette installation of the program requires 40MB of space on your hard drive. The diskette version only has the following features:

· Learn the Key and Review Keyboarding lessons have directions in English and Spanish.

· Animated key reach demonstrations.

· Individual student assignments updated on the Assignment Board.

· Complete lesson list that provides access to any lesson.

· Reports on scored work.

· More Timings-Timed selections that provide additional keyboarding practice.

· Research Files full of extracurricular typing selections.

· Network installation capability.

· Class Management System.

· Video segments and linking to applications features are not available.

GENERAL ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS:

Issue: Will this program run on Windows XP, 2000, NT 4.0, ME, and Macintosh OS X?

Solution: Cursory testing performed on Windows XP, 2000, NT 4.0, and ME machines have not revealed any issues. On Macintosh, the program runs fine in Classic Mode.

"Our customers use a wide variety of operating systems and applications, and our software must be developed to be used on some lower end systems to meet customer needs. Because of this, we cannot guarantee our software will always work as expected as new operating systems and other applications are developed. We encourage you to give our products a 'test drive' on any new system you plan to implement. If you are not satisfied with the performance of our product, we will do our best to deliver a compatible product to you in a timely manner or refund your money."

Issue: While trying to set the path to Word, I receive: Winword.exe This file is Read-Only. To save your changes, use a different file name.

Solution: The Read-Only attribute must be unchecked and then the path to Word must be set in the GCAK program. Once this is done, recheck the Read-Only attribute.

Changing the attribute of Word:

Right click on Start and select Open.
Double-click on Programs.
Locate the icon for Word.
Uncheck Read-Only.
Click OK and close out of all open windows.

Setting the path of Word in GCAK:

Start GCAK.
Open Instructor Management.
Click on Preferences.
Click on Browse to locate the path of Word.
Click on the WinWord.exe file.
Click OK once the Winword.exe file has been found.
Click OK to exit out of Preferences in GCAK and then exit the program.
Follow the steps above (in Changing the attribute of Word), to recheck the Read-Only box.

Issue: What are the differences between the CD-ROM and diskette versions?

Solution: The diskette version only has the following features:

· All Learn the Key and Review keyboarding lessons, with directions in both English and Spanish.

· Animated key reach demonstrations.

· Individual student assignments updated on the Assignment Board.

· Complete lesson list providing access to any lesson.

· Reports on scored work.

· More Timings-Timed selections that provide additional keyboarding practice.

· Research Files full of extracurricular typing selections.

· Network installation capability.

· Class Management System.

Note: Video segments and linking to application features are only available in the CD-ROM version.

Issue: How do I access Teacher Management?

Solution: At the Class List screen press CTRL + T then type in the teacher password.

Issue: What is the password to access Teacher Management?

Solution: Please contact Glencoe Software Support Monday through Friday 8am to 6pm Eastern Time at 1-800-437-3715 or epgtech@mcgraw-hill.com

Issue: What word processors are used for the templates?

Solution:

ClarisWorks 4.0 for Mac.
MSWorks 4.0 for Mac.
MSWorks 3.0 for Windows (which are compatible with Works 4.0 and 4.5)
Microsoft Office 97
Microsoft Office 2000—it has also been known to work with Office 2002 (XP) and Office 2003.

Issue: How do I create new classes or move students around?

Solution:

The teacher needs to use Teacher Options to create classes, and delete or transfer students.
Adding students is done by selecting a class, and logging in as a new student.

Please contact Glencoe Software Support Monday through Friday 8am to 6pm Eastern Time at 1-800-437-3715 or epgtech@mcgraw-hill.com

Issue: My screen freezes at the Keys TV screen, but I can still move my mouse.

Solution: Click the doors on the screen and it will take you into the program.

Issue: What is included in the Teacher’s Resource Binder?

Solution: In the TRB you will find hard copies of the following items:

Lesson plans
Tests and Solutions
Grading and Evaluation
Multicultural Timings
Supplemental Projects and Solutions
Reteaching, Reinforcement and Enrichment Activities
Textbook Project Solutions
Transparency Masters (not the transparencies themselves)
Electronic Textbook Solutions—Disks for both Windows and Macintosh are included.

Windows: MSWorks 3.0 Performance tests (1) and MSWorks 3.0 Solutions disk (1).

Macintosh: ClarisWorks Solutions disks (2), ClarisWorks 4.0 Performance tests (1), MSWorks 4.0 Solutions disks (3), MSWorks 4.0 Performance tests (1).

Teacher’s CD-ROM Package: This package contains the hybrid CD-ROM and User’s Guide in a plastic binder.

Issue: A newer version of QuickTime is on my computer, but the video is not working. -OR- I receive an error “A file handle could not be opened. Increase the number of files available.”

Solution: This program is only compatible with QuickTime version 2.1.2 which is available on the GCAK CD-ROM.

If you have QuickTime version 3.0 installed on the computer, a version conflict exists between versions 3.0 and 2.1.2. If the computer has 3.0 already installed, it must be uninstalled. After uninstalling 3.0, reboot ther computer before proceeding with the 2.1.2 installation.

Note: Cursory testing has been performed using QuickTime 6.5.1. While the program works, the animation does not.

Windows:

Issue: When the program starts, a Projecto error occurs.

Solution: Lowering hardware acceleration normally resolves this issue. At times, adjusting the draw method in QuickTime also helps.

Lowering Hardware Acceleration:

Windows 95, 98, ME:

Right click on the My Computer and select Properties.
Click on the Performance Tab, and then click on the Graphics button.
Move the Graphics Accelerator from full down to none.
Click Apply and close the Window. Restart the computer and try the program again.

Windows 2000 and XP:

Click on Start (Windows 2000 users, next click on Settings) and then Control Panel.
Double-click on the Display icon.
Click on the Settings Tab and then the Advanced button.
Click on the Troubleshoot tab (on Windows 2000 it is called Troubleshooting).
Drag the Hardware Acceleration indicator from full to none.
Click OK, restart the computer and try the program again.

Adjusting the Draw Method:

Click on Start, Settings and the Control Panel.
Double-click the QuickTime icon.
Click on the More button at the bottom of the window.
Click on the Video tab.
Under Draw Method, click on Bitmap (BMP).
Click Apply and OK. If this still does not work, go back to Draw Method and try a few other settings.

Issue: When a student tries to start the program, a message appears stating MSK.LOG file is missing.

Solution: The customer has an old version of the program. Please contact the Regional Sales Representative for an updated version.

Note: Before the new version can be installed, the old version must be deleted.

Issue: When more than one student tries to access the program on our network, an error appears stating: “Problem with Logon.DXR -49.”

Solution: Have the System Administrator flag all files in the GCAK/Files subdirectory as Shareable. This error can also be caused when student rights are not assigned correctly. Depending on which section this error occurs, the customer might want to mark all files in the Files, Compbas and Scoop subdirectories as Read-Only.

Windows NT, 2000, and XP Server Users: Be sure the rights cascade throughout the subdirectories when assigning rights to a particular folder.

Issue: An INSTINST30 error appears while trying to install.

Solution: A virus protection program generally is the cause of this error. Disable the virus protection program and restart the computer.

If this does not resolve the issue, check to see if the mouse is an IntelliMouse (scroll wheel). If it is, you need to reinstall a new mouse driver.

If the customer is trying to install the program on a Windows 98 machine, have them try the following:

Click on Start and go to Run.
Type in msconfig.
On the General tab, click on Selective Startup.
Deselect Load Startup Group Items.
Click Apply and Okay.
Restart the computer and try the installation again.

Macintosh:

Issue: Video/Audio sputters during playback or doesn’t play at all.

Solution: Quit all programs that are running, including screensavers and exit from GCAK. Turn off Virtual Memory and all extensions except the ones listed in Step 8 below:

To turn off Virtual Memory:

Click Choose Apple from the menu.
Click Control Panel and then Memory.
If you see Virtual Memory on, click the Off button.

Turning off Extensions (Creating a Custom Extension List):

Click on Apple.
Click on Control Panel.
Click on Extensions Manager.You will see Selected Set at the top of the box. It will show the current set’s name.
Click on the Duplicate or Duplicate Set button.
Name the set, using a name that applies to the program.
Click OK to accept the new set.
Scroll through the list until you see a section named Control Panels.
Uncheck all control panels except for QuickTime, General Controls, the printer extension, the network extension (if applicable), and the Apple CD-ROM (if using the CD-ROM version).
Click Restart.

Issue: The program will not launch when you double-click the startup icon.

Solution: Quit all other programs that are running, including screen savers.

Confirm that the computer has enough free RAM to run the program.
Click and pull down the Apple Menu.
Select About this Mac.
Check the Largest Unused Block.

Note: If the computer does not have at least 4,500K free RAM, then you may be able to add more by disabling certain extensions that are automatically engaged when you start the computer.

· For a list of extensions needed for GCAK, click here.