                                 RELEASE NOTES

                        CROSSpro (v3.0) by JJO Software
                                 October  1991


       ABOUT CROSSpro

       CROSSpro (formerly XWord) is a fast, flexible, and compact
       menu-driven crossword puzzle construction tool for the IBM PC and
       compatibles. While easy to use, it is intended for serious
       crossword puzzle creators (cruciverbalists). CROSSpro may be used
       with Turbo Lightning. ShoPRN, a handy print utility, is included
       for user convenience.


       NEW FEATURES

       CROSSpro v3.0 retains file compatibility with previous versions;
       but, has these major improvements:

       1) The numbered puzzle blank, answer sheet, and clues list may
       now be output to a print file as well as directly to the printer.
       The print files may be edited with any text editor.

       2) The main menu has been revamped to directly allow either
       preview or output of any and all of the aforementioned puzzle
       materials. In the preview mode the display shows exactly what
       will be output (WYSIWYG).

       3) Basic printer support is now for a default (draft) mode which
       is non-printer-specific. You manually set your printer for best
       results.

       4) Registered owners will have drivers for HP LaserJet II and IBM
       Pro printers, and compatibles. These drivers will provide full
       grid printing for puzzle blanks using the IBM "text" graphic
       symbols.

       5) Your settings are saved at the end of each session so that
       they can be automatically restored the next time that you use
       CROSSpro.

       6) Full-color pop-up menus have been implemented for improved
       aesthetics and user convenience.


       STANDARD FEATURES

       1. A define function permits entry of puzzle title and size, from
       13x13 to 23x23 (NY Times Sunday). The title may be up to 40
       characters in length.

       2. By means of the cursor, words may be placed in any order and
       in any location of the puzzle grid; and, cursor speed is
       adjustable.

       3. Words may be rubbed out (erased) from any location; but, they
       are saved to a "move" list and can be recovered and placed in
       another location.

       4. The word lists "across," "down" and "move" and clues may be
       viewed at any time; and output to a file or directly to a
       printer. Up to 300 words (all three types) may be saved for each
       puzzle.

       5. Clues need not be entered at the time words are entered into
       the puzzle grid; they may be entered and edited whenever it is
       convenient to do so. Clues may be up to 63 characters in length.

       6. A complete set of printed materials is produced: puzzle blank,
       list of clues and puzzle solution. Word numbers are automatically
       computed and inserted.

       7. All puzzle information, including the "move" list, is saved to
       a file. Puzzle size is set and words entered automatically when a
       puzzle file file is loaded.

       8. For safety and ease of use, functions are interlocked to
       prevent inadvertent loss of work. In addition, you are beeped
       when you've attempted an illegal operation.

       9. A shadow function makes it easier for puzzle constructors to
       observe the symmetry rules imposed by publishers such as the New
       York Times. The shadow marks those blanks which must be filled for
       conformance with either the lateral or diagonal symmetry rules. A
       "+" is used for the mark where "-" is used as the unmarked/unused
       blank placeholder.

       10. A color on/off switch is provided to permit the user to
       choose the setting for best viewing. In addition, the
       brightness/color of words on the puzzle grid is settable.


       SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

       System: Any member of the IBM PC or PS/2 family, or compatibles,
               with DOS 2.1, or later; and at least one diskette drive.

       Memory: At least 80 kilobytes over and above DOS and any resident
               programs.

       Video: Does not require graphics and has been run with VGA, EGA,
              mono, and CGA adapters. A main menu command permits
              color/mono toggling for the best display.

       Printer: For printing in draft mode (default), any printer can be
                used. Drivers are available to support printing of
                professional-quality puzzle grids for IBM Pro and HP
                LaserJet II printers and compatibles (see Outputs).


       RELEASE FILES

       This release consists of the following files:
 
       Xpro3.Exe - the CROSSpro v3.0 program file. Type XPRO3 to run.

       ShoPrn.Exe (v1.0) - a print utility for unformatted text files.
       Type SHOPRN ? for information (also see below).

       Text.Bat - displays the following text file. Type TEXT. 

       Xpro3.Txt - this file, an unformatted ASCII file. It can also
       be viewed from within the program. To print this file, type
       SHOPRN Xpro3.Txt, assuming ShoPrn.Exe is in the current path.

       *.Xwd - sample CROSSpro puzzle files.

       *.Prn - sample CROSSpro print files for IBM ProPrinters and HP
       LaserJet II printers. These files are printed on the appropriate
       device by typing the DOS command: TYPE <filespec> > PRN. Be sure
       that the printer is set to top of form and to letter quality, if
       applicable.

       The following files may also be present:

       Data.Bat - displays the following data file. Type DATA.

       XPro3.Dat - an unformatted ASCII file, contains some data about
       XPro3. 


       RUNNING CROSSpro

        Main Menu

       The program and text files, along with any work or sample files,
       should be in the current (logged) directory. To run CROSSpro, at
       the system prompt type XPRO3. When the logo screen appears, press
       any key to invoke CROSSpro's main menu. CROSSpro is not case
       sensitive, so all entries may be in upper or lower case as
       preferred. Commands are available on the main menu only when their
       execution is appropriate. They are selected by typing the initial
       highlighted letters, as follows:

       C)lues: View, add or edit clues for words already entered into
       the current puzzle grid. You may enter or replace clues, or
       simply scroll through the word lists.

       D)efine a new puzzle, i.e., title and size. You will be warned
       that your current work will be lost unless you save it.

       E)dit places the current puzzle grid on the screen and invokes
       the editor; permitting words to be entered or rubbed out, in any
       order and in any location (see CROSSpro Editor).

       L)oad a puzzle file from disk. A definition record in the
       file permits the puzzle to be automatically sized and titled.
       NOTE: Puzzle files are not text (ASCII) files.

       M)ake printer and print format selection for output.

       N)ame or rename the current puzzle.

       P)review or print/file (optional) the current puzzle blank,
       solution (completed puzzle), and numbered list of clues. Use M)ake
       to choose the printer before using this function.

       S)ave current puzzle file to disk; i.e., its definition record and
       three word lists (across, down and move) are saved. This function
       is only available after the current puzzle has been modified by
       the C)lues, E)dit, or N)ame functions and until it has been saved.

       T)oggle color on/off for best effect.

       V)iew this file and, if necessary, set its path. This file must
       have the .Txt file extension. When prompted you enter the path and
       file name, without extension.

       W)ord: view|print (optional) the current word lists, across,
       down, and move.

       X): quit; you will be cautioned if changes to the current
       puzzle have not been saved. You are given two chances to abort and
       save your work.


        CROSSpro Editor

       Invoked from the main menu via "E," the editor is the CROSSpro
       engine. Upon entry to the editor, the current puzzle contents, if
       any, are displayed. The active keys are:

       Cursor: Four (4) arrow keys used to position the cursor on the
       puzzle grin.

       Rate: The numeric keys (1..8) may be used at any time to set
       cursor speed (advance). When set greater than 1, you may not be
       able to reach the edges of the grid.

       Insert: The "+" key is used to insert a word at the current
       location. You will be prompted to: (1) specify the direction
       (across or down) with the arrow keys and (2) enter the word.

       Rubout: The "-" key is used to remove a word from the grid to
       the move list. You will be prompted for direction, only.

       Move: The "*" key is used to insert a word from the move list at
       the current cursor position. You will be prompted for direction.
       The move list is then displayed for selection of the word to be
       placed on the grid.

          NOTE: During insert, rubout and move, the function may be
          aborted via the <Esc> key or by entering an empty word.

       Exit: Use <Enter> alone to leave the editor and return to the
       main menu.

       The editor performs pre-checking that words will fit within the
       grid if inserted at the prescribed location and direction. If
       they will not fit, you are beeped and that entry is aborted.

        Shadow and Brightness Features

       The shadow feature makes it easier for puzzle constructors to
       observe the symmetry rules imposed by publishers such as the New
       York Times. The shadow, in effect, highlights or marks those
       blanks which must be filled for conformance with the rules.  In
       addition, the brightness/color of words on the puzzle grid is
       settable.

       Select the editor from the "main" menu by choosing "E" at the
       prompt. When using the editor with systems with separate cursor
       and numeric keypads, use the <NumLock> key to set the keypad to
       the numeric-only (non-cursor) state. All non-cursor editor
       selections can then be made from the numeric keypad.

       Three new commands "/," "9," and "0" have been added to the
       editor selections. Use the "/" key to toggle the
       brightness/color of the words on the puzzle grid. Use the "9" and
       "0" keys to toggle the shadow functions on/off; "9" for lateral
       symmetry and "0" for diagonal symmetry. When toggled on, shadow
       causes insertion of a "+" into those unused (blank) locations
       which require entries for symmetry compliance. When toggled off,
       all "+" symbols are removed. Both command22s have immediate effect
       and override each other.

        CROSSpro Outputs

       The outputs from CROSSpro are the puzzle file itself, the puzzle
       materials (numbered blanks and clue list), and the working word
       lists (across, down, and move). Other than the non-ASCII puzzle
       file, the other outputs may be sent to a print file, directly to
       a printer, or both. Since these files are text files, you may
       modify them using any text editor or word processor.

       For printing in draft mode (default), any printer can be used --
       you manually set it for best results (compressed type at 8 lines
       per inch is recommended). Registered owners can create print files
       for or directly drive an IBM ProPrinter (dot matrix) or an HP
       LaserJet II which is set for the IBM text graphics character font.
       These drivers automate the printing of professional-quality puzzle
       grid outputs. Most recent low-price printers (Epson, Star, and
       Panasonic, for example) have a switch so that you can select
       either the Epson or the IBM character set. Set the switch to IBM
       mode. Some sample printer files are included for you to test your
       printer's compatibility.

       It is critical that you save the current puzzle before quitting
       CROSSpro; and, if you haven't, you will be prompted to do so. If
       you use the default puzzle file extension of .Xwd, it need not be
       entered. This saves a few keystrokes and promotes file extension
       standardization. The other files are created as needed from the
       current puzzle in memory. They may be given any file name and
       extension. However, an extension of .Prn is recommended.

       During a CROSSpro session your current settings, including the
       puzzle file if saved previously, are maintained in a master
       record. This master record is saved within the program file when
       you quit, if the file is still accessible on disk, else not.
       CROSSpro uses this record to set up the program exactly as it was
       when you last quit; i.e., the file you were working on will be
       loaded into memory for you, if it is still available where you
       last had it.

        Turbo Lightning

       CROSSpro may be used in conjunction with the Turbo Lightning
       spell checker. To do so, install Lightning first and then run
       CROSSpro. Within CROSSpro, you can toggle spell checking on/off
       via <Alt+F5>. All Lightning functions should be accessible - see
       the Lightning manual.


       RELEASE HISTORY

       V1.3: Initial XWord release, 15x15 to 23x23 puzzles, mono
             monitor support only.

       V1.6: Same as above, plus bug fixes and support for both
             color and mono monitors.

       V1.7: Cosmetic and speedup changes, plus size down to 13x13.

       V2.0: Renamed to CROSSpro and added the symmetry shadow and
             color selection features.

       V3.0 This version (XPro3.Exe), released January 1991.


       FEEDBACK and REGISTRATION

       Communications from CROSSpro users and potential users will be
       accepted and answered by mail or via CompuServe (73407, 550).

       Since CROSSpro is shareware, not free software, regular users are
       obligated to register. Registrants receive full technical support,
       drivers for the IBM Pro and HP LaserJet II printers, and the next
       upgrade free. The shareware registration notice is also expunged
       from their copy of the program. To register, send a $25 US check
       or money order to:

                                 JJO Software
                              174 Westover Court
                             Delran, NJ 08075, USA

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