Installing xyAlgebra (Version 6.2)

IF YOU DON'T READ DOCUMENTATION:
  1. CONFIGURE student programs BEFORE students use them!
  2. VISTA and Windows 7 users: install programs in default locations!
  3. See the xyManager Help System.


CONTENTS OF THIS DOCUMENT

A. Updating From Earlier Versions
B. Uninstalling (Applies to All Versions)
C. Installer Programs
D. Installation (Details for Beginners)
E. Results of a Successful Installation
F. Making a Program Icon (if necessary).
G. Running a Program
H. Suggestions for Instructors New to xyAlgebra


A. Updating From Earlier Versions

CONTINUING STUDENTS: In some cases, it is convenient if previous students continue using their previous version.  However, two versions of xyManager must then be monitored.

BEFORE UPDATING CONTINUING STUDENTS TO THIS VERSION: run all active OLDER versions of xyManager if necessary to update each of their old Manager Files.  If necessary, move copies of their old Manager Files to separate folders on this computer.  DO NOT RENAME THESE FILES, all of which must still be named xymanager.stu (or manager.stu if they are very old).  Note the approximate locations of these files so they can be found during setup of xyManager 6.2.


B. Uninstalling (Applies to All Versions)

Version 6.2 installs itself by default in a new folder to avoid conflicts, so removing earlier versions beforehand is neither required nor recommended.  

Exception: Remove any old desktop icons to avoid confusion.

To remove (uninstall) either the old or the current version of a program:
  1. Save the old Manager File in a safe location!
  2. Open the Control Panel from the Windows Start Menu (or from the Settings Menu on the Windows Start Menu).
  3. Open Add/Remove Programs (Vista and Windows 7 call it "Programs and Features") on the Control Panel.
  4. Remove the program if it's listed there.
  5. If it's not listed, delete the folder containing the program's .exe file (assuming the Manager File is saved elsewhere).
  6. Clean up any remaining old folders, desktop icons and old network student folders.


C. Installer Programs

The full download consists of ReadMe.txt (this file) and three executable Installer Programs.

PROGRAM      PURPOSE                    INSTALLER 
 xyManager    Manage student database    installxyMan62.exe
 xyAlgebra    Teach basic algebra        installxyAlg62.exe
 xySolver     Teach verbal problems      installxySol62.exe


D. Installation (Details for Beginners)

To run any of the above installers (assuming it was downloaded but not run):

  1. If the downloaded installer is not already on the desktop, drag it there.
  2. Close all Windows programs.
  3. Double-click the installer.
  4. Read each screen and click "Next" when requested.
  5. Installation is finished when the installer closes.


E. Results of a Successful Installation

  1. If an installer program was "Saved" or "Saved to Disk" when downloaded, then it remains unchanged after execution.  If it was "Opened" or "Run" (i.e., run from the browser), then it was discarded after running.
  2. By default the actual program (with other needed files) is installed in the following location:

    Program     Location
     xyManager   C:\xyManager 6.2\
     xyAlgebra   C:\xyAlgebra 6.2\
     xySolver    C:\xySolver 6.2\

  3. Certain changes are also made to the Windows registry.
  4. The program appears on the "Start|(All) Programs" menu.
  5. A program icon appears on the desktop.


F. Making a Program Icon (if the installation process doesn't).
  1. Run My Computer
  2. Open the program location (see above)
  3. IMPORTANT: DO NOT MOVE the actual .exe file in the next step. HOLD DOWN THE RIGHT (alternate) MOUSE BUTTON FIRMLY.
  4. RIGHT-DRAG the .exe file (or its icon) to the desktop, and select "Create shortcut..."  DO NOT SELECT "MOVE" OR "COPY!"
 

G. Running a Program

  1. Double-click the desktop icon, if available, OR
  2. Select Start|Run and "Browse" to the program location (see above), OR
  3. Select Start|(All) Programs and click the desired program.


H. Suggestions for Instructors New to xyAlgebra

  1. Run xyManager 6.2.  Initially it enters its Help system.    
  2. Browse through the "Basics" sequence, as suggested on the first help screen.
  3. Print out the data flow diagrams and selected other pages as a reference.
  4. Perform the xyManager Permanent Setup procedure.  This takes a few minutes, and should be very instructive.
  5. When prompted, update your previous Manager Files, if any, stored as described above.
  6. CONFIGURE STUDENT PROGRAMS before distribution!
  7. See suggestions at the bottom of the xyManager screen after Permanent Setup.