If you come across a problem loading or running the PC PLAY & LEARN disk, you should find the solution here. If you still cannot solve your problem, please call customer services on 020 7563 1543.
CONTENTS:
1. CHECKLIST
2. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
3. INSTALLING LEARNING LAND
4. TROUBLE SHOOTING
5. FLASHCARDS
1. CHECKLIST
Make sure that:
* Your computer, monitor and CD-ROM drive are all switched on and working normally
* Your computer, monitor and CD-ROM drive meet the system requirements
as set out below
* The CD-ROM is placed in the CD-ROM drive printed side up
* You have no other applications (such as word processors) running
* Your screen savers are switched off
2. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Minimum requirements for Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows 2000 operating systems:
* Processor: Pentium (II) PC 200 MHz or faster
* Monitor: SVGA colour monitor
* Screen resolution: 640 X 480 pixels X 24 bit colour
* Graphics card: 2 MB or above (4 MB recommended)
* Soundcard: SoundBlaster compatible
* Memory: 32MB of RAM or higher
* Mouse
* Headphones or Speakers
* CD-ROM drive: four-speed or faster
3. INSTALLING PC PLAY & LEARN
Windows 95 or Windows 98:
The PC PLAY & LEARN program should start automatically when you put the CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive. If it does not, follow these instructions:
1. Put the CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive
2. Double-click on "My Computer"
3. Double-click on the CD-ROM drive icon
4. Double-click on the PC_PLAY&LEARN12 icon.
4. TROUBLE SHOOTING
Problem: Graphics freeze or text boxes appear blank.
Cause: Graphics card acceleration too high.
Solution: Right-click on "My Computer." Click "Properties," then "Performance" then "Graphics." Reset the hardware acceleration slider to "None." Click OK.
Then restart your computer.
Problem: There is no sound.
Possible cause 1: Your speakers or headphones are connected to the CD-ROM drive.
Solution: Ensure that your speakers or headphones are connected to the speaker outlet at the back of your computer.
Problem: There is no sound.
Possible cause 2: Your volume control is set too low.
Solution: Ensure that the volume control is turned up (on external speakers and by using internal volume control).
Problem: There is no sound.
Possible cause 3: Your sound card is not SoundBlaster compatible.
Solution: Try to configure your sound settings to make them SoundBlaster compatible (refer to your sound card manual for more details).
Problem: Disk will not run.
Cause: There is not enough memory available.
Solution: Ensure that you have no other applications running. You must quit all other applications for best performance.
Problem: Graphics do not load or are poor quality.
Possible cause 1: There is not enough memory available
Solution: Quit other applications.
Problem: Graphics do not load or are poor quality.
Possible cause 2: Your computer's display setting.
Solution: make sure that your monitor control is set to 640x480 screen resolution with 24 bit colours (true colours) (see instructions below).
Resetting screen resolution in Windows (R) 95 or 98:
Click on "Start" on the taskbar at the bottom left of your screen, then click on "Settings", then "Control Panel", then double-click on "Display". Once inside the "Display" dialogue box, click on the "Settings" tab at the top. Reset the Desktop area (or Display area) to 640x480 screen resolution and select 24 bit colours (true colours), then click "Apply". Restart your computer after changing settings.
5. FLASHCARDS
Flashcards are useful teaching aids, which help children to learn letters and numbers. To make the ones on the disk, fold each flashcard in half along the middle line, so that the letters, numbers and pictures are on the outside. Then tape or glue the edges of the two sides together. If you want them to be hard-wearing, you could stick them to thin card and cover them in sticky-back plastic.
There are lots of ways to use your number and letter flashcards. Here are a few ideas:
* With the letter flashcards, show the picture side and ask your child to guess which sound it begins with. When your child answers correctly, turn the card around to show the letter. Don't worry if your child gets it wrong a few times first.
* With the number flashcards, show the picture side and ask your child to count the objects. When your child answers turn the flashcard round to show the number.
* You could print off two sets of letter or number flashcards and play snap games.
* With two sets of cards, you could play a memory game. Lay the cards face down on a table or on the carpet. Take turns to turn over two cards at a time and then replace them face down. The idea is to remember where the different cards are. If you turn over two that are the same, you win those cards. When all the cards have been taken, the winner is the one with the most cards!
* You could cut the cards in half and mix up the letters, numbers and pictures. Then you could play a game by asking your child to match up the correct halves.
PC PLAY & LEARN is published by IMP Ltd, Accurist House, 44 Baker Street, London W1U 7AR
Copyright (c)International Masters Publishers BV/ International Masters Publishers Ltd MMII
