Acces 4.3 update - May 11, 2010
New features
Here are the important new features in Acces:
- New "visual" passage editor. Now changing the text of a reading
passage is similar to changing the text of a problem. There's no need to
learn any typesetting commands. In the pop-up passage editor, you'll see a
familiar toolbar with text styles, font options, paragraph alignment, etc.
Nearly everything works the same as the problem editor, including the
buttons for inserting a table or figure.
- Create a new reading passage. This is a little different than
converting a PDF file to a passage. The new option lets you create a file
for the "visual" editor, one which contains normal, flowing text. The
advantage is that you can apply Acces' formatting options, such as paragraph
numbers and "my notes about what I'm reading". (A converted PDF file is
treated like a graphic and is intended for visual pieces, not flowing
text.)
- New option in the Tools menu. There's a shortcut for editing a figure
or reading passage if you know the filename. You can copy and paste the
name from the advanced, TeX-based editor, or simply type it. Please note
that a path is not allowed. Acces will look for the file only in the assets
database or user-created content folder.
- Two new options in the Help menu. There's a shortcut for the Acces4
Support Center, which offers web-based help. If you haven't visited it
already, should check out the guides, or step-by-step tutorials, and the
free webinars, which are an excellent way to get training. Also through the
Help menu, you can ask Acces to check for updates. (If there is an update,
you should get it through the HISD download site, not the Support
Center.)
Changes and bug fixes
As usual, there are low-level program changes and bug fixes. Here are
the most relevant:
- Problems per page (test/worksheet options) now works properly when
there's a switch between one and two columns.
- Insert menu has been redesigned. The options for inserting a passage
or problem and creating a new one are distinguished more clearly.
- Number of columns and other formatting options now work properly for
reading passages. Note, however, that the passages must be flowing text, not
converted PDF files or other whole-page graphics.
Installation and Compatibility
The Acces version 4.3 update goes on top of any installation from
CD 2.7 or higher. There is no need to uninstall. Any documents you created
with an older version of Acces will open just fine. Also, it has all
files needed to run the program. You can use it for updating or for
first-time installations.
Thank you for using Acces!
EducAide Software
email: support@educaide.com
phone: 800-669-9405 (9—5 PST)