The Arabic Tutor™
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is The Arabic Tutor(TM) anyway?
It is the first multimedia Arabic teaching software with sound
for the MS Windows operating system, advanced features at low
price. Read, listen, record, write and take a quiz in a
user-friendly way. Use the included workbook for guided practice.
See below for more details. A longer
description is also available.
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2. What do I need to have to run The
Arabic Tutor(TM)?
You need a PC running MS Windows 3.1 (or later), 4 MB RAM, 15 MB
HD, a VGA or better display, a Windows compatible sound card, a
pointing device (mouse) and a 3.5" floppy drive. The 32-bit
version (2.0a) requires enough RAM to run Win95/NT. For version
2.1x, you also need a 2x CD-drive (4x recommended)
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3. Does it run under Windows95? Under
localized Windows 3.1x?
Yes. Although the 16-bit version runs fine under Windows 95,
users of Windows 95 or NT 3.51 or later are advised to get the
32-bit version for better results. For version 2.1, we recommend
you only install the 32-bit version under 95, NT 3.51 or later.
Use the 16-bit under Windows 3.1x or NT 3.50 only.
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4. Is there a Macintosh version of The Arabic
Tutor(TM)?
A Mac version is under development. Please check back either with
your reseller or with the author's WWW site at:
http://www.teleport.com/~alquds
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5. What is covered in The Arabic Tutor(TM)?
I am a beginner.
The Arabic Tutor is designed with absolute beginners in mind.
There are 25 lessons plus a summary, which contains 4 extra
lessons: the first 10 lessons concentrate on introducing the
alphabet (reading and writing), the rest walks the user through
reading words and simple phrases, basic grammar and sample text
lessons - all with full point-and-click sound features. See also
question No 6.
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6. What are the main features of The
Arabic Tutor?
- User friendly interface with almost all features accessible
from a toolbar.
- Gradual, logical introduction to the alphabet with sound that
is a mouse click away. Visual guides of how letters are traced,
their position relative to the line, how they join to those
before or after them etc.
- Animated illustration of how letters are written the right way
and position relative to the line.
- Recording capability (need a microphone) in any lesson. Simply
hit r (or R) after you click an item to activate recording.
Record many times, listen to your voice or the native's as many
times as you want.
- Real word examples with pronunciation (just point and click) as
early as lesson 2
- Analysis of how to read words by breaking them into syllables
- Introduction to basic grammar and sentence formation with
examples and full sound
- Commonly needed vocabulary and its pronunciation in context
- samples from real text of various backgrounds including basic
conversation, short letter, news bulletin, 3 suras (Qur'an) and
one Hadith. Included also are some sound clips.
- Summary of all alphabet with listening quiz
- Two game-like quizzes on joining/unjoining letters
- Pronunciation of the "extra goodies" section of the
user guide
- Windows standard help system with powerful search index
(English)
- A User guide and valuable workbook for practice (see Question
No 7)
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7. What's in the package of The Arabic
Tutor(TM)?
Version 2.0/2.0a comes with 7/8 HD (1.44 MB 3.5") floppies,
updated user guide/ companion book and a workbook. The user guide
has the straightforward instructions on installation and usage,
extra tips and explanations to supplement the on-screen
explanation, extra examples and above all, exercises with
solutions. It also has the printed text for the sample lessons
and a mini Arabic-English dictionary. The workbook is for
practice and works side by side with the program and the user
guide. It has model writing (printed and hand written) of
alphabets and words as they occur in lessons with arrows on how
to trace them and space for user practice. Most important, your
registration form (when returned to us) enables you to get
updates and discounts on new products.
Version 2.1 comes with same documentation but the software is
available only on a CD-ROM. You need a 2x or better CD drive to
be able to install it.
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8. Where can I get a copy of The Arabic
Tutor(TM)? How much is it?Is there a money back guarantee?
[Order Form for direct orders from
Alquds Compu-Tech]
The currently recommended retail price (version 2.0/2.0a and the
2.1 CD) is US$49.95 plus applicable taxes and shipping/handling.
You can get a copy either directly from Alquds Compu-Tech (use
the form above) or from your reseller/authorized distributing
agent.
Money Back Guarantee: For orders direct from Alquds
Compu-Tech, if you are not satisfied with The Arabic Tutor,
simply return it within 30 days with a statement that you've
deleted the software and won't be able to run the program
anymore. You'll get your money back, no questions asked. (If
uncertain, please do not write in the workbook! use a separate
notebook). For orders from other sources, please ask them about their
return policy. Always return your registration form to Alquds
Compu-Tech (in the self addressed envelope provided for your
convenience).
For site licenses/group discounts see Site License info
A serial number appears on both the license agreement page and
your registration form. Returning your registration (to Alquds
Compu-Tech, Attention: Abed Khooli - see address below!) entitles
you to benefits and discounts on future products and helps us
serve you better by implementing your suggestions. See also item
#12.
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9. I want to become a distributor in
(country) ...
It's simple. E-mail/call/fax (see last item) some info about your
company. You may either work with a distributor (as a reseller)
or become one yourself. You get great discount if you'd like to
reproduce the documentation (by a written permission from Alquds
Compu-Tech) and package it in house.
The minimum number of copies you may order and ask permission to
reproduce the required documentation (Version 2.1 CD) is 50 (at
US$20 each). For 100 you pay $15 each and for 200+, it's $10
each!. If interested, please let us know.
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10. Technical support?
[ Technical Support Page ]
Should you encounter difficulties, try the on-line
help first (or your user guide - troubleshooting). See also our
online support page.
If the problem persists, please e-mail us or call
the tech support address that came with your package. Please
include complete description of the problem and list error
messages , if any, along with your serial number .
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11. How do I uninstall the program (or its
demo)? The Arabic Tutor(TM) does not modify any of your
configuration files. You can remove the 16-bit version
by deleting its group, then deleting its subdirectory. There are
three files in your Windows\system subdirectory. You need to make
sure no other existing applications uses any of these before
deleting them. These are threed.vbx, tegomm.vbx and mci.vbx . If
you are not sure, you may rename them one at a time and check if
you get error messages when you run different applications. You
can leave them alone unless you care about the space they occupy
on the hard disk (183 kb total).
The 32-bit version/demo comes with an
un-installer and will remove itself completely by a press of a
button if you decide to do that. Use the Add/Remove programs
(from Control Panel) to do so.
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12. How do I know my copy is authentic,
up-to-date and upgradeable? The first thing to check for is a
registration form with a serial number and the return address of
the author and owner of exclusive rights, Abed Khooli. Second,
after Oct, 30, 1995, you should have gotten version 2.0 or later
(appears at startup and under Help/About). Note that your package
should contain two books: a user guide/companion book and a
workbook. This is not exclusive, so please return your
registration form to us.
If you need help or information about software piracy, its
effects and consequences, check out the Software
Professionals association's brochure.
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13.Which dialect does The Arabic Tutor
use? (where are you from?)
The Arabic Tutor teaches the standard (written) Arabic. While
most of the examples given may be labeled "modern",
they are found in what some may call "classical". It
does not, of course, go deep into classical vocabulary - being a
beginners'/early intermediate course. The standard (written)
language is the same all over the Arab world, and is the language
in which the street sign, the local paper, books, speeches or
broadcast are written/read. The Arabic Tutor does not teach any
local dialect. Pronunciation was recorded by the author, a
Palestinian.
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14. I have other questions. Also, where can
I find the latest about The Arabic Tutor (TM) and other products?
For further questions, Please e-mail the author and copyright
holder (Abed A. Khooli) at: alquds@arabic2000.com
Always include your e-mail address in your message. The
computer you send mail from may be configured with a different
e-mail address (esp. WWW mail) For the latest, visit the our
WWW site at: http://www.arabic2000.com . Our number is (541)
345-3160 (phone/fax, time zone is GMT - 8) but e-mail is more
convenient. If you leave a message, please start with your name
and # including area code, then a brief message.
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©1994-97 Abed Khooli [Alquds Compu-Tech]
Last modified: June, 20, 1997
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