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The Essential Frankenstein: A Basic Helpsheet

Before starting up the program, check the speakers to make sure they are on. (The "On/Off" button is generally on the back of the right speaker.) Use the speakers' volume control before changing the computer volume settings.

I. BRIEF OVERVIEW OF STRUCTURE AND CONTENT:

The Essential Frankenstein is a CD-ROM that provides a fully annotated version of Mary Shelly's novel, Frankenstein, enhanced by on-screen commentary by Leonard Wolf, period music, audio narration, illustrations and photos. In addition to the enhanced text, the CD-ROM includes an Introduction by Leonard Wolf, contemporary commentary, and historical background.

II. STARTING UP THE ESSENTIAL FRANKENSTEIN:

Place the CD-ROM in the computer's CD carrier by pressing the button outside of the CD-ROM drive to open and close it. Click on the Start button, select Programs, then select Bpmc from the pullout menu. Select the Essential Frankenstein icon from the submenu. If you cannot find this icon, please ask a staff member for assistance.

The opening sequence will start and last about 30 seconds and then the "Home" screen will appear. (Press Alt-O to bypass the opening sequence.)

III. USING THE ESSENTIAL FRANKENSTEIN:

From the Home screen, four options are available: Introduction, The Work, Gallery Perspectives, and Fun and Games. To proceed, click on one of these four options.

  • Click Introduction to learn about Frankenstein and the makers of this disc. This section includes the introduction by Leonard Wolf.
  • Click The Work to get to the table of contents for the disc. Click a chapter to read its text.
  • Click the animation to start and stop it. When the movie projector symbol appears, click on it to jump to the relevant section of the Leonard Wolf interview.
  • Click the Gallery Perspectives screen to access the multimedia features of the disc.
  • Click Fun and Games to see a cartoon. Please do not install the screensaver or desktop game onto the computer.

You can navigate the CD-ROM by using the Button Bar at the top of the screen when available. (You should not have any reason to use the Menu Bar at the very top of the screen, however.)

Using the Button Bar:

  • Click on Home to return to the original screen. Click on Contents to access the Frankenstein text.
  • Click on Go Back to go to previously viewed screens in the consecutive order.
  • Click on History to display all items viewed thus far. You can choose any of those items again.
  • Click on Search to search the text for key-words.
  • Use the "<<" button to display the previous screen within the same topic or the ">>" button to display the next screen within the same topic. This works for most text and images and for Leonard Wolf's video as well.
  • Click on Media to go directly to the multi-media "Gallery" (which is also available from the Home screen.)
  • Click on List to display the table of contents for the current topic. Double click on an option to open it.

You can also navigate the CD-ROM by clicking on links. Throughout the CD-ROM, the pointer will turn into a hand when rolled over "Hot Spots". These can be images or text.

  • Clicking on hot images will take you to another screen.
  • Clicking on hot text (which is marked by a green symbol) will open a box containing more information or images.

To close an opened box, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the box or click outside of the box. To start or stop a video clip, click on it.

IV. EXITING THE ESSENTIAL FRANKENSTEIN AND REMOVING THE CD-ROM:

Exit the program by selecting "Exit" from the "Home" screen. You should find yourself back at the Windows desktop. You can then eject the CD-ROM by pressing the button below and to the right of the CD carrier. Please place the CD-ROM back in its case and return it to an Etext Center assistant.