ICT Primary Sector

Coping with different versions of James Discovers Maths

There are currently two versions of James Discovers Math in Maltese state primary schools. One version (the green CD-ROM) was distributed to teachers together with the Notebook computers. The other version (the blue CD-ROM) was distributed for use with the classroom computers. This is the version installed on the computers. Unfortunately, the versions have a different installation procedure, saving data files in different locations on the hard disk. When a green CD-ROM is inserted into a classroom computer, the original (blue) version installed is not recognised, and the disk will proceed in installing its own version, consequently creating conflicts. Moreover, the blue version needs some screen settings for it to work properly. To ensure that the program runs properly, follow these simple steps:

Step One: Check the screen settings

-	Right-click anywhere on the Desktop. From the menu, select Properties.
-	Click on the Settings tab.
-	Click on Advanced Properties and select Performance.
-	Look at the Graphics section and move the slide for Hardware acceleration to None.
-	Click on OK and then Apply.
-	You may need to revert this procedure while running other software if the PC is too slow.

Step Two: Remove the surplus installation

-	Go to Start, Settings, Control Panel.
-	Double click on Add/Remove Programs.
-	Scroll down to James Discovers Math. If it is not listed, click on Cancel, close the Control Panel window and go to Step Three below.
-	Click on James Discovers Math to highlight it.
-	Click on Add/Remove. The program is automatically removed. Any data files installed by the green version CD-ROM are thus deleted, and conflicts will be avoided.

Step Three: Proper installation of the blue CD-ROM


-	Insert the blue CD-ROM. In a couple of seconds, the Brøderbund requester will appear.
-	If the Install button is displayed, click on it and follow the installation instructions.
-	If the Run button is displayed, then the required data files are already installed, and the program should run properly.
-	Once the above steps are taken, there should be no more problems. In order to avoid further conflicts make sure not to use the green CD-ROM on the classroom computers. If you inadvertently insert this and the Brøderbund requester appears, click on Cancel without installing the program, or it will cause a conflict with the version already installed.