DreamCalc tm
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User Guide: Contents Page Index of Functions

| # Getting Started
## Introduction This User Guide describes how to use the DreamCalc Scientific, Graphing and Financial calculator editions. ### A Unique Approach DreamCalc's main interface is designed to emulate the look, feel and convenience of using a real hand-held calculator as far as possible. For some things, such as graphing, this approach wouldn't make too much sense. Therefore, DreamCalc's graphing component stays with the standard Windows interface format. Overall, the aim is to deliver the optimum balance of usability, convenience and power. The following sections introduce a few key concepts. Further in-depth information is also available throughout this user guide. ## Feature Highlights ### Input Style DreamCalc supports three styles of input—namely "modern" prefix algebraic (MAL), "classic" postfix algebraic (CAL) and Reverse Polish Notation (RPN). In most examples in this user guide, we assume prefix algebraic as it is the most widely used. For more information about input modes, refer to Calculator Input Style. See also: Introductory Examples ### Key Labeling You can click the keys with the mouse or use your keyboard. The [SHIFT] key grants you access to the functions printed above the keys, just as you would naturally expect. It is possible to use a combination of keyboard and mouse, i.e. holding the keyboard SHIFT while clicking keys with the mouse. Function Key Labels Each key typically supports several functions or input mnemonics. See below right. 1. Primary Function. 2. Shifted Function. 3. Base-N Key (must be in base-N mode). 4. Memory Register. Also digit in base-N mode for values A-F. 5. Constant (used with [CONST] key). The colors vary depending upon the chosen skin, however, the color scheme remains consistent—each is colored uniquely. ### Paper Roll Window Paper Roll Window Chart & List Window In algebraic input modes, the Paper Roll Window keeps a historical record of your calculations. It is updated each time you press [ENTER]. In RPN mode, it shows the RPN stack. Press F11 to show the Paper Roll Window at any time, or select it from the View menu. In algebraic mode, you may add your own annotations simply by editing the paper roll text. By default, DreamCalc will save the paper roll when it exits. However, the paper roll will not keep an indefinite record. Eventually the oldest entries will be deleted to make room for new ones. ### Chart & List Window The Chart & List Window allows you to graph functions and plot list data. It is also where you input data for use in statistical calculations. Press F12 to show the Chart & List Window at any time, or select it from the View menu. DreamCalc can plot two functions simultaneously and show a range of charts, including histograms, bar charts, polar plots and regression fits. To graph a function, simply select Function Graph from the window's Chart menu and type in your function using "x" as the variable. Specify the x-value range and click Enter (or select Plot A or Plot B from the Enter drop-down button). See the Chart & List Window and Graphing Example pages for more information about DreamCalc's graphing capabilities. Note: The graphing features are available in the Graphing & Professional Editions of DreamCalc only. ### Keyboard Input Simply type "5 + (3 * 72) =", and you will see the keys depress automatically and the input appear in the numeric screen. You can also put the calculator into focus input mode by pressing the TAB key. In this mode, you can navigate the keypad using the arrow keys on your keyboard. Functions, such as "sin", are accessed by single keyboard short-cuts, rather than free text. For example, to input the sine function, you would simply press "S" rather than typing out "s-i-n". Right-Click on Keys for Help Right clicking on a key shows pop-up information, including its keyboard input strokes, as seen above. See the Keyboard Input section for further information. ### Calculator Modes You can quickly change mathematical modes using the Modes main menu option. Alternatively, you can press the calculator's [MODE] key to show the on-screen mode menu, as shown below. On-Screen Mode Menus Press [MODE] repeatedly to page through the menu options. ### Memory Registers The "Memory Registers" tab allows you to view and edit any numeric value held in DreamCalc memory. Values can be stored and recalled from the calculator keypad using [STO] and [RCL] with keys marked MEM, A-F and 0-9. The additional registers "rx" and "ty" are for use with the abs, arg, P⇒R and R⇒P functions. The Professional Edition also lists special financial registers, including "n", "i%", "PV", "PMT", "FV" and "K" which is used with bond price calculations. |