Examinees > Using Exam4

Getting Started
> What is Exam4?
> Who gets to use it? Do I have to pay? What does it cost?
> How do I download and install? Is it a hassle?

Taking Exams
> What are these startup screens about?
> What is my Start Code? What's a Control Code?
> How do I take a practice exam?
> Does the word processor have a _____ function?
> Why no spelling checker?
> What do I do if my computer freezes or crashes?

Saving and Submitting Exams
> Can I save to any old floppy disk?
> Where's a backup copy of my exam? Can I look at it?
> How can I save another copy of my exam to a floppy disk?
> How can I e-mail a copy of my exam to an administrator?

Technical Info
> Hardware and operating system requirements.
> Firewall preventing download?
> Using Netscape?
> Why does the software say "expired"?

Contact User Support
> Look through the list of questions above to see if we've already answered yours.
> If you still have questions, click here to contact User Support.

Getting Started

What is Exam4?
Exam4 is like an armored word processor™. Once you're in it, nothing else can get in or out. Exam4 turns your computer into a dedicated essay exam-taking machine, like so:

• First, enter information about your exam via a short start-up sequence.
• Next, a blank word processor screen where you type your exam. No frills - one typeface (Courier), basic editing functions, and a timer and word counter. You won't be able to copy-and-paste from any other files on your computer.
• Exam4 auto-saves every 10 seconds plus an additional failsafe backup every 5 minutes, so you never have to worry. Just type your exam, with no distractions.
• When you're done, save to a floppy disk or other designated location and hand it in. That's it.

Who gets to use it? Do I have to pay? What does it cost?
It depends:

• If your institution has arranged to use and support Exam4 you'll be notified about those details.
• If not, you can still try out a free evaluation version. If you like it, contact us and we'll talk to your exam administrators.

How do I download and install? Is it a hassle?
Extegrity has worked hard to make Exam4 not only the easiest exam software to install, but possibly the easiest software of any kind you'll ever install.

• You download directly from a special web page for your school. It should take only a few seconds over a high-speed connection, a bit longer via dialup. Click here to go to the Downloads page.
• Let it open automatically, or save the download to your hard drive then double-click the icon.
• Exam4 installs and launches instantaneously, and that's all there is to it.

Taking Exams

What are these startup screens about?
Extegrity has carefully designed these screens to be stepwise and self-explanatory. If you have an area of the slightest confusion, or a suggestion for further improvement, please contact us.

What is my Start Code? What's a Control Code?
At exam time, your proctor or exam administrator may provide additional specific instructions regarding a Start Code and Control Code.

How do I take a practice exam?
Launch Exam4 and follow the on-screen instructions. For the practice ExamID, you can just make one up. When asked if you are taking a practice exam, choose Yes and enter the word PRACTICE.

Does the word processor have a _____ function?
Exam4's word processor provides the basic functions you need to take an exam. All functions are in the menus.

Why no spelling checker?
Some people want it; some people think it gives an unfair advantage. Not everyone has access to a computer to take their exams; not everyone wants to. But it seems clear, examinees who type exams on a computer have an advantage over those who do not. Whether by choice or circumstance, examinees who handwrite don't get to have a computer to check their spelling. In accordance with the predominant sentiment of the many exam officials we have talked to, Extegrity has chosen to keep the playing field as level as possible.

What do I do if my computer freezes or crashes?
First, take a deep breath, it'll be OK. Then:

• Leave the computer in its crashed or frozen state so you can show it to your instructor/proctor. This means: don't force-quit (Alt-Ctrl-Del) the application; don't shut down or restart your computer.
• Call your instructor/proctor over immediately so they can restart you.

Saving and Submitting Exams

My school is still using floppy disks. Can I save to any old floppy disk?
At the end of an exam, Exam4 will prompt you to save to the location or media specified by your exam administrators. If your institution is still using floppy disks, you should always use a new, formatted floppy disk. Why take the chance an old disk may be corrupted or damaged when a new one costs about 25 cents?

Where's a backup copy of my exam? Can I look at it?
Exam4 saves backup copies on your hard drive that can be retreived if your floppy disk is damaged or lost. UltraSecure mode saves only encrypted copies of your exam answer - your exam administrators can read it, but you won't be able to.

How can I save another copy of my exam to a floppy disk?
Launch Exam4 - select the exam from the list - click the "Save to floppy disk" button.

How can I e-mail a copy of my exam to an administrator?
Compose your e-mail message, then click the button or select the menu item that allows you to insert or attach a file. Browse to the folder C:\Exam4 on your hard drive. All your exams are there, with long filenames that will make it easy to find the one you are looking for. You should attach both the exam file AND the backup folder that has the same name as the exam.

• Microsoft Windows(TM) 98 (where supported), Me, 2000, NT or XP operating system.
  
• 10 MB free hard disk space (a very small amount).
  
• A floppy disk drive (may be optional at some law schools).
• Minimum 800x600 screen resolution.
• Wired/wireless network connectivity may be an option. Contact your exam administrator for details.

Firewall preventing download?
If you have a firewall that prevents download of [ .exe ] files, right-click on the Exam4 download link, then click on "Save Target As..."

Using Netscape?
If you are using an old version of the Netscape browser, you may experience difficulty downloading. Try it with Microsoft Internet Explorer instead.

Why does the software say "expired"?
Have you downloaded recently? If not, re-register and re-download as before. When you install the new copy of Exam4 it will overwrite the old copy automatically. If you still get an "expired" message, check your Date and Time settings to make sure your computer's clock is set correctly, and check the Regional Setting to make sure it is set to English (United States).

All information is required.