1 Introduction

TypingMaster iTest is a cross-platform tool for online typing testing in intranet and Internet environments. With TypingMaster iTest you can quickly, reliably and easily assess and compare typing skills. Any number of persons can take a typing test of your choice online, giving the opportunity to test the keyboarding skills of dozens or even hundreds of persons.

TypingMaster online typing tests can be customized to best meet the needs of your organization. It is possible to modify result delivery settings and result emails, the messages shown in the iTest Applet, as well as individual typing test settings.

This manual goes through all the steps necessary to successfully use TypingMaster iTest. Chapter 2 concentrates on technical requirements and installation of the software. Chapter 3 is a takes you through the initial configuration of iTest. Chapters 4 to 7 give details on how to set up result delivery, customize the iTest Applet, manage tests and view results. Chapter 8 contains information about some advanced options of the tool.

Note that the focus of this manual is on result delivery, report creation and controlling the online typing test applet with the iManager. For instructions on how to take an online typing test set up with iTest, see Appendix 1.

1.1 Structure of TypingMaster iTest

The tool consists of two parts, an online typing test Java(TM) applet and a manager program.

The Online Test, usually called the iTest Applet, or simply, the Applet = the HTML page where the online typing test is taken.

The iManager = the iManager is a tool for managing the iTest Applet and viewing typing test results. With the iManager you set up result delivery, customize typing tests and view and compare test results with a variety of reports.

Communication between the iManager and the iTest Applet

1. The tests are configured with the iManager You can set up and customize the typing tests with the iManager application. The customized tests are saved to the web server. 2. The Test Applet is loaded from the web server The link to launch the iTest Applet is placed on your Internet or intranet pages. The typing test itself is a Java(TM) applet, that web browser loads from your web server. 3. The Applet sends test results to a chosen email account When a person has taken a test, the software automatically sends result data to a chosen email account.The test results are send as standard emails. 4. The iManager loads test results from the email account The iManager retrieves the results from the email account and (1) stores them to the web server. You can then view test results with the iManager's report creation.

1.2 About typing speed measurement

TypingMaster follows international industrial standards to count typing speed. For written English, the commonly accepted standard is a 5-stroke standard word, including spaces and punctuation marks. This is the default setting in all English language TypingMaster products.

TypingMaster iTest does, however, allow the administrator to change this configuration so that typing speed is calculated using an average word length of 6 keystrokes. This could be an option as, in written American business language, for example, the average word contains approx. 5.93 keystrokes.

Words per Minute (WPM) is calculated as follows:
1. total strokes keyed in during the test is divided by 5, which results in total number of standard words
2. the total number of words divided is by test duration (in minutes) to get typing speed in Words per Minute.

NOTE: iTest also supports typing speed unit 'Characters per Minute' (CPM, same as Keystrokes per Minutes) which is commonly used in Europe. The measurement unit can be changed when customizing the Applet with the iManager (see 5.2 Common test settings).

2 Installing TypingMaster iTest

As is with all web-applications, installing and setting up TypingMaster iTest requires some knowledge of information systems. This is why we recommend that installation and setup of TypingMaster iTest is done by a person responsible for all email accounts and/or web server content.

Before starting, please read license.txt for exact license conditions. You should also read the README file. Changes and improvements are constantly being made to TypingMaster iTest and the README file will contain the latest information on your version.

2.1 Compatibility and requirements

To install TypingMaster iTest over the Internet, you need to have Windows NT, 2000, XP or Unix, Linux operating system and a version of Java installed on your computer.

Server access
	TypingMaster iTest requires a mail server to deliver the results from the iTest Applet to the iManager. The Standard Mail Server (SMTP protocol for delivering mail, POP3 protocol for retrieving incoming mail) can be your own (and physically located at the premises of your organization) or you can use the server of your Internet Service Provider. We recommend reserving one mail account for result delivery purposes only.
	OR, alternatively:
	If you dont want to use Mail Server, optionally, you can use a custom CGI script to deliver results through HTTP to your own database. For this, you need to have access to a web server with CGI support, such as - Apache, all platforms - Microsoft IIS 4.x, 5.x and newer - Other standard web servers
Workstation requirements
	the iManager tool requires Java 1.4 or newer Java Virtual Machine. Note that this is included in the installation for Windows and Linux operating systems automatically.
	the Applet works in web browsers with Java 1.1 or newer Java Virtual Machine.
Supported web browsers
	Netscape 4.06 Netscape 6.x Internet Explorer 4.x, 5.x, 6.x and newer Opera 5.0, 6.x

2.2 Internet Installation

TypingMaster iTest installation package features a one-click setup program that is launched directly from our web site. The setup program requires Windows 98, 2000, XP or Unix operating system or Windows NT or Linux with any version of Java VM installed.

The installation program will first ask you a few questions about the components you wish to install and where you want to install TypingMaster iTest. After this, the program will copy all necessary files the chosen folder and create shortcuts to the Start menu.

Read through the instructions before you start. This will give you an idea of the choices you will make during installation. The instructions are organized so that each section represents a screen from the setup program.

The installation process

1. Go to http://www.typingmaster.com/download/getitest.asp and click 'Start Installer for...' to begin installation. We recommend downloading a compatible Java Virtual Machine (VM, JVM) with the installation.

2. The introductory screen gives general information about installing TypingMaster iTest. Click on 'Next' to continue.

3. The second screen shows the license agreement. Read through the agreement carefully. By selecting 'Yes' you confirm that you have read the agreement and accepted its terms and the installation will continue. If you select 'No' the installation program will abort.

4. Next, you will be asked whether you want install the Java VM downloaded with the application or choose to use a Java VM already installed on the computer (has to be at least JVM 1.4 or newer). We recommend choosing 'Install a Java VM specifically for the application' as this will ensure that everything works as it should.

5. Specify the location where TypingMaster iTest will be installed. We recommend using the default location c:\itest. If you want to select a different location, click on 'Browse' to select the right folder or to create a new one for iTest. Do not select a folder or directory whose name contains space characters, such as Program Files, for example. This is because you cannot have spaces in web addresses.

NOTE: If you are using an operating system that has user accounts (Windows NT, 2000, XP or Unix, Linux), the persons that will be actually using the program must have writing permissions to the folder you select the iManager to be installed in. This might be a problem if the person who installs the program is not the one who will be using it.

6. After selecting the root folder for the application, you can choose the location where TypingMaster iTest program icons will be placed in the Start menu. The default folder is TypingMaster iTest. If you are happy with this, select 'Next' and the setup program will create an iTest folder under Programs in the Start menu.

If you want the program icons in another folder, you can select an existing folder from the list or type in a name of your own in the 'Program Folders' field. When you have made your selection, click 'Next' to continue.

7. The pre-installation summary screen shows the choices you have made in the previous screens. If you are happy with these, select 'Install' to continue.

If you want to change some of the settings you have made, select 'Back' until you reach the desired screen and make the necessary changes. Then return to the summary screen and select 'Install' to continue.

8. The installation program now copies the program files to the installation folder you have selected and, if chosen to, creates shortcuts to the iManager, the iTest Applet and the Administrator Manual.

NOTE: If you have problems with the installation, contact our technical support through our web form.

2.3 Uninstallation

To uninstall the program in Windows, choose 'Start > Settings > Control Panel' and double-click on 'Add/remove programs'. Scroll the list to find 'TypingMaster iTest' and click on 'Change/remove' to launch an uninstallation program. The program will delete all iTest files that have not been changed so far. Once done, remove any remaining folders by deleting them manually. Usually this means deleting the folder c:\iTest with the remaining contents.

If the Applet folder (c:/itest/webroot) has been moved to another location, the uninstallation program cannot remove it. In that case, delete the folder manually.

3 Running the program for the first time

This chapter takes you trough the initial configuration of TypingMaster iTest. Instructions on how to customize the tests and view results, are given in chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7.

Once the software has been installed, you need to configure iTest so that you can control the iTest Applet and receive typing test result data from it. The steps that you need to complete are:
1. Placing the iTest Applet on the Internet or intranet (optional, you can test use the program without putting the iTest Applet online).
2. Entering license information
3. Configuring result delivery

After initial configuration, to run the program under Windows, simply go to the 'Start Menu > Programs > TypingMaster iTest' and select the 'iTest Manager' icon. (Note: This is the default location, you may have selected a different folder during the setup.) Once the settings in the iManager have been configured, you can easily try out the iTest by using the links at the Start Menu.

3.1 Preparations

Before you make the initial configurations, make sure to have the following information:

1. Path to the chosen Applet location, if not kept in the installation folder.

2. Name of the mail server that is used for result delivery (i.e. SMTP server).

3. Email account/address used for the outgoing result emails from the Applet (=sender address). As test takers can view this email address, you may want to use one different from the administrator's email.

4. Email account/address to which all test results will be sent from the Applet (iManager email address). You also need the corresponding POP account that gives access to this email account, i.e. login name and password for the account.

5. URL address of the typing test main page (e.g. http://www.yourcompany.com/typetest/index.htm) and file (LAN) link to this URL (e.g. W:\root\....).

TIP: You can also use FTP if the file is on an ISP computer.

If unsure about any of these settings, consult your IT support. Preferably, IT support should take care of setting up iTest and its result delivery.

3.2 Placing the iTest Applet on the Internet or intranet

Placing the iTest Applet in a location that people can access, is an important step of configuring the iManager and the iTest Applet.Please read this section before you open the iManager for the first time.

The first time you open the program, a dialog box asking to enter 'Applet folder' (www root) location will appear. This one time setting specifies where the iTest Applet should be placed. It is important that you have an idea how users will access the Applet before entering this setting. By default the Applet is contained in the subfolder 'webroot' in the iTest directory, and the dialog box automatically selects it.

NOTE: Do not select a folder or directory whose name contains space characters, e.g. Program Files, as the destination file for the iTest Applet. This is because you cannot have spaces in web addresses.

While there are many different ways to give people online access to the iTest Applet, here are two common solutions:

1. Keep the Applet (subfolder 'webroot') inside the installation folder. In this case, to give your end-users access to iTest through intranet or Internet, you need to make a virtual mapping to this Applet folder: $USER_INSTALL_DIR$/webroot.

For example with Microsoft IIS, choose to create new Virtual Folder and select the location of the 'testapplet' folder. This usually assumes that the web server is on the same computer.

If this option is chosen, the 'iTest Applet' shortcut in the Program Menu can be used to launch the Applet from the administrator's computer.

2. Place the contents of the 'webroot' folder into another location (folder, network drive or another computer). To do this, all that is needed is to give the location you would like the Applet to be placed, e.g. w:/inetpub/typingtest. The iManager will copy the needed files to this location automatically the first time you use it. Be sure to specify the full path name.

If you use this option, i.e. change the location of the 'webroot' folder, the 'iTest Applet' shortcut in the Program Menu does not work. Instead, the iTest Applet is launched manually by writing its URL in the address bar of the web browser, or, rather, by clicking its link on a web page. In this case, we recommend bookmarking the iTest Applet in your web browser.

Important!Whatever method you choose, the person(s) that use the program must have writing permissions to the selected folder. This is especially important if the person who installs the program (e.g. someone from IT support) is not the person who will use the program (e.g. someone from Human Resources). If you decide to use a different folder then the default one, we suggest creating this folder and giving the appropriate permissions before opening the iManager for the first time. Again we recommend consulting your IT department if you are unsure about anything specified here.

Once you have selected a location for the iTest Applet, you will not need to enter that information again. If at any stage you wish to change the location of the iTest Applet, you need to re-install iTest or see Chapter 8 'Advanced Options' on how this is done without reinstalling.

3.3 Entering license information

Open the 'Licenses' tab, write the name of the holder of the license in the first field and the license key in the field named 'license code'. Write both exactly as written in the email in which you received the license information. Press the 'Enter' button to confirm.

If license information is not entered, iTest will be in a demo mode. The limitations of the demo version are:
- test duration is locked to 1 minute; and
- only 3 tests can be in the iManager at the same time.

The demo version should only be used for internal testing and not be placed on the Internet.

3.4 Configuring result delivery

Along with placing the iTest Applet online, deciding how result data should be delivered and making the appropriate configurations is the most important task when starting to use iTest.

The administrator of online typing tests can choose to receive typing test results either
- as plain text email, results of each test taker separately (see 4.1); or
- as database entries to iManager, which allows creating result reports (see 4.2); or
- as entries to existing databases (e.g. a recruitment or training database) using the XML/HTTP interface (see 4.5).

The first two options are standard functions of iTest. The third option, is an advanced feature of the software and requires extra effort and knowledge about HTTP, CGI and XML integration.

We recommend selecting the result delivery format 'Database Entries for iManager' to make full use of the iManager's reporting functions. If user volumes are quite small, it may be a good idea to use the simple format of reciving results as 'Plain text (email)'. After gaining some experience from the use of iTest, you can consider integrating its result data to other databases.

Recommended result delivery configuration

To set result delivery so that typing test results can be viewed with the iManager, go to the 'Settings' tab, scroll down to 'Result delivery settings' and complete these six steps:

1. Set 'Deliver results' to 'Enabled'.

2. Set 'Result format' to 'Database Entries for iManager'

3. Insert the name of your mail server into the field 'SMTP mail server'.

4. Enter the email address to which all test results shall be sent into the field 'the iManager email address'.

5. Enter the POP account that the iManager uses to access the iManager Email account into the field 'the iManager POP account'

6. Enter the email account/address used to send the mails from the Applet into the field 'Sender address'. As test takers can view this email address you may wish to use one different from the administrator email.

Instructions on how to configure any result delivery option in the iManager are given in the respective sections in Chapter 4.

4 Result delivery settings

The iManager is a tool for configuring the iTest Applet as well as storing and viewing the results of persons who have taken the online typing test. With the iManager, you can set up result delivery, customize typing tests and view and compare test results with a variety of reports.

The administrator of online typing tests can choose to receive typing test results either by email, as database entries to the iManager, or integrate the tool to existing databases (e.g. a recruitment or learning management database). Whilst the first two options are standard functions of iTest, the third option, is an advanced feature and requires extra effort and knowledge about HTTP, CGI and XML integration.

To set up result delivery, go to the 'Settings' tab and scroll down to 'Result delivery settings'.

Important: To view result reports with the iManager, result delivery has to be set to 'Database Entries for iManager' (see section 4.2).

4.1 Getting results as email

If you do not test applicants' typing skills very often, or do not expect many persons to take the test, or want to print out for your files or save results of test takers separately, you may want to receive all result data as plain text email only.

NOTE: If you choose this option you cannot create result reports with the iManager.

1. Set 'Deliver results' to 'Enabled'.

2. Set 'Result format' to 'Plain text (email)'

3. Enter the name of your mail server into the field 'SMTP mail server'.

4. Enter the email address to which all test results shall be sent into the field 'the iManager email address'.

5. POP account details can be left blank.

6. Enter the email account/address used to send the mails from the Applet into the field 'Sender address'. As test takers can view this email address you may wish to use one different from the administrator email.

You may want to modify the way result data is presented in the result email sent to the administrator and test takers. See instructions in section 5.5.

NOTE: In case you later want to change result delivery to support report creation with iManager, all you need to do is to change 'Result format' to 'Database Entries for iManager' and add POP account details to the field 'the iManager POP Account'.

4.2 Getting results as database entries for the iManager

One of the useful features provided by TypingMaster iTest is that you are able to create reports of typing test result data with the iManager. To enable this, it is necessary to set result delivery to 'Database Entries for iManager' and complete all the steps below.

1. Set 'Deliver results' to 'Enabled'.

2. Set 'Result format' to 'Database Entries for iManager'

3. Insert the name of your mail server into the field 'SMTP mail server'.

4. Enter the email address to which all test results shall be sent into the field 'the iManager email address'.

5. Enter the POP account that the iManager uses to access the iManager Email account into the field 'the iManager POP account'

6. Enter the email account/address used to send the mails from the Applet into the field 'Sender address'. As test takers can view this email address you may wish to use one different from the administrator email.

NOTE: In case you later want to change result delivery to 'plain text email', all you need to do is to change 'Result format' to 'Plain text (email)'.

4.3 Result data not collected

Sometimes, it may be appropriate not to collect result data at all. For example, in case you want to give employees an opportunity to test their typing skills but do not need to keep record of their results.

To configure iTest so that result data is not recorded, simply set 'Deliver results' to 'Disabled'.

When result delivery is disabled, test takers will not be able to receive their test results by email either. This is why you should also change the messages of the iTest Applet to tell test takers that result data cannot be sent and, therefore, they do not need to fill in their contact information.

For example, the 'Test passed' message could read simply "You have now completed the test". The 'User info promt message' could read "Result delivery is disabled. Click 'Next' to continue." and the 'End message' could read "Click 'Next' to retake the test or close the Applet from the top right-hand corner." To change the messages, see instructions in section 6.2.

4.4 Sending result data to test takers

By default, all persons who take the online typing test can choose to receive their test results to their personal email address. The settings are found on the 'Settings' the under 'User Email Settings'. Check that 'Allow users to receive results' is set to 'Enabled' and choose the email template that you want to use, either 'Simple' or 'Advanced'.

If you do not want test takers to use the resources of your mail server, you can disable this option.

The result emails are fully editable. See section 5.5 for instructions on how to modify them.

4.5 Advanced result delivery features

As all iTest result data is available in easy to use XML-format, it is possible to integrate iTest result data to other databases used in your organization, such as a recruitment or learning management database. This is, however, an advanced feature of the program and should only be used if there are persons with sufficient expertise to make the necessary programming and configuration for your organization.

The installation files of iTest include two perl/CGI example files named 'example.cgi' and 'itest-xml-transport.pi' that can be used as guidelines when integrating iTest to other databases. However, these examplary scripts only work in Apache web servers.

Note: The perl/CGI scripts are examples only and are not designed for extended use. You will need to implement your own database import routine by examining these example scripts and make the necessary configuration in the iManager.

The three settings needed in HTTP result delivery are (on the 'Settings' tab):

1. Set 'Allow users to receive results' to 'Disabled', unless the CGI script allows for it.

2. Set 'Deliver results' to 'Advanced (HTTP/CGI)'.

3. Enter the URL to CGI script for processing results in the field 'Advanced HTTP URL' at the very bottom of the 'Settings' tab.

With questions about integrating iTest to other systems, write to our technical support through our web form.

5 Customizing the Applet

In this chapter, you will learn how to customize the features that are common to all typing tests and the iTest Applet. They are:
- the HTML page from where the Applet will be launched and where the user is directed after completion (see 5.1);
- the common typing test settings, such as allowing or preventing the use of backspace in the tests (see 5.2);
- the information is collected from the test taker in addition to name and email address (see 5.3); and
- the messages shown in the Applet (see 5.4).

Naturally, you also tailor individual tests. All individual test settings are described in detail in Chapter 6 'Managing Tests'.

To customize the Applet, open the iManager and go to the 'Settings' tab.

5.1 Applet directing

Accessing the iTest Applet
Test takers will access the typing test applet over the Internet or intranet using their web browser. For them to be able to do this, you need to give the URL of the iTest Applet to them or, rather, place the link on your web pages. (See also section 3.2 Placing the iTest Applet on the Internet or intranet).

If you have placed the Applet into its own folder, we recommend making a copy of the file loadtest.htm and renaming it index.html. This will give easier access to people wanting to use the Applet as they will only need to know the name of the folder rather than the name of the actual HTML-document. Only do this if there is no other index.html file contained in the folder.

Defining the exit page
Once the test taker has completed the typing test, you probably want to direct him/her back to your web pages. To do this, enter the relative URL of the page you want them to go to in the field 'Exit page' at the bottom of the 'Settings' tab.

5.2 Common Typing Test Settings

Force completion
Set 'Force completion' to 'Enabled' if you want to prevent test takers from sending results without completing the typing test. Enabling this setting dimms and locks the 'Next' button on the test screen of the Applet so that it is not possible to proceed before the typing test is completed.

Backspace behaviour
With this setting you can either allow the test takers to use backspace to correct errors during the test or prevent it. If allowed, the test taker can correct errors in the current word s/he is typing. However, once the test taker types a space after a word, corrections typed can no longer be made to this last word.

Default test duration
With this option, you define the options from which the users can choose typing test duration. If individual test duration is set on the 'Tests' tab, the test taker is not able to select test duration him/herself (see #6.2 Individual test settings).

NOTE: If duration is set for a test on the 'Tests' tab, it overrides the default test duration which will only be used in case duration is not defined for individual tests separately.

Speed unit
This option sets the typing speed measurement unit used. In the US, the standard unit is WPM, i.e. Words per Minute. In Europe, the standard typing speed unit is CPM, i.e. Characters per Minute (also called KPM, Keystrokes or Keydepressions per Minute).

Standard word length
TypingMaster follows international industrial standards to count typing speed. The commonly accepted standard in written English is the 5-stroke standard word, including spaces and punctuation marks. This is the default setting in all TypingMaster products in English.

However, the administrator can change the settings so that the software counts keyboarding speed using an average word length of 6 keystrokes. This could be an option as, in written American business language, for example, the average word contains approx. 5.93 keystrokes.

Standard word length, either 5 or 6 keystrokes, can be changed in 'Advanced settings' at the very bottom of the 'Settings' tab.

5.3 Personal information fields

The personal information always asked from each test taker is:
- name; and
- email address. The test taker's email address is used as identification key in the database as it must always be different for each person.

These two fields cannot be changed, but if needed, you can add 1 to 3 information fields of your choice, such as address, telephone number or an open message field. This is done in the section 'User information'.

Type the titles for information that you want to collect into the fields 'Custom field 1', 'Custom field 2' and 'Custom field 3'. If a field is left blank, it will not be shown in the Applet at all.

Forcing users to fill in all information fields
You can set the Applet so that users cannot register their results if they have not filled in all information fields. To do this, set 'Users must fill in all fields' to 'Enabled'.

Alternatively, you can request test takers to fill in at least their email address by setting 'Users must fill in all fields' to 'Require email only'.

5.4 Test Applet messages

In the section 'Test Presentation' you can customize the messages shown in the iTest Applet. Remember that these messages are common to all tests and should be kept generic.

Title for first page
Enter in the text field the title of the typing test shown on the first screen of the Applet.

Introductory message
Type in the text field the introductory text or general instructions on how to take the typing test(s), shown in on the first screen of the Applet.

Test passed
Type in the message you want to show when the test taker passes the test (both the speed and accuracy all acceptable, see 6.2 for these settings.)

Test failed
Type the text you want to show if the person taking the typing test has failed the test, i.e. the minimum speed or accuracy was not reached (see 6.2).

User info prompt message
Type in the message you want to show when users are prompted to enter their contact information, e.g. name, e-mail address and others (see also section 4.4.).

End message
Type in the message you want to have shown at the very end of the test after results have been sent, e.g. a generic thank you message.

TIP: Use the character combination \n to insert a line break into a message text.

5.5 Editing result emails

You can edit the result email templates with Notepad or other text editor. If you edit the emails, we recommend making back ups of the original templates.

Editing result emails sent to test takers
The templates are found iTest Applet subfolder 'webroot', e.g. C:\iTest\webroot\typetest\templates. Open the template you want to edit in Notepad:
- the simple template is named "email-result.tmpl",
- the advanced template is named "adv-email.tmpl".

Note that the Applet folder may have been placed in another location. If so, you need to edit the emails in that folder.

You can edit the message contents almost any way you want to. However, be careful when you touch the attributes marked by the $ signs, which define what result information will be included in the email and where.

Keep the messages fairly generic as the same email will be sent to everyone taking a typing test on your web pages regardless of what test they take. We recommend adding your company information to the end of the message.

Editing result email templates sent to test administrator
If you have chosen to receive result data as plain text email, you may want to edit the email template to best suit your purposes. This is done exactly the same way as editing emails sent to test takers. The administrator result template is named 'admin-result.tmpl' and is also located in the 'webroot' subfolder.

NOTE: In case you modify the result email set to the test administrator, it is extremely important to keep a back up copy of the original under a different name. This is because the iManager uses the email to save results into its database and if you later decide to change result delivery to 'As database entries for iManager' you need to change the result email back to the original.

6 Managing Tests

You can enforce common policies to all online typing tests as described in the previous chapter and some test specific settings introduced in this chapter. The persons who take the online typing test cannot change any the settings you define in the iManager.

NOTE: If you need to have several tests with different messages and general settings, you can purchase a license that allows multiple installations. With each installation, you then have a dedicated Test Applet, the iManager and result database.

6.1 Adding and deleting typing tests

Once you have set all the common policies, i.e. result delivery and common settings, you can start creating your selection of online typing tests. This is done by adding tests on the 'Tests' tab of the iManager, making some test specific settings and activating the tests.

Only active tests are visible to the persons who access the typing test index page on your web site. Inactive tests are not shown online.

You can keep a variety of inactive typing tests in store for future use. Note that if you accidently delete a test, you can only retreive it if you have a back up file of the text. If you do not want to have inactive tests listed in the iManager, we recommend that you store test texts in a separate folder on your computer so that you can add them to the selection in the iManager when needed.

NOTE: We recommend importing texts of your own to be used use as tests as the selection of texts that come with the program may not meet your needs. A text brought from an external source can be used in different tests if it is renamed before bringing it to the iManager. Remember to include copyright information if not using your own texts.

Add test text
To add a new test Click 'Add test'. Use the 'Browse' button to find and select the text you want to use from your folders. Note that when adding your own texts, they need to be standard ASCII text files without any formatting information. If you use text created with a word processor be sure to save the file in text-only format (.txt). Also, make sure that 'enter' is only used at the end of a paragraph.

Once you have brought a text into the iManager you can define test specific settings for it and either activate it or leave it non-active for future use (see section 6.3)

Delete test
This option will permanently delete the selected test. If you want to use the text later, make sure to have the original text file in a separate folder on your computer before deleting the test.

NOTE: If you delete a test from the selection on the 'Tests' tab, it is also removed from the 'Reports' tab and you can no longer create reports including results of that particular test only. However, the results do remain in the database and can be viewed, for example, in a report created by selecting 'All tests', report type 'Results sorted by test name' and time frame 'All entries'. See chapter 7 for details on report creation.

NOTE: If you accidently delete any of the standard test texts of TypingMaster iTest, you can retreive the text from the back up folder named 'DefTexts'.

6.2 Individual test settings

Once you have added a test to the selection, you can define individual test settings.

Name
Enter the name that you want to show to the test takers as the title of the test in the iTest Applet. This could be, for example, the name of the vacancy that the test is for, or a more generic name if the same test is used for different testing purposes.

Important! If you use the iManager to create result reports, do not change the name of the test during the period that the test active online. This is because the iManager uses the name of the test as identification in result creation. If changed, the iManager will regard the old and the new name as different tests and is not able to show the result data under the old and new test name in the same report.

If you need to change the name of the test, do as follows. Make the test inactive. Add a new test to the selection using the same test text and give it the name wanted and the same settings as to the one you want to rename. Activate the new test. This way both the new and the old test remain in the report creation selection.

Alternatively, you can view the result data arranged by test name with the report type 'Results by test name'. However, if there are a lot of results in the database, it may take some time for your computer to process all data for the report.

Description
In this field you can write a short description of the test. This text will be shown to the person taking the iTest when s/he selects the test. Information that you might want to show here could include, for example, the date after which the test can no longer be taken.

Author
Enter the name of the author if needed. This is shown on the second screen of the iTest Applet, before the test taker starts typing the test text.

Copyright
Enter copyright disclaimer if needed. This is shown on the second screen of the iTest Applet, before the test taker starts typing the test text, together with the name of the author.

Text
The window shows the first paragraph of the text that you have chosen for the test. If you want to change the test text without changing other settings, click 'Browse', find and select the text you want to use, and click 'Open' to bring it to the iManager.

Duration
You can set a fixed the duration for the specific typing test, e.g. 5 minutes, 10 minutes or 20 minutes. This setting overrides the general test duration options on the 'Settings' tab (see section 4.2).

To allow the test taker to select test duration from the default duration options, leave this field blank. Do not type in zero as it will affect the Applet so that the test duration is 10 seconds only.

Speed
Enter a threshold result, i.e. minimum net typing speed required to pass the test, if wanted. If you set a pass/fail limit, the results below the set net typing speed will not be recorded.

Persons who fail the test, either due to too low net typing speed or accuracy, will be shown the fail message (set in section 5.4). Their personal information will not be collected and results will not be stored.

Persons who pass the test will be shown the pass message (set in section 5.4) and taken to the personal information page.

Accuracy
Enter a threshold result, i.e. minimum accuracy percentage required to pass the test, if wanted. If you set a pass/fail limit, the results that are below the set accuracy, will not be recorded.

Persons who fail the test, either due to too low net typing speed or accuracy, will be shown the fail message (set in section 5.4). Their personal information will not be collected and results will not be stored.

TIP: If you use minimum typing speed or accuracy, we recommend setting the limit somewhat lower than the actual threshold. For example, if the minimum typing speed really is 50 WPM, set the speed to 45 WPM. This way you will get the results of those test takers whose results are close to the pass/fail limit.

6.3 Activating tests

Only active tests can be taken online. To activate a test, first select an existing non-active test from the window. Make any changes that are needed to the test settings and check the 'Enabled' box next to the name of the test. The test is immediately shown in the test selection of the iTest Applet and ready to be taken online.

To make a test inactive, i.e. not shown in the selection of tests in the Applet, uncheck the 'Enabled' box next to the name of the test.

7 Viewing results with the iManager

The iManager allows you to easily view the result reports online. Once a report is created it is placed in the 'Reports' subfolder located inside the Applet folder (e.g. c:/itest/webroot/reports). If the Applet has been placed on a shared network folder or on a web server, the reports can be accessed with web browsers by entering the URL, e.g. http://www.webserver/webroot/reports.

You may wish to limit access to this folder so that only the test administrators can access it. To do this in Windows, right click on the 'Results' folder and select 'Properties'. Go to the Security tab and delete all users and groups except the test administrators. In Apache, this is done by creating a .htaccess file. Consult your IT support in unsure about the security settings.

NOTE: To be able to create reports of the result data, it is necessary to have set the result delivery format to 'Database entries for iManager', as instructed in chapter 4., before putting the test online. If you have chosen to have result data sent to you by email, you cannot use the reporting functions of the iManager.

To view results, open the iManager and go to the 'Reports' tab.

7.1 Updating the result database

First, you need to update the results database to retrieve the latest results from the mail server. Do this by clicking 'Update...' and enter the POP account password when prompted. Wait until then the percentage bar shows 100%, before starting to create reports.

NOTE: The iManager recognizes those emails that have been sent by the iTest Applet, and only they are popped and removed from the mail server with the 'Update..' function. This way you do not necessary have to have a separate email account for typing test results, although that is recommended.

You can also choose to have results updated automatically each time the iManager is opened. To do that, check the box 'Update automatically on startup'. In that case, the iManager program will prompt for the POP account password each time you open it, unless you have checked the option 'Save password' in the password prompt dialog box.

NOTE: If you have your password saved for 'Updating results' and you change your POP account details, you will receive an error message when you go to try to update results again. You then need to press 'Ok' on the error message and press 'Update..' again. This time it will ask for your password and now it should download the results. This is the same also when the password has been changed. First an error appears and the second time you can enter the new password.

7.2 Creating reports

The iManager creates a new HTML-report each time you view results. This is quick and very easy to do and usually there really is no need to save reports. Creating a new report each time ensures that the latest data is included. To save and print reports, see Section 7.3.

To create a report, you need to make three selections:

1. Tests
Select the test whose results you want to have in the report. To include results from all tests in the iManager, either active or inactive, choose 'All tests'.

2. Report type
Choose the kind of report you want to view. iTest features the following report types:

3. Time frame
Choose the time period from which you want to view results, the options being results retreived Today, Last 7 days, or Last 30 days. To include all results, choose 'All entries'.

Once you have made the three selections, click 'Create..'. The program will now create an HTML-report with your chosen parameters. After viewing the report, you can close it, print it or save it using the commands of your web browser. Note that it may take some time for the program to create the report depending on the number of results in store and your computer's processing power.

TIP: If you would like to create your own report templates with XSL, you can place the files into the folder C:/iTest/templates (path in Windows) and add the new report to the list in the file 'reports.idx'.

7.3 Printing and saving reports

How to print and save reports depends of the web browser that you use. The steps described below work with most browsers.

Print report
To print a report, choose 'File > Print' from the main menu of the browser.

Save report
To save a report, choose 'File > Save as' from the main menu of the browser. Give the report a descriptive name, select the folder to which you want to save it and click 'Save'.

TIP: It may be a good idea to save a summary report for future reference before you clean up the database or delete a test from the iManager.

7.4 Removing old results from the iManager

To remove old data from the iManager's database, go to section 'Clean up database' on 'Reports' tab. From the drop-down menu choose the time period from which results should be deleted and Click 'Remove'. Note that this function will permanently delete results and you cannot undo it.

If you want the software to remove old results automatically each time you open the iManager, set the time period, for example to 6 months, and check the box 'Remove results automatically upon startup'.

8 Advanced Options

TypingMaster iTest has many features that allow more advanced users to control the settings and behaviour of the iTest Applet and the iManager. Included here are some guidelines on how to use these features but it is recommend that you should only use them if you already have some good general knowledge about computer file systems and web applications. We also recommend making a back up of the iTest before attempting any changes.

Applet Parameters
The iTest Applet allows two parameters to be given in the HTML code that help specify what test and files should be read. By editing these you can get extra control over the iTest Applet. All parameters must be included in the Applet tag in the HTML document, the syntax for all parameters is

<PARAM NAME="name" VALUE="value">

8.1 Locking the Applet to One Test (IDcode Parameter)

The most useful of the Applet parameters is the IDcode parameter. With the iManager settings all tests you have activated will be shown in the iTest Applet in a drop down menu. By setting the IDcode parameter you can lock the Applet shown on that page to only one test. This means that you can have more than one Test Applet each only showing the one specified test.

To find the IDcode for each test just open the iManager and go to the 'Tests' tab, just below the description is the IDcode value, often it will look like this: filename.txt.

You must then include this value in the in the HTML document as

<PARAM NAME="IDcode" VALUE="filename.txt">

To reverse the action, delete the value from the HTML document.

NOTE: If you have problems getting the parameter to work it is most likely that you have not placed it in the right location, please see java.sun.com for more information about Java Applet Parameters.

8.2 Locking the Applet settings (Policy Parameter)

If you have created multiple HTML files with one test, using the IDcode parameter, or you just want to lock the settings so that they will not be affected by the iManager then you can use the 'policy' parameter. This value tells the Applet which settings file to use. To do this simply set the settings you want to use in the iManager and close it, then go to the applet folder and find the file policy.properties. Make a copy of this file and rename it (e.g. mypolicy.properties), open up the HTML file you want to use the settings in and enter the parameter:

<PARAM NAME="policy" VALUE="mypolicy.properties">

This will lock the Applet that uses this HTML page to those settings. To reverse this action, delete the value from the HTML document.

NOTE: If you want to change those settings you cannot do it through the iManager. The iManager will always place the settings in the file policy.properties. You must again rename this file to make the new settings take place.

8.3 Resetting the Applet location

To reset the location of the iTest Applet you must go the iManager folder (Windows default d:\iTest) and find and then delete the file private.set. This will also remove the pop account password from memory and allow you to enter a new one on start up. If you have the iManager open when you delete this file, please close and restart it.

8.4 Automatic report creation

With the following command line parameter syntax, it is possible, for example, to schedule the report creation to occur automatically once per day using the Scheduler service supplied with Windows.

Usage: java itmanager.iTManager <action> <options>

     where <action> can be: REPORT | UPDATE | CLEAN

When <action> is REPORT, <options> can specify:

     - REPORT=UserInfo|DateSorted|SpeedSorted|UserSorted|AccuracySorted|TestSorted
     - TIMEFRAME=AllEntries|Today|Last7Days|Last30Days
     - GROUP=Test ID

When <action> is UPDATE, <options> can specify:

     - PASSWORD=password

When <action> is CLEAN, <options> can specify:

     - TIMEFRAME=1Day|1Week|1Month|3Months|6Months|12Months|AllEntries

See the example batch file 'run-silent.cmd' for more information and examples how to use the automation.

8.5 Changing POP account details

If you have your password saved for 'Updating results' and you change your POP Account details, you will receive an error message when you go to try to update results again. You then need to press 'Ok' on the error message and press 'Update..' again. This time it will ask for your password and now it should download the results. This is the same also when the password has been changed. First an error appears and the second time you can enter the new password.

8.6 Passing User names, emails and custom values to the Applet.

iTest allows the name of the test taker, their email and any of the custom variables included to be passed from the HTML page to the Test Applet. This is designed to allow iTest to be used in an environment where the test taker may already have logged on to a network service and their user name and email is already known. .

NOTE: To be able to use this feature the service must be able to present the information in the correct HTML format. Web based programming languages such as ASP, JSP and PHP offer dynamic page creation that can be used to pass the correct information. Logging on to a Windows network is not sufficient, as the information can not be sent from the computer to the Applet.

There are five parameters that can be passed to the applet they are:

<PARAM NAME="username" VALUE="nameHere">
<PARAM NAME="email" VALUE="emailHere">
<PARAM NAME="custom1" VALUE="valueHere">
<PARAM NAME="custom2" VALUE="valueHere">
<PARAM NAME="custom3" VALUE="valueHere">

Each parameter corresponds to field used to collect information from the test taker, please see section 5.3 Personal Information Fields for more details.

To assist with these options there are two additional parameters, these control the how the Applet should work with the user information:

<PARAM NAME="showuserinfo" VALUE="true/false">
<PARAM NAME="sendmail" VALUE="true/false">

Details:

<PARAM NAME="showuserinfo" VALUE="true/false">
After completing a test and passing the test taker is normally taken to a screen that allows them to enter in their information. By setting this value to false the screen will be skipped and the email containing the results will be sent right away. This can be used if administrators wish that the test taker does not see any details passed from the HTML to the Applet.

It is recommended that showuserinfo is only set to true if both the username and email parameters are passed to the Applet. If this parameter is not included then the information screen will be shown.

NOTE: This parameter can clash with the setting User Must Fill in All Fields in the iManager. We recommend setting User Must Fill in All Fields to Require Email Only and using '@' as a dummy value if there is no email value to be given.

<PARAM NAME="sendmail" VALUE="true/false">
The option to send a copy of the results to the test taker's email is an option given when collecting information from the user. If the parameter showuserinfo is set to false the administator then decides whether the test taker can receive a copy of the result email or not. By setting parameter sendmail to true the test taker will receive a copy of the result email, by setting it to false the test taker will not receive the email. If this parameter is not included an email will not be sent.

NOTE: The test taker can not edit the values passed to the Applet even if the information collection screen is shown. This is to ensure integrity of any database or system that passed the values to the applet.
For this reason you may wish to still shown the user information collection screen, for example, you could pass the username and email but leave the custom fields for the user to fill in before sending the mail.

Appendix 1: Taking the online typing test

Instructions on how to take a typing test using the iTest Applet. Open Appendix 1.

Appendix 2: The iManager Reference Table

For quick reference, the functions on each tab of the iManager are summarized in a separate table.

Reports tab
Tests tab
Settings tab
Licenses tab

Appendix 3: Command line functions for the iManager

The iManager allows you to control the programs key functions from the command line prompt. This allows you to control the iManager remotely, use scripts to maintain it or simply perform tasks quickly.

To see the command line functions, go to Appendix 3.

iTest Administrator Manual, version 1.0
May 28, 2002