SuperMemo 18 Help - User contributions [en]

Filter files

2010-03-10T14:24:40Z

Brainious: /*further information needed*/

Filter files with the extension ''flt'' can be used in SuperMemo to globally process texts in the [[Glossary#collection | collection]]. For example, it is more convenient to do multiple replace text operations with filters that to do it manually with [[Registry menu#Find and replace | '''Find and replace''']] on the [[registry menu]].

Filter files support the filter file specification from SuperMemo 6 and SuperMemo 7; however, you will mostly want to use them in the following circumstances:

# replacing a large number of texts with selected strings in the collection
# removing comments and other delimited texts from the collection

Other options are supported for compatibility only and are better accomplished with other functions of the program.

Filter files are text files than can be edited manually. They are made of sections such as ''[REPLACE]'', ''[DELIMITERS]'', ''[CUT]'', etc. Each section contains a list of arguments placed in separate lines. For example, the ''[REPLACE]'' section will contain pairs of strings: strings to be replaced and string to be put in place of replaced strings.

* ''specify the complete list of sections available in Filter files (above its stated a short list, that looks more like an example, no the complete list)''

* ''complete list of arguments for each section must be provided as well''

This is an exemplary contents of a filter file:

<blockquote>

''[DELIMITERS]'' ''< > cut'' ''{ } cut'' ''[REPLACE]'' ''histol: histology:'' ''physiol: physiology:'' ''mem: <nowiki>''</nowiki>'' ''endocr: <nowiki>''</nowiki>'' 

</blockquote>

* ''Example has not comments of what each section and parameter will accomplish''

If you open the text registry with '''[[Search menu | Search]] : Texts''', choose '''Apply filter''' on the [[registry menu]] and select such a file, the following changes will be made to texts throughout the collection:

# all texts delimited with angle brackets will be removed
# all texts delimited with braces will be removed
# texts like ''histol:'' and ''physiol:'' will be replaced with ''histology:'' and ''physiology:'' respectively
# texts like ''mem:'' and ''endocr:'' will be removed

You can also use filters with '''[[Edit menu | Edit]] : Edit text : Apply filter'''

Filter files are by defaults stored in the [[Collection files | ''FILTERS'' subfolder]]

Hints&Tips

2009-09-05T22:58:13Z

Brainious:

== Beginner level ==

*To [[Add new|add a new question-answer item]] to SuperMemo press ''Alt+A'' and type in the texts. Use ''Esc'' to move from the question field to the answer field and to finish
*To review your learning material choose ''Ctrl+L'' or press the '''[[Learn]]''' button
*To search for all elements containing a given text, press ''Ctrl+F'', type the text, and press ''Enter''
*Use the ''Esc'' key throughout SuperMemo to close windows, dialog boxes, and to restore defaults such as the default layout, display mode (as opposed to editing mode), default element, etc.
*Success in SuperMemo is largely dependent on the way you formulate your knowledge. See: [http://www.supermemo.com/articles/20rules.htm Twenty Rules] and [http://www.supermemo.com/help/faq/ks.htm Twenty Rules FAQ]

== Basic level ==

*To move from the beginner level to the basic level, choose '''[[File menu|File]] : [[Levels|Level]] : Basic'''
*To see the calendar of repetitions, press ''Ctrl+W'' (same as '''[[Tools menu|Tools]] : [[Workload]]''' on the [[Main menu]])
*To quickly open a collection with a keystroke, use ''Ctrl+O''. Use the button '''Choose another''' to add your most important collections to the list
*To master all fundamental skills needed to effectively use SuperMemo, read: [[Step-by-step to SuperMemo mastery|Step-by-Step Guide to SuperMemo]]
*If you are overloaded with repetitions, you can mark your most important elements as top-priority elements. They will receive a priority in learning. Use ''Alt+P'' to set elements [[Priority of elements in incremental reading|priority]]. For example, press ''Alt+P'' and then press ''2'' to tell SuperMemo that the presented element is more important than 98% of the remaining elements
*To move an element to another branch in the [[Contents window]], press ''Ctrl+Shift+V'', select the new location in the tree and choose '''Accept''' (or ''Enter'')
*To send an element via e-mail press the e-mail button on the [[Element toolbar]]
*Apart from simple question-answer repetitions, SuperMemo supports ''incremental reading'' - a technique that makes reading and learning yet more efficient. Read more: [[Incremental reading]] (see also [[#Incremental_reading|Incremental reading tips]] below)
*To completely remove an element from the learning process, choose the button [[Glossary#dismiss|'''Dismiss''']]. This will make the element invisible to the learning process, but still available for browsing, search, etc. During repetitions, when button '''Dismiss''' is not visible, you can choose ''Ctrl+D'' to dismiss the current element. To completely delete the element from the collection choose ''Shift+Ctrl+Enter'' ('''Done'''). To delete the element and all its children, choose ''Shift+Ctrl+Del'' (simple ''Del'' will also work in most contexts)
*To edit texts in the currently displayed element, click the text or press ''Q'' (question), ''A'' (answer), ''E'' or ''Ctrl+E'' (edit all fields), etc. (advanced level: in some commercial collections, those keys might not work if '''[[Tools_menu|Tools]] : [[Options|Options]] : [[Mouse_tab_in_Options|Mouse]] : Edit texts : On click''' is unchecked)
*If you suspect that some of the files in your collection have been damaged, press ''Ctrl+F12'' and make a quick [[File - Repair collection|checkup]] of your most important files

== Middle level ==

*To maximize your learning efficiency, read [http://supermemo.com/articles/decalog.htm SuperMemo Decalog]
*You can use layouts to preserve your favorite location and size of windows. Arrange the windows the way you like it and choose '''[[Window menu|Window]] : Layout : Save as default''' or simply press [[Keyboard shortcuts|''Shift+Ctrl+F5'']]. You can always come back to this layout with ''Ctrl+F5''. In many contexts, repeated ''Esc'' will have the same effect
*To move a single element from one [[Glossary#collection|collection]] to another collection, view the element, press ''Shift+Ctrl+T,'' and choose the target collection
*To create or modify the structure of the knowledge tree, read: [[Creating a knowledge tree structure in the contents window|Knowledge tree]]
*A green-yellow layout button on browser and contents toobars helps you quickly align the current window with the element window (for easy browsing or working with the knowledge tree)
*If you change the color of your element, or the size of the components, or their type, etc. you can preserve the "new look" by using templates. Save the present look as the default template with ''Ctrl+Alt+M'' ('''Template : Save as default''' on the [[Element menu]]). Use ''Shift+Ctrl+M'' to apply a new template. Read more: [[Templates|Using templates]]
*If you want '''Add new''' (''Alt+A'') to add elements only to a given branch in the [[Contents window|contents window]], select this branch in the contents window and press ''Ctrl+K''. This will create a new category in that branch. To change the category in use, choose in the category combo box on the [[Tools toolbar|'''Tools''' toolbar]]. Use ''Shift+Ctrl+P'' to move an element to another category by changing the '''Category''' field. Read more: [[Categories|Using categories]]
*If you want to learn only the material belonging to a selected [[Glossary#hierarchy_node-or-branch-or-leaf|branch]] in the [[Glossary#contents_window|contents window]], choose this branch and click [[Subset learning (Learn vs. Review)|'''Learn''']] at the bottom of the [[Contents window|contents window]] (i.e. not in the [[Element window]]). See: [[Subset learning (Learn vs. Review)|Subset learning]]
*In editing texts, you can use ''Shift+Enter'' to start a new line single-spaced as opposed to double-spaced ''Enter''. This will work only in HTML components and will inserts the '' '' tag as opposed to the '''' tag
*You can turn your collection into a jukebox. Run a music video from YouTube in a loop and hide SuperMemo in the notification area by choosing '''[[Window menu|Window]] : Hide SuperMemo''' (''Shift+Ctrl+G''). Be sure you open all SuperMemos, which you plan to use. Starting a new SuperMemo always unhides an existing instance from the notification area first.
*To change the interface font used by SuperMemo, press ''Ctrl+Alt+O'', and choose '''[[Fonts tab in Options|Fonts]] : Interface font'''

== Professional level ==

*To display all learning [[Statistics window|statistics]], press ''F5''
*To sweep away those pesky toolbars, press ''Alt+F5''. Return to your original layout with ''Ctrl+F5''
*If you prefer to use keyboard as opposed to the mouse, read about [[Keyboard shortcuts]]
*If you had a break in learning and cannot cope with outstanding repetitions, use '''[[Learn menu|Learn]] : [[Postpone|Postpone]]''' or '''[[Tools menu|Tools]] : [[Mercy]]'''. You can also use '''Mercy''' if you plan to go for vacation and stay away from the computer. You can do a portion of your repetitions in advance
*To locate and get rid of the most difficult or badly-structured material use '''[[View menu|View]] : Other : Leeches''' or '''[[Tools menu|Tools]] : [[Options]] : [[Leeches]] : Wizard'''. Read more: [[Leeches|Leeches in SuperMemo]]
*If you would like to move your repetitions to another SuperMemo, read about [http://supermemo.com/articles/soft/pocket.htm XML in SuperMemo]
*If you want to move an element to the end of the queue of elements awaiting memorization, choose the button [[Glossary#forget|'''Forget''']] (during [[Glossary#repetition|repetitions]], when this button is not visible, you can choose ''Ctrl+R'' to accomplish the same). This will delay the introduction of the element into the learning process until the time when all elements from the [[Glossary#pending_queue|pending queue]] have been reviewed
*To turn on and off the [[Status bar]], check or uncheck '''[[Window menu|Window]] : [[Status bar]]'''. The same refers to toolbars used in SuperMemo
*To introduce the currently displayed [[Glossary#element|element]] into the learning process press [[Keyboard shortcuts|''Ctrl+M'']] or choose [[Glossary#remember|'''Remember''']] at the bottom of the [[Element window]]. Note that ''Ctrl+M'' during [[Glossary#repetition|repetitions]] is equivalent to re-memorizing the element and re-starting repetitions all over again starting with short intervals. You should use this option in case you substantially reedit the item. This will let SuperMemo know you are dealing with an entirely new piece of information
*To randomize repetitions on a given day, use ''Shift+Ctrl+F11'' ('''[[Learn]] : Random : Randomize repetitions''')
*If you would like basic stats displayed on the status bar during repetitions (e.g. interval, priority, etc.), turn off hints by unchecking '''[[Window menu|Window]] : Hints''' (or by double-clicking the yellow Hints display area in the status bar)
*You can turn your collection into a jukebox. Run a music video from YouTube in a loop and hide SuperMemo in the notification area (colloquially known as the system tray). Be sure you open all SuperMemos you plan to use as starting a new SuperMemo always takes the copy from the area first.

== Incremental reading ==

*To paste an article from your web browser to SuperMemo: (1) switch to the browser, (2) select the text (e.g. with ''Ctrl+A''), (3) copy the text to the clipboard (e.g. with ''Ctrl+C''), (4) switch back to SuperMemo (e.g. with ''Alt+Tab''), (5) press ''Ctrl+Alt+N'' in SuperMemo
*To quickly create an extract from the selected text in an article, use ''Alt+X'' (the same shortcut can be used to create [[Visual learning|picture extracts]] and [[Incremental video|video extracts]])
*To quickly create a cloze deletion from an extract you are reviewing in SuperMemo, select a keyword and press ''Alt+Z''
*To manually type in some notes use ''Alt+N''
*To quickly import many articles (or selections in articles) from Internet Explorer, use ''Shift+Ctrl+A'' ('''Edit : Import web pages : All'''). You can also use this option to import links, pictures, live pages and more
*To import articles from Wikipedia, press ''Shift+Ctrl+W''
*To import videos from YouTube, press ''Shift+Ctrl+Y'' (see [[Incremental_video|incremental video]])
*To quickly get images embedded in local pages imported from the net and make them local (i.e. put them to the image registry), use ''Ctrl+F8'' ('''Download images''' on the [[Component menu]])(see the picture) 

[[Image:Download images.jpg|center|800px|SuperMemo: Download images dialog box that makes it possible for you to get images embedded in local pages imported from the net and put them to the image registry (in the picture: The Year 2008 in Photographs from Boston.com)]]

*To quickly search the net for terms and concept used in your collection, press ''Ctrl+F3''. By default you can search most popular dictionaries, encyclopedias or use the most effective search engines. However, you can also define your own one-key searches of specific databases, e.g. of movies, musicians, freeware software, mp3 files, news, newsgroups, and more. For example, if you want to search for movies in the Internet Movie Database add the following line to your search tools file with '''Define your own tools''': ''&Movies, <nowiki>http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q="%TheText%"+imdb</nowiki>''
*To ensure the optimum proportion between reading and repetitions choose '''Learn : Sorting : Sorting criteria''' and set '''Proportion of topics'''
*To review the material belonging to a single subject, open the subject in the [[Browser]] (e.g. by searching for elements with ''Ctrl+F''), and use '''Learning : Learn''' (''Ctrl+Alt+L''), '''Learning : Review topics''' or '''Learning : Review all''' from the [[Processing multiple elements (Process collection/branch/browser)|subset processing menu]]. '''Review topics''' will let you review topics related to the subject. '''Review all''' will additionally force mid-interval repetition of all items in the subset (except those that have already been repeated today). '''Learning : Learn''' includes only the outstanding material in the review. See: [[Subset learning (Learn vs. Review)|Subset learning]]
*To let SuperMemo automatcially handle learning material overload (i.e. excess number of elements listed as '''Outstanding'''), check '''[[Learn_menu|Learn]] : Postpone : Auto-postpone '''on the [[Main_menu|main menu]]
*To postpone all outstanding articles (topics) use: (1) '''[[View menu|View]] : Outstanding''', (2) '''Child : Topics''' ([[Browser menu]]), and (3) '''Learning : Postpone''' ([[Processing multiple elements (Process collection/branch/browser)|subset processing menu]] or [[Keyboard shortcuts|''Ctrl+Alt+P'']]). You can use this procedure each time you run out of time for repetitions. This way, you will be able to spend your last minutes on making repetitions of items (see: [[Glossary#active_recall|active-recall]])
*To postpone all items in a branch (e.g. ''To Do'' branch): (1) choose this branch in the [[Contents window]], (2) choose '''View : Branch''' ([[Contents menu]] or ''Shift+Ctrl+Enter''), (3) '''Child : Items''' ([[Browser menu]]), and (3) '''Learning : Postpone''' ([[Processing multiple elements (Process collection/branch/browser)|subset processing menu]] or [[Keyboard shortcuts|''Ctrl+Alt+P'']])

= Incremental Video =

Glossary:Layout

2009-08-22T11:50:23Z

Brainious:

'''layout''' - position and size of windows in SuperMemo. '''Layouts''' can be changed with '''[[Window menu|Window]] : Layout''' menu. In particular, use ''Ctrl+Shift+F5 ''to save your favorite layout. Compare: [[#template|'''template''']]. There is no need to save layouts for contents and browser layouts they are saved automatically.

Hints&Tips

2009-08-22T11:46:48Z

Brainious: /* Beginner level */

== Beginner level ==

*To [[Add new|add a new question-answer item]] to SuperMemo press ''Alt+A'' and type in the texts. Use ''Esc'' to move from the question field to the answer field and to finish
*To review your learning material choose ''Ctrl+L'' or press the '''[[Learn]]''' button
*To search for all elements containing a given text, press ''Ctrl+F'', type the text, and press ''Enter''
*Use the ''Esc'' key throughout SuperMemo to close windows, dialog boxes, and to restore defaults such as the default layout, display mode (as opposed to editing mode), default element, etc.
*Success in SuperMemo is largely dependent on the way you formulate your knowledge. See: [http://www.supermemo.com/articles/20rules.htm Twenty Rules] and [http://www.supermemo.com/help/faq/ks.htm Twenty Rules FAQ]

== Basic level ==

*To move from the beginner level to the basic level, choose '''[[File menu|File]] : [[Levels|Level]] : Basic'''
*To see the calendar of repetitions, press ''Ctrl+W'' (same as '''[[Tools menu|Tools]] : [[Workload]]''' on the [[Main menu]])
*To quickly open a collection with a keystroke, use ''Ctrl+O''. Use the button '''Choose another''' to add your most important collections to the list
*To master all fundamental skills needed to effectively use SuperMemo, read: [[Step-by-step to SuperMemo mastery|Step-by-Step Guide to SuperMemo]]
*If you are overloaded with repetitions, you can mark your most important elements as top-priority elements. They will receive a priority in learning. Use ''Alt+P'' to set elements [[Priority of elements in incremental reading|priority]]. For example, press ''Alt+P'' and then press ''2'' to tell SuperMemo that the presented element is more important than 98% of the remaining elements
*To move an element to another branch in the [[Contents window]], press ''Ctrl+Shift+V'', select the new location in the tree and choose '''Accept''' (or ''Enter'')
*To send an element via e-mail press the e-mail button on the [[Element toolbar]]
*Apart from simple question-answer repetitions, SuperMemo supports ''incremental reading'' - a technique that makes reading and learning yet more efficient. Read more: [[Incremental reading]] (see also [[#Incremental_reading|Incremental reading tips]] below)
*To completely remove an element from the learning process, choose the button [[Glossary#dismiss|'''Dismiss''']]. This will make the element invisible to the learning process, but still available for browsing, search, etc. During repetitions, when button '''Dismiss''' is not visible, you can choose ''Ctrl+D'' to dismiss the current element. To completely delete the element from the collection choose ''Shift+Ctrl+Enter'' ('''Done'''). To delete the element and all its children, choose ''Shift+Ctrl+Del'' (simple ''Del'' will also work in most contexts)
*To edit texts in the currently displayed element, click the text or press ''Q'' (question), ''A'' (answer), ''E'' or ''Ctrl+E'' (edit all fields), etc. (advanced level: in some commercial collections, those keys might not work if '''[[Tools_menu|Tools]] : [[Options|Options]] : [[Mouse_tab_in_Options|Mouse]] : Edit texts : On click''' is unchecked)
*If you suspect that some of the files in your collection have been damaged, press ''Ctrl+F12'' and make a quick [[File - Repair collection|checkup]] of your most important files

== Middle level ==

*To maximize your learning efficiency, read [http://supermemo.com/articles/decalog.htm SuperMemo Decalog]
*You can use layouts to preserve your favorite location and size of windows. Arrange the windows the way you like it and choose '''[[Window menu|Window]] : Layout : Save as default''' or simply press [[Keyboard shortcuts|''Shift+Ctrl+F5'']]. You can always come back to this layout with ''Ctrl+F5''. In many contexts, repeated ''Esc'' will have the same effect
*To change the interface font used by SuperMemo, press ''Ctrl+Alt+O'', and choose '''[[Fonts tab in Options|Fonts]] : Interface font'''
*To move an element to another [[Glossary#collection|collection]], press ''Shift+Ctrl+T'' and choose the target collection
*To create or modify the structure of the knowledge tree, read: [[Creating a knowledge tree structure in the contents window|Knowledge tree]]
*A green-yellow layout button on browser and contents toobars helps you quickly align the current window with the element window (for easy browsing or working with the knowledge tree)
*If you change the color of your element, or the size of the components, or their type, etc. you can preserve the "new look" by using templates. Save the present look as the default template with ''Ctrl+Alt+M'' ('''Template : Save as default''' on the [[Element menu]]). Use ''Shift+Ctrl+M'' to apply a new template. Read more: [[Templates|Using templates]]
*If you want '''Add new''' (''Alt+A'') to add elements only to a given branch in the [[Contents window|contents window]], select this branch in the contents window and press ''Ctrl+K''. This will create a new category in that branch. To change the category in use, choose in the category combo box on the [[Tools toolbar|'''Tools''' toolbar]]. Use ''Shift+Ctrl+P'' to move an element to another category by changing the '''Category''' field. Read more: [[Categories|Using categories]]
*If you want to learn only the material belonging to a selected [[Glossary#hierarchy_node|branch]] in the [[Glossary#contents_window|contents window]], choose this branch and click [[Subset learning (Learn vs. Review)|'''Learn''']] at the bottom of the [[Contents window|contents window]] (i.e. not in the [[Element window]]). See: [[Subset learning (Learn vs. Review)|Subset learning]]
*In editing texts, you can use ''Shift+Enter'' to start a new line single-spaced as opposed to double-spaced ''Enter''. This will work only in HTML components and will inserts the '' '' tag as opposed to the '''' tag
*You can turn your collection into a jukebox. Run a music video from YouTube in a loop and hide SuperMemo in the notification area by choosing '''[[Window menu|Window]] : Hide SuperMemo''' (''Shift+Ctrl+G''). Be sure you open all SuperMemos, which you plan to use. Starting a new SuperMemo always unhides an existing instance from the notification area first.

== Professional level ==

*To display all learning [[Statistics window|statistics]], press ''F5''
*To sweep away those pesky toolbars, press ''Alt+F5''. Return to your original layout with ''Ctrl+F5''
*If you prefer to use keyboard as opposed to the mouse, read about [[Keyboard shortcuts]]
*If you had a break in learning and cannot cope with outstanding repetitions, use '''[[Learn menu|Learn]] : [[Postpone|Postpone]]''' or '''[[Tools menu|Tools]] : [[Mercy]]'''. You can also use '''Mercy''' if you plan to go for vacation and stay away from the computer. You can do a portion of your repetitions in advance
*To locate and get rid of the most difficult or badly-structured material use '''[[View menu|View]] : Other : Leeches''' or '''[[Tools menu|Tools]] : [[Options]] : [[Leeches]] : Wizard'''. Read more: [[Leeches|Leeches in SuperMemo]]
*If you would like to move your repetitions to another SuperMemo, read about [http://supermemo.com/articles/soft/pocket.htm XML in SuperMemo]
*If you want to move an element to the end of the queue of elements awaiting memorization, choose the button [[Glossary#forget|'''Forget''']] (during [[Glossary#repetition|repetitions]], when this button is not visible, you can choose ''Ctrl+R'' to accomplish the same). This will delay the introduction of the element into the learning process until the time when all elements from the [[Glossary#pending_queue|pending queue]] have been reviewed
*To turn on and off the [[Status bar]], check or uncheck '''[[Window menu|Window]] : [[Status bar]]'''. The same refers to toolbars used in SuperMemo
*To introduce the currently displayed [[Glossary#element|element]] into the learning process press [[Keyboard shortcuts|''Ctrl+M'']] or choose [[Glossary#remember|'''Remember''']] at the bottom of the [[Element window]]. Note that ''Ctrl+M'' during [[Glossary#repetition|repetitions]] is equivalent to re-memorizing the element and re-starting repetitions all over again starting with short intervals. You should use this option in case you substantially reedit the item. This will let SuperMemo know you are dealing with an entirely new piece of information
*To randomize repetitions on a given day, use ''Shift+Ctrl+F11'' ('''[[Learn]] : Random : Randomize repetitions''')
*If you would like basic stats displayed on the status bar during repetitions (e.g. interval, priority, etc.), turn off hints by unchecking '''[[Window menu|Window]] : Hints''' (or by double-clicking the yellow Hints display area in the status bar)
*You can turn your collection into a jukebox. Run a music video from YouTube in a loop and hide SuperMemo in the notification area (colloquially known as the system tray). Be sure you open all SuperMemos you plan to use as starting a new SuperMemo always takes the copy from the area first.

== Incremental reading ==

*To paste an article from your web browser to SuperMemo: (1) switch to the browser, (2) select the text (e.g. with ''Ctrl+A''), (3) copy the text to the clipboard (e.g. with ''Ctrl+C''), (4) switch back to SuperMemo (e.g. with ''Alt+Tab''), (5) press ''Ctrl+Alt+N'' in SuperMemo
*To quickly create an extract from the selected text in an article, use ''Alt+X'' (the same shortcut can be used to create [[Visual learning|picture extracts]] and [[Incremental video|video extracts]])
*To quickly create a cloze deletion from an extract you are reviewing in SuperMemo, select a keyword and press ''Alt+Z''
*To manually type in some notes use ''Alt+N''
*To quickly import many articles (or selections in articles) from Internet Explorer, use ''Shift+Ctrl+A'' ('''Edit : Import web pages : All'''). You can also use this option to import links, pictures, live pages and more
*To import articles from Wikipedia, press ''Shift+Ctrl+W''
*To import videos from YouTube, press ''Shift+Ctrl+Y'' (see [[Incremental_video|incremental video]])
*To quickly get images embedded in local pages imported from the net and make them local (i.e. put them to the image registry), use ''Ctrl+F8'' ('''Download images''' on the [[Component menu]])(see the picture) 

[[Image:Download images.jpg|center|800px|SuperMemo: Download images dialog box that makes it possible for you to get images embedded in local pages imported from the net and put them to the image registry (in the picture: The Year 2008 in Photographs from Boston.com)]]

*To quickly search the net for terms and concept used in your collection, press ''Ctrl+F3''. By default you can search most popular dictionaries, encyclopedias or use the most effective search engines. However, you can also define your own one-key searches of specific databases, e.g. of movies, musicians, freeware software, mp3 files, news, newsgroups, and more. For example, if you want to search for movies in the Internet Movie Database add the following line to your search tools file with '''Define your own tools''': ''&Movies, <nowiki>http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q="%TheText%"+imdb</nowiki>''
*To ensure the optimum proportion between reading and repetitions choose '''Learn : Sorting : Sorting criteria''' and set '''Proportion of topics'''
*To review the material belonging to a single subject, open the subject in the [[Browser]] (e.g. by searching for elements with ''Ctrl+F''), and use '''Learning : Learn''' (''Ctrl+Alt+L''), '''Learning : Review topics''' or '''Learning : Review all''' from the [[Processing multiple elements (Process collection/branch/browser)|subset processing menu]]. '''Review topics''' will let you review topics related to the subject. '''Review all''' will additionally force mid-interval repetition of all items in the subset (except those that have already been repeated today). '''Learning : Learn''' includes only the outstanding material in the review. See: [[Subset learning (Learn vs. Review)|Subset learning]]
*To let SuperMemo automatcially handle learning material overload (i.e. excess number of elements listed as '''Outstanding'''), check '''[[Learn_menu|Learn]] : Postpone : Auto-postpone '''on the [[Main_menu|main menu]]
*To postpone all outstanding articles (topics) use: (1) '''[[View menu|View]] : Outstanding''', (2) '''Child : Topics''' ([[Browser menu]]), and (3) '''Learning : Postpone''' ([[Processing multiple elements (Process collection/branch/browser)|subset processing menu]] or [[Keyboard shortcuts|''Ctrl+Alt+P'']]). You can use this procedure each time you run out of time for repetitions. This way, you will be able to spend your last minutes on making repetitions of items (see: [[Glossary#active_recall|active-recall]])
*To postpone all items in a branch (e.g. ''To Do'' branch): (1) choose this branch in the [[Contents window]], (2) choose '''View : Branch''' ([[Contents menu]] or ''Shift+Ctrl+Enter''), (3) '''Child : Items''' ([[Browser menu]]), and (3) '''Learning : Postpone''' ([[Processing multiple elements (Process collection/branch/browser)|subset processing menu]] or [[Keyboard shortcuts|''Ctrl+Alt+P'']])

Hints&Tips

2009-08-22T11:46:23Z

Brainious: /* Beginner level */

== Beginner level ==

*To [[Add new|add a new question-answer item]] to SuperMemo press ''Alt+A'' and type in the texts. Use ''Esc'' to move from the question field to the answer field and to finish
*To review your learning material choose ''Ctrl+L'' or press the '''[[Learn]]''' button
*To search for all elements containing a given text, press ''Ctrl+F'', type the text, and press ''Enter''
*Use ''Esc'' key throughout SuperMemo to close windows, dialog boxes, and to restore defaults such as the default layout, display mode (as opposed to editing mode), default element, etc.
*Success in SuperMemo is largely dependent on the way you formulate your knowledge. See: [http://www.supermemo.com/articles/20rules.htm Twenty Rules] and [http://www.supermemo.com/help/faq/ks.htm Twenty Rules FAQ]

== Basic level ==

*To move from the beginner level to the basic level, choose '''[[File menu|File]] : [[Levels|Level]] : Basic'''
*To see the calendar of repetitions, press ''Ctrl+W'' (same as '''[[Tools menu|Tools]] : [[Workload]]''' on the [[Main menu]])
*To quickly open a collection with a keystroke, use ''Ctrl+O''. Use the button '''Choose another''' to add your most important collections to the list
*To master all fundamental skills needed to effectively use SuperMemo, read: [[Step-by-step to SuperMemo mastery|Step-by-Step Guide to SuperMemo]]
*If you are overloaded with repetitions, you can mark your most important elements as top-priority elements. They will receive a priority in learning. Use ''Alt+P'' to set elements [[Priority of elements in incremental reading|priority]]. For example, press ''Alt+P'' and then press ''2'' to tell SuperMemo that the presented element is more important than 98% of the remaining elements
*To move an element to another branch in the [[Contents window]], press ''Ctrl+Shift+V'', select the new location in the tree and choose '''Accept''' (or ''Enter'')
*To send an element via e-mail press the e-mail button on the [[Element toolbar]]
*Apart from simple question-answer repetitions, SuperMemo supports ''incremental reading'' - a technique that makes reading and learning yet more efficient. Read more: [[Incremental reading]] (see also [[#Incremental_reading|Incremental reading tips]] below)
*To completely remove an element from the learning process, choose the button [[Glossary#dismiss|'''Dismiss''']]. This will make the element invisible to the learning process, but still available for browsing, search, etc. During repetitions, when button '''Dismiss''' is not visible, you can choose ''Ctrl+D'' to dismiss the current element. To completely delete the element from the collection choose ''Shift+Ctrl+Enter'' ('''Done'''). To delete the element and all its children, choose ''Shift+Ctrl+Del'' (simple ''Del'' will also work in most contexts)
*To edit texts in the currently displayed element, click the text or press ''Q'' (question), ''A'' (answer), ''E'' or ''Ctrl+E'' (edit all fields), etc. (advanced level: in some commercial collections, those keys might not work if '''[[Tools_menu|Tools]] : [[Options|Options]] : [[Mouse_tab_in_Options|Mouse]] : Edit texts : On click''' is unchecked)
*If you suspect that some of the files in your collection have been damaged, press ''Ctrl+F12'' and make a quick [[File - Repair collection|checkup]] of your most important files

== Middle level ==

*To maximize your learning efficiency, read [http://supermemo.com/articles/decalog.htm SuperMemo Decalog]
*You can use layouts to preserve your favorite location and size of windows. Arrange the windows the way you like it and choose '''[[Window menu|Window]] : Layout : Save as default''' or simply press [[Keyboard shortcuts|''Shift+Ctrl+F5'']]. You can always come back to this layout with ''Ctrl+F5''. In many contexts, repeated ''Esc'' will have the same effect
*To change the interface font used by SuperMemo, press ''Ctrl+Alt+O'', and choose '''[[Fonts tab in Options|Fonts]] : Interface font'''
*To move an element to another [[Glossary#collection|collection]], press ''Shift+Ctrl+T'' and choose the target collection
*To create or modify the structure of the knowledge tree, read: [[Creating a knowledge tree structure in the contents window|Knowledge tree]]
*A green-yellow layout button on browser and contents toobars helps you quickly align the current window with the element window (for easy browsing or working with the knowledge tree)
*If you change the color of your element, or the size of the components, or their type, etc. you can preserve the "new look" by using templates. Save the present look as the default template with ''Ctrl+Alt+M'' ('''Template : Save as default''' on the [[Element menu]]). Use ''Shift+Ctrl+M'' to apply a new template. Read more: [[Templates|Using templates]]
*If you want '''Add new''' (''Alt+A'') to add elements only to a given branch in the [[Contents window|contents window]], select this branch in the contents window and press ''Ctrl+K''. This will create a new category in that branch. To change the category in use, choose in the category combo box on the [[Tools toolbar|'''Tools''' toolbar]]. Use ''Shift+Ctrl+P'' to move an element to another category by changing the '''Category''' field. Read more: [[Categories|Using categories]]
*If you want to learn only the material belonging to a selected [[Glossary#hierarchy_node|branch]] in the [[Glossary#contents_window|contents window]], choose this branch and click [[Subset learning (Learn vs. Review)|'''Learn''']] at the bottom of the [[Contents window|contents window]] (i.e. not in the [[Element window]]). See: [[Subset learning (Learn vs. Review)|Subset learning]]
*In editing texts, you can use ''Shift+Enter'' to start a new line single-spaced as opposed to double-spaced ''Enter''. This will work only in HTML components and will inserts the '' '' tag as opposed to the '''' tag
*You can turn your collection into a jukebox. Run a music video from YouTube in a loop and hide SuperMemo in the notification area by choosing '''[[Window menu|Window]] : Hide SuperMemo''' (''Shift+Ctrl+G''). Be sure you open all SuperMemos, which you plan to use. Starting a new SuperMemo always unhides an existing instance from the notification area first.

== Professional level ==

*To display all learning [[Statistics window|statistics]], press ''F5''
*To sweep away those pesky toolbars, press ''Alt+F5''. Return to your original layout with ''Ctrl+F5''
*If you prefer to use keyboard as opposed to the mouse, read about [[Keyboard shortcuts]]
*If you had a break in learning and cannot cope with outstanding repetitions, use '''[[Learn menu|Learn]] : [[Postpone|Postpone]]''' or '''[[Tools menu|Tools]] : [[Mercy]]'''. You can also use '''Mercy''' if you plan to go for vacation and stay away from the computer. You can do a portion of your repetitions in advance
*To locate and get rid of the most difficult or badly-structured material use '''[[View menu|View]] : Other : Leeches''' or '''[[Tools menu|Tools]] : [[Options]] : [[Leeches]] : Wizard'''. Read more: [[Leeches|Leeches in SuperMemo]]
*If you would like to move your repetitions to another SuperMemo, read about [http://supermemo.com/articles/soft/pocket.htm XML in SuperMemo]
*If you want to move an element to the end of the queue of elements awaiting memorization, choose the button [[Glossary#forget|'''Forget''']] (during [[Glossary#repetition|repetitions]], when this button is not visible, you can choose ''Ctrl+R'' to accomplish the same). This will delay the introduction of the element into the learning process until the time when all elements from the [[Glossary#pending_queue|pending queue]] have been reviewed
*To turn on and off the [[Status bar]], check or uncheck '''[[Window menu|Window]] : [[Status bar]]'''. The same refers to toolbars used in SuperMemo
*To introduce the currently displayed [[Glossary#element|element]] into the learning process press [[Keyboard shortcuts|''Ctrl+M'']] or choose [[Glossary#remember|'''Remember''']] at the bottom of the [[Element window]]. Note that ''Ctrl+M'' during [[Glossary#repetition|repetitions]] is equivalent to re-memorizing the element and re-starting repetitions all over again starting with short intervals. You should use this option in case you substantially reedit the item. This will let SuperMemo know you are dealing with an entirely new piece of information
*To randomize repetitions on a given day, use ''Shift+Ctrl+F11'' ('''[[Learn]] : Random : Randomize repetitions''')
*If you would like basic stats displayed on the status bar during repetitions (e.g. interval, priority, etc.), turn off hints by unchecking '''[[Window menu|Window]] : Hints''' (or by double-clicking the yellow Hints display area in the status bar)
*You can turn your collection into a jukebox. Run a music video from YouTube in a loop and hide SuperMemo in the notification area (colloquially known as the system tray). Be sure you open all SuperMemos you plan to use as starting a new SuperMemo always takes the copy from the area first.

== Incremental reading ==

*To paste an article from your web browser to SuperMemo: (1) switch to the browser, (2) select the text (e.g. with ''Ctrl+A''), (3) copy the text to the clipboard (e.g. with ''Ctrl+C''), (4) switch back to SuperMemo (e.g. with ''Alt+Tab''), (5) press ''Ctrl+Alt+N'' in SuperMemo
*To quickly create an extract from the selected text in an article, use ''Alt+X'' (the same shortcut can be used to create [[Visual learning|picture extracts]] and [[Incremental video|video extracts]])
*To quickly create a cloze deletion from an extract you are reviewing in SuperMemo, select a keyword and press ''Alt+Z''
*To manually type in some notes use ''Alt+N''
*To quickly import many articles (or selections in articles) from Internet Explorer, use ''Shift+Ctrl+A'' ('''Edit : Import web pages : All'''). You can also use this option to import links, pictures, live pages and more
*To import articles from Wikipedia, press ''Shift+Ctrl+W''
*To import videos from YouTube, press ''Shift+Ctrl+Y'' (see [[Incremental_video|incremental video]])
*To quickly get images embedded in local pages imported from the net and make them local (i.e. put them to the image registry), use ''Ctrl+F8'' ('''Download images''' on the [[Component menu]])(see the picture) 

[[Image:Download images.jpg|center|800px|SuperMemo: Download images dialog box that makes it possible for you to get images embedded in local pages imported from the net and put them to the image registry (in the picture: The Year 2008 in Photographs from Boston.com)]]

*To quickly search the net for terms and concept used in your collection, press ''Ctrl+F3''. By default you can search most popular dictionaries, encyclopedias or use the most effective search engines. However, you can also define your own one-key searches of specific databases, e.g. of movies, musicians, freeware software, mp3 files, news, newsgroups, and more. For example, if you want to search for movies in the Internet Movie Database add the following line to your search tools file with '''Define your own tools''': ''&Movies, <nowiki>http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q="%TheText%"+imdb</nowiki>''
*To ensure the optimum proportion between reading and repetitions choose '''Learn : Sorting : Sorting criteria''' and set '''Proportion of topics'''
*To review the material belonging to a single subject, open the subject in the [[Browser]] (e.g. by searching for elements with ''Ctrl+F''), and use '''Learning : Learn''' (''Ctrl+Alt+L''), '''Learning : Review topics''' or '''Learning : Review all''' from the [[Processing multiple elements (Process collection/branch/browser)|subset processing menu]]. '''Review topics''' will let you review topics related to the subject. '''Review all''' will additionally force mid-interval repetition of all items in the subset (except those that have already been repeated today). '''Learning : Learn''' includes only the outstanding material in the review. See: [[Subset learning (Learn vs. Review)|Subset learning]]
*To let SuperMemo automatcially handle learning material overload (i.e. excess number of elements listed as '''Outstanding'''), check '''[[Learn_menu|Learn]] : Postpone : Auto-postpone '''on the [[Main_menu|main menu]]
*To postpone all outstanding articles (topics) use: (1) '''[[View menu|View]] : Outstanding''', (2) '''Child : Topics''' ([[Browser menu]]), and (3) '''Learning : Postpone''' ([[Processing multiple elements (Process collection/branch/browser)|subset processing menu]] or [[Keyboard shortcuts|''Ctrl+Alt+P'']]). You can use this procedure each time you run out of time for repetitions. This way, you will be able to spend your last minutes on making repetitions of items (see: [[Glossary#active_recall|active-recall]])
*To postpone all items in a branch (e.g. ''To Do'' branch): (1) choose this branch in the [[Contents window]], (2) choose '''View : Branch''' ([[Contents menu]] or ''Shift+Ctrl+Enter''), (3) '''Child : Items''' ([[Browser menu]]), and (3) '''Learning : Postpone''' ([[Processing multiple elements (Process collection/branch/browser)|subset processing menu]] or [[Keyboard shortcuts|''Ctrl+Alt+P'']])