NASPA Zyzzyva FAQ - Revision history

Judycole: /* Why do I not see definitions in search results for a NASPA Word List that I just loaded? */ REMOVED NO COLLINS DEFINITIONS LINE

2024-10-16T16:18:14Z

‎Why do I not see definitions in search results for a NASPA Word List that I just loaded?: REMOVED NO COLLINS DEFINITIONS LINE

Judycole: /* When will NASPA Zyzzyva be available for my platform? */ fixed brackets

2024-03-12T18:13:57Z

‎When will NASPA Zyzzyva be available for my platform?: fixed brackets

Judycole: updated mobile question

2024-03-12T18:13:25Z

updated mobile question

Judycole: /* How do I retain my quiz statistics and cardbox data when I want to study a different word list? */

2024-01-20T19:08:43Z

‎How do I retain my quiz statistics and cardbox data when I want to study a different word list?

Judycole: /* Why is NASPA involved with Zyzzyva? */

2024-01-20T16:38:44Z

‎Why is NASPA involved with Zyzzyva?

Judycole: /* Why is the program called Zyzzyva? */ spelling of scrabble

2024-01-20T16:37:26Z

‎Why is the program called Zyzzyva?: spelling of scrabble

Judycole: Updated for 3.4

2024-01-20T16:35:24Z

Updated for 3.4

AA000143: /* How can I transfer my Zyzzyva data from one computer to another? */ allude to sync capability

2022-03-14T19:08:07Z

‎How can I transfer my Zyzzyva data from one computer to another?: allude to sync capability

AA000143: link to NZM (for lack of a mobile FAQ); update some text to match NZ 3.3.0 help's FAQ content

2022-02-10T14:32:25Z

link to NZM (for lack of a mobile FAQ); update some text to match NZ 3.3.0 help's FAQ content

Judycole: /* How does the Cardbox system work? */ 2021-10-25 - Added link to Cardboxing articles

2021-10-26T03:12:56Z

‎How does the Cardbox system work?: 2021-10-25 - Added link to Cardboxing articles

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:18, 16 October 2024
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	Also, make sure that the Show Definitions option is checked in Word Table Preferences under the Edit menu.		Also, make sure that the Show Definitions option is checked in Word Table Preferences under the Edit menu.
−
−	~~Note that NASPA Zyzzyva's license to Collins word lists does not include definitions.~~

	=== When viewing search results, what are the marks at the beginning or end of certain words? ===		=== When viewing search results, what are the marks at the beginning or end of certain words? ===

@@ Line 37: / Line 37: @@
 NASPA Zyzzyva is currently available for the Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.
-As of version 3.3.0, there is a version for mobile devices, too! When NASPA took over Zyzzyva development, the iOS version was already two iOS updates obsolete. We have reinvented it as an app for iOS and Android, with much the same user interface as that pre-2014 app, but built upon the same base source code as the desktop version so that it can be developed in parallel and new features added. For more information on NASPA Zyzzyva Mobile, click [NASPA Zyzzyva Mobile|here].
+As of version 3.3.0, there is a version for mobile devices, too! When NASPA took over Zyzzyva development, the iOS version was already two iOS updates obsolete. We have reinvented it as an app for iOS and Android, with much the same user interface as that pre-2014 app, but built upon the same base source code as the desktop version so that it can be developed in parallel and new features added. For more information on NASPA Zyzzyva Mobile, click [[NASPA Zyzzyva Mobile|here]].
 == Supported Word Lists ==

@@ Line 37: / Line 37: @@
 NASPA Zyzzyva is currently available for the Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.
-As of version 3.3.0, there is now a version for mobile devices, too! When NASPA took over Zyzzyva development, the iOS version was already two iOS updates obsolete. We have reinvented it as an app for iOS and Android, with much the same user interface as that pre-2014 app, but built upon the same base source code as the desktop version so that it can be developed in parallel and new features added. For more information on NASPA Zyzzyva Mobile, visit http://zyzzyva.net/.
+As of version 3.3.0, there is a version for mobile devices, too! When NASPA took over Zyzzyva development, the iOS version was already two iOS updates obsolete. We have reinvented it as an app for iOS and Android, with much the same user interface as that pre-2014 app, but built upon the same base source code as the desktop version so that it can be developed in parallel and new features added. For more information on NASPA Zyzzyva Mobile, click [NASPA Zyzzyva Mobile|here].
 == Supported Word Lists ==

@@ Line 100: / Line 100: @@
 * Choose File > Cardbox.
-* Select the Lexicon - for example, NWL2020 - and Quiz Type - usually Anagrams.
+* Select the Lexicon - for example, NWL2023 - and Quiz Type - usually Anagrams.
 * Choose Import...
 * Select the lexicon from which you want to import data - for example, NWL2020 - and click OK.

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 === Why is NASPA involved with Zyzzyva? ===
-With the release of the OTCWL2014 and OSPD5 lexicons in 2014, Hasbro, Inc. began stronger enforcement of their copyrights on the word lists. This entailed a license agreement that would bind the licensee (Michael Thelen's Boshvark Software, LLC) to prevent the leakage of those lists, which had theretofore been a part of the Zyzzyva distribution. As a result, he decided to sell the product to NASPA, and the new NASPA Zyzzyva Committee began work to change the product so that it would comply with the terms of license, and to tie its availability to NASPA membership.
+With the release of the OTCWL2014 and OSPD5 lexicons in 2014, Hasbro, Inc. asked Michael Thelen to sign a license agreement that would bind him to prevent the leakage of the lists included with the Zyzzyva distribution. As a result, he decided to sell the product to NASPA, and the new NASPA Zyzzyva Committee began work to change the product so that it would comply with the terms of license, and to tie its availability to NASPA membership.
 Beginning with version 3.1.0, NASPA Zyzzyva includes Collins lexicons under license, allowing "bilexical" players to study the current international and North American tournament lexicons and the differences between them.

@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 === Why is the program called Zyzzyva? ===
-Michael Thelen writes: I wanted to pick a fun word that was somewhat unique. I knew zyzzyva was one of the most improbable words to be played in a SCRABBLE game, and I liked the sound of it. Later on, after I had picked the name, I realized that since zyzzyva was also the last word in alphabetical order (it has since been replaced by zzz), I could call Zyzzyva the last word in word study. I wish I could say I was smart enough to come up with that slogan from the start.
+Michael Thelen writes: I wanted to pick a fun word that was somewhat unique. I knew zyzzyva was one of the most improbable words to be played in a Scrabble game, and I liked the sound of it. Later on, after I had picked the name, I realized that since zyzzyva was also the last word in alphabetical order (it has since been replaced by zzz), I could call Zyzzyva the last word in word study. I wish I could say I was smart enough to come up with that slogan from the start.
 === Why is NASPA involved with Zyzzyva? ===

@@ Line 17: / Line 17: @@
 Version 3.2.0 removed protection from the NASPA tournament/club and school lexicons, and version 3.2.1 removed protection from the Collins lexicons. This meant that a license was no longer required for NASPA members to use these lexicons, except to perform a one-time decryption of any existing quiz statistics databases.
-Version 3.3.0 removed all vestiges of these licensing and decryption features. As of August 2021, NASPA and its activities are neither endorsed by nor affiliated with Hasbro or Mattel.
+Version 3.3.0 removed all vestiges of these licensing and decryption features. As of August 2021, NASPA Games and its activities are neither endorsed by nor affiliated with Hasbro or Mattel.
 === Why is Zyzzyva available for free? ===
@@ Line 102: / Line 102: @@
 * Select the Lexicon - for example, NWL2020 - and Quiz Type - usually Anagrams.
 * Choose Import...
-* Select the lexicon from which you want to import data - for example, NWL2018 - and click OK.
+* Select the lexicon from which you want to import data - for example, NWL2020 - and click OK.
 === How do I remove all my cardbox data? ===
@@ Line 122: / Line 122: @@
 The transfer should work regardless of the operating systems used on the two computers. For example, you should be able to transfer your data directory from a Windows computer to a Mac, or vice versa.
-You can also synchronize the data directories of multiple desktop and mobile devices over the Internet using a cloud provider. Please consult product documentation and consider the possible pitfalls before attempting this.
+If you have access to the Internet, you can tell Zyzzyva to synchronize its data directory with cloud storage, allowing you to use multiple computers and mobile devices to study using the same data. See the Help documentation for more details about data synchronization.
 === How can I change the location of my data directory? ===
-Here are general instructions for changing the location of your data directory. You may find it useful to move the data directory to facilitate the synchronization of data between Zyzzyva on multiple devices - for example, through Dropbox.
+Always be careful when doing this, so you don't lose important data that you've been working on.
-Be sure to follow these directions closely because manually manipulating the Zyzzyva data directory can be potentially dangerous to your data if you're not careful. You should probably read the full instructions before taking any action so you're familiar with what steps are required.
+While Zyzzyva is running, open the Preferences window and change the Data Directory setting to the new location. (Newer versions of Zyzzyva offer a Data Directory Wizard to help you with this.) Use the option to Move data after saving preferences. When you save preferences, Zyzzyva will close all open tabs, move the data directory, and restart itself in the new location.
 === Can I keep my Zyzzyva data on a USB thumb drive? ===
-Absolutely. This may be a good option for anyone wanting to use Zyzzyva on multiple computers without having to copy data directories back and forth. Simply copy your data directory onto the USB drive (using the process described to transfer Zyzzyva data from one computer to another). Then open the Preferences window and change the Data Directory setting to point to the data directory on the USB drive.
+Absolutely. This may be a good option for anyone wanting to use Zyzzyva on multiple computers without having to copy data directories back and forth or sign up for cloud storage. Simply copy your data directory onto the USB drive (using the process described to transfer Zyzzyva data from one computer to another). Then open the Preferences window and change the Data Directory setting to point to the data directory on the USB drive.
 == Word Probability ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:08, 14 March 2022
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	The transfer should work regardless of the operating systems used on the two computers. For example, you should be able to transfer your data directory from a Windows computer to a Mac, or vice versa.		The transfer should work regardless of the operating systems used on the two computers. For example, you should be able to transfer your data directory from a Windows computer to a Mac, or vice versa.
		+
		+	You can also synchronize the data directories of multiple desktop and mobile devices over the Internet using a cloud provider. Please consult product documentation and consider the possible pitfalls before attempting this.

	=== How can I change the location of my data directory? ===		=== How can I change the location of my data directory? ===

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 The '''NASPA Zyzzyva FAQ''', as with everything [[NASPA Zyzzyva|Zyzzyva]]-related, was originally written by [[Michael Thelen]] and then transferred to NASPA in 2014.
 == General ==
@@ Line 6: / Line 8: @@
 Michael Thelen writes: I wanted to pick a fun word that was somewhat unique. I knew zyzzyva was one of the most improbable words to be played in a SCRABBLE game, and I liked the sound of it. Later on, after I had picked the name, I realized that since zyzzyva was also the last word in alphabetical order (it has since been replaced by zzz), I could call Zyzzyva the last word in word study. I wish I could say I was smart enough to come up with that slogan from the start.
 === Why is Zyzzyva available for free? ===
@@ Line 25: / Line 37: @@
 NASPA Zyzzyva is currently available for the Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.
-Later in 2021, the new [[NASPA Zyzzyva Mobile]] app will be made available for iOS and Android devices. Please see that page for information about the mobile version.
+As of version 3.3.0, there is now a version for mobile devices, too! When NASPA took over Zyzzyva development, the iOS version was already two iOS updates obsolete. We have reinvented it as an app for iOS and Android, with much the same user interface as that pre-2014 app, but built upon the same base source code as the desktop version so that it can be developed in parallel and new features added. For more information on NASPA Zyzzyva Mobile, visit http://zyzzyva.net/.
 == Supported Word Lists ==
@@ Line 91: / Line 103: @@
 * Choose Import...
 * Select the lexicon from which you want to import data - for example, NWL2018 - and click OK.
 === How do I remove all my cardbox data? ===
@@ Line 183: / Line 193: @@
 Complicating the math even further is the fact that Zyzzyva calculates probabilities using a full 100-tile bag including two blanks. That may account for differences (usually minor) with other probabilities you may have seen calculated elsewhere, many of which use a 98-tile bag with no blanks.

@@ Line 77: / Line 77: @@
 === How does the Cardbox system work? ===
-The basic idea is that you must first tell Zyzzyva which words you'd like it to keep track of. You generally do this by performing a search, then right-clicking the search results, and choosing Add to Cardbox. Then Zyzzyva keeps track of those words and automatically quizzes you on the ones it thinks you need to see each day. When you miss a word frequently, Zyzzyva will show it to you more often. A more detailed explanation is given in the Help documentation.
+The basic idea is that you must first tell Zyzzyva which words you'd like it to keep track of. You generally do this by performing a search, then right-clicking the search results, and choosing Add to Cardbox. Then Zyzzyva keeps track of those words and automatically quizzes you on the ones it thinks you need to see each day. When you miss a word frequently, Zyzzyva will show it to you more often.
 === How do I retain my quiz statistics and cardbox data when I want to study a different word list? ===