FLEXIBLE PETS

This month CRASH Course winds its educational way over the latest offerings from two of the smaller software houses. Now it's over to that media megastar of The Highlands, the one and only Rosetta McLeod...

Teachers Pet Software originally started as a mail order supplier in May 1987. They drew their inspiration from ideas suggested to them from the schools in their area. TPS make a point of writing all their programs in BASIC - allowing their products to be examined and modified for specific uses. All the software is available on cassette or microdrive cartridge and each program costs £3.50, or £15.00 for a pack of five (a media conversion service is also available). Teacher's Pet are keen to hear from teachers or parents who have suggestions of subjects for new programs. You can contact Teachers Pet Software at 175 Craigton Road, Aberdeen AB1 7UA.

MURDER MOST FOUL

Here we have a Killed Until Dead for youngsters. The user takes the part of Inspector Nickem. A murder has taken place and the Inspector has arrived at the gate of the house. His task is to move around the various locations and find all the important clues. The computer accepts single letter directional commands, eg N and S, but in response to the 'What are you to do?' prompt, a verb/noun command is expected, eg EXAMINE WINDOW, TAKE FINGERPRINT KIT. I am a great believer in the use of adventure programs as a way of stimulating discussion and problem-solving skills, and for upper primary children this adventure is an enjoyable and motivational resource. The graphics are attractive, and my one criticism would be that at times the response to a command can be rather slow. Due to a save game option, it is possible to keep the adventure as an ongoing class project.