FAQs
Why does the Microsoft Windows version of the software reject my product key as an invalid key?
Here are some of the common reasons why the software will not accept the product key:
The installation program will install four software products (ex. Private Pilot Oral Exam Prep, Flight Review Prep, etc.). Each product will have in icon that is identical in appearance to the other products, but it will labeled for the product database it represents. You have to launch the specific program you have the product key for, in order to activate the appropriate database. In other words, you cannot launch Private Pilot Oral Exam Prep and then enter the product key for Flight Review Prep.
The product key is twelve characters. The first two characters are an alphabetical character. The remaining ten characters are numbers. If the letter 'O' is entered instead of the number '0' for any of the last ten characters in the product key, it will be rejected.
Why doesn't the program automatically score my answer as correct or incorrect?
The program content is created to realistically simulate actual questions that might be asked during a FAA oral exam, flight review, or IPC. When questions are asked in an oral examination format, it is common for the question to require an answer that is more involved than a simple phrase. Frequently, the answer might require an illustration or a semi-detailed explanation. Therefore, the program requires that you score your own answer as correct or incorrect.
What is the .NET Framework?
The .NET Framework is an extension of the Microsoft Windows operating system from Microsoft. This extension is necessary for many modern software programs. Version 3.0 of the .NET Framework was released as a component of Windows Vista. Version 3.5 was released as a component of Windows 7. Version 4.0 was released as a "recommended update" from Microsoft in April 2010.
Most computers running Windows Vista or Windows 7, that are periodically updated with "Windows Update", will have version 4.0 of the .NET Framework already installed.
The .NET Framework is not required for the Apple Mac version.
Why does my computer hang or freeze when I run Setup.exe for the Microsoft Windows version?
The installation program usually takes less than 60 seconds on most computer systems.
If your computer did not have version 4.0 of the .NET Framework, the installation program will offer to install it. This process involves downloading a 29 to 41 MB file of from Microsoft, which can take a considerable amount of time without a high speed internet connection. After the download, installing the .NET Framework requires five to ten minutes for most computers.
Unfortunately, the Install Shield program provides very limited feedback to the computer user during the download and installation of the .NET Framework. You will see an Install Shield window that indicates the .NET Framework is being installed, as well as an animated strobing progress bar, but you will not have any visual indication of the degree of progress during this sometimes lengthy process.
Can I save my score file to a USB memory stick and transfer it to another computer so that I can study in more than one location or on more than one computer?
For the Microsoft Windows version, Windows Explorer can be used to copy the score file to removable media, such as a USB memory stick. The score file name is "scores.dat". The file location is in the Local Applications directory for programs. In Windows 7, this location is: C:\Users\<YourUserName>\AppData\Local\First Solo Software\ FSS Exam Preps\
For the Apple Mac version, Finder can be used to copy the score file to removable media, such as a USB memory stick. The score file name is "xxScores.dat". The file location is in the Application Support directory for applications. In Mac OS X 10.6, this location is: /Users/<YourUserName>/Library/Application Support/First Solo Software/<software product name>/. In Mac OS X 10.7 the folder tree is the same, but the operating system will hide the user's Library folder by default. Refer to Apple documentation on how to configure Finder to view this library.
Why does the program sometimes display an illustration and other times it does not?
Sometimes illustrations are used to help clarify a question or as an aid to learning. Therefore, each question might or might not have an illustration displayed with the question. When the answer is shown, the same illustration for the question might remain visible or a new illustration might be shown with the answer.
When does the program randomize the question order for a Drill Session? How do I re-randomize the cards in the same Drill Session?
When the Drill Session begins, the program will randomize the sequence of all the questions selected for the current Drill Session.
If you have not yet completed a Drill Session, but would like to re-randomize the sequence of the questions, click on the "Exit Drill" button. Select the same topic, then click on the "Start Drill" button.
How do I determine the version of the program that I have installed?
For the Microsoft Windows version, select the Help menu. Click on "About..."
For the Apple Mac version, select the software product name menu. Click on "About..."
How can I obtain technical support for the program?
You can contact First Solo Software, LLC via the Contact Form on this website.
What are the system and hardware requirements for the Microsoft Windows version?
The program requires one of the following operating systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP Home or Professional with SP3 or later, Windows Server 2008 or 2003.
Additionally, the program requires Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 Client to be installed; however, the setup.exe program will offer to install this if it is not present.
Hardware requirements are: a 1 GHz or higher processor, at least 512 MB of RAM, approximately 50 MB of hard disk space, and a screen resolution of 1024 x 600 or better.
What are the system and hardware requirements for the Apple Mac version?
The program requires Mac OS X 10.6 or later.
A screen resolution of 1280 by 800, or better, is optimal. The software files will take approximately 50 MB of hard disk space.
What is SP3 in relation to Windows XP?
SP3 is an abbreviation for Service Pack 3. It is an update to the Windows XP operating system, provided my Microsoft. It can be obtained at the "Windows Update" site at www.microsoft.com.