FAQ
I am having trouble downloading or installing the Fluency Builder. TOP
First of all: Be sure you have permission to install software on your computer.
We highly recommend that you close all other applications.
Downloading is when you transfer a file from our server to your computer.
Installation is when, after you have downloaded, you open and run that file on your computer. This puts all of our files in the right places on your computer, so that you can use the software.
Some of our products have a “.exe” extension. It is normal for a computer to warn you about, and even initially block, downloading of exe files.
How long the download process takes depends on the size of the file, the speed of your modem, and the level of internet traffic at the time. On a medium speed DSL connection, we average approximately 6 minutes, but range from 4 to 30 minutes, when downloading Fluency Builder 1 (about 75 megabytes). If you have a dial-up connection, you may not be able to download our product successfully.
When you save a download file: make sure the location is one you will remember later when you want to install the download. Your computer likely came with a folder named “My Downloads” or something similar. Or, if you want to create a special folder on your desktop to which you always save downloads, follow these steps:
1. Right-click an unused area of your desktop.
2. Point to New and then click Folder.
3. Give the folder a name such as "My Downloads."
“I'm having trouble finding the file I downloaded.”
Here are two quick ways to find your file:
a. Initiate the download again and see which folder it would be saved to. This should be the same folder your missing file went to.
b. Click on the Windows "Start" button and choose “Search”, click on “All files and folders”, type m*setup in the file name box that appears, and press the “Enter” key to begin the search. This will find all Max and Max installation files on your computer.
How to install the software you downloaded: After you click on the download link, you are stepped through a very simple process that includes actually opening your software.
But if you would like to watch a short demo of how to download a file from the internet in Internet Explorer, click here.
If you would like to watch a demo of a basic software installation, click here.
1. Here’s a summary of how to download and install your product:
1. Click the download link on the download page or email.
2. A small window will pop up. Click the Save button. Do not click the Run button.
3. You will be prompted to select a location on your computer to which you will save the download. Select an appropriate location and click that Save button also.
4. When the file has finished downloading, you will see a second small window pop up. If you want to install the file immediately, click the Open button. This launches the installer, which leads you through a brief series of clicks. It will even end by opening the software, if you wish, thereby completing the process of installation.
5. If you do not want to immediately install the file, click the Close button. Later, when you are ready to install the download file, simply double-click the file to launch the installer.
If you downloaded the product but it won’t install: If you receive an error message such as "The installer you are trying to use is corrupted or incomplete", your file was probably truncated or corrupted during the transfer. If you check the size of the file you’ve downloaded, you will probably see that it is not as large as the stated file size on the download page or download email. You need to download it again.
Enabling Downloads in Internet Explorer: Your browser's security settings may be preventing file downloads and may or may not be displaying any notifications/warnings.
Click on Tools in the menu, then Internet Options. Choose the Security tab, make sure the zone selected is Internet, and then click on the Custom Level button. In the box that appears, scroll down the list to Downloads. Select Enable under "Automatic prompting for file downloads" and "File download." Click OK. Click OK on the Security tab. This will close the popup window.
Temporarily Disable or Adjust Anti-Virus and Firewall Programs: Security software such as Norton and McAfee may prevent your downloads from completing. If you have such a program installed and you are experiencing issues downloading your product, we recommend you temporarily disable or lower your anti-virus and firewall settings when purchasing from Max and Max.
Clear the Cache (Temporary Internet Files): If you cannot complete your download, you may need to clear the cache in your browser. Click here to see how to do this for your particular browser.
If you use Microsoft Internet Explorer 6, Max and Max recommends that,while in the Temporary Internet Files section, you click Settings. In the Settings box, make sure the size of the Temporary Internet Files folder is at least 80 MB. If you use Microsoft Internet Explorer 7, Max and Max recommends that, while in the in the Browsing History section, you click Settings and then make sure the Disk space is set to at least 80 MB.
After clearing your cache, attempt to download again.
Connection Termination: A possible reason for your system not being able to complete a download is that your Internet service provider (ISP) may automatically terminate your Internet connection if the ISP determines your connection has been idle for a certain number of minutes. You can contact your ISP to disable the automatic termination of your connection when downloading files.
If you have lost your Internet connection during a download, please do not try to open the partially-downloaded product. Restart your download.
What if I need product information that is not shown in the catalog? TOP
Email us to let us know what kind of information you need.
Why did the Fluency Builder program return to the blue Max and Max screen? TOP
As explained in the Tour video on our More Info page and in Getting Started, there are three reasons why the blue Max and Max splash screen will sometimes appear and interrupt a track.
- Inactivity: The student has not been responding for some time, or has responded a bit too slowly. Max and Max steps in to guard learning and attention by interrupting the track with the splash screen.
- A certain kind of error: Like inactivity, some situations are best handled by a mild interruption. It's like pushing the reset button in the student's mind. Whatever was interfering with the learning process is interrupted, and the student can immediately have a fresh start.
- Pressing the space bar: In our products, you can think of the space bar as the pause button.
In the screenshot at the right (click on it to enlarge), the title bar reads "Max and Max is WAITING...." The arrow is pointing to "Go back". Clicking on "Go back" or on "More rumble" will return the program to the appropriate place, depending on how much time has passed since becoming inactive.
During inactivity, the splash screen will rumble about every 30 seconds to remind you that Max and Max is waiting. By the way, the term "splash screen" often refers to the opening screen of a software product.
What is Max and Max's Employer Identification Number(EIN)? TOP
Our federal tax ID number is [20-5438083].
How can I decide if your Fluency Builder software is what I need? TOP
On several pages of our website, we have taken special care to address concerns that you may have about learning a new language. We have also made a special effort to keep our site as simple as possible, so that you can absorb what we have to say without distraction. Our software has been crafted to replicate an active foreign-language classroom experience as much as possible. It has a variety of interaction not found in other language software. Our program can be used successfully by anyone with the capacity for active learning. This includes normal reflexes and normal computer-mouse operations with limited response times. We will continue to release products that build on what we have put in the first ones. Our emphasis is on fluency within categories.
I am ready to place an order. How do I do this? TOP
(This information refers to our online catalog and shopping cart and does not necessarily apply to school orders. Schools can refer to the "Pricing and Ordering" documentation.)
As we are not currently offering CD versions, you simply choose the product you are interested in downloading. Once you have made your choice(s), you will be guided step by step through the purchasing process. For more help, you can click on the Shopper's Guide link and leave that popup window open as you proceed.
You will also have the option to tell us to remember your name and address the first time you order, in which case we will save the information for your future transactions.
When you see the "Thanks" sign after placing your order, you will know that you have successfully completed the order process.
Your Product ID (registration code) will come by email with download orders. Keep your Product ID in a safe place, because, after you install your software, you will be asked for your Product ID.
If you have ordered a download, a link for downloading the software will be emailed to you. Your link is valid for 30 hours. We realize that many factors these days can affect email and download schedules; therefore we have allowed plenty of time for your convenience. Keep in mind that your product can only be downloaded on the computer used to place the order.
