Using Hoot
Hoot consists of several windows or screens for navigating the options. Hoot has three basic screen types, including the Opening screen, individual search screens, and slide show screens. The Opening screen is where users select the various options to go to a search screen with fields for entering text and selecting a search function.
The searches have now been condensed into fewer screens with multiple options. Older, single function search screens have been retired. The two main search screens are the Predefined Lists and Combination Searches. In Predefined Lists you can get an assortment of lists that are common for general study, including Vowel Heavy words, words with Q but not U, words with double I's, High Fives, and others. The Combination Search screen is where you do more specific searches by entering a set of characters and select anagrams, hooks, or other options. You can also filter by selecting prefixes, suffixes, or based on available letters. There are other more specialized searches. From all search screens you can show a slide show of the results. Within the slide show you can then select to show a smaller slide show.
The interface for Hoot may vary as features are added. For me, using multiple screens is easier to develop with, and I figure using buttons instead of drop down menus may also be easier for many users. Future editions may provide for fewer screens to navigate, or a single front screen to replace the various Search screens. Performance can also be improved by incorporating more options on a single screen.
Two control keys that you may find useful in most search screens are the F1 key that opens help to the relevant topic, and the ESC key that either clears the search box, closes the context menu display, or closes the screen. As functions are added and changed, the help may not be in sync.
There is also a Word Judge screen that can be locked by a password, and context menu search screens. Word Judge is most useful in word game tournaments and can also be run independently by adding /judge on the commandline or using the Word Judge shortcut provided.
Getting Started
One of the first things you will want to do before seriously using Hoot is select or create a lexicon. Selecting a lexicon is done in the Settings menu. Hoot is distributed with a limited number of lexicons due to apparent copyright issues and to minimize the size of the program.
Popup Searches
One feature of most searches is the ability to bring up a context sensitive window to search for any word in the list. Select a word and right click on your mouse to view the options. Read more about this in Context Menus.
Navigating Result Lists
When results are displayed in one or more boxes, you can page through any of the lists using navigation keys, Home, Page Up, Page Down, End, and any arrow key, but you do have to click a word in the list first.
Resizing Windows
The windows default to a set size and position next to the Opening screen, or centered in the monitor,, but most windows in Hoot can be resized to suit your needs. When resized, elements on the windows may either move or expand/contract with the size of the window. This may be desired if you have customized the display and use large fonts for the display or want to see the complete list. This includes the popup windows for selected word searches.