All versions of STACS consist of four separate applications. A brief description of each is given below.

1. The Installer: STACS is installed by running the appropriate installer on the server for Server versions or on a laptop or PC for the Local Machine version. Follow the instructions on the “Installation Instructions” page of this site or in the STACS Installation & Operating Manual available in the Downloads tab to install STACS.

2. The Main Application: This is the application that performs all the administrative functions of STACS. It facilitates the addition of teachers, classes and students; editing, deleting, viewing, printing, uploading test files, etc.

The STACS hierarchical structure of teacher, class, student is crucial to its proper functioning. Use the network workstation where the STACS Main Application has been installed to add teachers, classes and students using the Add menu of STACS. As you do so, you can view all the other facilities available within the application. Make sure if you are using the full STACS Server Multi Teacher Version or the full STACS Server Single Teacher Version that a valid security dongle supplied on purchase of a STACS Server Version Licence is attached to this machine.

Double click the STACS Main Application or the desktop shortcut to start the application. You will be presented with a password validation screen on which you must enter a valid password to proceed. You can enter STACS with instructions or bypass the instructions once you are familiar with STACS. You are then presented with the main menu strip and a set of toolbars. You can now proceed to build your teacher folder by adding your teacher name and then adding classes and students. If you wish, you can use the STACS Local Machine Version to create your teacher folder, back it up to a distribution medium and upload it to the server using the Restore Teacher Folder from Backup item of the Update menu. Take care to follow the instructions carefully if you are creating a teacher folder by this method if the teacher folder is ever to be used with a server version of STACS. Creating a teacher folder while connected to the server is preferable as the server needs the log on name of the teacher logged on and can read it directly. Instructions for using all the main menu items of STACS are covered on the ‘STACS Features’ page.

3. The STACS Offline Test Creator: This handles the creation of test files for later student testing. This facilitates the creation of Test Files on any laptop or PC at any location.

4. The Sit Test Application: This is used when a student group (class) is ready to sit a test. Full instructions for use are given in the Sitting A Test tab of the top menu or in the STACS Installation & Operation Manual available in the Downloads tab. This application is run from individual student workstations while they are logged on.