Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does NICOLE stand for?

A: NICOLE is an acronym which stands for NEARLY INTELLIGENT COMPUTER OPERATED LANGUAGE EXAMINER.


Q: Where can I find the latest version of NICOLE?

A: The lastest version of NICOLE can be downloaded from http://nicole.sourceforge.net


Q: NICOLE doesn't talk to me, all I get back from it is *I'm speechless* What am I doing wrong?

A: You aren't doing anything wrong. You can't expect NICOLE to know everything from a blank database. The knowledge base needs to grow over time and use. When you encounter a *I'm speechless* response, NICOLE doesn't know how to answer, so it gives up and starts up a new conversation thread.


Q: How can I populate the dictionary with words?

A: NICOLE automatically populates the database with new words that it encounters as it is used. There is also the 'import' program in which you can import a text file, listing a single word per line. The words in the text file must be uppercase for it to word.


Q: Words are fine, what about sentences.

A: Likewise, NICOLE populates the database with new sentences and phrases as it is used. At this stage however, I'm working on an import utility, similar to the 'word import' that also includes sentences and links.


Q: I want to help with the development of NICOLE, where do I join up?

A: Simply go to http://sourceforge.net/projects/nicole and read up on the latest and greatest about NICOLE. Join into the discussion groups, and suggest ideas to add to the project (even become a programmer to the group) You can submit patches to the NICOLE team via the sourceforge web site at the address http://sourceforge.net/patch/?group_id=2968


Q: I've got more questions to ask, where are the answers?

A: If you need help, or want to ask questions then go the the support request area at Sourceforge. You can log support requests for nicole at http://sourceforge.net/support/?group_id=2968



Phil Howlett
19th June 2000