Q1: Which is the most recent Prelude chatbot version?
A: That will be "Prelude@#" (aka PreludeSHARP), the 3rd generation of Prelude, coded in C#
Q2: So what and where are 1st and 2nd generation?
A: The Prelude project started out with "Prelude" (now "Prelude basic, version 1.22") coded in C++. About half a year later i re-designed Prelude in Java and added IRC - bot support (aka PreludeJ and PreludeIRC, the 2nd gen.) Recently another re-design in memory management gave birth to Prelud@#, 3rd generation
Q3: Does Prelude contain spyware?
A: Certainly not! Prelude is "clean"...
Q4: Which languages does Prelude support?
A: Prelude supports any language, as long as you use a latin alphabet. It learns your language through chatting with you! However, there is (yet!) only a German memory package to download, if you do not want to start chatting from the scratch. Once you have created a memory file in your mother tongue, let me know!
Q5: How many sentences does my memory file contain after chatting all night long with Prelude?
A: Open Prelude's menu item "Tools|Count memory". It will tell you how many sentences are stored already in your mdu file.
Q6: A memory file can contain a maximum of ? sentences?
A: A memory file is only limited by your computer's RAM. More than enough to make Prelude pretty smart! (About 33000 sentences make up one MB)
Q7: How does this strange "re-think" button work? (basic version only!)
A: The "re-think" Button gives you the ability to guide Prelude's learning process. If you find Prelude's answer completely off the topic, you may let her "re-think" her response - this of course works only, if there is more than one answer for her to give. The advantage of such guided learning will be especially usefull in later stages, when your memory file is increasing, and Prelude seems to be hooked on some recuring expressions, you dont want her to spend to much time on. However: the less you use this method of interference, the more freely Prelude develops. (If no alternative is available - especially when beginning with an empty file - the re-think button will be grayed out)....
Q8: What do i have to do in order to share my personal memory file with other users?
A: Either you publish a link to your downloadable file on the message board or you send a copy to lenni_lop@yahoo.de
Q9: I dont want to start from scratch. Where can i download other memory files?
A: Have a look at the TOP 10 list or message board for downloadable memory files. If you are German speaking, have a look at the distribution you downloaded. There should be a German memory file in the "data"-directory to start with...
Q10: Does Prelude have different modes of expression?
A: Basicly there are three possible responses you might get, while chatting with Prelude. (1) If Prelude doesnt have any appropriate response to your input at all, it will simply repeat your input, thus asking you to give a proper answer to that question yourself (for her to apply at a later time). In this way you teach her possible responses. (2) If Prelude finds several possible answers to your input, it will come up with one response it thinks fit. If there are alternatives, you can change her answer if you like to (see question Q5 on "re-think" button. (3) Finally, if Prelude finds only one possible response without alternative, she will come up with that one - whether you like it or not ;-)
Q11: Can I customize Prelude's GUI (graphical user interface)?
A: Sure. At least you can change Prelude's picture (vers. 1.22 and higher). Simply click on the picture and a menu opens, which allows you to chose any picture instead of the default one. Thus you can have your girl/boyfriend or a funny character chatting with you.
Q12: How does Prelude work?
A: Have a look at the how it works page...
Q13: Where do i send bug reports to?
A: Have a look at the contact page...
Q14: What is this "Contribution" feature all about?
A: "Contribution" is available only in Prelude@# and kind of a rudimentary update mechanism. Right now Prelude can contribute her mind file information to a server based database which incorporates and generates custom mind files - learning on a global score :~) In the future this will be bi-directional, allowing users to improve a bots mind via download... See the message board for news.