Hello, and welcome to working version 4 of Biofilms: The hypertextbook. The current, publicly advertised version is Version 3, found at
If you want to use a version of the hypertextbook that will not change through the summer of 2009, please use Version 3 at this link.
If, on the other hand, you would like to see the most recent extensions to the hypertextbook. by all means continue with Version 4. Just be aware of the issues discussed below.
If this is your first look at the hypertextbook, you should review all of the help sections in the "help" dropdown menu above to learn how to use the hypertextbook and to get the most benefit from it. Our suggestion is that you read this page first and then review the other pages.
Whether you have arrived at this working version, Version 4, of the hypertextbook by chance or invitation, you need to be aware that it is a work in progress. It will change regularly throughout the summer of 2009. It certainly is useable as it is, but it would probably not be a good idea to use it for a summer class, given its changing nature. Instead, you should use version 3, described above.
You should expect some anomalies as you work your way through this version, because there are some. You will see some stylistic things that need to be fixed, a few links that don't work, occasional missing pictures, misspellings, and so forth. The stylistic changes are easy, coming through straightforward style sheet changes. Missing items are the result of the ongoing process of adding new content. As you check back, you should experience regular progress in all of these areas.
A number of technical changes are being incorporated into this version of the hypertextbook. We will mark major updates and revisions as a new release of Version 4, and will highlight those changes here with each revision.
A number of content changes will be incorporated into this version of the hypertextbook. We will mark major updates and revisions as a new release of Version 4, and will highlight those changes here with each revision.
Student self test quizzes with feedback have begun to be incorporated. Examples now are available in some of the sections of chapter 1 on the green track.
We hope you enjoy the new version of the hypertextbook and encourage your use of it as it evolves. Please feel free to pass along comments to any of the editors:
Technical Oversight: Rocky Ross — ross AT cs DOT montana DOT edu
Content Oversight: Al Cunningham — al_c AT biofilm DOT montana DOT edu
Content Editor and Contributor: John Lennox — jel5 AT psu DOT edu