axon
  1. Can Axon run on Mac, Linux or other non-Windows platforms?
  2. What are the main differences between the Lite and Plus versions?
  3. What is the difference between an Idea Processor and a Word Processor?
  4. Can Axon be used for mind mapping?
  5. Is there a version other than English?
  6. Why is Prolog used to develop Axon?
  7. How is the software sold?
  8. Do you have student/education discount? money back policy?
  9. Can one user with one license install on more than one machine?
  10. Is there a hardcopy Manual or CD?
  11. Is there a user group or discussion forum?
  12. I cannot access the Help files.

1. Can Axon run on Mac, Linux or other non-Windows platforms?

Axon runs only on Windows XP/Vista and Windows 7 and 8, but not on Windows 95/98/ME/CE/NT/2000, MacOS, Unix, Linux. The Intel-based Mac computers can run Axon using dual-boot or virtual machine.

2. What are the main differences between the Lite and Plus versions?

The Lite Version allows saving of files with 20 or less entities and does not perform spell checking. There is no expiry time for the Lite Version.

3. What is the difference between an Idea Processor and a Word Processor?

    COMPARISON Idea Processor Word Processor
    Function
    Abstraction
    Structure
    Focus
    Relations
    Navigation
    Application
 Process-oriented
High level
Network
Content
Explicit arrows
Pointing
Thinking
 Product-oriented
Low level
Linear
Formatting
None or implied
Scrolling up/down
Copy typing

4. Can Axon be used for mind mapping?

Axon can be used for mind mapping (see mindmap example created in Axon), but Axon has also overcome some serious problems associated with mind mapping:

Very often we do not know the main (central) idea at the onset, or there may be several main ideas.
The first idea that comes to mind need not be the main idea. Ideas never come in the correct sequence for mind mapping.
One should not be forced to associate ideas if there is no (or little) association in the first place. Spuriously drawing links produces a wrong structure which is very hard to undo.
Every mind map structure is the same - always tree-like. Hence it is not possible to do diagramming with mind maps.
A mind map is not how we store ideas in our brain. The Meat Machine diagram gives a more accurate description.
Only the simplest problems can be solved top-down. The harder problems also require bottom-up thinking (not supported by mind mapping).
Many other techniques associated with Buzan-like mind maps are flawed. Mind mapping technology is like the dictating machines of the past.

5. Is there a version other than English?

Axon is in English only. The Axon User Group (Files Section) has some files translated by users to other languages.

6. Why is Prolog used to develop Axon? PDC Denmark

Axon is developed entirely in Visual Prolog developed by Prolog Development Center of Denmark.
The rationale for this is described in the following papers:
pdf icon Developing an Idea Processor in Prolog presented at the VIP-ALC Conference 2006.
pdf icon Visualizing Visual Prolog (using Axon) presented at the VIP-ALC Conference 2008.

7. How is the software sold?

The AXON Idea Processor is developed and marketed directly by Axon Research based in Singapore. The product is usually ordered online using the secured system at our Order page. Upon confirmation of order, we will send you an email (within 24 hours) containing the License Key and Name to convert the Lite Version into the Plus Version. We do not use distributors.

8. Do you have student/education discount? money back policy?

We do offer quantity discount but not student discount for single copy. Education institutions can arrange for special pricing when purchasing in quantity. We do not have a money back policy.

9. Can one user with one license install on more than one machine?

The Axon license is per user, which means that it can be installed on multiple machines for use by the licensed user.

10. Is there a hardcopy Manual or CD? Axon CD

Since Axon2009, the hardcopy manual is no longer produced. This is to conserve natural resources and reduce cost. All documentation is now accessed from the Help menu.

A User Guide in PDF format is available, courtesy of Bernard Carrier from OpsPro Inc based on the Help file.

We also no longer produce an installation CD.

11. Is there a user group or discussion forum?

See Axon Users Group.

12. I cannot access the Help files.

See Known Problems #2.

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