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                         THE SHAREWARE USERS GUIDE
     
                SUMMARY OF TOPICS IN ORDER OF PRESENTATION
     Types of software: shareware, public domain, freeware, commercial
     Eight easy steps to using shareware FAST!
     Minimum DOS commands for using shareware
     Copying the master disk
     The directory listing of a shareware disk
     File names and extensions - the keys to the kingdom
     A turbocharged shortcut
     Unpacking and installing, including ARCS, ZIPS, LZH and more
     Configuring the program if necessary
     Running the program
     Feedback: either register or send your regrets!
     Common questions and answers
     Recommended reading list for shareware users and authors
     
     ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
     
        SHAREWARE, PUBLIC DOMAIN, FREEWARE AND COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE
                   
     ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
     SHAREWARE is software which has been prepared by a variety of
     individuals and companies. The concept governing shareware is 
     that you "try before you buy." Shareware is above all a unique
     marketing experiment which operates on the "honor system."
     In practice, shareware is frequently of the same quality as 
     commercial software. However, it uses a different, and somewhat 
     less expensive method of marketing which involves letting 
     others freely copy, use and distribute the shareware. What you 
     receive from your friend at work, computer club, commercial 
     shareware disk distributor or BBS modem system is a "disk 
     evaluation copy" which you may use, copy and above all TRY. 
     
     Documentation and instructions for program use are usually 
     contained within special text files on the same disk as the 
     program and sometimes take a little detective work to locate.
     Formal printed documentation and instruction books may also
     be available from the author.
     
     If you like what you find and use the program consistently -
     many shareware authors suggest 30 days, but this is not a 
     firm rule - then you are expected to register the shareware 
     by submitting a fee usually by mail to the author which 
     frequently brings additional benefits sent back to you by 
     the author of the shareware. Above all, it is legal to copy, 
     distribute and USE shareware.
     Computers improve the world, shareware improves computers 
     and registration is what improves and motivates shareware 
     programmers who are called "authors" in the trade. 
     
     If you do not submit a registration fee AT LEAST send a
     postcard with your thoughts on why improvement is needed.
     You just might NEED and USE the revised version which is
     produced due to your funding or critique. Either way, feedback
     is essential to the shareware process!
     
     The registration fee requested by the author is a matter of good 
     conscience since shareware registration fees are paid by
     users directly to the author "on the honor system." Paying 
     an honest registration fee frequently means you will receive 
     additional disks for the program or further instruction 
     documents, bonus items or other "inducements" directly from the 
     author. 
     
     Registration is more than this though: on a human scale your 
     registration fee is supporting a small company or individual 
     who shows you how to use and understand a computer. A programmer 
     is a craftsman whose tools are logic and considerable creativity. 
     Your registration check is a special bond which allows this 
     quiet "honor system" of submitting your registration fee 
     for a programming job well done to motivate creative programmers 
     to produce some rather astonishing products! 
     
     The best way to summarize is this: you are not registering a 
     product, you are helping a person or small company do something 
     which improves how man uses the computer, most important tool of 
     this century. Paying a registration fee to the author of the 
     program rewards technical craftsmanship for providing creative 
     computer solutions at unbelievably low cost. Good programmers are 
     rare creatures - a small registration check goes a long way and 
     means a lot to a small shareware author!               
     PUBLIC DOMAIN software is a second type of computer software 
     which is NOT copyrighted and has no other legal restrictions
     as to use by the general public. The author may or may not
     be identified. Most public domain programs result from the
     efforts of a programmer who designs a small piece of software 
     for personal use. The author may not decide to invest 
     additional time in developing and marketing the software due to 
     lack of market knowledge or lack time and funds to effectively 
     develop it into a larger commercial or shareware package.
     For these and other reasons, the author does not copyright the
     software and allows it to be copied, used or even incorporated 
     into other software packages since it is part of the public 
     domain available for the common good.
     FREEWARE is related to BUT NOT the same as public domain 
     software. Freeware requires no registration fee or reimbursement 
     for use by the public but the copyright is RETAINED BY THE 
     AUTHOR who notes a copyright restriction within the body or
     documentation of the software. A reason for this subtle
     difference is that the author may, at a future date, wish to
     reclaim all or part of the software or modify and reissue
     the software as shareware or commercial software. The copyright 
     continues the unique claim of the author to the product.
     COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE is computer software provided by a company 
     or individual which is generally marketed via retail, wholesale 
     or other commercial means but does not use or promote a 
     registration fee concept, a "try before you buy" concept, and
     does not use or promote sharing copies of the program among 
     individuals or other enterprises. The user is expected to purchase 
     the right to use the package BEFORE being allowed to use the 
     software extensively.
     Note that either purchase or registration of any software 
     package does not mean you own the package, merely THE RIGHT AND 
     LICENSE TO USE IT. The author or company which produced it owns 
     the software programming code and is granting you a LICENSE to use 
     it in exchange for a fee or other compensation. In essence you 
     do not buy or own software, you merely license its use. The 
     author owns it.
  1. —————————————————————

EIGHT EASY STEPS TO USING SHAREWARE

  1. ————————————————————–

Print this section and keep it next to your computer! These

     steps are the secrets to using shareware! We will look at each 
     suggestion in greater detail in just a moment . . .
     
     1) Make a copy of the shareware disk, store your original
        and work with the copy.
     2) Do a DIRECTORY LISTING of the disk(s) on paper or your
        monitor screen.
     3) Determine FILE TYPES using extensions and filename clues.
     4) Read DOCUMENTATION and TEXT FILES if available on disk.
     5) Unpack and install the program.
     6) Configure the program if necessary.
     7) Run the program.
     8) Submit a registration fee or at least postcard(s)
        with your regrets to the author and the disk vendor.
  1. —————————————————————

MINIMUM DOS COMMANDS FOR USING SHAREWARE

     
     ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
     
     Before we move forward, a brief refresher course in several
     basic DOS operations without which a shareware disk is useless.
                              DOS SYNTAX
     A DOS command must always use the same syntax illustrated
     below:
     COMMAND <blank space> WHAT? <space> WHERE? <press return/enter>
     Example: COPY PCLEARN.TXT B:  <press return/enter key>
     Example: TYPE PCLEARN.DOC     <press return/enter key>
     In the second example DOS assume the WHERE is the screen.
     In the first example DOS needs to be told that a copy
     of a file is to be sent to the B: floppy drive.
     NOTE! Generally DOS commands, drive letters and filenames
     and be typed in upper or lower case or both, since DOS
     is not fussy in that respect. It is ok to use capital letters, 
     small letters or any combination.
                              THE DIR COMMAND
     
     An essential command which displays the names of the files 
     on a disk.
     Example: A>DIR <press return/enter>   
     
     Lists files on the diskette your are in THE DEFAULT DRIVE, in 
     this case is A:
     Example: A>DIR B:
     Lists files in the B: drive. We have omitted the <press enter/
     return> since you already know this is necessary after a DOS
     command.
     Example: A>DIR /P
     List files in current default drive but pause after each 
     screenful of information.
     Example: A>DIR B: /P
     Same as above, but list the files on B: drive with a pause.
     Example: A>DIR /W  
     List current default drive but display in wide screen mode
     for numerous files.
     NOTE! With any DOS operation which rapidly fills and overflows
     the screen with data, try pressing CTRL-S (control or ctrl key
     plus the S key together at same time) to pause the screen.
     Any key touched resumes the scrolling display and CTRL-S
     repeated pauses again. Very handy!
     NOTE! Switching drives is easy. If you see this:    A>
     and you want to change the default drive to this:   B>
     then simply do this:       A>B:   <press return/enter>
     Switching default drives is an essential skill!
                            THE FORMAT COMMAND
     This prepares a blank disk to receive new information. You must
     format disks out of the package from the store before you can 
     use them. Formatting tests a disk and installs magnetic tracks
     where information will later reside.
     Examples:
     C>FORMAT A:           format floppy in A:
     A>FORMAT B:           format floppy in B:
     C>FORMAT B:/S         see below for explanation . . .
     The last example formats the disk in B: drive and also adds the
     special system files so that the disk can be self starting
     or self booting. Not essential with most disk you will work 
     with. You MUST have the special file FORMAT.COM on your disk or 
     hard drive to able to do this operation since FORMAT.COM normally
     resides EXTERNALLY on a floppy or in a special area of your hard 
     drive.
                      THE COPY AND DISKCOPY COMMANDS
     Moves, copies and even renames files as they pass from one
     disk to another.
     Examples:
     A>COPY *.* B:    Copies ALL files (indicated by *.*) to the
                      B: floppy drive.
     A>DISKCOPY A: B: 
     This is a variation of the copy command. The above example will
     copy the ENTIRE contents of the diskette in the A: drive to the
     B: drive. DISKCOPY.COM is an external file and must be available
     to be used! The COPY command is an internal command (always 
     resides in your computer's RAM memory and is thus ALWAYS 
     AVAILABLE - unlike DISKCOPY.COM)
     
     A>DISKCOPY A: A:
     This is a variation of the diskcopy command. The above example will
     copy the ENTIRE contents of the diskette in the A: drive to the
     A: drive for those using ONLY a single floppy drive system and
     perhaps not having a B: or C: drive. In essence, this variation
     copies the SOURCE diskette into memory, allows you to remove the
     SOURCE diskette, insert a blank formatted TARGET diskette and 
     transfer the files to that new floppy. Useful for those having only 
     a single floppy drive.
     C>COPY A:*.* B:
     Copies all files from A: to B: while still in the C: default
     directory.
     C>COPY A:HAPPY.DOC B:
     Copies only the file HAPPY.DOC to B:
     NOTE! DISKCOPY is an external command and must be on the disk
     or in the default directory to work. COPY is an internal command
     and is always available at the DOS command line. We mentioned 
     this before, but it is worth repeating . . . 
                               TYPE COMMAND 
     Lets you view the internal contents of a file on the screen.
     If the file is in ASCII or english text (same thing) you will be 
     able to read it. If the file is not ASCII then you will see
     symbols which are gibberish. Only text or ASCII files are
     readable for the most part.
     Examples:
     C>TYPE MANUAL.DOC 
     Type the contents of the file MANUAL.DOC to the screen. Remember
     to use CTRL-S to pause, any key to resume scrolling and
     CTRL-S to pause again.
     A>TYPE B:MANUAL.DOC
     Type the file MANUAL.DOC which is located on the B: drive to the 
     screen.
                               PRINT COMMAND
     There are actually two ways to print text or documentation files 
     on your printer.
     
     Examples:
     C>PRINT EXAMPLE.DOC
     Prints on your printer the contents of the file EXAMPLE.DOC.
     Note that PRINT command is an external file and must be present
     in the default drive to be used!
     C>TYPE EXAMPLE.DOC>PRN
     This is a useful alternative method of accomplishing the same 
     result by using the TYPE command which is an internal command, 
     always available and redirecting the output to a printer. The small
     > symbol is found as a shifted period mark on most keyboards
     and in other locations on your keyboard. Be sure to find and try 
     the > symbol. 
     NOTE! To stop printing use the CTRL-C key combination to stop the 
     printing and completely abort. CTRL-C works to abort just about 
     ANY DOS operation safely.
  1. —————————————————————

COPYING THE MASTER DISK

     
     ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
     
     Now that you know a little DOS, be aware that the first step to 
     accomplish with any disk of shareware is to copy your original 
     diskette onto another blank formatted floppy. Then work with the 
     copy and safely store the original just in case a problem 
     arises, a file is deleted, or you accidentally copy other files 
     over the shareware program diskette you need. It's a good idea to
     also put a write protect tab over the notch of the original disk
     before you use it so that data cannot accidentally be deleted.
  1. —————————————————————

THE DIRECTORY LISTING OF A SHAREWARE DISK

     
     ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
     
     The next step is to use the DIR command to list the contents
     of a disk so you can do a little detective work and determine
     the disk contents and locate the instruction text files which 
     are probably contained on the disk.
     We have already given examples for listing a directory to the 
     screen in our previous DOS lesson. Another option is to print 
     the directory on your printer and carefully highlight or pencil 
     notes about the files on the paper which is a good idea for 
     beginners at first.
     Example for printing a directory of a disk onto paper:
     A>DIR B:>PRN
     Prints the directory of files on the B: floppy drive to your
     printer.
  1. —————————————————————
            FILE NAMES AND EXTENSIONS - THE KEYS TO THE KINGDOM
  1. —————————————————————
     To the beginner, DOS is a little cryptic in its use of file 
     names. Study the example directory listing below and the
     notes to the right of the listing:
     PCPC     EXE    51489   5-03-86   3:36p   ---> PCPC.EXE          
     PCPR     EXE    21457   5-03-86   3:29p   ---> PCPR.EXE          
     PCPY     EXE    32017   5-03-86   3:39p   ---> PCPY.EXE          
     README            128   5-03-86  12:46p   ---> README
     NOTES565 TXT     1390   7-03-86   8:31a   ---> NOTES565.TXT
     
     In each case you will note the REAL file name to the right and 
     the directory listing version to the left. The point is that
     in DOS, filenames always have a name, a period or dot and an
     optional (but highly useful) extension. This is a very important 
     point!
     
                      KEYS TO THE SHAREWARE KINGDOM!
     Study the following list carefully, perhaps print it on paper 
     and mark it with a colored highlighter. This list contains a 
     roster of filename extensions which reveals the type of file and 
     its possible contents and application. 
           FILE EXTENSIONS WHICH PROBABLY CONTAIN DOCUMENTATION,
                       INSTRUCTIONS OR PRINTED TEXT
     .DOC       ---------> Probable DOCumentation file
     .TXT       ---------> Probable Text (TXT) file
     .MAN       ---------> Probable MANual/instruction file
     .LST       ---------> Probable file containing a LIST.
     .PRN       ---------> Probable text file from a PRINTED source.
     .INS       ---------> Probable INSTRUCTIONS in text form.
     .HLP       ---------> Probable HELP text file.
     .          ---------> NO, EXTENSION. VERY LIKELY A TEXT FILE!
     .HST       ---------> Probable text file containing HISTORY of
                           program revisions
     
           FILENAMES (WITH OR WITHOUT EXTENSIONS) WHICH PROBABLY
                   CONTAIN INSTRUCTIONS OR PRINTED TEXT
     README     ---------> VERY IMPORTANT TEXT FILE
     READ.ME    ---------> VERY IMPORTANT TEXT FILE
     READ.1ST   ---------> VERY IMPORTANT TEXT FILE
     READ       ---------> VERY IMPORTANT TEXT FILE
     READ.NOW   ---------> VERY IMPORTANT TEXT FILE
     
     NOTE! There are so many variations of the "READ..." theme that
     hopefully you can imagine other variations of this "READ..."
     concept!
     
     If you stop and think about it for a minute, most of these 
     extensions and filenames offer strong clues about file contents 
     and phonetically "hint" to you what the file contains. Here are 
     some examples you might actually see. Note the "clues" that tell 
     you text or instructions are available inside the file:
           1232XX.TXT            MAKE445.DOC       SYSOPS.       
           ASEASY.LST            MANUAL.TXT        READ.         
           DATABASE.DOC          MANUAL.           AUTHOR.       
           ENTIRE.MAN            FORMFEED.MAN      VENDOR.       
           MONEY.TXT             HOMEHELP.HLP      README.       
           README.!!!            HOMEHELP.LST      README.NOW   
           READSOON.             HOMEHELP.HST      VENDORS.      
           BBM.PRN               TRY44B.DOC        MANUAL.PRN   
                    OTHER IMPORTANT FILENAME EXTENSIONS
     .EXE       ---------> An EXECUTABLE FILE which starts program
     .COM       ---------> A COMMAND FILE which starts program
     .BAT       ---------> BATCH FILE which starts program
     .BAS       ---------> BASIC file which can be run with
                           the aid of the GWBASIC interpreter
                           GWBASIC which is normally on your DOS
                           disk or hard drive.
                  FILE EXTENSIONS WHICH INDICATE THE FILE 
       IS "COMPRESSED OR ARCHIVED" AND MUST BE UNPACKED PRIOR TO USE
     .ZIP       ---------> Compressed file, use PKUNZIP to unpack
     .ARC       ---------> Compressed file, use ARC 
     .PAK       ---------> Compressed file, use PAK
     .LZH       ---------> Compressed file, use LHARC
     .ZOO       ---------> Compressed file, use ZOO
                          OTHER USEFUL EXTENSIONS
     .BAK       --------->  A backup or duplicate file
     .DAT       --------->  A data file
     .CFG       --------->  Configuration data for program
     .WKS       --------->  Spreadsheet file
     .WK1       --------->  Spreadsheet file
     .DBF       --------->  Database file in dBase format
     .ASC       --------->  ASCII file, perhaps a basic program
                            saved in ASCII format
     .BIN       --------->  Binary file, file used by a program
     Some disk vendors try to help you by putting their own files 
     on a disk with a little extra information. The following file 
     examples might offer help in text or documentation form.
     An advanced shareware user would guess quickly that these files
     refer to a disk from a shareware vendor or computer club library
     and are most probably disk number 565 in a larger set of 
     programs that vendor or club offers in a library collection.
     NOTES565 TXT     1390   7-03-86   8:31a              
     FILES565 TXT     1728   7-03-86   8:37a              
     
     If you buy a disk from a disk vendor named BEST VALUE SHAREWARE
     DISTRIBUTORS you might look for files such as the following 
     which also contain text, BAT, COM or other file startup information.
     
     Each vendor might use a different system, but watch for these 
     patterns as you list directory information on a shareware disk. 
     With the variety of methods, your best bet is to study filename 
     extensions for a few minutes and "play detective" which for some 
     folks is a bit of the interest in using shareware!
              FILES PUT ON A DISK BY A HYPOTHETICAL SHAREWARE
                DISK VENDOR NAMED BEST VALUE SHAREWARE INC.
     BESTVAL.COM     1390   7-03-86   8:31a              
     BESTVAL.BAT     1728   7-03-86   8:37a              
     BV.COM          5656   7-03-86   8:31a
     RUNBEST.COM     1777   7-03-86   8:37a
     BESTVAL.767     8787   8-9-91    9:30P
  1. —————————————————————

COM, EXE AND BAT FILES START PROGRAMS

     
     ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
     
     A file ending in EXE or COM is a file which contains a 
     EXECUTABLE OR "RUNNABLE" program and is a way to start a 
     software package. 
     
     Examples:
     To start PCF.EXE do this    PCF  (then press enter).  
     For DBFKK.EXE               DBFKK (then press enter.) 
     
     Some files which end in BAS will need a basic interpreter such 
     as GWBASIC.EXE to operate. Example files would be GAME.BAS or 
     MUSIC.BAS. GWBASIC.EXE is usually included on your DOS disk
     which came with the computer.
     
     Another standard of shareware programs is to use batch files to 
     start programs. GO.BAT or MENU.BAT or START.BAT or INSTALL.BAT 
     are "batch files." Simply type the first word at the prompt to 
     proceed.  
     
     Example: for file GO.BAT       GO (then press enter). 
     DOS searches a disk for programs to run in a precise order:
     HELLO.COM  ---------> Run this first if found then try 
     HELLO.EXE  ---------> to find and run this then
     HELLO.BAT  ---------> try to find and run this.
            
     ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
     
                             BASIC DATA FILES
     
     ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
     If you find a BASIC program file which ends in .BAS try this
     per the following example . . .
     For the file HELLO.BAS, first copy both GWBASIC.EXE
     and HELLO.BAS to a blank formatted diskette. Then issue the 
     command:
     A>GWBASIC HELLO
     Another alternative is to leave GWBASIC.EXE on your hard drive 
     and tell it where the basic program is located. 
     Example:     C>GWBASIC A:HELLO
     The above example assumes a copy of GWBASIC.EXE resides on your 
     hard drive and a floppy containing the basic program HELLO.BAS 
     is on the A: drive.
     The program will be loaded into GWBASIC and run. If you
     don't care for the program, try to exit if the program gives
     you a menu of choices, otherwise press CTRL-BREAK keys
     at same time which will let GWBASIC exit. You will see an
     "OK" prompt. Type the word "system" and press the return/enter 
     key to return you to DOS and leave GWBASIC. 
     Basic is a rather elegant and precise programming system if you 
     are interested! Pick up a book at your local library and you can 
     learn how to use GWBASIC.EXE on your DOS disk to write and modify 
     your own elaborate custom programs! Also investigate the
     availability of affordable Basic compiler programs which prepare 
     speedy .EXE free standing programs rather than requiring you to 
     haul out your GWBASIC.EXE file each time you wish to run the 
     program.
  1. —————————————————————
                    SOME EXAMPLES - OUR FIRST POP QUIZ!
  1. —————————————————————
     Try to puzzle through this pop quiz! Small stars next to the 
     filenames indicate an educated guess as to IMPORTANT TEXT 
     information or documentation contained within. These directory 
     lists are similar to what you might see on your screen when using 
     the DIR command when you first explore a new software disk. Brief 
     notes may follow each directory listing. 
     
     ** means high probability documentation is contained within
     *  means some documentation possibly is contained within
                                                          
     BRUN10   EXE    58388   7-17-85   1:56p              
     BUSINESS DAT      384   5-04-86   6:42a              
     DELXTRA  BAT      128   5-03-86   6:55p              
     MSG1     TXT      384   5-03-86   7:10p  *            
     MSG2     TXT      768   5-03-86   7:23a  *            
     PAY      BAT       16   9-02-85  12:11p              
     PCPAY    DOC    64512   5-04-86   7:11a  **            
     PCPC     EXE    51489   5-03-86   3:36p              
     PCPR     EXE    21457   5-03-86   3:29p              
     PCPY     EXE    32017   5-03-86   3:39p              
     PRNTDOC  BAT      128   5-03-86   7:09p              
     README   BAT      128   5-03-86  12:46p              
     GO       BAT      668   7-03-86   8:39a              
     NOTES565 TXT     1390   7-03-86   8:31a *             
     FILES565 TXT     1728   7-03-86   8:37a *             
     
                                              
     Note that on the above disk the LARGEST file PCPAY.DOC contains
     64,512 bytes. Its size leads to strong suspicion it contains 
     the main documentation. Shorter files probably contain other 
     useful data. The two files at the bottom of the directory listing 
     make one suspect this disk in number 565 in a club library or 
     disk vendor collection. Sherlock Holmes would approve of our
     logic!
     
                                                          
     ASEASY   EXE   205392   7-17-90  10:29a              
     ASEASY   MSG     9636   7-16-90   6:27p *             
     ASEASY   CFG      298   1-18-90   7:47p              
     ASEASY   HLP    58346   4-25-90   9:05a **             
     HTREE    EXE     9185   4-11-90  12:36a              
     ASAU400  COM    36610   4-11-90   2:26p              
     VENDOR   DOC     3784   4-10-90  11:54p *             
     LICENSE  DOC     4133   4-11-90  12:28a *             
     ORDER    ME      4301  10-15-89  11:24p *             
     YESNO    COM       97  10-02-86   9:47p              
     SETUP    BAT     2873   7-18-90  12:26p              
     READ     ME     19512   4-12-90  11:53a **             
     
     The largest file which hints it contains text data would be a 
     good candidate to examine! The file SETUP.BAT suggests that 
     some intial setup or configuration of the program is necessary 
     prior to use.          
                                                          
                                                          
     COMFILES     <DIR>     12-05-89   4:48p              
     GOODBY            384  10-03-89   2:44p  *            
     INTRO1            512   1-11-90   8:19a  **            
     INTRO2            896  10-08-89   7:02p  **            
     MENU              640  10-03-89   3:41p              
     NEWPROD          2176  10-03-89   3:40p  *            
     MANUAL   DOC    77568   2-02-91  11:12a  **            
     QUICK    DOC    33664   2-02-91  11:10a  **            
     TUTR     DOC   109696  10-02-89   4:30p  **            
     SEBFI    COM     2270  12-10-89   2:50p              
     SEBFI    DOC     5888  12-05-89   8:04p  *            
     SEBFI    BAT      384  12-02-89   1:25p              
     LASTMIN  ANN      512  12-08-89   1:45p  *            
     GO       BAT     1362   1-31-91   6:17p              
     SEBFIM   BAT      384  12-08-89   3:05p              
                                               
     
     This is a disk with several important documentation files, but
     a highly unusual second subdirectory! COMFILES <DIR> contains
     other file(s) and must ALSO be examined. The DOS CD or
     change directory command must be used to examine this other
     subdirectory or file storage area of the disk. See your DOS manual.
     Most shareware authors try to stay away from using additional
     subdirectories on a disk which can confuse a beginner. The file
     LASTMIN.ANN would tell an advanced shareware user that the file
     contains "last minute announcements" and is most probably 
     a text file. TUTR.DOC probably means "tutorial document."
     QUICK.DOC is probably quick startup documentation.
                
                                                          
     HM       EXE   306347   8-28-90  11:48a              
     
     This is an odd disk indeed. No documentation? Actually this
     is a special SELF-EXTRACTING file which is usually copied
     to a hard drive run with the command HM. The file will proceed 
     to unpack itself and produce several files containing 
     documentation, COM or EXE files and more! Most authors would
     include a small README file on the disk to advise you of this 
     fact, but this author has omitted even that! If you locate a 
     large EXE file, copy it to your hard drive (perhaps into
     a subdirectory named TEMP or temporary) and then run the
     file to cause it to unpack and produce all the little subfiles
     which are the main program! Shareware authors do this to 
     conserve disk space or otherwise compress large programs to
     fit onto fewer disks.
                                                          
                                                          
     DBATE001 EXE   185785   3-25-90   9:07a              
     DBATE002 EXE   284884   6-22-90  11:28p              
     DBATE003 EXE   244771   9-19-90   7:47p              
     READ1ST  EXE     6267  11-26-90  11:04p **             
     
     READ1ST.EXE is run since it is a self-extracting EXE file which 
     probably produces documentation notes. The other three files are 
     probably self-extracting files which produce three separate 
     programs. This is a case of multiple self-extracting files! A 
     clever author is highly compressing his data to save space on 
     disk! 
     
                                                          
     FUNNELS  EXE    59904   9-21-84   3:01p              
     FUNNELS  DOC    14713   9-21-84   1:58p **             
     FUNNELS  INV     2432   9-21-84   3:18p              
     ATC2     BLD     4096   8-23-84   9:08p              
     ATC      EXE    50304   7-09-84  11:20a              
     AUTOEXEC BAT       11   7-12-84  10:29a              
     ATC      DAT      384   1-01-80   1:04a              
     EUCHRE   BAS    22784   7-21-84   3:09p              
     EUCHRE   DOC     3645   7-21-84   3:52p **             
     CRC      TXT     1123  11-16-84   7:06a *             
     FUNNELS  SCR      128  11-25-88  10:27a              
     
     
     A relatively simple disk. Text or documentation files indicated.
     Do you see the single basic BAS file which will require a copy
     of GWBASIC.EXE?
     Pop quiz part 2: Grab a few loose disks from any random source
     and repeat this detective process a few times and you will soon
     be a shareware GURU!
  1. —————————————————————

A TURBOCHARGED SHORTCUT!

     
     ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
     
     There is always a shortcut to any process if you apply a little 
     thought and a bit of technology. As mentioned previously, you 
     need to identify files on a disk containing text or 
     instruction documentation and then view the contents of the 
     file. A previous section showed you how to use the DOS TYPE
     and PRINT commands to print the contents of a suspected text 
     file to either the screen or paper.
     If DOS commands and structure are not interesting or you don't 
     have the time to learn DOS, there exist programs called DOS 
     SHELLS which essentially provide DOS access for routine things 
     like moving and copying files AND QUICKLY VIEWING THE INTERNAL
     CONTENTS OF SUSPECTED TEXT FILES; these menu programs hide the 
     DOS commands behind a series of "point and select" choices 
     similar to the point and shoot menus you use on game programs 
     and serious business software. 
     
     The typical DOS shell is a package which surrounds DOS (like a 
     shell, hence the name) and allows you to perform the most common 
     DOS functions by pressing only one or two keys or moving a 
     highlighted arrow. Very appealing for beginners! This may be
     all the DOS control most people need . . .
     Some practical and easy DOS shell packages include: Still River 
     Shell, DOS2ools, PC Tools, Powermenu, Automenu, Dirmagic and 
     Directory Freedom. DR.COM and its companion shell programs
     CO.COM and RN.COM are extremely simple shells suited for
     beginners which most computer clubs and shareware disk vendors
     carry. The author of this package uses the Directory Freedom 
     shell which you may also wish to investigate.
     
     If you are beginner and don't want to be troubled learning DOS, 
     then a shell program is the easiest way to use the PC. And one 
     of the easier ways to view text files.
     
     ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
                         UNPACKING AND INSTALLING 
                    INCLUDING ARCS, ZIPS, LZH AND MORE
  1. —————————————————————
     Many times a shareware package is quite large and has been 
     compressed or "archived" to fit on the disk. Another use for 
     archiving, or packing many files into one highly compressed 
     file, is to decrease telephone charges and time when transmitting 
     files by modem. In a previous section we indicated the following 
     filename extensions as pertaining to compressed or "archived" files:
     .ZIP       ---------> Compressed file, use PKUNZIP to unpack
     .ARC       ---------> Compressed file, use ARC system 
     .PAK       ---------> Compressed file, use PAK system
     .LZH       ---------> Compressed file, use LHARC
     .ZOO       ---------> Compressed file, use ZOO system
     Let's take a closer look. For example, the file FUN454.ZIP
     might contain the following files contained within the
     ZIP archive.
     
     FUNNELS  EXE                                         
     FUNNELS  DOC                                           
     FUNNELS  INV                                         
     ATC      DAT                                         
     FUNNELS  SCR                                         
     FUNNELS  TXT                            
     
     By the way, in the above example, FUN454.ZIP, we are given the
     probable clue that this might be Version 4.54 of the program.
     This is another odd but useful convention when dealing with
     the shareware community and archived or compressed files.
     In the shareware trade, one frequently hears the terms "ARCING, 
     ZIPPING, UNZIPPING, LHARCING, PAKING" and similar terms. You 
     can quickly understand that "archive processing" or compressing 
     and uncompressing disk files is what these terms refer to!
     Not all disks contain archives - some do, some don't. To unpack 
     the program you need a few blank floppies (or a hard drive) and 
     a special unpacking utility program to unpack. If your software 
     needs this utility, it is usually available on one (or several) of 
     your disks or can be ordered from most computer clubs or shareware 
     disk vendors. Here is how to unpack an archive file ending in 
     ZIP. Other files ending in .LZH, .ZOO and other file extensions
     are quite similar in use.
     
     Files which end in .ZIP are unpacked with PKUNZIP.EXE. For our 
     example let's pretend we are unpacking the file SAMPLE.ZIP. 
          
     Start with a BLANK formatted floppy. Copy the program file you 
     wish to unpack (e.g., SAMPLE.ZIP) and the file PKUNZIP.EXE 
     onto the blank floppy. Hard drive users may prefer to simply 
     copy the file to be unpacked and the unpacking utility 
     PKUNZIP.EXE to their hard drive. For our example, SAMPLE.ZIP and 
     PKUNZIP.EXE are now on a floppy in the A: drive.                     
     Next we need a place to put the unpacked files! For computers 
     without a hard drive put a blank formatted floppy in your other 
     empty B: floppy drive. This is where the unpacked newly expanded 
     files will go: the DESTINATION OR TARGET drive for the unpacked 
     software. Hard drive users will probably just unpack to the hard 
     drive (C:) using a subdirectory on the hard drive as the target 
     area.
                                                
     Using the examples which follow, type an unpacking command 
     showing the source drive containing the packed file, the name of 
     file and the final destination drive; press enter or return key 
     after typing the unpacking command. Of course, substitute the 
     name of the file you are using for the file SAMPLE.ZIP. Blank 
     spaces in the command ARE essential. 
     EXAMPLE:             A>pkunzip A:SAMPLE.ZIP B: 
     Translation: unpack or unzip all files from the packed file 
     SAMPLE.ZIP contained on the A: floppy drive and send the 
     unpacked files to the B: floppy drive. Press enter or return key 
     after typing the command.
     EXAMPLE:             C>pkunzip C:sample.ZIP B: 
     Unpack files from C: hard drive area to a blank floppy on B: 
     drive. 
     By the way, you can omit the .ZIP file extension for a shortcut.
     EXAMPLE:               C>pkunzip C:sample B:
     Files are now unpacked and ready to use in the conventional 
     manner - after unpacking you will probably see the readme, text 
     and documentation files you need. The data is now in a more 
     familiar DOS file format. The archive can "inflate" more than 
     200% from its compressed format in some cases! 
     Some programs are very large and may be submitted to you in 
     several parts. You might find a program which consists of 
     three or four packed .ZIP, .LZH or other archive file(s) on 
     several disks.
     NOTE! for hard drive users you are usually wise to unpack each 
     program to a separate subdirectory on your hard disk. For 
     example, to use pcwrite you might unpack the files to C:\PCW. Of 
     course, you must first create a subdirectory called PCW on your 
     hard drive BEFORE you start. To prepare a subdirectory, use the 
     DOS md (make directory) command (example  c>md pcw.)  Hard drive 
     users might wish to delete the original compressed ARC/ZIP files 
     from their hard drive since the unpacked versions are now ready 
     and the original floppies serve as your backup copies.    
                  UNPACKING ARCHIVED/COMPRESSED PROGRAMS 
               ON SINGLE FLOPPY SYSTEMS LACKING A HARD DRIVE
     
     A problem arises trying to uncompress archived programs on 
     single drive systems. Most computers have at least two drives. 
     
     On a single drive system you may need to uncompress your 
     programs to a special memory area of the computer called a RAM 
     DRIVE. Your DOS manual covers this option or you can obtain a 
     shareware package which produces a ram drive and thus allows 
     your computer to "think" it has two floppy drives. This is 
     about the only alternative for unpacking software on a single 
     drive machine. Generally single drive computers may not be fully 
     IBM compatible with many modern software packages which may need 
     two drives. Suggest you 1) return disks to vendor for refund or 2) 
     consider adding a second drive as most modern fully compatible 
     machines offer or 3) attempt unpacking with a RAM DRIVE then 
     copy back to disk. Later versions of DOS contain a RAM DRIVE
     program. You can also obtain RAM DRIVE programs from shareware
     and other software vendors.

     ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
                   CONFIGURING THE PROGRAM IF NECESSARY

     ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
     Many times a software program must be configured prior to being
     actually used. This means that possibly screen colors, type of 
     disk drives, optional accessories such as a mouse or modem, 
     printer types and other features must be activated. Some 
     software programs allow you to configure this information 
     directly within the main program. Other programs prefer that
     you run a separate small "configuration" program first. 
     
     The only useful rule in this case is to read the documentation 
     or at least study the table of contents or index to see if 
     configuration is a necessary step.
  1. —————————————————————
                         TIME TO RUN THE PROGRAM!
  1. —————————————————————
     From a previous chapter of this tutorial we again offer the
     reminder that the following file extension relate to a file
     or program that can be run!
     .EXE       ---------> An EXECUTABLE FILE which starts program
     .COM       ---------> A COMMAND FILE which starts program
     .BAT       ---------> BATCH FILE which starts program
     .BAS       ---------> BASIC file which can be run with
                           the aid of the GWBASIC interpreter
                           GWBASIC which is normally on your DOS
                           disk or hard drive.
     Examples: 
     File is HMFAST.EXE. To start, assuming the file is on the C: 
     hard drive,
     C>HMFAST   <then press enter or return key>   starts program.
     File is ASEASY.COM. To start, assuming the file is on the A:
     floppy drive,
     A>ASEASY   <then press enter or return key>   starts program.
  1. —————————————————————
              FEEDBACK: EITHER REGISTER OR SEND YOUR REGRETS!
             
     ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
     
     The last step is probably the most important to a shareware 
     author and for that matter the continued production of ever more 
     interesting and useful shareware:
     Register the package if it proves truly useful. Send a 19 cent
     postcard to the author if you don't register with a few observations, 
     constructive criticisms or at least suggestions. The fact that 
     you were interested enough in the program to try it means that 
     it might be VERY close to what you need. Inexpensive postcard 
     feedback just might result in a program change by the author 
     which gives you a "perfect fit." You would be surprised how 
     responsive shareware authors are in revising a program QUICKLY 
     to meet a customer request. You might even say this is about 
     the closest thing to having your own personal programmer
     on the staff as you will ever find!
  1. —————————————————————
                       COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
     
     ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
    
           PROBLEMS USING COLOR SOFTWARE ON MONOCHROME COMPUTERS
     
     Some shareware programs (usually games and a few others) require 
     a color circuit within the computer called CGA, EGA or VGA 
     color graphics. If you start the program on a monochrome (no 
     color) computer you may see nothing on the screen! 
     
     Solutions: 1) Use an inexpensive software program (e.g., SIMCGA) 
     which helps monochrome machine pretend (emulate) color 2) Buy a 
     CGA, VGA or EGA circuit card 3) check the documents which come 
     with the shareware package to see if it can be switched from color 
     mode to monochrome. 
     Turn off your computer and restart it if you use a program such
     as SIMCGA or other software patch to help a monochrome computer
     emulate a color machine. You don't want the emulation program
     interfering with other software you may wish to run later.
     Problem: Computer responds with "bad command or filename."
     Solution: Make sure that what you typed at the DOS command line 
     is EXACTLY the filename you intended to run. This is probably a
     simple typing mistake.
     Problem: Program asks for a file which is not on the disk.
     Solution: Do you have ALL of the disks required. Have you 
     unpacked all archives? Have you run the configuration program
     which creates the missing file?
     Problem: Screen goes blank and machine locks up.
     Solution: Sounds like this is a color program trying to run on
     a monochrome system. See the notes above.
     Problem: Incorrect DOS version message.
     Solution: Many sophisticated programs cannot use older
     DOS versions such as 2.0 or 2.11. Check the documentation.
     There might be a way around this that the author suggests 
     towards the end of the program instructions.
     Problem: Only have one disk drive. 
     Solution: Refer to DOS manual or obtain separate standalone
     RAM disk software which can create a second drive in your 
     computer's RAM memory area. This is still a severe limitation
     and you are advised to at least purchase a second floppy drive
     which is not terribly expensive, these days.
     Problem: Author did not respond to my questions or send anything
     for my registration check. 
     Solution: Authors can move and change address. Contact a 
     shareware disk vendor, obtain the latest version of the program 
     and see if the address of the author has changed. Call or write 
     again.
     Problem: I want to know more about shareware!
     Solution: Explore the following . . .
  1. —————————————————————
         RECOMMENDED READING LIST FOR SHAREWARE USERS AND AUTHORS
  1. —————————————————————

Shareware Magazine. Published by PC-SIG, 1030-D East Duane

     Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. Voice telephone: 408/730-9291 FAX: 
     408/730-2107. Included with membership in PC-SIG, one of the 
     largest shareware disk distributors in the world. A bimonthly, 
     "light and lively" guide to the shareware market featuring 
     reviews and articles on the best and latest in shareware, author 
     interviews and discussion and analysis of trends in the 
     industry. 
     Dr. File Finder's Guide to Shareware by Michael Callahan and 
     Nick Anis. ISBN: 0-07-881646-7. A book and disk package teaching 
     you how to find and use the best in shareware. Learn about disk 
     vendors, computer club sources, details about the very best 
     shareware in 20 categories. Disk includes such popular programs 
     as Qmodem, Dos line editor, Anarkey, BackMail and more. Two 
     additional disks available upon submission of a postcard 
     contained in the book. 
     Writing & Marketing Shareware. A book, disk and companion 
     cassette tape by Steve Hudgik, HomeCraft, P.O. Box 974, 
     Tualatin, OR 97062. Tel 503/692-3732. The best book in the 
     industry for learning about programming, designing and MARKETING 
     shareware for maximum financial return. Shows you how to become a 
     successful shareware author who develops WINNING shareware for 
     maximum income. Includes mailing list of distributors, equipment 
     suppliers, service providers, how to design your shareware and 
     more! Combined with the software program SMS in the next 
     paragraph, you have a complete reference set on becoming a
     financially successful shareware author.
     $hareware Marketing $ystem. Two disk set containing tutorials 
     and quarterly marketing newsletter for shareware authors plus 
     dBase format mailing list on disk of over 3,000 addresses for 
     industry contacts: computer clubs, disk vendors, magazine 
     writers and more who use, distribute or review shareware. The 
     mailing list on disk is ready to import into many database 
     packages so you can print mailing labels for your disk mailers! 
     By Jim Hood, the author of THIS tutorial you are now reading. 
     $25 registration or $90 to subscribe to 4 quarterly issues. 
     Also available as an inexpensive evaluation disk set from most
     shareware disk vendors, computer clubs and BBS systems, as with 
     all shareware. POB 1506, Mercer Island, WA 98040.  206/236-0470. 
     Known among shareware authors simply as "SMS."
     
     Alfred Glossbrenner's Master Guide to Free Software and 
     Shareware, c/o FireCrystal Communications, 699 River Rd, 
     Yardley, PA 19067. Alfred writes one of the largest and most 
     respected guides to shareware in the industry and is a 
     contributing editor to several computer industry magazines. 
     Tips and Techniques for Using Low-Cost and Public Domain 
     Software. John Gliedman. 1988. McGraw-Hill. A thorough guide to 
     low cost, effective shareware and public domain programs 
     including RAM disks, word processors, batch file systems, hard 
     disk managers, tutorials and other topics. 
     PC-LEARN is a computer tutorial system for computer beginners 
     which features high speed color or monochrome menus, tutorial 
     printing on your printer, information searching capabilities 
     and much more! PC-LEARN is a training system which includes 
     chapters on buying and using a computer, an entertaining history 
     of computers, DOS lessons, hard disk drives and tech tips. It 
     also includes information on word processing, a suggested reading 
     list, software selection, computer clubs, batch files, spreadsheets, 
     databases, and even a glossary! PC-LEARN runs on all IBM compatible 
     PC-LEARN is shareware. This tutorial was extracted from PC-LEARN.
     Submitting $10 to the author of PC-LEARN whose address 
     information accompanies this package brings an UNREGISTERED 
     evaluation copy of PC-LEARN. Submitting the full $25 
     registration fee brings TWO BONUS DISKS and A FULLY REGISTERED 
     COPY OF PC-LEARN.
     End of file, press escape to return to menu. Have you registered 
     to receive your BONUS DISK and update to the computer club 
     mailing list?
/data/webs/external/dokuwiki/data/pages/archive/computers/share.txt · Last modified: 2001/11/08 10:19 by 127.0.0.1

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