Serial++ Library Ver. 1.10 -------------------------- Serial Communications Support for Borland C++ Quality Software from Cortlandt Technologies. Copyright (c) 1991,1992 Cortlandt Technologies. All rights reserved. Introduction: ------------- Serial++ is a library of small, safe, and efficient routines that bring interrupt driven serial port support to your C++ programs compiled and linked with the Borland C++ compiler. The routines in Serial++ are as easy to use as console i/o in C, yet give you complete access to the registers of the 8250 UART, should your program require it. Implemented as C++ classes, the Serial++ library handles multiple ports and multiple instantiations with ease. Finally, Serial++ is protected against keyboard breaks, to insure that any application that uses communications can complete the necessary housekeeping before terminating. You can also use the break trapping provided with Serial++ in you own programs, independtly from the port support. Serial++ is linked into your Borland C++ programs just like any other library... there are no TSR's or assembly coding required. Note: ----- USERS OF SPP VERSIONS PRIOR TO 1.1 WILL HAVE TO RECOMPILE THEIR SOURCE CODE WITH THIS RELEASE. Installation: ------------- Serial++ is contained in a self-extracting compressed file, named SPPBC?.EXE. There are two versions of this file, one for Version 2.0 of the Borland C++ compiler, and one for all variations on BC++ Version 3.x. Copy this appropriate version of the SPPBC?.EXE file to the directory where you plan to be compiling and linking your code, and run it. The file named PACKING.LST contains a list of all the files that are included with Serial++, and a brief description of each. Serial++ expects to find its include files, SERIAL.H and BREAK.H, and its library files, SPP?.LIB, in the compiler's search path. There are several ways to accomplish this, the easiest of which is to copy these files into the directory where you compile your source. For other approaches, see the manual on this topic. Documentation: -------------- In addition to this file, you will find two other documentation files in this package. PACKING.LST lists all the files that make up this package, along with a description of each. SPPMAN.TXT is an ASCII image of the Serial++ manual, ready to print on any 66 lines/page printer setup. To print the manual, ready your printer, and then issue this command: C:>copy SPPMAN.TXT PRN: The manual contains the only complete function reference in the package. It is about fifty pages long. Getting Started: ---------------- The easiest way to get started with Serial++ is to take a look at the simple demo program supplied: SPPDEMO.EXE. Source code for this program, along with a make file (for Borland make) are included. This program allows you to carry on a simple conversation with the com port of your choice, setting the port, speed, and other parameters from the command line. Typing SPPDEMO without any parameters will display this quick help message: Type $$$ at prompt or press Ctrl-Break to exit. Usage: [sppdemo [port [baud [databits [parity [stopbits]]]]]] port = COM1 | COM2 baud = 2400 | 1200 | 300 databits = 8 | 7 parity = NONE | EVEN | ODD stopbits = 1 | 2 Example (defaults): sppdemo COM1 1200 8 N 1 Serial++ is Shareware: ---------------------- Serial++ is being marketed as shareware, which means you have the opportunity to evaluate this product before buying it, and you may also distribute copies of it to others under certain conditions explained below. Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs differ on details -- some request registration while others require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using the software to an updated program with printed manual. Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a specific group. For example, some authors require written permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware. Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy. And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it. Note that no capabilities or features are left out of this evaluation copy -- this is a complete fully functional release of Serial++. Registering Serial++ -------------------- If you like Serial++ and wish to continue using it after a 30-day trial period, you must pay the $24.95 registration fee. You MUST register Serial++ if you intend to distribute your own software that uses it. Once you have paid the one time registration fee, there are no other royalties or restrictions on distributing your own software that includes Serial++. Registration entitles you to a printed manual, complete C++ source, license to distribute software you build using Serial++, technical support by mail or via Compuserve for 1 year, and notice of version upgrades and new product announcements. For complete details of Serial++ license and registration information, please read the appropriate sections in the manual, SPPMAN.TXT. Distributing Serial++ --------------------- Please distribute Serial++ in its original compressed file to any interested friends and colleagues, and to upload it to any BBS's that you use. If you distribute Serial++ via diskette, you may not charge anything for the program, although you may impose whatever nominal charge is required to pay for the disk media and handling. Anyone distributing Serial++ for any kind of remuneration must first contact Cortlandt Technologies at the address below for authorization. This authorization will be automatically granted to distributors recognized by the (ASP) as adhering to its guidelines for shareware distributors, and such distributors may begin offering Serial++ immediately (However Cortlandt Technologies must still be advised so that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latest version of Serial++.). For complete details of the Serial++ limited distribution license please read the appropriate sections in the manual, SPPMAN.TXT. Disclaimer: ----------- Users of Serial++ must accept this disclaimer of warranty: Serial++ is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use of Serial++. ASP: ---- This program is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the memberdirectly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442 or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536. How to Register --------------- You can register and receive your licensed Serial++ package direct from Cortlandt Technologies by using the form in file REGISTER.TXT and sending $24.95 (plus applicable sales tax where appropriate) by check or money order. If you prefer to use your credit card, you can order Serial++ from Public (software) Library with your MC, Visa, AmEx or Discover card by calling 800-242-4PsL (overseas: 713-524-6394) or by FAX to 713-524-6398, or by Compuserve to 71355,470. Orders placed through PsL are subject to an additional $4.00 shipping/handling charge (in US, $15.00 overseas). These numbers are for ordering only, Cortlandt Technologies can NOT be reached at them. To contact Cortlandt Technologies for any reason (including dealer pricing, volume discounts, site licensing, status of orders, latest version info, technical information, or to discuss returns), please use the information listed below. And Finally... -------------- Thank you for taking the time to evaluate Serial++ and for supporting the shareware concept. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about Serial++ or require additional information. Mike Aiello Cortlandt Technologies P.O. Box 195 Pleasantville, NY 10570 Compuserve: 71066,155 _______ ____|__ | (R) --| | |------------------- | ____|__ | Association of | | |_| Shareware |__| o | Professionals -----| | |--------------------- |___|___| MEMBER