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  CurveExpert 1.3:  A comprehensive curve fitting system for Windows
		    Copyright (c) 1995-1996 Daniel Hyams
		    All Rights Reserved.
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INTRODUCTION
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Thank you for your interest in CurveExpert 1.3!  

CurveExpert 1.3 is a comprehensive curve fitting system for Windows.  
XY data can be modelled using a toolbox of linear regression models, 
nonlinear regression models, interpolation, or splines.  Over 30 models
are built-in, but custom regression models may also be defined by the 
user.  Full-featured graphing capability allows thorough examination of 
the curve fit.   The process of finding  the best fit can be automated by
letting CurveExpert compare your data to each model to choose the best 
curve.  This program was designed to be simple but powerful, so that all 
users can obtain a model for their data quickly and easily.

Documentation is provided in the form of a Windows help file.  This
on-line manual is complete and does not need the supplement of a 
printed copy.  This way, we conserve our Earth's valuable resources
while at the same time reducing the cost of this software.

For the information on the latest features of CurveExpert, visit the 
CurveExpert home page at 
  ===> http://www.eng.clemson.edu/~dhyams/cvxpt.htm     <===

This software package is ShareWare.




SUPPORTED PLATFORMS
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CurveExpert has been released for the following platforms:

16-bit version:       Windows 3.1 or later
32-bit version:       Windows 3.1 or later + Win32s 1.30 or later
                      Windows 95
                      Windows NT 3.51 or later

Note that the 16-bit version is Windows 95 compatible, so it will
run under Windows 95 as well as Windows 3.1.




IF THE INSTALLATION PROGRAM FAILS WITH A GPF (16-bit version only)
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If the installer program fails with a General Protection Fault, 
please restart Windows immediately.  CurveExpert has been installed
correctly, and will run correctly once Windows has been restarted 
after a fault of this type by the installer.



REGISTRATION -- HOW TO REGISTER
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To order CurveExpert, open the help file by choosing 'Help' from the
Help menu.  Then click the 'Register' button in the help file.  This
will give directions for ordering CurveExpert as well as the order
form.  The registration fee of $35 [16-bit version] or $40 [32-bit
version] can be submitted via mail or by a credit card.

Development of this software has taken countless hours of study, 
programming, and debugging.  Please support the shareware concept 
and register the software if you intend to keep and use it!  The 
future of this product depends on the response that I receive from 
you, the user.  If you would like for this project to continue and 
grow, please send suggestions and register, if you use this program.



INSTALLATION
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If you obtained this program from an Internet source, you must first 
unzip CVXPTxxx.ZIP (using PkUnzip or WinZip -- if you don't have this, 
go back to your ftp site and pick it up) to unpack all of the 
distribution files.  Note that the xxx denotes the version number of
CurveExpert that you have obtained (eg. version 1.21 will be cvxpt121.zip).
From the Program Manager, File Manager, or your particular shell, select 
File|Run and run the SETUP.EXE program that was included in your 
CurveExpert distribution.  

The installation program will ask you where to install this software
and give the space requirements required.  Also, you may give your
name and company, if you are a registered user.  The rest of the process
is automated -- CurveExpert will install itself onto your computer in
the location you specified and will make its own Program Manager group.

Should you ever want to uninstall CurveExpert, simply double-click
on the UnInstall icon in the CurveExpert program manager group.  In
Windows 95, go to the Control Panel|Add/Remove Hardware applet to
uninstall CurveExpert.




LEGAL MATTERS
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Read the Disclaimer Warranty section in the included help file.  Using
CurveExpert 1.3 means that you agree to all terms stated in the 
disclaimer.

CurveExpert is Shareware.  You are hereby granted license to use 
CurveExpert 1.3 for an evaluation period of 30 days, after which you 
must pay the registration fee to continue using CurveExpert 1.3. However, 
use of CurveExpert during the 30-day evaluation period is free of charge.

You may make exact copies and distribute these copies of the Evaluation 
version of CurveExpert 1.3 and its documentation as long the only charge
applied, if there is a charge applied, is for the distribution of these 
unmodified copies of CurveExpert.

You are specifically prohibited from charging or requesting donations for 
ANY and ALL copies of CurveExpert or its documentation. You are prohibited 
from distributing CurveExpert or any portion of CurveExpert or its 
documentation as part of another product (commercial or otherwise) 
without PRIOR expressed written consent from me personally.


FEATURES
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+ Over 30 distinct data models to choose from, along with over 15 
  additional models provided as user-defined models

+ User-defined models allow you to input, design, and manage your own
  regression functions with up to 19 parameters

+ Toolbox of fitting techniques includes linear/nonlinear regression 
  and many types of interpolation/spline fitting.

+ Uses the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm for quick and robust nonlinear 
  regression performance.

+ Unlimited number of data points

+ As curve fits are applied, a ranking chart keeps track of the best 
  to worst models

+ CurveFinder examines every possible regression model for your data
  set and returns the best one

+ Full-featured graphing capability with customizable, dynamic graphs 
  gives immediate feedback on curve fit quality

+ User has the ability to terminate a computation at any time

+ Customizable plots can be copied directly to the clipboard for use 
  in another Windows application

+ Easy-to-use point-and-click interface

+ Reads simple ASCII data files and can ignore comments or text in the file

+ Data set can be scaled, translated, sorted, the outliers removed,  
  edited by hand similarly to a spreadsheet

+ Analysis tools allow the location of exact points on the curve fit as well 
  as differentiation and integration of any model. 

+ Full featured toolbar and status bar increase your productivity





WHAT'S NEW
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See the HISTORY.TXT file for all of the latest additions and bug
fixes.


----
Daniel Hyams, author of CurveExpert 1.3
email:                  dhyams@eng.clemson.edu
phone w/ voice mail:    (864) 639-4722
FAX:                    (864) 639-4722
US mail:                911 Madden Bridge Road
			Central, SC  29630
