_______ ____|__ | (R) --| | |------------------- | ____|__ | Association of | | |_| Shareware |__| o | Professionals -----| | |--------------------- |___|___| MEMBER This file has been installed as README.TXT, and you can view it again at any time by double-clicking on the README Icon in SkyMap's group in Program Manager. Please take the time to read it. Use the scroll-bar at the right to move down the text. SkyMap is Shareware. You may evaluate it for a period of not more than 30 days. If you find it useful after this period you must pay for it. Please see the separate registration form for details of how to register the program. If you do not intend to register the program after the evaluation period you must delete it from your hard disk. There are significant benefits to registering your copy. Upon registration you will receive:- A registered copy of the latest version of SkyMap. A large star database containing over 88,000 stars down to magnitude 8.5, compared with the 15,925 stars to magnitude 7 of this evaluation version. A description database containing classification information, descriptions, and observing notes for the objects in the deep sky object database. Unlimited lifetime support. Notification of upgrades to the program, and information about new and complementary products. Optionally, you may also purchase the complete SAO star catalog of 259,000 stars to magnitude 9.5 and a collection of astronomical GIF pictures. And apart from all that, you get the comfort of knowing that you are helping to support the Shareware concept, a distribution system that brings you quality software at realistic prices. So what is Shareware? --------------------- Shareware is copyrighted software which is distributed by authors through bulletin boards, on-line services, disk vendors, and by copies being passed among friends. It is commercial software that you are allowed to try before you pay for it. This makes shareware the ultimate in money back guarantees - if you don't like the product, you don't pay for it! Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. There is good and bad shareware, just as there is good and bad retail software. The primary difference between shareware and retail software is that with shareware you know if it's good or bad before you pay for it. You benefit because you get to use the software to determine whether it meets your needs, before you pay for it. Authors benefit because they are able to get their products into your hands without the expenses it takes to launch a traditional retail software product. The shareware system and the continued availability of quality shareware products depend on your willingness to register and pay for the shareware you use. It is the registration fees you pay which allow us to support and continue to develop our products. Please show your support for shareware by registering those programs you actually use and by passing them on to others. Shareware is kept alive by your support! ASP Ombudsman Statement ----------------------- 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 member directly, 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 USA or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.