************************** WELCOME! **************************** Thank you for purchasing this CD from Chestnut Software. Using this disk requires a little PC knowledge which you may already have. Some Chestnut disks require more than others, some are VERY user-friendly. If you are reading this, you probably did so by typing "GO" at your CD's DOS prompt. If not, it doesn't really matter. ********************* ABOUT CHESTNUT DISCS ********************** The programs on this disc are shareware. By purchasing this disc, you are not necessarily purchasing registration nor the right to use the programs. In order to obtain these rights, you must register with the developer listed in the individual program. The price you paid for the CD is the cost of duplication and distribution the programs. In case you think that we're misspelling "disc", it seems that by convention, disc is the preferred spelling for CDs, and disk is the preferred spelling for hard/floppy disks. There are three types of programs you'll find here: SHAREWARE - You may use it for evaluation or as stated by the author. There are restrictions that must be obeyed. The author worked very hard to write this program; using it is no different than using a commercial program. PUBLIC DOMAIN - The author has released it into public domain. You may do whatever you like with it (except copyright it). FREEWARE - There is no fee for private use, but other restrictions exist. Authors are invited to submit their programs to: Chestnut Software P.O. Box 360 Cambridge, MA 02141-0004 Shareware has a lot to offer. With the "Try Before You Buy" marketing concept, the Software Consumer is the winner! It's not just a novel idea. It is a real solution to the Program Author's distribution problems and the Software consumer's high prices. It's simply great for everyone, but will work only if Author's keep their promises and consumer's pay for the products they use. So if you like the shareware concept, support it and register programs you use! ********************* HOW TO USE SHAREWARE *********************** To use a program, make a directory on your hard drive (I call mine "JUNK"), and copy the program there. After that, type CD\(DIRECTORY NAME) COPY (program name) C:\JUNK CD\UTILS COPY PKUNZIP.* C:\JUNK (whichever un-archiver you need) C: CD\JUNK ARCHIVES: ARC, ZIP, LZH files Many of these programs are stored in an archive. There are three popular archival storage methods: ZIP: unzip by typing "PKUNZIP *.ZIP" ARC: unarc by typing "PKUNPAK *.ARC" or "PKXARC *.ARC" LZH or : unlzh by typing "LHA x *.LZH" You can also copy these unarchivers to a directory which has a path set up already (like \DOS) or create a path to a new special directory. Refer to your DOS manual for more information. USING THE SOFTWARE: Many of the programs stored on Chestnut CDs can be run straight from the CD-ROM. However, because CD-ROM is a "read only" medium many of the programs will have to be installed to a hard/or floppy disk to operate properly. Many programs must write configurations, save scores, or use disk space to store data. These programs must be installed to a hard or floppy disk. Usually the instructions for running the software are stored on the disk in .DOC or .TXT files. You may also find file names like READ.ME or README.1ST. Before running the programs you should read these files to determine how to install or run the software. To read a DOC, TXT, or "README" file use the DOS "TYPE" command, or the utilities BROWSE or BROWSEMASTER (BRM), supplied in this CD's UTILS directory. You can print the file to a standard printer by typing:"COPY READ.ME PRN" INSTALLATION PROBLEMS: Some disks want to be installed in a special name directory. Others want to be installed from floppy. Some require installation from drive A. Be patient, keep trying. If you're not familiar with directories, see your DOS manual. *********************** FILE EXTENSIONS ************************* BAT: "Batch", usually starts the program. If there's a GO.BAT or START.BAT, or INSTALL.BAT, just type the filename without the extension. EXE or COM: Main program file. Never view with a word processor! If there's no BAT file, try running one of these by typing just the filename. BAS: "BASIC" programs - To run a "BAS" program, type "GWBASIC (filename)" Depending on your DOS and system, you may need to substitute the words BASIC, GWBASIC, or QBASIC for GWBASIC. Some programs in the catalog will require a compatible version of the BASIC programming language to run, usually GWBASIC or BASICA. Using BASICA as an example you can run BASIC programs by having BASICA.EXE and the BASIC program, FILENAME.BAS in the same directory, then typing, BASICA FILENAME. ( Leave off the .BAS extension.) You can also run them by invoking BASIC, then typing the command, RUN 'FILENAME'. README, TXT, DOC, ASC FILES: Text or document files. Use the DOS "TYPE" command, a text editor, word processor, or a program like BROWSE or BRM. ZIP, ARC, LZH, ARJ - This means the file has been archived. Will need to be "un-arced" before using. DAT - This type of file will almost always contains data that the program needs or has created. GIF - VGA picture file. View with GWS, VPIC, CSHOW, Paintshop, etc. PCX, TIF, IMG, MAC, PIC - Bitmapped image file. View with GWS, VPIC, CSHOW, Paintshop, etc. ***************************** HELP ***************************** If at any time you require more help on using this CD, you should: 1. Read your DOS manual. Microsoft offers DOS and MSCDEX support, not us. 2. Be patient in learning about PKZIP/PKUNZIP ("zip files") LHARC (lzh files) and so on. 3. Expect bugs. These programs are SHAREWARE. The authors cannot possibly afford to test the software on every system and configuration. If a program doesn't work, contact the developer. 4. Get support from the developer. He/she wrote the program, not us. These tips may sound a bit harsh, but please recognize that Chestnut distributes this software, and has nothing to do with its writing, much like a newscarrier delivers the news. One would not hassle the newscarrier about a misspelling in an Ann Lander's column. If you operate in DOS, you'll find this CD easy to work with. If you operate in Windows, you probably will want to use Zip Manager. Other front ends (DOS shells) may not support zip/lzh files. Check with them or resort to DOS. Chestnut will only provide help for the menu only. If you have specific questions about any individual programs, contact that program's author for assistance. If you have any suggestions for improvements to future releases, please tell us. *********************** TERMS & CONDITIONS ********************** The software on this CD has no guarantee of any type whatsoever. Chestnut Software does not advise or recommend use of any program or application software included on this CD-ROM. By using this software, user agrees that Chestnut Software will not be held liable for any damages, including lost profits, savings, or any other incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use of or inability to use this program or any of the programs from this CD, even if Chestnut has been notified of the possibility of such damages, or for any claims by any other party. Our only warranty is limited to this actual CD-ROM. It is deemed to be free from physical manufacturing defects for a period of 14 days from date of purchase, unless extended by the dealer from whom you purchased this. If it's defective, the dealer or Chestnut will replace it with the same type FREE. Proof of purchase is required. This warranty is valid in the USA and Canada only. VIRUSES: The programs on this CD have been obtained from reputable sources. They have been thoroughly virus scanned. HOWEVER... care should be taken when using any new program! (Remember that many top commercial software makers have accidentally distributed viruses!). (1) Get an up-to-date virus scanner. (2.) Make backups! Some of the programs on this disc are "SEEDS" and are COPYRIGHTED by CHESTNUT. You may not copy them to another CD. Chestnut Software - P.O. Box 360 - Cambridge, MA 02141-0004 tel: 617-864-8326 fax: 617-864-8327 *****************************************************************