This archive contains the public release of the XWord program
for the US Robotics Pilot computer.

Version .5 is a pre-release for public testing and review.  It is a fully
useable program, but there a couple missing feature features and a few known 
bugs.

It is being released as Shareware.  The free version is slightly crippled
in that it will only allow you to access up to 3 puzzles at a time, and
there are a number of features which only work with the first listed puzzle.
You may register XWord for $10 US, which will entitle you to the fully
functional version and free upgrades for any future versions.

Registered software will be distributed via the Web or email only.  If you
need a disk mailed to you please specify so and included $2 more.
Please include your email address with any registration.
Checks can be sent to the address below. Keep an eye on the web page for
First Virtual registration in the near future.

Penguin Software
P.O. Box 7272
Champaign, IL 61826-7272

The original and latest version of this software is available at:
http://www.roadkill.com/penguin/


Modification History:
0.3	First public release	
0.5	Nov 30, 1996
	Removed the screen flicker for everything except scrolling.
	Added improved square progression for Show Errors mode
	Moved Show Errors option to Preferences dialog
	Added Shareware feature cripple
0.52    Fixed crashing bug
0.6     Removed flashing while scrolling
	Added support for 15x12 and 11x9 board size
	Added option for gray or black squares
	Up/Down buttons move to top/bottom of puzzle
	Registered version now supports:
		Importing from New York Times 
		Importing from London Times  (partial support)




xword.prc   This is the program. Install it on the Pilot using instapp.
*.pdb	    These are individual sample puzzles.  Load them using instapp.
puz2pil.exe This is a DOS program which will convert some puzzle formats
	        into a .pdb file for loading on the Pilot.  Currently it only
		supports files generated by Crossword Express (CWE) and the 
		puzzles published by USA Today.



I hope to add the following in future releases:
  - A clues page where you can scan the list of clues and choose which to edit
  - Add First Virtual registration.


How to get more puzzles:

	http://www.usatoday.com/life/puzzles/puzzle.htm  has the daily puzzle 
	as well as an archive back through 1995.


	Crossword Express is a nice program which will automatically generate 
	puzzles for you.
	http://www.puzzledepot.com/cwe/down1.shtml
	(It seems that we are not compatible with the Lite version yet.)





I do not claim that it is or is not legal to download the files from
various Newspaper publishers and convert them for use on another program.
This software is not authorized by USA Today or any other newspaper and 
any conversion of their data is done at your own risk.


The legal stuff.


This program is provided "AS IS" without warrantee as to its performance or 
fitness of purpose. The entire risk as to the quality and performance of the 
software is assumed by the user.

This software and all included documents are Copyright and all rights are 
reserved by David Gerdes and Penguin Software.  Copies may only be made
of the original unmodified distribution.  The software may be made
available for distribution as along as it is complete and this document is
included and no fee is chared.  You are not authorized to distribute this 
software on any medium where a fee is charged either for the product itself, 
the media, or for the process of downloading.  This restriction does not 
include general internet access fees such as those charged by an ISP.

Copyright 1996 Penguin Software




Penguin Software (tm)
http://www.roadkill.com/penguin/
dpgerdes@roadkill.com