 =========================================================================
  Microscope - A Microscope for the PC |  Evaluation Version UNREGISTERED
 --------------------------------------| 
  Copyright : Maurice Smith 1992/3/4   |            VER 1.0        
              Molcol Software          |                                  
              69 Commonside West       |      SERIAL 201193              
              Mitcham, Surrey. CR4 4HB |
              England.                 |  for SHAREWARE distribution!
                                       |                                 
         TEL: 081-685 0528             |
 =========================================================================
 

 INSTALLATION
 ============
 If your distribution disc/discs have instructions from the Shareware
 distributer on how to install this software, then follow them. Other-
 wise create a directory on your hard-disc as MSCOPE. Copy all files 
 from the distribution disc/discs into the new directory.

 To use slidesests in the future, it is best to make this directory as
 MSCOPE rather than any other name. It will save time when you wish to
 add other shareware slidesets to the package.

 TO RUN
 ============
 Change to the directory where Microscope is installed & type: MICMENU

 REQUIRED TO RUN
 ===============
 HARD DISC, VGA COLOR MONITOR & CARD.
 Best results achieved with 386 processor or faster especially
 with animated slides.


 PROBLEMS (Memory Managers... )
 ==============
 If you have extended memory and more complex arrangements for your PC
 set-up and memory: if you encounter problems try running Microscope 
 without various memory managers etc, loaded. Please let me know if you
 do have problems.


 10/11/93 note: Microscope has now been tested on a super-duper 486 with
 graphics accelerator and 16meg of memory with windows managing the set-up.
 The animation routines were too fast. This SHAREWARE version has now been
 improved to provide slower animation on this type of set-up and improved
 key responses when running animated slidesets.

 The improvement is identified by a serial number shown briefly on the 
 Microscope screen during start-up. The serial number is a date 091193.
 A serial number with this date (09/11/93) OR LATER will indicate the 
 version includes this enhancement.


 PROBLEMS (Keys... )
 ==============================
 Where references in the program refer to using SHIFT-<arrow keys> for moving
 the small box around inside the viewer: this refers to <arrow keys> on the
 Numeric Keypad of your keyboard. The NUMBER LOCK key must be off for these to
 function properly! If you don't have a numeric pad then use the
 following ordinary number keys instead of the  SHIFT-<arrow keys>:-

 FOR SHIFT- <right arrow> Use 6
 FOR SHIFT- <left arrow>  Use 4       
 FOR SHIFT- <up arrow>    Use 8
 FOR SHIFT- <down arrow>  Use 2


 SPECIAL NOTE on Animated slidesets:-
 ====================================
 When using Animated slidesets, Microscope's 'feel' and use of controls
 changes slightly. A few features allowed when using 'still' slidesets
 are inhibited for animated sequences. For example: the LOAD ARROWs CONTROL
 will not allow you to move the slide indicator up and down, and you can't
 load individual frames into the viewer. Instead, if you wish to view an
 individual frame, then use the 'F' key to flick through the sequence;
 then use the space key to stop the animation on the frame you wish to
 view. This will allow you to use most of Microscope's normal features to
 STAIN, FILTER, LIGHT, etc., the slide on view. To restart the animation, 
 use the controls as if you were going to load the first slide from the 
 slideset tray into the viewer. 


 Animation performance is dependent on you disk access speed. A disk cache
 program (from a third party) is required for effective speed!

 PLEASE READ THIS NOTICE FIRST :-


               NOTICE ON USING MICROSCOPE for the PC.
               ======================================


 Microscope for the PC has SPECIAL LICENSING arrangements, different from
 normal SHAREWARE distributed packages. It is important that you understand
 them as they provide opportunity for continued LEGAL use at reduced costs
  - according to your needs.

 The package is available in several forms:

 VER 1x DEMO UNREGISTERED (abridged)....(released via PC Plus Cover Disc)
 VER 1X DEMO LICENSED (abridged)........(enhanced 1x to show all shareware
                                         slides. A license is required.)

 VER 1.0 UNREGISTERED ..................(from normal SHAREWARE sources)
 VER 1.0 LICENSED ......................(Licensed version of shareware
                                         version 1.0)

 VER 1.0 REGISTERED PRO ................(NOT SHAREWARE !! Available by
                                         direct purchase only.)
 
 ONLY VERSION 1.0 WITH THE WORD: 'UNREGISTERED' ON MICROSCOPE'S MAIN 
 SCREEN MAY BE DISTRIBUTED AS SHAREWARE: VER 1X DEMO UNREGISTERED is not
 shareware. VER 1.O REGISTERED PRO is not shareware. VER 1.0 LICENSED is
 not shareware.

 Microscope uses SLIDESETS which are normally purchased. These are the 
 Professional Series and are NOT available via SHAREWARE. However, to 
 advertise them and to help customers determine what they may like to buy,
 samples of these slides are taken, reassembled, and issued as 
 slidesets via SHAREWARE sources. This is a continual process. These are
 identified as having filenames begining 'SHAR' (for Shareware) or 'Demo'
 which are also Shareware (normally distributed with the Program).

 All versions of Microscope are capable of viewing Shareware slidesets BUT 
 only VER 1.O REGISTERED PRO can display slidesets from the Professional
 Series.  This is not a SHAREWARE package and must therefore be purchased.
 Also Ver 1x (abridged) requires enhancement software available from Molcol
 Software to display Shareware slidesets.

 Since many Shareware slidesets will be issued, users may wish to view them
 without wanting to purchase the PRO VERSION of Microscope for use with 
 professional slidesets. A separate LICENSING arrangement has been made
 available to allow this kind of use, along with 1 SHAREWARE-DISTRIBUTED
 package to evaluate whether or not this type of use is for you or 
 whether or not Microscope for the PC would be of greater benefit to 
 you by purchasing the fully-functional PRO version.

 If you wish to continue using either the SHAREWARE version or wish to use
 the abridged ver 1x to view slidesets distributed as SHAREWARE, then
 you must apply for a licensed version. A fee is charged but in return you
 will receive an enhanced copy to allow use of SHAREWARE slidesets only, 
 at a level which suits your needs. You will not be ABLE to use PRO Series
 slides with this Licensed software.
 
 Licensed versions are not SHAREWARE. You must not distribute copies
 of Licensed Versions nor any programs associated with them! You may 
 distribute slidesets which have filenames begining with 'SHAR' or 'DEMO'
 as Shareware, providing no alteration is made to the files, and you do
 not charge for their use (other than as defined by Shareware
 distributers who will normally charge a distribution fee). 

 If any time later on you wish to purchase the PRO Version 1.0, then you
 can reclaim your LICENSING fee against the purchase price, provided you
 purchase direct from MOLCOL SOFTWARE! A small additional fee is charged 
 to cover additional discs, postage, packaging etc. Full details are
 shown when using the software.

 To help you make a choice between the options, their levels of use are
 detailed below for shareware, licensed, and direct purchase options. 
 For payment details - please see details displayed when running the 
 software. Address details in the software are protected and cannot be
 easily altered: this is to protect your interests.

  

 PAYMENTS
 ========
 It is up to you if you wish to send money through the post. We would
 recommend that you pay by cheque, postal order etc., Overseas customers
 can pay by money order, or try a cheque : if our bank won't except it
 we will contact you with some other arrangement. Prices advertised are
 in English Pounds - a quick look in the papers will allow an average
 currency conversion. Averages are acceptable.
 
 At the time of writing, we are seeking consent to make paying by VISA
 a payment option. By the time you read this - we may be in a position
 to offer this. Drop us a line to find out.


 VERSIONS
 ========

 See the top right corner of this file to see which version you should 
 be evaluating with this readme file.



 Ver 1x - DEMO UNREGISTERED (For distribution only via limited media)
 --------------------------------------------------------------------

 This is a proper working version of Microscope - a Microscope for the PC.
 It has been 'cut-down' to allow distribution via limited media: 
 cover discs, bulletin boards, low capacity discs etc.,

     1) It is distributed with reduced slideset/or sets (number of slides).
    
     2) It does not include 2 features beneficial to Users involved in a
        teaching environment. These allow creation and display of
        USER-CREATED Tutorial Texts explaining the Slideset subjects.
    
     3) Help in all forms is greatly reduced.


     4) It will NEVER display WIDESCREEN slides as they should be seen. 


     5) It will only ever display 'SHAR' or 'DEMO' slides (distributed via
        SHAREWARE). * see (6) below *
        
 ->  6) It lacks slide-management software (available with enhanced 1x for
        a small license fee). You can not therefore install SHAREWARE
        slidesets without this enhanced edition.

     7) It lacks a User Manual, Special Menu, and a few other frills.

     8) It lacks ENHANCED features which allow use of 4 different 
        Microscopes. Slide viewing and detail is greatly enhanced WITH 
        these additional features!

     9) It will show animated 'SHAR' & 'DEMO' slides but if this feature 
        is enhanced, Ver 1x will not benefit from the improvements.                   


    10) Some of the message routines are not as 'polished' as they are in
        Ver 1.0 full versions.


       * We strongly recommend you obtain the full version 1.0 SHAREWARE
         for evaluating Microscope at its best with all its features!!


 Licensing Ver 1x to show all Shareware slidesets.
 -------------------------------------------------

 Version 1x distributed by PCPLUS will only display slidesets released by
 PCPLUS. It is was specially created from the full version to enable
 distribution on the PCPLUS cover disc. It does not include a feature 
 required to install other SLIDESETS distributed via SHAREWARE sources.

 You can however send a fee to MOLCOL SOFTWARE, you will receive an enhanced
 Ver 1x which will allow licensed use of all shareware slidesets. Details are
 available when running the software.
 
 If you wish to use the enhanced Ver 1x (the abridged version) , you will
 never be able to evaluate the user-created TUTORIAL files option. You will
 be able to view WIDE-SCREEN slides but not as they are meant to be seen,
 and you will not be able to use 4 different Microscopes, each giving a
 different clarity to the SHAREWARE slides viewed. YOU WILL however receive 
 software to allow easy installation & use of Demo Slidesets, a user-manual,
 additional SHAREWARE slidesets, &  Brunel Electronic Catalogue.   

 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Ver 1.0 - Unregistered. (For Normal Shareware Marketing)
 --------------------------------------------------------
 The main difference between this and the Pro version (Registered non-
 -shareware) is that the SHAREWARE version will only show SHAREWARE
 slidesets.


 ALSO:-

      1) SLIDESET INSTALLATION AND MANAGEMENT ROUTINES ARE VERY BASIC.

         Although you may have many slidesets present on your disc, only 
         1 of these can be installed and viewed at any one session. Each
         time you wish to use another slideset, you have to return to
         Microscope's menu to re-install the next slideset you wish to 
         view. On Licensed versions, you do not have to do this: you
         can have as may slidesets installed as you like, and see them
         all from a single session.
 
      2) NO USER MANUAL

         Like all sophisticated software packages, Microscope has features
         which may be difficult to master without proper instruction. Also,
         some of Microscope's more power functionality is not explained 
         anywhere else but in the Manual: speeding up animations, creating
         entire lessons for pupils, forcing Microscope into a mode from DOS,
         writing your own batch files, using extra memory, etc., A manual is
         only supplied with licensed versions.
 
   
      3) 4 DIFFERENT MICROSCOPE FEATURE IS ONLY FUNCTIONAL ON CERTAIN
         (selected) SHAREWARE SLIDESETS.

         Microscope offers enhanced viewing features by emulating different
         optical arrangements. This feature is retained in this shareware
         version to allow proper assessment and full evaluation of the 
         program. Shareware slidesets can be configured by us to disable 
         this feature on unlicensed software - for the slideset on view.
         Only a limited number of slidesets will be issued which allow
         use of other than normal optics on unlicensed software.
         Licensed versions will not be disabled in any way when using
         Shareware slidesets.
          

 Features including use of 4 different Microscopes, user creation
 of Tutorial files, SELECTED teach, & menu software can be evaluated.

 Licensing Ver 1.0 unregistered -(not PRO version)
 --------------------------------------------------
 YOU WILL RECEIVE EVERYTHING NECESSARY TO MAKE MICROSCOPE FULLY FUNCTIONAL
 ON EVERY SHAREWARE SLIDESET. PROPER SLIDESET INSTALLATION MANAGEMENT
 CONTROL, MANUAL, 4 DIFFERENT MICROSCOPE FEATURE ON ALL SHAREWARE SLIDESETS.
 Examples of creating lessons are included.
 

 THE ONLY THING YOU WONT BE ABLE TO DO IS USE PROFESSIONAL SLIDESETS!
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Ver 1.0 - Registered Pro- (NON SHAREWARE)
 -----------------------------------------
 Unregistered & LICENCED SHAREWARE versions of Microscope allow the use
 of SHAREWARE Slides only,  distributed periodically via Shareware Marketing
 sources. The wealth of Slides are configured to work only with registered
 PRO software. Purchasing the PRO version enables the use of all slidesets,
 provides telephone support, periodic newsletter, an enhanced user manual,
 and additional features of interest to people working in a PROFESSIONAL
 OR TEACHING environment.

 Microscope is being developed further and REGISTERED users will gain 
 advantages as respected customers. Registered Users will be offered 
 Upgrades at discounted prices. The term 'Registered' is only used
 in association with PRO version (NON-shareware), the term 'licensed'
 is used to describe shareware versions where a fee has been paid 
 for continued use of Microscope to view SHAREWARE slidesets only!
 A licensed user receives 'replacement' software as described in this
 text to enhance his/her use of the Shareware version.

 Animated slides are created from Video sources. Registered users will be
 able to benefit from additional material which can be made available:
 photos, videos, reference info etc.,

 They will also be able to 'tap' into support & material offered by third
 parties. (This can include tutorial files in different languages!)
   


 

 PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
 ==================
 Microscope is designed to be a Microscope capable of displaying quality
 images 'sourced' via electronic conversion of photo images taken with
 optical & electron scanning Microscopes. It simulates Magnification,
 Light-levels, Polarisation, Dark-field viewing, Staining,and other
 techniques used to enhance our view of tiny subjects. It is capable of
 displaying animation via time-lapse photography and video capture, as well
 as normal 'stills'. In fully functional versions it can be used to emulate
 the use of Normal Optical, Phase-Contrast, Nomarski differential-
 -interference, and Polarisation Microscopes; each providing different 
 degrees of detail and clarity.

 Special Tutorial files may accompany slidesets or can be created by
 the user, providing special advantages in both teaching and professional
 environments. Services and software are being developed to enhance
 its usefulness to these users. Site licences with major discounts are
 available: please write for details.


 It can show animated sequences of Microscopic subjects by utilising 
 time-lapse and real-time images: see the majesty, beauty, and the
 ruthlessness of Nature at work.

 A single slideset may contain up to 40 images yet filesize is kept
 to a minimum: see credits in main program. 


 Using Microscope without a Manual
 =================================
 A Manual is not distributed with unlicensed or unregistered versions
 of Microscope. This will not be a problem when using the Microscope in
 NORMAL mode. Keys on your keyboard are used to select a screen button
 and once a button is lit, the up/down, PgUp, PgDn, and Enter key allow
 effective operation. A context-sensitive help routine will quickly 
 enable you to gain sufficient control to see what the package has to
 offer. Please note that Microscope for the PC is constantly being 
 enhanced. When such enhancements reach a critical level, the package
 is re-released with a new version number. 
 Modes of operation other than NORMAL all relate to the creation and 
 display of User generated text files as Tutorial files. Relatively 
 little guidance on this is given and only users prepared to dabble 
 for a while are likely to master this powerful option.
 

 Authors Personal Comment
 ========================
 Although I do not condemn the zap-em-up type games currently available,
 I am concerned about the imbalance between software of this nature
 and software which encourages curiosity & expansion of awareness.
 This package, and the acquisition of a quality microscope is a single
 expense which competes favourably with well known games machines and
 their software. I think its time again to introduce our young to the 
 miracle of life and develop in them the same awe and wonder I have
 retained throughout my life. I hope my small endeavours  might fan
 a flickering flame here and there, and that with your help - that flame 
 becomes a fiery torch blazing the way to enlightenment and truth.  
   

                      ==================
                           WANTED   
                      ==================

 We are constantly developing new slidesets. If you are in possession
 of quality photos, film, video (which are your copyright) of images
 taken via a microscope - electron scanning or optical instruments; or
 other material perhaps taken via close-up photography of insects for
 example then we are interested in hearing from you. Also, all ideas
 are welcome!

 We are selling slidesets for use with Microscope and can offer financial
 reward and credits for use of your work. Write to me via the address
 displayed in the program.




                      
                         Maurice Smith.
                         --------------------
                         pp. Molcol Software.



   "For every man the world is as fresh as it was at the first day, and
    as full of novelties for him who has the eyes to see them..."

    {quote from Thomas Henry Huxley 1825-95, English Bioligist} 



