                INFORMATION TEXT FOR DESERT ROSE SETUPMAKER

        SetupMaker is a universal setup program designed to install
        WINDOWS applications from a distribution disk. This freeware
        version will install one executable program, with up to 15
        associated files, and creates a Program Manager Icon on the
        Window that is active when Setup is run. Unlike most setup
        programs, it does not create a completely new Program Manager
        Window.

        The file SETMAKER.EXE is offered as Public Domain by the
        author, through Desert Rose Data Systems, L.C., 3938 East
        Grant Road #181, Tucson, Az., 85712. This program creates
        a data-overlay file called DRSETUP.OVL, which is read into
        the main setup program at run-time. The overlay file provides
        the needed installation data to the main setup program, 
        eliminating the need to rewrite and recompile the setup
        program to fit each new project.

        The main setup program file is called DRUSETUP.EXE. We do
        not claim any copyright to this file, since it is based on a
        freely-distributable Visual Basic sample program. However, it
        should be noted that the sample program has been modified to
        use external data from the overlay file. This means DRDS must
        be considered the author in the event of any problems or bugs.

        The set of files that comprise this utility also includes the
        file SETUP.EXE, which is used to perform the first steps of the 
        installation process. SETUP.EXE is a freely-distributed Visual
        Basic file, and the copyright on it belongs to Microsoft 
        Corporation, with whom DRDS has no connection.

        To distribute an application using this utility, first rename
        the original file DRSETUP.OVL to DRSETUP.OLD so you won't lose
        the ability to further distribute this package. Then run
        SETMAKER.EXE by double-clicking its icon. Follow the steps and
        instructions on your screen. This will create a new DRSETUP.OVL
        that contains the data for installing your application and its
        files. Next, use an ASCII text editor (MS-EDIT is ideal) to 
        make any needed changes or additions to the file SETUP.LST. 
        This file needs to include all files that are to be installed
        in the user's WINDOWS and \SYSTEM directories. Remember that
        all Visual Basic Applications must have the run-time file
        VBRUNx00.DLL installed, where "x" matches the VB major version
        number. The DLL is freely-distributed, and is widely available
        on BBs and online services. (Of course, it also has to be on
        YOUR system, otherwise you can't run SetupMaker!)
        Finally, copy SETUP.EXE, SETUP.LST, DRUSETUP.EXE, DRSETUP.OVL,
        SETUPKIT.DLL, and all files you listed in SETUP.LST and in the
        SetMaker program to your distribution disk. If you want to 
        compress the files, compress them as a pack, NOT individually.
        DRUSETUP cannot decompress files as they are installed. The
        decompression must take place before SETUP is run.

        If you have done everything correctly, you should now have a
        working distribution disk. We suggest you test it before you
        release it....users get very unhappy if they see "File Not
        Found" instead of "Installation Complete"! If it doesn't do
        what it's supposed to, first make sure all the files called
        for are actually present. If they are, then the problem is
        most likely a typo in SetupMaker. Run it again, and pay close
        attention to your input. Remember, SetupMaker can't tell a
        valid file name from a typo: it will simply cause DRUSETUP
        to generate an error message when the mistyped file can't be
        found. TIP: You can save some time by simply examining the
        file DRSETUP.OVL with your DOS Shell or MS-EDIT. The file 
        is actually in readable text format...the only thing that
        makes it different from an ASCII file is the physical
        layout of the data. This has to be precise in order for
        DRUSETUP to read it in. We suggest, however, that if errors
        are found, you rerun SetupMaker to fix it...attempting to 
        alter the file with a text editor will probably cause you
        a bunch of grief! You don't need to erase the overlay before
        running SetupMaker...it will do that automatically each time
        a new "create" is executed.

         
                                DISCLAIMER:
                              
        Desert Rose Data Systems, L.C. hereby disclaims any warranty,
        either expressed or implied, as to the suitability of this
        Public Domain product for any purpose whatsoever. DRDS will
        not be responsible for any damage, loss of data, or other
        problems arising from the use or misuse of this software.
        By using this product for distribution of files, the user
        agrees to accept responsibility for any problems, and to 
        hold DRDS free of any liability. (NOTE: You should include
        a disclaimer of your own with any files you distribute).

        This software was developed as a pilot project for a quick 
        setup system to be used with our future releases. We felt 
        it worked well enough that we should release it as freeware, 
        in the belief that other small program developers will find 
        it useful. Since it WAS a pilot project, it is quite possible
        that there may be "bugs" in it....if you find any, please
        let us know. Your feedback will help us develop better
        software in the future. You are welcome to contact the author 
        of SETMAKER.EXE directly with any questions or comments. 
        His Internet address is 75401.2532@compuserve.com.
        You are also welcome (and encouraged) to redistribute
        this utility as you please.


                              FUTURE RELEASES?

        We refer to this release as our freeware "version" because,
        having seen how useful the concept is, we believe there may
        be a market for such a system. Accordingly, we are continuing
        development of the system as time permits, and plan to 
        release a much nicer shareware version, which will allow such
        boons as multiple exe-file installation, unlimited numbers of
        files, control of screen colors and designs, choice of whether
        to create a new Program Manager Window or use the current
        window, etc. This version, which will be called SetupMaster,
        is currently projected to be available in mid-1995, and will
        carry a shareware fee of about $12. This will be a one-time
        fee that covers unlimited use; there will be no royalties
        on any distributed copies. You are invited to contact
        Desert Rose at our Tucson address if you would like to be
        informed when this version is available.

        Thank you for trying our little utility.

                              END OF DOCUMENT
   

