ABOUT SHAREWARE... Most shareware is every bit as good as commercial software but it does have some differences. 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. DOS provides only one very poor method for viewing text files, the TYPE command. Simply enter the command, TYPE FILENAME.DOC, then use the pause and return keys to scroll through the document. (There are many programs available that allow you to view text files the same way you are viewing this one.) You can print the document by entering the command, COPY FILENAME.DOC PRN:. This will cause the document to be printed out on your printer. FILE TYPES... As you try out new software you will find many different types of files. The type of file is usually denoted by it's extension. Below is a list of the more common file types and their meaning. FILENAME.EXE - An executable file. Just type the filename without the extension to execute the program. FILENAME.COM - A command file. Operates the same as an executable file. FILENAME.BAS - This type of file requires a BASIC interpreter to run. It must be used in conjunction with a program like GWBASIC or BASICA. Usually you can learn more about the program by "listing" it out and reading the internal comments. FILENAME.DOC - This is a documentation file. Most always contains documentation for the program it comes with. FILENAME.TXT - Sometimes used for documentation. Most often used for information files, not necessarily related to programs. FILENAME.ZIP - This means the file has been archived. Will need to be "un-arced" before using. Other more common archive extensions are, .ARC, .LZH, .PAK. Chestnut uses the .ZIP extension. FILENAME.BAT - This is a batch file, one of the most useful features of DOS. Batch files may contain any DOS commands. They can display text and perform loops to vastly reduce repetitive keystrokes. Batch files are invoked like .EXE or .COM files, they will then execute each line in the batch file as if it were entered from the command line. A special batch file named, AUTOEXEC .BAT, will automatically execute when the computer is "booted". To create a BATCH file you must use a text editor not a word processor. DOS provide a simple text editor called EDLIN.COM. (See your DOS manual for more instructions on creating and using batch files.) FILENAME.DAT - This type of file will almost always contains data that the program needs or has created. There will also be many different graphics or picture extensions. (.PIC. .IMG, .GIF, .RLE, etc...) Usually graphics with different extensions are created differently and are not compatible, although there are several programs that read and convert different formats. File extensions can be any thing you choose, so there will many that are program specific. BASIC PROGRAMS... 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'. ****************************************************************** SHAREWARE SOFTWARE SUMMARY Shareware is software marketed on a "Try before you buy" basis. The price per disk that Shareware distributors charge is a distribution fee and not the price of the software. Shareware authors have agreed to allow vendors (like us) to recover expenses for copying, packaging, and maintaining a shareware library. This allows you to obtain software programs at incredibly low prices to try, then pay the registration price for them only if they suit your needs. The idea is that after a reasonable trial period, if you find the programs to be of use, you are expected to send the author the registration fee. Registration entitles you to various rights and benefits. These include such basic things as the legal (and moral) right to continue using the software. In addition many shareware authors offer printed documentation and/or higher levels of service and support. Unlike Public Domain software, which is free to everyone with no fees asked for or expected, shareware programs exist because the authors expect and deserve the registration support from people who use their programs. So that's Shareware. If you like it, support it ! ****************************************************************** ASP OMBUDSPERSON ASP wants to make sure 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 Ombudsperson can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members products. ASP Ombudsperson 545 Grover Road Muskegon, MI 49442 Shareware is 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!