Universal Hint System
Revision 91a
README File for MS-DOS/TSR Version 1.60
  (June 1994)


1. READ THIS FIRST
2. Archive Contents
3. Quick Start Instructions


READ THIS FIRST
===============

Both the DOS and TSR readers are shareware.  Under the shareware concept, you
must register a program if you like it and continue to use it.  I won't bother
repeating all of the legal technicalities in this introduction, since they are
included in the LICENSE.DOC file of this archive.

REGISTERING COMES WITH TANGIBLE ADVANTAGES: a fully functional TSR reader and
the right to purchase individual disks with all of the current hints and
readers ($5 extra) or a year-long subscription of new files ($18 for six
disks).  More details are available at the end of the text file UHS.TXT.  Now,
onto the rest of this introduction.

I know that plenty of people out there are using the UHS and enjoy it enough
to recommend to their friends or even ask me to write specific new files.
But, unfortunately, I'm not receiving nearly the registrations that I would
expect from the download counts, messages, or file requests.

It takes a significant amount of time and money to keep a project like the UHS
running, in both writing the hint files and updating the readers.  The only
way that I can receive the money I need to continue supporting the UHS is
through registrations.  If you want me to write new files in the future,
realize that by not registering, you're reducing the likelihood that I'll
write the files you want.

If you've already decided that you like the UHS, then you've had all the time
you need to evaluate the program.  Please send in your check now.  The DOS
reader even has a menu selection that will print a registration form for you.
Even if you've never registered a shareware program before, try to realize
that the UHS isn't quite a typical program.  Most programs that are useful
today will still run just as well months or even years from now.  But without
the hint files, the UHS is not of very much use, and the active support that
the UHS requires takes money.  (Of course, you should register all of the
shareware that you continue to use.)

Besides, the UHS is much cheaper than the present alternatives.  900 numbers,
hint books, and calls to on-line services like CompuServe all cost money every
time you use them.  But once you've paid your registration for the UHS, you
don't need to pay again.



Archive Contents
================

The following files should be included in this archive:

READMEUH       This file
UHS.EXE        Executable for stand-alone DOS reader, version 1.60
UHS.TXT        Documentation file for UHS.EXE
UHSTSR.EXE     Executable for TSR DOS reader, version 1.60
UHSTSR.TXT     Documentation file for UHSTSR.EXE
REGISTER.FRM   Registration form
VENDOR.DOC     Information for distributors (disk vendors and BBS operators)
LICENSE.DOC    License information
WHATSNEW.160   Lists changes in UHS.EXE and UHSTSR.EXE since version 1.00
FILE_ID.DIZ    Description for BBS sysops


Quick Start Instructions
========================

Find a UHS hint file -- the place where you found this reader can tell you how
to get one (see UHS.TXT if you're on a commercial on-line service such as
CompuServe for instructions).  Copy your hint file into the same directory as
the files in this archive.  Use the DOS COPY command to do so.  Type the
following at the DOS prompt (substituting C:\UHS with the directory where
UHS.EXE is located):

  COPY *.UHS C:\UHS

The instructions above assume that you already have a .UHS hint file and that
it's in the same directory that you're currently using.  Normally, when you
download files, the program that you use will place all downloads in the same
directory.  If you can't find a .UHS hint file in the current directory, look
in your download directory, type the letter of its drive, use the CD command
to move to that directory, and then copy the hint file to your UHS directory,
as follows.  Change the first two lines to match the download directory for
your communications software.

  C:
  CD\WAOL\DOWNLOAD
  COPY *.UHS C:\UHS

Some hint files may be compressed when you receive them; if so, you will need
to uncompress them and repeat the previous instructions.  The place where you
found your hint files should be able to tell you how to uncompress them.

Now you should be ready to start the UHS reader.  If you want to get hints
while you're playing a game, use the following commands.  Text in square
brackets should not be typed in, but you should follow the instructions given
in the comments.

  C:
  CD\UHS
  UHSTSR T7G [replace "T7G" with the name of the .UHS file you're using]
  [start your game as described in its manual and wait until you need hints]
  [then hit the ALT and ? keys at the same time for hints]

If you don't get hints when you hit ALT-?, change the third line of the above
commands to

  UHSTSR /B T7G

and repeat the same five steps.  If that doesn't work, you should try the DOS
prompt UHS reader.  Enter these commands:

  [start your game as described in its manual and wait until you need hints]
  [exit the game once you need help]
  C:
  CD\UHS
  UHS T7G [replace "T7G" with the name of the .UHS file that you're using]
  [get your hints, start the game again, and keep playing]

See UHS.TXT and UHSTSR.TXT for more detailed instructions on how to use these
programs.
