
     Welcome to a special 'site licensed' copy of @READER@!


This information is meant for you, the sysop.  Normally, a site
licensed copy of @READER@ will not display this file, but we're
using it to give you a few tips on how to 'test drive' this copy
of the program.

You might like to print this information on your printer for easy
reference.  Make sure your printer is turned ON and is ready to
print...then click on the "Printer" button at the bottom of this
screen.

First, just what is a 'site licensed' copy of @READER@?

Well, in this case, the @READER@ you are using right now was
custom compiled to work with QWK mail packets produced by the
@API$(202) bulletin board system.

Because it is 'site licensed' to the BBS, this means that the
sysop can distribute this copy of @READER@ to all of their callers
without any additional payment to Sparkware.  For a one time
license fee, the sysop can hand copies of @READER@ out to new
and potential callers like it was *candy*.  Their users do not
need to worry about registering their copy of @READER@ with us.
The sysop's site license takes care of everything.

And unlike our regular @READER@ release, this copy is customized
so that it will ONLY call the @API$(201) system.  And we allow
you to customize the opening screen, as you'll soon see, to show
your BBS logo.  We give you the top half of the @READER@ screen
to customize as you wish.

All of this helps reinforce your system's features to your own
callers.  Plus, no other QWK offline mail reader system is easier
to install, easier and more intuitive to use than @READER@.

You might already have a "new user" kit that you distribute to
your new users.  If you don't, you really should.  How do you
expect your new callers to reach you?  By a listing in some
BBS listing?  Not in today's world...that's not going to work
anymore.  You've got to make it easy for your callers to reach
you...and @READER@ does it best.

Now, if you already are sending out a "new user" to kit to your
callers, is it customized to call only your system?  Does it
include a full telecommunications system with a QWK reader?  And
a file manager?  PKZIP compatible file archiving utilities?
How about a text editor?  Or spelling checker?  Does it offer
RIP graphics capabilities?  And do you have the legal rights to
distribute these programs to your callers?

Take a few minutes to check out this copy of @READER@ and find
out what we offer your callers.  Unlike some telecommunication
programs available for license today by sysops, ours does much
more than dial your BBS and drop your user off, cold, after the
login prompt.  And we don't charge you extra for all of the
extras either!  Everything is included in one low price.

Let's show you what @READER@ can do for your BBS.  After all,
if you're not interested in getting callers into your system,
why put up a BBS in the first place???


Taking the test drive


We've created this customized copy of @READER@ for the @API$(201)
BBS since we know you can use it to call the developer's BBS.
Feel free to keep and use this program, if you like, to continue
to call @API$(201).

Now, about that test drive.  You really do need to print out this
text on your printer so you can follow these steps.  So, if you
haven't done this by now, select the "Printer" button now.

Good.  This display on your screen is known as the @READER@ "help"
screen.  You can always access context-sensitive online help by
pressing the [F1] key in the program.  The "Manual" button on this
screen takes you directly to the @READER@ novice user's guide,
where an even more in-depth explanation of our program is available.

But for now, press the [ESC] key or select "Quit" on this screen to
exit the HELP display.

Now, you are at what we refer to as the @READER@ "opening screen".
We've customized this screen to display the logo for the @API$(201)
BBS.  When you order your own @READER@ licensed copy, we'll place
your own logo in the same space.  And you can be as creative as
you wish too.  Anything in ANSI that can fit in the screen is fair
game for us!

You'll also notice that we've grouped all of the commands into easy
to understand command buttons.  You can select each command by
either clicking on the button with your mouse or by pressing the
highlighted letter in the button on your keyboard.

Start off by selecting the "Get new messages" button.  As the name
implies, your callers will use this button to call your system and
download new messages.  Immediately, @READER@ is asking you to
enter a time to call @API$(201).  Press the [ENTER] key without
entering a time to call the system now.  Otherwise, enter a time
(in military format) and @READER@ will wait until that time to
call the BBS.  This feature is great for those wanting to call
in the early morning hours to take advantage of those low long
distance rates.

Once @READER@ establishes a connection with @API$(201) it will
automatically log you into the system if you have established a
user account for @API$(201).  Then, @READER@ moves to the QWK
mail system and downloads new messages for you.

Note:  Many QWK mail systems default to a standard new user
       setup if the user has never configured the mail door
       before.  @READER@ assumes that the user's account is
       configured to use PKZIP as the file compressor and
       ZMODEM as the file transfer protocol.

@READER@ disconnects after transferring any new messages and
places you in the "read messages" module.  Here you can read
and reply to any of the messages you received from @API$(201).
See the online help (the [F1] key) or the new user's guide for
information on how to use this part of the @READER@ system.

If you entered any replies or new messages for @API$(201) while
reading these messages, @READER@ will ask you, after you exit
the QWK mail packet, if you wish to receive new messages from
@API$(201).  This features makes it easy for your users to
move through the QWK process.

When you arrive back at the @READER@ "opening screen" you will
see other commands available to you.  These commands are:

        Call and log into the system

                This command button calls @API$(201) and
                logs the user into the system.  Then, they
                are placed in the interactive terminal mode
                where they can use the BBS.

                @READER@ features an auto-detecting "Doorway
                mode" so your users do not need to know how
                to switch into and out from "Doorway mode".
                (Use ALT+"=" to do this manually).

                When the caller disconnects from @API$(201)
                @READER@ will ask them if they wish to exit
                terminal mode, or set the system up for a
                "Verify" operation.  This "verify" step lets
                novices easy handle systems that use call
                back doors to verify user telephone numbers.

        Read messages on file

                This command button lets users read QWK mail
                packets that have been downloaded from @API$(201)
                and are on file.

        Password and telephone numbers

                The user can change their login name, password,
                BBS telephone number and script name in this
                section.

        File manager

                This section lets the user view, edit, delete
                and unzip any files they download from @API$(201).

        Setup @READER@

                The user can change the configuration of @READER@
                set when they installed the system.  Of particular
                interest here is the SWITCHES section.  If you turn
                ON switch #1, "Use advanced features in @READER@",
                then @READER@ changes from an easy to use NOVICE
                mode to a very powerful "power user" mode.

                We call this @READER@'s "glass interface" and lets
                the program start out being very friendly and easy
                to use by the novice user.  Later, as they progress
                with using your system and @READER@, they can change
                the look and feel of @READER@ to take advantage of
                the many advanced features found in the system.

                Features like less verbose commands and importing
                QWK mail packets into a database, for example.  You
                will never find a QWK reader that is easier to use
                than @READER@, or more powerful!!

        1stSupport

                This section gives the user a bit of "hand holding"
                when it comes to @READER@.  They can create a "boot"
                diskette that by-passes any problems their default
                system configuration (CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT)
                may cause.  Also, they can pack folders, format
                diskettes and access a host of other features via
                this button.

This, in a nutshell, is what you can provide to your system's
callers.  @READER@ lets potential callers (and customers) reach
you with a minimum of fuss and bother.  And isn't that what it is
all about in the first place?  If it isn't easy to reach your system
then your callers WILL go elsewhere.

@READER@ automatically installs into Windows 95 or Windows 3.xx,
depending on the operating system found on the user's computer
system.

BTW, we can also make other changes to @READER@'s opening screen.
If you wish, we can remove these command buttons from the screen
making it even simplier for your callers:

                Password and telephone numbers
                File manager
                Setup 1stReader

We can also remove individual fields in any of these three screens
as needed.  Just let us know *your* needs!

FYI:  If you plan to distribute your site licensed copy of
      @READER@ on diskettes you can make installation even
      easier!

      Simply create a text file on the diskette named
      "USERINFO.1ST" containing these three lines of text:

                User's login name
                User's password
                Telephone number to call

      When the user installs @READER@ from the diskette
      it will read the information stored in USERINFO.1ST
      and provide it automatically to the user.  Try it!
      Unzip @API$(201).ZIP to a 1.44m floppy and see for
      yourself!!!

                              ---

Sparkware sells site licenses for @READER@ for $250.00 (US funds).
For that one-time price you get a customized version of @READER@
that you can distribute, in any manner you can, to anyone you wish.
As sysop, you need to provide us with a few details about your
system so we can process your order.  You'll find everything you
need included in this system.  Check out the file ORDER.TXT in
the C:\@API$(201) subdirectory.

We hope you like what you see here with @READER@.  We feel it offers
today's sysop a tremendous opportunity to give your callers the
easiest access to your system.  Instead of other programs that leave
you hanging, @READER@ gives your callers a complete suite of tools
they need to really USE your system.

And after all, isn't that it's all about in the first place?!


        Sparkware
        Post Office Box 386
        Hendersonville, TN   37077-0386

          BBS: (615) 230-8822
        Email: help@sparkware.com
          WWW: http://sparkware.com

