Shareware 1 2 the Maxx/sw_1.zip/sw_1/TEXT/CUSER27B.ZIP/COMPUSER.DOC

Text File | 1992-04-03 | 45KB | 1,156 lines

                                         tm
                                 CompUser
                               Version 2.70b
                  'A Rated Cyclopedia For Computer Users'

                       From Unicorn Software Limited

                                Created By:
                           Charles P. Schell IV





              Copyright (C) 1987-92 Unicorn Software Limited
                            All Rights Reserved

            CompUser is a Trademark of Unicorn Software Limited






                               _______
                          ____|__     |               (R)
                       --|       |    |-------------------
                         |   ____|__  |  Association of
                         |  |       |_|  Shareware
                         |__|   o   |    Professionals
                       -----|   |   |---------------------
                            |___|___| MEMBER





                         Unicorn Software Limited
                               P. O. Box 911
                           Wabash, IN 46992-0911
                              CIS 70272,3317


                                 CONTENTS

Legalese................................................................. 1
Warranty................................................................. 2
Concept.................................................................. 2
Features................................................................. 3
The User................................................................. 4
Getting Started.......................................................... 4
Mouse Users.............................................................. 4
Colours, Date Format, Data Drive......................................... 5
WipeOut!................................................................. 6
Universal Commands....................................................... 6
The Data File............................................................ 7
Data Field Explinations.................................................. 7
Data Entry Screens....................................................... 8
Change & Erase........................................................... 8
Close Nuf'............................................................... 8
Lists&Labels............................................................. 8
Criteria................................................................. 9
KomboZ................................................................... 9
PostCards, WordWrap & Right Justify......................................10
Find!....................................................................11
Utilities................................................................11
Import Data..............................................................12
UPGRADE TO 2.70..........................................................13
Technical Support........................................................13
Association Expinations: ASP & ISDA......................................15
ISDA, ISP, Darwin, PDS, & SDN............................................16
Why Bother With B & C Distributors.......................................18
BBS Ratings..............................................................19
Data File Update Form....................................................20
New Stuff................................................................21

Unicorn  Software  Limited  is  a  member  of  the Association of Shareware
Professionals (ASP).  ASP wants to make sure that 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 Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an
ASP member, but does not provide technical support for  members'  products.
Please  write  to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442-
9427 or send a Compuserve message via  CompuServe  Mail  to  ASP  Ombudsman
70007,3536"

LICENSE AGREEMENT

CompUser  is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the user
for evaluation.  Feel free to share it with your friends, but CompUser must
be distributed in unmodified, complete form, including this Reference Guide
and License Agreement. Also, CompUser may not be distributed in conjunction
with any other product.  The essence of  "user-supported"  software  is  to
provide  personal computer users with quality software without high prices,
and yet to provide incentive for programmers to  continue  to  develop  new
products.   If  you  find  this  program useful and find that you are using
CompUser and continue to use CompUser after a reasonable trial period,  you
must  make  a  registration  payment of $30.00 to Unicorn Software Limited,
P.O.  Box 911 Wabash, IN 46992-0911.  Or you can use your MC,  Visa,  AmEx,
or  Discover  by  calling  the  Public(software)Library  at 800-2424-PsL or
713-524-6394 or by FAX to 713-524-6398 or by CompuServe to 71355,470 or  by
mail  to  PsL,  PO Box 35705, Houston, TX 77235-5705. These numbers are for
ordering only, order #10223.  For information about  dealer  pricing,  site
licensing, shipping of product, returns, latest version number or technical
support call 219-563-HOME or write to Unicorn Software Ltd. directly.

The  $30.00  registration  fee  will  license  one  copy for use on any one
computer at any one time.  You must treat this software just like  a  book.
An  example  is  that this software may be used by any number of people and
may be freely moved from one computer location to another, so long as there
is no possibility of it being used at one location while it's being used at
another. Just as a book cannot be read by two different persons at the same
time.

The CompUser cataloging program is protected by United States Copyright Law
and  International   Treaty   provisions.    All   rights   are   reserved.
Non-registered  users of CompUser are licensed only to use the program on a
trial basis for the sole purpose of determining whether  or  not  it  meets
their requirements. All other use requires registration.

Commercial  users  of  CompUser  must  register and pay for their copies of
CompUser within 30 days  of  first  use  or  their  license  is  withdrawn.
Site-License  arrangements  may  be  made  by  contacting  Unicorn Software
Limited.

                               -CompUser 1-

You are encouraged to pass a copy of CompUser along  to  your  friends  for
evaluation.  Please encourage them to register their copy if they find that
they  can  use  it.  All registered users will receive a copy of the latest
version of the CompUser system, free mailed updates of the  data  file  for
one year (every 90 days), and another Unicorn Software program to try.

WARRANTY

Unicorn Software Limited makes no warranty of any kind, express or implied,
including  without  limitation,  any  warranties  of merchantability and/or
fitness for a particular purpose. Unicorn Software  Limited  shall  not  be
liable  for any damages, whether direct, indirect, special or consequential
arising from a failure of this program to operate in the manner desired  by
the  user.   Unicorn Software Limited shall not be liable for any damage to
data or property which may be caused directly or indirectly by use  of  the
program.

IN  NO  EVENT  WILL  UNICORN  SOFTWARE  LIMITED  BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES,
INCLUDING  ANY  LOST  PROFITS,  LOST  SAVINGS  OR   OTHER   INCIDENTAL   OR
CONSEQUENTIAL  DAMAGES  ARISING  OUT  OF  YOUR  USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE
PROGRAM, OR FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY OTHER PARTY.

The License Agreement and Warranty  shall  be  construed,  interpreted  and
governed by the laws of the state of Indiana.

Concept:

To  provide  a  single  source  cyclopedia of the latest data regarding the
computer industry that is rated for the user and will provide the user with
an easy way to contact the companies listed.  The system has two parts: The
data  file  is  a  listing  of  dealers  in  computer  supplies,  software,
shareware,  and  BBSs  as  well  as  authors  of  Shareware,  magazines and
newsletters.  The information is rated and complete.  The list  is  updated
daily  with  new  data files being distributed 3 times a year.  The program
lets you maintain and work with the data file, create and edit  post  cards
for  mailings  to  persons  in the data file.  Then you may retrieve either
listings of the addresses and cards, address labels, 4X6 cards, or  Roladex
cards.   The program will print post cards, and address them for you.  Post
cards cost 2/3 the price of a letter.










                               -CompUser 2-

                                 Features

        * Program is easy to use, menu driven and installs automatically.

        * Runs on 330K RAM, under DOS 2.10 or greater and uses any Graphics
printer.

        * Standard entries for Company, Attention, Address, City, State,
ZipCode, BBS, Day, Fax And Toll Free Phone Number, Date Last Updated, Type,
Rating, Association, and 2 Lines Of Remarks.

        * Standard PostCard entries for Title, Salutation,  Sign  Off,  and
16 lines of text.

        *Text WordWraps.

        *User inputs Return Address block, Signature Block.

        * User sets screen colours, default data drive, and printer codes.

        * The choice of obtaining Print Outs for all data or a Criteria.

        * Criteria selections for all fields yor User make pick and chose
individual names.

        *  Print  Outs available: An abbreviated listing, sample PostCards,
Address Labels, PostCards, 2 Way Cards, 3X5 Cards,  Roladex  Cards,  Return
Address Labels, or a Kustom Listing.

        * Find!  feature helps you locate any of the  Address  entries  for
specific  variable.

        * Close Nuf' feature that allows partial 'wildcard'  style  entries
to be used for Criteria and Find! options.

        * Choice of indexing by: Name, Zip Code, Key or Telephone Number.

        * Build For Speed resequences entire file for speed.

        * Chase Ghost option rids file of accidentally added blank records.

        * DOS shell option.

        * Uses MicroSoft Mouse





                               -CompUser 3-

The User:

Shareware  Author:  Contact  more  distributors, contact only large or only
small libraries, use the PostCards to get feedback from  distributors,  use
labels to send disks and the program to track results.

Shareware  Library:  Find authors and computer hardware dealers.  Find BBSs
for downloading.

BBS Users: Find new BBSs to call and peripheral dealers for supplies.

Computer Clubs: Contact shareware authors and distributors,  find  hardware
and peripherals, find other clubs.

Computer  User:  Find  Shareware  and Commercial libraries, find the "lost"
author  of  a  program  you  have,  find  hardware  and  peripherals,  find
magazines and newsletters, find computer clubs.

Mouse Users:

YOU  must  activate the mouse prior to the start of the program. Two Button
Users: The Left Button serves as the return/enter key, The Right Button  is
the  ESC key.  Three Button Users: Same as two button Users, and the middle
button is the F1 key.

Getting Started:

DO   NOT  INSTALL  THE  PROGRAM  IF  YOU  ARE  ALREADY  USING  IT  SEE  THE
INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO UPGRADE THE PROGRAM

Type COMPUSER to start.

When  you  first  start the program, the computer will bring up the Default
SetUp screen first.  Just enter the info requested.  When you name the Disk
Drive, the program will automatically copy the data files to that drive for
you ! So Have A Disk In The Drive And Ready ! In order to create  new  data
disks  simply copy all the files with named CARD onto your new data disk or
see below.  The file DIST.DAT has to be on the same disk as the program. As
a result the program requires at least 2.0 Meg of disk space to start.










                               -CompUser 4-

Default SetUp:

Colours:

         Color    Letter
       ------------------
         Black      N
         Blue       B
         Green      G
         Cyan       BG
         Red        R
         Magenta    RB
         Brown      GR
         White      W
       ------------------

Data Drive:

Enter  any  valif  drive location for the PostCard data files to reside on.
Later, if you wish to create a new data disk, just blank out the Data Drive
or insert the letter "Z" and then hit the page down  key.   You  will  then
have the opportunity to name a new Data Drive.

Date Format:

You have the following choices:

                A=American MM/DD/YY {Default}
                B=British  DD/MM/YY
                F=French   DD/MM/YY
                G=German   DD.MM.YY
                I=Italian  DD-MM-YY

Right Justify:  Applies to PostCard text.

You  can  always  go back and change any of these settings by using the Set
Defaults option on the Utilities Menu.

After the default settings are entered the WipeOut! screen will appear.










                               -CompUser 5-

WipeOut!:

This  option allows you to WipeOut entries you may not need from the start.
This will make the program run faster and conserve disk space.  For details
on what codes are used hit the F1 key or see the descriptions below.   Once
WipedOut!  these  records are gone, so make sure you  know  what  you  want
from the start.

You have the option of WipeOut! for up to four fields.  For example you  do
not want BBSs rated B. Select the Type entry from the WipeOut! screen, then
type  in  B  (for BBSs). Next select the rating entry, when you do that you
will have a choice of making the statement And or Or. (Chose  And  in  this
example)  then  you  can  enter  the rating B.  The program will delete all
records meeting that criteria and take you to the Main Menu.  (If  you  had
selected  Or  in  the  above example you would have deleted all records for
BBSs or anyone rated B {even those who  were  not  BBSs})  A  more  complex
example  would  be  Type A or Type D and Rating A and ZipCode 4. (You would
WipeOut! all Authors or Distributors rated A in any zip code beginning with
4.)

The System:

Is designed using KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) so not much  information  is
needed to get started. Here are a few notes to help you use the system:

Universal Commands:

The ESC key will take you back one menu (Mouse Users use Right Button).

The  box  in  the  upper  right  hand  corner  of  the  screen will contain
information on how to move around, and data entry tips.

The last line of the screen will tell you what the highlighted option does.

All  menu  entries  can  be selected with the light bar, or by pressing the
first letter of the option (Mouse Users when highlited the Left Button will
activate the option).

The  F10  key  will  bring  up  Help  for  a particular item, if no Help is
availble for that item, it will allow you to enter the  help  index.   From
the  index  you  may  select any of the topics of help available.  The Help
file was not written by the same person who wrote this manual, therefore it
might help better explain something to you than this manual does  and  vice
versa.

The  F1  key  will  give you the age of the data file.  The age of the data
file can be found from the Help Menu.  New data files  are  released  every
90 days, so a file over that many days old will be inaccurate.

                               -CompUser 6-

Distributed Data File:

Entries  that are distributed by Unicorn Software Ltd. have a "smiley face"
symbol showing in the upper left corner of the Change  and  Erase  screens.
This  identifies  the  data  we sent versus something someone else may have
added.  On these entries you can only update the  Attention,  Updated,  and
Remarks  entries. This keeps the unscrupulous from changing the information
on a competitor or raising their own ratings.

The Information:

Attn: usually the person the company wants as  a  point  of  contact,  some
entries have more than one (read there titles for what you need).

Company, Address: Self explanatory.

Phones: The Toll Free number listed is usually for orders only, use the Day
number for general info.

Last  Updated:  The  date  Unicorn  Software  last  updated the info on the
company.

Type: The following codes were used:

        A   : Author or Author Organization
        B   : BBS
        C   : Computer Club
        D   : Distributor Of Shareware
        F   : Foreign Distributor
        H   : Seller Of Computer Hardware
        M/N : Magazine or Newsletter
        S   : Commercial Software Vendor
        P   : Peripheral and Other Supply Vendors

Association:

        ASP : Association of Shareware Professionals
        IND : Independent Shareware Dealer's Association
        ISP : Independent Shareware Professional
        DAR : Listed In Darwin's BBS List
        MMA : Micro Computer Marketing Association
        PDS : Public Domain/Shareware List
        SDN : Shareware Data Network

Rating: A combination of factors contribute to the ratings given.  Size  of
the operation, number of disks or members, service given, complaints I have
heard  or  have  been  told about.  A, B & C are not necessarily derogatory
(See Below). An F rating however, is.  These ratings are objective and  are
                               -CompUser 7-

not paid for, or bribed for.  N means New.  Q indicates that the company is
a  subsidiary  of a larger firm, in these cases the parent company has been
listed in the remarks. Authors should  send  there  software  only  to  the
parent company as this saves time and money.

Remarks:  Two  lines for your use.  Normally line 2 will be used by Unicorn
for comments, this leaves line  one  for  your  own  use.   That  way  when
updating  the file you can choose to ignore reading in line 1 and only read
in line 2.

You can add to, update or delete any of the information in the  data  file.
When an updated file becomes available you can import the data updating the
only  the  fields  you  want  to.   Therefore, you can make your own rating
system, use the Last Updated entry for the date that you last contacted the
company etc, and when you import the new data you can  save  your  own  and
only update the address and phone numbers for example.

The Data Entry Screens:

Any  of  the  data  entry  screens  shown  in  Add, Change, or Erase can be
'zipped' through.  When deleting just hit PageDown to confirm that you want
to delete that entry.  Likewise ESC will abort action on these screens.

Change  And  Erase:

When you select either of these options the screen will display  up  to  32
company  names.  Move the light bar to the one you want to Update or Delete
and press the enter key.  The ESC key will take you back to the  Main  Menu
and  the  PageDown  key  will bring up the next 32 names.  When the program
reaches the bottom of your file it will start again.

You also have the option of looking for a specific company name (This  will
always  be  the last one displayed, so use the end key to get to the bottom
and return to select).

Close 'Nuf:

In the Change, Erase, Criteria, and Find!  when you  enter  the  attention,
company  name, association, title, artist, etc you do not have to enter the
entire thing.  For example when entering a compnay you wish  to  deal  with
you  do  not have to enter the full name, only the first few words, or even
letters.  In Update this will allow you to view all the  records  that  are
Close  'Nuf  to  what  you  entered. EXAMPLE: Entering "Cali" will bring up
"California CopyCats", "California Freeware" and "Califlower Software"

Lists&Labels:

You have a choice of working with All addresses or  selecting  a  Criteria.

                               -CompUser 8-

Criteria  will let you choose the addresses by Key, ZipCode,Individually or
Comboz.  When selecting Individually the screen will display the  names  in
the file and you just pick the numbers of the ones you want.  Selecting the
number  a  second time will deselect the address.  In the lower left corner
of the screen the total number of address you  are  dealing  with  will  be
displayed.   This is helpful in determining how many PostCards, labels, etc
to load in the printer.

KomboZ:

Selecting this entry on the Criteria screen will let you combine up to four
Criteria.  For example you want a listing of all Authors who are  A  rated.
Select  the  Type  entry from the KomboZ screen, then type in A (for author
next select the rating entry, when you do that you will have  a  choice  of
making  the  statement And or Or.  (Chose And in this example) then you can
enter the rating A.   The  program  will  find  all  records  meeting  that
Criteria  and  take  you to the Forms menu.  (If you had selected Or in the
above example you would have gotten all records for Authors or anyone rated
A {even those who were not authors})

A more complex example would be Type A or Type D and Rating A  and  ZipCode
4.  (You  would  get  all  Authors  or Distributors rated A in any zip code
beginning with 4.)

The Card & Address Listings:

Will print out on regular paper for storage in a notebook etc.

The From... & Address Labels:

Are  printed  for 3" X 15/16" pinfed labels.  The program will let you test
printer  alignment  before  printing.   You  can  print  from   1   to   99
automatically.

3X5 and Roladex Cards:

Will provide you with cards in those formats.

PostCards:

Lets you choose which  card  to  match  with  the  address  data  you  have
requested.  After  printing  the  cards  you have the choice of turning the
cards  around  and  having  the  computer  address them  or  exiting.   The
PostCards are printed to the standard 4X6 size.

2 Way Cards:

This  option is for times when you want  to  elicit  a  response  from  the

                               -CompUser 9-

person  you are sending a card to.  You select the card to them first, then
the card you want returned to you.  Once printed the cards are torn off  in
twos and then folded in half and either stapled or taped. The first card is
addressed to them, the second to you.  It is difficult to explain, just try
it.

Kustom List:

Lets you pick out the contents for a print out.

PostCards:

Selecting   this  option  from  the   Main  Menu  puts you in the post card
system and from there you can add, update or  delete  postcards.   You  can
enter the Title of the card, a Salutation (Dear, Attention, etc) a sign off
(Sincerely,  Lovingly Yours,etc) and 16 lines of text.  You have the option
WordWrap during Update and Add functions.

WordWrap:

This feature is an option during Add and Update operations while working on
PostCards.   What  it  will do is allow you to type in the PostCard without
paying attention to carriage returns, then when you hit the PageUp  key  it
will  re  format  the text for you (and Right Justify if you have it turned
on.  Here is an example:

You Enter:

         Just a quick note to let you know that our offices have moved
         we are no longer in the burned out warehouse down by the dock
         s, but are now located in the shiny new Acme-Wiley Building d
         owntown.  Our phone numbers remain the same, but our new addr
         ess is listed on the reverse side of this card.  Keep in touc
         h.

WordWrap:

         Just a quick note to let you know that our offices have moved
         we are no longer in the burned out warehouse down by the
         docks, but are now located in the shiny new Acme-Wiley
         Building downtown.  Our phone numbers remain the same, but
         our new address is listed on the reverse side of this card.
         Keep in touch.

WordWrap & Right Justify:

         Just a quick note to let you know that our offices have moved


                               -CompUser 10-

         we  are  no  longer  in  the burned out warehouse down by the
         docks, but are  now  located  in  the  shiny  new  Acme-Wiley
         Building  downtown.   Our  phone numbers remain the same, but
         our new address is listed on the reverse side of  this  card.
         Keep in touch.


It enables you to type as fast as you want with no cares as to where the
carriage returns should be.

                            ******WARNING******

When WordWrapping a Synopsis that has previously been  Wrapped  with  Right
Justify  ON  you  might  have  problems.   The  program does not understand
grammar and might try to wrap things that do not need to be.

Example(From Above)

         Just a quick note to let  you  know  that  our  offices  have
         movedwe  are  no  longer  in  the burned out  warehouse  down
         by  thedocks,  but  are  now  located  in   the   shiny   new
         Acme-WileyBuilding  downtown.   Our  phone numbers remain the
         same, butour new address  is  listed  on  the reverse side of
         this  card.Keep in touch.

If this happens, just use the INS and DEL keys to fix it.

Find!

This   will  assist  you  in  finding  entries  for  specific  criteria  or
combination of criteria.  Once the first Found!  screen  appears:  Hit  the
PageDown  to  Find!  the  next record, PageUp to  go  back,  ESC  to  Quit,
Home to the Top of the file, End to the bottom of the file.

Utilities:

Indexing:

You  can  put  the  file  in  Name, Zip Code, Key or Telephone Number order
by selecting the appropriate option.

Build For Speed:

Should be run occasionally to keep the file in sequential order for speed.

Ghost Buster:

This feature should be run if you get blank records in your data  file,  by
accident.
                               -CompUser 11-

Default SetUp:

Same as above.  If you wish to create a new data disk, just blank  out  the
Data  Drive  or  insert the letter "Z" and then hit the page down key.  You
will then have the opportunity to name a new Data Drive and File Name.

Printer SetUp:

This  allows you to customize the printer codes used by the program.  These
codes can be found in your printer manual.  The codes that the program  has
when originally distributed are for the Epson FX100.  You will need to know
the code for 10 cpi (Pica), 12 CPI (Elite), Enlarged, Condensed (17CPI) and
Double  High/Wide.   If  your  printer cannot handle double high/wide DON'T
PANIC,  just  leave it blank; the program will use Enlarged for that entry.
You do not have to enter the ESC part of the code,  the  program  will  add
that  automatically.  You  can  enter  the letter ESC code or the number it
does not matter: ie ESC code 119 can be entered as "119" or "w".   (Do  not
enter any " "s!)

From...:

This lets you put in your own address.  If you wish  to  have  a  different
name,  ie  Jones  Inc,  on  the  return  address, just put your own name in
Signature and the company name in the Name Blocks.

WipeOut!:

Lets you delete entire classes of data, see above for fuller explanation.

Import Data:

Selecting  this  will bring up the Import menu.  Select the fields that you
want to import.  Next you will be asked if you want  companies  added  that
are  new  and if you want to delete entries that have been deleted.  If you
have added entries on your own that are not in the file from Unicorn answer
N, otherwise it will delete the entries you added.

Stand back and let the computer work.  It  will  take  awhile  to  do  this
operation but it is well worth it!

When  complete  older  entries  will  have  an  up/down  arrow sign and new
entries will have a right arrow sign.

Shell To DOS:

You can exit temporarily to DOS by using that option on the Utilities Menu.
The  file  COMMAND.COM  must  be  on root directory of the same disk as the
other program files to do this.  You must return to the  subdirectory/drive
of CompUser prior to entering EXIT to return to the program.
                               -CompUser 12-

Upgrading To Version 2.70:

In  order  to  maintain your old data files from previous versions you MUST
perform the following steps:

1.  On your current work drive/directory, rename  the  file  COLOUR.SET  to
COLOUR.OLD. ie RENAME COLOUR.SET COLOUR.OLD.

2.  Copy ALL the files from version  2.70  to  your  work  drive/directory,
EXCEPT DIST.DAT & SPEEDY.NTX.

3.   Start  the program and when the Default SetUp screen appears go to the
block for Data Drive and enter a capital X, then hit the PageDown key.

4.  The program will grab your old defaults and use your old PostCard files
automatically.

5.  Use the Import feature to update to the current data file.

6.   Registered  Users have the option of sending their old COLOUR.SET file
to  Unicorn Software (along  with  .75  postage)  and  having  the  upgrade
performed for them.

Problems:

If you encounter any problems with the program WRITE! {Also see  Tech  Asst
below}.   Unicorn believes in supporting its programs and has been doing so
since the first one was released in 1984.

Technical Assistance:

Both  registered  and unregistered Users can obtain technical assistance by
calling (219)563-HOME (4663).  Unregistered Users will need to provide  the
name  and address of where they obtained the software from in order to gain
this assistance.  This will let us go back to  that  compnay  if  they  are
distributing an older version and it helps us track who is distributing the
program.   The  number is manned (by a human) from 6:00 to 9:00 PM EST, all
other hours by an answering machine.

Unicorn Software Support conferences exist on the following BBSs:

** The Kokomo BBS:      317-457-9100
** The RoadHouse BBS:   317-784-2147  (FIDONET 1:231/290)

Both  BBSs  allow  first  time  downloads and will  always have  the latest
versions of Unicorn's software. Unicorn Software programs are available via
"File Request"  from  The RoadHouse BBS (1:231/290). You can FREQ the magic
name "UNICORN" from 1:231/290 for information on Unicorn Programs and their
FREQable "magic" names.)
                               -CompUser 13-

                            *******************

Also, we monitor the Shareware conference on the following networks:  RIME,
Intelec, NANet, MediaNET, and NAPNet.

The regional  hub  for  RIME  in  Indiana  (IBM-NET)  will  upload  any  of
Unicorn's files to the net on request:

** IBM-Net BBS:  317-882-5575

                            *******************

All  of  Unicorn's  programs  are  also  available  through  the  Shareware
Distribution Network  (SDN),  and may be downloaded  from any  SDN location.
The Central Indiana SDN contact point is:

** Someplace BBS  317-353-9981  (FIDONET 1:231/120)

The above listed BBSs will always have the latest versions within hours  of
release.  Additionally, these BBSs have proven to be reliable and worth the
cost  of every minute of connect time.  Even if you are not looking for our
latest versions:  Give Them A Call!



























                               -CompUser 14-

Explanations Of Asscociations(Taken from the Associations themselves):

ASP:

The Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP)  was  formed  in  1987  to
strengthen  the  future  of  'shareware'  (user-supported  software)  as an
alternative to software distributed under normal retail marketing  methods.
ASP  members subscribe to a code of ethics and are committed to the concept
of shareware as a way of marketing.

The  ASP  itself  does  NOT  rate  members'  software  for functionality or
usefulness. That is for you -- the user -- to decide.  Shareware  software,
especially that which is authorized to carry the ASP logo, can be tested on
a try-before-you-buy basis.  If the application doesn't fit your needs, you
won't  have  to  worry  about  getting a refund.  (That's the beauty of the
shareware marketing concept.)

'These programs are produced by members of  the  Association  of  Shareware
Professionals  (ASP).   ASP wants to make sure that 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 Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with  an
ASP  member,  but does not provide technical support for members' products.
Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Rd. Muskegon, MI 49442   or
send a Compuserve message to 72050,1433.

                               Disk Vendors

'Shareware  is  as safe as commercial software if obtained directly from an
author or from a vendor or BBS who has gotten the disk  directly  from  the
author. -- an official ASP statement on shareware

Disk  vendors,  especially ASP-approved disk vendors, provide a much-needed
service in the growing shareware market.  They help spread the  word  about
shareware  by  offering  a  copying service for those without modems.  They
keep up to date with current versions of the best shareware programs on the
market. Many disk vendors offer a free complimentary catalog of products, a
toll-free order line, and more.

IND:

The  Independent  Shareware  Dealer's  Association  has  failed  to  answer
letters  and  return  phone calls as of 6/1/91.  Unless some  statement  of
purpose  and  verification  of  distributors  claiming  membership  can  be
obtained, this association will be removed with the next mailing.




                               -CompUser 15-

ISP:

A  lot  of Shareware authors while agreeing with the concepts of ASP do not
have the time nor the money to  be  members  of  the  organization.   Those
agreeing  to  abide  by  the  ASP  principals  are  annotated as being ISPs
(Independent Shareware Professionals).

DAR:

Darwin's  BBS  listing  is  available  on  most  BBS  systems, it is a free
listing.  However, being listed in Darwin's is a thing of pride to a lot of
BBS SysOps  so for the sake of those who have contacted us to put that down
as their association we have done so.  We do not list all of Darwin's BBSs,
only those we would normally  list  have  been  updated  to  show  the  DAR
association.  Here's what Darwin's says about their USBBS listing:

*Minimum* requirements for NEW listings on USBBS include:

    (1) Modem(s) supporting 2400 bps or greater operation;
    (2) 60 MB of disk capacity devoted to the BBS
    (3) Substantially 24hr/7 day service

The  USBBS  list  is  QUITE  selective and is for BBSs that are oriented to
serious users of DOS computers.  BBSs that focus on  games,  "adults  only"
topics, dating and similar services or subjects will not be included. These
criteria are admittedly subjective and rest in the discretion of the editor
of  the  list.   The  list is FREE, the editing is costly and thus impolite
complaints will be politely ignored.

PDS:

Another BBS list is Public  Domain/Sharware  (PDS)  BBS  List.   This  list
conatins  the  numbers  of  over 1500 BBSs, but is much less selective than
Darwin and is having a hard time keeping up with  BBSs  as  they  open  and
close.   The  only BBSs listed in CompUser are those that were confirmed by
Unicorn.  Again if you want the complete list check  your  local  BBS.   In
their words:

    The Public Domain/Shareware BBS listing is published EVERY MONTH and is
made  available,  FREE, on OVER 900 bbs's throughout the United States. The
content of the BBS listing is believed to be  accurate  but  there  are  NO
GUARANTEES  WHATSOVER that the BBS systems listed here are functional or in
fact are what the listing describes them as.

SDN:
     SDNet/Works!    (sm)   is   the   "Shareware   Distribution   Network"
international in reach.  Shareware programs  are  distributed  directly  to
participating  BBS  sysops  for downloadable posting by thousands of online

                               -CompUser 16-

users. Shareware authors, because of their contribution  to  BBS'ing  as  a
hobby,  deserved some recognition, a mature forum to present their programs
from.  Sysops  who  participate  in  the  SDN   activity   encourage   user
registration of shareware and present shareware in a safe, clean and mature
manner.

REASONS FOR SDN

     We  at  SDNet/Works!   know (as BBS sysops) that programs both old and
new seep from BBS to BBS by "user osmosis",  user  uploading.   It  is  the
lucky  program  that  makes wide distribution.  From the authors standpoint
distribution by user osmosis is spotty at best.  At its worst, the  program
file  is  outdated,  bad  phone  lines allowed transfer errors to crept in,
users have modified or re-packed with parts missing.  Once corrupted it  is
uploaded  to  the  next BBS - to the next - to the next - passed on and on.
The growing proportions of Trojan and virus  hacked  mutilations  sometimes
replace  real  programs.   All  this  is  a  loss to sysops and users, lost
registration to authors and a loss to the user-supported concept.

SDNet/Works! INFORMATION BBS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     Gordon Tackett, the SDN Assistant Project Manager, operates a full SDN
Information  system  in  Portland  Oregon  USA.  Posted there is up to date
informational files originaly published at The SDN  Project...   and  more.
Gordon,  a  shareware  author  himself,  accomplishes  much  of  the public
relations aspect for SDNet/Works! and can be contacted by  leaving  message
on    his    BBS   at   503-629-0517   or   fido-netmail   1:105/324fidonet
1200/2400/9600HST 8,N,1.  Gordon can also be reached in the SHAREWARE  echo
and the SDN_PUBLIC echo on the fidonet backbone and many local BBS systems.

             You can also write him at:

                      Gordon Tackett
                      3845 North West 183rd Avenue
                      Portland, OR. 97229














                               -CompUser 17-

                        Why Bother With B & C Companies?


In  the case of Shareware Libraries B & C companies offer the perfect blend
of the ordinary and the unusual.   They  are  generally  smaller  and  more
daring  with what they offer.  A new Shareware author is generally accepted
more easily into the catalog/listing and  as  a  result  the  diversity  of
programs  is  generally better.  Therefore, a B or C company is more likely
to have a program for maintaining a list of your matchbook covers than an A
company.

Also,  these  companies  are  generally run by a few or only one person, so
they have a larger stake in what goes into  the  catalog.   They  are  more
likely  to  look  at  each  submission and judge it than some of the larger
companies.

Finally, B & C companies are not to be seen as less than A  companies,  the
rating  is meant to assist you in finding the right companies for you.  For
some the B list will be more valuable than the A list.

For the Shareware Author: This is the perfect  place  to  start  out,  then
advance  to the A libraries.  They are more responsive in many ways and you
are more likely to get a catalog entry.  Also, if you have a  program  with
a  limited  scope;  you stand a better chance of being listed with a B or C
company than an A.

For the Shareware User: After you have  the  standard  programs  (database,
word  processor,  etc)  look here for the more off the wall stuff.  This is
where you might find a program to help  you  document  your  collection  of
Zuni golf tees.



















                               -CompUser 18-

                                BBS Ratings


BBSs that are just starting out are rated  N  for  New.   This  remains  in
effect  for  6 months; long enough to insure a continued presence.  After 6
months it is rated based on User input and a personal 'wander' through  the
BBS.

A:  USUALLY  a  multi node, national BBS.  Has several conference areas and
wide ranging User base.  The latest versions of software and  an  excellent
selection.   Worth  the  long  distance charges it would take to tie in and
worth the cost of subscribing.

B: USUALLY a single node, state or region wide BBS.  Has several conference
areas possibly a limited User base (Some specialty  boards  fit  into  this
category).   A  majority  of  the  latest  versions  of software and a good
selection.  Possibly worth the long distance charges it would take  to  tie
in.

C:  USUALLY  a  single  node,  city or state wide BBS.  Has some conference
areas possibly a limited User base usually limited by geography.   Some  of
the latest versions of software and a fair selection.  Not really worth the
long distance charges, but if you are in the area it is worth a call.

A,B  &  C are not derogatory, they are usually meant more as a defintion in
size  and  quality.   B  &  C rated organizations are prone to have a wider
variety of off the beaten path software.   They  are  usually  run  by  the
person  who  owns them and it is where many new Shareware authors get their
start.

D & F are derogatory:

D:  Has a large base of dated shareware on line (older versions or programs
no longer in release).  Poor Sysop attitude  towards  users.   Fees  higher
than the BBS could possibly be  worth.  Sysop  has  a  threatening  posture
towards  new  users.   Message  base  and  the  BBS  in  general  is poorly
maintained.

F:   Has  copywritten  or  pirated software on line.  May or may not have a
large selection of Shareware;  usually it is  several  years/versions  old.
Sysop maintains an "I'm in it for the money" attitiude and usually has poor
maintenance  practices  for  the  BBS.   Customer  service for users is non
existant.






                               -CompUser 19-

                                  UPDATE FORM

Update/Delete/Add  (Circle One)


Company:_______________________________________________________________________

Attn:__________________________________________________________________________

Address:_______________________________________________________________________

Phone:_________________________________________________________________________

Association:___________________________________________________________________


       ALL INFORMATION WILL BE VERIFIED BEFORE THE DATA FILE IS CHANGED!
































                               -CompUser 20-

                                  Updates

2.20            All data on ASP members verfied by ASP.

                Added on screen alert of Distributed Data File.

                Changed data file to allow update of Remark, Attention and
                Updated data only on Distributed Data File.

                Improved DOC.

                Added Custom List

2.50            Changed all data to use UPPER and lower case.
Release 3/13/91
                Verfied all Darwin & PDS BBSs.

                Added Help! screen.

                Added WipeOut! option.

                Made multiple creation of data disks possible.

                Import option now available on all versions.

                Doubled data file size.

                Speeded Up Update/Delete & Find!

                Update  now  continues  where  you  left  off  rather  than
                returning to the top.

                Added several Associations.

2.60            Textured Background and Drop Down Menus Added

                Canada And Mexico No Longer Listed As Foreign.

2.70            Mousability added

                On Line Help System Instituted.








                               -CompUser 21-