Software of the Month Club 1995 December/SOFM_Dec1995.bin/pc/win/edu/mscope/manual2.asc

Text File | 1995-10-31 | 164KB | 2,488 lines

             Microscope for the PC - Version 2.0
            ===================================
            (c) Molcol Software 1992 - 95   UK
            69 Commonside West, Mitcham, Surrey. CR4 4HB
            ENGLAND.
                     Voice/Fax Tel : [phone]  (UK)
                     Internet Email: [e-mail]

Shareware distributors, please see CHAPTER 1 - in your interest!
================================================================
=  User Manual - ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDITION  - (UK) Ver 2.0 1994 =
=  For SHAREWARE DISTRIBUTION only!                            =
=                                                              =
=  Please read the LEGAL DECLARATION before using the          =
=  software! We would also ask that you read CHAPTER 0 to get  =
=  the best out of MICROSCOPE and understand it a bit more!    =
================================================================
=  Users outside of the United Kingdom - and Version 1.0 users =
=  please see chapter 0 and chapter 1 after reading the        =
=  declaration below!                                          =
================================================================

        * LEGAL DECLARATION & Copyright *

Microscope for the PC is normally distributed and sold as a
PROFESSIONAL LICENCED SOFTWARE PACKAGE. To allow evaluaton
without people risking purchase of something untried, a slightly
different version of Microscope is also distributed under the
SHAREWARE MARKETING concept. It is NOT free! The shareware
version is identified by the word 'SHAREWARE' displaying briefly
in the AUXILIARY window on Microscope's main screen at start-up!

****************************************************************
 Differences between the shareware and professional/commercial
 versions are discussed in Chapter 0 below! It is in your
 own interest to read this chapter ! VERSION 1.0 users should
 also read the notes here.
****************************************************************

Microscope for the PC software (shareware version), text files,
electronic slidesets, associated files, and images - including
this Manual, are subject to copyright laws. Reproduction of
their content, use of the files, text, and images in any form,
or alteration of any part here-in is strictly limited to
SHAREWARE marketing methodology. This means the following:-

     {A} The Shareware version may be used by you free of any
         charge for 1 month, this is for you to evaluate its
         usefulness. After this time, you must do 1 of 3 things:

         i) You can delete all the files associated with the
            software from your disc. You must not re-install
            the software again on your PC.

        ii) You can decide to maintain the Shareware version on
            your hard-disc and install additional SHAREWARE
            slidesets from packs distributed to SHAREWARE
            disc vendors. To do this legally, you must send
            a fee of 12.00 (English Pounds) or your currency
            equivalent to MOLCOL SOFTWARE. The address is
            displayed on Microscope's main screen on start-up.
            You will receive a certificate authorising you to
            use the SHAREWARE version for as long as you like.
            Also, we will send you a licensed version of some
            of our other software (FREE) for being honest.
            See chapter 0 below for more!
            Cheques in any stable currency are okay.

       iii) You can apply for the PROFESSIONAL VERSION OF
            MICROSCOPE for the PC: this will give you access
            to the complete range of PROFESSIONAL SLIDESETS.
            A fully registered, licensed PRO VERSION of
            Microscope for single-user application is approx.
            38.00 (English Pounds); the purchase price varies
            slightly depending on which country you reside in.
            Please see list below for correct fee to send.
            In return you will be sent a full PROFESSIONAL
            version, periodic newsletter, support, additional
            PROFESSIONAL slidesets, access to full colour
            special edition presentations for use in windows,
            access to specialised videos of source material,
            updates of new slidesets as they become available,
            access to stand-alone full colour picture
            files and  reduced price upgrades.
            See chapter 0 below for more!

            PURCHASE PRICE FOR EACH COUNTRY including P&P is:
            ====================================================
            UK & EIRE:    38.00 English Pounds for single user.
                          Site-License for unlimited number of
                          PCs at same location = 380.00 pounds.
                          Contact details:-
                          (See Microscope screen on start-up)!

            USA, CANADA:  70.00 US dollars for single user.
                          Site-License for unlimited number of
                          PCs at same location = 700.00 US dlrs.
                          Contact Details:-
                          ==================
                          Guinn's Software.
                          RT. 2. BOX 175-B
                          DAINGERFIELD. TX 75638
                          (USA)
                          Tel/Fax: [phone] (Info & Orders)

                          Public Shareware Library
                          P.O. Box 35705
                          Houston. TX 77235-5705
                          (USA)
                          Tel/Fax: [phone] (Info)
                                   800 242 4775 (Orders)
                          CIS Email: 71355,470


            AUSTRALIA:    76.00 Australn dollars for single user.
                          Site-License for unlimited number of
                          PCs at same location = 760 A$ dlrs.
                          Contact Details:-
                          ==================
                          ALPHON EDUGAMES.
                          P.O. Box 162
                          Aspley. Queensland.4034
                          (Australia)
                          Tel/Fax: [phone]  (Info & Orders)

            PORTUGAL:     Phone for prices (approx. same as UK).
                          Contact Details:-
                          ==================
                          WINDMILL HOLDINGS. (PORTUGAL) Lda.
                          Av. D. Nuno Alvares Perrira, 48, 4D
                          2700 Amadora, Portugal.
                          Tel/Fax: [phone]

            CUSTOMERS IN OTHER COUNTRIES SHOULD CONTACT THE
            NEAREST DISTRIBUTOR FOR PRICE OR CONTACT MOLCOL
            SOFTWARE IN THE UK. Molcol will send anywhere in the
            world if no local distributor exists!
            Cheques in any stable currency are okay if received
            by Molcol Software and costed at the USA prices.

     (B) You may freely copy the files of the Shareware Version
         and distribute without charge (SHAREWARE VENDORS may
         charge a nominal fee for the service they provide) to
         friends, colleagues, bulletin boards, businesses etc.
         The same freedom is allowed for Microscope SHAREWARE
         slidesets. These are identified by having 'SHAR' or
         'DEMO' or 'GUIDE' as part of their filenames.

     (C) The shareware version of Microscope can be installed in
         educational and business environments under the same
         terms as above.

Whilst every care is taken to ensure this software performs to
user-expectation, including comprehensive testing of its parts
and the accuracy of educational & scientific references, no
liability is accepted by Molcol Software, nor their agents - for
loss or damage to your PC, associated hardware, files, or other
components of your system; nor any other consequential damage
which may occur as a result of using the software.


                                      Maurice Smith. 1994
                                      Molcol Software.

================================================================
================================================================

MANUAL        : MICROSCOPE FOR THE PC VERSION 2.0  NOVEMBER 1994

                       CONTENTS
 ( Please ALL read Chapter 0 even if you don't read the rest!  )

CHAPTER        TOPIC
-------        ------------------------------------------------
*  0           Welcome to SHAREWARE MICROSCOPY !!!
   1           Retail Distributors & Shareware Disc Vendors.
   2           How to get the best from this Manual - quickly!
   3           SET UP: Install, languages, Screens, Start-up
   4           CONFIGURING Microscope / Password protection.
   5           Microscope Software and files.
   6           The Main Screen.
   7           Microscope - The Mouse and On-Screen Controls
   8           Microscope - Help
   9           Microscope - Video & Animations
  10           Microscope - Viewing Slides: Understanding Images
  11           Microscope - Slide Types: Image Sources
  12           Microscope - Light and Filters
  13           Microscope - Optical Types
* 14           Microscope - Transitional EFFECTS & POLARISER
  15           Microscope - External Programs
  16           Microscope - Sampling
  17           Microscope - Auxiliary Window
  18           Microscope - Problems
  19           Additional Support: VIDEOS, FULL COLOUR PICTURES!
  20           Advanced use - Dual languages.
  21           CREDITS    - A 'thank-you' to all who helped!
  22           Slidesets Available.
  23           Installing additional SHAREWARE slidesets.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter: 0            SHAREWARE ELECTRONIC Microscopy
----------------------------------------------------------------

         **** A QUICK ADVERT *****

         If you are interested in distributing Microscope
         for the PC as a commercial package in your country,
         or translating it to make either the shareware or
         professional version available in different languages,
         please contact Molcol Software. We will provide you
         with help and support - even if you are on the moon.
         Please ensure you include your phone number, fax if
         you have one, and name and address.

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

***************************************
* SHAREWARE & NON- SHAREWARE VERSIONS *
***************************************
Microscope for the PC exists as two distinctly different
products: a SHAREWARE VERSION and a PROFESSIONAL VERSION. It is
important you understand how the SHAREWARE version differs from
the PROFESSIONAL VERSION.

(1) SLIDESETS differ
    ================
Electronic slidesets used by Microscope are created entirely for
use with non-shareware versions of Microscope. These contain
quality images and researched text to formally impart useful
knowledge to serious users. THESE SLIDES WILL NOT LOAD into NOR
function with the shareware version of the software. However, to
enable you to see what a powerful tool Microscope is, and to
help licensed users of the PROFESSIONAL VERSION see what new
slidesets have been added to the growing library - samples of
pictures are taken from several of the Professional slidesets
and reassembled to form a SHAREWARE SET. New text is created,
less formal, less informative, but still interesting. These sets
are then distributed to shareware disc vendors and bulletin
boards to make them available to both SHAREWARE and PROFESSIONAL
users.

The number of SHAREWARE SLIDESETS is continually increased to
advertise the professional series.

(2) NUMBER OF SLIDESETS INSTALLED
    ===============================
Both SHAREWARE and PROFESSIONAL versions of Microscope allow
an unlimited number of slidesets to be installed and used.
However, in the SHAREWARE VERSION - you can only access or use
the first five slidesets installed at any one session. If you
wish to install more sets, then thats okay, but you can't use
the newly installed sets without first UNINSTALLING the previous
slidesets. This clears out the earlier entries from a load pick
list, deletes the five old slidesets from your disc, and brings
the next five slidesets into the selection area.

Registered, licensed, PROFESSIONAL users do not have this
restriction and can use any installed sets without making room
for them.

(3) PASSWORD PROTECTION FEATURE
    ============================
PROFESSIONAL VERSIONS OF MICROSCOPE are likely to be widely
used in educational and training environments. To prevent
students accidently erasing slideset files, password protection
is offered to the tutor to prevent unauthorised access to the
slideset uninstall option. SHAREWARE versions do not offer this
capability.

(4) THIS USER MANUAL
    ===========================
This manual is exactly the same as the one distributed with the
licensed PROFESSIONAL VERSION, EXCEPT this shareware version
contains additional text to explain these SHAREWARE/PROFESSIONAL
VERSION differences.


(5) THE FLOPPY DRIVE slideset installer.
    ====================================
The Professional registered version allows simple installation
of additional slidesets from distribution floppy discs via the
option called 'the floppy drive/disc' installer. This is an
external program invoked by clicking on the appropriate button
near the AUX window. SHAREWARE slidesets are compressed and
cannot be accessed or installed with this feature. Instead, each
shareware pack will contain a read.me file explaining how to
complete installation. A brief summary of this can be seen in
chapter 23 of this manual.


***************************************************************
* Purchasing a PROFESSIONAL version or LICENCE for extended   *
* SHAREWARE use, (the soft option?).                          *
***************************************************************
"Why bother to do either? I've got a Shareware copy, Molcol will
 never know I'm continuing to use it after a month. Yeh, its
 quite interesting to see these weird bugs and things they keep
 bringing out on shareware slidesets..."

We are not suggesting YOU actually think like this, but most
people unfortunately perceive SHAREWARE is free. The software
you  are evaluating began in September 1992 and released as Ver
2.0 in October 1994, over 2 years - and that's only the coding.
Pre-coding work probably took 6 months thinking and planning.
Nearly 5000 man hours were spent to research, build, and test
Microscope. This is excluding all the time and effort put in
additionally (and still being put in as you read this) by
people named in the CREDITS chapter; and others unmentioned!

Work continues to research and build an ever increasing range of
slidesets and to develop the package to greater heights. This
involves acquiring ever-more sophisticated equipment and access
to microscopical material. It has to be funded!

If you use the shareware beyond the evaluation time without
sending a fee, you make it difficult for us to continue funding
creation of SHAREWARE slidesets.

If you purchase a PROFESSIONAL LICENSED VERSION or pay the
extended SHAREWARE user fee, we can use the money to help fund
the project further. Its unlikely, that the mighty giants of
software manufacture will release a package like this: our
research indicates they need really massive sales to make the
effort of producing software profitable. Microscopy is regarded
as a 'niche' market. So if you like what you see and enjoy this
unique interest and really want to see more - its up to you to
respond & support us in return. If you want to cheat, we will
probably never know - but you will, when you no longer see
software designed for specialised and minority markets, or
get the chance to try before you buy with SHAREWARE marketed
products.

********************************
* Objectives and Program Scope *
********************************
Welcome to electronic Microscopy. This software is designed to
offer you an advanced way of practising Microscopy without the
need to own a real Microscope. Please note:  although Microscope
for the PC is an invaluable learning tool - it cannot substitute
itself for the delight and great enjoyment encountered when
using a real instrument.

Microscope for the PC is aimed at meeting several objectives:-

  (1) Provide a serious and powerful learning tool for students
      of related sciences: e.g. Biology, Pathology etc.,

  (2) Provide a TIME-SAVING resource for teachers of these
      subjects in educational and training environments.

  (3) Provide supportive reference material to existing users
      of real Microscopes both in hobbyist and professional
      environments.

  (4) Provide educational entertainment for the home user.


*****************
* Functionality *
*****************
Microscope for the PC seeks to achieve these objectives by
offering a user-controlled environment which emulates using a
real Microscope. Slides or images arranged as SLIDESETS and
covering different subjects exist as data files. These can be
purchased as SLIDESET packs. The images are used by loading
them into Microscope for the PC's viewing area where they can
be seen in a variety of ways to reveal microscopic detail.

Images may be animated and move like video sequences, or
magnified at different levels from 1x to 1600x in pre-fixed
stages, or they may be refocused or repositioned (dependent
on slide type!). Indicators into image details are numbered and
enable cross-referencing to important facts contained in the
associated text files; these can be read on-screen while viewing
the slides.

Images can be instantly enhanced by using a variety of integral
tools: coloured filters, optical emulations - including Nomarski
interference-contrast, pseudo polarisation, variable day-light
or halogen simulated illumination, negative-positive viewing,
full video control and a host of other tools.

All controls are on one screen and therefore immediately
accessible at the same time by simply pointing and clicking the
mouse. The very high degree of user-interactivity encourages
curiosity and learning in a new exciting way, making Microscope
for the PC a 'second-generation' MULTI-MEDIA tool - not just
another electronic book! Additionally, Microscope is not
dependent on third-party software or SHELL (like windows), for
playing video sequences (* see chapter on credits): the PC
environment is therefore simplified, making the software easy to
use and extremely reliable; video play-playback of animated
slidesets is efficient and fast.

Intelligent help screens automatically activate to guide new
users along a pleasant, gentle, road to proficiency - with
little need for outside help, paper manuals, or time-consuming
Tutor-supervision. The software has been specifically designed
for easy self-learning in educational environments, where demand
on teachers' time is coming under increased pressure, making it
difficult to apply teaching resource.

Microscope has been developed as a major time-saving teaching
tool. Little or no IT experience is expected from teacher or
student to use it!

Support programs are activated from the main screen to provide
easy installation of additional slidesets, or to remove existing
ones. Features include an electronic catalogue - enabling users
to see a variety of real microscopes, and an Optical Companion
- an animated tutorial about using real microscopes; this will
help students understand the basic controls of real instruments.

A library of slidesets covering a range of subjects is available
and is constantly being added to. Further packs of slidesets can
be purchased inexpensively for use with Microscope for the PC.
Text files are produced using a wealth of knowledge 'drawn' from
amateurs, professionals, and experienced enthusiasts of
Microscopy and related sciences.  Educational slidesets are
available, designed to follow educational curriculum, and
created under close direction and supervision of professional
school teachers of 'A' level Biology. Other slidesets exist,
more suitable for less serious users, to enable Microscopy to
be encountered and enjoyed by everyone less formally.


VERSION 1.0 USER NOTES
----------------------
Microscope was released as version 1.0 about a year ago. Exist-
ing users who do not wish to upgrade will still be able to use
version 2.0 slidesets but will not ne able to see pictures now
used in the AUX window. Also, all focusing, magnifying, and
moving of slide images in the viewer must be performed by using
the MAGNIFY button only: version 1.0 does not have independent
controls for FOCUS and STAGE/MOVE type slides.

Other differences are numerous and apparent when evaluating
version 2.0. Users of version 1.0 who wish to retain the ability
to write their own TUTORIAL files should not delete version 1.0
since this feature has been discontinued in version 2.0!

Installing version 2.0 into the same directory as ver 1.0 will
do no harm, although you may find you use up quite a lot of
disc space maintaining two sets of programs. As you should not
be using ver 1.0 for longer than a month without registering, it
might be a good idea to take a look at this new version, see how
it has progressed - and then apply for a licence. At least then
you will be kept up to date. We have offered VERSION 2.0 to all
existing licenced version 1.0 users for cost of copying discs,
packing, disc costs and postage only:  approx. 8.00 pounds
(example is for UK ).

----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter: 1         RETAIL and SHAREWARE distributors
----------------------------------------------------------------
MICROSCOPE PROFESSIONAL VERSIONS may be purchased in several
countries or my direct mail order from Molcol Software in the
UK. To identify your local distributor, please contact Molcol
Software, or see messages when quitting Microscope software.
Any business interested in distributing PROFESSIONAL VERSIONS
of Microscope for the PC should contact Molcol Software.

SHAREWARE DISC VENDORS, bulletin board system ops, and other
genuine distributors of Shareware Products abiding by the Share-
ware code may add their own references to this chapter prior to
onward distribution. They must advise MOLCOL SOFTWARE in the UK
that they have listed themselves in the manual. The notification
should include a copy of their entry which should not contain
any references to software other than Microscope for the PC.

Microscope is available as SHAREWARE versions in several
countries. Here is a list of sources you can contact for
additional shareware slidsesets and Microscope products.



----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter: 2            Using this Manual
----------------------------------------------------------------
***********************
* Printing the Manual *
***********************
The lay-out of this manual is designed for viewing on a PC
monitor, where page length is considerably shorter than an A4
page. If your package includes guidance from the distributor on
how to view and print the manual, follow those instructions -
otherwise: the manual may be edited by your preferred text
editor to produce a format for applicable to printing on A4.

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU MAKE A COPY OF THE MANUAL FILE, AND
GIVE IT A NEW NAME, PRIOR TO ANY EDITING. YOU CAN THEN EDIT
THE COPY READY FOR PRINTING WITHOUT RISKING DAMAGE TO THE
ORIGINAL.

Note: The file in MANUAL.{s}, where {s} represents the main
keyboard language code you nornally use: UK, PO, etc., For
example - in the United Kingdom (English) the manual file is
called MANUAL.UK ; the file text is in ASCII format, sometimes
referred to as RAW TEXT.

************
* Overview *
************
The manual is not designed to teach you how to use Microscope
for the PC at a control level; this type of help is provided
within the software itself during use. Instead, the manual
provides broad understanding of how to gain the best results
from the software. It outlines essential differences between
study with a real optical instrument and study using this tool.
The manual will prepare you for a journey filled with wonder,
helping you navigate your way and guiding you towards a better
understanding of what you observe on route.

It is a source of help and a provider of hints and tips.


******************
* Where to begin *
******************
Most people never read manuals. I dare say, like me, they
consider the best way of learning something new is to try
it first and see how they get on - only looking at the manual
with great frustration when they come up against a problem.

I therefore recommend you follow this standard practice & leave
this manual as soon as you have read the chapter called SET UP
to have a go at the software. When you eventually reach a
problem, where a help screen and a bit of trying from you fails
to enlighten, then come back to this text. To find the subject
you wish to know more about, select the broadest category from
the list of contents above and go to the appropriate chapter.

PLEASE NOW READ THE CHAPTER CALLED: SET UP!
IF YOU ARE A TEACHER IN AN EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT PLEASE ALSO
READ CHAPTER 4 ON CONFIGURING MICROSCOPE.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter: 3            SET UP
----------------------------------------------------------------

************
* Overview *
************
Microscope is designed to be used in different countries. It is
translated into several languages: both the main software and an
ever-increasing range of slidesets.

Programs and slideset packs are distributed by independent
agents other than MOLCOL software (the creators) under licensed
agreement. You should first check to see if such a distributor
has provided their own method of installing the software. This
may be the case if Microscope is part of a range of software
which has been stylised to conform to a common way of effecting
installation and set-up on your PC. If no such instructions
exist then INSTALLATION and SET UP is established as described
here.


*******************
* LANGUAGE FILES  *
*******************
Different language files exist. These provide translations of
the internal help and default message screens to help people
all over the world use Microscope for the PC. Language files
are identified by their suffix:  .LNG - preceded by a
country code of two letters; these codes follow the naming
convention for keyboard codes as described in most DOS manuals.
For example, a language file called UK.LNG will contain text
in ENGLISH whereas a file called PO.LNG will be in PORTUGUESE.

Different user manuals like this one would follow a similar
naming convention: MANUAL.UK MANUAL.PO etc.,

MICROSCOPE is designed to make new translations into other
languages a relatively easy task. Anyone interested in
re-translating a language file into a new language for use in
another country should contact MOLCOL SOFTWARE in the UNITED
KINGDOM to receive help and assistance.


*******************
* DOS or WINDOWS  *
*******************
Microscope is a DOS program. It should therefore be installed
outside of the WINDOWS environment from the DOS command line.
However, once installed, you will be able to run Microscope
from the WINDOWS kernel under a DOS session. Please see CHAPTER
7 and Mouse initiation for more details on this.

Note: Microscope willnot run in a window itself!


************
* INSTALL  *
************
Most software will arrive in the form of floppy discs. These may
be numbered from 1 to n or be labelled in some other manner to
describe the order in which they should be installed. Microscope
can only be used on a PC which has a hard disc drive, so files
on the floppy discs must ultimately exist on the hard disc for
the program to work. An INSTALLATION routine accomplishes this
in a controlled way. On the first floppy disc, normally called
DISC 1, a file exists called INSTALL. This may have a suffix
of .BAT or .COM or .EXE for example - INSTALL.BAT!

This file will initiate the Installation process. Put the floppy
disc called DISC 1 into your floppy drive unit and log onto the
drive. Type INSTALL at the DOS command line and press the ENTER
KEY on your keyboard.  Instructions will appear on the screen to
assist you.

If INSTALL.BAT is the original file released by Molcol Software
to world-wide distributors, then you should invoke the
Installation Process by typing INSTALL {todrive} {fromdrive}
where the word in each curly bracket would be replaced by you
with two drive designation letters. For example, you would
enter perhaps the following: INSTALL C A   to install the soft-
ware on drive C from a floppy disc in drive A.


************
*  SETUP   *
************
During installation of Microscope, a program called SETUP.EXE is
invoked. Microscope is distributed to many countries. Several
different language translations can be used without the need to
purchase the entire software pack again. Language files can be
obtained independently - one or more such files will have been
distributed with the original package. SETUP will search your
MSCOPE directory to see which language files exist and allow you
to select one. You will then be asked to select a screen:
English or International. If you select the English screen then
Microscope buttons and controls will contain English labels to
identify them. The International screen will instead display
buttons and controls labelled with icons, easily recognised
irrespective of the natural language you use.  SETUP can also
be re-run anytime when using Microscope to change the language
or screen in use!

Note: SETUP will not change the language of the slideset text
      files. Slidesets exist in different languages but cannot
      be mixed together in the same directory.

      Language files and alternate translations of slideset text
      files can be purchased separately from your local
      distributors.

**************************
*  INSTALLATION FAILURES *
**************************
If after several attempts to Install Microscope, you have been
unsuccessful, try the following:-

   (1) Log onto the root directory of your hard disc.
   (2) Create a new directory from the DOS command line by
       entering: MD MSCOPE
   (3) Log onto this directory by entering: CD MSCOPE
   (4) Copy all the files from the distribution disc into the
       new directory. Enter: COPY A:\*.* if the distribution
       discs are using floppy drive A.
   (5) When all the files are in the new directory, enter: SETUP
   (6) When SETUP finishes, enter: MIC_CTRL IN:*.*

This should complete a successful manual Installation.

***********************************
*  START-UP: Running the software *
***********************************
If you received independent instructions from a distributor on
how to start Microscope running, then please follow them -
otherwise see below.


To run Microscope:-
====================


         (1) LOG ONTO THE DIRECTORY WHERE THE MICROSCOPE
             SOFTWARE IS INSTALLED, NORMALLY: MSCOPE

         (2) FROM THE DOS COMMAND LINE, ENTER: MSCOPE2


Note: If using Microscope on a fairly basic machine, it may be
      possible to increase the performance speed of animated
      slidesets by including a switch in the command line.
      To try this, enter the following instead: MSCOPE2 /A










----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter: 4            CONFIGURING MICROSCOPE
----------------------------------------------------------------

************
* Overview *
************
Microscope uses several methods to configure operation to suit
your PC and your particular needs. Languages and Screens are
established via the SETUP.EXE file described in the previous
chapter. The help routines, sounds, button speed controls, and
warning messages are configured from within Microscope by using
the CFG button. This is located at the top of the main screen to
the right of the FINI button. Help screens within Microscope
will enable you to understand how to configure the various
options. Two other configurable functions of great importance
are discussed below:-

*******************
* ANIMATION SPEED *
*******************
Microscope uses short clips of digitised video. These are known
as ANIMATED slidesets. The speed at which they run and therefore
the quality of what you see will depend on several factors:-

The type of Processor in your PC - 286, 386, 486 ; whether or
not your PC has a maths co-processor, video graphics
acceleration board, or cache software installed; the access
speed of your hard drive; and whether or not you have additional
ram installed with associated software to manage higher memory.

To try and stabilise animation speeds on a variety of hardware
set-up's, Microscope attempts to limit frame rate speeds at
around 18 frames a second. If your machine is very slow then you
may not be able to see animations at this speed: animations will
appear jerky on slow PCs. To try and speed up slow animation,
you can try using a built-in switch to release all the internal
software brakes. This is accomplished when you invoke Microscope
by including /A in the command line. Instead of entering MSCOPE2
enter MSCOPE2 /A to start the software running.

Animations work best when your PC is using extended memory along
with a cache or high-memory manager. Once all frames of an
animated slideset have been loaded from disc, subsequent images
are put to screen direct from memory, thus saving time between
frames by eliminating repeated loading from the hard disc.

Animation speeds can be varied by using one of the buttons on
the video panel to the left on the Main screen. The start-up
speed, when you first run Microscope and load an animated
slideset, is set to 1 click less than maximum speed.

***********************
* PASSWORD PROTECTION *
***********************
Microscope is provided with an option to help you manage your
slidesets. The slideset management software can be accessed
via the button marked DBF on Microscope's main screen. This
facility enables slidesets to be un-installed, a process which
deletes slideset files from your hard disc. It may be
undesirable in educational environments to allow anyone to
have access to the UNINSTALL feature. You can therefore
establish password control of this option.

If you wish to use this form of protection then please see
below. When you first try to use the Uninstall option, you
will be asked if you want to enable password control. If you
accidentally state yes when you really mean no, you will forever
have to enter a password to uninstall slidesets unless you find
the file called MICPASS.CPT on the first distribution disc and
copy this back into the MSCOPE directory on your hard disc.

Note: If you delete the file MICPASS.CPT from the MSCOPE
      directory, you will permanently disable the Uninstall
      option until you re-load the missing file into the Mscope
      directory from your distribution discs.

Most users in a non-educational environment will not require the
PASSWORD protection and may simply confirm this fact when
prompted during their FIRST attempt at uninstalling slidesets.

Please note that PASSWORD protection will only safeguard against
deletion of files when running Microscope: once you exit the
program and return to the operating system (DOS or WINDOWS), the
slideset files become vulnerable to erasure just like any other
files on your disc.

----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter: 5            SOFTWARE AND FILES
----------------------------------------------------------------

************
* Overview *
************
Microscope Ver 2.0 consists of a suite of program files called
.EXE files. These are supported by several other file types such
as .QPL .DTA .CFG .LNG suffixed file names. Although most of the
.EXE files may run if invoked independently, they are not
designed nor tested to do this. All .EXE files (Program Modules)
have been constructed to work around Microscope's main module
called MSCOPE2.EXE which should always be invoked to start up
the software. All other .EXE files are run transparently to the
user by using 1 of five special buttons on Microscope's main
screen; these are located as a vertical row beside and left of
the AUX window.

Files used to produce images, text, and references associated
with slidesets utilised by Microscope are as follow:-

*.MIC = Contains header information about the slideset type.
*.SET = Contains references about each slide in a set.
*.QPL = Contains all images in a library for the set.
*.TUT = Contains Tutorial Text for 'STILL' slidesets.
*.ANI = Contains Tutorial Text for 'ANIMATED' slidesets.

When a slideset is INSTALLED, at least four of these files are
copied into the MSCOPE directory and the header data from the
.MIC file is placed into a special CONTROL DATABASE called
MIC_CTRL.DTA to enable Microscope to be aware of what slidesets
are available for use. At least 1 slideset must remain installed
at all times which means the control database must always have
at least one slideset name stored in it!

A slideset must always have a .MIC .QPL .SET file present and
either an .ANI (or) a .TUT file. THESE FILES MUST NEVER BE
DELETED FROM THE DISK DIRECTLY - THE OPTION CALLED 'UNINSTALL',
ACCESSIBLE FROM THE SLIDESET MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE, MUST ALWAYS
BE USED FOR THIS PURPOSE.



*******************************
* VERSIONS and Serial Numbers *
*******************************
Microscope was originally released as Version 1.0. The earlier
version has no MOUSE control and is less powerful in most
respects to Version 2.0.

A SHAREWARE evaluation version is available but does not have
the ability to use PROFESSIONAL slidesets designed for use by
registered version owners only. A small range of SHAREWARE
SLIDESETS have been made available to assist evaluation but they
are created from simple samples taken from Professional sets.
The shareware sets do not provide sufficiently detailed formal
references for serious study and have insufficient scope to
cover the wide range of Microscopy subjects. Users will require
a fully registered and licensed copy of Microscope to obtain
advantaged benefits, technical support, and access to all
electronic slidesets.

Owners of registered versions of Microscope are able to use
Shareware slidesets to help them see SAMPLES of PROFESSIONAL
slides. PROFESSIONAL SLIDESETS, containing quality pictures and
formal accurate references, are only available to registered
users.

A serial number appears in the Aux window on Microscope's main
screen at start-up. Any slight modifications made to version 2.0
will result in (and is therefore detectable by) a different
number appearing here. The number represents the modification
date in day/month/year order: later dates indicate the most
recent modifications. In practice only minor modifications would
be 'signalled' in this way.

**************
* DISC SPACE *
**************
Microscope is a fully developed comprehensive software product
taking several years to develop and refine. Like other
mainstream software packages, it requires a fair size of your
hard disc space to store the core software files. At least 6
megabytes of space should be reserved for use of the core
package and at least another 6 megabytes should be reserved if
you wish to purchase and use additional slideset packs.

Use the SLIDESET MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE and THE FLOPPY DISC
INSTALLER features to retain slidesets you find useful and to
free space for other applications.

Microscope makes use of compressed image data in .QPL
LIBRARY FILES. A single slideset can have a maximum of 50
separate images in its library yet the whole set, including
the text, header, and reference information, will only occupy
a maximum of 1.4 megabytes of disc space. This means you could
have around 500 individual images on microscopical subjects
stored on your hard disc at a cost of 10.5 megabytes of disc
space.


**************
* LANGUAGES  *
**************
Language translation files are discussed in CHAPTER 3 : SETUP.
Please refer to this chapter.




----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter: 6            THE MAIN SCREEN
----------------------------------------------------------------

************
* Overview *
************
The main screen contains over 100 buttons and controls. At first
you may be stunned by the proliferation of options and the high
degree of user inter-activity allowed. The controls are neatly
arranged into logical sets which, when understood, will greatly
ease your learning and control. Individual controls are
explained in the various help messages and screens. This section
is designed to help you understand the logical grouping of the
main controls.


***************
* SCREEN PLAN *
***************
Here is a loose plan of the main screen:-
:-------------------------------------------------------------:
:###   ######    ====2====   ##0##   ====3====  :=====  ###4##:
:###     1      =    ########################## :=============:
:###   ######   =    ########################## :===== 9 =====:
:###   ======   =    ########################## :=============:
:###   ======   =    ########################## :=============:
:###   ======   =    ########################## :-------------:
:#5#   = 6  =   = 7  ##########  8  ########### :=            :
:###   ======   =    ########################## :=            :
:###   ======   =    ########################## :=10          :
:###   ======   =    ########################## :=    11      :
:               =    ########### 8a ########### :=    aux     :
:=12=  ==13==   = 7a ########################## :             :
: ============= =====  =================== ==== :-------------:
: =====14====== ==15=  ====== 16 ========= =17=     ==18==    :
: ######################################################## == ;
: ##################### 20 ############################### 19 :
:-------------------------------------------------------------:

Key :-  #=DISPLAY  :=BOUNDARY  = equals BUTTON BLOCK
=======

0 = Logo to identify English/International Screen -not a button!

1 = Icons in top window indicate if original pictures were taken
    using an optical microscope or a scanning microscope for the
    slideset loaded. Icons in bottom window indicate whether set
    loaded is a still or animated slideset.

2 = HELP and WARNINGS Control buttons block.

3 = Configuration and settings plus FINI button block.

4 = Optical type and effect in use - display is in English only.

5 = Slideset Tray where set is visually loaded to.

6 = Video/Animated slideset buttons block.

7 = Indicators to slide detail control and display buttons.
7a= Indicators off/on and change style controls.

8 = Main viewing area where images are displayed.
8a= Slide name will flash to screen here when button called
    NAME is pressed. This button is in area 18 on the plan.

9 = Sampling Area and sampling control buttons to allow details
    to be taken from the slide on display and digitally doubled
    in size.

10= External Programs Access Buttons. Invokes support programs.
    Enables additional slidesets purchased from an increasing
    range to be installed from floppy distribution discs.

11= Auxiliary Window displays additional text or image data.
    For example to show diagrams, maps, geographical pictures,
    etc., to support slides on display in the viewer.

12= Levels indication. Identifies, for the slide on display,
    how many true magnification levels, focus levels, or
    positions a slide may be adjusted by. Different values will
    be put to the screen dependent on the slide being studied.

13= LOAD AND VIEW MAIN CONTROLS!

14= FOCUS, MAGNIFY, MOVE POSITION CONTROLS - only 1 of these
    three options is enabled for the slide on view, depending on
    what the pre-determined slide type is.
    THE TOP BUTTON IN EACH BLOCK RESETS IMAGE TO DEFAULT OF
    MINIMUM LEVEL.

15= LIGHT Intensity control. Top Button resets to default.

16= Optical control block. MAIN RESET BUTTON TO PUT LIGHT,
    OPTICAL FILTERS, POLARISATION, AND OPTICAL TYPE  BACK TO
    THEIR DEFAULT VALUES. IT IS THE LONGEST BUTTON ANYWHERE
    ON THE SCREEN. USE THIS IF YOU GET CONFUSED BY MULTIPLE
    CHANGES TO THE SCREEN OR IMAGE.

17= Polarisation simulation controls. Sets greys to full colour
    and allows colour changes. Use in association with single
    colour select ( to the right of this control ) or
    to toggle between grey shades or colours.

18= Slideset name display area.

19= Text Control block TEXT ON/OFF TOP/BOTTOM status indicator.

20= Main Text area. Simple help messages (or) Tutorial file text
    is displayed in this area.





----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter: 7            THE CONTROLS
----------------------------------------------------------------
************
* Overview *
************
MICROSCOPE is mainly operated via on screen buttons by
pointing at them with the mouse and clicking the left mouse
button. Occasionally, you will need to use your keyboard to
perform an operation. In these instances, messages on the screen
will indicate which key to press; generally you will need to
operate a number key from the top row of alpha-numeric keys on
your keyboard.

Most of the External Programs (Chapter 15) are not operated by
the mouse and control of these will be via your keyboard.

**************************
* THE ESCAPE KEY         *
**************************
The <escape> key on your keyboard can be used as a general PANIC
key, allowing you to escape from things where you have not yet
developed full understanding of the controls. There is ONE
EXCEPTION TO THIS RULE: when you first start-up Microscope, you
are given the option of accessing a brief tutorial on getting
started with using MICROSCOPE for the PC. Pressing the <ESCAPE>
key at this point will take you into the TUTORIAL !


**************************
* THE MOUSE : initiation *
**************************
A mouse is known in Computer terms as a 'device'. All devices
require special software to enable them to communicate
effectively with different programs.

To use your mouse with Microscope, it must be enabled prior to
running the Microscope program : before entering MSCOPE2 from
the keyboard.

The Mouse software must be DOS compatible and NOT a 'WINDOWS'
MOUSE driver. If you wish to run Microscope from Microsoft
Windows you will not be able to - UNLESS A NON-WINDOWS MOUSE
is established as active prior to starting-up windows.
If this is done,  you will be able to RUN Microscope from
WINDOWS in a DOS session OR as normal from DOS.

A DOS MOUSE is normally activated by a running a '.COM' file,
for example-  MOUSE.COM! This command may be included as part of
your autoexec.bat file found in the root directory of your disc.
You can have two MOUSE drivers active; one for DOS and a
different one for WINDOWS.

If you intend to run Microscope straight from DOS instead of
from Windows, then these matters should not cause you any
problems, especially if you normally use a mouse with your DOS
programs.


**************************************************
* THE MOUSE - Left Button/Right Button/Moving it *
**************************************************

* LEFT BUTTON *
THE LEFT MOUSE BUTTON is clicked to operate the on-screen
controls. Simply point the cursor at the desired control and
click on the left mouse button briefly. An audible click from
your PC's loud-speaker will be heard unless you have decided to
disable the audible click using the CFG control (See Chapter 4).

To ensure Microscope works in a slick efficient way, responding
rapidly to the on-screen controls, the software does not check
to see if you have released the left-mouse button after you have
depressed it. Instead, a time delay is invoked each time you use
the left-mouse button: this disables subsequent left-button
operations for a tiny fraction of time. The delay period can be
adjusted to optimise performance by using the CFG on-screen
button -(See Chapter 4).

If the delay is very short, you will experience difficulties on
a fast PC: on-screen controls will repeatedly operate faster
than the time you take to release the mouse button. If this
happens on your PC, set the MOUSE RESPONSE time to a slower
level by using Microscope's CFG facility.

When scrolling animated slideset text, holding down the
left-mouse button may cause the cursor to disappear from the
screen until you release the button: this is normal!




* RIGHT BUTTON *
The right mouse button is used to identify the purpose of any
on-screen control. Simply point the cursor at the button on
Microscope's main screen and depress the right mouse button to
see a brief description about the control's function. YOU MUST
KEEP THE RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON DEPRESSED : releasing it causes the
message line to vanish until the right mouse button is held down
again.


* MOUSE MOVEMENT when ANIMATIONS are 'RUNNING' *
When you have an animated slideset loaded and 'running', the
MOUSE will behave slightly differently than when used with a
'STILL' slideset. The mouse cursor will flash on and off the
screen and the on-screen buttons may appear less responsive.
As you move the Mouse, animations will PAUSE by themselves until
you stop moving it; they will re-start shortly after the mouse
becomes still.

During the PAUSED period, the on-screen buttons will become very
responsive again allowing you to easily operate one of the
controls. Therefore, the best way to operate the Microscope's
controls when running a video sequence, is by moving the mouse
quickly to point at the control and then clicking on the left
mouse button before the animation restarts.

HOLDING DOWN THE LEFT OR RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON WHEN THE MOUSE
CURSOR IS IN THE SLIDE VIEWING AREA WILL PAUSE THE ANIMATION:
THIS IS USEFUL FOR POINTING AT DETAILS IN THE VIDEO IMAGE.

If you wish to view an animated slide without it continually
pausing, the best policy is to take your hand away from the
mouse since even the slightest twitch from you will interrupt
the sequence.


**************************************************
* THE MOUSE - TRAPPED IN A BOX                   *
**************************************************
You are free to move the mouse cursor to any position on the
screen most of the time. Three exceptions exist:-

(1) When you load a new slideset, a directory window opens IN
    in the bottom left corner of the screen. The mouse is
    intentionally trapped in the window until you click the
    left mouse button to either select a new slideset or to
    abort. PRESSING THE ESCAPE KEY WILL ALSO PERFORM AN ABORT
    and release the mouse cursor from the directory window.

(2) When you TURN ON the SAMPLE option, the mouse cursor is
    trapped in the top right box - called the SAMPLING AREA -
    until you operate the SAMPLE OFF button in the centre of
    the sampling area. PRESSING ESCAPE will also force the
    SAMPLING to turn off (if on) and release the cursor from the
    box.

(3) When any new window opens to display help or to ask you to
    press a key to select an option, the mouse cursor will be
    trapped in the new window until you press one of the keys
    described by the text in the window. PRESSING THE ESCAPE
    KEY will abort and release the mouse cursor from the window.



**************************************************
* RESET to DEFAULT buttons                       *
**************************************************
MICROSCOPE has many controls to allow experienced users to
study slide images with tools that enhance viewing and reveal
hidden detail. The combined effect of these tools may cause
NEW users to become 'lost' with regard to restoring an image to
its normal (DEFAULT) viewing state. Several controls are
therefore provided to perform a rapid return to default
conditions:-


THE MAIN RESET BUTTON is the longest button on the screen. It is
located below the main viewing area in a central screen position
along with the buttons to control filters and optical types.
Operating this button will reset LIGHT INTENSITY to default
values, turn off all COLOUR FILTERS (RED,BLUE,GREEN), turn off
POLARISATION (if on), and switch the OPTICAL TYPE to NORMAL (if
currently set to a non-normal OPTICAL TYPE).

WHAT IT WILL NOT DO: it will not reset EFFECTS. To RESET EFFECTS
and remove CONTOUR and RELIEF IMAGING, operate the EFFECTS
RESET button: this is located to the right of the longest button
on the same block.

Negative imaging (inverse grey) selected by operating the lower
right button in this central button block is reset to positive
image only by operating the POSITIVE IMAGE button. This is
adjacent to the NEGATIVE image button.

ALL THE TOP BUTTONS IN EACH OF THE CONTROL BUTTON BLOCKS BELOW
THE VIEWING AREA ARE RESET BUTTONS. STARTING WITH THE LONGEST
BUTTON DESCRIBED ABOVE, YOU CAN QUICKLY RESET MOST VIEWING
OPTIONS BY CLICKING ON THESE TOP BUTTONS working from centre
to left across the screen. In practice, the slide on view will
be one of three types or else an animated slideset, therefore
you need only to RESET the appropriate SLIDE TYPE - FOCUS,
MAGNIFY, OR STAGE/MOVE - to replace the image with the lowest
level e.g. the lowest magnification image for a MAGNIFY TYPE.


(REFER to CHAPTER 12 for better understanding of SLIDE TYPES).
(REFER to CHAPTER 15 for more on OPTICAL TYPES).



----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter: 8            HELP
----------------------------------------------------------------

Microscope has many help screens. The help facility for the
main module (Microscope) can be configured to be either
auto-displaying or manually-called. The Microscope main screen
contains a HELP control block with several buttons to manage the
HELP facility.

     Click on the button marked 'A' to set to Auto.
     Click on the button marked 'M' to set to Manual.

********
* Auto *
********
When set to 'A' (Auto), help messages will appear automatically
if you operate a control to perform an inappropriate action. The
Auto-display feature can be further configured to behave in an
intelligent way: help will be displayed automatically only when
you make the same mistake twice. This can prove useful after you
have become more familiar with operating Microscope for the PC.
Please refer to the section on CONFIGURABLE OPTIONS for more
detail on how to select INTELLIGENT AUTO-HELP.

**********
* Manual *
**********
When set to 'M' (Manual), help messages will appear only when
you demand them by clicking on the main HELP button or the
associated scroll HELP buttons. On the International Screen, the
MAIN HELP BUTTON is identified by the icon of three large
question marks. On the English Screen, the Help button is
labelled as HELP.

In both modes of operation the help messages are 'tuned' to the
action associated with the last control you operated. For
example, if you clicked on the LIGHT button and then clicked on
the HELP button - you would receive help messages explaining the
use of the Light Control.

*******************
* Navigating Help *
*******************

Once the HELP window has opened and a message is displayed, you
can use the buttons in the Window Top Bar to navigate the help
file. Clicking on either arrow button moves you up or down the
help file, a page at a time. You cannot explicitly request help
on a specific topic. Instead, you should operate a control
button on the main screen (the one associated with the subject
you wish to know more about) and then operate the Help button.

Note: The mouse cursor is trapped in the HELP window until the
      FINI button located in the Window Top Bar is operated.
      The ESCAPE key on your keyboard can also be used to FINI
      (FINIsh) using help, releasing the mouse cursor from the
      window.


Possible problems:-
===================
Help Button clicked but no help message appears.


Causes & possible solutions:-

(1) Help may be set to 'Intelligent' option if this happens. The
    Microscope software may be expecting only to give HELP after
    you have tried using an option a few times: try clicking
    on the last control used again and then click on the HELP
    button to receive a message.

Help Messages are not appearing automatically:-

Causes & possible solutions:-

(1) You may have used the CFG button to turn HELP permanently
    to Manual use only: use the CFG option to reset HELP to
    AUTO or INTELLIGENT.


(2) You may have turned off AUTO-HELP on the Main Screen : click
    on the tiny button labelled 'A' in the HELP block to toggle
    HELP back to the AUTO-display mode


*******************
* FLASHED HELP    *
*******************
QUICK HELP messages can be turned OFF or ON. When ON, if you
click on a button or control which cannot perform it's function,
you will receive a one-line help message on the screen. This
will appear for the duration of time configured when using the
the CFG button. The message will suggest one or more reasons
why your request cannot be complied with - e.g. you may have
requested to turn on the SAMPLE option while an animated
slideset is still 'running' (which is not allowed). After you
become familiar with using Microscope, these one line messages
may irritate you. Use the button marked '!' to toggle off/on.
This way, with the feature OFF, you will only get a warning
beep but can always toggle the option ON and retry an operation
if you don't understand why the software refuses to comply with
your request.

----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter: 9        Video and Animated Slidesets
----------------------------------------------------------------

************
* Overview *
************
ANIMATED SLIDESETS are short video clips of between 2 to 40
frames. They will be accompanied with a text file (.ANI) which
may contain from 5 to 36 lines of text. Unlike STILL slidesets,
you cannot use the Slide Selector to pick out individual frames
for viewing: the selector shrinks after loading an animated set
to remind you of this. Instead, to view a specific frame from
the sequence as a still image, simply STOP the animation on the
desired frame. Most of Microscope's other features, like the
sampling option can then be used.

Some of the options used on STILL slidesets cannot be used on a
'running' animated sequence UNLESS YOU STOP IT FIRST! Pausing is
different from 'Stopping', and a paused animated slideset is
still unable to have options like 'Sampling' applied to it.

Text, explaining the detail of an animated slideset, is only
visible while the sequence is 'running'. When you stop the
video, the text window clears to display default messages until
the animated slideset is restarted.




*************************************
* Running Negative Image Animations *
*************************************
STILL slidesets can be viewed as positive or negative images by
using the two buttons in the lower right of the large button
block below the viewing area. When you start running an animated
slideset, the image is 'forced' back into to displaying a
POSITIVE representation of the slide, even if you had previously
selected NEGATIVE viewing!  To see animated slidesets running
IN NEGATIVE FORM: click on the NEGATIVE OPTICAL TYPE button.
This is located as the left-most button of the optical-type
select buttons; also located on the button block - central and
below the main viewing area (See Chapter 13 for OPTICAL TYPES).

Note: When viewing animated slidesets with NEGATIVE optical
type enabled, the background colour, normally held to BLACK,
will automatically be RELEASED, allowing the background to
assume a correct colour shade if a red, green, or blue day-
light filter, is active. Also, the entire screen - including all
controls, display neons, text and icons will switch to display
inverted (or negative) shades and colours; this is NOT a program
malfuction!


************
* JOGGING  *
************
The jog control enables you to run a shorter sequence from the
animated set. Simply switch on the Jog option where you wish to
concentrate on a specific piece from the sequence, and use the
JOG EXPAND and JOG REDUCE controls next to the JOG ON/OFF toggle
to widen or restrict how many frames to animate.

Remember to turn off the JOG option prior to loading another
animated set or you may think the new set has a very short
sequence. When 'jogging', the sequence runs alternatively back
and forth several frames either side of the Jog reference point;
(the frame on view when you toggled JOG ON). You may use the
PLAY FORWARD and PLAY REVERSE buttons to shift the Jog reference
point to an earlier or later position in the sequence.


******************
* NO INDICATORS  *
******************
Animated sets, unlike STILL sets, do not use indicators to pick
out specific details from the image and associate them with text
references. Normally, animated sets are distributed along with
still sets as part of a pack on a topic or subject. The pack
will include still images with 'indicated' details to supplement
knowledge gained observing the animated sequence.


******************
* TIME LAPSE     *
******************
Animated sets may be in real-time (filmed at a rate equal to the
natural time of an event) or in compressed or expanded time.

Compressed time means that an original event may have taken
several minutes, hours, or days to complete but the filmed event
is viewed in a few seconds. This is achieved by taken regular
photos or video shots of the event at frequent intervals, every
hour for example, and then combining them into a sequence which
plays-back in a much shorter time.

Expanded time means the reverse : events happening in very brief
moments are captured rapidly on film and then played back very
slowly, seemingly expanding the time taken for an event to
occur, and making it easier to see what happens.

Microscope's Professional slidesets make use of both techniques
to assist understanding and learning. References to real-time
periods for these sequences can normally be found in the text
files which form part of a set.


Note: SEE CHAPTER 4 for issues on configuring Microscope and
      your PC to run animated slidesets efficiently.


----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter: 10            VIEWING SLIDESETS
----------------------------------------------------------------

************
* Overview *
************
'Still' and 'animated' slidesets are seen by taking one of
the slides from the tray and placing it into the viewing area.
The first slide of an animated set is loaded into the viewer to
start the sequence running. 'Still' slides, once they are loaded
into the slideset tray from disc, are selected by using the
slide selector to mark which one will be called into the viewing
area when the VIEW button is clicked. If you are using the
International Screen, this button is identified by the
presence of a PAIR OF EYES icon.


Help screens seen when using Microscope provide details on using
the VIEW and SLIDE-SELECTOR controls therefore further
discussion here is unnecessary. Instead, this chapter provides
assistance on how to interpret slides: a skill often acquired
more by practice then by being taught.


********************************************
* Mental Modelling and Interpreting Images *
********************************************
The real world is composed (in simple terms) of matter with
three-dimensional properties, that is - they appear as solid
forms to human eyes. When we begin to look more closely at this
matter, we find - as we move down into the microscopic realm -
that solid form is created by something unexpected: we see many
small elements of matter existing in close proximity to each
Stability of an object normally depends upon the organisation
and compatibility of its components. This is true of both living
and non-living things!

It is important when using an optical microscope to remember
not only to view a subject with the eye, but with the mind as
well. There is a mental leap required by you to understand
Microscopical images. You have to appreciate that in most
cases you will be looking at a VERY THIN SLICE of
three-dimensional matter, so thin in fact, it appears to the
unaided eye almost two-dimensional.

Imagine a giant with a huge microscope wanting to study a
football. The giant is given a slice from the ball to use in
his/her microscope. What the giant sees when looking through
the lens is basically two circles, one inside the other: these
mark the inner and outer surface of the ball. If the giant has
never seen a whole football and had only been given this one
slice, he would need to use his mind to imagine what the
three-dimensional object looks like.

Of course, if the giant was given successive slices from the
ball, smaller or larger pairs of circles would be discovered;
providing more clues for a mental image to be constructed.

Now imagine if the first slice had been taken from the very edge
of the football, where the valve is embedded. If the giant was
never given any more slices, his mental image of a football
would be of something round with a long tube passing through the
middle of it, possibly from one side to the other: an imperfect
model of the real object!

This little story should be remembered when studying Microscope
for the PC's slide images. It will help you to understand how to
create mental three-dimensional representations of the subjects
you study.

**************************
* Simulated Optical Aids *
**************************
A real optical microscope can be fitted with devices to aid
image interpretation. Mainly, these would come in the form of
different lens systems incorporating prisms. One such example
is known as the NOMARSKI optical system. This has an EFFECT of
making objects appear 'raised' or 'embossed' (imagine looking
at a footprint in the sand) and therefore presents an almost
three-dimensional image to the observer. Microscope for the PC
includes similar tools known as EFFECTS to provide simulation
of the optical microscope functionality. Different optical types
are also selectable: high contrast optics, graphic optics along
with normal and negative-viewing. When combined with either the
CONTOUR or RELIEF effects, the POLARISER, or the various colour
filters, the OPTICAL TYPES will offer many alternate views of
a single image.

(NOTE: Please see Chapter 13 for more on OPTICAL TYPES.)

You should experiment with these along with different light
levels. The more you use these tools, the better you will become
at extracting the maximum information from an image. You will
quickly discover that using certain combinations of these aids
work better with some subjects than with others. For example,
the RELIEF EFFECT does not enhance images of insects very well,
nor does it work well with highly digitally-focused images - but
it can work wonders on low contrast images of muscle tissue,
plant stems, and similar subjects with big discrete components.

Effectiveness of the colour polariser is greatly enhanced when
used in conjunction with the CONTOUR EFFECT due to the 'effect'
adding in dark black lines at the boundaries of coloured areas,
- often making clear division between different cell areas
very discernible.

************************
* Magnification Levels *
************************
Images used in Microscope for the PC may have been through
several different processes in their creation (see chapter 11
for more on 'Image Sourcing'). The final magnification level in
relative terms, as seen on your monitor, are not definable since
different size monitors will produce varying image sizes. Also,
some of the processes involve using both optical and electronic
tools to manipulate the image size. Each slide is therefore
represented with a magnification level based on an estimate of
the original powers used to capture an image at the microscope.
Thus if a mix of 16x eyepiece lens was used with a 10x
objective, the overall magnification level is declared as 160x.
In practice, different cameras - themselves with different lens
systems - may confound accurate assessment of this value.

The magnification level shown on Microscope's main screen should
be considered as a guide only!


************************
* Image Quality        *
************************
The quality of images used in Microscope for the PC depends on
many factors: optical equipment used at source, slide
preparation, lighting arrangement of original subjects,
magnification levels, processing techniques, and finally -
the image format used on your PC. Slideset pictures are made to
conform to 16 grey shades (quite a low resolution on current
PCs). The image is processed in a way designed to maximise the
use of so few shades to represent a photo-quality picture.
Without this technique, the image resolution would suffer
appreciably and would probably result with picture standards
which would not provide sufficient detail.

The technique has a beneficial effect on grey-scale images but
a detrimental one on colour pictures. When you use the
polariser to produce colour, this becomes apparent! Microscope
is designed to produce the best picture quality with grey-scale
imaging. Registered Users will have opportunity to obtain full
colour digital images for PC use and Video Tapes for real-time
playback as part of a range of support products. These are
discussed further in Chapter 20.

The use of video cameras when filming an original slide under
a microscope may result in a slight grid-like pattern appearing
in Microscope for the PC slides; this is normally noticeable in
areas of the image devoid of any substance (e.g where light
shows through most). This is probably due to the camera using a
charge-coupled-device (ccd) and the digital-sampling method
employed. When using Microscope for serious study, it is best
to be aware of this to avoid misinterpretating slide details.

On a similar note, optical microscopy requires clean lens and
environment: the slightest speck of dust on the surface of a
lens will produce false details in an image. Some of the images
used in slides for Microscope for the PC may often contain
spurious blobs, shadows, and specks especially where
magnification levels are in excess of 440x.

After a little practise, you will soon learn to identify
false image information of this kind and dismiss it.

----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter: 11         Slide Types and Image Sources
----------------------------------------------------------------
************
* Overview *
************
Slides used in Microscope for the PC are electronic, that is -
they consist of magnetically stored information in digital form.
Future slides may possibly take advantage of improvements to
new data-retention mediums such as Optical discs, CD roms etc.,

Original images used to create electronic slides come from
several sources: video or still photography of living subjects,
or by the similar methods applied to specimens studied with a
real optical microscope.

Source material may be owned by Molcol Software or
other parties. Permission is obtained from third parties to use
other peoples material for electronic conversion.

Slides can also be created from images obtained through the use
of electron scanning microscopes or from physical explorations
into living tissue using optical fibres linked to cameras.


******************
* SLIDE TYPES    *
******************
Groups of electronic slides covering a specific topic are
organised into a structure called a slideset. One slideset may
consist of upto 40 individual images plus a maximum of 10 other
pictures to provide additional reference material. Each slide in
a 'STILL' set may have a single characteristic out of three
possible options. The possible choices are : focus, magnify, and
stage (also called MOVE). These define how a slide image may be
further enhanced when loaded into Microscope's viewing area.

It is possible for a slide to have 'mixed' characteristics, for
example - it can be both a magnify AND a focus slide at the same
time. This can cause confusion and is therefore normally
avoided; in most cases, a slide will be a MAGNIFY type or one of
the other types only.

During the creation of a slideset, the subject in each slide is
carefully considered with a view to how it can be best presented
within Microscope for the PC. Some subjects, such as plant
stems, are better presented as a series of images at low to
middle powers of magnification, while other subjects - seen
normally under high power magnification - are better presented
as FOCUS types.

Photographs or video film is then taken, with the resulting
pictures being digitally sampled and processed. If the original
images are taken at a real Microscope at different magnification
levels or degrees of focus, then final digital pictures will
retain their resolution and detail. If however, focusing or
magnification is performed DIGITALLY, pictures derived from the
base image will not be any better 'resolved' than the base
image. For example: a real slide of a plant stem can be filmed
at 40x and 100x magnification, sampled, and displayed on screen;
the 100x image here will have improved resolution. Compare this
with filming the same plant stem at 40x, sampling it, and then
doubling its size with computer processes to produce a second
image of 80x magnification; in this case, the 80x image does not
possess improved resolution: the dots are just made bigger!

Computer processing of slide images to improve focus and obtain
sharper detail is a powerful aid when converting real images for
use in Microscope for the PC. Note: this technique may have been
used on many slides without formal declaration in their
associated text files.



******************
* SPECIAL NEEDS  *
******************
MOLCOL SOFTWARE in the United Kingdom are happy to consider
converting any suitable material into  Microscope for the PC
format. Maybe you realise the opportunity this software has in a
training or educational environment. Possibly, you have material
in a different form which could be more readily taught if
converted for use with Microscope for the PC. This can be done
inexpensively - sometimes with no cost to you at all: for
example - if you agree that Molcol Software can make the new
slidesets available to other  users.

Note: Microscope for the PC can provide first class learning
      opportunity to people who, perhaps through disability,
      have difficulty operating a real Microscope.




----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter: 12         Light and Filters
----------------------------------------------------------------
Real microscopes employ natural light or/and artificial light,
either illuminating a subject from beneath or by a method of
overhead lighting. Microscope for the PC has a back-light (under
-lighting) which can be intensity adjusted. The default light
type is Halogen light-source which equates to using artificial
light on a real subject in a real instrument.

The daylight filter can be selected. This is, in fact a blue
filter. When enabled with the filter-intensity set to its lowest
level, the slide on view will appear equal in tone to a real
subject lit by natural light. Increasing the filter intensity
will result in loss of true daylight emulation and increase the
blueness of the lighting.


Note: The filter intensity control will only work when a
      light-type filter other than the default of halogen is
      selected.


********************
* Black Background *
********************
When using a light-filter other than the default halogen type,
the screen background colour is LOCKED to BLACK. This may result
with black patches appearing in images. The background is
deliberately held in this way to optimise screen clarity and
layout. The button marked with a KEY ICON can be used to toggle
on/off the background lock: operating this control once will
release the black background allowing it to assume the darkest
shade of the selected colour range. Operate the button again to
re-lock the background to black!

The background lock/unlock status is taken over by the software
when you select the NEGATIVE OPTICAL TYPE - preventing manual
operation of the lock/unlock background option until another
OPTICAL TYPE is selected; this is to ensure animated slidesets
can be viewed without false black patches appearing when running
a video sequence.

(Please see more about OPTICAL TYPES in Chapter 13).

********************
* LIGHT PRIORITY   *
********************
Use of the light controls will automatically reset polarised
colours back to grey shades. The polariser is considered a
transitory option.  When combining the application of tools,
always use the light control first to set light levels before
using the polariser


*****************
* LIGHT DEFECTS *
*****************
The combined use of camera lenses and optical microscope lenses
may occasionally produce light halos or round darker patches in
a final image; this can become accentuated during the process
of digital conversion. It is good to be aware of this so that
new-comers to electronic Microscopy do not misinterpret these
elements as belonging to the subject under study.



----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter: 13         OPTICAL TYPES
----------------------------------------------------------------
You can turn Microscope for the PC to emulate several different
microscopes by selecting one of the 4 optical types. In fact you
can extend Microscope for the PC's capability beyond what can be
accomplished with a real instrument in some aspects. An example
of this is NEGATIVE viewing, where - at the click of a button
you transform the entire image into its inverse colour range or
grey-shades.

By combining one of the four different optical types with other
optical tools, like CONTOUR and RELIEF effects, you broaden the
range of simulations possible.

The four buttons used for selecting optical types are located
beneath the longest button (width-wise) just below the main
viewing area. Each button is marked with a strange-looking
symbol which attempts to symbolise a lens, prism, light
arrangement. These are described in the help screens: the right-
most one selects NORMAL OPTICS, the next left selects PHASE
CONTRAST emulation (called simply CONTRAST in this software),
the next left is called GRAPHIC, and the last left is NEGATIVE.

Their use is apparent through these names, except possibly the
GRAPHIC type. This simplifies the degree of contrast between
shades of grey, often making a subject easier to understand.
This is useful when drawing a copy of the slide-specimen onto
paper especially where a student is shading the main regions of
a 'busy' slide, for example: a tissue sample!

You should remember these optical types are emulations. The
CONTRAST type, for example, represents using PHASE CONTRAST
techniques in real Microscopy. In practice, the emulation
may be quite different from results produced using real optics
in real instruments: however, they are still useful tools
when applied to electronic slides in Microscope for the PC's
environment.


----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter: 14         TRANSITIONAL EFFECTS and POLARISER
----------------------------------------------------------------
The EFFECTS are VERY POWERFUL visual aids which should be used
frequently when studying specimens in Microscope for the PC
slidesets. The help screens, seen when running the software,
explain more about these tools.

This chapter explains WHEN and WHY to use EFFECTS AND THE
POLARISER, and HOW they can prove to be serious study aids.

Two REAL (special) EFFECTS can be applied to an image. These are
termed 'TRANSITIONAL' because they will automatically switch off
when you take any action that 'changes-out' the image in the
viewer: for example - when you FOCUS, MAGNIFY, or LOAD another
slide from the tray into the viewer. This is deliberate to
prevent you accidentally leaving an EFFECT turned on and then
thinking the slide on view (altered by the EFFECT) is a natural
representation of the real specimen.

*****************************
* CONTOUR EFFECT and colour *
*****************************
The CONTOUR effect will attempt to produce lines at the borders
of highly contrasting areas on a subject. This can help
identify where different type cell-groups exist in tissue
slides. It also helps you to differentiate between areas of
different organic constitution. The following will clarify:-

Real specimens are subjected to staining techniques to reveal
chemical or organic structures. Different dyes (chemicals)
tend to react with some living structures and not with others -
thus some cells will absorb one colour while rejecting another.
Good staining techniques will produce highly contrasting
coloured areas in a specimen.

Slides used in Microscope for the PC, when converted to grey-
shades from full-colour images, will often still retain this
fundamental indication of separation (and thus clues) from the
original stained specimen. For example:  a real specimen with
areas stained red and blue will appear in Microscope for
the PC as an image with dark, almost black, areas (representing
the red), and very light-grey areas where the subject was
stained 'blue' in the original slide.


he CONTOUR effects feature can help enhance this separation.
Also, when used with the POLARISER, the resulting image appears
more detailed and more dramatic in comparison to using the
polariser on its own.

******************************************
* Human Perception and the RELIEF EFFECT *
******************************************
In the world of Microscopists, opinion on the use and benefits
of Nomarski-phase differential technique is often divided: the
technique imparts a 3D or relief-type effect to specimens being
studied. Purists of observation argue that the technique creates
an illusory or 'unreal' effect, thereby leading to false
representation of the subject. Others argue the 'effect' (real
or not) aids the mind to perceive 'thickness' in, what otherwise
appears to be - flat, two dimensional subjects : most specimens
appearing two-dimensional when viewed through a traditional
optical microscope!

The author of Microscope for the PC (me) believes this effect to
be beneficial to novices and most non-novices alike, since it
constantly reminds the observer - sometimes quite stunningly -
of the 3 dimensional nature of all microscopic structures. This
can aid the mind to see what the eye cannot!


MICROSCOPE for the PC therefore includes an effect to try and
reproduce the advantage of this illusion(?). If you doubt its
benefit, try using it on one of the slides on Plant Stems in
GUIDE01 slideset to realise the potential for reinforcing the
idea of 'thickness'. (Guide01.set is issued with all packs of
version 2,0).

The effect has been termed 'RELIEF'. It works well with some
subjects and not so well with others. It tends to make
structures rich in reflected light on one side and dark with
shadow on the other: akin to observing buildings, craters, and
mountains from an aeroplane at sunset as opposed to seeing them
at high noon!

Essentially then, the RELIEF EFFECT accentuates thickness and
form. You will need to adjust the light intensity when this
effect is turned on to optimise the viewing advantage.


************************
* THE POLARISER        *
************************
In real Microscopy, polarisers are used to reveal additional
information from a specimen though the use of colour: different
materials produce different colours when exposed to polarised
light. The study of rocks, minerals, and crystals is greatly
improved using polarised light microscopy.

The emulated polariser in microscope for the PC cannot compete
with this truly wonderful aid. Instead, the polariser is used
to bring colour to the grey-shade slides. This produces images
which are stunning and beautiful. The polariser can help to
reveal hidden detail in some slides. Several buttons allow the
colours to change (as though turning a polariser-analyser in
a real microscope) and single colours can be reset to grey or
altered to other colours.

The polariser produces dramatic results when used in conjunction
with the CONTOUR EFFECT feature, and less dramatic (but still
interesting ) when used with the RELIEF EFFECT.

Note: Polariser is auto-toggled off, by the software itself,
      when you adjust light levels, select/adjust a light-filter
      or change the microscope type: this is correct operation
      of the software.



----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter: 15         THE EXTERNAL PROGRAMS
----------------------------------------------------------------
*************************
* THE EXTERNAL PROGRAMS *
*************************
Their are five programs supporting the main Microscope Program
Module. These are executed or accessed as already described
earlier.  A brief outline of their purpose is included below for
anyone wishing to understand a bit more about the Software's
technical detail:-

EXE FILE    = BRUNEL2.EXE
BUTTON ICON = A Microscope
OBJECTIVE   = To demonstrate a range of real Microscopes
              available and to promote the purchase of a real
              instrument. Controls access to the BRUNEL
              electronic catalogue.
NOTES:-
Non-English versions of Microscope may not contain translations
of the catalogue, however the different Microscope types are
visible and provide a useful learning experience.



EXE FILE    = OPTICALX.EXE
BUTTON ICON = A Smiley face.
OBJECTIVE   = To demonstrate the basic controls of a real
              Microscope and to allow a gateway to future
              modules describing how to use a real instrument.

NOTES:-
Non-English versions of Microscope may not contain translations
of this module. It has been retained for Program Integrity.
This program is also known as the OPTICAL COMPANION MODULE 1.
Further modules may be added in the future to develop a complete
and comprehensive companion to real Microscope Users. Registered
users of Microscope for the PC will be advised if this happens.



EXE FILE    = MIC2FLOP.EXE
BUTTON ICON = A simplified picture of a floppy disc.
OBJECTIVE   = To enable new slidesets distributed by floppy
              discs to be installed onto the hard disc and
              enabled for use. NOTE: this is for use with PRO
              slideset packs only. Shareware sets are compressed
              and therefore require you follow READ.ME file
              instructions on the distrubution discs to enable
              installation.  See Chapter 23.

NOTES:-
Read.me files which may possibly exist on the distribution discs
are not copied onto the hard disc. Version 1.0 users upgrading
to version 2.0 no longer need to invoke GO.EXE, originally
distributed with every slideset pack, to install slidesets.




EXE FILE    = MIC_CTRL.EXE
BUTTON ICON = DBF
OBJECTIVE   = To enable slidesets to be installed, uninstalled
              in the control database. To allow trouble-shooting
              when (if?) slidesets do not work properly in the
              Main Microscope software.
NOTES:-
This module will also show which slidesets exist in the Mscope
directory and can provide an alternative way of installing new
sets distributed by floppy discs: files from floppy discs can be
manually copied from the distribution discs into the Mscope
directory for Mic_ctrl.exe to install in the control database.



EXE FILE    = SETUP.EXE
BUTTON ICON = Cartoon of person's head with word balloon.
OBJECTIVE   = To enable different languages called .LNG files
              to be used making Microscope universal. Also
              resets all parameters configured with the CFG
              BUTTON in Microscope's main screen to default
              values. Selects English or International screen.
NOTES:-
Automatically detects and enables any language files present in
the MSCOPE directory for use with Microscope. Different language
files can be added by purchasing them separately.

SPECIAL NOTE:-
==============
TO QUIT ANY EXTERNAL PROGRAM AND RETURN TO MICROSCOPE:  you can
normally press the ESCAPE key several times when running an
external program to accomplish this. Some of the EXTERNAL
programs are in ENGLISH only and it may therefore be difficult
for non-English speakers to understand how to exit from the
external module; the escape key exit option should provide a
natural 'escape-route' in these cases.



----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter: 16         SAMPLING
----------------------------------------------------------------
*****************
*   OVERVIEW    *
*****************
It can be an advantage to compare details from one slide with
those of another. Also, some details are very small and can be
difficult to see if an observer is at a distance from the
monitor, which can often be the case in a classroom environment
where a single PC may be used by several pupils at the same
time. In such instances, it would be an advantage to 'blow-up'
details from the slide to make them more visible over a distance
or even just to assist normal study.

A feature has been included in Microscope for the PC to fulfil
both these needs. It is call 'SAMPLING'.

Operate the SAMPLE ON button to enter a 'sampling' session and
the SAMPLE OFF button to finish 'sampling' and access the normal
controls again.  The mouser cursor is trapped inside the Sample
box when SAMPLE is ON, until you turn sampling off or press the
ESCAPE key.



Note: International Screen has OFF buttons indicated by a cross
      and ON buttons indicated by a tick.


***************
* 1X Sampling *
***************
Small details from any slide on view can be copied to one of the
three windows in the top right corner of the main screen. You
can continue to 'sample' image details either from the same
slide or another slide until the three storage windows are full.
If you wish to take another sample, you will to need to make
room for it by clearing (trashing) one of the existing samples
from a storage window.

For example: you can take a sample from the image when CONTOUR
EFFECT is on and compare it to one taken with the EFFECT OFF.

Samples can be shifted from one storage window to another by
using the 'shuffle' button. This will help you place samples
side by side for direct comparison.




***************
* 2X Sampling *
***************
There is only a single storage area for samples taken at 2x.
When this is full, you will need to 'trash' the sample to take
another section of detail from the slide. Two times sampling
merely 'blows-up' a section of the image. This will not give
finer resolution then the main slide image and may look fairly
'pixilated' (like its made up of tiny squares). You can smooth
this effect by switching on the alternate 2x sample quality-
select option - the 'smooth' feature - before taking the sample.
Two buttons exist to switch between 'chunky' and 'smooth'
quality sampling. The 'smooth' option will produce a more life-
like image although it will appear less focused than a sample
taken with 'chunky' quality selected.


NOTE: IT IS BEST TO TURN OFF ALL INDICATORS PRIOR TO TAKING
      ANY SAMPLES.




----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter: 17         AUXILIARY WINDOW
----------------------------------------------------------------
The Auxiliary Window (AUX) opens and closes under control of
the software. Different slides in any set may have other images
associated with them to support educational content. For
example, if a slide of a mosquito was in the viewer then the aux
window may open to show a world map depicting mosquito-inhabited
areas. Not every slide in a set will have AUX images. Some sets
will have no auxiliary images! Animated slidesets do not use the
AUX window.

If you operate the AUX button, you will simply see a few lines
of text: this identifies the version and status of Microscope
for the PC along with current memory-spare values for your PC.


----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter: 18         PROBLEMS
----------------------------------------------------------------
It is difficult to predict what problems (if any) you are likely
to encounter using Microscope for the PC. Unless bugs in the
program code exist, and they shouldn't - considering the
extensive testing done on the final code - most problems are
likely to be caused by files being accidentally deleted by you
outside of Microscope's environment. You should be able to
identify this by using the SLIDESET MANAGEMENT OPTION, accessed
from the Microscope main screen by clicking on the DBF button
next to the AUX window.

Other types of trouble are likely to be caused either by
misunderstanding the software's performance and purpose or
by an incorrectly configured environment for Microscope to run
in on your PC. Listed below are some likely circumstances which
may arise and cause trouble, along with brief notes on what to
do to cure the problem. After trying the solutions suggested
here, or in error messages received when running Microscope -
if you still cannot solve your difficulties then please write,
fax, or phone us (MOLCOL SOFTWARE). The more you tell us, the
more likely we will be able to help. You should include a
printed copy of your AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS  FILES  in your
query to us, along with your name, address, telephone and - if
you have one - a fax number.  A 24hr auto-voice-fax system will
take your call. If outside the UK, it may be better to raise
your query with your local MAIN distributor, who will forward
the problem on to us quickly by fax.

******************************
* Problem / Solution Listing *
******************************

General problems may be caused by one or more of the following:-

(1) Insufficient FILES and BUFFERS reserved in your CONFIG.SYS
    file.

    Solution: You should include the following lines in your
              config.sys file:-
                                  BUFFERS=15
                                  FILES=20
    Note: you may be able to reduce these values but try them
          first to see if they clear the problem.

                           - - - - - -
(2) Microscope for the PC will not run on a NETWORK PC.

    Solution: Microscope is not designed to run on a network. If
              you can isolate the PC from the network and the
              PC has its own hard disc, processor, and memory
              (not a dumb terminal), then Microscope WILL RUN
              on it. Most PC's connected to a network can be
              isolated via the network software.

                           - - - - - -
(3) The Microscope Main Screen becomes scrambled.

    Solution: A .QPL file contains picture information. The file
              called MICPICS2.QPL contains Microscope'S Main
              images. If it becomes corrupt, the main screen
              will look wrong. Copy this file back into the
              MSCOPE directory from the floppy distribution
              discs. It may be a good idea to re-install the
              software in case other files have been corrupted.

                           - - - - - -
(4) Slideset files exist in the correct directory but Microscope
    refuses to load them.

    Solution: If a slideset file is deleted from outside of
              Microscope's environment, a new ZERO length file
              may be created when attempting to load the set
              named in the control database. Use the SLIDESET
              MANAGEMENT feature and attempt to INSTALL the
              slideset. If the operation report's missing files,
              re-install the problem slideset FROM THE ORIGINAL
              DISTRIBUTION DISCS using Microscope's FLOPPY-DISC
              INSTALLER feature.

                           - - - - - -
(5) All messages and help screens appear in a language different
    to the one established using SETUP.

    Solution: Re-run SETUP.EXE by clicking on the SETUP button;
              this has an icon of a face with a word balloon.
              If this doesn't work, you may have some files
              wrongly named. For example, PO.LNG should contain
              PORTUGUESE text. Maybe the UK.LNG file or another
              *.LNG file has been renamed (incorrectly) to
              PO.LNG or whatever language file you should be
              using. Copy any *.LNG files back into the MSCOPE
              directory from your original distribution discs.

                           - - - - - -
(6) Slideset Text is in the wrong language.

    Solution: Either the slidesets you are using ARE for a
              different language version or (if you own
              more than 1 translation of slidesets) the files
              may have become mixed. Trying copying the
              alternate slideset files into the appropriate
              directory from the distribution discs.

                           - - - - - -
(7) Software fails on start-up before or after receiving 'Please
    wait, loading...' message.

    Solution: A file has been tampered with or has become
              corrupt. Most likely cause is corruption of
              the LANGUAGE (.LNG) file. Try copying this file
              into the MSCOPE DIRECTORY from the distribution
              discs. Re-install software if this fails.

                           - - - - - -
(8) Animation routines will not run fast enough.

    Solution: Start microscope using the /A switch (See Chapter
              9 for more). If this fails and you have tried
              increasing speed with the appropriate button on
              the main screen, then - sorry: your PC setup is
              probably not capable of running FAST animations.




----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter: 19         ADDITIONAL SUPPORT: PICTURES AND VIDEOS
----------------------------------------------------------------
There will be people who would like to see full-colour pictures
of Microscope for the PC slideset subjects. Registered Users
will be able to obtain full-colour stand-alone pictures in PCX
and other file formats.

To show you what can be done, a colour picture in .pcx format
is included with this software. It is deliberately reduced in
size to save distribution disc space. The file is called
sample.pcx file. You need other software capable of showing pcx
files to see it.  The quality will depend on your SVGA or VGA
card in your PC.

Molcol software will also be making video film available to
support the material used in Microscope for the PC. These are
likely to be of further benefit to users in educational
environments. Contact MOLCOL SOFTWARE in the UK for further
information.

Anyone wishing to have specific material (which they own)
converted to slidesets for use in Microscope for the PC, should
contact Molcol Software to discuss their needs. We will be happy
to try and help. If you would like to help in any other way,
please write or fax us (Molcol Software) and tell us about it.





----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter: 20         ADVANCED USE : DUAL LANGUAGE ACCESS
----------------------------------------------------------------
READ THE CHAPTER called SET UP first and then read the rest
of the text below.

Microscope is designed to run in several different languages. If
you wish to install the software on a single PC so that it can
be used by students using different languages, then - PROVIDED
YOU OBTAIN SLIDESETS AND LANGUAGE FILES FOR THE LANGUAGES YOU
WISH TO EMPLOY - this is possible. Installation should be
carried out as normal (see CHAPTER called SET UP) but after the
Installation is completed, you should rename the MSCOPE
directory as MSCOPE2.

You must then re-install the software again. This will recreate
the MSCOPE directory complete with all program files. Decide
which directory will be used for which language, for example:
MSCOPE for ENGLISH, and MSCOPE2 for PORTUGUESE. Ensure that the
correct language file (*.LNG) exists in each directory even if
this means copying all .LNG files in your possession into each
directory. In this example, the file called UK.LNG needs to be
in MSCOPE directory and PO.LNG in MSCOPE2 directory.


From this moment on, all new slidesets must be installed in the
appropriate directory only! Slidesets have the same file names,
regardless of the language used in associated text files.

There is no way of knowing, if you have 2 files called ANT.ANI,
which is in English and which is in Portuguese - except by the
labels on the distribution discs.

Users speaking ENGLISH will access MSCOPE directory and run
Microscope by entering MSCOPE2, whilst PORTUGUESE speakers will
access MSCOPE2 directory and enter MSCOPE2 to run the program.

----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter: 21         CREDITS
----------------------------------------------------------------
MICROSCOPE FOR THE PC version 2.0 has taken several years of
work to create and enhance. Work continues to advance the
software further and extend the library of slidesets available
even as you read this. Registered Users are likely to hear
the good news first and will have access to further support and
help - both in the home and in educational establishments.

So much work cannot been done alone. Molcol Software has been
supported by the co-operation and effort of many people, some
still continuing to input their time, expertise and support.
Many of those who have helped have done so out of their own love
of Microscopy and have received nothing in return except the
satisfaction of knowing they have helped to illuminate a truly
incredible subject to others. It is hoped, through their
un-selfish efforts, that many people around the world, young and
old alike, will now have the chance to delve into the world of
the very small; and hopefully, many people who never dreamt
that owning a real microscope could provide so many hours of
joy, will purchase one and join a special breed of people:
an enlightened group - for they have witnessed the beauty and
secrets of nature with their own eyes.

Molcol Software would like to thank all those who have helped,
too many to list here! Special thanks is given to the people
below:-

ALAN POTTER of BRUNEL MICROSCOPES (UK) for his advice and trust.

KEN WILLETTS of PRC, FALMOUTH, UK. for PIXSHOW software,
             which enabled slick animation routines to be built!

WILLIAM (BILL) ELLS of MAIDSTONE, KENT, UK for his impressive
             knowledge and donation of work on DESMIDS and ALGAE

ALAN MAUDE of THE URSULINE CONVENT HIGH SCHOOL, Wimbledon, (UK)
             For his participation, help, and work on material
             for 'A' level curriculum students.

DAVID WALKER of ASHFORD, MIDDLESEX, (UK) for donating material
             and work on POND-LIFE slidesets.

MEMBERS OF THE POSTAL MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY, (UK) who kindly
             allowed conversion of their slides into electronic
             format and use with Microscope for the PC.

THE VARIOUS REPUTABLE SHAREWARE VENDORS who were brave enough to
             add Ver 1.0 of Microscope for the PC to their
             libraries, when most of the world wanted 'killer'
             games.

YVONNE ARTHUR (PORTUGAL) for burning the mid-night oil and
             grappling with difficult translations, and for her
             encouragement.

ALL EXISTING USERS OF VERSION 1.0 AND 2.0 FOR BECOMING INVOLVED.



----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter: 22         SLIDESETS AVAILABLE
----------------------------------------------------------------
Shareware slideset packs are continuously released. Check with
disc-vendors to see what sets they hold.

Professional Slidesets for use only with registered Professional
versions of Microscope 2.0 are likewise being made all the time.
It is not feasible to list them all here as the list will be
out of date by the time you read this manual. You can contact
us, Molcol Software to find out what sets are available and if
you are a registered user, you'll get lists periodically to
keep you informed.  Prices are around £5.00 a disc including
postage etc., in the UK. Prices in other countries will be
slightly higher due to distribution costs : check with local
distributor. Minimum order of 2 discs due to bank charges.
Here is a sample from the existing library of slidesets. Note
that each entry is a slideset pack, consisting of 1 (or in most
cases, many) slidesets covering a subject.

Everday Objects - Pack 1   (Close up of everyday things we take
(1 disc)                    for granted with important details
                            regarding invention or discovery.)

Wasp Warriors              (Wasps described as air-warriors.
(1 disc)                    Sting, defence and attack systems)

Aphids and Ants            (Ants farming aphids. Milking of
(3 discs)                   aphids for honeydew. Blackfly, and
                            greenfly aphids covered.)

Parasites of Man & Beast 1 (Evocative sets, fleas, ticks, mites
(1 disc)                    that feed off of humans. Flea is
                            discussed in fine detail.)

Garden Safari              (Shield bugs, larvae, weevils, flies,
(3 discs)                   Mosquito larvae, Cilliaphora found
                            in a typical English garden - ideal
                            for environment conservationists.)

Bill Ells' Algae           (A truly professional and highly
(1 disc)                    informative pack covering algae and
                            Desmids. Produced by William Ells,
                            a leading authority in the UK on
                            algae.)

Dave Walker's Pond-life    (Another first: rare sequences of
(3 discs)                   Rotifer live birth. Stentors,
                            Vorticelli, Rotifers from the
                            remarkable work of David Walker
                            on Pond-life.)


Study Pack 2: Brine Shrimp (Ideal for the young student. Gives
(1 disc)                    complete instructions on how to run
                            experiment hatching Brine Shrimp.
                            Compare stages of your experiment
                            with those of the author. UK users
                            get free brine eggs with pack.)


Biology 'A' Level Pack 1   (Serious curriculum based slides on
( 2 discs)                  plant tissues. Produced in
                            association with Alan Maude, Biology
                            Teacher, Ursuline School, Wimbledon.
                            Comes complete with additional full
                            colour pictures for presentation out
                            -side of Microscope's environment)


Biology 'A' Level Pack 2   (Serious curriculum based slides on
( 2 discs)                  Animal tissues. Produced in
                            association with Alan Maude, Biology
                            Teacher, Ursuline School, Wimbledon.
                            Comes complete with additional full
                            colour pictures for presentation out
                            -side of Microscope's environment)

Diptera: Dolichopodidae    (An excellent look at the long-legged
(1 disc)                    flies - 4 different slidesets inc.
                            3 amazing animations.)


The Amoeba                 (A comprehensive look at this popular
(1 disc)                    single celled animal. Includes 2
                            fascinating long animated sequences
                            of an amoeba crawling across a glass
                            cover slip and 1 still slideset.)

Introduction to Pond Life  (A good starter pack for someone just
(2 discs)                   begining to realise what an
                            interesting area this is. Most towns
                            have ponds filled with teaming life.
                            Also an ideal pack for anyone having
                            a garden pond of there own.)


This ends the brief selection of some of the packs available!



----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter: 23         INSTALLING SHAREWARE SLIDESETS
----------------------------------------------------------------
Shareware slidesets are compressed into packs to squeeze as many
slidesets as possiblee onto the distribution disc. A read.me
file should be included on one of the distribution discs to
advise you how to install the sets. You will not be able to use
the floppy disc installer option since this only works with
uncompressed files, distributed as PROFESSIONAL slidesets to
registered licensed users.

Any slideset (SHAREWARE OR NOT) can be installed by copying
the uncompressed files into the Microscope directory and then
invoking THE SLIDESET MANAGEMENT option. In Version 2.0 this is
an EXTERNAL program module accessed from Microscope's main
screen by clicking on the control button near the AUX window
marked 'DBF'. In version 1.0, access is via the MENU system
screen; the menu system is not used in version 2.0.

          * --------  end of Manual (Ver. 2.0) ------ *