We've tackled some of the most common new subscriber questions by listing them and our answers below. If you have questions that this section (or our other help sections) doesn't address, please call our toll free technical support hotline at 1-800-831-2694.
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WHAT COMPUTER SYSTEMS DOES MY ODM SOFTWARE SUPPORT?
ODM software is designed to run on any IBM PC or 100 percent compatible that has at least 1 megabyte of RAM and VGA or better graphics capabilities. Our software does not support CGA, EGA or other lower-resolution systems. If your system can not support VGA, we have a CGA version of On Disk Monthly available. Call 1-800-831-2694 for details.
WHAT GRAPHICS MODES DOES ODM SOFTWARE SUPPORT?
All graphic software published by On Disk Monthly currently supports VGA systems, typically in 640 x 480 16-color mode. If your monitor is a VGA or SVGA monitor, our software will run as expected. As noted above, we have a product available for lower-resolution systems.
HOW DO I COPY THE ENTIRE ISSUE OR A SINGLE PROGRAM?
Use the mouse or the keyboard to select "Copy Program or Entire Issue" from the "Issue" menu. A copy "dialog" box will appear on the screen. From that dialog box you can copy either the entire issue or any particular feature, by following the steps outlined below:
You must decide: 1) what drive you want to copy to--generally "C" is your hard drive, while "A" and "B" are your floppy drives; 2) what "path" or subdirectory you will copy to; and 3) what to copy (the entire issue or a single program). Use your mouse or press Tab to move between these three sections. Click or press Enter when you've made your choices.
NOTE: ODM will NOT allow you to copy an issue to your root directory (C:\) without naming a subdirectory. If you do not specify a subdirectory, ODM will supply one (the default directory showing when you begin this procedure) and the items you copy will copy into that subdirectory. ODM also will not allow you to copy to the drive you are using to run the issue. For example, if you are running your original disk in drive "B," you cannot copy to drive "B." This protects your original disk from accidentally being overwritten during its own copy process. We strongly suggest that you copy each issue to your hard drive, then run the copy instead of your original disk. This accomplishes two goals: A) you'll enjoy the maximum performance of each program; and B) you'll preserve the integrity of your original disk, which generally has very little free space for data entry, etc.
WHAT TYPE OF CONTENT CAN I EXPECT EVERY MONTH?
Each issue of ODM contains programs/features that fit the following categories:
FEATURE OF THE MONTH - Our showcase program may be a commercial-quality program that is jam-packed with features...or a task-specific program that we think is really useful.
ARTWARE - ODM's ArtWare alternates between .PCX format clip art and Print Shop images. If you don't like Print Shop or don't own one of the Print Shop programs by Broderbund, don't worry...you'll get great .PCX graphics on every other issue. .PCX graphics are compatible with most paint programs, many word processors and most desktop publishing programs.
CUSTOMWARE - One of our favorite categories, this one will give you cool "stuff" that will customize your computer. Shouldn't it do what you need and want it to do?
GAMEWARE - You'll receive an exciting new game on every issue. ODM games range from strategy games to card games and even to arcade-style games.
HOMEWARE - This category gives you programs that you can use at home on your home computer. Sometimes these programs will work equally well in an office setting.
OFFICEWARE - Many of you also use your home computer for business...or use ODM programs on your office computer. Whatever your work habits, OfficeWare will provide you with some programs that will be "at home" in either setting.
SPECIAL - Some issues may also contain special programs, program updates or demos that don't fit in any of the categories listed above.
Every issue contains the following DEPARTMENTS: New User Text (help for neophytes), Contents (printable program descriptions for your files), Editor's Corner (our editor speaks out), Marketplace (special deals for you), Common Questions (this text), Report Card (you rate each issue), How To Run ODM (how to use our "shell" program), and our Warranty & Liability message (those legal niceties).
A separate menu, labeled "Just for Fun," is a monthly section that contains at least a Monthly Chuckle (cartoon), and one of our word puzzles (Super Crossword, Crypto-Sleuth or Word-Up!) as disk space permits. This is also where we publish humorous articles and/or tidbits.
WHERE ARE THE PROGRAM INSTRUCTIONS?
The instructions to any program are available within the program. Simply press F1 once you've successfully launched the program, then follow the on-screen directions for printing the Help text. Some of the more complex programs will include installation and step-by-step instructions to make using the program as easy as possible.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE A PROBLEM?
Pick up the phone and call our technical support department toll free at 1-800-831-2694 as soon as possible. We'll guide you through the problem over the phone. If that's not possible, we'll investigate the problem, find an answer and call you back. We're committed to providing good service to important folks like you!
