contents

CompuServeCD Help is designed to give you the information you need to make your CompuServeCD experience most enjoyable.  From getting started to troubleshooting guidelines, you'll find the help you need here.

Contents for CompuServeCD Help

CompuServeCD Overview

Setup

QuickStart

CompuServeCD Highlights

Navigating CompuServeCD

Article Extensions

Order Forms

CompuServeCD Out Basket

Troubleshooting

Customer Service & Technical Support


overview
CompuServeCD Overview

CompuServeCD is a multimedia companion to the CompuServe Information Service.  It combines  CD ROM-based information, applications, sound, graphics and video with select online services  in an interplay that capitalizes on each medium's strengths. CompuServe CD taps CD ROM's full visual and auditory capabilities, and delivers to CompuServe members more efficiency and ease in locating, understanding and using information.

CompuServeCD offers  value that is more difficult or cumbersome to deliver online, including File Finder, demo versions of commercial software, complete versions and updates to popular shareware, updates to CompuServe Information Manager and CompuServe Navigator, audio-visually enhanced tutorial and shopping services, selected forum library graphic and textual material, and more. CompuServeCD "hotlinks" with the Information Service to provide searching and information-gathering capabilities and transcational services, such as shopping on the Electronic Mall.

All comments, questions, editorial submissions or business inquiries should be directed to:

Editor

CompuServeCD

5000 Arlington Centre Boulevard

Columbus, OH 43220

614/457-8600

Fax: 614/538-1004

CS Mail: 70003,1372

Consumer inquiries, subscriptions and problems:

In the USA

 1-800-CDROM-89

In Canada:

 614/529-1340

In France:

 (1) 47 14 21 50

 In Germany:

 (89) 66535 222

In the United Kingdom:

 (272) 760700

Customer Support is also found in CompuServeCD's Support Forum (GO CCDSUPP) on CompuServe. Post your question or problem to the message board, and we'll get back to you with an answer in 24 hours or less.

Subscriptions

Get on CompuServe and type GO CCD for the ordering menu.

              -----------------------------------------------

About CompuServeCD

CompuServeCD was designed, developed and produced in cooperation with Metatec Corporation. Metatec is a single-source provider of CD ROM

software implementation and manufacturing services for clients seeking an ongoing strategic relationship for publishing periodical CD ROM titles into broad end-user markets. For more information, contact:

Metatec Corporation

Dublin, Ohio

1-614/791-3791


Setup

Setup installs CompuServeCD runtime files that provide complete access to the CompuServeCD magazine section.  In addition to CompuServeCD runtime files, there are options to install other software drivers or runtime players to extend your system's capabilities.  For example, CompuServe provides Microsoft Video for Windows  runtime software, which inludes everything needed to play digital videos.  The topics below give important information on each setup procedure, and include changes that the setup programs make to your system.  Select the appropriate topic to learn more.

CompuServeCD Setup

Video for Windows

System Requirements


CCD Setup
CompuServeCD Setup

Setup / Installation:

CompuServeCD is installed using this Setup application.  CompuServeCD requires about 5MB hard disk space on which to install the CompuServeCD Startup, CompuServeCD Out Basket, CompuServeCD File Finder, CompuServeCD Disc Index, ToolBook runtime, and other necessary files.  If you wish to communicate with CompuServe, you must install the latest version of WinCIM, which requires additional 2.5MB.  CompuServeCD uses the same support files as other CompuServe applications, so it is a good idea to install and run WinCIM first before using CompuServeCD.  WinCIM must be installed for CompuServeCD to communicate with CompuServe even if you don't use WinCIM by itself.

System Modifications by Setup:

Sets a file association for .NCD files to the application TBOOK.EXE in the CCD subdirectory.

Copies the Visual Basic runtime DLLs (VBRUN300.DLL) to Windows System directory, if necessary.

Note that other options available from the CompuServeCD Setup book may make modifications to your system.  Click the appropriate help topic for additional information.

Also note that CompuServeCD Setup determines if it is necessary to install each option available from within the CompuServeCD Setup application.  For example, you may not need to install VfW (Video for Windows) if you have already previously done so (from a previous disc, for example).  However, if there is an updated driver for Video for Windows, CompuServeCD Setup will indicate that you should run the VfW Setup program.


VFW
Video for Windows 1.1

Microsoft Video for Windows (VfW) version 1.1

This update includes improved performance, compressed audio support, and multiple language capability.  Several drivers (.DRV) and .DLLs were updated.

To ensure that you have the current versions of these drivers, please install this release to your hard drive.

Setup and Installation:

VfW is installed using the program SETUP.EXE located in the SETUP\VFWSETUP directory on this disc.  Simply follow the instructions that are provided on-screen.

System Modifications:

Several Control Panel drivers are automatically added to your Windows\System directory, including MCIAVI.DRV, INDEOV.DRV, ICCVID.DRV, MSVIDC.DRV, MSRLE.DRV, and MSACM.DRV.  They are all dated 11/19/93.  These are added to the [mci] section of your SYSTEM.INI file.

Other Notes:

VfW also includes an updated Media Player, MPLAYER.EXE, which is installed to your Windows directory.   For further information about the VfW runtime software, see the file VFW.WRI in the SETUP\VFWSETUP directory.

Video for Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.


QuickStart

Installing CompuServeCD

Running CompuServeCD

System Requirements


installing
Installing CompuServeCD

1.  Insert the CompuServeCD disc into your CD ROM drive.

2. From Windows 3.1 (or later), install CompuServeCD to your hard disk:

Using Program Manager, choose the RUN command from the File menu.

Enter <D>:\SETUP (replacing <D> with the letter of your CD ROM drive).

3. Then follow the instructions that appear on your screen.


running
Running CompuServeCD

1.   Be sure the disc is in the CD ROM drive.

2.   From Program Manager, double click CompuServeCD Startup.

3.   Select the CompuServeCD Magazine image displayed on the left of the Startup window to open the magazine.  If a magazine image is not visible, select Preferences from the File menu and enter the letter of your CD ROM drive.

Questions?  Refer to the Trouble-shooting section later in this Help File or contact CompuServe Customer Service at 1-800-CDROM-89 (1-800-237-6689) 8am-12am Monday-Friday or 12pm-10pm Saturday-Sunday EST, send a CompuServeCD Out Basket Feedback message, or leave a message in the CompuServeCD Support forum (GO CCDSUP).


sys reqs
CompuServeCD System Requirements

Multimedia PC or equivalent PC

Windows 3.1 or later

4 megabytes RAM

256 colors

640x480

8-bit Sound Blaster or equivilent (Supports most sound and music)

Highly Recommended

MPC2

Double speed CD-ROM drive or faster

16-bit sound card with MIDI support

External speakers

8 meg RAM

Modem


MPCSpec
MPC

A standard MPC system configuration includes a 386sx (or compatible), 2 megabytes RAM, floppy and hard drive, CD ROM with CD DA outputs, on-board analog mixing; color monitor with a display resolution of 640x480 and 16 colors, and audio capabilities including: 8-bit ADC, DAC, music synthesizer.


MPC2Spec
MPC 2

A standard MPC 2 system configuration includes a 25Mhz 486sx (or compatible), 4 megabytes RAM (8 megabytes recomended), floppy and hard drive (160 MB minimum), double speed XA ready CD-ROM drive with CD-DA outputs, color monitor with a display resolution of 640x480 and 64K colors, and audio capabilities including: 16-bit ADC, DAC, music synthesizer, on-board analog mixing.


CCDSound
Sound on CompuServeCD

Sound is used throughout CompuServeCD.  While you should be able to navigate the magazine and read its article with out the audio capabilities as described by the MPC and MPC 2 specifications, much of the disc's content will be unavailable.


CCDColor
Color on CompuServeCD

While one could navigate CompuServeCD and interact with its articles on a monitor displaying only 16 colors, the magazine was designed to be viewed in at least 256 colors and will look rather odd when viewed in 16 colors.

When viewed in 256 colors, one may notice graphics occasionally turning strange colors as media windows appear and disappear.  This is due to the color pallete a media extension may require.  The effects of this pallete shifting does not usually show up when veiwing in 64K colors as specified by MPC 2.

When viewing in 64K colors, the images within a video may appear clearer, but the motion may be more jerky.


CCDRam
Memory and CompuServeCD

With 4 meg RAM, performance will be slower due to the fact that your system will have to access its disk drives more often than if working with 8 meg RAM.

CompuServeCD software may stop or malfunction if operating with less than 4 meg RAM.


CCDModem
Modem

When within CompuServeCD, there are times when communication between your computer and CompuServe would be desirable (Feedback message and ordering for example).  If you don't have a modem, these features will not work.  Also, please make sure that your Session Settings are set up correctly using the Session Settings button in the CompuServeCD Out Basket window.  If you have already set up your Session Settings using another CompuServe product, CompuServeCD Out Basket will use those settings as the default.


highlights
CompuServeCD Highlights

CompuServeCD Startup

The Browse Window

Preferences


navigating ncd
Navigating CompuServeCD

The Menus

Navigating the Magazine

Navigating the Disc


Menus
The Menus

File Menu

Open StartUp: Open the CompuServeCD StartUp application

Open Magazine: Choose a magazine to open

Preferences: Open the Preferences window

Exit CompuServeCD: Close all windows and quit CompuServeCD

Indexes Menu

Open Browse: Open or bring to front the Browse Window

Go To Article List: Move to page containing a list of articles

Run CompuServe File Finder:Run application to search CompuServe File Finder databases while off-line.

Run CompuServeCD Disc Index:Run application to search current and previous CompuServeCD discs

Connections Menu

Create Feedback Memo: Open window to create message to let us know how we're doing

Open Out Basket: Open Out Basket window

Run WinCIM: Launch WinCIM if installed

Run CSNav: Launch CSNav if installed

Help Menu

Help Topics: Display this Help file

About CompuServeCD: Display CompuServeCD logo and other relevant product information


navigating mag
Navigating the Magazine

Open CompuServeCD magazine by using the StartUp application or the Windows File Manager.  The magazine is organized into seven "departments" containing articles.  In addition to six standing departments, you'll find an umbrella page or "virtual department" on top containing stories related to the issue's feature topic and derived from several standing departments within the magazine.

Use the navigation bar at the bottom of each page to proceed through the magazine department-by-department, article-by-article, and page-by-page.

The CompuServeCD Departments

The Navigation Bar

The Cover Page

The Departments Pages

The Browse Window


Departments
CompuServeCD Departments

CompuServeCD is arranged into six departments, including:

Technology & Trends, with an accent on CD and new media, sample software, shareware and commercial demos, equipment reviews.

Entertainment, which includes movie sneak previews and  reviews, music clips, computer art and graphics, fine art and more.

Personal Enterprise, including personal productivity, small business/work-at-home, entrepreneuring, financial planning, desktop publishing.

Home & Leisure, which includes hobbies, games, travel and leisure time pursuits, a children's section and more.

Shopping,  which is essentially a CD-style window on CompuServe's Electronic Mall, accompanied by "hot button" instant ordering capability.

Member Services includes visually-oriented walk-through demos, tips and techniques on how to get the most from your membership and more.


TheNavBar
The Navigation Bar

Use the Navigation Bar at the bottom of each page to navigate through the magazine and obtain quick access to the disc's important features.

Right and Left Arrows

Use these arrows to move forward or backward one page.

Article Control

The Article Control includes three controls.  Click on the right mini-arrow to go to the first page of the next article.  Click on the left mini-arrow to go to the first page of the previous article.  The button between the two mini-arrows displays the name of the current department.  Click on this button to display a menu containing all names of articles in the department.  Choose desired article from the menu to go to the first page of selected article.

Department Control

Use the arrows on the right and left to move to next and previous Department pages.  Use the button labeled Departments to display a menu of departments.  Choose desired department from the menu.

The TOC Button

Click the TOC control to move to the Department's cover page.

The Browse Button

Click Browse Movie to display a movie containing thumbnails (miniature pictures) of all magazine pages.

The Out Basket Button

Click Out Basket to open a window containing all messages prepared for delivery to CompuServe.

The Help Button

Click Help to display the CompuServeCD Help File.


CoverPage
The Cover Page

Find out more about the contents of the magazine by clicking on the miniature cover image. Get a quick tour of the issue by clicking on the Scan This Issue button or go directly to one of the cover stories by clicking on the Red Action Word or "hot text" coverlines. Find out more about the cover by clicking  on the About the Cover button  on the navigation bar at the bottom.

Go to the Department page by going forward one page using the right arrow button or by using the TOC button located on the Navigation Bar at the bottom.


navigating disc
Navigating the Disc

Using the Windows File Manager, notice that CompuServeCD includes many files in addition to the magazine application. Many of the files are media extensions (text, graphics, movies, applications, etc.) used in the magazine.  Additional files can be accessed through StartUp and/or the articles.

The CompuServeCD Index

Find anything on a CompuServeCD disc with the Disc Index.  There's more than meets the eye on CompuServeCD; in addition to articles and information presented in the magazine, you also have access to every file and directory on the disc.

Click on any folder icon displayed in the magazine to go directly to CompuServeCD Disc Index.  When you click on a folder icon, it will always open the Index and highlight the selected item.

Select CompuServeCD Disc Index from the Indexes menu to go to the CompuServeCD Disc Index.

The CompuServeCD Index is a guide to the all contents of each CompuServeCD disc.  Use it to move through the disc directory and examine each level -- every document, file and directory -- thousands of new entries every month. As each item is highlighted, its path is displayed along with important information such as type, and size. Often you will also find a description, contact information for registration, and more.

Use the buttons located at the upper right of the Disc Index window: SEARCH to quickly locate files or directories by any combination of criteria such as name, type or content.  OPEN a file or run an application.  COPY files and directories to your hard drive.  Or access the Disc Index HELP files for more information.

Each CompuServeCD Disc Index is cumulative, an expanding directory of all the resources available with each disc.


Extensions
Article Extensions

Explore the many layers of each CompuServeCD article page. Most pages are saturated with interesting media extensions. Simply click on an icon to play a movie, hear the artist, read more details, purchase a gift, fill your screen with an image or access related files and applications right on the disc.

Extend an article by clicking on the following icons:

 Play CD audio tracks.

 Play MIDI files.

 Play Wave files.

 Play a video or animation component of the story.

 Expand an image to its fullest dimension.

 Reveal the text narrative that accompanies an article.

 Click on a folder to browse and access content on the disc.

 Presents an Order Form with which to order an object

 Open the CompuServe Directory to get a profile of a CompuServe product or service.


Order Forms

Order forms are used to assemble item, shipping, and billing information for  products featured on CompuServeCD.  Click on a shopping bag icon to get an order form. Completing the order form deposits it into the Out Basket. The order object can be sent to CompuServe at any time.  Order forms placed in the Out Basket can be opened for viewing or editing any time before sending.

In most cases the fulfilling merchant's name appears at the top of the order form.  Each merchant may have different shipping and billing options and requirements. Variants include: payment and shipping method, countries to which a merchant delivers, and whether or not a merchant ships to an address other than the billing address.


customer service
Customer Service & Tech Support

CompuServe Customer Service:

Voice: 1-800-CDROM-89 (1-800-237-6689)

             (8am-12am Monday-Friday, 10pm-12pm Saturday-Sunday EST

CompuServeCD Magazine Feedback:

Questions and comments can also be sent via a Feedback message.

 Quick Out Basket Overview


OutBasket
CompuServeCD Out Basket

About CompuServeCD Out Basket

Quick Overview

How to Create a Message

The CompuServeCD Out Basket Window

CompuServeCD Out Basket Setup


troubleshooting
CompuServeCD Troubleshooting

Memory errors

General Protection Faults

Multiple ToolBooks

Notes on Communicating with CompuServe

Customer Service & Tech Support


startup
CompuServeCD Startup

CompuServeCD Startup gives access to all disc features.  The application's dialog may appear in one of three states that can be changed at any time by clicking on one of the On Disc buttons located in the raised box in the lower right hand corner of the dialog.

Magazines

When in the Magazines state, Startup displays information about and provides access to any magazines or catalogs that my appear on the CompuServeCD.

Connections

When in the Connections state, Startup displays information about and/or provides access to connection tools related to CompuServeCD and the CompuServe Information Service.

The CD Out Basket is used to hold information that will eventually be sent to CompuServe.  This information may include Feedback messages as well as orders generated while shopping on CompuServeCD.

Search Tools

When in the Search Tools state, Startup displays information about and provides access to tools used to search the contents of this and previous CompuServeCD discs, search certain CompuServe databases off-line, and get information about services CompuServe provides.


table contents
Department Pages

The article content of each Department appears on the departments' respective cover page. Click on a Red Letter coverline or picture preview to select the desired article.

Use the radio buttons on the keypad at the right side of the page to navigate from one department page to the another.


Browse2
The Browse Window

If you're visually oriented,  the Browse Window may be the best CompuServeCD magazine navigation tool for you.

Click the Browse button from the navigation bar at the bottom of any page to display a movie featuring all magazine contents. Use the start button on the Browse control bar to play back the movie, flip through the pages manually using the slide bar, or step forward or backward page by page.  When the desired page is displayed in the Browse Window, click the Open page button to go to that page.

Tip:  Place the Browse Window in any convenient spot on your desktop and keep it open while using the magazine.  While in the background, it will retain the image it displayed when last used, so it can function as a bookmark.

Tip:  Click the Browse button to open the Browse movie to the page you are currently viewing.  Click the Browse Window when it is already open to retain its current page display.


Mult TBooks
Multiple ToolBooks

Summary:

Running CompuServeCD when you have other ToolBook applications can cause some difficulties.

Information:

First, make sure all versions of ToolBook have the same date and time stamp.  CompuServeCD is currently using ToolBook version 1.53.  Then, create a directory and put all common .DLLs and TBOOK.EXE in the directory.  Typically you are looking for any of the following: .TBK, .DLL, TBOOK.EXE, and TBOOK.NET.  After you have them in the directory, put the directory in your PATH.  Most well-behaved ToolBook apps work well this way.


GPFs
General Protection Faults with CompuServeCD

Summary:

Receiving General Protection Faults (GPFs) when attempting to view various areas of the CompuServeCD Magazine can be attributed to your video card drivers.

Information:

The problem you are experiencing is caused by a conflict between ToolBook, Windows, and the video card drivers.  If an application performs correctly with one driver but doesn't with another, it is highly likely that the problem is with the driver. Have you updated the drivers recently?

We have learned that ToolBook makes more demands on a display driver than most typical Windows programs.  You should contact your video card manufacturer for updated drivers.

If your video card has a Turbo Palette, try running CompuServeCD with it turned off.


User Info
About CompuServeCD Out Basket

The CompuServeCD Out Basket is an evolving communications package created so for communication with CompuServeCD via modem.*

CompuServeCD Out Basket enables users to accumulate and review Feedback Messages and  merchandise orders from CompuServeCD before sending.

* The CompuServeCD Out Basket uses the CompuServe Network to transmit CompuServeCD Out Basket information, enabling users to access the network from a local telephone number.  CompuServeCD "piggy-backs" on WinCIM, so users must have WinCIM installed for CompuServeCD's communications capabilities to function.  If you experience problems connecting with CompuServeCD, trying to connect with WinCIM by itself to make sure that all of your Session Settings and your installation of WinCIM are working correctly.


OutBasketOverview
Quick Out Basket Overview

There are three parts to the CompuServeCD Out Basket:

1) Composing feedback messages

2) Reviewing orders

3) Sending contents of Out Basket

The quickest way to get started is to explore from the magazine section of CompuServeCD:

Create a feedback message by clicking on the Feedback icon at the top of the Out Basket window or by selecting "Create Feedback Message" from the Connections menu.  After composing the message, click the Save button to save it in your Out Basket.

Then, open CompuServeCD Out Basket by choosing it from the Connections menu.

Before  sending the message, click the Session Settings button to set up all that important basic communication information.  If you have already set up a CIS.INI file with another piece of CompuServe software, CompuServeCD Out Basket will use these settings as the default.

Next, click the Send button.  The CompuServeCD Out Basket will automatically send your messages to the CompuServeCD Team and your orders to the appropriate Electronic Mall store.  Responses to your messages (sorry, not all messages may get a reply) will be delivered to your regular CompuServe Mail box.  Use CIM (or your own system) for handling mail to read responses.  Currently, CompuServeCD only handles out-going items.


CreateMessage
How to Create a Message

Select Feedback option from the CompuServeCD Communications menu, which opens a Feedback window to enter your message.  First, give the message a name (eg., "My multimedia comments").  The name can be up to 26 characters long.  Then, simply press the Tab key or click in the Feedback text field.  Type away.

To save the message for linking, click the Save button. Then, click the Out Basket button to exit the memo form.  The Out Basket is where all messages are stored before sending.  You may view the contents of the OutBox and edit the messages you've written from the CompuServeCD Out Basket window.


Preferences

Preferences enables users to set standards for using CompuServeCD. Preferences is the place select the appropriate letter of your CD ROM drive, play the animation when opening a magazine, and receive a prompt before quitting.

Preferences gives you control of your multimedia system, including the option of displaying media extensions (opening files in the CompuServeCD Magazine) by the default pop-up viewer or by your own custom application. For example, you may want to open the MIDI files with your own MIDI application, such as Passport's MasterTracks; or, you may want to open a WAV file from the Music & Sound section with Media Player instead of the pop-up viewer feature of CompuServeCD.

Here's all you need to do: Select custom viewer for the media extension you wish to open with your own applications.  You'll see a window prompting you to select an application to play such files.  Locate the application on your hard drive and click OK.  Now, every time you launch that media extension in CompuServeCD, it will open with your favorite application.


OutBsktWindow
CompuServeCD Out Basket Window

The CompuServeCD Out Basket window enables you to manage (view, delete) the contents of your Out Basket, set up the CompuServeCD Out Basket for uploading (Session Settings), and perform a Send.


OutBsktSetUp
CompuServeCD Out Basket Setup

Use Session Settings to enter information for successful Sending.  Refer to the following for detailed instructions.

Select a phone number, modem and communications parameters to be used by CompuServeCD Out Basket.

Set the phone number to your local CompuServe Network access phone number.  Select the Baud Rate, dialing mode (Pulse or Tone), and Comm Port.   If your modem uses data compression, select the baud rate with data compression.  The fields can be changed using the drop-down menu in each box.  After selecting a phone number, check the dial prefix, area code, and suffix fields to make sure that the information is correct, and if necessary, add an out-dial code if your phone is on a PBX.   Next, set up your modem by clicking the Modem button.  The next page describes the Modem Setup process.

In this area you can locate and select your modem type.  Unfortunately, not all modems are available from the drop-down list.  If your modem isn't listed, choose the Hayes Compatible (default).  When you select a modem, the appropriate Initialization String will automatically be set.  If necessary, you can makes changes to the Initialization String.  Also, you have the option to have your modem speaker on or off; simply mark the appropriate box.  If your modem has security options, you can enter a User ID and Password in the appropriate boxes.

Once the Communications Settings and Modem Settings are complete, you are ready to Send messages and orders to CompuServe.


Memory Errors

If you get memory errors when running CompuServeCD's magazine or other  applications, check the System Resources.  To do this, select About Program Manager from the Program Manager Help menu.  If your System Resources are running low, be sure to close all other applications. Doing so should increase your System Resources.

Multiple instances of ToolBook are used to access various areas of CompuServeCD.  For alternatives to opening multiple instances of ToolBook, refer to Preferences in the  File menu and the Preferences section of this Help File.