Welcome to Softdisk PC!

	Softdisk has been publishing monthly software for the PC since 1986. (We have been publishing monthly software for other computers since 1981.) In those early days we had another name (Big Blue Disk; later On Disk Monthly) and our programs didn't utilize a lot of graphics, but we gave our subscribers quality software at a fraction of the typical commercial price...just like now.
	Our software is in use by thousands of people on thousands of computers world wide. In age, our subscribers range from six-year-old elementary school students to 70-something retirees, and their wide variety of interests are well matched by our varied offerings each and every month.
	Where do you fit in? Right where you are...in front of your computer, running the latest issue of Softdisk PC! We not only want you to enjoy Softdisk PC, we want you to participate in it. If you have comments, please make them. If you have suggestions, we can't wait to hear them. And if you have questions, we want to answer them.

Speaking of questions, here are some new users should read before continuing.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
(Answered by the Softdisk PC Staff)

	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 technical support hotline at 1-318-221-8311.

WHAT SYSTEMS DOES MY SOFTDISK PC SOFTWARE SUPPORT?
	Softdisk PC 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/EGA version of Softdisk PC available. Call 1-800-831-2694 for details.

WHAT GRAPHICS MODES DOES SOFTDISK PC SOFTWARE SUPPORT?
	All graphic software published by Softdisk PC 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; 
	3) 	What to copy (the entire issue or a single
		program). 	
	Use your mouse or press Tab to move between the list of items and the "path" edit box. Click or press Enter when you've made your choices.

NOTE: Softdisk PC will NOT allow you to copy an issue to your root directory (C:\) without naming a subdirectory. If you do not specify a subdirectory, Softdisk PC will supply one (the default directory showing when you begin this procedure) and the items you copy will copy into that subdirectory. Softdisk PC also will not allow you to copy to the drive you are using to run the issue (if you are running from a floppy). 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? 
	Of course the major focus of each issue is the number of featured items. Featured items may be programs, clip art, cartoons, customization tools, or any other piece of software that helps you to use or enjoy your computer. We typically have an application or two, at least one game, at least one puzzle, a Windows item or two, clip art, a cartoon and at least one "specialty" item on each disk.
	Every issue contains the following columns: Contents (printable program descriptions for your files), Editor's (or Publisher's) Corner, Marketplace (special deals for you), Report Card (you rate each issue). We also have special columns that appear when appropriate for industry news or other special reports.
	A separate "Help" menu, contains New User Text (help for beginners), Common Questions (this text), How To Run Softdisk PC (how to use our "shell" program), and our Warranty & Liability message (those legal niceties).

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 at 1-318-221-8311 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!