Welcome to the 'Just the Best' Shareware Collection

Here it is, the ultimate collection of Shareware software. On this CD you'll find games, educational & business programs, fonts, tiles, wallpaper, clip-art & sounds. We feel sure that they represent the highest quality of software available and will provide you with many, many hours of fun.

A few tips to get you started.

Windows v. DOS
All the programs on this CD will run & launch from within Microsoft Windows. They have all been thoroughly tested on the latest versions of Windows, including Windows '95. Launching the software is a simple matter of double clicking on the program (executable or .exe) icon in the appropriate folder.

Naturally, the collection also includes programs that are DOS based programs and so, these can be launched straight from DOS or DOSShell. For example, Wolfenstein 3-D, the great 3D action game can be launched by typing Wolf3D at the DOS prompt, double clicking on the Wolf3D icon in DOS Shell or double clicking on the Wolf3D icon in Windows. Take your pick. However, the games in the WinGames directory are Windows based and therefore need to be launched while Windows is running. All the Windows programs are located in folders with Win in the title to make it clear which requires Windows to run.

Running programs from your hard disk or the CD?

It is recommended that you copy the programs you want to look at to your hard disk before running them. This often speeds up the program and allows the program to remember the way you have configured the software (and any high scores you may generate). Most will run with no problems from the CD, but be aware that if you are having difficulties, copying to the hard disk may be the solution.

Compressed Files

Some of the software companies have compressed their software in order to save space and to ensure that the program is installed properly. Usually, if the files have been compressed there will be an 'install.exe' fiel present. Running this program will decompress all the files necessary to run the program. You may be asked to specify a directory where the files will be decompressed to. If you are having difficulties, there will usually be a help file nearby. Open this help file and closely follow the instructions and you should be placed on the right path.

Setup Files

A small number of programs need to be configured before use. In this case when you double click on the program file, you will be told to run the Setup file before continuing. There will be a file called 'Setup.exe' or 'Config.exe'. When you run this program you will be asked questions such as what soundcard, music boards and controls you have on your computer. Save the changes, double-click on the program file and away you go.

ReadMe & HelpMe Files

The authors and publishers of this software have made it as simple as possible to get up and running with their software. Instructions for playing a game or using their software are usually contained within the software. Look for a help menu, a question mark or an instructions menu.

If you need help actually installing the software or are having inexplicable difficulties, the answer is usually in handy little text files (such as this one). Double clicking on these ReadMe and HelpMe files will open up these useful documents and show you step by step how to get things working. These documents can also be opened by your favourite word processor.

Shareware Notice

Shareware is an exciting marketing method which allows you to try this top quality software before you pay the author. With shareware you cannot be disappointed spending money on a program that is not right for you. The small fee you pay us covers only the duplication and distribution costs and permits you to evaluate the programs contained here.

If you continue to use the program, you must send the author an additional payment which may entitle you to technical support, printed manuals, bonus programs and more. Your payment supports the authors, enabling them to continue writing newer and better shareware programs. Full details of each program's shareware policy is usually contained within the program or in Shareware notices in the program directory/folder.

Disclaimer

Although Software Collections has tested all programs as thoroughly as possible, with a wide variety of computers and operating systems, it is impossible to guarantee that all software will run with the thousands of computers and peripherals available. If you are having difficulties please call us to see if we can help and remember our refund policy. If you are not happy with your purchase, you can return it to us within 30 days for a full refund. If you're not happy, neither are we.

Running Apogee & 3d Realms Games

Here are specific instructions for running each of the games on this CD.

Alien Carnage
Run 'Install' in the Carnage directory. A message will pop up saying do you want to install the program. Press Y for Yes. The files will be uncompressed into a directory called Carnage on your C drive. Press C to continue the installation. When finished open the Carnage directory and run 'Carnage'.

Wacky Wheels
Run 'Install' in the Wacky directory. A message will pop up saying do you want to install the program. Press Y for Yes. The files will be uncompressed into a directory called Wacky on your C drive. Press C to continue the installation. When finished open the Wacky directory and run 'setup'. Configure your sound settings, save and exit. Run 'WW' in the Wacky directory.

Terminal Velocity
Run 'Install' in the TV directory. A message will pop up saying do you want to install the program. Press Y for Yes. The files will be uncompressed into a directory called TV on your C drive. Press C to continue the installation. When finished open the TV directory and run 'TV12S' in the TV directory. Run 'Setup' once the files have extracted. Set your sound settings. Save and exit. Run 'TV'.

Duke Nukem II
Run 'Install' in the Duke directory. A message will pop up saying do you want to install the program. Press Y for Yes. The files will be uncompressed into a directory called Duke2 on your C drive. Press C to continue the installation. When finished open the Duke2 directory and run 'Duke2'. This will extract the files. Then run 'Nukem2'.

Rise of the Triad
Run 'Rott13sb' from the ROTT directory. After extraction run 'setup' and configure your sound settings. Choose save & run ROTT and it will launch immediately. Next time you just have to run 'ROTT' to launch the program.

Blakestone
Copy the Bstone directory to your hard drive. Run 'Bstone.bat'

Doom
Copy the Doom directory to your hard drive. Run 'Doom' in the Doom directory.

Raptor
Copy the Raptor directory to your hard drive. Run 'Raptor' in the Raptor directory.

Wolf3d
Copy the Wolf3D directory to your hard drive. Run 'Wolf3d' from the Wolf3d directory.

Have fun.

Harry Bray
Manager, Software Collections