home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
Gold Medal Software 3
/
Gold Medal Software - Volume 3 (Gold Medal) (1994).iso
/
educate
/
mscope.arj
/
README.TXT
< prev
Wrap
Text File
|
1993-11-28
|
20KB
|
435 lines
=========================================================================
Microscope - A Microscope for the PC | Evaluation Version UNREGISTERED
--------------------------------------|
Copyright : Maurice Smith 1992/3/4 | VER 1.0
Molcol Software |
69 Commonside West | SERIAL 201193
Mitcham, Surrey. CR4 4HB |
England. | for SHAREWARE distribution!
|
TEL: 081-685 0528 |
=========================================================================
INSTALLATION
============
If your distribution disc/discs have instructions from the Shareware
distributer on how to install this software, then follow them. Other-
wise create a directory on your hard-disc as MSCOPE. Copy all files
from the distribution disc/discs into the new directory.
To use slidesests in the future, it is best to make this directory as
MSCOPE rather than any other name. It will save time when you wish to
add other shareware slidesets to the package.
TO RUN
============
Change to the directory where Microscope is installed & type: MICMENU
REQUIRED TO RUN
===============
HARD DISC, VGA COLOR MONITOR & CARD.
Best results achieved with 386 processor or faster especially
with animated slides.
PROBLEMS (Memory Managers... )
==============
If you have extended memory and more complex arrangements for your PC
set-up and memory: if you encounter problems try running Microscope
without various memory managers etc, loaded. Please let me know if you
do have problems.
10/11/93 note: Microscope has now been tested on a super-duper 486 with
graphics accelerator and 16meg of memory with windows managing the set-up.
The animation routines were too fast. This SHAREWARE version has now been
improved to provide slower animation on this type of set-up and improved
key responses when running animated slidesets.
The improvement is identified by a serial number shown briefly on the
Microscope screen during start-up. The serial number is a date 091193.
A serial number with this date (09/11/93) OR LATER will indicate the
version includes this enhancement.
PROBLEMS (Keys... )
==============================
Where references in the program refer to using SHIFT-<arrow keys> for moving
the small box around inside the viewer: this refers to <arrow keys> on the
Numeric Keypad of your keyboard. The NUMBER LOCK key must be off for these to
function properly! If you don't have a numeric pad then use the
following ordinary number keys instead of the SHIFT-<arrow keys>:-
FOR SHIFT- <right arrow> Use 6
FOR SHIFT- <left arrow> Use 4
FOR SHIFT- <up arrow> Use 8
FOR SHIFT- <down arrow> Use 2
SPECIAL NOTE on Animated slidesets:-
====================================
When using Animated slidesets, Microscope's 'feel' and use of controls
changes slightly. A few features allowed when using 'still' slidesets
are inhibited for animated sequences. For example: the LOAD ARROWs CONTROL
will not allow you to move the slide indicator up and down, and you can't
load individual frames into the viewer. Instead, if you wish to view an
individual frame, then use the 'F' key to flick through the sequence;
then use the space key to stop the animation on the frame you wish to
view. This will allow you to use most of Microscope's normal features to
STAIN, FILTER, LIGHT, etc., the slide on view. To restart the animation,
use the controls as if you were going to load the first slide from the
slideset tray into the viewer.
Animation performance is dependent on you disk access speed. A disk cache
program (from a third party) is required for effective speed!
PLEASE READ THIS NOTICE FIRST :-
NOTICE ON USING MICROSCOPE for the PC.
======================================
Microscope for the PC has SPECIAL LICENSING arrangements, different from
normal SHAREWARE distributed packages. It is important that you understand
them as they provide opportunity for continued LEGAL use at reduced costs
- according to your needs.
The package is available in several forms:
VER 1x DEMO UNREGISTERED (abridged)....(released via PC Plus Cover Disc)
VER 1X DEMO LICENSED (abridged)........(enhanced 1x to show all shareware
slides. A license is required.)
VER 1.0 UNREGISTERED ..................(from normal SHAREWARE sources)
VER 1.0 LICENSED ......................(Licensed version of shareware
version 1.0)
VER 1.0 REGISTERED PRO ................(NOT SHAREWARE !! Available by
direct purchase only.)
ONLY VERSION 1.0 WITH THE WORD: 'UNREGISTERED' ON MICROSCOPE'S MAIN
SCREEN MAY BE DISTRIBUTED AS SHAREWARE: VER 1X DEMO UNREGISTERED is not
shareware. VER 1.O REGISTERED PRO is not shareware. VER 1.0 LICENSED is
not shareware.
Microscope uses SLIDESETS which are normally purchased. These are the
Professional Series and are NOT available via SHAREWARE. However, to
advertise them and to help customers determine what they may like to buy,
samples of these slides are taken, reassembled, and issued as
slidesets via SHAREWARE sources. This is a continual process. These are
identified as having filenames begining 'SHAR' (for Shareware) or 'Demo'
which are also Shareware (normally distributed with the Program).
All versions of Microscope are capable of viewing Shareware slidesets BUT
only VER 1.O REGISTERED PRO can display slidesets from the Professional
Series. This is not a SHAREWARE package and must therefore be purchased.
Also Ver 1x (abridged) requires enhancement software available from Molcol
Software to display Shareware slidesets.
Since many Shareware slidesets will be issued, users may wish to view them
without wanting to purchase the PRO VERSION of Microscope for use with
professional slidesets. A separate LICENSING arrangement has been made
available to allow this kind of use, along with 1 SHAREWARE-DISTRIBUTED
package to evaluate whether or not this type of use is for you or
whether or not Microscope for the PC would be of greater benefit to
you by purchasing the fully-functional PRO version.
If you wish to continue using either the SHAREWARE version or wish to use
the abridged ver 1x to view slidesets distributed as SHAREWARE, then
you must apply for a licensed version. A fee is charged but in return you
will receive an enhanced copy to allow use of SHAREWARE slidesets only,
at a level which suits your needs. You will not be ABLE to use PRO Series
slides with this Licensed software.
Licensed versions are not SHAREWARE. You must not distribute copies
of Licensed Versions nor any programs associated with them! You may
distribute slidesets which have filenames begining with 'SHAR' or 'DEMO'
as Shareware, providing no alteration is made to the files, and you do
not charge for their use (other than as defined by Shareware
distributers who will normally charge a distribution fee).
If any time later on you wish to purchase the PRO Version 1.0, then you
can reclaim your LICENSING fee against the purchase price, provided you
purchase direct from MOLCOL SOFTWARE! A small additional fee is charged
to cover additional discs, postage, packaging etc. Full details are
shown when using the software.
To help you make a choice between the options, their levels of use are
detailed below for shareware, licensed, and direct purchase options.
For payment details - please see details displayed when running the
software. Address details in the software are protected and cannot be
easily altered: this is to protect your interests.
PAYMENTS
========
It is up to you if you wish to send money through the post. We would
recommend that you pay by cheque, postal order etc., Overseas customers
can pay by money order, or try a cheque : if our bank won't except it
we will contact you with some other arrangement. Prices advertised are
in English Pounds - a quick look in the papers will allow an average
currency conversion. Averages are acceptable.
At the time of writing, we are seeking consent to make paying by VISA
a payment option. By the time you read this - we may be in a position
to offer this. Drop us a line to find out.
VERSIONS
========
See the top right corner of this file to see which version you should
be evaluating with this readme file.
Ver 1x - DEMO UNREGISTERED (For distribution only via limited media)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
This is a proper working version of Microscope - a Microscope for the PC.
It has been 'cut-down' to allow distribution via limited media:
cover discs, bulletin boards, low capacity discs etc.,
1) It is distributed with reduced slideset/or sets (number of slides).
2) It does not include 2 features beneficial to Users involved in a
teaching environment. These allow creation and display of
USER-CREATED Tutorial Texts explaining the Slideset subjects.
3) Help in all forms is greatly reduced.
4) It will NEVER display WIDESCREEN slides as they should be seen.
5) It will only ever display 'SHAR' or 'DEMO' slides (distributed via
SHAREWARE). * see (6) below *
-> 6) It lacks slide-management software (available with enhanced 1x for
a small license fee). You can not therefore install SHAREWARE
slidesets without this enhanced edition.
7) It lacks a User Manual, Special Menu, and a few other frills.
8) It lacks ENHANCED features which allow use of 4 different
Microscopes. Slide viewing and detail is greatly enhanced WITH
these additional features!
9) It will show animated 'SHAR' & 'DEMO' slides but if this feature
is enhanced, Ver 1x will not benefit from the improvements.
10) Some of the message routines are not as 'polished' as they are in
Ver 1.0 full versions.
* We strongly recommend you obtain the full version 1.0 SHAREWARE
for evaluating Microscope at its best with all its features!!
Licensing Ver 1x to show all Shareware slidesets.
-------------------------------------------------
Version 1x distributed by PCPLUS will only display slidesets released by
PCPLUS. It is was specially created from the full version to enable
distribution on the PCPLUS cover disc. It does not include a feature
required to install other SLIDESETS distributed via SHAREWARE sources.
You can however send a fee to MOLCOL SOFTWARE, you will receive an enhanced
Ver 1x which will allow licensed use of all shareware slidesets. Details are
available when running the software.
If you wish to use the enhanced Ver 1x (the abridged version) , you will
never be able to evaluate the user-created TUTORIAL files option. You will
be able to view WIDE-SCREEN slides but not as they are meant to be seen,
and you will not be able to use 4 different Microscopes, each giving a
different clarity to the SHAREWARE slides viewed. YOU WILL however receive
software to allow easy installation & use of Demo Slidesets, a user-manual,
additional SHAREWARE slidesets, & Brunel Electronic Catalogue.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ver 1.0 - Unregistered. (For Normal Shareware Marketing)
--------------------------------------------------------
The main difference between this and the Pro version (Registered non-
-shareware) is that the SHAREWARE version will only show SHAREWARE
slidesets.
ALSO:-
1) SLIDESET INSTALLATION AND MANAGEMENT ROUTINES ARE VERY BASIC.
Although you may have many slidesets present on your disc, only
1 of these can be installed and viewed at any one session. Each
time you wish to use another slideset, you have to return to
Microscope's menu to re-install the next slideset you wish to
view. On Licensed versions, you do not have to do this: you
can have as may slidesets installed as you like, and see them
all from a single session.
2) NO USER MANUAL
Like all sophisticated software packages, Microscope has features
which may be difficult to master without proper instruction. Also,
some of Microscope's more power functionality is not explained
anywhere else but in the Manual: speeding up animations, creating
entire lessons for pupils, forcing Microscope into a mode from DOS,
writing your own batch files, using extra memory, etc., A manual is
only supplied with licensed versions.
3) 4 DIFFERENT MICROSCOPE FEATURE IS ONLY FUNCTIONAL ON CERTAIN
(selected) SHAREWARE SLIDESETS.
Microscope offers enhanced viewing features by emulating different
optical arrangements. This feature is retained in this shareware
version to allow proper assessment and full evaluation of the
program. Shareware slidesets can be configured by us to disable
this feature on unlicensed software - for the slideset on view.
Only a limited number of slidesets will be issued which allow
use of other than normal optics on unlicensed software.
Licensed versions will not be disabled in any way when using
Shareware slidesets.
Features including use of 4 different Microscopes, user creation
of Tutorial files, SELECTED teach, & menu software can be evaluated.
Licensing Ver 1.0 unregistered -(not PRO version)
--------------------------------------------------
YOU WILL RECEIVE EVERYTHING NECESSARY TO MAKE MICROSCOPE FULLY FUNCTIONAL
ON EVERY SHAREWARE SLIDESET. PROPER SLIDESET INSTALLATION MANAGEMENT
CONTROL, MANUAL, 4 DIFFERENT MICROSCOPE FEATURE ON ALL SHAREWARE SLIDESETS.
Examples of creating lessons are included.
THE ONLY THING YOU WONT BE ABLE TO DO IS USE PROFESSIONAL SLIDESETS!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ver 1.0 - Registered Pro- (NON SHAREWARE)
-----------------------------------------
Unregistered & LICENCED SHAREWARE versions of Microscope allow the use
of SHAREWARE Slides only, distributed periodically via Shareware Marketing
sources. The wealth of Slides are configured to work only with registered
PRO software. Purchasing the PRO version enables the use of all slidesets,
provides telephone support, periodic newsletter, an enhanced user manual,
and additional features of interest to people working in a PROFESSIONAL
OR TEACHING environment.
Microscope is being developed further and REGISTERED users will gain
advantages as respected customers. Registered Users will be offered
Upgrades at discounted prices. The term 'Registered' is only used
in association with PRO version (NON-shareware), the term 'licensed'
is used to describe shareware versions where a fee has been paid
for continued use of Microscope to view SHAREWARE slidesets only!
A licensed user receives 'replacement' software as described in this
text to enhance his/her use of the Shareware version.
Animated slides are created from Video sources. Registered users will be
able to benefit from additional material which can be made available:
photos, videos, reference info etc.,
They will also be able to 'tap' into support & material offered by third
parties. (This can include tutorial files in different languages!)
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
==================
Microscope is designed to be a Microscope capable of displaying quality
images 'sourced' via electronic conversion of photo images taken with
optical & electron scanning Microscopes. It simulates Magnification,
Light-levels, Polarisation, Dark-field viewing, Staining,and other
techniques used to enhance our view of tiny subjects. It is capable of
displaying animation via time-lapse photography and video capture, as well
as normal 'stills'. In fully functional versions it can be used to emulate
the use of Normal Optical, Phase-Contrast, Nomarski differential-
-interference, and Polarisation Microscopes; each providing different
degrees of detail and clarity.
Special Tutorial files may accompany slidesets or can be created by
the user, providing special advantages in both teaching and professional
environments. Services and software are being developed to enhance
its usefulness to these users. Site licences with major discounts are
available: please write for details.
It can show animated sequences of Microscopic subjects by utilising
time-lapse and real-time images: see the majesty, beauty, and the
ruthlessness of Nature at work.
A single slideset may contain up to 40 images yet filesize is kept
to a minimum: see credits in main program.
Using Microscope without a Manual
=================================
A Manual is not distributed with unlicensed or unregistered versions
of Microscope. This will not be a problem when using the Microscope in
NORMAL mode. Keys on your keyboard are used to select a screen button
and once a button is lit, the up/down, PgUp, PgDn, and Enter key allow
effective operation. A context-sensitive help routine will quickly
enable you to gain sufficient control to see what the package has to
offer. Please note that Microscope for the PC is constantly being
enhanced. When such enhancements reach a critical level, the package
is re-released with a new version number.
Modes of operation other than NORMAL all relate to the creation and
display of User generated text files as Tutorial files. Relatively
little guidance on this is given and only users prepared to dabble
for a while are likely to master this powerful option.
Authors Personal Comment
========================
Although I do not condemn the zap-em-up type games currently available,
I am concerned about the imbalance between software of this nature
and software which encourages curiosity & expansion of awareness.
This package, and the acquisition of a quality microscope is a single
expense which competes favourably with well known games machines and
their software. I think its time again to introduce our young to the
miracle of life and develop in them the same awe and wonder I have
retained throughout my life. I hope my small endeavours might fan
a flickering flame here and there, and that with your help - that flame
becomes a fiery torch blazing the way to enlightenment and truth.
==================
WANTED
==================
We are constantly developing new slidesets. If you are in possession
of quality photos, film, video (which are your copyright) of images
taken via a microscope - electron scanning or optical instruments; or
other material perhaps taken via close-up photography of insects for
example then we are interested in hearing from you. Also, all ideas
are welcome!
We are selling slidesets for use with Microscope and can offer financial
reward and credits for use of your work. Write to me via the address
displayed in the program.
Maurice Smith.
--------------------
pp. Molcol Software.
"For every man the world is as fresh as it was at the first day, and
as full of novelties for him who has the eyes to see them..."
{quote from Thomas Henry Huxley 1825-95, English Bioligist}