Well, yes, this is yet ANOTHER DOOM Utility, but it's one that I hope you will find quite useful. I started this project on the recommendation of a friend of mine with whom I play modem-DOOM on a regular basis.
We both use OS/2, and I was lucky enough to win a copy of VX-REXX at a trade show I was working at. Of course I rushed right home, installed it on my machine, and started playing around with it.
It wasn't very long before I wanted to produce something USEFUL with VX-REXX, and this is when Mike recommended that I write my own front-end for MOdem DOOM for OS/2 users.
So here it is: Modem DOOM for OS/2.
What you Need to know:
First off, this program makes a few assumptions. First of all, it assumes that you're running OS/2. If you're not, you might as well delete it now - it's for OS/2 only.
Secondly, it assumes you are running DOOM v1.2 or higher. If you have a version prior to v1.2, then I suggest that you get the update from id Software - if you can't find it on your local BBS, call our support BBS as listed at the bottom of this text.
Thirdly, it does not distinguish between the Registered version and the non-Registered version of DOOM. Thus you can select to run "The Shores of Hell" or "Inferno" from MDS for OS/2, but if you don't have the registered version you'll only be able to play "Knee Deep in the Dead".
Now then, here's how it works. Upon running MDSOS2.EXE you'll first be shown the registration nag-screen. This screen will always be displayed upon running MDS for OS/2, until you register the program. Once registered you'll be able to run the program hassle-free for the rest of eternity. I too hate nag-ware - thus I have tried to design this little nag screen as a highly low-impact nag. Sbout the only thing worse than nag-ware is cripple-ware, and thus I MDS for OS/2 has no crippled features. Please see the section on Registration below for information on how to register.
After the nag screen, the first time you run MDS for OS/2 you'll be prompted to specify the full path name for DOOM and its associated files. SERSETUP.EXE and DOOM.EXE, along with your saved games should be in this directory in order to allow MDS for OS/2 to operate properly. MDS for OS/2 scans to see if this directory exists, and if SERSETUP.EXE also exists in that directory. If either is false, you'll be prompted to enter the pathname again. Once both conditions are met, MDS for OS/2 will save that data and will never prompt you again for Path information. If at some time in the future you move the location of your DOOM files or rename the directory, you'll need to change the path setting again by selecting "Path..." from the Settings selection on the top menu bar.
Next you'll see the main screen - this is where you make your selections for the settings for your Modem DOOM game. Everything should be fully Self-Explanitory: be sure that you and your opponent agree on what type of game and what skill level you want to play, along with wether or not you want to play either DeathMatch or No Monsters modes.
Once everything is set to your liking, hit the RUN button. If you want to Quit, hit the Exit button. If you'd like to edit your modem configuration file, hit the "Edit MODEM.CFG" button.
Coming Up...
IN the next release I'll be adding phone-book support. Even though MDS for OS/2 makes starting a Modem Doom game really easy, I also know that it would be really nice to have a listing of names of opponents and phone numbers that you can store in the program and call up, instead of typing in the phone number every time you want to dial a call. As you'll probably notice when you run the program, under the Settings menu there is a greyed out selection called "Phone Book". THIS SETTING IS NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN THE REGISTERED VERSION!!! Don't think that you'll get the phone book by registering right now - this is for a future release. Of course, if you register this release you'll be fully registered for future releases - you won't even have to run the registration file again. Hopefully, though, the phone-book will be implemented in another few weeks.
Registration:
When you register, you'll be sent a special "key" file in the mail which will disable the nag-screen. This will work FOR YOUR SYSTEM ONLY! If you register your copy of MDS for OS/2 and then think you can just archive it up and send it to a friend, your friend will soon discover upon installation that his copy is not registered. The "key" file (called REGMDS.EXE) doesn't modify MDSOS2.EXE or any of its data files, and just having it doesn't make the program registered.
The "key" file will contain a small text file on how to register MDS for OS/2. It's quite simple, and won't take but a minute of your time.
Registration is $15. This fee will help to cover the following expenses incured while writing this program:
- The numerous cases of Coke that I drank while writing this program in the wee
hours of the morning
- Fixing the big hole in the wall that I made banging my head against it every
time a section of code refused to work
- cost of the randomly-coloured diskette used to mail you the "key" file.
Now, there are a few ways to register, and a few ways to save a little money:
- CompuServe Shareware Registration can be used, instead of mailing your
registration. You will be sent the "key" file via CompuServe E-Mail. You don't
get a diskette, but the cost is the same because CompuServe charges me to use
their registration service.
- Send $15 in Canadian funds (outside of Canada and the US, be sure to get a
check payable on a CANADIAN BANK!!! If it's not payable on a Canadian bank,
you'll just get the cheque back in the mail, with no key file). For your troubles,
you'll be sent a nice and flashy diskette, in your choice of sizes.
- Okay...so you want to save some money...who doesn't? I'll discount $2.50 off of
the price if you mail me a cheque or money order and request that the "key" file is sent to an America Online or a CompuServe mail address. You won't get a
diskette, so I'll save myself a little money - why not pass it on to you?
Contacting Us...
You can contact WAFFER! MultiMedia Productions in one of the following ways:
Postal Mail: WAFFER! MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTIONS
36 Sutter Avenue,
Brampton, Ontario
CANADA
L6Z 1G7
Voice Phone: (905) 840-0104
Support BBS: The Café Voltaire - (905) 840-2176
E-Mail: CompuServe: 71722,535
AOL: WMDBrad
Internet: 71722.535@compuserve.com
wmdbrad@aol.com
waffer@cml.com
If you are registering MDS for OS/2 with us, be sure to specify diskette size (5.25" or 3.5"), your name and address, E-Mail address (if appropriate), and the title of the software you wish to register (MDS for OS/2).
Of course, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to send them in one of the above fashions also, and we'll get right on them.
