This document must be distributed with any copy of Think Ahead+. It explains the differences between the “Shareware” version of the program and the “Registered” version. It also explains how Think Ahead+ can be distributed and the limitations on distribution. Information regarding registration of Think Ahead+ along with a registration form is included toward the end of this document. There is also a game overview and some strategy hints in the next section.
Please Note: This document was prepared using 12, 14, and 18 point Helvetica font.
This version was created because of the many user-requested enhancements and suggestions and overall good user-support. This is one of the key components to successful Shareware. The other reason is that I really like this game and wanted to bring it up-to-date, polish it up and release it again so many more of you can enjoy it. Since it has been a while since the last release (two and 1/2 years!) there may be some people who have not seen this game before. Although there are no high-tech animated graphics or music soundtracks in this game, it does have the most important feature – good game play.
Compatibility
Think Ahead+ should be compatible with any Macintosh running System 6.0.2 or higher and with at least 450k of memory allocated to Think Ahead+. You may be able to set the memory partition as low as 300k when using MultiFinder or System 7. If you experience anything unusual allocate more memory.
Running in 256 color mode is preferred although 16 color and black and white modes are supported. Not all Macintosh configurations were tested, please write me if you find any incompatibilities.
This version is a major rewrite of the previous Version 2.2. It has been redesigned with a color interface in mind and includes many new features and improvements. Although it may look similar on the outside (except the color and 3-D), internally it has undergone many changes. Many minor problems (too many to list, I didn't even track them all) were corrected. Some of the new features are described below:
New Feature Summary
• All new Color interface -- New handy icons for Scramble, Rotate and Hints.
• User-Customizable Color -- Almost every screen component can have the color adjusted by the user to suit their preference.
• Cool 3-D Effects -- 3-D shading makes the game more attractive and contemporary (ok I'll say it: in Bart Simpson's voice “Cool Man!”).
• Fun digitized sounds - Each action now has a fun digitized sound to go with it. You can still select Classic sounds if you prefer.
• Replay Same Game -- Allows you, or someone else, to play another game using the exact same board setup. Try new strategies or compare scores against a friend.
• Board Rotation Option -- An added challenge, lets you rotate the game board to select a tile from the other direction or just look at board with a new perspective.
• Scramble! Free -- New option to allow you to use Scramble! without penalty. Makes for some wild games.
• New Option Settings -- Allows you to have multiple Scrambles, multiple Mystery Boxes, multiple Rotations.
• Improved Computer Strategy -- Computer logic and strategy has been improved to provide more challenge using all the new options.
• New “Pro” Computer Level -- Features a deeper search and better computer logic.
• Better On-Line help -- It is now modeless, stylized, colorized and more complete. New Popup menu for immediate access to each section.
New Shareware System
In this version I have removed the 30-Day trial period time-bomb and most of the restrictions in the Shareware version (see the Chapter on “Shareware Version Differences”).
There is still a “Days-in-Use” counter but the program will now continue working past 30 days. What's the catch you say? Well, another annoying dialog will popup after 30 days to remind you it's time to consider registering, but you can still play while you wait for your registered version to arrive in the mail.
Upgrades to 3.0
If you are a registered user of Think Ahead+ prior to Version 3.0, you may upgrade for only $6.00. If your address lies outside of the U.S. or Canada, please include an extra $2.00 for the additional postage.
To help me process your order faster, please print out the Registration form at the end of this document, fill it in and write “UPGRADE” in the comments section.
