Educational Software Cooperative 4/Educational Software Cooperative 4.iso/numb54a/numinfo.txt

Text File | 1996-04-24 | 18KB | 328 lines

                         B Y   T H E   N U M B E R S
                        G E T T I N G   S T A R T E D
               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   QUICK START:
   To run the program from a DOS prompt, enter: NUMBERS
   To read the on-disk manual, enter: NUMDOC

   REVIEWERS: If you intend to review this software for publication, please
contact us to make sure you have the most recent version and that the
ordering information supplied to your readers will be accurate. We would
appreciate receiving a tearsheet or copy of any published reviews. Thank
you!

   ALWAYS MAKE A BACKUP COPY of the original disk before you do anything.
(See the DISKCOPY command in your DOS manual.) Put the original in a safe
place, and use the copy as the master disk when you install the program.
   Note that in all of the following examples, if your drive letters or
directory names are different, you can simply use the same command, but
with your actual drive letter and directory name. For example, we refer to
the floppy drives as drive A and drive B. If yours are really called drive
D and drive E, then use D and E instead of A and B. In our hard disk
example, the subdirectory is called NUMBERS. But you can name it something
else. For example, if you name it WEST, just use WEST in the command
instead of NUMBERS.
   The following instructions assume the files on your disk are NOT
archived. If you have received the files in archived format, refer to the
installation instructions that came with your disk.

   INSTALLING TO A HARD DISK: The first thing you need to do is create a
subdirectory on the hard disk. (If the subdirectory has already been
created, you don't have to create it now.) For example, if you decide to
name the subdirectory NUMBERS, you would start at your C> prompt, and use the
following sequence of commands:

   CD\
   MD NUMBERS
   CD \NUMBERS

Now put the master disk in the A drive and enter this command:

   COPY A:*.*

You should see all the files being copied. When the copying is finished,
you are ready to run the program.

   INSTALLING TO A FLOPPY DISK WHEN YOU HAVE TWO FLOPPY DRIVES: Put the
master disk in drive A. Put a new, formatted disk in drive B. Enter this
command:

   COPY A:*.* B:

   You should see the files being copied to the disk in the B drive. When
all the files have been copied, the B disk is your working disk. You can
move  the B disk to the A drive and use it there if you prefer.
   For greatest efficiency and maximum storage capacity, we urge you to
install the software to your hard disk.

   INSTALLING TO A FLOPPY DISK WHEN YOU HAVE ONE FLOPPY DRIVE: Put the
master disk in drive A. Have a new disk ready. Enter this command:

   DISKCOPY A: B:

   The computer will display messages telling you when to put the "source
disk" or the "target disk" into the drive. The "source disk" is your master
disk. The "target disk" is your new disk. When all the files have been
copied, the "target" disk is your working disk.
   For greatest efficiency and maximum storage capacity, we urge you to
install the software to your hard disk.

   GRAPHICS AND COLOR: The program detects what kind of graphics support your
system has and adjusts itself accordingly. However, it is possible that on some
systems, such as certain laptop computers or systems that have a monochrome VGA
monitor, the program may not be able to detect exactly what kind of display
you have. If you believe the program is not creating the right kind of
display for your monitor, you can force it by adding a parameter to the
command line, telling it what graphics mode to use. For example, if you
want to force the program into EGA mode, use this command line: NUMBERS
MODE:EGA. To force VGA mode, use NUMBERS MODE:VGA. To force text mode, use
NUMBERS MODE:TEXT. If it appears the program is trying to display color on
a monochrome monitor, you can force it into monochrome mode with this line:
NUMBERS MONO. To force color mode, use this line: NUMBERS COLOR. If you are
using the program on a dual-floppy system, you may need to keep the
executable program file on drive A and the data files you create on drive
B. In this case, you need to tell the program where to put the data files.
Start the program with this command:  NUMBERS B. If your drive letter is
something other than B, use the correct letter in the command instead of B.
If necessary, you can combine the command parameters, like this:
NUMBERS MONO B

   NEED MORE SPACE? If you are running programs on floppy disks you may not
have enough disk space for the data files created by the program. You can
remove the documentation files, which the program does not need, from your
working disk. However, these files contain important information which you
will need for reference, so do not delete them from your master disk. To
delete the documentation files, put the working disk in the A drive and
enter these commands:

   DEL A:*.TXT
   DEL A:*.DOC

   The documentation files must be included with copies of the program that
are distributed to others.

   PROGRAM FILES: Program files can be identified by the extension EXE or
COM after the file name. To run the program, simply type its name. For
example, if you have a program named NUMBERS.EXE, type NUMBERS and press
<ENTER>.

   DOCUMENTATION AND INSTRUCTIONS: The on-disk manual appears in an
executable file named NUMDOC.EXE. To view the manual from the DOS prompt,
type NUMDOC and press <ENTER>. You can page through the document on
screen, or print it by pressing <ALT><P>. For  a list of helpful commands,
press <F1>.
   All features of BY THE NUMBERS are documented in the on-disk manual. To
save disk space, this manual may not contain all the extra explanatory
material and examples which are included in the printed manual provided to
registered (paid) users. The printed manual also includes a table of
contents and index.
   Files which have the DOC or TXT extension are ASCII format files (also
called DOS Text files) which can be viewed or printed using DOS commands.
For example, if you have a typical setup, you can print a document called
NUMINFO.TXT using this command:  TYPE NUMINFO.TXT > PRN
   To view this file on screen, you would enter: TYPE NUMINFO.TXT | MORE
(Successful use of MORE assumes that the correct DOS files are in your
path. If this is not the case, you can simply use TYPE NUMINFO.TXT, but the
file may scroll up out of view.)
   You can also view and print this kind of file with text viewing
utilities, and with most word processors, using "ASCII", "DOS Text" or
"Non-document" format.

   CHANGES AND UPDATES: Sometimes changes are made in a program after the
manual is completed. Information about such changes will appear on disk in
a text file called UPDATE.TXT. If this file appears on your disk, you
should read it to get the latest important information about the software.

   NEW VERSIONS: Sometimes a new version of a program will ask permission
to update your data files. Do not answer "yes" unless you have already made
a backup copy of your data. Don't copy the backed-up data back into the
directory after the files have been updated. This backup is simply
insurance against data damage or loss. You should make backups regularly.

   BE SMART!  Before installing new versions of any software, make backups
of all the old files. This protects you in case of an error during the
installation/update process. Remember that power surges, hardware failure,
and user errors can all lead to data loss or damage. Make backups of your
data on a regular basis. If you wonder how often you need to back up your
word processing documents, mailing lists, spreadsheets, etc., ask yourself,
"How many days worth of work can I afford to lose?" We recommend that you
use a system of three or more sets of backup disks which you rotate on a
daily basis. That way, if something unfortunate happens to one set of
backups, you will have another set available. A few minutes spent making
daily backups can save you hours of heartbreaking work trying to recreate
lost data.

   BAD DISK? It seems that in hot weather we sometimes get complaints about
"bad" or unreadable disks. Floppy disks are susceptible to heat, moisture
and magnetism. A disk that sits all day in a hot mailbox or truck where
temperatures exceed 100 degrees is likely to be damaged. Disks which have
been exposed to magnetism may become unreadable.
   Before assuming a disk is bad, try it on another computer. It may be
that your computer's drive heads are dirty or slightly misaligned. Suspect
this if you often get disk error messages with different disks. An
inexpensive head cleaning kit may help solve the problem.
   With 5.25" disks, sometimes the round disk gets trapped inside its
square  casing and generates an error because it can't rotate freely.
Remove the  disk from the drive and tap each of the four edges sharply on
the surface  of your desk. This may loosen the disk. Try reading the disk
again.
   With 3.5" disks, the sliding plate may not be sliding open when the disk
is placed inside the drive. Gently slide the plate back and forth until it
feels looser, being careful not to touch the disk media inside. Try reading
the disk again. If the plate will not slide, or it it appears to be bent,
do not place it inside the drive. Instead, you can simply remove the plate,
which protects the disk but is not required for us.
   Several popular utility packages have features that can sometimes
revive unreadable disks.
   In any case, if we sent you an unreadable disk, we will be happy to
replace it with a fresh copy of the same program. If you received a bad
disk from a vendor, the vendor should replace it.

   SUPPORT: This software has been thoroughly tested, and complete
instructions are contained in the user's manual.
   For fast, reliable answers to your questions, visit the R.K. West
section on CompuServe. GO RKWEST. You'll also be able to download
30-day evaluation versions of our new products in Library 9.
   Support by mail is FREE. Mail support to registered users is generally
unlimited. However, if a user's support needs become excessive or
unreasonable, we may limit the number of support requests which may be
submitted in a single week or a single month.
   Unregistered users: We appreciate receiving a self-addressed, stamped
envelope with your inquiry. Free support to unregistered users will be
limited to getting you up and running, or responding to error messages.
   Additional methods of support may be available as described in the
program documentation or in the materials given to registered users.
   Visit our WWW home page at http://members.aol.com/rkwest

   SOFTWARE LICENSE AND WARRANTY INFORMATION: See the file VENDINFO.DIZ.
If VENDINFO.DIZ is missing or damaged, or if you do not understand it,
contact the author for complete information.

   SITE LICENSING: A site license is an inexpensive way for more than
one person to legally use one copy of a program on more than one computer
at a time. Site licenses are designed for companies, offices or workgroups
where more than one person in the organization needs to use a product, but
does not need additional manuals or disks. Site licensing enables
companies, departments, government agencies, etc., to equip their personnel
with the tools they need at a minimal cost.
   Here's the gist of how it works:  The company purchasing a site license
(the licensee) provides a single point of contact for shipping, technical
support, upgrades, etc., and we (the licensor) provide "golden masters" of
the diskettes, manuals, and any other parts of the package.
   The following chart gives a breakdown of the cost of site licensing and
how much you save per site licensed. For instance, if the normal registration
fee for one copy of the software was $29.00, and you purchased a site
license for 11 users (sites) your cost would be $377.30, which saves you
$161.70 of the cost of 11 separate purchases. The more sites you license,
the more you save.

SAMPLE SITE LICENSING CHART FOR A PROGRAM WITH A $29.00 REGISTRATION PRICE:

                     Discount      Price Per      Savings
     Quantity       Percentage       Unit         Per Unit

      5 -  10          25%          $21.75         $ 7.25
     11 -  15          30%          $20.30         $ 8.70
     16 -  20          33%          $19.43         $ 9.75
     21 -  25          36%          $18.56         $10.44
     26 -  30          39%          $17.69         $11.31
     31 -  40          42%          $16.82         $12.18
     41 -  50          45%          $15.95         $13.05
     51 -  60          48%          $15.08         $13.92
     61 -  70          51%          $14.21         $14.79
     71 -  80          54%          $13.34         $15.66
     81 -  90          57%          $12.47         $16.53
     91 - 100          60%          $11.60         $17.40

     101+           By special arrangement

To receive further information, please contact R.K. West Consulting,
PO Box 8059, Mission Hills CA 91346, USA; FAX [phone];
Email: [e-mail].

   EVALUATION: Many software developers choose marketing methods which
allow copyrighted programs to circulate among users for purposes of
evaluation. This gives you the option to "Try Before You Buy". Using this
system, the author of a program typically allows you to try the program for
up to 30 days before payment is required. The exact terms of evaluation
vary from author to author, so be sure to check the documentation of the
programs you evaluate.
   Any fee you pay to a disk vendor is simply a distribution fee, and does
not cover the cost of the program itself. Disk vendors are required to
inform customers of these facts. Programs which are used beyond
the author's prescribed evaluation period require separate payment to the
author. By making payment to the author you obtain a legal right to use the
software, and encourage the continued development of quality software
for this type of marketing.
   The process of paying for the software is often called "registration".
The exact benefits of registration vary from author to author, but many
authors will offer one or more of the following: a current version,
technical support, a printed manual, free or discounted upgrades, bonus
utilities or special offers. Consult the registration information included
with each program for specific details.

   REGISTRATION: When you pay for BY THE NUMBERS, you will receive:

   * A copy of the most recent version of the program, without any
     payment reminders.
   * A printed, indexed manual.
   * A license to continue using the program.
   * Technical support by fax, mail, and email.
   * Your choice of one free program as listed on the registration form.
   * Notice of upgrades, new releases, and new products.
   * Discounts on upgrades and other products.

 To: R.K. West Consulting                    BY THE NUMBERS ORDER FORM
     PO Box 8059
     Mission Hills CA 91346, USA

 Your Name: ________________________________________________    please
                                                                print
 Address: __________________________________________________    clearly

          __________________________________________________

          __________________________________________________

 Phone:   __________________________________________________

 _____ Registered versions @ $29.00 each:            ___________________

 _____ Shipping outside the US: Canada $3, others $6 ___________________

 Disk Size: ___ 3.5"   ___ 5.25"    TOTAL ENCLOSED:  ___________________
            3.5" is best

 Free Bonus Program! Pick ONE:

 ___ Cliche Finder   ___ ESP Test   ___ Practical Jokes   ___ Shareware
 (If not available at time of order, another free program will be sent.)

 All prices are in U.S. dollars, checks drawn on and payable through a U.S.
 bank. You may register by credit card through Public (Software) Library. In
 the USA call 800-242-4775. Others, call 713-524-6394. These numbers are for
 orders only. You can Fax a credit card order to PsL at 713-524-6398; or
 mail it to: PSL, P.O. Box 35705, Houston TX 77235; or order on CompuServe
 from 71355,470. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express. When ordering
 by credit card, use your name EXACTLY as shown on the card. Please do not
 mail credit card orders to R.K. West (and do not mail checks to PSL).

 Tell us where you found this program! __________________________________

   ______________________________________________________________________

 Important: If you purchased this disk from a rack, bin, shelf or package in a
            retail store, grocery, airport, bookshop, etc., or found it on
            CD-ROM, please include the company name or brand-name logo from the
            disk package or label, and other information, such as address and
            phone, identifying the company that actually produced the disk.

   ______________________________________________________________________

   ______________________________________________________________________

   ______________________________________________________________________

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