README file : 12/4/93 **************** EXCELSIOR v1.0 **************** I. LIST OF FILES The following list details all of the files supplied on the Exelsior disk: README This file REFMAN.TXT Excelsior Reference Manual - Formatted for easy printing. Includes installation instructions - READ THIS FILE! VENDOR.DOC Information for shareware vendors EXLSIOR.EXE Compressed Excelsior in self-extracting form In addition, there may be files which have been placed on the disk by the shareware vendor from which you obtained this disk. II. REGISTRATION INFORMATION With registration you will receive: - The latest version of Excelsior (if necessary) - A printed reference manual and 50 page Fixer's Handbook - The option to obtain a hint book - Discounts on other Castle Software products To register Excelsior, simply run the register program. (Type "register" at the DOS prompt.) Complete instructions on registering will be explained by the registration program. III. DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying it. If you try a shareware program and continue using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs differ on details -- some request registration while others require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using the software to an updated program with printed manual. Copyright laws apply to both shareware and commercial software, and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the software, either to the general public or to a specific group. For example, some authors require written permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their shareware. Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether it's commercial or shareware. The shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy. And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it. IV. DISCLAIMER - AGREEMENT Users of Excelsior must accept this disclaimer of warranty: "Excelsior is supplied as is. The authors disclaim all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The authors assume no liability for damages, direct or conse- quential, which may result from the use of Excelsior." Excelsior is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with your friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of another system. The essence of "user-supported" software is to provide personal computer users with quality software without high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to continue to develop new products. If you find this program useful and find that you are using Excelsior and continue to use Excelsior after a TEN (10) day trial period, you must make a reg- istration payment of $20 (US) to Castle Software. The $20 registration fee will license one copy for use on any one computer at any one time. You must treat this software just like a book. An example is that this software may be used by any number of people and may be freely moved from one computer location to another, so long as there is no possibility of it being used at one location while it's being used at another - just as a book cannot be read by two different persons at the same time. Anyone distributing Excelsior for any kind of remuneration must comply with the restrictions detailed in the VENDOR.DOC file (supplied on this disk). If the vendor is in compliance with all of the specified restrictions, no written permission is necessary beyond the VENDOR.DOC file and such distributors may begin offer- ing Excelsior immediately. (However, Castle Software must still be advised so that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latest version of Excelsior.) You are encouraged to pass a copy of Excelsior along to your friends for evaluation. Please encourage them to register their copy if they find that they can use it. All registered users will receive a copy of the latest version of Excelsior, printed manuals, the opportunity to obtain a hint book, and discounts on other Castle Software products.