PAL2.INF: Information on PAL Version 2.0 1. About This File This file provides a quick summary of the features of PAL, including a description of how to order it. If you are placing the shareware version of PAL on a computer bulletin board, please upload this file separately so that callers can download it to get an idea of PAL before committing themselves to the lengthy download required for the program files and documentation. 2. Summary PAL is the Personal Appointment Locator that radically improves your ability to manage your time. Prior versions of PAL were designed as an enhancement to SideKick's calendar facility. Commencing with version 2.0, PAL stands alone and does not require SideKick to function. Although PAL still enhances SideKick (not SideKick Plus), PAL now contains its own internal Appointment Scratchpad. PAL is being distributed as shareware, which allows you to try before you buy. If you wind up using PAL, you are required to register and pay for it. 3. Some Significant Features of PAL Among other things, PAL can: * show a report of your coming appointments for the next "n" days. * search for a particular appointment, * maintain a to-do list which will tickle you if you fail to do something after a specified date, * set a virtually infinite number of alarms, * run reports on multiple SK appointment files, * automatically repeat appointments with tremendous flexibility; e.g., every third Wednesday of each month beginning this month and continuing for a total of nine repetitions. * delete old appointments, * run with or without SideKick, * provide online help, * show common secular and religious holidays automa- tically, i * allow you to customize the program for your own needs and style of use, * show you a calendar for any month in the 20th or 21st century. 4. What About SideKick Plus? PAL does not yet read SideKick Plus time manager files, though this ranks high on our list of future enhancements. If you are intending to use PAL as a stand alone product, this does not concern you at all. But if you will be using SideKick with PAL, you are probably wondering what features of SideKick Plus you might miss if you stick with the Side- Kick/PAL combination, or, on the other hand, what features of SideKick/PAL you'd miss if you go to SideKick Plus. The following tables may help you. Things you may miss in SideKick/PAL if you move to SideKick Plus: * More flexible auto-repeat appointments * Easily obtain reports of upcoming appointments * Batch operation * To-do list (reminders) * Automatic snoozing of alarms * Control sound of alarms * PAL's internal Appointment Scratchpad * Report and search on multiple files * Automatically show holidays Things you may miss in SideKick Plus if you stay with SideKick/PAL: * More than 26 characters in the memo field * Optional notepad attaches to the calendar * Move and copy appointments * Dial the phone at pre-appointed time * "Paste" text at pre-appointed time * Search for a vacant time slot * Show graphic schedule of appointments * Change available time slots and resolution We are committed to upgrading future versions of PAL to ensure that they will remain compatible with SideKick Plus. This will not involve the purchase of a new program from us, just an upgrade of the existing PAL. Registered users will receive notification of the availability of this upgrade. 5. Obtaining PAL as Shareware The shareware version of PAL is being distributed through BBS's, user groups, and person to person. On BBS's, look for the following files: PAL2A.ARC (which contains the main program), ii PAL2B.ARC (which contains demonstration files and the resident alarm program) and PAL2C.ARC (which contains the complete manual). The latest version of these files will always be available from the PAL Software NY, Inc. bulletin board, at telephone number 914-762-8055. This BBS operates 24 hours a day, at 300, 1200, 2400 and 9600 (USRobotics) baud. If you want to avoid the download time, you may obtain a shareware disk from us for $3.00. Just fill out the order form at the end of this file and send it in to us. You will also receive a $3.00 coupon which can be applied in full against a future purchase. 6. Obtaining the "Commercial" version of PAL Persons who try PAL, like it and intend to continue using it are required to register and pay for it. Paid, registered users receive the latest version of PAL. The registered version is identical to the current shareware version, except that users of the shareware version must pass through a request for registration at the conclusion of the program. In all other respects, the commercial version is identical to the shareware version. Although the registered version of the program is not substantively different from the unregistered shareware version, you do receive additional benefits in the way of support as outlined in the documentation and you will receive notices of upgrades. There are two levels of registration: a) $35.00 -- disk only (with disk-based documentation) b) $49.95 -- disk and printed manual 7. How to Order From PAL Software NY, Inc. If you would like to avoid the long download time for the program files and documentation, you may obtain the most recently available shareware version of PAL for $3.00. This offer is made for your convenience in obtaining a copy of the shareware version, and payment of the $3.00 defers our costs and does not constitute registration. The $3.00 you pay may later be credited against a future purchase. If you know that you want to register immediately and receive the "commercial" version, you may use the order form to do so. iii To: PAL Software NY, Inc. 51 Cedar Lane Ossining, NY 10562 Please send me the following checked items: ______ Shareware Disk $ 3.00 ______ Registered Disk $35.00 ______ Registered Disk and Manual $49.95 Format (circle one): 3" 5" My check for $_______ is enclosed. (add NY tax if applicable) My shipping address is: _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ iv