Welcome to the world of Racontex. To install the system on your computer, type INSTALL D: \SUBDIR where D: is the drive you wish to install to and \SUBDIR is the directory you wish to put it in. Do not forget the colon or the backslash and be sure to leave a space between the colon and the backslash. (If you are installing from a floppy disk, start from the prompt for that floppy disk i.e. if the disk is in drive A, start at the A> prompt. If you are installing from a downloaded copy, start at the prompt for the subdirectory holding the downloaded files TRANSFER.EXE TRANSWIN.EXE and INSTALL.EXE.) If you have RACONTEX in executable form on read-only media, such as a CD ROM, please see the file READONLY.DOC. CD ROM executable files are not compressed. The files are compressed into the files TRANSFER.EXE & TRANSWIN.EXE, and this procedure will extract them. If you wish to examine the files first you may extract them using LHA (copyright YOSHI). The compression was selected to ensure that the install procedure and the compressed files would all fit on two 360K floppy disks (or one of a bigger size). If you have the files on a single disk, and wish to transfer them to 2 disks, copy all files but TRANSWIN.EXE to the first disk and copy just TRANSWIN.EXE to the second. The INSTALL program will detect this and call for the second disk. If you have the files on two disks, and want them on a single disk, just copy them all to the same disk. If the product was downloaded as an archive file from a bulletin board, it may fit on a single 360K floppy disk since it may not include the file VBRUN300.DLL which is required for the Windows front end (not required for DOS only). The VBRUN300.DLL file is widely available on BBS systems and may be inserted into the file TRANSWIN.EXE using LHA by disk vendors who wish to distribute a full version. The install procedure will automatically invoke the RACONTEX create function to produce an on-line manual as a RACONTEX database, and this README file as another. You will see the loading process in operation, and the databases will be there for you to experiment with searches. If you have a copy of LHA you may extract the file MANUAL from TRANSFER.EXE before you do the install, and print it for review. If you have access to the VENDINFO system, the conditions included in the file VENDINFO.DIZ supersede those contained in this file. If this is an unlicensed demonstrator version you may use it for a maximum 30 day period for evaluation and you may distribute copies of it to others for similar evaluation, but you must distribute it without modification and in the form in which you received it. This means that if you downloaded it as an archive file from a bulletin board you may distribute only that unmodified archive, except that the compression method may be changed. Unlicensed demonstrator versions will place a "commercial" at the beginning of any search performed on documents prepared by them. Licensed versions bear a code identifying the licensee, and it is a violation of copyright to make and distribute copies other than as specified in the licence. You may freely distribute RACONTEX databases, but not licenced copies of the RACONTEX programs themselves, except as detailed below. Publishers may make an arrangement to distribute the search program along with databases they may be selling, on a royalty basis (contact the author for details). To encourage the "Shareware" method of software distribution, "Shareware" authors may freely distribute the search module (files RACONTEX.EXE and RACONTEX.HLP) along with their products if they use RACONTEX to prepare on-line documentation to be distributed with the product. If you have old documents produced by an unlicensed demonstrator version you may update the licence by loading the system as instructed in the manual and using the UPDATE program supplied. This will replace the licence information in those documents with that appropriate to this copy, and if this is a licensed copy the commercial you saw at the beginning of searches of them will go away. For example, if you have a suite of files for a searchable document named FRED, you would enter UPDATE FRED (including drive and path information if needed). Please note that UPDATE will refuse to work on files produced by a licensed (i.e. non-demonstrator) copy of the system to avoid compromising the copyright of those who use Racontex form to publish documents. This version of RACONTEX will work with either DOS or Windows. So you want to buy a licensed copy and avoid the commercials.... Racontex Pricing. Special "registration" price: Designed for persons running an unlicensed demonstrator version. $99.95 gives a licence to run both the loading/indexing engine and the search engine on a single computer. Suggested retail pricing: Loading/Indexing engine licenced to run on one computer with searching engine licenced to run on three additional computers in a single organisation with no resale of searchable documents: $350.00 plus $25 for each additional computer either networked or individually running the search engine within the organisation. Wholesale: Wholesale reproduction licence, available to those wishing to reproduce the instructions and disks for retail sales at the rates and on the conditions above. Royalty equal to 40% of the above rates (minimum 10). Wholesale purchase rates: 60% of the retail rate (minimum 5). Licenses to use the system for the production of searchable documents for sale (which would include licenses to distribute the search engine) may be negotiated. ORDER FORM Mail with your payment to: Guy Software 1752 Duchess Avenue West Vancouver British Columbia CANADA V7V 1P9 Name: ---------------------------------------------------- Address: ---------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------- Please supply the Racontex System as below Special "Registration" package for one computer only @ $99.95 [ ] or Retail Package-Load/index for one computer; Search for 3 others @ $350 [ ] Retail Package - additional computers Search @ $25 each $ ----- -------- Payment Enclosed -------- For other options please write supplying details of the package desired. If you are registering after using a demonstration copy, please quote its number here ------------------------- please check appropriate box [ ] 5.25" 360 Kb disks [ ] 5.25" 1.2 Mb disk [ ] 3.5" 720 Kb disk ------------------------------------------------------------------------- CREDIT CARD ORDERS ONLY - You can order with MC, Visa, Amex, or Discover from Public (software) Library by calling 800-2424-PsL or 713-524-6394 or by FAX to 713-524-6398 or by CIS Email to 71355,470. You can also mail credit card orders to PsL at P.O.Box 35705, Houston, TX 77235-5705. PLEASE QUOTE ITEM/PRODUCT #11198 THE ABOVE NUMBERS ARE FOR ORDERS ONLY. Any questions about the status of the shipment of the order, refunds, registration options, product details, technical support, volume discounts, dealer pricing, site licenses, etc, must be directed to Guy Software at 1752 Duchess Avenue, West Vancouver, BC, Canada, V7V 1P9, (604)926-1370 (Compuserve 71750,1036). To insure that you get the latest version, PsL will notify us the day of your order and we will ship the product directly to you. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Registration notes: The RACONTEX package includes an 82 byte file LICENCE.PGF which contains an identification line displayed on the title screen for any searchable databases produced. For the unlicensed version this displays a demo ID, and forces a "commercial" screen to be viewed at the beginning of a search. Registration provides the latest version on disk, with the licensee's identification in LICENCE.PGF and without the commercial. Allows this to replace those for databases produced by demo versions. Registration also provides a printed manual, and support either by mail or via Compuserve for a 90 day period at no charge. Author can remotely activate by E-Mailing the new binary file LICENCE.PGF or by a REGISTER program in the package which requires a validation number which can be quoted by E-Mail or phone. Contact at 71750,1036 on Compuserve. Additionally registration may be accomplished via the Compuserve Shareware Registration Database (GO SWREG). Racontex is Registration ID 92 in that database. SHAREWARE and the Association of Shareware Professionals. 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 all and sundry 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. DISCLAIMER - AGREEMENT Users of Racontex must accept this disclaimer of warranty: Racontex is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for damages, direct or conse- quential, which may result from the use of Racontex." Racontex 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 Racontex and continue to use Racontex after a reasonable trial period, you must make a reg- istration payment of $100(US) to Guy Software. The $100(US) 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. Commercial users of Racontex must register and pay for their copies of Racontex within 30 days of first use or their license is withdrawn. Site-License arrangements may be made by con- tacting Guy Software. Anyone distributing Racontex for any kind of remuneration must first contact Guy Software for authorization. This authorization will be automatically granted to distributors recognized by the (ASP) as adhering to its guidelines for shareware distributors, and such distributors may begin offering Racontex immediately (However Guy Software must still be advised so that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latest version of Racontex.). You are encouraged to pass a copy of Racontex 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 the Racontex system. ASP Ombusdman Statement ----------------------- "This program is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442-9427 USA, FAX 616-788-2765 or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536." _______ ____|__ | (R) --| | |------------------- | ____|__ | Association of | | |_| Shareware |__| o | Professionals -----| | |--------------------- |___|___| MEMBER