Newbie's Guide... Written by Lee Schlunder
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If you are new to the world of computer music this file might answer a few
of your questions.

MOD, S3M, VOC, these are examples of file extentions that imply music
within; just as the .DOC extention on this file implies documentation inside.

Each kind of music file has a different internal format and features. You do
not need to know these details to play music with our package.

Our program package requires that you convert this babel of
formats to our format. We provide a way to do that.

If you want to compose music, you will need a composer program like Scream
Tracker (SCRMT32.ZIP on some BBSes). Composing involves selecting
samples(sounds), selecting how long and at what pitch to play each sound and
selecting special effects like volume changes. You can play more than one
sound at a time, like drum and violin. Each sound has its own track. MODs
have only 4 tracks while some of the other sound files can have 32 tracks.
You may notice that with more tracks the music quality is usually better.

Composing is not game programming and who can do everything? We have a couple
of composers in our group who wish to earn some dough. If your game is in
need of some original tunes, please try our guys out.

Art work can be an important part of your game. We have some artists too.

For sound effects you will need samples. A sample is a sound recording.
There are many ready made recordings found in .VOC type extention files.
Most sound cards come with programs, instructions, and a microphone jack so
that you can make your own recordings.

If you want to write a computer game you will need a programmers language
package. Our package works with Microsoft QuickBASIC version 4.5 (QB 4.5),
Microsoft "Professional" Basic (QBX/PDS), and Turbo Pascal. All are currently
sold. None is specifically designed for Microsoft Windows. Generally programs
generated with these languages can be started from Windows. The BWSB music
system will work with Windows (altough it'll be a bit slower).

-Q&A----------------------------------------------------

Can I use the QBASIC language that comes with DOS or Visual Basic? No.

What is the environment? Your program package must be loaded in the computer
while you are writing your game. Your loaded programmer's language is the
environment. When your game is completely written you can compile it. Once
complied your program can run without the environment. As the main document
indicates environment/compiled are two different situations.

What is EMS/XMS? Your computer's memory is divided into base memory and all
the rest of what you bought. That second part is also called high memory and
is EMS/XMS. There is usually a lot of high memory, and that's why our music
engine you make use of some of it (only EMS).

Microsoft Basic environments assume they can use all high memory. Our music
uses a little of that space. Our main document file points out ways to
prevent a double use of the same memory. Such a double use would probable
lockup your computer.

What is a library? Our music playing package comes in library form. It is
loaded into QuickBasic when you start with the /L switch. For a long
confusing explanation read the Microsoft literature that comes with your
language. The short explaination is that once loaded and identified you can
use the new language commands that are available in the library. In our case
you will be able to play music and sound effects on sound boards.

What is in the background? Most of the time your computer is waiting around
for you to press a key or some other event. Our music plays in the backgound
which is that time when nothing else is happenning. It is not supposed to
noticably slow down any of your game action.

What is a GUS? The Gravis Ultrasound card is called a GUS. It has
onboard memory and processor power on the card so it uses less of the
computer's time to play music. It also has great sound quality and a
non-existant marketing effort :-(.

Why are .VOC files so large compared to .MOD files? .VOCs are verbatim
recordings of sound. .MODs load a table of sounds(samples) and a table of
which sound to play and when. With a VOC, all the digital sound is ready to
play. In a MOD, a program must build the digital output stream in realtime.
While this is very complicated to program, it makes for much greater playing
time with much less disk space used up. Our music system does this for you,
so you do not have to do any complex programming to play music in this way.