JP Software 4NT v. 2.95 Pre-Release README.TXT -- May 27, 1997 Greetings, and thanks for trying this pre-release! PLEASE NOTE: This file accompanies a pre-release software product (4DOS 5.95, 4NT 2.95, Take Command/16 1.95, or Take Command/32 1.95). These versions EXPIRE on July 31, 1997, as does your license to use them (for the full license, see LICENSE.TXT). The software will warn you when expiration is getting close; once the pre-release has expired you will be subject to reminders and significant startup delays each time you use it. You will be able to download a fully released copy (or an updated pre-release version) before expiration of this pre-release. This file contains a variety of information you should read before using the pre-release, including: Files Included with the Pre-Release Installation Instructions Technical Support Ordering the Final Release Legal Notices FILES INCLUDED -------------- The following files are included with 4NT 2.95: 4NT.EXE 4NT program file 4NT.HLP 4NT help text 4NT.CNT 4NT help contents file FILE_ID.DIZ Description file for BBS and other uploads INTERNAT.TXT Shipping rates and dealer list for international customers LICENSE.TXT Pre-release license agreement ORDFORM.TXT New customer order form PRODUCTS.TXT Product and ordering information README.TXT This file UPGFORM.TXT New customer order form SHRALIAS.EXE Utility program for retention of global alias and history lists INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ------------------------- [NOTE to current JP Software command processor users: If you are running an earlier version of our software you may be used to "branding" new versions with your name and serial number. However, you can NOT brand this pre-release software; as a pre-release, it cannot be used permanently, and therefore does not accept branding. Your brand program will still work on the final release if you are entitled to upgrade to it at no charge.] Here's how to install your pre-release software: (1) Create a new directory for the pre-release software. Do not install it in the same directory as any other JP Software product, including one of the other pre-release products. The directory can be on any hard disk drive. (2) Decompress the downloaded files into this directory. You can print any documentation (.TXT) file by copying it to the printer with the COPY command. (3) Follow the usual steps to create a new desktop item to run the pre-release product: - Under Windows NT 4.0, create a new shortcut on the desktop or in any folder (right-click on the open desktop, click New, then Shortcut). - Under Windows NT 3.5, use the Program Manager's File / New menu selection to create a new desktop item, in any group. In both cases, enter the Command Line as: d:\path\4nt.exe where "d:\path" is the directory where your 4NT files are stored. No other parameters are required on the command line. However, you can put command-line switches, a command, or the name of a batch file at the end of the command line for any 4NT shortcut or desktop item. This allows you to run specific commands or set configuration options when you start 4NT. For details see the Startup topic in the online help. (4) If you are upgrading from a previous version of 4NT, copy any 4NT.INI file you have in the old directory to the new one, and update any paths in the file which point to the old program directory (e.g. 4StartPath). Also be sure to copy your 4START and 4EXIT files, if any, from the old program directory to the new one. (5) When you're done, invoke the new desktop item to start 4NT. TECHNICAL SUPPORT ----------------- We support our products via two electronic methods: * In the JP Software CompuServe area, section 10 of the PC Vendor B forum (GO PCVENB). For support leave a message in this area addressed to user ID 75300,1215. * On the Internet, via email to support@jpsoft.com. When possible, we also read messages posted on the Usenet comp.os.msdos.4dos newsgroup, and in the 4DOS conference on the FidoNet BBS network (these conferences are named for 4DOS, but carry messages related to all JP Software products). These areas offer valuable information and discussions with other users, but are not managed by JP Software, and are not official support channels. To be certain of a direct answer from our support staff use our CompuServe forum or Internet email as listed above. Because this is a pre-release version, NO TELEPHONE SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE. Limited electronic support is available through CompuServe or the Internet as noted above, and support questions may be answered from time to time in the newsgroup or BBS conferences listed above. However, this is a pre-release product and may contain bugs or other limitations. We cannot promise specific answers to all problems encountered with this version, offer a definite response time for questions on the pre-release, or provide projected dates for updates or fixes. Downloading JP Software Files To download JP Software files, including a trial version of the final release of this software (when it is available), visit: * Our web site at http://www.jpsoft.com/ * Our CompuServe forum (GO PCVENB or GO JPSOFT, library 10 / JP Software) * Channel 1 BBS, Cambridge, MA, 617-349-1300 for 28.8K, 617- 354-3137 for 33.6 K. Join the "free files" conference (J FREE or J 5 at the main menu) for JP Software file downloads. We recommend that you use our web site for Internet downloads. However, if you prefer (or if you do not have web access) you can connect directly to our ftp site at ftp.std.com, directory /vendors/jpsoft. Product subdirectories are located below this; for example 4DOS files are in /vendors/jpsoft/4dos, and pre-release files are in /vendors/jpsoft/prerel. ORDERING THE FINAL RELEASE -------------------------- No date is currently available for the final release. Current users can place advance upgrade orders using the upgrade order form distributed with the pre-release, or using electronic order entry via our web site at http://www.jpsoft.com/ (web-based order entry system is not available at this time, but will be ready shortly). All current users will also be notified by mail when the final release is available. Orders from new customers, and add-on orders from existing customers, which are placed prior to the final release of this upgrade will be filled immediately with our current version of the product(s) ordered. The new version will then be shipped automatically when it is ready. Single-product upgrades for owners of 4DOS 5.0 or above, 4OS2 or 4NT 2.0 or above, or any version of Take Command will be priced at $29.95 for the first product and $19.95 for each additional product, plus shipping, through August 31, 1997, and will increase after that date. (Upgrades from earlier versions -- 4DOS 4.02 or below, 4OS2 or 4NT 1.x -- are $39.95 plus shipping, also through August 31.) We are also offering attractive pricing for those who want to convert to the JP CD Suite with all six products -- $89.95 for owners of one product, and just $69.95 for those who own two or more JP Software products -- this means if you are upgrading three or more products you can convert to the CD Suite for the same amount you'd pay for your upgrade, or less! If you already own the CD Suite, upgrades are $49.95 if you have CD Release 2 with all six products, and $59.95 if you have Release 1 with 5 products. LEGAL STUFF ----------- Copyright 1997, JP Software Inc., All Rights Reserved. Published by JP Software Inc., P.O. Box 1470, E. Arlington, MA 02174, U.S.A., phone 617-646-3975, fax 617-646-0904. Take Command and 4DOS are registered trademarks of JP Software Inc. 4DOS, 4OS2, and 4NT are JP Software Inc.'s trademarks for its family of character-mode command processors. JP Software, jpsoft.com, and all JP Software designs and logos are also trademarks of JP Software Inc. Other product and company names are trademarks of their respective owners. All prices and terms subject to change without notice. This pre-release version may be incomplete, and may contain errors or omissions which would not be present in a final release product. It is distributed AS-IS and without warranty of any kind. See the license agreement accompanying the pre-release files (in the file LICENSE.TXT) for details.