The Shareware Concept --------------------- 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 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. Definitions In this document, 'the author' refers to CHIAM YIH WEI. 'Programs' refer to software (whether shareware or otherwise) written and released by the author. Copyright Information All of the author's programs, shareware and freeware, are protected under the copyright laws of the United States and foreign countries. All rights are reserved to the author. Violations of copyright laws are investigated by the FBI. Distribution of the author's products implies that you have read and agreed to the distribution terms described below. Intent The author seeks to distribute his shareware as widely as possible. However, the end-users of our software must be properly informed that it is shareware. ASP Vendors If you are an ASP Vendor or BBS Member, then you have prior permission to distribute the author's packages. Distributor Information and License Information The license information and distribution requirements in this document supercede all previous license statements. To continue to distribute the author's products, you must adhere to the licensing and distribution requirements below. If you are a mail order or BBS-type distributor of shareware software, you may distribute these programs as they are, without any changes other than expanding files contained in the ZIP archives. However, you have a responsibility to check from time to time, at a minimum interval of 12 months, for new versions of these programs, and to update your copies in a timely manner. You must fully identify all of the author's programs in your advertising, by the program's full name and version, and indicate the registration fee in the program description. Shareware Disclosure Required All advertising and packaging information including references to the author's products must contain a statement explaining the shareware concept. Specifically, that statement must explain that shareware software MUST be registered by the user, after a trial period, by paying a registration fee, and that all monies paid for the shareware version are duplication and distribution charges only. The declaration specified by the Association of Shareware Professionals is a good model. All such statements must be clearly displayed in a position where they are likely to be read by potential customers. Retail Rack and CD-ROM distribution If you distribute shareware in a retail setting in racks, store displays, vending machines, at computer fairs, or in any way other than normal BBS or catalog-based sales, you must contact the author for permission to distribute any of the author's program. Rack or retail-like sales require a special distribution license, normally requiring royalties paid to the author. If you distribute shareware on CD-ROM disks, you must also contact the author before including any of the author's shareware program on a CD-ROM disk. Normally, permission is granted, but current versions must be included and except where authorized, all old versions of any of the author's program removed from any CD-ROM disk containing the author's products. Contacting the author You may contact the author at any of the following locations: CHIAM YIH WEI 1, JLN LANG PERUT PUTIH 10, KEPONG BARU, 52100 KL, MALAYSIA. Internet: peter-chiam@mailhost.net Dated: 19960103.