Copyright 1993, Hyperion Softword

  THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED FOR THE USE OF SHAREWARE DISTRIBUTORS


PROGRAM TITLE:

    Orpheus


VERSION:

    1.63

RELEASED ON:

    August 23, 1993


NEW IN THIS VERSION:

    Link to forms, so users can fill out and print an order or 
    questionnaire right inside your electronic book.  Documents can now
    be given an index, and the Reader detects the index file automatically.
    Store graphics and forms in efficient library files to protect your
    work and simplify distribution.  Improved interface makes hypertext
    navigation easier than ever.


PROGRAM AUTHOR:

    Rod Willmot
    Hyperion Softword
    535 Duvernay
    Sherbrooke, QC
    Canada J1L 1Y8

    (819-566-6296)


INTENDED USER:

    Writers of online books, manuals, tutorials, or any other form of
    electronic documentation with a hypertext component.


SHORT DESCRIPTION:

    Orpheus is a writer-friendly hypertext authoring system, consisting of
    two programs:  OH.EXE, the authoring program itself, and OHREAD.EXE, a
    reader to distribute with compiled electronic books.


WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THIS SOFTWARE:

    * Hypertext authoring in Orpheus is easier, faster, more intuitive
      than in any other system on the market.
    * Compiled books form a seamless package with an impressive user-
      interface.  Readers see a gorgeous end-product that is easy to
      navigate and fun to read.
    * Link to graphics, embed hotspots in graphics, launch programs,
      play music... or just do fabulously readable text.  The end-user
      can click on a word and get anything you can imagine.
    * Link to forms to get user input, link to external text files where
      the user can actually add links of his own.
    * Import existing text or use the powerful hypertext word processor in
      the authoring program's Integrated Development Environment.
    * The Orpheus Reader has bookmarks, a notepad, printing, online help,
      configurable colors, even a Tour Mode for self-running displays.


CAPACITY AND LIMITATIONS:

    Up to 32,000 linked cards and graphics per document, and documents can
    be linked to each other for infinite capacity.  Text screens (cards) can
    have up to 250 links to other cards or graphics.  Graphics (including
    ansi screens) can have up to 49 hotspots linked to other graphics or
    text.  There are 7 link types, 3 of them for programmable cards in which
    you enter script commands in the Orpheus Command Language (like batch
    files but more powerful).


REQUIREMENTS:

    Orpheus requires an IBM XT- or AT-compatible computer with DOS 3.1 or
    later.  The authoring program requires a hard disk; the Orpheus Reader
    does not.


IS A MANUAL INCLUDED?

    Yes.  The file MANUAL1.DOC provides an introduction to hypertext and a
    series of step-by-step tutorials on how to make hypertext with Orpheus.
    (Both programs include online help -- context-sensitive, with hypertext
    links of course!  Help in the authoring program is an exhaustive resource
    with nearly 250K of texts on every facet of the system.)  In addition
    the file MANUAL2.DOC provides a complete guide to using the Orpheus
    Command Language (for authors who wish to display graphics, launch
    programs, play music, etc).


SUPPORT:

    Orpheus is supported on three levels, all of them free:  (1) voice
    support over the telephone (11:30 am to 11:30 pm, Eastern Time);
    (2) email support via Internet and the shareware conferences of several 
    public echomail networks; (3) two support BBS's providing free updates.  
    See the README file for details.


HOW TO START THE PROGRAM:

    At the DOS prompt, "OH    [Enter]" starts up the authoring program; you
    can also give the name of a file.  For example, to start up Orpheus
    Author and simultaneously initiate a new project called "Test", you
    would give the command "OH TEST      [Enter]".  See MANUAL1.DOC
    (Chapter 1) for more information.

    To start up the Orpheus Reader with the demo book "Introducing Orpheus",
    give the command "OHREAD INTRO.HTX     [Enter]" at the DOS prompt.


REGISTRATION:

    Orpheus is distributed as shareware, with a registration fee of $79.
    Registered users receive bonus utilities and an unlimited licence to sell,
    give away, or otherwise distribute their compiled works together with the
    Orpheus Reader.  Registration numbers are built right into compiled books
    as the ultimate proof of copyright.  Site licensing is available to
    companies requiring multiple copies of the authoring program.


FILES IN THIS PACKAGE:

      README ....................... general info and file list
      OH.EXE ....................... Orpheus Author, the authoring program
      WHATS.NEW .................... new features, fixes, changes
      REGISTER.DOC ................. order form
      VENDOR.TXT ................... this file
      OH.HLP ....................... online help for the authoring program
      MANUAL1.DOC .................. manual/tutorial on OH.EXE
      MANUAL2.DOC .................. guide to Orpheus Command Language
      OHREAD.EXE ................... the Orpheus Reader
      OHREAD.HLP ................... its online help
      INTRO.HTX .................... demo book to read with Reader
      INTR_.1 ...................... part of demo book
      INTRO.FGI .................... library file for demo
      SHOWRUN.BAT .................. sample batch file called by demo