Software Manager Version 3.00 Software Manager Information File ============================================================================= This file is organized into the following sections: o Software Manager Description o Key Features o Shareware Concept o License Agreement o Trademarks Software Manager Description ============================ The Software Manager(tm) is a Shareware product that provides three wizards to help you manage the system and application software on your computer. The wizards eliminate the risk and guesswork associated with installing new software, removing software, maintaining Windows initialization (INI) files, and maintaining DOS configuration files (AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS). The installation wizard guides you through the steps required to safely install new software, and creates a comprehensive report of changes made to your system by the installation process. The uninstall wizard simplifies the complex task of removing all traces of an existing application from your system. Using an expert system, the uninstall wizard guides you the steps required to safely uninstall an application. The configuration file wizard provides a full featured ASCII text editor to modify DOS and Windows(tm) configuration files. The text editor can handle larger text files than Notepad and Sysedit. An automatic backup is created when a configuration file is changed. Difference reporting allows review of changes between current and previous versions of a configuration file. The Software Manager was designed for both novice and expert Windows users. Key Features ============ Listed below are the key features of Software Manager, version 3.00. * User Interface - Context sensitive help - Toolbar for quick access to common commands - Status bar - Provides standard short-cut keys - Quick exit to DOS command line - Interfaces with any File Manager, Print Manager, Backup Software, Anti-Virus Software, and System Information Software. - Provides help on system.ini and win.ini files as well as the Windows registration database. * Full feature ASCII text/INI file editor - Handles files larger than Notepad and Sysedit - Allows multiple files to be opened at the same time - Cut, Paste, Copy between multiple open files - Find and Find Replace functions - Print Preview - Automatic backup of windows INI files when modified (an unlimited number of backup versions is supported) * Install Wizard - Automatically archives configuration files before installation - Provides step-by-step instructions to safely install a new application - Generates comprehensive report of system changes. - Sophisticated restart engine allows system changes to be analyzed even if the system is restarted during the installation process. - Supports both Windows and DOS product installations * Uninstall Wizard - Automatically archives configuration files before software removal. - Generates a step-by-step procedure to remove an application. (The next release of this product will include a automated uninstall feature). Shareware Concept ================= 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 budget, 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. License Agreement ================= By installing the Software Manager on your system, you indicate your agreement to the following terms and conditions. The Software Manager is not public domain software, nor is it free software. Unregistered users are granted a limited license (registration) to use the Software Manager on a 30 day trial basis for the purpose of determining whether the Software Manager is suitable for their needs. The use of the Software Manager, except for the initial 30 day trial, requires registration. The use of unlicensed (unregistered) copies of the Software Manager by any person, business, corporation, government agency, or any other entity is strictly prohibited. A single user registration permits the user to use the Software Manager on a single computer. Registered users may use the Software Manager on different computers, but may not use the Software Manager on more than one computer at the same time. No one may modify the Software Manager files in any way, including but not limited to decompiling, disassembling, or otherwise reverse engineering the program. A limited license is granted to copy and distribute the Software Manager for the trial of other users, subject to the above limitations, and the following conditions: 1. The Software Manager must be copied in unmodified form, complete with the file containing this license information. 2. The Software Manager product consists of the files listed in README.TXT. All product files must be copied in unmodified form to the distribution media. 3. The Software Manager may not be distributed in conjunction with any other product or publication without written permission from PCSoft. 4. No fee, charge, or other compensation may be requested or accepted except as authorized below: 4a. Operators of electronic bulletin boards may make the Software Manager available for downloading only as long as the above conditions are met. An overall or time-dependent charge for the use of the bulletin board system is permitted as long as there is not a specific charge for the download of the Software Manager. 4b. Vendors may charge a disk duplication and handling fee, which may not exceed $10 (U S Dollars). The Software Manager is supplied "as-is". The entire and exclusive liability and remedy for breach of the limited warranty implied by this agreement shall be limited to the replacement of defective diskette(s) or documentation supplied by PCSoft to users who register their copies of the Software Manager. Liability shall not include or extend to any claim for or right to recover any other damages, including but not limited to loss of profit, data, or use of the Software Manager or other software, or special, incidental, or consequential damages or similar claims, even if PCSoft has been specifically advised of the possibility of such damages. In no event will PCSoft's liability for damages to you or any other party ever exceed the registration fee paid for the license to use Software Manager. PCSoft specifically disclaims all other warranties, expressed or implied, including but not limited to any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. This license agreement shall be construed, interpreted, and governed by the laws of the State of California. If any provision of this statement is found to be void or unenforceable, it will not affect the validity of the balance of this statement, which shall remain valid and enforceable according to its terms. If any remedy provided is determined to have failed its essential purpose, all limitations of liability and exclusions of damages set forth in the implied limited warranty shall remain in full force and effect. This agreement may only be modified in writing by PCSoft. Trademarks ========== Software Manager(tm) is a trademark of PCSoft. Windows(tm) is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Other trademarks as they may appear in Software Manager program, help and documentation files are properties of their respective holders, and their incidental inclusion is not intended as, or should be construed as, a violation of any rights associated therewith. *** End of SOFTMGR.TXT ***