README for Astronomica 1.5 ( August 1998 ) ================================================================ Copyright (c) 1998 by Piotr Czerski. All Rights Reserved. Table of Contents: I. Welcome II. Definition of Shareware III. Limitations to Shareware version of Astronomica IV. System Requirements V. Installation Notes VI. Quick Start VII. What's New VIII. Contacting the Author * * * * * * I. Welcome! ================================================================= Welcome to Astronomica for Windows 95/98 and Windows NT. Please take a few minutes to read this file, which contains the latest information regarding this release. * * * * * * II. 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 and others benefits. Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and retail software, and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like retail 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 retail or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy. And because the overhead is lower, prices are lower also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it. * * * * * * III. Limitations to Shareware version of Astronomica ================================================================= The Shareware version of Astronomica is fully functional program except two limitations: - You cannot print star charts, however you can view it. - You can only display images in JPEG(*.jpg) format. Registered version of Astronomica runs without any limitations. * * * * * * IV. System Requirements ================================================================= IBM PC or 100% compatible Windows 95/98 or Windows NT 4.0 486 DX or above SVGA 256 colors ( True Color and at least 800x600 are highly recommended ) 8 MB of RAM for Windows 95 12 MB of RAM for Windows NT * * * * * * V. Installation Notes ================================================================= If installing from the Web site, please expand the downloaded ZIP file into an empty directory. Once expanded, run SETUP.EXE to install Astronomica. When the Astronomica setup screen will appear, click the NEXT button, then the setup program will prompt you to enter the drive and directory. Choose the drive and directory, where you want to install Astronomica, and click on the OK button, or press . When you're done, click on the NEXT button, or press . The setup program will install the files in the location you selected, and add a new program folder entitled "Astronomica" along with shortcuts (program items). To uninstall Astronomica, click on UnInstall icon in the Astronomica program folder. (Alternatively, you can click Add/Remove Programs icon in the Control Panel folder, and then select Astronomica from the list, and click the Add/Remove... button.) Click the OK. button or press to confirm uninstallation. When uninstallation completed, click the OK button. * * * * * * VI. Quick Start ================================================================ First, try panning and zooming. There are many ways to do this. To pan, use the arrow keys or arrow buttons on the small floating toolbar. Alternatively you can use the left mouse button. Click anywhere on the map. It will be redrawn, but centered at the point you clicked on. You can recenter on any point in this manner. Zooming can be done by hitting the '*' key (zoom in) or the '/' key (zoom out). Use the magnifier buttons on floating toolbar to reach the same effect. Next, try the right mouse button. Click with it on any star, deep sky object or planet. You will receive detailed information about the celestial object you clicked on. Of course, Astronomica has much more possibilities. Use the main toolbar and menu to try them. Press the F1 button anytime, to obtain detailed help on Astronomica. * * * * * * VII. What's New ================================================================ There are many new features added since the latest release: o Local horizon view o The stars are drawn in colors based on its spectral type o Active toolbars and menus based on MS Office 97 style o The Moon is drawn with its phase o Added Magellanic Clouds o Info dialogs for deep sky objects o Ability to display images directly from info dialogs o Altitude and azimuth information for all objects o Displayed equatorial coordination of mouse cursor o List of over 400 predefined cities in the location dialog o Additional constellations lines o Extended help system and context sensitive help o Ability to pan by single click with the left mouse button o Ability to search for compass points on horizon o One-step animation forward or backward o Real time animation o More keyboard shorcuts o More time steps for animation o Added common names to star and deep sky object info dialogs o Modified info dialog for stars o Ability to display the sky in several shades of blue as well as in black depending on daytime, twilight or nighttime * * * * * * VIII.Contacting the Author ================================================================ o Free and unlimited electronic support for registered users is available on: hellias@friko2.onet.pl o If you don't have e-mail access you can write at: Piotr Czerski ul. Lilli Wenedy 11/50 30-833 Krakow Poland o Astronomica home page is available at: http://friko2.onet.pl/kr/hellias o Any suggestions and comments about Astronomica are welcome. * * * * * * Thank you for using Astronomica Sincerely, Piotr Czerski