Click Here for information regarding precautions before installing Shareware. You can find most of this software, and in some cases, more current versions (or Shareware featured in more recent issues) at our online sites:
Install Searcher V. 4.0 (to decompress Shareware)
This brief tutorial provides introductory information, but requires that you specify the relevant filenames and directory names. You'll understand it better if you Install Searcher V. 4.0 (to decompress Shareware). Please note that, after you install Searcher V. 4.0 (or any other decompression program), when you click on an icon to unzip software, the cursor may not change to an hourglass while the software is being loaded into your decompression program. Please do not be alarmed; your system is not hung. It is just working.
Also, with some Web browsers, you may not see the decompression application because the Web browser has moved in front of the new window. In this case, press Alt-TAB to cycle through the open windows, or press Control-Escape to see a list of all open windows.
The tutorial assumes the following:
Terminology
Archives are files that contain other files. ZIP files are the most common archive format. Typically the files in an archive are compressed. Searcher V. 4.0 attempts to treat ZIP compressed files in an archive, just like any other file. When you click on a link to UnZIP a set of files, you will see a list of the files which are contained in the ZIP file. You may select some or all of the files and copy them, just as you would copy any other files. Selecting individual ZIP compressed files from a ZIP archive and choosing copy, decompresses the files and places them in the copy destination. Alternatively, copying ordinary DOS files (found with another search operation) with the "ZIP and Copy" option selected, places the files in a new (or existing) ZIP archive.
Working with Existing Archives
The first step is to find files in a ZIP compressed archive file. Enter the ZIP file name the File Spec edit field, followed by *.* and -*.ZIP (eg. "file.zip *.* -*.zip" no quotes) and check only the "Compressed" file type in the Attributes dialog box. This tells Searcher V. 4.0 to search the "file.zip" file for all compressed files, but don't search any other zip files. Then click on the Search button, or press Alt-S to start the search. Use the Disks icons and Path Spec drop down combo box to select the appropriate directory. Double-click on a folder in the Path Spec drop down to select the directory.
Once existing archive files are found, you can copy the files in the archive. The files in an archive are listed in a list box in the main Searcher V. 4.0 window. You can
To create a new archive, search for the files and select them, then click on the Copy Button in Searcher V. 4.0. Type the name of the ZIP archive file you want to create and choose the ZIP and Copy option. Do not enter the name of the files you want to compress. This dialog box works almost like the standard Windows Open dialog box. You can use the Drives and Directories list boxes to choose the drive and directory where the archive will be created. For example, to create an archive on your floppy drive select A: from the Drives drop-down list box. The names of any existing files on the selected drive and directory will be listed to help you choose a name that is not already in use.
After creating an archive you may want to add files to the archive, so verify that the ZIP and Copy check box is checked to automatically add files to the ZIP archive. Press the OK button to complete your selection. See the next section for instructions on adding files to an archive.
Adding Files to an Archive
You can add files to an existing archive (as described above in the section Working with Existing Archives) or to a new archive you've created (as described above in the section Creating New Archives). To select the files to add to the archive, click on the file and drag the mouse cursor across the list, or click on the Select All button When you are done selecting files, press the Copy button.
You can also add files to an archive by dragging the files you want to add from the File Manager and dropping them on the Searcher V. 4.0 window, selecting them and clicking on the Copy button.
Note: when you add files to an archive the original files on disk are not deleted unless you select Move button.
Shortcuts:
It is often easier to open an archive by double clicking on the archive in the File Manager, or by dragging the archive from the File Manager to an open Searcher V. 4.0 window.
Configuration:
Many Searcher V. 4.0 operations can be tailored using configuration options. For example, you can change the default directories for the Path Spec and File Spec edit fields. Once you have configured Searcher V. 4.0 for an operation, the configuration may be stored by pressing Ctrl-Fn (Control and a function key) and Enter. Then pressing the function key again, restores the saved configuration. Most options are intended for advanced users.
Conclusion:
This concludes the brief tutorial. If you have questions, feel free to contact the author at the address listed in the About dialog box of the program itself.
Installing Shareware can affect system files and MAY affect other programs. Please exercise caution (back up CONFIG.SYS, WIN.INI, SYSTEM.INI and AUTOEXEC.BAT.) before installing Shareware. If you don't know how to back up files, DON'T INSTALL SHAREWARE until you're more comfortable with your Windows skills.
If a Shareware description indicates that a program requires VBRUN300.DLL, look to see if you already have a copy of this program in your \WINDOWS or \WINDOWS\SYSTEM directory.
If VBRUN300.DLL hasn't already been placed there by some other application, copy it from the root directory of this CD-ROM to your \WINDOWS\SYSTEM directory. You need only do this once; VBRUN300.DLL will then be available for all future Visual Basic programs to use. The same instructions apply to programs which require VBRUN200.DLL or VBRUN100.DLL.
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.
After reading the Searcher V. 4.0 Tutorial, you can either use the unregistered copy of Searcher V. 4.0 on the CD-ROM (\SEARCHER\SEARCHER.EXE) to unzip your files, or you can improve performance by clicking here to install Searcher V. 4.0 on your PC. Whether you decide to use the CD-ROM copy or install it on your PC, read the next section to see how to set up your browser to launch Searcher V. 4.0 automatically.
Automatic unzipping of the shareware on this CD-ROM only works if you have an association for the file extension ZIP. To find out how to create such an association, click on the appropriate link for your browser.
Setting Internet Explorer Association
Setting Netscape 1.X Association
Setting Netscape 2.X Association
Setting Spry Mosaic Association
Some of the Shareware and Freeware on this disk comes in what is known as a "self-extracting executable" file, a file with an .EXE extension which, when run from DOS or Windows, decompresses the program files so they can be run. Because these programs often attempt to install on the disk they are run from, and because they can't install themselves on the read-only CD-ROM drive, we no longer automatically launch such files; you have to copy it to your hard disk and execute the program there.Most of the shareware comes in the form of .ZIP files, which contain many files compressed together, often with directory information as well as all the files required to install and run an application. Decompressing a zip file requires a separate program. There are many such programs; one Shareware program which performs this task is Searcher V. 4.0, which is available on this CDROM.
It is usually a good idea to create a new directory and place any .EXE or .ZIP files in that directory before decompressing them. That way, all the files associated with a program installation are in one place, and are easy to discard after the installation is complete. You install most Shareware and Freeware by running INSTALL.EXE or SETUP.EXE after decompressing or unzipping the file.