Q. How do I 'launch' a Web browser and open the file 'DEFAULT.HTM' in the top level of the CD?
A. A Web browser is a special type of application designed for "surfing" or "browsing" hypertext pages on the Internet or anywhere else. This CD uses a Web browser interface. Web browsers are now very common, and the two most popular are Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer.
If you haven't got a Web browser installed (usually either Netscape or Internet Explorer) then follow the instructions on the back of the CD. When you have a browser installed run it by double-clicking on its icon. From here you can type in the location of the DEFAULT.HTM file or go to the open box (from the File menu) and select an HTML file from the D: drive. (HTML stands for Hypertext Markup Language, which is how all Web pages are written.)
Q. I haven't got a D: drive.
A. If your CD-ROM is not D: drive, replace D: with the drive letter that represents your CD-ROM.
Q. Do I need to be connected to the Internet to look at the CD?
A. No, all you need is the browser to view the pages on the CD and load the software onto your system.
Q. Can I use the CD without a browser?
A. Technically, you can. However, we have created the Web page interface to make it easier for you to find what you want with minimal fuss. All of the files can be executed and/or copied to the hard drive by looking through the folders. If you know exactly what you are looking for it can often be simpler to open the desired file straight from the CD.
Q. How do I unzip/save/open and then install the programs from apcmag.cd?
A. While browsing the different parts of apcmag.cd, if you come across a file you would like to try, you can click on the link and the file will be downloaded to the destination of your choice. Alternatively, you can make a note of the location of the file (by placing your mouse pointer over the link) and then copy it manually. Most of the files are archived and need to be unzipped (unpacked) before installing.
For Windows users: If the file has the extension EXE, all you have to do is run the file. If it is a ZIP file, you will need a copy of WinZip to extract the program files. You can install WinZip from apcmag.cd. The WinZip program itself is a self-extracting file and can be found in the Archiving part of the Internet Toolkit. Once you have WinZip you can open any ZIP file and unzip it. The unzipped program will usually have a setup or install file. Run the setup file and you'll be set.
For Mac user: Files with the extension HQX require a copy of StuffIt Expander to extract the programs. The StuffIt Expander program is provided on the CD in the Archiving part of the Internet Toolkit. It is in in the HQX format rather than the executable format. This is because Mac executables require a data fork and a resource fork, which is not supported by any other file system. If we put StuffIt Expander on the CD in its executable form, it would be completely unusable (the CD is an ISO9660 file space). By providing the file in a HQX format we are providing an update to existing users, but there is no possible way for us to include the product in its executable format. A free executable copy of StuffIt Expander can be picked up at any Mac store.
Q. How do I get the desktop themes to work?
A. apcmag.cd sometimes offers a selection of desktop themes to make your Windows 95 environment look nice. The only requirement is that you have the Plus! add-on installed. If you did not purchase Plus! when you got Windows 95 then you can buy it at most computer stores. If you don't have the Plus! program, you can still take advantage of the great sounds, backgrounds and icons of the desktop themes by copying individual files to your desktop folder and manually installing them via your desktop settings.
Q. What is DirectX and where can I get it?
A. DirectX drivers are for Windows 95 and assist games when it comes to realistic graphics and sound. There are five parts to the DirectX drivers (DirectDraw, DirectSound, DirectPlay, DirectInput, and Direct3D). You can get the DirectX drivers from the Game Zone page on apcmag.cd.
Q. Before running a Windows 95 game, I am told that there is a missing DDRAW.DLL file. What is it?
A. DDRAW.DLL refers to the DirectDraw component of your DirectX drivers. Make sure that you have installed DirectX properly.
Q. I have Windows 3.x and get the message that I need Win32s for some programs. What is Win32s and how do I load it?
A. Win32s is required to run standard 32-bit Windows applications under Windows 3.x. You can download the Win32s files from apcmag.cd. They can be found at the bottom of the Windows 3.x Internet Toolkit page.
Q. I tried to run one of the programs but it didn't work.
A. Break it down into possibilities:
* What platform are you using? First of all, Mac programs won't work on a PC and PC programs won't work on a Mac. Some programs are designed for Windows 95 and will not let you run them on Windows 3.x.
* Did you unzip the file and install it as instructed? Once you have unzipped the program it will usually need to be installed. Look for a file called 'INSTALL' or 'SETUP' and run it. Follow the prompts and when it is finished there should be a new program folder with the installed files.
* What are the program's system requirements? Many programs nowadays, especially games, require a fast computer with a fair amount of RAM. For PC users many programs also want you to be running Windows 95. If a program won't run, open its README file and look for its requirements.
Q. Can I use Windows 95 software with Windows 3.x or a Mac (and vice versa)?
A. Most Windows 95 software is designed specifically for Windows 95 and is usually incompatible with Windows 3.x. However, individual files that are common can be used by Windows 3.x. For example, with Windows 95 desktop themes you can copy any WAV, BMP, JPG, or GIF file to use on a Windows 3.x machine.
Q. My CD won't work at all. What should I do? Where can I get a replacement CD?
A. While we've taken every care to ensure that the software provided is useful and that it works, we cannot accept responsibility or liability for any of the products included. For problems with the CD, broken discs, errors in content, or queries about any browser pages, contact: apccd@acp.com.au, fax (02) 9264 6320 or phone (02) 9288 9123. Please note that we may not be able to answer queries over the phone, so fax or email is by far the best method. For problems with specific software please contact the software vendor.
Q. What can I do if I don't receive my subscribed APC? Or what if I don't get the CD with the mag?
A. If you usually get APC delivered by the local newsagent it is best to ask them about delivery problems. If you receive APC straight from ACP (Australian Consolidated Press) you can call subscriptions on 1800 252 515 quoting your customer number. If all else fails, call Kim Edwards here at APC.
Q. I missed an issue. How do I get back copies?
A. Copies of old issues of APC are available at many libraries, or send a cheque for $6.95 made payable to APC to: APC, Attention Kim Edwards, Level 8, 54 Park St, Sydney 1028.
We tend to run out of many issues quickly, so please contact us before sending your cheque. Kim Edwards is on (02) 9288 9123, or email KEdwards@acp.com.au.
