
 
                      Welcome to FirstBasic by PowerBASIC
                         We put the "Power" in "Basic"
 

   This README file contains information that will be useful and of interest
   to you.  Please read it in its entirety, referring to it if you encounter
   any problems.

 
                             Table of contents
 

     Section 1   What is FirstBasic
     Section 3:  Registration of FirstBasic
     Section 3:  How to get help with FirstBasic
     Section 4:  Hardware & Software Requirements
     Section 5:  Running the compiler
     Section 6:  The examples
     Section 7:  Glossary of terms
     Section 8:  Other PowerBASIC Products

 
                         Section 1: What is FirstBasic
 

   FirstBasic is a true compiler for DOS Basic programmers, not a slow
   interpreter like GW Basic, QBasic or even Visual Basic.  It compiles
   Basic source code files (.BAS) into fast, machine code executables
   (.EXE), which can then be run from the DOS command line.  You can even
   distribute your executables to others without fear of anyone gaining
   access to your source code.

   FirstBasic provides a complete development environment, with an
   integrated editor, debugger, compiler and object linker, as well as a
   command-line version for batch mode operation.  If you're new to Basic,
   you'll find that the extensive context-sensitive help system and online
   user's manual will have you developing applications in no time.
   Intermediate to advanced users will love the new performance features in
   FirstBasic.

   But that's not all.  With FirstBasic, you get:

     - Unlimited string space (no more 64k limit)

     - Powerful flex strings which let you create data structures
       dynamically at run-time.

     - Lightning fast array sort, scan, insert and delete, etc.

     - Highly accurate BCD math variables for financial applications.

     - Support for both 8088/8086 and 80286 code generation.

     - And the list goes on...

   FirstBasic is not FreeWare, nor is it public domain.  FirstBasic is
   distributed as shareware (see the glossary of terms for a definition of
   Shareware, Freeware, etc.).  This means that you can try FirstBasic for
   a period not to exceed 30 days, before you register it (See the license
   agreement for more details).  Try it out, share it with your friends.
   If, at the end of the evaluation period, you decide to continue using
   FirstBasic, you must register your copy (see ORDER.TXT for an order
   form).

   See for yourself how we put the "Power" in "Basic".

 
                     Section 2: Registration of FirstBasic
 

   Why should I register?
   ----------------------
   When you register your copy of FirstBasic, you will receive the
   following:

     - A disk containing:
       - The REGISTERED version of FirstBasic.
       - FBC.EXE, the command-line compiler.
       - FBINST.EXE, the customization utility for FirstBasic.
       - A complete online user's guide
       - More source code examples.

     - Notification of new offerings and product upgrades.
     - A free subscription to the PowerBASIC gazette.

   How do I register?
   ------------------
   Registration of FirstBasic costs only $25.  You can register in one of
   the following ways:

     - By calling the order desk at 1-800-780-7707 with a credit card.

     - By filling out and mailing the included order form, and returning it
       with a check, money order, or credit card number and expiration
       date, to the address below:

                PowerBASIC, Inc.
                316 Mid Valley Center
                Carmel, CA  93923

     - By using the online order form on our World Wide Web page at
       http://www.powerbasic.com

   What else can I get?
   --------------------
   After you register your copy of FirstBasic, you are eligible to upgrade
   to the full PowerBASIC product, complete with a 2-volume documentation
   set, for only $99.00 (that's a $25 saving).

   An upgrade to the full product gets you, among other things:

     - The current version of the full PowerBASIC compiler, complete with
       two manuals (a User's Guide and a Reference Guide).  That version of
       the compiler, which retails for $149, was awarded PC Magazine's
       Editor's Choice award.  Some of its most prominent features are:

         - Instant TSRs (5 lines of code)
         - A built-in assembler
         - Unlimited dynamic strings
         - Extended data types, including user-defined TYPEs and UNIONs
         - Extended COMM support with 16550 FIFO support.
         - Support for non-standard COMM port addresses and IRQs.
         - Code and data pointers
         - Conditional compilation
         - Huge arrays (greater than 64K)
         - Absolute Arrays (at a specific address)
         - Optional parameters in Basic subs and functions, etc.
         - New IDE with Mouse Support

     - A command-line compiler (callable from batch or make files)
     - A librarian (for building libraries of .OBJ and unit files)
     - A standalone debugger (allows you to debug larger programs)

     - Technical support by mail, fax, Compuserve, Internet, BBS or voice.

   See the file UPGRADE.TXT for more info on what is included in the full
   product.

 
                   Section 3: How to get help with FirstBasic
 

   While in the FirstBasic IDE, help is only a keystroke away.  Just hit F1
   to bring up the online help.  If the cursor happens to be on a
   FirstBasic keyword, hitting Ctl-F1 will take you to the help page for
   that keyword.

   Technical support via telephone or Fax is only available to registered
   owners of PowerBASIC 3.0 or later.  The online help file (press the F1
   key when inside of the editor) contains product and ordering info for
   PowerBASIC 3.

   PowerBASIC has users in nearly every country and on every continent. You
   can share tips with many of them through the Internet or by using an
   online service such as CompuServe or America Online.

   If you have access to the Internet you will find discussions on
   FirstBasic programming in the Usenet newsgroups "alt.lang.basic" and
   "comp.lang.basic.misc".  If you have a web browser you can connect to
   http://www.powerbasic.com which contains product information and answers
   to many frequently asked technical support questions.

   If you are a CompuServe member you can join our support forum, by typing
   GO POWERBASIC (section 12), to find discussions on FirstBasic
   programming.  The forum library also contains lots of sample code for
   all versions of PowerBASIC.

   If you are an America Online member you can use the DEVELOPMENT keyword
   to locate the forum for software development.  FirstBasic discussions
   can be found in the Turbo Basic/PowerBASIC folder.

   You can also dial directly into the PowerBASIC Support BBS by calling
   408-659-7401.  It contains lots of example source code for all versions
   of FirstBasic and many useful discussions and tips.

   PowerBASIC, Inc. publishes the PowerBASIC Gazette, a newsletter which is
   available at no cost, to registered customers.  This newsletter contains
   the latest information on products from PowerBASIC as well as
   programming tips and answers to many frequently asked technical support
   questions.  To get a free subscription you can contact PowerBASIC by
   mail, telephone, fax, or email:

                PowerBASIC, Inc.
                316 Mid Valley Center
                Carmel, CA  93923

                1-800-780-7707 (sales)
                1-408-659-8000 (Intl. Sales,)
                1-408-659-8008 (Fax)

                CompuServe:  73621, 2613
                  Internet:  sales@powerbasic.com
                             http://www.powerbasic.com

 
                  Section 4: Hardware & Software Requirements
 

  Hardware requirements
  ---------------------
  FirstBasic is provided in compressed format on one 1.4M floppy diskette.
  To install FirstBasic, you will need an IBM compatible PC with a 640K or
  more of RAM, and a 3.5 inch high-density (1.44 MB) floppy drive (hard
  disk recommended).

  Software requirements
  ---------------------
  The FirstBasic compiler, as well as applications written with FirstBasic,
  require DOS version 3.0 or higher.

 
                        Section 5: Running the Compiler
 

   You run the FirstBasic compiler by typing FIRSTBAS at the DOS prompt.
   You can also type FIRSTBAS followed by the name of a Basic source file
   to load into the editor.  If you specify a filename, FirstBasic will
   automatically load that file into the editor, ready to be
   edited/compiled/executed. You exit the compiler by typing Alt-X, or
   Alt-F to bring up the file menu and then "Q" to Quit.  The active
   function keys are always listed at the bottom of the screen.

 
                         Section 6: The examples
 

   FirstBasic ships with the following sample source files to get you
   started:

     Filename            Description
     ------------        --------------------------------------------
     BALL     BAS        A graphical program to simulate a bouncing ball
     CAPS     BAS        Utility to toggle the Caps Lock on and off
     HANOI    BAS        The towers of hanoi
     MUSIC    BAS        A demonstration of sound capabilities
     NUM      BAS        Utility to toggle the Num Lock on and off

 
                         Section 7: Glossary of terms
 

    What is Shareware?
    ------------------
    "Shareware" is a distribution method and is usually copyrighted
    software which is distributed by authors through bulletin boards,
    on-line services, disk vendors, and copies passed among friends.  It is
    commercial software which you are allowed to use and evaluate before
    paying for it.  FirstBasic is distributed as shareware.

    What is Public Domain?
    ----------------------
    "Public domain" has a very specific legal meaning.  It covers the
    creator of a work (in this case, software), who has legal ownership of
    that work, and has given up ownership and dedicated the work "to the
    public domain".  Once something is in the public domain, anyone can use
    it in any way they choose.  The author has no control over the use and
    cannot demand payment for it.

    If you find a program which the author has explicitly put into the
    public domain, you are free to use it however you see fit without
    paying for the right to do so.  But use caution - due to the confusion
    over the meaning of the words, programs are often described by authors
    as being "public domain" when, in fact, they are shareware or free,
    copyrighted software (freeware).  To be sure a program is public
    domain, you should look for an explicit statement from the author to
    that effect.  FirstBasic is not Public Domain.

    What is Copyrighted/Freeware?
    -----------------------------
    "Copyrighted" is the opposite of public domain.  A copyrighted program
    is one in which the author has asserted his or her legal right to
    control the program's use and distribution by placing the legally
    required copyright notices in the program and documentation.  The law
    gives copyright owners broad rights to restrict how their work is
    distributed.  It also provides penalties for those who violate these
    restrictions.  When you find a program which is copyrighted, you must
    use it in accordance with the copyright owner's restrictions regarding
    distribution and payment.  Usually, these are clearly stated in the
    program documentation.  FirstBasic is copyrighted software.

    Maintaining a copyright does not necessarily imply charging a fee.  It
    is possible, and perfectly legal, to have copyrighted programs which
    are distributed free of charge (freeware).  The fact that a program is
    free, however, does not mean it is in the public domain - though this
    is a common confusion.

 
                   Section 8: Other PowerBASIC products
 
 PowerBASIC, Inc.                                  800-780-7707 Orders
 316 Mid Valley Center                             408-659-8000 Voice
 Carmel, Ca 93923                                  408-659-8008 Fax
                                                   CIS ID# 75300,1742
 PowerBASIC Compiler for DOS              $149.00  info@powerbasic.com
 PC Magazine's Editors' Choice for best DOS BASIC 
 compiler.  Competitive upgrade pricing available  ON COMPUSERVE, GO POWERBASIC
 for Microsoft BASIC, C, and Pascal programmers.  
 Ĵ http://www.powerbasic.com
 PowerBASIC Developer Kit for Windows     $149.00 
 Add-on library which allows your DOS programs to 
 access the Windows API and DLLs.  Use truetype   
 fonts, graphical dialogs, 256 color bitmaps,     
 DDE, and more from within your existing BASIC    
 programs.                                        
 Ĵ
 PB/Xtra Programmer's Reference Collection $49.00 
 Megabytes of example source code, third-party    
 add on libraries, utilities, and programming     
 information for PowerBASIC programmers.  Add     
 256 color VGA graphics, graphical and text mode  
 user interfaces, fast b-tree indexing and .DBF   
 support, and Zmodem support to your programs.    
 You'll even find source code to a complete BBS   
 program.  Available on CDROM or 14 high density  
 1.44 meg 3.5 inch floppy disks.                  
 Ĵ
 SoftCode for PowerBASIC                   $99.00 
 Don't spend days or weeks writing your database  
 applications when you can spend a few hours      
 designing your screens, menus, and database      
 fields in SoftCode.  Then let it create the      
 source code for you, complete with fast b-tree   
 indexing and mouse support.                      
 Ĵ
 SoftDemo and Flash-Up                     $49.00 
 Create self-running demos, tutorials and proto-  
 types, easily with SoftDemo.  Attach menus, help 
 windows and keyboard macros with Flash-Up.       
 
