Category : A Collection of Games for DOS and Windows
Archive   : INFOCOM2.ZIP
Filename : README

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³ INFOCOM2.EXE README FILE ³ PLEASE READ ALL OF THIS IF POSSIBLE! ³
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*** QUICK START ***

Copy the file INFOCOM2.EXE into your Infocom directory.
Type INFOCOM2 to get some help, or type INFOCOM2 followed by
a game name to start playing.

Example: INFOCOM2 ZORK

*** INTRODUCTION ***

This program is a new and improved version of the INFOCOM.EXE
front-end that comes with "The Lost Treasures Of Infocom".
It is not a game by itself. You will have to purchase "TLTOI"
to be able to use this program.

Some of the features of this new front-end are:
* Specify the desired game on the command line. You no longer
have to putz around with the pathetic menu.
* Use of original command-line parameters. This feature was
not permitted before.
* Run TLTOI from any directory.

*** RUNNING THE PROGRAM ***

See the above section, "Quick Start", which pretty much explains
the operation of the program.

It is recommended that you place INFOCOM2.EXE in the same directory
as your other Infocom stuff, and that you change to this Infocom
directory before running the game.

As long as INFOCOM2.EXE is on your DOS PATH, though, the program
will do its best to figure out where your files are. Many games
will complain that they can't find the setup file, and you may see
some confusing results. You'll need to run these games from your
Infocom directory.

*** COMMAND-LINE PARAMETERS ***

Many Infocom games had command-line parameters that you could
pass to alter the behavior of the game. Some of these commands
are listed below. (If you gamers know of any others, let me know!)

Use these command line parameters in the usual way. Example:
INFOCOM2 ZORK /w /p

Supported parameters for all text games:
/c -- Color output
/m -- Mono output
/w -- don't redraw the status line every time (This parameter
has been hard-coded in; it almost always works)
/p -- reinitialize printer (probably useful only to PCjr users)
/v -- verify game (same as typing $VERIFY from within game)

Other known parameters: {not all parms work with all games}
/x -- force graphics
/a -- disable graphics
/f -- disable UNDO
/k???-- limit memory to ??? K
/r -- Microsoft mouse

*** ERROR MESSAGES ***

* "CAN'T FIND YOUR INFOCOM DIRECTORY, SEE THE README FILE"

INFOCOM2.EXE needs to know where your Infocom files reside. It
assumes that your Infocom directory is C:\INFOCOM. If you have
a different directory name, then you will need to create a file
called INFOCOM2.PTH containing your path. Don't put a trailing
backslash at the end. A suitable INFOCOM2.PTH might contain the
single line:
D:\GAMES\INFOCOM

INFOCOM2.EXE will assume that INFOCOM2.PTH resides in the same
directory as INFOCOM2.EXE.

* COULDN'T OPEN xxx FOR WRITING ... CHECK SYSTEM!
COULDN'T CHDIR TO xxx ... CHECK SYSTEM!
COULDN'T EXECUTE xxx.EXE
FATAL ERROR: GAME FILE NOT FOUND

All of these error messages mean that INFOCOM2.EXE tried to
access files or directories that weren't there. If you haven't
installed the game you tried to play, then you'll see messages
like this.

* OTHER MESSAGES

Several other error handling routines have been included mostly
because good programming practice dictates they should be. You
shouldn't see any other messages than the 5 listed above. But
if you do, let me know!

*** PROGRAMMERS ***

WILL B. BELL -- Original programmer & maintainer.
Send all comments to me at:
Internet: [email protected]
Compuserve: 70323,1026
GEnie: W.BELL8

MORGAN SCHWEERS -- Provided valuable information & inspiration.
Internet: [email protected]

ALAN S. RASKIN -- Added many features, extensions, and bug fixes.
Internet: [email protected]

MARK HOWELL -- provided verification (/v) routine.
Internet: [email protected]

*** LEGALESE ***

This program makes permanent changes to the software supplied
with your TLTOI game package. Be sure that you have backups or
the original source disks available.

The software has been tested; however, no amount of testing can
reveal all errors. The software is supplied on an "as-is" basis;
the author makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding its
merchantability, usefulness, or fitness for a particular purpose.
The author can assume no responsibility for any loss or damage
that may occur as a result of your using this software.

INFOCOM2.EXE is Copyright (C) 1992 by Will B. Bell.
The software may be redistributed freely with no compensation
to the author whatsoever.

"The Lost Treasures of Infocom" is Copyright (C) 1991 by
Activision. INFOCOM, ZORK, and related indicia are trademarks
or registered trademarks of Infocom. MICROSOFT is a registered
trademark of Microsoft Corp.

*** END OF README FILE ***