                                      Bryan Scattergood, September 1996

This is release 1.8m of my version of the ITF Infocom interpreter.
(1.8d was the first distribution release of 1.8.)

Changes from 1.7 include

  * Support for version 8 games (Jigsaw!)
  * Reduced memory consumption on the Psion
  * Improved performance on the Psion
  * Undo support
  * New MS-Windows version
  * Colour support under MS-Windows and X11


What is it for?
===============

In all versions, the package is intended to make playing infocom games
as simple and pleasurable as possible.  To this end it adds the
following features to those found on most interpreters

* Command line editing using standard (and emacs) keys
* History of commands with full recall and editing
* Full integration with the appropriate windowing systems:
  . Uses resources for configuration under X11
  . Full desktop integration with drag and drop on the Acorn
  . Full font and dialog support on the Psion
  . Standard file and font dialogs under MS-Windows
* Proportional font support with optional justification
* Significantly reduced memory consumption for the Psion version
* Save files compatible across platforms

If you want a standard 'non-windowing' interpreter then a version of
Mark Howell's Zip interpreter is probably a better bet.  Similarly,
there are an increasing number of more accurate interpreters
available; this one has a number of weaknesses, especially with V5
games.


Is this Public Domain, CopyLeft or what?
========================================

This package is *not* public domain.
It is *not* copylefted.
I retain the copyright.
You may not distribute modified versions of these packages.

So what *are* you allowed to do?

You may freely copy these packages, provided you the copy you supply
is unmodified and complete.  You may do whatever you want with the
packages, *provided* it is for your own personal use.

The basic intention here is to stop you generating and distributing
derivatives; if you make useful changes, then send them to me and I'll
probably include them in the next release.

The Psion, Acorn and MS-Windows versions are available only as a
binary release; for technical and legal reasons I cannot distribute
the source for these platforms.  The X11 version is available in
source since any other release mechanism is impractical under Unix,
however some of the features from other platforms (dynamic window
sizing and font changes) have been removed from the source tree.

The Psion, Acorn and MS-Windows versions are shareware; if you send me
10 pounds sterling (translation: $15 US), then I'll keep you informed of
updates and give priority to your feature requests.  The X11 version
is intended to operate in the usual Unix tradition of sending patches
to the author.

As a guideline, please think about registering if you finish a game
using the interpreter, or if you are buying games to use with the
interpreter.  Registration gives me useful information on how many
people are using the different versions of the interpreter: current
development is concentrated on the Psion since the vast majority of
registrations have been for that version.

(There is also a 'pre-registered' version for the Psion available from
Lacegem on (0)161-792-2871 under the name InfoZip; this and the
version available to registered users are generally at least three
very-minor-versions ahead of the shareware releases.  For example,
registered users were receiving 1.8i while the shareware
release was at 1.7c.  It is hoped that future versions of InfoZip will
include a version of the MS-Windows interpreter in the package.)


Alright, but how do I install it?
=================================

You read the installation instructions for this particular package in
the file Install in the Doc directory (which should be in the same
directory as this file.)

You may want to browse through the other documentation in that
directory as well; in particular, if you have used a previous version
then the files Changes may be of interest.


And where do I get the games?
=============================

You will not find the classic Infocom games available for ftp.  They
are now owned by Activision who sell them in various bundles.

The first such bundles are known as the Lost Treasures of Infocom
(volumes I and II); you buy these as you would any other commercial
software, either mail order or if you are lucky from a local shop.

The Lost Treasures were available for the Mac, PC and Amiga; I recommend
the PC version since just about anything can read PC format floppy disks.
They may still be available in some places; for example, Lacegem may
have some stocks remaining.

The Lost Treasures were being replaced by themed packs of around
five adventures; I have seen these in the US, but not in the UK at the
time of writing.  These in turn are being replaced by a single CD
known as the Masterpieces Collection.  I've heard reports that the
CD is available (pretty much at random) in some parts of the USA.

If you feel that you can't justify buying a collection of games for about
the original cost of *one* infocom game, then you'll have to make do with
games written using Graham Nelson's compiler Inform.  The original
(and still the best) such game is Graham's own Curses, but a port of
Colossal Cave is also available, as is Graham's latest work, Jigsaw.
Both Inform and Curses are available from ftp.gmd.de.  I have also
heard favourable comments about Christminster (Gareth Rees) and
Theatre (Cave Rock Software).


Contacting the author
=====================

First the standard disclaimer:

This program is provided "as is", without any warranty of any kind.
The entire risk as to its quality and performance is with you.  In no
event will I be liable for damages arising from the use of this
program.

However, if you have any bug reports or feature requests then you
can send them to

        104312.2206@compuserve.com

or (failing that) to

        bryan@fsel.com

or (failing that) to

        jbs@comlab.ox.ac.uk

PLEASE do NOT send a copy of your message to all three addresses; try
them in the order given, allowing about a week for a reply.  If you
send three copies a reply will take *longer* because I'll get confused
about whether I've answered it on another system.

The email addresses should eventually reach me; forwarding will be set
up if required.

If you don't have email, or you need to send something through the
post then I can be reached as

        Bryan Scattergood
        c/o Formal Systems
        3 Alfred Street
        Oxford
        OX1 4EH
        England

(the old college address is due to become invalid around mid 1996.)
