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.)