Path: utzoo!attcan!utgpu!watserv1!watmath!ria!uwovax!2011_552
From: 2011_552@uwovax.uwo.ca
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Re: What is 4DOS?
Message-ID: <4615.25a54911@uwovax.uwo.ca>
Date: 6 Jan 90 06:25:37 GMT
References: <878@megatek.UUCP> <9001021637.AA00268@krefcom.UUCP> <7247@shlump.nac.dec.com>
Lines: 71

In article <7247@shlump.nac.dec.com>, granoff@vaxwrk.enet.dec.com (Mark H. Granoff) writes:
>> Features :
> 
[summary of some of the features of 4DOS]
> 
>> Can be obtained from:
>> 
>> J.P. Software
>> P.O. Box 1470
>> East Arlington, Ma.  02174
> 
> I gave them a call (617-646-3975).  The software is ShareWare.  You can
> use it free for 21 days (to test drive it), then you have to register.
> 
>> Demo versions are available on lots of BBS, but since I am not a BBS
>> nut, I am sorry I cannot tell you what ones.
> 
> I don't think it a demo; its the real thing.  Two places to get it (I'm sure
> there are more):
> 
> 	CompuServ, forums CONSULT (or is it CONSULTS, or something else
> 		close), or IBMSYS.
> 
> 	Future Technologies BBS, 617-720-4095, 2400bps (they said)
> 
> Files are called 4DOS.ARC and 4DDOC.ARC and total 270Kb.

It is also available by anonymous ftp from WSMR-SIMTEL20.ARMY.MIL as

      PD1:<MSDOS.SYSUTL>
          4DOS22.ARC

The arc contains both the program and the documentation.

See also (in the same directory):
    4DOSTIP.ARC -- some comments on 4DOS, and some tips on installing 4DOS.
    4DNOTE1.ARC -- corrects the documentation for a feature of ALIAS;
                   a patch to BEEP.

I got a copy about a week ago and I have been trying it out.  It is indeed
the real thing.  The major difference between the unregistered version
and registered copies is apparently the startup notice:

"The shareware version of 4DOS will pause briefly (1 - 2 seconds) and
 display a message reminding you of the registration requirement each
 time you boot your system.  Neither the reminder nor the delay are
 present in the registered version."

The documentation states explicitly that nothing dire happens at the 
end of the trial period:

"The 21-day evaluation period is a legal requirement based on our license
 agreement, NOT a time bomb inserted in the program!  4DOS will not stop
 working or cause any damage to itself or to your system at the end of
 the 21-day period."

The registration form lists the price as:
   disk, manual, next update free:  $50/copy
   disk only, no free update:       $35/copy

(sales tax (MA only) and shipping are extra).

The manual is 121 pages and seems to be reasonably thorough.

I really like it so far; no problems with installation, and no 
incompatibilies noted to date.
-- 
Terry Gaetz        -- gaetz@uwovax.bitnet  --  gaetz@uwovax.uwo.ca
Astronomy Dept.    -- "Deyr fe, deyja fraendr, deyr sjalfr it sama;
U. Western Ontario --  ek veit einn, at aldri deyr; domr um dauthan hvern."
Canada             --                                 Havamal