
README for Astronomica 1.6 ( October 2001 )
================================================================
Copyright (c) 2001 by Piotr Czerski. All Rights Reserved.


Table of Contents:
I.    Welcome
II.   Definition of Shareware 
III.  Limitations to Shareware version of Astronomica
IV.   System Requirements
V.    Installation Notes
VI.   Quick Start
VII.  Revision History
VIII. Contacting the Author 


			       * * * * * *


I.  Welcome!
=================================================================
Welcome to Astronomica for Windows 95/98/ME and Windows NT. Please take 
a few minutes to read this file, which contains the latest information 
regarding this release.


			       * * * * * *


II. Definition of Shareware
=================================================================
Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before
buying it.If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, 
you are expected to register. Individual programs differ on details
-- some request registration while others require it, some specify 
a maximum trial period. With registration, you get anything from 
the simple right to continue using the software to an updated program
and others benefits.

Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and retail software, and the
copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions
as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, 
just like retail authors, and the programs are of comparable quality.
(In both cases, there are good programs and bad ones!) The main 
difference is in the method of distribution. The author specifically
grants the right to copy and distribute the software, either to all 
and sundry or to a specific group. For example, some authors require 
written permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their
Shareware.

Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You 
should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether 
it's retail or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your 
needs easier, because you can try before you buy. And because the
overhead is lower, prices are lower also. Shareware has the ultimate
money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it.


			       * * * * * *


III. Limitations to Shareware version of Astronomica
=================================================================
The Shareware version of Astronomica is fully functional program
except two limitations:
- You cannot print star charts, however you can view it.
- You can only display images in JPEG(*.jpg) format.

Registered version of Astronomica runs without any limitations.



                               * * * * * * 


IV. System Requirements
=================================================================
IBM PC or 100% compatible
Windows 95/98/ME or Windows NT 4.0/2000
486 DX or above
SVGA 256 colors ( True Color and at least 800x600 are highly recommended )
 8 MB of RAM for Windows 95
12 MB of RAM for Windows NT


			       * * * * * *


V. Installation Notes
=================================================================
If installing from the Web site, please expand the downloaded ZIP
file into an empty directory. Once expanded, run SETUP.EXE to 
install Astronomica. When the Astronomica setup screen will appear,
click the NEXT button, then the setup program will prompt you to 
enter the drive and directory. Choose the drive and directory,
where you want to install Astronomica, and click on the OK button, 
or press <Enter>. When you're done, click on the NEXT button, or 
press <Enter>. The setup program will install the files in the 
location you selected, and add a new program folder entitled 
"Astronomica" along with shortcuts (program items).
			    
To uninstall Astronomica, click on UnInstall icon in the 
Astronomica program folder. (Alternatively, you can click Add/Remove 
Programs icon in the Control Panel folder, and then select 
Astronomica from the list, and click the Add/Remove... button.) 
Click the OK. button or press <Enter> to confirm uninstallation. 
When uninstallation completed, click the OK button. 

		
	                       * * * * * *
			      

VI.  Quick Start
================================================================
First, try panning and zooming. There are many ways to do this. To pan, 
use the arrow keys or arrow buttons on the small floating toolbar.
Alternatively you can use the left mouse button. Click anywhere on the map.
It will be redrawn, but centered at the point you clicked on. You can
recenter on any point in this manner. Zooming can be done by hitting the '*'
key (zoom in) or the '/' key (zoom out). Use the magnifier buttons on floating
toolbar to reach the same effect.
Next, try the right mouse button. Click with it on any star, deep sky object
or planet. You will receive detailed information about the celestial object 
you clicked on.
Of course, Astronomica has much more possibilities. Use the main toolbar
and menu to try them. Press the F1 button anytime, to obtain detailed help
on Astronomica.


                               * * * * * *


VII. Revision History
================================================================
Oct-01 v1.6

Bug fix release:
o East and West signs are always being drawn correctly on the horizon.
o Moon's bright side is always directed to the Sun. However Moon is
  represented as an icon so its terminator line is always displayed vertically.
o "About..." dialog has been widen to allow enter and display longer user 
  names. Ability to use multilingual characters in the user name.
  
New features:
o Red screen mode to use Astronomica at night without weakening night vision.
o Full screen option to display sky map without caption, frames, menu etc.

Oct-98 v1.51

Bug fix release:

o  Fixed an error during saving key number under Windows NT 4.0.

Aug-98 v1.5

New features:

o  Added Local horizon view.
o  The stars are drawn in colors based on its spectral type.
o  Active toolbars and menus based on MS Office 97 style.
o  The Moon is drawn with its phase.
o  Added Magellanic Clouds.
o  Info dialogs for deep sky objects.
o  Ability to display images directly from info dialogs.
o  Altitude and azimuth information for all objects.
o  Displayed equatorial coordination of mouse cursor.
o  List of over 400 predefined cities in the location dialog.
o  Additional constellations lines.
o  Extended help system and context sensitive help.
o  Ability to pan by single click with the left mouse button.
o  Ability to search for compass points on horizon.
o  One-step animation forward or backward.
o  Real time animation.
o  More keyboard shorcuts.
o  More time steps for animation.
o  Added common names to star and deep sky object info dialogs.
o  Modified info dialog for stars.
o  Ability to display the sky in several shades of blue as well as.
   in black depending on daytime, twilight or nighttime.

May-98 v1.02

Bug fix release:

o  Program no longer hangs up on start. It would happen on some of 
   language Windows versions.
o  Horizon line is being drawn correctly for southern latitude 
   locations.

Apr-98 v1.0

First release of Astronomica


                               * * * * * *


VIII.Contacting the Author 
================================================================

o   Free and unlimited electronic support for registered users 
    is available on:

    pczerski@astronomica.com
   
o   If you don't have e-mail access you can write at:

    Piotr Czerski
    ul. Milkowskiego 19/12
    30-349 Krakow
    Poland

o   Astronomica home page is available at:

    http://www.astronomica.com

o   Any suggestions and comments about Astronomica are welcome.


			       * * * * * *


Thank you for using Astronomica

Sincerely,
Piotr Czerski 
			