                               ProKon
                             Ver.  10.0
                     The Calculation Companion
              Copyright (c) 1997-2006 by Harold Schwartz

FIRST:  Please make a backup copy!

This file is quite long, but it would be to your benefit to browse
it and make sure you are aware of any details that might be
relevant to your installation and use of the software.

This is the shareware version of ProKon, the Calculation Companion.
ProKon is a 32-bit program and is intended to be run on Windows
95, 98, NT, XP, or 2000.  This package should contain the following 
files.  If it does not, you do not have the complete package and 
ProKon may not operate properly.  Before installation the shareware
version contains the following 20 files:

     SETUP.EXE     -  The installation utility.
     PPROKON.HLP   -  The help file for ProKon.
     CALC._LP      -  The help file for the ProKon calculator.
     FILE_ID.DIZ   -  A description file for online services.
     ELEMENTS._TO  -  Data file for ProKon.
     PROKON._XE    -  More compressed program files.
     UNINPROK._XE  -  More compressed program files.
     INORG._TO     -  Data file for ProKon.
     GAUGE._TO     -  Data file for ProKon.
     LATLONG._TO   -  Data file for ProKon.
     FINDDLG._TO   -  Data file for ProKon.
     CHEMICAL._TF  -  Font file for ProKon.
     CHEMICAL.FOT  -  Font definition file for ProKon.
     REGFORM.TXT   -  The registration form for ProKon.
     SITEREG.TXT   -  The site registration form for ProKon.
     README.1ST    -  The file you are reading now.
     HISTORY.TXT   -  History of changes beginning with v8.8.
     MONDEVS._XT   -  The monitor definition file.
     PCIDEVS._XT   -  The PCI card definition file.
     USBDEVS._XT   -  The USB port definition file.

If you have obtained ProKon in the form of a self-extracting
archive, you may not be able to directly view all of the above
files.  At the end of the installation, if you choose the option to
retain the compressed files in the installation directory, most of
the above list will be located there.  Those who have a recent
version of some zip utilities may be able to view the files in the
self-extracting file by removing it from the zip file that was
downloaded and viewing the files contained within it using the
zip utility.

After installation the shareware version contains 18 files:

     SETUP.EXE     -  The installation utility.
     PROKON.EXE    -  The program itself.
     REGFORM.TXT   -  The registration form in Windows NOTEPAD
                      format.
     SITEREG.TXT   -  The site registration form in Windows 
                      NOTEPAD format.
     PPROKON.HLP   -  The help file for ProKon.
     CALC.ELP      -  The help file for the ProKon calculator.
     ELEMENTS.STO  -  The data for the periodic table.
     INORG.STO     -  The data for inorganic chemicals.
     GAUGE.STO     -  The data for wire/sheet gauge.
     LATLONG.STO   -  The data for latitude and longitude.
     FINDDLG.STO   -  The data for the unit Find utility.
     CHEMICAL.TTF  -  A true type font for ProKon.
     CHEMICAL.FOT  -  A font definition file for ProKon.
     UNINPROK.EXE  -  The uninstallation utility.
     README.1ST    -  The file you are reading now.
     MONDEVS.TXT   -  The monitor definition file.
     PCIDEVS.TXT   -  The PCI card definition file.
     USBDEVS.TXT   -  The USB port definition file.

When ProKon has been run the first time, three additional files may
be created in the home directory, one is named CUSTOM.INI and another
is named PCUSTOM.INI. The first is a configuration file; the second
is the file where your custom conversions are stored. Another file
called CONVERT.TXT may be created when you 'Copy' a set of results
to clipboard and file.

SEE IMPORTANT NOTE BELOW REGARDING INSTALLAION OF A NEW VERSION OF
PROKON ON A COMPUTER ON WHICH A PREVIOUS VERSION OF PROKON WAS 
INSTALLED.

INSTALLING PROKON:

There are two ways that you might obtain ProKon.  The most likely way
is that you've obtained ProKon in the form of a compressed (zipped)
archive.  The second way is that you've obtained ProKon on two disk-
ettes or on a single CD-ROM disk.  Following are instructions for
installing ProKon on your system for either method of obtaining ProKon.

If your copy of ProKon is in the form of a compressed archive (zip
file), you must first decompress the archive and place all of the
files contained in the compressed archive in a temporary folder on
your hard drive. (Note that some decompression utilities, such as
WinZip, will allow you to install directly from the zip archive by
running the self-extracting file from within the utility.)  You
should decompress all of the files in the archive to the temporary
location.  Within the compressed zip archive will be a self-extracting
installation utility with a name of the form "prokxxxx.exe, where the
x's represent the version number.  You will run this self-extracting
utility to begin the installation process.  The utility will automat-
ically decompress all of the installation files and begin the install-
ation.  

Newer versions of Windows, i.e., Windows XP have a built-in de-
compression capability in Explorer, the Windows file management
feature. Since you can view a compressed archive in  XP Explorer,
you can run the self-extracting installation program directly from
there.

If you have obtained your copy of ProKon on a set of diskettes or on a
CD-ROM disk, then all of the necessary files will be contained on that
media.  In this case, you will run the setup.exe installation utility
from diskette #1 or from the CD.  You can use Windows Explorer to show
the files on the distribution diskette or the CD disk and 'double-click'
on the SETUP.EXE file or you can use the 'Run' menu item in the 'START'
menu on the Windows Task Bar.  For the second option, enter the path to
the SETUP.EXE file in the dialog box in the 'Run' window.  For example,
entering

                         A:\SETUP.EXE

would run the installation program if you were installing from the 
"A-Drive". SETUP.EXE will copy the necessary files to your hard drive,
decompress the necessary files and, if you prefer, SETUP will also
create the Program Manager group along with the necessary icons to run
ProKon.

NOTE: YOU MUST RUN THE EITHER THE SELF_EXTRACTING FILE OR THE SETUP
PROGRAM TO INSTALL PROKON PROPERLY!

NOTE TO NETWORK INSTALLERS:
Users who purchase a site license may install the program on a network
providing they observe the licensing agreement as detailed below.
ProKon cannot be installed to a network drive for use by multiple users
if each user expects to maintain individualized settings.  In these
cases, the program must be installed locally to each computer that is to
access the program.

UNINSTALLING PROKON:

ProKon can be removed from your system by using the uninstall utility.
When you install ProKon, the program item titled 'Uninstall ProKon' is
automatically installed also.  By running this program item, ProKon
can be removed from your system.  This program (filename = Uninprok.exe)
will attempt to remove all of the program files, the folder containing
the program files, and the program group and program items placed in
the Windows menu system.  ProKon can also be uninstalled from the
Add/Remove Programs applet in Windows Control Panel. 

Note that if you have a previous version of ProKon installed, you
are not absolutely required to uninstall the previous version before
you install the new version.  However, it is highly recommended that
you do so.  If you elect not to uninstall the prior version, there are
some precaucions that you should follow.  First, install the new
version to the same location as the previous version, in other words, to
the same directory of folder.  If you do this, the installation program
will overwrite the old files with the new versions of these files. BE
SURE that you do not have any of the ProKon files open on your computer
or that you are running ProKon at the time you are installing a new ver-
sion; this may cause the installation to fail. Second, if you are
prompted during the installation whether to install the program for
"All Users" or for "This User", you should select "This User".  If you
do not uninstall before reinstalling, you may find multiple desktop
icons and multiple entries on the Start Menu.

If you choose to uninstall the previous version, the existing config-
uration files may be deleted by unchecking the check box provided on the
uninstall screen.  By default, this check box is checked which means that
these configurtion files and the registration file (if it exists) will be
retained at the end of the uninstallation process.  If you uncheck the
box prior to continuing with the uninstallation, these files will be
deleted along with the rest of the ProKon files.  If you allow the un-
instalation to delete these files and you subsequently reinstall ProKon,
you will be required to reconfigure the software with the options you
desire and you will be required to re-enter the registration information.

If you are running a registered version of ProKon, your registration name
and registration key are stored in the proreg.ini file.  Deleting the
proreg.ini file during the uninstall process by unchecking the check box
provided will delete the registration key.  After installing a new ver-
sion, you will be required to re-enter the registration key.  BE CERTAIN
YOU HAVE A COPY OF THE ORIGINAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION BEFORE YOU
DELETE THE PROREG.INI FILE!!!

If you are installing a later version of ProKon and you had originally
registered a version of ProKon 10.0a or later using a registration code
you purchased, you have two options.  1)  You can uninstall the current
version and choose to delete the proreg.ini file when prompted during 
the uninstall process.  If you choose this option, be sure you have
retained the registration information in another location.  When you
install the newer version, you will need to re-enter the registration
information to register the new version.  2)  You can install the newer
version into the same directory as the currently installed version,
which will overwrite the necessary program files.  If you are installing
a newer shareware version, this method will not overwrite the proreg.ini
file.  If you are installing a newer registered version, the proreg.ini
file will be overwritten with the newer registration information.

IF YOU ARE UPGRADING FROM A PRIOR VERSION TO VERSION 10.0a OR LATER,
YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PURCHASE AN UPGRADE LICENSE.  UPGRADE LICENSES
ARE AVAILABLE AT A VERY REASONABLE COST.  INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED
AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATION:

http://www.showmepro.com


ProKon is capable of making many different conversions, both to and 
from metric and Imperial (English) as well as to and from many ancient 
and archaic units. ProKon is capable of over 400,000 different conver-
sions.  ProKon also gives the density of over 625 different materials, 
some common and some not so common.  In addition, ProKon contains a 
periodic table of the elements that allows access to pertinent data
on each element and notebooks full of useful geometric formulas and
constants.  ProKon has help available throughout and all conversions
can be copied to the Windows clipboard for pasting to other documents.

There is a Windows 3.1 version of ProKon available.  It's called SICon 
and is available most places that ProKon is available.  Both versions 
are capable of the same conversions, however, ProKon contains many 
additional calculation modules.

Remember, Shareware is software you can try before you buy.  You are 
entitled to evaluate ProKon for a period of sixty days.  If you try 
ProKon and decide you like it, you are asked to pay the author the 
registration fee of $21.95 + $3.00 shipping/handling.  You will 
receive the latest version registered in your name.  The registered
version does not have the advertisement screens you see in the share-
ware version.

Thank you and Enjoy ProKon.


                     Harold Schwartz
                     2505 Schellridge Road
                     Jefferson City, MO 65109
                     email: showme@showmepro.com


                    ShowMe Software License Agreement

1. Grant of License

      a)  This ShowMe Software License Agreement ("License") permits
          the holder of an individual License to use one copy of the
          software program on any single computer, provided the soft-
          ware is in use on only one computer at any time.  If you
          have multiple Licenses for the software, then at any time
          you may have as many copies of the software in use as you
          have Licenses.  A copy of the software is in use when it is
          loaded into memory ("RAM") or when it is loaded onto a per-
          manent memory device such as a hard disk or diskette or other
          similar storage device. It is the user's responsibility to
          ascertain that the number of concurrent users of the software
          will not exceed the number of Licenses.  If a copy of the
          software is loaded onto the hard disk or other storage device
          of a computer that is assigned to one individual, then that
          individual may also use one copy of the software on a port-
          able computer or a home computer.

      b)  This ShowMe Software License Agreement ("License") permits
          the holder of a 10-User site license to use one copy of the
          software on 10 computers at one geographic site.  This License
          permits the holder of an unlimited site License to use an
          unlimited number of copies of the software on an unlimited
          number of computers at one geographic site.  A geographic site
          is defined as one building or group of buildings that are
          situated on a single contiguous geographic tract, said
          buildings and tract being owned or leased by a single indi-
          vidual or business entity.  A geographic site that is separ-
          ated only by a roadway(s) which crosses the site is considered
          to be a single site.  The software may be installed on a
          computer attached to a local area network, provided it is
          installed on no more computers than the number for which a
          site license has been purchased.  If a copy of the software is
          loaded onto the hard disk or other storage device of a computer
          that is assigned to an individual who's place of business or
          employment is located on a geographic site where that business
          or employer holds a 10-User or an unlimited site License, then
          that individual may also use one copy of the software on a 
          portable computer or a home computer.

2. Restrictions

          ShowMe Software and the author stipulate that you may not rent,
          sublease, lease, sell, pledge or otherwise transfer or distri-
          bute the original copy or archival copy of the program. You
          agree not to translate, desassemble, modify, decompile, reverse
          engineer, or create derivative works based on the program or
          any part thereof.  This agreement is automatically terminated
          without notice if any provision of this agreement is breached
          by you.

3. Copyright
          
          This software is owned by ShowMe Software or its suppliers and
          is protected by the United States copyright laws and interna-
          tional treaty provisions. 

          Copyright (c) 1997-2006 by Harold Schwartz. All Rights Reserved.
          You may copy the software for backup purposes, and you may give
          copies of the unregistered version to other individuals, which
          they may also use and copy under the terms of this agreement.
          If you copy the unregistered version of the software for others,
          you must include all of the files distributed with it. The soft-
          ware may not be sold, licensed, or a fee charged for its use.
          If a fee is charged in connection with the unregistered version
          of the software, it must cover the cost of copying or dissemina-
          tion only.  Such charges must be clearly identified as such by
          the originating party.  Under no circumstances may the purchaser
          be given the impression that he is buying the software itself.
          The author encourages BBS operators to post the unregistered
          version of the the software package on their systems for down-
          load by users wishing to evaluate it.  No other reproduction or
          use is authorized without the express prior written consent of
          the copyright owner.

4. Limited Warranty

        ShowMe Software has attempted to build reasonable safeguards into
        this software. As with any useful computer application, this soft-
        ware may contain errors in the program or documentation. The author
        does not give any warranty, either expressed or implied, to anyone
        using this program other than for the replacement of defective media.
        ShowMe Software does not warrant that your use of this program will
        be uninterrupted or error free. In no event shall the author be 
        liable for any damages, including loss of profits or anticipated
        profits, lost savings, or other incidental or consequential damages
        arising out of the use or inability to use this program.  The program
        comes "as is" and it is the user's responsibility to determine
        whether the program is suitable for his or her computer system and
        software needs. Replacement of the disk(s) containing the program is
        your exclusive remedy and is your sole measure of recoverable damage.


REMEMBER:  Make a backup copy. . .
