Congratulations on your purchase of NewsReady. While we are here 24 hours a day to serve you, it is in your interest to schedule the bulk of your installation during the day or early evening, as oppose to 2AM Saturday night. We operate a skeleton crew at night. For this reason if you are planning to do a first time install late at night, call ahead. This allows us to extra staff

our department so other customers are not inconvenienced.

Computer and operating system recommendations..........2-4

Hardware Installation Steps..............................................5-7

Installing software for dedicating in DOS........................8-9

Installing software for multi-tasking in Windows95........9-12

Upgrading from previous versions:

If you are already a NewsReady user, DO NOT use this document for upgrading to the latest version, however you may want to review the latest computer and operating recommendations.

Setting up for Windows95 in the future:.

If you’ve been running in DOS and change your mind later to run from Windows95, which is on your computer or on a different partition, or you install Windows95 later, you do not need to re-install NewsReady. Instead, just follow the steps listed under Creating and Icon (shortcut) on your desktop which follows in this handout.

Computer Requirements Before you install READ AGAIN.

Note for customers with old "really old" computers:

Customers with old 640K and 1MB RAM machines (i.e <2MB RAM) can special request a 640K low density disk which has an older version of NewsReady. However, it may not have all the same bells and whistles of the latest version of NewsReady we ship for folks with at least 2MB of RAM.

Redundancy for customers who will run NewsReady from Windows95:

Despite the large increase of productivity and "friendliness" Windows95 brings when it’s working, Windows95 is not as simple and stable as DOS, and over several years of use, you will encounter several maintenance issues that occur when Windows95 needs servicing. Servicing Windows95 can take time you don’t have when problems occur, even with our expertise. In fact, most problems often lead to complete re-installation from scratch. Anytime you add hardware or software to Windows95 or even reboot it, you run the risk of being down for this kind of maintenance. Why? The old DOS operating system actually required less than a dozen systems files to operate correctly. Windows95 uses hundreds if not thousands of critical files. DOS used two configuration files called AUTOEXEC and CONFIG which rarely consisted of more than 12 lines. Windows95 uses several configuration files that have thousands and even tens of thousands of lines. Like the world we live in, Windows95 has become very complex.

How to combine the benefits of Win95 with the old fashion sturdiness of DOS:

For customers who wish to run in Windows95, there is a way to make a computer give you the choice of booting old, faithful DOS anytime Windows95 gives you problems. The 3rd party product PartitionMagic 3.0 lets you partition a hard-drive so that it has both Windows95 and an old version of DOS for rainy days. If your Windows95 operating system ever blows up, and you have neither the time or expertise to fix it on the spot, you can reboot the computer and get back into NewsReady from DOS until you have time to deal with Windows95. For those of you who come into the newsroom at 4:30am, discover a problem, and want it "fixed" by 4:45am with one phone call, this is the only way to do it. Let your computer person and us worry about Windows after your shift ends. We have included a handout on how to do this. We sell Partition Magic 3.0, or you can buy it at your local store for around $100.

True DOS, vs MS-DOS mode, vs running in an MS-DOS window:

If you want to run from true DOS on a newer Pentium computer that came with Windows95, you will require actual DOS installation disks and/or Partition Magic. "Exiting or restarting in MS-DOS "Mode" in Windows95 will not work as it is no longer true DOS. In 1996 Microsoft made changes that made exiting into MS-DOS mode a farce, The good news is that running from an MS-DOS window remains compatible and better than ever. When you run NewsReady from an MS-DOS window, it means a DPMI DOS product like NewsReady runs just like a Windows program. As a DOS program running in a window, you can scale us for either full screen operation (i.e the Windows desktop temporarily disappears, or as a partial window to leave room for other screens like Netscape, e-mail etc.

Users who want to run NewsReady from true DOS:

CPU and RAM:

NewsReady requires 2MB of RAM to run on any 286/386/486/586 Pentium etc. computer, unless you request special 640K disks for old computers with less than 2MB of RAM.

If your master installation disks say "PLUS" on them, then you need atleast 2MB of RAM. (These disks come standard) If your disks say "640" on them, then you’ve requested the old 640K version. If you’ve requested the wrong disks, we can mail you replacement disks, or e-mail you self extracting zip files that you can use to make your own disks.

COM ports:

Each wire service needs a COM port for connection, and customers with more than 2 connections generally need a 4 port expansion card sold through WireReady NSI. Other equipment provided by the wire service may be required to make a standard RS-232 connection, such as satellite receivers, demod/modems etc. For customers using the PLUS version for machines with 2MB of RAM or more, any data service that has a baud rate in excess of 1200 baud requires a COM port with a 16550 UART. Almost all computers after 386 models come standard with this kind of COM port. Customers who aren't sure should contact WireReady NSI. In some cases an inexpensive add-on card can replace old outdated COM ports.

Capturing more than 1 Wire or data Service

NewsReady includes drivers for up to 10 wire service connections. We generally configure the

disks for only the service(s) you have requested. Other drivers can be mailed for free upon request during the first year or any year thereafter when you have a valid support plan. However, customers purchasing the discount version of NewsReady from ABC or any state radio network have to purchase drivers for other wire services separately through WireReady NSI at additional cost. Users on the 640K old computer version can only capture 1 wire service. You must have atleast 2MB of RAM to capture more than one wire service.

LAN

This is the stand-alone version of NewsReady, and is licensed for use on only ONE computer, unless you have purchased additional users. To run on a LAN requires a different version of NewsReady for LAN use on a server.

Dedication

NewsReady in DOS must stay running 24 hours a day. Customers running NewsReady from DOS on one computer have to leave the computer in NewsReady 24 hours a day to

capture the wire service. They cannot run other programs.

Printers

Standard DOT-matrix printers, as well as inkjet and laser printers that support ASCII/pro-printer/epson emulation work.

For customers who want to run under Windows 95:

The same requirements for NewsReady in DOS apply for Windows95 with the following exceptions:

CPU/RAM

A 586/Pentium 100Mhz or faster with 16MB of RAM is required. 32MB is a lot better. Anything slower will have problems running Windows95 fast enough which will cause all sorts of problems.

COM ports

Since Windows uses a mouse and a modem for internet access, you may have fewer available COM ports and IRQ channels than you require. Most customers with more than one wire service will require an add-on COM card, such as our 4 port COM card.

No Need to Dedicate

Good news, you unlike a stand-alone computer running true DOS, don't have to dedicate the computer just for us. Unlike a DOS computer, running from Windows95 allows you to run other software like Netscape, E-mail, Ms-Word etc. at the same time, so long as 1) They do not try to use the COM ports used for your wire services. 2) They do not force you to exit and run in MS-DOS mode, which will shut down Windows and us. 3) They do not cause Windows to lock up. All Programs in Windows95 work two ways, they work from a "window" which can be full or partial screen, or they work in a full screen without any border showing. However in both cases Windows and NewsReady is still running even when you don't see it. If you can hit ALT-TAB and Windows pops back up, you are fine.

Windows95 will generally make you reboot the computer any time you install new software (not us) or any new hardware. Keep in mind that anytime you reboot, Windows takes a good minute or two to come back up and you will likely miss news during this time. Therefore, schedule these types of expansions at non-peak times.

NewsReady has a big brother coming and it’s called NewsReady32:

After December 1, 1997, WireReady NSI will be also selling NewsReady32 which is a true 32 bit mouse-driven GUI product that only runs from Win95 or NT with a minimum of 32MB of RAM. NewsReady32 will be available at a special price for existing NewsReady customers.

However, we will be selling, supporting and upgrading the regular version of NewsReady for many years to come for customers who want to run a simpler, less expensive package on either DOS or Windows95, so there is no need to buy the 32 bit product unless you want a fancier, more powerful system. Both NewsReady and NewsReady32 can run at the same time too.

INSTALLATION STEPS (either DOS or Windows95)

Step 1 Turn-key Setup and Training Packages

If you purchased our Turn-key over the phone Setup and Training package with PC/ANYWHERE32 8.0 and a high-speed modem, install this first. If you did not purchase the Turn-key package, skip this step. This package allows us to install the software and train you by dialing in and taking control of you computer. Connect the modem with the included cables and/or 25-9pin adapter to a COM port on your computer (COM ports on computers are MALE). Install the PC/ANYWHERE32 software per our instructions on the page stapled to this hand-out. You do not need to use the book. Plug in a phone-line, and have us call in to test the setup. The modem, PC/ANYWHERE32 and cables may not be together in one box. After a successful test, schedule a time with us for the setup and training, and then continue with the steps below.

Step 2 Installing Serial Port Cards (if needed)

Wire services generally connect to standard RS-232 serial ports. Serial ports are 9 or 25 pin ports and are MALE. (you can see pins) For example users with 1 or 2 wire services generally connect them to COM1 or COM2. Most computers include these ports. If your computer does not have them and you purchased an add-on board, remove it from its box and install it at this time. We generally preset the DIP switches and have marked the settings on the box. Windows95, thankfully, does not list this card in device manager, therefore you do not have to worry about plug ‘n play issues. However, you may need to adjust the IRQ if you have other devices (such as a soundcard) that are using IRQ5 or 7.

If you are connecting 3 or more wire services and purchased our LCS-8088 4-port wire service board, remove it from the box and follow the instructions found with it for installation and more information. DO NOT CONNECT WIRE SERVICES IN THIS STEP. A separate RS-232 standards hand-out is included for "techies".

Step 3 Installing an Alarm System

If you purchased our ID5000 alarm generation system for tripping external alarms via a 2900Hz buzzer or relay closure, remove the contents from that box and follow the instructions found with it. Otherwise skip this step.

Step 4 Installing a Wire Service Buffer (backup reception device)

Most NewsReady customers keep the computer turned on, and running NewsReady all the time, whether in DOS or Windows95 since to not do so means you miss incoming news. If you are dedicating a computer in DOS just for NewsReady, skip this step, although you should read this step since it brings up important issues to be aware of.

DOS users:

If you are only partially dedicating a computer to run us from DOS, but occasionally want to shut us down to run other programs (commercial word processors, spreadsheets, publishing systems etc.), and don't want to take a "deaf" ear to your wire service, you should purchase a wire service buffer box for each wire service connected to the computer. If you purchased a Wire Service Buffer for it, remove the contents from that box and follow the instructions found with it.

Windows95 users:

Eventhough Windows95 computers multi-task NewsReady so it’s running all the time even when you are running other programs, occasionally you may want or need to reboot your computer. For example, just adding a new sound card, piece of software, or modem may require your computer to be rebooted several times just to complete the installation, and that’s assuming everything goes as planned. While most stations can schedule such work during non-important times, a 24 hour operation may technically never have a time where the computer can be rebooted. For this reason, some Windows95 customers can benefit by buying a wire service buffer since you’d have the ability to shut NewsReady down while performing such maintenance.

The buffer will hold news you’d otherwise miss while working on the computer. In this fashion, a buffer box is like a backup reception device. As soon as the computer is turned back on, and NewsReady starts, the buffer "flushes" it’s memory back to the hard-drive so it’s as if you never shut down.

Running NewsReady on two computers:

Of course many customers have two computers running NewsReady so it doesn’t matter if one of the computers is ever down for maintenance. One computer always has atleast one copy of every news feed. If you are running NewsReady on more than one computer, then we don’t recommend a wire service buffer since it would be overkill.

Step 5 Connecting the Wire Services

We generally include a handout called connecting your wire services, which gives cabling information for your wire service along with cover page showing the default configuration of NewsReady, in case you want to change which ports we are configured to receive your service(s) on.

If for any reason, this handout is not already included with this handout, this means that your service has many possible equipment configurations we can’t be sure of, you should call our tech department and visually describe your wire service equipment before you make any connections.

The Connecting your Wire Services Hand-out lists which ports to connect your wire service(s) to. We've already pre-set your software to the most common baud rates etc. If you are a computer novice, DO NOT CONNECT ANYTHING JUST BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE IT WILL FIT, UNLESS A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN HAS SET UP THE CABLE(S) FOR YOU. CALL US FIRST UNLESS YOU ARE SURE. WIRE SERVICES DO NOT NECESSARILY FOLLOW RS-232 STANDARD PIN-OUTS OR CABLE GENDERS.

When you call, we will explain how to connect the services to the port(s) on your computer and/or fax additional step by step information. We can also use the equipment we include in our TEST KIT to make sure the cable is providing the correct signals before you connect it to the computer. Call (800) 833-4459 or (508) 393-0200. Ask for Technical support, and request wire service connection assistance.

Step 6 Setting up other Computers with NewsReady

If you purchased additional user systems, and are installing WireReady /SA in other stand-alone computers, repeat the above steps for each computer above. Otherwise skip this step.

Note: Splitting the wire service to the other computers, depends on the information you used above in Step 5. If through prior consultation with our sales staff, you purchased our A/B 2 way passive splitter, our SS1000 amplified 6 way splitter, or other specialty cabling harness remove them from their boxes at this time, and use the instructions found with them along with the other information you received regarding the connection of your wire services. Keep in mind the disks we enclosed are for setting up stand-alones. If you purchased additional users for a LAN configuration now or anytime in the future, you must request LAN disks.

Step 7 Attaching the Security Key

Attach the security key to a Parallel port on the your computer. The security key is found in the box that contained this hand-out, it is beige aprox 2"x 2" in a pink bubble envelope. The security key can be connected to any LPT port, in line with a printer if necessary. If you have to connect an Iomega ZIP drive to the same parallel port the key is also compatible. Do not confuse a serial port (male) with a parallel (female) port. Also users of Iomega ZIP or JAZ may have a SCSI card that looks just like a parallel port. Call WireReady NSI if your unsure. The key must be attached 24 hours a day for the software to work properly.

Step 8 Installing the NewsReady Software

Proceed to install the software.

The diskette(s) are included in a white hard-stock envelope in the same box you found this hand-out and the security key.

A document explaining the labeling on the diskette can be found attached to this hand-out.

Note: Turn-Key purchasers may have us dial in at this time and perform the installation while you watch, train you screen by screen on the system. An appointment for dial-in must be pre-scheduled.

Installing software from true DOS: (see next page for installing under Windows95)

A) Insert the Plus Master Install#1 or WireReady/640.#1 disk in the A: or B: drive. Type A: and press ENTER to access your drive. When there is an A: prompt, then you can type SETUP and press ENTER. (or type B: ...etc. for B: drive)

B) It will start with the copyright screen. It will automatically advance to the next screen or you can press any key. Next a screen will come up with a box in the center of the screen that looks like this:

ENTER INSTALLATION PATH: C:\WIRE. We recommend that you

press ENTER to accept this default.

C) Next there will be a MAIN MENU displayed. Press ENTER when your highlight bar is over INSTALL WIREREADY. It will automatically start copying files and walk you thru the installation.

D) At completion, SETUP should say Installation of NewsReady is complete, press any key to return. After a key is pressed it will return to the Main Menu. When it gets there press ESCAPE to return to DOS.

E) Type C: and press ENTER to get back to the hard-drive. Type CD \WIRE and press ENTER. Then type WR and press ENTER.

Installing software for Windows95

1) Here’s how to install the software. To do this, left click on the Start button on the bottom left of your screen.

2) Highlight Programs by dragging the mouse pointer up to Programs. This will open another menu.

3) Then highlight MS-DOS Prompt and left click.

4) This will bring you to a MS-DOS prompt.

A) Insert the Plus Master Install#1 or WireReady/640.#1 disk in the A: or B: drive. Type A: and press ENTER to access your drive. When there is an A: prompt, then you can type SETUP and press ENTER. (or type B: ...etc. for B: drive)

B) It will start with the copyright screen. It will automatically advance to the next screen or you can press any key. Next a screen will come up with a box in the center of the screen that looks like this:

ENTER INSTALLATION PATH: C:\WIRE. We recommend that you

press ENTER to accept this default.

C) Next there will be a MAIN MENU displayed. Press ENTER when your highlight bar is over INSTALL WIREREADY. It will automatically start copying files and walk you thru the installation.

5) Once you have installed our software, you will be returned to a DOS prompt. Type EXIT and press enter to return to your Windows95 desktop.

Creating an Icon (shortcut) on your Desktop

Once you have installed the software we must create an icon which will appear on your Windows95 desktop. This will allow you to click on the icon we create to start the software.

1) From the desktop right click. This will bring up a menu.

2) Highlight New by placing the mouse pointer over it. This will bring up another menu.

3) Highlight Shortcut and left click.

4) It will bring up a screen asking you to type in the command line. Type in the following: C:\WIRE\WR.BAT

If you are using a drive other than C: then put in the correct drive letter. When done press enter or left click Next.

5) Then it will ask you to type in a name for the shortcut. This is the name that the icon will have on your desktop. Although it can be whatever you like, we recommend typing in NewsReady. Press enter or left click Next when done.

6) It will then ask you to select an icon. Select whatever icon you wish it to appear as on your desktop (there is a satellite available if you wish). Left click Finish when your done. The icon will appear on the desktop.

Configuring the ICON you made to run our software for maximum performance

Before running your system we must make some configuration changes. Right click on the icon you created for your system (the icon located on your desktop). Then left click on properties and make the following changes (left click on the different tabs on the menu, such as font, program, etc) Unless specified otherwise, all settings are the same for all programs:

Font

- Right click Both Font Types.

- For size, choose 6x8 for running in a small window, 8x12 for a medium window and 8x16 for running in a full screen.

Memory

- Conventional Memory should be set to auto.

- Expanded Memory should be set to None.

- Extended/XMS Memory should be: 4096 if running NewsReady, 8196 if running CartReady ONLY and 16384 ir running any combination of READY products including RadioReady.

- MS-DOS Protected Mode should be 4096 if running NewsReady, 8196 if running CartReady ONLY and 16384 if running any combination of READY products, including RadioReady. Setting up too much memory can actually slow the system down.

- Usage should be set to Window. This lets us run as a small window on top of the desktop. When running NewsReady later, you can hit ALT-ENTER to switch between a full screen and small window view. Initial Size should be Default.

- Also click on Display Toolbar and Restore Settings on Startup.

- Do NOT click on either option under Performance.

Misc.

- Foreground can be set to allow screen saver if you wish.

- Background, Always suspend should always be blank.

If this is checked, we WILL NOT CAPTURE!

- Idle Sensitivity should be set to all the way low, if NewsReady is most important to you.

- Fast Pasting should not be checked.

- Termination should be set to Warn if Active.

- Mouse,- Quick Edit should be be checked.

If this is checked, you can use the mouse to do simple cut and pasting when editing in NewsReady! You highlight something, click on the COPY button on the toolbar, put

the cursor where you want to copy to (with the arrow keys on the keyboard) and then click on the PASTE button.

Exclusive should not be checked.

- All Windows Shortcut keys should be checked.