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.

Terminology and Requirements

Novell or Lantastic or NT Server

The network operating system which allows your computers, called work stations, to share infomation on a central computer called the server. All these computers are then connected through twisted pairs of coaxial cabling systems such as Ethernet. Then network software is purchased separately from your NewsReady/LAN software.

DEDICATED vs. NON-DEDICATED: Newsready requires a Dedicated Server:

A server is a computer that lets other computers use its hard-drive and printers. A server must be

dedicated, where no one touches it while it serves the network. Your network is considered operational once all your workstation computers can login into the nework server and access infomation on the server’s hard-drive. A server’s requirements are set by the operationing system you choose, i.e. Novell, LANtastic or NT server. In general servers should be fast Pentiums with PCI based IDE or SCSI hard-drives, lots of RAM (i.e. 64MB and up) with adequate UPS power protection, and if within your budget, mirrored or duplexed drives, even RAID or mirrored servers etc. While none of these are required, they are recommended for stations who cannot ever be down for any reason.

Requirements

As said, the server’s requirements are based on the network software, not Newsready. Space on the hard-drive for NewsReady should be between 50 and 100 megabytes per user.

While we require a dedicated server, the server by no means is dedicated just for NewsReady. Your server can serve your entire company. All your multi-user software system, billing, traffic, production, audio, etc. can run off the server. We just want to make sure that one will try to use the server as a workstation, i.e. sit down and type on its keyboard. To do is called peer to peer and is too unsuitable for use with our products. Peer to peer lans like LANtastic can be used only when at least one computer is the server, whose "F" drive is shared by all the other computers on the LAN. Thus, even with LANtasic you have to set it up just like Novell or NT with a machine set aside as the server.

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.

WireReady Configuration

WireReady/LAN can be broken down into three areas:

The User access System:

The database system

The wirefile is WireReady’s propriety indexed database file. It is located on the server’s hard drive and holds all the incoming wire service news. It is called $capture.cap. This centrally located file is accessible by all users at the same time. Users are automatically allowed to access wire news infomation simultaneously, but cannot change the original copy and "spoil" it for others. They are however, free to edit and have copies of any infomation retrieved. The file is essentially circular. Therefore its size determines the purge time. Generally 1MB provides around 24 hours of hold time and 1-5 MB is typical. Once the file fills, the oldest entry will be overwritten by the next incoming feed and it thus purged in an efficient manner. Choosing the size can be determined this way. Ask yourself how far back do you want to go. How many stories will arrive in this time?

What is their average length in bytes (characters). Desired # of stories TIMES average length will give you a good size. Two thousand feeds generally takes you back 3-7 days depending on your wire service.

The capturing system

The capturing system consists of connecting one or more wire serivices to a computer. This computer must receive, decode, format and write the incoming information to a database called the WireFile ($capture.cap) on the network server’s hard-drive. Depending on your network this computer may be a workstation on the network or a non-dedicated server. This computer can also be programmed to automatically print stories and trigger alarms.

 The CAPTURE STATION is a workstation which is connected to all incoming wire service traffic and can be used by a user for all WireReady tasks. There is one limitation for the user on the CAPTURE STATION:

IF RUN FROM WINDOWS95/98, YOU CAN RUN OTHER SOFTWARE, BUT DON’T SHUT DOWN WINDOWS95/98!

The Capture Station stay in the NewsReady system and be logged in 24 hours a day. If you have a user who stays in NewsReady all the time, it is a good idea to place them at the capture station. This way the computer is not just dedicated to capturing the news. The Capture Station is also the best place to program automatic printing and alarms. While any user can individually program, here is the best place to program all your automation since you know it will be monitoring the news at all times. As feeds arrive, the Capture Station writes all incoming news chronologically into the wirefile database and creates an index table so users on the network can instantly go back into NewsReady and have no access to all the news anytime they want. Other users can pop in and out of the software only when they want access, or if running from WIN95/98 leave the window minimized all the time.

Memory limitations of a CAPTURE STATION:

At least 2MB of RAM is required for the Capture Station if running from DOS, 16MB if running from Windows 95/98.

COM ports:

Each wire service needs a COM port for connection and customers with more then 2 connections generally need a four 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/modem etc. For customers using 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 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 services you requested. Other drivers can be mailed for free upon requested 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 driver for other wire services separately through WireReady NSI at additional cost. Users on the 640k old computer version can only capture one wire service..You must have

at least 2MB of RAM to capture more then one wire service.

User Access System

WireReady/LAN is the User access software. It is the program that gives users all the features of the system. As will be explained later, users call the WireReady/LAN software and are pathed to their own private directory for personal configuration and custom search infomation. Then they can access and manipulate news as stored in the WireFile. Database.

Network printing and redirection:

SHARED PRINTER RESOURCES The current version of WireReady/LAN will allow up two parallel printers to be addressed as LPT1,2,3 or 4 and captured by network redirector. If users plan to use a local printer, serial as well as parallel addresses can also be used. If you configure

WireReady/LAN to printout a serial port, this will go directly to the local port on the workstation and cannot be redirected by the network. Novell users can use the CAPTURE command to capture WireReady print jobs. A timeout of 2 seconds is required. Lantastic users will use the NET USE command with the same time out requirement. In either case, any printer routing and rerouting must be done prior to a user going into WireReady (i.e. part of the batch or login file that starts the program is a good placein which to put this command).

How Newsready/LAN software operates on a network

A main directory called "WIRE" on the server holds the Newsready/LAN software. Each user has a private directory that newsready holds his/her temporary files and configuration settings. We call these directories USER directories. Everyone can then can access all the news in the WireFile at the same time. User directories are found in the USER directory under the main WireReady directory. Users can be added by using the SETUP Installation program found in the Installation directory under the WIRE directory. NEVER ADD A USER MANUALLY IN DOS!!!!!

Each user calls the NewsReady program (Manager.exe) and is then pointed to their own private USER directory. Also, if you have some Computers with at least 2MB of RAM they can use our PROTECTED MODE version of the software by calling the MANAGER2.EXE. Usually users have a selection in a third-party menu screen or batch file. This menu system calls a batch file, (we supply WRLAN.BAT). This batch file then points the user to their SYSTEM directory. Within the SYSTEM directory, the $CONFIG.WR file, a text based configuration file used by Newsready, is accessed along with other *.dat files which contain user created custom searches and other pertinent facts.

The $CONFIG.WR file contains several lines of information. It sets the users display type, screen delay, category and priority information, archive destination and categories, if used, and finally printer configuration. Most importantly, it tells the SYSTEM directory where to find the WireFile, ( default name $CAPTURE.CAP) on the network server.

CPU and RAM:

Any standard AT (286 or higher) computer connected on the network which has access to the network drive (file server). These are the computers from which users run their programs including NewsReady. Required: 2MB of RAM. 386/486 with up to 16MB of RAM recommended but not required.

For customers who want to run under Windows 95/98

The same requirements for Newsready in DOS apply for WINDOWS95/98 with the following expections:

RAM/CPU:

A 586/Pentium 100Mhz or faster with 16MB of RAM is required. 32MB is a lot better. Anything slower will have problems running Windows95/98 fast enough which will cause all sorts of problems.

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

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 Windows95/98)

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) to Capture Station

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 and 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 for capture station)

Most NewsReady customers keep the computer turned on, and running NewsReady all the time, whether in DOS or Windows95/98 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.

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.

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 Attaching the Security Key ON CAPTURE STATION (only)

Attaching the security key to a Parallel port on your CAPTURE STATION computer. The security key is found in the box that contained in this hand-out, it is beige approx. 2"x2"in a bubble envelope. The security key can be connected to any LPT port, in line with a printer if needed. 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 correctly. Each workstation and capture station gets a key.

Step 7 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 LAN Master Install#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:)

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.

Change this to your network drive. Most cases it is F:, so you would change

to F:\WIRE

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 LAN Master Install#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: for B:)

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:

Change this to your network drive. Usually this is F:, so type F:\WIRE and press

enter.

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 a DOS prompt.

Creating Users

Once you have installed the software and returned to a DOS prompt (whether you installed in true DOS or Windows 95/98) we must create users. These users log in into NewsReady when you first start the program.

1) From the [network drive] :\WIRE prompt, type SETUP and press enter.

2) It will ask you to enter the installation path. Just press enter.

3) This will bring you to the main menu. Highlight User Maintenance - LAN System and press enter.

4) Highlight Add Users and press enter.

5) Type in the user’s name and enter.

6) Repeat these steps for every user you need to create.

7) Press escape until you are out to a DOS prompt.

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.

(If you are at a DOS prompt, type EXIT and press enter.)

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: [network letter] :\WIRE\MANAGER.EXE U=[username]

[network letter] is your network drive letter. [username] is one of the user names we created in the previous section

When done press enter or left click NEXT.

5) Then it will ask you to type in a name for the short cut. This is the name the icon will have on the 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 wich it to appear as on the desktop (there is a satellite available is you wish). Left click Finish when you are 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.