MicroHof MP3 Player v1.12 DOS Documentation

INTRODUCTION:
        MicroHof MP3 Player v1.12 DOS is a command line MP3 player for DOS.
Although it will run on DOS, it also works fine under Windows 9x.  MicroHof
MP3 Player is one of the few pieces of MP3 software out there that works under
DOS.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:
   * DOS (any recent version)                      >or<
     Windows 95 (any version)                      >or<
     Windows 98 (any version)                      >or<
   * Creative Labs SoundBlaster Card               >or<
     100% (ONE HUNDRED PERCENT) compatible card

INSTALLATION:
        You probably remember the good old DOS days.  In those days,
installing something (and it was called install, not setup) simply meant
unzipping it.  Since MicroHof MP3 Player is just another simple DOS program
(that can still do a lot of the stuff that any basic Windows player can do),
this holds true today.  You may wish to create a directory for it, though.
Here is a sample set of commands you could use to 'install' MHMP3:

        CD\<the folder where you downloaded MHMP3.ZIP> <ENTER>
        MD C:\MHMP3 <ENTER>
        PKUNZIP MHMP3.ZIP C:\MHMP3 <ENTER>

To run the program, you can type:

        CD\MHMP3 <ENTER>
        MHMP3 <ENTER>

You could also create a Windows shortcut for it, if desired.  To uninstall
the program, type:

        DELTREE MHMP3 <ENTER>

If you are confused about how to get to a system prompt or how to create a
shortcut, consult your Windows/DOS program documentation.

PROGRAM COMMANDS:
        The operation of MHMP3 is pretty simple.  The program will load, and
it will ask you for a filename.  Type in the path and filename of the MP3 you
wish to play.  Do not use Windows 9x style long file names.  In other words,
you'll have to type something like this:

c:\docume~1\admini~1\multim~1\mp3\popular\donmcl~1.mp3

        Once MicroHof MP3 is started and a file is loaded (a pretty self-
explanatory process), there are several commands you can type at the
Playing (Press H for help)... prompt.  Press H to view these commands.

KNOWN ISSUES:
        
        * Although it's not really an 'issue,' (MicroHof MP3 Player was only
          designed for Creative Labs SoundBlaster or 100% compatible cards),
          MicroHof MP3 Player only works with Creative Labs SoundBlaster or
          100% compatible sound cards.  Some manufacturers sell cards that
          claim to be 100% compatible, but really aren't.  I think Creative
          Labs even makes some 'Esoniq' card or something which isn't 100%
          SoundBlaster compatible.  Make sure you have any of the DOS drivers
          required for your card loaded.  If MHMP3 still doesn't work, you're
          out of luck.  Go buy a good soundcard.
        * On most computers, it has been observed that program colors can
          sometimes become scrambled.  This isn't a major problem; it's
          mostly just an annoyance.  It's a problem with the DOS/Windows 9x
          color changing routines and BEC's (the compiler used)
          implementation of them.  Basically, to make the colors display
          correctly, I would have to clear the screen before the program
          starts and as soon as it ends--that's no fun.

RELEASE HISTORY:
        MicroHof MP3 Player v1.12 DOS was released once previously as
MicroHof MP3 Player v1.00 DOS.  The main reason for the new version is that
I lost the code for the old version.  The new version also has a slightly
superior interface.

OTHER MICROHOF PROGRAMS:
        If you like MicroHof Mail, you may also be interested in other
command line MicroHof programs.  Among many programs, we offer a command
line POP3/SMTP email client for Windows.  We also offer many fun and
challenging DOS games.
        If you're interested in Windows GUI programs, MicroHof has them, too.
Check out our webpage for more information.  The URL is listed below.

CONTACT INFO:
        Feel free to relay comments, bug reports, questions, or anything else
to jgartin@mailandnews.com.  The code for MicroHof MP3 Player may also be
made available upon your request.  Visit MicroHof's homepage at
http://microhof.tsx.org.

LICENSE INFO:
        This program may be freely distributed and used by any person, group
of people, organization, or business.  It may not, however, be sold for a
profit.
