           HELP FILE FOR VIPER SOFTWARE SIMULATIONS V1.45 and ON

IMPORTANT: Please read ALL of these instruction. In particular, note
that the simulation MUST be started with one of the batch files. NOT
any of the executables. See readme.txt for game keys and hints etc.

Registration is $20.00 
This software can be registered direct on CompuServe.
GO SWREG and follow the menus. 
The software ID number is: 11750

Index 

        A: SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
        1: KNOWN PROBLEMS
        2: Do's and Don'ts
        3: Help with flying


SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Minimum System 486DX66 with 4Mb of RAM
Local or PCI video BUS with VESA SVGA CARD or Vesa driver loaded
Hard Disk with 2Mb of free disk space
Keyboard/Mouse/Joystick control (Joystick recommended)
Game supports PC Speaker Sound
Soundblaster Card support or 100% compatible sound card.

KNOWN PROBLEMS
1: Soundblaster 16 Multi media sound card
   Engine sound sometimes stops after other sound effects, e.g. guns fired.
   We suspect a bug in the SB hardware when running 32 bit VCPI
   software. Simply click button 2 on your joystick (Weapons toggle)
   or hit key F if using the keyboard (Drops a flare) When the new
   FX stops the engine sound comes back.

   386DX40 with AMD processor
   General protection fault possible illegal address message with a 
   throw out to DOS. Compatibility problem with some AMD chips running
   32 bit protected mode software. The only cure is a new CPU.

   Message: Previously installed software is neither DPMI or VCPI compatible.
   And game will not load.
   Cause: EMM386 loaded with NOEMS or NOVCPI switch. If you must use EMM386
   use EMM386 RAM instead. This will still provide access to UMB's and
   extended memory. Backup your AUTOEXEC.BAT AND CONFIG.SYS Files BEFORE
   you start modifying them. See your DOS manual for further details about
   modifying these files, and EMM386 switches.

   Some video cards will lock the system if running in SVGA mode. This is 
   caused by EMM386 using the mono UMB area of the video ROM for extra memory. 
   Either run the simulation from a boot disk, or edit EMM386 command line 
   to remove the conflict. e.g. EMM386 RAM
   The simulation does NOT need any memory managers and will run
   from a 'clean' boot.


DO'S AND DON'TS
2: Do run the game from DOS only
   DON'T try to run it from a shell such as PCTOOLS or Windows.
   Win95 users should run the simulation from either safe DOS mode
   or from a DOS bootable floppy disk.

   Do use a Joystick rather than the keyboard or mouse. Trying to fly an
   aircraft with such realistic handling qualities as this with the keyboard
   is next to impossible.


HELP WITH FLYING
3: Rule one, use a good quality joystick (Gravis, thrustmaster etc.)
   Remember to use the elevator trim control + - on NUM PAD so that 
   the aircraft will fly straight and level at the given throttle setting.
   Use the waypoints (/) forward slash key to find your way about the flying
   area.

   Learn what the various cockpit instruments are, and how to use them. Most
   of the vital information is contained on the heads up display (HUD).
   Another vital instrument is the ADF (Auto direction finder.) To see this
   working, press the / key before takeoff and watch the ADF needle move around
   as you toggle through the waypoints. The needle is pointing to target areas.
   After take off, turn into the needle until it is pointing straight up. This
   means you will be flying towards the target. Note that waypoint 100 is always
   your home base.


See the file README.TXT for more detailed information.
