


				F.A.Q.

			Frequently asked questions



What is Seal ?
-------------

**Q*: What is Seal ?*

*A*: Seal is free desktop environment for DOS.  It runs 
application/libraries  in graphics mode.  It is similar to Windows
(tm), OS/2(tm), but *FREE*.  Seal is designed for DOS programers and 
DOS users alike.  

Seal allows you to make applications with a "windowed" appearance, 
plus many other features not found in traditional DOS environments.  
Seal operates alone (without any start/shell programs), so it is used 
like a library.


What are Seal's objectives ?
-------------------------

**Q*: What are Seal's objectives ?

*A*: The primary objective of Seal to provide a "perfect" environment 
for DOS users and programmers, while remaining compact.  

The focus is for developers who wish to remain in a DOS-like 
environment, yet are forced to use other operating systems because 
the end users demand a GUI appearance, Internet connections, etc.

Because Seal is FREE, users can are not forced to purchase OS/2 or 
Windows just to be able to use GUI applications.   As a result, users 
can keep their setup costs to a minimum.  Also, Seal programmers can 
distribute (sell/giveaway) their programs *WITH* Seal - a one-stop-
shop.  
 
With almost all other Operating Systems, users are forced to choose 
and BUY an operating system before choosing the application(s) to run 
on top of it.  Seal reverses this decision process, effectively 
making the application - your application - the centre of attention.  
The Operating System takes a cool second place in the decision 
process!



How to install it ?
-------------------

**Q*: How to install it ?

*A*: Installation is straight forward.  Seal is still evolving, and 
will eventually come with a fully automated installer.  Until such 
time, you must a simple change to one file, ebanling Seal to execute 
correctly.

1. Unzip SEAL.ZIP into a clean (empty) directory, using PKUNZIP(tm) 
or any compatible zip application - utilities such as PKUNZIP can be 
found in many sites on the Internet, such as www.download.com 

Once unzipped. this directory will contain all the executables, 
libraries and basic applications required to get started with Seal.

2. Next, edit the file called SEAL.INI and go to the section titled 
[path]. 

3. Edit the paths to point to the directorty where you unzipped the 
Seal archive.   

4. If you have not already done so, install a mouse driver.  
Typically this is done in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file but depends on the 
mouse you are using - consult your Mouse manual for exact details.

A mouse is required because the Seal menus do not support "hot-
keys" - therefore a mouse is required to execute a menu.

5. All done !  You can now run SEAL.EXE !!!

To exit from Seal, use the hot-key ALT+X.  To move a Window, click 
the right mouse button and drage wherever the mouse cursor is over 
the window.


How do I write Seal programs ?
------------------------------

**Q*: How do I write Seal programs ?

*A*: It is very easy !

First, you must have the free DJGPP C/C++ DOS compiler, which can be 
found at www.delorie.com or you may contact us and we will send you 
information on how to download and install DJGPP. 

The second step is the hard part - you need to read SEALGUID.DOC - 
the programmer's guide to Seal.  This manual explains all you must to 
know to write your first Seal application!


How do I support Seal ?
-----------------------

**Q*: How do I support Seal ?

*A*: The best way is to write an application for Seal. The more 
applications that use Seal, the wider the potential audience will 
become.  Another possibility could be promotion, sponsoring, etc.  
Your ideas are welcome!


[/FAQ]



Many thanks to Lance Edmonds, who translated my English to REAL English.

Thank you, Michal Stencl

