

                  Welcome to PowerBASIC 3.2 for DOS
                  =================================

    Thanks for taking the PowerBASIC 3.2 test drive!  We're pleased
    you decided to take a closer look at the world's best DOS Basic!
    This is the compiler awarded EDITOR'S CHOICE from PC Magazine,
    READER'S CHOICE award from BASIC PRO Magazine, and numerous other
    testimonials as well.

    This special evaluation version will introduce you to many of the
    unique new features found in PowerBASIC.  Use it to create, compile,
    execute, and debug programs and see the difference for yourself!

    If you've never used PowerBASIC, you're in for a wonderful surprise.
    If you have used previous versions, you'll discover a whole new
    level of functionality never before available in Basic:  A Built-in
    Assembler;  Pointer variables (both code and data);  Unsigned byte,
    word, and dword variables;  Currency variables with user-defined
    precision;  Bit operations along with implied bit arrays;  Unions;
    and much more.  Simply put, we believe that PowerBASIC 3.2 is the
    most robust development language available.

    Of the many new features in PowerBASIC 3.2, there are a few that we
    just can't resist pointing out.  Features that will truly enhance
    your programming efforts:

    Instant TSRs!
      Yes, you can actually create a TSR instantly.  Never before has
      it been so easy to create a POPUP program!  With PowerBASIC 3.2,
      it takes just five lines of code to create a working TSR.  Even
      better, a 600K TSR can "pop down" to occupy just 4K of memory
      when it's not in use.  Your POPUP programs will use EMS or even
      virtual memory on disk to store the remaining memory image.  You
      can use any stimulus to activate a TSR, even a message from a
      foreground program.  And with PowerBASIC, two-way communication
      between multiple TSRs is no longer a dream, it's reality.

    Built-in Assembler!
      For the first time, you can write Assembler code and intermix it
      line-by-line with your PowerBASIC code!  Reference PowerBASIC
      variables, labels, and procedures directly by name, and even debug
      at the CPU register level in the expanded environment.  Opcodes
      like  MOV AX, ABCD%  are now supported directly.  Of course, you
      can still link industry-standard .OBJ's as well as libraries, if
      that is your preference.

    New Data Types!
      Unsigned integers (byte/word/dword), fixed length strings, even
      both user-defined TYPES and UNIONS.  These complement our 64-bit
      integers, extended floats, currency variables with user-defined
      precision, BCD floats, and flex strings.

    Code and Data Pointers!
      True pointer variables for the first time in any Basic!  Data
      pointers allow you to access any location in memory as any type
      of data you require.  Code pointers allow you to call a Sub,
      Function, or Subroutine without the need to know the name.

    Memory like an elephant!
      Memory problems are a thing of the past!  Use EMS, XMS, even
      virtual memory on disk, to ensure that you can compile any size real
      mode program.  Plus, with PowerBASIC's new standalone debugger, you
      can debug much larger programs as well.

    Communications Options!
      Full support for COM1, COM2, COM3, COM4, even using any of the
      non-standard IRQ lines and port addresses.  Communication speeds up
      to 115200 Baud. Control DTR after the port is closed.  Even mask
      errors, or flush data when one occurs.  Supports 16550 UART FIFO's
      to eliminate data errors.  Now, PowerBASIC communications are under
      your absolute control!

    The only way to show you every single PowerBASIC feature would be to
    give you our Reference Guide.  (PowerBASIC comes with a Reference Guide
    and a User's Guide -- close to 750 pages of printed documentation).  In
    it, you'll find even more new features like:  Unlimited Dynamic String
    Space, Huge Arrays (greater than 64K), Absolute Arrays (at a specific
    memory location), Bit operations (shift, rotate, test, set, reset, and
    toggle), Smart Linking of OBJ's, UNITS, and PB Libraries, Optional
    variable declaration, Conditional compilation ($IF/$ELSE/$ENDIF), ARRAY
    SORT/SCAN/INSERT/DELETE, and Local multi-level error trapping.  We've
    even added EXIT FAR to allow multi-level exit from nested Subs and
    Functions (beats the LOMGJMP in C any day).

    This demo version of PowerBASIC 3.2 may be used for up to 30 days to
    allow you to decide whether you wish to purchase the full product.
    While all of the language features are fully functional, the ability
    to Load, Block Read, or Include a source file must be restricted.
    There is no limit to the size of source text, but it must be typed
    each time you wish to use this demo compiler.  This will allow you to
    exhaustively test every feature of the compiler, while allowing an
    incentive to purchase PowerBASIC, which is, of course, a commercial
    product.  Any source code you create with this demo may be saved for
    later use when you purchase the full version of PowerBASIC 3.2.

    PowerBASIC 3.2 Requirements
    ===========================
    * IBM-PC or Compatible
    * MSDOS (or compatible) version 3.3 or later
    * 640k of RAM
    * 3.5 inch floppy disk (for installation)
    * Two megabytes of free hard disk space (for complete installation)

    PowerBASIC 3.2 is $149 (S&H $6 US/$28 Intl).  Upgrade pricing is
    available from PowerBASIC 2.x, 3.0 and 3.1.  Competitive upgrade
    pricing is available from TurboBasic, QuickBasic, PDS, and VB/DOS.



    TRYPB3 Package
    ==============
    The TRYPB3 package is provided to allow you to evaluate the
    PowerBASIC 3.2 Compiler and Development Environment.  The package
    consists of the following four files:

    README       - This file.

    ORDER.TXT    - Order form to help you place your order today.

    100WAYS.TXT  - "100 Ways PowerBASIC 3.2 Beats QuickBasic".
                   A slightly irreverent view of PowerBASIC's unique
                   features as compared to competing compilers.

    ARTICLE.TXT  - A reprint of the PowerBASIC 3.2 review which
                   appeared in the March, 1993 issue of Basic Code
                   Cache (formerly known as QB News).

    TRYPB3.EXE   - PowerBASIC 3.2 Evaluation Compiler.  All language
                   features are fully functional, but the ability to
                   Load, Block Read, or Include a source file must be
                   restricted.  There is no limit to the size of source
                   text, but it must be typed each time you wish to use
                   it.  Source files may be saved for later use with
                   the full version of PowerBASIC 3.2.

    TRYPB3.HLP   - The PowerBASIC 3.2 Help File.  Context-sensitive
                   help is available at any time by pressing F1.
                   Control-F1 allows automatic lookup of the word
                   at the current cursor position.

    The TRYPB3 package may be freely distributed as long as it is not
    altered in any way.



    How to place an order
    =====================
    You can upgrade by phone, fax, or mail, but do it today!  Fill
    out the enclosed order form and Fax, Email or Mail it to:

    Fax:    408-659-8008
    Email:  sales@powerbasic.com or 75300,1742 (Compuserve)
    Write:  PowerBASIC, Inc.
            316 Mid Valley Center
            Carmel, CA  93923

    Or call us directly at:

            800-780-7707 toll free from the U.S. or Canada
            408-659-8000 from outside the U.S.

