
***** Installing XMLog *****

XMLog is distributed as a "zip" file. Zip files are archives that contain
all the files required to install and run XMLog. When using Windows XP or 
later no additional software is required to access the contents of a zip
file, earlier versions of Windows require a utility like WinZip or PKUnzip.

To install XMLog on Windows XP (or later) systems:

  -  Navigate to the folder that contains the zip file
  -  Double-click on "setup" (or "setup.exe").

To install XMLog using WinZip:

  - Select the zip file using "File/Open Archive"
  - Select the "Install" button

***** General Comments *****

XMLog is a logbook and packet program for Windows. The logbook window
provides features for awards tracking (DXCC, WAZ, WAS, ...) and the packet
window provides features for the PacketCluster user.

For information about changes made for this version check the file
"changes.txt" or use the "Help/Display changes.txt" menu item.

To browse the help screens use the "Help/Display Help" menu item.

XMLog is freeware, not commercial software. There is no charge for its
use and no limitation on its distribution. Resale of XMLog for profit is
prohibited.

If you would like to make a voluntary donation to help support the XMLog
project please send it to the address shown in the Feedback section below.

Although XMLog was created to satisfy my own needs I think you'll find it's
competitive with other logging systems. If you feel that something's missing
let me know. You can communicate with other XMLog users by joining the Yahoo 
Group at groups.yahoo.com/group/XMLog

***** Options *****

XMLog is shipped with the options set to values I use. Browse through the
various "Options" menu items and make any appropriate changes.

The node files shipped with XMLog are ones used locally to connect to the
PacketCluster. These .nod files are provided as examples, feel free to delete
them and create your own.

The PacketCluster alert feature is initially turned off. We assume you don't
want alerts enabled until you've brought your log up to date (otherwise every
spot will give an alert). Use "Help/Display Help" and check the sections on
PacketCluster Support for more info.

***** CW *****

The XMLog packet window supports a CW keyboard mode, can send files as CW,
and can give CW alerts for PacketCluster spots. 

A stand-alone CW keyboard window can be displayed from the Log or Packet
windows.

***** International Settings *****

Versions of XMLog prior to 2.16 required setting the decimal point to "."
in the Windows "Regional Settings" setup. Now XMLog can handle "," as the
decimal point.

XMLog supports dd/mm/yy date formats and metric distances. Use the
"Options/Log Fields" menu to enable these features.

***** Importing Logs *****

XMLog supports importing and exporting log entries to/from files that 
conform to the ADIF specifications (Amateur Data Interchange Format). 
Most modern loggers allow ADIF imports/exports which simplifies transferring 
log information between various loggers and contest programs. There are also 
utilities available that can convert old log files created by NA, TRLog, CT, 
dBase, etc. to ADIF. See the help section on "Importing/Exporting Log Entries" 
for more information.

***** Fonts *****

Logbook reports directed to the screen or printer support all fonts. The packet
window also supports all fonts but it's usually best to use a fixed width
(non-proportional) font so that columns will align correctly. Most systems
provide several fixed-width fonts, e.g, Courier, Courier New, Terminal, FixedSys 
and Andale MT.

***** Callbooks *****

XMLog can do callbook lookups or create mailing labels using the QRZ,
Buckmaster or the Radio Amateur Callbook (Flying Horse) CDs. Although 
XMLog can access the CD directly it's best to copy the CD to your hard
drive.

XMLog supports online callbook lookups using the QRZ.COM site but you
must subscribe to QRZ.COM's XML access feature. XMLog also supports
online lookups via WM7D.NET or HamQTH.COM

For more information on callbook lookups see the help file section for
Callbook Setup.

***** Feedback *****

Anyone who wants to keep up to date, wants more info, or has suggestions
should check the XMLog home page at www.xmlog.com or contact:

   Michael McAmis
   433 Hanover Center Road
   Etna, NH - 03750

   support@xmlog.com

***** Support *****

If you find XMLog useful you can help with the support costs by making
a donation using the PayPal "Donate" button at www.xmlog.com (or sending
a donation to the address above).

***** History *****

The precursor to XMLog was written at the University of Maryland back in the 
keypunch era. This version was written for UNIVAC 1100 time-sharing mainframes
using a Basic system developed at the University of Maryland.

After I moved from D.C. to the Hanover, N.H. area in 1980 I created a MS-DOS 
version using True Basic while I was a True Basic employee. True Basic 
was a company founded by John Kemeny and Tom Kurtz, the inventors of Basic.
These versions (1.xx) were available via UseNet downloads.

The next step was a Windows version implemented using Visual Basic and Visual C++ 
which was available on the web in 1995. The first versions were 16-bit versions
for Windows 3.1 (2.xx) and later a 32-bit version was produced (4.xx).

