
			  ----  CONFIDENTIAL ----
    This mail contains sensitive information about an unnanounced
	product and is Microsoft Confidential.  Do not disclose any
      information contained herein outside of Microsoft employees.


WHAT IS THE MICROSOFT KEYBOARD?
-------------------------------------------------------------
The product, code named Nexus, is a split/sloped alpha-numeric keyboard 
responsibly designed for comfort and made to simplify Windows.  Nexus 
includes 3 new keys (2 Windows logo keys and a programmable Applications 
key), built in palm rests, comfortable design,  height adjustable rail, 
software to emulate the mouse, and a powerful, simple keyboard user 
interface.  The Windows keys are used to display system wide utilities 
for Windows.  The included software makes using the keyboard easier and 
more natural.  Nexus supports DOS, Windows 3.x, Windows NT, and Chicago.

We invite you to beta test this exciting new product.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE
------------------------------
Currently, only the software is available for beta testing.  The beta 
software will work with standard keyboard hardware except for the new 
keys.

In a few weeks we will have 100 keyboard prototypes to distribute to the 
most effective beta testers we can find within Microsoft.  The keyboard 
sites will be selected from people who are participating in the software 
beta.  We will select keyboard sites from the active software beta sites 
based on hardware configuration, operating system being used, the number 
of unique bugs reported against the software, and the quality of those 
reports (completeness, product impact, reproducibility, etc.).

Note:  The product name has yet to be decided.

INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE
---------------------------------------------
>From the network connect to either \\PRODUCTS1\BETA if you are in an 
odd numbered building or to \\PRODUCTS2\BETA if you are in an even 
numbered building.

Run  \SYS\NEXUS.ALL\DISK1\SETUP.  Setup will run on any of the supported 
operating system platforms.

Nexus also supports French, German, Spanish, and Itallian.  To set up 
the localized version connect to \\INTLPROD\BETA and run 
\\SYS\NEXUS.ALL\DISK1\SETUP.

The README.TXT file contains this mail and the beta cover letter, 
release notes, and support notes that were sent to external beta sites.  
The release notes section contains a list of important known bugs.

NEXUS SOFTWARE
------------------------------
The Nexus software primarily consists of a new Keyboard Manager and a 
Task Manager.  Components and features will vary between operation 
systems.

The new Keyboard Manager controls the following features:
	 * Using the numeric keypad to control the mouse pointer
	* "Fast Move" gets your pointer where you want it faster
	* "Snap To" 'snaps' your pointer to default controls
	* "Pointer Wrap" wraps your pointer around the screen
	* "Sonar"  quickly identifies where your pointer is located
	* "Jump To" jumps your pointer to a screen position you've defined
	* Different sounds can be assigned to keypresses
	   (Hark!  Is that an IBM Selectric I hear?)

The Task Manager is a utility that replaces the Windows Task List in 
Windows and Windows NT.  Task Manager gives you the ability to:
	* Easily swap between application
	* Launch applications quickly
	* Cascade and tile windows      
	* Arrange icons
The Task Manager is not availible in DOS or Chicago.

REPORTING BUGS AND FEEDBACK
-------------------------------------------------------
Please use the  "Nexus Keyboard Bug Reporting" EForm to report bugs.  
The EForm puts the bugs in a standard format that is compatible with 
tools that help us manage incoming bugs.  It can be found under the "Bug 
RPT/Suggest" category of the EForm.  Before reporting bugs, please check 
the "Release Notes" section of the README.TXT for a list of some of the 
known bugs.  There is no need to report bugs we already know about.

You can install the EForm for Windows by running setup from 
\\toolsvr\tools!corpnet\weform3.10\netsetup.

If you do not have access to EForm, use the NEXBUG alias to report bugs.

Use the WINKBD alias to give us suggestions on how we might improve 
future versions of Nexus.

THANKS!
--------------
This is a new product category for Microsoft.  Thanks for your support 
in helping us have a winner out of the gate.

The Nexus Beta Team
				README.TXT

	   Release Notes for Microsoft (R) Contour Keyboard for Windows

				Version 1.00

		  (C) Copyright Microsoft Corporation, 1994

This document contains release notes for Microsoft Contour Keyboard
version 1.0 for Windows.  Information in this document is more 
current than that in the manuals or online Help.

------------------------
How to Use This Document
------------------------
To view README.TXT on screen in Windows Notepad, maximize the Notepad window.

To print README.TXT, open it in Windows Write, Microsoft Word, or another 
word processor.  Then select the entire document and format the text in 
10-point Courier before printing.

	 *********************************************************

========
Contents
========

Part    Description
----    -----------
 1      Nexus Beta 2 Kit Cover Letter
 2      Nexus Beta 2 Kit Release Notes
 3      Nexus Beta 2 Kit Support Notes

=========================================
Part 1: BETA 2 KIT COVER LETTER
=========================================



May 2, 1994

Microsoft Nexus Beta 2 Software Test

Dear Beta Tester:

Welcome to the Nexus Beta 2 Software test! We thank you for your 
participation and interest. For those Beta 1 testers, this is an update to 
the software version including several bug fixes and improved support for 
Windows NT 3.x and Chicago compatibility.  

We are also pleased to welcome additional  Windows NT 3.x sites to the 
Nexus Beta 2 software test!

Beta Kit Contents:
In addition to this cover letter, you will find the following items:

Nexus BETA 2 Setup Disk The Nexus Beta 2 software.
Release Notes                   Important information about this beta release.
Support Notes                   How to obtain support on your Nexus software
Nexus Bug Reporting Disk        Windows Bug reporting Tool to submit            
				bug reports
Microsoft License and Non-Disclosure Agreement for Pre-Release Products 

Nexus Software
The Microsoft Input Device Software Group has developed a new 
Keyboard Interface for Windows, code name "Nexus".  The Nexus Beta 2 
Software includes the following (updated)major components:

A new Keyboard Manager with the following features:

Keyboard Options and Speed including configuring:
	* Cursor blink and keyboard speed and delay
	* Keyboard layout, key lock state, and keyboard sounds.

Pointer Control and Activity features including:
	* Use of numeric keypad to move your mouse pointer
	* Mouse pointer "fast move"
	* "Snap To" to 'snap' to default controls
	* "Pointer Wrap" so the pointer wraps around your screen.
	* "Sonar" to quickly identify where your pointer is located
	* Pointer "Jump To" to a position you define on the screen
 

In addition, a new improved Task Manager replaces your Windows Task 
List with:

	* Ability to easily swap between your applications
	* Launch your applications with the use of the Task Manager and           
	  function keys
	* Cascade and tile your windows
	* Arrange your icons

Nexus also supports MS-DOS via the MS-DOS Keyboard Control Panel to 
set:
	* Key Locks
	* Delay Rate
	* Repeat Rate

* You will notice several references in the software to the Microsoft 
Contour Keyboard. Although the Nexus Beta 2 Software will work with 
101/102 AT Compatible keyboards,  there will be specific references to 
special keys your keyboard will not have. As a result some of the 
software features will not be accessible by your keyboard. Special keys 
include:

	* Left and Right Windows Keys that your 101/102 keyboard will 
not have.
	* An Applications Key that your 101/102 keyboard will not have.
	* Jump Key is your "Enter" Key on your Numeric KeyPad.

NOTE: "Microsoft Contour Keyboard" is not the final product name, 
this is still being decided.

What's new from Beta 1 to Beta 2

Most of the changes in this update were bug fixes and improved support 
under DOS, Windows 3.x, and Windows NT 3.1. We have incorporated 
several of your suggestions and bug reports. In addition added support to 
work with Daytona and Chicago.

Nexus Hardware 
In addition to the Nexus Software, the Microsoft Input Device Group is 
researching and developing a new ergonomically designed keyboard. The 
Nexus Keyboard will be beta tested in a very limited quantity and you 
may be invited to beta test the keyboard depending on your configuration 
and beta test activity. The more you help us by testing the Nexus 
software, the more likely you will be to receive one of the new keyboards. 
Requirements for the hardware beta to be determined by the Input 
Device Beta Test Team.

Beta Schedule:
We plan to run a relatively small and relatively short beta 2 test so we 
are asking that you install the software as soon as possible and start 
using the product regularly during the course of the test.
The Beta 2 Test will last approximately 4 weeks and we will update you 
again with a new beta 3 kit in approximately 4 weeks (late May). At that 
time, you will receive updated software. In addition to possibly being 
invited to beta testing our new input device hardware, the Nexus 
keyboard. We plan to conclude the beta in late June. 

Scope and Limitations
We are including software only in this beta release. You should expect 
the software to operate incorrectly in certain areas. Refer to our Release 
Notes for further instructions on using the software and the current state 
of the beta.

Support and Reporting Problems
A private Compuserve forum will be created for you. We will use the 
forum for *all* of our communications with testers and to distribute 
updates of the software as necessary.  If you do not have a Compuserve 
account please contact Compuserve for a trial account.

Testing the Nexus Beta
We are particularly interested in receiving feedback on setup, usability, 
compatibility, performance, functionality, and documentation across 
DOS, Windows 3.x,  Windows NT 3.x, and Chicago environments. Key 
components to test are:

			Nexus Setup
			Nexus Keyboard driver
			Nexus Keyboard Manager
			Nexus Task Manager
			
In addition, we are interested in any problems or conflicts with existing 
keyboard utilities you are already using.

Non Disclosure, Confidentiality, and License
This is a beta test and we would like to reiterate that the software is beta 
and for your personal use and evaluation.  You are under strict Non-
Disclosure of the Nexus product. Subsequently, the software should not 
be copied or used in a production environment. Please keep this product 
and its documentation confidential. Refer to the Microsoft License and 
Non-Disclosure Agreement for Pre-Release Products for further details.

We look forward to your testing and feedback!

=========================================
Part 2: Nexus Beta 2 Kit Release Notes
=========================================

RELEASE NOTES
Nexus Beta 2 Software

The following are important notes about the software and the beta that 
you should read before installing your new software.

BACKUP YOUR OLD SOFTWARE AND ENVIRONMENT
Before you install your new software, you should back up your previous 
environment settings. 

	> Save autoexec.bat and config.sys
	> Save win.ini, system.ini, progman.ini

For your convenience we have included a SAVE.BAT file and RESET.BAT 
file on your Nexus Bug Reporing Disk to automate saving of the above 
files. Run the files from the disk and follow the instructions for more 
information.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Make sure you have the following software and hardware in order for 
your Nexus Beta 1 Software to work:
	> MS-DOS version 2.0 or later
	> MS Windows 3.1 or later
	> MS Windows NT 3.1 or later
	> MS Chicago beta
	> 286 computer or above 100% compatible with MS-DOS
	> a 101/102 Key AT Keyboard or 100% compatible

** IF YOU ARE UPGRADING FROM NEXUS BETA 1 to BETA 2

We recommend that you reset your system to its original pre-Nexus
state before you install your new NEXUS BETA 2 OR: 

	If under Windows:
		Delete \ms_input\idintl16.dll
	If under Windows NT
		Delete \ms_input\idintl32.dll

the new Beta 2 software installs the idintl16.dll to the \windows\sytem
directory. The same for IDINTL32.dll under Windows 3.1 NT. ** If you
don't delete this file, you will not see any text from the Keyboard
Manager.

For Beta testers INSTALLING YOUR Nexus Beta Software for the first time

You can install your new software for either MS-DOS or Windows.
The Windows Setup will install for both environments so we strongly 
recommend installing from Windows, Windows NT 3.x, or Chicago. MS-
DOS Setup installs the MS-DOS Keyboard Manager only.

From Windows:
	1. Start Windows
	2. Insert the SETUP Disk into the disk drive.
	3. From the Program Manager's File menu, choose Run.
	4. Specify the disk drive, and type setup. For example,
		a:setup
From MS-DOS:
	1. Start your computer
	2. Insert the SETUP Disk into the disk drive.
	3. Specify the disk drive, and type setup. For example,
		a:setup
** For DOS do not install other than in the c:\ms_input default directory.
 


Restoring Your System after Setup

The following details the changes Nexus Setup will make to your system. 
It also describes how to make the necessary changes to return your 
system to its default settings.

*NOTE - This document assumes that you setup to the default directory 
C:\MS_INPUT, and that
Windows or Chicago was installed in C:\Windows

1. Running setup from windows will make the following changes made to 
your system:

   a. Autoexec.bat
      Setup will write 2 lines to your autoexec.bat
      SET MS_INPUT=c:\MS_INPUT 
      C:\MS_INPUT\KBDCPL.EXE

   b. Config.sys
      No changes are made to your config.sys file

   c. C:\Windows\Win.ini
      [Windows] 
      load=C:\MS_INPUT\POINTER.EXE

   d. C:\Windows\System.ini
      [boot]
      keyboard.drv=C:\MS_INPUT\kbd.drv
      taskman.exe=C:\MS_INPUT\TASKSW16.EXE
      
      [keyboard]
      Subtype=8

For Windows only(not Chicago):

      [386Enh]
      keyboard=C:\MS_INPUT\ms_input.386          


   e. Other Items
      
      i. Microsoft Input Device Group
	 Setup adds a group to Windows Program Manager called Microsoft 
Input Devices. Setup 
	 copies Microsofx.grp (where x is some number) to c:\windows. 
Setup also modifies 
	 c:\windows\progman.ini in order to add the new Group. See below 
to delete this group.

      ii. Ctl3d.dll
	 Setup will copy Ctl3dv2.dll to C:\Windows\System

      iii idintl16.dll 
	Setup will copy idintl16.dll to C:\windows\system

2. Restoring your system back to its default values

   a. Autoexec.bat
      Although the 2 lines that setup will not cause any harm, you may 
want to delete the 
      following line:
      SET MS_INPUT=c:\MS_INPUT 
      C:\MS_INPUT\KBDCPL.EXE
      
   b. C:\Windows\win.ini
      In the [Windows] section, delete C:\MS_INPUT\POINTER.EXE from 
the load= line

   c. C:\Windows\system.ini
      [boot] section 
      keyboard.drv=keyboard.drv
      mouse.drv=mouse.drv
      
      delete taskman.exe=c:\ms_input\tasksw16.exe

      *NOTE - Changing the mouse.drv line will replace your mouse driver 
with the standard windows driver. If you were running another driver, 
make all of the changes outlined in this document, reboot, then re-install 
your Windows Mouse driver.
     
      [keyboard]
      delete Subtype=8

      [386Enh]
      delete  keyboard=c:\ms_input\ms_input.386
      add  keyboard=*vkd

   d. Other Items

      i. Ctl3d.dll
	 No changes are necessary

      ii.Microsoft Input Device Group
	 Open the Group
	 Highlight the keyboard readme icon and press DEL, choose YES to 
delete
	 Highlight the Task Manager icon and press DEl
	 Highlight the Contour Keyboard icon and press DEL
	 Close the group
	 While the group is still Highlighted, Press DEL and Choose yes to 
delete the group.

Returning your Windows NT 3.1 system to pre-Nexus state:

1. In the \windows\system32\drivers directory, rename the file 
i8042prt.sys to i8042prt.nxs. Rename the file i8042prt.old to 
i8042prt.sys.

2. In the \windows\system32 directory, rename the file kbdus.dll to 
kdbus.nxs. Rename the kbdus.old to kbdus.dll.

3. From regedt32.exe delete the variable WINKBD in
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINES\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\DOS 
Device

4. From regedt32.exe delete the node Microsoft Input Devices in
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ControlPanel


5. From regedt32.exe, delete the node Microsoft Input Devices in
HKEY_USERS\.Default\ControlPanel

6. From regedt32.exe, remove the string c:\ms_input\point32.exe from 
the run variable in 
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows

7. To delete the Microsoft Input Devices group, either delete each icon by 
giving it focus and then hitting the delete key, or minimize the group, 
give it focus and then hit the delete key.

8. Delete \windows\system32\ctl3d32.dll

9. Delete \windows\system32\idintl32.dll

10. Delnode the directory \ms_input

11. If you installed Nexus in a custom directory, delnode that directory.

12. Restart your machine.


Online Help
All documentation for this release is contained in WinHelp format online 
and is available from the help menu in the Nexus Keyboard Manager.
 

DISK CONTENTS
Your Nexus Beta 2 Setup Disk should contain the following files:
COMMON   IN_      5541 05-02-94   12:14p
CPMGR16  DL_     16552 05-02-94   12:14a
CPMGR32  DL_     21723 05-02-94   12:14a
CTL3D32  DL_     12069 05-02-94   12:14a
CTL3DV2  DL_     12279 05-02-94   12:14a
DSETUP   ENG     10498 05-02-94   12:14a
DSETUP   INF       347 05-02-94   12:14a
ENG      EXE     24624 05-02-94   12:14a
ENG      LST       685 05-02-94   12:14a
ENGLISH  DL_     25389 05-02-94   12:14a
I8042PRT MS_     28618 05-02-94   12:14a
IDINTL16 EN_      9659 05-02-94   12:14a
IDINTL32 EN_     15409 05-02-94   12:14a
KBD16    CP_     43053 05-02-94   12:14a
KBD32    CP_     53153 05-02-94   12:14a
KBDCPL   EN_      1593 05-02-94   12:14a
KBDCPL   EX_     50546 05-02-94   12:14a
KBDCTL16 DL_     11989 05-02-94   12:14a
KBDCTL32 DL_     21274 05-02-94   12:14a
KBDUS    MS_      3922 05-02-94   12:14a
KBDVKD31 38_     11327 05-02-94   12:14a
KBDX16   EX_      6546 05-02-94   12:14a
KBDX32   EX_     12260 05-02-94   12:14a
KBSND16  DL_     74022 05-02-94   12:14a
KBSND32  DL_     78362 05-02-94   12:14a
KEYBOARD EN_    120038 05-02-94   12:14a
MSCOMSTF DL_     41320 05-02-94   12:14a
MSDETECT IN_      4726 05-02-94   12:14a
MSDETSTF DL_     14949 05-02-94   12:14a
MSINSSTF EN_     40799 05-02-94   12:14a
MSREGDB  IN_      1361 05-02-94   12:14a
MSSHARED IN_      1151 05-02-94   12:14a
MSSHLSTF EN_      9199 05-02-94   12:14a
MSUILSTF DL_      3970 05-02-94   12:14a
MS_INPUT IN_        85 05-02-94   12:14a
NEXUS    MS_      2307 05-02-94   12:14a
NTSP     EX_      9076 05-02-94   12:14a
POINT32  MD_     52924 05-02-94   12:14a
POINT32  MS_     24616 05-02-94   12:14a
POINTER  DL_     36399 05-02-94   12:14a
POINTER  EX_     20007 05-02-94   12:14a
README   EXE      2742 03-15-94   12:14a
README   TXT     19256 05-02-94   12:14a
SETUP    EXE    179760 05-02-94   12:14a
SETUP    INI       149 03-03-94   12:14a
SETUP    IN_      1385 05-02-94   12:14a
SETUPAPI IN_     13459 05-02-94   12:14a
TASKMAN  EN_     19521 05-02-94   12:14a
TASKSW16 EX_     34204 05-02-94   12:14a
TASKSW32 EX_     36736 05-02-94   12:14a
WINKBD31 DR_      8733 05-02-94   12:14a
_MSTEST  EX_     55370 05-02-94   12:14a
       54 file(s)    1305682 bytes
 
List of Common Problems
The following are several bugs that you should be aware of. If you find a 
bug, please check the following list before reporting it to the Input Device 
Test Team. If your bug is not listed, please report it using the "winbug" 
bug reporting tool on your Nexus Bug Reporting Disk . Follow the 
instructions in the Nexus Support Document and upload the bug file to 
the Compuserve NexusBeta Bug Reports Library.

Win Setup: Cant install via interlnk/intersvr
Setup:Does not recognize the keyboard
Win pointer.dll Mouse keys primary, secondary, both don't fu
KBD MNGR: memory leak- GDI bitmap handles
WINNT:TaskMan Configure Buttons Help text missing
WINNT: Buttons w/network assignments not working
Win3X:Opening Network HELP will get rid off Task Manager
WINNT:KbdMan:Layout change from US --> Dvorak has no effect
Win3.x:TaskMan:F4 is blank; MS_INPUT's PBRUSH entry exists
DOS Setup:Enable C7 mouse.com --> cursor behaves erratically
Win VKD: Loss of Inport mouse after dos box swap
Win 3.x:  Setup not updating several files
Win 3.x: Pointer.dll: Sonar doesn't work if Dos Window has t
Win 3.X:Kbd Mgr:Screen Wrap with magnify on gets stuck
Win 3.x: VKD: Mouse button in dos box taskswaps to windows
Setup: Temp directory not deleted after successful install
Win3X:Kbr Mgr:Sonar has only one wave
Win3X:Kbr Mgr:Keyboard Help file bugs listed (33 of them)
Win3x:Use Defaults Help dialog box brings out wrong help inf
WINNT:TaskMan's Buttons Assignments box should display path
WINNT:Can start multipple instances of TaskManager
Keyboard Manager Help: Troubleshooting bug
Win3X:HELP:More info how to Uninstall MS Contour Keyboard
WFW:Sonar:Displays on return to WFW after Ctrl+Alt+Del
WINNT:Ctrl+Esc shows TaskMan and Sonar Waves
WINNT: TaskMan:Checking Run Minimized button has no effect
WIN3.x: 39+ ProgMan groups prohibits setup
WIN3.X: TaskMan/Run/Browse/Help: "Can not open Help File"
DOS Setup-INTL: 1st screen inconsistent localization/errors
Finish README.TXT for Nexus
WINNT:TaskMan:Can not run CMD.EXE from button, works w/RUN l
WIN KBD MGR Help-ITA: bitmaps not localized for prop. sheets
WIN KBD MGR-SPA: Set Jump Location title not localized
DOS:Setup: Low Mem conditions provoke error msg
winnt:pointer: Snapto does not turn off

=========================================
Part 3: Nexus Beta 2 Kit Support Notes
=========================================

SUPPORT NOTES: Obtaining Support for the Nexus Software Beta
If you are sending a bug or problem report to us, please use the following 
procedures:
	1. From Windows Run: WINBUG.EXE from your "NEXUS BUG 
REPORTING DISK".
	2. Follow the Winbug instructions including providing information 
on:             * Customer information
		* Hardware information
		* Peripheral information
		* Bug report information
	3. Upload the Winbug report to the Compuserve Nexus Bug Reports 
Library found in the Nexusbeta forum section.

SUPPORT through COMPUSERVE
We are using Compuserve to receive problem reports, obtain help, and 
communicate with other beta testers, Microsoft Nexus Support, and the 
Microsoft Input Device Beta Test Team. We will also use Compuserve as 
the medium to notify you of the status of the beta and send out any 
general information or software upgrades, if necessary. The following 
private Compuserve forum is created for you  and will be activated the 
week of 3/14/94.

Go name: nexusbeta
Forum name: Microsoft Nexus Beta
Nexus Sections for DOS and Windows:
1.   Non-Tech Service
2.   General Discussion
3.   Hardware installation
4.   MS-DOS Setup
5.   MS-DOS Control Panel
6.   Windows 3.x Setup
7.   Win 3.x Components
8.   Windows NT Setup
9.    Win NT Components
10. Documentation
11. Running with Chicago

If you do not have a Compuserve account, contact Compuserve at 1-800-
848-8199 and once you obtain an account please notify us with your 
account information. We will add you to the NEXUSBETA forum.

* We will make our best effort to respond to you in a timely manner.

If you cannot connect to Compuserve contact our Systems Beta Team at:  
1-800-358-5015.

