           =======================================
                         Variation 
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This document applies to the Visual Basic programme 'Variation' when
the files are distributed by electronic mail or bulletin board.

'Variation' is a Windows programme written in Visual Basic 3.
It is a simulation tool which should be useful to anyone who wants 
to explore Statistical Process Control.  I hope that it will
give a feel for handling processes which contain variation, and quickly 
give experience in some aspects of using Shewhart control charts.

Shareware
---------
'Variation' is shareware. This means that copying the files is both
permitted and encouraged - and the programme can be run for the purpose
of testing and appraisal.  To pass a copy of the programme on to 
someone else, either give them a copy of VARI.ZIP or made a 
distribution disc (see below).

Shareware Agreement
-------------------
If you run the programme for your own private use after the  
evaluation period, then I am asking you to send a contribution 
of 10 U.K. pounds or 15 U.S. dollars to me for the time I spent
developing the programme.  I will acknowledge all contributions 
received.  

I recognise that it is difficult to get foreign currency in some 
countries but I would appreciate it if you try. If it really is too
difficult or expensive for such a small sum, I will understand, but 
please let me know that you are using the programme. 
  
Companies and institutions may distribute the files to individuals for
their private use.  However if 'Variation' is used as part of a 
training course, or it is installed on a computer to which many people 
have access, then a licence must be obtained.  Please contact me for 
details. 

To extend the shareware principle of 'appraisal before purchase' to  
teaching, I will allow a teacher or lecturer to use the programme as
part of a training course on one occasion only without obtaining a 
licence. 

Packing List
------------
The following files are zipped into the file VARI.ZIP:

  VARI.EXE     (the executable file written in Visual Basic 3)
  CMDIALOG.VBX (a Microsoft file needed for the Open File dialogue box)
  COMMDLG.DLL  (a Microsoft file needed for the Open File dialogue box)
  GRID.VBX     (a Microsoft file needed to display tables of results)

  README.TXT   (this file)
  TUTORIAL.TXT (a tutorial)
  TUT1.VAR     (a variation file to use with the tutorial)
  TUT2.VAR     (a variation file to use with the tutorial)
  INSTRUCT.TXT (detailed instructions for use)
  TECHNICL.TXT (technical notes on the .VAR file structure)
  TRIALS.TXT   (results of trials to find the number of 'false alarms')
  VPROGxx.VAR  (9 more variation files)
  XXXX.TXT     (the README.TXT file to include in a distribution disc)

  The first four files on the list, plus VBRUN300.DLL are needed for 
  the programme to run.


The Visual Basic run-time file VBRUN300.DLL 
-------------------------------------------
VBRUN300.DLL is a Microsoft file which is needed to run any programme 
written in Visual Basic 3.  You may already have a copy of this in your 
Windows\System directory. If not, you will need to download it from a 
bulletin board or on-line service - or ask someone who runs Visual Basic 
programmes for a copy.  At the time of writing it is available as the 
zipped file VBRUN3.ZIP in the WINSHARE and WINFUN forums of CompuServe. 
It is also available as vbrun300.zip on the Internet at ftp site 
OAK.Oakland.Edu in directory SimTel/win3/dll.  
 

Installing "Variation" on Hard Disc 
-----------------------------------
Transfer all files listed above to your computer's hard disc.  You can 
put them all in one directory or you can put the Microsoft files in the 
Windows\System directory (See Technical Notes: Installation below).


Tutorial
--------
The best place for everyone to start is the tutorial.  Load 
TUTORIAL.TXT into Windows Notepad or a word processor then 
follow the step-by-step instructions.  As well as leading you 
through some of the features of the programme, the tutorial will
give a brief introduction to the use of control charts. The
tutorial requires you to load the files TUT1.VAR and TUT2.VAR into
'Variation'.


Instructions
------------
The programme has on-line instructions. You can get these from 
the menu bar or by pressing F1 in the main window.  More detailed 
instructions are contained in the file "INSTRUCT.TXT".


Making a Distribution Disc
--------------------------
Please pass 'Variation' on to anybody who you think may be interested 
in the programme.  The best way to do this is to make a distribution
disc.  Proceed as follows:

 1. Format a 1.44MB floppy disc

 2. Copy the following files to the disc:

       CMDIALOG.VBX 
       COMMDLG.DLL  
       GRID.VBX   
       INSTRUCT.TXT 
       TECHNICL.TXT 
       TRIALS.TXT   
       TUT1.VAR     
       TUT2.VAR     
       TUTORIAL.TXT 
       VARI.EXE
       VBRUN300.DLL
       VPROGxx.VAR  (9 files)
       XXXX.TXT 

 3. Check that there are 21 files on the disc.

 4. Rename the file XXXX.TXT to README.TXT 
 
Now make lots of copies of this disc and pass them on. You may make 
a small charge to cover the expenses of copying, but if you do this 
you must make it clear that the charge does not include any 
contribution to the author of the programme. 

Technical Notes: Installation
-----------------------------
The files CMDIALOG.VBX, COMMDLG.DLL, GRID.VBX and VBRUN300.DLL
are "Shared Application Resource" files. These are Microsoft 
files which could be needed by any Visual Basic programme. 

Strictly speaking they should be put in the "Windows\System" 
directory to make them available to any future Visual Basic 
programmes that you may install. This avoids having more than 
one copy on your computer.

Leaving them in the same directory as the rest of the files
avoids the need to check to see if any of the shared files
are already in the System directory (older versions should be
replaced). Leaving all the files in one directory also means 
that you can delete the directory and leave the computer 
exactly as it was before the files were installed.


Steve Horn,
21 Benjamin Drive, Bo'ness, West Lothian EH51 0QS, United Kingdom
CompuServe 100116,3151
Internet steve@horn.demon.co.uk

5 February 1995
