1. PURPOSE: What does this program do and what is it all about?
===============================================================
In short:     numerical calculations, data processing,
              graph generating, viewing, printing,
              in-line calculator.

Frequently experimentally measured data is a set of
N points written in a text file in two columns:
  X1  Y1
  X2  Y2
  etc.,

which represents a real function Y of a real variable X. Let us call this
object "a graph". The program "calc" allows one to do arithmetic and algebraic
operations on graphs and real numbers: add graph+graph, convolute, etc. All
operations are NUMERICAL. Calc also knows fitting, smoothing, interpolation,
integrals, standard and some special functions, and much more.

Calc allows one to plot on a screen (EGA/VGA) and print on a PostScript
Printer.

Calc works under DOS. It takes commands from a command line. Language is a
simple algebra:

        calc a = b+sin(x)^3    etc.

where b,x and a are graphs/numbers (i.e. names of the files containing graphs)
in the sense described above.

One can write programs doing numerical calculations and/or manipulating
experimental data in batch files.

2. INSTALLATION
===============

Usually, a distributed version is compiled for 286 processor with a math
co-processor & EGA/VGA monitor and works under DOS. If your computer is
different, (no math co-processor, etc.) a custom compiled version is available
upon request.

How to find out, what version do you have?
If your computer does not have a math co-processor, and calc gives obviously
wrong answers like
        calc 1+2
                  1+2 = 10^24
you need a version with float arithmetic emulation.

To install calc, put calc.exe in the path BEFORE WINDOWS.
Example:
        take a look into autoexec.bat:
        if your path is
                path=C:\WINDOWS;C:DOS;C:\TOOLS;
        make it:
                path=C:\TOOLS;C:\WINDOWS;C:DOS;
        copy calc.exe into C:\TOOLS and reboot your computer.

3. STATUS OF THE PROGRAM & DISTRIBUTION
=======================================
This program is a shareware. You can copy and distribute it freely as long
as you distribute the whole original package which includes readme.txt file
and all example files (*.bat).

Disclaimer:
This program  is provided "as  is" without warranty  of any kind.  In no event
shall author be liable for any loss  of profits, loss of business, loss of use
or data,  interruption of business,  or for indirect,  special, incidental, or
consequential damages of any kind, arising from any error in this program.

4. HELP or How to Learn It
==========================
   There are several batch files (*.bat) coming with it.
   View them and run them.
   The file helps.bat shows how to use help commands of calc.

5. HOW TO CONTACT THE AUTHOR
===========================
Questions/Suggestions/Problems?
        contact Vladimir Kushnir: kushnir@aps.anl.gov