======================================================================
======================================================================
  CurveExpert 1.1:  A comprehensive curve fitting system for Windows
		    Copyright (c) 1995 Daniel Hyams
		    All Rights Reserved.
======================================================================
======================================================================




INTRODUCTION
======================================================================
Thank you for your interest in CurveExpert 1.1!  

CurveExpert 1.1 is a comprehensive curve fitting system for Windows.  
XY data can be modelled using a toolbox of linear regression models, 
nonlinear regression models, interpolation, or splines.  Over 30 models
are built-in, but custom regression models may also be defined by the 
user.  Full-featured graphing capability allows thorough examination of 
the curve fit.   The process of finding  the best fit can be automated by
letting CurveExpert compare your data to each model to choose the best 
curve.  This program was designed to be simple but powerful, so that all 
users can obtain a model for their data quickly and easily.

Documentation is provided in the form of a Windows help file.  This
on-line manual is complete and does not need the supplement of a 
printed copy.  This way, we conserve our Earth's valuable resources
while at the same time reducing the cost of this software.


CurveExpert is Windows 95 compatible!

IF YOU ARE INSTALLING TO A WINDOWS 95 COMPUTER:
Due to an apparent bug in the installation program that is used 
in conjunction with CurveExpert, the installation program will 
not acknowledge when you are through reading this README file.  As
a result, the installation program will sit idle with a blue 
screen.  Simple press Ctrl-Alt-Del and terminate the process 
labeled "CurveExpert."  The installation is then finished.
(Note that this bug is currently being reported and worked out 
with the installation program authors).


This software package is ShareWare.



INSTALLATION
======================================================================
If you obtained this program from an Internet source, you must first 
unzip CURXPT11.ZIP (using PkUnzip or WinZip -- if you don't have this, 
go back to your ftp site and pick it up) to unpack all of the 
distribution files.  From the Program Manager, File Manager, or your 
particular shell, select File|Run and run the INSTALL.EXE program that 
was included in your CurveExpert distribution.  

The installation program will ask you where to install this software
and give the space requirements required.  Also, you may give your
name and company.  The rest of the process is automated -- CurveExpert
will install itself onto your computer in the location you specified 
and will make its own Program Manager group.

Should you ever want to uninstall CurveExpert, simply double-click
on the UnInstall icon in the CurveExpert program manager group.




LEGAL MATTERS
======================================================================
Read the Disclaimer Warranty section in the included help file.  Using
CurveExpert 1.1 means that you agree to all terms stated in the 
disclaimer.

CurveExpert is Shareware.  You are hereby granted license to use 
CurveExpert 1.1 for an evaluation period of 30 days, after which you 
must pay the registration fee to continue using CurveExpert 1.1. However, 
use of CurveExpert during the 30-day evaluation period is free of charge.

You may make exact copies and distribute these copies of the Evaluation 
version of CurveExpert 1.1 and its documentation as long the only charge
applied, if there is a charge applied, is for the distribution of these 
unmodified copies of CurveExpert.

You are specifically prohibited from charging or requesting donations for 
ANY and ALL copies of CurveExpert or its documentation. You are prohibited 
from distributing CurveExpert or any portion of CurveExpert or its 
documentation as part of another product (commercial or otherwise) 
without PRIOR expressed written consent from me personally.


FEATURES
======================================================================
+ Over 30 distinct data models to choose from, along with over 15 
  additional models provided as user-defined models

+ User-defined models allow you to input, design, and manage your own
  regression functions with up to 19 parameters

+ Toolbox of fitting techniques includes linear/nonlinear regression 
  and many types of interpolation/spline fitting.

+ Uses the Marquardt-Levenberg algorithm for quick and robust nonlinear 
  regression performance.

+ Unlimited number of data points

+ As curvefits are applied, a ranking chart keeps track of the best 
  to worst models

+ CurveFinder examines every possible regression model for your data
  set and returns the best one

+ Full-featured graphing capability with customizable, dynamic graphs 
  gives immediate feedback on curvefit quality

+ User has the ability to terminate a computation at any time

+ Customizable plots can be copied directly to the clipboard for use 
  in another Windows application

+ Easy-to-use point-and-click interface

+ Reads simple ASCII data files and can ignore comments or text in the file

+ Data set can be scaled, translated, sorted, the outliers removed,  
  edited by hand similarly to a spreadsheet

+ Full featured toolbar and status bar increase your productivity





WHAT'S NEW
======================================================================
See the HISTORY.TXT file for all of the latest additions and bug
fixes.


----
Daniel Hyams, author of CurveExpert 1.1
email:                  dhyams@eng.clemson.edu
phone w/ voice mail:    (803) 639-4722
FAX:                    (803) 639-4722
US mail:                911 Madden Bridge Road
			Central, SC  29630
