DoomBench v1.02b
Copyright (C) 1996 TDK
All Rights Reserved

This is the Readme file for DoomBench (DMBENCH.EXE), a freeware benchmark 
program which uses the timed demos built into the game DOOM(R) by ID Software 
to calculate a performance index. This program is a 16-bit DOS executable; 
however, it has been tested under DOS, 16-bit Windows, Windows 95, and Windows 
NT 3.51. It has not been tested under OS/2, Linux, or non-MS versions of DOS. 
If DOOM runs in a particular environment, then DMBENCH should run as well.

INSTALLATION :

The simplest method is to copy DMBENCH.EXE to the same directory as DOOM and 
run it. However, in certain configurations (e.g., multiple copies of DOOM on 
the same computer), it may be desirable to copy the program to another 
location. If this is the case, then use the /FILE= command-line parameter 
discussed below. (The program will also prompt you if it can't find DOOM).

RUNNING THE BENCHMARK :

From a command prompt type "DMBENCH" (without the quotes). This will run the 3 
demos that are built into each version of DOOM, gather the timing information 
generated by the game, and then calculate a unique performance index which has 
been dubbed "DUBI" (pronounced "doobie") - for the DOOM Universal Benchmark 
Index. Basically, this is a normalized index derived from data gathered from 
multiple runs of multiple versions of DOOM. For any particular system, DUBI 
should generate performance numbers that vary only a percentage point or two in 
either direction, even across different versions of DOOM. Multi-tasking 
operating systems may (and probably will) fluctuate more. A future version may 
factor the OS into the normalization calculations.

OPTIONS :

DMBENCH features a few command-line parameters. The format for the command-line 
is :

DMBENCH [[[/FILE=] [/LOG] [/NOCFG]] /HELP | /INFO]

DMBENCH /? or /HELP will display the available command-line options, along with 
a brief description of what they do. DMBENCH /INFO will display general 
information about the benchmark. The /LOG parameter will log (append) results 
to a file that will always be placed into the same directory as the benchmark. 
/FILE= will tell DMBENCH where DOOM.EXE is located if it is not in the same 
directory.

For example :

"DMBENCH /FILE=c:\games\doom\doom.exe /LOG" (without the quotes)

will run DOOM located in the \games\doom directory, and log the test results to 
a file. All parameters can be shortened to their starting character; leading 
"-" and "/"'s can be omitted as well (e.g., DMBENCH /LOG = DMBENCH L).

The /NOCFG parameter requires a bit of explanation. Ordinarily, DMBENCH will 
rename DOOM's DEFAULT.CFG file, copy it, change the screen size and detail 
level, run the test, and then delete the copied CFG file and rename the orginal 
file back to DEFAULT.CFG. This is essential for meaningful test results; the 
screen size and detail level settings will alter the test results more than any 
other factors. To compare results between machines, these settings must be kept 
constant. However, there may be times when it is desirable to test at settings 
other than the defaults. For this reason, the /NOCFG parameter has been 
included; however DOOM is currently set up is how it will be tested.

Also, in the extremely unlikely event that DEFAULT.CFG gets trashed (power 
outtage, system crash), the original file can be renamed back to DEFAULT.CFG to 
restore DOOM to it's normal settings (the file is renamed to $DEFAUL.$CF during 
testing). In the extremely, extremely unlikely event that BOTH the original and 
copied config files get trashed, re-run DOOM's SETUP.EXE and re-specify 
hardware settings and user preferences.

NOTES :

Dmbench requires only that the original, unaltered WAD file for DOOM be present 
in the same directory where DOOM resides. The DUBI index explained above has 
been calculated for the following versions of DOOM :

DOOM I  version 1.2
DOOM I  version 1.666
DOOM I  version 1.9
DOOM I  version 1.9 Shareware
DOOM I  Ultimate Doom
DOOM II version 1.666
DOOM II version 1.7a
DOOM II version 1.9

The following known versions of DOOM do not have DUBI scores (and cannot be 
found!) :

DOOM I  version 1.0
DOOM I  version 1.1
DOOM I  version 1.8
DOOM II version 1.7
DOOM II version 1.8

If your version matches one of those listed directly above, the DUBI index will 
be reported as 0.0 (although all other test info will be reported). If you know 
where to aquire the version you are using (or a patch to same), see the results 
screen on how to contact the author. If the version can be aquired, it's DUBI 
score will be included in the next version of DMBENCH. The only exception is 
that shareware versions will NOT be included; the DOOM I v1.9 Shareware version 
is included here because the majority of shareware DOOM users are using this 
version or can easily aquire it.

The current DUBI index will be updated periodically as more data is aquired. In 
the meantime, remember that scores will vary more as processor speed decreases, 
and if you are using a multitasking OS.

Enjoy the carnage!!!

LEGAL :

The author makes no warranty as to the usability or fitness of this program for 
any particular purpose, nor accepts any responsibilty for it's usage, or damage 
incurred from same.