About the time that Windows 98 or ME was released, Microsoft changed how some input/output processes were handled in Windows. This created complications for the A-Shell programs and users, which MicroSabio dealt with by creating an alternate version of A-Shell for Windows; one to work the old way, one to work the new way. However, and unfortunately, that requires that our users, who might be running Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, or Vista, choose one of the options. Here are the guidelines for selecting the version of A-Shell that will best work for you.

1. A-Shell does not support versions of Windows that are older than Windows 98. If you are running Windows 95 or 3.x, A-Shell will not work.

2. If you have Windows 98 or Windows ME, you must use the "C" version of A-Shell for Windows.

3. For most users running Windows 2000, XP or Vista, the normal/regular (i.e., non-C) version of A-Shell for Windows is the best choice. However, it is possible that you will get better performance with the "C" version in some peer-to-peer Windows network environments IF your application does not use LOKSER. If you have that environment, and if you have performance concerns, then the "C" version may be right for you. Note also that the "C" version requires that:

• All FAT32 partitions must be less than 2GB.
• All files must be  2GB or less.

If you are technically inclined and wish to hear all of the gruesome details regarding the origin of and need for the "C" version, read this posting on the subject from the A-Shell bulletin board.