>>Why have a professional version of 64HDD? 64HDD has been widely adopted by many Commodore enthusiast as an alternative to using emulators or the 1541 floppy disk drive. For many users, the capabilities of the freeware version are enough. However, some users have indicated that they would prefer enhancements. It takes time to develop these enhancements (some of which I do not use regularly) and it also costs money (to further improve quality and compatibility I have had to buy reference manuals and CMD software, set-up PCs of different specification, build more cables, etc). The proceeds from the Professional version will help fund my Commodore addiction, helping me buy more Commodore hardware and software, and generate more projects for us all to play with.... >>Can I install 64HDD Pro on more than one PC? Yes, provided these are your own machines. 64HDD Pro is supplied as a single user, multi-system license. You can install a copy on your laptop, and one on your desktop, or one for your C64 set-up and another for your C16. But you cannot give the disk to your friends to install on their system - they must buy their own version. See the "Simple Software Licence Agreement" information which comes with the software for more information. >>Is 64HDD Pro copy-protected? Yes. The internet makes it very easy for just one copy to be circulated to everyone in the world, so I have decided to use some physical copy-protection by distributing the original copy on floppy disk media. All upgrades will be available by email or download, but you will need to retain the original disk when installing them for the first time. >>Are the PC requirements greater for 64HDD Pro? Not necessarily, however to make best use of all the new features it is recommended that the PC not be a lowly 386sx. Fastloaders need at least a higher specification 386DX or 486DX to attain improvements worth implementing. I have found a 486DX33 to be satisfactory and a P100 more than enough. >>What future upgrades will be included in my initial purchase? 64HDD and 64HDD Pro will continue to be developed, however the freeware version will not get all the enhancements. The freeware version will continue to be upgraded with regard to CBM disk image format correctness and function, protocol compatibility and general bug fixing and maintenance. 64HDD Pro features will not be made freeware at a later time. The purchaser of 64HDD Pro v1.xx is entitled to free email upgrades for all v1.xx features. >>How will upgrades be distributed? Upgrades will be distributed via email to you, if you request the upgrade. A file server may be set-up in the future for pro-users to download copies at their convenience. Disks may also be posted by request for a small nominal price to cover media and postage costs. >>What happens if 64HDD Pro Disk fails, can I get a replacement? Yes, simply send the original disk back to me and I will reformat it with the latest release. If the disk is physically damaged, please provide a blank disk also. The copy protection scheme only needs to read the disk, so you should always leave the write protect tab set to "safe". >>Is there a C128 version of 64HDD Pro? 64HDD Professional works with the C128, but no doubt some users would like features such as the FastLoad, X-Loader and GEOS128 support for the C128 mode. There is a separate version of 64HDD Professional which has these extra features. The C128 verison includes Z-Loader (a custom serial fast-Loader) C128 Pwr-Loader and GEOS128 support. A small upgrade fee is charged to cover the development of these extra features. >>Is there a C16/Plus4 version of 64HDD Pro? 64HDD Professional works with the C16/Plus4, but no doubt some users would like features such as the FastLoad and X-Loader support for their C16/Plus4. However, like the C128, these machine specific routines have not yet been coded. The GUI and other Professional features do work with your C16/Plus4. Like the C128 upgrade if done the C16/Plus4 upgrade will be available at a small upgrade price. >>Is there a VIC20 version of 64HDD Pro? One is not planned, nor is considered to be warranted. The files for the VIC20 are generally smaller and there is no GEOS to speak of. The current 64HDD Professional version will suit the VIC20 user. >>Can I make suggestions about new features for 64HDD pro? Please do. This is one of the unwritten benefits of being a 64HDD user. If I think the idea is possible, will be used by others and will not take months to develop, it is quite possible that I will consider coding it. >>I only want 50% of the features, can I pay only 50% of the 64HDD Pro price? No, unfortunately 64HDD Pro will only available as bundle. >>If I cannot get some functions to work with my PC, can I get a refund? No, I would suggest getting another PC or upgrading /downgrading your current machine. These days 486 machines can be found quite cheaply and make a good solution. 64HDD Pro includes many features and so if one thing doesn't quite work for you, then there are probably a dozen others that do. The free version of 64HDD will always be available and so it is highly recommended that you test-drive it before purchasing the Professional version. Of course, if the problem is a bug with 64HDD, I will endeavour the best I can to fix the problem.