Source Code Frequently Asked Questions

Q.   How much of the PCBoard Source Code will I get?

A.   You will receive all source code to PCBoard and the accompanying 
     utility programs that were created by Clark Development and shipped 
     as part of the PCBoard package.


Q.   What about updates?  Will I get new source code when PCBoard is updated?

A.   Yes.  As long as your PCBoard Download Access is current, you will 
     receive updated PCBoard Source Code whenever we release a new 
     version.


Q.   What programming language is PCBoard written in?

A.   PCBoard was written in C, C++ and Assembly.


Q.   After I license the PCBoard Source Code, what else do I need to buy 
     so that I can modify and rebuild the software?

A.   To recompile and link PCBoard you will need a copy of Borland C/C++ 
     and CodeBase.  Some of the PCBoard utilities also require VMData 
     from PocketSoft.  PCBoard can be compiled without CodeBase if you 
     don't need the dBase capability available through PPL.  VMData is 
     used in certain PCBoard utility programs (like PCBFiler) but it is 
     not needed to recompile PCBoard.


Q.   Can I port PCBoard to another platform, like UNIX or Windows NT?

A.   You are welcome to port PCBoard to any other operating system as 
     long as you do not operate more copies of PCBoard than you have 
     licensed from Clark Development.


Q.   What about support? 

A.   The PCBoard Source Code License does not include any support or 
     consulting time.  Simple questions will be answered via email only.  
     Technical support and consulting services are available via 
     telephone or email only when prior arrangements have been made to 
     pay for these services on an hourly basis.


Q.   I have written some DOORs with the PCBoard Door Developers Toolkit.  
     Is there any advantage to having the PCBoard Source Code?

A.   Yes.  Since the Toolkit is simply a collection of library routines 
     from PCBoard itself, programs that have been written with the 
     Toolkit can be integrated right into PCBoard itself, eliminating 
     the need to shell out and run another program. 
     

Q.   After I enhance the software, can I give copies to other sysops?

A.   Every PCBoard installation must be licensed by Clark Development 
     Company, Inc.  Your PCBoard Source Code License Agreement does not 
     give you the right to license the software to anyone else.  
     However, you may share your source code modifications with anyone 
     else that has a valid PCBoard Source Code License from Clark 
     Development Company, Inc.  You may also provide updated executables 
     (i.e. pcboard.exe) to any registered PCBoard sysop that has a legal 
     copy of the current version of PCBoard.  Remember that Clark 
     Development can not support any installation that is running a 
     modified copy of PCBoard.


Q.   If I make an enhancement to PCBoard and send you my updated source 
     code, will you include it in the next PCBoard upgrade?

A.   You are always welcome to send your modified source code to us.  We 
     will review your enhancements and consider adding them to the next 
     PCBoard upgrade.  If we do use your enhancements, we will give you 
     recognition in the documentation.  By sending your modified source 
     code to us, you are giving us full rights to use your enhancements 
     as we see fit without any payment to you.


Q.   Can I use PCBoard Source Code in other programs?

A.   Yes but certain restrictions apply.  If you use PCBoard source code 
     in your own program, every copy of your program that is installed 
     must accompany a valid PCBoard license.  For example, if you use 
     PCBoard source code to create a program that runs with PCBoard 
     BBSes, then you have no problem because every installation will 
     already have a valid PCBoard license.  If you create a program that 
     uses PCBoard source code, but that program does not require PCBoard 
     itself, you will need a PCBoard license for every copy of your 
     program that you install.  PCBoard source code may not be used in 
     any programs that compete with PCBoard or that aid in the 
     conversion of a PCBoard BBS to any program that competes with 
     PCBoard.


Q.   I want to enhance PCBoard for a specific vertical market.  Can I 
     get an OEM license to PCBoard so that I can package the software 
     under my own name and license it directly to my customers?

A.   PCBoard OEM Licenses are available.  With a PCBoard OEM License you 
     package and distribute the software yourself, then pay a single 
     royalty payment to Clark Development at the end of each month.  If 
     you are interested in a PCBoard OEM License please contact us for 
     more information.