I just opened the CD package. Now what?
The product CD has documentation files located in its root folder so that you can access themĀ beforeĀ installing the product.
The main product help files (Dsp7.*) are available in Windows HTML Help format (.CHM) and Adobe Reader format (.PDF). You may also wish to peruse the Readme file (Readme.htm), the Quick Start file for experienced users (QuickStart.htm), or the License Agreement (License.rtf).
Installing
You should review the Readme.htm file before installing. It describes the installation options and their Windows security implications. Installation help is also found online here. The installer is digitally signed by Knightware.
Getting Started
Once you've installed Deep-Sky Planner, you should:
- if you didn't enter your Product Key during installation, enter your Product Key (Help | Product Key) when you start Deep-Sky Planner
- check for software updates (Help | Check for Updates) and install if available
- select your geographic location (Options | Location)
- set preferences (Options | Preferences, e.g., date & time format, Lat/Lng format, RA/Decl format)
- set your report style (Options | Report Styles)
- set up the equipment (Equipment menu) that you will reference in your Observing Log (telescopes, eyepieces, cameras etc)
- set up your digital setting circles and Sky Quality Meter (Equipment/Observer menu) if you use them
- set up inter-operation with the planetarium programs you use and select a favorite (Options | Star Chart Programs)
- set up telescope control (Telescope Control | Setup)
- activate your license (Help | Activate License)
Further Steps
The above information, and more, is available in a Getting Started document (Help | Quick Start Guide).