1. fragmaster_12.exe Driver
2. ReadMe.txt File Contents

ReadMe.txt Driver File Contents (fragmaster_12.exe)

File: README.TXT
******************************************************************
*                                                                *
*                     ThrustMaster Frag Master			 *
*                        ThrustMaster, Inc.                      *
*                         October 28, 1998                       *
*                                                                *
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This file contains information about ThrustMaster's Frag Master
and general information about new gaming device technologies: Force 
Feedback and USB ("Universal Serial Bus" technologies.)

Force Feedback
--------------
Force feedback is a technology that generates physical forces in
response to user actions.  A typical application of the technology
today is in computer games, where players can be made to feel
forces relating to movement of a simulated vehicle, or various
textures, bumps and vibrations that might create the illusion of a
solid object or an impact between objects.  When applied in
computer games, force feedback can provide an added element of
realism to enhance game play in the same way high-quality audio
and 3D acceleration technologies do.

Force feedback can be used in non-game applications as well, where
it has already been used to control remotely-operated vehicles or
other equipment, and to be an aid in the simulation of an
otherwise delicate or dangerous task.

ThrustMaster has incorporated force feedback technology into one
of its 1998 Motorsports racing wheels: the Force GT.  Game players
using the Force GT can experience sensations felt by real race car
drivers as they speed around race courses.  The Force GT can be
used with other non-racing games as well, and will add a new
dimension of realism to any game that uses force feedback. 
 

The Universal Serial Bus
------------------------
The Universal Serial Bus controller included with most new
personal computers provides a high-speed, bidirectional
communications link that enables multiple peripherals (joysticks,
modems, scanners, printers, etc.) to connect to the computer and
be managed using the Plug and Play facilities of the operating
system.  By using USB "hubs", many USB devices can be connected to
the computer simultaneously and all operating at the same time.

For joysticks and other game controllers, the main advantages of
USB over the traditional analog-style controllers are as follows:

(a) Digital control.  Problems like calibration and heat drift,
    normally associated with the old-style game port hardware, are
    a thing of the past since USB uses an entirely new method of
    connection to the host computer.

(b) Faster polling.  Games don't have to spend as much time
    reading data from a USB game controller as they were required
    to spend reading data from an analog controller.  This
    translates to higher potential frame rates in the game, making
    for more realistic game play.

(c) Self-description.  USB game controllers contain "smart"
    electronics that describe the device to the host computer
    using the Plug-and-Play interface.  This means that drivers on
    the host computer can automatically select and calibrate the
    game device, saving you the hassle of going through these
    steps manually.  These features are beginning to be
    implemented in this release of our drivers--more will be added
    in the near future.

==================================================================
Frequently Asked Questions about USB and Force Feedback technology

1. Q: Why are force feedback game controllers more expensive than
      most non-force feedback controllers?

   A: Force feedback game controllers require more electronics
      than most non-force feedback devices do.  Typically, motors
      or other types of high-power actuators are used to generate
      the forces that you feel when using the device.  Controlling
      motors and other actuators requires a lot of electrical
      energy and makes the electronics in a force feedback
      controller more complex.  All told, the additional
      electronics and actuators make the device more expensive to
      produce.


2. Q: Which types of computer systems support force feedback?

   A: Force Feedback is a technology that is still in its infancy.
      Today, there are force feedback devices available for Intel-
      based PCs and some game consoles. The technology will be 
      supported on other computer systems, and in newer game
      consoles, in the coming months.  By the end of 1999, force
      feedback will be a standard feature in most computer gaming
      systems.


3. Q: Which types of computer systems support USB?

   A: At this time, the only computer systems and computer
      operating systems that are USB-capable are Intel-based PCs
      running either Microsoft Windows 95 OSR2.1 (Windows 95 with
      the "USB Supplement" added), or Windows 98.  

      Other computers and non-Windows operating systems will also
      support USB very soon.

	   
4. Q: Can USB game controllers be used with Windows NT?

   A: Windows NT version 4 and earlier do not support USB.
      However, version 5 (which is not released yet) will support
      USB.  If you attempt to install a ThrustMaster USB game
      controller on a Windows NT system, a message will be
      displayed indicating that the operating system is not
      supported.


5. Q: Do ThrustMaster USB game controllers work if connected to
      a port on an external USB hub?

   A: Yes they do.  In fact, connecting devices to an external hub
      is a great way to attach them to your system, because you
      can put the connection point within easy reach from where
      you use your computer.  This means you no longer need to
      reach around the back of your PC to plug and unplug
      different game controllers or other peripherals.


6. Q: What USB game devices does ThrustMaster have available?

   A: Only the TOP GUN USB is available now.  Others will be
      announced by fall of 1998.


7. Q: How do I get additional ThrustMaster game devices?

   A: They can be ordered direct by calling ThrustMaster World
      Headquarters in Hillsboro, Oregon; phone number is
      (503)615-3200.  When calling, just ask to place an order.