Finding TADS for DOS or Windows 3.1
There are several different text-only TADS interpreters that run under MS-DOS and Windows. The one you need depends on what kind of computer you have.(and note that if any of these links are broken just go to the executables directory in the IF archive - it's likely that a binary was updated and I haven't got around to updating this list yet.)
1 - Really ancient PCs
If you have an old IBM PC - not even an AT model - then you should try TADS author Michael J. Roberts' original TADS interpreter. This version will run on your machine, but can't be used to play TADS games which are larger than 640K or so in size.2 - PC-AT (286) class PCsTADS 2.5.5 executables for really old MS-DOS machines (WUSTL mirror)
The second version of TADS breaks the 640K barrier and requires an AT (286) or better. However, this version relies on the Borland memory extender, which doesn't work on many machines. If it works on yours, great. If not, you'll have to try one of the other two versions of TADS.3 - 386 or better PCs running Windows 95/98TADS 2.5.5 executables for MS-DOS protected mode - 286 or better (WUSTL mirror)
The third version of TADS is the recommended one, as it frees you of DOS' memory restrictions and lets you play TADS games of any size. It was ported to Windows by Mike Roberts. Unfortunately, this version only runs on 32-bit versions of Windows - 95 or 98. (I think also NT) The version of the 32-bit binaries for TADS 2.5.1 is at:TADS 2.5.5 executables for MS-DOS protected mode, 386 or greater (WUSTL mirror)
There's also the GO32 version, but it's at version 2.2.1 and is no longer being maintained. Certain versions of the GO32 interpreter have a serious bug that prevents scheduled events from running following a game restore. This bug was fixed, but there still seem to be old copies of the interpreter out there. Either way, get the 32-bit version above and you'll be able to play the latest 2.2.6 games.
Note also that the protected-mode version is the one recommended for users of Windows 3.1 or Windows for Workgroups, 3.11. (the latter for all those people playing games at work who are tired of solitaire and battleship.) Unfortunately it's just TADS in a plain DOS box - there's no proper windowed version of TADS for Windows 3. Oh, well.
Finding TADS for Windows 95/98 and NT
Stephen Granade has ported Andrew Plotkin's Macintosh interpreter MaxZip over to Windows 95/98 and Windows NT.If you don't like the plain ol' DOS mode versions of TADS above, give WinTADS a try - it's very nice! Once again, it doesn't work under Windows 3.1 or 3.11 (heck, or Windows 1 or 2...) because they aren't multithreaded. You have to use one of the DOS versions above if you're a Win 3.1 user. However, WinTADS is text-only - it displays only text. If you want graphics and sound check out HTML TADS, below.
WinTADS, a TADS executable for Win95 and NT (WUSTL mirror)
HTML TADS for Windows 95/98 and NT
The above interpreters are all text-only. If you want to play the latest graphical TADS games you need HTML TADS. This gives you access to the latest 2.5.1 TADS games, complete with graphics and sound.HTML TADS player kit, a graphical TADS 2.5.5 executable for Win95/98 and NT (WUSTL mirror)
NB: this package is the player's kit, which contains the interpreter only. If you want to write your own games you'll also need the compiler and debugger, which all ship in the author's kit. That's a separate package.
HTML TADS author's kit, a graphical TADS 2.5.5 executable for Win95/98 and NT (WUSTL mirror)
Unzipping the File
The files are all stored as ZIP archives. You'll need an unzipping utility like PKUnzip or WinZip to decode them.
Running the Interpreter
In the TADS directory you'll find an application labeled either "tr.exe", "trx.exe", "tadsr.exe" or "WinTADS." This is the interpreter program that lets you run TADS games. Just type "tr" (or "trx" or "tadsr") followed by the name of the game you want to play. Or, if you're using 95 or NT, just double-click the WinTADS icon.Note that the DOS versions of TADS come with all kinds of other files in the directory. This other stuff (tc or tadsc, various documentation files) is only really important if you intend to write your own TADS game. Game players can use the "tr", "tadsr" interpreter and safely ignore all the other junk!
One note of caution, though. Don't throw away the extender files if you're using trx or tadsr. The trx extender is named DPMI16BI.OVL and the tadsr extender is called CWSDPMI.EXE. Without these cryptically-named extender files the program won't work!
Have fun!
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