Have a question about PlayBasic ? - Well you've come to right place then. Here you'll find all of the most commonly asked questions, categorized for your convenience.
FAQ: Demo, Retail, Freebie & Updating Questions Revision: V0.09 - Last Updated: March 3rd, 2013
Section:DEMO & LEARNING EDITION QUESTIONS
Question:Is the learning edition version the same as the retail version ?
Answer:Yes & No, Yes, The current Learning edition is built upon the V1.64L revision which was issued in April of 2010. When you order, you actually recieve the retail edition of V1.64L package as your base installer. These are indeed the same, but please be aware, that V1.64L based build of learning edition, isn't anywhere near the newest edition of PlayBasic though (revision V1.64O 2013).
As a rule though, learning editions & demos are generally a generation or so behind the current retail edition. For the most part demo's learning editions are about 6 to 12 months (or more) behind the retail version. As such, you'll no doubt find source code snippets onthe site or forums that won't work with your version without modification (since newer versions have more features than older versions)
Question:I noticed the retail editions (PlayBasicFX namely) uses Direct3D engine, does the V1.64L learning edition contain this ?
Answer:No, the V1.64 learning edition (Free Demo) uses the Direct Draw + Software Rendering engine.
Question: Will a demo/learning edition based upon PlayBasicFX be issued that supports Direct 3D ?
Answer:Yes however we can only issue such a thing when the retail edition is complete. At the time of writing (Dec 2012) we're still only 1/2 the way through it's migration. The things missing are the IDE and we still need to update the documentation & example packs to suit. Once that's done, we can issue a demo. As without documentation & IDE, there's little point.
Question:What graphics API does the PlayBasic Learning Edition Use
Answer:All classic versions of the PlayBasic, ( learning edition / Demo & Retail Editions) uses the DirectX (Direct Draw) + Software Rendering engine solution.
This solution is designed to maximize the system compatibility of user programs, and is capable of building applications/games that will run not only modern operation systems and hardware (ie Vista & Windows 7) but, long lost legacy operating systems such as Windows 98, Windows ME.
Question: What's the difference between the DEMO and LEARNING EDITION versions ?
Answer:The main difference is the intended audience. The Learning Edition are a purposely cut down edition of the PlayBasic package. These editions are FREE of time limits, but have less commands and functionality than a DEMO of a full version. So the Learning Editions are intended or new users to get up to speed with PlayBasic programming. Without the constraint of a time limit looming over head.
Demo editions on the other, are intended to demonstrate the latest features of whole PB package. These editions are time limited and have a reduced functionality compared to the retail edition (No Exe creation for example).
Question:I've heard there's a new version of PlayBasic, called PBFX/PlayBasicFX what's that?
Answer:PBFX is what re refer to as the big brother of PlayBasic, it's based upon our ever evolving second / third generation runtime technologies. This new system allows us to extend the power and flexibilies of the language dramatically. However, it's not release ready at this time.
We do have Work In Progress editions available, but those are restricted to PlayBasic customers.
Question: Will there be demo of PlayBasicFX
Answer:Yes, however we can only issue such a thing when the retail edition is complete. At the time of writing (Aug 2010) we're only 85% the way through it's migration. From there, we still need to update the documentation & example packs to suit. Once that's done, we can issue a demo. As without documentation, there's little point.
Section:RETAIL QUESTIONS
Question:If I order a PlayBasic license do I get Free upgrades ?
Answer:Yes. Customers can download upgrades to the core language freely for the life of PlayBasic. Extensions to the tool set are planned, but these will NOT be freely available.
Question: How frequently is PlayBasic upgraded ?
Answer:On average there's been about 3 or 4 major upgrades issued per year.
Question: How Long Has PlayBasic been in development ?
Answer:It's been in development in one share or another since 2002.
Question: How Do I download retail upgrades to PlayBasic ?
Answer:Through the PlayBasic maintenence section on the Forums. You have to sign up in order to access it. You'll find all sorts of goodies only available to registered users there also.
Question: Do retail version have the splash screen like the demo ?
Answer:No.
Question:Can the Retail edition built stand alone EXE's ?
Answer:Yes.
Question: Does the retail version build Machine Code EXE's ?
Answer:No. Exe's use the PlayBasic Virtual Machine. The retail version of PlayBasic comes with two editions of the VM. A Release and Debug version. The Release has all 'safe code' (array bounds, media validity etc ) removed and therefore gives a higher code execution speed. Which depending upon the program this can give anywhere from 1% to 10% performance. The Debug editions will give the same performance as running your project through the IDE however.
Question: Will future version produce Machine Code Exe's ?
Answer:Yes, it's certainly planned, But will only be available editions based upon our second (or higher) generation Virtual Machines. This is some time off however so i wouldn't it expect it in the immediate future.
Question: How Much faster is the Retail Version than the Demo ?
Answer:Executing your program code from the PlayBasic IDE (Demo or Retail) will give about the same performance. That's assuming were comparing the same versions (Demo V1.64L vs Retail V1.64L). But since Retail editions tend to be a number of generations ahead of the demo, newer versions benefit from any optimizations to the code execution that have been recently made. So running code through the IDE of Retail editions is on average faster
However, Compiling your project to an stand alone EXE will certainly give better code execution performance the demo !
Question: There seems to be various editions i.e (v1.63/v1.64 & PlayBasicFX ) what's the difference ?
Answer:Retail users currently (as of Dec 2012) have a choice of using PlayBasic V1.64 or testing the Work In Progress prototype editions of PlayBasixFX for free. The difference is the technology each edition is based upon. All versions of PlayBasic including and prior to V1.64 utilize DirectX version 3 (Direct draw). Giving the broadest possible compatibility. However, the PlayBasicFX editions (V1.70 and higher) use a completely new Direct 3D based graphics engine. Which requires 3D acceleration. Thus some features are only available in the newer Direct3D enhanced editions.
Question: While reading the license agreement, it mentions PB is for personal use only, is it possible to purchase a site/multi user license ?
Answer:Yes To do so contact Kevin Picone through the site.
Question: What languages does the PlayBasic package support ?
Answer:It's ENGLISH only. We're not aware of any translations at this time.
Question: Can I install the retail edition on my Laytop and Desktop machine ?
Answer:Yes.
Question:I've lost my base retail installer, how can I get anorther one ?
Question: I'm a programmer / author, so can I get a freebie ?
Answer:This is becoming an all too common request! While we have given out freebies (obligation free) in the past, these have generally been to established programmers (Developers with some releases under their belts in other languages). Unfortunately the results were less than satisfactory. (99% hot air in fact). So today, we virtually never respond to 'Gimme a freebie' requests positively, and in the rare cases that we do, this would only be if the user commits to certain requirements. There is no such thing as a freebie!
So please think very carefully before making such a requests, as refusal may offend!
Question: I'm an Graphics Artist & Musician and wish to exchange services for a retail version ?
Answer:This is certainly something we'd entertain. But If we're going to exchange pre-made media for a license (or we buy it), then clearly this media should not already be freely available on the internet. An example of this might be some artwork from a project you worked on, which was not released.
Alternatively, we're always interested in skilled artists for custom art jobs. (all be it infrequently)
Question: Should I uninstall my current retail version before installing a patch ?
Answer:No. In order to work correctly, retail upgrades must be installed over your current install of the full retail version. This will would normally be installed to (C:\My Programs\PlayBasic\)
Question: Do I have to install all successive updates in order to bring my install up to date ?
Answer:No. You simply download and install the most current upgrade available.
Question: Do upgrade packages include IDE updates ?
Answer:Yes, but only when the IDE has changed. Therefore an upgrade might not include the latest IDE revision, if it has not changed since the previous update. So this can cause issues if you have not updated for a long period of time. You can download the IDE revisions separately from the PlayBasic maintenance forum. Since 2009, we always include the current build of the IDE in each upgrade installer
Question: When installing a Patch, what folder should I install it to ?
Answer:When upgrading PlayBasic upgrade. It's critical that you direct the patch installer to use the same folder where PB is currently installed The PlayBasic installer defaults to C:\My Programs\PlayBasic or say C:\Programs Files\PlayBasic (Depending upon your Operating System) , so if that's were you installed PB originally, then that's where you should install the patch also.
Now If your edition of PlayBasic was installed to a custom folder of your choice, say F:\MyDevelopmentTools\PlayBasic for example. Then you should direct the patch installers to this folder F:\MyDevelopmentTools\PlayBasic also.
Question: Are there any videos showing the upgrading process ?
Answer:Yep. To install an upgrade over the existing installation, the user only has to agree to the license terms and then press next. The installer will use the last installation location for it's target.
Question: How do I Remove a Patch ?
Answer:You can't. The patch installer overwrites your old files to make the changes, so there's no way to bring them back. You can downgrade patches though, by simply installing an older patch over a newer one. So providing you hang on to your patches, it's pretty straight forward.
Question: I've installed Retail version of PlayBasic, but how do I upgrade it ?
Answer:To upgrade, you need to be download the latest edition and install it Over your current installation. Upgrade/Patches only include changed files. Therefore attempting to install a patch and run it on it's own, will not only result in errors, it simply can't function without the other important files that were provided from your Full Retail installer of PlayBasic, otherwise known as Base Installer.
Update Steps:
Step 1) Install your base retail version (example PB V1.63) and activate it (i.e. enter your serial details) Note: If you using Vista or Win7) then we recommended, activating PlayBasic after step 4!
Step 2) Download the latest upgrade from either the PB maintenance area (HERE) or TGC site if you wish. It doesn't matter, installers of the same version are identical
Step 3) Install said upgrade over your current previous install.
Step 4) When new patches are released, repeat this process starting at STEP 2
Note: The process is the same regardless of who you purchased the software from. Although, if you want the latest upgrades, then they're only available here.
Question: My base retail installer is really old (pre V1.63), can I still upgrade?
Answer:Yes you can. PlayBasic V1.089, PlayBasic V1.33, PlayBasic V1.44 Assuming you want to upgrade to the latest edition of the PlayBasic (V1.64 at the time writing), then you'll first need to install upgrade version of 1.63w, from here you can install the lastest revision of the 1.64 upgrade.
Question: I need to Re-Install PlayBasic Retail, What's the recommended procedure ?
Answer:If you're running Windows Vista / Windows7 then we recommend the following.
Recommended Re-Installation procedure
Step 1) Install whatever base retail edition you have. For orders newer than July / AUG 2007, this will be PlayBasic V1.63w filename PlayBasicV163m_Retail_Setup.exe Older base retails versions are V1.089, V1.33, V1.44. But the process is the same.
----> B) Install latest upgrade over the top. Currently this is PlayBasic V1.64N3
Step 3) Run PlayBasic. Press F5 to compile a blank project, enter your serial and registration details into the Dialog that appears.
Step 4) Done.
Question: Upgrading Problems for XP / VISTA or Win7 Users ?
Answer:Users may experience problems installing (older versions of PB) or upgrading to old versions of PlayBasic on the VISTA operating system. The problems occur primarily due to the strict nature of the operating system, while previous editions of Windows allow writing program preferences into the programs own folder (Which old version of PB use) . This behavior was changed in Vista.
In older editions of PlayBasic we used to store the programs preferences within the programs own install folder, clean and simple. However for most Vista users (and some XP users also) this approach is no longer viable. The operating system can and will refuse to allow PB to write into it's own folder. This can cause all kinds of errors in old editions of PB (and many other programs also btw), since this previously wasn't a possibly.
If you wish to run old versions of PlayBasic on such environments (ie, older than PlayBasic V1.64 for example) then we recommend installing the software outside of the default My Programs / Programs Files location. This can help as Windows OS's can be less restrictive there. But really, the best way to solve the issue is to change to a user account that is less restrictive (Admin) or use PlayBasic V1.64i.
Question: Are retail editions from reseller (ie TheGameCreators) any different to those sold here ?
Answer:No, they're identical. So TheGameCreators customers can happily download and use any retail upgrades posted here with their retail version.
Question: I ordered from TheGameCreators, can I use upgrades from posted here ?
Answer:Yes, the reseller editions (whatever the revision) are identical to those provided here. So you can use upgrades with your version.
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