Solving Other Problems with the Guide
Question: Why can't I print Volume I?
Unfortunately, eBooks that are not copy protected in some way are very vulnerable to copyright infringement. People copy them without paying for them. In fact, it has been suggested to us that about 40 to 60% of the unsecured eBooks in circulation are pirated copies. We are already taking a big risk in making Volume II, 'Harbours and Anchorages' printable but we understand that not all of you will be able to access that vital information on a computer while underway.
We made the decision that the information in Volume I, 'General Cruising Information' was not vital to have access to while underway and that making it not printable would encourage people to do the right thing and buy the Guide.
Our only option, other than copy protection, to recover our substantial expenses in writing and publishing the Guide would be (assuming 50% were stolen) to double our price; in effect we would be penalizing the honest for the actions of the dishonest, surely a bad thing.
Question: Can I run the Guide on a Macintosh?
Yes, but with speed limitations and a fair amount of effort on your part. You will need to use a Windows emulation program such as Microsoft VirtualPC on your Mac; however, we have been advised that getting VirtualPC working takes several hours (to download and then install upgrades) and that when you do get it running it is slow.
Another option is to run the Guide on an Intel-based Mac, although that would require rebooting under Windows each time you want to run the Guide; however, when in this mode you could print out the relevant 'Harbours and Anchorages' sections.
If you try either of these methods and aren't happy with the results, we will refund your money (as long as it is within 60 days of purchase).
Our distribution provider is planning a Macintosh native version, but not in the near term. Sorry the news is not better. We're Mac lovers ourselves and only went over to Windows because there was so much marine software that did not run on Mac.