@comment -*-texinfo-*-
@comment $Id$
@c FILE: README_distribution.texi
@c PURPOSE: general README file to be included in the distribution
@c

@ifclear VERSION
@include version.texi
@end ifclear

@majorheading README file for the @sc{Singular} distribution

@sc{Singular} is a Computer Algebra system for polynomial computations
with special emphasize on the needs of commutative algebra, algebraic
geometry, singularity theory and polynomial system solving. For a more
detailed overview of
@sc{Singular}, see
@display
@uref{http://www.singular.uni-kl.de/Overview/}
@end display

@sc{Singular} version 2 is generally much faster than any previous version of
@sc{Singular}, due to a rewriting of major parts of
the @sc{Singular} kernel (e.g., the kernel has a new memory manager and a
new polynomial arithmetic), and due to new and
better implemented algorithms (e.g., for computing resolutions
and determinants).

Besides these internal changes, @sc{Singular} version 2 offers many new features
and functionalities (which were already partly included in the 1-3 series).
E.g., a native Windows distribution, an Emacs user interface,
a new help system, 16 new libraries, etc.

@macro nref{name,url}
@ifhtml
@item @uref{\url\,,\name\}
@end ifhtml
@ifnothtml
@item @code{\name\}
@end ifnothtml
@end macro


See the files
@table @asis
@nref{NEWS, NEWS.html}
for news and changes of this version
@nref{COPYING, COPYING.html}
for license information for @sc{Singular}
@nref{INSTALL, INSTALL.html}
for installation instructions, troubleshooting tips, and answers to
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
@end table


More and up-to-date information about @sc{Singular} is always available
from
@display
@uref{http://www.singular.uni-kl.de}.
@end display
We very much welcome any comments, questions, and bug reports,
especially comments about our new version. Please
contact us at
@display
@email{singular@@mathematik.uni-kl.de}.
@end display

GOOD LUCK and ENJOY!
Your @sc{Singular} team.