The files in MSS8.ZIP will upgrade your currently installed
version of the MSS to version 8.0, without affecting your
current version. The two versions should be able to coexist
in the same installation directory.

Version 8 of the MSS supports Weighted Hit Factor scoring. Any 
matches you setup with version 8 can only be scored by version 8.
Conversely, any matches you set up with your currently installed 
version of MSS cannot be scored by version 8. The two scoring 
methods are completely distinct. Please do not try to mix them.

Note that only the main computer program is available. There is
no slave data entry version at this time.


WEIGHTED HIT FACTOR SCORING
---------------------------
This proposed new scoring method uses standard Comstock scoring
(points divided by time) to calculate a hit factor, then applies
a stage weight by multiplying the hit factor by the minimum
rounds for the stage. 

This method still weights the stages, but a competitor's stage 
points can NOT be changed by the performance of another competitor
(as they can now).

Match results are calculated by adding the weighted hit factors 
of all stages. Overall results can once again be produced, where
all competitors from all Divisions are ranked together, as well
as results for each separate Division.

The following constraints apply to this new scoring method:

- No fixed time standards. Virginia Count must be used for 
  multiple string stages.

- Disappearing targets incur penalties for misses.

- All steel targets score 5 points.


INSTALLATION
------------
To install the MSS 8.0 beta scoring program, extract all the 
files in MSS8.ZIP into the same directory as your currently
installed version of MSS.


RUNNING MSS 8.0
---------------
To run a Weighted Hit Factor match you proceed as you would 
normally, except that instead of typing in MSS to execute 
your currently installed version of MSS, you type in MSS8 
to execute the Weighted Hit Factor version.

IMPORTANT! Make sure that each of your matches is created 
in its own separate directory.


BARE BONES
----------
There is no documentation or on-line help for version 8.0 of the
MSS. It is assumed that you are an experienced MSS user.


WINDOWS 95/98 USERS
-------------------
If you installed your current version of the MSS using the 
MSSEXTRA.ZIP file from our web site, then you will probably need
to download the MSS8XTRA.ZIP file as well. Point your browser to
http://www.ipsc.org/mss.htm for details.


FEEDBACK
--------
You can contact us by any of the following means:
    E-mail: mss@ipsc.org
     Phone: (905) 849-6960
Snail Mail: PO Box 805, Oakville ON, Canada L6J 5C5


THANK YOU
---------
Thank you for using the MSS 8.0 program and Weighted Hit Factor
scoring.