SOL CHAT 98 COMPLETE INSTALLER
==============================

This public two-sided package installs the Linux host integration and the
Windows 98 guest applications used by the VirtualBox VM named win98.

HOST INSTALLATION
-----------------

From a Linux terminal in this extracted directory:

  ./INSTALL-HOST.sh
  ./INSTALL-HOST.sh check

The installer deploys into ~/.local/lib/sol98, registers XFCE applications
and autostart entries, installs the user bridge service, preserves an existing
~/.config/sol98-chat-bridge.env, and backs up replaced files under
~/.local/state/sol98-installer/backups.

The host requires VirtualBox, Python 3, GTK 3 Python bindings, PyQt5, Pillow,
NumPy, and the VirtualBox Python API. It expects a VM named win98 and a Sol API
at the URL configured in ~/.config/sol98-chat-bridge.env.

GUEST INSTALLATION
------------------

Attach guest/SOL98-GUEST-INSTALL.iso to the Windows 98 VM. In Windows, run:

  D:\INSTALL.BAT

If the CD uses another drive letter, pass it explicitly, for example:

  E:\INSTALL.BAT E:

The guest installer deploys SOLCHAT.EXE, SOLCLIP.EXE, documentation, IPC
storage, the uninstall batch file, and the optional seamless Active Desktop
page into C:\SOLCHAT98. Sol Chat creates the Start Menu and desktop shortcuts.
The XFCE indicator and authenticated bridge expose all 39 documented Office
2000 character animations through a validated dropdown allowlist.

SEAMLESS DESKTOP
----------------

For the nearly complete transparency effect, add
C:\SOLCHAT98\SEAMLESS.HTM as the Windows 98 Active Desktop web page. Its
no-image #007c78 background matches the overlay chroma key and covers the
ordinary guest desktop icons while leaving guest windows, Clippy, the Office
toolbar, and the bottom taskbar visible on the host.

This is a shaped X11 overlay, not Oracle Guest Additions Seamless Mode. The
guest should use 1600 by 900, 16-bit color. The XFCE Sol Clippy status menu can
start/stop the overlay and attach a maintenance console to the headless VM.

SECURITY AND PREREQUISITES
--------------------------

This archive uses the documented distribution key
"sol98-public-package-20260715" in both SOLCHAT.EXE and the packaged host
configuration. It is not a private credential. Keep the bridge firewalled to
the VirtualBox host-only/NAT boundary, or rebuild the guest with a unique key
before exposing the listener to any untrusted network.

This package does not contain upstream API credentials, VirtualBox disks or
snapshots, Office 2000, Microsoft Agent, or CLIPPIT.ACS. Office 2000 and
Microsoft Agent must already be installed in the guest.

UNINSTALLATION
--------------

Linux host: ./UNINSTALL-HOST.sh
Windows 98: C:\SOLCHAT98\UNINST.BAT

Host removal preserves configuration, SQLite command state, VM data, and
installer backups. Guest removal does not remove Office or Microsoft Agent.
