Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Shoptalk Systems
A: Shoptalk Systems is the publisher of Liberty BASIC. We have been providing our special BASIC since 1992. We can be contacted at:
Shoptalk Systems
PO Box 1062
Framingham, MA 01701
United States of America
508-532-0098

Q: What are the minimum hardware and software requirements for Liberty BASIC?
A: Any computer running Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows 2000, or Windows XP. You need only about 7MB of disk space to install.

Q: Does Liberty BASIC work with Windows Vista
A: Yes, with some permissions tweaking it works fine. We are working on a new v4.04 which will be specifically designed to install and run without running as administrator. The new version will be a free upgrade to registered users.

Q: What sort of software can I write in Liberty BASIC?
A: Liberty BASIC is a general purpose language, suitable for all kinds of applications. You can write all kinds. Games, utilities, engineering, education, business applications, etc.

Q: Where can I learn to program in Liberty BASIC?
A: We have a web classroom where you can learn to program along with other students online. This is a fun way to learn, and very convenient no matter what your schedule is since the web classroom is always open. Learn more.

Q: How does Liberty BASIC compare with VisualBasic?
A: Both are Windows programming languages and can create graphical applications. Liberty BASIC is the smaller language, and easier to learn. Liberty BASIC is oriented around writing code in a traditional text editor. The user can create GUIs using the included FreeForm drawing tool when needed. Visual Basic is the other way around. You draw your application windows in a drawing tool, and then write little bits of code that are attached to GUI objects. Note: Visual Basic is no longer sold or supported by Microsoft.

Q: How does Liberty BASIC compare with QBasic?
A: Like QBasic, Liberty BASIC is derived from the traditional BASIC language. Liberty BASIC is a Windows programming language so it adds what's needed for programming graphical user interfaces (something QBasic lacks).

Q: What is the most recent version of Liberty BASIC?
A: The latest Windows version is Liberty BASIC v4.03, released Jan 2, 2006.

Q: Where can I get a copy of Liberty BASIC?
A: The trial version which can be downloaded at http://www.libertybasic.com/download.html.

Q: How much does it cost to purchase Liberty BASIC?
A: Liberty BASIC costs $59.95 for the GOLD version, and we also have a special Value Edition which includes some extras for $79.95. Have a look at out pricing and features chart.

Q: Does Liberty BASIC have educational pricing?
A: Yes. For K-12 we have a special and very affordable per-class licensing. Click here for more details. For colleges and universities we also have special pricing. Email us for an educational quote.

Q: Where can I obtain a CDROM containing Liberty BASIC and lots of goodies?
A: You can order the special Value Edition of Liberty BASIC which includes a copy of Alyce Watson's excellent ebook for Liberty BASIC entitled "Liberty BASIC 4 Companion"

Q: What books are available for use with Liberty BASIC? There are at least 3 books in print that teach or use Liberty BASIC. Follow this link: http://www.libertybasic.com/resources.html#books

Q: Is Liberty BASIC a compiler?
A: Like Java, Liberty BASIC is a compiler but it doesn't compile to machine language. Instead it compiles to an intermediary format, which is executed by a runtime engine. When using the runtime engine, you do not have to include source code when distributing your application.

Q: How does the Liberty BASIC runtime engine work?
A: Liberty BASIC standalone applications use the runtime engine. You use the runtime engine by compiling to a special file, which the runtime engine executes. You don't have to give away any of the code you write to produce a standalone application. There are a few DLLs you must include with the runtime engine. A complete application is only about 1MB when compressed into a ZIP file. NOTE: To use the runtime engine, you must be a registered user of Liberty BASIC.

Q: What is a 'standalone application'?
A: A standalone application is a program which looks and runs like any Windows application. It can have its own icon, and can be run by double-clicking on that icon. You do not need to give away your source code to distribute such an application and users do not need to have Liberty BASIC installed on their computers.

Q: Can you make standalone applications with the trial version?
A: No. You need to purchase a GOLD license to use the Liberty BASIC runtime engine.

Q: Is there any way to use sprites in Liberty Basic?
A: Liberty BASIC has sprite animation capabilities. Look in the help file for the section on sprite animation.

Q: Does Liberty BASIC come with a visual GUI builder (like VB)?
A: Liberty BASIC comes with FreeForm, which is written in Liberty BASIC. FreeForm lets you draw your windows without writing code, and then it generates code for you. Because it includes source code you can examine it, extend it, and learn from it! Most of the newest features of FreeForm were added by users of Liberty BASIC!

Q: Does Liberty BASIC support the LPRINT command for sending text to a printer?
A: Yes, Liberty BASIC supports the LPRINT command, and it also includes a command called DUMP with forces a page to print (like a form feed).

Q: Can you make internet apps in Liberty BASIC?
A: Yes, with TCP4W.DLL or FTP4W.DLL. These are libraries available here http://perso.wanadoo.fr/philippe.jounin

\Q: Can Liberty BASIC use Active-X or COM components?
A: Liberty BASIC does not support Active-X or COM.

Q: Where can I find additional tutorials for Liberty BASIC?
A: Follow this link on the Liberty BASIC web site http://www.libertybasic.com/resources.html#tutorials