Books
Jan Costenbader's iShell in Depth is the highly acclaimed, very comprehensive manual for iShell. Jan has also written a useful companion book called iShell Illustrated. These volumes are the definitive iShell texts and are must-haves for anyone who is serious about learning iShell. iShell in Depth is included with all iShell sales.
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Cross-Platform
iShell is designed from the ground up to be cross-platform. That is why we always encourage cross-platform development, and offer Mac and Windows versions to all Subscribers and standard Purchasers. We do offer a single platform Purchase for developers who want to deliver to only one platform (See Buying Options). If you want to develop on the Mac and deliver to Windows, you need a cross-platform license.
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Customer Support
tribalmedia engineers monitor and contribute to the web boards and email lists on a regular basis. Emails directed toward support or individuals at the company will be reviewed in a timely manner. These emails may receive a personalized response or you may be directed to another resource to find the answer to your question. Highest priority is always given to the subscribers-only TribalForum For more information, see the Support Policy.
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Education Packages
tribalmedia offers very affordable iShell packages for schools and nonprofit organizations. Please visit our education page for more information.
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iShell
tribalmedia's iShell is a software tool for Windows and Mac OS X which allows developers to rapidly create secure, interactive, multiplatform CD and DVD-ROMs. The product can also be used to create other types of multimedia appliactions such as kiosks, digital signage, and standalone Internet applications. Click here to learn more about iShell.
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iShell SDK
The iShell SDK is a community source software for all iShell Subscribers. This means that you have access to all the code of iShell. You can create plug-ins, modify the current code, or just write simple scripts. Since iShell is community source, we have never done a good job of documenting how to create a script or plug-in with iShell; instead, users learn by trial and error, asking the community, and browsing the source code.
The other thing to bear in mind is that much of iShell is written on top of Key. Key itself is a very simple language. The iShell framework is really much more of a challenge than the Key language. When getting into programming with iShell you must understand programming with Java, C, C++ or something similar. If you can handle one of those, you're on to a pretty good start.
What can be created with the iShell SDK? In reality, anything!
iShell provides a complete media framework that can help simplify many programming tasks. There is a full interface to access elements of iShell, great SAX and DOM methods to work with and parse XML, as well as all your standard string and programming operators.
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Key
Key is a nice object-oriented language. Key is in the same family as languages like SmallTalk or Eiffel. Key provides standard inheritance as well as multiple inheritance.
Key is fully cross-platform. Key code can be compiled or run as a script. Key provides automatic garbage collection. It has a simple interface to call C functions from Key methods, and vice versa. You can learn more about key by reading the Key Notes.
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Larabie Fonts
In iShell 4.5 and later, developers are allowed to include fonts in a project. To give users access to more fonts for use in iShell titles, tribalmedia has made an arrangement with Larabie Fonts. Licenses can be bought in the tribalmedia store at the price of $45 per font per title.
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Purchaser (Owner)
Purchasers of iShell receive a permanent license for the current version of iShell. Unlike a Subscription, a Purchase does not expire; however, purchasers will need to pay a fee to upgrade to future versions of iShell. Purchasers do not have access to the TribalForum and TribalExchange FTP. Click here to see a breakdown of Purchase vs. Subscription.
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Software Bugs
Bugs really do exist. Unlike most software companies, we keep a list of known bugs on our website so you can review them. If you believe you have found a bug please check the list to see if it is there. If its not on the list, send us a detailed email at describing your system configuration, product version, and error messages and we will endeavor to fix it. If it is on the list, please send us an email at with the bug number to let us know that it is important for you.
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Software Training
iShell training is offered periodically in cities in North America and in Europe. Full-day training sessions are generally $195 per person per day. iShell training can also be customized and brought to you. Click here for more information. If you would like to attend a training session, please email us.
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Software Updates
Updates are software releases which fix bugs and improve compatibility. They are designated with the letter with "r". For example, 4.5r2 is an Update from 4.5r1. Both Purchasers and Subscribers receive all updates.
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Software Upgrades
Upgrades include feature enhancements as well as bug fixes and compatibility enhancements. Upgrades are numbered with a new version number. For instance, iShell 4.5r1 is an upgrade from iShell 4.0r10. Subscribers receive all upgrades during their subscription period. If you are not a Subscriber but own a previous version of iShell, you can buy an upgrade at our store. Upgrade prices are subject to change without notice.
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Subscriber
A subscriber receives all software updates and upgrades for tribalmedia products for one year from the date of sale. Subscribers do not have permanent use of iShell. They must renew annually or purchase an upgrade before the subscription ends. In addition to receiving free upgrades, subscribers also have access to tech support, TribalForum, and TribalExchange.
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TribalExchange FTP
TribalExchange is an FTP server hosted by tribalmedia that allows Subscribers to swap files and information with one another.If you are a Subscriber and do not have your login information please email us.
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TribalForum
TribalForum is an email discussion list which is the center of the tribalmedia community. Over our 6 years in business we have fostered a community which encourages learning at all levels. If you are a newbie, go ahead and ask dumb questions. You will not be insulted for your ignorance. There are no stupid questions. If you are a subscriber and are not receiving TribalForum emails, please contact us.
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