The Allegro library provides C/C++ programmers low level routines commonly needed in game programming, such as input, graphics, midi, sound effects, and timing. It is cross platform and works with many different compilers. Originally developed by Shawn Hargreaves, it is now a group project with contributions from all over the world! Some of its key features include: * Ease of Use - comes with comprehensive documentation and examples * Extensibility - if the built-in functionality isn't enough, there are many add-ons available * Cross Platform - without changing a single line of code, you can create versions for Windows, OS X, Linux, DOS, and others! Works with many compilers, including DJGPP and VC++ * Open Source - anyone can contribute, including you! * Free - it won't cost you a dime, and there are no restrictions on its usage Allegro 4 can make use of sound patches like 'eawpats' for MIDI playback. If 'eawpats' is installed first then this SlackBuild will create a patches.dat from it.