diff --git a/README.txt b/README.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fe32229
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,137 @@
+README.txt for version 7.0aa of Vim: Vi IMproved.
+
+
+WHAT IS VIM
+
+Vim is an almost compatible version of the UNIX editor Vi.  Many new features
+have been added: multi-level undo, syntax highlighting, command line history,
+on-line help, filename completion, block operations, etc.  There is also a
+Graphical User Interface (GUI) available.  See "runtime/doc/vi_diff.txt" for
+differences with Vi.
+
+This editor is very useful for editing programs and other plain ASCII files.
+All commands are given with normal keyboard characters, so those who can type
+with ten fingers can work very fast.  Additionally, function keys can be
+defined by the user, and the mouse can be used.
+
+Vim currently runs under Amiga DOS, MS-DOS, MS-Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP,
+Atari MiNT, Macintosh, BeOS, VMS, RISC OS, OS/2 and almost all flavours of
+UNIX.  Porting to other systems should not be very difficult.
+
+
+DISTRIBUTION
+
+There are separate distributions for Unix, PC, Amiga and some other systems.
+This README.txt file comes with the runtime archive.  It includes the
+documentation, syntax files and other files that are used at runtime.  To run
+Vim you must get either one of the binary archives or a source archive.
+Which one you need depends on the system you want to run it on and whether you
+want or must compile it yourself.  Check "http://www.vim.org/download.php" for
+an overview of currently available distributions.
+
+
+DOCUMENTATION
+
+The best is to use ":help" in Vim.  If you don't have an executable yet, read
+"runtime/doc/help.txt".  It contains pointers to the other documentation
+files.  The User Manual reads like a book and is recommended to learn to use
+Vim.  See ":help user-manual".
+
+The vim tutor is a one hour training course for beginners.  Mostly it can be
+started as "vimtutor".  See ":help tutor" for more information.
+
+
+COPYING
+
+Vim is Charityware.  You can use and copy it as much as you like, but you are
+encouraged to make a donation to orphans in Uganda.  Please read the file
+"runtime/doc/uganda.txt" for details (do ":help uganda" inside Vim).
+
+Summary of the license: There are no restrictions on using or distributing an
+unmodified copy of Vim.  Parts of Vim may also be distributed, but the license
+text must always be included.  For modified versions a few restrictions apply.
+The license is GPL compatible, you may compile Vim with GPL libraries and
+distribute it.
+
+
+SPONSORING
+
+Fixing bugs and adding new features takes a lot of effort.  For a few years
+Bram has attempted to do this next to a full-time job.  During that time the
+todo list kept getting longer and longer.
+
+In order for Bram to support Vim properly he needs your help.  Through your
+donations Bram will be able to have a part-time job and spend more time on
+fixing bugs and adding new features.
+
+For the most recent information about sponsoring look on the Vim web site:
+	http://www.vim.org/sponsor/
+
+
+COMPILING
+
+If you obtained a binary distribution you don't need to compile Vim.  If you
+obtained a source distribution, all the stuff for compiling Vim is in the
+"src" directory.  See src/INSTALL for instructions.
+
+
+INSTALLATION
+
+See one of these files for system-specific instructions:
+README_ami.txt		Amiga
+README_unix.txt		Unix
+README_dos.txt		MS-DOS and MS-Windows
+README_os2.txt		OS/2
+README_mac.txt		Macintosh
+README_vms.txt		VMS
+
+
+INFORMATION
+
+The latest news about Vim can be found on the Vim home page:
+	http://www.vim.org/
+
+If you have problems, have a look at the Vim FAQ:
+	http://vimdoc.sf.net/vimfaq.html
+
+Send bug reports to:
+	Bram Moolenaar <Bram@vim.org>
+
+There are five mailing lists for Vim:
+<vim@vim.org>
+	For discussions about using existing versions of Vim: Useful mappings,
+	questions, answers, where to get a specific version, etc.
+<vim-dev@vim.org>
+	For discussions about changing Vim: New features, porting, beta-test
+	versions, etc.
+<vim-announce@vim.org>
+	Announcements about new versions of Vim; also beta-test versions and
+	ports to different systems.
+<vim-multibyte@vim.org>
+	For discussions about using and improving the multi-byte aspects of
+	Vim: XIM, Hangul, fontset, etc.
+<vim-mac@vim.org>
+	For discussions about using and improving Vim on the Macintosh.
+
+For more info and URLs of the archives see "http://www.vim.org/maillist.php".
+
+NOTE:
+- You can only send messages to these lists if you have subscribed!
+- You need to send the messages from the same location as where you subscribed
+  from (to avoid spam mail).
+- Maximum message size is 40000 characters.
+
+If you want to join a maillist, send a message to
+	<vim-help@vim.org>
+Make sure that your "From:" address is correct.  Then the list server will
+send you a help message.
+
+
+MAIN AUTHOR
+
+Send any other comments, patches, pizza and suggestions to:
+
+	Bram Moolenaar		E-mail:	Bram@vim.org
+	Clematisstraat 30
+	5925 BE  Venlo		Tel: +31 77 387 2340
+	The Netherlands		Fax/voice-mail: +31 20 773 8272