fix: stabilize learning path, reliability and legacy Windows builds

Unify beginner syntax while preserving compatibility, repair ownership and parser guards, add verified distribution tooling and VC6 Windows 98 build inputs, and clarify documentation and release status. Preserve DOS build-input line endings and exclude generated binaries/caches.

README.md

@@ -8,7 +8,11 @@ Claro helps beginners learn programming through readable commands, simple rules,
 and small programs. Accessibility for people with learning disabilities is a
 core design goal; it still needs testing with learners.
 
-Current release: **v2026.10.20.160950**
+Development version: **v2026.10.20.223203**
+
+This is a development snapshot, not a newly published release. See
+[current status](docs/CURRENT_STATUS.md) and the dated
+[release ledger](docs/RELEASE_STATUS.md) for verified builds and limitations.
 
 ## Start here
 
@@ -37,6 +41,9 @@ Start with input/output, variables, basic math, decisions, loops, lists,
 simple functions, and saving text. You do not need classes, packages,
 networking, or advanced types to learn with Claro.
 
+The [beginner syntax guide](docs/SYNTAX.md) gives one recommended form per
+concept. Older forms remain supported in a separate compatibility reference.
+
 ## Find your way
 
 - `lessons/` — small, ordered lessons.
@@ -63,6 +70,13 @@ gcc -std=c89 -pedantic-errors src/claro.c -o claro -lm
 No generated source or project header is required. See [C89 build notes](docs/C89.md)
 for platform dependencies, testing, and limitations.
 
+## Downloads and portability
+
+Use the [distribution guide](docs/PORTABILITY.md) to build and verify clean
+source, Linux x86-64, and Windows x86-64 archives. Windows execution is tested
+under Wine, not yet on a native Windows machine. For VC6 / Windows 98 SE
+compilation, use [build98.bat and its guide](docs/WINDOWS98.md).
+
 ## License
 
 See [LICENSE](LICENSE).