DP Tool Club 19/CD_ASCQ_19_010295.iso/vrac_os2/scsvr101.zip/SCRNSVR.HLP

OS/2 Help File | 1994-11-26 | 17KB | 442 lines

ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1. General Help for Screen Saver ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Although OS/2 is clearly the best PC-based operating system on the market
today, out of the box it does lack one feature that PC users have come to
expect -- an effective screen saver.  Even Microsoft Windows includes several
screen saver modules that can be used to make a boring screen a little more
interesting when not actually in use.

This screen saver is intended to provide OS/2 users with an inexpensive, robust
program that can protect expensive monitors from phospher burn-in, while
simultaneously providing a simple and secure method to lock your system.

o Contacting the Author

o Features


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.1. Contacting the Author ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

o Internet:

  [e-mail]  (checked regularly for mail)

o US Mail

  Vincent Greene
  Screen Saver
  200 N. Melanie Ln.
  Tucson, AZ 85710


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.2. Features ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

o Idle Priority Animation

  The actual animation routines of the screen saver run at an idle priority
  level, which means they will only run using CPU cycles that are not needed by
  any other process.  This means that the screen saver will never interfere
  with any critical work that is executing on your computer.

o Secure Password Protection

  This program offers various levels of password protection, from no protection
  to automatic protection when the mouse and keyboard are inactive.  Also, you
  must have the current password to change the password, unlike the OS/2 Lockup
  option.  In the registered version, passwords are stored in an encrypted form
  to prevent anybody from easily obtaining the password from an unlocked
  system.

o Easy Lockup

  When the Test Corner  is activated, and the Timeout or Test password options
  are enabled, you can lock your system by moving the mouse pointer to the
  selected lockup corner for five seconds.  This provides a quick and easy
  method of securing your computer when necessary.

o A Variety of Entertaining Animation Modules

  The unregistered version comes with four entertaining animation modules (and
  one boring blank screen), which provide constant action.  Unlike many screen
  saver modules, the modules provided with this program never end up with a
  blank screen, some action is always provided so you know the screen saver is
  running.  Otherwise you might as well shut off the monitor instead of using
  this program.

o Expandable

  The registered version of the program supports an unlimited number of screen
  saver modules.  As new modules are created, you will be able to run them with
  this program.

o Programmer's Toolkit Included

  Complete instructions and sample source code are provided to allow
  programmers to write their own screen saver modules without the considerable
  hassle of writing the complete timeout and password routines required of a
  robust screen saver.

o DLL screen saver modules

  The screen saver modules used by this program are true OS/2 DLL files,
  limited only by the programmer's imagination.  Anything OS/2 can do, can be
  done in a screen saver module.  Imagine a client-server screen saver module
  where the screen saver displays a graphic view of current sales obtained from
  a network server or host system.  This is possible with this program!


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2. Registration ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This program is shareware.  You are welcome to use it for up to 30 days in the
unregistered form, in order to assess its value to you.  If you use it more
than 30 days, you must register your copy, or discontinue use.  When you
register, you will receive several additional benefits.

o General Help for Screen Saver

o Definition of Shareware

o License Agreement

o How to Register

o Registration Benefits


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1. Definition of Shareware ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying it.
If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are expected to
register. Individual programs differ on details -- some request registration
while others require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With
registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using the
software to an updated program with printed manual.

Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the
copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions as stated
below. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like commercial
authors, and the programs are of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are
good programs and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of
distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute
the software, either to all and sundry or to a specific group. For example,
some authors require written permission before a commercial disk vendor may
copy their Shareware.

Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should find
software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether it's commercial or
Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because you
can try before you buy. And because the overhead is low, prices are low also.
Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the
product, you don't pay for it.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.2. License Agreement ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Users of Screen Saver must accept this disclaimer of warranty: "Screen Saver is
supplied as is.  The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied,
including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness
for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for damages, direct or
consequential, which may result from the use of Screen Saver."

Screen Saver is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the user
for evaluation.  Feel free to share it with your friends, but please do not
give it away altered or as part of another system.  The essence of
"user-supported" software is to provide personal computer users with quality
software without high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to
continue to develop new products.  If you find this program useful and find
that you are using Screen Saver and continue to use Screen Saver after a
reasonable trial period, you must make a registration payment of $10 U.S. to
Vincent Greene.  The $10 U.S. registration fee will license one copy for use on
any one computer at any one time.  You must treat this software just like a
book.  An example is that this software may be used by any number of people and
may be freely moved from one computer location to another, so long as there is
no possibility of it being used at one location while it's being used at
another. Just as a book cannot be read by two different persons at the same
time.

Commercial users of Screen Saver must register and pay for their copies of
Screen Saver within 30 days of first use or their license is withdrawn.
Site-License arrangements may be made by contacting Vincent Greene.

Anyone distributing Screen Saver for any kind of remuneration must first
contact Vincent Greene at the address below for authorization. This
authorization will be automatically granted to distributors recognized by the
(ASP) as adhering to its guidelines for shareware distributors, and such
distributors may begin offering Screen Saver immediately (However, Please
advise Vincent Greene so that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the
latest version of Screen Saver.).

You are encouraged to pass a copy of Screen Saver along to your friends for
evaluation.  Please encourage them to register their copy if they find that
they can use it.  All registered users will receive a registration number that
will activate all features of the Screen Saver system.  DO NOT provide your
registration number and password with any copies you make under this agreement
-- to do so would be a violation of this license agreement.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.3. How to register ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

If you decide to register Screen Saver,  please send $10 (U.S. Funds Only) for
the registration fee to the following address: (U.S. Mail)

Vincent Greene
200 N Melanie Lane
Tucson, AZ 85710

Please include your name, complete address, the product version from the About
box displayed at program startup, and where you obtained the product (this is
so I will know if you need an updated version, and also which BBS/FTP
site/distributors should be kept directly updated with new versions if
necessary.

Any suggestions for the improvement of the product are welcome, and will be
considered for inclusion in the next release.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.4. Registration benefits ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

o Ability to Save Settings

  The registered version saves all screen saver settings between executions,
  eliminating the hassle of setting your favorite screen saver options every
  time you run the program.

o Ability to Start Minimized

  The registered version enables the Start Minimized Check box, which allows
  you to put a shadow of the screen saver icon in your startup folder so you
  can be sure it is always running.

o Ability to Run Additional Animation Modules

  The registered version removes the limitiation on the screen saver modules
  that can be run.  You can run any available module, or write your own modules
  with the included Programmers Toolkit.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3. Screen Saver Controls ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This window allows you to select the desired screen saver module, activation
information, and security information for the screen saver program.  This
window is always available when the screen saver is activated.  The
unregistered version of this program will allow all settings in this window,
but will not save settings when you close the screen saver.  The registered
version allows all settings to be saved.

o Module Selection Listbox

o Activate Screen Saver?

o Delay

o Start Minimized?

o Password

o Set Password Button

o Inactive Corner

o Test Corner

o Setup Button

o Test Button

o Close Button


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1. Module Selection Listbox ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Use this box to select the specific screen saver module that you wish to
display as your screen saver.  The screen saver program will automatically
search the drive and directory from which the program is loaded to find valid
screen saver modules.  The basic release of this program includes the following
modules.

o (default)

  Random red lines on a black background, with a black circle growing from the
  center on a regular basis.

o Banner - Move your text around screen

  Move your specified text around the screen with settings to control
  direction, speed, font, color, etc.

o Blank Screen

  A blank black screen.

o Bouncing Boxes

  Multicolored boxes bounce around screen/change size/shape with settings for
  speed, and length of tail.

o Nuke! Blast holes to show Image

  Minature nuclear explosions (w/mushroom cloud) blast holes in desktop/bitmap
  to show another bitmap behind.  Settings for everything, including the
  bitmaps to use.

o Searchlight

  Round circle showing desktop moves around on a black screen.  Looks like a
  flashlight beam showing the desktop.

Additional modules can be added to the registered version of the screen saver.
The unregistered version does not display any modules except those listed
above.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2. Activate Screen Saver? ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Check this box to enable screen saver activation after Delay seconds of input
inactivity.  The screen saver will not activate unless this box is checked,
except when the mouse pointer is moved to the test corner


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.3. Delay ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Specifies the number of seconds without input activity that must pass before
the screen saver will activate (if the Activate Screen Saver? box is checked).
Input activity consists of mouse clicks or keyboard actions only.  Moving the
mouse pointer is not considered input activity.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4. Start Minimized? ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Check this box to indicate that the screen saver should start in a minimized
state instead of displaying the Screen Saver Controls Window.  This is
activated only on the registered version of the program.  The registered
version saves screen saver settings so it is not necessary to set desired
options every time the program is started.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.5. Password ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This set of radio buttons allows you to pick the level of password protection
to be provided.

o None

  Click this button to indicate that no password protection is desired.  Any
  keyboard or mouse action will terminate the screen saver without prompting
  for a password.

o Timeout

  Click this button to indicate that a password is required to unlock the
  system and stop the screen saver any time it is activated, whether by the
  Test button , Test Corner  Any keyboard or mouse action will display a
  password prompt, where a valid password must be entered to stop the screen
  saver.  If this is selected and no password has previously been selected, the
  Set Password window will automatically display.

o Test

  Click this button to indicate that a password is required to unlock the
  system and stop the screen saver only when it is activated by the Test button
  or Test Corner  Any keyboard or mouse action will display a password prompt,
  where a valid password must be entered to stop.  If this is selected and no
  password has previously been selected, the Set Password window will
  automatically display.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.6. Set Password Button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Click this button to change the current password that will be required to
unlock the system.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.7. Inactive Corner ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

These radio buttons allow you to select a corner where you can move the mouse
pointer to prevent the screen saver from activating.  Click the appropriate
corner to select the inactive corner, or click the center button to deactivate
this feature.  This can be used to prevent the screen saver from interrupting
your concentration while reading a screen, or to allow interrupted display of a
constantly changing display (e.g. download progress).


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.8. Test Corner ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

These radio buttons allow you to select a corner where you can move the mouse
pointer to cause the screen saver to activate immediately (within five
seconds).  Click the appropriate corner to select the test corner, or click the
center button to deactivate this feature.  This can be used with the Password
options to easily lock your system by simply moving the mouse pointer to a
corner of the screen.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.9. Setup Button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This button displays a window from which you can adjust the settings of the
currently selected screen saver module.  If inactive (greyed out), there are no
settings for the selected module.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.10. Test Button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This button activates the selected screen saver immediately.  This can be used
to test the display of a selected module, or, with the password options , to
lock the system.  See Test Corner also.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.11. Close Button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This button completely closes the screen saver and saves your settings in the
registered version.  This exits the screen saver such that it will not activate
at all.  To get rid of the Screen Saver Controls window without ending the
screen saver, use the minimize button in the top right corner of the window.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4. Password Change Window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This window allows you to change the password that will be required to unlock
the system when the screen saver has activated.

Note:  passwords are case-sensitive so check your caps lock key.

o Current Password

o New Password

o Re-Enter Password

o OK Button

o Cancel Button


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1. Current Password ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

You must enter the correct current password in this field to change the
password.  This is not displayed if no password has been set.

Note:   In the registered version, if you lose your password, you can delete
the SCRNSVR.INI file from the program directory to reset the password to none,
however, this will also destroy any other settings you may have saved.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2. New Password ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Enter the new password desired in this field.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3. Re-Enter Password ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Re-Enter the same password entered in the New Password field.  This must match
the New Password to verify that the password was typed correctly in the
non-display field.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.4. OK Button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Click this button to change the password to the New Password entered.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.5. Cancel Button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Click this button to exit this window without changing the password.