CD ROM Paradise Collection 4/CD ROM Paradise Collection 4 1995 Nov.iso/graphics/impcr172.zip/README.TXT

Text File | 1995-08-22 | 25KB | 613 lines

            IMAGE MASTER PLUS
              (SHAREWARE)
                  by
              ACCIDENTAL SOFTWARE
          (If it's good, it's ACCIDENTAL)
          Copyright (C) 1995 all rights reserved

NOTE: To print a copy of this file from DOS, type "TYPE
README.TXT > PRN" then push Enter.

This program is SHAREWARE. Distribution of the UNREGISTERED
version of this program is encouraged as long as it is copied
in whole and remains unaltered.  No fee may be asked for this
program itself, but a nominal distribution fee may be charged
for the diskette used to distribute this software as long as
the purchaser of said diskette is informed that the fee for
acquiring the diskette does not constitute payment of the
REGISTRATION FEE.  Vendors, see the file VENDOR.TXT for
details.

This program is converted to the REGISTERED version by
obtaining a Registration Key Number from Accidental Software.
See How do I register below for details.  Minor upgrades to
this program can be installed over the old version to provide
REGISTERED USERS with the most current copy of the registered
edition of this program (no additional key number is necessary).
Check your program ABOUT information for the version number you
are using. Visit our Home Page on the internet, you can download
our most current software and try out shareware versions of any
of our software for an unlimited period.

Our Home Page address is "http://www.primenet.com/~accident"

Distribution of the REGISTERED version of this software
without purchasing this program by paying the registration
fee or without a license granted from ACCIDENTAL SOFTWARE
is prohibited.

NOTE: You may have a version of this program without the,
file "VBRUN300.DLL" provided. If so, only 2 sample pictures
may be provided. This was done to save disk space and download
time.  VBRUN300.DLL is widely available and in fact may
already be in your windows\system directory.  Vbrun300.dll is
required for this program to function.  It will be necessary
to obtain a copy of VBRUN300.DLL in order to install and run
this program.

  1. IMAGE MASTER + is a screen saver and image viewer for
     windows that can use your own images and midi files.
     IMAGE MASTER can play music from a CD-ROM. Music can
     play as pictures are being displayed.  You can select
     Password protection if desired.  Messages can be
     left on the screen.

  2. IMAGE MASTER + can be installed as a standard Window's
     Screen saver from Window's desk top, or can be used from
     the Program Group that IMAGE MASTER + makes for windows.
     IMAGE MASTER + can be used as both.

  3. IMAGE MASTER + can be used as a screen saver and/or an
     image viewer. If you have installed IMAGE MASTER + as a
     screen saver, and want to use it from the program manager
     to leave a message or make your system password protected
     while you have to be temporarily away, you can do this by
     double clicking the IMAGE MASTER + Icon.  If IMAGE MASTER +
     is running from the program manager, it will not invoke
     itself as a screen saver even if the amount of time has
     passed to call it as a screen saver from the desktop.

  4. IMAGE MASTER + is ideal for corporations that need a screen
     saver that can use their own pictures or corporate logos.
     It is also ideal for users who want a way to display their
     own images (regardless of format) as a screen saver or
     as a stand alone program.

  5. IMAGE MASTER + is now shipped with CSA, the Calendar -
     Scheduler - Alarm utility from Accidental Software.
     This utility provides a quick reference calendar and
     scheduler.  It also allows you to Set an alarm so that
     items will pop up on your screen when the specified
     date and time are reached.  NOTE: Touch Start must be
     running for the alarm portion of this application to
     function.  See How do I use the program from the Windows
     Program Manager (#4.) below for information on how to
     active Touch Start each time windows is started.

How do I install the program?

  1. Install IMAGE MASTER + for Windows from a disk.

      a. Start Microsoft Windows.

      b. Insert the disk in the proper drive.

      c. From the Window's Program Manager, select FILE MENU
     and choose RUN.

      d. Type B:\SETUP and press Enter.  Substitute your
     drive letter for "B:" if your disk is in a
     different drive.

  2. Install IMAGE MASTER + for Windows from a modem download or
"ZIP" file.

      a. Unzip your Image Master archive.

      b. Start Microsoft Windows.

      c. From the Window's Program Manager, select FILE MENU
     and choose RUN.

      d. Select Browse, then find the drive and directory to
     which Image Master Plus was downloaded and unzipped.
     Double click on the file "SETUP.EXE" then click on
     the O.K. command button.

      e. Follow the prompts from the setup program.

      f. If the setup asks you how many disks are provided with
     your Image Master + package, select one (1).

Trouble shooting.

   1. In some cases, if you are using a program that is
      accessing or using a DLL or other file that IMAGE
      MASTER + uses and installs, you may receive a message
      during installation that warns you that a file can not
      be installed since it is already in use by your system.
      You can choose Ignore to this warning and the program
      should install correctly.

Known program limitations.

   1. At least one program (America On Line) will cause the
      pictures displayed by Image Master Plus to loose their
      color definition if America On Line is maximized when
      this program runs as a screen saver.  This problem will
      not occur if you are using a 15 bit or higher screen mode
      or America On Line is Minimized.

   2. Image Master Plus requires that approximately 60% of windows
      system recources are free if you are attempting to use JPG
      compressed pictures.  If the program behaves irratically
      or doesn't show your JPG pictures correctly, insure system
      recources are at or above 60%.

How do I make IMAGE MASTER + the active screen saver?

   1. Select "yes" to the inquiry during installation that
      asks if you want Image Master + to be installed as the
      current screen saver.  This will place Image Master +
      as the current screen saver on your system with a
      5 minute time of inactivity to start the program.
      The 5 minute "time out" will not take effect until
      windows has been exited and reentered after Image
      Master + installation.

   2. You can select Saver Set Up from the Miscellaneous
      menu to access the Saver Set Up utility in the program.
      Turn the Image Master + screen saver function on or off
      as well as selecting the amount inactive keyboard or
      mouse time before the screen saver portion of the program
      starts.

Alternative method for making Image Master + the active screen
saver.

   1. Once IMAGE MASTER + is successfully installed, it may be
      selected as the current screen saver from windows.

      a. From the Windows Program Manager, select MAIN.

      b. From MAIN select CONTROL PANEL.

      c. From CONTROL PANEL select DESK TOP.

      d. From DESK TOP select the arrow key next to SCREEN
     SAVER.

      e. From the menu, select IMAGE MASTER +.

   2. The above steps will select IMAGE MASTER + as the
      current screen saver.  Use the SET UP button to select
      the features of the program you want.  It is possible to
      select and preview pictures, MIDI files, and CD-ROM
      audio.

   3. Push the TEST button to run the screen saver program
      as a test.

   4. Select the desired inactive time for the screen saver
      program to implement itself.

How do I use the program from the Windows Program Manager?

   1. If the Image Master + program group is not open, double
      click on the IMAGE MASTER + program group.

   2. To run Image Master +, double click on its Icon.

   3. The program will start in the Set Up Mode.  Select the
      options you want, then push the Screen Saver button to
      start the program.

   4. Touch Start:  Double click the Touch Start Icon to
      activate the touch start hot corners.  A green line
      appears at the bottom left of your screen to indicate
      where to place your mouse to start Image Master +.
      Touch Start activation can be terminated by moving the
      mouse pointer to the bottom right (red line) of the
      screen.  If the Touch Start check box is activated,
      Touch Start will reactivate itself after the screen
      saver portion of Image Master + has terminated.

      Copy the Touch Start Icon to the program manager's Start
      Up program group to have Touch Start activate each time
      windows is started.  Once the Icon has been copied to the
      Start Up Program Group, highlight the Start Up Groups Touch
      Start Icon, then select Properties from the Program Manager's
      File Menu.  Next edit the Command Line Box by removing
      the "/I" switch.  When you are done editing this line it
      should read "HOTSPOTP.EXE".  NOTE: Do not remove the command
      line switch "/I" from the touch start icon that exists
      in the Image Master Plus program group.

What are the program features?

  1. Registered users can add up to 500 Bit Map files
     (500 images) in each of the 10 Slide Shows provided.
     These images can be located in any directory on your
     hard drive or floppy drives.  You can even us your CD-ROM
     as a source of pictures.  If you have Kodak's Access
     software, you can use Image master to show you photo CDs.

  2. Registered users can add up to 100 Midi selections for
     each Slide Show to be played by your midi software as
     the program displays your pictures.

  3. Set the length of time for the picture to remain on the
     display before the next one replaces it. This time
     ranges from 3 seconds to 1 minute.

  4. Any image can be used as long as it a PCX or BMP file,
     (UNREGISTERED VERSION).  The REGISTERED VERSION of
     Image Master + will access the following additional file
     formats.  .DIB, .TGA, WMF, .EPS, .TIF, .JPG, CMP, .CAL,
     .IMG, .MAC, .MSP, .PCD, PCT, RAS, WPG.  NOTE: Photo CD
     images (.PCD) require Kodak's Access Software.

  5. You need not copy any picture or midi file to any other
     directory to use it.  IMAGE MASTER + can find and use
     your files from any valid hard drive, floppy or CD-ROM
     drive and directory on your computer.

  6. You can add or delete picture and midi files and set
     the picture delay through the standard setup button
     provided by windows for screen savers or by starting
     IMAGE MASTER + from the program manager by double clicking
     on its Icon.

  7. You can use scanned images as long as the image is
     saved in a format that is compatible with IMAGE MASTER
     (see 4. above for details.)

  8. You can display your pictures with their original
     size or you can select a size based on a percentage
     of your screen size. If the [ ] Maintain Original Picture
     size check box is not selected, the picture display size
     can be varied from 100% of the screen to 50% of the screen
     size.  Pictures will retain the correct aspect ratio
     regardless of Screen mode or screen size selected.  You
     can elect to have your picture displayed with a frame
     around it or without frame.

  9. You can randomize the order in which your images are
     displayed. Click on the Randomize Picture Order check
     box to choose this option.

 10. The speed that Image Master uses to put your images
     to the screen can be adjusted.  Select Picture Attributes,
     then slide the selector bar to the slower or faster end of
     the adjuster bar to vary this speed.

 11. Any mouse button press and most keyboard keys will
     terminate Image Master and return you to the
     application you were using before Image Master
     started.  The following keys have special meaning.

    1.  If MIDI is selected, pushing the "M" key
    on the keyboard will toggle the MIDI selections
    playing to mute and back on again.

    2. If you have CD-Audio selected, pushing  the
    "space" bar will bring up an audio selector
    panel.  You can select Previous, Next, Play,
    Pause, and Stop with this selector bar.

    3. The "P" key will pause Image Master on the present
    image.  Pushing "P" again will toggle pause off.

 12.  You can use a Password to protect access to your
      computer when Image Master is running.

 13.  You can leave a message for any visitors you may
      have while you are away from your computer, or
      messages you may want to display to the public.

 14.  You can use Photo CD as a source for your pictures
      (REGISTERED VERSION ONLY).  You can also choose
      one of several options available for displaying
      your pictures such as gray scale and flipping your
      image.

 15.  CD-ROM audio is available in both the registered
      and unregistered versions.  If your CD-ROM is capable
      of playing CD-AUDIO, you can select it as the source
      of music for Image Master.

 16.  Touch Start is available.  The touch start Icon will
      will set a "HOT" corner that will allow Image Master +
      to be started by moving your mouse to the GREEN HOT
      CORNER of your screen.  Touch Start can be terminated
      by moving your mouse to the RED CORNER of your screen.
      You can place the touch start icon in your windows
      start up program group to have it run automatically
      each time windows is started.  Activate the Touch
      Start check box (in Utilities of Picture Attributes)
      to have Touch Start reinstate itself after Image Master +
      has run.  Touch the lavender line at the top center
      of the screen to activate the CSA utility shipped
      with this program.

How do I register?

  1. How much? $19.95

  2. Your program is converted to the Registered version after
     the proper registration code is received from Accidental
     Software and entered into the program.  You will need to
     supply Accidental Software the REGISTRATION ID number for
     your program.

  3. Obtain your REGISTRATION ID number from the Information
     sub menu of REGISTRATION.  The REGISTRATION ID number is
     also on your registration form if you decide to print one.

  4. Call 1-800-771-6746 or 1-619-247-2804 with your Visa or
     MasterCard and we will provide you with the Registration
     Key number you need to convert your program to the registered
     version.  You can also FAX us at 1-619-247-6819 with your
     Visa or MasterCard Information.  We will FAX your
     REGISTRATION ID number back after verification.

  5. Alternately, print out a registration form and send it
     along with a check or money order to Accidental Software.

     ACCIDENTAL SOFTWARE
     13245 SKIOMAH RD.
     APPLE VALLEY, CA. 92308

     We will send you the Registration Key number you need
     to enter into your program to convert it to the
     registered version.  NOTE:  You will receive a Registration
     Key Number only, no disk will be shipped.

  6. You can Email us at [e-mail] with your request.
     Insure you have included your Registration Key number and
     Visa or MasterCard information.  After credit approval, we
     will Email your Key number back to you.

  7. Registration Key numbers provided are good for only one
     computer.  If you need to use Image Master + on more than
     one computer, contact Accidental Software for a site
     license.

Additional Services from Accidental Software:

  1. Site licenses are available.  Contact Accidental Software
     for details.

  2. Accidental Software can modify this program to provide
     a unique application for Company or other large groups
     of users.  Custom applications can be developed to your
     needs.  Contact Accidental Software for details.

Contact:

        ACCIDENTAL SOFTWARE
        13245 SKIOMAH RD.
        APPLE VALLEY, CA. 92308

        1-619-247-2804 -- VOICE
        1-619-247-6819 -- FAX

Common Questions!

  Q. When I double click on the Image Master Icon the program
     will not start.  What is happening?

  A. Multiple instances of Image Master cannot be started.  If
     the program was started by double clicking on its Icon
     and a subsequent click outside the form hides the
     application, it is still running in the background.
     You need to bring up the Windows Task Manager to
     switch back to Image Master + or minimize the program
     manager to reveal Image Master +.  It is always best
     to end Image Master by clicking on the EXIT button
     in the Set Up form if you are not going to run the
     screen saver portion of the program immediately.

  Q. Can I use this program to display pictures of my
     business or family?

  A. Yes, you need to use a scanner to scan your image into
     a paint program.  Once an image is scanned and retouched
     as necessary, save it as any file format compatible
     with this program.  Select the User Bit Maps option
     button in Image Master.  Find the file by clicking
     to the correct drive and directory.  Highlight this file
     or as many files as you want to add to the list of Bit Maps
     to show.  Once the file or files are highlighted, click
     the Add Files button to place them in the Bit Maps to Show
     list box.  You can preview this or any file by double
     clicking on its entry in the Bit Maps To Show window.

     If your personal pictures are on a Photo CD, Image
     Master is the ideal tool for displaying them.

  Q. I want to use several of my own MIDI songs to be played
     by the program when my pictures are being displayed.
     How can I do this?

  A. You can select any valid MIDI file ".mid" that is
     available on your hard disk.  It can be placed in a
     List of Songs to Play (up to 100) that will be played
     in order. Once the last file is played, the tunes will
     start over in a continuous loop. Choose the drive and
     directory that your MIDI files are on.  Highlight this
     file or as many files as you want to add to the list of
     Midi Files to Play.  Once the file or files are highlighted,
     click the Add Files button to place them in the list of
     Midi Files to Play.  You can listen to any Midi file in
     the Midi Files To Play window by double clicking on it.

  Q. When using JPG or other large 24 bit images with Image
     Master +, my MIDI music occasionally degrades.  Can this
     be prevented.

  A. These files have extremely high compression ratios, and
     as a result monopolize your processor so that there is
     no time left to play your MIDI file.  The only way to
     cure the problem is to covert your image file to a
     format the has less compression.  PCX and BMP 256
     color files will not interfere with the MIDI as the
     pictures are decompressed.  You could also inactivate
     the Enable Music check box or Mute (press the "M" key
     on the keyboard) the MIDI so it will not play.  You
     can listen to CD-Rom audio instead without interference
     from highly compressed 24 bit images.

  Q. When using Photo CDs to show my images with Image Master,
     MIDI music I am using seems to degrade as some pictures
     are displayed.  How can I cure the problem?

  A. Very large 24 bit images can take a tremendous
     amount of processing power to decompress and decode.
     These large files combined with the slow access time of
     most CD-ROM drives can use your system resources so that
     the processor time needed to play your MIDI files is no
     longer available. You could copy your PCD files to a hard
     disk, the faster access time of a hard disk should help;
     insure you are using the Retain Bit Map Size option, then
     choose a smaller display size for your images. You may
     have to disable your MIDI with the enable music check
     box or the "M" key on the keyboard if the problem persists
     and is bothersome.

Uninstall.

    Use this Icon to remove Image Master Plus from
    your hard drive.  This Icon will remove all files that were
    installed to your hard drive by this program, with the
    following exceptions.

       MCI.VBX
       THREED.VBX
       VBRUN300.DLL

    These files may be required for other windows programs and
    are not removed by uninstall for this reason.  These files
    reside in your windows\system sub directory and can be
    manually removed if desired.  Uninstall will not remove
    the Image Master Plus program group from windows.  The
    Image Master Plus program group must be removed in the
    usual manner by the user.

Image Master program files installed to your hard disk!

     The following is a list of files IMAGE MASTER PLUS
     installs to your hard disk or generates as the program
     runs.  This list can be used for uninstall information
     if desired.

     Files in your Windows directory....
    SSIMAGEP.SCR
    SSIMAGEP.EXE
    HOTSPOTP.EXE
    IMCALP.EXE
    REMOVEP.EXE
    IMASTERP.INI
    IMASTERP.RRG
    IMASTERP.GRP
    LEADDIB.DRV
    EXCLUDED.MSP
    MESSAGE.MSP
    MIDI.MSP
    TRANSIT.MSP
    SLIDES(1 THRU 10).MSP
    SLIDET(1 THRU 10).MSP

     Files in your Windows\System directory...
    FXCMP210.VBX
    FXLBL210.VBX
    FXSND210.VBX
    FXTLS210.DLL
    LEAD45.DLL
    LEADDIB.DRV
   *    MCI.VBX
   *    THREED.VBX
   *    VBRUN300.DLL

    Files in the graphics directory used by this program...
    PP(1 THRU XX).MST
    SI.MID
    README.TXT

* Delete these files with caution since they may be used by other programs.

Version changes.

               Version 1.3

  1.  Added a sliding scale for image sizes.
  2.  Added sliding scale for image display times and associated
  processor warnings.
  3.  Added a form on top message so the screen saver would overlay
  the Microsoft Office MOM bar or other dominant program menu bars.
  4.  Added desk top screen saver activation and time out manipulation
  from the Utilities Menu within the program.

               Version 1.4

  1.  Changed the Utilities feature to correct an Out of Stack Space
  error caused by activation of this menu item on some machines.

               Version 1.5

  1.  Replaced LEAD40.DLL with LEAD45.DLL and updated all VBXs to
  the most recent version.

  2.  Improves program cancel at startup.

  3.  Allows newly registered versions with code registration to access
  all file types without restarting the application after registration.

  4. Improves touch start interface to more smoothly work with windows
  95 and add more options.  Touch Start setup moved from Image Master
  Plus program to the touch start icon.

               Version 1.6

  1. Adds the capability of displaying your pictures while maintaining
     their original size.

  2. Replaced two image transitions found to have problems displaying
     some pictures with non standard height to width ratios.

  3. Transtion 51 has been changed and can now be selected as a valid
     transition.  The total image transitions is now 101.

               Version 1.7

  1. Corrects password protection to prevent circumvention with
     extended key combinations.

               Version 1.71

  1. Corrects installation of LEADDIB.DRV (necessary for display of
     photo CD pictures).

  2. Increased mouse movement necessary to cancel the program to prevent
     false cancle events as the program runs.

  3. Modified touch start by adding an option to require a mouse click
     to activate a touch start application.  This prevents unintentional
     intiation of these applications.

               Version 1.72

  1. Corrects a problem that caused a premature quit signal to the
     program when running as a screen saver on some systems.

Disclaimer:

  This product is distributed "as is".  All warranties,
  either expressed or implied, as to the software quality,
  performance, or fitness for any particular reason are
  disclaimed.  You will bear the entire risk of relating
  to the quality and performance of this product, and will,
  in no event hold ACCIDENTAL SOFTWARE liable for any
  direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damage
  resulting from the use of this software.