Dockernaut is shareware. It is not to be sold or distributed for profit (above any standard online service costs) without my expressed written permission. i.e. Compuserve, AOL, etc. are OK. Educorp is not! Dockernaut should only be distributed with this ReadMe file intact.
Try it out for a few weeks, if you like it and continue to use it, please register by sending $15 US to:
Steve Martin
6632 Warm Breeze Lane
Dallas, TX 75248-5021
Thank you
WHATS NEW IN VERSION 1.3
A new feature for use with extension managers has been added. When Dockernaut loads, it now acts as if you typed the "1" key when you boot in the configuration that matches Dockernaut's set number 1. Similarly the "2" key for set 2, etc. This will cause Startup Manager and Conflict Catcher II (2.0.1 or later) to select that set with that key assigned to it. That way, you don't have to configure all your links and loading orders for the docked and undocked states. All you have to do is assign the proper "hot" key to the startup set you want to be loaded when you are attached to the appropriate dock. If you do type a key manually, it will override Dockernaut's automatic set selection. You may assign what key gets typed for each set using the pop-up menu next to the "Type Set Key" checkbox.
Dockernaut now displays all its information in one window.
If you set the color switching feature to a depth higher than your monitor supports, Dockernaut will now switch to the monitor's maximum depth.
WHATS NEW IN VERSION 1.2.2
You can now choose the number of colors that Dockernaut will switch your monitor to if you have "Swith Colors in Dock" checkbox checked.
The Dock description now reads the driver name from the dock's ROM.
WHATS NEW IN VERSION 1.1
There is a new "Dock Info" button which takes you to a second screen. The Info screen shows details about the dock you are using and the characteristics of the various docks that you have defined preferences for. It also allows you to select which criteria are used to differentiate docks.
By default, preferences will be chosen based on the size of your main screen. If, however you want Dockernaut to have different preferenes for when you are connected to a floppy adapter or mini dock without an external monitor as the main screen, you can use the Dock Characteristics option.
I recommend that you install Dockernaut in the Extensions folder. By default, System 7.x will put it in the Control Panels folder. I suggest you put it in the Extensions Folder so that it loads early (before other Extensions whose preferences you may be switching) and put an alias in the Control Panels Folder for convenience.
Currently, Dockernaut only knows about the DuoDock, MiniDock and FloppyAdapter by name. As I learn how to identify others, I'll add them.
DESCRIPTION
Dockernaut was written so that your applications and extensions can use different preferences when you use your Macintosh with a different sized monitor (any Mac) or connected to a different dock (Duos).
It can also change the color depth of your monitor if you have a video card in your Duo Dock that forgets its settings when you are away and reverts to black and white (the E-Machines Futura MX for example). If that feature is enabled, your monitor will switch to 256 colors when Dockernaut loads at startup time. (If you are using an E-Machines video card, make sure that the E-Machines control panel loads before Dockernaut or it will set your monitor back to black and white!)
Dockernaut also displayes various information about Duo docks. Does it have a SWIM (Floppy drive chip), ADB capability, etc.
Here are some examples of what you can do by adding the following preference files to Dockernaut's list.
Finder Prefs
You can have different Trash can locations. This is useful if you like to have it in the extreme bottom right corner and use monitors of different sizes.
Startup Manager Prefs (Now Startup Manager™)
You can have different sets of extensions get loaded. For example, only load AccessPC when you are connected to a dock with a Floppy drive. Don't load all the CD-ROM extensions when you aren't docked.
FunPictures Prefs (FunPictures™)
When docked and using a 1024x768 color monitor you can have FunPictures choose form a collection of high resolution color pictures.
When not docked you can have it choose from a collection of smaller greyscale pictures.
Word Settings(5) (Microsoft Word™)
When docked you have plenty of screen real estate so you have the Toolbar enabled.
When not docked you can have the Toolbar disabled.
PBTools™
Set it to always load Appletalk then...
When docked have Appletalk turned on
When not docked have Appletalk turned off
Randomizer (After Dark™ module)
Use all those colorful screen savers that only run with 256 colors when you are docked.
Automatically use a different set with those that look good in 16 grays when you are not.
SoftPC Prefs (SoftPC™)
When using a large monitor have the SoftPC™'s window open up in its larger size.
When using a Powerbook screen have it open in the smaller size (so it fits!).
MacTCP Prep
When docked use one ip address for ethernet. When not docked use another address for PPP.
Now Toolbox Prefs
Keep different sets of recently used Applicatioins for different environments.
You get the picture? The possibilities are endless! If you come up with your own particularly novel use, let me know so I can add it to this list.
The great part is that it all happens automatically. Once you add a preference file to Dockernaut's list, just set things for that application or extension the way you want when you are docked, eject your Duo, set things how you want when not docked, and that's it! Your preferences will be remembered whenever you switch back and forth. From then on, changing the preferences of an application when docked will only affect that applications docked preferences and similarly when not docked.
Make sure that Dockernaut loads before any extensions whose pref files you have added. Otherwise, the preferences will be changed, but the extension won't have seen them. By default, Dockernaut has a space before it's name so that it will load early. If you use an INIT manager like Now Startup Manager™ or Conflict Catcher™, you can use them to make it load first (Of course, you should make it load before Now Startup Manager™ if you have added the Startup Manager Prefs file). Otherwise, you should put it in the Extensions folder and put an alias in the Control Panels folder (by default, System 7 will put it in the Control Panels folder where it will load after things in the Extensions folder.)
CONFIGURING
There are four things you can customize, color switching, which files get switched when you boot in different configurations, what criteria to use to differentiate your environment, and how to interact with extension managers like Now Startup Manager or Conflict Catcher II.
The Switch Colors toggle when enabled will cause your main monitor to switch to 256 colors at startup time if it has that capability. If at boot time your monitor is not set to B&W, or your video card does not support 256 colors this option will have no effect.
You can configure the criteria that are used to differentiate different preference sets (and review the sets that have been created). The "Use Screen Size" checkbox tells Dockernaut to create a new set of preferences for every size monitor you use. This is useful even for non-Powerbook users who sometimes use different sized monitors (or a video card that supports multiple resolutions). It is the default setting, since most Powerbook users will use either the 640x400 internal monitor or another size when docked. The "Use Dock Attributes" checkbox is for those of you who want different settings when using a Mini-Dock or other dock that does not preclude the use of your Powerbook screen.
If you change the dock criteria after multiple sets have been created, the old sets will not be deleted. The first set that matches your criteria will be used. For example if you start with both "Use Screen Size" and "Use Dock Attributes" checked. Seperate sets would be created for 640x400 no dock, 640x400 Floppy Adapter, and 640x480 Duo Dock. If you then change to just use the screen size, only the 640x400 no dock and 640x480 Duo Dock settings will be used. A future version of Dockernaut will support removing sets you don't need anymore (and cleaning up the extra preference files).
Using the left and right arrow buttons you can review the sets that have been created. There is currently a limit of 15 different sets (if anyone uses that many let me know!). The "Curr." button takes you back to the set that is currently in effect.
If you are using Now Startup Manger or Conflict Catcher II (version 2.0.1 or later), Dockernaut can tell them to switch sets when it loads before them by simulating a key press. By default each set will be assigned the key corresponding to the set number but you may change them using the pop-up menu to the right of the "Type Set Key" checkbox. This is useful for Duo 270c users who want the same sets of Extensions loaded for both the 640x480 mode and 640x400 mode while still maintaining different versions of the preference files (so the Trash will stay in the bottom right corner, for example).
SETS
The SETS half of the window (right side) displays information about the dock that you are currently using and lets you review the sets that have been created for your Macintosh based on the docks that you have used.
Here are definitions of what the various characteristics mean:
SET DETERMINING INFO
Screen Size
These are the horizontal and vertical dimensions (in pixels) of the main screen that was in use when Dockernaut loaded at startup.
(The attributes listed below only indicate Dock, not Macintosh capabilities)
ADB
Yes if the dock has and ADB connector.
Sound In
Yes if the dock has a sound input connector.
Sound Out
Yes if the dock has a sound output connector.
FPU
Yes if the dock has an FPU installed.
Floppy
Yes if the dock as a SWIM (floppy disk controller). There may or may not actually be a floppy drive connected (i.e. a floppy adapter with no drive plugged in).
SCSI
Yes if the dock contains a SCSI port.
Serial Ports
Yes if the dock has serial ports.
Video
Yes if the dock has internal video.
Network
Yes if the dock as built in network capabilities (does not include Nubus network cards).
OTHER DOCK INFO
Sleep
Yes if the dock allows sleep. I'm not sure why the DuoDock reports this as Yes but it does so I report it.
Wake
Yes if the Duo can wake after being attached to this dock. Once again the Duo Dock reports this is true. (Maybe it wakes just enough to eject?)
Power cycle
Yes if power cycling is allowed with this dock.
LCD screen
Yes if the LCS screen can be used when in this dock.
Enclosed
Yes if the docking station physically encloses the Duo.
STARTUP ICONS
There are 5 startup icons.
1 - Shows the transition from a docked to undocked state.
2 - Shows the transition from an undocked to a docked state.
3 - Shows the transition from one dock to another.
4 - Shows docked status.
5 - Shows undocked status.
TECHNICAL NOTES (How it works)
For each file in Dockernaut's list, multiple copies will be made. They will have ".1", ".2", .etc.. as many sets as get created (based on how many docks or different sized Monitors you use). If you remove a file from Dockernaut's list you may want to delete these extra preference files. If you don't, they will not cause any problems, they will just take up disk space. And they will be there if you decide to add that pref file back again later.
When Dockernaut loads at startup time, it checks to see if your configuration has changed since the last time you started up. If it has it moves the current preference files, renaming them with the postfix corresponding to the previous configuration. It then copies the preference files with the postfix corresponding to the current configuration into their normal file names. If the current configuration had not been seen by Dockernaut before, a new "set" is created and new copies of the preferences files are created for it.
PROBLEMS
If you don't have "Use Dock Attributes" checked, Dockernaut will display the DOCKED icon at startup on PowerBooks with 640x480 displays. No functionality is compromised.
DISCLAIMER
I make no warrantee as to the functionality or usefulness of this program. It has been beta tested by several Duo users but may still contain bugs. Please report bugs and suggestions to any of the addresses at the end of this document.
VERSION HISTORY
1.3
Put all info in one display.
Add extension manager startup key option.
Display proper startup icon on 640x480 Duo 270c (and 180c I imagine.)
1.2.2
Fixed a bug where the file list would become corrupted if you switched to the sets screen after adding or deleting a file from the list.
Fixed a typo that caused 1.2 to crash on machines without the DockingDispatch trap.
1.2
Added descriptions of the set info fields and startup icons to the documentation.
Get dock name from dock ROM.
Added color depth choice popup menu.
Worked around an apparent bug in DockingDispatch when in a DuoDock that crashes when Virtual Memory is on. The "Use Dock Attributes" feature is effectively disabled when VM is on.
1.1
Changed to support more than 2 sets and make the set choosing criteria more straightforward.
Made the color switching better, the video card PRAM and scrn resource are now also updated so that the setting is permanent (as if you changed it with the Monitors cdev).
Added info screen and ability to change dock differentiating criteria.
Fixed a bug that could cause Super Boomerang to hang at startup.
1.0
First release
CREDIT where it is due:
ShowIcon7 was used to draw the Startup icons. The following was in the header for its source code:
This code is based on Patrick C. Beard's ShowIconFamily
by Patrick C. Beard, which in turn was derived from the
original ShowInit by Paul Mercer, Darin Adler,
Paul Snively, and Steve Capps.
Modified by James W. Walker for compatibility with IconWrap 1.2,
for use as a separate code resource, and to use the new System 7
icon-dawing routines. This code is in the public domain.
Addresses for James W. Walker: 76367,2271@compuserve.com or
