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OS/2 Help File
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1995-05-25
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ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1. Installation Information ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
This section contains Installation information as well as Planets System
Requirements.
Installing over a previous version of Planets:
If you are installing over a 1.x version of Planets, please delete your
Planets.ini file before installing the new version.
Related information:
o Planets Installation
o Conventional Installation
o System Requirement(s)
o VROBJ.DLL
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.1. Planets Installation ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Using the Planets installation program:
1. Do one of the following to start the Install program:
a. Open directory folder where you have unpacked Planets and double-click
on Install
b. Using command-line, change to directory where you have unpacked Planets
and type Install
2. Follow the Installation instructions on the screen.
3. The installation program will create a Planets folder on your desktop,
which you may move, if needed, to another location such as your Games or
Utilities folder. Personally, I have a copy in my "Utilities" and
"Startup" folders.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.2. Conventional Installation ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Conventional Installation:
If you do not wish to use the included Planets installation, or simply want to
know how to add other objects to your desktop, use the following methods:
Installation:
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Extract the archive (you probably already did that!) into a directory
(c:\utils\planets is used in this text). To run the game, change to that
directory (c:\utils\planets) and type Planets
To install the game onto the Presentation Manager Desktop:
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
After extracting the files into a directory (see above), go back to the
Desktop and open the "OS/2 System" folder, then the "Templates" folder, then
drag a program template to the desktop. The new template will then open its
Settings. You can push the Find button and locate C:\UTILS\PLANETS\PLANETS.EXE
Next, turn to the General page and change the title to Planets You may now
start the game by double-clicking on the Planets icon on the desktop. Put the
icon in a sub-folder if you wish. Personally, I have it in the "Utilities" and
"Startup" folders.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.3. System Requirement(s) ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
System Requirement(s):
o 386 or greater IBM-compatible machine
o OS/2 2.0, 2.1, 2.11, or 3.0 (Warp)
o OS/2 REXX must be installed
o Hard Drive with approx. 636K free (with standard low-resolution PLANETS.DLL)
o Hard Drive with approx. 924K free (with high-resolution PLNETHI.DLL)
o An additional 897K free if you do not currently have VROBJ.DLL on your system
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.4. VROBJ.DLL ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
VROBJ.DLL is the run-time DLL required by all programs written using the Watcom
VX-REXX development tool. If you do not have a copy on your machine, or do not
have version 2.1 or later, which is required by Planets, you may acquire the
DLL in the following locations:
o GO WATCOM on Compuserve, in the VX-REXX file area.
o OS/2 Shareware BBS at 703-385-4325 Search for VROBJ.DLL in the file areas.
o The current version is also usually available in the OS/2 Shareware Area (GO
OS2SHARE) on Compuserve, in the OS/2 Shareware file forum.
VROBJ.DLL should then be placed in the X:\OS2\DLL directory, where X is the
drive where OS/2 is installed. (Drive C for most people)
If your drive C is full (like mine), or if you have a common place where you
put program-provided DLLs, you may put VROBJ.DLL in any directory contained
within your LIBPATH from CONFIG.SYS.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2. About Planets ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Planets Version 2.12
Synopsis:
Planets combines the eye-pleasing graphics of a spinning planetary mass with
the usefulness of a clock, day of the week/date information, and system
information.
Related information:
o Versions
o Errors
o Common Questions
o Development Info
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1. Versions ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Revision History:
o 6/01/95 v2.12:
o 5/24/95 v2.11:
o 4/18/95 v2.10:
o 3/18/95 v2.03:
o 2/28/95 v2.02:
o 1/25/95 v2.01:
o 1/23/95 v2.00:
o 8/01/94 v1.2:
o 6/01/94 v1.11:
o 5/15/94 v1.1:
o 5/01/94 v1.05:
o 1/21/94 v1.0:
o Pre-v1.0:
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1.1. Version 2.12 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
6/01/95 v2.12:
o Additions:
- Enhanced startup screen incorporating a new slider bar.
o Modifications:
- Swap File location determination works on 99.9999999999999999999999999% of
machines.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1.2. Version 2.11 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
5/24/95 v2.11:
o Additions:
- Settings menu item expanded to Settings menu:
o Modify... Opens Settings notebook (the default action)
o Save Now Saves the settings immediately.
o Modifications:
- Date is now automatically updated when returning from Planetary
Minimalization mode.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1.3. Version 2.10 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
4/18/95 v2.10:
o Additions:
- To Settings Notebook:
o Addition of Colors This features give the user the option of changing
the Planets foreground/background colors. Colors may be set to match
the OS/2 desktop background, to the Planets default colors, or to
select a unique set of colors for use with Planets
o DLL changed to Etc. with addition of Float To Top option.
o In Screen Saver, user can select screen saver speed.
- Action->View Drives... This features give the user a close up view of
Drive Space available, Drive stats, etc. for all available drives.
- Mini button bar:
x button exits Planets
o button minimizes Planets
button puts Planets into Planetary Minimalization mode (Similar to
dragging the Planets border inward).
ΓûÇ button shows/hides the Planets titlebar.
o Modifications:
- When a user updates the Warnings levels, the drives and swap graphs are
updated automagically.
- When a user transforms Planets from Planetary Minimalization mode to
Normal mode, the swap file graph is updated.
o Enhancements:
- Planets Startup has been optimized to minimize startup times.
- Some characteristics have been adjusted for better display characteristics
on resolutions <1024x768 (SVGA).
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1.4. Version 2.03 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
3/18/95 v2.03:
o Additions:
- To Settings Notebook:
o User can define fonts for Time & Date (In Fonts), or by Drag & Drop
from the OS/2 Font Palette. (located in OS/2 System Setup)
- This compensates for screen resolutions/display drivers that are not
available for testing, or for psychotic people like me who want
their desktop to be 1280x1024 at a minimum on a 14-inch screen.
o Time and Date formats can now be set. (In Formats)
o The display of seconds in the Time can now be turned off. (In Formats)
o The display of the day of the week can now be turned off. (In Formats)
o When a user selects a new Planet in the Settings Notebook, that Planet
is changed in the main Planets Window even if Planetary Spinning is
disabled. (In Pick Planet)
- Updated "Product Information" screen.
- Some of the larger bitmaps were removed from the on/off-line documentation
to reduce their size.
- Planets now checks all drives for existence on startup and removes drives
from the "Planetary Drive Schedule" if they no longer exist.
o Modifications:
- If you run Planets with Planetary Spinning off but Random Planets on,
Planets will now change the Planet being displayed when a new Random
Planet is chosen.
- Planetary Minimalization mode was optimized.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1.5. Version 2.02 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
2/28/95 v2.02:
o Additions:
- Swap File size now appears in Planetary Minimalization feature.
- Bitmaps now housed in external DLL for multi-DLL capability
- Settings now housed in Notebook.
o Corrections:
- 640x480 & 800x600 resolutions adjustments added.
- "Minor" Start Timer fixes...
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1.6. Version 2.01 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
1/25/95 v2.01:
o Additions:
- Option to turn off Planetary spinning. (Controls in Planetary Settings or
single-click on spinning Planetary mass...)
- Minimalization feature to reduce Planets to a title-bar only clock. To
use, simply drag Planets border inward and Planets will shrink. Drag
border outward to return to normal size. Using this option will also
result in less CPU usage by Planets (see also Common Questions)
- Improved Start-up screen speed by reducing number of Planets displayed to
one.
o Corrections:
- Keys Help menu choice now brings up Keys Help.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1.7. Version 2.00 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
1/22/95 v2.0:
o Features:
- Brand-new implementation of Planets using VX-REXX!
- Everything works, hopefully... :-)
o Corrections:
- Fixed constant polling of hard drive for new Planets.
o Additions:
- Short-term Timer count-down
- New Install
- More Planets!
- Automatic search for location of OS/2 swap file.
o Subtractions:
- All the crap that was useless...
- Pointers, Special Fonts.
- Lame documentation (in my opinion...)
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1.8. Version 1.2 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
8/01/94 v1.2:
o Additions:
- Welcome to the world of 256 color Planets! (i.e. I learned how to
draw...)
- Popup Menu while minimized. (Use mouse button 2)
- Installation program.
o Subtractions:
- 32templ.bmp is no longer provided as 32x32 planets have too many visible
lines.
o Corrections:
- Fixed Rotate Num/Graph Statistical option.
- Better spacing, etc. on < 1024x768 systems
- Adjusted Both statistics to allow for more than Drive C.
- Modified Submit.inf for better clarity.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1.9. Version 1.11 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
6/01/94 v1.11:
o Additions:
- More Planets! (including some 64-bit!)
- Added ability to turn off Planets unique pointers.
- Submission INF (Submit.inf) file for users who want to submit their
Planets.
o Corrections:
- Re-activated alarms
- Modified swap file path to allow for root directory entries (ex. I:\).
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1.10. Version 1.1 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
5/15/94 v1.1:
o Additions:
- Save settings as defaults via an INI file.
- Expanded Documentation.
- Randomized stuff that shouldn't be random... (Or should it?)
- A ridiculous amount of options not befitting a program of such small
magnitude.
- Standardized program name as Planets
o Subtractions:
- No need for swap file drive in command-line.
- No more command-line specification of Planet to use on start-up.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1.11. Version 1.05 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
5/01/94 v1.05:
Transitional release.
o Additions:
- More Planets.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1.12. Version 1.00 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
1/21/94 v1.0:
Initial release into Cyberspace-land.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1.13. Pre-v1.0 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Pre-v1.0:
Unimportant!!!
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.2. Errors ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
P.S.:
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
This program may seem to have display errors on VGA systems since I used
blatant constants instead of resolution-sized variables for many display
offsets. Serves you right for living in the Dark Ages! It worked on my XGA,
XGA-2, QVision, QVision 2000, and SVGA computers...
:-)
But seriously...
If you are experiencing any strange, mysterious, or otherwise baffling errors
with Planets, you may need to delete Planets.ini, the file that contains your
Planets defaults. Unfortunately, this means you will have to reset and resave
your customized location, settings, etc.. I hope and pray this procedure will
not be necessary for any of my devoted users. Any errors should, of course, be
reported to me so I can fix them...
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.3. Common Questions ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Q. Planets reports it needs the file VROBJ.DLL. What is this and where can I
find it?
A. VROBJ.DLL is the VX-REXX run-time DLL used by Planets. It can be found in GO
WATCOM on Compuserve or on most OS/2 Bulletin Board Systems (BBS). Planets
requires version 2.1 or later of the DLL.
Q. Planets is using a nominal amount of CPU time when it is running. Is there
any way to minimize this?
A. Yes. There are several:
1. Slow down (via Settings) or stop (single-click on rotating Planet)
planetary rotation.
2. Slow down Drive refresh rate.
3. Run Planets in Minimalization mode by dragging the Planets border inward to
implode the current Planet and reduce Planets to a title-bar only clock.
To explode Planets (return Planets to its normal size), drag the border
outward.
Q. When Planets is running, my hard drive light seems to flash more than
normal. Is this O.K.?
A. This should not be the case, but if you experience this problem, you may
wish to slow down the refresh rate for the Planets drive statistics. This also
is a known problem with previous (pre-2.0) versions of Planets, having to do
with load timing of the Planets bitmaps.
Q. What are the sources of the Planetary bitmaps contained within Planets ?
A. They have been drawn/created by the author and various contributors.
Q. What are the sources of the Planetary names contained within Planets v1.x?
A. They have been selected by consensus of various сeta users.
Q. Why is Planets so large?
A. I regret that this size is necessary due to the embedded bitmaps within the
Planets DLL.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.4. Development Info ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Development Information:
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
This program is my own original extrapolation of various other clock programs I
have seen (No base idea is original). If you think I may have copied a program
you or one of your acquaintances has previously written, you are, regrettably
and sadly, mistaken.
As of version 1.00, this game is classified as Freeware, i.e. it is Free. All
users may freely distribute this program, but do not de-compile,
reverse-engineer, break-down-and-rebuild, etc. it. I do need to be notified if
it will be used, included, etc. in any other program(s), bulk program
groupings, etc. such as CD-ROM collections/distributions (hint, hint). :-)
Comments and feedback could, conceivably, encourage future games and programs.
Plus, due to my unstable mental condition, I need the support. Contact
information is located in Registration.
Thanks to all the authors of similar programs. Extra special thanks go to JLB
for suggesting certain key elements, without which, this program would totally
suck! She also had a keen knack for suggesting ideas which I had already
implemented but had not shown her. This proves, beyond any reasonable doubt,
that we have a link unlike any other. I know I will be a true 21st century
renaissance man when I can understand all her literary references.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3. Using Planets ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Using Planets:
This menu allows you to set Planets options.
Related information:
o Quick Introduction
o Command-line Options
o Button Bar
o Settings Notebook
o Screen Saver
o Start Timer
o View Drives...
o Product Information screen
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1. Quick Introduction ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Directions:
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
See On-line index for best coverage but here are some quick tips:
1. F1 brings up the "Help" menu. (As with all OS/2 apps)
2. Alt+F4 quits Planets (As with all OS/2 apps)
3. Clicking mouse button 1 activates Planets if it is inactive.
4. Clicking mouse button 1 on the spinning Planet on the Planets main screen
turn the Planetary rotation on/off.
5. Dragging the Planets border inward activates Planetary Minimalization,
shrinking Planets to a title-bar only clock.
6. Dragging the Planets border outward un-shrinks Planets if it is in
Planetary Minimalization mode.
7. Clicking mouse button 2 provides the Planets pop-up menu
Related information:
o Using Planets
o Command-line Options
o Button Bar
o Settings Notebook
o Screen Saver
o Start Timer
o View Drives...
o Product Information screen
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2. Command-Line Options ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Cmd-line options:
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
As of version 2.0, none are used or necessary.
Related information:
o Using Planets
o Quick Introduction
o Button Bar
o Settings Notebook
o Screen Saver
o Start Timer
o View Drives...
o Product Information screen
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.3. Button Bar ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Mini button bar:
o x button exits Planets
o o button minimizes Planets
o button puts Planets into Planetary Minimalization mode (Similar to dragging
the Planets border inward).
o ΓûÇ button shows/hides the Planets titlebar.
Related information:
o Using Planets
o Quick Introduction
o Command-line Options
o Settings Notebook
o Screen Saver
o Start Timer
o View Drives...
o Product Information screen
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4. Settings Notebook ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
This section provides the necessary information to completely configure Planets
to your preferences.
To configure any portion of Planets, press mouse button 2 while over the
Planets window and a menu will "pop-up."
Directly Related information:
o Pick Planet
o Randomness
o Spinning
o Drives
o Warnings
o Refreshing
o Colors
o Fonts
o Formats
o Screen Saver
o Etc.
Other Related information:
o Using Planets
o Quick Introduction
o Command-line Options
o Button Bar
o Screen Saver
o Start Timer
o View Drives...
o Product Information screen
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4.1. Pick Planet ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Pick Planet:
o The currently displayed Planet will selected:
UnSelected Selected
o To select another Planet, click any Planet and the new Planet will start to
be displayed in the Planets main window.
Related information:
o Randomness
o Spinning
o Drives
o Warnings
o Refreshing
o Colors
o Fonts
o Formats
o Screen Saver
o Etc.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4.2. Randomness ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
This screen turns randomness on/off and sets the duration, in minutes and
seconds, between new planet selection.
Click this to activate/deactivate random Planets.
If Random Planets is checked, this will control the time each planet will
rotate until a new, random, planet is chosen for display.
Related information:
o Pick Planet
o Spinning
o Drives
o Warnings
o Refreshing
o Colors
o Fonts
o Formats
o Screen Saver
o Etc.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4.3. Spinning ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Spinning window:
Check/Uncheck this box to turn Spinning on/off.
o Use slider bar to set rotational speed for Planetary masses.
o Suggested speeds are provided but your needs may differ.
o Clockwise: Select to enable clockwise rotation of planetary masses.
o Counterclockwise: Select to enable counterclockwise rotation of planetary
masses.
Related information:
o Pick Planet
o Randomness
o Drives
o Warnings
o Refreshing
o Colors
o Fonts
o Formats
o Screen Saver
o Etc.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4.4. Drives ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Drives window:
o The drives that are currently under statistical data gathering will be
checked. Check/Uncheck drives to include/preclude them from statistical data
gathering.
o Press All Drives to automatically check all available drives.
o Press All Local to automatically check only locally available drives.
o Press All Remote to check only remote (i.e. Lan) drives.
o Percentage Used- Select to have Planets display Drive percentages under
Drives statistical bar.
o Space Used- Select to have Planets display Mb Used under Drives statistical
bar.
o Space Free- Select to have Planets display Mb Free under Drives statistical
bar.
Press Set Drives to set your currently checked drives. This action performs a
validation and is required to change the drives that are being checked.
Related information:
o Pick Planet
o Randomness
o Spinning
o Warnings
o Refreshing
o Colors
o Fonts
o Formats
o Screen Saver
o Etc.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4.5. Warnings ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Warnings window:
o Red- Press up arrow/down arrow to select percentage rate at which you wish
the Drives statistical bar to turn Red, indicating a Critical Drive Level.
o Yellow- Press up arrow/down arrow to select percentage rate at which you wish
the Drives statistical bar to turn Yellow, indicating a Warning Drive Level.
o Any percentage rate less than the Yellow rate will be indicated as Dark
Green, i.e., a Safe Drive Level.
o Red- Press up arrow/down arrow to select percentage rate at which you wish
the Swap statistical bar to turn Red, indicating a Critical Megabyte Level.
o Yellow- Press up arrow/down arrow to select percentage rate at which you wish
the Swap statistical bar to turn Yellow, indicating a Warning Megabyte Level.
o Any percentage rate less than the Yellow rate will be indicated as Dark
Green, i.e., a Safe Megabyte Level.
Related information:
o Pick Planet
o Randomness
o Spinning
o Drives
o Refreshing
o Colors
o Fonts
o Formats
o Screen Saver
o Etc.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4.6. Refreshing ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Refreshing window:
o Drives: Set refresh rate for Drive statistical gathering. Set to 0 (zero)
for no drive refresh.
o Swap: Set refresh rate for Swap statistical gathering.
o Drive Rotational Rate: Set rate for Drives rotation on Planets main screen.
Related information:
o Pick Planet
o Randomness
o Spinning
o Drives
o Warnings
o Colors
o Fonts
o Formats
o Screen Saver
o Etc.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4.7. Colors ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Colors window:
This window allows the user to control the foreground and background colors
displayed in Planets
o White/Black (Default): Select this to use the Planets default colors, which
are white letters over a black background.
o Match Desktop Background: Select this to have Planets match its background to
the current OS/2 Desktop background, resulting in a "see-through" effect.
You may also specify a custom foreground color with this option. Note: Some
display drivers result in Planets not being able to exactly match the OS/2
desktop background. If this occurs, you may wish to check Solid Color
located in the color selection screen for your OS/2 Background color.
o Custom: Select this if you want to completely customize the Planets
foreground and background colors. The foreground and background color
selection windows will now be activated.
o Activating your Colors: Press Apply to activate your colors in the Planets
main window.
Related information:
o Pick Planet
o Randomness
o Spinning
o Drives
o Warnings
o Refreshing
o Fonts
o Formats
o Screen Saver
o Etc.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4.8. Fonts ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Fonts window:
Use the Fonts window to change the fonts for the Date and/or Time.
o Press Change... to open the font selection screen.
o Press Default to reset the fonts to the Planets defaults.
Quick Tip: Use the OS/2 Font Palette to Drag & Drop fonts directly onto the
Planets Time and Date fields.
Related information:
o Pick Planet
o Randomness
o Spinning
o Drives
o Warnings
o Refreshing
o Colors
o Formats
o Screen Saver
o Etc.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4.9. Formats ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Formats window:
This dialog allows you to customize the Time & Date formats to your
preferences.
Using this screen:
o Time:
- Select 12 hour or 24 hour format
- Check/Uncheck the Show Seconds box to turn the display of Seconds on/off.
- You may also select the separating character for the Time, a colon (:) or
a period (.).
o Date:
- Select your preferred MMDDYY format from the three selections.
- Check/Uncheck the Show Day box to turn the display of the Day of the week
on/off.
- You may also select the separating character for the Date, a hyphen (-),
an X (x), a period (.), or a slash (/).
o Press Default to reset the Time/Date formats to the Planets defaults.
Related information:
o Pick Planet
o Randomness
o Spinning
o Drives
o Warnings
o Refreshing
o Colors
o Fonts
o Screen Saver
o Etc.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4.10. Screen Saver Settings ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Screen Saver Settings window:
To modify Screen Saver settings, perform the following steps:
1. Click with mouse button 2 on the Planets window to access the pop-up menu.
2. Select Action -> Screen Saver Settings...
The Screen Saver Settings screen will now appear. (It may take a few
seconds...)
o To set a new password:
1. Check Password Enabled, if it not already checked.
2. Enter your Password in the Password box.
3. Enter your Password again in the Again box.
4. Press Set
o To change the speed of the screen saver:
1.
Drag the selection bar to the desired speed.
o To temporarily de-activate a password:
1. Uncheck Password Enabled.
2. Press Set
o Tips:
1. Do not use blank spaces in your password. This may result in errors.
2. Remember: Password is case-sensitive
Related information:
o Pick Planet
o Randomness
o Spinning
o Drives
o Warnings
o Refreshing
o Colors
o Fonts
o Formats
o Etc.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4.11. Etc. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Etc. window:
1. Float To Top: Check/Uncheck this box to have Planets remain on top of other
applications that are running. This is useful when you want to be able to
see the time, etc. at all times.
2. DLL changing is currently disabled while development continues.
Temporarily, to change the DLL in use by Planets, do the following:
o Exit Planets
o Rename the current PLANETS.DLL to PLNETOLD.DLL
o Rename the new DLL, for example PLNETHI.DLL to PLANETS.DLL
o Restart Planets
o Enjoy!
Related information:
o Pick Planet
o Randomness
o Spinning
o Drives
o Warnings
o Refreshing
o Colors
o Fonts
o Formats
o Screen Saver
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.5. Screen Saver ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
To activate Screen Saver, do the following:
Click with mouse button 2 on the Planets window to access the pop-up menu, then
select Action -> Screen Saver...
To deactivate the screen saver, press any key or click with a mouse button.
If you have a password set, a Enter Password screen will appear. You can then
enter your password and the screen saver will clear.
Note: There is currently no timeout feature for the Screen Saver.
Related information:
o Quick Introduction
o Command-line Options
o Button Bar
o Settings Notebook
o Screen Saver
o Start Timer
o View Drives...
o Product Information screen
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.6. Start Timer ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Starting the Timer:
Timer Type
o Normal Timer: Select for a Normal Timer which will count from 1 -> max
seconds/minutes/etc..
o Countdown Timer: Select for a Countdown Timer which will start at your max
value and countdown to 1.
Ring
o In: Select duration of timer you wish.
o At Time: Select time at which you wish timer to go off.
Message
o Select message from list for pop-up box when Timer ends, or type in your own
message. The list of message is stored in MESSAGE.TXT, located in your
Planets directory. See Message.txt File.
Buttons:
Set
Set current options and Start Timer.
Cancel
Cancel Timer Start.
Help
Get general help for the Start Timer screen.
Other information:
o To stop Timer from running, simply open the Start Timer... screen again and
currently running timer will stop.
Related information:
o Message.txt File
o Using Planets
o Quick Introduction
o Command-line Options
o Button Bar
o Settings Notebook
o Screen Saver
o View Drives...
o Product Information screen
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.6.1. Message.txt File ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Using Messages.txt:
The file MESSAGES.TXT, located in your Planets directory, can be directly
edited to modify the list of messages for use in the Timer window.
Do the following:
1. Open the OS/2 System Editor or the Enhanced Editor
2. Load in C:\UTILS\PLANETS\MESSAGES.TXT (Assuming you have Planets installed
in C:\UTILS\PLANETS)
3. Add/subtract messages, placing one per line. There are no special
characters or formats necessary.
4. Save and Exit.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.7. View Drives ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Viewing Enhanced Drives Information:
o Select Action->View Drives... to enter this screen.
o Once you have entered, you may see a temporary window asking you to Please
Wait... This window is displayed whilst the Drive Information is extracted.
o Your Enhanced Drive Information will then appear, listing the following:
- Drive Space Used, in bytes and as a percentage of the whole.
- Drive Space Free, in bytes and as a percentage of the whole.
- Total Drive Space, in bytes.
- The Drive Label.
- Other important information.
Related information:
o Quick Introduction
o Command-line Options
o Button Bar
o Settings Notebook
o Screen Saver
o Start Timer
o View Drives...
o Product Information screen
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.8. Product Information Screen ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Product Information Screen shows general product/contact information for
Planets.
Buttons:
Ok
Exit Product Information
Product Support
View the Contact/Support Information for Planets contained within the
on-line help.
Help
Get general help for the Product Information screen.
Related information:
o Using Planets
o Quick Introduction
o Command-line Options
o Button Bar
o Settings Notebook
o Screen Saver
o Start Timer
o View Drives...
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.9. Help Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Help -> Help Menu
Use the choices on the Help pull-down to display:
Help index
Displays the index of help menu.
General Help
Displays some information about Planets program.
Using Help
Provides detailed information on the kinds of help available and how to
use help.
Keys Help
Displays a list of keys usage.
View Planets Book
Start up the OS/2 INF viewer with PLANETS.INF
Product Information
Displays information on this product.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.10. Keys Help ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Keys Help:
Alt+F4
Exit Planets
Ctrl+S
Bring up Planets Settings Notebook.
Ctrl+D
Bring up Planets View Drives window.
Ctrl+T
Bring up Planets Start Timer
Ctrl+C
Start Planets Screen Saver
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4. Disclaimer/Copyright ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Disclaimer:
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
IF YOU DOWNLOAD OR USE THIS PROGRAM, YOU AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING TERMS:
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES AM I LIABLE FOR: 1. ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR
BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER
IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE)
ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE. 2. THIRD-PARTY CLAIMS AGAINST YOU FOR LOSSES OR
DAMAGES.
I DO NOT WARRANT UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE OPERATION OF THIS PRODUCT. I
HAVE NO OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE SERVICE, DEFECT CORRECTION, OR ANY MAINTENANCE
FOR THIS PRODUCT. I HAVE NO OBLIGATION TO SUPPLY ANY UPDATES OR ENHANCEMENTS TO
YOU, EVEN IF THEY ARE OR LATER BECOME AVAILABLE. (But I will, to the best of my
ability.)
Copyright:
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
This software is copyright (C) 1994-1995 Everett Barnes. All Rights Reserved
except as specified below.
Permission is hereby granted to use, copy, and distribute this software (or
descriptive portions thereof) for any purpose, without fee, subject to these
conditions:
1. All files included in the original ZIP file must be included.
2. Users may collect fees for the distribution of my product(s) (such as FTP
sites that sell CD-ROM versions of their archives.) But users are
specifically prohibited from selling my products.
3. Permission is NOT granted for the use of the author's name and/or company
name in advertising or publicity relating to this software or products
derived from it.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5. Registration/Support ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
This section contain Registration/Support information.
Related Information:
o Registration
o Support
o Order Form
o Future Enhancements
o Freeware/Shareware Concept
o Trademarks
o Other Products
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.1. Registration ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
This software package is distributed as Freeware
If you are a continued user of Planets, I would love to have feedback.
Planets is currently free. To order other products from Everett Barnes, please
use the Order Form to send payment to the following address:
Everett Barnes
2430 Erie Drive
Concord, CA 94519
Other comments/suggestions/bug reports should be directed to my
CompuServe/Internet id:
Compuserve: 75000,570
Internet: 75000.570@compuserve.com
Registration entitles you to the following:
o Free upgrades to all further releases.
o The curious freedom which arises in one's soul from registering a
Freeware/Shareware product.
o Internet mail notification of new releases, reports of problems/warnings,
etc..
o If applicable, Registration Code which will enable advanced features on some
products.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.2. Support ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
At this time, support is primarily provided through my CompuServe/Internet id,
Compuserve: 75000,570
Internet: 75000.570@compuserve.com
I will be happy to provide any support necessary for any of my products.
I would also appreciate receiving the following:
o All suggestions
o All Registrations
o All supportive mail
o All recommendations
o All Bug/Error reports
o All documenetaion typos
o All E-mail addresses of my users
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.3. Order Form ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Use Services -> Print (Alt+V, then P) to print this form.
Name ______________________________________________________________
Company(if applicable) ____________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________
City/Province ____________________ State _________ Zip ____________
Country (if outside US) ___________________________________________
Phone Number (optional) __________________
FAX Number (optional) __________________
Internet Address __________________________________________________
Place Where You Found Program _____________________________________
Additional Comments/Suggestions: __________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
ΓöîΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÉ
ΓöéQty.ΓöéProduct Γöé Price ΓöéQty. x PriceΓöé
Γö£ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöñ
Γöé____ΓöéPlanets Γöé$FREE Γöé$________.00Γöé
Γöé____ΓöéNoteMan/2 Γöé$10.00 Γöé$________.00Γöé
Γöé____ΓöéQuoteMan/2 Γöé$10.00 Γöé$________.00Γöé
Γöé____ΓöéBMPMan/2 Γöé$ 5.00 Γöé$________.00Γöé
Γöé____ΓöéHangman Γöé$10.00 Γöé$________.00Γöé
Γöé____ΓöéOther: ____________________________ Γöé$10.00 Γöé$________.00Γöé
ΓööΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöñ
(Payment must be in U.S. funds) Γöé Grand Total Γöé$________.00Γöé
ΓööΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÿ
Mail to: Everett Barnes
2430 Erie Drive
Concord, CA 94519
=== I appreciate your support! ===
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.4. Future Enhancements ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Future Enhancements:
o See below...
o I would appreciate any feedback or suggestions...
Related Information:
o Add an Event...
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.4.1. Add an Event... ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
This option is not available in Planets Version 2.1x.
Sorry! ;-)
Here are the future plans for this feature:
1. Alarms
a. User will be able to schedule alarms for any day of the week, including
every day, weekdays only, and weekends.
b. User will be able to specify message box alarm or musical, or both.
c. User will be able to specify message to display.
2. Programs
a. User will be able to schedule program startups for any day of the week,
including every day, weekdays only, and weekends.
b. User can optionally have program startups placed into a logfile for
tracking of startups.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.5. Freeware/Shareware Concept ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Freeware implies that a product is completely free. It may be distributed
freely, so long as all files as distributed as originally packaged from the
author(s). The author(s) still retain all rights to said product, or as
specified within the accompanied documentation. Most often, developers may
distribute a product as Freeware for one of the following reasons:
o To promote other products s/he is currently selling.
o As support product(s) for use with other Shareware or Generally Available
(GA) product(s).
o As a Beta version of a product that will be sold for a nominal charge later.
This is to generate feedback resulting from initial use of a new product and
to assist in identifying errors that exist in a new product or new release.
Shareware is the try-it-before-you-buy-it concept of software marketing. It is
readily available by downloading it from various BBS's or one can easily and
legally give a copy to a friend.
If you like the software and intend on continuing to use it after the trial
period of 30 days, you are expected to register the software with the author.
Shareware is not Freeware. It's continued use implies that it is a viable and
needed tool. Registration encourages the author to enhance the software's
features, making it a better tool for you the user, and also to create new
software in the future.
Registration
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.6. Trademarks ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
IBM, OS/2, Extended Services, Extended Services for OS/2, Database 2, DB2/2,
Multimedia Presentation Manager/2, and MMPM/2 are trademarks of the IBM
Corporation.
VisPro/REXX is a registered trademark of HockWare, Inc.
Watcom and VX-REXX are trademarks of Watcom International Corporation.
Various standardized portions of this document may have been copied from other
Help and .INF files. If any of these textual statements were considered to be
personal property, they are the respective property of those author(s) and can
be removed by request.
Any other products I have named are the Trademarks of their respective
companies.
For those interested, this document was produced with IPFMan/2, a superior
HLP/INF creation utility under development by Everett Barnes.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.7. Other Products ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Other products available from Everett Barnes:
Related Information:
o Hangman
o Planets
o Quoteman/2
o Noteman/2
o BMPMan/2
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.7.1. Hangman ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
o Hangman- Hangman for the OS/2 Presentation Manager.
- Features:
o One or two-player games.
o More than 30,000 words!
o Users can create their own word lists to play within Hangman.
o 2-Player Challenge: Users enter their own words (1-20) and challenge
each other. Winner determined by ratio of wins/total words.
o Full on-line help!
- Availability:
o Shareware - $10 First released on 06/15/94.
o Look for it on your favorite OS/2 BBS or the OS/2 Shareware section on
Compuserve (GO OS2BVEN)
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.7.2. Planets ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
o Planets
- Synopsis:
o Planets combines the eye-pleasing graphics of a spinning planetary mass
with the usefulness of a clock, day of the week/date information, and
system information.
- Features:
o Over 80 planets to choose from in 2 modules
o Clock
o System Information/Drive Space Free/Swap monitor
o Timer function
o Fully Configurable.
o Full on-line help!
- Availability:
o Available Now!
o Freeware. :-)
o Look for it on your favorite OS/2 BBS or the OS/2 Shareware section on
Compuserve (GO OS2BVEN)
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.7.3. Quoteman/2 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
o Quoteman/2
- Synopsis:
o Quoteman/2 provides a wealth of quotes from various sources for your
pleasure. It is fully configurable.
- Features:
o Various quote lists from Classical to Einstein
o Users can configure: Number of quotes to display, Time to display each
quote, and more!
- Availability:
o Available Now!
o Shareware - $10
o Look for it on your favorite OS/2 BBS or the OS/2 Shareware section on
Compuserve (GO OS2BVEN)
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.7.4. Noteman/2 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
o Noteman/2
- Synopsis:
o Noteman/2 provides a convenient method for storing short notes/lists.
- Features:
o Creation of short notes/lists.
o Search capability.
o Users can create multiple files for grouping of notes.
o Full on-line help.
- Availability:
o Available Now!
o Shareware - $10
o Look for it on your favorite OS/2 BBS or the OS/2 Shareware section on
Compuserve (GO OS2BVEN)
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.7.5. BMPMan/2 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
o BMPMan/2
- Synopsis:
o BMPMan/2 provides a quick way of viewing OS/2 bitmaps/icons via Drag &
Drop.
- Features:
o Drag & Drop any OS/2 bitmap/icon for instant viewing.
o Quick viewing of all bitmaps/icons in current directory.
o Use currently displayed bitmap (BMP) as the Desktop background
(Additional options available under Warp)
o Assign displayed icons to OS/2 files/folders.
o Drag & Drop displayed files onto other programs for editing, viewing,
etc.
o Open current directory
o Edit current icon using the OS/2 Icon editor, or any other
user-specified external product.
o Full on-line help and external INF book!
- Availability:
o Available Now!
o Shareware - $5
o Look for it on your favorite OS/2 BBS or the OS/2 Shareware section on
Compuserve (GO OS2BVEN)
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
My extraordinarily talented, intrinsically beautiful, superbly intelligent,
lovely wife!