home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
Computer Buyer 1997 November
/
dpcb1197.iso
/
multmed.ia
/
Landscape
/
README.TXT
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1997-08-28
|
12KB
|
283 lines
_____________________________________________________________________
Welcome to 3D Landscape 2 - The Demonstration Version!
_____________________________________________________________________
This Demo edition has been adapted from the full working version of
3D Landscape 2 Deluxe.
Our aim has been to create a demonstration program that will let you
experience the features of the full version. It will enable you to view
the sample files and experiment with the program. You will be able to
edit the existing files, or even create a sample of your own. You will
be able to switch to the 3D view and see your creation through the 4
seasons, see the shadows cast throughout the day and watch the effect
of time.
In order to reduce a program which normally fills a 650 MByte CD
to just under 60 Meg, we have had to remove ALL of the plant photos,
and many of the objects. The Multi Media "How to Guide" has also been
removed.
You will find in general that the top two icons of each page
on the ringbinder are active. The disabled icons will appear a pale
grey. (There are a few exceptions to this rule)
The Print and Save functions have been disabled.
We hope that you enjoy this Demonstration version of the program.
3D Landscape2 Deluxe is just one of a series of programs from FastTrak
Software Publishing. For the very latest details on the FastTrak
range, you can contact us directly at our UK offices:
e-mail : tech-support@polaron-group.co.uk.
phone : +44 (0)1923 495496
fax : +44 (0)1923 228796.
You might also visit the FastTrak WWW site at:
www.fasttrak.co.uk
======================================================================
This file contains important installation instructions,
======================================================================
We have made every effort to build a powerful product that reflects the
Full version and is also easy to use. Due to the complex and ever-changing
nature of computer technology, however, you may encounter some
complications in running the programme on your system. We've outlined
potential difficulties and recommended solutions below.
We also offer a few tips to help you get the most out of your
new software.
======================================================================
CONTENTS
- PERFORMANCE
- INSTALLATION
- TYPES OF INSTALLATION
- HOW TO RUN 3D Landscape
- BONUS: SAMPLE FILES
- TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
PERFORMANCE
For best performance, run 3D Landscape on a Win95 or WindowsNT machine
with 256 colours and at least 16Mb of RAM. 8Mb will do, but more RAM
speeds up the program better than anything else. 16 and 24 bit colour
slow the program, too.
3D Landscape requires more memory than some computers can provide.
If your hardware runs short of memory, you may notice one or more of
these symptoms:
-The programme slows during use.
-Parts of the application do not start or display.
-The display shows an inappropriate colour scheme.
-Print-outs appear as if created on a typewriter.
-Photographs do not load with the rest of the application.
-The computer stops responding to keyboard or mouse commands.
If you encounter such difficulties, several techniques can help you
overcome memory shortfalls.
- Set the 3D and Slope Quality control for the ground to "Lo."
- Close other applications including screen savers and other
utilities. Please note that some programs may be started automatically
when you launch Windows. You'll find these in your Windows Startup group.
- Restart Windows. This clears up many difficulties, especially after
an error message has been displayed.
- Reboot your computer.
The faster the CPU you have, the faster your program will run, especially in
3D View. Clock doubled chips won't improve performance as much as a chip
with a faster clock rate. For example a clock doubled 50 MHz runs externally
at 25 MHz and may be slower than a 33 MHz CPU.
DESIGNER
As you place objects into your landscape, you may notice that some are
automatically labeled, while others are not. The software automatically
labels any object onto which a label will fit at your current "zoom" level
or magnification. 3D Landscape will even display the name of a tree --
rather than simply the word "tree" -- if its image becomes large enough.
HOW-TO GUIDE [Full Version Only]
When browsing through the How-To Guide, please click only once on all
buttons and hyperlinks. If you double-click, the program may accidentally
trigger another event, such as a jump to another page.
Do not run more than one copy of the How-To Guide at a time.
Doing so may cause problems due to system memory constraints.
When printing pages of the How-To Guide, you may see extraneous and
extended elements of the "book" image. This should not obstruct the text
or graphics on the page.
If your display uses large fonts, you may see a slight break in the
on-screen display of the "book" image.
The Estimators do not print.
INSTALLATION
This product is built to run under Windows 95.
Windows 95 Installation:
1. Insert disc into CD-ROM drive and wait for the window to appear.
2. Click the button labeled "Install 3D Landscape" and follow the
instructions.
TYPES OF INSTALLATION
You will be given a choice of two ways to install the product:
1. Optimal installation: Copies the executable and some files required to run
the executable. Takes up more space than minimal installation, but runs faster
than minimal. This uses 20-25 Mb of disk space.
2. Minimal installation: This installation runs more slowly, but takes less
disk space -- between 10 and 18 Mb.
The installer will create directories on your hard drive and install the
files it needs to run this program. Unless you tell it otherwise, it will
create a FastTrak directory and a 3DLand2 (3D Landscape) subdirectory
on your C: drive. You can change the drive and directory by choosing a
different location.
The installer will also create an 3D Landscape icon in your Windows Program
Manager. The default Program Manager Group is FastTrak, but you will
be given the option to select a different group. Windows 95 users will see
this under the Start menu.
HOW TO RUN 3D Landscape
- Double-click the 3D Landscape icon in the FastTrak Software Program Manager
Group.
- If this icon is hidden, select FastTrak Software from the Windows menu in
your Program Manager. This will bring forward the program group containing
the 3D Landscape 2 icon.
- Windows 95 Users will find the icon in the FastTrak Software group under
the Start menu.
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
- When running the installation, you may receive the message "CTL3D.DLL is
in use and cannot be installed..." If this happens, click the "ignore"
button in the window. The installation should then proceed as normal.
Typically this occurs if you have other programs running during the install.
- If you get a "Fail To Open File" message at startup, it is probably asking
you to insert the CD into the drive from which you installed 3D Landscape.
VIDEO CARDS AND DRIVERS
- If you own one of the following video cards, you may find that they don't function
properly in 3D. This is due to an optimization they perform that is
incorrect. You can resolve this by making changes to the specified
system.ini or win.ini file:
ATI Mach64 - Edit system.ini, in section [Macx] add line 'DeviceBitmap=off'
ATI Mach32 - Edit win.ini, in section [Mach] add line 'DeviceBitmap=off'
Matrox MGA - Edit system.ini, in section [MGA.DRV] add line 'DevBits=off.'
DIAMOND SPEEDSTAR PRO
Some versions of the video drivers for the Diamond Speedstar Pro may cause
problems with 3D Landscape. If you have difficulties, please contact
Diamond Computer at (408) 736-2000 for a newer version. If you have a
modem, you can download updated drivers from their bulletin board system
at (408) 524-9301 (9600 baud).
- When 3D Landscape starts, it automatically loads the last file you saved. If
this file is corrupted, you may have problems starting 3D Landscape. In this
case, the solution is to start the program by double clicking on one of the
sample files in d:\files\bin\samples.
- If you like to set your PC to Large Fonts, most of 3D Landscape will appear
normal. Some layouts will be affected.
- If you are a Windows 95 user , the Taskbar or Start menu may obscure the
bottom of some dialog boxes if you have it set up the wrong way.
Check off the "Auto Hide" box in the Taskbar Properties sheet.
This may be found under Start->Settings->TaskBar.
PRINTER PROBLEMS [Full Version Only]
Some users of Hewlett Packard LaserJet printers may experience problems when
printing files if using the printer drivers included by the manufacturer;
images may be distorted or titles may not appear on printouts. If you
experience these problems, follow the steps below:
-Windows 95 users:
1. Close 3D Landscape, if the programme is running.
2. From your Start Menu, select Settings, then Printers.
3. Double-click on the Add Printer icon.
4. At the first Add Printer Wizard dialogue, select Next.
5. Next, select whether you are printing on a Local or Network
printer. If using a network printer, select the network path
to that printer.
6. In the printer selection dialogue, select the HP LaserJet
IID printer. Select this as your default printer (you can
change it back later).
7. Insert your Windows 95 CD and select Finish. Windows will
install the necessary drivers for your printer. When Windows
has installed the necessary drivers, you will be ready to print.
When you are finished printing in 3D Landscape, open the Printers dialogue
from your Start Menu and double-click on the icon for the appropriate
printer. Select the Printer menu from the dialogue which opens, and then
select Set As Default.
-Windows 3.1 users:
1. Close 3D Landscape, if the programme is running.
2. Open your Main program group, and double-click on the Print
Manager icon.
3. From the Options menu, select Printer Setup.
4. Select the Add>> button.
5. Select Install Unlisted or Updated Printer from the list of
options, then click on Install.
6. Insert the printer drivers diskette, and enter the appropriate
file path.
7. From the list of printer drivers presented, select the Enhanced
driver, then select OK.
8. In the Printers dialogue, click once on the newly installed
printer driver in the Installed Printers box, then click the
Set As Default Printer button. You are now ready to print.
When you are finished printing in 3D Landscape, reopen your Print Manager, and follow
step 8, above, substituting your old printer for the new printer.
We hope you enjoy the demo version of 3D Landscape. FastTrak is building a
complete library of "how-to" software for the Do-It-Yourselfer.
Books That Work is a registered trademark of Books That Work. FastTrak Software
Publishing Ltd. is a registered trademark of FastTrak Software Publishing Ltd.
Microsoft, Windows and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective manufacturers. Portions of this software are
Copyright 1993-1995 Criterion Software Ltd. and its Licensors.
Created with StarView.
Some textures licensed from Imagetects.
Copyright 1995 Books That Work. All rights reserved.
Copyright 1997 FastTrak Software Publishing Ltd.