Magnum One/Magnum One (Mid-American Digital) (Disc Manufacturing).iso/d11/vpic30.arc/VPIC.DOC

Text File | 1990-10-31 | 38KB | 780 lines

                         VPIC USERS MANUAL
               A Picture File Viewing/Conversion Program
        (C) Copyright 1990 Bob Montgomery, All Rights Reserved
                        by Bob Montgomery
                          CIS 73357,3140

INTRODUCTION
Background

The original program was called VGIF, reflecting its ability to view only GIF
files. When the program evolved to include other paint file formats, its name
was changed to VPIC. A configuration program (CVPIC.EXE) is also supplied to
configure VPIC to your VGA board. See the revision history in Appendix A for
latest additions and bug fixes.

IMPORTANT: VPIC requires DOS 2.0 or up to run from current directory, or DOS 3.0
up to run from anywhere. You must configure VPIC for your graphics board using
CVPIC (unless you have an Orchid Designer VGA with 512 K).

The Graphics Interchange Format (GIF) is a Service Mark owned by Compuserve
Incorporated. For further information, please contact:
    Compuserve incorporated, Graphics Technology Department,
    5000 Arlington Center Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43220, USA

GENERAL FEATURES
VPIC is a file viewer for EGA, MCGA, VGA and SuperVGA, and has the following
features:
  *  Print VPIC.TXT at 17 chars/inch and 8 lines/inch for a handy reference card.

  *  Views the following file formats in EGA, MCGA, VGA, or SuperVGA:
     1. Dr. Halo CUT files (with PAL if present). Not Dr. Halo PIC files.
     2. GIF files.
     3. Deluxe Paint LBM (or IFF) files, regular and enhanced.
     4. MAC files.
     5. Pictor/PC Paint PIC files.
     6. ZSoft PCX files (including 256 color files).
     7. ColorRIX/EGA Paint SCx files.
     8. Targa 8 thru 32 TGA files, comressed or uncompressed.

  *  Saves current image to any of the above formats (except MAC and IFF) in the
     current mode (EGA, MCGA, or VGA). Also uncompresses TGA files.

  *  Saves current image to GIF in regular, interlaced, inverted, mirrored,
     or rotated 90 degrees CW or CCW. Great for scans.

  *  Configurable for display boards using Tseng3000 and Tseng4000, Paradise,
     Everex, ATI, Trident, C&T, Video 7, Genoa, Zymos, or Ahead (B) VGA chips
     (see configuring VPIC below); the Ahead A chip used on some early boards is
     not supported.

  *  /R option allows an application program to show a file and regain control
     without changing the screen mode.

  *  Mode can be manually selected or auto selected from menu.

  *  Allows you to specifiy a new path from the menu with the [F9] key. Also
     updates menu when files are added or deleted.

  *  Very fast GIF decoding.

  MENU FEATURES:
  *  Mark/unmark files for viewing with [SPACEBAR].
  *  Menu text color setable in configuration file.
  *  [F1] gives help.
  *  [F2] shows marked files like a slideshow.
  *  [F3] gives file size and colors.
  *  [F4] toggles between EGA and VGA mode.
  *  [F5/F6] decrease/increase default resolution.
  *  [F7] Locks current resolution, or selects auto resolution mode.
  *  [F8] Makes multiple GIF images pause for a keypress.
  *  [F9] prompts for new path.
  *  [F10] shows current path for files.
  *  Shows marked files singly or like a slide show.
  *  Handles up to 500 files.
==============================================================================
  VIEWING FEATURES
  *  Help while viewing with / or ? key.
  *  Shows filename while decoding, and [ESC] aborts decoding.
  *  Allows deleting a file (with query) with the [Alt-X] key.
  *  Allows adjustment of picture color and VGA contrast and brightness.
  *  Allows saving the current image as a GIF (many options), PC Paint or
     Pictor, ZSoft PCX, ColoRIX or EGA Paint, Targa 16, Dr. Halo CUT, and
     Deluxe Paint II formats in EGA, MCGA, or VGA.
=============================================================================
RUNNING VPIC
Command Format: vpic [[path]filespec][/a][/e][/r][/c][/w][/?].
  *  The default path is the current directory, and the default extensions are
     CUT, GIF, IFF, LBM, MAC, PIC, PCX, SCx, and TGA.
  *  The /a option starts VPIC in Auto resolution select mode.
  *  The /b option causes VPIC to beep after displaying a file except in slide
     mode or /r.
  *  The /c option gives the current configuration; see 6 below.
  *  The /e option forces EGA mode, to use extended 16 color modes; see 5 below.
  *  The /h option allows the viewing of hidden files.
  *  The /r option returns control to a calling program; see 4 below.
  *  The /w option wait for a keypress after each image in a multi_image GIF
     file.
  *  The /? option gives a help screen.
  *  If filespec is a filename, the single file will be shown (the default
     extension is GIF).
  *  If path\filespec is a directory, a menu of all viewable files in that
     directory will appear. Otherwise all files meeting the filespec will
     appear. For example, [vpic d:\pics\*.pcx] would give a menu of all PCX
     files in the PICS directory of drive D, while [vpic d:\pics] would give a
     menu of all viewable files in the PICS directory of drive D.
  *  Options and filespec may be entered in any order.

EXAMPLES OF VPIC COMMANDS
    1. VPIC [path\]filename[.ext] shows the file specified. The default path is
       the current directory, and the default extension is GIF.

    2. VPIC [path\][filespec] to get a menu of all files in the specified path
       meeting filespec (may contain wildcards). The default path is the current
       directory, and the default filespec is any of the viewable files; just
       entering VPIC will give a menu of all viewable files in the current
       directory. Shows whether VGA or EGA and modes supported in upper left
       corner. If Path contains . or .., a filespec must be given (may contain
       wildcards). Thus ..\*.* would give a menu of all viewable files in the
       parent of the current directory.

    3. VPIC /@[path\]slidefile[.ext]  to do a slide show from commands in the
       slidefile file. The default path is the current directory, and the
       default extension is SLD. The commands are placed on seperate lines, and
       consist of either a filename (GIF extension assumed) and optional display
       mode, or a delay (viewing time) spec of the form  d n where n is the
       desired viewing time in seconds. The default viewing time is 5 seconds if
       no delay spec is given, and the default viewing mode is whatever would
       look best. VPIC understands comments preceded by a semicolon, blank or
       comment lines, and extra spaces. For example, the following is file
       contents are understood by VPIC, but not recommended:

       file1  1    ;First file in slideshow. Use mode 1.
          file2.pcx         ;This is a ZSoft filename with leading spaces
          ;This is a comment line with leading spaces, next is a blank line.

       file3
          d        15 ;Use 15 second delay. Has leading and separator spaces.

       To end a slide show after the current picture, press any key. [ESC] ends
       it immediately.

       The mode requires a little further explanation. In the above slide file,
       it says to use mode 1 with file1. Modes 1 thru 10 are the VGA (256 color)
       modes, and modes 11 thru 20 are EGA (16 color) modes called out in the
       configuration file. Most display boards only have a few of each type. The
       Orchid Designer has 4 VGA modes and 4 EGA modes in the configuration file.

       The VGA modes are                  ║ The EGA modes are
        1. 320x200x256     2. 640x350x256 ║ 11. 640x350x16     12. 640x480x16
        3. 640x480x256     4. 800x600x256 ║ 13. 800x600x16     14. 1024x768x16

       Thus, the slide file says to show file1 in the 320x200x256 mode, and show
       all the others in the default modes.

    4. VPIC /r shows the file and then returns to DOS (or a calling application
       program) with the picture still on the screen in EGA/VGA. It is not
       necessary to change the video mode between viewing each file, but it is
       up to the calling program to reset text mode (mode 3) after all viewing
       is done. The /e and /a switches are valid in this mode.

    5. VPIC /e forces and EGA display with VGA to use extended EGA modes.

    6. VPIC /c prints the current configuration of vpic. You can configure VPIC
       to your display board using the CVPIC program and a text configuration
       file describing your board.

    7. VPIC /a starts VPIC in auto resolution mode.

    8. VPIV /b causes VPIC to beep after a file has been fully decoded. Lets you
       know when the viewing options are available. Doesn't beep in slide mode
       or when using the /r option.

    9. VPIC /h allows VPIC to find and display hidden files. Great for those
       R or X rated files you don't want to be normally accessible. This option
       doesn't appear on the help screen.

    10. VPIC /?  gives a help screen.

CONFIGURING VPIC
Running CVPIC.EXE
    To configure VPIC, enter
         CVPIC [config_file[.ext]]
    where the default configuration file is VPIC.CFG (which is for the Orchid
    Designer VGA board with white menu text color) and the default extension is
    .CFG.

    The default configuration of VPIC is for the Orchid Designer VGA card with
    512K of display memory. If you have just EGA, you should use the EGA.CFG
    file. If you have plain vanilla VGA (modes 10h, 12h, and 13h), use VGA.CFG.
    The meaning of each field is given in the various configuration files. You
    can make your own custom config file, or use one of the configuration files
    supplied. VPIC supports most of the popular boards using the Tseng (ET3000
    and ET4000), Paradise, Everex, ATI, Trident, C&T, Video 7, Ahead (B chip),
    Zymos, or Genoa VGA chips. Sample configuration files are enclosed for some
    of the more popular boards, and can be modified for your board.

CONFIGURATION FILE (.CFG)
File Format
CVPIC ignores leading spaces in the file, and all characters after a semicolon
are considered comments and ignored. The .CFG file contains the following lines:

    1. Board name, which will appear in the VPIC menu. This is user defineable,
       and could be something like 'Joe's VGA Board'.

    2. VGA CHIP set, and should be TSENG, TSENG4, PARADISE, EVEREX, ATI, C&T,
       VIDEO7, TRIDENT, AHEADB, GENOA, or GENERIC presently; upper or lower
       case is OK. The TSENG is for the ET3000 chip and the TSENG4 is for the
       ET4000 chip from Tseng Labs.

    3. The number of 64K banks of display ram usable for 256 color VGA pics
       (1 for standard VGA, 4 for 256K, 8 for 512K, 16 for 1M).

    4. Menu text color; 0 thru 7 corresponds to black, blue, green, aqua, red,
       violet, brown, and white. For example, 4 would be red text.

    5 thru n. The following lines describe the modes supported by the board.
      Each line is of the form: F1 F2 AX BX CX DX W H C  where:
        *  F1 = VGA (256 color) mode flag.
        *  F2 = 256K colors to choose from (as in mode 12h, 640x480x16) flag.
        *  AX,BX,CX,DX  register values used to set this mode. Preceeding the
           numbers by 0x indicates hex; ie., 0x10 = 16.
        *  W, H, C  are width, height, colors in this mode.
      All the VGA (256 color) modes should be grouped first, followed by the EGA
      (16 color) modes.

COMMANDS IN MENU MODE
Keyboard Commands in Menu Mode

1.  The [up], [down], [right], and [left] arrow keys move the cursor around the
    menu of files. [PgDn/PgUp] goto next/previous page. Pressing a key goes to
    next file starting with this character.

2.  Pressing the [SPACEBAR] marks a file for viewing or slides, and moves to the
    next file; it will also unmark a previously marked file.

3.  Pressing [ENTER] will display the marked files in the order they were
    marked. If no files were marked, pressing enter displays the file at the
    cursor.

4.  Pressing [F1] will bring up the help screen; any key will return to the
    menu.

5.  Pressing [F2] will do a slide show of marked files until a key is pressed.

6.  Pressing [F3] will display the file size and colors on the next to last
    line.

7.  Pressing [F4] will toggle between VGA and EGA modes.

8.  Pressing [F5/F6] will decrease/increase the default resolution for files
    larger than 320x200 in VGA.

9.  Pressing [F7] goes to LOCK, which forces the default resolution (above) no
    matter what the file size. Pressing F7 again goes to AUTO, which
    automatically selects the resolution to display the picture. Pressing F7
    again goes back to to the normal default mode.

10. Pressing [F8] toggles the wait mode, where VPIC waits for a keypress between
    multiple images in a GIF file.

11. [F9] prompts for a new path\filespec, and displays a menu of the files in
    the new path meeting the filespec.


12. [Alt_X] prompts if you want to delete the file at the cursor. [Y] deletes
    it, [N] or ESC doesn't, and all other keys are ignored.

13. Pressing [ESC] ends the program and returns to DOS.

14. Pressing [Ctrl-Break] or [Ctrl-C] will get you directly to DOS.

All other keys are ignored. If errors are encountered, an error message appears
on the next to last line, and disappears when the cursor is moved. The menu
title is the search spec.

KEYBOARD COMMANDS IN VIEWING MODE (except in slide mode)

1.  The up/down arrow keys will scroll the picture if longer than the screen,
    provided you have sufficient display memory. The [PgUp] and [PgDn] keys will
    scroll by 10 lines. The Video 7 extended VGA boards do not supported writing
    to non-displayed memory or scrolling pics larger than the screen, so this
    function is disabled for these boards.

2.  If the picture size is <= 1/2 the screen width, pressing [2] will give a
    double size image (which may be scrollable) and pressing [1] will give the
    normal size again. For VGA, the picture will be changed only in the
    horizontal direction; this will unsquash some 320x400 pics so the aspect
    ratio is correct.

3.  Pressing [+] will increase the resolution (320x200 to 640x480, etc).

4.  Pressing [-] will decrease the resolution; useful if 800x600 rolls.

5.  Pressing [/] or [?] gives a help screen of commands available while viewing.

    Note: All the following conversion options check if the default filename is
    present, and prompt for a new name if it is. They create a file on the
    current drive and directory with the same dimensions as the file being
    viewed, and let you know what is happening while the conversion proceeds. If
    you screw up at the new filename prompt, hit [Ctrl-C] to escape immediately
    to DOS; this will usually preserve a file you don't want to write over. The
    safest bet is to view files in another directory, since the new file is
    saved to the default directory, which is the drive and directory you ran
    VPIC from. I put VPIC in my UTIL directory, and have my PATH set to include
    UTIL, so I can run VPIC from any drive or directory.

12. Pressing [A] will 'animate' a picture by rotating the palette periodically.
    This is especially effective on fractals, where large areas tend to be the
    same color. Pressing [SPACEBAR] will pause the palette rotation, and
    pressing [ENTER] will terminate it and return to the command mode. Thus, by
    waiting for an especially nice pattern and then pressing [ENTER], the
    pattern can be written to a file using the above file save commands.
    Pressing [ESC] will return to the menu.

11. Pressing [C] will create a Dr. Halo CUT file with the same filename and
    extension CUT. A palette file (.PAL) will also be created.

10. Pressing [E] will expand a Run Length Encoded (RLE) compressed Targa file. If
    the file is not a Targa or is already uncompressed, this key does nothing.

7.  Pressing [G, I, M, U, <, or >] will create a GIF file on the default drive,
    and prompt for a new filename-the default extension is GIF. [G] is for
    non-interlaced, and [I] is for interlaced, [M] is for mirror image, [U] is
    for upside down (inverted), [<] is rotate image 90 degrees CCW, and [>] is
    rotate image 90 degrees CW.

6.  Pressing [P] will create a PC Paint or Pictor file. The default extension is
    PIC, and for EGA it prompts for a PC Paint or Pictor file.

8.  Pressing [R] will create a ColoRix file with the same filename and extension
    SCx where x is a function of the screen size. If in EGA, will prompt if you
    want an EGA Paint or ColoRix file.

9.  Pressing [T] will create a Targa 16 file with the same filename and
    extension TGA.

5.  Pressing [Z] will create a ZSoft (PC Paintbrush) file with the same filename
    and extension PCX. The file will be in whatever mode you are currently using
    (EGA or VGA). The VGA palette will be correct for the latest version of PC
    Paintbrush, which saves a VGA palette in the file.

13. [Alt_F] displays current filename momentarily.

14. Pressing [Alt-X] will prompt you to delete the current file. If you answer
    [y] it will be deleted, [n] or ESC it won't, and all other keys are ignored.

15. Pressing [ENTER] will return to menu or DOS, or show next file for marked
    menu mode.

16. Pressing [ESC] will end the display and return to the menu.

17. The following keys control the picture tone as follows:
    [F1]       Decrease red content of picture.
    [F2]       Increase red content of picture.
    [F3]       Decrease green content of picture.
    [F4]       Increase green content of picture.
    [F5]       Decrease blue content of picture.
    [F6]       Increase blue content of picture.
    [F7]       Decrease contrast of picture (VGA only).
    [F8]       Increase contrast of picture (VGA only).
    [F9]       Decrease brightness of picture (VGA only).
    [F10]      Increase brightness of picture (VGA only).
    [Alt-F10]  Restore original palette after you thoroughly mess up the colors.
    [V]        Reverses the current palette (16/64 EGA only); interesting effect
               especially for black & white images.

    After a little experimenting, a 'washed out' VGA picture can be greatly
    improved by using [F1-F10] , and you can always start over by using
    [Alt-F10]. To retain a black background in a VGA picture, the brightness
    should be decreased when the contrast is decreased. If you have really
    improved the picture, you can then save it any of the supported formats.
    VPIC will prompt you if the file exists in the default directory, and you
    have the option of overwriting it or giving a new filename. This works
    really well with images created on the Sharp, Howtec or Targa scanners.

All other keys are ignored. Pressing [Ctrl-Break] or [Ctrl-C] will go to DOS.

DECODING OTHER FILE FORMATS

The file decoding works in whatever mode you are presently using (VGA or EGA)
and at the resolution you are viewing with. This way, if you choose to save to
another file format, it will be in the same mode you are viewing with (EGA,
MCGA, VGA, or SuperVGA). The decoding for other than GIF is not as fast as could
be done, but the added versatility more than compensates for this. For example,
EGA PCX files can be very quickly decoded to EGA, but are in the wrong format
for VGA, and considerable manipulation is required to produce a VGA image. For
all formats except GIF, the method of viewing is to decode to a buffer for a
single line at 1 byte/pixel, then copy this line to the display in whatever mode
you are using. This is a compromise for most file formats, since they are geared
to EGA or VGA, and display time suffers, but it makes the code much simpler.
Besides, the other formats are supported mainly to allow easy conversion to GIF,
which is the preferred format for storage, since it gives the smallest file
size. This will also make EGA <-> VGA conversions possible, which is not
supported by most paint programs.

The TARGA viewing uses a fixed palette to speed up the decoding, so the picture
does not have what could be called good color. It is mainly there to verify that
an image is present. Use Image Tools TGAPIC to get an equivalent GIF picture
with excellent color rendition.

ADDED FEATURES

VPIC is meant to fill a void not covered by paint programs, and to allow very
convenient file viewing and conversion between file formats. It is not meant to
compete with the paint programs, and in general if a paint program does
something well (such as resize a picture to fill the screen or cut out a portion
of the picture), VPIC will not attempt to do it. On the other hand, if you think
of a feature which would enhance VPIC, please let me know, and I will consider
adding it to the program.

KNOWN PROBLEMS
1.  The ATI 1024x768x16 mode uses 2 pixels/byte, unlike any other VGA or EGA
    mode. It is supported for viewing and some conversions, but not all the
    features of VPIC work in this mode.

IMPORTANT: Support for boards with other VGA chips: VPIC will support other VGA
boards with extended VGA modes if the owners will write me with the details of
how to set the various modes, and how to bank switch the display memory. Of
course, if you also register VPIC I will give the problem more consideration.

The bank switching Info for some of the 'not so common' VGA boards is hard to
come by, and is needed if VPIC is to support extended VGA modes for these
boards. A VGA board needs to bank switch for extended modes because there is
only a 64K window in the PC address space for graphics memory (from A000 to
AFFF), and extended modes require more than 64K of memory; 640x480x256 requires
307200 bytes of memory, or about 4.7 'banks of 64K'. Bank switching is a means
of mapping the (A000 to AFFF) graphics address space into 64K chunks of actual
display memory. The method of bank switching is determined by the VGA chip used
on the display board, and what I need is info on how to switch banks and how to
set the various modes the board supports. The use of a display board would also
help, since it will allow me to test the program with that display board instead
of 'programming blind'.

SHAREWARE

VPIC is user supported software for the IBM PC.  VPIC is made available for a
free ten day trial period.  If you find this program useful,  you may license
the program for non-commercial use on one machine by sending $15.00 to:

     Bob Montgomery
     132 Parsons Road
     Longwood, Fl 32779

You may use all updates free once you have registered VPIC. If you are already
registered for VGIF (any version) you may use VPIC for an additional $5. I do
not send updates, but they are available on most graphics oriented BBS's, and at
Compuserve in DL3 of the PICS forum. As an alternative, you can get VPIC from me
by sending a $15 registration fee plus $5 ($10 outside the USA and Canada)
postage and handling ($20/$25 total) or $10 for upgrading VGIF to VPIC. As a
bonus; I will fill the rest of the disk with good pictures. Please specify 360K
or 1.2Meg disk (I don't have 3.5" disks) and EGA, VGA, or SuperVGA (640x480x256,
etc) so I'll know what pictures to send.

VPIC may be licensed for commercial use on up to 10 computers at a single site
or set of sites for $75.00. A commercial site is defined as a business or
individual using VPIC as part of his business activities.

Clubs, schools,  universities and other organizations may license VPIC for
$45.00 per 6 copies.

If you use VPIC as part of a commercial demo or as a utility for another
application you must obtain a license from Bob Montgomery, and pay a $1/copy
royalty for each copy shipped.

VPIC is copyrighted software, and all rights are reserved.

VPIC may not be changed or modified in any way  except by the author.  VPIC may
be freely distributed for the ten day trial period as long as it remains in its
complete form. Regardless of how the copy is obtained, it is requested that
all users comply with the licensing agreement.

All warranties are disclaimed, including damage to hardware and/or software from
use of this product. In no event will I be liable to you for any damages,
including lost profits, lost savings or other incidental or consequential
damages arising out of your use or inability to use the program, or any other
claim by any other party.

Contact Bob Montgomery for:
    1. Special versions of VPIC tailored to your application.
    2. Other graphics oriented applications (file conversion, etc).

Any suggestions or comments should be mailed directly to me. The following are
graphics oriented BBS's:

Compuserve PICS Forum (My ID is 73357,3140)
Tsunami BBS, Half Moon Bay, Calif. [phone]
PC Rockland, S. Nyack, NY [phone] [Freeboard] 1.6 Gbyte Online
Megabyte Image Center     [phone] 1200/2400/9600 baud USR HST
Event Horizons, Portland OR  [phone]

                APPENDIX A - REVISION HISTORY

History of the original VGIF program.

VGIF ver 1.1   1-13-88
    *  Added test for EGA adapter.
    *  Fixed menu colors.
    *  Allow [ESC]ape from marked file viewing.
    *  Added [Ctrl-Break] or [Ctrl-C] exit to DOS anywhere.
    *  Added 'disk full' notification when creating picture file.
    *  Added critical error handler for 'drive not ready' errors.

VGIF ver 1.2   1-15-88
    *  Changed name to VGIF.
    *  Slide mode now ignores the end of file mark in slide file, and any key
       will now end slide mode.
    *  Added slides to menu mode if [S] pressed-shows marked files as slides
       until a key is pressed.

VGIF ver 1.3   1-21-88
    *  Added better error checking to GIF file decoding. Notifies if bad GIF
       file.
    *  Fixed error reporting bug in single file mode.

VGIF ver 1.4   2-9-88
    *  Added instantaneous screen update in slide mode from menu or command
       (SLD) file.
    *  Added the /r option which allows an application program to call VGIF
       to view a file and then regain control.

VGIF ver 1.5   3-2-88
    *  Added [PgUp] and [PgDn] keys to scroll by 10 lines at a time.
    *  Added a max pic height of 819 lines so EGA buffer would not overflow.
    *  Greatly improved color reproduction for 'problem' pictures (such as FROG,
       ARCHIT, PUFFIN, VEGTABLE, etc). These pictures typically have more than
       16 colors. Selected colors on basis of frequency of use where possible.
    *  Fixed following bugs:
       1.  Line buffer would overflow into other variables if pic width was
           > 640 pixels, causing strange results.
       2.  Didn't recognize the end of image marker correctly. This would
           cause the palette to change when the image was done.

VGIF ver 1.6   3-11-88
    *  Fixed a bug in handling multiple images. First noticed when viewing
       WHIMMI.GIF.
    *  Use same palette for multiple images, and get best color match.
    *  Added [L] and [S] commands while viewing a picture. These allow you to
       create full size paint program files.

VGIF ver 2.0   3-26-88
    *  Added the ability to view long GIF files ( > 819 lines) without
       wrapping the display.
    *  Added the [C] and [H] (Dr. Halo) file creation option while viewing.
    *  Added the [L] and [S] prefixes to paint program file creation commands
       while viewing to save long pic files.
    *  Added the Info and Help commands in menu mode.
    *  Deleted the # requirement to specify a directory from the command line.
       The program now looks for a directory which meets the spec on the command
       line. If none is found, it assumes the spec is for a single file.
    *  Added [F1 - F10], and [V] palette control keys while viewing a file.

VGIF ver 3.0   5-2-88
    *  Added VGA capability, and support for Tseng extended VGA modes
       (640x480x256 and 800x600x256).
    *  Determines and displays available modes for your system.

VGIF ver 3.1   5-11-88
    *  Fixed a bug in dir/file spec from command line. Now accepts
       VGIF d:\dir\*.gif or VGIF d:*.gif, although the [\]*.gif is not required,
       since this is the default filespec.

    *  Fixed a bug in forced EGA when doing slides, where an interlaced pic
       displayed at double size would have a 'venetian blind' effect.

    *  Changed so pics larger than 320x200 are shown in 640x480 VGA; can get
       800x600 by pressing + key.

    *  Note that EGA mode on the Orchid VGA card appears squashed vertically.
       This is normal, and cannot be corrected without reprograming the
       parameters for mode 16, which would change the vertical retrace
       frequency, and probably cause your monitor to roll.

VGIF ver 3.2   5-26-88
    *  Added 500 file menu, and assy language text screen updating; now
       super fast.
    *  Fixed a bug which caused the Vega VGA card to hang up.

VGIF ver 3.3   6-9-88
    *  Added user spec of video mode for non-Orchid VGA boards.
    *  Added GIF and Pictor save of current screen for VGA/EGA pics.
    *  Added prompts to screen for conversion to other formats.
    *  Removed conversion starting at first visible row-now does whole pic.

VGIF ver 3.4   6-23-88
    *  Fixed a bug in the GIF save routine.
    *  Added color, contrast, and brightness adjustment in VGA.
    *  Fixed a bug in menu mode for marked files.
    *  Added /n command line option to stay in 640x480x256 for VGA pics.

VGIF ver 3.5   7-14-88
    *  Fixed some misc minor bugs.
    *  Added increase/decrease resolution command while viewing 16 color VGA
       pics (using the /e option).
    *  Added slide mode for VGA.
    *  Added lock mode option to start pics from the menu in a desired mode.

VGIF ver 3.6   8-8-88
    *  Fixed some bugs.
    *  Fixed EGA slide show.

VGIF ver 3.6A  9-10-88
    *  Fixed 1024x768x16 mode.

VGIF ver 4.0   10-20-89
    *  This was a beta test version which got out. It had lots of bugs, which
       were fixed in VPIC.

History of VPIC

VPIC ver 1.0 & 1.1 12-27-88
    *     Beta test versions.

VPIC ver 1.2   12-27-88
    *  Added configuration option for various display boards.
    *  Added VGA file conversion for all previous Paint programs supported.
    *  Added Deluxe Paint 2 conversion.
    *  Added Targa 16 file conversion.
    *  Added EGA/VGA toggle from menu.
    *  Added default resolution select, and Mode Lock key from menu.
    *  Added WAIT option to pause between images of multi-image files.
    *  Added MAC, PCX, & Colorix file viewing capability. Others will be
       added in later versions.
    *  Added 'animate' while viewing.
    *  Fixed VGA 16 color palette.

VPIC ver 1.2A   1-4-89
    *  Fixed MAC -> GIF conversion
    *  Fixed CVPIC for ^Z as EOF char.
    *  Fixed 16 color palette for other file formats if VGA 16 colors.

VPIC ver 1.3    2-2-89
    *  Fixed cursor in menu.
    *  Fixed 'lock up' if GIF header size wrong (640x350 labeled 350x640).
    *  Now pauses pic if file error and waits for key press-can see partial
       pics in bad files this way.
    *  Shows GIFs with MAC headers (1st 128 bytes are not GIF standard);
       if F3 (info) pressed shows if file has a MAC header.
    *  Fixed so views and saves new ZSoft VGA PCX files which include
       palette at end of file. Still doesn't load PAL files.
    *  Fixed ZSoft file displays and saves.
    *  Added Wait toggle (F8) which pauses between images in multi-image
       GIFs, and allows conversion to other filetypes.
    *  Made MACs black on bright white instead of gray.

VPIC ver 1.4   3-15-89
    *  Added printout of filename while decoding except in slide mode.
    *  Added help while viewing a picture; press [?] or [/].
    *  Added delete a file option [X] (with query) while viewing.
    *  Added hit [ESC] while decoding to abort picture.

VPIC ver 1.5   3-23-89
    *  Fixed bug in 'Escape while decoding' which would hang system.
    *  Fixed EGA x2 display for interlaced files.
    *  Fixed problem with saving a pic after scrolling.
    *  Fixed palette in animate, so save will use current palette.
    *  Fixed problem with bad files in slide mode that would hang computer.
    *  Fixed error display in /@ slide mode and single file mode.

VPIC ver 1.6   4-5-89
    *  Fixed bugs in slide show from command file. Added comments.
    *  Added resolution option for each picture in slide command file.
    *  Fixed miscellaneous minor bugs.
    *  Added configurable menu color.

VPIC ver 1.7   6-13-89
    *  Added Trident chip set support (for Maxxon and Logix VGA boards
       and maybe the ATI board).
    *  Fixed a few bugs concerned with putting & getting lines from the
       display screen.
    *  Fixed problem with Ctrl Z at end of slide definition file.

VPIC ver 1.8  6-28-89
    *  Added EGA Paint viewing/conversion.
    *  Fixed conversion to 800x600 ColoRIX file.
    *  Fixed other minor bugs.

VPIC ver 1.9  7-19-89
    *  Added inverted, mirrored, and rotated GIF saves.
    *  Fixed a bug in the Dr Halo CUT file creation.
    *  Added menu updating after file creation or deletion.
    *  Added new path spec feature from menu with [F9] key.

VPIC ver 2.0  8-6-89
    *  Added Pictor/PC Paint PIC, Dr. Halo CUT, Deluxe Paint LBM, and
       Targa 16 or 24 file viewing capability.
    *  Fixed a bug in the palette selection for EGA.
    *  Fixed a bug which would not show VGA for the plain vanilla VGA config.
    *  Fixed a bug in the ZSoft PCX display for extended EGA modes.
    *  Added Auto resolution option and switch from the menu [F7].
    *  Made cursor stay fixed when files are created or deleted.
    *  Added Chips & Technology support. (VPIC 2.0A)
    *  Fixed ZSoft save at higher screen resolution than pic. (VPIC 2.0B)

VPIC ver 2.1   9-5-89
    *  Fixed a bug in LBM viewing
    *  Added ColoRIX 16 color SCR and SCP view/create.
    *  Speeded up GIF decoding about 50%.

VPIC ver 2.1A  9-10-89
    *  Fixed a memory allocation problem for slides.
    *  Made small increase in speed.
    *  Fixed directory callout (*.PIC, etc).
    *  Re-enabled [ESC] for GIF viewing.
    *  Fixed Chip & Tech bank switching routine.
    *  Fixed Deluxe Paint II (LBM) file creation.

VPIC ver 2.2  10-23-89
    *  Fixed problem in new path command ([F9] from menu).
    *  Fixed intermittent GIF decode problem.
    *  Program now tells if GIF image and screen sizes conflict.
    *  Menu now correctly displays file sizes larger than 1 Mbyte.
    *  Now lists & displays Electronic Arts IFF files (same as LBM).

VPIC ver 2.3  12-13-89
    *  Fixed C&T bank switching.
    *  Added Everex 678, Ahead (B chip), and Genoa 6400 support.
    *  Fixed bugs in GIF and Pictor decoder.

VPIC ver 2.4  12-28-89
    * Fixed bug in GIF decoder for very wide pics.
    * Fixed palette for many file types.
    * Fixed slide mode from menu.

VPIC ver 2.5  1-28-90
    * Fixed single file and /r modes.
    * Fixed Pictor viewing for B&W pics.
    * Fixed MAC header interpertation problem.
    * Fixed memory clearing for pictures longer than the screen.
    * Added F10 to menu to display current path. Menu no longer shows
      complete path (only filespec) to avoid clutter with long paths.
    * Deleted path from filename display when showing picture.
    * Added SCY conversion for ColoRIX.
    * Added Zymos VGA chip support.
    * Corrected CVPIC to allow more than 9 banks in config file.

VPIC ver 2.6  1-28-90
    * Fixed palette for 2 color GIFs.
    * Fixed SCU display in 1024x768x16 mode.
    * Fixed Pictor EGA and ColoRIX EGA slide viewing.

VPIC ver 2.7  3-17-90
    * Fixed GIF bug and palette for files with local color maps.
    * Added /b command line option to beep after a picture is decoded except
      in slide modes.
    * Added Alt_F command while viewing a picture to momentarily display the
      file name.
    * Fixed Targa viewing for all sizes; now handles RLE images too.

VPIC ver 2.8  3-27-90
    * Added /h command line option to find hidden files.
    * Changed menu display to allow up to 8 modes for VGA or EGA.
    * Fixed palette in Dr. Halo CUT files.
    * Added Tseng 4000 chip support.

VPIC ver 2.9  5-23-90
    * Fixed Targa module to handle all 8 thru 32 bits/pixel formats.
    * Added copyright messages.
    * Fixed PCX viewing for gray scale files.

VPIC ver 2.9A 7-1-90
    * Fixed Targa module for files which don't follow the compression rules
      of 'don't overrun lines'. Added TGA expand option [E] while viewing a
      RLE compressed Targa file.
   *  Fixed conversion routines so they save the pictures size. This was a bug
      that crept into ver 2.9.
   *  Added ESC to abort deleting a file with [Alt_X].
   *  Added file types (where applicable) to the info command [F3] from the
      menu.
   *  Added uncompressed ColoRIX SCO file (1024x768x256) support.
   *  Fixed a bug in CVPIC.
   *  Fixed a bug which prevented working with DOS 4.x.
   *  Added Deluxe Paint II enhanced viewing and save capability.
   *  Fixed a color bug in Targa 32 viewing.
VPIC ver 3.0  9-15-90
   *  Added capability to view the new GIF89a files, and FRA fractal files.
      Added delay and user response features of GIF89a.
   *  Fixed a bug which would hang the computer if you deleted the last
      viewable file from a directory.
   *  Added prompt for a file conversion, allowing you to escape.