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README.!
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1991-11-17
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11KB
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254 lines
PROGRAM: Quixx
AUTHOR: Jonathan Kraidin on 2/90
VERSION: 2.42 on 11/17/91
LAST VER: 2.30 on 08/18/91
USE: TSR Screen Animator
REQUIRES: DOS 3.0 or above (might work with 2.1 and above, but not tested)
CGA, EGA, VGA
Extended or Expanded memory strongly recommended
CGA = 32K, EGA = 64K, VGA = 160K
SOURCE: ASSEMBLY
1. USE:
This is a TSR program that generates a beautiful selection of vapor-
like trails after a given idle period. A simple help file can be called by
typing QUIXX ? at the DOS prompt. The program is loaded into memory with:
QUIXX TimeOut Mode
OR
QUIXX Special (after the Quixx is already loaded)
where TimeOut is the idle time in minutes (1 to 99) and Mode is from
0 to 19. Modes 1 through 15 select a constant color display for the QUIXX
using a color palatte corresponding to the Mode. That is Mode 2 = color 2.
Mode 0 selects an alternating color display. Every time the Quixx pattern
bounces off of a wall the color increments. Mode 16 selects a pattern where
the colors vary within each line of the Quixx pattern. This yields a
constantly changing image as the vapor trail moves. Mode 17 selects the
same pattern-type, but in VGA mode19, allowing 256 colors. The resolution is
320x200. Mode 18 is also in VGA mode19, but here the lines of the vapor
trail are solid. As a new lines are drawn they go go through all 256 colors.
Mode 19 is the Glide mode. Here the Quixx pattern is one color,
but as the image moves its color goes through a continuous spectrum of 384
shades. THIS IS A GREAT MODE.
2. SUMMARY OF COLOR MODES:
0 Alternating Colors
1 - 15 Default Colors in Palette
16 High Resolution Pattern1
17 Vga Mode19 Pattern1 (320x200)
18 Vga Mode19 Pattern2
19 Glide Mode (Recommended Mode)
3. EXAMPLES OF OPTIONS
The options can be changed at any time by retyping the command. So if you had
typed:
QUIXX 2 15
selecting a 2 minute time-out using mode 15, and you then type
QUIXX 5
you change the timeout to 5 minutes and leave the mode unchanged.
If you typed
QUIXX 5 19
you will have also changed the mode to mode 19.
4. UNLOADING THE TSR
If you wish to unload the TSR type
QUIXX r
This will Remove the TSR from the TSR memory chain, regardless of the number
of TSRs loaded before or after the QUIXX program.
5. ADDITIONS MADE IN NEWER VERSIONS
ENABLE/DISABLE ACTIVITY
Version 1.70 includes an enable/disable feature. This allows Quixx to remain
in memory as a TSR but remain dormant. By typing
Quixx -
the user disables the sleep count-down. The Quixx will never become active.
By typing
Quixx +
the Quixx's sleep count-down is re-enabled. One can use this feature in a
BATCH file if you want to selectively enable/disable the Quixx without
changing the programs in active memory. REMEMBER, Quixx's interrupts are
still hooked into the BIOS.
Version 1.40 adds a HOT-KEY enable/disable feature. One might be within an
application and then realize he does not want Quixx to be active; yet, it is
inconvenient to go back to the command line. By hitting the ALT key twice
in rapid succession (ALT ALT) the user can toggle between enabling and
disabling Quixx from within an application. For example, if Quixx is active,
hitting ALT ALT will disable Quixx and the user will hear a quick high
tone/low tone combination. By hitting ALT ALT again the user will hear a
single high-pitch tone reminding him that Quixx is now active. This is a
very user friendly option. This option, however, will not work with Windows
if it uses the mouse and has disabled the keyboard. In this case, the only
means of disabling Quixx is from the command line.
SPEED CONTROL OF PATTERN
The program automatically adjusts its pattern speed to your processor. The
user can now over-ride this with the speed control in Version 1.71. By typing
Quixx f OR Quixx s
the user can speed up or slow down the vapor image. This can be repeated
multiple times to go really FAST or SLOW. The user will be informed
when the limit is reached. The default speed will be used each time the user
changes the sleep-period or the image color mode.
******************************************************************************
IT IS STRONLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU HAVE EXPANDED OR EXTENDED MEMORY to prevent
memory conflicts when the TSR saves your video screen. While the program will
use higher memory without EXPANDED memory, the program may crash your system
depending on what applications are running. This program has worked well using
Expanded Memory with programs like WordPerfect and Harvard Graphics.
EXTENDED MEMORY ADDITION
Version 2.00 now senses and uses extended memory.
Quixx will first check for the expanded memory driver; if not found,
quixx will check for the extended memory driver, HIMEM.SYS.
If none of these are found then High
Memory is used. Again, if you see the warning message Quixx can cause
machine crashes.
IF USING EXTENDED MEMORY YOU NEED **** HIMEM.SYS *****
IF USING EXPANDED YOU NEED AN EXPANDED MEMORY DRIVER MEETING THE LIM SPECS.
IF YOU DO NOT SEE QUIXX DISPLAY THAT IT RESERVED MEMORY FOR ITSELF THERE
CAN BE CRASHES!
6. SPECIAL NOTES
If only a CGA is present only the color white is used. No other modes work.
Modes 17, 18, and 19 are meant for the VGA and will not work properly on an
EGA monitor.
7. MOUSE SENSING
Mouse is sensed at COM1, COM2 and PS/2 port. The port is only checked for
activity if it is present. If you are using a Bus Mouse there is a chance
that your mouse will not be sensed if it is NOT an MS Bus Mouse (InPort
Mouse) or a Mouse Systems Bus Card. This is because the mouse protocols
can be different for each manufacturer.
Because Quixx modifies the execution of its code if a mouse is present
I suggest that if you are using a mouse to always have the MOUSE.SYS or
MOUSE.COM file already loaded from your config.sys or autoexec.bat file.
Otherwise, Quixx may not properly detect your hardware.
8. WINDOWS COMPATABLITY
The program as of the above date has been tested briefly with Windows 3.0.
If you are using a mouse on COM 1 or 2 (COM or Bus Mouse) or a PS/2 mouse
it will be 'sensed' when you move it and Quixx will restore your screen.
The keyboard will not work if you are using a mouse.
Quixx only works with WINDOWS if you have EXTENDED MEMORY. In addition,
Quixx must be loaded before WINDOWS in order to reserve the necessary
memory for its screen saves.
** Please note ** Version 2.30 includes the memory override option. This is
useful if you have both Extended and Expanded memory installed. By typing
'Quixx x' you force Quixx to use Extended memory if available; by typing
'Quixx e' you force Quixx to use Expanded memory. These options will only
work if you have the memory driver and enough memory for your monitor type.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
**** Version 2.1 was released so that Quixx would be more completely
compatible with Windows. Version 2.03 only worked with Windows in REAL
mode. That is, Windows operating like conventional software. When in
Enhanced mode, Windows becomes an operating system that puts other programs
in a virtual environment: their own universe. This created a situation
where Quixx would run, but one could not stop it since the keyboard and
mouse no longer responded to the user. Version 2.1 should take care of
this problem; however, I can not make any guarentees, yet. I would
appreciate your input and comments letting me know if this works. Believe
me, this took a lot of time and effort. ****
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you are having problems with Windows I suggest you make a BATCH file to
remove/load Quixx when entering/exiting Windows. If you are
EXITING Windows (whether you have a mouse or not) you should use a
BATCH file that will REMOVE Quixx from memory (Quixx r) and then
RE-INSTALL it after you are done with Windows.
9. OTHER APPLICATIONS
Version 2.11 was developed such that the user can move in and out of
applications without worrying about conflicts. A user can be running
a CAD application and then move to another without worrying about the
Quixx TSR. However, I can not test Quixx with all applications. There
may be some incompatibilities. If so, please mail me a letter stating
the version of Quixx, your hardware (including type of mouse & location),
and a copy of the application (in case I don't have it). You can also
inform me of the problem via CompuServe.
10. SOURCE CODE AVAILABILITY
The assembly source is available on request. It is several pages long and
includes four modules:
1. TSR and DOS interface routines
2. QUIXX animation routines
3. Graphics routines/Expaned memory routines
4. Command line routines
The code is well commented in most parts and can teach the reader about:
.non-reentrant TSRs
.unloading TSRs
.accessing Video Memory/saving/restoring
.reading COM ports
.using Expanded and Extended Memory
.writing graphics algorithms
.reading/writing directly to the CGA/EGA/VGA graphics registers
The program is free to use, copy, and distribute. The source is only $15
and well worth it. If interested write to:
Jonathan Kraidin
6100 City Line Avenue
Apartment 1504
Philadelphia, PA 19131
CIS 72571, 2122
Disclaimer: The author of this program makes no guarentees to its function,
compatibility with other software or lack of risk in its use. While Quixx
should not cause any problems, this program is executed at the users own risk
and the author is not responsible for any damages, data loss or problems
resulting directly or indirectly from its use.
In no event shall the author or distributers be liable for any damages
whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business
profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or other
pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or inability to use this product,
even if the author has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
Windows is a product of MicroSoft Corporation.