Contents
GuideBuilder by Illumix Software

 Introduction to GuideBuilder -

Welcomes you to GuideBuilder.

 GuideBuilder Commands -

Learn more about using GuideBuilder.

 GuideBuilder Features -

Learn more about the tasks GuideBuilder can perform.

 Using the Java applet -

Learn more about the generated applet that will appear on your site.

 About Illumix Software -

Learn about Illumix Software's other exciting products.

 Ordering Information -

Find out about registering GuideBuilder to eliminate advertisements and to receive technical support over the phone.

 Technical Support

Retrieve answers to your technical questions about GuideBuilder.


File menu
File menu commands

The File menu provides quick mouse access to the following commands:

   New Guide	Creates a new guide.

   Open	Opens an existing guide.

   Save	Saves the current guide using the same filename.

   Save As	Saves the current guide to a specified file name.

   Close	Closes the current guide.

   Exit	Exits GuideBuilder.


New Guide
New GuideBuilder command (File menu)

Use this command to create a new guide in GuideBuilder.


Open
Open command (File menu)

Use this command to open an existing guide in GuideBuilder.

GuideBuilder displays the Open dialog box so that you can choose a file to edit.  You may not open more than one file at once.


Save
Save command (File menu)

Use this command to save the current guide to its current filename and directory.  Please note that applet parameters specified in the Generate HTML screen are not saved with your guide.

When you save a guide for the first time, GuideBuilder displays the Save As dialog box so that you can name your guide.  If you want to change the name and/or directory of the guide before you save it, choose the Save As command.


Save As
Save As command (File menu)

Use this command to save and name the current guide.  Please note that applet parameters specified in the Generate HTML screen are not saved with your guide.

GuideBuilder displays the Save As dialog box so that you can name your guide before saving it to disk.


Close
Close command (File menu)

Use this command to close the current guide.

If changes have been made to the current guide since it was last saved, GuideBuilder asks if you would like to save the guide.  Before closing an untitled guide, GuideBuilder displays the Save As dialog box and suggests that you name and save the guide.


Exit
Exit command (File menu)

Use this command to exit GuideBuilder.

If changes have been made to the current guide since it was last saved, GuideBuilder asks if you would like to save the guide.  Before closing an untitled guide, GuideBuilder displays the Save As dialog box and suggests that you name and save the guide.


Help menu
Help menu commands

The Help menu provides quick mouse access to the following commands, which provide you assistance with this application:

   Contents	Offers you an index to help topics.

   Tutorial	Offers a step-by-step demonstration of how to use GuideBuilder.

   Show Hints	Toggles the display of help hints.

   Getting Started	Displays an introductory screen to acquaint you with GuideBuilder.

   Illumix Software Home Page	Opens Illumix Software's Home Page.

   About	Displays the version number of this application.


Help contents
Contents command (Help menu)

Use this command to display the opening screen of GuideBuilder Help.


About
About command (Help menu)

Use this command to open the About dialog box which displays the copyright notice and version number of your copy of GuideBuilder.


Edit View screen

The Edit View screen provides the following features:

   Typing primary dialogue

   Typing responses to the dialogue

   Increasing the size of the dialogue fields

   Linking to a URL from responses

   Connecting records

   Maneuvering sequentially through the list of records

   Removing a record

   Jumping to a record

   Returning to a record

   Viewing the number of the current record

   Adding or removing a graphic


Logic View screen

The Logic View screen provides the following features:

   Overview of the Logic View

   Expanding and contracting the Logic view

   Jumping to a record from the Logic View

   Removing a record from the Logic View


Generate HTML screen

The Generate HTML screen provides the following features:

   Typing a title and button caption for your guide

   Specifying an image directory for your guide

   Specifying the width and height of your guide

   Specifying a text starting position for your guide

   Selecting the background and text colors for your guide

   Choosing a font for your guide

   Selecting a button for your guide

   Entering the registration number for your guide

   Generating HTML code to be pasted into your web page document

   Saving HTML code to a file


Demonstration screen

The Demonstration screen provides the following features:

   Starting the demonstration

   Maneuvering through the demonstration

   Terminating the demonstration

   Viewing applet information


Typing primary dialogue

You may type primary dialogue into the field below the text which reads 'Add primary dialogue here:'

Primary dialogue serves the purpose of displaying a header to the user concerning the information you would like to display for that particular record.  If responses to the dialogue have been included, the user may select one of these responses in order to continue through the guide.

If you would like the primary dialogue to be centered across your applet, make sure that the 'Center' checkbox is enabled.


Typing responses to the dialogue

You may type responses to the dialogue into any of the six large fields below the text which reads 'Add responses to the dialogue:'

Each of the six fields will appear grayed until primary dialogue has been typed.  Once a response has been typed into any of the fields, the corresponding 'Create new' button will become enabled and the corresponding 'Jumps to record' field will become enabled.  This indicates that you are now able to choose to have GuideBuilder automatically create a new record or choose to manually type the record number to which this response will be connected.

The order in which the responses will appear below the primary dialogue in the guide is determined by the placement of the typed responses.  GuideBuilder reads the responses left to right, starting at the top, to determine the order.


Maneuvering sequentially through the list of records

You may maneuver sequentially through the list of records by clicking 'Next' and 'Previous.'

Clicking 'Next' will increment the current record by one.  Clicking 'Previous' will decrement the current record by one.  If the new record is the first record in the list, the 'Previous' button will become disabled.


Removing a record from the Edit View

You may remove a record from the list by clicking 'Remove.'

Upon clicking 'Remove,' you will be alerted that removing the current record may disrupt one or more connections between records.  Click 'OK' to continue the removal, or click 'Cancel' to cancel the removal.  While GuideBuilder automatically decrements the record numbers listed in the 'Jumps to record:' fields, it is strongly recommended that you scroll through the list of records after the removal and verify that the connections have remained exactly as you intended.

Records can also be removed by right clicking the text representing a record in the Logic View and choosing 'Remove record' from the resulting pop-up menu.


Jumping to a record

You may jump to a record to avoid maneuvering sequentially through records.

Jumping to a record may be performed one of two ways.  You may jump to a record to which this record is connected by choosing a record number form the 'Jumped from records' drop-down menu and clicking 'Go there!'  If this record does not jump from a previous record, the drop-down menu will be disabled.

Alternatively, you may click any of the enabled 'Go there!' buttons located under the response fields.  GuideBuilder will automatically move to the record specified in the field located to the left of the clicked button.


Returning to a record

You may return to the record which you were previously viewing by clicking 'Go back.'

The 'Go back' button is disabled until at least two records have been entered.


Viewing the number of the current record

You may view the number of the current record by referring to the status bar at the bottom of GuideBuilder.

The status bar displays the number of the current record as well as the total number of records in the list.


Adding or removing a graphic

You may add or remove a graphic to the current record to enhance your guide.

To add a graphic, click the 'Graphic...' button.  GuideBuilder will open a new window, allowing you to specify the path to the desired image.  Choose a graphic by clicking the 'Browse...' button and selecting from the list of available images.

Alternatively, you may add a graphic by typing the local path to the graphic into the field below the checkbox.  Please note that if you move the location of an added graphic, you will have to respecify the path.

To specify the location of a graphic, type the desired values into the fields marked 'X Location' and 'Y Location.'  The X Location refers to the horizontal distance from the left side of the applet at which the image will be placed, and the Y Location refers to the vertical distance from the top of the applet.  By default, GuideBuilder places images at X Location 300 and Y Location 0.

To remove a graphic, simply click the checkbox to remove the check.  You may also clear the field that lists the local path to the graphic.

GuideBuilder only supports graphics with the .gif and .jpg extensions.  Graphics may be viewed by jumping to the Demonstration screen and maneuvering through the guide to the appropriate record.


Connecting records

To allow navigation through the guide, you may connect a response to primary dialogue to a different record.

Connecting two records may be performed one of two ways.  You may have GuideBuilder automatically create a new record by clicking on the corresponding 'Create new' button.  Once a new record has been created, the number of the new record will be automatically placed into the 'Jumps to record:' field, and the corresponding 'Go there' button will become enabled.

Alternatively, you may choose to manually type the number of the record to which you would like this response connected into the 'Jumps to record' field.  If the number points to a record that currently exists, the corresponding 'Go there' button will become enabled.

The 'Create new' button and the 'Jumps to record:' field are both disabled until text is typed into the appropriate response field.


Expanding and contracting the Logic View

You may expand and contract the Logic View to see more or less of the structure of the guide.

To expand any section of the Logic View, click on any of the plus (+) icons, and that section will expand.  To contract any section of the Logic View, click on any of the minus (-) icons, and that section will contract.


Jumping to a record from the Logic View

You may jump to any record from the Logic View to edit the dialogue stored in the record.

To jump to a record, double click the text representing dialogue associated with the record you wish to view.  Alternatively, you may right click the desired text and choose 'Jump to record' from the resulting pop-up menu.  GuideBuilder will automatically jump to the Edit View screen and move you to the appropriate record.


Overview of the Logic View

You may view the hierarchical structure of the guide by expanding the Logic View.

The Logic View allows you to analyze how the records are connected to one another.  Records are represented by the text of the primary dialogue.  Responses to the dialogue are listed one level down on the Logic View.  Records that jump from a response are listed one additional level down.

To view the record number associated with a particular dialogue, depress but do not release the desired text with the left mouse button.  A hint displaying the record number will appear.  To hide the hint, release the button.

If the text of any dialogue is greater than 50 characters or there is a break in the line, the text is cut off at that point and three bullets (...) are appended to the text.


Typing a title and button caption for your guide

You may type a title for your guide by typing the desired name in the 'Title:' field.  The title will appear at the top of the applet.

Additionally, you may specify a button caption for the guide applet by typing the desired text into the 'Button Caption:' field.  The button caption is the text that first appears when the applet is loaded onto the web page.  It is recommended that the button caption be very short, as the size of the button itself is typically very small.


Specifying the width and height of your guide

You may specify the width and height of your applet by typing in the desired values into the 'Width:' and 'Height' fields.  Entered values should be in pixels.  The specified height will not be reflected in the guide demonstration.

It is important to note that when specifying the width and height, you should not take the positioning of images into consideration, as GuideBuilder will automatically resize the applet to fit images.  However, since the applet does not resize based on the amount of text, it is a good idea to specify a height greater or equal to the height needed for the screen with the most text.


Selecting the background and text colors for your guide

You may select the background and text colors for your applet by clicking the 'Background color:' and 'Text color:' buttons.  Upon clicking the buttons, a color dialog will appear, allowing you choose a predefined color or create your own color.


Choosing a font for your guide

You may choose a font face, style, and size for the text to be displayed on your applet.

To choose a font face, select a face from the 'Font face:' drop-down menu.  To choose a font style, enable one or both of the checkboxes marked 'Bold' and 'Italic'.  To choose a font size, select a size from the 'Font size:' drop-down menu.  Alternatively, you may choose a font size not listed in the drop-down menu by typing in the desired value into the menu, provided the size is between 10 and 18 points.

Regarless of the style you choose, primary dialogue will always be boldfaced.


Selecting a button for your guide

You may select a button to be displayed to the left of each possible response on the applet.

To select a button, click the desired button.  The current selection is displayed to the right of the text which reads 'Current button:'


Generating HTML code to be pasted into your web page document

You may generate HTML code to be pasted into your web page document by clicking 'Generate HTML.'

GuideBuilder will read the applet parameters which you have customized and display a series of HTML tags in the field below the button.  To copy the code into your web page document, highlight the generated HTML, press Ctrl-C on your keyboard, open your document, locate the desired position of the code, and press Ctrl-V.  The code will appear in your document at that exact position.  GuideBuilder also provides the option of saving the HTML as an individual file.

If you are generating HTML code for a new guide, GuideBuilder will prompt you to name and save your guide before generating the code.


Starting the demonstration

You may start the demonstration simply by clicking the Demonstration button.  GuideBuilder will automatically read the first record and display the dialogue and any included images.  GuideBuilder will also read the applet parameters which you have specified, except for the applet height, and customize the demonstration based on those parameters.

If the displayed text or image exceeds 1,280 pixels high or 1,024 pixels wide, GuideBuilder will cut off the demonstration at those points.  This indicates that the dialogue and/or image will likely exceed the applet dimensions.  Additionally, if the paths to any images are incorrect, GuideBuilder will display a message alerting you to this fact.

It is important to note that although the demonstration can show you how your guide will appear on your web site, the text displayed in the demonstration will not necessarily appear at the exact position as on the actual applet.  Thus, you may decide you want to adjust certain values, such as the positioning of images, after viewing the applet on the web.

To restart the demonstration, click 'Restart' and GuideBuilder will automatically display the dialogue of the first record.


Maneuvering through the demonstration

You may maneuver through the demonstration to view how records are displayed and connected to one another.

To maneuver forward through the demonstration, click the button located to the left of the desired response, and GuideBuilder will automatically display the next record.

To maneuver backward through the demonstration, click 'Back,' and GuideBuilder will automatically display the previous record.


Terminating the demonstration

You may terminate the demonstration by clicking the 'Close' button.  All dialogue and images will be cleared from the screen.

Alternatively, you may terminate the demonstration by using the GuideBuilder toolbar to jump to a different screen.


Viewing applet information

You may view information about the applet by clicking 'About...'.  A dialog box displaying information about the GuideBuilder product will appear.


Introduction to GuideBuilder

Welcome to GuideBuilder™ by Illumix Software.

Tired of chaining HTML pages together to create a site that delivers information to your users? GuideBuilder provides a more effective interface via a Java applet. GuideBuilder allows you to design a complete point-and-click information database offline in a robust and flexible development package. When your database is complete, press a button and the control file is generated, ready to be placed online. The development suite includes a WYSIWYG preview feature that allows you to see exactly how your applet will function online -- so you get it right the first time. Use the development package to create as many information guides as you need! The GuideBuilder Java applet also includes support for inline images and hyperlinks, and is completely mouse-driven.

Visit Illumix Software's web site for updated information at http://www.illumix.com.

See also:

Copyright Information

License Agreement

Installation/Removal

Acknowledgements


License Agreement

ATTENTION:  PLEASE READ THIS DOCUMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE INSTALLING THIS SOFTWARE.  THE INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY INSTALLING THIS SOFTWARE (THE "END USER") AGREES TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS LICENSE.  IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THE TERMS OF THIS LICENSE, DO NOT USE THE SOFTWARE AND PROMPTLY REMOVE THE SOFTWARE FROM ITS STORAGE MEDIUM.

The enclosed computer program(s) and the accompanying documentation are provided to the End User by A.G. Internet Development, Inc. DBA Illumix Software, a Washington, D.C. Corporation ("Licensor") for use only under the following terms.  Licensor reserves any right not expressly granted to the End User.  The End User owns the disk on which the Software is recorded, but Licensor retains ownership of all copies of the Software itself.  The End User assumes sole responsibility for the installation, use and results obtained from use of the Software.

1.  License

End User is granted a limited, non-exclusive license to do only the following:

A-1.  Free advertiser-sponsored version of the Software may be installed and maintained on an unlimited number of machines and may be redistributed to third parties. This section does not apply to purchased or registered Software.

A-2.  Purchased/Registered Software may be installed and maintained on one computer at any time for use only in the End User's own business.

B.  Make one copy in machine-readable form solely for backup or archival purposes for the computer which the Software is installed.  The Software is protected by copyright law.  As an express condition of this License, the End User must reproduce on the copy Licensor's copyright notice and any other proprietary legends on the original copy supplied by Licensor.

C.  Transfer the Software and all rights under this License to another party together with a copy of this License and all written materials accompanying the Software, provided (i) the End User gives Licensor written notice of the transfer (including in such notice the identity of the transferee), and (ii) the other party reads and agrees to accept the terms and conditions of this License.

2.  Restrictions.

The End User may NOT sublicense, assign, or distribute copies of the Software to others.  The Software contains trade secrets.  The End User may NOT decompile, reverse engineer, disassemble, or otherwise reduce the Software to a human readable form.  THE END USER MAY NOT MODIFY, ADAPT, TRANSLATE, RENT, LEASE, LOAN, RESELL FOR PROFIT, DISTRIBUTE, OR OTHERWISE ASSIGN OR TRANSFER THE SOFTWARE, OR CREATE DERIVATIVE WORKS BASED UPON THE SOFTWARE OR ANY PART THEREOF, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN SECTION 1.C. ABOVE.

3.  Termination.

This License is effective until terminated.  This License will terminate immediately without notice from Licensor if the End User fails to comply with any of its provisions.  Upon termination the End User must destroy the Software and all copies thereof, and the End User may terminate this License at any time by doing so.

4.  Export Law Assurances.

This Software is subject to United States export controls. This Software may not be downloaded or otherwise exported or re-exported (1) into (or to a national or resident of) Cuba, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, Iran, Syria, Haiti, Yugoslavia, or any other country to which the United States has embargoed goods; or (2) to anyone on the U.S. Treasury Department's list of Specially Designated Nationals or the U.S. Commerce Department's Table of Denial Orders.

By installing this software, you are agreeing to the foregoing and you are warranting that you are not located in, under the control of, or a national or resident of any such country or on any such list.

5.  Limited Warranty for Registered Users.

This warranty shall only apply to End Users that purchased the Software from Licensor or one of Licensor's distributors. This clause of the License Agreement does not apply to End Users that have obtained a free version of the Software.

Licensor warrants that, for ninety (90) days from the date of initial use by the original Registered End User, the Software shall operate substantially in accordance with the published functional specifications current at the time of shipment.   If, during the warranty period, a defect appears, End User shall return the Software to Licensor and Licensor's only obligation shall be, at Licensor's election, to replace the defective Software or refund the purchase price.  The End User agrees that the foregoing constitutes the End User sole and exclusive remedy for breach by Licensor under any warranties made under this Agreement.  This warranty does not cover any Software that has been altered or changed in any way by anyone other than Licensor.  Licensor is not responsible for problems associated with or caused by incompatible operating systems or equipment, or for problems in the interaction of the Software with software not furnished by Licensor.

No oral or written information or advice given by Licensor or its dealers, distributors, employees or agents shall in any way extend, modify or add to the foregoing warranty.

THE WARRANTY AND REMEDY PROVIDED ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  THE END USER ASSUMES ALL RISK AS TO THE SUITABILITY, QUALITY, AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE.  IN NO EVENT WILL LICENSOR, OR ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AFFILIATES, BE LIABLE TO THE END USER FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF DATA OR BUSINESS INFORMATION, AND THE LIKE) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE OR ACCOMPANYING WRITTEN MATERIALS, EVEN IF LICENSOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

LICENSOR'S LIABILITY TO THE END USER (IF ANY) FOR ACTUAL DIRECT DAMAGES FOR ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, AND REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF THE ACTION, WILL BE LIMITED TO, AND IN NO EVENT SHALL EXCEED, THE AMOUNT ORIGINALLY PAID TO LICENSOR FOR THE LICENSE OF THE SOFTWARE.

6.  Enhancements.

From time to time Licensor may, in its sole discretion, advise the End User of updates, upgrades, enhancements or improvements to the Software and/or new releases of the Software (collectively, "Enhancements"), and may license the End User to use such Enhancements upon payment of prices as may be established by Licensor from time to time.  All such Enhancements to the Software provided to the End User shall also be governed by the terms of this License.

7. Support

End Users who are using Advertiser sponsored or purchased versions of the Software are not entitled to any kind of support, documentation, or assistance from the Licensor. All support options are at the sole discretion of the Licensor and may be modified without notice.

8. Advertisement Integration.

The unregistered version of the Software will occasionally make use of your Internet connection to display advertisements. This advertisement technology is embedded within the Software.

9. General.

This License will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the District of Columbia, and shall inure to the benefit of Licensor and occasionally and their successors, assigns and legal representatives.  If any provision of this License is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable to any extent under applicable law, that provision will be enforced to the maximum extent permissible, and the remaining provisions of this License will remain in full force and effect.  Any notices or other communications to be sent to Licensor must be mailed first class, postage prepaid, to the following address: A.G. Internet Development, Inc. DBA Illumix Software, 1080 Wisconsin Avenue NW #3011.

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and all prior proposals, agreements, representations, statements and undertakings are hereby expressly cancelled and superseded.  This Agreement may not be changed or amended except by a written instrument executed by a duly authorized officer of Licensor.

10.  Acknowledgment.

BY INSTALLING THIS SOFTWARE, THE END USER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS READ THIS LICENSE, UNDERSTANDS IT, AND AGREES TO BE BOUND BY ITS TERMS AND CONDITIONS.  Should you have any questions concerning this License, contact Licensor at the address set forth above.


Installation/Removal

System requirements:

Windows 95/98, Windows NT 4.0 or higher

at least 10 MB free disk space

Installation:

To install GuideBuilder, run the GuideBuilder self-extracting executable (gb10.exe).

Removal:

To remove GuideBuilder, select 'Add/Remove Programs' in the Control Panel and double-click GuideBuilder in the list box.


Ordering Information

You may place a secure online order by going to Illumix Software's web site, located at http://www.illumix.com.  To order GuideBuilder offline, print and fill out the order form found on the site and mail it along with check or money order to:

   Illumix Software

   1080 Wisconsin Avenue NW #3011

   Washington, D.C. 20007

Please make checks and money orders out to A.G. Internet Development, Inc.

Upon registering GuideBuilder, you will be e-mailed a registration key which will remove advertisements from the software.

Questions concerning registration can be directed to support@illumix.com.

We offer substantial discounts to educational institutions.  Please e-mail info@illumix.com for more information.

You are always welcome to submit bug reports, suggestions and any comments to the company.  Please direct your feedback to info@illumix.com.


About Illumix Software

Illumix Software is a division of A.G. Internet Development, Inc.  Based in Washington, D.C., Illumix Software develops powerful software packages, including Internet research tools and web site development suites.

Other applications developed by Illumix Software include Webspector and Selfseek!.

Webspector is a revolutionary new Internet research and navigation tool that automatically tracks an unlimited number of web pages for content changes.  Everyone from business executives needing up-to-the-minute monitoring of their competitors' web sites to avid Internet users that want to be alerted when their favorite pages are updated will find Webspector to be an indispensable application.  Webspector's integrated PageLighter™ technology highlights the exact areas of the pages that have changed, allowing the user to get the information they need in as little time as possible. For the advanced researcher, Webspector can also mark specific keywords in each page. Webspector also provides direct access to Netscape and Internet Explorer, the ability to import web browser bookmarks, and a built-in database of popular web sites.

Selfseek!™ is your very own search engine. Selfseek! allows you to search web pages or even multiple web sites without requiring the use of a conventional search engine. Perfect for the times when you know a certain web site has the information you need but the commercial search engines have only captured the first page of the site. Selfseek! will automatically crawl through the site you specify, simultaneously running queries against downloaded pages while also building a graphical site map and a database that can be used for additional queries -- even offline. Selfseek! even highlights the exact words within pages that match user queries in a built-in graphic-free web browser. Other features include mail address mining, integration with popular web browsers, and flexible wizards to expedite the searching process.


Technical Support

Technical support is available on Illumix Software's web site at http://www.illumix.com/support.htm.  For support, please direct all questions to support@illumix.com.


Using the Java applet

Your guide will be deployed on the web as a Java applet.  Although no special configuration is required to use the applet, you must transfer the included applet files to your web server in addition to the .gbr file generated by the GuideBuilder application along with any images you included in your guide.

Applet files are installed on your hard disk inside of the 'Applet' folder.  All files inside of this folder must be uploaded in order for the applet to work.  GuideBuilder can automatically upload your files to your server; for more information, please view the Upload Files screen topic of this help file.  Alternatively, you may execute an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) application, such as CuteFTP.  The .class files and images must be uploaded in binary mode, and the .gbr file must be uploaded in ASCII mode.  All files must reside in the same directory as the web page on which the applet will reside, unless you alter the HTML code to point to a different directory.  Additionally, GuideBuilder provides the option of specifying an alternate directory in which to place your image files.

Unregistered versions of GuideBuilder will open pop-up windows displaying advertisements.  For more about the advertisements, see the GuideBuilder Advertisements topic of this help file.

Prior to allowing the user to run the applet, GuideBuilder will preload all included images so that the applet can run smoothly once it is running.  The progress of this preloading is displayed via a progress bar.  Once all images are loaded, the applet start button will appear on top of the progress bar.

If you would like to change the size of the applet start button, simply edit the line of HTML code that reads:

<APPLET CODE="GuideBuilder.class" WIDTH="75" HEIGHT="50">

to reflect the desired width and height of the button.  The progress bar will also be adjusted accordingly.

Please note that the GuideBuilder applet automatically resizes to fit the images included with your guide, but does not resize based on the amount of text drawn on the applet.  Therefore, before deploying your applet, you may need to test each screen to verify that the text does not get cut off at any point.

The applet will not run in browsers which do not support Java, including versions of Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator older than 3.0.  You may want to recommend to your viewers that they download the latest version of their browser in order that they are able to view the applet.


GuideBuilder Commands

Learn more about navigating GuideBuilder by choosing from the following topics:

File menu

Help menu


GuideBuilder Features

Learn more about GuideBuilder's features by choosing from the following topics:

Navigating GuideBuilder

Edit View screen

Logic View screen

Generate HTML screen

Demonstration screen

Upload Files screen


Tutorial
Tutorial command (Help menu)

Use this command to display the GuideBuilder Tutorial.

Upon choosing this command, GuideBuilder will open a new window displaying the first page of the Tutorial.  To navigate through the Tutorial, click any of the buttons located on the Tutorial toolbar or follow links contained within the pages of the Tutorial.


Show Hints
Show Hints command (Help menu)

Use this command to toggle the display of help hints.

If the Show Hints menu item is checked, moving the mouse over sections of the GuideBuilder application will cause hints concerning the function of various features to be displayed.


Illumix Software Home Page

Use this command to open Illumix Software's Home Page.

Upon choosing this command, GuideBuilder will open your web browser to www.illumix.com.


Navigating GuideBuilder

GuideBuilder consists of five screens:  the Edit View screen, the Logic View screen, the Generate HTML screen, the Demonstration screen, and the Upload Files screen.

Each of the screens is represented by a button on the GuideBuilder toolbar located at the top of the screen.  One additional button 'Exit' provides a convenient shortcut to this action.  To jump to any of the first five screens, click the appropriate button.

The GuideBuilder toolbar may be separated from the GuideBuilder window to provide you with greater navigational flexibility.  To undock the toolbar, simply click the two bars located at the left side of the toolbar and drag to the desired position.  To redock the toolbar, drag it to the top of the GuideBuilder window.  When the outline of the bar thins, release it to lock it into place.


Acknowledgements

Some images appearing in GuideBuilder are copyright www.arttoday.com.


Getting Started
Getting Started command (Help menu)

Use this command to open the Getting Started window.  Getting Started acquaints you with GuideBuilder by providing suggestions on how to make the most of GuideBuilder's capabilities.

To have GuideBuilder continue showing Getting Started on startup, disable the checkbox at the bottom of the window.


Removing a record from the Logic View

You may remove any record directly from the Logic View.

To remove a record, right click the text representing dialogue associated with the record you wish to remove and choose 'Jump to record' from the resulting pop-up menu.  GuideBuilder will automatically remove the record.


Upload Files screen

The Upload Files screen offers the following features:

   Specifying a remote server

   Specifying a proxy server

   Uploading files to the server


Specifying a remote server

You may specify a remote server onto which you would like to place the GuideBuilder applet files.

To specify a remote host, type the name of the host into the 'Server' field.  To specify a username, type the name into the 'Username' field.  To specify a password, type the password into the 'Password' field.  Passwords are masked so that letters will appear only as '*'.  To specify a port, type the desired number into the 'Port' field.  By default, GuideBuilder connects to Port 21.

To specify the directory into which you would like the files placed, type the desired value into the 'Upload Directory' field.


Specifying a proxy server

If you are behind a firewall, you may want to specify a proxy server to which to connect.

To use a proxy server, you need to alter the host and username values.  In the 'Server' field, type the name of your firewall instead of the name of the remote host to which you are connecting.  In the 'Username' field, type in your username + '@' + the name of the remote host.  Thus, if you were connecting to illumix.com and your username was 'JSmith', for example, you would type 'JSmith@illumix.com' in the field.


Uploading files to the server

After specifying a remote server onto which you would like to place GuideBuilder applet files, you may upload the files to the server.

To have GuideBuilder list the files to be upload to the server, click 'List Files.'  The list will appear on the right-hand side of the screen.  All files needed to run the applet will be listed.  If you have not yet saved your file, GuideBuilder will ask you do do so in order that it can add the appropriate control file to the list.  GuideBuilder can also add a specific HTML file to the list.  If any of the necessary files cannot be found, GuideBuilder will pop up an error message telling you to reinstall GuideBuilder.  To remove any of the files, select the desired file from the list and click 'Delete File.'

To upload the files, click 'Upload.'  GuideBuilder will produce a list of files to upload if it has not already done so.  It will then connect to your remote server and begin uploading.  The progress of the upload can be seen in the progress bar located below the list of files.  To abort the upload, click 'Abort,' and GuideBuilder will disconnect itself from the server.  When the upload is complete, GuideBuilder will notify you of this fact.

If the upload is successful, GuideBuilder will automatically store the remote and proxy server information in the Windows Registry so that it you do not have to retype it each time you open the application.


Saving HTML code to a file

After you have generated HTML code to be placed into your web page document, you may save the code to a local file.  Saving the code locally is beneficial should you want to test your guide offline.

To save the code, click 'Save As File.'  GuideBuilder will display the Save dialog box so that you can name your file before saving it to disk.


Specifying an image directory for your guide

In order to be able to better organize your applet files, GuideBuilder allows you to specify an additional directory in which images will be stored.

To specify this directory, type the desired value into the 'Image Directory' field.  The directory that you type will be recognized by GuideBuilder as a location that is relative to your upload directory.  Please note that the button image used with your guide, e.g. "gray.gif," must be placed in the directory.  If you choose to have your applet files uploaded directly from the application, GuideBuilder will automatically ensure that the files are placed into their correct directories.


Linking to a URL from responses

It is possible to link to a specific web page from one of the responses instead of linking to a new page in your guide.

To specify the URL of the page to which you want to link, type the string [url: followed by the name of the site, followed by ].  For example, to link to illumix.com, you might type something like this in one of the responses to the dialogue fields:

Click this button to visit Illumix Software's home page! [url:http://www.illumix.com]

The position of the URL does not matter, as nothing between the brackets will appear on the applet.  Please note that it will not necessarily be evident to the user that the corresponding button does not link to a new page in your guide; therefore, it is helpful to include text to indicate this fact, as in the above example.


Specifying a text starting position for your guide

You may specify the position at which text should begin in order that a certain amount of space be available at the top of each screen in your applet.

To indicate this value, type the desired number into the 'Text Starting Position' field.  The number you type represents the vertical distance, in pixels, between the top of the applet and the point at which text first appears.


Increasing the size of the dialogue fields

You may increase the size of the dialogue fields to view text that has wrapped out of view.

To increase the size, click the magnifying glass icon next to the dialogue field that you wish to increase.  A new window containing the same dialogue field will pop up.  Simply edit the text to your specifications and click 'OK.'  The result of your edit will appear in the appropriate field on the main Edit View screen.  To cancel the operation, click 'Cancel.'


GuideBuilder Advertisements

All unregistered versions of GuideBuilder will display and rotate advertisements as a user maneuvers through an applet.

When the user first opens a guide using the applet button, a pop-up window will display.  For users of Internet Explorer and Netscape 4.0 or greater, the window will automatically move to the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.  Users of older browsers will have to move this window manually.

When a user jumps to a new record in the applet, either via the buttons or the toolbar, the window will refresh, displaying a new advertisement.

Once the proper registration number is added to the applet's HTML code, advertisements will no longer display.


Entering the registration number for your guide
Entering the registration number for your guide (Generate HTML screen)

In order to terminate the display of advertisements alongside GuideBuilder applets, you must enter a registration number provided by Illumix Software.

Enter the registration code into the 'Registration Number' field located on the Generate HTML screen.  Please note that you will have to regenerate HTML and paste the code into your document to allow the applet to recognize the number.


Copyright Information

Copyright © 1999 A.G. Internet Development, Inc. and/or its suppliers, 1080 Wisconsin Avenue NW #3011, Washington, D.C. U.S.A. All rights reserved.

Some images appearing in this software are copyright www.arttoday.com.

A.G. Internet Development Inc., the A.G. Internet Development, Inc. logo, Illumix Software, the Illumix Software logo, Selfseek!, GuideBuilder, Webspector, Your Very Own Search Engine, and/or other A.G. Internet Development products referenced herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of A.G. Internet Development, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.