Gold Medal Software 1

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▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ NOTES.TXT file for DataShow to PC-DOS. ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ DataShow is a SHAREWARE program and you are encouraged to distribute it as you like. HOWEVER, you may not alter in any way the files in- cluded here. AND if you decide to use DataShow for more than A MONTH TRIAL PERIOD, you must REGISTER. This will ensure that you receive update news as they become available. Also (and perhaps more important) it makes new releases possible; funds are necessary! So support the ShareWare principle, register your software! To obtain information on how to register, read the information fur- ther below, and read the "About DataShow" section from within the help menus in DataShow. You can start DataShow by simply typing SHOW. And you can begin a short demonstration by typing SHOWDEMO. Do READ the following pages, they are packed with much very relevant information! Also Read further on to see, which great features Data- Show actually gives you. Sincerely Rene Michael Plambek, The author of DataShow, MSC, BA/CS; Master of Business Administration and Computer Science ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ OVERVIEW: ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ 1. THE SHORT TOUR. ------------------ 1.1. WHAT THIS ARCHIVE CONSIST OF. 1.2. ADVERTISEMENT FOR DATASHOW. 1.3. WHAT'S NEW IN DATASHOW. 1.4. HOW TO ORDER DATASHOW. 1.5. ORDER FORM FOR DATASHOW. 2. THE GRAND TOUR. ------------------ 2.1. INTRODUCTION. 2.2. REGISTERING DATASHOW. 2.2.1. Why register? 2.2.2. How to register. 2.3. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS. 2.3.1. Behind the curtains. 2.4. QUICK START / HOW TO USE DATASHOW. 2.4.1. Jump right in. 2.4.2. Your first script. 2.4.3. Script examples. 2.4.4. Command line parameters. 2.5. DISTRIBUTION POLICIES. 2.5.1. Individuals 2.5.2. BBS Systems / Sysops. 2.5.3. Shareware vendors. 2.5.4. Business users. 2.6. ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS 2.6.1. Examples/tutorial. 2.6.2. Bug reports. 2.7. LEGAL STUFF 2.7.1. Credits. 2.7.2. Legal notices and disclaimer. 2.7.3. Users license. ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ********************************************************************** 1. THE SHORT TOUR. ********************************************************************** ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ 1.1. WHAT THIS ARCHIVE CONSIST OF. ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ The naming convention for DataShow is SHOWxxx.yyy - where the xxx is the version number, and yyy is the archive compressor used, eg. LZH or ZIP. Please keep these conventions when you pass DATASHOW on. NOTES.TXT This file here, about features and registration. ORDER.TXT The order form for DataShow. REFER.TXT A reference text on all commands in DataShow scripts. OMBUDS.MAN DataShow is approved by The Danish Shareware Association. SHOW.EXE The DataShow integrated environment. To start type SHOW. SHOW.HLP Help file to be used from the integrated environment. CAPTURE.EXE Program to capture screens from other programs. SHOWDEMO.BAT A demonstration of DataShow. To start type SHOWDEMO. PROMOTE1.SHW The DataShow demonstration script. *.SHW *.SCR *.WAV *.SND Support files for promote1.shw *.GRA *.PCX *.GIF GUIDE.EXE A self extracting file containing the following: GUIDE.BAT A guide to using DataShow. To start type GUIDE. GUIDE.SHW The DataShow guide script. GUIDE*.* Support files for guide.shw. EXAMPLES.EXE More example scripts for DataShow. Extract separately. ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ 1.2. ADVERTISEMENT FOR DATASHOW, version 4.0A, 1st. Dec. 1993, PC-DOS. ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ Here's a list of the many things that DataShow can do for you: Ever wanted to present your products on a fair, and ATTRACT general public or customers ATTENTION? Ever been wondering how to create beautiful PRESENTATIONS to be shown on a screen or an overhead projector to your boss or to clients? Ever wanted to create PROMOTION disks that you safely can send to your potential customers, and impress them with a professional promotion? Ever wanted to create powerful DEMONSTRATION programs, that show all the features of your program or product, and you have to do a lot of work? Ever wanted to make TUTORIALS or TEACHING programs, that can be used at training sessions, courses or in schools? Ever wanted to create MULTIMEDIA slide shows? WELL, the ULTIMATE SOLUTION is HERE!!!! A real CREATIVITY TOOL!!!! DataShow is a SHAREWARE program that makes it easy for you to create demonstration programs, slide shows, beautiful displays, hot scripts, school tutorials, etc... Here is a list of features from the current version of DataShow: - An integrated environment, where you can: - Create scripts (programs) in a specially designed editor - You can easily select between available commands: - An entirely new concept called "point and click programming" - Have a powerful and easy script language at your disposal - It's a 4 GL like script language with high level commands - Don't fiddle with many low level commands, do it easily - The same commands work in both text and graphics mode - Commands include: - MUSIC, for attracting attention (NOW supports WAV files) - MATH, for calculations, eg. making scripts for schools - TALK, for speaking to the amazed audience - READ, for getting input from a user - EFFECT, for generating special effects on screen - SHOW SCREEN, to present captured text screens (see below) - SHOW SCREEN, shows graphics from DataShow, PCX or GIF files - SHOW SLIDE, many screens with option to move for-/backward - MOUSE, use a mouse in scripts for better user interface - Lots of other commands for writing and presenting on screen - Create graphic drawings to be incorporated into your scripts - You can paint in freehand, use a mouse, write graphic texts... - You can changes colors, select boxes or circles, etc. - Design your own text mode screens, for eg. prototyping purposes - Have a full help system available throughout DataShow - Have mouse support throughout the integrated environment - Have your scripts or graphics printed on a printer - Have scripts run from the integrated environment or commandline - A resident program called CAPTURE, captures text or graphic screens - These screens can then be shown from a DataShow script - Or you can alter them from the textmode Design Center For the graphic capabilities you'll need CGA, EGA or VGA(+)! DATASHOW is currently available in English at a BBS near you !!!! The latest version will always be available at: Unique BBS, Copenhagen, Denmark <=9600 baud, N, 8, 1 + 45 3325 4567 Josti BBS, Copenhagen, Denmark <=9600 baud, N, 8, 1 + 45 4738 0524 Skyline (Euro Board), Switzerland <=9600 baud, N, 8, 1 + 41 2867 5179 EXEC-PC BBS, USA <=9600 baud, N, 8, 1 (414) 789 4360 - Look in the Mahony file collection Search for: SHOW40A ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ 1.3. WHAT'S NEW IN DATASHOW. ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ In the READ.ME section of the DataShow help menus you'll always see the latest news about additions and changes. A brief overview is given here: Version 4.0A: ------------- - Much enhanced graphic center, now many graph modes and PCX editing. - New Chart Center for dazzling charts. - Use a mouse in scripts. - Many command enhancements. Version 3.8A: ------------- - Tokenize script files for better performance and distribution. - Graphic modes supported are now CGA, EGA, VGA, SVGA. - More GIF type graphmodes supported. - Up to 50 slide lines in Slide Center. Version 3.5A: ------------- - More PCX type graphmodes supported (Also CGA files). - Much enhanced and improved Design Center from within DataShow. - New Easy! Slide Center from within DataShow. - Many script command enhancements, eg.: - MUSIC command, NOW supports .WAV files through PC speaker. - SHOW SLIDE command for easier handling of screen slides. - IF command has been extended and enhanced. Version 3.0A (from 2.5A): ------------------------- - Much enhanced and improved Drawing Center from within DataShow. - Mouse is supported in the graphic drawing screen. - Enhanced Capture program - Save graphic screens in PCX format as well as text screens. - Many script command enhancements, eg.: - READ command (new) - MATH command (new) - VARIABLE command (more types) - Many minor improvements in the integrated environment, eg.: - Easier file selection, eg. select files with *.SHW ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ 1.4. HOW TO ORDER DATASHOW. ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ If you wish to register, please complete and mail the form below, to- gether with US$ 50 for the program and US$ 9 for shipping and handling. Registration with Bank Cheque is necessary. Registration with Credit Card is unfortunately not possible. Send a Cheque made out in a Bank to be drawn in a Danish Bank in the name of Rene Michael Plambek. Please also enter the information requested below in the order form and send it by airmail (just to speed things up a bit). You'll then receive a diskette with the following registration bonuses: - You'll receive a nice and easy to use installation program. - You'll receive the latest available version of the program, and that version of DataShow will have a proper serial number. - You'll also receive the latest SHOWUTIL pack, a DataShow utility pack in which you can generate sound files, do conversions, etc. - You'll receive documentation in a form (plain ASCII text) that can be printed on a printer. It totals more than 150 pages. - You'll receive a lot of sound and graphics files (SND, WAV, PCX). - And you'll receive SHOWRUN, a runtime version of DataShow that you can distribute freely together with your own scripts. - In total you'll receive more than 100 files, giving 2Mb of great programs and sparkling graphics and sounds. Allow 4-6 weeks for handling and shipping. In Denmark the registration fee is DKR 400, and upgrades are DKR 200,- a piece incl. VAT, handling and shipping. From the rest of Europe and the other continents the price is as writ- ten below in different currencies. Orders from Europe can also be paid by transferring the money via GIRO (postal orders). RMP Data's Danish Giro number: 7 31 80 22. See address further below. NOTICE about UPGRADES: If you are a registered user of DataShow, you can always upgrade to the latest version of DataShow, once you see it advertised. You merely fill in the form below, enter the word "Upgrade", and your serial number, send it together with a Bank Cheque for US$ 25 and US$ 9 in handling and shipping. You'll then receive the latest version of DataShow with a proper serial number, together with all the other registration bonuses that you received (perhaps more than) when you first registered. MORE than one copy: The prices stated in this document are all for one registered copy. If you or your company need to have more than one copy of DataShow (integrated environment) the prices are as follows: Copy USA, World Denmark Germany France England 1-4 USD $59 each DKR 400 ea. DEM 105 ea. FRF 365 ea. GBP 40 each >=5 USD $40 each DKR 260 ea. DEM 70 ea. FRF 235 ea. GBP 26 each Prices above includes registration, handling and shipping. This should make prices about equal between International and Danish customers. If you have large orders please state that in a letter and we'll work out an agreement. Site licenses can be negotiated. ONCE you have registered a version, be aware that the program is only used by one person at one time on one computer. Just as if you have bought a book. A book can only be read by one person in one place at one time. If you see a need to use DataShow in several places at one time - Please register the number of copies you need separately, according to the pricelist above. --Cut here------------------------------------------------------------ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ 1.5. ORDER FORM FOR DATASHOW (Dec. 93). ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ I hereby (with my signature) give permission to draw USD $ ____ from a Bank Cheque. The payment is for the order of the latest version of the program DataShow. The permission and a Bank made Cheque is given to Rene Michael Plambek. Bank Cheque Number.....: _____________________________________________ Signature..-REQUIRED-..: _____________________________________________ TO: FROM: Rene Michael Plambek Name.......: __________________________ (Company)..: __________________________ (Title)....: __________________________ Victor Bendix Gade 1, 2. th. Address....: __________________________ 2100 Copenhagen Oe. City,State.: __________________________ Zip Code Denmark Country....: __________________________ Phone Number: _________________________ Today's date: _________________________ From where did you get DataShow: ______ Which version of DataShow is it: ______ Diskette format (choose one): 5.25" disk....: 360K [_] OR 1.2M [_], OR 3.5" disk.: 720K [_] OR 1.44M [_] Computer type (check one): 8088/6[ ], 80286[ ], 80386[ ], 80486[ ] OR Other: _____________________________ Screen type (check one): CGA[ ], EGA[ ], VGA[ ], XGA[ ], SVGA[ ] OR Other: _____________________________ Upgrade (Enter old serie): ____________ --Cut here------------------------------------------------------------ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ********************************************************************** 2. THE GRAND TOUR. ********************************************************************** ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ 2.1. INTRODUCTION. ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ The first version of DATASHOW became available in early 1990. It was made to be an inexpensive program that could be used on fairs so a computer could be left with a presentation running. It was actually used for just that, and the promotion included screens from Word Perfect, Lotus 123, accounting and other financial software. Specta- tors and customers at the fair could get an idea about the different programs. DATASHOW itself was working "behind the scenes". Shortly thereafter I decided to release DATASHOW as a Shareware program. Now DATASHOW can be used by all sorts of people. The programmer that wish to demonstrate his programs, The fruit store that wish to pro- mote it's fresh fruit, The computer store that wants a presentation running in it's windows on one of their computers, The sales execu- tive that wants to make a presentation for customers or the boss, Or by school teachers that wish to make simple interactive or advanced mathematical programs for their students. You name it and MULTIMEDIA can be the solution. The integration of Graphic, Sound and Motion opens a hole new world of opportunities. DATASHOW is the inexpensive and easy way into the world of MULTIMEDIA. Although the term "must have" is probably the most misused word in the software industry, if there ever was a program that fell into the "must have" category, it is DATASHOW. I'm sure you will enjoy using the program as much as I have enjoyed writing it. DATASHOW is a feature packed program. Take the time to master it and you'll be producing shows that you never dreamed of! The best thing about DATASHOW is that it is easy to use, it's fun to play with and you can try it before you decide to buy it! DATASHOW is incredibly fast and powerful, but it is also incredibly easy to use. ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ 2.2. REGISTERING DATASHOW. ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ With all the above statements, we can actually go forward to tell you how you can register DATASHOW. 2.2.1. WHY REGISTER? -------------------- Apart from the many bonuses that you receive directly from me (the bonuses are described earlier in this file), registration will also disable the ending screen, so the program will stop running without you being required to press a key to exit. The "nag screen" was added as a reminder to unregistered users, not to harass them. The unregis- tered version and the registered version are identical in function, with the exception of the aforementioned "feature". When you register DATASHOW, you are paying me for the time and effort that went into, and continues to go into developing DATASHOW. It is also the only legal way for you to continue using the program. You will sleep better knowing you have paid for ShareWare programs... 2.2.2. HOW TO REGISTER. ----------------------- DATASHOW is a very powerful program. It took a long time to write and there are still many enhancements planned for the future of it. A re- gistration of $59 is required if you wish to continue to use DATASHOW after you try it. A single registration is all it takes, you will be registered for life. For a minimal Upgrade fee and postage, you can receive upgrades by mail. Credit Card Orders / Money Orders: ---------------------------------- Unfortunately Danish law and thus the Danish Banks do not allow indi- viduals to withdraw money from other peoples Credit Cards by using the account number. So DATASHOW can only be ordered by mailing me a Bank Cheque. Bank Cheque: ------------ Mail is the way to do it: Print out the enclosed order form in this document and fill in the blanks in the appropriate part called "How to REGISTER". Mail your registration (USD $59,-) to: Rene Michael Plambek Victor Bendixgade 1, 2. th, 2100 Copenhagen Oe. Denmark If you cannot print out the order form from this file, you can just send the following information instead: Name (First & Last) Street Address City, State, ZIP Amount of $ enclosed Version of program you currently have Where you got your copy of DATASHOW Specify floppy disk format, 5 1/4" 360K or 3 1/2" 720K. Bank Cheques only please. PLEASE, DO NOT send greenbacks! If your registration is received within two weeks of the planned release of a major upgrade, I will hold your registered version until the upgraded version is re- leased. Please make all Bank Cheques payable to Rene Michael Plambek. I will ship your order as soon as possible. ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ 2.3. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS. ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ Important Information and System Requirements: Hard Disk: Run DATASHOW from a sub-directory on a Hard Disk. Make sure you have at least 1.5 meg free on the hard disk that DATASHOW is installed and run from. The more free space you have, the more images you'll be able to have installed along with DATASHOW. Memory: You need at least 512K RAM free after loading DOS and TSR's etc. The more memory you have over 512K before starting the program, the better. Processor: DATASHOW will run on any MS-DOS machine, from an 8088 to a 80486 or greater. Some functions will be slower on a less powerful machine. Monitor: A CGA, EGA or VGA card and monitor is a requirement to run the pro- gram. You can run text mode scripts on monochrome screens as well, but you'll miss the graphics. NOTE: Make sure your monitor as well as your video card supports the modes you try to use. Mode 320x200x256 is sup- ported on ALL VGA cards. Mouse: A Microsoft compatible mouse and mouse driver is an option. DATASHOW can run if there is not a mouse installed, but a mouse makes life a bit easier. If you have problems with the mouse, it is usually due to an older version of the mouse driver. Always try with the latest. Operating system: DATASHOW doesn't check for the operating system version. It can be run with DOS version 2.0 and up, but then again here - there are reasons for new versions. DATASHOW has been tested and runs fine under DOS versions 3.30 and 5.0. - 5.0 gives you more memory so you can benefit from that. DATASHOW can also be run under WINDOWS v. 3.x and OS/2 2.x and can be run as DOS sessions under both. Note however that the sound procedures are screwed up by these multitasking environments. DATASHOW uses overlays: In order to allow for as much free RAM below 640Kb while the program is running, DATASHOW uses Borlands VROOM technology to overlay por- tions of itself in its .EXE file (internal overlays). For this reason, DO NOT COMPRESS the SHOW.EXE file with an executable file compressor such as PKLITE or LZEXE. If the SHOW.EXE is compres- sed it will not run properly. Do not change the name of the program! You may place DATASHOW in a directory specified by your path and run DATASHOW from any drive or directory, including a network drive. The program will find the help file if you haven't changed the name of the program. This only goes for the integrated environment (SHOW.EXE) and does not apply to the runtime version (SHOWRUN.EXE) that registered users rece- ive. Because it is smaller it does not need internal overlays and thus it can be compressed. 2.3.1. BEHIND THE CURTAINS. --------------------------- Here's a little technical information: A. SWAPFILES: DATASHOW uses memory swapfiles for some operations. Provided the pro- gram terminates normally, all the swapfiles and other temporary files will be erased. The swapfiles are placed in the same directory that DATASHOW is stored in. If something happens and the program terminates abnormally, you can delete the swapfiles manually. You'll find them with the extension .SWP. Usually DATASHOW will erase the swapfiles when it no longer needs them or when the program ends. B. IMAGE FILE FORMATS, GIF and PCX: DATASHOW uses the GIF file format and the PCX file format. All fla- vours of GIF and PCX are supported. In the PCX format, the first 16 colors will be saved in the image header and the full 256 color pa- lette will be tacked on the end of the file, in accordance with the PCX format specification. The reason I use GIF and PCX is because I felt that those two formats represent the greatest number of images available today. GIF is useful because of it's device independence and cross platform and O/S usage. PCX because of it's use in most drawing programs and image file con- verters. C. HOW?: DATASHOW is written in Borland Pascal v. 7.0 using a text mode tool- box from Turbo Power. With the many tasks that DATASHOW does, some as- sembler programming is also unavoidable. Fortunately in Borland Pascal 7.0 one has the opportunity to use object oriented code. This has in some respects made life easier. I decided to upgrade from Turbo Pascal 5.5 to Borland Pascal because I could get it from the US for a reason- able price and because it supports easy building of programs for WIN- DOWS. But Borland Pascal still makes straight forward code so at one point in time I might look into another suitable product that does better optimization (eg. Stoney Brook Pascal). D. WHO?, The DATASHOW Team: Programmer....: Rene Michael Plambek, Copenhagen, Denmark Documentation.: Rene Michael Plambek, Copenhagen, Denmark Over time, several beta testers has attributed with valuable time and information. Thank you all of you. Special Thanks to my family for putting up with me spending all these late nights on my computer. ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ 2.4. QUICK START / HOW TO USE DATASHOW. ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ If you are the type of user who likes to jump right in (I am!), follow these instructions to start up the program. Don't forget to hit the F1 key and read necessary portions of the online manual - and do read the rest of these notes though! There is a lot more to DATASHOW than meets the eye. 2.4.1. JUMP RIGHT IN. --------------------- To start the DataShow program, you can take the following as an exam- ple. If you have problems with starting DataShow, please ask someone with computer experience near you for help. 1. Change to the drive DATASHOW is on. Assuming DATASHOW is stored on your C: harddisk drive, type: C: and tap your Enter key. 2. Change to the directory DATASHOW is stored in. Assuming DATASHOW is stored in your C:\DATASHOW directory, type: CD \DATASHOW and tap your Enter key. 3. Now you should be ready to run the program, type: SHOW and tap your Enter key. When the main menu of the program pops up, you can hit the F1 key. In the help menu you could select the first topic (Help on help). Read it through and you'll have an idea of how DataShow reponds to your input. Also try the help menu named "The main menu" - there you'll get infor- mation about what hides behind the main menu. You can see, what you'll get once you tap any of the function keys F1 to F10 in the main menu. 2.4.2. YOUR FIRST SCRIPT. ------------------------- Fire up DataShow. From the main menu, hit the F3 key to go into the Script Center. Now you're in an editor and you are at line 1. Hit the F9 key and select SCREEN from the menu. A new menu pops up in which you select CLEAR. In the editor the line SCREEN CLEAR will show up. Your first command is entered you're now at line 2. Hit the F9 key again and select WRITE. A question menu will be shown with the options "1. text, 2. variable". In this case we want to show a plain text, so you respond by pushing the 1 key. Now a blanked out window is show, and you can enter the words "Hello world". Hit <Enter> and the full command line is shown in the script center. Then you hit the F9 key and select WAIT. From there you select seconds and type in the number 4. When you hit <Enter>, the line is shown as line 3 in the script center. Now you have made your first very simple script in DataShow, and you are ready to run it. Before you do that, you must save it. Push the F2 key and select "Save" (it should already be highlighted since DataShow knows that something has been entered). Give it the name "hello.shw". When you hit <Enter> a message saying the file has been saved will be shown. When you're in the script center again, you hit F10 to return to the main manu. Select F2 Run, select "From start" and select the file you just saved. The script is processed line by line and you can see the result on the screen. Now you're ready to expand the script and make beautiful pre- sentations. Remember to use the F1 key often... Most of the time you can get in- formation on a specific subject. 2.4.3. SCRIPT EXAMPLES. ----------------------- In the Script Center you can also try to load the example script that comes with DataShow. Hit F2 and select "Load file". Write PROMOTE1.SHW And tap the enter key. This will load the promotion file into the edi- tor. Look it through. This will give you an idea about how to build a script of your own. When you run it from the main menu, you can see the many things DataShow can do. Also another script is included. This script will guide you through the creation of a simple script so you can get an idea of how to do it all yourself. The script is called GUIDE.SHW. Run it and look at it as described above (look at it in the script center, and run it from the main menu). Before you can run it, you have to extract the files. That is done by executing the GUIDE.EXE file. Finally there are more scripts included in the file EXAMPLES.EXE. You have to run the file and the scripts will self extract. There are text files included, describing each of the examples. 2.4.4. COMMAND LINE PARAMETERS. ------------------------------- Command line parameters are variables that can be entered in at the same time the program is run that effect certain options. To use the command line parameters, first enter the name of the program on the command line, in this case: C:\DATASHOW> SHOW Then hit your spacebar and enter the command line parameter. You can enter any DATASHOW script file name (usually with an .SHW extension). C:\DATASHOW> SHOW PROMOTE1.SHW This is also what happens in the file SHOWDEMO.BAT. So you can just use that to start a short tour of the integrated environment. ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ 2.5. DISTRIBUTION POLICIES. ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ DATASHOW is distributed as Shareware. Shareware is *the* best type of software, it's software you can try before you pay for it! Paying for Shareware is called "registering". If you bought a copy of this software through a disk vendor, a copy off a rack of software in a store, paid to download the software from a BBS, or got a copy from a friend; you did not register it. You are entitled to evaluate the software but you should read the sections here below in its entirety before you evaluate the program. You may, and are encouraged to share this program with others so that they may try it. Please distribute the program in the original package you received it in, whether it be a ZIP file, a LZH file or whatever. If you received the DATASHOW files in uncompressed form, and want to compress the files before distribution, please distribute it with a filename of SHOWxxx.yyy where xxx is the version (40A for 4.0A, etc..) and where yyy is the extension that the compression program provides. Example: DATASHOW, Ver 4.0A, compressed by PKZIP would be SHOW40A.ZIP. 2.5.1. INDIVIDUALS. ------------------- There are two types of DATASHOW users, REGISTERED and UNREGISTERED. Registered users have paid RMP Data DIRECTLY for the program and have received a diskette and an invoice from RMP Data. The diskette con- tains a version that has a proper serial number, eg. not the word Un- registered written in the main menu. Unregistered users are evaluating the program and may do so for a pe- riod not to exceed one month from the time when they first receive the package. All users are encouraged to pass the unregistered pro- gram on to others so they may evaluate it also. But do not alter it! Important! Keep your unregistered, original, complete, compressed, copy, of this release as a backup and for passing on to others. Although you may not be aware of it, if you bought a copy of DATASHOW from a Disk Vendor, off the rack in a software store, or wherever; you are still an UNREGISTERED user. This is not said to insult your intelligence, but it has become necessary to make this pain-stakingly clear. I do not mandate that a limit be set on how much a distributor can charge per disk, but it must be clear with you that you did not buy this software, you paid a duplication fee for it. RMP Data entrust distributors to make this clear to people before they buy a disk, but for my own self-interest, I want to make it clear here as well. Support Shareware Authors: Use and Register Shareware! 2.5.2. BBS SYSTEMS / SYSOPS. ---------------------------- BBS Systems have the right to keep DATASHOW on their board so that users are able to get it from them. This is provided that DATASHOW isn't actually used on a daily basis. If the program is being used in a noncompressed form, please register it as a normal registration and keep the compressed unregistered version on your board. 2.5.3. SHAREWARE VENDORS. ------------------------- Any shareware vendor is allowed to have DATASHOW in their catalogue, provided they follow some simple conditions laid out here below. Also I would appreciate a letter from the Shareware vendors that in- clude DATASHOW in their catalogue. This will ensure that I can send you the Shareware vendor new versions as they become available. Af- terall - if I do not know that you have my program, how can I send you a new version. This also ensures that you have the latest version for your customers. Who are considered Shareware vendors?: - Any Shareware Vendor. - Any "Rackware" Vendor. - Any CD-ROM distributor. - Any Company, business or individual who charges a disk duplication fee to copy software. Or any company that includes Shareware pro- grams on preinstalled harddisks. Who isn't: - Any BBS system*. Public BBS systems may charge for the access to their file base and still not be in the vendor class. - Any online service network* like Compuserve, Genie, Internet, etc. * NOTE: This does not apply to shareware vendors who also sell their products online. The terms of a distribution license are as follow: 1. You agree not to alter any of the files I provide you. All the files mentioned in a list above, must be distributed all together. 2. You agree to make a "Shareware Notice" visible on any catalogue, advertisement or in store display that DATASHOW is included in. 3. If DATASHOW is to be packaged for retail sale (rackware), an obvi- ous notice be on the package stating that DATASHOW is shareware and that purchasing your product does not constitute payment to the author. It must also state that payment to the author is required if the product is to be used past it's evaluation period. This statement must be on any catalogue or advertisement that DATASHOW is included in. 4. You should use a technically accurate description for DATASHOW in your catalogue. I will be happy to provide you with a description if you require one. I am available by BBS and by mail for any questions you may have. Please don't hesitate to ask me for assistance if you have any ques- tions concerning DATASHOW. I wish to ensure that all DATASHOW product descriptions are technically accurate and that any problems that you might have with the program, or problems your customers might have are addressed. I am here to support you! 2.5.4. BUSINESS USERS. ---------------------- If this program is to be used by a BUSINESS, (ie: used to make a pro- fit), it must be registered prior to its use. Registrations are given on a single use only license, meaning the program may be used on a single machine (CPU) at one time. Although, it can reside on as many machines as you want, it must not be used on more than one at one ti- me, just as if you have bought a book. A site license is negotiable, contact the author for more information. ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ 2.6. ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS. ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ Below are the most commonly asked questions about DATASHOW: -- Q. Why does DataShow (the executable) have to be so big? A. Well, many programs comes with 10-50 support files that all have to be located in the same directory. It is generally your task to keep it all together or your program wont work. DataShow is made with the idea that it should be easy for users to see what is what. Therefore Data- Show contains all the graphics drivers and fonts necessary. These take up a lot of space! - So DataShow has to use a technology called inter- nal overlays. This means that DataShow during program execution reads only portions of itself into the computer memory. -- Q. My '386 have 1 Mb of memory, why can't I use high graphic modes? A. The amount of VIDEO MEMORY determines what modes you can access with the program. Not the amount of memory in your machine (called RAM). Some VGA cards can be upgraded with more memory, some cannot. Contact the manufacturer of your video card, or consult your users manual for more information. NOTE: Most machines that come with a VGA card included on the motherboard only have 256K of Video Memory, therefore the highest mode you will be able to access will be 640x400x256, and that is only if the video card is based on one of the VESA chipset. See the next question... -- Q. I have an "Off Brand" VGA card with 512K of video memory, how come I can't access modes greater than 320x200x256 with DATASHOW? A. If your card is not based on the VESA chipset, it will not be able to access modes higher then 320x200x256. See the next question... -- Q. I have a VGA card with a VESA chipset. All of the modes but one works. Why? A. Sometimes a video card will be BASED on one of the more popular chipsets but the similarity stops there. Sometimes the implementation is complete, other times it is not. Some video cards come with a Terminate, Stay Resident (TSR) program to make the card emulate the VESA standard. If you have such a program, try loading the VESA emulation program and then running DATASHOW. -- Q. Why can't DATASHOW support every VGA video card? There is a stan- dard for these things, isn't there? A. The VGA driver has autodetect logic for the most popular chipsets. Only a fool would make a statement that their program can support EVERY VGA card ever built. There are just too many variants and really no standards. -- Q. Do you really expect people to send you $59 for a program they al- ready have? A. YES! I believe in Shareware and believe it is the best way to mar- ket this type of software. If people wish to do more serious things with DATASHOW they can only benefit from registering. That's one of the reasons why you don't "get it all" in the unregistered version. In the registered package you get approx. 100 files, a total of 2 Mb. -- Q. $59 is sort of inexpensive for such a powerful program. Why don't you charge more? A. I believe the program is worth more myself (now isn't that strange). I also believe that people shouldn't have to spend a small fortune on their software. All of the documentation for the program is online and there is no option for a printed manual (you'll have to print one out yourself from a registered version Ascii file) or a nice cardboard box, thereby keeping costs down. There is also the savings from using the Shareware method of distribution. All of these savings are passed on to the user. -- Q. Where does the name DATASHOW come from? A. The name DATASHOW comes from the fact that you can use it to make all sorts of SHOWs on a DATA machine. DATA SHOWs in any way you like. -- Q. I have a suggestion or a feature I would like to see included in the next release of DATASHOW. Would you like to hear it? A. Yes! I don't mind suggestions or ideas on improving the program. Keep in mind that I do get a lot of suggestions from many sources, some of which I implement immediately, some of which I shelve for la- ter releases. I do read them all though. I find that if you mail them to me they are easier to go through than you listing them over a tele- phone line - therefore please mail suggestions to me and I'll usually give you an answer. You can also get in touch with me by BBS's (see the support list above, where new releases of DataShow are posted). 2.6.1. EXAMPLES/TUTORIAL. ------------------------- Coincident with the release of Version 3.0A was the release of the DATASHOW Example Pack. Compiled by Rene Plambek, this package contains many examples and tutorials on things you can do with the program. It is available in the packed file EXAMPLES. Any additions to the pack are welcome. So if you have made some scripts that you would like to share with other DATASHOW users, please send them to me. IF you are not a registered user, and I find the scripts or drawings valuable, I will send you a FREE registered version, - All you have to do is pay for the handling and shipping (USD $10)! The more examples of great ways to use DATASHOW, the better, right? 2.6.2. BUG REPORTS. ------------------- If you have a problem with the program and think it is a bug, I am in- terested in hearing about it. Before you contact me please make sure it is a bug by first looking up the function in the manual and also reading the KNOWN PROBLEMS and the Q and A sections. ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ 2.7. LEGAL STUFF. ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ Here at the end, a little bit of the boring stuff. But it's necessary, so please don't hang up, - read it anyway. 2.7.1. CREDITS. --------------- Credit given where credit is due. But to mention only a few of the copyrighted materials that is used in conjunction with DATASHOW would be unfair to the rest, so as not to leave anyone out this should cover it. All names, copyrights and trademarks of products and companies men- tioned throughout this documentation are trademark (tm) and/or copy- right (C) of their respectful owners. 2.7.2. LEGAL NOTICES AND DISCLAIMER. ------------------------------------ I, Rene M. Plambek retain ALL rights to distribute and collect fees for this software. This software IS NOT RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC DOMA- IN!!! IT IS NOT FREE!!! It is OWNED by me and only me! You, as a user have the right to possess and distribute this software. YOUR MAY NOT MODIFY, DISASSEMBLE or change in any way, this document, the SHOW.EXE file or any other file included in the DATASHOW package. You may not collect any fee, real or otherwise for the transfer of this software. Exception: You may recover the cost of distribution (ie: phone transfer costs, floppy disk/mailers, postage). It is to be understood, with the party that is charged these fees, that paying transfer costs does not constitute a registration fee to the author and that a registration fee is still required after evaluating the software. All vendors or business that wish to distribute DATASHOW must do so in accordance with the guidance set forth above in the section entit- led "DISTRIBUTION POLICY". All files included in this package must be distributed together and may not be modified in any way by anyone other than Rene Plambek. I reserve the right to refuse anyone the right to distribute this soft- ware with a written notice. DISCLAIMER NOTICE: ------------------ I, Rene Plambek accept no responsibility for any damages, real or otherwise that this program may cause. I make no guarantees that this program works as described in this do- cument file or anywhere else. This software is provided "AS IS" with no guarantee, expressed or implied. Use it at your own risk! 2.7.3. USERS LICENSE. --------------------- UNREGISTERED USERS: Users who have not registered their copy of DATA- SHOW, are hereby granted permission to try DATASHOW for a period of two weeks before they must discontinue using the program or register. REGISTERED USERS: Users who have registered DATASHOW may use the pro- gram on a single computer. The registered version of the program may reside on more then one computer at one time, provided it is not pos- sible to use more then one copy at one time. 2.7.4. SUPPORT. --------------- First off, if you have a question and feel that you need to call me, please go through the manual and see if your question is answered somewhere. If you are calling to tell me that your "supported" card is having trouble with a certain video mode, try a new mouse driver. The best drivers come from Microsoft and Logitech. Mouse drivers have been causing me a lot of grief. Try a new one, you'll be surprised! Here is my policy on support: I like to support you! But I have found it difficult to give "on-line" phone support. Because questions are often thought better through when they are written down on paper, sending me a letter or getting in touch with me via one of the listed BBS's is often a better idea. Also since I live in Europe our time zone is a bit different. We are usually + 6 hours from EST. So you can reach me from 1pm till 4pm EST. That is 7pm till 10pm Danish time. I do not accept collect calls! I will try to solve any problem you are having on the spot. If I can't I'll give you a good time to call back. Otherwise I'll send you a letter. If you wish to get in touch with me via BBS, the best way is to log on to my "home" BBS here in Denmark (Unique - see the phone number above) and leave me a message. You can (if you have a BBS fido net address) also get in touch with me via Net Mail. My Fido Net number is 2:231/98.43