eXpress requires a Macintosh running System 7.x with at least a 68020 microprocessor or a PowerPC chip. Once installed, eXpress uses a little under 2K of system memory.
eXpress Features
Once installed, eXpress allows you to access the Process menu (the one on the far right side of the menu bar in System 7) and the Apple menu from anywhere on the screen. Simply hold down a key combination that you select (more on this later), and then click and hold down the mouse button. The "Process" menu or "Apple" menu will pop up right at your mouse.
eXpress also lets you assign keyboard shortcuts to the "Hide Others" "Hide Current" and "Show All" items in the Process menu. You can then invoke these commands by holding down the eXpress Process key combination that you select and typing the keys you have assigned to the menu items, or, for even quicker access, by simply holding down function keys (the F1 through F15 keys at the top of some types of keyboards) you assign to them.
eXpress offers two other popular process-related features. Using a user-defined key combination, or a single function key, you can invoke a keyboard-based pop-up menu listing all current visible processes, allowing you to switch directly to any process. This provides for easy process switching when your hands don't want to leave the keyboard. Lastly, you can cycle through all active processes (Windoze style. Ack!) using a user defined key combination or a single function key.
eXpress is especially useful for Mac users on the go because it does away with those frequent long trips to the "Process" menu and "Apple" menu which are so hard on your fingers and your track ball.
New Features in Version 4.0.0
The greatest innovation in version 4.0.0 is support for popping up the Apple menu anywhere on your screen. Put your favorite applications there for instant access from anywhere on the screen.
In addition, eXpress is more friendly once it is registered. Once you register a copy of eXpress, it will remain registered even if you copy it to another floppy or hard disk. No more calling Laser Point for a new registration code.
For those who have already registered eXpress, you can register version 4.0.0 from your registered version of 3.0.1 or earlier. Just click the upgrade button in the register dialog box and follow the instructions.
Version 4.0.0 also features improvements in the following areas
Ñ User interface enhacements make eXpress more intuitive
Ñ Internal code optimizations make eXpress smaller and faster
Ñ Totally redone documentation makes eXpress easier to understand and use
Ñ Less obtrusive shareware registration reminders make users less likely to register :-(
Using eXpress
Using eXpress is very simple. When you launch the eXpress application, you will be presented with a dialog box. Click if you want to configure eXpress, otherwise, just wait for the dialog box to disappear (it only takes a few seconds). That's all there is to it. eXpress loads some code into memory, much like an extension or control panel does, and then quits.
eXpress needs to be run each time you start up your Macintosh in order for it to do its magic. Users have found that putting an alias of eXpress in your Startup Items folder inside your System Folder works well. Then you will always be able to take advantage of eXpress.
Most of the eXpress features are straight forward. To access the Apple or Process menu, just hold down the modifier key(s) you have assigned to the menu and click. To execute a Process menu keyboard shortcut, hold down the modifer key(s) you have assigned to the Process menu and type the key you have assigned to the shortcut you wish to execute. To cycle through processes, hold down the modifer key(s) you have assigned to the Process menu and type the key you have assigned to process cycling. To invoke the sticky pop-up, hold down the modifer key(s) you have assigned to the Process menu and type the key you have assigned to the sticky pop-up. If you have enabled direct function key access and have assigned keyboard shortcuts, process cycling, or the sticky pop-up to a function key, you won't need to hold down any modifier key(s) to invoke those commands assigned to function keys.
One feature that needs a more detailed explanation is the keyboard based pop-up menu. When you bring this menu up, you are presented with a list of all the current visible processes. You can use the 'up arrow' and 'down arrow' keys, the 'i' and 'k' keys, the 'page up' and 'page down' keys, the 'w' and 's' keys, and the '+' and '-' keys to scroll within the popup. Select the process you want to switch to, and hit return key to execute the switch. If you change your mind, the escape key or the end key will dismiss the popup without switching processes. That's all there is to it.
Configuring eXpress
When you click on the eXpress splash screen, you will be presented with a dialog box which asks you to configure eXpress. In order to set the modifier key(s) combination which invoke the Process and Apple menus, just click on the keys to toggle their setting. Hilited keys are selected. You will need to hold all of the selected keys down to invoke eXpress once it is installed.
NOTE 1: Make sure you select at least one modifier key,
or else eXpress will be invoked whenever you click your
mouse. Also, be aware on any programs you use that
use a modifier-click to perform some commands. If you
define the same modifier-click in eXpress, eXpress will
be invoked and the program's command won't be executed.
NOTE 2: Be wary of using the shift key by itself if you
intend to make use of the eXpress keyboard shortcuts.
Trying to type a capital letter in your word processor could
whisk you to a different process!
Setting the keyboard shortcuts is also quit easy. All you have to do is hit a key on the keyboard. The currently selected keyboard shortcut will be changed to whatever key you hit. You can click, or use the tab key to change the currently selected shortcut.
NOTE 3: One word of warning, don't use capital letters
for keyboard shortcuts unless the shift key is one of your
selected Process menu modifier keys.
Finally, you can set the single-key function key option. If this box is checked, any shortcuts that you assigned function keys to will automatically be executed whenever you hit that function key, regardless of wether or not you hold down the eXpress Process menu key-combination. This is a nice feature, but make sure you don't double map any function keys, as eXpress will take precedence over any application mapping of function keys. If this box isn't checked, shortcuts that are assigned to function keys will behave normally (you will have to depress the selected eXpress Process menu key combination to invoke them).
When you are done configuring eXpress, click Ok and your changes will be saved. If you have already installed eXpress, you will need to reboot your Macintosh and run eXpress again for your changes to take effect.
Trouble Shooting eXpress
eXpress has been extensively tested, and found to be bug free. If, however,
you have problems, please contact the author as do485@cwru.edu or send a letter
to:
Laser Point
eXpress Bugs
P.O. Box 2378
Watsonville, CA 95077
There have been some reported inconsistencies between the eXpress Process menu and the actual Process menu on Power Book 160's under System 7.5.1. However, the problem has been traced to a "feature" of System 7.5.1 and doesn't appear to affect the operation of eXpress. It just means that the eXpress Process menu won't display the "Hide..." and "Show..." menu items displayed in the actual Process menu.
There have also been some reported problems with the sticky pop-up in eXpress on machines running Macsbug and Greg's Browser.
All the other little trouble shooting issues in previous versions of eXpress
have been eliminated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will eXpress be PowerPC Native?
A: As soon as 200 people register eXpress, the author will consider making it PowerPC native. His current development environment is a Quadra 605 20/250 with Think C 5.0. Until he gets some money to afford a PowerPC based Mac and a PowerPC development environment, eXpress will only be 680x0 native. Of course if someone purchase all the rights to eXpress from him, it could happen sooner.
Q: When will eXpress support hierarchial Apple menus?
A: No support is planned. Because Apple never developed a standard for implementing hierarchial Apple menus, many third party vendors have come up with their own solutions, making it a programming nightmare to integrate support for all of them into eXpress.
Q: What is the future of eXpress under System 8?
A: As soon as the author gets a Mac capable of running System 8, he will determine eXpress' future. Currently, the author intends to support eXpress as long as it is a useful system utility that is compatible with the MacOS and provides functionality not offered by the MacOS.
Q: Where is the program ID number for my copy of eXpress?
A: When you run eXpress, the program ID is displayed in the main window with the eXpress 4.0.0 graphic. Your program ID number is displayed toward the bottom of this window. You can also find it by clicking on the register button in the eXpress configuration window.
Legal Disclaimer
The author assume no responsibility for any damage you may cause to your hardware or software by using the program eXpress. eXpress carries no warranties, expressed, written, or implied. You use this software at your own risk. The author assumes no liability for any damage or loss of data caused by the use of eXpress. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. By using eXpress, you consent to the above mentioned terms.
The Shareware System
The sharware system is a software distribution system created with you, the end user in mind. It allows you to try out programs for an extended period of time (fifteen days in the case of eXpress) and then decide if you want to purchase them. If you decide to purchase the program, you pay your money and you are all set. If you decide the program isn't worthwhile for you, you stop using it.
This entire system only works if you, the end user, keep your side of the deal. That is, if, after FIFTEEN days, you decide you don't like eXpress, you delete all copies of it from your system. If you continue to use eXpress, you are OBLIGATED to pay for eXpress. The author is doing you a favor by letting you try out eXpress for free. Do him a favor by being honest and registering your copy if you continue to use it.
Many shareware programs have become strictly commercial programs because end users don't keep their end of the deal. Let's not let that happen to eXpress!
Registering eXpress
eXpress is distributed by LaserPoint, LLC.
Please direct all purchasing inquiries to Laser Point.
The cost to register one copy of eXpress is $10.00 U.S. currency. Site licensing rates are available. Contact Laser Point for details.
When ordering you MUST include the following information
Your Name
The Program ID of your copy of eXpress (found in the eXpress dialog box and in the register dialog box)
You will receive instructions for registering and personalizing your copy of eXpress.
NOTE: Your registration code will only be good for the copy of eXpress whose Program ID you send in. EVERY copy of eXpress has a UNIQUE program ID, so make sure you send the ID of the copy you want to register!
Toll Free Ordering: Visa, MasterCard & American Express orders may be placed by calling Laser Point at (800) 894-6758. Outside the United States you can call 1-408-722-6894.
Ordering by Fax: Orders may be faxed to (408) 722-6895, please include the same information requested for an email order.
Notice: The area code "408" will be changing in July 1998 to "831" so
please use this area code after that date.
Electronic Mail Ordering: You may place orders via electronic mail by sending the following information to orders@laserpoint.com:
Name of the product you are registering
Credit Card Account Number
Card Expiration Date
Credit Card Type (Visa, MasterCard, etc.)
Name of card holder
Your name (if different from card holder)
eXpress program ID number for the copy of eXpress you want to register
If you would like to encrypt your mail using PGP, please use our PGP public key.
Postal Mail Ordering: You may send cash or checks, drawn in U.S. funds on a U.S. bank, to:
Laser Point Software
eXpress Registration
P.O. Box 2378
Watsonville, CA 95077
CompuServe Ordering: Users may register using the CompuServe shareware registration service. GO SWREG and register product id 8589, and your CIS account will be billed by CompuServe.
If you are a California resident please add 8.00% sales tax. U.S. residents please add $3.00 s&h and International residents please add $4.00 s&h fees.
If you have any questions, you may contact Laser Point customer service at (408) 722-6894.
Acknowledgements
There are a select few people, places, and things without which eXpress would never have come to be what it is today. Listed in no particular order, they include the following:
Cray Research Park, Eagan, Minnesota
Sun Microsystems and the SPARC 4
Apple Computer
Mom, Dad, and the rest of the family
Phil Kearney III
The guy who called me at 4:30 A.M. from England, "Cheers to you too"
The Internet
Susan Kalich and Cary Farrier from Laser Point
A few trillion electrons
The 35 people who have registered eXpress. THANK YOU!
The guy who called from Texas
Robert Berger
Dogcow
The creators of X-Windows (and UNIX I guess)
The guy who sent me a letter from England
God
Ed Martin, and the others in the world who believe in Scholarware
76002.540@compuserve.com for beta testing
jehrler@bitstream.net for helping create a good 3D icon
The many others who sent in bug reports, feedback, registrations, and words of encouragement
Ed Martin again, for his relentless beta testing of version 4.0.0.
