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VCOLIB: PC-VCO Face Librarian
----------------------------------
PC-VCO: IBM PC Visual Conferencing
----------------------------------
Face Library Maintenance
----------------------------------
VCOLIB is distributed freely and may be copied by anyone for any
number of machines. The author offers VCOLIB as "shareware". If
the program is found to be useful or entertaining, a registration
of $50.00 is requested. If response warrants, PC-VCO/VCOLIB will
be enhanced and extended. The author may be reached at:
CABER Software
R. (Scott) McGinnis
P.O. Box 3607 Mdse Mart
Chicago, IL 60654-0607
PLINK, GEnie id: TARTAN
Version 2.2: 880705
VCOLIB: PC-VCO Face Librarian
VCOLIB version 2.2 is copyright 1988 CABER Software (R. Scott
McGinnis) as a part of the PC-VCO communications accessory. All
rights are reserved world wide, excepting redistribution under the
ShareWare concept. PC-VCO is distributed freely and may be copied
by anyone for any number of machines, under the ShareWare concept.
PC-VCO is distributed as ShareWare. You may use PC-VCO without
charge for the purposes of evaluating it's usefulness to your
purposes. It is suggested that this evaluation period be limited to
a few days of actual use. If you find PC-VCO to be worth continued
use, then you are asked to pay for it. The payment is called a
"registration fee". Complete the included registration form and
mail it with your payment.
Registration of PC-VCO includes the communications program COM-AND,
all published accessory programs (which currently are CCHESS,
CBRIDGE, and CCOLOR), and several utilities (VCOLIB, VOICE, unPACKIT
and unSTUFIT). COM-AND, accessories and utilities are published
separately. One registration covers any and all of these programs.
By registering your copy of PC-VCO (or any ShareWare product), you
are promoting and supporting the convenient distribution method and
free evaluation policy that brought you this copy of PC-VCO.
If you have received this copy from a Users' Group, "Software
Library" or "SIG", and have paid a small fee (usually $3 to $10),
you have NOT acquired a registration or continued right to use
PC-VCO. This fee was for the convenience of obtaining the diskette
with PC-VCO on it. The fee does NOT apply to the registration fee.
You may NOT distribute PC-VCO or it's documentation in connection
with ANY commercial venture, product, publication or service without
written approval. PC-VCO may not be disassembled or modified
without express written consent.
PC-VCO is supplied "as-is" with no warranties expressed or implied.
Neither CABER software nor the author will be liable for any damages
or lost revenues incurred through the use of this program or any of
its accessories and utilities beyond the registration price paid.
Version 2.2; 880705
VCOLIB: PC-VCO Face Librarian
Table of Contents
-----------------
I. Introduction ................................................. page 1
II. Running the program .......................................... page 2
III. VCOLIB Command Summary ........................................ page 3
IV. Creating a Face File .......................................... page 4
V. The Graphic Editor ............................................ page 5
VI. Sharing your Face Files ....................................... page 7
VII. Program Requirements .......................................... page 8
VIII. Program and Author Information ............................... page 9
Appendices
----------
A. Face File Contents ............................................ page 10
B. File formats .................................................. page 11
C. Harry Chesley's VCO ........................................... page 13
D. Newly supported systems ....................................... page 14
E. PACKIT and STUFFIT files ...................................... page 15
F. Command examples .............................................. page 16
Version 2.2: 880705
VCOLIB: PC-VCO Face Librarian Page 1
I. Introduction
VCOLIB Version 2.2 creates and maintains a library file of Icons
used by PC-VCO. Icons may be extracted from MacIntosh resource
files or may be created using a graphics editor (in VCOLIB). Icons
created on the IBM PC may be output to a resource-type file, and
uploaded for MacIntosh or IBM PC VCO friends.
PC-VCO is a communication program for use on IBM PCs and network
conferencing facilities such as People/Link's PARTY, CompuServe's
CB simulator, and Delphi's conference areas. The idea for PC-VCO
was derived from the VCO system, and its predecessor VMCO,
developed on the MacIntosh computer. The VCO programs (PC and
MacIntosh) allow you to see the people you communicate with
on-line, using the graphic capabilities of the personal computer.
VCO was originally developed by Harry Chesley. It was followed by
VMCO (which is CIS specific), written by Bob Perez independent to
the development of VCO. The current (MacIntosh) version of VCO is
almost an exact duplicate of Harry Chesley's original - the
original source code was converted by Mike Cohen and made to accept
several service formats.
The MacIntosh VCO allows the user to see the people talking on-
line through graphic Icons. These are provided to the MacIntosh
VCO through 'Resource files' and are built using a 'Resource
Editor'. A MacIntosh VCO user must have a resource file for every
speaker. Charlie Brown and Snoopy Icons are used when a speaker is
unknown. The face library created and maintained by VCOLIB serves
the same purpose on the IBM PC (for PC-VCO). VCOLIB also serves as
a Resource Editor, on the IBM PC.
PC-VCO/VCOLIB may be copied freely and distributed to anyone for
any machine. The author offers this as "shareware". If the
program is found to be useful or entertaining, a registration is
asked. PC-VCO/VCOLIB will be extended and enhanced if response
warrants.
Version 2.2: 880705
VCOLIB: PC-VCO Face Librarian Page 2
II. Running the program
VCOLIB may be used in two ways: (1) menu mode, where a menu of
commands is presented, and (2) command mode, where VCOLIB is
instructed at run time which functions are to be performed.
For menu mode, VCOLIB may be invoked at the DOS prompt:
------------------------------------------------------
"d>" VCOLIB
Where "d>" is the DOS prompt
------------------------------------------------------
For command mode, VCOLIB may be invoked at the DOS prompt:
------------------------------------------------------
"d>" VCOLIB <options>
Where "d>" is the DOS prompt, and
<options> is: (<cmd> <Lib-File> (<parm> (,<parm> ...)))
where <parm> is either an ID or a MacIntosh Face-file name,
<Lib-file> is the library file name to be used,
and <cmd> is one of: A,R,O,M,D,U,V,C, or L.
Note: Invoke VCOLIB with no commands to obtain a menu of services
(i.e. a HELP summary).
------------------------------------------------------
VCOLIB commands are summarized on the next page. In menu mode,
a menu number serves the same purpose as the <cmd> letter used
in command mode.
Version 2.2: 880705
VCOLIB: PC-VCO Face Librarian Page 3
III. VCOLIB Command Summary.
Command Parameter Description
--------- --------- --------------------------------------------------
(A)dd Mac-File Add Mac-File(s) to Lib-File. You are given
the opportunity to rename the entry from the ID
specified in the Mac-File. You may (C)hange or
(A)ccept the ID as given. Duplicate IDs are
not allowed in the Library.
(R)eplace ID Replace an ID in Lib-File. You are prompted for
the MacIntosh face file to be used. If the
face file carries the same ID, the replace is
performed with no comment. If they differ, you
are queried. Duplicate IDs are not allowed in
the Library.
(D)elete ID Delete an ID from Lib-File. The indicated entry
is marked deleted, and will be discarded upon
the next ADD.
(U)ndelete ID Mark deleted entry not deleted. If an entry
marked deleted has not been re-used, it may be
put back into service with this command.
(M)odify ID Modify ID, name, rate of speech and pitch of
an entry. Further, any Icon in the entry may be
modified through a simple graphics editor.
(C)opy ID Copy an entry to a new entry in Lib File. You
are prompted for an ID to name the new entry.
The new ID may not duplicate an existing ID in
the Lib-file.
(O)utput ID Build a resource file of MacIntosh compatible
format. You will be prompted for a file name.
(V)iew (ID) View the contents of Lib-File. If you specify
an ID, and it exists in Lib-file, it is
displayed. You will be prompted for other IDs
in any case.
(L)ist (none) List entries in Lib-File. Output may be re-
directed to a printer.
Version 2.2: 880705
VCOLIB: PC-VCO Face Librarian Page 4
IV. Creating a Face File
You can create a face file through the simple expedient of COPYing
a current face (naming the new entry), and then MODIFYing the new
entry. The COPY command creates a new Library entry using an
existing entry. The MODIFY command works on an existing entry,
allowing the ID, NAME, and Icons of the entry to be changed.
After the ID and NAME have been changed, you will be asked if the
Icons are to be edited. If you respond "Yes", VCOLIB will try to
switch to graphics mode (if your PC does not have a CGA or
Hercules, the attempt will fail), and you will be asked which Icon
is to be modified. Select the ICON number you wish to modify.
After choosing an ICON, you will be asked which ICON to use as a
base for the edit. You may start the edit session with any of the
displayed Icons. The result of the edit will overlay the ICON you
initially selected to modify - it will not change the ICON you've
chosen as a base. Once you have specified which ICON is to be
modified, and which ICON you will use as a starting point, you
enter the graphic editor (see below: "V. The Graphic Editor").
The editor displays the ICON as it appears on the PC-VCO screen to
the right, and displays a magnified ICON (4x) with a cursor
(initially in the top left corner) to the left. Changes to pixels
are reflected in both pictures simultaneously. Cursor keys are
used to position the cursor. The INSert and DELete keys turn the
pixel at the cursor on and off.
A carriage return finishes the edit and updates the face entry.
An ESCape cancels the edit without modification to any ICONs.
Once an entry has been created in the library, it is immediately
usable by PC-VCO. When a speaker using the entry's ID is
recognized, normal expression faces are displayed (Icons 260 and
360). However, to be seen by other VCO users, the entry must be
OUTPUT to a file (on your PC) and the file uploaded to a BBS or
service (see below: "VI. Sharing your face file").
Version 2.2: 880705
VCOLIB: PC-VCO Face Librarian Page 5
V. The Graphic Editor
You enter the graphic editor through the modify command. To enter
the graphics editor, you must answer 'yes' to the question "do you
wish to modify any ICONs, you must select an ICON to be updated,
and you must select an ICON with which to start.
The editor displays the ICON as it appears on the PC-VCO screen to
the right, and displays a magnified ICON (4x) with a cursor
(initially in the top left corner) to the left. Changes to pixels
are reflected in both pictures simultaneously.
In the graphics editor, the following keys are active:
Home This key positions the cursor to the top left
corner. If the PEN is on, the point at the cursor
will change.
End This key positions the cursor to the bottom left
corner. If the PEN is on, the point at the cursor
will change.
PgDn This key positions the cursor to the bottom right
corner. If the PEN is on, the point at the cursor
will change.
PgUp This key positions the cursor to the top right
corner. If the PEN is on, the point at the cursor
will change.
Cursor up This key moves the cursor up one point. At the top
of the display, the cursor wraps to the bottom. If
the PEN is on, the point at the new cursor changes.
Cursor left This key moves the cursor left one point. At the
side of the display, the cursor wraps oppositely. If
the PEN is on, the point at the new cursor changes.
Cursor down This key moves the cursor down one point. At the
bottom of the display, the cursor wraps to the top.
If the PEN is on, the point at the new cursor changes.
Cursor right This key moves the cursor right one point. At the
side of the display, the cursor wraps oppositely. If
the PEN is on, the point at the new cursor changes.
[Note: If you have a Microsoft Mouse, motion of the
mouse will act as substitute for the cursor keys.]
Version 2.2: 880705
VCOLIB: PC-VCO Face Librarian Page 6
V. The Graphic Editor (continued)
Active keys in the graphic editor (continued)...
Ins This key turns the point at the cursor off (dark).
Del This key turns the point at the cursor on (light).
Alt-C This key clears all points in the ICON (all dark).
Alt-S This key sets all points on (all light).
Alt-R This key reverses all points in the image.
Alt-P This key turns the PEN on and off. When the PEN is
on, a message is displayed at the top of the screen.
PEN drawing is very convenient in may cases.
[Note: On the MS Mouse, the left button is PEN on
and the right button is PEN off.]
Esc This key cancels any changes and returns you to the
view screen. No changes will be made to any ICONs.
<return> This key terminates the graphic editor and modifies
the ICON you selected with your changes.
The graphic editor uses the method called 'fatbits'. The ICON is
displayed in its correct size, and also magnified 4 times.
Magnification allows a cursor to be displayed within the picture.
Most ICONs used in VCO have a light background with dark points
outlining or shading the drawing. Alt-S allows you to make a
blank canvas on which to draw. Once you've drawn your first ICON,
you can copy it over top of all the rest, and then make changes to
each as appropriate.
It may seem intimidating at first to have to create 18 images (9
for the seated display, and 9 for the speaker's box). However, it
turns out to be considerably more simple than it appears,
especially if you start out with someone else's ICONs that are
similar to the set you visualize for yourself.
In any case, you can always 'Esc' cancel the editor and make no
changes. You have an opportunity to experiment, and throw away the
result if you don't like it. So... have at it!
Version 2.2: 880705
VCOLIB: PC-VCO Face Librarian Page 7
VI. Sharing your Face File
In order for other VCO/PC-VCO users to see your face, you must
share your face file. VCOLIB will OUTPUT a library entry to a
MacIntosh type resource file. This file may be uploaded to a BBS
or service. Other VCO/PC-VCO users then download the file and add
it to their library.
Please note that when you OUTPUT a face to a file for uploading,
each system to which you wish to upload has differing requirements.
VCOLIB will query the target system, and prepare the file
accordingly. You cannot upload a file prepared for CIS to GEnie,
for example, and expect GEnie users to be able to use the file. If
you use several systems, you must prepare a different face file for
each.
Included with this distribution of PC-VCO are 6 face files (in the
library file PC-VCO.FLB). You may see the entries in this library
with the command:
"d>" VCOLIB V PC-VCO.FLB
Kelly, Mike, Bob, and OZMA have all shared VCO with me during the
development of this program. Their faces are included. The entry
PC-VCO-DEFAULT is the Charlie Brown entry used for IDs not
contained in the library. I am TARTAN.
One note - Some VCO/VMCO users pack resource files together in a
single file and upload the one file. This version of VCOLIB does
not accept a Packit format face library. Each resource file must
be extracted from a Packit format file (on a MacIntosh, or with the
utility 'unPACKIT' released separately) and then entered in to the
PC-VCO face Library.
Version 2.2: 880705
VCOLIB: PC-VCO Face Librarian Page 8
VII. Program Requirements
This program can only function on an IBM PC or DOS compatible
machine. The MODIFY and VIEW commands require a color graphics
or Hercules graphics display adapter.
On an EGA adapter, VCOLIB displays graphics in CGA mode to provide
the 'closest' square ICON available on a PC.
Version 2.2 VCOLIB supports the Microsoft Mouse, if you have one.
The mouse functions are provided in VCOLIB... no external menu or
TSR program is required.
VCOLIB does direct to screen buffer fetches and stores - so
compatibility is an important issue. VCOLIB disk I/O is done
through the 'Handle' oriented I/O routines added with DOS 2.0.
Therefore DOS 2.0 is also a requirement.
The current version's memory requirements are modest. Each Icon
uses 128 bytes. Each ID can have 18 Icons (two for each expression;
one for display and another for speaking). VCOLIB will run in 64K.
Version 2.2: 880705
VCOLIB: PC-VCO Face Librarian Page 9
VIII. Program and Author Information
This program was written using Microsoft Macro-Assembler. The
author likes assembler. Assembly language is entirely appropriate
for some of the program, and a not-inappropriate vehicle for the
rest of it.
VCOLIB and PC-VCO were written by R. Scott McGinnis of Chicago,
Illinois. My ID on PLINK and on GEnie is TARTAN. Comment and
suggestions are welcomed.
R. (Scott) McGinnis
P.O. Box 3607 Mdse Mart
Chicago, IL 60654-0607
Credit for information on the VCO must be given to Kelly Major and
Mike Cohen. Both Kelly and Mike worked to make PC-VCO possible. I
must also thank my wife, Elizabeth, who allowed me to isolate myself
(literally) for 5 months to write this, and who further read me hex
dumps (of resource files) while I keyboarded values.
VCOLIB (Version 2.2) may be distributed freely, with the caveat that
the Author information displayed at program termination is not
removed. If you find PC-VCO useful or entertaining, a registration
of $50.00 is requested. Should response warrant it, I will continue
to support this product.
Most of the hardware names and software names in this document are
trademarks or trade names of specific manufacturers.
Version 2.2: 880705
VCOLIB: PC-VCO Face Librarian Page 10
A. Face File Contents
VCOLIB maintains a Library of faces, each face associated with an
ID. The Library may include up to 100 face entries. Each entry
contains:
. The ID associated with the face(s)
. The personal name of the individual (optional and unused by
both MacIntosh VCO and PC-VCO); Field STR1000
. The speaking rate (words per minute) - used by VOICE.EXE driver;
Field STR 600
. The speaking pitch (frequency) - used by VOICE.EXE speech driver;
Field STR 610
. Faces. Nine expressions are defined, each with two modes:
Display, and speaking. Using MacIntosh terminology, these are:
Expression Face Icon Speaking Icon
-------------- ----------- -------------
Normal 260 360
Grin 261 361
Laughing 262 362
Surprised 263 363
Anger 264 364
Zzzzzz 265 365
Sad 266 366
Away from CRT 267 367
Question 268 368
PC-VCO reserves the ID "PC-VCO-DEFAULT" for itself, to be used for
faces displayed when the ID is unknown. The current distribution
contains Charlie Brown and Snoopy Icons for this ID. If the entry
is marked deleted, PC-VCO will revert to text Icons for unknown IDs.
If the entry is marked deleted, and subsequent ADDs are performed,
the entry will be lost.
A second face-set has been provided with this version of VCOLIB and
PC-VCO. It has been ID'd 'ANOTHER-DEFAULT' in the library. You may
view the entry with the command:
'd>' VCOLIB V PC-VCO.FLB ANOTHER-DEFAULT
This face-set was created by Howard Hoffman. It makes an interesting
contrast to the Charlie Brown faces. By renaming 'PC-VCO-DEFAULT'
to, say 'OLD-DEFAULT', and renaming 'ANOTHER-DEFAULT' to become
'PC-VCO-DEFAULT', PC-VCO will use it for unknown faces.
Version 2.2: 880705 Appendices
VCOLIB: PC-VCO Face Librarian Page 11
B. File formats
Library file structure.
Version 1.0 of VCOLIB uses a very simple structure for the LIB file.
The structure consists of a preamble, followed by fixed length slots
- each slot representing one 'face'.
------ Preamble format --------------------------------------------
Byte 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+->
! "V" ! "C" ! "O" ! "L" ! "I" ! "B" ! Ver ! Rev !
+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+->
Byte 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
>-+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
! Yr lsb-msb ! Da ! Mo ! Mi ! Hr ! 100th! Sec !
>-+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
Byte 17 18 19 20 21 22
>-+------+------+------+------+------+
! IDln ! NmLn ! ICLn ! Max ! Cnt !
>-+------+------+------+------+------+
Where: Ver -------> Creating program version # (ASCII)
Rev -------> Creating program revision # (ASCII)
Yr --------> Year # (Stored lsb/msb)
Mo --------> Month # (1-12); note reversal
Da --------> Day # (1-31); note reversal
Hr --------> Hour # (0-23); note reversal
Mi --------> Minute # (0-59); note reversal
Sec -------> Second # (0-59); note reversal
100th -----> 1/100 count; note reversal
IDLn ------> Maximum length in bytes of ID field
NmLn ------> Maximum length in bytes of Name field
ICLn ------> Size in bytes of each ICON field
Max -------> Max size of Library (in slots)
Cnt -------> Current count of lib slots
Version 2.2: 880705 Appendices
VCOLIB: PC-VCO Face Librarian Page 12
B. File formats (continued)
Library file structure (continued)
------ Face slot format -------------------------------------------
Each slot of the library represents one face. The structure
declared below controls the format of the slot. The fields
are laid out and used as follows:
Byte 0 20 21 41 42 43
+-----/ /-----+------+-----/ /-----+------+------+->
! ID ! Del ! Name ! Rate !
+-----/ /-----+------+-----/ /-----+------+------+->
Byte 43 44 45 63 191 319
>-+------+------+-----/ /-----+-----/ /-----+------+------+->
! Pitch ! ICON Map ! ICON_260 ! ICON_261 !
>-+------+------+-----/ /-----+-----/ /-----+------+------+->
Byte ... 1215 1343 3239 3367
>-+------+-----/ /-----+-----/ /-----+------+------+
! ... ! ICON_360 ! ... ! ICON_368 !
>-+------+-----/ /-----+-----/ /-----+------+------+
ID -----------> This field represents the ID for the face.
Del ----------> This field, if not zero, indicates unused slot.
Name ---------> This field carries a name for the face.
Rate ---------> This field carries a 16 bit rate for speaking (WPM)
Pitch --------> This field carries a 16 bit pitch for speaking (CPS)
ICON_Map -----> This set of flags indicates whether or not certain
faces in the arrays below have been filled in.
0 => ICON not present. 18 bytes, one per ICON.
ICON_260/268 -> These bitmaps are the 9 ICONs for display (4x32)
ICON_360/368 -> These bitmaps are the 9 ICONs for speaking (4x32)
Version 2.2: 880705 Appendices
VCOLIB: PC-VCO Face Librarian Page 13
C. Harry Chesley's VCO
This version of PC-VCO was written to be compatible with Mike
Cohen's MacIntosh VCO as used on PLINK. Mike derived his VCO from
Harry Chesley's original work. The ICON numbers used by both Harry
and Mike overlap. The string fields (NAME, RATE, and PITCH) are
different.
You may add files created for either VCO to PC-VCO's face library.
If the input is from a file created for Harry Chesley's VCO, certain
changes must be made. These can be accomplished with the MODIFY
command, and are:
. The personal name of the individual (optional and unused by
both MacIntosh VCO and PC-VCO); This field is not normally
carried by files created for Harry Chesley's VCO. It may be
added with the MODIFY command.
. The speaking rate (words per minute) and pitch (frequency).
These fields are carried by files created for Harry Chesley's
VCO, but with different IDs. The IDs are STR 256 and STR 257,
respectively, for Harry Chesley's VCO. VCOLIB allows you to set
field values with the MODIFY command.
. Faces. Eight expressions are defined, each with two modes:
Display, and speaking. Using MacIntosh terminology, these are:
Mike Cohen's VCO Harry Chesley's VCO
-------------------------- --------------------------
Expression Face Icon Speaking Icon Face Icon Speaking Icon
-------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
Normal 260 360 260 360
Grin 261 361 <none> <none>
Laughing 262 362 261 361
Surprised 263 363 265 365
Anger 264 364 263 363
Zzzzzz 265 365 264 364
Sad 266 366 262 362
Away from CRT 267 367 267 367
Question 268 368 266 366
ICONs added from a file created for Harry Chesley's VCO are auto-
matically moved around to match the enumeration given above for Mike
Cohen's VCO. There is no differentiation in Harry Chesley's VCO
between 'grin' and 'laughing'... so 'happy' is replicated for both.
Version 2.2: 880705 Appendices
VCOLIB: PC-VCO Face Librarian Page 14
D. Newly supported systems
With the release of Version 2.0 PC-VCO, several systems are
supported that are not mentioned during the output sequence.
PC-VCO Version 2.2 supports TBBS, and PROTOCALL services as well
as PLINK, GEnie, SOURCE, CIS, and Delphi, but the output command
prompt does not mention the two new services. There is a
reason...
MacIntosh VCO/VMCO users actually use THREE resource file formats.
[The above discussion might lead one to suspect that there are two,
but there are actually three.] VCOLIB recognizes all three on
input, and can output a file in any of the forms.
Online, there are two differing sets of control sequences (one for
PLINK/CIS and another for GEnie/Delphi). PC-VCO requires users to
switch to the set appropriate for the system. MacIntosh users
cannot do the same. [There are three programs, after all.]
Users on the newly supported services must decide which MacIntosh
user community with which they wish to be compatible. All three
have MacIntosh as well as IBM PC users. Harry Chesley has provided
(or will provide) a version of his VCO modified for SOURCE users.
For PROTOCALL and TBBS users no clear choice is available (now).
Users on each system where PC-VCO is used must decide which form
(Chesley (GEnie/Delphi), Perez (CIS), or Cohen (PLINK/CIS/Delphi)
they wish to 'standardize'. Most of the decision depends upon
whether MacIntosh users are to be included easily. When a decision
is reached on each of the above systems by the user community, I
will add the appropriate prompt to the OUTPUT command.
Version 2.2: 880705 Appendices
VCOLIB: PC-VCO Face Librarian Page 15
E. PACKIT and STUFFIT files
MacIntosh users often pack multiple files into a single file for
efficiency and data compression. PACKIT files cannot be accepted by
VCOLIB. When VCOLIB was written, the format for a PACKIT archive
(file.PIT) was not available to me. It is now.
Two utility program have been released separately to deal with packed
and stuffed files. unPACKIT unpacks files that have been packed by
PACKIT versions I, II and III (though it will not decode encoded
PACKIT III files). PIT files may be obtained from many services,
unpacked, and the unpacked contents added into PC-VCO's face library.
unSTUFIT unpacks files packed by the MacIntosh STUFFIT. SIT files
(STUFFIT files) many be obtained from many MacIntosh libraries.
unPACKIT and unSTUFIT were released separately. However, I consider
them a part of the PC-VCO package. If you have subscribed to PC-VCO,
consider it free for your use. If you haven't subscribed to PC-VCO,
and have use for unPACKIT or unSTUFIT, I've asked for a separate
registration.
Version 2.2: 880705 Appendices
VCOLIB: PC-VCO Face Librarian Page 16
F. Command Examples
To obtain a quick overview (a help display, if you wish), enter:
VCOLIB
(The following examples assume that the face library you wish to
employ is PC-VCO.FLB. VCOLIB will work on any face library.)
To List library entries, enter:
VCOLIB L PC-VCO.FLB -or- VCOLIB > PRN L PC-VCO.FLB
To view the library entry for the ID "TARTAN", enter
VCOLIB V PC-VCO.FLB TARTAN
To add an entry to the library from a file you've downloaded, enter:
VCOLIB A PC-VCO.FLB <file>
where <file> is the name you gave to the file you downloaded.
PC-VCO will tell you the ID represented by the file, and ask
for approval to update the file. If the ID already exists in
your library, you will have the opportunity to change the
(new) ID, or to replace the existing entry.
To delete the entry for TARTAN in the library, enter:
VCOLIB D PC-VCO.FLB TARTAN
if you list the library now, the entry will appear, but
be marked 'deleted'.
To undelete the entry for TARTAN in the library, enter:
VCOLIB U PC-VCO.FLB TARTAN
note that you can recover an entry you've deleted immediately
after you delete it. The first (A)dd, (R)eplace, or (C)opy
performed after the delete will use the deleted entry's space.
After that, the entry can no longer be recovered.
To copy an entry in the library to a new entry, enter:
VCOLIB C PC-VCO.FLB <ID>
where <ID> is the entry you want to copy. A new entry will be
created, and you will be asked for a (new) ID for the entry.
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VCOLIB: PC-VCO Face Librarian Page 17
F. Command Examples (continued)
To modify an entry in the library, enter:
VCOLIB M PC-VCO.FLB <ID>
where <ID> is the entry you want to modify. Normally, you
would copy an entry and modify the copy. (M)odify allows you
to change the ID for an entry, the NAME (which PC-VCO doesn't
use), and to edit the ICONs.
To generate a file (for uploading) from the library, enter:
VCOLIB O PC-VCO.FLB <ID>
where <ID> is the entry you want to output. You will be asked
for a file name to be used, and the system to which the file
will be uploaded. VCOLIB will create (or replace, if the file
already exists) a file that you can then upload for other VCO
users... both PC and MacIntosh.
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