The Diskworld Shell program was written with every attempt at producing an intuitive interface which would make newcomers feel comfortable but - at the same time - not make seasoned veterans feel cramped or bored. By most accounts, it is a success; but there are still questions in a few areas. Below, we give some definitions and explanations of how to use Diskworld.
• Panel - A “Panel” is what we call the graphic which is displayed in the main window (the window with the buttons to the right). The purpose of a panel is to show the user what a program, feature, article, review, or department is at a glance - while at the same time, giving a polished appearance to Diskworld!
• Button - Any of the row of controlling buttons to the right of a panel. An important thing to note is that buttons are “enabled” (or not) as appropriate for each panel. The buttons have the following functions:
• Left Arrow (Previous) - Moves back one panel in the panel list.
• Right Arrow (Next) - Moves to the next panel.
• Read - This button will call forth a text file describing, in greater detail, the item featured in the panel.
• Run - This button will launch the program featured in the panel.
• Help - This button will take you to the help screen at any time. When you have finished reading the help screen (or this file), click on the “Return” button that will appear in the same location as the “Help” button to get back to the same panel where you were on before.
• Art - This button is active at all times and gives access to the clip art that is published on each disk. Clip art is either Paint (bitmapped) style or PICT (object oriented) style.
• Copy - This button will allow you to copy the programs or other featured items to another disk. You will be presented with the standard file dialog box to determine where to copy the files to. When you use the Copy button to copy items from Diskworld, you are assured of getting all of the necessary files that may go along with it, for example data files or necessary text files will be copied as needed.
• Install - This button will initiate an installation procedure for Desk Accessories and FKEYs. (To install INITs from within Diskworld simply click on the Copy button and use the standard file dialog box to select the system file you want the INIT copied into.)
• Menus - the buttons mentioned above are not the only way to maneuver around Diskworld. The menu options allow you to instantly go to a particular panel where you can then run a program or read a file. Other menu options include printing which is available not only for text files but (if enough memory is available) also for the graphic documents you call up with the Paint or PICT buttons. There is also a “Write us a Letter” command that will pull up a limited text editor for your use in composing letters to the editors. (When used with the copy commands available in a text file, this makes it easy to select a section of a file and paste it into a letter back to us.)
The last panel of each issue is devoted to our regular features and is readily accessible by selecting “Departments” from the “Issue” menu, or by pressing the down arrow key (the up arrow key will take you to our cover panel).
If you have problems that these instructions do not help with, please call us at 1-800-831-2694 and ask for Technical Support. We are committed to giving you the best product in the Macintosh market.
