This is the third beta of a new collection of PowerPC screen saver modules. Do not distribute these files. I will be releasing a first release version on Dec. 9, 1994 (or thereabouts). Any distribution of pre-release versions is a direct violation of my copyright.
PPC-Amodules only runs on PowerMacs. Running on any other Macintosh will result in an error message or System crash.
Read through this file to get the full effect of these modules. There are useful tips and ample sarcasm throughout this short document. You may even qualify for a free pair of 3D glasses if you find bugs or problems with this software! You might want to print out this file.
PPC-Amodules is a collection of PowerPC modules for use with After Dark® (version 3 is recommended) or similar screen saver utilities. Place the modules in your After Dark Files folder or equivalent (wherever the rest of your screen saver modules are). These modules may be freely used and distributed by individuals and organizations provided they are not sold for profit (except for connect time charges; I retain all copyrights). This file must be distributed with all of the modules as a complete, unaltered, package. They may not be sold for profit, alone or as part of a package, without obtaining my express written consent in advance of any distribution. These are algorithmic screen savers which contain no cartoon characters or animation. If you like them, please send a postcard to:
Brian Lowry, 9915-86 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6E 2L8
or e-mail to
lowry@lowry.eche.ualberta.ca (note: after mid-1995 this address will likely change)
If you really like them, then complain to your screen saver publisher that you use a Mac and would perhaps like to see fewer cartoon characters. They probably won't listen, but at least you can take perverse satisfaction in seeing their Yogi Bear and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (I'm sure these are both registered trademarks of someone really important) screen saver packages for Windows flop. Personally, my bet would be on Jurassic Park screen savers (now I know that Jurassic Park's a registered trademark of someone important…)
A brief description of each module:
Denizens: frail objects spin and bounce around the screen
Gloss: lights play over a glossy surface (best viewed from a few metres, or several feet, away)
Harmony: streamers of spheres spin around a central sphere, passing through each other
Ice: lights play over an icy surface
Madman's Quilt: a twisted patchwork slowly changes
Mounds: minimalist terrain generator for that special feeling of unreality
Plasma: spheres spin and bounce around the screen, passing through each other
Plasma3D: 3D version of Plasma (best w/ 3D glasses — see below)
Rainbow: shifts the colours of your monitor, even in B&W (on a colour monitor)
Snow: old-style TV noise fills the screen
Sundial: clouds drift over terrain seen from above, while the days go slowly by
Most of the modules are self-explanatory, but there are a few general guidelines you should follow for optimal performance. Since many of the modules are running at the borderline of what even a PowerMac is capable of, if you ignore this section you'll find many modules run slow and jerky and look less than impressive. All modules run on a single monitor only (they were too slow on multiple monitors, so support was removed). The modules Sundial, Mounds, Gloss, Ice, and Madman's Quilt repeat every 512 pixels vertically and horizontally, so they may look better on smaller monitors. Note that running in Demo mode (in After Dark, where the controls are still visible) will often result in drastically reduced speed, though it's still a good way to try out various settings.
run best in 256 colours:
Plasma, Harmony, Denizens
run best in 256 colours (with red/blue 3D glasses):
Plasma3D
run best in Millions of colours (but OK in Thousands):
Sundial, Mounds
only run in Millions of colours:
Gloss, Ice, Madman's Quilt
runs well at any colour setting:
Snow
runs best with other screen saver modules (any colour setting):
Rainbow
Plasma3D requires 3D glasses for full effect (although there's a setting for those without a pair). If you find any problems with this software, send me a note or e-mail describing the troubles you experience. If you're the first to report the problem, or if I find your comments useful (suggestions are always welcome), I'll send you a pair of 3D glasses. For those who can't find any problems (these modules have been tested, after all), you can order a pair from:
REEL 3-D ENTERPRISES, PO BOX 2368, CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA 90231 (310) 837-2368
For more information on other modules, look at the help text for each module. In After Dark® this is done by clicking on the information about the module at the bottom of the control panel.
I accept no responsibility for the suitability or quality of these modules, they are intended solely as a diversion.
After Dark® is a registered trademark of Berkeley Systems Inc.
Windows isn't a trademark of anyone, because it's a common word in the English language
