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Text File | 1994-12-01 | 23.0 KB | 612 lines

Trade::Show(tm) ------------------- pcx images sequencer for demos/presentations (for DOS- or Windows-based systems) a product of RCCO Research Introduction ------------- Trade::Show(tm) is a deceptively simple-to-use application that allows individuals or organizations to quickly create slideshow programs for product or services demos or other presentations. It takes a sequence of user-prepared .pcx image files in 640x480x16 VGA format and displays that sequence to customers, clients, or other end-users in a choice of three methods: at the end-user's own pace with a key click to advance images, or with a self-running continuous demo, or as a variant on the first that waits a few seconds for a key click, and if not found, advances auto- matically. All three methods are included in the present package. Trade::Show demos/presentations will run under both DOS and Windows (full DOS screen). Its chief advantages, aside from the presentations themselves, are both low cost and method of acquiring. The copy included herewith is a fully-functional evaluation copy available easily and universally through the user-supported software marketplace. Capabilities ------------- This version of Trade::Show will display up to and including twenty (20) prepared .pcx images. (The registered copy allows up to forty (40) images in sequence.) Individual images may be designated for layering or superimposing one on top of the other (similar to the appearance in Microsoft Windows(tm) ), or with a clearscreen designation so that an image will be presented with totally "clean" viewport. Both capabilities may be used and interchanged in any sequence/presentation. (The included samples demonstrate these capabilities). TRADESHW.TXT Trade::Show Documentation Page 2 Running the program -------------------- To display a pre-defined sequence of images, the user types at the DOS prompt: DEMO <enter> or DEMO2 <enter> or DEMO3 <enter> In Windows(tm), the user need only double-click on the filenames DEMO.EXE, DEMO2.EXE, or DEMO3.EXE in a File Manager window. Preparation of images ---------------------- Trade::Show is particularly effective for software developers preparing demo versions of their products, in that they can easily capture actual screen shots with programs like Hijaak(tm) for Windows and modify them in editing programs such as Windows(tm) Paintbrush. The only requirement is that images must be finally saved in 640x480 16- color VGA .pcx file format. If you are doing image preparation in Windows, you will have to load the 16-color video driver for 640x480 VGA in order to prepare proper images. This format is used since it is the most universal that will allow presentations to be viewed on as many DOS and/or Windows VGA systems as possible. Do not build your images with 256 or more colors as they will not display with Trade::Show. The end-user should be able to properly display using any VGA card and driver with 16 or more colors; it is only during the preparation and saving of .pcx images that you must use a 640x480x16 driver. We have observed excellent, consistent results with using a program such as Hijaak(tm) for Windows to capture entire DOS or Windows screens, or selected areas of screens, or a particular window on a full Windows screen. The pre- parer then does final editing, adding of explanatory text or drawing of lines or other pointers or other demonstrative aids, in a drawing program (we suggest the one that comes with Windows 3.x: Paintbrush). Other graphics programs are likely to provide compatible material, but they must be tried on a test basis with Trade::Show. The two programs mentioned above work well for most users, are widely available, and do not require great technical or professional ability. Scanned images will also be effective in Trade::Show if they are saved in the proper format. If one format you are using seems not workable, try saving that image in another program, such as Windows Paintbrush; we have often found that certain images work better when converted or simply saved in another program's format even though they may use the same .pcx extension. When attempting to use monochrome pcx files, resave them as 16-color 640x480 VGA pcx files. Even though the appearance will remain the same, they will be saved in a format usable by Trade::Show. TRADESHW.TXT Trade::Show Documentation Page 3 Once you find the right combination of steps to produce pcx file formats consistently usable by Trade::Show, you will save a great deal of time and effort by always using that combination in future presentation applications. Required naming convention for .pcx files ------------------------------------------ After you have prepared and collected the desired .pcx files, simply name copies of them in the sequence you wish them displayed; ie, Name the first to display: DEMO1.PCX and then the second: DEMO2.PCX the third: DEMO3.PCX and so on, up to ... and including: DEMO20.PCX The above filenaming convention provides layering of images one on top of the previous. The preparer specifies a clearscreen before an image by appending an underscore (_) to the prefix part of the file name. To have a clearscreen before the images are displayed, name them: DEMO2_.PCX DEMO3_.PCX ... DEMO20_.PCX Please note that a full screen image usually does not need a clearscreen command before its display. You may intermix as you wish images that are designated for layering or clearscreen; for example, DEMO1.PCX DEMO2_.PCX DEMO3_.PCX DEMO4.PCX DEMO5_.PCX (The included samples provide a mixture of both designations; the demo for which they were prepared used both effectively where needed.) Simply maintain a consecutive numerical sequence in each presentation. If you skip a number (ie, DEMO6.PCX followed immediately by DEMO8_.PCX), the program will complete and return to the system (or in the case of the self- running version, cycle back to the beginning) without displaying the image numbered outside of consecutive sequence. TRADESHW.TXT Trade::Show Documentation Page 4 Prepare for your audience -------------------------- You will then arrange to have your eventual users operate a single, prepared sequence of the properly named files in the same directory that contains either (or all, if desired) DEMO.EXE, DEMO2.EXE or DEMO3.EXE, which are the Trade::Show executable files. All are very compact in size and efficient in execution; any or all will take up relatively little space on any distribution diskettes you may build for your demos/presentations. The basic requirement is that all image files and the chosen executable(s) be placed in the same directory on a hard drive (or ram drive). You should advise end-users against running your demo/presentation from a floppy diskette, due to the slowness of building the on-screen image from reading from a diskette. We use a phrase in our readme files that says "For tolerable viewing results, please do not run the demo from a floppy disk." You may wish to include this sentence or something similar in your instructions to your potential audience. Your end-users will certainly need VGA graphics capabilities to view your demo/presentation. If a user attempts execution on a non-VGA-capable system, a simple screen will display the message This demo requires VGA graphics. (640x480x16) and return to the system. Three different methods of execution ------------------------------------- The version of Trade::Show named DEMO.EXE requires a keypress (we suggest the <spacebar> in our demos) to move to each succeeding image. The end-user may then proceed at any pace desired to properly peruse your demo. The alternate version, DEMO2.EXE, is the self-running demo. It will take the same sequence of images you make available with the above-described naming conventions and operate continuously until interrupted by a keypress (usually the <Esc> key). Demo2.exe changes screens about every six seconds, until a key is pressed, at which point the program exits normally. Demo2 is most efficient and effective when run on a system with fast video and a disk cache large enough to hold your sequence of .pcx files. It then runs quietly and smoothly, offering a most professional presentation of your materials. Uses for the self-running demo would include unattended presen- tations at shows or for store displays; real estate or other professionals will make significant use of such capability. The third method (DEMO3.EXE) is somewhat of a combination of the first two: it waits about six seconds on each screen for a keypress. If there is no keypress, it proceeds to the next image automatically, much like the self- running second method; unlike the second method, however, it is not a continuous presentation that recycles to the beginning after the final TRADESHW.TXT Trade::Show Documentation Page 5 image -- it simply ends the one-time-through presentation much like the first method. Also, the user may press the <Pause> key on an enhanced keyboard to hold an image in view for a longer period; when ready, the user presses <spacebar> to continue. At initial glance, you may feel this third form is more desirable than the first method (DEMO.EXE), but do realize that certain images that may contain a sizeable portion of text or other complex content may simply leave the user's view too soon without providing enough time for adequate perusal. A six-second delay was found to be about the maximum amount to utilize without the viewer feeling that something had gone wrong with the demo or feeling that images stayed on the screen for an agonizingly long period of time. There will always be particular instances that any of the three methods of execution described above will be most effective. We felt strongly that it was very important to provide all three methods to potential users of Trade::Show in the current version. Troubleshooting ---------------- The only caveat we might offer with this program is that if you find that your images do not display, or do not display properly, it is probably because they have been created or saved in a format that may only be slightly incompatible with that which Trade::Show requires. Before you decide that the Trade::Show program is not usable in such instances, try the suggestion given before for re-saving your .pcx files in another graphics program. Most image-editing programs will read files in several formats, and often allow conversions, or perhaps will save them in a later .pcx format that will work with applications such as Trade::Show. Also, make certain that images are saved in 640x480 by 16-color format by using the proper software and/or video drivers to handle the format. Program Requirements --------------------- The requirements for running Trade::Show include a DOS-compatible PC with 512k memory, VGA graphics capability, and a hard drive. DOS 3.1 (or later) or Windows 3.x (or later), is needed. TRADESHW.TXT Trade::Show Documentation Page 6 The Unregistered Evaluation Copy --------------------------------- The unregistered version of this program is intended for use in evaluation situations only. It may be used for ninety (90) days within your own organization by persons that have knowledge and understanding of the fact that this is an unregistered evaluation copy. The payment of the $39.95 purchase price for a registered copy of this program will allow license for a single user to make use of program for purposes traditionally accepted for software programs of this type. Additional site license fees of $15.00 per user may be paid at the time of registration, or any time in the future after initial registration at the then current license fee in effect. There are no runtime royalties involved in the distribution of your materials utilizing a duly registered copy of Trade::Show. The license and authorized registration shall not be construed as being in effect until direct payment has been received by RCCO Research and an authorized, registered copy has been sent in the registered user's/users' name(s). Retroactive registration payment after unauthorized use is not appropriate, nor is the use of unregistered copies of DEMO.EXE, DEMO2.EXE, or DEMO3.EXE by registered users allowed. Registered users must allow use and distribution of their demos/presentations only with the registered copy sent by RCCO Research. The Registered Version of Trade::Show -------------------------------------- The registered copy allows up to forty (40) images in sequence, in contrast to the limit of twenty in the evaluation copy. Special builds allowing for sequences of greater than forty images may be obtained from RCCO Research for a very nominal fee; please write for a quote, indicating whether the use is for a single-user license or multiple users, and the exact capacity required. We can also vary the six-second timed screen delays to another interval with special builds. Such custom builds may be purchased with or after initial registration. Currently, documentation for the registered version is an on-disk text file, similar to the present format. TRADESHW.TXT Trade::Show Documentation Page 7 Licensing Information ---------------------- This program is licensed and supplied as is, without any warranty. To the extent permitted under applicable law, RCCO Research Associates disclaims all warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to this software program, its quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. In particular, this software program is not guaranteed to prevent or detect damage to your data or programs. In no event shall RCCO Research Associates be liable for any claims for lost profits or any damage, including, but not limited to, special, incidental, consequential or other damage (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interrup- tion, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or inability to use this RCCO Research Associates product, even if RCCO Research Associates has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. In no case shall RCCO Research Associates's liability exceed the license fees paid for the right to use the licensed version of the software. The license agreement and warranty shall be construed, interpreted and governed by the laws of the state of Tennessee. This software program is protected under the Copyright Laws of the United States of America and all applicable International Copyright Conventions. Makers and/or users of illegal or unauthorized copies of the registered version are subject to prosecution under these laws. The names Trade::Show(tm) and OBJECTS::NEXUS(tm) are trademarks of RCCO Research Associates. Windows(tm) is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Other trade names referenced herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. TRADESHW.TXT Trade::Show Documentation Page 8 Registration Notes ------------------- Registration will obtain a copy of the most recent authorized version and provide legal authorization for continued use of the program after a ninety-day (90-day) evaluation period. You are granted a restricted-use (see above section entitled "The Unregis- tered Evaluation Copy") evaluation period of up to ninety (90) days to determine whether or not you wish to purchase a registered copy of this software. To obtain a registered copy, you must mail an advance-payment registration fee of U.S. $39.95 + $2.55 shipping/handling ($7.05 non-U.S. shipping/ handling, $4.05 for Canada) directly to RCCO Research. Additional users are $15.00 per user. Payment is to be made by check or money order only, please. We require payment with order so that prices and fees may be kept as reasonable as possible; this policy has worked well for us in recent years, as we observe increased registration on products that are reasonably priced. For credit card and telephone orders, see the Additional Ordering Options note below. An invoice will be included with your order, showing the registered serial number(s) applicable to the purchase. We can provide a pro forma invoice to those corporations or institutions that require same before payment can be issued; shipment will be made promptly upon receipt of payment. Prices and/or registration and/or license fees are subject to change. Tennessee clients please include the required 8.5% sales tax on both the product amount and shipping/handling as mandated by the state. International clients must pay by check or money order in U.S. dollars, drawn on a U.S. bank or the U.S. branch of an international bank. Please realize that international postal money orders are considerably delayed through the postal systems and may not be the most expedient way of relaying payment. An often-used form of payment consists of obtaining a dollar-denominated money order from the local American Express office which you may then airmail to us along with your order. Please indicate program name and current version number on your order; you may use the Order.frm file provided on the disk (or the program directory) or simply send a note or letter with your name, organization name, address, program name & version, number of users being licensed, and remittance. Your comments on our programs are welcomed. TRADESHW.TXT Trade::Show Documentation Page 9 Additional ordering options: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- CREDIT CARD ORDERS ONLY - You may order a registered copy (for *this* RCCO Research program only) with MC, Visa, Amex, or Discover from PsL, Public (software) Library of Houston, Texas by calling 800-242-4775 or 713-524-6394, or by FAX to 713-524-6398, or by CompuServe E-mail to 71355,470. You may also mail credit card orders to PsL at P.O. Box 35705, Houston, TX 77235-5705. PsL's item/product number for Trade::Show is #11624. THE ABOVE NUMBERS ARE FOR ORDERS ONLY. Any questions about the status of the shipment of the order, registration options, product details, technical support, volume discounts, dealer pricing, site licenses, etc. must be directed in writing to RCCO Research, P.O. Box 196, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. To ensure that you get the fastest possible delivery of your registered copy, PsL will notify us the day of your order and we will ship the materials directly to you. There are no additional fees for ordering by credit card. Your credit card number is *not* transmitted to RCCO Research, but rather is processed by PsL as part of their software registration ordering service. The above service is made available as a convenience to client individuals who feel comfortable with ordering by telephone and with a credit card. Established concerns may prefer to order directly from RCCO Research with the company's own business check. Please realize that we pay PsL for the service, and that you should not make non-order calls to them about RCCO Research products, as indicated above. PsL cannot answer non-order inquiries. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADESHW.TXT Trade::Show Documentation Page 10 Additional Information ----------------------- If you have any comments regarding this program after (or with) registra- tion, please send them in writing to: RCCO Research Associates P. O. Box 196 Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (U.S.A.) Please include your phone (day & evening) and fax (if any) numbers as well as your mailing address and CompuServe number / Internet address (if any) on ALL written communications. Please indicate the serial number from your copy of the program as well as your CustID number. Q. I see the file Order.frm [order form] in my \TRADESHW directory. How may I print it out on my printer? A. To print the registration order form from DOS, make sure your printer is on and ready with at least 2 sheets of paper, change to the \TRADESHW directory and at the DOS prompt, type the following: COPY ORDER.FRM PRN<enter> Or, if you are in Windows(tm), launch Notepad, open the file Order.frm in the \TRADESHW directory. From the File menu, select Page Setup to set all margins minimally: 0 for Left, Right, Top, Bottom Margins. Delete the default header and footer items. Select OK. Then from the File Menu, select Print to print out the order form. (If you wish to fill in the form with your order information before printing, it would be best to open Order.frm in a word processor, such as Write, because Notepad does not have an overwrite mode in Windows(tm) 3.x.) Trade::Show(tm) ---------------- pcx images sequencer for demos/presentations (for DOS- or Windows-based systems) an OBJECTS::NEXUS(tm) application (C) Copyright 1994 RCCO Research Associates All Rights Reserved under International Conventions Product of U.S.A. RCCO Research Associates (Technical Publishers - Est. 1965) Post Office Box 196 / Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738 (U.S.A.)