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1992-02-20
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<<< THE PICTURE PACKER >>>
Written by Jeff Prieb (a.k.a. JAKE)
Released by : STfx Software
Shareware Version 1.0
Copyright 1992
About the Program:
=================
The Picture Packer (Packer) is a multi-purpose graphics program. It
has many uses bundled into one useful utility. Packer was designed
to be easy to use as well as help organize your picture files and
make better use of your disk space.
Program Features:
Here is a list of what Packer has to offer:
Compress pictures-
Packer was originally created to be used with STOS, as the packed
picture can be loaded directly into STOS basic programs by changing
the file extension from .PP? to .MBK. That doesn't mean that non-STOS
users will not find it useful. The Picture Packer can compress a
picture smaller than a Degas Elite compressed. As an example the title
screen for this program uses 32066 bytes as a Degas uncompressed
picture. The Degas compressed picture uses 16126 bytes and Packer uses
11768 bytes. The reason it is smaller is because Packer tries 8
different ways to pack the same picture and saves the method that uses
the least space. This allows you to have 5 to 50% more pictures on
one disk.
Convert between formats - The Picture Packer allows you to load a
picture file and save the same picture with a different extender.
The process converts the file to the newly selected format.
[ie.: Load FILENAME.NEO and save it as FILENAME.PI1 or as
NEW_NAME.ART.]
Built-in graphics editor - Included within the program is Version
2.41 of STOS Paint. This gives you the ability to edit or change the
currently loaded picture. [ie.: Change colors, edit pixels, draw,
make circles, etc...] The file PAINT.DOC provides instructions for
using the graphics editor.
Printer output - Allows you to make hardcopies of your picture
files. Useful for displaying your favourite pics.
Clock set - Gives you the option to change the time and date so
that the files that you save have a current time/date stamp.
Disk functions - Packer supplies you with the ability to format
disks, rename/delete files, and to set the current drive. The
program also contains a 'smart' save and load routine which will
permit only the available file extenders.
Using the Program:
Packer is a menu driven program consisting of the following five
menu options:
STfx Printer View Disk Editor
---- ------ ---- ---- ------
Info Print Current Load Start
Clock Config Save
Quit Set drive
Dir
Delete
Rename
Format
Descriptions of the Menu Options:
STfx menu
Info : Just a bit of information about the author and the program.
Clock : View or set time and date. Files will be saved with this date
stamp.
Quit : Exit out of the program back to the desktop.
Printer menu
Print : Sends a hardcopy of the picture in memory to the printer. Not
available if current picture cannot be displayed to the
screen.
Config : Set printer configuration. Easy to use menu. The number
keys toggle the settings and are automatically kept in
memory when you exit.
View menu
Current : Displays current picture to the screen. Not available if
mono picture and colour monitor or colour picture and mono
monitor.
Disk menu
Load : Load a picture file into memory. Packer can load any of the
following picture file formats:
NEO - NEOchrome PI? & PC? - Degas Elite
TN? - Tiny ART - Art Director
DOO - Doodle PP? - Picture Packer
A total of 16 different files.
Save : Save a picture file from the current picture. Picture
conversion is done automatically. Packer can save picture
files in the following formats:
NEO - PI? - ART - DOO - PP?
A total of 9 different files.
NOTE: Saving to a different resolution than the current picture
is not available.(ie.Load - NEO & Save PI2)
Set drive : Can be used to set the current read and write drive.
The shaded drives are unavailable.
Dir : Listing of files in current directory, free disk space and disk
name.
Delete : Use file selector to delete a file or <RETURN> to exit.
Rename : Use file selector to rename a file. Follow prompts.
Format : Built-in disk formatting utility for those times that you
need a blank disk. Set tracks,sectors,etc...
Editor menu
Start : Enter graphics editor to alter your picture currently in
memory or create a new one. Instructions are in the file
PAINT.DOC. Not available if picture cannot be displayed on
screen.
This archive should contain the following files:
===============================================
PIC_PACK.DOC PIC_PACK.PRG PAINT.DOC
PP_SLID2.PRG REGISTER.TXT FILE_ID.DIZ
And some assorted picture files.
When Uploading this archive please include these files
without alteration.
Descriptions of Files Included in the Archive:
===============================================
PIC_PACK.DOC - This documentation file for The Picture Packer
program.
PIC_PACK.PRG - The Picture Packer program.
PAINT.DOC - The documentation for STOS Paint V2.41. It describes
the menu options included within the Editor menu.
PP_SLID2.PRG - A slideshow program to view the same picture formats
that THE PICTURE PACKER uses. Just place the program with the files
(same folder) to be shown. Use the <SPACEBAR> to pause the picture
and <RETURN> to exit the slideshow.
REGISTER.DOC - A registration form for The Picture Packer. Once you have
sent in this form you become a registered user of the program and you
will automatically be sent (ie Free) the registered Version 2.0 of The
Picture Packer and the Slideshow programs as soon as they are available.
A small fee will be required for future versions after 2.0. Also, as a
registered user, you will be informed when new products become available,
and are offered a discount on their purchase. Note: If you wish to become
a BETA tester for future works check the appropriate box on the
registration form.
FILE_ID.DIZ - A description of the archive contents used by
various BBS's.
***WARRANTY***
STfx Software makes no warranty on The Picture Packer, other than,
we will support and upgrade the program to make your life easier.
We will not, however, be held responsible for any damages, whether
direct or indirect, incurred by users as a result of running this
program, or due to failure of this product to meet any and/or all
the stated specifications. The Picture Packer is distributed
strictly on an 'as is' basis.
The program was setup to catch as many errors as possible before they
happen. All humans are known to err though so if you do find a way to
crash the program please let me know.
Notes on Version 1.0:
Users of Quick ST should disable this feature before running the
program. The Picture Packer locks up if you try to run it with
Quick ST running.
How to Contact the Author:
Mailing Address - STfx Software
154 Adelaide St.
Kitchener, Ontario
Canada N2M 2B6
System EX-10 Canada - (519) 725-4400 or (519) 725-4401
Send Email to user 'Jeff Prieb'
Users may communicate with me either via the NaNet Atari Conference, or
the EX-10 Support Conference available through any Bulletin board
System that carries NaNet conferences.
Wide distribution of this program is provided under the copyright