PictureSaver Version 4.2
Copyright ©1998-2004 Stephen W. Chappell
http://www.steveswebshed.com/
steve@steveswebshed.com

Thank you for downloading the latest and greatest PictureSaver! This version is
packed with new features, from new file formats to picture decorations to new
transitions. While I've made the interface as intuitive as possible, there are
so many options that I thought a little documentation couldn't hurt :) So read
on, and happy Picture Saving!

ABOUT PICTURESAVER
==================
PictureSaver is a screen saver that allows you to turn your pictures into a
slideshow. Select the pictures you'd like to see, and let the PictureSaving
begin! You control exactly how your pictures are displayed: stretched or
shrunken to fit the screen; number of pictures onscreen at one time; random or
sequential ordering; background colors; picture frames; descriptions; on-screen
clocks; and more! Picture groups provide even more variety, and can now be'
exported into standalone screen savers. Over 190 transition effects. Supports
over 25 popular file formats.

WHAT'S NEW
==========
* New! Now supports over 25 file formats, including:
  - Windows picture formats (*.bmp, *.rle, *.dib, *.wmf, *.emf)
  - JPEG (*.jpg, *.jpeg)
  - TIFF (*.tif, *.tiff, *.fax) - non-LZW varieties only
  - SGI images (*.bw, *.rgb, *.rgba, *.sgi)
  - Autodesk images files (*.cel; *.pic) - old-style only
  - Truevision images (*.tga; *.vst; *.icb; *.vda; *.win)
  - ZSoft Paintbrush images (*.pcx, *.pcc; *.scr)
  - Kodak Photo-CD images (*.pcd)
  - Portable pixel/gray map images (*.ppm, *.pgm, *.pbm)
  - Dr. Halo images (*.cut, *.pal)
  - SGI Alias/Wavefront images (*.rla, *.rpf)
  - Photoshop images (*.psd, *.pdd)
  - Paintshop Pro images (*.psp)
  - Portable network graphic images (*.png)
* New! Group Exporter. Export your groups into standalone screen savers you can
  freely share with friends and family.
* New! Picture folders. Specify where your pictures are, then change which
  pictures to display just by changing the contents of the folders.
* New! Multi-picture. Now you can specify how many pictures to display at once.
* New! Multi-colored background gradients. Select up to eight colors to use in
  your background, and choose from four different gradient types.
* New! Picture frames. Choose either solid or 3d frames to surround your
  pictures for a distinctive look.
* New! Configurable onscreen clock.
* New! Windows help file.
* New! Transition groups provide for easier management of your favorite
  transitions.
* New! User configurable stretch method enhances the quality of resized images
  to your specifications.  
* Improved! Over 200 new and improved transitions.
* Improved! Picture descriptions just got better with new placement and shadow
  options, including 3D block-letters.
* Improved! Multi-threaded file finder allows for a more responsive, faster
  picture finder.
* Improved! The configuration box now provides even better picture management
  options, including list sorting.

And for registered users:
* New! MP3 support. Now you can add your favorite MP3 files to a group's music
  list to turn your saver into a true multi-media extravaganza.
* New! Preview sounds right in the configuration box.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
===================
Windows 95 or better;
Pentium-class or better processor;
4MB or more of Video Memory;
16-bit color resolution or higher display;
Picture files to be displayed

LEGALESE
========
This software is provided as freeware until such time as it is registered. You
are hereby granted the license to use and distribute this software as you see
fit, so long as the "zip" file is distributed unmodified. This means you can
upload it, stick it on a CD, give it to a friend, or whatever. Only the
unmodified "zipped" file may be distributed.

You are expressly prohibited from distributing PictureSaver registration codes.
Moreover, you are granted the license to register PictureSaver only on
computers for which you are the primary user.

This software is provided "as-is" and without warranty of any kind, expressed,
implied or otherwise, including and without limitation, any warranty of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall the
author be liable for any special, incidental, indirect or consequential damages
whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of profits,
business interruption, loss of information, or any other loss), whether or not
advised of the possibility of damage, and on any theory of liability, arising
out of or in connection with the use or inability to use this software. Use
of this software indicates you agree to this.

LEGALESE - EXPORTED SAVERS
==========================
Standalone savers created using PictureSaver may be freely distributed, as
freeware or shareware, at the discretion of the creator of the standalone
saver, subject to the limitations stated under "LEGALESE". Exported savers
must be distributed as created by PictureSaver; you are expressly prohibited
from modifying, decompiling, reverse-engineering, or otherwise tampering with
the exported product.

Exported savers are provided "as-is" and without warranty of any kind,
expressed, implied or otherwise, including and without limitation, any warranty
of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall the
author be liable for any special, incidental, indirect or consequential damages
whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of profits,
business interruption, loss of information, or any other loss), whether or not
advised of the possibility of damage, and on any theory of liability, arising
out of or in connection with the use or inability to use this software. Use
of this software indicates you agree to this.

CREDITS
=======
PictureSaver created by Stephen W. Chappell. Copyright ©1998-2003 Stephen W.
  Chappell. All rights reserved.

Portions of PictureSaver were created by and are copyrighted by other authors.
These include:

TColorPickerButton created by Mike Lischke, public@lischke-online.de.
  Copyright ©1999 Dipl. Ing. Mike Lischke. All rights reserved.

This software uses EldoS Sounds package to play MP3 streams. EldoS Sounds
  is a free package, and you can find it on http://www.eldos.org/.
  EldoS Sounds project manager is Eugene Mayevski, Mayevski@eldos.org.

UPGRADING TO PICTURESAVER PRO
=============================
If you like PictureSaver, why not upgrade to PictureSaver Pro? It has all the
same great features as PictureSaver, and adds sound! PictureSaver Pro adds
these features:

* Each picture can have a .wav file associated with it to play whenever that
  picture is displayed.
* Too much configuration? Each picture can instead play a random sound from its
  group's sound list.
* Each group can play MP3 and midi files in the background, chosen randomly
  from the group's music list.

Each of these features are configured from the Pictures tab in the
configuration dialog. Use of these options is noted in the appropriate
sections, below.

CONTENTS
========
The installation package contains two files: PSSetup.exe (the installer) and
PictureSaver.txt (this file).

INSTALLING PICTURESAVER
=======================
Installing PictureSaver is simple: just run the PSSetup.exe file, and follow
the directions on the screen.

Installed Files
---------------
The following files will be copied to your Windows directory:

    PictureSaver.scr - the screen saver

These files are copied into your installation directory:

    readme.txt       - this file
    PictureSaver.hlp - help file
    ExStub.exe       - export module
    PSHome           - internet shortcut
    elamp.esp        - mp3 module
    uninsXXX.exe     - uninstall file (XXX = 3 digit number assigned by the
                       installer; usually 000 but may be different in the event
                       of multiple installations or installations using the
                       same installer)
    uninsXXX.msg     - uninstall file
    uninsXXX.dat     - uninstall file

After you configure PictureSaver, it creates the following file in your Windows
directory to store your image list:

    PictureSaver.cfg

It also creates a registry key to store the options under:

     HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Stephen W. Chappell\PictureSaver

UNINSTALLING PICTURESAVER
=========================
Though I can't imagine why anyone would want to do this :), PictureSaver is
easy to uninstall: From the Start menu, select Settings -> Control Panel. From
the window that pops up, double-click Add/Remove Programs. Scroll down until
you find PictureSaver 4.2, click it once to select it, then click the
Add/Remove button.

CONFIGURING PICTURE SAVER
=========================
See the help file for full details on configuring PictureSaver 4.2.

WHILE THE SAVER IS RUNNING
==========================
While the saver is running, you can force PictureSaver to switch to the next
picture by pressing the right or down cursor keys on your keyboard. You can
also use the Page Down key to force it to switch to another group from among
the checked groups. Once you press the key, it will take a second or two for
the picture to be displayed, so don't worry if the change isn't instantaneous.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, TECH. SUPPORT
==================================
If you have any questions or comments, need technical support, want me to add
some cool feature to the saver, or just want to tell me what a great and
wonderful person I am, send me an email at support@steveswebshed.com.

Enjoy!

REVISION HISTORY
================
Version 4.0: 04/08/2001
- Revision history is now being maintained in the help file.

Version 3.0.3: 2/13/2000
- Fixed a problem with the search for files functionality; the add button
  wasn't working beyond the first few pictures.
- Wave files weren't playing if transitions were turned off; this is fixed.
- If PictureSaver exited while a sound was playing, it caused an Access
  Violation. This is fixed.
- Tweaked the user interface so that it looked OK under large fonts, or at
  least usable.
- Swapped the existing font box for a new one, that uses less memory and has
  more options (hence the slightly smaller file).
- Some code organizational changes in the list management code.

Version 3.0.2: 1/5/2000
- Changed the color buttons on the Options tab to Mike Lischke's
  ColorPickerButton, for a little better look and better ease of use.
- In PS Pro, midi files stopped playing after two files were played. This is
  fixed.
- Changed the midi randomizer so that the same midi file won't be played twice
  in a row.
- Fixed a small problem in the configuration box: if you selected a picture,
  then flipped to the midi list, certain controls would erroneously remain
  enabled; if you clicked them, then you would get an error. This has been
  fixed.
- Fixed some problems with the group change key, which was screwing up the midi
  playback. My friends tried to tell me not to include that midi stuff...
- Added the ability to change the ordering of sound and midi files

Version 3.0.1: 12/7/1999
- Added a button to bring up the readme file, and made the OK & Cancel buttons
  nonflat.
- Fixed a "bug" (more an inefficiency) I noticed in the gradient fill routines
  that significantly speeds up initial start time and picture load times.
- Fixed a bug that causes a division by zero error under certain, very specific
  conditions - when your display order is set to "in order from random picture"
  AND you have a group with no pictures in it that is checked on the groups
  tab.
- If PictureSaver is unable to load a file (due to corrupt file, or the file
  can't be found because it was moved/deleted, etc.), it now clears the screen
  to just the gradient background instead of leaving the last picture.
- Fixed a bug in the wallpaper button code. Now it will hang the wallpaper,
  instead of hanging a blank bitmap. Oops, that'll teach me to over-optimize...
- The preview window and the wallpaper button now correctly reflect the
  Maintain Aspect Ratio setting.
- Tweaked some compiler settings for slightly better file size.

Version 3.0: 11/14/1999
- A whole bunch of new and improved transitions (104 total)
  - All the transition processing is now done in a new "transition processor"
    module, using a completely new timing algorithm to allow for smoother
    transitions
- Options tab separated into sub-tabs - Fonts & Color, Size & Position, and
  Transition FX
- New stretching options - shrink only and stretch only, plus a stretch percent
  to stretch to only part of the screen
- New background gradient options - from/to color, direction
- New Windows wallpaper option
- New hot keys while the saver is running, for switching pictures or switching
  groups
- New favorite directories menu and management controls
- Group management moved to its own tab
  - Groups can be now turned on or off individually, or reordered
  - Options now included for switching groups after a user-configurable amount
    of time
- Shadowing for picture descriptions
- Reorganized configuration box a bit -
  - Moved Display Time option to the Pictures Tab
  - New Netscape-like splitter in the file browser
  - Integrated the search feature into the File Browser half of the Pictures
    Tab
  - Minor tweaks to control positions, sizes, and graphics
- Instant upgrade to PictureSaver Pro by entering the registration code
- Installer/uninstaller, scripted using Jordan Russell's excellent Inno Setup.
- Picture List management completely rewritten to allow more flexibility and to
  support the myriad of new features
- Registry I/O moved to its own independent module
- Minor tweaks and bug fixes, as usual
- Improved sound processing in PictureSaver Pro
  - Each group gets a sound bank, from which pictures (when displayed) can draw
    a random sound to be played
  - Each group also gets a midi bank, from which the group will randomly draw
    each time the previous midi ends
  - A bunch of tweaks to the sound processing code to support the new features
    (especially group switching) and make better use of Windows processing

Version 2.0.3: 7/28/1999
- Several users reported receiving invalid page faults when operating with only
  one transition. This was due to a bug in the randomizer code, which has now
  been fixed.

Version 2.0.2: 7/16/1999
- Changed weblink to new webpage

Version 2.0.1: 7/9/1999
- Some Windows 98 users were experiencing Access Violations when Picture Saver
  started up. This has been corrected.
- Added buttons to select all transitions and clear all transition selections.

Version 2.0.0 Final: 3/28/1999
- Fixed a few bugs in the transition processing.
- Code documentation and cleanup.
- Fixed doors transition to be what I meant it to be.
- Added the reveal transition, which is what doors was.
- Finished this file!

Version 2.0.0 Beta 3: 3/21/1999
- Miscellaneous enhancements and bug fixes.
- Added image transitions, including Dissolve, shutter, blinds, slide in from
  left, slide in from top, explode, and doors.
- Added a file finder (from the flashlight button on the images tab)
- Fixed some bugs in the group handling capabilities.

Version 2.0.0 Beta 2: 2/25/1999
- Added feature! Image grouping is now completed! Images can be grouped
  together, then a group will be randomly selected at startup, or you can
  select a group to use at startup.
- Added feature! Now you can select an image, then press the "Goto Image's
  Directory" button (it's got a folder on it) to go directly to that image's
  folder in the File Browser.
- The image sequencing is now smarter. If you're displaying images
  sequentially, and you're starting with the Last Displayed, Picture Saver will
  no longer reset you to the first image if you make changes in the config
  window. If you change the image list by adding or removing images, or
  changing the image order, you will be reset to the beginning. You can change
  the display text without getting reset.
- Enhanced the Image Description processing. Now you can select multiple images
  and name them all the same thing.
- Fixed an annoying bug in the File List - the cursor keys wouldn't update the
  preview display. That's fixed now, so you can cursor to your heart's content.
- Fiddled some more with the GUI. Got rid of the drop-down box and replaced it
  with a tab control, which looks better and might be more intuitive; you can
  click on the Description label to select all the text in the Image
  Description box; better tab order; a few other enhancements.

Version 2.0.0 Beta 1: 2/5/1999
- Added a Picture Naming capability, which defaults to the filename, so that
  you can display names for files other than the filename.
- Added drag and drop capability, so you can drop files from Explorer on the
  configuration dialog box to add them to the image list. This way, you can use
  Explorer or Find Files from the Start menu to add images.
- Added font styles for filename display - bold, italic, underline, and
  transparent background.
- Added a new feature to allow the use to specify what image to start with: the
  first image in the list, the last image that was displayed, or a random
  image.
- Put pictures on the selection buttons for consistency. Moved them to make
  room.
- Rearranged the image selection form slightly to make room for new features.

Version 1.1.1: 12/22/1998 (not released)
- Updated System Tree View and System List View components.

Version 1.1.0: 12/9/1998
- Fixed GPF problem with sequentially displaying images, when an image doesn't
  exist.
- Added Select All, Select None, and Select Inverse buttons in Config dialog.
- Implemented proportional scaling.
- The configuration dialog browser window will now default to the path to
  Picture Saver, instead of the My Computer root.
- Fixed a minor "feature" with the password dialog. If you were using a hot
  corners program, and you had the screen saver password protected, you could
  have multiple versions of the screen saver running. This has been fixed now.

Version 1.0.1: 11/11/1998
- Fixed the mouse cursor display problem. If the password dialog is displayed,
  then cancelled while the mouse is over the password dialog, then it didn't
  get hidden again. Now it's fixed.
- There was a problem in the Borland VCL that wouldn't read certain 24-bit
  bitmaps. I made a change to their VCL code to fix it.
- Updated the tree view and list view controls.

Version 1.0.0: 10/26/1998
- Initial release
