ÉÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ» º º º º º Facade-C º º -------------------- º º (Facade for Clipper) º º º º º º developers' pcx splashscreen display for DOS applications º º º º º º º a product of RCCO Research º º º º º ÈÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍͼ Overview --------- FACADE-C (Facade for Clipper) is a special version of the widely-used Facade(tm) developers' utility that addresses Clipper-specific issues. Facade-C is basically a simple loader program that allows CA-Clipper(R) DOS applications to display a developer-designed VGA .pcx file as a sign-on image. Upon normal execution of the main application, Facade-C releases itself from memory, thus adding no overhead to the executable sequence. The splashscreen displays for a developer-specified number of seconds, then calls the main executable just as it would have been executed from the system prompt. Facade-C image displays will run under both DOS and Windows (full DOS screen). The utility is particularly effective for software developers preparing copyright or other splashscreens of their products. The 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. Please note there is a similarly-named version of Facade-C called Facade(tm) -- the standard version of the program for most MS-DOS language executables, including those created with Borland Turbo Pascal, QuickBASIC, PowerBasic, Visual Basic(tm) for DOS, FoxPro, dBase, Clarion, C, etc. The standard version of Facade, also from RCCO Research, will also work well with CA-Clipper (although without the Clipper-specific features of Facade-C); we point out the similar names to help avoid confusion about the two products. The Clipper-specific differences in Facade-C include elimination of any momentary screen delay from the time that standard Facade calls the overlaid program to the time that it takes for a large Clipper application to load. Facade-C, with provided Clipper coding, will allow the Clipper application to load during the time the pcx image is displayed on the screen. Facade-C also provides for a default command-line setting of //E:0 //F:31, which appears desirable to a considerable number of Clipper programmers. The length of time the image is displayed to the end-user may be specified by the developer (standard Facade is set at an invariable 4 seconds). While adding some coding (usually about six lines) on the part of the Clipper developer, Facade-C differs from the standard version of Facade in that it is slightly less convenient to set up and use. Facade-C is significantly different in internal operation from standard Facade and may offer an advantage for the serious Clipper developer. The executable file sizes for Facade and Facade-C are very similar, however -- a factor that should appeal in particular to the Clipper developer. Facade-C.exe and the sample files ---------------------------------- To run the files included in this package (FACADE-C.EXE and 2 sample files: _ADMIN.PCX, _OVERL.PRG), Compile and link, clipper _overl rtlink fi _overl lib nanfor then execute from the DOS prompt: facade-c Please note that NANFOR.LIB is used in the sample program. If you do not have or do not use nanfor.lib, examine and modify _overl.prg to use similar display functions available in various Clipper libraries (including CA-Clipper Tools). Substitute the functions that determine display adaptor and set display mode from graphics back to text mode. The sample program assumes use of CA-Clipper v5.x. For tolerable viewing results, do not run the above Facade-C sample sequence from a floppy drive. Preparation of images ---------------------- Facade-C is particularly effective for software developers preparing copyright or other splashscreens of their products, in that they can easily capture usable materials with programs like Hijaak(tm) for Windows and modify or create 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 a 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 Facade-C. The end-user should then 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 preparer then does final editing, adding text, drawing lines or other objects, in a drawing program. For example, the sample sign-on screen provided with this package was done entirely in the program that comes free with Windows: Paintbrush. The inset picture was captured from a black and white line drawing with a hand scanner and edited in Paintbrush. Other graphics programs are likely to provide compatible material, but they must be tried on a test basis with Facade-C. 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 be effective in Facade-C 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 may remain the same, they will be saved in a format usable by Facade-C. Once you find the right combination of steps to produce pcx file formats consistently usable by Facade-C, you will save a great deal of time and effort by always using that combination in future applications. Required naming convention for the .pcx file --------------------------------------------- After you have prepared the desired .pcx file, simply rename it _ADMIN.PCX The basic requirement is that the image file and the related executables be placed in the same directory on a hard drive. You should advise end-users against running your application from a floppy diskette, due to the slowness of building the on-screen image when reading from a diskette. Your end-users will certainly need VGA graphics capabilities to view your splashscreen. If a user attempts execution on a non-VGA-capable system, a simple screen will very briefly display the message ÉÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ» º º º Loading application... º º º ÈÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍͼ This software program contains copyrighted material. All Rights Reserved under International Conventions. and continue without much delay. (The wording on this screen may be changed by the developer with a hex editor, if desired.) Preparation of the main Clipper executable ------------------------------------------- Head your main program file similarly to the provided _overl.prg sample; that is, at the beginning of your main .prg file: /* initialize variables, open tables, do other non-screen stuff here. Judicious use of dispbegin() and dispend() will also provide ability to build complex opening screens without disturbing the suspended VGA pcx image. */ // for vga pcx hold-on: if ft_adapter() == 3 // if vga, Facade-C has initiated graphics mode, so inkey(4) // hold image in view for 4 seconds, then ft_setmode(3) // return to text mode display. else // if not vga, Facade-C displays brief "Loading...". cls // ugly stuff if you don't clear text screen here. endif /* do what you will from this point on */ ... The ft_* functions are in nanfor.lib; if using another library, substitute the functions that determine display adaptor and set display mode back to text. You may of course vary the number of seconds or fractions thereof that the image is held in view with inkey(). There are also superior sleep()-type functions for marking time that would not allow for keypress interruption as does inkey(). Facade-C requires use of the above code or its equivalent in a Clipper .prg file; the standard version of Facade does not have the same requirement. The developer's Clipper application to be launched must be named (via the .lnk file; see below): _OVERL.EXE The file FACADE-C.EXE would be then renamed to 'MYAPP.EXE' or whatever the developer's application was originally called, so that the end-user executes the original program name. The calling sequence then becomes: MYAPP.EXE displays _ADMIN.PCX (if VGA system is found) then executes _OVERL.EXE at which point the developer's original application (now called _OVERL.EXE) will take over and execute normally. PLEASE NOTE: Clipper 5.x developers using .RTLink or BLINKER should not rename their executable files to _OVERL.EXE with the DOS REN command (see the section on Troubleshooting, below). They should relink the executable as follows: specify in the .lnk file that the output name is to be _OVERL.EXE (i.e., OUTPUT _OVERL). You need not issue a clear screen (cls) command at the beginning of your application (except as indicated in the provided code sample for non-VGA instances). Facade-C clears the screen automatically upon terminating the VGA image display. Clipper command-line settings ------------------------------ Facade-C.exe provides for passing a default command-line setting of //E:0 //F:31 to your application. You may change the //F: parameter to another number with a hex editor, if desired; search for the text F:31 which occurs in two places. Troubleshooting ---------------- One 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 Facade-C requires. Before you decide that the Facade-C 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 Facade-C. 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. CA-Clipper 5.x developers using .RTLink or BLINKER who experience runtime unrecoverable error messages 415 (cannot open overlay file) or 416 (read error on overlay file) when renaming their executable files to _OVERL.EXE with the DOS REN command should simply relink the executable as follows: specify in the .lnk file that the output name is to be _OVERL.EXE (i.e., OUTPUT _OVERL). Developers using BLINKER's SwpRunCmd() function should well-test any application that is loaded with Facade-C. If you experience a swap error when attempting to return from a SwpRunCmd() call, you should consider whether or not that Blinker function is absolutely essential to the application. We know of no workaround at this time other than using the Clipper RUN command. Please let us know if you have continued or other difficulties in making Facade-C work as described with CA-Clipper, as well as any solutions or workarounds you may have found. Program Requirements --------------------- The requirements for running Facade-C 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) should be utilized. CA-Clipper 5.x or later should be used with Facade-C. The Unregistered Evaluation Copy --------------------------------- The unregistered version of this program is intended for use in evaluation situations. It may be used for ninety (90) days within your own organ- ization by persons that have knowledge and understanding of the fact that this is an unregistered evaluation copy. The payment of the $40.00 purchase price for a registered copy of this program will allow license for a single user to make use of the program for purposes that are traditionally accepted for software utilities 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 Facade-C. 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). The Registered Version of Facade-C ----------------------------------- The registered copy performs the same execution as the evaluation copy, only without the unregistered copy delay at the beginning of the VGA display. Documentation for the registered version is an on-disk text file, similar to the present format. Facade-C, due to its specialized market and Clipper-specific internal instructions, has a different pricing structure for registration and fees than does the standard version of Facade. 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 name Facade(tm) is a trademark 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. Registration Notes ------------------- Registration will obtain a copy of the most recent authorized version and provide legal authorization for continued use of the program after the ninety-day (90-day) evaluation period. To obtain a registered copy, you must mail an advance-payment registration fee of U.S. $40.00 + $2.50 shipping/handling ($7.00 non-U.S. shipping/ handling, $4.00 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. Currently registered users of the standard version of Facade may purchase Facade-C at a special price; please contact RCCO Research directly for specifics. 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. 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 Facade-C is #11698. 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Additional Information ----------------------- Facade-C is written in C using Microsoft C 6.0. 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 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. Facade-C --------- (Facade for Clipper) developers' pcx splashscreen display for DOS applications (C) Copyright 1994-95 RCCO Research Associates All Rights Reserved under International Conventions Product of U.S.A. RCCO Research Associates Post Office Box 196 Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738 (U.S.A.) ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ³ RCCO Research Associates ³ ³ Technical Publishers, Est. 1965 ³ ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ