What is Wiresave?

Wiresave is a 3-D animated screen saver that interfaces with the standard 
OS/2 lockup. It animates wireframe images that you can create using the
Wiresave Editor.


What are the hardware and software requirements?

It works with OS/2 3.0 and up.  It does not work with OS/2 2.11 or any
earlier version of OS/2.  A computer with a math coprocessor is also strongly
recommended.  One possible enhancement is to make it less dependent on
floating point math, but for now performance is slow without a math chip.


How do I use it?

Just keep Wiresave running and use the OS/2 lockup normally.  When your system
lockup activates, Wiresave will start drawing.  It is a good idea to put a
shadow of the Wiresave program template in your Startup folder (the install
program will do this for you if you like).


How do I install it?

There is an install.cmd that comes with the program.  Just run it.


How do I register?

After you install the program, on the main Wiresave window, there will
be a "Register..." button.  Press it and you will get the address to send
in the registration fee ($10 US).  In return for your registration, you will
be sent a registration number.  Enter this number in the "Wiresave
Registration" window.  This will remove the "Register..." button and the
registration reminder window.


Where can I get technical support?

Technical support is available from tkoresko@tyrell.net.  Registered users
get top priority.


How do I uninstall it (inconceivable!)?

Just delete the Wiresave Icon from your Startup folder, exit Wiresave, and
delete its program files and the Wiresave folder.



Wiresave hints and tips:


1) For best results, you should show at least two objects at all times.

Some complex objects (those with a lot of lines) will appear to flicker if
there is just one on the screen.  Showing more than one object at a
time will reduce this flicker.


2) Don't worry about the mouse cursor.

Wiresave will begin moving it to a random location on the screen about once
every minute.


3) Different types of objects work best with different settings.

Objects that fly or swim, such as fish, spaceships, and jets should be setup
with "Follow Your Nose" or "Cat and Mouse Pointer" with screen wrapping turned
ON.
Other objects work best with "Synchronized Swimming" and "Scattered" with
screen wrapping OFF.


4) Try the JET.LNZ file.

It's fairly complex, so you should only have a small number on
screen at a time (a 486DX4/100 can show 4 - 7 smoothly).  It was created
with the Wiresave Editor in about 30 minutes.  I hope it gives you a
good idea of the things you can create.


5) There is a problem with FTP-PM that comes with the Warp Bonus Pack.

If you use it to FTP, you have Wiresave drawing set to "Idle Time", and
Wiresave is actively drawing on the screen when the FTP finishes, you may
be forced to reboot.  You can fix this in one of two ways:
   1) Set Wiresave drawing to "Normal".
   2) Use the Web Explorer to do FTP transfers.
"Idle Time" drawing has been successfully tested with several communications
programs, including the Web Explorer and Hyper Access Lite that come with
the Warp Bonus Pack.


6) Objects you create that "fly" should have their noses pointed in the
   positive x-axis.

By default, this is the direction that Wiresave uses.  If you create an object
with the editor, make sure the nose points to the right of the screen when
you it is showing in the thumbnail window on the Wiresave dialog.  Try
loading JET.LNZ, and orient your pictures the same way.


7) If you create an object that you're proud of,

e-mail it to me and I'll select the best ones for distribution in future
versions.


8) When creating an object using the Wiresave Editor, keep watch on the number
   of lines.

The more lines an image has, the slower it will draw on screen.  A good rule
of thumb is that a 486DX4 with an average video card will show about 400 lines
smoothly.   If you show two objects on lockup, then each should be a maximum
of 200 lines.


9) The banner message supports the most often used characters.

It can display all letters and numbers, and also these characters:
period, comma, question mark, colon, exclamation, and space.  Any character
you enter that is not listed will show up as an underscore.




Thanks to beta testers and feature advisors:
Chris, Marc, Paul, Jeff, Mike, Steve, and Paul.


Questions and comments are appreciated.






Version History:

1.0 
    -release 12/25/95

1.01
    -release 12/30/95
    -spelling and grammatical errors corrected
    -contains an editor that actually works