PCX2EXE by Mike Williams, August 1993.


Overview.


PCX2EXE is a program for turning certain PCX files 
into self-displaying executable programs. The main
video modes supported are the high-res 640 by 480
16 colour VGA mode, and the 320 by 200 by 256 colour
VGA/MCGA mode. Some other modes will also work,
though the aspect ratio may be altered.

Apart from the obvious advantages of such a system,
if you use an executable file compression program such 
as PKLITE, LZEXE or DIET, then you can usually reduce 
the file size by up to two thirds.


Shareware.


PCX2EXE is not free software. This means you can try it out
to see if it fits your needs before deciding to buy. If you
regularly use PCX2EXE, or distribute any of the host programs,
you are required to register with the author. Registration entitles
you to the latest version of the software, and technical support 
by phone.


Running the software.


There are two ways to convert PCX files.

1. Running the program PCX2EXE produces a Windows-like 
dialog box. You can use the drive and directory boxes 
to browse through the PCX files on your hard disk, and 
convert whichever ones you choose. Note that only PCX files 
below 60,000 bytes in size will be displayed.

2. If you don't need a fancy front-end, mouse support, etc. 
then P2E.EXE is all you need ( and it's much smaller ! )
Simply supply it with the path name of the file to convert, 
and it will do the hard work. For example,

P2E C:\ART\NICEPIC.PCX

NOTE: Both methods leave the .EXE file in the same directory
as the PCX file. In the above example, P2E would produce the
file C:\ART\NICEPIC.EXE .


The Self-Displaying Files.


A self-displaying file may be run like any other DOS program, 
either by typing its' name at the command line, or including 
it in a batch file. After displaying the PCX picture embedded 
within it, the file waits for a keypress OR a mouse click 
( either the left or right button ). When this occurs the 
file restores the screen to text mode, and ends.


Compressing the Self-Displaying Files.


By default each picture file will take up to 70K of disk space.
Programs such as LZEXE, PKLITE or DIET can compress each file
to as little as 10k or less. The beauty of the system is that
the program decompresses automatically when you run it, so 
the only change you notice is that you have more free disk space.
The most effective two programs are DIET and PKLITE; if having
the smallest possible file is important, get hold of both.
If you can't find DIET, I can send you a copy; see PCX2EXE.DOC
for details.


Creating more advanced displays.


The standard behaviour of a self-displaying file is of little
use if you want to display a number of pictures in succession
without user interaction ( i.e. for some kind of rolling demo ).
Alternatively, you may need more user interaction, such as 
providing the means to step back through a list of files.
The program SHOW.EXE is provided to fulfill these requirements.


Using SHOW.EXE.


Command Format: SHOW filename [/Pnn]

filename may be either :-

  a) An individual PCX2EXE-created executable, or

  b) A script file. This is a plain ASCII file containing
     a list of all the files you wish to display. A script
     file must have the extension '.SCR'.

/Pnn is an optional switch which causes SHOW to pause for nn
seconds before moving to the next image.


Examples:-


SHOW PIC .............. Runs the file PIC.EXE. Equivalent to
                        Running PIC.EXE directly.

SHOW PIC /P10 ......... Runs the file PIC.EXE. Terminates the 
                        program automatically after 10 seconds
                        if no keypress or mouseclick has occurred.

SHOW PICS.SCR /P8 ..... Create a rolling demo of all the files named
                        in PICS.SCR, giving each image a maximum of 
                        8 seconds before moving on.


Help Facility.


SHOW also contains a rudimentary HELP facility. If the user
presses the F1 key when a picture is displayed, AND the current
directory contains an embedded file called PCXHELP.EXE, then 
that file will be displayed. When the user presses another key,
the previous picture will be restored.


Windows-produced PCX files.


If you want to use an image from Windows, bear in mind that
PCX2EXE only works with standard VGA modes. To get results 
using ( for example ) PaintBrush, try the following BEFORE
importing/creating your picture.

1. Select 'Options' and 'Image Attributes'.

2. Click on the 'Pels' option button.

3. If your standard Windows video mode uses 256 colours,
   enter a width of 320 and a height of 200. If you only
   use 16 colours, enter a width of 640 and a height of 480.
   If you aren't sure, click on the 'Windows Setup' icon
   which should be in your Main group, and check the current
   display setting.

4. Click on 'OK' to save. PaintBrush will now restart with
   the new parameters.

When you save your image, give it an extension of '.PCX', and 
select 'PCX Files' from the 'Save Files As Type' list box.
