MDESK v1.10.50 -------------- 1. Introduction 2. How to use it. 3. Features 4. Miscellaneous -===========================================================================- ( W A R N I N G ) This version of MDESK and the rev 00.30 are not compatible with the rev 00.00. So, remove ManuApps/MDesk from the registry otherwise it can crash (I think). I N T R O D U C T I O N ----------------------- What is MDesk ? --------------- MDesk is a desktop manager like PROGMAN.EXE. It allows you to evoluate into your NT 3.5 environment easier. MDesk is not like PROGMAN in fact because, it's a Multi-Desktop application and you do not have a main window but just the icons you need. Multi-Desktop means that you can switch from one desktop to another one and hide by the same way the applications linked to the first one. Why ? ----- I've made MDesk because the original desktop manager has a lack of features like Drag and Drop, Multi-Desktop, and so forth. This version works for WinNT 3.5 and WinNT 3.51. In this version I do not use the capabilities of NT 3.51 which provides Desktop APIs. If I didn't it's just because most of people have NT 3.5 and not 3.51. H O W T O U S E I T ---------------------- Drag and Drop ------------- First of all, MDesk is a Drag and Drop application (Client) so, if you want to add an application to your list, just take it from Winfile or whatever Drag&Drop server then drop it in the Icon you'll se on the bottom left of the screen. I did not use the entire Desktop just because it seems that you cannot change the attribute of the Desktop Window. Try to do: GetWindowLong(GetDesktopWindow(), GWL_WNDPROC); And you'll crash. Why ? I think just because we don't have the READ privilege on those data. So, you can only drop your stuff into that icon. (Don't worry it's big enough). When you add an application it's displayed on the desktop as an icon. That Icon is Drag&Drop Client too. So, if for example you added NOTEPAD.EXE and if you drop "whatever file.TXT" on it, it's gonna run with "Whatever file.txt" as parameter. DDE Server: ----------- This release has now a DDE server implemented. Like that, when running as a standalone desktop (without Progman) if you install a new product on your machine, rather to create a group with all the icons, MDESK will create a new desktop. If you run MDESK under progman then, MDESK won't do anything cos' it will respond to the name: "PROGMANx". I did test it with Borland Apps only so, I don't know if it works fine with other apps. (Suggestions and info highly welcome). Right click ----------- To get the main menu or the local menu: same stuggle... Right click. You can right-click on the Desktop Icon or directly on the Desktop background. In the second case it's sometimes difficult to get the menu (it vanishes), I didn't find why yet, but I'm on my way... So, if you get those problems, just left-click then without releasing the left button right-click. Should work. If you right-click on an application icon then, you get a local menu. That one allows you to change the properties of that app or delete it from your desktop. The Main Menu ------------- - Arrange Icons (Obvious right ? ;-) ) - Create New Desktop: idem - Desktop properties. Set up the properties for THE CURRENT DESKTOP. X-Space and Y-Space are the number of pixels separating two icons. if the titles are overlapped then modify those values then rearrange the icons. Sometimes some icons will be moved onto some others, because of the algorithm. So, don't panic, just move 'em. WallPaper... Hmmm ? Startup: To add an application in the startup (global for all desktops) just drop it into the listbox. Title and Clock are global for all the virtual desktops. - Run Application. - Run Screen Saver. Seems buggy with NT 3.51 I don't know for NT 3.5 - Delete. That option allows you to delete the current desktop and all the stuff attached to. You cannot delete the Main desktop. - Transfer Sometimes, you have ran an app in a desktop but you want it to appear in the current desktop. So... Choose this option, it will give you the list of the applications running and the desktop they are attached to. Click OK then the app will be tranfered from its own desktop to the current one. To run an app in different desktop at the same time just set the propety "Separate VDM". --- After the separator you will have Main and if you created them the name of your other desktops. To switch from one to another just click on its name. In this case, all the applications will be hidden, then the application from the new desktop will be shown. I didn't implemented the move of one application from one desktop to another. When you switch of desktop, MDEsk normally tries to set the Priority of the Background applications to the minimum (IDLE) and to set the new apps priority to their own levels. But I'm not sure it works. - Shutdown (as designed) - Logoff (as designed) - Exit, just exit from MDesk. - About... Cool box. To register if you want: ------------------------ Send me a mail at: ethioux@Borland.com or ethioux@wpo.Borland.com or 75667.1346@Compuserve.com or snail mail: Emmanuel Thioux 2333 Portola Dr #36 Santa Cruz, CA, 95062 U.S.A If you are willing to send me some money I'm not against it (I need some to change of car !), and in fact anybody needs some. If you want da sources... same thing. In fact I won't say no cos' you don't send money, but I will appreciate. For MDEsk: $5 For the sources (BC++ 4.5, IDE included) : $10 (Sorry I do not have MSVC++ 2.0) Cheap huh ! Obviously you're not bound to register. You'll just have Unregistered version in the About box that's all. No bloody gag as: Splash screen which stay there for ages, no time limitation, no access code etc... In brief... Do what you want. If you think that work deserve some money feel free. So, don't worry no stupid messages like: Yo Dude ! you MUST register ! All that stuff to say (I speak to much): On the message give me your name: First and Last name, no middle stuff. Just two words, all right ? Why ? cos' the tool I realized to make the ID code accept only 2 parameters and I don't want to modify it ! SETUP: ------ Run it to copy the files or to upgrade your version. Tips: If ya want to set the program manager you'll find the reference in: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current Version\Winlogon Just change Shell: REG_SZ: xxxxx to the program you want. if you want to reinitialize MDesk (erase all stuff) remove from HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE the key "ManuApps/MDesk" and all the subkeys. F E A T U R E S --------------- Dummy section ! No, seriously... If you think to something cool and feasible just send me a mail. I'll think about it and tell you if I can do it or not and if not I'll try to give you the reason(s). M I S C E L L A N E O U S ------------------------- One thing: Copy your registry/config files into another directory to save 'em. Like that if you get any problem, then you'll just have to copy them. You can find 'em into: WINNT35/CONFIG The files are: SECURITY SOFTWARE SYSTEM USERDEF If you want any explanations about the sources ask ! I'll try to reply in the minimum delays. Well, this boring README is big enought, no ? Oops, I've almost forgotten... I'm gonna do like all other peoples. So, I ain't responsible for the damages wich can occur to your system while using MDESK. Why ? Cos' whatever application can generate an exception and occasionally crashes your system. I use MDESK (I trust in myself) and I do not have problem. Enjoy. Manu. -----