Thank you for trying EZSaver™, a simple but powerful tool that lets you use images, sound recordings and movies to create new screen savers.

The sections below contain information on...

   Developing a new screen saver

   Saving the saver to a new file

   Using screensavers you create

   Getting technical support

   Getting registration codes

   Other products by EZ Software™

_____________________________

EZSaver v2.2c (Copyright 1995-1997)

by

EZ Software™

ezsoft@compuserve.com

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/ezsoft


Using EZSlideShow

Developing a new screen saver

To create a new screen saver, you specify a list of .BMP image files, and/or .AVI movie files, and select for each image/movie in the list:

- the background color to use

- which of six built-in animation effects to use (images only)

- how quickly the animation frames are to be displayed (images only)

- how long the image or movie should stay on screen

- what, if any, sound file (.WAV format) to play while the image is displayed

You can test the entire sequence, or each individual image/movie, instantly at the click of a button.

(NOTE: in order to play .AVI files, a PC must have Microsoft™ Video for Windows™ installed.  Visit our web site at http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/ezsoft for a link to download a free Video for Windows runtime version.  In order to play .WAV sound files, a PC must have a sound card and the required drivers for it properly installed).

Adding new files

Click the top line of the Image List.  This opens a window from which you can select a .BMP or .AVI file.  EZSaver supports from 1 to 150 images in this list.

When you press OK, you will see another window from which you can select a background color.  Once the color is selected and you press this window's OK button, you will see the Image Settings window, from which all options are selected.

You can press the Test button at any time to see how the image will behave when the saver runs.

Effects

Each image can use any of the six built-in animation effect built into EZSaver™.  Simply check the effect options you want to use with the image.   While EZSaver displays this image, it will randomly switch between the options you have selected, and also occasionally display the image without animation, as a still.

Note that if the file you select is an .AVI file, the effects options will not be visible (since movies can not be controlled by the animation options).

Movement

Simply check the movement option you wish the image to use.  These options will not be visible any time the selected file is a movie (movies are centered in the screen, surrounded by the selected background color).

Seconds on screen

This number specifies the number of seconds the image or movie will appear on screen before moving on to the next image or movie.  Note that when only one image is in the Image List, this number has no meaning (since there are no other images).

If the file is a movie, set this number to 0 to have the movie play through once, then advance to the next image or movie.  Otherwise, EZSaver will repeat the movie until the requested number of seconds has passed.

Milliseconds delay

This number controls the speed of the animation effects.  The higher the number, the slower the animation.  At 1000, there is a full second delay between each animation frame.  This number pertains only to images and has no meaning for movies.

Sound Files

You can use the Select Sound button to choose a .WAV-format sound file to play while the image. or silent .AVI movie, is displayed.

To later remove a sound file from an image, remove the name of the sound file where it appears below the Select Sound button.

Sound Options

If you select the Play One Time option, the sound file will play one time and stop.

If you select the Repeat While Image Displayed option, the sound file will play again and again until time for the next image (because the Seconds on Screen time has elapsed, or an .AVI movie has completed).

If you select the Start Next Image When Done option, the image or .AVI will stay on the screen until the sound file finishes playing.  This overrides the Seconds on Screen value, and causes .AVI movies to restart if they finish before the sound file does.

Saving options

Press OK to save your settings and return to the main EZSaver window, which contains the Image List.

Making changes later

You can later return to the Image Settings for any image or movie by simply clicking on it in the Image List.

Tips

You can see from playing with EZSaver a little that the best effect is achieved if the logo image's background matches the selected screen background.  EZSaver performs no image "masking", and therefore can achieve smooth animation on a wide range of PC's.

You should crop the image close to the logo itself (in other words, don't leave a lot of margin) to minimize initial calculations and get full animation rolling as quickly as possible.

Continue to Saving to a new screensaver file...


Saving to a new screensaver file

When you are satisfied with the screensaver you've developed, and want to save it as a new screensaver file, just set the Save Options (see below) as desired and press the Save as New Screensaver button.

This opens a window that lets you specify the name of the screensaver file.  If you select a name that already exists, you will be notified and given the chance to either overwrite the existing file or select another name.  If you do not include a file extension, the extension ".SCR" will be added automatically.

(Note: If you use the file extension ".EXE", the resulting file will be an executable program that does not need to be run as a screensaver.)

When the file name is selected and you press OK, you'll see a final window that lets you enter the screensaver's description, plus your registration codes (if you have them - codes are not needed for testing).

When you press OK on this window, EZSaver™ instantly creates your new saver!

Save Options:

Store Images in Saver

If this option is selected, EZSaver™ will add all image and/or movie files to the screensaver file as it is created, making it a completely self-contained screensaver that does not require any other files to run.   This option is usually used if the screensaver file is to be distributed.  Note that Make Install Program (see below) works only if this option is selected.

If this option is not on when the saver file is created, EZSaver™ make a new screensaver file, but will not will add the images and movies to it.  In this case, when the screensaver runs, it will expect to find the image and movie files as they were when the saver was developed.   This method is great for home or single-computer use because less hard-disk space is used.

Make Install Program

When this option is selected, EZSaver will customize the included file EZSAVSET.EXE when the screensaver file is created.  EZSAVSET.EXE is an installation program that copies the screensaver to the \WINDOWS directory and makes it the default screen saver.

This lets you make a distribution diskette!  Just copy your new screensaver file to the diskette, and also copy the customized EZSAVSET.EXE to the diskette.  You should probably give it a different name, though, like INSTALL.EXE or SETUP.EXE.

Continue to Using screensavers...


WinSavers
Using screensavers you create

Windows 3.x

Locate the Control Panel icon (usually found in the program grouptitled "Main"), double-click it to run it, then double-click the Desktop icon to run that.  Locate the section titled "Screen Saver".

Click the downward-pointing arrow just to the right of the current screen saver to get a list of all savers in the \WINDOWS directory, and locate the description you typed when you created the saver.  Click the description to select the saver.

Use the Test button to immediately see the saver run, the Setup button to set password options.

(Note:  You may also notice a saver entitled "EZSaver 2.2".  This is a copy of EZSAVER.EXE that has been copied to your \WINDOWS directory during setup, under the name EZSAVER2.SCR.  This saver displays the EZ Software logo demonstrating a few if the animation effects.  As a convenience, you can also use this saver's Setup button to create new savers).

Windows 95

Click the right mouse button anywhere exposed on the desktop.  Then, click Properties to run the Display panel.  Click on the Screen Saver tab at the top of the panel.

(Note: you can also run the Display panel by clicking the START button and selecting Settings/Control Panel, which displays a Display icon you can double-click)

Click the downward-pointing arrow just to the right of the current screen saver to get a list of all savers in the \WINDOWS directory, and locate the description you typed when you created the saver.  Click the description to select the saver.

Use the Preview button to immediately see the saver run, the Settings button to set password options.

(Note:  You may also notice a saver entitled "EZSaver 2.2".  This is a copy of EZSAVER.EXE that has been copied to your \WINDOWS directory during setup, under the name EZSAVER2.SCR.  This saver displays the EZ Software logo demonstrating a few if the animation effects.  As a convenience, you can also use this saver's Setup button to create new savers).

Passwords

Password information is stored in CONTROL.INI, and is the same password used by the standard Microsoft screen savers (Flying Windows, Mystify,  etc.).

If you forget your password, use NOTEPAD to edit CONTROL.INI.  Find the section labelled [ScreenSaver], and delete the line that starts with "Password = ".

Continue to Getting technical support...


Support

Please send any questions to EZ Software™ via e-mail at ezsoft@compuserve.com.  You can expect a very prompt reply - our systems check e-mail several times each hour, so we can usually reply the very same day.

Please do not call any phone number listed in this help file, because these numbers are for orders only!   The people who answer them are not familiar with the product, and can not help you in any way.  Thanks in advance for complying with this request.

Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I upgrade from my EZSaver 1.x license?

Yes.  Check for the upgrade product codes on the Registration page.  The registration code you will receive can be used to convert your old password (the second code) into a version 2.x password.

Just run the supplied program UPDPASSW.EXE when you get your upgrade registration code to convert your existing password (the second code) into a new password.  Then, create your savers using the original first code and the new second code.

Why does the image bounce around the screen at first?

EZSaver™ calculates animation frames during this first stage.  This is the key to EZSaver's smooth animation effects.  The more effects you select, and the larger the image, the longer this stage requires.

Why does the screensaver stop working after a minute or so?

This time limit is removed when registration codes are used to create the saver.

Does EZSaver support passwords?  What if I forget mine?

EZSaver supports the Microsoft password system.  The password used is stored in the file \WINDOWS\CONTROL.INI.  To remove a password you can't remember, delete the screensaver password entry in CONTROL.INI using Notepad or any other text editor.

How does the "Make Install Program" option work?

EZSaver modifies the file EZSAVSET.EXE by placing your saver's description and file name into it.  Then you can copy EZSAVSET.EXE to a diskette using a different name (like INSTALL.EXE) and of course also copy your new saver to the diskette, too.  The diskette is then ready to install the saver to any Windows PC.

EZSaver modifies the file EZSAVSET.EXE by placing your saver's description and file name into it.  Then you can copy EZSAVSET.EXE to a diskette using a different name (like INSTALL.EXE) and of course also copy your new saver to the diskette, too.  The diskette is then ready to install the saver to any Windows PC.

Can I rearrange the images without deleting and re-adding them?

Sure.  Just open CONTROL.INI with a simple text editor (like Notepad) and locate the lines that reads:  [Screen Saver.EZSaver 2.2].  Below that are lots of lines that help EZSaver remember how you left it.  The lines that begin Image1, Image2, etc. contain the information seen in the Images List.  Rearrange the order the lines are in, and then make sure the Image1, Image2, etc. sequence is restored.  Save CONTROL.INI and restart EZSaver to see your changes take effect.

I'm using Windows 95, and in the saver list, the 1st letter is gone from a saver's description.  How do I fix that?

For reasons we do not yet understand, Win95 sometimes does this with very short, one-word descriptions.  You can usually fix this by re-creating the saver with a slightly different description.

Continue to Getting Registration codes...


Registration

EZSaver™ may be registered:

  - with a credit card, through NorthStar Solutions (toll-free number and online ordering!)

  - via CompuServe's Shareware Registration service (GO SWREG)

  - using a VirtualPIN from the First Virtual(TM) Internet Payment service

  - with a check mailed to EZ Software

Each payment method is explained in detail below.

Savers created with EZSaver are improved in the following ways when you have registration codes:

-No "Evaluation" banner message

-No one-minute time limit

-Password protection activated

Product Codes

The following table lists the available licenses, their prices and product numbers:

License	Price	SWREG #	NorthStar #

-------	-----	-------	-----------

Individual	$25 (USD)	15520	1657

Corporate	$175	15521	1659

Unlimited	$275	15522	1660

This table lists prices to upgrade from version 1.x to version 2.x

(Note: codes you receive with an upgrade license work only if you already have v1.x codes)

License	Price	SWREG #	NorthStar #

-------	-----	-------	-----------

Individual	$12.50	15523	1661

Corporate	$50	15524	1662

Unlimited	$50	15525	1663

This table lists prices to upgrade from Individual to the other licenses:

License	Price	SWREG #	NorthStar #

-------	-----	-------	-----------

Corporate	$150	N/A	1278

Unlimited	$250	N/A	1277

License Descriptions

The Individual license entitles you to create all the screen savers you wish, but does not allow any business-oriented distribution to other users.   However, distribution of savers you've created to friends and family is encouraged!

The Corporate license permits unlimited distribution of business-oriented screen savers that are NOT resold.  Unlike the individual license, the registration codes supplied with this license let you create savers that contain no reference to EZ Software.

The Unlimited license permits you to create all the screen savers you wish, distribute them freely for any purpose, and sell them.  The registration codes supplied with this license let you create savers that contain no reference to EZ Software.  Also, a personalized version of the software is available at no charge when you purchase this license.  To create this personalized version, we have you send an icon and a bitmap.  The icon is visible on the Windows 95 screensaver panel, and the bitmap is visible whenever a user presses the Setup or Settings button of a saver you've created.

Payment Methods

CREDIT CARD ORDERS:

We have contracted NorthStar Solutions to take credit card orders and provide registration codes immediately.

NorthStar provides ONLY registration services and cannot answer ANY technical questions!  Send all questions about the programs to EZ Software.

To order with a Visa, MasterCard or Discover card, call 1-800-699-6395 between the hours of 10am and 8pm EST, Monday through Saturday. Callers outside the U.S. can call 1-803-699-6395 during the same hours.

You can also send a fax to 1-803-699-5465. If you choose this option, NorthStar will notify EZ Software about your order, and EZ Software will then e-mail registration codes to you.

You can also order online at NorthStar's Web Site:

http://nstarsolutions.com/557.htm

A secure form is available at:

https://www24.hway.net/nstars/557-s.htm

Please provide (or be prepared to provide) the following information when ordering:

* The program you are registering (please include the product number)

* Your mailing address

* Your Visa, MasterCard or Discover # and its expiration date

* Your e-mail address

(Note: NorthStar handles the order taking for many software companies, and their phone numbers are sometimes busy.  If you have difficulty reaching them by phone, please consider using the fax or online ordering options.

Or, send an e-mail to ezsoft@compuserve.com.  If you include in the e-mail your credit card info, we will process the order through NorthStar for you.  If you do not want to send credit card info via e-mail, send your telephone number instead, and EZ Software will contact you to get the info, or arrange some other form of payment.)

COMPUSERVE'S SWREG:

In case you are new to the SWREG system, here are some steps to follow:

Log in and  GO SWREG.

Double-click "Register Shareware"

Read the agreement and click the "Proceed" button

Double-click on the line representing your geographical region

Double-click on "Registration ID" and enter 15520 (or 15521 thru 15525)

Double-click on "Display Selected Files"

Double-click on "EZSaver"

Fill in the form and press the "Continue" button

CompuServe will immediately notify EZ Software via e-mail, and EZ Software will then e-mail registration codes to your CompuServe address, usually on the same day.

FIRST VIRTUAL:

Another alternative registration method is available via the First Virtual(TM) Internet Payment service.  This $5-per-year service lets you use your credit card to make purchases over the internet without sending your card information over the net.

You can register with First Virtual, and learn more about this payment method, by visiting their web page at:

http://www.fv.com/newacct/

MAILING A CHECK:

If you can draw the check on a U.S. bank, then it should be in U.S. dollars for the exact amount of the product. If you can not do this, find out the current exchange rate, add $13 to the product price, convert the total to your country's currency, and make the check out in your currency.

Send all paper correspondance to the following address. To ensure a prompt response, you should also send e-mail notification letting us know that you have sent paper correspondance.

EZ Software

P.O. Box 181302

Fairfield, OH 45018

Return to Index...


Other EZ Software Products

Other products by EZ Software™ (Windows 3.1 and Windows 95)

All product demos are available on the Web...

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/ezsoft

...and are also available on CompuServe (GO WINSHARE)

The Talking Keyboard™ (TALKKEY.ZIP)

A friendly female voice clearly pronounces the names of letters, numbers and other keys when pressed.  Each zooms to eye-catching size, and is added to the screen like a word processor.  Other programs locked out to protect system from little fingers.  Record Mode makes customization easy, fun.   **NEW** - pronounces keys while running *any* program!  Selectable fonts, colors, and recording options.   Sound card required, microphone needed to customize. $13

Football 2000™ (FB2000.ZIP)

Action football game.  Over 30 enhancements in this revision include improved player logic and appearance, full color support, great new sounds, penalties, overtime, timeouts and more.   Player vs. computer, computer vs. computer, screen saver, and new coach mode.  Game is fully functional for 31 days once installed.  486-50DX or better recommended.  Speed of play adjustable;  5 difficulty levels; customizable. $13

EZAnimator™ (EZANIM.ZIP)

EZ Animator (Windows 3.x and 95) displays a sequence of images (in .BMP-format) in a fast,continuous loop.   Works as standalone program or screen saver.  Can read images directly from .ZIP files.  Number, size of images limited only by a PC's speed and memory.  Several different loop sequences can be pre-programmed, each for a specified amount of time.  Demo works unhindered for 31 days after it is installed.  $10.

EZSlideShow™ (EZSLIDE.ZIP)

Use EZSlideShow to present your .BMP-format images and, optionally, sound files (in .WAV format) as audio/video slide shows.  Images can be advanced by mouse clicks, timers, or in sync with the sound files.  Precise control of timing provided.  Can also be set up as a screen saver.  Supports all .BMP's and .WAV's.  No runtime libraries required.  $12

EZDialup™ (EZDIALUP.ZIP)

Turn a PC and modems into a multi-line dialup file server with EZDialup.  Client-side software included.   Securely distributes files to remote callers using pre-programmed scripts.   Developer's API and comms library included for e

xtended flexibility.  Download, upload, zip, unzip, move up, move down, execute programs, and more.  Awarded FOUR STARS by PC Magazine Online (www.pcmag.com).  Source examples included.  $65

Courier Plus™ (COURPLUS.ZIP)

Courier Plus (useful for CompuServe users only) is an email retriever/responder designed for:

   -any WinCIM 2.x user who wants e-mail auto-retrieved at regular intervals

   -shareware developers who send codes when they get SWREG's

   -businesses needing an automatic e-mail subject-line responder

Now supports all WinCIM 2.x versions and languages other than English.  Supports all mailbox types, SWREG authentications, attached files, customized responses, filing, history log, imports from WinCIM, exports to ASCII.  Un-crippled 31-day trial version.  $19

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