Please feel free to distribute this package far and wide but please keep it intact and also do not modify it in any way.
OVERVIEW:
RandppatManager is essentially an extension (INIT) that activates during startup, randomly chooses a new desktop pattern from the available patterns, and immediately terminates, thus using absolutely no memory. If you happen to like certain patterns more than others, you can give them a higher weight, so they will be displayed more often.
Since not everybody is familiar with Resedit, RandppatManager has an add button allowing you to easily import patterns. Furthermore, you can look in all files - including programs - for pattern resources, you can use the clipboard to import and export pictures, and you can grab patterns from anything you can display on the screen.
Unlike other similar utilities, RandppatManager:
• Does not patch any traps so it is more compatible with your other programs.
• Allows you to install patterns without much hassle.
• Uses very little RAM.
• Does not have a built-in Editor - use a paint program to edit patterns and grab or paste them.
RandppatManager requires System 7, is 32 bit clean and is 68040 compatible. If you ’d like to see a system 6 version, let me know. If I get enough requests, I’ll do it.
INSTALLATION:
Drop the file named “RandppatManager” onto your system Folder. RandppatManager must be placed in the Control Panels folder to function correctly.
HOW IT WORKS:
When you open the control panel, RandppatManager will look for a file called “RandppatManager Prefs” in your Preferences Folder. If the file is not found, it will be created.
The Patternlist shows all installed desktop patterns. For each pattern, it lists the name, the size and the relative weight. The item shown in bold is the pattern that is currently installed.
You can change this pattern by option - clicking a title.
Use the slider to change the relative weight of the pattern. A pattern having a weight of zero will never be shown (unless it is the only pattern installed). The higher the weight, the more likely it gets for a pattern to be shown.
You can use the “show” - button to show the currently selected pattern, or you can double-click a title.
The “Add” - button allows you to add a pattern to the patternlist.
You can choose from any file containing ppat resources. When you select a file, RandppatManager will show you a preview of all patterns in the file.
Use the “Remove” - button to permanently remove a pattern from the list. No warning will be given, and remove can not be “undone”, so be careful.
If you want to rename a pattern, use the “Rename” - button.
Clicking the “apply” - button will install the selected pattern as the desktop pattern.
If you want to import a picture, you can copy it to the clipboard and paste it in RandppatManager, or you can display it on the screen and grab it using the “Grab” - button.
When you have received your registration number, press the “Register” - button to personalize your copy of RandppatManager.
Finally, the “Init Disable” checkbox disables RandppatManager, so no new pattern will be selected.
SHAREWARE:
If you find yourself using RandppatManager for more than 20 days, you are asked to send $15 for each copy you use to the author. In return, you will be entitled to the next updated versions of RandppatManager at no cost and will be considered a registered user for life. Supporting shareware will ensure that more and better programs will be made available to the public, by independent developers everywhere.
ATTN.: RandppatManager Registration.
Do not send any checks, unless they are drawn on a Belgian bank!
This is one of our first shots at the shareware market, and we really haven’t got an idea as what to expect. So, if you like RandppatManager, please pay up. If you think there’s anything wrong with the product, please let us know. We do not know this market (yet), so any insight will help us provide products better suited to you.
NOTE: Once you pay, you are entitled to a free update to any other non-commercial version of RandppatManager.
Site licenses are available. Contact the author for more information and a rate schedule.
WHO DID THIS:
Putteneers Consultancy is a small Belgian company. We are making a living doing client - server projects (Oracle, SequeLink, DAL, PowerBuilder), turn - key programming (4D, C, C++) and consulting.
If this has any success, we’ve got some other stuff that can be published as shareware. So, if you are using RandppatManager, please pay your fee and we will continue to publish.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
The slider and checkbox CDEF are part of the MacGadgets package created by Devil Mountain Development and are copyright of John C. May.
Special thanks to Ricardo Noulez for helpfull suggestions and for taking the risk to betatest.
DISTRIBUTION AND COPYRIGHTS
There are no restrictions on making and distributing unmodified copies of RandppatManager, provided this document is included. Nonetheless, the application may not be commercially sold or distributed, without written permission by the developer. However, permission is granted for making the software freely available on any bulletin board and computer on-line service. In addition, RandppatManager may also be freely distributed on floppy disks by Macintosh User Groups, if no more than actual cost is charged. RandppatManager is copyright Herbert Putteneers.
WARRANTY DISCLAIMER
RandppatManager is provided "as is." You may use it at your own risk and discretion, without warranty of any kind. Neither the developer, nor suppliers of the software, shall be liable for any damages arising out of your use, or possible misuse, of this product. So there!
