These notes are basically the same as those for XTimer 1.2, with additional comments about XTimer XTra.
XTimer-XTra and some copies of XTimer 1.2 contain a change which users with multiple monitors will notice, when one monitor is color and one is black and white. Paul Celestin added in code to his CDEF (Control Definition), which is used in the mini "stoplight" timer for the buttons, that now senses not only the color capability of the main monitor, but also on the secondary monitor. So, now the mini timer will be drawn correctly on the secondary monitor when it isn't the same as the main monitor. XTimer-XTra also handles the prefs file more efficiently.
There are some significant additions in XTra. One change is that the current rate can now be displayed on the title bar. You can toggle between the program name, "XTimer-XTra," and the name of the current rate by using Option-R. When text files of the log are created, any rates named "Unused", "unused", or "UNUSED" will be ignored. I added in options for database users to save or append the log to a text file in tab delimited format for easy import. Saving or appending the log in regular text format can be done with or without the usual log header. Holding down the option key before pulling down the File menu while selecting those options will prevent the header from being included. Users can now add a time on the timer to the current rate and bypass the dialog by entering <ctrl> - A, when the timer is stopped.
XTimer-XTra was written in reponse to a request from a graphics designer in Alabama. He really wished he had more than XTimer's seven available Rate/Charge categories. He wanted more in order to keep track of the billing for many different ongoing projects. We talked it over, and with some minor changes I was able to put this together for him and others who feel they just need a little "XTra". XTimer-XTra lets you keep 20 different times logged at different rates. I hope this helps.
XTimer-XTra is shareware - $8. Registered users of XTimer (not XTra) upgrade - $3. All further upgrades of either version are always free. XTimer-XTra requires a monitor with resolution of at least 640x400.
Future Plans:
I may create expanded versions of both XTimer-XTra and XTimer, but it depends on the number of people who register. Those versions will likely be available only to registered users since the returns so far have been meager. I have talked to a few other shareware authors who found themselves working without compensation. I hope things improve as I would like to write larger applications for shareware availability, but I'm not going to invest the time unless it seems worth it to do so. I respect that it isn't always easy to pay the fee quickly for many, others are just lazy, that's life, but sooner or later, if the fee is reasonable, an honest person who uses a shareware application ought to pay the author.
The rest of this document is the same as XTimer 1.2:
Fixes in 1.2
Hopefully fixed log bugs for good. Another bug was found that caused the charges on the log to all be displayed at the currently selected charge rate, rather than their own.
I fixed numerous minor bugs that were pretty obscure, like the timer unhiding itself when you minimized or maximized the window from the menu or by command key.
Adjustment made to how time is kept, due to discovery that the number of system "ticks" per second works out to be 60.15, rather than the 60 I've been reading; which was probably a close enough generalization for most purposes.
Fixed error which made XTimer window completely disappear if it was left on an alternate monitor at quit.
Changes in 1.2
Moved the Prefs menu off of the File menu and onto the menubar.
Alas, "Save Log As Text" has been added to the File menu. It should be viewed using a mono-spaced font like Monaco, in order to make the columns line up properly. Since TeachText uses Geneva, you'll be glad to see the new pref setting that allows you to select the text file creator. Also added, "Append Log to Text File", so you can keep your log copies in one place.
"Next Notice at:" message now displays even when the timer is stopped.
Checkboxes can now be used when Adding or Saving, for those who need to keep multiple settings for the same times, like to log connection surcharges along with the cost of the hourly on-line fees of their network. Users can still use Radio buttons if they prefer. Check the box appropriately in the Preference settings to decide.
New menu item, Clear Time Of..., lets you easily clear the log. You could also just save zero time to any Rate and accomplish the same thing, but this is convenient and intuitive.
I modified the Help to try and clear up confusion some have expressed.
Now users who know how to use ResEdit can paste in their own sound to be used when Notices are sent. Must be ID 128, non-purgeable. Must allocate additional RAM to XTimer to accomodate sound's bytes. I recommend also adding about a 15K buffer to prevent any possible memory errors.
Help screen text is in a compressed resource now, which helped offset the increase in code needed for new features.
I changed some of the command keys. It was brought to my attention that Command-D is used in many communication programs as "Disconnect", in other applications it is often used for "Delete...". This seemed like an especially hazardous situation, especially noting the "Auto-Return" feature, so I changed "View Log" from Command-D to Command-G.
I also decided that despite violating convention, it is much more convenient to have "Add Time To..." as Command-A (normally used for "Select All", which is not even a menu item in XTimer), rather than Command-J.
Fixes in 1.1.1:
Fixed glaring lethal bug that would cause the entire log to be reset to zero when the Charge Rate Preferences were changed. My most sincere apologies to those who were affected. It made me sick when it was reported to me. It's just bewildering that it wasn't found before XTimer was released to the public.
Changes in XTimer 1.1
New Feature: Auto-Return
Allows you to set XT to automatically return control to the program you were using after you Start, Stop, or Reset the timer. This enables you to use XTimer without having to reactivate another program afterwards. XTimer can be brought to the front with Auto-Return on by unclicking Auto-Return, clicking on the window title bar, or by selecting XTimer from the Applications menu.
Changes:
Users with multiple monitors will find that XTimer now centers windows on the main screen, not always on the screen where the mouse is located.
Fixes:
Code correction for Macs using 68000 CPU's. Now XTimer won't die with "Unimplemented Trap" on those machines.
<option> Start now completely Resets, formerly it started with 1 second charged.
Time now saved on timer when XTimer is quit while timer is running.
