It is time for edition number two of unusual desktop pattern resources. The first edition was received very well indeed. Hopefully this one will do equally well. But calling these designs 'patterns' is a little misleading; simulations is more appropriate in most cases. Often, it is the concept that 'makes' a design. For example, the 'LegalPad' design is not very elaborate when it comes to the actual design, but it is the illusion of a legal pad that makes it amusing.
Another important aspect of desktop design is the 'red eye syndrome.' This is the problem you get from staring at a too colorful and/or mesmerizing desktop background for a whole day. Moderation is the key here. Tone it down and keep it simple and your eyes will thank you for it. But on the other hand, sometimes you just want to go crazy and forget about functionality. I always include one or two of those, just to get it out of my system.
Now to the patterns: Tonight's offering consists of sixteen desktop patterns; numbers 13-24. All the patterns included are designed for use with, at least, 8-bit color boards (256 color mode), but some patterns will work in 4-bit, and one or two even in 1-bit. Here follows a brief description of the designed patterns, followed by detailed installation instructions for those who feel they need it.
13. GridPaper: It is actually practical! The squares are the same size as metric grid paper. Bad students will feel right at home too.
14. LegalPad: Well, you get the picture.
15. GrannyWallpaper: It will bring back your childhood. That pink awful stuff in her dining-room is in fashion again. Well, maybe not.
17. BigChina: This Chinese character means 'too much.' And it is, isn't it?
18. GreenBucks: For the 'Uncle Scrooge' in all of us. A counterfeiters dream.
19. Solid Gold: A gold reserve both the aforementioned Uncle Scrooge and Uncle Sam would like to possess.
20. GreenTurf: More green. For football fans, plain and simple. No Astro turf here, thank you.
21. ManyMoons: If this is what the night sky looks like, to you: take a cab!!!
22. PatriotPattern: It looks like something from the navy.
23. StarSpangled: More patriotism. Stars without the stripes.
24. BolshevikNostalgia: The cold war is over. But this one will keep it alive long enough for you to finish your spy novels, comrades.
25. TeakPanel: Forget it if you don't have 16- or 24-bit color. If you are forced to live life in the 256 color lane, try 'WoodPanel' from PatternMania 1.
26. WoodWork: Based on 'TeakPanel' so it's not for 8-bit.
27. PineApple: If Cupertino was a suburb to Honolulu.
28. It'saLemon: Get even with a problem-computer. Insult the machine with this otherwise quite beautiful 'fruity' yellow pattern.
The following instructions are valid for System 7.0 and above:
Open the 'System Folder,' press 'Option' and click-drag 'System' out and put it directly on the desktop. This will produce a copy of the 'System' that you can safely operate on. But do not leave it on the desktop when you shut down, your machine does not like to find two systems in action when booting up (unless one is in the trash).
Launch ResEdit and open the file 'PatternMania 2,' a 'ppat'(pixel pattern) resource. Open the 'ppat' resource by double-clicking on it. You will find the sixteen pattern icons numbered 13-28. Double-click to view them in the editing window; where you can also change the design if you want to. 'ppat' will then appear in the menu bar; choose 'Try Pattern' to for a preview.
Once you have selected the pattern of your choice, close the editing window and select one of the twelve designs. Selected icons are surrounded by a black frame, with the text in highlight. Press 'Command' C to copy (or choose 'Copy' from the menu). Next, press 'Command' O (or 'Open' from the menu). In the dialog box: choose the copy of 'System' on the desktop. All resources in the system become visible (quite a few); find 'ppat' and double-click.
The default gray desktop pattern icon shows up; its ID#16 (IMPORTANT!); press 'Command' V to paste the new pattern into the open window. Select the old pattern #16 and press 'Command' X, to remove it (you can also keep it, but give it a different ID#). Now you have to change ID# on the new stuff; select it and press 'Command' I (Get Resource Info). Type the number 16 and press 'Command' S, to save the file.
Left to do is to remove the original 'System' in the 'System Folder' and place it in the trash, but do not empty yet. To play it safe, you might also want to back up the 'System' file on a floppy. Now, put your edited version of 'System' in the 'System Folder' and restart.
There you have it! It is actually quite simple if you just follow the directions. But stay away from the pattern editor in the 'General Controls' control panel; it is out of a job now. However, since there is a 'Murphy's Law,' always have a startup floppy handy, just in case. Use it to be able to remove the edited 'System,' if the project fails, and replace it with the original. It should still reside unharmed in the trash. Either try again or check out a new 'cdev' called 'Wallpaper,' and you can retire ResEdit for this kind of dirty job. Good luck!
