_______________________________________

     TRICKS OF THE GRAPHICS GURUS
_______________________________________

README File


These disks contain software for "Tricks of the Graphics Gurus".
This README file contains the following information:

	* Programs contained on the disks
	* How to avoid some common problems
	* Where to look in the book for help with compiling 
	  and using the software
	* Installation instructions


Programs contained on this disk
-------------------------------

	Disk 1
	******
	TG.LZH		TransGraphics system
	TGA_PCX.LZH	TGA and PCX file handling programs + code
	SVGA.LZH	Super VGA image viewer + images
	VSA256.LZH	VESA Super VGA graphics library
	TIFF256.LZH	TIFF image file functions for VSA256
	TWEEN.LZH	Tweening, morphing, movie player + movies
	FRACTALS.LZH	Interactive fractal animation + 3-D fractals
	VISUAL.LZH	Visualization and simulation programs


	Disk 2
	******
	3D.LZH		Interactive 3-D modeling programs
	IMAGEPRO.LZH	Image processing program + images
	WIN_GDI.LZH	Windows Graphics Device Interface examples
	SCENE.LZH	An extraterrestrial scene generator
	POLYRAY.LZH	Polyray ray-tracing program


How to avoid some common problems
---------------------------------
As you work with the many programs on these disks, you may encounter
some unexpected glitches along the way. In most cases, these problems
can be easily avoided if you are using the programs according to the 
instructions provided in the book. The following notes may help you 
understand how to correct some common problems you might encounter:

1. The DXF2PI program presented in Chapter 9 will only work with
   DXF files that contain 3DFACE entities. If you try to run it with 
   a DXF file containing only 3DLINE entities (such as CUBE.DXF), you 
   will get unpredictable results, which may include a divide-by-zero 
   error message.

2. The TGAREAD program presented in Chapter 3 can only display true
   color Targa files in shades of grey, or 256-color Targa files in
   256-color modes. If you choose a 16-color mode when you start the
   program, 256 color Targa files (such as SATURN.TGA) will not have
   enough colors to display properly.

3. Running IMAGEPRO programs under Windows can cause problems when 
   you pop back to Windows - some of the buttons and colors appear 
   to be messed up due to the fact that IMAGEPRO takes control of 
   the color palette. I recommend that you exit Windows before 
   running IMAGEPRO. 

4. Most of the "Working Code" sections in the book give you specific
   compile instructions for each program presented. In cases where specific
   command lines or make files are not given, refer to the introduction 
   for general instructions on compiling TransGraphics programs with your
   favorite compiler and graphics library.

5. If you are using Borland C++ version 3.1 rather than version 3.0,
   All the Windows programs from Chapters 10, 11, and 12 will generate 
   two warnings when compiled: 

   "Suspicious pointer conversion" and "parameter lpszCmdParam never used"

   You can safely ignore these warnings, or set the compiler to version 3.0 
   compatibility mode to prevent them from appearing. 
   (See your compiler manual for the specific command line switch or IDE menu 
   selection for version 3.0 compatibility.)

6. If you wish to use the TransGraphics system with the shareware VSA256 and 
   TIFF256 libraries, please read the file READ_VSA.TXT for a few helpful notes.



Where to look in the book
-------------------------
The Introduction contains more information on installing the programs
on these disks. Appendix A contains more detailed information on the 
software, including instructions for compiling the source code.


Installing the disks
--------------------
The software is stored in a compressed form, so you need to run
the installation routine to install the disks to your hard drive.
To install all the files, you'll need at least 6.6M of free space 
on your hard drive.

1. From a DOS prompt, change to the drive that contains the first 
   installation disk. For example, if the disk is in drive A:, type 
   A: and press Enter.

2. Type INSTALL and press Enter.

3. You will see a menu giving you the choice of installing a single 
   program archive, or installing the entire disk. Use the arrow keys 
   to highlight a choice and press Enter. Unless you do not have enough 
   hard disk space, choose INSTALL ENTIRE DISK.

4. After you make a choice on the menu, you will be prompted to type in 
   the drive letter of your hard drive; for example, C:.

5. When the files for this menu choice have been installed, the program 
   will pause and ask you to press any key.

6. You will be returned to the installation menu, where you can choose 
   another archive to install, or you can exit the program.

Repeat this procedure for Disk 2. The files will be installed to a directory 
named \TGG on your hard drive. 


--Dick Oliver and your Guru Crew


<end>