                            CUSTOM SCREEN SAVER
                                     by
                            ACCIDENTAL SOFTWARE
                      (If it's good, it's ACCIDENTAL)
                  Copyright (C) 1994, all rights reserved 

NOTE: To print out a copy of this file from DOS, type "TYPE README.TXT 
> PRN" then push Enter.

This program is SHAREWARE, distribution of the UNREGISTERED version of
this program is encouraged as long as it is copied in whole and remains 
unaltered.  No fee may be asked for this program itself, but a nominal 
distribution fee may be charged for the diskette used to distribute this
software as long as the purchaser of said diskette is informed that the
fee for acquiring the diskette does not constitute payment of the 
REGISTRATION FEE.  Vendors, see the file VENDOR.TXT for details.  
Spread it to the masses!

What is this program?
  
  1. This is screen saver for windows that will use your own pictures
     and midi files. If you prefer, you can use the picture files provided 
     with the program.  This program will also play songs from your 
     CD-ROM if you have one.  You can listen to music as your pictures
     are being displayed.  You can select Password protection if 
     desired.  You can leave a message on the screen for visitors
     while you are away.
  
  2. This program can be used from the Program Group that it makes for 
     windows, or it can be installed as a standard Window's Screen saver
     from Window's desk top. It can be used as both.
  
  3. If you have installed this program as a screen saver, but want to 
     use it immediately from the program manager to leave a message 
     or make your system password protected while you have to be 
     temporarily away, you can do this by double clicking the Custom 
     Screen Saver Icon.  If Custom Screen Saver is running from the 
     program manager, it will not invoke itself as a screen saver 
     even if the amount of time has passed to call it as a screen 
     saver from the desktop.  This allows you to use the Custom 
     Screen Saver in either or both capacities at once.

What is SHAREWARE?  
  
  1. Shareware is a marketing method.  For a minimal investment, you can
     try a program to see if it fits your needs.  After a short trial
     period, you are expected to purchase the program by paying the reg-
     istration fee if you decide to use it on a regular basis.  The author  
     of this shareware product receives no compensation from any shareware 
     vendor or BBS.  

How do I install the program?
  
  1. Install this program for Windows before it can be used.
      
      a. Start Microsoft Windows.
      
      b. Insert the disk in the proper drive.
      
      c. From the Window's Program Manager, select FILE MENU and
         choose RUN.
      
      d. Type B:\SETUP and press Enter.  Substitute your drive letter
         for "B:" if your disk is in a different drive.

How do I make it the active screen saver?
   
   1. Once the program is successfully installed, it may be selected
      as the current screen saver from windows.  
      
      a. From the Windows Program Manager, select MAIN.
      
      b. From MAIN  select CONTROL PANEL.
      
      c. From CONTROL PANEL select DESK TOP.
      
      d. From DESK TOP select the arrow key next to SCREEN SAVER.
      
      e. From the menu, select CUSTOM SCREEN.
   
   2. The above steps will select this program as the current screen saver.
      You should push the SET UP button to set the features of the program
      up the way you want.  It is possible to select and preview pictures,
      MIDI files, and CD-ROM songs from set up.
   
   3. Push the TEST button to run the screen saver program as a test.
   
   4. Set the desired inactive time for the screen saver program to 
      implement itself.

How do I use the program from the Windows Program Manager?

   1. If the Screen Saver program group is not open, double click on it.

   2. To run Custom Screen Saver, double click on it's Icon.

   3. The program will start in the Set Up Mode.  Select the options you
      want, then push the Screen Saver button to start the program.

What are the program features?
  
  1. Registered users can add up to 100 Bit Map files to be viewed from
     anywhere on your hard disk.   
  
  2. Registered users can add up to 100 Midi selections to be played by your
     midi software as the program displays your pictures. 
  
  3. Use the Bit Map picture files provided if desired.
  
  4. Set the length of time for the picture to remain on the display before
     the next one replaces it. This time ranges from 5 seconds to 1 minute.
  
  5. Any picture can be used as long as it is in Bit Map form (i.e. it has 
     been converted to the BMP format with the extension .BMP.)
  
  6. You need not copy any picture or midi file to any other directory to
     use it.  This program can find and use your files from any valid drive
     and directory on your computer. 
  
  7. You can add or delete picture and midi files and set the picture delay
     at any time through the standard setup button provided by windows for
     screen savers or by starting the program from the program manager by
     double clicking on it's Icon.
  
  8. You can used scanned images of anything you desire as long as the image
     is save in BMP form.  For an example use the scenes portion of the 
     Picture menu.  Two of the pictures are scanned images of my children
     at a young age.  The scene provided are images produced by Vista Pro
     (TM) by Virtual Reality Laboratories, Inc. The remainder of the images
     are original art work produced by Andrew Hastings.
  
  9. Most keyboard or mouse activity will terminate the Custom Screen Saver
     and return you to the application you were using before the screen 
     saver started.  However, 2 keyboard keys have special meaning to the
     Custom Screen Saver program.  
       
       a. The " " (space) key will bring up the music selector bar if you
       are listening to CD-AUDIO from your CD_ROM drive.  The Custom 
       Screen Saver may be terminated from the music selector by selecting
       the STOP button on the selector bar. 
       
       b. The "M" key will toggle any MIDI music being played On or Off.  
       The music can be muted or reinstated with this key.  The pictures 
       you have selected will continue to be displayed at the interval set.

  10.  You can use a Password to protect access to your computer when the 
       Custom Screen Saver is running.

  11.  You can leave a message for any visitors you may have while you 
       are away from your computer.
  
  12.  CD-ROM audio is available in both the registered and unregistered 
       versions.  If your CD-ROM is capable of playing CD-AUDIO, you 
       can select it as the source of music for the Custom Screen Saver.

How much does it cost to register?     
  
  1. The registration fee is $15.00  plus $3.00 for shipping and handling.
  
  2. Site licenses are available.  Contact Accidental Software for details.
  
  3. FOREIGN ORDERS (Except CANADA). Shipping and handling is $5.00.

How do I register?
  
  1. Send a check or money order.
  
  2. FOREIGN ORDERS: Send international money order (U.S. Currency)
     or a check drawn on a U.S. bank.
  
  3. Send registration to.....
                
                ACCIDENTAL SOFTWARE
                13245 SKIOMAH RD.
                APPLE VALLEY, CA. 92308
                619 - 247 - 2804
  
  4. Specify the disk type you need. Only 1.44 HD or 1.20 HD diskettes are
     offered.
  
  5. The preferred method is to print out a registration form.  The program
     can do this for you, select the Set Up button for screen savers in 
     Windows, or start the program for the program manager by double
     clicking on it's Icon.   When Custom Screen Saver Set Up shows, select
     Registration and print out a registration form.  If you can't do this,
     then just send me a note with payment and the type of disk you need.

What does registration do for me?
  
  1. I will send you a disk that provides you with the registered version  
     of Custom Screen Saver.
  
  2. The disk I send you will also have on it 10 new scenery pictures that
     you can use with the program. These are produced from actual 
     geodetic data converted to Scenes by Vista Pro (TM) of Virtual 
     Reality Labs, Inc.
  
  3. The registered version of this program will allow you to select up to 
     100 pictures and Midi files to be used by the Custom Screen Saver.
  
  4. You can order an additional diskette of scenes produced with Vista Pro.
     This diskette will include an additional 10 scenes.

  5. The registered and unregistered versions both allow you to use
     CD-AUDIO if you have a CD-ROM Drive capable of playing CD-AUDIO.

Common Questions!
  
  Q. I've got a lot of "GIF" pictures I would like to use with this  
     screen saver, how do I do this?
  
  A. You can load the "GIF" picture into most paint programs and then save 
     it as a "BMP" picture.  Alternately, You can use one of several 
     excellent shareware programs designed to convert picture files to 
     different formats.  WinGif or BitEdit are two shareware programs 
     available that will convert pictures for you.  WinGif is produced 
     by.....
                     
                     SuperSet Software Corporation
                     P.O. Box 50476
                     Provo, Ut. 84605-0476
     
                     The registration fee for WinGif is $15.00.
  
  Q. I have several photos of family members that I want to display with 
     this software, how can I do this?  
  
  A. You will need to use a scanner to scan this image into a paint program.
     Once it is scanned and retouched as necessary, save it as a "BMP" 
     picture.  Select the User Bit Maps option button in Custom Screen 
     Saver.  Find the file by clicking to the correct drive and
     directory.  Double click on the file name and it will be added to the
     Bit Maps To Show window.  You can preview this file by double clicking
     on its entry in the Bit Maps To Show window.  Note: For best results,
     the file should be scanned to a 640X480x256 color resolution.  The 
     scanned pictures aspect ratio should be close to that of the screen mode
     you are using for best results. If you don't have access to a scanner
     call me at the above number and I will discuss the possibility of 
     scanning your images for you.  Prices vary.
  
  Q. I want to use several of my own MIDI songs to be played by the program
     when my pictures are being displayed.  How can I do this?   
  
  A. You can select any valid MIDI file ".mid" that is available
     on your hard disk.  It can be placed in a file of tunes (up to 100) 
     that will be played in order.  Once the last file is played, the tunes 
     will start over in a continuous loop. Choose the drive and directory
     that your MIDI files are on.  Double click on the file(s) you want 
     to use to put them in the Midi Files To Play window.  You can 
     preview any Midi file in the Midi Files To Play window by 
     double clicking on it. 
  
  Q. How do I reach you if I have a question?  
  
  A. Call me at any time from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (west coast time).  Ask
     for Terry.....1-619-247-2804

Disclaimer:
  
  This product is distributed "as is".  All warranties, either expressed    
  or implied, as to the software quality, performance, or fitness for any
  particular reason are disclaimed.  You will bear the entire risk of
  relating to the quality and performance of this product, and will, in 
  no event hold ACCIDENTAL SOFTWARE liable for any direct, indirect,
  incidental or consequential damage resulting from the use of this 
  software.

Vendor Distribution:
  
  See the file VENDOR.TXT.

ASP Information:       
       
       Association of Shareware Professionals working for you.                                
                                
                                ASP STATEMENT
                  _______                                                
             ____|__     |                   (R)            
          --|       |    | ----------------------
            |   ____|__  |     Association of             
            |  |       |_|     Shareware
            |__|   o   |       Professionals 
          -----|   |   |-------------------------
               |___|___|       MEMBER        

"This program is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware 
Professionals (ASP).  ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle 
works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem 
with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to 
help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an 
ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products. 
Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442
or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.
  
