ShowBMP Version 1.0 for 256 Colour Bitmaps

Program Documentation

Copyright (c) 2001-02 Abhilash Sasi, Author 


FILE CONTENTS

* ShowBMP.exe - The main program
* desktop.bmp - 256 Color Bitmap sample file
* SVGA256.BGI - 256 Color BGI driver
* example.bat - Batch file for creating slide shows
* example.cpp - CPP file demonstrating how to use ShowBMP from within your C++ programs
* example.exe - Compiled version of above
* Readme.txt  - The file you are reading now!!!


LEGAL STUFF

Author is not responsible for any damages/loss arising as a result of the use of this
software.

Also please notify me if you are distributing this software.

Reverse Engineers,i know you guys are smart :)


INTRODUCTION

This handy utility would allow you to display 256 Colour BMP files within the command prompt or
within your C++ programs. 

You can display the bitmap in 4 different graphic modes (resolution) and you can also view
information about the bitmap.

The available graphic modes are:

* 320x240
* 640x480
* 800x600
* 1024x768


SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

* DOS 6.0 or higher
* Enough Video RAM for the image to be displayed
* SVGA256.BGI - 256 Color Driver file (included with ShowBMP)


USES OF THIS PROGRAM

* This program can be used to display 256 Color Bitmaps within your C++ program or DOS or 
  Windows.
* You don't need a full-fledged paint program or Windows to view 256 Color Bitmaps.
* You can also create image presentations/slide shows using ShowBMP.


DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE REGISTERED AND UNREGISTERED VERSION

The registered and unregistered version are similar, except for the fact that the unregistered
version displays a nag screen before displaying every image file.

For registration,contact the author in the addresses given at the end of the Readme file.


RUNNING THIS PROGRAM

To start ShowBMP run the file showbmp.exe

Entering SHOWBMP by itself, with no command line parameters, would display a help screen.

The command line syntax is:
 
showbmp <filename.bmp> <mode> -info

filename.bmp is the 256 color bitmap to be displayed

mode is the graphics mode to be used (1-4)

Mode 1 : 320x240    Mode 2 : 640x480    Mode 3 : 800x600    Mode 4 : 1024x768

-info is optional,it would display bitmap file information also

Additional Notes :

* All graphic modes are in pixels (256 color)
* The height and width of the bitmap to be displayed should be divisible by 4
* Not all computers would be compatible with the BGI driver ShowBMP uses

Other Notes:

* Usage of -info syntax can be used to display detailed information about the structure
  of the bitmap (height,width,colors...etc)
* You can only use ShowBMP to display 256 Color Bitmaps.Incase your bitmap is of different
  color type (eg: monochrome , 16 Color), then use a paint program like MS-PAINT or Adobe
  Photoshop to convert the image to that of 256 Colors.
* You can only use ShowBMP to display bitmaps whose height and width is divisible by four.
  Incase your bitmap is of different size, then use a paint program like MS-PAINT or Adobe
  Photoshop to resize the image in such a way that the heigth and width is divisible by 4.
* You should run ShowBMP in the same directory that contains the file SVGA256.BGI
* All error messages shown by ShowBMP are self-explainatory. If you experience any
  difficulties, feel free to contact the author.


CREATING SLIDESHOWS

A DOS batch file may be constructed to use this utility to create a slideshow.

Run and edit the file example.bat for more details.

You can use a DOS editor or Windows Notepad to create batch files.They have the extension .BAT


USING THIS PROGRAM WITHIN YOUR C++ PROGRAMS

You can use this utility within your C++ programs,especially for projects and company
presentations.

Run and edit the file example.cpp for more details.

You can use a compiler like Turbo C++ or Borland C++ to edit and compile files of extension
 .CPP


CONTACTING THE AUTHOR

For registration/information/support/source code, contact the author.

Also I would give a free registered copy of ShowBMP, for anyone out there who notifies me of a
valid bug in this software.


EMAIL ADDRESS AND WEBSITE:

abhi1983@hotmail.com
http://www.cplusplusonline.com 
http://cplusplusonline.hypermart.net

SNAIL MAIL:

Abhilash Sasi,
c/o:Sasidharan Pillai,
P.O.Box 9229,
Dubai World Trade Centre,
Dubai,
United Arab Emirates

ICQ:
35116728

MSN Messenger:
abhi1983@hotmail.com

AOL:
It sucks :)

MY PHONE NUMBER:
Don't even think of getting it !!!

MY MOBILE NUMBER:
How many times should i tell ya?


ABOUT ME

I am an Indian citizen residing in the United Arab Emirates.I'm 17 years of age and one of my
favorite hobbies is to program computers.I also have an interest in computer security.


OTHER PROGRAMS BY ME

The following are other programs by the same author:

* ShowBMP Version 1.0 for 256 Colour Bitmaps 

This handy utility would allow you to display 256 Colour BMP files within the command prompt
or within your C++ programs. 

You can display the bitmap in 4 different graphic modes (resolution) and you can also view
information about the bitmap. 

* ShowBMP Version 1.0 for 16 Colour Bitmaps 

This handy utility would allow you to display 16 Colour BMP files within the command prompt
or within your C++ programs. 

You can display the bitmap in 1 different graphic mode (resolution) and you can also view
information about the bitmap. 


* ShowTGA Version 1.0 

This handy utility would allow you to display TGA graphic files within the command prompt
or within your C++ programs. 

You can display the TGA graphic file in 4 different graphic modes (resolution) and you can also
view information about it. 


* ShowPCX Version 1.0 

This handy utility would allow you to display PCX graphic files within the command prompt or
within your C++ programs. 

You can display the PCX graphic file in 4 different graphic modes (resolution) and you can also
view information about it. 

All these programs are available for download from my website.

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