





 
                                 Facade(tm)
                            -------------------
 
        developers' pcx splashscreen display for DOS applications



 
                        a product of RCCO Research
 
 
 
Capabilities
-------------
Facade(tm) is basically a simple loader program that allows DOS executable
applications to display a developer-designed VGA .pcx file as a sign-on
image.  Upon normal execution of the main application, Facade(tm) releases
itself from memory, thus adding no overhead to the executable sequence.

The splashscreen displays for four (4) seconds, then calls the main
executable just as it would have been executed from the system prompt.

Facade(tm) may be used with most traditional MS-DOS language executables,
including those created with CA-Clipper, Borland Turbo Pascal, QuickBASIC,
PowerBasic, Visual Basic(tm) for DOS, dBase, Clarion, C, etc.

Facade(tm) image displays will run under both DOS and Windows.  The chief
advantages, aside from the presentations themselves, are both low cost and
method of acquiring.  The copy included herewith is a fully-functional
evaluation copy available easily and universally through the user-supported
software marketplace.
 



Facade.exe and the sample files
--------------------------------
To run the files included in this package (FACADE.EXE and 2 sample files:
_ADMIN.PCX, _OVERL.EXE) simply execute

                           FACADE <enter>

from the DOS prompt.




Preparation of images
----------------------
Facade(tm) is particularly effective for software developers preparing copy-
right or other splashscreens of their products, in that they can easily cap-
ture usable materials with programs like Hijaak(tm) for Windows and modify
or create them in editing programs such as Windows(tm) Paintbrush.
 
The only requirement is that images must be finally saved in 640x480 16-
color VGA .pcx file format.  If you are doing image preparation in Windows,
you will have to load a 16-color video driver for 640x480 VGA in order to
prepare proper images.  This format is used since it is the most universal
that will allow presentations to be viewed on as many DOS and/or Windows
VGA systems as possible.  Do not build your images with 256 or more colors
as they will not display with Facade(tm).  The end-user should then be able
to properly display using any VGA card and driver with 16 or more colors;
it is only during the preparation and saving of .pcx images that you must
use a 640x480x16 driver.
 
We have observed excellent, consistent results with using a program such as
Hijaak(tm) for Windows to capture entire DOS or Windows screens, or selected
areas of screens, or a particular window on a full Windows screen.  The pre-
parer then does final editing, adding text, drawing lines or other objects,
in a drawing program.  For example, the sample sign-on screen provided with
this package was done entirely in the program that comes free with Win-
dows(tm) 3.1:  Paintbrush.  The inset picture was captured from a black and
white line drawing with a hand scanner and edited in Paintbrush.
 
Other graphics programs are likely to provide compatible material, but they
must be tried on a test basis with Facade(tm).  The two programs mentioned
above work well for most users, are widely available, and do not require
great technical or professional ability.  Scanned images will be effective
in Facade(tm) if they are saved in the proper format.  If one format you are
using seems not workable, try saving that image in another program, such as
Windows Paintbrush; we have often found that certain images work better when
converted or simply saved in another program's format even though they may
use the same .pcx extension.
 
When attempting to use monochrome pcx files, resave them as 16-color
640x480 VGA pcx files.  Even though the appearance may remain the same,
they will be saved in a format usable by Facade(tm).
 
Once you find the right combination of steps to produce pcx file formats
consistently usable by Facade(tm), you will save a great deal of time and
effort by always using that combination in future applications.
 
 
 


Required naming convention for the .pcx file
---------------------------------------------
After you have prepared the desired .pcx file, simply rename it

                                 _ADMIN.PCX

The basic requirement is that the image file and the related executables be
placed in the same directory on a hard drive.  You should advise end-users
against running your application from a floppy diskette, due to the slowness
of building the on-screen image when reading from a diskette.
 
Your end-users will certainly need VGA graphics capabilities to view your
splashscreen.  If a user attempts execution on a non-VGA-capable system, a
simple screen will very briefly display the message
 



                   ͻ
                                                           
                             Loading application...        
                                                           
                   ͼ



              This software program contains copyrighted material.
              All Rights Reserved under International Conventions.

 



and continue without much delay.  (The wording on this screen may be changed
by the developer with a hex editor, if desired.)





Renaming the related executables
---------------------------------
The developer's executable application to be launched should be renamed

                        _OVERL.EXE  (or _OVERL.COM, if a .com file)


The file FACADE.EXE would be then renamed to 'MYAPP.EXE' or whatever the
developer's application was originally called, so that the end-user executes
the original program name.

The calling sequence then becomes:

                        MYAPP.EXE <enter>

       displays         _ADMIN.PCX  (if VGA system is found)

       then executes    _OVERL  (.exe or .com)


at which point the developer's original application (now called _OVERL.EXE
or _OVERL.COM) will take over and execute normally.  Please recall that very
early versions of DOS will not support renaming of executable files; in 1994
and beyond, we trust this will no longer present a problem.

You need not issue a clearscreen command at the beginning of your applica-
tion.  Facade clears the screen automatically upon exiting.





Troubleshooting
----------------
The only caveat we might offer with this program is that if you find that
your images do not display, or do not display properly, it is probably
because they have been created or saved in a format that may only be
slightly incompatible with that which Facade(tm) requires.  Before you
decide that the Facade(tm) program is not usable in such instances, try the
suggestion given before for re-saving your .pcx files in another graphics
program.  Most image-editing programs will read files in several formats,
and often allow conversions, or perhaps will save them in a later .pcx
format that will work with applications such as Facade(tm).
 
Also, make certain that images are saved in 640x480 by 16-color format by
using the proper software and/or video drivers to handle the format.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Program Requirements
---------------------
The requirements for running Facade(tm) include a DOS-compatible PC with
512k memory, VGA graphics capability, and a hard drive.  DOS 3.1 (or later)
or Windows 3.x (or later) should be utilized.




The Unregistered Evaluation Copy
---------------------------------
The unregistered version of this program is intended for use in evaluation
situations.  It may be used for ninety (90) days within your own organ-
ization by persons that have knowledge and understanding of the fact that
this is an unregistered evaluation copy.

The payment of the $14.95 purchase price for a registered copy of this
program will allow license for a single user to make use of the program for
purposes that are traditionally accepted for software utilities of this
type.  Additional site license fees of $7.50 per user may be paid at the
time of registration, or any time in the future after initial registration
at the then current license fee in effect.  There are no runtime royalties
involved in the distribution of your materials utilizing a duly registered
copy of Facade(tm).
 
The license and authorized registration shall not be construed as being
in effect until direct payment has been received by RCCO Research and an
authorized, registered copy has been sent in the registered user's/users'
name(s).
 


 
The Registered Version of Facade(tm)
------------------------------------------
The registered copy performs the same execution as the evaluation copy, only
without the unregistered copy delay at the beginning of the VGA display.

Special builds for users of CA-Clipper programs that contain any desired
command line parameters (//F:25 //E:0, etc.) may be obtained from RCCO
Research for a very nominal fee; please write for a quote, indicating whether
the use is for a single-user license or for multiple users, and the exact
parameters desired.  We can also vary the timed screen delay to another
interval (full seconds only) with special builds.  Such custom builds may be
purchased with or after initial registration.
 
Documentation for the registered version is an on-disk text file, similar to
the present format.





Licensing Information
----------------------
This program is licensed and supplied as is, without any warranty.  To the 
extent permitted under applicable law, RCCO Research Associates disclaims 
all warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to this software 
program, its quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for any 
particular purpose.
 
In particular, this software program is not guaranteed to prevent or detect
damage to your data or programs.  In no event shall RCCO Research Associates
be liable for any claims for lost profits or any damage, including, but not
limited to, special, incidental, consequential or other damage (including, 
without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interrup-
tion, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of
the use of or inability to use this RCCO Research Associates product, even
if RCCO Research Associates has been advised of the possibility of such
damages.  Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental
or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply
to you.  In no case shall RCCO Research Associates's liability exceed the
license fees paid for the right to use the licensed version of the software. 
 
The license agreement and warranty shall be construed, interpreted and
governed by the laws of the state of Tennessee.
 
This software program is protected under the Copyright Laws of the United 
States of America and all applicable International Copyright Conventions.  
Makers and/or users of illegal or unauthorized copies of the registered 
version are subject to prosecution under these laws.
 
The name Facade(tm) is a trademark of RCCO Research Associates.  Windows(tm)
is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
 
 
 
 
 
Registration Notes
-------------------
Registration will obtain a copy of the most recent authorized version and
provide legal authorization for continued use of the program after the
ninety-day (90-day) evaluation period.
 
To obtain a registered copy, you must mail an advance-payment registration
fee of U.S. $14.95 + $2.55 shipping/handling ($7.00 non-U.S. shipping/
handling) directly to RCCO Research.  Payment is to be made by check or
money order only, please.  We require payment with order so that prices
and fees may be kept as reasonable as possible; this policy has worked well
for us in recent years, as we observe increased registration on products
that are reasonably priced.
 
An invoice will be included with your order, showing the registered serial
number(s) applicable to the purchase.  We can provide a pro forma invoice
to those corporations or institutions that require same before payment can
be issued; shipment will be made promptly upon receipt of payment.  Prices
and/or registration and/or license fees are subject to change.

Tennessee clients please include the required 8.5% sales tax on both the
product amount and shipping/handling as mandated by the state.
 
International clients must pay by check or money order in U.S. dollars,
drawn on a U.S. bank.  Please realize that international money orders are
considerably delayed through the postal systems and may not be the most
expedient way of relaying payment.
 
Please indicate program name and current version number on your order; you
may use the Order.frm file provided on the disk (or the program directory)
or simply send a note or letter with your name, organization name, address,
program name & version, number of users being licensed, and remittance.
Your comments on our programs are welcomed.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional Information
-----------------------
If you have any comments regarding this program after (or with) registra-
tion, please send them in writing to:
 
                              RCCO Research Associates
                              P. O. Box 196
                              Gatlinburg, TN 37738
 
Please include your phone (day & evening) and fax (if any) numbers as well
as your mailing address on ALL written communications.  Please indicate the
serial number from your copy of the program as well as your CustID number.
 
 
 
 


Facade(tm)
-----------
developers' pcx splashscreen display for DOS applications
 

 
(C) Copyright 1994 RCCO Research Associates
All Rights Reserved under International Conventions
Product of U.S.A.
 


RCCO Research Associates
Post Office Box 196
Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
 


