wraith@ucscb.UCSC.EDU (Cameron Reid) (03/02/89)
I would like some information of NeoDesk (and any other GEM interface/substitute). Specificly, I'd like to know; - how much memory does it use (or save)? - how configurable is it? - What does the program do that GEM does not do? Thanks, Cameron Reid wraith@haunts.santa-cruz.ca.us or wraith@ssyx.ucsc.edu or wraith@ucscb.ucsc.edu
R_Tim_Coslet@cup.portal.com (03/05/89)
In Article: <6548@saturn.ucsc.edu> wraith@ucscb.UCSC.EDU (Cameron Reid) Writes: > I would like some information of NeoDesk (and any other >GEM interface/substitute). Specificly, I'd like to know; >- how much memory does it use (or save)? >- how configurable is it? >- What does the program do that GEM does not do? I am running under NeoDesk V2.00, it is a BIG improvement over the DeskTop. 1) Memory requirements: NeoDesk V2 can be run in 2 modes. One mode leaves NeoDesk in memory all the time; this mode uses up 150K of RAM. The other mode leaves only the "Master Shell" in memory when an application is invoked then reloads the rest of NeoDesk when the application terminates; this mode uses only 24K. 2) NeoDesk is VERY configurable (and the .INF file is even readable: it uses DECIMAL numbers and contains comments identifying the fields). 3) NeoDesk does many things that the regular DeskTop won't do, so many that I will not be able to list them all (I can't remember alot of them). Some of the additions are... 7 Windows, "printer" icon, "rubberband" box works in ANY direction (not just down to right), 128 character parameter line for .TTP parameters (and selection of multiple files enters all file names in the parameter line), Selectable "sort" including "nosort" (usefull to see actual order of files in folders), Environment Variables, Applications may be "installed" on two different file entensions, New "program" types: .BAT and .BTP (Batch and Batch Takes Parameters), Batch jobs run on user selectable "text command Shell", Drag an Icon extended to "move" files too, Icons may be placed on desktop for quick access, Disk to Disk copies can reformat the disk if necessary, An Icon Editor to edit any of NeoDesk's Icons, A NEW Control Panel that includes a corner clock and screen saver and will show actual state of Blitter and permit you to change it, A Printer Queue Accessory, A BOMB trap server that will print an "english" error message on the screen (instead of just a bunch of bombs) and can display the state of the registers when the bombs occured, Max. viewable files in a folder can be extended to 999. I am sure I forgot alot of things, but that is probably most of the additional features that NeoDesk offers.... Oh, one more... a "push-behind" button is added to each window (this will let you push the top window behind all the rest, without having to resize or move it). R. Tim Coslet Usenet: R_Tim_Coslet@cup.portal.com BIX: r.tim_coslet P.S. I just use NeoDesk (and like it very much). I have no connection with Gribnif Software. P.P.S The NeoDesk Control Panel also includes "warm" and "cold" boot "hotkeys": ctrl-alt-del and ctrl-alt-undo that may be used almost anytime.
Xorg@cup.portal.com (Peter Ted Szymonik) (03/05/89)
Neodesk is a love-hate program, either you love it or hate it. While I liked what I saw in version one, I hated the 120K memory it up on my 1040. Now that I have version 2 I love it and would never go back to the regular GEM desktop (I also now have a Mega 2.) Here are the features of NeoDesk 2.0: Optionally can use as little as 24K of memory Fast icon and text drawing as well as window opening Optional use of a picture as a desktop background Unlike version 1, version 2 uses the new 'twisted' or 'fast' format option up to track 82 and 10 sectors Auto execution of any program or batch file on boot up Files can be moved, not just copied, this is fully selectable If a system crash occurs NeoDesk almost always displays information on the bomb and the status of the registers There is no horizontial scroll bar, icons are wrapped around to fill the window so no icons are unseen off the right edge Windows can be stacked and brought to the top at a mouse click A window that is not active can be resized and scrolled through without selecting it. Disk Volume name is displayed when each disk is opened Filenames can now be displayed instead of icons and there is an option for 'small' text ala a Mac and options for date, size, and type are fully selectable. A replacement Control Panel is provided that includes a corner clock screen saver and a 'warm' or 'cold' reboot from within any program and a on-off control for the blitter chip. There are other goodies, in my opinion with NeoDesk and Universal Item Selector the ST desktop becomes a powerhouse, a must buy. Peter Szymonik