burhans@mizar.usc.edu (Mustang Sally) (12/07/90)
I have downloaded several GIF files via FTP that have twin-peaks images in 256 colors. I have used pulic domain software called CSHOW and GWS (GraphicsWorkshop) to display and attempt to convert the files so I can use them as wallpaper. While both Cshow and GWS display the pictures in beautiful resolution and color any and all attempts to convert them either directly or indirectly (via PCX format ) results in loss of color AND resolution. I have also tried GIF2BMP but it usually generates garbage that looks nothing like a picture at all. It certainly seems like Paintbrush can store 256 color bitmaps. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. -- Jackie Burhans (burhans@usc.edu) USC Student Affairs (213)740-5244 its fixed! STU 201 - MC4891 Los Angeles, CA 90089-4891
richardh@hpopd.HP.COM (Richard Hancock) (12/07/90)
/ hpopd:comp.windows.ms / burhans@mizar.usc.edu (Mustang Sally) / 7:46 pm Dec 6, 1990 / > I have downloaded several GIF files via FTP that have twin-peaks > images in 256 colors. I have used pulic domain software called > CSHOW and GWS (GraphicsWorkshop) to display and attempt to convert > the files so I can use them as wallpaper. While both Cshow and GWS > display the pictures in beautiful resolution and color any and all > attempts to convert them either directly or indirectly (via PCX format ) results in loss of color AND resolution. I have also tried GIF2BMP > but it usually generates garbage that looks nothing like a picture at > all. It certainly seems like Paintbrush can store 256 color bitmaps. I've used the DOS version of gif2bmp.exe successfully on most of the TP GIFs from the University of Michigan, though neither of the Audrey GIFs survive the conversion process. I'm using an HP RS20 with a 512K VGA adapter. Richard.
burhans@mizar.usc.edu (Mustang Sally) (12/08/90)
Many people have replied to my query about converting GIFs to BMPs to use as wallpaper. The replies fall into two categories: 1) People recommending other software such as GCP or WINGIF or saying they had no problems. I got GCP and successfully converted the 256 color file to a dithered 16 color file and it looks pretty good. 2) People saying I must not be using a 256 color driver. They are right, I am not. I am unclear about how to do this or more importantly how to tell if I can do it. I would think so just based on the fact that CSHOW (a non-windows) program can show the GIF files in what I assume is 256 colors (its much better than the dithered 16 color BMP I finally ended up with. So my new question is how do I tell if my system is capable of this. You might say RTFM which I've tried but its rather obscure. What I have is a 386sx clone with VGA built into the motherboard and a Magnavox VGA color display model 9cm082. I recall the rep saying it had the equivalent of a paradise vga card on it and I did download the paradise drivers but when I installed that it split my windows screen in two and made it impossible for me to figure out where my mouse was pointing. Can I open this system up and look for a chip--what would I look for? I will try calling my account rep and getting info from him. I did try the drivers that came on the disk with the system but they were for 800x600 and when I installed that Windows said that 386 enhance mode couldn't use that so I'd have to run in standard or real mode. It turns out I do run in standard mode anyway to get my SOUNDER program to work but I *hate* to be told I have to. Thanks! -- Jackie Burhans (burhans@usc.edu) USC Student Affairs (213)740-5244 its fixed! STU 201 - MC4891 Los Angeles, CA 90089-4891