maumg@warwick.ac.uk (Pop Mobility Freak) (05/21/91)
Dear Arc owner,
Here is a brief overview of the applications I have sent to
comp.binary.acorn and the newcastle info server.
Each utility contains the source as I believe one of the nest ways to
learn to program is to look at someone else's code. If you plan to do this
I would recomend that you look at PlaceIt as it uses the most features.
Unless of course you are into module applications upon which IconClock is
the best to study.
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FreeMem
This utility displays the amount of free application space on the iconbar.
This is a module application and so will start up every time the desktop does
and takes very little memory.
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IconClock
This program displays a clock on the iconbar. The clock may be either a
twelve or twenty four hour clock. The clock also has three types of clockface
available. These are raised, lowered and border. The time format and
clockface type can be selected from the iconbar menu and its submenus.
This is a module application and so will start up every time the desktop does
and takes very little memory.
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UUDecode
This program decodes uuencoded files.
I have extended the syntax of uuencoded files to allow filetypes to be
preserved. A line Filetype: <filetype> may appear before the table line (or
the begin line if there is no table). Filetypes may be either text or
numerical (with the optional & infront). So, for example, the following are
all equivalent
Filetype: &FFF
Filetype: fff
Filetype: Text
Although the later is the most understandable form I recomend that it is only
used with filetypes which are always known (text, data, obey, etcetera). For
example if you use Filetype: DrawFile and !Draw has not been sent then the
filetype will be unable to be recognised and the filetype of the last
uudecode (or Text if this the first uudecode) will be used. My uuencoder
adds this line automatically.
Credit must go to Phil Colmer (Fil, at Acorn) for his help in fixing some
minor bugs and making one minor alteration to the operation of the program.
These are documented in the source.
The final I thing I have to say about this program is sorry for the really
corny sprite (two sheep - think about it). If you can't work it out there are
rams and .... ?
Note as Fil has modified this I cannot solely grant people permission to use
this program (or parts of it) in their own programs. If you mail me and I
will ask him (I doubt he will mind).
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UUEncode
This program uuencodes files. To uuencode a file drag it onto the iconbar.
Awindow will be openned prompting you for the name to insert in the line
begin 664 <filename>
The default is the leafname of the file dragged onto the iconbar. After this
a save window is openned (in a fairly random place due to the way the
RiscOsLib works) allowing you to save the uuencoded file. The default
filename is uuencode with filetype uuencode. I use this filetype because it
enables me to use PCDir to add an automatic .UUE to the file when transfering
onto a MSDOS disc.
Files may be split in either number of lines (the usual way for uuencoded
files) or in size in K (which I find a lot more useful). All parts are stored
in the same directory (the one where the first part was dragged into).
A line
Filetype: <filetype in hex>
is automatcally added for use with my uudecoder.
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SetType
This allows the filetype of files to be changed under the desktop. From it's
icon on the iconbar (which shows the current selected filetype) a menu may be
brought up which has a submenu filetype. This submenu contains a list of all
the filetypes known (via the File$Type_xxx variables) and a writeable entry.
This is a module application and so will start up every time the desktop does
and takes very little memory.
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TurboFontLister
This module makes the reading of the fontlist, for a given path, virtually
instantaneous. Any calls to read the fontlist (such as when applications
start up) are intercepted and if the fontpath being read is the one "known"
to the module then the fontlist is returned from memory as opposed to being
read from disc. If the fontpath being read is not the one recognised by the
module then the call is passed onto the fontmanager.
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PlaceIt
For those of you who do not know what PlaceIt is here is a brief description.
It allows files,directories and applications to be stuck to the background.
From here they can be handled in exactly the same way as if they were in a
filer window.
A change directory icon may put on the background which allows the directory
to be changed by dragging it into a filer window.
A recent addition in 1.10 was the ability to display a sprite behind the
background. The sprite can either be tiled or centred on the background.
The menu structure has been radically changed in this release and a new
feature added. See the !Help, History and ReadMe files for info.
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For each application see the !Help or ReadMe for full details and
disclaimers.
If you like !PlaceIt (and the other applications) and want to show your
appreciation, I'd like to enlist your support for the charity "BreakOut
Children's Holidays".
They run holidays for children who are really in need of a break. Seeing the
difference it makes to the children's lives makes the time and effort put in
by all the dedicated volunteers worthwhile. Like all charities they are
constantly in need of funding.
Please send donations to "Breakout Children's Holidays" to the appropriate
address below:
Until 28th June 1991
Ian Ashley,
55C Redfern,
University of Warwick,
Coventry
CV4 7AL
after 28th June 1991
Ian Ashley,
14 Whitelands Avenue,
Chorleywood,
HERTS.
WD3 5RD
I will place you on a list of appreciative PlaceIt users and would be more
than willing to implement any additions to PlaceIt for you which I think
would be beneficial to its users in general.
GO ON MAKE A CHILD'S DAY.
PMF