                                 QuickSaver
                          
    QuickSaver is a media player and screensaver that allows you to play the
files you download from your favorite Web Sites.  This program plays movies in
AVI, MOV, MPG and RM format, sound files in WAV, MP3 and RA format and can
display pictures in JPG format.  Minimum requirements are a Pentium/133,
Windows 95/98/Me, 16MB RAM and a 800x600 display.  Optional components are:
RealPlayer, QuickTime 2 and QuickTime 3.
    

                                  Players

    This program uses up to 4 players to run.  The ActiveMovie player ( this is
the AM button on the lower left of the screen ) is always installed with the
Windows operating system.  The installation program will check for it anyway.

    The other players are:

RP   -   RealPlayer Basic, a link to this is on this programs Home Page.
Q2   -   QuickTime 2, a link to this is on this programs Home Page.
Q3   -   QuickTime 3, a link to this is on this programs Home Page.


    These are all free components.


    Read the section near the end of the instructions on how to download and
install them.

                  
                              Media Player Mode

    Media Player Mode is when you run from the QuickSaver Screen by clicking the
Start button.  Unlike the Screen Saver Mode there is no black background screen.
To stop running you can either click on the STOP button or hit the 0 or Escape
key.

                         
                               Screen Saver Mode

    Screen Saver Mode is when the program runs with a black background screen
and exits with mouse movement or a key on the keyboard being hit.  Note:  Many
keys are reserved and will not cause the program to exit when hit, these are:
the Shift, Alt, Ctrl, Arrows, F4, O, D, F, N, M, V, Z, and 6, 7, 9 and / on
the NumPad.
                                

                                 Record Number

    Shows you the number of the record your are currently editing.

                        
                                    Active

    Clicking on this will toggle a record between Active and Inactive.  For a
record to be played it must be Active and be able to play with the current
configuration (SlideShow and Random Modes limit the types of records that can
be played).  Making a record inactive will prevent it from being played. 


                                   Filename

    Filenames need to be in standard MS-DOS 8.3 format.  That means 1-8
characters with a 2 or 3 character extension.  The extension must be one of
the supported file types:  .jpg .mov .avi .rm .mpg .ra .mp3 or .wav.  Note:
your files can still have long filenames in Windows but you must use the short
MS-DOS version in the database.  If you click on the DOS button and do a
directory listing you can see a files short and long filename.


                                     Q2  

    If the file is a movie this will select the QuickTime 2 Movie Player, if it
is a JPG file it will select the QuickTime 2 Picture Viewer.  Supports .jpg,
.mov and .avi formats.  Note:  Can play in the foreground only.  


                                     Q3  

    If the file is a movie this will select the QuickTime 3 MoviePlayer, if it
is a JPG file it will select the QuickTime 3 PictureViewer.  Supports .jpg,
.mov and .avi formats.  Note:  Can play in the foreground only.


                                     AM  

    This will select the Microsoft's ActiveMovie Control which plays both movies
and sound files.  Supports .mov .avi, mpg and .wav formats.  Note:  Can play in
both the foreground and background.

 
                                     RP

    This will select RealNetwork's RealPlayer which plays both movies and
sound files.  Supports .mov .avi .rm .ra .mp3 and .wav formats.  Note:  Can
play in the foreground only.

                              
                                    Time

    This determines how long in seconds an image or sound file will display
and/or play in either the foreground or background before it is closed.
                            

                                   Volume

    You can set a volume for your movies and sound files to play with, using a
value from 0 - 31.  Also, when the program is running in either mode you can
increase the volume by pressing the 8 key or decrease it by pressing the 2 key
on the NumPad.  The 4 key toggles the Mute.  The NumLock must be on.

Note:  A volume value for a JPG picture file has no effect.  If a movie or sound
       file is playing in the background it is using its volume value not the
       value for the picture in the foreground.

Note:  This value is relative to the height of the volume bar set on the task
       bar which is usually about 1/2 the height of the bar and also any
       hardware volume control such as buttons or dials on the speakers,
       computer, keyboard or monitor.


                               Normal Window 

    This will display the record in a normal size window in the foreground.


                              Maximized Window

    This will display the record in a maximized window in the foreground.
Pictures and movies will mask off all background and their window frames.
Note: the Q3 viewer will stretch pictures to fit the screen while the Q2
viewer will not.


                              Background Window

    This will play a sound or movie file in the backgound so it can accompany
pictures.  This can be done with the AM player only.


                               Width and Height

    You can use these values to adjust the size of a Normal Size Window by
giving it positive or negative values.  This is primarily used to adjust the
Q2 Picture Viewer around the JPG image.

Hint:  When giving values for the Q2 Picture Viewer don't spend a lot trying
to get the window to fit exactly, getting within about 5 pixels on the inside
(so there's no background) the picture will look virtually the same.


                                        
                                     Save

    Clicking on this saves both the configuration and the current playlist.

                
                                     Start

    Click on this to start the program running.  

             
                                     Stop

    Stops the program running.  You may briefly see the message
"Please Wait ..." above the "Save" button.  Wait until this message disappears
before issuing any more keystrokes or mouse clicks.


                                     Exit

    Click on this to exit from the program.  



                              PlayList Play Modes

    There are three modes you can play the playlist's in, they are:


                                   Selected

    When this is selected the program will play records from that playlist
only, not any of the other five.  This is the default.


                                  Sequential

    Program will advance to the next playlist when the cycle time expires and
no record is playing in the foreground or background.  Use the "[" key to
advance to the next playlist.


                                    Random

    Program selects a playlist at random with the exception of the last one
played when the cycle time expires and no record is playing in the foreground
or background.  Use the "[" key to advance to the next playlist.


                                  Cycle Time

    If you select Sequential or Random order for your PlayList play mode it
will play for this amount of time in minutes.  Default is 5.


                                 Elapsed Time

   Elapsed time since you started playing current playlist.  Note:  Elapsed Time
will sometimes exceed Cycle Time because the program will wait to finish any-
thing still playing in the foreground or background before cycling.


                               Select PlayList 

    Clicking on this will load/reload a specific playlist.

                            
                                 Directories

    These six fields are the directory paths to your playlists.  You can enter
up to 20 characters.  Note:  You cannot change the path of your currently
selected playlist if the "Warnings" box is checked.



                              Record Play Modes

    When playing a playlist you have 2 options as to what order the files will
play in:


                                 Sequential 

    In Sequential Mode the program will start with your start record and move
down the list until it wraps at the end.  This is the default.


                                   Random

    In Random Mode the progam will select records to play randomly with two
exceptions:  it won't play the same record twice in a row, and it won't play
records in the background.  The reason it does not play records in the
background is that background records are meant to accompany specific pictures
and playing in a random order would break this association.


                                 Start Record

    This is the first record the program will display assuming that it is
active, can play with the current configuration and the record play mode is
sequential.  Default is 1.
  

                                  SlideShow

    Checking this box will cause the program to select only pictures when
running.  Default is off.


                                SlideShow Time

   When playing in Slideshow mode instead of using the time value for each in-
dividual record it will use this time instead.  Default is 3.
                               

                                     Mute

    Checking this box will mute the sound.  When running use the 4 key on the
NumPad to toggle this value.  Note:  if you use the 8 or 5 key to change the
volume, the mute will automatically be turned off.  Default is off.
                    

                                    Time Out

   Timeout in seconds.  This is how long the program will give a process to
build its primary window before deciding an error has occurred, stopping the
program and issuing an error message.  Default is 20.


                                     Speed

   This is a variable which controls many timing issues within the program.
If you increase this value you will get a faster response when issuing keyboard
or mouse commands.  If you decrease it you give the Windows operating system
and the players more time to perform their tasks which can solve some problems.
Default is 8.  The following table is a rough guide to what speed values are
right for what processor speeds:


                          Mhz                    Speed

                       133 - 299                   8
                                       
                       300 - 449                   9
                    
                          450+                    10


                                      Page

    Check this if you want the scrollbar to scoll a screen at a time when you
click in the crosshatched area of the scrollbar.  Unchecked it to move one line
at a time.  If your mouse has a scroll wheel it will follow this behavior as
well.  Default is off.


                                      Log

    Check this if you want the program to write to a log file whenever it runs.
Also, whenever you uncheck this box any existing log file is deleted.  The log
file shows when a record was started - ST and closed - CL.  If you see ACL it
means that the window was already closed by you.  Default is off. 


                                     Delay

   Some slower computers will sometimes lockup when you play files in the
background.  Checking this gives the backround process time to build its window
before starting the next record and usually solves this problem. Also, lowering
the speed can be used in conjuction or by itself to solve this problem.  This
problem has been seen only in 486's.  Default is off.


                               Screen Saver Mute

    Setting this will initially mute the sound whenever you play in Screen
Saver Mode even if the regular Mute is not set.  This is very useful if you
are using QuickSaver as your default screensaver so it will always come o
silently.  Default is off.


                                  Safe Mode

    Setting this will disable some features that could rarely cause problems
on some computers.  These are the masking off of window borders and the slight
upward window repositioning for maximized windows.  Default is off. 


                                  Warnings

    If this is checked the program will prompt you to save changes to your
playlist.  Also, it will warn you about SlideShow and Random Modes limiting
the records that can be played.  Finally, if this is set you cannot change
the directory path of your current playlist.  Default is on.

                                         
                                    Track

    Check this for the display screen and current edit record to follow each
record as it is played.  Default is on.
 


                                   PlayList

    Click on this to look at the current playlist.

                       
                                   DirList

    Clicking on this will display the files that are listed in your current
playlist's directory.  Files in your playlist which are active will have a "+"
before them.  Files in your playlist which are not active will have a "-"
before them.  Files without either of these special characters are not in your
playlist.

Note:  If a file is in the playlist more than once, the symbol will reflect the
       first occurence in the playlist.

Note:  Also, you can easily copy and paste files from the DirList to the
       PlayList by using the mouse.


                                     Help

    Whenever the Help button is selected you can move the mouse over the item
you want information about and the help file will automatically scroll to the
location of the information.

        
                                   Insert

    Inserts a blank record at current edit record and moves all records up.
If inserting a blank record will scroll a record that contains a filename off
the list, a warning will be given.


                                   Delete

    Deletes the current editing record by scrolling all the records above it
down one.


                                   Clear

    Clears the current edit record with default data.


                                    Swap

    Swaps your last two editing records.  To do this click on the record select
buttons of the two records you want to swap one after the other, then click on
this button.


                             Select Edit Record

    Clicking on one of these will select a record for editing if you are
viewing the playlist and set the Start Record to the same, otherwise it has no
function.


                                Display fields

    These six lines are for display only. 



                                    Expl

    This button will bring up Windows Explorer in your current PlayList's
Directory.  You can use this window to copy, past, rename, etc files and
directories.  When you are finished you need to close the window.

                    
                                    DOS

    This button will bring up a DOS window in your current Database Directory.
You can use this window to issue common DOS commands such as: dir, copy or
rename.  For example doing a "dir" will show you both the MS-DOS short filename
on the left and the long Windows name on the right.  When you are finished type
exit or click on the window's close button.


                                    Find

    This button will bring up Windows Explorer in your "C:\WINDOWS\Temporary
Internet Files" directory.  You can use this window to find sound, movie and
picture files that you viewed or played while on the Internet.  Select "Tools"
then "Find".  When done you need to close this window.


                                    Reset

    Restores the configuration settings to their defaults.  Note:  The
playlist directories are part of the configuration but these won't be changed.


                                   Special

    Toggle special options on and off.  These are the seldom changed/used
configuration settings of Time Out, Speed, Warnings, Track etc...

                         
                                    View

    Clicking on this will bring up the current screen in Window's WordPad.
You can use this screen to scroll through the text and you can select Print
from the file menu to print the entire document.  This feature allows you to
view many more lines of data than the QuickSaver display which has only six
lines.  When finished you can close WordPad by clicking on the Close button
on the top right of the window.

                         

                                Current Record

    Shows what record is currently being played. When you stop it will show
last record played.  If a record is being played in the background you will
see it flash past with a "bk" after it to signify background.


                                   Filename

    Shows the filename of the record currently being played.


                                 Elapsed Time

    How long the current record in the foreground has been playing.



                                SYSTEM MENU

    If you right click on the QuickSaver Icon in the upper left corner of the
screen it will bring up the system menu.  The following options are available:


                                 Log File

    This option allows you look at any currently existing log file.


                                DOS Printing

    Selecting this will bring up the current screen in the DOS editor for the
purpose of printing.  A window will pop up asking if you wish to print the
complete document.  You can either print the whole document or click the cancel
button and highlight only the text you wish to print and selecting print from
the file menu.  When done you can close the window.


                               Backup PlayList

    Writes a playlist backup file:  "quick.bak" to your current database
directory. This is something you might want to do before making any major
changes to your database.  If you ever need to restore from your backup file
click on DOS and type:  "copy quick.bak quick.dat", then click on the load
button for that playlist and answer "No" if you get a the data change warning.


                              Clear All Records

    Selecting this will bring up a window asking if your wish to clear all the
records in the database.


                               Convert PlayList

    This will convert all records that do not have a filename to the current
defaults.


                               License Agreement   

    Clicking on this will view the abbreviated license agreement.  The complete
one is at the end of these instructions.


                                About QuickSaver

    The Copyright notice.



                                 Home Page

    Currently QuickSaver's Home Page is located at:

    http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Orion/3079/index.html

    You can get the latest demo version here.  It also has links to all of
the players that work with this program.  If you're a registered user, check
http://www.getsoftware.com/ for the latest registered version.  If you have a
problem or question first make sure you are running the most recent version of
QuickSaver.  The Home Page will have this or GetSoftware if you are a registered
user.  If this doesn't help, send email describing your problem or question to:
quicksaver_tech@yahoo.com.  Please include your CPU and Speed.

                                
                                  Register 
                                         
    Please support this program and purchase a registered copy.  You will
receive a copy that has 90 records per PlayList and does not have the messages
you sometimes receive upon exiting the program.  The registered version can
be purchased at:

                        http://www.getsoftware.com/


                                     Keys

    Most of the following number keys are on the NumPad and the NumLock must be
set.

      3  -  Next Record             Advance.
      2  -  Restart Record          Restart current record.
      1  -  Previous Record         Backup.

      0  -  Stop Running
  Enter  -  Start Running           If the focus is on the Start button.

      4  -  Toggle Mute             Toggles the sound on and off.
      8  -  Increase Volume
      5  -  Decrease Volume          

 
  Shift  -  Stay on Record          Holding down this key will keep a record
                                    in the foreground from closing when it
                                    reaches its elapsed time, it has no effect
                                    on anything playing in the background.

                                    Note:  this is mainly for continuing to
                                    view pictures.


      /  -  Cycle PlayList          If playing in sequential or random mode this
                                    will stop the current playlist and load the
                                    next one.  If playing in selected mode it
                                    will have the same effect as sequential mode
                                    but will not change the mode.  Note:  this
                                    is on the NumPad.

     
 Escape          -                  Stop running and/or exit.


     
                           Getting RealMedia Files

    When you play RealMedia files off the Web, a file is usually downloaded into
your Temporary Internet Files directory with the .ra, .rm, or .ram extension.
QuickSaver uses files with the .ra or .rm extension.  The .ram extension is
supposed to mean a steaming file - basically just a Web address of a file to
play which QuickSaver can't play.  However, many times because of some server
and permission issues, a file you download with the .ram extension will be the
actual movie or sound file itself.  If this is the case you just need to rename
it with the .ra or .rm extension depending on whether it is sound file or a
movie.  You can tell the difference by looking at the file size with Windows
Explorer.  If its just 1k its a streaming file, if its greater then it's the
actual file and you just have to rename it to use it.


                                  MPG Files

    Some of the MPG files you download from the internet will have a different
file extension such as:  MPEG, MP2, MPA, etc.  You can usually use these files
by using Windows Explorer to rename them so they have the three character
extension "MPG".

                                                                              
                               Installing Players

    This program uses the following players to run:


                          ActiveMovie Control 2.00

C:\WINDOWS\rundll32.exe                - helps run ActiveX control amovie.ocx
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\amovie.ocx           - ActiveMovie Control .mov(Q2 format),
                                         .avi, .mpg, .wav

These are normally installed with the Windows operating system.  Unless someone
intentionally deleted them they should always be there.  If your missing
amovie.ocx you can download the latest version of Interenet Explorer and it will
install it.  You can do this by clicking on the Windows Update icon and it
will connect to Microsoft's Web Site on the Internet and from there just
download the latest version of Internet Explorer.  You should not ever be
missing rundll32.exe since this is a critical Windows operating system file.
If missing it contact Microsoft about what action to take.


                                QuickTime 2

C:\WINDOWS\play32.exe   - 32 bit Apple Quicktime 2 Movie Player .mov(Q2 format)
                          and .avi
C:\WINDOWS\view32.exe   - 32 bit Apple Quicktime 2 Picture Viewer .jpg

Note: Sometimes these are in the C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM directory instead, this
      would also be okay.

      If you don't have a copy of this program visit QuickSavers home page
      where a copy is available for download.  Note:  after downloading it you
      must do the Full Install.  Note:  QuickTime 2 can co-exist will later
      versions of QuickTime.


                                QuickTime 3

C:\Program Files\QuickTime\MoviePlayer.exe     - QuickTime 3 Movie Player
                                                 .mov(Q3 and Q2 format) and
                                                 .avi

C:\Program Files\QuickTime\PictureViewer.exe   - QuickTime 3 Picture Viewer
                                                 .jpg


You can get a copy from:

     http://www.hsnp.com/hsnpflat/dload/qt/index.html
     a link to this is on QuickSavers home page

                            --  Important  --

After downloading it you must do the Full Install and let it install in its
default directory which is:

C:\Program Files\QuickTime

Also, QuickTime 3 is not compatable with QuickTime 4.  If you ever install
QuickTime 4, you must uninstall QuickTime 4, then reinstall QuickTime 3 to get
QuickTime 3 working properly again.


                     RealPlayer 7 or 8 Basic (or Plus)

C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\realplay.exe   -   RealPlayer 8, plays .wav,
                                                    .mp3, .ra, .mov(Q2), .avi
                                                    and .rm

You can get a copy from:

        http://www.real.com/player/index.html
        a link to this is on QuickSavers home page


After downloading it you must let it install in its default directory which is:

C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer

After installation a RealPlayer window will come up for Electronic Registration.
When you get to the window for Channel Line-up you want all boxes to be
unchecked from that point on.  If any of these boxes are checked they could
interfere with QuickSaver using the RealPlayer while the computer is connected
to the Internet.


                         Common Problems/Questions
                        

                    QuickTime 3 movies slow to close.

    Sometimes movies played with the QuickTime 3 Movie Player will take a few
seconds to close.  This mostly happens with maximized windows.



                        ---  Error Messages  ---


                           process has timed out

    This error message means that processes window did not build in the
allotted time(the default is 20 secounds).  There are several causes for this
error message:

                                     1.

    If any scheduled tasks come on while this is running they could slow down
a window being built and cause a timeout.  The solution to this is to either
delete any scheduled tasks or change their start time so they won't be running
any time this program will be running. To do this select Start, select Programs,
select Accessories, select System Tools, then select Scheduled Tasks.


                                     2.

    If the problem is with a particular file or player try to run it outside
of QuickSaver.   Sometimes the player will bring up a message(an error message
or other) rather than build its window and this will cause a timeout. 


                                     3.

    Finally your computer may be too slow to build the window in the given time.
To fix this just increase the time out value(maybe 5 seconds at a time) until
the problem goes away.  The default timeout value of 20 seconds should be right
for a Pentium/133, but because of many hardware variables might need to be
increased.
    

                  Program has performed an illegal operation

    Occasionally when playing a movie with Quicktime 3 and pushing the STOP or
EXIT button you may get an error saying that MoviePlayer performed an illegal
operation and will be shut down.  Just click this windows close button and
continue.  This is caused by a rare timing problem and is not causing any harm.


                           --  Other Problems  --
           

              Lockups when playing movies with the QT3 player

    The QT3 movie player is prone to random lockups on some computers.  The
cause of this is unknown and neither turning off video hardware acceleration
nor setting safe GDI mode have any effect on this.  If you experience this
frequently it is recommended you not use this player.   This problem does not
seem to occur in high-end 400MHz plus systems.



                           Miscellaneous Information

    Because RealNetworks RealPlayer (this is the RP player) has some unique
non-Windows behavior you will see some things that don't occur with the other
players.  For example, many times RP windows will change size and not be
centered initially but will be after a second or two.  This is a limitation of
using the RP player.



    Occasionally you will see the flashing message "Please Wait ..." above
the Save button.  The program is building or closing some processes at this
time.  Just wait until this message disappears before issuing mouse clicks or
keystrokes.



    Sometimes the QT3 player will bring up a screen asking if you wish to
upgrade to the professional version.  This program automatically generates a
mouse click to close it.  Since Apple announced that they won't support it
for Win 98 and beyond you probably wouldn't be interested in upgrading to get
rid of this message.  You can permanently get rid of this notice by closing all
apps except QuickSaver, setting the Window's date ahead a couple of years, then
running QuickSaver so that this notice comes up once, then setting the Window's
clock back to the current date.  You can do this with the Date/Time icon on the
Control Panel. Don't forget to set it back.



    If an error is detected when it is playing in Screen Saver Mode the program
will stop, display an error message and restore the TaskBar.  Also, if 30
minutes goes by without a response, this program will blank the screen every
other second to protect the monitor.  Note:  if Safe Mode is set, this will not
occur.



                Setting Password, Wait or default Screen Saver

    This screensaver supports the standard windows password protection when
running in Screen Saver Mode and also when running in either mode the CD autorun
feature is temporarily disabled as a security feature.  You can set an idle
Wait time of between 1 - 60 minutes for the screen saver to come on.  To enable
or change the password, change the Wait time or change the default Screen Saver
selection:  select Start, select Settings, select Control Panel, select Display
and then select Screen Saver.  If you change any of these settings make sure you
click on Apply on the bottom for your changes to take effect.



                           Complete License Agreement

    To use this software you must agree to the following conditions, if you
don't agree to the following conditions you are not licensed to use this
software.


THERE ARE NO WARRENTIES RELATING TO THIS SOFTWARE, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ALL SUCH WARRANTIES ARE EXPERESSLY AND
SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED.  NO ONE INVOLVED IN THE CREATION, PRODUCTION, TECHNICAL
SUPPORT OR DELIVERY OF THIS SOFTWARE SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT,
CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE
SUCH SOFTWARE EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR CLAIMS.  IN
NO EVENT SHALL THE LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES EVER EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE
LICENSE TO USE THE SOFTWARE, REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF THE CLAIM.  THE PERSON
USING USING THE SOFTWARE BEARS ALL RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF
THE SOFTWARE.

    This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Florida and
shall inure to the benefit of Michael Kline and any successors, administrators
heirs and assignes.  Any action or proceeding brought by either party against
the other arising out of or related to the agreement shall be brought only in a
STATE of FEDERAL COURT of competent jurisdiction located in Brevard County,
Florida.  The parties hereby consent to in personam jurisdiction of said courts.

This program may not be used to promote, use or distribute, either directly,
indirectly or in conjunction with, any material that is obscene, offensive,
pornographic or illegal.

Warning:  This computer program is protected by copyright law and international
treaties.  Unathorized distribution or reproduction of this program, or any part
of it, may result in severe civil and criminal penalties and will be prosecuted
to the maximum extent of the law.


                               QuickSaver(TM) v2.2

                    Copyright (C) 1999, 2000 by Michael Kline

                               All rights reserved.
