New Amos File Requestor
from Jeff Tullin Sept 1992

Well, even as I write, the big news is that Amos Pro is about to hit
the streets. Francois has finally got round to admitting that his
file selector leaves a little to be desired.
However, I guess it was too much too expect that it would ever be
upgraded in Amos Classic.   From here on in, if you want the
improvements, its 'buy Amos Pro'.

The reason for putting out this file requestor is simple. I am tired
of hearing people complain about my programs because they don't
understand the file requestor. Us Amos users had no choice. Learn it
or never load a program!
   The problems the built-in one gives are:
      Non-standard layout.
      That tiny circle on the left for 'Parent'?????
      Right mouse button for devices is not 'intuitive' for newcomers.

and worst of all - DISGRACEFUL, EVEN - try this...
      Use the standard requestor to select a file on a floppy.
      Take out the floppy before you press OK.
      Select CANCEL in the system requestor.
- Instant GURU!!!!!

Thats no good to me.

This file selector is not by any means perfect. It does not, for
instance allow the user to select their own mask, (although this can
be set within the program). It is 2 colour only, so it's not pretty,
(but the algorithm lends itself to any number of bitplanes).
It is, however, simple.
It works.
It won't crash.
It does not use much memory.
You *CAN* change the colours, position, text, size, anything!
Its free(ish).

Here is the deal. If you want to use it - go ahead.
If you want to hack the code beyond recognition - no problem!
Add colours and fancy gadgets. Add a proper input routine. Anything.

.. but if you use it in a program you hope to make some money from,
think of me, and send me something to say thanks.
(Money, hard drives, women, you know the sort of thing...)

As it stands, it is a 'merge in and go' set of routines.
Feel free to write if you want to change something, and can't follow
the code.


Jeff Tullin
11 Highwell Gardens
Felling
Tyne & Wear
NE10 0NB