
                           AUTO SCREENSAVER PROCEDURE


DESCRIPTION
-----------
This is the Auto Screensaver demonstration program.  Auto Screensaver
automatically invokes your DOS screensaver after an argument-specified delay,
and displays a 'time remaining' message on row 24 (optional).  You must place
a copy of the DOS screensaver executable file in your application's working
directory. (I've included 'Auto-SS.exe' with this upload - it's a DOS
screensaver I wrote in QuickBasic to demo this script).  When the 'time
remaining' display reaches zero, the Auto Screensaver will invoke your DOS
screensaver. (The DOS screensaver's 'exit' key, usually <Esc>, returns).  At
this time, you may press <Esc> to return to Paradox, or any other key to
reset the Auto Screensaver procedure.  The Auto Screensaver procedure is
designed to be coupled with a PAL-Canvas style menu interface. It's easy to
configure (just use your favorite DOS-based screensaver), and easy to
"add-in" to your existing procedures:  Use it in place of the Paradox
function "GetChar()". 

INSTALLATION
------------
Unzip autossav.zip to its own subdirectory.  See 'IMPORTANT' below for
instructions regarding the DOS screen saver file.  Once you've established a
valid screen saver executable file: 
   
   1) Start Pdox and verify that your working directory is the same directory 
   to which you unzipped the autossav.zip files.
   2) Run the 'go' script to create the 'auto_ss' library.  Re-Run the 'go'
   script to begin the demo, and follow screen instructions.

IMPORTANT
---------
In order to use the DOS screensaver 'auto-ss.exe'included with this upload,
your video must be capable of displaying graphics mode 12.  I wrote
AUTO-SS.EXE (in QuickBasic) for use with this demo, and for size and
simplicity reasons chose to default display to mode 12.  If you're not sure
whether you have this graphics capability, type "auto-ss" at the C prompt -
If the system hangs, or the display is 'screwy', you can't display mode 12. 
(Reboot if necessary).  If you can't display this type of graphic, or if
you'd rather use your favorite DOS screensaver instead of my 'cheesy' one,
follow these intructions: 

     1) Delete the 'auto-ss.exe' file, or rename it.  
     2) Copy your screensaver (the executable file) to your Paradox working
     directory (IMPORTANT).  
     3) Rename your 'screensaver.???' file 'auto-ss.???' where ??? is the
     file
     extension (either exe, com, or bat).  Make sure the spelling is correct.
     

OPTIONS  
-------
1) If you want to use my DOS 'auto-ss.exe' screensaver,my copyright statement
prints to screen after 'auto-ss.exe' is exited - to avoid displaying this
information while in my Auto Screensaver procedure in Paradox, copy
'auto-ss.exe' to a directory included in your PATH statement, and then delete
it from the original subdirectory.  (If you don't know what a PATH is, you're
better off leaving it be).  Create a batch file named 'auto-ss.bat' (DOS
syntax 'copy con auto-ss.bat') and assign it the following commands:        
         
               @echo off
               auto-ss.exe > nul

(DOS syntax '<F6>' '<Enter>' creates the batch file).  This will nul the (C)
statement.

2) The procedure-call syntax is:   

     AutoScreensaver("SS_FILENAME",DELAY,MESSAGE_COLOR)
      - SS_FILENAME is DOS screensaver name WITHOUT extension.
      - DELAY is # of seconds ( >=15) before invocation.
      - MESSAGE_COLOR is PAL color code for "Screensaver in :<nsecs>"
        message on row 24 - 0 turns the message off.
 
3) For a copy of the PAL code (& BASIC code, if you want), email with your
comments.



DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
-------------------------------------------------- Autossav.zip and it's
family of compressed files, (The Program) is provided "as is".  David Reed
makes no warranty or representation of any kind, either express or implied,
with respect to this program or any files, documentation or elements thereof
or relating thereto or any medium the program may be on (including, without
limitation, any warranty of merchantability or of fitness for a particular
purpose or of quality or performance).  Subject to any contrary provisions of
applicable state law, in no event will David Reed be liable for direct,
indirect, special, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising
from the use of or inability to use the Program or any files, documentation
or elements thereof, including from negligence, strict liability, or breach
of warranty or contract, even if David Reed is advised of the possibility of
such damages.  In particular David Reed is not responsible for any costs or
expenses, including but not limited to those incurred as a result of lost
profits or revenue, loss of use of computer programs, loss of data, the cost
of a substitute program, or claims by third parties.  In no event shall the
liability of David Reed for any damages ever exceed the price paid for the
license to use the program, regardless of the form of claim.  The user of the
program bears all risk as to the quality and performance of the program and
all other risks relating to the use of or inability to use the program. 
Because software is inherently complex and may not be completely free of
errors, all users are advised to verify their work and to make back-up
copies.  Use of the Program signifies understanding and acceptance of the
terms of this disclaimer.  
