                         IMAGE MASTER
                              by
                      ACCIDENTAL SOFTWARE
                  (If it's good, it's ACCIDENTAL)
             Copyright (C) 1994, all rights reserved 

NOTE: To print a copy of this file from DOS, type "TYPE 
README.TXT > PRN" then push Enter.

This program is SHAREWARE. Distribution of the UNREGISTERED 
version of this program is encouraged as long as it is copied 
in whole and remains unaltered.  No fee may be asked for this 
program itself, but a nominal distribution fee may be charged 
for the diskette used to distribute this software as long as 
the purchaser of said diskette is informed that the fee for 
acquiring the diskette does not constitute payment of the 
REGISTRATION FEE.  Vendors, see the file VENDOR.TXT for 
details.  

Distribution of the REGISTERED version of this software 
without purchasing this program by paying the registration 
fee or without a license granted from ACCIDENTAL SOFTWARE 
is illegal.

NOTE: You may have a version of this program without the,  
file "VBRUN300.DLL" provided. If so, this was done to 
save disk space and download time.  VBRUN300.DLL is widely 
available and in fact may already be in your windows directory. 
Vbrun300.dll is required for this program to function.  
It will be necessary to obtain a copy of VBRUN300.DLL in 
order to install and run this program.  Registered users 
receive the complete version of this program with vbrun300.dll 
included.  See How Do I register below for details.

What is this program?
  
  1. IMAGE MASTER is a screen saver and image viewer for 
     windows that can use your own images and midi files. If 
     you prefer, you can use the picture files provided with 
     the program. IMAGE MASTER can play songs from a CD-ROM.  
     Music can play as pictures are being displayed.  You can 
     select Password protection if desired.  Messages can be 
     left on the screen.
  
  2. IMAGE MASTER can be installed as a standard Window's 
     Screen saver from Window's desk top, or can be used from 
     the Program Group that IMAGE MASTER makes for windows.
     IMAGE MASTER can be used as both.
  
  3. IMAGE MASTER can be used as a screen saver and/or an 
     image viewer. If you have installed IMAGE MASTER as a 
     screen saver, and want to use it from the program manager 
     to leave a message or make your system password protected 
     while you have to be temporarily away, you can do this by 
     double clicking the IMAGE MASTER Icon.  If IMAGE MASTER 
     is running from the program manager, it will not invoke 
     itself as a screen saver even if the amount of time has 
     passed to call it as a screen saver from the desktop.

  4. IMAGE MASTER is ideal for corporations that need a screen 
     saver that can use their own pictures or corporate logos.
     It is also ideal for users who want a way to display their
     own images (regardless of format) as a screen saver or 
     as a stand alone program.
                          
What is SHAREWARE?  
  
  1. Shareware is a marketing method.  For a minimal 
     investment, you can try a program to see if it fits 
     your needs.  After a short trial period, you are 
     expected to purchase the program by paying the reg-
     istration fee if you decide to use it on a regular 
     basis.    

How do I install the program?
  
  1. Install IMAGE MASTER for Windows.
      
      a. Start Microsoft Windows.
      
      b. Insert the disk in the proper drive.
      
      c. From the Window's Program Manager, select FILE MENU 
         and choose RUN.
      
      d. Type B:\SETUP and press Enter.  Substitute your 
         drive letter for "B:" if your disk is in a 
         different drive.

NOTE:  If you have a version of this program that is provided 
without the file VBRUN300.DL_ on the distribution diskette, you 
must obtain a copy of this DLL (VBRUN300.DLL) and copy it to 
your windows\system directory before Image Master can 
be installed or used.

In some cases, if you are using a program that is accessing
or using a DLL or other file that IMAGE MASTER uses and
installs, you may receive a message during installation 
that warns you that a file can not be installed since it 
is already in use by your system.  You can choose Ignore to 
this warning and the program should install correctly.

How do I make IMAGE MASTER the active screen saver?
   
   1. Once IMAGE MASTER is successfully installed, it may be 
      selected as the current screen saver from windows.  
      
      a. From the Windows Program Manager, select MAIN.
      
      b. From MAIN  select CONTROL PANEL.
      
      c. From CONTROL PANEL select DESK TOP.
      
      d. From DESK TOP select the arrow key next to SCREEN 
         SAVER.
      
      e. From the menu, select IMAGE MASTER.
   
   2. The above steps will select IMAGE MASTER as the 
      current screen saver.  Use the SET UP button to select 
      the features of the program you want.  It is possible to 
      select and preview pictures, MIDI files, and CD-ROM 
      songs.  Do this for pictures by double clicking on the
      picture you want to preview in the list of Bit Maps To 
      Show.  For Midis double click on the mid you want to 
      hear in the list of Mide Songs to Play.
   
   3. Push the TEST button to run the screen saver program 
      as a test.
   
   4. Select the desired inactive time for the screen saver 
      program to implement itself.

How do I use the program from the Windows Program Manager?

   1. If the Image Master program group is not open, double 
      click on the IMAGE MASTER program group.

   2. To run Image Master, double click on its Icon.

   3. The program will start in the Set Up Mode.  Select the 
      options you want, then push the Screen Saver button to 
      start the program.

What are the program features?
  
  1. Registered users can add up to 500 Bit Map files 
     (500 images) in each of the 10 Slide Shows provided.
     These images can be located in any directory on your 
     hard drive or floppy drives.  You can even us your CD-ROM
     as a source of pictures.  If you have Kodak's Access 
     software, you can use Image master to show you photo CDs.   
  
  2. Registered users can add up to 100 Midi selections to 
     be played by your midi software as the program displays 
     your pictures. 
  
  3. Set the length of time for the picture to remain on the 
     display before the next one replaces it. This time 
     ranges from 10 seconds to 1 minute.
  
  4. Any image can be used as long as it is in .PCX, .BMP,
     .GIF format (UNREGISTERED VERSION).  The REGISTERED
     VERSION of Image Master will access the following 
     additional file formats.  .DIB, .TGA, WMF, .EPS, .TIF,
     .JPG, CMP, .CAL, .IMG, .MAC, .MSP, .PCD, PCT, RAS, WPG.
     NOTE: Photo CD images (.PCD) requires Kodak's Access 
     Software.
  
  5. You need not copy any picture or midi file to any other 
     directory to use it.  IMAGE MASTER can find and use 
     your files from any valid hard drive, floppy or CD-ROM
     drive and directory your computer. 
  
  6. You can add or delete picture and midi files and set 
     the picture delay through the standard setup button 
     provided by windows for screen savers or by starting 
     IMAGE MASTER from the program manager by double clicking 
     on its Icon.
  
  7. You can use scanned images as long as the image is 
     saved in a format that is compatible with IMAGE MASTER 
     (see 5. above for details.) 
  
  8. Bit maps may be displayed as full screen images or 
     they can be displayed so that their original size is
     retained.  If your bit map files are not the same 
     aspect ratio as the screen mode you are using, you will
     probably want to show them while retaining their 
     original size so that no picture distortion occurs.  
     If showing your images in full screen size, a frame 
     will outline your bit map.  This frame will change from
     time to time and even disappear to avoid screen burn
     in.

  9. You can randomize the order in which your images are 
     displayed. Click on the Randomize Picture Order check
     box to choose this option.

 10. The speed that Image Master uses to put your images
     to the screen can be adjusted.  Select Picture Attributes, 
     then slide the selector bar to the slower or faster end of 
     the adjuster bar to vary this speed.
  
 11. Any mouse button press and most keyboard keys will 
     terminate Image Master and return you to the 
     application you were using before Image Master 
     started.  The following keys have special meaning.

        1.  If MIDI is selected, pushing the "M" key
        on the keyboard will toggle the MIDI selections
        playing to mute and back on again.

        2. If you have CD-Audio selected, pushing  the 
        "space" bar will bring up an audio selector 
        panel.  You can select Previous, Next, Play, 
        Pause, and Stop with this selector bar.
 
        3. The "A" key initiates the Adjust Image form.  
        You can choose any valid option on this form.  
        After EXIT any options chosen will be applied
        to the image shown.

        4. The "P" key will pause Image Master on the present 
        image.  Pushing "P" again will toggle pause off.

        5. The "T" key initiates the Image Transitions form.
        You can choose the types of transitions to use when
        displaying your pictures.  You can preview each type
        of image transition by using the View command button.
        After EXIT any changes to the transitions choosen 
        will be used to display your pictures.

 12.  You can use a Password to protect access to your 
      computer when Image Master is running.

 13.  You can leave a message for any visitors you may 
      have while you are away from your computer, or 
      messages you may want to display to the public.
 
 14.  If using Photo CD pictures (REGISTERED VERSION ONLY), 
      you can select the size that the image will appear 
      on the screen.  You can also choose one of several 
      options available for displaying your picture such 
      as gray scale and flipping your image.
 
 15.  CD-ROM audio is available in both the registered 
      and unregistered versions.  If your CD-ROM is capable 
      of playing CD-AUDIO, you can select it as the source 
      of music for Image Master.

How much does it cost to register?     
  
  1. The registration fee is $25.00  plus $3.00 for shipping 
     and handling.
  
  2. FOREIGN ORDERS (Except CANADA). Shipping and handling 
     is $5.00.
   
  3. Site licenses are available.  Contact Accidental Software 
     for details.
  
  4. Accidental Software can modify this program to provide
     a unique application for Company or other large groups 
     of users.  Custom applications can be developed to include
     the incorporation of AVI or QuickTime video, and support 
     of fractal image files.  Contact Accidental Software for
     details.
  
How do I register? -- We accept VISA or MASTERCARD!
  
  1. Print a registration form.  Select the Set Up button for 
     screen savers in Windows, or start IMAGE MASTER from the 
     program manager by double clicking on it's Icon. When 
     Image Master Set Up shows, select Registration and print 
     out a registration form.  If you can't do this, send me 
     a note with payment and the type of disk you need.  Only
     1.44 HD or 1.2 HD diskettes are offered.
     
  2. Send a check or money order to:

                ACCIDENTAL SOFTWARE
                13245 SKIOMAH RD.
                APPLE VALLEY, CA. 92308
  
  3. FOREIGN ORDERS: Send international money order 
     (U.S. Currency) or Visa or MASTERCARD information.
  
  4. Easier yet, register using your VISA or MASTERCARD.
                
                1-800-771-6746 -- Registration/Order 
                619-247-2804   -- Technical Support
                1-619-247-6819 -- FAX

What does registration do for me?
  
  1. You will receive the complete most recent version of 
     Image Master.
  
  2. The registered version of IMAGE MASTER allows you to 
     select and use up to 500 pictures in each of the 10
     Slide Shows you choose to use.
  
  3. The registered version of IMAGE MASTER allows you to 
     select and use up to 100 MIDI files (songs).  If you 
     have a CD-ROM Drive capable of playing CD-AUDIO, you
     can listen to CD-AUDIO as your pictures are displayed.

  4. The registered version of this program has no registration
     reminders.
     
  5. The registered version of this program allows you to access
     additional file formats (listed in Program features 
     #5 above).

Common Questions!
  
  Q. When I double click on the Image Master Icon the program 
     will not start.  What is happening? 
     
  A. Multiple instances of Image Master cannot be started.  If
     the program was started by double clicking on its Icon
     and a subsequent click outside its form hides the 
     application, it is still running in the background.  
     You need to bring up the Windows Task Manager to 
     switch back to Image Master.  It is always best to end 
     Image Master by clicking on the EXIT button in the  
     Set Up form if you are not going to run the screen 
     saver portion of the program.
     
  Q. Can I use this program to display pictures of my 
     business or family?
  
  A. Yes, you need to use a scanner to scan your image into 
     a paint program.  Once an image is scanned and retouched 
     as necessary, save it as any file format compatible
     with this program.  Select the User Bit Maps option 
     button in Image Master.  Find the file by clicking 
     to the correct drive and directory.  Highlight this file 
     or as many files as you want to add to the list of Bit Maps 
     to show.  Once the file or files are highlighted, click 
     the Add Files button to place them in the Bit Maps to Show
     list box.  You can preview this or any file by double
     clicking on its entry in the Bit Maps To Show window.  
  
     If your personal pictures are on a Photo CD, Image 
     Master is the ideal tool for displaying them.
  
  Q. I want to use several of my own MIDI songs to be played 
     by the program when my pictures are being displayed.  
     How can I do this?   
  
  A. You can select any valid MIDI file ".mid" that is 
     available on your hard disk.  It can be placed in a 
     List of Songs to Play (up to 100) that will be played 
     in order. Once the last file is played, the tunes will 
     start over in a continuous loop. Choose the drive and 
     directory that your MIDI files are on.  Highlight this 
     file or as many files as you want to add to the list of 
     Midi Files to Play.  Once the file or files are highlighted, 
     click the Add Files button to place them in the list of
     Midi Files to Play.  You can listen to any Midi file in 
     the Midi Files To Play window by double clicking on it. 
  
  Q. When using JPG or other large 24 bit images with Image 
     Master, my MIDI music occasionally degrades.  Can this 
     be prevented.

  A. These files have extremely high compression ratios, and 
     as a result monopolize your processor so that there is 
     no time left to play your MIDI file.  The only way to 
     cure the problem is to covert your image file to a 
     format the has less compression.  PCX and BMP 256 
     color files will not interfere with the MIDI as the
     pictures are decompressed.  You could also inactivate 
     the Enable Music check box or Mute (press the "M" key 
     on the keyboard) the MIDI so it will not play.  You
     can listen to CD-Rom audio instead without interference
     from highly compressed 24 bit images. 
  
  Q. When using Photo CDs to show my images with Image Master,
     MIDI music I am using seems to degrade as some pictures  
     are displayed.  How can I cure the problem?

  A. Very large 24 bit images can take a tremendous 
     amount of processing power to decompress and decode.
     These large files combined with the slow access time of
     most CD-ROM drives can use your system resources so that
     the processor time needed to play your MIDI files is no 
     longer available. You could copy your PCD files to a hard
     disk, the faster access time of a hard disk should help;  
     insure you are using the Retain Bit Map Size option, then
     choose a smaller display size for your images. You may 
     have to disable your MIDI with the enable music check 
     box or the "M" key on the keyboard if the problem persists 
     and is bothersome.  
  
  Q. How do I reach you if I have a question?  
  
  A. Call at any time between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (Pacific 
     Standard time).  Ask for Technical Support...1-619-247-2804

Disclaimer:
  
  This product is distributed "as is".  All warranties, 
  either expressed or implied, as to the software quality, 
  performance, or fitness for any particular reason are 
  disclaimed.  You will bear the entire risk of relating 
  to the quality and performance of this product, and will, 
  in no event hold ACCIDENTAL SOFTWARE liable for any 
  direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damage 
  resulting from the use of this software.

Vendor Distribution:
  
  See the file VENDOR.TXT.

ASP Information:       
       
   Association of Shareware Professionals working for you.                                
                                
                             ASP STATEMENT
                  _______                                                
             ____|__     |                   (R)            
          --|       |    | ----------------------
            |   ____|__  |     Association of             
            |  |       |_|     Shareware
            |__|   o   |       Professionals 
          -----|   |   |-------------------------
               |___|___|       MEMBER        

"This program is produced by a member of the Association 
of Shareware Professionals (ASP).  ASP wants to make sure 
that the shareware principle works for you. If you are 
unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP 
member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to 
help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or 
problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical 
support for members' products. Please write to the ASP 
Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442 or send 
a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 
70007,3536.
  
