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Save Yourself v1.2
Programmed by Thomas Wagstaff
(C)ALPHA Programming 1998
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Viewing this File

I know it seems stupid to have a section to explain how to open this file when you've evidently managed to open it already, but make sure your word processor or text editor has a word-wrap function. Those using your Psion to view, open it in Word, not a text-editor list.

What is Save Yourself?

Save Yourself is a screen-saver for the Psion Series 3a and 3c models. A Series 5 version may be available in the near future and if there is any demand for it, Siena and Series 3 classic versions will be made (please e-mail me if you do want a Series 3 or Siena version).

It's called Save Yourself because the user can define the pattern it makes on the screen, that is, how much of the screen it covers, the brush size and shape, and the odd special effect (they're not very exciting I'm afraid , but any ideas? - see below). The delay can be set at up to 2 hours. WARNING - Save Yourself will prevent your Psion's auto switch off from working - a version will probably be available very soon with the option of beeping when it activates.

Installation

To install Save Yourself, copy Saver.opa to the \APP directory on any disk. You then need to create a directory called \APP\SAVER on your default disk (probably internal) where you should copy Saver.dat. All you need to do now is install it in the system screen with the Install option on the Apps menu.

Save Yourself will create another file in the \APP\SAVER\ directory called Saver.reg. You can put this readme anywhere you want, but I'd recommend you keep a copy on your PC, Mac, or Acorn all the time, and a copy on your Psion for the first few weeks of use.

You may freely distribute this program, but you must include the readme, and not the file Saver.reg (created by the program) whenever you do distribute it.

Notes About the Program

The program will make the bottom of the status window flash very quickly but I don't think this should trouble you. I programmed this version using a more sophisticated technique than in previous versions but it hasn't helped. You will also notice that if you are in a menu and hold the down or up keys, the cursor will move jerkily rather than normally, but again, this shouldn't affect the use of the Psion.

If you ever get into emergency-type problems with the program, move to its icon in the system screen and select kill. You may find it "re-opens" several times making it necessary to kill it several times, these are just multiple running versions of the program. If you ever get into very serious problems with the program, contact me and I will do my best to help you.

Disclaimer

In the unlikely event of damage or loss of data, caused directly or indirectly by the use of this program, I cannot be held responsible.

Phew! That's the legal stuff over, and I'd like to add that this program has been reasonably well tested, and although there were some problems with early prototypes, this version appears to work fine.

Registration

An unregistered version of Save Yourself will give you no options on time delay (it's set to 30 seconds) and there is a fixed pattern (the nicest one I could find!). There are also two delay screens shown when it activates. To register send cash, a cheque or postal order for 5 pounds Sterling made payable to Thomas Wagstaff to:
Alpha Programming
9 Sandal Court
Shenley Church End
Milton Keynes
MK5 6HB
Bucks
UK
Include your address or e-mail address (include your e-mail address if you've got one, it's easier for us to send the reply and the response will be quicker) and I will send you the registration code. Once you have registered, you will have full access to all of the features and the delay screens will have gone. If you have any problem registering the program or problems with it after that, don't hesitate to contact me and I'll either fix the problem or give you your money back.

Note - If you register Save Yourself you will also get registration to Parasave and any version of either of these two programs up to 1.99.

Any Ideas?

If you have any comments or ideas for improving the program please write to us or e-mail me at:
tom@alpha-programming.co.uk
I'll be giving free registration to the most interesting comments or best ideas, so keep writing!

History

And now for that traditional part of the readme that no-one bothers to read. Oh well, here we go:

Version		Comments

1.0		Basic version of screen saver running.
1.1		"Haze" effect added.
1.2		The program now uses more sophisticated techniques, than in previous versions although this hasn't helped the smoothness of running as much as I'd hoped.
		The counter now re-starts whenever the Psion is switched on again.
		Proper registration delay screens etc. added.
1.3 (future)	There will be an option for the Psion to beep when the 			screen-saver activates.

Also Available from Alpha Programming

Parasave - Another screen saver for the Psion, based on the game Paradox. Unfortunately this never really took off on the Psion, but the Acorn version and I think the PC version are on the site for you to download.

Loadbit - A facility for loading Psion .pic files.

Loadbit for the 3 classic - Loadbit for the s3 classic - it can even load the grey planes - hoorah!

Xcalc - An add-on for the Psion Calc application, includes scientific and mathematical functions, as well as conversions.

Strangeways - Available for the entire series 3 range, a text-based adventure game - my very first program to go on the site.

Psionopoly - Neil's brilliant Monopoly game, has had reviews in Acorn User and has appeared on a cover disk, and better still, it's completely free!

Soon to appear - Magnibit - a program for enlarging pictures.

Soon to appear - Printpic - a program for printing Psion .pic files.

There's also loads of stuff for PCs and Acorns. Our address is: http://www.alpha-programming.co.uk/
