NeoDesk 4 Demo Version 8/16/94 ---------------------- This is the freeware demonstration version of NeoDesk 4. Follow these instructions to try out the program. This version is freeware and may be distributed free of charge, provided that this and all other files are included, and are not modified in any way. This program may not be distributed on magazine "cover disks" without the permission of Gribnif Software. NeoDesk is a registered trademark of Gribnif Software. Program copyright 1994, Gribnif Software. All rights reserved. Overview -------- NeoDesk 4 is a complete replacement for the built-in desktop that comes with the Atari. It is the easiest and most affordable way to realize your Atari's true potential. NeoDesk 4 adds many new features and enhancements over the original desktop, while keeping full compatibility with your current and future software. Not only will your computer be more powerful, it will also be much easier to use. It doesn't get any simpler. NeoDesk 4 is the ultimate upgrade for your Atari computer. Installation ------------ While NeoDesk 4 can easily be installed so that it comes up whenever you turn on the computer, this demonstration version is not designed to work that way. To try out this demo version, you first need to run JAR10.PRG. If you already own one of our other products which uses this program (like Geneva or NeoDesk 3) then you probably have already run it. In any event, it won't hurt to run it a second time. Note that if you have already run another version of NEOLOAD.PRG (because you own NeoDesk 3), you must first disable this other version and reboot your computer. You can also hold down the Alternate key during the boot process to prevent the old NEOLOAD.PRG from running. Now, double-click on the NEOLOAD.PRG demo file. Be sure to leave the rest of the files in the same directory, since NeoDesk needs them. The NeoDesk 4 demo will load and install itself in memory. Important Note: You cannot quit this demo version. Doing so will cause a system reset. Be sure to only run this demo after you are sure that you can safely reset the computer. Things to Check Out: -------------------- NeoDesk has hundreds of features and enhancements available, but these are some of the more popular features you should to try out: o Each directory window has its own menu bar, making it much easier to find frequently used options. o Each window has its own "parent directory", Show Info, and trashcan icons. Just select a few icons and drag them. Notice the icons in the lower left of the window. o Split-Windows - Easily split a window so that it will display two different parts of the same directory. Very useful when copying or manipulating files. To do this, drag the "Split Window Bar" under the window information line to any window position. o "Select All" Ability - A new window button (left of the bottom horizontal bar) lets you select all the files in a single directory, even if they don't fit in the window. You can even keep files selected while you scroll the window to a new location by holding down the [Shift] key. o Items can be selected from the keyboard, including a search mode. o Multicolored icons - each icon can have up to 16 colors, and can even appear completely different when selected. o Custom Icons - Assign different icons to any file or folder. This makes it much easier to locate and manage them. Many icons are included, with more available. o Icon Editor - This multiple window Icon Editor lets you edit and modify custom icons for any file or folder. Includes a complete set of drawing tools. Select "Edit Icons..." to call it. Double-click on the "NeoDesk Icons" icon on the desktop and then double-click on any icon in that window to edit it. The editor can read many popular icon formats, including ones from other platforms! o Any Degas, Neochrome, Tiny, IMG, or BMP picture can be viewed (by double-clicking on it) or can be used as the desktop background. Check out the "Desktop..." dialog in the "Settings" menu. o File Groups - Now you can arrange commonly used programs and data files together in the same window, even when they are physically contained in drastically different locations! Use the "New Group..." option and then drag icons from other windows to the group window. You can even change their names with "Edit Item..." o File Clipboard - Store files and folders temporarily in memory while changing floppy disks, paths, or reorganizing your hard disk. You can think of it sort of an automatically expanding and shrinking ramdisk. The File Clipboard grows and shrinks according to the files you place within it. o Desktop Notes - Write important notes, numbers, and more right on the desktop itself. Simply double-click on the desktop itself and a cursor will appear. [Esc] clears the line. o Desktop Icons - Place commonly used programs, files, and folders directly on the desktop. You can then select the icon and use "Install Desktop Icon..." to rename the icon and assign a unique key to it. Selecting that key will select and open the icon. o Smart File Copying - No more useless disk swaps. In a very efficient and fast manner, as many files and folders that will fit into all the available memory are read in at once. o Smart Disk Copying - NeoDesk can automatically detect the type of format of the original disk and format the destination disk to match it. You can even copy identical hard disk partitions. o Disk copy, file operations, and floppy disk formatting can all occur "in the background", allowing you to use your computer for other tasks at the same time. Set the operation speed in the "File..." Settings dialog. A slower speed gives other programs more time to run. o Macros - Automate any series of desktop operations like opening windows, copying/deleting files, executing programs, etc. Then assign them to any key on the keyboard. Select the menu entry once to start recording and a second time to end recording. Does not record inside of running programs or in dialog boxes. o Active Icons - Drag any group of files to any program icon and that program will be automatically executed with all the selected files as parameters. o Search Files - Easily search your system for one or more files, based on their name, size, date, or attributes. A file group can even be created containing the results. This is just one example of the powerful Filtering options which are also available for file operations. o Reorder Mode - You can easily reorder any directory on your system. Select it once to enter the reorder mode, a second time to exit it. Disabled Features ----------------- The following major features are disabled in this demo version: o You cannot complete a file copy or move operation. The operation will seem to take place (so you can get an idea of the time and speed it takes) but it will never be completed. o You cannot "Save Configuration..." or "Load Configuration". o You cannot format a disk (though you can look at the format box). o You cannot "Print Directory..." o You cannot save edited icons, .NIC files, or desktop patterns. The clipboard functions in the icon editor are also not available. o You cannot actually reorder a directory, though you can see how it works. o There is no online help. Comments -------- NeoDesk 4 has many other features which are only hinted at in this demo version. Features like a new enhanced Control Panel with its own screen saver and corner clock, Printer Queue, hypertext online help, and much more. NeoDesk 4 comes with a 150 page illustrated manual, a recoverable trashcan for NeoDesk, and a neat box to hold it all. NeoDesk Icon Disk ----------------- We are also offering a new icon disk to go with NeoDesk 4. It includes over 500 icons in monochrome and color, many with separate selected images. The icons are organized by subject for easy browsing. Also, as an added bonus, we've included some pictures to be used as desktop backgrounds. Don't be confused, this is not the same icon disk we used to sell with Neodesk 3! Ordering Information -------------------- You can order your own personal copy of NeoDesk 4 for $69.95 plus shipping and handling by calling our toll free order line: 1-800-284-4742 (orders only, please). If you have any questions or comments about our products, you can reach us at: Voice: (413) 247-5620 Fax: (413) 247-5622 Customers in the UK can contact our distributor there, Compo Software, at: 04873 582. If you own NeoDesk 3, you can also upgrade to NeoDesk 4 for just $25! Here's what you need to do. Just send us BOTH original NeoDesk 3 disks, along with the order form below: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ Shipping & Handling ------ ------- Product ------ Price USA Western Hem. Europe Other Total NeoDesk 4 69.95 4.15 6.00 14.10 19.45 _______ NeoDesk 4 & Geneva 129.95 4.75 7.60 19.10 26.60 _______ NeoDesk 3 -> 4 Upgrade 25.00 3.00 3.15 6.30 8.45 _______ NeoDesk 4 Icon Disk 10.00 .60 .60 1.40 1.70 _______ Massachusetts residents: add 5% of product cost, before shipping: _______ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Western Hemisphere" includes Canada, Mexico, South, and Central Americas. If upgrading, don't forget to send back your NeoDesk 3 disks! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name: ________________________________ Daytime Phone Number: Address: ________________________________ ( ) ________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ Country: ________________________________ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- [ ] Check payable to Gribnif Software (USA customers only) [ ] US Funds Money Order with a USA bank address printed on it [ ] MasterCard [ ] Visa Card # ______ ______ ______ ______ Exp: _______ Print name appearing on card: ________________________________________ Authorizing signature: _______________________________________________ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- All prices subject to change without notice. Please double-check your math for errors. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Mail orders to: Gribnif Software P.O. Box 779 Northampton, MA 01061-0779 USA