---------------------------------------------------------------------------- XBoot demo version ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Introduction You all know the problem: In the course of time the boot partition of your hard drive gathers an increasing number of AUTO folder programs and accessories and, pretty soon, you lose all control. So, it would be nice if you could only load the AUTO folder programs and accessories pertaining to each particular session. And that's exactly where XBoot comes to the rescue. Running as the first program in the AUTO folder of the boot partition, it offers the option of creating a unique configuration for each AUTO folder program or accessory. But that's only one of XBoot's numerous features... A distinct drawback to running programs from the AUTO folder is that they cannot use any GEM functions (AES), in other words: there is no graphic user interface and no mouse. Because of this such programs are, in most cases, very cumbersome to use, in particular when they contain numerous options. XBoot is different. It's the first program for the ST/TT that provides a GEM-like interface within the AUTO folder. And it's fully mouse controlled. You work with a real mouse pointer as if you were in a regular GEM program. In addition, all functions can also be invoked from the keyboard. Besides being easy to use, the program is also very efficient and, in addition to standard features such as activating/deactivating of AUTO programs and accessories, it also offers many others. Here's a short overview of XBoot features: - Fully controlled with either mouse or keyboard. - Runs in monochrome (640 x 400 pixels) and in colour (640 x 200 pixels), on large screen monitors and with hardware expansions like Overscan. On the Atari TT it also runs in the medium resolution (640 x 480 pixels, 16 colours) and in the high resolution mode (1280 x 960, monochrome). - Often used settings can be saved as a SET. - The execution order of AUTO folder programs and accessories can be changed at will. - The programs and accessories can be listed as sorted or unsorted. - Setting of system date and time. - Even the computers without a battery backed-up clock will maintain the correct time and date after a reset. - DESKTOP.INF options (Atari TT/Mega STE: NEWDESK.INF), such as key-click, keyboard-repeat, RS-232 parameters etc., can be set at will. - XBoot can be fully configured using a separate program. - Flexible installation of any Info file, i.e. ASSIGN.SYS, DESKTOP.INF etc. can be changed on the fly. - Optional scrap folder for saving of files in case of an unsuccessful installation. - Autostart of any GEM program under all TOS versions (1.00 and 1.02 as well). - A very comfortable, custom written, file selector. - Batch commands for copying files, creating folders, etc. This demo version contains all the features of the full version, except that SETs cannot be saved. There is also a dialog containing ordering information which appears every time the program is run. 2. Installation 2.1 Files The demo package contains the following files: Folder \XBOOTDEM: XBOOTDEM.PRG The program itself XBSTART.PRG The autostarter for TOS 1.00/1.02 XB_CONF.PRG The configuration program (These files must be in an XBOOTDEM folder in order for INSTALL.PRG to work) Root directory: INSTALL.PRG The installation program README.TXT You are reading it 2.2 The hard disk installation To install XBoot on your hard drive start the program INSTALL.PRG. Select in the dialog box the partition from which you normally boot. The default is partition C:. Unless you use a special hard disk device driver which allows booting from other partitions, you should leave this setting unchanged. Click on >START!<. The required files will now be copied to the folders \AUTO and \XBOOT on your hard drive. If a folder doesn't exist it will automatically be created first. Finally - and this only if necessary - the XBOOTDEM.PRG itself will be moved to the first slot in the AUTO folder, so that when booting it is indeed run as the very first program. If your system requires a special driver (like for a large screen monitor) you will probably want to reorder the AUTO folder so that XBOOTDEM.PRG comes after the driver. The chosen partition now contains files XBOOTDEM.PRG and XBSTART.PRG in the folder \AUTO, and XB_CONF.PRG in the folder \XBOOT. Please do not rename these files or XBoot will not be able to function correctly. Note: The program XBSTART.PRG is not needed if you only use an ST with TOS 1.04 or higher, a Mega STE or an Atari TT. If this is the case you can safely delete this file from the AUTO folder. Following a successful installation XBoot is immediately available to you with each subsequent booting, which means either when you turn the computer on or after a reset. To exit from the installation program click on the close box in the upper left corner. 3. Setting it up Perhaps the best thing to do first is to run the configuration program, XB_CONF.PRG. Most of the options in this program are fairly self- explanatory, but here are some details on a few of them: - The Hotkey boxes select which key combination will be used by XBoot, and if this key combination should cause XBoot to Run or Skip. For instance, if the Control box and the Shift box on the left are selected, then the hotkey will be Control and Left Shift held at the same time. - The Timeout option will cause XBoot to wait for a few seconds. If, during that time, there is no keyboard or mouse activity, XBoot will simply exit without doing anything. This allows you to walk away from the computer and have it reboot completely without stopping. - The "Info File" lines are where you can enter the names of up to three files that will be modified by XBoot. If a file is in this list, then each SET can contain the name of a file which will be copied to this location whenever that SET is used. For example, if you have saved a DESKTOP.INF file (the default name for Info File #1) with low resolution set, then you might rename this file to LOWREZ.INF. You could then create a SET in XBoot which copies LOWREZ.INF to DESKTOP.INF automatically. - Be VERY careful if you decide to try out the Password option. If you forget the password, you will not be able to access your system until XBoot has been disabled and re-installed. Once everything has been set the way you like it, simply select the Save button. 4. Running it To run XBoot, simply re-boot your computer by pressing the reset button. Assuming you have not modifed the Hotkey options, you should see the main XBoot screen. From here, you will probably want to start by creating a New SET. Once you have given it a name, press Return. Now, go ahead and select which AUTO folder programs and desk accessories you want active for that SET. Active files have a check mark in front of them. To activate/deactivate a particular file, either select it with the mouse or with the arrow and Insert keys on the keyboard. At this point, you are on your own! The full version of XBoot contains a complete manual which describes all of the other features, as well as all of the batch commands which can be specified independently for each SET. 5. Ordering information XBoot will carry a list price of $39.95. A special introductory price of only $29.95 is currently available, on orders placed directly with Gribnif Software. To place an order, or for more information, please contact Gribnif Software directly. |===========[ XBoot Order Form ]=========[ US and Canada Only ]===========| | | | Name: _________________________________________________________________ | | | | Address: ______________________________________________________________ | | | | City: ______________________ State: _________________ Zip: ____________ | | | | | | Please send me ____ copies of XBoot at the low intro price of $29.95 | | | | Also enclosed is $3.00 to cover all shipping and handling costs. | | | | | | I've enclosed the following payment: [ MINI INVOICE ]============| | [ ] Check (US Only) | | | [ ] Credit Card (MasterCard & Visa only) | XBoot Special .... $29.95 | | | S & H ............ $ 3.00 | | Card# _______ - _______ - _______ - _______ | ------ | | | Total (Pay this).. $32.95 | | Expiration Date: ____ / ____ | | | |===========================| | Signature: ________________________________ | | | | | | Please return this order form to: Note: | | | | Attn: XBoot Order Please wait 2-3 weeks for | | Gribnif Software your order to arrive. Any | | P.O. Box 350 questions? Call us at | | Hadley, MA 01035 (413) 584-7887 | | | |=========================================================================|