Cynosure.X International


Getting Started

Cyno's DigiClock is distributed in the industry standard ZIP format. To de-archive the ZIP files, you will need an unzip utility. More then likely, you already have one installed. If not, you can download the latest, free unzip utility from Info-ZIP.

To use this software, your operating system (OS) must be able to support Java and GUI. If your OS does not support Java natively, you may need to look for Java runtime or development kit on the web at www.javasoft.com. Try IBM's site if you are using OS/2 Warp 3. Warp 4 come packaged with Java, you should be able to run Cyno's DigiClock without a hitch. Also, you will need to place the clock software on a drive that supports long file name.

Once you have Java ready to run, change to the directory that contains Cyno's DigiClock and type 'java DigiClock' on the command-line. If you see the clock on your screen, then your Java installation was successful.

You can move and resize the clock to your preference. Cyno's DigiClock will automatically save your settings to the file 'DigiClock.cfg' upon exit.

Installing the Program

Once you have the unzip utility handy, you need to decide where you would like to place Cyno's DigiClock on your hard drive. Most likely, you would select 'C:\' or 'C:\Program Files'. Any directory is fine. Place the Cyno's DigiClock archive in that drive and directory.

Windows NT/95 Users, we suggest the 'C:\Program Files' directory. Otherwise, you will have to modify the short-cut to accommodate your selection.

If your unzip utility is a command-line version, rather than a windowed version, then follow the following instructions. Open a command-line window (For example, Command Prompt, etc), and change into the drive/directory you wish to place Cyno's DigiClock. Type the following:

unzip DigiClock

The command above will automatically create a directory called "Cyno's DigiClock".

Running the Program

To run Cyno's Editor, change into the Cyno's Editor directory. Then type:

java DigiClock

Or if you are using either OS/2 or Windows, you may simply execute one of the batch files provided.

Command-Line Options

There are no command-line options for Cyno's DigiClock.

Optimize for OS/2

Since java.exe is a command-line executable, rather than a PM application, simply creating a 'new program' and placing it in the 'Startup' folder will not work; unless you like to see a blank window on your screen. Instead, I wrote a 'DigiClock.cmd' file to detach the Java process as follows:

  @echo off
  detach c:\javaos2\bin\java.exe DigiClock

Then I created a 'new program' to execute this command file minimized. Remember to edit the command file to reflect the correct directory on your system. And your working directory should be where Cyno's DigiClock is located.

For example, on my system, I have the following values in my 'new program' setting:

  Program
    Path and file name:
      c:\Cyno's DigiClock\DigiClock.cmd
    Working directory:
      c:\Cyno's DigiClock
  Session
    OS/2 Window checked
    Start minimized checked
    Close windo on exit checked
  Icon
    Title: Cyno's DigiClock

Once you have the program link created, drag it into your Startup folder. The next time your system boots, the clock would automatically load.

Optimize for Windows 95

First, create a shortcut for Cyno's DigiClock. Edit the properties (right mouse button) of the shortcut. Under the 'Shortcut' setting, modify the path as follows:

  Target:   javaw.exe DigiClock
  Start in: "C:\program files\Cyno's DigiClock"

Be sure to modify the path above to suit your system. Once you have the shortcut created, click the right mouse button on the Taskbar. We want to add the shortcut to the 'StartUp' folder. In the Taskbar Properties, we uncheck the 'Show Clock' checkbox and click on 'Start Menu Programs' tab. Click on 'Advanced', then click on the '+' sign beside Programs. Drag the shortcut you created onto the 'StartUp' folder and you are done. Cyno's DigiClock will start automatically whenever your system boots.

Notes for Mac OS

After running Cyno's DigiClock on the Mac OS, I found that the 'DigiClock.cfg' is created in the same directory as 'Java Runner', rather than the directory that the clock software is located.

You should only quit Cyno's DigiClock with the close window box on the upper left-hand side of the clock window. If you quit the Java Runtime instead, the window position setting will not be saved.


Cyno's DigiClock, its manual, and its web pages are Copyright (C) 1997, 1998 by Chieh Cheng. All Rights Reserved.