Copyright: Copyright © 1997 Kirby Turner.
Citation: Written for West End Software, Inc.  Copyright © 1997 Kirby Turner.  All rights reserved.


How to use Desktop Maid

To toggle the desktop icon display between visible and invisible, simply click on the Desktop Maid icon found in the icon tray on the Taskbar.  When the icons are visible, Desktop Maid's icon will appear in the tray.  A red circle with a slash running through it on top of the Desktop Maid's icon indicates that the icons are hidden.  The desktop is considered "clean" when the icons are hidden.

More options are available from Desktop Maid's menu.  To access the menu, right mouse click the Desktop Maid icon found in the icon tray on the Taskbar.  The menu will appear with the following items to choose from:

Desktop Items

A list of all desktop items.  See description below.

Clean Desktop

Select this menu item to toggle the desktop icon display.  When a check mark is next to this item, the icons are invisible.  If there is no check mark then the icons are visible.  This is the default command and has the same effect as clicking (with the left mouse button) on the Desktop Maid icon found in the tray.

Windows Startup

Select this menu item to load Desktop Maid during the Windows startup process.  If a check mark is next to the item, Desktop Maid will auto-load during the startup process.

Show Menu Icons

Toggles the menu item icon display.  The menu will display faster if the menu icons are turned off.

Help

This will display the Help submenu.  Additional information about Desktop Maid, how to registered the program, obtaining technical support, and more can be found here.

Exit Desktop Maid

Select this menu item to unload Desktop Maid.  Hidden desktop items will be made visible again when Desktop Maid closes.

In addition to the menu items mentioned above, all desktop items will appear as menu items.  This allows easy access to the desktop item without having to find the item on the desktop.  Selecting a desktop item from the menu has the same effect as double clicking the desktop item itself.  The desktop items are available from the menu even if the desktop items are hidden.


Install/Uninstall Desktop Maid

Three installation options are available, based on the download option chosen. One is a self-extracting program, one is a ZIP archive with a setup program, and the third is another ZIP archive with the minimum number of files needed to run Desktop Maid.  No setup program is provided for this final option.  Follow the steps below for the appropriate option.

Option 1 (self-extracting)

Follow the steps to install Desktop Maid:

Run the program setupdtm.exe.

Follow the Install Wizard instructions as they appear on the screen.

Option 2 (ZIP archive with setup program)

Follow the steps to install Desktop Maid:

Unarchive the download file dtmaid.zip to a temporary directory.

Run the program Setup.exe.

Follow the Install Wizard instructions as they appear on the screen.

Option 3 (ZIP archive with minimum files)

This option involves installing Desktop Maid manually, therefore it is more complex than the previous options.  This option assumes you have strong knowledge of Windows operating system and tools such as Explorer.

Follow the steps to install Desktop Maid:

Unarchive the download file dtm-min.zip to a directory such as c:\dtm or c:\windows.

Run the program dtmaid.exe.

Follow the instructions below to setup a shortcut in the Startup folder.

At this point, Desktop Maid has been installed.  Desktop Maid can be setup to automatically run during the Windows startup.  To set this option, run Desktop Maid.  The Desktop Maid icon, a computer monitor, will appear in the icon tray found on the Taskbar.  Right mouse click this icon and select the Windows Startup menu item.  This will place a shortcut to Desktop Maid in the Startup folder.  Read the section entitled How to use Desktop Maid for more instructions on using this program.

Uninstalling Desktop Maid

There are two ways to uninstall and remove Desktop Maid, depending on how it was installed.  If Option 1 or Option 2 was used with the setup program, go to Add/Remove Programs from the Control Panel.  From the Install/Uninstall tab, scroll through the list of installed programs.  Select Desktop Maid and push the Add/Remove... button.  Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the uninstall process.

If Desktop Maid was installed using Option 3, load Explorer and navigate to the directory where it was installed.  Delete the files installed from the archive.  As a minimum, this should include dtmaid.exe and DesktopMaid.hlp.


Introduction

What is Desktop Maid?

Desktop Maid is a program for Windows 95 and NT that allows you to show or hide the icons found on your desktop. It also provides a quick access menu to your desktop items, making it easy to run items found on the desktop even when the item is hidden by another window. Desktop Maid is ideal for use duing presentations, screen prints, and for low resolution monitors (i.e., 640x480, laptops, etc.).

Desktop Maid is a shareware program and comes with a free evaluation period.  During this evaluation period, Desktop Maid will display a friendly message box each time you select an item from its menu.  Registering Desktop Maid will prevent the message box from displaying.

In addition, registered users will receive the following benefits:

FREE upgrades to all future versions of Desktop Maid.

FREE technical support by e-mail and through WESoft Online.

E-mail notifications of new releases as well as information on other West End Software products.


License Agreement

WEST END SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT AND LIMITED WARRANTY

West End Software, Inc. ("West End") grants you the right to use this West End software product ("Software"), including any accompanying documentation, in the manner provided below.  This Software is owned by West End or its suppliers and is protected by copyright law and international copyright treaty.

The Software is a "shareware program." A shareware program is a program provided at no charge to the you for evaluation.  You may share it with others, but you must not give it away altered or as part of another system.

If you find the Software useful and continue to use it after a reasonable trial period, you must make a registration payment of US$10 to West End.  The registration fee will license one copy for use on any one computer at any one time.  You must treat this software just like a book.  An example is that this software may be used by any number of people and may be freely moved from one computer location to another, so long as there is no possibility of it being used at one location while it is being used at another. Just as a book cannot be read by two different persons at the same time.

Commercial users of the Software must register and pay for their copies of the Software within 30 days of first use or their license is withdrawn.  Site-License arrangements may be made by contacting West End.

Anyone distributing the Software for any kind of remuneration must first contact West End for authorization. This authorization will be automatically granted to distributors recognized by the (ASP) as adhering to its guidelines for shareware distributors, and such distributors may begin offering the Software immediately. However, West End must still be advised so that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latest version of the Software.

If you have purchased a license for the Software, you may transfer the license on a permanent basis provided you retain no copies of the Software and the recipient agrees to the terms of this license agreement.  Except as provided in this agreement, you may not transfer, rent, lease, lend, copy, modify, translate, sublicense, time-share or electronically transmit or receive the Software or documentation.  You acknowledge that the Software in source code form remains a confidential trade secret of West End and/or its suppliers and therefore you agree not to modify the Software or attempt to decipher, decompile, disassemble or reverse engineer the Software, except to the extent applicable laws specifically prohibit such restriction.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED AS IS.  TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, WEST END AND ITS SUPPLIERS DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,  IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WITH REGARD TO THE SOFTWARE AND THE ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION.

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL WEST END OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION, OR ANY OTHER PECUNIARY LOSS) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THIS WEST END PRODUCT, EVEN IF WEST END HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

HIGH RISK ACTIVITIES

The Software is not fault-tolerant and is not designed, manufactured or intended for use or resale as on-line control equipment in hazardous environments requiring fail-safe performance, such as in the operation of nuclear facilities, aircraft navigation or communication systems, air traffic control, direct life support machines, or weapons systems, in which the failure of the Software could lead directly to death, personal injury, or severe physical or environmental damage ("High Risk Activities"). West End and its suppliers specifically disclaim any express or implied warranty of fitness for High Risk Activities.

U.S. GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS

The Software and documentation are provided with RESTRICTED RIGHTS. Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraphs (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013 or subparagraphs (c)(1) and (2) of the Commercial Computer Software-Restricted Rights at 48 CFR 52.227-19, as applicable. Manufacturer is West End Software, Inc.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

This agreement may only be modified in writing signed by you and an authorized officer of West End.  If any provision of this agreement is found void or unenforceable, the remainder will remain valid and enforceable according to its terms.  If any remedy provided is determined to have failed for its essential purpose, all limitations of liability and exclusions of damages set forth in the Limited Warranty shall remain in effect.

This agreement shall be construed, interpreted and governed by the laws of the State of Missouri, U.S.A.  This agreement gives you specific legal rights; you may have others which vary from state to state and from country to country.  West End reserves all rights not specifically granted in this agreement.

West End Software, Inc.

E-mail:  wesoft@thecave.com

Web Site:  http://www.thecave.com/wesoft/

Pricing for this product is subject to change.  Please visit our web site for the latest pricing and availability at http://www.thecave.com/wesoft/.


Obtaining Technical Support

Support for this,and other West End Software, Inc. products, is provided by sending e-mail to wesoft@thecave.com.  Be sure to include the following information in your message:

User name (found on the AboutBox)

Product name (found on the AboutBox)

Product version (found on the AboutBox)

Question, comment, suggestion, or bug report

If you are reporting a bug, please include the following information in addition to the information mentioned above:

Operating system and version

Total amount of RAM

Total amount of free hard drive space

Although our technical support staff is happy to answer any questions you might have related to our products, you might find the answer faster by visiting our web site.  Answers to frequently asked questions are posted on a regular basis.  Simply set your browser to http://www.thecave.com/wesoft/ and visit the Products Area.

Thank you for your support!


Ordering Desktop Maid

Desktop Maid can be purchased online through PsL (Public software Library) or CompuServe's Shareware Registration.  In addition, orders can be placed by fax or e-mail.  Users can obtain a license for Desktop Maid by registering the program for US$10.  For the latest purchasing information and pricing, please visit WESoft Online at http://www.thecave.com/wesoft/.

PsL (Public software Library)

You can order by credit card through PsL, a credit card order service.

On the Internet, go to the Desktop Maid home page at http://www.thecave.com/wesoft/products/DesktopMaid/ and click on "Purchase".

Or you can FAX your order to PsL at 713-524-6398.  Please use the file Order.txt to place your order by fax.

Or you can e-mail your order to PsL at "30028@pslweb.com".  Please use the file Order.txt to place your order by e-mail.

These numbers are for ORDERS ONLY. For technical support or to check on the status of the shipping of an order or information about our products, please contact West End Software, Inc.

CompuServe's SWREG

CompuServe user can register this product through CompuServe's Shareware Registration service (GO SWREG), Registration ID 14768.

Site Licenses are Available!

If you are interested in purchasing a site license for your company, please send e-mail to wesoft@thecave.com.  Provide your name, company name, and a means of contact, such as a telephone number or snail mail address.  When providing a telephone number, please specify the best time to call and your time zone and/or country.


Other Products

West End Software, Inc. (WESoft) is committed to proivding the computing community, both end users and developers, with quality products.  Over time you will see more and more fine products coming out of WESoft.  For the latest list of products, please visit our web site, WESoft Online, at http://www.thecave.com/wesoft/.

Thank you for your support!

Desktop Maid is a desktop utility allowing you easy access to your desktop items, even when they are not visible.  In addition, Desktop Maid users can hide or show desktop item icons, providing a cleaner desktop.

wesCommonLibrary is an Active X Automation server. It is intended to provide Microsoft Visual Basic 4.0 developers commonly needed functionality beyond that provided by Visual Basic for Applications (VBA).

wesError is an Active X Automation server. It provides application developers with a standard means of handling errors trapped in a procedure, either displaying the error or raising the error for trapping and handling in the calling procedure.

wesObjectCache is an Active X server. It is intended to provide application developers with a means of improving performance by caching Active X objects for reuse, particularly objects that must retrieve their properties from a database, file, remote data source such as a World Wide Web site, etc.


Revision History

March 1, 1997  Version 2.1

Improved load time.

Shortcut in Startup group will also read Desktop Maid.

Spacing problem on popup menu fixed.

Documentation updated to include product item numbers for PsL and SWREG.

February 28, 1997  Version 2.1

Retains current settings each time it is loaded.

Provides better font support on the popup menu.

Allows user to delete registration information from the menu.

New logo on about box.

Renamed executable to dtm.exe to prevent installation problems.

Updated help file to include latest purchasing information.

January 22, 1997  Version 2.1

Add support for Windows NT 4.0.

Added ability to turn off menu icons for better performance.

Program prevents multiple instances.

December 29, 1996  Version 2.01 Final Release

Added Help file.

AboutBox now closes when user clicks URL hyperlink.

Startup dialog will only display if product is not registered.

December 21, 1996  Version 2.01 Release Candidate 2

Improved evaluation period support.

December 19, 1996  Version 2.01 Release Candidate 1

On-line registration now available.

Registered, or licensed, version will disable the shareware nag screens.

The correct display name for folder items appear on the popup menu.

Three install versions are available, giving the user the choice between faster download time verses easier installation.

December 8, 1996  Version 2.01 beta release

Desktop icons are displayed adjacent the menu item.

Memory leak problem has been fixed.

Shareware nag screens have been put into place.

Install program is now provided.

November 30, 1996  Version 2.01 beta release

Fixes display name problem for Folders.

November 24, 1996  Version 2.01 beta release

Includes menu items for each desktop item.

November 10, 1996  Version 1.0 (initial release)

Includes support to hide/show desktop icons and create shortcut in the Startup folder.

Acknowledgments

Thanks goes to Mike Jones for recommending the desktop item menu items.  I have found this a very useful in my day-to-day activity.  Additional thanks goes to Dean Richards, Jennifer Johnson, Anita Forrester, and Allen Gholston for their comments and suggestions.


System Requirements

Desktop Maid runs under Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0.  The same version is compatible with both Windows 95 and NT 4.0.

Minimum System Requirements

Processor capable of running Windows 95, NT 4.0, or greater

500 KB Hard Drive space (1 MB for the installation process)

Windows 95, Windows NT 4.0, or greater

Mouse or some other pointer device


What is Shareware?

Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs differ on details -- some request registration while others require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using the software to an updated program with printed manual.

Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a specific group. For example, some authors require written permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware.

Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy.  And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it.