Copyright: Copyright © 2000 Gladiatros Software


About
About Aston 1.4.0

Aston is a product of Gladiators Software.

Authors (Idea, design, programming): Oleg Bulychov, Nick Egorov.

Graphics: Dmitry Prosvirnin.

Additional Support: Pavel Kormishin, Paul Nikonoff.

If you have access to the Internet, be sure to visit Gladiators Software homepage. You can download the latest versions and updates of Aston as well as some other cool programs and themes, plugins,utilities for Aston.

URL:http://www.astonshell.com

E-mail address for information, feedback, suggestions, bug reports, support etc:

mailto:support@astonshell.com


Aston
Cool Shell Replacement


Aston Boot
Aston: Boot process configuration

Boot process configuration:

Applications' Autoload - turns automatic start of Windows "StartUp" and registry applications on/off.

Auotload from WIN.INI - turns automatic start of Windows applications from "win.ini" on/off.

Data CD Autorun - automatic detection of Data CD change and AutoRun file start.

Audio CD Autorun - automatic detection of Audio CD change and its player start.

Tip: "Shift" key pressed blocks autorun and autostart!

Restore wallpaper on exit - for compatibility with Windows Desktop, because Aston uses its own Desktop and Wallpaper. If you plan to use Aston permanently then you should turn this option off (it will decrease boot and shutdown time).

Path to configuration file (Aston.rc) - readonly. It's just path to configuration file.

Path to Pictures folder - path to icons and pictures' folder. We recommend to use "Pictures" folder for all Aston's graphics. It makes Aston run faster and systematize hard disk's information.


BrowseNewProcess
Allow multiple instances of IE4, ... (Windows NT, 2000 only)


Configuration files' structure

All the main Shell's parameters placed at the special *.rc files. Aston do not use Windows registry, so after Windows reinstall you shouldn't reinstall Aston. Its configuration will be saved. There are three configuration files.

Aston.rc - main shell configuration file. It contains information about Desktop, Toolbars, Taskbar, Main menu, Plug-ins, Hotkeys, LiteStep's plug-ins settings, System settings.

Plugins.rc - plug-ins configuration file. Every plug-in has its own section and modifies its data.

Tips.rc - Day's useful tips on a taskbar.

Aston.rc format

Plugins.rc format

Tips.rc format


Desktop

Aston Desktop:

You should place some icons on it. They can have any shape, any size, any color. It's possible to use *.ico and *.bmp files as icons. Also, we provide animated icons and at a time you place the cursor to such an icon it starts to "live". Animated icons are files of "animated cursor" (*.ani). There are three states of any icon:

1) normal;

2) highlighted (cursor on the icon);

3) pressed.

In a case of animated icon, states 2&3 are shot down because of their uselessness. Mouse drag&drop of the icons provided. You can change, delete icons and so on.

Sometimes you want to start an application from the Windows Desktop but, instead of this, you moved or renamed an icon. It is impossible with Aston because mouse sensitivity for drag&drop is an adjustable parameter. So the icon will move only in a case you moved it to a space longer than adjusted.

There are two ways to start an application, by single or double mouse click. You can use transparent color as a background of an icon's name. It's really looks better than these boxes at Windows Desktop. One of Aston desktop's features is an icon name's highlighting when you place mouse's cursor to an icon (likewise Active Desktop of the Windows'98). There is just one snag to it. Aston can take an icon's shape into account, so you can place two icons by such a way:

Desktop can move to the top of all the windows (by the use of a hotkey) and hide away. It quickly lets you to access desktop icons.

If "Doubleclick opening" option disabled but you pushed mouse button two times - it's not terrible. The program will not start two times 'cause Aston just apprehend it as a single click.


Desktop Process
Allow multiple instances of explorer (Windows NT only)


Desktop Properties

Desktop properties:

Transparent text's background - transparent background at icons' text.

Doubleclick opening - starts an application by mouse's doubleclick.

Highlighting - icons' highlighting&animation on the desktop.

Show cursor - show cursor when dragging an icon.

Mouse sensivity - mouse sensivity when moving an icon.

Wallpaper - desktop wallpaper's picture and arrangement.

Colors - icons' titles colors.

Arrange icons - arrange icons on the desktop.

Font - specifies the font to use for icon titles.


Explorer
Common Windows Desktop and Shell


FAQ

A message like this appeared after Windows9x restart:

"Windows cannot find ...\aston.exe

You must reinstall Windows"

What is to be done?

Do not reinstall anything, just set correct path to shell in "system.ini" file (in MS-DOS mode). You can do it like this:

1.Reboot in MS-DOS mode (hold F8 or Ctrl when booting), choose "Command Prompt Only". Or use boot diskette;

2.Start SHSwDos.exe from Aston's folder, choose Explorer or Aston. Reboot.

or

2.Edit file %windowsdir%\system.ini, find [boot] section. In the line "shell=....." write correct path to existing shell. For example:

shell=explorer.exe

Save the file and reboot.

How to make Aston a default shell?

Use ShellSwp.exe from Aston's distributive. In MS-DOS mode, use SHSwDos.exe.

When restarting Explorer on my Windows NT computer a message: "My Computer or Windows Explorer has not been properly initialized yet. Try again later." appeared. Or second IE4, IE5 copy doesn’t start.

Start ShellSwp.exe and set DesktopProcess = 1. For IE4 (IE5) set option BrowseNewProcess = YES.

Why does cursor blink when it points to an animated icon?

Cursor blinking does not depend neither from Aston nor from video RAM size. Maybe your video card does not support hardware cursors. But almost all video cards support two-colored hardware cursors so try to change cursor. Also, it may be a driver problem or incorrect video settings.

How big can animated picture be?

128õ128 pixels.

I want to setup anything manually. How can I do this?

Just edit configuration files aston.rc and plugins.rc. Their format is described here.

Some program or driver works incorrectly with Aston. What is to be done?

First, look if this program should not work with Aston. There are usually Windows Explorer enhancements like wallpaper changers, Systray clocks, etc. Necessarily check if this program works with Explorer Shell. So, if the problem does not disappear, contact that program’s author. Otherwise, mail us.

I want to change skin or any other main menu’s parameter. Is it possible?

Because of main menu is not a part of shell, but just a plug-in then its properties, possibilities and appearance are different with different plug-ins. So, for any parameter’s modification look for "Plug-ins" property sheet at A-Master, choose needed plug-in and modify its properties.

How can I make DOS program to close its window after exiting?

Search for this *.exe or *.bat program on your disk and modify its properties. Check the box "Close window after exiting"

How to make multi-user support in Windows 9x?

You should do something like this:

1.Make a different folder for every user. Place Aston.exe, A-master.exe, printmon.exe, starter.dll, hook.dll, *.rc files there. 2.Change configuration files by the way like this:

===============Config.sys===============

[MENU]

MENUITEM=User1,User-Nick

MENUITEM=User2,User-Oleg

[User1]

[User2]

[Common]

...

=======================================

==============Autoexec.bat==============

...

goto %config%

:User1

C:\Aston\SHSWDOS.EXE -fc:\Aston\Aston.exe

goto end

:User2

C:\Aston\SHSWDOS.EXE -fc:\Aston1\Aston.exe

:end

=======================================

Why an icon on the desktop does not remove to Recycle Bin?

For this time, Recycle Bin is for files only.

How do I switch back to the standard windows explorer shell?

Run Shell Swapper from MainMenu->Programs->Aston, or from Aston's folder. Select "Explorer".


Hotkeys

Quick start of any program or function is possible with use of a hotkey - predefined key's combination. This combination must contain one or more special keys (Alt, Ctrl, Shift, Win) and any other key.

It's permissible to assign a big amount of hotkeys, but use only part of them. It's not recommended to use very many hotkeys because it can harm you when some unexpected application starts in a time you just pressed "Ctrl+S" in MS-Word. So, in other words, it's recommended to set a combination which is not used in other applications.

Hotkey for an application on a toolbar or desktop can be set just at its shortcut. So, hotkey's table is the same for all Shell's elements.


How to make a theme
How to make a theme?

First, you need to setup Aston in a way how it should look like after choosing your theme.

Theme can contain such a things:

- desktop wallpaper;

- left and right toolbars' skins;

- skins for "Start" button, taskbar, taskbar buttons (note that they have three states), quick launch bar, tray, clock;

- menu skins (if "Lsmenu" plug-in used);

- system colors and preferences (from "Screen Setup" dialog);

- cursors ("Control Panel" -> "Mouse");

- desktop buttons and icons.

Use "Theme's element" icon's option to include it to theme.

Unlike Explorer which uses only squared icons of fixed sizes, Aston icons sized up to 128x128 pixels of any shape. Also it is possible to compose an icon from up to three bitmap (BMP) files for common, highlighted and pressed state. Moreover, an icon can be an animated (ANI) file which starts to play when you place cursor on the icon.

Transparent color for bitmap files contains that components: red=255, green=0, blue=255 (#FF00FF).

Toolbar skin contains of one bitmap (BMP) file which includes 13 horizontal cells.

First cell is a mask for an element which includes sub-elements (as like 3_dots.xpm from AfterStep).

Next three cells lays under first level's elements at a normal, highlighted and pressed states accordingly. Warning! Transparent color is not supported here.

So 5 to 7 is for second level's elements, 8-10 & 11-13 - for third (down and up). You can use transparent color in this positions.

Any picture editor can be used to create all of these graphical elements. Animated icons creates with any cursors editor, for example AXCursor (TM).

Then, at a time you set up Aston, run Theme Creator (%Aston%\tcreator.exe). Note theme's name, description and options, then run "Make theme" command from menu. Theme will be created automatically and positions at %Aston%\Themes\%Theme's name% folder.

Note 1. We recommend you to transform desktop wallpaper (stored in theme folder) into JPEG image using some picture editor. Then change a line

wallpaper=%filename%.bmp

to

wallpaper=%filename%.jpg

in a corresponding "tfa" file.

Note 2. Immediately after you setup Aston you can create a theme to keep current wallpaper, colors and cursors.


Introduction

Aston - new Desktop manager and Shell replacement for Windows 95/98/NT/2000. Aston fully replaces standard Windows Desktop and gives you a great amount of new features.

   It's nice and easy to work at a computer with installed Aston. Aston don't need a very powerful and expensive computer. Also, Aston is much more stable. It needs a little RAM size, few processor resources, so computer system has a very good performance.

System requirements: Pentium, 8Mb RAM, High Color video card, mouse.

Main Aston's features:

- nice looking, easy changeable interface;

- detailed setup of any element;

- very simple visual configuring (no need to learn about this complicated *.rc files);

- toolbars of any size with plenty of levels;

- skins for all the elements;

- any size & shape icons, maybe animated;

- plug-ins (Litestep's also);

- hotkeys;

- and so on...

Besides, Aston contains all the main Windows Desktop's elements, like Desktop, TaskBar, Tray, Main Menu, DDE (without it, installers may corrupt), Drag&Drop.

Aston based of fully original code and it is not a clone of any other shell. Program's code was optimized by its size and speed.


List of Files

After you setup Aston, your hard disk should contain this files:

- Aston.exe  - main program;

- A-master.exe - configurer;

- ShellSwp.exe - shell swapper (Aston<->Explorer);

- SHSwDos.exe - shell swapper (MS-DOS version);

- Settheme.exe - theme changer ("Themes" folder contains this graphic files);

- PrintMon.exe - printer's monitor. Starts automatically when printing;

- Starter.dll è Hook.dll - system dll's;

- Aston.rc - configuration file;

- Plugins.rc - plugin's configuration file.

Deleting of any named files will lead to unstable or incorrect work!

- Tips.rc - "Any day's tips" on a taskbar;

- "Plugins" folder is for additional modules, so-called plug-ins. We strongly recommend to place all the plug-ins into it.

Our distributive contains this plug-ins:

- A_mouse.plg - it calls main menu or/and screen saver with a simple mouse movement to a definite screen's corner;

- Dskclock.plg - desktop clock with drag&drop support;

- Lsmenu.plg - main menu with skins;

- Menu97.plg - main menu in Windows Desktop style;

- Popclock.plg - "always on top" desktop clock that moves with "Shift" key pressed;

- Skinclck.plg - taskbar (systray) clock with skins support;

- Asclock.tbp - hand clock for toolbars;

- Cpu95nt.tbp - CPU use monitor;

- Notebk.tbp - comfortable notebook for toolbars, autosave option included;

- Zoom.tbp - magnifying glass for toolbars;

- Qlaunch.plg - quick launch panel on taskbar.

"Pictures" folder contains icons.

"Themes" folder used to store graphical information grouped into themes. You can easy change Aston's appearance with SetTheme program.

"Logos" folder contains "logo.sys" files (copy it in the root of system drive).


Main Menu

Main menu is not an integral part of the shell, but it is linked as a separate plug-in. So, its properties, features, appearance may change. Also, you can shut it down. We present two menu types:

1) Menu97.plg - Standard Windows menu with more flexibility:

2) Lsmenu.plg - menu with skins support.

Main menu can be started with a common method ("Start" button). Also, it starts with double-click left mouse button on an empty place of a screen (single-click of middle button).

With A_mouse.plg plug-in connected, main menu can be started when mouse pointer comes to a fixed corner of a screen.

Menu setup is a part of taskbar setup.


Plug-ins

Aston's features can be unlimitedly expanded by use of plug-ins.

It is recommended to use special Aston's plug-ins because they can tune up its parameters for a current configuration and use a little RAM size. There is a Litestep's toolbar plug-ins support. Although we do not recommend to use such a thing because these plug-ins have fixed (64x64) window size and usually use too much memory to run.

There are two plug-in types:

1) Common plug-ins (*.plg);

2) Toolbar plug-ins (*.tbp for Aston plug-ins, *.app, *.dll for LiteStep plug-ins  as LsVWM.dll). They are automatically resized to a size of a single toolbar's element.

Warning! We do not guarantee neither stable Aston's functioning, nor anything's safety in a case of use other manufacturer's plug-ins. In a case of any problem, contact plug-in's author.


Registration

The registration fee for Aston is US $28.

Why should I register?

- Amount limitations will be taken away.

- Full technical support including support via e-mail.

- Free new releases of Aston!

- E-mail notifications about product's news and updates.

And after all:

We did our best to make Aston usefull for you and have a lot of ideas to be implemented in future versions but that we won't be able to realize without your support...

See http://www.astonshell.com for more information.


Taskbar

Task Bar - a tool for watching to the running applications, switching between them and so on. Usually places at the bottom edge of the screen. It may contain "Start" button, toolbars, clock and other objects.

Taskbar buttons shows you the windows opened at this time, even if some of them are hidden or placed under other windows. To switch between the applications you just have to press taskbar button. For an active window such an action makes it minimized. Taskbar buttons differs from Windows Desktop's buttons.They change its size bases on running tasks' quantity, it's possible to place skins on a button. And what is more, the can be in a three states:

1) Active task;

2) Inactive task;

3) Minimized task.

Any state can have its own skin. Taskbar can be placed at any edge of the screen. Maybe you will want to place "Start" button on it. Systray (taskbar status area) also places on a taskbar. No doubt, systray position can be changed too.

Aston icon in SysTray is very functional. Check this by itself.


Taskbar Properties

Taskbar properties:

AutoHide - turn it on to hide taskbar at a time you don't use it.

Smooth appearance - for smooth appearance of the taskbar (when AutoHide is on).

Simple Tray's position - with this option turned on Systray places as like in a Windows Desktop, otherwise - at an other side.

Position - sets up an arrangement of the taskbar. In other words, at which edge of a screen it will be placed.

Taskbar size - sets it up. But much more simple to regulate it with the mouse.

Tray icons size - size of tray icons.

Main menu button setup. Windows Desktop had fixed "Start" button. But with this option you can make your own configuration. Just use any bitmap (*.bmp) file as a button.

Textures - any button on a taskbar can have any of three skins for different states.

In the same way possible assign skin for tray and taskbar. Skins are bitmap (*.bmp) files.

Colors - color attributes for a bar.

Fonts - font for taskbar buttons. As in the above, three colors for three states.

Add shortcut - show dialog box that enables the user to add a shortcut to the "Programs" group of a main menu.

Remove shortcut - show dialog box that enables the user to remove the shortcut from the "Programs" group of a main menu.

Main menu setup  is very easy.

First menu's element is its header. Menu97.plg does not use it and defines this element only for common structure. Menu can have up to three levels. When you add an element to a level higher than current, it automatically transforms to a folder.

You can add an element to any level by pressing the corresponding button. Copy/delete executes by corresponding toolbar's buttons.


Toolbar Properties

Left (right) toolbar properties:

Panel hints - show tooltips on/off.

AutoHide left (right) panel - automatically hides left (right) toolbar just after mouse pointer leaves toolbar area or toolbar element starts.

Smooth panel's appearance. Only first level appears smoothly.

Panels on the top of all windows - with this option turned on taskbar and toolbars will be placed above of all windows (even above "always on top" windows).

Change screen size at the left - changes desktop size at the left edge of the screen ("AutoHide left panel" must be off).

Change screen size at the right - changes desktop size at the right edge of the screen ("AutoHide right panel" must be off).

Left panel caption - turns left toolbar's caption (header) on, so you can easy move panel's place. Double-click on caption hides/restores toolbar.

Right panel caption - turns right toolbar's caption (header) on.

Left (right) panel size - left (right) toolbar's element height and width setup (from 24 to 128). If skin support is on then skin must have matching size.

Place on the screen - starting panel's places. Depends on screen's resolution.

Left panel background - left toolbar's skin. It is a bitmap (*.bmp) file with height as an element's height and width equals to 13*(element's width).

Right panel background - right toolbar's skin.

Appearance's delay - delays (in ms.) before panel's appearance. It is used to prevent this appearance when you touch the edge by accident. Delays for second and third levels set as well.


Toolbar's Setup
Toolbar

Toolbar's setup.

Shortcuts, folders, special elements and plug-ins can be placed on a toolbar. Green or yellow triangle indicator at a right-bottom angle of an icon means that it is a folder.

You just need to place the button at a toolbar to create its first element.

 adds an application, [image] adds a folder. Context menu, which can be called by right-button click may be useful to add these elements.

To add an element to a folder:

1. Choose a folder by clicking on it. Triangle indicator will change its color to green.

2. Add an element by pressing a button on a toolbar or right-clicking on the folder and choose Add an element or Add a folder.

To add a next element after a folder at the same level as the folder, but not into the folder:

1. Folder must be unselected (yellow indicator).

2. Right-click on the folder and choose Add an element or Add a folder.

To copy an element to the clipboard, select it and press "Copy" button on a toolbar, or use a right-click context menu on an unselected element.

Paste an element from the clipboard as you add a new element, but only choose "Paste" command.

To delete an element from the clipboard, select it and press "Delete" button on a toolbar, or use a right-click context menu on an unselected element.


Toolbars

Aston has two toolbar panels, which places at the left and right edge of a screen. Unlike Desktop icons, which can be hidden by active windows, toolbar's icons are always accessible. Toolbars' idea was a creature of Steven Jobbs. Panel's width and height can be easily changed, menus has three levels, which opens automatically with a mouse pointer on. They have different colors, different skins. AutoHide option exists. You can place not only shortcuts and other standard elements on a toolbar, but also plug-ins (*.tbp).


Types of Elements

Following are the types of elements used in aston.rc file:

00	Folder

01	Application or document

02	"Run..." dialog

03	"Shutdown" dialog

04	Recycle (configuration`s reload)

05	Plugin

06	Default ScreenSaver

07	Show desktop

08	Minimize active window

09	"Delete from menu" dialog

0A	"Add to menu" dialog

0B	Call Main Menu

0C	Clear "Recent"

0D	Screen properties

0E	Empty (no action)

0F	"Files find" dialog (Dir=root)

10	"Computers find" dialog

11	Logoff

12	Parameters setup (A-Master)

14	About

15	Litestep`s plugin (Toolbars only!)

16	Suspend work

17	Popup Folder (Run=path, Main Menu only)

18	Popup Folder, without subfolders (Main Menu only)

19	Programs (Main Menu only)

1A	Programs (common) (Main Menu only)

1B	Documents (Main Menu only)

1F	Theme element

30	Explore Programs folder

31	Common Main Menu folder

32	Main Menu

33	Common Main Menu

34	Send to

35	Recent

36	Desktop

37	Common desktop

38	Favourites

39	Common favourites

3A	Personal

3B	Open Control Panel

3C	Printers

3D	Recycle Bin

3E	My computer

3F	Network Neighborhood

40	Fonts

41	Internet cache

42	History

43	Internet

FF	Debug Exit


Virtual-Key Codes

The following table shows the hexadecimal values and keyboard equivalents for the virtual-key codes used by the Microsoft Windows operating system. The codes are listed in numeric order.

01	Left mouse button

02	Right mouse button

03	Control-break processing

04	Middle mouse button (three-button mouse)

08	BACKSPACE key

09	TAB key

0C	CLEAR key

0D	ENTER key

10	SHIFT key

11	CTRL key

12	ALT key

13	PAUSE key

14	CAPS LOCK key

1B	ESC key

20	SPACEBAR

21	PAGE UP key

22	PAGE DOWN key

23	END key

24	HOME key

25	LEFT ARROW key

26	UP ARROW key

27	RIGHT ARROW key

28	DOWN ARROW key

29	SELECT key

2B	EXECUTE key

2C	PRINT SCREEN key for Windows 3.0 and later

2D	INS key

2E	DEL key

2F	HELP key

30	0 key

...

39	9 key

41	A key

42	B key

43	C key

44	D key

45	E key

46	F key

47	G key

48	H key

49	I key

4A	J key

4B	K key

4C	L key

4D	M key

4E	N key

4F	O key

50	P key

51	Q key

52	R key

53	S key

54	T key

55	U key

56	V key

57	W key

58	X key

59	Y key

5A	Z key

5B	Left Windows key (Microsoft Natural Keyboard)

5C	Right Windows key (Microsoft Natural Keyboard)

5D	Applications key (Microsoft Natural Keyboard)

60	Numeric keypad 0 key

...

69	Numeric keypad 9 key

6A	Multiply key (Gray *)

6B	Add key (Gray +)

6C	Separator key

6D	Subtract key

6E	Decimal key

6F	Divide key (Gray /)

70	F1 key

71	F2 key

...

87	F24 key 8-( )

90	NUM LOCK key

91	SCROLL LOCK key

BA	;

BB	+

BC	,

BD	-

BE	.

BF	/

C0	~

DB	[

DC	\

DD	]

DE	'


What's New
What's new?

What's new in version 1.4.0?

+ Support for Windows ME/XP added.

+ "Files find" dialog is able to call with Win ME/2000/XP.

+ "Computer search" dialog is able to call with Win ME/2000/XP.

+ "Fonts", "Network Neighborhood" and "Printers" folders are accessible with Win ME/2000/XP.

* Some bug with tray icons fixed (Win XP).

+ Folders can be opened using Win ME/2000/XP command prompt.

* Some bug with IE fullscreen fixed.

+ TaskManager's "Hide when minimized" option is now works with Win 2000/XP.

+ "Win" key now calls main menu (Win 2000/XP).

+ CPU monitor supports new AMD processors.

+ Options to turn off left/right toolbar added.

+ In Notebook plug-in: Ctrl+A hotkey added ("Select All").

+ Recycle Bin, CD-DISK icons renews automatically (Win ME/2000/XP).

What's new in version 1.2.6?

+ Added command "Empty recycle bin" to context menu of recycle bin.

* Fixed bug with Shell Swapper in Win ME.

* Fixed bug with "Dialup Networking" dialog in Win2000.

* Fixed bug with Audio CD autorun.

* Fixed bug with selecting wallpapers in win2000

* Fixed bug with very long tooltips.

+ Improved setup of toolbars.

What's new in version 1.2.5?

+ Added import explorer icons into Aston.

+ Added context menu for Start button.

+ Added context menu for Main Menu items (Win98,2000 only).

+ Added setting for icons offset in toolbars.

* Fixed bug: taskbar over fullscreen apps.

* Fixed bug with applications' autoload from registry.

* Fixed bug in Main Menu with empty first item.

* Changed algorithm of loading *.bmp (RLE4,8) files.

What's new in version 1.2.4?

+ Added network connections monitor for Win2000.

* Quick launch panel changed, so it resizes automatically depending to icons' quantity.

* Fixed bug in Printmon.

* Enhanced hotkey control.

What's new in version 1.2.3?

+ Now, WIN key can be used in any hotkeys setting.

* Fixed bug with toolbars appearance.

* Fixed bug in "Wallpaper Changer" plug-in.

* Changed plug-ins API format, please download new versions of all plug-ins.

What's new in version 1.2.2:

* Fixed bug with ICQ startup.

* Found bug in Corel Draw (cause a crash) and we made patch for it.

* Fixed bug with executing any *.html files from the local disks in Win2000.

+ Added support for Win2000 systray.

* Changed user interface of Theme Creator.

+ CPU monitor supports more than one processor in WinNT/2000.

+ Added new plug-in - Wallpaper Changer.

What's new in version 1.2.1:

* Fixed bug with long filenames in plug-ins section.

What's new in version 1.2:

+ Added: skin on Taskbar and Systray.

+ Added: partial support for *.scf files.

+ Added: support for "MacVision" shell.

+ Added: double click on taskbar clock show the dialog of adjusting the date and time.

+ Enhanced functional possibilities.

+ Enhanced support for DDE.

+ Vastly raised stability (added: explorer-like exception handler).

+ shswdos.exe - now works at quick computers.

* Changed: algorithm of work with *.ani files (prevents from error on some video cards).

+ In themes possible to include *.jpg files as wallpaper.

+ In themes possible to include the plug-ins' configuration information, system colors and cursors.


aston.rc format

Aston.rc can be modified as a simple text file. It contains some variables which grouped to sections. Section header enclosed in brackets. One line must contain only one variable. In common, file's syntax is like any  *.ini file.

Color variables are in hexadecimal format (color=BBGGRR). Other numbers are decimal.

Font sets as "font=face, size, flag, charset", where

face -  Font name;

size - font size;

flag - bold, italic, underline;

charset - charset.

Icon's path assigns as "Icon = <file path>, <icon's number>".

Some sections differs from *.ini files' sections. They can contain variables of the same name. Such a section looks like a tree with three levels. Attributes of a tree item:

Type = Type;

Run = Application or document;

Dir = Work directory;

1 = Icon  (*.ico, *.ani, *.bmp);

2 = Icon when cursor on an object;

3 = Icon when it is pressed;

Hint = name or hint;

Show = Window state when application starts (default - 1, minimized - 2, maximized - 3)

X, Y = Coordinates (on the desktop)

Key = Hotkey code

Mod = Key modification (ignored for menu):

 0001 = + Win

 0010 = + Shift

 0100 = + Ctrl

 1000 = + Alt

*, **, *** - elements' separators which also set their level. Maximal level is three.

;Comment

{Start comment

Ignored...

}End comment - NOT End comment}

Parameter's names can be shorten to its first letter. Some parameters can be ignored, for example icons in [hotkeys] section.

Example:

=[aston.rc]=======================

;Desktop wallpaper

Wallpaper= %windir%\picture1.BMP

[Aston] "System settings"

;turns automatic start of Windows "StartUp" and registry applications on/off

StartUp = 1

;turns automatic start of Windows applications from "win.ini" on/off

StartINI = 0

;automatic detection of Data CD change and AutoRun file start

CDAutoRun = 1

;automatic detection of Audio CD change and its player start

CDMusicRun = 1

;Delay before toolbar's appearance (in ms.)

ShowDelay = 400

;Delay before second and third level toolbars' appearance (is ms.)

PopupDelay = 100

;smooth appearance of the toolbars

ShowSlide = 1

;restore Windows Desktop wallpaper on exit

RestoreWallpaper=0;

;Auto-hide toolbar's appearance speed

SlideSteps = 12

;Toolbars and taskbar always on top of all windows

AlwaysOnTop = 1

;Enable toolbar hints

EnableHints = 1

;context menus' options:

;NoSetup =	000001

;NoRecycle = 	000010

;NoScreenSetup = 	000100

;NoWinArrange = 	001000

;NoWinMinAll = 	010000

;NoShowDesktop =	100000

;++++++++++++++-+++++++

ContextMenuOpt = 	011000

[ToolLeft]; left toolbar section

;Toolbar background picture. Height=X. Width=13*X.

Skin = c:\aston\themes\cool\lskin.bmp

elements' width (24..128)

;SizeX = 64

;elements' height (24..128)

SizeY = 54

;Icon's displacement from the center of toolbar's element.

XXOffset = 0

XYOffset = 0

YXOffset = 2

YYOffset = 1

ZXOffset = 2

ZYOffset = 0

;Auto hide toolbar from the screen.

AutoHide = 1

;Vertical toolbar's coordinate

YPos      = 68

;Resize desktop when toolbars are not automatically hide

ResizeDesktop = 0

;Show toolbar header

Caption=1

[ToolRight]; right toolbar section

;All the variables are the same as in "ToolLeft"

[Shell]; Taskbar settings section

;Taskbar position: 0 - left, 1 - top, 2 - right, 3 - bottom

Taskbar = 3

;Automatically hide away from screen

AutoHide    = 0

;smooth appearance

ShowSlide = 1

;Taskbar height

BarSize = 2

;Delay before auto-hide taskbar's appearance (in ms.)

ShowDelay = 100

;Auto-hide taskbar's appearance speed

SlideSteps = 12

;Taskbar buttons height

ButtonHeight=22

;Options 	(001 - minimize active task when pressing on its button

;	010 - disable minimize/restore animation

;	100 - "smart" tooltips)

Options = 	001

;Text color

TextColor = FFFF00

;Background color

BackColor = 806060

;Active task button's skin

ActiveSkin=c:\aston\themes\cool\aks.BMP

;Active task button's text color

ActiveTextColor=FFFFFF

;Active task button's font

ActiveFont=Tahoma,8,100,0

;Inactive task button's skin

InactiveSkin=c:\aston\themes\cool\pas.BMP

;Inactive task button's text color

InactiveTextColor=C0F000

;Inactive task button's font

InactiveFont=Tahoma,8,000,0

;Minimized task button's skin

MinSkin=c:\aston\themes\cool\min.BMP

;Minimized task button's text color

MinTextColor=FFFF

;Minimized task button's font

MinFont=Tahoma,12,010,0

;"Start" button skin

StartButton=c:\aston\themes\cool\Start.bmp

;Taskbar skin

BarSkin= c:\aston\pictures\act.bmp

SkinAlign=2

[Plugins];  Plug-ins section

R=c:\aston\plugins\A_mouse.plg

*

T=801;Disabled

R=c:\aston\plugins\Dskclock.plg

*

R=c:\aston\plugins\Menu97.plg

*

[Menu]; Main menu elements' section

;header

h=Main menu

*

t=19

h=Programs

1=c:\aston\pictures\programs.bmp

*

;separator

*

t=11

1=c:\aston\pictures\off.ico

h=logoff...

*

t=3

h= Shutdown

1=c:\aston\pictures\exit.bmp

k=53

*

[Icons]; desktop icons

H=Network

T=3f

1=%windir%\CURSORS\Globe.ani

X=40

Y=140

K=51	;Q

M=1000  	; +Alt

*

Hint=My computer

T=3e

X=40

Y=27

*

r=%TextEditor% c:\aston\aston.rc

d=c:\aston\

1=edit.bmp

h=Manual setup

*

[LeftIcons]; Left panel icons

;As like Icons.

[RightIcons]; right panel icons

;As like Icons.

[Hotkeys];Hotkeys section

Mod = 100;+Ctrl

Key =C0;~

Type =7; Desktop's appearance

*

m =1100 ;Ctrl+Alt

k =2D ;Ins

t =4; recycle

*

[Desktop]; Desktop parameters' section

;transparent background of an icon

Transparent =1

;text color

IconTextColor   = FFFFFF

;Focused icon text color

FocusTextColor   = ff

;Highlighted text color

HilitedTextColor  = ffff

;Start an application with mouse double-click

DoubleClick     = 0

;Highlight icon's text

HiliteText = 1

;Mouse drag&drop sensitivity

DeltaSens   = 6

;Show cursor when icon moves

DragCursor  = 1

;Font

Font=MS Sans Serif,8,000,204

[Litestep] ; litestep's plug-ins emulator for  b23e - b24 versions

;load lsapi.dll for ls b24.x emulation (lsapi.dll MUST be placed at the same directory as Aston)

lsAPIsupport=1

;step.rc MUST be placed in this directory

lsPath=c:\Litestep\

;See "LiteStep readme" for details

lm78Unit=0; 0=°C, 1=°F

lm78MaxCpu=75

lm78MaxMb=50

lm78Cpu=2; 2=Intel, 0=Amd, 1=Cyrix

vwmVelocity=300

VWMDistance=1

usClock=0

VWMNoGathering=1

VWMNoAuto=1

pixmapDir = c:\Litestep\Images\

defaultBmp = default.bmp

vwmBackColor=0

vwmSelBackColor=000000;

vwmForeColor=ffff00;

vwmBorderColor=000000;

[SysTray]; SysTray parameters

; Icon's background color

TrayBackColor  = 800080

;SysTray icon's size

TrayIconSize=16

;Position: 0 - left \ top, 1 - right \ bottom

TrayPos=1

;Skin!

TraySkin=c:\aston\pictures\Act.bmp

SkinAlign=2

[Environment];

;Environment variables are handly to set path to an application, work directory, picture file, plug-in.

;It's also possible to use system variables such as %WinDir%, %HostWinBootDrv%, %TEMP%, %ComSpec%, etc.

;You can not use Environment to set application's parameters.

;Also be careful with final '\'.

;This section is not supported by a-master :-(

h=TextEditor

r=c:\prog\bred2.exe

*

================================


plugins.rc format
Plugins.rc contains plug-ins' configuration information. Every plug-in makes its own section and saves all its information there. When you delete the plug-in it is recommended to delete its section. It will slightly quicken the shell.


tips.rc format
This text file contains "this day's tips" which changes with every start of a program. First line of this file is the current position's number.