  Contents

What is ScreenMinder™?

...and why would I want to use it?

Configuring ScreenMinder™

Setting up ScreenMinder to work the way YOU want it to.

Running ScreenMinder™

What's so special about running a screensaver??!?

Selecting Screensavers

Not all screensavers are created equal, and some just don't take kindly to ScreenMinder.

Reading Messages

"I know Mary left me a message about this afternoon's meeting. How can I read it without starting up a screensaver?"

Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

Having problems?  Look here for answers!

Limitations of the Shareware Version

Good things don't always last forever...

Technical Support

Whenall else fails...

Uninstalling ScreenMinder™

ScreenMinder may not be for everyone.

About Saturday*s Child

We're the one who works hard for a living.

What is Shareware?

Try before you buy!

Shareware License

Here's where all the fine print is lurking.

The Association of Shareware Professionals

If Cleopatra only had an ASP like this one...

Contents of this file ©1996 by Saturday*s Child.


  What is ScreenMinder™?

ScreenMinder is a screensaver management program that allows you to run a marquee-type banner on top of most other screensavers. It also serves as a screensaver manager and message taker.

Banners can display a quote of your choosing, alternate messages, or draw their information randomly from a database of quotes you have entered.

Numerous options such as  message-taking, password protection, banner position, random selection of screensavers and quotations make it easy and fun to use.


  Configuring ScreenMinder™

See also:	Quote and Personal Message Maintenance

Entering your Password

ScreenMinder setup is handled from the main configuration window.  This window is accessible both from your desktop control panel when you choose ScreenMinder as your screensaver and select "Setup", as well as from your ScreenMinder program group.

Click on the controls below for specific information on the various options:


  Running ScreenMinder™

You don't have to do anything special to run ScreenMinder. . . after all, it is a screensaver. However if you have chosen to allow ScreenMinder to take messages, or have enabled password protection, the following window will appear when ScreenMinder ends.

Don't be concerned that this window will remain should someone forget to click "Resume". ScreenMinder will start up again after one minute of inactivity.

Click on the window below for further information:


  Quote and Personal Message Maintenance

Both the Quote and Personal Message entries look the same and, indeed, they are. However the do differ in the way they are treated by ScreenMinder.

Quote selection gives you the option of selecting one quote only, no quotes at all, or you can elect to have ScreenMinder pull quotes at random from your quotes database. On the other hand, you can only select one Personal Message to run in any given session.

If both Quotes and a Personal Message are selected, they will be alternated on the banner.  This gives you the option of running random quotes alternating with a static message, or even combining the two to create one extra-long message.

All quotes and messages are limited to a maximum of 120 characters.

Click the various controls on the window below for more information on entering and editing both Quotes and Personal Messages:


  Entering Your Password

Entering and enabling ScreenMinder's password option will protect your files from casual snooping.

REMEMBER YOUR PASSWORD.  You may change passwords as often as you like, but each time you do, you will be required to enter the password that is then current. ScreenMinder will also ask that you type your new password a second time for confirmation.

Passwords ARE case-sensitive.

Click on the window below for further information:

Note that a determined espionage agent with a knowledge of computers will probably be able to defeat this form of low level protection and more advanced file locking or encryption techniques should be implemented for crucial or sensitive data.


  Selecting Screensavers

We worked hard to make ScreenMinder compatible with as many screensavers as possible, but some screensavers just will not work with it no matter what. This is not intended as a slur to the authors of those screensavers, as their programs work perfectly well as they were intended. They just weren't intended to work with ScreenMinder.

However since there are so many screensavers that do work well with ScreenMinder, we didn't think it would be fair to require that you be limited to using only those savers published by Saturday's Child.

Therefore we have given you the option of testing your favorite screensavers and, if they are ScreenMinder-friendly, you can tell ScreenMinder to include them in the selection list.

Just highlight the name of the screensaver you'd like to test and click the "Test Highlighted Saver" button.

All screensavers published by Saturday's Child are guaranteed to work with ScreenMinder unless otherwise stated.

Signs of incompatible screensavers are:

1.   You see a blank, colored screen, then ScreenMinder quits completely.

2.   After the blank screen, your screensaver starts to run but then quits as soon as the banner starts moving across the screen.

3.   ScreenMinder starts, but immediately goes to the Quit | Resume window.

4.   Any combination of the above.

Once you determine that a particular screensaver is compatible with ScreenMinder, you can move it over to the right-hand "OK" column by either double-clicking on the saver name, or clicking the right arrow button.

ScreenMinder does not delete any files from your hard drive, and you can modify your selections or add new screensavers to the "OK" list at any time.

Click on the areas of the window below for more information on selecting screensavers:


  Reading Messages

If you have ScreenMinder's message taking feature enabled, you will be given the option of reading your messages before ScreenMinder ends. If you have password protection enabled, you will be required to enter your password before your messages will be shown to you.

The Message Reader is also available from the ScreenMinder program group because, after all, you shouldn't be forced to run a screensaver in order to read your messages at a later time.

If you have password protection enabled, you If you have password protection enabled, you will be required to enter your password before your messages will be shown to you.

You may click on the controls in the window below for additional information on the Message Reader.


  Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

Problem: Sometimes I have to hit a key  more than once, or move the mouse in a wider arc than with other screensavers in order to exit ScreenMinder. Is this normal?

Answer: Yes. When ScreenMinder is running, you actually have three separate screensavers running at once: the blank screen bottom layer, your selected screensaver, and the banner. Normally the banner has the focus and is the first to respond to a keypress or mouse move, closing both itself and the layers below it. Sometimes, depending on how it was programmed, a screensaver will shift the focus to itself and additional movement is necessary to close the other layers.

Problem: ScreenMinder will start with a blank screen but immediately end, or the banner will come up but my selected screensaver never runs.

Answer: Not all screensavers are compatible with ScreenMinder. See Selecting Screensavers formore information.


  Limitations of the Shareware Version

The shareware version of ScreenMinder is exactly the same as the registered version with the following exceptions:

When using the shareware version, a window is displayed reminding you how many days are left of the evaluation period. Should you continue to use ScreenMinder without registering it beyond the 21 day trial period, the  program will randomly insert a statement in the banner proclaiming it to be an unregistered shareware version. The statement will appear with increasing frequency as days pass.

Once you register the program, the annoying reminder screen will go away and you will again be able to run your banners without registration reminders.


  Technical Support

Technical support is free by mail, fax, and E-mail (CompuServe or Internet); telephone support is free for a minimum of three months.  You can reach us via any of the means listed below.

We do not accept collect calls, nor do we telephone or fax outside the US.

If you miss us when you call, try again.  Also please try to call during normal business hours on the East Coast of the United States.

Mail and E-mail support is generally unlimited.  However we reserve the right to terminate support to users who in our judgment are unreasonable or abusive, or who have system or other difficulties which transcend the scope of this software.

We would also like to hear your suggestions for new features in future upgrades!

Saturday*s Child

Post Office Box 221  -  Glen Head, NY 11545

Telephone 516/671-3861  -  Fax 516/759-0851

E-mail 72550.2752@compuserve.com


  Uninstalling ScreenMinder™

To remove ScreenMinder from your computer, merely click on the "Uninstall ScreenMinder" icon in your program group and you will be prompted by a program which delete all ScreenMinder files automatically.

If you have somehow managed to delete or otherwise mangle your program group, you can accomplish the same removal by running the file UNINSTAL.EXE from your ScreenMinder directory.


  About Saturday*s Child

If you remember the old children's rhyme that begins "Monday's child is full of grace", you've probably also recall that Saturday's Child is the one who works hard for a living. We do.

After fifteen years' experience designing and writing custom software for some of the largest corporations in America, we were aching to write some programs that were fun, both fun to write and fun to use. And since we're telling the whole truth here, we also wanted to write some programs that work the way we feel they should, instead of having them work in the strange and sometimes bizarre ways our clients stipulate. Thus Saturday's Child was born and began producing shareware in 1995.

We have been heartened by public response to the Windows 3.1x products we have released thus far: BirthdayMinder, a birthday and event reminder program which includes a lot of fun date-oriented trivia, and JetLauncher, a program launcher for people who value productivity over pretty but often confusing pictures.

If you would like shareware copies of either program or additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We can be reached by any of the following means at:

Saturday*s Child

Post Office Box 221  -  Glen Head, NY 11545

Telephone 516/671-3861  -  Fax 516/759-0851

E-mail 72550.2752@compuserve.com


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 generally low also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee: if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it.


The Shareware License

DISCLAIMER AND AGREEMENT

Users of ScreenMinder must accept this disclaimer of warranty:

ScreenMinder is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use of ScreenMinder."

ScreenMinder is a shareware program and is provided at no charge to the user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with your friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of another system. The essence of "user-supported" software is to provide personal computer users with quality software without high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to continue to develop new products.

If you find this program useful and find that you are using ScreenMinder and continue to use ScreenMinder after a reasonable trial period, you must make a registration payment of the appropriate amount as set forth on the order form (see the included help file, SCRORDER.HLP) to Saturday*s Child.

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's being used at another, just as a book cannot be read by two different persons at the same time.

Users of ScreenMinder must register and pay for their copies of ScreenMinder within 21 days of first use or their license is withdrawn.  Site-License arrangements may be made by contacting Saturday*s Child.

Anyone distributing ScreenMinder for any kind of remuneration must first contact Saturday*s Child at the address below for authorization. This authorization will be automatically granted to distributors recognized by the Association of Shareware Professionals as adhering to its guidelines for shareware distributors, and such distributors may begin offering ScreenMinder immediately. (However Saturday*s Child must still be advised so that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latest version of ScreenMinder.).

You are encouraged to pass a shareware copy of ScreenMinder along to your friends for evaluation. Please encourage them to register their copy if they find that they can use it. All registered users will receive a copy of the latest version of ScreenMinder.

Saturday*s Child

Post Office Box 221  -  Glen Head, NY 11545

Telephone 516/671-3861  -  Fax 516/759-0851

E-mail 72550.2752@compuserve.com


The Association of Shareware Professionals

This program is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP), the premier professional organization of the shareware industry.  Each programmer member has had samples of their work evaluated by an Association representative prior to being granted membership in order to maintain the quality of programs carrying the ASP logo

The ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442-9427 USA, FAX 616-788-2765 or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.


Select a screensaver for ScreenMinder to run by double-clicking the one you wish to use.


Edit the configuration options for the selected screensaver.


Select the screen location for your banner. Available options are top, center, bottom, and no banner at all.


Select to require that a password be entered before ScreenMinder will allow access to other programs. You must have previously entered a password  using the "Set Password" command button.


Select to allow passersby to leave you messages.


Set or change your password.


ScreenMinder will use text from the `Quote to Display' text box in your banner if you have selected "Run single quote" as your option. This text will be alternated with the "Personal Message" text when both are selected.

Hint: If you're in a hurry or for one-time display, just type your message in the text box!


ScreenMinder will use text from the "Personal Message Text" box. This text will be alternated with the "Quote" text when both are selected. .

Hint: If you're in a hurry or for one-time display, just type your message in the text box!


The quote database feature allows you to store, select, and edit quotes for display.


The personal message database feature allows you to store, select, and edit messages for display.


View a test run of ScreenMinder with your selected options to check your setup.


Cancel any changes made and exit the program.


Save all changes made and exit the program.


Helpful information about the various options will appear iin this panel.


Click here to exit ScreenMinder. If you have elected to invoke password protection, you will be prompted for your password at this time.


Click here to resume ScreenMinder's operation.


If you have chosen to allow ScreenMinder to take messages for you, click here to read them before exiting.


Passersby can click here to leave a message for you.


Convenient notification of waiting messages.


Choose whether to run one single quote, quotes randomly selected from your quote database, or to not run any quotes at all.


Choose whether or not to run a "Personal Message" on your banner.


Screensavers in this column will be made available for use with ScreenMinder. To move items from one column to the other, just doubleclick on the screensaver's name, or highlight the item and click on the appropriate arrow button.


Screensavers in this column will be ignored by ScreenMinder. To move items from one column to the other, just doubleclick on the screensaver's name, or highlight the item and click on the appropriate arrow button.


Click here to move a highlighted item from the "Keep" list to the "Ignore" list.


Click here to move a highlighted item from the "Ignore" to the "Keep" list.


Cancel changes and exit the program.


Helpful information about the various options will appear in this panel.


Save all changes made and exit the program.


This panel displays the name of the party leaving the message.


The date and time the message was left are automatically captured for you.


The text of your message is displayed here.


This bar is used to move between messages.


Clicking on delete will erase the currently-displayed message from your machine.


Exits the program.


Helpful information about the various options will appear iin this panel.


This panel displays all the quotes or personal messages in your database.  Highlight the one on which you wish to perform actions.


Click to add a new quote or message.


Click to edit a quote or message you have highlighted above.


Click to remove a quote or message you have highlighted from the database.


Click to exit the editing module.


Transfer the highlighted quote or message to the main configuration screen for immediate use.


Click to exit the editing module.


Helpful information about the various options will appear in this panel.


Here is where you will enter your password.


Click here to accept your password.


Click here to cancel password entry.


Click here to see if a screensaver you have highlighted is compatible with ScreenMinder.


The File selection gives you another means of exiting the program.


Options are given to both select screensavers for use with ScreenMinder and to refresh the screensaver list once you have done so.


Selecting Help gives you options to read or search this Help file as well as to view the program's About box,