Thank you for trying ArtValve 2.0. I think you will thoroughly enjoy this unique product.
---------------
What does it do?
---------------
ArtValve adds a very useful function to both America Online (AOL) and eWorld—the ability to decide whether or not get downloads of new artwork. Of course, the graphical interfaces of AOL and eWorld are tremendous strengths of both these services—it’s an important reason we choose to use them. However, being interrupted by unwanted art downloads can be more of a frustration than a delight, especially if you are in a hurry. Moreover, you pay for time online. Time spent waiting for art—art you don't particularly want—is time (and money) wasted. Also, artwork takes up considerable disk space. The idea of ArtValve is to give you the power to decide when to get art, and when not to.
------------
Requirements
------------
• System 7.0 or later.
• Macintosh SE or later.
---------------
Compatible with:
---------------
• AOL version 2.5 or later.
• Any version of eWorld.
-----------
Installation
-----------
IMPORTANT:
If you are currently using ArtValve version 1.0, you must read the document “For ArtValve 1.0 Users” (included in this package). It explains how to use the ArtValve 1.0 Remover (also included). ArtValve 1.0 is incompatible with this new version, so must be removed from your AOL application before you can use ArtValve 2.0
ArtValve 2.0 is a control panel. To install it:
1) Make sure you have removed ArtValve 1.0 using the included Remover (if you now use ArtValve 1.0).
2) Drag the ArtValve control panel onto your System Folder.
3) Restart your Macintosh.
You are now ready to set up the control panel to work with your particular versions of AOL and eWorld. Full online help is available in the control panel. Just press its Help button.
-------------------------
Frequently Asked Questions
-------------------------
Q: Do I lose any of the artwork I block with ArtValve?
A: Not at all. You can get any artwork you previously blocked by unchecking the box for your service in the control panel—that allows artwork to come through. Close the window in AOL or eWorld for which you want to get the artwork. It will be downloaded when you open the window.
Q: Do I have to restart my Macintosh to turn blocking on and off?
A: No. The control panel can be opened at any time. Checking and unchecking the box for your service takes effect immediately (if the control panel is currently on). In fact, you can leave the control panel open if you want. Note that in order to get the art for a window, you have to close and then reopen that window.
Q: When I use ArtValve, why do my AOL or eWorld windows sometimes display one or more strange pictures? They look like the service's logo.
A: That's how it works. When your service attemps to display artwork, it first checks whether your local machine has that piece of art, or it needs to be downloaded to you. That's when ArtValve does its thing. ArtValve substitutes a piece of art you already have, so the service is satisfied that no download is needed. This isn't always aesthetically pleasing at first, but you will come to love it. It means ArtValve is doing its job.
Q: Sometimes, just after I log on to eWorld I get an art download, even though ArtValve is turned on. Is something wrong?
A: Some downloads can not be stopped, especially for eWorld. These occur only when logging on. After you reach eWorld's main window, ArtValve should be 100% effective at stopping any further downloads. Thankfully, the downloads at log-on time are very brief ones.
Q: Does ArtValve 2.0 alter my AOL or eWorld application in any way?
A: No. Unlike version 1.0 which was installed directly into the AOL application, version 2.0 acts only upon the system software. It is an INIT, like any other. The software provided by your service remains unchanged.
--------------
Troubleshooting
--------------
I have never known ArtValve to cause problems with AOL or eWorld, but I have never known any software to be perfect. If you experience any problems while using ArtValve, try the following:
• Turn the control panel off and see if the problem goes away (after a restart).
• Remove the ArtValve control panel from the Control Panels Folder (inside the System Folder), and see if the problem goes away (after a restart). This completely deactivates ArtValve. If you still have a problem, it is not ArtValve.
If ArtValve seems to be the trouble while it is installed, there is probably a conflict with another system extension (INIT). Please contact me at the address below and I will try to help.
If ArtValve is causing a problem with your use of AOL or eWorld, I urge you to tell me about it—not the AOL or eWorld staff. ArtValve is my responsibility, not theirs.
-----
Legal
-----
Permission is hereby granted to freely distribute ArtValve to any person or online service subject to the condition that following files remain unmodified, and are distributed together:
• ArtValve™ control panel
• ArtValve 2.0 Read Me (this file)
• ArtValve™ 1.0 Remover
• For ArtValve 1.0 Users (the Remover's documentation)
---
Fee
---
ArtValve is only $5. I think you'll find that it pays for itself in saved online time. If you agree, send your kind donation to:
Bill Karsh
5220 S. Kenwood Ave. #601
Chicago, IL 60615
Your comments are appreciated and invited to billKarsh@AOL.com.
-------
Credits
-------
Many thanks to Jametha "Testerella" Smith for quality assurance testing, and to Kelly Bowles for "the faucet" and interface suggestions. Thanks also go to my wife who said "Hey, I know something you could write..."
