






 **********************************************************************
  Simple Launcher 2.0                                  January 2, 1994
 **********************************************************************


                             Developed By:

                               Ryan Braun


                             Published By:

                           ROCOBO Enterprises
                          3052 Arbor Oaks Dr.
                           Dubuque, IA  52001




**********************************************************************

  _______________________________________________________

                                CONTENTS
   ______________________________________________________

    I.    Introduction
    II.   Requirements
    III.  Packing List
    IV.   Features
    V.    Installation
    VI.   Running the Program
    VII.  Password System
    VIII. Disclaimer
    IX.   Acknowledgments

  _______________________________________________________



  INTRODUCTION

   Before I begin, I would like to say that although Simple
Launcher is not the easiest program to set up, it is great to
use, so give it a chance.
   
   Simple Launcher is a hybrid product developed by Ryan Braun, and
being released under the ROCOBO Enterprises label.  This is my first
shareware release, and would like to continue.  Please make that
possible.  No, ROCOBO Enterprises is not some big Mega-Rich and Big
company, so please support us.  In fact, there is only ONE person, me
Ryan, the programmer and everything else.  I didn't buy or use a book
on Visual Basic (besides the plain manual), because I wanted to spend
the money on other programming things.  I have many more programs, and
updates to this one lined up...  that is, if this one is successful.

   Simple Launcher combines the best elements of many programs.  It
puts Windows ease of use with some of Program Manager's better
features, and adds from there.  It includes handy utilities such as TEL
(Timed Execution Launcher), BIC (Bitmap-Icon Clipboard), NPM (Next-
Person Memo) and QFM (Quick File Manager).  All of this, put behind an
easy to use interface combines to make this a very nice, and handy
product.

   Registration for this product is as low as $10 for a single CPU
registration, and even less for multiple CPU registrations.  This is a
very small fee for the tremendous amount of work that was put in (It'll
also make you feel warm all over).  After registering, I will send you
a letter informing you on how to remove the registration notice screen.
If you want me to E-Mail this to you, just send me the address on the
registration form.  I'll try to get you that way, as I have gateways to
most major mailing locations.  To print the registration form, simply
click on Print Registration Form under the Help menu.  Then just fill
it out and send it to me with the money.

   Please support the shareware concept and register this, if you
continue to use it after 30 days.  If not, please remove all copies
from the system.



 *********************************************************************

    REQUIREMENTS

        Simple Launcher was written in Microsoft Visual Basic version
 2.0.  Because of this, you will need the run-time DLL VBRUN200.DLL.
 This is available on most respectable BBS's around the country (you
 cannot use VBRUN100 or 300!).  Because of some API calls I made, and
 the use of TrueType fonts, it must be run under Windows 3.1 or higher.
 This requires a 386 type or higher processor.  I recommend at least 4
 megs of memory.  A Super-VGA monitor is highly recommended.  It runs a
 little slow,  but the new Visual Basic (3.0) runs things a lot faster
 and adds some nice features... But that requires money.


 *********************************************************************

    PACKING LIST

    The archive you received should contain:

                  SL.EXE - The executable
                  SL.HLP - The documentation
                  SL.IDX - The documentation Index
                  REGISTER.TXT - A registration form.
                  HOTKEYS.TXT - A list of hotkeys
                  SLPREFS.DAT - Preferences File
                  UPDATES.TXT - Info on enhancements & future updates
                  VBPRINT.DLL - DLL for printing functions
                  HMETER.VBX - A custom control (don't
                                  worry about it)
                  FILE_ID.DIZ - Description File

    I encourage you to pass this on to friends, online services, and
BBS's, as long as it is kept in it's original form.  And remember,
uploading it to a BBS and providing proof will take $5 off of your
registration fee!  Check REGISTER.TXT for details!  DO NOT CHARGE ANY
FEE FOR DISTRIBUTION BEFORE CONTACTING ME!

    If you find an altered version, please contact me at the address at
the bottom of the documentation.  Simple Launcher will create data
files which hold the group information you input with the Simple
Launcher item manager.  These will be put in your Simple Launcher
directory, and are in random access format.  For this reason it is
highly NOT advisable to edit them with a text editor.  If they really
get messed up, delete them and start over by creating a new data file
in the group manager.

    One of those data files is called MG.SLD.  It will always be
present and is you Main Group where you store you most frequently used
applications.  You can always quickly get at it by clicking on the up
arrow icon in Simple Launcher.

    Another file is called SLPREFS.DAT.  It is also binary.  It
contains the information that set is in the Groups | Preferences menu.

  -0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

    OK, now I'll go into some of the features of the program, and how
to work some things.  I suppose a few registration could make me put in
more work and enhancements.  Just write me at the address at the bottom
with any comments, or put them on your registration form if you have
any.  Thank you.


                          ---(  Features  )---

        * - Simple, easy to use, user interface
                - Puts needed things in pulldown menus, important
          things as icons on the bottom, and four user
          specified programs above that.  It also gives you
          an enhanced file runner.

        * - Built in ROCOBO Enterprises utilities like:

                - Timed Execution Launcher (TEL)
          = Gives you the ability to launch a specified
                application at a specified time.
                (24 hour time)

                - Bitmap-Icon Clipboard (BIC)
          = Lets you view Bitmaps, Icon files, and the
                Clipboard.  It also lets you put bitmaps in
                the clipboard and edit clipboard text.
                Please note that it is limited to
                16-color bitmaps - anything else it
                approximates.

                - Next-Person Memo (NPM)
          = This allows you to leave a message for the next
                fool who dares look upon your monitor
                (handy in offices).
                To get this up real quick, just hit enter
                on the main screen.

                - Quick File Manager (QFM)
          = A quick and dirty file manager that lets you do
                three things...  Delete files, rename files,
                and remove empty directories.

                - Quick-Command (QC)
          = A nice command line type utility.  Check later for
                more details on how to run it!

                - Hide-Show (HS)
          = A program to Hide and Show applications on your
                desktop.

                - Alarm Clock
          = Toughy... An alarm clock with a Custom Message
                option.  Not the best, but it's there when
                you need it.
                (24 hour time)

                - Annoyer
          = You don't really want to know.  This will send
                out random keystrokes at a random or user
                defined interval making the user go crazy!

        * - System information monitor
        - Tells you vital system information along with a free
           system resources graph and nice font viewer.

        * - Quick access to Windows Applets & Utilities

        * - An enhanced file runner.  Allows you quick access, and
             the ability to run the programs in different states.


     *************************************************************
      *******************I N S T A L A T I O N*******************
     *************************************************************

    First, uncompress the archive you received into a sub-directory of
    the Windows directory.  For example, if Windows was installed in:

                        C:\WINDOWS

    At the DOS prompt you would type:

        c:
        md\windows\sl
        pkunzip sl.zip c:\windows\sl

    This would make the sub-directory SL and uncompress the ZIP
    archive.

    You can either use Simple Launcher as your shell, to pretty much
    replace Program Manager (although it would still be available), or
    you can just run it from Program Manager.

    I have made it easy to make Simple Launcher your shell, or program
    that first comes up when Windows starts (it is normally Program
    Manager).  First run the program from Program Manager with the
    File | Run command.  Then, from the Groups menu simply select
    Startup Shell and pick which one you want to use.  Easy as that.

    If you want, you can manually edit you SYSTEM.INI file to change
    the Shell= line to C:\WINDOWS\SL\SL.EXE (or whatever).  Now, next
    time
    you start Windows, Simple Launcher will come up instead of Program
    Manager.

    Another thing you can do is change the line in the SYSTEM.INI

        TaskMan.Exe=

    from the standard taskman.exe to c:\windows\sl\sl.exe.  This will
    make it appear when you hit Ctrl-Esc or double-click on the
    desktop.  This, however, is quite slow.


    That should be about it for installation.  You can always install
    it as a Program Manager program item if you wish.


 *********************************************************************
                      Help on Running the Program
 *********************************************************************

    OK, you've got it installed, and your wondering, "Now what?"

    Well, I'll try my best to explain, but I'm not much for
    documentation.

    Load the program, and a startup screen should come up asking you to
    register (if you haven't).  When you do register, this will be
    changed to a quick copyright message (you won't have to wait for
    it).  Hit OK and the main form should be up on the screen.  It
    looks something like this:

             -------------------------
             |_|__Simple Launcher__|_|
             |    --------------     |
             |Groups|Accessories|Help|
             |-----------------------|
             |                       |
             |  111  111  111  111   |
             |  111  111  111  111   |
             | 22222222222222222222  |
             |                       |
             | 33        66       II |
             | 33        66       II |
             |                       |
             | 44 55  77 88 99 GG 00 |
             | 44 55  77 88 99 GG 00 |
             -------------------------
             |  Help Bar         |FSR|
             -------------------------

    OK, OK, I know that this a REAL pathetic attempt at a drawing, but
    I've got other, more important things to do.  Windows's fonts
    really mess it up.  Here is an explanation of the things up
    there...

        1 = Place where the icon for the specified program is
        2 = The label for the specified program
        3 = Button to load Program Manager
        4 = Button to load File Manager
        5 = Button to load DOS Prompt
        6 = Button to Exit Simple Launcher or Windows
        7 = Left one group - Takes you to DOS Applications
        8 = Middle group - Takes you to Main Applications
        9 = Right one group - Takes you to Accessories
        0 = Run a program - Enhanced File Runner
        G = Group Manager - Edits Group Files (Creates & Deletes)
        I = Item Manager - Edits items in each group file


        The Help Bar is a bar at the bottom of the Window that tells
        you what the current item that the mouse is over does.

        The FSR is Free System Resources, in a percentage form.


    Now, real quick, let's take a stroll through menu lane.  First off
    is the Groups menu choice.

    Here are the choices:

    Item Manager - F2
    Group Manager - F4
    --
    Collapse to Toolbar - Ctrl+T
    --
    Keyboard Navigator |>
    Preferences |>
        Expert Mode - Ctrl+X
        Startup Shell
        Wait Messages
        Long Descriptions

    OK, the top two choices are the group and item managers.  The group
    manager will create and delete group files.  In each group you can
    store four programs.  For example, if you want a Corel Draw group,
    you could call it CORELDRW and put Corel Draw, PhotoPaint, Mosaic,
    and Trace in that group.  You can have a near infinite number of
    groups.  To load the Item Manger you can click on the menu option,
    click on the hand taking the paper out of the folder icon, or press
    F2.  To load the group manager, you can click on the menu choice,
    click on the folder icon, or press F4.

    When you first load up, you first group, MG will be created.  It is
    preferable that you store your main programs here.  This is the
    group that is quickest to get at.  The first time Simple Launcher
    is run, the icon spaces will be blank.  To put programs in the
    blank spaces, simple run the Item Manager and put programs in.

    The quickest way to get to the Item Manager for programs is to go
    to the icon where you want to put the program, hold down Ctrl, and
    click.  PUT THE ICONS IN THE SLOTS IN ORDER!!!

    Once you are in the Item Manager, fill in the information
    requested.  You may set up a `working directory'.  This will change
    the directory before running the program.  You may also put and
    `external icon' in.  This is useful if there is no icon for the
    program (DOS applications).  Simply type in the name of the .ICO
    file or browse with the icon button.  You may extract icons from
    EXE and DLL files by using the Extract from EXE button in the Icon
    Browse.  On some computers with high-color active, this does not
    correctly.  Browsing for the program and working directory are also
    available.  If you browse for the program, select one, and the
    working directory is blank, it will be automatically filled in for
    you.  I have added another nice feature here.  If you want to be
    asked for a command line option, like a document name, simply put
    ??  at the end of the program's file name.  A box will come up when
    you go to run it, asking you for the command line option.  You can
    leave this blank, or, for example, type in a document name.  It
    will remember a `history' from that session, so you don't have to
    retype so many things.


    The next thing to deal with is the toolbar.  Clicking on this or
    pressing Ctrl-T will collapse Simple Launcher into a more compact
    toolbar form.  Try it!  To get it back, just do it again.


    Keyboard navigator is simply a way to switch between groups and
    launch programs using the keyboard.  Think little of it.  The
    hotkeys listed on the menu may be used.


    The first item under preferences is expert mode.  Expert mode
    controls quite a few things.  It is recommended that the beginner
    not use expert mode, as it may add some complicated options.
    Without it, you have no password protection, no background bitmap,
    and a few other things have been simplified.  If you are switching
    from Expert to Easy, and you have a system password installed, you
    must type it in.

  * Any commands with an {E} in front of them are in expert mode only!

    Startup Shell will automatically install Simple Launcher or
    Program Manager as your default startup shell.  This is explained
    in more detail in the installation section.

{E} Backdrop is a stupid little thing I threw in to make a few of my
    friends happy.  You can replace the bitmap which is in the
    background (of Simple Launcher).  It won't stretch it or anything
    to fit.  It just puts it in there as it pleases.  I wasn't going
    for any programming awards there.  To change back to the default
    bitmap, just hit default.  The next time Simple Launcher loads, it
    will be there.

    Wait Messages is either checked or not.  When you get the program,
    it should be checked.  The wait messages displays a small
    wait box while loading other program groups.  The long descriptions
    option gives the full description of the programs in the
    Accessories | ROCOlets menu.

    Animated About Box controls if you see the animation when you
    go to the About Box (under the help menu).  It would be wise to
    turn this off on slower systems.

{E} Screen Warp is a funky little utility to make your cursor `warp'
    through the screen.  When you get to the edge of the screen, you
    are sent to the other side.  Try it!  It can be handy!


    The next item off of the main menu is Accessories.  It branches off
    to provide some nice features.  The > denotes that the menu
    branches into a submenu.  Here's what she looks like:

    Editors           >  Notepad, System Editor, Startup, PIF Editor,
                         Window Setup

    Applets           >  General >
                          Clock, Calculator, Character Map, PBrush,
                          Calendar, Recorder, Object Packager, Write,
                          Terminal
                         Games >
                          Solitaire, Minesweeper
                         Multimedia >
                          Sound Recorder, Media Player

    ROCOlets          >  BIC, TEL, NPM, QFM, Alarm, QC, HS, Annoyer
    --
    Managers + Utils  >  Task Manager, Print Manager, Control Panel
    --
    Shells            >  Program Manager, File Manager, DOS Shell

    The editors are the Windows's standard Notepad, System Editor, and
    PIF Editor.  Just as a quick note, Notepad can be loaded by simply
    holding down Ctrl and pressing N.

    The Startup Editor loads an editor which edits which programs you
    would like to be automatically started, minimized, and hidden if
    wanted upon loading Simple Launcher.  Things you may want to
    include here would be Dr. Watson, scheduling programs, or voice
    recognition.  On some slower computers the Hide function does not
    work properly.  To hide the application on startup, simply click
    on hidden and type in the Window's name (which is in it's title
    bar) in the text box.

    The Applets are Windows's own mini applications.  These include
    Clock, Calculator, Character Map, and PBrush.

    Next are ROCOlets.  These are my, or ROCOBO's own little
    applications.  Some of them are very handy.  They include:

    (you will learn to love my three letter acronyms)

    BIC - Bitmap-Icon-Clipboard viewer..  Lets you view Bitmap and Icon
           files, and put them in the clipboard.  Also lets you manage
           the clipboard better, and edit text in the clipboard.

           Hotkey - Ctrl-B

    TEL - Timed Execution Launcher..  Enables you to specify a time at
           which you would like a program to start.  You can have it
           start at any time (in the next 24 hours), and can be started
           in a variety of different states (Minimized, Maximized, &
           Normal).  (24-hour format)

           Hotkey - Ctrl-T

    NPM - Next Person Memo..  Lets you leave a quick note to the next
           idiot who looks upon the forbidden screen.  There is a
           lock after reading option so that you need a password
           to return to Windows after reading it.  This could be used
           in an office to prevent people from using your computer
           while you are gone.

           Hotkey - Enter when at main screen

    QFM - Quick File Manager..  A quick and dirty file manager.  Bypass
           the mess!  Lets you delete, rename, and remove empty
           directories.

    Alarm - A pretty stupid alarm, but it works.  You can put a custom
             message in, also.  (In 24-hour format)

             Hotkey - Ctrl-A

    QC - Quick-Command - A neat program that I will go into detail with
               right now.  Quick-Command is sort of like a command line
               interface for Windows, which provides you with the
               ability to run programs quickly and DOS like for all you
               DOS lovers.  Typing in the first letter, or few letters
               of something will bring up a list box with all the
               things matching that name.  For example, pressing S and
               enter would bring up everything with S*.*.  You can also
               use wildcards and other things.  If an exact match is
               found, and it is a runable program, it will be executed.
               If a data file is associated with a program, and is
               clicked on in the directory list box, the program will
               be run and the file will be loaded.  For example, if you
               get a list of *.BMP, and click on WINLOGO.BMP, that
               bitmap will be loaded into Paint Brush.  The DOS CD
               command is the same as DOS.  For example, typing CD\DOS
               will change the directory to DOS.  Typing CD alone will
               bring up a directory change box, giving you a graphical
               view.  Once you use Quick-Command for a while, you won't
               want to return to the old command prompt!  One note of
               warning.  Pressing Del will delete the file you have
               highlighted in the list box!  We don't want all the
               delete happy people moving too quickly, now do we?

             Hotkey - Ctrl-U

    HS - Hide-Show - A program to be able to hide and show applications
               to clear up space.  Simple, yet effective.

             Hotkey - Ctrl-H

    Annoyer - The Annoyer!  Yes, believe it or not, you CAN annoy your
               friends just when they don't need it.  I figured that
               with all these stupid productivity tools, something had
               to be counterproductive!

    Next is Managers and Utilities.  This lets you quickly bring up
    three things.  The Task Manager, Print Manager, and Control Panel.
    These are standard Windows utilities, and should work file.  The
    hotkey for Print Manager is Ctrl-P, and for Control Panel is Ctrl-
    C.

    Last on this menu is Shells.  This lets you get at the Program
    Manager, File Manger, and DOS Shell.  The same things are available
    at the bottom in Icon form.  You should understand what these
    things are.  If not, sorry.. tough luck.  Please note that the DOS
    Shell uses the .PIF file DOSPRMPT.PIF, and therefore it must be
    located in the Windows directory, as it was when Windows was first
    loaded.

    The next Main Menu item is Help.  It has five items in it.  The
    first one is documentation.  It can be easily accessed by hitting
    the standard F1 key.  I voted against building a full-fledged help
    system until later, so it will just bring up what you are viewing
    right now.  The find function I put in is terrible, but could tide
    you over in case of an emergency.  If not, use the notepad or DOS
    Editor to view the docs.  The about item gives you a quick
    speel about the program.  It has an animation which can be turned
    off by deselecting the animated about box icon in the
    Groups | Preferences menu if your computer is too slow to handle
    it.  It can be accessed by hitting Shift-F1.

    The Registration option lets you find out how to register, and to
    actually register the product after you have received a letter
    telling how.  Once again, please register this product.  The next
    item is a registration form, which you print out if you decide to
    register it.  It will look a little better lined up if you go to
    the DOS prompt and type:

    "TYPE REGISTER.TXT >PRN"

    It doesn't bother me either way, however; I'm just happy to receive
    the registration.  Please note that you must be in the Simple
    Launcher directory to print from DOS.

    The system information item is a nice addition.  It tells you
    information about your system, and gives you a graphical view of
    free system resources.  It can be easily brought up with F3.

    That is it for the main menu.


 *********************************************************************
                         * Password System *
 *********************************************************************

    Now for the information on the Password system incorporated into
    Simple Launcher 2.0.  It provides variable protection ranging
    from minimal security all the way up to pretty darn good
    security.  Although it is not uncrackable, it will can provide
    basic protection if some is needed.

    The first time Simple Launcher was run, it should have come up
    and said that the Password file was not found and it was
    recreating it.  Before you can use the password support, you must
    be in Expert Mode, which you can turn on by clicking on Expert
    Mode which is under Groups | Preferences.  Now, you are ready to
    try it out.  Go to the PW menu and click on Password Editor.  A
    box should come up asking you for passwords.  Here are the
    different passwords and what each one controls.

        System PW - God password.  Controls system functions and
                        can override all others.
        Run Program PW - Protects programs you specified in the
                        four slots.
        DOS Shell PW - DOS Shell password (duh..).
        Program Manager PW - Obvious
        File Manager PW - Guess..
        Item / Group Mngr PW - Edit the group files to the
                        programs you want.
        Run PW (Browse) - Run a program from the browse box (F7)
        Quick File Manager PW - Quick File Manager (ROCOlet)
        Applet PW - Applets (all standard Window's via SL menu)
                        To unlock the Applets you must perform a
                        Temporary Applet Unlock, which will unlock
                        the Applets for one use, and then return
                        them to their locked state.
        ROCOlet PW - ROCOlets (besides Quick File Manager)
                        To unlock the ROCOlets you must perform a
                        Temporary ROCOlet Unlock, which will
                        unlock the ROCOlets for one use, and then 
                        return them to their locked state.
        Exit SL / Windows PW - Exit Windows or Simple Launcher

    When passwords are entered for these, they are stored in a file
    called SLPASS.INI in the Windows directory.  Invalid password
    attempts are also stored in this file, along with the date and
    time they were tried.  You may want to delete these
    occasionally.

    When you try to access a protected function, a box will come up
    asking for you password.  Enter the password, or the system
    password and it will let you in.  If not, it will report that
    your password is invalid.  On some of the functions, such as
    the Applets, you need to do what is called an `unlocking',
    which will free up the applet functions for one use.


    ****************************************************************



    Due to the sick world we live in, I must now present you with all
    the legal stuff...


                   @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

                            D I S C L A M E R

                   @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
       Ryan Braun and ROCOBO Enterprises will not be held
       liable for any damages occurring through the use
       of this program.

      All trade names are trademarks of their respective companies.


**********************************************************************

    Addresses to contact me at:

    Fidonet
     1:283/610 as Ryan Braun

    Delphi
     RBRAUN

    Compuserve
     >INTERNET: rbraun@delphi.com

    Internet
     rbraun@delphi.com

    Old Gunky Mail
     Ryan Braun
     3052 Arbor Oaks Dr.
     Dubuque, IA  52001


     ***************************************************************

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

    Without the dedication and quality work of many people, this
    product would not be possible.  I would like to extend a warm
    thanks to the following people.

  I would like to thank my mom and dad for their support, along with a
few other close friends.  For some reason I'd like to thanx to JD, who
kept making fun out of my program until it turned into a workable
program launcher.  I'd also like to thank my dust collection, `Crash'
(our parakeet), Twinkees, and Jolt Cola.  Also, thanx to Microsoft for
developing Visual Basic, making it possible for little guys like us t o
develop software.  Thanks to Jeng Long Jiang for the freeware Custom
Control HMETER.VBX which makes the system resources graph.


Beta Test Support:

And last, but not least I'd like to thank Jason Farmer and JD Butt for
being ever diligent in the beta testing, and contributing an enormous
amount of time.  Thanks a billion guys!
