In a separate email, I outlined the reasons for redesigning the Simple View and
the rationale for its design. While there might still be some adjustments, we
don't anticipate further major changes. To better understand the information
below, please try running the 6.13.x alpha release, available from
<http://boinc.berkeley.edu/download_all.php>.
Note that the skin changes described below apply only to BOINC 6.13.0 and
later. Although it will be some time before this version of BOINC will be
ready for public release, we want to give everyone plenty of time to update
their skins.
The new Simple View eliminates the need for many of the images in the skins,
along with their corresponding entries in the skin.xml file. It also requires
a larger background image and in some cases changes to the background artwork.
The new Simple View is slightly larger than the old version, but the actual
size varies depending on the platform (Windows, macintosh or linux.) Since the
new version is localizable, the size of the window also varies depending on the
selected language. If you have a custom skin, you should create a larger
version of the main background image (specified by the <background_image> tag
in the skin.xml file), allowing plenty of extra area to accommodate very long
translation strings.
Because most skins have a logo in the top left corner of the main background
image, the new Simple View anchors that corner. In other words, the top left
corner of the background will always be at the top left corner of the window,
and more or less of the bottom and right-hand areas of the background image
will be included depending on the size of the window.
For backward compatibility, if the background bitmap is too small, the right
side and bottom are filled in with the background color specified in the
skin.xml file by the <background_color> tag.
Note also that the task information and project information areas will vary in
size and position. Some skins include 2 contrasting rectangles as part of the
main background image, which frame these two areas. If your skin has these,
you should eliminate them as they will no longer align with the controls. The
new Simple View simulates a semi-transparent background for the task
information and project information areas, allowing your main background to
partially show through. This will automatically set these areas apart in a
manner consistent with your custom skin.
The same is true for the background of the Simple Preferences dialog specified
by the <dialog_background_image> tag in the skin.xml file. It needs to be
larger, and will be anchored at its top left corner.
The new main and preferences background images are all you need to be
compatible with the new Simple View. But many other images, and their
corresponding skin.xml tags, which were needed by the old Simple View are no
longer required and can be eliminated.
The following xml tags are no longer used and can be eliminated, along with
their corresponding images:
<spacer_image>
<state_indicator_background_image>
<connecting_indicator_image>
<error_indicator_image>
<workunit_active_tab>
<workunit_suspended_tab>
<workunit_tab_area_background_image>
<workunit_area_background_image>
<workunit_animation_background_image>
<workunit_gauge_background_image>
<workunit_gauge_progress_indicator_image>
<project_area_background_image>
<attach_project_button>
<help_button>
<right_arrow_button>
<left_arrow_button>
<save_button>
<synchronize_button>
<cancel_button>
<close_button>
<copy_all_button>
<copy_button>
<messages_link_image>
<messages_alert_link_image>
<suspend_link_image>
<resume_link_image>
<preferences_link_image>
<advanced_link_image>
Under the <wizards> <attach_to_project> tag: <logo>
Under the <wizards> <attach_to_account_manager> tag: <logo> and <title>
====================================================
The following tags in the skin.xml file (and their corresponding images) _are_
still needed and can be used without any changes:
<static_line_color>
<workunit_animation_image>
<project_image>
Under <advanced>:
<is_branded>
<application_name>
<application_short_name>
<application_icon>
<application_icon32>
<application_disconnected_icon>
<application_snooze_icon>
<application_logo>
<organization_name>
<organization_website>
<organization_help_url>
<open_tab>
<exit_message>
One final note: some skins have erroneous xml tags <company_name> and
<company_website>. These are incorrect; the correct tags should be
<organization_name> and <organization_website>.
Cheers,
--Charlie
_______________________________________________
boinc_dev mailing list
[email protected]
http://lists.ssl.berkeley.edu/mailman/listinfo/boinc_dev
To unsubscribe, visit the above URL and
(near bottom of page) enter your email address.
