-----Original Message----- From: Michael Grunditz <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: 14 November 2001 17:20 Subject: [ql-users] pointer env ..?
>What do I need to run the pointer environment on my ql ? > >/Michael Grunditz The minimum you need is a set of 3 files which add to QDOS the pointer facility (gives you an on-screen pointer arrow with keyboard and mouse control), the extended console driver for CON channels to handle the pointer and save and restore window contents, the WIndow Manager which adds the standard look and feel of windows on screen etc, and the hotkey system 2 which gives you, errm, hotkeys. PTR_GEN - Pointer interface and non-destructive windows WMAN - Window Manager, giving standard window and menu appearances HOT_REXT - Hotkey System 2, the programmable hotkeys (Note if you are using the SMSQ/E version of the QL operating system from Jochen Merz, you don't need the above files as the equivalent is built into SMSQ/E) A good place to start is with the Pointer Environment Idiot's Guide from Norman Dunbar - you can download a copy from my website www.soft.net.uk/dj/qldocs/qldocs.html These three files are supplied with most 'pointer environment' commercial programs. You can operate a pointer driven system just with these 3 files, and it's probably a good way to start. Then once you get used to the idea, and decide you like the system, buy a copy of QPAC2 from QBranch or Jochen Merz. This gives you all sorts of extras which greatly enhance the basic pointer environment. QPAC2 stands for QL Pointer ACcessories package 2, which gives you various little accessories such as a powerful file handling menu, job control menu, button frame and buttons and so on. An earlier package called QPAC1 is in fact a completely different package which gives you various little accessory programs like a typewriter, alarm, clock, calculator calendar etc. Both QPAC1 and QPAC2 come with pointer environment included, so is a good investment if you intend to take QL pointer environment seriously. The downside of QPAC2 in my opinion is the manual, it took me ages to get to grips with it. I would certainly suggest you get the PE Idiot's Guide and perhaps the gettign started with QPAC2 disk from QBranch and if you have copies of QL Today, various articles on pointer environment have been published in recent times. Good luck. Be warned, it takes time to get used to, but the initial learning curve is well worth it. -- Dilwyn Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.soft.net.uk/dj/index.html
