Damsel Software Group presents ...
STEVE'S DIGITAL ABSTRACT ART SCREEN SAVER 
Shareware Edition
Compatible with Windows 3.1, 3.11, Windows 95 and NT.

********************************************************
* For Power Users who want to get right to the program *
* the Screen Saver is now loaded. Exit this text file  *
* and go right to where Windows stores its own screen  *
* savers.  This screen saver will be listed in that    *
* group as Steve's Digtl Share.  Select it. That's it. *
*******    For more cool info, keep reading.    ********
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To read this file easily, click on your 
"expand window size" symbol.  Thanks!

This file contains information on the following subjects:

	1.  Product Registration
	2.  The Association of Shareware Professionals
	3.  Copyright Information
	4.  Minimum System Requirements
	5.  Setting Up Your Screen Saver
	6.  Screen Saver Function and Features
	7.  JPEG Image Compression
	8.  Monitor Display
	9.  Wallpaper and Image List
	10. Uninstalling Your Screen Saver
	11. Warranty Information
	12. Registration Form
	
In order to assist the reader, the older Windows 3.x  instructions have been
left intact.  Windows 95 instructions, where different, are either given 
their own sentences or are indicated by the use of parentheses.

This is the only time this README.TXT file will appear automatically. In the
future you can read the file by coming back to your Windows 3.x Notepad, 
located under Accessories in your Program Manager menu, and opening the 
README.TXT file found in the SDA1SHAR directory, or by two clicks on the 
filename directly from within File Manager.  In Windows 95 the Notepad is 
reached from the Start button followed by Programs\Accessories\Notepad.  
You may also read the file from your C:\> DOS prompt by typing 
TYPE C:\SDA1SHAR\README.TXT | MORE.  You may exit this file at any time by 
clicking on the minus sign of Windows 3.x's Notepad window at the upper 
left-hand corner, or by clicking on the "X" Close button in Windows 95's 
Notepad upper right-hand corner.

This README.TXT file can be printed in a variety of ways.  In MS-DOS you can 
print it at any time from your C:\SDA1SHAR> prompt by typing 
COPY README.TXT PRN and pressing Enter.  Within Windows it can be printed 
from the Notepad or from any other word processing program that can open a 
.TXT file.  In Windows' Notepad you should set File\Page Setup\Left Margin 
to as low a value as possible before printing to insure that each line will 
print in its entirety.  This text file will not appear during the actual 
running of the screen saver.


1.  PRODUCT REGISTRATION

If you like the screen saver and intend to use it now or in the future, you
should register your screen saver within 30 days by sending a check for
$14.95 in U.S. currency drawn on a U.S. bank or by using MasterCard/Visa. 
Either method can make use of the Registration Form found at the end of this
file.  Send the completed form to:

			Damsel Software Group            
			P.O. Box 713                    
			Concord, NH 03302-0713  

Call our phone/fax at 603 485-2677 if you desire verification.  You may 
print out and use the registration form found at the end of this README 
file to insure we receive your mailing address.

$14.95 entitles you to a registered copy of Damsel's 24-image Steve's Digital
Abstract Art Screen Saver complete with User's Guide, lifetime tech 
support, and a free catalog of Damsel products with future updates.
The User's Guide contains a brief description of each of the images.  The 
registered version includes the six images contained in this Shareware 
version plus four images in .BMP format suitable for use as Windows wall-
paper.  The Shareware version does not contain any pictures usable as wall-
paper.  

The registered version takes up less than 5MB of hard disk space and is
shipped in a handsome CD case on two 3.5" virus-free diskettes.  Send 
US$14.95 and get it all, .. PLUS free shipping and handling on this, your 
first order.

FLASH !!!

Here's part of what you will find in the catalog!  If you like this screen
saver you can order more great screen savers immediately by writing a check
or money order in U.S. currency drawn on a U.S. bank, or by using the 
MasterCard/Visa section of the order form found at the end of this file.
Send payment and form along with your order to the Damsel address above.

Shipping charges on these orders are:  add $4.00 shipping in the U.S.
                                           $6.00 Canada/Mexico
All screen savers require 386 machines     $8.00 South America
minimum with a 256-color VGA display.     $12.00 All other foreign
                                           for shipping the added order.

And, here's another screen saver deal designed to save you money.  If you 
order two additional screen savers, you will get a third one of your choice
   FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE!

Here are your selections.  Use your scroll bar if you want to move quickly
to the rest of your Shareware documentation.
				
Screen Savers / Wallpaper             Price ($US)
-------------------------             -----------

Dave's Digital Abstract Art, Vol.I     $14.95

25 computer-generated images of varying sizes by artist David Martsolf.  
Two 3.5" diskettes are shipped in JPG format with a User's 
Guide in a CD case.  Four images are in BMP format.

David Martsolf, Surrealist             $14.95

27 640 x 480 scans of the surreal work of artist David Martsolf.  Most
are images of the entire work.  Some are detail closeups of portions of
complex canvases.  The artist has been recognized in national juried 
competitions.  Two 3.5" diskettes are shipped in JPG format with a User's 
Guide in a CD case.  All images are 256-colors, some in BMP format.


New Hampsire Wilderness, Vol.I         $14.95

24 640 x 480 scanned photos of mountains, waterfalls, forests and lakes
in JPG format shipped on two 3.5" diskettes in a CD-case, with a User's 
Guide containing full documentation on features and functions, including a
short description of each of the 24 scenes.  All images are 256-colors.
Several are in BMP format for use as wallpaper.


Eastern Skies                          $14.95

24 640 x 480 scanned photos of sunrises, sunsets, clouds, storms and
other meterological formations, shipped on two 3.5" diskettes in a CD case, 
with a User's Guide containing full documentation on features and functions, 
including a short description of each of the 24 scenes.  All images are 
256-colors.  Six are in BMP format for use as wallpaper.


New England Wildflowers, Vol.I         $14.95

24 640 x 480 scanned photos of New England's wildflowers from early 
summer to late fall in an assortment of colors and shapes, shipped in a
similar package as the Eastern Skies collection, but with only three images
usable as wallpaper.


Neoplastic Designs Collection          $14.95

A collection of 640 x 480 images of original interpretive artworks based on
the style of the early 1900's Dutch abstract painter Piet Mondrian.  This 
collection is painted entirely in 16-color format suitable for all computers
running Windows 3.1 or higher, especially early 386-type microprocessors 
whose graphics cards cannot display the richer 256-color format.  In this
CD case of two 3.5" diskettes are two independent screen savers, both based 
on Mondrian's artistic material.


Damsel Bitmap Collection, Vol. I & II  $14.95 (sold separately)

Collections of 640 x 480 and tiled images of original artwork and 
scanned photos representative of the other Damsel collections shown above.  
Shipped on two 3.5" diskettes, with a User's Guide, but without a CD case.  
Note that Volume I is available as a Shareware product.


Damsel Screen Saver Sampler            $14.95

A collection of 24 640 x 480 images of scanned photos representative of 
four of the other Damsel collections shown above.  All images are in the
.JPG format which cannot be used by Windows as wallpaper.  Shipped on two 
3.5" diskettes, with a User's Guide, but without a CD case.  Note that this 
collection is available as a Shareware product.


2.  THE ASSOCIATION OF SHAREWARE PROFESSIONALS

Damsel Software Group is a member of the Association of  Shareware 
Professionals (ASP).  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  USA
49442-9427, Fax 616-788-2765, or send a CompuServe message via 
CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.

THE SHAREWARE CONCEPT

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 material.

Shareware differs from public domain software in that there is the under- 
standing of payment IF the user continues to actively employ the software.
Shareware is also copyrighted where public domain software is not.  Copy-
right restrictions vary from author to author.  Damsel's Bitmap Collection 
is copyrighted.  The details of this copyright follow below.

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


3.  COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

The images contained in Damsel products may be used as wallpaper or as 
baseline images for private processing without restrictions.  All commercial
uses of the images contained within this screen saver are prohibited without
prior authorization or arrangement with Damsel Software Group.  The images
cannot be resold as stand-alone graphics without the expressed written 
consent of Damsel Software Group.  The screen saving functions cannot be 
redistributed under any conditions.


4.  MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

All of the images contained in this Damsel product are built on at least a
256-color palette.  A video display board with a minimum of 512K RAM and 
256-color capability for display on a VGA or SVGA monitor is essential for 
pleasing viewing of these images.  The images are of varying sizes.  They 
do not fill the normal 640 x 480 VGA screen format, but will be centered in 
the screen with a black border.

You will need an IBM-compatible PC with a 386 or higher-type microprocessor
(486 recommended), 4MB RAM, and a hard disk with 2MB free disk space.  

Damsel products run with MS-DOS 3.1 or higher using Windows 3.1 or higher.
Damsel products are fully compatible with Windows 95 and Windows NT.


5.  SETTING UP YOUR SCREEN SAVER 

Exit this README file by clicking on the minus sign or the Close ("X") 
button of the Notepad window.  Then, turn off any other screen savers you 
may be using unless they are the ones linked directly to your Desktop
(Display) Accessories module, following the manufacturer's instructions.  

    *** ACCESS IN WINDOWS 3.X ***

To access your Damsel screen saver from Windows' Program Manager,

1.  Double click on your Main icon.
2.  Double click on the Control Panel icon. 
3.  Double click on the Desktop icon.  
4.  Once you are in the Desktop dialog box open the list 
    in the Screen Saver area by clicking the button at the right 
    of the box titled "Name:" (or by pressing TAB several times to go to 
    the box, followed by ALT+DOWN ARROW).  
5.  Scroll on the slide bar until you find the screen saver titled 
    "Steve's Digtl Share".  Click once on the title to select it.  You may 
    also select the "Delay" time (of inactivity) in minutes which will 
    precede the initiation of any screen saver selected.  Password 
    protection is also available and is described in the next section.
6.  After selecting Steve's Digtl Share screen saver choose OK in the 
    upper right-hand corner of the dialog box and exit back to the opening 
    screen.  The screen saver will now appear after the initial chosen 
    period of inactivity passes.  

    *** ACCESS IN WINDOWS 95 ***

1.  Press or click your mouse on the Task Bar's Start button.
2.  Highlight or click on Settings, from the first menu.
3.  Click on Control Panel, from the second menu.
4.  When the Control Panel window opens, double click on the Display icon.
5.  Click on the tab titled Screen Saver.
6.  Scroll down the list of screen savers and click on the name "Steve's 
    Digtl Share".  At this point you can also set the screen saver's "Wait" 
    time or enter a password.  Password details are available in the next 
    section.


6.  SCREEN SAVER FUNCTION AND FEATURES

All of Damsel's screen savers have preset display times and transition
effects (the methods used to transition between one image and the next).  
Most of this screen saver's image files are stored in the JPEG format.  
The length of time required to decompress each image and perform transition 
effects will depend directly on the size and speed of your microprocessor 
(386, 486, or Pentium) and the power of your video graphics card.  

Damsel has set the display times to be approximately 20 seconds for each 
image using a 486-type machine running at 33 Megahertz.  Faster 486 and
Pentium machines will exhibit slightly shorter display times.  Users with 
386-type machines will notice longer display times and an initial blank 
screen lasting up to one minute as the microprocessor decompresses the first
image.  Additional blank screen time of up to one minute between images will
also appear on slower machines when decompressing the larger JPEG files.

Your screen saver has been installed in the "Mouse Aware" mode, meaning that
any movement of the mouse will disengage the screen saver.  Disengagement
may take several seconds if the program is interrupted during one of the  
image transitions.  This wait could last up to a full minute on 386-type
machines.  486-type machines are recommended.  The screen saver's "Mouse 
Ignore" mode (where only a depressed key on the keyboard will deactivate the 
screen saver) is not functional at this time.  The program will recommence 
using the next image in its sequence when the selected delay time reactivates
the screen saver.        

To access the Password setup choices click on the Setup (Settings) button of 
the Screen Saver section of the Desktop (Win95's Display) dialog box 
(accessed by the Program Manager\Main\Control Panel\Desktop command sequence 
in Windows 3.x, or by Windows 95's Start\Settings\Control Panel\Display\
Screen Saver command sequence).  

Damsel screen savers have incorporated the same Password protection scheme 
offered by the original Windows screen savers.  A click on the Password 
button (Key icon) brings up a screen with the "Enter New Password" entry 
line.  As you type in your selected password, asterisks will appear for each 
letter.  Clicking on the OK button will bring up a confirmation screen where 
you will be asked to reenter the same password.  Clicking the OK button here 
will return you to the original Setup (Settings) screen.  Note that if you
have several Damsel products, they will all use the same password.  A change 
to a password for one screen saver will affect them all.

Exiting will activate your password protection. With the screen saver 
activated, any motion of the mouse will bring up an Enter Password dialog 
box.  The password must be correctly entered in order to gain access back to
the active Windows environment. If you forget your password your best option
is to copy PGX.INI from your original Disk #1 directly to your WINDOWS 
directory and then enter a new password, if desired.

If you wish to change or remove the password you must return to the Setup
(Settings) screen of the Screen Saver section of the Desktop (Display) 
dialog box.  To enter a new password follow the same procedure as described 
above.  You will first be asked to enter your current password.  To remove 
the password simply click on the OK button of both the Enter New Password 
input screen and the Reenter New Password screen without filling in the 
input line.


7.  JPEG IMAGE COMPRESSION

In order to save space on your hard disk Damsel uses JPEG graphics file
compression techniques on most images used in this screen saver.  JPEG, a
standard developed by the Joint Photographic Experts Group, is a complex 
compression method that gives the developer control over the degree to which
a file is reduced in size for storage.  This method does result in loss of 
image fidelity since individual pixel data is not maintained.  At high 
compression ratios , the mathematical algorithms average large groups of 
pixels resulting in a reduced number of colors and image blockiness when 
displayed.

Any developer using this method must make judgment calls concerning image
quality versus file size.  A full 640 X 480  256-color image in Microsoft 
BMP format (used in Windows wallpaper) is over 308K bytes in size.  By 
contrast, full-screen JPG (JPEG) image files used in a screen saver such 
as Microsoft's Scenes average around 33K bytes per image.

Damsel Software Group has elected to set the trade-off between disk space
and image quality a bit more in the direction of high image quality.  
Damsel's JPG format results in file sizes typically over 70K bytes per image.  
Each image is manually optimized to meet image resolution requirements
without sacrificing valuable hard disk space.  


8.  MONITOR DISPLAY

The program configures the image display to your screen by first reading
your on-line graphics display format.  If your monitor is not configured
for 256 colors, the program will display 256-color images by constructing a
16-color standard VGA dithered image from the colors available in this 
format.  Usually, the result of this mathematical process is visually grainy,
looking much like a needlepoint design for the images in this screen saver
meant to use 256 colors.

If you find the images barely recognizable and you have a minimum of 512K 
RAM on your video display board, there is probably a driver you can load 
which will support 256-color display.  Consult your machine and Windows 
documentation for more information regarding your specific situation.

The JPEG format performs its original compression from the 24-bit color
(also known as 16.7 million colors or True color) graphics level.  The 256-
color display will show part of the compressed information, but a computer
which can show 24-bit color will show an even more realistic image.  In the
case of these computer graphics the major benefit is in areas of subtle
graduated shadings.  Soft or foggy color transitions will suddenly flow with
24-bit color instead of showing distinct stepped gradations in the 256-color
mode.


9.  WALLPAPER AND IMAGE LIST

To use Damsel's JPG images as wallpaper for Windows the picture file format 
for must be changed from JPG to Microsoft BMP format.  Your Windows program 
does not have this capability, it must be purchased from a third party 
vendor.  These programs can be purchased as stand-alones for under 
US$100.00.  

If you have the ability to reformat the JPG images into the BMP format, the 
following list can be used to match individual image titles to filenames.

Image Title On-screen		Filename	Image Dimensions
---------------------		------------	----------------
Apex				Apex2.jpg	480 x 360 pixels
     This image appears as the background image of the Shareware title
     screen.  In the registered version this image appears as one of the
     freestanding artworks.

Parquait			Parquay.jpg	550 x 380
Bug Spine			Bugspin.jpg	380 x 380
Rainbow Birth			Rainbow2.jpg	500 x 300
Dungeon				Dungeon.jpg	395 x 380
Glass Furnace			Glasfurn.jpg	582 x 380
New Leaf			Newleaf.jpg	380 x 380


10.  UNINSTALLING YOUR SCREEN SAVER

Your screen saver has been loaded to a directory named SDA1SHAR unless you
chose otherwise during the installation procedure.  In order to enable you
to access the screen saver Damsel has loaded two additional files into your
WINDOWS directory, SDA1xxxx.INI and SDA1xxxx.SCR, where 'x' is any number.  
If you have chosen a password, the program has also copied PGX.INI to the 
WINDOWS directory.

To remove the screen saver from your hard disk simply delete all files in
the SDA1SHAR directory (or your own directory name chosen during install-
ation) and the SDA1xxxx.INI and SDA1xxxx.SCR files located in your WINDOWS 
directory. This can be done quickly from your Windows 3.x File Manager, 
found in your Program Manager's Main menu, or from your Windows 95 
My Computer or Explorer applet.

Also, remove PGX.INI if present.  If PGX.INI contains an active password and
you do not remove the file, the next time you load any Damsel screen saver
you will find that the old password has immediately been attached to it.  If
you have forgotten that old password, you will have to manually copy the new
PGX.INI file into your WINDOWS directory in order to overwrite the old pass-
word.  You can find this screen saver PGX.INI file either in the SDA1SHAR 
directory or on your original installation Disk #1.


11.  WARRANTY INFORMATION

The publisher makes no warranty concerning the function or fitness of any 
programs or graphics files reproduced on diskettes included in this package.
Neither Damsel Software Group, or its authorized agents shall be held liable
for consequential, special, indirect, or other similar damages or claims, 
including loss of profits or any other commercial damages, and in no event 
will the liability for any damages to the purchaser or any other person ever
exceed the price paid for the license to use the software, regardless of
any form of the claim, even if Damsel Software Group has been advised of the
possibility of such damages, or for any claim by any other party.  Damsel
Software Group  specifically disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied,
including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and 
fitness for a particular purpose or application. 


Windows and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.


12. REGISTRATION FORM

- - Cut - - here  - - for - - registration - - form - - - - - - - - - - - - 

DAMSEL SOFTWARE GROUP                                     REGISTRATION FORM
P.O. Box 713
Concord, NH  03302-0713         	       phone/fax 603 485-2677	

STEVE'S DIGITAL ABSTRACT ART, VOL.1            SPECIAL  INTRODUCTORY  OFFER

Yes, I want to receive a registered version of Damsel's Steve's Digital
Abstract Art Screen Saver, and take advantage of lifetime technical support,
a free catalog with updates, and free shipping, all for only $14.95 in
U.S. currency drawn either on a U.S. bank or ordered by MasterCard or Visa.
I understand the collection will be shipped only on 3.5" diskettes.

Additional screen savers may also be ordered following the guidelines
presented in Section 1.

I have enclosed $ _________________ in U.S. funds as a check or money order.

or, I have elected to order with ____ MasterCard or ____ Visa (check one).


MasterCard/Visa orders require: Card Expiration Date: __________  


Card Number:  __ __ __ __  __ __ __ __  __ __ __ __  __ __ __ __


Cardholder Signature: __________________________________________


	    Please ship my 3.5" diskettes and other documentation to:

       Name ___________________________________________________________

       Address ________________________________________________________

       City, State, ZIP _______________________________________________


DAMSEL SOFTWARE GROUP 			 	  DAMSEL SOFTWARE GROUP
 
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