Welcome to the RapidBuilder for Linux User Guide. Here you will find complete information about using RapidBuilder for Linux to build, edit, and run Fully Interactive, Multimedia Linux Simulations.
SELECT ONE OF THE CHAPTERS BELOW.
RapidBuilder for Linux - Introduction
Supported Screen Resolutions and Color Settings
Starting and Quitting RapidBuilder for Linux
Building a Simulation with RapidBuilder for Linux - Brief Steps
Editing/Playing Linux Simulations in RapidBuilder for Windows
One feature that makes Linux so compelling is that it is developed and maintained by a community of software developers around the world. These developers thrive on the concept of producing a stable and powerful alternative to expensive, closed operating systems. Rather than trying to hide problems, Linux developers enjoy discussing them and then teaming up to implement solutions as quickly as possible. System problems, security issues, and future enhancements are all discussed openly. The entire Linux operating system, including the suite of tools, utilities, and applications along with the complete source code, is constantly being debugged, enhanced, and improved. To many people, this represents a level of security and stability unmatched by any commercial operating system.
Figure 1-1: RapidBuilder for Linux Interface
RapidBuilder for Linux enables the user to record natural, live interactions with any Linux-based application, capturing all screen images, mouse pointer movements, keystrokes, and mouse clicks. When the user is finished recording, he/she may use the editing features of RapidBuilder for Linux to enhance the content with graphics, text, hyperlinks, validation text fields, background sound, and recorded sound clips. The finished simulation is then generated and compressed in a proprietary .RBX file format. The end result is an interactive, multimedia Linux simulation or tutorial, which may be deployed via XStream's runtime Java Player or Java Applet.
* Minimum 64 MB of RAM*
*NOTE: A minimum 64 MB RAM is required if the frame capture rate is set to the default 2 frames per second. However, the frame capture rate may be set to any number from 1 to 10. (To change the frame capture rate, you must access the Capture Settings dialog box by clicking Preferences | Capture Settings on the Menu Bar). For every 2 frames per second that the rate is increased beyond the default 2 frames per second, an additional 64 MB RAM is required. For example, if the frame capture rate is set to 4, then 128 MB RAM is required. If the rate is set to 6, then 192 MB RAM is required.
* Minimum 75 MB of free hard disk space
* Swap partition (Should be at least 3 times the physical RAM, although 256 MB is the recommended size)*.
*NOTE: Like other operating systems, Linux uses disk space for additional memory. This is typically done using a separate hard disk partition optimized as swap space. Linux will use swap space sparingly. However, on a busy system, the speed at which swap space can be accessed will greatly affect the overall performance of the system.
* Sound Card OSS/ALSA (Default installation with OSS driver)
* CD-ROM drive
* Headset with built-in microphone, or speakers with microphone
* Red Hat Linux 6.2 or later
* SuSE Linux 7.0 or later
* Caldera Open Linux 2.3 or later
* SCO UNIX 7
* Solaris 8
* Java Runtime Component for playing .RBX files using RapidPlayer Java Player*
*NOTE: RBX files may also be played using RapidPlayer Java Applet v2.2.
* 800 x 600
* 1024 x 768
* 1280 x 1024
NOTE: The frame capture rate should be 1 frame per second if the depth is greater than 16 bits/pixel. To change the frame capture rate, you must access the Capture Settings dialog box by clicking Preferences | Capture Settings on the Menu Bar.
* 65,000 colors (16 bits per pixel)
* 16,000,000 colors (24 bits per pixel)
1. In any terminal, type "rapidbuilder", and then press <ENTER>.
NOTE: The terminal command is case-sensitive. It should be entered exactly as specified above without the quotation marks.
To quit RapidBuilder for Linux, perform the following steps:
1. On the Menu Bar, click File | Exit.
OR
Click the Kill button on the upper right-hand corner of the RapidBuilder window.
OR
Press <CTRL + Q>.
1. Record a live desktop session and/or add simulation frames - Your first step is to create a session, which may be composed of captured Linux desktop activity, appended simulation frames, or a combination of both.
RapidBuilder for Linux enables you to capture the live Linux desktop, including all screen changes, mouse pointer movements, mouse clicks, and keystrokes. You may record any activity with any Linux-based program in real time. Please see How to Record a Live Desktop Session for instructions on how to record a live desktop session.
A captured desktop session is displayed in RapidBuilder for Linux as a series of screen images known as frames. In addition to captured frames, RapidBuilder for Linux enables you to add blank frames to the session with the Append Frame and Insert Frame options.
2. Edit and enhance the session - Once frames have been captured and/or appended, you can use RapidBuilder for Linux's edit and draw tools to customize frame content. The Navigation Bar enables you to navigate through the frames as well as cut, copy, paste and delete them. You can insert and append new frames to the session through the Insert Frame and Append Frame options on the Menu Bar or Tool Bar. The Edit Palette and the Draw Palette contain various objects and tools that enable you to add all types of multimedia and interactivity to the session, including text, graphics, hyperlinks, and more.
NOTE: Please see Chapter 3 - Simulation Editing Tools and Chapter 4 - Sound Support for details on the tools and features you can use to edit/enhance a session.
3. Generate the simulation - Once you have edited and customized the session as desired, you must save it as an .RBX file. Simply click the Make button on the Tool Bar (or click File | Make on the Menu Bar) to generate and compress the frames into an optimized .RBX output file.
IMPORTANT: During editing in RapidBuilder for Linux, .RBX files should always be opened from and/or saved to a local hard drive rather than a mapped network drive.
4. Run the simulation - The finished .RBX file may be played using XStream's RapidPlayer Java Player or Java Applet.
NOTE: Please see Chapter 6 - Playing Your Simulations for details on running .RBX files.
NOTE: It is not recommended that the user open or edit a RapidBuilder
for Windows file in RapidBuilder for Linux as the results may be unpredictable.
This is because RapidBuilder for Windows uses a different underlying file
structure and the feature set of RapidBuilder for Windows is a superset
of the feature set in RapidBuilder for Linux.
Your e-mail should include the following information:
* Your registration number
* Your system configuration
* The exact wording of any error message
* A detailed description of the problem and what you were trying to do when the problem occurred
How to Record a Live Desktop Session
Captured Mouse Moves, Mouse Clicks, and Keystrokes
1. Configure your capture settings - To do this, you must access the Capture Settings dialog box by clicking Preferences | Capture Settings on the Menu Bar. (See Capture Settings Dialog Box).
2. Plan your steps - Write down the steps (i.e., mouse clicks, text entries, etc.) that comprise the desktop activity you want to record. This will help you avoid mistakes.
3. Close all unnecessary programs - This will ensure that RapidBuilder for Linux performs at an optimal level. If other programs are running during recording, they may compete with RapidBuilder for Linux for system resources, which will slow down your system and possibly increase the overall size of your .RBX file.
Figure 2-1: Capture Settings Dialog Box
The Capture Settings dialog box contains the following options:
* Capture Validation - If selected, this option saves all mouse clicks and keystrokes made by the user during the recording of the desktop. (This option is selected by default. If it is deselected, then user actions will not be captured. The recorded desktop session will play back as a hands-free movie without validation).
* Capture User Actions Only - If selected, this option causes the desktop to be captured only when the user clicks the mouse or presses a key. Mouse pointer movements and other screen changes are excluded from capture. When the captured session is played back, the captured mouse clicks are connected with automatic mouse pointer animations*.
*NOTE: During playback, a superimposed mouse pointer image will automatically move along the shortest possible path from mouse click to mouse click. For example, assume that a user selects the Capture User Actions Only option and begins capturing the desktop. He clicks the Main Menu button, moves the mouse pointer up to KDE Menus, moves the mouse pointer down to RapidBuilder, and finally clicks the RapidBuilder option. He then stops capturing. He clicks the Make button to generate the simulation. During playback in the RapidPlayer Java Player or Java Applet, the user will begin by clicking the Main Menu button. At that point, a mouse pointer image will automatically move along the shortest possible straight path from the Main Menu button to the RapidBuilder option, going directly from the first captured mouse click to the next captured mouse click. The path from Main Menu to KDE Menus to RapidBuilder is bypassed because it contains no user actions and was therefore not captured.
* Frame Rate - The user may specify the number of frames per second that will be captured during recording of the desktop. Any number from 1 to 10 may be specified. The default number is 2.
NOTE: If the frame capture rate is set at the default 2 frames per second, a minimum 64 MB RAM is required on the user's machine. However, for every 2 frames per second that the rate is increased beyond the default 2 frames per second, an additional 64 MB RAM is required. For example, if the frame capture rate is set to 4, then 128 MB RAM is required. If the rate is set to 6, then 192 MB RAM is required.
Also before recording the desktop, you may configure capture settings in order to customize the speed and content of the recorded session. For details, see Capture Settings Dialog Box.
To record a live session of Linux desktop activity, perform the following steps:
1. Open RapidBuilder for Linux.
2. Click the Record button on the Tool Bar.
NOTE: You can also start recording by pressing <ALT + C> or by selecting Record | Start Recording from the Menu Bar.
3. Wait 4-5 seconds as the RapidBuilder for Linux interface disappears and the temporary files initialize, and then perform the user actions you want to record. You can perform tasks on the computer just as you would normally, including moving the mouse pointer and clicking buttons. (For best results, try to avoid rapid mouse movements, but don't move the mouse too slowly. Average working speed is fine).
NOTE: During recording, virtually all user actions and screen changes will be captured, including mouse pointer movements, mouse clicks, and keystrokes. For more information, see Captured Mouse Moves, Mouse Clicks, and Keystrokes.
4. To pause recording at any time, press <ALT + P>, or click the Pause icon in the lower-right corner of the screen. To resume recording, press <ALT + P>, or click the Pause icon.
5. To stop recording, press <ALT + X>, or click the Stop icon in the lower-right corner of the screen.
6. Once recording is stopped, the RapidBuilder for Linux interface immediately reappears. You will notice that the desktop has been captured as a series of screen images, which are displayed in RapidBuilder for Linux as frames. The first frame of the captured session is displayed in the frame viewing area, and all the frames are represented by rectangles on the Navigation Bar. The session is now ready for editing and/or playback.
NOTE: As with any content development application, it is recommended that you save and back up your files on a regular basis.
Figure 2-2: Stop and Pause Icons
* Pause - User clicks the Pause icon to pause capturing, and then clicks it again to resume capturing.
* Stop - User clicks the Stop icon to stop capturing. The RapidBuilder for Linux interface will reappear with the captured desktop session displayed as a series of frames.
NOTE: Alternatively, the user may press <ALT + P> to pause/resume capturing and <ALT + X> to stop capturing.
During simulation playback, all existing mouse position information is retrieved. On each relevant frame, a mouse pointer image is superimposed onto the exact location specified by the recorded mouse coordinates. As a result, the end user sees the same mouse pointer movement that was recorded during desktop capturing.
Figure 2-3: Captured Mouse Click
During editing, the user may click and drag the corners of a captured mouse click in order to manually resize it*. The user may also move the captured mouse click to another location on the frame area by manually dragging it with the mouse. By right-clicking a captured mouse click, the user displays its Properties window, which contains various properties for defining the appearance and functionality of the captured mouse click. (For details, see Mouse Click Properties).
*NOTE: By default, a captured mouse click will appear with red
brackets during playback. However, once the user resizes a given mouse
click, the red brackets will no longer appear during playback.
*NOTE: RapidBuilder for Linux does not support capturing of the following keyboard combinations:
* CTRL + ALT + [Any function key (F1 to F12)]
* CTRL + ALT + BACKSPACE
During simulation playback, captured keystrokes must be validated in the same way as captured mouse clicks. Whenever a frame containing a captured keystroke is displayed on the screen, playback pauses. In order to make playback proceed, the end user must press the same key.
Adding New Frames to a Simulation
Adding Blank Frames to a New .RBX File
Adding Blank Frames to a Recorded Desktop Session
Cutting, Copying, Deleting, and Undeleting Frames
Disabling and Re-enabling Captured User Actions
Adding Validation Strings and Validation Keys
Invalid Keys and Key Combinations
Customizing the Pop-up Message Boxes for a Validation Field
Setting an Image for a Hyperlink
Customizing the Pop-up Message Boxes for a Hyperlink
Rectangle, Ellipse, and Round Rectangle
Importing Files Through the Resource Editor
Figure 3-1: Menu Bar
* Open - Select Open to open an existing .RBX file for editing.
NOTE: During editing in RapidBuilder for Linux, .RBX files should always be opened from and/or saved to a local hard drive rather than a mapped network drive. However, during playback in RapidPlayer, .RBX files may be opened and played from any location (i.e., locally, over an Intranet, or over the Internet).
* Make - After recording and/or editing a session, select Make to save and compress the session as an .RBX file. By default, the file will be saved to the RapidBuilder folder on your local hard drive.
NOTE: Invoking the Make option generates the .RBX file and then closes it. You must reopen the .RBX file if you want to continue viewing it in RapidBuilder.
* Save As - Select Save As to save the current .RBX file with a different name or path.
NOTE: You must use the Make command before using the Save As command.
* Exit - Select Exit to close RapidBuilder for Linux.
NOTE: If you did not use the Make command, you will be given the option of saving your .RBX frames before exiting.
* Cut - Select Cut to move one or more selected objects from the current frame onto the clipboard.
* Copy - Select Copy to copy one or more selected objects from the current frame onto the clipboard.
* Paste - Select Paste to paste one or more cut/copied objects from the clipboard to the current frame.
* Delete - Select Delete to delete one or more selected objects from the current frame.
* Select All - Choose Select All to select all the objects on the current frame.
* Append Frame - Select Append Frame to add a blank frame to the end of the row of frames.
* Insert Frame - Select Insert Frame to insert a blank frame immediately to the left of the current frame (i.e., the green rectangle on the Navigation Bar).
* Delete Frame/Undelete Frame - Select Delete Frame to mark the current frame as deleted. It will be marked with a red X on the Navigation Bar. Select Undelete Frame to undelete the currently deleted frame.
NOTE: If the current frame has not been marked as deleted, the Edit menu will display the Delete Frame option. If the current frame has been marked as deleted, the Undelete Frame option will be displayed.
* Purge Frames - Select Purge Frames to permanently remove all deleted frames from the current session.
* Delete Sound - Select Delete Sound to delete any audio (i.e., recorded sound clip or attached sound file) present on the current frame.
* Select All Frames - Choose Select All Frames to select all frames on the Navigation Bar. (All rectangles on both rows will be colored Blue).
* Select All Sound or Action Frames - Choose Select All Sound or Action Frames to select all frames on the Navigation Bar that contain sound or captured user action. (All rectangles on the bottom row will be colored Blue).
* Status Bar - Enables or disables the Status Bar.
* Navigation Bar - Enables or disables the Navigation Bar.
* Record Sound Clip - Enables or disables the Record Sound Clip window.
* Draw Palette - Enables or disables the Draw Palette.
* Edit Palette - Enables or disables the Edit Palette.
* Color Bar - Enables or disables the Color Bar.
* Full Screen - Select Full Screen to maximize the size of the frame viewing area. You may also accomplish this action by clicking the Full Screen button on the Tool Bar.
NOTE: To return to the normal view, select View | Full Screen, or click the Full Screen button on the Tool Bar.
NOTE: To pause/resume, press <ALT + P>. To stop recording, press <ALT + X>. For more information, see How to Record a Live Desktop Session.
* Sound - The Sound submenu provides the following controls for recording and playing a sound clip: Record, Stop, Play, Rewind, and Forward. For more information, see Using the Record | Sound Menu.
* Audio Specifications - Select Audio Specifications to open the Audio Specifications window, which enables you to select the input source (e.g., Microphone or CD Audio) and other settings in preparation for recording a sound clip. For more information, see Audio Specifications Window.
* Background Sound Settings - Select Background Sound Settings to open the Background Sound Settings dialog box, which enables you to import an audio file to run in the background during playback of the simulation. For more information, see Background Sound Settings.
* Draw Palette - The Draw Palette submenu provides access to the following draw objects: Select, Line, Round Rectangle, Ellipse, Rectangle, and Polyline.
* About - Select About to display the About RapidBuilder dialog box. Click the OK button to close the dialog box.
Figure 3-2: Tool Bar
A. New
Creates a new file called UNTITLED.RBX in the RapidBuilder directory.
B. Open
Accesses the Open dialog box, which is used to open an existing .RBX file in RapidBuilder.
C. Make
Saves and compresses the current session as an .RBX file. By default, the file will be saved to the default RapidBuilder directory.
NOTES
* Invoking the Make option generates the .RBX file and then closes it. You must reopen the .RBX file if you want to continue viewing it in RapidBuilder.
* During editing, .RBX files should always be opened from and/or saved to a local hard drive rather than a mapped network drive. However, during playback, .RBX files may be opened and played from any location (i.e., locally, over an Intranet, or over the Internet).
D. Save As
Saves the .RBX file with a different name or path.
NOTE: The Make command must be issued before using the Save As command.
E. Record
Records a live session of Linux desktop activity, including screen changes, mouse pointer movements, mouse clicks, and keystrokes. For more details, see How to Record a Live Desktop Session.
F. Append Frame
Adds a blank frame to the end of the row of frames. For more details, see Adding New Frames to a Simulation.
G. Insert Frame
Inserts a blank frame immediately to the left of the current frame (i.e., the green rectangle on the Navigation Bar). For more details, see Adding New Frames to a Simulation.
H. Delete Frame
Marks the current frame as deleted. (It is marked with a red X on the Navigation Bar).
I. Undo
Undoes the last action performed.
J. Audio Settings
Opens the Audio Specifications window, which enables you to select the input source (e.g., Microphone or CD Player) and other settings for recording a sound clip. For more details, see Audio Specifications Window.
K. Full Screen
Maximizes the size of the frame viewing area. This action may also be accomplished by selecting View | Full Screen on the Menu Bar.
NOTE: To return to the normal view, click the Full Screen button, or select View | Full Screen on the Menu Bar.
Adding Blank Frames to a New .RBX File
Adding Blank Frames to a Recorded Desktop Simulation
To add frames without capturing the desktop, perform the following steps:
1. Open RapidBuilder. (If RapidBuilder is already running with an .RBX file opened, select File | New on the Menu Bar).
Figure 3-3: New .RBX File
As shown in Figure 3-3, the new UNTITLED.RBX file does not contain any frames. Notice that the Append Frame and Insert Frame options on the Tool Bar are enabled.
2. On the Tool Bar, click the Append Frame
or Insert Frame
button.
NOTE: You may also add a frame by selecting Edit | Append Frame or Edit | Insert Frame on the Menu Bar, or by pressing <F5> or <F6>.
3. A single blank frame has now been added to the .RBX file. As shown in Figure 3-4, the Navigation Bar displays a single frame.
Figure 3-4: RBX file with one frame added
NOTE: Once the first frame has been added to the new .RBX file, RapidBuilder's editing components (i.e., Edit and Draw tools, Append Frame and Insert Frame options, etc.) immediately become enabled so that the user may build the simulation by adding more frames, performing editing on frames, or adding objects and multimedia to frames.
To append or insert a blank frame, perform one of the following tasks:
* To add a blank frame to the end of the row of frames, click the Append
Frame button on the
Tool Bar, or select Edit |
Append Frame from the Menu Bar,
or press <F5>.
* To insert a blank frame immediately to the left of the current
frame displayed in the viewing area, click the Insert Frame
button on the Tool Bar, or select Edit
| Insert Frame from the Menu Bar,
or press <F6>.
Figure 3-5: Navigation Bar
The Navigation Bar provides two frame selection controls:
* All Frames (Top Row) - Displays a row of rectangles representing all captured and inserted/appended frames.
* Frames With User Action or Sound (Bottom Row) - Displays a row of rectangles representing only the frames containing captured user action (i.e., mouse clicks/keystrokes) or associated sound (i.e., audio files or recorded sound clips).
The rectangles on the Navigation Bar are color-coded according to the type of frames they represent. For an explanation of the different colors, see Navigation Bar Color Codes.
Rectangles are numbered consecutively. The number of the currently displayed frame is shown in the Go To box beside the All Frames control. (If the frame contains user action or sound, then a number is also shown in the Go To box beside the Frames With User Action or Sound control).
Cutting, Copying, Deleting, and Undeleting Frames
Disabling and Re-enabling Captured User Actions
* Green - Frame currently displayed in the frame viewing area
* Gray - Normal frames with or without Captured User Action
* Cyan - Frames with Captured User Action DISABLED
* Blue - Selected frames
* Red - End of frames
* You may access any individual frame by clicking the appropriate rectangle in the All Frames control (or in Frames With User Action or Sound if the frame contains user action or sound).
* There are arrow buttons on the left and right sides of the two frame selection controls that enable you to move forward and backward through frames.
* You can click and drag the horizontal slider located at the bottom of the Navigation Bar.
* You can jump to any frame by typing its number in the Go To box and pressing <ENTER>.
* The keyboard may also be used for frame navigation by pressing <CTRL> + the Left Arrow or Right Arrow key.
Selecting All Sound or Action Frames
Manually Selecting a Range of Frames
Figure 3-6: Selected Frames on the Navigation Bar
NOTE: The keyboard may be used for frame selection by pressing <ALT> + the Left Arrow or Right Arrow key.
1. Select the range of frames you want to cut.
2. Right-click the Navigation Bar, and then select Cut from the pop-up menu.
3. On the Navigation Bar, go to the target frame. (When pasted, cut frames will be inserted one frame before the current frame position, which is marked green).
4. Press <CTRL + ALT + V>, or right-click the Navigation Bar, and then click Paste.
1. Select the range of frames you want to copy.
2. Press <CTRL + ALT + C>, or right-click the Navigation Bar, and then select Copy from the pop-up menu.
3. On the Navigation Bar, go to the target frame. (When pasted, copied frames will be inserted one frame before the current frame position, which is marked green).
4. Press <CTRL + ALT + V>, or right-click the Navigation Bar, and then click Paste.
1. Select the range of frames you want to delete.
2. Right-click the Navigation Bar, and then select Delete from the pop-up menu.
OR
Press the shortcut key <F7>.
3. The selected rectangles are now displayed with red X's.
Figure 3-7: Deleted Frames on the Navigation Bar
The X's indicate that the frames are marked as DELETED, but they are not yet permanently removed. You still have the option to undelete the frames if you wish. (See Undeleting Frames).
4. To permanently remove all deleted frames, click Edit | Purge Frames on the Menu Bar.
NOTE: You may delete the current frame (i.e., represented by the Green rectangle on the Navigation Bar) by clicking Edit | Delete Frame on the Menu Bar.
1. Select the range of deleted frames you want to undelete.
2. Right-click the Navigation Bar, and then select Undelete from the pop-up menu.
3. The selected frames are now restored as gray rectangles without red X's.
NOTE: You may undelete the current frame (i.e., represented by the Green rectangle on the Navigation Bar) by clicking Edit | Undelete Frame on the Menu Bar.
1. On the Navigation Bar, click and drag the mouse to select the desired range of frames, or press <CTRL + ALT + A> to select all frames.
2. Right-click the selected frames (which are colored Blue) to display the shortcut menu.
3. As shown in Figure 3-8, notice that the shortcut menu contains an item labeled Enable User Action with a check mark beside it. This is the default setting, which indicates that captured mouse clicks and/or keystrokes are currently enabled on the selected frames.
Figure 3-8: Selected Frames with User Action Enabled
4. To disable the captured user actions, select Enable User Action to remove the check mark. Notice that the selected frames are now colored Cyan, indicating that captured user actions have now been disabled on these frames.
5. To re-enable any disabled user actions, simply select the desired Cyan-colored frames and right-click them to display the shortcut menu. As shown in Figure 3-9, notice that the Enable User Action option does not have a check mark beside it, indicating that captured user actions on the selected frames are currently disabled.
Figure 3-9: Selected Frames with User Action Disabled
6. Select Enable User Action to restore the check mark and thus re-enable the captured user actions.
Figure 3-10: Status Bar
The Status Bar contains the following components:
* Tooltips - The left-hand side of the Status Bar displays tooltips, which describe the function of the current tool, component, or task. For example, if the user selects the Capture Settings option on the Preferences menu, the Status Bar displays the following tooltip: "Allows you to configure capture settings."
* Captured User Action - Contains a text description and icon indicating the type of captured user action (if any) contained in the current frame. There are four (4) different icons:
* 
Left Mouse
Button Pressed
* 
Right Mouse
Button Pressed
* 
Key Pressed
* 
No User
Action
* Frame Number - Displays the current frame number and the total number of frames in the session.
* Mouse Position - Displays coordinates indicating the current position of the mouse pointer on the frame area.
Figure 3-11: Edit Palette
The Edit Palette contains a collection of various edit objects, which you can use to add text, graphics, interactivity, and multimedia to your captured sessions or inserted frames. Select any edit object by left-clicking the appropriate button on the Edit Palette, and then draw the object on the current frame. You can set properties for an edit object by right-clicking it in RapidBuilder for Linux, which displays a Properties window. The Properties window and the properties of frames and objects are explained in detail in Chapter 5 - Frame and Object Properties.
The Edit Palette contains the following edit objects:
Adding Validation Strings and Validation Keys
Invalid Keys and Key Combinations
Customizing the Pop-up Message Boxes for a Validation Field
Setting an Image for a Hyperlink
Customizing the Pop-up Message Boxes for a Hyperlink
Figure 3-12: Bitmap Button
The Bitmap component enables you to assign a .BMP, .GIF, or .JPG image file to be displayed in a frame. You can align, stretch, and position bitmaps in a frame.
Figure 3-13: Bitmap Object
1. Using the Navigation Bar, go to the frame on which you want to place the Bitmap.
2. On the Edit Palette,
click the Bitmap
button, and then click and drag the mouse to draw the Bitmap object
on the frame.
3. To set properties for the Bitmap object, right-click it to display the Properties window. For a list of properties, see Bitmap Properties.
4. In the Properties window, click the Image File
property. This action displays a 
button.
5. Click the
button to open the Resource Editor.
6. In the Resource Editor, select Images, and then click the Import button.
7. In the Open dialog box, locate and select a .BMP, .GIF, or .JPG image file.
8. Once you have selected the image file, click the Open button.
9. Notice that the imported image file now appears under Images in the Resource Editor. Select the image file, and then click OK.
10. The selected image now appears on the frame.
Figure 3-14: Text Field Button
The Text Field enables you to add text to a frame.
Figure 3-15: Text Field Object
1. Using the Navigation Bar, go to the frame on which you want to place the Text Field.
2. On the Edit Palette,
click the Text Field
button, and then click and drag the mouse to draw the Text Field
object on the frame.
3. To set properties for the Text Field object, right-click it to display the Properties window. For a list of properties, see Text Field Properties.
NOTE: In order to select text in a Text Field with the keyboard, you must first click the Text Field button on the Edit Palette.
Dynamically Loading Text from a Text File
To apply externalized text within a Text Field, perform the following steps:
1. Right-click the Text Field to display the Text Field Properties window.
2. In the Text File property, click the
button to access the Open dialog box.
Figure 3-16: Open Dialog Box
3. From the Open dialog box, locate and select the desired text file (.TXT), and then click the Open button.
4. In the Text Field Properties window, the Text File property now displays the name of the selected text file. At runtime, the contents of the text file will be dynamically loaded to the Text Field.
NOTE: Because the text is being dynamically loaded from an external text file, the regular Text Field editing options (e.g., font style, color, align) do not apply. Changes to the text must be made in the text file itself. However, keep in mind that a text file does not support font styles, color, or alignments.
Figure 3-17: Instruction Box Button
An Instruction Box is a resizable window used to display text, such as user instructions for tutorials.
Figure 3-18: Instruction Box Object
1. Using the Navigation Bar, go to the frame on which you want to place the Instruction Box.
2. On the Edit Palette,
click the Instruction Box
button, and then click and drag the mouse to draw the Instruction Box
object on the frame.
3. To set properties for the Instruction Box object, right-click it to display the Properties window. For a list of properties, see Instruction Box Properties.
NOTE: After drawing an Instruction Box on a frame, the user may drag it around the screen as long as the Title Bar is enabled.
Figure 3-19: Validation Field Button
The Validation Field is an interactive text field that validates typed keyboard data by comparing user-inputted text with a validation text string. (This is known as the validation process). To simulate the action of keying in a command, the Validation Field provides an empty field in which the end user types a text string. This string is then validated through an action key. The Validation Field has been designed to facilitate application development.
1. Using the Navigation Bar, go to the frame on which you want to place the Validation Field.
2. On the Edit Palette,
click the Validation Field
button, and then click and drag the mouse to draw the Validation Field
object on the frame.
3. To set properties for the Validation Field object, right-click it to display the Properties window. For a list of properties, see Validation Field Properties.
NOTE: After drawing a Validation Field on a frame, you must specify:
* The validation string - This is the text that will be compared with the text entered by the user at runtime.
* The validation key - This is the key or key combination that must be pressed by the user after he/she types the validation string.
Adding Validation Strings and Validation Keys
Invalid Keys and Key Combinations
Customizing the Pop-up Message Boxes for a Validation Field
NOTE: Certain keys and key combinations are not supported for use as validation keys. For a list of invalid keys, see Invalid Keys and Key Combinations.
To specify the validation strings and validation keys for a Validation Field, perform the following steps:
1. Right-click the Validation Field object to display the Validation Field Properties window.
2. Click the Validation String property. Through this property
you may specify one or more validation strings (i.e., the text that will
be entered by the end user at runtime) as well as one or more validation
keys (i.e., the keys or key combinations that will be pressed by the end
user to validate the text and initiate an event) for each validation string.
This property contains a
button that opens the Validation String dialog box.
Figure 3-20: Validation String Dialog Box
3. In the Validation String text box, type the text of the validation string.
4. Click the Add button to add the validation string to the list box directly below.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to add as many different validation strings to the list box as desired*.
*NOTE: You may add an unlimited number of validation strings, but the length of each validation string is limited to a maximum of 255 characters.
6. Once you have finished adding validation strings to the list box, select one of the listed validation strings. (Whichever validation string you select will be displayed in the Selected Validation String field at the bottom of the dialog box).
7. Press any key or key combination. Whichever key you press is immediately displayed in the Validation Key text box. (For example, if you press the <F6> key, then "F6" appears in the text box, or if you press <SHIFT + M>, then "SHIFT + M" appears in the text box).
8. Click the Add button to add the validation key to the list box directly below.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 to add as many validation keys as you wish.
NOTE: To delete any validation string or validation key from a list box, simply select it and then click the Remove button.
10. The validation keys presently listed are associated with the selected validation string. You are now ready to specify events for the validation keys. Click the Close button to exit the Validation String dialog box.
11. In the Validation Field Properties window, you will notice that the selected validation string is listed in the Validation String property.
Figure 3-21: Selected Validation String in Properties Window
12. Click the Events tab.
13. You will notice that the validation keys you added are listed in the drop-down box. You can select each validation key separately and link it to a single event (i.e., a validation message, validation image or validation frame goto)* on the Events tab.
Figure 3-22: Validation Field Events Tab
*NOTE: It is recommended that you configure only one (1) event per validation string. At runtime, the associated event will occur when the end user enters the correct validation string and then presses the designated validation key.
14. You may specify additional validation strings and validation keys for the Validation Field. To do so, reopen the Validation String dialog box, select another validation string, and then repeat steps 6 to 13.
NOTE: By specifying the same validation key for multiple validation strings, you can create a Validation Field that validates synonyms, homonyms, and similar word forms.
* PRINT SCREEN, PAUSE/BREAK, TURBO, and WINDOWS keys
* Symbol keys (such as - , = , \ , [ , ] , \ , " , etc.). Symbol keys also cannot be used in combination with <CTRL + SHIFT + ALT>
* <CTRL + SHIFT + ALT> + any of the following keys: ESC, ENTER, DEL, SPACE, TAB, TURBO, WINDOWS, PRINT SCREEN, PAUSE/BREAK, and BACKSPACE
* <CTRL + NUM LOCK> and <CTRL + HOME>
* If NUM LOCK is on, then combinations of <SHIFT> + any of the number keys on the right side of the keyboard will not work.
To customize the pop-up boxes for a Validation Field, perform the following steps:
1. Right-click the Validation Field object to display the Validation Field Properties window. The Validation Error Message property is displayed on the Properties tab. The Validation Message property is displayed on the Events tab*.
*NOTE: The Events tab may only be accessed after a validation string and validation key are specified. For more information, see Adding Validation Strings and Validation Keys.
2. In the Validation Message or Validation Error Message
property, click the
button to display the associated dialog box. Examples of the two dialog
boxes are shown in Figure 3-23 and Figure 3-24 below.
Figure 3-23: Validation Message Dialog Box for a Validation Field
Figure 3-24: Validation Error Message Dialog Box for a Validation Field
3. Enter the text of the message in the text box provided.
4. In the Message Dialog Caption box, enter a title for the message pop-up box.
5. In the Message Dialog Icon section, click the
button to open the Resource Editor.
This enables you to select and import an icon (.ICO file), which will be
displayed in the message pop-up box.
Figure 3-25: Hyperlink Button
The Hyperlink provides a means of adding different types of internal and external links to your .RBX files. You can create links between any frames within an .RBX file, and you can also create links to external .RBX files, web pages, and executable files (i.e., .EXE, .COM, .BAT files). In addition to creating links, you can create validation buttons for running video/sound files and displaying images/messages.
Figure 3-26: Hyperlink Object
1. Using the Navigation Bar, go to the frame on which you want to place the Hyperlink.
2. On the Edit Palette,
click the Hyperlink
button, and then click and drag the mouse to draw the Hyperlink
object on the frame.
3. To set properties for the Hyperlink object, right-click it to display the Properties window. For a list of properties, see Hyperlink Properties.
Setting an Image for a Hyperlink
Customizing the Pop-up Message Boxes for a Hyperlink
* Clicked Image - A graphic that appears on the Hyperlink after it is clicked by the end user.
* Mouse Over Image - A hover graphic that appears on the Hyperlink only when the end user positions the mouse pointer over the Hyperlink. The graphic disappears whenever the mouse pointer leaves the Hyperlink.
To set an image for a Hyperlink, perform the following steps:
1. Right-click the Hyperlink object to display the Hyperlink Properties window.
2. In the Clicked Image or Mouse Over Image property,
click the button to
open the Resource Editor. This
enables you to select and import the desired image file.
To customize the pop-up boxes for a Hyperlink, perform the following steps:
1. Right-click the Hyperlink object to display the Hyperlink Properties window, and then click the Events tab.
2. In the Validation Message or Validation Error Message
property, click the
button to display the associated dialog box. Examples of the two dialog
boxes are shown in Figure 3-27 and Figure 3-28 below.
Figure 3-27: Validation Message Dialog Box for Hyperlink
Figure 3-28: Validation Error Message Dialog Box for Hyperlink
3. Enter the text of the message in the text box provided.
4. In the Message Dialog Caption box, enter a title for the message pop-up box.
5. In the Message Dialog Icon section, click the
button to open the Resource Editor.
This enables you to select and import an icon (.ICO file) that will be
displayed in the message pop-up box.
Figure 3-29: Draw Palette
The Draw Palette contains a collection of various draw objects and draw tools, which you can use to add visual enhancements, design tables, and set the colors of drawn objects and inserted frames. Select any draw object by left-clicking the appropriate button on the Draw Palette, and then draw the object on the current frame. The draw tools can be used to create various types of lines and shapes. You can set properties for a draw object by right-clicking it in RapidBuilder, which displays a Properties window. The Properties window and the properties of frames and objects are explained in detail in Chapter 5 - Frame and Object Properties.
The Draw Palette contains the following draw objects and draw tools:
Rectangle, Ellipse, and Round Rectangle
Figure 3-30: Selection Tool Button
The Selection Tool is used to change the
cursor mode to an arrow pointer. After selecting an item from the Edit
Palette or Draw Palette, click the
Selection Tool button
to change the mouse pointer back to an arrow. As an arrow, the mouse pointer
can select, drag, and resize objects and components.
NOTE: You can also change the mouse pointer back to an arrow by left-clicking the current frame.
Figure 3-31: Line Button
Line objects can be used to connect Text Fields, point to frame features, create tables and diagrams, etc. The size, color, width, and ends of a Line object can be adjusted. It can also be displayed in different styles, including Solid, Dash, and Dot.
Figure 3-32: Line Object Styles
1. On the Draw Palette,
click the Line button.
2. Position the mouse pointer in the frame area.
3. Click and hold the left mouse button, and then drag the mouse to draw the Line object.
4. When you are finished drawing the Line object, release the left mouse button.
5. Right-click the Line object to display its Properties window.
6. In the Properties window, you can set various properties that determine the appearance of the Line object. For a list and description of the properties, see Line Object Properties.
Figure 3-33: Rectangle, Ellipse, and Round Rectangle Buttons
Rectangle, Ellipse, and Round Rectangle objects can be used to create tables or visually enhance a captured or inserted frame. The size, color, border style, and border width of these objects can be adjusted. They can also be set to Opaque or Transparent, and they can be filled with a solid color, diagonal lines, vertical lines, horizontal lines, and more.
Figure 3-34: Rectangle, Ellipse, and Round Rectangle Objects
1. On the Draw Palette,
click the Rectangle, Ellipse, or Round Rectangle
button.
2. Position the mouse pointer in the frame area.
3. Click and hold the left mouse button, and then drag the mouse to draw the Round Rectangle, Rectangle, or Ellipse object.
4. When you are finished drawing the shape, release the left mouse button.
5. Right-click the Rectangle, Ellipse, or Round Rectangle object to display its Properties window.
6. In the Properties window, you can set various properties that determine the appearance of the Rectangle, Ellipse, or Round Rectangle object. For a list and description of the properties, see Rectangle Object Properties, Ellipse Object Properties, and Round Rectangle Object Properties.
Figure 3-35: Polyline Button
The Polyline enables you to draw straight lines with angles.
Figure 3-36: Polyline Object
1. On the Draw Palette,
click the Polyline
button.
2. Position the mouse pointer in the frame area.
3. Click the left mouse button, and then drag the mouse to draw a straight line.
4. Whenever you wish to change directions and create an angle, click the left mouse button.
5. When you are finished drawing the Polyline object, double-click the left mouse button.
6. Right-click the Polyline object to display its Properties window.
7. In the Properties window, you can set various properties that determine the appearance of the Polyline object. For a list and description of the properties, see Polyline Object Properties.
Figure 3-37: Color Bar
Left-clicking a color selects it for use as a foreground color, and right-clicking selects it for use as a background color. The colors currently selected as the foreground and background colors are displayed in the 2 squares in the upper-right corner of the Color Bar.
1. Double-click a color in the Color Bar. This displays the Colors dialog box.
Figure 3-38: Colors Dialog Box
2. Click the Define Custom Colors button.
3. Adjust the Hue, Saturation, Value, Red, Green, and Blue options as desired.
4. Once you have customized the color you want, click the Add To Custom Colors button, which will add your custom color to one of the cells at the bottom of the Color Bar. This color will be saved between sessions.
Frame Navigation/Editing Shortcuts
Additional RapidBuilder Shortcuts
* Select range of frames: ALT + Left Arrow or Right Arrow
* Select all objects on current frame: CTRL + A
* Cut selected objects: SHIFT + DEL
* Copy selected objects: CTRL + INS
* Paste cut/copied objects: SHIFT + INS
* Delete selected objects: DEL
* Select all frames: CTRL + ALT + A
* Select all sound or action frames: CTRL + ALT + S
* Copy selected frames: CTRL + ALT + C
* Paste cut/copied frames: CTRL + ALT + V
* Append a new frame to the end of the row of frames: F5
* Insert a new frame immediately to the left of the current frame: F6
* Delete the current frame: F7
* Stop desktop capturing: ALT + X
* Pause/resume desktop capturing: ALT + P
* Create new file: CTRL + N
* Open existing file: CTRL + O
* Make .RBX file: CTRL + M
* Undo last action: CTRL + Z
* Exit RapidBuilder: CTRL + Q
Figure 3-39: Resource Editor
The Resource Editor performs 4 main tasks:
* Organizes file links - Sorts files by extension into six (6) main resource types:
* Images - .BMP, .GIF, and .JPG files
* Video - .AVI files
* Audio - .MP3 and .WAV files
* Icons - .ICO files
* Cursors - .CUR files
* Default Icons - 53 different icon images provided by RapidBuilder. They may be used to represent captured mouse clicks and mouse over images. (See Mouse Click Properties).
* Imports new file links - Enables you to select external files to include in the list.
* Replaces file links - Enables you to replace a selected file with another file.
* Deletes file links - Enables you to permanently remove a selected file link. (The file is not deleted from the disk).
Importing Files Through the Resource Editor
1. Open the Resource Editor by clicking the
button within a property field in the Properties window of a frame
or object. (Any property that allows for the addition of a media file includes
a button that opens
the Resource Editor).
2. Select the type of media you wish to import: Images, Video, Audio, Icons, or Cursors.
NOTE: The Resource Editor also features Default Icons, which contains 53 different icon images that may be used in captured mouse clicks. See Mouse Click Properties.
3. Click the Import button.
4. In the Open dialog box, locate and select the desired file, and then click the Open button.
5. Notice that the imported file is now displayed in the Resource Editor window. To associate the file with the current frame or object, select the file and then click OK.
SPECIAL NOTES
* To replace a file in the Resource Editor with a different file, select the file and then click the Replace button. This action displays the Open dialog box, which enables you to select another file.
* To delete a file in the Resource Editor, select the file and then click the Delete button.
* The Resource Editor includes a Preview window that enables you to see what the selected image file looks like. If you select the Show Preview option, any image or default icon file you select will be visible in the Preview window. This enables you to see what the image looks like before you associate it with an object or frame.
* Image files (i.e., .BMP, .GIF, .JPG, .CUR, and .ICO files) used in an .RBX simulation are compressed within the simulation. Sound files (i.e., .WAV and .MP3 files) and video files (i.e., .AVI files) are linked externally.
Using the Record Sound Clip Window
How to Delete a Recorded Sound Clip
Linking a Sound File to a Frame
Linking a Sound File to a Hyperlink Object
To open the Audio Specifications window, click the Audio Settings button on the Tool Bar, or select Preferences | Audio Specifications from the Menu Bar.
Figure 4-1: Audio Specifications Window
The Audio Specifications window contains the following options:
* Input Source - From the drop-down box, select the sound input source: CD Audio or Microphone.
* Bits Per Sample - From the drop-down box, select the bits per sample: 8 or 16.
* Sampling Rate - From the drop-down box, select a sampling rate: 8000, 44100, 22025, or 11025*.
*NOTE: Sampling is the process of taking the value of a signal at evenly spaced moments in time. This is one of the steps in converting an analog signal to a digital signal. The sampling rate is the frequency at which samples are taken.
* Channels - From the drop-down box, select the channel type: MONO or STEREO.
To assign an audio file as background sound, perform the following steps:
1. On the Menu Bar, click Preferences | Background Sound Settings. This action opens the Background Sound Settings dialog box.
Figure 4-2: Background Sound Settings Dialog Box
2. To select and import an audio file that will serve as background sound, click the Browse button. This action opens the Resource Editor, which enables you to import any .MP3 or .WAV audio file.
3. If you would like the background sound to be looped so that it repeats over and over, select the Loop Sound check box.
NOTE: The Duration section contains two (2) options for configuring the duration of the looped background sound:
* Number of Times - The background sound will repeat a set number of times according to the number specified here.
* Forever - The background sound will continuously repeat until the simulation is finished.
4. If you would like the background sound to fade in and/or fade out, select the User Fading check box.
NOTE: The Fade Settings section contains two (2) options for configuring fade settings:
* Fade In - Select the Fade In check box if you would like the background sound to gradually fade in after a specified number of seconds. In the Seconds To Fade In box, you can specify the number of seconds before the sound begins to fade in.
* Fade Out - Select the Fade Out check box if you would like the background sound to gradually fade out after a specified number of seconds. In the Seconds To Fade Out box, you can specify the number of seconds before the sound begins to fade out.
5. To specify the starting and stopping points of the background sound file within the simulation, you must enter the appropriate frame numbers in the In Frame and Out Frame boxes:
* In Frame - Specifies the frame at which the background sound will begin. By default, the first frame of the session is specified.
* Out Frame - Specifies the frame at which the background sound will end. By default, the last frame of the session is specified.
Using the Record Sound Clip Window
See also: How to Delete a Recorded Sound Clip
1. Before you begin recording a sound clip, you must select the sound input source and audio format from the Audio Specifications window. To do this, click the Audio Settings button on the Tool Bar, and then make the appropriate selections. (For more details, see Audio Specifications Window).
2. Using the Navigation Bar, go to the frame to which a recorded sound clip is to be added.
3. To begin recording sound, select Record | Sound | Record on the Menu Bar. Wait 3-4 seconds for sound system initialization, and then start speaking/playing the sound from the selected input source.
4. To stop recording, select Record | Sound | Stop.
5. To play the recorded sound clip, select Record | Sound | Play.
NOTE: The Sound submenu also includes Rewind and Forward playback controls. To go back to the beginning of the sound clip, select Record | Sound | Rewind. To jump ahead to the end of the sound clip, select Record | Sound | Forward.
6. If you wish to record sound on another frame, repeat steps 2 to 5.
7. Once you are finished recording sound, click the Make button on the Tool Bar to save all recorded sound and captured screen data in an .RBX file.
NOTE: Sound can only be recorded during the editing stage (i.e., after frames have been captured and/or appended). Sound cannot be recorded during desktop capturing.
See also: How to Delete a Recorded Sound Clip
1. Before you begin recording a sound clip, you must select the sound input source and audio format from the Audio Specifications window. To do this, click the Audio Settings button on the Tool Bar, and then make the appropriate selections. (For more details, see Audio Specifications Window).
2. Using the Navigation Bar, go to the frame to which a recorded sound clip is to be added.
3. On the Menu Bar, click View | Record Sound Clip to display the Record Sound Clip window.
Figure 4-3: Record Sound Clip Window
4. To begin recording sound, click the Record button. Wait 3-4 seconds for sound system initialization, and then start speaking/playing the sound from the selected input source.
5. To stop recording, click the Stop button.
6. To play the recorded sound clip, click the Play button.
7. If you wish to record sound on another frame, repeat steps 2 to 6.
8. Once you are finished recording sound, click the Make button on the Tool Bar to save all recorded sound and captured screen data in an .RBX file.
See also: How to Delete a Recorded Sound Clip
1. Using the Navigation Bar, go to the frame containing the sound clip.
2. On the Menu Bar, select Edit | Delete Sound.
To link a sound file to a frame, perform the following steps:
1. Using the Navigation Bar, go to the frame to which you want to link a sound file.
2. Right-click the frame area to display the Frame Properties window.
3. Click the Audio File Name property, and then click the
button to display the Resource Editor.
4. In the Resource Editor, select Audio, and then click the Import button.
5. In the Open dialog box, locate and select an .MP3 or .WAV sound file.
6. Once you have selected the sound file, click the Open button.
7. Notice that the imported sound file now appears under Audio in the Resource Editor. Select the sound file, and then click OK.
8. Notice that the sound file name now appears in the Audio File Name property within the Frame Properties window. You may now close the Frame Properties window.
9. The sound file is now linked to the frame. When the frame appears on screen during simulation playback, the sound file will play automatically.
To link a sound file to a Hyperlink object, perform the following steps:
1. Using the Navigation Bar, go to the frame on which you want to place the Hyperlink.
2. On the Edit Palette,
click the Hyperlink
button, and then click and drag the mouse to draw the Hyperlink
object on the frame.
3. Right-click the Hyperlink object to display the Hyperlink Properties window.
4. Click the Events tab.
5. From the drop-down list at the top of the Hyperlink Properties window, select the type of click action: On Left Single Click, On Right Single Click, On Left Double Click, or On Right Double Click. This determines which way the Hyperlink will have to be clicked by the end user in order to initiate the action (i.e., play the sound).
6. Click the Validation Sound property, and then click
the button to display
the Resource Editor.
7. In the Resource Editor, select Audio, and then click the Import button.
8. In the Open dialog box, locate and select an .MP3 or .WAV sound file.
9. Once you have selected the sound file, click the Open button.
10. Notice that the imported sound file now appears under Audio in the Resource Editor. Select the sound file, and then click OK.
11. Notice that the sound file name now appears in the Validation Sound property within the Hyperlink Properties window. You may now close the Hyperlink Properties window.
12. The sound file is now linked to the Hyperlink object. When the Hyperlink is clicked during simulation playback, the sound file will play.
NOTE: By using the above procedure with other Hyperlink properties (such as Validation Video, Validation Image, Open URL, and Run External File), you may link other types of media (including images, video, and URLs) to the Hyperlink object.
NOTE: Once you have right-clicked an object or frame and displayed the Properties window, you can access the properties of any other object on the current frame by selecting its name from the drop-down box.
Round Rectangle Object Properties
Figure 5-1: Properties Window
Properties are organized under two (2) different tabs: the Properties tab and the Events tab.
Figure 5-2: Properties Tab
Properties are listed under three (3) categories:
* Appearance - Contains properties that determine the visual appearance of the object (e.g., Back Color).
* Geometry - Contains properties that determine the object's dimensions and its placement on the frame (e.g., Height, Width, etc.).
* General - Contains general properties, including ones that deal with object identification and linked media files.
NOTE: Any property that facilitates the addition of a sound,
video, or image media file (e.g., validation sound, validation video, validation
image, etc.) includes a
button that opens the Resource Editor, which enables you to import
and select desired media files. For more information, see Resource
Editor.
Figure 5-3: Events Tab
In the drop-down box at the top of the window, all possible user actions are displayed in a drop-down list, and the different events are listed below. The user may select any action from the drop-down list and then specify a particular event to occur when that action is performed by the end user at runtime.
For example, on the Events tab of a Hyperlink Properties window, the drop-down box lists the different types of mouse clicks: On Left Single Click, On Right Single Click, On Left Double Click, and On Right Double Click. The user may select each type of mouse click and specify a different event for each (e.g., Open URL on Left Single Click, Validation Image on Right Single Click, etc.).
NOTES
* Only Frame, Hyperlink, and Validation Field objects have an active Events tab in the Properties window. Because other objects do not link events to specific user actions, they do not require an Events tab.
* Any property that facilitates the addition of a sound, video,
or image media file (e.g., validation sound, validation video, validation
image, etc.) includes a
button that opens the Resource Editor, which enables you to import
and select desired media files. For more information, see Resource
Editor.
* Fore Color - Specifies the frame color of the current inserted/appended frame only. On an individual inserted/appended frame, any specified Fore Color will override any specified Back Color.
NOTE: The Back Color and Fore
Color options may only be applied on inserted/appended frames. The
color of captured frames cannot be changed.
* User Action - Allows you to enable or disable the captured user-action event (i.e., mouse click or keystroke) on the frame. By default, this option is set to Enable.
* Sound Clip Name - Specifies the unique name of the recorded sound clip. The name can be up to 30 characters in length consisting of both letters and/or numbers.
* Audio File Name - Specifies the audio file that will be played after entering the frame. The following format(s) are accepted: .MP3, .WAV.
* Sound Notes - Specifies a short description (up to 250 characters) of the loaded audio file.
* Mouse Delay - Specifies the number of seconds (between
1 and 60) the frame is displayed on the screen before playback resumes
and goes to the next frame.
* On Frame Enter - Activity that occurs after entering the current frame.
* On Frame Leave - Activity that occurs upon exiting the current frame.
After selecting the action, the user may configure
the following events:
* Transition Speed - Specifies the speed of the transition effect. There are 3 available settings: Slow, Medium, Fast.
* Transition Effect - Specifies the effect used upon entering and/or leaving a frame. There are 20 available effects: None, Wipe left, Wipe right, Wipe top, Wipe bottom, Blinds left, Blinds right, Blinds top, Blinds bottom, Push left, Push top, Push bottom, Slide in left, Slide in right, Slide in top, Slide in bottom, Slide out left, Slide out right, Slide out top, Slide out bottom.
You can click and drag a Mouse Click object anywhere on the frame. In addition, the corners of a Mouse Click object can be clicked and dragged in order to expand it. This is useful if you want to cover a particular frame area, such as a button, title bar, icon, or other frame location requiring a mouse click.
You can also display an image to represent a Mouse Click object. In the Resource Editor, you can select from a list of 55 Default Icon images and use your chosen image to represent a captured mouse click.
Right-clicking a Mouse Click
object displays the Mouse Click Properties window, which contains
the following properties:
* Top - Specifies the vertical position of the Mouse Click object measured in pixels.
* Width - Changes the horizontal dimension of the Mouse Click object from its initial position to the desired value.
* Height - Changes the vertical dimension of the Mouse Click
object from its initial position to the desired value.
* Target - Specifies whether or not to enable the Mouse Click action. There are 2 available options: Enable, Disable.
* Image File - Specifies the image file to be loaded. The following image formats are supported: .BMP, .JPG, .GIF.
* Stretch - Specifies whether or not the loaded image can be scaled. There are 2 available options:
* Yes - The loaded image can be resized, and the image will be scaled.
* No - The dimensions of the loaded image are fixed.
* Top - Specifies the vertical position of the Bitmap object measured in pixels.
* Width - Changes the horizontal dimension of the Bitmap object from its initial position to the desired value.
* Height - Changes the vertical dimension of the Bitmap object
from its initial position to the desired value.
* None - Specifies no border.
* Rectangle - Specifies a thin border.
* 3-D - Specifies a border with a slight bevel.
* Back Color - Sets the background color of the Text Field. A standard color dialog box displays Basic colors and Custom colors. Custom colors can be selected from the palette by clicking Define Custom Color.
* Font - Enables you to specify the type of font displayed in the Text Field.
* Fore Color - Sets the color of the text in the Text Field.
* Scrolling - Specifies whether or not scroll bars will be used in the Text Field. There are 2 available options: No, Yes.
* Transparent - Specifies whether or not the Text Field
is visible at runtime (although the text itself always remains visible).
There are 2 available options: No, Yes.
* Top - Specifies the vertical position of the Text Field measured in pixels.
* Width - Changes the horizontal dimension of the Text Field from its initial position to the desired value.
* Height - Changes the vertical dimension of the Text Field
from its initial position to the desired value.
* Text File - Enables you to select an external text file (.TXT) from which text will be dynamically loaded to the Text Field. For more information, see Dynamically Loading Text from a Text File.
* Font - Enables you to specify the type of font displayed in the Instruction Box.
* Fore Color - Sets the color of the text in the Instruction Box.
* Scrolling - Specifies whether or not scroll bars will
be used in the Instruction Box. There are 2 available options: No,
Yes.
* Top - Specifies the vertical position of the Instruction Box measured in pixels.
* Width - Changes the horizontal dimension of the Instruction Box from its initial position to the desired value.
* Height - Changes the vertical dimension of the Instruction Box from its initial position to the desired value.
* Caption - Specifies the text to be displayed on the blue title bar of the Instruction Box.
* Title Bar - Specifies whether or not the blue title bar is displayed on the Instruction Box. There are 2 available settings: On, Off.
NOTE: The Instruction Box can be clicked and dragged around the screen only if its Title Bar is enabled.
* Attribute - Specifies the border style of the Validation Field. There are 6 options available:
* None - Specifies no border.
* Rectangle - Specifies a thin border.
* Transparent - Specifies a clear window.
* 3-D - Specifies the default border setting with a slight bevel.
* Anglebracket Top - Specifies angled brackets in the upper left and lower right corners. (They are visible during playback).
* Anglebracket Bottom - Specifies angled brackets in the upper right and lower left corners. (They are visible during playback).
* Back Color - Specifies the background color of the Validation Field area. A standard color dialog box displays Basic colors and Custom colors. Custom colors can be selected from the palette by clicking Define Custom Color.
* Case Sensitive - Specifies whether or not the validation string will be case sensitive. There are 2 available settings: On, Off.
* Dynamic Grow - Specifies whether or not the Validation Field will automatically shrink/grow as the end user types inside it at runtime. There are 2 available settings: On, Off.
* Font - Specifies the font that will be displayed when the user types the validation string during playback.
* Fore Color - Specifies the color of the text in the Validation Field. A standard color dialog box displays Basic colors and Custom colors. Custom colors can be selected from the palette by clicking Define Custom Color.
* Password Field - Specifies whether or not the Validation
Field will function as a password field in which the end user's typed
text appears as star characters (e.g., *****). There are 2 available settings:
No, Yes.
* Top - Specifies the vertical position of the Validation Field measured in pixels.
* Width - Changes the horizontal dimension of the Validation Field from its initial position to the desired value.
* Height - Changes the vertical dimension of the Validation Field from its initial position to the desired value.
* Validation String - Enables you to specify multiple validation
strings (i.e. text strings that will be compared against the text entered
by the user at runtime) and associated validation keys (i.e., a particular
keyboard key or key combination that will be pressed by the end user after
entering a validation string). This property contains a
button that opens the Validation String dialog box. For more information,
see Adding Validation Strings
and Validation Keys.
* Validation Error Message - Specifies the error message to be displayed when the text string fails validation (i.e., the text is entered incorrectly and/or the wrong validation key is pressed). For more information, see Customizing the Pop-up Message Boxes for a Validation Field.
NOTE: No text can be seen inside the Validation Field
during editing. Font settings must be decided based on the font sample
displayed in the Font dialog box.
* Validation Frame (Go To) - Sets the destination frame that RapidPlayer will jump to when the text string passes validation. You can select Next, Previous, or a frame name. You can also enter a frame number.
* Validation Image - Specifies the image to be displayed when the text string passes validation.
* Validation Message - Specifies the message to be displayed when the text string passes validation (i.e., the text is entered correctly and the correct validation key is pressed). For more information, see Customizing the Pop-up Message Boxes for a Validation Field.
* Attribute - Specifies how the Hyperlink will look. There are 6 available attributes:
* 3-D - Displays the Hyperlink with raised bevels for a 3-D effect.
* Rounded - Displays the Hyperlink with rounded edges and without bevels.
* Shadowed - Displays the Hyperlink with a black shadow.
* Rectangle - Displays the Hyperlink as a rectangle without bevels.
* Clear - Displays the Hyperlink with a transparent background and a black border.
* Windows 98 - Displays the Hyperlink as a button with interactive bevels. During playback, the Hyperlink appears as a rectangle without bevels. However, whenever the mouse pointer is placed over the Hyperlink, it appears with raised bevels for a 3-D effect.
* Back Color - Specifies the background color of the Hyperlink.
* Button Style - Specifies the style of the Hyperlink. There are 3 available styles:
* Push Button - Standard button with bevels.
* Radio Button - Button with a round selection area.
* Check Box - Button with a square selection area.
* Caption - Specifies the text to be displayed inside the Hyperlink.
* Font - Specifies the font for the Hyperlink caption text.
* Fore Color - Specifies the color of the Hyperlink caption text.
* Transparent - Specifies whether or not the button is clear. There are 2 available settings: Yes, No.
* Top - Specifies the vertical position of the Hyperlink object measured in pixels.
* Width - Changes the horizontal dimension of the Hyperlink object from the initial position of to the desired value.
* Height - Changes the vertical dimension of the Hyperlink
object from its initial position to the desired value.
* Clicked Image - Specifies the image that will appear once the Hyperlink has been clicked.
* Mouse Over Image - Specifies a hover image that will appear whenever the mouse pointer is passed over the Hyperlink. For more information, see Setting an Image for a Hyperlink.
* Tooltip - Specifies the text (up to 20 characters) to
be displayed when the mouse pointer passes over the Hyperlink.
* On Left Single Click - Activity that occurs when the Hyperlink is left-clicked once.
* On Right Single Click - Activity that occurs when the Hyperlink is right-clicked once.
* On Left Double Click - Activity that occurs when the Hyperlink is left-clicked twice.
* On Right Double Click - Activity that occurs when the Hyperlink is right-clicked twice.
* On Mouse Enter - Activity that occurs when the mouse pointer is passed over the Hyperlink.
* On Mouse Leave - Activity that occurs when the mouse
pointer leaves the Hyperlink.
* Exit Play - Specifies whether or not playback will end when the Hyperlink passes validation. There are 2 available settings: On, Off.
* Validate Target - Verifies the correct text input of a selected Validation Field. All Validation Fields on the current frame are listed in a drop-down box, and the one that you select will be validated when the Hyperlink is correctly clicked. (In other words, this option enables the Hyperlink to function as a validation key).
NOTE: Any validation messages, error messages, images, frame gotos, etc. specified for the Validation Field will be used.
* Validation Message - Specifies the message to be displayed in a pop-up message box when the Hyperlink passes validation (i.e., it is correctly clicked). For more information, see Customizing the Pop-up Message Boxes for a Hyperlink.
* Validation Error Message - Specifies the error message to be displayed in a pop-up message box when the Hyperlink fails validation (i.e., it is incorrectly clicked). For more information, see Customizing the Pop-up Message Boxes for a Hyperlink.
* Validation Frame (Go To) - Specifies the destination frame that playback will jump to when the Hyperlink passes validation. You can select Next, Previous, or a frame name. You can also enter a frame number.
* Validation Video - Specifies the video file to be played when the Hyperlink passes validation. The following file format is accepted: .AVI.
* Validation Sound - Specifies the sound file to be played when the Hyperlink passes validation. The following file format(s) are accepted: .MP3, .WAV.
* Validation Image - Specifies the image to be displayed when the Hyperlink passes validation. The following file format(s) are accepted: .BMP, .GIF, .JPG.
* Open URL - Specifies the URL of the HTML page that is opened when the Hyperlink is clicked.
* Run External File - Specifies the external executable file (.EXE, .COM, .BAT) that is opened when the Hyperlink is clicked.
NOTE: Clicking this property displays a
button that launches an Open dialog box, which you can use to search
directories for the desired executable file.
* Play RBX File - Specifies the external .RBX file that will run when the Hyperlink is clicked.
NOTE: Clicking this property displays a
button that launches an Open dialog box, which you can use to search
directories for the desired .RBX file.
The following events may be associated with the mouse enter and leave actions:
* Exit Play - Specifies whether or not playback will end when the mouse pointer passes over or leaves the Hyperlink. There are 2 available settings: On, Off.
* Mouse Pointer - Specifies the style of mouse pointer to be displayed as it passes over and/or leaves the Hyperlink. There are 5 available styles: Finger, Arrow, Hourglass, Crosshair, I-beam.
* Audio Filename - Specifies the sound file to be played when the mouse pointer passes over and/or leaves the Hyperlink.
* None - No arrows on the Line object.
* Start - Places an arrow at the beginning of the Line object.
* End - Places an arrow at the end of the Line object.
* Both - Places arrows at both ends of the Line object.
* Line Color - Specifies the color of the Line object. A standard color dialog box displays Basic colors and Custom colors. Custom colors can be selected from the palette by clicking Define Custom Color.
* Line Style - Specifies the style of the Line object. There are 6 available options:
* Solid - Specifies a solid, unbroken line.
* Dash - Specifies a line broken into short line segments.
* Dot - Specifies a dotted line.
* Dash Dot - Specifies a line pattern that alternates between one line segment and one dot.
* Dash Dot Dot - Specifies a line pattern that alternates between one line segment and two dots.
* Null - Specifies a hidden, invisible line.
* Line Width - Specifies the thickness of the Line
object. Valid entries range from 1 to 10.
* Y1 - Specifies the first vertical node coordinate of the Line object.
* X2 - Specifies the second horizontal node coordinate of the Line object.
* Y2 - Specifies the second vertical node coordinate of
the Line object.
* Border Style - Specifies the border style of the Rectangle object. There are 6 available options:
* Solid - Specifies a solid, unbroken border.
* Dash - Specifies a border broken into short line segments.
* Dot - Specifies a dotted border.
* Dash Dot ( Specifies a border pattern that alternates between one line segment and one dot.
* Dash Dot Dot - Specifies a border pattern that alternates between one line segment and two dots.
* Null - Specifies a hidden, invisible border.
* Border Width - Specifies the thickness of the border. Valid entries range from 1 to 10.
* Fill Color - Specifies the color of the fill area inside the Rectangle object.
* Fill Mode - Specifies the mode of the fill area inside the Rectangle object. There are 2 available options:
* Transparent - Specifies a transparent fill area.
* Opaque - Specifies an opaque, non-transparent fill area.
* Fill Pattern - Specifies the pattern of the fill area inside the Rectangle object. There are 7 available options:
* Solid - Covers the fill area with a solid color (whichever color is selected as the Fill Color).
* Backward Diagonal - Covers the fill area with diagonal lines going from upper right to lower left.
* Cross - Covers the fill area with vertical and horizontal lines.
* Diagonal Cross - Covers the fill area with crisscrossing diagonal lines.
* Forward Diagonal - Covers the fill area with diagonal lines going from upper left to lower right.
* Horizontal - Covers the fill area with horizontal lines.
* Vertical - Covers the fill area with vertical
lines.
* Top - Specifies the vertical position of the Rectangle object measured in pixels.
* Width - Changes the horizontal dimension of the Rectangle object from its initial position to the desired value.
* Height - Changes the vertical dimension of the Rectangle object from its initial position to the desired value.
* Border Style - Specifies the border style of the Ellipse object. There are 6 available options:
* Solid - Specifies a solid, unbroken border.
* Dash - Specifies a border broken into short line segments.
* Dot - Specifies a dotted border.
* Dash Dot - Specifies a border pattern that alternates between one line segment and one dot.
* Dash Dot Dot - Specifies a border pattern that alternates between one line segment and two dots.
* Null - Specifies a hidden, invisible border.
* Border Width - Specifies the thickness of the border. Valid entries range from 1 to 10.
* Fill Color - Specifies the color of the fill area inside the Ellipse object.
* Fill Mode - Specifies the mode of the fill area inside the Ellipse object. There are 2 available options:
* Transparent - Specifies a transparent fill area.
* Opaque - Specifies an opaque, non-transparent fill area.
* Fill Pattern - Specifies the pattern of the fill area inside the Ellipse object. There are 7 available options:
* Solid - Covers the fill area with a solid color (i.e., whichever color is selected as the Fill Color).
* Backward Diagonal - Covers the fill area with diagonal lines going from upper right to lower left.
* Cross - Covers the fill area with vertical and horizontal lines.
* Diagonal Cross - Covers the fill area with crisscrossing diagonal lines.
* Forward Diagonal - Covers the fill area with diagonal lines going from upper left to lower right.
* Horizontal - Covers the fill area with horizontal lines.
* Vertical - Covers the fill area with vertical
lines.
* Top - Specifies the vertical position of the Ellipse object measured in pixels.
* Width - Changes the horizontal dimension of the Ellipse object from its initial position to the desired value.
* Height - Changes the vertical dimension of the Ellipse
object from its initial position to the desired value.
* Border Style - Specifies the border style of the Round Rectangle object. There are 6 available options:
* Solid - Specifies a solid, unbroken border.
* Dash - Specifies a border broken into short line segments.
* Dot - Specifies a dotted border.
* Dash Dot - Specifies a border pattern that alternates between one line segment and one dot.
* Dash Dot Dot - Specifies a border pattern that alternates between one line segment and two dots.
* Null - Specifies a hidden, invisible border.
* Border Width - Specifies the thickness of the border. Valid entries range from 1 to 10.
* Fill Color - Specifies the color of the fill area inside the Round Rectangle object.
* Fill Mode - Specifies the mode of the fill area inside the Round Rectangle object. There are 2 available options:
* Transparent - Specifies a transparent fill area.
* Opaque - Specifies an opaque, non-transparent fill area.
* Fill Pattern - Specifies the pattern of the fill area inside the Round Rectangle object. There are 7 available options:
* Solid - Covers the fill area with a solid color (whichever color is selected as the Fill Color).
* Backward Diagonal - Covers the fill area with diagonal lines going from upper right to lower left.
* Cross - Covers the fill area with vertical and horizontal lines.
* Diagonal Cross - Covers the fill area with crisscrossing diagonal lines.
* Forward Diagonal - Covers the fill area with diagonal lines going from upper left to lower right.
* Horizontal - Covers the fill area with horizontal lines.
* Vertical - Covers the fill area with vertical
lines.
* Top - Specifies the vertical position of the Round Rectangle object measured in pixels.
* Width - Changes the horizontal dimension of the Round Rectangle object from its initial position to the desired value.
* Height - Changes the vertical dimension of the Round Rectangle
object from its initial position to the desired value.
RapidPlayer Java Player - An Introduction
RapidPlayer Java Player - System Requirements
Starting and Quitting RapidPlayer
RapidPlayer Java Applet - An Introduction
RapidPlayer Java Applet - System Requirements
Downloading RapidPlayer Java Applet v2.2
RapidPlayer Java Player and Java Applet - Limitations
* RapidPlayer Java Player - XStream's Java-based runtime player, which enables users to run Linux .RBX files from a standalone machine or local network path. The RapidPlayer Java Player is included with RapidBuilder for Linux.
* RapidPlayer Java Applet v2.2 - XStream's Java applet player, which enables users to run Windows and Linux .RBX files and .EXM files in a web browser. The RapidPlayer Java Applet setup (japplet22.zip) is available for downloading at XStream's web site (http://www.xstreamsoftware.com/download.htm).
The two playback components are described and explained in the remainder of this chapter.
Figure 6-1: RapidPlayer Java Player
RapidPlayer Java Player is launched from a Linux terminal in order to play .RBX files created with RapidBuilder for Linux.
RapidPlayer Java Player - System Requirements
Starting and Quitting RapidPlayer
RapidPlayer Java Player and Java Applet ( Limitations
* In order to run the Java Player, the user must download and install the Java 2 Runtime environment (i.e., the Java 2 plug-in) from Sun's site using the following URL:
http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.3/jre/download-linux.html
NOTE: The JRE must also be downloaded and installed by any user who installs RapidBuilder for Linux on their machine in order to play any .RBX files that are created.
1. In any terminal, type "rapidplayer", and then press <ENTER>.
NOTE: The terminal command is case-sensitive. It should be entered exactly as specified above without the quotation marks.
To quit RapidPlayer Java Player, perform the following steps:
1. On the Menu Bar, click File | Exit.
OR
Click the Kill button on the upper right-hand corner of the RapidPlayer window.
OR
Press <ALT + F4>.
Figure 6-2: RapidPlayer Menu Bar
NOTE: During editing in RapidBuilder, .RBX files should always be opened from and/or saved to a local hard drive rather than a mapped network drive. However, during playback in RapidPlayer, .RBX files may be opened and played from any location (i.e., locally, over an Intranet, or over the Internet).
* Open URL - Select Open URL to open a Web-based HTML document containing links to .RBX files. This enables you to stream .RBX files over the Internet. Select or enter the URL in the URL text box. Alternatively, you can specify the .RBX file name (e.g., 207.164.35.195/myfile.rbx). Click OK.
* Exit - Select Exit to close RapidPlayer.
* About RapidPlayer - Select About RapidPlayer to display the About RapidPlayer dialog box. Click OK to close the dialog box.
Figure 6-3: RapidPlayer Tool Bar
A. Open
Opens an existing .RBX file for playback.
NOTE: During editing in RapidBuilder, .RBX files should always be opened from and/or saved to a local hard drive rather than a mapped network drive. However, during playback in RapidPlayer, .RBX files may be opened and played from any location (i.e., locally, over an Intranet, or over the Internet).
B. Open URL
Opens a Web page in order to stream an .RBX file over the Internet.
C. Start
Starts playback of the currently opened .RBX file.
D. Help
Opens the RapidPlayer Help file.
E. Exit
Closes RapidPlayer.
Playing from the Hard Drive or Local Network Path
1. Launch RapidPlayer Java Player from the RapidBuilder directory on the Main Menu.
2. From the Menu Bar, select File | Open (or click the Open button on the Tool Bar).
3. Enter or select the desired .RBX file in the File Name text box, and then click OK.
4. From the Menu Bar, select Play | Start (or click the Start button on the Tool Bar). The .RBX file will begin running. Once playback begins, the Playback Bar is displayed by default. When playback finishes, you will be returned to the RapidPlayer interface.
5. To pause playback at any time, press <CTRL + P>. To resume playback, press <CTRL + P> again.
6. To stop playback at any time, click the Kill button on the Playback Bar, or press <ALT + F4>.
1. Launch RapidPlayer Java Player from the RapidBuilder directory on the Main Menu.
2. From the Menu Bar, select File | Open URL (or click the Open URL button on the Tool Bar).
3. In the URL text box, enter or select the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of the desired HTML page. (For example, the URL of the XStream Software Inc. home page is http://www.xstreamsoftware.com).
4. Click OK, and then wait for the HTML page to load.
5. Read the HTML page for information (e.g., menus, links, images, application forms, etc.) regarding the location of the .RBX file you want to run. This information will vary depending on the design and style of the web site. Contact the vendor hosting the web site for instructions about locating the .RBX files.
6. Once the simulation has finished playing, the HTML page will be redisplayed.
7. To close the HTML page and redisplay the RapidPlayer interface, click the Kill button on the HTML document window.
Figure 6-4: Playback Bar
A. Progress Bar - Visually tracks the overall buffering progress.
B. Play - Starts simulation playback.
C. Start Frame - Jumps back to the first frame of the simulation.
D. Previous - Jumps back to the last frame containing captured mouse clicks or keystrokes.
E. Next - Skips forward to the next frame containing captured mouse clicks or keystrokes.
F. Last Frame - Jumps ahead to the last frame of the simulation.
G. Hide - Hides the Playback Bar during playback*.
*NOTE: The hidden Playback Bar may be displayed by pressing <CTRL + S>.
H. Miniature - Reduces the size of the Playback Bar.
I. Kill - Stops simulation playback.
*NOTE: The Java Applet can also play .EXM files, which are multimedia exam files created with RapidExam v1.0 for Windows, XStream's exam-authoring software.
Once installed in a web server directory, the Java Applet enables remote Internet users to click web page hyperlinks to instantly stream .RBX simulations in a web browser. When a user clicks on a web link to run a selected .RBX file, the Java Applet is instantly launched and it immediately begins streaming the file.
RapidPlayer Java Applet - System Requirements
Downloading RapidPlayer Java Applet v2.2
RapidPlayer Java Player and Java Applet - Limitations
* For optimum performance, it is recommended that the Java Applet be executed from machines with a Pentium II or III processor, 400 MHz or higher processing speed, and 64 MB RAM.
* In order to run the Java Applet, the user must download and install the Java 2 Runtime environment (i.e., the Java 2 plug-in) from Sun's site using the following URL:
http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.3/jre/download-linux.html
NOTE: The JRE must also be downloaded and installed by any user who installs RapidBuilder for Linux on their machine in order to play any .RBX files that are created.
To download RapidPlayer Java Applet v2.2, perform the following steps:
1. Go to the following web page: http://www.xstreamsoftware.com/download.htm.
2. The web page provides download links and instructions. Follow the instructions to download the RapidPlayer Java Applet setup (japplet22.zip).
3. Extract the files from japplet22.zip. The following files are present:
* Readme-linux.txt, Readme-linux.doc, Readme-linux.pdf - The Readme-linux file (in .TXT, .DOC, and .PDF formats) contains complete information on the Java Applet, including instructions for setting up the Java Applet on a web server*.
* RapidPlayer2_2.jar (668 KB) - This is the main Java Archive or JAR file that contains the code for the Java Applet.
* jmf.jar (2014 KB) - This is a Java Archive or JAR file for the Java Media Framework, which is used for playing sound and video.
* PlayerApplet.html - This is the HTML file that contains JavaScript code, which launches the applet with the specified RapidBuilder or RapidExam file based on the browser in use.
*NOTE: For complete information on the Java Applet, refer to the Readme-linux file (in .TXT, .DOC, and .PDF format) extracted from japplet22.zip (which may be downloaded from www.xstreamsoftware.com/download.htm).
RapidPlayer Java Player and Java Applet - Limitations
The current RapidBuilder for Linux limitations are as follows:
* Due to audio limitations in Java, the Java Player and Java Applet only support linking to an external sound file via the Background Sound Settings dialog box, or linking to an external sound file in a frame via the Audio File Name frame property.
* The Strikeout option within the Font dialog box for a Text Field or Instruction Box object is not supported. Essentially, if you use this option, it will not work when using the Java Player or Java Applet.
* When playing RapidBuilder files, a Playback Bar can be displayed to the user. The Miniature button on the Playback Bar does not work even though it is displayed (and it cannot be hidden). Essentially, clicking this button has no effect.
* In the Open URL event for a Hyperlink, you must specify a full web address starting with "http://... ". Absolute addresses will not work with the Java Player or Java Applet.
NOTE: The RapidPlayer Java Applet may also be used to play files created in RapidBuilder v2.2 for Windows and RapidExam v1.0 for Windows. In addition to the limitations described above, there are certain features of RapidBuilder v2.2 for Windows and RapidExam v1.0 for Windows that are not currently supported in the Java Applet. For details, refer to the Readme file (in .TXT, .DOC, and .PDF format) extracted from japplet22.zip (which may be downloaded from www.xstreamsoftware.com/download.htm).
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
* Audio Settings - The sound input source, audio format, and other settings that the user specifies before recording a sound clip.
* AVI - Audio Video Interleaved. A multimedia file format for video playback. In AVI, audio and video elements are interleaved (stored in alternate segments) in the file.
* BMP - Bitmap image file.
* Compression - Storing data in a format that requires less space than usual. When the user invokes the Make command to save the session as an RBX file, RapidBuilder applies a compression mechanism that reduces storage requirements by up to 80%.
* CUR - Cursor image file that can be used in the mouse pointer.
* Draw Palette - A palette containing icons that represent the Draw Tools: Select, Line, Rectangle, Ellipse, Round Rectangle and Polyline.
* Dynamically Loaded Text - Text that is loaded from an external text file to a Text Field during simulation playback. Dynamic loading means that the text is only loaded when the Text Field actually appears on the screen and not beforehand.
* EXE file - An executable program file.
* EXM file - XStream's proprietary exam file format. An .EXM file is an interactive, multimedia exam or assessment created with XStream's RapidExam software.
* GNOME - Pronounced guh-nome. GNU Network Object Model Environment. As a part of the GNU project and the open source movement, GNOME is a Windows-like desktop environment that runs on Linux, FreeBSD, IRIX, and Solaris. The main objective of GNOME is to provide a user-friendly suite of applications and an easy-to-use desktop.
* Hyperlink - A button that serves as an interactive link. During playback, a hyperlink can be clicked to navigate to a specific RBX frame, run an external RBX file, open a Web page, display a pop-up message/image, or run sound/video.
* IIS - Internet Information Server.
* Insert Frame - To insert a blank RBX frame immediately to the left of the current frame displayed in the frame viewing area.
* Interactive - Able to accept input from a user. An interactive simulation enables the user to enter data/commands or perform tasks, meaning the simulation can duplicate the functionality of a live application.
* Java applet - A mini application written in Java language. A Java applet can be embedded in an HTML document.
* JPEG - Joint Photographic Experts Group. An image file format used to display high-quality color photographs on screen using various levels of compression.
* Kernel - The essential part of a program or operating system. The kernel performs the basic functions of the program or operating system.
* Kill button -- The "X" button on the upper-right corner of a program window in Linux. The user clicks the Kill button to close the window.
* Mouse Click Object - A moveable, semi-transparent rectangle that represents a captured mouse click in RapidBuilder.
* Mouse Moves - Mouse pointer movements that are recorded during desktop capturing. RapidBuilder captures mouse movements by capturing mouse position information (i.e., mouse coordinates) whenever a screen is captured. During playback, mouse position information will be retrieved, and the mouse pointer will be superimposed onto each frame.
* Multimedia - The presentation and integration of text, graphics, video, sound, and animation.
* RBX file - XStream's proprietary file format for RapidBuilder simulations. Once the user has created a session composed of captured and/or appended frames and edited the content as desired, he/she invokes the Make command to save and compress the frames in an optimized RBX output file.
* Record - See Capture.
* Sound card - An add-on expansion board that improves a computer's sound quality and adds other sound capabilities. A sound card makes it possible to use speakers, a stereo, and a microphone to record and play sound.S
* Swap file - Also called virtual memory. A portion of the hard drive set aside to use when more RAM is needed. Virtual storage is divided into segments called pages; each page is correlated with an address in physical memory. When the address is referenced, the page is swapped into memory; it is sent back to disk when other pages must be called.
* User Actions - Mouse clicks and keystrokes made by the user. User actions can be captured by RapidBuilder.
A captured desktop session may contain captured validation in the form of captured mouse clicks or keystrokes. As the captured session is played back, it will pause whenever it reaches a captured user action. To make playback proceed, the end user must perform the same user action that corresponds with the captured user action. This is known as "validating" the captured user action.
A Validation Field may also be used to validate text inputted by the end user. During editing, the user may specify a string of text for the Validation Field. During playback, the end user must enter the correct text that corresponds with the validation text string.
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