LASER GRAPHICS PROGRAM DOCUMENTATION FILE This graphics package provides an easy means of generating data plots. To use this software, copy all of the files into a sub-directory on your hard disk. It is best to create a separate subdirectory for these programs. Then unpack the programs from the archived LG_EXE*.ZIP files. You will need to use PKUNZIP or an equivalent program to do this. After uncompressing the files, type INSTALL and answer all questions. The programs will then be installed and ready to use. Type in PLOTHELP and read the OVERVIEW topic, and then run the demo program by typing in DEMO. Then run some of the example plots as directed in PLOTHELP topic EXAMPLES. Beyond this brief introduction, read the printed documentation and the help files. If you have also downloaded the LG_DOC*.ZIP files, you may uncompress them and print the manual using an HP Laserjet. To print the files, do not use the PRINT command; instead copy the files to the printer using the copy command: COPY /B G3*.HP LPT1: Do not omit the /B option! If you do, the files will be incompletely printed. Be forewarned that the documentation is over 100 pages long, and includes example plots imbedded in the document. It will take 20 minutes or more to print. Note that the documentation files are also in .zip form and must be unzipped. Function: To generate plots of various types. System requirements: PC or compatible, Graphics screen: CGA, EGA, VGA, or HGC Memory: 512 K or more Printer: Epson 8 or 24 pin C. Itoh Prowriter HP Laserjet Dos: Version 3.0 or higher Math Coprocessor: Not necessary, but used if present Hard disk: Required Plot types: Single line plots Multiple line plots Three dimensional perspective plots X-Y plots Polar Plots Scatter diagrams Vector diagrams Output: High resolution plot generation (up to approximately 2400 by 3000 pixels) Low resolution screen dumps Save screen plots to disk file Plot disk files compatible with some word processors Additional Features: Gallery program to review previously generated plots Hidden line removal on three dimensional plots Optional axis auto-scaling Optional user-defined axis numbering and tic marks Automatic conversion to log scale Automatic error bars Split screens (multiple plots per page) Disk paging if bit-map is too large for RAM Support for Hewlett-Packard Laserjet format soft-fonts Can be used as graphics driver Advantages: The programs are simple enough to plot a data file with a single command, yet powerful enough to generate very high-quality plots on a laser printer. Virtually all plot characteristics may be user defined, but default settings are included so that the user does not need to bother with unnecessary details. All plot commands may be entered on the DOS command line. This allows a string of plot commands to be put in a batch file for execution without requiring constant user intervention. Disadvanteges: Slow operation for some plots: For high-resolution plots, the number of pixels which must be handled can be tremendous. For example, a 2000 by 2500 pixel laser printer plot will have five million pixels which must be accounted for. On a basic 4.77 Mhz 8088 computer, handling this many pixels can take an annoyingly long time. Even for a low-resolution plot, a large data file and slow disk drive will slow things down. Relatively steep "learning curve": the software was written to be very easy to use. This was accomplished at the expense of making it less easy to learn. It is hoped that the help files and demo will ease the novice's difficulties. Liability: The software is provided as is; the authors assume no liability for any problems or expenses arising from its use or misuse. Documentation: On-line help files Printed documentation will be sent to registered users Licensing: Any user, registered or not, may use and distribute this software at will, provided: 1) the software is not modified, 2) no part of the software is sold for a charge exceeding a nominal copying charge. When copying the software, please distribute only the original archived files (LG*.ZIP) and this file (LG_READ.ME). This ensures that all users will obtain a full working copy. Registration: If you find this software to be useful, a $49 contribution will be appreciated. Users contributing this amount will receive the next update of Laser Graphics. Registration may be mailed to: J. M. Baden 1500 Mill Creek Court Marietta GA 30060 When registering, please specify the following: 1) Laser Graphics version you presently have 2) Preferred disk media for update (5.25" 360K or 1.2M, or 3.5" 720K or 1.44M). 3) Your address