┌────────────────────────────── ──────────────────────────────┐
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│ Past, present and future of ZX WINDOWS │
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│ PROXIUM Dr.Longman │
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└────────────────────────────── ──────────────────────────────┘
I don't know if I could have imagined what my
the idea is to make it easier for yourself to write programs for ZXSp, but now, with
every day I become more and more confident that all my work
which lasted almost two years was not done in vain and will bring a lot
benefits to everyone who programs on Speccy.
┌─┐
│1│ A little history
└─┘Having started programming in codes, I came across a well-known
problem that for programs with more or less intensive exchange
information along the human-computer line, it is necessary to create
some interface that performs all the basic functions for
providing this I/O. And, if not developed
convenient standard, then for each program you will have to repeat
this whole routine again.
It's no secret that the interface completely defines the face
programs, and, to some extent, the programmer. That's why I
decided to write a set of basic procedures that will
all necessary functions for management are implemented
programs. it was decided to stick to the GUI style, i.e.
Graphical User Interface. Without thinking twice, I
dubbed the entire package WINDOWS ZX.
When the first version and test programs were ready, I
met a group of creative people who
I liked my idea, and together we formed a group under
named "OMEN". WINDOWS ZX was renamed to ZX WINDOWS, and it
became our “calling card”.
Due to numerous circumstances, the group "OMEN" has long
no longer exists, and I'm sure that many have decided that ZX WINDOWS
buried with her. This is wrong. Due to composition changes we
changed the name, and worked on improving the ZX WINDOWS I
took it almost completely into my own hands. And here's what comes of it
it worked.
┌─┐
│2│ Brief information about resources and operating principles.
└─┘
The whole idea is based on provisions created by XEROX
back in the early 70s. In short, a programmer, manipulating
a certain number of graphic objects, creates on the screen
user friendly environment. The user, finding himself
surrounded by this environment, feels comfortable, and can
effectively achieve your goal. plays a big role
so-called “intuition”, which allows even without knowing exactly
the purpose of this or that object, its correct use,
based on its appearance.All of these, of course, are largely controversial issues, but
existing systems so far confirm the profitability
using such interfaces to create all kinds of
applications.
So what does the user get?
The set of controls prevents you from getting lost in
heaps of menus, everything is familiar, and works as is customary in
most GUI systems. Finally, it's just beautiful and
looks neat.
What does a programmer get?
With the help of ZX WINDOWS it is very easy to design any
programs, without having to worry about how it moves
cursor, or definitions of where the user has hit. ZX
WINDOWS itself informs the program about all user actions.
There is an opportunity to fully concentrate on
the problem being solved. In this case, the programmer has completefreedom
interface control, right down to creating your own objects.
The interface takes up less than one page.
┌─┐
│3│ About concrete results and plans for the future
└─┘
But if everything is so simple, you say, then why is it almost
We haven't seen anything for two years, not counting the demo version of Fast
Reader?
Of course, much more should be done and as much as possible
earlier. But life places its own emphasis on the questions “what
better" and "as best". If you count how much time I
spent directly on interface development, God willing,
it will take about two and a half months.
So, for example, the working version of "Fast Reader" (compared to
demo - heaven and earth) was ready at the end of summer 199b, and the speech
distribution is only now being discussed.A very useful utility "Crypt Wizard" for
ensuring truly private correspondence on the ZXNet network.
A couple of toys "Deadly Ships" are ready - sea battle on CDOS
modem and "Moon Landing Simulator" - the famous plot of an emergency
landing of the lunar module, with educational information and
photographs. FST created RAM Manager for PROFI - the best way
keep several programs in the machine’s memory at once. Getting ready
a few more projects, for example a control system
ZX WINDOWS applications, something like Program Manager.
In the coming days I am going to go to INFORCOM and offer
Fast Reader and Crypt Wizard kit for distribution. Perhaps
I will agree on the distribution of the ZX WINDOWS kit for
application development. If they are not interested there (in what, I
Actually, I doubt it) then you’ll have to look for other exits.
In any case, I hope everything said will arouse interest and
support. You can send me any feedback and suggestions.
via the Internet, or by calling. I will try to answer everyone.
In the coming days I am going to go to INFORCOM and offer
Fast Reader and Crypt Wizard kit for distribution. Perhaps
I will agree on the distribution of the ZX WINDOWS kit for
application development. If they are not interested there (in what, I
Actually, I doubt it) then you’ll have to look for other exits.
In any case, I hope everything said will arouse interest and
support. You can send me any feedback and suggestions.
via the Internet, or by calling. I will try to answer everyone.
Sincerely yours: Dr. Longman
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