Backdrop Plus v1.2
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copyright 1996 Stand Alone, Inc. & Ben Gottlieb


* What's it do?
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	Backdrop Plus is an alternative to the NotePad as the backdrop, or background, application for the Newton. With the NotePad closed, you save as much as 10k in heap (similar to RAM on a desktop machine.) This means that you can have more extensions and applications loaded at once, and you will get fewer memory-related problems and restarts.

Each loaded application or extension takes up a small amount of heap. Since the NotePad is not used all the time, closing it when not used means there's more heap available the rest of the time. 

You should usually try to keep your heap above 35-40k after a restart (it will drop lower as you use your Newton. This is normal.)


* What's in this archive?
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	There are three Newton software packages and three text files in
this archive. They are:
	* BackDrp+.txt	document you're now reading. 'Nuff said.
	* BackDrp+.pkg	software package you'll install on your Newton.
	* SASReg.pkg	software package you'll install on your Newton to
					enter the password you get when you register 
					Backdrop Plus.
	* Register.txt	read me file describing the Register software.
	* Register.pkg	software package you can install on your Newton
					to use Register, which will allow you to pay for 
					Backdrop Plus via email.
	* SAStuff.txt	A list of all Stand Alone products.

* Installing Backdrop Plus
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	First off, you must get the Backdrop Plus software package onto your
Newton. You can do this using the Newton Backup Utility. See the 
documentation that came with the NBU for more information on installing packages.

* Using Backdrop Plus
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	When you first install Backdrop Plus, a window will open asking if you'd like to make it the backdrop application. Tap "Make Backdrop", and your NotePad will close, to be replaced with Backdrop Plus.

	To remove Backdrop Plus from your Newton, you must first make sure it is not the Backdrop application. If you do not see Backdrop Plus in your Extras drawer, select the Notes icon (by tapping and holding on its icon until it squeaks) and choose ÒMake BackdropÓ from the routing (envelope) button at the bottom of the drawer. You can now scrub out the Backdrop Plus icon as normal.


* Using the Icon Dock
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	The Icon Dock is the area at the bottom of the screen. To add an icon to the dock, you can either drag it from the Extras drawer (to do this, the drawer cannot be full screen in size) onto the Backdrop Plus application (NOT its icon in the Extras Drawer), or you can select it in the Apps list. To select an application in the Apps list, tap the Info button at the bottom of the Backdrop Plus screen and tap ÒEdit App ListÓ. This will bring up a list of all applications. Tapping on an application's right most check box will add it to the dock. Tapping its left checkbox will add it to the Apps button (see ÒAdding to the Apps ButtonÓ). To remove an application from the dock, simply uncheck its checkbox in the list. Alternatively, you can tap and hold on an icon in the Dock for a second, and a dialog will open asking if you want to remove the icon from the Dock.

NOTE: It is possible to add Extensions to the list (autoparts, or icons with a cube picture. These are not normal applications, and are handled differently.) These are normally stored in the Extensions folder of the Extras drawer. If they are not filed, there, they will show up in the Apps list. Simply ignore them.

* Using the Apps List
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	To add an icon to the Apps list (the list of applications that pops up when you tap the ÒAppsÓ button), tap the Info button at the bottom of the Backdrop Plus screen and tap ÒEdit App ListÓ. This will bring up a list of all applications. Tapping on an application's right most check box will add it to the dock (see ÒAdding to the DockÓ) and tapping its left checkbox will add it to the Apps list. To remove an application from the list, simply uncheck its checkbox in the list.

NOTE: It is possible to add Extensions to the list (autoparts, or icons with a cube picture. These are not normal applications, and are handled differently.) These are normally stored in the Extensions folder of the Extras drawer. If they are not filed, there, they will show up in the Apps list. Simply ignore them.

* Other Buttons
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	The buttons at the bottom of the screen are, from left to right, top to bottom:
	
¥ÊVolume: This gives a graphic representation of the current sound level. Tapping on it pops up a list of volumes. Tapping and holding on it will mute the volume (set it to zero).

¥ Quick Note: Tap on this to instantly open a sheet of note paper for jotting down some information. This note is then saved to your notepad upon closing the window. To delete the note, tap the trash can in the lower left. Tap and hold this button for a list of available note types.

¥ NotePad: Tap this button to open the notepad. Tap and hold on it to popup a list of all NotePad folders. Tapping on one will open the NotePad to that folder.

¥ Info Button: Tap this to enter your prefs, learn more about Backdrop Plus, access this help screen, or enter your password.

¥ Rotate: Tap this button to rotate the Newton screen. Tap and hold on it to restart the Newton.

¥ÊExtras Folders: Tap this button to popup a list of all Extras Drawer folders. Tap on one to open the Extras Drawer to that folder. Tap and hold this button to put the Newton to sleep.


* Customizing the display
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	To customize your display, tap on the info button and select Prefs. In this screen you can enter your company name (up to two lines,) your name, and any additional information you choose. You can also set the text style, font, and size for each of these areas.


* Registering Backdrop Plus
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	The registration fee for Backdrop Plus is $25. However, should you register another Stand Alone product at the same time, we'll give you $5 off. In addition, if you register Package Popup and Backdrop Plus, we'll give them both to you for $30 (if you've already registered Package Popup, we can give you $5 off then as well.)

	You have a 30 day trial period in which to examine Backdrop Plus, 
during which it will function fully. Should you wish to register, 
you'll need to do one of the following:

	* Call us and pay using Visa or Mastercard. We can give you a 
		password right over the phone: instant gratification!

	* Send us a check for $25 to:
		Stand Alone
		1146 Morse Ave., #3C
		Chicago, IL, 60626, USA
		
	* Using CompuServe, GO SWREG and register ID #9566.
	
	* Using Flash Sheridan's Register program (enclosed in the Backdrop Plus
archive) and either NewtonMail (built into the Newton) or Catamount
Software's Aloha (shareware, $50, for more info, contact Catamount at
info@catamount.com).
		Open up Register, fill in the application (Backdrop Plus:SAS), 
the	amount ($25), and your credit card information, and email it.

	However you register, PLEASE be sure to include an email address
(it's not vital, but it will result in MUCH speedier service) and 
your name, as entered in the Owner Info section of your Newton. 
This is used to generate the password we send you to unlock Backdrop Plus, 
so it has to be exact.

	Once you register, you will receive a password from us. To use it,
tap the 'i' button and select "Enter Password". Enter the password into the window that appears, and you'll be registered. Should you ever install a newer version of Backdrop Plus, this password will be saved, so there's no need to re-enter it (unless you completely erase your Newton.)

We can customize Backdrop Plus with your company logo for $30 (total cost: $55.) You can see a sample of this by setting your name to ÒBen GottliebÓ in your prefs, and a customized display will be shown. To get rid of it, set the name back to your name.

* Contacting us
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	If you have any questions regarding Backdrop Plus, or any other Stand 
Alone Newton application, please don't hesitate to contact us:

	Email:
		internet: 	info@standalone.com (<-- preferred)
		AOL: 		Std Alone
		eWorld: 	Gottlb
		CompuServe:	76342,3057
		
	Phone:
		Voice: 		(312) 262-5150
		Fax:		(312) 262-5148
		
	Regular Mail:
		Stand Alone
		1146 Morse Ave., #3C
		Chicago, IL, 60626, USA
	
	World Wide Web: 
      http://www.standalone.com/newton."		

* Version History
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1.2 Mar 14, 1996		Tweaks and bug fixes:
							¥ÊStationery is more comprehensive
							¥ Can title notes
							¥ÊCan remove icons by tapping and holding
							¥ÊNew logo (Newton)
							
1.0	Feb 15, 1996		First public release