<html>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>Weaver README</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY>
<center><H1>
The Weaver README
</H1>
<h3>Version 3.0 --  for  BeOS R4 --PPC and Intel</h3>
<h3>August 1999</h3>
</center>

This package is a release of the <i>main</i> Weaver program, with
associated common modules and documentation, only.  It is intended to overlay
an existing (BeOS R4 or later compatible) installation of the MusicWeaver
and/or the StreamWeaver [but <i>read</i> the <B>Installation</B> section below!].
(It can also be fired up on its own if you just want to get an idea of how
it works, but it can't do much useful by itself.)
<P>
Version 3.0 of the Weaver is the first major upgrade of the main program
in a considerable while.<BR>
("3.0" is the version of the program itself:
don't confuse with the release numbers of the other suites.)

<CENTER>====================</CENTER>
<P>
Release Notes are below.
All other docs are in the Documentation folder.  Here are a couple of links
for this core package:
<H4>
<A HREF="Documentation/Weaver.html">Main Documentation</A></H4>
<H4>Module Descriptions:</H4>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<A HREF="Documentation/Universal.html">Universal Modules</A>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<A HREF="Documentation/TestModules.html">"Test" Modules</A>
<P><BR> 

<CENTER>====================</CENTER>
<BR><BR>
<H2>Release Notes </H2>
New capabilities and features in version 3.0:
<P>
Probably the most important enhancement is the ability for you to build a
'<B>Composite Element</B>' as a sub-diagram from existing modules. This can then
be placed multiple times in other diagrams just like any other module.
A very simple 'Composite Example' configuration file is included to demonstrate
the basic idea.
<P>
You can <B>Replace</B> an element already in a diagram with a compatible one simply
by dropping the replacement on top of the original.
<P>
You can <B>Rotate</B> an element to face in a desired direction
(as long as it has no current connections).
<P>
You can change the <B>Route</B> followed by a Link path by specifiying the
points you wish it to go through.
<P>
For completeness, <B>links</B> can be <B>labelled</B> in the same way as elements now.
This may help make a diagram more understandable to others.
<P>
Online <B>Help</B> is now included.  So far, this only covers the main Weaver program
and the common modules.  
<P>
A Diagram's size and position are now preserved in a configuration file. [About
time...!]
<P>
Minor improvements:<BR>
The info window (that reports errors and so on) now resizes itself to match
its contents; it does not take focus, and always shows up in the current
workspace when its is invoked.<BR>
The 'About' box used to be somewhat modal (like other alerts); it is no longer
(but is perhaps rather prettier!).
<P>
<P>
<P><BR>
<H3>Compatibility</H3>
Weaver 3.0 runs under BeOS R4 or later (Intel and PPC).  This version can
simply replace the same components of an earlier installation [but see below].
<P>
All of the MusicWeaver and StreamWeaver modules that run under BeOS R4 and
later behave in a 3.0 diagram exactly as they did before.  The new features
described above can all be used with them, except that of course Help is not
available yet.
<P>
Diagrams created under previous versions remain compatible.
<P>
<P><BR>
<H3>Installation -- Getting the right Icons!</H3>
In theory, this package should install directly over an earlier version,
but unfortunately there is a severe deficiency in the current Tracker in
that it <i>never</i> on its own sees icons for new supported types added
to an existing application!  Unless action is taken, you will only ever see
a generic icon for the new 'Composite' type.
<P>
A short fix-up script "Update Tracker" has been included to put things right.
Double-click on this to automatically fix the database and then restart
Tracker.  It puts up an Alert before each step, but neither is dangerous,
so just respond 'OK' each time.  You will probably have to reopen the Weaver
drawer afterward, but you should then see all the correct icons.
<P>
(You may want to do this even if it is a virgin installation.  The Tracker
has always had trouble getting around to showing the icons of supported types
-- probably not until the next reboot -- but this script will make them
visible immediately.)
<P>

<CENTER>====================</CENTER>


<BR><BR><I>
The documentation, the Weaver program, and all associated modules, are Copyright 1997-1999 by Peter J. Goodeve.  All rights are reserved.  For details, see:
<A HREF="Documentation/Weaver.html#Distribution">Copyright and Distribution</A></I>
<P>

</body>
</html>
