sMESS 0.2 beta 11.18.99

improvements over 0.1 beta...

mess.cfg options supported
supports different settings per system
full screen via directx
alias support
resides in its own directory
cleaner graphics

How to use:
the smess directory can be anywhere, just set the path to the mess directory (NOT the mess.exe) in sMESS.ini
to set up a system rom extension, set the character length (2 or 3, ie .gg/.sms), how many different extensions there are, and lastly, the extension itself
example:

romextlength=3
extfilters=1
extfilter1=bin

to set up your aliases, first define the number of aliases you are using, then define JUST THE ALIAS NAME (you must also define them in your mess.cfg as normal)

example of smess.ini

[coleco]
aliases=4
alias1=cabbage patch kids
alias2=the smurfs
alias3=montezumas revenge
alias4=zaxxon

example of mess.cfg:

[coleco]
Zaxxon=zaxxon.rom
the smurfs=smurf.rom
montezumas revenge=montezuma.rom
cabbage patch kids=cabbag~1.rom



known problems...

be warned, still lots to do...
preliminary alias support through ini file (while the edit controls are in the gui, don't use them just yet, they'll screw up your aliases)
currently the string parser is very weak & craps out when a system has BOTH 3 char. extensions & 2 chars
gamegear works now...
for screenshots to work, there must be a named system dir in the 'snaps' folder(ie: c:\mess\snaps\coleco\smurfs.pcx)
only pcx support for screenshots at the moment : (
not all the "skins" are done yet, I started with systems in my collection : )
hmmm, documentation?
you will need to set the properties of mess to "close on exit" through the windows properties of mess.exe
sliders in cfg not "hooked up" yet (volume, beam, flicker etc)
min/maximize not yet working
don't edit aliases through the gui yet! (i have something "flipped" in my code)

Why only pcx?
Why read the ini files so strangely?
Why this?
Why that?

Ok, here's my best shot at a disclaimer:
First, I'm not a coder!  
This was written with an authoring tool (MultimediaMediaFusion) While the app is very powerfull, it has limitations (as my coding)
If I COULD code (I'm learning) I would attempt to improve some of the mess drivers.   i feel like the type of person that gets cartoons written about them.....
My original intent was to just make mess easier for myself to use (i love screenshots!)
I offer this app out in thanks to the whole mess team whom i bow down to in their skill & generosity
I welcome suggestions & of course bug complaints
For those who did ask for options etc. did i get em all?

requests:
any good sites with pictures of the systems that have missing graphics, send em over to me
send bug reports, quirks, etc! this release may need it :(


really need to do some docs!

Latest updates can be found at http://www.mistysnow.com

You can contact me at alexramsay@home.com