Amiga.org
Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Desktop Audio and Video => Topic started by: LordSpunky on May 27, 2010, 11:02:24 PM
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Well, we are cooking now! On gas!
My A1200 now has a Amigakit 4GB CF-IDE, my 8MB RAM, and a Serial Null Modem link to my WinXP Laptop.
After installing WB3.1, and all my LHA, Installer, and WHDLoad files I'm feeling brave, I want to pimp my desktop.
Where can I get stuff and what is out there? Aminet maybe an answer but I can't see it before?
I keep seeing program 'docks' on the bottom of 3.9 pictures, can I run something like that?
I want to be able to get to some programs and games quicker without going rummaging through my draws :roflmao:
I used to have a better menu system but can't find again! Thanks in advance
Tris
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I used to use Tools Daemon for frequently used applications. That and leaving crap out all over my workbench :)
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If you haven't already, check out the 'This Old Workbench" episodes/blogs. Lots of good info in there on various mods to make to WB. They're a bit dated in terms of age, but I don't think much of their content has changed, except maybe version numbers.
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I use Tools Daemon for quick access to my programs:
http://aminet.net/package/util/boot/ToolsDaemon21a (http://aminet.net/package/util/boot/ToolsDaemon21a)
Make sure you download this as well because the built in menu editor of tools daemon confuses the hell out of me:
http://aminet.net/package/util/wb/TDPrefs2 (http://aminet.net/package/util/wb/TDPrefs2)
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Customise DOpus and use ToolsDaemon. Also design your own icons for drawers you leave-out on the Workbench.
PS ToolsDaemon works by dropping apps into the interface screen of the program so you can link many progs from the dropdown menu from your Workbench screen.
scuzz
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install IconBeFast&BlazeWCP from Aminet or install new graphics.library from Aminet too.
Use MagicWB icons: they save up ram and don't require extra cpu power. Directories with many newicons/glowicons will take much longer time to load even if newicons author claims to have written very fast routines. SwazInfo or something like that may be useful to have an improved "info" tool that allows you to update icons using drag'n'drop. Some tool to lock first 8 colours may be handy
Install MUI and ClassAct, as specially the first one is required by a lot of apps. Directory Opus 4.x is a must.
Don't forget SnoopDos to discover why some programs fail and what libraries do they require.
KingCon is a must if you are going to use Amiga Shell as it allows auto-completion and other goodies.
Update picture.datatype, you can take it from picasso96. Perhaps you need updated datatypes.library, I can't remember
Install AK-Datatypes. These are fast and free.
Use ToolsDaemon because Amidock and other docks don't integrate well with AmigaOS and just bloat the system. ToolsDaemon is the best since sliced bread :-D
For games you should install "iGame" as it makes game loading much more comfortable than browsing directories from WB and will even show you a nice preview if you want. It requires some extra libraries and MUI MCCs available on http://www.aminet.net
Download PPaint from Aminet to prepare your backgrounds... it's better you resize and dither your background pictures to match WB resolution. Keep various versions in your HD in case you want to update them. Anyway keep in mind that using small tiled backgrounds is much more effective with your config.
Install some app to bring windows to front double-clicking them. MultiCX for example allows that although there are other options (with the system a commodity called "clicktofront" is included but it just uses a single click like Windows, something very annoying for Amiga users. Avoid multi-patches like MultiCX or MCP.
Install "Meridian" from guido mersmann if you use a mouse with a 3rd button or a wheel. Assign gestures to switch screens and enjoy :-)
Install CBM Installer if you don't have it :-D
Install SmartFileSystem and use it for your work partition. If you have created a single big unique partition forget it and create at least 2 partitions... we amigans love partitions and keep in mind that it's better to lose a partition than lose the complete HD.
Make a backup of your RDB. It could save your life.
Download fat95 and some pcmcia drivers to use compactflash/sd adapters as it's a comfortable way to install new data. Check out if your ram card as a jumper to set 4MB instead of 8MB and prepare a cable to be able to switch when the computer power off. This will allow you to have access to PCMCIA as 95% of A1200 ram cards with 8MB block pcmcia access (I never saw the remaining 5% with my own eyes but I have read in amiga.resource.cx that certain models are compatible, perhaps it's a mistake and if it does then add it to the 95%)
Download some Demos from Amiga Demoscene Archive like Nexus7 and enjoy your A1200 :-D
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I was lazy and just installed this (http://classicwb.abime.net/). After 16 years away I would never have been able to get to this kind of installation from stock WB 3.1 disks. Pretty much most of the stuff crumb described is included.
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+1 for ClassicWB - I run it on an A3000 and A4000 and used to run it on my A1200...
It's very well set up and has lots of useful stuff already configured.
Mike.
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I notice you've got your a1200 connected to your XP box via a Null modem cable....do you use this just for file transfer or for TCP/IP over serial aswell?
I plan to get a network card for my A2000 but in the mean time I'm going to try and get TCP/IP over serial working.
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Wow! Thanks chaps, I knew there must be stuff to install and download to pimp it up! I'll have a look around....
@MelbourneBen......I use the Null cable to transfer files I've downloaded across to the A1200 using AmigaExplorer from AmigaForever. I warn you it is slow! A network card would be a better option, but I didn't know what PCMCIA Ethernet card I could but that I could find drivers for .....apart from AmigaKit one which I cant afford at the moment, I will get the Easy ADF kit so I can transfer files quicker
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This page has a list of compatible PCMCIA network cards - http://www.g-mb.de/pcmcia_e.html
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Cool! I'll search ebay later, been thinking that maybe I'm better to get an PCMCIA ethernet card over the ADF kit, that way I can transfer files AND go on the net! At the moment I can only do one option
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Do you have any idea how easy it is to pull one card out and plug the other one in? You can do it while the Amiga is still running, so why try choosing between the two? Get both!
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Upgrade to 3.9 if you don't have a new machine.
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cool giving them all a little go cheers