                            Linux ANSI Draw
(open to suggestions for a better name tho I kinda like LA Draw.  Sad pun hmm)
                         Copyright 1995 by choc.

Version:$Revision: 0.7 $


Disclaimer crap

This version is considered an -ALPHA- release.  This means it may not be 
stable.  You have been warned.  I am not liable for any damage caused by 
the use of this program.

This release is for testing purposes only - later releases will probably 
be distributed with full source under the GPL but at the moment I wish to 
withhold the code from the general public because I am a mean bastard 
BWAHAHAHAHA.  Feel free to distribute this version.  (No you are not 
allowed to modify it in any way).

*THERE WILL BE BUGS*  this version should be used for testing purposes only.


Documentation

There is none.  Go write some.  Seriously though, the help should be 
sufficient, particularly as it is quite similar in design to another, dos 
based ansi program.  (hint:  la draw.. la.. the.. hmmm never mind).

This program was written in approximately 9 days.  Yes, that makes the 
code very dodgy.

BTW, this program is designed for use on linux console and linux console 
only.  It will probably work with any serial terminal that supports 
escape prefix meta keys (as opposed to 8th bit meta keys),  and as an 
added bonus it should port fairly easily to any POSIX un*x (assuming they 
support pc character set - yes that's right it uses the standard pc 
character set.  no vt100 char gfx set here).


Planned extensions

block movement
pretty boxes like that other err ansi program for dos hmm
mouse support
preeety gfx viewing of ansis
-possibly- direct keyboard control instead or esc-prefix meta keys only
load/save file requester things with funny happy boxy things (hmm...)
convert to c++ to make it all neat and happy
make it look pretty (someone is working on this already)

if anyone has any info on linux mouse support and ESPECIALLY changing 
text modes (I know there's a syscall and presumably an ioctl to change 
the kernel's idea of the screen size - any info on that - in fact DOES 
ANYONE HAVE ANY DOCO ON LINUX IOCTLS AND TERMIOS SETTINGS?? :)


Feedback

If you wish to contact me for any reason, preferably bug reports and
feedback on the program (hate mail, flames, letter bombs, nasty internet
worm viruses etc > /dev/null), I can be reached at Apocalypse BBS
+61-6-292-1256 (that's 06-292-1256 within australia) or -temporarily- via
the net at suenott@ozemail.com.au (no, my name is not Sue..).  THIS
ADDRESS WILL CHANGE SOON - if anyone has any thoughts as to which
newsgroup updates regarding my address/the program in general should go in
feel free to mail.  Assuming anyone cares. 


About the author

I'm broke, I run a linux bbs (isn't that a synonym for broke anyway..), I
hate irc and I think the WWW is for people who can't use unix.  (Did
anyone hear microsloth copyrighted the name "Web"?  grrrrrr down with the
foul oppression of dos, up with the holy shining white light that is
linux).  Naturally, all monetary donations welcome. 

I am currently also working on a Linux BBS system - a decent one, not one 
of these pansy 7bit vt100 b&w pieces of shit.  Anyone interested in 
helping, the address is above.  (coded in c++...)

And no you won't find me on #ansi.

