Hints and Tips
Screen size
To change a theme from say, 1024 x 768, to 800 x 600, all you need to do is resize the backgound. Then it is a simple matter to change the HTML to resize the text and GIFs.
Adding new APPS
You can save a lot of time setting up a new DOS application with "A" desktop by making the .OOK file first. Then try to execute it from the Arachne file manager to make sure it will run OK. Note the path that is shown in Arachne's browser window (where URL addresses are shown) and use that as the path when you create the icon on your desk page. For example FILE:C:/DESK/OOPS/xxx.OOK
Shutdown
I wanted a shutdown for my ATX machine. It works from the DOS prompt through X.BAT, which is:
C:\ATXOFF.COM
ATXOFF.COM is available HERE. X.BAT is placed in C:\ARACHNE
To shutdown, I type [alt+x] to exit Arachne, then X [enter] to shutdown. Almost as fast as a power failure.
GEM desktop
I got GEM/3 to run under Arachne, but only with FreeDOS. Gives you a free Publisher as well as those below.
FreeGEM
FreeGEM application suite.
An APM that will allow Arachne to access ICQ can be downloaded.
I made this fire to fit
in the cabin fireplace HERE.
A simple screen rotator
Say you have made three nice desktop themes and want them to change when you start your machine. ROTATE.BAT can placed in autoexec or A.BAT can be modified as below.
@echo off
c:
cd desk
cd images
REN back.gif back6.gif
If you only wanted to change the background, use BACK.BMP instead of DESK. Or you could do both. If there are four backgrounds and three foregrounds, that would give 12 combinations. However, each HTM could be assigned to a different set of backgounds, giving unlimited combinations.