AutoBoot

by Richard Holland


AutoBoot, for RISC OS 3.50 and later, is a handy utility that makes adding applications and files to your !Boot application a breeze.

The !Boot application, which is used to store software and system resources that are accessed or run whenever the computer initialises, features a complex directory structure that makes life difficult for anyone trying to customise it for their own use. AutoBoot allows you to add and remove programs and resources without the need to delve into the actual !Boot application structure.

Installation
Copy the !AutoBoot application to a convenient place on your hard disc, then copy !Boot over the top of your existing !Boot. DO NOT delete the original copy of !Boot !

Using AutoBoot
Double-click on the !AutoBoot icon to open its main window.

To add an application or file to AutoBoot:
1. Drag it to the drop icon at the top of the main AutoBoot window.
2. Edit its name in the Name field if you wish. This will be the name used to refer to it in AutoBoot's menu.
3. Select whether you want the application or file to be loaded at power-on (Load), or just to show it to the filer (Boot). The latter is useful for allowing recognition of filetypes etc.
4. Click on Update.

To remove an application or file from AutoBoot:
1. Bring up the menu to the right of the Name field.
2. Select the application or file's name in there.
3. Click on Remove.

To alter the startup action of an application or file:
1. Bring up the menu as for removing.
2. Select the application or file's name.
3. Edit the data on screen as you wish.
4. Click on Update.

You can also load or boot programs on the spot from within AutoBoot. Just bring them up on the menu as before, and click on the relevant icon in the window (Boot now or Load now).

Saving
To save changes you have made to your AutoBoot list, just click on Save and the changes will be made permanent. The main AutoBoot window will then close. You can also close the window and forget any changes made by clicking on Cancel.

If something goes wrong...
You can clear out the data stored if something goes seriously wrong or you lose track of things. Just turn on the Force option and turn off the Newer option in the filer's Options menu, then reinstall the program. This will restore the settings to the state when you first installed it.

Copyright  RISC User magazine 1997
