PaperScroll
Bill Reid, 2003
bill_reid@bigfoot.com
http://billreid.cjb.net/

Paperscroll is a unique little wallpaper tool designed to be integrated into the desktop to provide quick and easy wallpaper changes to a desktop monitor, stylized layout or other "arranged" desktop.

Warranty:
As is.  No guarantees, no support, no nothing.  It's just compiled code that you can use if you deem appropriate.  It was reasonably tested on my own equipment/setup, but that doesn't mean it will work for you. Don't play with things if you aren't willing to accept the risk of something not working.

Requires:
-Visual Basic 6.0 runtimes, likely already present on your Windows system.
-Some thoughtfulness in setup

Method:

I designed PaperScroll to appear within my desktop layout.  I wanted some sort of wallpaper browser in my desktop monitor (I use Samurize) since I like a frequent change of view, but couldn't find any alternatives.  So this app cometh.  

All settings for the app are within Paperscroll.ini.  You need to make a few changes in this file before running the application:

=================================================================================

[PaperScroll]

WallDirectory = the path to your set of wallpapers.  The app looks for .bmp, .jpg and .gif files within this folder.  Sorry, no .png support yet.  The app is slow loading and memory hogging with a lot of images, so I'd suggest a relatively small picture directory - maybe 10-15 screen sized images or so.  Let your machine's performance and specs be the judge. I've pushed it to at least 800 in trials, but performance was decidedly unacceptable as a regular occurance. 

ScrollTick = controls the scrolling speed.  Higher numbers roll the wallpapers by in larger chunks, but the higher you set it, the more choppy the animation.  1 is the smoothest and slowest scroll.  0 will prevent it from scrolling at all.  Negative numbers will cause you grief.

[HostDimensions]

Top, Left, Width, and Height refer to pixel measurements.  Position with top & left, size with width & height.  

=================================================================================

With those changes in place, you can now run PaperScroll.exe.  Your wallpapers should load up horizontally in an appropriately sized, borderless window.  The little white tabs in each corner scroll left and right.  Double clicking a wallpaper image sets it as your desktop wallpaper. Right clicking the app gives you a popup menu with an About and Exit menu.  Simple as that.

To get around Windows antiquated .bmp wallpaper requirements, the app saves a copy of the picture summoned as PSPaper.bmp within the install directory.  Don't delete this file if you regularly use the program.

Future Development:

If this app generates enough interest, I'd consider:
- Adding PNG support
- Adding vertical orientation support
- Skinning the little tabs
- Your suggestions

Closure:

If you like the app, I wouldn't mind an Email sometime.  But it's by no means required.
