Fortune Install Notes

   The fortune program displays your, err... let's say fortune! :) It actually displays random text messages that can be sometimes funny, sometimes sad, sometimes offensive or dull and stupid. However, the program has access to over 13100 different text messages!

   The program should be considered a 'toy' and has no other purpose than to amuse the user. It is FREEWARE (like every program should be) :)

   The text (all the 13100 fortunes) come from the original Linux version of 'fortune'. The text has been compiled into the (large) fortune.dat file. Unfortunately I don't know who was the initiator of the project or to whom the text belongs, but I can't take credit for what isn't mine! There also might be spelling errors or omissions in your fortunes. I can't be held responsible for those ones!

   What I did was the exe file witch allows you to 'use' the fortunes.

   But enough talk. Here's some important info!

To use the fortune program, just unzip the program into a directory and run fortune.exe (or fortune32.exe)

Features:

• access to over 13100 different fortunes (I think I mentioned it already!)

• virus detector*

• customizable output

• small size and low on memory usage

* The program has a built in check that will signal if your system is infected with an exe virus. (However it will not disinfect the virus or tell you what virus it is. Use a professional AntiVirus to get rid of any nasty code crawler!)

There are two exe files with this package: fortune.exe is the DOS executable and fortune32.exe is intended for Win32 environments.

Because of persistent bugs, fortune32.exe takes no parameters and just displays a random fortune message. None of fortune.exe's switches will work with fortune32.exe. Sorry! Maybe next version will have a graphical interface!

Usage:

If you run the program by double clicking on it, it will display a random fortune. However, if you get down to a command line (Start -> Run -> command.com) you can get more from it

Examples:

fortune /f486 /v   will display fortune number 486 in verbose mode.

fortune /s /v   will display only a short fortune in verbose mode.

fortune /s /f486   will display fortune 486 only if it is short.

You can also redirect the fortune text form the screen to a file. Examples:

fortune >> fortune.txt           will send the output to fortune.txt

fortune /s >> fortune.txt     will send the output of a small fortune to fortune.txt

fortune32 >> fortune.txt     will NOT work properly and shouldn't be used!

Windows integration:

Let's say that you like the program and you would like to see a new fortune every time you start Windows. Because I want the same thing, I've created a batch file to do this. All you have to do is create a shortcut in your StartUp folder to point to [path]\fortune.bat where [path] is the path to the fortune program (e.g.: C:\Fortune; C:\Games\Fortune; D:\My Stuff\Things\Misc\Fortune). 

Don't know how to create a shortcut? Follow these easy steps:

1. Open Windows Explorer and switch to your Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp folder.

2. Select File->New->Shortcut from the menu.

3. Enter the location of fortune.bat (e.g.. C:\Fortune\fortune.bat; C:\Games\Fortune\fortune.bat; D:\My Stuff\Things\Misc\Fortune\fortune.bat). If you don't know the exact path, choose Browse and find the file yourself. Click Next.

4. Type a name for the shortcut. You can leave the default fortune.bat name.

5. Click Finish and you're done.

You should also configure the bat file to run minimized and close on exit. To do this follow these steps:

1. Open Windows Explorer and switch to your Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp folder. (or don't do this if you're already there!) :)

2. Right click the fortune.bat shortcut (or whatever you named it) and choose Properties.

3. Click the Program tab and check Close on exit. In the Run combo box select Minimized. 

4. Click Ok.

Now, every time you start Windows, a new fortune will pop-up to the screen. If you are using Windows 2000 or XP, this method will not work. Unfortunately I don't have a solution for you, but e-mail me so I can send you a customized fortune32.exe that will work.

Disclaimer 

This program is distributed AS IS. This means that Mad_Ady CAN'T BE HELD RESPONSIBLE for the MALFUNCTIONING, MISUSE, or ANY ERRORS generated by this software. If you don't agree with this, DO NOT use the software. Using the software means that your understand and agree to this disclaimer.

This program is freeware and can be distributed freely through any means (Internet, BBS, CD-ROM, floppy, etc.) as long as it remains in its original archive. Decompiling, reverse engineering and cracking this software is STRICTLY PROHIBITED! If you want the source code, e-mail me on [email protected]

Check out my web page for new software, new releases or updates, on http://go.to/mad_ady/