FreeDOS Lables ver. 1.0                                                                    Readme File
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June 15, 2006
by John Valdez

Thank you for downloading FreeDOS_Labels.zip!

1.0 ABOUT FreeDOS LABELS

FreeDOS Labels is not a program. It is a zip file that contains a number of useful labels for FreeDOS beta 9.0 Freeware Edition. Essentially, these labels are my own interpretation: a possible design concept to give the FreeDOS Operating System a more physical 
appearance to users. As new versions of FreeDOS are released in the future, all labels will be updated accordingly. All of the artwork is credited to its respective owners, I take no credit for creating the excellent graphics except in the production of labels- in fact, were it not for the participation and submission of artists, the quality of these labels might not be possible.

You will notice that I left off the r1 (revision 1) or r2, r3 etc. version letters. I've also omitted any reference to year as well. This is because I felt that FreeDOS is an ongoing mission- a project that is expected to grow and evolve over time. (Accordingly, this makes updating the labels much easier as well).

1.1 FEEDBACK

Also, it is my hope that everyone will provide input. That means suggestions are always welcome provided that they are positive in nature and meant to make the labels better. My choice for graphics does not presuppose that one logo is better than another. It was in fact a hard choice since the quality of work submitted on the website (www.freedos.org) is fantastic. Please submit your comments, questions, opinions or favorite operating systems to:

jvaldeztoo@yahoo.com

Make sure that you write FreeDOS Labels in the email or I might not know which graphics you are referring to.

1.2 INVENTORY

Included in the extracted zip file are the following labels:

>>CDLabel.jpg--Provides a CDROM label. Print at about 50% for actual size.

>>FDback.jpg--Provides a backside label for CD Jewel crystal. Print at about 43% for actual size. Helpful hint: DO NOT CUT ALONG THE DOTTED LINES! This is where you fold the edges. Fold along the middle of the light blue line.

>>FDfloppy.jpg--Provides a FLOPPY disk label for your FreeDOS boot disk. Print at about 25% for actual size.

>>FDfront.jpg--Provides a frontside label for CD Jewel crystal. Print at about 43% for actual size.

>>FDZip100.jpg--Provides a Zip100 label for your zip disk. Print at about 25% for actual size.

2.0 DIRECTIONS

These labels are meant to be printed or edited at your discretion. You should print them on appropriate label sheets or use a sturdy laser/injet bond for best results. Some printers are capable of printing directly on the CDROM. Also, you may need to shave or trim these labels. Not all jewel cases are exact and sometimes you might need just a little more off the top. For the CDROM Jewel Case labels I recommend a #65 cardstock. I find that it lasts longer, folds easier and is easier to cut straight. My test printings cut perfectly.

2.1 PRINTING

You will need to print these labels at different reduced sizes. This means that upon printing, you should choose <Print Options> or something similar and select <XX%> where "XX" equals the number listed. Some printers or graphics programs differ- you may need to make some adjustments. I tested these with Adobe Photoshop 6.0 on both a HP Deskjet 520 and Canon Pixma i3000 printer. That does not mean they will work perfectly for you.

2.2 EDITING

You may feel the need to add or change what is on these labels. By all means, do so but if you distribute them with mine, please distribute yours PLUS the originals in case someone would like to do the same. You should add an addition readme.txt file but do not alter this one.

2.3 CUTTING

Some of the labels require cutting. When you print the label there will be a blue border around it. Instead of registration marks, I chose to use this border because a lot of people usually just have a pair of scissors and need some kind of guide to cut a strait line. Some printers don't print registration marks well either, so I think this is best for both of us. Cut to the INSIDE of the blue border and it should be perfect.

3.0 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q.  These files are too big! You messed up and now they print the wrong size! Why?

A. Under the 1.2 INVENTORY section, I've listed their relative print difference by  percent. I think reduction at printing produces a better quality label and the  larger file is easier to edit or make modifications. Larger graphics can be  printed from your digital printer and reproduced on a photocopy machine for greater detail and clarity that your printer might not be able to give. It's a  graphic artist thing.

Q. What is that light blue border you put on these labels?

A.  As I said before, since some printers have trouble with alignment and cutting marks,  I chose to use a border guide to help you cut your label shape. Cut to the inside of the blue border for exact size.

Q.  Okay, buddy. I chopped up my backside label because I followed the blue border! What gives? I've three separate pieces!

A. Helpful hint: DO NOT CUT ALONG THE DOTTED LINES! This is where you fold  the edges. Fold along the middle of the light blue dotted line. If you cut them, you'll have to print another.

Q. Um, how do I use the CD label .jpg file?

A.  Well, for the expert- line it up with your favorite CDROM sheet label and print. If you are unable to do that or you are poor guy like me, one trick is to print it out,  fold it in half, cut along the inside of the light blue border (including the little circle) and use 3M Mounting Spray on the back of it. This method is difficult to master- more so than just lining up with a sheet label. If possible, use a printable CDROM or label software.

Q. Can I import these files to my favorite label printing software?

A.  Consult your software manual. There are so many different programs, I have no idea where to begin. The color palette might or might not match up, your  resolution may or may not suffer, the printer might or might not like your  shareware program. I'm really not qualified to advise you. Use at your own discretion and contact your software vendor.

Q.  Why didn't you write "bootdisk" on the Floppy label?

A.  I didn't feel that the FreeDOS floppy would really need it. Basically, the boot  files fit on one floppy. I felt that if you wanted to number or label the floppy for  storing the entire FreeDOS distro on floppies, I would leave you the freedom to  do it in your own way. Also, these floppy labels only have a little room at the
top and the bottom (I suppose you could use a small font and even use them  to store your HP Deskjet 520 Drivers- that's up to you).

Q. What's the point in a Zip Drive label?

 Some people like to boot from Zip. This is something that's really for those who are in love with their Zip drive. Most Zip users have discovered the advantages of booting from Zip. Trust me, 100 megs goes a long way with DOS- I recommend that you give it a try.

Q. Can you make some labels for me? I've got a bunch of program disks!

A.  How can I put this- NO! The point here is to offer a set of fixtures to get  contributers going and help programmers, developers and users with a way to organize and label the product of their efforts. Supporting FreeDOS itself is a labor of love and everyone has something good to offer. Make your own label and share it with others.

Q.  Why did you use .jpg files?

A. Because I feel most comfortable editing with the .jpg format. That means it makes updating a lot easier. On the other hand, converters are freely  available as are editors. A simple search can get you the tools you need.

Q. Why did you write "Fully Bootable CDROM" on the CD label. What if I don't want it that way?

A. Geez. Well, why don't you try the new live cd version. You get a free cd label so that's the least you can do. Then you can write to the developer (Blair Campell) and give some feedback on any bugs. Or, you can just ignore that line or edit  it out with your favorite dos based graphic editor. 

Q.  Hello, my name is Jessica Alba and I don't know what I am doing?

A.  Send me an Instant Message, right away. I'm sure I can help you with everything.

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4.0 CREDITS

FreeDOS is a Trademark of Jim Hall. The Sourceforge.net logo is a trademark of
Sourceforge.net. Iomega and Zip are copyright of Iomega Corporation

Upper and lower FREEDOS Logos by Ben Rouner
(which includes
www.freedos.org graphic)

Primary FREEDOS Logo by Alexander Kramer

Miscellaneous art by Sven Weise, Ben Rouner, Alexander Kramer, Steve Nickolas,
Benjamin Teugels, Etelain Julien, Phil Harper, Bas Snabilie, Neato, Adam French,
Lynx, W0rm, Louis P. Santillan and Owen Rudge

Internet Community Graphic and PC Compatible Logos by John Valdez

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