3D Blue 2 Animated Cursors Version 1.0f

Copyright 1998-2001 by W. J. Harnden, Jr., all rights reserved. These cursors are released for personal, non-profit use only, for any other use contact the author at [e-mail].

Latest version available at http://joescursors.tripod.com/3DB2CrPg.htm.

Use "Word Wrap" to view this file.

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Introduction

This is a collection of color coordinated 3D Blue 256 Color Animated Cursors for Windows 95/98/ME or NT/2000. They replace all the standard Windows mouse pointers with animated versions, with many optional versions to choose from. It will also replace the "link" cursor whenever you use the "single click" setting for "folder options" in newer versions of Windows. These cursors are all 256 color cursors and will not display as intended without the right video card and settings (see discussion on 256 Color Cursor Requirements for details). However, they have been tested on a lower resolution video card and most of them are still usable at lower settings. They just lose their color blending and don't look as good. These cursors lend some variety to the desktop and compliment the many themes available for Windows 95/98/ME. These cursors are also usable with NT/2000. For installation see the "Instructions" below.

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Version History

Version 1.0 (8/25/98) -- Initial issue of 64 color coordinated 3D Blue 256 Color Animated Cursors.

Version 1.0a (9/6/98) -- Updated Credits in readme file.

Version 1.0b (11/10/98)-- Minor updates to installation and readme files.

Version 1.0c (2/18/00) -- Updated readme file for new website (Geocities to XOOM).

Version 1.0d (10/5/00) -- Updated readme file for URL change (XOOM bought by NBCi).

Version 1.0e (6/28/01) -- Updated readme file for new website (NBCi goes out of business).

Version 1.0f (8/11/01) -- Updated readme file for new website again (theGlobe goes out of business). Added "pad" file and fine tuned installation file.

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Instructions for Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000

General

The installation file is designed to work with all normal default Windows installations. If you have a non-standard installation you can copy the cursors to your cursor folder after unzipping them and install them from Control Panel individually. If you are not familiar with the terms used in these directions, get help from someone who is to do this installation.

Installation

1. Unzip the 3DB2Crsr.zip file into a temporary folder using an unzip utility such as WinZip. It is preferable to keep the default folder of "\Temp\3DBlue2", otherwise type in the folder used when prompted during installation for the "downloaded files". In Windows Explorer, go to the temporary folder you just made and right click on "INSTAL3B.INF". Select (double click) "Install". You should see a message that the cursor files are being copied to your computer.

2. In Control Panel, double click on "Mouse" for Mouse Properties. Click on "Pointers" in Mouse Properties.

3. Under "Scheme", click on the arrow for the drop down menu and double click on the "3D Blue 2 Animated Cursors" entry. You should now see the 3D Blue 2 Animated Cursors for each default mouse pointer.

4. To keep the set shown, just click on "Apply" and go to step 5. To change any of the cursors, select that cursor and click on "Browse", double click on the "3DBLUE2" folder, then select the new cursor desired from those listed. Highlight the desired cursor and click "Open." You should now see the new cursor shown for that event. Continue this until you have all the cursors the way you want. At this time you may want to save this as a custom scheme. Type in a scheme name and click on "Save As". To initiate the new cursors, click on "Apply".

5. Exit Mouse Properties and Control Panel. Delete your temporary folder. You're done!

Note: The "application in background" cursors have "ap" in their name and the "busy" cursors have "bu" in their name. All "application in background" cursors can also be used as the normal cursor. Cursors ending in "L" are larger cursors designed for laptop computers. Cursors with "lnk" in their name are able to be used as the browser cursor for IE4 if you have Windows 98. Cursor 3DB2BUS8.ANI is a 60 second timer and can be used to measure waiting time for your applications.

To uninstall:

1. Select new cursors that are not in the "\Cursors\3DBLUE2" directory for your default cursors using Steps 2-5 under Installation. When done, go to Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel, select "3D Blue 2 Animated Cursors", and select "Add/Remove". This removes all the cursors and registry entries that were installed.

2. In Windows Explorer, delete empty folder "\Cursors\3DBLUE2" in your default windows folder. Do NOT delete your "\Cursors" folder!


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256 Color Cursor Requirements

ALL cursors in this set are 256 color cursors. You must have a true or high color video card set higher than 256 colors and Windows 95 "Plus!" or Windows 98 or an equivalent second party software installed to take advantage of the intended colors. If you don't, they will display but look "muddy." You enable 256 color icons and cursors by going to Control Panel, then Display Properties, then "Plus!" in Win95 or "Effects" in Windows 98 and seleting the box for "Show icons using all possible colors". If you do not have "Plus!" or Windows 98, you can use "Microangelo Engineer" (shareware) or "MULEVEL" (freeware). "MULEVEL" is available from the 3D Blue 2 Animated Cursors home page.


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License

These files are copyrighted and being released as freeware for personal, non-profit use only. If you wish to use ANY of these cursors for ANY OTHER USE than the ones stated above, send a request for permission via email to [e-mail].

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Disclaimer of Warranty

These cursor files are "AS IS" and come WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. Because of the various hardware and software environments into which these cursors may be put, NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IS OFFERED. You take full responsibility for their use, suitability, and consequences. They are not guaranteed to work on your computer or your application. You should perform your own virus screenings and perform your own tests for suitability. The user must assume the entire risk of using these files, including their installation. If your computer crashes, I am NOT responsible, nor am I responsible for any collateral damages or consequences of any kind. YOU are the ONLY one responsible for their use. (Remember you got this for free!)

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EPILEPSY WARNING

Although intentionally made without "flashing" animations, this warning is provided for your benefit. These cursors are animated and could induce epileptic seizures in those with epilepsy. These problems can arise even in those who have not been previously diagnosed with the condition. If you notice any unusual conditions develop (seizures, loss of awareness, etc.), STOP USING THESE CURSORS IMMEDIATELY and seek medical aid.

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Credits

This cursor set is my original work. I have borrowed some ideas or converted interesting art from others and want to give them credit.

To start with, I have used ideas developed from my other color coordinated cursor sets. They are available at these pages:
3D Green Animated Cursors - http://joescursors.tripod.com/3DGCurPg.htm
3D Red Animated Cursors - http://joescursors.tripod.com/3DRCurPg.htm
3D Yellow Animated Cursors - http://joescursors.tripod.com/3DYCurPg.htm
3D Orange Animated Cursors - http://joescursors.tripod.com/3DOCurPg.htm
3D Maroon Animated Cursors - http://joescursors.tripod.com/3DMCurPg.htm
3D Purple Animated Cursors - http://joescursors.tripod.com/3DPCurPg.htm
Flat Blue Animated Cursors - http://joescursors.tripod.com/FBCurPg.htm
Neon Animated Cursors - http://joescursors.tripod.com/NeonCrPg.htm
High Visibility Animated Cursors- http://joescursors.tripod.com/HVCurPg.htm
Animated Inverse Cursor Scheme - http://joescursors.tripod.com/AniInvPg.htm
Christmas Animated Cursors - http://joescursors.tripod.com/CHCurPg.htm
New Year Animated Cursors - http://joescursors.tripod.com/NYCurPg.htm

The animations for the standard cursors used in my original 3D Green Animated Cursor set were modeled after a freeware 3D Blue animated and static 16 color cursor set developed by Chris Prescott. I wish to thank him for permission to use his ideas. His cursor set is available at http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Park/4467.
The animated color star and atom were made by me based on animated gifs by Matt Brown. (As this was done frame by frame without a conversion program, it was not an easy task.) They are used with his permission. The internet address I had for Matt is no longer valid.
The 256 color spinning "no" symbol was originally drawn by Tumi, similar to my 16 color animation. It is used with his permission. The 256 color spinning question mark was drawn by me based on an animation by Tumi. Tumi's web page is at http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Quad/2914.
The animated clock cursors were based on a clock cursor I saw by Juan C. Pradas-Bergnes. His web site is at http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/1939.
The spinning colored disk is based on an unattributed animated gif I found on the internet.
A few "application in background" cursors have animations similar to Windows theme cursors to allow substitution of this cursor set into themes. For the cursor with a Windows flag, the copyright for the flag belongs to Microsoft.

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3D Blue 2 Animated Cursor Scheme "ZIP" File List for Version 1.0f

3db2alt.ani - "UpArrow" or alternate cursor
3db2alt2.ani - "UpArrow" jumping cursor
3db2ap10.ani - "application starting" spinning CDROM
3db2ap11.ani - "application starting" flowers
3db2app1.ani - "application starting" rotating hourglass
3db2app2.ani - "application starting" blinking eyes
3db2app3.ani - "application starting" wagging tail
3db2app4.ani - "application starting" stopwatch
3db2app5.ani - "application starting" shy tail
3db2app6.ani - "application starting" all tied up
3db2app7.ani - "application starting" Win flag
3db2app8.ani - "application starting" bouncing ball
3db2app9.ani - "application starting" footsteps
3db2arr1.ani - "arrow" color changing cursor
3db2arr2.ani - "arrow" crumbling cursor
3db2arr3.ani - "arrow" fading cursor
3db2arrL.cur - "arrow" cursor - large size for laptops
3db2arrM.cur - "arrow" cursor - medium size
3db2arro.cur - "arrow" cursor
3db2beam.cur - "Ibeam" or text select
3db2bem1.ani - "Ibeam" or text select - pulsing
3db2bemL.cur - "Ibeam" or text select - large size for laptops
3db2bemM.cur - "Ibeam" or text select - medium size
3db2bu10.ani - "wait" gold rotating star
3db2bu11.ani - "wait" "wipe out"
3db2bu12.ani - "wait" color rotating star - square background
3db2bu13.ani - "wait" color rotating star - round background
3db2bu14.ani - "wait" color rotating star - without background
3db2bu15.ani - "wait" color rotating atom - square background
3db2bu16.ani - "wait" color rotating atom - round background
3db2bu17.ani - "wait" roving eyes
3db2bu18.ani - "wait" spinning colored disc
3db2bu19.ani - "wait" clock second hand
3db2bus1.ani - "wait" vertical rotating hourglass
3db2bus2.ani - "wait" stopwatch
3db2bus3.ani - "wait" metronome
3db2bus4.ani - "wait" sleeping computer
3db2bus5.ani - "wait" pulsing heart
3db2bus6.ani - "wait" pendulum clock
3db2bus7.ani - "wait" crazy pendulum clock
3db2bus8.ani - "wait" 60 second timer
3db2bus9.ani - "wait" walking shoe
3db2cros.cur - "crosshair" or precision select
3db2crs1.ani - "crosshair" or precision select - pulsing
3db2crsL.cur - "crosshair" or precision select - large size for laptops
3db2crsM.cur - "crosshair" or precision select - medium size
3db2dial.ani - "SizeNWSE" or diagonal move cursor
3db2diar.ani - "SizeSWNE" or diagonal move cursor
3db2hel2.ani - "help" cursor with red to blue question mark
3db2hel3.ani - "help" cursor with rotating 3D red question mark
3db2help.ani - "help" cursor
3db2hor.ani - "SizeWE" or horizontal move cursor
3db2lnk.cur - "link" pointing left hand
3db2lnk2.ani - "link" pointing left hand with moving thumb
3db2lnk3.ani - "link" pointing left hand with moving pointer
3db2lnk4.ani - "link" pointing right hand with moving thumb
3db2lnkRcur - "link" pointing right hand
3db2move.ani - "SizeAll" or move cursor
3db2no.ani - "no" cursor with rotating sign
3db2no2.ani - "no" cursor with word "no"
3db2no3.ani - "no" cursor with rotating 3D no sign
3db2pen.ani - "NWPen" or handwriting cursor
3db2pen2.ani - "NWPen" rotating pencil
3db2vert.ani - "SizeNS" or vertical move cursor
file_id.diz - short description (BBS) file
INSTAL3B.INF - registry file to install the cursor scheme
pad_file.xml - ASP format file description
Readme.txt - this readme file

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