Readme File for SynTex Version 1.1
Copyright (C) 1998-1999 Synthetic Realms
All rights reserved
========================================

SynTex, developed by Synthetic Realms, is a Windows-based
graphics tool for the computer generation of a large number
of images. SynTex can be used to generate tileable web page
background images, desktops, and texture maps for applications
such as 3D games. Images in SynTex are built from several
different layer types, including but not limited to:
Perlin Noise Functions, Bump Maps, Reaction-Diffusion, and
Stone/Brick Work. Any number of these layers can be combined
in several ways leading to a wide variety of possible images.
Extensive help files, including context-sensitive help, and
sample files are included with SynTex to assist the texture
designer in learning and becoming proficient with the program.
SynTex is a non-time limited (i.e. it won't stop working after
30 days) shareware application which slightly modifies each
image created until registered. No capabilities of the program
are disabled in the evaluation version.

What's New in Version 1.1
=========================
We have added the mask layer to SynTex.  In addition to this
we have added basic and advanced modes and a slideshow.  The
tutorials and help files have been improved and minor corrections
have been made. We have also added Screen Saver parameters to
the main texture page. These parameters are used by the SynTex
screensaver to control screensaver generation. If you have a
registered copy of SynTex the screensaver will optionally replace
your desktop with generated images.

SynSaver, the SynTex screen saver, is installed by the SynTex
installer in the default installation. The Screen Saver will
generate SynTex textures while in screen saver mode. In addition
the screen saver will display images (BMPs and JPEGs) adding
various special effects (controllable by the user). See the SynSaver
help files, present on the Start menu, for more information.

Installation
============
ZIP installation:
To install SynTex unzip the file to a temporary directory
and run the file Setup.exe.

EXE installation:
Double click the executable file included. This will automatically
unarchive the files and run the setup program.

Follow the instructions of the setup program and make note of the
location you install SynTex to. SynTex also has an uninstaller,
available from the Start menu, which can be used to completely remove
SynTex at any time. In order to install SynTex on NT4 or higher it
is necessary to be logged in with administrator privelages since
the installer may need to update your system files.

Requirements
============
SynTex requires Windows 95, 98, or Windows NT4.  It has only been
tested with NT4 SP3 and SP4.  It may or may not work with previous
service pack version. The Screen Savers performance is directly
related to the amount of RAM you have in your computer. In this
case more is better.

Getting Started
===============
For new users of SynTex the slide show is the best place to begin.
The slide show showcases images generated by SynTex and visually
demonstrates the process of combining layers to produce a final
image. Once the slide show has been viewed start with the first
few tutorials. The tutorials briefly describe most of the features
available in SynTex. Once the tutorials have been completed the user
should begin looking at sample texture maps for ideas. Many of the
texture map samples demonstrate more complex uses of the ideas
introduced in the tutorials.

Documentation
=============
Full documentation, including context-sensitive help, is available
while the program is running.

Distribution
============
Provided that you verify that you are distributing the evaluation
version you are hereby licensed to make as many unmodified copies
of the evaluation version of this software, enclosed documentation,
and installer as you wish. You may also freely distribute the
evaluation version of this software in its unmodified form via any
electronic means. You are prohibited from charging, or requesting
donation, for any such copies however made and from distributing
the software and/or documentation with other products without the
prior written consent or at the request of Synthetic Realms.
SynSaver may NOT be distributed seperately from the SynTex
distribution.

Contacting Synthetic Realms
===========================
In the event of difficulties or questions there are several ways
of contacting Synthetic Realms.  These are as follows:

Synthetic Realms web site: http://www.syntheticrealms.com

email: support@syntheticrealms.com

snail mail:
Synthetic Realms
PO Box 61298 RPO Brentwood
Calgary, AB, Canada
T2L 2K6