Short:        Pop-up notification server like Ringhio
Author:       Rob Cranley
Uploader:     robcranley gmail com (Rob Cranley)
Type:         util/cdity
Version:      1.0
Architecture: m68k-amigaos >= 3.0


Ranchero
~~~~~~~~
Ranchero is a pop-up notification server for Amiga OS 3. It runs as a commodity
and provides an ARexx interface through which applications can present a
standard, simple pop-up message to inform the user of something. Unlike
requesters, it doesn't halt the application or steal the user's focus, and so
is suited to passive information such as new emails received, a long render
that finished or the name of the music track that started playing. Messages
that pop up can be dismissed by the user, or will disappear after a short time
otherwise. Multiple messages are placed in a queue and displayed in turn after
the previous message disappears. Messages are automatically word-wrapped
(proportional fonts are supported), and can also include a small image.

OS 4.1 includes the excellent Ringhio system for notifications from
applications, and so I decided to make Ranchero as compatible as possible so
that the same ARexx scripts would work on both OS3 and OS4. Most features from
the Ringhio ARexx interface are replicated. The same limits are imposed on the
content (text lengths, image size etc.), and application registration is
partially supported (application names are registered but application blocking
is not yet implemented).

Features of Ringhio that are *not* currently replicated include:

  *  Application.library API
  *  Multiple messages on screen at the same time
  *  Alpha transparency on images
  *  Preferences for disabling notifications from certain applications
  *  Permanent storage of registered apps list
  *  Fancy fade in / fade out effects
  *  Option for passing a URL to a browser

Ranchero is really intended for higher end classic machines with RTG capability,
so the message size might be unsuitable for use on low resolution native
screens. It can be adjusted to suit smaller screens however by setting smaller
fonts and a smaller popup size.