Kezan's Backgammon Theme
Ver 1.20

Kezan's Backgammon Theme © 2000 - Kezan-Design. All Rights Reserved
HonorWare

 

I would like to give special Thanks to Michael Strato for help and big support in the realization of this Theme. Thank You.

 

This Theme is dedicated to my mentor who enlightened me with this fascinating game
Mr. Aurelio O. Caversaccio
( Swiss Backgammon Champion 1987 )

 

1. Specification

2. Theme Features

3. Introduction

4. Installation
4.1 - Theme File
4.2 - Wallpaper
4.3 - Cursors
4.4 - Icons
4.5 - Web Graphics
4.6 - LogoScreens
4.7 - Screen Saver
4.8 - Sounds
4.9 - HotBar - New

5. Ver 1.1
5.1 Updates

6. HonorWare

7. Possible Errors

8. Uninstalling

Specification

Title:

- Kezan's Backgammon Theme

Type:

- HonorWare

Size:

- 5.00 MB ( 4.33 MB Compressed )

Operating System:

- Win98 ( Win95,Win NT, Win 2000 )

Web Address:

- www.kezan-design.com

Description:

Everything you ever wanted to know about this fascinating game in one place.
This is the first time that someone uses a desktop theme for this purpose - educational fun with interactive wallpaper.

 

Theme Features

Theme File:

- Kezan's Backgammon.Theme
Wallpaper: - Random change of five computer-generated images (1024x768) with Links
Cursors - All cursors made in 3D with some animated (8 Bit)
Icons: - Regular 3 Icons + All System's in 3D ( 8 Bit in 3 size 16x16, 32x32, 48x48)
Web Graphics: - Computer-generated graphics for Explorer Web View
Logo Screens: - Two shutdown logos with animated startup logo
Sounds: - All accompanying sounds are in 22 kHz stereo  (21 pcs. ACM Wave form decoder)
Screen Saver: - Educational screen saver with best opening rolls
HotBar - Two Images which will decorate your IE or NS

 

Introduction

Backgammon is an ancient game (believed to be 5,000 years old) and it is similar to chess in complexity except that there exists the factor of luck. This is what makes the game so fascinating. Well, it doesn't mean this is game for gamblers like Roulette. On the contrary, it requires much skill obtained through study and training. Good concentration, fast counting, a sense for mathematics and understanding situations on the board are other important factors. You must also acknowledge you cannot control the randomness of dice. Many compare the scenarios on the board to the challenges of real-life situations. As I say: "Backgammon is philosophy of life".

The first reason why I wanted to make this Backgammon Theme was simply because I didn't find one anywhere on the web and I thought that Backgammon certainly deserved its own Theme. I first started making sketches about one year ago (in 1999) but I couldn't quite get it down pat. So I put the idea on the shelf for about six months. I then created the wallpaper, regular 3 icons and since I am not programmer, I couldn't make the screen saver. Local guys could not help me {:o(. It was a really bad attempt and I deleted it. Finally, at the end of '99 everything started to fall into place. The whole idea gathered momentum and the first samples were created.

I also wanted to make this Theme very special by shaping it into a kind of Backgammon encyclopedia. It includes resources to useful information, cool graphics and music and sounds. On the right side of the desktop sits a button called Kezan's Choice. If you click on it, a menu appears containing a list of Backgammon-related categories and each topic then opens to a separate sub-menu section with another click. These contain important Internet links on each subject. This is a concise resource of very useful BG info that will save you many hours at search engines.

Backgammon is a game that in certain eras of history was played exclusively by the upper class society such as nobles and royalty, and very often, honor and money were involved (see the rules and history section in my Choice Links).

With the advent of the Internet, we have been very lucky to have the ability to play Backgammon on what is called a “server”. This is where you can connect to a site and through a program and meet and play with others from all around the world from the comfort of your home (check the links section and try one of the servers there).

Some of the online backgammon servers are free while other charge a fee to become a member. However, even the fee-based servers have free trial periods of various lengths and you can play using a nickname of your choice.

It is a wonderful experience to be able to make somebody's acquaintance and chat with people from around the globe, as these backgammon servers are usually very community-oriented. You can even play in exciting tournaments that are organized by players or the servers themselves and sometimes prizes and trophies are awarded to the winners.

You may even get to know people that live in your area and discover that there is a local club where they meet and play in real life, and if not, then perhaps you can become part of organizing one. You might also learn about real-life tournaments, group vacations and other events organized by the players to meet each other and have fun in the real world. Believe it or not, many people that have met playing Backgammon on the Internet have fallen in love and gotten married.

It is important to know all the rules while playing Backgammon online, as a server is considered a private Backgammon club and they are there to make sure everyone has fun and is treated properly. Therefore, before you start playing online, read carefully the rules and terms of the programs use (which you are usually prompted to agree to before playing). Also search for the Help or FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) files. These will usually explain basic things you need to know and will likely tell you how to contact someone online if you are having problems understanding any of the programs features or functions.

Many of the Backgammon servers have what are called online sysops (system operators). These are usually very nice people that have volunteered to help new people get adjusted to the playing on the server and, as well, to help you in the event that you encounter people that are rude or obnoxious. Although this it can be unpleasant, we have to realize that this can happen just as easily in the real world. However, the bright side of this is that offenders are usually dealt with immediately.

Backgammon is considered by many to be oldest game in history. You can never play the same game twice and after a while you may see that it is not based solely on the luck of the dice but that there is a lot of strategy and tactics required to become a consistent winner. Some of the best champion players in the world admit they have studied the game all their lives and yet learn something new every day. You might also find yourself looking at certain situations in the game and comparing them to similar real-life situations where your decision comes from weighing you options and possibilities on one hand against probabilities and the strength of your opponents position on the other. This is what makes Backgammon such a fascinating challenge and a lot of fun.

I hope that this Theme will lead you to a great new way to spend some of your free time. The Theme should contain links to everything you need to learn more about the game and where to play, and of course, its here to decorate your computer with colorful graphics and cool sounds. Enjoy it!

- Author of Theme - Dean Kezan

Enjoy the New Experience!

 

Installation

Installation should be very simple as it is a self-extracting file which will copy all files to their correct destination which is in the directory: program files\plus\theme

After extraction, the program will automatically call your default Theme Program and Install it for you. However, some things will not work if you are using the regular Windows Theme program that comes with Win98. This is same program that comes with Microsoft Plus for Win95. If you download "DeskTop Architect" you will avoid headaches if you decide that you don't want download it there is manual way but much harder and it takes time

 

ThemeFile

Kezan's Backgammon1_20.Theme

It should go in your Theme Directory (e.g. "c:\Program Files\Plus\Theme")
This file usually contains everything needed for your default Theme Program to manage all files.

 

WallPaper

Wallpaper.htm
Wallpaper.swf

This is an Image file that is used for background decoration on your desktop. In this case, it is an HTML file using Macromedia ShockWave (Ver. 4). So if you don't have it you will have to install it or download it. Manually, you can install it just like any other wallpaper by going to (Control Panel/Display/Background), then go to browse and find Wallpaper.htm (It should be in your theme directory in Kezan's Backgammon\Background). This file consists of five Images related to Backgammon, randomly loaded whenever you turn on or reboot your computer so that you get a variety of wallpapers. On the right side, you will see the "Kezan's Choice" button. When you click on it, you will get a menu with useful links. If you click just above the "Kezan's Choice" button, you can clear all opened Menus. Also read possible errors in this issue.

Images are 1024x768 so theoretically they will display best at this resolution but in reality there are no differences between resolutions and the aspect ratio also remains the same

10 Backgammon Commandments This first idea was taken from the Norwegian Backgammon Club and translated with some modifications to English by Morten Wang. I found this very interesting and I wanted to put it as wallpaper but I realized that there are more important things to add. So of ten commandments 3 or 4 have a similar meaning while the rest are new. It is nice as joke but at the same time can be taken as serious ideas to follow and respect. Think about it.

With this occasion, I would like to give special thanks to Michael Strato (GammonVillage Editor) for his help in the realization of this graphic.

Don't Drink And Play or Drive I got this idea while I was playing online. I was in a match with a high-rated player when he suddenly made a senseless blunder. So I asked him: "What is going on, on the other side of wire?" He said: "I had tough day so now I am drinking scotch and try to have some fun." Well indeed, the situation can look strange if you are looking through glass. Message is clear that it can be fatal for you in both cases. Especially if money is involved.
Royal Game Of UR- Sumerian

Senet - Egyptian

Duodecim Scripta & Tabula - Roman

I did some research on history of Backgammon and found contradicting data as to how old the game is; 2,000-5,000 years old. Through further research, I discovered that certain games might have been early variants. The only problem was that I couldn't find any pictures so I decide to make graphics based on photos, explanations and sketches. It is remarkable that the rules for Senet were never found; actually, almost nothing but a few wooden boards and one painted (on stone) in a tomb. So people tried to figure out how it was played. Today, two major sets of rules exist with different variations. For the Sumerian version the same applies. The Romans also had two versions, the first consisting of twelve lines and the second bearing similarity to Senet. The second Roman version's board was wider; otherwise it was very similar to the game, as we know it today, but with slightly different rules. If you would like to read some interesting stories and anecdotes on Backgammon throughout history, follow the links in this Help file and the desktop, as well as the local bookstore.

Links and Books used to make this graphic:
- The game of twenty squares
- The Game Cabinet - Ur
- Royal Game Of Ur - for Windows
- The Game Cabinet - Senet
- Senet - for Windows
- Duodecim Scripta & Tabula
- The Backgammon Book

 

Cursors

BG Arrow.cur
BG Beam.cur
BG Busy.ani
BG Cross.cur
BG Help.ani
BG Link.cur
BG Move.cur
BG No.cur

BG Pen.cur
BG Size NESW.cur
BG Size NS.cur
BG Size NWSE.cur
BG Size WE.cur
BG Up.cur
BG Wait.ani

All cursors are 3D in one shade of gold.
Usually, computers have professional cursors designed for precision. In my theme, attempts to make all cursors animated have been abandoned. I am using min. 1024x768 (cursors are big) and 256 colors. All cursors should be the default theme directory\Kezan's Backgammon\Cursors and they work under all Windows.

 

Icons

Kezan.dll

All icons are made in 3D and are available in different sizes if you setup big icons ( in Control Panel\Display\Effect\Use Large Icons ) they will not be blurred but instead sharp and colorful.
If you are using a regular Theme Program you will not be able to use this ability. Or you will have to get "DeskTop Architect" or another program that will manipulate system Icons such as Microlangelo. You have the prepared Motif file that will arrange all Icons using Microlangelo. Icons are in your default theme directory\Kezan's Backgammon\Icons in Kezan.dll file, there are 47 unique icons.

 

Web Graphic

WvLeft.bmp
WvLine.gif
WvLogo.gif

Web Graphic consists of three files and uses Explorer as a small graphic in left corner (default is Microsoft's sky), line also in top-left corner and a bigger graphic in the so called dangerous folders as windows, program files etc. "DeskTop Architect" will manage these files without a problem. But if you don't use it, or if you have another, you can do it manually. Simply find in your windows directory "web" directory and make backup of your present files: "Wvleft.bmp", "Wvline.gif", "WvLogo.gif" (or copy it to another folder or just change extension e.g."Wvleft.old") and copy all files from graphic directory (theme\Kezan's Backgammon\Graphic) to windows\web directory. This method will work on all Windows (95,98,NT,2000) if Internet Explorer 4.xx and above is installed.

 

Logo Screens

Logo.sys
LogoW.sys
LogoS.sys

Logo Screens are screens that show up at Windows startup and shutdown. Again, installation of these files can be made by a variety of programs. My personal choice would again be "DeskTop Architect" but you can do it manually. In your root directory (e.g. c:\) find Logo.sys, but do not panic if it wasn't installed before any Logo Screens. You should rename it or back up it. So from your theme directory\Kezan's Backgammon\Logo copy Logo.sys in your root directory. Also you have to do it again in your windows directory for "Logow.sys" and "Logos.sys". If you own newer generation motherboards which automatically shutdown your computer than Log Off screen will be too fast so you will not be able to see it {:o).

 

Screen Saver

Install it !!!
Backgammon.scr

Screen Saver has its own installation so you will have to install it to work. The primary idea is to learn opening rolls, well, maybe it is not best solution because it starts probably when you are not present at computer but it can be very interesting for your colleagues at work. The major function will work if you are using older type of monitor it will save from phosphorescence.
ScreenSaver was compiled with ScreenWeaver 2

Installation is simple. Just click on the left side link "Install it !!!" or you can do it manually.
In your theme directory ( e.g. c:\program files\plus!\Themes\Kezan's Backgammon\Saver) find file Backgammon Installer.exe and double click on it.

 

Sounds

All sounds were recorded for Backgammon Theme only.
Special Thanks to Katherine and Michael Strato for making this theme so gammonish ( read cool, great ) by giving their voices to sound scheme. 

All sounds needs ACM Wave Decoder

BG Asterisk.wav Voice - Michael Strato Asterisk
BG Close.wav Sound of Backgammon board closing - Dean Kezan Close Program
BG Critical.wav Voice - Michael Strato Critical Stop
BG Default.wav Voice - Katherine Strato Default Sound
BG Exclamation.wav Voice - Katherine Strato Exclamation
BG Empty.wav Shuffle and Rolling Dice - Dean Kezan Empty Recycle Bin
BG Exit Win.wav Voice - Michael Strato Exit Windows
BG Maximize.wav Sound of Rolling Dice - Dean Kezan Maximize
BG Menu Command.wav Sound of Checker - Dean Kezan Menu Command
BG Menu Popup.wav Sound of Taking Dice - Dean Kezan Menu PopUp
BG Minimize.wav Sound of Checker - Dean Kezan Minimize
BG NewMail.wav Voice -Micahel Strato New Mail
BG Open.wav Sound of Backgammon board opening - Dean Kezan Open Program
BG Program Error.wav Voice - Michael Strato Program Error
BG Restore Down.wav Sound of dice and putting them in Cup - Dean Kezan Restore Down
BG RestoreUp.wav Sound of thrown checker - Dean Kezan Restore Up
BG RingIn.wav Sound of ringing phone - Dean Kezan Ring In
BG RingOut.wav Sound of ringing signal - Dean Kezan Ring Out
BG Question.wav Voice - Michael Strato Question
BG Start Win.wav Voice - Michael Strato Start Windows

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Hot Bar

Backgammon skin1
Backgammon skin2

HotBar Skins will decorate your Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator as Windows Explorer. Copy those two files in HotBar directory ( c:\Program Files\HotBar ) and click on left side links.
If you don't have HotBar directory you can make one and copy those files in to it or if this is too difficult for you you can install it from Skin Pages ( skin1 and skin2 )

Please note that system can crash if you install skin for the first time. After crash everything will work normal again

 

Version 1.10

Version 1.10 ? What happened to Ver. 1.0?

Version 1.0 was pretty buggy and really just a test of ideas existing in my head. So I fixed the bugs and thus Version 1.10.

- www.kezan-design.com/backgammon/theme.htm

 

Updates

Version 1.20

- Updated Icons are much more smoother and more colorful
- There are 10 new system Icons added ( all together 47 )
- Updated Cursors are much more bigger and smoother
- There are 6 more sounds added, 10 are replaced and 4 modified
- Updated Sounds are more equalized
- HotBar Skins for IE and NS - New
- Screen Saver will now work also on Win2K
- Easier Installation and better help file

- www.kezan-design.com/backgammon/theme.htm

 

HonorWare

Honor + Soft Ware Well, what does this actually mean?
I was thinking how to name this type of electronic art and the most appropriate name I could think of was HonorWare. Well, this game certainly deserves it.

Every part of this theme was made with a purpose. A lot of time and effort were involved. The Theme is not only for those that already know and love this game but also for newcomers interested in learning more about Internet Backgammon resources. When I set out to make the theme, I strived to not only make the beautiful graphic but to be amusing when possible. At the same time, I also wanted it to be useful and educational. This is my way of promoting the game of Backgammon while including a little bit of fantasy.

I would kindly ask you to purchase it to support my and others people work (Logo screens, Web Graphic, Wallpaper, Screen Saver, Icons, Cursors, Hot Bars, Sound and Color Scheme). Payment details can be found on the Secured Site and to keep the Theme and be eligible for upgrades, please make your payment within seven days after downloading. You will receive password and other important details within 24 hours after your payment. Thank You.

Registered users will be notified by e-mail about any updates or novelties introduced in future projects and they will be able to send in suggestions or express their desire for additions. They can also a surprise in their e-mail at the beginning of November.

This will be good investment for you if you are backgammonholic. The symptoms and medical treatment can be found at newest medical encyclopaedia. We will post it ASAP after receiving permission to use it.

Thank You In Advance,
Dean Kezan - Backgammon Theme Author

 

Possible Errors

I did everything as you said and I don't hear sounds?

Well the catch is that you didn't installed Microsoft NetShow Player when you installed Windows98. You can install it by downloading it at the Microsoft page or by checking your shareware CD's from around 09/97. The key point is that Windows need ACM Wave Form decoder.

Sound on Windows start is cutoff?

When Windows is starting it load all drivers and devices while checking if it is possible that some of installed devices are not turn on, try to turn all devices (scanner, ZIP, etc) on.

When I start my computer there is nothing as wallpaper?

The Flash 4 isn't installed. You must install it because your computer requires this plug in and will suggest that you to do it at the Macromedia web site.

When I start my computer Backgrounds are changing continuously,is this your idea of interactivity?

Well the problem is that your computer didn't recognize that needs Flash 4 and you have installed Flash 3 so it work but not as should. Install Flash ShockWave 4 player.

It take ages to fade out first image and to fade in new image???

-This is related to your video card or drivers. Try installing new drivers.

-In Control Panel/Display/Effect turn on "Hide icons when the desktop is viewed as a Web page"

-Turn off wallpaper and in Web tab (Control Panel/Display/Web) press New. Windows will ask you would you like to connect to MS Gallery ,No. Now you will be able to browse. Choose Wallpaper.htm (Default Theme Directory\Kezan's Backgammon\Backgrounds\Wallpaper.htm. Now windows added to desktop and it is small. With little patience you will resize it and make proper position. Now it works perfectly.

- The proof is that if you turn off 3d acceleration it will work without any troubles ( Panel/ Display/ Settings/ Advance/ Performance/ Hardware acceleration - 0 ) or click here even if you still have troubles.

When I Restore Down or Close Program, Window is going very slowly ???

In Control Panel/Display/Effect turn on "Hide icons when the desktop is viewed as a Web page" and put icons in task bar.

Icons are messed up, it shows icon just from other program ???

It is because of the Icon Cache all you have to do is reload the theme file again and cache will be also reload. Everything should work as before.

- www.kezan-design.com/backgammon/support.htm

 

Uninstalling

Uninstalling you have to do it manually. In C:\Program Files\Plus!\Themes find and select folder "Kezan's Backgammon" and press delete button. But please be careful before pressing "Del" button did you selected correct folder.