GIFConverter
GIFConverter 2.4.5d5 Carbon (OS 9/OS X native) Version has been released. Download it here now.
This is an experimental/development release. Please take care to avoid saving over important files. If you intend to modify a picture, work on a copy. It may contain some bugs, and there are several cosmetic issues under Aqua.
The file is a Self Mounting Image; after downloading, double click it to mount the disk on your desktop, then look inside the disk for the GIFConverter icon. You can run GIFConverter from the SMI, or copy it to your hard disk.
My intention is to get GIFConverter stabilized under Carbon, then to get to work on new features. Watch back here periodically for new releases, and more information about the GIFConverter on OS X program. Please report bugs to gc-bugs@kamit.com, and make suggestions for new features to gc-suggestions@kamit.com.
And the historical particulars...
GIFConverter is a graphics viewing and converting program for the Macintosh. It can display the following graphic types, and convert between them:
- GIF
- JPEG (and progressive JPEG in GIFConverter 2.4)
- PICT
- MacPaint
- CompuServe RLE
- TIFF
- RIFF
- EPS (output only)
- PNG (in GIFConverter 2.4)
GIFConverter 2.4 also introduces many new Features, including progressive JPEG, PNG, scriptability, and recordability.
Here are some of the features in GIFConverter 2.4:
- GIFConverter is now native on the PowerPC. It's delivered as a fat application.
- GIFConverter now supports progressive JPEG. Also, problems with JPEG comments have been fixed.
- GIFConverter now has initial support for PNG. Missing are comments, transparency and gamma support. They're coming.
- GIFConverter supports more GIF features:
- GIFConverter has always had support for multiple images.
- Direct support for transparency.
- Animation support: Delay, disposal method, user input, and loop count.
- Change the size and position of images with dialog boxes.
- Direct preview in your HTML browser. There's room for interpretation in the GIF animation specification, and differences in color rendering.
- Apply the Netscape color palette to your images.
- GIFConverter is now AppleScript scriptable and recordable. Some of the older commands aren't scriptable yet. There's plenty there to work with. Set many properties on the document and the its contained images. You can do things like write a droplet that will set the transparency to the color of the top left pixel, for instance.
- And, there are sample batch-conversion scripts. Wish GIFConverter converted things your way? Just change the scripts yourself!
- You'll be asked about file preferences on every save. No more hidden surprises. And you can specify them on the save AppleScript command. Write scripts to interlace all your GIF files!
- GIFConverter has better memory management. It will use unused memory automatically.
- Many bugs have been fixed. GIFConverter's internals have had a major overhaul, which should reduce or eliminate the number of crashes users have experienced.
News
| December 30, 2001 | GIFConverter 2.4.5d5 Carbon (OS 8.5/9/OS X native) Version has been
released. Download it here
now.
The file is a Self Mounting Image; after downloading, double click it to mount the disk on your desktop, then look inside the disk for the GIFConverter icon. You can run GIFConverter from the SMI, or copy it to your hard disk. This is an experimental/development release. Please take care to avoid saving over important files. If you intend to modify a picture, work on a copy. It may contain some bugs, and there are several cosmetic issues under Aqua. My intention is to get GIFConverter stabilized under Carbon, then to get to work on new features. Watch back here periodically for new releases, and more information about the GIFConverter on OS X program. Please report bugs to gc-bugs@kamit.com, and make suggestions for new features to gc-suggestions@kamit.com. |
|---|---|
| November 5, 1998 | GIFConverter 2.4.4 is released. Go download
it!
|
| May 28, 1998 | New installer for GIFConverter 2.4.3. No changes to the actual program
code.
|
| May 25, 1998 | GIFConverter 2.4.3 was released.
|
| February 26, 1998 | GIFConverter 2.4.2 was released (in disk fulfillment only).
|
| Jan 10, 1998 | GIFConverter 2.4.1 is released. This version has the following new
features and bugfixes:
Updaters are available from 2.4. |
| Dec 28, 1997 | GIFConverter 2.4 is released. This version has the following new
features and bugfixes:
|
| Oct 14, 1996 | GIFConverter 2.4d18 is released. This version has the following
new features and bugfixes:
|
| Sept, 1995 | You can now register GIFConverter through the Kagi
Shareware registration service. Kagi
allows the following conveniences:
GIFConverter is now available at the lower price of $30. Certain restrictions apply:
I've re-released GIFConverter 2.3.7 with the Register program and other useful information. You can download these files here. You should also find the GIFConverter Documentation at the same sites. |
|---|
Documentation
Documentation is included with the GIFConverter installation package as a set of HTML documents. To access it, choose the Online Documentation command from the Help menu.
On the Web
You can read the documentation directly on the web here.
Additional Downloads
Or, download a self-reading document that can also be printed. Or get the documentation in PDF.
Download
This is a list of GIFConverter files at this site. Also, see a list of helper applications that work with GIFConverter.
Note: These files are in BinHex format. If you haven't done so already, you may want to obtain StuffIt Expander to decode them. Netscape and other web browsers may automatically invoke StuffIt Expander to decode downloaded files. If your browser doesn't, just drop the file with the .hqx extension onto the StuffIt Expander icon.
2.4.4
This package will install the GIFConverter program (Fat, 68K or PPC), example scripts, and some notes. It also contains the Register 1.2.5 kam program you can use to get new lower pricing (see the News Flash), release notes, and frequently asked questions.
These installers no longer include Internet Config, which is available separately online.
This program is available in fat (68K/PPC) versions, and may be downloaded in both MacBinary and BinHex format.
You can use Disk Copy with the diskette images listed below to create an installation kit for GIFConverter on two HD diskettes. For information on how to make diskettes using Disk Copy, see Apple's Disk Copy Quick Reference tech note; scroll down to where it says "Making floppies from disk images". (The tech note also has a download link should you need to obtain Disk Copy.) If you download the images, you must download both images and create both disks.
| Click to download | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | Runs On | MacBinary | BinHex |
| GIFConverter Fat 2.4.4 installer | Any Macintosh | Download (1.7MB) | Download (2.3MB) |
| GIFConverter Disk 1 - disk image | Any Macintosh | Download (1.2MB) | Download (1.7MB) |
| GIFConverter Disk 2 - disk image | Any Macintosh | Download (844KB) | Download (1.1MB) |
GIFConverter
2.3.7
Click the title to download this file, which contains the GIFConverter 2.3.7 program, the Register 1.2.5 kam program you can use to get new lower pricing (see the News Flash), release notes, and frequently asked questions. GIFConverter 2.3.7 works on 68000 based machines (Macintosh Plus, SE, Classic and PowerBook 100).
GIFConverter
Documentation as a Self Reading Document
| Click to download | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | Runs On | MacBinary | BinHex |
| GIFConverter Documentation.srd | Any Macintosh | Download (450K) | Download (611K) |
GIFConverter Documentation
in PDF format
Choose which way you would like to download this file, which contains the GIFConverter documentation in PDF format. You can get a free Acrobat reader from Adobe Systems which will enable you to view or print the manual.
| Click to download | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | Runs On | MacBinary | BinHex |
| GIFConverter Documentation.pdf | Any Macintosh | Download (349K) | Download (465K) |
Updaters
I plan on a program of quick bug fixes and a number of new features. I will release updaters for GIFConverter when feasible. These updaters are smaller than the installation package, and modify only the GIFConverter program you already have. Make sure the updater you choose will work with the version you have. If there is no updater for your version, please choose a full installation package above.
Helper Applications
This is the place to look for applications that work together with GIFConverter.
StuffIt Expander
StuffIt Expander is a program that decodes MacBinary (.bin) and BinHex (.hqx) documents that you get from this site. Navigator will open it automatically if it is installed, and it comes with Navigator 3.0.
If your browser or other download agent doesn't automatically hand the files off to StuffIt Expander, you can expand them manually by dragging them onto the StuffIt Expander icon.
If you don't have it, you might want to obtain StuffIt Expander.
Internet Config
The Internet Config program implements the Internet Configuration System, a central repository of information about Internet usage. You can use it to record your name, email address, and other information, as well as your favorite Internet programs.
GIFConverter 2.4 uses Internet Config to find your web (http) browser for the Preview command on the File menu. Future versions of GIFConverter will use Internet Config support to help direct you to web pages for help and to help you create mail messages addressed to GIFConverter support addresses.
Register
GIFConverter is Shareware, and you may use it for 15 days in evaluation. After that, if you continue to use GIFConverter, please register it (you may also choose to stop using it). Registration pays for the cost of developing GIFConverter.
In return for your registration and payment you get a key that you use to disable the registration reminder. In addition, you help keep the GIFConverter project going. People like you who have registered GIFConverter over the years have supported the development of GIFConverter 2.4, and you deserve my thanks. There will be more new features as the GIFConverter project continues. It's sort of like public television, but without the government subsidy. You're supporting the same kind of small business that Apple was in the mid-seventies. You're saying that you believe in Macintosh and want to use the best computing technology in the world. You're casting a vote that small ventures have their place in a world full of megacorporations.
I know you're the kind of decent person that pays for what you use, so I wonder which way you will want to register?
Ways to Register
- On the Web, you can register and pay with MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover and Diners Card.
Additional Information
- Details you may need if you're a corporate, educational, or government customer
- Discount Plan for quantity purchases
Online
You can register GIFConverter online!
Now, thanks to the Kagi registration service, you can register single copies of GIFConverter on the web, using your Visa, American Express or MasterCard. Here's what you need to do:
- Make sure you have downloaded GIFConverter, have tried it out, and are happy with it. It's shareware, and it's fully functional, so I want you to be happy first. You can find copies of GIFConverter to download right here.
- You can only order one copy online. For larger orders, use the Register program included with GIFConverter.
- Continue the process by going to the Online Order Processing page.
Thanks for your interest in GIFConverter!
Corporate
Purchase Orders
I will accept purchase orders only under prior arrangement, and only from US corporations. Send email to quotations@kamit.com.
If your order is under the auspices of a US Government contract, see "Government Registration."
Quantity Discounts
Instead of offering an actual site license, I can offer a volume discount plan. Please order an amount of licenses approximately equal to the number of anticipated simultaneous users.
The discount plan is available through online ordering for now. The way it works is that you can order 'packages' of GIFConverter licenses at reduced cost.
| Quantity Ordered | Package Price | Price Per Unit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $30 | $30 |
| 5 | $100 | $20 |
| 100 | $1500 | $15 |
| 250 | $2500 | $10 |
Minimum order is 5. The entire order must be registered/shipped to a single location. User groups can distribute the key among several members, but I won't have a copy of the individual registration. Each user can use the key to unlock downloaded upgrades, and the user group can request and distribute upgrades itself.
Please read the license/warranty/distribution information before ordering.
Taxpayer ID Number
For a taxpayer ID number, you can use my FEIN: 36-3983225.
Discount
Instead of offering an actual site license, I can offer a volume discount plan. Please order an amount of licenses approximately equal to the number of anticipated simultaneous users.
The discount plan is available through online ordering for now. The way it works is that you can order 'packages' of GIFConverter licenses at reduced cost.
| Quantity Ordered | Package Price | Price Per Unit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $30 | $30 |
| 5 | $100 | $20 |
| 100 | $1500 | $15 |
| 250 | $2500 | $10 |
Minimum order is 5. The entire order must be registered/shipped to a single location. User groups can distribute the key among several members, but I won't have a copy of the individual registration. Each user can use the key to unlock downloaded upgrades, and the user group can request and distribute upgrades itself.
Please read the license/warranty/distribution information before ordering.
Educational
Purchase Orders
I will accept purchase orders only from educational institutions in the United States. Send email to quotations@kamit.com for more information.
Quantity Discounts
Instead of offering an actual site license, I can offer a volume discount plan. Please order an amount of licenses approximately equal to the number of anticipated simultaneous users.
The discount plan is available through online ordering for now. The way it works is that you can order 'packages' of GIFConverter licenses at reduced cost.
| Quantity Ordered | Package Price | Price Per Unit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $30 | $30 |
| 5 | $100 | $20 |
| 100 | $1500 | $15 |
| 250 | $2500 | $10 |
Minimum order is 5. The entire order must be registered/shipped to a single location. User groups can distribute the key among several members, but I won't have a copy of the individual registration. Each user can use the key to unlock downloaded upgrades, and the user group can request and distribute upgrades itself.
Please read the license/warranty/distribution information before ordering.
Special Educational Discounts (available starting August, 1996)
If you're outfitting a lab, or installing GIFConverter on a number of school-owned machines at your institution or in your district, write me at quotations@kamit.com with your requirements. I have some special pricing available.
Taxpayer ID Number
For a taxpayer ID number, you can use my FEIN: 36-3983225.
Business Status
I probably qualify as a small business, but it is neither woman- or minority-owned.
Government
Purchase Orders
I will accept purchase orders only from United States Government agencies, or from US commercial entities operating under the auspices of a Government contract. Send email to quotations@kamit.com.
Quantity Discounts
Instead of offering an actual site license, I can offer a volume discount plan. Please order an amount of licenses approximately equal to the number of anticipated simultaneous users.
The discount plan is available through online ordering for now. The way it works is that you can order 'packages' of GIFConverter licenses at reduced cost.
| Quantity Ordered | Package Price | Price Per Unit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $30 | $30 |
| 5 | $100 | $20 |
| 100 | $1500 | $15 |
| 250 | $2500 | $10 |
Minimum order is 5. The entire order must be registered/shipped to a single location. User groups can distribute the key among several members, but I won't have a copy of the individual registration. Each user can use the key to unlock downloaded upgrades, and the user group can request and distribute upgrades itself.
Please read the license/warranty/distribution information before ordering.
Taxpayer ID Number
For a taxpayer ID number, you can use my FEIN: 36-3983225.
Business Status
I probably qualify as a small business, but it is neither woman- or minority-owned.
Release Notes
- Version 2.4.4 (11/5/98)
- Version 2.4.3 (5/25/98)
- Version 2.4.2 (2/26/98)
- Version 2.4.1 (1/3/98)
- Version 2.4 (12/28/97)
- Version 2.4d18 (10/14/96)
- Version 2.3.7 (1/30/94)
- Version 2.3.6 (1/16/94)
- Version 2.3.5 (1/13/94)
- Version 2.3.4 (11/7/93)
- Version 2.3.3 (10/23/93)
- Version 2.3.2 (3/7/93)
- Version 2.3 (2/25/93)
- Version 2.3b2 (9/10/92)
- Version 2.3b1 (7/31/92)
Version 2.4.4 (11/5/98)
- Documentation is now available online in HTML form. GIFConverter will display it in your web browser. See Online Documentation in the Help menu. The documentation has been updated to cover most of the 2.4 features.
- There is a script in the Scripts menu for setting the desktop picture on MacOS 8.5.
- When using an open box, GIFConverter recognizes files by their extensions and MacOS file types only. Use the GIFConverter AutoTyper (included) to change file types. GIFConverter will try to identify by examination any file that is dropped on it or given to it by an Apple Event.
- GIFConverter now recognizes its own slide show documents. It also assumed that most other files were GIF files; this has been fixed.
- GIFConverter is only available electronically; the diskette/manual options have been removed from registration programs and order forms.
- PICT files sometimes had black backgrounds when read into GIFConverter; this has been fixed.
- GIFConverter works around some system inconsistencies that caused problems launching other applications.
- The size property of an image is now the "dimensions". This
prevents a conflict with the size of a text character. GIFConverter
will work with old AppleScripts, but you may need to change them to
use "dimensions" if you recompile them.
- The installer only requires System 7.0. It mistakenly required System 7.1.2, because it was based on the PPC-only installer (how embarassing!).
- GIFConverter is no longer tested or supported on machines without Color QuickDraw. It now requires 68020 or newer.
- I have a new P.O. Box address. Mail from the old box will be picked up for a time, then forwarded, and finally will stop working. I have no idea yet how long the Postal Service will forward for.
Version 2.4.3 (5/25/98)
- Fixed a bug that could cause crashes when Remove Unused Colors was turned on.
- Fixed a bug with the Enhance command calculating wrong histograms.
- "Look inside" settings are now sticky for the remainder of a run.
- GIFConverter makes every attempt to identify a file opened via an AppleEvent or being dropped on the GIFConverter icon.
- The Help menu now offers ways to look for new versions or file bug reports via the WWW.
Version 2.4.2 (2/26/98)
- Filenames without extensions now have the extensions added correctly (without removing the actual name of the file).
- When a file can't be opened during a slide show, report the filename that can't be opened. Note that a slide show only contains aliases to files, it doesn't actually contain the pictures. If the files are lost, then an error will occur when opening the slide show.
Version 2.4.1 (1/3/98)
- Fixes to custom installations on PPC (used to install ObjectSupportLib if GIFConverter requested in custom install; if you are running OS 8, remove any ObjectSupportLib from the extensions folder).
- Eliminates a crash on New Document on 68K.
Version 2.4 (12/28/97)
- Sped up a number of operations, including JPEG file reads.
- A number of crashes involving multiple file opens were fixed. Some of GIFConverter's insides were fixed to be more robust. Some internal changes were also made that will support new features.
- GIFConverter makes better use of memory and will run out of memory less often. It can use more memory that is allocated to it, is smarter about doing so, and will release memory when you change to another program (this may be accompanied by a delay and some disk activity if you do this after opening many images).
- 24-bit images may be rotated.
- Many of the image-editing commands (reducing colors, etc.) now work if there is no selection. If no images are selected, then GIFConverter does a Select All automatically.
- GIFConverter for 68K is now a single-segment program; this means that as on the PowerPC, it loads the entire program at once. This requires a little more memory. It eliminates a number of defects related to segment loading, and an entire class of memory management problems.
Version 2.4d18 (10/14/96)
- Fixed a bug that caused crashes when opening files, particularly larger JPEG files. This crash was most obvious when using a droplet to convert many files.
- Fixed a bug that caused crashes after reading a PICT file.
- Fixed a bug where a file error would occur if compression was turned on for PICT files and the saved file was on the boot disk.
- Resolution is implemented for PICT files, and is read in and saved out with PICT files. There is now a resolution property on the graphic document so the resolution can be changed from a script. The resolution can now also be set to arbitrary values (within reason) from the menu item.
- GIFConverter now ships with a glue file for Frontier, and now supports Menu Sharing in Frontier. A few bugs that prevented scripting with Frontier have been fixed.
- There is an edit preferences Apple Event for bringing up dialog boxes for specifying file preferences.
- GIFConverter download files are smaller, 68K and PPC-only versions are available, and updaters are available.
- Internet Config is no longer bundled with the download version; it is available separately.
Version 2.3.7 (1/30/94)
- Fixed a problem with successive mouse commands. This often manifested itself as improper results when a crop was followed by a drag, for instance.
- GIFConverter should no longer hang when starting up on a machine with a French keyboard. GIFConverter searches for the '.' key for implementing cancelling with command-period. It now finds such a key even if the '.' is shifted. It will also no longer hang if it can't find a '.' key (I'd be very interested in finding out about keyboards that don't have one).
- To cancel operations in GIFConverter (when you have the juggler cursor), press the command key, and type a period. If the period ('.') is shifted, you must hold down the shift key.
Version 2.3.6 (1/16/94)
- GIFConverter can read and write comments in JPEG/JFIF files.
- File comments for GIF and JPEG use CR/LF at the end of a line. The editing window is now 80 characters wide, uses a fixed width font, and does not wrap lines. With these features, GIFConverter conforms with what appears to be accepted practice for formatting these comments.
Version 2.3.5 (1/13/94)
- GIFConverter now gives an error message instead of crashing when it runs out of memory trying to open a JPEG file.
- When GIFConverter runs out of memory while trying to allocate an image buffer (the largest memory usage it performs), it now gives a detailed description of the size of the image, and suggests a memory allocation setting that will accomodate the image.
- GIFConverter now commits the last action before saving files. For instance, it no longers loses pasted images, or stretches cropped images strangely.
- If the Preferences file is damaged, GIFConverter deletes it and makes a new one. It tells you when it does this.
Version 2.3.4 (11/7/93)
- Fixed a bug where GIFConverter crashed on startup on certain Centris and Quadra machines.
Version 2.3.3 (10/23/93)
- GIFConverter no longer reports zero colors when reading some GIF files. This also caused crashes, or errors saving as GIF.
- Using command-period to stop the slide show should work on all machines now.
- It was impossible to stop a slide show if GIFConverter required more time to load a document than the slide show interval. This has been fixed.
- The Options... button in the Save dialog box didn't work right if a user clicked in the upper left quarter of it. This has been fixed.
- When the Memory or Progress windows came to the front, GIFConverter would not enable the correct menu commands. Clicking on a window would restore the correct commands. This has been fixed.
- 24-bit images may now be cropped. They may now also be copied when selected by the marquee.
- GIFConverter can now open a document even if there isn't a properly installed and selected print driver.
- The missing preview picture in EPSF files has been fixed.
- The units controls in the print margins box now work properly.
- A bug that caused crashes when choosing the Enhance command has been fixed.
Version 2.3.2 (3/7/93)
- GIFConverter no longer crashes when opening JPEG/JFIF files on the Macintosh Classic, SE, Plus, or other non-color Macintoshes.
- The images in the slide show are now in the right size and color.
- GIFConverter now properly saves GIF files that contain only one image, and the one image has just been pasted into an empty document.
- GIFConverter no longer crashes when the shareware reminder window is up and the user clicks in the menu bar or types a command key.
Version 2.3 (2/25/93)
- Converted to use MacApp 3.0.1. GIFConverter now requires at least System 6.0.5.
- GIFConverter can accept the Required suite of AppleEvents. This means that drag-and-drop should be working right.
- Fixed bug where the wrong message was given if GIFConverter needed QuickTime.
- Added new bar-type progress window. More file operations show progress now. Note that when using QuickTime for compression (including JFIF files), the progress bar takes longer to show up. This is a restriction of QuickTime.
- Added compressed TIFF output with prediction. Fixed some bugs with TIFF. Provided workaround for saving TIFF files that Microsoft Word can read.
- Added support for the Independent JPEG Group code. This code allows GIFConverter to read and write JPEG files without needing QuickTime.
- Fixed some bugs saving files where the colors weren't properly saved.
- GIFConverter should recognize more file types. It should also have less problems reading files from ISO 9660 disks.
- Files can be opened from the desktop even if they are the wrong type.
- Fixed halftoning and inversion problems in EPSF output.
Version 2.3b2 (9/10/92)
NEW FEATURES
- 32-bit (millions of colors) pictures can have their color pallettes changed or reduced.
BUGFIXES
- GIFConverter no longer requires System 7; this was a programming error. System 6 is sufficient.
- GIFConverter now dithers to one-bit properly in all cases, including 24-bit color pictures.
- Dithering to one-bit color should now work on systems set to millions of colors.
- GIFConverter no longer gets an Unimplemented Trap error opening PICT files on Pluses, SEs, and Classics.
- The key screen now has only one button. You can enter your key and press OK.
- JPEG graphics should no longer get clipped to the screen size.
Version 2.3b1 (7/31/92)
GIFConverter works best if you have System 7 or 32-bit Color QuickDraw installed. GIFConverter requires QuickTime for PICT compression and JPEG support.
NEW FEATURES
- GIFConverter can now create and manipulate "Slide Show" files. These files can contain the names of other files to be displayed. Use the Show menu to work with these files. When playing a show, command-period stops the show, and a mouse click or keypress will take you to the next frame.
- GIFConverter now supports 24-bit reading of the following file types: TIFF, PICT (including PICT files compressed with QuickTime compressors), and JPEG (JFIF).
- GIFConverter now supports writing JPEG (JFIF) files.
- GIFConverter can create compressed PICT files if QuickTime is installed.
- When saving files, GIFConverter automatically reduces the number of colors to the number the file can handle.
- GIFConverter can now recognize a file by its extensions even without the "look inside file" options: .GIF, .PICT, .RIFF, .TIFF, .TIF, .JPG, .JPEG
- Options/Settings for files are now available though a File Settings... menu item (Special menu), or from a button in the save file box.
BUGFIXES
- Fixed bug reading RIFF files that weren't a multiple of 4 in width.
- Changing printer margins now takes effect without having to do a Page Setup to get the printer to recognize the new values.
- GIFConverter no longer gets confused when using Save As or Save As Copy to change the file type of the file shown on the screen. Sometimes it would give the file the wrong type, even though it contained the contents you wanted in it.
- Fix a bug that crashed GIFConverter after saving the 2nd or subsequent PICT file.
- Fixed problems reading from compact discs, especially ISO 9660 standard discs.
Shareware
What is Shareware?
Shareware is a unique marketing strategy for computer programs. Basically, it's a way of distributing computer software where you get to try the software before you buy it. Shareware cuts out the middlemen in the distribution process, which ultimately saves you money.
The biggest advantage to you, the customer, is that you see what you're getting first, before you spend the money. How many times have you bought a program, only to find out it doesn't do what you want? Shareware is the ultimate money-back guarantee: I don't want your money in the first place unless you're going to actually use GIFConverter.
The first shareware author was Jim Button, widely considered The Father of Shareware. He invented the concept in 1982.
Upgrades
What does it cost to upgrade GIFConverter?
As little as nothing. $0. Just download the new version and type in your key. It's that easy.
I do charge a nominal fee to cover my costs if you want me to ship a new diskette and/or manual. See the order form that GIFConverter will print out for you.
When I was developing GIFConverter in the late 80's, I became frustrated with a software company that was charging for upgrades. Whatever version I had came with bugs. I'd pay for an upgrade, and it'd fix some bugs and introduce new ones.
I decided that's not the way I wanted to run my business.
You see, all software has bugs. My software has bugs. Even big industry software from name brand corporations has bugs. I don't believe that you should have to pay for it when I fix my mistakes. If you're happy that I fixed a bug and GIFConverter is once again useful to you, and you want to somehow pay me back for it, do this: Tell a few friends about it.
Glossary
68K
68K versions of GIFConverter will run on the original Macintosh II, LC, and Quadra series. They will not run on Power Macintosh.
BinHex
The BinHex format is a solution to a problem that plagues the transfer of applications, pictures and other binary data. If these transfers don't pass through 8-bit wide paths, some of the bits may be stripped off and the file gets corrupted.
BinHex gets around this problem by encoding the file into a text form. Note that BinHex files are larger than the original files, and they take longer to download. Although MacBinary files will work most of the time, if you have trouble after download, try using the BinHex version of a file.
BinHex files most often have a '.hqx' extension. You can decode these files with StuffIt Expander.
Fat
"Fat" versions of GIFConverter run on any Macintosh: 68K-based (original) Macs as well as Power Macintosh.
MacBinary
Macintosh files are rather unique in the world in that they come in several parts. There are two forks in the file, the resource fork and the data fork. The data fork corresponds to a normal file on most systems. But there's this extra resource fork part (which is really important since applications won't run without it) as well as special file information (so the Mac knows which application to run for a file, for instance). The MacBinary format combines all this information into a single file.
MacBinary files are smaller than BinHex files, but they are sensitive to corruption during download. They require an 8-bit wide path, and if they are sent through channels as if they were text, they can get damaged.
MacBinary files on this site have a '.bin' suffix. You can decode them by using StuffIt Expander.
PPC
PPC versions of GIFConverter run on Power Macintosh computers only.
License, Warranty, Distribution
License Agreement
This Software, GIFConverter, is licensed, not sold, and may only be used under the terms outlined below.
License
Under this license, you may use the Software under the following conditions:
- This software may be used for up to 15 days for evaluation purposes. After 15 days, you must either (1) register this Software under the terms noted in the Shareware Notification, or (2) destroy all copies of this Software in your possession.
- You may use the Software on a single CPU at one time. You are allowed to use the software on any number of CPUs, provided that the software is never used simultaneously on more than one CPU at a time.
- The Software may not be placed on a served disk unless enough licenses have been purchased to cover the number of CPUs connected to the served disk.
- You may make one copy of the Software for backup purposes.
- The Software may be transferred to another party provided that (1) the manual and ALL copies of the Software are transferred to the new owner, and (2) the original owner notifies the author in writing of the change in ownership.
- This Software may be distributed for evaluation as outlined in "Distribution" below.
Limitations
- This Software contains trade secrets, and you may NOT reverse engineer the Software in any way including disassembly or decompilation. You may not use this software as the basis for any derivative work without the permission of the author.
- You may NOT resell this Software at a profit, nor may you rent this Software.
Termination
This license is automatically terminated upon breach of any of the terms of this license. Upon termination, all copies of this Software and the documentation must be destroyed.
Warranty
This Software is sold "as is" under the terms of the Warranty listed below.
General
The purchaser, by agreeing to this license, affirms that the software will not be used, sold, transferred, or exported in any form contrary to the laws of the United States of America or the laws of any State. The author assumes no liability for purchaserÕs use of this Software resulting in the violation of a law.
Warranty
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have other rights, which vary from state to state.
Limited Warranty on Media
Media on which the Software is distributed by Kevin A. Mitchell is warranted against defects in materials or workmanship for ninety (90) days from the date of purchase. If the media should prove defective, return it to the address listed above for replacement.
Disclaimer of Warranty on Software
This software and manual are sold "as is" and without any warranty, express or implied, including but not limited to non-infringement of third party rights, performance or merchantability.
This program is sold without any express or implied warranties whatsoever. Because of the diversity of conditions and hardware under which this program may be used, no warranty of fitness for a particular purpose is offered. The user is advised to test the program thoroughly before relying on it. The user must assume the entire risk of using the program. The author will assume no liability for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages resulting from the use of this software, including loss or interruption of business, accidental loss of data, or damage to computer equipment, or for any claim by a third party.
The author does not guarantee that this Software will work in every environment. Specifically, no guarantee is made about the performance of the Software under a network, served disk, or multi-user system. This Software is not guaranteed to work on Macintosh-compatible computers not manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc., or on Macintosh computers that did not exist at the time the program was written. It is not guaranteed to work in the presence of INITs, system extensions, or other software which modifies the operating system, system traps, or other portions of the software as provided by Apple Computer.
Distribution
GIFConverter is a shareware program. Shareware offers the opportunity to try out a fully-functional copy of a program before purchase. Although GIFConverter is freely available, it is a copyrighted program, and use or distribution in violation of the License Agreement and Distribution guidelines is against the law.
You may use GIFConverter for up to 15 days before registering it. GIFConverter is fully functional, and all features are present even without registration. The key you get when you register will disable the registration screen at startup time.
You may give copies of GIFConverter to your friends for evaluation. GIFConverter may be placed on BBSes and online service providers (such as CompuServe, GEnie and America Online) provided that the GIFConverter package is downloadable without charge beyond normal connect charges. GIFConverter may be placed onto diskettes distributed by user groups at nominal fee.
When distributing GIFConverter, please give the complete contents of the disk, or the program archive and one of the documentation archives, making sure that you transfer all note files as well.
Vendors desiring to place GIFConverter into their catalogs must contact the author at the address on the cover requesting permission to distribute this program, and outlining their fees and shareware policies.
Whenever GIFConverter appears on a catalog, diskette, BBS, or online service, it must be identified as shareware. Vendors and operators must make it clear that online charges or disk fees have not paid for the use of this shareware product, and that additional payment is due the author.
Acknowledgments
The installer for GIFConverter was created using Installer VISE Lite from MindVision Software. For more information on Installer VISE Lite, contact:
MindVision Software
840 South 30th Street, Suite C
P.O. Box 81886
Lincoln, NE 68510
Voice: (402) 477-3269
Fax: (402) 477-1395
Internet: mindvision@mindvision.com
AOL: MindVision
AppleLink: MindVision
CompuServe: 70253,1437
http://www.mindvision.com
Legal Stuff
GIFConverter is licensed under U.S. Patent No. 4,558,302 and foreign counterparts.