"Bits and Bytes" -- March '97

Table of Contents

The "Bits and Bytes" educational newsletter has a new format because it is now being distributed via the World Wide Web (WWW). To facilitate readers searching for pertinent information, articles are listed below in the order that they might appear if "Bits and Bytes" is being viewed in the more traditional paper format. However, Netscape users may transfer directly to specific articles by selecting the appropriate underlined hyperlink below. If one peruses an article and does not wish to continue reading subsequent articles in a linear fashion, then it is possible to return to this index by selecting the "Table of Contents" link which is found at the end of each section.

  1. Notes and Quotes
    This regular column provides information on a potpourri of technological "tidbits".
  2. Minister proclaims "Let's Get Connected" Week
    The Honourable Linda G. McIntosh, Minister of Education and Training, has proclaimed the week of May 12 -16, 1997 as "Let's Get Connected" week.
  3. "Let's Get Connected" Week Poster
    A copy of this poster has been send out to all schools encouraging educators to become involved in one or more of the creative, educational activities that are being planned throughout Manitoba to foster connectivity during this week in May. Educators should check out the activities at: http://www.mbnet.mb.ca/cecm/events/lgc/index.htm
  4. How to download Windows-based files off the Internet
    Brian Metcalfe provides a detailed step-by-step article as well as software resources to help Internet users practice downloading files from the Internet. Since some of the "Let's Get Connected" activities assume that the participating teachers are familiar with the process of acquiring freeware/shareware off the Internet, this article will provide educators with the necesary steps and an activity to gain experience with downloading and "unzipping" compressed files. The graphic conversion software downloaded (Lview31) will be extremely useful to Windows users who wish to convert bit-mapped .BMP images to the acceptable web image formats of .GIF or .JPG.
  5. Image conversion for "Let's Get Connected" Week
    Some activities in the "Let's Get Connected" Week will require that Windows-based users convert student "creations" from the bit-map (.BMP) images of PC Paintbrush to the WWW image standard (of .GIF or .JPG) and vice-versa. Read how the freeware program "Lview31" for Windows, which can be downloaded following the steps in the previous article, can be used as an excellent tool for this purpose. Try it out now and avoid the pressure of trying to learn how to use it during the busy "Let's Get Connected" Week.
  6. Freebie Request Page
    The freebies this month include "WizUnZip" and "Stuffit Expander", two freeware products used for "unzipping" compressed files and "Lview31" a freeware graphics file conversion utility.

Brian Metcalfe - Editor - "Bits and Bytes"                                                                 Copyright © 1997 (ISSN 1195-5864)
Last revision date: March 19, 1997                                                                  Information has been shared with Hit Counter   
                       

Notes and Quotes

by Brian Metcalfe - Technology Education

"AOLpress" - an HTML editor for Macintosh, Windows & Windows '95

Patrick Logan has found another great resource on the 'net! How much would you be willing to pay for an editor which uses WYSIWYG page creation, allows authoring and browsing to occur in the same window, handles tables, forms and image maps, checks links, builds mini-webs to help simplify site development and updates and has a built-in spell-checker? Well AOLpress is FREE for downloading from: http://www.aolpress.com/

Virtual University offers FREE workshops over the Internet

There is never enough time to learn all there is to know about the rapidly evolving Internet. If you can devote any 3 hours per week (for up to 8 weeks) and are willing to learn at your own speed, in your own home, via the Internet why not sign up for Virtual U at: http://www.vu.org/register.html
Courses to be offered in this very unique manner include: Building A "Home on the Web" for the HTML Challenged, The Beginner's Graphic and Design Shop, Exploring the Internet, Worry Free IRC, PC Basics: What to Do After You've Found The "ON" Switch, Surfing the Worldwide Web with Netscape Gold, The ABC's of FTP, Introduction to Online Genealogy, Fun Things To Do On The Net! and Advanced HTML Authoring and Web Page Design. Don't delay since the enrollment deadline is 10 p.m., Wednesday, April 9th.

Internet 7-pak Installation Problem

Two educators recently contacted me indicating that when they attempted to install the three Netscape diskettes (as part of the "Internet 7-pak" for Windows), the first Netscape disk loaded but the installation process failed to load the second Netscape diskette. After trouble-shooting this installation further we found that the user was unable to insert an [x] beside "Use 32-bit File Access" as required. This indicated that the person was attempting to install the "Internet 7-pak" on a Windows 3.1 (or 3.11) operating system. To correct this problem, users must first upgrade their operating system to "Windows for WorkGroups 3.11" (which allows 32-bit file access) and then subsequently install the "Internet 7-pak".

Tag-line of the Month

W  el  l,   I   f  ou  n  d th  e  s   pac   e b  a   r

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Minister proclaims "Let's Get Connected" Week

Click on the thumbnail sketch below to download the larger 69K JPG file of the proclamation shown.

Remember to click on your brower's "Back" button to return to this newsletter.

[Table of Contents]


"Let's Get Connected" Week Poster

Click on the thumbnail sketch below to download the larger 145K GIF file of the poster shown.

Remember to click on your brower's "Back" button to return to this newsletter.

[Table of Contents]



How to download Windows-based files off the Internet

by Brian Metcalfe - Technology Education

A number of readers have asked me to provide a step-by-step process to help them download software off the Internet. With the upcoming "Let's Get Connected" week, a number of Manitoba educators may wish to download freeware or shareware software in order to participate more fully in a variety of activities. Although this article will help readers with the download process, there are a number of related issues that Internet users need to understand before they can download files and, more importantly, use them in a proficient manner. This article will address the following four sections:

     A.  Why are files compressed (or "zipped") on remote servers?
     B.  Acquiring de-compression utility software (such as "WizUnZip" or "Stuffit Expander")
     C.  Downloading "zipped" files from the Internet to your local hard drive
     D.  Expanding local "zipped" files (with either "WizUnZip" or "Stuffit Expnder") and running
           the downloaded software

If you plan to download files, it is recommended that you print out this article so that you can follow the points in an accurate manner until you have internalized each of the steps.

A.  Why are files compressed (or "zipped") on remote servers?

Internet hosts (or file servers) that store a multitude of software available for Internet download require a great deal of hard drive space. It was soon realized that in order to store more and more information (particularly executable files needed for most software applications), a compression utility or format was needed to reduce the amount of storage space on the host computer. Although there are a variety of compression formats available, a quasi-standard utility found in the Windows environment was written by PKWARE, Inc. The program this company developed to compress files to approximately 50-70% of their original size was called PKZIP and its counterpart used for expanding the compressed file was called PKUNZIP. Compressed files, which utilized the standard ".ZIP" extension, quickly became known as "zipped" files. This "zipped" file format became a standard in the "Wintel (Windows/Intel) World" as more and more companies wrote their own variety of "unzipping" software. Thus whenever you are searching the Internet at sites such as Jumbo at: http://www.jumbo.com (with its more than 93,000 freeware or shareware programs) and you encounter a downloadable file with the ".ZIP" extension, such as "Lview31.zip", you can be assured that once the file is downloaded it will be necessary to go through the "unzipping" process. This procedure, outlined below, will expand this "zipped" file (as well as any other files contained within this same "package") back to its original uncompressed size which is necessary if one hopes to execute such software on their own local microcomputer.

Before we go into detail, I will outline briefly the steps that are necessary in downloading Windows-based "zipped" files:

  1. Acquire "unzipping" freeware like "WizUnzip" or "Stuffit Expander"
  2. Prepare an empty directory, into which the downloaded files, can be transferred
  3. Download the file
  4. Restore the file to its original size using "WizUnzip" or "Stuffit Expander"
  5. Run any setup or install "driver"
  6. If necessary copy any files to an appropriate subdirectory
  7. Assign an icon (or shortcut) and link to the ".EXE. or ".BAT" file which starts the program
  8. Test the downloaded program for potential virus(es)
  9. Run the program
  10. Remove all the files from the original download directory so it's ready for the next download


B.  Acquiring de-compression utility software (such as "WizUnZip" or
      "Stuffit Expander")

To help educators in our Division expand files that they had downloaded from the Internet, we have distributed two different freeware products over the past several years. "WizUnZip" and "Stuffit Expander" were respectively distributed as freeware in the original "Internet 12-pak" software and the more recently updated "Internet 7-pak". Whereas "WizUnzip" only decompresses "zipped" files, "Stuffit Expander" handles the expansion of a wide variety of compressed files including "zipped" files.

If you have either "WizUnZip" or "Stuffit Expander" on your local microcomputer, then you may wish to follow the steps outlined to acquire the other "unzipping" utility or you may simply skip to Section C.

However, if you do not have either of the above de-compression utility programs, you can find yourself in a "vicious loop". For example, when you attempt to download "WizUnZip" or "Stuffit Expander" off the Internet, you will find they are both stored as "zipped" files. Although you will be able to download either software package ("WizUnZip" or "Stuffit Expander") in their compressed "zipped" (.ZIP) format, you will not be able to expand or "unzip" them on your local hard drive. In order to decompress a downloaded "zipped" (.ZIP) file, you must have either "WizUnZip" or "Stuffit Expander" in its uncompressed or workable (.EXE) format to utilize the utility software. It's a conundrum like "Which came first, the chicken or the egg?" This is why educators share the "WizUnZip" or "Stuffit Expander" utilities in their de-compressed state on floppy diskettes so that others can install them and use these utilities to download other "zipped" files.

To help you out, I have placed the key files for both "WizUnZip"and "Stuffit Expander" on our server in their uncompressed (.EXE) state (i.e. neither files is "zipped). Those using Netscape or Internet Explorer, should proceed to the Freebie Request Page at the end of this issue and transfer both of these utilities (with their respective Help files) to your local hard drive following the steps below:

  • Acquiring "WizUnZip"
  1. If you wish to acquire "WizUnZip", use your Windows File Manager to create a new subdirectory as a depository for the two uncompressed "WizUnZip"files. I recommend C:\WIZUNZIP
  2. Use your Netscape or Internet Explorer browser to position yourself at the "Freebie  Request Page" at the end of this March '97 newsletter. If unsure you can enter the URL: http://www.wsd1.org/bitsbytes/9697/bbmar97/
  3. Place one finger on the "Shift" key and hold it down. While depressing the  "Shift" key, click on the hyper linked colored and/or underlined file (in this case "WizUnZip Utility"). A Netscape dialog box will pop-up on your screen asking where you would like to save the "wizunzip.exe" file. Navigate through the directories until C:\WIZUNZIP is selected and then click on the "OK" button to begin the download of the uncompressed executable "wizunzip.exe" file. A download gauge will appear advising you that the transfer process may take a minute or so.
  4. When 100% of the file is downloaded and the download transfer gauge disappears, your screen will return to the March '97 "Freebie Request Page". Next transfer the "WizUnZip Help File" into the C:\WIZUNZUP directory of your local drive.
  5. Place one finger on the "Shift" key and hold it down. While depressing the "Shift" key, click on the hyper linked colored and/or underlined file (in this case "WizUnZip Help File"). A Netscape dialog box will pop-up on your screen indicating that the file you are transfering is an "Unknown File Type". Click on the "Save File" button to bring up the "Save As ..." dialog box which prompts you as to where you would like to save the "wizunzip.hlp" file. Navigate through the directories until C:\WIZUNZIP is selected and then click on the "OK" button to begin the download of the uncompressed "wizunzip.hlp" file. A download gauge will appear advising you that the transfer process may take a minute or so.
  6. When 100% of the file is downloaded and the download transfer gauge disappears, your screen will return to the March '97 "Freebie Request Page". At this point you should start your Windows File Manager and verify that the directory C:\WIZUNZIP contains the two files WIZUNZIP.EXE and WIZUNZIP.HLP. If either file appears to be missing or the length of either file appears to be 0 K bytes, simply click on the respective file and click on the Window/Refresh menu options.
  7. Return to the Program Manager and open the Program Group where you wish to run "WizUnZip". Use the File/New/Program Item menu options to create an icon link to the executable file. In the "Description:" field enter "WizUnZip". In the "Command Line:" field, browse until you select the file or enter "C:\WIZUNZIP\WIZUNZIP.EXE" and click on the "OK" button. The "WizUnZip" zipper icon will be displayed if you are successful.
  8. Double-click on the "WizUnZip" zipper icon. Once this utility opens, click on the Help/WizUnZip Help menu items to ensure that the WIZUNZIP.HLP file is linked properly. Next repeat a similar process to transfer the "Stuffit Expander" software utility to your microcomputer.
  • Acquiring "Stuffit Expander"
  1. If you wish to acquire "Stuffit Expander", use your Windows File Manager to create a new subdirectory as a depository for the two uncompressed "Stuffit Expander" files. I recommend C:\STUFFIT
  2. Use your Netscape or Internet Explorer browser to position yourself at the "Freebie  Request Page" at the end of this March '97 newsletter. If unsure you can enter the URL: http://www.wsd1.org/bitsbytes/9697/bbmar97/
  3. Place one finger on the "Shift" key and hold it down. While depressing the  "Shift" key, click on the hyper linked colored and/or underlined file (in this case "Stuffit Expander Utility"). A Netscape dialog box will pop-up on your screen asking where you would like to save the "expander.exe" file. Navigate through the directories until C:\STUFFIT is selected and the click on the "OK" button to begin the download of the uncompressed executable "expander.exe" file. A download gauge will appear advising you that the transfer process may take two or three minutes.
  4. When 100% of the file is downloaded and the download transfer gauge disappears, your screen will return to the March '97 "Freebie Request Page". Next transfer the "Stuffit Expander Help File" into the C:\STUFFIT directory of your local drive.
  5. Place one finger on the "Shift" key and hold it down. While depressing the  "Shift" key, click on the hyper linked colored and/or underlined file (in this case "Stuffit Expander Help File"). A Netscape dialog box will pop-up on your screen indicating that the file you are transfering is an "Unknown File Type". Click on the "Save File" button to bring up the "Save As ..." dialog box which prompts you as to where you would like to save the "expander.hlp" file. Navigate through the directories until C:\STUFFIT is selected and then click on the "OK" button to begin the download of the uncompressed "expander.hlp" file. A download gauge will appear advising you that the transfer process may take a minute or so.
  6. When 100% of the file is downloaded and the download transfer gauge disappears, your screen will return to the March '97 "Freebie Request Page". At this point you should start your Windows File Manager and verify that the directory C:\STUFFIT contains the two files EXPANDER.EXE and EXPANDER.HLP. If either file appears to be missing or the length of either file appears to be 0 K bytes, simply click on the respective file and click on the Window/Refresh menu options.
  7. Return to the Program Manager and open the Program Group where you wish to run "Stuffit Expander". Use the File/New/Program Item menu options to create an icon link to the executable file. In the "Description" field enter "Stuffit Expander". In the "Command Line:" field, browse until you select the file or enter "C:\STUFFIT\EXPANDER.EXE" and click on the "OK" button. The "Stuffit Expander" icon will be displayed if you are successful.
  8. Double-click on the "Stuffit Expander" icon. Once this utility opens, click on the Help/Help Index menu items to ensure that the EXPANDER.HLP file is linked properly. Now that you have both "WizUnZip" and "Stuffit Expander" running on your microcomputer, you can use either program to expand or decompress downloaded ".ZIP" files.

C.  Downloading "zipped" files from the Internet to your local hard drive

In order to provide the reader with an opportunity to practice downloading and expanding "zipped" files, I have stored the graphic conversion utility "Lview31.zip" on our server. This program is used by many Internet Windows users to convert graphics or clip art from .BMP formats common in Paint/Paintbrush applications to their corresponding .GIF or .JPG formats which can be displayed on web pages. For educators who plan to register for "Let's Get Connected" activities, in which pictures are being shared or are being displayed on a web site, this program will become a very useful tool to aid in the conversion process. To download the "Lview31.zip" file, or any "zipped" file off the Internet, one should follow the steps outlined below:

  1. Use your Windows File Manager to create a new subdirectory as a depository for all subsequent downloaded files. I recommend "C:\DOWNLOAD"
  2. Use your Netscape or Internet Explorer browser to position yourself at the "Freebie  Request Page" at the end of this March '97 newsletter. If unsure you can enter the URL: http://www.wsd1.org/bitsbytes/9697/bmar97/
  3. Place one finger on the "Shift" key and hold it down. While depressing the "Shift" key, click on the hyper linked colored and/or underlined file (in this case "LVIEW31.ZIP Graphic Conversion Utility"). A Netscape dialog box will pop-up on your screen indicating that the file you are transfering is an "Unknown File Type". Click on the "Save File" button to bring up the "Save As ..." dialog box which prompts you as to where you would like to save the "lview31.zip" file. Navigate through the directories until C:\DOWNLOAD is selected and then click on the "OK" button to begin the download of the compressed file "lview31.zip" file. A download gauge will appear advising you that the transfer process may take a couple of minutes.
  4. When 100% of the file is downloaded and the download transfer gauge disappears, your screen will return to the March '97 "Freebie Request Page". At this point you should start your Windows File Manager and verify that the directory C:\DOWNLOAD contains the single compressed "LVIEW3.ZIP" file of 224269 bytes in length. Note if either the file appears to be missing or the file length appears to be 0 K bytes, simply click on the Window/Refresh menu options. Now you have downloaded a compressed or "zipped" file off the Internet to your local microcomputer.


D.  Expanding local "zipped" files (with either "WizUnZip" or "Stuffit Expander") and
      running the downloaded software

At this point, it is assumed that the single compressed downloaded file (in this case LVIEW.ZIP) is located on the local microcomputer's hard drive in a directory called "C:\DOWNLOAD". The "unzipping" or "decompression" process must now be applied to LVIEW.ZIP so that the application can be expanded to its original size and that any other files which may have been combined within the original ZIP file can be revealed. It is recommended that this be done in a different subdirectory from the one in which the file will eventually reside. Thus I utilize "C:\DOWNLOAD" for this process as well. In order to accomplish this task, the user requires "unzipping" software such as "WizUnZip" or "Stuffit Expander". The user will initially need to select one of the utilities to use for "unzipping". The necessary steps to "unzip" the LVIEW31.ZIP file are itemized below, using both utilities, so that the user can try out both pieces of software to determine which they prefer. We will begin by outlining the steps to use "WizUnZip". Later, this same "unzipping" process will be described with steps which must be used by educators wishing to use the "Stuffit Expander" utility. So at this point, the user (if they have both "unzipping utilities on their local hard drive) must decide which utility they will try first. If one chooses "WizUnZip", one should follow the steps immediately below. On the other hand, if one wishes to try "Stuffit Expander", one should skip down until the steps for using "Stuffit Expander" are encountered.

  • Unzipping LVIEW.ZIP with "WizUnZip"
  1. In the Windows Program Manager, select the Program Group containing the "WizUnZip" icon. Double-click on the "WizUnzip" icon to start this "unzipping" utility.
  2. In The "WizUnZip" software, use the File/Open command and navigate through the directories until you are pointed at "C:\DOWNLOAD". Click on the file "lview31.zip" to indicate that this file is the one you wish to "unzip" back to its expanded size and click on the "OK" button.
  3. In the "WizUnZip" window, you will see that the compressed ZIP file contains five individual files named (README.1ST, WHATS.NEW, LVIEW.HLP, LVIEW31.EXE, and WECJLIB.DLL). You should choose the "Edit/Select All Files" menu options and then click on the "Extract" button below.
  4. A message indicating that the file is "inflating" will appear and once the "hour-glass" cursor returns to its normal "arrow" display, you can exit "WizUnZip" by clicking on File/Exit.
  5. Use the File Manager to check on the contents of "C:\DOWNLOAD". In addition to the compressed "LVIEW31.ZIP" file of 224269 bytes, there are now the five other files, noted above, which total 563026 bytes or more than double in size. However, many first-time users are amazed when they automatically return to the File Manager display that only the initial ZIP file is displayed. You must always remember to select Windows/Refresh or press the key to get a re-freshed screen which shows any changes.
  6. At this point one usually looks for any .EXE files or .BAT files which traditionally start executing Windows-based software. If a SETUP.EXE or INSTALL.EXE appear after the "Unzipping" process is completed, simply double-click on such a file to begin a further installation process and follow the steps as prompted. However in this case, I recommend double-clicking on the LVIEW31.EXE file to see if the program starts. If it does, click on the File/Exit to return to the File Manager.
  7. At this point, you have successfully "unzipped" the single compressed LVIEW31.ZIP file into its five component files which can be successfully started by executing the LVIEW31.EXE file.
  8. The next step involves copying the component files over to a new directory. I'd recommend using the Windows File Manager to create a new directory C:\LVIEW31. Next, copy the five component files from C:\DOWNLOAD (and if you like the original LVIEW31.ZIP for archival purposes) to the new directory C:\LVIEW31. Exit File Manager.
  • Unzipping LVIEW.ZIP with "Stuffit Expander"
  1. In the Windows Program Manager, select the Program Group containing the "Stuffit Expander" icon. Double-click on the "Stuffit Expander" icon to start this "unzipping" utility.
  2. In The "Stuffit Expander" software, select the File/Expand menu options and navigate through the directories until you are pointed at "C:\DOWNLOAD". Click on the file "lview31.zip" to indicate that this file is the one you wish to "unzip" back to its expanded size and click on the "OK" button.
  3. In the "Stuffit Expander - Progress" window, you will ses a sliding gauge that indicates that the "unzipping" process is proceeding.
  4. Once the progress gauge disappears, exit "Stuffit Expander" by clicking on the "File/Exit" menus.
  5. Use the File Manager to check on the contents of "C:\DOWNLOAD". In addition to the compressed "LVIEW31.ZIP" file of 224269 bytes, there is a brand new directory created called "LVIEW" which contains the five files (WECJLIB.DLL, LVIEW31.EXE, LVIEW.HLP, WHATS.NEW and README.1ST) which total 563026 bytes or more than double LVIEW31.ZIP in size. However, many first-time users are amazed when they automatically return to the File Manager display that only the initial ZIP file is displayed. You must always remember to select Windows/Refresh or press the key to get a re-freshed screen which shows any changes.
  6. At this point one usually looks for any .EXE files or .BAT files which traditionally start executing Windows-based software. If a SETUP.EXE or INSTALL.EXE appears after the "Unzipping" process is completed, simply double-click on such a file to begin a further installation process and follow the steps as prompted. However in this case, I recommend double-clicking on the LVIEW31.EXE file to see if the program starts. If it does, click on the File/Exit to return to the File Manager.
  7. At this point, you have successfully "unzipped" the single compressed LVIEW31.ZIP file into its five component files which can be successfully started by executing the LVIEW31.EXE file.
  8. The next step involves copying the component files over to a new directory. I'd recommend using the Windows File Manager to create a new directory C:\LVIEW31. Next, copy the five component files from C:\DOWNLOAD\LVIEW31 (and if you like the original LVIEW31.ZIP for archival purposes) to the new directory C:\LVIEW31. Exit File Manager.

The Last Steps - Common to both "WizUnZip' & "Stuffit Expander"

  1. Return to the Program Manager and open the Program Group where you wish to run "Lview31". Use the File/New/Program Item menu options to create an icon link to the executable file. In the "Description" field enter "Lview31". In the "Command Line:" field, browse until you select the file or enter "C:\LVIEW31\LVIEW31.EXE" and click on the "OK" button. The "Lview31" icon will be displayed if you are successful.
  2. One should test the "Lview31" application by double-clicking on the icon. Details as to how to resize and convert images for the web using this program will be dealt with in the next article.
  3. Now that your downloaded software has been successfully "unzipped" and has been moved over to a new directory, it is important to go back and do a little house-keeping in preparation for your next download. Start the File Manager and click on the directory C:\DOWNLOAD. Highlight all the files that are located in this directory including the original .ZIP file as well as any other file(s) that were created during the "unzip" operation. Click on the File/Delete menu options and click on the "OK" button to confirm. By deleting all files within the C:\DOWNLOAD directory, and leaving the directory intact, the user has an empty "vessel" into which subsequent downloads can be directed.
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Image conversion for "Let's Get Connected" Week

Brian Metcalfe - Technology Education

The purpose of this article is to provide educators with a quick overview of how to utilize the Windows-based "Lview31" freeware. Educators may acquire this conversion software off our server (or the Internet) by following the steps outlined in the previous article. Teachers, who register for activities during the "Let's Get Connected" week in which they are asked to e-mail image attachments in either the Paint/Paintbrush (.BMP) format or in their equivalent web-based image formats of (.GIF or .JPG), should become familiar with the "Lview31" freeware to facilitate this file conversion.

Before proceeding make certain that "Lview31" is installed on your local hard drive. If it is not, then I urge you to download the product and "unzip" it following the detailed steps in the previous article.

  1. Double-click on the "Lview31" icon to start the program. Select "File/Open" and navigate into the C:\WINDOWS directory.
  2. Click on the down arrow to the right of "List files of type:" and change the setting from the default "JPEG (*.jpg)" to "Windows *.bmp". Click on one the file "WINLOGO.BMP" (or any .BMP file available) and click on the "OK" button. This will load the file on to your desktop.
  3. Click on "File/Save As" (or if the image is very small "F/Save As"). Change the "Save file as type" to "GIF 87a *.gif" and save the file with a new "File name" such as "WINLOGOG.GIF" back into the C:\WINDOWS directory.
  4. Repeat the previous step with the original image on your desktop, this time clicking on "File/Save As" and changing the "Save file as type" to "JPEG (*.jpg)". Save the image in the C:\WINDOWS directory as "WINLOGOJ.JPG". Exit "Lview31" by clicking on File/Exit menu items.
  5. You have effectively changed a bit-map image from it original Windows .BMP format to it corresponding Graphics Interchange Format (.GIF) and its Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG or .JPG) format. Now, start up the Windows File Manager and navigate to the C:\WINDOWS directory. Click on the Windows/Refresh options. Examine the size of the same image saved in three different formats. For example, my WINLOGO images are listed as follows:
  6.    WINLOGO.BMP      38,518 bytes     bit-map
       WINLOGOG.GIF     11,139 bytes     graphic interchange format
       WINLOGOJ.JPG      29,668 bytes     joint photographic experts group
  7. From the comparison of file size you will note that the web standard formats of .GIF and .JPG are much more compressed in size and, as such, load much faster on web pages.

Challenge - Try this test to see if you can accomplish these steps with "Lview31". Go to the last page of the newsletter, click the RIGHT mouse button over the Bits & Bytes "freebee" logo, and save the image as a .GIF on your hard drive. Use "Lview31" to load this .GIF image and convert it ("Save As ...") to its corresponding .BMP image on the hard drive. Next start PaintPaintbrush and see if you can successfully load the .BMP version of the "freebee logo". If you are successful, you'll find "Lview31" a useful tool.

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Freebie Request Page

by Brian Metcalfe

Please duplicate as necessary and complete form by PRINTING.

NAME: __________________________________________

SCHOOL: ________________________________________

PHONE: _________________________________________

Internet users are encouraged to download these "freebies" by selecting the appropriate underlined and/or colored link below. Educators in The Winnipeg School Division No. 1, who do not have Internet connectivity, may still acquire these "freebies" by sending in this completed form with the appropriate number of NEW double-sided, HIGH DENSITY 3.5" blank diskette(s) specified in brackets. Others, outside our Division, are entitled to these "freebies" on the condition that they download these resources using the Internet.

The following "freebies" are provided for educators who wish to practice downloading Windows-based files off the Internet following the detailed steps provided in this newsletter.

[    ]  Wizunzip Utility   &    Wizunzip Help File       (Single 3.5" high density disk)                              [#259]
[    ]  Stuffit Expander Utility   &   Stuffit Expander Help File    (Single 3.5" high density disk)           [#260]
[    ]  LVIEW31.ZIP Graphic Conversion Utility    (Single 3.5" high density disk)                                 [#261]

*** E-mail Notification to "Bits and Bytes" Readers ***

If you would like a brief reminder sent to you each month by e-mail when each new issue of "Bits and Bytes" is available on the World Wide Web, please complete the form below and return it as indicated. I will endeavour to develop an e-mail address database and e-mail readers when a new issue is available to peruse electronically. If you prefer, you can e-mail the contents of each of the five fields below directly to our secretary Linda Shelest at: lshelest@minet.gov.mb.ca Thanks for your understanding.

FIRST NAME: ____________________    SURNAME: ____________________________
SCHOOL: ______________________________________________________________
PHONE: ________________   E -MAIL ADDRESS: ______________________________

                                                                              Complete and return to:
                                                                           "Bits and Bytes" Requests
                                                                 Room 126 - Administration Building #2


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