GatherBird Shareware

Automatic Print Screen With Email



GatherBird Automatic Print Screen with Email
Version 2.0
Document last updated on December 6^th, 2009

Save Print Screens on a Timer with Email

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Upgrades are free after purchase.

Contents
What is Automatic Print Screen with Email?
Why you need Automatic Print Screen with Email
Why you Don’t need Automatic Print Screen with Email
Getting Started
Email Overview
Options General Tab
Options Logging Tab
Options Email Tab
Knowing your SMTP address
Running APSWE as a Service
APSWE Service Manager
FAQ
Update History
System Requirements
Difference between the demo version and the registered version
How to Register
Upgrade Policy
License Agreement
Company Information

What is Automatic Print Screen with Email?

GatherBird Automatic Print Screen with Email is a Windows utility that saves print screens on a time interval of your choice. Each print screen is saved to a folder in a BMP, JPG, or PNG format and can be viewed later. APSWE can also instantly send each print screen by email as an attachment.

Why you need Automatic Print Screen with Email
This program provides a way to automatically track the status of a computer by periodically saving print screens. The email feature can deliver the print screens in near real-time. Many people use APSWE to capture their computer screen throughout the day. It is popularly used to capture web cams and to track children’s activities (including games and the Internet surfing). The computer screen is captured on your time interval and each print screen can be viewed later at your convenience. Because of the email option APSWE is frequently used as watchdog program to remotely verify that a computer is running. APSWE can be configured to use your existing email account to send the print screen picture as an attachment to the email address of your choice.

APSWE will run as a standard application, in the Windows system tray, or as a service.

APSWE is compatible with dual monitors.
APSWE can capture web cam images.
Why you Don’t need Automatic Print Screen with Email
This program is not like the PC Anywhere product.

This program does NOT run in a hidden mode.

This program does not capture screens fast enough to create movie files from the captured images.

Getting Started

After changing options on the main screen you must hit the Apply Changes button to accept the changes!

1 Decide how often you would like APSWE to create a print screen. To do this set the Save a print screen every ?? seconds option.

2 If you would like APSWE to start or stop saving print screens at specific times change either or both the Start Now and Don' Stop options to Start and Stop date and time. Then choose dates and times you prefer.

3 If you would like APSWE to only save a portion of the screen hit the Select partial screen button which will allow you to select a part of your screen with the mouse.

4 Hit the Apply Changes button. Your done.

The new next print screen time will show in the Log Window. The Log Window also shows other information like whether email is currently being sent.

The Go to print screen folder button allows you to easily go to the Windows directory (through Window Explorer) where your print screens are being saved.

Main Screen - Commonly used Options

Either the Start now option or Start date and time must be selected. The Start now option tells APSWE to start saving print screens immediately. The Start date and time option allows you to pick a time when APSWE will begin saving print screens. This is similar functionality to setting an alarm clock.

Similarly, either the Don't Stop and Stop date and time options must be selected. When the Don't stop option is selected APSWE will continue saving print screens and only delete the saved files when the Maximum log size setup value is reached. The Stop date and time option causes APSWE to stop saving print screens at a specified time.

The option to save a section of the computer screen is available by using the Partial Screen Capture functionality. Hitting the Select Partial Screen button takes you to a screen where you can select the portion of the screen you would like saved. The Enabled check box can be used to to turn this functionality on and off.
The Save a print screen every ?? seconds option is where you tell APSWE how often it should save a print screen. Setting this value to zero tells APSWE to save print screens as fast as possible. This may slow down older computers.
Email Overview

APSWE uses SMTP to send emails. The log window shows whether emails are currently being sent and when all emails have finished sending. Emails are sent in a background task. If you exit the program while emails are queued they will NOT finish sending.

Hint: If you have a slow Internet connection (Dial Up 56K modem) set your print screen time interval longer than it takes APSWE to send a single email.

When email is enabled, APSWE will immediately attempt to email a print screen if the computer is currently connected to the Internet. APSWE can also be setup to use a Windows dial-up connection. This is useful if a print screen takes place at a time when the computer is not connected to the Internet.
If APSWE must connect to the Internet through Dial Up then it will also disconnect from the Internet when the email is finished sending. If the computer was already connected to the Internet when APSWE started sending the email then APSWE leaves the computer attached to the Internet.

Also see the Options - Email Tab section of this help document.

Options General Tab

The Start when Windows starts option places the APSWE application in the startup folder in Windows. When the computer is booted or a user logs in APSWE will automatically start.

Note: If you are interested in the “Start when Windows starts” feature and are running Windows NT, 2000, XP, 2003 or 2008 Server, or Vista you may want to consider running APSWE as a service.

The Run in system tray option tells the APSWE to run in the system tray. When the application is running in the system tray click the green icon to bring up the application.

The Create Print Screens during Screen Saver option is checked then APSWE will create print screens (of the Screen Saver) when the computer is not in use. This is usually not desired but can helpful if you are using APSWE to inform you by email that a computer is still running.

If the Prevent Screen Saver option is checked then APSWE will attempt to keep the Windows screen saver from running. It does this by moving the mouse slightly every minute. This option does not change the system settings for your screen saver and only prevents the screen saver from starting while APSWE is running.

The Image Capture Quality can be set in an effort to achieve a preferred balance between the quality of the screen images and the size of the image files. There are 5 levels of quality and size.

File Format	Quality	Approximate Size
Bitmap	perfect quality	largest file (1.5 Megabytes)
PNG	perfect quality	medium file (100 Kilobytes)
JPG	good quality	medium file (500 Kilobytes)
JPG	medium quality	medium file (175 Kilobytes)
JPG	low quality	small file (125 Kilobytes)
JPG	lowest quality	smallest file (90 Kilobytes)

Hint: Use a low compression quality setting when sending the print screen by email especially on 56K modem connections or if the email addressee has size limitations on their email account.

Avoid duplicate print screens allows you throw away print screen files (not save the BMP, JPG, or PNG) if they are similar to the last print screen. This is useful to avoid saving many copies of identical print screen pictures if the computer screen has not changed significantly. There is a variable setting which allows you to determine how closely a print screen must match the previous print screen before it is considered a match and discarded. Setting the slider closer to Loose keeps more print screens. In other words, the new print screen must almost perfectly match the previous one to be thrown out. Tight throws away more print screens. With a tight setting new print screens only have to be somewhat similar to the previous print screen to be filtered.


You have the option to disable many message boxes at the time they are viewed. This is useful when you feel that you no longer need to see an informational or warning message. The Enable all “Don’t ask me again” warning messages option allows you to see all the message boxes again when you have previously chosen “Don’t ask me again”. Here is an example of one of the “Don’t ask me again” warnings:

Options Logging Tab

The Log Directory is where the print screens (BMP, JPG , or PNG formatted files) will be stored on your computer.

Use the Maximum Log Size setting to limit the total disk space that the image files in the logging directory consume. When the total size of all the files in that directory exceed the maximum log size then APSWE will delete the oldest files.

Do not use the log directory for any other purpose (storing other documents) because there is a small chance that files stored in the log directory could be deleted by APSWE when the log size limit is reached. This will happen only if the documents happen to match the naming convention APSWE uses to name the print screen files.

The Simple Naming default will tell APSWE to create each print screen file with a simple number naming convention such as PrintScreen_000001.jpg. Each successive print screen file will be created with the next higher number. The next number is retained even if APSWE is shut down and then restarted. In other words, if the last print screen you saved was called PrintScreen_000500.jpg and you reboot your computer the next print screen will still be named PrintScreen_000501.jpg.
Computer Identity Naming allows each APSWE print screen file to have an unique name, using the text you have typed into the Computer Name field, plus a date and time. The Computer Name field is especially helpful if you are running APSWE on more than one computer and want to uniquely identify the computer from which the print screen was created. The file name is displayed in the message text of the email APSWE sends. An example print screen file name when using the computer identity naming option is: PrintScreen ComputerA 01-19-2005 12_29_06 pm.bmp.

When the Maximum Log Size setting is zero then only a single print screen, which will always be named PrintScreen.jpg or PrintScreen.bmp, will be kept in the logging directory. Otherwise, the Maximum Log Size defines how much total disk space the image files will consume before APSWE starts deleting the oldest files.

Options Email Tab



Checking the Enable Email option tells APSWE to attempt to send the print screen pictures as email attachment when each new print screen is created.

The Port number defaults to 25 because that is the most common port number used for sending email. If needed the the port number can be changed. Port number 465 is also common for email servers that support secure connections.

The SSL check box needs to be checked if your email server requires a connection to be made using a Secure Socket Layer protocol.

Since the year 2005 many email servers have required an Authentication login before accepting a connection. If you don't what type of login is required try AUTH LOGIN first.

The User Name and Password edit boxes define the name and password required by your Internet Service Provider to connect to their SMTP email server. If you are not sure what your user name and password are then try the same ones you use to setup your email client (like Microsoft Outlook) or your webmail user name and password.

The To email address edit box defines the destination email address (who will receive the email). There is no need to enter a 'from email address' because APSWE copies the To Email Address for this value.

APSWE will immediately attempt to send all print screens by email if the computer is currently connected to the Internet. If the print screen takes place at a time when the computer is not connected to the Internet then APSWE will attempt to use a dial-up connection if the Use Dial up Connection to attach to Internet is enabled.

You can leave the Dial Up Connection Name blank to tell APSWE to use your default connection. If you have multiple dial-up connections defined under Windows you can specify which one APSWE should use in the Dial Up Connection Name edit box.

Note: The dial-up connection in Windows must be setup to remember the password used to connect to the Internet. APSWE does not know that password.

Knowing your SMTP address

If your computer can send email through the Internet then your email program is currently setup with an SMTP address. The SMTP address is the address of your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) email server. If you don’t know the SMTP address that you currently use for email then your ISP can give you the information. Some common SMTP addresses are for example.

Smtp.gmail.com
SMTP.email.msn.com
SMTP.mindspring.com
SMTP.aol.com
If you use Microsoft Outlook for your email you can find your SMTP as follows:





APSWE does not use POP3. POP3 is an email protocol that allows programs to receive emails. SMTP is used to send emails.

Running APSWE as a Service

Services are only available under Windows NT, 2000, XP, and 2003 Server. Windows 95, 98, and ME do not support services.

For security reasons accessing the screen from a service has been disallowed on Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 2008 Server RC2. The APSWE client will still operate successfully under these newer operating systems but the service will not.

APSWE can be run as a service. Installing APSWE as a service is easily done through the APSWE Service Manager. The APSWE Service is a completely independent from the APSWE application that runs on the desktop. Both programs support identical functionality but are independent in all their configuration settings (such as the logging directory, email, and picture quality).

The APWSE Service Manager allows you to install and control the APSWE Service. Changes to the settings for the APWSE service through the Service Manager take place immediately. The service does not have to be restarted.

The standard APWSE application and APWSE Service can be run simultaneously.

APSWE Service Manager


In Windows NT/2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista a service must first be installed before it can be run. You can install the APSWE Service by using the Install button in the APSWE Service Manager. Most services (including this one) run in the background and without any display windows. The Current Status Display section is constantly updated and will show if the service is installed and/or running.

To start or stop the service use the Start and Stop buttons. When the service is started you will see new information displayed in the Live Log Window. Setting the Start Up Type option to the Automatic on system boot option tells the APSWE Service to run automatically every time the computer starts. If the

Manual option is set then the APSWE service will need to be started from the APSWE Manager by a user.

The Live Log window allows you to see the activity of the APWSE Service in real time. This logging information is kept in a text file which can be viewed in total by using the View Service Log File button.

The Options for the APSWE Service are almost identical to the APSWE desktop options. The only differences are that the APSWE Service does not use the Start when Windows starts or the Run in system tray options.

Refer to the APSWE desktop options section for information about options.

Note: An installed APSWE Service can also be configured from the Windows Services utility.



FAQ

Question: How do I setup APSWE to send email through my Google Gmail account?

Answer: Google Gmail uses the smtp address of smtp.gmail.com and port 465. The SSL box must be checked. Also use the Authentication method of “AUTH LOGIN”. The User Name should be your Google Gmail email address and the password the same as the one you use to login into Google Gmail on the Internet. As usual, the “to email address” can be any email address of your choice.


Update History

Version 2.0 released – December 6^th, 2009

The installer has been improved for Windows Vista and Windows 7 compatibility.

Services running under Windows Vista and Windows 7 are no longer allowed access to screen memory for security reasons. The APSWE Service Manager now disallows installing the service under Windows Vista and Windows 7. Windows XP and before still can run the service.

The directories where image files are stored are more Vista and Windows 7 friendly.

The log window in the APSWE client now shows more history.

No bugs were reported in the previous 1.9 release.

Version 1.9 released – March 2^nd, 2009

An easier interface has been implemented. The start, stop, and interval setting are now easier to understand.

The ability to save only a portion of the entire screen has been added. This is especially helpful when capturing images from web cams.
A bug has been fixed where the Avoid duplicate print screens function was not filtering print screens that were determined to be identical to the last print screen that was captured. This problem would only occur when the image capture was set to PNG format.

APSWE can be run as and application or a Windows service. The APSWE service no longer must be stopped and re-started for configuration changes to take effect.

The 'Prevent Screen Saver' option is now enabled by default.

The Maximum Log Size setting that limits the total disk space that the image files in the logging directory occupy can now be set up to 2 gigabytes.


System Requirements
Compatible operating system versions: Windows NT/2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista/2008 Server
Disk space needed to install: 4 megabytes
Difference between the demo version and the registered version
The demo version only allows you save 3 consecutive prints screens and emails. The registered version will save print screens and send email forever.

How to Register
You can register by going to www.gatherbird.com and choosing the register option for Automatic Print Screen with Email. The payment procedure is handled by PayPal, a popular service owned by eBay that handles credit card and other transactions on a secure server. After paying you will immediately receive a registration key by email which will enable all the features of the software.

10% of your purchase price is donated to Children's Mercy Hospital. http://www.childrensmercy.org

Upgrade Policy
After paying you will also immediately be emailed a login name and password that allows access to our website member’s area. From the member’s area you will be able to retrieve new registration keys at any time. The registration keys will allow you to re-install the application in the event you upgrade your computer or you would like to upgrade to a newer version of the software.

License Agreement

Automatic Print Screen with Email
GatherBird

License Agreement
You should carefully read the following terms and conditions before using this software.

Unless you have a different license agreement signed by GatherBird your use of this software indicates your acceptance of this license agreement and warranty.

Registered Version
One registered copy of Automatic Print Screen with Email may be used by a single person and immediate family for non business use on up to 5 computers or installed on a single workstation used non-simultaneously by multiple people in a business environment, or both

You may access the registered version of Automatic Print Screen with Email through a network, provided that you have obtained individual licenses for the software covering all workstations that will access the software through the network. For instance, if 8 different workstations will access Automatic Print Screen with Email on the network, each workstation must have its own Automatic Print Screen with Email license, regardless of whether they use Automatic Print Screen with Email at different times or concurrently.

Governing Law
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Kansas.
Disclaimer of Warranty
THIS SOFTWARE AND THE ACCOMPANYING FILES ARE SOLD ""AS IS"" AND
WITHOUT WARRANTIES AS TO PERFORMANCE OR MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. Because of the various hardware and software environments into which Automatic Print Screen with Email may be put, NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IS OFFERED. Good data processing procedure dictates that any program be thoroughly tested with non-critical data before relying on it. The user must assume the entire risk of using the program. ANY LIABILITY OF THE SELLER WILL BE LIMITED EXCLUSIVELY TO PRODUCT REPLACEMENT OR REFUND OF PURCHASE PRICE.

Demo Version.
This is not free software. Subject to the terms below, you are hereby licensed to use this software for evaluation purposes without charge for a period of 45 days. If you use this software after the 45 day evaluation period a registration fee is required. Unregistered use of Automatic Print Screen with Email after the 45-day evaluation period is in violation of U.S. and international copyright laws.

Distribution
Provided that you verify that you are distributing the evaluation version you are hereby licensed to make as many copies of the evaluation version of this software and documentation as you wish; give exact copies of the original evaluation version to anyone; and distribute the evaluation version of the software and documentation in its unmodified form via electronic means. There is no charge for any of the above.

You are specifically prohibited from charging, or requesting donations, for any such copies, however made; and from distributing the software and/or documentation with other products (commercial or otherwise) without prior written permission.

Company Information
Internet Web Page
www.gatherbird.com

Contact Kaleen Fields for help on any product installation, usage, or the registration procedure at:
support@gatherbird.com

Send product suggestions to Ben Fields at
president@gatherbird.com