Welcome to the WallPaper for AOL 2.x Beta Test.  When a new program or a new version of a program is developed, it needs testing prior to release to ensure that the software is as reliable as possible in as many different circumstances as possible. Generally speaking, Beta files are "not quite ready for prime time." They are stable and have been pre-tested by our staff, but they will definitely have some defects or "bugs." This is to be expected. Beta testers help us find the bugs in the software so that we can rewrite the computer code to eliminate them. Testers can also make suggestions about the new program or new features and let us know if they experience any confusion. Testing helps us make the software the best it can be.
 

Brand New Interface
Since for all intents and purposes WallPaper for AOL was rewritten from the ground up for Windows Vista and Windows 7 compatibility, it was time for a new look!  Every interface in WallPaper for AOL has been updated with a new look while keeping the core functionality similar to that of previous versions of WallPaper for AOL.

Desktop Data
Display system information (and any text you like) in any or all of the four corners of the AOL desktop.  Pre-programmed variables you choose will be translated to their actual value, directly onto the AOL desktop.  These variables range from current hard drive information, wallpaper tag information, AOL information and much more.  Example variable strings to use within the program can be found here.

Wallpaper Animation
When using the "Faded Colors" feature of the WallPaper program, the angle for dual and split color schemes can be animated.
 

WallPaper Tags
Save "tag" information for each of your wallpaper entries, including title, author, date created and comments.  This information could come in handy when sharing your wallpaper creations with online friends!

Set as Desktop
Have a new wallpaper color combination you want to use for your Windows desktop?  No problem!  This feature will automatically export the selected wallpaper into a BMP file and apply it to the Windows desktop.
 

Expanded Preferences
The preferences window for WallPaper for AOL has been redesigned to offer greater control over various features of the program.
 

WallPaper of the Day
WallPaper for AOL will generate a new "random" wallpaper daily at startup.  Optionally these wallpapers can be saved to your current collection for access at any time.  The screenshots show four different "Wallpaper of the Day" samples.
 

WallPaper Sharing
With so many possibilities in creating new color scheme wallpapers, including the random "Wallpaper of the Day" feature, some really unique and interesting combinations have turned up during development.  WallPaper for AOL now includes the ability to share these wallpapers and their tag information (color or images) with other folks using the Wallpaper Share feature.  Importing wallpapers from other friends is as simple as double-clicking on the downloaded file.  The unique WPI and WPC file extensions for shared wallpapers will automatically install the information into your WallPaper for AOL program!

Over time, TPA Software will be building and offering a download section of various color scheme wallpapers.
 

AOL 9.1 and AOL 9.5 Compatibility
As promised, WallPaper for AOL will support AOL 9.1 and 9.5, the latest software offering from AOL!
 

WallPaper for AOL 2.x is not a free upgrade from version 1.x
This is the first time since the original debut of WallPaper for AOL 1.x ten years ago that we have offered a major upgrade to the program.  As with any software company, occasionally we must ask for upgrade fees in order to continue to operate.  Considering the amount of work that has gone into WallPaper for AOL 2.x not only in terms of being compatible with a new version of Windows (Vista) and AOL, but also in the new features, we felt it was time to ask for your continued support so that all minor upgrades and maintenance releases can continue to be free of charge.  We anticipate that there will be no further upgrade costs for WallPaper for AOL for another few years.  :)
 

WallPaper for AOL 2.x will only work with AOL 9.0, AOL 9.1 and AOL 9.5.
It will not work with any other version of AOL.  We needed a "clean slate" so to speak.  Windows Vista, AOL 9.0 VR and backwards compatibility with Windows XP presented several new challenges to overcome in terms of program operability.  The WallPaper for AOL program was essentially taken apart line and by line and put back together with new code, interfaces and features to support the new Windows Vista operating system.  The entire process took over nine months of research and recoding!  The good news is that the new code base for WallPaper for AOL will make it much easier to support future versions of the AOL software and easier implementations.  It will also ensure that future upgrades for WallPaper for AOL remain free for the foreseeable future.
 

Windows 98 and ME are no longer supported.
Since Microsoft (and to some degree AOL) have stopped supporting versions of Windows below Windows 2000 we decided to remove compatibility for those old versions of Windows so that new features specific to the newer versions of Windows could be implemented.
 

The Help system has not yet been implemented.
Windows Vista will not run or display the WallPaper for AOL help file in it's current form.  The entire file needs to be rewritten from the ground up in a new format which I have not yet learned.  The help file will not be in place till a later time, so you'll have to "fake" you're way through some of the new features in the meantime.  Not to worry, in traditional WallPaper for AOL style, they are very user friendly.
 

Version 2.0.7

• Initial Beta Release.