Read Me

AudioSlideShow by Kevin Connor Arpe (kevinarpe@gmail.com)

The project was originally contracted to a Russian group of programmer at Sibers.com.
I am open sourcing this software to encourage others to improve it and create new slideshows.

This is my Blogging 2.0.

This document will explain how to compile the source, install, and write configuration files for
slideshows.  These instructions are written for Linux users.  Doubtless, everything will be easier
if slightly different if done on Microsoft Windows.  Good luck.

0) Download the source code here:
   svn co https://audioslideshow.svn.sourceforge.net/svnroot/audioslideshow audioslideshow

1) If you don't have a recent version of Java installed, get one.
   Sun has an open source version now, but your Linux distribution probably also has many.
   Mine is OpenJDK.

   This is required by the Adobe Flex 3 SDK.

2) Download Adobe Flex 3 SDK here:
   http://opensource.adobe.com/wiki/display/flexsdk/Downloads
   Adobe is constantly changing this address.  Be patient and hunt.  It is now open source under
   Mozilla license.

   The main compiler is here: flex_sdk_3/bin/mxmlc

   Update the build.sh and build-local.sh scripts to point to your copy of mxmlc.

3) Try to compile the code with build-local.sh.  Pray it works.  The build environment for
   ActionScript is very simple, so if your build fails it is unlikely the source code.  Check your
   Java or Flex SDK installations.  Look closely at the error messages; it may be a simple path
   error.

   A SWF file will be created in the bin directory.

4) Download the Adobe Flash Player 10 debug version here:
   http://www.adobe.com/support/flashplayer/downloads.html
   Install the standalone player and optionally the browser plug-in.

5) Launch the standalone player and load the SWF file.  Again, there are many things that can go
   wrong here: graphics, sounds, etc.  Flash player is supposed to work out all the hard stuff,
   so good luck.

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FAQ

Q. How do I contribute patches?
A. Mail them to me at kevinarpe@gmail.com.
   If you are a regular, I will grant you admin rights on the SVN server.

Q. I don't care about the open source part.  Can I still create my own slideshows?
A. Yes!  The steps are simple.

   1) Get a Web hosting account.  I recommend https://www.nearlyfreespeech.net/
      They are so cheap it is scary, but still provide excellent service.
   2) Install assets/crossdomain.xml at the root of your Web site.  Without this file, you are
      hopeless to make this program work.  If you cannot put files at the root of your Web
      site, then get a new provider.
   3) Write your own asset/config.xml.  This drives the whole slideshow (images, music, timing).
   4) Update the license to reflect your preferences.
   4) Copy bin/AudioSlideShow.swf to the Web server.  All slideshows use the same SWF file,
      but reference a different configuration file.
   5) Copy config, music, and image files to the Web server.
   6) Create a link like this:
      [SWF location]?config=[config location]
      Example:
      http://www.mywebsite.com/AudioSlideShow.swf?config=http://www.mywebsite.com/slideshows/summer-2009.xml
   7) Most of the world's Web browsers have the Adobe Flash plug-in.  This link will immediately
      activate a full-window slideshow.
   8) Send to your friend and post to your blog!
   9) Tell other people about it!