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Desktop Alerts |
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Desktop alerts guarantees
that your messages are
Seen —>
Enjoyed —>
Remembered —>
Clicked-on —>
Acted upon !!!
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Custom Models |
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Custom promotional item!
We can design a desktop messaging tool using your logo or picture.
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Welcome to PromoClock Customizer
Getting started
Managing projects
Customization options
Registering PromoClock
Support
Getting started
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Quick start Using PromoClock Customizer, you can customize clocks to distribute to your customers, The clocks that you distribute have customized alarms, banners, icons, sound messages, color magazine style ads and links back to your site embedded in a fun, useful desktop utility.
- Start new project
- Add image or text to the clock face
- Add image and/or text to the clock menu
- Add desktop and system tray icons
- Advertise via custom, embedded clock alarms
- Package the clock for distribution and installation
- Preview your customizations
- Create and test your clocks
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Working with Trial clocks Each clock model has built-in customization options, so you can download and try out as many models as you like.
All features work in the trial version. However, Trial models have a nag screen and the model will be linked to the PromoClock site instead of yours.
Projects cannot be saved in the trial version. To enable distribution, you must decide which model you wish to distribute and then purchase its unlock code.
You can create multiple advertising campaigns for each model that you purchase.
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System requirements PromoClock is as 32bit program and requires a 32bit version of Windows: Windows® 95, 98, 2000, ME, XP, or Windows NT® 4.0.
PromoClocks will display properly at any screen resolution but look best when screen resolution is set to the highest color depth. If possible, you should set your display to 16 -bit or higher color depth. |
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Managing projects
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About PromoClock projects The Customizer workspace allows you to create and manage projects. Each project consists of a clock model that may be customized for distribution.
A PromoClock project includes all the customization settings for the clock: its logo, menu, icons, installation files and alarms.
Image and sound files that you embed in the clock are saved under the path and file name that you specify in each dialog. It is recommended not to move or rename these files after pointing to them in the clock customization screens.
At any time during the clock customization process, you can preview your customizations and save your project, without actually creating the clock. Creating the clock generates an installation file, which you can install on your computer.
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Creating a new project Each clock model that you purchase can be configured for multiple marketing campaigns. Each such configuration is considered a project.
When you first open PromoClock Customizer, no project will be open and all relevant functionality will be disabled.
To create a new project from scratch
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Select File | New Project or click the toolbar’s New Project icon. |
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Select the model and link of the clock you wish to customize. The status of each model is displayed next to the clock name. For Registered clocks, the domain that you specified when you purchased the clock will be displayed instead of Trial. If you have purchased more than one copy of the same model, with different URLs, both models will appear in the list. Select the model that you wish to open according to its URL. |
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Click Open to begin customization of selected model. |
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Opening PromoClock projects To edit an existing project or create a new project based on existing one.
Make the necessary changes to use the same clock for a different marketing campaign. Leave the framework elements intact, and make changes to the links, advertising copy, installation file parameters, and alarms as needed. For example, you may want to reuse your company logo, desktop and system tray icons, but make changes to the alarm settings.
To open a project
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Select File | Open. Project or click the toolbar’s Open Project icon. |
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Select a project to customize. |
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Click Open to begin customization of selected model. |
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Saving PromoClock projects At any time during the customization process, you may save your changes and close the current project. All your customizations will be saved. When you are ready to continue working on the project, just open the project and continue the customization and testing process of the clock.
To save the current clock settings
Choose File | Save or click the toolbar’s Save icon.
To save a copy of the clock settings
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Choose File | Save As. |
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Specify a name for the project. |
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Click Save to save the project. |
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Closing PromoClock projects At any time during the customization process, you may close the current project.
When you are ready to continue working on the project, just open the project and continue the customization and testing process of the clock.
To close the current project
Choose File | Close Project. |
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Deleting clock models You may wish to download and test more than one clock before choosing a model to purchase for distribution. However, this may leave you with a long list of clocks that you don’t wish to purchase or use. You can delete clock models that you don’t want from the New Project window.
To delete a clock model
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Select File | New Project or click the toolbar’s New Project icon. |
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Select the model and link of the clock you wish to delete. If you wish to delete trial clock models, then look for the word “TRIAL“ alongside the name of the clock model. If you have purchased more than one copy of the same model, with different URLs, both models will appear in the list. Select the model that you wish to delete according to its URL. |
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Click Delete to remove the selected model. |
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Uninstalling PromoClock Customizer PromoClock Customizer can be uninstalled using Window’s Add/Remove Programs utility.
To uninstall PromoClock Customizer
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Click the Start button. |
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Select Settings | Control Panel. |
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Open Add/Remove Programs. |
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In the Currently Installed Programs list, select PromoClock Customizer. |
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Click the Change/Remove button, and follow the instructions. |
Exiting PromoClock Customizer
To exit PromoClock Customizer, choose File | Exit or click the toolbar’s Exit icon. |
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Exiting PromoClock Customizer To exit PromoClock Customizer, choose File | Exit or click the toolbar’s Exit icon. |
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Customization options
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Customization overview Our designers have determined and allowed customization of clock mechanisms, which are most visible during different stages of use. Your links, ads, banners, logo, sound messages and more can appear in exactly the places where they are least intrusive, and most easily remembered.
- Add your logo or advertising copy to the clock face.
- Add your banner and advertising text to the clock menu.
- Add your logo to the clocks desktop icon and system tray icon.
- Rename the clock installation file, program group, and clock model using your company name.
- Add your advertising copy — including images, sound, and text, to pre-configured alarms that link back to your Web site.
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Customizing the clock logo Some of our clock models allow you to add your logo or text into the clock face itself. These models are called “add-logo face clocks“. Models without this option are called “clean-faced clocks“ and allow for more subtle advertising techniques.
Inserting the clock logo can help you brand your product or service. The more that people encounter your brand identity, the more you’ll receive the benefits of familiarity, credibility, and visibility. If you do not have a logo, you can use formatted text instead.
In addition, the clock itself contains a live link to your site, and help bring you targeted traffic.
To customize the clock logo
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Specify the URL to be opened when users click the clock. The URL must belong to the domain that you specified when you purchased PromoClock, but can link to any page in that domain. |
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Specify whether you wish to embed a logo or text in the clock by checking the appropriate checkbox. You can embed one of the other, but not both. The logo or text will be automatically hyperlinked to the URL that you specify. |
To embed an image
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Specify the image path and file name. Click the ellipsis button to browse for an image file to use as the logo. Logos images must be in BMP format, 16-bit (or higher) color depth. |
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To mask the background of the logo, check the Transparent Background checkbox. Rendering the background as transparent allows the logo to blend better with the clock. |
To embed formatted text
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Enter text to be used in the Text (e.g. Site Name) textbox. |
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Arrange the text in one or two lines as you wish. |
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Use the formatting options to apply formatting to the text. The formatting will not be applied to the text in the text box. Click Run Clock to view your formatting on the clock face. |
To preview your clock customizations
Click Run Clock to view your current clock settings.
When you are running your clock, be sure to check the logo or text at both resolutions, full size and half size. If the text doesn’t look good at half size, try using less text or use different formatting options.
To toggle between half size and full size
Right click the clock and choose Set Full /Half size from the menu. |
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Customizing the clock menu PromoClock Customizer allows you to add a button and text to the clock menu. The button and text can be hyperlinked to your Web site.
The level of creativity and innovation in your banner design may bring click-through rates of 60%-80%. You can create multiple campaigns, with links back to different pages on your site. Customizing campaigns with different URLs helps you track the effectiveness of each campaign.
To customize the clock menu
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Specify whether you wish to embed a button and/or text in the clock menu by checking the appropriate checkboxes. |
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For menu buttons, specify the image path and file name by clicking the ellipsis button and browsing for an image file. Images can be up to 200 × 60 pixels and must be in BMP format. |
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For menu text, insert text to be displayed at the top of the menu. Menu text can be up to 25 characters, including spaces. If you use both a button and text, the text will be displayed below the button. |
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Specify the link to be activated when users click your menu option. Menu button and text can be hyperlinked to a Web page on your site. The URL must belong to the domain that you specified when you purchased PromoClock, but can link to any page on your site in that domain. |
To preview your clock customizations
Click Run Clock to view your current clock settings. |
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Creating custom alarms PromoClock alarms are designed to get your message in front of prospects and to help you generate sales. Create alarms with appropriate banners and text for each new campaign (holiday sales, season sales etc) Add voice messages or jingles to your alarms, and link alarms back to pages on your site.
To create a new alarm from scratch
Click the New button and specify a name for the new alarm. Alarms should always have a unique name. Use Duplicate option to create new Alarms similar to an existing one.
To edit an existing alarm or create a new alarm based on existing one
PromoClock suggests reusing alarm images and sound files over multiple alarms. This is known to be a more effective promotional technique, and also allows you to set multiple alarms while keeping the download file small. For example, you may reuse the same sound, image or text over multiple alarms but set each alarm to be activated at different intervals.
To open an alarm
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Click Select button. |
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Select an alarm. |
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Click Select to begin customization of selected alarm. |
Use the < > buttons to browse the list of alarms.
At any time during the customization process, you may close the current alarm. All your customizations will be saved. When you are ready to continue working on the alarm, just open the alarm and continue the customization.
To save a copy of the alarm settings
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Click the Duplicate button. |
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Specify a name for the alarm. |
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Click OK. |
To delete an alarm
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Click the Delete button. |
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Select an alarm to delete. |
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Click Delete to remove the selected alarm. |
To set an alarm attributes
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Use the Activate Alarm drop down list to specify when to activate the alarm. If you wish to activate the alarm on a specific date and time, choose the According to specified Date and Time (below) option, and then use the Date and Time drop down lists to specify the exact time of the alarm. |
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Specify the sound to be played when the alarm is activated. The sound file that will play when the alarm is activated can be a verbal message, jingle, or other recording that promotes your company. The sound file must be in WAV format. Smaller sound files (11 kilohertz /8 bit ) are best for voice messages. To remove a sound file that is attached to an alarm, click the Clear button. |
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Check the appropriate radio button to specify which to display when the alarm is activated: image or text.
- To embed an image, click the ellipsis button to browse for an image file. Images can be up to 500×300 pixels, must be in BMP format.
- To embed text in the alarm note, specify up to 10 lines of text, maximum of 50 characters per line, to be displayed when the alarm is activated. Enter a title for the text in the Insert Title box. You can use Word’s Word Count option to verify the number of characters in each line.
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The note template size is limited. Prepare the exact text in the text editor first. The alarm text will appear differently on different computer screens depending on font settings. When you preview your Note Text, remember to see how your text looks when the screen has large fonts settings. To change fonts settings right click anywhere on the desktop and choose Properties from the context menu. Click the Settings tab to change system font properties. |
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Specify the URL to be opened when clicking the note that is displayed with the alarm. Alarm text and banners are hyperlinked automatically to the domain that you specified when you purchased PromoClock, but can link to any page in that domain. |
To preview your clock customizations.
To preview the alarm, change the time of your computer’s internal clock to the time and date that you specified in the alarm. |
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Customizing clock installation files When you distribute the PromoClock to customers and potential customers, it is distributed and installed under your company name, for example, First Travel Clock. In the Installer dialog, configure the Program Group name and the model name that users will see in their Start menus.
To customize the PromoClock installation file
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In the Installation Welcome Text box, specify the text to appear on the first clock installation screen. Text can be up to 55 characters, including spaces. |
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In the Installation Screen Image box, click the ellipsis button to specify the path and file name of the image to appear on the first clock installation screen. Images must be in BMP format, up to 140 × 200 pixels. Click Clear next to the ellipsis button to remove image from current project. |
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In the Program Group box, specify the name of the Program Group to be displayed in the user’s Start menu. The name of the clock displayed in the Program Group will be the text that you specify for the desktop icon text. |
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Customizing PromoClock icons
In the Customize Icons dialog, specify icons to be displayed on the user’s desktop.
Use the clock to brand your company and product by creating clock icons with your company’s logo, font, colors, and style. Using your company logo as icons can help brand your company and products. There are many programs available to help you create icons.
To customize PromoClock icons
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Desktop Icon — This icon appears on user’s desktop for easy program access. Whenever computer desktop is visible, users will see your desktop icon, even if Promoclock is not presently running.
To create desktop icon: In the Desktop Icon textbox, click the ellipsis button to specify the path and file name of the desktop icon. Desktop icons should be in ICO format. Click the Clear button next to the ellipsis button to remove desktop icon from current project. |
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Desktop Icon Text — This text appears below your desktop icon. Include your company or product name for added exposure.
To create desktop icon text: In the Desktop Icon Text textbox, specify the text to be displayed with the desktop icon. |
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System Tray Icon — The System Tray is located in the Windows Taskbar — part of desktop that displays active programs. The System Tray is usually at the bottom right-hand corner next to the clock. The miniature icons located there provide easy, one-click access to system functions and running programs. When Promoclock is running, your icon will always appear in the system tray giving you constant exposure. When users choose to hide the clock, the system tray icon will still appear allowing users to open clock with a single click.
To create system tray icon: In the Tray Icon textbox, click the ellipsis button to specify the path and file name of the system tray icon. System tray icons must be 16×16 pixels, 16 colors, in ICO format. Click the Clear button next to the ellipsis button to remove the system tray icon from current project. |
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System Tray Icon Text — This text appears whenever users mouse-over the system tray icon.
To create system tray icon text: In the Tray Icon Text textbox, specify the text to be displayed in the system tray icon’s tool tip. |
Some operating systems may display the icon that was placed on the desktop from previous clock installations or clock previews, even if a new icon has been specified or if you run another clock with a different icon. Rebooting the system will help to refresh icons. |
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Previewing clock customizations To preview your clock customizations
Click Run Clock to view your current clock settings.
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Creating and testing clocks Creating a clock creates an installation file for you to distribute. When you run the installation file, it installs the clock, creates a new Program Group, and may add desktop and system tray icons.
You can uninstall test installation clocks by choosing the clock’s Program Group and selecting the Uninstall shortcut.
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If your clock is unregistered, the word Trial will appear as part of the clock display. |
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In the Output folder textbox, click the ellipsis button to specify the path and folder name for the customized clock installation file. |
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In the Installer Name textbox, specify the name for the clock’s installation file. This is the name that clock users will see when they download the clock or run the clock installation. |
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When you are satisfied with your selected customizations, click the toolbar’s Create icon. |
Some anti virus programs have executable files protection enabled, and may prevent PromoClock Customizer from updating the clock installation file. Disable this feature in your anti virus program and then try again to create the clock. |
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Registering PromoClock
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Ordering We outsource our e-commerce to our reliable e-commerce provider — RegSoft. They accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, EuroCard, and EuroCheque. Purchase Orders, Checks, and Money Orders are also accepted.
Secure payment transactions
All orders are 100% secure and all information you send is electronically encrypted. RegSoft, a well-known, reliable supplier of online transactions, handles this process.
Purchasing offline
You may phone, FAX, or mail your order to RegSoft. Please note the ordering instructions and choices printed at the top of each purchasing form.
When I purchase, what happens next?
Whether you purchase online, by phone, fax, or by mail order, you will receive an order confirmation by email. This order confirmation will include the record of your purchase and also a Registration Key to transform your PromoClock from a Trial Version to a Registered Version.
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Registering PromoClock You must register your PromoClock to activate links back to your domain, and to remove the nag screen in the Trial version. Registering allows you to enjoy all the options offered by clock.
To enter the registration key in your software
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Run PromoClock Customizer |
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In the Help menu press Register to open the Registration window. |
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Copy the long alphanumeric string (called the Registration Key) from your confirmation email into the Add New Key field and click Add. The clock’s status will be changed from Trial to Registered. |
The URL to your Web site that you provided in the purchase form will be embedded into your registered PromoClock. |
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Support
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Getting support Click the Support button in the Customizer’s About screen. This will take you to our online support section.
Please begin by reviewing all the online help documents in our support area. If your question is not answered, then try the following:
For Trial Version support, please send email to: trial@promoclock.com.
For Registered Version support, request support by filling in our Support form. |
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