3: 3Dfx Tools User Guide - 3dfx Voodoo3 2000 Reviewer's Manual

Voodoo3™ Reviewers Guide
APPENDIX 3: 3dfx Tools User Guide
Product Overview
Introduction to 3dfx Tools
3dfx Tools is a set of utility tools designed by STB Systems, Inc. to give Voodoo3
products the cutting edge difference that distinguishes them from the competition. Over time,
3dfx Tools will be segmented into several parts ranging from Professional Edge pages to
Gamers Edge pages. All of these sections have been realized as strategic parts missing from
most video card tool kits. While some companies have incorporated some elements of these
features into tool sets, only 3dfx Tools will contain all of the power and flexibility of these
industry leading components.
Differentiation
Some of the most important differentiating factors of 3dfx Tools are the powerful features
brought to the user in an easy-to-use interface specifically targeting an example of the
'Professional Edge' Page: With only a single mouse click, any user can instantly customize
his/her video card for optimal performance with leading industry software like Microsoft's
SoftImage. Included in this page are control optimizations for most of the leading 3D Design
and CAD applications used today, with the addition ability to add other programs with only a few
mouse & keystrokes. Another differentiating factor is the ability of 3dfx Tools to automatically
download (connection to the Internet required), compare and install new drivers, effectively
keeping our clients up-to-date with out making them have to hunt for the latest drivers then
painfully try to install them. With this feature set and level of integration, STB will possess the
industry's best control tool set.
Key Features and Benefits
3dfx Tools will be broken down into phases of development. The first incorporates all the
basic tools normally associated with driver utilities, such as gamma control and TV-out utility.
Additional phases will add several new state-of-the-art concept utilities. The following 3dfx Tools
User's Guide describes the use of the first set of 3dfx Tools, which is included with your
Voodoo3 review unit.
Enhanced Installation Process
In the design process for 3dfx Tools, the development group has realized the need for an
easy-to-use and smart installation process. It is our intent that the installation process for this
software be as simple and user-friendly as possible. The installation process will have
'Complete' un-install capabilities. When the user asks to remove the software, it will remove it
completely. The un-install process will also ask the user if he/she would like to un-install the
video drivers. If this is so, the un-installer will remove the current video driver and replace it with
the standard VGA driver.
- 24 -
August 1999