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1994-10-21
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Read-A-Matic v1.0
Copyright 1994, M.L. Wester All rights reserved.
Route #6 Box 34
Fuquay-Varina, NC 26527
919-552-0767
INTRODUCTION
Read-A-Matic is being distributed as Shareware. Be sure to read
the license agreement at the end of this document or in the ORDER.FRM
file.
Read-A-Matic is an easy to use utility that turns ordinary ASCII
text files into powerful EXE files. The EXE's text can be scrolled,
searched or printed to any port or files. You can also embed simple
codes in the text that change colors, attach jumps to the 12 function
keys or "stuff" the keyboard buffer with commands that execute
programs or batch files when the README.EXE is exited.
The Association of Shareware Professionals
_______
____|__ | (R)
--| | |-------------------
| ____|__ | Association of
| | |_| Shareware
|__| o | Professionals
-----| | |---------------------
|___|___| MEMBER
Michael L. Wester is a member of the Association of Shareware
Professionals (ASP). The ASP wants to make sure that the shareware
principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-
related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly,
ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a
dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical
support for members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at
545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442-9427 USA, FAX 616-788-2765 or
send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman
70007,3536.
SHAREWARE
The Read-A-Matic program is being marketed using the shareware
method. This means you are encouraged to share copies of the
unregistered version for evaluation purposes. If you wish to use the
Read-A-Matic EXE file you are required to register with the author.
Please read the futher explanation of shareware and the copyright
notice near the end of this document.
VENDOR INFORMATION
One Line Description
Read-A-Matic - Turn text into powerful EXE programs.
Long Description
Read-A-Matic is an easy to use utility that turns ordinary ASCII
text files into powerful README.EXE files. (You can name them
whatever you like.) The executable text can be scrolled, searched
and printed. Text colors can be changed throughout the file and a
range of text can be displayed whenever any of the 12 function keys
are pressed. Function keys can also "stuff" the keyboard buffer
allowing your README to automatically execute a batch file or
program. The README.EXE can also be called with parameters that
cause it to display only selected text. Creating the EXE is
extremely easy and completely menu driven with full mouse support.
Registration includes a royalty-free license to create
README.EXEs that display YOUR copyright... and it's only $15.00.
DISTRIBUTION POLICY
ASP vendor members in good standing are automatically given
permission to distribute Read-A-Matic. Non-ASP vendors are asked to
send notification that you are including my program in your
collection. I do not require Non-ASP vendors to send copies of their
catalogs or meet any specific standards but as I spot check vendors
to examine their distribution methods, I do reserve the right to
prohibit distribution.
PROGRAM FEATURES
* The setup program is extremely easy to use, requiring only a
filename.
* Turns standard ASCII text into powerful EXE files.
* Can handle text files up to approximately 200k.
* Text EXE files can be searched for multiple occurances of a word
or phrase.
* Text can be printed to any printer port or to a DOS file.
* Text can contain multiple colors.
* Actions can be assigned to the 12 function keys. Either a range
of text can be displayed or printed or, a function key can be
used to "stuff" the keyboard buffer with a command that executes
immediately as the README.EXE is exited.
* Using command line parameters the README.EXE can be called to
display a range of text.
INSTALLATION
Installing Read-A-Matic is as simple as copying all the files to
a subdirectory on your hard drive. A simple INSTALL program has been
included to perform this task. (Note: Read-A-Matic must be executed
from the directory it is installed in so it can find it's files.)
CREATING A READ-A-MATIC README.EXE
Step 1. Start Read-A-Matic by typing RAM then pressing ENTER.
Step 2. Enter the name of the text file to make an EXE. The
existing text file will not be changed. (Note: The text
file must reside in the same directory as Read-A-Matic or
you must supply a path to it's location.
Step 3. If you wish to accept the defaults, click Make EXE then
exit Read-A-Matic.
Step 5. Type README then press ENTER.
This will make a README.EXE using the README's current path as
the heading.
READ-A-MATIC OPTIONS
File To Convert: This is the field in which you enter the name of
the ASCII (plain) text file you wish to make and
EXE file. You may optionally include a drive and
path.
EXE Filename: This field contains the name for the new
README.EXE. You can name your executable text
file anything you like. You can even rename it
after it has been created.
Title: The text entered in this field will be displayed
as the header on the top line of the README.EXE.
If you leave this field blank the README.EXE will
display it's current path and filename when it is
run.
Make EXE: This button starts the EXE creation process.
Exit: Exit will exit Read-A-Matic and return to DOS.
Help: The Help button displays a simple help screen
that explains each option.
ADDING COLORS AND FUNCTION KEY OPERATIONS
Using very simple "flags" you can add colors and function key
jumps to your text files. These flags will not be displayed or
printed when the EXE is run.
Adding Colors
Colors are added by turning on a color. Once a color is "turned
on" it will continue until it is changed. Colors are added by
placing the ~ character as the first character on a line, followed by
a color code.
For example: ~31 would make the text white on a blue background.
Colors are determined by using the following color codes to set
the screens background and foreground colors. You can even set
flashing colors although it is not recommended. (Most people find
continuously flashing text annoying.)
To select a color you must first choose the background color
code then add the foreground color code to it. For example: The
color code for a blue background ranges from 16 to 31. To create a
blue back-ground with white text you would add 15 (The foreground
code for white) to 16 (The background code for blue) making a color
code of 31. If you wanted a blue background with yellow text you
would add 16 (The color code for blue.) and 14 (The color code for
yellow.) for a total of 30.
BACKGROUND COLOR with FOREGROUND... FOREGROUND COLOR...
CODE COLOR ATTRIBUTE CODE COLOR
---- ----- --------- ---- -----
0 ---------- Black ------ Normal 0 ---------- Black
16 ---------- Blue ------- Normal 1 ---------- Blue
32 ---------- Green ------ Normal 2 ---------- Green
48 ---------- Cyan ------- Normal 3 ---------- Cyan
64 ---------- Red -------- Normal 4 ---------- Red
80 ---------- Magenta ---- Normal 5 ---------- Magenta
96 ---------- Brown ------ Normal 6 ---------- Brown
112 ---------- Light Grey - Normal 7 ---------- Light Grey
128 ---------- Black ------ Flashing 8 ---------- Dark Grey
144 ---------- Blue ------- Flashing 9 ---------- Light Blue
160 ---------- Green ------ Flashing 10 ---------- Light Green
176 ---------- Cyan ------- Flashing 11 ---------- Light Cyan
192 ---------- Red -------- Flashing 12 ---------- Light Red
208 ---------- Magenta ---- Flashing 13 ---------- Light Magenta
224 ---------- Brown ------ Flashing 14 ---------- Yellow
240 ---------- Light Grey - Flashing 15 ---------- White
A color change will affect the entire line and will continue for
all following lines until it is changed.
Jumping To Topics Using Function Keys
You can assign the 12 function keys to display certain areas of
text. This allows you to create a menu on your opening screen making
it easy for the user to "jump" to a topic of interest.
Assignment is made by using the ~ character followed by a
function key. You have the option of displaying a heading specific
to the text. The ~F1 should mark the beginning and ending of the
text. The ~ character must be the first character on the line.
For Example: ~F1
Your text would follow here...
~F1
In this example any text between the two F1s would be displayed
when the F1 key was pressed. If the user chooses to print it will
print only the text between the two F1s.
To add a header simply follow the first ~F1 with a /Header.
For Example: ~F1/This is The Topic Title
Your text would follow here...
~F1
In this example the header "This is The Topic Title", would be
displayed on the top line of the screen. Any text between the two
F1s would be displayed.
You can use any of the 12 function keys for this purpose.
Executing a program from the README.EXE
Function keys can also be used to execute external batch files
or programs. The README.EXE can be used to "stuff" the keyboard
buffer with a command that will execute as the README is exited.
To assign a command to a function key simply enter the ~
character followed by two forward slash characters and the command.
For Example: ~F5//YOURPROG (Yourprog being the program to execute.)
In this example the F5 key would exit the README.EXE and
immediately start the YOURPROG program. You can enter up to 16
characters including filenames, paths and command line parameters.
COMMAND LINE PARAMETERS
The created README.EXE can be called using command line
parameters to cause it to display only a selected portion of text.
This can be used to create a kind of "context sensitive help" file.
By using batch files or other programs you can specify only the
portion of text related to your current operation to be displayed.
This operation is accomplished by specifying the Start and
Finish lines to display.
/S100 - The /S specifies which line the README should display as
the first line.
/F200 - The /F specifies which line will be the last line
displayed.
When using this feature the README will exit to DOS immediately
after the ESC key is pressed instead of returning to the top of the
file.
SHAREWARE
Shareware is software marketed on a "Try before you buy" basis.
The price per disk that Shareware distributors charge is a
distribution fee and not the price of the software. Shareware
authors have agreed to allow vendors to recover expenses for copying,
packaging, and maintaining a shareware library. This allows you to
obtain software programs at incredibly low prices to try, then pay
the registration price for them only if they suit your needs. The
idea is that after a reasonable trial period, if you find the
programs to be of use, you are expected to send the author the
registration fee.
Registration entitles you to various rights and benefits. These
range from the legal (and moral) right to continue using the
software. In addition many shareware authors offer printed
documentation and/or higher levels of service and support. Unlike
Public Domain software, which is free to everyone with no fees asked
for or expected, shareware programs exist because the authors expect
and deserve the registration support from people who use their
programs.
So that's Shareware. If you like it, support it!
REGISTRATION
The shareware message will not be displayed on any registered
version of Read-A-Matic. Registered users will receive the latest
version of Read-A-Matic and a license to create and distribute
README.EXE files that display your copyright notice.
DISCLAIMER
Under no circumstances shall Michael L. Wester be liable for any
damages, including lost profits, savings, or any other incidental or
consequential damages arising out of the use of or inability to use
this program even if Michael L. Wester has been notified of the
possibility of such damages, or for any claims by any other party.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Read-A-Matic is copyrighted 1994 by Michael L. Wester. All rights
reserved. The Read-A-Matic program may not be sold under any
circumstances. The shareware version of Read-A-Matic may be
distributed for evaluation purposes only. It cannot be distributed as
part of a promotional offer or bundled with hardware, software, or
printed material without the written permission of Michael L. Wester.
REGISTRATION
The shareware message will be removed on any registered version of
Read-A-Matic. Registered users of Read-A-Matic will receive a version
of the program that creates READMEs that display their copyrights, a
license to create such READMEs and a printed copy of the manual. (Laser
printed booklet.)
Registration entitles you to distribute as many copies of the
README.EXEs you wish. You may not use Read-A-MAtic to create READMEs
for any other party either for sale or as a free "give-away". The
license is for distribution by only the company it is licensed to.
There are no royalties for distribution.
DISCLAIMER
Under no circumstances shall MIchael L. Wester be liable for
any damages, including lost profits, savings, or any other
incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use of or
inability to use this program even if MIchael L. Wester has
been notified of the possibility of such damages, or for any claims
by any other party.
ORDER FORM - Read-A-Matic Copyright 1994 Michael L. Wester
Michael L. Wester (919)-552-0767
Route #6 Box 34
Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
Name_______________________________________________
Address____________________________________________
City/State__________________________ZIP____________
Phone #____________________________________________
********************************************************************
Registration .................................................$15.00
********************************************************************
Please sign and date your order form:
Date:_________________ Signature:___________________________________
Single program license - single copy ........................ $15.00
6% N.C. tax ............................................. $_________
Mailing and handling cost ..................................... Free
TOTAL ................................................... $_________
[ ] Check enclosed [ ] Money order enclosed [ ] VISA/MC [ ] C.O.D
Foreign user, please send Check or Money order in U.S. dollar only.
Expire date: _______________ Visa / MC
Card number: _________________________________________
CALL 919-552-0767 for credit card and C.O.D phone orders or mail to
the address at the top of the order form. You may also register by
credit card and recieve your registered copy of Read-A-Matic via
modem within 24 hours (Sometimes quicker). Call the preceding number
to register.