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OS/2 Help File | 1994-01-11 | 266KB | 2,543 lines

ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1. Introduction ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Stupid OS/2 Tricks (Double click on a bitmap) compiled by M. Woo for the Champaign-Urbana OS/2 Users Group release #3, Jan 1994 Information about this document: Γûá Types of "tricks" included Γûá How to submit tips and tricks Γûá Revisions Γûá Revision schedule Γûá How this document was created Γûá Disclaimer Copyright 1993-94 M. Woo. All Rights Reserved. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.1. Types of "tricks" included ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ This file contains various tips and tricks for OS/2 which have been gathered over time from various sources. Creation of this text was inspired by the "Clever Tricks" section of Tim Sipples' excellent Frequently Asked Questions list, a must read for all OS/2 owners. The type of tips and tricks included in this text are those which cover features of OS/2 that people often ask about, short REXX scripts which do interesting things, as well as other items which hopefully don't overlap information already contained in Tim Sipples' FAQ (well, not by TOO much, anyway). The tricks contained in this text do not make references to any specific product names, other than those components included in OS/2 itself. However, it may occasionally have been necessary to mention generic classes of utilities which are not included as part of OS/2. "Stupid OS/2 Tricks" can be freely distributed for non-commercial use, as long as it remains unaltered. This work is not public domain. A Japanese language version of Stupid OS/2 Tricks should now be available. Contact A. Kikuchi at kiku@ymtl01.yamato.ibm.co.jp for details. Related subject(s): Γûá How to submit tips and tricks ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.2. How to submit tips and tricks ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ If you know of any neat OS/2 tips or tricks that you're dying to share, please send them along. They would be greatly appreciated! If your tip or trick is used, your name will be listed along with it for all to see! Neat OS/2 tricks can be sent to: Internet, m-woo@uiuc.edu Fidonet, Sysop @ 1:233/4.0 Please also send any corrections to either of the addresses above. (these addresses are subject to change sometime soon) ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.3. Revisions ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ INF revision marks Revisions/additions to this INF file will be displayed in the following text color (this is a revision). Related subject(s): Γûá Revision schedule ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.4. Revision schedule ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ This text will be updated when the number of new tips and tricks gathered warrants a new version. Revision History: Γûá Release #1 - Nov 1993; initial release Γûá Release #2 - Dec 1993 Γûá Release #3 - Jan 1994 Related subject(s): Γûá Revision marking ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.4.1. Release #2 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Release #2 - Dec 1993 Changed: Using Elvis v1.8c beta instead of v1.6 Corrected info in "Getting more out of your command line" Corrected typos in SETMOUSE.CMD (this is important!!!) Added note to "Adding an 'open folder' entry to the desktop's popup menu" Improved BITMAP.CMD Added: Getting Epson ActionLaser 1500 to work Using keyboard shortcuts in PM Navigating in notebooks without a mouse Shutting down from a REXX script automatically Curing "jumpy mouse" Retrieving a "changed" icon Pasting between Windows applications Associating data files with programs Getting memory back from unused caches Changing the default view of a folder Dealing with OS/2 !! SYS messages on boot Using multiple arguments at the OS/2 command line Using EPM as a customized command shell Setting the startup directory for command line objects Restoring last desktop backup Creating new printer objects Viewing *.inf files more conveniently Formatting a diskette with the detach command Creating your own templates Using less memory for DOS images Replacing your Shredder if deleted ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.4.2. Release #3 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Release #3 - Jan 1994 Changed: Added comment to "Prevent restarting automatically" Added note to "Speeding up some IDE drives" Corrected code and added comment to SETFONT.CMD. Replaced SETMOUSE.CMD with an improved version, SETPTR.CMD Added: Starting seamless Windows from the command line Resizing a command line window permanently Making the system "sleep" Substituting REPLACE for the COPY command Deleting "undeletable" objects Speeding up opening folders Managing your icons Enlarging the mouse cursor Manipulating objects through the Window List Booting OS/2 in full-screen mode Completing shutdown "Touching" a file's date and time Adjusting your swap file Adding command sessions to the desktop's popup menu Using SVGA.EXE under real DOS Selecting listbox entries without a mouse Making "no-shows" re-appear Opening multiple command line sessions from the desktop menu Creating a command line calculator Loading a DOS device driver into high memory Starting a DOS session with maximum free memory Finding the built-in icons Fixing "locked" INI files Using START to avoid the dreaded "clock" Coloring OS/2 command line sessions ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.5. How this document was created ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ This document was written using the OS/2 port of Elvis v1.8c beta. Screen captures were done using PMCamera/2 v2.10, an IBM EWS package, then processed using JoeView v1.21. The resulting tagged document was compiled using the IPF compiler from the IBM OS/2 Developer's Toolkit v2.0. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.6. Disclaimer ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ I don't claim to be an expert on OS/2, so I can't guarantee that all the tips and tricks presented in this document will work with all configurations of OS/2. Thus, the following disclaimer: The reader/user assumes all responsibility, liability and risk for any damages, incidental or consequential, resulting from the use of the information provided in this document. No warranty is expressed or implied, and this document is only guaranteed to use space on your disk. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2. System ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ This section covers tips and tricks which affect the system in general. Topics in this section: Γûá Keeping applications from restarting at boot Γûá Shutting down without a mouse Γûá Rebooting from the command line Γûá Finding settings for original objects Γûá Controlling order of execution in Startup folder Γûá Backing up the *.ini files Γûá Removing device drivers for better performance Γûá Speeding up some IDE drives Γûá Disabling use of the floppy drives Γûá Getting Epson ActionLaser 1500 to work Γûá Getting memory back from unused caches Γûá Dealing with OS/2 !! SYS messages on boot Γûá Restoring last desktop backup Γûá Viewing *.inf files more conveniently Γûá Using less memory for DOS images Γûá Booting OS/2 in full-screen mode Γûá Completing shutdown Γûá Adjusting your swap file Γûá Using SVGA.EXE under real DOS Γûá Loading a DOS device driver into high memory Γûá Fixing "locked" INI files ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1. Keeping applications from restarting at boot ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ When OS/2 is started, it automatically opens applications which were open during the last OS/2 session. To keep applications from restarting on boot, you can use either the manual or automatic method. Related subject(s): Γûá Prevent restarting manually Γûá Prevent restarting automatically Γûá Rebooting from the command line ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1.1. Prevent restarting manually ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ To prevent applications from restarting during boot, hold down the Ctrl, left Shift, and F1 keys at the same time, beginning when the mouse pointer appears until the icons begin appearing on the desktop. If you find that disk activity stops, you may have to release the keys and then quickly hold them down again. Related subject(s): Γûá Prevent restarting automatically ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1.2. Prevent restarting automatically ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Placing the line SET RESTARTOBJECTS=STARTUPFOLDERSONLY,REBOOTONLY into your CONFIG.SYS file will prevent any applications which had been open in the last session from opening, but will allow programs in the Startup folder to open. (this line may be order-dependent on some systems) Related subject(s): Γûá Prevent restarting manually ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.2. Shutting down without a mouse ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ To shut OS/2 down without a mouse, press Ctrl-Esc to bring up the Window List, choose the Desktop, press the Spacebar to deselect any icons, press Shift-F10 to pop up the Desktop's menu, choose Shutdown. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.3. Rebooting from the command line ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ To reboot OS/2 down from the command line, type SETBOOT /B or SETBOOT /IBD:<drive> where <drive> is the letter of the drive or partition to which you wish to boot Related subject(s): Γûá Keeping applications from restarting at boot Γûá SHUTDOWN.CMD ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.4. Finding settings for original objects ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ The settings for all of the objects which were created upon installation of your OS/2 system are contained in the INI.RC file, located in the \OS2 subdirectory. Those handy with REXX and the external REXXutils can use the information contained in the INI.RC file to rebuild the original OS/2 objects. Related subject(s): Γûá Replacing your Shredder if deleted ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.5. Controlling order of execution in Startup folder ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Startup execution window 1 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ You can control the order in which objects in your Startup folder execute. 1. Open the Startup folder in either Flowed or Non-flowed view. 2. Drag objects or their shadows into the Startup Folder in the order you want them to execute. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Startup folder ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Startup folder in Flowed view with item being dragged into it. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.6. Backing up the *.ini files ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Much of your system's customization is stored in two files, OS2.INI and OS2SYS.INI. To back up these important files, add the following line to the beginning of your CONFIG.SYS: CALL=<drive1>:\OS2\XCOPY.EXE <drive2>:\OS2\OS*.INI <drive3>:\<path> where <drive1> is the letter of the drive in which XCOPY.EXE is found <drive2> is the letter of the drive in which the *.ini files are found <drive3> is the letter of the drive in which you would like to locate the backups of the *.ini files <path> is the path in which you would like to locate the backups of the *.ini files Related subject(s): Γûá Restoring last desktop backup ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.7. Removing device drivers for better performance ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ contributed by Jack Tan If you aren't using the DOS subsystem, you can improve performance by removing DOS-specific device drivers from loading in your CONFIG.SYS (they generally begin with the letter V). The same applies to Win-OS/2, HPFS, CD-ROM drivers as well. Related subject(s): Γûá Getting memory back from unused caches ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.8. Speeding up some IDE drives ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ contributed by Jack Tan Try adding switches to the BASEDEV=IBM1S506.ADD line: BASEDEV=IBM1S506.ADD /A:0 /U:0 /SMS and use /V to see if the /SMS works (/V = verbose). This is supposed to speed up IDE drives that support this feature; otherwise, it will be ignored. (note: the switches above affect the first drive on the first adapter in the system -- for more information on the switches, search for "basedev" in your online OS/2 Command Reference) ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.9. Disabling use of the floppy drives ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ by Darius Vaskelis To prevent users from using the floppy drives under OS/2, such as in a workstation situation: Remove the following line from your CONFIG.SYS: BASEDEV=IBMxFLPY.ADD Where x is 1 for ISA and EISA, or 2 for Microchannel. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.10. Getting Epson ActionLaser 1500 to work ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ To get an Epson ActionLaser to work with OS/2 2.1: 1. First, follow the standard steps for non-working printers under OS/2: a) Make sure you have a compliant cable. A parallel cable should have all 25 pins wired, unfortunately, a lot of cables currently manufactured only have 18 pins wired. b) Check your interrupts. ISA and EISA bus machines cannot share interrupts under OS/2. Often, a sound card will be set to the same interrupt as LPT1 (IRQ7), and must be changed. c) Get a compatible I/O card. Some parallel port cards don't seem to work correctly under OS/2. 2. Finally, for the Epson ActionLaser, change the "Busy Delay" to +5 (covered in p.4-15 of the Epson's manual). ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.11. Getting memory back from unused caches ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ from the OS/2 2.1 Technical Reference You can increase available resources by disabling unused caches. If you are running an HPFS-only system, remove (or REM) the DISKCACHE line in your CONFIG.SYS file. Similarly, if you are running a FAT-only system, remove (or REM) the IFS=<drive>:\OS2\HPFS.IFS line in your CONFIG.SYS. Related subject(s): Γûá Removing device drivers for better performance ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.12. Dealing with OS/2 !! SYS messages on boot ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ contributed by Jack Tan The error message: OS/2 !! SYS01475 OS/2 !! SYS02027 means that the system files can't be found. Try removing any diskettes from the disk drives. If this message appears when trying to boot from a hard disk, use SYSINSTX to restore the OS/2 system files. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.13. Restoring last desktop backup ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ contributed by Jack Tan To make the Alt-F1 trick restore your last desktop backup instead of the (ugly) default, replace the CONFIG.SYS, OS2.INI, and OS2SYS.INI in \OS2\INSTALL with the files from your last backup. Make sure to save the original files in \OS2\INSTALL before replacing them. Related subject(s): Γûá Backing up the *.ini files ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.14. Viewing *.inf files more conveniently ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ contributed by Jack Tan Here are two tips to make viewing OS/2 *.inf files more convenient: 1. Put several INF files together using a plus sign. On the command line (or 'Parameters' field of the settings notebook), enter something such as: e.g., <drive>:\BOOKS\FILE1.INF+<drive>:\BOOKS\FILE2.INF+ <drive>:\BOOKS\FILE3.INF. The pathnames aren't necessary if the file is in a directory specified by the HELP environmental variable. 2. You can assign the book names to an environmental variable: e.g., SET FILE=<drive>:\BOOKS\FILE1.INF+<drive>:\BOOKS\FILE2.INF+ <drive>:\BOOKS\FILE3.INF and execute VIEW.EXE using the variable name (e.g., VIEW FILE). ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.15. Using less memory for DOS images ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ When you load a DOS image file (Virtual Machine Boot, or VMB), the entire diskette image is loaded into memory. Since the files on the DOS image diskette don't take up much room themselves, much of the memory used for the diskette is wasted. Therefore, in order to regain memory when loading the specific DOS session, try using double-density diskettes to make your DOS images, instead of high-density diskettes. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.16. Booting OS/2 in full-screen mode ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ You can boot OS/2 in full-screen mode, and still retain Presentation Manager support for multiple sessions: 1. Change: SET RUNWORKPLACE=<drive>:\OS2\PMSHELL.EXE in your CONFIG.SYS file to: SET RUNWORKPLACE=<drive>:\OS2\CMD.EXE /FS where <drive> is the drive on which OS/2 resides. 2. Create the file STARTUP.CMD in your OS/2 boot drive's root directory. STARTUP.CMD should contain the following lines: @ECHO OFF START /FS EXIT Related subject(s): Γûá Using OS/2 without the Workplace Shell ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.17. Completing shutdown ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ If shutdown seems to "hang" at the first shutdown message box, this trick sometimes works: 1. Press the Ctrl-Esc keys. 2. Wait for about a minute. 3. In many cases, a dialog box will pop up telling you that the Workplace Shell isn't responding to system requests, and will give you the choice of clicking on Enter to end the application, or Cancel. 4. Click on the Enter box. The shutdown usually proceeds normally. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.18. Adjusting your swap file ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ If you have disk space to spare, you can adjust the default startup size of your swap file (SWAPPER.DAT) to improve system performance. The default startup size of SWAPPER.DAT is set in your CONFIG.SYS file with the line: SWAPPATH=<drive>:<path> <minfree> <swapsize> where <swapsize> is the default startup size of SWAPPER.DAT. To adjust the startup size for better performance: 1. Monitor the size of the SWAPPER.DAT over the course of a normal day's work. A third-party utility for monitoring swap file size makes this task a bit easier. 2. Note the maximum size that SWAPPER.DAT reaches during normal usage. 3. Change the <swapsize> parameter of SWAPPATH to reflect at least the maximum swap file size you noted (<swapsize> is measured in kilobytes). CAUTION: You MUST have enough free drive space to use this tip. If the size of the <swapsize> parameter violates the amount needed for the <minfree> parameter, your system will not boot. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.19. Using SVGA.EXE under real DOS ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ contributed by Jack Tan Running SVGA.EXE in a VDM usually results in a file called SVGADATA.PMI, which contains information which lets OS/2 access SVGA graphics modes. Sometimes, SVGA.EXE has trouble "seeing" the video chip, and extended graphics modes won't work correctly. If so, try running SVGA.EXE under real DOS or a VMB. This will create a file named SVGADATA.DOS. Rename SVGADATA.DOS to SVGADATA.PMI and copy it into your \OS2 subdirectory. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.20. Loading a DOS device driver into high memory ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Load into high memory ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ contributed by Xavier Caballe In order to load a DOS device driver into high memory in a particular DOS Session: 1. Open the settings notebook for the DOS object. 2. Choose the Session tab. 3. Click on the DOS Settings button. 4. Highlight the DOS_DEVICE setting 5. Add 'SIZE=0' (without quotes) before the path and filename for the device driver to load in high memory. For example: SIZE=0 C:\OS2\MDOS\ANSI.SYS In this example, the ANSI.SYS will be loaded in the high memory area (if available). ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Loading device drivers high ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ DOS Settings for loading a device driver high. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.21. Fixing "locked" INI files ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ contributed by Jack Tan If your INI files (OS2.INI and OS2SYS.INI) stop saving system changes, they may have been marked read-only. To reset the read-only attribute: 1. Change to your \OS2 subdirectory. 2. Type attrib -r os2*.ini at an OS/2 command prompt. 3. You may have to shutdown and reboot. Note: if using OS/2 2.0, you may have to boot OS/2 from your installation floppies in order to reset the attributes. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3. Desktop ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ This section covers tips and tricks which relate to the Workplace Shell. Topics in this section: Γûá Saving desktop without shutting down Γûá Adding an "open folder" entry to the desktop's popup menu Γûá Changing color of shadow icon text Γûá Moving icon a small distance Γûá Changing desktop bitmaps randomly at specified interval Γûá Changing the standard mouse pointer Γûá Making an object prompt for a parameter Γûá Finding a "covered" icon Γûá Changing icon text color Γûá Recovering after an accidental Arrange Γûá Creating an onscreen "app bar" Γûá Creating a "trash can" Γûá Selecting objects without mouse Γûá Hiding a folder Γûá Creating a system file editor object Γûá Retrieving a "changed" icon Γûá Associating data files with programs Γûá Creating new printer objects Γûá Creating your own templates Γûá Replacing your Shredder if deleted Γûá Deleting "undeletable" objects Γûá Managing your icons Γûá Finding the built-in icons ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1. Saving desktop without shutting down ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ To save the settings of your desktop without shutting down OS/2: by Jack Tan 1. Open the Settings folder for the Desktop. 2. Choose the Window tab. 3. Under Object Open Behavior, choose Create New Object. 4. Close the Settings folder. 5. Click on the arrow next to Open in the Desktop's popup menu; choose Icon View. 6. A folder of your Desktop should appear. You can arrange this folder any way you wish. 7. Close the folder of your Desktop to save its settings. The icon positions will be saved. 8. Change the Object Open Behavior to Display Existing Window. 9. To activate the newly-saved Desktop, use a kill utility to kill the second PMSHELL process. The Workplace Shell will restart with your newly-saved icon settings. Related subject(s): Γûá Recovering after an accidental Arrange ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2. Adding an "open folder" entry to the desktop's popup menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ To add an entry to the desktop's popup menu which allows you to open a specific folder: 1. Create a REXX script, OPEN.CMD to open the folder. 2. Open the Templates folder. 3. Use the right mouse button to drag a copy of the Program template to the desired final location. Its Settings notebook should open. 4. Fill in the path and file name (OPEN.CMD) on the Programs page. Complete the General page as desired. 5. Close the Settings notebook. 6. Open the Settings notebook for the Desktop. 7. Choose the Menu tab. 8. If using OS/2 v2.1, drag the icon of your newly-created OPEN.CMD object onto the box underneath "Actions on menu: Primary pop-up menu." If using OS/2 v2.0, click on the Create Another button and fill in the proper information. 9. The menu choice for your OPEN.CMD object should now be available on the desktop's popup menu. Note: If you repeat the "call SysSetObjectData" line a second time, the folder will open in the foreground. Related subject(s): Γûá Adding command sessions to the desktop's popup menu Γûá Opening multiple command line sessions from the desktop menu Γûá BITMAP.CMD Γûá SETPTR.CMD Γûá SETFONT.CMD Γûá CHKDRIVE.CMD Γûá SHUTDOWN.CMD Γûá SHREDDER.CMD Γûá SLEEP.CMD Γûá LARGE.CMD Γûá EVAL.CMD Γûá BIGDOS.CMD Γûá ICONRES.CMD ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.3. Changing color of shadow icon text ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Shadow icon text window 1 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ To change the color of the shadow icon text: 1. Open the Scheme Palette. 2. Choose Shadow Text. 3. Choose the desired color from the color wheel. 4. Close the Scheme Palette. 5. Drag (or Alt-drag) the desired scheme to the desired folder with the right mouse button. Related subject(s): Γûá Changing icon text color ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Scheme Palette ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Scheme Palette with Shadow Text highlighted. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4. Moving icon a small distance ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Moving icon window 1 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ from Tim Sipples' FAQ To move an icon a small distance, "grab" the outer edge of the icon with the mouse and drag it to the new position. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Moving icon ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Moving an icon a small distance. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.5. Changing desktop bitmaps randomly at specified interval ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ The Desktop bitmaps can be changed via a REXX script, BITMAP.CMD. Note that this script does not support tiling of bitmaps. Changes to bitmap.cmd (thanks to Jack Tan) added so that bitmap subdirectory is no longer hard-coded into the script. Other REXX scripts: Γûá OPEN.CMD Γûá SETPTR.CMD Γûá SETFONT.CMD Γûá CHKDRIVE.CMD Γûá SHUTDOWN.CMD Γûá SHREDDER.CMD Γûá SLEEP.CMD Γûá LARGE.CMD Γûá EVAL.CMD Γûá BIGDOS.CMD Γûá ICONRES.CMD ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.6. Changing the standard mouse pointer ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ contributed by Jack Tan; original by Dann Lunsford You can replace the various mouse pointers with your own customized creations, and can remove the customized pointers. 1. Use the Icon Editor to create a mouse pointer file with the extension *.PTR. 2. Create the REXX script, SETPTR.CMD. 3. Type SETPTR.CMD /? for help. Other REXX scripts: Γûá OPEN.CMD Γûá BITMAP.CMD Γûá SETFONT.CMD Γûá CHKDRIVE.CMD Γûá SHUTDOWN.CMD Γûá SHREDDER.CMD Γûá SLEEP.CMD Γûá LARGE.CMD Γûá EVAL.CMD Γûá BIGDOS.CMD Γûá ICONRES.CMD ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.7. Making an object prompt for a parameter ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Object prompt window 1 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ To make an object prompt for a parameter when invoked 1. Open the Settings notebook for the object. 2. In the Parameters field of the Program page, enter a left square bracket, a space, then a right square bracket, i.e., [ ] 3. If you want text to appear along with parameter prompting, insert the desired text between the square brackets. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Settings notebook ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Parameters box of Settings notebook. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.8. Finding a "covered" icon ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Covered icons window 1 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ The disadvantage of having many windows open on the desktop is that icons on the desktop can often get covered. To find an icon more easily: 1. Click the right mouse button on a clear space on the desktop. 2. Click on the arrow next to Open on the popup menu. 3. Choose Tree or Details View (Icon View can only be selected if the Desktop's object open behavior has been set to Create New Window); this will open up a new view of your desktop from which you can find the icon you want. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Desktop Popup Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Desktop's popup menu with Tree View highlighted. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.9. Changing icon text color ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Color Palette ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ The color of the icon text on your desktop can be changed as follows: 1. Open the Color Palette. 2. Hold the Ctrl key. 3. Use the right mouse button to drag the desired color to the desktop. Related subject(s): Γûá Changing color of shadow icon text ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Color Palette ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Color Palette with color being dragged with mouse. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.10. Recovering after an accidental Arrange ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ To regain your desktop's icon positions after an accidental Arrange, use a third-party utility which can kill processes to kill the second instance of PMSHELL. The Workplace Shell will restart with your old icon positions. Related subject(s): Γûá Saving desktop without shutting down ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.11. Creating an onscreen "app bar" ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> App bar window 1 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ You can create something that acts a little like an "app bar": 1. Create a new folder. 2. Size the folder so that it has the shape and size that you like, then position it where you like. 3. Set the folder's view to either Flowed or Non-flowed. 4. Drag shadows of your most-used applications to the folder. 5. Drag a shadow of your "app bar" folder to your Startup folder. 6. You now have a folder of your most-used apps that will open at boot. You can further customize the "app bar" with a utility that will cause the folder to "float" on top of other windows so that it will be more accessible. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> App Bar ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Example of an App Bar. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.12. Creating a "trash can" ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ You can create a trash can-like icon on your desktop: 1. Open the Templates folder and make a copy of the Folder template. 2. You should now have a template called Folder:1; rename it to Trash, or whatever you like. 3. Attach you favorite trash can icon to your Trash template. 4. To create a trash can, use your right mouse button to drag a Trash folder from your Trash template onto your desktop. 5. Drag objects to the Trash as you see fit. 6. When you want to empty the Trash can, simply delete the folder, then replace it with a new Trash can by pulling one off of your Trash template. 7. The advantage of using the Trash can over the shredder is that you can open your Trash can and observe the contents, and remove what you don't want deleted. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.13. Selecting objects without mouse ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ You can select objects in folders or the Deskop without a mouse. Simply type the first letter of the object, and the object will be highlighted. Hit Enter to open the object. If more than one object begins with the same letter, subsequent typing of the same letter will jump between each object that begins with that letter. Related subject(s): Γûá Selecting listbox entries without a mouse ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.14. Hiding a folder ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ You can hide folder icons on the desktop so that others can't see them: 1. Open the Settings notebook of the folder which you wish to hide. 2. Click on the File tab, then click on the right arrow in the lower right corner to turn to the second page of the File tab. 3. Place a check mark next to Hidden under the Flags section. The folder should now be hidden. To view the folder's icon once again: 1. Open the Settings notebook for the Desktop. 2. Click on the Include tab. 3. Click on the right arrow in the lower right corner to turn to the second page of the Include tab. 4. Click on Change. A new dialog box will appear. 5. In the dialog box, choose the following settings: a) Property to be considered = Flags b) Comparison type = Not equal c) Comparison value = H 6. Click on Change. 7. Close Settings notebook. The icon should now be visible. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.15. Creating a system file editor object ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ You can create an object which, when opened, will open your system setup files for editing, through the aid of a Work Area folder: 1. Open the Settings notebook for the System Editor. 2. Click on the Association tab. 3. If Plain Text does not appear in the Current Types box, use the Add button to add it from the Available Types box. Close the Settings notebook. 4. Create a new folder. 5. Open the Settings notebook for the new folder. 6. Click on the File tab. 7. Place a check in the box next to Work Area. Close the Settings notebook. 8. Open the Drives object, then open the drive(s) with the CONFIG.SYS, WIN.INI, and SYSTEM.INI files. 9. Open the Settings notebook for the CONFIG.SYS file. 10. Click on Association. 11. If Plain Text does not appear in the Current Types box, use the Add button to add it from the Available Types box. Close the Settings notebook. Repeat for the Settings notebook for the WIN.INI and SYSTEM.INI files. 12. Drag shadows of the CONFIG.SYS, WIN.INI, and SYSTEM.INI files into the new folder. 13. Open the new folder if not already open. 14. Use the right mouse button on the CONFIG.SYS shadow object to popup the menu. Click on the arrow next to Open, choose System Editor. Your CONFIG.SYS should be loaded into the System Editor. Repeat for WIN.INI and SYSTEM.INI. 15. Leaving the three System Editor windows open, close the new folder. 16. You should now have a folder object that will open up your system files automatically when the folder is opened. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.16. Retrieving a "changed" icon ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ In OS/2 2.1, making changes to an object's settings often causes the object's icon to revert to its default icon. To retrieve your customized icon, this usually works: 1. Open the object's Settings notebook. 2. Choose the General tab. 3. Click on the Undo button. Related subject(s): Γûá Managing your icons ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.17. Associating data files with programs ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Associate files ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Want to be able to double click on a data file object and have it open in its appropriate application? Try setting up associations in your applications: 1. Open the Settings notebook for the application. 2. Choose the Association tab. 3. Under Available Types, see if you can find the file type appropriate for your application. If so, highlight the file type, and press the Add button to the right of the box. 4. If the file type you need doesn't exist under Available Types, and the data files you wish to have associated have a common file extension or name, enter the common part of the filename (with appropriate wildcards) in the New Name box. Click on the Add button to the right of the box. 5. If neither of the above two situations applies, open up the Settings notebook for each data file you wish to associate, and set up the association there. Note that this does not work for all programs. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Associations ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Settings notebook displaying Describe association. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.18. Creating new printer objects ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ To create a new printer object: 1. Open the Templates folder. 2. Drag a new printer object out from the Printer template with the right mouse button. 3. Customize the settings for your printer. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.19. Creating your own templates ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ You can create your own templates for customized uses. For example, you can create a template of a word processor file with boilerplate text for business letters. The next time you want to write a new business letter, just drag a copy off of your customized template, and the file, complete with your pre-defined settings, will be ready to edit. To create a customized template: 1. Customize your data file (such as a wordprocessor file) to the way you want it. Save the file. 2. Open the Drives object and find the file you just created. 3. Make a copy of the file object; you can either use Copy from the object's pop-up menu, or hold down the Ctrl key while dragging off a copy with your right mouse button. 4. Open the Settings notebook for the copy you just made. 5. Choose the General tab. 6. Place a check mark next to Template. Close the notebook. 7. When you want to use the new template, just use your right mouse button and drag a copy off of the template. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.20. Replacing your Shredder if deleted ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Did you somehow manage to shred your Shredder? If so, SHREDDER.CMD can replace it. CAUTION: This REXX script does not check to see if you already have a Shredder present, and will replace one if it exists. Related subject(s): Γûá Finding settings for original objects Γûá OPEN.CMD Γûá BITMAP.CMD Γûá SETPTR.CMD Γûá SETFONT.CMD Γûá CHKDRIVE.CMD Γûá SHUTDOWN.CMD Γûá SLEEP.CMD Γûá LARGE.CMD Γûá EVAL.CMD Γûá BIGDOS.CMD Γûá ICONRES.CMD ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.21. Deleting "undeletable" objects ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ If you find you have an undeletable object, this trick sometimes (but not always) works. 1. Insert a floppy disk in a floppy drive. 2. Open the Drives object. 3. Drag the undeletable object to the floppy drive object. Make sure that you are moving the object (you can ensure this by holding the Shift key while dragging). 4. Format the floppy disk. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.22. Managing your icons ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Change icon ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ contributed by George Orvis To manage your icons more easily: 1. Place your icons (*.ICO) into a subdirectory (or several subdirectories, if you have a large number of icons). 2. Create an object of that directory: a) Open the Drive object of the drive in which the icon subdirectory is located. b) Drag a shadow of the icon subdirectory into the desired location. 3. Set view of the folder to Icon View. 4. You now have a handy folder full of icons. If you double click on an icon, it starts the icon editor. 5. To change an object's icon (OS/2 2.1): a) Open the Settings notebook of the object. b) Choose the General tab. c) Drag an icon out of your icon folder with the right mouse button, and drop it onto the icon on the General page of the Settings notebook. Related subject(s): Γûá Retrieving a "changed" icon ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Icon directory ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Directory of icon files ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Creating object ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Creating an icon directory object. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Setting Icon view ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Setting icon directory folder to Icon view by default. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Icon folder ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Folder full of icons. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Changing an icon ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Changing an object's icon by dragging and dropping (OS/2 2.1). ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.23. Finding the built-in icons ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ contributed by Xavier Caballe The REXX script ICONRES.CMD will find a number of built-in icons and place them into a folder on your desktop. Other REXX scripts: Γûá OPEN.CMD Γûá BITMAP.CMD Γûá SETPTR.CMD Γûá SETFONT.CMD Γûá CHKDRIVE.CMD Γûá SHUTDOWN.CMD Γûá SLEEP.CMD Γûá SHREDDER.CMD Γûá LARGE.CMD Γûá EVAL.CMD Γûá BIGDOS.CMD ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4. Presentation Manager ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ This section covers tips and tricks which affect Presentation Manager. Topics in this section: Γûá Making fonts extremely small Γûá Starting PM programs minimized Γûá Changing the default PM system font Γûá Moving a window in the background Γûá Closing several windows at once Γûá Using keyboard shortcuts in PM Γûá Navigating in notebooks without a mouse Γûá Changing the default view of a folder Γûá Speeding up opening folders Γûá Manipulating objects through the Window List Γûá Selecting listbox entries without a mouse Γûá Making "no-shows" re-appear ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1. Making fonts extremely small ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Small fonts split window 1 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ You can make most Presentation Manager fonts as small as you like: 1. Open the Font Palette. 2. Double click on one of the fonts. A new dialog box will open. 3. Under "Size," highlight the font size shown in the box. 4. Type in a new font size that is non-zero (decimal values work); you should notice a corresponding change in the size of the font in the Sample box. Note that this trick does not work for System Proportional, System Monospaced, or System VIO fonts. Related subject(s): Γûá Changing the default PM system font ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Font Palette ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Font Palette dialog box with point size highlighted. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2. Starting PM programs minimized ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ from Tim Sipples' FAQ In order to start Presentation Manager programs minimized 1. Open the Settings notebook for the object. 2. On the Program page, change the name of the program so that it is misspelled. 3. Go to the Session page and click on Start Minimized. 4. Go back to the Program page, and correct the spelling of the program name. 5. Close the Settings notebook. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3. Changing the default PM system font ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ You can change the default system font with a REXX script, SETFONT.CMD. However, the font used in the Settings notebooks will not be affected. Note: system fonts are designated by font size and font name, separated only by a period. (e.g., 8pt Helv would be designated by "8.Helv") Note: only the "default" fonts will work, e.g., Helv (not Helvetica), Tms Rmn (not Times Roman), System Proportional, and System Monospaced. Related subject(s): Γûá Making fonts extremely small Γûá OPEN.CMD Γûá BITMAP.CMD Γûá SETPTR.CMD Γûá CHKDRIVE.CMD Γûá SHUTDOWN.CMD Γûá SHREDDER.CMD Γûá SLEEP.CMD Γûá LARGE.CMD Γûá EVAL.CMD Γûá BIGDOS.CMD Γûá ICONRES.CMD ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.4. Moving a window in the background ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ You can move a window in the background without bringing it to the front by holding the Ctrl key and dragging the window by its title bar with your mouse. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.5. Closing several windows at once ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Closing windows split window 1 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ You can close all or several of your open windows using the following method: 1. Bring up the Window List with Ctrl-Esc or clicking both mouse buttons at once. 2. Highlight the windows you want to close with your mouse. 3. Press the Delete key on your keyboard, or click your right mouse button on one of the highlighted entries and choose Close from the popup menu. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Closing windows split window 2 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Window List with highlighted items and popup menu. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.6. Using keyboard shortcuts in PM ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ There are plenty of keyboard shortcuts in Presentation Manager. Here are just a few of the lesser-known ones: 1. Alt-Backspace = undo last action (note that this doesn't always work). 2. Ctrl-Del = erase to end of field (useful when you have to retype text in a field - press Home to get to the beginning of a field, then Ctrl-Del to erase the text in the field - no more endless backspacing). 3. Alt-F4 = close window. 4. Alt-F5 = restore window. 5. Alt-F6 = move between related windows, such as between an application and its Help Window. 6. Alt-F7 = move window with cursor keys. 7. Alt-F8 = resize window with cursor keys. 8. Alt-F9 = minimize/hide window. 9. Alt-F10 = maximize window. 10. F5 = refresh window. Related subject(s): Γûá Navigating in notebooks without a mouse ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.7. Navigating in notebooks without a mouse ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ To navigate around the notebooks (such as an object's Settings notebook) without a mouse (note that sometimes these keys don't always act consistently): 1. Down/Up Arrows = moves between notebook tabs when a tab is highlighted 2. Tab = moves dotted box highlight between selections 3. Spacebar = moves to next page if its notebook tab is highlighted 4. Alt-Down Arrow = move from notebook tab to page 5. Alt-Up Arrow = move from page to notebook tab 6. Alt-PageDown = move to next page 7. Alt-PageUp = move to previous page 8. Ctrl-Tab = move to next field on a page 9. Shift-Tab = move to previous field on a page Related subject(s): Γûá Using keyboard shortcuts in PM ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.8. Changing the default view of a folder ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Default folder view ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1. Open the Settings notebook for the folder you wish to change. 2. Choose the Menu tab. 3. Highlight ~Open in the box marked Available Menus. 4. Click on the Settings button to the right of the box. A new dialog box will open. 5. Under Default Action, click on the down arrow next to the box. Several choices will be revealed. Choose the one you wish. 6. Click on OK, and close the Settings notebook. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Changing default view ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Dialog box with Default Action choice. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.9. Speeding up opening folders ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ contributed by David Haar Folders open faster when set to Flowed view: 1. Open the Settings notebook for the folder. 2. On page 1 of the View section, click on Flowed. You may also wish to have the folders sorted automatically: 1. Open the Settings notebook for the folder. 2. Choose the Sort tab. 3. In the pull down box under Default Sort Attribute, choose which type of sorting you like. 4. Place a check next to Maintain Sort Order. 5. Close the Settings notebook. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.10. Enlarging the mouse cursor ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Enlarge cursor ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ You can make the mouse cursor larger on systems with standard VGA with LARGE.CMD. The system must be rebooted for the change to take effect. Other REXX scripts: Γûá OPEN.CMD Γûá BITMAP.CMD Γûá SETPTR.CMD Γûá SETFONT.CMD Γûá CHKDRIVE.CMD Γûá SHUTDOWN.CMD Γûá SHREDDER.CMD Γûá SLEEP.CMD Γûá EVAL.CMD Γûá BIGDOS.CMD Γûá ICONRES.CMD ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Enlarging mouse cursor ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Difference in standard and large cursor sizes. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.11. Manipulating objects through the Window List ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ You can affect objects that are listed in the Window List: Γûá Holding the Shift key and double-clicking on an object's name in the Window List will minimize the application. Γûá Holding the Ctrl key and double-clicking on an object's name in the Window List will maximize the application. Γûá Holding the Alt key and double-clicking on an object's name in the Window List will allow you to change the name of the object. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.12. Selecting listbox entries without a mouse ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ An easy way to select an entry in a Presentation Manager listbox is to type the first letter of the name of the entry. Subsequent presses of the same letter will cycle through all listbox entries which start with that letter. Related subject(s): Γûá Selecting objects without mouse ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.13. Making "no-shows" re-appear ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> No shows ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Sometimes you will swear that you've opened an application, but for some reason, you don't see it onscreen (the Sticky Pad and Settings notebooks are especially notorious). Try this, and see if it does the trick: 1. Use Ctrl-Esc or click both mouse buttons simultaneously on the desktop to open the Window List. 2. Click the right mouse button on the name of the offending application. This will pop up the object's menu. 3. Choose either Tile or Cascade from the menu. The application should appear. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> "No shows" ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Window List with Tile choice selected for Settings notebook. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5. Command Line ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ This section covers tips and tricks which affect command line sessions. Topics in this section: Γûá Pasting text without the final carriage return Γûá Clearing the Delete subdirectory Γûá Searching for file names Γûá Maximizing windows when opening Γûá Creating a scroll buffer Γûá Using OS/2 without the Workplace Shell Γûá Enhancing speed of text scrolling Γûá Adding entries to your PATH Γûá Permanently deleting a file when Undelete is active Γûá Suppressing echo from *.CMD files Γûá Getting more out of your command line Γûá Checking drive status Γûá Shutting down from a REXX script automatically Γûá Using multiple arguments at the OS/2 command line Γûá Using EPM as a customized command shell Γûá Setting the startup directory for command line objects Γûá Formatting a diskette with the detach command Γûá Resizing a command line window permanently Γûá Making the system "sleep" Γûá Substituting REPLACE for the COPY command Γûá "Touching" a file's date and time Γûá Adding command sessions to the desktop's popup menu Γûá Opening multiple command line sessions from the desktop menu Γûá Creating a command line calculator Γûá Starting a DOS session with maximum free memory Γûá Using START to avoid the dreaded "clock" Γûá Coloring OS/2 command line sessions ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.1. Pasting text without the final carriage return ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ To paste text after a copy/mark operation without a final carriage return, hold down the Shift key while choosing Paste from the pull-down menu. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.2. Clearing the Delete subdirectory ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ In order to remove the files from the Delete subdirectory of a drive to regain some drive space, type the following at a command line: UNDELETE <drive>:\* /f /s /a where <drive> is the letter of the drive which contains the Delete subdirectory you wish to clear. Related subject(s): Γûá Permanently deleting a file when Undelete is active ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.3. Searching for file names ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ To search for a particular file name on a drive, type DIR <drive>:\<file spec> /S where <drive> is the letter of the drive you wish to search <file spec> is the specification of the file you are searching; standard wild cards can be used. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.4. Maximizing windows when opening ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Maximizing windows split window 1 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ To make all command line windows open maximized, hold the Shift key while clicking on the maximize button. In some cases, you additionally may have to hold the Shift key while using the mouse to resize the window to its fullest size by dragging the bottom right corner. Related subject(s): Γûá Resizing a command line window permanently ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Maximizing windows ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Command window with mouse pointer on Maximize button. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.5. Creating a scroll buffer ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ from Tim Sipples' FAQ To create a small scroll-back buffer for your command line sessions, type MODE 80,102 Related subject(s): Γûá Resizing a command line window permanently ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.6. Using OS/2 without the Workplace Shell ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ To use OS/2 without loading the Workplace Shell, replace the following line in your CONFIG.SYS SET RUNWORKPLACE=<drive>:\OS2\PMSHELL.EXE with SET RUNWORKPLACE=<drive>:\OS2\CMD.EXE where <drive> is the letter of the drive on which OS/2 is located. Note that you can always invoke the Workplace Shell by typing PMSHELL at an OS/2 command line. It can consequently be removed by closing it from the Window List. Related subject(s): Γûá Booting OS/2 in full-screen mode ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.7. Enhancing speed of text scrolling ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Tricks for speeding up text display. Related subject(s): Γûá Changing font size Γûá Changing Video_ROM_Emulation ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.7.1. Changing font size ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Changing font size window 1 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Fonts which are 8 pixels wide generally display faster than those which are not 8 pixels wide. Choose Font Size from the pull-down menu, then choose a "x 8" type of font size. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Font Size dialog ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Font Size dialog box with 14x8 font size highlighted. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.7.2. Changing Video_ROM_Emulation ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> VideoROM window 1 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Text scrolling speed can also be enhanced using the Video_ROM_Emulation setting. 1. Select DOS Settings from either the pull-down menu of a DOS session, or from the Session page of the Settings notebook of a DOS session. 2. Highlight Video_ROM_Emulation. 3. Try the setting both on and off to find out if one setting results in better performance than the other. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> DOS Settings ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ DOS Settings dialog with Video_ROM_Emulation highlighted. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.8. Adding entries to your PATH ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ You can add entries to your PATH "on the fly" by using: PATH %PATH%;<drive>:\<path> where <drive> is the drive on which the subdirectory you want to add is located <path> is the path you want to add (This also works for DPATH) ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.9. Permanently deleting a file when Undelete is active ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ If you have Undelete activated (via SET DELDIR in your CONFIG.SYS), but want to delete a file or files so they can't be undeleted, use: DEL <file(s)> /F where <file(s)> is the file specification of the file(s) you want to delete Related subject(s): Γûá Clearing the Delete subdirectory ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.10. Suppressing echo from *.CMD files ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ If you are using batch files (*.CMD) which do not have ECHO OFF statements, you can also suppress the echo by using the /Q switch: Example: BATCH.CMD /Q ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.11. Getting more out of your command line ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Supplement your command line usage by stacking commands with &&, &, ||, and (): contributed by Jack Tan 1. && executes the second program only if the former succeeds, e.g., RunMe.EXE && RunMeIfFormerSucceeds.EXE 2. || executes the second program if the former doesn't succeed, e.g., RunMe.EXE || RunMeIfTheFormerDidntSucceed.EXE 3. Combining && and || results in an if..then..else situation, e.g., If.EXE && Then.EXE || Else.EXE (Else.EXE doesn't run if and only if both If.EXE and Then.EXE run successfully) 4. & runs both the first and second programs, e.g., RunMe.EXE & AndMeToo.EXE 5. () executes the instructions within the parentheses, overriding the normal order of command precedence, e.g., DETACH (FORMAT a: /once /v:"hi" && XCOPY c:\x A: /S) & UNZIP myfile.zip (the commands in parentheses are operated on by DETACH, then UNZIP executes) ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.12. Checking drive status ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ inspired by a code snippet by Dick Goran You can check the status of a drive (e.g., if a floppy is inserted into a floppy drive or not) with a REXX script, CHKDRIVE.CMD. The routines in CHKDRIVE.CMD can be incorporated into longer REXX scripts whenever the status of a drive needs to be ascertained. Other REXX scripts: Γûá OPEN.CMD Γûá BITMAP.CMD Γûá SETPTR.CMD Γûá SETFONT.CMD Γûá SHUTDOWN.CMD Γûá SHREDDER.CMD Γûá SLEEP.CMD Γûá LARGE.CMD Γûá EVAL.CMD Γûá BIGDOS.CMD Γûá ICONRES.CMD ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.13. Shutting down from a REXX script automatically ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ by David Matocha You can shutdown your system with a countdown using SHUTDOWN.CMD combined with a scheduling utility and a automatic power-down of the system. Related subject(s): Γûá Rebooting from the command line Γûá OPEN.CMD Γûá BITMAP.CMD Γûá SETPTR.CMD Γûá SETFONT.CMD Γûá CHKDRIVE.CMD Γûá SHREDDER.CMD Γûá SLEEP.CMD Γûá LARGE.CMD Γûá EVAL.CMD Γûá BIGDOS.CMD Γûá ICONRES.CMD ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.14. Using multiple arguments at the OS/2 command line ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Unlike DOS, OS/2's command line allows you to use multiple arguments at the command line for the DEL and DIR commands. e.g., DEL <file1> <file2> <file3> DIR <file1> <file2> <file3> where <file1>, <file2>, and <file3> are different filenames (with any appropriate wildcards). ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.15. Using EPM as a customized command shell ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> EPM shell ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ contributed by Jack Tan Use the Enhanced Editor (EPM) command SHELL to produce a command line with the following attributes: Γûá Uses any font recognized by EPM. Γûá Window sizeable to nearly any size. Γûá Dynamically resizeable window. Γûá Can alter text/background colors. Γûá Scroll buffer spans the entire session. Unfortunately, programs which take control of the screen (like screen-based editors) won't run. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> EPM command shell ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ EPM command shell, using the Helvetica font. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.16. Setting the startup directory for command line objects ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ contributed by Jack Tan The 'Working Directory' entry in the settings notebook also applies to command lines, such as 'OS/2 Window' and 'DOS Full Screen.' In these cases, the working directory becomes the starting directory. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.17. Formatting a diskette with the detach command ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ You can format a diskette in the background from the command line or in a batch file without user intervention with the line: DETACH FORMAT <drive>: /ONCE /V:<label> where <drive> is the drive of the diskette you wish to format, and <label> is the name you wish to use for the volume label. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.18. Resizing a command line window permanently ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ contributed by Guy Gerard Lemieux You can save the size of any window permanently by holding the Shift key while resizing. Related subject(s): Γûá Maximizing windows when opening Γûá Creating a scroll buffer ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.19. Making the system "sleep" ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ The REXX script SLEEP.CMD will create a pause for a specified length of time. Other REXX scripts: Γûá OPEN.CMD Γûá BITMAP.CMD Γûá SETPTR.CMD Γûá SETFONT.CMD Γûá CHKDRIVE.CMD Γûá SHUTDOWN.CMD Γûá SHREDDER.CMD Γûá LARGE.CMD Γûá EVAL.CMD Γûá BIGDOS.CMD Γûá ICONRES.CMD ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.20. Substituting REPLACE for the COPY command ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ The REPLACE command will only copy files of the same name from the source to the target: REPLACE <source> <target> where <source> is the drive, path, and file specification of the files you want copied; and, <target> is the drive and path to which you want the files copied. However, when REPLACE is used with certain command line switches, it becomes even more useful. Have you ever wished you could only copy files which don't already exist on the target drive? Try: REPLACE <source> <target> /A Have you wanted to copy only files which have been updated? Try: REPLACE <source> <target> /U ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.21. "Touching" a file's date and time ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ You can "touch," i.e., change to current date and time, a file or set of files using a form of the COPY command: COPY <filespec> /b + ,, where <filespec> is any valid filename or OS/2 file specification ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.22. Adding command sessions to the desktop's popup menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Adding command sessions ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ When adding OS/2 or DOS command line sessions to the desktop's popup menu, prevent the object from passing the desktop's path by putting a percent sign (%) in the Parameters field on the Program page of the command line object's Settings notebook. Related subject(s): Γûá Adding an "open folder" entry to the desktop's popup menu Γûá Opening multiple command line sessions from the desktop menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Adding command sessions ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Placing a percent sign in the Parameters field. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.23. Opening multiple command line sessions from the desktop menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Create new window setting ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Desktop Settings notebook with Create New Window highlighted. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Create new window setting ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ In order to be able to open multiple command line sessions from a command line object that you added to the desktop's popup menu, you must alter the desktop's settings, not those of the command line object: 1. Open the Settings notebook for the desktop. 2. Choose the Window tab. 3. Under Object Open Behavior, select Create New Window. 4. Close the Settings notebook. Note: changing the Object Open Behavior for the desktop may have unexpected results when opening other objects from the desktop. Related subject(s): Γûá Adding an "open folder" entry to the desktop's popup menu Γûá Adding command sessions to the desktop's popup menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.24. Creating a command line calculator ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ contributed by L. Kuru EVAL.CMD is a REXX script for a simple, yet powerful command line calculator. Several arithmetic functions are available: Γûá The basic arithmetic functions: 1. + = Addition 2. - = Subtraction 3. * = Multiplication 4. / = Division 5. ** = Exponential (must be an integer) Γûá Parentheses, e.g., EVAL (2+3)**2 Γûá Floating point numbers, e.g., EVAL 12.345567e14*1e-50 Γûá Environment variables, e.g., set pi=3.1415926 set radius=3 EVAL %pi%*%radius%**2 Other REXX scripts: Γûá OPEN.CMD Γûá BITMAP.CMD Γûá SETPTR.CMD Γûá SETFONT.CMD Γûá CHKDRIVE.CMD Γûá SHUTDOWN.CMD Γûá SHREDDER.CMD Γûá SLEEP.CMD Γûá LARGE.CMD Γûá BIGDOS.CMD Γûá ICONRES.CMD ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.25. Starting a DOS session with maximum free memory ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ contributed by Xavier Caballe You can start a DOS session with the maximum free memory using BIGDOS.CMD. Note: if using OS/2 2.1, you may have to change RMSIZE=640 to RMSIZE=639 in your CONFIG.SYS file in order to get this to work. Other REXX scripts: Γûá OPEN.CMD Γûá BITMAP.CMD Γûá SETPTR.CMD Γûá SETFONT.CMD Γûá CHKDRIVE.CMD Γûá SHUTDOWN.CMD Γûá SHREDDER.CMD Γûá SLEEP.CMD Γûá LARGE.CMD Γûá EVAL.CMD Γûá ICONRES.CMD ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.26. Using START to avoid the dreaded "clock" ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ contributed by Jack Tan Use the START command in a fullscreen session to avoid the dreaded clock pointer and continue working at the command line when loading certain queue-hogging applications. e.g, at a fullscreen OS/2 prompt: START /b 123G.EXE ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.27. Coloring OS/2 command line sessions ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ contributed by Peder Madsen Tired of the dreaded black-and-white OS/2 command prompt? Create more colorful prompts with the PROMPT command. Try set prompt=$E[37;44m[$P] which gives you white text on blue background. Instead of 37 you can use any number between 30 and 37 to control the foreground color, and instead of 44 you can use any number between 40 and 47 to control the background color. You can also use the PROMPT command in your CONFIG.SYS file to start each OS/2 command session with your favorite colors. Note: ANSI must be turned on (this is the default). ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6. Win-OS/2 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ This section covers tips and tricks which affect Win-OS/2. Topics in this section: Γûá Reducing Win-OS/2 initial load time Γûá Using Windows screen blanker for OS/2 Γûá Running Win-OS/2 from a DOS image Γûá Curing "jumpy mouse" Γûá Pasting between Windows applications Γûá Starting seamless Windows from the command line ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.1. Reducing Win-OS/2 initial load time ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ If you are running Windows programs in a common session, the load time for the first Windows program you execute will be much longer than subsequent load times because OS/2 needs to load both a VDM and the Win-OS/2 code. If you want to speed up loading Windows programs, load a small Windows program, such as the Clock, via your Startup folder. Your boot time will increase, but when you finally sit down to work, your Windows programs will load more quickly. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.2. Using Windows screen blanker for OS/2 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ You can use a Windows screen blanker when running seamless Windows to blank the OS/2 desktop. However, since Win-OS/2 can sometimes miss keystrokes intended for Presentation Manager, be sure to set the delay of the screen blanker as long as possible. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.3. Running Win-OS/2 from a DOS image ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ You can run Win-OS/2 from a DOS image, also known as a Virtual Machine Boot (VMB) or specific DOS session: 1. Put a bootable DOS system disk in the A: drive. Make sure that you have a simple, DOS-compatible editor on this disk that you can use to edit the CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files. 2. Open an OS/2 command line session. 3. Create a subdirectory to store the boot images. 4. At the OS/2 command line, type VMDISK A: <imagename> where <imagename> is a name you give to the boot image 5. When the system files have been transferred from A: to your boot image subdirectory, close the OS/2 command line and remove the diskette from A:. 6. Open the Templates folder and use the right mouse button to drag a template from the Program template icon. The Settings notebook for the new program object should open. 7. On the Program page, put an asterisk in the Path and Filename box. 8. Click on the Session tab. 9. Select either the DOS Window or DOS Full Screen button. 10. Click on the DOS settings button. 11. Highlight the DOS_STARTUP_DRIVE option. 12. In the Value box, enter the drive, path and name of your boot image. 13. Highlight DOS_FILES. 14. In the Value box, set DOS_FILES to 40. 15. Highlight DPMI_MEMORY_LIMIT. 16. In the Value box, set DPMI_MEMORY_LIMIT to 4 or higher. 17. Click on Save. 18. Close the Settings notebook. 19. Open the newly-created DOS image. 20. While in the DOS image, create/edit the CONFIG.SYS file. 21. The CONFIG.SYS should contain, among other entries, these lines: a) DEVICE=<drive>:\OS2\MDOS\FSFILTER.SYS -- this line should be near the top of CONFIG.SYS, and <drive> is the drive on which your OS/2 DOS support files are located. b) DEVICE=<drive>:\OS2\MDOS\HIMEM.SYS c) DEVICE=<drive>:\OS2\MDOS\EMM386.SYS 22. Save the CONFIG.SYS and create/edit an AUTOEXEC.BAT file as you wish. 23. Close the session by double clicking on the title bar icon. 24. Reopen the DOS image, and type WIN to start Win-OS/2. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.4. Curing "jumpy mouse" ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ The mouse can often be "jumpy" in fullscreen Win-OS/2 sessions. Try changing its idle sensitivity setting: 1. Open the Settings notebook for the object. 2. Choose the Session tab. 3. Click on DOS Settings. 4. Highlight IDLE_SENSITIVITY. 5. Set IDLE_SENSITIVITY to 100 (idle detection off). ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.5. Pasting between Windows applications ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ Sometimes data gets lost when you're pasting between Windows applications under Win-OS/2. If this happens to you, try: 1. Open the Win-OS/2 object's Settings notebook. 2. Choose the Session tab. 3. Click on DOS Settings. 4. Highlight VIDEO_FASTPASTE. 5. Set VIDEO_FASTPASTE to ON. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.6. Starting seamless Windows from the command line ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ contributed by Jack Tan To start a seamless Windows session from the OS/2 command line: START /WIN <program> where <program> is the name of the Windows program you wish to run. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ /* OPEN.CMD - opens a folder */ call RxFuncAdd "SysSetObjectData", "RexxUtil", "SysSetObjectData" folderpath="<drive>:\<path>" call SysSetObjectData folderpath, "OPEN=DEFAULT"; exit /* where <drive> is the letter of the drive on which the subdirectory corresponding to the folder is located <path> is the path to the subdirectory corresponding to the folder */ ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ /* bitmap.cmd - change desktop background randomly */ /* changes to bitmap.cmd by Jack Tan */ call RxFuncAdd "SysLoadFuncs", "RexxUtil", "SysLoadFuncs" call SysLoadFuncs parse arg changetime; changetime=strip(changetime) if changetime=' ' then do say "BITMAP.CMD--change bitmaps randomly at a specified interval" say "" say "USAGE: bitmap <time>" say "where <time> is the interval between bitmap changes in seconds" exit end else bitmap = SysSearchPath("DPATH", "OS2LOGO.BMP") bitmappath = DELSTR(bitmap, LASTPOS("\", bitmap)) call SysFileTree bitmappath || '\*.*', "bitmaps.", "O" do forever call SysSleep changetime i = random(1,bitmaps.0) call SysSetObjectData "<WP_DESKTOP>", "BACKGROUND="bitmaps.i";" end exit ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ /* SetPtr.CMD -- set/remove a custom mouse pointer. Copyright 11 January 1994 by Jack Tan This is based on Dann Lunsford's SETMOUSE.CMD SETMOUSE.CMD by Dann Lunsford Short procedure to set mouse pointer to contents of specified .PTR file This file is in the public domain, but I'd appreciate it greatly if you would leave this notice in... Author: Dann Lunsford Vortex BBS (1:203/726) 13-Aug-1993 Be careful about adding/removing lines to this script -- it uses the SOURCELINE function, which is source-dependent. Syntax: SetPtr.CMD <filename> [pointer index] [/X] [/L] [/?] <filename> is the name of the file containing the pointer. If <filename> does not exist, <filename>.PTR is searched. [pointer index] is an optional parameter. It defaults to 1. Index Pointer Default OS/2 icon ------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 normal OS/2 pointer arrow 2 text insertion I-beam 3 wait cursor clock 4 size pointer (no icon) 5 move pointer four-way arrow 6 resize (NW to SE) diagonal double arrow (\) 7 resize (NE to SW) diagonal double arrow (/) 8 resize (horizontal) horizontal double arrow (-) 9 resize (vertical) vertical double arrow (|) /X (optional) indicates that the custom pointer should be removed. /L (optional) lists currently installed pointers. /? (optional) displays this help. */ /* Get arguments */ PARSE ARG arguments bigArgs = TRANSLATE(arguments) /* Show help */ if arguments=='' | WORDPOS("/?", arguments)<>0 then do do i=12 to 33 SAY SOURCELINE(i) end /* do */ EXIT(1) end /* Do */ /* Setup the REXX function */ call RxFuncAdd 'SysIni', 'RexxUtil', 'SysIni' Inifile = 'User' App = 'PM_SysPointer' /* Show current pointers */ if WORDPOS('/L', bigArgs)<>0 then do result = SysIni(Inifile, App, 'All:', 'list') if list.0<1 then SAY "No custom pointers have been set." else do SAY "Current custom pointers:" do i=1 to 9 result = SysIni(Inifile, App, i) if result<>"ERROR:" then SAY " ("i")" LEFT(pointerDesc(i), 20), SUBSTR(result, 5, LENGTH(result)-5) end /* Do */ end /* Do */ EXIT(0) end /* Do */ /* Look for a '/X' */ xPos = WORDPOS('/X', bigArgs) if xPos<>0 then do removePtr = 1 arguments = DELWORD(arguments, xPos, 1) end /* Do */ else removePtr = 0 /* Look for a pointer index */ pointerIndex = 1 if WORDS(arguments)>1 | removePtr then do /* Last argument should be the pointer index, since any '/X' has already been removed. If the last argument does not fit the requirements for a pointer index, assume that it is part of the filename. */ guessIndex = WORD(arguments, WORDS(arguments)) if LENGTH(guessIndex)==1 & VERIFY(guessIndex, '123456789')==0 then do arguments = DELWORD(arguments, WORDS(arguments)) pointerIndex = guessIndex end /* Do */ end /* Do */ /* Set the filename */ if removePtr<>1 then do arguments = STRIP(arguments) if SUBSTR(arguments, 1, 1)=='"' then arguments = DELSTR(arguments, 1, 1) if SUBSTR(arguments, LENGTH(arguments))=='"' then arguments = DELSTR(arguments, LENGTH(arguments)) filename = STREAM(arguments, 'Command', 'Query Exists') if filename=='' then do /* Try again use .PTR extension */ filename = STREAM(arguments".PTR", 'Command', 'Query Exists') if filename=='' then do SAY "Cannot find file: '"arguments"'" EXIT(3) end /* Do */ end /* Do */ end /* Do */ /* Execute the change */ if removePtr then result = SysIni(Inifile, App, pointerIndex, 'DELETE:') else do Keyvalue = x2c('01000000')||filename||x2c('00') result = SysIni(Inifile, App, pointerIndex, Keyvalue) end /* Do */ /* If the change failed... */ if result<>"" then do returnCode = 3 if removePtr then SAY "Unable to delete the pointer" else SAY "Unable to set the pointer" end /* Do */ /* ... else print 'successful' message */ else do returnCode = 0 if removePtr then SAY "Pointer successfully removed" else SAY "The new pointer will become effective at the next system boot." end /* Do */ /* Give some more information */ if removePtr<>1 then SAY " File = "filename SAY " Pointer = "pointerDesc(pointerIndex) "("pointerIndex")" EXIT(returnCode) pointerDesc: procedure return STRIP(SUBSTR(SOURCELINE(20+ARG(1)), 15, 30)) /* End of REXX script */ ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ /* shredder.cmd - REXX script to recreate the Shredder */ call RxFuncAdd "SysCreateObject", "RexxUtil", "SysCreateObject" class="WPShredder" title="Shredder" location="<WP_DESKTOP>" settings="OBJECTID=<WP_SHRED>;" settings=settings||"ICONPOS=90 8;" call SysCreateObject class, title, location, settings, "REPLACE" exit ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ /* ICONRES.CMD */ call RxFuncAdd SysLoadFuncs, RexxUtil, SysLoadFuncs call SysLoadFuncs /* Build folder for icons */ call Charout ,'Building Icon Folder' result = SysCreateObject('WPFolder', 'Icon Folder',, '<WP_DESKTOP>', 'OBJECTID=<ICN_FOLDER>;', 'R') if result=1 Then call Charout ,'... Object created!' else call Charout ,'... Not created! Return code='result Say ''; classname='WPAbstract' location='<ICN_FOLDER>' fn='PMWP' do i=1 to 75 if i<5 | i=13 | (i>15 & i<21) | i=22 | (i>23 & i<30) | i=32 | i=33, | i=44 | i=46 | i=48 | i=52 | i=53 | (i>55 & i<73) then call BldObj end fn='WPCONFIG' do i=1 to 13 call BldObj end fn='WPPRTMRI' do i=3 to 23 if (i<17 | i>18) then call BldObj end Say '';Say 'All done, to remove drag folder to shredder...' exit /* Build Object */ BldObj: if i<10 then j='0'||i else j=i title=fn'-'||j setup='ICONRESOURCE='||j||' 'fn';OBJECTID=<ICN-'fn'-'||j||'>' call charout ,'Building: 'title result = SysCreateObject(classname, title, location, setup, 'R') if result=1 then call Charout ,'... Object created!' else call Charout ,'... Not created! Return code='result Say ''; return ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ /* setfont.cmd */ /* Usage: SETFONT <font size/type> */ /* where <font size/type> is the */ /* point size and font desired in the */ /* format size.type (e.g., 8.Helv) */ call RxFuncAdd "SysIni", "RexxUtil", "SysIni" parse arg Font IniFile = "USER" AppName = "PM_SystemFonts" KeyName = "DefaultFont" call SysIni IniFile, AppName, KeyName, Font||x2c(0) say Result exit ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ /* large.cmd - increase cursor size */ /* If you want to return to the standard */ /* mouse cursor, change '1' to '2' in */ /* the "val" variable. */ call RxFuncAdd "SysIni", "RexxUtil", "SysIni" inifile='USER' app='PM_IBMVGA' key='CURSOR_SIZE' val='1' call SysIni inifile, app, key, val say Result exit ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ /* CHKDRIVE.CMD - check drive status */ '@echo off' parse arg drive_letter; drive_letter=delstr(drive_letter,2); if drive_letter=' ' then do say "CHKDRIVE.CMD - check status of drive" say "USAGE: CHKDRIVE.CMD <drive>" say "where <drive> is the letter of drive you wish to check" exit end else signal ON NOTREADY name NOT_READY call STREAM drive_letter || ':*', 'D' say "Drive Ready" exit NOT_READY: say "Drive Not Ready" return ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ /* REXX script to shutdown the PC in 5 minutes Author: David Matocha david.matocha@yob.sccsi.com If you make any improvements, please send me a copy. Version 930316.6 */ say ' ' say 'Please close all running applications.' say ' ' say 'WARNING: The Computer will shutdown in 5 minutes!' beep(500, 1000); CALL SysSleep 14; beep(475, 1000); CALL SysSleep 14; beep(450, 1000); CALL SysSleep 14; beep(425, 1000); CALL SysSleep 14; say ' ' say 'WARNING: The Computer will shutdown in 4 minutes!' beep(400, 1000); CALL SysSleep 14; beep(375, 1000); CALL SysSleep 14; beep(350, 1000); CALL SysSleep 14; beep(325, 1000); CALL SysSleep 14; say ' ' say 'WARNING: The Computer will shutdown in 3 minutes!' beep(300, 1000); CALL SysSleep 14; beep(275, 1000); CALL SysSleep 14; beep(250, 1000); CALL SysSleep 14; beep(225, 1000); CALL SysSleep 14; say ' ' say 'WARNING: The Computer will shutdown in 2 minutes!' beep(200, 1000); CALL SysSleep 14; beep(175, 1000); CALL SysSleep 14; beep(150, 1000); CALL SysSleep 14; beep(125, 1000); CALL SysSleep 14; say ' ' say 'WARNING: The Computer will shutdown in 1 minute!' beep(100, 1000); CALL SysSleep 14; beep(500, 1000); CALL SysSleep 14; beep(1000, 1000); CALL SysSleep 14; beep(1500, 1000); CALL SysSleep 14; 'setboot /T:NO' 'setboot /B' exit ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ /* sleep.cmd - make system sleep for specified # of seconds */ /* syntax: sleep <time>, where <time> is time in seconds */ call RxFuncAdd "SysSleep", "RexxUtil", "SysSleep" parse arg sleeptime; sleeptime=strip(sleeptime) if sleeptime= '' then do say "SLEEP.CMD - make system sleep for specified # of seconds" say "Usage: sleep <time>" say " where <time> is time in seconds" exit end else call SysSleep sleeptime exit ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ /* eval by L Kuru 25.11.1993 */ arg params; interpret say params; exit ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ /* Start a DOS session with the maximum free memory */ /* Xavier Caballe - December 1993 */ /* code added to make DOS session open in foreground */ /* M.Woo - 6 Jan 94 */ CALL RxFuncAdd SysLoadFuncs, RexxUtil,SysLoadFuncs; CALL SysLoadFuncs; ClassName='WPProgram'; /* Object type */ Title='Big DOS'; /* Window title */ Program='EXENAME=*;'; /* Program to run */ Location='<WP_NOWHERE>'; /* Object location */ Type='PROGTYPE=VDM;'; /* DOS full screen session */ StartUp='STARTUPDIR=C:\;' /* Working directory */ Objectid='OBJECTID=<BIGDOS>;' /* Object ID */ /* Session Settings */ /* The Video_Mode_Restriction value *MUST BE* fifteen characters long */ Settings='SET VIDEO_MODE_RESTRICTION=CGA ;' Settings=Settings||'SET DOS_HIGH=1;' Open='OPEN=DEFAULT;' /* Open default view */ call SysCreateObject classname, title, location,, program||type||startup||objectid||settings||open, 'REPLACE' call SysSetObjectData '<BIGDOS>', open Return