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# # # #### ######
# # # # # #
# # # # ####### #
# # # # # #
# # # #### ###### AV Software Designs, Ltd.
_________________________________________________________________
646-1 University Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14607-1232 (716)-461-2446
1.0 - PACKAGE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE
Package - DEC Rainbow Archive Package #14
Program - WDir - W(indow)Dir(ectory)
Version - 1.2PD
Author - Alan I. Vymetalik for
AV Software Designs, Ltd.
Date - January 31, 1986
System - DEC Rainbow 100/A/B/+/190
MS-DOS Version 2.05 or above
Memory - 128K minimum
Other versions are available
Language - TurboPascal Version 3.01A
All documentation, sources, and programs -
Copyright (c) 1985, 1986 by AV Software Designs, Ltd.
2.0 - WDIR VERSION 1.2PD USER'S MANUAL
2.1 - WDir Features
WDir Version 1.2PD uses high-speed video, advanced keyboard
scanning, efficient memory management, and scrolling and pop-up
window-style displays to manage and display a sorted directory of
the path specified on the command line or of selected directories
chosen while in WDir.
WDir was developed due to frustration of the lack of a proper
DIR command and the slow speed and cumbersome efforts under MS-DOS
to get a sorted directory listing. You had to twiddle with column
parameters until you were sorting on the correct columns; counting
and poking at the screen. This was all very time-consuming, a
general pain and didn't LOOK good. All that was wanted was a look
at a directory or sub-directory of a disk but everything on the
screen just got scrolled away!
WDir contains a number of sophisticated sorting and display
capabilities and allows recursive searching of the disk's
directory structure. You can sort the directory listing on any of
the directory fields and you get total file counts and file space
counts. In addition, you get information about the disk's storage
and remaining space. Also, you can use WDir to get repeated
directory listings of disks without returning to MS-DOS. Simply
swap in as many disks as desired and press the DO and PRINT SCREEN
keys.
Page 1
2.2 - Program Details, Requirements, and Set-Up Instructions
WDir V1.2PD contains enhancements and fixes to bugs that were
discovered after the release of prior versions of WDir. These
enhancements include a more uniform user-interface, corrected
printer status checking, and code optimization.
2.2.1 - Required Hardware and Hardware Incompatibility
WDir requires the use of a standard DEC Rainbow 100A, 100B,
or 190 system. A standard system includes the system unit, LK201
keyboard, VR201 or VR241 monitor, any combination of floppy disks,
hard-disks, and RAM disks, and any DEC-approved printers.
The color monitor may be used in conjunction with WDir as
long as it being used in text mode. WDir does not handle graphics
mode (at this time) and, while it will work, nothing will be dis-
played on the screen if graphics mode is on. The main reason for
this is the use of the advanced, high-speed video features
available in VT102-mode that aren't available in graphics mode.
2.2.2 - Directory Limits
The directory can contain up to 512 files taking up to 99
megabytes of disk space for the disk in whole or the directory in
particular. In practice, of course, MS-DOS handles much less disk
space per partition and directories over 256 files are generally
unwieldly.
2.2.3 - Memory Requirements
WDir requires at least 128K of RAM to run due to the need of
having a fairly large sort work area, the code of WDir and the
operating system in memory at the same time. Other versions may
be available by writing to the above address and describing your
application.
2.2.4 - Distribution and ARChiving Method
WDir.COM and the companion WDir.DOC (and any addendum files)
are distributed in an 'archived' file called WDIR.ARC which was
created using ARC V4.5 from System Enhancement Associates. If you
are viewing this file using ARC, make sure you have at least
version 4.5 to de-archive the files. If you received WDir in
archived format, follow the intructions on how to use ARC from
ARC.DOC. If you received them as normal files then ignore the
above.
2.2.5 - Set-Up and Helpful Hints
Copy WDir's files from the public-domain distribution disk to
your working MS-DOS master disk or your utility directory that is
being referenced by the MS-DOS command PATH or the public domain
PATH-like SEARCH. Remember to always backup your programs and make
sure the master disks have write-protect tabs.
While all attempts have been made to make WDir as fast as
possible, following the above suggestions along with placing WDir
on a hard-disk or RAMDisk (if either is available) will sig-
nificantly speed up operation over that of a floppy disk.
Page 2
2.2.6 - Incompatibility With Other Software
WDir should not be running while interrupt-sensitive back-
ground processes, like printer-spoolers, are running. WDir takes
over some interrupts during its operation and should you be
running such a process, issue another Active Command (see below),
and MS-DOS will catch up on its I/O requests.
Memory-Resident programs, like SEARCH, should have no effect
on WDir's operations. DPath, on the other hand, may cause
problems when you're printing a file containing the view of the
current directory. It may go to the path specified by DPath and
not necessarily where you wanted it to.
If the user discovers any software compatibility problems,
please notify AVSD, Ltd. at the above address
2.2.7 - Recursive Scanning of Directory Structures
WDir allows you to recursively select up to 10 different
levels of directory information. You must leave your original
disk in while scanning the directory structure or risk being
forced out of WDir. This and the recursive limit are implemented
to maintain memory security, efficiency and headaches on your part
while still offering flexibility. You may, of course, switch
disks when you reach the 'root' level of the disk.
When you select a new directory (via the FIND function key),
you may give WDir a new filename mask (e.g. *.COM) so that WDir
only looks for those particular files when it scans the new
directory. You'll enter the new directory and find it sorted on
the sort field as the previous level. If you want to change the
sorting, invoke the Sort Options command with the SELECT function
key. Upon returning to the previous level, all previous sorting
and listing options have been remembered.
2.3 - Command-Line Arguments
WDir supports a variety of sorting options and pathname/
filename combinations. The switches and pathnames are order-
independent.
2.3.1 - Invoking WDir Via the MS-DOS Command Line
To invoke WDir, enter on the command line:
E> WDIR [/a[adshr]defhsty] [drv:][path][fn(s)?*]
where the following sort switches are:
/a - by file attribute setting using the
following sub-switches:
a - by archive attribute
d - by directory attribute
s - by system attribute
h - by hidden attribute
r - by read-only attribute
/d - by date
/e - by extension
/f - by filename (default)
/h - command-line help information
/s - by file size
Page 3
/t - by time
/y - by day of the week
and the other parameters are:
[drv:] - optional drive letter (A-I) and the colon
(actually, the last available drive that
MS-DOS sees will be the upper limit)
[path] - optional path up to 64 characters. Items
that can be included are the backslash and
specific pathnames like '.' and '..'
[fn(s)(*?)] - optional filename or filenames with
embedded asterisk '*' and question mark '?'
wildcards permitted.
2.3.2 - Optional Parameters and Parameter Syntax
Each of the following parameters are optional: drive, leading
path, and filename(s). If none are selected, the current directory
is viewed. Wildcard characters (* and ?) are pemitted in the
filename.
If no sort switches are used, WDir sorts on the the 11
character file name.
Also, note that the switch and pathname can be in any orde
on the command line and the switches can be in upper and/or lower
case. But, if the sort switch follows the pathname, please in-
clude at least one space between them.
2.3.3 - Sorting Conventions
WDir sorts directories on pre-assigned fields. Please note
that these conventions are employed at the Command-Line and
Active-Command interfaces. The following secondary sorting schemes
are currently implemented:
Sorting on the filename Extension will use the first 8
characters of the filename.
Sorting on the Day-of-the-Week field will use the date
field as the secondary sorting parameter.
Sorting on the Date field will use the Time field as its
secondary sorting field.
All other sorting fields use the full 11 characters of
the filename as the secondary sorting field.
Please note that only a maximum of two levels of sorting are
done. This may produce, at times, strange looking sorted direc-
tory listings. Please refer to the above rules to orient your-
self.
2.3.4 - Command-Line Parameter Examples
Note that the symbol 'E>' represents the MS-DOS Command
prompt. Do not enter this with the WDir command.
(1) E> wdir f:
Page 4
This is the default version of WDir which sorts the
current directory on drive F: by the 11 character
filename (12 characters if you consider the period).
(2) E> wdir/E
This will sort the current directory by the extension of
the filename. The secondary field for sorting is the
first 8 characters of the filename.
(3) E> WDIR f:\foobar\bigfoo /d
This will sort the directory \foobar\bigfoo on drive F:.
The directory will be sorted by the date field.
(4) E> wdir/y b:*.com
This will sort only the .COM files in the currently
activated directory on drive B: by the day of the week
field. The secondary field will be the date field.
(5) E> wdir c:\ /aD
This will sort the root directory on drive C: by the
directory attribute. All directories will appear at the
end of the listing.
2.3.5 - Command-Line Mode Error Communication
If an incorrect switch or illegal path or filename is
specified on the command-line, a help window will appear with
information to aid you in re-entering the command correctly. This
window will also appear in response to the '/h' switch.
2.4 - Active Commands
WDir supports two methods of command control, one as mention-
ed above under Command-Line Arguments, and another using the
special function keys of the Rainbow. The two sets of commands are
exclusive and cannot be used interchangeably. The Active Commands
are available only after WDir has been executed and the directory
display is on the screen.
2.4.1 - Active Command Descriptions
Once WDir is up and has displayed the current directory, the
following function keys are available for use:
2.4.1.1 - Function Key: HELP
Displays a pop-up help window to remind the user of the
available Active Commands. Commands marked with an asterisk, '*',
denote that those function keys also can be used in combination
with the SHIFT and CONTROL-SHIFT keys to perform additional
functions. Press any key to put away the help window.
2.4.1.2 - Function Key: UP ARROW
Use the UP ARROW key to scan upwards through the directory
listing a line at a time. The console bell will sound when you
Page 5
attempt to go beyond the top.
The UP ARROW key is also used in conjunction with the FIND
function key (select new sub-directory command). Repeating the UP
ARROW key will allow you to scan through the displayed directories
in a cyclic fashion.
2.4.1.3 - Function Key: DOWN ARROW
Press the DOWN ARROW key to scan down through the directory
listing a line at a time. The console bell will sound when you
attempt to go beyond the bottom.
The DOWN ARROW key is also used in conjunction with the FIND
function key (select new sub-directory command). Repeating the
DOWN ARROW key will allow you to scan through the displayed
directories in a cyclic fashion.
2.4.1.4 - Function Key: NEXT SCREEN
SHIFT-NEXT SCREEN
The NEXT SCREEN will scan down through the directory listing
a page at a time. A page consists of 12 lines. When moving down
to a new page, the bottom line of the previous page is now the top
line of the current page. Using the SHIFT key in conjunction with
the NEXT SCREEN key will move the window to the last page of the
directory listing.
2.4.1.5 - Function Key: PREV SCREEN
SHIFT-PREV SCREEN
The PREV SCREEN will scan up through the directory listing a
page at a time. A page consists of 12 lines. When moving up to a
new page, the top line of the previous page is now the bottom line
of the current page. Using the SHIFT key in conjunction with the
PREV SCREEN key will move the window to the first page of the
directory listing.
2.4.1.6 - Function Key: SELECT
The SELECT function key serves a dual-purpose. Normally, the
SELECT key invokes the new sorting option of WDir. A particular
column of the screen, reflecting the current sorting field, will
be switched into reverse video. Using the LEFT and RIGHT ARROW
function keys, select the particular sorting field desired. The
SELECT function key is then pressed a second time to perform the
new sorting selection. The SELECT function remembers the last
sorting column that was used.
The SELECT function key is also used following the invoking
of the FIND function key for selecting sub-directories. See the
description in section 2.4.1.7 on the FIND function key. Once a
directory has been chosen with the FIND key, pressing the SELECT
key will set-up WDir for the new directory. WDir prompts for a
filename mask though the use of a small window. Entering a
filename followed by a RETURN or the SELECT key (or simply hitting
the RETURN or SELECT key) will cause WDir to change to the new
directory. Use the CANCEL key (see section 2.4.1.9) to abort the
changing of directories.
2.4.1.7 - Function key: FIND
Page 6
The FIND function key is used to select a particular sub-
directory to become the current directory. The FIND key high-
lights the first directory in the window. Use the UP and DOWN
arrow keys to select the new sub-directory. A highlighted field
appears over those directory entries which are sub-directories.
Pressing the SELECT key (see above) sets the particula
sub-directory as the current directory.
Note: To select a sub-directory, it must be in the current
viewing window. If not, use the UP and DOWN ARROWS (outside of
the Select Sub-Directory Mode) or the PREV and NEXT SCREEN keys to
move the window to the area of the sub-directory desired.
2.4.1.8 - Function keys: LEFT ARROW,
RIGHT ARROW
The LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys are used to select the new
sorting option by changing the highlighted column displayed on the
window. These keys can only be used after pressing the SELECT
function key (see above).
2.4.1.9 - Function key: CANCEL
Use the CANCEL key to abort a previously issued command such
as sorting, selecting a new sub-directory, or before printing a
directory listing to a file or the printer.
2.4.1.10 - Function key: PRINT SCREEN
The PRINT SCREEN key is used to print out a full listing of
the current directory to either the attached printer or to a
specified disk file. A small window with two single-letter
options appears and the user must choose between either option 'F'
or option 'P'.
If option 'F' is selected, WDir responds by asking for a
filename. The filename, at maximum, can be of the form:
drive:\filename.ext
This should be more than sufficient to handle wherever the
user wants to place the listing file. If the drive or a
'simple' path are not explicitly stated, the file will appear in
the directory the user was in before he invoked WDir. If the user
specifies a leading path, such as '..', '.', '\', or '..\', the
resultant file will appear in a disk directory relative to the
directory the user was in before starting WDir.
The 'P' option immediately dumps the directory listing to an
attached printer.
WDir returns to the display of the current directory upon
completion of the the print task. Any errors, such as a bad
filename, will display an error message before returning to the
listing. If the printer is turned off or is off-line, WDir will
report a 'Printer Not Ready' message before returning to the main
menu. There must be sufficient space on the disk to store the
file and WDir checks this before creating the listing file. If
there is no room, WDir responds with a small error window message.
2.4.1.11 - Function key: DO
Page 7
The DO function key allows the user to select and view the
root directories of new floppy disks. This function has been made
generic so it is possible to reselect a hard disk or RAM disk. But
this is will not produce any new information (unless file dumps of
the disk were placed in the root directory).
This key may also be activated any time the user ha
selected the root directory through the FIND function key. The
user must be in the root directory for this function to work
properly.
The current sort option will be applied to the directory of
the new disk. This function is included to allow the user to cycle
through any number of disks and produce directory listings without
having to leave WDir and return to MS-DOS and back again each time
a new disk directory listing is desired.
A typical sequence is to invoke WDir via "WDir A:\". This
will select drive A: as the new viewing drive and you can now
insert as many disks as desired. Simply press the DO key after
inserting the new disk and a new directory will be produced. Press
the PRINT SCREEN and either print option and a listing will be
generated.
If you specifiy a path such as B:\*.pas and wish to use the
DO function key, WDir remembers the filename specified and will
look for only those specified files on each of the new disks. For
a overall view, use the path B:\.
2.4.1.12 - Function key: EXIT
SHIFT-EXIT
CONTROL-EXIT
SHIFT-CONTROL EXIT
The EXIT function key is used to exit WDir and return to
MS-DOS if you are at the same directory level and recursive order
in which you entered WDir. The EXIT key also serves the purpose
of leaving a currently selected sub-directory and returning to the
previous recursive level. If using EXIT brings you back to MS-DOS,
the screen will be restored to its original status before WDir was
invoked.
The SHIFT-EXIT function key combination is used to leave WDir
but will not erase the directory listing from the screen. To use
this function key combination, you must be at the level in which
you entered WDir.
At times, it will not be convenient to use the EXIT key to
leave currently selected sub-directories as a method of leaving
WDir. Finding yourself six levels down in searching directories,
the CONTROL-EXIT combination will immediately exit WDir and return
you to MS-DOS at any point. Use the SHIFT-CONTROL-EXIT combination
to exit at any point and leave the directory listing on the
screen.
2.5 - Active Mode Error Communication
WDir communicates errors to the user through small pop-up
error windows or by the use of the console bell. The error windows
should be self-explanatory. The bells, on the other hand, may
occur for any of the following reasons:
The directory is empty. WDir has no work to do and
Page 8
thus any command function keys except for HELP, DO, and
EXIT are meaningless,
The portion of the directory listing being currently
displayed is at either end of the full listing; the user
is not allowed to scan beyond the limits of the di-
rectory listing,
An illegal key was pressed or a key was used that was
not appropriate for the current mode of WDir. Examples:
trying to use the LEFT ARROW key when scanning the
directory or typing the letter 'X' which is meaningless
to WDir. If you forget the function key meanings, press
the HELP key.
Swapping disks before exiting WDir, especially when you
are recursively returning up the directory structure, is
generally not a good idea. WDir will beep and force an
exit rather than attempting to read wrong information
from the disk. If you swap disks, WDir will leave you
in the root directory. Disk swapping and the use of the
DO function key is permitted only at the root directory.
If you remove the disk from which WDir was called, a
beep may sound notifying you that a disk swap occured
and thus WDir was temporarily confused. The suggestion
here is that while you can swap disks at the root
levels, you must place the original disk back in the
drive before using the EXIT key.
2.6 - WDir Display and Printing Formats
2.6.1 - Window Display Formats
When WDir becomes active, a window overlays the user's
current display and contains up to 13 lines of the sorted di-
rectory listing. In addition, the top and bottom borders of the
display window contain additional information about the selected
disk and the files on the disk.
The top border contains the volume label (if any) and the
date and time the volume was created. The next line contains the
directory currently being scanned by WDir. If the directory
pathname is longer than 40 characters, it is truncated to the
current directory. An ellipsis field (\...\) is placed between
the drive specifier and the current directory name.
The bottom border contains information on the total volume
space and the total amount of free space remaining. Both values
are in terms of bytes. The border above that contains a count of
the number of directories and files in the current directory along
with the total amount of space taken up by the files.
The directory is displayed between the two sets of borders up
to a maximum of 13 files at any one time. The window is adjusted
proportionally if there are fewer than 13 files in the directory.
The file and disk sizes are displayed with comma notation.
2.6.2 - Printer and Print File Formats
The format used for printing to an attached printer or a disk
file are identical. The format follows the described method in
section 3.6.1 with the single difference that the borders are not
centered but are rather left-justified. WDir has no knowledge of
the forms-setup of the printer and therefore will print a con-
tinuous listing. At the end of each listing, though, the printer
will be re-aligned to 'top-of-form'.
Page 9
2.6.3 - Directory Information Format
The display of the directory entry (file) information will in
what is known as a 'full-format'. The following fields of file
information will be displayed:
- main filename
- filename extension
- file size
- file creation information
- day of the week
- date
- time
- an attribute field displaying any number of values
depending on the status of setting of the file. Valid
attributes are: (A)rchived file, (D)irectory, (S)ystem
file, (H)idden file, (R)ead/Only file.
2.6.4 - Sub-Directory Entry Format
Sub-directory entries will be indented 1 character position
to offset them from regular files. This aids in easier viewing of
files and sub-directories. Though directory entries do have a
size, their file size field will contain the tag identifier 'Dir'.
3.0 - FUTURE IDEAS
As time and money permit, WDir V1.3 will contain the ability
to allow the user to choose an arbitrary secondary field for
sorting (and possibly a third). A recursive print command to list
the entire directory structure is planned. And maybe some other
neat things such as switching the disk drive specification. We are
trying to keep WDir as simple as possible.
Also, at this time an unavailable or not-ready drive will
cause MS-DOS to prompt that wonderful "Abort-Retry-Ignore"
message. The next version of WDir should, hopefully, take care of
that problem.
Any ideas or comments will be appreciated.
4.0 - COPYRIGHT NOTICE, DISCLAIMERS, AND WARRANTY
4.1 - Package Distribution Rights
Any material included in this package may be used for
whatever application desired. However, no documentation, sources,
or programs created AV Software Designs, Ltd. maybe sold or
otherwise included, in whole or part, in other software being
sold. Licensing arrangements can by made through the above
address.
This package contains a "PD" suffix to the version number
which specifies that this program is in the "Public Domain".
Packages released after November 30, 1985 that do not contain this
suffix are to be considered pre-release, beta-test versions and,
therefore, are not convered by any warranty stated or implied from
AVSD, Ltd.
Page 10
4.2 - Special Exceptions
Special exception is made for any sources that this package
contains. The source routines may be used in any manner the user
wishes. The user is encouraged to include the routines in his
software to better the quality of the software and thereby the
quality in public domain circulation.
Appropriate references are appreciated.
4.3 - FreeWare Concept
Since these materials are being released under the FreeWare
concept, any user of this software may freely donate money, useful
ideas, or comparable routines in return for using this software if
the user has felt he has benefitted or learned something from this
software. Funds and ideas will go a long way in helping the author
develop new software and to maintain this and other packages.
Address all inquires and communications to the above address.
4.4 - Package Specific Warranties and Guarantees
Though these programs have been tested as thoroughly as
possible, neither the author nor AVSD, Ltd. assumes nor is
responsible for any damage occuring to any hardware or software of
the user nor for any typographical or logic errors that may occur.
4.5 - Program Specific Warranties and Guarantees
This software conforms to the specification outlined above
and does not attempt harmful operations to the user's system or
software. This software is expected to operate at or exceed the
stated guide lines.
If the software fails to work according to specification,
please notify AVSD, Ltd. and a corrected version will be issued.
Please document all errors found and the circumstances in which
they occurred. This will help us in tracking down the error.
Using this software on other systems or under other operating
systems not specifically stated voids this guarantee.
This package and its contents are subject to modification
without prior notice and no commitment of any kind is stated or to
be inferred.
5.0 - ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Digital, DEC, Rainbow 100, 100B, 190, 100+, VT-102 are
trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation.
MS-DOS is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
TurboPascal is a trademark of Borland, International.
ARC and the method in which this package was stored were
developed by System Enhancement Associates.
SEARCH was developed by Arborsoft Systems, Inc.
AVSD, the AVSD logo, and WDir are pending trademarks and
developed software of AVSD, Ltd.
Page 11
DEC Rainbow Archive Package #14
WDir Version 1.2PD
Copyright (c) 1985, 1986 by AV Software Designs, Ltd.
Page 12
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