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ArcAid
Version 1.20
(a hopefully friendly achive utility)
by
Mike Masse
Users Guide
05/14/90
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION...............................................2
2. LICENSE AGREEMENT..........................................3
3. REGISTRATION...............................................3
4. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS........................................6
5. INSTALLATION...............................................6
6. OPERATION..................................................6
6.1. THE MAIN SCREEN.......................................7
6.2. COMMAND SUMMARY.......................................9
6.3. PROGRAM DEFAULTS......................................9
6.3.1. THE ARCAID TEXT FILE VIEWER...................10
6.3.2. THE ARCAID WORK DIRECTORY PATH................10
6.3.3. ARCAID VIDEO DEFAULTS.........................11
6.4. TAGGING FILES/MULTIPLE FILE OPERATIONS...............11
6.4.1. TAGGING FILES.................................11
6.4.2. USING WILDCARDS...............................12
6.5. KEYBOARD COMMANDS....................................13
6.5.1. <Tab> - Change active windows.................13
6.5.2. C - Contents (list) of an archive file........13
6.5.3. V - View an archived text file................14
6.5.4. E - Examine a non-archived text file..........15
6.5.5. D - Change the logged drive...................15
6.5.6. P - Change the logged directory (path)........15
6.6. FUNCTION KEY COMMANDS................................16
6.6.1. F1 - The Help Screen..........................17
6.6.2. F2 - Extract a file from an archive...........17
6.6.3. F3 - Add a file to an archive.................17
6.6.4. F4 - Delete a file from an archive............18
6.6.5. F5 - Copy a file from one archive to another..18
6.6.6. F6 - Create a new archive file (from scratch..19
6.7. ALT KEYBOARD COMMANDS................................19
6.7.1. <Alt-V> - Change file viewer..................19
6.7.2. <Alt-W> - Change temp work file path..........20
6.7.3. <Alt-O> - OS Shell............................20
6.7.4. <Alt-C> - Copy files command..................20
6.7.5. <Alt-D> - Delete file.........................21
6.7.6. <Alt-F> - Change program defaults.............22
6.7.7. <Alt-X> - Exit program........................22
7. MISCELLANEOUS.............................................22
8. DISCLAIMER................................................23
i
ArcAid
An Archiver's Friend
(c) 1989, 1990 Mike Masse
1. INTRODUCTION
ArcAid (Arc Aid) is another attempt to provide a "user friendly"
approach to handling the multitude of archival programs that
abound on the various PC-based bulletin boards. ArcAid acts as a
"front end" to (some of) these programs, and as such, does not in
itself do any archive functions. It does, however, eliminate the
need to remember the commands and switches for most basic opera-
tions. It also eliminates the need to enter all the file and path
names needed to effect extractions, additions, deletions, etc.
"So what?", you say. "Well, where's your spirit of adventure", I
say. Read on and play.
Currently, ArcAid interfaces to and has been tested with PAK
(NoGate Consulting), PK(UN)ZIP & PK(X)ARC (PKWARE Inc.), ZOO
(Rahul Dhesi), and LHarc (Haruyasu Yoshizaki (Yoshi)). As of this
writing, ArcAid also has code implemented but has not been tested
with ARC (SEA) (because I don't have access to it). The PK(X)ARC
interface has been provided for the possibly few people who may
not know of the unfortunate history of this package and may still
use it. DWC (Dean Cooper) archive files may be examined, but no
interface code has been provided primarily because I don't have
access to that archival utility. If ArcAid doesn't support your
favorite brand of archiving program, let me know and I will
gladly add it to the currently supported products.
ArcAid is not Public Domain, nor is it free. It is Shareware. I
guess I could go into a long dissertation about what that means,
but I think you already know that. Put simply, you are licensed
to try ArcAid for a period of 30 days without obligation. If you
plan to use ArcAid after this trial period, you MUST register. Of
course, if you don't like ArcAid (and do not plan to continue
using it), I won't hold it against you.
ArcAid was developed on a Leading Edge Model M (I know...old, old
machine) with 640K RAM, 20Meg HD, and CGA monitor, using
Borland's Turbo C, version 2.0 (an excellant program development
system), supplemented by Mike Smedley's CXL Extended Function
Library (also an excellant software effort).
WHY?????
Why write ArcAid? I know, you've been dying to ask. Well, even if
you haven't, I'm going to tell you anyway. We software junkies
seem compelled to explain and/or rationalize our addiction to the
composition of source code. More or less simply put, I just
wanted to have an easy to use program that would help me remember
2
the commands for the various archive programs that are used on
bulletin boards. And, I wanted a program that would flexibly al-
low me to browse through various kinds of archive files and move
files between them, at will. I also wanted to be able to easily
examine any text file from any archive type, perhaps edit the
file, and then add it back, all within an environment that shel-
tered me from the harsh realities of the DOS command line. I
didn't want any complex setup or configuration. I wanted it to
easily interface with my (or anyone else's) favorite text viewer
and/or editor. I tried a few shareware programs and found that
they were not suited to me. So I built my own. So what you have
before you is a program tailored to MY tastes, which may or may
not agree with yours. But that's what makes America great...where
else can you have lots of programs which nobody likes?
2. LICENSE AGREEMENT
By using ArcAid, you agree to the following conditions:
(1) You may use ArcAid for a trial period of 30 days without
obligation. After the trial period, if you intend to con-
tinue using ArcAid, then you MUST register to be able to
continue using ArcAid.
(2) You may make as many copies of ArcAid as you feel is neces-
sary for backup purposes, so long as there is no possibility
of your registered copy of ArcAid being used at one location
while it is being used at another.
(3) You may distribute (but not sell) copies of the ArcAid files
as you wish with the stipulation that all files are included
without modification and that you may not charge any fee in
doing so, except for media and handling charges, not to
exceed $5.00.
3. REGISTRATION
Just in case you forgot, if you decide that you want to continue
using ArcAid after the trial period of 30 days (I know, deci-
sions, decisions), then you MUST register. Continuing to use
ArcAid after the trial period places you in violation of the
license agreement.
There are two levels of registration. The first level registers
you for the current release that you are using. I will notify
you, by E-Mail (or postal service if no E-Mail address is
provided) when and where the next release is available for
downloading. The fee for this level is $10.00. If you register
with a payment of $25.00 or more, then you will be entitled to
directly receive the next release of ArcAid. In other words, I
3
will mail it to you (via postal service), direct, just as soon as
its available. Please include the release number in the comments
section on the included registration form so that I may know
which release to mail to you.
But what about upgrades, you ask? Do I have to re-register for
every upgrade that becomes available? No. Register once and your
license is automatically extended to all future releases of
ArcAid.
In case you lost your ORDER.FRM file, a registration form has
been enclosed below:
4
ArcAid Registration Form
Name: ______________________________________________________
Company: ______________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
City: ______________________________________________________
State: ________________________ Zip Code: _________________
Phone: ______________________________________________________
E-Mail Address: _______________________________________________
Where did you receive ArcAid? __________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Comments (include the release number you are registering): _____
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Basic Registration @ $10.00 $__________
Registration + next release @ $25.00 $__________
Non-US Shipping @ $5.00 $__________
Total $__________
(Payments must be in US Dollars, US bank)
Remit to: Mike Masse
8822 Country View Drive
Sparta, MI 49345
5
4. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
ArcAid requires a minimal system of an IBM PC (or close
compatible) with 640K RAM, two 360K DSDD 5 1/4 disk drives, and a
display system capable of displaying the "IBM" graphics display
characters. Although color is not required, it is used exten-
sively throughout ArcAid and adds to ArcAid's user environment.
ArcAid requires MS-DOS 2.0 or higher.
Although you may find that ArcAid will operate properly in under
640K RAM, some of the archival programs do require significant
amounts of memory and ArcAid will occupy a minimum of 128K. This
does not leave much memory in smaller systems. Although ArcAid
itself will run in a 256K system, the archivers will not typi-
cally operate in the memory that is left over.
5. INSTALLATION
Installation is simple (famous last words). Put ArcAid somewhere
in your default path search list specified by your SET PATH=
statement. For ArcAid to work properly, the archive utilities
that you use must also be somewhere in that path search list as
well.
For example, if your SET PATH = statement looks like this:
SET PATH = C:\;C:\DOS;C:\ARCHIVE
you should put ArcAid.EXE in either the \DOS or \ARCHIVE direc-
tories. Of course, you could put it in your root directory, but
that gets very messy after a while.
If you don't know (or can't remember) what your SET PATH command
says, you can find that out pretty easily by typing the word
"PATH" (do not type the quotes) at the DOS command line and your
system will gladly spit it out. If you are new to the wonderful
world of DOS and don't know how to put ArcAid.EXE in the desired
directory, you can use the DOS COPY command. If you don't know
how to use it, please refer to your MS-DOS manuals for direction.
6. OPERATION
To execute ArcAid, enter at your system prompt:
ARCAID<Enter>
( <Enter> means strike the Enter key. )
ArcAid will load and display the sign-on screen. I will release
beta copies to BBS' who are interested in testing this software.
6
However, I will let you know that you have a test copy by dis-
playing in RED FLASHING LETTERS: Beta Release. This does not mean
that it will disintegrate your computer. All it means is that the
release has not been fully tested. I do the best I can to catch
all the bugs BEFORE I send out a beta release, but you rarely
catch them all. That's partly why a beta release is sent out.
By the way, having a Beta release does not remove your obligation
to register ArcAid.
Press any key to move on.
6.1. THE MAIN SCREEN
The first time that ArcAid is run on your system it will display
a screen asking you to specify the program defaults that you
desire. This screen will be displayed before the main screen is
presented. Enter and/or change the program defaults to correspond
with your needs. Press <Ctrl-Enter> at any time, or <Enter> after
the last field to continue. After you have accepted your new
defaults, ArcAid will create a defaults data file called
ARCAID.DEF which it will place in the same directory as
ARCAID.EXE. You can change these at any time by using the <Alt-F>
command later. By the way, this screen will appear anytime ArcAid
cannot find the defaults data file in the same directory as Ar-
cAid.
After the sign-on screen clears, (and the configuration screen in
some cases) the main screen (for a lack of anything better to
call it) is presented. For the first few seconds after the screen
is initially displayed, ArcAid is examining the current directory
and will subsequently present you with two identical directory
displays. After the directories are shown, a message in the
status box (bottom of screen) will tell you that ArcAid is ready
to do something. (Actually it tells you to enter a command or
press <F1> for the help screen).
---------------
A note on the Version 1.00. This version was compiled using the
SMALL 8088 model, which means that it is limited to using a total
of 64K of memory for data storage (and 64K of program size). Ar-
cAid makes extensive use of this memory in handling directories
and archived file lists. As such, there is a limit (practical or
otherwise) as to how many directory items it can contain. The
limit for this model is approximately 500 total items (each
directory window plus the current archive file list, if any).
This is a severe limitation for BBS Sysops who can (and do) have
over 300 entries in one directory. If you try to start up ArcAid
Version 1.00 in a directory with over 250 entries, it will prob-
7
ably exit with a insufficient memory error. Remember, the total
number of files this release can handle is about 500. ArcAid
won't do anything nasty to you, but it will CLEANLY exit to DOS
if it uses up all the memory it can have. This limitation has
been removed in versions 1.20 and above, so if you have a lesser
release, look for a 1.20 version or higher on your friendly
neighborhood BBS.
---------------
The main screen is divided up into three main "windows" and a
status line. The two upper windows display the directory for the
currently logged directory for that window. The currently logged
drive for that window is displayed above the window, and the full
path for the directory is listed just below the window. The bot-
tom window is used for archive related displays (file lists and
error messages). The status line is just that...it displays the
status of things as they progress and the results of certain
operations. Most error messages are displayed on this line.
To find out what you can do from this screen, strike the <F1>
key. This will bring up the (currently only) help screen and will
display the command list. Striking the <Esc> key will return you
to the main screen. Striking any of the active command keys will
activate that particular command.
In using the majority of the commands, ArcAid will operate in a
Source_Directory to Destination_Directory fashion. So, if you
wish to extract a file, you must first, using either window, in-
dicate the source archive file. Next you will strike the <Tab>
key and log into the target drive and/or directory where you want
the extracted file to go (this can be the same directory, but you
must use the other window).
For example, say you had an archive file, FOOBAZ.LZH on drive A:,
in the root directory and you wanted to extract FOO.BAZ to drive
C: and place it in a directory named \STUFF. Starting with
whichever window you want, log into drive A: (if not already
there) with the D (Drive change) command. Enter A at the prompt
and press <Enter>. Move the cursor bar to FOOBAZ.LZH. This window
is now the source directory from which the file will be
retrieved. Next, press the <Tab> key and the other window now be-
comes active. If necessary, use the D command to change to drive
C: and the P (Path change) command to change to \STUFF. Note that
you can also move the cursor bar to the directory entry labeled
STUFF and press <Enter>; ArcAid will automatically log into
\STUFF.LZH. That's how source and destination are selected. Point
and shoot. To complete the operation, press <F2> (file
extraction). If you haven't selected the file to extract, ArcAid
will display the file contents of FOOBAZ.LZH and allow you select
FOO.BAZ. After selecting FOO.BAZ (by moving the cursor bar to it
and pressing <Enter>), ArcAid will call the appropriate archiver
8
(in this case, lharc) with the appropriate commands. All you do
is watch it work.
6.2. COMMAND SUMMARY
The following command operations are available from the main
screen:
Function Key Commands
<F1> The help screen
<F2> Extract a file from a supported archive file
<F3> Add a file to a supported archive file
<F4> Delete a file from a supported archive file
<F5> Copy a file from one supported archive file to another
<F6> Create a new archive file
Keyboard Commands
C Examine the Contents (list) of an archive file
V View a text file that is within an archive file
E Examine (view) a text file not in an archive file
D Log into a new Drive for the current directory window
P Log into a new Path (directory) for the current window
<Tab> Change active directory window (toggle)
<Ins> Tag a file for use with other commands
<Del> Clear all tags
Alt - Keyboard Commands
Alt-C Copy file(s) (same as DOS Copy command)
Alt-D Delete file(s) (same as DOS Del command)
Alt-F Change program defaults
Alt-V Change the file viewer
Alt-W Change ArcAid temporary work directory path
Alt-O OS shell (temporary exit to MS-DOS)
Alt-X Exit the program
6.3. PROGRAM DEFAULTS
There are five program defaults that you need to be concerned
about. As of release 1.20, you now have control of all of these
defaults. As ArcAid's capabilities and configuration needs grow,
every effort will be made to allow you to easily custom configure
these options to suit your system.
The first default involves viewing text files and the utility
program that is used to view these files. The second involves the
9
temporary work area path that ArcAid uses in some archiving
operations.
6.3.1. THE ARCAID TEXT FILE VIEWER
There are currently two ways to view text files from within
ArcAid. You can view files that are contained in archive files,
or you can examine text files that are just sitting on your disk
somewhere, not yet in an archive file. These commands are
described in detail below. But...it is important to note that,
like the archivers, the file viewer is not contained within
ArcAid. This was done for two reasons.
First, I can't see re-inventing the wheel. As there are many good
archivers, there are also many good file viewers. So you have the
option of picking your own favorite. Second, in allowing you to
pick whatever type of program you want for a file viewer, a
tremendous amount of flexibility is built into the system. For
example, you don't have to exit to a file viewer. You can exit to
an editor or a binary dump program or any other program for that
matter. This allows you to view the file in any way that you see
fit.
However, before you use your favorite file viewer, you must tell
ArcAid what it is. This is done through the <Alt-V> (or <Alt-F>)
command, described below. The default file viewer is README,
which happens to be the one I use. Every time you use the <Alt-V>
command, ArcAid saves the program name in a file called AR-
CAID.DEF, which it puts in the same directory that ARCAID.EXE is
located. So you only have to tell ArcAid once. If ArcAid finds
the defaults file upon loading, it will use the default values
contained within. Otherwise it will use the standard program
defaults. So you must tell ArcAid what your viewer is if you are
using a program called something other than README, but again,
you only tell it once (assuming that you don't do something
foolish like deleting your ARCAID.DEF file).
6.3.2. THE ARCAID WORK DIRECTORY PATH
The other program default that may concern you is the name and
location of the temporary work area path that ArcAid uses when
moving files between archives and when extracting a file tem-
poraryily for viewing. The name of this directory is called
$TMPDIR$ and is created within the currently logged directory. If
all goes well, you will never see this directory. With version
1.10 and below, this was not alterable. This was a problem when
you tried to work on floppies that have little excess storage
space. In this case, the archiver would not be able to extract
10
the file and the operation would fail. Starting with release
1.11b and above, this becomes another configurable item. The ac-
tual work directory name, $TMPDIR$, remains unchanged, however,
the user now has the option of changing the path name leading to
this work area. This pathname is specified via the command <Alt-
W> (or <Alt-F>), detailed below.
When specifying the pathname, a trailing backslash must be ap-
pended to the path for ArcAid to use this properly. For example,
if you decided to make the temporary work path C:\DOS\TEMP\, the
trailing backslash must be as shown: ------^.
The default pathname is the currently logged directory.
6.3.3. ARCAID VIDEO DEFAULTS
ArcAid, via CXL, allows you control over several video
attributes: direct video vs. BIOS output, CGA snow control and
force mapping to monochrome. ArcAid assumes direct video mode, no
CGA snow control and full color support. You can change these via
the defaults configuration screen.
To change or view these defaults, enter <Alt-F> at the main
screen and you will be presented with the configuration screen.
Change the video attributes (enter Y or N to change selection) as
you see fit. Pressing <Enter> after the last field, or <Ctrl-
Enter> at any field will accept your answers and move on.
Note that you can change any of the defaults from this screen,
not just the video attributes.
6.4. TAGGING FILES/MULTIPLE FILE OPERATIONS
Starting with release 1.12b, ArcAid provides the user with per-
forming archival and some limited DOS file management operations
on more than one file. This can be currently accomplished in two
ways: 1) by tagging files and 2) by using wildcards.
6.4.1. TAGGING FILES
The currently supported archivers all support multiple file
parameters on the command line. This means that you can ask PKZIP
or LHARC to archive several files by entering all of their names
on the command line. ArcAid allows you to do this as well, by al-
lowing you to individually select (tag) files for inclusion in
the archiver operation. You can select files in this manner for
all archive operations as well as the DOS file management options
of delete file and copy file.
11
To tag a file, simply move the cursor bar to the desired file
(either in a directory window, or in the archive view window) and
press the <Ins> key. Several things will happen. 1) A small check
mark will appear next to the name (to the right side of the name
in the directory window and to the left side of the name in the
archive view window). 2) An entry display marked "Tagged:" will
be updated to tell you how many files you have tagged. 3) An
entry marked "Cmd Space:" will be updated to tell you how much
space you have left on the command line (more on this later). To
untag a file, move the cursor bar to the file entry and press the
<Ins> key again. The tag is removed and the window status fields
are updated. TO CLEAR ALL TAGS, press the <Del> key.
The DOS command line is limited to 127 characters, including
program name and switches, as well as the file list. What this
means is that after you subtract out the overhead, you have
enough space for about 11-12 files that can be passed to the com-
mand line. ArcAid tries to help you keep track of this with the
window status fields for each view window. If you tag enough
files to drive the "Cmd Space" entry negative (a minus number),
then you need to untag a few file. ArcAid will not allow you to
try to build an illegal command line, so you can't force it.
Tagging files is good if you have only a few non-similar names
that you wish to work with. It is a handy feature which you will
probably use much of the time.
6.4.2. USING WILDCARDS
For those file operations where you have a group of similarly
named files, you may wish to use this option. To use wildcards,
perform you operation as if you wanted to work with only one file
(hi-lite and select, ie., don't tag any files). Before executing
the operation, ArcAid will prompt you for a file specification to
use. The default value (the hi-lited file) will be displayed in
the prompt window border. If you want to accept the default
value, simply press <Enter>. If you want to enter some other file
name, enter it at this time. This file name can include the wild
cards * and ?. Enter your new file specification (such as *.* or
*.DAT, or whatever) and press <Enter>. Operations will then be
performed in accordance with the newly entered file specifica-
tion.
Please note that currently you can enter only one file specifica-
tion at this prompt. Multiple file entries will generate and in-
valid command line message and the operation will abort.
12
6.5. KEYBOARD COMMANDS
This section describes the operation of the commands available by
pressing certain non-function, control or alt keys. These com-
mands are supplemented by the keyboard cursor "arrow" keys, the
<Home>, <End>, <PgUp> and <PgDn> keys. The arrow keys move the
cursor bar up/down one line. The <PgUp> and <PgDn> keys scroll up
or down one "window screen" at a time. For the directory windows
only, the <Home> and <End> keys will take you to the beginning or
end of the list, respectively.
6.5.1. <Tab> - Change active windows
To change the active directory window, strike the Tab key. A
diamond shaped object to the left of the current disk drive
designation will tell you which window is currently active.
As you gleefully press the <Tab> key, this diamond will joy-
fully bounce back and forth from window to window, providing
you with hours of fun and entertainment.
Changing the active directory window is at the heart of the
flexibility of ArcAid. Although ArcAid typically uses a
Source_Directory to Destination_Directory file transfer ap-
proach, there is no restriction placed as to which window is
the source and which is the destination. Either window can
operate in both functions. The source window is always the
window you begin an operation in. The destination window is
always the window where your file ends up.
Either window can enter into any existing directory on any
valid drive, and both can be logged into the same drive and
directory at the same time, if desired. Operations can be
performed across drives and partitions. The windows hope-
fully provide a 'point and shoot' method of file transfer
and manipulation.
6.5.2. C - Contents (list) of an archive file
This command allows you to see what a specific supported ar-
chive file contains. The Contents command corresponds to the
file list command that the archivers provide to list the
contents of a particular archive file. ArcAid, however, does
not use the archiver programs to provide this list, but
directly accesses the file directory tables within the ar-
chive file to provide a quick but complete list of files.
Therefore, you can get a file list of any supported archive
file type even if you don't have that particular archiver.
To use this command, hi-lite (move the cursor bar to) the
13
archive file that you wish to examine, using the cursor
functions listed above, and press the letter 'C' (upper or
lower case). ArcAid will attempt to examine the file and
retrieve its directory. If this was successful, you will be
presented with the first 5 entries in the archive window at
the bottom of the screen. You can scroll through the list
using the cursor keys as listed above.
This command can also be used to select a file (or files by
tagging) for later use (extraction or copy). To select one
file, move the cursor bar to the file you wish to select and
press <Enter>. If you want to select more than one file,
press the <Ins> key and the hi-lighted file will be tagged
for later use. The tag is indicated by a check mark (√) on
the extreme left side of the archive file window, next to
the tagged file. To clear a tag, hi-lite the file and strike
the <Ins> key. The tag will be cleared. To clear all tags,
strike the <Del> key. Please refer to the section above on
tagging multiple files for limitations on this option. If
you do not wish to select a file, press <Esc>.
ArcAid can examine not only standard archive files for the
supported archivers, but also self-extracting 'ZIP' (PKWARE)
files. As other formats are determined, support for other
self-extracting files will be added.
6.5.3. V - View an archived text file
This command allows you to view a text file that is con-
tained within an archive file. If you have not previously
selected a file using the 'C' command above, you will be
presented with a selection list at this time. If you change
your mind, press <Esc> and the process will be aborted. If
you press <Enter>, the hi-lited file entry will be extracted
and displayed using the selected file viewer (see Alt-V com-
mand explanation). After exiting from the viewer, the ex-
tracted file will be deleted.
To avoid file name contention problems, ArcAid creates a
temporary sub-directory called $TMPDIR$ and works within
this sub-directory. This sub-directory is removed at the end
of this operation. The user has the option of specifying the
leading portion of the pathname for use with this work area
(See section on Alt-W).
As you can change the name of the file viewer, this command
can actually examine anything, providing you have used the
proper discretion in selecting your file viewer. Experiment
with this option.
IMPORTANT! IMPORTANT! The default file viewer is a program
called README. This is a versatile text file viewer that is
14
released with many of Borland's software products. If you do
not have this or a similar product with the same name, then
you will need to change the file viewer (Alt-V) before you
can view any text files. ArcAid will save the default viewer
each time you change it. The default viewer is saved in a
file called ARCAID.DEF and is located in the same directory
that you put ARCAID.EXE. So, you only have to change it
once. ArcAid looks for the defaults file and if it can find
it, uses the defaults contained within.
ArcAid does not currently support viewing the contents of
arc'd files that have been re-arc'd (i.e., arc files that
are contained within other arc files). To view contents
lists or examine files contained within, you must first ex-
tract this arc'd file from the archive and then examine.
6.5.4. E - Examine a non-archived text file
This command was provided to make it easy to look at text
files for whatever reason, without having to exit ArcAid.
Select the file in the active directory window that you wish
to examine (by moving the cursor bar to the desired file
entry) and press 'E'. ArcAid will load the file viewer
with the selected file. ArcAid uses the same file viewer for
this command as it does for the 'V' command above.
6.5.5. D - Change the logged drive
This command allows you to change the logged drive for the
current directory window. Press 'D' and you will be prompted
for a new disk drive letter. Just enter the letter, not the
colon (:) of the drive you wish to change to. ArcAid will
attempt to log into the new drive and it's root directory.
When you enter this command, ArcAid will display the
current/default drive for your reference. If you do not wish
to change the drive for some reason, just press <Enter>
without entering a drive letter.
If you ask for an invalid drive, or for some reason (like
the drive is not ready) ArcAid cannot log into it, you will
be returned to the previously selected drive for that win-
dow, logged into the root directory.
6.5.6. P - Change the logged directory (path)
This is a shortcut to any desired directory on the currently
logged drive. Press 'P' and enter the new path name, includ-
ing the leading backslash (\). If ArcAid can log into the
new path, it will do so, then display the full drive and
pathname in the status window, then look up all the file
15
entries for that directory. If ArcAid could not log into
that directory (illegal or non-existant pathname, for
example), ArcAid will return you to the previously logged
directory.
When you enter this command, ArcAid will display the
current/default path name for your reference. If you decide
you do not want to change directories, just press <Enter>
without entering anything and ArcAid will leave the current
path unchanged.
HINT: If you wish to browse your way through the direc-
tories, you may do so by moving the cursor bar to a specific
directory name (designated by <DIR> in the description).
Press <Enter> and ArcAid will automatically log into the new
sub-directory. This includes the DOS 'short-hand' for the
directory above the current one ('..').
6.6. FUNCTION KEY COMMANDS
This section will describe the functions that are available
through the function keys (Isn't this documentation awesome?).
Currently F1-F6 support ArcAid commands.
A note about Function Key command procedures and the ArcAid win-
dows is in order. In most function key commands, ArcAid uses a
Source to Destination approach. Source and destination are rela-
tive, however, depending upon which window you started with (I
know, bad grammar, ending a sentence with a preposition).
Basically, the window you start from is the source window and the
one you end up with is the destination window. In all commands
except the <F5> command, you will select your source window and
object, then select the destination window (and possibly object).
The windows can be logged into the same drive and directory, but
you have to go from source to destination (again, except for
<F5>).
This is simpler than it sounds. For example, say you wanted to
extract a file called FOO.BAZ from an archive file called
FOO.ARC. Starting from either window:
1) Log into the directory containing FOO.ARC
2) Move cursor bar to FOO.ARC
3) Press 'C' to get contents listing of FOO.ARC
4) Move cursor bar in listing to FOO.BAZ
5) Press <Enter> to select FOO.BAZ
6) Press <Tab> key to select destination window
7) Log into the destination drive and directory
16
8) Press <F2>
If the above sounds like a lot of steps, please note that I went
into a significant amount of detail to very plainly show how to
do an extract. The above principle works for all commands (except
for the now infamous <F5>).
6.6.1. F1 - The Help Screen
Striking <F1> from the main screen will bring up the help
screen. Help is currently minimal due to memory limitations.
This will change if anyone's interested. The current help
screen displays the available commands. You may press any of
the active command keys at this point and the operation will
be performed. Press any non command key (like <Esc>)to
return to the main menu and do nothing.
6.6.2. F2 - Extract a file from an archive
This command extracts a file from an archive. As I already
went into some detail above, see the above example for how
to extract a file.
In addition to the extraction procedure above, multiple
files can be selected by either tagging files within the ar-
chive, or by using wildcards to indicate which files to ex-
tract.
6.6.3. F3 - Add a file to an archive
As you might suspect, this command allows you to add a new
file to an existing archive file. Starting with either
directory window:
1) Select the file (by moving the cursor bar to the file
entry) that you wish to add to the archive. Note that you
may also tag more than one file for addition to the archive.
Tagging files is done by seleting a file and then pressing
the <Ins> key. You may also not tag any files, but use
wildcards to select files instead.
2) Press the <Tab> key to select the other window. This win-
dow now automatically becomes the destination window.
3) Select the desired destination archive file. You may
first have to change drive and/or directory to find the des-
tination archive file.
4) Press <F3>.
17
ArcAid will automatically select the appropriate archiver
for the type of archive file and proceed with the operation.
In the case that more than one archiver can process the
file, ArcAid will display a list of programs. Select the one
you use and press <Enter>. ArcAid will call the selected ar-
chiver.
Please note that ArcAid uses the ADD command for the archive
files and not the UPDATE commands. This may cause problems
for you if it overwrites a file already existing in the ar-
chive with the same name. Check first.
6.6.4. F4 - Delete a file from an archive
You delete files from an existing archive with this command.
Starting from either window:
1) Select the desired archive file.
2) Press 'C' to get the contents listing. Move the cursor
bar to the file you wish to delete from the archive. If you
want to delete more than one file, you may either tag the
files you wish to delete, or use wildcards. When you have
completed your selection process, press <Enter>.
3) Press <F4>. You will be asked if you really want to do
this. After all these steps, this may not seem necessary,
but deletions are forever in some archive files. Enter 'Y'
if yes, 'N' if no. The file will be deleted.
6.6.5. F5 - Copy a file from one archive to another
This command allows you to extract a file from one archive
file and move it to another file. The archive files can be
of different types (assuming that you have both archiver
utilities).
Due to memory constraints (believe it or not), this command
works from Destination to Source. Starting from either
window:
1) Browse through some archive files until you find the one
that you want as destination. Move the cursor bar to it. The
destination file is now pointed to.
2) Press the <Tab> key and switch to the now SOURCE window.
Select the archive file that contains the file to be copied.
3) Press 'C' to get the contents list. Move the cursor bar
to the file(s) you wish to copy. Multiple files can be
selected by either tagging files using the <Ins> key or by
not tagging any files and using wildcards when prompted.
18
Press <Enter> after the selection is complete.
4) Press <F5>. ArcAid will take care of the rest.
6.6.6. F6 - Create a new archive file (from scratch)
If, for some reason, you find that you need to create a new
archive file from scratch, this is the command you need.
Starting with any window:
1) Select the file(s) that you wish to archive. Multiple
files can be selected by using the <Ins> key to tag files,
or wildcards can be used if no files are tagged.
2) Press <Tab> and select the destination window.
3) Press <F6>. You will be asked for a file name. Enter any
legal DOS name. If you leave off the extension, the archiver
will add its own. Press <Enter> and off it goes. If you
press <Enter> without entering a name, the operation will
abort.
6.7. ALT KEYBOARD COMMANDS
These commands are the operations available through use of the
<Alt> and other keyboard combinations. Currently there are six
commands available. These commands include the DOS file manage-
ment commands, ArcAid configuration commands and the exit to DOS
command.
6.7.1. <Alt-V> - Change file viewer
This command allows you to change the program that you use
to view text files. Press <Alt-V> (or <Alt-F>) and you will
be asked for a new file viewer name. You can enter your
favorite viewer program (assuming, of course, that you have
it). ArcAid will now call this instead of the default viewer
(README.EXE).
ArcAid calls the viewer with the file name passed on the
command line. If your viewer does not accept this, you may
have problems in using it. I have tried several viewers and
editors and they all worked fine. As long as it has suffi-
cient memory to load, it should work.
There are no restrictions placed on this, other than being a
legal DOS name. You could really use anything you want.
Experiment! Be Imaginative! Be Practical!
19
IMPORTANT! IMPORTANT! The default file viewer is a program
called README. This is a really neat text file viewer that
is released with many of Borland's software products. If you
do not have this, or want to use your own favorite, then you
will need to change the file viewer before you can view any
text files. ArcAid will save the default viewer each time
you change it. The default viewer is saved in a file called
ARCAID.DEF and is located in the same directory that you put
ARCAID.EXE. So, you only have to change it once. ArcAid
looks for the defaults file and if it can find it, uses the
defaults contained within.
6.7.2. <Alt-W> - Change temp work file path
As mentioned in the prior section relating to program
defaults, ArcAid uses a temporary directory in some of its
processes. To make this a usable as possible, the user is
allowed to change the pathname associated with the work
directory. The default pathname is the currently selected
directory.
To change this, enter <Alt-W>. You will be prompted for a
new directory pathname. Enter any legal (and existing) DOS
pathname, including the trailing backslash. ArcAid will save
this pathname in ARCAID.DEF for future use. You can change
the pathname at any time, and ArcAid will save it each time
you change it. You will probably only have to set it once
and forget about it.
6.7.3. <Alt-O> - OS Shell
This command allows you to do a temporary exit from ArcAid
to MS-DOS. ArcAid stays memory resident, occupying a minimum
of 128K, depending upon how big the directories were that
you exited from. You can do anything from DOS that your
available remaining memory allows. To get back to ArcAid,
enter the command EXIT at the MS-DOS prompt. Arcaid
will return you to the environment that you were in when you
had shelled to DOS.
6.7.4. <Alt-C> - Copy files command
This command provides part of a limited DOS file managment
support system. It has not been the design intent of ArcAid
to develop a full file management system within ArcAid, but
some features are nice.
To copy a file or files from a source directory to a des-
tination directory, starting with any window:
1) Select the file(s) that you wish to copy. A single file
can be selected by moving the cursor bar to it. Multiple
20
files can be selected either by tagging the files (move the
cursor bar to the desired file and press the <Ins> key) or
by not tagging any files and using wildcards when prompted.
2) Press the <Tab> key to select the destination window. If
necessary, change to the destination drive and directory.
3) Press <Alt-C>. If you didn't tag any files, you will be
presented with a prompt asking for a file specification. The
default value will be displayed in the prompt window border.
If you want to use the default value, simply press <Enter>.
If you would like to use wildcards, enter the wildcard value
at this time.
4) ArcAid will display a window and a copy 'thermometer' to
advise you of copy progress. This window will be displayed
for each file selected.
6.7.5. <Alt-D> - Delete file
This command provides DOS file deletion capability, similar
to the DOS Del or Erase command. With this command, only the
source directory window is used.
To delete a file or files from a source directory, starting
with any window:
1) Select the file(s) that you wish to delete. A single file
can be selected by moving the cursor bar to it. Multiple
files can be selected either by tagging the files (move the
cursor bar to the desired file and press the <Ins> key) or
by not tagging any files and using wildcards when prompted.
2) Press <Alt-D>. If you didn't tag any files, you will be
presented with a prompt asking for a file specification. The
default value will be displayed in the prompt window border.
If you want to use the default value, simply press <Enter>.
If you would like to use wildcards, enter the wildcard value
at this time.
3) You will now be asked if you are sure that you want to do
this. Again, we try not to be a pain with user friendliness,
but undeleting files is something we don't want to have to
do, especially if we don't have an undelete utility. ArcAid
cannot undelete files it deletes. If you want to do this,
enter 'Y' and <Enter>.
4) ArcAid will now delete all selected files.
21
6.7.6. <Alt-F> - Change program defaults
This command allows you to change all the program defaults
from a single screen. And, in addition to being able to
change the default program file viewer and the default tem-
porary work path, you can also define the operational video
attributes (Color/Mono, CGA snow checking, BIOS/Direct
Video) that you need for your particular system. It is im-
portant to note that although the viewer and workspace can
be changed with other commands, the video attributes can
only be changed via this menu.
To change any of the defaults, use the cursor arrows to
position to the field you wish to change and enter the new
value. This screen is pretty self-explanatory and should not
pose a problem.
To accept your changes, press <Ctrl-Enter> (or <Enter> from
the last field). ArcAid will process the fields and return
you to the main screen.
6.7.7. <Alt-X> - Exit program
More or less, self explanatory. You want to exit the
program? Press <Alt-X>. ArcAid will ask you if your sure.
Press 'Y' if you want to exit. Press 'N' or <Enter> if you
don't.
7. MISCELLANEOUS
If there is any interest shown in ArcAid, I will continue to
develop and enhance it. I have a few ideas for continued develop-
ment and will probably pursue them, but I would like to hear from
others who use it.
I developed this program not to get rich but because I wanted a
good utility and I enjoy writing code. But it goes without saying
that if you would like to see this program continue in its
development and support, then register the program. Quite
frankly, I have a lot of other really good things to do with my
time and if there is little or no interest in ArcAid, then I will
use my time for these other projects.
The most current release of ArcAid will (for the near future,
anyway) be available on the Plane Crazy BBS, Sparta, MI, Opus
Node 1:228/22.0, (616) 887-9584, Mark Spangenberg, Sysop and on
Evans BBS, Greenville, MI, Opus Node 1:228/10, (616)-754-6180,
22
Harry Moyles, Sysop. You can leave E-Mail for me at either board,
but due to long distance logistics, you will get a quicker
response from mail via Plane Crazy. Or, if you must, you can call
me voice at (616) 887-9404. I prefer E-Mail; I'm not anti-social,
I'm just kinda hard to get in touch with via voice.
I also recognize that this document file is woefully inadequate
and I will be working to improve it. Feedback on things you would
like to see in this guide would also be appreciated.
8. DISCLAIMER
DISCLAIMER DISCLAIMER DISCLAIMER
This may seem a strange place for it, but here it is. I've done
the best I can to make sure that ArcAid will not operate errati-
cally, but I cannot be responsible for any damage that occurs to
any part of your computer system, especially including files, be-
cause you used ArcAid. There are too many different system con-
figurations to work with so that all possible configurations can
be adequately tested. Use at your own risk.
------------------------------
I hope that you enjoy using this program as much as I did writing
it. I also hope that it is as useful for you has it has been for
me.
Mike Masse
8822 Country View Drive
Sparta, MI 49345
(616) 887-9404 (voice)
23
