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1991-05-24
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130KB
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3,129 lines
MenuDIRECT Gold V3.0
(was P&S Hard Disk Manager)
VERSION 3.0
Copyright (C) 1987-91
All Rights Reserved
Applied Micro Systems Technology
Dr. Kurt H. Diesch
P.O. Box 1784
Stillwater, OK 74076
(405) 377-0444
Member, Association of Shareware Professionals
Revised: May 21, 1991
MenuDIRECT is a hard disk file and program management tool designed
for IBM Personal Computers and 100% compatibles. Applied Micro
Systems Technology reserves the COPYRIGHT to this program and all
related materials. The user is granted a non-exclusive license to
use the program and is encouraged to pay for the program if it is
found to be useful. Payment of the $79.95 registration fee will
entitle the user to full registration including printed
documentation and user support. Government and business entities may
not use the program without paying the full registration fee. Please
register your program with the form included at the end of the
documentation or use the About/Order|Print function in the program.
REMEMBER: Shareware is not free! Please note that this program is
produced by Applied Micro Systems Technology, but is published and
supported by International Microcomputer Software, Inc. Send
payments to:
International Microcomputer Software, Inc.
1938 Fourth Street
San Rafael, CA 74076
(415) 454-7101
The user is also granted permission to make unlimited copies of the
program and to distribute those copies as long as no fee is charged
for the program. A small duplication fee may be collected.
SHAREWARE DISK VENDORS ARE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM
AMST BEFORE DISTRIBUTING THIS PROGRAM.
Applied Micro Systems Technology specifically disclaims all
warranties, expressed or implied, including but not limited to,
implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for any particular
purpose. In no event shall Applied Micro Systems Technology be
liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage,
including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential or
other damages.
MEMBER - ASSOCIATION OF SHAREWARE PROFESSIONALS
The author of this program is a member of ASP and has agreed to
comply with its standards:
Programming standards:
- The program meets ASP's definition of Shareware.
- The program has been thoroughly tested by the author and
should not be harmful to other files or hardware if used
properly (although ASP cannot warrant this; therefore, the
user should take normal precautions in trying new
software).
Documentation standards:
- Sufficient documentation is provided to allow the average
user to try all major functions of the program.
- The program author has explained the Shareware concept in
a professional and positive manner.
Support standards:
- The program author will respond as described in the
documentation to people who send registration payments.
At a minimum, the author will send an acknowledgement of
payment.
- The author will respond to written bug reports from
registered users when the user provides a self-addressed,
stamped envelope (some authors will respond by phone, but
this is not an ASP requirement).
- Incompatibilities with other software or hardware, major
or unusual program limitations, or known problems are
noted in the documentation that comes with the shareware
version of the program.
General:
- The author keeps his/her membership in ASP current.
- The author recognizes that any user may appeal to ASP for
any unresolved dispute that arises.
If you feel that the author has not complied with these standards in
some manner or if you register the program with the author and
subsequently have any disputes with the author which cannot be
resolved, please write the ASP at:
Association of Shareware Professionals
545 Grover Road
Muskegon, MI 49442
While ASP cannot warrant programs nor the actions of members, ASP
will do what it can to assure that all authors who claim membership
comply with ASP standards. These standards are the assurance of
quality and support that you will get when you register Shareware
produced by ASP members.
SHAREWARE
To promote better understanding of the shareware concept, ASP has
developed the following official definition of shareware:
Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before
buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you
are expected to register. Individual programs differ on details --
some request registration while others require it, some specify a
maximum trial period. With registration, you get anything from the
simple right to continue using the software to an updated program
with printed manual.
Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and
the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific
exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished
programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are of
comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs and bad
ones!) The main difference is in the method of distribution. The
author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the
software, either to all and sundry or to a specific group. For
example, some authors require written permission before a commercial
disk vendor may copy their Shareware.
Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You
should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether
it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting
your needs easier, because you can try before you buy. And because
the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware has the ultimate
money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay
for it.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
-----------------
QUICK START GUIDE .................................... 1
Installation ...................................... 1
Starting/Quitting ................................. 1
Program Setup ..................................... 1
Upgrading from a Previous Version ................. 2
In Case of Difficulty ............................. 2
GENERAL PROGRAM USE .................................. 3
Help System ....................................... 3
Program Menu ...................................... 3
Desktop ........................................... 4
Status Line ....................................... 4
Program Windows ................................... 4
Input Fields ...................................... 6
Memo Fields ....................................... 6
Push Buttons ...................................... 7
List Boxes ........................................ 8
Radio Buttons ..................................... 8
Check Boxes ....................................... 8
History Lists ..................................... 8
SYSTEM MENU (≡) ...................................... 9
About/Order ....................................... 9
Calculator ........................................ 9
Calendar .......................................... 9
DOS Shell ......................................... 10
System Info ....................................... 10
WINDOW MENU .......................................... 11
Close ............................................. 11
Size/Move ......................................... 11
Zoom .............................................. 11
Next .............................................. 12
Tile .............................................. 12
Cascade ........................................... 12
Erase All ......................................... 12
List .............................................. 12
CLOCK ................................................ 13
USER-DEFINED MENUS ................................... 14
General Description ............................... 14
Adding/Changing Menu Items ........................ 14
Special Commands To Execute ....................... 15
Executing Batch Files ............................. 16
Selecting a New Menu Window ....................... 16
Linking Menus Together ............................ 17
Rearranging Menu Items ............................ 17
Changing the Menu Title ........................... 17
Resizing the Menu ................................. 17
Running Programs .................................. 17
FILE MANAGER ......................................... 18
Tree Commands:
Add Floppy ..................................... 19
Build Tree ..................................... 19
Delete Dir ..................................... 19
Edit Disk ...................................... 19
File List ...................................... 20
Goto Dir ....................................... 20
Hide Dir ....................................... 20
Make Dir ....................................... 21
Origin ......................................... 21
Print .......................................... 21
Rename Dir ..................................... 21
Swap O/T ....................................... 21
Target ......................................... 21
Undelete ....................................... 22
Verify Disk .................................... 22
File Commands:
Attribute ...................................... 23
Block .......................................... 23
Copy File ...................................... 24
Delete File .................................... 24
Edit File ...................................... 24
Filter ......................................... 24
Gather ......................................... 25
Krunch ......................................... 25
Locate Text .................................... 26
Move File ...................................... 26
Newer Copy ..................................... 27
Print .......................................... 27
Rename File .................................... 27
Sort Files ..................................... 27
Tree List ...................................... 27
View File ...................................... 28
Window Split ................................... 28
Execute ........................................ 28
Zero Out ....................................... 28
TEXT EDITOR .......................................... 29
DATABASES ............................................ 31
Add Records ....................................... 31
Browse Records .................................... 31
Delete Record ..................................... 32
Edit Records ...................................... 33
Find Record ....................................... 33
Order/Sort ........................................ 33
Reports ........................................... 33
Save/Done ......................................... 33
Lookup Data ....................................... 34
Goto Record ....................................... 34
Generic Database .................................. 34
Projects Database ................................. 35
Timelog Database ................................... 35
User Database ..................................... 36
UTILITIES ............................................ 37
Auto Menu Creation ................................ 37
Color Selection ................................... 37
Database Utilities ................................ 39
Environment ....................................... 40
Settings ....................................... 40
Protection/Logging ............................. 42
Valid Drives ................................... 43
Floppies ....................................... 44
User Menu ...................................... 44
Mouse Double Click ............................. 44
Swapping Path .................................. 44
Printer ........................................ 44
Dates .......................................... 45
Times .......................................... 45
Format Disks ...................................... 45
Password Change ................................... 45
Upgrade Data ...................................... 45
SCREEN BLANKERS ...................................... 46
NETWORK OPERATION .................................... 47
ORDER FORM ........................................... 48
QUICK START GUIDE
-----------------
NOTE: This quick start guide should not replace a complete reading
of the documentation. This program contains many useful features
that are not discussed in the quick start guide.
INSTALLATION
To automatically install this program on a hard disk:
o Place the program disk in a floppy drive
o Change to the floppy disk (i.e. A:)
o Run the INSTALL program and follow the instructions
o Read the section on Auto Menu Creation under Utilities
STARTING/QUITTING
This program MUST be started with the supplied batch file, M.BAT.
Correct operation of the menu portion of the program depends on
running the program from this batch file. If this file cannot be
found, it should be created in the \MDIRECT directory and should
consist of the following lines:
ECHO OFF
C:
CD C:\MDIRECT (or desired disk and directory)
MDR
MDRCPROG
If you are at the DOS prompt, the program must be restarted from DOS
by typing M (not MDR). If the program has been correctly installed,
the main program screen should appear.
To quit the program, press <Alt+X> or select File|Exit/Logoff.
PROGRAM SETUP
The first time this program is executed, immediately use the
Utilities|Environment command to select program configuration
options. The most important option is to identify the disk drives
used. To set the program options, Press <Alt+U> to select the
Utilities pop-up menu, then press <E> to select Environment. When
the Environment Options Screen appears, use the <Enter> key to move
from field to field and set the desired options. When all options
are set as desired, press <F2> to save. Use <F1> to get help at any
time.
- 1 -
UPGRADING FROM A PREVIOUS VERSION
Users upgrading from a version of the program prior to 3.0 should
immediately use the Utilities|Upgrade command to convert pre-3.0 user
menus and databases to the new formats. The command issues
appropriate warnings and prompts.
Also, read the sections on Swapping Mode and Executing Batch files.
IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY
This program has been carefully tested to ensure that users have
minimum difficulty. The science of computer programming, however,
dictates that no program is ever entirely bug free. If a problem
occurs in the operation of the program, support may be necessary.
In the event of a problem, the first step is to carefully review the
associated section of the documentation. Many apparent program
problems are actually incorrect usage of the program. The second
step is to ask a colleague or friend about the problem. If neither
of these steps proves sufficient, registered users may contact IMSI
for support at:
International Microcomputer Software, Inc.
1938 Fourth Street
San Rafael, CA
(415) 454-7101
When writing or calling for support, you must be the registered owner
of the program. If phoning for support, be prepared with a written
list of details. Whether writing or phoning, the following list will
serve as a guideline for information to collect:
o Program name, version, and serial number
o Equipment used including make and model of computer,
type of monitor and other peripherals, amount of memory,
and other hardware details
o DOS version and manufacturer
o Other software used, especially Terminate and Stay
Resident Programs (TSR's)
o Complete detail of the problem including error messages,
specific procedure followed when the error occurs, and
any other relevant information
- 2 -
GENERAL PROGRAM USE
-------------------
HELP SYSTEM
The help system is available anywhere in the program by pressing
<F1>. Most of the help screens have some highlighted items (cross
references) on them that lead to another help topic. The <Tab> and
<Shift+Tab> keys highlight cross references on help screens. The
<Enter> key or a mouse double-click jumps to the help screen for the
selected cross reference. The cursor keys scroll the screen to view
long help topics. The [Index] button jumps to the help index where
help topics are arranged for quick selection. The [Previous] button
jumps to the last help topic displayed.
PROGRAM MENU
The top line of the screen is the Menu Bar where most program
commands are selected. The Menu Bar is your primary access to all
the program commands. One of the items on the menu bar will be
highlighted when the menu bar is active. The highlighed item is the
"selected" item. If a command is followed by an arrow, the command
leads to another menu, (a pop-up menu). A command without an arrow
indicates that the command will be immediately executed when
selected.
To choose menu commands using the keyboard:
1. Press <F10> to make the menu bar active.
2. Use the arrow keys to select the menu you want to
display, then press <Enter>
3. Use the arrow keys again again to select the desired
command from the pop-up menu.
You can also use a number of shortcuts (or hot keys) to access the
menu bar and choose commands. You can activate a menu bar item by
pressing <Alt> and the highlighted letter of the item. Once the
pop-up has appeared, you can press the item's highlighted letter or
the shortcut next to it.
To choose menu commands using the mouse:
1. Click the desired menu item to display the pop-up menu.
2. Click the desired command from the pop-up menu.
You can also drag straight from the menu title down to the menu
command. Release the mouse button on the desired command. If you
change your mind, just drag off the menu and no command will be
chosen. (Drag means to hold the left mouse button while moving the
mouse). Some menu commands will be disabled when it makes no sense
to choose it. These items (shown in dim characters) can still be
highlighted to get help.
- 3 -
DESKTOP
The Desktop is where a user interaction with the program takes place.
Various Program Windows will be opened in this area. Consider the
Desktop to be your workspace.
STATUS LINE
The Status Line appears at the bottom line of the screen. The Status
Line provides many useful functions:
o It reminds you of the <F1> Help and <F10> Menu hotkeys.
o It lets you click on these hotkeys instead of using the
keyboard.
o It tells you what the program is doing.
o It offers one-line hints on the selected menu item or
active window.
PROGRAM WINDOWS
Most of what you see and do in this program occurs in a window. A
window is a screen area that you can move, resize, zoom, tile,
overlap, open, and close.
Multiple windows can be open at the same time, memory permitting, but
only one window can be "active" at any time. The active window is
the one you are currently working in. Any command you choose or
keystroke you press generally applies only to the active window. The
active window has a double-line border around and it is the frontmost
(top) window on the desktop if windows overlap.
When multiple windows are open on the desktop, you can activate a
window by clicking anywhere within the window. You can also choose
Window|List or press <Alt+0> to select a window from a list. You can
move in succession from window to window by selecting Window|Next or
by pressing <Alt+F6>.
Some windows are temporary (like message boxes, dialog boxes that
request user input, or the help system window). These windows must
be closed before other windows on the desktop can be accessed. If
the mouse seems to be unable to select the program Menu Bar or if
other windows on the desktop cannot be selected, then the active
window is probably a temporary window. Temporary windows usually
have Push Buttons on them.
- 4 -
There are several types of windows in this program, but most of them
have the following things in common:
o A title bar
o A close box
o A resize corner
o A zoom box
o Scroll bars
Other items that might appear in a window include:
o Input Fields
o Memo Fields
o Push Buttons
o List Boxes
o Radio Buttons
o Check Boxes
o History Lists
The title bar is the top frame line of the window. The title bar
contains the name of the window. You can drag the title bar with the
mouse to move the window around on the desktop. You can also choose
Window|Size/Move or press <Alt+F4> to move a window.
The close box is the small square in the upper left corner of the
window's frame. You can click on this box with the mouse to close
the window (or choose Window|Close or press <Esc>).
The resize corner appears in the lower right corner of the window as
a single-line border. Resize corners only appear on some of the
program windows. You drag the resize corner to make the window
larger or smaller (or choose Window|Size/Move or press <Alt+F4>).
The zoom box (text editor windows only) appears in the upper right
corner of the window's frame. If the zoom icon is an up arrow, you
can click the arrow to enlarge the window to the largest possible
size. If the zoom icon is a double-headed arrow, the window is
already at the largest possible size. In that case, clicking the
zoom icon returns the window to its previous size. You may also
choose Window|Zoom or press <Alt+F5> to zoom a window.
Scroll bars are horizontal or vertical bars that are used by a mouse
to move around in a window. Each end of the scroll bar has an arrow.
Click on the arrow to scroll the associated view one line. Keep the
mouse button pressed to scroll continuously. If the associated view
spans more than one screenful, there will be a small box on the
scrollbar indicating the current position in the list. Click on
either side of this position box to page the associated view.
Finally, you may drag the position box to quickly move to a relative
position in the associated view.
- 5 -
INPUT FIELDS
Fields are areas on the screen where the program is asking for input.
The following commands are used to edit data within a field. Note
that some of these commands do not work with formatted fields such as
dates and times. If the edited screen is part of a database, the
commands marked with a '*' are also available.
Character left <Left arrow>
Character right <Right arrow>
Beginning of line <Home>
End of line <End>
Insert mode on/off <Ins>
Delete character left <BackSpace>
Delete character at cursor <Del>
Blank field <Ctrl+Y> or <F8>
Auto Fill (Lookup) <F3>
Next Field <Enter> or <Tab>
Previous Field <Shift+Tab>
*Save/Done with edit <F2>
*Previous Record <F5>
*Next Record <F6>
If more than one type of input area appears in the window, press
<Tab> or <Enter> to move to the next area. Press <Shift+Tab> to move
to the previous area.
MEMO EDITING
A memo field is a mini text editor window. The following commands
are used to edit text in memo fields:
Cursor Movement
---------------------------------------
Character left <Left arrow>
Character right <Right arrow>
Word left <Ctrl+left arrow>
Word right <Ctrl+right arrow>
Line up <Up arrow>
Line down <Down arrow>
Page up <PgUp>
Page down <PgDn>
Beginning of line <Home>
End of line <End>
Top of window <Ctrl+Home>
Bottom of window <Ctrl+End>
Beginning of text <Ctrl+PgUp>
End of text <Ctrl+PgDn>
- 6 -
General Editing
-----------------------------------------
Insert mode on/off <Ins>
Delete character left <BackSpace>
Delete character at cursor <Del>
Delete word right <Ctrl+T>
Delete line <Ctrl+Y>
New line <Enter>
Block Commands
--------------
A block of text is any amount of text, from a single
character to an entire file, that is marked with special
hidden block markers. There can be only one marked block of
text in the text editor at a time. A block is marked by
placing the cursor at the desired starting location and then
using any of the standard cursor movement commands in
combination with the <Shift> key to mark the block (text will
become highlighted as it is marked).
The mouse may also be used to mark text by placing the mouse
cursor at the desired starting location and holding the left
button down while dragging the mouse over the text to mark.
The mouse may be moved beyond the edge of the Text Editor
window to scroll the screen while marking.
After the text is marked, any of the following commands may
be performed on the block:
Copy to clipboard & delete <Shift+Del>
Copy to clipboard <Ctrl+Ins>
Paste from clipboard <Shift+Ins>
Delete block <Ctrl+Del>
If more than one type of input area appears in the window, press
<Tab> or <Enter> to move to the next area. Press <Shift+Tab> to move
to the previous area.
PUSH BUTTONS
Push Buttons are rectangular shaded areas in windows that have the
appearance of a button. Push Buttons generally appear in temporary
windows where access to the program menu bar is not allowed. Push on
a button with the mouse or press the highlighted letter (if there is
one) to perform the indicated action. A common button is the [OK]
button, which is equivalent to the <Enter> key. Another common
button is the [Cancel] button which is equivalent to the <Esc> key.
- 7 -
LIST BOXES
List Boxes let you scroll through and select a variety of types of
items from lists throughout the program. Lists generally have scroll
bars. All the usual arrow keys and mouse functions are used to
examine lists. <Enter> or mouse double-click selects an item.
If more than one type of input area appears in the window, press
<Tab> or <Enter> to move to the next area. Press <Shift+Tab> to move
to the previous area.
RADIO BUTTONS
Radio buttons are special lists that present choices that are
mutually excluse, i.e., only one item can be selected at a time. One
item in the Radio Button list will be marked with a (o) mark. To
choose a radio button click on it or its text. From the keyboard,
select the highlighted letter (if there is one) or use the arrow keys
to choose an item.
If more than one type of input area appears in the window, press
<Tab> or <Enter> to move to the next area. Press <Shift+Tab> to move
to the previous area.
CHECK BOXES
Check Boxes are special lists that present multiple options. Any
number of items in a Check Box can be selected (marked with a [X]).
To check a box, click on it or its text. From the keyboard, press
the highlighted letter (if there is one) or use the arrow keys to
choose an item and press <Space> to toggle the check mark.
If more than one type of input area appears in the window, press
<Tab> or <Enter> to move to the next area. Press <Shift+Tab> to move
to the previous area.
HISTORY LISTS
History Lists record previous entries in an input field. An input
field has a history list if a down-arrow symbol appears just to the
right of the field. Press down-arrow or click on the history icon to
activate the list. Highlight the desired item and press <Enter> or
double-click the mouse to select an item from the list and place it
into the input field. The history list displays any text you typed
in the input field the last few times you used the input field.
- 8 -
SYSTEM MENU (≡)
---------------
The System menu appears on the far left of the menu bar and is
represented by the ≡ symbol. Activate the system menu by pressing
<Alt+Space>. The following commands are available under the System
menu:
About/Order - View copyright or print order
Calculator - Open calculator window
Calendar - Open calendar window
DOS Shell - Open DOS Shell window
System Info - View system information
ABOUT/ORDER
The About window displays a detailed copyright notice for the
program. Select the [Print] button to print an order form.
Unregistered copies of the program will automatically display the
About window for 3 seconds every 10th execution of the program.
CALCULATOR
The calculator is a simple four-function calculator with add,
subtract, multiply, and divide. To operate the calculator you can
either use the keyboard or click on the calculator buttons.
The [Save] button saves the current result in calculator memory. The
current memory value is displayed in the top output line of the
calculator. The [Recall] button places the calculator memory into
current entry. The [Mode] button changes between decimal and
hexadecimal calculator mode. The current calculation mode is
displayed on the divider line in the output display as either "Dec"
for decimal or "Hex" for hexadecimal.
The [Clrall] button Clears the calculator entry window, but not
memory. The [clrEnt] button clears the current calculator entry.
The [Export] button exports the current calculator result into the
next lower window.
CALENDAR
The Calendar command opens a calendar window which displays the
current month, with the current day highlighted. The cursor keys or
the mouse is used to move the highlight to other days.
- 9 -
Four small arrow buttons appear in the top area of the calendar.
Mouse clicks on the two left buttons change the date by one month,
forward or backward. Mouse clicks on the two right buttons change
the date by one year, forward or backward. The <PgUp/PgDn> keys
change the date by one month and the <Ctrl+PgUp/Ctrl+PgDn> keys
change the date by one year.
Pressing <Enter> or double-clicking on the current day or pressing
<A> accesses the Appointment Book for the current day. The
Appointment Book provides space to record appointments for any day of
the year. A small memo field (500 characters) is also provided for
notes. <F2> saves the current appointment book data and returns to
the calendar. <F9> prints the current appointment book day. To
select a different day, return to the calendar and select a new day.
Move from field to field by pressing <Enter> or <Tab>.
The Todo List is a 16K editor accessible only through the calendar.
Use the Todo List to save reminders or other information of interest.
<F2> saves the Todo List and returns to the calendar. <F3> opens
other Todo Lists. <F4> saves the current Todo List with a new name.
<F9> prints the Todo List.
DOS SHELL
With the DOS Shell command, you can leave the program temporarily to
perform a DOS command or run another program. When DOS Shell is
selected, a window appears with an input line used to enter DOS
commands. Any DOS command may be entered in the input line with the
following exceptions:
o DO NOT execute terminate and stay resident programs
o Available memory is substantially lower than if at the
real DOS command line, so only execute small programs.
The input line contains a history list that is selected with the
<down arrow> key or by clicking on the history icon (at the end of
the input line). The history list records prior commands.
After a command is entered, <Enter> will execute the command. After
the command has finished, press any key to return to the program.
Alternately, <F2> may be used to temporarily shell to DOS. To return
to the program from shell mode, type EXIT at the DOS prompt.
SYSTEM INFO
The System Info window displays disk space, memory, and protection
system statistics. Disk space information for each disk drive is
selected by pressing the letter associated with the desired drive.
- 10 -
WINDOW MENU
-----------
The Window menu provides access to commands used to manipulate
program windows. The following commands are available (some of these
commands may be disabled for some windows):
Close: - Close the window
Size/Move: - Resize/move the window
Zoom: - Zoom window to full size
Next: - Make next window active
Cascade: - Arrange windows cascaded
Tile: - Arrange windows tiled
Erase All: - Close all windows
List: - List active windows
CLOSE
The Close command closes the currently active window. The <Esc> key
serves the same purpose, as does a mouse click on the close icon of
the active window.
SIZE/MOVE
The Size/Move command changes the size or position of the active
window. The arrow keys move the window to a new location, and
<Enter> accepts the new position. The mouse can be used to drag the
top line of the window to a new position. All program windows can be
moved.
<Shift + arrow keys> resize the window and <Enter> accepts the new
size. The mouse can be used to drag the lower right corner of the
window to the desired size. Only windows that have a single line
lower right corner (like the text editor and user-defined menus) can
be resized.
ZOOM
Zoom resizes the active window to the maximum size. If the window is
already zoomed, selecting Zoom will restore the window to the
original size. Double-clicking the mouse anywhere in the title line
or the Zoom icon (arrow in upper right corner) will also zoom/unzoom
the window. Only a few of the program windows are zoomable (like the
text editor).
- 11 -
NEXT
Next makes the next window active which makes it the topmost open
window. Use Next to cycle through windows if more than one window is
open on the desktop.
CASCADE
Cascade stacks all open windows.
TILE
Tile attempts to arrange all open windows to be visible on the
screen. Due to size limitations on many types windows, the tile
command may overlap windows.
ERASE ALL
Erase All removes all open windows from the desktop. Some windows
may request save confirmation before closing. If the Force User
Menus option is enabled in Utilities|Environment, then the default
user menu will be opened after all windows are closed.
LIST
The List command opens a window which lists all of the open windows
on the desktop. From this window, select or delete any of the
windows. The titles of all open windows are shown in a scrollable
list. Position the highlight bar on the desired window, then press
<Enter> or double-click with the mouse to make that window active.
Select the [Delete] button to remove the window from the desktop.
- 12 -
CLOCK
-----
The clock displays the current date and time in the upper right
corner of the screen. The clock may be selected like other pull-down
menu items to change the system date and time.
The Clock Set window is used to set the system date and time. Select
the [OK (F2)] button to set the system clock. Select the [Cancel]
button or press <Esc> to quit without changing the date and time.
Press <Enter> or <Tab> to move from field to field. Avoid changing
the system clock if Time Logging is enabled in Utilities|Environment.
- 13 -
USER-DEFINED MENUS
------------------
The File|Menu Manager command is used to create user-defined menus
and to run programs. Each menu may contain up to 30 entries. Each
entry can either run a program or open another menu. With this
unique linking of menus, the menu manager can contain an unlimited
number of menus.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
User-defined menus are used to run programs or DOS commands. Each
user menu window has space for 30 entries. Each of these entries can
either run a program or open another user menu window. The entire
user menu is stored in a file with a .MNU extension. The bottom of
the menu shows the name of the menu file if the Menu Filenames option
is set in Utilities|Environment. A '*' will also appear in the lower
left corner of the menu if it has been modified and not yet saved.
ADDING/CHANGING MENU ITEMS
To add or change an item, select the position within the menu that
the item will occupy. Next, select the Edit-Menu|Edit Item command
to set the parameters for the highlighted menu item. The Edit Item
command opens a dialog box from which information related to the
highlighted menu entry may be edited. The <Tab> and <Shift+Tab> keys
move from field to field. The Edit Item dialog box contains the
following fields:
Entry Title: Title for the menu item that will appear on the
user menu. The first capital letter or number in the
title will appear in bright color and is used as the
shortcut key for the entry.
Password: If passwords are enabled in Utilities|Environment,
then the user will be prompted for this password when
the menu entry is selected.
Command to Execute: The command(s) that will be executed
when the menu entry is selected. Several commands can
be included by separating them with the vertical line
'|' character. Normally, the command to execute is name
of a program (.COM or .EXE) file. Batch (.BAT) files
may also be executed (see below). Also, see SPECIAL
COMMANDS TO EXECUTE.
- 14 -
Status Line Hint: The text entered for the status line hint
will appear on the status line (last line of the screen)
whenever this menu item is highlighted.
Path to Run From: The location on the hard disk from which
the Command to Execute will be executed. To select the
path from the tree, use the <Enter> key to select the
tree box, then highlight the desired path and press
<Space> or double-click with the mouse. If the tree
does not show all directories, select the [Build Tree]
button to rebuild the tree. Also, make sure all drives
are set correctly in Utilities|Environment. The
Executable File List displays .COM, .EXE, and .BAT files
from the highlighted path on the tree. Files shown are
the possible choices for Command to Execute. Note that
the tree will revert back to the current Path to Run
From when the Path Selection Tree is not focused, so you
must set the Path to Run From to look at long file lists
in the Executable File List.
After the desired parameters are set, the menu should be saved with
the Edit-Menu|Save Menu or Edit-Menu|Save As command.
SPECIAL COMMANDS TO EXECUTE
The following commands may also be used in Command to Execute:
OPENMENU "filename": Equivalent to Edit-Menu|Open Menu. The
"filename" parameter must name a menu file and the file
name must be enclosed in double quotes. The menu file
extension 'MNU' is appended to the file name. If the
named file does not exist, a new blank menu is opened.
Example: OPENMENU "UTILITY"
FIRSTMENU: Equivalent to Edit-Menu|First Menu. FIRSTMENU
can be used to make a menu entry that will jump to the
first defined menu for a user.
LASTMENU: Equivalent to Edit-Menu|Last Menu. LASTMENU can
be used to make a menu entry that will jump to the menu
that called the current menu.
ASK: Prompts for user input before running the Command to
Execute. ASK can be used to prompt for parameters for
programs that have command line options. DO NOT use the
| before ASK. Example: TESTBAT ASK
PAUSE: Pauses after running the Command to Execute.
Example: DIR|PAUSE
STOP: Stops in DOS and does not return to the menu program.
Example: TESTPROG|STOP
- 15 -
NOSWAP: Temporarily suspends swapping mode for execution of
this menu item and reverts to the normal batch file loop
execution mode. The NOSWAP option should be used when
executing any programs that perform low level disk
alterations since this program's swap file remains open
during execution of the menu item. NOSWAP is also
useful if running a program that requires EMS memory and
there is insufficient EMS memory to run the program.
See Executing Batch Files for special considerations.
Example: TESTPROG|NOSWAP
EXECUTING BATCH FILES
Executing batch (.BAT) files requires special attention. If you are
using DOS 3.3 or greater (check with Sys Info), use the CALL command
immediately before the batch file name in the Command to Execute
field, e.g. CALL TESTBAT. This technique is used regardless of the
Swapping Mode setting. Make sure none of your batch files end with
the "M" command (as was required in earlier versions of this
program). Use the Edit-File|Text Editor command to modify batch
files.
If your DOS version is 3.2 or less then you must pay attention to the
Swapping Mode setting. If Swapping Mode is enabled, make sure none
of your batch files end with the "M" command (as was required in
earlier versions of this program) unless the NOSWAP command is used.
If Swapping Mode is disabled, batch files MUST end with the "M"
command. Use the Edit-File|Text Editor command to modify batch files.
Read the documentation regarding "Executing Batch Files" to make sure
the correct modifications are made to batch files. In many cases,
the entire contents of the batch file can be entered directly in the
Command to Execute field and the batch file can be eliminated.
SELECTING A NEW MENU WINDOW
New menu windows are selected in numerous ways. If a user menu item
is executed and its Command to Execute field contains the OPENMENU
command, then the designated menu will be opened. The Edit-Menu|Open
Menu command can also be used to directly select another menu. If
the selected menu does not yet exist, it is created automatically.
The Edit-Menu|First Menu command opens the default menu (set in
Utilities|Environment) and the Edit-Menu|Last Menu command opens the
last menu that was open.
- 16 -
LINKING MENUS TOGETHER
Multiple user-defined menus can be linked together in a chain to
create an unlimited number of menu choices. To create a link from
one menu item to another menu, use the OPENMENU, FIRSTMENU, or
LASTMENU command in the Command to Execute field.
REARRANGING MENU ITEMS
User menu items may be rearranged using a hidden "clipboard". The
clipboard can hold one menu item. The Edit-Menu|Cut Item and
Edit-Menu|Paste Item commands store and retreive items to/from the
clipboard. The clipboard is available even after switching to a
different menu, allowing items to be clipped from one menu and pasted
to another.
CHANGING THE MENU TITLE
To change the menu title (on top line of menu window frame), select
the Edit-Menu|Title Change command and enter the desired new title.
The title is set to "New Menu" by default.
RESIZING THE MENU
The Window|Size/Move command can be used to change the width of
user-defined menu windows. One, two, or three columns of user menu
items will be shown, depending on the selected width. The menu may
also be resized by dragging the lower right corner of the window.
Resizing the window counts as a modification of the menu, so the menu
should be saved after resizing.
RUNNING PROGRAMS
User menu items are selected in one of three ways: (1) The highlight
bar may be moved with the arrow keys until the desired item is
highlighted, then the <Enter> key selects the highlighted item, (2)
Most menu items contain one character that shows in a bright color.
This letter may be pressed to directly select the menu item, or (3)
The menu item may also be selected by double-clicking with a mouse.
Note: This program must run in the supplied batch file loop before
programs will properly run from the user-defined menus. Read the
documentation regarding "Starting the Program" if the user-defined
menus don't appear to work correctly.
- 17 -
FILE MANAGER
------------
The File|Tree/File command opens the File Manager window. The File
Manager provides a comprehensive set of functions for file
manipulation. The File Manager window contains a directory tree and
one or two file lists from which files and directories are managed.
Note: Although not shown specifically, file and tree command hotkeys
are the single characters associated with the commands found in the
program's Edit pulldown menu, i.e. "C" for Copy File, "B" for Build
Tree, etc...
The program's Edit menu will show Edit-File or Edit-Tree depending on
the active subwindow of the File Manager window. Move between the
subwindows with the left and right arrow keys or with the <Tab> key.
The bottom portion of the File Manager displays the origin and target
directores, a count of files and their total size for each file list,
and a count of tagged files and their total size.
The File and Tree commands work in concert. The upper or leftmost
file list always displays the files from the directory marked on the
tree with an "O" denoting the Origin. To select an Origin, move the
highlight bar on the tree to the desired directory and press <Enter>,
double-click the left mouse button, or select the Edit-Tree|Origin
command.
The tree also marks a directory with a "T" denoting the Target. The
Target is where files will go as a result of file commands such as
Copy or Move. To select a Target, move the highlight bar on the tree
to the desired directory and double-click the right mouse button or
select the Edit-Tree|Target command.
IMPORTANT: Always select Origin and Target directories before using
File commands! If a floppy disk is changed, remember to reset the
Origin and Target to re-log the disk or the file display will be
incorrect. If the tree does not show correct drives/directories,
check the settings in Utilities|Environment or use the
Edit-Tree|Build Tree command.
A powerful feature of the File Manager is the ability to perform file
commands on groups of files called blocks. Blocks are created by
tagging files in the file list. Tagged files are marked with a check
mark on the left side of the list. After desired files are tagged, a
single block command can be selected to manipulate the entire block
of files.
The remainder of this section describes each of the File and Tree
commands.
- 18 -
ADD FLOPPY
Add Floppy scans the selected floppy disk for subdirectories and adds
them to the tree. If a floppy disk is not present in the drive or if
the disk contains no subdirectories, only the drive letter will be
shown on the tree. By default, the directory tree does not include
floppy disk subdirectories.
BUILD TREE
The File Manager stores the directory tree in a disk file for quick
loading. If a directory is added or removed outside of the program
(as is common when other software is installed), the File Manager
will not be aware of this activity. The Build Tree command rereads
the directories from the hard disk to update the File Manager's tree.
Use this command whenever the tree does not look correct or if any
software has been installed.
Build Tree relies on drive settings found in Utilities|Environment to
correctly build the tree. If the tree does not include all drives
and directories, check these settings.
DELETE DIR
Delete Dir deletes the currently highlighted directory. Only
directories that are completely empty (no files or child directories)
may be deleted. The program directory also cannot be deleted.
If the directory appears to be empty and still cannot be deleted,
check the Edit-File|Filter command to make sure the file filter is
allowing all files to be displayed. The current file filter is shown
at the end of the Origin path in the lower portion of the File
Manager window.
EDIT DISK
The Edit Disk command invokes a disk editor window to allow editing
of data on the selected disk. The disk editor does not edit files
like a text editor, but rather deals with the actual data stored on
the disk. The disk editor is capable of altering system areas of the
disk as well as data areas, so caution should be used.
Select between the Hexadecimal and Ascii sides of the Disk Editor
with the <Tab> key or by clicking on the appropriate side with a
mouse. The following commands are available for the Disk Editor:
- 19 -
Read Again: Rereads current sector
Save: Save changes made to the current sector
Save Done: Save changes made to the current sector and
close
Find Text: Find user-specified text on the current disk.
If the search is performed from the Hex Values
side of the Disk Editor window, an exact match
is performed. If the search is performed from
the Ascii Values side of the Disk Editor window,
a case-insensitive search is performed.
Last Find: Repeat the last Find command.
Print Page: Prints the current disk editor page
Goto Area: Jump to Boot Record, FAT, Root Directory, Data
Start, or a selected cluster.
Disk Info: Displays detailed information about the disk
Map Disk: Display a space allocation map of the disk
Name File: Determine owner of current sector
Where is File: Shows location of File Manager file
FILE LIST
The File List command moves to the File commands (same as
right-arrow). The Origin directory will be moved into view on the
directory tree if it is not already in view and the Edit-Tree program
menu will change to Edit-File.
GOTO DIR
Goto Dir immediately exits the program and moves to the highlighted
directory. If this command does not appear to work correctly, make
sure the program was started with the supplied batch file and read
the documentation regarding "Starting the Program."
HIDE DIR
Hide Dir toggles the hidden file attribute of the currently
highlighted directory. If hiding, the directory name is masked with
asterisks to show that it is hidden. The File Manager can find
these hidden directories, but they are invisible to the DOS DIR
command. If the directory is already hidden, then the Hide Dir
command unhides it.
- 20 -
MAKE DIR
Make Dir creates a new subdirectory as a child of the currently
highlighted directory. The program prompts for a new directory name
which is in the same format as file names. The new directory is
inserted in the tree at the correct sorted position.
ORIGIN
Origin selects the currently highlighted directory as the Origin for
File commands. The <Enter> key or a double-click of the left mouse
button will also select the Origin directory.
PRINT
Print offers several options to print the directory tree and file
names within subdirectories.
RENAME DIR
Rename Dir changes the name of the currently hilighted directory.
The program prompts for a new directory name which cannot duplicate
an existing name. The program directory cannot be renamed.
SWAP O/T
Swap O/T exchanges the current Origin and Target directory marks and
rereads the Origin and Target file lists. No files are actually
moved on the disk, only the display is changed.
TARGET
Target selects the currently highlighted directory as the Target for
File commands. If the second file window has been opened using the
Edit-File|Window Split command, then the files from the Target
directory will be shown in the lower file display. The Target can
also be set by double-clicking the right mouse button.
- 21 -
UNDELETE
Undelete provides the remarkable capability of retrieving files and
directories that have been deleted. When the File Manager (or DOS)
deletes files or subdirectories, the actual disk data is not removed;
the file name is just marked as deleted and its space is marked as
available.
When Undelete is selected, the File Manager uses special techniques
to peek at the disk to find those files in the Origin directory that
are marked as deleted. The deleted files are shown in a list with
the first letter of each file marked with a "?" (because DOS uses the
first character to mark a file as deleted). A check mark next to a
file indicates that the file MIGHT be fully recoverable (i.e., the
File Manager's best guess at where the file's data should be
indicates the data is still available). Files without the check mark
have been partially or completely overwritten.
To undelete a file or subdirectory, move the highlight bar to the
selected name and press "U" or click on the [Undelete] button. The
program will prompt for the original first letter of the file or
directory name. The program will then attempt to undelete the file
or directory. The Verify option causes the program to show each
cluster of data and ask for verification. This option is useful in
recovering partially overwritten files.
As with any file recovery program, this program must make some
assumptions during file recovery, therefore: any file or subdirectory
that is undeleted should be checked after recovery using the
Edit-File|View File command. Undelete makes changes to the system
areas of a disk and has not been checked on all brands of computers
and hard disks, so careful testing should be employed.
VERIFY DISK
Verify Disk attempts to read all sectors of a disk to determine
whether there are any bad (unreadable) sectors that are not marked
bad. If Verify Disk finds a bad sector that contains data, the
program displays the owner of the data and asks whether to attempt to
relocate the data. If a bad sector is found that does not contain
data, the program asks if the sector should be marked bad.
If data is relocated, it is quite likely that the relocated data will
not be complete and the owner file will not be completely usable. Be
sure to examine any relocated file's data after Verify Disk is used.
If Verify Disk relocates data or marks sectors bad, changes are made
to the system areas of the disk. For safety reasons, the computer
will be rebooted after data relocation to make sure the disk is not
damaged. Verify Disk's data relocation has not been tested on all
brands of computers and hard disks, so careful testing should be
used when first using Verify Disk if data relocation is requested.
- 22 -
ATTRIBUTE
Changes the attributes, date, or time of the currently selected file.
Attribute choices include Read-only, Hidden, System, and Archive. A
list is presented from which the current attribute settings, date,
and file time are viewed or modified.
BLOCK
Block commands perform an Attribute, Copy, Delete, Move, Newer,
Rename, or Zero Out operation on a group of tagged files. Tagged
files have a check mark to their left in the file list. After the
desired files are tagged, the block operation may be executed by
using the pull-down menu to select the desired block command, or by
pressing <Ctrl> + the first letter of the desired block command
(i.e., <Ctrl+C> for Block Copy).
There are several methods to tag files for block operations:
<Enter> toggles tag
<+> tags all
<-> untags all
<Shift+Ins> retags prior tagged files
<Left-shift up-arrow> tags one and moves up
<Left-shift down-arrow> tags one and moves down
<Right-shift up-arrow> untags one and moves up
<Right-shift down-arrow> untags one and moves down
In addition to keyboard tagging, the mouse may also be used for file
tagging. Double click on a file to toggle its tagged status. To tag
multiple files, hold the left mouse button down until the selected
file becomes tagged, then drag the mouse to tag additional files. To
untag multiple files, hold the right mouse button down until the
selected file becomes untagged, then drag the mouse to untag
additional files.
The following block commands are used on tagged files:
Attribute: Change attributes of tagged files
Copy Files: Copy tagged files to Target
Delete Files: Delete tagged files
Move Files: Move tagged files to Target
Newer Copy: Copy to Target if newer
Rename: Rename tagged files
Zero Out: Write zeroes then delete tagged files
- 23 -
COPY FILE
Copy File copies the currently highlighted file from the Origin
directory to the Target directory. If the Origin and Target
directories are the same, then the program prompts for a new file
name and a copy of the file is made. If the selected file exists in
the Target directory, then the program will prompt for replace
confirmation.
DELETE FILE
Delete File deletes the currently highlighted file. The program
prompts for delete confirmation before the deletion takes place.
EDIT FILE
Edit File has three options:
Text Editor - Opens current file in text editor
New Text - Opens blank text editor
Hex Editor - Opens current file in hex editor
The Text Editor is a 64K editor used to edit standard text files. A
complete description of the text editor is found under Text Editor.
The Hex Editor is used to edit any file in hexadecimal or ASCII mode.
Select between the Hexadecimal and Ascii sides of the Hex Editor with
the <Tab> key or by clicking on the appropriate side with a mouse.
The following commands are available for the Hex Editor window:
Read Again - Reread current block of file
Save - Save current file/don't close
Save Done - Save current file and close editor
Find Text - Find text anywhere in the file
Last Find - Repeat last find command
Print Page - Print current page
FILTER
Filter restricts the file search for the file display lists. The
default filter is "*.*" which will find all files. File filter
strings are the same as used in DOS (see your DOS manual for
details). When Filter is selected, the program prompts for a new
file filter. If a blank Filter is entered, the default "*.*" is
assumed. The current filter is always shown in the lower portion of
the File Manager window, at the end of the Origin path.
- 24 -
GATHER
Gather searches the entire hard disk for files matching the current
file filter. After the Filter command is used to select the desired
files, the Gather command will scan the entire disk and prepare a
single list of files. This command is particularly useful to find
duplicate files or to eliminate backup files from the disk.
After Gather has prepared its file list, the highlight bar may be
moved from file to file and the location of the selected file is
shown both on the directory tree and just below the Gather file list
as the Origin. The Gather window includes buttons to Copy, Delete,
Move, or Newer Copy individual files. Remember that the Copy, Move,
and Newer Copy commands will act according to the current Target
directory so make sure the desired Target is selected before using
the Gather command.
KRUNCH
The Krunch command compresses or decompresses groups of files into a
single file. Compressed files require from 30% to 70% less disk
space than uncompressed files. File compression performs two
important tasks; it reduces the amount of space required by a file,
and it combines multiple files into a single file. The result of
compression is more disk space and better organization.
The file compression techniques used in this program are proprietary.
Files created by compression in this program may not be decompressed
with any other compression programs. All compressed files created by
this program end with the ".APK" file extension. Files placed into a
.APK compressed file must be decompressed before they are useful to
other software.
There are many compression programs available to computer users,
several of which have become quite popular. This program's
compression IS NOT intended to compete with other programs, but
rather to provide an integrated solution to hard disk management.
The author of this program fully supports programs considered to be
the established standards for file compression and does not encourage
the use of this compression for uploads to bulletin boards or other
uses where the general public is concerned. Please contact the
author if you are interested in further information regarding
publicly accepted file compression programs.
The Krunch|Compress Files command attempts to compress all files from
the Origin file list to a single file in the Target directory. The
program will prompt for the desired name of the resulting compressed
file, which always ends with the ".APK" file extension. If the
selected file already exists, the program will prompt for replace
confirmation. The original file names are preserved in the
compressed .APK file.
- 25 -
After the files from the Origin file list are compressed, the program
will ask to delete the compressed files. This command is useful in
saving disk space, particularly with files that are seldom used. A
common practice is to create a single directory on the hard disk to
store compressed files, then use Compress with a work directory as
the Origin and the compressed file directory as the Target, or
Decompress with the compressed file directory as the Origin and a
work directory as the Target.
The Krunch|Decompress Files command is the opposite of the Compress
Files command. Select a compressed file (".APK" extension) from the
Origin file list. The compressed file will be decompressed to its
seperate files into the Target directory. If a file already exists
in the Target, the program will prompt for replace confirmation.
After decompression, the compressed .APK file remains intact.
The Krunch|Selected Decompress command allows individual files to be
decompressed from a compressed .APK file. Select the desired
compressed .APK file from the Origin directory and a list of files
contained in the compressed file is presented. Highlight the file to
decompress and select the [Decompress] button. The selected file is
then decompressed to the Target directory. If the file already
exists, the program prompts for replace confirmation.
Note: The compression methods used in this program are proprietary
and are not compatible with other compression programs.
LOCATE TEXT
Locate Text locates text strings in files anywhere on the hard disk.
The program prompts for a text string to find and for locate options.
A history list is provided to select previous search strings.
Options include All Directories, Current Directory, or Forward Only.
If the search text is found, a portion of the file that contains the
text will be shown with the search text highlighted. Options then
include continuing the search in the same file, skipping to the next
file, and skipping to the next directory. The <Esc> key aborts the
search at any time.
MOVE FILE
Move File moves the currently highlighted file from the Origin
directory to the Target directory. If the selected file exists in
the Target directory, the program will prompt for replace
confirmation. If a file appears to be lost after File Move, double
check which directory is set as the Target, then look there for the
file.
- 26 -
NEWER COPY
Newer Copy is similar to the Copy File command except the selected
file is only copied to the Target directory if it is newer than an
existing file with the same name in the Target, or if the Target does
not contain a file with the same name. Think of this command as a
method to freshen up a Target directory with newer files.
PRINT
Print is used to print text files or the Origin file list. The
following Print options are available:
Expanded File List - Print file list with all info
File Names Only - Print file list with names only
Hex Mode Print - Print selected file in hex mode
Laser 2 Column - Print selected file in 2 columns
Text Plain Print - Print selected file
RENAME FILE
Rename File changes the name of the currently highlighted file. The
program prompts for a new file name. Duplicate file names are not
allowed.
SORT FILES
Sort Files determines the display order of the files shown in the
file lists. Sort Files presents the following sort options:
Name - Ascending name order
Extension - Ascending extension order
Date/Time - Ascending date/time order
Inverse Date - Descending date/time order
Size - Ascending size order
Reverse Size - Descending size order
TREE LIST
The Tree List command moves to the Tree commands (same as
left-arrow). Edit-File program menu will change to Edit-Tree.
- 27 -
VIEW FILE
View File opens the highlighted file in a scrollable window. The
View File window includes buttons for the following:
Hi-bit Filter - Subtracts 128 if higher than ASCII 127
Print Filter - Display only printable characters
WINDOW SPLIT
Window splits allows selection of three types of file displays:
o Single List - Shows only origin file list
o Two Columns - Shows origin and target lists in 2 columns
o Upper/Lower - Shows origin on top and target on botton
The <Tab> key is used to move between the windows. File commands
only operate on the Origin file list.
EXECUTE
Executes the currently highlighted file in memory (.COM or .EXE files
only).
DO NOT EXECUTE MEMORY RESIDENT (TSR) PROGRAMS!!!
The ability to execute programs is limited by the amount of memory
currently available since this program remains in memory while the
selected program executes. If the Swapping Mode option is set, this
program will swap to disk or EMS memory, leaving all but
approximately 8K of memory available to the executing program.
If using the swapping mode option, DO NOT execute any programs that
perform low level disk alterations, such as DOS CHKDSK/F or disk
defragmenting, or file undelete programs. The swap file used by this
program remains open during child execution and disk damage could
result.
ZERO OUT
The Zero Out command is similar to the Delete command except before
the file is deleted, zeroes are written over the file's data. This
command is useful to avoid access to a file's data via
Edit-Tree|Undelete.
- 28 -
TEXT EDITOR
-----------
The Text Editor window is used to edit text files of up to 64K in
size. The top line of the window displays the file currently in
editor memory. The lower left corner of the edit window displays the
row and column location of the cursor and a star "*" to indicate
that the file has been modified.
Scroll bars are shown on the right and bottom edges of the text
editor window to indicate the position in the file and to facilitate
mouse use.
The following commands are used to move the cursor in the Text Editor
window:
Character left <Left arrow>
Character right <Right arrow>
Word left <Ctrl+left arrow>
Word right <Ctrl+right arrow>
Line up <Up arrow>
Line down <Down arrow>
Page up <PgUp>
Page down <PgDn>
Beginning of line <Home>
End of line <End>
Top of window <Ctrl+Home>
Bottom of window <Ctrl+End>
Beginning of file <Ctrl+PgUp>
End of file <Ctrl+PgDn>
The following commands are used for general editing in the Text
Editor window:
Insert mode on/off <Ins>
Delete character left of cursor <BackSpace>
Delete character under cursor <Del>
Delete word right <Ctrl+T>
Delete line <Ctrl+Y>
New line <Enter>
A block of text is any amount of text, from a single character to an
entire file, that is marked with special hidden block markers. There
can be only one marked block of text in the text editor at a time. A
block is marked by placing the cursor at the desired starting
location and then using any of the standard cursor movement commands
in combination with the <Shift> key to mark the block (text will
become highlighted as it is marked).
The mouse may also be used to mark text by placing the mouse cursor
at the desired starting location and holding the left button down
while dragging the mouse over the text to mark. The mouse may be
moved beyond the edge of the Text Editor window to scroll the screen
while marking.
- 29 -
After the text is marked, any of the following commands may be
performed on the block:
Cut (Shift+Del) - Copy to clipboard & delete
Copy (Ctrl+Ins) - Copy to clipboard
Paste (Shift+Ins) - Paste from clipboard
Delete (Ctrl+Del) - Delete block
Print (Ctrl+P) - Print block
Export (Ctrl+X) - Write block to file
Search commands are used to find and optionally replace text in the
Text Editor window. The following search commands are available:
Find Text - Find selected text
Replace - Find and replace selected text
Last Find - Repeat last find/replace
Miscellaneous editing commands include:
Save - Save editor text
Save Done - Save editor text & close
Save As - Save editor text with new name
Import - Read text into editor from file
- 30 -
DATABASES
---------
A Database is a special type of file that is similar to a box of
index cards where each card has preprinted fill-in-the-blank area.
In a database, each card is called a record. Each piece of
information on a single card is called a field. A computerized
database keeps all the records sorted automatically and can quickly
find, sort, and print the records. There are five databases in this
program:
Appointments - Appointment book
Generic - Generic information
Projects - Project ID data
Timelog - Time logging data
Users - User ID & access data
Databases are manipulated from the Edit-Data pull-down menu item.
The commands shown below are available for databases.
Note: Although not shown specifically, database command hotkeys are
the single characters associated with the commands found in the
program's Edit-Data pulldown menu, i.e. "A" for Add, "B" for Browse,
etc...
Add Records - Add new records to database
Browse Records - Browse records in tabular format
Delete Record - Delete current record
Edit Records - Edit existing records
Find Record - Find a specific record by key
Order/Sort - Change record display order
Reports - Print database reports
Save/Done - Save current record/done editing
Lookup Data - Automatically fill field's data
Goto Record - Goto specific records
ADD RECORDS
Add Records puts the database into Add mode with a new blank record
on the screen. Add Records is used to add new records to the
database. Each database record is modified using the Field Editing
commands. When database modifications are complete, the Save/Done or
Next Record commands may be used to save the record. <Esc> can be
selected to abandon changes to the current record.
BROWSE RECORDS
Browse Records shows the records in tabular format. The following
commands are available in Browse mode:
- 31 -
<Up/Down arrows> - Scroll up/down one line
<PgUp/PgDn> - Scroll up/down one page
<left/right arrow> - Scroll horizontally
<Home/End> - First/last field horizontally
<Ctrl+Home/Ctrl+End> - First/last record in database
<Enter> or Dbl click - Select record/return to view
<Esc> - Return to original record
<A..Z> - Quick search
[Find (F3)] - Browse Find
[Find Up (F5)] - Find Backward
[Find Down (F6)] - Find Forward
[Detail (F9)] - Show Detail
Quick Search is initiated by pressing any letter. The program will
prompt for text to find. The field searched is the current sort
order field. The program performs a fast partial match to find the
first record whose sort field starts with the Quick Search string.
Browse Find is a slower version of the Quick Search command. Browse
Find does not depend on the current sort order, and does not look for
a field that starts with the selected match string. Rather, the
Browse Find command searches the field that is currently on the left
side of the Browse window for the selected match string to appear
anywhere in the field. After the desired match string is entered,
the Find Backward or Find Forward commands must be used to initiate
the search.
Browse Find Backward is used to initiate or continue a search after a
match string is selected with the Browse Find command. The search
progresses in backward record order. Browse Find Forward is used to
initiate or continue a search after a match string is selected with
the Browse Find command. The search progresses in forward record
order.
Show Detail takes a quick peek at the current record in view mode.
This command allows the detail of a record to be viewed without
actually leaving the browse mode. No action can take place on the
record when viewing with the Show Detail command. <Esc> returns to
browse mode.
DELETE RECORD
Delete Record removes the current database record from the database
after the program prompts for delete confirmation. If many records
are deleted, refer to the Database Utility|Repair & Condense command
to recover excess used disk space in the database.
- 32 -
EDIT RECORDS
Edit Records puts the database into Edit mode with the current record
on the screen. Edit Records is used to modify existing database
records. Each database record is modified using the Field Editing
commands. When database modifications are complete, the Save/Done,
Next Record, or Prev Record commands may be used to save the record.
<Esc> can be selected to abandon changes to the current record.
FIND RECORD
Finds a record matching the current order key. You will be prompted
to enter a key to match. You may enter a partial key and the program
will attempt to find the closest match.
ORDER/SORT
Order/Sort changes the order that records from the database are
displayed. The program presents a list of possible sort options.
After the new sort order is selected, the database will display the
first record in the new sorted order. This command affects some of
the database reports.
REPORTS
The Reports command provides selection of reports to records from the
current database. Refer to the section describing each specific
database for details about the available reports.
SAVE/DONE
The save/done command is active only when in Add or Edit modes.
Save/Done saves the current record to disk and then returns to
view-only mode.
- 33 -
LOOKUP DATA
Lookup Data automatically fills in data for some fields in a
database. In particular, date and time fields can be automatically
filled with the current date or time with this command. Other
automatic lookup fields that might be available are described in the
section specific to each database.
GOTO RECORD
Goto Record provides several commands that allow jumping quickly from
record to record:
Prev Record: - Goto previous record in sort order
Next Record: - Goto next record in sort order
First Record: - Goto first record in sort order
Last Record: - Goto last record in sort order
GENERIC DATABASE
The Generic Database stores general information of interest. This
database is primarily designed to use for file names and descriptions
to facilitate locating files, but the database may also be used for
lists of any types of items. The Category field is useful to separate
items in the database if more than one type of item is stored.
Database fields include:
Item - Unique key field for the record
Category - Duplicate key field, general category
Date - Date field for optional use
Keys - Key words to categorize record
Notes - Memo field for optional description
The following reports are available for the Generic Database:
All Entries Detail Report: Prints all the fields from each
record of the current database. The report is printed
in the current sort order. Use the Order/Sort command
before printing to select the desired print order.
Current Entry Detail Report: Prints all the fields from the
current database record.
Keyword Match Report: Prints records from the Generic
Database that have a Keyword field that contains a
selected match string. This report is useful to print a
selection of records that have a particular topic in the
Keyword field.
- 34 -
Single Category Report: The Single Category report prints
records from the Generic Database that have a Category
field that is equal to a selected match string. This
report is useful to print a selection of records from a
particular Category.
PROJECTS DATABASE
The Projects Database stores records for projects that are tracked in
the time logging system. Database fields include:
Project ID - Unique identifier for project
Description - Description of project
The following reports are available for the Projects Database:
All Entries Detail Report: Prints all the fields from each
record of the current database. The report is printed
in the current sort order. Use the Order/Sort command
before printing to select the desired print order.
Current Entry Detail Report: Prints all the fields from the
current database record.
TIMELOG DATABASE
The Timelog Database stores records for the time logging system in
the program. Whenever a user logs on or off, or runs a program from
a user-defined menu, an entry is made in the timelog database. There
is normally no need to directly modify the timelog database.
Database fields include:
Entry Num - Count of entries, automatic
User ID - User ID of user generating entry
User Name - Name of user generating entry
Project ID - Project ID assigned to entry
Proj Desc - Description of project for entry
Activity - Description of activity for entry
Start Date - Date when activity started
Start Time - Time when activity started
Finish Date - Date when activity finished
Finish Time - Time when activity finished
Elapsed Hours - Elapsed time in hours of activity
The following reports are available for the Timelog Database:
All Entries Detail Report: Prints all the fields from each
record of the current database. The report is printed
in the current sort order. Use the Order/Sort command
before printing to select the desired print order.
- 35 -
Current Entry Detail Report: Prints all the fields from the
current database record.
Project Summary Report: Prints records from the Timelog
Database summarized by Project ID. Records with no
Project ID are not printed. Total hours are summarized
by Project ID and totalled for the report. The program
prompts for a start and end date for the report, where
blank dates mean no limits.
User Summary Report: Prints records from the Timelog
Database summarized by User ID. Total hours are
summarized by User ID and totalled for the report. The
program prompts for a start and end date for the report,
where blank dates mean no limits.
Summary by Activity Report: Prints records from the Timelog
Database summarized by Activity. Total hours are
summarized by Activity and totalled for the report. The
program prompts for a start and end date for the report,
where blank dates mean no limits.
USER DATABASE
The User Database stores records for each user who is provided access
to the system under the Protection/Logging System. If you are the
system administrator, make sure you give yourself access to all parts
of the program! Note: the user database consists of two pages of
data. Database fields include:
User ID - Unique identifier for user
User Name - Name of the user
Password - Optional password for logons
User Menu - Default user menu to display
General Commands - Access to general commands
File Commands - Access to file commands
Tree Commands - Access to tree commands
Utilities - Access to program utilities
The following reports are available for the User Database:
All Entries Detail Report: Prints all the fields from each
record of the current database. The report is printed
in the current sort order. Use the Order/Sort command
before printing to select the desired print order.
Current Entry Detail Report: Prints all the fields from the
current database record.
User Summary Report: Prints a summary of each record from
the User Database.
- 36 -
UTILITIES
---------
AUTO MENU CREATION
Auto Menu Creation scans the hard disk(s) for recognized programs and
automatically places them in user-defined menus. Existing menus will
be overwritten by this command, so it should not be used after menus
have been created. This routine makes assumptions about the way you
want to run programs, so menu items should be checked after using
Auto Menu Creation.
COLOR SELECTION
The color selection window has four areas of interest:
Group - List of different program regions
Item - Views within group regions
Foreground - Foreground color setting
Background - Background color setting
Use the <Tab> key to move to each area in the Color Selection window.
To change program colors, select the Group of interest, then select
the Item within the group, and finally set the Foreground and
Background colors for the Item. As colors are changed, the program
immediately shows the new colors and the Sample Text shows the color
settings. Black on Black is not allowed and will result in a
flashing white on red color.
Predefined color palettes can be selected with the Predefined
command. Customized color palettes are loaded from disk with the
Load command and saved with the Save As command. The top frame line
of the color selection window shows the file name of the current
custom palette, if any. Customized color palette files end with the
".PAL" file extension.
Following is a detailed list of the color Groups and Items and the
program views that are affected:
Desktop (center portion of screen)
-------------------------------------------------------------
Backgrou nd - Main screen background area
Program Menus (pull-down menus and status line)
-------------------------------------------------------------
Normal color - Normal color of the menu item
Disabled item - Item is not selectable. Make
calculator window active and look at
Edit menu for example.
Shortcut key - Hotkey for item, e.g. "F"ile
Selected item - Cursor is on item
Selected disabled - Cursor is on item but item is disabled
Selected shortcut - Hotkey when cursor is on item
- 37 -
Text Editor (File Manager's text editor window)
-------------------------------------------------------------
Frame inactive - Frame when text editor is open but is
not the active window
Frame active - Frame when text editor is the active
window
Frame icons - Close, resize, and zoom icons
Scroll bar page - Long portion under icons
Scroll bar icons - Arrows and position indicator
Normal Text - Regular text in editor
Selected Text - Text selected for block command
Dialogs (all program windows that open on desktop)
-------------------------------------------------------------
Frame inactive - Frame when window is open but is not
the active window. Info in bottom area
of File Manager also appears in this
color.
Frame active - Frame when window is active
Frame icons - Close, resize, and zoom icons
Scroll bar page - Long portion under icons
Scroll bar icons - Arrows and position indicator
Normal text - Information text in windows. The Sys
Info window is drawn exclusively in
Normal Text
Note: Labels are the text used to identify areas in dialogs,
e.g., the Group and Item text on the
Color Selection window.
Label inactive - Label when not selected
Label selected - Label when selected
Label shortcut - Hotkey for label
Note: Buttons are the square items like [OK] and [Cancel]
that appear in various places in the program.
Button inactive - Normal colors for the button
Button default - Button if it would be selected when
<Enter> is pressed. See the
Window|List dialog's [OK] button for an
example.
Button selected - Button if selected. See the
calculator's buttons for examples.
Press the <Tab> key several times in
the calculator to watch the selected
button change.
Button disabled - Button if not selectable.
Button shortcut - Hotkey for button. See the buttons on
the Color Selection window for
examples.
Button shadow - Shading under button
- 38 -
Note: Clusters are the selection lists like the Settings in
Utilities|Envrionment and the Predefined Color Palette
list.
Cluster normal - Item normally (not selected)
Cluster selected - Item if selected
Cluster shortcut - Hotkey for item
Note: Input lines are used whenever user input is requested
by the program. Look at any of the database screens
for good examples.
Input normal - Normal color
Input selected - Color of text if selected
Input arrow - Arrow for text longer than displayed
width
Note: History Lists are used in the DOS Shell window and in
many of the search input windows.
History icon - Arrow for history activation
History icon side - Sides of activation arrow
History bar page - History's scroll bar
History bar icons - History's scroll bar icons
Note: Lists are used in the Group and Item areas of the Color
Selection window, in file selection prompt windows, as
User-defined menus, and for the Tree and File lists in
the File Manager window.
List normal - Normal color of item
List focused - Item when cursor is on it
List selected - Item when cursor is on it but the view
is not the focused view. See the File
Manager's Tree and File lists for
examples.
List divider - Divider line between columns of a list.
See the User-defined Menu windows for
examples.
DATABASE UTILITIES
Database utilities include the following options:
Export Data - Export data to text file
Repair & Condense - Rebuild data & remove blanks
Trim Timelog - Delete old records
- 39 -
Export Data sends all data from a database to a text file. The
program first prompts for the database to export and then the name of
a file to send the data to. If the selected file already exists, the
program prompts for replace confirmation. All data is exported in
quote/comma delimited format, i.e., all text fields are enclosed in
quotes and each field is separated by a comma.
After using the time logging feature for a long period of time, the
Timelog Database will grow large. The Trim Timelog command offers a
quick method to delete old, unwanted timelog records. After
selecting the Trim Timelog command, then program will prompt for a
date from which older records will be deleted.
Repair & Condense serves two purposes: (1) Attempts to reconstruct a
database that has been damaged, and (2) Removes unused records from a
database. Power outages and other problems may corrupt a database.
A corrupt database is indicated if garbage appears in the database or
if a program error occurs when attempting to open a database. The
Repair part of Repair & Condense attempts to eliminate these types of
problems.
When database records are deleted, the space occupied by the deleted
record is not reclaimed unless new records are added to the database.
If many records are deleted and it is not expected that records will
be added back into the database, the Condense part of Repair &
Condense will reclaim the empty record space.
When Repair & Condense is selected, the program prompts for the
database to Repair & Condense and then proceeds to rebuild the
database.
ENVIRONMENT
Environment options determine the behavior of the program. Move from
area to area on the environment screen with the <Enter> or <Tab>
keys. The following options are available:
Settings
--------
Settings determine many characteristics of the program. To change a
setting, move the cursor to the desired setting and press <Space> or
click with the mouse.
Prompt on Quit: Program will prompt for quit confirmation
before quitting.
Attention Bell: Program rings bell whenever errors occur and
the user's attention is desired. This feature can
become annoying and may be disabled with this setting.
- 40 -
Hourly Chime: Program rings the bell twice on the hour.
This feature can become annoying and may be disabled
with this setting.
Force User Menu: This setting works in conjunction with the
User Menu and the settings in Protection/Logging. If
set, this option forces a User-defined menu to always be
open on the screen. Whenever a user menu is closed, the
prior menu will be opened. If there is no prior menu,
the default user menu will be opened. If Logons are
enabled, then the default menu is determined from the
User Database, otherwise, the default menu is determined
from the User Menu setting in the Environment window.
Menu Filenames: This setting determines whether the name of
the current user-defined menu file will be shown on the
user-defined menus. The user-defined menus appear
somewhat cleaner if this feature is disabled.
Editor Backups: This setting determines whether a backup
file will be made of the Text Editor data when a the
current text editor file is saved. If set, a file with
a .BAK extension will be created and the previous
contents of the text editor will be copied to this file
before the new text is saved.
Show Sys Files: This setting determines whether files with
the System file attribute will be shown in the File
Manager's file lists. System files are normally created
when a disk is formatted and should not be tampered
with. Only knowledgable users should enable this
setting.
Use EMS Memory: Use EMS memory if available for program
overlays and execution swapping. If EMS memory is not
available, this setting is ignored. Check the System
Info window to determine if your computer has EMS
memory.
43/50 Line Mode: Computers with EGA or VGA monitors are
capable of displaying 43 or 50 lines of text rather than
the standard 25 lines. With this option set, more space
is available on the desktop to display windows. Setting
this option on computers without EGA or VGA monitors has
no effect. If you switch from 43/50 line mode to 25
line mode and can't find some windows, they may be off
the screen. Change back to 43/50 line mode and move the
windows back into view.
- 41 -
Swapping Mode: This setting affects the method used by this
program to run programs from user-defined menus, the
operation of the DOS Shell window, and the operation of
the Edit-File|Execute command. In normal mode (Swapping
Mode off), programs from user-defined menus are executed
via a batch file loop and this program is completely
removed from memory. The Shell (F2) mode of the DOS
Shell window and the Edit-File|Execute command will only
have the memory above this program (about 200K)
available. This mode is the slowest but makes the most
memory available for user-defined menu item execution.
In Swap Mode (Swapping Mode on), this program uses a
special technique to swap itself to disk or EMS memory
when executing other programs. A small (about 8K)
kernel remains in memory. The Shell (F2) mode of the
DOS Shell window, the Edit-File|Execute command, and
user-defined menu items have all but 8K of memory
available for program execution. This mode is very
fast, particularly if EMS memory is available and the
Use EMS Memory setting is enabled. The path used for
swapping may be specified in the Swapping Path field.
Several rules MUST be followed if Swapping Mode is used:
o DO NOT run programs like DOS CHKDSK with the /F parameter,
file undelete utilities, or disk defragmenters when
Swapping Mode is set. These types of utilities make low
level changes to disks. Swapping Mode uses a swap file
which is left open during swapping and these utilities do
not take this into account, possibly damaging the disk.
You may run these types of programs from user-defined
menus if the NOSWAP option is used.
o If running batch (.BAT) files from user-defined menus, DO
NOT include the command to return to this program at the
end of the batch file. See Executing Batch Files for more
details on running batch files.
o ALWAYS return to this program and then Exit to DOS before
turning the computer off. This will guarantee that the
swap file is closed.
Protection/Logging
------------------
The protection system offers various levels of protection and
computer usage tracking. Use the cursor keys and <Space> or click
with the mouse to toggle selections. These options depend on the
User Database. Make sure you understand and have made entries in the
User Database before Logons are enabled! If Logons are enabled, the
program will request a User ID from the User Database and optionally
a password. If you can't remember your User ID and Password and you
will be forced to reinstall the program to gain access.
- 42 -
Following are the valid settings for the four Protection/Logging
options:
[X] Enable Logons
[ ] Time Logging
[ ] Project Logging
[ ] Use Passwords
Enable Logons option forces a prompt for a User ID from the
User Database. Access to program features are restricted
based on settings for each user. Add appropriate records to
the User database before setting this option.
[X] Enable Logons
[X] Time Logging
[ ] Project Logging
[ ] Use Passwords
Time Logging option will log all use of the computer to the
Timelog Database. This option can only be used in
combination with Enable Logons.
[X] Enable Logons
[X] Time Logging
[X] Project Logging
[ ] Use Passwords
Project Logging prompts for a Project ID from the Projects
Database to add to the timelog entry when a user-defined menu
item is executed. This option can only be used in
combination with Enable Logons.
[*] Enable Logons * (optional with passwords)
[ ] Time Logging
[ ] Project Logging
[X] Use Passwords
Use Passwords option forces a prompt for password when a
user-defined menu item is executed (if that menu item has a
password assigned). If Enable Logons is also set, a password
is requested after User ID entry when logging onto the
system.
Valid Drives
------------
This setting determines which drives will be used to construct
directory trees for the File Manager and the Path Selection Tree in
user-defined menu editing windows. Enter the drive letters in the
space provided. Directory trees will be automatically reconstructed
if changes are made to this setting.
- 43 -
Floppies
--------
This setting determines which drives that are identified in the Valid
Drives list are floppy disks. This setting affects the directory
trees and the Format Disks window. Position is important for this
setting. Floppy disk drives are numbered from 0 to 3. The first
position in the Floppies field corresponds to floppy disk number 0,
the second position corresponds to floppy disk number 1, etc.
Normally, A = 0, B = 1, etc... If your computer has external floppy
disks beyond the A and B designation, place the corresponding drive
letter in the correct position in the Floppies field. Examples:
System descriptions Floppies setting
----------------------------------- ----------------
Standard floppy disks A & B "AB"
Only floppy disk A "A"
Floppy disk A, no B, external F "A F"
User Menu
---------
This setting determines the User-defined menu file that will be
loaded by default when the Menu Manager command is selected if no
user menu window is currently open. Blank in this space defaults to
the name of this program with the ".MNU" extension. This setting is
overridden if Logons are enable in the Protection/Logging settings
and the logged on user has a different default menu specified in the
User Database.
Mouse Double-Click Rate
-----------------------
This setting determines the speed required when double-clicking the
mouse to select items throughout the program. The default setting is
8 and can range from 1 to 20. Lower numbers require faster
double-clicks, while higher numbers allow more delay between clicks.
Swapping Path
-------------
This setting determines where the program swap files will reside if
Swapping Mode is enabled. If this field is left blank, the program
directory is used. Up to 1 megabyte of disk space may be required
for swapping, so make sure the path specified for swapping has
sufficient free space available. If EMS memory is used, the Swapping
Path is ignored.
Printer
-------
This setting determines where printed output will be directed.
- 44 -
Dates
-----
This setting determines the format used to display dates throughout
the program. Options include MM/DD/YYYY format or DD/MM/YYYY format.
Times
-----
This setting determines the format used to display times throughout
the program. Options include HH/MM/SSam 12-hour format or HH/MM/SS
24-hour format.
FORMAT DISKS
Format Disks prepares disks for data storage. Use <Enter> or <Tab>
to move between option groups. The following options are available:
Drive: Drive to format. If all drives do not appear in
list, check Valid Drives and Floppies settings in
Utilities|Environment
Type: Type (capacity) of drive to format
Volume Label: Name to write to disk after format
PASSWORD CHANGE
If the Enable Logons option is set in the Protection/Logging options
in the Utilities|Environment window, users that log onto the system
have a password assigned from the User Database. The Password Change
command allows the current user to change their password.
UPGRADE
Database Upgrade upgrades database data from older program versions
to a format that is usable by the new version. The program will
prompt for the database to upgrade, then will proceed with the
upgrade. Make sure the old databases reside in the same directory as
this program before using this command. This command overwrites any
new databases that may have been created, so do not use this command
if valuable data has already been added to new databases.
User Menu Upgrade upgrades User-defined Menus from older program
versions to a format usable by this program. Make sure the old menu
file resides in the same directory as this program before using this
command. This command overwrites new menu files that have already
been created, so do not use this command if new menu files already
exist.
- 45 -
SCREEN BLANKERS
---------------
Three screen blankers have been provided with the program disks,
ASB.COM (for CGA or monochrome monitors), ASBE.COM (for EGA
monitors), and ASBV.COM (for PS/2 and VGA monitors). These screen
blankers blank the screen of your computer after 5 minutes of no
keyboard activity.
To use these programs, include the following command in your
AUTOEXEC.BAT file immediately before the "M" command (Note: [ ]
indicates optional parameters):
ASB [-] [seconds]
or ASBE [-] [seconds]
or ASBV [-] [seconds]
The program will display an installation message. After the screen
blanks, any keypress will restore the screen. The keystroke is
passed to the underlying program, so use a key like <Alt> or <Ctrl>
to unblank the screen. After the initial installation, you may
temporarily disable the program by entering:
ASB -
or ASBE -
or ASBV -
Entering the original ASB, ASBE, or ASBV command again will re-enable
the screen blanker.
You may change the time the blanker waits before blanking by entering
the number of seconds to wait. The delay time option can be used in
combination with the disabling option. For example, to change the
delay time to 1 minute, enter the following command:
ASB 60
or ASBE 60
or ASBV 60
If you are running any graphics programs from the user-defined menus,
disable the blanker before running the program and enable it after
returning by using the appropriate commands in the Command to Execute
field of the user-defined menu item. For example:
ASB - | GRAFPROG | ASB
The screen blankers do not support graphics modes, but you may
disable the blankers before entering graphics mode programs. Also,
some programs capture the keyboard in a way that prevents the blanker
from seeing keystrokes. The blanker will blank the screen even
though you have been typing keystrokes. You should disable the
blanker before entering these programs. The screen blanker does not
pay attention to a mouse, so your screen will blank even if you are
using a mouse.
- 46 -
NETWORK OPERATION
-----------------
The single-user version of MenuDIRECT will operate on a network
provided certain restrictions are followed.
To use the single-user version of MenuDIRECT on a network, separate
copies of the program must be made available to each user on the
network. This means that the program must be installed on a local
hard disk for each user. Each user would the use the program to
control their own computer. Appropriate error messages are returned
if a user attempts to access locked files or directories.
Note: The single-user version cannot be installed on a network
drive. Using a single registered copy of the single user version of
the program for multiple users on a network is a violation of the
license agreement. Network installations must have a licensed copy
of the program for each user on the network.
A network version of the program is available from IMSI. The network
version supports Novell, MS-NET, PC-NET, 3Com, PC LAN, CBIS, and
PC-MOS/386 networks. See the About/Order|Print command to print an
order form.
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ORDER FORM
------------------------------------------------------------
MenuDIRECT Gold 3.0 S/N: MDR3.______________
(was P&S Hard Disk Mgr from AMST)
(please fill in the serial number from About screen)
Mail To: INTERNATIONAL MICROCOMPUTER SOFTWARE, INC.
1938 Fourth Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 454-7101
Name: __________________________________________________
Company: __________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
_________________ Phone: (______) ______-________
Quantity Price Extended
MenuDIRECT Gold ________ 79.95 ________
MenuDIRECT Net ________ CALL ________
BackupDIRECT ________ 79.95 ________
Upgrades ________________________ CALL ________
Subtotal ________
CA residents add 7% sales tax ________
Shipping ($5 + $2 each addit. item) ________
Total Order (U.S. dollars/U.S. bank) ________
Paid by: Check[ ] MO[ ] PO[ ] VISA[ ] MC[ ] AmExp[ ]
Card/PO#: ____________________________ Exp Date: _________
Authorized Signature: ______________________________________
(Call for information on volume discounts and site licenses)
Where did you hear about this program? _____________________
Comments:
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