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Text File | 1993-10-15 | 49KB | 1,138 lines

┌────────────────────────┐ │ jun92.rpt help.txt │ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ │ may91.rpt │ ▒▒█▀▀▀▒▒█ ▒▒█▀▀▀▒▒█ ▒▒█▀▀▀▒▒█ ▒▒█▀▒▒█▀▒▒█ │ *.scr │ ▒▒█ ▀▀ ▒▒█ ▀▀ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ │ │ ▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ └──────────┬┬────────────┘ ▒▒█▀▀▀ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ││ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒▄ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▀▀ ▒▒█ \/ ▒▒▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒█ ABUNCHA.TXT ▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀ FILE C O M B I N E Version 3.0 (C)Copyright 1991-1993 Rand Nowell RaLin Enterprises "Putting Bits Together" (tm) - All Rights Reserved - - P R O G R A M D O C U M E N T I O N - - Manual Index - Copyright..........................................1 Distribution.......................................1 Disclaimer.......................................1,2 System Requirements................................2 Overview.........................................2,3 Registered vs UnRegistered.......................3,4 Configuring - Registering........................4,5 Expired Key Number.................................6 Number Lock Setting................................6 Mouse Use..........................................6 Memory and Swapping..............................6,7 Keys and Commands................................7,8 FCOM-Startup.....................................8,9 FCOM-The Main Menu Set Mask.....................................9 Output File...............................9,10 Select Files................................10 Quick View...............10 Tools.......................................11 Change Directory.....................11 Delete Backups.......................11 Dos Shell............................11 File Manager.........................11 User Defined Programs{+}.............11 (see configuring) Options{+}...............................11,12 Print{+}....................................12 Quit........................................12 The File Manager...............................12,13 Set Mask....................................13 List Files...............................13,14 Copy........................................14 Move........................................14 Rename......................................15 Delete......................................15 Quit........................................15 Why Register...................................15,16 Lost Key Numbers..................................16 Upgrading to 3.0..................................16 Author Contact.................................16,17 Support...........................................17 Acknowledgements..................................18 FCOM 3.0 The File Combine Machine - Manual Page 1 ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ COPYRIGHT ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ FCOM, The File Combine, the program and documentation, are not a Public Domain or Free program. It is the Copyrighted (C)1991-1993 work of Rand Nowell dba Ralin Enterprises. All rights are reserved. Copying, duplicating, selling or otherwise distributing this product except as noted in the Distribution Policy below is a violation of Federal Copyright Law. You are authorized to evaluate the program for a period of two weeks. If after two weeks you wish to continue using the program, registration is in order. Please see FCOM.REG Though this version creates a registration allowing Registered use for a period of time, two weeks should be enough to fully evaluate FCOM, and determine if it meets your needs. The extended Temporary Registered Mode is mainly to keep it from expiring before many people get a chance to obtain it. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ DISTRIBUTION ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ 1. Feel free to distribute the Shareware version of this program as often as you like to any interested parties. Distribution to Electronic Bulletin Boards is encouraged. 2. Please do not distribute this program without all the original related files such as documentation, readme files, registration forms etc. 3. Please distribute ONLY the original authenticated ZIP format file. 4. Please obtain our written permission before including the program with any "bundled" software packages. 5. Please do not accept payment for the program; a copying fee of $5.00 per diskette may be charged by a non-profit user-group. 6. Please do not alter the program or documentation in any way. 7. Individuals, groups, vendors or other software distribution companies which market diskettes containing shareware or test-drive evaluation programs, for profit, must obtain written permission from RaLin Enterprises prior to distribution. This will insure that you have the most current copy. DISTRIBUTION of the REGISTERED version of this program is in violation of the license agreement and copyright law. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ *** DISCLAIMER *** ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ This program is supplied "as is" without warranty of any kind. The entire risk of using, and results from the use of, is assumed by you File Combine...is that a tractor? Grind 'em up!! FCOM 3.0 The File Combine Machine - Manual Page 2 the user. You assume all costs of repair, servicing and corrections stemming from the use of this program. Rand Nowell and/or RaLin Enterprises, or any other associated company of the program author will not be held liable for any damages from the use of this program. No warranties are expressed or implied. ******************************************************************** To the original licensee of the REGISTERED version of the program, RaLin Enterprises DOES warrant that the program disk(s) on which the program is recorded, be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of (90) ninety days from date of delivery as evidenced by your receipt. Our entire liability and your exclusive remedy shall be replacement of the defective disk not meeting the standards of this limited warranty. And in no case shall exceed the cost of reimbursement of monies paid for program registration. The Author is not obligated to produce further versions of this program. The Author also reserves the right to convert any SHAREWARE program, to that of COMMERCIAL status without prior notice. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ A Hard Disk is recommended, and just about required for use. Supports CGA,EGA,VGA color modes. No compressed modes are used, just 80x25 At the present, FCOM will not work properly on a Monochrome system, this may be updated in the near future, but for the time being, a color monitor is REQUIRED for "proper" operation. System: IBM PC,XT,AT or better. DOS version 3.x and up. Memory: 640K with a minimum of 225K free is recommended, for optimum performance, 300K free is desired. EMS and XMS memory is supported for swapping. When FCOM exits to DOS, either during a Shell, or running an external program, it will swap most of its code to EMS/XMS memory, or to disk, freeing up all memory but a 10K kernel that it retains. This is a single user program. It is not currently set up for use on a Network. We may release a Network version in the future. FCOM currently only runs in 80x25 line mode. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ OVERVIEW ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ FCOM originally was a command line program, little better than using the DOS copy ????+????+??? File Combine...is that a tractor? Grind 'em up!! FCOM 3.0 The File Combine Machine - Manual Page 3 Its main function was/is to combine multiple files into one complete file. It will only work correctly on text type files, as exe's etc tend to have extraneous end-of-file markers strewn about, which inhibits adding them together, in the way FCOM does. It had an simple internal viewer, and the capability to print the completed file, if desired. FCOM 3.0 has added a whole lot of functions and enhancements. a) Built in File Manager, Copy/Move/Rename/Delete. b) Tag files in the order desired for combining. c) Via a Hot Key, view the first 5 lines of the highlighted file, while selecting from the list. d) Completely menu driven. c) Mouse support (Mouse Driver must be loaded). e) Dialog Boxes for user input where required. f) Tag multiple files to print. Printer errors covered. g) File extensions are checked, most invalid files for combining or printing are by-passed, even if tagged. Files filtered out, are those with an extension of: EXE,COM,OVR,BIN,TPU,OBJ,PCX,GIF Others will be added in the future. h) A separate configuration program allowing you to register FCOM, and to set up 3 external programs to run from FCOM, complete with Help line and Menu Item, you even set the HOTkey for the menu item. i) Filters out invalid file types. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ FUTURE ADDITIONS ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ See the file WHATSUP.DOC ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ REGISTERED vs UNREGISTERED ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ This release of FCOM, is pre-configured to allow you to run in fully REGISTERED mode, until 28-DEC-1993, at which time you will be put into UNREGISTERED mode. This means the program will work, but will have some limitations, and a couple of de-activated features. These are listed below. The next section will explain how to get FCOM running in the temporary REGISTERED mode, and set up your configuration. Features that are available ONLY in Registered Mode, will be noted with {+} in the manual. Limits and Registered only options.... FUNCTION UNREGISTERED REGISTERED (FCOM-Main) Print Files Not Active Unlimited! Combine Files 2 Files Only Unlimited! Combine Options Not Active Active! User Programs None Shown Up to 3! File Combine...is that a tractor? Grind 'em up!! FCOM 3.0 The File Combine Machine - Manual Page 4 (FILE MANAGER) Copy Files one file Unlimited! Move Files one file Unlimited! Rename Files one file Unlimited! Delete Files one file Unlimited! In the File Manager, you are limited to only one file for any given process, unless in Registered Mode, then all selected files are processed. Again, the Temporary Registered Mode only differs from the fully Registered Mode in the messages displayed, but once the Temporary Registration Number expires........... ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ CONFIGURING/REGISTRATION ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ FCOM 3.0 uses a separate Configuration Program, FCOMCFG.EXE to provide you some options, and to Register FCOM. What you can configure, currently, are up to (3) three external programs, of your choice, to run from FCOM. You supply the program filename, a line of Help to be displayed in FCOM's help line, and the actual Menu Item, to be displayed in the TOOLS menu in FCOM, you can even specify the HotKey to activate the item. IMPORTANT! In order to run FCOM in the Temporary Registered Mode, you MUST run FCOMCFG. You may like to try it out in UnRegistered mode a bit, then activate your temporary Registration..... just to see the difference now, instead of later. When FCOMCFG fires up, if it cannot find a copy of FCOM.CFG in a PATH directory, it will create a default one in the current directory. This file should be placed in a directory that is included in your PATH statement. Refer to your DOS manual for more info on the PATH statement. This will allow FCOM and FCOMCFG to find the file, no matter what directory you are in when you call either program. Any future changes to FCOM.CFG will be applied to the copy found. REGISTER: A data entry box is displayed, in this box is where the registration information is recorded. If you are activating the temporary Registration, then you should only press ENTER on each field, DO NOT MODIFY the fields, then, after the config file is saved, you will have the access. If you are entering Registration Information received from RaLin Enterprises, then enter the information exactly as you have received it! Upper and Lower case letters are treated differently. File Combine...is that a tractor? Grind 'em up!! FCOM 3.0 The File Combine Machine - Manual Page 5 If the default KEY number has expired, a message will be displayed, in this case, it is "possible" to obtain a one month Temporary Registered key from RaLin, so you can evaluate the program. See the section EXPIRED KEY later on. If you attempt to modify any of the default information, with anything other than that supplied by RaLin, you will receive an INVALID KEY message. If you enter in a complete new number that is invalid, say all zeros, the program will simply exit to the Main Menu, and you will be unable to save the changed configuration. EXTERNAL: {+} This choice displays another data entry box where you define up to three programs that can be run from FCOM. These can be standalone EXE or COM programs, or you can run a batch file. Program Name: if the program is not in a path directory, supply the complete path to it, if on another drive, include the drive letter. If it is in the path, the program name is all that's needed. Be sure to include the extension. Example: LIST.COM (correct) LIST (incorrect) Help Line : Enter a line of help text that will be displayed on FCOM's help line, when this program entry is highlighted in the menu. Menu Item : What you enter here is what's displayed on FCOM's Tools Menu. If you enclose a letter in square brackets [] that letter will be highlighted, and become the HOTkey fro that program. Using the the above example, [L]ist will display List with the 'L' in a different color, and when you press the letter 'L' LIST.COM will be executed. There are several letters that are reserved, for items hard coded into the Tools Menu, these are C,D,O,F. If you use these in your defined programs, they will never execute via the hotkey, though you can run them by selecting and pressing ENTER, or clicking with the mouse. During entry of the above information, a Help Screen is available by pressing the F1 function key. QUIT: Quit will present an "intelligent" menu, if any changes have been made to the configuration, the Save option will be highlighted, else the No Save. Just press ENTER, to Exit. There is also a check mark (√) displayed nest to the proper menu item. If no changes have been detected, yet you choose Save, FCOMCFG will exit without saving the file. So abide by the programs choice. File Combine...is that a tractor? Grind 'em up!! FCOM 3.0 The File Combine Machine - Manual Page 6 ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ EXPIRED KEY ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ If you obtain FCOM, after the expiration date of the included key number, or only a few days before that expiration date, we may be able to issue you a (1) one month Registered key number. You will have to contact RaLin Enterprises and request this. We will only issue ONE of these keys to any person or location. See the CONTACT and SUPPORT sections for contact information. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ NUMBER LOCK SETTING ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ The setting of your Number Lock key determines what cursor keys may be used for moving around menus, lists and data boxes. If the nuberlock is ON, only the keys on the separate cursor pad may be used, (102 type keyboard). If the number lock is OFF, the separate keypad, or the arrow keys on the numeric keypad may be used to move. This applies also to the PgUp,PgDn,Home and End keys. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ MOUSE USE ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ FCOM supports the use of a mouse. A mouse driver must be loaded, and a mouse hooked up for this to apply. The LEFT mouse button is the same as ENTER in menus. In pick lists, it will TAG a file. In message boxes it acts as ENTER, and will satisfy the Press any key request. ******************* The RIGHT mouse button acts as the ESCape key. In menus, pick lists, data boxes it is as if you had pressed the ESC key, but in order to abort lists, menus and boxes with the mouse, the mouse cursor must be within the borders of the menu, list or box. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ MEMORY AND SWAPPING ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ FCOM recognizes and uses EMS or XMS memory for swapping out the majority of its code when shelling to DOS, or executing an external program. If either of these memory types is not available, it will create a temporary SWAP FILE on the disk, in the current directory. File Combine...is that a tractor? Grind 'em up!! FCOM 3.0 The File Combine Machine - Manual Page 7 This file is named FCOMSWP.$$$ and is give the Hidden attribute. But it may display in many programs, such a LIST.COM. Be sure you do NOT delete this swap file, or FCOM will crash upon return. The speed at which FCOM swaps out is dependant on the system, and if the swap file is going to memory or disk. On a 486 with EMS/XMS the swap is instant! On an older system going to disk, it will take a few seconds. FCOM releases all but 11K of memory when swapping for a shell or external program. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ KEYS AND COMMANDS ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ Before we get into the workings of the menu options, let's cover the methods used to select menu items, files from lists, and keys available when entering information in data boxes. These key commands apply to the FCOM main program, and the File Manager. MENUS: Menu selections may be made by: 1: Using the cursor keys, highlight the item and press ENTER or on the Main Menu Bar, the Down Arrow key to activate. On Vertical menus (Tools) the Down Arrow moves to the next item. 2: Press the Highlighted character of the menu item. 3: Place the mouse cursor on the item and click the left button. PICK LISTS: Movement: The Up/Down arrow keys, PgUp, PgDn, Home and End all act as you would expect then to. The TAB key will also traverse the list. If a mouse is available, and there are more files than will display in the list window, you will see Up/Down arrows displayed in the lower right part of the frame. Placing the mouse cursor on these, and pressing the LEFT mouse button, will scroll the list in that direction. Selecting a single file: To select a single file from a picklist, highlight it and press the ENTER key. Tagging Multiple files: Tagging is accomplished by pressing the space bar. You may also TAG or UN-TAG a file with the left mouse button. While a filename is highlighted, pressing the space bar will place File Combine...is that a tractor? Grind 'em up!! FCOM 3.0 The File Combine Machine - Manual Page 8 a TAG mark to the left of the filename. Pressing it again will remove the mark, UN-tagging the file. Once all desired files are tagged, press ENTER to begin processing. FILES ARE PROCESSED IN THE ORDER "TAGGED", NOT DISPLAY ORDER! Hunting for a filename: FCOM's pick lists have a nice feature, if you have a large list of files, and are looking for a specific filename, pressing a character key will "hunt" for the first filename that has that letter for the first in it's name. Successive presses of the same letter will continue the search. You can pare down large lists, by setting the File Mask to a specific value. This is discussed a little further on. ESCape will abort the pick list. Once all file tagging is complete, the number of files tagged will be displayed on the top screen line. DATA ENTRY BOXES: Most of the boxes you will see in FCOM, only have one field. But there are a few with multiple fields. Your normal editing keys are available in the data fields. Insert, End, Home, Del etc. In most boxes, if the first key pressed is an alpha type key the field will be blanked out, if it contains any data. The cursor keys, enter and tab may be used to move through multiple data fields. If you are in the LAST field in a box, the Enter or Down arrow keys will accept the values and exit. Also, something to be aware of, if you are in the FIRST data field, and press the UP arrow key, you will exit the data box. Ctl-U : During entry, if you decide not to change the value, pressing this key combination will restore the previous contents. Ctl-W : Pressing this at any time, will accept all values and exit. ESC : Will abort the data entry and restore any previous values. The Options data box, discussed later, uses a different approach. Options are toggled by pressing the space bar, with only one field being manually edited, depending on another's setting. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ FCOM - Startup ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ When FCOM fires up, it first checks to see if you are in Registered Mode File Combine...is that a tractor? Grind 'em up!! FCOM 3.0 The File Combine Machine - Manual Page 9 or not, by reading the FCOM.CFG file. If you are in UnRegistered mode, it first displays a message reminding you of the fact, then displays one telling you the limit for combining files in this mode. If you are Registered, you go right to the Main Menu. The Screen Display: The top line, from left to right, shows the program name and version, then the current File Display Mask (*.*) , next is the number of files that have been tagged for processing, and at the far right, a real time clock. Below that is the main menu bar. The middle screen area is where pick lists, data boxes and messages are displayed. Next is the Help Line, as you scroll through the main menu, or sub menus, a line of help is displayed here. Most pick lists will also display help here. On the bottom screen line is the copyright notice. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ FCOM - The Main Menu ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ We will cover each item in the Main menu, what it does and how to do it. A one screen Help display is available by pressing F1. ┌──────────┐ │ SET MASK │ └──────────┘ This will display a data box where you can set the file mask for files to be displayed in the pick lists. All wild cards are valid. Some examples are: *.TXT - Display only files with an extension of .TXT A*.TXT - Display all files with an extension of .TXT, that have an 'A' as the first character of the filename. A???.* - Display files with any extension, that have only a four letter filename, and the first letter being an 'A'. ????.* - All four letter file names, with any extension. This can be a powerful tool when you have many files, but only want to process a certain type. At any time while you are in the Set Mask box, pressing the F5 function key, will set the MASK to the default *.* and exit. The F5 key also works from the main menu. No need to call this Data Box to change back. ┌─────────────┐ │ OUTPUT FILE │ └─────────────┘ File Combine...is that a tractor? Grind 'em up!! FCOM 3.0 The File Combine Machine - Manual Page 10 Calls another Data Box, here you specify a file name for all the selected files to be combined into. This box only accepts a 12 character filename, so the file will be created in the current directory. Should this file already exist, you will be prompted, at the time of processing, if you wish to overwrite or append to the file. This name must be set before selecting files. ┌──────────────┐ │ SELECT FILES │ └──────────────┘ If you have not specified an Output filename, a message will display alerting you to this fact. Displays a picklist of files, filtered by the current setting of MASK. Select one or multiple files, then press ENTER to begin the combining process. Remember, files are processed in the order Tagged! VALID FILES: During the combining process, files are checked for a valid extension, as the combine process is useless for binary type files, they are skipped.... even if tagged. Currently FCOM checks for these file extensions, and if the file is of this type, it is skipped. EXE,COM,OVR,BIN,TPU,OBJ,PCX,GIF more extensions will be added to the next version. QUICK VIEW: This is a nice touch! While you are scrolling through the picklist, selecting files to be processed, pressing the F5 key when on a filename, will popup a window towards the bottom of the screen, and will display the first 5 lines of the file. If you have a bunch of files, that have fairly similar names, this can be a life saver! You can confirm that you are indeed selecting the proper file. You will be asked for confirmation to begin combining ? number of files. Pressing 'Y' will continue, 'N' will abort, and reset the number of files tagged to 0. Once the combine process starts, a message box will display, saying Combining SELECTED-FILE => OUTPUT-FILE When the process is complete, you will be returned to the menu. Should any error occur, the file will be skipped, and a message will display. File Combine...is that a tractor? Grind 'em up!! FCOM 3.0 The File Combine Machine - Manual Page 11 ┌──────┐ │TOOLS │ └──────┘ This is currently the only Sub-Menu that exists in FCOM. We will cover each aspect of this menu here, except the File Manager. It is covered in it's own section later. CHANGE DIRECTORY: Displays a picklist of directories only. Hunting for a directory name will not work here, as all directories are display as [DIRNAME], should you attempt to HUNT for a dirname, it will just go through the whole list, and back to the top. To move to another directory, highlight it and press ENTER. As you change, the name of the directory changed to will be displayed at the upper left corner of the screen. Once you are in the directory you wish, press ESC to exit the list. Note: When FCOM exits, it always returns to the directory you were in when you started the program. DELETE BACKUPS: Not often required in FCOM, but left it in anyway. Will delete all files in the current directory with the extension of .BAK. The file being deleted, will be displayed on the Help Line, briefly. DOS SHELL: Will place you in DOS, at the command prompt. You may carry out any Dos Commands you wish, even run another program. When FCOM shells out to DOS, it releases all memory but for 11K which it retains. I am writing this documentation in QEdit, which was called from LIST.COM, which was called from FCOM. So it most definitely works well! IMPORTANT!!!! Never load a TSR type program while you are in the Dos Shell. At the minimum, memory corruption and most likely a system re-boot are the results. FILE MANAGER: Calls the built in File Manager, see the File Manager section later. USER DEFINED PROGRAMS: {+} If you are in Registered mode, and have defined any programs in FCOMCFG, they will be displayed as the last three (or less) menu items. That is assuming you configured the properly. <grin> Pressing ESC will put away the Tools Menu. ┌────────┐ │OPTIONS │ {+} └────────┘ File Combine...is that a tractor? Grind 'em up!! FCOM 3.0 The File Combine Machine - Manual Page 12 This displays a Data Box where you set a couple of options for the combining process. The options are either Yes or No, and each one is changed by pressing the space bar. By default these are OFF (No). Append Formfeeds: Setting this to yes, will cause a formfeed to be appended to the end of each file as its combined. Append Blank Line: Cause a specified number of blank lines to be inserted between, (at the end of each) files. Can be useful for separating certain batches of information. Number of lines: If you set append blanks to Yes, you can specify how many blank lines to add, else this field is skipped. Valid numbers are 1 to 99 ┌──────┐ │PRINT │ {+} └──────┘ Allows you to print one or multiple files. When this item is chosen, FCOM first attempts to home the print head on the printer. If it cannot access the printer, an error message is displayed. If printer access is fine, a picklist is displayed where you can select the file(s) you wish to print. Again, even if you tag a file that is considered invalid, it will be skipped. Pressing ENTER starts the printing, you will be prompted for confirmation to continue. A No answer aborts the printing process. A message displays for each file, telling you which file is being printed. Currently FCOM uses no spooler, this may change in the next release, or we can allow you to access the DOS PRINT program. ┌──────┐ │ QUIT │ └──────┘ Quit will ask for confirmation that you do indeed wish to exit FCOM. You will be returned to DOS, in the directory you started from. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ THE FILE MANAGER ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ BEFORE BLINDLY JUMPING IN AND MANIPULATING FILES WITH THE FILE MANAGER, File Combine...is that a tractor? Grind 'em up!! FCOM 3.0 The File Combine Machine - Manual Page 13 MAY WE SUGGEST THAT YOU EXPERIMENT ON SOME UN-NEEDED FILES FIRST. THAT WAY, IF WE WERE NOT IMPLICIT ENOUGH IN OUR EXPLANATION, OR YOU MISSED AN IMPORTANT FACT, THERE WILL BE NO GREAT LOSS. The File Manager is accessed from the FCOM Tools menu, by pressing 'F' or selecting File Manager. All the data entry, picklist functions are identical to those of the FCOM main area, so we won't be redundant here. The top two lines of the screen show the name FCOM File Manager, the same 'ol clock, and a One line help on tagging files. Next is the status line, current file mask, number of tagged files, and then a display of the current action. The current action will always mirror the Menu choice, so if you forget whether you are Copying or Moving files, glancing at the Menu Bar or the Action display will confirm just what it is you're attempting to do. The center area is where all lists and message/data boxes will be displayed. At the bottom, is the Menu Bar, and below it the Help Line. Pretty much the same setup as FCOM, but the menubar is at the bottom. A help screen is available by pressing F1 from the main menu bar. Of course, as in FCOM-Main, a help line is displayed for each menu item as you scroll around. The pick lists also display help in this line. Now, lets cover the menu choices, and what they do. As mentioned at the beginning of the manual, if you are in UnRegistered mode, all actions may only be carried out on ONE file at a time, regardless of how many are tagged. Registered mode allows you to process ALL tagged files. ┌─────────┐ │SET MASK │ └─────────┘ This is identical to the Set Mask in FCOM-Main, and the F5 key is available here also. ┌───────────┐ │LIST FILES │ └───────────┘ Displays a list of all files in the current directory. There is no tagging of files, and no actions can be performed, its simply a display. The display is filtered by the setting of the MASK. File Combine...is that a tractor? Grind 'em up!! FCOM 3.0 The File Combine Machine - Manual Page 14 Pressing ESC will exit the list. We will cover the next menu item, COPY in detail, from that point on, we will just cover the differences, as all functions basically use the same methods for selecting files, prompting for destinations, names etc. ┌─────┐ │COPY │ └─────┘ Presents a picklist where you select one file, or TAG multiple files. Once the file(s) selection is complete, press ENTER. A Dialog box will display, and ask you for a destination. If you are copying to another filename, enter the new filename, or the directory and filename, if it will be copied to another directory as a new file. (This is valid only for a single file, trying this with multiple files will overwrite the new file for each copy processed) If you are copying a file, or files to another directory, be SURE to supply a trailing backslash after the directory name..... Example: \TEMP\ (correct) \TEMP (WRONG!) The destination can be another drive also, using the above example, you would enter: D:\TEMP\ If you don't supply the backslash, you will get an error message, for EACH file tagged!! Quite irritating if you have tagged 20 files to move. So don't forget the backslash. Pressing ESC will abort the Copy process, and reset the tagged files to zero. A message will display for each file as it's copied, something like: Copying SELECTED-FILE => DESTINATION There is no confirmation requested, once you enter the destination, and press ENTER, the process begins, and goes to the end. ┌──────┐ │ MOVE │ └──────┘ Basically the same as copy, except the file(s) are deleted after it has been placed in the new destination. You should only specify a directory destination for this function, unless you are processing only one file.... then the move may work with a directory\filename, as the File Manager attempts to first RENAME the file to the new destination, only doing a copy and delete if the rename fails. If you are moving to another drive, then it will always be a copy/move operation. No confirmation requested. File Combine...is that a tractor? Grind 'em up!! FCOM 3.0 The File Combine Machine - Manual Page 15 ┌───────┐ │RENAME │ └───────┘ The File Managers Rename function is quite a bit better than the DOS rename, you can tag as many files as you wish, and then rename each one individually. Each tagged file will be presented, and you will be asked to enter the new filename. ┌───────┐ │DELETE │ └───────┘ The Delete function is the only one that will ask for confirmation, if you tell it to. Once the files have been selected, and ENTER has been pressed, the File Manager will ask you if you want to Confirm each deletion. If you answer Yes, you will be asked for permission to delete each file. If you answer No, File Manager will happily delete each and every file that was tagged. A message is displayed for each file, Deleting => FILENAME ┌─────┐ │QUIT │ └─────┘ And of course there is Quit! Returns you to FCOM. ERRORS: Whenever there is an error during one of the file processing commands, a message will display and ask for a key press. The file that generated the error is skipped. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ WHY REGISTER? ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ I should think that after reading of the limits that are applied in UnRegistered mode, that should be apparent. <smile> But you also help support the Shareware Concept, which is a great idea! When you register FCOM, you receive a key number to enter into FCOMCFG, that will place you in Full Registered Mode, no limitations and no expiration date. Along with your Registration Number you will receive a pack of utilities developed here at RaLin Software. Simple Viewer Quick Directory Change Simple Printer Printer Control Cat 'n Mouse (a game) and several more handy utilities. You will be registered for all future versions of FCOM, and will only File Combine...is that a tractor? Grind 'em up!! FCOM 3.0 The File Combine Machine - Manual Page 16 require a new registration number when we change major version numbers. 3.0 key numbers will be good for all 3.x versions. When we go to a version 4.0, 4.x etc, a new number will be required, but that will be quick and easy! ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ LOST KEY NUMBERS ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ Should you lose your registration number, and need a new one, we will generate a new number based on your information in our database. If you need a new registration number to reflect any change in company name etc, we can do that also. There will be a $5.00 charge for replacement registration numbers. Does not apply to version change. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ UPGRADING TO 3.0 ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ If you are a Registered User of earlier versions of FCOM, and have obtained this distribution archive from another source, you may obtain a Registration Number, at no charge, by filling out the Registration Form, and marking the Amount Due as UPGRADE. We will send your Registration Number via mail. If you desire the program on disk, with utilities, there is a $5.00 upgrade fee. Mark the sub-total field UPGRADE, and the total due $5.00. The latest version can always be obtained from The RaLin BBS, or File Requested via Fido Net by the magic name FCOM. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ AUTHOR CONTACT ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ I can be reached by several means. Phone: (510) 651-0253 Ask for Rand If you get my wife, or the answering machine, please leave your name, number, and a brief description of the problem, and I will get back to you ASAP! (See SUPPORT below) Net Mail: 1:161/710 -> Rand Nowell FIDO Echos: Shareware, RA_UTILS -> Rand Nowell Mail: Rand Nowell RaLin Enterprises Software 40728 Sundale Dr. Fremont, Ca. 94538 BBS: (510) 651-0253,,3322 File Combine...is that a tractor? Grind 'em up!! FCOM 3.0 The File Combine Machine - Manual Page 17 PHONE NUMBER: Our Mailer/BBS shares a voice line at the present, so connecting can sometimes be a problem. It also requires a modified dialing string. To switch to the Mailer/BBS requires that you send a 4 second pause, and a special code. The code is 3322 Most modems use a comma for a pause code, and most are set at 2 seconds per comma. Given the standard, your dialing string to connect to our system would be: 1-510-651-0253,,3322 Now, if you use a long distance call service, you may require more delay time than 4 seconds, before sending the code. The main thing is that the pause and the code should be sent after connecting to "our" number.... With a mailer: I can only tell you how to do it with Front Door, due to our number containing the commas, we cannot have our number in the nodelist, so we are listed UNPUBLISHED and PVT. You can over-ride this in FDNODE.CTL Simply enter a line as such: PHONE 1:161/710 1-510-651-0253,,3322 or whatever you end up needing to connect. Then re-compile the Nodelist. My business looks like it's going pick up, so a new dedicated line may be in store shortly. The programming certainly does not pay for the addition of such. <grin> Sorry for the gruesome phone situation, but hopefully it will be fixed soon. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ SUPPORT ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ Registered users receive full unlimited support, if I have to call you back, it will be on my dime! Unregistered users will receive help, but if I have to call, expect a collect one. See the FCOM.REG file for our Registration plans. There are two ways to receive your Registration and Utilities. Disk by Mail and FIDO File Attach. NOTE: The Fido Net file attach is an experimental procedure, if it proves to NOT be cost efficient, we will be switching to DISK only shipping. If you have any comments (good or bad) or suggestions, please use the Comments/Suggestions form attached to the Registration. Thank You! File Combine...is that a tractor? Grind 'em up!! FCOM 3.0 The File Combine Machine - Manual Page 18 ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ FCOM was compiled under Turbo Pascal ver 7.0, Borland International. with the help of TOPAZ and SAYWHAT from Software Science. LIST.COM is Copyrighted by Vernon Buerg. QEdit is Copyrighted by Semware. Thanks to all who registered the command line version of FCOM. This release has been a while in comming, but it's worth the long wait. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ END-OF-FILE FCOM.DOC ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ File Combine...is that a tractor? Grind 'em up!!