home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
High Voltage Shareware
/
high1.zip
/
high1
/
DIR4
/
TPSHW.ZIP
/
TPUSRMAN.DOC
< prev
Wrap
Text File
|
1993-10-16
|
28KB
|
603 lines
**********************************************************************
TIME-PRO (Version 1.0) Users Manual
(C) Copyright Promedia Concepts 1993
All rights reserved, programs and documentation
Developed and coded by Steven Thomas
**********************************************************************
ABOUT TIME-PRO:
TIME-PRO is an easy to use, timed program execution utility.
It allows unattended operation of almost any type of DOS program.
Simply type in the desired time (24 hr. format) to run the
program and the program's name. That's it! Unlike other "timer"
programs, TIME-PRO's "BATCH CHAINING" & "TIME-PLUS" features
(Registered Version Only) allow for complex communications, or
other custom applications with true 'round-the-clock operation!
TIME-PRO is compatible with WINDOWS and thousands of other
applications. Use TIME-PRO to put your computer to work!
**********************************************************************
TECHNICAL FEATURES OF TIME-PRO VERSION 1.0:
* Easy DOS command line usage
See the section "RUNNING TIME-PRO" for details.
* Self-synchronizing
TIME-PRO has been carefully coded to be as accurate as the host
PC's internal real-time clock. TIME-PRO is not affected by CPU
clock speed or by TIME-PRO's internal code execution time.
This is possible because TIME-PRO continuously corrects itself.
* "Wrapping" timer
TIME-PRO will automatically wrap-around to the next day if the
current time is already past the time stated in the command line.
* Uses 0K of RAM when running timed program (REGISTERED VERSION ONLY)
Using advanced programming techniques, TIME-PRO is able to tell
the PC what program to run, and then terminate and give all
available RAM to the timed software application! This ability
is what provides support for "Batch Chaining".
* "Batch Chaining" (REGISTERED VERSION ONLY)
Provides the ability to run any software or automated process
at specified intervals around the clock. Completely unattended
operation for indefinite time span. Days, months, or years!
The registered version also has an added "TIME-PLUS" feature to
aid in the development of batch chaining applications.
See the sections "BATCH CHAINING" & "TIME-PLUS" for full details.
* WINDOWS and DESQVIEW compatible
TIME-PRO has been tested and runs as a DOS program in the
background under WINDOWS and other multi-tasking environments.
**********************************************************************
USES FOR TIME-PRO:
* TIME-PRO and many communications packages can provide the
necessary tools to build a reliable network comm server.
PROCOMM PLUS, RELAY GOLD, and CROSSTALK are ideal mates for
TIME-PRO. They support script programming languages that can
provide almost endless possibilities for 'round-the-clock
unattended stand-alone or network communications.
* TIME-PRO can be used to design a "fax forwarding system".
Using a fax\modem with appropriate fax software, a computer
can accept inbound faxes, and TIME-PRO can be used to check
every 15-30 minutes for received faxes and resend fax files
to another fax number.
* Use TIME-PRO to schedule long database sort routines for
after office hours. In this way, your normally idle computers
can be working for your business even when you're not! This can
also help extend the useful life of slower computers.
* Tape backup or other system events can be scheduled to run
during a time when the system will not be disturbed to assure
successful completion.
* Banks, Trading Houses, and other businesses often have the need
to be able to upload or download time critical data from other
locations. TIME-PRO and one of the above mentioned communications
packages can provide that ability.
* TIME-PRO can be used to schedule e-mail pickups or to send
faxes and telexes at night when communication rates are less.
* Need to get out of a business meeting? Use TIME-PRO to dial
your pager number 10 minutes after the meeting starts!
You can even use TIME-PRO to give yourself a "wakeup call".
See included batch file called "DIAL.BAT".
* TIME-PRO has many uses in manufacturing and process control
environments. Repetitive, time sensitive operations can be
automated to free personnel for other tasks.
* TIME-PRO has literally MILLIONS of uses! What do you use
TIME-PRO for? Drop us a line and let us know!
* The shareware version of TIME-PRO will be suitable for many
applications as is. However, if you continue to use TIME-PRO,
you are asked to register. The registered version is required
for some of the above listed uses and for more advanced
applications. See the section "TO REGISTER TIME-PRO".
**********************************************************************
SHAREWARE IS USER SUPPORTED SOFTWARE!
HERE'S HOW USER SUPPORTED SOFTWARE WORKS:
You are encouraged to copy the programs and share them freely with
others. You have the luxury of trying out the complete programs, at
your own pace and in the luxury of your own home or workplace.
If, after trying out the programs, you decide to continue to use them,
you are trusted to register the programs with the program's author for
a nominal fee.
Why pay at all? We're glad you asked!
-----------------------------------------------------------
* You receive a CURRENT copy of the program.
* Notification of updates (and fixes, if required).
* Inexpensive upgrade offers.
* Notification of new products.
* Your input and ideas help shape future products.
* Periodic offers and "deals" (for our customers only).
* A sense of pride and ownership, in having honestly
participated in the User Supported Software revolution.
* You help to keep software prices down, by supporting a
distribution method which doesn't rely on copy protection
and expensive advertising campaigns.
So please, dive in and enjoy the fun of sharing good software legally
with your friends and associates. But please be aware of the
following restrictions, designed to protect the community of User
Supported Software users and authors, and to prevent certain greedy
people from taking unfair advantage of the trust, hard work, and good
will of User Supported Software authors:
1. No price or consideration may be charged. However, a distribution
cost may be charged for the cost of the diskette, shipping, and
handling, so long as it's not more than $9 total.
2. The files and programs on the disks can not be modified in any
way, and must always be distributed together.
3. The programs cannot be sold as part of some other more inclusive
package.
4. The programs cannot be "rented" or "leased" to others.
5. In the case of distribution via computerized bulletin boards or
through any other telecommunications link the following must be
done:
* X-Modem or some other error checking protocol must be used
* All programs (and documentation files) must be transferred
in library format. That means the files have all been
combined into one file.
FOOTNOTE: The above description of shareware is paraphrased
from Jim Button, the pioneer of shareware and the
creator of Buttonware.
**********************************************************************
TO REGISTER TIME-PRO: (Single User)
* Print the file REGISTER.DOC
* Fill it in
* Please add $2.50 S&H within U.S. (see REGISTER.DOC)
* Mail it with the registration fee of $15 to:
Promedia Concepts
24437 S. Meadowood Rd.
Crete, IL 60417
* Wait for your registered copy of TIME-PRO
to arrive in your mailbox!
SITE LICENSE AGREEMENT: (10 or more Users)
* $150 FOR SITE LICENSE
* A savings of $225 over
individually purchased copies
* 25 Registered copies included
* Allows up to 25 users at a single site
* Any order for 10 or more (up to 25) registered
copies is automatically granted a site license
unless purchase is for use at different sites
NOTE: Use of this Shareware, Purchase of Registered Software and\or
Site License, indicates acceptance of all stated terms, including
stated Disclaimer Of Warranty. For the purpose of this agreement,
"site" shall mean physical structure. Different structures on the
same property are deemed to be different sites and will each require
an additional site license (if applicable).
**********************************************************************
FILES INCLUDED IN THE SHAREWARE DISTRIBUTION FILE OR DISK:
* TP-SHW.EXE ---- Shareware version of TIME-PRO
* TPUSRMAN.DOC -- This documentation file
* REGISTER.DOC -- Registration form for TIME-PRO
* BEEP.COM ------ Use to signal events in your TIME-PRO application
* DIAL.BAT ------ Command line phone dialer for use with TIME-PRO
* NEXTTIME.BAT -- Demo file for BATCH CHAINING & TIME-PLUS features
FILES INCLUDED ON THE REGISTERED DISTRIBUTION DISK:
* TP-REG.EXE ---- Most recent registered version of TIME-PRO
* TPUSRMAN.DOC -- This documentation file
* REGISTER.DOC -- Use for more registered copies if needed
* BEEP.COM ------ Use to signal events in your TIME-PRO application
* DIAL.BAT ------ Command line phone dialer for use with TIME-PRO
* NEXTTIME.BAT -- Demo file for BATCH CHAINING & TIME-PLUS features
**********************************************************************
System requirements for running TIME-PRO:
* MS-DOS or PC-DOS operating system version 2.1 or later
* 64K of available user memory
* PC must provide real time clock (almost every PC does)
* All display types are supported: Mono, CGA, EGA, VGA
**********************************************************************
INSTALLING TIME-PRO:
Simply copy the TIME-PRO files to any directory that is listed in
the PATH statement in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. You may also make a new
subdirectory for the TIME-PRO files and add that directory name to
the PATH statement. This will ensure that TIME-PRO will run from any
drive or directory on your system. If you need more information on
the PATH statement, please see your DOS manual.
The TIME-PRO executables TP-SHW.EXE and TP-REG.EXE may be renamed as
desired and they will still work correctly.
**********************************************************************
RUNNING TIME-PRO:
IMPORTANT! - Before running TIME-PRO, please be certain that the PC's
clock is set correctly using the DOS "TIME" command.
Also be aware of the fact that most pc clocks lose several
seconds every day. For very time critical operations,
software is available from other vendors that will correct
for the drift in the pc's clock design.
To run the shareware version the syntax is:
TP-SHW HH:MM:SS filename [options, switches, etc.]
To run the registered version the syntax is:
TP-REG HH:MM:SS filename [options, switches, etc.]
OR
TP-REG HH+MM+SS filename [options, switches, etc.]
HH:MM:SS is the hour, minute, and second that the executable
program "filename" will run. Colons must be used as shown between
hours and minutes, and between minutes and seconds.
If plus "+" signs are used in place of the colons, this will invoke
the "TIME-PLUS" feature (registered version only). In this mode,
the time entered will be added to the current time and the RUN
time will be calculated and displayed. See the section "TIME-PLUS"
for more information.
If the time entered on the command line has already passed, TIME-PRO
will "wrap-around" and run the program at the time specified, but it
will run the following day! This feature is useful for cases where
you will be away from your pc the next day, but you need it to run
something while you are away.
All times must be entered in 24 hour format. If you are confused by
24 hour format, just remember to add 12 to any hour after noon.
12 hour format 24 hour format
-------------- --------------
12 am Midnight 00:00:00
1 am 01:00:00
2 am 02:00:00
3 am 03:00:00
4 am 04:00:00
5 am 05:00:00
6 am 06:00:00
7 am 07:00:00
8 am 08:00:00
9 am 09:00:00
10 am 10:00:00
11 am 11:00:00
12 pm Noon 12:00:00
1 pm 13:00:00
2 pm 14:00:00
3 pm 15:00:00
4 pm 16:00:00
5 pm 17:00:00
6 pm 18:00:00
7 pm 19:00:00
8 pm 20:00:00
9 pm 21:00:00
10 pm 22:00:00
11 pm 23:00:00
12 am Midnight 24:00:00
MIDNIGHT may be entered as 00:00:00 or as 24:00:00 (MAX TIME ENTRY).
If the program is to be run at 10 minutes after Midnight, the correct
syntax is: "TP-SHW 00:10:00 YOURPROG"
The executable "filename" to be run, plus any command line options
for that program, must not exceed 14 characters.
Example 1: "TP-SHW 24:00:00 YOURPROG /A/B" will work.
Example 2: "TP-SHW 24:00:00 YOURPROG /A/B/C" will NOT work.
|_____14_____|
To solve the problem in example 2, a batch file is needed.
Let's try a batch file we'll call TIMED.BAT
Contents of TIMED.BAT:
---------------------------------------------------------
@ECHO OFF
YOURPROG /A/B/C
-------------------------END OF FILE---------------------
With the two lines in the batch file above, the correct syntax
to fix the problem in example 2 is:
Example 3: "TP-SHW 24:00:00 TIMED"
NOTE: TIME-PRO only verifies correct command line syntax.
It will NOT verify that the program name that you entered
is a valid file name. In example 3 above, if the executable
file named "TIMED" is not in the current directory or path,
DOS will return the error message "BAD COMMAND OR FILE NAME"
when TIME-PRO attempts to run it.
**********************************************************************
THE TIME-PRO DISPLAY:
The TIME-PRO display consists of three simple sections:
The first section shows the current time ("TIME NOW"), then the time
that the program entered at the command line will run ("RUN TIME"),
and finally the difference between TIME NOW and RUN TIME is displayed
as "TIME LEFT".
The second section shows the command line that was entered at the
DOS prompt or from a batch file. This line should be checked to
assure that the correct time and filename were entered.
The third section is just a reminder of the options available while
TIME-PRO is running. The ESCAPE key will cancel TIME-PRO or the "*"
key will run the program immediately.
**********************************************************************
"BATCH CHAINING" (Registered Version Only)
NOTE: BATCH CHAINING will not work with the shareware version of TIME-PRO!
It may work the first few times, but it will eventually fail with an
"Out Of Memory" error from DOS. The shareware and registered versions
of TIME-PRO are coded and compiled very differently.
Batch Chaining is a feature of TIME-PRO that allows you to build
custom applications that will function over a period of time without
any user intervention. It is an easy concept to understand, but in
practice, it CAN get complicated. It is important to take one step at
a time, and test each step as you are developing your automated
process. With that in mind, your time involved may be minutes instead
of hours, or hours instead of days.
Batch Chaining in it's simplest form is just one batch file that runs
another batch file. While any pc can do that, it takes a program like
TIME-PRO to make this idea much more useful. In a batch chain setup,
TIME-PRO runs a batch file that performs the desired task. The last
line in that batch file restarts TIME-PRO with the name of another
batch file that will run at a later time. The batch file that runs
later can run TIME-PRO with yet another batch file and so on.
Batch chains can consist of as few as two batch files (as few as one
using the TIME-PLUS feature!) or as many as hundreds (or more)!
The number of chained batch files that you will need for your
application will depend on how many times you need your particular
task to run per day. We will use a simple example here with just two
batch files. The concept remains the same for more batch files.
Let's assume that we need an imaginary program called HEXAGON.EXE to
execute at noon and at midnight every day. We'll call the first batch
file 1200.BAT. When 1200.BAT runs at noon, HEXAGON will do it's thing,
then the last line in 1200.BAT will restart TIME-PRO with the name of
our second batch file called 2400.BAT. When 2400.BAT runs at midnight,
HEXAGON will again do it's thing, then the last line in 2400.BAT will
restart TIME-PRO with the name of our first batch file (1200.BAT).
Contents of 1200.BAT:
---------------------------------------------------------
@ECHO OFF
HEXAGON /S/W/I/T/C/H/E/S
TP-REG 24:00:00 2400
-------------------------END OF FILE---------------------
Contents of 2400.BAT:
---------------------------------------------------------
@ECHO OFF
HEXAGON /S/W/I/T/C/H/E/S
TP-REG 12:00:00 1200
-------------------------END OF FILE---------------------
For the sake of simplicity, the above two batch files are the same
except for the time and filename in the last line. In a real
environment, different batch files can run totally different programs.
Also, we could add another batch file to cycle every eight hours, or
two more batch files to cycle every six hours, etc. However, be
careful with very close cycle times such as minutes and seconds.
If the timed program over-runs the cycle interval, (takes too long),
TIME-PRO will "wrap-around" and run the program at the time specified,
but it will run the following day! Read the "TIME-PLUS" section for a
solution to this problem.
What if we wanted HEXAGON to run every ten minutes for 24 hours?
It would take 144 batch files to do that! Is there a better way?
YES! Read the "TIME-PLUS" section.
**********************************************************************
"TIME-PLUS" (Registered Version Only)
The TIME-PLUS feature was added to TIME-PRO to solve two problems.
First, in the problem posed in the BATCH CHAINING section, suppose we
want to run a program every ten minutes for 24 hours every day?
Normally, that would take 144 batch files! I don't think anybody wants
to sit around writing 144 batch files. If we use the TIME-PLUS
feature, we can do the same thing with ONE batch file!
The second, and more serious problem is (was) this:
What if the program that we want to run every ten minutes sometimes
takes six minutes to run and sometimes takes twelve minutes to run?
With standard batch chaining set at ten minute intervals, the six
minute job will run ok. The twelve minute job will run ok too, but
now we ran past our next run time by two minutes. The next time the
program runs will be sometime the following day! Not good!
No problem.
When TIME-PRO is in the TIME-PLUS mode, it functions more like an egg
timer. An egg timer doesn't care about the current time, it's alarm
just goes off after the amount of time passes that you set it for.
TIME-PLUS works the same way. It doesn't use absolute times like the
standard batch chaining mode does.
Keeping with the examples in the BATCH CHAINING section, we will use
the same basic batch file. This time we'll call the file "NEXT.BAT".
NEXT.BAT does essentially the same thing as 144 batch files using
standard batch chaining!
Contents of NEXT.BAT:
---------------------------------------------------------
@ECHO OFF
HEXAGON /S/W/I/T/C/H/E/S
TP-REG 00+10+00 NEXT
-------------------------END OF FILE---------------------
One thing to keep in mind about TIME-PLUS is that the consecutive
cycles will run after the previous cycles terminate, rather than at
an absolute time. In other words, if HEXAGON averages five minutes
run time, your true average interval will be about fifteen minutes
in the above example. For this reason, we may wish to enter five
minutes instead of ten minutes in this example.
Standard BATCH CHAINING and TIME-PLUS batch chaining each have their
own pros and cons. Standard chaining allows events to take place at
very specific, absolute times, but can become cumbersome with lots
of batch files, and risky when using close cycle intervals with widely
variable program running times. Likewise, TIME-PLUS has the simplicity
of one or a few batch files, and reliability with variable program
running times, but it lacks the ability to have specific run times.
You will have to decide which method is best for your application.
It is also possible to mix standard BATCH CHAINING with TIME-PLUS.
This method may be desirable where many close cycles are run during
the day but not at night, or vise-versa. Using this approach will
require separate batch files for every cycle so as not to get stuck
in a TIME-PLUS loop. It will also probably require lots of fine-tuning
to get this type of application to work correctly.
**********************************************************************
ERROR MESSAGES & TECHNICAL SUPPORT:
The great majority of applications that use TIME-PRO will be very
easy to set-up and trouble-shoot. For most users, reviewing the
given examples and experimenting a little will answer many questions.
Great care has been taken to ensure that TIME-PRO will run error
free under many different system configurations. However, error
messages will be displayed if errors are encountered. Most of
these error conditions can be resolved by reading the section
"RUNNING TIME-PRO" and making the needed changes.
Applications that cause DOS to issue an "Out Of Memory" error will
not work with the shareware version of TIME-PRO. You will need the
registered version to correct this problem. This is not a "bug",
but is just a limitation of the shareware version.
"Unexpected error (xx)!" is an error condition that TIME-PRO is
not able to determine the cause of. The "xx" in the parentheses will
contain a number which will help Promedia Concepts determine the cause
of the error. Press "Print Screen" when this error occurs or simply
note the number in the error message. Send this with as much
information as possible about your system (computer brand and type,
contents of AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS, DOS version etc.) to
Promedia Concepts. We will review your information, and offer
suggestions.
OR
At OUR option, patch the software to correct the problem.
We regret that we are not able to provide technical phone support.
However, we will provide the next best thing. You may contact the
author of TIME-PRO, Steve Thomas, directly on the ProMedia BBS!
Use your modem to dial (708)672-5383 (300 Baud to 14.4KB,8,N,1)
Leave a message in the TECHNICAL SUPPORT CONFERENCE and Steve will
respond to you as soon as possible.
We will also answer any written enquiries and respond by return mail.
Promedia Concepts
24437 S. Meadowood Rd.
Crete, IL 60417
NOTE: The above mentioned Technical Support is freely given but it is
NOT paid for in the registration price of this software. There is
no guarantee of the availability or the extent of ANY support.
Extensive support and custom software may be available at nominal
cost. Please contact Promedia Concepts or the ProMedia BBS for
more information.
**********************************************************************
Disclaimer Of Warranty:
TIME-PRO has been tested extensively and does work under normal PC
and DOS conditions. However, Promedia Concepts and the author of this
software provide no express or implied warranty including but not
limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose, with respect to this software and accompanying
documentation. Promedia Concepts and the author will NOT be responsible
for ANY loses or damages for ANY reason. In no event shall Promedia
Concepts or the author be liable for any damages (including but not
limited to damages for loss of hardware\software, business profits,
business interruption, or loss of business information) arising out of
the use of or inability to use this software, even if Promedia Concepts
and the author have been advised of the possibility of such damages.
No guarantees or warranties apply to the registered (or shareware)
programs or documentation. Use of this software program or information
contained in documentation is at your own risk.
Damaged or unreadable registered diskettes (media) must be returned
to Promedia Concepts for replacement.
**********************************************************************