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STILL RIVER SHELL
BOB HOWARD
P.O. BOX 57, STILL RIVER, MA 01467
617-456-3699
RE: Version 1.33
The enclosed program (SR.EXE) and documentation (SR.DOC) are for
version 1.33 of the Still River Shell user supported software.
If you have the prior version of the shell, please replace any
old copies of the shell or its documentation with version 1.33.
If this is your first copy of the shell, the following is a brief
summary of the Still River Shell.
The STILL RIVER SHELL is a powerful PC-DOS system utility
providing an efficient and simple environment for file and
directory management as well as a high performance command
interface to DOS. The Still River Shell is an invaluable tool
for all PC-DOS users from novice to professional:
- Eliminate almost all command and filename typing.
- Keep a stack of 20 of your prior DOS commands for instant
recall, WP type command line edit and execution.
- Turn your directory into a menu you scroll through,
selecting items for use in command execution.
- Copy, move, delete and list files and directories with
single keystroke command selection as well as automatic
generation of command, file and directory names on your
command line.
- See realtime file, directory and disk information as you
execute commands.
- Locate files easily anywhere on your system.
- Display graphically directory tree structures.
- View the contents of a file.
- Sort files by name, extension, size or date.
- Protect against accidentally copying onto existing files.
- Backup large directories onto multiple diskettes.
- Define your own extensions to the Shell's command set.
- 1 -
The Still River Shell runs on the IBM PC, XT & AT or true
compatibles under PC-DOS or MS-DOS versions 2.n and 3.n; occupies
a minimum of 76K.
RELEASE 1.33 CHANGES:
- Supports Color.
- Changes the file list presentation to maintain a full screen
of files when deleting and moving files.
- SORT execution automatically returns to the LIST
presentation.
- ATTR option in FIND now defaults to (ON).
- The ATTR option in FIND now works like the SORT criteria and
remains in effect until reset.
- The Function Key directory parameter (%3) now has a slash
(\) appended to it unless the directory is the root
directory. As a result, the directory parameter can be
combined in batch files with the Function Key file name
parameters (%4 and %5) without checking for a root directory
condition or inserting a slash (\). For example: if the
current directory is (\CURRENT\WK2) on drive (C:) and the
<selected_file> is (FILE1.ABC), the following command line
is passed to DOS when Function_Key <F6> is entered:
SRF6 C:\CURRENT\WK2\*.* C: \CURRENT\WK2\ FILE1 ABC
If the file SRF6.BAT is defined as:
MYEDITOR %2:%3%4.%5
then following command is generated:
MYEDITOR C:\CURRENT\WK2\FILE1.ABC
Thank you for your interest in the Still River Shell.
Sincerely,
Bob Howard
Still River Shell
User and Reference Guide
Abridged Diskette Version 1.33
May 22, 1986
(c) Copyright Bob Howard 1986
All rights reserved.
Still River Shell
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 License 3
1.1 Bearer License 3
1.2 User Support 3
1.3 Acknowledgments 3
Chapter 2 User Guide 4
2.1 The Still River Shell 4
2.2 Optional Performance Consideration 5
2.3 Futures 5
2.4 Note of Caution 5
2.5 Demonstration Session 7
2.5.1 Set Up 7
2.5.2 Initial Screen 8
2.5.3 Sample Operations 8
Chapter 3 Reference Guide: Command Summary 12
3.1 CHDIR 13
3.2 COPY 14
3.3 DELETE 16
3.4 FIND 17
3.5 INFO 18
3.6 LIST 19
3.7 MOVE 21
3.8 OPTIONS 23
3.9 RENAME 25
3.10 SORT 26
3.11 TREE 27
3.12 VIEW 28
3.13 WRITE 29
3.14 XDOS 30
3.15 <function_key> 32
Chapter 4 User Guide: Still River Shell Techniques 34
4.1 High Performance Option 34
4.2 Second Operand Selection 34
4.3 Restoring the Screen 35
4.4 Media Replacement 35
4.4.1 Insufficient Space 36
4.4.2 Change of System Default Drive Media 36
Still River Shell
4.5 Backup a Directory 36
4.6 Restore a Directory 37
4.7 Rename a Directory 37
4.8 Command <function_key> Usage 38
4.8.1 Print a File 38
4.8.2 Edit a File 39
4.8.3 Execute a File 39
4.8.4 Transmit a File 39
4.8.5 Backup the Set 39
4.8.6 Shell Help 40
4.8.7 FIND List <function_key> 40
4.8.8 Command Key Definition Standards 40
4.9 Saving and Using Shell File Lists 40
4.10 Hints For Using Hard Disks 41
4.10.1 Shared Logic Directory 41
4.10.2 Prevent Accidental Formatting 42
4.10.3 Improve Hard Disk Performance 42
4.11 Memory Usage 43
4.11.1 Nested Shell Calls 43
4.11.2 Out of Memory - Command Response 44
4.11.3 Memory Cost 45
Chapter 5 Reference Guide: Command Usage 46
5.1 Usage 46
5.1.1 Command Syntax 46
5.1.2 Command Window 46
5.1.3 Command Set 46
5.1.4 Command Selection 46
5.1.5 Command Edit 47
5.1.6 Command Execution 48
5.1.7 Command Response 48
5.1.8 Command Object Set 48
5.1.9 Command Extensions 48
5.1.9.1 Query 48
5.1.9.2 Media Replacement 49
5.1.9.3 Target File Protection 49
5.1.10 User Defined Commands 49
Chapter 6 Reference Guide: Window Definitions 51
6.1 Initial Command Selection Presentation 51
6.1.1 Set List Window 51
6.1.2 Data Window 51
Still River Shell
6.1.3 Command Window 52
6.2 FIND Presentation 53
6.2.1 Set List Window 53
6.2.2 Data Window 53
6.2.3 Command Window 54
6.3 TREE Presentation 54
6.3.1 Set List Window 54
6.3.2 Data Window 55
6.3.3 Command Window 56
6.4 Object Set List Window 56
Chapter 7 Reference Guide: Message Summary 57
7.1 Shell Informational Messages 57
7.2 Query Messages 59
Chapter 8 A Little Design Philosophy 61
Index
Still River Shell License
Chapter 1
License
1.1 Bearer License
This abridged documentation is intended for diskette distribution
with the Still River Shell program. You may copy and distribute
this documentation as long as you make no change to the document
or charge a fee beyond media and handling ($9 Max). See the INFO
command in the shell program for information about obtaining the
printed, unabridged documentation and the latest version of the
program.
1.2 User Support
If you use the shell, please help underwrite the cost of its
development by sending us a small contribution. See the shell's
INFO command to find out how to make a contribution which
entitles you to program update notices and a credit towards
orders of future versions. Your support now will help us
continue our work and make future releases possible.
1.3 Acknowledgments
Thanks to all who helped including the Boston Computer Society's
PC Technical Group which supplied many of our Beta Testers and
much needed encouragement. Almost all of the program was written
using Lattice C. The documentation was prepared using The
FinalWord word processor.
- 3 -
Still River Shell License
Corporate Site License Form
Still River Shell
Under this license, you may copy and use, on an unlimited number
of systems, the Still River Shell software and diskette based
documentation at the site specified below. You will be sent one
copy of the current version of the software and printed manual as
well as all System Updates of the Still River Shell for the next
two years at no additional cost. License cost is $350.
NAME______________________________________________________DATE________________
COMPANY_______________________________________________________________________
STREET________________________________________________________________________
CITY________________________________________ST_____________ZIP________________
TELEPHONE_____________________________________________________________________
METHOD OF PAYMENT - $350 (US)
M/C OR VISA_____________________________________________ EXP DATE___________
NAME as appears on charge card________________________________________________
CHECK ENCLOSED________ COD (US only__)_____ COMPANY PO_________
(MA residents add 5%)
MAIL TO: BOB HOWARD, PO BOX 57, STILL RIVER, MA 01467
or
CALL 617-456-3699
Still River Shell Introduction
Chapter 2
User Guide
2.1 The Still River Shell
The Still River Shell presents an enhanced MS/PC-DOS environment.
The shell allows the DOS user much greater efficiency than the
standard DOS interface affords. Typical DOS functions of
executing, finding, copying, moving, deleting and listing of
files and directories can be done with significantly fewer key
strokes when using the Still River Shell; recursive operations
produce even greater efficiencies. And the shell provides a
natural, intuitive interface which makes using DOS both more fun
and more productive.
You save a lot of work and time using the Still River Shell
through the substantial elimination of command and operand
typing. The shell allows you to use directly system information,
such as file and directory lists, without having to copy the data
from the screen and reenter it on your command line. You can
select common commands without typing them. You can recall, edit
and reenter DOS commands from the shell's prior DOS command
stack. A powerful feature allows you to define your own
extensions to the Still River Shell's command set. The Shell's
full screen, real time presentation makes it an ideal system
interface for mass storage systems such as the IBM/XT and
IBM/AT.
We could go on about the virtues of the shell, as we did in an
earlier version of this document, but the best way to find out
about the shell is to use it. The shell is designed to grow on
you; you can use the shell productively right away while you
learn about its other features. You may find it helpful to
follow along during the demonstration session and to review
briefly the commands in the reference guide.
We hope you like the Still River Shell as much as we do.
Remember, it is now your program too! Help support the Shell by
sending your comments and contribution (see the INFO command).
Thank you for your interest and support.
- 4 -
Still River Shell Introduction
2.2 Optional Performance Consideration
The shell's performance, as well as that of many other programs,
is much improved by instructing PC-DOS to keep a pool of IO
Buffers numbering 14 or so. These buffers, used by DOS to speed
up disk reads, are allocated by PC-DOS at "boot" time either by
default or as specified in the CONFIG.SYS file.
Either edit an existing CONFIG.SYS file or, if there is none,
create a new one. The CONFIG.SYS file should be in the root
directory (\). The CONFIG.SYS should read in part:
BUFFERS=14
If you prepare that file now, we can BOOT under our new
configuration. If you do not wish to do it now, try to remember
to do it later.
2.3 Futures
For every published work there comes a time when you have to say:
"It's done" or at least "Version 1 is done". When, after two
years of design and development, that time came for the Still
River Shell, some of what we intended was not there. We hope to
add, with your support, additional functions in the future.
How the Shell develops in the future depends a great deal on the
experiences and wishes of you, the shell user and supporter.
Suggestions accompanied by contributions will be accorded the
attention they deserve! In fact, it is you, the shell user, who
will decide if there will be any future releases of the shell.
We can not continue our work without your support.
2.4 Note of Caution
The Still River Shell is a powerful system utility and you should
take care when using it. While the shell has had significant
design work to help insure proper operation as well as extensive
- 5 -
Still River Shell Introduction
ALPHA and BETA testing to insure its proper execution, the shell,
like all programs, can fail, or a user, like all users, can err.
Operation of the shell is at the user's risk.
- 6 -
Still River Shell Introduction
2.5 Demonstration Session
2.5.1 Set Up
Please prepare a diskette with only the Still River Shell
(SR.EXE) on it; we will use this diskette as our practice area.
Mount the diskette on Drive A.
Now, select the system default drive and a directory with at
least 25 files, the more the better, as the current default
directory. You may do this when you start the shell by
specifying:
?>A:SR C:\MYDIR
start the shell (A:SR)
select system default drive (C:)
select system current directory (\MYDIR)
- 7 -
Still River Shell Demonstration Session
2.5.2 Initial Screen
When the shell starts, it presents the initial screen.
As you can see, there are three main areas, or windows, on the
initial screen:
=================================
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| SET | DATA |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
=================================
| COMMAND |
=================================
- Set List Window on the left is used to list the selected set
of files and directories, <selected_set>.
- Data Window on the right contains summary information about
the <default_drive>, <selected_directory> and <selected_set>
or other context sensitive data.
- Command Window at the bottom of the screen is used to select
and to enter commands as well as to receive responses and
obtain help.
2.5.3 Sample Operations
Now that you have the shell started, try the following shell
operations:
To copy a file from the <selected_set> to the practice diskette,
perform the following steps:
1. You select a command by entering the letter, upper or lower
case, equal to the upper case letter in the command name.
In the case of COPY, <C>. The <selected_command> and the
<selected_file> appear on the command input line in the
Command Window.
2. Move the file <selector> with the <UP/DOWN CURSOR> keys to
the file you wish to copy. Note: that the first operand on
- 8 -
Still River Shell Demonstration Session
the command line changes as you move the <selector>.
3. Enter the <to_file> operand, in this case, <A:>
4. Enter <CR> to execute the command.
To copy another file to A:,
1. Move the file <selector> to the file you wish to copy.
2. Enter <CR> to execute the copy.
To copy some but not all files with a particular extension, e.a.
<.BAT>:
1. Enter <ESC> to return to command selection.
2. Enter <S> to select sort.
3. Enter <E> to sort by extension.
4. (skip this step v1.33)
5. Enter <C> to select copy.
6. Move the file <selector> to the first file with the desired
extension.
7. Enter <A:> to set <to_file>.
8. Enter <CR> to execute the copy.
9. Move to the file <selector> to the next file to be copied.
10. Enter <CR> to execute the copy.
11. Repeat the last two steps until each file you wish to copy
is copied.
To edit the command line to copy all files of a specific
extension, e.a. <.BAT>
1. Position the command line cursor at the first letter of the
<from_file> in the command text. For example:
COPY LAST.BAT A:
^
2. Delete the first part of the filename by entering <DEL>
until the <from_file> is deleted up to the period changing
<LAST.BAT> to <.BAT>.
- 9 -
Still River Shell Demonstration Session
3. Enter <*> so the command line reads <COPY *.BAT A:>.
4. Enter <CR> to execute the copy. Note: the copy command
places a list of the files copied in the Set List Window.
5. Enter <ESC> to return to command selection.
To List a new current directory:
1. Enter <L> to select LIST function.
2. Enter <directory_name>.
3. Enter <CR> to execute the change directory and list all
files in the new directory.
To enter and execute a PC-DOS command:
1. Enter <X> to select the EXECUTE DOS command presentation.
2. Enter <DIR *.*><CR> to execute command under DOS.
3. Enter <DATE><CR> to execute command under DOS.
4. Respond to DATE with <CR>.
To recall your prior DOS commands:
1. Enter the <UP CURSOR> twice. You should see the DATE
command and then the DIR command.
2. Move the cursor to the first <*> and delete <*.*> with
<DEL>.
3. Replace the deleted operand with the <selected_file> by
entering <INS>.
4. Enter <CR> to execute the edited command line.
5. Enter <ESC> to return to command selection.
To delete some of the files on a:
1. Enter <L> to select the LIST function.
2. Enter <A:> to select a new DOS default drive to A
3. Enter <CR> to change <default_drive>, list all files on
<drive a:>'s current directory.
4. Move the file <selector> to the first file to be deleted.
- 10 -
Still River Shell Demonstration Session
5. Enter <D> to select the delete command.
6. Enter <CR> to delete the file.
7. Move the file <selector> to the next file you wish to
delete.
8. Enter <CR> to delete the file.
9. Enter <ESC> to return to command selection.
You are on your way! Try the TREE command next, it gives a nice
visual presentation of your directory structure as well as
allowing you to MAKE, REMOVE or LIST directories. Try all the
commands. Watch out for DELETE and MOVE; they can delete files
you may miss.
- 11 -
Still River Shell Command Summary
Chapter 3
Reference Guide: Command Summary
The following is a summary of the Still River Shell commands.
- 12 -
Still River Shell CHDIR
3.1 CHDIR
Command CHDIR
Function To change the current directory under the shell,
use the LIST command or the LIST subcommand of
the TREE command.
Operand 1
Operation
Options
- 13 -
Still River Shell COPY
3.2 COPY
Command COPY <from_file_set> [<to_file_set>] [/Q]<CR>
Function The COPY command copies the entire contents of
the <from_file> creating a new <to_file>.
Operand 1 <from_file_set> Any standard DOS file
specification
[<drive>:][\][<directory>\][<file_name>].
Operand 2 <to_file_set> Any standard DOS file specification
or blank.
Operation COPY FILEA FILEB
Copies FILEA to FILEB in the current directory.
COPY *.ASM \SAVE
Copies all files in the current directory with an
<.ASM> extension to the <\SAVE> directory.
Should there be no more room on the target disk,
the copy prompts:
^ insufficient space; retry on new disk? (y/n)
If you change the disk and enter <Y>, the COPY
will resume copying the <file_set> starting with
the complete file that did not fit on the prior
media. You may use as many media as you need to
complete the <file_set> COPY.
If you wish to concatenate files, use the DOS
COPY command.
1
Options Option (1) Write on existing files
----------
1. See the OPTION Command
- 14 -
Still River Shell COPY
Option (3) or </Q> Query on multiple operations.
- 15 -
Still River Shell DELETE
3.3 DELETE
Command DELETE <file_set> [/Q]<CR>
Function The DELETE command deletes all files in the
<file_set> specification.
Operand 1 <file_set> Any standard DOS file specification
[<drive>:][\][<directory>\][<file_name>].
Operation DELETE *.ASM
Deletes files in the current directory with an
<.ASM> extension. When a wild card, <*> or <?>,
is used in the file name, the set of deleted
files is presented in the Set Window.
DELETE <selected_file>
Deletes the highlighted, <selected_file> in the
current set window. After the <selected_file> is
deleted, an adjacent file is selected as the new
<selected_file> in both the Set Window and the
command line.
Options Option (3) or </Q> Query on multiple operations.
- 16 -
Still River Shell FIND
3.4 FIND
Command FIND <file_set><CR>
Function The FIND command creates an ordered list
(<drive>\<dir>\<file_name>) of all files within
the <file_set>.
Operand 1 <file_set> Any standard DOS file specification
[<drive>:][\][<directory>\][<file_name>]. NOTE:
Drive and directories can be specified with a
wild card <?> or <*>.
Operation FIND FILEA.BAT
Lists any FILEA.BAT in any directory on the
current drive.
FIND C:*.*
Finds all files in all directories on disk <C:>.
FIND \DIR4\*.bat
Finds all <.BAT> files in directory \DIR4.
FIND \DIRX\*\*.BAT
Finds all <.BAT> files in any subdirectory of the
<DIRX> directory.
FIND \*\CMD\*.BAT
Finds all <.BAT> files in a <CMD> subdirectory of
any parent directory.
FIND *:*.*
Finds all files on all drives from a to z.
Options None.
- 17 -
Still River Shell INFO
3.5 INFO
Command INFO
Function The INFO command displays license information
including our address, suggested contribution,
credits and how to order the latest versions of
the Still River Shell program and unabridged
documentation.
Operand 1 None.
Operation Strike any key to see next page.
Options None.
- 18 -
Still River Shell Commands
User Guide: Other Still River Commands
LIST The LIST command presents an ordered list of
files and subdirectories from a
<selected_directory> based on the <file_set>
specification. In addition, the LIST command can
change the system's default drive and current
directory to a specified drive or directory. The
<selected_directory> always becomes the system
current directory when the LIST command
executes.
MOVE The MOVE command establishes the entire contents
of the <from_file> under the identity of a new
<to_file> name and deletes the <from_file>.
OPTIONS The OPTIONS command shows and sets the values of
shell system options.
SORT The SORT command sorts the current <file_set>
list and determines LIST sort criteria.
TREE The TREE command displays both the parent and
subdirectory structure of the
<selected_directory>. In addition, you may
"move" up and down the directory structure as
well as LIST, MAKE or REMOVE a directory.
VIEW The VIEW command displays the contents of a file
in character format.
WRITE The WRITE command copies the <selected_file_set>
list, created by the LIST or FIND commands, to
the <to_file>.
XDOS The XDOS (execute DOS) command allows you to
execute commands under DOS from the shell
including prior command recall and full command
line edit.
<Fn> The <function_key> executes a command line under
DOS including the state of the shell as
parameters.
(Details included in unabridged, printed documentation only)
- 19 -
Still River Shell Shell Techniques
Chapter 4
User Guide: Still River Shell Techniques
(Included in unabridged, printed documentation only)
- 34 -
Still River Shell Command Usage
Chapter 5
Reference Guide: Command Usage
(Included in unabridged, printed documentation only)
- 46 -
Still River Shell Window Definitions
Chapter 6
Reference Guide: Window Definitions
(Included in unabridged, printed documentation only)
- 51 -
Still River Shell Message Summary
Chapter 7
Reference Guide: Message Summary
(Included in unabridged, printed documentation only)
- 57 -
Still River Shell Design Philosophy
Chapter 8
A Little Design Philosophy
(Included in unabridged, printed documentation only)
- 61 -
Still River Shell
Index
/Q 24
<ALT> 32
<BACK SPACE> 47
<case>, <Fn> 32
<CR> 9, 47
<CTRL> 32
<CTRL>+<BACK SPACE> 47
<CTRL>+<K> 47
<default_drive> 8
<DEL> 47
<END> 47
<ESC> 9, 30, 47
<Fn> 32
<function_key> 32, 38
<function_key>, FIND 40
<function_key>, LIST 38
<HOME> 47
<INS> 47
<LEFT/RIGHT CURSOR> 46, 47
<object_set> 48
<object_set>, window 56
<PGDN> 47
<PGUP> 47
<selected_command> 8
<selected_directory> 19
<selected_file> 8
<selected_set> 8
<selector> 51
<SHIFT> 32
<UP/DOWN CURSOR> 10, 47
ATTR (attribute) 54
BACKUP 36
BUFFERS= 5
CHDIR 13
Command Line, edit 9, 47
Command Window 8
Command Window, FIND 54
Command Window, LIST 52
Command Window, TREE 56
Command, <function_key> 38
Command, <object_set> 48
Command, extensions 48
Command, key definition 40
Command, line clear 47
Command, query 48
Command, response 48
Still River Shell
Command, selection 46, 51
Command, set 46
Command, summary 12
Command, syntax 46
Command, user defined 49
Command, window 46
CONFIG.SYS 5
COPY 8, 9, 14
COPY, directory backup 36
COPY, directory restore 37
COPY, file concatenation 14
COPY, insufficient memory 44
Data Window 8
Data Window, FIND 53
Data Window, LIST 51
Data Window, TREE 55
DELETE 10, 16
DELETE, insufficient memory 44
Demonstration Session 7
Directory, backup 36
Directory, rename 37
Directory, restore 37
Disk, performance 5, 42
Diskette, replacement 35, 49
DOS Command Interface 30
File, edit 39
File, execute 39
File, print 38
File, protection 49
File, transmit 39
FinalWord 3
FIND 17
FIND, <function_key> 40
FIND, insufficient memory 44
FIND, windows 53
formatting 42
Futures 5
Help 40
INFO 18
insufficient space 49
Lattice C 3
License 3
LIST 10, 19
List Window 8
LIST, <function_key> 38
List, saving 40
LIST, subcommand of TREE 27
LIST, windows 51
MAKE 27, 37
media replacement 49
Memory 43
Memory, out of 44
Messages, informational 57
Still River Shell
Messages, query 59
MOVE 21, 34, 37
MOVE, insufficient memory 44
Nesting Calls 43
OPTIONS 23
PATH 31
PC-DOS 4
Printed Documentation 3
Printed Documentation, order 18
Query 48
REMOVE 27
RENAME 25
RENAME, directory 37
Sample Operations 8
Screen, restore 35
Second Operand, selection 34
Set List Window 51
Set List Window, FIND 53
Set List Window, LIST 51
Set List Window, TREE 54
shared logic 41
Shell Screen, organization 8
Shell, performance 5
SORT 26
SR.EXE 7
Starting the Shell 7
TREE 11, 27, 37
TREE, windows 54
UP/DOWN CURSOR 30
Update Notice 3
User Support 3
VIEW 28, 35
Window, FIND 53
Window, initial 51
Windows 8, 51
Windows, LIST 51
Windows, TREE 54
WRITE 29
XDOS 10, 30, 35
- 61 -
