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1987-02-07
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1/4/87
This is the result of a very quick study of three hard disk menu programs I
downloaded from this BBS. My time has been very limited so far, so I would
welcome any additions or corrections to this discussion. I just recently
installed a hard disk, which is what prompted me to review these programs.
However, time prevents me from doing a more detailed analysis for a couple
months.
The following table summarizes some pertinent facts that I have gathered so
far; I'm sure the list is not complete, but it is a start. I'm not even sure
at this point what information is important, and what isn't. Again, please
feel free to add to this information.
Program: Automenu Bestmenu Hard Disk Mgr II
abbreviations: AM BM HDM
Version: 3.01 1.20 4.04
Memory usage (bytes):
While in use(1): 17,824 26,320 64
After exiting to DOS -0- -0- 3,488
# Menus(2) 8 10 10
# Items/menu: 8 10 10
Sub-menu capability? yes yes yes
Requested donation: $30 $35 $15
Notes:
(1) This was computed by doing Chkdsk before involking the given program. Then
I set up a chkdsk selection in the menu and compared the new free memory
with the first.
(2) All three have the ability to handle additional menus by using new files.
However, for those who need lots of sub-menus, with room for lots of
items for selection, Bestmenu is your best choice. It does a very nice job
of jumping to sub-menus, nested up to 6 deep--the documentation claims
that it will give over mone million possible selections. It is also very
easy to set up. Automenu is just about as nice. HDM allows additional menu
files, but not nearly as nice as AM or BM.
Comments:
I've only recently gone up to 640K, so I still tend to be somewhat of a
memory miser. AM and BM definitely use more memory. HDM does remain resident
after exiting, which allows the user to simple enter "EXIT" at the DOS prompt
to get back to the HDM Menu--very nice for people who might accidently get to
DOS and not know what to do.
Some have used Automenu for quite a while and recommended it. The only
thing I caught with the little I've used it for was that it takes a little
extra effort to set up the required MDFs. Other than that, it does the job
very nicely.
I was very impressed with BM, apparently a newcomer. Very classy screens,
very fast, and very easy to learn. It includes its own editor for setting up
the menu files. But one can also use one's own editor, if more comfortable,
but I'm not sure I would bother, since theirs does the job very nicely. The
nested directories are very easy to set up and work with, and again, the
screen handling of them is very nicely done (I only have a monochrome; and I
bet their color screens are very impressive). By the way, the user can easily
set up the colors desired for various menus. One more positive point: their
$35 includes not only a 100-page User's Guide, but a 25-page tutorial, and a
200 page illustrated book called "The Wizard of DOS." One thing I didn't like
about BM was their method of enticing users to register. After every menu
selection, a screen comes up reminding you of the benefits of registering and
then sends a dancing face across the screen, and waits for any key to
continue. This whole process slows you down by at least 5-10 seconds, although
when you're in a hurry, it seems a lot longer.
Finaly, HDM. HDM's major drawback is it's handling of additional menus if
10 is not enough. There are a couple of ways to go about it, but basically
it's just not as nice as either AM or BM. Nevertheless, HDM is very easy to
use; allows quick additions, deletions, copying & moving of menu items without
going to an editor or special maintenance program. Commands are not all the
different from Lotus Macro commands. And don't forget that it seems to use
much less memory.
What did I choose? HDM, for now. Since I'm new to the hard disk, and my
time is limited for the next couple months, I need something simple. I also
want to actually use the program regularly for a couple weeks before
registering. I'm also somewhat miserly with my memory, although I may get over
that. HDM did best in the memory category, and was also very easy to use.
However, if it weren't for the 5-second dancing face, I'd be using BM for the
next few weeks to give that a try. After a couple weeks, if I haven't found
anything to stump me on HDM, I may switch to Automenu to give that a try.
Then, if I have the patience, I'll give BM a try. I should also admit that I
was so impressed with BM that I'm tempted to spend the $35 to have a
registered copy to work with. If anything doesn't work out to my liking with
the first two, I certainly wouldn't hesitate.
I hope these opinions are useful to someone. Please feel free to add your
comments to this file, or call me and I'll be glad to add them for you.
Vernon Keszler (701-293-4755 daytime, or 293-0546)
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