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Software Vault: The Gold Collection
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Software Vault - The Gold Collection (American Databankers) (1993).ISO
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MANUAL.TXT
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1993-06-10
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+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
The line above should be centered and one-inch below the top of form.
- THE EZ-DEX MANUAL TEXT FOLLOWS -
+------------------------------+
| tm |
| EZ-DEX |
| |
| EASY ADDRESS INDEX |
| |
| Copyright 1993 |
| |
| HFK Software |
| Sixty-Eight Wells Road |
| Lincoln, MA 01773 |
| |
| 617-259-0059 |
| |
+------------------------------+
Revised 6-2-93
T A B L E o f C O N T E N T S
INTRODUCTION 1
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS 1
INSTALLATION 2
TSR LOADING 2
TRIGGERING EZ-DEX 3
INSERTING A NEW ADDRESS 3
AUTO-TYPING AN ADDRESS 4
DELETING AN ADDRESS 4
CHANGING AN ADDRESS 4
SPECIAL SITUATIONS 5
ENVELOPE PRINTING 5
LABEL PRINTING 6
PHONE DIALING 6
ADDRESS LIST PRINTING 8
EZ-DEX REGISTRATION 8
APPENDIX-A -- LIST FILE FORMAT 9
APPENDIX-B -- SPECIAL OPERATIONS 10
APPENDIX-C -- SPECIAL INTERFACE 11
APPENDIX-D -- BATCH-MENU SAMPLE 12
QUICK REFERENCE CARD 13
REGISTRATION FORM 14
-- I N T R O D U C T I O N --
EZ-DEX, the EASY ADDRESS INDEX, provides a means of quickly
fetching an address and auto-typing it into the currently
running word processor, or other application program. EZ-DEX
can also print labels and envelopes as well as dial phone
numbers for you. EZ-DEX does all this with a minimum of
keystrokes and takes only a fraction of a second.
If you are typing an address and you think that you'll need
to type it again sometime, letting EZ-DEX remember it for you
will save effort and improve accuracy every time that address
need be typed.
EZ-DEX works with your word processor by popping up a window
over the center of its text display. The following pop-up is
the result of "triggering" EZ-DEX and striking the "B" key
and then the "A" key.
+--------------------------------------------------+
| EZ-DEX for BILL PETERSON |
| +----------------------------------------------+ |
| | Baker, Mr. John | |
| | Little Systems | |
| | 345 King Street | |
| | Littleton, MA 01460 | |
| | | |
| +----------------------------------------------+ |
| BA___ A-Z 0-1 | | <-- INS +C +D |
+--------------------------------------------------+
After striking sufficient text and arrow keys to zero in on
the desired address, simply striking the ENTER key restores
your display, resumes the execution of your word processor,
and synthesizes the keystrokes necessary to effect typing the
entire address block -- hands off.
-- S Y S T E M R E Q U I R E M E N T S --
EZ-DEX requires about 10K bytes of RAM, and runs under DOS
Version-3 or later on an IBM PC or equivalent computer.
EZ-DEX responds to triggers when the display is in 80 by 25
text mode as with WordPerfect and many other text oriented
programs.
EZ-DEX works with both hard disk systems and diskette-only
systems. However, since much disk I/O is necessary, a hard
disk is recommended.
-1-
-- I N S T A L L A T I O N --
EZ-DEX installation is easy. Just copy the EZ-DEX.COM file
from your EZ-DEX diskette onto your system disk.
-- T S R L O A D I N G --
EZ-DEX is a resident extension of DOS (a TSR) that remains in
memory to provide service while other programs are running.
EZ-DEX is loaded into memory via an
EZ-DEX <trigger> [<color>]
command line either entered in response to the DOS prompt or
from your AUTOEXEC or other batch file. (Additional command
line parameters are described in the ENVELOPE PRINTING, LABEL
PRINTING and PHONE DIALING sections.)
Note: Optional command line parameters are shown enclosed in
square brackets. Hence, <trigger> is required but <color> is
not.
<trigger> is specified as a combination of two shift key
names joined by a plus sign. Use "CTRL+ALT" for the CTRL and
the ALT keys held together, "LEFT+RIGHT" for both case shift
keys, "CTRL+LEFT" for the CTRL and the left case shift key,
etc. This trigger key combination (sometimes called a
"hot key" combination) is used to trigger EZ-DEX into action.
<color> is optional, and when specified, overrides the
default pop-up colors of white text on a red background.
This color specification consists of a text color, a plus
sign, and a background color. EZ-DEX accepts RED, GREEN,
BLUE, CYAN, MAGENTA, YELLOW, BLACK and WHITE as colors.
Entering "EZ-DEX CTRL+ALT WHITE+GREEN" loads the EZ-DEX TSR
with the CTRL and ALT keys set for triggering and the pop-up
colors set to white text on a green background.
Attempting to load EZ-DEX again does nothing unless
"EZ-DEX UNLOAD" is entered, in which case the TSR is removed
from memory and EZ-DEX may then be reloaded. The ability to
unload the EZ-DEX TSR provides flexibility for special cases.
Normally EZ-DEX is loaded once via a line in the AUTOEXEC
batch file and is never unloaded. If you must unload a TSR,
be sure to follow the convention of unloading TSRs in reverse
order (last loaded, first unloaded).
-2-
As you read, you might wish to try the exercises that follow.
If so, copy EZ-DEX.COM onto your system disk and initiate
EZ-DEX via the two following DOS commands. Often EZ-DEX.COM
resides in the \DOS directory, but you may copy it to any
directory.
C:>COPY A:EZ-DEX.COM C:\DOS
C:>\DOS\EZ-DEX CTRL+ALT
Address list file "C:\EZ-DEX.LST" cannot be found.
Do you wish to create an address list file? (Y/N) _
Respond by striking the "Y" key to create a new address list
file in the root directory of the current drive.
-- T R I G G E R I N G E Z - D E X --
Once EZ-DEX has been loaded, it may be triggered into action
by depressing both trigger shift keys momentarily and then
releasing them.
Triggering EZ-DEX interrupts the execution of the running
program so that EZ-DEX may operate.
Keystrokes following a trigger are intercepted by the TSR
until an ENTER or an ESCAPE key is struck. These keystrokes
direct EZ-DEX to use and maintain your address list.
When finished (ENTER or ESCAPE keyed), the display screen is
restored and the execution of the interrupted program is
resumed.
EXERCISE 1 -- Trigger EZ-DEX by holding CTRL+ALT momentarily.
Examine the lower portion of the pop-up. Note that the five
character area at the left is used to show the current
accumulation of command keystrokes with all currently valid
command keys shown at the right. A letter preceded by a dot
represents a CTRL shifted letter key (e.g., CTRL+C for Change
and CTRL+D for Delete). Now, assume that you have triggered
EZ-DEX by mistake and strike ESCAPE to back out.
-- I N S E R T I N G A N E W A D D R E S S --
To insert a new address: (1) trigger EZ-DEX, (2) strike the
INS key in response to the pop-up, (3) type the address into
the pop-up window, and (4) strike the INS key again.
-3-
The first address line should be in last-comma-first format
(Smith, Jane Alice) but, as you'd expect, will be auto-typed
in first-last format (Jane Alice Smith). See the SPECIAL
SITUATIONS section for additional information.
When inserting an address, TEXT characters strike over any
existing text, the four ARROW keys move the cursor up down
right and left, and the ENTER key moves the cursor to the
beginning of the next line.
EXERCISE 2 -- Insert several actual addresses. Don't be
overly concerned with accuracy, corrections can be made
later. Also, insert an address beginning with "DELETE THIS"
and another beginning with "CHANGE THIS" for use later. Your
address list will grow with time. See Appendix-A if you wish
to convert existing address text files.
-- A U T O - T Y P I N G A N A D D R E S S --
To auto-type an address: (1) start your text oriented word
processor (e.g., WordPerfect) and begin an edit, (2) trigger
EZ-DEX, (3) strike the first few characters of a last name
and/or use the up and down arrow keys to zero in on the
desired address, and (4) strike the ENTER key to resume word
processing with the auto-keying of the selected address.
EXERCISE 3 -- Begin an edit and command EZ-DEX to auto-type a
few addresses for real letters. Easy to learn? Easy to use?
EZ-DEX is a great helper!
-- D E L E T I N G A N A D D R E S S --
To delete an address: (1) trigger EZ-DEX, (2) select the
address, and (3) strike CTRL+D twice -- once to command
deletion and once to confirm it.
EXERCISE 4 -- Delete the "DELETE THIS" address from your
list.
-- C H A N G I N G A N A D D R E S S --
To change an address: (1) trigger EZ-DEX, (2) select the
address, (3) strike CTRL+C, (4) change the address text as
needed, and (5) strike CTRL+C again to complete the change.
-4-
EXERCISE 5-- Change the "CHANGE THIS" address and correct any
other known mistakes.
-- S P E C I A L S I T U A T I O N S --
Names exist in the list file in last-comma-first format and
are auto-typed in first-last format. For most personal
names, this is fine; however, some personal and company names
contain commas that are not last/first dividers.
To provide the control you need in these special situations,
EZ-DEX recognizes the vertical bar character as an override
name divider. Whenever a vertical bar exists in the first
line of an address, as in the following two examples, the
vertical bar is used to divide the name, and commas are
treated as normal name text characters.
LIST FILE FORMAT AUTO-TYPED INPUT
(1) National Widgit Co., Inc.| National Widgit Co., Inc.
(2) Smith, Ph.D.|Howard C. Howard C. Smith, Ph.D.
Vertical bars in the remainder of an address are converted to
ENTER keystrokes. This is useful for complex address blocks
that require additional lines.
-- E N V E L O P E P R I N T I N G --
Often an envelope is printed by a word processor along with a
letter. In this case, EZ-DEX is used to auto-type the
address in two places within the document and the actual
printing is performed by the word processor. However, when
you just want to address an envelope, it is easier to let
EZ-DEX print it. That is, it is not necessary to start your
word processor and begin an edit just to print an address on
an envelope.
To enable envelope printing, include the following command
line option when loading EZ-DEX.
ENV:(<top>,<left>,<size>)
<top> specifies the top margin as -20 to +100 blank lines
before the first address line is printed.
-5-
<left> specifies the left margin as 0-160 spaces before the
first address character of each line is printed.
<size> specifies the form size as 0-100 lines. This param-
eter is used to advance the envelope free of the printer when
printing is completed. A form size of zero, is used for page
oriented printers (e.g., laser printers) and causes the
entire page to be ejected.
Sample command line: EZ-DEX CTRL+ALT ENV:(5,40,20)
Striking CTRL+E will print the address currently in the pop-
up window onto the envelope in LPT1.
-- L A B E L P R I N T I N G --
EZ-DEX will print labels just as it prints envelopes, the
only reason for a separate function is that envelope and
label dimensions often differ.
To enable label printing, include the following command line
option when loading EZ-DEX.
LAB:(<top>,<left>,<size>)
Sample commands: EZ-DEX CTRL+ALT LAB:(4,10,12)
EZ-DEX CTRL+ALT LAB:(4,10,12) ENV:(5,40,20)
Striking CTRL+L will print the address currently in the pop-
up window onto the label in LPT1.
-- P H O N E D I A L I N G --
EZ-DEX can dial phone numbers for you if you have a Hayes
compatible modem on a serial port.
To enable phone dialing, include the following command line
options when loading EZ-DEX.
COMn [ROTARY]
COMn is "COM1" through "COM4" and "ROTARY" is included only
for rotary phone systems.
Sample command lines: EZ-DEX CTRL+ALT COM1
EZ-DEX CTRL+ALT COM2 ROTARY
EZ-DEX CTRL+ALT COM2 LAB:(4,10,12)
-6-
EZ-DEX assumes that the serial port is ready to transmit data
to the modem. Sometimes a MODE command is necessary to
initialize a modem's port (e.g., MODE COM2:1200,N,8,1). See
your modem documentation for details.
If the bottom (fifth) line of an address block begins with an
asterisk, that line is considered to be a phone number and is
NOT auto-typed. To auto-dial the phone number, just type an
asterisk and pick up your phone handset.
+--------------------------------------------------+
| EZ-DEX for BILL PETERSON |
| +----------------------------------------------+ |
| | HFK Software | |
| | 68 Wells Road | |
| | Lincoln, MA 01773 | |
| | | |
| | *617-259-0059 | |
| +----------------------------------------------+ |
| HF___ A-Z 0-1 | | * <-- INS +C +D |
+--------------------------------------------------+
The characters following the asterisk are transmitted to the
modem (preceded by an ATDT or ATDP). That is, EZ-DEX dials
the number exactly as listed. If a "1" and/or an area code
are needed, they must be included in the address list entry.
SPACEs and HYPHENs may be included for readability and are
ignored by the modem.
A comma causes the modem to pause and is useful in getting
through some PBXs (e.g., *9,617-259-0059). See your modem
manual for details.
-7-
-- A D D R E S S L I S T P R I N T I N G --
You may print your address list data in three formats by
entering one of three following commands at the DOS prompt.
EZ-DEX PRINT ADDRESSES [PAUSE]
EZ-DEX PRINT ADDRESSES BORDER [PAUSE]
EZ-DEX PRINT PHONES [PAUSE]
The first command, PRINT ADDRESSES, prints eight addresses
per page on a 5-1/2 by 8-1/2 inch daily planner page such as
a SUPER TRAX 8A form.
The second command PRINT ADDRESSES BORDER, prints eight
addresses per page on an 8-1/2 by 11 inch blank form with
borders delimiting a 5-1/2 by 8-1/2 page. This makes it easy
to trim the listing to fit your daily planner.
The third command, PRINT PHONES, prints only names (top
lines) and phone numbers (bottom lines) for address entries
with phone numbers (bottom line beginning with an asterisk).
The optional PAUSE with each command causes the printer to
pause after each page to allow hand feeding of single sheets.
-- E Z - D E X R E G I S T R A T I O N --
EZ-DEX is a complete package that is provided as SHAREWARE.
Enjoy getting to know EZ-DEX and understanding the benefits
it provides.
Feel free to make copies for your friends and co-workers.
When you put EZ-DEX to practical use, a $20 registration fee
is due. A convenient registration form is included. Please
be sure to include a phone number so that we may contact you
if an order processing question arises.
When you register, you will receive a new diskette containing
a copy of EZ-DEX that displays your personal name instead of
"UNREGISTERED USER."
Note: This offer is subject to change without notice.
-8-
E Z - D E X A P P E N D I X - A
L I S T F I L E F O R M A T
The following technical information is provided for those who
wish to create or maintain their address list using other
programs.
EZ-DEX's addresses are maintained in an ASCII file named
EZ-DEX.LST that resides in the root directory of the drive
that is current when the TSR is loaded (e.g., C:\EZ-DEX.LST).
If this file is created or edited by another program the
following specifications must be honored.
1. Each address record consists of five 44-character lines
terminated by a CR/LF (230 bytes per record).
2. The addresses are alphabetically sequenced by the text of
the first line.
3. The last address record is followed by an END-OF-LIST
record which is of the same format as address records, but
begins with a left brace ({).
-9-
E Z - D E X A P P E N D I X - B
S P E C I A L F U N C T I O N S
The following technical information is for those who wish to
apply special control to the operation of EZ-DEX. This is
not required for its standard operation.
A command of "EZ-DEX DISABLE" prevents triggering. The TSR
remains resident but is prevented from responding. A command
of "EZ-DEX ENABLE" allows triggering and normal operation.
These two commands may be used (normally within a batch file)
to prevent EZ-DEX operation during a critical period, e.g.,
when formatting a disk.
A command of "EZ-DEX TRIGGER" simulates an EZ-DEX trigger and
is not inhibited by EZ-DEX DISABLE. This is useful when you
wish to trigger EZ-DEX from a batch file (see Appendix-D).
-10-
E Z - D E X A P P E N D I X - C
S P E C I A L I N T E R F A C E
The following technical information is for programmers who
wish to DISABLE, ENABLE and/or TRIGGER, EZ-DEX via the BIOS.
Each operation is effected via an INT-16 with AH=204 and AL
set to 1, 2, or 3 to specify DISABLE, ENABLE or TRIGGER.
MOV AX,52225 ;Disable EZ-DEX.
INT 16h
CMP AX,"EZ"
JNE NO_TSR
MOV AX,52226 ;Enable EZ-DEX.
INT 16h
CMP AX,"EZ"
JNE NO_TSR
MOV AX,52227 ;Trigger EZ-DEX.
INT 16h
CMP AX,"EZ"
JNE NO_TSR
If the EZ-DEX TSR is resident, the operation is performed and
control is returned with AX set to the ASCII codes for "EZ"
to indicate a successful completion.
-11-
E Z - D E X A P P E N D I X - D
B A T C H - M E N U S A M P L E
BATCH-MENU is a product that allows branching within a batch
stream via menu presentations and user selections. It is a
powerful tool for system administrators who wish to organize
and simplify the use of a personal computer.
BATCH-MENU operates as a part of the file system and locks
out EZ-DEX during a menu presentation. Therefore it is not
possible to trigger EZ-DEX via the keyboard while a main menu
is displayed. If you use EZ-DEX to print envelopes or labels
or to dial phone numbers you'll want to do so during the main
menu display when keyboard triggering is not possible. The
"EZ-DEX TRIGGER" special function makes it possible.
The following sample batch file provides an EZ-DEX main menu
selection (choice #3) and prevents EZ-DEX operations during
formatting.
@ECHO OFF
BAT-MENU SETUP DMC=BLUE+WHITE MOUSE_OFF
:MAIN_MENU
IF EXIST {T}{MAIN_MENU} (menu title)
IF EXIST {C}{Word_Processor} (choice #1)
IF EXIST {C}{Spreadsheet} (choice #2)
IF EXIST {C}{EZ-DEX_AutoType_&_AutoDial} (choice #3)
IF EXIST {C}{Format_Drive-D} (choice #4)
:SELECT
IF EXIST {S}{DMC} (selection)
IF EXIST {B}{Word_Pr} GOTO :WP (branch)
IF EXIST {B}{Spread} GOTO :SS (branch)
IF EXIST {B}{EZ} GOTO :EZ-DEX (branch)
IF EXIST {B}{Format} GOTO :FORMAT (branch)
GOTO :END (ESC struck)
:EZ-DEX
EZ-DEX TRIGGER
GOTO :SELECT
:FORMAT
EZ-DEX DISABLE
BAT-MENU KEYIN {1C0D}LABEL TEXT{1C0D}N{1C0D}
FORMAT D:/V
EZ-DEX ENABLE
GOTO :SELECT
-12-
-- Q U I C K R E F E R E N C E C A R D --
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
| |
| DOS (or BATCH) EZ-DEX COMMANDS |
| |
| To LOAD the EZ-DEX TSR: |
| EZ-DEX <trigger> [<color>] [<env>] [<lab>] [<dial>] |
| <trigger> -- CTRL+ALT, LEFT+RIGHT, LEFT+CTRL, etc. |
| <color> -- <text color>+<background color> |
| <env> -- ENV:(<top><left><size>) |
| <lab> -- LAB:(<top><left><size>) |
| <dial> -- COMn [ROTARY] |
| |
| To print an ADDRESS LIST: |
| EZ-DEX PRINT ADDRESSES [BORDER] [PAUSE] |
| |
| To print a PHONE LIST: |
| EZ-DEX PRINT PHONES [PAUSE] |
| |
| To UNLOAD the EZ-DEX TSR: |
| EZ-DEX UNLOAD |
| |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
| |
| BACKGROUND (TSR) EZ-DEX COMMANDS |
| |
| To AUTO-TYPE an ADDRESS: |
| <trigger> <beginning of name> <ENTER> |
| |
| To AUTO-DIAL a PHONE NUMBER: |
| <trigger> <beginning of name> <ASTERISK> |
| |
| To INSERT a NEW ADDRESS: |
| <trigger> <INS> <address text lines> <INS> |
| |
| To CHANGE an ADDRESS: |
| <trigger> <beginning of name> <CTRL+C> <changes> <CTRL+C> |
| |
| To DELETE an ADDRESS: |
| <trigger> <beginning of name> <CTRL+D> <CTRL+D> |
| |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
-13-
-- E Z - D E X R E G I S T R A T I O N F O R M --
+-OWNER'S-NAME-(in-place-of-UNREGISTERED-USER):----------------------------+
| (10-35 characters)|
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+
+-MasterCard-or-VISA-account,-check,-or-P.O.-number:----+ +-Expiration:----+
| | | |
+-------------------------------------------------------+ +----------------+
+-Signature-if-credit-card-order:---+ +-Phone-number:---+ Diskette: __
| ($20)| | | 3-1/2 inch |__|
+-----------------------------------+ +-----------------+ 5-1/4 inch |__|
--(fold-back-here)--------------(first-fold)--------------(fold-back-here)--
+-------+
From: ________________________________ | place |
| stamp |
________________________________ | here |
+-------+
________________________________
To: +------------------------------+
| |
| HFK Software |
| 68 Wells Road |
| Lincoln, MA 01773-3702 |
| |
+------------------------------+
--(fold-back-here)--------------(second-fold)-------------(fold-back-here)--
This form may be:
(1) folded and placed in a standard business window envelope;
(2) folded, taped, stamped, and mailed without an envelope; or
(3) FAXed to HFK Software at 617-259-0626.
Be sure to include a shipping address (return address above).
Phone orders via: 617-259-0059
