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MyMenu
Version 2.2
(c) March, 1992
May, 1993
by
Rad Delaroderie
PO Box 1991
Columbus, Ga.
31902
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Program Requirements
********************
IBM or compatible
DOS 2.1 or later
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*******************
Contact Information
*******************
I can be contacted at the PO Box listed above, or at
* America Online (Rad IV)
* CompuServe (72540,1174)
* Columbus Connection BBS
Columbus, GA
1-706-687-7309
RAD Software Area
* DataLink Online Service
Baton Rouge, LA
1-504-774-4223
RAD Software Area
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************
Packing List
************
This MyMenu package should contain at least the following files:
{MyMenu}.Exe (The executable program file)
MyMenu.Bat (The initiating file)
MyMenu.Cfg (A configuration file)
MyMenu.Doc (This documentation file that you're reading now)
RadCat.Exe (A catalog of other available RAD Software programs)
For those who register for the latest full-featured version of MyMenu, a
convenient installation program (Install.Exe) is also included on the
floppy disk that is sent to you.
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**************************
MyMenu Program Description
**************************
Do you have a lot of programs on your computer? Do you have a lot of
standard tasks, batch files, or DOS commands that you perform on your
computer on a regular basis?
Are you a parent whose children keep fiddling with your hard disk
files, or run programs they shouldn't? Are you a LAN manager whose
workstation users keep changing the configuration or adding
unauthorized programs to their workstation? If so, then MyMenu is
definitely for you.
MyMenu conveniently organizes and maintains your programs, batch
files, and even your common DOS commands, as selections in menu boxes
that you logically arrange yourself. Once you tell MyMenu what
programs you have and how to start them, you never have to remember or
type those tedious DOS commands again. You simply select the program
(which you've put in a menu box along with other programs) and press
the <Enter> key. MyMenu completely exits itself and automatically
starts the program (or batch file, or DOS command) for you! When
you've finished with your program or task, MyMenu automatically
restarts itself, waiting for you to highlight and launch another
program or task!
MyMenu supports up to three levels of sub-menus, with nine selections
available in each menu, for up to 729 choices that you can access and
launch in just a couple of keystrokes! That's a real convenience that
saves considerable time and trouble for anyone.
Despite the powerful abilities of MyMenu, it is very friendly and easy
to learn. Aside from this manual, MyMenu also has a built-in context-
sensitive help system that is available at any time by pressing the
<F1> key. MyMenu is so intuitive, however, that even a novice user
will be an expert in just a few minutes.
There are MANY menu programs available as shareware. Most of them,
however, could have been designed much better; I think people want a
menu program that is practical, easy to use, powerful, and very
inexpensive. I think MyMenu is what people have been looking for.
This latest version of MyMenu is a significant upgrade that includes
those features that previously registered users said they wanted. A
brief update history:
v1.1
* MyMenu now supports three levels of sub-menus. You can
arrange and label the sub-menus in any manner you wish.
* MyMenu now lets you rearrange entries within a menu box by
swapping and/or moving them in any manner you wish. No more
deletions and re-entering!
* Each and every entry, whether it's a program choice or access
to a sub-menu, can now be protected by a password that is unique
to that entry only.
* All data entry fields are fully editable within fields (with
full word-processor cursoring functions, including the <Home>,
<End>, <Insert>, and <Delete> keys), and cursorable between
fields.
* No matter what part of MyMenu you're in, the bottom line of
the screen always lists all active options/buttons and what
function they perform.
v2.0
* Any changes to the data file are immediately written to disk
(in a small fraction of a second) so you never lose data even if
you unexpectedly lose power!
* MyMenu now has a built-in context-sensitive help screen system
that is available at any time by pressing the <F1> key. If
you're not sure what to do at any point, press <F1> and a help
box will pop up with the information you need regarding that
particular part of the program.
* MyMenu now has "program path" memory; that is, it remembers
all choices you make when you maneuver through the sub-menus
and/or program options-- when you return to that portion of the
program at any later time, it automatically offers that "program
path" as the default highlighted choice. You simply keep hitting
the <Enter> key over and over to get exactly where you were the
last time you were in that part of the program! If you wish to
choose a different path, simply touch the <Spacebar> to highlight
your preference. Your hands never have to leave the main part of
the keyboard, although the cursor keys are also fully and
intuitively functional and available if you wish to use them.
v2.1
* A configuration file feature has been added that provides
tremendous control over which features of MyMenu are enabled or
disabled prior to startup. This is a real boon for fathers who
have a computer that the children love to fiddle with, or a
network manager trying to keep the workstation users from
snooping around, or adding their own software without
authorization. Details on this powerful and flexible option can
be found in "MyMenu Configuration Features" later in this manual.
* A "DOS Visit" option has been added, allowing you to
temporarily visit the DOS prompt without exiting MyMenu and
immediately return to MyMenu when you're finished.
* When adding a new entry, MyMenu verifies the existence of the
Drive and Path that you entered.
* Menu cursoring keys are now much more powerful and flexible
(see "Cursoring through a Menu Box" below).
* The review version has a convenient order form available at
any time for printing out by pressing the <F10> key, and then
pressing the <Print Screen> key. The <F10> key on the registered
version of MyMenu provides an entertaining diversion.
v2.2
* The hard disk requirement has been removed.
* There is no longer a requirement that DOS's Command.Com be in
the root directory, so long as DOS's ComSpec variable correctly
points to the location of Command.Com (see your DOS manual for
details if necessary).
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MyMenu Installation
*******************
The following instructions assume that you know next to nothing about
DOS, or installing and running programs. I always try to remember
that new computer users are many, and I wish to make things as easy
and clear as possible for these new users.
*******************************
Installing a registered version
*******************************
If I sent you a registered copy of MyMenu on floppy disk, there
is a quick and easy installation program provided on the floppy
disk for your convenience. Assuming that your floppy drive is
Drive A, put the disk in your floppy drive and type the following
at the DOS prompt:
a: (Enter)
install (Enter)
Simply follow the easy instructions and all MyMenu program files
will be copied onto your hard disk, and directions will be
provided for running the program!
***************************
Installing a review version
***************************
If you've received a review version of MyMenu from a BBS or a
friend, unzip any *.Zip files and type the following at the DOS
prompt:
c: (Enter)
cd\ (Enter)
md \MyMenu (Enter)
cd \MyMenu (Enter)
If the original MyMenu files are on a floppy disk, insert that
disk into your floppy drive (for purposes of this example, let
say it's Drive A) and type the following:
copy a:\*.* c:\MyMenu (Enter)
If the original MyMenu files are already somewhere on your hard
disk, I'll assume that if you knew how to get them on your hard
disk already, you'll know how to move them to the MyMenu sub-
directory.
To start the program, type the following:
c: (Enter)
cd \MyMenu (Enter)
MyMenu
********************
VERY IMPORTANT NOTES
********************
Note that there are two files that are required for proper execution
of MyMenu:
MyMenu.Bat & {MyMenu}.Exe
MyMenu is designed to be started by typing `MyMenu' (which starts the
MyMenu.Bat batch file). You should NOT try to start the program by
typing `{MyMenu}' (which would start the {MyMenu}.Exe file). If you
do, MyMenu will advise you of the correct procedure, produce an
updated MyMenu.Bat file for you to use, and then terminate so you can
start again properly by typing `MyMenu'.
It's very important that you do NOT try to modify the last two lines
of the MyMenu.Bat file. It contains special codes that are essential
to the proper operation of MyMenu. However, if you have a version of
DOS that is earlier than 3.3, you may remove the ampersand (@) from
the `@Echo Off' statement with no resulting problems. If you insist
on experimenting with the MyMenu.Bat file and cause program problems,
simply erase it and then type {MyMenu}. MyMenu will make a new
MyMenu.Bat file for you, terminate, and let you start again properly.
Also, it's important that MyMenu.Bat and {MyMenu}.Exe be kept together
in their own sub-directory. These two files are symbiotic, and they
need to operate in their own sub-directory to avoid problems.
Finally, do NOT change the names of any of the program files, because
the program itself looks for those files by their given names during
program execution to create, modify, and delete.
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Operating MyMenu
****************
*******************
MyMenu Help Screens
*******************
MyMenu has an online context-sensitive help screen system designed to
give you the information you need anytime you need it. If you're a
new user of MyMenu and haven't yet started building your menus, MyMenu
will automatically greet you with a help screen at program startup
that provides the basic information you need to know so you can start
making menu entries.
****************************
Cursoring through a Menu Box
****************************
Each menu box contains nine slots, or rows, any or all of which can
contain program entries, or access to sub-menus. A menu box will have
a highlighted horizontal bar positioned somewhere in the box. MyMenu
provides for moving that highlight bar up and down as follows:
* The <Up> & <Dn> Arrow keys will move the highlight bar one row
at a time through each of the nine rows, whether that row is
occupied by an entry or not.
* Pressing any numerical key (1 to 9) will cause the highlight
bar to jump to the corresponding menu row, whether that row is
occupied by an entry or not.
* The <SpaceBar> key will cause the highlight bar to jump from
one existing entry to another, skipping blank rows. If there are
no entries in a box, pressing the <SpaceBar> key will result in
no action.
* Pressing any "normal character" key will cause the highlight
bar to jump to an entry whose first letter in the title matches
the key pressed. For instance, if you have an entry titled "Word
Processor" and you press the "w" key, the highlight bar will
immediately jump to that particular entry.
If the "Quick-Start" feature of MyMenu has been enabled, that
entry will be immediately executed without having to press the
<Enter> key (see "MyMenu Configuration Features" later in this
manual). If the "Quick-Start" feature has been disabled, pressing
the same letter again will cause the highlight bar to jump to the
next entry with a first letter match, if any.
Pressing a character key for which there is no matching first
letter in any of the titles will result in no action.
************
Visiting DOS
************
MyMenu provides for quick and convenient visits to the DOS
command prompt without exiting MyMenu. Just press the <F8> key,
and MyMenu will shell out to the DOS prompt where you can do
anything you wish while MyMenu waits in the background. When
you're finished, just type EXIT and MyMenu instantly flashes back
up on the screen.
******************
Adding a new entry
******************
MyMenu provides convenient menu boxes for you to list your programs
and tasks. Each menu box has nine selection rows. In each row, you
can either list a program, or create access to a sub-menu box that
pops up with nine more rows, and so on for up to three sub-menu
levels. This setup provides you with up to 729 potential entries to
create and arrange as you wish.
To create an entry in a menu box, simply place the highlight bar on an
empty row in the box (using the <Up> and <Dn> cursor keys) and press
the <Ins> key. MyMenu will then ask you if you wish to create a
program entry, or if you wish to create a sub-menu.
************************
Creating a Program Entry
************************
If you wish to create a program entry, MyMenu will pop up a form for
you to complete. The form contains the following fields:
Program Title: (Entry required)
Drive: ( " " )
Path: ( " " )
Program Name: ( " " )
Parameter(s): (Optional)
Parameter Pause: (Y or N) [Default = N]
Password: (Optional)
Post-Program Pause: (Y or N) [Default = N]
The Title, Drive, Path, and Program Name fields are mandatory. The
program name will always be a file with an extension of either .Exe,
.Com, or .Bat; however, you should not enter the extension. For
example, if the program file name is "MyMoney.Exe", you should only
enter "MyMoney" in the Program Name field.
DOS internal commands represent an exception to the above approach.
MyMenu supports all of DOS's internal commands. In this case, you may
specify any drive and path you wish, whether by whim or design. Also,
program files that can be found through your DOS Path setup are
supported in any designated drive and path, just as they would be from
the DOS command line.
MyMenu also provides a field to enter any command line parameters
associated with the program. Further, MyMenu will pause just prior to
program startup, if you wish, so you can add parameters at the last
moment, or change, or even delete any existing parameters.
If you want to restrict access to the program, you can optionally
include a password that MyMenu will require from then on before it
will run that program.
The `Post-Program Pause' item needs a little explanation: Normally,
MyMenu will start any program you want, and when that program is
finished MyMenu will automatically and immediately restart itself.
Sometimes, however, you might wish to pause after the program ends and
before MyMenu restarts. If you do, enter "y" in this field; if not,
enter "n" (the default entry).
Once you've entered the fields to your satisfaction, press the <F10>
key to save the entry. MyMenu will first check to see if you've made
entries in all of the mandatory fields. MyMoney will then verify that
the drive and path you specified actually exists. If there are any
problems, MyMenu will place the editing cursor on the problem field,
briefly explain the problem, and give you an opportunity to make the
necessary corrections. When everything is satisfactory, MyMenu will
save the entry permanently to its data file (MyMenu.Dat).
Note that MyMenu doesn't warn you if the program file name is not in
the specified drive and path. The advantage is that you can run
programs that don't exist in the drive and path you listed, but are in
sub-directories listed in your DOS Path command (If aren't familiar
with DOS's Path command, please refer to your DOS manual). The trade-
off is that MyMenu will not catch a misspelled or non-existent program
name that you thought actually was either in the specified path, or in
your DOS Path command.
*******************
Creating a Sub-Menu
*******************
If you wish to create a sub-menu entry, MyMenu will ask you what you
want to title the sub-menu (for instance- `File Management...', `Games
& Entertainment...', and so on). Hint: Note that I type three
periods after a sub-menu title; although it's not required for you to
do this, it is a very convenient visual reminder that this particular
selection accesses a sub-menu, rather than starting a program.
A password option is also available for sub-menu entries. If you
include a password, that password must be entered to see that sub-menu
from then on.
***************
Editing Entries
***************
To edit an existing entry in a menu box, simply place the highlight
bar on that entry and press the <Ins> key.
If the entry (whether it's a program or sub-menu entry) is password
protected, MyMenu will require the correct password before it lets you
change any of the information associated with the selection--
including the password field! So if you forget the password, you
can't change the password (or anything else).
*******************
Rearranging Entries
*******************
MyMenu will let you rearrange your entries in any menu box in any
manner you wish. You can easily and quickly move and/or swap entries
from any one position to any other.
To move an entry from one position to another, simply place the
highlight bar on that entry and press the <F5> key. A blinking red
arrow will then appear just inside the left edge of the menu box.
Using the <Up> and <Dn> cursor keys, locate the arrow at the position
where you want to place the highlighted entry. If the desired
position is currently empty, the highlighted entry is simply moved to
that new position. If the desired position is currently occupied by
an existing entry, the two entries are instantly swapped.
****************
Deleting Entries
****************
To delete an existing entry in a menu box, simply place the highlight
bar on that entry and press the <Del> key. MyMenu will ask you to
confirm such an important decision by pressing the "y" or "n" key to
confirm or abort the deletion.
NOTE: There is an important restriction to the above procedure. If
the entry you wish to delete accesses a sub-menu, MyMenu will first
examine that sub-menu. If there are any existing entries in that sub-
menu, MyMenu will not let you delete that sub-menu. You will first
have to go to that sub-menu and delete all existing entries before you
can delete that sub-menu. This safeguard prevents the possibility of
inadvertently (and permanently) erasing literally many dozens of
carefully thought out entries with one push of the button.
******************
Executing an Entry
******************
To start a program or access a sub-menu, simply place the highlight
bar on that entry and press the <Enter> key.
If the "Quick-Start" feature has been enabled, simply pressing the
first letter in the title will cause MyMenu to immediately find and
execute that title without having to press the <Enter> key (see
"MyMenu Configuration Features" later in this manual).
If the entry has been password protected, MyMenu will require you to
type the correct password before it will let you see the sub-menu or
launch the program. Note that passwords are case-insensitive.
If it's a sub-menu entry, MyMenu will pop up the sub-menu which
contains up to nine selections for you to browse and choose from. To
back out of the sub-menu, simply press the <Esc> key.
If it's a program entry, MyMenu will next check to see if you
previously told MyMenu to pause for parameters. If you did, an edit
box will pop up allowing you to enter parameters at that time. If
previous parameters had been specified, they will be in the edit box
when it pops up. You can add to them, change them, or delete them.
MyMenu will then exit itself and start the selected program. When
that program is finished, MyMenu will restart itself automatically so
you can choose yet another program, and so on. Those familiar with
DOS might think that MyMenu remains resident in some fashion in order
to immediately re-start itself. I assure you that MyMenu completely
exits itself when it starts a selected program, so your program will
have ALL available memory to work with. The trick is in the use of
recursive batch files.
***************
Special Feature
***************
If you have a review version of MyMenu, pressing the <F10> key will
cause an order form to pop up that you can conveniently print out with
the <Print Screen> key. If you have a registered version of MyMenu,
press the <F10> key for a pleasant and amusing diversion.
**************
Toggle Options
**************
You can toggle the following options on or off at any time as follows:
Feature Function Key
------------ ------------
Sound <F2>
Screen Saver <F3>
Quick-Start <F4>
The online help system (press the <F1> key) lists these options for
your convenience.
***************
Quitting MyMenu
***************
To completely exit MyMenu and return to the DOS prompt, press the
<Esc> key while at the Main Menu box. MyMenu will ask you to confirm
by pressing the "y" or "n" key. When you press the "y" key, MyMenu
releases itself completely from memory and returns you to the DOS
prompt.
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MyMenu Configuration Features
*****************************
For advanced users, network managers, and computer owners whose
machine suffers at the hands of curious children, spouse, etc., MyMenu
offers a modifiable configuration file that can enable or disable any
combination of all of MyMenu's basic features. All you need is a
simple Ascii text editor and the following information:
On program startup, MyMenu looks for "MyMenu.Cfg", an Ascii text file
that contains certain statements that MyMenu interprets as follows:
x second delay for screen saver (where x = 1 to 32000)
------
Sound (or No Sound) allowed to be heard
--------
Quick-Starting (or No Quick-Starting) allowed
-------
Adding (or No Adding) new entries allowed
------
Editing (or No Editing) existing entries allowed
-------
Deleting (or No Deleting) entries allowed
------
Moving (or No Moving) entries allowed
------
DOS visits (or No DOS visits) allowed (the <F8> key)
------------
DOS exit (or No DOS exit) allowed (the <Esc> key)
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Each statement will selectively enable or disable the referenced
MyMenu feature, depending on the wording. For instance, if the fourth
line above reads "No editing existing entries allowed", then MyMenu
will not let anyone edit any of the existing entries in MyMenu!
The above listed statements can be in any order. Also, MyMenu
searches only for those parts of the above listed statements that are
underlined (such as `No Edit'), and only then will MyMenu disable that
particular program feature. There are several implications of this:
1. If MyMenu.Cfg doesn't exist, all of the features are
enabled. The screen saver will default to a 3 minute delay.
2. If any one or more of the above listed statements are not
present in MyMenu.Cfg, or are not worded properly, then that
omitted or mis-phrased feature will be enabled.
3. You can phrase any of the above listed statements in any
manner you wish within the following limits:
a. Each statement must be on a single line by itself.
b. The Screen Saver statement must begin with a
number between 1 and 32000, and contain the word
`second'.
c. The statements must contain, at minimum, the
underlined part of the phrase in order to disable
that feature. For example, to disable the
deleting function of MyMenu, a statement must
exist in MyMenu.Cfg on a line by itself that says,
at minimum:
No Del
However, the above statement could, if you wish,
be as verbose as follows:
No deletions of any entries are to be allowed!
Either way, MyMenu will disable the deletion
function.
NOTE: The `No DOS Exit' feature can be circumvented by pressing
the <Esc> key at the Main Menu, and then pressing the
<Cntrl><End> key combination. The existence of this
"secret back door" should be revealed at the registrant's
discretion.
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*******************
MyMenu Registration
*******************
If you find that you are using the review version of MyMenu
regularly, you can register for the latest full-featured version of
MyMenu as follows:
Personal Use: $15 Public Agency: $35 Multi-Site/
Non-Profit Group: $25 Private Business: $45 Network: +$5/CPU
Make sure to specify the name of the person, group, agency, or
business to whom MyMenu is registered. Also, make sure to specify the
program name, version number, and the size floppy disk needed. (In the
review version of this program, you can press the <F10> key and then
press the <PrntScrn> key to print out a convenient order form, or you
can use the order form in the accompanying RadCat.Exe catalog file.)
Finally, if this is the review version, you are encouraged to freely
distribute copies of this program for others to review. However,
please make sure to include all the files originally included in this
package.
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End of MyMenu.Doc File
