TopWare 18: Liquid/Image.iso/liquid/top1061/manual.doc

Text File | 1993-04-20 | 21.8 KB | 582 lines

            ╔══════════════════════════════════════╗
            ║       MDModes (TM) Version 1.0       ║
            ║       MDCheck (TM) Version 1.0       ║
            ║       MDFix   (TM) Version 1.0       ║
            ║       MDSet   (TM) Version 1.0       ║
            ║       MDHi    (TM) Version 1.0       ║
            ║       MDRows  (TM) Version 1.0       ║
            ║       MD43    (TM) Version 1.0       ║
            ║                                      ║
            ║    Copyright(c) 1993 by John Owen    ║
            ║                                      ║
            ║         All Rights Reserved          ║
            ╚══════════════════════════════════════╝

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

        THIS SOFTWARE AND MANUAL ARE SOLD "AS IS" AND WITHOUT
        WARRANTIES AS TO PERFORMANCE OF MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY
        OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED.  BECAUSE
        OF THE VARIOUS HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE ENVIRONMENTS INTO
        WHICH THIS PROGRAM MAY BE PUT, NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR
        A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IS OFFERED.  GOOD DATA PROCESSING
        PROCEDURE DICTATES THAT ANY PROGRAM BE THOROUGHLY TESTED
        WITH NON-CRITICAL DATA BEFORE RELYING ON IT.  THE USER
        MUST ASSUME THE ENTIRE RISK OF USING THE PROGRAM.  ANY
        LIABILITY OF THE SELLER WILL BE LIMITED EXCLUSIVELY TO
        PRODUCT REPLACEMENT OR REFUND OF PURCHASE PRICE.

Thanks for trying MDModes (TM) Version 1.0.

DESCRIPTION-

MDMode(TM) is a collection of six video mode utilities. MDcheck one of
the six, is a video graphic display system diagnostic program. It checks
and tests the entire display system, and reports all information. Along
with the tests each mode is set and tested, so the screens detailing
available text and graphic modes are specific to your system. If you
own an SVGA system you may be suprised at the number of modes available.
I was unaware of some of them before starting this project. MDFix is
a handy utility that transparently resets the video defaults without
having to reboot. MDSet and MDRows are command line utilities used
to set available modes transparently. MDHi sets the highest available
standard graphic mode. Md43 is a VGA utility used to set mode 3 to
43 rows.

I wrote MDCheck in the spirit of the other five utilities, as opposed
to burdening it with a lot of frills. The result is a small, fast and
easy to operate program. I decided that it was unecessary to load this
type of program up with pop up menus, mouse support etc. Instead you
get a thorough check of your system in seconds.


MDMode (TM) includes the following:

MDCheck.EXE    A video mode diagnostic program. Reports everything
               you would ever need or want to know about your computer's
               video graphic system and capabilities.

MDFix.EXE      Automatically and transparently resets your system to the
               default (boot up) graphic mode without re-booting.

MDSet.EXE      Sets your system to any available mode that you select
               from the command line.

MDHi.EXE       Automatically and transparently sets your system to the
               highest available standard graphic mode.

MDRows.EXE     Sets the number of rows of text in any of the CGA or MONO
               standard text modes from the command line.

MD43.EXE       Sets VGA monitors to 43 rows of text in mode 3 standard
               color text mode no command line argument necessary.


FAST START-

If you prefer to get started right away, and learn as you go, simply
copy all of the associated files to a single directory that is included
on your path(so they will be accessible throughout your computer). If
you are unsure of how to do this, copy them to your root or dos
directory. The programs are all self explanatory, and any command line
arguments required will be posted if you type the program name without
them.
The files you will need to copy are:

  Disk Files:
              MDCheck.EXE   - Video graphics diagnostic program
              MDFix.EXE     - Utility to reset video graphic defalts
              MDSet.EXE     - Utility to set any available mode
              MDHi.EXE      - Utility to set highest standard graphics
              MDRows.EXE    - Utility to set # of rows of text
              MD43.EXE      - Utility to set 43 row text on VGA
              MANUAL.DOC    - Contains information on using the disk
              REGISTER.DOC  - Form for registering MDMode
              VENDOR.DOC    - Information file for vendors
              READ1ST.DOC   - Fast start and registration information



DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE

Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software
before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue
using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs
differ on details -- some request registration while others
require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With
registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue
using the software to an updated program with printed manual.

Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software,
and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific
exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished
programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are
of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs
and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of
distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy
and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a
specific group. For example, some authors require written
permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their
Shareware.

Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You
should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook,
whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes
fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy.
And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware
has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the
product, you don't pay for it.

DISCLAIMER - AGREEMENT

Users of MDMode (TM) the MD utilities must accept this disclaimer of
warranty: "MDMode (TM) Version 1.0 is supplied as is.
The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including,
without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness
for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for damages, direct or
consequential, which may result from the use of the MDMode (TM) Version
1.0 utilities (MDCheck (TM), MDFix (TM), MDSet (TM), MDHi (TM),
MDRows(TM) and MD43 (TM)).


REGISTRATION BENEFITS -

As a registered user you will receive a registered copy of the Latest
Version without the shareware reminder screens, a Printed Manual,
Telephone Support, and Upgrade Discounts.




MDMode (TM) is a "shareware program" and is provided at no
charge to the user for evaluation.  Feel free to share it with your
friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of another
system.  The essence of "user-supported" software is to provide personal
computer users with quality software without high prices, and yet to
provide incentive for programmers to continue to develop new products.
If you find this program useful and find that you are using MDMode (TM)
and continue to use MDMode (TM) after a reasonable trial period, you must
make a registration payment of $25.00 plus $2.00 P&H (US and CANADA) or
$4.00 P&H (OVERSEAS)to Owen Associates.

The $25.00 registration fee will license one copy for use on any one
computer at any one time.  You must treat this software just like a book.
An example is that this software may be used by any number of people and
may be freely moved from one computer location to another, so long as
there is no possibility of it being used at one location while it's being
used at another. Just as a book cannot be read by two different persons
at the same time.

Commercial users of MDMode (TM) must register and pay for their copies of
MDMode (TM) within 30 days of first use or their license is withdrawn.
Site-License arrangements may be made by contacting:
OWEN ASSOCIATES
PO Box 307
New Milford,CT 06776
Voice phone (203) 350 - 2194
or
CIS Email to John Owen 71613,3027

Anyone distributing MDMode (TM) for any kind of remuneration must first
contact OWEN ASSOCIATES at the address above for authorization. This
authorization will be automatically granted to distributors recognized
by the (ASP) as adhering to its guidelines for shareware distributors,
and such distributors may begin offering MDMode (TM) immediately
(However OWEN ASSOCIATES must still be advised so that the distributor
can be kept up-to-date with the latest version of MDMode (TM).).

You are encouraged to pass a copy of MDMode (TM) along to your friends
for evaluation.  Please encourage them to register their copy if they
find that they can use it.  All registered users will receive a copy of
the latest version of MDMode (TM) (without the shareware evaluation
exit screens) a printed Manual, notice of future upgrades, and special
offers on other software by Owen Associates.





TO REGISTER

To obtain your REGISTERED copy of the LATEST VERSION of MDModes (TM):
Send a check or money order $27.00 (USA and CANADA) $29.00 (OVERSEAS),
($25.00 plus P&H) to:

OWEN ASSOCIATES
PO Box 307
New Milford, CT 06776
USA

Please type or print clearly your name, address, and disk size(3 1/2
or 5 1/4).
Or print the form in REGISTER.DOC.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
CREDIT CARD ORDERS ONLY -

You can order with MC, Visa, Amex, or Discover from Public (software)
Library by calling 800-2424-PsL or 713-524-6394 or by FAX to 713-524-6398
or by CIS Email to 71355,470. You can also mail credit card orders to PsL
at P.O.Box 35705, Houston, TX 77235-5705. Refer to product #10836,
MDMode (TM), and specify disk size (3 1/2 or 5 1/4).

THE ABOVE NUMBERS ARE FOR ORDERS ONLY.

Any questions about the status of the shipment of the order, refunds,
registration options, product details, technical support, volume discounts,
dealer pricing, site licenses, etc, must be directed to:

Owen Associates
PO Box 307
New Milford, CT 06776
USA

Voice phone (203) 350 - 2194
or
CIS Email to John Owen 71613,3027

"To insure that you get the latest version, PsL will notify us the day of
your order and we will ship the product directly to you."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------









-GETTING STARTED-

MDMode (TM) Ver. 1.0 does not need to be installed to operate. You may
simply copy all of the associated files to a directory in your path.
Once you have copied the files to a directory, just type the root name
of any utility at the prompt to run it (ie MDCHECK, MDFIX, MDSET, MDHI
or MD43).

If you choose to create a directory for the MDMode utilities you will
need to include it on your path. This will enable you to run the
utilities from other directories within the system. Following is an
example of how to do this.
First to create a directory type MKDIR C:\MDMODE at the c prompt to
create a directory named MDMODE. Next copy the files into the new
directory. To copy them from the A drive type COPY A:\*.* C:\MDMODE
and press the enter key. This will copy all of the files to the new
MDMODE directory. To add this directory to the PATH you must open
the file named AUTOEXEC.BAT with a text editor. You should see a line
similar to the one below:

PATH C:\DOS;C:\WINDOWS;C:\WINWORD;

Simply add your new directory to the end like this:

PATH C:\DOS;C:\WINDOWS;C:\WINWORD;C:\MDMODE;

If there isn't a PATH statement in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file add the
following line and save the file.

PATH C:\DOS;C:\MDMODE;

Now you are ready to make full use of the MDMODE utilities. Of course
you may run them from a floppy if you wish, but putting them in the
path makes them more accessable.

Following is an overview of each MDMODE utility:




MDCHECK

MDCheck is a video system diagnostic program. MDCheck will investigate
the entire graphic display system on your computer and report the
findings. The first screen you will see when you run MDCheck will report
on the components of the system, and the mode in which you entered the
program. It will look someting like this:

                     MDCheck Version 1.0
               Copyright (c) 1993 by John Owen

Current Mode Info:

Number of pixels on X axis: 720
Number of pixels on Y axis: 400
Number of text columns available: 80
Number of text rows available: 25
Number of actual colors: 16
Number of available video pages: 8
Video mode at start-up: (3) CGA/VGA/EGA Text 80 col x 25 row 16 color
Active display adapter: (8) VGA
Active display monitor: (24) Anolog with Color and Mono modes
Adapter video memory in K bytes: 1024

Press any key to continue Video Mode Diagnostics (ESC to quit)

Press any key to see a screen reporting all of the graphic modes
available in your system. When you press a key the screen will blank,
you may hear a few clicks as the screen blinks. This is MDCheck testing
all of the modes (graphic and text) available according to your systems
configuration. MDCheck doesn't simply report the modes that should be
available to the installed adapter and monitor, it sets and checks each
mode to verify functionallity. A typical screen for a SVGA system should
look something like this (depending on the exact configuration):






GRAPHIC MODES:

Mode 98: SVGA 1024 x 768  256 color
Mode 97: SVGA  768 x 1024  16 color
Mode 96: SVGA 1024 x 768    4 color
Mode 95: SVGA 1024 x 768   16 color
Mode 94: SVGA  800 x 600  256 color
Mode 93: SVGA  640 x 480  256 color
Mode 92: SVGA  640 x 400  256 color
Mode 91: SVGA  800 x 600   16 color
Mode 19: VGA   320 x 200  256 color
Mode 18: VGA   640 x 480   16 color
Mode 17: VGA   640 x 480   BW
Mode 16: EGA   640 x 350   16 color
Mode 15: EGA   640 x 350   BW
Mode 14: EGA   640 x 200   16 color
Mode 13: EGA   320 x 200   16 color
Mode  6: CGA   640 x 200   BW
Mode  5: CGA   320 x 200   4 grey
Mode  4: CGA   320 x 200   4 color
F1 to select a Mode and exit. Any other key to view Text Modes.

If you press F1 you will be prompted to enter a mode number. Example
type 98 and you will exit MDCheck in the SVGA 1024 x 768  256 color
mode. Pressing any other key will bring you to the Text modes screen.
A typical screen for a SVGA system should look something like this
(depending on the exact configuration):

TEXT MODES:

Mode 90: SVGA  Text 1188 x 480  16 color 9x8  char
Mode 89: SVGA  Text 1188 x 473  16 color 9x11 char
Mode 88: SVGA  Text 1188 x 480  16 color 9x16 char
Mode 87: SVGA  Text 1188 x 350  16 color 9x14 char
Mode 86: SVGA  Text 1056 x 480  16 color 8x8  char
Mode 85: SVGA  Text 1056 x 473  16 color 8x11 char
Mode 84: SVGA  Text 1056 x 480  16 color 8x16 char
Mode 83: SVGA  Text 1056 x 350  16 color 8x14 char
Mode 82: SVGA  Text  640 x 480  16 color 8x8  char
Mode 81: SVGA  Text  640 x 473  16 color 8x11 char
Mode 80: SVGA  Text  640 x 480  16 color 8x16 char
Mode  7: MONO  Text 80 col  BW
Mode  3: CGA/EGA/VGA   Text 80 col  16/8 color
Mode  2: CGA/EGA/VGA   Text 80 col  16 gray
Mode  1: CGA/EGA/VGA   Text 40 col  16/8 color
Mode  0: CGA/EGA/VGA   Text 40 col  16 grey
F1 to select a Mode and exit. Any other key to exit in current mode.

Again F1 will prompt you to enter a number for a mode, or any other
key will exit in the current mode.


MDFIX

MDFix is a utility that sets the system to the default video. It is
particularly useful when you run programs that don't reset the video
defaults on exit. If you have ever used a program that leaves your
screen looking strange(small type, blocks of color or no cursor),
just type MDFIX and the system resets the video defaults. You may want
to run "guilty" programs from a batch file to make the reset automatic.
Example:

You have a program named BADMODE.EXE that leaves your screen a mess
when you exit.

In a text editor type the following:

BADMODE
MDFIX

and save it as BADMODE.BAT

now when you type BADMODE from the directory containing the program
the batch file loads the program, and when you exit it runs MDFix.
MDFix is also handy to use in combination with the other MD utilities
as will be covered under each utility description.

MDSET

MDSet is a utility that sets the video to any desired mode that is
supported by your system. It expects the desired mode as a command
line argument. Example: MDSET 18 will set the system to VGA 640 x480
16 color. All of the codes can be found in MDCheck, or in the appendix
of this manual. If you type MDSET without an argument it will post a
message describing the expected argument. MDSet may also be used in a
batch file together with MDFix to set and reset the modes for use with
other programs.
Example:
to load a program named MYDRAW.EXE in mode 19 (VGA 320 x 200 256 color)

in a text editor type the following

MDSET 19
MYDRAW
MDFIX

and save it as MYDRAW.BAT
now when you type MYDRAW in the directory cotaining the program MDSet
sets the mode to 19, MYDRAW is run, and then MDFix resets the video
defaults returning you screen to normal. With the Shareware Evaluation
Copy, you will see the shareware screens in between, just press any
key when prompted. The registered version operates transparently.


MDHI

MDHi is a utility that will automatically set the system to the highest
supported standard graphic mode. These are CGA mode 4, HGC mode 8, EGA
mode 16 or 14 (depends on memory), VGA mode 18 and MCGA mode 19. See
MDSet for instructions on using it in a batch file with MDFix.


MDROWS

MDRows is a utility used to set the number of rows in text modes. It
requires two command line arguments, the mode and the number of rows.
If you enter MDROWS without the arguments it will post a message that
describes the expected arguments. For example MDROWS 3 43 will give
you the same result as MD43 on a VGA monitor. You might want to
experiment with this to see what is supported on your system. See
MDSet for instructions on creating a batch file.
Example:

To use MDRows to run a text editor in 43 row mode 3 create the following
batch file.

MDROWS 3 43
EDIT
MDFIX
save it as ED.BAT







MD43

MD43 is a utility used to set 43 rows text mode 3 on a VGA monitor.
It expects no arguments so it can be used in place of MDRows if you
don't want to look up the mode and row numbers. Example:

To use MD43 to run a text editor in 43 row mode create the following
batch file.

MD43
EDIT
MDFIX
save it as ED.BAT



COMING SOON-

I am currently working on a system diagnostic program similar to
MDCheck, but for the entire system. I intentionally left out the
bells and whistles on MDCheck to make it smaller and faster. While
most of my other software projects include all of the trimmings,I
felt it unecessary to burden a program of this type with pop up
menus, mouse support and the like. I haven't yet decided whether to
add the trim or not on the full diagnostic program. If you have any
interest in the full system diagnostics, drop me a note to let me
know if you prefer a fancy GUI or a small fast and simple program.

Thank you for trying MDMode (TM) Version 1.0. Please pass it along.

John Owen
Owen Associates
PO Box 307
New Milford,CT 06776
USA
Voice phone (203) 350 - 2194
or
CIS Email to John Owen 71613,3027


Registered users receive the LATEST UPGRADE upon registration.
Registered users will be kept informed as new products are released.
Registered users will also be offered significant discounts on new
products, as well as upgrades on most registered products for only ten
dollars. As a registered user you will also recieve printed manual.
Registered software does not contain the shareware warning screens.



APPENDIX

SUPPORTED MODES:

Mode 98: SVGA 1024 x 768  256 color
Mode 97: SVGA  768 x 1024  16 color
Mode 96: SVGA 1024 x 768    4 color
Mode 95: SVGA 1024 x 768   16 color
Mode 94: SVGA  800 x 600  256 color
Mode 93: SVGA  640 x 480  256 color
Mode 92: SVGA  640 x 400  256 color
Mode 91: SVGA  800 x 600   16 color
Mode 90: SVGA  Text 1188 x 480  16 color 9x8  char
Mode 89: SVGA  Text 1188 x 473  16 color 9x11 char
Mode 88: SVGA  Text 1188 x 480  16 color 9x16 char
Mode 87: SVGA  Text 1188 x 350  16 color 9x14 char
Mode 86: SVGA  Text 1056 x 480  16 color 8x8  char
Mode 85: SVGA  Text 1056 x 473  16 color 8x11 char
Mode 84: SVGA  Text 1056 x 480  16 color 8x16 char
Mode 83: SVGA  Text 1056 x 350  16 color 8x14 char
Mode 82: SVGA  Text  640 x 480  16 color 8x8  char
Mode 81: SVGA  Text  640 x 473  16 color 8x11 char
Mode 80: SVGA  Text  640 x 480  16 color 8x16 char
Mode 64: VGA \(Olivetti\)  640 x 400  1 of 16 colors
Mode 19: VGA   320 x 200  256 color
Mode 18: VGA   640 x 480   16 color
Mode 17: VGA   640 x 480   BW
Mode 16: EGA   640 x 350   16 color
Mode 15: EGA   640 x 350   BW
Mode 14: EGA   640 x 200   16 color
Mode 13: EGA   320 x 200   16 color
Mode  8: HGC   720 x 348   BW
Mode  7: MONO  Text 80 col  BW
Mode  6: CGA   640 x 200   BW
Mode  5: CGA   320 x 200   4 grey
Mode  4: CGA   320 x 200   4 color
Mode  3: CGA/EGA/VGA   Text 80 col  16/8 color
Mode  2: CGA/EGA/VGA   Text 80 col  16 gray
Mode  1: CGA/EGA/VGA   Text 40 col  16/8 color
Mode  0: CGA/EGA/VGA   Text 40 col  16 grey



SUPPORTED MONITORS:

MONO
ANALOG MONO
COLOR
ENHANCED COLOR
ANALOG COLOR
ANALOG BOTH
MULTI and FIXED FREQ
INTERLACED and NON INTERLACED

SUPPORTED ADAPTERS:

MDA/MDPA
CGA/OCGA
HGC
EGA/OEGA
MCGA
VGA/OVGA
SVGA