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COMPARE.DOC
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1991-04-21
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331 lines
_________________________________________________________________
COMPARE
BBS File List Comparing Utility
User's Manual
Version 2.14
Copyright (c) 1991 Edward Gause
_________________________________________________________________
Thank you for supporting Shareware
ABOUT COMPARE
Compare is a handy utility for comparing file lists obtained from
Bulletin Board Systems (BBS). Optionally, you may also build your
own list of files that you already have. How many times have you
tried uploading a file to a particular BBS and received the
"File already exist" notice? By using COMPARE, you can determine
what files a BBS has (or possibly one or two you may not have!) and
save some on-line time and frustration. Hence, my reason for
developing this program in the first place!
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The following configuration is the minimum required to run COMPARE:
IBM PC/XT/AT or Compatible with 256k
2 Disk Drives (5.25 and/or 3.50)
Monochrome, CGA, EGA or VGA Monitor
PC/MS-DOS 2.0 or higher
A hard drive is highly encouraged if comparing very large files.
Several temporary files are created during operation and if disk
space is limited runtime errors may occur. Also, a hard drive will
speed up read/write process during the file comparisons.
USING COMPARE
Floppy Disk Users:
1. Place the diskette containing COMPARE.EXE in drive A.
2. Place a blank, formatted diskette in drive B.
3. At the "A:" prompt, type "COMPARE" (without quotes).
4. Shareware users will get a copyright notice screen displayed
for 10 seconds. Afterwards, press any key to continue to the
Main Menu.
Hard Disk Users
1. Make a sub-directory called "COMPARE" or whatever name you
choose.
2. Copy the program COMPARE.EXE to the newly created sub-
directory and change to that directory.
3. Type "COMPARE" (without quotes).
___________________________________________________________________
COMPARE Version 2.14 Page 1
MAIN MENU
The Main Menu is the heart of the program. From here you may build
your own file lists, compare file lists that you've downloaded,
sort output lists or quit the program.
Build File Lists
Selecting this option prompts you for a filename to build and the
path where the files are stored. You must follow DOS convention
here when naming files. That is, filenames must not exceed eight
characters in length followed by a period and a file extension of
three characters (or less).
The default working path for hard drive users is the current
directory. Floppy disk users will enter "B:" here. Hard disk users
will enter the path where they keep their downloaded files. If
reading from floppy diskettes, you will have to repeat this process
for each diskette. Hard Drive users should copy all their files to
one specific sub-directory (ie: C:\TEMP). Once the new file is
created you can then delete all the files and remove the sub-
directory (refer to your DOS manual for creating and removing sub-
directories).
Compare File Lists
This is where the actual comparisons take place. After selecting
this option you are prompted for the name of the files to compare.
If the files are located in the current working directory, all you
need to type in is the filenames, otherwise, input the complete path
and filenames.
EXAMPLE: C:\TEMP\MY_FILE.LST or B:FILELIST.TXT
Next, you will be prompted for the path to store the output files.
Just put the complete path without any filenames or just leave blank
for the current directory. COMPARE will then begin to extract
filenames from both lists and store them in two separate temporary
files. It will match file 1 against file 2 and create an output
file containing the filenames that are not listed in file 1 (are you
with me?). Next, it will repeat the process, creating another file
containing the names of files not listed in file 2. The new files
will have the same filenames but the extension "OUT" is added.
Once completed, the previously entered filenames will become the
default filenames in case you wish to compare them again against
other filelists. You can then look at each list to see which files
a BBS already has or that you don't have.
Sort Files
Select this option to sort the output file(s) in alphabetical order.
COMPARE will search the current path for text files with an "OUT"
extension and read these files. Once sorting is complete, You will
be notified.
___________________________________________________________________
COMPARE Version 2.14 Page 2
Quit
Select this option to quit the program and return to DOS.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to thank Craig LaCoss for giving me this "Assignment".
While developing this program Craig, along with Jim Smoot were very
helpful in the debugging and suggestion departments (hopefully,
they didn't miss anything). Thanks for keeping me "chk" guys! By
the way, Craig is the SysOp of MEGABYTE BBS (408) 883-0604 and Jim
is SysOp for the VIKING BBS (408) 883-2853. Both BBSs are located
on the Monterey Peninsula, CA. Give 'em a call sometime.
SHAREWARE AGREEMENT
COMPARE, version 2.14 is distributed has shareware, therefore, you
may make copies of the program and its documentation and distribute
them freely to others under the following conditions:
1. No fee or other consideration is to be charged for copying or
distributing the program without written permission from the
author.
2. The program and its documentation are not to be modified in any
form.
3. Commercial users are required to register their copies.
REGISTRATION
If you like this program and find it useful, a registration fee of
$15.00 is requested. For your convenience, a registration form is
included. (See REGISTER.DOC)
Registration entitles you to the following:
1. A serialized diskette with the latest version available at time
of registration.
2. Registered users can request modified versions of this program
to search for any additional file extensions they desire. The
Shareware version searches for ZIP, ARC, EXE, TXT, LZH, GIF, DOC,
FLI, GL, COM, LST and MAC extensions.
3. You will receive continued telephone support for questions you
may have.
4. Notifications of future upgrades to this program.
5. Notification of new products developed.
__________________________________________________________________
COMPARE Version 2.01 Page 3
FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS
1. The ability to search file lists for specific filenames or
extensions.
2. A built-in text editor to view and edit file lists.
DISCLAIMER
COMPARE is provide "as is" without warranty of any kind, either
expressed or implied, including but not limited to the loss of
business profits or information, business interruption or any other
loss arising out of the use or inability to use this software
product.
Questions or comments will be deeply appreciated. If there's
something about this program that you like or dislike, please tell
me. It makes me try that much harder. You may contact me on my
bulletin board: Ed's BBS (408)384-3658 or you can leave messages
in the Shareware conference on the RIME network.
Edward Gause
1037 Scott Ct
Ft Ord, CA 93941
(Voice) (408)883-0084
__________________________________________________________________
COMPARE Version 2.14 Page 4