home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
The 640 MEG Shareware Studio 2
/
The 640 Meg Shareware Studio CD-ROM Volume II (Data Express)(1993).ISO
/
menu
/
4file2u4.zip
/
4F.DOC
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1992-10-14
|
78KB
|
1,478 lines
-------------------
===== 4 - F I L E S =====
-------------------
DOCUMENTATION - Version 2U.4
October 7, 1992
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Shareware by Larry Edwards, Copyright 1990-92 All Rights Reserved
REGISTRATION $20 Box 6001 Sitka, Ak 99835
TECH SUPPORT: <1> Call author at 907-747-8996; or
<2> Call MAS-BBS 718-444-4555 (8,N,1), select the
Customer Support Areas, then the 4FILES area; or
<3> by CompuServe E-mail to 72037,3607 or via
INTERNET E-mail to 72037.3607@compuserve.com.
_______
____|__ |
--| | |------------------- | ASP wants to make sure the shareware
| ____|__ | Association of | principle works for you; its Ombuds-
| | |_| Shareware | man can help resolve any dispute with
|__| o | Professionals | an ASP member on a shareware related
-----| | |--------------------- | problem. Details on page 2.
(R) |___|___| MEMBER
(Print this manual 6-LPI x 12-CPI)
============================================================================
CONTENTS OF MANUAL ...
======================= File & Note Modes .... 8 DESQview ............ 19
Overview of 4FILES .. 1 Using FILE MODE ...... 8 Safety Features ..... 19
About "File Notes"... 2 Sorting File Lists .. 10 Hot Tips on 4FILES... 21
Shareware Notice .... 2 Utility Ports .... 11-12 Origin/Evolution .... 23
QUICK START ......... 3 Using NOTE MODE ..... 13 Registration Benefits 24
Special Keys ........ 4 Configuring 4FILES .. 15 Agreement for Use ... 24
Drive:Dir Navigation 6 EMS & XMS Swaps ..... 15 Packing List ........ 25
Seeking a File ...... 8 Video & Screens ..... 17 Detail Installation . 26
Mouse Use 7-8,11,16,18 MS-Windows & OS/2 ... 18 Registration Form ... 28
==============================================================================
OVERVIEW OF 4FILES
================== 4FILES is a multi-purpose file manager, and includes a
full-featured editor for 4DOS & NDOS "file notes". The interface is clean
and convenient, and incorporates what may well be the easiest drive and
directory navigation method you have tried.
2.
4FILES also serves as a well coordinated "front-end" for several of your
favorite utilities, providing rapid-fire, point-and-shoot loading of files
into the utilities. There is a "utility port" for a file browser, two for
editors or word processsors, three specialized for archive programs or
viewers, and an extra port. A built-in configuration routine makes
on-the-fly changes to these ports and the other program settings easy.
Changes may be used "session-only" or be saved to a configuration file.
The screen shows the current directory with subdirectories at the top
followed by files, each taking a full line. The list may be sorted any way
you like, either on-the-fly or via command line switches. Except for sorts
by file name (the default), the key field for the current sort is highlighted
on screen. Any video mode over 80x25 is supported (see Quick Start
on page 3).
File or subdirectory names are displayed on the left half of the screen, one
per line, with full statistics. The right half is space for descriptive file
notes. If you are using 4DOS or NDOS (superior COMMAND.COM substitutes), a
file note will remain associated with its file during copy, move and rename
operations. You may also play with file notes under COMMAND.COM, but the
notes will be lost during the above file operations. The new 4DOS-4.0
description "extensions" are detected if present, but no programs are using
them yet.
Any program file or batch file may be executed directly from the listing or
be put in an editable DOS command line. Data files with "executable
extensions" may be loaded directly into their applications. A real DOS
command line (secondary shell) is available too.
International keyboards and character code pages are fully supported.
Version 3.0 is now in beta testing has several new features including
ability to apply file-description-aware copy, move, rename and zip operations
to marked groups of files. Registered users will be sent copies beginning
very soon; shareware release to the rest of the public will be late fall.
ABOUT FILE NOTES & 4DOS
======================= Ability to annotate your files will revolutionize
your computer use, and this feature alone is ample reason to replace
COMMAND.COM with 4DOS. But the powers of 4DOS do not end there, and you
are really (!) wasting time and energy if you aren't using it. It makes
the MSDOS command line EASY and adds many features to MSDOS which should
have been included all along, but weren' t, even in MSDOS 5.0. I can't
recommend 4DOS highly enough! It's shareware by JP Software, Box 1470, E.
Arlington, Ma 02174, 617-646-3975.
SHAREWARE NOTICE
================ 4FILES is a commercial, copyrighted program, and is
distributed as shareware. Shareware is a marketing method which allows you
to evaluate a fully functional program before deciding whether you want
3.
it. You may not continue use of 4FILES beyond a period of bona-fide
evaluation of not over 30-days unless the copy you are using has been
properly registered for your use, and your use complies with the agreement
near the end of this manual.
If you decide not to register, a frank critique or trouble report would be
sincerely appreciated, via a collect phone call, E-mail, or a letter.
Your distribution of 4FILES to others is highly encouraged, provided that the
distribution complies with the agreement at the end of this manual.
Permission for commercial distribution may be withdrawn at any time for
cause.
Larry Edwards is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals
(ASP). ASP wants to make sure the shareware principle works for you. If you
are unable to resolve a shareware-related dispute or problem with a member,
ASP's Ombudsman may be able to help resolve it. ASP does not however provide
technical support for members' products. Contact: ASP Ombudsman, 545 Grover
Rd, Muskegon, MI 49442 or (via CompuServe Mail) ASP Ombudsman 70007, 3536.
QUICK START
=========== Capacity: 454 records per directory. Requires: 64K and DOS 2+.
SYNTAX: 4F [d:][\][subdir] [/+ /8] [/D] [/E /S /T /N]
Items in brackets are optional. The current directory is the default..
** Installation: Either copy all files into a subdirectory which is in your
PATH or write a 4DOS alias to call 4FILES, preferably specifying its full
pathspec to speed loading. Storing or accessing 4FILES like this allows you
to start it by typing just its name or the alias name, regardless of which
drive or directory you are logged onto at any time. If these instructions
are "Greek" to you, please read the more detailed instructions on page 24.
** Quitting: <@ESC> quits to the current directory, and <ESC> or <^ESC> quit
to the original (startup) directory . Under Windows, only <ESC> gives a total
quit; the other keys have their Windows meanings. (In key symbols, "@"
means the "Alt" key and "^" means the "Ctrl" key.)
** Configure 4FILES by typing <@F10>. Screen colors & blinking, "utility
ports" and many program options are on this menu. Your utilities must be
configured here for many 4FILES features to work. For these, a pathspec is
unneeded if the utility is in the PATH, but gives best performance. Always
give the extension of a utility's name.
** Replace the Old .CFG File: The config- uration file format was changed in
version 2S.0. If your .CFG file is from an earlier version, you must delete
it and configure the new version from scratch.
** Switches: /D /E /S /T and /N are command line switches for list sorting
(see P.9). /D may be used alone or with any of the other four. /8 is used
to force an 80x25 display, in case you want to switch automatically or in
4.
case of an incompatibility with the video mode detection. /+ must be used
with HGC, MDA or CGA for over 80x25.
** Operation: Use the menu line for guidance, and go with the flow! <TAB>
toggles between File & Note Modes. Some keys work in both modes, but are
shown only on the menu of one due to line length limits. Navigate with the
<G+> key (Grey-plus), <G-> and <G*>. On 83-key keyboards, use <SCL-LK>
instead of <G*>. If 4FILES is properly configured, <F1> shows help and <^F1>
shows this manual. For a tour of a few features see #6 on page 24. The tour
assumes your bootup directory is the current directory, and that it has a
\UTIL subdirectory.
** 4FILES may be fully evaluated under COMMAND.COM, but for proper handling
of file notes during file copy, move, rename and delete, COMSPEC must be
setup to use 4DOS or NDOS as the secondary (if not also the primary)
command interpreter, instead of COMMAND.COM.
** For use under MS-Windows, see "Running Under Windows" below for mouse and
4FILES.PIF setup. Again, for regular use (i.e. except perhaps during
evaluation) be sure COMSPEC is setup for 4DOS or NDOS.
=========================
DOCUMENTATION OF FEATURES
=========================
SPECIAL CONTROLS
================ Most keys act as expected, and the others (below) are laid
out logically. A special keyboard handler allows nice, normally unavailable
key assignments. Symbols: "^" means the CTRL key and "@" means the ALT key.
"**" means 4FILES must be configured properly for the feature to work.
<F1> -- Help. ** <F2> -- Edit current file. **
<F3> -- File Finder. ** <F4> -- Unzip current file, if archive. **
<F5> -- Mark record. <F6> -- Unmark record.
<F9> -- Copy selected text. <F0> -- Paste text (insert).
<^F1> - View this manual ** <^F2> - Second editor or a utility. **
<^F5> - Mark ALL file records. <^F6> - Unmark ALL records.
<^F9> - Cut selected text.
<@F9> - Copy the whole note. <@F10> - reconfigure 4FILES.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: <G*> is the "grey" star key on the keypad. <G**> is a double hit of
this key. Adjacent keys are called <G+> and <G->. On laptops, use <Fn*>, etc.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<G*> -- Change drives. The change is instantaneous when a drive letter
is typed. ON 83-KEY KEYBOARDS, THE <SCL-LCK> KEY SERVES THIS
FUNCTION; you can force the alternate key choice via the
configuration menu.
5.
<G**> -- Change drive:directory via a text entry field. LCD, ACD & NCD
compatible. On 83-key keyboards, use <SCL-LCK>.
<G***> -- Change back to previous directory. Use <SCL-LCK> if 83 keys.
<G-> -- Change to the parent directory (from any record).
<G+> -- IF RECORD IS: 1) a directory, change to it.
2) a file, browse it. **
3) an archive, list its constituent files. **
<^G+> -- Calls an archive-only utility. **
<CR> -- ENTER may be configured to duplicate <G+> in File Mode only.
<@-F10> -- Shows the configuration menu.
<TAB> -- Toggles between FILE MODE and NOTE MODE.
<NUM-LK> -- Toggles between showing file attributes and file time.
<@-Char> -- Fast scroll to next record starting with the character.
<SCL-LK> or <Keypad-5> changes direction (BIOS dependent.)
NOTE MODE COMMANDS:
------------------
^H -- Destructive backspace (see also File Mode).
^Y -- DELETE NOTE.
<Ctrl-PgUp> -- Go to TOP of directory listing.
<Ctrl-PgDn> -- " " END " " "
<Ctrl-Up> -- Go to TOP of page.
<Ctrl_Dn> -- " " END " "
<Sh-Up> -- Scroll display to show record ABOVE TOP of page.
<Sh-Dn> -- " " " " " BELOW END " "
<Ctrl-Lf> -- Shift cursor ONE WORD LEFT.
<Ctrl-Rt> -- " " ONE WORD RIGHT.
<Sh-Rt> -- 1) Bump any text to the right of the cursor to right margin.
2) If no text to the right, enter Flush-Right (FLR) mode.
<Sh-Lf> -- Exit FLR mode (or use <ESC>, <CR> or any bar movement keys).
<Sh-BS> -- Destructive "Fore-space", available in FLR mode only.
<ESC> -- Like <^ESC>. Can be disabled with a configuration switch.
<^ESC> or <@ESC> -- Quit to original or current directory, respectively.
(If you use NEWKEY, see page 10.)
6.
FILE MODE COMMANDS:
------------------
<^E> or
<^E><^E> -- Presents a DOS command line with or without the current
file name. (See also "configuration".) Appending "++" to a
command freezes the screen temporarily after execution.
<^H> -- Shell to 4DOS & show the selectable command history window.
KEYSTACK.COM (a 4DOS TSR) must be loaded first.
<^X> -- Instantly executes records which are .COM, .EXE, .BAT or .BTM
files; also acts on data files with "executable extensions".
F5 / F6 -- Mark / Unmark A record.
^F5 / ^F6 -- Mark / Unmark ALL records.
A / ^A -- Change attributes of current file or all marked files.
C -- Copy file.
D / ^D -- Delete current file or all marked files.
M -- Move file.
R -- Rename a file or directory. (LCD 4.0B+ and ACD compatible.)
N -- Create a "New" Directory. LCD/ACD/NCD compatible.
K -- "Kill" (remove) highlighted directory. LCD/ACD/NCD compatible.
R -- Rename a directory or file. (LCD 4.0B+ and ACD compatible)
S -- Resort the listed files with a new sort type or order.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Copy, Move, Rename functions are VERY rudimentary, and will be top
notch in V-3.0. Internal PKZip and Unzip support will also be included.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DRIVE & DIRECTORY NAVIGATION
============================ 4FILES has perhaps the most natural key mapping
yet devised for drive and directory navigation. It employs a group of three
keys operated by your right hand in coordination with the cursor pad (arrow
and page) keys. A keyboard with lefthand function keys will accentuate the
efficiency of this layout, and a Northgate or Focus keyboard with this layout
would be an excellent investment. On laptop computers, the lack of a separate
cursor pad and left function keys sacrifices efficiency, but handy separate
keypad units are available from Dalco (only $52; 800-445-5342), Tidal Tech
(510-748-7270) or Genovation (714-833-3355). The functions of <G+> and <G->
are also available via mouse buttons. These are the keyboard ( use <Fn> keys
if you have a laptop) and mouse layouts:
7.
KEYS HIT: | 83 Keys Action 84+ Keys Action NOTE
========= | ==================== =================== =============
<Grey*> | (Use <SCL-LK> key) ----> Fast drive change (Input field)
|
<Grey**> | (Use <SCL-LK> key) ----> Enter new drive:dir (Input field)
|
<Grey***> | (Use <SCL-LK> key) ----> CD to previous dr:dir (Instant CD)
|
<Grey-> | CD to parent dir CD to parent dir (Instant)
|
<Grey+> | CD to highlighted dir CD to highlighted dir (Instant)
| or browse if a file. or browse if a file.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Laptops: Substitute <Fn*>, <Fn+> and <Fn-> key combinations above.
MOUSE BUTTONS: | L-- M-- R-- L-R LM- -MR LMR
===============|========================================================
3 Button Mouse | <G+> <G-> <ESC> <TAB> <PgUp> <PgDn> <F9>
|
2 Button Mouse | <G+> <ESC> <G->
4FILES automatically detects your mouse type and keyboard BIOS type, but it
can only assume the layout of your keyboard (based on your BIOS). If the
assumption is incorrect, you may force its reversal via the configuration
menu' s "Other Keyboard" switch. What you want is three keys adjacent to one
another. On the 83-key keyboard they should be in a vertical sequence of
<SCRL-LK>, <G-> and <G+>. On other desktop keyboards they should form a dog-
leg at the upper right corner of the keypad, using <G*> instead of <SCRL-LK>.
On laptops the <Fn*> key combination should be used, and if it doesn't work,
reconfigure as above. Proper setup is essential to maximum efficiency.
After hitting <G*> or <Scrl-Lck> you will be prompted to enter a drive
letter. A valid entry will cause an immediate change to the drive. A double
hit on <G*>, rather than a drive letter, presents an input field for
specifying the new directory and/or drive. This <G**> command is
compatible with LCD, ACD and NCD (directory changing utilities) if 4FILES
has been configured for it, allowing you to type only part of the path
name. 4FILES will update the database when directories are created,
deleted or renamed ( added "REN" to the config if your LCD/ACD version
supports this feature). <G***> makes an immediate change to the previous
directory.
Hitting <G+> while the cursor is on a subdirectory record will cause 4FILES
to change to that subdirectory. If this is the ".." record, the change will
be to the parent of the current directory. <G-> will change to the parent
directory from ANY record.
When changing to a parent directory, the cursor will quick-scroll from the
top of the listing down to the record of the subdirectory you just left.
This is helpful when inspecting a succession of child directories, since
you always return to your last place in the parent, rather than its first
8.
record. The scrolling action gives a quick impression of your current
location in the list.
During a drive change, 4FILES goes to the extra trouble of avoiding the
annoyance of the DOS message "Insert Disk for Drive A" overwriting the screen
on systems with only one floppy. You will be seamlessly given an opportunity
to swap disks without messing up the screen.
If faster cursor bar movement is desired, 4FILES handles rates much faster
than "normal". Higher settings can be made via software or hardware built
into some keyboards (i.e. Northgate Ultra).
SEEKING A FILE ON THE LIST
========================== Scrolling to files in a directory listing is
easy: just hit an <@-char> key, where "char" is the alpha-numeric first
character of the file or directory name. You will be delivered to the next
occurrence of a record starting with that character. <SCL-LK> toggles the
search direction at any time, including in mid-search. On 83-key keyboards,
<Keypad-5> performs this function instead since <SCL-LK> is used for
directory navigation.
MOUSE USE
========= See the button map on the previous page. The mouse handler is
setup so that no action is taken until all depressed buttons have been
released. To experiment, for a 'page-down' hold down the right button -- no
rush -- and hit the middle button at your leisure. Then lift one finger
-- again no rush -- and when the second finger is lifted the action is taken.
To use the mouse when running under MS-Windows, the mouse driver must be
loaded before loading Windows, otherwise the mouse will not function.
FILE MODE & NOTE MODE
===================== 4FILES starts in FILE MODE, with the file management
functions are enabled. <TAB> toggles between File Mode and Note Mode. You
will notice that the menu changes with the mode, and you will find that while
every command on each menu will work in its mode, some will also work in the
other mode. There is not a enough space on the single menu line to list all
commands for each mode, but they are logical and you'll catch on.
USING FILE MODE
=============== The file mode commands are mnemonic keys:
<C>opy, <M>ove, <R>ename, <D>elete, and <A>ttributes for single files.
<^D>elete and <^A>ttributes for operation on marked files.
<^C>opy, <^M>ove, <^R>ename and <^Z>ip marked file operations were not
quite ready at the time of this release, but are in beta testing and
9.
version 3.0 will be provided free to all registered users beginning in
mid September. (The 3.0 shareware release is planned for late fall.)
<N>ew-directory, <K>ill-directory, <R>ename-directory.
<^E>xecute-from-prompt, e<^X>ecute-now, and <^H>istory list execution.
Copy, move and rename rely directly on 4DOS resources, and keep the file
notes with their files. As implemented here, these commands are very
rudimentary stop-gaps which shell to DOS. They will serve until the
implementations in Version 3.0 (now complete and in beta-testing) are
ready. Ability to copy and move marked files are also included in V-3.0,
as well as zipping of single or marked multiple files, with their file
notes saved as PKZIP comments.
^E presents a DOS command line loaded with the name of the current record,
and the line editor is forced into insert mode. The cursor controls are
identical to those for the note editor. ^E^E provides a blank command line
in which you may enter any command; just like the DOS command line. ^Y
deletes the command.
The command typed-in is executed, and when it finishes the return to 4FILES
is automatic. In many situations this is desirable, but in some cases (the
DOS SET command is an example) the information you want to see flashes off
the screen. To prevent this there are two ways to cause 4FILES to delay
clearing the screen until a key is hit. One is to set the configuration
switch named " Pause after DOS Command" to YES (NO is the factory default).
The other is to append ++ to the ^E command line. ++ is a 4FILES flag,
and is not actually part of the command. Either <G+> or <Shift=> may be
used to generate +. If the switch is set to YES, a "- -" appendage will
force an immediate return.
If you wish to work directly from the DOS prompt for a while, type ^E^E <CR>.
Executing the blank command line will load a secondary DOS shell, and you
will remain in the shell until you type EXIT to return to 4FILES (see P.20).
Back in 4FILES, you will be returned to the same drive:directory you were in
before.
<N>ew-directory and <K>ill-directory are the commands to make and remove
directories. <R>ename works both for subdirectories and files. If you use
LCD, ACD or NCD, the 4FILES N, K & R commands update the directory database.
<F5> & <F6> mark and unmark records for such block operations. <^F5> & <^F6>
mark and unmark all records. A count of marked files and marked bytes is
shown on the second line in the "indicator" color. Marking may be done in
both File & Note Modes. Marked file operations automatically pass over
subdirectories, and marking of DESCRIPT.ION is blocked. Note however that
UPON EXIT OR DURING THE NEXT DIRECTORY CHANGE, if no file notes remain,
DESCRIPT.ION will be deleted for you automatically. An empty DESCRIPT.ION
may also be deleted via the "D" single file command.
10.
<NUM-LOCK>toggles between displaying file attributes and file creation time,
and is functional in both File and Note Mode.
A & D are the mnemonic commands to change file attributes and delete files.
^A and ^D act on all marked files. D requires a double-tap of the "Y" key
for confirmation. If plain A is hit, an editable image of the current
file's actual attributes is displayed for modification. If ^A is hit to
operate on marked files, a template instead of an actual image is shown. In
the template, each attribute letter is initially preceded by a "?" wildcard,
indicating that the existing attribute will be unchanged. Repeatedly typing
an attribute character (R, A, S or H) toggles the action on that attribute
through a cycle of, for example, ?R, +R, -R, and back to ?R. + and -
indicate the attribute will be forced "ON" or "OFF" for each file.
When the <G+> browse key is hit on an .EXE file, 4FILES checks to see if it
is a self-extracting archive in the ZIP, LHARC or LHA format. If so, FV (or
your substituted utility) will be called to list the contents of the file.
SORTING THE LIST OF FILES
========================= While the subdirectory portion of the list is
always alphabetically sorted, the files-portion may be sorted in various
ways either on-the-fly or via command line switches. The default sort is
alphabetical, in ascending order. To change the sort on-the-fly, type S
while in DOS mode. After making a selection, which may involve making
settings for both type of sort and for ascending or descending order, a
second tap on the last key hit will exit the sort menu and cause the sort
to be made. <CR> will exit also.
The command line sort switches are described below. /D may be used by
itself or in combination with other switches, and affects only the primary
sort. The following sorts also apply to on-the-fly setting::
SWITCH PRIMARY SORT SECONDARY SORT
------- ----------------- ------------------
DEFAULT FILENAME .EXT
/E .EXT FILENAME
/S File Size FILENAME.EXT
/T File Time/Date FILENAME.EXT
/N File Note FILENAME.EXT
/D (Descending Order) (Descending Order)
Except when sorting by filename, the primary sort field is highlighted with a
color that is set on the configuration menu. International code pages are
used for sorting as appropriate. The "tips" section has more about sorting.
11.
=============
UTILITY PORTS FILE BROWSING, EDITING, UNZIPPING, DUPLICATE FINDING, etc.
============= ----------------------------------------------------------
Some of 4FILES' most useful functions are performed by automatically execut-
ing other programs at the stroke of a key. Utility ports are the means by
which you associate such programs with their various 4FILES control keys and
setup 4FILES to send the command line information (switches, filenames, etc.)
they need to be fed. These ports can be setup on the configuration screen.
The use of utility ports allows you to use your favorite utilities or other
programs for many important tasks -- a good way to let you customize 4FILES.
Several programs are recommended below for varying functions. If you don't
have these utilities, they may be downloaded free on your first call to my
BBS, which is a subsystem of MAS-BBS in New York. The latest version of
4FILES and a collection of pertinent utilities are found there in separate
directories. See the log-on instructions on the first page of this manual.
BROWSING FILES
============== The <G+> key is overloaded in a sensible way. Not only will
it allow you to " see" the contents of a subdirectory, if the highlighted
record is a file, it will call up your favorite file browser or archive
viewer with the file loaded. In File Mode, <CR> may be configured to
duplicate the function of <G+>, although this is not recommended unless
you really need it.
4FILES comes configured with the internal 4DOS LIST command as the browser,
but any browser can be used. Shelling to DOS to run this internal command is
slow, but by using browse utilities like TV.COM, PC-Magaizine's free
BROWSE.COM or Vern Buerg's LIST.COM, your file will be displayed in a
literal eye-blink.
If the record is a .ZIP, .ARC, .DWC, .LBR, .LZH, .PAK or .ZOO archive, an
archive inspector such as ZR.COM or Buerg's FV.COM will be called. FV shows
a table of what's in any of the above archive types, but ZR actually browses
files inside the archive (only for the .ZIP files, unfortunately). Both can
be easily used since an alternate utility port for archives is mapped to
<^G+>. Packed .EXE files in the PK, LHARC and SFX formats are handled by FV.
While in these and other utilities, the mouse works "as initialized" by
4FILES, and provides scrolling and a quick return via the right button.
The combination of <left-button>=<G+> and <right-button>=<ESC>, combined with
movement of the 4FILES cursor bar by the mouse, allows one handed "rapid-
fire" inspection of multiple files. (Note: if you load 4FILES via SHROOM
or call a utility with SWAPDOS, the mouse will be automatically disabled,
temporarily. This is necessary since the mouse handler gets overwritten.)
In the midst of your rapid firing though, you will sometimes inadvertently
exit from 4FILES (even without the mouse). To avoid this, you can
reconfigure to disable quitting via the <ESC> key. The <^ESC> and <@ESC>
keys still function, and allow you to quit to the original or current
directory respectively. Improper <ESC> use will then display a menu of the
12.
proper keys. If you use NEWKEY, to enable 4FILES to use the <^ESC> key,
run NEWKEYSP.EXE, pick "I" on the menu, and make an entry for <^ESC>.
EDITING FILES
============= <F2> calls your editor, loading it with the filename of the
current record. As supplied, editor access to .COM .EXE .BIN .OBJ .SYS
.LIB .WKS .DB & .OVL extensions and the seven above archive extensions is
denied. The denied extensions may be reconfigured. Denials protect the
integrity of non- text files. A second editor or word processor (or any
utility, such as a .GIF viewer) may be mapped to <^F2>. The denied exten-
sions apply to this key as well. If a disk is write-protected, <F2> will
give an error message. If you have no editor, pick up PC-Mag's free TED.COM.
Note that an "R" switch is provided in the configuration listing for each
utility port. It forces reloading the current directory upon return from the
utility, and should be "ON" for any editor or other utility which can change
file size or directory contents. "W" (wait before redisplaying) should be
off, since you will want to return immediately to 4FILES from the editor.
To create a NEW file, hit <F2> while on a NON-FILE RECORD. This will not
work if the "R" switch is off. You will be prompted for names for the new
files, but may hit <CR> on the blank field blank if you wish. Some editors
may not be able to utilize more than one filename from the command line.
FINDING DUPLICATE FILES
======================= <F3> is initially set up to call a file finder
utility called WHERE.EXE, loaded with the current file name. Bruce Gavin's
utility FIND.EXE is a good one to use here. A utility of any type may be
mapped to this key.
UNZIPPING FILES
=============== <F4> used to call 4UNZIP, a shareware utility which in turn
calls PKUNZIP. A list is shown of the files archived in a .ZIP file, and
files can be unzipped singly or in marked groups. Note: the current 4UNZIP
version causes a crash (immediately or a soon after use, with or without
4FILES) if certain keyboard buffer-expanders are used. Test your setup!
====================
UTILITY PORTS IN USE
====================
One potential difficulty which 4FILES avoids is that some utilities and
editors you might like to call allow you to delete/rename files or change
drives/directories. When the utility is exited, 4FILES by default explicitly
changes back to its last drive/directory and rereads the directory list. The
bar is returned to the last record it was on, or if deleted, to the nearest
record number possible. This process takes a little longer than assuming
that the directory structure is unchanged, and also destroys the "+/-"
note-modified indicators and any file marks, but is SAFE.
13.
Alternatively, you may tell 4FILES not to reload the directory by setting the
"R" switch for the port. Use this switch ONLY if you know the subject
utility is not capable of the operations mentioned in the previous
paragraph. Note that the switch for the browser is also operative when
displaying Help or this manual with <F1> or <^F1>, since the browser is
used to display these files.
===============
USING NOTE MODE
===============
ANNOTATING FILES
================ 4FILES supports file notes (or "descriptions" in 4DOS
parlance) up to 40-characters long, and each directory with annotated files
will contain a hidden file named DESCRIPT.ION, containing the note data for
all files in the directory.
Beginning with release 4.01, 4DOS can handle file notes up to 120-characters
long, but 4FILES will not be able to use the extra capacity until a later
release. For now though, 4FILES does detect notes of over 40-characters
and will warn you of the situation. To limit creation of notes by 4DOS or
other utilities to 40 characters, in your 4DOS.INI file be sure the directive
DescriptionMax=040 is set, which is the default setting.
File copying, moving, or renaming will always work properly however, since
4FILES relies directly on 4DOS resources for these functions. The only
caveat is, again, that if a note has been edited, 4FILES will eventually
rewrite DESCRIPT.ION, and only the first 40 characters of each note will be
written.
To put the "*" character in a note, the SHIFT-8 key must be used since <G*>
has a special function.
Great attention has been devoted to making 4FILES a true power tool for
creating or modifying one or a multitude of notes. These are the features:
CUT & PASTE & LINE DELETE
========================= <F9> initiates the text-copying mode. Highlight
the desired text by moving the cursor horizontally, and then hit <CR> to
put it in the paste buffer. <^F9> cuts (rather than copying) the text to
the buffer, and <@F9> copies the whole note.
<F10> pastes text in the buffer at the cursor position. If a PASTE causes an
overflow of the 40-character note space, the note is moved to an 80-character
space at the bottom of the screen. This expanded field is fully editable (
see following). Captured text stays in the buffer when changing drives or
directories. <F10> is inactive in FLR mode.
^Y deletes the entire line. In earlier versions it cut the line to the
cut- buffer, but now the buffer is loaded only via the various <F9> keys.
14.
^Y is functional in notes and all text input fields and command lines.
EXPANDED EDIT FIELD
=================== Expanded Field Mode is triggered whenever typing or
pasting causes the length of the current note to exceed 40 characters, and
allows editing over a full 80-character field. The note is moved to a
highlighted 80- character field at the bottom of the screen and the
40-character field is blotted out. Two "eyebrows" of contrasting "blot"
characters, each 40-characters long, are placed above this field, and act
as a guide for where the over-long note will be truncated when <CR> or
<ESC> is hit. The effect of the blotted out 40- character field, eyebrows,
and highlighted bottom row is to draw your eyes down to the expanded field.
To return to the 40-character field, hit <ESC> or <CR>. <ESC> will return to
the current record and <CR> moves the cursor to the next record. In both
cases the note is truncated after the 40th character. 4FILES will not
accept more than 80 characters under any circumstances, and will block
pasting or typing which would exceed that size. A 40- character long cut
string can be pasted into a full 40-character note.
FLUSH RIGHT (FLR) MODE
====================== To create notes which are easy to scan by eye, it
is sometimes useful to make part of a note left justified and part of it
right justified. Hitting <Sh-Rt-Arrow> provides right justified text in
either of two ways:
1. If there is text to the right of the cursor, it is bumped over to the
right margin. The cursor is not moved, and 4FILES remains in its normal,
left justified editing mode.
2. If there is no text to the right of the cursor, 4FILES enters Flush-
Right Mode (FLR). The cursor is moved to the right margin, and highlighted
indicators are set-up to show the part of the note field which is available
for FLR text entry. Text will grow leftward from the cursor, which is
initially outside the field. Editing is forced into insert mode. All
horizontal cursor movement keys are active. ^Left & ^Right behave slightly
different than in normal mode, putting the cursor between words, and
Shft-BS is enabled. Collision of new FLR text with any left-justified text
is prevented. Cut and paste are not allowed.
QUITTING FLR MODE
================= There are three ways to leave FLR mode, with differing
effects on the text cursor and the cursor bar. In all cases, the
pre-existing insert or overwrite mode will be restored. The choices:
<ESC> Leaves the cursor where it is.
<Sh-Left> Sends the cursor home.
(Record-change) (All vertical cursor keys act normally.)
15.
INSERT / OVERWRITE MODES
======================== The INSERT mode default may be changed from the
configuration menu. The active mode may be toggled with <INS>.
FULL CURSOR CONTROL
=================== 4FILES has nice cursor control key-combinations, several
of which are not more commonly available in programs because they are
available only by writing a special keyboard interrupt handler. The cursor
control keys are listed above in "Note Mode Commands".
==============================
INTERNAL CONFIGURATION ROUTINE
==============================
CUSTOMIZING 4FILES
================== You can change 4FILES' on-screen appearance, the INSERT /
OVERWRITE default, "utility port" setups, and a number of other features.
<Alt-F10> displays the configuration menu. Move between fields with the
<TAB> or <CR> key. The menu on the bottom row is context sensitive, and
changes for each section of the main menu. Changes may be permanently
saved in a 4F.CFG configuration file or be used "session-only" without
being saved. If 4FILES is renamed, any .CFG file which is created or
saved will have a matching name.
For loading a directory larger than 4FILES' normal 415 record capacity, the
configuration code may be overwritten to increase capacity to 454 records. A
switch on the configuration menu either allows this to happen automatically
(when needed) or will prompt you to OK an overwrite. When the code is over-
written, you will not be able to reconfigure until your next 4FILES session.
Data for several "utility ports" is shown at the top of the screen. The
first field of each line is the "utility field", and is for an alias name,
file name, or complete filespec of a utility or application. A complete
filespec may speed loading, but is not necessary if the program is in your
PATH. A complete filespec can however dramatically speed loading the
utility, and is recommended. In all cases, a file extension MUST be given.
Valid extensions include .BAT, .BTM and .ALS. ".ALS" must be appended to
aliases or internal commands. It is a flag for 4FILES, and is not included
in the actual call. All commands without extensions will fail to execute.
If you wish to swap 4FILES to EMS or XMS memory or a hard disk before
executing a utility or application, SWAPDOS.COM can be used. Enter SWAPDOS
in the utility field. The name of the program to be called then goes in
the tail ("T=") field, preceded by any command line switches for SWAPDOS
and followed by any of its own switches.
Another swap program which can be used for this is SHROOM. 4FILES rather
than the utility is loaded via SHROOM, so SHROOM should not be placed in a
port's configuration. With SWAPDOS, swapping only occurs for the selected
utilities, while SHROOM will swap for all utilities. On the other hand,
SHROOM does fast executions via the DOS EXEC function, while SWAPDOS makes
16.
a slower shell to DOS. On any utility or DOS calls in which SHROOM or
SWAPDOS is active, the mouse will be disabled during the call.
Errors in calling .COM and .EXE programs from 4FILES (e.g. file not found)
are shown as "configuration incorrect", but execution errors for batch
files and aliases are not trapped. If execution is a quick flash on the
screen, you need to repeat the operation with a "screen pause" to see what
is happening. There are two ways to do this; one global and one specific to
the utility. To pause after execution of all utility, set the "Pause after
DOS" configuration switch to "Y". This also affects ^E command line. To
cause a particular utility to pause after execution, set its "W=" (wait)
switch to "Y".
Displaying Help and this manual with <F1> and <^F1> (respectively) will
work only if the <G+> BROWSE key is configured correctly.
The next field in the utility-port block is the command line tail. This
sends filenames, command line switches or other parameters to the utility.
"$F" inserts the current filename with extension, and may be placed where
needed among the parameters. No spaces are needed before or after $F,
saving space. $N works similarly for inserting the name of a file without
its extension.
The "W" field is a YES/NO field which determines whether or not 4FILES
waits for a keyhit after the utility has finished executing. Set it to "Y"
for utilities which run straight through and exit without any user input.
The "R" field is also a YES/NO field which determines whether 4FILES
reloads the directory list and DESCRIPT.ION file after the utility exits.
It must be set to "Y" if the utility is capable of managing files or
changing drives and directories. It should for example be "Y" for an
editor or word processor.
In the next configuration section, switches are provided for the following:
Keyboard Code -- Two letter DOS keyboard-country-code. LEAVE THIS BLANK
UNLESS YOU HAVE A PROBLEM. Takes effect next session.
Typing Default -- The INSERT mode default can be changed to OVERTYPE.
Other Keyboard -- Set this to "Y" if 4FILES assumes the non-optimum
keyboard layout for your computer. Selects <SCL-LCK>, <G*>
or (on laptops) <Fn*> as active for drive:dir changes.
Disable <ESC> -- To avoid inadvertent exits via <ESC> set this to "Y"
and exit with <^ESC> or <@ESC>. If you use NEWKEY, see
P.10. In MS-Windows this switch has no effect.
Enable Mouse -- "N" leaves the mouse set up as-received by 4FILES.
Exit Colors -- Selects the previous DOS colors or those set by 4FILES.
17.
Exit Blinking -- 4FILES disables blinking to allow all color choices. To
restore blinking on exit & in utility calls, set to "Y".
Snow Prevention - Set to "Y" if your CGA monitor has a snow problem.
Sound On/Off -- The beep is on by default, and may be turned off.
Config Overwriting -- Allows AUTOMATIC overwrite of configuration code to
increase capacity from 412 to 454 records.
Pause After DOS -- If the result of an (^E)xecute flashes off screen, set
this to "Y", or alternatively enter "++" at the end of
the command line. Both await a keyhit.
Last comes a section for selecting colors or monochrome highlights. Navigate
this submenu with <TAB>, <G+> and horizontal arrows. Separate data is kept
for colors and monochrome highlights, and the appropriate set is activated at
runtime, for clean running when moved to any machine.
Some color combinations may not work with some "ported utilities". For
example, if a utility automatically sets up a black on white cursor bar
without clearing the screen to white on black text first, AND if you have
4FILES text set to black on white, you won't see the cursor bar. This
occurs with 4UNZIP & VDE.COM. The only solution is to pick text colors for
4FILES which avoid the conflict. Please write to authors of such programs
and request a "smarter" set up of screen attributes in the next version.
Please notify me as well.
On exit from configuration, new and old data are compared, and you are
prompted to save the configuration only if there is a difference.
================
DISPLAY FEATURES
================
4FILES works with any video text mode of 80x25 or higher. Except for HGC, MDA
and CGA video cards, if a higher mode is used it will be automatically
implemented. For HGC, MDA and CGA running higher modes (such as with
UltraVision), the /+ command line switch must be used. The reason is that not
all cards in this class are 100% BIOS compatible, in some cases defeating the
automatic detection, and this arrangement assures that all systems will run "
out of the box" in 80x25 mode. When calling 4FILES from an application
running a higher mode, 80x25 mode may be forced with the /8 switch. When
calling utilities or shelling, the screen may look its best (depending on
your color choice) if ANSI.SYS is not loaded.
If a CGA video card is detected a no-snow video writing method is used by
default. For faster displays, this method may be configured "off".
"T" and "E" indicators near the top and bottom of the screen indicate that
the top or end of the listing is shown on screen. Used disk bytes are
shown in File Mode, and the 4FILES version number is shown in Note Mode. A
18.
file count is displayed at all times. An "S" indicator with an up arrow
symbol on the top row means the file search direction is upward.
"PROTECTED" and "ROOT FULL" messages indicate that the full range of file
management and note editing features are not available for the current disk.
Records with altered notes are flagged with a "+/-" character at mid-line.
A different character is shown for unaltered notes. A "delta" character
next to a filename means the file is marked for group file management.
===================================
OPERATING WITH SPECIAL ENVIRONMENTS
===================================
RUNNING UNDER MS-WINDOWS
======================== 4FILES runs well as a non-Windows application.
Windows is detected automatically, and regardless of the 4FILES configuration
setting for the ESC key, the CTRL-ESC and ALT-ESC keys will serve their
Windows functions. ESC, unaugmented, is used to terminate 4FILES.
Use the Windows PIF Editor to setup for 4FILES. On the PIF Editor screen,
enter the pathspec for 4FILES and "4FILES" for the "window title". Set the
memory required and desired to 64K and 640K respectively. Set "video memory"
and "display usage" for text and full-screen respectively. (In use,
ALT-ENTER swaps between full-screen and a smaller window, but the mouse
will not function in the small window.) When finished, save the PIF with
the "File" "Save-As" menu. To edit the entry later, choose "File" "Open".
Next, highlight the 4FILES icon and choose "File" "Properties" from the
Program Manager menu. Complete the setup on the menu which is displayed;
an icon is provided with 4FILES, or use the Swiss army knife icon.
For regular 4FILES use (except during evaluation under COMMAND.COM) be sure
your COMSPEC environment variable specifies 4DOS or NDOS. To use the mouse
in 4FILES, your mouse driver MUST be loaded prior to loading Windows.
Although Windows does not need a pre-loaded driver, 4FILES does.
To use 4FILES to its best advantage in Windows, load it automatically for
each Windows session via the Windows Startup Group. When you exit 4FILES
with Alt-ESC or Ctrl-ESC, this will put the 4FILES icon at the bottom of
the screen where it will be accessible from other programs you will be
running. Alternatively you can access 4FILES via the Task Manager (Ctrl-Alt)
. Having 4FILES readily available should prove very handy since the
directory display of Windows applications is typically very terse, and
4FILES allows use of file notes while File Manager does not.
RUNNING UNDER OS/2
================== Users report that 4FILES runs well in an OS/2 2.0 VDM.
The author does not yet have OS/2, and has not fine-tuned 4FILES for oper-
ation under it, other than using Alt-ESC & Ctrl-ESC as above. Suggestions
for use under OS/2 are welcome. An OS/2 icon is provided.
19.
RUNNING UNDER DESQVIEW
====================== 4FILES is now DESQview (DV) aware, and may be used in
small or full windows. Note that even though 4FILES is fully DV-aware,
"Writes directly to screen" must be set to "yes" since utilities you call
from 4FILES may not be DV-aware. DV's Transfer and Learn functions are
fully functional, even though 4FILES does employ its own keyboard handler.
4FILES' time slice will be released while 4FILES is idling.
Sufficient memory must be allotted to 4FILES for itself plus the largest
utility (or the DOS secondary shell) which will be called from within it.
You may wish to have "Open" menu entries for a few copies of 4FILES, each
with a different name and its own .CFG file. For example, one copy might
be setup to call TED (a small freeware text editor) as the editor so 4FILES
can be fully functional with minimal memory requirements; and another copy
might call Multi- Edit (a full featured editor) and be set up for 350+K of
memory. Due to 4FILES' small size it is realistic to use multiple copies (
each with its own .CFG file) to provide this flexibility.
When setting up for 4FILES it is suggested that the filename plus extension
be used, causing DV to load 4FILES directly itself rather than calling DOS
to load it. This saves several K of memory and saves much time during
utility calls since execution will be direct. On utility calls if DOS
loaded 4FILES, DV will shell to DOS before the utility is loaded. Also,
if a utility is called while 4FILES is in a small window, the utility's
screen may appear to be blank and unscrollable, depending on the location
of text on the page. In this situation just zoom the window to full size.
In the DV setup for 4FILES, set "Uses it's own colors" to yes, but don't
use colors which interfere with blinking. For example, when dark grey is
used for the 4FILES list background, 4FILES will display correctly but
when you switch to another window the whole 4FILES window will blink. Some
monochrome highlight choices have this same effect.
Under DESQview the 4FILES CTRL-ESC and ALT-ESC keys loose their meaning since
4FILES will always load showing its home directory. These keys can still
be useful though, allowing "plain" ESC to be deactivated as described herein.
I am not an "ace" DV user yet, and will make refinements as I learn more.
Suggestions from experienced DV users are welcome & encouraged!
===============
SAFETY FEATURES
===============
DISK OVERFLOW PREVENTION
======================== In DOS, a file write which exceeds disk capacity
truncates the file, usually with no immediate outward indication of a
problem. Automatic protection against such data loss must be provided by
the program itself, and 4FILES has an excellent overflow prevention system.
Competing programs do not check for disk overflow; some simply truncate the
file, and some truncate it to zero length. Some give absolutely no warning,
and others warn only after the damage is done.
20.
Whenever you change records or directories, 4FILES checks for an over- flow
condition. If your edits exceed disk capacity, you are immediately alerted
with a message giving the number of excess bytes. At this point the note
file is still in memory, and operations which would cause a file write are
blocked. These include drive or directory changes, calling browse or edit
utilities, and quitting. Meanwhile, you have FULL editing freedom, even
text insertion and pasting(!).
The overflow bytes message is updated on each record change, and the tally
can run up as high as necessary. When the message stops appearing, the
notes will then fit on disk and blocked-off functions are re-enabled.
Entirely deleting a note deducts more than the note size from the overflow;
the length of the "filename.ext" plus three delimiter bytes are also
nixed. If you delete a file (as opposed to just its note) or subdirectory
with the D or K commands, the space freed up from the record and its note
will be properly accounted for. Changes during ^E operations are accounted
for also since the directory is always reread afterward.
4FILES pinpoints available disk space down to the last byte. In one
unusual circumstance the overflow detection behavior may seem strange,
although it is still working correctly. Writing a new file requires at
least one cluster of disk space (1024, 2048, or 4096 bytes, depending on
the drive). Writing the first note in a subdirectory requires one cluster
of available space, but if the disk is already full, doing so will cause an
overflow condition. You might try going to another subdirectory that has
notes and deleting a few notes, but this probably will not work. You may
appear to free up enough bytes, but unless this also frees up a cluster
4FILES will still indicate an overflow since one does in fact exist.
READ ONLY "TRAP" AVOIDED
======================== 4DOS and 4FILES can move and edit notes only if the
"attribute" of the DESCRIPT.ION file allows a file write. Unfortunately, the
"READ-ONLY" attribute can be inadvertently set by some utilities, especially
those which can operate on blocks of files (such as XTREE Pro). When loading
a directory, 4FILES checks ahead for the READ-ONLY attribute, and will prompt
you to clear it. Competing programs aren't so nice. They let you edit
notes and appear to save your notes to disk -- but ... uh, uh, surprise!
Your work is gone. 4FILES won't let you waste effort making edits which
can't be saved, nor will it lose them under any circumstances.
If you say "NO" to clearing the attribute during a directory change, you
return to the old directory. During 4FILES startup, picking "NO" terminates
the program. "YES" clears the bit, and operations are normal. NEVER
intentionally mark a DESCRIPT.ION file "READ-ONLY" for any reason. 4FILES
catches the error, but 4DOS doesn't check for it. As a result, a file moved
or copied TO the affected directory will lose its note. A file in that
directory would also lose its note if it is renamed.
21.
4FILES also will not allow you to use the A or ^A commands to change the
attributes of DESCRIPT.ION, nor will it allow you to copy or rename it. It
may be deleted only if all notes have been erased. Such protections are
essential to the safety of the description system.
TIMELY INACCESSIBLE-DISK DETECTION
================================== Files on a write protected disk cannot be
altered, and if the root directory is full, files can't be added to it.
During 4FILES startup and all drive or directory changes an immediate check
is made to see if one of those conditions exists. If so, you will be
alerted with a prominent "PROTECTED" or "ROOT FULL" message. As appropriate,
certain 4FILES functions are disabled, and you will get an error message if
you try to use them. For example, in a full root you will not be able to
edit notes unless the DESCRIPT.ION file already exists. You can view files
on a protected disk, but file management and note editing is impossible. No
wasted time writing notes you can't save!!
INTERNAL CRITICAL ERROR HANDLER
=============================== DOS handles some simple, common problems
as critical errors, and can disrupt execution of a program. These problems
include leaving a drive door open or calling a drive with no disk inserted.
4FILES has its own INT24 handler to treat such problems seamlessly. It
also goes to extra effort to handle use of drives A and B in single floppy
systems seamlessly.
===========
4FILES TIPS
===========
Here are some ideas for making the most of 4FILES in everyday use.
1) TEAMWORK WITH LARGE APPLICATIONS: 4FILES is a real time saver when used
in conjunction with some application programs. For example, you can write
a 4DOS alias which loads 4FILES whenever you exit your communications
program. Using Procom as an example, if you create this 4DOS/NDOS alias:
ALIAS COM = C:\COM\PROCOM ^ 4FILES C:\COM\DOWN /T/D
the command "COM" will cause 4FILES to be load when Procom exits. Your
download directory will be shown sorted in reverse order by file creation
time, placing new files at the top. Using /E/D would put .ZIPS at the top.
Then, using <G+> you may view the contents of a new text or .ZIP file.
To unzip a file, type F4 to call PKUNZIP or 4UNZIP. For added flexibility
in unzipping, you can use the ^E command line. For example, I often send
PKUNZIP output to an empty directory, so inconsistently named files in the
archive don't get lost in a lengthy directory, and so READ.ME files don' t
get overwritten inadvertently. I maintain several directories for this
purpose, named \DUMP1, \DUMP2, etc. To get to one of these directories
22.
quickly after unzipping, type <G**>, then the directory name; or move
through your directory tree with <G-> & <G+>.
2) MORE ROOM FOR BIG APPLICATIONS: To make more room for big applications,
you can use SHROOM or SWAPDOS. SHROOM will swap 4FILES to disk, and SWAPDOS
will swap it to EMS or XMS memory or to disk. SHROOM may be faster for you
since 4FILES is a small swap and the following execution is made via the DOS
EXEC function. SWAPDOS shells to DOS to execute the program, and this takes
considerable time. The freed-up memory may make the difference between your
application running or not running.
3) MULTIPLE 4FILES CONFIGURATIONS: You can write a variety of aliases to
quickly load 4FILES in specialized, frequently used configurations. An alias
called 4FE might call 4FILES with the /E switch set. Another called 4FT,
might make the call 4FILES C:\WP\TEXT. In such aliases, giving the full
pathspec to 4FILES may speed loading, or you may want to have the directory
containing 4FILES listed early in your PATH statement.
4) SPEED YOUR RETURN AFTER SHELLING TO DOS: use this alias: ALIAS = E EXIT.
Then "E <CR>" gets you back to 4FILES (or other shelling program) fast from
the secondary shell.
5) REMEMBER THE "DOUBLE-TAP" KEYS: ^E^E, < G**>, and the double strokes
to quit the Sort menu. Also <G***> to return to the previous directory.
6) FREEZING THE SCREEN (A): With the ^E command or when using a utility
port with a batch file or alias, a message might flash off screen too fast
to read, or it might appear that nothing happens at all. Appending a "++"
to the command will freeze the screen after execution until a key is hit,
allowing you to see what happened. Also, 4FILES can be configured to pause
after every execution.
7) FREEZING THE SCREEN (B): Some utilities you may like to use will scroll
several pages right off the screen. The solution is to call an alias, as
in these examples calling Borland's TDUMP. They are most conveniently
placed in an alias file, but can be entered on the command line if the
alias expansion is enclosed in single quotes (once entered they are in
memory, ready for use). "=" is not needed from the command line.
ALIAS HEX=C:\PROG\TDUMP.EXE %1-h | MORE
or
ALIAS HEX=C:\PROG\TDUMP.EXE %1-h | C:\UTIL\LIST.COM /S
The first example pipes to an MSDOS resource which pauses at the end of
each page. The later pipes output into Vern Buerg's LIST program, which
allows back and forth scrolling through the output. To put this to heavy
use, map "HEX.ALS" to the 4FILES F3 key. (This is just an example; it is
really more efficient to use LIST.COM's ability to do a hex dump directly
by configuring <G+> or <F3> to call it with $F/h in the command tail.)
8) OPTIMUM KEYBOARD: We all get set in our ways so it may take some
adjustment, but if your function keys are across the top, getting a
keyboard with F-keys on the left will REALLY speed up your work in all
23.
programs and make it more accurate. In 4FILES the proximity of these keys
to <ESC>, <TAB>, <CTRL> and <ALT> is handy, especially when marking/
unmarking all files with ^F5 and ^F6. My switch to such a keyboard was VERY
rewarding!
If you have a laptop computer, check out the separate cursor keypad
units described above under "Directory Navigation".
9) FAST LOADING OF CALLED UTILITIES: On the configuration screen, provide
the full pathspec and filename for each utility, rather than relying on DOS
to search for the program in your PATH. Your utilities will load in the
blink of an eye; relying on PATH you will probably notice at least some
delay, and perhaps a lot if the directory holding the program is deep in your
PATH.
10) FAST CHANGE TO ROOT DIRECTORY: ON 101-key keyboards, you can make a
quick, one-handed change to the root directory since 4DOS will recognize
either "\" or "/" during a directory change. There is a "/" key next to <G*
>. So ... just hit: <G**> / <CR> and you're there. Of course, repeated
hits on <G-> will be faster if you aren't too many levels down.
11) COLOR SUGGESTION FOR COLOR MONITORS: As supplied 4FILES displays
in colors that won't interfere with screen blinking. Through experiment-
ation I have come up with two other color schemes which I feel are easier on
the eyes, as well as being functional. In particular, they give a good
balance between the color of the cursor bar and the colors of both normal
text and sorted fields. The best one uses a dark grey background, which may
require switch adjustments on the 4FILES configuration menu if you have
blinking troubles with utilities which are called from 4FILES (the same
attribute bit can mean "dark grey" or "blinking character" depending on
whether the blink-enable bit is turned on or off in the BIOS -- and some
programs fail to set this bit to the state they need to have it in).
COLOR SET #1 COLOR SET #2
------------------------- -----------------------
FIELD || BACKGROUND CHARACTER || BACKGROUND CHARACTER
------------- || ---------- ----------- || ---------- ----------
NORMAL TEXT || Dark Grey Dark Green || Black Dark Cyan
SORTED FIELD || Dark Grey Light Yell || Black Light Yell
CURSOR BAR || Light Grey Black || Light Grey Black
CUT HI-LIGHT || Dark Red Black || Dark Grey Light Red
FUNCTION KEY || Dark Grey Light Grey || Light Grey Black
MENU TEXT || Dark Grey Dark Cyan || Black Rust
INDICATORS || Dark Red Light White || Dark Red Light Grey
====================================
4FILES ... ORIGIN & FUTURE EVOLUTION
====================================
4FILES is coded entirely in assembly language for high speed and small size,
and the work involved has been considerable (and the job isn't done). The
concept arose from the lack in 4DOS of two things. First, 4DOS has no good
24.
means to create or edit the file notes it otherwise handles so well. The
4DOS internal note editor is basic and frustrating to use.
Second, while 4DOS has its own internal transfer commands (COPY, MOVE and
RENAME) which automatically keep notes with their files, it does not have a
good way to perform these operations on marked groups of files. 4DOS unaware
utilities capable of block operations (such as XTREE-PRO) are unsatisfactory,
since they are oblivious to file notes and will trash them. 4FILES' many
file management features do not yet include functions for copying, moving
or renaming marked groups of files, BUT these features are up and running
in Version 3.0, which is now being beta-tested. 3.0, available in a few
weeks, has improved Copy, Move and Rename functions for single files and
can also apply them to marked groups of files. It can also zip single or
marked files with their file descriptions as PKZIP comments. All
registered users will get a free copy as soon as it's ready.
Version 4.0 will have an internal ability to unzip and view archived files,
120-character file description ability, and built-in swapping to EMS/XMS.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: My deepest thanks go out to John Fox, Tom Schulte, Mike
Bessy, Pierre Jelenc, Ward Yelverton, Mack Tanner, Roland Friedrich, and Ralf
Berg who have all been of great help to me in refining 4FILES, finding bugs,
and identifying system dependent conflicts. Also, thanks to Roland for the
Windows and OS/2 icons, which are in the 4FILES screen colors he uses.
============================================================================
AGREEMENT -- USE / REGISTRATION / DISTRIBUTION / & LICENSING OF "4FILES"
============================================================================
WHAT YOU GET FOR REGISTRATION
============================= Registration is $20 and entitles you to:
1) Free technical support; 2) a copy of the latest version, with personalized
exit message, and a free registered copy of V-3.0 by mail immediately upon
release. Timely notification of releases beyond V-3.0 will be sent; 3) a
nice, printed manual for $3.50 at time of registration, or $5.00 if ordered
later; 4) I have also been very liberal about providing free incremental
registered upgrades as major features are added on the way to what is
promised for V-3.0.
4FILES has been a very time consuming project because I have gone to great
pains both to maximize its convenience and power and to assure protection
of your data. I regret that V-3.0 is not yet available, but even so, the
existing power and convenience is, I believe, considerable. Please
recognize this effort by registering your copy promptly if you put it to
useful work, and by passing 4FILES on to others who might enjoy it.
AGREEMENT FOR USE AND DISTRIBUTION
================================== 4FILES and its documentation are
copyrighted intellectual property which are distributed as shareware, and may
be used or distributed only in compliance with the terms and conditions which
follow. 4FILES is neither free nor in the public domain. All rights are
25.
reserved worldwide by the author. Any use of 4FILES constitutes your
agreement to all provisions herein.
USE & REGISTRATION FOR A SINGLE COMPUTER
======================================== Use of 4FILES is free during your
evaluation period. This period ends when you begin to use 4FILES for any
useful work which is not incidental to exploring its capabilities, and may
not exceed 30-days beyond your acquisition date. When you use 4FILES for the
primary purpose of accomplishing useful work (as contrasted to a genuine
evaluation) you are obligated to do your "share" of the shareware arrangement
by registering your copy promptly. Registration is only $20, and a form is
provided in the file 4F-REGST.TXT
MULTIPLE USE & SITE LICENSING
============================= A site license is required if 4FILES can
potentially be used simultaneously on more than one computer, terminal or
workstation in a business, institution, organization, government agency,
home, etc. To apply for a license, please fill out the registration form in
4F_REG.TXT. A sample site license and rates are contained in the file
4F-SITE.TXT
DISTRIBUTION OF 4FILES
======================
Distribution by any means is encouraged, provided that:
1) The distribution includes all original files (see Packing List, below)
in their unaltered forms and with unaltered filenames. If the package is
incomplete its distribution is prohibited; please contact me for a complete
package. Do not include a configuration file in the distrib- ution. A BBS
may add a tag file listing it as the source, and disk vendors may add
introductory or installation batch files.
2) A distribution fee does not exceed $8 if 4FILES is distributed alone or
$12 (in 1991 dollars) if it is packed on-disk with other programs, UNLESS a
higher figure has been approved in writing. Commercial vendors who are not
members of ASP must have written permission to distribute. Please inquire
as necessary.
3) In any vendor catalog or other publication, it is clearly stated that this
is shareware and that $20 must be paid to Hand-Crafted Software if the
program is useful, in addition to the distribution fee (if any).
4) 4FILES may not be included or bundled with other goods or services
without express written permission of the author.
WARRANTY & DISCLAIMER
===================== Any use of 4FILES constitutes your agreement that it
is provided "as-is" with no express or implied warranty (other than free
technical support), that you assume full responsibility for assuring that
it performs acceptably on your system, and that in no event shall Larry
Edwards, Hand-Crafted Software or their successors be held liable for any
damages arising from use of the program.
26.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope you think my soft "wares" are terrific; much extra effort has been
expended toward that end. Your registration will be (or is) much apprec-
iated. Please let me know of any improvements you would like.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
============
PACKING LIST (All files except 4F.COM & TV.COM are readable text files.)
============
4F .COM 4FILES Program file.
4F .DOC Full documentation.
4F .HLP HELP text file.
4F .VER Version update details and history.
4F-READ .ME Introductory information, and a word on compatibility.
4F-REG .TXT Registration form.
4F-SITE .TXT Sample site license & rates.
4F-VEND .TXT Info for SYSOPs & disk vendors.
4F-0S2 .ICO Icon for use with OS/2.
4F-WIN .ICO Icon for use with Windows.
FILE_ID .DIZ Description for BBSs.
TV .COM Public domain file browser. (May be omitted for distrib.)
TV .DOC (May be omitted for distribution)
===========================================
DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLING 4FILES
=========================================== For simple instructions see
Quick Start on page 3. The following assumes you do not have a text editor,
and it will take but a few minutes. "< >" means a keyboard key.
1) The PATH is an internal list of specified drives and subdirectories where
DOS will look for a program you are trying to execute, if the program cannot
be found on the current drive and directory. To see if you have a PATH set
up, type "PATH" on the DOS command line. If the message given is "No PATH",
goto step 2. Otherwise, write down one of the paths (there is a ";"
separating them) which is listed and in which you wish to store 4FILES. Go
to step 3.
2. Change to your "boot" drive and directory by typing C: (or A: if you
booted from a floppy) and typing <Enter>. Then type CD \<Enter> to get to
the "root" directory. Type DIR<Enter> and look to see if you have the file
AUTOEXEC.BAT. If so, go to step 3.
We will create an AUTOEXEC.BAT file now. It will be called everytime you
boot your computer, setting your PATH and making a nicer DOS prompt. Type:
COPY CON AUTOEXEC.BAT <Enter>. Then, substituting your drive for "d",
type: PATH=d:\UTIL<Enter>PROMPT=$P$G<Enter><Ctrl-Z><Enter> Then go to
step 4.
27.
3. Add a PATH statement to your existing AUTOEXEC.BAT file by typing: COPY
AUTOEXEC.BAT + CON AUTOEXEC.BAT<Enter>. What you type on the "console" is
now appended to the file. Type: PATH=d:\UTIL<Enter><Ctrl-Z><Enter>, where "
d" is the letter of your boot drive.
4. Put the 4FILES disk in drive A: and type: COPY A:4F*.* \UTIL<Enter> to
copy all 4FILES files to the directory. (Substitute a different directory
for \UTIL as necessary.) Also type: COPY A:TV.* \UTIL .
5. 4FILES is now installed. Since 4FILES is in your PATH now, typing 4F
will start it up no matter what drive or directory you are currently in.
6. Start 4FILES by typing 4F. Then hit the <Alt-F10> key. The bar will be
on the line for the <G+> key (the "grey-plus" key). It is set to LIST.ALS
if the program has its factory settings, allowing file viewing if you have
4DOS installed. We'll change it; type-in d:\UTIL\TV.COM if TV.COM was
included with your 4FILES, and type <ESC>P. Move the highlight bar to any
file, press <G+>, and TV will display the file and let you browse it.
<ESC> quits to 4FILES.
Move the bar to the UTIL directory and then press <G+>. You are now in that
directory (if this fails, use <Scroll-Lock>). Move down to the 4F-READ.ME
file and hit <G+> to browse it. When done, hit <TAB> and type (or modify)
a file note. Then hit <G-> to return to the parent directory. Move elswhere
in that list and hit <G*> 3 times. Your're back to the previous directory.
Quit with <ESC> or <Alt-ESC>. More in the manual.
======================================================================== 28.
4FILES REGISTRATION FORM
========================
Larry Edwards // Hand-Crafted Software
Box 6001 // Sitka, Ak 99835 USA // (907)-747-8996
ALTERNATIVELY, YOU MAY REGISTER BY PHONE: Call PsL (Public software Library)
at 800-2424-PsL to register single copies. The registration fee is slightly
higher to cover part of the cost of this service.
Your signature here or registration with PsL signifies acceptance of
the agreement contained near the end of the documentation.
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY!
===================== 4FILES VERSION #____
Your name: _____________________________________ Position:_________________
Company: _______________________________________ Phone: (W) _______________
Street or Box: ___________________________________ (H) _______________
City/State/Zip: __________________________________ Country: _______________
I got 4FILES from (name BBS/vendor/etc):_________________, ____________ Forum
E-Mail UIDs: CIS ___________. Genie ___________. BIX ____________.
CHECK ONE: INTERNET addr: _____________________________
==========
__ Our (my) operation can't possibly use more than one copy of 4FILES
simultaneously. I am registering one copy via the enclosed $20 payment.
__ Our (my) operation hereby applies for a site license to install 4FILES
for use on up to _____ computers or terminals. Payment according to the
schedule in the file 4F-SITE.TXT is enclosed (call if file is lost).
__ Send ___ printed manuals for $4.00 each (up to 1 per installation only).
Send upgrade by US Mail on: __ 5.25" disk __ 3.5" disk.
CHECK ONE EACH> Using: __ MSDOS __ DRDOS Version ____ __ Other:_______
With: __ 4DOS __ NDOS Version ____ __ Neither
Signature: ________________________________________ Date: _______________
================================================================
COMMENTS / PROBLEMS / CHANGES OR ADDITIONS YOU DESIRE IN 4FILES:
================================================================
(Please comment on the back of this page.)