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FTDEMO.TXT
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1989-02-24
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FLEXTEND (tm) - BIOS/DOS/Novell Extension for DataFlex
OVERVIEW
--------
Have you ever wanted to access MS-DOS information from inside a DataFlex
application? How about checking on Novell Network information like the
current users name or the physical station number? Or even, passing
information directly between 'C' & ASM programs and DataFlex? Flextend
allows this and more!
The usual techniques for passing information from an external program
include writting the information to a temporary file and then reading
it sequentially back from your DataFlex application or purchasing the
CS&L each of which have drawbacks.
METHODS OF INTERPROGRAM COMMUNICATIONS
--------------------------------------
- File I/O
* Exceptionally Slow.
* Messy hard drives.
* Time consuming (Often unreliable or impossible) to code in a
multi-user situation.
- 'C' Source & Library
* Expensive at $1500!
* Requires use of non-standardized Dataflex run-time.
- FLEXTEND by Bennett Software Solutions
* Faster than File I/O methods.
* Integrates invisibly with DataFlex 2.3 or greater.
* Works in both single and multi-user environments.
* Allows access to BIOS, MS-DOS, and Novell network information.
* Source code available.
* Cheap at $24.95.
FLEXTEND FEATURES
-----------------
- Flextend allows access to the following system functions:
* Number of serial ports
* Current drive letter
* Number of Diskette Drives
* Any DOS file size
* Disk space for any drive specification
* Number of printers available
* MS-DOS version number
* Current Directory Name
- Novell Network users can also access the following information:
* Server Version Number
* Server Name
* Workstation ID
* Number of local disks
* Physical Station Number
* Current Users Name
* Printer form loaded
* Verify any network printer is RUNNING and/or ON-LINE
- Ease of use. Flextend is easily merged in your applications by
#INCLUDEing the Flextend macro file.
- Royalty free. Once you have purchased Flextend the executable
file is redistributable to your customers without any charge under
the constraints of the Flextend license.
- Works flawlessly in multi-user systems. No File I/O means no
headaches managing communications files between DataFlex and
non-DataFlex processes. All communication takes place in the
process RAM of DFRUN.EXE.
- Modifiable. The Flextend source package can be modified to included
your own routines that speak directly to DataFlex programs.
REQUIREMENTS
------------
Hardware: IBM-PC/XT/AT/Clone computer. PS/2 series is untested but
believed to work.
Software: DataFlex developers license - Version 2.3 or greater running
under MS-DOS.
Optional: Novell Advanced Netware - Version 2.0a or greater.
Borland's Turbo 'C' compiler for source modification.
SETUP
-----
Setup to use Flextend in your environment requires 2 steps:
1) The variable DFRET must be added to your environment with a
pre-allocated amount of area:
Example (Place this line in your AUTOEXEC.BAT):
SET DFRET=XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
This will allocate 24 characters as a data return area from
Flextend to the DataFlex runtime. The amount of space you will
want to reserve depends upon your needs.
2) The FLEXTEND.EXE executable must be made available in a directory
that is set by the PATH variable. You may want to place this
program in your DATAFLEX runtime directory.
DEMO VERSION
------------
This demo archive contiains a working version of the Flextend
executable with a DataFlex 2.3 compiled program and it's source code.
The Flextend executable is identical to the normal version excepted
that it is sensitive to certain timing hardware in your machine.
Occasionally you will find the message 'FLEXTEND DEMO...' will pop on
to your screen. Simply press a key and the demo program will
continue normally.
ORDERING
--------
See the file FLEXTEND.ORD included in this archive.
AUTHOR
------
Flextend was written by David Bennett of Bennett Software Solutions.
If you have any questions about Flextend please feel free to contact.
Dave Bennett
Bennett Software Solutions
151 West Geospace Drive
Independence, MO 64056
Voice : (816) 796-7505
FAX : (816) 796-8288
DAC BBS : (305) 238-0640
CIS : 74635,1671
TRADEMARKS
-----------
DataFlex & CS&L are registered trademarks of Data Access Company
Flextend is a trademark of Bennett Software Solutions
MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft
Netware is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc.
Turbo 'C' is a registered trademark of Borland International
IBM is a registered trademarks of International Business Machines