OS/2 Shareware BBS: 24 DOS/24-DOS.zip/4files.zip/4F-READ.ME

Text File | 1995-12-06 | 8KB | 158 lines

READ-ME  FILE FOR 4FILES v3.30.
-------------------------------

 CONTENTS:   ... 1) What is 4FILES?
 ---------
             ... 2) A note to all users, new and old.

             ... 3) A note for NEW users.

             ... 4) Compatibility.

1)  WHAT IS 4FILES?
===================

    4FILES is a multi-purpose file manager that also includes an
editor for 4DOS & NDOS "file descriptions" and the ability to act
as a "front-end" for your favorite utilities and application programs.

    Command keystrokes are simple, to the point, and easy to remember.  A
very efficient method of directory navigation is provided.  A built-in
configuration routine makes on-the-fly changes of 4FILES' settings a
simple matter, including changes to the "utility ports" (which are used to
call your utilities and other programs), colors, and many custom setup
choices.  International keyboards and character code pages are fully
supported.  4FILES runs under DOS, Windows, OS/2 and Desqview, and was
recommended by PC-Computing magazine in its 9/94 issue.

    The 4FILES screen lists contents of the current directory with subdir-
ectories 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.

    File and 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.  4FILES works fine with
COMMAND.COM too, except that your notes will be lost during the above
file operations.

    Full file management facilities are provided via mnemonic single-key
commands for use on single files and marked groups of files.  These
include file copy, move, rename, and delete; and directory create, remove,
and rename.  There is also support for ZIP, ARJ, LHA and other types of
file archives.

    Any program file or batch file may be executed directly from the 4FILES
screen, and any file or directory name can be quickly dropped into an
editable DOS command line.  Also, "executable extensions" are supported,
allowing you to load a data file into its associated application (such as
Word Perfect or dBase) based on its file extension.  You can also "shell"
back to DOS while leaving 4FILES loaded; your place in 4FILES is saved.

    There is an internal routine for branding this copy of 4FILES (or later
copies you might obtain from bulletin boards or your vendor) with the
serial number you will be given when you pay for your copy.  When you brand
the program, the payment reminder screen will no longer appear.  4FILES is
$30 (USD).  A "Pro" version is also available for $5 more, and has two
specialized features.


2)  TO ALL USERS:
=================

    Have you tried a previous version?  If so, read 4F-UPDAT.TXT.

    If you have difficulties be sure to check the section on compatibility
below, and also press <Alt-F10> to check your configuration.  If that
doesn't help, call, fax or e-mail us for Tech Support.  (Voice=907-747-8996,
fax=907-747-4801, CIS=72037,3607, Internet=[e-mail])

    A word about quitting 4FILES under OS/2 or MS-Windows ...

    Under DOS, quit 4FILES using the Ctrl-ESC & Alt-ESC keys.  Since OS/2
and Windows use these keys for special "system" uses, 4FILES instead
relies on the Left-Shift-ESC and Right-Shift-ESC keys under OS/2 and
Win.  These keys quit to the current directory and original directory,
respectively.  The keys are also functional under DOS, for consistency.

    In OS/2, 4FILES must be full-screen to quit properly with these keys
-- do not quit with OS/2's "close" menu item (shown by these keys when
4FILES is in a window).

    The mouse will behave like a Windows mouse when 4FILES is in a window
and like a 4FILES mouse when 4FILES is displayed full screen.  Your mouse
driver should be loaded before loading Windows.  See the manual (4F.TXT)
about the OS/2 "DOS Setting" for Mouse_Exclusive_Use if you don't like the
mouse action under OS/2.

    ALT-ENTER and ALT-HOME are used in Windows and OS/2 respectively to
toggle between running 4FILES in a window of full screen.


3)  TO NEW USERS OF 4FILES:
===========================

    Thanks for taking the time to give 4FILES a try!  The file 4F.TXT (the
manual) has both general and detailed installation instructions; look for
"Quick Start," "MS-Windows," and "OS/2" in the table of contents.  The
file 4F-INSTL.TXT gives more detailed installation instructions.

    One of the first things you should do is use <Alt-F10> to call up the
configuration menu.  This is where you setup 4FILES so it can find your
utilities and set colors and options.  If a utility is in your PATH you
need give only its filename AND extension (required), but a full pathspec
results in faster performance.

    4FILES comes with the <Grey+> key setup to view files by calling
4F-TV.COM (supplied with 4FILES).  You may wish to reconfigure 4FILES to
use other browse utilities such as Vern Buerg's LIST or the 4DOS LIST
command (configure the latter as LIST.ALS).  4DOS LIST requires shelling
to DOS, which is slow; Buerg's LIST is a better choice.  Note that the
4FILES Help file will not display unless the browser "port" is correctly
configured.

    Also, use <Alt-F10> to set the keyboard type you use if you have a
laptop computer or an old PC keyboard.

    Directory navigation is one of 4FILES' strong suits, and to make the most
of it, you should read the Navigation section in the manual (file 4F.TXT).
Play around a lot with the navigation keys.  Other important keys are
<TAB> to toggle between file management and file description modes, <F7>
to toggle display of file attributes or file time, and for EGA/VGA
Ctrl-<F7> to change the number of rows displayed.  <Alt-Char>, where Char
is any alphanumeric key, searches for files and subdirectories starting
with the character.

    There are many other features and a good file note editor, all well
integrated into the keyboard to put a lot of power at your finger-tips in
an easy to learn and remember arrangement.  Please lavish a little time on
the manual (4F.TXT) and at least look at "Quick Start" therein for now.  I
have worked hard to incorporate a lot of features into 4FILES and to write
a thorough manual.  It would be a shame for you to miss the full benefits
of that labor by trying to get-by by running the program by the seat of
your pants (although it's easy enough that you can get pretty far that way).


4) COMPATIBILITY:
=================  4FILES is compatible with MSDOS 3.x and higher, DRDOS
and Novell DOS 5.x and higher, all versions of 4DOS and NDOS, OS/2,
Windows & Desqview.

COMPATIBILITY ISSUES:
--------------------
  A)  PC-Magazine's LOG.COM is poorly behaved, and whenever a utility is
  called from 4FILES, LOG.COM causes an "incorrect configuration" message to
  be displayed, even though execution was good.  Use the 4DOS LOG facility or
  another shareware LOG program instead.

  B)  With NEWKEY.EXE, you should run NEWKEYSP.EXE and free-up the
  Ctrl-ESC key for use by other programs, via one of the menus.
  Otherwise, this key will be non-functional in 4FILES.

  C)  A number of freeware key-swap utilities (e.g. SWITCH5.COM) ignore
  or do not properly update keyboard BIOS data.  If you have keyboard
  trouble, try unloading such programs, and if necessary look for a
  better replacement.