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NETMENU.TXT
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NETMENU Installation and Configuration
Introduction
NETMENU is an easy to use, network menu program. It is designed to
run on any IBM PC or compatible computer running MS-DOS or PCDOS 3.x or
higher and works with most PC based network systems.
Features
Designed specifically for network use.
NETMENU has the required file locking and multiple access to menu
files built in to the program. There is no need to worry about being
locked out of a menu file because someone else has it open.
Flexible configuration.
NETMENU has been designed so that menu files may be located
anywhere on the network. This flexibility allows different sets of
menu files to be accessed by different groups of users.
Minimal memory requirements.
When programs are executed from NETMENU, a 5K loader program is all
that is left in memory. This allows even the largest programs to be
loaded from NETMENU.
Unlimited number of menus.
Each menu has 26 menu items lettered A-Z. Each menu item may
either invoke an external .COM, .EXE. or .BAT file, an internal DOS
command, or load another menu. This design allows an unlimited number
of menus (limited only by disk space).
Password protected menus and menu items.
Each menu and/or menu item may be protected by a password the
network administrator defines. This will prevent unauthorized access
to programs and files that should only be available to certain users or
groups.
Encrypted menus for security.
Each menu is encrypted to prevent users from learning the passwords
to protected programs or menus.
Separate configuration program for security.
A separate configuration program (NMCONFIG) is supplied to prevent
access by unauthorized users. The network administrator normally keeps
this program in a directory that only he has access to.
Built-in screen blanker.
To prevent the image of the menu being burned into the screen
during long idle periods, NETMENU has been designed with a built-in
screen blanker.
Built-in clock display.
NETMENU has an on-screen clock which is displayed in the upper
right corner of the screen. In addition, the heading of the screen
displays the current day of the week and date.
Mouse support.
Menu items may be selected by pointing to them with a mouse and
double clicking the left mouse button. To back through the menus,
press the right mouse button.
Customized menu heading.
Two fifty (50) character lines of text may be defined during
installation for display at the top of the menu. You can enter your
organization's name and the name of your network here or any other text
you wish.
Prompts the user for parameters.
Menu entries may be configured to prompt for user supplied
parameters to pass to the program that is to be run.
Description of each menu item.
As the user moves through each menu item a one line description of
each item is displayed at the bottom of the menu. This description can
give the user a better indication of the function of each menu item.
Installation
This documentation will show the basics for installing and using
the software on a Novell NETWARE network. Other network operating
systems are set up in a similar manner.
Login as SUPERVISOR. Copy NMSMENU.EXE to a shared directory on the
network, i.e., SYS:PUBLIC. This directory should be read-only to
prevent unauthorized tampering with the files. A drive mapping should
be set up pointing to this directory. We will use Z:\PUBLIC for the
purposes of this documentation. Copy NMS_INST.EXE and ENCRYPT.EXE to a
directory that only the SUPERVISOR has rights to, i.e. SYS:SYSTEM.
Another drive mapping should point to this directory and should be a
search directory, that is, it should be included on the PATH. From the
drive that points to the SYS:PUBLIC directory,(in this case Z:\PUBLIC)
execute the NMS_INST program to configure the title lines and create
NETMENU.COM. By having the SYS:SYSTEM directory on the PATH and
executing the NMS_INST program from the Z:\PUBLIC directory, the
NETMENU.COM program will be generated in the proper place, namely the
Z:\PUBLIC directory. This is the loader program for the NETMENU
system.
Next, manually set the following environment variables:
set MENUFILE=<drv:\pathname>
set MENUPROG=<drv:\pathname>
set MENUTEMP=<drv:\pathname>
set MSEDITOR=<drv:\path\editorname>
MENUFILE points to the drive and directory where the menu files are
located, MENUPROG points to the drive and directory where the network
menu programs are located, in this case Z:\PUBLIC and MENUTEMP points
to the drive and directory where temporary files will be written as
well as the location of the NMCONFIG.EXE program for the administrator.
The network administrators MENUTEMP environment variable should point
to a directory that is only accessible by the network administrator.
The MSEDITOR variable points to the text editor that you would like to
use to create and edit batch files while in the configuration program.
If you don't want to edit files while in the configuration program,
leave this variable blank.
As an example, if the network drive and directory where the menu
data files are located is S:\NETMENU and the drive and directory where
the menu programs are located is Z:\PUBLIC then the set statements
required would be:
set MENUFILE=S:\NETMENU
set MENUPROG=Z:\PUBLIC
In addition, each user and the network administrator should have a
network drive that has read-write access. If this directory were
mapped as N:\ then the MENUTEMP variable would be set as follows:
set MENUTEMP=N:
The system administrator may add these variables to each user's
environment in the system login script. This way you will be sure to
have the variables setup properly. This also allows the administrator
to point different users or groups to a different sets of menu files
simply by changing an environment variable. You may have to increase
the size of your environment to accommodate these additional variables.
This is done in your CONFIG.SYS file with a statement like this:
(DOS 3.2 and later)
SHELL=C:\COMMAND.COM /E:512 /P
(DOS 3.1)
SHELL=C:\COMMAND.COM /E:62 /P
The first example increases the environment size from the default of
about 160 bytes to 512 bytes. The second example increases the
environment to 62 paragraphs (16 bytes per paragraph). This is the
maximum for DOS 3.1. DOS 3.2 and above allow environments up to 32768
bytes.
Laptop users or users with monochrome displays can increase the
readability of the menu screens by setting another DOS environment
variable. This is done like this:
set MSDISP=MONO
This will tell netmenu that you have a display that is not capable of
displaying colors and automatically adjust for this. Users with color
displays don't need to set this variable at all.
After setting the required environment variables, the network
administrator must initially execute NMCONFIG from the DOS prompt.
This will create a blank menu file called MAIN.MNU. THIS MUST BE DONE
BEFORE INITIALLY STARTING NETMENU. The beginning menu file MUST BE
CALLED "MAIN.MNU" for the system to work properly. Additional menus
created by the system administrator may have any valid DOS filename.
Once the MAIN.MNU file has been created, press ESC to exit NMCONFIG and
then start the NETMENU system by typing NETMENU at the DOS prompt. If
the environment variables have been set correctly and the files copied
to the proper directories, the MAIN MENU will appear.
Files Included
The ENCRYPT.EXE file encrypts and decrypts the menu data files.
This should only be used for debugging purposes. The files must be
encrypted for use with the NMSMENU program. Running the ENCRYPT
program with a menu filename on the command line initially will decrypt
the menu file. Running it again will encrypt it. The file may be
viewed or edited while it is in its decrypted state.
The NMS_INST program is used to configure the heading lines and
create the NETMENU.COM program. It is normally only run once during
the initial installation.
NMCONFIG.EXE is the menu configuration program. It must be located
in a directory accessible only by the network administrator to prevent
users from changing the menus. This directory is pointed to by the
MENUTEMP environment variable. In the example above, this would be the
network directory N:.
Theory and Operation
The key to the operation of the system is the NETMENU loader
program. This program, first checks for the existence of the NMSMENU
program in the directory pointed to by the MENUPROG environment
variable. If it is not found the program will abort. If found, the
program loads the NMSMENU program. The NMSMENU program executes from a
shared directory on the network and reads menu data files from another
shared network directory. The user selects a menu item either by
scrolling the highlighted bar and pressing ENTER, double clicking the
left mouse button when the mouse cursor is on the desired item or by
pressing the letter beside the desired item. From the menu information
in memory, the program determines if the selection is another menu or a
command to be executed. If it is another menu, the menu information is
loaded from the network file server. If it is a command, a batch file
is built and written to the directory pointed to by the MENUTEMP
environment variable. After the batch file is written, the NMSMENU
program ends and is removed from memory. The NETMENU loader program
then takes over, executing the batch file that was just created. When
the batch file completes, control is again returned to the NETMENU
program which will then reload the NMSMENU program and begin the cycle
all over. Two temporary files are generated when executing a menu
selection. These files are $$MENU$$.BAT which contains the commands to
execute the menu item and $RETURN$.FIL which instructs NMSMENU which
menu file to load so that it will return to the menu that was loaded
when the external program was run. Another temporary file is generated
when the program is directed to pause after execution. This file,
$PAUSE$.BAT, is created by NMSMENU and executed from the NETMENU loader
program. The existence of these files is usually transparent to the
user as the system deletes these files after they have been used.
Under certain circumstances, i.e. the user's system hangs while running
a program loaded with NETMENU, these files will be left in the
directory pointed to by the MENUTEMP environment variable. If these
files are found in this directory they may be deleted without harm. If
they are not deleted, the system will delete them automatically.
Menu Navigation
Navigation through the menus is simple and intuitive. The desired
menu item is highlighted by moving the highlighted bar with the arrow
cursor keys or single clicking the left mouse button on the desired
item. To select the item the user presses the ENTER key or may double
click the left mouse button when the mouse cursor is on the desired
menu item. Each lower level menu is loaded in this way. If it is
desired to go to the previous menu, the user must press ESCAPE or the
right mouse button. If the user wishes to return directly to the Main
Menu they should press Alt-M. Alt-X will exit NETMENU immediately,
returning the user to the DOS prompt. Alt-D allows the user to
temporarily exit to DOS to perform commands from the DOS prompt. They
should type EXIT to return to NETMENU. Additionally, the options shown
on the bottom line may be selected by double clicking the mouse on the
area between the brackets ([ ]). Experimentation will give the user a
better feel for the way the menus are navigated.
Menu Configuration
The NMCONFIG program may be loaded from within NETMENU by pressing
ALT-C or double clicking the left mouse button on the symbol in the
upper left corner of the menu screen. Remember, the NMCONFIG program
should be located in a directory that only the system administrator has
access to and this directory must be pointed to by the MENUTEMP
environment variable.
Once the configuration program loads, you may begin setting up the
menus. Pick the menu item you wish to configure by pressing the menu
letter, using the cursor keys to position the highlighted bar and
pressing ENTER, or by double clicking the left mouse button on the item
you wish to configure. Another screen will be displayed that will
allow you to configure this menu item.
Pressing "E" will allow you to edit this item, "D" will delete it
and "ESC" will take you back to the menu screen. Press "E" to edit.
The first item on the screen is the MENU ENTRY. This is the text
that will be displayed in the menu for this item. The next entry is
the DESCRIPTION. This text appears at the bottom of the screen when
using the cursor keys to scroll through the items. This should be a
brief description of the menu item.
Next is the PATH\DIRECTORY specification. This field is used to
specify the disk drive and directory where the command is located. If
you want to call another menu using this menu item, enter "[menu]" in
this field (without the double quotation marks). The word "menu" must
be in lower case, enclosed by brackets. If you enter a path for the
command, the batch file that is generated first will change to the disk
specified and then to the directory specified. For example, if you
enter Y:\UT for this entry the following commands are generated in the
batch file:
Y:
CD \UT
Be sure not to include a trailing backlash when entering a path \
directory, unless the directory you are entering is the root directory.
For instance, if your command to execute is in the root directory of Y:
then you should enter Y:\. This will generate the following commands
in the temporary batch file:
Y:
CD \
The COMMAND field is used to specify the name of the program you
wish to execute. This may either be a .COM, .EXE, or a .BAT file. If
you entered "[menu]" for the PATH\DIRECTORY field, the COMMAND field is
used to specify the name of the menu file you wish to call. This may
be any valid DOS filename, but it is suggested that the .MNU extension
be used to easily differentiate the menu files from other files. If the
directory field is not "[menu]" then the program will search for a
.COM, .EXE, or .BAT file with the name specified in the COMMAND field
in the directory specified in the PATH\DIRECTORY field. If one is not
found, the configuration program will ask if you want to create a batch
file by that name in the specified directory. If a batch file with that
name is found the program will ask if you want to edit it. This is
where the MSEDITOR variable comes into play. If you have set this
variable properly, NMCONFIG will shell out to your editor and allow you
to either create or edit the batch file. If you don't set the variable,
or a .COM or .EXE file is found in the specified directory, the program
will not prompt you.
As indicated by its name, the PAUSE AFTER EXECUTION field allows
the results of the executed file to remain displayed on the screen
before returning to the menu. This field is used to allow the results
of a program that normally returns to DOS to remain displayed. You may
press ENTER to supply the default answer of "N" or type "N" or "Y".
The next entry, PROMPT FOR PARAMETERS, allows you to specify if you
want to supply command line parameters to the program you will be
executing. As in the previous item, pressing ENTER will supply the
default answer of "N", or you may type "Y" or "N". If "Y" is entered
the next field to complete is the PROMPT TEXT field. This field is
used to prompt the user for the information to supply on the command
line. For example, if a filename is required to be entered on the
command line for a program that searches for the file on your hard disk
you might enter a prompt like this:
Enter the filename to search for:
Whenever this menu item is selected the user will be prompted to enter
a filename.
If "[menu]" was entered for the PATH/DIRECTORY field and a DOS
filename was entered for the COMMAND field, configuration will continue
at the PASSWORD field. This field is used to protect either commands
or menus that only specific people are allowed to access. Press ENTER
to leave the password blank or enter a password. When this field is
completed, you will be asked if what you entered is correct. If you
answer "Y" the menu screen will re-appear, otherwise you will be given
another chance to edit your entries. After returning to the menu
screen you may continue configuring menu items on this menu, load
another menu, or return to the menu program.
Loading another menu is a simple process. Highlight the desired
menu item using either the cursor keys or SINGLE clicking the left
mouse button on the item. When the desired item is highlighted, press
F1 to load the menu file that is specified. The system will attempt to
load the filename that is described in the COMMAND field for this menu
item. If the file does not exist, it will prompt you for its creation.
If the item pointed to does not describe a new menu file, an error
message will be displayed alerting you that the item is not a menu.
That's All Folks
That's about all there is to it. However, if you have any
questions about configuration or comments about the program in general,
I can be reached via U.S. Mail at the following address:
Steve Burns
19706 E. 14th Terrace North
Independence, Missouri 64056
License Information
Agreement
The NETMENU Network Menu System and all of its associated files are
the copyrighted property of Steven R. Burns and Computer Consulting
Services. You are granted a limited license to use, copy, and
distribute NETMENU provided the following conditions are met:
No fee above $10.00 may be charged for copying and distribution.
NETMENU may only be distributed in its original unmodified state.
This software is distributed under the user supported software
concept. Though NETMENU is copyrighted, you are encouraged to copy and
distribute this program to others. If you use this product, a
registration fee of $50.00 for each file server on which it is
installed is required for continued use. Network, Site, and Corporate
licenses are available. See the registration and order form elsewhere
in this manual. All registered users receive technical support and
upgrade notices. Call or write for information about commercial
distribution and dealer licenses. In addition, registered users will
receive at no additional charge, a site license for PCMENU. PCMENU has
the same interface as NETMENU, but runs on individual PC's. This
allows users to access programs on their own PC's with the same
interface as NETMENU. By making one entry in their local menu they can
access the network menus through NETMENU.
Disclaimer
The author makes no representations or warranties with respect to
the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any implied warranties
of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Further, the
author reserves the right to revise this publication and to make
changes from time to time in the content hereof without obligation of
the author to notify any person or organization of such revision or
changes.
User Supported Software Concept
NETMENU is user supported. This means that you may copy it freely
and give the copies away to anyone you wish. They are in turn
requested to send in a contribution if they decide to use it.
The user supported software concept (also known as "shareware") is
an attempt to provide quality software at low cost. Both the user and
author benefit from this plan. The user will benefit by being able to
"test drive" software thoroughly before purchasing it. The author
benefits by being able to enter the commercial software market while
avoiding the high cost of commercial distribution.
This concept helps many independent authors and small companies
that otherwise would be discouraged from developing and promoting their
ideas. It can only work with your support. If you obtain a user
supported program from a friend and are still using it after a few
weeks, then it is obviously worth something to you, and a contribution
should be sent. Registration Form
Send to: Steven R. Burns
19706 E. 14th Terrace North
Independence, Missouri 64056
Network License fee for unlimited usage per server . . . . . . . $50.00
Site Licenses and Corporate Licenses are available. Contact me at the
address above for prices.
Name _____________________________________________
Company __________________________________________
Address __________________________________________
City, State, Zip _________________________________
Phone ____________________________________________
3.5" disks _____ 5.25" disks _____
Where did you hear about NETMENU
______________________________________________________________________
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Please make checks payable from U.S. banks.