Tech Arsenal 1/Tech Arsenal (Arsenal Computer).ISO/tek-05/nms_124.zip/NETMENU.TXT

Text File | 1992-03-28 | 22.7 KB | 463 lines

                     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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