This document contains technical specifications and release notes for CommWin⌐ release version 2.0. This is the first release following the beta test release 1.02b. Information contained in this document is more current than that in the user manual or in the on-line help file.
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How to Use This Document
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To view README.TXT on screen in Windows Notepad, maximize the Notepad window and turn on Word Wrap from the Edit menu selection.
To print README.TXT, open it in Windows Notepad, Windows Write, Microsoft Word, or another word processor. Then select the entire document and format the text in 10-point Courier before printing.
The installation process automatically installs a new copy of the CommWin⌐ database. If you are updating CommWin⌐ from any prior version (including the Beta releases) and you wish to preserve your current database entries, first rename COMMWIN.MDB to COMMWIN.MDK and COMMWIN.LDB to COMMWIN.LDK. After the installation process is complete, delete the newly installed COMMWIN.MDB and COMMWIN.LDB and then rename COMMWIN.MDK to COMMWIN.MDB and COMMWIN.LDK to COMMWIN.LDB. Release 2.0 has not changed the fundamental database structure.
INFORMATION--"COMMDLG.DLL In Use" message when installing CommWin⌐.
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If you have SHARE installed, this message is a warning that Windows is using the COMMDLG.DLL routine. The CommWin⌐ install process attempts to install COMMDLG.DLL in the event it is not present in your system. SHARE warns you when its already present and in use. Ignore this warning and the install will complete normally.
INSTALL
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To install CommWin⌐, use the Program Manager or File Manager to start
SETUP.EXE from the installation disk as you would any other Windows-based application. For example, if you are installing from drive A:
- From the Program Manager File menu, choose Run.
- In the Run dialog box, type A:\SETUP and choose OK.
Or
- From the File Manager, double-click the SETUP.EXE file icon
from the drive A: file list.
The installation process will set-up a CommWin⌐ group and a CommWin⌐ program item & icon.
WARNING: CommWin⌐ assumes that the Windows standard communications driver (COMM.DRV) is being used and that it resides in the Windows\System, or Windows directory. The presense of a comm driver that was not distributed with Windows may cause the installation process to fail or the program to function incorrectly.
WARNING: The Shareware version of CommWin⌐ may only operate properly at 640/480 resolution. Resolutions higher than 640/480 have not been tested and therefore the result cannot be predicted. You are cautioned that a resolution other than 640/480 may cause a run-time error. (See Part 2. Technical Notes & Fixes)
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File Sharing for Data Access
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You will need SHARE.EXE to enforce database file and byte range locking. The installation procedure installs the latest version of DOS6.22 SHARE.EXE to your Windows directory. If you are running an earlier version of DOS you should install the SHARE that came with your version of DOS.
If you are running Microsoft Windows 3.0 or Windows 3.1 (i.e. not
Windows for Workgroups), and you do not have SHARE installed you will need to change your CONFIG.SYS or AUTOEXEC.BAT to include SHARE as follows:
If you already have SHARE installed and the /L or /F settings have larger values than listed here, leave the settings as is rather than reducing them.
Please make this change as soon as possible in your system and before starting CommWin⌐, the database functions in CommWin⌐ will not work unless SHARE is installed. Remember to re-boot your PC after changing the AUTOEXEC.BAT or CONFIG.SYS to enable SHARE.
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Part 2: Technical notes and fixes
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These technical notes and fixes relate to release 2.0 only. All prior beta notes and fixes have been applied to this version.
List Boxes
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Because of various coding errors many of the list boxes showing multiple items did not always immediately reflect the status of the database when adding, deleting, or updating entries. The underlying database was always correct but it was sometimes necessary to reload the program to reflect the true database state. (All necessary code has been corrected)
Download
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1) Because of the limitation in length of the system's automatically generated dialog for entering the download path and file name, a new form is now displayed when a download is requested. This form provides for a virtually unlimited path/file specification. Additionally, a default download path is now stored and retrieved from COMMWIN.INI and is displayed on the file transfer protocol form and also on the download path/filename form.
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Part 3: Program Features, Version 2.0
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Automatic search at startup for comm port with modem and automatic initialization in terminal emulation mode for immediate communications.
An automatic Dialing Directory that can be searched and printed on-line. The directory stores the name, phone number and port settings for each entry. One click can initiate a dialing sequence.
A Call Log that records the date, time, name, phone number, system response and duration of every call made with the automatic dialing feature and can be printed and purged on-line.
A database of over 450 modems with their Hayes initialization commands and highest baud rate to provide support for automated modem initialization with full ADD/MODIFY/DELETE functions available on-line. You can easily add your own modem if its not in the database.
A database of countries and cities that can be searched to find the local date and time for any city in the world. Full ADD/UPDATE/DELETE/FIND functionality for major countries and cities.
A mini Host mode with a User database, password protection, easy system configuration, and transition from Host mode to Terminal emulation mode and back without shutting down.
A Microsoft Access database to store the Dialing Directory, Call Log, Modem list, World Cities and remote User directory with repair and deleted space recovery functions available on-line. (Entries limited only by availability of disk space.)
A fully scrollable terminal emulation window. Vertical scrolling for up to 64k of previously viewed text, also Horizontal scrolling for up to 132 characters.
Enhancement of the on-line help module to include context sensitive help where appropriate and the documentation of all program issued error messages, meanings and corrective actions.
Enhancements to the Host Mode to provide additional functionality with the ultimate goal of having CommWin⌐ operate either as a Terminal Emulation program or a full-featured Bulletin Board System (BBS).
NOTE: When developed this feature will only be available in the commercial version.
NOTE: Your suggestions for enhancements and modifications are always welcome and will be seriously considered. I would also appreciate your review of the proposed enhancements and your ranking as to the relative importance or desirability of each feature.
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Part 5: Registration & Technical Support
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CommWin⌐ version 2.0 is distributed as Shareware and as such there is no fee required to use the program for evaluation purposes. The Shareware concept allows you to try-before-you-buy. CommWin⌐ has no disabled features, and no arbitrary file limitations built-in, it is fully functional to the specifications of the current release level. CommWin⌐, however, is NOT Freeware, after a reasonable evaluation period if you continue to use the program you are expected to pay a modest registration fee.
Because of the number of people who continue to use this program and do not feel any obligation to compensate me for my time and effort, I have built time and use limitations into version 2.0. CommWin⌐ will operate unregistered for 60 days and 60 uses. Once both limits are exceeded CommWin⌐ will cease to function until registered. I regret having to put this distasteful feature in the program but too many people consider Shareware as Freeware, it is NOT.
If you find that you wish to keep and use this program, the registration fee of US$25.00 will entitle you to free telephone support, the latest Shareware version of the program, and notification of any reported problems and any available fixes. Also, when a comprehensive hard-copy User Manual becomes available you will be able to purchase it at a significant discount or download the text from a BBS source free of charge.
Custom Versions of the Software
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If you require any modifications or changes to the software, please include detailed written information describing all changes in which you are interested. Customization fees will be based on the extent of the modifications required to the software so it performs as you describe. I will review your proposed modifications and inform you of an approximate cost, however, due to scheduling constraints I cannot guarantee or commit to specific delivery dates.
Separately Priced Features
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There are none in version 2.0 but it is anticipated that there will be features available in future versions that may be custom add-on modules with individual prices. (See Proposed Enhancements section.)
Distribution Rights
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You may, at your discretion, reproduce and distribute the CommWin⌐ Shareware installation disk and charge a reasonable price for the media and reproduction process provided that all files listed in the Packing List, including this file, are distributed in their original and unmodified form. You are not permitted to sell the Shareware version of CommWin⌐ commercially under any circumstances.
Use on More than One Computer
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The Shareware version of CommWin⌐ is intended for private use by individuals on a single personal computer. To use CommWin⌐ in a commercial, educational or governmental agency or on more than one computer, it is necessary to purchase a SITE LICENSE for the commercial version of the program. The Site License allows an organization to use the software package on up to the number of computers licensed. Site License fees will be modest and based on the total number of computers that will use CommWin⌐ plus any separately priced features. The Site License permits copying of the program for the number of machines licensed. Distributing, repackaging, or reselling of the commercial version of the software to third parties is not allowed and all licenses fees must be prepaid.
Availability of Source Code
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It is my policy not to release the source code for any of my products, however, if you are a Microsoft Visual Basic Pro application software developer I will be glad to discuss any of the programming techniques used in CommWin⌐. Commercial, educational or governmental agencies who purchase a site license may request that a copy of the source code be held by a mutually agreed upon third party as protection of their investment.
DISCLAIMER
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Gerard E. Bernor reserves the right to make periodic changes, enhancements, revisions and alterations of any kind to the software, user's manual or on-line help file without any prior notice to any person, institution or organization.
Gerard E. Bernor specifically disclaims any warranty, express or implied, with respect to this software or documentation, including but not limited to, warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. As a result, this software and documentation are distributed on an "as is" basis, you the user assume all risk as to their quality and performance.
Gerard E. Bernor specifically denies any liability for loss of profit or any other commercial damage, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages resulting from the use of this software.
This program was developed in Microsoft Visual Basic 3.0 Professional Edition operating in the DOS 6.22/Windows 3.11 environment with a 640/480 resolution VGA monitor.
For further information, to report a problem, suggest enhancements, or to register your copy of the program, contact;
