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ZIP.DOC ------- Instructions for ZIP.COM Fast Serial File Transfer Utility version 1.51 (14 Jan 1992) (c)1988-92 E. Meyer Requires: two IBM PC compatible computers with DOS 2.x or above; appropriate serial (null modem) cable. Anyone with two computers probably needs to transfer programs or data between them regularly... yet if large amounts of data are involved, exchanging floppy disks quickly grows tedious; and if the disk drives are incompatible, or a portable computer has none, it won't work at all. ZIP is a tiny, fast utility to transfer files between two IBM compatible computers; it requires no expensive additional hardware, just an ordinary serial cable. It can be used from the DOS command line or a batch file, or run from an interactive menu. Ideal for laptop or palmtop computers, it takes less than 10K of disk space, and occupies no memory when not in use. There are good commercial programs for this purpose, though they typically cost over $100; if you're willing to find or make your own cable, you can do the same job with ZIP instead. ZIP doesn't have all the features of the fancy programs, but then it doesn't consume precious system memory either; it just transfers files when you need to, as simply as using the COPY command. It also has options that make reconciling directories on both computers easy. ZIP is as fast as a serial transfer program can be, and faster than some free/shareware programs that claim to operate "at 115200 bps". ZIP can transfer data up to 6 times faster than an ordinary telecom program over a serial cable... 48 times faster than typical modem transfers. Telecom programs: modem 2400 bps 0.3 K/sec : cable 19200 bps 2.3 K/sec ZIP: cable 115200 bps up to 14.1 K/sec! On older PCs and slower portables, ZIP will come as close to this throughput as your computers allow. (Between an 8MHz XT and 4.77MHz laptop, it reaches about 10K/sec.) Of course, disk access also takes time; with any system, large amounts of data can be sent more quickly using hard or RAM disks, rather than (slow) floppy disk drives. Although ZIP is designed to operate at very high transmission speeds, it can also be used at slower speeds in applications that demand this. Be sure you have all the files which should be included in this package: ZIP.DOC - This documentation file. ZIP.COM - The ZIP file transfer program. ZIPCFG.COM - The configuration (customizing) utility. ZIPDUP.COM - The duplication (cloning) utility. ORDER.FRM - Registration/site license order form. ===================== COPYRIGHT AND LICENSE INFORMATION ====================== The ZIP program and documentation are copyright (c)1988-92 Eric Meyer, all rights reserved worldwide. They may not be circulated in any incomplete or modified form, nor sold for profit, without written permission of the author. The use or sale of ZIP is subject to the following terms: SITE LICENSES. Any company or institution wishing to use ZIP in the course of its business must purchase a SITE LICENSE. The cost of the license is quite modest, and varies according to the number of computers on which ZIP may be in use in the workplace: COPIES COST Up to 20 ..... $50 (US) 50 ..... $100 100 ..... $150 200 ..... $200 Over 200 ..... $1 per copy The purchaser of a site license receives several benefits: * A copy of the latest version of ZIP on disk direct from the author. (Specify 5.25" 360k or 3.5" 720k disk.) * Support. You can get help with any questions or problems you encounter in using ZIP. Future upgrades can be ordered on disk when desired. * No piracy worries. Your employees may use ZIP at home and share it with others at no charge. PERSONAL USE. There is no required fee for personal use of ZIP. However, if you like and continue to use ZIP, you are encouraged to register, and help support the development of high-quality, affordable software: INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION ..... $30 (US) The user who chooses to register receives several benefits: * A copy of the latest version of ZIP on disk direct from the author. (Specify 5.25" 360k or 3.5" 720k disk.) * Support. You can get help with any questions or problems you encounter in using ZIP. Future upgrades can be ordered on disk when desired. * A document to verify the legality of your personal use of ZIP at your workplace as well. COMMERCIAL SALE. Any software dealer or library may offer ZIP for sale, as long as the price charged for the disk containing ZIP does not exceed US $6. With this single exception, the sale of ZIP, either alone or together with other software or hardware, requires a licensing agreement. Please write for terms. ORDERING AND SOURCES. Site licenses and individual registrations may be ordered directly from the author (see address below), by check or money order in US currency; purchase orders are also accepted. Credit card orders (VISA,MC,AmEx,Discover), including international, may be made through the Public Software Library: phone (800)242-4775 or (713)524-6394, FAX (713)524-6398, CompuServe [71355,470]. Mention item #10304. (There is a $5 surcharge for this service.) ZIP is distributed widely through "shareware" channels. Users with a modem can download the latest version as the archive file ZIPxxx.ZIP, available from the primary distribution point: on CompuServe, in download library 4 (DL4) of the IBMCOM forum. In addition, ZIP is available on a wide variety of other remote systems, and by mail from many good software libraries, including the Public Software Library, P.O. Box 35705, Houston TX 77235. (Disk #1674) Address all correspondence to the author: Eric Meyer 3541 Smuggler Way CompuServe: [74415,1305] Boulder, Colorado 80303 USA Internet: 74415.1305@compuserve.com THE CUSTOMARY DISCLAIMER: You undertake to use ZIP at your own risk. The author does not warrant the suitability of ZIP for any particular purpose, and assumes no liability for damages of any kind resulting from its use. =============================== I. USING ZIP =============================== You will need to have a copy of the same version of ZIP.COM on both computers, and the correct cable connection between them. For more on null modem cables, see the Technical Information section below. If incompatible disk formats prevent you from getting ZIP.COM itself onto the second computer to begin with, you can "clone" ZIP with the ZIPDUP utility (see below). [Notes for HP95LX Palmtop users: 1. Use ZIPCFG to force ZIP into 40- column mode. 2. Unfortunately, ZIPDUP may not work on the HP95LX.] Transferring a file between computers with ZIP is as easy as copying it from one disk to another. To transfer files, once the cable is properly connected to the serial ports of the two computers, from the DOS prompt: 1. MENU-DRIVEN OPERATION. Simply type "ZIP" on both machines; the program will offer a menu of choices including transferring or receiving files, viewing file directories and deleting files. Just type the letter of your selection. 2. COMMAND-LINE OPERATION, for experienced users. For a brief help message, type "ZIP /?". (See full explanations and usage examples, below.) C>zip FILENAME to send C>zip /R to receive C>zip FILENAME /F to fetch from serer C>zip /S to enter server mode As each file is transferred you should see a line of "=" signs, one for each 64k of file size; each will turn into a blinking asterisk, then disappear as the transfer progresses. ZIP can be interrupted and aborted by pressing Escape, ^C, or Ctrl-Break: (1) during initial connection attempt (otherwise ZIP waits as long as necessary for connection) (2) during file transfer (on sending end, aborts immediately; on receiving end, once current file is finished) (3) at confirmation or string input prompts. SETTING THE SERIAL PORT AND SPEED IBM-compatible computers have anywhere from one to four serial (RS232) ports. By default ZIP uses the COM1 port. The standard port addresses are: COM1: 03F8h COM3:03E8h COM2: 02F8h COM4:02E8h Some computers (including PS/2s) use different port addresses for COM3 and COM4; to use a nonstandard port address, you must modify ZIP.COM with ZIPCFG. You can select any standard COM port during operation of ZIP: in menu mode, just select the choice to modify "P"arameters. In command-line mode, specify one of the following options: /1-4 = use port COM1-4. Data transmission can take place at a wide range of speeds. ZIP normally works at the fastest possible speed, 115200 bps. To accommodate certain computers or software environments, it may be necessary to set a somewhat slower speed. In fact, ZIP can be slowed down all the way to 2400 bps, so that it can even operate over a good modem connection. Just be sure you have the same rate set on both ends. In menu mode, just select the choice to modify "P"arameters. In command line mode, specify the option: /Bnnnn = use speed nnnn (BPS) The allowed speeds "nnnn" are 115200, 57600, 38400, 19200, 9600, 4800, 2400; each may be abbreviated to as few as two digits ("/B96"). To change the default settings, use ZIPCFG. You will see a note in the ZIP signon message, "Speed=____ Port=____", giving the port address and speed currently in use. SENDING FILES In menu mode, simply select "S"end, and you will be prompted for the filename(s). For command-line use, specify the name(s) of the file(s) to send: C>zip FILENAME The "FILENAME" can be a single FILE (including directory), or a GROUP specified by wildcards (eg, *.BAK), or an "@FILE" (see below), or a LIST of any of these delimited by spaces and/or commas (FILE1,FILE2). Each item assumes or continues the same drive/directory as the previous one (unless the new one begins with a drive or root directory). Thus C:\WRK>zip b:\sf\gort, ltrs\*.892, klaatu will send files B:\SF\GORT, B:\SF\LTRS\*.892, and B:\SF\LTRS\KLAATU. Any desired options may follow the filename(s). Files will appear with the same filename, in the receiving directory. Take care not to send two files with the same name, as one would overwrite the other. ZIP can also send a group of files whose names are listed IN a file, by prefacing that filename with an "@" sign. A number of file management and communications utilities can write a list of filenames selected according to various criteria to a file, or accept the name of such a file following an "@" sign to process all the names it contains. You can also create such a file yourself, with any text editor, inserting the names of files which you may often want to transfer as a group. Such an "@file" should consist of complete filenames (with drive and path), separated by spaces and/or carriage returns. ZIP can then be used to transfer those files. For example, if file FLIST consists of the names c:\work\*.bak c:\myfile then "ZIP @FLIST" will send files C:\WORK\*.BAK and C:\MYFILE. RECEIVING FILES In menu mode, simply select "R"eceive, and you will be prompted for the directory to receive into. For command-line use, specify the option "/R" for RECEIVE: C>zip /R Each file will appear with its original filename. Files are received into the current directory, unless you specify another. In command-line mode, this can be done in square brackets after the /R option: C>zip /r[DIRECTORY] Do not supply a filename with the /R option. (Note: ZIP also still accepts the syntax of earlier versions, where the receive directory was specified from the command line by typing "zip DIRECTORY /r", but this tends to be confusing, and may not continue to be supported.) SELECTING FILES FROM A GROUP If you want to transfer only certain files in a group (such as *.BAK) with ZIP, you can request that you be prompted to confirm each file individually: you will be asked to hit a key (Y/N) to determine whether the file is to be sent. (In menu mode, you can select "O"ptions for a help message describing the selective copy operations.) After the names of files to be transferred, in menu or command-line mode, specify the option: /P = PROMPT to confirm files individually This option (which can be combined with others) can be specified on either end -- but the option on the SENDING (or active) end governs each transfer. You will see a note in the ZIP signon message, "Option /P", if this option is in effect. OVERWRITING FILES ZIP offers several options that are especially useful for reconciling the contents of directories which are duplicated on both computers. It is possible that a file already exists on the receiving end with the same name as the one being sent. By default, ZIP doesn't care: it will transfer all files specified, whether or not they overwrite existing ones. Several options are provided to modify this behavior. (In menu mode, you can select "O"ptions for a help message describing the selective copy operations.) After the names of files to be transferred, in menu or command-line mode, specify one (or two) of these options: /N = copy NONexisting files only (cannot be used with /E or /T) /E = copy EXISTING files only /T = TIMESTAMP determines files sent The /N option will prevent existing files from being overwritten. The /T option will allow overwrites only when the new copy has a more recent time stamp. The /ET combination is especially useful for backup purposes: it transfers only more recent copies of files that already exist. These options can be specified independently on either computer -- but the options on the SENDING (or active) end govern each transfer. You will see a note in the ZIP signon message, "Option /_", if an option is in effect. SERVER MODE It would obviously be easier to transfer files if you could do all the typing from one keyboard, and "server mode" lets you do just that. ZIP can stay "on line" on one end, ready to obey instructions from the other end automatically. To enter server mode: in menu mode, just select the choice for ser"V"er. In command line mode, specify the option /S for SERVER: C>zip /S ZIP will then remain ready to exchange files with the other copy of ZIP by remote control. From the other ("active") keyboard, you can then transfer files TO the server; these will be received into the default directory, either the current one or another that you specify in square brackets: C>zip /s[NEWDIR] = Server mode, default directory NEWDIR. In any event, when you send files to the server, you will be prompted for a destination directory (if desired) to override the default on the server end. In command-line mode, you can specify this on the command line in brackets: C>zip sendfile /[DESTDIR] (Specify "/[]" if you simply want to avoid the prompt and use the default, for example, when running ZIP from a batch file.) You can also fetch files FROM the server. In menu mode, just select the choice to "F"etch files. In command-line mode, specify the option: /F = Fetch specified files from server. You must specify the directory with the filenames, if they are not in the default directory on the server end. You will be prompted for a directory to receive the files into, unless you specify one in square brackets after the /F option: C>zip filename /f[DESTDIR] = Fetch into directory DESTDIR. (Again, specify "/f[]" to avoid the prompt and use the current directory.) A fetch request will not be completed until server mode is detected on the other end. File directory and deletion requests can also be directed to the server using the ">" character (see below). When you are finished giving remote commands to the server, you can instruct it to exit server mode. In menu mode, select the choice for "U"nlink before quitting. In command-line mode, specify the option: /U = Unlink server after transfer is complete. Otherwise, the server remains available for further instructions; you must press Escape, ^C, or Ctrl-Break on the server end to exit. VIEWING DIRECTORIES and DELETING FILES When ZIP is in menu mode, you will see choices for "D"irectory and d"E"lete, offering simple file maintenance from within ZIP.COM itself. (These functions are not available from the command line.) The directory function provides an alphabetized file listing for your reference, and the free space left on the disk. You will be prompted for the files to list. If you just hit RETURN, ZIP lists all files (*.*) in the default directory. The delete function prompts for a filename to delete (as always, a directory may be included). Note that wildcards ("*,?") are NOT allowed. If the other computer has ZIP running in SERVER MODE, you can also request a directory from it, or delete files on it. Simply type a ">" before the filespec for the server. This can be done alone, or together with a request on the active end: Directory: \WORK\*.BAK active alone Delete: >B:\BACKUP\OLD.FIL server alone Directory: \WORK\*.BAK >B:\BACKUP combined A server directory or delete request will not be completed until server mode is detected on the other end. USE IN BATCH FILES ZIP is easy to use in batch files. The "/[DIR]" option allows you to bypass user prompts for directory names. If an error occurs during operation in command-line mode, ZIP sets the DOS error code, so that the ERRORLEVEL can be tested to determine subsequent action. Normally 0, the value returned will be the sum of whichever of the following errors occurred: 1 = argument error 8 = transmission error 2 = out of memory/too many files 16 = disk error 4 = connect error/no server 128 = user abort BACKING UP A HARD DISK At times you may need to transfer the entire contents of a sizable disk, including several levels of directories. ZIP is not specifically designed to do this: it does not create directories while copying, nor does it look for files within subdirectories. However, it is easy enough to put the receiver in Server mode, then run a BAT file containing a separate command for each desired directory (once corresponding directories exist on both ends): zip \work\*.* /t[\work] zip \work\ed\*.* /t[\work\ed] ... USAGE EXAMPLES (Command-line mode) SENDING FILES: C>zip b:myfile *.doc sends files B:MYFILE, B:*.DOC C>zip my.* /2 /p sends files C:MY.* over COM2, with prompts to confirm each file individually C>zip *.* /n sends all files which don't already exist on receiving directory C>zip a:chapter.* /et sends all files A:CHAPTER.* of which an older version exists on the receiving end RECEIVING FILES: C:\WORK>zip /r receives files into directory C:\WORK C:\WORK>zip /2 /r[\temp] receives over COM2 into directory C:\TEMP ENTERING SERVER MODE: C>zip /sb38 waits as server to send or receive files at 38400 bps C>zip /s[d:\] waits as server, with default directory D:\ EXCHANGING FILES WITH SERVER: C>zip *.bak /[]u sends files *.BAK to server's default dir, then unlinks server C>zip *.bak /[b:\recs] sends files *.BAK to directory B:\RECS C>zip b:\recs\my.* /f fetches files MY.* from directory B:\RECS C>zip b:\recs\my.* /f[\orig] fetches files MY.* from directory B:\RECS on server into directory C:\ORIG ---------------------- II. UTILITIES: ZIPDUP AND ZIPCFG ---------------------- ZIP comes with two utility programs: ZIPDUP and ZIPCFG. If you need to duplicate ZIP on your other computer in order to begin using it, you can do so with the ZIPDUP utility. If you want to configure the default values in ZIP differently, you can use ZIPCFG. USING ZIPDUP In order to duplicate or "clone" ZIP itself on another computer, ZIPDUP runs DEBUG, remotely, to receive and write the file to disk. This is a feature most people need only once, so it is not part of ZIP itself. ZIPDUP will duplicate any version of ZIP (indeed, any file, though it's slow and cumbersome compared to ZIP itself). 1. Connect the cable to the desired serial ports (COM1 or COM2 only). The cable must have the DTR lines connected, as well as the data lines -- see cabling diagram under "Technical Information" below -- or ZIPDUP will not work. 2. Set up the receiving end: Make sure the MSDOS utilities DEBUG and MODE are available (either in the current directory or accessible via PATH). Be certain that the last character of your DOS prompt is ">". (Yes, this actually matters!) If in doubt, type the command: PROMPT $P$G Then prepare to receive data by typing these two commands: MODE COM#:96,N,8,1 ("#" = 1 or 2 only) CTTY COM# (The CTTY command gives control to the sending computer, via the COM# port. The receiving system will seem to "lock up" -- the keyboard is ignored, etc.) 3. Now, on the sending end, to duplicate your copy of ZIP.COM, type: C>ZIPDUP ZIP.COM (You can omit the filename if it is "ZIP.COM"; otherwise, type it.) You will be asked to specify the COM port (1 or 2 only) that the cable is connected to; if the connection can be made, the transfer will proceed. When ZIPDUP exits, you will find a duplicate copy of ZIP.COM in the current directory on the receiving computer. You can transfer other files the same way, but it's easier to send them using ZIP itself! USING ZIPCFG If you don't instruct it otherwise (via command-line options or menu choices), ZIP assumes its built-in "defaults" of 115200 bps, port COM1. You can, however, configure your copy of ZIP.COM to change these defaults as you like, using ZIPCFG.COM: just type "zipcfg FILENAME" (if you omit the filename it defaults to "ZIP.COM".) For the port you may enter simply "COM1" through "COM4", or any specific hexadecimal address required by your hardware ("03F0", etc). For the speed you must choose from the allowed values. There is also a setting to force 40-column display width. Normally this is set to "No"; you will see "Width=AUTO", and ZIP adapts itself to the current video mode (40/80 columns). On the HP95LX palmtop, however, it is necessary to force 40-column operation. Finally, ZIPCFG offers you a choice of color output (via the IBMPC BIOS) or standard DOS output. You might want to select DOS output if color output does not display correctly on your video system, or if you will want to redirect output from ZIP to a file or device (color output does not redirect). If you select color, ZIPCFG displays a palette and offers you a choice of text colors. ZIP uses three different colors: a "message" color, a "hilight" color for contrast, and an "active" color (during file transfer activity). Each is specified by an "attribute byte" consisting of two hex digits, for a background and foreground color. ("17" = "1", blue background, & "7", white text.) The color digits are: 0 = BLACK 4 = red 8 = GREY C = bright red 1 = blue 5 = magenta 9 = bright blue D = bright magenta 2 = green 6 = brown A = bright green E = yellow 3 = cyan 7 = WHITE B = bright cyan F = BRIGHT WHITE The palette will include 128 colors from 00-7F. Use of colors 8-F as background (80-FF) is also possible but not recommended, since on most systems this produces blinking video. Some colors may be invisible or indistinguish- able on monochrome screens, though all MDA systems can display black, white and bright white (which are the default colors), and in some cases grey also. Please DO NOT distribute modified copies of ZIP.COM; this could confuse other users. They are for your personal use only. (ZIPCFG includes an option to restore the original default values.) -------------- III. TECHNICAL INFORMATION and TROUBLESHOOTING --------------- Like many communications programs, ZIP does full CRC (Cyclic Redundancy checksum) verification on the data to guarantee accurate transfer. ZIP uses its own transfer protocol, and is not compatible with other programs. Be sure to use the SAME version of ZIP on both ends: the transfer protocol may have changed. Do not disturb the cable when ZIP is running, as it will be unable to resume its task, and you will have to abort the program and try again. Using any communications software in a multitasking environment often requires special precautions. ZIP, in particular, may need to be given a "non-swappable" or "foreground-operation" status, so that other tasks will not interfere with its operation. You should allocate at least 96k of memory to run ZIP. You may also need to set a somewhat slower speed for ZIP to work reliably. Do not use ZIP while any serial ports are in use by other software. In particular, potential conflicts exist between COM1 and COM3, and between COM2 and COM4, because they use the same interrupt vectors. Cabling SERIAL NULL MODEM CABLES, in various combinations of 9- and 25-pin connectors, are available from a wide variety of sources. I am told that a good source for inexpensive double-headed (both 9 and 25 pin on each end) null modem cables, ideal for use with ZIP, is: DALCO, 233 Pioneer Blvd, Springboro OH 45066 (800)445-5342 If you're building or shopping for a cable, you need a "null modem" cable, meaning the transmit and receive data lines should be crossed, and the signal ground connected straight through. (The pin numbers depend on whether you have a 9-pin DB9 or 25-pin DB25 connector, see figure.) No other connections should be needed; ZIP uses no hardware handshaking lines. (NOTE: ZIPDUP does require the connections between pins 20/4 and 6.) |--COMPUTER 1--| |--COMPUTER 2--| DB9 or DB25 DB25 or DB9 pin 2 - - - - 3 - - - - - - - 2 - - - - 3 \ transmit & 3 - - - - 2 - - - - - - - 3 - - - - 2 / receive data 5 - - - - 7 - - - - - - - 7 - - - - 5 - signal ground pin 4 - - - - 20 - - - - - - 6 - - - - 6 * \ 6 - - - - 6 - - - - - - - 20 - - - 4 * \handshaking (optional) 7 - - - - 4 - - - - - - - 5 - - - - 8 /(* required for ZIPDUP) 8 - - - - 5 - - - - - - - 4 - - - - 7 / Actually, any serial cable that doesn't work by itself, should work with a "null modem adapter" attached. If possible, use a properly shielded cable; high speed transmissions can be especially susceptible to RF interference. Problems using ZIP ZIP works well on the vast majority of systems. Under certain software environments, particularly multitasking operating systems and memory resident programs (TSRs) such as disk caches, ZIP may fail to work; if you experience problems, do not use ZIP with that software. ERROR MESSAGES <Argument error> invalid command-line argument(s). <Insufficient memory> ZIP requires a minimum of 94k free RAM. <No connection> no files transferred. (Bad cable? Wrong version?) <No server> function requires server mode on other computer. <Too many files> global filespec (eg *.*) includes over 1024 files. <Error reading @file> @file nested or too large to read. <Conflict with NAME> name conflicts with a directory or read/only file. <Cannot delete> specified file didn't exist, was read/only, etc. <Disk error> trouble reading or writing to disk. (Disk full?) <Aborted> you pressed Esc/^C/Ctrl-Break. <Error> error on other end; or, unrecoverable error. VERSION HISTORY ZIP 1.0 (Apr88) - trial release. 1.1 (Apr88) - improved protocol; wildcard transfers; receive directory option; original file time/date preserved. 1.2 (May88) - improved error handling; patchable default port also allows use of COM3,4; small bug fixes. 1.21 (May88) - slower speed options; fixed bug in initializing ports. 1.22 (Aug88) - improved protocol; fixed bug in deleting temp file. 1.23 (Jan89) - menu-driven operation; detects disk-full errors. 1.3 (Apr89) - selective copy options /P,N,E,T; server mode, fetch; file directory; internal improvements. 1.4 (Sep89) - improved protocol; Delete function; directory shows free space; ZIPCFG utility; small improvements. 1.41 (Nov89) - DesqView aware; multiple file arguments. 1.42 (Feb90) - minor improvements; ZIPDUP utility. 1.43 (Mar90) - simplified multiple argument syntax. 1.44 (Aug90) - protocol modified for use in network environments. 1.45 (Mar91) - 4800, 2400bps added; operation at slow speeds improved. 1.5 (Aug91) - unlink function; new options /B,U,?; sets ERRORLEVEL; recovers from cable disruption; minor improvements. 1.51 (Jan92) - new "@FLIST" ability; color output; 40-col operation. (And spaces OR commas now work as filename delimiters) (One final note -- this should be obvious but I'll say it anyway: ZIP is not related to the new PKZIP series of file compression utilities by Phil Katz.) ====================================[end]=====================================