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1988-07-19
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The CoverUP(c) System
(c) Copyrighted by The Software Connection, Inc.
1985,1986
CoverUP(c) is a very simple and powerful menuing system for
the IBM and compatible computers. The system consists of:
COVERUP.COM The Menu Program
MAKEMENU.COM The Utility Program
FILEHELP.COM File Management Utility
COVERUP.CUP A sample Master Menu
UTILITY.CUP A sample UTILITY Menu
PRINTER.CUP A sample PRINTER Menu
BACKUP.CUP A sample BACKUP Menu
RESTORE.CUP A sample RESTORE Menu
Features:
* Works on IBM PC/XT/AT and Compatibles.
* Requires only 42K of Memory.
* Works with SideKick and Other Memory Resident Programs.
* Works with all Versions of DOS above 2.00.
* Adds Security Control to any program.
* Provides On-Line documentation of any menu selection.
* Relieves the user of remembering complex DOS syntax.
* Only 5 commands to learn.
* Seldom used programs may be recalled in seconds.
COVERUP.COM
CoverUP(c) can be executed from the DOS command prompt or
can be included in an AUTOEXEC.BAT file. CoverUP(c) will search
for the first menu, COVERUP.CUP, and display that menu. If
COVERUP.CUP is absent, CoverUP(c) will abort.
When a menu is displayed by CoverUP(c), the following
messages automatically appear on the bottom of the menu:
F1 - Item Note SPACE BAR - Select Item
F2 - Item Manual (supplied by user) RETURN - Execute Item
ESCAPE - Previous Menu
Only 5 Keys to Remember !
F1-Item Note Notes concerning the use of the selected menu item
are windowed on the screen.
F2-Item Manual Complete user supplied documentation manual
concerning the selected menu item will be windowed on the
screen.
SPACE BAR The user presses the SPACE BAR to select a menu option.
The program highlights the chosen selection. The user may
also use the arrow keys to move about the CoverUP Menu. A
specific menu item may also be selected by entering the
first letter of that menu item.
RETURN The user simply presses the RETURN key and the menu option
selected with the SPACE BAR is executed. When the menu
option is terminated, the user is returned to the selected
menu and menu option.
ESCAPE The user presses ESCAPE to return to the previous menu.
If the user is already at the first menu (CoverUP.CUP), no
change is made.
EXIT to DOS The user simply uses a menu option to return to DOS.
There is no automatic return to CoverUP(c). The user may
be prevented from working at the DOS level by not offering
this menu option or password protect this option.
MAKEMENU.COM
This utility program is used to create new menus or modify
existing ones.
MENU FILE ID A 1- to 8-character file name, optionally followed
by the default extension .CUP. The program will add this
extension of not included.
FILE ON DRIVE A letter of the alphabet designating a drive. A,
B, C, etc,
1. This utility creates or edits a file containing the data
necessary for the computer to display and execute a menu.
The prompt listed above is the first of a series of prompts.
The MENU FILE ID in the first prompt refers to the file to be
created or edited. The File ID field must have an entry
before the program will proceed. This utility is exited by
simply pressing RETURN at this prompt.
2. The Drive Designation field in the first prompt allows you to
specify the drive on which you edit or create the menu.
3. When you select a file name and drive that does not already
exist, the utility will first report the ERROR - File not
Found - and then give you the option to CREATE (Y/N) the new
menu.
4. If you decline to CREATE a new menu, the utility will return
for another file name and drive. You may either enter a new
choice or RETURN to exit the utility.
5. Once you have chosen an old menu or created a new menu, the
menu will be displayed just as with CoverUP.COM. The
operator options are displayed in the lower corners of the
screen.
6. Menu options that are not defined will be shown as UNUSED.
Movement about the options is the same as in CoverUP.COM, by
using the space bar or the arrow keys.
S SAVE The S option allows the operator to save current editing
as desired. The utility will automatically save most editing
efforts.
M MOVE The M option allows the user to rearrange the menu items
in any order he wishes. Choose the item to be moved and then
type the M key. The item is now marked for movement. Simply
choose the desired menu item location using the space bar or
the arrow keys and press RETURN. The menu items will
now exchange locations on the menu. Repeat the process until
the menu is arranged the way you want it. At any time you
interrupt the M process the original marking is lost.
T OPTION The T option allows the operator to enter three lines
of up to 66 characters to title the menu. Each title line is
displayed after entry to check for correctness.
SPACE The SPACE option allows the operator to move among the
menu options. This movement is identical to CoverUP.COM.
RETURN The RETURN option allows the operator to edit an
individual menu option. The option chosen by the SPACE
function is highlighted.
ESCAPE The ESC option allows the operator to exit the editing
function and either work another file or exit the utility.
F1 The F1 option displays the current items notes.
F2 The F2 option will display the manual for the menu item if one
has been specified at edit time.
1. MENU LINE The operator should enter the MENU LINE exactly as
it is wanted on the menu. A descriptive MENU LINE helps to
overcome "computerphobia" during operator training. 30
characters are allowed to describe the MENU LINE.
2. COMMAND The operator should enter the exact command line
that will be executed by DOS when this menu item is chosen by
a user. Be sure to use drive designations, paths and
complete syntax as defined in your DOS manual. 66 characters
may be passed to DOS. For example, the command DIR A:\*.*
would list to the screen all the files from the root
directory of the disk in the A drive.
Multiple commands may be entered as one entry in the
CoverUP(c) system. Simply separate each individual command
with a comma. The length of 66 characters applies to
multiple commands. For example, the command FORMAT B:,COPY
A:*.* B: would format the disk in the B drive and copy all
the files from the disk in the A drive to the disk in the B
drive.
Up to 9 filename requests may be made in any command line
just as with the DOS batch files. A % (percent sign)
followed by a number from 1 to 9, will be replaced by
operator supplied filenames at execution time. For example,
the command REN %1 %2 would prompt the use for two file
names.
3. CLEAR (Y/N) The operator should decide whether to clear the
the computer screen prior to executing the menu option. Some
DOS functions and programs are better displayed on blank or
scrolling screens. The best way to judge is to experiment
using both options. Only Y or N are acceptable choices.
4. PAUSE (Y/N) The operator should decide whether to hold the
screen after menu option execution until the user presses any
key. Some DOS functions and programs are better read without
flashing screens. The best judge is to experiment using both
options. Only Y or N are acceptable choices.
5. TYPE CMD (1-EXIT, 2-DOS, 3-MENU) The operator should enter
the number corresponding to the menu option type.
1-EXIT This type of menu option simply returns the user to
the DOS operating system. It is a simple way to exit to
DOS. No return to CoverUP.COM will be made. This choice
is normally used only once, to allow working at the DOS
level rather than through CoverUP(c).
2-DOS This type of menu option is for commands that are
normally entered at the DOS prompt. This includes
internal commands, external commands, various programs
and batch files calls.
3-MENU This type of menu option is for other menu files. A
complete file name should be used. File extension is
defaulted to .CUP. CoverUP.COM always calls CoverUP.CUP.
If CoverUP.CUP is not present CoverUP.COM will not
work. CoverUP.CUP may be edited as desired. MENU files
may be nested up to a level of 10. Beyond this number,
CoverUP.COM will always revert to CoverUP.CUP.
6. USE COMMAND.COM (Y/N) The operator should enter a Y or N as
desired. Most of the time Y will be the proper choice. By
choosing Y, COMMAND.COM will be invoked to execute the menu
option for DOS commands. This insures better portability of
the MENU System for future releases of DOS. Also path
searches, pipes and redirection will only function when
COMMAND.COM is chosen.
7. NOTE LINES The operator should utilize the 4 Note Lines as
necessary to quickly remind the user of the function of the
menu items. This notepad is displayed by using the F1 Key in
CoverUP(c).
8. MANUAL FILE The operator should enter a filename of any file
which is documentation for the menu item. The F2 Key will
then scroll through the file one screen at a time. Menu
items which are used very infrequently should have a Manual
File if possible. For example, the README files that come
with most software are often a brief explanation of the
software.
Manual Files may be created with any word processor that
creates straight ASCII files. Each screen is 70 characters
by 11 lines.
9. In order to use a menu you have created, you must call it
from an already existing menu. Therefore you must first add
the name of the new menu to an old menu.
10. A menu option is deleted by simply editing the chosen option
and either deleting the MENU LINE or entering Unused as the
MENU LINE. When the file is saved the option will be
deleted.
A FEW POSSIBILITIES WITH DOS COMMANDS:
Menu Item : Directory of Left Floppy
Command : DIR A:*.*
Password :
Hints : A simple command which will give a directory
listing of a designated floppy. No password
is required.
Menu Item : Directory of Upper Floppy
Command : DIR A:*.*
Password : pass
Hints : A simple command which will give a directory
listing of a designated floppy. A password
is required to execute this command. The
password is pass.
Menu Item : Directory of Right Floppy
Command : DIR B:*.*
Password : test
Hints : A simple command which will give a directory
listing of a designated floppy. A password
is required to execute this command. The
password is test.
Menu Item : Directory of Lower Floppy
Command : DIR B:*.*
Password : harry
Hints : A simple command which will give a directory
listing of a designated floppy. The password
is harry.
Menu Item : Printout of Left Floppy Directory
Command : DIR A:*.* > PRN:
Password :
Hints : A simple command which will print a
directory listing of a designated floppy to
the printer. No password is required.
Menu Item : Sorted Printout of Left Floppy Directory
Command : DIR A:*.* | SORT > PRN:
Password :
Hints : A simple command which will print a
directory listing, sorted by name, of a
designated floppy to the printer. No
password is required.
Menu Item : Sorted Directory a Screen at a Time
Command : DIR A:*.* | SORT | MORE
Password :
Hints : A simple command which will display a
directory listing, sorted by name, one
screen at a time. No password is required.
Menu Item : Sorted Directory a Screen at a Time
Command : DIR A:*.* | SORT | MORE
Password :
Hints : A simple command which will display a
directory listing, sorted by name, one
screen at a time. No password is required.
Menu Item : Prepare New Floppy Disks
Command : FORMAT B:/S
Password : yes
Hints : A simple command which will format a
diskette and place the operating system on
that diskette. A password is required. The
password is yes. The use of a password with
this command can prevent the accidental
erasure of your hard disk by the user.
Menu Item : Backup Left Floppy to Right Floppy
Command : FORMAT B:/S, COPY A:*.* B:
Password : yes
Hints : A simple command which will format a
diskette and place the operating system on
that diskette. All files are then copied
from drive A to drive B. The effect is to
backup the left floppy. A password is
required. The password is yes. Notice the
similarity between the command line and a
batch file. Multiple commands may be issued
by CoverUP(c) by simply separating them with
a comma. This feature is not meant to
replace a batch file but to supplement it's
use. CoverUP(c) will execute a batch file
so you have the best of all worlds.
Menu Item : Erase Backup Files
Command : DEL *.BAK
Password : jenny
Hints : A simple command which will delete all files
on the current drive which have the BAK
extension. This is a common task created by
most word processors. An inexperienced user
turned loose with the DEL command is an
accident waiting to happen. A password is
definitely required. The password is jenny.
Menu Item : Backup Hard Disk
Command : BACKUP C:\*.* A: /S
Password : tom
Hints : The backup of the hard disk to floppies is a
chore no one likes and no one can remember
the syntax. That's where the little yellow
notes come from. A password should be
required. The password here is tom.
***** : The syntax for the backup command varies
from implementation to implementation of
MS/PC-DOS. Be sure to check your DOS manual.
A FEW POSSIBILITIES WITH PROGRAMS:
Several programs which are purchased as complete packages are
really a collection of several small programs. Seldom used
utilities are normally included to accomplish various tasks.
Often the syntax is forgotten or the special use forgotten. By
taking these programs and incorporating them in a consistent
menu, the user has them available at the touch of a key. The
syntax may be included in the brief NOTE window or the manual
included in the extensive MANUAL file. Those handy READ.ME files
can be renamed and included as a manual in the appropriate place.
As an example let's take the excellent word processor
called PC-WRITE. This program is distributed under the SHAREWARE
concept. It is really a collection of programs:
ED.EXE The Document Editor
HELPE.DEF The OnLine Help Data
PR.EXE The Document Print Program
MENUPRT.COM The Printer Configuration Program
PRINT.TST The Printer Test Print Data
MANUAL1.DOC Part one of the Documentation
MANUAL2.DOC Part two of the Documentation
MANUAL3.DOC Part three of the Documentation
MANUAL4.DOC Part four of the Documentation
PRINTER.DOC Printer Documentation
*.* Several Other Data and Helpful Files
Let's take this collection and see if we can make a
coherent easy to use Word Processing System Menu that even a
user can be comfortable with.
With MakeMenu we can create a new menu. Let's call that
menu WORD.CUP. At the FILE ID, type WORD. The program will
supply the extension CUP. At the DRIVE ID, type the appropriate
drive you are using. For our purposes we will enter A.
The program will beep and suddenly tell you that an error has
occurred. At this point, simply press any key to acknowledge the
error condition. Once you have acknowledged the error, the
program offers the opportunity to create the new menu. When
prompted to create the file simply enter a Y and [CR]. The
program has now created the new menu file and we are ready to
design it.
Let's begin by changing the title lines to our new menu.
This is accomplished by entering a T and [CR].
Let's call our title lines:
Title 1 WORD PROCESSING
Heading Word Processing
Enter the titles as shown. Notice that each time a line
is entered the corresponding title is displayed to show how it
will appear on the screen. If you are a perfectionist, a couple
tries may be necessary to get the spacing just right. After
all is well, simply press the ESC key and the information will
be stored in our new menu.
Now that we are back to the main MAKEMENU screen and have our
new titles in place we note that all menu items are titled
UNUSED. Now the fun begins. Let's try to design a menu that is
logical, friendly and sequenced by usage.
ED.EXE is the main document processor. The syntax to use
this program is,
A> ED YOUR.DOC [CR]
where YOUR.DOC is the name of a document you wish to edit. If
.DOC is not included ED will supply a default document of
WORK.DOC and then allow you to change the name. Although this is
an acceptable procedure for very experienced word processor
s, it is a very mind boggling procedure for the novice.
Since the editor is the most frequently used program in a
processing system, let's move the menu item choice to the first
item. Son of a gun, it's already there. Well, press the [CR]
and let's go.
Let's begin by entering the menu item title. It should be
something that is descriptive and almost self explanatory. How
about...Edit a document. Notice how the program shows you the
amount of space that is authorized for the title. Play around
with this one a bit. Check how the program handles the INS, DEL,
ARROW, and [CR] keys. All entries in the CoverUP(c) system are
handled in a similar fashion. Once you can manage one the rest
are all the same.
Now the actual command to pass to DOS is required. In this
case the command is ED YOUR.DOC or ED. Since the user will not
be editing YOUR.DOC at all times we need a method to allow the
user to designate the name of YOUR.DOC. CoverUP(c)
accomplishes this by using a %1 when we wish to have the user
specify the file. So now our command line will be
ED %1
Now each time the user chooses to edit a document, the
computer will ask for the file name. We will talk more about this
feature later.
The system now needs to know about the security aspects of
this operation. It wants to know whether this menu item has a
password associated with it. If we specify a password then each
time the user tries to execute the menu item the password will be
requested. No password No program ! This allows you to restrict
access to any program. In this case, I don't think a password is
necessary. If you choose to use a password remember the password
is case sensitive. What that means is that a lower case b is not
the same as an upper case B.
Decision time. We now need to decide whether the computer
needs to clear the display BEFORE it executes the program.
Fortunately we can experiment with no harm done. For now let's
ly enter a Y. Your choices are only Y or N.
Decision time again. We now need to decide whether the
computer needs to hold the screen AFTER executing a program.
Again we can experiment, with no harm done.
The program needs to know what kind of a command it has
been given. The choices are very simple; EXIT, DOS, or MENU. A
DOS command is any command that is normally given at the
system prompt by the user and is followed by a [CR]. The EXIT
is a way to return control to the computer's native operating
system. Since CoverUP(c) is a program or shell, an EXIT will
return the user to the normal sytem prompt. I chose to make this
type of EXIT a menu item rather than a keystroke so that any
user may be denied access to the operating system. The last
choice is MENU. Since we are creating a working menu this
would be inappropriate. Wait until we are done with this menu
and I will explain further.
Well what's your DECISION ? If you chose DOS, then you are
correct.
The next item is very simple. Use Command.COM Y/N. The
answer is Y. If you know when not to use it then go ahead. For
the rest of us simply use Y.
The next four items compose the NOTE window that is
always available to the user by pressing the F1 Key. The normal
editing features are available. The messages you display here
should be meaningful for the specific item rather than for the
menu as a whole.
The last item should contain the file of documentation
relevant to the menu item. Often there is no such file. If you
feel it is necessary then use a Word Processor that works
strictly with ASCII files. The screen-at-a-time format is used
which is ll lines of 70 characters each. If no documentation is
wanted or available then simply leave the field blank.
In this example we will use MANUAL1.DOC. This is the
central documentation file for the editor of PC-Write.
As we have gone along this scenario, you may have entered in
error any of the various items. If this is the case simply
move about the screen with the arrow keys and correct your
entries. Once you are finished press the ESC key and this menu
item will be finished.
Now that we have entered the first menu item, I won't
spend so much time on each item. The mechanics of item design and
layout is pretty straight forward. Most of the time a trial and
error routine is sufficient.
HELPE.DEF this file is a data file containing the help
screens. These screens are called by ED.EXE. Since this is the
case nothing must be added to our menu.
PR.EXE this program is the main printing routines for our
word processing system. The program expects a file associated
with it. It's item entry might be something like this:
Menu Item : Print a document
Command : PR %1
(Ask the user for name)
Password :
(No Password Required)
Type CMD : DOS
Clear : Y
Hold : N
Command.Com : Y
Notes : This program will print a document to
the printer. You will be asked for
the filename.
Manual : Manual2.DOC
MENUPRT.COM is the program which configures the word
processor to a specific printer. This is a seldom used program
which has the potential to change your system characteristics.
Here's how it might be entered:
Menu Item : Select your printer
Command : MENUPRT, PR PRINT.TST
(Multiple commands on same line
separated by a comma.)
Password : HARRY
Type CMD : DOS
Clear : Y
Hold : N
Command.Com : Y
Notes : This program will configure the word
processor to a specific printer. We
have a Diablo 620 ( Item 23). It will
then run a test print program.
Manual : PRINTER.DOC
That is the bulk of programs available. See how easily
they have integrated into a cohesive menu. But let's not stop
there. PC-Write makes backup files with the first character of
the file extension switched to a & . If a little maintenance is
not performed soon even a hard disk will be full and unusable.
Now let's add a few housekeeping tasks that are normally
performed at the DOS level. Those silly little yellow notes
stuck on your computer are about to hit the trash.
Menu Item : Delete Backup files
Command : DEL *.&??
(A very dangerous command when
entered by the user.)
Password : HARRY YES
Type CMD : DOS
Clear : Y
Hold : N
Command.Com : Y
Notes : This program will delete all the
backup files that have been created
by PC-Write. Consult your procedure
manual before use.
Manual : PROCEDURE.DOC
( A file you have created tells the
user when files are to be deleted.)
Another common task for the user of a word processor is
looking at the DOC files used with the word processor. So a
couple of directory entries might be helpful.
Menu Item : Document directory
Command : DIR *.DOC | SORT | MORE
Password :
Type CMD : DOS
Clear : Y
Hold : Y
Command.Com : Y
Notes : This program will give a listing by
name of all your documents.
Manual :
The following will just list the documents and scroll the
screen.
Menu Item : Document directory
Command : DIR *.DOC
Password :
Type CMD : DOS
Clear : Y
Hold : Y
Command.Com : Y
Notes : This program will give a listing of
all your documents.
Manual :
Here might be another handy item. The ability to look at a
document, one screen at a time.
Menu Item : View a document
Command : TYPE %1 | MORE
( User specifies document name )
Password :
Type CMD : DOS
Clear : Y
Hold : Y
Command.Com : Y
Notes : This program will allow the user
to view a document one screen at a
time.
Manual :
Now arrange the items in the most logical order according to
their usage. Use the M option to first MARK a choice, then
move to the desired location on the screen. Just type M again
and the menu item will exchange places with the flashing item.
Continue to MOVE and experiment with the menu until it is just
right.
The last thing we need to do is add our beautiful menu to the
CoverUP(c) system. To accomplish this, we have to have an
established menu called our new menu. So let's edit our
CoverUP.CUP menu. Select any UNUSED or unwanted item and edit
that item.
Menu Item : Word Processing
Command : WORD.CUP
Password :
Type CMD : MENU
Clear : Y or N (It doesn't matter)
Hold : Y or N (It doesn't matter)
Command.Com : Y
Notes : This is your favorite Word Processing
system. We use PC-Write ver 2.5
Manual :
Remember any menu may call another menu to a depth of 10
menu levels.
As you can see, the creation of a menu item requires
either a working knowledge of your DOS or access to someone who
does. But you only have to study DOS during the creation of a
menu, not during it's use. An inexperienced user doesn't have to
know anything about DOS to use it. Don't throw DOS away...Cover
it up with CoverUP(c).
*****End of Document*****