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DiZk4D
Version 2.00
"Cataloging & Labeling Your DiZks Under 4DOS"
From Unicorn Software Limited
Created By:
Charles P. Schell IV
Unicorn Software Limited
P. O. Box 911
Wabash, IN 46992
TechLine 219-563-HOME
Copyright (C) 1990-91 Unicorn Software Limited
{Portions Copyright (C) 1987-90}
All Rights Reserved
4DOS is a registered trademark of J.P. Software
dBase is a registered trademark of Ashton-Tate
LICENSE AGREEMENT
The DiZk4D cataloging program is protected by United States Copyright Law and
International Treaty provisions. All rights are reserved. Non-registered users
of DiZk4D are licensed only to use the program on a trial basis for the sole
purpose of determining whether or not it meets their requirements. All other
use requires registration.
Any other use of non-registered copies of DiZk4D by any person, business,
corporation, government organization, or any other entity is strictly forbidden
and is a violation of this license agreement.
Registration permits a user a license to use DiZk4D on a single computer.
All users are granted a limited license to copy DiZk4D Version 2.00 for the
trial use of others, with the following additional conditions:
DiZk4D must be distributed in unmodified, complete form, including this
Reference Guide and License Agreement.
DiZk4D may not be distributed in conjunction with any other product, without
written permission.
No fee, other than a bonafide DiZk duplicating fee not to exceed $10.00, may be
charged for DiZk4D.
WARRANTY
Unicorn Software Limited makes no warranty of any kind, express or implied,
including without limitation, any warranties of merchantability and/or fitness
for a particular purpose. Unicorn Software Limited shall not be liable for any
damages, whether direct, indirect, special or consequential arising from a
failure of this program to operate in the manner desired by the user. Unicorn
Software Limited shall not be liable for any damage to data or property which
may be caused directly or indirectly by use of the program.
IN NO EVENT WILL UNICORN SOFTWARE LIMITED BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING
ANY LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS OR OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
ARISING OUT OF YOUR USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE PROGRAM, OR FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY
OTHER PARTY.
The License Agreement and Warranty shall be construed, interpreted and governed
by the laws of the state of Indiana.
DiZk4D is being released under the User Supported concept of distribution.
Simply put: You are allowed to use the program to see if it is beneficial to
you.
If you continue to use the program you must register it by sending $25.00 to:
Unicorn Software Limited PO Box 911 Wabash, IN 46992. Or you can use your MC,
Visa, AmEx, or Discover by calling the Public(software)Library at 800-2424-PsL
or 713-524-6394 or by FAX to 713-524-6398 or by CompuServe to 71355,470 or by
mail to PsL, PO Box 35705, Houston, TX 77235-5705. These numbers are for
ordering only.
For information about dealer pricing, site licensing, shipping of product,
returns, latest version number or technical support call 219-563-HOME or write
to Unicorn Software Ltd. directly.
Unicorn Software Limited is in no way associated with or part of J.P. Software
and is not qualified to answer technical questions concerning 4DOS. Questions
about 4DOS should be addressed directly to J.P. Software at 617-646-3975 or by
mail at PO Box 1470 E. Arlington, MA 02174
I spend quite a bit of time hanging out in the Shareware conference on the RIME
network. This provides support for users of Unicorn's programs and it gives me
ideas as to what is and isn't working in the world of Shareware.
One day I was reading some messages about OMNIDiZk (The DOS DiZk cataloger and
labeling system), one of the messages was from a user who asked if the program
was 4DOS compatible. I said I did not know but I would check it out. After
spending some time checking out 4DOS and OMNIDiZk I realized that while the
programs were compatible, there were functions in 4DOS that did not exist in
regular DOS. So, with keyboard in hand I rewrote OMNIDiZk into a completely new
program: DiZk4D. The name change was to prevent the misunderstanding that this
was just another version of OMNIDiZk and to (hopefully) prevent users from
getting the wrong version for their operating system. {If you have read this
far and do not know what 4DOS is, you obviously have this program thinking it
could be used with regular DOS. Forward the copy you have, where you got it
from and $1 (for P&H) and I will send you a copy of OMNIDiZk, which is made for
regular DOS.}
DiZk4D will:
Read a floppy into memory and let you save the data (The saving is
optional).
Let you enter a 21 character title, 4 digit DiZk number, 3 character
code and two lines of remarks up to 65 characters each.
Let you change or add file descriptions. You have the option of using
the same description for all files, or describing them individually using a full
screen editor.
Print out 4 X 1 7/16 or 3 X 15/16 labels of the file names.
Print out 4 X 1 7/16 or 3 X 15/16 labels of the file names and
descriptions.
Print out or write to a file complete or select listings and catalogs.
Print out a complete list of all file information, or write that
information to a file.
Perform Find! searches on any filename, description, date, title, DiZk
number (alphanumeric), code, or remarks.
Allow complete Updates of DiZks or of just the title info.
Let you set the printer codes to match your printer.
Let you set up the colours, and select data and read drive.
Let you use Auto numbering of DiZks.
Creates a dBase compatable file with filenames in it.
Assumptions:
You have 4DOS installed as recommended by J.P. Software and it is
running properly.
You have any TSRs or Caching systems properly configured for 4DOS.
You at least 562K RAM free when trying to Add or Update Files. If you
are running any of the other options of the system, it only requires
190K RAM free. To see if you have this much memory free run the MEMORY
command prior to executing.
Getting Started:
DO NOT INSTALL THE PROGRAM IF YOU ARE ALREADY USING IT SEE THE INSTRUCTIONS ON
HOW TO UPGRADE THE PROGRAM
Type DiZk4D to start.
When you first start the program, the computer will bring up the Default Set Up
screen first. Just enter the info requested. When you name the DiZk Drive, the
program will automatically copy the data files to that drive for you ! So Have A
DiZk In The Drive And Ready ! The program will not do any further copying on
its own. In order to create new data DiZks simply copy all the files with the
DAT and NTX extension onto your new data DiZk. Also, do not rename the data
file during initial set up. See below on how to do that later. Up to 350
records can be stored on a single 360K floppy DiZk.
First the Default Set Up screen will appear, you must make the following
decisions at this time:
Data Drive: Whatever drive you will save data on.
Read Drive: The drive the program is to read for information.
Save Data?: You can choose to save the DiZk file data and use the Find! and
other functions. "Y" or "N". If you select "N" at the end of the session the
data files will purge themselves and be blank next time you start.
Auto Numbering: This allows the computer to enter the next available number when
adding a new DiZk. The DiZk number can be alphanumeric. If you answer Y, Quik
info (See Below) will be functional.
Colours:
Are as follows:
Color Letter
------------------
Black N
Blue B
Green G
Cyan BG
Red R
Magenta RB
Brown GR
White W
------------------
File Name:
Any eight character filename allowed. Reserved name is TEMP. NOTE if you
decide later to change the data drive you are using you must FIRST copy all the
files with the DAT and NTX extensions to the new location THEN enter the program
and using the Set Defaults Screen (From the Utilities Menu) set the drive to the
new location.
You can always go back and change any of these settings by using the Set
Defaults option on the Utilities Menu.
The System:
Is designed using KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) so not much information is needed
to get started. Here are a few notes to help you use the system:
Sample Data:
There is one DiZk of sample data already in the system. It is for your use to
play with all the functions of the program, prior to entering your own data.
Make sure to delete it before you start entering your own data.
Add:
After reading the DiZk a screen will appear to let you Title the DiZk (up to 23
characters), add DiZk number (up to 4 Alphanumeric characters), add a Code (Up
to 3 Characters), add Remarks (Two lines 65 characters each).
Codes:
I suggest the following:
G = Games UNI = Unicorn Software Programs *grin*
U = Utils WP = Word Processors
D = Data Bases GR = Grafix
DOC = Documents SW = Share Ware
L = Language H = Home
Of course you can make them anything you like.
Sub Directories:
The program does not read files within a subdirectory, but it does read and
handle the Sub Directory name as a file (ie /TEMP <DIR>) and it can be
described and handled as a file. If you want to read a Sub Directory into the
system:
1. Add the disk Root Directory.
2. Return to the main menu and then use the Exit To 4DOS option from
the Utilities Menu. While exited, use the CD option to change to the
read dirve from the root to the desired subdirectory.
3. Return to the Drive/Directory that DiZk4D is in and type in EXIT.
4. Return to the Add Option and Add the subdirectory, using the same
DiZK number.
5. Repeat for all subdirectories you desire to read.
{Note: This also works to Add your hard drive to DiZk4D}
Why DiZk4D doesn't read Sub Directories:
Memory. The program would take up more RAM, with the way 4DOS operates now,
than it already does. Since Subdirectories on floppy drives are not widely used
and in cases where they are treating it as a file will provide enough capability
to document them properly (ie: PRINT <DIR> 1-03-91 Print Drivers.)
I decided to drop this capability in favour of using less memory. If 4DOS
memory handling changes I will change the program to add this option.
Descriptions:
After you Add you have the option of changing/updating file descriptions. If
you have previously written file descriptions for the files they are
automatically transferred into DiZk4D, if not any changes or additions you make
will be added to the DiZk, as well as your data file.
The program will allow you to use one file description for all files, or to use
a point and shoot menu to make changes. If you choose to use the same
description for all of the files the program will default to the Title for this
description, if you don't want to use that, just type over any description you
do want to use.
The point and shoot menu brings up one screen of files at a time use the Up/Down
Arrow keys until the lite bar is on the file you want to select and then the
Return key to make changes. When you are done with a screen hit the PageDown
key. At that point you can use the Up/Down Arrow keys to move forward or
backward through the rest of the files or Home to complete the changes.
Update & Delete:
When you select either of these options the screen will display up to 32 DiZk
numbers and titles. Move the light bar to the one you want to Update or Delete
and press the enter key. The ESC key will take you back to the Main Menu and
the PageDown key will bring up the next 32 titles. When the program reaches the
bottom of your file it will start again.
You also have the option of looking for a specific DiZk number or title (These
will always be the last two displayed, so use the end key to get to the bottom
and select the one you want).
Update Files/Other Info:
When in Update mode you have the choice of updating either Files or Other Info.
If you choose files put the DiZk in your Read drive, for Other Info you do not
need the DiZk.
If you are updating files, after the files have been written to the DiZk you
have the opportunity to change/update the descriptions. See Add for how this
function works.
If you are updating Other Info, when you are complete with one DiZk and hit the
PageDown key you have the option of going to the next DiZk in the file
(PageDown) or the previous DiZk (PageUp). If you are using the DiZk Title or
Number options only DiZks with that title or number will be displayed. Hit the
Home key to exit out of Update.
Close 'Nuf:
By entering DiZk Title option on the Update or Delete screens you will be
prompted to enter the title of the DiZk you wish to deal with. You do not have
to enter the full title, only the first few words, or even letters. In Update
this will allow you to view all the records that are Close 'Nuf to what you
entered. EXAMPLE: Entering "ZORK" will bring up "ZORK II", "ZORK HINTS" and
"Beyond Zork". Capitals and lower case are seen as the same.
DiZk4DFind!:
Can help you find all of the DiZks in the data file that have a particular Title
as well as Code, File Name, Description, Date, or Remark. Using "Close 'Nuf"
you can Find! any record easily, ie enter as much information as you remember
and it will search based on your input, even if it is only one letter. NOTE:
Page Up on these data display screens will take you back to the previous record,
page down to the next record and Home to the OMNIFind! menu; use the Arrow Down
key to see the second page of a particular DiZk.
If you are Find!ing File Name, Date, or Description the file name requested will
flash on and off to alert you to its whereabouts. This makes them easy to find
in a screen full of information.
Utilities:
Indexing:
You have the option of putting the file in DiZk number, Title or Code order.
Speed Up Sort:
Should be run occasionally to keep the files in sequential order as well as
random order. Always run prior to printing.
Purge Ghosts:
This feature should be run if you get blank records in your data file, by
accident.
Set Defaults:
See above (Getting Started) for info.
Printer Set Up:
This allows you to customize the printer codes used by the program. These codes
can be found in your printer manual. The codes that the program has when
originally distributed are for the Epson FX100. You will need to know the code
for 10 cpi (Pica), 12 CPI (Elite), Enlarged, Condensed (17CPI) and Double
High/Wide, Sub Script and N/72 Line Spacings. If your printer cannot handle
double high/wide DON'T PANIC, just leave it blank; the program will use Enlarged
for that entry. You do not have to enter the ESC part of the code, the program
will add that automatically. For example ESC 119 must be entered as "119" (Do
not enter any " "s!).
Exit To 4DOS:
You can exit temporarily to DOS by using that option on the Utilities Menu. The
file 4DOS.COM and 4DOS???.EXE must be on the same DiZk as the other programs
and in the root directory.
You must return to the subdirectory/drive of DiZk4D prior to entering EXIT to
return to the program.
Printing:
You have a choice of using all the DiZk info, or using a criteria.
Criteria:
You can choose to print out for specific codes (Close 'Nuf does not apply here)
or you can select individually from the entire list.
Individual selection is accomplished by choosing the number next to the title
you wish to include (these numbers are NOT the DiZk numbers). To deselect just
enter the number again. 0 brings up the next screen of titles, 55 Aborts the
use of individual selection and 99 completes selections.
Labels & Listings:
Complete Listing:
You have the option of writing to a file (DiZkLIST.TXT on your data drive) or
printing the information. This will output the DiZk number, title, code, and
remarks for either all of selected criteria.
Complete Catalog:
You have the option of writing to a file (CATALOG.TXT on your data drive) or
printing the information. This will output the DiZk number, title, code,
remarks and all file info (including name, size, date, and description) for
either all of selected criteria. This will print out the DiZk number, title,
code, and remarks for either all of selected criteria.
Large Versus Small Labels:
Large labels are 4" X 1 7/16". Small Labels are 3" X 15/16". You will be given
the option of checking printer alignment before the program starts. It is
recommended that you always do this before printing. It will reprint the test
print repeatedly as long as you answer Y.
Description Labels:
Prints file names and descriptions for selected DiZks (The large labels also
include the file date). If the information will take up more than one label the
program will print out subsequent labels until all of the information is
printed. You can always put the extra labels on the DiZk sleeve. This type of
label is great for ZIP files since only a few will fit on a DiZk and what is in
them is more important than just the file names. The Remarks lines for the
small lines are trimmed to the first 52 characters of each line (to get them to
fit) for the large labels they are complete.
File Name Labels:
Prints file names for selected DiZks ( 4 across on small labels 5 across on
large labels). If the information will take up more than one label the program
will print out subsequent labels until all of the information is printed. You
can always put the extra labels on the DiZk sleeve. This type of label is great
for single program DiZks when what the filenames are is is more important than
the descriptions.
File List:
Will print a listing of every single file, size, date and description for the
DiZks you select. It takes a lot of space to do this! It is recommended for
use with a hard drive only. You do have the option of writing this information
to a file (FILELIST.TXT on your default drive) or sending it to your printer.
ESC to Abort P to Pause:
These options are available during printing to help if you need to make
adjustments. They are sometimes NOT immediate, depending on your printer buffer
size and the speed of your printer. If you hit P you will be prompted to hit
any key to continue; therefore if you hit P twice the program will pause for a
second and then continue. You can not Pause writing to a file, only Abort.
dBase Compatibility:
The file starting with F and your data file name (ie data file DIZKS.DAT would
have the F file FIZKS.DAT) is a file containing all of your filenames and can be
used by dBase without any other alteration. *WARNING* If you alter the contents
of this file, or in any other way resort it it will be incompatible with
DiZk4D. It is advised that you copy this file to another name and use the
copied file rather than the F File.
Error Messages:
Error Messages will appear at the top of the screen when an error occurs. The
most common errors are "Open" which means the program can't find the data files
and "Printer not ready". You will be given the choice of correcting the problem
or aborting. "Printer not ready" can appear if your printer is not printing as
fast as the program is sending information, just answer Y to the "Retry"
question to continue.
Technical Assistance:
Both registered and unregistered Users can obtain technical assistance by
calling (219)563-HOME (4663). Unregistered Users will need to provide the name
and address of where they obtained the software from in order to gain this
assistance. This will let us go back to that company if they are distributing
an older version and it helps us track who is distributing the program. The
number is manned (by a human) from 6:00 to 9:00 PM EST, all other hours by an
answering machine.
Unicorn Software Limited is in no way associated with or part of J.P. Software
and is not qualified to answer technical questions concerning 4DOS. Questions
about 4DOS should be addressed directly to J.P. Software at 617-646-3975 or
by mail at PO Box 1470 E. Arlington, MA 02174
Other Unicorn Programs:
All programs are MSDOS compatible, run on 256K RAM, use IBM graphics/laser
printers, mono or colour monitor, and can operate on one/two or hard DiZk drives
(except DayMaster which requires a hard or high density drive). The User can set
the colours, printer codes, and default data drive. There are no 'crippled'
features or options. The only difference between the shareware and registered
versions is the lack of 'plea' screens on the registered version and the clarity
of the Users conscience.
The *Master Series
AlbumMaster - To help you catalog your Albums and assist you in printing
catalogs, listings and labels for the front of the Album. There are entries for
Album Number, Title, Artist, and up to 12 Tunes on each side as well as Category
and 3 User defined fields. The User can also define three entries for use as
producer, writer, opinions etc. The program will hold up to 9999 Albums
(depending on DiZk space) and can be used to find even a single song. It will
also produce a list of every Tune you have in addition to the regular catalogs.
Multiple data field Finds! and User designed listing make this a must have for
audiophiles.
CassetteMaster - To help you catalog your cassette tapes and assist you in
printing catalogs, listings and inserts for the case and front of the tape.
There are entries for Tape Number, Title, Artist, and up to 14 Tunes on each
side as well as Category. The User can also define three entries for use as
producer, writer, opinions etc. The program will hold up to 9999 Tapes
(depending on DiZk space) and can be used to find even a single song. It will
also produce a list of every Tune you have in addition to the regular catalogs.
The case inserts not only print all the tunes, artist, and title but the User
defined info as well. Find! and Criteria print option make this very useful
for the 'home recorder' or the 'store bought' cassette tape user.
VideoMaster - To help you catalog your video tapes and assist you in printing
catalogs, standard and User customized listings and labels for the spine and
front of the tape. There are entries for Tape Number, Title, Rating, Start
Point, Star, Co Star, three User defined entries and a seven line Synopsis as
well as Category. You can find any tape by any field. The system will handle up
to 9999 entries, depending on DiZk space. The program can handle up to 5 titles
per tape, great for the home video buff.
PostCardMaster - The program will help you compose post cards and maintain
addresses on DiZk. Then you may retrieve either listings of the addresses and
cards, address labels, 3X5 cards, 4X6 post cards or Roladex cards. The primary
purpose of the program is to print post cards, and address them for you. Post
cards cost 1/3 the price of a letter and in some cases are equally as good ie
meeting notices, invitations, change of address. This program is a replacement
for an earlier Unicorn program released in 1984 called FORWARD2.
DayMaster - The program provides you with trivia, birthdays, anniversaries for a
particular date, but also allows you to include your own information for any
date. It also gives a quote for the day, and informs you of any appointments
you might have. All of this can take place at boot up or any other time you
activate the program. The data file contains over 2000 historical events and
quotes.
CDMaster - To help you catalog your CDs and assist you in printing catalogs,
listings and labels for the case and front of the CD. There are entries for CD
Number, Title, Artist, and up to 24 Tunes as well as Category and 3 User defined
fields. The program will hold up to 9999 CDs (depending on DiZk space) and can
be used to find even a single song. It will also produce a list of every Tune
you have in addition to the regular catalogs and case inserts. Find! option
locates CDs by any of the data fields or by a User defined mix of data fields.
The OMNI* Series
OMNIMeal - Before you push this new program to the side, feeling that you have
several Recipe programs in your inventory and you don't need another, take a
look at the features of OMNIMeal and I believe that you will decide it is a
welcome addition to your library. **Standard Features - Recipe title; type of
recipe, ie Entree, Desert; where you obtained the recipe from for reference; how
many people the recipe feeds; preparation time; personal notes, ie Low
Cholesterol, Bob's Favorite; personal codes to assist in finding recipes; up to
4 special equipment entries; up to 20 ingredients, each with their own quantity
and volume of measurement; and up to 13 lines of preparation instructions up to
76 characters long. **Special Features: MulipleXer: an option that allows you to
increase or decrease the number of people served by a particular recipe, and
thereby changing all of the required ingredients automatically; OMNIFind!
allowing you to do extensive searches of the data file based on various
criteria; The choice of printing two one sided, or one two sided 3X5 card for
each recipe. -OMNIPlan for planning a week of meals ahead and giving you
printouts based solely on your choices; OMNIShop a shopping list for the recipes
that you have chosen. This lists not only the ingredients of all recipes you
have chosen but will combine them for ease of use. For example if you have a
recipe that calls for 2 eggs, another that calls for 5 eggs and a third that
calls for 1 egg; the OMNIShop listing would tell you you need 8 eggs. -Complete
catalog printing option that will produce selected recipes perfect for putting
in a 3 ring binder.
OMNIDiZk - A DiZk cataloger and labeling utility. Features: Reads a floppy into
memory and lets you save the data (The saving is optional); Print out 4 X 1 7/16
or 3 X 15/16 labels as well as catalogs; Perform Find! searches on any files
that you have saved; Print lists of every file in the data file; Allow complete
Updates of DiZks or of just the title info; Let you enter a 23 character title,
3 character code and two lines of remarks up to 52 characters each; Let you set
the printer codes to match your printer; you can also set the colours, and
select the data and read drives.
OMNIDay - Handles up to 10 Users with PassCode protection for privacy, optional
encryption of data with 10,000 possibilities per User automatic entry of text
date line and a full function text editor to handle entries. The data file is
dynamic (only as large as entries) and can be located on any drive. Entries can
be from 1 to 5000 lines with the ability to change history (Alter Entry) and the
ability to make history vanish (Erase Entry). The Reminisce feature allows user
to 'thumb' through entries or they can print out the entire opus or selected
dates. User: defines printer codes, names data file, sets screen colours, names
the opus and enters their name into program for use on screen and in reports.
The Comp* Series
CompUser - It is a rated cyclopedia with the names, addresses and phone numbers
of shareware distributors, hardware companies, authors, computer clubs, BBSs and
more. Almost 2000 entries are in the complete database and it is updated almost
daily with revisions being mailed out every 120 days. The program creates,
edits & prints post cards, address labels and more. It will also import new
data and allow the user to change the data in the file. Great for clubs
(looking for authors and distributors), shareware authors (looking for markets),
shareware libraries (looking for authors), BBS Users (looking for new BBSs) and
the average Comp{ter}User (looking for all of the above). All entries are rated
A,B,C,D, or F for size of operation and the way that they conduct business.
This alone makes it worthwhile because Users can avoid poorly rated businesses
that have historical problems and lack good customer service.
To get any of the above titles check with your favourite Shareware dealer or do
one of the following:
1. Send three blank formatted DiZks per title to Unicorn and we'll copy it off.
{Each title takes one DiZk the extra DiZks cover P&H}
2. Send $3 to Unicorn per title and we'll take care of the rest.
Enjoy!
Charles P. Schell IV
uthor