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1990-02-13
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A U T O C O N
Version 1.3
January 31, 1990
by
Larry Weaver
Copyright (c) 1989-90 Larry Weaver
317 Ladera St. #2
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 963-8060
AUTOCON
Introduction
What is AUTOCON?
AUTOCON is a program that will allow you to easily and quickly
change your AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files and boot-up with
a different configuration.
AUTOCON does this by establishing up to fifty different pairs
of AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files in different records in a
data file. You can use AUTOCON to easily copy these files to
your root directory of drive C: and reboot your computer.
These copies have different names associated with them, so that
you can tell what they are for. (e.g. NoTsrs might be used for
a boot up with no terminate and stay resident programs.)
The first time AUTOCON is run, it will create a data file named
'AUTOCON.DAT' and copy AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS into five
records in that file. The records are given the names of
AUTOCON01-AUTOCON05. The names can be changed to something more
suitable when you edit the associated AUTOEXEC and CONFIG
fields of the records. A single keystroke (specifically the
<F3> key) will add more records in the data entry mode.
AUTOCON incorporates a full screen editor to make changing the
AUTOEXEC and CONFIG records extremely easy. The editor uses
Turbo IDE/Sidekick/WS compatible keystrokes. If you are not
familiar with these, there is an on-line helpfile which details
all of the keystrokes. If you desire, you can change the
editor keystrokes. The <F6> key will pop up a key editor for
this purpose.
I know that there are many programs like AUTOCON available on
BBSs, but I don't believe that any are as easy to use as
AUTOCON. AUTOCON is a complete editing environment with mouse
support, context sensitive help, and one key AUTOEXEC.BAT and
CONFIG.SYS updating.
After you have established your records and names, you can
update your configuration by entering the name of the new
configuration on the command line (e.g. AUTOCON NOTSRS).
AUTOCON will copy the AUTOEXEC and CONFIG fields of the record
named NOTSRS into C:\ as AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS and cause
the system to do a REBOOT.
If you are in menu mode, hitting <F2> will copy the AUTOEXEC
and CONFIG fields of the current record to C:\ and allow you to
choose whether to do a REBOOT or not.
AUTOCON will first look in the current subdirectory for it's
help and data files (allowing you to have more than one
configuration data file - though I doubt that you will need
more than the fifty pairs). If they are not in the current
subdirectory (and you are using DOS 3.3) then AUTOCON will
search the subdirectory it was started from. If they are not
there, AUTOCON will then search the path. As a consequence (as
long as the help and data file are in the path - or the
directory AUTOCON is started from) AUTOCON can be run from any
subdirectory.
The Need For System Reconfiguration:
There are many reasons people change their configuration. As
an example, if you are going to run SPINRITE you will need to
remove your disk caching program. If you are going to run a
large program, you may need to remove your TSR's to get more
memory space.
With autocon you simply enter the name of the configuration you
want from the command line, and your AUTOEXEC.BAT and
CONFIG.SYS are updated, and your system is rebooted. AUTOCON
gives you complete control of your environment
Most programs now come with install programs that like messing
around with your Autoexec and Config files. Normally these
programs make your blood run cold, but with AUTOCON, you can
watch them in amusement. After they are finished, you can call
up AUTOCON, read what they've done into one of your records,
and either restore your original configuration, or make the
appropriate editing changes to it to handle the new program.
INSTALLING AUTOCON
Installation
To install AUTOCON, do the following:
1. AUTOCON initially requires only AUTOCON.EXE and
AUTOCON.HLP to run. Copy these two files to your hard
disk (probably to your UTILITY or BIN subdirectory - or
some other subdirectory in your path).
2. Change to that subdirectory and type AUTOCON <enter>.
AUTOCON will make five records each containing a copy of
your current AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS and named
AUTOCON01-AUTOCON05.
3. You will now be in a data entry screen with the
capability of editing the names and the AUTOEXEC and
CONFIG fields of each record. The <F1> will bring up
context sensitive help. The <F3> key will add more
records.
4. Hitting <F2> in the data entry screen will cause the
AUTOEXEC and CONFIG fields in the current record to be
copied into C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS, and you will
be asked if you want to REBOOT.
5. When AUTOCON is exited the records will be saved in a
file named 'AUTOCON.DAT' in the current subdirectory.
6. Hitting <CtrlK><R> in either the AUTOEXEC or CONFIG
field editor will copy the current C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT or
CONFIG.SYS (or any other file of your choosing) into the
field. You can pop-up a filelist and pick with a scroll
bar.
7. If you are currently using a Disk CACHE program then you
may experience a slight problem with the reboot.
AUTOCON copies the current fields to the C: drive then
jumps to the restart vector. If the CACHE program is
buffering the writes, the restart will take place before
the data is written to disk. Hit the <F4> key and enter
the command (include PATH if necessary) that causes your
CACHE program to flush it's buffers. AUTOCON will
execute this program before rebooting.
8. AUTOCON is initially configured with a warm (or soft)
reboot. Some machines have a problem with the warm
boot (usually those with a large hard disk, and a large
hard disk partition manager), and need a cold boot
instead. If you have a reboot problem change from a
warm to a cold by hitting the <F5> key and answering yes
to the question. This change will be saved in the
AUTOCON.DAT file, and AUTOCON will perform a cold boot
(you'll see the memory being checked) in the future.
AUTOCON is now completely installed and ready to use. You have
two options for it's use in the future. To simply update to a
new configuration type
AUTOCON <update name> <enter>
e.g. AUTOCON NOTSRS <enter>
from the command line, and as long as AUTOCON.EXE and
AUTOCON.DAT are in the path, the configuration will be updated.
and your system will be rebooted.
To edit the data file type
AUTOCON <enter>
and you will be in the Data entry screen ready to update.
If you do not like the editor keystrokes (they are similar to
Wordstar and Sidekick), you may change them with a built in key
editor (popped up by hitting the <F6> key). The colors may
also be changed by hitting <AltFX> keys. The help file has a
definition of which color each key combination changes.
AUTOCON NOTES
If you have a computer with an LCD screen, set your mode to BW80 (2)
before starting AUTOCON. This should make the screen show up
better. If you prefer, you can start in color mode, and edit the
colors to something suitable.
When you are in the data entry mode, you have some information on
the screen. The top line has the current date and time as well as
the name/version of the program. The second line has the
information on the current record (specifically the record number,
and the date and time it was last changed). The middle of the
screen has an area for notes so that you can keep track of what this
particular record is used for. The bottom two lines contain help
information for the current mode.
While in this mode you can add more records (either up to fifty, or
your current memory limits whichever is lower) by hitting the <F3>
key. You can delete the current configuration with the <CtrlF3> key.
Note: You will not be able to delete the first record, nor will the
total record count be allowed to go below five.
The <F10> key will pop up a list of the names of all of your
configuration records and allow you to choose the one you would like
to make current.
<PgUp> and <PgDn> will move you to the previous/next record for
sequential editing.
You can enter the command that flushes your disk CACHE by hitting
the <F4> key. This command will be executed before a reboot is
performed. If you don't has a disk CACHE program then you will not
need to enter a command here.
The <F5> key will allow you to change your the boot type from warm
to cold, or cold to warm.
The <F6> key will pop up a key stroke editor. You can change the
actions of each of the commands of the built in editor. There is
only so much room in the editor configurations, so rather than add
new keystrokes (you can specify up to three key combinations for
each editor action), it is better to change the old keystrokes. The
keystrokes will be saved in the DAT file, and restored the next time
AUTOCON is run. The original keystrokes can be restored with the
<AltR> key combination while in the key editor.
The <Alt> key in combination with the Function keys will allow you
to change the colors. The actions of these keys are detailed in the
help file (popped up by hitting F1 twice and selection Changing
Colors from the pick list). If you don't like the colors, this will
allow you to customize them. The new colors will be saved in the
DAT file. The <AltF10> key will restore the default colors.
AUTOCON will preserve the file attributes of the C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT and
C:\CONFIG.SYS files during the update. e.g. If you have your files
as System and Read-Only before the update, they will be System and
Read-Only after the update.
ADD OLD CONFIGURATIONS
If you have several configurations of AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS
files already in use, there is a convenient method to add them to
AUTOCON. While in the AUTOEXEC or CONFIG edit mode, if you hit the
<F5> key it will erase the contents of this field (it checks with
you first). If you then hit <CtrlK><R> you will be given a chance
to enter a file name to read into the field. If you use wildcard
notation, AUTOCON will pop up a file list for you to choose from.
The selected file name will then be read into the current field. Do
one of the standard exit commands (<AltX>, <CtrlK><X>) and the field
now contains the file.
Do this for each of your current configurations, and you will now
have the convenience of AUTOCON with all of your standard
configurations.
LIMITATIONS
What are the limitations, well first I'll tell you about the ones I
know of, then you tell me about the ones that you find. If you
find bugs, then please let me know immediately. I believe I have
eradicated all of them, but only time will tell. Below I have
listed my name on several system (SUMMIT, COMPUSERVE, GENIE). If
you find a real show stopper then call me collect. I definitely
want this program to be bullet-proof.
Each copy of the AUTOEXEC field is limited to 4K, each copy of the
CONFIG field is limited to 2K, and the Notes are limited to 400
characters. I don't come anywhere close to these numbers, but you
may. If these sizes are too small for you, I can easily change
them. If no one complains, I will assume they are large enough.
The program only deals with the C: drive. Does anyone need to be
able to talk to another drive? Again if this is important I will
add the ability to configure the target drive.
I have already made several changes due to user feedback (for
instance, the original release could only handle five
configurations), and I am ready to consider any that you suggest.
FUTURE
Where is AUTOCON going in the future, well I have several thoughts
in mind for enhancements. You will also have a hand in the future
directions. I have discovered that I can't anticipate all of your
needs. You will have to tell me what changes and enhancements you
would like to see the most.
There have been several suggestions made already, and they are in
the queue. The editor needs to be enhanced in several ways. I
intend to add the capability to cut and paste data between the
configurations without having to save it to a file first. I will
also add a search and replace that maintains it's info so that
identical search and replaces can be carried out in different
configurations. Right now there is no way to leave spaces in the
Autoexec and Config (all blanks are trimmed), and a couple of the
users have use for such spaces. I will add the capability to make
trimming the blanks optional. A split screen capability has been
requested for the Autoexec/Config fields.
There has been a request to make the entire main screen "mouseable"
(F5, F6, Alt Fx, etc.). To do so, I will have to go to some type
of pull down menu system. I'm not sure how I will implement this,
but it will be in a future release.
Since there seems to be a lot of interest in it, I will add some
companion programs to AUTOCON similar to the PC Magazine utilities.
One will allow you to select different configurations on boot up
I will also include my own version of the BATCHMAN utility from PC
Magazine. I'm not sure how far away these utilities are, but I
would hope to have them out by May at the latest.
If you have other ideas for companion programs let me know. I
would like AUTOCON to be your one-stop program for controlling the
reboot configuration process.
How about some feedback on this one? Would you like to see a
tutorial on BATCH files included in the helpfile, or is that
something covered by other programs?
As I said, your feedback will direct the future versions, let me
know what you would like to see.
LICENSE
This version of AUTOCON is NOT public domain nor free software, but
is being distributed as "shareware".
AUTOCON is copyright (C) 1989-90 by Larry Weaver.
Non-registered users of this software are granted a limited
license to make an evaluation copy for trial use on a private,
noncommercial basis, for the express purpose of determining
whether AUTOCON is suitable for their needs. At the end of this
trial period, you should either register your copy or
discontinue using AUTOCON.
What does all this really mean? If you use this program, then
you should pay for your copy. That way I'll be able to provide
you support, updates and stay in business.
An AUTOCON registration entitles you to use the program on any and
all computers available to you.
All users are granted a limited license to copy AUTOCON only for
the trial use of others and subject to the above limitations.
This license does NOT include distribution or copying of this
software package:
1. In connection with any other product or service.
2. For general use within a company or institution.
3. For any consideration or 'disk fee'.
4. Distribution in modified form, i.e., the file containing
this license information MUST be included, along with the
full AUTOCON documentation.
Operators of electronic bulletin board systems (Sysops) are
encouraged to post AUTOCON for downloading by their users, as
long as the above conditions are met.
If you are the distributor of a public domain or user-supported
software library, then you may be eligible to distribute copies
of AUTOCON. You must meet all of the above conditions and acquire
written permission from Larry Weaver before doing so, however.
Please call or write for details.
DISCLAIMER
Use of this program acknowledges this disclaimer of warranty:
"This program is supplied as-is. Larry Weaver disclaims all
warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation,
the warranties of merchantability and of fitness of this program
for any purpose. Larry Weaver assumes no liability for damages
direct or consequential, which may result from the use of this
program."
ORDERING INFORMATION
An AUTOCON registration licenses you to use the product on a
regular basis. Users need register only one version of AUTOCON;
registration includes licensed use of all upgrades. Registered
users can always get the most current version of the program at a
nominal fee ($8.00 as of this writing) by calling or writing Larry
Weaver. Individual registrations for AUTOCON cost just $10.
CORPORATE SITE LICENSES AND QUANTITY PURCHASES
All corporate, business, government or other commercial users of
AUTOCON must be registered. A site license is available for a one
time charge of $100.00.
Note that with a site license, only one copy of the program will
be sent. You will be responsible for distributing additional
copies.
ALL PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
Please use the enclosed order form when placing an order, or print
out the file REGISTER.PRN.
Even if you don't register, how about some feedback.
You can contact me as D.Weave on SUMMIT,
72460,3072 on COMPUSERVE,
L.WEAVER1 on GENIE.
If you find the program useful, but you only mess with your
configuration a couple of times a year, then I have what I call a
use fee. It's not really a registration, but it does allow you to
use the program once every few months.
------------------- REGISTRATION ----------------------
Please support AUTOCON!
thank you for your support.
Remit To: Larry Weaver
317 Ladera St. #2
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
_
|_| AUTOCON use fee, no registration ($5.00) $______
_
|_| AUTOCON Standard registration ($10.00) $______
_
|_| AUTOCON Standard registration, includes new disk ($18.00) $______
_
|_| AUTOCON Upgrade to newest version ($8.00) $______
Registered users only
_
|_| Subscription plan for REGISTERED Users ($21.00) $______
(Receive the next 3 updates of AUTOCON, as they
become available. This fee is in addition to the
$10.00 Registration.)
_ _
Payment by: |_| Check or |_| money order enclosed TOTAL $______
_ _
Disk Type: |_| 5 1/4" |_| 3 1/2"
Name ___________________________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Day Phone: _________________________ Eve: ______________________
------------------------ User comments -------------------------
I acquired AUTOCON V1.3 from
[ ] - Friend [ ] - Software product
[ ] - Computer Club [ ] - Computer Store
[ ] - Data Base Service [ ] - Electronic BBS
[ ] - Other - Please Specify ___________________________
I would also appreciate any input you would care to give
concerning AUTOCON. If you have any ideas or comments that would
make AUTOCON a better program, then please let me know.
I value your comments!
Comments and/or suggestions:
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