Magnum One/Magnum One (Mid-American Digital) (Disc Manufacturing).iso/d2/quikmenu.arc/QM.HLP

Text File | 1990-12-04 | 25KB | 612 lines

QUIKMENU USERS GUIDE                               (version 1.05)
--------------------

Located at the top of the screen are several command buttons used
to control various aspects of QuikMenu. To activate a command
button, either click the button with a mouse or hold down the ALT
key and press the underlined letter of the desired command.

As you have no doubt already discovered, help can be obtained by
pressing the F1 function key. To exit the help screen, press the
ESC key or select the Done command button.

The following is a description of the command buttons:

Modify    Allows you to make changes to the menu, such as adding
          programs, setting passwords, changing page titles,
          background color, etc.

Page      Displays a list box showing all 20 page titles. Selecting
          a page from the box will display that page on the screen.
          You can also create page buttons to move between specific
          pages.

DOS       Allows you to temporarily leave QuikMenu to perform DOS
          operations.

Log       Allows you to display, sort and print a report of program
          usage.

Exit      Leaves the QuikMenu environment completely.

Help      Displays this screen. Use the PAGE DOWN and PAGE UP keys
          to view the help or select the Print command to send the
          file to your printer.


MODIFYING THE MENU
------------------

The Modify Command is used to add, edit, copy, move or delete a
page or program button. In this mode, you may also change page
titles and the initial menu setup.

The Modify command can be Password protected. (See Setup below.)


ADDING NEW ITEMS TO YOUR MENU
-----------------------------

The Add command allows you to add new buttons to your menu. Once
the Add command button is selected, you will be asked which type of
button you want to create: Software Button or Page Button.


ADDING SOFTWARE BUTTONS
-----------------------

Software Buttons allow you to run programs, format disks, backup
directories and so on. If you select Software Button from the Add
dialog box, you will see a screen with the following options:

Speed Key      This is the key on your keyboard that will be used
               to activate the Software Button. Valid choices are
               letters A through Z and numbers 0 through 9.

Name           This is the text that will be displayed inside the
               Software Button for reference - usually the name of
               the program that the button will activate.

Location       This is the drive and directory where the program
               or DOS option is located. (See List Programs
               below.)

Command        This is the command that DOS uses to run the
               program or DOS option. For example, if you normally
               load your word processor by typing WP at the DOS
               prompt (C:\), then enter WP here. (See List
               Programs below.)

               If you want to automatically load a document, macro
               or some other file with the program, type the
               file's name at the end of the command line. For
               example:

               WP C:\FILES\MEMO.LTR

               You may also include any command line options,
               parameters or switches required to make the program
               work.

               There are a number of options that can be added to
               the command line that make QuikMenu very powerful.

               Placing a pair of [] brackets on the command line
               with a question between them will prompt you
               whenever the item is activated. For example, a
               command like:

               FORMAT [Which Drive?]

               will prompt you with the question "Which Drive?"
               each time you activate the Format button. Your
               response, if any, is then passed along to the
               FORMAT program.

               You can even place multiple questions on the same
               command line. For example:

               COPY [Source File?] [Destination?]

               You can also have the button display a list of
               files to choose from simply by putting an equal
               sign (=) inside the [] brackets. For example, a
               command like:

               WP [Which File?=C:\FILES\*.DOC]

               allows you to choose from a list of files in the
               C:\FILES directory that have the extension .DOC.
               The *.DOC is a standard directory mask used by DOS
               to display only certain types of files. See your
               DOS manual for more information about masks.

               By using two equal signs (==) instead of one, you
               can search for files across an entire drive. For
               example, a command like:

               WP [Which File?==C:\*.DOC]

               will find every file with the .DOC extension on C:
               drive, regardless of which directory it's in.

               If you use the equal sign (=) or double equal sign
               (==) without a mask, the List Files box will
               display only executable program files (*.BAT, *.COM
               and *.EXE). For example:

               [Select a Program=]

               You may also combine the above examples and even
               place questions within questions. For example:

               WP [Select a File=[Type of File?]]

               There is also an option you can use on the command
               line for viewing ASCII text files. For example, to
               view your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, use the command:

               @VIEW=C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT

               Another command line option built into QuikMenu
               allows you to create and edit ASCII text files. For
               example, to edit your CONFIG.SYS file, use the
               command:

               @EDIT=C:\CONFIG.SYS

               For more information about QuikMenu's text editor
               see Editor below.

               You can even use the @VIEW and @EDIT options with
               other command line functions. For example:

               @VIEW=[View what?=C:\*.*]

List Programs  This option is used to locate a program on your
               hard drive and place the information in the
               Location and Command fields.

               Drive and directory names are enclosed within
               brackets ([]) to make them easily distinguishable
               from files. Selecting a directory, such as [WP51],
               displays a list of all program files within that
               directory. Selecting the parent directory, [..],
               moves up one level in the directory tree while the
               [\] symbol takes you all the way back to the root
               directory of the current drive.

               The find option allows you to change what type of
               files will be displayed in the List Programs
               window. You may use any standard DOS file name
               specifications; for example, the wild card options
               * and ?, parts of file names, extensions and even
               full file names.

               Select the Search Entire Drive option to find files
               across an entire drive.

Password       This option allows you to protect a Software Button
               from being activated and/or modified by
               unauthorized users.

Options        This option allows you to select the fill, text and
               border colors for the Software Button. You can also
               change the button's font style and size.

Pause          Select this option if you want the program to pause
               after it's finished running and prompt you with a
               "Strike any key when ready..." message.

Ask For File   This option inserts a question ([Select a
               File=*.*]) into the command line requesting
               QuikMenu to display a list of files whenever this
               button is activated.

Editor         This option allows you to create or modify DOS
               batch files. Selecting this option starts
               QuikMenu's text editor and automatically loads any
               batch file found at the beginning of the command
               line. If the command line is empty or does not
               contain a file name, then the editor is started with
               a blank screen ready for text entry. If the file on
               the command line does not already exist, you will
               be asked if you want to create it. File size is
               limited only by the amount of available RAM.

               Editor commands include:

               Key                 Action
               ------------------------------------------------
               UP ARROW            Up one line
               DOWN ARROW          Down one line
               LEFT ARROW          Left one character
               RIGHT ARROW         Right one character
               PGUP                Up one screen
               PGDN                Down one screen
               HOME                Beginning of line
               END                 End of line
               CTRL + HOME         Top of file
               CTRL + END          Bottom of file
               TAB                 Insert 5 spaces
               INSERT              Toggle insert/overwrite
               ENTER               Insert a line (insert mode)
               CTRL + T            Erase current line
               CTRL + Y            Delete line
               DEL                 Delete right
               BACKSPACE           Delete left
               ALT + S             Save and continue editing
               ESC, ALT + D        Save and exit

               After you have completed your modifications, choose
               the Done command from the top of the screen. If the
               file already exists, you will be asked if you want
               to replace the old version or save the changes under
               a new name. NOTE: The Editor does NOT create backup
               files.

               You can also use the editor to modify other ASCII
               text files (see Command above).


ADDING PAGE BUTTONS
-------------------

Page Buttons are used to move between pages within the menu. For
example, page one might contain a button labeled "Games" which is
linked to page five. Page five might contain several items related
to game software as well as a "Go Back" button for returning to
page one.

If you select Page Button from the Add dialog box, you will see a
screen with the following options:

Speed Key      This is the key on your keyboard that will be used
               to activate the Page Button. Valid choices are
               letters A through Z and numbers 0 through 9.

Name           This is the text that will be displayed inside the
               Page Button for reference - usually a description
               of the contents of the page the button is linked
               to.

Link to...     In this field, type the number of the page you want
               to link this button to. Valid page numbers are 1 to
               20. (See List Pages below.)

List Pages     This option serves as an alternative method for
               filling in the Name and Link fields above.
               Selecting this option displays a dialog box
               containing a list of page titles for all 20
               QuikMenu pages. Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to
               reach the page you want and press ENTER.

Options        This option allows you to select the fill, text and
               border colors for the Page Button. You can also
               change the buttons font style and size.


EDITING MENU ITEMS
------------------

The Edit option allows you to change the appearance and behavior of
a button. After selecting the Edit command, select the button you
want to change by typing its speed key or clicking it with the
mouse. A dialog box like the one used to create the item will
appear. (See Adding Software and Page Buttons above.)


COPYING MENU ITEMS
------------------

The Copy command will allow you to make an exact duplicate of an
existing button. Copied buttons can be placed anywhere on the
current page or even moved to another page by pressing the PAGE UP
or PAGE DOWN keys. This is handy when you want to place the same
button on multiple pages. (See Moving Menu Items below.)


MOVING MENU ITEMS
-----------------

The Move command will allow you to change the position of a button.
To move a button, select the Move command from the top of the
screen. Next, select a button by typing its speed key or clicking
it with a mouse. Position the button by using the arrow keys or by
moving the mouse. To move the button to another page, press the
PAGE UP or PAGE DOWN keys until the desired page appears on the
screen. To anchor the button, press ENTER or click the mouse. From
the modify mode, you can also move a button by typing its speed key
or clicking it with a mouse without selecting the Move command.


SIZING MENU ITEMS
-----------------

The Size command allows you to alter the dimensions of a button.
To size a button, select the Size command from the top of the
screen. Next, select a button by typing its speed key or clicking
it with a mouse. Size the button by using the arrow keys or by
moving the mouse. When the button has reached the desired
proportions, press ENTER or click the mouse. The button cannot be
smaller than the width and height of the text inside it.


DELETING MENU ITEMS
-------------------

Use the Delete command to remove unwanted buttons from your menu.
To delete a button, select the Delete command from the top of the
screen. Next, select a button by typing its speed key or clicking
it with the mouse. You will be asked if you are sure you want to
delete the button. Press ENTER to delete it or ESC to cancel.


CHANGING PAGE TITLES
--------------------

The Title command allows you to assign titles to each of QuikMenu's
20 pages. Menu titles appear at the top of each page and may
contain up to 40 characters. This allows you to identify your menu
screens with descriptive names like "DOS Commands", "Games",
"Sally's Programs" or whatever.

When you choose the Title command, a dialog box will appear with
the title of the current page already displayed. To change the
title, backspace over the existing text and type the new title. You
can also change the title of other pages by pressing the PAGE UP or
PAGE DOWN keys until the desired title appears in the text field.
The number of the affected page is displayed at the top of the
dialog box.


USING THE SETUP COMMAND
-----------------------

The Setup command provides you with the means to personalize many
features of QuikMenu. You can use Setup to change the background
color, set the date and time, change the mouse speed and set
password protection.

SCREEN

Background     You can change QuikMenu's background color by
               holding down the ALT key and pressing B (ALT-B)
               until the desired color is highlighted. If you have
               a mouse, just click on the color you want.

Sound          Sound effects can be turned on or off by pressing
               ALT-S or clicking the sound effects button with a
               mouse. (The option is on when an X appears inside
               the button.)

Confirm        Confirmation of applications can be turned on or
               off by pressing ALT-C or clicking the confirm
               applications button with a mouse. Select this
               option to request a confirmation (Yes/No) before
               activating a program.

Interface      QuikMenu's 3-D interface can be turned on or off by
               pressing ALT-I or clicking the 3-D button with a
               mouse.

Speed Keys     The speed keys can be turned on or off by pressing
               ALT-D or clicking the display button with a mouse.
               This option allows you to hide the speed key
               characters normally displayed in front of the
               button text.

Display Grid   QuikMenu's grid display can be turned on or off by
               pressing ALT-G or clicking the display grid button
               with a mouse.

Snap to Grid   The grid snap can be turned on or off by pressing
               ALT-S or clicking the snap to grid button with a
               mouse. This grid is useful when moving and sizing
               buttons.

Screen Saver   The Screen Saver option allows you to set the time
               interval for the built-in screen saver utility. The
               screen saver continuously monitors your mouse and
               keyboard. If no activity has occurred for a period
               of time equal to the chosen interval, then the
               QuikMenu screen is replaced by an exploding clock.
               To restore QuikMenu, press any key or move the
               mouse. The screen saver may also be activated by
               pressing the F5 function key. NOTE: The screen
               saver only works while you are in QuikMenu, not in
               other programs.

PASSWORD

The Password function is used to prevent unauthorized users from
running the DOS Shell, modifying the menu, viewing the Time Log and
leaving QuikMenu. Type your password in the text field and select
the items you want to be protected. Protected items appear with an
X next to them. If you use this feature, be sure to remember your
password. A forgotten password means you will not be able to access
the protected options.

TIME LOG

The Time Log option allows you to turn the log on or off and
to change the name of the file used to store the log information.
The default name of the log file is QM.LOG. To turn the log on or
off, just hold down the ALT key and press the letter K. If you have
a mouse, just click on the "Keep a time log..." button.

It's a good idea to change the name of the time log periodically -
once a month or once a quarter if you use a variety of programs
each day. The log size is limited only by the space available on
your hard drive. However, the smaller the file, the faster the
searching and sorting will be. (See Log below.)

DATE/TIME

The system Date/Time can be set by tabbing to each field and
changing the numeric value to match the date and time. AM or PM
can be selected by holding down the Alt key and pressing A or P. If
you have a mouse you can just click on the AM or PM buttons. NOTE:
This function may not work on some XTs since there is no standard
among XT clock cards.

MOUSE

Use this option to adjust the sensitivity of your mouse. The higher
the setting, the less desk space you'll need to move the mouse
across the screen.


LEAVING THE MODIFY MODE
-----------------------

When you have finished modifying your menu, select the Done command
to save your changes and return to the main mode.


USING THE TIME LOG
------------------

QuikMenu's Time Log can be a valuable resource for consultants,
secretaries, lawyers or anyone who keeps track of expenses on the
basis of time. The Time Log allows you to view, sort and print
reports based on how long and how often you use your computer.

The log keeps track of programs by the names you assign to your
Software Buttons. It may be helpful to keep a separate pages of
Software Buttons for specific projects and give each button a
unique project name. For example, page six could have a "Jones Word
Processor", a "Jones Database" and a "Jones Spreadsheet".

If you select the Search command button while in Log a dialog box
with the following options will appear:

Report Title   This is the title for the report that will be
               printed at the top of each page.

Sort by        Select the Program button to sort log entries
               alphabetically by name. Choose the Date button to
               sort log entries in chronological order.

View as        This option controls the level of detail displayed
               in the time log. The Summary option displays each
               log entry only once and shows the total number of
               times each item was used. The Detail option shows
               time in, time out and the total time for each item.

Find           Use this option to locate specific programs or
               projects within the time log. For example, typing
               "Word" will find log entries for "WordPerfect",
               "Wordstar" and "Word Processing" - anything that
               begins with "WORD".

Start date     If you want to search a specific date range, type
               in the month, day and year in numeric format, ie:
               10-12-1990. Leave this field blank to search from
               the beginning of the file.

End date       If you want to search a specific date range, type
               in the month, day and year in numeric format, ie:
               10-22-1990. Leave this field blank to search to the
               end of the file.

To turn the Time Log on or off or to change the log file name, see
Setup above.


USING QUIKMENU WITH TSR PROGRAMS
--------------------------------

This option is for those who like to use those handy Pop-Up
calculators, note pads, outliners, etc. QuikMenu includes a handy
TSR window that allows you to easily access your favorite TSR
utilities.

Simply load your TSR's as you normally do, then activate QuikMenu.
From the QuikMenu main or modify screens, press the F3 function
key. Quikmenu's graphical display is replaced by a text-only
window. At this point, input the key combination required to bring
up your TSR. When you're finished, exit your TSR and press ESC to
return to QuikMenu.


USING QUIKMENU ON A NETWORK
---------------------------

QuikMenu can be used with Local Area Networks. Network users should
start Quikmenu by entering QNET "user-name" at the DOS prompt. For
example:

QNET Doris

- or -

QNET Fred

If you don't have a QNET file, try installing QuikMenu again. Be
sure to specify that you're using QuikMenu on a network.

Network users may also wish to use the !USER variable on the
command line of Program Buttons. When a button with this variable
is activated, the user's name will be substituted for !USER in the
command line. For example, if each user had their own directory on
the network, you could create a program button that would start a
program and list files from the user's directory. The command might
look like:

WP [Files?=F:\!USER\*.*]

This variable can be used in any situation that requires the user's
name, ie: custom batch files, etc.


COMMAND LINE OPTIONS
--------------------

You can specify several options when starting QuikMenu. An option
consists of a slash (/) followed by an option letter followed by
information about that option.

Video Mode     QuikMenu automatically determines what type of
               monitor you have and loads the appropriate software
               driver. If you have an unusual video card, you may
               want to override the built-in video detection
               routine. The /G allows you to run QuikMenu in a
               variety of different graphics modes depending on
               your hardware.

               WARNING: CHOOSING AN INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER MAY CAUSE
               UNEXPECTED RESULTS AND SOME EXTREME CASES DAMAGE TO
               YOUR MONITOR OR VIDEO CARD. DON'T TRY THIS OPTION
               UNLESS YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE DOING.

               Usage: /Gx   x = one of the commands below

               Video Mode          Command
               ---------------------------
               Hercules              7.0
               CGA                   1.4
               MCGA 640x200          2.4
               MCGA 640x480          2.5
               EGA                   3.1
               EGA 64K               4.0
               VGA                   9.2
               AT&T 640x400          8.5
               IBM 8514 640x480      6.0
               IBM 8514 1024x768     6.1

Other Menus    This option can be used to create or access other
               QuikMenu (*.MNU) menu files.

               Usage: /Mx   x = filename

               Example: QM /Mmymenu.mnu

Hello Message  The /H option displays a greeting message each time
               QuikMenu is loaded. Possible messages include:
               "Good Morning", "Good Afternoon" and "Good Evening"
               depending on what time of day it is.

               Usage: /H