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A U T O C O N
Version 1.4
October 27, 1990
by
Larry Weaver
Copyright (c) 1989-90 Larry Weaver
P.O. Box 2639
Weaverville, CA 96093-2639
(916) 623-5009 / (916) 623-5045
_______
____|__ | (tm)
--| | |-------------------
| ____|__ | Association of
| | |_| Shareware
|__| o | Professionals
-----| | |---------------------
|___|___| MEMBER
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. AUTOCON will automatically copy these files to the
root directory of drive C: (see note 10 below) 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.
If you don't like the built in editor, you can configure
Autocon to use a different editor. The <Ctrl-F6> key
combination will pop up a window asking for the name of the
editor you wish to run. There are some caveats (of course),
but nothing too serious. See the Autocon Notes section.
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 <Dos 3.3+>) 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 (like AutoCad), 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, create a new record <F3> that contains what they've
done, and either restore your original configuration, or make
the appropriate editing changes to handle the new program.
INSTALLING AUTOCON
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. Hitting <F7> while in the data entry screen will cause
the AUTOEXEC and CONFIG fields in the current record to
be updated from the C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS
files.
8. 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.
9. 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, hit the <F5> key
and change to a cold boot. 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.
Some hardware is so strange (or the software has put the
CPU into such a strange state - Windows 3 386Enhanced
mode) that even a software cold boot doesn't suffice.
If this is the case (last resort), then hit <F5> and
change to no boot. This last will require hitting the
dreaded CtrlAltDel after AUTOCON is done.
10. AUTOCON is initially configured to copy the AUTOEXEC and
CONFIG fields to the C drive. For various reasons,
some people do their real boot from a drive other than
than C. The <F8> key will allow you to change the
designated drive (and file name) the AUTOEXEC field is
copied too. The <F9> key performs the same function for
the CONFIG field. The new destination files will be
saved to the AUTOCON.DAT file, and used in all future
configurations (or at least till the next time you
change them).
AUTOCON is now completely installed and ready to use. You have
a few 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>
on the command line. As long as AUTOCON.EXE and AUTOCON.DAT
are in the path, the configuration will be updated, and your
system will be rebooted (depending on the current boot choice).
Typing AUTOCON /? will display the name of the current
configuration.
Typing AUTOCON /<update name> <enter>
e.g. AUTOCON /NOTSRS <enter>
will cause the named configuration to be updated from the
current C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT and C:\CONFIG.SYS files (or your
selected filenames - see number 10 above).
For those of you who like to live dangerously (all of us from
time to time?) typing AUTOCON /* will update the
current configuration (the last one used to reconfigure) from
the current C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT and C:\CONFIG.SYS files (or your
selected filenames - see number 10 above).
Typing AUTOCON /= will report on whether or not the
current configuration record is equal to the current
configuration (see number 10 above).
To edit the data file type
AUTOCON <enter>
and you will be in the Data entry screen ready to update. You
will be positioned on the last record that was written to the
boot drive.
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). You can also
replace the built in editor with one of your own choosing.
Hitting the <Ctrl F6> key pops up a window asking for the
editor of choice. To go back to the internal editor hit the
<Ctrl F6> keys again, and delete the editor name.
The colors may also be changed by hitting <AltFX> keys. The
help file has a definition of which color each key combination
changes. The original colors are restored if you hit the
<AltF10> key combination.
AUTOCON NOTES
I am running about six months behind in my Autocon development. For
the reasons why (if you are interested), check out the CHANGES file.
Release 2.0 will be coming along in about three months (Dec 90). I
will be changing libraries, and the look of the program. Rather
than make people wait for requested changes (most of which can be
accomplished with the current library), I decided to do a release
1.4. This release adds all the requested changes - except - more
mouse picking, split/screen view edit, and other major editor
enhancements (most already in the new library).
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.
The %<number> on the bottom line of the note frame, and of the edit
frame indicates the how full the field is. An empty note field is
0% full. As you add note characters the percentage will increase (I
had some people ask).
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. It is a good idea
to perform a save configuration <F2> operation after deleting a
record. When you delete a record, you change the record numbering
system, so the last saved record info may be incorrect (if it was
higher than the one deleted).
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.
The <Alt C> key combination will pop up a list of the names of all
of your configuration records, and allow you to choose one to copy
to the current record. Both the Autoexec and Config fields will be
copied (use with CAUTION, you can't go back again).
The <Alt V> key combination will show you the DOS screen as it was
when Autocon was activated.
The <Alt => key combination will compare the current record's
Autoexec and Config fields with the current save file name (e.g.
C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT, C:\CONFIG.SYS), and tell you if they are equal.
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 have a disk CACHE program then you will not
need to enter a command here.
The <F5> key will allow you to set your boot type to warm, cold, or
none.
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. See next section.
The <F7> key will update the current record's AUTOEXEC and CONFIG
fields from the C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT and C:\CONFIG.SYS files (see note 10
above).
The <F8> key will allow you to designate the Drive (and file name)
that the AUTOEXEC field will be written too.
The <F9> key will allow you to designate the Drive (and file name)
that the CONFIG field will be written too.
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.
INSTALLING AN EXTERNAL EDITOR <Ctrl F6>
The most requested change was to be able to use your favorite editor
instead of the built in one. I have added the capability to install
another editor into Autocon. There are certain limitations, however
(though I doubt if anyone will be really affected). The editor
should be capable of editing/creating pure ASCII files. Dos usually
gets upset if the AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files have strange
characters in them..
As of this release, Autocon Shells out to Dos, it does not Swap out.
This means when while running the external editor around 260K of
memory is still committed to Autocon. I have successfully run
Autocon with Wordstar 6.0, Qedit 2.1, Sprint 1.01, and the new
Multi-Edit 5.0 demo. I will be changing libraries for the next
release, and Autocon will then Swap out (only taking about 6K),
leaving a lot more room for the external editor.
The external editor name is only 13 characters long, and must
contain the extension. After entry, the path will be searched for
the entered name, and the name will not be accepted if it is not
found. I will make this selection more elegant in the next release,
but for now I wanted to get this release finished so that I could
start on the next one. As a consequence, I went for functionality,
not elegance.
After the external editor has been installed, when you select the
AUTOEXEC field on the main screen, a few things happen. First the
path is again checked for the editor name. If it is not available,
an error message is displayed, and the edit is aborted. If the edit
file is on the path then the Autoexec field of the current record
will be copied to the current subdirectory as "XYZXYZZ.XYZ" (the
current subdirectory must contain at least 4K of disk space).
Autocon then shells to Dos with the editor name and filename on the
command line (e.g. "WS.EXE XYZXYZZ.XYZ"). When you exit your editor
Autocon should restart. It will copy the "XYZXYZZ.XYZ" file into
the Autoexec field of the current record, and delete the
"XYZXYZZ.XYZ"" file from the subdirectory.
The exact same results occur with the CONFIG field (except of course
the config field is edited and updated).
CAUTION!! - Just to make sure there is no problem with your editor,
create a new record and work with it first, before taking the chance
of harming one of your current records. In fact you may want to
make a copy of your AUTOCON.DAT file and store it in a safe place
until you've verified the operation of the new release. In fact,
you should alway keep a backup copy of AUTOEXEC.DAT.
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.
LZEXE
A new program from France has shown up on the scene, it is called
LZEXE. If you use it on AUTOCON.EXE it will reduce the size about
fifty percent. I thought that I would release it this way, but I
find that it runs too slow on PC systems at 4.77 and 8 MHZ. If you
have a fast system, by all means get LZEXE and compress AUTOCON.EXE.
It will be included as a bonus on the registered disk.
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 two systems (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.
I have already made several changes due to user feedback (for
instance, the original release didn't reboot, and could only handle
five configurations), and I will 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. I will 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.
I will perform some major surgery on the editor in the next major
(2.0) release, and most (if not all) of these changes will be
implemented.
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 the next 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 Jan. 91 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.
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. 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.
ASP Requirement
The program author, Larry Weaver, is an active member of the
Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). The ASP wants to
make sure that the Shareware principle works for you. If you are
unable to resolve a Shareware related problem with an ASP member
by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The
ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an
ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members'
products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at P.O. Box 5786,
Bellevue, WA 98006 or send a Compuserve message via EASYPLEX to
ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.
DISCLAIMER
Larry Weaver hereby disclaims all warranties relating to this
product, whether express or implied, including without limitation
any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose. Larry Weaver cannot and will not be liable for
any special, incidental, consequential, indirect or similar
damages due to loss of data or any other reason, even if Larry
Weaver or an authorized Larry Weaver agent has been advised of the
possibility of such damages. In no event shall the liability for
any damages ever exceed the price paid for the license to use
software, regardless of the form and/or extent of the claim. The
user of this program bears all risk as to the quality and
performance of the software. Use of this program acknowledges
this disclaimer of warranty:
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 (per 100 people or less). Call (or write
to) me if your use will exceed this.
Note that with a site license (if you also purchase the upgrade),
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
72460,3072 on COMPUSERVE,
L.WEAVER1 on GENIE.
------------------- REGISTRATION ----------------------
Please support AUTOCON!
thank you for your support.
Remit To: Larry Weaver
P.O. Box 2639
Weaverville, CA 96093-2639
_
|_| AUTOCON Standard registration ($10.00) $______
_
|_| AUTOCON Site License/Registration ($100.00) $______
Contact me if it will be used by more than 100 people
_
|_| 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/$100.00 Registration.)
_ _
Payment by: |_| Check or |_| money order enclosed TOTAL $______
_ _
Disk Type: |_| 5 1/4" (normally sent) - |_| 3 1/2" Required
Name ___________________________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Day Phone: _________________________ Eve: ______________________
------------------------ User comments -------------------------
I acquired AUTOCON V1.4 from
[ ] - Friend [ ] - Software product
[ ] - Computer Club [ ] - Computer Store
[ ] - Data Base Service
[ ] - Electronic BBS - Please give phone # _____________
[ ] - 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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