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Text File | 1993-08-30 | 33KB | 658 lines

9/1/93 Welcome to "EZIP" Ver. 1.1e by KMK Software! TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1. Introduction................................1 EZIP Features...............................2 2. System Requirements.........................4 3. Installation................................4 4. Information Required By EZINSTAL............5 5. What EZINSTAL.EXE Does For You..............6 6. EZSET.BAT...................................6 7. Quick Key Guide for DATA SHEET entry........7 8. Editing the EZIP.CFG file...................8 9. Program File List/Description...............8 10. The POWER DOS USER..........................9 11. Troubleshooting.............................11 1. INTRODUCTION "EZIP" is a powerful, function-loaded shell that streamlines use of PKWARE INC.'s legendary archiving utility, "PKZIP" providing easy Menu access to "PKZIP's" most frequently-used features. If you need a compression/archiving utility like PKZIP but don't have the time or patience to learn all the command-line parameters required to make PKZIP jump through its hoops, EZIP is for you. EZIP's menu guides you through the steps required to archive files, but more importantly, it displays all the information you need at each step of the process. With PKZIP running solo, you have to scribble down the names of the files you plan to manipulate, or use another third-party shell to display the directory lists. EZIP is a relatively compact program that puts everything you need right at your finger tips. A ZIPFILE is a special file (created by the compression program PKZIP.EXE) that contains compressed copies of all the files you place in it. The original files are not touched unless YOU decide to delete them. Depend- ing on the format of the file being compressed, the size of the resulting ZIPFILE might be anywhere from 10% to 90% the size of the original. Text files usually compress the most while binary files (like '.com' and '.exe' files) compress only slightly. "Zipping" many small files into one compressed file saves space. "Unzipping" a zipfile results in new copies of the original files being created in the directory of your choice (this time, using PKUNZIP.EXE). The ZIPFILE still holds copies of the original files so if you subsequently lose or destroy the new copy, you can retrieve another copy from the zipfile. (Of course, unless you've updated the ZIPFILE, it will not reflect any editing changes.) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- -2- When you archive your files you free up valuable disk space and improve your system's speed. By compressing/copying files to floppy disks, you protect yourself from hard disk failures. I often "zip" up all those extra Clip-Art files, or graphics files that come with most new programs. If I EVER use them, it will be infrequently, so why have them taking up all that space? Many programs have features or modules you'll never use. After you install them, archive all the unnecessary files. (DOS 5.0 and Windows have a lot of extra files...) Do you need to give all your salesmen the current pricing data for your product line? The powerful "EZIP/PKZIP" partnership makes this simple and fast. "ZIP" the data file to 10-50% of its original size (depending on the file type), include an updated list of client phone numbers, and send the disk via overnight mail or the file via modem. PKZIP dominates the electronic bulletin board world as the standard format for sending files and programs. The compressed files allow faster (i.e.; cheaper) downloads. If you intend to use BBS's, you will use PKZIP and find EZIP very useful. ********** "EZIP" FEATURES *********** ZIP Specific files? "EZIP" automatically displays a listing of your current directory so you can easily pick them. What files are in a particular ZIPFILE? "EZIP" lists all zipfiles in the current directory so you can easily choose the one to 'VIEW'. Where was that file? "EZIP" also lets you quickly navigate through your disk to search for other files and subdirectories using the powerful "DIRECTORY VIEW" option. What did that README.TXT file say? "EZIP" uses the Viewer utility of your choice so you can browse files in either ASCII text or HEX format. EZIP comes with its own EZVWR program in case you don't have a third party viewer program like "LIST" (another popular shareware viewer). Do you want to UNZIP specific files or the entire Zipfile into another direct- ory or back onto your hard disk from a floppy? "EZIP" makes it easy. It will even create the directory if it doesn't already exist. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- -3- You've ZIP'd an entire subdirectory for later use, but want to take a quick peek at the README file again (which was just ZIP'd). Do you have to UNZIP the whole file to VIEW it? NO! EZIP will extract the file to the screen, one screen at a time for you to read. After you've ZIP'd files, EZIP will ask you whether you'd like to DELETE the original files so that only the ZIPFILE remains, thus saving disk space. Or, you can DELETE them later using EZIP's DELETE Files option. You can Delete/remove files from a ZIPFILE, or from the selected directory, using the standard DOS wildcards (?,*). You can also create self-extracting ZIPFILES for friends who lack PKZIP. This provides them with a zipfile that creates copies of all the files it contains whenever you type its name. You can also change self-extracting zipfiles into normal (.zip) zipfiles for easier viewing and storage. What's a Self-extracting Zipfile? It's a special Zipfile with the code necessary to create copies of all the files it contains without any other external program (like PKUNZIP). All you have to do is type the file's name. Why not make ALL your Zipfiles self-extracting? Because they're bigger. The extra code increases their size by about 13K. Also, you can't directly view their contents or extract just one file. You have to completely unpack them to access their contents. That's where EZIP's conversion option comes in. It will convert a self- extracting zipfile into a normal zipfile. You could do it yourself by manually extracting the files, re-zipping them, and deleting the original file, but EZIP automates the process. Just to be clear: When EZIP creates a self-extracting (SFX) zipfile, the original zipfile remains intact and in the directory. The SFX file is a copy of the original with additional code that allows it to make copies of all the files it contains without needing PKUNZIP. You must manually DELETE the original ZIPFILE if you don't want it. ZIPFILE COMMENTS?: Use the ASCII text editor of your choice, enter the text directly from the keyboard or insert a previously-prepared ASCII text file, to add or delete comments to your ZIPFILES. Use the comments to remind you about the files contained within. These comments will display any time you VIEW the ZIPFILE. ************** SHAREWARE DISCLAIMER ************* "PKZIP" has been long recognized as one of the most powerful Archiving programs on the market today and as Shareware, is used by thousands of individuals and businesses throughout the world. If you have never used this program before, "EZIP" will quickly get you started and give you an appreciation for its many uses. "EZIP" does not take advantage of ALL of PKZIP's extensive capabilities because it is designed for the user who doesn't NEED them, and is looking for a smaller, leaner, program to handle the standard archiving tasks. If you'd really like to see something in EZIP that isn't there, use the registration form to send me your comments or contact me on the BBS's listed in the CONTACT the AUTHOR option. Mouse support and .ARJ support are possibilities in follow-on releases. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- -4- To register this program, "EZIP", see the EZREGIST.DOC file included in this package. You may also contact "Keith Kaniut" on the following BBS's: HAMS -N- HACKERS BBS; HANFORD, CA. 209-584-1779 NITELOG 420M BBS; MONTEREY, CA. 408-655-1096 (8N1) 2400 baud 408-655-8294 USR HST/v.32 408-655-8297 USR HST/v.32bis or mail your questions to: KMK Software, 2830 N. Aspen St.,Hanford, CA 93230 2. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: You need: 1) DOS 2.1 or newer (which recognizes SUBDIRECTORIES and the DOS command 'MORE'). 2) 400K space available on destination floppy or drive. After installation, the EZIP files only take up 250K (if EZIP11E.ZIP is deleted). EZINSTAL will determine your MONITOR type (color or mono) automatically. EZIP and EZINSTAL do not require a graphics monitor and will display just as well on a monochrome LAPTOP computer, as on a desktop COLOR unit. If the INSTALLATION screen comes up "COLOR" on a Laptop LCD-type screen, you might want to select "M" (for mono) for best results. EZIP works in 80 X 25 TEXT mode. It DID NOT work in the extended 80 X 43 or 132 X [anything] modes with my Paradise VGA card, so I can't recommend it. NOTE: EZIP uses the DOS "DIR" command to build various displays. 4DOS and DR-DOS can create "aliases" that prevent EZIP from properly creating it's displays. If you temporarily disable these aliases by adding the appropriate lines to the Batch file that invokes EZIP you can get around this problem. 3. INSTALLATION PKZIP.EXE and all its associated files MUST BE ALREADY LOCATED on your hard drive before running the EZIP INSTALL program! ALSO, if you have a third party File Viewer (like LIST) and an ASCII text editor (like MS-DOS 5.0's EDIT), you need to know any command-line switches for them to properly configure EZIP. (Although you can go back after instal- lation and use an ASCII text editor to add/change these settings in the EZIP.CFG file.) <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< CAUTION NON-MSDOS USERS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> EZIP has not been tested with DR-DOS. EZIP uses MS-DOS's "DIR" command to build directory lists. If your version of DOS does not support this command, EZIP will not properly display the directory contents. EZIP DOES take into account the possible additional switches available to the DIR command in MS-DOS 5.0. If you have trouble with this, please contact me on the BBS's listed in the CONTACT THE AUTHOR section of the OTHER OPTIONS submenu, or mail them to the ADDRESS listed. If you downloaded EZIP11E.EXE from a BBS, it's probably in your download directory now. Don't worry about installing it to your hard drive from a directory that contains other files. EZINSTAL will only copy files that begin with "EZ". When the installation is almost finished, it will ask you whether you'd like it to delete the EZIP files from the source directory. Again, EZINSTAL will only delete those files that start with "EZ". ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- -5- To commence the installation, type "EZINSTAL". That's it. EZINSTAL will then determine some things about your system (the DOS version you're using) and your monitor type. After that, it asks for the information listed below. NOTE: EZINSTAL may incorrectly report inadequate disk space. Just override EZINSTAL and tell it to install anyway if you're sure you have enough room. (I haven't tracked down whether this is a problem with BIOS or an updated version of DOS and its INT 21 calls...) 4. INFORMATION REQUIRED BY EZINSTAL (1) Where do you want to install EZIP? Which directory? (The DEFAULT is: C:\EZIP.) (2) Where is PKZIP.EXE and its associated files? Use the full path, including drive. If you can't remember where it is, use the DIRECTORY VIew option (type: <?> when asked for the directory) to explore your subdirectories and find it. For all of EZIP's functions to work you need the three files: PKZIP.EXE, PKUNZIP.EXE, and ZIP2EXE.EXE. (3) Which drive is your "boot" drive (contains your AUTOEXEC.BAT file)? (Don't worry if you don't have one. EZIP will create one for you.) If you have at least (1) hard drive, your boot drive will usually be "C". If you usually boot off the "A" drive, then be sure to insert your boot disk in the drive prior to selecting "YES" (item 4). INSTALL looks on your boot drive for an AUTOEXEC.BAT. If it can't find one, it asks you for permission to create a basic one with "EZIP" in the path and a "SET EZIPDIR" environmental variable. **********************(CAUTION: "STACKER" users. . .)****************** If you use "Stacker" or a similar disk-doubling utility that invokes a DISK SWAPPING device in your config.sys file, then your 'real' boot drive is the one with YOUR 'real' AUTOEXEC.BAT file, not the one installed by "STACKER" that merely redirects to the actual AUTOEXEC.BAT file. For example: my boot drive is 'C', ramdrive is 'D' and stacker volume (virtual drive) is 'E'. After the SWAP Drive occurs in the CONFIG.SYS file, I actually call 'E' to edit my real AUTOEXEC.BAT file. This is important because EZINSTAL will interpret "STACKER's" AUTOEXEC.BAT file as one without a PATH or SET command (there are still a few out there...) and will add them to it, only to have the PATH command in the true AUTOEXEC.BAT override it. (4) Do you want to use an external editor for adding ZipComments? If "Yes", then type the full path command to invoke it ("C:\dos\edit"). If your editor requires command-line switches, add them to the EZIP.CFG file later. (See CHANGING EZIP.CFG FILE below) (5) Do you want to use an external File Viewer program or EZIP's own EZVWR? (the default is: EZVWR) Type its full path command and add any required switches in the next section. (6) Does your viewer use any command-line switches? If you select EZVWR as your viewer, EZINSTAL will automatically select the proper command line switch to match your monitor type. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- -6- 5. WHAT EZINSTAL.EXE DOES FOR YOU..... Once EZINSTAL has the above information, it gives you one last chance to exit without installing EZIP (type: <ESC>), then it: - Checks the data format for errors - Checks to see that paths and files exist. If they don't, it will bounce you back to the menu for re-entry. - If the destination directory for EZIP doesn't exist, it requests permission to create one. - If all data is correct, it copies the files. - Updates your AUTOEXEC.BAT file (or prompts you to create one if one does not exist) to include the EZIP directory in your path, and the EZIPDIR variable in the environment. The line should read: 'SET EZIPDIR= [your "EZIP" directory PATH].' ***** EZINSTAL saves your old AUTOEXEC.BAT as "AUTOEXEC.BA&."***** - Creates a ".PIF" file for Windows - Creates a ".BAT" file for DOS users. Then it reports its success and reminds you that the changes to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file will not take effect unless you re-boot. 6. EZSET.BAT EZSET.BAT is a batch file that allows you to update your PATH and add the "SET EZIPDIR" variable to your environment without re-booting. That takes care of you so you can start using EZIP without having to re-boot. Its only limitation is: you MUST BE AT THE DOS PROMPT. DO NOT run this file inside of WINDOWS or from the pseudo DOS Prompt that Norton Commander provides. You must be outside of all applications at the base-level DOS prompt. If your computer starts up with a menu system or application already running, your choices are to exit the application and run EZSET.BAT or re-boot. ************* IMPORTANT ************* Proper Format for running EZSET.BAT is: EZSET [full path to EZIP direct] Example: If the EZIP files are in 'C:\EZIP', then update your PATH and environment by typing: 'EZSET C:\EZIP' If you get an "OUT OF ENVIRONMENT" message during re-boot or when running EZSET.BAT, you need to modify the 'SHELL=..." line in your CONFIG.SYS file. If you don't have this line, add it. It allows you to modify your environment size. The default is 160 bytes, which is quickly filled by a long PATH or numerous SET [variableName]= [path] statements. To increase your environment size to 256 bytes, edit the line to read: shell=c:\[your dos directory]\command.com /E:256 /p ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- -7- **************************************************************************** + + + DO NOT RE-BOOT immediately if you are inside MS-WINDOWS. + + (Exit first.........) + **************************************************************************** 7. *************<DATA SHEET QUICK KEY GUIDE>************* <?> - Selects the Directory View/Change option so you can check through your directories to locate a specific file. <F1> - Selects HELP screen for the current data item. <ESC> - Returns to the Main Menu, or exits EZINSTAL without installing depending on where it's selected. If you're in the Main menu, it exits to DOS. Numbers <1-6>: To change a data item from the default value, select its number. "7" is available after you get bounced back to the menu when EZINSTAL finds what it thinks is a file that doesn't exist, or a bad path. Then, you can re-enter the faulty data and select "7" to resume installation. <ENTER> - Selects the default value for that item. There is no default value for "PKZIP location". You have to tell EZINSTAL where PKZIP is. If you select a number to enter a value other than the default, EZINSTAL will prompt you for the appropriate info. If you change your mind and wish to accept the default value after all, hit <ENTER> before typing a new value. If you've already started typing, hit <ESC> to return to the main menu. In the Main Menu, <ENTER> selects the DEFAULT and advances you to the next DATA INPUT line. Choose the appropriate number to re-enter incorrect data if you notice it before selecting "YES" on item #7, "CONTINUE INSTALLATION". EZINSTAL verifies the name/path of the subdirectory where you keep the 'PKZIP' files, your monitor type, the directory where you wish to install the "EZIP" files, your DOS version, the correct path to your editor and viewer. Then it stores that information in a file called: "EZIP.CFG". (You can view/change these settings with any ASCII editor.) If you change your MONITOR TYPE or the location of PKZIP, edit your EZIP.CFG file with any ASCII text editor. However, if you wish to MOVE the "EZIP" files to a different subdirectory, after moving them, EDIT your AUTOEXEC.BAT file to reflect the changed PATH and 'SET EZIPDIR=...' lines. (or you could do another EZINSTAL.) If you are unhappy with the default DISPLAY MODE for your monitor and your monitor is capable of the alternate mode, (for example: if you have a color monitor and wish to view the MONOCHROME display mode.), simply edit the last line in the EZIP.CFG file and change the first item from an UPPERCASE 'C' to an 'M'. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- -8- Likewise, if EZIP INSTALL displays improperly on your monitor, (I've tested it in HERCULES, MDA, EGA, and VGA modes.) try selecting "M" for the default MONOCHROME display. I would appreciate hearing about any monitor mode that EZIP fails to recognize. (EZIP looks at the final variable in the .cfg file to see how long you've been using it. Although it's a benign prompt, asking for your evaluation rather than your money, and only displays in the "Contact the Author" screen, it may grow tiresome. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that if you update this entry to the current month you will bypass the prompt. That's one reason I left it un-encrypted and kept the usual SHAREWARE queries and guilt trips minimized. My only motivation is to remind you that I'm interested in your feedback so I can improve the program. I hope that if you like this version well enough, you'll REALLY like the follow- on versions which will offer true mouse support and peppier performance as I translate the code from its humble TURBO BASIC origins into 'C' .) 8. EDITING THE EZIP.CFG FILE This file contains the following information in the format shown: first line: "[EZIP PATH]" (full path to EZIP.EXE directory) second: "[PKZIP location]" (full path to PKZIP directory) third: "[Boot drive]" (colon is OK) fourth: "[external editor]" (ex: c:\dos\edit) (Add any required switches between the quotes.) fifth: "[external viewer]" (ex: c:\ezip\ezvwr) sixth: "[external viewer switches]" (ezvwr uses "m" or "c" for color or monochrome) seventh: "[Monitor type (C/M)]","[DOS Version (2,3 or 5 ...)]", "[Install date MM/DD/YY]" SAMPLE EZIP.CFG file: "C:\EZIP\" "C:\UTIL\PKZIP\" "C:" "" "C:\EZIP\EZVWR.EXE" "m" "C","5","03/15/92" Note that each item is surrounded by quotes (") and all lines must contain an item. If there is no external editor, the 4th line will just be a pair of quotes. (""). The last line must have three items. 9. PROGRAM FILES EZINSTAL.EXE - Used to identify the path where your PKZIP files are located, verify where you'd like "EZIP" files installed, and create a configuration file that keeps track of your monitor type and PKZIP path. If you change your monitor or PKZIP location, run INSTALL again to update the 'ezip.cfg' file. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- -9- EZIP.EXE - Main program file. EZIP.BAT - "BAT" file created by EZINSTAL that allows you to eliminate the EZIP directory from your PATH and still be able to run EZIP from any directory and any drive in your system. EZIP.CFG - Configuration file. EZIP.PIF - For MS Windows users: ADD "EZIP" to one of your Windows Groups. Use the supplied EZIP.ICO file for the icon, or create your own. When using "EZIP" under WINDOWS, after double-clicking on the icon, you will be prompted for the desired SUBDIRECTORY. Type in the FULL PATH (including drive if different from current drive) of the directory where you will be using "EZIP" to ZIP, UNZIP, or VIEW files. If you wish to bypass this option, edit the PIF file and delete the "?" from the 'additional parameters' block. This will disable the command-line parameter input if you use EZIP from an icon. If you run it from the 'RUN' line, you can still type a different directory. The option to direct EZIP to the directory you intend to work in is important in WINDOWS because it allows you to change directories without having to use a separate program. EZIP.ICO - Icon file for MS WINDOWS users. EZREADME.1st - This file... EZIPMAN.DOC - Instructions on program use. EZHELP.TXT - Text file with program input definitions/tips. EZSET.BAT - Batch file provided to allow you to update your PATH and SET EZIPDIR environmental variables, without having to re-boot. Must be run from the DOS prompt. EZWHATS.NEW - A list of changes/fixes since EZIP Ver. 1.0C. EZPACK.LST - A list of all files, their sizes and dates, contained in the EZIP10C.ZIP or EZIP10C.ARJ files. EZREGIST.DOS - The registration document/form. 10. THE POWER DOS USER..... If you don't know about ".BAT" files (or care about them), just leave EZIP installed as it is and skip this section. On the other hand, if you'd like to reduce the length of your PATH line and save some environment space, read on....... ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- -10- EZINSTAL creates a file called EZIP.BAT, customized to your installation. If you already know about and use ".BAT" files, you know that if you put this file in your ".BAT" directory, (the first directory listed in your PATH), then you don't need to have the EZIP directory also in the PATH in order for EZIP to run from any directory. This is very efficient. The PATH statement merely allows you to type a program's name from any directory and as long as there are no other programs by the same name and you have listed that program's home directory in the PATH, your system will find it and execute it. But if the directory is one of the last ones listed and any of the previous ones are large directories, you lose performance because DOS has to search each of the previous director- ies before it finds the program. The solution is a little file that points the way to the right directory. This file, called a 'bat' file (because of the extension), contains the information (full path name of the program to be executed) needed for the system to go directly to the correct directory and run the program. The other nice feature is that you can name the 'bat' file anything so you can shorten commands. An example: EZIP is in "C:\EZIP". If I create a text file with two lines as follows: @echo off c:\ezip\ezip.exe and call this file "EZ.BAT" or "Z.BAT" (or anything you like, but include the ".BAT" extension), then copy this file into my "BAT" directory; (my AUTOEXEC.BAT file PATH line looks like this: PATH=c:\bat;c:\dos;.....) then I can call up EZIP from any directory by simply typing "EZ" at the DOS prompt. If I always wanted to start up EZIP in a particular directory, I'd modify "EZ.BAT" to look like this (assume I want to start up in '\work'): @echo off c:\ezip\ezip.exe c:\work "EZ.BAT" passes 'c:\work' to EZIP.EXE as a command-line parameter. Since EZIP looks for command-line parameters, it finds 'c:\work' and obligingly switches to that directory. For more information about "BAT" files, check out your DOS manual. (DOS 5.0 Users: If you use DOSKEY, you could also set up a DOSKEY macro to accomplish the same thing.) Why not use "BAT" files for all your programs? If there are only one or two programs (".com" or ".exe" extensions) in a directory, using a BAT file makes sense. But if the directory contains numerous executables (like the DOS and WINDOWS directories) it makes more sense to add that directory to your PATH line. Put the most-used directories first. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- -11- 11. TROUBLESHOOTING 1. Can't run 'EZIP' from other subdirectories on hard disk. A. Check PATH command in AUTOEXEC.BAT. Ensure that it contains the 'EZIP' subdirectory. Type 'path' at the DOS prompt to check current PATH. Use any ASCII editor (like DOS 5.0's EDITor) to change the path statement if necessary. Also ensure that your AUTOEXEC.BAT file contains the statement: SET EZIPDIR=[path to Ezip files]. If you get the error message "out of environment" you need to increase your environment space. See your DOS manual. B. Did you re-boot the computer after modifying the AUTOEXEC.BAT file? Or run EZSET.BAT? Have you copied EZIP.BAT into your "BAT" directory? If you do this, you don't even have to worry about the PATH line. (But make sure there's a "SET EZIPDIR=..." line in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.) C. Some early BIOS don't support command paths. To work around this edit the ".bat" file to change to the '\EZIP' subdirectory before executing "EZIP". ******* NOTE: You will have to specify files/subdirectories to be zipped (Option 'S') each time. ******* 2. "COLOR" display is unreadable. If you have a monochrome monitor you must run the program in MONOCHROME (M) mode. (This will only slightly affect the look of the program.) To set MONOCHROME mode after installation, use an ASCII editor to change the first item on the last line in the EZIP.CFG file from a "C" to "M". 3. Directories don't display correctly. Get an error message saying EZIP can't display them. If you are using some other operating system than MS-DOS, one that uses command aliases that change the definition of the DOS 'DIR' command EZIP will not properly display directories for the DIRECTORY VIEW, DELETE FILES, and VIEW FILES options. Try restoring the DIR command to its standard format. If nothing works, please contact me so I can check out the problem. 09/1/93 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>END OF FILE<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<