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OS/ASSIST
Utilities for DOS
Version 1.10
Copyright 1991,1992 by Oasis Sunrise Software.
Oasis Sunrise Software
228 Peachtree Hollow Ct NE
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
All rights reserved.
Introduction Page: i
Copyright
---------
Copyright 1991,1992 by Oasis Sunrise Software.
Oasis Sunrise Software
228 Peachtree Hollow Ct NE
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
All rights reserved.
Trademarks
----------
OS/ASSIST for DOS is a trademark of Oasis Sunrise Software. All
other trademarks mentioned in this user manual are used for
description only, these trademarks belong to their respective
companies.
Et Cetera
---------
We constantly strive to produce superior quality software. We
appreciate all suggestions and recommendations. Write us with your
ideas for improvements or new applications.
Oasis Sunrise Software
228 Peachtree Hollow Ct NE
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Attention: Richard Davis
You may also contact us through the CompuServe or Prodigy electronic
services.
CompuServe: 70363,2550
Prodigy: RTNV69A
Table of Contents Page: ii
Table of Contents
-----------------
Chapter 1 - Items You Should Read and Understand ............. 1-1
System Requirements ....................................... 1-1
Installation .............................................. 1-1
Changes Made to Your System ............................... 1-1
OSASSIST Environment Variable ............................. 1-2
Printing the Manual ....................................... 1-2
Conventions Used in This Manual ........................... 1-3
Chapter 2 - How to Use Your New Utilities .................... 2-1
CAPSLOCK .................................................. 2-1
CURSOR .................................................... 2-2
DELDIR .................................................... 2-3
EDIR ...................................................... 2-4
MOVE ...................................................... 2-6
NUMLOCK ................................................... 2-7
REBOOT .................................................... 2-8
SCRLLOCK .................................................. 2-9
SELECT .................................................... 2-10
SPEEDKEY .................................................. 2-11
SYSINFO ................................................... 2-12
TEE ....................................................... 2-13
VIEW ...................................................... 2-14
WHERE ..................................................... 2-15
OSASSIST .................................................. 2-16
Chapter 3 - License Agreement and Registration ............... 3-1
Appendix A - Glossary ........................................ A-1
Chapter 1 - Items You Should Read and Understand Page: 1-1
System Requirements
-------------------
IBM PC or compatible, 512K RAM, DOS 2.1 or higher.
Installation
------------
To install OS/ASSIST for DOS, insert the installation diskette into
drive A: or drive B: (whichever is appropriate) and type A:INSTALL
(or B:INSTALL).
The default setup is to copy the OS/ASSIST for DOS files into a
directory called C:\OSASSIST. The installation program will create
this directory for you if it does not already exist. If you wish
to install the files into a different directory, you will be given
the opportunity to modify this.
Changes Made to Your System
---------------------------
The installation program will make modifications to your AUTOEXEC.BAT
file. Your PATH statement will be modified to include the
directory now containing your OS/ASSIST utility programs.
In addition to modifying your PATH statement, the installation
program will also add a new environment variable to your
AUTOEXEC.BAT file. This new environment variable is called
OSASSIST and is used to control the level of assistance provided by
many of the OS/ASSIST utility programs. This feature is described
in more detail in the following section.
For example, if your AUTOEXEC.BAT file currently looks like the
following:
REM *** My AUTOEXEC.BAT File ***
DATE
TIME
PATH=C:\DOS
REM *** End of My AUTOEXEC.BAT File ***
After the installation program has successfully copied the OS/ASSIST
utility files to your computer, your new AUTOEXEC.BAT file will
look like the following:
REM *** My AUTOEXEC.BAT File ***
DATE
TIME
PATH=C:\DOS;C:\OSASSIST
SET OSASSIST=NOVICE
REM *** End of My AUTOEXEC.BAT File ***
Chapter 1 - Items You Should Read and Understand Page: 1-2
OSASSIST Environment Variable
-----------------------------
One of the major complaints made of computer software programs
today is that they are either too difficult to use by the novice
user or too awkward to use by the expert user.
We have addressed this problem in the OS/ASSIST utilities. You may
tailor the utilities to the experience level with which you are
most comfortable. We have provided two levels, the NOVICE user
level, and the EXPERT user level.
At the NOVICE user level, the program will prompt you for any
additional information necessary. In most situations, all that is
required is for you to type in the name of the utility.
At the EXPERT user level, you will not be prompted for the
necessary information. Instead, you provide the information
required as command line arguments.
The level at which the OS/ASSIST utilities operate is controlled
by the OSASSIST environment variable which is added to your
AUTOEXEC.BAT file during installation. The default setup is to set
OSASSIST to the NOVICE level, however, you may change this at any
time by modifying your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
You also have the added option of using the utilities at either
level, regardless of the OSASSIST setting in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
If you have the OSASSIST variable set to the NOVICE level, but wish
to use a particular utility at the EXPERT level, simply type in the
desired command with the command line argument of /X. You may then
use the command as though you were in EXPERT mode.
For example, to access the EXPERT mode for the MOVE utility, when
your AUTOEXEC.BAT file is set in the NOVICE mode enter the
following:
MOVE /X FILE1 FILE2
Printing the Manual
-------------------
If you would like a hardcopy of this manual, change the
current directory to the OS/ASSIST directory and at the DOS
prompt, type the command OSMANUAL.BAT.
Chapter 1 - Items You Should Read and Understand Page: 1-3
Conventions Used in This Manual
-------------------------------
In the pages that follow, the following conventions will be used to
indicate special meanings:
[ ] Text enclosed in brackets indicates optional
command arguments. The specified utility will
operate with or without the command options.
/ABC Text beginning with a forward slash indicates
command switches. If multiple command switches are
available for a specified utility, they can
be combined together. For example, the description
for the DELDIR command includes the following:
NUMLOCK [/?QX]
In this example, the NUMLOCK command can be called
in any of the following manners:
NUMLOCK /?
NUMLOCK /Q
NUMLOCK /X
NUMLOCK /QX
| Text separated by a vertical line indicates
mutually exclusive command options. For example,
the description for the CAPSLOCK command includes
the following:
CAPSLOCK [ON | OFF]
In this example, the CAPSLOCK command can be called
using either the ON or the OFF command argument,
but not both simultaneously.
Chapter 2 - How to Use Your New Utilities Page: 2-1
========================================================================
--- CAPSLOCK --- --- CAPSLOCK ---
========================================================================
PURPOSE: Automatically controls the CapsLock key.
USAGE: CAPSLOCK [/?QX] [ON | OFF]
WHERE: /? = Display help
/Q = Quiet mode (No logo display)
/X = Expert mode override
ON = Turn CapsLock ON (default)
OFF = Turn CapsLock OFF
TO USE THIS UTILITY:
Simply type one of the following, then press the Enter key:
CAPSLOCK This turns your CapsLock key ON (default).
CAPSLOCK ON This turns your CapsLock key ON.
CAPSLOCK OFF This turns your CapsLock key OFF.
CAPSLOCK /? Displays the utility's help information.
CAPSLOCK /Q "Quiet" mode. The utility's logo is not
displayed.
CAPSLOCK /X When used in the NOVICE mode, additional
prompting is not provided.
EXAMPLES:
CAPSLOCK (Turns ON CapsLock)
CAPSLOCK /ON (Turns ON CapsLock)
CAPSLOCK /OFF (Turns OFF CapsLock)
CAPSLOCK /Q (Turns OFF CapsLock. No logo display)
Chapter 2 - How to Use Your New Utilities Page: 2-2
========================================================================
--- CURSOR --- --- CURSOR ---
========================================================================
PURPOSE: Automatically changes the cursor to a smaller or larger
size.
USAGE: CURSOR [/?QX] [A-H]
WHERE: /? = Display help
/Q = Quiet mode (No logo display)
/X = Expert mode override
A-H = Cursor type, A = smallest and H = largest
TO USE THIS UTILITY:
Type one of the following, then press the Enter key:
CURSOR Returns the cursor to its original size.
CURSOR A Multiple cursor sizes are provided, ranging from
A (being the smallest) to H (being the largest).
CURSOR /? Displays the utility's help information.
CURSOR /Q "Quiet" mode. The utility's logo is not
displayed.
CURSOR /X When used in the NOVICE mode, additional
prompting is not provided.
EXAMPLES:
CURSOR A (Changes cursor to smallest available size)
CURSOR H (Changes cursor to largest available size)
Chapter 2 - How to Use Your New Utilities Page: 2-3
========================================================================
--- DELDIR --- --- DELDIR ---
========================================================================
PURPOSE: Deletes all files from a directory and removes the directory
and any subdirectories contained within it.
USAGE: DELDIR [/?QFX] directory
WHERE: /? = Display help
/Q = Quiet mode (No logo display)
/X = Expert mode override
/F = Force the deletion of read-only files and
subdirectories without verification
directory = Name of directory to be deleted
TO USE THIS UTILITY:
Carefully determine the exact name of the directory you want to
remove. Ensure there are no files within the directory you want to
keep.
Type one of the following, then press the Enter key:
DELDIR directory This deletes the entire contents within
and removes the directory you specified.
If any read-only files or subdirectories
exist, you will be prompted to verify
their deletion as well.
DELDIR /F This deletes the entire contents within
and removes the directory you specified.
It will force the deletion of read-only
files and subdirectories without
prompting for your verification.
DELDIR /? The utility's help information is
displayed.
DELDIR /Q "Quiet mode". The utility's logo will
not be displayed.
DELDIR /X When used in the NOVICE mode, additional
prompting is not provided.
EXAMPLES:
DELDIR c:\docs (Delete the directory C:\DOCS)
Chapter 2 - How to Use Your New Utilities Page: 2-4
========================================================================
--- EDIR --- --- EDIR ---
========================================================================
PURPOSE: The enhanced directory list displays a listing of
directories and files in the order you define. This
utility provides the ability to view hidden files.
USAGE: EDIR [/?QDSRPAFTWC] [filespec]
WHERE: /? = Display help
/Q = Quiet mode (No logo display)
/D = Sort by file date and time
/S = Sort by file size
/R = Reverse sort order (default is ascending)
/P = Pause at end of each screen
/A = Display all files, including hidden and system files
/F = Display files only, exclude directories
/T = Display file type
/W = Display in columns across screen
/C = Clear screen before displaying files
TO USE THIS UTILITY:
Type one of the following, then press the Enter key:
EDIR /D This sorts the directories and files by date and
time.
EDIR /S This sorts the files by size from smallest to
largest.
EDIR /R This sorts the files in reverse alphabetical
order from the largest to smallest.
EDIR /P This command pauses the list of directories and
files at the end of each screen.
EDIR /A This command displays all files, including
hidden and system files.
EDIR /F This command displays files only.
EDIR /T Displays the file type, for example; archived,
hidden, system or read-only.
EDIR /W This command displays the files and directories
in columns across the screen.
EDIR /C This command clears the screen before
displaying the files.
EDIR /? The utility's help information is displayed.
EDIR /Q "Quiet mode". The utility's logo will not be
displayed.
Note: The options /D and /S are mutually exclusive.
Chapter 2 - How to Use Your New Utilities Page: 2-5
========================================================================
--- EDIR --- --- EDIR ---
========================================================================
Arguments may be predefined by setting the EDIR environment
variable. For example, to have EDIR always clear the screen,
display all files, and pause at the end of each screen enter:
SET EDIR=/CAP
Chapter 2 - How to Use Your New Utilities Page: 2-6
========================================================================
--- MOVE --- --- MOVE ---
========================================================================
PURPOSE: Renames a file or relocates the file to a new directory.
This utility can also be used to rename a directory.
USAGE: MOVE [/?QX] File1 File2
- or -
MOVE [/?QX] File1 [File2...FileN] Directory
- or -
MOVE [/?QX] Directory1 Directory2
WHERE: /? = Display help
/Q = Quiet mode (No logo display)
/X = Expert mode override
TO USE THIS UTILITY:
Determine the exact name of the file you want to move and the path
to the new location.
Type one of the following, then press the Enter key:
MOVE File1 File2 This renames File1 to File2.
MOVE File1..FileN Dir This moves all of the files from
File1 through FileN to the directory
named Dir.
MOVE Dir1 Dir2 This renames the directory named Dir1
to Dir2.
MOVE /? The utility's help information is
displayed.
MOVE /Q "Quiet mode". The utility's logo
will not be displayed.
MOVE /X When used in the NOVICE mode,
additional prompting is not
provided.
EXAMPLES:
MOVE JAN.DOC JAN.BAK (Renames the file JAN.DOC to JAN.BAK)
MOVE JAN.DOC FEB.DOC BACKUPS (Moves the files JAN.DOC and FEB.DOC
to the directory named BACKUPS)
Chapter 2 - How to Use Your New Utilities Page: 2-7
========================================================================
--- NUMLOCK --- --- NUMLOCK ---
========================================================================
PURPOSE: Automatically controls the NumLock key.
USAGE: NUMLOCK [/?QX] [ON | OFF]
WHERE: /? = Display help
/Q = Quiet mode (No logo display)
/X = Expert mode override
OFF = Turn NumLock OFF (default)
ON = Turn NumLock ON
TO USE THIS UTILITY:
Type one of the following, then press the Enter key:
NUMLOCK This turns the NumLock key OFF (default).
NUMLOCK OFF This turns the NumLock key OFF.
NUMLOCK ON This turns the NumLock key ON.
NUMLOCK /? The utility's help information is displayed.
NUMLOCK /Q "Quiet mode". The utility's logo is not
displayed.
NUMLOCK /X When used in the NOVICE mode, additional
prompting is not provided.
EXAMPLES:
NUMLOCK (Turns OFF NumLock)
NUMLOCK OFF (Turns OFF NumLock)
NUMLOCK ON (Turns ON NumLock)
NUMLOCK /Q OFF (Turns OFF NumLock. No logo display)
Chapter 2 - How to Use Your New Utilities Page: 2-8
========================================================================
--- REBOOT --- --- REBOOT ---
========================================================================
PURPOSE: Reboots your PC from a "warm start" or a "cold start" from
the DOS command line or from within a batch file.
USAGE: REBOOT [/?QX] [/W | /C]
WHERE: /? = Display help
/Q = Quiet mode (No logo display)
/X = Expert mode override
/W = Perform a warm reboot (Equivalent to Ctrl-Alt-Delete)
/C = Perform a cold reboot (Equivalent to turning off power)
TO USE THIS UTILITY:
Determine the exact type of reboot you want to perform.
Type one of the following, then press the Enter key:
REBOOT This performs a warm reboot of your PC.
REBOOT /W This performs a warm reboot of your PC.
REBOOT /C This performs a cold reboot of your PC (default).
REBOOT /? The utility's help information is displayed.
REBOOT /Q "Quiet mode". The utility's logo is not
displayed.
REBOOT /X When used in the NOVICE mode, additional
prompting is not provided.
Note: There are two types of system resets available:
1) A "cold" boot is equivalent to shutting the system power
off and then back on. Your system performs a series of
hardware tests called the "power-on self test" (POST).
During this test, such things as memory and other devices
are checked.
2) A "warm" boot is equivalent to pressing CTRL-ALT-DELETE.
Your system resets its memory, but the POST is skipped.
EXAMPLES:
REBOOT (Perform a warm reboot)
REBOOT /W (Perform a warm reboot)
REBOOT /C (Perform a cold reboot)
REBOOT /QC (Perform a cold reboot. No logo display)
Chapter 2 - How to Use Your New Utilities Page: 2-9
========================================================================
--- SCRLLOCK --- --- SCRLLOCK ---
========================================================================
PURPOSE: Automatically controls the ScrollLock key.
USAGE: SCRLLOCK [/?QX] [ON | OFF]
WHERE: /? = Display help
/Q = Quiet mode (No logo display)
/X = Expert mode override
ON = Turn ScrollLock ON (default)
OFF = Turn ScrollLock OFF
TO USE THIS UTILITY:
Type one of the following, then press the Enter key:
SCRLLOCK This turns the ScrollLock key ON.
SCRLLOCK ON This turns the ScrollLock key ON (default).
SCRLLOCK OFF This turns the ScrollLock key OFF.
SCRLLOCK /? The utility's help information is displayed.
SCRLLOCK /Q "Quiet mode". The utility's logo is not
displayed.
SCRLLOCK /X When used in the NOVICE mode, additional
prompting is not provided.
EXAMPLES:
SCRLLOCK (Turns ON ScrollLock)
SCRLLOCK ON (Turns ON ScrollLock)
SCRLLOCK OFF (Turns OFF ScrollLock)
SCRLLOCK /Q OFF (Turns OFF ScrollLock. No logo display)
Chapter 2 - How to Use Your New Utilities Page: 2-10
========================================================================
--- SELECT --- --- SELECT ---
========================================================================
PURPOSE: Works in concert with DOS commands allowing you to
repeatedly perform the same command on multiple files and
directories. You "mark" the files to be acted upon by
selecting from a displayed list of files.
USAGE: SELECT [/?QXNDHSR] command [command args] (file spec) [more args]
WHERE: /? = Display help
/Q = Quiet mode (No logo display)
/X = Expert mode override
/N = Select normal files (default)
/D = Select directories
/H = Select hidden files
/S = Select system files
/R = Select read-only files
command = DOS command to be performed
[command args] = arguments specific to the DOS command
specified
(file spec) = file pattern specification
[more args] = any additional command arguments required
specific to the DOS command specified
TO USE THIS UTILITY:
This is a very powerful utility. You specify a DOS command
to be performed and a file pattern specification. You are
then presented with a list of matching files. From this
list, you "mark" the files to be acted upon. Once all
files have been marked in this manner, pressing the Enter
key will cause the specified DOS command to be performed
against each of the selected files.
EXAMPLES: SELECT del (*.bak)
SELECT /nrhs copy (*.*) tmpdir
SELECT /n find \"foo\" (*.doc)
SELECT xcopy /s/e (*.*) destdir
SELECT /r attrib -r (*.*)
Chapter 2 - How to Use Your New Utilities Page: 2-11
========================================================================
--- SPEEDKEY --- --- SPEEDKEY ---
========================================================================
PURPOSE: Increases and decreases the response rate of your keyboard.
USAGE: SPEEDKEY [/?QX] FAST | SLOW
WHERE: /? = Display help
/Q = Quite mode (No logo display)
/X = Expert mode override
SLOW = Slow cursor speed
FAST = fast cursor speed
TO USE THIS UTILITY:
Type the following, then press the Enter key:
SPEEDKEY FAST This causes your PC to respond more quickly
to each keystroke.
SPEEDKEY SLOW This causes your PC to respond at the normal
rate.
SPEEDKEY /? The utility's help information is displayed.
SPEEDKEY /Q "Quiet mode". The utility's logo is not
displayed.
SPEEDKEY /X When used in the NOVICE mode, additional
prompting is not provided.
Chapter 2 - How to Use Your New Utilities Page: 2-12
========================================================================
--- SYSINFO --- --- SYSINFO ---
========================================================================
PURPOSE: Displays your PC's system configuration, AUTOEXEC.BAT file,
CONFIG.SYS file, provides options to print and/or save your
system's configuration, displays device information, and
displays environment information. The options are selected
from the menu of function (F) keys listed on the lower
portion of the screen, after accessing the SYSINFO utility.
USAGE: SYSINFO [/?Q] [Drive]
WHERE: /? = Display help
/Q = Quiet mode
Drive = Drive letter (default = current drive)
TO USE THIS UTILITY:
Type one of the following, then press the Enter key:
SYSINFO /? The utility's help information is displayed.
SYSINFO /Q "Quiet mode". The utility's logo is not displayed.
SYSINFO The utility displays the configuration of your
PC, the following information is included:
System Information
Processor
Co-processor
DOS Version
Video Information
Video type
Video mode
Colors
Other Information
Number of diskette drives
Number of serial ports
Number of parallel ports
Mouse type
Mouse interrupt
Game adapter
Internal modem
Memory Information
Total main memory
Free main memory
Total expanded memory
Free expanded memory
Total extended memory
Information For Sepcified Drive
Total disk space
Free disk space
Floppy Drive Information
Floppy A
Floppy B
Chapter 2 - How to Use Your New Utilities Page: 2-13
========================================================================
--- TEE --- --- TEE ---
========================================================================
PURPOSE: Simultaneously routes information to the display monitor
and a file.
USAGE: TEE [/?Q] file
WHERE: /? = Display help
/Q = Quiet mode (No logo display)
file = Name of file to which output is to be directed
TO USE THIS UTILITY:
Type the following, then press the Enter key:
Command | TEE File This causes your PC to display information
on the display monitor, and include it, in
ASCII format, in the file you specified.
Example: TYPE FOO.TXT | TEE FOOBAR.TXT
This causes the contents of the file
FOO.TXT to be displayed on the monitor and
written to a new file FOOBAR.TXT.
Note: You must use the DOS pipe symbol "|" for this command to work
correctly.
Chapter 2 - How to Use Your New Utilities Page: 2-14
========================================================================
--- VIEW --- --- VIEW ---
========================================================================
PURPOSE: Allows you to browse through a file, displaying the file's
contents on your monitor, without affecting the contents of
the file.
WHERE: /? = Display help
/Q = Quiet mode (No logo display)
/X = Expert mode override
file = Name of file to view
TO USE THIS UTILITY:
Type one of the following, then press the Enter key:
VIEW file This allows you to browse the contents of the
file specified.
VIEW /? The utility's help information is displayed.
VIEW /Q "Quiet mode". The utility's logo is not
displayed.
VIEW /X When used in the NOVICE mode, additional
prompting is not provided.
Chapter 2 - How to Use Your New Utilities Page: 2-15
========================================================================
--- WHERE --- --- WHERE ---
========================================================================
PURPOSE: Locates all files matching the file pattern specified. This
utility will also give you the option of deleting any of the
files located.
USAGE: WHERE [/?QXSD] Filepattern [Directory]
WHERE: /? = Display help
/Q = Quiet mode (No logo display)
/X = Expert mode override
/S = Short file descriptions
/D = Delete matching file(s)
Filepattern = File pattern to search, which may include the
wildcard characters "*" and "?".
Directory = Starting directory for search, the default is the
root directory of the current disk drive.
TO USE THIS UTILITY:
Type one of the following, then press the Enter key:
WHERE file This displays the size, creation date and
time as well as the path to the file you
specified.
WHERE /S This displays shorter file descriptions with
just the path to the file you specified.
WHERE /D This displays matching files and gives you
the opportunity to delete each file.
WHERE /? The utility's help information is displayed.
WHERE /Q "Quiet mode". The utility's logo is not
displayed.
WHERE /X When used in the NOVICE mode, additional
prompting is not provided.
EXAMPLES:
WHERE *.bak (Locate all occurrences of files ending in .BAK)
WHERE *.doc c:\wp (Locate all occurrences of files ending in .DOC
in the directory C:\WP and any subdirectories)
Chapter 2 - How to Use Your New Utilities Page: 2-16
========================================================================
--- OSASSIST --- --- OSASSIST ---
========================================================================
PURPOSE: This utility provides information and assistance for the
OS/ASSIST utilities. Included is an online user's manual,
troubleshooting guide, and hints on using the utilities.
USAGE: OSASSIST
Chapter 3 - License Agreement and Registration Page: 3-1
OS/ASSIST and the accompanying programs and documentation are
Copyright (c) 1991, 1992 Oasis Sunrise Software
All rights reserved
License Agreement
BY INSTALLING OS/ASSIST ON YOUR SYSTEM YOU INDICATE YOUR AGREEMENT
TO THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THEM
YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO USE THIS PROGRAM.
OS/ASSIST AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROGRAMS AND DOCUMENTATION (LATER ON
COLLECTIVELY REFERRED TO AS OS/ASSIST) ARE DISTRIBUTED AS IS.
OASIS SUNRISE SOFTWARE (AUTHOR) MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND,
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WITH RESPECT
TO THIS SOFTWARE AND DOCUMENTATION. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR
BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS, OR
ANY OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE
USE OF OR THE INABILITY TO USE THIS PROGRAM, EVEN IF THE AUTHOR HAS
BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY CLAIM
BY ANY OTHER PARTY.
OS/ASSIST is a copyrighted work protected by U.S. and international
copyright law. It is not free, freeware, or in the public domain.
It is distributed as Shareware, which means that you may try it out
at no cost for 30 days; if you determine that it fits your needs
and you wish to use it regularly you must register. If you choose
not to pay the registration fee, you must stop using OS/ASSIST
after the initial trial period and remove it from your computer,
but you may still keep copies of it and pass them on to others as
outlined below.
You may give individual copies of the unregistered version of
OS/ASSIST to your friends and associates for evaluation purposes as
described above. You must include all the files (described in the
PACKING.LST file) that make up OS/ASSIST without any modifications,
preferably in the original self-extracting LHarc archive files. You
may upload OS/ASSIST to the public section of a public BBS, but you
may not place it in any user group or commercial library or
distribute it for a fee or in any way sell copies of it without
express written permission from the Author.
Under no circumstances may an unregistered version of OS/ASSIST be
used in a commercial (business, corporate, government, educational,
or other institutional) environment except for the purpose of
evaluation on a single computer.
You may not modify or dis-assemble OS/ASSIST, nor distribute any
modified or disassembled versions of OS/ASSIST. OS/ASSIST may not
be included with any other product for any reason whatsoever
without written permission from the Author.
Chapter 3 - License Agreement and Registration Page: 3-2
You may install your registered copy of OS/ASSIST on more than one
computer at a time ONLY if no more than one of these computers is
usually running at the same time. You may make as many backup
copies of OS/ASSIST as you need for your personal backup purposes.
You may NOT give, sell, or otherwise transfer copies of the
registered version of OS/ASSIST to any other person for any reason.
No version of OS/ASSIST may be rented or leased.
Any use or distribution of OS/ASSIST, which violates this license
agreement, will be considered a copyright violation, and prosecuted
to the full extent of the law.
Registration
OS/ASSIST is not free! You may try it out at no charge for an
initial trial period to determine if it fits your needs. If you
want to continue to use OS/ASSIST after the initial trial period
you must register. This method of software distribution is known
as Shareware.
The registration fee for a single copy of OS/ASSIST is (US $)
$14.95. Payment of this fee entitles you to:
* A disk with the current version of OS/ASSIST.
* A printed manual.
* Free upgrades of OS/ASSIST for a one year period.
* Free support (by electronic mail or by mail) for the first
90 days after payment, consisting of answering questions and
fixing any reproducible program error(s) that interfere(s)
with the intended use of the program as outlined in this
documentation. The author may choose not to fix problems
related to a special hardware and/or software configuration
and will then arrange for a refund of the registration fee,
if the problem is reported within 90 days of payment. The
author makes no other warranties, expressed or implied, and
this warranty is expressly limited to the cost of the regis-
tration fee.
OS/ASSIST must be registered before it is used in a commercial
(business, corporate, government, educational, or other
institutional) environment.
Chapter 3 - License Agreement and Registration Page: 3-3
The following per-unit prices apply for registration of one or more
copies of OS/ASSIST on the same order form:
1 $ 14.95
2 - 9 $ 12.95
10 - 99 $ 10.95
100 - 499 $ 8.95
500 - 999 $ 6.95
1000 or more $ 4.95
THESE PRICES INCLUDE ONE MASTER DISKETTE PER ORDER. The licensee
is responsible for duplicating the diskette and documentation as
needed, and for ensuring that the registered number of installed
copies is not exceeded. Under this schedule SUPPORT IS PROVIDED TO
ONE DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE LICENSEE ONLY.
Oasis Sunrise Software
228 Peachtree Hollow Ct.
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Attn: Richard Davis
CompuServe: 70363,2550
Prodigy: RTNV69A
Appendix A - Glossary Page: A-1
AUTOEXEC.BAT This is an optional system file. When you boot
FILE: your computer, DOS checks the root directory of the
disk drive from which your are booting (e.g.) A:\
or C:\ for the presence of this file. It then
executes the instructions or procedures contained
in the file.
ARGUMENT: Please refer to COMMAND ARGUMENT.
ATTRIB: A DOS command which allows you to specify certain
attributes about a file. The various attributes
that a file may take on include: read-only, system,
and hidden. Refer to your DOS manual for more
information on this command.
BACKUP DISK: A spare copy of a diskette to be used in case of
accidental destruction or loss.
BATCH FILE OR A file containing one or more commands to be BATCH
PROGRAM: performed by the computer. Batch files are
identified by the file name extension of "BAT".
The file AUTOEXEC.BAT is an example of a batch
file. Refer to your DOS manual for more
information about creating and using batch files.
BROWSING A method to view the contents of a file without
TOOL: affecting the data it contains.
CAPSLOCK: A utility which automatically turns capital letters
on or off OR a setting on the PC to type capital
letters without holding the shift key.
COLD REBOOT: The equivalent of turning the PC power off and then
back on. The computer performs a series of
hardware tests called the "power-on self test"
(POST). During this test, such things as the
computer's memory and other devices are checked.
COMMAND A word or symbol that indicates a certain action
ARGUMENT: should be taken by the software.
CONFIG.SYS This is a system file. When you boot your
FILE: computer, DOS checks the root directory of the disk
drive from which you are booting (e.g.) A:\ or C:\
for the presence of this file. This file contains
system information which DOS uses to configure your
computer during the booting process.
COPROCESSOR: An optional microprocessor chip which connects to
the CPU and performs certain mathematical
computations (such as floating point arithmetic).
The coprocessor can perform these functions faster
than the CPU alone.
Appendix A - Glossary Page: A-2
COPY: A DOS COMMAND which will create a duplicate file
under a different name, leaving the original file
unchanged.
CPU: Central Processing Unit, refer to Processor.
CTRL-ALT A key sequence, which, when pressed simultaneously,
DELETE: will reboot the PC.
CURSOR: A utility which automatically changes the cursor
to a smaller/larger size. Also, a small, blinking
block or underline on the display monitor
which indicates the location of your typing.
DEFAULT: A command option that is automatically performed if
no other COMMAND ARGUMENTS are specified.
DEL: A DOS COMMAND (DELETE) which will remove a file
from a hard or floppy disk.
DELDIR: A utility which deletes a directory and the entire
contents within it.
DIRECTORY: A structure provided by DOS allowing you to
organize your files into convenient groupings. A
directory can be viewed as a file drawer containing
a particular group of files. A directory may
contain both files and subdirectories.
DIRECTORY The list of directories and subdirectories
TREE: contained within the system. The directory tree
resembles an organizational chart, showing how all
the subordinate subdirectories are related to the
root directory.
DISK DRIVE A character used to identify the various hard and
LETTER: floppy that may be contained within your computer.
For example, floppy disk drives are commonly
identified as A: or B: whereas the hard drive is
normally identified as C:.
DISPLAY The monitor with your PC, the screen.
MONITOR:
DOS: Disk Operating System. One of several disk
operating systems available for the personal
computer.
DOS COMMAND: A word that initiates action from the Disk
Operating System.
EXPANDED Memory above 1MB which is accessed indirectly by
MEMORY: application programs.
EXPANSION An additional board that is installed in the
CARD: computer to perform a special purpose. Examples of
common expansion cards include: display adaptor,
disk drive controller, memory expansion, serial
port, mouse adaptor.
Appendix A - Glossary Page: A-3
EXTENDED Memory above 1MB which is accessed directly by
MEMORY: application programs. Extended memory can be used
to emulate expanded memory.
F1 - F12: The function keys located on the PC keyboard.
FILE: A collection of data on the PC, grouped together
under one name.
FILENAME: The name of a file. The name of a file may be one
to eight characters in length with an extension of
up to three characters. The extension is separated
from the filename by a period (.). For example:
REPORT01.FIL.
FILENAME An addition to a filename. Filename extensions
EXTENSION: begin with a period (.) and may contain one to
three characters. Extensions are often used by
many programs to identify a type of file. For
example: the extension ".DOC" often denotes
document files created by a word processing
program.
FILE PATTERN: A set of characters containing wildcard characters
which match one or more filenames. See WILDCARD
CHARACTER.
FIND: A DOS COMMAND which searches for a specific string
of text in a file. For example, to display all
lines in the file 'RECIPES.DOC' which contain the
word "Spaghetti", you would use the command: FIND
"Spaghetti" RECIPES.DOC.
FLOPPY DISK: A removable storage medium used for storing
computer programs and files. Floppy disks are
either 3.5 inch or 5.25 inch in size. They can
vary in the amount of information which they can
store. Low density floppies contain 40 tracks of
information, high density contain 80 tracks.
GAME ADAPTOR: An expansion board with a connector for attaching a
joystick device used by many computer game
programs.
HIDDEN FILE: A file which is not normally displayed by the DOS
DIR command, but can be viewed with the EDIR
utility.
INTERRUPT: An interrupt is the means by which the computer
communicates with various hardware devices attached
to it. Interrupts are identified numerically. In
order for all the hardware devices to communicate
properly with the computer, they should all use
different interrupts.
Appendix A - Glossary Page: A-4
KILOBYTE (K): A unit of measurement. One kilobyte equals 1024
bytes (or characters).
LOGO DISPLAY: The copyright sentence which appears on the display
monitor when a utility is used.
MAIN OR Random access memory (RAM) below 640K which is
CONVENTIONAL accessed directly by DOS and application programs.
MEMORY:
MODEM: A device that permits one computer to communicate
to another via phone lines.
MOUSE TYPE: A mouse may be connected to the computer in
different ways. The two most common mouse types
are serial and bus. A serial mouse is attached to
one of the computer's serial ports. A bus mouse is
connected to a special connector commonly attached
to an expansion board installed in the computer.
MOVE: A utility which moves a file, or renames a
directory.
NUMLOCK: A utility which automatically turns the Num Lock
setting on or off.
OPERATING Software which allows the user and software programs
SYSTEM: to communicate with the computer hardware.
PATH: A set of directory names which instruct DOS where
to look for files. You may view the current path
setting by typing the DOS SET command.
PATHNAME: A description of the location of a file or
directory in the system. The pathname contains the
drive letter, followed by the directory name, one
or more subdirectory names, followed by the
filename. Each name is separated by the backslash
character (\).
PROCESSOR: The microprocessor chip that serves as the heart
of the computer. Its tasks include performing
computations and controlling the peripherals
(devices) connected to the CPU.
PROMPTING: The messages that appear on the display monitor
when a utility is being used.
QUIET MODE: The utility does not display the copyright
sentence.
RAM: Random Access Memory. Computer memory that is
used to temporarily hold computer programs and data.
READ-ONLY A file which may be viewed, but not updated.
FILE:
Appendix A - Glossary Page: A-5
REBOOT: A utility which causes your computer to reset its
memory (warm reboot) and perform a series of
hardware/software tests (cold reboot).
ROOT The main DOS directory located at the top of the
DIRECTORY: directory tree structure.
SERIAL AND Ports are the connectors to which peripheral
PARALLEL hardware devices are attached. There are two types
PORTS: of ports, serial and parallel. Serial and parallel
ports differ in their structure and in how they
communicate with the computer. Parallel ports are
most commonly used for attaching printers. Serial
ports are commonly used for attaching a modem, a
mouse, and some types of printers.
SCRLLOCK: A utility which automatically turns the Scroll
Lock setting on or off.
SELECT: A utility which works with DOS commands allowing
you to manipulate groupings of files not normally
possible with DOS alone.
SOFTWARE: Any software programs you run on your PC.
SPEEDKEY: A utility which increases the response time of your
keyboard.
SUBDIRECTORY: A directory contained within another directory.
SYSTEM FILE: A file or program that is used by DOS for
controlling your computer. Most system files are
hidden to the user.
TRADEMARK: Registered name or symbol, owned by a company,
protected by law, which represents their
product(s).
VIDEO MODE: The state of the video display. The video may be
in Text or Graphics mode. If in Text mode, the
video may vary in the number of rows and columns
being displayed. For more information about how to
change the mode of your display, consult your DOS
manual.
VIDEO TYPE: Video displays come in a variety of forms. The
most common are Monochrome (or black & white), CGA,
EGA, and VGA.
VIEW: A utility which is a browsing tool used to display
the contents of files.
WARM REBOOT: The equivalent of pressing CTRL-ALT-DELETE. The
computer resets its memory, but unlike a cold
reboot, does not perform any hardware or software
tests.
WHERE: A utility which locates files and displays the PATH
to the file.
Appendix A - Glossary Page: A-6
WILDCARD A character that can be included in a filename to
CHARACTER: indicate one or more characters that might match
characters in other filenames. DOS supports two
such wildcard characters; the asterisk (*)
character is used to match any number of
characters, and the question mark (?) character is
used to match any single character. For example,
*.DOC represents all files that end with the .DOC
filename extension. Likewise, REPORT?.DOC
represents all files that begin with REPORT
followed by a single character and have a filename
extension of .DOC (.e.g. REPORT1.DOC, REPORT2.DOC,
etc.).
XCOPY: A DOS COMMAND which allows you to copy files and
directories, including any subdirectories which may
exist.