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C-Menu
System Menuing Software
v4.0
USER'S MANUAL
Copyright (c) 1993 by C-Vision Software
All rights reserved.
5866 Via Cuesta Dr.
El Paso, TX 79912-6608
USA
Voice: (915) 833-6778
CompuServe: 72223,2016
_______
____|__ | (R)
--| | |-------------------
| ____|__ | Association of
| | |_| Shareware
|__| o | Professionals
-----| | |---------------------
|___|___| MEMBER
-------- ----
Contents Page
-------- ----
Introduction
What is C-Menu?................................... 1
Features.......................................... 1
What is shareware, and how does it work?.................. 3
The Ombudsman Statement........................... 3
Warranty Disclaimer....................................... 4
Copyright Notice.......................................... 6
Registering C-Menu v4.0................................... 7
Installation
System Requirements............................... 8
Using INSTALL..................................... 8
Interacting with C-Menu................................... 10
Configuring C-Menu
Introduction...................................... 11
Adding Entries.................................... 11
Description............................... 11
Drive, Path, and Filename................. 11
Arguments................................. 12
Menu...................................... 12
Password.................................. 12
Editing Entries................................... 12
Deleting Entries.................................. 13
Sorting Entries................................... 13
Menus............................................. 13
Adding Menus.............................. 15
Editing Menus............................. 15
Deleting Menus............................ 15
Color Selection................................... 15
System Configuration.............................. 16
Setting the system time................... 16
Setting the system date................... 16
Setting screen blankout time.............. 16
Setting screen bounce delay............... 16
Using C-Menu.............................................. 17
Choosing and Launching Applications............... 17
Running the C-Menu configuration program.......... 18
Using DOS Shell................................... 18
Exiting C-Menu.................................... 18
Initiating screen save............................ 18
Running the C-Menu Personal Databank.............. 18
Using the C-Menu Personal Databank (registered only)...... 19
Adding records.................................... 19
Editing records................................... 19
Deleting records.................................. 20
Scrolling through records......................... 20
Sorting records................................... 20
Finding records................................... 20
About C-Menu.............................................. 21
Credits and Thanks........................................ 22
****************
* Introduction *
****************
---------------
What is C-Menu?
---------------
C-Menu is a sophisticated system menuing program that shields the
computer user from the infamous DOS prompt. Once C-Menu is
installed and configured, the user should seldom ever have to use
a DOS prompt again. All program loading and running is taken
care by C-Menu. C-Menu requires no memory when your program is
running. This way, no vital memory is taken way from your
applications. C-Menu also has the ability to create sub-menus
and password protect files. Now you have the ability to keep all
your specific applications separate from all the others. Keep
your wordprocessing programs in one sub-menu and your
spreadsheets in another. Not only is C-Menu powerful, but it is
also easy to use. C-Menu features a fully graphical user
interface to make using C-Menu as easy as possible. The C-Menu
configuration program is as equally powerful and easy to use.
Beginning computer users will enjoy C-Menu becuase of it's ease
of use, while experienced user will appreciate C-Menu's
extensive features.
C-Menu is NOT freeware nor public domain. C-Menu is shareware
and is copyrighted. C-Vision Software retains ownership of that
copyright. Anyone who continues to use C-Menu after a trial
period of 30 days is obligated to purchase C-Menu by paying a
small registration fee (please refer to the called "Registering
C-Menu" for more details). To learn more about shareware
software, please refer to the section entitled "What is
Shareware, and how does it work?".
--------
Features
--------
o High resolution graphical user interface
C-Menu has a complete high resolution (VGA 640x480)
graphical user interface with complete mouse support and
is SAA/CUA compliant. What does all this mean? It means
that C-Menu's interface is intuitive and standarized to
make interactions with the user as easy as possible.
o Uses NO memory while in your application
C-Menu takes no memory away from your applications while
they are running.
o Runs all programs
C-Menu can run all your programs. C-Menu will run both
1
your real and protected (DOS-Extended) mode applications.
o Easy configuration
C-Menu contains a full featured configuration program
that is very powerful but is also easy to use. Using
this configuration program, one can Add, Edit, Delete and
Sort C-Menu entires and sub-menus, add password
protection to files, set your system date and time, and
so on.
o Screen blankout to prevent burn-in
C-Menu contains a screen saver feature that comes on
when C-Menu is not being used for a duration of time that
you specify. This way, those users that keep their
computers on for long periods of time do not have to
worry about their screens getting burned in while C-Menu
is waiting to run your programs.
o Sub-Menus and Password Protect
C-Menu gives you the ability to add sub-menus and
password protection. Sub-menus keep your applications
separate while password protection keeps them safe.
o Unlimited entries and sub-menus
C-Menu does not restrict you as to how many entries or
menus you may have. You may configure as many as your
computer allows (as much as memory or disk space permits,
and thats usually more than you will ever need!).
o DOS Shell
When you encounter those times that you have to use the
DOS prompt to install new applications or to copy a disk,
C-Menu has a DOS shell you can use. After you are done
with the DOS prompt, you can then return back to C-Menu.
o Selectable Colors
C-Menu offers the ability to change the color palette
associated with C-Menu. C-Menu has six built in color
palettes.
o The C-Menu Databank (REGISTERED USERS ONLY)
C-Menu contains a full featured address book that you can
access with a click of a button. You can keep track of
all those addresses and telephone numbers of all the
people you know. It also contains a "comment" box to
store extra information about people, such as birthdays
and anniversaries.
2
********************************************
* What is shareware, and how does it work? *
********************************************
Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software
before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue
using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs
differ on details -- some request registration while others
require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With
registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue
using the software to an updated program with printed manual.
Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software,
and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific
exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished
programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are
of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs
and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of
distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy
and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a
specific group. For example, some authors require written
permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their
Shareware.
Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You
should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook,
whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes
fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy.
And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware
has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the
product, you don't pay for it.
-----------------------
The Ombudsman Statement
-----------------------
This program is produced by a member of the Association of
Shareware Professionals (ASP). 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 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI
49442-9427 USA, FAX 616-788-2765 or send a CompuServe message via
CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.
3
***********************
* Warranty Disclaimer *
***********************
Users of C-Menu v4.0 must accept this disclaimer of warranty:
"C-Menu v4.0 is supplied as is. The author disclaims all
warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation,
the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose.
The author assumes no liability for damages, direct or
consequential, which may result from the use of C-Menu v4.0."
C-Menu v4.0 is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge
to the user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with your
friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of
another system. The essence of "user-supported" software is to
provide personal computer users with quality software without
high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to
continue to develop new products. If you find this program
useful and find that you are using C-Menu v4.0 and continue to
use C-Menu v4.0 after a reasonable trial period, you must make a
registration payment of $24.95 to C-Vision Software. The $24.95
registration fee will license one copy for use on any one
computer at any one time. You must treat this software just like
a book. An example is that this software may be used by any
number of people and may be freely moved from one computer
location to another, so long as there is no possibility of it
being used at one location while it's being used at another.
Just as a book cannot be read by two different persons at the
same time.
Commercial users of C-Menu v4.0 must register and pay for their
copies of C-Menu v4.0 within 30 days of first use or their
license is withdrawn. Site-License arrangements may be made by
contacting C-Vision Software.
Anyone distributing C-Menu v4.0 for any kind of remuneration must
first contact C-Vision at the address above for authorization.
The authorization will be automatically granted to distributors
recognized by the (ASP) as adhering to its guidelines for
shareware distributors, and such distributors may begin offering
C-Menu v4.0 immediately (however, C-Vision Software must still be
advised so that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the
latest version of C-Menu).
You are encouraged to pass a copy of C-Menu v4.0 along to your
friends for evaluation. Please encourage them to register their
copy if they find that they can use it. All registered users
will receive a copy of the latest version of C-Menu.
C-VISION SOFTWARE DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES RELATING TO THIS
SOFTWARE, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ALL SUCH WARRANTIES ARE EXPRESSLY AND
SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED. NEITHER C-VISION SOFTWARE NOR ANYONE
ELSE WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE CREATION, PRODUCTION, OR
4
DELIVERY OF THIS SOFTWARE SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT,
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE
SUCH SOFTWARE EVEN IF C-VISION SOFTWARE HAS BEEN ADVISED TO THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR CLAIMS. IN NO EVENT SHALL
C-VISION SOFTWARE'S LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES EVER EXCEED THE
PRICE PAID FOR THE LICENSE TO USE THE SOFTWARE, REGARDLESS OF THE
FORM OF CLAIM. THE PERSON USING THE SOFTWARE BEARS ALL RISK AS
TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE.
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of
Texas and shall inure to the benefit of C-Vision Software and any
successors, administrators, heirs and assigns. Any action or
proceeding brought by either party against the other arising out
of or related to this agreement shall be brought only in a STATE
or FEDERAL COURT of competent jurisdiction located in El Paso
County, Texas. The parties hereby consent to in personal
jurisdiction of said courts.
5
********************
* Copyright Notice *
********************
Copyright Notice
THIS SOFTWARE AND THE DISKS ON WHICH IT IS CONTAINED IS LICENSED
TO YOU, FOR YOUR OWN USE. THIS IS COPYRIGHTED SOFTWARE. YOU ARE
NOT OBTAINING TITLE TO THE SOFTWARE OR ANY COPYRIGHT RIGHTS. YOU
MAY NOT SUBLICENSE, RENT, LEASE, CONVEY, MODIFY, TRANSLATE,
CONVERT TO ANOTHER PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE, DECOMPILE, OR
DISASSEMBLE THE SOFTWARE FOR ANY PURPOSE. YOU MAY MAKE AS MANY
COPIES OF THIS SOFTWARE AS YOU NEED FOR BACK-UP PURPOSES ONLY.
YOU MAY USE THIS SOFTWARE ON MORE THAN ONE COMPUTER, PROVIDED
THERE IS NO CHANCE IT WILL BE USED SIMULTANEOUSLY ON MORE THAN
ONE COMPUTER. IF YOU NEED TO USE THE SOFTWARE ON MORE THAN ONE
COMPUTER SIMULTANEOUSLY, PLEASE CONTACT C-VISION SOFTWARE FOR
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SITE LICENCES.
6
***************************
* Registering C-Menu v4.0 *
***************************
If you decide to continue using C-Menu v4.0 after a trial period
of 30 days you are obligated to register it.
When you do register C-Menu v4.0 you receive the following:
o The lastest version of C-Menu
o Removal of all occurances of 'Unregistered Evaluation
Copy' within C-Menu and personalized with your name
o The C-Menu Personal Databank (see description above)
o Telephone/Mail support
o Support through CompuServe
o Free Evaluation disk of ACZAR v2.0, another excellent
ASP program
o $10.00 discount coupon off of ACZAR v2.0
To register C-Menu v4.0, please print out the order form
contained in the file REGISTER.DOC and follow the instructions
contained within.
If you wish to use this software on more than one computer, a
site license is required. For more information about
Site-Licenses, please see SITELNSE.DOC.
7
****************
* Installation *
****************
-------------------
System Requirements
-------------------
- IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2 or compatible computer running
DOS v3.0 or higher
- 640K RAM Installed
- VGA Card
- 100% Microsoft Compatible mouse recommended
- Hard disk recommended
-------------
Using INSTALL
-------------
C-Menu v4.0 comes with an installation program that will
automatically install C-Menu v4.0 to your system. The program
INSTALL will move files off of your C-Menu distribution (program)
disk and decompress them. It will then create the necessary
files needed for C-Menu v4.0 to run. Finally, it will update
your AUTOEXEC.BAT file for you (described later). (INSTALL must
be used for your C-Menu v4.0 installation otherwise C-Menu will
not run properly.)
* If you received C-Menu v4.0 in a packed file form (CMENUV4)
(from a bulletin board for example), you must decompress the file
into a temporary directory, change to that directory, and
type INSTALL <enter>.
* Upgraders must install C-Menu v4.0 into a new directory, not
into your old C-Menu v3.0 directory! C-Menu v4.0 cannot use your
C-Menu v3.0 data and configuration files.
o Place your C-Menu v4.0 program disk into your floppy
drive A (or B).
o Type A:INSTALL <enter> (or B:INSTALL <enter>)
o The Install program will ask you where you want C-Menu
installed to. By default, it's: C:\C-MENU.
o Install will then give you a variety of options. From
this point, you can install C-Menu, edit your
AUTOEXEC.BAT file (this is recommended), and print out
the User's Manual and Registration form. After you
have decided what to do, select Ok.
o Install will then start to decompress and move all
the C-Menu files to the destination drive.
o After the installation is complete, type MENU
<enter> to run C-Menu.
o You are now ready to start configuring C-Menu v4.0!
If you decided not to edit you AUTOEXEC.BAT file, Install places
the appropiate modifications in the file: AUTO-NEW.BAT. You
8
can alter your AUTOEXEC.BAT file to reflect AUTO-NEW.BAT, or
you can run Install again from the master disk and only select
to modify your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
There are two ways to print out the C-Menu User's Manual and the
Registration from: from the Install program, or from DOS. In
the install program, select the items you want to print and they
will be printed. (Remember: you must run install from the
master disk). To print the files from DOS, type (at the C-Menu
directory):
COPY CMENUV4.DOC PRN <enter> (to print the User's Manual)
COPY REGISTER.DOC PRN <enter> (to print the Registration Form)
9
***************************
* Interacting with C-Menu *
***************************
As stated before, C-Menu v4.0 was written with ease of use in
mind. One has the same amount of control using the keyboard or
the mouse. Here's a few tips to get the most out of your
keystrokes:
When using the mouse, anything that's selectable may be selected
by positioning the mouse cursor on the screen over the desired
object (an object being a button or an item in a list) and
pressing the left mouse button (also known as "clicking on the
object"). All button depression, list selection, and scrolling
may all be accomplished by clicking on the desired object.
When using the keyboard, you may use the TAB, SHIFT-TAB, or arrow
keys to change to the desired object (for example, a button).
Then, pressing the space bar or ENTER will select the object.
Every object has a "hot key" associated with it. All hot keys
are activated by pressing and holding down the ALT key and
simultaneously pressing the letter that's underlined on the
desired object. This will in turn high-light the desired object
and select it in one keystroke (much like the mouse does).
Whenever this manual gives mention of "selecting" something, such
as button or a menu item, this means that you either click on it
with the mouse, TAB to it and press ENTER or the space bar, or
you use the ALT hot-key combination.
Every window in C-Menu has a way out. If you accidentally
wonder to the wrong place in C-Menu, pressing the "Cancel" or
"Exit" button will always bring you back. Cancel can always be
invoked on the keyboard with an ALT-C, Exit with an ALT-X.
10
**********************
* Configuring C-Menu *
**********************
------------
Introduction
------------
In order to fully understand how to use and configure C-Menu, a
few terms and concepts must be explained.
When you want to add an application to C-Menu (such as a
wordprocessor or a game), you do this by using the configuration
program. All the information associated with the applictation is
known as an "Entry". You may add, edit, sort, and delete
entries. You can also password protect an entry and even place
entries in separate locations known as separate "Menus".
C-Menu must know what the executable filename of your
application is. Be careful when your pick your executable files.
Choosing the wrong one will cause your application to not run
properly. If you are in doubt about what file is supposed to be
used to run your program, refer to the instruction manual of that
particular software.
In order to use the C-Menu configuration program, click on the
"Configure" button or press ALT-C while in the C-Menu main
window.
--------------
Adding Entries
--------------
Within the C-Menu configuration program there is a button
labeled "Add Entry". Select this button to Add an entry to
C-Menu.
A form window will open asking for information, here is what each
field means:
** Description: This is what is actually displayed in the main
C-Menu window. Select the "Description" field to describe the
program or just enter the name of the it. You can save this
field for last if you do not know what you are adding at that
moment.
** Drive, Path, and Filename: These fields cannot be accessed
directly. In order to choose the drive, path, and filename of
the executable file, select the "File" button. After selecting
"File", another window will open allowing you to navigate
through your system to select the executable file of the program.
This window allows you to change the current drive and directory,
and tells you the executable files available at that particular
location. Once you have found the file you want, either click on
the filename and select "Done", double click on the filename, or
11
select it with the keyboard.
** Arguments: Sometimes the executable file you select requires
arguments (also known as "parameters"). This is where you place
those. Select the "Arguments" field to do so, otherwise just
leave it blank.
** Menu: This tells you what menu your application is going to
be placed under. In order to change this, select the "Menu"
button and pick a new menu. For more information, please refer
to the "Menus" section.
** Password: This field tells you if a password is set or not
for the entry. It will display "SET" if one is active. In order
to set or remove password protection, select the "Password"
button. A window will open asking if you wish to set or remove a
password. If no password is set, selecting "Set" will open
another window asking for the password. Enter your password on
the first line (your input will not display), then press TAB or
click on the next field and enter it again for verification.
Press ENTER when you are done. If a password is set and you want
to remove it, select "Remove". Passwords are "case-sensitive",
meaning that a password of "Lock" is not the same as "LoCk".
Once you are done providing all the information required, select
the "Done" button and your entry will be saved. At this point,
you may keep adding new entries, otherwise press "Cancel" to go
back to the main window.
---------------
Editing Entries
---------------
If you wish to Edit an existing C-Menu entry, select the "Edit
Entry" button within the C-Menu configuration program. A window
will open asking you to select the description of the entry to
edit.
Notice the field above the descriptions list. That field is the
"current menu" field (please refer to the "Menus" section for
more information about menus). The list below it will only
display the entries under the current menu. To change the
current menu, select the "Menus" button and choose an alternate
menu. The entries under that menu will then be displayed.
After you select a description, if a password is set for that
entry you must enter the password to proceed. Once you pass any
password protection the familiar "Add Entry" window will open
with the current contents of the entry displayed. You may
manipulate this information in exactly the same manner as you did
adding the entry.
Once you have completed your changes, select "Done" and your
entry will be re-saved.
12
-----------------
Deleting Entries
-----------------
If you want to remove an entry you have previously created,
select the "Delete Entry" button from the C-Menu configuration
program.
A window will then open displaying available choices for
deletion. Just like the "Edit Entries" window, the list will
only display the descriptions of the entries in the "current
menu" (for more information about menus, please read the section
entitled "Menus"). Once you select the entry you want to delete,
C-Menu will ask you to confirm your request. Select "Ok" to
proceed with the deletion. If there is a password associated
with that entry, you must enter the password in order to proceed.
---------------
Sorting Entries
---------------
The C-Menu configuration program gives you the ability to
alphabetize all your C-Menu entries so that when they are
displayed in the C-Menu main window, they are sorted. To sort
your C-Menu entries select "Sort Entries" from within the C-Menu
configuration program. A window will open giving you four
available options, allowing for two different sorting methods for
your menus (please see the "Menus" section for more information
concerning menus).
You may sort with the menus imbedded (integrated) with all your
other (non-menu) C-Menu entries, or your entries may be sorted
such that the menus are sorted separately and placed away from
your other (non-menu) C-Menu entries.
You may also choose if you want an ascending (A to Z) or
descending (Z to A) sort.
When your entries are being sorted, the mouse cursor turns into
an hour glass. The time this process takes depends on how your
entries were previously sorted and how fast your system is.
-----
Menus
-----
C-Menu v4.0 gives you the ability to create sub-menus to further
organize all the programs on your computer. The menu system is a
very powerful feature that C-Menu v4.0 offers. All menus are
displayed graphically as folders on the C-Menu main screen.
There is one menu that always exists in C-Menu, the "Main" menu.
You cannot edit nor delete this menu. All other menus you create
are off of the Main menu. You may also create menus off those
menus. The longest "span" of menus you may have is four deep off
13
of the Main menu.
Menus in C-Menu are represented graphically, however, in the
configuration program, they are presented as words separated by a
'/' character. For example, say you want a Games directory under
your Main directory. You would create it (explained later), and
it would be denoted in the configuration program as:
MAIN/GAMES
Then, say you have two types of games: Adventure and Simulator.
You would add these menus under the "Main/Games" menu, and they
would be denoted as follows:
MAIN/GAMES/ADVENTURE
MAIN/GAMES/SIMULATOR
Then, under "Simulator" you wish to break down your games further
into training and battle, then you add under
"Main/Games/Simulator", and you would see your newly created list
of menus as:
MAIN/GAMES/ADVENTURE
MAIN/GAMES/SIMULATOR
MAIN/GAMES/SIMULATOR/TRAINING
MAIN/GAMES/SIMULATOR/BATTLE
Finally, we want to add one more menu under your training menu
for your trianing games that are more difficult. You would
add under the "Main/Games/Simulator/Training" menu, and you would
see:
MAIN/GAMES/ADVENTURE
MAIN/GAMES/SIMULATOR
MAIN/GAMES/SIMULATOR/TRAINING
MAIN/GAMES/SIMULATOR/TRAINING/HARDER
MAIN/GAMES/SIMULATOR/BATTLE
Now, you may have noticed that the "span" of the
"Main/Games/Simulator/Training/Harder" menu is five. You may not
add any more menus under this menu. If we would like to see the
above in different perspective, it would be as the following:
MAIN
|-- GAMES
|-- ADVENTURE
|-- SIMULATOR
|-- BATTLE
|-- TRAINING
|-- HARDER
Think of the menus as menus that can have entries and other menus
in them. In the configuration program, when you are working with
menus, you must think of them with their "full names". "Battle"
is a menu, however, it's full name is
14
"Main/Games/Simulator/Battle". You may have multiple menus with
the same name, but not the same full name. For example, you may
have a "Main/Games/Battle" directory as well.
Earlier, word was given mention of a "Current Menu". In the
configuration program this means the active menu. If you just
added the "Main/Games/Adventure" menu, it would be made current.
So if you Add, Edit, or Delete any entries, the configuration
program will search for entries in the "Main/Games/Adventure"
menu and display them. The current menu will always be displayed
whenever menus are significant. Whenever the current menu is
displayed, you will always see a "Menus" button which will allow
you to change the current menu. The screen will then be updated
with the new entries in the new current menu if applicable.
With this in mind, you can proceed to the Menu system in the
configuration program. While you are in the configuration
program, select the "Menus" button and a window will open
displaying the full names of all the menus you currently have in
C-Menu. It will also display the current menu. Select another
menu to make it current if you wish.
** Adding menus: Select the "Add" button in the Menus window. A
window will open asking for the name of the new menu to be added
under the current menu. Enter this name and press ENTER. Your
new menu will then be created and made current.
** Editing menus: Select the "Edit" button in the Menus window.
A window will open displaying the menu's name. You may change
this name and press ENTER when done.
** Deleting menus: Select the "Delete" button in the Menus
window. A window will open asing if you wish to delete the
current menu. Selete "Ok" if you want to proceed with the
deletion. All entries and menus under this menu will also be
destroyed. Note: If you have any entries in the current menu or
in a menu under the current menu that is password protected, you
may not proceed. This is a security measure so that someone may
not delete any of your password protected entries. In order to
continue with the deletion, you must remove all passwords of any
entry in the current menu or below it.
Whenever you are done in the "Menus" window, select "Exit" to
leave it.
---------------
Color Selection
---------------
While in the C-Menu configuration program, you may change the
current palette (colors) that C-Menu and all it's parts use.
Select the "Colors" button and a window will open displaying the
available palettes. There are six total. As you select
palettes, the screen will update with the new palette. If you
want to use a particular palette, select it, and select "Set as
15
Default Palette" to keep your changes. If you select "Cancel",
the original palette will be displayed and no changes will be
made.
--------------------
System Configuration
--------------------
The C-Menu configuration program provides several extra services.
Select the "System Config" button from the C-Menu configuration
program and a window will open allowing you to change the system
time, date, screen blankout time, and scrren blankout bounce
delay. You may change one or all at once before seleting "Done".
** Setting the system time: To set the system time, select the
"Time" field. Enter the new time and select "Done".
** Setting the system date: To set the system date, select the
"Date" field. Enter the new date and select "Done".
** Setting the screen blankout time: To change the time it takes
before your computer goes into screen blankout mode while in the
C-Menu main window, select the "Screen blankout time (min)"
field, this value can be between 1 and 60 minutes. The default
is four. You can change this time and select "Done" when
finished.
** Setting screen bounce delay: While in screen blankout mode, a
window will bounce around on the screen. The time between bounces
can be altered here. Select the "Screen blankout box bounce
delay (sec)" field. This value may be between 1 and 120 seconds.
The default is ten. You can change this time and select "Done"
when finished.
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****************
* Using C-Menu *
****************
The heart of C-Menu's functionality exists in the C-Menu main
window. This is the window you see right when you run C-Menu.
Sometimes, when you load C-Menu, you will see an opening window
first. Select the "Continue" button to proceed to the C-Menu
main window. Within this main window, you can do several things.
They are listed as follows:
-----------------------------------
Choosing and Launching Applications
-----------------------------------
In the main C-Menu window, there are lists displayed on the top
left and top right corners of the window. The top right list
displays the current menu open, it is labeled as "Current Menu".
This menu is represented graphically with open file folders. The
top left list gives you the available selections (being entries
or menus or both) in the current menu, it is labeled as
"Available Selections". Available menus under the current menu
are represented graphically with closed file folders while
regular entries are simply displayed. Notice also under the
"Current Menu" list is a box labeled "Launch Entry".
To open a new menu, simply select the menu you want to open in
the "Available Selections" list. That menu will open and you
will see another file folder open in the "Current Menu" list.
The "Available Selections" list will be updated with what is
available for selection in the new current menu. You may also
return back to other menus by selecting menus in the "Current
Menu" list. For example, if the current menu is Main/Games,
selecting "MAIN" will close the Games menu and bring you back to
the Main menu.
To launch (run) an application, simply select the application in
the "Available Selections" list. If you use your keyboard to
select the application, it will be launch immediately. Double
clicking on the entry will also launch it immediately. If you
single click the entry with the mouse, the "Launch Entry" box
will display the entry, and then you must select the "Launch"
button to run the application.
Note: C-Menu always changes to the executable file directory you
specified in the configuration program before it runs the
program. (Most programs need other files in their directory at
runtime, such as data files and configuration files.) This way
all the files your application requires will be there.
After you are done with you application, exit it normally and
C-Menu will reload.
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----------------------------------------
Running the C-Menu configuration program
----------------------------------------
In order to configure C-Menu, you must use the C-Menu
configuration program. To run it, you must be in the C-Menu main
window. Select "Configure" to use the configuration program.
Select "Exit" from the configuration program to return back to
the C-Menu main window.
---------------
Using DOS Shell
---------------
In the event that you need to use the DOS prompt, C-Menu provides
you with a DOS shell. Selecting the "DOS Shell" button from the
C-Menu main window will bring you to the DOS prompt. Once you
are done with the DOS prompt, type EXIT <enter> to return back to
C-Menu.
--------------
Exiting C-Menu
--------------
To exit C-Menu, select the "Exit" button in the main window.
This will completely take you out of C-Menu. To run C-Menu
again, change to the directory C-Menu is in and type MENU
<enter>. Never run C-Menu out of it's directory, it will not run
properly if you do so.
----------------------
Initiating Screen Save
----------------------
To force C-Menu to go into screen save mode while in the C-Menu
main window, press CONTROL-S. To return back to C-Menu, simply
move the mouse or press a key.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Running the C-Menu Personal Databank (REGISTERED USERS ONLY)
-------------------------------------------------------------
From the C-Menu main window you can run the C-Menu Personal
Databank. Select the "Databank" button to do this. Exit the
databank normally to return back to C-Menu.
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**************************************************************
* Using the C-Menu Personal Databank (REGISTERED USERS ONLY) *
**************************************************************
C-Menu v4.0 provides you with a quick, convenient, and easy way
to store all the personal information of the people you know.
You can do this with the C-Menu Personal Databank. With the
C-Menu Personal Databank, you can store any number of records.
The records include: Name, 2 Address lines, City, State, Zip
Code, Telephone number, and 200 characters of Comments where you
can store other information, such as birthdays, anniversaries,
and so on. You can sort all your records and search for records.
You can scroll through your records to find the one you want.
Here is what you need to know to use the C-Menu Personal
Databank:
--------------
Adding records
--------------
Note: If you have a record occupying your record form, you can
select the "Clear" button to blank out your form before you
start.
To add a record you fill out the record form displayed. Select
the fields you want to fill in and fill them in. The "State",
"Telephone", and "Zip Code" fields automatically format your
input after you are through entering it.
After you are done filling out the record. Select the "Save"
button to save your record.
---------------
Editing Records
---------------
In order to edit the current record on the screen, you may select
the field you want to alter and edit them. Once you are through
changing your record, select "ReSave" to write over the current
record. If you select "Save" instead, the Databack will save the
record on the screen as a new record and your old unchanged
record will still exist.
-----------------
Deleting Records
-----------------
To delete the current record on the screen, select the "Delete"
button. After deletion, the Databank will bring you back to the
beginning of your record file and display the first record if it
exists.
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-------------------------
Scrolling through records
-------------------------
The Databank allows you to scroll to the next or previous record
in your record file (if one exists) and then updates your screen
with the new record. Select the "Next" button to scroll forward
to the next record, or select the "Prev" button the scroll
backwards to the previous record.
---------------
Sorting Records
---------------
This is a powerful feature of the Databank since it allows you to
sort within a sort within a sort. Select the "Sort" button and a
window will open displaying your options for each particuar sort.
The first field is the main sort, the second is the sub-sort, and
the last is the sub-sub-sort.
When you select these fields a list will open giving you your
options for sorting by, such as Name, City, State, etc. Use
"None" if you do not want to use one or both of your sub-sorts.
For example, say you just want to sort your records by Name.
Then your "Sort (1)" field must display "Name", and your "Within
(2)" field must display "None", and "Within (3)" field must also
display "None". Now, say you want to sort by City, and within
each City you want the records sorted by Name. To do this, "Sort
(1)" would be "City", "Within (2)" would be "Name", and "Within
(3)" would be "None". Databank gives you the option to even sort
one sort deeper.
After you have decided the way you want to sort, select the
"Sort" button and your records will then be sorted.
---------------
Finding Records
---------------
If you want to locate a specific record, select the "Find"
button. A window will open asking by what field you want to
search by and the search string to use. You can perform a search
by using any of the record fields (with "Comments" as an
exception), by default, it's by "Name". To search by a different
field, select "Choose a field to search by" and change the search
field to any of the available fields. After you have the search
field you want and the search string entered, select "Find" and
Databank will update the screen with the best match it could find
to the search string.
20
****************
* About C-Menu *
****************
For some time I've searched for a system menuing program that was
both powerful and easy to use. A menuing system that was
functional, but not too complex. I wanted to find a menuing
program that looked good too. One that had plenty of graphics
and color. That is when I decided to write C-Menu.
C-Menu v4.0 is quite a change over C-Menu v3.0. C-Menu v4.0 is
much easier to use, it has password protect and sub-menu
capability. It has a completly new look and feel.
C-Menu v4.0 is the result of many long hours (some quite
frustrating) and many late nights. It is a result of a great
deal of effort. The final product is something I hope you will
enjoy.
C-Menu v4.0 was written using Microsoft C++ v7.0. All
database/record file handling and manipulation is taken care of
by the C-Vision Record System (CRS) Relational Datbase Library
v1.0 for C++ (also written by C-Vision Software). Finally, all
the high resolution graphical windowing and window management is
taken care by Application Framework v3.5 by Zinc Software Inc.
I hope you enjoy using C-Menu as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Mark J. Finocchio
C-Vision Software
21
**********************
* Credits and Thanks *
**********************
I would like to give thanks to the following people who where
involved in the creation of C-Menu v4.0:
Vision Marketing in El Paso, TX for testing C-Menu.
Interim Personnel in El Paso, TX for testing C-Menu.
Brian M. Freeman in El Paso, TX for testing and for providing me
with many suggestions for C-Menu.
Scott Graves in Puerto Rico for his suggestions.
Thomas Jeager in El Paso, TX for suggesting the shareware concept
to me and giving me a lot of help and advice. Thomas is the author
of ACZAR - The Ultimate Archive Shell Utility. ACZAR can be
downloaded from CZAR BBS - (915) 595-8705.
Nathan Finocchio, my father, in El Paso, TX, who if it was not
for his constant encouragement and support, C-Menu would not be a
reality today.
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