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1989-10-31
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MULTIBAK V2.3 Gilbert Shapiro REGISTRATION $20.00
UTILITIES BACKUP SHAPIRO FILE
New Release
Many microcomputer programs that modify files, such as word
processors, data base managers, and spreadsheets, provide
for a single generation of backup, usually renaming the old
version of "filename.ext" to "filename.bak" before writing a
new "filename.ext" to disk. When a new revision is again
saved, the backup file saved earlier is wiped out. This is
not always satisfactory. Who hasn't changed his mind later
and wanted to return the file to its state several
generations earlier? Sometimes, we discover a major error
several revisions later, and the loss of earlier versions
seriously sets back our work.
For these reasons, some mainframe operating systems (such as
VAX/VMS) provide the option of saving multiple generations
of backup. Not only the previous version of a file, but as
many generations as the user wishes (or as many as can fit
in his disk space) can be preserved. MULTIBAK is a set of
programs intended to provide the same facilities for IBM
compatible PC systems.
Any computer work that creates multiple changes in files can
be made less frustrating and safer from disaster by using
this collection of programs. When editing a document,
writing a program, or developing a spreadsheet, for example,
one might create a backup almost at the stroke of a key
whenever significant changes are made, accumulating versions
until a final product is completed and verified. Of course
this can also be done by means of DOS commands, without the
use of a special program. One would examine the directory
to see what file name hasn't yet been used, then use the DOS
RENAME or COPY command to create the backup required, and
then save the current version. Ultimately, we also have to
erase the backups, and we are not always in a position to
use wildcards safely. We don't usually do all of this,
because it is a lot of trouble and distracts us from our
work. MULTIBAK does it for us, conveniently, with little
distraction. Like a more comfortable seatbelt, it adds to
safety because it is more likely to be used.
The freely distributed version provides two versions of
MULTIBAK: one which copies the file and one which renames
it; a thorough documentation file; and PURGE, a program for
conveniently and safely erasing backup files. Registered
users receive, in addition, two memory resident versions and
two additional utilities: REVERT, which quickly and simply
returns to an earlier version of the file while preserving
the current version, and RENUMBER, a facility to change a
broken series of backup names to an unbroken sequence.
Hardware Requirements : IBM compatible computer.
Other Requirements : DOS 2.x or higher.