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Text File
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1993-10-08
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41KB
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793 lines
p0
N
Triple Shell
Copyr. 1990 - 1993 Gleason Pace
China Wing Software
12162 S. W. Scholls Ferry Rd. #191
Tigard, Or. 97223
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
I have spent a good deal of time making Triple Shell the best of its
kind; however, this software and documentation file are sold "As Is" and
without warranties as to performance or merchantability or any other
warranties whether expressed or implied. Because of the various hardware and
software environments into which this program may be put, no warranty of
fitness for a particular purpose is offered.
Good data processing procedure dictates that any program be thoroughly
tested with non-critical data before relying on it. The user must assume
the entire risk of using the program. Any liability of the seller will be
limited exclusively to product replacement or refund of purchase price.
The copyrighted or registered names mentioned herein are the property of their
respective owners.
The files you should find on this disk are:
TS.EXE--Triple shell.
TS.DOC--this file.
Requirements
DOS 3.0 or higher. Compatible with Hercules, monochrome, CGA, EGA,
VGA video systems. TS will run on any IBM compatible system including
networks. TS only requires 38K for itself. It will be useful on systems
with only one floppy drive, but its full usefulness will be more apparent on
systems with 640k ram and a hard drive.
Program Overview
Triple Shell is a very quick and handy DOS shell that does everything
you always wished a shell would do without getting in your way. Unlike CED,
or Doskey it is not necessary to arrow key back through multiple command lines
looking for the one you want. Previous commands are always on display and
accessible with just a few keystrokes. A previous command can be edited with
full keyboard cursor control. Unlike Still River Shell, and other large DOS
shells, any program (or batch file) will run in the TS environment with
complete command line support since TS consumes only 38K. And unlike many
other shells it is not necessary to thread though modes and menus to find the
function you need since all functions are available with a single keystroke.
USING TRIPLE SHELL
Triple Shell's display
When you load TS, it sorts and displays program files, data files
and subdirectories from the current default directory into three separate
alphabetized LISTS unless you load with the "/s" switch. If you load with the
"/s" (must be lower case) switch, TS displays the program file, data file and
directory lists you have previously saved with the "a" function. These lists,
then, become your initial command line set. Once loaded, the command
lines/directory listings can be edited to be anything you need. File name
display in the lists is limited to the first 10 characters (except in
expanded or full screen edit mode) after the drive and directory names.
Command lines can often be much longer than this, although DOS limits
individual file names to 12 characters including the period between name and
extension. When you are using single line edit mode, the entire command
including drive and directori(es) for the currently highlighted list entry is
displayed in the central command line edit area (up to the 64 characters DOS
allows). The information in the command line edit area changes as you
move the cursor/highlight bar. When you have selected the command line you
wish, press one of TS's function keys to act on it. More detailed operation
is described later in this file (See the section entitled "If you need more
help").
In the following discussion of function keys and TS features, it
will help clarify things for you if you refer to the sample TS display
at the end of this section.
Triple Shell Features
■ All TS features can be invoked with a single keypress.
It is not necessary to thread through menus.
■ File and Directory management tools including multiple and
single directory or file copy, move and delete. These
operations can be from anywhere and to anywhere including
across drives and to a directory that do not yet exist. You
can even copy, move or delete an entire drive.
■ If any part of the target path does not exist in a file
copy, or move, TS will ask if you want to create the new
directori(es) needed and, if so, create them. TS creates
new directories needed for drive/directory moves without
asking.
■ Multiple new directory levels are created all at once rather
than requiring a separate creation for each new directory.
■ Save and edit previous command lines.
■ When TS is loaded or directory or drive changed, it sorts
and lists the default directory data files, program files,
and subdirectories in separate alphabetized areas of the
screen. This function (Autolist) can be toggled on or off.
■ Each list can be reloaded from disk and redisplayed
separately.
■ Command lines can be run with a single key press (Enter).
Pressing Enter with the cursor on a directory list entry
changes the default directory. Pressing Enter with the cursor
on an executable program or batch file name in the program
or data file list will execute that program or batch file.
Pressing Enter on a data file name in the program or data file
list will load that file into any text editor named "edit"
or "list". If neither of those exist in the DOS path, TS
will display the file with the DOS internal command "type"
using the "more" pipe.
■ You can tie up to 10 programs to keys 0 through 9. These
are your Autokey Programs. Each Autokey Program can have
a selection of option lines which you can enter in any of
the three lists. You can declare Autokey Programs on TS's
own command line when you start it, or you can enter or
edit them after you load TS.
■ Saves up to 90 command lines (30 directory and 60 data
and program files) plus 10 Autokey Programs all available
on the screen at one time.
■ Your most useful lists can be saved and loaded next
time you use TS rather than allowing TS to display
default directory contents when it starts.
■ The error beep can be silenced.
■ Exits to DOS and returns.
■ Displays the available space on the default drive and
the total bytes of files that you have marked. This
can tell you whether there is room for files you wish
to copy or move or how much space will be freed by a
multiple delete.
■ Full screen edit mode allows full editing access to
up to 20 command lines at one time.
■ Improved interrupt 24 (drive not ready, etc.) handler
as opposed to the limited options DOS provides.
■ Date and time set and display. TS stops and asks for
date and time when loading on an 8088/6 machine.
■ 16 color selection for 7 areas of the display if
your system supports this. Default colors can
be restored.
■ Your favorite screen color scheme can be saved. TS will
load with it in the future.
■ Saves lists and color choices to itself. TS does
not litter your disks with .cfg files.
■ Can be run from high memory if you have DOS 5 and a
80386 machine.
OVERVIEW OF TS FUNCTION KEYS
Edit Mode Keys List
Arrow Moves the cursor left or right and, in
full screen mode, up and down.
Bksp Deletes the previous letter.
Del Deletes the letter under cursor.
End Moves the cursor to the end of the line.
Enter Runs program, changes default directory or
loads a data file into a text editor.
Esc Exits edit mode.
Home Moves the cursor to the beginning of the line.
Ins Toggles insert mode.
Pgup Erases to the end of the line.
Tab Moves the cursor to the next blank space.
Command Mode Keys List
Cursor/Highlight Bar Control
Arrow Moves the highlight bar among the selections
in the lists. Wrap around in all directions
is provided.
Home Moves the highlight bar to the upper left of the
current list.
End Moves the highlight bar to the lower left of the
current list.
Page up Moves the highlight bar to the upper right of the
current list.
Page down Moves the highlight bar to the lower right of the
current list.
Insert Moves the highlight bar to the center of the
current list.
Feature Control
F1 Context sensitive help.
F2 Enters Single Line Edit Mode.
F3 Moves cursor to directory list.
F4 Moves cursor to program file list.
F5 Moves cursor to data file list.
F6 Redisplays the current list.
F7 Creates new directori(es).
F8 Marks file or directory at cursor.
F9 Run DOS internal command.
f10 Enters default drive change procedure.
Del Deletes files or directories at the
cursor or marks.
Enter Runs program, changes default directory or
loads a data file into a text editor.
Esc Terminates TS and returns to DOS.
Num+ Moves the default directory up one level.
Num- Toggles error beep.
Scroll lock Toggles the Autolist feature on and off.
1,2,3, Starts the respective Autokey Program
4,5,6, passing the data file at the cursor as the
7,8,9,0 file for the Autokey Program to act on.
Pressing shift and the number allows you to
edit the Autokey Program entry.
a or A Archives the current lists to disk so
TS can be loaded with them in place
next time.
c or C Copies files or directories at the cursor
or marks.
d or D Allows direct Dos access. Type 'exit'
to return to TS.
g or G Marks all valid filenames or directories
in the current list.
m or M Moves the files or directories at the
cursor or marks.
t or T Allows setting of the computer clock.
u or U Removes all marks from the current list.
x or X Enters extended edit mode.
y or Y Allows setting of the computer calendar
Color Control
b or B Changes the border color.
e or E Changes the empty space color.
h or H Changes the highlight color. This
is the color of the cursor and
the status box above the center
edit line.
i or I Changes the instruction color. This
is the color of the information
in the upper left corner of the display
and the help screen text.
l or L Changes the list color. This is
the color of the three lists.
n or N Changes the color of TS help prompts
and the help screen border.
r or R Restores startup default colors. The
default colors are black and white.
If you are using a black and white monitor
with a color video card, you may want to
press this right away the first time you
run TS.
s or S Changes the color of selected drive
for the change default drive function (f10).
v or V Saves your color selections so TS can be
loaded with them next time.
TS FUNCTION KEYS IN DETAIL
Edit Mode Keys
The edit mode includes editing command lines, and date, time, or color
input fields. The arrow keys provide cursor movement with left and right
wrap around. Home and End move the cursor to the beginning or end of the
input space. Backspace and delete erase single characters and Page Up erases
from the current cursor position to the end of the input space. Insert
toggles whether entered text will appear over old text or push old text to
the side. Return exits single line edit mode (but not extended edit mode)
and executes the action as indicated; Escape exits edit mode with no action.
The Num- and Scroll Lock toggles and "f1" (help) are available and return you
to edit mode. The other "f" function keys exit single line edit mode, like the
Escape key, and perform their assigned function. In full screen edit mode, the
"f" keys perform their function without exiting edit mode (except "f8" - mark
list entry, which exits and performs).
Command Mode Keys
Feature Control
F2: Enters single line edit mode and allows editing of the command
line that is currently displayed across the center of the screen. The keys
mentioned in the "Edit Mode Keys List" function here. For further discussion
of the edit mode see the paragraph above.
F3, F4, F5: Theses keys move the cursor to the appropriate list area.
The cursor maintains its relative position within that list.
F6: Redisplays the current list from the cursor position to the
end of available space. TS keeps track of files or directories listed so
far and starts over when all have been displayed.
F7: Makes a new directory. This function operates in any of the
three lists. If you include drive and path, the directory is created as
specified. If you omit drive and path, the subdirectory is created in the
current default directory. You can create multiple directory levels all
at once. For instance: if C:\WP already exists on your disk, you can
create "C:\WP\DOCS\JOHN\PROJ#1" simply by pressing "f2" to enter edit mode,
typing the entire line and pressing "f7". In expanded edit mode you don't
need the "f2".
F8: Marks the file or directory at the cursor. Marked files or
directories can be copied, moved or deleted as a group. If the operation
specified is unsuccessful for any reason, the files or directories not copied,
moved or deleted remain marked after TS returns control to you. The mark is
removed for any files that have been successfully operated on. TS also
displays the total disk space of the files marked.
F9: Allows you to run an internal DOS command within TS. When
you press this key, if you are not already in single line edit mode, the
cursor moves to the central command line edit area or, in full screen edit
mode, remains at the currently selected command line. TS then waits for you
to enter a DOS internal command. Press Return to execute the command, or
Escape to abort the operation. Internal DOS command lines that you have
executed are not saved for reuse. The DOS internal command "DIR" can
be entered and executed like any external command using "f2" instead of
"f9".
F10: Initiates change of the default drive. A list of available
drives is displayed. The number of available drives can be controlled by
putting a LASTDRIVE command in your config.sys file. Left and right cursor
movement with wrap around is allowed within the list. The Home and End keys
are active as in edit mode. You can simply press the letter of the drive or
move the cursor to the desired drive code and press return. As you move the
cursor from letter to letter in the list of available drives, the default
directory contents for each drive will be displayed in the three list areas if
the Autolist feature is turned on (Scroll Lock off).
Delete: Deletes the files or directories at the cursor or marks.
If files or directories are marked in the list where you have placed the
flashing cursor/highlight bar, these are deleted. Otherwise, the file or
directory at the cursor is deleted. Complete drive and path with the file
or directory names are necessary for a successful deletion. Data files or
program files can be deleted in either the data file list or the program file
list. Directories must be deleted from within the directory list. If the
directory you have indicated for deletion is not empty, TS will ask if you
wish to go ahead before deleting. Any file or directory can be deleted from
anywhere but you cannot delete the default directory or a parent of the
default directory unless you are deleting the whole disk. To delete an
entire disk:
move the highlight bar into the directory list
press "f2"
enter "A:\" (or whatever drive letter you wish)
press Escape
press Delete
TS will stop and ask if you are sure you want to do this, but be careful with
"C:\". TS really will delete your entire hard disk if you tell it to.
Enter: Pressing Enter with the cursor/highlight bar on a directory
list entry changes the default directory. The named subdirectory must be in the
default directory or complete drive and parent directory must be provided.
TS provides this information in its normal listing processes. Pressing Enter
with the highlight bar on an executable program or batch file name in the
program or data file list will execute that program or batch file. The drive
and directori(es) may be omitted if the program or batch file resides in DOS
path or the default directory. The ".exe", ".com" or ".bat" extension also
may be omitted. Pressing Enter with the highlight bar on a data file name in
the program or data file list will load that file into any text editor named
"edit" or "list". The drive and directori(es) may be omitted if the data file
resides in the default directory. TS looks for "edit" first then for "list".
If neither of those exist in the DOS path, TS will display the file with the DOS
internal command "type" using the "more" pipe. If you do not have a text editor
named "edit" or "list" and you do not wish to rename one (be sure to preserve
the ".exe" or ".com" extension when renaming), you can make a batch file that
calls your text editor and name it "edit.bat" or "list.bat". You will need to
include the command line reference " %1" in your batch file after the program
name. The pipe "more.com" comes with DOS and causes "type" to display text one
page at a time. If you are using this option, "more.com" will need to reside
in the DOS path.
Num+ key: Moves the default directory up one level. For instance,
if the current default directory is e:\bin\asmfiles, pressing num+ will
cause the default directory to be set at e:\bin.
Num- key: Toggles the error beep signal that is given when TS detects
an error condition.
Scroll lock key: Toggles the Autolist feature. When this feature is
selected (scroll lock is off), new program, data and directory lists are
read and displayed from the default drive and directory when you move
the cursor among the drive selection list (after pressing "f10") or change the
default drive or directory. If the auto list feature is not selected, no
new information is read or displayed. This is useful if you want to change
a default while preserving your command line lists for further use.
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,0: Starts the respective Autokey program or batch
file passing the option line at the flashing cursor/highlight bar, which can
be in any of the three lists, to the program or batch file for action. The
passed option line will normally contain a data file and/or option switches
which, again, you can tailor to your needs in edit mode. Pressing shift and
the number allows you to edit the Autokey Program entry. In other words to
edit program 1, press shift and the number one (the equivalent of pressing
"!"). All edit mode features will apply. When loading TS, you can give up
to ten program or batch files on TS's own command line to pass to respective
Autokey positions 0 through 9. They will be listed as Autokey Programs in
the upper left corner of the TS display. Program or batch files for which
you do not include drive or directory will need to be in the DOS path to run.
You may omit the .exe, .com or .bat extensions. Including extensions, drive
and directories speeds loading the program or batch file slightly. All of
TS's own command line entries must be separated by commas. For example,
if you invoke TS as follows,
TS c:\bin\m.exe,c:\fw3\fw,sm.exe
pressing 1 will execute "m.exe", 2 will execute "fw.exe", "fw.com" or "fw.bat"
and 3 will execute "sm.exe" and pass the information at the highlight bar as a
option line if the program you are running will accept one.
a or A: Archives the current lists to disk so TS can be loaded with
them in place next time. If you want load TS with a previously archived set
of lists, put a "/s" in the command line (without quotes) when loading TS.
The "/s" (must be lower case) can be placed anywhere in the command line but
it must be separated from any other entries by commas. If your system is
configured to use some other switch character than the forward slash, go
ahead and use your character. TS will recognize it. Using the s switch
will cause TS to load with scroll lock turned on thus disabling the Autolist
feature described above. If you load TS from your autoexec.bat file complete
with Autokey Programs and the s switch on the command line, TS can function
as a fairly comprehensive DOS menuing program. Of course, you must
previously have archived your lists of menu selections (command lines) by
pressing a or A while running TS. You should do this with TS.EXE on disk in
the drive and directory from which you loaded it. TS archives the list
information by saving to itself, it does not litter your disks with .cfg
files. The above TS command line including the s switch would look like:
TS c:\bin\m.exe,c:\fw3\fw,c:\util\sm.exe,/s
c or C: Copies the files or directories at the cursor or marks.
If you are copying the file at the highlight bar, TS will enter edit
mode and wait for you to give it drive, directory, and filename information
for the new file. Exit edit mode with Escape or a "f" (not "f1") key to abort
the operation, or use the Enter key to complete it. Of course, copy operations
will need the complete drive, path name, file name and extension of the files
or directories (yes, directories can have extensions if you like) to be copied.
TS provides these in its normal listing functions. If you make no change in
the original file description while in edit mode, TS will exit the copy routine
without taking any action rather than copying files onto themselves. If you
are copying multiple marked files or single or multiple directories, TS will
enter the edit mode and wait for you to enter the destination drive and
directory which can be anywhere even to a location that does not yet exist.
If the destination you give does not exist, TS will stop and ask if you wish to
create the new directories for file copies or moves. For directory copies or
moves, TS automatically creates the needed directories without asking. You may
omit the final backslash if you wish. You cannot change individual file names
when copying multiple files. Exit the edit mode as above. If a file in the
process of being copied or moved exists in the destination drive and directory,
TS will ask if you wish to overwrite the file. If you do not, TS will stop
and let you enter a new name for the file to be transfered. Entire drives may
be copied by entering the drive indicator semicolon and backslash in the
directory list as described for deleting above. Then press the "c" (or "m"
for move).
d or D: Passes control to DOS. Type "exit" to return to TS.
g or G: Marks all the valid filenames in the current list. All
marks are lost if you use function "f1". All marks in a particular list are
lost if you use "f6" to redisplay it.
m or M: Moves the files or directories at the highlight bar or marks.
This function operates in the same way as the copy routine described above,
except that, if TS was successful in saving the file or directory at its new
destination, TS will delete it from its old location. If the file or
directory was not successfully saved at its new location TS will not delete
the old file or directory. When moving directories within disk, if TS
encounters a duplicate file name in the destination directory, TS will exit
the procedure with an "Access denied" error. Move can be used as a rename
function.
t or T: Allows you to reset the computer clock. Input the time
as HH MM SS. The blanks can be spaces, semicolons or any other key. Use
military time, and press return when you are finished. The default is no
change; invalid data will also give no change.
u or U: Removes all file marks in the current list.
x or X: Enters full screen (Expanded) edit mode. Twenty entire
command lines are displayed and complete freedom of cursor movement is
allowed between them. Only the "f" key functions (except "f2") are
available as in single line edit mode. You can get new directory listings
in this mode only by pressing "f6". Pressing "f3", "f4", or "f5" will display
a different list for you but the old list is preserved and will be redisplayed
if you press the appropriate "f" key to bring it back. The Enter key operates
as in other modes, executing a command, changing the directory or displaying
a data file depending on the current list and the command line contents.
When you return from executing a command line in this mode, you will find
the command shifted up one line. The cursor will be positioned on a blank
line ready for new input. Press Escape to exit full screen edit mode and
return to command mode. Relative cursor list position is maintained when
switching to and from expanded edit mode for the first 20 positions.
y or Y: Allows you to reset the computer calendar. Input the date
as MM DD YY. This function operates in the same way as the reset time
routine described above.
Color Control
These functions operate in the same basic pattern. When one of them
is invoked, a list of colors is displayed and you are asked to supply color
codes in either a text/background, TT BB, format or as two digits, CC,
depending on the function you have chosen. The space in the TT BB format can
be a space or any other key. Codes for the present settings are displayed
as defaults. The list of color choices in the upper right of the screen will
be in two columns. Codes for the left column are 0 through 7; codes for the
right column are 8 through 15. The colors in the left column are normal
intensity and can be used for the either text or background. The right
column has the high intensity (light) colors. If you choose a color from
the right column for a background color it will display as normal intensity
and blink. When you have the colors the way you want them, press "v" to save
them.
If you have a monochrome monitor and a color video card you might want
to restore black & white colors by pressing "r". Depending on your hardware,
you will have the option of a few shades of gray or amber to choose from for
the various parts of your display. After the colors are the way you want them,
press "v". TS will load with your selections in place next time.
Typical TS display
* DIRECTORY LIST AREA *
TRIPLE SHELL [C:\MASM\BIN] 05:50PM
▒▒▒ Autokey Programs ▒▒▒▒▒▒ASMFILES ▒▒ ▒▒ ▒▒▒
▒▒▒ 1. ds 6. cad.bat ▒▒▒▒▒▒ ▒▒ ▒▒ ▒▒▒
▒▒▒ 2. edit 7. sr ▒▒▒▒▒▒ ▒▒ ▒▒ ▒▒▒
▒▒▒ 3. ff 8. ▒▒▒▒▒▒ ▒▒ ▒▒ ▒▒▒
▒▒▒ 4. m.bat 9. ▒▒▒▒▒▒ ▒▒ ▒▒ ▒▒▒
▒▒▒ 5. a.bat 0. ▒▒▒▒▒▒ ▒▒ ▒▒ ▒▒▒
▒▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒▒ ▒▒ ▒▒ ▒▒▒
▒▒▒ * STATUS BOX * ▒▒▒▒▒▒ ▒▒ ▒▒ ▒▒▒
▒▒▒ Directory List ▒▒▒▒▒▒ ▒▒ ▒▒ ▒▒▒
▒▒▒ Free disk space: 10182656 b ▒▒▒▒▒▒ ▒▒ ▒▒ ▒▒▒
▒▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
C:\BIN\ASMFILES * COMMAND LINE EDIT AREA * ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
▒▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
▒▒▒CATCH.TXT ▒▒KEYS.LIS ▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒▒CALLTREE.E▒▒LIB.EXE ▒▒SCED.EXE ▒▒▒
▒▒▒M.TMP ▒▒MEMO ▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒▒CREF.EXE ▒▒LINK.EXE ▒▒EN.EXE ▒▒▒
▒▒▒TOOLS.INI ▒▒SC.BAK ▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒▒CV.EXE ▒▒M.EXE ▒▒ ▒▒▒
▒▒▒PACK.LIB ▒▒MACRO.ASM ▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒▒CVPACK.EXE▒▒MAKE.EXE ▒▒ ▒▒▒
▒▒▒PACK.LIS ▒▒CV.HLP ▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒▒ECH.EXE ▒▒MASM.EXE ▒▒ ▒▒▒
▒▒▒FACEIMPR.T▒▒FACE.BAK ▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒▒ERROUT.EXE▒▒MEGREP.EXE▒▒ ▒▒▒
▒▒▒BUF ▒▒MACRO.BAK ▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒▒EXEHDR.EXE▒▒RM.EXE ▒▒ ▒▒▒
▒▒▒EN.ASM ▒▒FACEIMPR.B▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒▒EXEMOD.EXE▒▒FACE.EXE ▒▒ ▒▒▒
▒▒▒FACE.OBJ ▒▒FACE.ASM ▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒▒EXEPACK.EX▒▒UNDEL.EXE ▒▒ ▒▒▒
▒▒▒SCED.ASM ▒▒FACE2.BAK ▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒▒EXP.EXE ▒▒VIDTST.EXE▒▒ ▒▒▒
Monday, September 21, 92 Press f1 for help.
* DATA FILE LIST AREA * * PROGRAM FILE LIST AREA *
Information between asterisks and arrows are labels for this
illustration and do not appear in the actual display. Also the "ASMFILES" entry
in the directory list would be highlighted.
TS will treat all entries in the directory list as directories except
when running Autokey Programs. And it will treat all entries in the data
file and program lists and if they are not directories unless you are using
function "f7". TS supports redirection and piping using standard DOS symbols.
IF YOU NEED MORE HELP
You generate a command line (or simply a command) any time you enter
something for DOS to execute at the DOS prompt. For example:
"xcopy c:\these d:\those /s".
This is a command you could enter to move files from one directory to another.
I give it as an example because it will be familiar to most people, but TS
can do this operation for you more easily and with more flexibility.
Anyway, the ability to preserve command lines is an important feature of TS.
This will be of most use if you are repeatedly running and then exiting a
group of programs. For instance, if you are doing computer programming, you
could be running a text editor, an assembler/compiler and a linker repeatedly
as you work through getting your program to do what you want. If you were
doing this in DOS, you would find it necessary to repeatedly retype the
often long command lines. In TS, you need only move the flashing
cursor/highlight bar to where TS is displaying your next command line and
press return. You will also find this considerably faster and more flexible
than multitasking with DOS 5's shell.
TS really does three things at the same time:
■ It sorts and lists directory contents,
■ it is a menuing program,
■ and it is a command line editor/saver.
If preserving previously used command lines is important to
you, you can prevent TS from overwriting them with new directory listings
every time you change drive or directory by setting scroll lock on. Your
lists will be preserved even if you make the change while running other
software. You can get new directory listings and have them out of the way by
pressing "f6" whenever you are ready for them. When displaying directory
contents with "f6", set the cursor below or to the right of the command lines
you need to save. The new information will be displayed below and to the
right of the highlighted cursor position.
TS allows you to assign up to ten executable programs or batch files
to the digits 0 through 9. These are your Autokey Programs. Your current
Autokey assignments are displayed in the upper left of TS's screen. You can
edit these entries by pressing shift plus the number assigned. When you
execute a Autokey Program by pressing the assigned key, whatever information
(the option line) is at the cursor/highlight bar is passed to it as data file
to act on, option control, etc. This will be significant only if the Autokey
Program in question accepts such parameters.
In command mode, you always have up to 10 Autokey Programs available
at the press of keys "0" through "9"; but you can extend TS's menuing
capability by saving the set of command lines you wish to have always
available by pressing "a". Then, if you load TS next time using the "/s"
switch, those command lines will be there for you again just as you had them.
If having complete directory listings uncluttered with old command lines is
important to you, you can preserve up to 10 command lines by putting them in
the 10 Autokey areas and by keeping your scroll lock light turned off to
preserve the lists through directory/drive changes. Or you can be adventurous
and use TS the way I do: put the programs and batch files you want to have
available from everywhere and that you use most often in the Autokey list, run
commands you don't use often from a handy blank space in the directory listings
and keep the scroll lock light turned off. TS also offers a fourth option
called expanded edit mode. This option preserves up to 20 command lines that
are never overwritten and allows full screen editing of them all at once.
Directories are listed in this mode only when you press "f6".
TS has two operational modes, command mode and edit mode (which can
be either an expanded full screen edit or a single line edit). In command
mode, all of TS's functions are available such as file copy, move, and delete
and setting the screen color. You can move the cursor within and among the
three lists with the arrow keys, the destination keys and "f3", "f4", and "f5".
The currently selected list is indicated in the top line of the status box.
The bottom line of the status box tells you how much free disk space you have
on the default drive. The currently selected command line is indicated by
the flashing cursor and highlight bar. You may enter edit and change this
command line by pressing "f2" for single line or "x" for full screen edit mode.
In edit mode, only the "f" key functions are available. In single line edit
mode, the cursor moves to the central command line edit area, but the selected
command will remain highlighted. The words "Edit Command Line" or "Full Screen
Command Line Editor" will appear in the bottom line of the status box along with
word(s) that tell you whether added text will be "type(d) over" or "insert(ed)"
between existing letters. TS will not allow you to move to other command
lines with the cursor keys while you are in single line edit mode. In full
screen edit mode, you may move the cursor directly to any of 20 fully
displayed command lines just as if you were in a text editor, and edit and/or
execute them. You can exit single line edit mode by pressing one of the "f"
keys (except "f1" - help - will return you to edit mode) or by pressing Escape.
You can exit full screen edit mode by pressing Escape or "f8" (mark list entry).
The Enter key is your universal execute command line function. It tells TS that
you are through editing and to run the selected program or continue with the
copy or move. It is always available. When you return from program execution,
you will be in command mode unless you started from full screen edit mode.
Changes in version 2.2
This version was tested and will run on 8088/86, 80286, 80386 cloned
and standard IBM computers. Screen display problems with the original IBM
PC's were corrected.
The user interface was redesigned to be more pleasing to the eye
and make the most common flow of action be upper left to upper right to lower
right to lower left.
Changes in version 3.0
Auto key programs were expanded from loading three on the command
line to six.
Screen color control added.
Scroll lock control of Autolist feature added.
Archival feature added.
Error beep and toggle added.
Interrupt 24 handler added.
Display of default drive space available and total bytes marked added.
Version 3.0 is the first released for shareware distribution.
Changes in version 3.1
Freedom and control of cursor movement among the lists are improved.
Help screen enlarged.
Interrupt 24 handler improved.
When changing the default drive, Home, and End keys and the Autolist
feature are active, and this version allows you to simply press the
letter of the drive you want to select.
Changes in version 3.2
Context sensitive help added.
Functions G and U added.
Changes in version 3.3
Lists are now alphabetized. When you change the default drive or
directory, the lists are redisplayed completely rather than from the
current cursor location.
The color selection lists display the color names in the color they
represent. Also the current color code is given as a default for all
of the color change functions.
Changes in version 4.0
The interface is redesigned. The outer box is removed and TS starts
up in color if you have a color monitor.
Interrupt 24 handler again improved.
Space for Autokey Programs is increased from six to ten.
Provision is made for executing DOS internal commands.
Changes in version 4.1
Expanded Edit Mode added.
Triple Shell now runs batch files without adding the .bat
extension.
Changes in version 5.0
Directory management tools added.
Num lock recognition added.
Tab character implemented in edit mode.
Automatically loads data files to "edit" or "list"
or displays them with the DOS internal command "type".
Recognizes and includes hidden files and directories in
lists.
Changes in version 5.1
This is a maintenance update.
Handling of function keys in edit mode has been simplified
and standardized.
Handling of omitted drive and directory for the directory copy
and move function is improved.
Handling of duplicate file names for the copy and move function
has been improved.
And many bug fixes/code streamlinings too numerous to mention.
Triple Shell is distributed as shareware and, as such, is provided for
evaluation purposes only. If you find TS useful and wish to continue
using it, you need to register it. This also gets you updates and
technical support. You can register by sending check or money order
for $35 to the address below. Also for product information, technical
support, or quotes on volume discounts, dealer pricing, site licenses, etc.,
write to me at the address below.
TERMS OF DISTRIBUTION OF TRIPLE SHELL FOR SOFTWARE LIBRARIES:
1. The fee charged may not exceed $10, including postage,
mailer and any other charges.
2. Your library's catalog or listing must state that this
program is not free, but is copyrighted software that is
provided to allow the user to evaluate it before paying.
3. The offering and sale of Triple Shell will be stopped at any
time the author so requests.
5. Problems or complaints will be reported to the author for
resolution.
Please send registrations, comments, complaints, and suggestions
to the author:
Gleason Pace
12162 S. W. Scholls Ferry Rd. #191
Tigard, Or. 97223
Or you may contact me at my BBS, Noah's Kitchen, 503-244-7967,
Fido 1:105/37. On Genie, my address is G.Pace4.