Night Owl 6/Night Owl's Shareware - PDSI-006 - Night Owl Corp (1990).iso/015a/zip144.zip/ZIP.DOC

Text File | 1990-08-29 | 26KB | 522 lines

                                   ZIP.DOC
                                   -------
                           Instructions for ZIP.COM
                   IBM PC Fast Serial File Transfer Utility
                           Version 1.44 (08/29/90)

                             (c)1988-90 E. Meyer


        Requires:  two IBM PC compatible computers with DOS 2.x or above;
                   appropriate serial (null modem) cable.



     ZIP is a tiny, fast utility to transfer files between two IBM compatible
computers over an ordinary serial cable connection.  This is especially useful
when large amounts of data are involved, and essential when the computers
don't share a common disk size or format.
     ZIP is ideal for laptop computers: it requires only 7k of disk storage,
and consumes no memory when not in use, yet it can transfer files or groups of
files with a single command.


===============================  USAGE POLICY  ===============================


     The ZIP utility and its documentation are copyright (c)1988-90 Eric
Meyer, all rights reserved worldwide.  They may not be circulated in any
incomplete or modified form, nor sold for profit, without written permission
of the author.  The use or sale of ZIP is subject to the following terms:

INDIVIDUAL USE:       ZIP may be freely used and shared with others; there is
----------         no required registration fee.  (If you like ZIP and find it
                   useful, please do consider sending a contribution!)

INSTITUTIONAL USE:    Any corporation or institution wishing to use ZIP in the
-------------      course of its business must purchase a SITE LICENSE.  A
                   standard license, allowing the use of ZIP on up to 20
                   different computers, can be ordered for US $50.00; write
                   for terms concerning larger quantities.  A disk containing
                   the latest release of ZIP will be included at no additional
                   charge (specify 5.25" 360k or 3.5" 720k disk).

COMMERCIAL SALE:      Any software dealer or library may offer ZIP for sale,
           ----    as long as the price charged for the disk containing ZIP
                   does not exceed US $5.00.  With this single exception, the
                   sale of ZIP for profit, either alone or together with other
                   software or hardware, requires a licensing agreement.
                   Please write for terms.

CUSTOMIZATION:        It is often possible to develop modified versions of ZIP
                   for special applications.  Contact the author for details.


           Eric Meyer
           3541 Smuggler Way                CompuServe [74415,1305]
           Boulder, CO  80303  USA


     DISCLAIMER: You undertake to use ZIP at your own risk.  The author
assumes no liability for damages of any kind resulting from your use of ZIP.


===============================  INTRODUCTION  ===============================


     Anyone with two computers probably needs to transfer programs or data
between them... If you have compatible disk drives, you can just swap disks,
though this gets tedious if done frequently or with large amounts of data.
And if you have incompatible drives, like old-style 5.25" versus the 3.5"
drives on laptop computers, you're out of luck!

     Rather than shuffling stacks of disks, or buying expensive additional
hardware, a simple (null modem) cable connected between serial ports can be
used to transfer data instead -- at rates approaching 14K per second!  There
are good commercial programs for this purpose, though they typically cost over
$100; if you're willing to find or make your own cable, you can do the same
job with ZIP instead.  ZIP doesn't have all the features of the fancy
programs, but then it doesn't consume precious system memory either; it just
transfers files when you need to, as simply as using the COPY command.

     ZIP is as fast as a serial transfer program can be, and faster than some
free/shareware programs that claim to operate "at 115200 bps" (twice as fast
as PCMag's ZCOPY, for example, which uses a slower I/O technique).  ZIP can
transfer data up to 6 times faster than a telecom program over a serial
cable... 48 times faster than typical modem transfers.
            Telecom programs: modem       2400 bps            0.3 K/sec
                            : cable      19200 bps            2.3 K/sec
            ZIP: cable                  115200 bps     up to 14.1 K/sec!
If you don't own the latest '386, ZIP will come about as close to this amazing
throughput as your computer speed allows.  (Between an 8MHz XT clone and
4.77MHz laptop, it reaches about 10K/sec.)  Of course, disk access also takes
time; with any system, large amounts of data can be sent more quickly using
hard or RAM disks, rather than (slow) floppy disk drives.


-------------------------------- I. USING ZIP --------------------------------


     Transferring files with ZIP requires a copy of ZIP.COM on both computers,
and the correct cable connection between them.  For more on null modem cables,
see the Technical Information section below.  If incompatible disk formats
prevent you from getting ZIP.COM itself onto the second computer to begin
with, you can "clone" a copy of ZIP with the ZIPDUP utility (see below).

     Transferring a file between computers with ZIP is as easy as copying it
from one disk to another.  To transfer files, once the cable is properly
connected to the serial ports of the two computers, from the DOS prompt:

           1.  MENU-DRIVEN OPERATION.  Simply type "ZIP" on both
      machines; the program will step you through all the necessary
      choices, including transferring or receiving files.
           You will also have the option to view file directories
      and/or delete files.

           2.  Command line operation, for experienced users.  (See
      full explanations and usage examples, below.)
              C>zip FILENAME      to send a file
              C>zip /R            to receive
              C>zip FILENAME /F   to fetch a file from serer
              C>zip /S            to enter server mode

     As each file is transferred you should see a line of "=" signs
representing the remaining file length (if over 64k), with a blinking asterisk
("*") at the end.
     During communications, ZIP can be aborted by pressing ^C (or Ctrl-Break):
              (1) on either end, during initial handshaking
                    (otherwise ZIP waits as long as necessary for connection)
              (2) on sending end, during file transfer
                    (will abort once current file is finished)
              (3) at confirmation or string input prompts.


                                SENDING FILES

     In menu mode, simply select "S"end, and you will be prompted for the
filename(s).  For command-line use, specify the name(s) of the file(s) to send:

              C>zip FILENAME

The "FILENAME" can be a single file (including directory), or a GROUP
specified by wildcards (eg, *.BAK), or a LIST of these delimited by commas
(FILE1,FILE2).  Each item assumes or continues the same drive/directory as the
previous one (unless the new one begins with a drive or root directory).  Thus

              C:\WRK>zip B:\SF\GORT,LTRS\*.892,KLAATU

will send files B:\SF\GORT, B:\SF\LTRS\*.892, and B:\SF\LTRS\KLAATU.
     Any desired options may follow the filename(s).  Files will appear with
the same filename, in the receiving directory.  Take care not to send two
files with the same name, as one would overwrite the other.


                               RECEIVING FILES

     In menu mode, simply select "R"eceive, and you will be prompted for the
directory to receive into.  For command-line use, specify the option "/R" for
RECEIVE:
              C>zip /R

Each file will appear with its original filename.  Files are received into the
current directory, unless you specify another.  In command line mode, this can
be done in square brackets after the /R option:

              C>zip /r[DIRECTORY]

(Note: ZIP also still accepts the syntax of earlier versions, where the
directory was specified from the command line by typing:
              C>zip DIRECTORY /r
but this tends to seem confusing, and may not continue to be supported.)


                          SELECTING THE SERIAL PORT

     IBM-compatible computers have anywhere from one to four serial (RS232)
ports.  By default ZIP uses the COM1 port.  The standard port addresses are:
              COM1: 03F8h         COM3:03E8h
              COM2: 02F8h         COM4:02E8h
Some computers (including PS/2s!) use different port addresses for COM3 and
COM4; to use a nonstandard port address, you must modify ZIP.COM with ZIPCFG.
     You can select any standard COM port during operation of ZIP:  in menu
mode, just select the choice to modify "P"arameters.  In command line mode,
specify one of the following options:

            /1-4  = Use port COM1-4.

     You will see a note in the ZIP signon message, "Port=____", giving the
port address in use.


                         SELECTING FILES FROM A GROUP

     If you want to transfer only certain files in a group (such as *.BAK)
with ZIP, you can request that you be prompted to confirm each file
individually: you will be asked to hit a key (Y/N) to determine whether the
file is to be sent.  (In menu mode, you can select "O"ptions for a help
message describing the selective copy operations.)  After the names of files
to be transferred, in menu or command line mode, specify this option:

              /P  = PROMPT to confirm files individually

     This option (which can be combined with others) can be specified on
either end -- but the option on the SENDING (or active) end governs each
transfer.  You will see a note in the ZIP signon message, "Option /P", if this
option is in effect.


                              OVERWRITING FILES

     It is possible that a file already exists on the receiving end with the
same name as the one being sent.  By default, ZIP doesn't care: it will
transfer all files specified, whether or not they overwrite existing ones.
Several options are provided to modify this behavior.  (In menu mode, you can
select "O"ptions for a help message describing the selective copy operations.)
After the names of files to be transferred, in menu or command line mode,
specify one (or two) of these options:

              /N  = copy NONexisting files only
                       (cannot be used with /E or /T)
              /E  = copy EXISTING files only
              /T  = TIMESTAMP determines files sent

     The /N option will prevent all files from being overwritten.  The /T
option will allow overwrites only when the new copy has a more recent time
stamp.  The /ET combination is especially useful for backup purposes: it
transfers only more recent copies of files that already exist.
     These options can be specified independently on either computer -- but
the options on the SENDING (or active) end govern each transfer.  You will see
a note in the ZIP signon message, "Option /_", if an option is in effect.


                                 SERVER MODE

     It would obviously be easier to transfer files if you could do all the
typing from one keyboard -- and "server mode" lets you do just that.  In
server mode, ZIP stays "on line" on one end, ready to send or receive files,
or answer directory requests, from the other end automatically.  To enter
server mode: in menu mode, just select the choice for ser"V"er.  In command
line mode, specify the option /S for SERVER:

              C>zip /S

     ZIP will then remain ready to exchange files until such time as you press
^C or Ctrl-Break to exit server mode.

     From the other ("active") keyboard, you can then transfer files TO the
server; these will be received into the default directory, either the current
one or another that you specify in square brackets:

              C>zip /s[NEWDIR]  = Server mode, default directory NEWDIR.

     In any event, when you send files to the server, you will be prompted for
a destination directory (if desired) to override the default on the server end.
In command-line mode, you can specify this on the command line in brackets:

              C>zip sendfile /[DESTDIR]

(Specify "/[]" if you simply want to avoid the prompt and use the default, for
example, when running ZIP from a batch file.)

     You can also fetch files FROM the server.  In menu mode, just select the
choice to "F"etch files.  In command line mode, specify the option:

              /F  = Fetch specified files from server.

     You must specify the directory with the filenames, if they are not in the
default directory on the server end.  You will be prompted for a directory to
receive the files into, unless you specify one in square brackets after the /F
option:
              C>zip filename /f[DESTDIR]  = Fetch into directory DESTDIR.

(Again, specify "/f[]" to avoid the prompt and use the current directory.)
     A fetch request will not be completed until server mode is detected on
the other end.


                    VIEWING DIRECTORIES and DELETING FILES

     When ZIP is in menu-driven mode, you will see choices for "D"irectory and
d"E"lete, offering simple file maintenance from within ZIP.COM itself.
     The directory function provides an alphabetized file listing for your
reference, and the free space left on the disk.  You will be prompted for the
files to list.  If you just hit RETURN, ZIP lists all files (*.*) in the
default directory.
     The delete function prompts for a filename to delete (as always, a
directory may be included).  Note that wildcards ("*,?") are NOT allowed.

     If the other computer has ZIP running in SERVER MODE, you can also
request a directory from it, or delete files on it.  Simply type a ">" before
the filespec for the server.  This can be done alone, or together with a
request on the active end:

              Directory: \WORK\*.BAK                active alone
              Directory: >B:\BACKUP                 server alone
              Directory: \WORK\*.BAK >B:\BACKUP     combined
and similarly,
              Delete: \WORK\THIS.FIL >B:\BACKUP\THAT.FIL

     A server directory or delete request will not be completed until server
mode is detected on the other end.


                            BACKING UP A HARD DISK

     At times you may need to transfer the entire contents of a sizable disk,
including several levels of directories.  ZIP is not specifically designed to do
this: it does not create directories while copying, nor does it look for files
within subdirectories.  However, it is easy enough to put the receiver in
Server mode, then run a BAT file containing a separate command for each
desired directory (once corresponding directories exist on both ends):
              zip \work\*.* /t[\work]
              zip \work\ed\*.* /t[\work\ed]  ...


                      USAGE EXAMPLES (Command line mode)

SENDING FILES:

C>zip b:myfile,*.doc              sends files B:MYFILE, B:*.DOC

C>zip my.* /2 /p                  sends files C:MY.* over COM2, with
                                prompts to confirm each file individually

C>zip *.* /n                      sends all files which don't already exist
                                on receiving directory

C>zip a:chapter.* /et             sends all files A:CHAPTER.* of which an
                                older version exists on the receiving end
RECEIVING FILES:

C:\WORK>zip /r                    receives files into directory C:\WORK

C:\WORK>zip /2 /r[\temp]          receives over COM2 into directory C:\TEMP

ENTERING SERVER MODE:

C>zip /s                          waits as server to send or receive files

C>zip /s[d:\]                     waits as server, with default directory D:\

EXCHANGING FILES WITH SERVER:

C>zip *.bak /[]                   sends files *.BAK to server's default dir

C>zip *.bak /[b:\recs]            sends files *.BAK to directory B:\RECS

C>zip b:\recs\my.* /f             fetches files MY.* from directory B:\RECS

C>zip b:\recs\my.* /f[\orig]      fetches files MY.* from directory B:\RECS
                                on server into directory C:\ORIG


---------------------- II. UTILITIES: ZIPDUP AND ZIPCFG ----------------------


     ZIP comes with two utility programs: ZIPDUP and ZIPCFG.  If you need to
duplicate ZIP on your other computer in order to begin using it, you can do so
with the ZIPDUP utility.  If you want to configure the default values in ZIP
differently, you can use ZIPCFG.

                                 USING ZIPDUP

     In order to duplicate or "clone" ZIP itself on another computer, ZIPDUP
runs DEBUG, remotely, to receive and write the file to disk.  This is a
feature most people need only once, so it is not part of ZIP itself.  ZIPDUP
will duplicate any version of ZIP (indeed, any file, though it's slow and
cumbersome compared to ZIP itself).

     1.  Connect the cable to the desired serial ports (COM1 or COM2 only).
The cable must have the DTR wires connected, as well as the data lines -- see
cabling diagram under "Technical Information" below -- or ZIPDUP will not work.

     2.  Set up the receiving end:  Make sure the MSDOS utilities DEBUG and
MODE are available (either in the current directory or accessible via PATH).
     Be certain that the last character of your DOS prompt is ">".  (Yes, this
actually matters!)  If in doubt, type the command:
              PROMPT $P$G
     Then prepare to receive data by typing these two commands:
              MODE COM#:96,N,8,1     ("#" = 1 or 2 only)
              CTTY COM#
(The CTTY command gives control to the sending computer, via the COM# port.
The receiving system will seem to "lock up" -- the keyboard is ignored, etc.)

     3.  Now, on the sending end, to duplicate your copy of ZIP.COM, type:
              C>zipdup FILENAME
(If you omit the filename it defaults to "ZIP.COM".)
     You will be asked to specify the COM port (1 or 2 only) that the cable is
connected to; if the connection can be made, the transfer will proceed.  When
ZIPDUP exits, you will find a duplicate copy of FILENAME in the current
directory on the receiving computer.  You can transfer ZIPCFG the same way,
but it's easier to send it using ZIP itself!

                                 USING ZIPCFG

     If you don't instruct it otherwise (via command-line options or menu
choices), ZIP assumes its built-in "defaults" of port COM1, 115200 bps, no
delay.  You can, however, configure your copy of ZIP.COM to change these
defaults as you like, using ZIPCFG.COM: just type
              C>zipcfg FILENAME
(If you omit the filename it defaults to "ZIP.COM".)  You will be given the
chance to specify any new default values you like.  They can, of course, be
overridden by the usual means when running ZIP.

     Please DO NOT distribute modified copies of ZIP.COM; this could confuse
other users.  They are for your personal use only.  (ZIPCFG includes an option
to restore the original default values.)


--------------- III. TECHNICAL INFORMATION and TROUBLESHOOTING ---------------


     Like many communications programs, ZIP does full CRC (Cyclic Redundancy
checksum) verification on the data to guarantee accurate transfer, although
ZIP uses its own transfer protocol.  Be sure to use the SAME version of ZIP on
both ends: the transfer protocol may have changed.  Do not disturb the cable
when ZIP is running, as this may cause the program to stall, requiring a
reboot of your computer(s).

     Using any communications software in a multitasking environment often
requires special precautions.  ZIP, in particular, may need to be given a
"non-swappable" or "foreground-operation" status, so that other tasks will not
interfere with its operation.  You should allocate at least 96k of memory to
run ZIP, though it will operate with as little as 48k.  You may also need to
set a somewhat slower baud rate (see below) for ZIP to work reliably.
     Do not use ZIP while any serial ports are in use by other software.  In
particular, potential conflicts exist between COM1 and COM3, and between COM2
and COM4, because they use the same interrupt vectors.

                                   Cabling

     Your SERIAL CABLE should be a "null modem" cable: if you're building or
shopping for a cable, the transmit and receive data lines should be crossed,
the signal ground straight through.  (The pin numbers depend on whether you
have a 9-pin DB9 or 25-pin DB25 connector, see figure.)  No other connections
should be needed; ZIP uses no hardware handshaking lines.  (NOTE: ZIPDUP does
require the connections between pins 20/4 and 6.)

        |--COMPUTER 1--|         |--COMPUTER 2--|
         DB9       DB25           DB25       DB9
          2 - - - - 3 - - - - - - - 2 - - - - 3   \ transmit &
          3 - - - - 2 - - - - - - - 3 - - - - 2   / receive data
          5 - - - - 7 - - - - - - - 7 - - - - 5   - signal ground

          4 - - - - 20  - - - - - - 6 - - - - 6 * \
          6 - - - - 6 - - - - - - - 20  - - - 4 *  \handshaking (optional)
          7 - - - - 4 - - - - - - - 5 - - - - 8    /(* required for ZIPDUP)
          8 - - - - 5 - - - - - - - 4 - - - - 7   /

Actually, any serial cable that doesn't work by itself, should work with a
"null modem adapter" attached.  If possible, use a properly shielded cable;
high speed transmissions can be especially susceptible to RF interference.
I am not an expert on RS232 hardware: find a good book if you need further
assistance.

                      Adjusting the Baud Rate and Delay

     BAUD RATE: ZIP normally transmits data at 115200 bps.  For some
specialized applications, such as multitasking environments, it may be
necessary to set a somewhat slower baud rate.  There is no run-time option for
this; it can only be set with ZIPCFG.

     DELAY: Most users also will not need to worry about the "delay factor".
(In fact, it will be removed from future versions unless users notify me that
they still need it.)  In theory, due to large differences in raw CPU speed,
when sending files from a very fast '286 or '386 AT to a very slow PC, the
receiver might be unable to keep up, and the transfer would be aborted.
Therefore a delay factor is provided, ranging from 0 (the default) to 9, to
slow down the sending rate.  You can experiment with delay settings in menu
mode (select the choice to modify "P"arameters), or make modifications with
ZIPCFG to the copy of ZIP on the "fast" computer.
     This option can be specified on either computer -- but the setting on the
SENDING end governs each transfer.  You will see a note in the ZIP signon
message, "Delay=_", giving the current default.


                                ERROR MESSAGES

    <Argument error>  invalid command line argument(s).
     <Out of memory>  less than 64K free RAM available.
     <No connection>  no files transferred.  (Bad cable? Wrong version?)
         <No server>  function requires server mode on other computer.
    <Too many files>  global filespec (eg *.*) includes over 512 files.
<Conflict with NAME>  name conflicts with a directory or read/only file.
     <Cannot delete>  specified file didn't exist, was read/only, etc.
        <Disk error>  trouble writing to disk.  (Disk full?)
           <Aborted>  you pressed ^C.
             <Error>  error on other end; or, unrecoverable error.


                              PROBLEMS USING ZIP

     ZIP now works well on the vast majority of systems; please let me know if
you encounter trouble.  Under certain software environments, particularly
memory resident programs (TSRs) such as disk caches or multitasking, ZIP may
fail to work; if you experience problems, do not use ZIP with that software.


                               VERSION HISTORY

ZIP 1.0  (4/88) - trial release.
    1.1  (4/88) - improved protocol; batch transfers; receive directory
                 option; original file time/date preserved.
    1.2  (5/88) - improved error handling; patchable default port also
                 allows use of COM3,4; small bug fixes.
    1.21 (5/88) - slower speed options; fixed bug in initializing ports.
    1.22 (8/88) - improved protocol; fixed bug in deleting temp file.
    1.23 (1/89) - menu-driven operation; detects disk-full errors.
    1.3  (4/89) - selective copy options /P,N,E,T; server mode, fetch;
                 file directory; internal improvements.
    1.4  (9/89) - true error correction; delete file function; directory
                 shows free space; ZIPCFG utility; small improvements.
    1.41 (11/89) - DesqView aware; multiple file arguments.
    1.42 (2/90) - minor improvements; ZIPDUP utility.
    1.43 (3/90) - simplified multiple argument syntax.
    1.44 (8/90) - protocol modified for network environments.

(One final note -- this should be obvious but I'll say it anyway: ZIP is not
related to the new PKZIP series of file compression utilities by Phil Katz.)

====================================[end]=====================================