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1991-12-28
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NEWS-1 USER GUIDE
"""""""""""""""""
Requirements for creating a custom onscreen newsletter with high-intensity
colors and "smoothy" jumbo, professional headline fonts: IBM compatible
computer with EGA or VGA monitor, this package of files and programs, a text
editor or word processor, and the programs AUTOFONT and AUTOCOM, both of which
are available on BBSs and CompuServe (see page 4).
Also recommended: The programs AUTODOC and ADVUE (available on BBSs and Compu-
Serve).
GETTING STARTED
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. If you have not already done so, view the demonstration by running DEMO.BAT.
Simply type DEMO and press "Enter." The sample newsletter may be viewed out-
side the demonstration by typing NEWS1 plus "Enter" and then WHIZ plus "Enter."
2. Select a newsletter title to use for your first newsletter. To refresh your
memory at any time run TITLES.BAT. All four titles, or mastheads, will appear
simultanteously on your monitor screen.
3. In this package you received four sets of paired files for creating
newsletters. These are called DEB/DET sets, and there is one set for each
newsletter title. For example, the "Weekly Times" files are named TIMES.DEB
and TIMES.DET.
4. Decide on a file name for your newsletter, and copy your selected DEB/DET
set to make a new set with a new name. For example, to use the "Weekly Times"
title with the filename MYNEWS, type the following command at the DOS prompt:
COPY TIMES.DE? MYNEWS.DE? and press "Enter." You now have a new DEB/DET set
named MYNEWS.DEB and MYNEWS.DET.
MAKING HEADLINES
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. For now your new DEB/DET set will wait while you make your newsletter's
headlines in big, bold superfonts. Install SMOOTHY1.COM or SMOOTHY2.COM as a
memory resident (TSR) program by using the "I" command line option. For
example, to install SMOOTHY1 type: SMOOTHY1 I and press "Enter." Next run the
program AUTOFONT (AF.EXE). If you are using the shareware version of AUTOFONT,
do not select FontasTik mode. After the program has been started select FONT-G1
and FONT-G2. Font-GS is included to provide shareware AUTOFONT users with one
of the smaller headline or subtitle fonts; the font in GS is not needed if you
have the professional AUTOFONT, but it is useful for its graphics. NOTE: The
program HIGH.COM must not be installed when you use AUTOFONT. See page 3.
2. If you have the professional edition of AUTOFONT, four different "headline"
fonts will be instantly available for access from data files FONT-G1.DAT and
FONT-G2.DAT. Each data file contains 2 different fonts. With the shareware
version of AUTOFONT three font styles are available, one in each of the three
data files included in this package.
3. If you forget to install one of the "smoothies" it may be installed from
within AUTOFONT. At the main menu press "Z" to shell to DOS and install the
smoothy of your choice (no need for the "I" option if you do it this way). To
return to AUTOFONT type EXIT and press "Enter." Type and save one or more
lines to be used as a headline. Be sure to center each line before saving.
-2-
COMBINING HEADLINES WITH TEXT
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. If you have a "smoothy" intalled with the "I" option you may go right ahead
and load your new DET file (called MYNEWS.DET in this example) into a text
editor. Otherwise, install the smoothy before running the editor ("I" option
probably not needed - try without). Add your headline, which at this point is
in the file named AF.TXT created by AUTOFONT. If you use a word processor, you
will likely find the headlines to be incompatible with the program. There are
literally hundreds of text editors available to use instead of a word proces-
sing program; virtually all of them will accept NEWS-1 headline fonts. If you
like, prepare your text in a word processor before adding the headlines. Then
add the headlines with a text editor.
2. An alternative method of adding the headline to the DET file is by use of
the DOS copy command. Type: COPY MYNEWS.DET + AF.TXT and then load the DET
file (which will now contain the headline) into the editor.
3. Follow the directions at the top of the DET file. It is best not to try to
edit the headline, because the lettering may become divided into segments.
However, if you are careful it is possible to reposition the headline horiz-
ontally. Position the cursor at the far left of the screen and press the space
bar to move characters right; press "Del" to move left. As this is done you
will see that the jumbo letters are made of horizontal segments which must
each be moved separately. To move one line of headline you must move 3 to 5
segments depending on which font you are using. Move the cursor up and down
with the arrow keys. Move past the headline to type the text. Do not press
the "Enter" key while the cursor is in line with jumbo fonts.
4. When your text is ready, save it under the name you selected earlier, such
as MYNEWS.DET. If you have used a word processor do not use the "default
save." Instead, use an ASCII or DOS-text save; consult your word processor's
user guide for instructions. If you use a text editor the default save will
automatically be an ASCII save.
MAKING THE COM FILE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After making your DET file run the program AUTOCOM and enter the name without
the file extension, ie: MYNEWS. If you use the shareware version your news-
letter may be no more than 2 screen-pages in length including headline and
text. The professional AUTOCOM will make a newsletter of up to 20 pages (or
more, if a new version has been published by the time you read this). Your
COM file will be ready in seconds, named MYNEWS.COM if your DEB/DET set carries
that name.
DISPLAYING YOUR NEWSLETTER
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. To display your newsletter run NEWS1.BAT by typing NEWS1, and then run your
brand new COM file by typing its name. NEWS1.BAT does 2 things: It loads
SMOOTHY1.COM and then HIGH.COM. It is essential for those two programs to be
loaded in that order before displaying the newsletter. NEWS1.BAT accomplishes
that for you in one step. If you prefer to use the text font of SMOOTHY2.COM,
type NEWS2 to run NEWS2.BAT.
2. The effect of SMOOTHY1 or SMOOTHY2 will disappear whenever a program is run
which resets the computer's video mode. To avoid losing the effect of the
"smoothy," load it as a TSR or memory resident program by following its name
with a space and the letter "I". "I" stands for "install." You may uninstall
it when you wish by typing the name of the smoothy followed by a space and "U".
3. SMOOTHY1 and SMOOTHY2 set the video scanline to the one which provides the
best appearance of jumbo fonts. If you have a VGA system you may reset to the
VGA scanline after a newsletter display by running VGA.COM which is included.
-3-
4. If you should load a "smoothy" and want to resume your system's default font
type the following and press "Enter": mode co80
CLIP ART GRAPHICS PEOPLE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Each font data file contains 10 different caricatures of your friends, rela-
tives and co-workers. With AUTOFONT in operation, press function keys (F-keys)
1 through 5 plus "Enter" to see 5 of our people at one time. If all three data
files are loaded (G1, G2, GS) switch from one to the next by touching numeral
keys 1, 2 and 3 (not F-keys) to view 3 groups of 5 people. Repeat with function
keys 6 through 10 for a total of 30 graphics people.
AUTOFONT displays the caricatures in white against a blue background. When
saved in the AUTOFONT.TXT file they will appear as white on black. This effect
will be reversed when the graphics are used in a newsletter. A white mustache
in a text file will appear dark in the newsletter; a silver-haired woman will
dye her hair for your newsletter! You may easily make a text file containing
all 30 faces and use it in a sample newsletter. Whenever you want to refresh
your memory, display the newletter and see the people "as they really are."
HIGH.COM
~~~~~~~~
High intensity mode is made possible by the program HIGH.COM. It must be in-
stalled before a newsletter is displayed. As explained, this is one of two
chores accomplished by the batch files named NEWS1.BAT and NEWS2.BAT. When the
display of a newsletter is terminated with "Esc" the high intensity is auto-
matically uninstalled. If you want to install it without using one of the
batch files, type HIGH H plus "Enter." HIGH.COM may be un-installed by typing
HIGH U plus "Enter."
SHAREWARE and PROFESSIONAL
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The NEWS-1 package, with its fantastic programs and files, is a shareware
package. If you like it and enjoy using it, please be sure to register it by
completing the registration form and mailing it with the registration fee to
REXXCOM Systems. NEWS-1 is used in conjunction with the programs AUTOCOM and
AUTOFONT, both of which are available in shareware and professional editions.
If you load the data files FONT-G1 and FONT-G2 into the shareware version of
AUTOFONT you will be able to access one headline font from each data file. The
same two files will yield a total of four fonts when loaded into the profes-
sional AUTOFONT. The file FONT-GS is included to give an additional font to
users of shareware AUTOFONT. If you have the pro edition of AUTOFONT you will
still use GS because it contains 10 graphics people.
OTHER APPLICATIONS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An onscreen newsletter is great, especially with the bright high-intensity
background colors and professional fonts available with this package. But
there are other uses for the "smoothies" too.
1. Use in text files.
The News-1 jumbo headline fonts may be used in text files to be read on the
monitor. Virtually all categories of ASCII files not intended to be printed on
paper may benefit from the addition of professional headings and sub-headings.
News-1 fonts may be intermixed with over 30 letterstyles created by AUTOFONT
(AF). When your file is ready to be read onscreen, run NEWS1.BAT or NEWS2.BAT
first. Then it may be TYPED to the screen or LISTed, if you have the program
LIST.COM (not a REXXCOM program).
-4-
2. Use in AUTODOC TIG (text-in-graphics) files. If you have the program
AUTODOC you may create beautiful, multicolored TIG files for onscreen display.
FONT-G1, -G2 and -GS may be included in the text. Since AUTODOC also permits
the use of animated graphics with your text, be aware of the fact that the
movements of the graphics will be frozen if HIGH.COM is active. For that
reason you will not use NEWS1.BAT or HIGH.COM with AUTODOC or with its animated
graphics, but you may use it with other multicolored files created with AUTO-
DOC. In order to do so, please see the instructions for the use of high
intensity which are included with another program, ADVUE. The instructions
provide all the information you need to know about changing the DET codes in
order to create dozens of different Hi-I effects.
Do not load any DEB/DET included in this NEWS-1 package into AUTODOC. If you
try, the keyboard will "lock up" (annoying but harmless); you must restart or
reset the computer. You may, however, work on the DET in AUTODOC's built-in
text editor, the ADEditor if you first remove the DET extension. If your file
is MYNEWS.DET type REN MYNEWS.DET MYNEWS to remove "DET" from the name. After
you are finished typing and editing, save with no extension and exit the
program. Then type REN MYNEWS MYNEWS.DET to add back the extension.
The width of the text window in an AUTODOC created file is less than the width
of the monitor screen. Some files made with AUTODOC have a text window less
than half the screen width. Keep this in mind when making your headlines or
headings. In other words, keep each line small enough in horizontal size to
fit within the text window of your completed AUTODOC TIG file. A few tries
will teach you how to do this.
3. Use with ADVUE-L for a continuous countertop display.
A spectacular self-recycling countertop display can be made with the smoothies.
ADVUE-L is available with the professional edition of ADVUE.
OBTAINING THE SUPPORTING PROGRAMS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The program AUTOFONT is currently in the file AFONT4.EXE on CompuServe, and may
be listed similarly on many private BBSs and in catalogs. AUTOCOM is in the
file A-COM.EXE. The exact location may be found by accessing the IBM file
finder (GO IBMFF). Use the keyword REXXCOM to search for these and other ex-
cellent REXXCOM programs on CompuServe.
REGISTRATION
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The programs and files in the NEWS-1 package are copyrighted by REXXCOM Sys-
tems, P.O. Box 111, Schooley's Mtn., NJ 07870. Yes, we really do have mount-
ains in New Jersey! They are not quite the Rockies, but they are beautiful
nonetheless. To register your copy please complete the registration form on
the following page.
Questions? Write to REXXCOM Systems (see address on registration form) or
contact us via CompuServe at ID No. 72656,2764.
NEWS-1 Programs and Files
Copyright (C) 1991 REXXCOM Systems
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ NEWS-1 REGISTRATION FORM │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
NAME: ________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
(Include ZIP code or equivalent)
PHONE: (______)- _______ - __________________
DISK SIZE (check one):
┌──┐ ┌──┐
│ │ 3.5" │ │ 5.25"
└──┘ └──┘
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
DESCRIPTION QTY. EACH Total
Registration of NEWS-1 _______ X $15.OO __________
The following will be included at no extra charge:
1. Shareware editions of AUTOFONT, AUTOCOM, AUTODOC, ADVUE
2. Additional Newsletter Masthead files (DEB/DET sets)
3. "Royal Old English" font in both text and jumbo sizes
4. User support by mail or CompuServe EMail
Add $1.OO for each 3.5" diskette _______ X $1.OO __________
Shipping & handling ($2.OO US & Canada; $5.OO elsewhere) __________
Ordering from New Jersey? Please add sales tax __________
TOTAL __________
Enclose cash, check or money order payable to:
REXXCOM SYSTEMS
Always send cash by certified mail.
Mail with payment in full to:
REXXCOM SYSTEMS
P.O. BOX 111
SCHOOLEY'S MTN., NJ O787O
USA
INCOMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
REXXCOM programs are tested on as many different systems as possible in an
effort to maintain compatibility with dissimilar hardware and software con-
figurations of IBM clones. New systems are being marketed each month, making
the programmer's job difficult. Some systems will not operate correctly unless
certain special programs are included in the CONFIG.SYS file. We recently
tested our programs on a new system and we were surprised to discover many of
our standard screens, which had never before presented a problem, became
jumbled. The screens cleared up only after a new version of ANSI.SYS was
installed. This was included with the computer as an unexplained "extra" file,
and the dealer had not installed it.
If you experience any difficulty with a program from REXXCOM Systems or any
other software developer, please do the following before requesting help:
1. Review the instructions (docs) very carefully to be sure you are following
the directions exactly.
2. Review your system's user guide or manual to be sure your computer system is
set up fully and correctly.