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tm Automenu Software Management System Version 4.0 USERS' MANUAL Magee Enterprises 6577 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard Norcross, Georgia 30092-3796 USA 404-446-6611 FAX 404-446-7434/BBS 404-446-6650/CompuServe 70167,2200 May 1987 Release LICENSE AGREEMENT (C) Copyright 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987 Magee Enterprises for this software, documentation, and user interface. Norcross, Georgia, United States of America. All rights reserved. Magee Enterprises grants you without charge the right to reproduce, distribute and use copies of this "shareware" version of our AUTOMENU software product (including the on disk documentation), on the express condition that you do not receive any payment, commercial benefit, other consideration for such reproduction or distribution, or change this license agreement or copyright notice. The rights to receive any such financial or other benefit, and to modify the product or its components, are reserved exclusively by Magee Enterprises. Support from users enables us to develop additional features and future versions of the AUTOMENU product. Your payment of $50.00 would be greatly appreciated; your payment should be sent to: Magee Enterprises 6577 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard Norcross, Georgia 30092-3796 USA Also, by sending in your payment, together with your name, company name (if any), mailing address, telephone number, version number, and where you heard about the AUTOMENU product and got your copy, your copy of AUTOMENU will be registered with us, thereby enabling you to receive (i) technical support and (ii) announcements of possible later releases, the latest version and a printed manual. Also, please feel free to contribute your ideas regarding desired additional product features and functionality. THIS PRODUCT IS LICENSED WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS OF PARTICULAR PURPOSE, PERFORMANCE, OR OTHERWISE; ALL WARRANTIES ARE DISCLAIMED. BY USING THE AUTOMENU PRODUCT, YOU AGREE THAT NEITHER MAGEE ENTERPRISES NOR ANY OF OUR EMPLOYEES, AFFILIATES, OWNERS, OR OTHER RELATED PARTIES WILL BE LIABLE TO YOU OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY USE OF (OR INABILITY TO USE) THIS SOFTWARE, OR FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER. EVEN IF WE ARE APPRISED OF POSSIBLITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OCCURING. This software may not be reversed-engineered or disassembled, and includes certain trade secrets and confidential information of Magee Enterprises. AUTOMENU, SOFTWARE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, MDL,and MDF are trademarks of Magee Enterprises. Automenu version 4.0 Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Title ------- ----- 1 This Is Automenu 1-1 Getting Acquainted With Automenu 1-2 Using This Documentation 1-2.1 Usage Conventions 1-2.2 Format and Presentation 1-3 System Requirements 1-4 Getting Started 2 DOS and Automenu 2-1 Types of Commands 2-2 Subdirectories 2-3 Extensions 2-4 Batch Files 3 Installing Automenu 3-1 Installing Automenu 3-2 Sample MDF 3-3 Menu-Building Facility Key Functions 3-4 Exiting the Edit Mode of Menu-Building Facility 3-5 Using Automenu on a diskette system 4 Making a Menu 4-1 Developing an Menu Definition File 4-1.1 Entering Commands 4-1.2 Titling Your Menu 4-1.3 Entering Your Menu Selections 4-1.4 Including DOS Commands on the Menu 4-2 Completing the Menu 5 Using Your Menu 5-1 The Menu 5-2 Programmed Menu Keys 6 Using Automenu's other capabilities 6-1 Menu Design Functions 6-2 DOS Commands 6-2.1 Batch Commands 6-2.1.1 Non-Resident Commands 6-2.1.2 Resident Commands Automenu version 4.0 Contents Section Title ------- ----- 6-2.2 Direct Commands 6-2.2.1 Direct Command without Pause 6-2.2.2 Direct Command with Pause 6-3 Special Functions 6-3.1 Password 6-3.2 Alternate MDF 6-3.3 Output Messages 6-3.4 Input 6-3.5 Time Execution 6-4 MDF Command Symbol Summary 7 Customizing Your Menu 7-1 Accessing the Customizing Utility 7-2 Color Customization 7-3 Custom Switches 7-4 Change Default Filename for MDF 7-5 Change Default Filename for Temporary Batch File 7-6 Reset All Values and Save 7-7 Creating Your Own Menus 8 Technical Considerations 8-1 Automenu Configuration 8-1.1 Program Interfaces 8-1.2 Other files 8-2 Program Operation 8-3 Running a BASIC Program 8-4 Using Automenu on Networks 8-5 Mouse Support 8-6 Uses and Performance of Floppy Diskette Systems 8-7 Contents of an Example AUTOMENU.MDF 8-8 Examples of Batch Files 8-8.1 Floppy Diskette version of AUTOEXEC.BAT 8-8.2 Fixed Disk version of AUTOEXEC.BAT 8-8.3 Example of AUTO.BAT 8-9 Menu Definition File (MDF) Description 8-10 User Support 8-10.1 Problems and Technical Support 8-10.2 Updates 8-11 Source Code 8-12 Dealer, VAR, and Consultants 8-13 Shareware 8-14 Future Appendix A Error Messages Automenu version 4.0 This is Automenu SECTION 1 THIS IS AUTOMENU Welcome to AUTOMENU (TM), the Software Management System. AUTOMENU was designed to enable you to organize and control the use of your computer in a way that you never could before! With AUTOMENU, you can create menus that access all of your frequently used programs, and perform DOS commands with a single keystroke. You no longer have to remember complex DOS commands, syntax or subdirectories, because AUTOMENU will do it for you. You can even customize AUTOMENU to perform complicated batch routine procedures. 1-1. Getting Acquainted with AUTOMENU With AUTOMENU, you create your own menu. This is made possible by Magee Enterprises' proprietary Menu Definition Language (MDL). Using MDL, you create a Menu Definition File (MDF), and write your individualized menu in this file. This gives you capabilities you may not have had previously. You can password protect any menu selection or for that matter, an entire menu. AUTOMENU will support a mouse option, if desired. Help messages and user-defined prompts are included, and available as needed. It will execute any DOS command, batch file, or program directly, without user intervention. And it is flexible: *it can execute any DOS command, batch file or program directly from the menu; it is not necessary to create batch files outside AUTOMENU; *memory is allocated dynamically; AUTOMENU uses only the memory it needs for a given function; *individual features can be modified or changed to fit your needs, using the Customizing utility; *you can switch viewing between two active monitors; Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 This is Automenu *it supports any and all monitors--color, monochrome, even the Enhanced Graphics Adapter; *timed execution of any menu selection at pre-selected time; *user-defined prompts, to interactively exchange information with programs; *automatic screen blackout. AUTOMENU is completely user oriented. Self-contained help screens and prompts walk you through every aspect of the software. A single keystroke will call up HELP messages from any screen or menu. And the HELP keys are displayed on the related screen. 1-2. Using This Documentation This document describes the features and functions of AUTOMENU. You do not need a great deal of technical knowledge to understand and operate AUTOMENU. The tutorial sections of this document walk you through every aspect of the program, from installing it on your fixed disk, to creating your own individual menu. If you are a new or inexperienced computer user, it is recommended that you pay special attention to Section 2, which discusses DOS. You will need to know a few aspects of using DOS to utilize all of AUTOMENU's capabilities. You may want to refer to your DOS manual, as well. Experienced DOS users will find the more technical discussion in Section 8 of particular interest. All users will find AUTOMENU easy to understand and operate. 1-2.1. Usage Conventions Certain conventions are used in this documentation to ensure consistency and understandability of instructions. These are listed here: --MDL command symbols used in creating your menu are always shown in brackets { }; example, {.}. When you use these commands, you do not type the brackets, only the symbol itself. --phrases, numbers and words you type in MDF's and on menus are shown in quotes " "; example, Type "WS". You do not type the quotes, only the data they enclose; --Dos commands, prompts and similar on-screen data are shown exactly as they appear; example, the DOS prompt is shown as C>. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 This is Automenu --when you must enter data you have typed, you will be instructed, Press ENTER; the ENTER key is the large key with the hooked arrow pointing left. This key is sometimes called return. 1-2.2. Format and Presentation Sections 3 through 7 are tutorial in nature. It is recommended that inexperienced computer users follow them as they are presented. All procedures should be performed. Experienced users may find that the tabular summaries at the end of each section, together with a brief reading of the tutorial sections, will suffice. These tabular summaries of each section are designed to be used as a computer-side user guide once you are familiar with AUTOMENU's basic operation. 1-3. System Requirements AUTOMENU can be used on any IBM-PC or compatible, including: PC, XT, AT, JR., Portable, Convertible, 3270-PC, all Personal System /2 models; AT&T 6300; Compaq Portable, Plus, Deskpro 386; Corona PC; Leading Edge PC; North Star Dimension; Sperry PC; Zenith Z- 150; Toshiba T1100+, T3100; Epson Equity II; Tandy 2000; Tandy 3000; HP Vector; Wyse PC286; and Sanyo 550. AUTOMENU operates using DOS 2.0 or later versions. It requires only 32 KB of free memory, and less than 20 KB on disk. It is fully operational with either fixed or diskette drives. It uses only standard DOS and BIOS system calls. And is compatible with Microsoft Windows and Networks, including: Novell, 3COM, and Alloy. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 This is Automenu 1-4. Getting Started Before you begin the tutorial, make a backup/working copy of the program diskette, as you would with any diskette that contains important information. Store the original in a safe place. If you downloaded this version of Automenu from a Bulletin Board System (BBS), please read the READ.ME file that came with this version for some additional instructions. Please take a moment to complete and mail the Warranty Registration form provided. This will register you as a user of AUTOMENU and help us provide you with better service. We welcome user comments and suggestions concerning the software and the documentation. Please feel free to call, write or use the comment form provided with this documentation to give us your reactions to this product. All user comments are carefully considered in our continuing effort to improve the program and its documentation. Thank you for purchasing AUTOMENU. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 DOS and Automenu SECTION 2 DOS and Automenu We referred to "DOS" commands in Section 1 of this manual. You probably have seen the letters "DOS" in other reference books for your computer, and the applications for it. The letters, stand for Disk Operating System. This is simply a program that runs your computer. It handles tasks such as input and output functions...reading, writing, and printing to the screen. You see one aspect of DOS each time you turn on your computer. That is the "DOS prompt" that always greets you: A>, if you have floppy drives, and C> if you have a fixed disk. You will see this prompt referred to often in these instructions. It will always be shown just the way we have used it here: C>. You will see this reference when you are required to enter a command that you want DOS to execute directly from the prompt. 2-1. Types of Commands DOS uses two types of commands: internal and external. Internal commands are loaded into the computer's memory from a file called COMMAND.COM. These commands remain in memory until the machine is turned off. They are referred to as "resident" or internal commands. External commands are located on your DOS disk. They are loaded into memory only when you call them up. They are referred to as external or non-resident commands. 2-2. Subdirectories DOS version 2.0 and subsequent versions have the capability of organizing your fixed disk into "subdirectories." This means you can divide your fixed disk into many smaller "disks," or subdirectories, which gives you much more flexibility in organizing your files. It also prevents any one directory from becoming so large that the process of locating files and executing commands is slowed. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 DOS and Automenu A subdirectory actually is a specific section of your fixed disk that contains a group of related files. All of your DOS files are probably in a directory. The concept of subdirectories is important to your use of AUTOMENU. You will have many occasions to work with subdirectories when you create your menus. A directory is a table of contents of the files on a specific part of the disk. You might think of it as a file drawer. The main directory--the file drawer--is called the "root" directory. DOS identifies the root directory with a backslash (\). You will often use this symbol when you create menus. In the filedrawer--the root directory--may be many file folders. These are the subdirectories that are linked to the root like branches on a tree. A typical group of file folders might be linked to the root like this: \ (root directory) | ____________|____________ these are all | | subdirectories | | / \SALES \AUTOMENU <---/ | / _________|__________ / | | / | | / \SALES\ATL \SALES\DEN <--------------/ Notice that there is a specific path from the root to, say, your Atlanta sales data. If you wanted to access that data, you would have to tell your system what path to take to get to that data. To do this you would type: \SALES\ATL\ATLANTA.SLS. The \SALES tells the system to go to that directory. Then the \ATL directs the system to the next lower directory. 2-3. Extensions The last term, ATLANTA.SLS, represents the specific document in the \SALES\ATL file folder that you want to see. All files on your system have a name similar to this. The term, "Atlanta," is the primary name given the data. The .SLS term is known as the "extension." This describes the type of data in the file. Extensions are always separated from the name by a period (.). AUTOMENU uses the extension (.MDF), or Menu Definition File. The file on your DOS disk have extensions such as (.COM) for command, (.EXE) for executable, and (.BAT) for batch file. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 DOS and Automenu 2-4. Batch Files A batch file is a series of DOS commands collected into a single file, that can then be executed any time. You will find uses for batch files in creating menus. One batch file in the DOS root directory is AUTOEXEC.BAT. This is the utility DOS uses to get your computer running, or operating, when you first turn it on. AUTOMENU will be most useful if it is called up when your system is first turned on. We can make this happen by putting commands in the AUTOEXEC file that automatically take you to the menu. You will do that when you install AUTOMENU on your fixed disk (see Section 3). You will learn how that can be done in the next section. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Install SECTION 3 INSTALLING AUTOMENU Now that you've seen how AUTOMENU can help you get the most from your computer and software, let's learn how to put this powerful tool to work for us. AUTOMENU is most useful for systems with fixed disk that contain most of the programs, software and utilities you work with in your day-to-day computer use. These files usually include programs for word processing, spreadsheets, and data base management. Since procedures for fixed and diskette drives are similar, we will concentrate on fixed disk systems. 3-1. Installing AUTOMENU When you install AUTOMENU, you will set up the conditions required to integrate AUTOMENU with all your files and programs. The AUTOMENU installation program will ask you for specific information. Typing in this information sets up the program to your individual specifications. The first action you must take to use AUTOMENU is to "load" the program onto your fixed disk so it can be linked, or connected, to the programs it will control for you. To install AUTOMENU, perform the following steps: 1. Start up your system. 2. Your "C prompt," - C> - will be displayed on the screen. 3. Insert the AUTOMENU diskette into your diskette drive (assuming all files are on a diskette). 4. On the prompt line, type "A:install". 5. Press ENTER . Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Install You will now see the first of a series of help and prompt screens that will walk you through the installation procedure. This first display summarizes the decisions you will be asked to make as you proceed with installation. Study them closely, so you will be ready to respond to the prompts as they occur. If you don't understand a question right now, continue on with this tutorial. We will explain each prompt as it is displayed. It is also explained by AUTOMENU, on screen. The next display tells you more about what will be happening as you proceed with installation. As this prompt notes, the act of installing the program will teach you a great deal about AUTOMENU. What you see now is the AUTOMENU Installation menu. As we want to install the program, select option "1." Press the "1" key. The next display tells you how to choose the drive on which you wish to load AUTOMENU. The default drive, as you can see, is C:, for fixed disk systems. The next screen asks for the "subdirectory" in which we wish AUTOMENU to reside. You can use the cursor keys to make the desired menu selection. When you press ENTER, the next display asks for the name of the sub-directory that your DOS commands are located. This is vital for the operation of the program. Type in the name of the directory containing your DOS commands. This is usually \DOS. When you press ENTER, the next display asks if your AUTOEXEC file sets the path--that is, links--your system to the DOS commands. As the prompt tells you, if you aren't sure, respond with a "NO" by pressing the right cursor key, and the program will automatically set the path properly. Next, you are asked if you want AUTOMENU to come up each time you boot up. Certainly, in most cases, this gives you the most flexibility. Select the default "YES." Now, you will be given the opportunity to review the decisions you have made. Review these carefully. If they are wrong, press enter, and you can revise them. If they are correct, select "OK" with the right cursor key, and press ENTER. AUTOMENU will now complete the installation process, and when the program is installed on your fixed disk, a screen indicating that will appear. This can take a few minutes depending on the speed of your system. At this point, remove the AUTOMENU diskette from Drive A:, and start up you system again. You do this by pressing CTRL, ALT, and DEL keys all at the same time. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Install If you told install to bring up AUTOMENU when the system is first started up, you will now see a sample menu. Note that selection 1 is the AUTOMENU Menu-Building Facility. Press the "1" key to execute this facility. If you did not tell install to bring up AUTOMENU or you are using a diskette only system; enter the command "AUTO" at the DOS prompt to start AUTOMENU and to bring up the sample menu. 3-2 Sample MDF You will now see the Menu-Building Facility menu on your screen. ***************************************************************** Automenu Menu-Building Facility 1 - Modify an old or start a new Menu Definition File 2 - Print Menu Definition File to Printer 3 - Leave this Facility Please enter selection (1-3) => **************************************************************** Figure 3-1. Menu-Building Facility Menu To create a new menu, select "1" by typing the numeral "1" at the prompt. AUTOMAKE will then ask for an MDF name. Let's call this Menu Definition File (MDF), "TEST.MDF". Type that in and press ENTER; AUTOMAKE will inform you that TEST.MDF must be new and will require you to press the space bar to continue. AUTOMAKE will then display to you a sample Menu Definition File, or MDF on the screen. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Install ================================================================ MDF Functions | MDF Information -----------------+---+------------------------------------------ | | -1- | | -3- | | |-2-| | | | | -----------------+---+------------------------------------------ -4- ---------------------------------------------------------------- -5- ---------------------------------------------------------------- -6- ================================================================ Figure 3-2. Areas of MDF Display (see Table 3.1) This is the screen you will subsequently use to build your own menu. You can see the type of entries you will be making. Each area of the MDF screen is defined in Table 3.1. The Menu Definition File, MDF, is the file, like AUTOEXEC.BAT and others, in which your menu is stored. You can put eight menus in each MDF. The file is actually a ordinary ASCII file and could be edited with any editor that can read and write ASCII files, like Wordstar in non-document mode. We provide AUTOMAKE to make it easier to get started. After learning the basic of AUTOMENU advanced users might want to use their own text editor which may have more features than this version of AUTOMAKE. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Install Table 3.1. Menu-Building Facility Screen Description ------+------------------------+--------------------------------- Area | Function | Description ------+------------------------+--------------------------------- 1 Protected--AUTOMAKE The entries in this column identifies symbol describe the function of the entered in Area 2. command in column 2. 2 Command symbols are The function codes you enter here entered here. (explained in the next section) execute the required menu building functions. 3 Text to appear on The text you type in this column your menu or used is the text you want in the menu by AUTOMENU section specified in column 1, or commands you want AUTOMENU to execute. 4 Protected--status Error messages are displayed in line. this area. 5 Protected--MDF When HELP toggle (F1) is ON, functions and functions entered in column 2 HELP messages are are defined. When HELP toggle displayed. is OFF, the name of all MDF symbols are shown. 6 Protected-- Certain keys are programmed to frequently used make your work easier. These are key functions. indicated here. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Install 3-3. Menu-Building Facility Key Functions To make menu-building easier, several keys are given special functions. These are described in Table 3.2. Table 3.2. Menu-Building Facility Programmed Key Functions --------+-------------------+----------------------------------- Key | Function | Description --------+-------------------+----------------------------------- F1 HELP toggle ON--extended Help messages displayed; OFF--function of all MDF symbols. F3 Line insert Adds a blank line below cursor F4 Delete Delete entire line on which cursor appears. INS Insert toggle ON--allows you to insert text from cursor position; OFF--new text overwrites old. DEL Delete Deletes a character to the left of the cursor. ESC Exit MDF With cursor in column 2, ESC returns you to operating system. ENTER Enter data Enters the line just completed, and moves cursor to next line; On some keyboards, this key is marked RETURN. HOME Cursor return When cursor is in column 3, this key moves it to the first character in the first line in column 3. END End of page Moves cursor to last character in column 3. CTRL Top of MDF Moves cursor to top of MDF HOME CTRL Bottom of Moves cursor to bottom of MDF. END MDF PgDn Next page Displays next page in MDF PgUp Previous Displays previous page in MDF page Arrow Cursor Moves cursor right, left, up, down, movement in direction of arrow. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Install 3-4. Exiting the Edit Mode of the Menu-Building Facility Now that you are familiar with the facilities you will use, you are almost ready to build a menu. First, lets exit the sample. 1. Place the cursor in column 2. 2. Press the ESC key. 3. At the prompt, type "Y". 4. At the next prompt, type "N". You are returned to the Menu-Building Facility menu. 3-5. Using AUTOMENU on a diskette system To use AUTOMENU on a diskette system which has no fixed disk requires you to copy the AUTOMENU files needed. The minimum configuration requires the files: AUTOMENU.COM, AUTOMENU.MDF, AUTOMAKE.EXE, and AUTO.BAT. The file AUTOMAKE.EXE is only needed during the menu building process and can be erased if space on the diskette is needed. See section 8 for examples of the file AUTOEXEC.BAT required to bring up AUTOMENU directly when the diskette is the boot disk. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Making a Menu SECTION 4 MAKING A MENU Now that you're acquainted with AUTOMENU's menu-building facility, you are ready to construct your own customized menu. We will walk through the construction of a test menu to familiarize you with the primary functions. These are summarized at the end of this section. 4-1. Developing an MDF Remember, a Menu Definition File (MDF) is the AUTOMENU file in which your menu is stored. You can store as many as eight menus in each MDF. To begin creating a menu, perform the following steps: 1. Access the Menu Building Facility menu as explained in paragraph 3-2, or by typing "automake" at the C> prompt once you are in the AUTOMENU subdirectory. 2. Select "1" by pressing the "1" key. 3. You are prompted to enter a file name for your MDF. You can give your MDF any valid DOS file name of up to eight characters, with three extension characters, such as TEST.MDF. Type in your MDF name. If you use TEST.MDF, Type: "TEST.MDF". Then press ENTER. 4. AUTOMAKE will tell you that this must be a new MDF, so press ENTER to continue. A starter menu will then be displayed. This starter menu shows you a small example of some of the types of entries you will be making when you create a menu. Study them before continuing. It may be useful to "dump" the screen to your printer, so you will have a permanent record for reference. Use the Shift-PrtSc to print the current screen to printer. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Making a Menu 4-1.1. Entering Comments This starter menu is designed to function as a "template" for your own menu. You are going to create your menu by adding to this template. This gives you the chance to see how a selection or item was entered, so you will have a better idea of how to enter your own. First, move the cursor to column 2, and then move it to the line just above the "Exit to DOS" selection on the starter menu. Now press F3 to insert a line. You must always have an "Exit to DOS" selection on your menu so you can return to the system if necessary. You will be using the F3 insert function throughout the development of your menu. Remember that each time you are instructed to press F3, your cursor must be on the line ABOVE where you want the inserted line to appear. You will probably want to provide certain data and notes on each menu that explain aspects of the menu to anyone revising or modifying the file. The first function we look at will make that possible (column numbers refer to those illustrated in Figure 3-1). 1. Move the cursor to column 2. 2. Type a period {.}. Remember, you are typing over the sample. That is what it is designed for. The word "Comment" appears in column 1. The period {.} tells AUTOMENU that any entry made in column 3, following that symbol, is a comment only, and should be ignored. This gives you the ability to enter explanatory data in the MDF, such as the date of the last menu update, for your own use. 3. Type "Menu-Building Test" in column 3. 4. Press ENTER to return the cursor to column 2. 5. Press F3 to insert a line (as explained above). Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Making a Menu 4-1.2. Titling Your Menu Each menu needs a descriptive title that is displayed centered at the top of the menu when it is used. This function provides that capability. 1. Type {%}. The word "Title" appears in column 1. The percent {%} symbol tells AUTOMENU that an entry in column 3 following the {%} symbol is a menu title. The title will be displayed on your completed menu, in the center of the top line. 2. Type "Test Menu" in column 3. 3. Return the cursor to column 2 by pressing ENTER. 4-1.3. Entering Your Menu Selections Each menu will give the user the program selections he can select from that menu. As many as eight selections per menu page are available. 1. Type the symbol {*} in column 2. The word "Selection" appears in column 1. The {*} symbol is the code for a menu selection. 2. Type "Word Processing." 3. Press ENTER. You have just put the first selection on your menu. 4. Type {*} in column 2. 5. Type "LOTUS 123" in column 3. 6. Press ENTER. You have now added the LOTUS 123 spreadsheet to your menu. 4-1.4. Including DOS Commands on the Menu Your menu is not yet complete. If you recall the discussion in Section 2 regarding subdirectories, you know that AUTOMENU is in one specific subdirectory. Your word processing program is in another, different subdirectory. For AUTOMENU to "call up" the word processing program, it must tell the operating system that it has to move from the current directory, to the directory Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Making a Menu containing word processing. Here is how to do that. First, move the cursor to the line where your "Word Processing" entry is. Let's assume you use Wordstar. 1. Place the cursor in column 2. 2. Press F3 to insert a line. 3. Move the cursor to the blank line. 4. Type {+} in column 2. The {+} symbol directs AUTOMENU to execute any command following the code as a DOS command. 5. Type "CD \WS". 6. Press ENTER. This tells the operating system to move to the directory that contains the Wordstar program. Remember the discussion of PATHNAMES in Section 2? You are giving the pathname for Wordstar. You must ALWAYS change subdirectories using the "CD" command when you have AUTOMENU call a program. 7. Press F3. Remember to move the cursor to the previous line. 8. Type {+} 9. Type "WS". 10. Press ENTER. This is the filename for Wordstar. Previously, when you wanted to use this program, you typed "WS" at the system prompt: C>WS. Now, AUTOMENU will automatically call Wordstar when you select Word Processing on your menu. When we have completed work with Wordstar, we must return to AUTOMENU. To do that, the system must be given the return path. 11. Press F3. 12. Move the cursor to the blank line. 13. Type {+}. 14. Type "CD \AUTOMENU. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Making a Menu 15. Press ENTER. 16. Press F3. 17. Move the cursor to the blank line. 18. Type {+}. 19. Type "AUTO". This last command, "AUTO", returns control to AUTOMENU. It is important that you end all command series--those preceded by the plus {+} symbol--with "AUTO" so your menu returns to the screen when you complete your work with the selection. If you do not make "AUTO" the last command, the user will be returned to DOS. What you have now on this portion of the menu is this: %Test Menu *Word Processing +CD \WS +WS +CD \AUTOMENU +AUTO What you have done is to create a "DOS Batch routine," similar to the batch files discussed in Section 2. This is not a true batch file, but it does consist of a series of commands--a program routine--that instructs your computer to perform the desired functions. All required commands are included in the order they are to be performed. The user will not have to perform any additional action. AUTOMENU does the entire job. 4-2. Completing the Menu We must also construct a command routine for our other selections. Here is how your command routine for LOTUS should look: *LOTUS 123 +CD \LOTUS +123 +CD \AUTOMENU +AUTO When you have entered all the menu selections and DOS command routines you need, you must tell AUTOMENU the MDF is ended. Type {#} in column 2. This symbol is an "end-of-file" command. It tells AUTOMENU you have completed the menu. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Making a Menu The {#} symbol MUST be entered as the final symbol on every menu. Exit and save your test menu: 1. Place the cursor in column 2. 2. Press the ESC key. 3. At the prompt, type "Y". 4. At the next prompt, type "Y", as we want to save our sample this time. AUTOMENU now asks if you wish to Password protect your menu. A password lets you prevent unauthorized users from accessing your MDF. This protects your MDF from being changed. For now, we have no need to protect the test menu. Press ENTER. The functions and symbols you have just used are summarized, along with others, in Section 6. For now, let's take a look at the menu we've built. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Using Your Menu SECTION 5 USING YOUR MENU Let's take a look at the menu we've built, and learn to use it. If you find yourself in the Sample Menu, select the menu selection "Return to Disk Operating System". If you already at the DOS prompt then continue. To display the test menu will require that you change directories to the AUTOMENU directory by entering the command "CD \AUTOMENU". To display the menu you just finished, at the DOS prompt enter the command "AUTOMENU TEST.MDF". What we are doing is running the menu program against your TEST.MDF and causing AUTOMENU to read that menu and display it. This method is for example only. For this example you would type in the name you gave the MDF created in Section 4. 5-1. The Menu When you access the MDF, you will see your menu. It should look similar to this representation: **************************************************************** >1<--- TEST MENU >2<---Menu 1 of 4 >3<--- 1. Word Processing--->4< >5<--- 2. LOTUS 123 ------------ >6<---|Run Wordstar| >7< ------------ \ ---------------------------------------------------------------- July 2, 1986 11:07:14am CAPS Memory: 307 K ---------------------------------------------------------------- >8< Press H for HELP **************************************************************** Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Using Your Menu Table 5.1, below explains the various parts of the menu, and how to use the functions. Table 5.1. Menu Description ----------+-----------------+----------------------------------- Item No. | Function | Description and Use ----------+-----------------+----------------------------------- 1 Title The menu title you specified. 2 Number of menus You can have up to eight menus in in MDF each MDF. 3 Menu selection The arrow pointer can be moved, using the space bar, to make a menu selection. 4 Menu selection A highlight bar may also be used to make a selection. 5 Selections These are the options you specified for you menu. The option may be selected by typing the option number. 6 Explanation Text you can put on your MDF to clarify a menu selection. 7 Status line Gives you the following data: date--three formats you choose time--two formats you choose special keys in use, such as Caps Lock, Shift, Alt, etc. memory available. 8 Help Press "H" once to obtain a menu help key. Press "H" again for more information. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Using Your Menu 5-2. Programmed Menu Keys Several keys are given specific functions when a menu is on screen. These are described in Table 5.2, below. Table 5.2. Programmed Menu Keys -------+----------------+--------------------------------------- Key | Function | Description and Use -------+----------------+--------------------------------------- F10 Next menu page Displays the next menu page in the MDF PgDn Next menu page Displays the next menu page in the MDF --> Next menu page Displays the next menu page in the MDF F9 Previous Displays the previous menu page in the menu page MDF PgUp Displays the previous menu page <-- Displays the previous menu page HOME First menu Displays the first menu page in MDF END Last menu Displays the last menu page in MDF B Screen Activates the screen blackout feature blackout H Help Displays help messages Press once to display "menu help key" that, when pressed, displays a brief help message. Press twice to call up an extended help message. M Message Prompts user for a user-defined message that will be displayed when screen blackout is activated. S Monitor Switches from color to monochrome switch monitor, and back. Switches active monitor. P Program info Displays information about this program. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Using Your Menu Work with your test menu to get acquainted with all these functions. Then you will be ready to build your own custom menu. You can return to the test menu and edit it, or build a brand new MDF. The file AUTOMENU.MDF is designed to be your main menu and we recommend that you use it as a template. The menu selections AUTOMENU.MDF contains are for example only and can be removed and modified to meet your needs. Before doing that, you may wish to review the next section. Additional AUTOMENU functions are explained, and these will prove useful in building a full-scale menu. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Other Capabilities SECTION 6 USING AUTOMENU'S OTHER CAPABILITIES The tutorials you have worked through to this point have given you an understanding of AUTOMENU's basic capabilities. There are many more unique and useful features. AUTOMENU's capabilities can be grouped into three types of functions. These are: Menu Design; DOS Commands; and Special Functions. You have used some of the menu design functions in the previous section. These were the {.}, {%}, and {*} symbol functions. You've also used one of the DOS Command functions the {+} symbol. The other functions in each group also use special symbols that are entered in column 2 of the MDF. We will describe these in this section. All symbols are summarized in Table 6-1, at the end of the section. 6-1. Menu Design Functions As noted, you are already acquainted with most of the menu design features. These are: %--Menu Title .--MDF Comment *--Menu Selection There is one other function we can include in this group. It may sometimes be useful and necessary to provide a user with additional information about a menu selection. For example, when he is selecting a copy protected program for which a disk must be inserted. It could be useful to warn the user he will have to do this before he actually makes the selection. The Selection Help function, a question mark {?} symbol, does this. With the Selection Help functions, an explanatory message Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Other Capabilities of your choice is displayed in a reverse video block just above the Menu Status Line on the menu. Why don't you edit your test MDF and include this function? --Access TEST.MDF. --With the cursor in column 2, move to the line containing |Selection|*|LOTUS 123|. --Press the F3 key to add a blank line below the |LOTUS 123| line. --Move the cursor to the new blank line. --Type {?}. The word "Descript" is displayed in column 1. --In column 3, type "Insert the 123 diskette in Drive A:" Save the edited MDF, and call up the test menu to see the message displayed when the arrow pointer or highlight block is moved to the Lotus 123 selection. To summarize the four Menu Design functions: %--Menu Title .--MDF Comment *--Menu Selection ?--Selection Help Message Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Other Capabilities Here is an example of how these might be used in an MDF. .Menu-Building Test %TEST MENU *Word Processing +CD \WS +WS +CD \AUTOMENU +AUTO *LOTUS 123 ?Need Lotus Disk in Drive A: +CD \LOTUS +123 +CD \AUTOMENU +AUTO *Return to Disk Operating System +CD \ +ECHO ON . . Below is an example how to add a second and third page . to your MDF. These pages would be available by pressing . Page Down while the menu is displayed. . %Second Menu *Erase files on Drive A: +ERASE A:*.* +AUTO %THIRD MENU *Copy diskette in Drive A: to Drive B: +DISKCOPY A: B: +AUTO #End of MDF 6-2. DOS Commands In Section 3, you used the plus {+} symbol command to write routines needed to permit the user to proceed with his menu selection. These were DOS commands executed by the operating system. AUTOMENU has the capability of executing DOS commands in a variety of ways, depending on your needs and what you want the system to do. There are two general categories of commands: batch and direct. 6-2.1. Batch Commands When you used the {+} symbol in building the test menu, you combined several into a routine that performed one specific function. When several commands are combined into one routine like this, it is known as a batch routine--all the commands are batched together in a single procedure. For complex routines, these are the most advantageous. AUTOMENU utilizes two types of batch routines: non-resident and resident. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Other Capabilities 6-2.1.1. Non-Resident Commands The routine you wrote for selecting Wordstar caused AUTOMENU to build a external batch file, AUTOTEMP.BAT, and returned to the operating system. Where the commands would then be executed as a batch file line-by-line. AUTOMENU was "non-resident" in memory. This means that no memory is required to hold large blocks of data. In other words, AUTOMENU is not in memory at the time the series of DOS commands are being executed. There is no limit to the number of {+} commands that can be combined into a batch routine for any single menu selection. Each command can be up to 127 characters in length. One major advantage of the {+} symbol is its ability to execute programs that terminate and stay resident--known as TSR programs--such as SIDEKICK, PROKEY, PRINT.COM, and others. But, there are disadvantages in some instances: this type of batch routine is quite slow; a CONTROL-BREAK also will return you to DOS, which undermines any security sets you may have installed; and AUTOMENU must be reloaded when you want to return to the menu. To use the {+} commands require the use of the batch file AUTO.BAT. Which basically has two commands in it, one to run AUTOMENU.COM and the other to run AUTOTEMP.BAT, the batch file build by AUTOMENU. The {+} commands are also use in situations where the user wants to return to DOS when finished with a series of commands. See the examples below to return to DOS or copy a file and then return to DOS; the reason they do not return to the menu is because the AUTO command is not included. %Example Menu *Copy text files to C: from A: and return to MENU +COPY A:*.TXT C: +AUTO *Copy text files to C: from A: and goto DOS +COPY A:*.TXT C: *Return to DOS +CLS #End of example menu Even though the {+} commands are the slowest method, we recommend that they be used by NEW USERS FIRST because they are less prone to mistakes. Once you get used to AUTOMENU, the other methods could be used. When using the {+} commands in a alternate menu, it might be desired for the alternate menu to be redisplayed when the routine is finished instead of AUTOMENU.MDF or the main menu. To do this Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Other Capabilities requires the user to specify the name of the alternate menu on the same line with AUTO. For example, lets say you have a communications menu called COMM.MDF and you want to return to the COMM.MDF when ProComm is finished. %Communications Menu *ProComm +CD \PROCOMM +PROCOMM +CD \AUTOMENU +AUTO COMM.MDF *Return to Main Menu @AUTOMENU.MDF #End of COMM.MDF 6-2.1.2. Resident Commands The disadvantages mentioned in the paragraph above can be overcome to a great extent by keeping AUTOMENU in memory. This can be done with the {!} symbol command. This symbol is used in exactly the same manner as the {+} symbol. There is no limit to the number of commands that can be included in each routine, and each line may contain as many as 127 characters. The {!} symbol creates a batch file called AUTOTEMP.BAT. This file contains each command in the routine. When it is initiated, the routine is executed directly from AUTOMENU, which remains dormant in memory. This type of batch file is faster than the {+} command file, and is useful for actions that do not require exiting to DOS. Here is an example with a routine for calling Wordstar using this symbol: %Example Menu *Word Processing !ECHO OFF !CLS !CD \WS !WS !CD \AUTOMENU *Return to DOS +CLS #End of example menu >WARNING< NEVER use the command !AUTO Also, do not attempt to execute TSR programs with the {!} symbol. Note that you still need to enter the CD change directory commands before and after executing the program, if the program Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Other Capabilities is in another directory. This is always necessary. In the example above the DOS commands ECHO OFF and CLS were added to the beginning of the routine. This is because this method uses a secondary command processor to run AUTOTEMP.BAT and ECHO would be ON. In other words, without those two lines you would see the individual commands displayed on the screen while they are being executed. When the routine is finished, the last menu displayed will be the menu that reappears. Note that it returns without the use of !AUTO, which is not needed and would cause problems. 6-2.2. Direct Commands Batch commands are most useful for lengthy routines in which a number of actions must be executed. Many times, a single command is all that is necessary. In this case, the command can be interpreted by the operating system as a command entered directly from the system prompt--C>. It is a "direct" command. AUTOMENU uses two types of direct commands--with pause, and without pause. 6-2.2.1 Direct Command without Pause The dash {-} symbol creates a direct command. The command can be up to 127 characters in length, but there can be only one command per menu selection. This symbol does not create a batch file. When the command is completed, the menu from which it was initiated is redisplayed. >WARNING< Resident and non-resident commands CANNOT be used together on the same menu selection. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Other Capabilities This command is useful for functions such as formatting a diskette or viewing a directory. Here is how you might do that: %TEST MENU *Format Drive A: -Format A: #END or: %TEST MENU *Directory -DIR A: #END Note that you cannot use this function on any menu selection in which you have used {+} or {!} symbols. 6-2.2.2. Direct Command with Pause The equal {=} symbol operates in the same manner as the {-}, with one exception. When the command has been completed, the user must press the spacebar (or any mouse button) to redisplay the menu. This is useful when it is vital that the user observe the results of the command. For instance, in the directory example in paragraph 6-2.2.1, the directory disappears. The {=} symbol can prevent that. Here is one way in which this symbol might be used: %TEST MENU *Directory =DIR A: #END As you see, the command entered at the {=} symbol is the "DIR" command you normally use from the DOS prompt to view a directory (C>DIR:). Direct commands execute more quickly than others. They do however use more memory, and only ONE command per selection is permitted. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Other Capabilities Here is a summary of all DOS symbol commands. Table 6.1. DOS Symbol Commands --------+-----------------+------------------------------------- Symbol | Function | Description and Use --------+-----------------+------------------------------------- + Batch Command Use for lengthy routines; non-resident when necessary to exit to DOS; when user must take exterior action. ! Batch command Use when it is not necessary to resident return to DOS; for lengthy routines. >WARNING< Only one of these symbols can be used in a single menu selection. You cannot use two different symbols in within one menu selection. - Direct Use when fast execution is needed. = Direct Use for fast execution, when it is with pause appropriate to have operator press the space bar to redisplay the menu. ---------------------------------------------------------------- If you would like to learn more about how these symbol commands work, their technical aspects are analyzed in Section 8. 6-3. Special Functions The largest group of symbols are reserved to execute the functions that make AUTOMENU unique. These functions give you sophisticated capabilities that provide that total control you desire. There are seven Special Function symbols: #--end of MDF .--comment ^--password @--alternate MDF >--output message <--input [--time execution Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Other Capabilities You have already used the first two--{#} and {.}--in Section 3. If you recall, the {#} End of MDF symbol MUST be used to end every MDF. 6-3.1. Password A password enables you to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing individual selections on the menu. You can even specify multiple passwords for each menu selection. This enables you to set up different levels of security for different individuals. While you would be able to access all menus, your accounting clerk could be limited only to those with accounting functions, and only to those selections on the menu. Your word processing operator can be limited to those functions only, so they cannot inadvertently juggle your books. The password symbol is {^}. A password can contain up to 30 characters. And there is no limit to the number of passwords that can be defined for each menu selection. Here is how a password might be added to a previous example, please note that both passwords "OK" and "BOSS" would execute this menu selection: %TEST MENU *Format Drive A: ^OK ^BOSS -Format A: #END Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Other Capabilities 6-3.2. Alternate MDF One of the strengths of AUTOMENU is its ability to connect menus and MDF's to create a menu controlled system for separate pieces of software. The Alternate MDF function gives you the ability to access any MDF from any other MDF. Thereby providing unlimited numbers of menus and menu selections The Alternate MDF symbol is {@}. To use this in an MDF, enter the {@} in column 2, and the filename of the menu you wish to call in column 3. AUTOMENU supports full pathnames for alternate MDF's. >WARNING< This function cannot be used together with the {+}, {!} {-} or {=} symbols. The following Example shows how the main menu, AUTOMENU.MDF, might lead to Alternate menus: %Main System Menu *Communications Menu ?Display Communications Menu @COMM.MDF *Accounting Menu ?Display Accounting Menu @ACCOUNT.MDF *Utility Menu ?DOS Utility Menu, ask supervisor for password ^BOSS @UTILITY.MDF #End of AUTOMENU.MDF The utility menu example above also shows a good way to protect all the menu selections in an alternate menu. In other words, the user must know the password to get to the utility menu to execute any of the utility menu selections. The example below shows what one of the alternate menus might look like. Note that the second menu selection is setup to return the user to the main menu: %Communications Menu *ProComm +CD \PROCOMM +PROCOMM +CD \AUTOMENU +AUTO COMM.MDF *Return to Main Menu @AUTOMENU.MDF #End of COMM.MDF Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Other Capabilities 6-3.3. Output Message It is often necessary to give a user information or data about some action he must take, or observation he should make, after a menu selection. This function does that. ---------------------------------------------------------------- %Example Menu *Directory >The directory displayed below is of the diskette in Drive A: >The only files listed are Work Sheet files, or those files >whose filename extension is WKS. =DIR A:*.WKS/W #End of Example ---------------------------------------------------------------- Each output message is limited to 80 characters, but you can enter as many message lines as you wish. However, if the message is more than 23 lines, the additional lines will scroll off the screen. All output messages will be displayed before any DOS commands defined are executed. 6-3.4. Input Some programs require additional information to be passed to them. For example, many programs will require that a filename be entered at the time of execution. The Input function, used with the Output Message function, makes it possible to prompt the user for this information. The Input symbol is {<}. Let's suppose you want to go directly to a file to edit when you select the word processing option. Here is how you would set up your MDF to accomplish that. ---------------------------------------------------------------- %Example Menu *Word Processing ?Run Wordstar >This option requires the filename you wish to edit. >Enter the filename on the DOTTED line below and press ENTER. < +CD \WS +WS %1 +CD \AUTOMENU +AUTO #End of Example ---------------------------------------------------------------- When the output messages appear on the screen, a row of dots will appear below it. The user then simply types in the filename, and AUTOMENU will take him directly to that file. The information entered will be used to replace the %1 before the DOS commands Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Other Capabilities are executed. This is called "Dynamic Input." It is also possible to give the user the choices he has available from which to select. This function is known as "Static Input." AUTOMENU accepts any entry following the {<} command as input to be passed to DOS. You can give the user as many choices as will fit on one line. Each must be separated by a comma. The user then need only move the cursor to the desired choice and press ENTER. Using either Dynamic and Static Input, you can define up to nine prompts per menu selection, mixing Dynamic and Static request. The results of each input request will be used to replace variables defined within a particular menu selection. Each variable is given a number, 1-9, preceded by a percent {%} sign. For example, %1, %2, etc. Here is how you might use both these capabilities in an MDF. ---------------------------------------------------------------- *Copy a file to TEMP directory on Drive C. >Please select the diskette drive from which you wish to copy. >Use the arrow keys to highlight the desired drive letter, >then press ENTER. <A:,B: > >Now enter the name of the file you wish to copy. >The filename can be up to eight characters, followed by a >three character extension. Example: TEST.DAT. >Press ENTER when you have entered the filename. >Or you may quit now by pressing the ESC key. < > >The file will be copied from Drive %1 >The filename is %2 -Copy %1%2 C:\TEMP ---------------------------------------------------------------- Another feature of the input function that gives added flexibility is the use of the <ESC> key. The user can return to the menu at any time during an input request by pressing <ESC>. 6-3.5. Timed Execution There may be times when you want a menu selection to be selected at some future time. This function does that. The symbol for timed execution is {[}. As many as 128 different times can be specified in an MDF. And since a menu selection using the {@} symbol could load a second Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Other Capabilities MDF with 128 more times, the number of times is all but limitless. The times must be entered in international 24-hour format. For example, 10:30 AM must be entered as 10:30; 10:30 PM must be entered as 22:30. The MDF from which the execution will take place must be displayed at the specified time for the function to operate. This function also WILL NOT EXECUTE automatically if the user is inside an application. If you are working in your word processing application a 10:00 AM, the backup menu selection would NOT be executed. This capability is especially useful for automatic backups or reading equipment connected to the computer like in this example: %Example Menu *Backup [10:00 [16:00 -Backup C: *Check Rain Guage automatically . This example reads a rain gauge connected to COM1: . every two hours and then appends the results to a file [01:00 [03:00 [05:00 [07:00 [09:00 [11:00 [13:00 [15:00 [17:00 [19:00 [21:00 [23:00 +CD \WEATHER +RAINREAD +COPY RESULTS.OLD+RESULTS RESULTS.OLD +CD \AUTOMENU +AUTO #End of Example 6-4. MDF Command Symbol Summary All command symbols are summarized in Table 6.2, below. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Other Capabilities Table 6.2. MDF Command Symbols --------+-----------------+------------------------------------- Symbol | Function | Description and Use --------+-----------------+------------------------------------- % Menu Title Display title of menu * Menu selection The selections available to user ? Menu HELP Explain a menu selection in further message detail ^ Password Limit access to selections @ Alternate Link menus and MDF's to create menu MDF driven systems - Direct Executed as if command were entered DOS Cmd at DOS prompt (A>); one command per selection limit; 127 character line limit; AUTOMENU remains dormant in memory. = Direct Same as previous command, but user Cmd/pause must press spacebar to return to menu. ! Resident Creates batch file for series of Batch Cmd commands; AUTOMENU remains resident; 127 character line limit; number of lines unlimited per selection. + Non-Resident Creates batch file for series of batch Cmd. commands; returns user to operating system; 127 character line limit; number of lines per selection unlimited. . Comment Places comment in MDF that is not displayed on menu. > Output Displays a message on menu. < Input Permits user to enter variable parameters or data defining files, etc., to be called up when menu selection is made. [ Time Allows user to specify a future time execution for execution of menu selection. # End of Must be entered as final command on MDF every MDF. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Customizing SECTION 7 CUSTOMIZING YOUR MENU As individual and unique as your menus can be made with the functions discussed up to now, there may still be additional features you want to include. You may even want to switch off certain features such as the selection bar or arrow. Only one may be needed. You almost certainly will want to customize the menu screen colors. AUTOMENU provides a customization utility that allows you to do this. 7-1. Accessing the Customization Utility The customizing program is in the file AUTOCUST.COM. You can call this up directly from the DOS prompt, C>. It can be more useful, however, if you make AUTOCUST.COM a selection on one of your menus, perhaps the main menu. This will enable you to change features of your menu as often as you desire, without exiting to DOS. You can access the customizing function from DOS by typing "AUTOCUST" at the prompt: C>AUTOCUST. If you have changed the name of the AUTOMENU.COM, however, you must specify the new file name. To do this, enter: C>AUTOCUST "NEW FILENAME" Be sure to include drive and pathname if necessary. AUTOCUST is a menu driven program, containing three menus. When you call AUTOCUST you will first see the main menu. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Customizing ---------------------------------------------------------------- Automenu Customization Utility for version 4.00 1 - Color Customization 2 - Custom Switches 3 - Change default filename for Menu Definition File 4 - Change default filename for Temporary Batch File 5 - Reset all values to original defaults and save them 6 - Return to DOS Enter number of Selection -> ----------------------------------------------------------------- These functions will be discussed in the order in which they appear on the menu. The changes made to the individual characteristics of the menu are stored as part of AUTOMENU.COM and NOT in a seperate configuration file. 7-2. Color Customization Select this function by typing "1" at the menu prompt. The AUTOMENU Color Customization Section menu will be displayed. This menu lists all sections of the menu for which the color can be customized. Select the area you wish to change color on by moving the double bracket pointers ( --> item <-- ) with the up and down arrow keys. The keys that make the color changes are indicated at the lower third of this menu. If you want to black out a section of your menu, simply set the foreground color to match the background color, for example black on black. When you have made all your desired color changes, press "W" to make the changes permanent until you change the defaults again. 7-3. Custom Switches This menu operates in the same manner as the color menu. The switches are described in Table 7.1. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Customizing Table 7.1. Custom Switches -------------+----------------------+--------------------------- Switch | Options | Description & Use -------------+----------------------+--------------------------- Country USA--mm/dd/yy Sets form in which date format for Europe--dd/mm/yy is displayed. date Japan--yy/mm/dd Time 12 or 24 hour 12 hour shows AM, PM Date/Time enabled/disabled Determines if date/time is display displayed Key display enabled/disabled displays or blanks CAPS, NUM LOCK, etc. display Blackout OFF, or 1-45 min. Default delay is 3 min. delay Blackout enabled/disabled Displays blackout message message when enabled. Cursor type IBM/Tandy Prevents the cursor from being seen on the menu Screen mode color/b&w Used if computer requires specific mode Display color/b&w Used for amber screens Selection _ --bar enabled/disabled | --pointer enabled/disabled -------Generally, only one of these --numbers displayed/not | is utilized displayed _| Control enabled/disabled When disabled, user cannot Break use CTRL-BREAK to exit to DOS Screen swap enabled/disabled Enabled, allows switching between monitors Automatic enabled/disabled Enabled, prevents user from clearing making entries before a menu of keyboard is displayed, or before a buffer command is completed. Mouse enabled/disabled Disable mouse support Mouse 5 to 60 Set in increments of 5; sensitivity default is 20; Lower numbers = more sensitive Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Customizing 7-4. Change Default Filename for MDF If you want to change the default MDF to your own MDF (from automenu.mdf), you must tell AUTOMENU that is the file you want to call whenever AUTOMENU is booted. This switch permits you to specify your own MDF as the default MDF. The name you specify here remains in effect until you change it. However, we recommend that you use AUTOMENU.MDF as your main menu. 7-5. Change Default Filename for Temporary Batch File Changing the batch filename (default is AUTOTEMP.BAT) enables you to write the temporary file to a virtual disk, specific drive, or specific subdirectory. The filename you enter here remains in effect until it is changed. This capability gives you needed flexibility in working with networks and write protected drives. 7-6. Reset All Values and Save This function permits to return all switches, colors and filenames to the original program value. You can do this anytime the program is running. 7-7. Creating Your Own Menus You now have all the information you need to build any kind of menu or menu system, and make it as individual as yourself. After you have installed Automenu on your system, it will be time to add items to the menu system. Using AUTOMAKE, you should modify AUTOMENU.MDF and enter in menu selection for your own programs and delete all the examples in this MDF that you do not need. We recommend that you basically use only the {%},{*},{+}, and {#} at get started at first. Once you have the system up and running, you can go back and improve it. If you have any problems or questions at this point, please take the time to contact our technical support department and see if we can get you back on track. For those who would like a deeper understanding of AUTOMENU, the next section provides a more technical discussion of the more complex functions. There are also some examples to look at in addition to the MDF's that are on the disk. It is not necessary to go into the technical aspects, however, to fully utilize every one of AUTOMENU's capabilities. You can do that right now. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Technical Considerations SECTION 8 TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS Users familiar with DOS and who have some programming experience can use AUTOMENU's capabilities to an even greater extent. This section discusses the more technical aspects of the program, so those who desire can enjoy even more flexibility. 8-1. AUTOMENU Configuration AUTOMENU provides a direct interface with the DOS operating system. Menus are created with Magee Enterprises' proprietary and copyrighted Menu Definition Language (MDL). MDL creates a Menu Definition File (MDF) in which the menus are stored. The AUTOMENU program reads the Menu Definition File (MDF) and effectively routes commands entered there to the operating system for execution. 8-1.1. Program Interfaces A batch file, AUTO.BAT, is the program root. When you follow the installation procedure in Section 3 AUTO.BAT is placed into the DOS AUTOEXEC.BAT file. AUTO.BAT basically contains two commands: AUTOMENU, which executes the main program, and AUTOTEMP.BAT, which holds commands written to it by AUTOMENU. 8-1.2. Other Files All files contained on the program diskette, and their function, are listed below. There may be additional files with AUTOMENU, but these are the main ones. AUTO.BAT Batch file that calls AUTOMENU Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Technical Considerations AUTOCUST.COM Menu customization utility AUTOMAKE.EXE Menu-building facility AUTOMENU.COM Main Menu Program AUTOMENU.MDF Main Menu Definition File DOS.MDF Examples of DOS commands used INSTALL.BAT Fixed disk installation routine INSTALL.MDF Installation menu PRINTER.MDF Printer control menu AUTOMENU.DOC This document PRINTDOC.BAT Utility to print this document READ.ME Special information 8-2. Program Operation AUTOMENU executes a menu selection either directly, or through the batch file, AUTOTEMP.BAT. The method of execution is set by symbol commands entered in the MDF (see Section 5). In the direct mode, AUTOMENU routes the MDF DOS command directly to DOS. This method is fast, and since the program remains dormant in memory, the MDF does not have to be reread. The direct mode does, however, use more memory than the batch mode. In the batch mode, AUTOMENU creates the batch file, AUTOTEMP.BAT. If the resident batch command {!} is present, the program executes AUTOTEMP.BAT while remaining in memory. If the non-resident batch command {+} is present, AUTOMENU is exited, and the batch routine is executed by a continuation of AUTO.BAT. This requires that the final command in the batch routine be "AUTO" so that AUTOMENU is recalled. This program hierarchy is illustrated below. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Technical Considerations DOS Command Processor------>---- C>AUTO ----<-------------<----+ | | | | AUTO.BAT | | | | | +------------>-----------------AUTOMENU.COM ^ | | | | | | | {-}Command-----------+-----<------|------>-----{+}Command | | | | | | | ^ | | | | | | | {=}Command {!}Command Create | | | | | AUTOTEMP.BAT | | | | | | | | Secondary DOS----<--| Create | ^ | Command Processor AUTOTEMP.BAT | | | | | | | ^ | Secondary DOS Command | | |<Execute Command Processor Exit | | | AUTOMENU.COM | ^ | | | | Run | ^ +------------<-----------------AUTOTEMP.BAT Run | AUTOTEMP.BAT->+ Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Technical Considerations 8-3. Running Basic Programs If you have programs written in BASIC language on your fixed disk, you can access them using the {+} symbol in the MDF. When you do so, you must always call up BASIC. Here is how you might set up a BASIC program selection: %Example Menu *Space Wars +CD \GAMES +BASICA SPACEWARS +CD \AUTOMENU +AUTO #End of Example When the program has finished running, the BASIC prompt, "OK," will be displayed. Type "SYSTEM" at this prompt, and you will return to AUTOMENU. If you create your own BASIC programs put the command "SYSTEM" as the next to last command before "END" statement. 8-4. Using AUTOMENU On Networks AUTOMENU is fully compatible with networks. The main problem with Automenu and Networks is the creation of AUTOTEMP.BAT. If more than one user runs the same copy of AUTOMENU from a file server, then more than one person will be writing the same file and a conflict will occur. That is why AUTOMENU provides a customization utility that allows the user to change the filename of the Temporary Batch File to include both a drive and path name. After you have a copy Automenu installed on your file server, you have basically three methods of configuring AUTOMENU for use with a network. The preferred method would be to write AUTOTEMP.BAT to a RAM disk at the individual work station. If that is not practical, AUTOTEMP.BAT can be written to a local disk drive. A third method would be to have each user work with separate copies of AUTOMENU. These would be named: AUTOMEN1.COM for the first work station; AUTOMEN2.COM for the second station, and so on. Then each copy could be modified to access a unique AUTOMENU.MDF and write a unique AUTOTEMP.BAT The variety for networks out there make it hard to have one way of configuring your system. We have helped users setup Automenu to work on networks with as many as 400 nodes. Therefore, we advise that you contact our technical support department for more information on networking with AUTOMENU. Also contact our sales department on our unique pricing for Networks. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Technical Considerations 8-5. Mouse Support AUTOMENU supports the use of a mouse to allow the user to move the pointer and to select an option. Moving the mouse up and down simulates the use of the up and down arrow keys which moves the option pointer up and down on the menu. Moving the mouse from side to side will simulate the use of the left and right arrow keys which will then display other menus if they were defined. Pressing any of the mouse buttons will simulate the pressing of the return key which selects the option being pointed to. The mouse interface which AUTOMENU uses to control the mouse is provided by the mouse manufacturer through a device driver or DOS resident program. AUTOMENU looks for this support through interrupt 33H. If this interface is installed, AUTOMENU will detect its presences and communicate with the interface. 8-6. Uses and Performance for Floppy Diskette Systems For a floppy based system, placing the AUTOMENU files on a newly formatted diskette will enhance AUTOMENU's performance. The use of a RAM drive and the copying of the COMMAND.COM file into this RAM Drive will also help. The Customization section can also help to change the location of where the temporary batch file is to be written for example on the RAM drive D:\ . Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Technical Considerations 8-7. Contents of an example AUTOMENU.MDF ................................................... . AUTOMENU Menu Definition File . . By Marshall W. Magee ................................................... %User-Defined Menu Title *Word Processor ?Run the PERSONAL EDITOR program (Password = IBM) ^IBM -pe *Install AUTOMENU ?This will allow you to customize AUTOMENU +AUTOCUST +AUTO *Basic ?Run BASIC directly -basica *Check fixed disk =CHKDSK/F *Print Directory to screen =DIR *DOS COMMAND MENU ?Load AUTOMENU Simply DOS Menu @DOS.MDF *Copy AUTOMENU Documentation to line printer ?Prints Document to PRN: -COPY AUTOMENU.DOC PRN: *Disk Operating System ?Return to Disk Operating System +ECHO OFF +ECHO +---------------------+ +ECHO | Returning to DOS | +ECHO +---------------------+ +ECHO | Enter > AUTO < | +ECHO |to return to the Menu| +ECHO +---------------------+ +ECHO ON . .------------------------------ . Define another menu page .------------------------------ %******* Second Menu ******* *Format a diskette in Drive A: !CD \DOS !Format A: !CD \AUTOMENU *Play a game of Chess .This menu selection is for example only .No chess game is included with Automenu. !CD \GAMES !JUMPJOE !CD \AUTOMENU # END OF AUTOMENU.MDF Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Technical Considerations 8-8. Examples of Batch Files ---------------------------- 8-8.1. Floppy Diskette Version ------------------------------ Contents of AUTOEXEC.BAT +--------------------------------+ |AUTO | +--------------------------------+ 8-8.2. Fixed Disk Version Example contents of AUTOEXEC.BAT good for fixed disk systems +---------------------------+ |ECHO OFF | <- Don't display commands that follow |CLS | <- Clear Screen |VER | <- Display current DOS version. |DATE | <- Request present date |TIME | <- Request present time |COPY COMMAND.COM D:\ | <- Copy COMMAND.COM to RAM Drive |SET COMSPEC=D:\COMMAND.COM | <- Tell DOS new location of COMMAND.COM |PROMPT $P$G | <- Prompt to show present subdirectory |PATH C:\PUBLIC | <- Path to subdirectory PUBLIC on C: |VERIFY on | <- Disk read after write check |AUTO | <- Execute AUTOMENU batch file |REM autoexec.bat | <- Remark statement in batch file. |REM by Marshall W. Magee | |REM on 07/02/83 | +---------------------------+ Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Technical Considerations 8-8.3. Example of AUTO.BAT -------------------------- Example of AUTO.BAT +---------------------------+ |ECHO OFF | <- Don't Display commands that follow |C: | <- Change to C: drive |CD \AUTOMENU | <- Change to where Automenu is |AUTOMENU %1 | <- Execute AUTOMENU program |IF ERRORLEVEL 1 GOTO QUIT | <- Check for ERROR during AUTOMENU |AUTOTEMP | <- No Error, Execute AUTOTEMP.BAT |:QUIT | <- Label for error goto statement |ECHO ON | <- Display commands that follow +---------------------------+ 8-9. Menu Definition File (MDF) Description The MDF is a standard text file that is read by AUTOMENU to obtain the information needed to display the menu. The file consists of lines of information ending with a carriage return and line feed characters. The first character of each line is used to define the function of that line to AUTOMENU. 8-10. USER SUPPORT 8-10.1. Problems and Technical Support If you have problems with AUTOMENU, please read this manual first to make sure you do understand everything. We have tried to provide a problem-free product but sometimes we make mistakes. If you think you have found a problem please take the time to contact us and explain your problem to us. All registered users will be informed of any problems and their solution. Make sure that you include the following information to help us evaluate the problem: 1. Version of DOS used 2. Machine type, memory, monitors, etc. 3. Any application executed before AUTOMENU 4. Your address and telephone number 5. Where and how you obtained AUTOMENU 6. Which version of AUTOMENU you are using 7. Copies of your current MDF's We also provide a private Bulletin Board System for anyone interested in AUTOMENU. This board currently supports 2400 baud communications and is available 24 hours a day year round. We maintain the most current releases there and any other helpful files concerning AUTOMENU. It can be reached by calling 404-446- 6650. We also can be reached through a CompuServe ID: 70167,2200. And we can be reached through our business phone at 404-446-6611, providing technical support between the hours of 9am to 5pm EST Monday thru Friday. We also a have FAX available at 404-446-7434. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Technical Considerations 8-10.2. Updates AUTOMENU changes to respond to the requests of its users. For registered users, our update policy is that all future releases of this product will be under a new cost only policy. In other words, we will only charge you for the cost of getting the updated version to you. 8-11. Source Code The source code for AUTOMENU.COM and AUTOCUST.COM is written entirely in assembly language. The Menu-Building Facility for version 4.0 is written in compiled Basic; however, it will be rewritten in the next version in assembly language. For those interested, the source code was composed with IBM's Personal Editor II and assembled with Microsoft's Macro Assembler Version 4.00 under DOS 3.1. 8-12. Dealers, Value Added Resellers, and Consultants AUTOMENU is your ticket to setting up a turnkey system for your customers. This software was designed for this use. If you would like to use AUTOMENU and include it with your packages, please write to us. We have a complete dealer program available, please inquire today. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Technical Considerations 8-13. Shareware 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. So, 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 above statement about shareware was provided by the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). If you are interested in Shareware or the Association, please feel free to contact us and we will provide you with current information. A common question is asked of us, "How do I find out about other Shareware products that are available?" There are many companies that provide the service of finding and cataloging Shareware products; and for a small fee, will send you a diskette with Shareware products on it. The first company to provide this service was "The Public (Software) Library." To reach them, write to Nelson Ford, P.O. Box 35707, Houston, Texas 77235-5705 or call 713-721-5205. For the names for other companies that provide this service, look for ads in your favorite magazines. 8-14. Future There will always be improvements in this software as the need warrants. Any comments or suggestions concerning AUTOMENU would be greatly appreciated. Updates and other exciting programs will be available in the future. Please support the free enterprise system. Thank you! ================================================================ End of Documentation for Version 4.0 of AUTOMENU Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Error Messages APPENDIX A ERROR MESSAGES Message: ERROR READING MENU DEFINITION FILE Reason: AUTOMENU cannot find or read the menu definition file, or the file is in an improper format. Action: Ensure that the file is in the proper format and properly named. Also, check for any possible disk-related hardware problems. Message: INVALID FILENAME Reason: The filename given contains too many characters--it is too long. Action: Rename your MDF. It's name can have eight characters. Message: NOT ENOUGH MEMORY AVAILABLE TO LOAD MDF Reason: Your MDF is too large for your computer's memory. Action: Use {@} to place a portion of your menu into an alternate MDF. Call the alternate MDF from the original menu. Reason: You have attempted to run a TSR program using the {!}, {-}, or {=} symbol. The system cannot get to the open portion of memory. Action: Rewrite the menu selection with the TSR program using {+} symbols. Message: AUTOMENU REQUIRES DOS 2.0 OR HIGHER Reason: This software will not operate under DOS 1.0 or 1.1. Action: You must update your version of DOS to version 2.0 or higher. Copyright (C) 1983, 1987 Magee Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. Automenu version 4.0 Error Messages Message: NOT ENOUGH MEMORY TO LOAD COMMAND.COM Reason: To execute any direct DOS commands, at least 17KB of memory is required so COMMAND.COM can be loaded. Action: You can utilize only the non-resident features of AUTOMENU. Message: COMSPEC= NOT FOUND IN ENVIRONMENT Reason: This information must be in the environment space for AUTOMENU to be able to locate COMMAND.COM. Action: Use the "SET" command in AUTOEXEC.BAT to place COMSPEC= in the system environment space. Example: SET COMSPEC=D:\COMMAND.COM. This example would help AUTOMENU find COMMAND.COM on DRIVE D: Message: CAN'T WRITE TEMPORARY BATCH FILE Reason: You do not have sufficient space left on your disk, or the disk is write-protected. Action: Delete unnecessary files on disk. Remove any write- protect tabs. Replace disk with non-write-protected disk. Check for disk related hardware problems. Message: CAN'T OPEN MDF Reason: The user has failed to return to the AUTOMENU subdirectory after execution of a DOS command using the {!} symbol. Action: Rewrite the menu selection to include a CD \AUTOMENU. %Example Menu *Wordstar !CD \WS !WS !CD \AUTOMENU #End of Example ABOUT THE AUTHOR Marshall W. Magee's ten years of programming and software design experience has produced this version of AUTOMENU. Originally introduced in 1983 through computer user groups and electronic bulletin boards, AUTOMENU was an immediate success as a shareware product. Mr. Magee has continued to maintain an active association with many personal computer user groups. He currently is Vice-President of the Atlanta IBM-PC Users' Group and Chairman of it's Programmers' Special Interest Group. This group is an organization formed to discuss the technical aspects of DOS and programming in various computer languages. He contributes his technical expertise to these organizations by providing instruction to their members, contributing articles to their newsletters, and helping organize and direct activities. As an Industrial and Computer Engineering student at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, Mr. Magee provided consulting services to the university and to numerous business clients. While still a student at Auburn, he taught computer-related courses in the university's Continuing Education Program. Currently, he teaches classes for the Georgia Tech Computer Institute. Mr. Magee is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. Magee Enterprises is located in Norcross, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. ------------------------------------ Automenu Registration Payment Form ------------------------------------ To order Automenu, please fill out the form below. Use street address only (we cannot ship to a post office box). Date: _____________ Name: _____________________________ Title: ___________________ Company: ________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ City: ___________________________________________________________ State/Country: ________________________ Zip: ____________________ Phone Work: (_____) _____ - ______ Home: (_____) _____ - ______ Method of payment: Please complete the worksheet below and choose one of the payment options indicated. Georgia State residents must add sales tax. ALL CHECKS AND MONEY ORDERS MUST BE DRAWN ON U.S. ACCOUNTS ONLY. +----------+------------------------------+----------+----------+ | | | Cost | Total | | Quantity | Description | per unit | Cost | +==========+==============================+==========+==========+ | | | | | | | Automenu Software Package | $50.00 | | | | | | | +==========+=+============================+==========+==========+ | Georgia residents add sales tax | | +---------------------------------------+----------+ | Shipping Cost if Overseas, add $20.00 | | +---------------------------------------+==========+ TOTAL | | Please indicate diskette format: [ ] 5.25 +==========+ [ ] 3.5 [ ] Check with order [ ] Money Order [ ] MasterCard [ ] VISA Credit card #:______________________________ Exp. Date: ____/____ Signature: ______________________________________________________ Cardholder's name: ______________________________________________ Cardholder's address: ___________________________________________ (If different from above) ***************************************************************** Send all items to: Magee Enterprises Automenu Order Department 6577 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard Norcross, Georgia 30092-3796 USA ***************************************************************** If you have any questions, please call 404-446-6611. Volume users of Automenu please inquire about quantity discounts -------------- COMMENT FORM -------------- Your comments about this software and documentation are welcome. Please take the time to fill out this form or write or call us with your comments. Name: _____________________________ Title: __________________ Company: _______________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ City: __________________________________________________________ State/Country: ________________________ Zip: ___________________ Phone Work: (_____) _____ - ______ Home: (_____) _____ - ______ Automenu Version Number: _____________ Date: __________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ 714.8705 ***************************************************************** Send this form to: Magee Enterprises Automenu Comments 6577 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard Norcross, Georgia 30092-3796 USA *****************************************************************