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1992-05-10
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*** CONMAX Ver 1.50 Environmental Editor (C) DXP Computer Services LTD 1992 ***
This program is Shareware. It is expected that you will try this
product over a thirty day period. If at that time you decide to continue to
use it, you are required to send me a check for $15.00.
ALL files should be in a the same directory. This directory can be
called anything you wish. But C:\CONMAX does have a pleasant ring to it.
The Editor and Reset programs can be anywhere at all as long as they're in
your PATH.
Since I'd rather sit in the driveway and watch my car rust than write
documentation, I'll keep this as short and sweet as possible. Besides if I
give you TOO many clues, it won't be much of a challenge. For those of you
who never read documentation, please disregard the following.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(0)
Features
--------
1) Invoking ConMAX with ANY switch will set a boot timer to work.
This time is for those of you who may wish to install ConMax
in their AUTOEXEC.BAT file. If you strike ENTER before the
timer hits 0, you'll be able to access ConMax during a boot
or re-boot. The timer screen tells you which configuration you
currently have loaded, and how many seconds before it drops out.
For instance:
CONMAX D
CONMAX F
CONMAX 1
ANY parameter will cause ConMax to go into timer mode. If you
don't strike ENTER before the timer hits 0, you'll simply continue on
through your current boot cycle. If you DO hit enter, the program will
drop out of the counter loop and pop up for your viewing pleasure.
2) ConMax self-senses Color or Mono graphics and deals with it accordingly.
Just to make sure you don't have some really wild looking screens on your
TTL monitor...
3) ConMax allows you to send your specific Cache "Flush String" as well as
set a Cache Write-back timer to insure that the cache is fully flushed.
The disk cache MUST be in your path...
4) CONMAX.KEY is supplied with the Unregistered Evaluation copy of the
software. Even though it's not a registered key, it MUST be in place
in the ConMax directory, or this baby just plain won't work. By copying
a new CONMAX.KEY that can be obtained by sending me your registration
fee (nudge, nudge... wink, wink...) the nuisance screens will be
defeated, your name and registration number will appear on your
copy of ConMax, you'll feel better and I'll be able to buy that
Dodge Stealth I've always lusted after...
5) LightBar menus that support WRAP mode. (When you get to the bottom rung
of the light bar, it doesn't just leave you there, it pops you right back
up to the first item.) Hitting the <ESC> key at almost any spot in the
program will toss you right back to the Main Menu. Hitting <ESC> at the
main menu, throws you out of the program.
6) The ability to quickly Edit any configuration and select either just the
CONFIG file, just the AUTOEXEC file or both...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bug Fixes
---------
04/12/92 .............. Corrected some picky little problems with
cursor handling in a few of the modules.
04/12/92 .............. Fixed problem with the Color Configurator.
Program was not reading in colors properly
due to a corrupted MEM file.
04/17/92 ............... Fixed bug regarding third lightbar. Progam
would see number three as number 1.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revisions and additions
------------------------
04/18/92 ............... Added the Cache Flush parameter to allow flushing
of write-back caches such as Smartdrv.exe from
Windows 3.1...
04/19/92 ............... Added the ability to store AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.
SYS that were modified by the installation of an
application. Be AWARE that when you DO have these
files modified by an application program that you
WILL lose both the AUTOEXEC and CONFIG files on the
second time that you use CONMAX after the
modification of those files. After the first use of
CONMAX, those files are saved in your root directory
as AUTOEXEC.MAX and CONFIG.MAX.
04/19/92 ............... Added a user exit to allow you to pop out to DOS and
do whatever you wish, really. This should be reserved
for informational type screens, however.
05/03/92 ............... Re-worked the front end to make it a bit more
intuitive regarding exactly which main menu
selection you've made.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)
A few years ago I fell in love with a program called CONED
(configuration editor). Well, either with the program or the concept.
This nifty little program allowed you to store multiple AUTOEXEC.BAT and
CONFIG.SYS files on disk and boot into any of them at will. With the specific
demands of today's software, it's become ludicrous to attempt creating an
environment that satisfies them all. It's either multiple machines,
multiple environments or multiple MAALOX(tm). Not being a rich kid nor
particularly fond of the taste of chalk, I was really happy to find
CONED.ZIP out here in BBSland.
Recently, with one of the newer versions of CONED, I was faced with
some rather erratic programmic behaviour. It appeared to reflect a vast
assortment of undocumented features. (We really don't like the word
"BUG" in these parts.) Needless to say that after relying heavily on this
little software tidbit I was in a bit of a snit. (It IS possible to drop-kick
a cat over forty yards if wearing the proper footware.) Following much
gnashing of teeth and rending of documentation I decided to create my own
program.
In the middle of this venture I made an extremely vexing, not to
mention embarassing, discovery. CONED was working just fine. The problem
was that my write back cache wasn't writing the information to disk before
the program re-booted the machine. I've attempted to remedy that as well
as incorporate some of the nicer features of Ira Ashkenes' CONED program.
Programs tend to stand as building blocks for the next generation of software
of a similar nature. With this in mind, I humbly (and very gently), step on
Ira's CONED program in an attempt to reach the next plateau. Thanx, Ira.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2)
Files included in this archive...
CONMAX.EXE ................... The Main Program
AUTOEXEC.CLN ................... Sample Autoexec file
CONFIG.CLN ................... Sample Config file
AUTOEXEC.WIN ................... Sample Autoexec file
CONFIG.WIN ................... Sample Config file
* AUTOEXEC.STD ................... YOUR Autoexec file
* CONFIG.STD ................... YOUR Config file
CONMAX11.DOC ................... This documentation
RECORD.MAX ................... The program database
BEXT.IND ................... An index of the database
PARMS.MAX ................... The Parameter database
HOLD.MAX ................... database to hold previous boot info
COLORS.MEM ................... Memory Variable file for color info
MONO.MEM ................... Memory Variable file for mono info
CONMAX.KEY ................... Key file for registration
RESET.COM ................... PD Program that reboots machine
Q.COM ................... Shareware QEDIT program
Q.HLP ................... QEDIT help program
QCONFIG.COM ................... Custom Configurator for QEDIT
QKEY.DEF ................... Allows custom key definition in QEDIT
DOSERVE.BAT ................... Batch file that's called from within
program.
* If you install ConMax with the INSTALLATION.EXE program found on the
ShareWare disk, The STD configurations will be copied over for you. If
you are loading ConMax from your hard drive and DID NOT install from the
ConMax installation program, you should do the following...
While in the ConMax directory:
Type: Copy C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT AUTOEXEC.STD <Return>
Copy C:\CONFIG.SYS CONFIG.STD <Return>
This will save your current configuration to the STD record in the
database. It is VERY wise to do so to insure that you don't lose
your current configuration.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3)
***** Main Menu *****
This program is now utilizing Light Bar Menus. These menus allow you
to use the down/up/left/right arrow keys to get around. Most of what you have
to do within this program can be accomplished by using the arrow keys, the
Enter key and the Esc key.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximizer Program
-----------------
This is the crux of the matter... The LightBar will highlight
the listed configurations and will boot you into the one that you've
selected. If you choose the configuration that is currently loaded in
your ROOT directory, ConMax will allow you to change your mind. If you
still wish to boot into the current config, for instance if you've made
changes from within ConMax, then you can do so by toggling down to "Yes".
Your existing AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS in the ROOT directory are
saved in that directory to AUTOEXEC.MAX and CONFIG.MAX. Just in case you
inadvertantly blow away a custom configuration. We give you the ability
to recapture it if you happen to wake up in time. (Before the NEXT switch
of environments from within ConMax.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Add Records
------------
This routine allows you to add a description and extension to the
database. Once you've completed this task, the program asks if you'd like
to copy an existing environment to the new one you've just added. If you're
adventurous enough to toggle "Y" at this prompt, the program will then ask
you which existing environment you wish to copy from. By toggling the
light bar to the configuration you wish to copy FROM, We'll mysteriously copy
both AUTOEXEC.(EXT) and CONFIG.(EXT) files over to the new extension. At this
point a rather old, yet simplistic, editor will pop up with your new AUTOEXEC
file. By using this nifty little program, you'll be able to make any
modifications that are needed.
If the AUTOEXEC.(EXT) and CONFIG.(EXT) files that you're adding to
the database already exist in the directory, you'll want to be SURE to say
no at this prompt, as you WILL over-write them.
If you DO select an EXT that already exists, ConMax will give you
a message to that effect, and bounce right back to the main menu.
The DOCS for this editor can be found a bit further along in this
file (if I can keep from nodding off long enough.) I'll say this much about
the editor at this point, though. F1 saves the file. F10 gets you out of the
editor. When you've gotten out of the AUTOEXEC edit function, you'll be faced
with a rather cryptic screen. Just hit return and you'll be in the CONFIG edit
portion of the agenda. After CONFIG edit you'll find the same screen popping
up. Ignore it. Just slam the Enter key. Piece of cake so far, eh? At least
I know what I'm talking about. If you can't follow along.... Sorry.
There are two existing environments that are included with the program.
One is WIN and the other CLN. CLN will boot you into a clean boot, very similar
to booting from a floppy. WIN is a fairly generic WINDOWS 3.1 boot set.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delete Records
--------------
This self-descriptive routine simply deletes any environment you
select after selecting Delete Records. Be aware, however, that it also
deletes the appropriate files down at the DOS level as well. It gives you
a bail out toggle for those of you who really aren't too sure of your
footing. If you toggle "Y" at that prompt, it's Hasta La Vista Baby. An
"N" will save your stuff just like you never got into Delete Records in the
first place.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edit Boot Files
---------------
The edit module will allow you to edit any environment that is
installed in the database. This routine uses the same editor as the
Add Records routine and works exactly the same way. When you select Edit
Boot Files from the main menu, a second LightBar menu pops up to ask if you'd
like to edit the CONFIG file, The AUTOEXEC file, or both. Whichever you select
at this point will determine which files will be edited. After making this
selection, you'll be thrown back to the environment LightBar. Selecting the
appropriate existing environment will invoke the editor. If you chose CONFIG,
you'll only invoke the editor for the CONFIG file. The same goes for the
AUTOEXEC selection. If you choose both... You get both.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change Description
------------------
This allows you to change any description that you have in the
database. By selecting this menu option, the program throws you into
the description field. Striking <Enter> on the description you wish to
modify will clear that description and allow you to type in a new one.
Striking <Enter> when you're satisfied with the results will replace the
old description with the new.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xtension Edit
-------------
This allows you to change any extension that you have in the
database. By selecting this menu option, the program throws you into
the extension field. Striking <Enter> on the extension you wish to
modify will clear that extension and allow you to type in a new one.
Striking <Enter> when you're satisfied with the results will replace the
old extension with the new. The program will then prompt you on whether
or not you wish to rename any existing file extensions of the OLD name
to a file extension of the NEW name. In other words, if you have changed
extension CLN to AAA, the program would change AUTOEXEC.CLN and CONFIG.CLN
to AUTOEXEC.AAA and CONFIG.AAA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Installation
----------------
This selection allows you to copy AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS after
they're modified by the installation of an application program. You really
may want to save this configuration to a new database record if it's specific
for any particular use. Such as the installation of a sound card. You may
want a configuration that is optimized for that sound card and not want to
have its drivers interfere with other configurations. In this case, you would
select YES when asked "New Entry?". This would allow you to place an entirely
new configuration on file and in the database that is SPECIFIC to the needs
of the newly installed sound card.
If you wish to over-write an existing database record, as may well be
the case, you would select NO when asked "New Entry?". The program would then
prompt you as to which existing record you would like to attach the newly
modified AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files to. The new AUTOEXEC.BAT and
CONFIG.SYS files would over-write the AUTOEXEC and CONFIG files that were
previously attached to that existing database record.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Set Parms
---------
ConMax first asks for your Editor's name. Simply type in the name
without the extension and strike Enter. The Editor you choose must be in
the path.
The second question asks you for the time (in seconds) that you'd
like ConMax to wait for you to type ENTER during the boot up sequence. This
is for those of you who wish to place ConMax in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file and
who want the ability to see what environment you have loaded, as well as the
ability to change to a new environment, before the machine fully boots up.
Invoking ConMAX with ANY switch will set this timer to work
For instance:
CONMAX D
CONMAX F
CONMAX 1
ANY parameter will cause ConMax to go into timer mode. If you
don't strike ENTER before the timer hits 0, you'll simply continue on
through your current boot cycle. If you DO hit enter, the program will
drop out of the counter loop and pop up for your viewing pleasure.
The third question asks for a time in seconds that you'd like
ConMax to wait, after it does all of it's disk writes, and flushes your
cache buffer, before re-booting your machine. There are some Write-back
Cache's out there that simply will not be dumped. MANY of them will write
all info to disk within 5 seconds. You can experiment with this switch,
and if you have no problems with 0, then by all means, use 0. I suggest
a range between 2 and 5, however. Especially if you can't flush the cache.
The fourth question asks you for the STRING that will flush your
Write-back cache buffer. For Windows 3.1 SMARTDRV.EXE, for example, the
string is SMARTDRV /C. This causes your cache program to flush out the
write back cache buffer and write all of the results to disk. Check the
documentation for your specific cache regarding the write-back buffer
flush string. The default is SMARTDRV /C. You may leave this parameter
blank.
The fifth question asks which listing program you wish to use
with ConMax. LIST is the default. You may use any other listing utility,
such as BROWSE.COM, if you wish. This program MUST be in the ConMax directory
or in your path.
<<<<< NOTICE >>>>> Your Disk Cache MUST be in your path...
----
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Information
-----------
This is the screen that you'll be sick of looking at if you don't
register this software. Toggling to Information from within the main
menu will allow you enough time to actually read it and, hopefully, react
to it. If you decide to register this software, you'll be able to use
any and all future updates without having to see the nuisance screen.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
View Dos Info
-------------
This selection allows you to run a batch file called DOSERVE.BAT that
exists in the CONMAX directory, or in the current path. The batch file was
meant to allow the user to access certain DOS information only. Such as
SET, or PATH, or VER. Even MEM from DOS 5.0 could be run from there as long
as you realize that CONMAX is loaded while you're viewing MEM's results. The
default contents of the file simply bring up VER and SET. Be cautious when
having this program invoke another application. There may not be much RAM
available out there, as CONMAX is still FULLY loaded. This is NOT a shell.
I see no reason to provide a shell with this program. Shelling from this
type of application can have some rather unsettling results.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
List Docs
---------
This selection allows you to use Vern Buerg's wonderful LIST.COM
program to browse through the documentation. Just one program from
LIST 7.5f is included with ConMax. PLEASE register LIST.COM as well as
CONMAX. If you USE shareware, please help us to keep shareware alive.
No one likes to spend hours debugging a program and putting it out for
public use for free. We know we'll never get rich. We just want to keep
shareware a viable concept.
One of the nicer features of LIST is that it allows you to do a
very quick TEXT search. By typing F when in the LIST program, you're
prompted for the text you wish to find. This is very helpful when looking
for specific help about any aspect of this program. LIST will find the first
instance of this TEXT string if it exists. Pressing F3 will find the next
instance. F9 will find the previous instance.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quit to DOS
-----------
Sends you back to DOS. (Escape works just as well)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4)
The Editor
-----------
This is one of the earliest versions of QEDIT. I chose it, because
I still use it. It does exactly what I need it to do. It's quick and dirty
and has no windows, fancy light bars, pretty screens. It works. Every time.
I may be a little out of line here, but I'll choose functionality over pretty
almost every time. (With the exception of women, that is. They have to be
both, or I just send out for pizza.) It does much more than I'll outline
below, but if you're a true adventurer, you'll take a peek at the pseudo
documentation and find out more for yourself. For the purposes that are
needed by this program....
F1 Saves the program
F3 Creates a blank line
F4 Deletes a line
F5 Clones the line you're on
F6 Blocks the line for copy, etc.
F10 Gets you out of the editor
<Ctrl> B puts you into a situation that allows you to copy
any lines you have blocked with the F6 key. If you strike
F6 on a line, then strike it again on a line that is four or
five lines below it, you'll have four or five lines that are
blocked. By Striking <Ctrl>B then S for store, these lines will
be stored in a buffer. The program will ask you to name the
buffer. Use something clever like B. Put your cursor where
you want these lines copied to, and hit <Ctrl>B again. If you
now hit L for load and type in the buffer name.... Taa daaa...
The insert key toggles you in and out of insert mode. If you're
in insert mode, at the end of a line, the editor will give you
a carriage return and line feed. If you're NOT in insert mode,
you'll only get the line feed.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5)
Disclaimor
----------
This software does not promise to do anything, though it probably
will. It also doesn't promise not to damage anything expensive
or intricate, though it probably won't.
There are no warranties expressed or implied in this documentation.
If it doesn't work, trash it. If you don't like it, trash it. If you
DO like it, please register it.
Gil Gomes
SysOp "The Data Express BBS" (DXP)
(508)336-3868
International Fido Address 1:323/108
Seriously. If you have anything good to say about the program, or
any ideas you'd like to see in future versions, give me a yell.
If you have a problem and want to yell at me, keep it to yourself.
<G>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIST Ver 7.5f is Copyright Vernon D. Buerg 1983-1990
This is a fairly current version of the program. Please support
shareware and register LIST.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
QEDIT Ver 1.30 is Copyright SEMWARE 1986 (All rights reserved)
This is an older version and, I believe, is no longer supported.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESET.COM is Public Domain.
ANY RESET program will also work with this software. Just rename it
to RESET.EXE or RESET.COM as the case may be...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanx, once again to Ira Ashkenes and CONED for making my life easier
and giving me the blocks to build on. For those of you who STILL like CONED
better than ConMax.... Drop me a line and tell me why. Hope to hear from you
soon, Ira... <G>
Gil Gomes