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Help information about: InContext Work Environment Manager
^Commands ^Display ^How? ^Keyboard ^Mouse ^Philosophy ^Support ^Tutorial
E╔════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
E║ CWelcome to theE ║
E║ CInContextB(TM)C Work Environment ManagerE ║
E╚════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
CWelcome!
Welcome to the CInContextB(TM)C Work Environment ManagerB. We at Rams'
Island Software hope you will enjoy this program and find it useful.
To move up or down in the text, use the CPgUpB and CPgDnB keys or Cup-arrow
and Cdown-arrowB keys. (You may also navigate via other keys and via the
mouse, if you have one, but these will be discussed later.) To leave the
help system, press the 'CQB' key (for "Quit").
CThe Help Facility
CInContextB has a rich, context-sensitive help facility. You can explore
the help system as a way of learning, or you can simply try the various
commands and features of InContext, invoking the CHelpB command in each
place and reading the resulting text. An even better way to get started
is to explore the CTutorialB help text, which is discussed below.
CHow to Get Help
Although you're already here, it's probably still appropriate to tell you
about the several ways you can get to the help system.
Help is available from most of the displays of InContext. You can tell
it's available because of the presence of the word F HDelp B near the right
end of the "Command Bar" at the top of the window. For example, the
upper-right portion of the main display might look like this:
E▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
E█A A E█
E█A C B1/2/91 20:40 A E█
E█A EClass:B CbatB EObject:B Cautoexec.batB ETask:B C B A E█
E█A Dew FCDlass FODbject FADction FGDo FDDo FMDore FQDuit FHDelp A E█
E█A E│B E│B E│A E█
E█A E│B EViewsB EClassB EObjectsB EActionsB E│B ESubdirsB E│A E█
E█A E│B ALL ALL Cautoexec.batB EdYBit E│BALICE E│A E█
E█A E│B Archive CbatB View E│BBBS E│A E█
E█A E│B Chess com Archive E│BBRIEF E│A E█
E█A A E█
E▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
The word F HDelp B indicates that help is available here, and that pressing
the 'H' key is a way of requesting it. Also, function key CF1B always means
"help".
Another way you might access help is via an error message. For some kinds
of errors detected by InContext, help is available, and you will be given
an opportunity to see it whenever the error occurs.
CStructure of the Help Information
For the most part, the help information takes the form of a hierarchy,
or tree. The information you're reading now is at the root of that tree.
When help is requested from the main display of InContext, this is the
information you see first. From here, though, you can get to help text
describing other, more specific matters.
For example, if you look up at the command bar above, you'll notice that
several help topics are accessible from here. They look like this:
E▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
E█A A E█
E█A G FCDommands FDDisplay FHDow? FKDeyboard FMDouse FPDhilosophy FSDupport FTDutorial A E█
E█A A E█
E▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
This means that you can see information about F CDommands B by pressing
the 'C' key, and so forth. From here, you can easily learn about the
CdisplayB, and ChowB to do a few commonly desired things, use of the
CkeyboardB, use of the CmouseB, the basic CphilosophyB behind InContext,
how to get CsupportB for the program, etc.
Just as you can move down to information about these more detailed topics,
you can also move back up. When you go down to one of these topics,
pressing CEscB will return you to the higher-level help information.
CNavigation Buttons
The help facility also has some of the properties of a "CHypertextB" system.
At various points in the text, there are Cnavigation buttonsB that look
ZmnC J like this CB. By placing the cursor on this "button" and pressing
ENTER or the left mouse button, you can directly access information on the
indicated topic.
CThe Index (How Do I Do This?)
The help system also has a Keyword-In-Context index in which the entries
all take the form of questions ("How do I...?", "What is...?", etc.).
ZmhB You'll have to see J How Do I Do This? CB to fully appreciate it. This
may be the best way to find some kinds of information. By all means, at
least look once at this index so you'll remember it when you need it.
CThe Tutorial
For most new users of InContext, the most effective method of learning to
use the program is to go through the CtutorialB. This is simply a portion
of the help information that has been especially designed to teach the new
user. It will take you through a series of lessons which introduce topics
in a reasonable order, and gradually build up your knowledge and skills.
ZmtB If you want to do the CJ Tutorial CB now, either select the navigation
button just above or press 'T'.
CList of Available Keyboard Commands
ZmkmB From the Main Display, you can see a list of J Keyboard Commands CB
by typing "/" (the slash key).
CPrinting Help Information
If you need a printed copy of any particular help display, you can easily
obtain one. Pressing function key CF4B always means "print", and it will
enable you to produce a hardcopy of many different types of information in
InContext, including the help displays. The color information will be
lost, however, and your printer may be unable to print some of the graphical
characters used in the help text. For best results, you may need to
ZmcmomC J configure InContext for your printer CB.
mc
Help information about: Major Commands of InContext
^Space ^Time ^Plans ^WiP ^View ^Class ^Object ^Action ^Go ^Do ^More
E╔════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
E║ CMajor Commands of InContextE ║
E╚════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
For information about specific commands, press the key corresponding to
the first letter of the command. That will move you down in the help
system hierarchy to the information about the specific command. If you
want to return here for further exploration, press 'U' (for "Up").
mcd
Help information about: Do Command
E╔════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
E║ CDo CommandE ║
E╚════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
The CDo CommandB provides a way of defining procedures that can be invoked
from any context. These procedures do not depend on the user to be in any
particular directory, and do not depend on selected views, classes, or
objects. Such procedures may be useful for any of several reasons:
CB They can be invoked in the current directory, wherever that
happens to be. A good example is a procedure that uses a file
transfer program to import files from another machine into the
current directory. With such a procedure, you would simply go to
the directory into which you want to import the information, and
then select the "import" procedure.
CB They can be invoked quickly, without moving to another context.
A good example is a procedure to display a phone list, and perhaps
dial a number from that list.
CB They can be invoked without losing the current working context.
The Do Display works similarly to the other main information types of
InContext. If you choose, you can cause an abbreviated version of the
display to appear in the main window, like this:
E▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
E█A A E█
E█A B A E█
E█A B EDoB A E█
E█A B assets A E█
E█A B document A E█
E█A B export A E█
E█A B fonYBtset A E█
E█A B getprice A E█
E█A B import A E█
E█A A E█
E▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
To use InContext much like a simple menu manager, you can also define
the main display as containing an unabbreviated Do Display, like this:
E▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
E█A A E█
E█A B A E█
E█A B EDoB A E█
E█A B Assets -- Edit family financial info A E█
E█A B Document -- View documentation store A E█
E█A B Export -- Prepare product diskette A E█
E█A B Fontset -- Set display font A E█
E█A A E█
E▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
In any event, the list of Do procedures is always available by selecting
F DDo B from the main display command bar. Selecting it produces a
display like the following:
E▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
E█A A E█
E█A Hans View Class Object Action GoG Do H MoreA E█
E█A G FªEDdit FªHDelpG A E█
E█A E│B E│A E█
E█A E│B EBrief NameB EYour DescriptionB E│A E█
E█A E│B assets Edit family financial info E│A E█
E█A E│B document View documentation store E│A E█
E█A E│B export Prepare product diskette E│A E█
E█A E│B fonYBtset Set display font E│A E█
E█A E│B getprice Download current stock prices E│A E█
E█A E│B import Receive files over network E│A E█
E█A A E█
E▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
Selecting F ªEDdit B allows this list of procedures to be edited, along
with the procedures themselves. This is done just like the editing of
ZmcaeC action definitions (see J Editing the Action Definitions CB).
The content of the Do procedures is also the same as that of action
definitions, except that they Cmay notB:
CB use the forEachObject command or the associated variables
(%F, %C, %P).
CB use variables that refer to the current object or the currently
displayed list of objects (%f, %c, %p, %m).
mcg
Help information about: Go Command
E╔════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
E║ CGo CommandE ║
E╚════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
CThe Go Command and the Go Display
The behavior of the CGoB command is very simple. It allows you to see a
display of ConlyB those directories to which you have assigned brief names,
and to go directly to any of them (even from another drive). This figure
shows a portion of the Go display:
E▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
E█A A E█
E█A Eew:B CALL B EClass:B CALLB EObject:B C B ETask:A E█
E█A HPlans View Class Object Action G Go HDo More ReA E█
E█A B G FªHDelpG B A E█
E█A Eur│B E│A B ESA E█
E█A E..│B EBrief NameB EYour DescriptionB E│A B A E█
E█A E..│B aliYBce Alice Ramsey Personal Center E│At B A E█
E█A E..│B boyscout Boy Scout Troop 370 E│A B A E█
E█A A E█
E▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
Like all the major commands of InContext, you can use the Go command in
several different ways:
CB You can select F GDo B with the CmouseB, and then use the mouse to
select the desired directory from the Go display. Thus, pressing
the left mouse button (or ENTER) with the cursor positioned as
shown above will move you directly to the directory named "alice".
CB You can select F GDo B by typing 'G' from the CkeyboardB, and then
select the desired directory by typing the first character of its
brief name. Thus, pressing 'A' when the above display is showing
will move you directly to the directory named "alice".
CB If your Cmain displayB contains Go information (this is under your
control), you can simply place the cursor on the name of the
desired directory and press ENTER or the left mouse button. Thus,
placing the cursor on the main display as shown below, and pressing
the left mouse button or ENTER will move you directly to the
directory named "alice".
E▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
E█A A E█
E█A C B1/23/90A E█
E█A EObject:B Cm.hlp B ETask:B C A E█
E█A D FADction FGDo FDDo FMDore FRDetuA E█
E█A B E│B A E█
E█A EctsB EActionsB E│B EGoB ESubA E█
E█A Cm.hlpB edit E│B aliYBce A E█
E█A Bb.hlp view E│B boyscout A E█
E█A A E█
E▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
CInformation is also available about...
ZmcseB CJ Editing the Space display to assign directory names and descriptions CB.
ZmcsmB CJ Other ways of moving around CB.
ZmcmofB CJ Changing the information shown on the main display CB.
mcp
Help information about: Plans Command
E╔════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
E║ CPlans CommandE ║
E╚════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
The Plans Display is very similar to the task-list portion of the Time
Display, except that it shows all future tasks, rather than only the
tasks relevant to a particular day. The information that might be needed
to make use of this display is contained in the following help sections:
ZmcttB CJ What Are Tasks? CB.
ZmctB CJ The Time Command CB.
me
Help information about: Editing in InContext
E╔════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
E║ CEditing in InContextE ║
E╚════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
You will encounter three different kinds of editing in InContext.
Although these three kinds of editing have many similarities, they also
have differences, and it is important that you be able to do all three.
The three are:
CB editing text
CB editing options
CB editing dictionaries
CEditing Text
InContext has its own, simple internal editor for use on task notes and,
if you choose, other small text files. Shown below is a portion of the
display, with the internal editor invoked.
E▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
E█A A E█
E█A H Space TimeG Plans H View Class Object Action GA E█
E█A G Edit Notes for Task: Physical Training -- workout A E█
E█A E│B A E█
E█A E│B ╔═════════════════════════════════════A E█
E█A E│B ║ Physical Training A E█
E█A E│B ╚═════════════════════════════════════A E█
E█A E│B A E█
E█A E│YB1/3/90 Nautilus + cycle 10 A E█
E█A E│B1/5/90 Nautilus + cycle 15 (tired) A E█
E█A E│B1/8/90 Nautilus + cycle 17.5 A E█
E█A A E█
E▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
To use this editor, simply move the cursor to the position at which you
would like to add or delete text. You can add text there by simply
typing. If CInsert ModeB is visible in the lower left corner of the
window, the text you type will be inserted; otherwise, it will replace
any existing text that you type over. The CInsB (insert) key toggles
the mode between insert and replace.
The window is scrollable, so you can use the usual methods of moving
around the text.
ZmkeB A number of special CJ Keyboard Commands CB are available when the
editor is in use.
CEditing Options
In editing options, you will encounter two different kinds of fields.
They are both illustrated in the sample display below.
E▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
E█A A E█
E█A G Change Display Formats and User Information A E█
E█A B│ A E█
E█A B│ EUser Name:B YIH. Rudy Ramsey B EReA E█
E█A B│ A E█
E█A B│ EDate format:B Cmm/dd/yyB ETiA E█
E█A B│ A E█
E█A A E█
E▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
The "User Name" field in this display is an editable text field. In
general, editable text fields are displayed in the colors shown. By
placing the cursor in this field and typing, you can modify the text
there. Typing with the cursor not in such a field has no effect.
As in normal text editing, the characters you type may be inserted or may
replace existing characters, depending on the mode. The CInsB (insert) key
toggles the mode between insert and replace. Testers, note: at present,
there is no on-screen indication of the mode. Sorry. Soon.
The "Date Format" field is displayed in bold characters. In the context
of editing options, such a field is capable of cycling through a set of
available values. Just place the cursor on the field and press ENTER
or the left mouse button to see the next value.
CEditing Dictionaries
Several of the structures you will want to edit in InContext are what we
loosely call "CdictionariesB". These structures contain a list of brief
names, with associated descriptions. In some cases (the action lists),
there is additional information about each term).
E▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
E█A A E█
E█A De FªNDame FªSDubdirs FªEDdit FªPDrint FªHDelp A E█
E█A B EBrief NameB EYour DescriptionB E │A E█
E█A B I B I B E │A E█
E█A B YIalice B IAlice Ramsey Personal Center B E │A E█
E█A B I B ILegislative Council Center B E │A E█
E█A B I B I B E │A E█
E█A A E█
E▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
To edit such a dictionary, simply place the cursor on the field you want
to change and type. All the principles discussed above in connection
with editable text fields apply here.
In addition to editing the fields that are present, you can add or delete
fields. The special commands for this are:
CAlt-DB Delete the line the cursor is currently on. (The editor
will ask for verification before deleting.)
CAlt-IB Insert an empty line before the current line.
CENTERB Insert an empty line after the current line.
mf
Help information about: Performance Tuning of InContext
E╔════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
E║ CPerformance Tuning of InContextE ║
E╚════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
InContext provides a number of options that allow you to optimize the
program's performance for your particular environment and pattern of
use.
CMinimizing Disk Usage
Some of the artifacts used by InContext can be left as ordinary disk
files, for fast performance, or can be placed in CarchivesB, using LHA.
The latter can result in quite significant disk savings.
CB You can move all InContext ChelpB files (files of class "hlp" in
the InContext directory) into the archive "help.lzh". Do this by
going to the InContext artifact directory (usually c:\incontxt, but
you may have selected a different directory during installation),
selecting the class "hlp", and the action "Arc-all". When asked
for an archive name, type "help.lzh" and press ENTER. This will
reduce the space needed for the help information files by about
two-thirds, but you will notice a brief delay each time you use the
help system.
In an extreme case, you can even remove the help files altogether.
This will, of course, disable the help system. On rare occasions,
you may also miss help information that accompanies some kinds of
errors, though the error messages themselves will still be correctly
displayed.
CB You can move all InContext object CtemplatesB (files of class "tpl" in
the InContext directory) into the archive "template.lzh". Do this by
going to the InContext artifact directory (usually c:\incontxt, but
you may have selected a different directory during installation)),
selecting the class "tpl", and the action "Arc-all". When asked
for an archive name, type "template.lzh" and press ENTER. This will
reduce the space needed for the templates by an appreciable amount,
but you will notice a brief delay each time you create a new object.
CB You can move all InContext Caction definitionB files (files of class
"act" in the InContext directory) into the archive "actions.lzh".
Do this by going to the InContext artifact directory (usually
c:\incontxt, but you may have selected a different directory during
installation)), selecting the class "act", and the action "Arc-all".
When asked for an archive name, type "actions.lzh" and press ENTER.
This will reduce the space needed for the action definitions by an
appreciable amount, but you will notice a brief delay each time you
select a new object. Many users may find this delay irritating, so
you probably want to do this only if disk space is at a real premium.
Another way of minimizing disk usage is to avoid using the "Log to Disk"
option of InContext. The "Log to Disk" option lets you start up InContext
quickly, by storing a complete log of one or more drives on disk so it can
be read in at the start of the next session, rather than logging the whole
disk at the beginning of the session. By avoiding this option, you
prevent InContext from writing log files to disk. (These files are named
"dirlogx.dat", where the 'x' character is replaced by the drive name.)
ZmcmodB This option is discussed under CJ Disk Drive and Logging Options CB.
mk
Help information about: Use of the Keyboard
^Main ^Editor
E╔════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
E║ CUse of the KeyboardE ║
E╚════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Although InContext supports the mouse, all functions are available from
the keyboard. The mouse and keyboard can be used quite interchangeably.
In general, user inputs are in response to menus (or to the commands on
the command line), but the user interface has been designed to be very
useable by the skilled touch typist, as well as the computer novice.
CSelecting Things
You can select commands or other things by using the Ccursor keysB to
move the cursor around, and pressing CENTERB when the cursor is on the
item you want to select.
For most users, though, it will be much faster and more satisfactory to
use the regular keyboard. To select a command, and to make further
selections within that command, you can simply Ctype the first letterB of
the command or item you want. (If you find that you make too many errors
this way, you can disable this capability.) Sometimes, you may need to
select among several things that start with the same letter. In that case,
just keep typing the same letter until the one you want is brightly lit.
Then press CENTERB.
For some special commands, it is necessary to hold down the CAlt keyB as
you press the first letter of the command. In general, this is indicated
by a funny symbol (ª) on the command line, so that the command looks like
this: F ªPDrint B. This particular example would indicate that, to
invoke the "Print" command, it is necessary to press 'P' while holding
down the Alt key.
CDisplay Scrolling and Paging
Most displays in incontext are capable of presenting more information than
can actually be displayed at one time. With the exception of the main
display, you can scroll up and down
in order to see more than one E▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
window's worth of information. E█A A E█
E█A C B1/18/90 15:37 A E█
For example, the display at the E█A B ETask:B C B A E█
right shows the right edge of the E█A C G Help A E█
screen when the main help display E█A G A E█
has been selected. As you can see, E█A Dtorial FªPDrint FUDpG A E█
only 18 of the 110 lines actually E█A B E│A E█
fit within the window. E█A E═══╗ B E│A E█
E█A E ║ B E│A E█
When this happens, you can use E█A E ║ B E│A E█
the keyboard (or the mouse, for E█A E═══╝ B E│A E█
that matter) to CscrollB the E█A B E│A E█
information up or down one line E█A B E│A E█
at a time, or you can CpageB up E█A Be at Rams' E│A E█
or down a whole page at a time. E█A B it useful. E│A E█
E█A B E│A E█
To scroll up or down using the E█A Bs or Cup-arrow B E│A E█
keyboard, just press the Cup-arrowB E█A Bys and via the E│A E█
or Cdown-arrowB key and continue to E█A B.) To leave the E│A E█
press it or hold it down when the E█A B E│A E█
cursor reaches the top or bottom E█A B E│A E█
of the window. E█A C B E│A E█
E█A B E│A E█
To page up or down, press the CPgUpB E█A Bou can exYBplore E│A E█
or CPgDnB key. E█A E─────────C 18/110 E─┘A E█
E█A D type "FUD". A E█
CEscaping from WindowsB E█A A E█
E▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
If you select a command and decide
to exit its window without doing anything, simply press CEscB ("escape").
CFunction Keys
A few particularly important or common commands are also selectable by
pressing function keys. The table below shows the meanings of the
function keys.
Function Key Effect of Function Key
============ =======================================================
F1 Invoke context-specific help
F2 Edit the information shown (on
main display, edit current task)
F3 Edit notes for current task (main display only)
F4 Print the information shown
F5 Add a new task (main display only)
F6 Pop top item from Work-in-Progress (main display only)
F8 Change main display format (main display only)
F9 Create a new object (main display only)
mke
Help information about: Keyboard Commands from InContext Editor
E╔════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
E║ CKeyboard Commands from InContext EditorE ║
E╚════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
The following special commands are also available in the InContext
internal editor (these commands are similar to those used in the BRIEF
editor):
CCursor MovementB
CHomeB Pressed once, this moves the cursor to the
beginning of the current line; pressed a second
time, it moves the cursor to the beginning of the
current window; pressed a third time, it moves the
cursor to the beginning of the file.
CEndB Pressed once, moves cursor to end of line; pressed
again, moves cursor to end of window; pressed
again, moves cursor to end of file.
CAlt-GB Go to specified line number.
CAlt-SB Search forward for specified text.
CAlt-NB Search forward for Next instance, using same text.
CLine Breaking and JoiningB
CENTERB Break current line at cursor location.
CAlt-JB Join current line and next line.
CInsertion, Deletion, Cut/PasteB
CInsB Toggle insert/replace mode.
CDelB Delete character at cursor position.
CAlt-DB Delete the line at the current cursor position.
(If lines marked, delete them after verification.)
CAlt-IB Insert an empty line at current cursor position.
CAlt-MB Pressed once, Marks line for deletion or for cut
to buffer; pressed again on another line, marks
all intervening lines; pressed again, unmarks all
lines.
CGreyB - Cut marked lines (or current line if none are
marked) to buffer.
CGreyB + Paste buffer at current cursor location.
CAlt-KB ("Kill") Delete from current position to end of
line.
CExit EditorB
CAlt-WB Write file and exit editor.
CAlt-XB Exit without save (after user verifies intent).
mkm
Help information about: Keyboard Commands from Main Display
E╔════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
E║ CKeyboard Commands from Main DisplayE ║
E╚════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
In addition to the commands shown on the Command Bar, the following
commands may be selected from the Main Display, by typing the indicated
keystroke:
CShortcut Forms of "More" Commands:
CEB CEBxecute single DOS command
CLB Toggle high-density display ("CLBines")
CNB Edit CNBotes for current task (also CF3B, CAlt-NB)
CQB CQBuit from InContext
CRB CRBelog current directory
CSpaceB
CXB Invoke Space Display in "Subdirs" mode
CTime and TasksB
CAlt-AB CABdd new task (also CF5B)
CAlt-DB Display CDBay's activities
CAlt-EB CEBdit current task (also CF2B)
CAlt-IB Switch to "CIBnterruption" task (also CIB)
CAlt-MB Display CMBonth's activities
CAlt-NB Edit CNBotes for current task
CAlt-PB CPBop top task/directory from WiP display (also CF6B)
CAlt-TB Initialize WiP display with CTBoday's tasks
CAlt-WB Display CWBeek's activities
CFunction KeysB
CF1B Help (also CHB, C?B; C/B for this keystroke help)
CF2B Edit current task
CF3B Edit notes for current task (also CNB, CAlt-NB)
CF5B Add new task (also CAlt-AB)
CF6B Pop top task/directory from WiP display (also (CAlt-PB)
CF8B Change Mode (format) of main display
CF9B Create object
mm
Help information about: Use of the Mouse
E╔════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
E║ CUse of the MouseE ║
E╚════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
If you have a mouse, you will find that InContext is very "mouseable".
Although every function of InContext is selectable both by mouse and by
keyboard, many users will find the mouse to be preferable for most
operations.
The right mental model for using the mouse in InContext is: the Cleft
CbuttonB allows you to select things or to "Cgo inB", while the Cright
button is usually equivalent to the CEscB key, and means "Cgo outB".
CSelecting Things
As in most programs that make use of the mouse, commands and objects are
selected by moving the cursor to the desired selection and pressing the
CleftB mouse button. This is true of items on the main display, commands
on the command line, choices presented by menu, and navigation buttons
in the help system.
CGetting Out of Window, Menus, etc.
You can always exit a display (other than the main display) or a menu by
pressing the CrightB mouse button, as well as by pressing the CEscB key.
Exiting a menu or a dialogue box this way aborts the operation, so it's
a way of changing your mind or exiting a menu you didn't intend to get
into.
CDisplay Scrolling and Paging
Most displays in incontext are capable of presenting more information than
can actually be displayed at one time. With the exception of the main
display, you can scroll up and down in order to see more than one window's
worth of information.
Scrolling can be done using the mouse. Simply move the cursor to the top
or bottom of the window and Ccontinue moving itB in the same direction.
The display will scroll.
Paging can also be done with the mouse, though it takes a little practice
to get it right. To page down, you press the right mouse button down and
hold it while pressing the left button. The motion is a little like
"Cdrumming your fingersB". Once you've learned it, it works very well.
To page up, just press the left button first, and hold it down while
pressing the right button.
mn
Test display for navigation buttons
E╔════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
E║ CWorks, doesn't it?E ║
E╚════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
As you can see, the navigation buttons work. To return to where you were,
press CEscB or the right mouse button.
mp
Help information about: Philosophy of InContext
E╔════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
E║ CPhilosophy of InContextE ║
E╚════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
When you work (or play), you deal with CspaceB, CtimeB, CplansB, and CobjectsB.
They provide the context in which you work. In the physical world, you
deal with these things very naturally, often without even noticing them.
They are well integrated, and you move smoothly and freely from one to
another. This smooth integration has largely been lacking when you work
with computers. The tools that support planning, personal management,
file management, and program execution have been largely independent,
dissimilar, and not easy to use together.
The CInContextB(TM)C Work Environment ManagerB provides integrated computer
support for these and other aspects of work. The effect is to allow you
to manage your calendar, manage your files and disk space, create and
execute plans, and perform unplanned work on your computer, all with the
aid of a program that "understands" how these things are related.
ms
Help information about: Product Support
^Register
E╔════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
E║ CProduct SupportE ║
E╚════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
CRams' Island SoftwareB is committed to the active support of this product.
While we try very hard to make our software useable and reliable, there
will undoubtedly be cases in which a user needs special help because of
difficulties with the user's software environment or bugs in the software.
On those occasions, we'll try to help.
CThe Nature of Shareware
InContext is a CsharewareB program. This means that you can try the program
out for a reasonable period (30 days) before deciding whether or not to
buy it. It does not mean that the program is free or that it is in the
public domain. Rams' Island Software owns the copyright on this program,
and reserves all rights in the program, help text, user's manual, etc.
Because the program is shareware, you have the opportunity to see whether
or not it satisfies your needs before you decide to invest in it. We
encourage you to fully explore the program, and even to call us for
support if it will help you evaluate it. We do expect, though, that you
will register and pay the registration fee for the program if you decide
to continue using it after the evaluation period. Such payment is
legally required (see the files LICENSE.DOC and REGISTER.DOC, on the
distribution diskette, for details).
Legalities and ethics aside, there are several real benefits which you
will receive when you register the program. Registered users receive:
1. A very nice Cuser guideB to InContext. We've done the best
we could with the on-disk documentation, and no information is
omitted, but a hardcopy manual allows the use of screen displays
and other graphics, and is much more convenient to use. When
you register, you will receive a nicely typeset user guide, with
many screen displays and other figures. The hardcopy user guide
is also very completely indexed.
2. Additional Ctools, class definitions, and application notesB.
Although InContext has a fair amount of power as it "comes from
the box", realizing its full potential requires that you set it
up to support the particular application programs that you most
frequently use. Registered users will receive a full set of
application support materials at the time of registration, and
can thereafter obtain updates at will, either by paying a small
handling fee or by accessing them directly from our product
support BBS.
3. Access to the registered user section of our CRams' Island BBSB.
This will allow you to exchange information with other registered
users and to gain easy access to the support materials mentioned
above.
4. Ready access to CupdatesB of InContext. As we add additional
capabilities to this MS-DOS version of InContext, you may obtain
updated versions, either by paying a small handling fee or by
accessing them directly from our BBS.
5. CEliminationB of the "shareware" messages displayed by the program.
6. Occasional CnewslettersB with tips about use of InContext,
announcements of upgrades, etc.
CObtaining Support for this Product
If you have a problem with installation or use of this product, and the
documentation doesn't provide the help you need, you are welcome to
contact us. You can do this any of several ways, as described below.
CRams' Island BBS
The Rams' Island BBS is a bulletin board system, accessible to you if
if you have a modem and communication software. On our BBS, you will
always find the latest version of the program, and you will be able to
ask technical questions of us and of our other users. We also offer
additional utilities, class definitions, application notes, and other
assistance to registered users via the BBS. The BBS phone number is
C303-841-6269B (203-426-2687 until 8/20/91).
CCompuserve Information System
We also support this product on the CompuServe information system. The
latest version of the program is always available there on the IBMSYS
forum, and technical questions and support requests may be sent to us
via electronic mail there or on the CompuServe ASPFORUM (our user ID
is C76244,324B).
CVoice Telephone
You may reach us by voice telephone at C303-841-2848B (203-426-3782 until
8/20/91).
CMail
You may contact us by mail at
E╔════════════════════════════════╗
E║ CRams' Island Software E ║
E║ C7644 Lakecliff E ║
E║ CParker, Colorado 80134-5905E ║
E╚════════════════════════════════╝
msr
Help information about: How to Register
E╔════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
E║ CHow to RegisterE ║
E╚════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
If you wish to register as an InContext user you will find all the
necessary information, and a self-mailer registration form, in the
file REGISTER.DOC. This file can be found on the distribution diskette
and in the InContext installation directory. If you have any trouble
locating it, please feel free to contact us.
CInformation is also available about...
ZmsB CJ Benefits of registering CB.
ZmsB CJ How to contact us CB.
mx1
You are attempting to execute an edit or print action defined in the
CcommonB or CgroupB action list. These actions have been defined there
to help you deal with miscellaneous objects for which you may not have
created class definitions. This is helpful for handling those objects
that happen to be ASCII text files, but invocation of the editor or the
DOS print command on other files is not a good idea.
You can obtain more specific behavior by constructing class definitions
for those object types with which you frequently work. See the help text
for the "Action" command for details.
mv
Help information about: The InContext Internal Viewer
E╔════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
E║ CThe InContext Internal ViewerE ║
E╚════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
InContext has an internal file viewer capable of displaying ASCII files
with their normal text appearance, and capable of display any file in
hexadecimal notation. (When the viewer is used to display internally
generated text information, such as a calendar, the hexadecimal display
is not available.)
An abbreviated example of the hexadecimal display is:
E▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
E█A A E█
E█A G Viewing "temp." (Data Mode) FªTDext FªDData FªA E█
E█A E│B000000 49 6E 43 6F 6E 74 65 78 InContext has anA E█
E█A E│B000010 20 69 6E 74 65 72 6E 61 internal file vA E█
E█A E│B000020 69 65 77 65 72 20 63 61 iewer capable ofA E█
E█A E│B000030 20 64 69 73 70 6C 61 79 displaying ASCIA E█
E█A E│B000040 49 20 66 69 6C 65 73 0D I files* with thA E█
E█A E│B000050 65 69 72 20 6E 6F 72 6D eir normal text A E█
E█A E│B000060 61 70 70 65 61 72 61 6E appearance, and A E█
E█A E│B000070 63 61 70 61 62 6C 65 20 capable of displA E█
E█A E│B000080 61 79 20 61 6E 79 20 66 ay any file in* A E█
E█A E│B000090 68 65 78 61 64 65 63 69 hexadecimal notaA E█
E█A E│B0000A0 74 69 6F 6E 2E 20 20 41 tion. An abbrevA E█
E█A E│B0000B0 69 61 74 65 64 20 65 78 iated example ofA E█
E█A E│B0000C0 20 74 68 65 20 6C 61 74 the latter is:*A E█
E█A E│B0000D0 0A 0D 0A 1A * A E█
E█A A E█
E▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
This "Data Mode" is obtained by selecting F ªDData B from the Command Bar.
To switch back to the normal text display (if applicable), select F ªTDext B.
The viewer initially analyzes the file, and attempts to select the
appropriate mode, buy you may switch back and forth at will.
The normal cursor-control operations, including Home, End, Paging and
Scrolling, can be used in the viewer.
There is no limit to the size of the file that can be handled by the
viewer.