home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
Shareware Overload
/
ShartewareOverload.cdr
/
database
/
dialm66.zip
/
DIALM66.DOC
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1991-05-13
|
29KB
|
675 lines
DIALM
A TELEPHONE DIALING PROGRAM
Revision 6.6
Written by
Robert Wilcox
920 N. Washington St
Owosso, MI 48867
DIALM is a telephone dialing program which was written as an exercise in
programming for the Microsoft or compatible mouse. It was later revised so
that the mouse is not required, and phone number file maintenance and the
ability to use multiple phone number files was added. Revision 3.0 added
the use of dialing prefixes. Revision 3.1 corrected a minor bug and 3.2
added a help screen. With revision 4.0 DIALM has the ability to time and
log calls. Revision 4.1 corrected a problem with sorting large dialing
directories.
Revision 6.0 was a completely rewritten version. It retains most of the
features of the earlier versions and has an improved user interface
because of the use of pop-up windows. A better method of displaying
the phone number directory allows for a much faster number search.
Each directory entry now includes the name, phone number and three address
lines plus one "note" line. Each line can contain up to 32 characters
(A "Rolodex" type entry).
Printing functions have been added which allow you to print out the phone
directory in its entirety or an individual directory entry. You can even
address an envelope! The log file can also be viewed or printed.
DIALM runs on an IBM PC, XT or AT or compatible computer. It requires
a HAYES or HAYES compatible modem on either port COM1 or COM2. The program
will run without a modem, but of course dialing will not be possible.
A mouse is useful but not required.
Revision 6.6 adds the ability for registered users to eliminate the opening
and closing graphics screens and to change the colors of the "SELECTED
NUMBER" window.
================
PROGRAM FEATURES
================
DIALING DIRECTORIES
===================
DIALM uses a telephone number directory file stored on disk which is
created and updated from within the program. File size can be specified
by the user. Maximum size depends on available memory and is about 600
entries. The default is 500 entries. Each entry contains a name, the
number and a 3 line address and a 1 line note or other descriptive string.
Any number of directory files may be available on disk and the one to be
used can be selected from the command line or after the program is running.
Directory files may be on any drive or sub-directory. The program will look
for directory files on the default drive and sub-directory unless otherwise
specified (see below). Other drives and sub-directories can be easily
selected.
Dialing directories created with DIALM version 3.0 or higher can be updated
to the version 6.6 format with DIAL3TO6.EXE.
Directories may be sorted by name, address, phone number or "note". (New
feature in version 6.4). See PROGRAM SETUP for more information.
DIALING
=======
Numbers to be dialed may be searched for from the main menu or may be
selected from a dialing directory window or numbers may be entered from
the keyboard. See SELECTING AND DIALING NUMBERS for instructions on using
these features.
PREFIXES
========
Ten dialing prefixes (A through J) are stored by the program and are
created by the user. For instance, prefix A might be "1-800". The
number A-555-1212 would then be dialed as 1-800-555-1212. Prefixes
allow you to dial numbers longer than will fit in the space provided
in the dialing directory and make it easier to enter often used area
codes, etc.
LOGGING
=======
Each call can be logged to a file containing the date, time and length
of the call and up to 10 lines of notes which may be entered while the
call is in progress or added to the log file at a later time. The log
file can be viewed or printed from within DIALM or the user may type,
copy or print this file from the command line since it is a standard
ASCII (text) file. The log file is called "DIALM.LOG" and is stored in
default subdirectory or in a directory specified by the user.
Beginning with revision 6.6, the log file can be viewed or printed
from the logging menu, that is while the call is in progress, as well
as from the UTILITIES function.
==========================
PROGRAM FEATURES CONTINUED
==========================
ATTACK (DEMON) DIALING
=======================
When a number is dialed which is busy the program will attempt to re-dial it
after a short pause, up to 25 times. The pause is adjustable, or attack
dialing may be disabled (see PROGRAM SETUP).
SPEAKER PHONE MODE
==================
Placing a semi-colon (;) at the end of a phone number in the directory
entry will allow the speaker in your modem to remain on after dialing is
completed. This feature can be useful for listening to weather services
etc. If the semi-colon is used, busy signals will not be detected by the
modem and attack dialing will be disabled. Also you must use the HANGUP
command to hangup the modem.
SCREEN BLANKING
===============
You may select to have the screen go blank after 5 minutes of inactivity
while in the main menu or number select menu. When the screen is blank,
pressing any key or mouse button will restore the screen.
CALENDAR
========
A calendar of the present month can be selected from the main menu or from
the logging screen. The month and year can be advanced or backed up by
using the arrow keys or clicking on the arrows with the mouse.
PROGRAM SETUP
=============
Many of the program's features mentioned above and others can be
modified by selecting "PROGRAM SETUP AND INFO" from the main menu.
COLOR - COLOR or MONO ("black & white") modes can be selected.
MENU COLORS - if in COLOR mode, some of the menu colors can be selected.
DIAL TYPE - TONE or PULSE dialing can be selected.
SCREEN BLANKING - You can have the screen go blank after a period of
inactivity.
MODEM INIT - a modem initialization string can be specified.
MAILING LABELS - can be set to be printed in all upper-case or
as entered.
RE-DIAL DELAY - The length of the delay before re-dialing a busy number
("attack-dialing") may be selected.
Setting the delay to zero disables attack-dialing.
==========================
PROGRAM FEATURES CONTINUED
==========================
SORTING - New with version 6.4, you may now select how the directory
entries are sorted. The directory may be sorted on any of its
components, (name, address, phone number or note) or the directory
may be left un-sorted.
One possible use of this feature would be to make entries such as
illustrated here:
Name: Mary Doe
123 N. Main St.
Anytown
Number: 555-1212
Note: DOE
If sorting on the NOTE was selected, this record would be sorted as
"DOE" rather than "Mary".
PRINTING UTILITIES
==================
The phone directory can be printed on a printer connected to LPT1. You may
select either a short form (names and numbers only) or a long form (names,
numbers, addresses and notes) or an address label format (names and
addresses).
If a number has been selected, you may print it in either an address label
format or an envelope addressing format.
You can view the log file on the screen or print it on the printer.
SHELL TO DOS
============
New with version 6.2, you can execute a DOS shell allowing you to maintain
files, etc. Type "EXIT" to return to DIALM from the shell.
==========================
PROGRAM FEATURES CONTINUED
==========================
POP-UP MENUS
============
DIALM uses pop-up menus and other windows. Some of these are illustrated
below.
▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Jan. 15, 1991 DIALM POPUP TELEPHONE DIALER Ver. 6.6 04:12:23 pm
▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
╒════════════════════════════════╕
│ Select a Function │
│════════════════════════════════│
│DIAL SELECTED NUMBER │ ┌──[ S E L E C T E D N U M B E R ]────┐
│HANGUP │ │ │
│SELECT A NUMBER │ │ Name: Jones Roofing │
│SEARCH THE DIRECTORY │ │ Addr: 12345 Any St. │
│REPEAT THE SEARCH │ │ P.O. Box 100 │
│UPDATE THE DIRECTORY │ │ Anytown, MI 12345 │
│NUMBER FROM KEYBOARD │ │ Phone: 555-1212 │
│EDIT PREFIXES │ │ Note: Ask for Jim. │
│LOG THIS CALL │ └────────────────────────────────────────┘
│GET NEW DIRECTORY │
│PROGRAM SETUP AND INFO │
│UTILITIES │
│QUIT THIS PROGRAM │
╘════════════════════════════════╛
Make selection using cursor keys & press ENTER or use mouse
===================
USING DIALM'S MENUS
===================
There are several ways to make a selection from the menus:
1) Press ENTER or click the left mouse button to select the high-
lighted entry.
2) Move the mouse cursor over the desired entry and click the left
button to highlight the entry. Click it again on the same entry
to select it.
3) Press the first letter of the desired selection on the keyboard.
If there are two or more selections with the same first letter,
pressing the letter again will move to the next selection starting
with that letter. When the correct selection is highlighted, press
ENTER or the left mouse button.
4) Use the PAGE UP, PAGE DOWN, HOME, END and arrow keys until the
desired selection is highlighted, then press ENTER or the left
mouse button.
The directory display menu shows 10 entries at a time. If there are
more entries available, arrow characters will appear in the top and
bottom borders of the menu. Clicking the left mouse button on an
arrow character will execute the appropriate page-up or page-down
command.
The ESC (escape) keyboard key has special meaning in some menus.
Pressing the right mouse button is the same as the ESC key.
Moving the mouse cursor outside of the menu area and pressing the
left button is also the same as the ESC key. In some menus ESC
will cause the QUIT command to be highlighted. This allows mouse
users to exit the menu or program by clicking the right button
followed by the left button.
==============
ERROR MESSAGES
==============
Sometimes a message will appear followed by a several second delay.
You may press ESC on the keyboard or click the right mouse button to
speed things up after you have read the message.
================
INSTALLING DIALM
================
DIALM is supplied in a ZIP file. Using PKUNZIP extract the files from
the ZIP file as follows:
PKUNZIP DIALM64
Copy all EXE files and all BIN files either to the subdirectory from
which you intend to execute DIALM or to any subdirectory listed in your PATH.
The CFG and DIR files can be copied to the same directory or to another
directory you specify (see ENVIRONMENT COMMANDS).
Example:
COPY *.EXE C:\UTIL
COPY *.BIN C:\UTIL
COPY *.CFG C:\UTIL
COPY *.DIR C:\UTIL
This would install the required files on drive C: in a subdirectory "UTIL".
(Make sure the UTIL subdirectory exists before executing these commands).
Users upgrading from a previous version of DIALM should not not copy the
.CFG and .DIR files if it is desired to preserve ones already in existence.
Users of monochrome (black and white) systems should install the MON
files instead of the BIN files and then rename them with the BIN extension.
COPY *.MON C:\UTIL\*.BIN
should do it in one step.
==============
STARTING DIALM
==============
To start DIALM type:
DIALM [CR]
where [CR] means press the RETURN button.
If the screen is hard to read because it doesn't display color correctly,
use the command line parameter "/B" to force the program to use black and
white, i.e.,
DIALM /B [CR]
A directory file name may also be entered on the command line. If one
is entered the program will attempt to use the file.
DIALM C:\DAT\PHONES [CR]
This will load in the directory file named PHONES.DIR in the sub-directory
DAT of drive C.
The size of the directory file can be specified on the command line:
DIALM /SIZE:100
This would limit the file to 100 entries. This might be useful when using
DIALM on computers with limited memory or disk space.
CAUTION: If you set the file size with this parameter and then access a
larger file, only part of the file will be read in. If you should then
update a directory entry, the part of the file not read in will be
lost!!! For safety you should regularly back up your directory files.
Be sure to leave a space before each parameter on the command line.
The opening screen can be speeded up somewhat by pressing ESC on
the keyboard or a mouse button after the program starts.
=========================================
CREATING AND UPDATING DIALING DIRECTORIES
=========================================
To create a new dialing directory select "GET NEW DIRECTORY" and enter
the name you wish to use for the directory. If the directory doesn't
already exist you will be asked if you want to create it. If you answer
"YES" the directory file will be created on the disk. Then select
UPDATE DIRECTORY and ADD ENTRIES and follow the directions on the screen.
You will not be allowed to save a "blank" entry. That is, the name field
must start with a printable (non-blank) character. When you are done
adding entries, select "QUIT" to go back to the main menu.
A directory entry may be edited by first selecting it and then selecting
EDIT AN ENTRY from the update menu.
In order to delete an entire directory entry, first select it, the select
DELETE AN ENTRY from the update menu.
A deleted entry may be restored by selecting OOOPS from the directory update
menu. Any of the 10 most recently deleted entries can be restored. An
entry may be restored numerous times which might be useful for entering
several similar directory entries. A deleted entry can be restored to a
different dialing directory from which it was deleted. Just access a new
directory with the GET NEW DIRECTORY command, and then restore the entry.
Entries may be copied to the clipboard by using the COPY TO CLIPBOARD
option. Entries thus saved are available to the OOOPS command just as
if they had been deleted.
============================================
IMPORTING DATA FROM EXISTING DIRECTORY FILES
============================================
The separate program IMPORT can be used to read certain directory files
into DIALM format files. The types of files IMPORT can read at this time
are ASCII (comma delimited) files as well as directory files from the
following communication programs:
PROCOMM+
QMODEM 4.x
TELIX
TELEMATE
COMMO
Importing from communication program files might be useful if you have
such files with numbers you use for voice calls and you want to use DIALM
for these calls.
Some of these files can create DIALM files larger than DIALM can read. If
this occurs, split the input file into smaller files before running IMPORT.
Besides being useful for adapting already existing data files, some users
might find it easier to enter data into an ASCII file and then import it
into a DIALM file than to enter the data directly into DIALM.
Examples of ASCII files are shown below.
Type 1:
A. B. Jones
123 S. Main ST
Anytown MI 48888
517 555-0000
J. B. Smith
9999 W. South ST
Podunk MO 99999
123 555-2121
Type 2:
A. B. Jones,123 S. Main ST,Anytown MI 48888,517 555-0000
J. B. Smith,9999 W. South ST,Podunk MO 99999,123 555-2121
Type 3:
"A. B. Jones","123 S. Main ST","Anytown, MI 48888","517 555-0000"
"J. B. Smith","9999 W. South ST","Podunk, MO 99999","123 555-2121"
IMPORT will read any of the above types of files. Note that quotes are
required around any field which contains a comma.
When importing from an ASCII file you can view the first 20 fields on the
screen. You then select how many fields are in each record. In the above
examples there are 4 fields in each record. You then indicate which field
is to be used for the name, address lines 1, 2 and 3, phone number and note.
If there are more fields than those 6 used in DIALM, you can indicate that
those fields are to be ignored. IMPORT will then read the file and write
the DIALM directory file.
Usage: IMPORT inputfile.ext outputfile
If the file names are omitted, IMPORT will ask for them.
=============================
SELECTING AND DIALING NUMBERS
=============================
In order to dial a number that you have placed in a dialing directory, the
number must first be selected. This may be done by either executing
"SELECT A NUMBER" or "SEARCH THE DIRECTORY" from the main menu.
"SELECT A NUMBER" will bring up a new window showing the first 10
entries in the dialing directory. You may scroll through the entire
directory by using the cursor control keys or the mouse as described
previously under "USING DIALM MENUS". Pressing a letter key will display
the entry beginning with that letter. Subsequent pressings of the same
letter will advance to the next entry beginning with that letter. When the
desired entry is highlighted you may select it by clicking the left mouse
button or by pressing the ENTER key. The selected entry will then be
displayed in a new window and the next entry in the directory window will be
highlighted. If the selected entry is not the one you want you may
continue this process. When you have selected the entry you want, press
ESC or the right mouse button to return to the main menu.
The "DIAL SELECTED NUMBER" command will now be highlighted. To dial this
number press ENTER or the left mouse button.
"SEARCH THE DIRECTORY" will ask you to type in a search string. All fields
of each entry are searched for a match. If a match is found in an entry
that entry will be selected and will appear in the SELECTED ENTRY window.
You may dial that number by pressing ENTER or the left mouse button as
before or you may continue searching by executing "REPEAT THE SEARCH".
A number to be dialed may also be entered from the keyboard by using the
NUMBER FROM KEYBOARD command.
====================
ENVIRONMENT COMMANDS
====================
Four program parameters can be set up at the DOS level and if set DIALM
will use these parameters automatically each time the program is run.
1) Modem (COMM) port.
DIALM will find the modem on either COM1 or COM2 (usually). If your
modem is on COM2 you can speed things up by putting the port number
in the environment. At the DOS prompt type:
SET COMPORT=2
2) Modem baud
The program communicates with the modem at 1200 baud because that
seemed to work better for my particular modem. If your modem doesn't
work at 1200 baud you can specify another baud (such as 300 baud) by
the following command:
SET COMPORT=:300
If you want to specify both the port and the baud, combine the
commands:
SET COMPORT=2:300
This program supports only COM1 and COM2 modem ports.
3) Directory file
You may specify a directory file to be used by DIALM. This file will
be used unless overridden by a command line parameter described above.
SET DIAL=C:\PHONE.DIR
You should use the correct path and file name to describe your file
after the '='.
4) Subdirectory for configuration and log files
You may specify where the configuration and log files will be kept.
SET DIALMCFG=C:\LOG\
If the DIALMCFG is not set with this command, the files will be kept
in the default subdirectory (the subdirectory logged on to when
DIALM is executed).
If you use this program regularly and need to use the SET commands mentioned
above, they should be placed in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file so they will not have
to be entered each time the system is booted up.
If you get the error message OUT OF ENVIRONMENT SPACE, and you are using
DOS 3.2 or later, put the following line in your CONFIG.SYS FILE:
SHELL=d:\COMMAND.COM /P /E:256
Where d:\ is the drive and directory where your COMMAND.COM is located.
(This will probably be C:\ if you have a hard disk or A:\ if you boot from
a floppy disk.) The environment space where the SET variables are stored
will be increased from the default 160 bytes to 256 bytes.
If you are using DOS 3.1, use /E:16 instead of /E:256.
If you are using DOS earlier than 3.1 the environment space can only be
increased by patching COMMAND.COM.
======
MODEMS
======
The modem should use the "HAYES AT" commands. A initialization string
can be stored in the configuration file and sent to the modem each time
the program runs. Here are some common initialization commands:
AT Attention - must start the command string.
E1 Echo all commands.
Q0 Result codes ON.
V1 Result codes are verbal rather than numeric.
X6 Wait for dialtone. "NO DIALTONE" and "BUSY" results enabled.
M1 Turn on the modem's speaker.
L1 Adjust modem's speaker volume.
Not all modems will accept the X6 initialization. Please consult your
modem manual to verify this and other initialization codes. If your modem
issues "NO DIALTONE", "BUSY" and "RINGING" result codes they should be
enabled as DIALM will recognize them.
Use of an initialization string will override any switch settings on the
modem.
Some switchless modems default to a mode that prevents DIALM from
recognizing the modem. The command AT&S0 sent to the modem will probably
correct this. This must be done before DIALM is executed. The included
batch file DIAL.BAT will initialize the modem and then execute DIALM.
If your modem has non-volatile memory you will probably have to execute
this only one time. If it doesn't have non-volatile memory you will have
to execute it every time you run DIALM.
Edit the command to match what your modem requires. Consult your modem
manual.
Put the initialization code to the left of the greater-than symbol (>);
Put COM1: or COM2: after the greater-than symbol depending on which port
you are using.
REM DIAL.BAT
ECHO OFF
ECHO AT&S0&C1&D2&W>COM2:
DIALM %1 %2 %3 %4 %5
DIALM was tested using a 2400 baud "HAYES compatible" modem running in a
AT-compatible computer with 640K of memory and with VGA graphics adapter.
=======
SUPPORT
=======
I would be interested in hearing of any problems with the program and
will attempt to fix them in a later release.
DIALM is distributed as user-supported software. If you find the program
is useful you may send a donation of $10.00 to:
Robert Wilcox
920 N. Washington St
Owosso, MI 48867
Users who register the program will receive information on how to eliminate
the opening screen.
I can be reached through the EXEC-PC bulletin board (414) 789-4120.
Address messages to: BOB WILCOX.
My CompuServe address is 71601,1541.
======
THANKS
======
Thanks to all who helped in testing DIALM and those who gave helpful
suggestions.
==========================
WARRANTIES AND LIMITATIONS
==========================
You are granted permission to freely distribute DIALM in its
original form, without alteration, so long as this documentation is
distributed along with it and no fee is charged except for a reasonable
fee for media and shipping costs.
The runtime module BRUN45.EXE supplied with this program is copyright
Microsoft Corp. and is supplied according to provisions of the Microsoft
License Agreement.
I suggest that you distribute in the original ZIPped format.
I DO NOT WARRANT THAT DIALM IS FIT FOR ANY PARTICULAR USE OR IS
MERCHANTABLE. THIS PROGRAM IS NOT WARRANTED TO BE FREE OF BUGS, NOR
IS IT PROVIDED WITH ANY WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO DETERMINE WHETHER DIALM
IS SUITABLE FOR YOU.
IN NO EVENT SHALL I BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR LOST DATA OR PROFITS TO ANY PERSON OR ENTITY
THAT MAY ARISE OUT OF THE USE OF THIS PROGRAM.
END OF DIALM.DOC LAST REVISED 5/8/91