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DISKOVER Users Manual Feburary 2, 1989
DISKOVER (C) Copyright 1986, 1989 by Karson W. Morrison
DBA Caleb Computer Consultants
Written by Karson W. Morrison
Documentation by Dex Hart, Miami Fl.
This program is licensed subject to the following conditions:
1. The program DISKVR5X and its derivatives may not be copied
or shared. It is for the use on one CPU. The user-
supported version DISKVR4X and its derivatives maybe copied
and shared subject to the following included conditions:
1. This program may be copied ad lib providing the
owners copyright notice and disclaimers of warranty
are reproduced in full.
2. Copies of the program may not be sold, the only charge
may be for copying services. (No more than 10 dollars)
3. That all copies furnished to others include the
program, DISKOVER.DOC, and the README.1ST files, and
that the DISKOVER.DOC file contains the form to be
used when registering the program with the author.
2. The authors copyright notice are not to be removed.
3. The program and documentation is supplied as-is and the
author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied,
including, without limitation, the warranties of
merchantability and the warranties of fitness for any
purpose.
4. The author further reserves the right to make changes to
the program or documentation without obligation to notify
any person or organization of such changes.
DISKOVER Users Manual Feb. 2, 1989
DISKOVER (C) Copyright 1986, 1989 by Karson W. Morrison
DBA Caleb Computer Consultants
Written by Karson W. Morrison
Documentation by Dex Hart, Miami Fl.
What is DisKover? _________________
DisKover is a utility which prints sleeve inserts for floppy
disks. This seemingly simple objective is accomplished with
style and lets you find programs and files without inserting a
disk in your computer and without using a complex disk filing
program. DisKover does some other neat things too, but we'll get
to those later. This program is for PC/XT/AT and compatible
computers. A dot-matrix printer or HP LaserJet capable of
condensed print (17 cpi or similar) is required.
We've discovered most users don't want (or need) what is
essentially a data base (disk filing) program just to locate a
file. The filing system we ourselves use (and we have a LOT of
floppies) is to use plastic 50-75 disk storage boxes with
dividers. We label the dividers with headings such as 1-2-3, BBC
Utility, Hard Disk Utility, DOS, Data Base, Word Processing, Back
Up and so on. The idea is to roughly cluster disks by type.
Sample DisKover (Ver. 5.0) printed on HPLaser Series II Printer
When you use DisKover, you get a sleeve insert with a neat,
double-column, condensed-type printout of a sorted disk
directory. This is a full-info printout, with files sorted (your
choice of sort type with version 5.0) and time and date stamped.
The time and date of insert creation is also included, along with
disk free space and a plus--bytes occupied by the files. Plus
volume-ID, if present. The program does not give you a file
count, but then you're looking at them. Using DisKover makes for
a simple system, and finding a particular program rarely takes
more than a few seconds--find the general category (which
"shoebox") and then scan just a few disk inserts. You quickly
DisKover the file you want. ________
Diskover Users Manual Page 2
DisKover prints your directory listing inside a disk-sized
border--just cut on the dotted lines and your insert will slide
neatly into the sleeve, "Kovering" your disk. If the file count
exceeds the size of a floppy, the length is doubled, with a neat
fold-line indicated. The need for this is rare, but when you
know you face a disk loaded with files, it's neatest if you print
that one at the top of a page, to prevent the intrusion of a perf
line. (If you do get a perf line inside a DisKover printout, the
program is smart enough to skip to the next top-of-form so the
alignment is retained; you can either redo the cross-perf
printout or just reinforce the perf line backside with
transparent tape.)
Normally, two DisKovers are printed per page. Perf skip and form
feed are automatic, of course. And when you exit, your printer
is on the original perf-line and reset to default mode. Neat and
tidy...."well-behaved."
File Explosion: _______________
One of the neatest tricks DisKover can do is split out (explode)
*.arc and *.lbr files. If you so elect. If you're not a software
freak and don't download programs from electronic bulletin
boards, this may not mean much to you. Let's explain: ARC means
an "archive" file (LBR stands for "library"), which is simply a
group of files individually squeezed and then collected into one.
This is done to allow a multi-file program to be downloaded via
your modem in a single step (only one file name) and more quickly
because the *.arc file is much smaller than the sum of its
unsqueezed parts (you don't want to waste Bulletin Board System
(BBS) time--and you may be on long distance).
Once downloaded, you will split and unsqueeze the *.arc file at
the same time, with a single command, easily, fast, and reliably.
There are single purpose programs from Phil Katz or Vern Buerg
that do only this. You may have received the text you are now
reading as part of an ARC'd DisKover version (version 4.x) from a
friend, a user group, or a bulletin board.
Sometimes you split up a file, look at it, and want to save it
even though you have no immediate use for it. So save just
the *.arc file and discard the rest. Yet you may elect to list
all the files in the arc when you create the sleeve insert with
DisKover even though the "members" of the arc file have not been
extracted. DisKover prints the arc contents without disturbing
the arc file or filling your floppy with actual files. You save
a lot of floppy space this way and also keep all the program
members in one place--nothing gets lost.
If you have the full-size ARCHIVE.EXE utility itself (which
allows you to create arc files, and even run a program from
within an arc file, you may go in and read the doc or "read- ______
me" file without even bothering to un-arc the whole....IF you
know it exists and what the name is. With DisKover you will.
Diskover Users Manual Page 3
If you have a hard disk and split up an *.arc file to try it out
and later want to discard it, how do you know which files on your
crowded directory belong together? The easiest way is to look at
the floppy containing the *.arc file in question, read the
DisKover insert, and you'll find a complete list of the files in
question. Deletion then becomes easy and safe.
The fact is, the ability to split out the contents of an *.arc or
the similar *.lbr (library) file without actually having the file
members on disk is a major feature, and when combined with easy
file location simply makes your life a lot easier (and deletion
of unwanted files from your hard disk a lot safer). That's what
a good utility is supposed to do and we believe you'll rate
DisKover among the select few of your favorite utilities.
If you're a power user, we think you'll put DisKover into the
class of list, where, sdir, archive.exe and the single- ____ _____ ____ ___________
purpose arc-splitter programs. (And if you don't have those
programs, you should get them, as they, like DisKover, add joy ________
and speed to using your computer.)
Other abilities: ________________
DisKover will also print out the contents of a hard disk
directory, or for that matter, the whole contents of a hard
disk--all directories. Printing is similar to that of a floppy,
boxed and standard floppy size up to a directory count of about
70 standard files. Exceed that limit and the box is extended,
but only as far as needed, not doubled as is the case with many-
file floppies. The program is intelligent.
If a directory file count is big enough, or a new directory is
started without enough space to be completed on that page, a
bottom-of-page dashed line will be drawn with the notation "Cont.
Line", the perf line skipped and the box begun again with this
notation so you know you're looking at a continuation of the same
directory. All directories are labeled, of course.
When you start the program you can choose to print immediately or
write the print file to disk. For example, if you desired the
complete double-column printout of 18 megs of data, you would
definitely write the file to disk. Then when nothing else is
going on you can type "print filename" and go have a cup of
coffee. DisKover tries not to waste your time.
You can also write to disk the DisKovers for a stack of floppies
and again print them at your leisure from the named disk file.
A number of printers are directly supported (25 of the most
widely used as of Dec 88) but most others can be easily
customized via a short menu, assuming you can recognize the
appropriate codes in your printer manual. For color monitors,
Diskover Users Manual Page 4
you can customize two different screen types with a multitude of
choices--have it your way or accept the default selection (hit
ESC twice) which we have carefully selected for legibility.
DisKover Versions: __________________
DisKover is available in two basic versions, 4.x and 5.x.
Versions 4.x are shareware, available free from bulletin boards
but registration (and payment) is encouraged as you also will
then receive version 5.x containing several improvements,
including the insert title printed in large type (greatly
speeding quick-and-easy file location which is the primary reason
for using the program), larger file-count capacity (for listing
hard disk directories), and some improved customization options
which speed normal use. However, version 4.x is a fully useful
program, not a "crippled" version of the type often offered free.
We'd like to gently encourage you to register, not force you.
(Businesses must register.)
Registration is just $20 (see the form at the end of this manual)
and you will get a personalized, serialized copy of the current
release. On that disk will also be a serialized copy of the
current shareware version. Please share the new version with
your friends and business associates.
We ask registered owners to NOT distribute copies of 5.x, as it
is not shareware, but modestly-priced commercial software. Play
by the rules and we can afford to keep improving an already
useful program and meanwhile develop others.
HOW TO USE DISKOVER
Installation: _____________
It will probably take less space to tell you how to use the
program than we used to tell you how useful it is. Use is a
snap, and once you've started you'll never have to refer to this
manual again. You probably could get by without reading it at
all, but many users feel more comfortable with a manual as
backup. But before we use the program, it must be installed.
If you buy version 5.x (or register 4.x) you get
diskvr5x.com, the install program, diskinst.com, this ____________ ____________
manual in printed form, and a disk file called "readme.1st" which
may contain information not available or changed since the manual
was last printed. When you run diskinst.com the first time, ____________
Diskover Users Manual Page 5
you must respond to the first menu item in which you indicate ____
the input filename (diskvr5x.com is the default) and your
preferred output filename (diskover.com is the default). Other
menu items are optional but you should at least pick a printer
(or input your print codes if your printer is not listed). We
also suggest you elect to always explode *.arc and *.lbr files
if you expect to encounter these types of files.
Version 5.x install menu
The 4.x version installs itself, and you may make changes
(reinstall) any time you use the program; the sequences are a
simplified version of the 5.x version install sequence. The 5.x
version uses a separate install program as there are more options
and the separation allows a smaller working program to save disk
space. You can reinstall either version as many times as desired
should you want to change printers or colors or any other option.
If you get DisKover in archive form or from a friend, when you
split it you will get the three 4.x version files: diskvr4x.com,
this doc file on disk, and readme.1st
Diskover Users Manual Page 6
Start menu for version 5.x; you must choose the first item;
other choices are optional
That sounds too complicated, so let's just do it. Put the
DisKover disk in A: (you made a back up, didn't you?) and type
"diskvr4x" (or "diskinst" if setting up 5.x). You will see a
text screen on 4.x to nudge your conscience to register and get
the somewhat-more-capable 5.x version as a reward. Then follow
the directions.
After setting the filename and other options in version 5.x you
will see two color selection screens (these are the opening
screens in version 4.x after which you make the printer election
and version 4.x installation is complete).
Color selection screen. Pick the combination of text and
background you prefer, for main screen and windows.
On the color selection screen, mono people may just hit ESC twice
(color people too, if you accept our choices, which we took pains
to make legible on IBM color monitors). Otherwise move the cursor
Diskover Users Manual Page 7
to color combinations of your choice and hit return. You make
two selections, don't worry about which is which (for the record,
you first choose the main screen colors, then window color
combination).
If you don't like what you did, do it over. You can change
selections every day if you want, so don't worry about making a
bad choice.
You get a choice of (as this is written) 11 popular printers
which probably include the majority of printers in use in terms
of unit count. If you own one of these, just pick the matching
number and hit return. Your printer not on the list? Type 12
and hit return and you can enter ASCII codes for condensed type,
top-of-form, printer reset, 8-lines-per-inch spacing and, for 5.x
versions, expanded print code to allow for a more readable insert
title. Enter codes in ASCII, leading zero not required; enter a
zero in any unused code entry location.
Select a printer or choose a custom installation.
On versions 5.x, you'll be asked if the printer is ready. If Y,
a full-width small box is printed with 50 digits running through
it. The idea here is to see how many wide-mode digits can be
printed within the cut-line borders (the width of a floppy).
Note the right box edge is identified by the two vertical bars
above and below the line of numbers. See how many numbers hang
out to the right, subtract from 50 and give that answer. Just to
make sure, DisKover will print the box again, this time using the
number you indicated. If all the digits are within the box, type
Y for yes. If not, you type an N and you'll be given a chance to
do it again and try a number 1 or 2 digits larger or smaller.
Hard to go wrong. And from then on we won't let you enter a
title that won't fit on the insert--but we give you room for the
longest title possible.
Diskover Users Manual Page 8
In this example, a user would indicate that 24 letters
fit into the available space. Note also that if you
choose a custom printer install, you can send codes
for double-wide AND italics _______
Now you'll be asked to select a left margin (usually zero) and
you're installed. The program has been renamed "diskover.com" so
to run it at any time, just type "diskover" and hit return. The
install program with version 5.x allows you to redo a program
with a different name if you've renamed it. If you have a hard
disk, stick the program somewhere on the path and you'll be able
to call it from anywhere.
Use: ____
Everytime you start a 4.x version you'll see an option selection,
press (escape) should you want to change the printer or color
options. What could be easier? With either version you just
chose from the mini-menu to print a sleeve insert (enter a 1) or
write a file of inserts to disk for later printing (enter a 2).
Then you'll be asked a short list of short questions requiring
very short answers. ____
Select option 1 (print) or option 2 (file to disk)
You'll be asked if you want to add a volume-ID if there isn't
one. If you choose Y you can type in a volume label if none
existed before. (If you have version 5.x you also have an
option to change the volume label if one exists.)
You'll be asked if you want to expand *.arc or *.lbr files if they
exist. Y or N. If you ever use these types of files choose Yes.
(The above comments apply mostly to version 4.x. Version 5.x
allows you to pre-answer some of these questions to save time
during each program use. Even so, you can elect to change most
options at print time with an enlarged menu--usually you'll just
ignore those options as that's why you set the defaults as you
did.)
Diskover Users Manual Page 9
You'll be asked whether you're working from a floppy or hard
drive. Type F or H.
Most times you'll choose F. You'll be asked for a drive ID.
Type A or B, wherever you've stuck the disk. Note that by
alternating drives, you can speed up the process when you're
doing real-time printing of multiple floppy inserts.
DisKover will read and sort the files and invite you to type in a
title line (which will be printed in large type by version 5.x;
this version also allows you to preselect sort modes other than
filename).
(If you are not sure what you want for a title, hit the F2 key
and you see a DisKover of your floppy on the screen. All the
files and other data are displayed so you see what's on the disk
you're about to title. Because you may decide to do nothing with
this disk, you must reenter a drive ID to continue, along with
your newly formulated title line.)
Hit return and that's it. Keep in mind that if you have a disk
loaded with files, start it at the top of a page, as it may print
a "fold-line" and a second "page". Normally you'll get two
inserts per 8 1/2 x ll printed page. Just cut on the dotted
lines.
Select drive and type in the title
If you elected to write a file to disk earlier (you entered "2"),
the file will be created in your current subdirectory (version
4.x) or in your preselected subdirectory (version 5.x). If you
choose to read a hard disk you elect to print the whole disk or
just a directory (A for All, D for Directory). Choose Directory,
and you enter the directory name, no drive ID is needed. For
Diskover Users Manual Page 10
subdirectory UTIL, just type "util"; you don't need a c: or a \.
If you want to print a second-level directory, separate the names
with the customary \, for example, UTIL\TAX. Keep going as long
as you want. The printouts will all be condensed, wide titles in
5.x, labeled, and neatly boxed. No printing atop the perf lines.
A very civilized program. Sub-Directory \ is the same as the
entire hard disk. The program prints the Sub-Directory and its
siblings.
If you actually wanted to print the whole hard disk, it would be
wise to have selected number 2 from the early menu, thus writing
the resulting file to disk (dir.dir). A hard disk containing
about 17 megabytes results in a 70K file. That'll take a while
to print, so that's the kind to send to disk and then type "print
dir.dir" and disappear for awhile. And that's why we offered the
disk file of directory listings. You may want to use the disk
file when doing a great pile of floppies too--like when you're
first (and at last) beginning the Great Organizing Job. The disk
file, a "directory of directories" is called dir.dir in version
4.x; users of 5.x can customize the name to their taste at
installation time or skip that choice and stay with dir.dir as
the default.
Version 4.x can handle a total file count of about 650 on a
device (floppy or hard disk); version 5.x has a limit of 800
files within a subdirectory, unlimited on the device.
That's really about it. We've including a registration form for
those of you who've not yet registered but who have now realized
how valuable this program really is. And would like the
improvements offered by the 5.x version. When we supply a
version 5.x disk, we also include your serialized version of 4.x.
This is the one you can legally pass out to friends. Give them the
4.x execuatble files, but please don't give them the 5.x files.
For our kind of plan to work, we rely on the basic honesty of our
users. This is a well-written, very useful, modestly-priced
program. We've done our part...we ask that you do yours as well.
A final miracle: At this ridiculously low price we still
offer support (and invite comments). You can call us at the
number listed on the registration form. As a final gesture of
good will on our part and an indication of our commitment to our
product we will help install new or unusual dot-matrix printers.
You must be registered, of course, but just send us photocopies
of the printer-code pages and we will give as much help as
possible and perhaps include that printer in future versions of
DisKover.
Appendix to Diskover User Manual Page 11
Notes from the author:
1. To print this documentation do - PRINT DISKOVER.DOC <enter>
2. The commercial version of this program is sent along with
a printed copy of this document and there is an actual
exhibit where the blank spaces show on the disk version
of the documentation.
3. Printer codes:
The only standardization that exists in the printer world
is no standardization! Some people have been kind enough
to send me copies of the print codes for the printers that
are shown in the install menu. I have not been able to
verify that they all do work. If you try one of the pre-
installed printers and it does not work correctly, please
send me the revised codes that you do get to work.
4. When you try to figure out what codes you want to enter
into the program, look at the BASIC examples that are
provided in most printer manuals. You may see something
like this LPRINT CHR$(27);"0";
That code is the EPSON code for 1/8th Line Spacing.
To enter that code into my program you would enter for
the first code 27, (the same as CHR$(27) above),
the second code 48, which is the internal machine decimal
value for the number 0. These codes are usually listed
in the manual. But you might have to look for them.
5. Laser Jet Printing:
There is some special coding in the program for laser
printers. They cannot print through a perf line, and
the number of lines on a page are less than a
continuous form printer. If you are using a laser
printer other than an HP Laser Jet you should tell
this program you are using an HP Laser on the menu,
and then enter your codes for each of the separate
items. Please send the codes that you get to work
to me so I can include them in the install menu.
(This can only be done on the commercial version of
the program.)
Appendix to Diskover User Manual Page 12
6. The user-supported version of DISKOVER allows up to six
codes for each required field. The commercial version
allows for 10 codes. The extra code fields are needed
when you start using expanded codes or for those who
have color printers; to print the title in a color, say
red. Most dot matrix printers allow you to mix codes to
get different print styles. You could have:
Condensed;
Condensed, Expanded;
Condensed, Expanded, Italics;
Expanded;
Expanded, Italics;
Each of these codes could be sent to the printer as you
print your diskover. You must remember though that if
you turn it on, you probably also need to turn it off.
On the Default Epson-FX that is in the issued commercial
version of DISKOVER I use:
Condensed_Print = 27 53 27 15 27 70 00 00 00 00;
27 53 = Cancel alternate character set (italics)
27 15 = Set condensed print mode
27 70 = Cancel Emphasized print mode
Top_Of_Form = 12 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00;
12 = Top of form
Reset_Printer = 27 64 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00;
27 64 = Initalizes the printer
Note: Not all printer have this code, you may have
to enter Condensed off, 1/6th line spacing
Line_Spacing = 27 48 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00;
27 48 = 1/8th Line spacing
Expanded_Print = 18 27 52 14 27 69 00 00 00 00;
18 = Cancel Condensed print mode
27 52 = Selects Alternate Character set (italics)
14 = Sets enlarged print mode
27 69 = Sets emphasized print mode
Experimentation can be fun; Try different codes, when
you get one to work rename that version to hold for a
while, why you try other codes.
7. The left margin option is used mainly for a hard disk
printout where you may want a left margin so you can
punch holes and put it in a binder. The program is
issued with a value of 50 you should change it to a
value of 0 (zero).
Appendix to Diskover User Manual Page 13
8. In order to use the expanded print option properly,
you must run the section of the program where it asks
if the printer is available. Because, it is in that
portion of the install that I determine how long a
description title line you can have. If you don't
do this portion of the program install, the title line
will probably extend past the right margin of the
diskover.
9. Version 5.0B of Diskover has been modified to support
additional printers. The major printer is the new
HP Laser Jet Series II. This printer has internal fonts
for printing the line drawing characters that are similar
to the window lines on the screen. We have modified the
program to print the lines on the paper instead of dashes
and bars for the sides.
10. Diskover version 5.0B will also print on 3 X 5 index cards.
If you would like to create a card index box of all your
disks. You install the program for your regular options
and printer. You then back up one of the Menu items to
Index cards. Install your printer telling it that you
want page length of 3 inches. Some of the printers have
codes already installed for the correct form length. You
cannot use 3 X 5 cards on the Laser Jet Options.
11. Diskover 5.0C was modified to allow 50 print codes for
condensed and expanded printer commands. This was done so
that people with laser and color printers have additional
codes at their disposal to use as needed. If you are using
a cartridge in a laser printer then you will need the
additional codes.
12. Diskinst Version 1.0C and 1.0D had a problem with the 3X5
index card option. If you were keeping the Default FX printer,
the program told the printer that the page length was 3 inches.
If you changed to another printer the problem did not exist.
Diskinst Version 1.0E corrected that problem.
13. Diskover has some testing coding stay in the release version
which caused a floppy that had multiple subdirectories to not
print correctly. The data for the second floppy got merged
unto the first as if it was the same floppy. Diskover 5.0D
corrected that problem. The Volume-ID (if present) is also
shown on the screen when you are asked for the Cover
description.
************ Registration form here *************
Please register me as an owner of a copy of the
USER-SUPPORTED software program DISKOVER. I agree
to your disclaimer of all warranties and your
restrictions on copying, and agree that the
commercial version that I receive will not be
copied or shared.
Your Name ____________________________________________
Your Address____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Your Phone Number ____ _____________ in case I need to
contact you for any reason. (Not Required.)
Mail this form with your $25.00 to receive the enhanced
commercial version of this program to:
Caleb Computer Consultants
RD 3,
417 Larsen Rd.
Ringoes NJ. 08551
(201) 788-1846
Include:
Old Serial Number _____________________
Old Version Number ____________________
Printer this program will be used with _________________
The printer codes you used for any not preinstalled in
the Menu.
Condensed ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
1/8th Line spacing ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
Top of Form ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
Reset Printer ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
