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1. OverviewAbout CMDbarWelcome to CMDbar, the utility to control Windows from the keyboard. It can speed up every day work of every user and does not require any special knowledge or to be a command expert. CMDbar gives user the power to type commands fast and easily perform routine task as in command-line oriented environments (DOS, Unix) while retaining all advantages of the Windows environment and graphical user interface. CMDbar differs from other command line utilities because it integrates with Windows whenever possible. For example, command del (erase, delete) deletes files or folders using Recycle Bin. When user types dir then Explorer window exploring current folder appears (not the inconvenient MS-DOS prompt box). User defined aliases, file filters and favorites are available in addition to built-in commands. CMDbar is also ActiveX Scripting Host (another common scripting hosts is, for example, Internet Explorer). This means that CMDbar can host popular scripting language engines (like VBScript, JavaScript, PythonScript, PerlScript) and run scripts written in a scripting language. Visaul Basic for Applications (VBA) like scripting capability is also available (like VBA macros in Microsoft Office), so, all CMDbar commands can be called within scripts. This feature makes possible to prepare powerfull scripts to automate various tasks. User does not have to remember all commands and their syntax because of two important features: Quick Help (displays command syntax and description in a small tool tip window as user types) and Smart Command Complete (offers possible commands or files from current folder matching typed text in similar way as Internet Explorer does for links from history combo-box). These features makes usage of the CMDbar extremely easy and convenient and speed up every day work in Windows. Major FeaturesThe following list briefly describes all major features of the CMDbar:
Current VersionCurrent version is 2.10. CMDbar is shareware -- it can be evaluated for 30 days and after this period it has to be registered or removed from the system. We appreciate to hear every user's feedback, comments or suggestions to improve CMDbar and make next versions as useful as possible. 2. Using CMDbarMain WindowMain CMDbar Windows consist of the following parts:
Repositioning and ResizingTitle bar area is located in the left side of the window to spare space and make main window as slim as possible. User can reposition CMDbar (in floating state) just as any other window -- move mouse cursor over the title bar area, hold mouse left button down and drag window to the desired position. CMDbar window can be resized only horizontally. Horizontal resizing works as usual in Windows -- user positions mouse cursor either on left or right border, cursor changes to horizontal double-sided arrow and when holding mouse left button the window can be resized. Tracking Main MenuMain menu is hidden when it is not needed but can be tracked very easily. User can either type command menu and press <Enter> or move mouse cursor over the title bar area and press mouse right button and main menu appears. Main menu hides itself when a command is selected or <Esc> key is pressed twice or when another application gets focus. Switching Between ModesCMDbar provides today two modes (in a future more modes may appear). The Command Line mode is the main one and the second is the System Settings and Info mode. Each mode has one icon inside the mode toolbar (see Main Window). User can switch between modes either by selecting mode using mouse (left click over required icon) or by shortcuts <Alt + PgDn> and <Alt + PgUp>. Customizing CMDbarCMDbar can be easily customized to conform users habits and requirements. Inside this paragraph are discussed global options, for other, more specific, customizations follow one of the links: Customizing the Command Line, Using Aliases, ... Basic settings (Always on Top, Dock, and Autohide) are available both inside the main menu (under item 'View') and inside the tray icon menu. They can also be also set, as well as other options, in the first page (General) of the Options property sheet (go to 'Tools/Options...' inside main menu or type command 'options'). Description of all general options are in the following list:
Using Tray IconCMDbar places a small icon inside the tray area of the task bar. The icon has two main functions:
Command Line ModeThe Command Line mode is the main working mode of the CMDbar. The Command Line mode window consist of three parts:
Entering CommandsCommands are entered inside the Command Combo Box. After a command is entered user has to press <Enter> and command is performed. Entering of commands simplifies and make very easy two important features Quick Help and Smart Command Complete. Quick HelpQuick Help tracks users typing and tries to recognize known commands. Once a command is recognized a small tool tip window is displayed. This window contains command parameters and description. The Quick Help feature prevents user from the necessity to remember all possible parameters of each command. Quick Help can be disabled inside the Options property sheet, page Command Line (see Customizing the Command Line). Smart Command CompleteSmart Command Complete as well as Quick Help tracks users typing and tries to match partially entered commands or command parameters against the following (in the listed order):
This technology can extremely speed up command typing because for unique commands and files is usually sufficient just type the first two characters, command/file is recognized and offer, so user can hit immediately <Enter>. User can disable or enable all described options (1, 2 or 3) inside the Options property sheet, page Command Line (see Customizing the Command Line). Example:
Using Folder NavigationFolder navigation works as navigation inside MS Internet Explorer 4.x. User can use shortcuts <Alt + Left> and <Alt + Right> (commands back and forward) to go back and forward among already entered folders. Except these shortcuts is also available shortcut <Alt + U> (command up) to go up one level inside the directory hierarchy. Right click on appropriate icon inside the toolbar displays either back, forward or up menu (m parameter of the back, forward and up commands). User can also specify number of steps to go back, forward or up as a parameter of these commands. Command browse folder displays Browse for Folder dialog box inside which user can easily select a new current folder. Using Command BrowserCommand Browser is a special window displaying in a tree view all built-in commands and also user defined aliases, favorites and filters. User can search inside the tree for required command and once a command is found or just manually selected then its parameters and description are displayed. Selected command may be copied to the edit control 'Resulting Command', and then finally used as new command (when users closes the Command Browser dialog using 'Use Resulting Command' button. Using File Management DialogThe File Management Dialog provides functionality to easy copy, move, delete, open and rename files. The window has look and feel similar to Windows Explorer. How to Access File Management Dialog
Example and DescriptionThe following picture shows example of File Management Dialog opened displaying content of directory 'C:\WINNT\system32' using user defined filter 'text' to filter out all files except the text ones.
Using LogInside log is stored (logged) all user activity, that is, entered commands, error messages, etc. When an error appears (usually wrong or missing command parameters) then log dialog box automatically opens itself. Use command log to open log dialog box or clear the log. Log window has two tabs -- List View and Text View. List View provides better view to a log with icons distinguishing between information messages, erros and entered commands. Tex View makes possible to copy log content to clipboard and use for some further processing. Synchronization with Internet ExplorerCMDbar is able to run a special instance of (IE) Internet Explorer (on command ls, dir or explore) and synchronize current folder with it. When user changes folder in CMDbar then folder is automatically changed in IE and vice versa. Internet Explorer 4.x or higher is required for this feature. Using Expression CalculatorCMDbar can evaluate math expressions. Expressions are computed via VBScript, so the VBScript ActiveX engine has to be installed (Internet Explorer 4.x or higher is also required). Command = is used to evaluate arbitraty math expression, e.g.,
The result is automatically displayed in log. Commands -=, +=, *= and /= can be used to evaluate an expression and subtract, add, etc., it to the last result. Customizing the Command LineThe command line options can be set in the Options property sheet, page Command Line. The following options can be set:
User Defined CommandsCMDbar supports various user defined commands -- aliases, favorites and file filters. Each category of user defined commands is discussed in a separate paragraph.
Property Pages for User Defined CommandsAll user defined commands can be defined inside the Options property sheet, pages Aliases, Scripts, Favorites and Filters. Because all these property pages have identical look and feel they can be described together. The following picture contains a Favorites property page.
Using AliasesAliases provide easy way to create shortcuts to various commands (instead of forward user can create and use alias fwd, etc.). Each alias can consist of multiple commands (that is, built-in commands, other aliases, favorites, filters and file or program names), so simple batches can be written using aliases as well. Alias cannot be reentrant and this is the only limitation. Alias can take up to 9 parameters. Strings '%1', '%2', ..., '%9' are replaced by actual parameters before an alias is performed. Alias description and first command of alias definition are displayed inside Quick Help window and inside the Command Browser window. Aliases are defined inside the Options property sheet, page Aliases. This property page is described inside the paragraph Property Pages for User Defined Commands. User can also use Command Browser inside Alias Properties dialog box. Using ScriptsScripts can be written in one of the following scripting languages: VBScript, JavaScript, PerlScript and PythonScript (proper script engines have to be installed as well as Internet Explorer 4.x or higher, see FAQ's for information about getting PerlScript and PythonScript). CMDbar can run a script either via Internet Explorer or via internal ActiveX Script Host. The second option is recommended because it is usually faster and also makes possible to invoke any CMDbar command using methods of object 'CMDbar'. Add New button displays simple dialog inside which user can select type of the script (only the currently installed scripting languages are enabled) and decide if he wants to generate a sample 'Hello, world !' script. Scripts are defined inside the Options property sheet, page Scripts. This property page is described inside the paragraph Property Pages for User Defined Commands. Script properties dialog looks like the following:
Using FavoritesFavorites represent user's favorite folders, programs, files and WWW links. Each favorite has assigned a unique shortcut which is used for fast access. Favorites can be also accessed from main menu. Favorites are described by category in the following list:
Favorite description and definition are displayed inside Quick Help window and inside the Command Browser window. Favorites are defined inside the Options property sheet, page Favorites. This property page is described inside the paragraph Property Pages for User Defined Commands. Using File FiltersUser can define various File Filters for most often used files (for example, '*.h; *.cpp' for C++ development, '*.doc; *.xls; *.ppt' for MS Office documents, my*.* for all 'my' files, etc.). Each filter has a shortcut and when user types it then File Management window with the filter set as active appears. User can also switch between all file filters inside the File Management window. Filter description and definition are displayed inside Quick Help window and inside the Command Browser window. File Filters are defined inside the Options property sheet, page Filters. This property page is described inside the paragraph Property Pages for User Defined Commands. System Settings and Info ModeThe System Settings and Info mode is an add-on working mode of the CMDbar. It provides buttons with shortcuts to most important system settings and information (usually Control Panel applets). The System Settings and Info mode window consist of one part -- button style tab window: User simply clicks on required button to open appropriate settings or information window or special folder. 3. Built-in Commands ReferenceInside this paragraph are briefly described all built-in commands. User Interface CommandsUser interface commands makes possible to control the CMDbar user interface and call functions available in the main menu. autohide
dock
exit, quit
file
help
log
menu
minimize
ontop
options
pause
restore
scrsaver
Shell CommandsShell commands provide main functionality. Among shell commands are both well known commands, like del (integrated with Recycle Bin), and new commands like up, back, etc. =
+=
-=
*=
/=
back, forward
browse
cd, chdir
copy, cp
cpanel
ctxmenu, contextmenu
date, time
del, delete, erase, remove, rm
desktop
dir, explore, ls
display
disconnect
dos
eject
favorites
findcomputer
findfile
keyb
logoff
mapdrive
md, mkdir
mouse
mv, move
mycomputer
network
poweroff
printers
properties
rbin
rd, rmdir
reboot
ren, rename
rundlg
set
shutdown
startmenu
system
up
whoami
CMDbar Object for ScriptsA default CMDbar object is automatically available inside scripts run by CMDbar ActiveX Script Host. The object does not have to be declared and it provides the folowing methods: Command
Pause
Scripts run via Internet Explorer can use object window provided by IE. This object is not available to scripts run via CMDbar but three usefull methods are also provided by the CMDbari object: alert
confirm
prompt
4. SupportSupportSupport is provided on rovensky@kagi.com and is free for all registered users and users evaluating the CMDbar. When reporting bugs or problems please include:
Please, keep in mind that more information you provide us about your problem give us better chance to find a solution. License agreementUpon your acceptance of this Agreement, Pitrinec Software (Author) grants to you a nonexclusive license to use the CMDbar software (Software). A. Use of the Software. The Software has been released for distribution as a SHAREWARE and may be distributed at no cost. You may install the Software on a hard disk or other storage device; install and use the Software on a file server for use on a network for the purposes of (i) permanent installation onto hard disks or other storage devices or (ii) use of the Software over such network; and make backup copies of the Software. B. Restrictions. Unregistered use of the Software after the 30-day evaluation period is in violation of international copyright laws. You are not allowed to modify, translate, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble or otherwise attempt to discover the source code of the Software. The number of the (licensed) Software instances running at the same time may not exceed the number of licenses purchased. You are not allowed to redistribute or provide to 3rd party already registered versions of the Software as well as you may not publish the registration number(s) that unlock the Software. The Software can be distributed only as the package provided by the Author.This package cannot be changed in any way without written Author's permission. C. No Warranty. ALL WARRANTIES ARE DISCLAIMED, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, IN THIS SOFTWARE. THE ENTIRE RISK OF THE USE OR THE RESULT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE REMAINS WITH THE USER. Unpublished-rights reserved under international copyright laws. Price ListAs stated in "License Agreement" part of this document, the CMDbar is a shareware program and must be registered if user decides to keep it. There are several ways how to register it. User can either use on-line registration or send registration form via e-mail or snail mail (in such a case there is a Register.exe program provided with the package allowing user to generate registration form). User can choose among several payment methods including credit cards, cash, money order, etc. CMDbar Price List:
* Site
license is for unlimited number of users at one organization, and within a radius of 100
miles (160 km) from one central location. 5. Frequently Asked QuestionsThis section is supposed to grow up in future releases of CMDbar. Question: Why many of build-in command names are rather long ? Answer: The command names should be descriptive and if the Smart Command Complete is on then usually typing of the first two characters is sufficient and the command is found and offered. Aliases can be also used to make shortcuts for long commands. Question: Some features are available only if the InternetExplorer 4.x or higher is installed. I want to use these features but I use Netscape Navigator as my web browser I do not want to browse with IE ? Answer: You can have installed Internet Explorer 4.x or higher and still hapilly browse the web with Netscape Navigator. Only the IE 4.x and higher provides features and API that can be used to implement the 'IE 4.x features'. Question: I have Internet Explorer 4.x or higher installed but can use only VBScript and JavaScript. PythonScript and JavaScript are disabled. Why ? Answer: JavaScript and VBScript engines are part of the IE installation. The other scripting engines have to be downloaded from the third party vendors. The following information was true in time of writing this answer (June 1999):
Question: How differ favorites and aliases ? Answer: Aliases make possible to create shortcuts to command, write simple batches, etc. The favorite items can directly launch a program, show special folder, etc. User can use both aliases and favorites very well together. For example, MS Word can be added to your favorite programs and several aliases launching the most used Word documents (using the same favorite) can be prepared, etc. Question: For what are the Favorite/Other items good for ? Answer: The simple answer is that they are good for all non-categorized favorite items, for example emails. User can create 'other favorite' like:
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