FILEZ - Shareware FileCommander for the Windows Environment 1.0 Background FILEZ was developed under C++ in an effort to determine if the sluggish response of commercial Windows file managers was justified. As you can see, not only has most of the general functionality of traditional Windows file managers been replaced, but the sluggishness is gone and with it the bloated file size. FILEZ was designed to replace the majority common commands found in file managers. It is by no means complete but continues to be refined. Commands on the horizon include; file search, improved file viewer, ability to skip many directory levels, ability to do background (safe) formatting of floppies ect, ect. Note that the design is mouse based and some functions are difficult to access from the keyboard. 2.0 Commands FILEZ consists of three command centers; the main file area, a transaction file area, and a button column. Each of these areas will be discussed in turn. 2.1 Main File Area The main file area is located on the top left of the FILEZ window. It comprises the majority of the real-estate in the window and is completely independent of the transaction window located at the bottom of the window. Drives are selected via a drop-down box with a single click on the drive desired. Should the drive be unavailable the drive will not change. The file specification is located below the drive listing. This specification, which defaults to ALL files, can be changed at any time with the changes being reflected in the file list in real time. The file listing contains all files that meet the file specification and is presented according to the file sort specification. Only one file may be executed at a time and this is achieved by double clicking the chosen file. Files may be selected in any number of ways; singly by a single click of the left mouse button, multiply by holding the sift key while clicking for a range, by holding the control key while clicking multiple items or by dragging the left mouse button for extended ranges. All of these methods can be combined. A re-read of any directory listing can be prompted by selecting any file sort method. The directory listing contains all DOS directories in the path. Change of directory is accomplished by a single click on the desired directory. NOTE: Keyboard use of this element is very limited. The current working directory, or path, is specified in the window title. 2.2 Transaction File Area The transaction file area is located below the main file area and maintains a separate and independent path from the main file area. This path is contained in the group header for the area. The drive listing and directory controls work as described in the main file area. A transaction is accomplished by selecting the transaction mode; copy or move, and pressing the 'GO' button. 2.3 Button Area The button area contains various command buttons for FILEZ. The 'modify' button creates or deletes directories. There is no rename directory command in this version of FILEZ. The 'delete' button deletes files selected in the file listing window. The 'file info' button creates a window whose contents are the file information on the files selected in the file listing window. No file attributes are displayed in this listing. The 'view file' button enables the first selected file, or the first file if none is selected, to be viewed or edited using Notepad. The 'rename' button causes the files selected to be renamed according to the file specification entered. The two attribute buttons, 'hide file' and 'read only', toggle those file attributes respectively and act upon the files selected. The 'about' button displays information about this version of FILEZ as well as basic registration information. 3.0 Keyboard The keyboard interface within FILEZ is weak, but present, owing to the assumption that the majority of users will have a mouse. Basic keyboard support is provided by the individual controls in the window (e.g. buttons). The key provides the only explicit keyboard command. This key minimizes FILEZ at any time the main window is active. Note that FILEZ does not show up in the task list. Accessing FILEZ via key combinations will show FILEZ as FILECABINET. Multiple copies of FILEZ may be active at any time but copying between these copies is not supported. There is no drag and drop capability to or from FILEZ. 4.0 Disclaimer FILEZ V1.00 (C) COPYRIGHT 1993 INFO CONTROLE TM INFO CONTROLE TM makes no warranty concerning the suitability, completeness or integrity of FILEZ. INFO CONTROLE TM reserves the right to make modifications to FILEZ at any time without notice to any users. In no event shall INFO CONTROLE TM be liable for any consequential, special, incidental or indirect damages resulting from the use of any INFO CONTROLE TM software, whether advised of the possibility of such damages or not. INFO CONTROLE TM is not responsible for costs or damages incurred as a result of loss of time, loss of data, loss of profits or revenue, or loss of use of the software. 5.0 Test History FILEZ is a Windows 3.1 based file manager replacement program. It has been designed with the average user in mind, i.e. FAST and EASY TO USE. FILEZ makes no excessive requirements on your system, and works equally well on a 12Mhz 286 or a 66Mhz 486. It has been tested in a variety of network environments and is fully aware of all drives and paths that DOS can see. Test machines have ranged form 12Mhz 286's with 2Meg RAM through 16Mhz 386's with 4MEG RAM through 66MHZ 486's with 16MEG RAM. It has been run both locally and remotely with performance only being limited by the LAN. It will run, with difficulty, on Windows 3.0a if the line STACKS = 9,256 is added to the CONFIG.SYS file. It has not been tested in the Windows compatibility box of OS/2. 6.0 Registration FILEZ is distributed through the shareware channel, it is not free. If you find FILEZ a fast and easy to use product please register it. Registration costs $15 Can. and entitles you to free upgrades within the major version that you have registered. Should documentation be required please include shipping charges appropriate to your area: Canada 3$, USA 5$, Other 8$. If you are a shareware distributor and would be interested in distributing FILEZ or other INFO CONTROLE TM Shareware products please contact us for special offers available to distributors. Registration can be made through: INFO CONTROLE TM 2670 Goyer #6 Montreal, PQ, CAN H3S 1S3 Attn: FILEZ Shareware Offer or INFO CONTROLE TM 5607 Chemin St. Francois St. Laurent, PQ, CAN H4S 1W6 Attn: FILEZ Shareware Offer Internet: t.mackey@ieee.org timm@davinci.ece.concordia.ca