Copyright: Command Line95 - Joshua Seales - (c)1996


Command Line95

Version: 1.0

Date: January 1996

Platform:  Windows 95

(C)opyright  Joshua Seales, 1996

All Rights Reserved

Introduction

People who like to use Windows 95 applications but miss the DOS style navigation will love Command Line95. The graphical interfaces of the new operating systems, like Windows 95, have replaced DOS commands with the mouse.  Copying files, changing directories and executing files are reduced to a mouse click or two.  Although this is easier for newer computer users, it can become slow and annoying for people who prefer the command line(DOS) for maneuvering around their system.  Command Line95 allows the user to use commands and execute files as is done in DOS while staying in the graphical environment.

Command Line95 is shareware and may be freely distributed.  If you find this program useful please register it.

Contents

1) 	Installation

2) 	Using Command Line95

3) 	Options

4) 	Registering Command Line95

5) 	For your Information (read if having problems)

1) Installation

- Just copy the contents of the zip file to your favorite directory.

- Move the CLine95.hlp file to your (windows\help) directory.

- Create a shortcut in the startup folder.

If you wish to remove Command Line95:

- delete the CLine95.ini in you windows directory.

- delete the CLine95.hlp in you windows\help directory.

- delete the rest of the file in the directory you chose for Command Line95.

2) Using Command Line95

Command Line95 mainly consists of typing in DOS commands.  There are however a few Windows 95 key combinations that greatly improve the speed at which the user can navigate and use Windows 95.  Using the Windows 95 key combinations along with Command Line95 will soon become automatic.

Commands:

CD, CHDIR - change to a new directory.

COPY - this command executes the xcopy command.

DEL, DELETE - deletes files.  (* and ? are permissible)

DIR - this command executes the Windows 95 explorer.

MD, MKDIR - make a directory.

RD, RMDIR - remove a directory.

REN, RENAME - rename a file.

Windows Key Combinations to Remember:

Alt-F4 - closes the active window.

Alt-TAB - switches between running applications within Windows 95.

These two key combinations are very useful.  When the DIR command is entered Command Line95 executes Explorer.  Explorer becomes the active window.  Alt-F4 will close this window and return control to Command Line95.  While using the system the user may be using many other applications and Command Line95 will become buried below the other windows.  Alt-TAB is a quick way of switching back to Command Line95.

Also the up\down arrow keys will move through the history list which hold the last twenty commands\files entered.

Other:

When the user enters a file in Command Line95, Command Line95 executes the file.  If the file entered is a DOS file it will pop up in a DOS window or possibly go to a full screen text mode.  The user can customize the window by setting the properties of that window.

3) Options

There is really only one option to consider in Command Line95.  That is, does the user want to keep Command Line95 the top most window or allow it to be buried.  This option is found in the information box.

Command Line95 Information Box

When the user exits Command Line95 will save the current position and other information in an .INI file located in the windows directory.

4) Registering Command Line95

The easiest way to register is to fill out the registration form, included within the ZIP file, and send it along with a check for $5.00 to:

Joshua Seales

1313 Kennedy Plaza*

Utica, NY  13502*

USA

*Note: This address is only valid until May 15, 1996 so register your copy today.

or

On a 3x5 card include the following information.  Your Name, Address, Phone Number, the Name you want the product registered to, your email address (if applicable) along with a check for $5.00 to the address above. Comments are welcome.

Benefits of registering Command Line95...

- gets rid of the annoying nag screen.

- the knowledge that you are helping a starving college student.

- the privilege of knowing you did the right thing by supporting shareware.

You will be sent back a registration code for the registered name you requested.  Simply enter the name and number in the registration box (accessible from the start screen or from the info button) and your done.

Command Line95 Registration Box

If you would like the registration code sent by email, include your email address.  Otherwise your registration information will be sent via snail mail.

5) For Your Information

- If the filename of the file you wish to execute has spaces in the name and is not an EXE file, the filename must be included with in quotation marks (ex: “My Bat File.Bat”).

- If the filename of the file you wish to execute has a period in the name (ex: My.Program.Exe) you must enter the EXE extension.

- Since the Copy command actually executes the DOS xcopy, if you wish to use long filenames, they must be included inside quotation marks (ex: Copy “My Long Named Program.Exe” C:\ ).

- Command Line95 saves information in and .INI file located in your Windows directory.  This will be moved to the registry in the future.

- When renaming a file the old filename must be the short name.  If the file being renamed is longer than eight characters Windows 95 adds the ~# format (in DOS mode - ex: My Filename.txt -> MyFile~1.txt).  The new filename can use long filenames.

- Deleting files does NOT  send the files to the recycle bin.

Special Thanks to Paul Tillotson for testing this program for errors.

Disclaimer

Command Line95 has been tested to the best of our abilities for bugs.  The author of Command Line95 is not responsible for any damage that may incur to the user’s system or data as a result of using Command Line95.

Wow

If you have read the document to this point I am impressed.  If the response to this product is good then I will continue to improve this product.  Thank you for your interest in Command Line95.