***INDEX
001 AUTOEXEC.BAT file
002 BIGMENU (Addendum and Offers)
003 BIGMENU (Described)
033 Command Line Options
004 Cursor Keys
006 DOS Commands
007 Exiting BIGMENU
035 Hot Keys
008 Installation
009 Master Password
010 Menu Selection (add)
011 Menu Selection (delete)
012 Menu Selection (edit)
013 Menu Selection (run)
014 Messages
015 Mouse
016 Pause Function
017 Phone Book (add entry)
018 Phone Book (delete entry)
019 Phone Book (display entry)
032 Phone Book (data files)
020 Phone Book (edit entry)
021 Phone Book (labels)
036 Phone Book (password protection)
031 Phone Book (printing)
036 Phone Book (settings)
022 Phone Book (tagging entries)
032 Phone Book File Manager
038 Scheduler
023 Settings (blankout time)
023 Settings (default colors)
023 Settings (DOS lock)
023 Settings (hour chime)
023 Settings (main menu title)
023 Settings (monitor type)
034 Time Execution of a menu item
026 User Controls (function keys)
037 User Controls (renaming a user)
026 User Controls (time restrictions)
027 User Password
028 User Menu (add)
029 User Menu (delete)
030 User Menu (load)
037 User Menu (rename)
***001                                

ADDING BIGMENU TO THE AUTOEXEC.BAT FILE:

     The AUTOEXEC.BAT is a file that is located in the root directory 
of the boot drive of your computer.  This drive is usually the C: drive 
for hard drive systems.  When you turn your computer on, the operating 
system reads this file and executes the commands in this file. These 
commands configure the start up of your computer to your specifications.  
To look at your AUTOEXEC.BAT use this command:

C> TYPE C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT    (this assumes C: to be the boot drive) 

     One of the commands in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file is probably a
PATH statement and will look something like this:

PATH C:\;C:\DOS

     Make sure BIGMENU.BAT is copied to one of the directories in this 
statement.  Note that the install program will copy BIGMENU.BAT to the ROOT 
directory of all drives.

     If you want BIGMENU to be loaded when you boot your computer (turn your 
computer on) then make "BIGMENU" the last line in your AUTOEXEC.BAT.  See 
your DOS manual for instructions on editing a text file.  Here is an example 
of an AUTOEXEC.BAT file that will load BIGMENU:

ECHO OFF
CLS
PROMPT $P$G
PATH C:\;C:\DOS
BIGMENU

     You may have already asked the BIGMENU install program to edit your 
AUTOEXEC.BAT file.  BIGMENU can do this if there was not a program that was 
already loaded by the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

                                    * end *

***002
                                
BIGMENU ADDENDUM:

     For more information about BIGMENU, press <F8> at any menu or print 
README.TXT from the BIGMENU directory.  Any complaints, questions, problems 
or suggestions should be directed to the address or telephone number below.
                      
                       BIGMENU c/o FSCI
                       P.O. Box 161463
                       Altamonte Springs, Fl. 32716-1463
                       (407)869-8999

BIGMENU offers:

  Registered user options:
     1]  New program disk (latest release):  $5.00
     2]  New BIGMENU user manual:  $5.00
     3]  Customized program for home or business:  Call or write
  
  Unregistered user options:
     4]  Latest program disk (unregistered version):  $5.00
     5]  Program disk and manual (registered):  $35.00

     Please enclose your check, option(s), floppy disk size and density, and 
full mailing address with your request.
          
                                    * end *

***003

ABOUT BIGMENU:

     BIGMENU is a multiuser menu system, designed to make running DOS 
applications an easy task for computer users of all levels.  It is ideal for 
both family use and single PC businesses with multiple users.  Each user can 
define his own menus and menu characteristics.  A system supervisor can 
control the users with time restrictions and function button restrictions.  
BIGMENU writes temporary batch files to run your programs.  The batch files 
use no memory, allowing your application to use all available memory.  
BIGMENU will find your drives, directories, and executable files.  All menus 
and supervisor functions may be password protected.  Access to the operating 
system may also be password protected.
     
     An additional feature of BIGMENU is the phone book.  The phone book data 
base will keep track of names,  addresses, and telephone numbers.  The 
BIGMENU phone book will print address and rolodex labels.  Phone book entries 
can be selected for labels or deletion by tagging or highlighting.
     
     BIGMENU is shareware.  This means that you are welcome to use BIGMENU 
on a 6 week trial basis.  If you find BIGMENU useful beyond the trial period, 
then you are obligated by law to register the program for $35.  Choose <F8> 
from any menu to print a registration form.  You are encouraged to copy the 
program for trial use by others.  You are also encouraged to upload 
BIGMENU7.ZIP to bulletin board systems.  BIGMENU7.ZIP is the compressed 
version of your program and contains within it the 6 BIGMENU program files 
(listed below).  You may reproduce BIGMENU without limit provided that the 
program is not altered in any way and the reproduction contains the 6 
program files listed below.  As an incentive for reproducing and uploading 
BIGMENU you will receive $10 from BIGMENU for each user who receives your 
program and subsequently registers it (your registration number will appear 
on his registration form).  

BIGMENU Requirements:

        IBM compatible processor with DOS (2.2 or higher)
        640K RAM
        Hard Drive (with 360K free space)
        Any Monitor
        Mouse (optional)

BIGMENU program files:

        MENU.EXE    
        INSTALL.EXE  
        README.TXT
        README.BAT
        BM_M.PRG
        BIGMENU.HLP

                                    * end *

***004

THE CURSOR KEYS:


     BIGMENU uses a scrolling window for all program selections.  The 
following keys are functional:

ARROW UP    ............. up one selection
ARROW DOWN  ............. down one selection
PAGE UP     ............. up one page
PAGE DOWN   ............. down one page
HOME        ............. go to first selection
END         ............. go to last selection
A .. Z      ............. go to first selection starting          
                          with the key pressed or the next
                          selection if the letter is not
                          found.  If the same key is pressed
                          again BIGMENU will find the next
                          item starting with the key pressed.

                                    * end *


***006

DOS COMMANDS:

     Press <F9> from the main menu or user menu to execute DOS commands.  
Select "Type a DOS Command" to execute a single command.  BIGMENU will
keep a history of 256 commands that you have executed via this option.
If you have exceeded the 256 command limit, you must delete unwanted 
commands to make space for your latest commands.  Select "Choose from 
History List" to execute or delete a command from the history list.  The 
pause function will automatically be activated so that the results of the 
command do not scroll off the screen.  To execute a series of DOS commands 
select "Use DOS" and then return to the menu by typing "EXIT".
     
     From the main menu press <Shift-F9> to go directly to the history 
list.  Press <Ctrl-F9> from the main menu to load COMMAND.COM for multiple
DOS commands (return to menu by typing "EXIT").

                                    * end *

***007

EXITING BIGMENU:

     Press <F10> from the main menu to exit BIGMENU.  If the DOS lock is on, 
then you will be prompted for the master password (if one exists) before you 
can exit.  In DOS type "BIGMENU" to reload BIGMENU.        

                                    * end *

***008              

INSTALLATION:

     Installation will check your program diskette for the necessary program 
files, copy the program files to a directory (BIGMENU) on the drive of your 
choice, create other program files needed to run BIGMENU, search your 
computer for drives, search each drive for directories, edit your 
AUTOEXEC.BAT file (optional), and create BIGMENU.BAT (the batch command file 
used to run BIGMENU).  BIGMENU.BAT will be copied to the root directory of 
each drive.  It is necessary for BIGMENU.BAT to be located in at least one 
directory that is accessed through the DOS PATH statement (this will allow 
you to run BIGMENU from any directory).  The DOS PATH statement is located 
in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.  If you are reinstalling, your existing menu and
phone book files will not be changed or deleted.

     To begin installation, put the program disk into your A: or B: drive and 
type the following commands at the DOS prompt.  If you do not have a program 
disk, then create one by copying the 6 program files to the root directory 
of a floppy disk.  

C> A:                   or             C> B:
A> README                              B> README
A> INSTALL                             B> INSTALL

     Now follow the step by step instructions until installation is complete.

     Use the same commands if you are reinstalling or updating BIGMENU.  
Reinstallation will not affect your existing menu or phone book files.

     When installation is complete, type "BIGMENU" to load BIGMENU.

                                    * end *

***009

MASTER PASSWORD:

     Press <F3> from the main menu to change the master password.  You will 
be prompted for the current master password (if one exists) before you can 
change it.  Enter the new master password when prompted and then retype it.  
For no master password, hit enter twice without inputting a password.   
Reinstalling the program will reset the master password. 

                                    * end *

***010

ADDING A MENU ITEM OR A SUBMENU:

     Press <Ctrl-A> from a user menu to add a menu item or a submenu.

     ADDING A SUBMENU:  Choose "Add a submenu" and then type a 
     description for the new submenu.  BIGMENU will create a DOS file for the 
     submenu by combining the first 8 characters of the submenu description 
     and the extension ".SUB".  Illegal DOS file name characters are replaced 
     with "_".

     ADDING A MENU ITEM USING MENU CONTROL:  Choose "Add a menu item" 
     and then type a description for the menu item (this will be the 
     description as it appears on the menu).  Initiate menu control.  
     Menu control is recommended for less experienced users.  BIGMENU 
     will find your drives, directories, and executable files when using 
     menu control.  Select a drive, directory, and finally an executable 
     file.  If you have added drives or directories and cannot find them 
     on the scrolling list of drives and directories then press <Ctrl-S> 
     to scan for new drives or directories.  The final option will be to 
     add command line parameters.  Some programs will allow you to send 
     information about how the programs should run at the command line.  
     You can type fixed command line parameters now, have BIGMENU prompt you 
     for parameters at run time, or elect no parameters.  If you are not sure 
     what to do or do not want to send your program parameters, then select 
     "No command line parameters".  Now run the program to make sure that it 
     works.  If it does not run, then edit <Ctrl-E> the item that you just 
     created and start over (the most common mistake is to select the wrong 
     executable file). 

     ADDING A MENU ITEM USING BATCH CONTROL:  Select "Add a menu item" 
     and then type a description for the menu item (this will be the 
     description as it appears on the menu).  Initiate batch control.  Batch 
     control is recommended only for more advanced users.  BIGMENU recommends 
     that you put all of your batch files in a separate directory (e.g. 
     C:\BATCHES\ or C:\BIGMENU\) and include that directory in your DOS path 
     statement (see the section on AUTOEXEC.BAT).  Now type the batch file 
     name (no extension) that will control your menu item.  The final option 
     will be to add command line parameters.  Batch files allow you to send 
     parameters into your batch file from the command line.  You can type 
     fixed command line parameters now, have BIGMENU prompt you for 
     parameters at run time, or elect no parameters.  If you are not sure 
     what to do or do not want to send your program parameters, then select 
     "No command line parameters".  Finally, if you have DOS 5.0 you can 
     create or edit the batch file.  Now run the program to make sure that it 
     works.  If it does not run, then make sure that the  batch file is in a 
     directory that is in the DOS path statement or in the BIGMENU directory.  
     Also check your batch file, by executing it outside of the BIGMENU 
     environment.  

                                    * end *

***011                                                                                  

DELETING A MENU ITEM OR SUBMENU:

     From the user menu, highlight the item or submenu that you would like to 
delete.  Press <Ctrl-D> and confirm the deletion.  Caution:  Deleting 
submenus will delete all menu items and submenus within the deleted submenu.

                                    * end *

***012

EDITING A MENU ITEM OR SUBMENU:

     From the user menu, choose (highlight) the item or submenu that you 
would like to edit.  Press <Ctrl-E> and make all desired changes.   BIGMENU 
will not allow you to create a menu description that already exists on the 
working menu or duplicate a DOS file name when editing a submenu description.  
BIGMENU creates DOS files from submenu descriptions by taking the first 8 
characters of the description and adding the ".SUB" extension.  Illegal file 
name characters are replaced with "_".

                                    * end *

***013

RUNNING A MENU SELECTION:

     From a user menu, highlight the menu item or submenu that you would like 
to execute.  Press <Enter>.

                                    * end *

***014

DAILY MESSAGES:

     Press <F3> at the main menu and then "Daily Messages" from the settings
menu.  The master password (if one exists) will be needed to access the 
settings menu.  Select a date and the current message will be displayed.  You
may overwrite the current message or add a new message if there is no 
current message.  BIGMENU permits one message for each day of the year. 

                                    * end *

***015
                                  
USING A MOUSE:

     To use a mouse in BIGMENU, highlight (with the mouse cursor) the 
function that you would like to execute and click the left mouse button.  To 
highlight an item on the scroll window, click the left mouse button once.  To 
execute that item, click the left mouse button again.  Use quick mouse clicks 
to choose functions in BIGMENU.  Do not attempt to "drag" or hold a mouse 
button down (this may result in unpredictable results).  Use the right mouse 
button to escape BIGMENU activities.

                                    * end *

***016

THE PAUSE FUNCTION:

     Press <F3> from the user menu to turn the pause function off and on.  
When the pause function is enabled, it will require the user to strike a 
key prior to reentering his menu from an application.   This is useful if 
you need to read the screen that is left behind by your program or command.

                                    * end *

***017

ADDING A PHONE BOOK ENTRY:

     Press <Ctrl-A> to add an entry to the phone book.  Fill in the wanted 
data fields.  To complete each field press <Enter>.  When the last field is 
complete BIGMENU will give you the option to edit any field.  Press the field 
number that you would like to edit.  Save your new entry by pressing <S>.  
Press <N> to start a new entry or exit by pressing <Esc>. 
     The phone book capacity is 1024 listings.  Total entries are noted next
to the file name, in the title area of the phone book.

                                    * end *

***018

DELETING PHONE BOOK ENTRIES:

     To delete one entry:   Highlight the entry with the mouse or the cursor 
keys.  Press <Ctrl-D>.  Press <H> to delete the highlighted entry.  BIGMENU 
will ask you to confirm your choice.  To delete more than one entry:  
Highlight each entry to be deleted and then tag them with the space bar (see 
below for more information about tagging phone book entries).  An arrow 
symbol will appear to the left of the entry.  Press <Ctrl-D>.  Press <T> to 
delete the tagged entries.  BIGMENU will ask you to confirm your choice. 

                                    * end *

***019

DISPLAYING PHONE BOOK INFORMATION:

     From the phone book scroll window highlight the name that you would like 
to display with the cursor keys or by clicking the left mouse button once.  
Press <Enter> or the left mouse button again to display the phone book 
information for the highlighted name.  Pressing a mouse button or any key 
will return you to the phone book.

                                    * end *


***020

EDITING PHONE BOOK ENTRIES:

     Highlight the phone book entry that you would like to edit with the 
mouse or the cursor keys.  Press <Ctrl-E>.  Press the number of the field 
that you would like to edit.  Type your changes into the blank field.  Save 
your changes by pressing <S> or exit without saving the changes by pressing 
<Esc>.

                                    * end *

***021

PRINTING LABELS:

    Choose one phone book entry by highlighting a name in the phone book with 
the cursor keys or the mouse.  Choose more than one name by using the space 
bar to tag your selections.  Press <Ctrl-L>.  Select <H> to print label(s) 
for the highlighted name or <T> to print labels for the tagged names.  Select 
<R> to print rolodex labels or <A> to print address labels (examples of each 
are listed below).  If you are printing labels for a highlighted entry, you
will be prompted for the number of labels you would like to print.   BIGMENU 
will print up to 999 labels.  Next select the label size, set up your 
printer, and press any key to start printing.       

Example of an address label:

          John Doe
          555 Elm Street
          Anytown, Mi. 55555-5555

Example of a rolodex label:

          Jane Doe
          444 Maple Ave.
          Mytown, Fl. 55555-5555
          555-555-5555

                                    * end *

***022

TAGGING PHONE BOOK ENTRIES:

     Use the <Space bar> to tag and untag names in the phone book.  BIGMENU 
will allow you to delete tagged entries or print labels for tagged entries.  
To tag all of the entries in the phone book, press <Ins>.  To untag all, 
press <Del>.

                                    * end *

***023

PROGRAM SETTINGS:

     Press <F3> from the main menu and enter the master password to change 
the following settings:

     Master Password

     Daily Messages
     
     User Controls
     
     Hot Keys (DOS 5.0)
     
     Other Settings:
        Program Sound
        Main menu title
        Monitor type (color or monochrome)
        Blank out time
        Program colors (color monitor only)
        Hour chime 
        DOS lock

                                    * end *


***026

USER CONTROLS:
     
     Choose <F3> from the main menu.  The master password (if one exists) 
is needed for this function.  Select "User Controls".  Now select a user.
     
     Displayed information:  The following user information is displayed but 
     cannot be changed:  User name, Last log-in time and date and the user 
     password (user defined).

     User function keys:  The following user function keys can be enabled or
     disabled by pressing <Alt-1 .. Alt-5>:

          <Alt-1>:  <Ctrl-A> Add a menu item
          <Alt-2>:  <Ctrl-D> Delete a menu item
          <Alt-3>:  <Ctrl-E> Edit a menu item
          <Alt-4>:  <F3> User settings
          <Alt-5>:  <F9> DOS functions

     Time restrictions:  Press <1 .. 7> to make time restrictions for the 
     loaded user for <SUN .. SAT>.  Press <Any key> to make the hour 
     unrestricted, or hit the space bar to restrict that hour.

     Saving user control changes:  Press <Esc> to exit and save changes made. 

                                    * end *

***027

CHANGING A USER PASSWORD:

     Select <F3> from the user menu to change the current user's password.  
Input the current password.  If the current password is correct, then BIGMENU 
will allow you to change it.  Type and retype the new password.  Press 
<Enter> without any input for no password.

                                    * end *

***028

ADDING A USER MENU:

     From the main menu Press <Ctrl-A> and you will be prompted for for a new 
user menu name.  There is an eight character limit for a user menu name.  The 
master password (if one exists) will be required to add a user menu.  

                                    * end *

***029

DELETING A USER MENU:

     From the main menu highlight the user menu and then press <Ctrl-D> to 
delete the menu.  The master password (if one exists) is necessary for this 
function.  

                                    * end *

***030

LOADING A USER MENU:

     From the main menu, highlight the user menu to be loaded and press 
<Enter>.  If the menu is password protected, then the user will be prompted 
for the password.  Either the master password or the user password will allow 
access.  If it is a restricted time period, then a message will be displayed 
and the user will be returned to the main menu.

                                    * end *

***031

PRINTING THE PHONE BOOK:

        From the phone book menu, press <Ctrl-P> to print your phone book. 
Options include printing only tagged items or all items.  You can send the 
output to a printer (LPT1) or a text file.  The phone book will be printed 
as a list in the following format:       

LAST NAME (Alphabetical)        FIRST NAME           TELEPHONE NUMBER

                                    * end *

***032

MANAGING YOUR PHONE BOOK DATA FILES:

        From the phone book menu, press <F8> to view the list of phone book
data files.  From this screen you may change data directories, load a phone 
book, create a new phone book, rename a phone book or delete a phone book.   
BIGMENU allows 128 phone books and each phone book can hold 1024 entries.

                                    * end *

***033

COMMAND LINE OPTIONS:

        BIGMENU                Run the program.
        BIGMENU "User name"    Run the program and load a user's menu.
        MENU PB                Run the phone book module only.
        README                 View README.TXT
        INSTALL                Program installation.

                                    * end *

***034

TIME EXECUTION OF A MENU ITEM:

        From the user menu, highlight the menu item that you would like to 
execute at a later time.  Press <Ctrl-T>.  Select the execution time and 
press <Enter>.  BIGMENU will go into a screen blanking routine and will 
execute the menu item at the specified time.

                                   *end*

***035

HOT KEYS

        Hot keys are key combinations that allow quick access to programs or
batch routines.  BIGMENU uses <Shift-F1..F12> for its 12 hot key 
combinations.  Hot keys will only function from the main menu, user menu, or 
submenu.  Hot keys are only an option if you are running DOS 5.0 or later.  
Press <Ctrl-F1> to display your hot keys from the main or user menu.
        To set up hot keys:  Select <F3> from the main menu.  Select "Hot Key
Controls" from the Settings Menu.  Press <Ctrl-N> to name the hot key.  Press
<Ctrl-E> to write a batch file for the hot key.  BIGMENU will put you into 
the DOS 5.0 text editor to write your commands.  Save your changes and exit.
        You may also delete hot keys, enable/disable hot keys, or print a hot
key function strip for your keyboard.

                                *end*

***036

PHONE BOOK FILE MANAGER SETTINGS

        Press <F3> from the phone book file manager menu to access the phone
book file manager settings.  The master password (if one exists) will be 
necessary to access these settings.  
        Choose "Password Protect Functions", if you would like to turn off or
turn on password protection of the phone book file manager function buttons.
If the password protection is enabled, the master password (if one exists)
will be necessary to add, delete, or rename a phone book file or to change 
the data directory.
        Choose "Password Protect File", if you would like to password protect
a phone book data file.  Select a file and press <Enter>.  Choose "YES" to 
enable the password protection or "NO" to disable the password protection.  
When password protection is enabled, the master password (if one exists) 
is necessary to access the file.

                                  *end*

***037

RENAMING A USER MENU

        Hi-Lite the user to be renamed and press <Ctrl-R> from the main menu 
to rename a user menu.  The master password (if one exists) is necessary for
this function.

                                *end*

***038

SCHEDULER

        Press <F7> from the user menu to access BIGMENU's scheduler module.
IF the module file, SCHEDULE.EXE, does not exist, you will be advised and
returned to the user menu.  Each user may create his own schedule data file.
The user password (if one exists) is needed to access this file.  The 
scheduler module can be obtained from FSCI, by registering the program.  See
BIGMENU (Addendum and Offers) or press <F8> for more information about 
registering BIGMENU.

                                *end*

***END


