Simtel MSDOS 1992 September/Simtel20_Sept92.cdr/msdos/sysutl/jobs32a1.arc/JREAD-SW.ME

Text File | 1988-07-23 | 15KB | 376 lines

                                 J.O.B.S.

                    Job Organization and Backup System


The shareware version of JOBS (JOBS-SW) is a subset of JOBS+, which adds
support for hard disk backup and restore, a menu manager, EASY menus to
simplify access to JOBS' extensive command set, and a set of macros that
make short work of many of the most common housekeeping tasks.

The basic JOBS may be best categorized as a power user's tool.  JOBS+
adds features that combine the best of both worlds; ease of use for the
casual user, power for the serious user.

For specifics on how to install and use JOBS-SW, see the file JOBS-SW.DOC.

To find out about JOBS+ and what it can do for you, read on.


   ========================  BECOME A WIZARD  ========================

            wizard (wiz'erd) n. 1. a magician; sorcerer.
            2. [colloq.] a very skillful person.

            Computer Wizard:  one who possesses the skills
            of a typist combined with a thorough knowledge
            of DOS and its commands.

     With apparent ease, computer wizards can perform feats such as
     changing directories, copying files, renaming files, creating
     new directories, searching for files, etc.  The rest of us find
     ourselves searching through manuals for commands, typing and
     retyping until we get them right (or give up).


With JOBS, the neophyte can perform tasks that even a wizard would envy
and with an economy of keystrokes well suited to the hunt and peck school
of typing.  The wizard gains new power and efficiency.


    ========================  WHAT IS JOBS?  ========================

JOBS is an acronym for JOB Organization and Backup System.

Perhaps our most difficult task has been to explain what JOBS is.  It
doesn't fall neatly into a single category.  Maybe it is best described
as a housekeeper.

As a housekeeper, JOBS performs those tasks that are performed outside of
application programs.  We consider PCs to be machines specifically
designed to run applications, ie., word processing, accounting, planning,
drafting, design, etc.  Housekeeping tasks are those that are necessary
but incidental.  Housekeeping tasks include:

  1. DOS related operations, such as directory creation/removal,
     file copy, erase, rename, etc.

  2. Execution of application programs.

  3. Installation and removal of programs and utilities.

  4. Backup or archiving of data created by applications.

  5. Miscellaneous functions to display, organize, and manage
     application data; ie., tools used to print, search, sort,
     compare, etc.

  6. The ability to automate or customize frequently performed
     operations.

This is a broad list.  As you look through the feature list that follows
and as you use JOBS-SW, compare its abilities with the list above and
with other programs providing similar functions.  You'll find that
JOBS-SW goes a long ways towards filling this 'shopping list'.  JOBS+
goes the rest of the way and adds improved ease of use.


  ====================  WHAT WILL JOBS+ DO FOR ME?  ====================

In terms of efficiency gains, the JOBS+ Menu Manager is probably the
single most useful feature.  Without programming or writing batch files,
you can create and maintain menus that are custom tailored to your needs,
your applications.  Menus greatly simplify and speed up access to your
most frequently used programs.

JOBS+ also comes with an alternate set of command menus called EASY.
With a single keystroke, EASY replaces the existing JOBS menus with Lotus
style menus that provide access to the most frequently performed DOS
operations.  EASY has its own context sensitive help system, tailored to
the needs of the more casual user.  At those times when the more
extensive JOBS command set is need, EASY may be turned off; again with a
single keystroke.

In addition, JOBS+ currently (it keeps growing) adds approximately 30
high level commands referred to as the Extension Set.  The Extension Set
contains commands that bundle JOBS' basic capabilities together, allowing
a few keystrokes to do the work of many.  These commands perform
selective backup and restore, file searches, text searches, and much
more.  (see the feature list below)

THe Menu Manager, EASY, and the Extension Set are fully integrated within
JOBS.  With a minimum of keystrokes you can select the level of operation
suited to the task at hand.  Easily go from the simple to the powerful,
the options are always there.


 ====================  WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM JOBS+  ====================

In an effort to meet your various needs, JOBS+ is growing even as you read
this.

Several versions ago, NASA's AMES Research Center purchased JOBS for use
throughout their facility.  Using everything from Cray super computers to
PC's, their MIS department supports perhaps the most diverse group of PC
users to be found anywhere.

As one of our largest customers, AMES has provided us with a unique
environment to put new features through their paces.  JOBS' flexibility
allowed us to readily add and test enhancements in response to their
needs.  Many of the JOBS+ features are the result of this cooperation.

Feedback, they and others provide, continues to be our primary guide
when adding new features or improving existing ones.

To facilitate adding new features to JOBS+ without continually needing to
change the program itself, we developed the JOBS Extension Language
(JXL).  We used it to create the Menu Manager, EASY, and the Extension
Set.  Future enhancements, additions, and even custom solutions can and
will be provided to users of JOBS+ without the need to fully upgrade
their software each time.

Note:   For some examples of what JXL can do, check out the "READY TO RUN
        MACROS" section in the .DOC file.  As explained there, all of the
        commands marked 'EXT' were created with JXL.


  ========================  FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS  ========================

Here is a list highlighting what JOBS-SW can do.  Following that is a
list of some of the additional features supported by JOBS+.


DIRECTORY LEVEL FEATURES

Graphic representation of directory trees
  o  Not just one, but two directory tree screens
  o  Quick and easy movement among directories and disks
  o  Current directory follows the directory pointer
  o  Automatic scrolling for large directory trees
  o  Supports all 32 directory levels allowed by DOS

Versatile find file command
  o  Wild card search string
  o  Find only files that have been changed
  o  Find files by date and time
  o  Limit search to any branch of a directory tree
  o  Sorted results written to disk

Create, Erase, and Rename directories

Rename or add disk volume labels


FILE LEVEL FEATURES

Extensive directory display features
  o  Not one, but two directory display screens
  o  Quick sort on file name, type, size, or date/time
  o  Limit the displayed files
     o  By name, date/time, changed, or selected
        o  With wild cards
        o  Using AND, OR, and NOT logic
     o  Complete file statistics, including attributes
     o  Disk and memory statistics
        o  Disk capacity and percent of disk used
        o  Space required to copy to destination

Powerful file selection methods
  o  Select by pointing
  o  Select with multiple wildcards including a NOT operator
  o  Select by time and date
  o  Select by comparing two directory's contents
  o  AND, OR, and NOT logic may be applied to the above methods
  o  Save list of selected files for later recall

Batch commands - multiple file operations
  o  Copy, erase, move, rename, or print
  o  Change attributes, date or time
  o  Copy with directory structure to destination

Immediate single file commands, 'point and do'
  o  Run programs or batch files.
  o  Rename or erase a file
  o  Change the attribute of a file

Configurable print utility
  o  Pagination with optional page header
  o  Variable tab expansion, page size and margin
  o  Easily send control codes to printer

Miscellaneous commands
  o  List directory contents to disk or printer
  o  Type or hex dump file


DOS SHELL FEATURES

Runs other programs
  o  Point and run
  o  Run another program or batch file and return using less than
     2k of memory (1/2 of what DOS uses).
  o  Recall of last DOS command
  o  JOBS is an excellent base of operations

Edit the command line
  o  All prompted input can be edited
  o  WordStar key equivalents supported
  o  Default choices may be inserted and edited
  o  Filenames and paths may be 'captured' from the screen to be
     inserted at prompts.

Control the environment
  o  Set Verify, Break, Date and Time
  o  Enhanced access to and control of the DOS 'Set' environment


SPECIAL FEATURES

Programmable with a 'Learn' mode
  o  Create your own commands (macros)
  o  Easy to use macro learn mode
  o  Special macro commands
  o  Create your own menus and help screens
  o  Window editor for interactively creating pop-up windows for
     use with your custom macros.

Links to your editor
  o  Use your editor as an integral part of JOBS

Time clock functions
  o  Job timing - punch in, punch out, and total
  o  Unlimited number of jobs


OTHER FEATURES

Easy installation
  o  Smart install with thorough context sensitive help.
  o  Support for mono or color card (color selection)
  o  Control memory requirements (90k to 130k)

Not memory resident
  o  There when you what it, gone when you don't
  o  100% well behaved
  o  Compatible with other programs, including concurrent/multi-
     tasking utilities.

Slim and quick
  o  Will run in as little as 90k of available memory
  o  Loads and runs quickly
  o  Quick enough to use just to change directories
  o  Single key selection of commands
  o  Support for expert, rapid entry of commands

Extensive on-line help
  o  Over 200 context sensitive help screens just a key away

Thorough error trapping
  o  Full screen explanations and suggestions.
  o  Graceful recovery wherever possible


   ============  ADDITIONAL FEATURES PROVIDED WITH JOBS+  ============

Menu Manager
  o  Ready to use function key menus.
  o  Interactively create, edit, and delete menu tasks as needed.
  o  No programming required.
  o  Automatically generates macros to execute tasks, quicker and
     more reliable than batch file based menus.
  o  Each menu has a note area to provide help text, keep reminders, etc.
  o  Pop-up mini directory tree and directory list.
     o  handy for those quick peaks or to change a disk.
     o  point and run a program
     o  point and edit a file

EASY menu system
  o  An alternate Lotus style menu set that simplifies access to JOBS'
     commands.
  o  Easier for the occasional user, with shortcuts for the serious user.
  o  Shorter more concise context sensitive help, with index.
  o  Single keystroke access, toggle between EASY menus and JOBS' menus.
  o  Provides ease of use without compromising on power and versatility.

Extension Set
  o  A collection of macros to extend JOBS' basic capabilities.
  o  Over 30 high level commands, accessed through pop-up menus.
  o  Commands to simplify those most frequently performed chores.
     o  Hard disk backup and restore
        o  Directory structure as well as files are backed up.
        o  Backup may be limited to selected directory branches.
        o  Backup all files, or just those that changed.
        o  Backup files specified in a selection list.
           o  Unlimited number of selection lists supported.
           o  Includes an interactive list builder.
           o  Accepts lists created by the Find file command.
           o  Lists may specify files to exclude.
        o  Backup based on file dates and/or times.
        o  Two Update commands
           o  Quickly update previously created backup disks.
           o  Update a single directory or multiple directories
              with a single command.
        o  Restore
           o  Automatically recreates original directory structure.
           o  Not order dependent, only restores the latest versions.
        o  Optional log of backup/restore transactions.
     o  File search
        o  may be limited to selected directory branch.
        o  5 variations
           o  Fast find, single wildcard search.
           o  Wildcard search for files that have been changed.
           o  Wildcard search for today's files.
           o  Find a single file and display its directory with pointer
              located at matching file.
           o  Multiple wildcard search.
        o  Search results written to disk.
        o  Redisplay last search results.
     o  Utilities
        o  Create a batch file and execute it.
        o  Move a directory branch within the directory tree.
        o  Search for text within selected files.
           o  Search selected files in current directory.
           o  Use selection list to search files in multiple
              directories on one or more disks, creates result list.
        o  Format a disk.
        o  Climb (visit each directory) a directory branch and clean out
           unwanted files specified with multiple wildcards.
        o  Climb a branch and run a macro at each directory.
        o  Batch erase all files in current directory.
        o  Batch erase selected files in current directory.
        o  Batch clear archive bits on selected files.
     o  Select files by comparing two directories.
        o  select the newer files.
        o  select those with same dates and times.
        o  select the older files.
        o  select those that are not in the other directory.

That's as brief as we could make it and the list continues to grow.  As
you can see, JOBS+ adds some very powerful and useful capabilities.  In
some cases (the text search commands for example) single commands provide
the functionality of individual programs selling for as much as the
entire JOBS+ package.

Try JOBS-SW, invest a little time in learning what it can do.  We
guarantee that the time you spend will be repaid many times over in time
saved and frustrations avoided.

Included with JOBS is free support either by phone or Email.  Registered
users are notified about upgrades as they become available.

Have a special housekeeping problem, or need a tutorial for new users?  A
custom macro command might be the solution you've been looking for.  Give
us a call.

As a registered user, let us know what you are doing with JOBS or
would like to do.  As our existing customers can verify, your ideas and
needs are the design criteria for future releases.


                               RCT  Design
                               PO Box 1726
                             Novato, CA 94948
                     [phone]   [phone]