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1991-06-19
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ArcMaster 6.0
Copyright 1988..1991
All Rights Reserved
New-Ware Shareware Products
8050 Camino Kiosco
San Diego, CA 92122
(619) 455-6225
Contents
1 Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 What is ArcMaster? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3 Programs Needed to Operate AM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
4 About Shareware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
5 How To Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
6 The New-Ware BBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
7 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
8 Version History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
9 Distribution Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
10 The User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
10.1 On-line Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
10.2 File Line Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
10.3 Tagging Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
10.4 Dialog Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
10.5 Buttons and Check Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
10.6 File/Directory Name Search . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
10.7 The Mouse Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
11 Starting ArcMaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
12 ArcMaster Command Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
12.1 Function Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
12.2 Alt+Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
12.3 Ctrl+Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
12.4 Other Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
13 Configuring ArcMaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
13.1 Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
13.2 The Temporary Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
13.3 The Log Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
13.4 Password Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
13.5 Editor, Browser, and Scan Names . . . . . . . . . . 14
13.6 Numerical Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
14 Operating ArcMaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
14.1 The eXit Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
14.2 The Arc Cmds Menu (Alt+A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
14.2.1 The Archive Command (F9) . . . . . . . . . . . 15
14.2.2 The Unarchive Command (F-10) . . . . . . . . . 15
14.2.3 The Convert Command (Alt+F-10) . . . . . . . . 15
14.2.4 The Default Sys Command (F-2) . . . . . . . . 16
14.2.5 The Convert To Command (Alt+F9) . . . . . . . 16
14.2.6 The View Archive Directory Command (Enter) . . 16
i
14.2.7 VirusSCAN (Alt+V) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
14.2.8 The Single Arc Command (Alt+S) . . . . . . . . 16
14.2.9 The Auto Update Command (Ctrl+A) . . . . . . . 16
14.2.10 The Multi Update Command (Ctrl+F1) . . . . . 17
14.2.11 The LZEXE Command (Alt+L) . . . . . . . . . . 17
14.2.12 The PKLITE Command (Alt+P) . . . . . . . . . 17
14.2.13 The DIET Command (Alt+D) . . . . . . . . . . 17
14.2.14 The Extract SFX Command (Alt+E) . . . . . . . 17
14.3 The File Cmds Menu (Alt+F) . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
14.3.1 Tag and Untag Commands (Ctrl+T & Ctrl+U) . . . 17
14.3.2 Show Tags Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
14.3.3 Copy, Move, and Delete Commands (Alt+C, Alt+M,
Del) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
14.3.4 File Mask Commands (Alt+K) . . . . . . . . . . 18
14.3.5 VirusSCAN Command (Ctrl+V) . . . . . . . . . . 18
14.3.6 Zoom Active Window (F-4) . . . . . . . . . . . 18
14.3.7 Tag By Date (Ctrl+D) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
14.3.8 Reset Archive Bits (Ctrl+B) . . . . . . . . . 18
14.3.9 Set Windows Equal (Ctrl+W) . . . . . . . . . . 19
14.4 The Navigate Menu (Alt+N) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
14.4.1 Change Drive (F-3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
14.4.2 Directory Tree (F-5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
14.4.3 Re-scan Drive (Ctrl+R) . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
14.5 Sort Order Menu (Alt+O) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
14.6 Search Menu (Alt+S) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
14.7 Miscellaneous Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
14.7.1 Print List (Ctrl+P) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
14.7.2 Program Menu (Ctrl+X) . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
14.7.3 Execute Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
14.7.4 Go To DOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
14.7.5 PKZIPFIX (Ctrl+Z) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
14.7.6 Edit File (Ctrl+E) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
14.7.7 Configure AM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
14.7.8 Save/Read Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . 21
14.7.9 Register AM (Alt+R) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
14.8 On-line AM Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
15 Viewing Archive File Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
ii
1 Disclaimer
New-Ware hereby disclaims all warranties relating to this product,
whether express or implied, including without limitation any implied
warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. New-Ware
cannot and will not be liable for any special, incidental, consequential,
indirect or similar damages due to loss of data or any other reason, even if
New-Ware or an authorized New-Ware agent has been advised of the possibility
of such damages. In no event shall the liability for any damages ever
exceed the price paid for the license to use software, regardless of the
form and/or extent of the claim. The user of this program bears all risk as
to the quality and performance of the software.
2 What is ArcMaster?
The name ArcMaster is short for the term Archive Master where the word
archive means a place where documents and/or records are kept. In the
modern world of personal computing, these documents and records are
maintained in computer files. These files are frequently compressed and
grouped together in archive files by special computer programs such as
PKZIP, ARCA, PAK, LHA, and ARJ. All of these special programs are operated
from the DOS command line and require the entry of numerous and varied
command line switches in order to maximize their utility.
ArcMaster, hereafter known as AM for short, is an archive program
interface control system. It provides a clean interface that removes the
burden of remembering all the various command line switches and options that
may be used with archiving programs. In addition, AM is a powerful and
flexible DOS shell that provides numerous ways in which the user can
maintain and manipulate his/her DOS directory and file structures.
AM may be used as a stand-alone program in it's useful roll as a DOS
shell, but in order to manipulate compressed archive files the user must
have present in his/her system at least one of the supported archive
programs. A list of supported compression/decompression archive programs
appears in the next chapter.
3 Programs Needed to Operate AM
You will need at least one of the following archive programs in order
to utilize the full capabilities of AM.
ARCA/ARCE from Vern Buerg - ARCA129.XXX
- 2 -
Vernon D. Buerg
139 White Oak Circle
Petaluma, CA 94952
ARJ from Robert K. Jung - ARJ210.XXX
Robert Jung
2606 Village Road West
Norwood, Massachusetts 02062
LHA from Haruyasu Yoshizaki - LHA212.XXX
This program is free.
PAK from NoGate Consulting - PAK251.XXX
NoGate Consulting
P.O. Box 88115
Grand Rapids, MI 49518-0115
ZIP from PKWARE - PKZ110.XXX
PKWARE Inc.
7545 North Port Washington Road
Suite 205
Glendale, WI 53217-3422
The file names following the program identifiers reflect the current
versions. Please note the .XXX file extension is given because these will
vary from location to location. Many are distributed in compressed
executable (.EXE) format and some are distributed in the PkWare .ZIP format.
You can find these marvelous programs on just about any computer bulletin
board system (BBS) or commercial on-line access system such as Compuserve
Information Service (CIS) or Genie. All of these programs may be accessed
from the New-Ware BBS. Please see the chapter on the New-Ware BBS in this
document.
In addition to the complete archiving systems cited above, AM supports
several utilities designed for the specific purpose of compressing
executable (EXE) files. These utilities serve to compress an EXE file but
allow the compressed file to be executed normally from DOS. Their trick is
that they insert code into the start of the target EXE file that
decompresses it as it loads into memory for execution. AM supports the
following utilities of that type:
LZEXE from Fabrice Bellard
This program is free
PKLITE from PkWare
PKWARE Inc.
7545 N. Port Washington Rd.
Suite 205
- 3 -
Glendale, WI 53217-3422
DIET from Teddy Matsumoto
This program is free
While not absolutely essential, the user should also have available a
file browse utility which AM can use to view/browse the contents of a
compressed file existing inside an archive. The AM package provides a
browser named AMBROWSE.EXE. This is a bare bones browser that is provided
for those user's who may not yet have acquired the state-of-the-art browser
from Vernon Buerg named LIST.COM. AM can be configured to use any file
browser that accepts a file path name on its command line. New-Ware feels
that LIST is the fastest, most compact, and most powerful of the available
browsers. LIST can be found on almost all BBSs in the form of LIST75I.ZIP
(or EXE). Note that the 75I denotes the version and version modifier, in
this case 7.5I.
4 About Shareware
AM is Shareware. ARJ, PAK, ZIP, and LIST are also Shareware.
Shareware is NOT free. It is computer software offered for sale at a set
price and the only real difference between Shareware and other commercial
software products is the method of distribution and the important "try
before you buy" feature. With Shareware you are normally licensed by the
owner/author of the program to operate the Shareware distribution copy on a
trial basis. Then if you like it and make regular use of it, you are bound
to pay for it.
ArcMaster is a Shareware product. As such, it is made available to the
general computing public for evaluation. Users are licensed to operate
ArcMaster on their personal computers for the purpose of test and evaluation
on a trial basis for a limited trial period. It is not possible to
reasonably define any definitive limits of a fair and equitable time period
for evaluation, therefore it is left to the user's judgment and sense of
fair play as to the time required to make a decision as to its usefulness.
If the user decides the program is not of sufficient merit to warrant
purchase through registration with New-Ware, the program should be removed
from their personal computer. Otherwise, if the program is deemed useful
and is in regular use on the user's personal computer system, registration
with New-Ware is required.
Registered users are those users that elect to pay for AM and register
that payment with New-Ware. By virtue of registration and payment for the
program, registered users are granted a license to continue to utilize the
program on their personal computer for as long as they choose. This license
authorizes the user to use the program on any personal computer system he or
- 4 -
she may own so long as the program is operated on only one computer system
at a time.
Site licenses for use of ArcMaster on multiple computers are available
upon request at a reduced fee that is based upon the number of single
machines licensed for use.
5 How To Register
There is no functional difference between the Shareware distribution
version of AM and the registered version save the absence of the opening and
closing Shareware screens in the registered version.
The price of AM is $35.00. you may register AM in one of three ways:
1) By mail with check or money order to:
New-Ware
8050 Camino Kiosco
San Diego, CA 92122-1820
2) By telephone with Visa/Mastercard to:
New-Ware
(619) 455-6225
3) Electronically through the New-Ware BBS:
New-Ware Shareware Products BBS
Running Wildcat! version 2.51p
(619) 450-3257 - Node #1 1200/2400/9600 (HST)
455-5226 - Node #2 1200/2400
Foreign (non-US/Canada) orders must include a $2.00 special handling
fee in addition to the $35.00 registration fee. Also, no checks on banks
located outside the United States will be accepted.
California residents MUST include state sales tax with their order.
This Shareware version of ArcMaster may be freely copied and passed on
to other individual users for their evaluation. Disk vendors and/or
distributors that desire to distribute ArcMaster must adhere to the
guidelines presented in VENDOR.DOC.
- 5 -
Press Alt+R from the main AM display or from the closing Shareware
screen to display the registration window. Prompts will be issued for the
pertinent information and you will have the option of printing the
registration form when the form is completed.
Upgrades to later versions are available to registered users on the
New-Ware BBS at no cost. Those who request upgrades via telephone or mail
must remit a $5.00 charge for an upgrade.
6 The New-Ware BBS
New-Ware Shareware Products BBS
Running Wildcat! version 2.55p
(619) 450-3257 - Node #1 1200/2400/9600 (USR HST)
455-5226 - Node #2 1200/2400
The New-Ware Shareware Products BSS operates 24 hours per day, 7 days
per week. Node #1 is dedicated to registered users only. Nodes #2 is open
to all callers. Users registering via the BBS receive access to the latest
registered version within 1 day after leaving their credit card data. Users
who register by mail or phone may also access the registered version by BBS,
but you MUST log on and leave a comment to the sysop to the effect that you
are a registered user and desire access. The author can also on CIS via PPN
71535,665 (please use EASYPLEX).
The latest versions of all programs that are supported or used by AM
may be obtained via the BBS. The BBS also serves as an avenue for product
support. You may report problems or ask questions about the operation of AM
via the message facility of the BBS.
7 System Requirements
AM may be operated on any IBM PC/XT/AT/PS2 or compatible running under
DOS 2.0 and above. With the distributed default settings of 500 files per
directory window, 350 directories per drive, and 500 files per archive, it
uses approximately 181K of RAM. AM may be operated in the DESKQView and
Windows 3.0 environments.
The amount of DOS RAM required to operate AM will vary according the
the limits established via the active configuration. It is important to
understand that when AM calls one of the archive programs to perform its
functions, a certain amount of free memory must be available for that
program to operate in. PKZIP for example is quite efficient and only needs
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about 100K of RAM to perform in. LHA and ARJ require more and you will
probably need 150-175K in which to operate PAK. As you increase the number
of files handled per window and/or the number of files per archive, the
amount of free memory will decrease. For this reason, the lower right hand
corner of the main AM display shows the current amount of free memory. The
more DOS system RAM you have (not extended or expanded memory) when you
operate AM, the more free memory you will have. If you are running AM from
another shell such as X-TREE or Qdos, then there will be less RAM available.
All monitor and graphics cards are supported, including "composite" (2
color) monitors and backlit laptop screens. If the monitor is in a 44/50
line mode when AM is executed, AM will automatically increase the size of
the various windows. Mouse support is automatically provided if a mouse
driver is present in the system. Any dot matrix or laser printer may be
used for printing file directory listings. The printer must be capable of
printing IBM line draw characters if the directory tree is to be legibly
printed.
AM is designed primarily for use with one or more hard drives.
Starting and operating AM from a 5 1/4" 360K drive is not recommended
because of the lack of disk space for temporary files, etc. A multiple 3
1/2" 720K/1.4M or 5 1/4" 1.2M system will probably be okay, but a hard drive
is the best way to go.
8 Version History
Version 6.0 of AM has been entirely rewritten using a new set of design
tools. As newer versions are generated to include new features or to fix
reported bugs, the version history list here will grow.
6.0 - Released 06/18/91
9 Distribution Files
The following files are included in AM distribution package:
AM.EXE - Main program
AM.OVR - Overlay file
AM.HLP - Help file
AM.DOC - Operating manual
PROGMENU.DOC - User defined menu info
VENDOR.DOC - Disk vendor info
WHAT'S.NEW - Latest product info
- 7 -
New-Ware prohibits the modification of any of these files in any way,
shape, or form except by the individual evaluator or purchaser.
10 The User Interface
The AM user interface has been carefully designed to provide a set of
commands and controls that maximize the programs utility for both straight
keyboard and mouse users. The interface employs a "point and shoot" file
manipulation function via file name lists with scrolling cursor bars. All
AM functions are available through a pull-down menu system that may be
activated with the mouse or by pressing either keyboard slash (/ or \) key.
The program can be exited back to DOS via the menu, by pressing Esc key, or
by pressing Alt+X. Alt+X exits immediately while the Esc key opens the Exit
menu.
10.1 On-line Help
Brief descriptions of all AM functions are available from the main AM
display by pressing the F1 key. A window will open that presents a list of
commands and abbreviated command names. Selecting an item from this list
will open another window that contains a textual description of the selected
command.
10.2 File Line Information
Each line of the file window displays contains information pertaining
to that file. If you have elected to configure AM so as to show hidden
files, file names that are hidden, read-only, and/or system will appear in
brackets. File lines that have an asterisk at the end of the line indicate
that the DOS archive bit is set for that file.
10.3 Tagging Files
Groups of files appearing in the active file list may be marked for
certain archiving operations by "tagging" them. To tag a file, move the
cursor bar to the file and press the space bar or one of the plus (+) keys.
A diamond shape character will in front of the file name to denote its
tagged status. The tag is a toggle operation and therefore files are
untagged the same way they are tagged. All files in an active window may be
tagged at once by pressing Ctrl+T and all tagged files may untagged at once
by pressing Ctrl+U. The status of tagged files in both windows is
constantly displayed and updated on the main AM display.
- 8 -
10.4 Dialog Boxes
Dialog boxes are used extensively to provide the user with a means to
set specific commands and options prior to performing a particular
operation. They usually include boxed clusters of controls called radio
buttons and check boxes. The user may move from cluster to cluster with the
Tab/Shift-Tab command, Alt+Box number, or mouse. The home key will move to
the first box and the End key will move to the file name entry field. If a
dialog box contains an editable field for the entry of a file name or other
text, the box should be exited for continuation of the operation by pressing
the Enter key while the cursor is in the text field. If the text field is
empty when the Enter key is pressed, the operation will be aborted.
Pressing Esc anytime while in a dialog box will close the box and abort the
operation.
10.5 Buttons and Check Boxes
Many of the selectable options for controlling archiving program
functions are presented to the user in the form of radio buttons and check
boxes. The main difference between the two is that only one of a cluster of
radio buttons may be selected at one time while any number of check boxes
may be toggled to "on" at the same time.
The Up/Down arrows move from button to button or check box to check box
within a cluster. In the case of buttons, the button selected when the
cluster is exited becomes the active choice. Check boxes are toggled on/off
by pressing the space bar or plus key.
10.6 File/Directory Name Search
AM offers a convenient means of searching for a specific file or
directory name in the active window or directory tree. Suppose you need to
find a file named MYMEMO.TXT. Press the "m" key (case is not significant).
If there are any files in the active directory that begin with the letter
"M", the cursor bar will move the first file found. Then press "y". If any
files start with "MY", the cursor bar will move again to the first file
found. As you build the search string, AM will display it in the lower left
hand corner of the active window. If you press a letter and nothing
happens, it means that there are no file names in the directory that match
the current search string. You may use the backspace key to edit the search
string and pressing any of the keypad keys to move the cursor will clear the
search string.
10.7 The Mouse Interface
Mouse users will find the AM mouse interface quite easy and intuitive
to use. Like most mouse interfaces, the mouse cursor may be moved to a
control location on the main display or within a dialog box and the left
- 9 -
mouse button clicked to activate that command or control. For example,
moving the mouse cursor to the pull-down menu line at the top of the main
display and pressing the left mouse button will activate the menu system.
Similarly, moving the mouse cursor to a file name an clicking with the left
button will move the file list cursor bar to that file name. If the cursor
bar is under the name when the mouse is clicked, the file will be tagged and
if it already tagged, it will be untagged. The right mouse button acts as
an Esc key for aborting operations or closing windows.
The mouse can also be used with scroll bars that appear down the right
edge of any window that contains a file list. You may "drag" the scroll
marker down the bar by moving the cursor to the marker, holding down the
left button, and moving the mouse up or down. Alternatively, you may place
the cursor at specific location on the vertical bar and click the mouse.
This will move the file list cursor bar to the relative location of the
scroll bar marker. Clicking on either arrow at the top and bottom of the
scroll bar acts like a PgUp or PgDn key, respectively.
11 Starting ArcMaster
AM can be started from the DOS command line by typing AM and pressing
the Enter key. Up to three command line parameters are accepted. There may
be one or two valid DOS path names and there may be one valid DOS file name.
For example, to start AM with the directory D:\FOO\BAR active in the lower
AM window, enter AM D:\FOO\BAR. To start AM with C:\ARCHIVE in the upper
window and D:\FOO\BAR in the lower window, enter AM C:\ARCHIVE D:\FOO\BAR.
If you desire to start AM with cursor bar of the upper window positioned
over specific file, enter AM FILENAME.EXT.
AM may be run from a DOS batch file or from another DOS shell, but if
it is run from another shell you may have to adjust the configuration so
that AM has sufficient memory to operate.
12 ArcMaster Command Structure
In addition to comprehensive mouse support, AM employs the use of Ctrl,
Alt, and function key inputs. Even so, all AM command functions are
available via the pull-down menu system and in fact, many of the Ctrl+Key
and Alt+Key commands result in opening the appropriate menu and placing the
cursor bar over the command so that a single press of the Enter key will
start the command function.
- 10 -
12.1 Function Keys
Each of the ten keyboard function keys are assigned a command and
pressing one of these keys bypasses the menu system and immediately executes
the assigned command. Function key command assignments are:
F1 - Help
F2 - Change active archive system
F3 - Change system drive
F4 - Zoom active window
F5 - Open directory tree display
F6 - Rename file
F7 - Copy file(s)
F8 - Show tagged files only
F9 - Compress file(s)
F10 - Decompress file(s)
12.2 Alt+Keys
Eight Alt+key commands are dedicated to activating one of the pull-down
menus. The are:
Alt+X - Exit
Alt+A - Archive commands
Alt+F - File commands
Alt+N - Navigation commands
Alt+O - Sort order commands
Alt+S - File search commands
Alt+I - Miscellaneous commands
Alt+H - Help
The following Alt+key commands are assigned to the indicated AM
functions:
Alt+C - Copy file(s)
Alt+D - Compress EXE with DIET
Alt+E - Extract SFX EXE file
Alt+F - Call FormatMaster (FM.EXE)
Alt+K - Set file mask
Alt+M - Move file(s)
Alt+P - Compress EXE with PKLITE
Alt+R - Register AM
Alt+S - Single archive function
Alt+T - Show tagged files
Alt+V - VirusSCAN compressed file(s)
Alt+F9 - Set default conversion
Alt+F0 - Convert compressed file(s)
- 11 -
12.3 Ctrl+Keys
The following Ctrl+key commands are assigned to the indicated AM
functions:
Ctrl+A - Auto-update function
Ctrl+B - Reset file archive bits
Ctrl+D - Tag by date
Ctrl+E - Edit file
Ctrl+O - Sort order
Ctrl+P - Print directory listing
Ctrl+R - Re-scan active drive
Ctrl+S - Search for file
Ctrl+T - Tag all files
Ctrl+U - Untag all files
Ctrl+V - VirusSCAN DOS files
Ctrl+W - Make windows same
Ctrl+X - Program Exec Menu
Ctrl+Z - Call PKZIPFIX
Ctrl+F1 - Multi-update function
12.4 Other Commands
The PgUp, PgDn, Up/Down Arrow, Home, and End keys are all operative for
moving through any of the file list displays. Other miscellaneous commands
are:
Ctrl+Enter - Execute .COM/.BAT/.EXE file
Asterisk - Reset the file mask to *.*
Slash - Access menu system
Ins Key - Set Archive "Hot Name"
The archive "Hot Name" command will set the hot name to the file name
under the cursor bar. Any time thereafter that you elect to compress files,
AM will insert that name automatically into the archive name field in the
appropriate dialog box.
13 Configuring ArcMaster
AM provides the capability to configure various options and to save
those options to a disk file if desired. Selection of the Configure AM item
on the mIsc pull-down menu (Alt+I) opens a dialog box in which the
configuration may be set. Keep in mind that the current sort order, active
archive system, active convert option, and all archive system command
options will also be saved in their current states.
- 12 -
Instructions on saving and retrieving AM configuration files will be
found later in this document.
13.1 Options
There is check box cluster which can be used to toggle various AM
options such as Retain Tags, Beeps ON, etc.
13.2 The Temporary Directory
This is an important configuration item, especially if you plan to do
much archiving work between hard and floppy disk drives. The entry hear
should be the full, valid DOS path name of an existing directory in your
system. It is important that this directory be EMPTY and ONLY used by AM.
AM will use this directory for numerous purposes. For example, if a
temporary directory is specified, AM will pass that path name to PKZIP with
the -b switch so that ZIP can place its temporary file there. AM also uses
the temporary directory for temporary file storage during archive system
conversion and VirusSCAN operations.
13.3 The Log Directory
AM provides a graphical directory tree for navigation and directory
manipulation. If no Log directory is specified, AM will always scan the
current drive whenever the tree needs to be displayed. This can be a
lengthy process, especially on slow hard drives with lots of directories.
AM uses a directory log file strategy to avoid this problem. What this
means is that if a valid Log directory is specified, the first time the tree
is scanned on a given drive AM will store the tree information in a file and
place it in the specified log directory. Then all following calls to access
the tree result in AM reading that file instead of re-scanning the drive,
which is very fast. The file names that AM will place in the Log directory
are NEW-WARE.X, where X is the drive designator.
One important item must be kept in mind when using this strategy. AM
will have no knowledge of any directories that are created, renamed, or
removed outside of AM. You can accomplish each of these operations while in
the tree. If you add a new directory and then bring up AM and call up the
tree, the new directory will not appear on the tree. In this case you will
need to manually re-scan the disk via the Ctrl+S command or the main menu.
Just remember that if you have not entered a valid DOS drive:\directory
path in the log directory field of the configuration dialog, AM will scan
the disk to collect the directory names each time the tree is opened.
13.4 Password Operations
Several of the supported archive systems have a provision for password
protecting compressed files. You can enter your password here and then
never have to retype it during an archival operation. You will still have
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the option to use or not to use a password while running AM and you can
temporarily change your password while AM is running.
13.5 Editor, Browser, and Scan Names
The default editor is the world-renowned QEDIT from Sem-Ware and the
default file browser is the outstanding LIST from Vernon Buerg. The default
name for the virus scanner is SCAN. These programs are called by whatever
names are entered here. Please do not include a file extension when
entering the desired name(s).
13.6 Numerical Limits
Be careful when setting file, directory, and in-archive limits. As
explained earlier, these settings directly affect AM memory use. The higher
the limits, the more memory AM consumes and the less memory is available for
calling archive system programs through DOS. If you access a directory that
contains more files than the current limit, AM will issue a warning that not
all the files in the directory will appear in the window listing.
14 Operating ArcMaster
The major elements of the main AM display are the pull down menu bar at
the top of the screen, two vertically oriented file list windows, and two
window information boxes. Only one of the two windows can be active at any
one time and operations that result in the creation or modification of files
will affect the inactive window. In other words, if you tag files for
compression in window #2, the resultant archive file will be placed in the
directory viewed by window #1.
Compression and decompression commands and options will be provided
through the opening of a dialog box. If there are any commands or options
that are not understood, it is recommended that you consult the operating
manual for the specific archive program involved.
14.1 The eXit Menu
The eXit menu has just two items; eXit and Resume. This menu can be
activated from the main menu bar or by pressing the Esc key with either
window active. The Alt+X command will exit AM immediately without going
through this menu.
14.2 The Arc Cmds Menu (Alt+A)
This menu provides access to almost all of the commands that manipulate
archive files.
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14.2.1 The Archive Command (F9)
The Archive command will invoke the active archive system for the
purpose of adding, updating, or refreshing a target archive with the tagged
files in the active window. A dialog box will open that allows setting up
the command line to be passed to the active archive system program. The
primary item in the dialog box is the entry field for the archive name. Do
NOT include a file extension, since it will be handled automatically.
For example, to create a new compressed file named MYNEWZIP, tag
several files in one of the windows and press F-9 or select the Archive
command. If ZIP is active, a dialog for PKZIP operations will open. Select
from the various options and then type MYNEWZIP into the name field and
press Enter. AM will then call PKZIP to create MYNEWZIP.ZIP in the
directory viewed by the inactive window and MYNEWZIP.ZIP will contain all
the tagged files. Adding to, updating, and refreshing operations work in
the same manner.
14.2.2 The Unarchive Command (F-10)
The Unarchive command operates in a manner similar to the Archive
command. One difference is that the active archive setting is not operative
here. All tagged files must have the same file extension and that extension
must be .ARC, .ARJ, .LZH., .PAK, or .ZIP. AM will automatically detect the
extension and call the appropriate decompression program. For example, if
you tag five .PAK files in the active window and press F-10 or select
Unarchive via the menu system, a decompression dialog box for PAK will open.
Select from the various options and press the Enter key. AM will call
PAK.EXE to decompress each tagged PAK file and the extracted files will be
placed in the directory of the inactive window.
14.2.3 The Convert Command (Alt+F-10)
Files of any supported archive system may be converted to files of any
supported archive system. For example, if convert to ZIP is active, all
archive files tagged in the active window will be converted ZIP files that
will be placed in the directory of the inactive window. Unlike batch
decompression (described above), you may tag any type of archive file
including SFX EXE files. For example, suppose you tag three ARC files and
two ARJ files in the active window. This command will convert the of the
tagged files to ZIP files, which will then appear in the directory of the
inactive window.
AM uses a temporary directory for the conversion process. If a valid
temporary directory has been designated in the current configuration, AM
will use this directory. If not, AM will create a temporary directory, use
it, and then remove it upon completion of the conversion operation.
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14.2.4 The Default Sys Command (F-2)
This command opens a small dialog box in which you may select the
default archive system. Pressing F-2 or clicking with the mouse on the "ZIP
is Active" line will also open this box. The setting made here governs
which archive system dialog box opens when commencing a compression
operation.
14.2.5 The Convert To Command (Alt+F9)
This command opens a small dialog box in which you select the target
archive type for conversion operations. Pressing Alt+F9 or clicking with
the mouse on the line "Convert to ZIP" will also open this box.
14.2.6 The View Archive Directory Command (Enter)
This command is the same a pressing the Enter key with file list cursor
bar over an archive file. Detailed information on viewing the contents of
compressed files can be found elsewhere in this document.
14.2.7 VirusSCAN (Alt+V)
AM will process each tagged archive file by causing it to be
decompressed to the temporary directory and then invoking McAfee's SCAN to
scan the files. Prior to this, a dialog box will open in which you may set
the various VirusSCAN options prior to processing the tagged archive files.
14.2.8 The Single Arc Command (Alt+S)
This command is used to compress each file tagged in the active window
into a single archive file. For example, if LHA is active and you tag three
files, AM will call LHA to create three separate .LZH files and each .LZH
file will have the name of the tagged file.
14.2.9 The Auto Update Command (Ctrl+A)
The Auto Update command acts upon a single archive file. Place the
file list cursor bar over an archive type file and then execute this
command. AM will open the target file and compare all of the DOS files in
the directory of the inactive window with each compressed file in the
archive. If any files in the inactive window are found with the same name
that are later in date, AM will automatically tag those files. Then you can
switch to the window with the tagged files and perform any desire
refresh/update operations.
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14.2.10 The Multi Update Command (Ctrl+F1)
This command provides the capability to add groups of files to each and
every archive type file in the inactive window. For example, suppose that
PAK is the active archive system, there are three PAK files in the inactive
window, and five files are tagged in the active window when this command is
executed. AM will use the update command of the active archive system to
add or update each of the file tagged files to each of the three PAK files.
Please note that ARCA does not have an update command.
14.2.11 The LZEXE Command (Alt+L)
Use this command to compress EXE files using the popular LZEXE program.
AM will call LZEXE to operate on the EXE file that is under the file list
cursor bar in the active window. Note that if AM finds both LZEXE and
LZESHELL in the DOS path, it will invoke LZESHELL which in turn invokes
LZEXE.
14.2.12 The PKLITE Command (Alt+P)
This command operates exactly like the LZEXE command except that PKLITE
is invoked to compress the target EXE file.
14.2.13 The DIET Command (Alt+D)
As above, except that DIET is invoked to compress the target EXE file.
14.2.14 The Extract SFX Command (Alt+E)
This command will execute the SFX EXE file under the file list cursor
bar in a way that causes the self-extraction to place the extracted files in
the directory of the inactive window.
14.3 The File Cmds Menu (Alt+F)
The File Cmds menu provides access to a number of AM functions that
manipulate normal DOS files in the active window.
14.3.1 Tag and Untag Commands (Ctrl+T & Ctrl+U)
All files in the active window can be tagged in one operation with the
Tag All command. Similarly, all tagged files can be untagged with the Untag
All command.
14.3.2 Show Tags Command
The Show Tags command opens a window that displays the file names of
all the currently tagged files.
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14.3.3 Copy, Move, and Delete Commands (Alt+C, Alt+M, Del)
Tagged files in the active window can be copied or moved to the
drive:\directory of the inactive window. In the case of moving files, if
the inactive window drive is different than that of the active window, AM
will first copy the files to the inactive drive:\directory and then delete
them from the active directory.
If AM is configured to confirm before overwriting files, you will be
prompted confirm any time a file is about to be overwritten via the copy or
move commands. The same is true if a file marked as hidden, read-only,
and/or system is tagged for deletion.
Each of these commands opens a window that displays the names of the
tagged files. Press Esc to abort the operation or Enter to continue. The
cursor bar will move from file name to file name as an indication of the
progress of the operation.
14.3.4 File Mask Commands (Alt+K)
Five menu items support changing the current window file mask to one
of: *.ZIP, *.LZH, *.PAK, *.ARJ, *.ARC. The Define Mask command will open a
window in which you can type in a desired file mask.
14.3.5 VirusSCAN Command (Ctrl+V)
McAfee's popular SCAN.EXE can be invoked via this command. This
function is designed for the scanning of normal DOS files. A dialog box
will open that contains the various options for running SCAN.
14.3.6 Zoom Active Window (F-4)
This command will open a large window that displays up to 100 file
names at a time. Tags will be retained when opening this window and tagging
is allowed while in the zoom window. If you desire to exit the zoom window
with no changes to the tags, press the Esc key. Otherwise, pressing the
Enter key will retain the tags that you have established while in the zoom
window.
14.3.7 Tag By Date (Ctrl+D)
The Tag By Date command will open a window that prompts for the entry
of a date. If a valid date is entry, AM will automatically tag all files
that have a date stamp later than the entered date.
14.3.8 Reset Archive Bits (Ctrl+B)
The archive bit is normally set by DOS whenever a file is altered.
This command will reset the archive bit for all files in the active window.
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14.3.9 Set Windows Equal (Ctrl+W)
This command will set the inactive window to the same drive:/directory
as the active window.
14.4 The Navigate Menu (Alt+N)
This menu provides three items that implement commands for changing
drives, directories, and re-scanning the disk.
14.4.1 Change Drive (F-3)
This command will open a menu window that contains a list of the valid
drives in your system. You may select with the cursor bar or by pressing
the drive letter key. AM will change to the selected drive and
automatically open the Directory Tree window.
14.4.2 Directory Tree (F-5)
The Directory Tree window contains a graphical representation of the
directory tree structure for the current drive. While in this window, the
following commands are active:
Enter Key - Change to selected directory
Ins Key - Add a directory to the tree
Del Key - Remove a directory to the tree
F-6 Key - Rename a directory
Esc Key - Exit the tree with no action
Ctrl+P - Print graphical tree
In the cases of adding or renaming directories, you will be prompted to
enter a valid DOS directory name.
14.4.3 Re-scan Drive (Ctrl+R)
AM stores directory tree information in files named NEW-WARE.X, where X
denotes the letter of the drive. This greatly speeds up directory tree
operations but imposes one minor penalty. If you create, rename, or remove
a directory outside of AM, you will have to re-scan the drive to update the
tree. If you desire that AM not use the directory log file strategy and
instead scan the drive each time the tree is accessed, configure AM with no
log directory.
14.5 Sort Order Menu (Alt+O)
AM supports five different sort orders. You may sort by file name,
extension, size, date, or by nested sort. Nested sort is by file extension
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first and then by file name. This menu also has an item which will reverse
the direction of the current sort.
14.6 Search Menu (Alt+S)
AM provides a fast search for DOS or compressed files on the drive in
the active window. If searching for a DOS file and the target file name is
found (wild cards are okay), AM will issue a notification prompt. You have
the choice of [H]alting the search, [C]ontinuing the search, or [V]iewing
the list of the directory in which the file was found. If you elect to
[V]iew, AM will change to that directory and position the cursor bar over
the target file name.
Searching for file inside an archive file operates in the same way
except that AM will go through each directory on the current drive and open
each archive file found and search it for the target file. If found and you
elect to [V]iew, AM will open the archive directory view window and position
the cursor bar over the target file name.
14.7 Miscellaneous Menu
This menu contains various command functions as described below.
14.7.1 Print List (Ctrl+P)
This command will cause AM to send a listing of the file names from the
active window to your printer. You will be asked if your printer is ready
first and if you answer [Y]es, AM will print the listing.
14.7.2 Program Menu (Ctrl+X)
This command invokes the special AM user created program menu. Please
read the information in the file named PROGMENU.DOC.
14.7.3 Execute Program
This item permits you to execute the .COM, .EXE, or .BAT file that is
currently highlighted by the cursor bar in the active window.
14.7.4 Go To DOS
You may temporarily exit AM and operate from the DOS level with this
command. One note of warning is in order here. It is unwise to use the DOS
CHKDSK command with the /F option while shelled out from any executing
program. Don't do it.
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14.7.5 PKZIPFIX (Ctrl+Z)
Use this command to repair a damaged ZIP file. AM will call
PKZIPFIX.EXE to operate on the ZIP file under the cursor bar.
14.7.6 Edit File (Ctrl+E)
This command will load the editor specified in the AM configuration.
Remember, this file must be in the DOS path. The file name under the cursor
bar at the time this command is invoked will be passed as a command line
parameter to the editor when it is called. The distribution default is
QEDIT, Sem-Ware's outstanding text editor.
14.7.7 Configure AM
This command opens the AM configuration dialog box. Any changes to the
configuration will be active during the current AM session if you select the
Ok push button to exit.
14.7.8 Save/Read Configuration
AM stores the configuration in a file named AM.CFG. If you elect to
save the configuration, a window will open that prompts you for a
drive:/directory in which to store the configuration. It will default to
the active window but you can enter any valid DOS drive:\directory and AM
will store the file there.
When reading a configuration, AM will first look in the
drive:/directory of the active window for AM.CFG and if not found there, it
will search the DOS path. You will be notified if no configuration file is
located by AM, otherwise you will be notified exactly which AM.CFG file was
loaded. If you have saved more than one and you wish to load a specific
file, change the active window to the drive:/directory in which the desired
configuration file is located and then invoke the Read Config command.
Remember, if more than one AM.CFG exists in the DOS path, AM will load the
first one it encounters of it's search of the path.
14.7.9 Register AM (Alt+R)
The command will open a window that will prompt you for the vital
information needed to print the registration form. You can close the window
with no action at any time by pressing the Esc Key. When all the
information has been entered, you will have the opportunity to print the
form on your printer.
14.8 On-line AM Help
The on-line AM help system is supported by the AM.HLP file and is
accessed via the F-1 key or this main menu item. A window will appear that
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contains a vertical list of Help topics. You may move the cursor bar to the
desired topic and press the Enter key to open a secondary window which
contains the information pertinent to the selected topic.
15 Viewing Archive File Contents
The contents of any of the supported archive file types, including SFX
EXE files, may be viewed by moving the active window cursor bar to the file
and pressing the Enter Key. A window will open that displays a sorted list
of the contents of the target file. This window operates very much like the
active window in that you move browse through the file list with keypad
cursor keys or with the mouse and scroll bar.
To browse the contents of compressed file, move the cursor bar to the
desired file and press the Enter key. AM will cause the file to be
decompressed and invoke the active file browser (the default is LIST) to
browse the file. When you exit the file browser, you are returned to the
list.
If the cursor bar is over a file name that has an archive extension
(.ARC, .ARJ, .LZH, .PAK, or .ZIP), AM will have it decompressed and then
open a new listing window. You may view the contents of any of the files in
this list, but you cannot tag files for specific archive system operations.
This feature only functions one level deep. In other words, you may not
view the listing of a ZIP file within a ZIP file within a ZIP file.
Tagging files while in the archive file directory listing is the same
as while in the normal active file window. If you desire to perform an
archive system operation (such as extraction or deletion), press the F-10
key. AM will open the decompression dialog box for that system and you may
then proceed with the operation.
The Ctrl+P command will cause AM to send a listing of the archive file
directory contents to the printer.
Some archive systems support the storage of compressed file names as a
DOS path name. Files on the list so stored are marked with an asterisk (*)
at the end of the file line. If you desire to see the full path name of the
stored file, press the F-5 key with the cursor bar over the file line.
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