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Centiwrite 1.10 User's Manual
========== ==== ====== ======
Copyright 1988 Andrew M. Saucci, Jr.
What's to Follow
1. What Do I Do With This Thing, Anyway?
2. About the Author
3. Installing Centiwrite
4. Loading Centiwrite
5. Command-Line Switches
6. What's in a Name?
7. What Not to Load
8. What You Can Load
9. How Long is the Width of the Screen?
10. The Status Indicators
11. Insert/ Overstrike Modes
12. Cursor Movement
13. Character Deletion
14. More Deletion
15. File Saving and Exiting
16. Character Repetition
17. Undo Last Keystroke
18. Displaying the ASCII Value of a Character
19. Changing the Encryption Option
20. Inserting an ASCII Zero
21. Displaying the Date and Time
22. Nobody's Perfect
23. Why Become a Registered Owner?
24. OK, So You Asked
25. Attention, Developers!
26. Special Service
27. Down to Brass Tacks
28. Before Going to the Highest Court in the Land
29. Boilerplate
30. To All Those Who Helped
===========================================================================
What Do I Do With This Thing, Anyway?
Congratulations on having acquired this useful editor. You should
find it immediately useful for a variety of tasks. Some possible uses are
1. Editing CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files.
These files generally do not exceed a screen in length, and 99% of
the features of a word processor are wasted on these. In fact, if you
haven't yet learned how to save an ASCII file with your word processor, you
probably haven't been able to edit these two important files.
2. Replacing EDLIN.
Although it can't do everything EDLIN can do, Centiwrite is better
for all the things anyone would WANT to do with EDLIN. If you've been
stuck using EDLIN, you'll find Centiwrite a welcome relief.
3. Writing a "letter to the editor."
Everyone knows that a letter that is too long will be "condensed" to
fit the available space. Now, stop to think for a minute. Editors are people
just like the rest of us. They don't like extra work any more than anyone
else. If your letter is already short enough for publication, it STARTS with
a much better chance than another letter that requires work on the editor's
part to make it fit. Centiwrite won't let you write a letter longer than a
screen, so you'll have the discipline needed to stick within the limit.
Besides, why write more than a page if most of it will get discarded
anyway?
4. Keeping an editor on floppies.
Some people still use floppies for various reasons, particularly
if they own laptops, which may not even have a hard drive. Centiwrite is
small enough to fit on a single floppy of any size and still leave room
for other programs. A word processor may be too unwieldy for this. In fact,
you may even want to put Centiwrite on all your floppies.
5. Creating "bulletin board" messages for on-line services.
If you are a regular user of the bulletin board section of an
on-line service, you've probably had it with those pesky line editors that
serve only to enrich either the coffers of the company that owns the
service or the coffers of your favorite long-distance company. You
may be able to create your messages beforehand using Centiwrite and upload
the result in a flash, or if your communications program has a "shell to
DOS" feature, you could switch to Centiwrite while still on-line and then
upload. Check with others on your service for more information.
6. Sending control codes to your printer.
Often, you need to send codes to your printer to tell it to do
things such as to skip to a new page. Creating these codes is sometimes
a pain in the neck, especially with a word processor. Centiwrite gives
you an easy way to create short files containing these codes. To place
an ESC (ASCII 27) in a file, just press ESC! Form feed (ASCII 12) is
almost as easy-- just press Ctrl-L. These characters are not displayed
in an artificial way, either. ESC, for instance, is shown as an arrow
pointing left.
7. Creating short scripts for redirection.
You may not have known that many DOS commands can have their input
(and output) redirected. That is, you could take a file and send it as
input to a command such as DEBUG, which if used correctly, can make useful
changes in your programs. Preparing a short script in advance gives you the
opportunity to check for errors before sending the file to DEBUG, which can
be very nasty when mistakes are made. Centiwrite can create many of these
scripts very easily.
8. Creating files to be sent to ANSI.SYS.
Your work can be significantly expedited if you install ANSI.SYS
(included with DOS) and use it to customize your prompt, screen colors,
and key assignments (for example, you can make F10 display a directory
in a flash). Centiwrite, unlike other programs, gives you an easy way to
create the Escape character needed to "announce" an ANSI.SYS command-- just
press ESC! (Check your DOS manual or primer to learn more about ANSI.SYS if
you aren't already familiar with this important subject.)
9. Training new users.
A person who has never used a text editor, word processor, or even
a computer before will be totally confused if the first lesson is given on
a full-fledged word processor. Many people will just quit after quickly
being overwhelmed by the countless features and unfamiliar terminology of a
typical $400-$500 product. People generally feel better if they can totally
master a product. Centiwrite has such a small set of commands that anyone
can quickly become proficient with it, yet it is powerful enough to be
useful even to advanced users. It's perfect for use in schools and corporate
training programs.
10. Hiding your messages from nosy associates.
The encryption feature, new with version 1.10, will keep people
from reading your short notes simply by using the TYPE command or
their favorite file browser. It won't keep the CIA out, but it could
prove useful. Plus, just think of the smug self-satisfaction you'll
have when the office gossip looks you straight in the eye and says,
"How could you DO THAT to me?"
11. Saving money.
Everyone can afford Centiwrite. At $20.00, it's "well worth the price
of admission."
=============================================================================
About the Author
Andrew M. Saucci, Jr. was graduated with distinction from the
New York Institute of Technology with a master's degree in computer science.
He received a bachelor's degree in computer science from Hofstra University.
Mr. Saucci, a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP) and
the Association for Computer Machinery (ACM), has programmed in Turbo Pascal
for over one year now using his Dell System 200. He is also the author of the
program "The Holy Rosary."
Mr. Saucci can be reached at any of the following electronic mail
addresses:
CompuServe 72117,241
GEnie A.SAUCCI3
Delphi ASAUCCI
The Source BFE501
BIX ASAUCCI
Comments about any of his products are most welcome; however,
please allow one week for a response to your initial inquiry. After that,
an "active" mailbox is checked daily. Also, to guarantee a response, use
the regular mail facility of your service rather than a bulletin board area.
One week is a "worst case" situation as well. Often, mailboxes are checked
more frequently. In particular, the CompuServe box is checked most often.
============================================================================
Installing Centiwrite
Installation of Centiwrite could not be simpler. Simply copy the
file CWRITE.EXE onto another disk. If you copy it onto a hard disk, you'll
probably want to put it in a directory that is specified in your PATH
statement (\UTIL, for example). That way, you'll be able to run it no matter
what the default directory is, simply by typing "cwrite" at any DOS prompt.
A PATH command that would do this is "PATH=C:\UTIL". If such a command is
placed in the file AUTOEXEC.BAT in your root directory, you're set. Otherwise,
you'll have to enter the full path name, for instance "\progs\best\cwrite".
Whatever you do, designate one copy as an "original" and NEVER use it for
anything else other than making copies. The fee for a replacement copy of
Centiwrite is $3.00 plus applicable taxes when ordered direct.
==========================================================================
Loading Centiwrite
To run Centiwrite, type "cwrite" followed (if you wish) by the name
of a file you want it to load. The file name may be preceded by a drive letter
and a full path if necessary. If you do not type a file name on the command
line, you will be prompted for one. Even if you are creating a new file, you
must first name it before proceeding. To accept the default name "cwfile.txt",
press ESC when prompted for the name. If no errors occur, you will be placed
immediately into the editor and can begin making changes or additions. The
copyright notice will appear on the status line when you are first placed
into the editor. The first key you press will replace the copyright message
with the normal status line.
If any error occurs, an error message will appear and you will be
prompted for a new file name. The old name will be displayed and you may edit
it using the usual commands and keys, or you may retain it without changes and
try again by pressing ENTER. After you make changes, pressing ENTER at any
time enters the new file name; moving the cursor to the end of the line is not
necessary. Pressing ESC assigns the default name of "cwfile.txt". You may
change all or part of the file name, as well as the drive letter and path.
Note that while entering the file name, all letters are automatically converted
to uppercase, and invalid characters such as ">" will be ignored by the input
routine. However, you may, as usual, enter any character which may be used in a
file name by holding down Alt and entering its ASCII code number on the numeric
keypad. Also, the trademark of this program, the non-blinking cursor, is
maintained for your convenience.
===========================================================================
Command-Line Switches
Centiwrite takes eight possible command-line switches, which may be
specified in any order, provided that they are separated by spaces. The
first is /m. This will force monochrome color attributes regardless of your
monitor or display adapter. Use this switch if you start to steam on account
of not being able to read the text. Once you use CWCUSTOM to customize your
copy of Centiwrite, you won't need this switch at all.
The second switch is /ey (Encryption Yes). This enables automatic
encryption and decryption. DON'T use this if you are loading a non-encrypted
file. You'll see garbage on the screen, plus a "line too long" error message.
To encrypt an existing file, load it normally, press F6 to enable encryption,
and then save it. To decrypt an existing file, load it with the /ey switch,
press F6 to disable encryption, and then save it. Note that this is a minimum-
security program-- no passwords are required, and anyone who knows how to use
Centiwrite will be able to decrypt a file encrypted with Centiwrite. You can,
of course, hide Centiwrite using CHATTRIB.EXE (see below), which would help
guard against that sort of thing. If you inadvertently load a non-encrypted
file with the /ey switch, press Alt-D to exit immediately so that no damage
will be done. Also, Centiwrite will only decrypt files that were encrypted
using the same algorithm that Centiwrite uses; don't count on it to fix a
file encrypted by another program to which you have lost the password.
(This encryption is equivalent to Deciwrite's Level 1.)
The third switch is /en (Encryption No). It disables automatic
encryption and decryption. Unless you use CWCUSTOM to make Encryption On your
default, you don't need /en, because /en is the "factory" default. When you
have encryption off, Centiwrite will try to use the input file as is. Again,
if you mistakenly load an encrypted file with the /en switch, immediately
press Alt-D to exit.
The fourth switch is /sa (Save Automatic). When used, this switch
enables the automatic save feature of Centiwrite. Your file will be saved
every five minutes, unless you save it yourself manually. Each manual save
resets the "save clock" so that the next automatic save would occur five
minutes after your manual save. The five-minute interval is based solely on
the author's personal opinion and will be changed on public demand.
The fifth switch is /sm (Save Manual). If this switch is used,
no automatic saves are done. This is the "factory" default. You can use
CWCUSTOM to change the default to /sa if you like.
The sixth switch is /vb (Video BIOS). This switch disables the
direct screen writes normally used and transforms Centiwrite into a well-
behaved application (we hope). This may help you to use the program with
windowed operating environments such as Desqview or Concurrent DOS. Note
that writing to the screen through the video BIOS is somewhat slower than
writing directly to the screen.
The seventh switch is /vd (Video Direct). This is the "factory"
default and need not be used unless you use CWCUSTOM to make /vb your own
personal default.
The eighth switch is /ls (Load Screen). This is the switch to use
if you want to load the current screen into the program. You can then edit
and save it. This works much like Print Screen, except that the screen is
saved to a file instead of to the printer. When you load a screen, you must
still specify the name of the file to which to save the screen, either on
the command line or at the "Please enter a file name:" prompt. If the name
you give denotes an existing file, it will not be given special treatment.
Also, the rightmost two columns of each line will be ignored. In most cases,
this will not be a problem.
All of these switches can be entered in either upper-case characters
or lower-case characters. If you use both /ey and /en (because you're testing
Centiwrite's patience), the one which appears first on the command line will
take precedence. Likewise, when both /sa and /sm or both /vb and /vd are used,
the same priority applies. Also, if two file names appear on the command line,
only the first is used.
===========================================================================
What's In a Name?
Centiwrite will accept any legitimate DOS file name, with the
following restriction: reserved device names are not allowed. These are
CON, PRN, AUX, COM1, COM2, COM3, COM4, LPT1, LPT2, LPT3, CLOCK$, and NUL.
If you do enter one of these, an error message will appear, and you will
be asked to enter a new file name. You wouldn't want to use these anyway,
unless you're testing a program that uncrashes systems.
Also, if you avoid using the name "cwfile.txt" for any file anywhere
on your system, it should work in a pinch when nothing else does-- it is, when
loading the file, the default name used if you press ESC when the prompt for a
file name appears. If an error message appears while you are attempting to
save a file, ESC will return you to the editor, where you can press Alt-D or
Alt-X to exit the program if you wish.
============================================================================
What Not to Load
Technically, you can load any DOS file into Centiwrite. However,
because of its inherent limitations, you probably won't want to load many
kinds of files. On the other hand, if you ever make a mistake, simply press
Alt-D before any saves, and the original file will remain untouched.
First, because Centiwrite can only display the first screen of a
file, the remainder will be discarded. If you load a 400K file and then save
it, only the first screen will remain. You can still recover it, though, if you
only made one save, because the original 400K file is unchanged but renamed
with an ".old" extension. Two saves, though, erases the original as well. In
general, therefore, any file that does not fit on a single screen should not
be used with Centiwrite. If you do load such a file, the message "The file
was too long and will be truncated for editing." will appear. You then have a
chance to exit with Alt-D.
Second, because only lines that can fit on the screen can be
displayed, any line longer than the width of your screen is truncated. Again,
if you don't want to lose what was truncated, press Alt-D before any saves.
If such a file is loaded, a message will appear such as the one below:
At least one line in the file was too long and was truncated for editing.
Third, a file created by a word processor is likely to have many
formatting codes embedded within. Centiwrite assigns no special meaning to
these, and this could cause "line too long" or "file too long" problems.
If the file is otherwise short enough, use the word processor first to save it
as a plain ASCII file.
Fourth, a file containing the four ASCII characters 7 (bell),
8 (backspace), 10 (line feed), and 13 (carriage return) will have those
characters removed before editing. (The 13-10 COMBINATION which is standard
in text files is acceptable, however.) Centiwrite will not handle these four
characters and will ignore them if entered.
Fifth, program (binary) files are totally incompatible with
Centiwrite. You can't do much that is useful with them, so don't bother
loading one. If you ever mistakenly load a program file, you'll see random-
looking graphics characters, and probably quite a few blanks. Moreover, its
lines will be too long, and the messages for "line too long" and "file too
long" will appear. Immediately press Alt-D to exit if you load a program file.
Sixth, don't load encrypted files with the /en switch or non-
encrypted files with the /ey switch. You'll get truncated garbage.
Seventh, don't load this file. It's way too long.
============================================================================
What You Can Load
Centiwrite will load without incident any ASCII text file shorter
than the number of lines on your screen minus the two top lines that are
reserved for the file name and status information. On a 25-line screen, for
example, the maximum number of lines that can be edited is 23. If your display
is operating in EGA's 43-line mode or VGA's 50-line mode when the program is
loaded, the extra lines are available for editing. Note, however, that files
created in 43-line or 50-line mode will be truncated if they are later loaded
in 25-line mode. You may also load the current screen into the program (see
the /ls switch above).
============================================================================
How Long is the Width of the Screen?
The rightmost column of the screen is reserved by Centiwrite and
is not used. The column to the left of that is used only to display the
cursor if it is at the end of the line. Therefore, on an 80-column wide
screen, a maximum of 78 characters may appear on any one line. Centiwrite
will ignore any attempt to make a line longer than 78 characters on an
80-column wide display.
=============================================================================
Details to Follow
Experienced users will probably be able to learn Centiwrite from the
"Command Summary" which appears by pressing F1 when in the editor. They may,
therefore, wish to skip to the section below labeled "File Saving and Exiting."
=============================================================================
The Status Indicators
Centiwrite's display is divided into three parts. The first is
provided by the file-handling part of the program and appears on a magenta
background on color monitors. It consists of the title "Centiwrite 1.10" and
the name of the current file. The other two parts come from the editor itself.
The "status line" shows whether the program is Insert or Overstrike
mode as well as the line and column number of the current cursor position.
The status line also displays any messages which may appear, such as the
copyright notice. These special messages usually appear on a green background.
The edit window follows the status line. All text to be entered into
the file appears here.
=============================================================================
Insert/Overstrike Modes
The editor will normally start in Insert mode, as indicated on the
status line. This means that new characters are inserted into the text at the
cursor position, but only if they will not make the line too long. If the line
is already as wide as your screen will permit, new characters are ignored. The
only key that behaves differently based upon whether or not the editor is in
Insert mode (apart from the character keys) is Enter(Return). In Insert mode,
Enter breaks the current line at the cursor position if the screen will
accomodate an additional line. If not, the key is ignored.
In Overstrike mode, Enter simply moves the cursor to the beginning of
the next line. Typing a new character will replace the character at the cursor
position, except when the cursor is past the right margin. In that case, the
key is ignored. Overstrike mode is indicated by the word "Overstrike" on the
status line. It appears in boldface on monochrome monitors and white on red on
color monitors. To switch between these two modes, simply press the Insert key.
=============================================================================
Cursor Movement
The first thing you will notice about Centiwrite is the absence of
the hated blinking cursor. In fact, a primary reason for writing this program
was to get rid of that thing once and for all. In Centiwrite, the cursor will
appear in reverse video on monochrome systems and as a black on light gray
character on color systems. This is usually quite adequate to call your
attention to the cursor without demanding immediate action. Further, the
code required to simulate a cursor (which is usually provided by hardware)
does not noticeably slow the program.
When the cursor is located on a character, the character appears in
its usual form, except for these three: ASCII zero, ASCII 32 (blank) and
ASCII 255. As distributed from the "factory," these characters are displayed
as blanks. On a monochrome system, however, if you use a simple boldface
cursor, you will lose the cursor if it rests on any of them. Use CWCUSTOM to
select an alternate "Blank Character." The "Blank Character" is also displayed
at the cursor position when the cursor is past the end of the line.
Most of the usual types of cursor movement are supported by
Centiwrite. The arrow keys can be used to move the cursor one column or line
at a time anywhere in the edit window, except past the bottom line. In order
to move to a position past the bottom line, you must first create enough new
lines (using Enter) to move the bottom line so that the new position is
accessible. Any attempt to move the cursor off the screen or past the bottom
line will be ignored. Also, the left and right arrow keys do not "wrap"--
that is, if you reach the beginning or end of the line, you must use either the
up/down keys or the Ctrl-Left arrow or Ctrl-Right arrow combinations in order
to move off the line.
The Control (Ctrl) key can be used in combination with both the
left arrow and the right arrow keys to move the cursor to the first character
of the next word in the appropriate direction. A "word" in this case is any
group of characters separated by one or more spaces. These key combinations
DO wrap. Consequently, you can move through the entire file by words simply
by starting at Line 1, Column 1 and holding down the Ctrl-Right arrow
combination. Note that the column at the end of the line is also treated as
"the first character of a word."
Centiwrite has fixed tabs at the following columns on an 80-column
display: 1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, and 79. Pressing Tab moves the cursor
to the next highest of these tabs. Pressing Shift-Tab moves the cursor to the
next lowest of these. Both these keys are ignored if the cursor is in either
the leftmost or the rightmost column of the screen. Tab, by itself, does not
insert any spaces into the text, but simply moves the cursor. However, any
time the cursor is past the end of the line (regardless of how it got there),
and any character is inserted, the line will be padded with sufficient space
characters (ASCII 32) to fill the gap.
The Home and End keys are fairly straightfoward. Home moves the
cursor to the first column of the current line. If the cursor is already
there, it moves to the first column of the previous line. Ctrl-Home moves
the cursor to Line 1, Column 1. End moves the cursor one column past the last
character on the line, or one column past the last character on the next line
if the cursor is already at the end of the line. Ctrl-End moves the cursor
one column past the last character on the last line.
============================================================================
Character Deletion
The two keys to use to delete single characters are Backspace and
Delete. These work as they do in most text editors and word processors, but
with the usual Centiwrite restrictions. Backspace deletes the character to the
left of the cursor and shortens the line. If the cursor is in column 1, and
the combined length of the current line and the previous line is less than the
width of the screen, the two lines will be combined. Otherwise the key is
ignored. Delete removes the character at the cursor position and shortens the
line. If the cursor is one column to the right of the last character on the
line, that line and the following line will be combined if the new line would
fit on the screen; otherwise, the key is ignored.
============================================================================
More Deletion
Pressing Alt-T deletes the word which starts at the cursor position.
Here, a "word" is a group of blanks OR a group of non-blank characters
possibly followed by trailing spaces. You can delete a series of words by
pressing and holding Alt-T. However, when the cursor is at the end of the line,
Alt-T is ignored.
Alt-B deletes all characters from the first column of the line to
just left of the cursor. If the cursor is at column 1, the key is ignored.
Alt-E deletes all characters from the cursor position to the end of the line.
If the cursor is at the end of the line, (all together, now) the key is
ignored. Note that Alt-E deletes the character at the cursor while Alt-B
does not.
Alt-Y deletes the current line entirely. If the deleted line was
not the last line, the cursor remains where it was; otherwise, it moves one
line higher and stays in the same column. If the file consists of a single
line, and it is deleted with Alt-Y, the cursor moves to Line 1, Column 1.
=============================================================================
File Saving and Exiting
Saving a file using Centiwrite is as easy as pressing a single key.
Pressing F2 saves the file as it appears on the screen, and keeps you in the
editor to make additional changes. Alt-X functions identically, but ends the
program. Alt-D discards the contents of the screen and ends the program. The
details of file saving follow.
Whenever you save a file, the procedure below is followed.
1. The disk is checked to see if a file with the current file name exists.
If not, the file is simply copied to the disk. Otherwise the process
continues.
2. Any file with the same name but an extension of ".old" is erased.
3. The original is renamed with the ".old" extension.
4. The new file is copied to the disk.
If any error occurs during this process, an error message is
displayed and you are given an opportunity to change file names, just as in
loading the file. The importance of this approach is underscored here. If, for
any reason, the file cannot be saved as originally desired, you can switch to
a file name that works.
For instance, if you try to save the file "a:ralph.txt" and drive
A is on fire, you'll probably get an error message such as "Drive not ready."
Instead of being unable to save the file, you can simply change the file name
to "c:ralph.txt" and save to the hard drive. No data is lost. This feature is
particularly useful if you're working with floppies and you don't happen to
have extra ones formatted when the inevitable "Disk is full" or similar
message appears.
After you change the file name (or decide to retry with the same
name) the above procedure is repeated starting with step 1. This reduces the
likelihood of a small error confusing the program. Also, regardless of how
many times you save the file, the same sequence is repeated. Thus, if you
start with files "joe.txt" and "joe.old" on the disk, and save six times,
only the last two versions will remain on the disk-- the originals, plus some
additional versions, will have been replaced by the saves.
The extension of ".old" for backup files is used because of the
inane similarity of ".bak" to ".bat". The number of ".bat" files which have
been edited and immediately erased by errant fingers getting the last letter
wrong must be in the millions. When you use Centiwrite, you won't have to make
the same mistake. Also note that you CAN edit a file with an extension of
".old". In that case, backups will have the extension ".prv".
When you exit the program by pressing Alt-D, the message "Discard
screen and exit? (Y/N)" will appear on the status line in boldface on
monochrome monitors and in white on red on color monitors. You must press
"Y" in order to confirm that you indeed wish to exit. Pressing any other key
will cancel Alt-D and leave you in the editor. Exiting via Alt-D does NOTHING
to any copies of the file on any disk-- it simply discards the contents of
the edit window without saving them. Therefore, if you created a new file
and didn't save it, no copy would exist and it would be totally lost. If you
had saved it, only the changes you made since the last save would be lost.
=============================================================================
Character Repetition
Using the graphics characters, (which have ASCII values of 128 or
more), you can create surprisingly sophisticated effects with Centiwrite.
Recall that you can insert a character by holding Alt and entering the ASCII
code on the numeric keypad. If you do this with ASCII 220, you'll see a
small, solid box appear. Then press Alt-H (horizontal repeat). A solid line
will be drawn across your screen. Notice that this is unlike what you would
get by holding down the equals sign, for instance. Used judiciously and
sparingly, the graphics characters can add real spice to your short (and
otherwise drab) little note.
The two key combinations Alt-H and Alt-V (for vertical repeat) are a
big help in creating these effects. Alt-H repeats the last character entered
and moves the cursor one column to the right. Alt-V repeats the last character
entered and moves the cursor one column down. (If the cursor cannot be moved
in the appropriate direction, the key is ignored.) Without these keys, you
would have to enter Alt-220 80 times on the numeric keypad to generate the
same effect. Now you can see why most people write short, drab little notes.
Just as an example of what you can do with this "neat trick," load
Centiwrite with the file name "template.txt", which should not exist on your
disk. At Line 1, Column 1, type Alt-220. Then press Alt-H until you get to
the end of the line. Press Enter and type Alt-221. Press Enter again and then
Alt-V until the cursor is at the bottom of the screen. Type Alt-223 and then
Alt-H until the cursor is at the end of the line. Then move to the last column
of the second line (78 on 80-column monitors) and type Alt-222. Move the
cursor to the last column of the third line, and type Alt-V until your border
(oh, so that's what it is?) is complete. If you're used to typing in Overstrike
mode, (because Centiwrite padded everything with blanks, and you wouldn't be
able to insert anything) you can save "template.txt" and load it whenever you
create a new file so that all your little notes have a border around them. The
point is, however, that this is so easily done, you can use your imagination to
create many more such interesting effects. You don't have to "do it once, so
you'll never have to do THAT again." It's particularly good simply for
underlining with contiguous characters rather than ordinary ones with space
between them.
============================================================================
Undo Last Keystroke
Centiwrite saves a complete duplicate of your file in memory before
each keystroke. By pressing F3, you can reverse the effect of ANY keystroke
in the program, including F3 itself. Repeatedly pressing F3 toggles between
the two copies of your file in memory. The cursor position for each copy is
also saved. Not only are you able to recover from an inadvertent Alt-Y, but
if the program has some kind of bug left in it, the Undo feature works simply
and reliably enough that it should be able to recover. You might also use Undo
to switch between slightly different versions of your file so that you can
decide which is better.
===========================================================================
Displaying the ASCII Value of a Character
Pressing F5 displays the ASCII code (from 0 to 255) of the
character at the current cursor position. This is useful if you load a file
containing graphics characters, and you see one you would like to use. Just
move the cursor onto it, and press F5 to see its value. You can then enter
it using the Alt+ numeric keypad method. It also helps distinguish among
ASCII zero, ASCII 32 (blank) and ASCII 255, which all appear as a blank.
The display will remain for 2.5 seconds.
============================================================================
Changing the Encryption Option
If you want to change the setting of the encryption flag, press
F6. This alone will NOT alter any files on a disk, but simply change the
option for the next save. A message will appear briefly on the status line
indicating either "Encryption is ON" or "Encryption is OFF."
============================================================================
Inserting an ASCII Zero
Occasionally, you will find the need to insert an ASCII zero into
a file. ASCII zero is the only character (apart from 7, 8, 10, and 13
mentioned under "What Not to Load") that cannot be entered using the
Alt+ numeric keypad method; therefore, just as in DOS, pressing F7 will
insert it into your file.
=============================================================================
Displaying the Date and Time
Pressing F8 will display the current system time on the status line.
Pressing Ctrl-F8 will display the current system date on the status line. Each
will remain displayed for 2.5 seconds.
=============================================================================
Nobody's Perfect
Centiwrite is written to very high standards, particularly in
terms of its error-handling capabilities. The program recovers most gracefully
from almost all errors, especially the most common ones, such as "Drive not
ready" and "Disk is write-protected." In fact, you might say it is "built like
a tank." This is just part of what makes it an exceptional value and is what
separates it from "weekend projects." However, in some rare cases, the program
may abruptly terminate and display an error message such as:
Runtime error 200 at 1A34:076F.
If this occurs, you should report the problem to one of the electronic
mail addresses listed earlier. In all cases, the screen will be cleared and the
cursor restored. The one most likely to occur is #202, Stack overflow. If any
other error occurs, the probable cause is either corrupted code or hardware
failure.
=============================================================================
Ready, Set, But Wait, There's More
You now should know all that is necessary to operate Centiwrite
intelligently. First, before you rush to use the program, you'll be interested
in a few matters of business, which follow below.
=============================================================================
Why Become a Registered Owner?
Right now, you have Centiwrite, and that's not bad. Why stop with
Centiwrite though? Registered owners receive a disk containing not only a
copy of Centiwrite 1.10, but several well-written, easy-to-use utilities as
well. These include
CHATTRIB.EXE Allows you to change file attributes, including the hidden
attribute, interactively. Lets you hide any file, including
an entire directory, so that it does not appear in directory
listings. Also allows you to unhide a file, particularly
useful for "cleaning house" after deleting certain copy-
protected software.
BATTRIB.EXE Provides the functions of CHATTRIB for use in batch files.
DIRALL.EXE Displays a directory listing like an ordinary DOS "dir"
command, but also shows hidden files (which appear in
boldface, so you can easily spot them).
DIRHID.EXE Checks your entire hard disk for hidden files in all
directories. Great for checking to see if any "viruses"
(which might use hidden files to do their dirty work)
have penetrated your system. Lists complete path name of
all hidden files.
LCURSOR.EXE Changes the size of the hardware-generated cursor to a
full block character (similar to an ASCII 219). Useful
for laptop owners and others who can hardly see the thin
line which usually passes for a cursor. Just place in
AUTOEXEC.BAT and forget. Now written in assembly language!
XCURSOR.EXE Eliminates the blinking hardware cursor entirely. You
don't need it at the DOS command level anyway, as you
can't do anything other than backspace-- the cursor is
always at the end of the line. All that blinking thing
does is annoy and irritate. Also restores cursors
which have been eliminated for any reason.
TIME12.EXE Displays the current system time in 12-hour (AM/PM)
format, unlike DOS, which uses 24-hour time. Also
sets the current time interactively in 12-hour format.
Note that NONE of these programs is offered through ANY other
distribution channel. They are a special "thank-you", offered at no additional
charge. "Not sold in stores" is the way it's usually put. You must register,
however, in order to take advantage of this exceptional offer.
If that's not reason enough to register, you'll also receive
CWCUSTOM.EXE, which allows you to select your own screen colors,
insert/overstrike, auto-save, screen write, and encryption defaults.
Still not sold on licensing Centiwrite? Registered users are
entitled to unlimited telephone, U. S. Mail, and electronic mail support.
If such a user finds a bug within three months of purchase, it will either
be fixed or the purchase price will be refunded.
In addition, you'll receive the LATEST version of Centiwrite. A new
version (such as 1.01) is not always uploaded to the on-line services if the
changes are minor. This reduces the workload of the sysops, but it means that
the version you have now may be slightly "stale." Plus, you'll receive notice
if Centiwrite is upgraded. What more could anyone ask?
=============================================================================
OK, So You Asked
Although Centiwrite and the accompanying utilities are a very good
buy, and many people will feel quite happy with them, it's possible that some
may want an even better deal. That's why you may also choose to purchase an
enhanced version of Centiwrite called Deciwrite. Whereas Centiwrite is so
named because it has about 1/100 of the power of a complete text editor,
Deciwrite has 1/10 of that power. Put another way, Deciwrite is ten times as
powerful as Centiwrite. Even so-called "power users" may like to have a copy
of Deciwrite available for certain small tasks.
Deciwrite includes a number of features not found in Centiwrite,
while preserving the same basic style of operation. Some of these "extra
added attractions" include the following:
1. Automatic word wrap and text reformatting (can be disabled).
2. Ability to edit and create short program (binary) files.
3. Complete on-line help for every function.
4. Shell-to-DOS feature included-- lets you execute any DOS command or program
from within Deciwrite (subject to available memory).
5. Ability to change file name when saving-- good for creating and saving
multiple similar files without exiting.
6. Files can be loaded from within the program. (In Centiwrite, a file can
be loaded only at the start of the program.)
7. Files can be saved with your choice of attributes-- even hidden!
8. Insert time or date with one keystroke.
9. Pull-down File menu.
10. Extra-strength encryption options, with password protection.
These features were omitted from Centiwrite in the interest of
keeping the program reasonably small. They are available to those who are
interested, however, for not much more than the price of Centiwrite. Now
here's another tremendous offer. If you're not sure about which of these two
useful products to buy, get Centiwrite and its accompanying utilities right
now. Then, you'll have a whole year to decide. If at any time in the next
year you find the extra features of Deciwrite attractive, you can purchase
Deciwrite, and the price of Centiwrite will be subtracted from the price of
Deciwrite NOW. (Just add $1 for shipping.) So pay your $20.00 now, and six
months from now you can still buy Deciwrite for just $11.00, regardless of the
price of either product then. You really have little to lose with such a
reasonable offer. Don't forget, too, that Deciwrite comes with a 30-day
money-back guarantee no matter when you buy it.
============================================================================
Attention, Developers!
The editor in Centiwrite is written as a Turbo Pascal unit. That
means that you can paste it into your program and not be bothered with writing
your own text editor for short notes, memos, etc. All you have to do is
purchase the Centiwrite Developer's Kit. This contains the file CENTWRIT.TPU
plus the complete instructions on how to integrate Centiwrite into your
program, including a sample calling program. (CENTWRIT.TPU is less than 20K in
length, so including the editor will require substantially less space than the
entire length of CWRITE.EXE.) It may be easier than you think! What's more, the
Centiwrite Developer's Kit comes with the same great offer that the stand-alone
version has: If, at any time in the next year, you decide you need the power of
Deciwrite, you can upgrade to the Deciwrite Developer's Kit for the difference
between what you paid for the Centiwrite Developer's Kit and the price of the
Deciwrite Developer's Kit NOW (plus $1 for shipping). Better still, no
royalties are charged for programs created using either Developer's Kit.
Plus, even if you decide not to use the editor itself, both these
packages come with routines you may have been looking for. One example, from
Deciwrite, is a function that converts a decimal number to a hexadecimal number
(represented as a string). This is the same routine used in Deciwrite's
binary mode. It could be quite useful in a program which uses hex numbers.
Order today!
=============================================================================
Special Service
Many of you may be understandably upset at not being able to erase
all your backup files with a command such as "erase *.bak" on account of
Centiwrite's use of the ".OLD" extension. Here's an extra-special offer.
Send a check for $10 and copies of up to three programs that make ".BAK" files.
You'll get the programs returned to you patched so that they make ".OLD"
files instead. For each additional program you want patched, the charge is
$2.50. (As this is a service, NY residents need not add local sales tax.)
In addition, registered users of Centiwrite may send up to five programs for
just $7.50. This is another special "thank-you" for your registration. Just
think. You'll have solved two problems at once-- no incompatibilities, and no
more erased ".BAT" files. The author has done this with all the programs on
his own hard disk and has resolved never again to allow any program to be so
"ill-behaved" as to create a ".BAK" file. (In the event that you have a
stubborn program that will not patch easily, your program and fee will be
returned to you.) Scratch one more reason not to use Centiwrite.
=============================================================================
Down to Brass Tacks
As of July 1, 1989, this is the Centiwrite/Deciwrite price list.
Individual License Site License
*# Centiwrite 1.10 $20.00 $250.00
# Deciwrite 1.10 $30.00 $500.00
Deciwrite 1.10 Demo Disk $ 4.00 *******
*# Centiwrite 1.10 Developer's Kit $32.50 $550.00
Upgrade to later version $ 5.00 $ 60.00
# Deciwrite 1.10 Developer's Kit $75.00 $950.00
Disk replacement fee $ 3.00 none
Shipping & handling $ 4.00 $ 4.00
* These items can be ordered through the Public (Software) Library;
others must be ordered directly from the author.
# Shipping & handling charges must be added to these items.
When ordering the Developer's Kit, please specify which version of
Turbo Pascal you are using (4.0, 5.0, and 5.5 are supported).
New York State residents and businesses MUST add their local sales tax
or provide proof of exemption. Send electronic mail if you are uncertain
of your local tax rate. Shipping and handling is not included in the
calculation of the sales tax.
Residents of other states will in most cases be required to remit the
appropriate tax directly to their state tax department.
The Deciwrite Demo Disk includes one $3.00 discount toward the
purchase of Deciwrite 1.10.
An individual license permits the user to operate the program on
a single computer at a time, while a site license permits unlimited use
within the confines of a contiguous area of the owner's property.
These prices are guaranteed not to increase through October 1, 1989.
Custom implementations of these programs are also available on
request for modest additional fees. Send electronic mail to one
of the addresses listed earlier.
If you would like to use your Visa or MasterCard to register
Centiwrite, you may order through the Public (Software) Library.
The number to call for orders is 1-800-2424-PSL (1-800-242-4775).
Information and questions about orders is available from the PSL
at 713-665-7017. You may also write to the PSL at P.O. Box 35707,
Houston, TX 77235-5705, or send electronic mail via CompuServe to
71355,470. When writing, you should sign your letter, include your
card number and its expiration date, and specify that you want to
register Centiwrite, (CWRITE.ARC), by Andrew M. Saucci, Jr. Please
note that the PSL is not equipped to answer questions about Centiwrite
itself. Such questions are best directed to one of the electronic
mail addresses listed earlier. Also note that no surcharge
is imposed on credit card orders.
Make checks payable to
Andrew M. Saucci, Jr.
641 Koelbel Ct
Baldwin, NY 11510-3915.
Please specify the disk size you require.
You may wish to check one of the electronic mail addresses to verify
that the above address is current. Please use this "physical" address
ONLY for orders, unless you lack a modem. All other correspondence,
including technical support questions, should be directed to one of
the electronic mail addresses whenever possible.
============================================================================
Before Going to the Highest Court in the Land
This program is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware
Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle
works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with
an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The
ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member,
but does not provide technical support for members' products. Please write to
the ASP Ombudsman at P.O. Box 5786, Bellevue, WA 98006 or send a CompuServe
message via EasyPlex to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.
============================================================================
Boilerplate
Liability in the event of defects in Centiwrite 1.10 is expressly
limited to replacement of the disk on which Centiwrite was originally
provided. No other liability of any sort is either implied or assumed. The
user is wholly responsible for making duplicate copies of all data sufficient
to protect against loss. Also, the user is responsible for any consequential
damages that may result from using this program, such as loss of data, loss
of income, pain and suffering, etc.
=============================================================================
To All Those Who Helped
Thanks to all those who gave their assistance toward the completion
of this program, especially Michael Day, Neil Rubenking, Scott Bussinger, and
all the other helpful people who frequent Borland's Programming Forum A
(BPROGA) on CompuServe. It's truly amazing!
============================================================================
Even if you've decided that none of these products is for you, your
comments are appreciated. Send a message to one of the electronic
addresses listed earlier, and explain what you don't like about the
products. Perhaps some of the deficiencies can be corrected in future
releases. Thanks for trying Centiwrite!
==============================END OF FILE===================================
