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************************************************************************
* *
********************** DDIR VERSION 8.1 *****************************
* *
************************************************************************
Note: this package contains the following files:
DDIR.EXE (version 8.1)
DD81CFG.COM
DIRNOTES.DOC
DDIR
Purpose: gives a forward/backward scrollable double-column directory display.
Protected files are flagged with a "+", system files with a "$",
hidden files with a "*". Files created today are shown in a
different color.
With optional switch /d shows instead of file size the amount of
"dead space" used to store that file. (Depending on your DOS version
and/or hard drive type, a certain minimum amount of space is required
for all files. For example, a 10 byte batch file may actually
use 8192 bytes of your drive. The dead space is the amount of disk
space wasted by a file.)
Instead of the /d switch you can use the /t switch - in this case,
DDIR will show the TOTAL space required for each file. You cannot
combine the /d and /t switches.
Whether the /d or /t switch is used or not, DDIR will report as a
sumamry total file size, total space actually used, total dead space,
and compute the "storage efficiency", which is simply the ratio of
file size to space actually required for storing the file(s)
specified. TAKE A LOOK AT THE STORAGE EFFICIENCY FOR THOSE
BATCH FILES!!
** NEW IN VERSION 7.0a ***
DDIR now allows you to sort directory listings alphabetically,
by size, extension, age or attribute, and to instantly (well,
almost!) resort or reverse the sort order.
For lists that require more than one screen, you can also scroll
back and forth. Press PgDn to go to next screen, PgUp to go to
previous screen, and Home to go to first screen. Pressing Esc
at any time exits the program, first listing the summary information
(total number of files, dead space etc.). Pressing End takes
you to the last screen PROVIDED you have previously scrolled all
the way through the listing using PgDn.
Pressing F1 now brings up a help box.
Pressing c at any time toggles back and forth between UPPER CASE
and lower case displays.
Please note that DDIR now reports the count of files and
subdirectories separately, unlike the DOS dir command.
** NEW IN VERSION 7.1 ***
Version 7.1 is functionally the same as 7.1 but contains a fix
that locks it to using only 25, 43 or 50 line displays. The program
uses a standard DOS call to get the number of lines on the screen,
but unfortunately some non-standard BIOSes report this number
incorrectly. As an added precaution, DDIR can be configured to
use ONLY 25 lines, regardless of the screen mode being used (see
"customizing" below).
** NEW IN VERSION 7.2 ***
Version 7.2 is functionally the same as 7.1 but contains a fix
that makes it restore your screen color on exit. Previous
versions set your screen to the DOS default color.
** NEW IN VERSION 7.3 ***
Version 7.3 is functionally the same as 7.2 but contains a fix
that makes it restore your cursor if you attempt to read a disk
drive that is not ready (e.g. door open).
** NEW IN VERSION 8.0 ***
Version 8.0 ships with the configurable video display speed set
to "normal", which prevents DDIR from trying to determine your
overall system video parameters (mode, number of lines and columns,
VGA or CGA etc.). On some systems, the call to find these parameters
causes the system to freeze. You can set fast video display, and
also configure DDIR to display at other than 80 columns and 25 lines,
through the configuration program DD81CFG. Try doing this, and if
it works, fine: if not, re-configure and select normal display speed
from DD81CFG. On a 20MHz 386 system or better you'll still have a
pretty fast display.
** NEW IN VERSION 8.1 ***
Version 8.1 adds the ability to scroll back and forth in the file
list one file at a time. Note the convention: the up arrow means
scroll towards the top of the list, the down arrow means scroll
towards the end of the list.
The "sort by age" function has been enhanced to incorporate file
creation/modification time as well as date.
DDIR now shows the number of files at the top of the screen as well
as in the summary information when Esc is pressed.
The configuration program has been renamed to DD81CFG.COM
to make it clear to which version of DDIR it belongs; it also
now creates a file called ddir81n.exe, for the same reason.
USAGE
Notes: Use the same way as the DOS dir command. Wild-card characters are
allowed.
Summary of switches:
/d - show dead space
/t - show total space
Usage: ddir [d:][path][file.ext][/switch]
N.B. - path/filename, if used, must come BEFORE the switch
Examples: directory of current drive and directory ddir
list of .COM files on drive a - ddir a:*.com
list of files of directory "one', drive c - ddir c:\one
dead space on root drive ddir /d
total space used by *.bat files ddir *.bat /t
**** IMPORTANT UPDATE NOTE ******** IMPORTANT UPDATE NOTE ****
DDIR is now an EXE file. If you are upgrading from an earlier COM
version, be sure to delete DDIR.COM.
**** IMPORTANT UPDATE NOTE ******** IMPORTANT UPDATE NOTE ****
Customizing DDIR.COM
The display colors, the date and time format and the default display (upper
or lower case) can be set automatically using the accompanying configuration
program DD81CFG.
BEFORE CUSTOMIZING, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE BACKED UP THE ORIGINAL DDIR.EXE
TO A SAFE PLACE! Then from the directory where you have ddir.exe simply
type ddircfg. An executable file called DDIR81N.EXE, using your
customizations, will be created. Test this before using the DOS COPY
command to copy it to ddir.exe.
DDIR can, if your display adapter is appropriate, use fast screen display.
Unless you are using a CGA adapter or VGA in a slow computer, you should
be able to use this mode. However, because some adapters are non-standard
it is possible that running in fast display mode would lock your system.
DDIR therefore ships with the default normal display speed. You can modify
this through DD81CFG. If doing so causes no problems stay with it; if a
problem does arise, re-run DD81CFG and select normal display speed.
Some non-standard BIOSes do not correctly return the number of lines being
used on the display screen (25 on CGA; up to 60 on VGA displays). Although
DDIR tries to detect abnormal results, you can, as an added precaution, force
it to use only 25 lines. Normally, select "let DDIR choose", and force it
to 25 lines only if there is a problem with the display. On a correct
display you will see the following two lines at the bottom of the screen:
F1 - help ■ ■ Home PgUp PgDn End c - toggle upper/lower case Esc - exit
Sort: n(ame) e(xtension) s(ize) a(ge) f(ile attribute) r - reverse sort order
*** IMPORTANT ***
The author makes no warranty that the software in this package
will work with your particular hardware configuration. You use the
programs entirely at your own risk, and the author will not be held
liable for any damage caused to your hardware or software through
use of this software, or for any other effects, direct or indirect,
of using the software.
Legalities aside, you should not run into difficulties with this
software.
These programs are distributed as shareware, AND ARE NOT CRIPPLED!!.
(Editorial note: I don't support "crippleware" - I want to know
EXACTLY what I'm expected to pay for! Crippleware is, in my opinion,
like test driving a Mercedes that's been fitted with a two-stroke engine!
There, that's said - but each to his own.)
You do not have to register as a user, nor are you under any
obligation to pay for the use of the programs. However, in the
spirit of shareware, you are requested to consider making a small
donation to the author if you find the software in this package useful.
The suggested contribution is $7 but less (or more!) would be fine.
The suggested contribution for multiple copies, e.g. for several users,
is $5 each.
Should you decide to make a contribution, please remit to:
Malcolm Drury
11 Adele Crescent
Nepean
ON K2J 2T7
Canada
Internet drury@gsc.emr.ca
Compuserve 70574,3457
Bank notes would be fine! Thank you. Please tell me where you
got the software from (this helps me in knowing where to post updates).
IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY PAID FOR AN EARLIER VERSION - THANKS, AND
OF COURSE YOU ARE NOT EXPECTED TO PAY AGAIN. YOUR INPUT, COMMENTS
ETC. ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.
Please note that at the contribution requested, I cannot provide direct
technical support, nor automatically send upgrades, should they
become available. If you have comments, questions, bug reports etc., please
leave a message at my Compuserve or INTERNET address, or write to me via
snail mail.
The software is supplied on an "as is" basis. You are free to distribute
this software package provided that you distribute the ENTIRE package,
including this documentation file. (This is necessary for others to be able
to use it properly. I've downloaded too many shareware packages that had
been posted without accompanying documentation!).
I hope you find this package useful.
Malcolm Drury
March 8, 1993
********************************************************************************
Look for the following shareware on this BBS
VGAPAL40.ZIP - customize up to 4 VGA text color palettes, choosing from more
than 260,000 colors! (And see how many you can actually discern!).
One palette can be used to create a small (2k) TSR program that
maintains your chosen scheme. Alternatively, you can set any of
the palettes, or a grey-scale scheme, from a non-TSR if
memory is a problem.
DSPACE60.ZIP - shows graphically hard disk space installed, used and free,
for all drives; second program shows graphically space on
designated drive (including floppy), and reports on installed
and available RAM, including XMS and EMS memory.
ADR60.ZIP - address and telephone number filer, and label maker. Suitable
for personal databases or for small clubs etc. Ideal for finding
telephone numbers quickly.
VIEW80.ZIP - file viewer for WordPerfect 5.0 - 5.2, ASCII and Word (DOS 4/5
and Windows 1/2); includes text search, printing full or partial
file, etc. (On Compuserve as VUFILE.ZIP)
IF YOU DO NOT FIND ANY OF THESE, LEAVE ME A MESSAGE! I'LL BE HAPPY TO SEND THEM
TO YOU, BUT IN THE INTERESTS OF CUTTING DOWN CONNECT TIME WOULD PREFER TO USE
INTERNET. THAT WOULD REQUIRE YOU TO HAVE THE UUDECODE.EXE PROGRAM, WHICH SHOULD
BE AVAILABLE ON ANY BBS YOU USE.
CIS 70574,3457
INTERNET drury@gsc.emr.ca