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---------------------------
AUTO-MATE
Version 1.23
---------------------------
Kurtis J. Jones
1748 North Oakland
Fayetteville, Ar 72703
14 October 1990
Copyright (c) 1990 by Kurtis J. Jones
AUTO-MATE - Version 1.23
Copyright (c) 1990 by Kurtis J. Jones
Unmodified copies of this program and the accompanying
documentation may be made and distributed freely without charge.
Under no circumstances shall this program or the accompanying
documentation be distributed as part of any for-profit venture.
AUTO-MATE is distributed as shareware. If you find this
software has any value to you, or if you use this software on a
regular basis, please register your copy of AUTO-MATE by completing
the order form at the end of this documentation.
Please address any questions or comments you may have about this
program to:
Kurtis J. Jones
1748 North Oakland
Fayetteville, Ar 72703
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY:
THIS SOFTWARE AND MANUAL ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF
ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED
TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS OF
PURPOSE. THE USER OF THIS SOFTWARE AND MANUAL ASSUMES ALL RISKS.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
-----------------
Page
Introduction ............................................... 1
Limited Evaluation Version ................................. 1
History .................................................... 2
Included Files ............................................. 3
Summary of Functions ....................................... 3
Setup and Configuration .................................... 4
Running AUTO-MATE .......................................... 4
Running AutoCAD ............................................ 5
Plotting a Drawing ......................................... 5
Configuring AutoCAD ........................................ 5
Moving Around inside AUTO-MATE ............................. 6
Adding File Descriptions ................................... 6
Printing a File/Directory Description List ................. 7
Renaming Drawing Files ..................................... 7
Tagging Drawing Files ...................................... 7
Moving Drawing Files ....................................... 7
Deleting Drawing Files ..................................... 8
Copying Drawing Files ...................................... 8
Compressing Drawing Files .................................. 8
Locating a Drawing File .................................... 9
Locking a Drawing File ..................................... 9
Shelling to DOS ............................................ 10
Exiting AUTO-MATE .......................................... 10
Registration Form .......................................... 11
INTRODUCTION:
-------------
AUTO-MATE is a menu system which allows the user to select an
AutoCAD drawing file from a menu and run AutoCAD with the selected
drawing file automatically. Also included are several file
management functions, and the ability to add up to four lines of
text describing a drawing file or directory listed by AUTO-MATE.
The latest version of AUTO-MATE can be found on the Razorback
BBS (501) 756-0335 (SysOp - William Stewart).
LIMITED EVALUATION VERSION:
---------------------------
The limited evaluation version of AUTO-MATE is denoted by a
small "e" after the version number and the words "EVALUATION COPY"
in the serial number location. The limited version of AUTO-MATE is
identical to the full registered version of AUTO-MATE with one
exception. The limited version of AUTO-MATE is capable of
handling only 10 drawing files per sub-directory, while the full
registered version is capable of handling up to 300 drawing files
per sub-directory.
For more information on obtaining a registered version of
AUTO-MATE, refer to the registration form at the end of this
documentation.
C_A_U_T_I_O_N_!_!_!
If you are currently a registerd user of AUTO-MATE and are evaluating
a new copy, either make a backup copy of your DWG-INFO.TXT files, or
limit your evaluation to sub-directories with less than 10 drawing
files. Otherwise, the evaluation version of AUTO-MATE will delete
the drawing descriptions for all but the first 10 drawings.
Page 1
HISTORY:
--------
Version No. Comments
----------- --------
1.00a - 1.00e ..... Pre-release TEST versions
1.01 .............. First RELEASE version
1.02(T) ........... Added file tagging
Added some error trapping when moving files
Fixed bug in file display window
1.05 .............. Changed file display window
Enabled longer file descriptions
Added better cursor control
Added copy command
1.06 .............. Increased maximum number of drawing files
allowed in a directory
1.07(T) ........... Unreleased TEST version
Added configuration command
1.10 .............. RELEASE version of 1.07(T)
Cleaned up some of the displays
1.11 .............. Modified batch file operation
1.12 .............. Enhanced file description editing/writing
1.13 .............. Modified the configuration option
1.15(T) ........... Unreleased TEST version
Added file size, date, & time display
Added plot command
Added sort option
Added compress option
Added locate option
Added DOS shell
Enhanced display
Corrected error in move command
1.20 .............. RELEASE version of 1.15(T)
1.21, 1.22 ........ Corrected error in external options
1.23 .............. Added file security option (lock)
Page 2
INCLUDED FILES:
---------------
The following files should be included in the file downloaded,
or on the distribution diskette:
AUTOMATE.EXE
AUTOMATE.DOC
AUTOMATE.CFG
AUTO.BAT
AMATECFG.EXE
README.DOC
SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS:
---------------------
The following is a brief summary of AUTO-MATE's functions:
F1 - Logs a new directory or drive.
F2 - Enables a description to be added to the highlighted
drawing file or directory.
F3 - Prints all descriptions for the current directory.
F4 - Renames the highlighted drawing file.
F5 - Moves the highlighted or tagged drawing file(s) to
another directory.
F6 - Delete's highlighted or tagged drawing file(s).
F7 - Copy highlighted or tagged drawing file(s).
F8 - Shells to DOS (type 'EXIT' to return to AUTO-MATE).
Enter - Executes AutoCAD and automatically loads the
highlighted drawing file, or if pressed when a
directory is highlighted, changes the current
directory to that directory.
Space - Runs AutoCAD with no drawing file selected (used to
begin a new drawing).
P - Executes AutoCAD and plots highlighted drawing file.
L - Runs external file location program (locates file).
C - Runs external compression program (compresses file).
T - Tags highlighted drawing file.
S - Runs external file security program (locks file).
/ - Set AutoCAD configuration.
Esc - Exits AUTO-MATE.
Page 3
SETUP AND CONFIGURATION:
------------------------
The files AUTO.BAT, AUTOMATE.EXE, and AUTOMATE.CFG are needed
to run AUTO-MATE. AUTO.BAT and AUTOMATE.EXE may be copied into any
directory on your machine's DOS path; however, if AUTOMATE.CFG is
placed in any directory other than "C:\ACAD", then the
environmental variable "AMATE" must be set to the directory in
which AUTOMATE.CFG is placed. For example, if AUTOMATE.CFG is
placed in a directory "C:\AUTOMATE", then AMATE must be set using
the DOS "SET" command, "SET AMATE=C:\AUTOMATE\AUTOMATE.CFG". This
command can be added to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, or it can be added
to AUTO.BAT. AUTOMATE.CFG contains the setup information for
running AutoCAD under different startup configurations. A more
detailed description of this process is described below.
AUTOMATE.CFG also contains the configuration data necessary to
run the external file finder program and compression program. A
typical example of the file follows:
2 ;Number of AutoCAD configurations
CONFIGURATION 1 ;Title for first configuration
SET ACAD=C:\ACAD ;Config. #1, 'ACAD' variable
SET ACADCFG=C:\ACAD ;Config. #1, 'ACADCFG' variable
CONFIGURATION 2 ;Title for first configuration
SET ACAD=C:\ACAD ;Config. #1, 'ACAD' variable
SET ACADCFG=C:\ACAD\CFG ;Config. #1, 'ACADCFG' variable
ARCHIVE ;Next line is compress program
C:\UTILITY\PKZIP.EXE ;Compress program
UNARCHIVE ;Next line is uncompress program
C:\UTILITY\PKUNZIP.EXE ;Uncompress program
LOCATE ;Next line is file finder program
C:\UTILITY\FFF.EXE ;File finder program
LOCK ;Next line is file security program
C:\UTILITY\LOCKIT.COM ;File security program
SORTON ;Sort file alphabetically
The AutoCAD configuration settings may be changed from within
AUTO-MATE; however, all other settings need to be changed in the
AUTOMATE.CFG file using an ASCII text editor or the included
program, AMATECFG.EXE. Before AMATECFG.EXE will work properly, the
environmental variable "AMATE" must be set correctly, or the file
AUTOMATE.CFG must be in the directory "C:\ACAD" (see above). The
compression, and file finder programs are not included with AUTO-
MATE, and must be obtained separately. A list of programs that are
known to work with AUTO-MATE is included in the sections covering
the "locate" and "compress" commands.
RUNNING AUTO-MATE:
------------------
AUTO-MATE is extremely simple to use. Simply copy the AUTO-
MATE files (AUTO.BAT and AUTOMATE.EXE) into a directory on your
system's DOS path. To run AUTO-MATE simply type "auto" and press
<Enter>. The program will open with a title screen, and once a key
is pressed, A listing of all drawing files and directories under
the current directory will be displayed. Use the cursor keys to
highlight the different drawing files or directories. The number
Page 4
of drawing files in the current directory is displayed in the lower
left corner of the file listing window, and the available space on
the current drive is displayed in the lower right corner of the
file listing window.
RUNNING AUTOCAD:
----------------
To run AutoCAD with the highlighted drawing file, simply press
<Enter>. AutoCAD will run, and the selected drawing file will
automatically be loaded. Once the drawing is ended or quit, and
AutoCAD is exited, AUTO-MATE will automatically run again. To run
AutoCAD without a selected drawing file (begin a new drawing),
press the space bar at anytime and AutoCAD will load and run under
the current directory.
PLOTTING A DRAWING:
-------------------
The AUTO-MATE "plot" command simply loads AutoCAD with the
highlighted file and selects either option <3>( - Plot) or <4>( -
Printer Plot) from the AutoCAD main menu screen. To plot the
highlighted drawing file, press "P", and AUTO-MATE will ask you if
you want a 'Pen plot' or a 'Printer plot'.
CONFIGURING AUTOCAD:
--------------------
Several different AutoCAD configurations may be created and
saved using AutoCAD, as long as each configuration was created and
saved in a unique sub-directory. AUTO-MATE has a feature which
lets you change the current AutoCAD configuration to one previously
created through AutoCAD. To enable this feature, press the foward-
slash (/) key, and a list of current configurations will appear.
to change the current AutoCAD configuration, highlight the desired
configuration and press <Enter>.
AUTO-MATE comes with two example configurations which are
stored in the AUTOMATE.CFG file; however, these will not work on
your system unless you have previously set these configurations
using AutoCAD. To add a new configuration, press the <F1> key.
AUTO-MATE will then prompt you for the "ACAD" and "ACADCFG"
environmental variables. The environmental variable "ACAD" will
usually need to be set equal to the path under which your AutoCAD
program files reside. This is usually "C:\ACAD". The variable
"ACADCFG" is set to the path where the AutoCAD configuration files
are kept. If you are creating a new configuration, you will have
to select the new configuration by pressing <Enter> once you have
entered it into AUTO-MATE, and then press the space bar to execute
AutoCAD. AutoCAD will tell you that AutoCAD has not yet been
configured, and then prompt you for the required configuration
information. (Consult your AutoCAD Manual for more information on
configuring AutoCAD).
The path you enter for the "ACADCFG" variable must be a
creatable DOS sub-directory. AUTO-MATE will attempt to create the
sub-directory entered as the "ACADCFG" variable. If the message
"Unable to create directory" appears in the file description area,
Page 5
then AUTO-MATE was unable to create the sub-directory. This means
that either the sub-directory already exists, or that the sub-
directory entered was not a valid DOS directory. (Consult your DOS
Manual for more information on valid directories).
Once the foward-slash (/) key has been pressed, the user also
has the option of deleting or editing an existing configuration.
MOVING AROUND INSIDE AUTO-MATE:
-------------------------------
Once inside AUTO-MATE, there are two ways in which you can
move to different directories. If you wish to change the current
drive, you must press <F1> and type in the new drive specification
at the prompt. You may also type in a complete drive and path
specification at the prompt.
You may move around through the directory structure on the
current drive by highlighting the new directory in the file listing
window and pressing <Enter>. Directories are displayed enclosed
with "< >" in the file listing window. In order to "step back" one
directory simply highlight the "<.. >" listing
and press <Enter>. This has the same affect as typing "cd .." at
the DOS prompt.
ADDING FILE DESCRIPTIONS:
-------------------------
A description of up to four lines may be added to any drawing
file or directory displayed by AUTO-MATE. To add a description to
a file or directory, simply highlight the desired file or directory
and press <F2>. A cursor will appear in the file description area
at the lower end of the screen. Simply type the appropriate
description in. Pressing <Enter> terminates and saves the
description while pressing the <Esc> key exits without saving any
changes that have been made to the file description. Once a
description has been entered for a file or directory, the
description will be displayed whenever the file or directory is
highlighted.
When a description is added in AUTO-MATE, the program creates
a file in the current directory named DWG-INFO.TXT if one has not
already been created. This file stores all of the file and
directory descriptions for the current directory, and is
automatically updated as new descriptions are added. When a
drawing file is renamed, moved, or copied using the AUTO-MATE
"rename", "move", or "copy" command, the file description stays
with the new file. For example, if a file is moved from a
directory named "c:\files" to a directory named "c:\drawings" using
the AUTO-MATE move command, the DWG-INFO.TXT file in the directory
"c:\drawings" would be updated to include the description for the
file being moved into that directory. More information about
manipulating files can be found under the following sections.
NOTE:
DWG-INFO.TXT files created with versions of AUTO-MATE prior to
version 1.20 are not compatible with the newer version. In order
to use your existing DWG-INFO.TXT files, you must use an ASCII text
editor to add a " DWG" to the end of each drawing file name in the
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DWG-INFO.TXT file.
PRINTING A FILE/DIRECTORY DESCRIPTION LIST:
-------------------------------------------
Pressing <F3> simply prints the "DWG-INFO.TXT" file located in
the current directory from within AUTO-MATE. The user may also use
the DOS "print" command from DOS to achieve the same results.
The "DWG-INFO.TXT" file includes only drawings or directories
that have user added descriptions. The file or directories or
printed, followed by the description.
RENAMING DRAWING FILES:
-----------------------
AUTO-MATE includes a function for renaming a selected drawing
file, while maintaining that file's AUTO-MATE description. To
rename a drawing file, highlight the desired file and press <F4>,
and at the prompt, type in the new file name. The file name must
be a valid AutoCAD drawing file name, and the file extension
(".DWG" or ".ZWG") should not be added. Once the file has been
renamed, the "DWG-INFO.TXT" file is updated automatically.
TAGGING DRAWING FILES:
----------------------
To tag a highlighted drawing file, simply press "T". A "check-
mark" will be displayed to the left of the drawing file to indicate
that the file is tagged.
MOVING DRAWING FILES:
---------------------
The AUTO-MATE "move" command enables a selected drawing file
or group of drawing files to be moved from the current directory to
any valid directory on the user's machine. To move a highlighted
drawing file, or a group of tagged files press <F5>. A prompt will
be displayed at the bottom of the screen asking for the new
directory. The complete DOS path to the new directory must be
entered at the prompt. Once this has been done, press <Enter> and
the selected file(s) will be moved, and the current directory will
be changed to the new directory. The description associated with
the file(s) being moved will also be moved to the new directory.
NOTE:
When moving a drawing file, or group of drawing files to the
root directory of a drive, be sure to include the back-slash
(\) at the end of the drive specification (ie. "A:\"). The
last back-slash (\) is not necessary when moving drawing files
to a sub-directory.
Page 7
DELETING DRAWING FILES:
-----------------------
To delete a highlighted drawing file or group of tagged
drawing files press <F6>. A prompt will appear asking you to
confirm that the highlighted or tagged file(s) is to be deleted.
You must answer "y" in order for the file(s) to be deleted. Once a
file is deleted, any file description associated with that file is
also removed from the "DWG-INFO.TXT" file.
COPYING DRAWING FILES:
----------------------
The AUTO-MATE "copy" command works just like the "move"
command, only the selected file(s) will not be deleted from the
original directory.
COMPRESSING DRAWING FILES:
--------------------------
AUTO-MATE is capable of using one of the many available file
compression programs to compress or uncompress drawing files. To
activate the file compression program, press "C". Once compressed,
drawing files typically take up about half the amount of disk space
that they normally would. AUTO-MATE renames the compressed drawing
file to "filename.ZWG", and deletes the original drawing file. If
for some reason, the compressed file cannot be created, AUTO-MATE
will NOT delete the original drawing file. If compression is
requested on a drawing file that has already been compressed, that
drawing file will be uncompressed, and renamed to "filename.DWG",
and the compressed file will be deleted.
Multiple compressions of tagged drawing files are also
possible. Simply tag the drawing files you wish to compress and
press "C". AUTO-MATE will use the file compression program to
compress all tagged drawing files with the "DWG" extension, and
uncompress all tagged drawing files with the "ZWG" extension.
A compressed file can still be loaded into AutoCAD through
AUTO-MATE. AUTO-MATE will use the file compression program to
automatically uncompress the drawing file before running AutoCAD,
and once AutoCAD is exited, the drawing file will be automatically
re-compressed.
The following is a list of file compression programs that are
known to work with AUTO-MATE, along with the settings that must be
included in the AUTOMATE.CFG file:
PKZIP PAK
by PKWARE, Inc. by NOGATE CONSULTING
--------------- --------------------
ARCHIVE ARCHIVE
[drive:][path]PKZIP [drive:][path]PAK A
UNARCHIVE UNARCHIVE
[drive:][path]PKUNZIP [drive:][path]PAK E
Page 8
PKARC ZOO
by PKWARE, Inc. by Rahul Dhesi
--------------- --------------
ARCHIVE ARCHIVE
[drive:][path]PKARC [drive:][path]ZOO A
UNARCHIVE UNARCHIVE
[drive:][path]PKXARC [drive:][path]ZOO E
LHARC
by Haruyasu Yoshizaki
---------------------
ARCHIVE
[drive:][path]LHARC A
UNARCHIVE
[drive:][path]LHARC A
NOTE:
[drive:] and [path] are not required if the compression
programs are located in a directory on your system's DOS path.
LOCATING A DRAWING FILE:
------------------------
To locate a specified drawing file using an external file
finder program, press "L", and enter the desired filespec at the
prompt. AUTO-MATE will run the file finder program specified in
the AUTOMATE.CFG file under the "LOCATE" heading.
The following is a list of file finder programs that are known
to work with AUTO-MATE, along with the settings that must be
included in the AUTO-MATE.CFG file:
Fullscreen File File Finder
by Jim Derr
---------------------------
LOCATE
[drive:][path]FFF
NOTE:
[drive:] and [path] are not required if the file finder
program is located in a directory on your system's DOS path.
LOCKING A DRAWING FILE:
-----------------------
To lock the highlighted drawing file using an external file
security program, press "S", and the specified file security
program will run, usually further prompting you for a password.
The file security program that you choose must use the following
format for operation:
PROGRAM FILENAME.EXT
Where "PROGRAM" is the file security program, and "FILENAME.EXT" is
the file to be locked.
Page 9
The following is a list of file security programs that are
known to work with AUTO-MATE, along with the settings that must be
included in the AUTOMATE.CFG file:
Lock It!
by Gary Maddox
--------------
LOCK
[drive:][path]LOCKIT
NOTE:
[drive:] and [path] are not required if the file security
program is located in a directory on your system's DOS path.
SHELLING TO DOS:
----------------
To temporally shell to DOS, press <F8>, and DOS commands may
be entered. To return to AUTO-MATE, type 'EXIT' and press <Enter>
at the DOS prompt.
EXITING AUTO-MATE:
------------------
To exit AUTO-MATE press <Esc>. AUTO-MATE will exit to DOS in
The current directory.
Page 10
ORDER FORM FOR AUTO-MATE 1.23
-----------------------------
Copyright (c) 1990
Kurtis J. Jones
Fayetteville, Arkansas
NAME:______________________________________________________________
COMPANY:___________________________________________________________
ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________
CITY, STATE:____________________________________ZIP:_______________
PHONE:_____________________________________________________________
-------------------------------------------------------------------
*USER SURVEY*
COMPUTER TYPE:_____________________________________________________
DOS VERSION:_______________________________________________________
AUTOCAD VERSION:___________________________________________________
COMMENTS:__________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
-------------------------------------------------------------------
*CHECK DESIRED REGISTRATION*
LATEST VERSION OF AUTO-MATE: $25.00 ______
(INCLUDES MANUAL AND REGISTERED VERSION
OF AUTO-MATE ON DISK)
SITE LICENSE: $70.00 ______
(REQUIRED FOR BUSINESS - INCLUDES MANUAL
AND SITE LICENSED VERSION OF AUTO-MATE
ON DISK)
UPGRADE FROM EARLIER VERSION OF AUTOMATE: $5.00 ______
(MUST INCLUDE SERIAL NUMBER)
SERIAL NUMBER:_______________________
SEND TO: KURTIS J. JONES
1748 NORTH OAKLAND
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS 72703
Page 11