If you have any questions, comments or need help using the software you can contact Softlink Software:
Softlink Software
81 Jordan Ave.
Wallington, NJ 07057
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Voice & Fax: 201-933-5022
CompuServe ID: 75272,234
Internet: 75272.234@COMPUSERVE.COM
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NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
by THOMAS ENS
So far I've written four programs (including this one) for Softlink Software. The Phone Master was my first program and by far the must successfull one.
The two other programs, while doing very well, haven't touched the Phone Master with the number of registrations and positive feedback. I think the key to this succcess was that I wrote the Phone Master for myself.
This is the second program I wrote for myself. Why? Well, everyone loves to beat up on DOS. Yes DOS has it's drawbacks. It's not a multitasking environment. That horrible 640k barrier. Not Gui... Etc.. Etc. Etc..
But remember the good old days when you wanted to run WordPerfect? All you had to do was type "WP" and you were ready to go. I miss that! I hate the Program Manager. OS/2 Presentation Manager is awkward at best. Sure
Windows '95 is better but nothing is faster then typing "WP" and bang on the Enter key. And there were other good things about DOS to. I hate trying to copy files using the File Manager. It seems awkward at best.
It's much faster to type "COPY *.* A:". So I always find myself at the DOS prompt. But that seems stupid.
What I really wanted was a toolbar which would sit in the corner and allow me to type DOS commands. When I wanted to copy a file I could just type the command. Need to run Excel? Just type "EXCEL".
The problem I ran into quickly was that many of my programs weren't in my DOS path (the path is where files are searched for). So I created a way to extend that path (there's no limit in Command Bar). Of course I
got greedy. I wanted a file finder (remember Norton FINDFILE) and a text search and I wanted the program to yell when my resources got low.
I found out that sometimes I still found myself search for a program manager ICON (what was that file name??) So I developed a fast menu system. There's more. A lot more. But I don't want to give away all the surprises.
If you're not a DOS expert don't worry. This program has many featurs even if you don't take advantage of the DOS abilities. Probably the best part of the program is what it doesn't do. It doesn't use
up all your resources (like other managers which will remain unnamed). Everything the program can do it does with only 5% resources!
Future releases (registered copies) will allow you to use this instead of Program Manager as your desktop. And there will be more... I promise because I'm using it too! And the nice part is you can buy it now because Softlink Software gives away
future releases to registered clients free of charge! Just download the shareware version and your registered version is patched automatically with programming changes.
RELEASE NOTES
V1.0 - Initial Release
V1.1 - Mainly bug fixes. Especially with file finder which did not always search all directories. Added DIR /S support.
V1.2 - When you setup a menu item and browse for files it will display a bitmap lookup screen which shows the bitmap displayed as it would be on the menu. This makes it easier to select a bitmap. This release also has some minor bug fixes.
V1.3 - Now allows multiple file selection for copying a deleting. Also has an enhanced copy screen which offers a more 'gui' appeal.
V1.3a - 49 standard bitmaps now available for the custom toolbar! Also fixed a bug when launching a file from the toolbar. The working directory was not set.
V1.3b - Now will show you detailed system information when you click on the "?". Also, new help file on The Master Suite. A special low price offer.
V1.4 - CHECK OUT OPTIONS (hit ? and select Options). There are several new options which offer many positive features including minimize on load. Minimize when running an application. And always on top when load.
V1.5 - Now shows the windows Icon for a file on the toolbar. The Icon is also displayed when you setup your toolbar. Also when exiting it was saving the position of the program in its minimized state. Now saves it in the last maximized state.
V1.6 - Fixes a problem which was showing it in some 32bit environments. Was not reading the directory. Also offers faster disk access when checking hard disk size and better colors.
