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OS/2 Shareware BBS: 11 Util
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numlock.zip
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1993-09-23
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This is documentation for the file NUMLOCK.ZIP
ARCHIVE CONTENTS:
NumLk-ON.exe OS/2 2.x executable
NUMLOCK.EXE DOS executable
numlock.doc this file
INTRODUCTION:
A common complaint about OS/2 is "Why does the NUMLOCK key default to OFF???"
I suppose the reason is to be considerate of those who lack dedicated numeric
pads, but since most of us have them, it's a problem.
This package represents the solution, at least until IBM gets its act together.
NUMLOCK.EXE and NumLk-ON.exe are small utilities that have but one purpose:
To engage the NumLock key.
When executed, the NumLock will be activated, and the program will exit,
removing itself from memory.
There are no command line options in this version.
NumLk-ON.exe can be put in your STARTUP.CMD file, so that when the WPS comes
up, the NumLock will be on. It will maintain it's state for new windows on
the desktop.
Your manual override (pressing the key) will work as always.
NUMLOCK.EXE is for DOS sessions.
======================================
LIMITATIONS:
Unfortunately, OS/2 seems to insist the the default for new OS/2 full-screen
sessions or for DOS sessions is for the NumLock key to be off.
The solution for this problem in DOS sessions is NUMLOCK.EXE. You may put
it in your AUTOEXEC.BAT, and the NumLock will come on for DOS sessions,
both windowed and fullscreen, and WINOS/2.
I have not yet figured out how to (or even if it's possible) modify the default
for OS/2 fullscreen sessions. That will be version 2.0
A workaround is to either hit the key yourself (blech!) or to put NumLk-ON.exe
in a file such 4start.btm, if you use 4OS/2, or specify a .CMD file to run as
part of your FullScreen-Shell desktop object.
=======================================
BUGS:
There is only one problem with NumLk-ON.exe that I know of, and it pertains to
the way OS/2 manages virtual keyboards.
In order to change the WPS default for the NumLock key, NumLk-ON.exe must use
some poorly documented system calls. Under PM, the actual state of the
keyboard is totally unrelated to the state of the keyboard LED indicators,
and when the systems is swapping virtual keyboards for different application,
is is sometimes possible for the state of the keyboard and the LED indicators
to become de-synchronized. (i.e. NumLock indicator off, but pushing the 1 key
produces a 1 and not an "END" code.)
I am not sure yet exactly what is causing this to occur, but it seems to be
related to switching back and forth between Fullscreen sessions and the
desktop. I hope to fix this problem in a later version.
If you experience this de-synchronization, running the executable again
will re-synchronize the key and the LED.
========================================
SHAREWARE:
This program is being distributed as Shareware. I'm sure we're all acquainted
with the concept.
You are licensed to evaluate the program for 14 days. If you wish to continue
using it after that time, then you are required to register the program.
Since virtually every OS/2 user I know has complained about the NumLock key,
and since there are thousands of OS/2 users out on the net, I have decided
to keep the shareware price quite low.
For $7.00US, you will get a disk containing the registered versions of the
NumLock programs (which are faster, smaller, and quiet) and you will also be
entitled to any future updates to the program. The disk will also contain
a couple of other useful free utilities and maybe a nice GIF, if there's space.
For $5.00US, you can get the registered versions of the programs sent to you
electronically, if the network connections between us can manage it. You
will also be entitled to future updates to the programs, but no added utilities
or GIFs. I was just tacking those on so the disk space wouldn't be wasted.
You may register by sending the appropriate fee and the information I will
need to send you your goodies to:
Will E. Rose
1218 Leith Ave.
Waukegan, IL 60085
I hope you like to software. The OS/2 version wasn't exactly simple, but I was
surprised no one else had written one before now.
If you have questions, bug reports, or suggestions, you can send me email at
wer5@midway.uchicago.edu