OS/2 Shareware BBS: 19 Printer/19-Printer.zip/flxtxt.zip/FLXT.HLP

OS/2 Help File | 1995-07-01 | 41KB | 1,028 lines

ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1. FlexText's Main Window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

FlexText's main window is comprised of a menu bar, main body, and status area.
The menu bar provides access to various panels and processes that let you read
files, choose print settings, print documents, and specify options.  The main
body appears directly below the menu bar and initially contains FlexText's
banner.  The bottom portion of the main windows contains help and status
information.

The program supports drag/drop of text based files onto the main body signaling
FlexText to open the file and present it as an icon.  Be sure to click the
mouse anywhere on the main window to dismiss FlexText's banner and enable
drag/drop capability.

Files or clipboard data can be used as input into the program by selecting one
of the menu commands under OPEN  Additionally, a download process can be
initiated extending the applications ability to print host files.

FlexText can be started from a desktop icon or the command line by entering
FLXT.EXE PARAMETERS

Available menu items are:

o OPEN

o SETTINGS

o PRINT

o OPTIONS


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2. Browse Window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

FlexText's browse window displays text data and contains a menu bar with
several important items:

o FONT (browse)

o SEARCH

o MARK


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3. Starting FlexText from the Command Line. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

FlexText can be started from a desktop icon or the command line. Either method
can accept parameters that determine FlexText's initial print settings and text
files.  The format is as follows:

FLXT.EXE [filename1 ..] [/STT=print settings filename]

One or more filenames can be included on the command line.  These file(s) will
open automatically when FlexText begins.  Additionally, a file masks can be
used (i.e. *.txt) instead of specific file names.

The /STT= parameter lets you specify print settings that were previously saved
by FlexText.  Note that FlexText automatically saves and restores the last used
print settings in its initialization file if the /STT= parameter is not
included.

The parameters can be used not only when invoking FlexText from the command
line, but also when starting the program from the desktop by including the
options in the PARAMETERS entry field in the object's settings.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4. Background FlexText ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

A special version of FlexText is provided that allows printing reports in an
unattended execution mode.  This feature provides the ability to submit print
tasks automatically from a scheduling system, or embed print processes in
command files requiring no manual intervention.  The command format to start
Background FlexText is as follows:

FLXTBK.EXE filename /STT=printsettings [/LOG=logfile] [/BACKGROUND]

Background FlexText accepts only one file at a time for printing - file masks
are not allowed.

/STT= accepts any previously saved print settings from the regular version of
FlexText.

/LOG= provides the ability to specifiy a log file overiding the default file
name of FLXT.LOG.

/BACKGROUND forces execution of the program completly into the background
requiring no manual interaction.  This option basically runs Flextext in
unattended mode.

It is generally advisable to run FLXTBK initially without the /BACKGROUND
option so that any errors that are encountered are displayed.  Otherwise,
errors are listed only in the log file.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5. Open Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The OPEN menu contains options to retrieve data from a file or the clipboard.
The following options appear under the OPEN menu:

FILE                     Retrieves data from a file.

CLIPBOARD                Retrieves data currently held in the clipboard.

DOWNLOAD                 Retrieves data from an IBM host via a Communications
                         Manager session.

CLOSE ALL FILES          Closes all files currently open in FlexText.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6. File ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

You can open or more files that exists on any drive or in any directory by
using the FILE option. To open a file, do the following:

o Select the Open menu and choose the File selection.

The Open File Dialog dialog box appears, showing you a list of files in the
current directory.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7. Open Clipboard ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The CLIPBOARD option imports data into the browse window which can be
subsequently printed.

A snapshot of clipboard text. is taken when CLIPBOARD is selected.  If changes
are made to the data in the clipboard once the browse window is displayed, the
modifications will not take affect in FlexText until the CLIPBOARD option is
re-selected.

FlexText only supports text-based data.  Other data types found in the
clipboard will be ignored.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8. Download ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Files can be downloaded from an IBM host running TSO, VM, or CICS monitors.
Simply  enter the host file name in the Initiate Download Dialog and wait for
the file to appear in FlexText's main window.

FlexText can only download files using Communications Manager and an active
TSO, VM, or CICS session.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9. Close All Files ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

All files currently opened can be closed by selecting CLOSE ALL FILES from the
OPEN menu item.  A file that is being printed can be closed, however doing so
eliminates the ability to cancel the print.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for Open File Dialog ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for Load Settings Dialog ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for Open ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

 1. Select the down arrow to the right of the Drive list to display all the
    drives on your system.
 2. Select a drive from the Drive list.
 3. Select a directory from the Directory list.
 4. Select a file name from the File list or type in a file name and select the
    Open pushbutton.

For specific help, select a topic below.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for Open ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

 1. Select the down arrow to the right of the Drive list to display all the
    drives on your system.
 2. Select a drive from the Drive list.
 3. Select a directory from the Directory list.
 4. Select one or more file names from the File list or type in a file name and
    select the Open pushbutton.

For specific help, select a topic below.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> List of Fields ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

File name           Type of file
Drive               File
Directory           Open pushbutton


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for File name ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for File name ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Type the name of the file you want to open in the File name field and select
the Open pushbutton.

For more help, select a topic below.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> List of Fields ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

File name           Type of file
Drive               File
Directory           Open pushbutton
                    General help


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for Type of file ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for Type of file ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the down arrow to the right of the Type of file field to display the
available file types.  The sample has set this field for all file types.

For more help, select a topic below.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for Drive ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for Drive ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Drive list displays the drives on your system.  Select the drive that
contains the files you want to edit.

For more help, select a topic below.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for File ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for File ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The File list displays all the files in the directory you selected from the
Directory list.  Select file you want to open.

For more help, select a topic below.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for Directory ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for Directory ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Directory list displays the directories on the selected drive.  Select a
directory to display the list of files from that directory in the File list
box.

For more help, select a topic below.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for Open ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for Open ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the Open pushbutton to display the file you want to edit.

For more help, select a topic below.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for Export Dialog ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for Save Print Settings File Dialog ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for Export as ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

 1. Select the down arrow to the right of the Drive list to display all the
    drives on your system.
 2. Select a drive from the Drive list.
 3. Select a directory from the Directory list.
 4. Type the name of the file you want to save in the File name field and
    select the Save pushbutton.

For specific help, select a topic below.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> List of Fields ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

File name           Type of file
Drive               File
Directory           Save pushbutton


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for File name ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for File name ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Type the name of the file you want to save in the File name field and select
the Save pushbutton.

For more help, select a topic below.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> List of Fields ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

File name           Type of file
Drive               File
Directory           Save pushbutton
General help


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for Type of file ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for Type of file ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the down arrow to the right of the Type of file field to display the
available file types.  The sample has set this field for all file types.

For more help, select a topic below.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for Drive ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for Drive ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Drive list displays the drives on your system.  Select the drive that
contains the files you want to save.

For more help, select a topic below.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for File ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for File ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The File list displays all the files in the directory you selected from the
Directory list.  Select the file you want to rename and save.

For more help, select a topic below.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for Directory ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for Directory ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Directory list displays the directories on the selected drive.  Select a
directory to display the list of files from that directory in the File list
box.

For more help, select a topic below.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for Save ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Help for Save ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the Save pushbutton to save the file to the drive and directory you
selected and with the file name you specified.

For more help, select a topic below.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10. Settings Menu Command ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The SETTINGS menu contains three options pertaining to print settings.

CHANGE         Modifies the current print settings.

LOAD           Loads print settings previously saved.

SAVE           Saves the current print settings to a file.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11. Change Settings Menu Command ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

When CHANGE is selected from the SETTINGS menu command, the Print Settings
Notebook Dialog is displayed presenting a wide range of print settings.  These
settings can be stored to a file and subsequently reloaded by choosing other
SETTINGS menu items.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 12. Load Settings Menu Command ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Print settings that were previously saved to a file can be retrieved using the
LOAD item under the SETTINGS menu command.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 13. Save Settings Menu Command ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Print settings can be saved to a file in order to reload them at a later time.
This allows you to print recurring reports or documents without having to
repetitively modify print settings.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 14. Settings Notebook Dialog ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Nearly all choices regarding document preparation and physical print
characteristics are made within the Settings Notebook dialog.  The best way to
proceed is start on the first page and flip toward the back making
modifications as you go.  Note that your changes can be saved to a file in
order to be reloaded at a later time.

The notebook pages are as follows:

o PRINTER

o FORMAT (page 1)

o FORMAT (page 2)

o BORDERS

o CTL CHARS (control characters)

o MARGINS

o FONT


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 15. Printer Notebook Page ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The PRINTER notebook page displays all printers defined to the system. Select
the printer that FlexText should use when printing documents.

Note that selecting a printer can cause job properties to be reset to the
system default.  Job properties are set on the first FORMAT page of the
notebook.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 16. Format Notebook Page (page 1) ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The first FORMAT notebook page accepts a variety of settings including number
of pages per sheet of paper, line numbers, and job properties.

o The JOB PROPERTIES button provides printer control.  Typical selections
  include page orientation, number of copies, etc.  Notice that specifying a
  different orientation changes the appearance of the pictures found in the
  notebook page.  Also note that when a printer is selected on page 1 of the
  notebook, all job properties are reset to the system defaults.

o Two radio buttons with page images determine if one or two pages should
  appear on each sheet of paper.  The number of PAGES/SHEET should be chosen
  before proceeding to subsequent notebook pages since other options are
  dependent upon this setting.

o The second push button on the page LANDSCAPE/PORTRAIT FORMAT INFO simply
  displays a reminder that orientation specified in job properties, affects
  available page formats.

o The check box labeled LINE NUMBERS specifies whether line numbers should be
  included on the printed document.  Additionally, when LINE NUMBERS is
  selected, the number of digits may be altered.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 17. Format Notebook Page (page 2) ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The second FORMAT notebook page determines how FlexText controls line length
and page sequence.

Version 3 now supports line wrap handling long record lengths.  A single line
can appear wrapped on up to 3 lines and can break either between words or in
the middle of words.  When printing a CONFIG.SYS file, BETWEEN CHARACTERS is a
better option since few spaces are present in the records.  If you are printing
regular text however, BETWEEN WORDS will result in more readable output.

SIMULATED DUPLEX results in the front of each page being printed first.  Then
the printed stack of paper is placed back in the printer in order to print the
back sides of the pages.  This achieves duplex printing without having a duplex
printer.

BOOKLET page order is only available if two pages per sheet is selected in
landscape mode (FORMAT page 1).  This selection will result in a document that
can be folded in the middle of the pages forming a book.  Note that either a
duplex printer is necessary or that simulated duplex must be checked in order
for this feature to work properly.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 18. Borders Notebook Page ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Page borders can be included to highlight logical pages and provide printed
file information and page numbers.

A rectangle is drawn around each logical page if the BOX border is chosen.  A
SINGLE LINE can be drawn to separate pages in two page/sheet formats (SINGLE
LINE is ignored in one page/sheet formats).

PAGE NUMBERS will be added to each logical page on the printed document when
this check box is selected.

FILE NAME will include the name of the file on the bottom of the report.

A TIMESTAMP can be included on the document and reflects either the last time
the file was modified, or the print time.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 19. Ctl Chars (control characters) notebook page ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Control characters may appear in some text files.  ASA control characters are
typically found in IBM mainframe generated reports and appear in the first
position of each line.

Many text files have hard page feed control characters that have the
hexadecimal value '0C'.  FlexText can either ignore these hard page breaks or
process them depending on your particular preferences.

TABS are also considered control characters.  Selecting "1" in the spinbutton
forces FlexText to treat a tab character as one space while selecting another
value will expand tabs to the appropriate number of characters.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 20. Margins Notebook Page ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Four combo boxes are used to determine the top, left, right, and bottom
margins.  Measurements are approximate and depend upon print driver
information.

When 2 pages/sheet format is selected, the width of the space separating the
pages can be adjusted.  Note that this control becomes disabled when printing 1
page/sheet formats.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 21. Font Notebook Page ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The first pushbutton labeled SELECT FONT displays a dialog that allows you to
choose the font to be used for printing documents.  Various sizes and styles
are also available.  Keep in mind that a mono-space font (i.e. Courier) should
be used if the document being printed contains columns of data. If a variable
font is used (i.e. Helvetica), columns will not line up properly.

CALCULATE POINT SIZE will scan the files currently open and determine the "best
fit" point size.  Using the suggested point size will ensure no line truncation
will occur should word wrap be turned off.

LINE SPACING can be adjusted from 1 (single space) to 2 (double space).
CHARACTER HEIGHT can also be changed allowing you to increase lines per page at
the expense of readability.  Both adjustments affect the number of lines per
pages.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 22. Print Menu Item ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Use the PRINT ALL FILES or PRINT SELECTED FILE menu commands to print documents
currently open in FlexText.  You can also click the right mouse button on a
document object to display a pop-up menu that contains a print command.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 23. Options Menu Item ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Many aspects of FlexText's presentation and processing can be controlled.
These options apply to the application as a whole regardless of the print
settings currently in use.

VIEW           Determines how documents are represented in the main window.

CUSTOMIZE      Leads to several panels controlling application presentation and
               behavior.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 24. View Menu Item ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Either an ICON view or a DETAIL view can be selected depending upon the level
of file information needed.  The icon view displays a picture representing a
document along with the file name.  The detail view additionally displays
number of lines to print, number of lines in the file, and last modified
date/time.

Note that the default view used at startup is found in the PREFERENCES dialog.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 25. Customize Menu Item ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

You can specify several aspects of FlexText's behavior by using the following
menu commands:

PREFERENCES                       Customize FlexText's behavior.

DOWNLOAD DEFAULTS                 Specify defaults to be used during host
                                  download processing.

INI LOCATION                      Change the location of FlexText's INI file.

STT LOCATION (print settings)     Change the directory where FlexText stores
                                  print settings files.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 26. Preferences Menu Item ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Many options are available that affect FlexText's behavior and presentation.
Select this menu item to display the Preferences Dialog which contains many of
these options.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 26.1. Download Defaults Menu Item ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Default values may be specified for host and PC file names used in the download
panels.  Enter these names in the Download Defaults Dialog.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 26.2. INI Location Menu Item ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The location of FlexText's initialization file (.INI) can be specified in the
INI Location Dialog.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 26.3. STT Location Menu Item ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The default subdirectory FlexText uses to store print setting files can be
specified in the STT Location Dialog.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 27. Preferences Dialog ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Options that affect presentation or program behavior appear in the preferences
dialog.  These options are stored in the program's INI file and do not affect
document printing.

OPEN BROWSE WINDOW AUTOMATICALLY causes FlexText to display the contents of
files as they are opened.  When more than one file is selected, only the first
is displayed.

AUTO LOAD/SAVE PRINT SETTINGS simplifies the task of saving print settings by
automatically creating a *.STT file when the file is printed.  When files are
opened, a search is performed looking for the appropriate STT file.  If one is
found, you are notified and asked if the settings file should be loaded.

AUTO CLOSE FILES AFTER PRINTING IS COMPLETE causes FlexText to close documents
as they are printed.  If the print task is cancelled, the document remains
open.

DISPLAY PAGE RANGE PRIOR TO PRINTING displays a dialog where a specific block
of logical pages may be selected.  This page range dialog is displayed just
before printing begins.

WARN OF LINE TRUNCATION gives you the opportunity to cancel the print if
FlexText detects line truncation on one or more lines.

USE X'0C' FOR PAGE BREAK DURING EXPORT results in hard page breaks being
inserted into the exported file.  This option is only relevant to files
containing ASA control characters.

INCLUDE LINE NUMBERS IN BROWSE WINDOW assigns line numbers to documents that
are being browsed.  Note that the line numbers displayed may not match printed
line numbers if word wrap is in effect.

TRIGGER PRINT CONFIRMATION ON x PAGES gives you the chance to cancel a job that
exceeds the number of pages that you select.  This is handy where LAN printers
have maximum page volume restrictions.

STARTUP VIEW determines which container view is displayed on the programs main
screen at start time.  ICON displays a document icon and file name.  DETAILS
displays a smaller document icon accompanied by file details such as name,
size, timestamp, etc.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 28. Download Dialog ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Host files can be downloaded from an IBM host running TSO, VM, or CICS
monitors.

FlexText can only download files using Communications Manager and an active
TSO, VM, or CICS session.  Select the radio button that corresponds to the
monitor that you will be downloading from.

Enter the host file name to be downloaded.

The session ID is only needed when more than one Communication Manager session
is running.

Transmission parameters can be changed or added by pushing the ADDITIONAL
PARAMETERS push-button and changing values found in the Additional Parameters
Dialog.

For more information on setting up the host monitor, select an item below:

o TSO

o VM

o CICS


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 29. TSO information ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In order for transmission to begin, either a "READY" prompt must be displayed
or ISPF panel 6 must be ready to accept a TSO command. If problems arise, go to
the TSO session for error messages.

When entering the host file name in the INITIATE entry box, be sure to include
quotes as you would working directly in TSO.

SDSF output can be downloaded expanding FlexText's capabilities to print
reports.  The following directions enable a convenient SDSF procedure:

o Pre-allocate a file (ISPF 3.2) to hold data copied from SDSF for download to
  FlexText.  File attributes should be LRECL=133 and RECFM=FBA.  A convenient
  file name is "SYSOUT.DATA" since that is the file FlexText defaults to when
  initiating a download under TSO.

o Display output held in the output queue by entering SDSF, entering an "H" on
  the command line, then selecting output from a completed job.

o Type "KEYS" on the command line to bring up a list of PF-key settings.

o Chose an unused PF-key and type in the following data:  "PRINT ODSN
  SYSOUT.DATA * OLD; PRINT; PRINT CLOSE; SPLIT; =6"  (replace  SYSOUT.DATA with
  the pre-allocated file if necessary).

o Hit "enter", then "end" - the setup is complete!

From now on you can download held output by going to SDSF, displaying the job
output to be downloaded, and hitting the PF-key you assigned.  Minimize the TSO
session and initiate a download from FlexText.  Be sure to browse the job
output - not the job or file list in SDSF, otherwise no data will be copied to
SYSOUT.DATA resulting in an empty download.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 30. VM information ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In order for transmission to begin, either a "READY" prompt must be displayed
or you must be in any of PROFS Main Menus where a VM command can be entered.
If your terminal session is in "HOLDING", "MORE...", or "NOT ACCEPTED" status,
please use the "CLEAR" key to clear the display before attempting to download.
If problems arise, go to the VM session for error messages.

When entering the host file name in the INITIATE entry box, be sure to include
the filename, filetype, and optional filemode (defaults to the "A" disk) as you
would working directly in VM.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 31. CICS information ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

 In order to use FlexText's download feature with CICS, the necessary file
transfer software must be loaded and available on the mainframe.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 32. Download Additional Parameters Dialog ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

ASCII CRLF are typical parameters used to download text files from a host.
Other parameters are available and may be entered.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 33. Download Defaults Dialog ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The DOWNLOAD DEFAULTS panel contains host file name default settings.  If the
"specify default" radio button is chosen, a file name can be entered in the
entry box that FlexText will use to initialize the download process. The second
radio button, "redisplay last used" tells the program to remember the file name
from the previous FlexText session.

Note that these default settings only affect the first time the "Download from
Host" panel is displayed following program startup.  The program always
remembers the host file name within a session.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 34. INI Location Dialog ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

 INI Location specifies where FlexText's initialization file is to reside.
This file contains custom and machine specific data used by FlexText at startup
time.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 35. Print Settings Location Dialog ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Print settings can be stored in files typically suffixed with .STT.  It is
generally best to house all settings files in a single directory.  Not only
will FlexText know where to search for settings files when the automatic
load/save option is chosen, but the load settings dialog and save settings
dialog will also be preset to the directory identified in this dialog.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 36. Font Type Dialog ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Two types of fonts are available for use in the view window. Bitmap fonts are
fast and allow quick scanning of large volumes of data but are limited in
available point sizes. Scalable fonts are slower than bitmaps but provide a
wide variety of sizes.  In addition, small scalable fonts are less readable.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 37. String Search Dialog ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Text strings can be located by providing the text string to be found, selecting
search direction, and pressing the Search pushbutton.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 38. Mark Text Dialog ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

A portion of a file can be selected for printing by using the  MARK option from
the file view menu.  Since large blocks of text may at times be selected, a
nonstandard way of marking text has been implemented.

The "Mark text to print" dialog contains two radio buttons labeled FIRST and
LAST.  When FIRST is selected, a mouse-click on the view window will mark the
first line that is to be printed.  Note that text that will not be printed is
grayed.  When the LAST radio button is selected, a mouse-click will mark the
last record to be printed.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 39. Page Range Dialog ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

 The PRINT RANGE provides selection of logical pages to print. Note that the
starting page must be less than or equal to the last page.

 Pressing the RESET pushbutton will set the starting page at 1 and the last
page at the end of the report.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 40. Continue Duplex Dialog ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

 The CONTINUE DUPLEX PRINTING dialog is presented when FlexText has completed
writing the front sides of the simulated duplex document to the spooler.  After
allowing the printer to complete the first-pass printing, push the Continue
button to trigger backside printing.

 Reverse backside printing eliminates the need to reshuffle pages on printers
that need the paper stack face down in the paper tray.  Some experimentation
may be necessary to determine how the pages should face to utilize the
simulated duplex function.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 41. Font Menu (Browse Window) ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

By selected the Font menu command on the browse window, you can choose the font
used in displaying the file.  The selected font only applies to the browse
window and will not affect printed output.  The font used for printing is
specified in the print settings dialog.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 42. Search Menu (Browse Window) ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Text strings can be located in the displayed data by selecting the SEARCH menu
option, then providing the text string to be found.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 43. Mark Menu (Browse Window) ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Portions of a file or clipboard can be printed by marking text to be used.  The
MARK menu option displays a window that controls the marking process.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 44. Browse Pop-up Menu Item ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

To browse an open file, click the right mouse button on the document and select
BROWSE from the pop-up menu.  A window will appear displaying the file's
contents.

Note that only one browse window can be opened at a time.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 45. Print Pop-up Menu Item ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

To print a specific opened file, click the right mouse button on the document
and select PRINT


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 46. Close Pop-up Menu Item ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

A specific file can be removed from FlexText by clicking the right mouse button
on the document and selecting CLOSE from the pop-up menu.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 47. Export Pop-up Menu Item ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The EXPORT menu item generates an ASCII file after expanding Tabs and if
necessary, removing ASA control characters from the data. A top of page ASA
control character ("1") may be translated to a ASCII hex"0C" depending on
preference settings. Other ASA control characters (i.e., "0", "-") result in
the insertion of blank line(s).  Note that ASA control character "+" is simply
removed with no change to the incoming data. Once generated, the resulting
ASCII report file can be imported into most word processors.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 48. ASA Control Characters ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

 ASA control characters are commonly found on mainframe reports.  Report
records are typically (but not necessarily) 133 bytes in length with the
carriage control characters in position 1 of each line.  The following is a
list of control characters with their corresponding effects:

"1" - top of page (page break)
"0" - double space
"-"  - triple space
"+" - overtype
" " - single space


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 49. General Information ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The purpose of FLEXTEXT Print Utility is to print reports on a workstation
running OS/2 version 2.x or 3.0.  Input must be ASCII (text-based) files, OS/2
clipboard data, or a file downloaded from an IBM host computer via
Communications Manager.

This program creates compact reports by printing multiple pages on each sheet
of paper in portrait or landscape mode.  Any available font, type, and point
size may be selected depending on the input file's requirements.  FlexText can
even calculate optimum point size based on the data's record length and
selected font.

Many IBM mainframe generated reports contain ASA control characters ("FBA"
files).  These reports can be printed directly or exported to a "print file"
for import into a word processing document.

Print Settings can be saved and subsequently reloaded minimizing repetitive
effort in changing print settings.

Both sides of the paper can be used even if you are using a none duplex
printer.  Simulated duplex processing provides a "two pass" capability that
prints the front, then the back sides of a report. Booklet style page format
organizes the pages in book sequence and is available in the 2-up, landscape
mode.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 50. About FLEXTEXT Print Utility ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

FLEXTEXT(TM) Copyright 1992, 1995 Extension Software.

This is version 3.0 of FLEXTEXT Print Utility for OS/2.  The program was
developed by Extension Software of Mesa, Arizona.  Custom software development
and consulting services are available.

For more information, contact Robert Stuart at [phone] or at Compuserv
id# 74230,1620.

Customer support is provided through our 24 hour BBS at [phone].  Other
Shareware programs such as FlexText for Windows, and FlexText for Windows NT
can be downloaded free of charge.  Additionally, the BBS provides a convenient
way for registered users to upgrade to the current commercial release.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 51. License Information ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This software and the disks on which it is contained are licensed for use on
one computer only.  This is copyrighted software.  You are prohibited from
copying this program except for backup purposes.  This program may NOT be
uploaded to any BBS.

EXTENSION SOFTWARE DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES RELATING TO THIS SOFTWARE, WHETHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ALL SUCH WARRANTIES
ARE EXPRESSLY AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED.  NEITHER EXTENSION SOFTWARE NOR
ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE CREATION, PRODUCTION, OR DELIVERY OF
THIS SOFTWARE SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL
DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE SUCH SOFTWARE EVEN IF
EXTENSION SOFTWARE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR
CLAIMS. IN NO EVENT SHALL EXTENSION SOFTWARE'S LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES EVER
EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE LICENSE TO USE THE SOFTWARE, REGARDLESS OF THE
FORM OF CLAIM.  THE PERSON USING THE SOFTWARE BEARS ALL RISK AS TO THE QUALITY
AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE.

Some states do not allow the exclusion of the limit of liability for
consequential or incidental damages, so the above limitation may not apply to
you.

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Arizona and shall
inure to the benefit of Extension Software and any successors, administrators,
heirs and assigns.  Any action or proceeding brought by either party against
the other arising out of or related to this agreement shall be brought only in
a state or federal court of competent jurisdiction located in Maricopa County,
Arizona.  The parties hereby consent to in personam jurisdiction of said
courts.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 52. License Information ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This software and the disks on which it is contained are licensed for
evaluation purposes only.  This is copyrighted software.  You may use the
software for a 60 day evaluation period and distribute exact copies of the
software to anyone free of charge.  You are prohibited from charging for any
such copies unless you receive written permission from Extension Software.

EXTENSION SOFTWARE DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES RELATING TO THIS SOFTWARE, WHETHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ALL SUCH WARRANTIES
ARE EXPRESSLY AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED.  NEITHER EXTENSION SOFTWARE NOR
ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE CREATION, PRODUCTION, OR DELIVERY OF
THIS SOFTWARE SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL
DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE SUCH SOFTWARE EVEN IF
EXTENSION SOFTWARE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR
CLAIMS. IN NO EVENT SHALL EXTENSION SOFTWARE'S LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES EVER
EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE LICENSE TO USE THE SOFTWARE, REGARDLESS OF THE
FORM OF CLAIM.  THE PERSON USING THE SOFTWARE BEARS ALL RISK AS TO THE QUALITY
AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE.

Some states do not allow the exclusion of the limit of liability for
consequenctial or incidental damages, so the above limitation may not apply to
you.

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Arizona and shall
inure to the benefit of Extension Software and any successors, administrators,
heirs and assigns.  Any action or proceeding brought by either party against
the other arising out of or related to this agreement shall be brought only in
a state or federal court of competent jurisdiction located in Maricopa County,
Arizona.  The parties hereby consent to in personam jurisdiction of said
courts.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 53. License Information ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This software and the disks on which it is contained are licensed for use on
one computer only.  This is copyrighted software. You are prohibited from
copying this program except for backup puposes.  This program may not be made
available on any bulletin board systems (BBS).

EXTENSION SOFTWARE DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES RELATING TO THIS SOFTWARE, WHETHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ALL SUCH WARRANTIES
ARE EXPRESSLY AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED.  NEITHER EXTENSION SOFTWARE NOR
ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE CREATION, PRODUCTION, OR DELIVERY OF
THIS SOFTWARE SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL
DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE SUCH SOFTWARE EVEN IF
EXTENSION SOFTWARE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR
CLAIMS. IN NO EVENT SHALL EXTENSION SOFTWARE'S LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES EVER
EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE LICENSE TO USE THE SOFTWARE, REGARDLESS OF THE
FORM OF CLAIM.  THE PERSON USING THE SOFTWARE BEARS ALL RISK AS TO THE QUALITY
AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE.

Some states do not allow the exclusion of the limit of liability for
consequenctial or incidental damages, so the above limitation may not apply to
you.

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Arizona and shall
inure to the benefit of Extension Software and any successors, administrators,
heirs and assigns.  Any action or proceeding brought by either party against
the other arising out of or related to this agreement shall be brought only in
a state or federal court of competent jurisdiction located in Maricopa County,
Arizona.  The parties hereby consent to in personam jurisdiction of said
courts.