Quick Initalization, (QI), as you might already have figured out, formats disks. QI is shareware. If you use Quick Initialization more than three(3) times, you are required to send $5 to:
-Bloom!- Software Group
4149 Arrowood Circle
Corvallis, OR 97330
If you include a self-addressed-stamped-envelope and a disk with your shareware fee, we'll send you a personalized copy of the newest version.
NOTE (5/22/93): QI has been found not compatible with the System Extension, "Color Cursor".
DESCRIPTION OF FORMATS:
VFE Format: VFE Format first formats the disk, verifys the format, then gives the disk a file tree. (This is similar to what your system does already, but slightly faster).
FE Format: FE Format formats the disk, then gives it a file tree. (This is MUCH faster than your system, because it doesn't have to spend time verifing).
E Format: This just gives the disk a file tree. That's all! But beware- don't use E Format if you haven't used the disk already, unless you like errors! Use E Format for disks that have a whole bunch of junk on them that you are too lazy to delete yourself. (Using the trashcan).
HOW TO USE QI:
There are generaly two different types of disks you can get. The first is the type you buy in packages, 3M, Sony, Kao, or from some other big company, and most of the time they'll never let you down. These you prabobly don't want to spend much time formatting, so we suggest that you use FE Format the first time you format them, and E Format from there on.
The second type is generic brand disks, or any other old disk. We suggest that these be VFE Formated, to be on the safe side. If you really like being safe, try to avoid E Formating this type of disk.
FEATURES OF VERSION 4.1.2:
Version 4.1.2 is a large improvement over past versions. Before I go into detail, let me tell you about the earlier versions...
1.0 simply asked you to insert a disk, and if you didn't, it would quit.
2.0 had the beginnings of a user interface. It asked you if you wanted a VFE, FE, or an E format. The next, 2.1, had a help function.
3.0 had the nifty interface you see in the version you have now, which I hope is 4.0.3, except the help was a little question mark in the upper-right hand corner. It had dumb little B&W icons, and I didn't like it to much.
3.0.1 was the same as 3.0 except it took up less memory, and I tried calling some commands differently. I asked a postcard for this version.
4.0 had color icons, an easier to understand Help box, a slightly different interface, less RAM requirements, and the verify had some error checking. Here I started the registerware program.
4.0.1 took up even less RAM, less disk space, and E format had some error checking of it's own.
4.0.2 had universal error checking, a slightly different interface, (I got rid of that dumb "?"), and it let you name the disks before you format them. After having 4.0.2 on America Online for about a week, I started getting complaints of QI crashing their external drives. I never took externals into account because I only owned an internal.
4.0.3 was compatible with external drives. In order to get QI to work with them, I had to restructure the program a little... So there may have been a few bugs. I also dropped the registerware thing because I was afraid some people might not understand it.
4.1 fixed all the bugs from 4.0.3, has deeper error checking, but was not compatible with external drives.
4.1.1 complies with all of Apple's user interface guidlines and is System 7 Savvy.
This version, 4.1.2, fixes the bug with strange disk names.
If you wish to distribute QI, please write to the address, (or email address), above for permission. Please remember to state the date(s) you plan to distribute on, and the cost of obtaining the software. So far we haven't turned anyone down for distribution rights, so no need to worry.
Other Groups (Magazines, etc):
If you wish to distribute QI commercialy, we require that you notify us atleast two weeks before printing via email, or atleast one month ahead of printing by postal mail. We will discuss a contract for distribution rights.
Programmers:
If you are interested in any of -Bloom!- Software's source code, email us! We'll give you a list of what's available, and the cost. We do most of our programming in C.
