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FastFlip The Fast Application Swapper FastFlip, Copyright 1991 Aquila Data Systems and Chris Curran. All rights reserved. Aquila Data Systems, Inc. 304 Bayfield Drive Brandon, FL 33511 FAX : (813)653/2408 Group II, III BBS Line 1: (813)653-2937 1200,2400,38400 v.32 BBS Line 2: (813)685-4218 1200,2400,38400 v.32 License This version of FastFlip is NOT public domain or free software, but is being distributed as "shareware". Non-registered users of this software are granted a limited license to make an evaluation copy for trial use on a private, non-commercial basis, for the express purpose of determining whether FastFlip is suitable for their needs. At the end of this trial period, you should either register your copy or discontinue using FastFlip. A FastFlip registration entitles you to use the program on any and all computers available to you, with the following restriction: If other people have access to this program or may use it, then you should purchase a site license. See the following section for information about site licensing or quantity discounts. All users are granted a limited license to copy FastFlip only for the trial use of others and subject to the above limitations. This license does NOT include distribution or copying of this software package: 1. In connection with any other product or service. 2. For general use within a company or institution. 3. For any consideration or 'disk fee'. 4. For distribution in modified form; i.e., the file containing this license information MUST be included, along with the full FastFlip documentation. Operators of electronic bulletin board systems (Sysops) are encouraged to post FastFlip for downloading by their users, as long as the above conditions are met. Shareware This shareware version of FastFlip has a 5 second delay Policies when started from DOS. Registered versions of FastFlip do not contain this screen. The registered and shareware versions are otherwise identical. ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── FastFlip v2.13 Page 1 Disclaimer The software and accompanying written materials (including instructions for use) are provided "AS IS" without warranty of any kind. Further, Aquila Data Systems does not warrant, guarantee, or make any representations regarding the use, or the results of the use, of the software or written materials in terms of correctness, accuracy, reliability, currentness, or otherwise. The entire risk as to the result and performance of the software is assumed by you. If the software or written materials are defective you, and not Aquila Data Systems or its dealers, distributors, agents or employees, assume the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair, or correction. No warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, that are made by Aquila Data Systems on this Aquila Data Systems product. No oral or written information or advice given by Aquila Data Systems, its dealers, distributors, agents or employees shall create a warranty or in any way increase the scope of this warranty, and you may not rely on any such information or advice. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have other legal rights, which vary from state to state. Neither Aquila Data Systems nor anyone else who has been involved with the creation, production, or delivery of this product shall be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages (including but not limited to damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, and the like) arising out of the use or inability to use such product even if Aquila Data Systems has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Because some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to you. Trademarks All trademarks and copyrights belong to their respective holders. ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── FastFlip v2.13 Page 2 Ordering A FastFlip registration licenses you to use the product on a Information regular basis. Registration includes notification of updates and technical support (via our support BBS). Registering FastFlip costs $35 (plus 1.50 shipping). When received, we will send you the latest FastFlip diskette, with documentation on the disk. Alternatively, if you so specify, we will send you the next update of the program, when available. Florida residents should include 6% sales tax. Please use the form at the end of this document. Orders Please send a check drawn on a US bank in US dollars. We outside can accept non-US currency; however, you must include an the US additional $15 to cover conversion and collection costs. Please include an additional $10 to cover postage on orders delivered outside of the US. Corporate All corporate, business, government or other commercial Site users of FastFlip must be registered. We offer quantity Licenses and discounts as well as site licensing. Quantity Purchases Corporate site licensing agreements allow duplication and distribution of specific numbers of copies within the licensed institution. Duplication of multiple copies is not allowed except through execution of a licensing agreement. Site license fees are based upon estimated number of users. Note that with a site license, only one copy of the program will be sent. You will be responsible for distributing additional copies. Please call or write for more information. ALL PRICES AND DISCOUNTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. Discounts are not cumulative; they apply to single orders of like products only. Unit prices are the same as for individual users. WARNING YOU MAY NOT USE FastFlip WITHIN YOUR ORGANIZATION WITHOUT A PRIOR PURCHASE OR LICENSE ARRANGEMENT. ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── FastFlip v2.13 Page 3 Development C compiler : TurboC++ v1.0 (Borland) Tools Used Assembler : TASM v2.0 (Borland) Linker : TLink v3.0 (Borland) Debugger : TDebug v2.0 (Borland) Editor : Qedit 2.13a (SemWare) Version Control: PVCS for DOS (Sage Software) C Libs : CodeRunneR (Microsystems Software) : PDK1 (Microsystems Software) : PDK2 (Microsystems Software) : PDK3 (Microsystems Software) : ADK1 (Microsystems Software) Microsystems Software are the developers of a group of TSR libraries for 'C' programmers. Their libraries were used extensively in the development of FastFlip, most notably ADK1. It should also be noted that a sample program provided with ADK1 was used as the "starting point" for FastFlip. While FastFlip no longer resembles the original sample, FastFlip does have it's roots in someone else's work. In other words, credit is due to MSI for providing superior programming libraries with superior sample programs to it's customers. It should also be noted that MSI provides the absolute best technical support there is. There are no three day waits for a call back from tech support! Without the quality tech support provided by MSI, FastFlip would have been next to impossible to write. Again, credit is due to the guys at MSI (Dick, Ratko and Reed). While the MSI documentation is not what one would call "perfect", it is much better than other products competing in the same market, and sufficient for most applications. MSI has also been receptive to comments and suggestions concerning their doc, and has continually improved the quality of it's documentation with each release. I'd also like to take this opportunity to mention MSIG. This is a "Norton Guide" clone written by Reed Lewis (of MSI) that has quickly become my left arm. If you use (or have a use for) Norton Guide files, you absolutely *must* try this program - it's great! And no, I don't work for MSI, and I don't get any kick-back from them. The above is this programmers opinion; you may or may not agree. How to contact MSI: Microsystems Software, Inc. 600 Worcester Road Framingham, MA 01701 Voice: (508)626-8511 BBS: (508)875-8009 ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── FastFlip v2.13 Page 4 Program FastFlip v2.13 Name Application Swapper What is it? FastFlip(tm) is a versatile program management tool that allows you to load up to 10 programs at once and instantly switch between them. You can switch between your word processor, spreadsheets, databases, and utilities at will without having to wait. This eliminates the need to exit one program to open and use another, which lets you concentrate on the reasons why you are using your software in the first place. NOTE: This is NOT a multi-tasker; the PC apps are simply swapped in and out as desired. The *only* task that is actually running is the task that is being viewed. System FastFlip will run on the IBM PS/2, PC/AT, PC/XT, PC, PC/Jr, Requirements and IBM compatible computers including the Compaq, NCR, Tandy, and WYSE PC's. MINIMUM requirements are: - 512k of memory. - PC-DOS 3.0 or greater or MS-DOS 3.0 or greater. - Either a color or a monochrome monitor with 80-column display. Memory Now for the next question in everyone's mind - how much Requirements memory is this going to cost me? (drum roll please)...15k! That's right - you can have up to 10 PC applications running at the same time for 15k of DOS memory. And if you load FastFlip into upper memory (with DOS 5.0), it will leave a 0k DOS footprint! How can this be? Because FastFlip uses a new and advanced technique (MSI patent pending) to "swap" applications in and out of memory as needed. The memory/disc space requirements of FastFlip are as follows (assuming you use the default memory settings): 1. ~775k of XMS memory per application, or 2. ~775k of LIM memory per application, or 3. ~775k of disc space per application, or 4. Any combination of the above. FastFlip is able to "scatter" it's data requirements among the different stowage mediums available at load time. In other words, it can use some XMS, some LIM and send the rest to disc. ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── FastFlip v2.13 Page 5 XMS memory is preferred, then LIM, then lastly the disc drive. Note that FastFlip can directly access XMS (extended memory) if it is available. This type of memory is the cheapest to add to a PC (no extra boards are needed to install or control this type of memory), and also the fastest performing memory you can add to your PC. Street prices for memory are now about $50 to $75 per meg (depending on type and speed). Also note that if you use extended memory, you'll need to include HIMEM.SYS in your CONFIG.SYS file (make it the first entry). If a disc drive is used (and most will need to), then disc caching software is recommended. I personally use HyperDisk version 4.21 and find it to be one of the best. I have my machines on UPS's, so I also enable the disc write caching of HyperDisk, which tremendously decreases application swap time. If you're using this on a 10mhz 286 with 512k RAM and a ST-225, please don't tell me how slow FastFlip is at swapping - it is you who are slow to swap...<g>... Installing Installing FastFlip is as simple as coping FASTFLIP.EXE to FastFlip your utilities directory. You do not HAVE to store FASTFLIP.EXE in your utility directory, but it is recommended. Starting To start FastFlip, simply type in FastFlip at your DOS FastFlip prompt, followed by any optional command line parameters (see below). Do NOT start FastFlip if you have "shelled to DOS" from another application - this will leave "holes" in your memory. After FastFlip has been loaded, you may "hotkey" into any available application. NOTE: With the exception of Windows 3.0, FastFlip can swap almost any application - even hi-res graphics applications. ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── FastFlip v2.13 Page 6 Command Line The available command line options are as follows: Options /? Display HELP screen. The help screen may be displayed before, or after FastFlip is loaded. /C Sets the hotkey used for CUT. Example: FastFlip /clcs-1 Sets the CUT hotkey to Left-Ctrl-Shft-1. /E Forces FastFlip to NOT use any available EXPANDED memory (LIM 3.x-4.x) for swapping. /I Displays detailed information about the currently defined pages. /M Sets the hotkey used for MENU. /N Specifies the number of pages FastFlip will setup. The default is 3, and the maximum is 10. Example: FastFlip /n6 Loads FastFlip with 6 pages. /P Sets the hotkey used for PASTE. /S FastFlip will use the current drive for swapping (if disc swapping is needed). If you do not have sufficient space on the current drive, or, have a RAM drive with sufficient space, use this option to specify a different swap drive. Example: FastFlip /sg Loads FastFlip, and swaps to drive G: if needed. /U Unload FastFlip from memory. This option requires that FastFlip is the LAST TSR that has been loaded. If other TSR's are loaded AFTER FastFlip, they will need to be removed before FastFlip can perform an unload. /X Forces FastFlip to NOT use any available XMS memory for swapping. ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── FastFlip v2.13 Page 7 Program After FastFlip has been loaded, LCTRL-? will pop-up the Status application status menu. ┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │Pg Stat Mem Program HotKey │ │───────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ 1 ══> 554k Dos Prompt LC-1 │ │ 2 Act 256k Dos Prompt LC-2 │ │ 3 Idl 256k Dos Prompt LC-3 │ │ 4 Idl 256k Dos Prompt LC-4 │ │ 5 Act 256k Dos Prompt LC-5 │ │ 6 Idl 256k Dos Prompt LC-6 │ │ 7 Idl 256k Dos Prompt LC-7 │ │ 8 Idl 256k Dos Prompt LC-8 │ │ 9 Idl 256k Dos Prompt LC-9 │ │ 0 Idl 256k Dos Prompt LC-0 │ │───────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ Enter Page #, or 'E' to edit │ └───────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ Sample Application Status Menu The Application Status Menu is rather self-explanatory. The current page is indicated with a "══>". Pages that are idle show "Idl" and pages that are active (but not currently selected) show "Act". The status display also shows the amount of memory, program name and hotkey for each page. ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── FastFlip v2.13 Page 11 Editing A limited number of fields may be modified at run time for Program each application page. To edit the settings of a page, enter Information 'E' and select the appropriate page number from the list. The following screen will then be displayed: ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Page: x │ │ Name: _________________________ │ │ Program: ________________________________________ │ │ Chg Dir: ________________________________________ │ │ │ │ Pause for command line options? (Y/N): _ │ │ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ Sample Page Edit Display Page The page number being edited. This is a display only field. Name The description of the program. This may be any text up to 25 characters. Program The DOS name of the program. If the program is a COM or EXE file, an extension is not needed. If the program is a BATCH file, then the ".BAT" extension *MUST* be included. If the program is in your DOS PATH, then a path does not need to precede the DOS file name. If the program is NOT your DOS PATH, then you must specify the path with the file name, or use the "Chg Dir" field below. If you only want a DOS prompt, leave this field blank. A BATCH file will also return to the DOS prompt (unless an EXIT command is included). Chg Dir The path that FastFlip should change to when the program is started. Pause If this field is "Y", FastFlip will pause for entry of any parameters to be passed to the program. ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── FastFlip v2.13 Page 11 Custom DOS If a custom prompt is desired for each page at the DOS Prompt prompt, specify a BATCH file in the Program field to change the prompt. Example SETNEWP.BAT file for DOS: @echo off prompt $e[37;40m%1│$p$g$e[36;40m Example SETNEWP.BAT file for 4DOS users: @echo off setdos /V0 prompt $e[37;40m%1│$p$g$e[36;40m This BATCH file will set a new prompt for this page (the 4DOS version also sets a 4DOS state variable). The PROMPT statement above requires ANSI.SYS (or equivalent) to be loaded since it also changes the color of the prompt (my personal preference). Note the placement of the DOS parameter "%1" - this parm is specified in the FastFlip Program Edit screen for this page (see example below). Following is a sample BATCH file setup: ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Page: 3 │ │ Name: Dos Prompt │ │ Program: setnewp.bat 3 │ │ Chg Dir: │ │ │ │ Pause for command line options? (Y/N): N │ │ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── FastFlip v2.13 Page 11 Cut and FastFlip also allows you to "cut and paste" data between Paste applications. Cutting The contents of one application screen may be Data copied to another application, or to itself. Data that is to be copied must first be marked, then "cut". Note that the term "cut" does not denote that any damage or modification with come to the original data. Data is marked for cutting by pressing "Left-Ctrl-Left-Shft-C". The current application screen will then be set to white on black, and the marked area will be displayed as white on blue. The current cursor location is used as the upper left corner of the marked block. Use the arrow keys to expand or shrink the marked area. You may not move the cursor above or to the left of the current upper left corner of the marked block. If the upper left corner of the block needs to be moved, press "F9", reposition the cursor and press "F10" to anchor the upper left corner of the marked block. After the block has been marked, press "Enter". The data will then be copied to a disc file for later use by the Paste command. The disc file is NOT erased after a Paste command, or when FastFlip is unloaded. This allows you to paste the same data any number of times, to any number of applications. Pasting The contents of the disc cut file is pasted to the current application by pressing "Left-Ctrl-Left-Shft-P". The contents of the disc cut file is then fed into the current applications keyboard buffer, with an "Enter" simulated at the end of each line. If the disc cut file is empty or an error occurs during reading, a beep will be emitted and no action taken. Note: You must release all keys of the Paste command before pasting will begin. ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── FastFlip v2.13 Page 12 Configuring The program FFSETUP.EXE is used to configure FastFlip. If FastFlip you run FFSETUP from a page in FastFlip (while it is loaded), the changes will not take effect until FastFlip has been unloaded and reloaded. NOTE: Command line toggles will override any configured settings. After FFSETUP has been loaded, you will be presented with the following menu: ┌─────────────────────┐ │ │ │ Startup Parameters │ │ Application Page 1 │ │ Application Page 2 │ │ Application Page 3 │ │ Application Page 4 │ │ Application Page 5 │ │ Application Page 6 │ │ Application Page 7 │ │ Application Page 8 │ │ Application Page 9 │ │ Application Page 10 │ │ │ └─────────────────────┘ Select "Startup Parameters" to configure settings that effect all application pages (number of apps, swap drive, etc). Select "Application Page 1" through "Application Page 10" to configure the appropriate application page. ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── FastFlip v2.13 Page 11 Startup ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ Parameters │ │ │ Menu Hotkey: LC-/ │ │ Cut Hotkey: LCS-C │ │ Paste Hotkey: LCS-P │ │ Prev App Hotkey: LCS-, │ │ Next App Hotkey: LCS-. │ │ │ │ Number of Applications: 3 │ │ Swap Drive (if needed): C Alternate Drive: C │ │ Use EMS for swapping?: Y │ │ Use XMS for swapping?: Y │ │ │ │ │ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ Startup Parameters Edit Screen Menu Sets the hotkey used to display the application menu. See "Hot Key" in "Application Page Edit Screen" for valid hot key specifiers. Cut Sets the hotkey used to activate the cut operation. See "Hot Key" in "Application Page Edit Screen" for valid hot key specifiers. Paste Sets the hotkey used to activate the paste operation. See "Hot Key" in "Application Page Edit Screen" for valid hot key specifiers. Prev Sets the hotkey used swap to the previous application page. See "Hot Key" in "Application Page Edit Screen" for valid hot key specifiers. Next Sets the hotkey used swap to the next application page. See "Hot Key" in "Application Page Edit Screen" for valid hot key specifiers. Number Specifies the number of pages FastFlip will setup. The default is 3, and the maximum is 10. Swap Drive The primary drive that FastFlip should use for swapping (if disc swapping is needed). If there is not enough free space on this drive, the Alternate swap drive will be attempted. Alternate If FastFlip needs to swap to the disc and the primary swap drive does not have enough free space to hold the swap file, the alternate drive will be used instead. ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── FastFlip v2.13 Page 11 Use EMS If this field is "Y", FastFlip will allow application pages to use EMS memory for swapping. If this field is "N", FastFlip will not allow application pages to use EMS memory for swapping. Use XMS If this field is "Y", FastFlip will allow application pages to use XMS memory for swapping. If this field is "N", FastFlip will not allow application pages to use XMS memory for swapping. Application ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ Page 1-10 │ │ │ Page: 1 │ │ Name: Dos Prompt │ │ Program: │ │ Chg Dir: │ │ Memory: 512 │ │ Hot Key: LC-1 │ │ Use EMS: Y │ │ Use XMS: Y │ │ │ │ Pause for command line options? (Y/N): N │ │ │ │ │ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ Application Page Edit Screen Page The page number being edited. This is a display only field. Name The description of the program. This may be any text up to 25 characters. ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── FastFlip v2.13 Page 11 Program The DOS name of the program. If the program is a COM or EXE file, an extension is not needed. If the program is a BATCH file, then the ".BAT" extension *MUST* be included. If the program is in your DOS PATH, then a path does not need to precede the DOS file name. If the program is NOT your DOS PATH, then you must specify the path with the file name, or use the "Chg Dir" field below. If you only want a DOS prompt, leave this field blank. A BATCH file will also return to the DOS prompt (unless an EXIT command is included). Chg Dir The path that FastFlip should change to when the program is started. Memory The amount of memory needed (in k) for this program. NOTE: Memory size changes do not take effect until FastFlip has been unloaded and reloaded. ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── FastFlip v2.13 Page 11 Hot Key The HotKey that will be used to change to this page. A HotKey is selected by entering HotKey specifiers, followed by a dash ('-') and then the identifier key. Available HotKey specifiers are: L Left R Right A Alt C Ctrl S Shift HotKey specifiers may be combined in any manner, except 'L' and 'R' - these two specifiers are mutually exclusive. A HotKey identifier is any single key. Function keys may be used as identifiers by using the key name (i.e. "F5"). Examples: LCS-1 Left-Ctrl-Shift-1 RCS-1 Right-Ctrl-Shift-1 LCA-1 Left-Ctrl-Alt-1 LCAS-1 Left-Ctrl-Alt-Shift-1 LC-F9 Left-Ctrl-F9 RC-F11 Right-Ctrl-F11 LCAS-F9 Left-Ctrl-Alt-Shift-F9 RCS-Q Right-Ctrl-Shift-Q NOTE: HotKey changes do not take effect until FastFlip has been unloaded and reloaded. Use EMS If this field is "Y", FastFlip will attempt to use EMS memory for swapping this page. If EMS usage is turned off (via Startup Parameters), this field has no effect. If this field is "N", FastFlip will not use EMS memory for swapping this page. Use XMS If this field is "Y", FastFlip will attempt to use XMS memory for swapping this page. If XMS usage is turned off (via Startup Parameters), this field has no effect. If this field is "N", FastFlip will not use XMS memory for swapping this page. Pause If this field is "Y", FastFlip will pause for entry of any parameters to be passed to the program. ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── FastFlip v2.13 Page 8 Usage Notes Disc-cache software should be loaded BEFORE FASTFLIP.EXE to insure proper operation. Lantastic may be loaded before, or after FastFlip in an available partition. If loaded after, other partitions will "see" the new LASTDRIVE, but will be unable to access it. Known to Lantastic 2.57, DOS 3.3, DOS 4.01, DOS 5.0, HYPERDISK 4.20, Work SMARTDRV.SYS, VDISK.SYS, RAMDRIVE.SYS, SHARE.EXE, WIN3, WORD 4.0, WORD 5.0, QMODEM 4.2g, 4DOS 3.x, QEdit 2.x, Quattro Pro 1.x - 3.x, dBase III Plus, dBase IV 1.1, Microsoft C 6.0, MASM 5.1, TurboC++ 2.13, TASM 2.13, Turbo Debugger 2.13, Turbo Profiler 2.13, PcTools Deluxe 6.0 To register your copy of FastFlip, please fill out the following form and send it along with a check or money order. Remit/Send To: Aquila Data Systems, Inc. 304 Bayfield Drive Brandon, FL 33511 ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── FastFlip v2.13 Page 13 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- FastFlip Order Form --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name (to register to): ________________________________________________ Address to ship to: ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ Telephone: ________________________________________________ Date: __________________ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- QUANTITY DESCRIPTION UNIT PRICE TOTAL --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________ FastFlip US $ 35.00 ________ Florida Residents add 6% ________ Shipping $1.50 Additional Shipping ________ Total ________ Check/Money Order enclosed for US $ ___________ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Version Number of FastFlip: _________________________________________ Place obtained from: _________________________________________ Type of Computer: _________________________________________ Type of Operating System: _________________________________________ Type of video card/monitor: _________________________________________ Additional Comments: _________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________