CD-X 1/cdx_01.iso/shareuti/4dos/readme.doc

Text File | 1994-10-11 | 18.8 KB | 407 lines

                                  JP Software

                           4DOS Shareware README.DOC

                        Version 5.5 -- October 12, 1994


   Copyright 1988 - 1994, JP Software Inc., All Rights Reserved.  Published
   by JP Software Inc., P.O. Box 1470, E. Arlington, MA 02174 USA, (617)
   646-3975.


   Greetings, and thanks for trying 4DOS!

   This file contains a variety of information you should read before using
   4DOS, including:

      * Changes in version 5.5          * Technical support
      * Files included with 4DOS        * Bulletin board support
      * Installation instructions       * Shareware and ASP policies
      * Upgrading from 4DOS 5.0

   If you have tried a shareware copy of 4DOS and want to place an order,
   see the product and ordering information in the file ORDERINF.DOC, or
   call us at [phone] (USA only, orders only please!) or (617) 646-
   3975.  An order form is included separately in the file ORDER.FRM.  JP
   Software also offers Take Command, an exciting new command processor for
   Windows and Windows NT, and other products which complement 4DOS, like
   the 4DOS Utility Disk; the QEdit editor for ASCII files; the multiple
   configuration utility BOOT.SYS; and the Personal REXX language.

   For complete installation instructions, see page 4.  These instructions
   cover installation procedures for both new users and those upgrading
   from a previous version of 4DOS.

   The license agreement which governs your use of 4DOS is included
   separately in the file LICENSE.DOC.  Please read it before ordering.
   The text is written in plain English, and clearly explains your rights
   and responsibilities as a user of 4DOS.  For more information on the
   shareware system under which you obtained this copy of 4DOS, see page
   6, 7.

   This file, like all our ASCII documentation files, is formatted at 58
   lines per page, and contains form feeds and page footers.  It can be
   viewed with a file viewer such as the 4DOS LIST command, or printed on
   most PC printers using the command:

            copy readme.doc prn

   Printing it with a program that formats the pages is not likely to work
   due to the formatting included in the file.
                                                               (10/94-5.5A)



   4DOS 5.5  [10-12-94]           README.DOC                         page 1


   Changes in Version 5.5

      Be sure to read the installation instructions in this file before
      installing 4DOS 5.5!

      Version 5.5 is a major new release of 4DOS.  It coincides with
      similar major releases of our other command processors:  4OS2 version
      2.5 and 4DOS for Windows NT version 2.5.

      If you are a current 4DOS user, be sure to check over the list of
      changes in this version, in the file UPDAT55.DOC, BEFORE you begin
      using version 5.5!  The list below gives only a very small sample of
      what's new in this version.  If you're a new 4DOS user, you can skip
      UPDAT55.DOC.

      Here is a partial list of the new features in this version:

          * The new FFIND command can quickly locate a file by name,
          or find text within a file, anywhere on your system. You
          can even use extended wildcards for both filenames and
          text, allowing fast, flexible searches.

          * The maximum file description length has been increased
          to 511 characters.

          * Colors can now be specified as either digits or the
          color name to help those who are running out of room for
          ColorDir specifications.

          * LIST now supports wildcards in searches, so you can look
          for text using all the extended wildcard features you
          already use to search for files.

          * KEYSTACK automatically calculates scan codes for you,
          making it easier to enter keystrokes for troublesome
          programs that require them.

          * New variables and functions for batch programmers
          include keystroke detection, binary file reads and writes,
          string formatting, and conditional calcualations.

          * Errors in batch files display the batch file name and
          the line number where the error occured.

          * All file processing commands now support file selection
          by attribute (e.g. you can easily delete all hidden files
          or copy all read-only files)

          * Directory histories are inherited and can be global like
          aliases and command history.

          * @FINDFIRST/@FINDNEXT now support include lists.



   4DOS 5.5  [10-12-94]           README.DOC                         page 2




   Files Included with 4DOS 5.5

      Please note that the way your copy of 4DOS is "packaged" will vary
      depending on the distribution method (5.25" disk, 3.5" disk, or on-
      line).  In general there will be three 5.25", 360K disks, or two 3.5"
      720K disk.  On-line copies will be in two .ZIP files, typically named
      4DOS5A.ZIP and 4DOS5B.ZIP (on CompuServe), or 4DOS55A.ZIP and
      4DOS55B.ZIP (elsewhere).

      You can also download the 4DOS, 4OS2, and 4DOS/NT Reference Manual
      (the file is named REFMAN.DOC, and is typically stored in the file
      JP4REF.ZIP).  This is a large file and much of the same information
      is available in the online help system, but we do make the ASCII
      version of the manual available for those who wish to download it.

      Similarly, if you have a printed version of the previous 4DOS 5.0
      Reference Manual and want to download the addendum to update it to
      version 5.5, look for the file JP4ADD.ZIP, which contains
      ADDENDUM.DOC.  The addendum is shipped to you automatically if you
      order an upgrade to version 5.5 from JP Software.

      ZIP files distributed by JP Software will display the message
      "Authentic files Verified!   # VHJ325   JP Software Inc." when they
      are unzipped.  If you do not see this message, the ZIP file you are
      using has been modified.  This does not necessarily indicate a
      problem, but it does alert you to the fact that the file has been
      changed since it was created by JP Software.

      The following files are included with this version of 4DOS:

          4DOS.COM            4DOS program file
          4DOS.DOC            ASCII copy of the 4DOS Introduction and
                              Installation Guide
          4DOS.HLP            4DOS help text
          4DOS.ICO            Icon file for 4DOS under Windows 3.x
          4DOSM.ICO           Same as 4DOS.ICO but for monochrome systems
          4DOSOS2A.ICO        Icon file for 4DOS under OS/2 2.x
          4DOSOS2B.ICO        Second icon file for 4DOS under OS/2 2.x
          4DOS.PIF            PIF file for running 4DOS under Windows 3.x
          4HELP.EXE           4DOS help program
          ADDENDUM.DOC        Addendum to 4DOS, 4OS2, and 4DOS/NT reference
                              manual, for those with an earlier printed
                              reference manual (must be downloaded
                              separately, see above)
          ALIASES             Sample aliases
          APPNOTES.DOC        Information on using 4DOS with other products
          BATCOMP.EXE         Batch file compression utility
          HELPCFG.EXE         Color configuration program for the 4DOS help
                              system




   4DOS 5.5  [10-12-94]           README.DOC                         page 3


          KSTACK.COM          Memory-resident program used by the 4DOS
                              KEYSTACK command
          LICENSE.DOC         The 4DOS shareware license agreement
          ORDER.FRM           4DOS shareware and upgrade order forms
          ORDERINF.DOC        Ordering and product information
          README.DOC          This file
          REFMAN.DOC          4DOS, 4OS2, and 4DOS/NT combined reference
                              manual (must be downloaded separately, see
                              above)
          SAMPLES.BTM         Sample 4DOS batch files (all samples are
                              included in one file)
          SUPPORT.BBS         Information on Channel 1, the independent BBS
                              used for 4DOS support
          SYSOP.DOC           4DOS information for BBS sysops
          TOUR.DOC            The 4DOS Guided Tour documentation
          TOUR1.BTM           Batch file used for the 4DOS "tour" (see
            and TOUR2.BTM       TOUR.DOC)
          UPDAT55.DOC         Information on changes in 4DOS 5.5
          VENDOR.DOC          4DOS information for shareware disk vendors


   Installation Instructions

      (These instructions do not cover diskette installation, because when
      4DOS is installed from diskette this file is not visible until after
      installation is complete.)

      Whether or not you presently have 4DOS installed, create a new
      directory for 4DOS 5.5 (do not install it in the same directory as a
      previous version of 4DOS).  Decompress your downloaded 4DOS 5.5 files
      into this directory.  You can print any 4DOS documentation file by
      copying it to the printer with the COPY command.

      Please note that the 4DOS Introduction and Installation Guide is
      about 80 pages long, and the Reference Manual is over 380 pages long!
      If you don't want to print these files they can be viewed on-screen
      with a file viewer such as the 4DOS LIST command.  Most of what's in
      the Reference Manual is also available in the 4DOS help system.

      For a guided tour of 4DOS features see the instructions in TOUR.DOC.
      To install 4DOS completely, follow the manual installation
      instructions in Chapter 1 of 4DOS.DOC, disregarding the discussion of
      extracting files from the diskettes.

      Be sure you have a bootable DOS floppy disk (as described at the
      beginning of Chapter 2) before installing 4DOS on your system.  This
      is not because 4DOS is likely to cause trouble.  It's because a
      mistake in the system startup files (CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT), or
      a power failure or other disturbance during installation, could
      prevent your system from booting properly.  While such problems are
      rare, any time you modify CONFIG.SYS or AUTOEXEC.BAT you should have
      a bootable floppy disk handy so you can recover if necessary.



   4DOS 5.5  [10-12-94]           README.DOC                         page 4



   Upgrading from 4DOS Version 5.0 to Version 5.5

      Be sure to go over the changes in version 5.5, in the file
      UPDAT55.DOC, before you start using it.  4DOS 5.5 can be run in "test
      drive" mode over previous versions of 4DOS, so you can test the new
      version before fully installing it.  4DOS 5.5 should always be
      installed in a different directory than any earlier version of 4DOS.

      To upgrade from 4DOS 5.0 to version 5.5, make the following changes
      in your system configuration:

          * Modify the SHELL= line in CONFIG.SYS to reflect the new
            directory where 4DOS.COM is stored.  Make a similar
            modification to any SET COMSPEC statements you have in
            AUTOEXEC.BAT or other batch files.

          * Modify any line in AUTOEXEC.BAT which loads KSTACK.COM to
            reflect the new directory where KSTACK.COM is stored.

          * If you keep any 4DOS startup or exit files (4DOS.INI, 4START,
            or 4EXIT) in your 4DOS directory, be sure to move or copy the
            old files into the directory where 4DOS 5.5 is stored.  (If the
            files are in the root directory of the boot drive they do not
            need to be moved.)  Also be sure to modify any path information
            in these files to reflect the new directory for 4DOS (for
            example, if you have a HelpPath directive in 4DOS.INI you may
            need to change it to point to the new directory for the 4DOS
            5.5 copy of the 4HELP program).

          * If you use OS/2 2.x, be sure that any DOS_SHELL settings you
            have explicitly set to 4DOS in your DOS session objects are
            modified to reflect the new directory where 4DOS.COM is stored.
            You can also highlight the DOS_SHELL setting and click on the
            Default button; this will set the command processor for the
            object to whatever is specified on the SHELL= line in
            CONFIG.SYS.  See your 4DOS Introduction and Installation Guide
            for complete details on using 4DOS with OS/2.

          * Obtain a copy of the BRAND program which came with your
            registered copy of 4DOS version 5, put it in the same directory
            as the 4DOS version 5.5 files, and run it with the command
            BRAND.  Follow the on-screen instructions to install your name
            and serial number into 4DOS.  The information needed to BRAND
            your copy is on the small blue or yellow "Brand ID Card" which
            came with your copy of 4DOS.  If you cannot find this card with
            your branding codes, you can order a replacement from JP
            Software for $5.

      Once you've made these changes, you can reboot your system and you'll
      be running 4DOS 5.5.




   4DOS 5.5  [10-12-94]           README.DOC                         page 5


   Technical Support

      We support 4DOS in our own CompuServe area, section 10 of the PC
      Vendor B forum (GO PCVENB).  If you are not currently a CompuServe
      subscriber, consider a special offer CompuServe has made to 4DOS
      users:  call 1-800-848-8199 (outside the US and Canada call 614-457-
      0802) and ask for operator 178 to receive a free CompuServe
      introductory membership, including user ID, password, and a $15
      connect time credit.

      For technical support on the Internet send mail to
      [e-mail].

      Support is also available by phone [phone]), fax (617-646-
      0904), and mail (JP Software, PO Box 1470, E. Arlington, MA 02174).
      Telephone support hours and availability may vary depending on our
      current staffing pattern and workload; there may not always be a
      support representative available when you call, in which case we will
      take a message and call you back.  We return calls as soon as
      possible, and our normal policy is to return all calls within at most
      24 hours (weekends and holidays excluded).


   Bulletin Board Support for 4DOS

      4DOS product support is always available on our support BBS, Channel
      1 in Boston.  Channel 1 is an independent BBS (not operated by JP
      Software) which has generously offered to provide a home for 4DOS BBS
      support.  Phone [phone] to access Channel 1 at 2400 - 14,400
      baud (no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit).

      If you have access to a local bulletin board which is a member of any
      of the major BBS networks (RIME / PC Relay, ILink, SmartNet, or
      FidoNet), you can discuss 4DOS with other users, and obtain limited
      support from JP Software, by leaving messages in the network's 4DOS
      conference.


   Downloading 4DOS Files

      You can download 4DOS upgrades and other files from CompuServe or the
      Channel 1 BBS (see above), or from our Internet ftp site.  To
      download files from CompuServe, go to the PC Vendor B forum (GO
      JPSOFT or GO PCVENB) and look for the files you want in Library 10.
      On Channel 1, join conference 5 and then download the files you need
      (as long as you join conference 5 before downloading you will be able
      to download 4DOS files even if they appear to be too large for your
      remaining time on the system).  On the internet, download the files
      you need via ftp from ftp.std.com, directory /vendors/jpsoft (for
      general JP Software files) or directory /vendors/jpsoft/4dos (for
      4DOS-specific files).




   4DOS 5.5  [10-12-94]           README.DOC                         page 6


   Shareware Copies of 4DOS

      If you obtained 4DOS from a shareware disk vendor, an on-line
      computer service or bulletin board, a friend or colleague, or another
      similar source, you have an unregistered (trial) copy.  As the
      copyright holder for this software, JP Software allows and encourages
      you to use this trial copy without charge for a limited period of
      time, under the terms of our license agreement (see LICENSE.DOC).
      After this time is up, you must purchase (register and pay for) the
      product to continue using it.

      This method of distribution is known as shareware.  It allows you to
      determine whether the product meets your needs before you pay for it.

      Payment of the shareware registration fee for 4DOS entitles you to a
      complete copy of the product with typeset-quality printed and bound
      manuals; the ability to download an upgrade to the next major release
      of the product; continued technical support via electronic mail or
      telephone; and a subscription to "The Prompt Solution", JP Software's
      customer newsletter.


   Association of Shareware Professionals

      The authors and publisher of 4DOS are members of the Association of
      Shareware Professionals (ASP), an organization formed to strengthen
      the future of shareware.  Its members, all of whom are programmers
      who subscribe to a code of ethics, are committed to the concept of
      shareware as a method of marketing.

      The ASP sets standards for its members and their shareware products
      which provide that programs produced by ASP members must be fully
      documented, non-crippled, and offered with at least a minimum level
      of support.  It also sets standards for shareware disk vendors and
      provides information to the public about shareware.


   ASP Ombudsman Statement

      JP Software is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals
      (ASP).  ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for
      you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an
      ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to
      help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem
      with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for
      members' products.  Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover
      Road, Muskegon, MI 49442 or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe
      Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.







   4DOS 5.5  [10-12-94]           README.DOC                         page 7