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1989-09-17
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Ease-Up A Shareware Product
V1.7 17-Sep-1989 from
GEnie Version Simple Solutions, Inc.
P.O. Box 640189
Kenner, LA 70064
(504) 464-5748
Copyright (C) 1989 by Simple Solutions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
_______
Written by ____|__ | (tm)
Mark W. Geisinger --| | |-------------------
| ____|__ | Association of
CIS 76440,76 | | |_| Shareware
GEnie M.GEISINGER |__| o | Professionals
BIX mgeisinger -----| | |---------------------
|___|___| MEMBER
This program is produced by 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 P.O. Box 5786, Bellevue, WA
98006 or send a Compuserve message via easyplex to ASP Ombudsman
70007,3536
Simple Solutions, Inc.
SHAREWARE SOFTWARE LICENSE
Ease-Up and this documentation file are copyrighted works and
have been released for distribution as SHAREWARE. You are
granted a nonexclusive limited license to use Ease-Up for an
evaluation period of 30 days. If, after this time, you find the
program useful and continue to use it, you are required to
register the program with Simple Solutions, Inc. (SSI). If you
decide not to register Ease-Up, please pass it on to a friend or
your local bulletin boards.
This license entitles you to use Ease-Up for your own personal
use during the evaluation period on any computer you own or use.
You may make as many backup copies of Ease-Up as you like. You
may use Ease-Up on as many computers as you like, so long as no
two copies of Ease-Up are being used at the same time. We
encourage you to allow your friends or associates to evaluate
Ease-Up by passing on a copy of the unregistered version of
Ease-Up.
Proper registration of Ease-Up with SSI entitles you to continue
to use Ease-Up. In addition, as a registered user you will
receive the most recent version of Ease-Up on disk, you will be
entitled to technical support, and you will be notified of
program updates as soon as they become available. You will find
a registration form at the end of this document that outlines
the procedures for registering your copy of the program.
Disk vendors or those that distribute shareware programs on disk
see the document "VENDOR.DOC", incorporated herein by reference.
Operators of electronic bulletin boards (Sysops) are encouraged
to post Ease-Up for downloading by their users. Those copying,
sharing, and/or electronically transmitting the program are
required not to modify in any way the program file(s) and the
accompanying documentation.
If you are passing this program on to others, uploading it to a
bulletin board system, or including it in a users group library,
please do not separate the files contained in this ARC or ZIP
file. Please pass the ARC or ZIP file on intact. This ensures
that those who receive the program will have all the correct
program files and documentation necessary to use Ease-Up.
This is a single user license. Businesses are welcome to
evaluate Ease-Up. If your business is interested in registering
Ease-Up and requires a multi user license, please contact SSI
for information regarding our unlimited use site license.
Simple Solutions, Inc. is not affiliated with any other company
mentioned in this document or supported by the program Ease-Up.
Ease-Up V1.7 GEnie Version Documentation Page 1
DISCLAIMER
This software is provided as is. Ease-Up is inherently complex
and may not be completely free of errors. SSI will not be
responsible for any costs or damage associated with loss of use
of Ease-Up or any other resources, loss of business or profits,
any loss of data, any third party claims, or costs of substitute
programs. IN NO EVENT WILL SSI BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL,
INDIRECT, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES SUFFERED BY
THE LICENSEE OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY, WHETHER FROM THE USE
OF THE Ease-Up, ANY FAILURE THEREOF, OR OTHERWISE EVEN IF SSI OR
ITS DEALERS OR AGENTS ARE AWARE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGES. THIS CONSTITUTES SSI'S SOLE WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, AND LICENSEE WAIVES ALL OTHER WARRANTIES INCLUDING
WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
THIS AGREEMENT IS THE ENTIRE AGREEMENT BETWEEN SIMPLE SOLUTIONS,
INC. AND YOU RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT,
WHICH SUPERSEDES ANY PRIOR PROPOSAL STATEMENTS, UNDERSTANDINGS,
OR AGREEMENTS.
Ease-Up V1.7 GEnie Version Documentation Page 2
Ease-Up Documentation
GEnie Version
Overview
--------
As with most computer software, Ease-Up was born of a need. In
this case that was my need to eliminate the aggravation of
trying to edit an upload description while online. About 2 am
one morning I was uploading a file to GEnie and made some
mistakes in the description. It took me three tries (see
definition) to get the description right. Well, no more!
Ease-Up solved that problem.
Ease-Up is intended as a front end to the script languages of
several popular telecom. programs that support script files for
the specific purpose of generating a script that will
automatically upload a file for you once you are online. More
importantly, all the online descriptions are entered for you by
the script.
Ease-Up was originally developed to support Qmodem and GEnie and
is also available in a CompuServe version. CIS subscribers are
welcome to inquire about that version.
Ease-Up V1.6 now supports the following terminal programs in the
GEnie version:
PROCOMM PLUS
Qmodem V4.0
Crosstalk Mk.4 V1.1
Crosstalk Mk.4 will be referred to as XTALK4 throughout the
remainder of the documentation.
Features
--------
The great benefit to using Ease-Up is that you allow yourself
the convenience of composing the file description information
off line, free of connect charges.
You also have at your disposal:
A sophisticated environment which includes data
validation (as far as it makes sense).
Full editing capabilities for the long description.
Pop up choice lists for easy entry of file name
extensions, forum names, forum libraries for the forum
you select (a limited library list is included in the
evaluation version). I believe that you will find this
one feature of Ease Up one of it's most time saving when
composing a new script.
Ease-Up V1.7 GEnie Version Documentation Page 3
Ease-Up includes a list of most of the forum names on
GEnie for you to choose from (you have to tell Ease-Up
what forum to upload the file to). You may never have
to manually enter a forum name unless you want to.
Ease-Up will read an ASCII text file into the long
description using a command line switch.
You have the choice of using GEnie's menu mode or
command mode.
You may create as many scripts as you like, reusing the
description information or changing it as needed.
You may distinguish between local and host filenames.
This eases the task of uploading several files with
different names on your system to different CIS forums,
using the same file name on CIS.
Two layers of context sensitive help are offered while
using Ease-Up.
Our intention is to make Ease-Up as easy for you to use
as possible. After selecting the forum you want to
upload to, you need to know what library number to put
the file into. You certainly can't remember all the
libraries for each forum, so for selected forums in this
version a list of all the forum libraries with their
descriptions is included. All you need to do is scroll
through the list and select the library of your choice
from the list.
The following forums are included in the library list of this
release of Ease-Up:
IBMPC ASHTONTATE PHOTO WRITERS
HOSB AVIATION PRO/AM
MICROSOFT BBS PROTREE
QMODEM INVEST RELIGION
DBMS LAW SCUBA
BORLAND PF WP
Best of all, Ease-Up is easy to use!
Installation
------------
If you are one that likes to jump right in, go ahead. Ease-Up
really needs little more explanation to allow you to begin
creating upload scripts. A quick word on paths and such first
though. Ease-Up needs to have access to its two data files,
EUP.GFM and EUPG.HLP, in order for it to operate properly.
Ease-Up will look in two places for the data files. It first
checks the current DOS path (where you are when you execute
Ease-Up) for the file. If it's not found, Ease-Up then checks
the path where it resides (where you have Ease-Up on your
Ease-Up V1.7 GEnie Version Documentation Page 4
drive). Make sure that the data files are in one of these two
places before using Ease-Up.
Script files are saved to the current working directory. You
may want to install Ease-Up in a directory on your DOS PATH and
change to the directory where you want your script file saved
before running the program.
Installing Ease Up is simple. In the packed file that you
downloaded were this DOC file, the program and, its data files.
The files included are:
EUPG.EXE Ease-Up program file
EUP.GFM External forum list
EUPG.HLP Help data
EUPG.DOC This documentation file
EUPG170.REV Revision notes
EUPORDER.FRM Order form
XTEUPG1.XTS XTALK4 include file #1
XTEUPG2.XTS XTALK4 include file #2
VENDOR.DOC Note for shareware vendors
The files EUPORDER.FRM and VENDOR.DOC are not included with the
registered version.
The file EUP.GFM contains a list of many of the GEnie forums.
This list is used in one of several pop up choice lists in the
program. The EUPG.HLP file is the data for the context
sensitive help system. Ease-Up will function properly without
the EUPG.HLP file, although no help will be available when using
the program. Ease-Up expects to find both data files in the
format they were released in, so tamper with them at your own
risk.
You may install the program file, EUPG.EXE, anywhere you like as
long as DOS can find it when you execute it. This means that
you should install it in a directory in your DOS PATH or change
to the drive and directory where it is located before you use
it. Using the PATH option is certainly more convenient and
should be used if you are using Ease-Up with more than one
terminal program.
The data files EUP.GFM and EUPG.HLP may either reside with
EUPG.EXE or be in the current directory when you execute EUP.
You will probably want to keep EUPG.EXE and the data files
together and change to the directory you keep your script files
in before using Ease-Up.
There are several other files included that you should be aware
of. The file VENDOR.DOC contains SSI's policy and license for
disk vendors.
The file EUPG170.REV contains the revision notes for the
program. Reviewing this file is an easy way to get up to get an
overview of recent program changes and enhancements.
Ease-Up V1.7 GEnie Version Documentation Page 5
EUPORDER.FRM contains the order form for Easy-Up.
XTEUPG1.XTS & XTEUPG2.XTS:
-------------------------
These two files are required to use Ease-Up with XTALK4. They
are referred to as "include" files as they are 'included' into
the script generated by Ease-Up when it is compiled by XTALK4.
In order to make these files available to XTALK4 when compiling
your script, simply copy them to either the subdirectory where
your script resides, or any subdirectory on the XTPATH. (XTPATH
is an environment variable used by XTALK4. Refer to your XTALK4
manuals for details.)
Refer to the section "XTALK4 Scripts" below for further details
on using include files.
Using Ease-Up
-------------
Command Line Use
----------------
Usage:
EUPG [-p upload path] [-d long descr. file] [-c] [-b] [-a]
[-s]
All command line flags are optional and may be used in any
order. Those with arguments (-p & -d) require a space
between the flag and the argument.
-a Automatic confirmation of upload.
After the file transfer is complete, GEnie will ask you if
the information is correct and request a response.
Ease-Up's default is to not generate the script code to
respond to this prompt, thus allowing you manual
confirmation that all is well. You may use this switch to
force Ease-Up to write the script commands to respond to
this prompt for you.
-b Enables audible tones used with certain message and warning
windows. Default is quiet operation.
-c use GEnie command mode in script
-s Disable status window in XTALK4 scripts. This switch has no
effect when using other terminal programs.
-d long descr. file
Ease Up will read an ASCII text file into the long
description field for you using this option. A maximum of
ten lines are allowed in the file. The maximum line length
in this file is 76 characters.
Ease-Up V1.7 GEnie Version Documentation Page 6
Example: EUPC -d upload.des
-p upload path
Ease-Up allows you to specify the path to the file you are
uploading. This is intended for PROCOMM PLUS and XTALK4
users, and is editable in the program. This option is not
used with scripts generated for Qmodem, as Ease-Up assumes
that you are using Qmodem's internal upload path. The path
entered must be a complete DOS path (no file name though).
Example: EUPG -p D:\UPLOADS
To start Ease-Up type "EUPG" at the DOS prompt and hit return.
Youu will see Ease-Up's intro screen and copyright notice. You
may press any keyboard character key (such as the spacebar) at
anytime to continue. If after approximately five seconds you
haven't pressed a key, a message will flash in the lower right
hand corner of the screen to remind you to do so.
After the intro you will see a brief disclaimer. You will then
be ready to start building your script.
Ease-Up Can Help
----------------
Context Sensitive Help
----------------------
At all times when entering data with Ease-Up, you have a
comprehensive, context sensitive, help system available at a key
press. There are two "layers" of help available as you will
see. The first is the context sensitive level. That is, the
first information displayed to assist you is relevant to your
location or task at that time. The second layer is more general
and is meant as a guide to using the program in general.
Pressing the <F1> key will open a help window across the bottom
of your screen. You may resize, or "zoom", this window at any
time by pressing <ALT-F1>. Pressing <ALT-F1> a second time will
return the window to its previous state. Ease-Up will remember
the "zoom" status when you exit the help window and size it
accordingly on its next use.
The first information displayed in the help window relates to
your current task. For instance, if you are entering the
terminal program to use when uploading your file, you would have
available information on what is required or expected for that
entry.
Pressing <F1> a second time will bring you to the second level
of help. This is a more general guide to using Ease-Up and
provides information useful throughout the program.
Ease-Up V1.7 GEnie Version Documentation Page 7
You may press the <ESC> or <RETURN> keys to exit the help system
at any time.
Navigating Help
---------------
Most of the Help in the first level is one screen or window.
There are some areas that are several screen "pages". Much of
the second level help will span several screens. Ease-Up
provides you with a simple method of reading the Help text.
In those areas where the Help text is more than one screen you
will see the following message in either the top or bottom right
corner of your screen:
<PgDwn> for [MORE]
There are actually several keys that will page up and down for
you.
PgUp Pages Up one screen
Up Arrow Pages Up one screen
Left Arrow Pages Up one screen
PgDwn Pages Down one screen
Down Arrow Pages Down one screen
Right Arrow Pages Down one screen
For those first level Help items that are one screen, or when
you have reached the end of a longer Help item, the following
message is used to remind you that a second press of <F1> brings
you to the second level (more general) of Help:
<F1> for [MORE]
To exit Help at any time, simply press <ESC> or <RETURN>. In
the second level of Help you will have to press these keys
twice, first to return to the first level then again to exit
Help.
Other Messages to Assist You
----------------------------
Check the bottom two screen lines for informative prompts
throughout the use of Ease-Up. These will vary from brief
prompting as to field contents, to the function keys available
when editing the long description.
There are several places in the program where you may see a pop
up window containing a message. These windows all behave in the
same manner. The window will present itself and with no further
action on your part, will remain on the screen for several
seconds to allow you to read the message. The window will then
close and return you to data entry. At any time while a message
window is on the screen, you may close the window yourself by
pressing any keyboard character key (the spacebar for instance).
Ease-Up V1.7 GEnie Version Documentation Page 8
These windowed messages are meant to inform you of possible
errors (typing an invalid file name for instance) or warnings
before overwriting existing script files.
Entering Data
-------------
Ease-Up needs to know several things about your upload in order
to generate a script for you. You'll find that the information
is well organized and that Ease-Up does as much of the work for
you as it can.
There are certain differences in the data entry that are
specific to the terminal program you are generating a script
for. These are intended as an added convenience for you and
should be understood when using Ease-Up.
These differences apply to only one field at this time. This is
the Upload Path field. Before making an entry in this field,
you are asked to choose a terminal program from a list of
supported programs (Qmodem or PROCOMM PLUS and XTALK4 in this
version).
When generating a script for PROCOMM PLUS or XTALK4, the Upload
Path field is available for your use. You may specify the path
to the file you are uploading using the -p command line option
(see Usage above) or enter the path manually.
Qmodem scripts do not use the Upload Path field, as Qmodem
provides its own method for you to set the upload path in its
configuration.
Using the Choice Lists
----------------------
The several popup choice lists that Ease-Up uses are one of the
keys to its ease of use. They allow you to have certain items
entered into your script for you, based on your choice from the
list.
Each choice list attempts to act "intelligently", in that when
you enter an empty field that uses a choice list it will present
itself and allow you to make a selection. Once there an entry
has been made, the choice list will not irritate you by popping
up each time you pass through a field. It is always available
with the <F2> if you would like to reselect an item.
In all but one choice list, you may make your selection using a
single key search. For instance, to select the forum IBMCOM
from the forum choice list press the letter 'I'. The cursor
will move to the first item in the forum list beginning with
that letter. You may then select that item by pressing
<RETURN>, scroll through the list, or make another single key
selection. All this make easy work of entering forum names and
other items, and assures you that typos and other common
Ease-Up V1.7 GEnie Version Documentation Page 9
mistakes won't happen.
The exception to this is the list for the forum LIBs. Use the
arrows or spacebar to make your selection from this list.
When using any choice list you may move through the list with
the following keys:
PgUp Pages Up one screen
PgDwn Pages Down one screen
Arrows Up or Down one item
Home/End Top/Bottom
Spacebar Down one item
Using the Choice Lists
----------------------
The several popup choice lists that Ease-Up uses are one of the
keys to its ease of use. They allow you to have certain items
entered into your script for you, based on your choice from the
list.
Each choice list attempts to act "intelligently", in that when
you enter an empty field that uses a choice list it will present
itself and allow you to make a selection. Once there an entry
has been made, the choice list will not irritate you by popping
up each time you pass through a field. It is always available
with the <F2> if you would like to reselect an item.
In all but one choice list, you may make your selection using a
single key search. For instance, to select the forum IBMPC from
the forum choice list press the letter 'I'. The cursor will
move to the first item in the forum list beginning with that
letter. You may then select that item by pressing <RETURN>,
scroll through the list, or make another single key selection.
All this make easy work of entering forum names and other items,
and assures you that typos and other common mistakes won't
happen.
The exception to this is the list for the forum LIBs. Use the
arrows or spacebar to make your selection from this list.
When using any choice list you may move through the list with
the following keys:
PgUp Pages Up one screen
PgDwn Pages Down one screen
Arrows Up or Down one item
Home/End Top/Bottom
Spacebar Down one item
Ease-Up V1.7 GEnie Version Documentation Page 10
An explanation of each field follows.
Those flagged as required will not allow a blank entry.
Local File -- Name and Ext
--------------------------
The first thing that you are asked for is the name of a local
file to upload. Simply enter your file name, without the
extension.
You may use this to make uploading several different files from
your system (local files) to several GEnie forums, all using the
same in the forums.
For instance, you may have a file on your system named local.arc
and wish to upload it without renaming it. Enter the name of
the file in the Local File name and extension fields and choose
an appropriate name for GEnie for the upload file.
Using this example,
Local File Upload File
Name Ext Name Ext
LOCAL.ARC UPLOAD.ARC
Ease-Up would write a script that would send LOCAL.ARC from your
system to GEnie. The file would be named UPLOAD.ARC on GEnie.
The entry of a local file name is not required. You may leave
the field empty and Ease-Up will use the file name and extension
from the Upload File field for the name of the local file.
Ease-Up will check the your entries to make sure that they are
legal file and extension names. If your entry contains any
illegal characters, Ease-Up will tell you which character must
be edited and return you to the field. Ease-Up will not accept
an illegal file name, so you should make the corrections when
prompted.
Upload File -- Name and Ext
---------------------------
File Name
---------
<Required>
Enter name that you want GEnie to use for your file, without the
extension. This may be a different name from the file on your
system (see Local File above) if you choose. If you leave the
Local File name and extension blank, this entry (Upload File)
will be used for the local file.
Ease-Up V1.7 GEnie Version Documentation Page 11
File Name Ext
-------------
When you enter the EXT field for the first time you are
presented with a pop of choice list of common filename
extensions. You may choose one of the listed extensions, or
press the ESC key to close the list and enter an extension of
your choice.
Ease-Up will check the your entries to make sure that they are
legal file and extension names. If your entry contains any
illegal characters, Ease-Up will tell you which character must
be edited and return you to the field. Ease-Up will not accept
an illegal file name, so you should make the corrections when
prompted.
Forum Name
----------
<Required>
When you first enter the Forum Name field, you will be presented
with a choice list of many of the forum names on GEnie.
Choosing a name from the list will automatically enter that
forum into the Forum Name field. The list is not all-inclusive
and some listed services may not in fact have libraries. Be
sure you are familiar with the forum you select. If the forum
you are uploading to is not in the list, simply press the ESC
key to close the list and enter the forum name in the field.
Library Page
------------
The library page is displayed for your convenience but not
directly editable. Ease-Up maintains an internal table of the
library pages for each forum. When you select a forum Ease-Up
checks this table for the forum name. If the forum is found in
the table, the page for the forum libraries in placed in this
field by Ease-Up. If you enter an invalid forum name or the
library page is not found, Ease-Up will display the number one
(1) for the library page. If this happens, check your forum
entry. You may also edit the script file manually. This
shouldn't be necessary though.
Library Number
--------------
<Required>
With all forums, it is necessary to choose a particular library
in which your file will be uploaded. Ease-Up includes a list of
libraries for several of the popular forums on GEnie. If the
forum you chose in the Forum Name field has its library list
included with Ease-Up, you will be presented with this list when
you enter the LIB field. The libraries are listed by number
Ease-Up V1.7 GEnie Version Documentation Page 12
with a short description of each, as provided by GEnie.
If you have chosen a forum which Ease-Up does not have a library
list for, Ease-Up will beep once when you enter this field and
display the message "No choices available". You may then enter
the library number into the field. Be sure to enter a valid
library number for the forum. An invalid library number will
cause the script to fail online.
Script Options
Terminal Program
----------------
<Required>
When you first enter this field, you will be presented with a
choice list of the terminal programs that Ease-Up supports.
Simply choose the program for which you wish the upload script
generated.
As mentioned above, the Upload Path field will behave
differently, depending on which terminal program you choose.
If you enter a terminal program not supported by Ease-Up, the
program will abort when you attempt to save the script file. No
harm is done, but is can be inconvenient. Choosing your
terminal program from the choice list provided will assure that
this will not happen (providing you don't change the name, of
course).
Script Name
-----------
<Required>
Enter the file name for the script you are generating. DON'T
enter an extension. Ease-Up will append the proper extension
for the terminal program you chose to the script name you enter.
Ease-Up will check the your entry to make sure that it is a
legal file name. If your entry contains any illegal characters,
Ease-Up will tell you which character must be edited and return
you to the field. Ease-Up will not accept an illegal file name,
so you should make the corrections when prompted.
Ease-up will check the current directory for a script file with
the same name that you enter. If the file exists, you will be
advised of this by a message window. You may continue and the
existing script file will be overwritten, or you may edit the
Script Name to create a new file.
Ease-Up V1.7 GEnie Version Documentation Page 13
Upload Path
-----------
This field is only available if you are generating an upload
script for use with PROCOMM PLUS or XTALK4. You may enter a
value here manually or use the command line option -p (see Usage
above). An upload path entered on the command line is editable
here.
The path should be the complete DOS path to the file you are
uploading, less the file name itself.
Example: D:\UPLOADS
Ease-Up will check the your entry to make sure that it is a
legal file path name. If your entry contains any illegal
characters, Ease-Up will tell you which character must be edited
and return you to the field. Ease-Up will not accept an illegal
path name, but will accept one that does not exist, so you
should make the corrections when prompted.
Qmodem Users:
The Upload Path field is not used when generating a
script for Qmodem. Qmodem provides an excellent
configuration facility for setting upload and download
paths, among others. It is assumed that you are using
this facility of Qmodem. Ease Up makes use of a Qmodem
variable, $UPLOAD, in the scripts it generates. This
variable contains the upload path as set in Qmodem's
configuration. In order for an Ease-Up generated script
to function properly without editing, you should set the
Qmodem upload path as indicated by the program's manual.
Keywords and Short Description
------------------------------
Here you enter the keywords and the short description just as
you would online. You should follow GEnie's and the forum's
current guidelines for this information.
Long Description
----------------
Here you may enter the long description of the file you are
uploading. Again, you should follow GEnie's current guidelines
for what information to put here.
You may use an external ASCII text file for the long
description. Ease-Up will load the text file using the [-d long
descr. file] command line option. A maximum of ten lines of
text is allowed and no line should exceed 76 characters in
length. Exceeding these limits won't hurt anything, but your
description will not be formatted as it probably was in your
file.
Ease-Up V1.7 GEnie Version Documentation Page 14
You are provided with ten lines to enter your long description
on (ten lines is GEnie's limit of the length of the long
description). The lines are numbered from 1 to 9 with "L"
marking the last line.
The long description supports some editing functions not present
elsewhere in Ease-Up. In fact, a fairly full featured text
editor is implemented. Word wrapping is fully supported, in
addition to many of the editing functions found in other text
editors. There is one idiosyncracy in the editor though. The
TAB key is used throughout the entire program to move around the
screen. The TAB key in the long description will move to the
next entry, as opposed to inserting spaces or a tab character.
On the bottom two rows of your screen you will find a partial
list of the supported editing commands. in addition to those
listed on screen, many of the accepted "standard" cursor
movement commands operated as expected. For instance, the
keystroke combination of CTRL-RT (control + right arrow) will
move the cursor right one word.
Here are many of the editing functions available for the long
description:
F = function key
SHFT = shift key
CTRL = control key
Key Feature
--- -------
F4 paragraph reformatting
INS optional insert or overwrite mode
SHFT-F4 join lines
F5 insert blank line
F6 delete line
SHFT-F6 delete to end of line
CTRL-F6 delete to end of word
HOME goto first column of line
END goto last column of line
CTRL-PGUP goto first column of first row
CTRL-PGDN goto end of text
CTRL-LEFT goto first character of previous word
CTRL-RIGHT goto first character of next word
In addition, there is word wrapping works fine, so long as there
are not enough characters ahead to fill the field. You may
insert a blank line as you normally would, but that carriage
return in the first position on that line will cause the editor
to act as if the line was full. Keep this in mind, as you can't
see the carriage return character and you may believe you have
an empty line.
There is one idiosyncracy in the editor. The TAB key will move
you from the long description to the first field (File Name) and
the Shift-TAB combination will move to the previous field.
Ease-Up V1.7 GEnie Version Documentation Page 15
Saving a script
---------------
The F10 key will save the information you have entered and
generate your script.
When you press the F10 key you will be asked if you want to save
your script file. If you want to save the data and generate
your script, answer yes. Answering no will return you to your
previous place in the form.
After generating a script, Ease-Up displays a window to inform
you that the script file was successfully saved. This window
will remain on the screen for several seconds to allow you the
opportunity to read the message. You may close the window and
return to the data entry screen at any time by pressing any
character key on the keyboard (the spacebar for instance).
When you return to the data entry screen all your previous
entries are intact with the exception of the script File Name.
This field is cleared for each new script you create. You may
reuse or edit the information and create as many scripts as you
like.
Quitting the program
--------------------
The ESC key will prompt you to quit at any time in the data
entry portion of Ease-Up. Answer yes to the prompt on the
bottom of your screen by striking the letter 'y' on your
keyboard. Ease-Up will then exit to DOS.
NOTE:
The shareware version of Ease-Up will display a screen
requesting that you register your copy of Ease-Up
before exiting to DOS. This screen is displayed for
approximately two seconds and is not present in the
registered version.
Notes on Ease-Up Generated Scripts
----------------------------------
The script files that Ease-Up generates are fully commented, so
take a look if you're not familiar with script files. If you've
avoided using them until now, this may be a good opportunity to
see that they really don't bite.
Ease-Up makes a few assumptions when generating scripts. You
should be online and at a GEnie prompt capable of accepting a
'M'ove command when the script is executed. The necessary
commands are included in the script to go to the forum in which
the upload will be made, there is no need for you to be in the
forum before executing the script.
Ease-Up V1.7 GEnie Version Documentation Page 16
No fancy footwork is done in the scripts. I have kept them as
simple as possible. You are, of course, free to edit them as
you desire.
When uploading a file to GEnie the last question that GEnie will
ask you before saving your upload is whether or not the upload
was successful and if you want the upload to be saved. The
default operation of Ease-Up will not generate the script
commands to respond to this prompt, thus allowing you to make
the decision to confirm the upload after the transfer is
complete. You may override this default and force Ease-Up to
write scripts that respond to this prompt using the [-a] command
line switch. (see Command Line Use above).
GEnie currently offers three upload protocols. Ease-Up assumes
that you want to use Xmodem CRC. You may change this by editing
the script file line that chooses the protocol. This line is
commented as: ; choose protocol
The command: send "3^M"
selects the Xmodem CRC protocol and may be edited as needed.
You would also have to change the Qmodem UPLOAD command to the
proper protocol. Refer to your Qmodem manual for the details.
Qmodem Users
------------
Qmodem V4.0 is the version supported by Ease-Up.
See the reference to the upload directory in the Qmodem
note on entering the Upload File Name above.
Ease-Up makes some simple assumptions when generating a
script. The first assumption is that Qmodem can find
the script, so make sure that it is in the proper
directory before starting Qmodem.
Ease-Up expects that the script it generates will be
executed while online and at a prompt where the 'Mxxx'
command may be executed ('xxx' being a GEnie page
number).
XTALK4 Scripts
--------------
Unlike the other terminal programs supported in this
release of Ease-Up, Crosstalk Mk.4 has the capability to
compile its scripts. There are many advantages to this
method for the user, the most noticeable being script
execution speed. The one disadvantage (if you view it
as one) is the extra step of compiling the script.
I mention this as a reminder that XTALK4 will compile
the scrips generated by Ease-Up. You may compile the
script before logging on to GEnie and avoid any delays
Ease-Up V1.7 GEnie Version Documentation Page 17
while XTALK4 compiles the script online (a few seconds
is all). I would recommend this as the preferred method
and as a good habit to have when using compiled scripts.
You should refer to your Crosstalk Mk.4 User Guide and
Reference Manual for complete information regarding the
CASL Programming Language.
Status Window
-------------
Ease-Up will create a status window in XTALK4 scripts.
This is a small window that appears in the upper left
hand corner of your screen while the script is running.
As each command is executed, the script will display a
one line message to inform you of the script's progress.
You may disable the display of this window by using the
[-s] command line switch.
XTALK4 Include Files
--------------------
XTALK4 offers another feature taken advantage of by
Ease-Up. It supports the "include" statement, similar
to the preprocessor directive by the same name in the C
language. In our case, this affords us the opportunity
to provide certain common code without the overhead of
having to reproduce it each time a script is generated.
The file, XTEUPG1.XTS, and its companion file
XTEUPG2.XTS are include files used by the scripts
generated by Ease-Up V1.7 and are required for the
proper operation of those scripts. These files are
included into and compiled with the Ease-Up generated
scripts. Their location in the generated script file is
important, so if for some reason you decide to make any
changes to the generated code keep this in mind.
The XTALK4 Reference Manual states in its notes on the
INCLUDE statement that the XTPATH path is not searched
for include files. I've found that this is not the
case, and source files on the XTPATH are included. In
any case, these files must be available to XTALK4 in
order for the generated scripts to compile. Keeping the
generated scripts and the include files together in the
same subdirectory will take care of it. You should
refer to your XTALKK4 manuals for the details of how
include files are handled.
Questions and Support:
----------------------
There is no extra charge or fee for technical support provided
to registered users of Ease-Up. SSI will provide technical
support for Ease-Up free of charge for the life of the product.
Ease-Up V1.7 GEnie Version Documentation Page 18
Please be sure that we have your correct mailing address and
online service ID on file. Our preference is to provide support
via one of the online services. U.S. mail may be used if you
like, but usually takes a bit longer. You are welcome to call
us, but please understand that given the cost of long distance
telephone calls it would much easier on both our wallets to use
one of the online services.
Upgrade / Update Policy
-----------------------
In general, I don't think you should have to pay for minor
revisions or enhancements. Updates or upgrades which are
maintenance releases will be offered to registered users free of
charge (other than that incurred by you to download the file).
There may be a nominal fee if you wish your revision sent to you
on disk (see below).
A major revision or enhancement of the program may certainly
make it worth a few dollars to gain the added features. For
instance, I've been considering merging the CIS and GEnie
versions and incorporating database functions for storage and
retrieval of previously generated scripts.
You will be notified of any updates to the program via email
(ie. EasyPlex on CIS) and offered the option of receiving an
updated version by the same means (most services provide the
means to email a binary or program file). This is the least
expensive method for both of us.
If you prefer to have your update sent to you on disk, there
will be a nominal charge to cover the cost of duplication and
shipping. The charge should be around $5.00. Your upgrade
notice will include the exact amount required at the time the
upgrade is issued and you may indicate your preference for an
upgrade method at that time.
I believe that you will find Ease-Up very easy to use. If you
do experience any problems, or have a question or comment,
please let me hear from you. I can be contacted as indicated
below.
Mail: Mark W. Geisinger
Simple Solutions, Inc.
P.O. Box 640189
Kenner, LA 70064
Phone: (504) 464-5748
CompuServe: 76440,76
GEnie: M.GEISINGER
BIX: mgeisinger
Ease-Up V1.7 GEnie Version Documentation Page 19
Trademark Information:
BIX is a registered trademark of McGraw-Hill, Inc.
CompuServe is a registered trademark of CompuServe Incorporated
EasyPlex is a service mark of CompuServe Incorporated
B Protocol is a service mark of CompuServe Incorporated
GEnie is a trademark of General Electric, U.S.A.
Qmodem is a trademark of The Forbin Project, Inc.
TAPCIS is a trademark of OMNI Information Resources, Inc.
PROCOMM PLUS and ASPECT are trademarks of DATASTORM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Crosstalk and DCA are registered trademarks of Digital
Communications Associates, Inc.
CASL is a trademark of Digital Communications Associates, Inc.
Ease-Up V1.7 GEnie Version Documentation Page 20
