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1992-05-02
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13KB
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331 lines
` Auto File Loader v1.3
Copyright 1991 Shareware Solutions
PLEASE NOTE THE DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTIONS AND A VERY SPECIAL
OFFER AT THE END OF THIS DOCUMENT! VERY IMPORTANT!
INTRODUCTION
The Auto File Loader program is a simple utility that I wrote
because I needed it to run some music files using the TrakBlaster
program. (A great PD program for those who have a SoundBlaster music
board.) After adding a few features I began to realize that even
though it was simple it had some interesting possibilities.
Basically all it does is bring up the current directory and
allow you to shell out and run any of the files with a program that
you choose. For example the TrakBlaster program plays music files.
The syntax for running a music file is, TRAK FILENAME.MOD. When the
TrakBlaster program has finished playing a file it returns to DOS.
To play another file you've got to type the command again using a
different filename. This can be a real drag if you've got a lot of
files, hence the Auto File Loader program. With AFL you can tag any
files you like and play them one at the time or you can have the
program play them randomly.
WHAT GOOD IS IT...
So far I've found only a few good uses for this program but when
you need what this program does it's invaluable. It's most valuable
use by far would be it's potential for running customized batch files
that perform repeated tasks on different files or directories.
1. It's great for running music, graphic, and speech
files. It's interface provides a convenient platform
for running any kind of program that executes a
function then returns to DOS.
For example, if you use a file viewing program as the
RUN file and *.* (or *.DOC or *.TXT) as the mask you
could you could bring up all the documentation files
then tag them all and view them one after the other.
2. In my work I support a forty node LAN with more than
sixty users. If you've ever worked with a LAN and
needed to add a file or make a change to a number of
files in separate directories you can easily
appreciate this program's potential.
By setting it's file mask to *. the program will bring
up all of the sub-directories in the current
directory. By writing a batch file that does a simple
function you can have AFL repeat the batch file for
each user's personal directory.
For example you might need to replace a configuration
file for thirty or forty different users. To make
this long, drawn out task a thing of ease you would
simply write a batch file that copied the new
configuration file into the users directory using the
%1 parameter. (If you don't know how to pass batch
files parameters you're missing out! You can make
batch files do all kinds of work for you.) You would
then run AFL using the *. file mask and use the name
of your batch file as the RUN file. When the program
displays a directory it will list all of the sub-
directories. (It will also list any file names without
an extension.) You can now tag any of the user's
personal directory names to pass to your batch file.
When you press ENTER the batch file will execute for
each directory you've tagged. Quick as a wink a
thirty minute job is over and you can go back to
reading PC magazine.
3. AFL makes a decent platform to run programs from, kind'ov
like a cheap imitation for a menu system. It's one
advantage is it's ability to tag files and execute them one
at the time. For example if you set the file mask to *.*
(or .COM or .EXE) and the RUN file to NUL (meaning nothing,
blank, etc...) you can use AFL to tag and run a few
utilities. It can be a time saver if you want to go watch
the tube while your PC runs CHKDSK, then a virus scanner or
a disk optimization program.
4. If you use a DOS command as the RUN file such as DEL or
RMDIR you can use AFL to tag files for deletion.
If there's any interest at all in this program (meaning
registrations) I'll try to add a feature that lets you tag programs
then enter any parameters you might wish to run them with.
SET-UP, INSTALLATION, ETC...
When you install the AFL program on your hard disk you should
copy it into a directory that can be found using the PATH command.
The reason is that AFL brings up the directory of the currently
logged drive. This way you'll only need one copy of AFL to run
multiple configurations. That's about it for the installation.
The first time you run the AFL program it will try to write a
tiny little 17 byte configuration file called AFL.CFG into the
currently logged drive. (If you run this program from a CD-ROM it
will inform you that it could not write if configuration and carry
on...) This little file stores the name of the RUN file and the file
mask. The first time AFL is run this file will be empty. When you
change these options from the menu they will automatically be saved.
By saving the configuration in the directory the program is run in
you can run AFL for different kinds of files without having to reset
the file mask and RUN file.
HOW TO USE AFL...
The first thing you need to do is install it. (See above) The
next thing to do is change to the directory you wish to run it from
then type AFL and press ENTER. From the menu you should change the
File Mask then the RUN file.
THE FILE MASK
The FILE MASK is simply tells the program what kind of files to
list in it's file directory. A fike mask of *.* will display every
file in the directory. A file mask of *. will display only the sub-
directories and any filenames that do not have extensions. You may
include a path along with the mask.
THE RUN FILE
The RUN FILE is the executable file you wish to pass file names
of directory names to. The real power of this program is when you
use a batch file to perform multiple tasks. The run file can be
preceded with a path.
(Note: The program automatically turns off the CAPS LOCK and NUM
LOCK keys. This is necessary for the ESC key to work properly in the
random file play mode.)
1. TAG FILES TO RUN
Selecting this option will bring up a sorted directory using the
set file mask for the currently logged directory. Use the ARROW keys
to hi-light file names and the + and - keys to tag or untag file
names. Pressing a letter will jump to the first filename that begins
with the pressed letter. Press ENTER to execute the tagged files.
2. RUN FILES 1 AT THE TIME
The second choice, Run files 1 at the time, works exactly the
same as the Tag files option with one difference. This options lets
you hi-light a file then press RETURN to have it execute immediately.
You cannot tag files using this option. If you press a letter to
jump to a file it will execute the first one it comes to having the
letter you pressed.
KEY FUNCTIONS
Use ARROW keys, PGUP, PGDN, HOME and END keys to move
around the file list.
Use the + and - keys to tag or untag files. (Option #1 only.)
Press any letter to jump to a file that begins with the pressed
letter. Subsequent presses of the same letter will jump to the
next filename beginning with the pressed letter. (The routine
allways searches from the cursor down.)
Press ESC to return to a previous screen. In random play mode
press ESC twice to return to AFL.
Press ENTER to execute the tagged or hi-lighted file(s).
Press the SPACE BAR to tag or untag all files.
1. RUN ALL FILES RANDOMLY
This option does what it says. It just starts executing files
at random. It has limited use but can be handy for music or graphic
file. It could even be used as a random selection generator. For
example if you needed to randomly select individual names just put
each name into a batch file that echo's each name tothe screen, set
the file mask to *.BAT and the run file to null (nothing). Now when
you select random play all the names will be displayed on the screen
randomly. Think about it...
The only thing to note here is that pressing the ESC button
twice will allow you to exit the random routine. If that doesn't
work pressing CTRL-BREAK will.
THE LEGAL STUFF
Under no circumstances shall Shareware Solutions be liable for
any damages, including lost profits, savings, or any other incidental
or consequential damages arising out of the use of or inability to
use this program, even if Shareware Solutions has been notified of
the possibility of such damages, or for any claims by any other
party. Copyright (C) 1991 Shareware Solutions.
SHAREWARE SOLUTIONS
PRICING - REGISTRATION
That's about it. It's a simple program that does a simple job
but if you ever need it it's simply invaluable. So If you use this
program in any kind of environment that makes your life a bit easier
it ought to be worth a few bucks, say about $10.00 for a registered
version and a clear conscience. If you decide it's worth something
you can send your registration payment to:
Shareware Solutions
Michael L. Wester
Route #6 Box 34
Fuquay-Varina, N.C
27526
DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTIONS
This is a shareware program. This means share it! You are free
to distribute evaluation copies to anyone you choose. Disk vendors
are also encouraged to include this program in thier catalogs. The
only restriction (and this is very important) is THIS PROGRAM MAY NOT
BE DISTRIBUTED ON A CD-ROM (compact disk) MEDIUM WITHOUT THE WRITTEN
PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR. Please note that we WILL persue litigation
if this copyrighted program is found on a CD-ROM without our
permission.
SPECIAL OFFER!
By the way, Shareware Solutions is a small business running a
shareware software library that offers over 2800 of the latest,
greatest and absolute best shareware programs available. (We also
sell our entire library on CD-ROM! The CD-ROM version contains a
complete database of the entire library complete with descriptions,
the ability to print labels, the automated ability to format disks
and copy programs at the same time and a NO ROYALITY distributable
catalog so you can start your own shareware business. It's great for
computer store owners and entrepreneurs! You get one of the best
libraries available and a complete buisiness with almost no effort!
If interested call us at (919)-552-0767.) We sell copies of
shareware programs for only $3.00 per disk! Buy 5 get 1 free! You
ask yourself, why should I buy this stuff when I obviously can get it
for the cost of a download? Well right off hand I can only think of
a few reasonably decent reasons.
1. If you're calling long distance it'll be cheaper than
downloading large files.
2. All of our files have been tested. We cull the junk!
3. We're an ASP APPROVED VENDOR! We get the latest software
straight from the gurus who write it.
4. We offer a FREE disk catalog! It has full, honest
descriptions, program requirements, and evaluations of what
we choose to be some of the best shareware available.
Did you know there are over 75,000 shareware and public domain
programs? Do you really have time to check them all out? Did you
know that over 50% of shareware registrations are made through vendor
sales?
If you're a shareware author and would like to have your program
distributed in our catalog, send us a copy! We'll evaluate it and if
it's not too common and of a good quality we'll put it in the
catalog. (If there are a zillion other programs that do what your's
does your's will have to be better.)