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-> ADVANCED OR EXPERIENCED NOAH USERS SHOULD READ ARK2.DOC <-
FILE = ARK.DOC
Noah's Arkive Management System, (c) 1989 Eagle Shareware Associates
Written etc. by Sam Horton and compiled on 2/15/89
All Rights Reserved
EAGLE SHAREWARE ASSOCIATES PROUDLY PRESENTS
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
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║ ██▌▌▌▌▌▌ ██ ▐ ██▌ ║
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║ ██ ▌ ██ ▌▌▌ ██ ▌▌ ║
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╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
QB RELEASE 2.1Z (c) 1988 EAGLE SHAREWARE ASSOCIATES
P.O. BOX 159, GILBERTSVILLE, PA 19525-0159 (215)-367-4053 1200/2400 8N1
(Formerly L&C, PKSHELL 1.xx)
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
- COMMAND SYNTAX
=================
a) ARK [EXT]
Where EXT = file extension NOAH will use for a highlight key in place of the
default extension .ZIP
- WHAT NOAH CAN AND CANNOT DO
==============================
NOAH'S ARK is designed to allow maximum directory control when using PKZIP.
NOAH can tag multiple files and pass standard PKZIP commands through a .BAT
file named NOATMP.BAT, or it can pass any command line you specify. (It does
not delete this batch file on exit, so you can create it for someone else and
leave it behind under another name using the DOS REN command.)
ARK.DOC PAGE 2
This utility is not designed to replace your file/HD manager, but does
provide rudimentary (but effective) support for key DOS functions such as
copying, deleting, changing drives & directories, and shelling to DOS.
Support for up to 220 file entries is provided in this release, and NOTHING
is disabled, crippled, or otherwise tampered with to annoy users. You will
also find NOAH very forgiving in it's handling of your tasks.
- HOW NOAH DOES IT
====================
NOAH writes to a batch file NOATMP.BAT enclosing all of the tasks you specify
within the menus. This .BAT file is then executed as a child-process (a DOS
shell from within NOAH), and NOAH restarts to pick up any directory changes.
NOAH always needs to operate on unprotected disks. A write protect tab will
generate the DOS error message: Abort, Retry, or Fail?
- FEATURES WITHIN NOAH (SUMMARY)
=================================
* Mark/Unmark independent, clear, or mark all at a key w/levels of marks
* Supports common PKZIP and/or PKPAK commands at a keystroke
* Status windows & line w/files marked/total bytes marked/total in abs/%
* FULL CUSTOM COMMAND LINE OPTION (both before and after marked filespecs)
>>>> NOAH CAN DO ANYTHING YOU WISH ACROSS MULTIPLE FILESPECS <<<<
Essentially delivering a very wide range of uses.
* Key DOS functions: CD\, COPY, DELETE, DRIVE, SHELL TO DOS
* Requirements = DOS 3.xx, 256K RAM w/color monitor, HD advised
-- A monochrome version will be available on the support BBS
* Fully enabled quality shareware *NEW* 12/21/88
* Enhancement additions to follow also FREE to registered users
---------------------- THE MAIN MENU SCREENS --------------------
This is the first thing you will see after the initial I.D. screen with some
graphic exceptions. The highlight bar will appear on the first file in the
subdirectory in reverse video, and you may use all of the normal movement
keys to probe the directory. (See below for a full description of all
functions available.) Keypad keys and their assigned functions are:
1) Home - top of the directory
2) End - bottom of the directory
3) PgUp - one page up (or Home) with pointer at the top file of that page
4) PgDn - one page down (or End) with pointer at the top file of that page
5) Up/Dn - up or down one filespec
6) Left Arrow - Initiate SEARCH for next .EXT (see custom highlight/color)
file UPWARD in the directory.
7) Right Arrow - SEARCH for next .EXT file DOWNWARD.
8) Ins - Copy Marked
9) Del - Delete Marked (confirms)
10) <enter> - Marks present files (also Alt+M, <space> and "+")
11) Other F Keys and hotkeys as defined below . . .
The primary screen is set to the HELP mode with the procedural box in the
lower right and the HELP bar below. When F10 is pressed, the display goes
into the ADVANCED mode showing a new informative lower left STATUS box and
directory status line. (NEXT)
ARK.DOC PAGE 3
╔═════════════════════════════════════════════╦═══════[ Function Keys ]════════╗
║ ANSI.SYS 1709 9-16-87 12:00p ║F1 - Standard Add Files to .ZIP ║
║ ARK1.EXE 96039 12-01-88 10:59p ║F2 - Standard Archive Extract ║
║ ARKDOC.ARC 13222 11-29-88 1:00p ║F3 - Mark All Files Displayed ║
║ ARKREG.TXT 1598 11-28-88 9:36p ║F4 - Clear & Toggle Marks ║
║ AUTOEXEC.BAT 277 12-01-88 1:47p ║F5 - Unmark All Files Displayed ║
║ BACKUP.M_U 67072 12-09-88 5:13p ║F6 - Version Toggle: PKZIP ║
║ BBSREG.TXT 2019 11-28-88 9:55p ║F7 - Full Custom Command Line ║
║ BRUN40.EXE 76816 10-08-87 5:57p ║F8 - Customize Highlight/Colors ║
║ CACHE.EXE 14000 9-17-87 12:00p ║F9 - Change Drive/Directory ║
║ CBOOT.BAT 176 11-08-88 1:40a ║F0 - Advanced Display ║
║ CLEAN.BAT 39 11-07-88 3:29a ╟─────────[ Help Window ]────────╢
║ COMMAND.COM 25332 9-16-87 12:00p ║ 1) Mark the files you want to ║
║ XONFIG.EXE 88945 1-01-89 3:07a ║ work with. ║
║ CONFIG.SYS 108 11-08-88 9:40a ║ 2) Select an option from above,║
║ DELETE.BAT 15 11-07-88 3:22a ║ or press your slash key / ║
║ EZ.BAT 48 12-02-88 11:29a ║ and select from the list. ║
║ EZBATMAN.EXE 5629 12-01-88 8:36p ║ 3) NOAH will prompt you for ║
║ EZINSTL.BAT 102 11-28-88 9:33p ║ any information required. ║
║ EZMENU.ARC 118250 12-02-88 1:20p ║ 4) Select Secondary Menu ║
║ EZMENU.BAK 5081 11-29-88 3:47p ║ option(s). ║
║ EZMENU.CNF 81 12-02-88 11:03p ║ 5) Create & Execute batch file.║
║ EZMENU.DAT 1231 12-02-88 4:45a ║ ║
╚═════════════════════════════════════════════╩════════════════════════════════╝
▐░▌ <ESC> TO EXIT Up/Dn PgUp/PgDn <┘ & <SPACE> MARK FILE(S) ? = HELP ▐░▌
* <ESC> confirms the request to exit, press Alt+Q to "quick exit" and drop
without the confirmation screen. Home/End also function. All keys are
supported both on and off the extended pad.
** Note that Alt-M and the plus (+) key will also mark files in addition to
the <enter> and <space> keys. The directory is always sorted in alpha
descending order by filename.
THE ADVANCED DISPLAY [F10 - F12 TOGGLE]
F10 toggles the display only, whereas F11 & F12 (no sub on non-extended
keyboards) will toggle to NEW color schemes and the advanced display.
╔═════════════════════════════════════════════╦═══════[ Function Keys ]════════╗
║ ANSI.SYS 1709 9-16-87 12:00p ║F1 - Standard Add Files to .ZIP ║
║ ARK1.EXE 96039 12-01-88 10:59p ║F2 - Standard Archive Extract ║
║ ARKDOC.ARC 13222 11-29-88 1:00p ║F3 - Mark All Files Displayed ║
║ ARKREG.TXT 1598 11-28-88 9:36p ║F4 - Clear & Toggle Marks ║
║ AUTOEXEC.BAT 277 12-01-88 1:47p ║F5 - Unmark All Files Displayed ║
║ BACKUP.M_U 67072 12-09-88 5:13p ║F6 - Version Toggle: PKZIP ║
║ BBSREG.TXT 2019 11-28-88 9:55p ║F7 - Full Custom Command Line ║
║ BRUN40.EXE 76816 10-08-87 5:57p ║F8 - Customize Highlight/Colors ║
║ CACHE.EXE 14000 9-17-87 12:00p ║F9 - Change Drive/Directory ║
║ CBOOT.BAT 176 11-08-88 9:40a ║F0 - Display HELP Window ║
║ CLEAN.BAT 39 11-07-88 3:29p ╟───────────[ STATUS ]───────────╢
║ COMMAND.COM 25332 9-16-87 12:00p ║ 0 Bytes Marked ║
║ CONFIG.ARC 945 11-01-88 2:07p ║ 1,004,742 Total in DIR ║
║ CONFIG.SYS 108 11-08-88 9:40a ║ 0.0% of Total are Marked ║
║ DELETE.BAT 15 11-07-88 3:22p ║ Estimated Compressed Sizes at: ║
║ EZ.BAT 48 12-02-88 11:29a ║ 25% - 0 Bytes ║
║ EZBATMAN.EXE 5629 12-01-88 8:36p ║ 50% - 0 Bytes ║
║ EZINSTL.BAT 102 11-28-88 9:33p ║ 75% - 0 Bytes ║
║ EZMENU.ARC 118250 12-02-88 1:20p ║ Utility: PKPAK / PKUNPAK ║
║ EZMENU.BAK 5081 11-29-88 3:47p ║ Compatibility: NEW ║
║ EZMENU.CNF 81 12-02-88 11:03a ╟────────────────────────────────╢
║ EZMENU.DAT 1231 12-02-88 4:45p ║ NOAH'S ARKIVE MANAGER 2.1Z ║
╚═════════════════════════════════════════════╩════════════════════════════════╝
▐░▌DIR C:\BIN\UTILS 3 of 35 Marked with 2.24 MB FREE ▐░▌
ARK.DOC PAGE 4
By watching carefully how many bytes are marked and what you expect the
compression ratio to be, you can cover an entire directory for transfer or
backup reasonably well. As a guide, my experience has been the following:
- Overall compression averages 40% for a given .ZIP file created.
- Binary files range from as low as 5% to 40%, depending upon how much
text they contain. I count on about 25% to be sure (you can always add
more later.... taking away is not as easy)
- Pure flat ASCII text files as stored when small, and compressed up to 80-90%
in some cases. I do not figure less than about 60%.
- Upshot: figure on about the 25% line on average (to be safe) and 50% when
you get pretty optimistic. 75% for pure text files only.
* Since the marks toggle when you take an action, you will no longer need to
wonder whether or not you picked up all of the files you wanted to.
FULL MAIN MENU DISPLAY [ "/" to TOGGLE ]
A new highlight bar appears in the left window, and the highlight keys are
enabled for that menu alone.
╔═════════════════════════════════════════════╦═[ FULL MAIN MENU NOAH v2.1Z ]═╗
║ ANSI.SYS 1709 9-16-87 12:00p ║ ADD MARKED TO AN ARCHIVE F1 ║
║ ARK1.EXE 96039 12-01-88 10:59p ║ MOVE MARKED FILES TO .ZIP ║
║ ARKDOC.ARC 13222 11-29-88 1:00p ║ STANDARD ARCHIVE EXTRACT F2 ║
║ ARKREG.TXT 1598 11-28-88 9:36p ║ VERBOSE LISTING OF MARKED ║
║ AUTOEXEC.BAT 277 12-01-88 1:47p ║ VERBOSE LISTING OF ALL .ZIP ║
║ BACKUP.M_U 67072 12-09-88 5:13p ║ MARK ALL FILES IN DIR F3 ║
║ BBSREG.TXT 2019 11-28-88 9:55p ║ CLEAR & TOGGLE MARKS F4 ║
║ BRUN40.EXE 76816 10-08-87 5:57p ║ CLEAR ALL MARKS IN DIR F5 ║
║ CACHE.EXE 14000 9-17-87 12:00p ║ VIEW LIST OF MARKED FILES L ║
║ CBOOT.BAT 176 11-08-88 9:40a ║ UTILITY TOGGLE: PKZIP F6 ║
║ CLEAN.BAT 39 11-07-88 3:29p ║ FULL CUSTOM COMMAND LINE F7 ║
║ COMMAND.COM 25332 9-16-87 12:00p ║ READ ASCII TEXT FILE(S) ║
║ CONFIG.ARC 945 11-01-88 2:07p ║ VIEW EXTANT NOATMP.BAT ║
║ CONFIG.SYS 108 11-08-88 9:40a ║ EXECUTE CURRENT NOATMP.BAT ║
║ DELETE.BAT 15 11-07-88 3:22p ║ CUSTOMIZE HIGHLIGHT/COLORS F8 ║
║ EZ.BAT 48 12-02-88 11:29a ║ CHANGE DRIVE/DIRECTORY F9 ║
║ EZBATMAN.EXE 5629 12-01-88 8:36p ║ COPY MARKED INS ║
║ EZINSTL.BAT 102 11-28-88 9:33p ║ DELETE MARKED DEL ║
║ EZMENU.ARC 118250 12-02-88 1:20p ║ SHELL TO DOS ║
║ EZMENU.BAK 5081 11-29-88 3:47p ║ SET HELP LEVEL FOR WINDOW F10 ║
║ EZMENU.CNF 81 12-02-88 11:03a ║ RETURN TO MAIN MENU / ║
║ EZMENU.DAT 1231 12-02-88 4:45p ║ QUIT NOAH'S ARK ║
╚═════════════════════════════════════════════╩════════════════════════════════╝
▐░▌ <ESC> OR / TO EXIT Up/Dn POINT <┘ TO SELECT MENU OPTION ▐░▌
The main screen and Fkeys are disabled at this point and you may select any
option by a "point and shoot" method. Use Up/Dn Home/End to locate, and
<enter> to select. Below is a description of exactly what each option
does.
WHAT THE FUNCTIONS WILL ACTUALLY DO
Selection Description Key (if any)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADD MARKED TO AN ARCHIVE PKZIP -a SPECIFIED.ZIP filespecs.ext F1
- Standard ADD command. The archive target need not have the extension
.ZIP, and is called for by NOAH in a secondary request screen. The
default is either 1) NAME_ME.ZIP if you have not yet used the ADD/MOVE
functions, or the LAST archive filespec you gave NOAH. (See below)
ARK.DOC PAGE 5
MOVE MARKED FILES TO .ZIP PKZIP -m SPECIFIED.ZIP filespecs.ext NA
- Standard MOVE command. NOAH prompts for the target archive filename
just as it does for the ADD command above.
STANDARD ARCHIVE EXTRACT PKUNZIP filespecs.ext F2
- Self-descriptive. Use the CUSTOM feature to add other arguments.
VERBOSE LISTING OF MARKED PKUNZIP -vc filespecs.ext NA
- Ignores extension of marked files. Displays archive contents on
screen.
VERBOSE LISTING OF ALL .ZIP PKUNZIP -vc *.ZIP NA
- Displays composite list of the contents of all .ZIP files in the
default directory on screen. Writes to temporary file called
ALLARC.TXT. Deletes temp file assuming no serious error occurs.
(A forthcoming ESA utility called ARKKIT will become available for
this type of task shortly.)
MARK ALL FILES IN DIR Marks all files F3
- Marks all files in the current directory regardless of their
current status.
CLEAR & TOGGLE MARKS Clears marked, toggles. F4
- Clears the marked list, toggles all marks from arrows (marked) to
diamonds (1st level) to boxes (2nd level). e.g. if you had 5 files
marked and pressed this key, there would be zero marked but their
symbols would toggle to diamonds. Pressed again, F4 would make those
diamonds squares. This is most useful for tracking which files were
just marked, which were marked before those, and whether or not
you have covered all files in a given subdirectory. Note that the
last set of marked is toggled to diamonds even when you change
directories (assuming there were duplicates) and/or whenever NOAH
picks up a new directory listing. The diamonds and squares will
disappear when NOAH reads a new directory.
CLEAR ALL MARKS IN DIR Clears ALL marks. F5
- Clears all marks, regardless of their status.
VIEW LIST OF MARKED FILES On screen list of marked filenames. L
- Displays a list of all currently marked files. (Arrows only)
UTILITY TOGGLE: PKZIP Toggles to PKZIP/PKUNZIP. F6
- Determines what NOAH uses as the default utility at the command
line. e.g. in F1 above the command line would change to PKZIP -a
FULL CUSTOM COMMAND LINE See full description below. F7
- Allows you to utilize your expertise in specifying anything for
NOAH to pass to DOS both before and after the marked list of
filenames. By using this feature, NOAH can do anything you want
to any list of files you select.
ARK.DOC PAGE 6
READ ASCII TEXT FILE(S) Rudimentary top-down list of a file. F8
- Treats the marked set as pure ASCII text files and attempts to
scroll them to the screen. NOAH will -NOT- be able to filter all
low/high ASCII codes and so some unpredictable results may
arise from the use of this feature. e.g. ASCII 13 will make NOAH
display a line feed (cr) and other codes will cause NOAH to clear
the screen etc. This function provides a "quick and dirty" look
at an ASCII file or set of ASCII files. In fact, attempting to
view some binary files will cause NOAH to halt with an error
condition. For most files it works without a hitch, so don't be
afraid to try it out. NOAH truncates all lines at 80 characters for
display. NOAH never writes to those files.
VIEW EXTANT NOATMP.BAT On screen list of NOATMP.BAT NA
- Displays the batch file NOAH creates to execute the tasks you
specify. (See above under WHAT NOAH DOES)
EXECUTE CURRENT NOATMP.BAT Invokes NOATMP as a child-process NA
- Will invoke the NOATMP.BAT file in the current subdirectory OR
if it does not exist there, the first NOATMP.BAT in the DOS path
will be executed. Same as "E" in the final menu (below).
CUSTOMIZE HIGHLIGHT/COLORS Specify .EXT and colors for highlight. F8
- Allows you to change the extension NOAH highlights (default is .ZIP
files) and/or the colors in the main window. Defaults are either
1) .ZIP and standard colors OR 2) the last .EXT and colors EXCEPT
the default TOP color for the highlight bar is always NONE. (0)
CHANGE DRIVE/DIRECTORY Can be aborted easily. F9
See ALT+KEY addendum (end of .DOCs)
COPY MARKED Invokes DOS Copy across all marked files. INS
- Prompts for a target and then copies to that target all marked
files. Does NOT toggle marks.
DELETE MARKED Internal BIOS call for deletion. DEL
- Confirms the request, allows a view of the list of marked files, and
does NOT toggle marks. Will NOT erase ARK.EXE even if it is
specified.
SHELL TO DOS Temporary DOS Shell NA
- Prompts for reading of new directory/drive information upon return
to NOAH. Not reading a new directory will invariably cause trouble
as NOAH will not have a valid filespec list. No need to re-read if
nothing has changed.
SET HELP LEVEL FOR WINDOW See above window example F10
- Sets type of display used in the front end menu.
RETURN TO MAIN MENU Exit full menu screen <esc> also /
QUIT NOAH'S ARK Same as pressing <esc> in main. NA
- Confirms the request. Alt-Q will not function from the secondary
menu.
ARK.DOC PAGE 7
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- THE SECONDARY .ZIP FILENAME REQUEST SCREEN:
(Only appears for F1 - F3 options dealing with archives)
╓──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╖
║ <─┘ WILL DEFAULT TO NAME_ME.ZIP ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ Enter archive filename as FILENAME.EXT - or Q to abort ║
║ ║
║ ---» «--- ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ .EXE, .COM, & .BAT ARE ILLEGAL AS EXTENSIONS FOR ARCHIVE FILENAMES ║
╙──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╜
NOAH prompts for the entry of an archive filename to pass to DOS with your
marked set of files. The default is either NAME_ME.ZIP -or- the LAST filename
you used during that particular session.THE SECONDARY MENU SCREEN, LEVEL 1
After you have selected an ACTION from the main menu (except COPY etc.) this
screen will appear. As you scroll specific HELP screens will appear in the
right window.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ ACTION: ADD FILES TO AN ARCHIVE ║
╟──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╢
║ DIR C:\ 3 / 35 MARKED & 7.61 MB FREE ON DISK ║
╟─────────────────────────────────────┬────────────────────────────────────────╢
║ │ ║
║ CONTINUE │ OPTION: CONTINUE ║
║ │ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ║
║ VIEW LIST OF MARKED FILES │ Select this option to WRITE the ║
║ │ current batch of tasks assembled and ║
║ VIEW CONTENTS OF EXTANT BATCH │ drop to the execution options menu. ║
║ │ * You must select this option to * ║
║ TOGGLE COMPATIBILITY │ * create NOATMP.BAT at some point. * ║
║ │ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ║
║ CHANGE UTILITY VERSION │ Up/Dn to Highlight Selection ║
║ │ <┘ to Select Option ║
║ CUSTOMIZE COMMAND LINE │ <ESC> Returns to Main Menu ║
║ │ ║
║ RETURN TO MAIN MENU │ F10 Toggles WRITE mode for NOATMP ║
║ │ Assemble a set using Append mode. ║
╟─────────────────────────────────────┴────────────────────────────────────────╢
║ COMPATIBILITY: NEW COMMAND LINE: N/A ║
║ UTILITY IN USE: PKZIP \ PKUNZIP TARGET: NAME_ME.ZIP ║
║ F1 = DOS SHELL F5 = CUSTOMIZE F10 = TOGGLE WRITE MODE: OVERWRITE ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
ARK.DOC PAGE 8
All the functions are the same as described above EXCEPT:
- Continue means finalize your commands by coding and writing NOATMP.BAT to
disk. You will then be prompted again for action (see below LEVEL 2).
- CUSTOMIZE allows you to specify anything you wish. (See F7 above, and
custom screen below). If you pressed F7 from the Main menu, and NO prior
custom command line was specified, NOAH will put a flag in the "COMMAND
LINE" area reading ?SELECT CUSTOMIZE NOW? ... and you should do so by
pointing and pressing <ENTER> or pressing F5. If you do not, and you
CONTINUE (write to NOATMP) then NOAH will put ?UNSPECIFIED? before every
filespec. If you toggle CUSTOMIZE OFF then NOAH will default to Standard
Extract.
* TIPS: This is your chance to confirm a few KEY ITEMS. 1) Is the UTILITY
version the one YOU have in your system? If not, change it now. 2) Is
the WRITE MODE correct? The first time around the mode is automatically
OVERWRITE, and so whatever is in NOATMP.BAT now (if any) will be erased
in favor of the new set. The write mode is NOT toggled by NOAH at all, and
you must control it. Append means that what you are doing NOW is ADDED ON AT
THE END of the current NOATMP.BAT. So, develop a mental process to check
all the relevant variables on this screen so that major mistakes can be
avoided. Don't forget that IF you -m MOVE NOATMP.BAT to and archive,
execution will HALT at the time when PKZIP puts NOATMP in the .ZIP file!
- The VIEW LIST OF MARKED will always show a screen like the one below
CONTENTS OF CURRENT NOATMP.BAT FILE:
--------------------------------------
PKZIP -a NAME_ME.ZIP ANSI.SYS
PKZIP -a NAME_ME.ZIP ARK.BAK
PKZIP -a NAME_ME.ZIP ARK.DOC
PKZIP -a NAME_ME.ZIP ARK1.BAK
PRESS ANY KEY TO RETURN TO NOAH'S ARK
- THE SECONDARY MENU SCREEN, LEVEL 2
Your options are clear after you have written NOATMP to disk. I suggest
strongly that you routinely check the contents of NOATMP before executing.
90% of tech questions and problems start right here. i.e. wrong utility,
forgot to watch the WRITE MODE in the secondary menu level 1 etc. Note that
ALT+F1 deletes NOATMP & returns to main, this is tantamount to ABORT ALL.
┌───────[ CURRENT OPTIONS ]──────┐ ┌───────────[ STATUS ]───────────┐
│ │ │ │
│ <─┘ Return to Main │ │ 39,188 Bytes Marked │
│ │ │ 153,682 Bytes Total │
│ F1 - Execute NOATMP.BAT Now │ │ 25.5% of Total Bytes │
│ │ │ │
│ F5 - View NOATMP.BAT Contents │ │ 25% - 29,391 Bytes │
│ │ │ 50% - 19,594 Bytes │
│ F9 - Exit NOAH Completely │ │ 75% - 9,797 Bytes │
│ │ │ │
│ ALT+F1 - ERASE NOATMP -> MAIN │ │ 1 of 18 Files Marked │
│ │ │ │
└───[ <ESC> Returns to Main ]───┘ └───────────[NOAH 2.0]───────────┘
- POWER FEATURES OF NOAH
=========================
* How to use the Custom Command Line *
You can use ANYTHING you know to do ANYTHING with this feature.
ARK.DOC PAGE 9
╓────────────────────── OPTION: FULL CUSTOM COMMAND LINE ──────────────────────╖
║ ║
║ You will now define a custom command line for NOAH to pass to DOS ║
║ with all of the marked file names. NOAH will check neither the ║
║ syntax nor the sensibility of what you enter so be precise. ║
║ ║
║ The FRONT of your command line is the part that NOAH will place ║
║ before each Filename marked, and the BACK will go behind each. ║
║ ║
║ For example, in the command line XCOPY .... > NUL ║
║ ║
║ XCOPY is defined as the FRONT, and > NUL is the BACK where .... represents ║
║ all of the highlighted files. ║
║ ║
║ The limit is 55 characters for the FRONT, and 15 characters for the BACK ║
║ ║
║ Type NONE at either prompt to clear & abort, CLEAR to reset a variable. ║
║ ║
╟──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╢
║ Are these selections OK? <y/n> ? ║
║ ║
║ Present FRONT is: PKZIP -M YOUR.ZIP ║
║ Present BACK is: >PRN ║
║ ║
╙───────────────────────── <─┘ TO QUIT WITHOUT CHANGES ────────────────────────╜
In this example, the following would be passed to DOS:
|-------FRONT---------| |--BACK--|
PKZIP -M your.ZIP ##all marked filespecs## >PRN
Enough said. The power of this feature is clear. Custom ALT+KEY combinations
can automatically configure a custom command line as well. See ARKREG.TXT
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
* Common Error Conditions and what to do when you encounter one . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
- BAD COMMAND OR FILENAME = DOS error message while executing NOATMP.BAT
CAUSES:
A) UTILITY NAME INCORRECT - Be sure that the name you are
specifying to NOAH is the SAME as the name of the utility
as it is used within your system.
B) PKPAK/PKZIP not in DOS path - Correct win AUTOEXEC.BAT file
to be safe. Or, copy PKZIP into a directory that is in the
path. To see what your path is just type SET <ENTER> at the
DOS prompt.
C) YOUR CUSTOM command line is in error. Can't help you there.
Just be sure your syntax is good, and that whatever you are
calling is either in the default subdirectory (where you are
in your system) -or- in the DOS path.
- UNABLE TO LOCATE BATCH FILE
CAUSES:
A) You changed directories and did not write a new batch file
B) You ADDED NOATMP.BAT to an archive while NOAH was executing
NOATMP! This is easy to do when you just highlight ALL and
proceed. Check your list to make sure NOATMP is NOT on it.
If you do this, just return to NOAH and toggle the write
mode to OVERWRITE and try again.
ARK.DOC PAGE 10
- INCORRECT DOS VERSION
CAUSES:
A) You have a copy of COMMAND.COM in your default directory that
does not match the version you booted with. Either delete that
copy of COMMAND.COM or reboot with the same version.
- INTERNALS
NOAH tries to tell you exactly what action failed and on what file, so
pay close attention to those! In general, remember that NOAH needs to
have WRITE access to your disk, and will not function on a write-protected
diskette. If your disk is full, a file is corrupt, or a file has been
deleted, NOAH will tell you about it specifically. One fairly common
mistake is SHELLing to DOS, doing something that changes the directory, and
then returning without rereading the directory information (NOAH prompts
for that) ..... then NOAH is just plain confused about what is in the
directory it is working inside.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
--- .BAK TO THE FUTURE . . . .
XONFIG to control multiple boot configurations (config.sys and autoexec.bat)
easily. menu driven, fully configured by the user.
ARKKIT attendant utility for NOAH allowing several key search/catalog features
NOAH upgrades the day a new archival standard appears.
EZMENU 2.00 with password protection, system lock-down, custom hotkeys and
much more.
- REGISTRATION AND SUPPORT
==========================
If you are registered, then you are already a permanent member of the support
BBS. If not, print and return ARKREG.TXT to register. If you only want
access to the board print and return BBSREG.TXT. If you use BBSREG.TXT you
*MUST* send a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of your initial
password.
1) FREE upgrade to the next major version of NOAH'S ARK, and the attendant
utility ARKKIT (not yet released) when completed. ARKKIT is a smart .ZIP
catalog utility with several very attractive features....... one of which
is a type of "whereis" for contents of .ZIP files.
2) BBS tech support. (215)-367-4053
Interim upgrades will also be available to users on the BBS.
3) Consider the fact the $20 is about 4.5 cents an hour for the time it
took to develop/debug NOAH 2.1Z. I am not trying to actually make money
writing Shareware, but that is CHEAP ... so if you like NOAH ....
4) Registration for ALL of ESAs products (even those not yet released for one
year) is $50. i.e. EZMENU, NOAH, ARKKIT, and XONFIG.
Registration for EZMENU is now $15, and 2.00 will be $25.
ARKKIT 1.00 $15, XONFIG 1.00 $15.
5) Custom ALT+KEYS ($10 extra) within NOAH will allow you to ask for a key to
automatically configure YOUR favorite command lines and/or hotkey your
favorite utilities! See ARKREG.TXT
6) Corporate inquiries welcomed. Please log on to the BBS, or write to:
Sam Horton, c/o ESA, PO BOX 159, Gilbertsville, PA 19525-0159. A custom
version for bulk corporate orders is available; NOAH may be recoded to
meet your needs.
ARK.DOC PAGE 11
UPDATE v2.1Z 1.89 > ALT+KEYS NOW AVAILABLE!
ALT+R Calls RN, the PC Mag utility for changing directories and/or calling
CO.COM ........ (c) Ziff Davis 1988
ALT+L Calls Buerg's LIST across the marked filespecs. (c) V. Buerg 1986
The usefulness of these features is clear: what NOAH lacks in these areas
is bolstered by these utilities. They are not required for NOAH to operate.
CUSTOM ALT+KEYs that can configure a custom command line for you or call to
DOS for anything you can name are available with registration. See ARKREG
- TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS AND LIMITATIONS OF NOAH 2.1Z
------------------------------------------------------
1) PKPAK/PKUNPAK -or- PKZIP/PKUNZIP in the DOS path.
2) 150K available runtime RAM (Min) 200K for heavy use.
3) Available disk space of 5K to write NOATMP.BAT and NOADIR.TMP
4) Color Monitor and HD recommended.
5) NOAH 2.01 is identical excepting the fact that it comes bundled with EZMENU
and requires BRUN40.EXE be present in the DOS path.
6) NOAH does not provide extensive error trapping in this release, so please
read (in this file) about what error conditions can occur and what to do
if you encounter one.
7) DOS 3.xx - Soon this requirement will be relaxed.
- TECHNICAL POINTS ABOUT NOAH'S OPERATION
==========================================
- Pressing -I- while in the main menu redraws the screen.
- NOAH will mark the file your pointer is on IF there are no other files
marked and you select an action.
- NOAH will NOT delete ARK.EXE even if you tell it to do so.
- NOAH leaves no "litter" .TMP files etc., just NOATMP.BAT
- Starting in an empty subdirectory results in passing to the "change drive/
subdirectory routine. Entering Q at that time will EXIT NOAH altogether.
- NOAH contains internal hack alert self-checking routines that detect
tampering with the (c), registration status, and location of certain
routines. So, if you inspect the code do not be surprised when you find
those internal messages. If you get a copy that sets off, please DO NOT
use it! Send it to me and you will receive a FREE registered copy for
the trouble. Don't forget to tell me EXACTLY where you got it.
- NOAH uses the following filenames in the course of running on your system:
NOADIR.TMP - Temporary directory info file. Deleted immediately after use.
RKONE.TXX - Temporary ASCII file for dumping -vc output to. Deleted
immediately after use.
CTMP.BAT - To copy files. Deleted upon reentry to NOAH.
NOATMP.BAT - To store your commands. Never deleted. NOAH will whack this
one with a delete command though, so be careful.
ALLZIP.TXT - Temp ASCII file for dump of all .ZIP contents
_______________________________________________________________
********************** SPECIAL THANKS *************************
_______________________________________________________________
* To Peter Rucci, Sysop of the Del-Ches BBS for timely advice on software,
shareware/greedware/crippleware policy, and ZENITH crash-testing. (NOAH
will operate on Zeniths now.) A thanks to the DELCHUG and its President
Howard Palmer for a great deal of technical help and useful chatter.
* To Ed Watson for technical assistance in BBS matters and QB coding tricks.
* To Phil Katz, Steve Kolterman, James Wallen and others who provided advice
and/or testing support during the dark coding days of release 2.00.
ARK.DOC PAGE 12
* To the BETAs who helped so much with wry comments on what would fly and
what would not. To my wife who put up with all the time it took.
TO ALL THE REGISTERED USERS WHO MADE IT WORTH THE WORK, WHO SUGGESTED
BBS (NOT VOICE) TECH SUPPORT AND KEY FEATURES INCLUDED WITHIN NOAH 2.1Z!!!
------------- Thanks one and all! ----------------
____________________________________________________________________________
Disclaimer: ESA disclaims all liability which may arise as a result of
the use of, or inability to use this software product. ESA makes only a
warranty of fitness for the particular purpose for which the program was
designed, and cannot be responsible for the quality of any individual copy
UNLESS it is downloaded directly from the ESA tech support BBS, or obtained
as a result of registration. ESA's liability shall be limited only to the
replacement of the software in any event.
PKPAK/PKZIP (c) 1986-1988 PKWARE & Phil Katz
NOAH'S ARKIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (c) 1988 ESA & Sam Horton
LIST (c) 1986 Vernon D. Buerg
RN & CO (c) 1988 Ziff Davis Publishing Co.
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