Sound Sensations!/sound_sensations.iso/soundb/it110/it.doc

Text File | 1991-05-16 | 12KB | 284 lines

                              INSIDE TRAKER
                              by: Tom Mickow



The following files should be included:

     IT      .DOC - The file you are reading now
     IT      .EXE - The program file
     ITSTALL .EXE - Installation program (run this first)
     FUTURE  .TXT - Text file about plans for future releases
     REGISTER.TXT - Text file containing registration information
     WHATSNEW.TXT - What is new in this version


                                 Overview
                                ==========

INSIDE TRAKER was born out of the need for an acceptable user interface
to the Trakblaster program.  Using Trakblaster by itself is a very
tedious experience but with the addition of this program, Trakblaster
becomes quite enjoyable.

INSIDE TRAKER was written in my spare time on a 386DX-16MHz with a VGA
display.  I make no claims about it working on any system other than my
own.


                               Requirements
                              ==============

INSIDE TRAKER is known to work on an IBM compatible 386DX-16 with 1 meg
of ram running under DOS 3.3 with a VGA color display and a mouse.  The
program was tested with Trakblaster v2.0.  Hopefully it will work with
your computer configuration as well.  Additional requirements are a
Sound Blaster card and a copy of Trakblaster by Volker Zinke.



                                  Startup
                                 =========

INSIDE TRAKER uses a simple text file for its configuration processes.
This file is named "IT.CFG" and contains three lines of text.  The first
line is the path to the Trakblaster program itself.  The second line
is the path where the program first looks for MOD files.  The third line
contains a code containing your default selections. You may create this
file by executing "ITSTALL.EXE".

If INSIDE TRAKER can not find the configuration file or if the file is invalid,
the program will inform you that the file is missing and exit.  You should
then execute "ITSTALL.EXE" in order to create a new configuration file.


                                ITSTALL.EXE
                               =============

After executing "ITSTALL.EXE" you will be asked to enter the paths to both
your MOD files and the Trakblaster program.  When finished, press F10 to move
on to the next input screen.

NOTE: Do not include the "\" or Trakblaster's program file name.

     For example, if you wanted INSIDE TRAKER to start out looking for
     MOD files in the SB directory of your C drive and the Trakblaster
     program was found in the TRAK directory of your C drive:

                               CORRECT            INCORRECT

          Path to MOD Files  : C:\SB              C:\SB\
          Path to Trakblaster: C:\TRAK            C:\TRAK\TRAK.EXE

     Also, when in the installation procedure do not leave the input fields
     blank and then press F10.  This will cause undesirable results.  This
     bug should be fixed in future versions of the program.

Note: The problem with the "\" and leaving fields blank has been fixed.
      Trakblaster's program file name should still not be included when
      entering the path.

The second installation screen deals with the size of the initial display.
Default values will be present in the input fields.  If you wish to accept
these values, simply press F10.  The first input field provides a choice of
the initial column width.  Selecting "N" (normal) here will cause the
program to display the directory listing in one column and will display
various characteristics of the files such as size and date.  Selecting
"W" (wide) will cause the program to display the directory listing in
five columns.  This greatly increases the number of MOD files visible on
the screen but this mode does not display any other characteristics of
the files other than their names.  The second input field provides a
choice of the initial display length.  Selecting "N" (normal) will
display the listing in normal mode.  Selecting "Z" (zoom) will cause the
program to extend the directory display to the bottom of the screen,
thus allowing more MOD files to be viewed.  When finished, press F10 to
move on to the next input screen.

The third installation screen deals with the sorting of the initial
directory display.  Default values will be present in the input fields.
If you wish to accept these values, simply press F10.  The first input
field provides a choice of the sorting method.  The selections are as
follows:

      "1" = a sort by the Date/Time of the files
      "2" = a sort by the DOS order of the files
      "3" = a sort by the file extension of the files
      "4" = a sort by the file name of the files
      "5" = a sort by the size of the files.

The second input field provides a choice of the initial sorting order.
Selecting "A" (ascending) will cause the program to sort from smallest
to largest.  Selecting "D" (descending) will cause the program to sort
from largest to smallest.

The fourth (and last) installation screen simply displays the
information you entered and asks if everything is correct.  A default
value will be present in the field.  Press F10 if you wish to accept
this value.  Selecting "Y" (yes) will write the information to the
configuration file and exit the installation program.  Selecting "N"
(no) will return you to the first installation screen to repeat the
installation process.

This installation program need only be executed the first time you
use INSIDE TRAKER or when you need to change one or more of the
settings.  Once the configuration file is created, "IT.EXE" may be run
until changes to the configuration file are necessary.




                                  IT.EXE
                                 ========

This file is the main program that selects MOD files for playback.  Here,
a title screen and a directory of your MOD files will be displayed (provided
you entered the correct information in the install program.)  The default
directory looks much like a standard DOS directory except a little more
appealing.  From here you have many choices, including sort routines,
different directory displays, a help screen, etc.

The controls are as follows:

     Keyboard
          F1    - Help screen
          Esc   - Exits back to the main menu
          Enter - Plays currently highlighted file
          Space - Toggle the directory display between standard and
                  wide modes
          Alt-Z - Toggle the directory display between long and short
                  box size

          Alt-D - Sort files in native DOS order
          Alt-E - Sort files alphabetically by extension
          Alt-N - Sort files alphabetically by name
          Alt-O - Sort files in ascending or descending order
          Alt-S - Sort files by file size
          Alt-T - Sort files by date/time of file

          Alt-B - Backup to parent directory
          Alt-C - Change to a new drive/directory
                  (When you use this you must also include the file mask.
                   For example, you must enter C:\SB\*.MOD to look in the
                   SB directory on drive C for MOD files.)

     Mouse
          All keyboard controls are active

          Left button  - Plays currently highlighted file
          Right button - Exits back to the main menu

     Movement keys while in the regular directory
          Left Arrow  - Move up one file
          Right Arrow - Move down one file
          Up Arrow    - Move up one file
          Down Arrow  - Move down one file

          PgUp        - Retreats one page in the file listing
          PdDn        - Advances one page in the file listing

          Home        - Goes to the beginning of the file listing
          End         - Goes to the end of the file listing

     Movement keys while in the wide directory
          Left Arrow  - Move left one file
          Right Arrow - Move right one file
          Up Arrow    - Move up one file
          Down Arrow  - Move down one file

          PgUp        - Retreats one page in the file listing
          PdDn        - Advances one page in the file listing

          Home        - Retreats to the first column in the current row
          End         - Advances to the last column in the current row

          Ctrl-Home   - Goes to the beginning of the file listing
          Ctrl-End    - Goes to the end of the file listing


NOTE: You may also select a file for playback by simply typing its name.


                         REGISTRATION INFORMATION
                        ==========================

This closing screen of INSIDE TRAKER will display current registration
information and rates.  The information and rates are subject to change
without notice.

This program is considered Shareware, which means if you like it and use it
you must pay for it.  I am asking the following rates for registration:

     $5  - This will register your copy of INSIDE TRAKER.  This fee
           will entitle you to use the program as much as you like.  It
           will also allow me to inform you of any updates to the program.

     $10 - This amount entitles you to same as the $5 fee.  In addition,
           you will receive the latest version of INSIDE TRAKER (if the
           one you have is not the most current) plus all the MOD files I
           can squeeze onto the extra space on the disk.

The registration form is named "REGISTER.TXT."  Just print it out, fill it
in,  and send it to me at the address given.  Please register this program
if you use it.  Your registration will allow me to justify further work on
this project.


                        Future Release Information
                       ============================

See the file entitled "FUTURE.TXT" for more detailed information on
future plans for INSIDE TRAKER.


                               Latest Info
                              =============

See the file entitled "WHATSNEW.TXT" for the latest information on the
new features/fixes for this version of INSIDE TRAKER.

                               Closing Notes
                              ===============

The newest version of INSIDE TRAKER can always be found on

     CASTLE ANTHRAX BBS
     [phone]

I call Castle Anthrax regularly so feel free to call for support or to
leave me comments on INSIDE TRAKER.  It's a fun college age BBS running
with a 360 Meg drive and a US Robotics HST modem.  Its theme is centered
around Monty Python type humor.  Call it!  Oh yeah, they have lots of
MOD files too.  Almost 200 at last count, so by the time you read this
there should be well over that amount.

Even if you aren't going to register this program, I'd like to hear what
you thought of it.  Please feel free to send me comments and suggestions
either at the above BBS or at the following address:

     Tom Mickow
     6612 Concord Circle
     Crystal Lake, IL.  60012


You are free to use, copy, and distribute INSIDE TRAKER for
noncommercial use if:

     No fee is charged for use, copying or distribution.

     It is not modified in any way.

Clubs and user groups may charge a nominal fee not to exceed $10 for
expenses and handling while distributing INSIDE TRAKER.

This software is offered as is.  I disclaim all warranties relating to
this software, whether expressed or implied.  I will not be liable for
any damages that may or may not have been caused by this program.


IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines.
Trakblaster is by Volker Zinke.
Sound Blaster is a registered trademark of Creative Labs, Inc.


           INSIDE TRAKER - (c) Copyright 1991  Tom Mickow
                         All Rights Reserved.