ASP Advantage 1994 2nd Q2

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ ASP Advantage 1994 2nd Q2 / The Association of Shareware Professionals - The Official ASP Advantage (2nd Quarter)(1994).bin / files / utilfile / menupl20 / menuplus.doc < prev next >

Wrap

Text File | 1994-04-01 | 47.2 KB | 1,342 lines

<File Name: MENUPLUS.DOC> ------------------------------- MENU PLUS (tm) with Ad Screen ------------------------------- Version 2.0 April 1, 1994 Sensation Software 5486 Pavo Street Long Beach, CA 90808-3718 Orders Only: 800-242-4775 Support: 310-420-8325 FAX: 310-982-1352 Member of the Association of Shareware Professionals ===================================================================== THIS PRODUCT IS NOT FREE, REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR CONTINUED USE. ===================================================================== +---------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | < < < < < BENEFITS OF REGISTERING > > > > > | +--------------------------------------+------------------------------------+ | MENU PLUS 3.0 | Ad Screen 3.0 =============================== | ================================ * FREE Bonus Software | * Two New Additional Screens * Mouse Support | * Six Definable Screen In All * Macro Excution | * New Multi-Part Screen * File Browser | * No Shareware Reminder Screens * 288 Total Menu Options In All | * Complete Documentation * Modify and Edit Screen Header | * Notice of upgrades * File Finder | * 1 year FREE technical support * Enhanced Program Execution | * Expanded On-Line Help | * 80 Page Printed Documentation | _______________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THERE ARE 3 EASY WAYS TO REGISTER: 1. Send the REGISTER.DOC form and a check to Sensation Software. 2. Call our Order number: 800-242-4775 (Orders only) Call from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm CST, Monday-Friday MC, Visa, Amex, or Discover card accepted 3. If you're a Compuserve member, you can register on-line: 1. Login into Compuserve 2. GO SWREG 3. Choose "Register Shareware" 4. Search by Registration ID: 2038 5. Answer 'Y' to question "Would you like to register shareware?" The registered version will be shipped to you within 5 working days Please read PRODUCTS.DOC for other great shareware product we produce. _______________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- TABLE OF CONTENTS ------------------------------------------------------------- Hardware Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3 Legend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3 MENU PLUS Explained . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4 MENU PLUS Features . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4 Installation of MENU PLUS . . . . . . . . . Page 5 Screen Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7 Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 Important Installation Notes . . . . . . . . . Page 11 Starting and Stopping MENU PLUS . . . . . . . . Page 12 Menu Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 13 Main Menu Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14 Sub Menu Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15 DOS Command Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16 Advanced User Section . . . . . . . . . . . Page 17 Additional Main Menu Notes . . . . . . . . . . Page 18 Import File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19 Export File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19 Check Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19 Password Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 20 Directory Tree Utility . . . . . . . . . . . Page 23 The Log Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 24 Hot DOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 26 Fast Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 26 Question and Answer Section . . . . . . . . . Page 27 About DOS System File Section . . . . . . . . . Page 29 Menu Key Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 30 Editing Key Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 30 ----------------------------------- Page 3 HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS FOR MENU PLUS ----------------------------------- * IBM PC, XT, AT, 386, 486, PS/2 or Compatible * Hard Drive * 320 K memory * Color or Monochrome Monitor * One Floppy Drive * At least 500,000 bytes free on the hard disk ------ LEGEND ------ Special notations in this manual have the following meanings: [Esc] = Press the Escape key [/] = Press the Slash key [Crtl]+[End] = Press the [Ctrl] key and press the [END] [Enter] = Press the Return key Page 4 ------------------- MENU PLUS EXPLAINED ------------------- Congratulations on choosing MENU PLUS, the only menu program you'll ever need, plus a lot more. MENU PLUS will make moving from program to program effortless. MENU PLUS's easy to use interface provides a familiar environment from which to choose all your software applications. With MENU PLUS, enter your DOS commands once and for all and never enter them again. With MENU PLUS you can design a menu system from which to select your software programs. MENU PLUS can hold over 140 menu selections. Each menu selection can hold up to 15 lines of DOS commands. With a single key stroke, you can run any software application from your computer. ------------------ MENU PLUS FEATURES ------------------ The following is a summary of MENU PLUS's advantages: * One touch software selection * Directory Tree Utility * Design over 140 custom menu choices * Screen Saver * Importing and Exporting capabilities * Execute up to 15 lines of DOS commands * Menu Rotation adjusts the order of menus * Usage tracking * Two levels of sub menus * Option to run external screen saver * Password protection on all Main Menu selections * Pre-installed DOS Utilities menu * User definable Screen Saver * DOS shell with history file of commands * Non-memory resident, no program conflict * Quick menu development * Over 20 user adjustable parameters * Current date and time are displayed continuously * Context sensitive help screens Page 5 ------------------------- INSTALLATION OF MENU PLUS ------------------------- Before you use MENU PLUS for the first time, it must be installed on your hard disk. The following explains how to install MENU PLUS: 1. Insert the MENU PLUS program disk in drive A: 2. Close the door. 3. Type: A:INSTALL C This will install MENU PLUS on Drive C. You may install MENU PLUS on any hard drive partition (C, D, E, F...), if you have them. 4. After you press [Enter], MENU PLUS's installation program will now appear. 5. At the bottom of the screen is the Command Menu. Choose the FIRST TIME INSTALL option and press [Enter] 6. MENU PLUS first verifies that you really intend to install the MENU PLUS program. It then checks for any prior installation. If you wish to install MENU PLUS, press [Enter]. If you have previously installed MENU PLUS, you will be asked if you wish to Keep or Delete the existing Main and Sub Menus. Page 6 7. CHOOSE DEFAULT DRIVE This verifies again on which hard drive you wish to install MENU PLUS. The most commonly used drive is C, but it is possible to install MENU PLUS on any hard drive partition (C,D,E,F...), if they exist. MENU PLUS does not have to be installed on the same drive as the programs you are using. IMPORTANT - the PATH statement in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file must correctly identify which drive MENU PLUS is installed on. For example, if MENU PLUS is installed on Drive C:, then the PATH statement must contain: "PATH C:". For further explanation with the PATH statement, refer to the ABOUT DOS SYSTEM FILES section. 8. ALTERNATE NAME If you exit from the MENU PLUS program to DOS and then wish to return, you need to type the word MENUPLUS and then press [Enter]. If you desire to type a shorter name each time, you can set up that name here. You may use whatever name you desire, from one to eight letters long. By typing in an alternate name you will give yourself an easier way to return to the MENU PLUS Program. Some examples are: MENU, MP, M, BY, etc... 9. SPECIFY WHICH DRIVE The Install program needs to know in which floppy drive the MENU PLUS Program diskette is located, so information can be copied from it. Enter drive "A" or "B". 10. INSTALL A UTILITIES SUB MENU If you wish to install a DOS Utilities Sub Menu in MENU PLUS, then answer "Y" to this question. The Utilities Sub Menu has 8 helpful DOS utilities to assist you in daily operation of your PC. The Utilities selection will become the first menu selection in the Main Menu. 11. INSTALL AD SCREEN Ad Screen is a utility which advertises your company name to customer daily. If you wish to install Ad Screen, then answer "Y" to this question. If you answer 'N' then Ad Screen files will not be installed. For more information please read ADREADME.DOC 12. MODIFY AUTOEXEC.BAT If you would like MENU PLUS to appear each time you turn on your computer then your AUTOEXEC.BAT file must be modified to include a line to run MENU PLUS. If you answer 'Y' to this question, a line will be added to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file and MENU PLUS will appear each time you turn on your computer. If you answer 'N' to this question, then your AUTOEXEC.BAT will not be modified and you will have to start MENU PLUS manually after you start your computer. MENU PLUS is now installed and you will return to the Install program s Main Menu. Page 7 ------------- SCREEN COLORS ------------- ADJUSTING SCREEN COLORS MENU PLUS's installation program lets you modify the colors that appear on the screen. The following explains the Adjust Screen Color option: To change the screen colors, choose the Adjust Screen Colors option in the Command Menu using the arrow keys and press [Enter]. After choosing this option, you will see an example of MENU PLUS's Main Menu. At the bottom of this screen is the Command Menu. In the Command Menu are the color options that allow you to customize MENU PLUS's screen colors. TO ADJUST THE SCREEN COLORS: 1. Move the cursor using the arrow keys to a color option you wish to change. 2. Change the colors using the arrow keys and press [Enter] until you have the color combination you wish. 3. Save your changes using the SAVE option from the command menu. 4. Choose QUIT to return to the Install Main Menu. Page 8 ------- OPTIONS ------- MENU PLUS's installation program lets you further modify MENU PLUS to suit your needs. The following explains the Options menu: To change the options, choose the OPTIONS selection in the Command Menu. You will now see the Options screen. To make changes, move the cursor using the arrow keys to an option you wish to change. Then press [Enter] to change it. MONO OR COLOR SCREEN Select the monitor type your system is configured with. If you have a single color mono monitor (one color) then choose MONO. If you have a color monitor (CGA, EGA, VGA) then choose COLOR. Page 9 PLAY MUSIC MENU PLUS can play music on the hour, half hour, quarter hour or not at all. The music is played only when the Main or Sub Menus are being displayed. LOG SHEET ON/OFF This option turns the Log Sheet processing ON or OFF. The Log Sheet records what software was used and the length of time it was used. With this option set to ON: 1) MENU PLUS will record usage for applications selected. 2) You will be able to print usage information. With this option set to OFF: 1) You will not record any software activity. 2) You will not be able to print any usage information. COMMAND MENU PASSWORD This option controls whether the systems level password is required to access the command menu from the Main Menu. KEY SELECTION This determines how the menu selection are chosen from the Main and Sub Menus. FASTKEY highlights the first unique character from the menu selections. ALPHA places an: A..Z to the right of the menu selection. Page 10 HOTDOS SAVE LENGTH This limits the length of the HotDOS commands that are saved in the history file. For example, if this parameter was set to 4, then only commands that are greater than four characters are saved. ALTERNATE NAME This changes the alternate name in which you return from DOS to MENU PLUS. SCREEN SAVER This sets the length of time before the screen is saved and the graphics are displayed. GRAPHIC TYPE This sets the type of screen display which will be displayed during the screen save. The screen is displayed only while the main or sub menus are displayed. ALTERNATE SCREEN SAVER This allows you to run a different screen saver other than MENU PLUS's screen saver. You can run an external screen saver by entering the drive, path, file name, and any parameters that program needs to execute. RESET This returns all options to a pre-set value. SAVE Saves the changes you have made. QUIT Exits from the Options menu, be sure to save your work. Page 11 ---------------------------- IMPORTANT INSTALLATION NOTES ---------------------------- 1. AUTOMATIC DISPLAY AFTER STARTING THE COMPUTER If MENU PLUS does not appear after you re-boot, then there is a command in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file that branches around the following statement: C:\MENUPLUS.BAT (assumes installation on Drive C:) Remove the statement that is causing the problem from the file. 2. CHECK FOR CORRECT PATH STATEMENT The PATH statement in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file must include the drive letter that you specified during installation. For example, if you installed MENU PLUS on drive C:, then the PATH statement should have in it: PATH C:\ If it is not in the PATH statement then, edit the AUTOEXEC.BAT file and place this statement there. 3. USING MENU PLUS WITHOUT A CLOCK/CALENDAR BOARD A clock/calendar board continually keeps track of your computer's date and time. If your computer does not have a clock/calendar board, then make sure that the commands: TIME and DATE are in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. The correct DATE and TIME are necessary to ensure accurate time recording for the Log Sheet. If you have further questions, refer to the ABOUT DOS SYSTEM FILES section. Page 12 ------------------------------- STARTING and STOPPING MENU PLUS ------------------------------- MENU PLUS can be started in several different ways: 1. Turning the computer ON. 2. A [Crtl]+[Alt]+[Del] - (a warm boot). 3. Typing word MENUPLUS in any sub-directory. 4. Typing the alternate name you specified in the installation procedure. When you have finished using your computer and wish to turn it off to ensure accurate recording of the usage times for the Log Sheet, do the following: IF MENU PLUS IS DISPLAYED 1. If MENU PLUS is displayed on the screen, then you may simply turn off the computer. IF MENU PLUS IS NOT DISPLAYED 1. If you are currently at DOS, type MENUPLUS (or the alternate name you specified in the installation). 2. Or, if you are working with a software application, exit from it normally. 3. After MENU PLUS appears, you may turn off the computer. If you have turned the Log Sheet Timer in the Options menu of the Installation program to OFF, then you may turn off your PC at any point, since you do not want to record any usage times. Page 13 ---------------- MENU MAINTENANCE ---------------- Menu Maintenance arranges the software in the menus and organizes the DOS commands for each menu selection. This is where you can add, change or delete the 9 Main Menu and 144 Sub Menu Selections. In addition, you can maintain the DOS Commands, up to 15 lines, for each Sub Menu. These 15 lines of DOS commands are to be executed when a Main or Sub Menu selection is chosen. Menu Maintenance has three screens: MAIN MENU MAINTENANCE SCREEN * Maintains the Main Menu selections * Maintains the passwords - [F2] * Turns on/off user access to DOS - [F4] * Turns on/off user access to HotDOS- [F4] * Changes the system password - [F2] SUB MENU MAINTENANCE SCREEN * Maintains the Sub Menu selections DOS COMMAND MAINTENANCE SCREEN * Maintains the DOS commands for menu selections * Imports batch files into MENU PLUS - [F4] * Exports batch files from MENU PLUS - [F6] * Activates the Directory Tree Utility - [F7] Page 14 --------------------- MAIN MENU MAINTENANCE --------------------- Main Menu Maintenance is where you can add, change, or delete the menu selections that appear in the Main Menu. This is where you can enter up to nine Main Menu selections. Main Menu Maintenance lets you organize your software into different groups. Organizing your software into different groups allows you to see everything in the Main Menu screen at once. For example, Data Bases, Word Processors, Graphics programs, Spreadsheets, Utilities, etc, could be a grouping that you might use. If you don't use all nine Main Menu selections, MENU PLUS will only display the selections you have entered on the Main Menu. Adding software applications using Menu Maintenance: 1. From the Main or Sub Menu screens, press [/] for the Command Menu. 2. Select the MENU MAINTENANCE option by pressing [Enter]. 3. Type the name of the software that you will be using on the first line. In this example, type in the words: SPREAD SHEETS 4. Press [Enter], the entry will be saved and you will continue with the Sub Menu Maintenance screen. Page 15 -------------------- SUB MENU MAINTENANCE -------------------- Sub Menu Maintenance is where you can add, change, or delete the Sub Menu selections. You can create up to 16 Sub Menu selections for each Main Menu selection. If you don't use all 16 Sub Menu selections, MENU PLUS will display only the selections you have entered. Displayed in the box above the Sub Menu Maintenance screen, you will always see the Main Menu selection you are currently editing. In this example it displays: "SPREAD SHEETS" 5. On the first line enter: MAIN MENU - SPREAD SHEET 6. Press [Enter]; the entry will be saved and you will continue with the DOS Commands Maintenance screen. Page 16 ----------------------- DOS COMMAND MAINTENANCE ----------------------- DOS Command Maintenance is where you can add, change, or delete the DOS commands that are executed when you choose a Main or a Sub Menu selection. You can enter up to 15 lines of DOS commands for each Sub Menu. In the box directly above the DOS Command screen you will always see the Sub Menu selection that you are currently editing and above that will be the Main Menu selection. MENU PLUS executes a sequence of commands each time a menu selection is chosen. These commands tell your computer what steps to take in order to run the chosen application. This sequence of commands is stored in the DOS Command Maintenance screen. Enter the DOS commands in this screen exactly as you would type them at a DOS prompt. All commands you type in will be changed to upper case. 7. On the first line, you must tell the computer which sub- directory to change to. This will be the sub-directory where the Spread Sheet software is located. For example, type the following: CD\LOTUS 8. Press the [Enter] key or use the arrow keys to move to the second line. 9. The second line can tell the computer which application you wish to run. For example: LOTUS This command will execute and bring up the Lotus Main Menu. 10. When finished press [F10] and you will return to the Sub Menu Maintenance screen. At this point you may add more Sub Menus, or return to the Main Menu Maintenance screen, by pressing [Esc], and add more Main Menu selections. When you are finished, you may leave Main Menu Maintenance by pressing [F10]. The software selections you have typed in will now be displayed. If you have further questions about DOS Commands, refer to Microsoft MS-DOS User s Guide & User s Reference for more detail. Page 17 --------------------- ADVANCED USER SECTION --------------------- This section is for advanced users who like to get up and running quickly. To add a new menu selection: 1. From the Main or Sub Menu screens, press [/] for the Command Menu. 2. Choose the MENU MAINTENANCE option from the Command Menu. 3. Enter "SPREAD SHEETS" in the Main Menu screen. 4. Press [Enter]. 5. Enter "MAIN MENU - SPREAD SHEETS" in the Sub Menu Maintenance Screen. 6. Press [Enter]. 7. Enter "CD\LOTUS" on the first line of the DOS Commands Maintenance screen. 8. Press [Enter] or the arrow keys. 9. Enter "LOTUS" in the second line. 10. Press [F10] to save changes. 11. Press [Esc] twice to exit to the Main Menu. 12. Press S to run the Spread Sheet application. Page 18 --------------------------------- ADDITIONAL MENU MAINTENANCE NOTES --------------------------------- 1. DELETING ONLY ONE MAIN MENU SELECTION AT A TIME: To provide protection from accidental deletion, you may delete only one Main Menu selection at a time from the Main Menu Maintenance screen. If you try to delete more than one Main Menu selection, an error message will result, and the deleted selections will be restored after you press [Enter]. 2. TO DELETE A MAIN MENU SELECTION You cannot delete a Main Menu selection that contains one or more Sub Menu selections. If you try, an error message will result, and the deleted selections will be restored when you press [Enter]. This provides protection from accidentally deleting an entire Sub Menu group. To Delete a Main Menu Selection a) From the Main or Sub Menu screens, press [/] for the Command Menu. b) Move the cursor to the Menu selection you wish to delete. c) If the Menu has Sub Menu selections associated with it, then press [Enter] to move to the Sub Menu Maintenance screen. d) Remove all Sub Menu selections, with [Ctrl]+[End], in the Sub Menu Maintenance screen. This will also remove the DOS commands associated with that Sub Menu for you. e) Press [F10] to save and return to the Main Menu Maintenance screen. f) Move the cursor to the Main Menu selection you wish to delete. g) Press [Ctrl]+[End] to delete the Main Menu selection. h) Press [F10] to save the changes. When you return to the Main Menu, that selection will be gone. 3. HAVING ONLY ONE SUB MENU SELECTION If you have only one Sub Menu Selection for a given Main Menu selection, the Sub Menu screen will not appear when you run the Main Menu selection. MENU PLUS will run that software selection directly. 4. SAVING YOUR WORK Always press [F10] to save any changes you make. In most cases, MENU PLUS will save the changes that you make, but it always a good idea to leave the screen by pressing [F10]. Page 19 ----------- IMPORT FILE ----------- If you already have an existing batch file that contains the DOS commands that you need, you may import that file directly into MENU PLUS by using the Import File option. Enter the DOS Command Maintenance screen from Menu Maintenance. Press [F4] to bring up the Import File screen. Enter the PATH and the name of the file you wish to import and press [Enter]. You may import up to 15 lines. To quickly locate a directory or file name, use the Directory Tree by pressing [F7]. ----------- EXPORT FILE ----------- You can Export a set of DOS Commands to a DOS file or to another Sub Menu. Press [F6] and enter the PATH and file name and then press [Enter]. You can import it in to another Sub Menu by using the Import File option. To quickly locate a directory or file name, use the Directory Tree by pressing [F7]. ---------- CHECK MODE ---------- Sometimes the commands you have typed in the DOS Command Maintenance screen are not correct, resulting in errors when you run that menu selection. Check Mode can help you fix these errors. Check Mode steps through each command, one by one, as it is executed by DOS. Some of the problems could be; errors from DOS, not going to the right software or not returning to the MENU PLUS program. Check Mode looks at each DOS statement so you can see what is happening. Using Check Mode Prior to making your selection from the Main or Sub Menu, press [Alt]+[C]. The Check Mode indicator will appear in the lower right hand corner. Then choose the menu selection that is giving you errors. MENU PLUS will pause after each DOS command is executed and you should check to make sure that each command is doing what it is suppose to do. After inspection, press any key to continue with the next command. When you find the DOS command that is causing the problem, return to the DOS Command Maintenance screen and correct the problem there. Page 20 ------------------- PASSWORD PROTECTION ------------------- Password Protection will require users to enter a password before choosing a Main Menu selection. Password Protection can restrict others from accessing software you don't want them to use. A password, up to six characters, can be entered for each Main Menu selection. When the passwords are saved, they are encrypted to ensure confidentiality. A system manager is responsible for maintaining the password list. Only the system manager will know the passwords for each Main Menu selection, which in turn, can be passed along to the appropriate users. Only the system manager can enter into the password protection screen. Once inside, they can: * Add or Delete Passwords * Change the system password * Enable or Disable user access to DOS * Enable or Disable user access to HotDOS USING PASSWORD PROTECTION FOR THE SYSTEM MANAGER 1. To use Password Protection, press the [/] key for the Command Menu. 2. Then select the MENU MAINTENANCE option. 3. From the Main Menu Maintenance screen, press [F2]. 4. MENU PLUS will prompt you to enter the system password. The default system password is: SYSTEM Enter this password and press [Enter]. If you typed in the password correctly you will see the password screen. ASSIGNING A PASSWORD TO A MAIN MENU SELECTION Use the arrow keys to move to the Main Menu selection that you wish to assign a password to. Enter the password, up to six digits in length. The password can be made of a combination of characters or numbers. Press [F10] to save and exit. Now when you try to select that Main Menu selection, you will be prompted to enter a password. Page 21 REMOVING A PASSWORD FROM A MAIN MENU SELECTION To remove a password, move to password you wish to remove. You may use either [Crtl]+[End] to remove it or use the [Del] key. Press [F10] to save and exit. After deleting the password, you will no longer be required to enter a password for that Main Menu selection. CHANGING THE SYSTEM PASSWORD The system manager will want to change the system password to ensure system confidentiality. The following explains how to change the system password: 1. Press the [F2] key, to bring up the Change System Password box. 2. Enter the old system password. The default system password: SYSTEM 3. Enter the new password, twice for verification. The new password MUST be six digits in length. 4. The system password will now be changed. Make careful note of the new password! If a system password is forgotten, you will no longer be able to access the Password Protection screen. Page 22 CONTROLLING ACCESS TO DOS AND HotDOS The system manager can control whether the users of the computer can leave MENU PLUS's menus and exit DOS or use HotDOS. Some computers contain information or programs that should not be available to other users on that system. In addition, it might be desirable to keep users from going to DOS or using HotDOS, either from a confusion standpoint or to keep people out for security reasons. The following explains how to control access to DOS or HotDOS: 1. Press the [F4] key, to bring up the Disable/Enable Access to DOS or HotDOS screen. 2. The first question asks you if want to be able to exit to DOS or not: * Pressing 1 allows you to exit to DOS. * Pressing 2 does not allow you to exit to DOS. 3. The next question ask you if you want to able to use HotDOS or not: * Pressing 1 allows you to use HotDOS. * Pressing 2 does not allow you to use HotDOS. You may use any combination of the above. For example, you may want users to have access to HotDOS, but not be allowed out to DOS. Page 23 ---------------------- DIRECTORY TREE UTILITY ---------------------- The Directory Tree utility provides an quick and easy way to build your menus. The Directory Tree is available from the DOS Command Menu and from the Import/Export File screens. To bring up the Directory Tree, press [F7]. The [F7] key does two things: 1) [F7] initially brings up a directory tree. 2) Pressing [F7] again allows you to view different hard drive partitions. [F8] gives a complete listing of the files for the respective directory where the cursor is located. [Enter] moves the directory or file name into the DOS Command Maintenance screen. [PgDn]/[PgUp] moves down or up one screen. [Up/Down Arrow] moves up or down one selection To use the Directory tree to quickly build your DOS Commands, do the following: 1) Press [F7] from the DOS Commands Maintenance Screen. 2) Move to the directory you wish and press [Enter]. The directory will now be moved into the DOS Command screen. 3) Press [F7] again, the cursor will be on the directory you just selected. Press [F8] and the files will appear for that sub directory. Press [Enter] to select the file you wish that file will be moved into the DOS Command screen. Page 24 ------------- THE LOG SHEET ------------- The Log Sheet keeps track of the software and the amount of time your computer was used. The Log Sheet shows by day what software was used and for how long. Also, it provides daily totals and percentages of use per day, based on a 8 hour day. At the bottom, the Log Sheet reports the totals for the entire period. Below is an example of a two day print out: Software Date Start Finish Time +----------------------------------------------------------+ | Word Processors 11-01-90 08:01 09:30 01:29 | | Spread Sheets 11-01-90 09:31 10:20 00:49 | | DOS 11-01-90 10:30 10:50 00:20 | | Data Bases 11-01-90 11:00 11:58 00:58 | | Utilities 11-01-90 13:10 16:20 03:10 | +----------------------------------------------------------+ PC usage per day is: 86 % Total for day 06:46 +----------------------------------------------------------+ | Communications 11-02-90 08:21 10:02 01:41 | | Financial 11-02-90 10:02 11:28 01:26 | | Word Processor 11-02-90 11:28 15:31 04:03 | | DOS 11-02-90 15:31 15:33 00:02 | | Graphics 11-02-90 15:33 16:05 00:32 | +----------------------------------------------------------+ PC usage per day is: 97 % Total for day 07:44 Total percentage of PC usage for 2 days is: 91 % Total time for 2 days is 14:40 WHAT THE LOG SHEET CAN DO FOR YOU The Log Sheet tells you exactly how your computer was used over a period of time. The information from the Log Sheet can be extremely useful to anyone who needs to manage the resources of their computer. The Log Sheet data can show which software applications are used most frequently, how many hours per day the computer is used, and help determine peak and off peak usage times. The Log Sheet can also be used for project management. By looking back over the previous Log Sheet reports you can tally up the amount of time spent on certain projects. The information from the Log Sheet can be used for tax purposes. For example, by putting an identifier next to a Sub Menu selection, like -'90 Tax Returns, you can easily calculate the amount of time which is tax deductible. Page 25 PRINTING THE LOG SHEET The following explains how to print the Log Sheet: 1. From the Main or Sub Menu, press the [/] key to bring up the Command Menu. 2. Choose the LOG SHEET option and press [Enter]. 3. Check your printer. 4. From the Log Sheet menu, select the "Print To Printer" option and press [Enter]. 5. The Log Sheet will now start printing. 6. Before the Log Sheet stops printing, you will be asked the question: "Do you wish to delete the old Log Sheet and start a new one (Y/N)?" Since you are now printing a hard copy, you won't need the old Log Sheet taking up space on your hard disk any more. Answer "Y" to delete the old Log sheet. A clean Log Sheet will be started and you will return to the Main Menu. If you answer "N", the Log Sheet will not be deleted. It will retain the previous information, and MENU PLUS will continue adding usage data to it. Page 26 ------ HOTDOS ------ HotDOS lets you issue DOS commands without leaving MENU PLUS. HotDOS saves every command you enter in a history file. Each saved command can be retrieved and used over and over again. You can use all of MENU PLUS's editing keys to make changes to your commands. HotDOS allows you to retrieve previously issued DOS commands. By pressing the Up or Down arrow keys you can see the previous commands scroll by one by one. When you get to the command you need, just press [Enter] to reissue it, or modify it and then press [Enter]. USING HotDOS The following explains how to use HotDOS: 1. Press the [F1] key to bring up HotDOS from the Main or Sub Menus. 2. You can either enter a new DOS command or, use the Up or Down arrow keys to retrieve a previously issued command from the History file. 3. Press [Enter] to issue a DOS command. 4. To return, press the [Esc] key. TO DELETE THE HotDOS HISTORY FILE If the History file is getting too large or you don't need the old DOS commands anymore, you can delete the entire history file by pressing [Crtl]+[PgDn]. ------- FASTKEY ------- FastKey gives you "One-Touch" software selection and the fastest way of selecting your software. One character in each menu selection will be highlighted, usually the first character in the menu list. By pressing just this highlighted key you can run that menu selection. FastKey is available in the Main and Sub Menus and in all Command Menus. FastKey highlights the first unique character in the menu lists. If you find that some of the Menu Selections are not highlighted, it is because all letter combinations were used in previous menu selections. To choose a menu selection that is not highlighted, just use the arrow keys and then press [Enter]. Page 27 ---------------------------- QUESTIONS AND ANSWER SECTION ---------------------------- This section answers question to frequently asked questions: Q: Why does MENU PLUS display the wrong date and time? A1: If your computers system date and time are set incorrectly then reset them using the DOS DATE and TIME commands. A2: If your computer does not have a clock/calendar board, then you must put the lines DATE and TIME in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Refer to the ABOUT DOS SYSTEM FILES section. Q: I defined the LOTUS 123 menu selection to process the following DOS COMMANDS. CD\LOTUS LOTUS CD\ But after exiting LOTUS, I ended up in DOS, instead of going back to MENU PLUS. What is wrong? A: One of the commands you have defined is a batch file, for example, LOTUS.BAT. Even though you didn't type "LOTUS.BAT", the computer assumes this and goes off and runs the file LOTUS.BAT and never returns to MENU PLUS. The file LOTUS.BAT is in one of the directories specified in the PATH statement. To fix this, find the file, LOTUS.BAT and delete it, since you will now be running all your software from MENU PLUS. Q: I added a command to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file and it never gets executed. Why? A: Check to see if you added the command after the line C:\MENUPLUS.BAT. If you did, then move the command before this line. Any command after the line C:\MENUPLUS.BAT in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file will not be executed. Page 28 ---------------------------- QUESTIONS AND ANSWER SECTION ---------------------------- Q: Why doesn't MENU PLUS appear after turning on the computer? A1: Look at the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. The last line should read C:\MENUPLUS.BAT. If this line is not there, enter C:\MENUPLUS.BAT on the last line. A2: In the AUTOEXEC.BAT file one of the commands before C:\MENUPLUS.BAT refers to a batch file or program that gets executed and the command C:\MENUPLUS.BAT is never executed. If it is a batch file, transfer the lines of the batch file directly into the AUTOEXEC.BAT. If it is a program, put the program into a MENU PLUS menu selection. Q: After choosing one of the Menu Selection from MENU PLUS, it either 1) went to another program, and the MENU PLUS screen didn't return or 2) just went to DOS. What is the problem? A1: Return to the DOS Command Maintenance and look at each command. One of the DOS commands is a batch file in one of the directories specified by the PATH statement. Exit to DOS and find the file that is named the same as the DOS command and either rename it or delete it. You can use Check Mode [Alt]+C to help find the problem. A2: Look for the file MENUPLUS.EXE on the root directory or on the PATH. This file should only be in the directory named C:\MENUPLUS. If you find on the root directory, delete it. Q: Will I run out of Main Menu Selections? A1: The 144 menu selections has been proven to be more than enough for the majority of the users. The next step is to consolidate the Main Menu selections into categories that are on the screen. Reorganize then into categories: Word Processors, Spread sheets, Data Bases, Programming Language, Communications, etc. A2: If the above answer doesn't work, then maybe you have one program that is occupying one Main Menu selection. Remember there are 16 Sub Menus behind each Main Menu. Move this program to another Sub Menu and you will free up 16 additional selections. Page 29 ---------------------- ABOUT DOS SYSTEM FILES ---------------------- DOS stands for Disk Operating System. DOS is an operating system that controls your computer and the devices connected to it. DOS controls the operation of your computer when you use accounting, word processing and spreadsheet programs. Files that are created when you use your applications are managed by DOS. The PATH command tells DOS which directories to search for a batch file or command each time a command is entered. DOS always searches the current directory first, then searches the directories you specify in the PATH command in the order you listed them. This is why you can type MENUPLUS from any directory or sub- directory and the MENU PLUS screen will appear. For MENU PLUS to work correctly, the PATH statement must include the root directory on which MENU PLUS was installed. For example: PATH C:\ The AUTOEXEC.BAT file is a special file which is executed every time you start your computer. In this way, you can process specific commands every time your computer is started, saving you from typing the command in every time. This file is why MENU PLUS appears after you turn on your computer. Heres a general set of commands for the AUTOEXEC.BAT file using MENU PLUS: PROMPT $P$G PATH C:\;C:\DOS DATE TIME C:\MENUPLUS.BAT Exclude the DATE and TIME commands if you have a clock/ calendar board in your computer If you have further questions, refer to Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide & User's Reference for more detail. Page 30 ---------------- MENU KEY SUMMARY ---------------- Listed below are descriptions of the menu editing keys when you use the Main and Sub Menus, Command Menus and in Hot DOS. [Home] = Moves to the first menu selection. [End] = Moves to the last menu selection. [Enter] = Selects the current menu item. [/] = Selects the Command Menu. [Alt]+[C] = Check Mode is used to debug batch files. [Esc] = Exit from an option. [F1] = Either: (1) Select HotDOS to execute DOS commands. (2) or, gives context sensitive help [F3] = Help Screen [F5] = Display Serial and Version Number [F7] = Directory Tree [F10] = Company Information and prints registration form ------------------- EDITING KEY SUMMARY ------------------- When you select Menu Maintenance, HotDOS or Edit Screen Header, you have several keys which assist you in editing. The editing keys are designed to be compatible with other popular editors. The description of each key is shown below. [Home] = Places cursor on the first character. [End] = Places the cursor on the last character. [Ins] = Turns insert mode ON or OFF. [Del] = Deletes a character. [BackSpace] = Delete previous character. [F10] = Saves your work and exits. [Ctrl]+[Left arrow] = Moves cursor left to start of next word. [Ctrl]+[Right arrow] = Moves cursor right to start of next word. [Ctrl]+[End] = Deletes to the end of the line. [Esc] = Returns to the previous menu. WARRANTY AND DISCLAIMER: ======================== The MENU PLUS menuing software is NOT "Public Domain" and it is NOT "Freeware". MENU PLUS is a copyrighted software product developed and owned by Sensation Software, located in Long Beach, California, U.S.A. Sensation Software, grants you without charge the right to reproduce, distribute and use copies of this version (Ver 2.0) of our MENU PLUS shareware software product, subject to the limitations specified below, and on the express condition that you do not receive any payment, commercial benefit, or other consideration for such reproduction or distribution, or change this license agreement or the following copyright notice which appears in the software, documentation, user interface, menus and magnetic media: (C) Copyright 1994 Sensation Software. All rights reserved worldwide. Limitations: You may make and keep one (1) back-up copy of the software for your personal use, provided that (i) you copy all the copyright, trademark, and other information indicated on the initial screen display (or on the diskette label, for the registered version disk onto your backup diskette label, and (ii) you have registered. Also you may distribute copies to other persons, but solely for their evaluation (i.e., to decide whether to continue using the product and therefore register) and solely for evaluation by such other persons during that thirty (30) day period. MENU PLUS must NOT be sold or otherwise provided as part of a larger system, or as a part of a more inclusive product or service, without express written consent and licensing from Sensation Software. The rights to receive any such financial or other benefit, and to modify the product or employ its components in any kind of derivative work, are reserved exclusively by Sensation Software. Support from users enables us to develop additional features and future versions of the MENU PLUS. SOFTWARE LICENSE AND AGREEMENT: =============================== YOU MAY NOT; modify, translate, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, create derivative works based on, or copy (except for a backup copy) the program or the accompanying documentation; YOU MAY NOT; rent, lease, sub-license, or time-share, software copies or related material. Sensation Software will not be liable for special, incidental, consequential, indirect or other similar damages even if we or our agent have been advised of the possibility of such damages. This means Sensation Software is not responsible or liable for damages or cost incurred as a result of loss of time, loss of data, loss of profit or revenue, or loss of use of the software. IBM and PS/2 are registered trademarks of the IBM Corporation.