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netplo.arj
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INFO.DOC
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1992-05-04
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WHAT THIS PROGRAM DOES:
This is a network FREEWARE program that will spool plotfiles from programs
like Autocad, Harvard Graphics, or any other program which can plot to a file,
to any Hewlett Packard or compatible plotter attached to a designated network
station. The program has been tested in a computer aided design environment
on a network using Novell 3.11 and Advanced 2.15.
FILES INCLUDED WITH NETPLOT.ZIP:
INFO.DOC - General information file -This file-
NETPLOT.COM - Main Program File
INSTALL.COM - Installation file
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
* 8088 - IBM-XT or compatible computer attached to a Novell network.
* 256k of RAM.
* 20Mb Hard Disk.
* Any monitor (not graphics card required).
* One serial port (if more than one is available attach the plotter
to COM1:).
* A full set and corresponding path to DOS 3.30 or greater installed
in the computer.
* Hewlett Packard or compatible plotter attached to the specified
station.
* The plotter must be set at 9600,E,7,1.
HOW IT WORKS:
The program proceeds in these general steps:
1) The network users create their plot files in a directory on the
file server. We'll call it PLTJOBS. A queue of plot files will
eventually build up in this directory.
2) The files are selected one by one from the above directory
without interfering with those which are being created. First a
backup of the selected file is made in a backup directory and
then it is copied to a secondary directory on the plot station.
3) The program take the plotfile now located at the secondary
directory on the plot station and send the file to the plotter
attached to its serial port.
4) After completing the plotjob, the program ask for the insertion
of a new paper in the plotter before continuing.
While plotting, the station is dedicated. For this reason, most companies
are using an inexpensive IBM-XT or compatible computer, as a continuously
dedicated plot station. We also recommend this option.
HOW TO INSTALL NETPLOT FROM A STATION WHICH
CONFORMS TO THE STATED MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
The following steps should be followed by the network supervisor. This
steps conforms to a basic installation, which can be improved or custom
modified with the information given after registration. At this point you must
use exactly the directory names given in these instructions.
1. Log in to the network as Supervisor.
2. Select or create a directory, on the designated network plot
station, that will be used for NETPLOT.
3. Change to the specified directory and copy the file NETPLOT.COM
to it.
4. Type INSTALL at the command prompt. The installation file will
perform the following steps:
1. Create a directory with the name TEMPPLT on the hard drive
root of the designated network plot station.
2. On the root directory of the network file server it creates
a directory with the name NETPLOT, in this directory it
creates the following directories, PLTJOBS and PLTBACK.
Of course you can type yourself these instructions instead of
using the installation batch files.
5. Give to NETPLOT users all rights on the NETPLOT directory.
For continued use of this program we recommend the use of a RAMDISK on
the plot station:
1) Create a RAMDISK as explained on your DOS manual.
2) Create a batch file that copy and execute NETPLOT.COM from the RAMDISK
for example the batch should contain the following lines:
ECHO OFF
CLS
COPY C:\NETPLOT\NETPLOT.COM D:\
D:
NETPLOT
RUNNING NETPLOT:
From the selected network plot station:
1) The station must be logged on to the network. We recommend this
to be done by a newly created user (eg: plotman), with the proper
rights. This user should be used for running this program only.
2) Be sure that your plotter is properly connected to COM1: and with
the settings 9600 bauds, even parity, 7 data bits and 1 stop bit.
3) Change to the directory where NETPLOT.COM is located and type
NETPLOT at the command prompt or execute your batch file (RAMDISK
users).
4) Follow the instructions displayed on screen.
5) Verify that the word "Working" appears continuously on the
screen. In 386 or 486 machines, due to computer speed, you
will probably not see the message "Working".
From any network station:
1) Access your application.
2) Use the commands needed to produce a plotfile.
3) When the application ask for the name of the plotfile you must
type the following:
F:\NETPLOT\PLTJOBS\Name_of_file
no extension is needed. YOU MUST MAKE SURE ALL USERS ARE USING
DIFFERENT FILE NAMES FOR THEIR PLOTFILES. A root map created to
the mentioned directory facilitates the creation of plotfiles
(eg: MAP ROOT G:=SYS:NETPLOT\PLTJOBS)
REGISTRATION:
Registration is free and welcome. When you register you will get
notice of upgrades, limited technical support, other versions availability and
capabilities. For example, A custom setup allows the use of different serial
ports and any directory name. If you are using programs such as Deskview or
Windows 3.00 in Enhanced mode, you could have a maximun of 4 session of
NETPLOT running at the same time. Several plotters can be conected to
different serial ports on the network plot station. This is a one plotter
only version. To register, mail, electronic mail or send a FAX to:
Marvi Teixeira
P.O. Box 8902
Carolina, P.R., 00988
Compuserv:
76436,412
Edilberto Cajigas
FAX Number:
1-809-788-5924
11:00 P.M. - 6:00 A.M.
(Eastern Time)
Ideas or comments from users enables us to develop additional
features and future versions of the NETPLOT program.
You may reproduce, distribute and use copies of this version of NETPLOT,
subject to the limitations specified below, and on the condition that you do
not receive any benefit, for such reproduction or distribution.
Limitations:
NETPLOT must NOT be provided as part of a system or service, without
express written consent from Marvi Teixeira and Edilberto Cajigas.
THIS PRODUCT IS GIVEN "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY. BY USING THE NETPLOT
PROGRAM, YOU AGREE THAT NEITHER MARVI TEIXEIRA OR EDILBERTO CAJIGAS WILL
BE LIABLE TO YOU OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY USE OF (OR INABILITY TO USE)
OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS PRODUCT, OR FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER. EVEN IF WE
ARE NOTIFIED OF SUCH POSSIBILITY IN ADVANCE.
You acknowledge that the program includes secrets and confidential
information, all of which is the intellectual property of Marvi Teixeira
and Edilberto Cajigas. You may not disassemble, modify, decompile or
create derivative works of the product.