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-------------------
===== 4 - F I L E S =====
-------------------
DOCUMENTATION -- Version 2S.8
April 22, 1992
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Shareware by Larry Edwards, Copyright 1990-92 All Rights Reserved
REGISTRATION $20 Box 6001 Sitka, Ak 99835
TECH SUPPORT: (907)-747-8996 (ask for Larry)
CompuServ mail to 72037,3607
GEnie mail to L.EDWARDS10
BIX mail to L.T.Edwards
_______
____|__ |
--| | |------------------- | ASP wants to make sure the shareware
| ____|__ | Association of | principle works for you; its Ombuds-
| | |_| Shareware | man can help resolve any dispute with
|__| o | Professionals | an ASP member on a shareware related
-----| | |--------------------- | problem. Details on page 3.
(R) |___|___| MEMBER
================================================================================
CONTENTS OF MANUAL ...
========================
Overview of 4FILES .. 1 Mouse Use ...... 5-6, 13 EMS & XMS Memory . 13,17
About "File Notes"... 2 File & Note Modes .... 7 Video & Screens ..... 14
Shareware Notice .... 2 Using File Mode ...... 7 Safety Features ..... 15
Quick Start ......... 3 Sorting File Lists ... 8 Hot Tips on 4FILES... 16
Special Keys ........ 3 Utility Ports ........ 9 Origin/Evolution .... 18
Dir. Tree Navigation 5 Using Note Mode ..... 10 Registration Benefits 19
<@-CHAR> File Search 7 Configuring 4FILES .. 12 Agreement for Use ... 19
(incl. colors & blink)
Registration Form ... 21
================================================================================
OVERVIEW OF 4FILES
================== 4FILES is a multi-purpose file management tool, and
includes a full-featured editor for 4DOS-standard "file notes". The interface
is clean and convenient, and incorporates what may well be the easiest drive
and directory navigation method you have tried.
4FILES also serves as a well coordinated "front-end" for several of your
favorite utilities, providing rapid-fire, point-and-shoot loading of files into
the utilities. There is a "utility port" for a file browser, two for editors
or word processsors, three specialized for archive programs or viewers, and
an extra port. 4FILES has a built-in configuration routine, so changes to
these utility ports and other program settings can easily be made on-the-fly.
Changes may be used "session-only" or be saved to a configuration file.
2.
The screen shows the current directory with subdirectories at the top
followed by files, each taking a full line. The list may be sorted any way you
like, both on-the-fly and via command line switches. Except for sorts by file
name (the default), the key field for the current sort is highlighted on
screen. Any video mode over 80x25 is supported (see Quick Start on page 3).
File or subdirectory names are displayed on the left half of the screen,
one per line, with full statistics. The right half is space for descriptive
file notes. If you are using 4DOS or NDOS (superior COMMAND.COM substitutes),
a file note will remain associated with its file during copy, move and rename
operations. You may also play with file notes under COMMAND.COM, but the notes
will be lost during the above file operations. The new 4DOS-4.0 description
"extensions" are detected if present, but no programs are using them yet.
Any program file or batch file may be executed directly from the listing
or be put in an DOS editable command line. Data files with "executable exten-
sions" may be loaded directly into their applications. A real DOS command line
(secondary shell) is available too.
International keyboards and character code pages are fully supported.
A printed manual will be available soon. Version 3.0 is in the works
and will have several new features and improvements to existing features.
================================================================================
ABOUT FILE NOTES & 4DOS
======================= Ability to annotate your files will revolutionize your
computer use, and this feature alone is _ample_ reason to replace COMMAND.COM
with 4DOS. But the powers of 4DOS do not end there, and you are really (!)
wasting time and energy if you aren't using it. It makes the MSDOS command
line EASY and adds many features to MSDOS which should have been included all
along, but aren't even in MSDOS 5.0. I can't recommend 4DOS highly enough!
It's shareware by JP Software, Box 1470, E. Arlington, Ma 02174, 617-646-3975.
===============================================================================
SHAREWARE NOTICE
================ 4FILES is a commercial, copyrighted program, and is distrib-
uted as shareware. Shareware is a marketing method which allows you to eval-
uate a fully functional program before deciding whether you want it. You may
not continue use of 4FILES beyond a period of bona-fide evaluation of not over
30-days unless the copy you are using has been properly registered for your
use and your use complies with the agreement near the end of this manual.
If you decide *not* to register, your frank critique of 4FILES (or a
trouble report) would be sincerely appreciated. Use the means most convenient
to you: collect phone call, E-mail, or a letter.
Your distribution of 4FILES to others is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED, provided that
the distribution complies with the agreement at the end of this manual.
Permission for commercial distribution may be withdrawn at any time for cause.
Larry Edwards is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals
(ASP). ASP wants to make sure the shareware principle works for you. If you
are unable to resolve a shareware-related dispute or problem with an ASP
member, ASP's Ombudsman may be able to help resolve it. ASP does not however
provide technical support for members' products. Contact: ASP Ombudsman, 545
Grover Rd, Muskegon, MI 49442 or (via CompuServe Mail) ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.
============================================================================= 3.
QUICK START:
=========== Capacity: 470 records per directory. Requires: 64K and DOS 2+.
-------- --------
SYNTAX: 4F [d:][\][subdir] [/+/8] [/D] [/E /S /T /N]
** Items in brackets are optional. The current directory is the default.
** Quitting: <ESC> or <^ESC> = to original dir; <@ESC> = to current dir.
** Type <@F10> to reconfigure 4FILES. A wide range of features, including
colors, can be set here. Always give an extension for utility configur-
ations. A pathspec is not needed if a utility is in the PATH, but
gives best performance. If you need Blinking enabled for called
utilities or after exiting 4FILES, it can be forced on here. Foreign
keyboards may require a setting also.
** REPLACE OLD .CFG FILES: The configuration file format was changed in
version 2S.0. If your .CFG file was written by an earlier version, you
must delete it and configure the new version from scratch.
** /D /E /S /T and /N are command line switches for list sorting. /D may
be used alone or with any of the other four. /8 is used to force an
80x25 display, in case you want to switch automatically, or in case of
an incompatibility with the video mode detection. /+ must be used with
HGC, MDA or CGA if you are displaying MORE than 80x25.
** 4FILES should either be located in a directory which is in your PATH, or
be called via an alias (preferably using the full pathspec for speed).
** OPERATION: Use the menu line for guidance, and go with the flow! <TAB>
toggles modes. Some key strokes will work in both modes, but are shown
only on the menu of one (limited space on menu line). Navigate with the
G+ (Grey-plus), G- and G* keys. 83-key keyboards use <SCL-LK> rather
than G*. <F1> displays the above help screen and this manual if 4FILES
is properly configured. Many more features are described below.
===================================================
D O C U M E N T A T I O N O F F E A T U R E S
===================================================
===============================================================================
SPECIAL CONTROLS
================ Most keys act as expected, and the others (below) are laid
out logically. A special keyboard handler allows nice, normally unavailable
key assignments. Key symbols: ^ means the CTRL key, @ means the ALT key.
("**" means 4FILES must be configured properly for the feature to work.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
<F1> -- Help. ** <F2> -- Edit current file. **
<F3> -- File Finder. ** <F4> -- Unzip current file, if archive. **
<F5> -- Mark record. <F6> -- Unmark record.
<F9> -- Copy selected text. <F0> -- Paste text (insert).
<^F2> - Second editor or a utility. **
<^F5> - Mark ALL file records. <^F6> - Unmark ALL records.
<^F9> - Cut selected text.
<@F9> - Copy the whole note. <@F10> - Change 4FILES configuration.
4.
NOTE: <G*> is the "grey" star key on the keypad. <G**> is a double hit of
---- this key. Adjacent keys are <G+> and <G->.
<G*> -- Change drives. The change is instantaneous when a drive letter
is typed. ON 83-KEY KEYBOARDS, THE <SCL-LCK> KEY SERVES THIS
FUNCTION; the alternate key choice can be forced by configuration.
<G**> -- Change drive:directory via a text entry field. LCD and ACD
compatible. On 83-key keyboards, use <SCL-LCK>.
<G***> -- Change back to the previous directory. Use <SCL-LCK> for 83 keys.
<G-> -- Change to the parent directory (from any record).
<G+> -- IF RECORD IS: 1) a directory, change to it.
2) a file, browse it. **
3) an archive, list its constituent files. **
<^G+> -- Active only for archive files; calls an alternate utility. **
<CR> -- ENTER may be configured to duplicate <G+> in File Mode only.
<@-F10> -- Shows the configuration menu.
<TAB> -- Toggles between FILE MODE and NOTE MODE.
<NUM-LK> -- Toggles between showing file attributes and file time.
<@-Char> -- Fast scroll to next record starting with the character.
<SCL-LK> or <Keypad-5>, depending on KB BIOS, changes direction.
NOTE MODE COMMANDS:
-------------------
^H -- Destructive backspace.
^Y -- DELETE NOTE.
<Ctrl-PgUp> -- Go to TOP of directory listing.
<Ctrl-PgDn> -- " " END " " "
<Ctrl-Up> -- Go to TOP of page.
<Ctrl_Dn> -- " " END " "
<Sh-Up> -- Scroll display to show record ABOVE TOP of page.
<Sh-Dn> -- " " " " " BELOW END " "
<Ctrl-Lf> -- Shift cursor ONE WORD LEFT.
<Ctrl-Rt> -- " " ONE WORD RIGHT.
<Sh-Rt> -- 1) Bump any text to the right of the cursor to right margin.
2) If no text to the right, enter Flush-Right (FLR) mode.
<Sh-Lf> -- Exit FLR mode (or use <ESC>, <CR> or any bar movement keys).
<Sh-BS> -- Destructive "Fore-space", available in FLR mode only.
<ESC> -- Like <^ESC>. Can be disabled with a configuration switch.
<^ESC> or <@ESC> -- Quit to original or current directory, respectively.
(If you use NEWKEY, see page 10.)
5.
FILE MODE COMMANDS:
------------------
<^E> or <^E><^E> -- Presents a DOS command line with or without the current
file name. (See also "configuration".) Appending "++" to a
command freezes the screen temporarily after execution.
<^X> -- Instantly executes records which are .COM, .EXE, .BAT or .BTM
files; also acts on data files with "executable extensions".
F5 / F6 -- Mark / Unmark A record.
^F5 / ^F6 -- Mark / Unmark ALL records.
A / ^A -- Change attributes of current file or all marked files.
C -- Copy file.
D / ^D -- Delete current file or all marked files.
M -- Move file.
R -- Rename a file or directory. LCD 4.0B+ & ACD compatible
if "REN" is added to config.
N -- Create a "New" Directory. LCD/ACD compatible.
K -- "Kill" (remove) the highlighted directory. LCD/ACD compatible.
S -- Sort the list with a new type or order of sorting; menu driven.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Copy, Move, Rename functions are VERY rudimentary, and will be top
notch in V-3.0. Internal PKZip and Unzip support will also be included.
================================================================================
DRIVE & DIRECTORY NAVIGATION
============================ 4FILES has perhaps the most natural key mapping
yet devised for drive and directory navigation. It employs a group of three
keys operated by your right hand in coordination with the cursor pad keys,
leaving your left hand free for other tasks. A keyboard with lefthand function
keys will accentuate the efficiency of this layout, and Northgate or Focus key-
board with this layout would be an excellent investment. Note that on laptop
computers the lack of a separate cursor pad and left function keys negates the
advantage of the right-hand grouping. The functions of <G+> and <G-> are also
available via mouse buttons. These are the keyboard and mouse layouts:
KEYS HIT: | 83 Keys Action 84+ Keys Action NOTE
========= | ==================== =================== =============
<Grey*> | (Use <SCL-LK> key) ----> Fast drive change (Input field)
|
<Grey**> | (Use <SCL-LK> key) ----> Enter new drive:dir (Input field)
|
<Grey***> | (Use <SCL-LK> key) ----> CD to previous dr:dir (Instant CD)
|
<Grey-> | CD to parent dir CD to parent dir (Instant)
|
<Grey+> | CD to highlighted dir CD to highlighted dir (Instant)
| or browse if a file. or browse if a file.
MOUSE BUTTONS: | L-- M-- R-- L-R LM- -MR LMR
===============|========================================================
3 Button Mouse | <G+> <G-> <ESC> <TAB> <PgUp> <PgDn> <F9>
|
2 Button Mouse | <G+> <ESC> <G->
6.
4FILES will automatically detect both the type of mouse and the type of
keyboard BIOS in your computer, but the layout of your keyboard can only be
assumed (based on the BIOS). If the assumption is incorrect, you may force its
reversal via the configuration menu. WHAT YOU WANT IS THREE KEYS ADJACENT TO
ONE ANOTHER. On the 83-key keyboard they should be in a vertical sequence of
<SCRL-LK>, <G-> and <G+>. On other keyboards they should form a dog-leg at the
upper right corner of the keypad, using <G*> instead of <SCRL-LK>. Proper
arrangement is essential to maximize your working efficiency.
After hitting <G*> or <Scrl-Lck> you will be prompted to enter a drive
letter. A valid entry will cause an immediate change to the drive. A double
hit on <G*>, rather than a drive letter, presents an input field for specifying
the new directory and/or drive. This <G**> command is compatible with LCD and
ACD (directory changing utilities) if 4FILES has been configured for it,
allowing you to type only part of the path name. 4FILES will update the
database when directories are created, deleted or renamed (added "REN" to the
config if your LCD/ACD version supports this feature). <G***> makes an
immediate change to the previous directory.
Hitting <G+> while the cursor is on a subdirectory record will cause 4FILES
to change to that subdirectory. If this is the ".." record, the change will be
to the parent of the current directory. <G-> will change to the parent direct-
ory from ANY record.
When changing to a parent directory, the cursor will quick-scroll from the
top of the listing down to the record of the subdirectory you just left. This
is helpful when inspecting a succession of child directories, since you always
return to your last place in the parent, rather than its first record. The
scrolling action gives a quick impression of your current location in the list.
During a drive change, 4FILES goes to the extra trouble of avoiding the ann-
oyance of the DOS message "Insert Disk for Drive A" overwriting the screen on
systems with only one floppy. You will be seamlessly given an opportunity to
swap disks without messing up the screen.
FILE FINDER: Scrolling to files in a directory listing is easy: just hit an
<@-char> key, where "char" is the alpha-numeric first character of the file or
directory name. You will be delivered to the next occurrence of a record
starting with that character. <SCL-LK> toggles the search direction at any
time, including in mid-search. On 83-key keyboards, <Keypad-5> performs this
function instead since <SCL-LK> is used for directory navigation.
If faster cursor bar movement is desired, 4FILES will support rates which
are much faster than "normal". Faster settings can be made via some keyboard
hardware, or otherwise via keyboard enhancement utilities.
===============================================================================
MOUSE USE
========= See the button map above. The mouse handler is setup so that no
action is taken until all depressed buttons have been released. To experiment,
for a 'page-down' hold down the right button -- no rush -- and hit the middle
button at your leisure. Then lift one finger -- again no rush -- and when the
second finger is lifted the action will be taken.
To use the mouse while running 4FILES from MS-Windows, the mouse driver
must be loaded before loading Windows, otherwise the mouse will not function.
7.
There is one known mouse incompatibility: to date, all drivers for the
OptiMouse have a bug which renders them incompatible with 4FILES. Mechanical
mice by the same manufacturer use other drivers, and work fine.
================================================================================
FILE MODE & NOTE MODE
===================== 4FILES starts in FILE MODE, in which the file
management functions are enabled. <TAB> toggles between File Mode and Note
Mode. You will notice that the menu changes with the mode, and you will find
that while every command on each menu will work in its mode, some will also
work in the other mode. There is not a enough space on the single menu line to
list all commands for each mode, but they are logical and you'll catch on.
===============================================================================
USING FILE MODE
=============== The file mode commands functional in this release are:
(C)opy, (M)ove, (R)ename, (D)elete, and (A)ttributes for single files;
(^D)elete and (^A)ttributes for operation on marked files; and
(N)ew-directory, (K)ill-directory, (^E)xecute-prompt, and e(^X)ecute-now.
Copy, move and rename rely directly on 4DOS resources, and keep the file
notes with their files. As implemented here, these commands are very rudiment-
ary stop-gaps which shell to DOS. They will serve until the truly exceptional
implementations planned for Version 3.0 are ready. Ability to copy and move
marked files will also be included in V-3.0, as well as both zipping and
unzipping for single files or marked multiple files.
^E presents a DOS command line loaded with the name of the current record,
and the line editor is forced into insert mode. The cursor controls are
identical to those for the note editor. ^E^E will provide a blank command line
in which you may enter any command. Treat this just like the DOS command line.
^Y will also delete the command line.
The command typed-in is executed, and when it finishes the return to 4FILES
is automatic. In many situations this is desirable, but in some cases (the DOS
SET command is an example) the information you want to see flashes off the
screen. To prevent this there are two ways to cause 4FILES to delay clearing
the screen until a key is hit. One is to set the configuration switch named
"Pause after DOS Command" to YES (NO is the factory default). The other is to
append ++ to the ^E command line. ++ is a 4FILES flag, and is not actually
part of the command. Either <G+> or <Shift=> may be used to generate +. If
the switch is set to YES, a "--" appendage will force an immediate return.
If you wish to work directly from the DOS prompt for a while, type ^E^E
<CR>. Executing the blank command line will load a secondary DOS shell, and
you will remain in the shell until you type EXIT to return to 4FILES. Back in
4FILES, you will be returned the same drive and directory you were in before.
The command keys to make and remove directories are (N)ew-directory and
(K)ill-directory. (R)ename works both for subdirectories and files. If you
use LCD or ACD, (N), (K) and (R) 4FILES commands will update the directory
database.
8.
<NUM-LOCK> toggles between displaying file attributes and file creation
time, and is functional in both File and Note Mode.
"A" & "D" are the mnemonic commands to change file attributes and delete
files. ^A and ^D act on all marked files. "D" requires a double-tap of
the "Y" key for confirmation. <F5> & <F6> mark and unmark records for such
block operations. <^F5> & <^F6> mark and unmark all records. A count
of marked files and marked bytes is shown on the second line in the "indicator"
color. Marking may be done in both File & Note Modes. Marked file operations
automatically pass over subdirectories, and marking of DESCRIPT.ION is blocked.
Note however that UPON EXIT OR DURING THE NEXT DIRECTORY CHANGE, if no file
notes remain, DESCRIPT.ION will be deleted for you automatically. An empty
DESCRIPT.ION may also be deleted via the "D" single file command.
If plain "A" is hit, an editable image of the current file's actual attrib-
utes is displayed for modification. If ^A is hit to operate on marked files,
a template rather than an actual image is shown. In the template, each attrib-
ute letter is initially preceded by a "?" wildcard, indicating that the exist-
ing attribute will be unchanged. Repeatedly typing an attribute character (R,
A, S or H) will toggle the action on that attribute through a cycle of, for
example, ?R, +R, -R, and back to ?R. + and - indicate the attribute will be
forced "ON" or "OFF" for each file.
When the <G+> browse key is hit on an .EXE file, 4FILES checks to see if
it is a self-extracting archive in the PKWare, LHARC or LHA format. If so, FV
or a utility you have substituted for it will be called to list the contents of
the file. (Some utilities will not read such files.) This capability will be
added for other self-extracting archives types as I become aware of them.
===============================================================================
SORTING THE LIST OF FILES
========================= While the subdirectory portion of the list is always
alphabetically sorted, the files-portion may be sorted in various ways either
on-the-fly or via command line switches. The default sort is alphabetical, in
ascending order. To change the sort on-the-fly, type "S" while in DOS mode.
After making a selection, which may involve making settings for both type of
sort and for ascending or descending order, a second tap on the last key hit
will exit the sort menu and cause the sort to be made. <CR> will exit also.
The command line sort switches are described below. /D may be used by
itself or in combination with other switches, and affects only the primary
sort. These sort specs also apply to on-the-fly settings. The sorts are:
SWITCH PRIMARY SORT SECONDARY SORT
------- ----------------- ------------------
DEFAULT FILENAME .EXT
/E .EXT FILENAME
/S File Size FILENAME.EXT
/T File Time/Date FILENAME.EXT
/N File Note FILENAME.EXT
/D (Descending Order) (Descending Order)
Except when sorting by filename, the primary sort field is highlighted with
a color that is set on the configuration menu. International code pages are
used for sorting. For more about sorts, see the section on "tips".
============================================================================ 9.
UTILITY PORTS -- BROWSING, EDITING, UNZIPPING and FINDING FILES
===============================================================
-- BROWSING FILES --
The <G+> key is overloaded in a sensible way. Not only will it allow
you to "see" the contents of a subdirectory, if the highlighted record is a
file, it will call up your favorite file browser or archive viewer with the
file loaded. In File Mode <CR> may be configured to duplicate the function
of <G+>, although this is not recommended unless you really need it.
4FILES comes configured with the internal 4DOS LIST command as the
browser, but any browser may be substituted. Shelling to DOS to run this
internal command is slow, but if you use a browse utility like TV.COM or
Vern Buerg's LIST.COM, your file will be displayed in a literal eye-blink.
If the record is a .ZIP, .ARC, .DWC, .LBR, .LZH, .PAK or .ZOO archive, an
archive inspector such as ZR.COM or Buerg's FV.COM will be called. FV shows
a table of what's in any of the above archive types, but ZR actually browses
files inside the archive (only for the .ZIP files, unfortunately). Both can
be easily used since an alternate utility port for archives is mapped to
<^G+>. Packed .EXE files in the PK, LHARC and SFX formats are handled by FV.
While in these and other utilities, the mouse functions "as initialized"
by 4FILES, and provides scrolling and a quick return via the right button.
The combination of <left-button>=<G+> and <right-button>=<ESC>, combined
with movement of the 4FILES cursor bar by the mouse, allows one handed
"rapid-fire" inspection of multiple files.
In the midst of your rapid firing though, you will sometimes inadvert-
ently exit from 4FILES (even without the mouse). To avoid this, you can
reconfigure to disable quitting via the <ESC> key. The <^ESC> and <@ESC>
keys still function, and allow you to quit to the original or current
directory respectively. Improper <ESC> use will then display a menu of the
proper keys. If you use NEWKEY, to activate the <^ESC> key in 4FILES run
NEWKEYSP.EXE, pick "I" on the menu, and make any entry for <^ESC>.
-- EDITING FILES --
<F2> calls your editor, loading it with the filename of the current
record. As supplied, editor access to .COM .EXE .BIN .OBJ .SYS .LIB .WKS &
.DB extensions and the seven above archive extensions is denied. The denied
extensions may be changed via the configuration screen. Denials protect the
integrity of non-text files. A second editor or word processor (or any
utility, such as a .GIF viewer) may be mapped to the <^F2> key. The denied
extensions apply to this key as well. If a disk is write-protected, the
editor will not be called and you will be given an error message.
Note that an "R" switch is provided in the configuration listing for each
utility port. It forces reloading the current directory upon return from the
utility, and should be "ON" for any editor or other utility which can change
file size or directory contents. "W" (wait before redisplaying) should be
off, since you will want to return immediately to 4FILES from the editor.
To create a NEW file, hit F2 while on a NON-FILE RECORD. This will not
work if the "R" switch is off. You will be prompted for names for the new
files, but may hit <CR> on the blank field blank if you wish. Some editors
may not be able to utilize more than one filename from the command line.
10.
-- FINDING DUPLICATE FILES --
<F3> is initially set up to call a file finder utility called WHERE.EXE,
which will be loaded with the file name of the current record. Bruce
Gavin's utility FIND.EXE is a good one to use here. A utility of any type
may be mapped to this key.
-- UNZIPPING FILES --
<F4> is set up to call 4UNZIP, a shareware utility which in turn calls
PKUNZIP. A list of the files archived in a .ZIP file is shown, and individ-
ual files can be marked and extracted from the archive singly or as a group.
================================================================================
UTILITY PORTS IN USE
==================== One potential difficulty which 4FILES avoids is that
some utilities and editors you might like to call allow you to delete/rename
files or change drives/directories. When the utility is exited, 4FILES by
default explicitly changes back to its last drive/directory and rereads the
directory list. The bar is returned to the last record it was on, or if
deleted, to the nearest record number possible. This process takes a little
longer than assuming that the directory structure is unchanged, and also
destroys the "+/-" note-modified indicators and any file marks, but is SAFE.
Alternatively, you may command 4FILES not to reload the directory by
setting the "R" switch for the port. Use the "R" switch ONLY if you are
certain that the subject utility is not capable of the operations mentioned
in the previous paragraph. Note that the switch for the browser will also be
operative when displaying Help with <F1>, since the file browser is used to
display the help screen.
==============================================================================
NOTE MODE -- ANNOTATING FILES
============================= A file note (or "description" in 4DOS parlance)
may be up to 40-characters long, and each directory with annotated files will
contain a hidden file named DESCRIPT.ION, containing a list of files and their
notes.
With 4DOS-4.0, the specification has been changed to allow extended
descriptions, with each record being up to 4K in size. Only part of this space
is intended for basic "file notes", but unfortunately the maximum size of that
partition was not specified. One competing program now uses 80-character file
notes, but this scheme is presently not safe -- under a couple of circumstances
these notes can be truncated or lost entirely. In fact some 4DOS functions
will truncate basic notes of over 40-characters. After JP Software sets a
standard for longer basic notes, 4FILES will be modified to support it. For
now, 4FILES does detect notes of over 40-characters and warn you.
No programs are using the extended (up to 4K) space yet. 4FILES does
detect an extended record though, and will warn you that editing notes in that
directory will cause the extensions to be lost. When copying, moving, or
renaming the files, 4DOS and 4FILES _will_ move the basic notes and extensions
with them. A future version of 4FILES will fully support the extensions.
11.
To put the "*" character in a note, the SHIFT-8 key must be used since
<G*> has a special function.
Great attention has been devoted to making 4FILES a true power tool for
creating or modifying one or a multitude of notes. These are the features:
-- CUT & PASTE & LINE DELETE --
-------------------------
<F9> initiates the text-copying mode. Highlight the desired text by
moving the cursor horizontally, and then hit <CR> to put it in the
paste buffer. <^F9> cuts the text to the buffer, and <@F9> copies the
whole note.
<F10> pastes text in the buffer at the cursor position. If a PASTE
causes an overflow of the 40-character note space, the note is moved to
an 80-character space at the bottom of the screen. This expanded field
is fully editable (see following). Captured text stays in the buffer
when changing drives or directories. <F10> is inactive in FLR mode.
^Y deletes the entire line. In earlier versions it cut the line to the
cut-buffer, but now the buffer is loaded only via the various <F9> keys.
^Y is functional in notes and all text input fields and command lines.
-- EXPANDED EDIT FIELD --
-------------------
Expanded Field Mode is triggered whenever typing or pasting causes the
length of the current note to exceed 40 characters, and allows editing
over a full 80-character field. The note is moved to a highlighted 80-
character field at the bottom of the screen and the 40-character field
is blotted out. Two "eyebrows" of contrasting "blot" characters, each
40-characters long, are placed above this field, and act as a guide for
where the over-long note will be truncated when <CR> or <ESC> is hit.
The effect of the blotted out 40-character field, eyebrows, and high-
lighted bottom row is to draw your eyes down to the expanded field.
To return to the 40-character field, hit <ESC> or <CR>. <ESC> will
return to the current record and <CR> moves the cursor to the next
record. In both cases the note is truncated after the 40th character.
4FILES will not accept more than 80 characters under any circumstances,
and will block pasting or typing which would exceed that size. A 40-
character long cut string can be pasted into a full 40-character note.
-- FLUSH RIGHT (FLR) MODE --
----------------------
To create notes which are easy to scan by eye, it is sometimes useful to
make part of a note left justified and part of it right justified. Hit-
ting <Sh-Rt-Arrow> provides right justified text in either of two ways:
1. If there is text to the right of the cursor, it is bumped over to the
right margin. The cursor is not moved, and 4FILES remains in its
normal, left justified editing mode.
12.
2. If there is no text to the right of the cursor, 4FILES enters Flush-
Right Mode (FLR). The cursor is moved to the right margin, and
highlighted indicators are set-up to show the part of the note field
which is available for FLR text entry. Text will grow leftward from the
cursor, which is initially outside the field. Editing is forced into
insert mode. All horizontal cursor movement keys are active. ^Left &
^Right behave slightly different than in normal mode, putting the cursor
between words, and Shft-BS is enabled. Collision of new FLR text with
any left-justified text is prevented. Cut and paste are not allowed.
QUITTING FLR MODE -- There are three ways to leave FLR mode, with
differing effects on the text cursor and the cursor bar. In all cases,
the pre-existing insert or overwrite mode will be restored. The choices:
<ESC> Leaves the cursor where it is.
<Sh-Left> Sends the cursor home.
<Record-change> (All vertical cursor keys act normally.)
-- INSERT / OVERWRITE MODES --
------------------------
The INSERT mode default may be changed from the configuration menu.
-- FULL CURSOR CONTROL --
-------------------
4FILES has nice cursor control key combinations, several of which are
not more commonly available in programs because they are available only
by writing a special keyboard interrupt handler. The cursor control
keys are listed above in "Note Mode Commands".
================================================================================
INTERNAL CONFIGURATION ROUTINE -- CUSTOMIZING 4FILES
====================================================
You can change 4FILES' on-screen appearance, the INSERT/OVERWRITE default,
the characteristics of the "utility ports" used to call your utilities, and a
number of other features. To bring up the Configuration Screen, hit
<Alt-F10>. Move between fields with the <TAB> or <CR> key. The key command
menu on the bottom row is context sensitive, and changes for each section of
the main menu. Changes may be permanently save in a 4F.CFG configuration file
or be used "session-only" without being saved. If you have renamed 4FILES,
any .CFG file which is created or saved will have a matching name.
For loading a directory larger than 4FILES' normal 428 record capacity, the
configuration code may be overwritten to increase capacity to 470 records. A
switch on the configuration menu either allows this to happen automatically
(when needed) or will prompt you to OK an overwrite. When the code is over-
written, you will not be able to reconfigure until your next 4FILES session.
Data for several "utility ports" is shown at the top of the screen. The
first field of each line is the "utility field", and is for an alias name,
file name, or complete filespec of a utility or application. A complete
filespec may speed loading, but is not necessary if the program is in your
PATH. A complete filespec can however dramatically speed loading the
utility, and is recommended. IN ALL CASES, A FILE EXTENSION MUST BE GIVEN.
Valid extensions include .BAT, .BTM and .ALS. ".ALS" must be appended to
aliases or internal commands. It is a flag for 4FILES, and is not included in
the actual call. All commands without extensions will fail to execute.
13.
If you wish to swap 4FILES to EMS or XMS memory or a hard disk before
executing a utility or application, SWAPDOS.COM can be used. Enter SWAPDOS in
the utility field. The name of the program to be called then goes in the tail
("T=") field, preceded by any command line switches for SWAPDOS and followed by
any of its own switches. Another swap program which can be used for this is
SHROOM. 4FILES rather than the utllity is loaded via SHROOM, so SHROOM should
not be placed in a port's configuration. (With SWAPDOS, swapping only occurs
for the selected utilities, while SHROOM will swap for all utilities. On the
other hand, SHROOM does fast executions via the DOS EXEC function, while
SWAPDOS makes a slower shell to DOS.)
Errors in calling .COM and .EXE programs from 4FILES (e.g. file not found)
are shown as "configuration incorrect", but execution errors for batch files
and aliases are not trapped. If execution is a quick flash on the screen,
you need to repeat the operation with a "screen pause" to see what is
happening. There are two ways to do this; one global and one specific to the
utility. To pause after execution of any utility, set the "No-pause After
Execution" configuration switch to "Y". This also affects ^E command line.
To cause a particular utility to pause after execution, set the "W"
(wait) switch to "Y".
<F1> HELP and <^F1> Manual will work only if the <G+> BROWSE key is
configured correctly.
The next field in the utility port block is the command line tail. This
sends filenames, command line switches or other parameters to the utility. "$F"
inserts the filename of the current record, and may be placed where needed among
the parameters. No spaces are needed before or after $F, conserving space. $N
works similarly for inserting the name of the file without its extension.
The "W" field is a YES/NO field which determines whether or not 4FILES
waits for a keyhit after the utility has finished executing. Set it to "Y" for
utilities which run straight through and exit without any user input.
The "R" field is also a YES/NO field which determines whether 4FILES reloads
the directory list and DESCRIPT.ION file after the utility exits. It must be
set to "Y" if the utility is capable of managing files or changing drives and
directories. It should for example be "Y" for an editor or word processor.
In the next configuration section, switches are provided for the following:
Keyboard Code -- Two letter DOS keyboard-country-code. LEAVE THIS BLANK
UNLESS YOU HAVE A PROBLEM. Takes effect next session.
Typing default -- The INSERT mode default can be changed to OVERTYPE.
Other keyboard -- Set this to "Y" if 4FILES assumes the non-optimum
keyboard layout for your computer.
Disable <ESC> -- To avoid inadvertent exits with <ESC>, set this to "Y"
and exit with <^ESC> or <@ESC>. If you use NEWKEY, see
P.10 for how to make <^ESC> available.
Enable Mouse -- "N" leaves the mouse set up as-received by 4FILES.
Exit colors -- Select the previous colors or 4FILES text colors.
14.
Exit blinking -- 4FILES disables blinking to allow all color choices. To
restore blinking on exit or during utility calls, set
this switch to "Y".
Snow prevention -- Set to "Y" if your CGA monitor has a snow problem.
Sound on/off -- The beep is on by default, and may be turned off.
Data Overwriting -- Choses AUTOMATIC data overwrite of configuration code to
increase capacity from 428 to 470 records.
Pause after DOS -- If the result of an (^E)xecute flashes off screen, set
this to "Y", or alternatively enter "++" at the end of
the command line. Both await a keyhit.
Last comes a section for selecting colors or monochrome highlights. Navigate
this submenu with <TAB>, <G+> and horizontal arrows. There is separate data for
colors and MGA/HGC highlights; the appropriate set is activated at runtime.
Some color combinations may not work with some "ported utilities". For
example, if a utility automatically sets up a black on white cursor bar without
clearing the screen to white on black text first, AND if you have 4FILES text
set to black on white, you won't see the cursor bar. This occurs with 4UNZIP
& VDE.COM. The only solution is to pick text colors for 4FILES which avoid the
conflict. Please write to authors of such programs and request a "smarter" set
up of screen attributes in the next version. Please notify me as well.
On exit from configuration, new and old data are compared, and you are
prompted to save the configuration only if there is a difference.
================================================================================
DISPLAY FEATURES
================ 4FILES will work with any video text mode of 80x25 or
higher. Except for HGC, MDA and CGA video cards, a if a higher mode is
used it will be automatically implemented. For HGC, MDA and CGA running higher
modes (such as with UltraVision), the /+ command line switch must be used.
The reason is that not all cards in this class are 100% BIOS compatible, in
some cases defeating the automatic detection, and this arrangement assures that
all systems will run "out of the box" in 80x25 mode. If you are calling 4FILES
from an application running in a higher mode, 80x25 mode may be forced with the
/8 switch. When calling utilities or shelling to DOS, the screen may have its
best appearance if ANSI.SYS is not installed.
If a CGA video card is detected a no-snow video writing method is used by
default. A configuration switch is provided to enable faster displaying if
your monitor does not have a snow problem.
"T" and "E" indicators near the top and bottom of the screen indicate that
the top or end of the listing is shown on screen. Used disk bytes are shown
in File Mode, and the 4FILES version number is shown in Note Mode. A file
count is displayed at all times. An "S" indicator with an up arrow symbol
on the top row means the file search direction is upward. "PROTECTED" and
"ROOT FULL" messages indicate that the full range of file management and note
editing features are not available for the current disk.
15.
Records with altered notes are flagged with a "+/-" character at mid-line.
A different character is shown for unaltered notes. A "delta" character next
to a file name indicates that the file is marked for a bulk file management
operation.
===============================================================================
SAFETY FEATURES
===============
-- DISK OVERFLOW PREVENTION --
------------------------
In DOS, a file write which exceeds disk capacity will truncate the file,
usually with no outward indication of a problem, at least until later. Any
automatic protection against such data loss must be provided by the program
itself, and 4FILES has an excellent overflow prevention system. No
competing program I have tried checks for disk overflow; some will truncate
files to the length written to disk at time of overflow, and some will
truncate them to zero length. Some give absolutely no warning, and the
others warn AFTER the damage has already been done.
Whenever you change records or directories, 4FILES checks for an over-
flow condition. If your edits exceed disk capacity, you are immediately
alerted with a message giving the number of excess bytes. At this point
the note file is still in memory, and operations which would cause a file
write are blocked. These include drive or directory changes, calling
browse or edit utilities, and quitting. Meanwhile, you have FULL editing
freedom, even text insertion and pasting(!).
The overflow bytes message is updated on each record change, and the
tally can run up as high as necessary. When the message fails to appear,
the notes will fit on disk, and blocked-off functions have been re-enabled.
Entirely deleting a note deducts more than the note size from the overflow;
the length of the "filename.ext" plus three delimiter bytes are also nixed.
If you delete a file (as opposed to just its note) or subdirectory with
the "D" or "K" commands, the space freed up from the record and its note
will be properly accounted for. Changes during ^E operations are accounted
for also since the directory is reread afterward.
4FILES pinpoints available disk space down to the last byte. In one
unusual circumstance the overflow detection behavior may seem strange,
although it is still working correctly. Writing a new file requires at
least one cluster of disk space (1024, 2048, or 4096 bytes, depending on
the drive). Writing the first note in a subdirectory requires one cluster
of available space, but if the disk is already full, doing so will cause an
overflow condition. You might try going to another subdirectory with notes
and deleting a few notes, but this problem will not work. You may appear
to free up enough bytes, but unless this also frees up a cluster 4FILES
will still indicate an overflow since one does in fact exist.
-- READ ONLY "TRAP" AVOIDED --
------------------------
4DOS and 4FILES can move and edit notes only if the "attribute" of the
DESCRIPT.ION file allows a file write. Unfortunately, the "READ-ONLY"
attribute can be inadvertently set by some utilities, especially those
which can operate on blocks of files (such as XTREE Pro). When loading a
directory, 4FILES checks ahead for the READ-ONLY attribute, and will prompt
16.
you to clear it. Competing programs aren't so nice. They let you edit
notes and *appear* to save your notes to disk -- but ... uh, uh, surprise!
Your work is gone. 4FILES won't let you waste effort making edits which
can't be saved, nor will it lose them under any circumstances.
If you say "NO" to clearing the attribute during a directory change, you
will be returned to the old directory. During 4FILES startup, picking "NO"
will terminate the program. "YES" clears the bit, and operations are normal.
NEVER intentionally mark a DESCRIPT.ION file "READ-ONLY" for any reason.
4FILES catches the error, but versions of 4DOS issued so far don't check
for it. The result is that a file moved or copied TO the affected
directory will lose its note. A renamed file would also lose its note.
4FILES also will not allow you to use the A or ^A commands to
change the attributes of DESCRIPT.ION, nor will it allow you to copy or
rename it. It may be deleted only if all notes have been erased. Such
protections are essential to the safety of the description system.
-- TIMELY INACCESSIBLE-DISK DETECTION --
----------------------------------
Files on a write protected disk cannot be altered, or if the root
directory is full files can't be added to it. During 4FILES startup and
all drive or directory changes an immediate check is made to see if one
of those conditions exists. If so, you will be alerted with a prominent
"PROTECTED" or "ROOT FULL" message. As appropriate, certain 4FILES
functions are disabled, and you will get an error message if you try to use
them. For example, in a full root you will not be able to edit notes
unless the DESCRIPT.ION file already exists. You can view files on a
protected disk, but file management and note editing is impossible.
No wasted time writing notes you can't save!!
-- INTERNAL CRITICAL ERROR HANDLER --
------------------------------
DOS handles some simple, common problems as critical errors, and can
disrupt execution of a program. These problems include leaving a drive
door open or calling a drive with no disk inserted. 4FILES has its own
INT24 handler to treat such problems seamlessly. It also goes to extra
effort to handle use of drives A and B in single floppy systems seamlessly.
================================================================================
4FILES TIPS
=========== Here are some ideas for making the most of 4FILES in everyday use.
1) TEAMWORK WITH LARGE APPLICATIONS: 4FILES is a real time saver when used
in conjunction with some application programs. For example, you can
write a 4DOS alias which loads 4FILES whenever you exit your communica-
tions program. Using Procom as an example, if you create this alias:
ALIAS COM = C:\COM\PROCOM ^ 4FILES C:\COM\DOWN /T/D
the command "COM" will cause 4FILES to be load when Procom exits. Your
download directory will be shown sorted in reverse order by file creation
time, placing new files at the top. Using /E/D would put .ZIPS there.
17.
Then, using <G+> you may view the contents of a new text or .ZIP file.
To unzip a file, type F4 to call PKUNZIP or 4UNZIP. For added flexibil-
ity in unzipping, you can use the ^E command line. For example, I
often send PKUNZIP output to an empty directory, so inconsistently named
files in the archive don't get lost in a lenghy directory, and so READ.ME
files don't get overwritten inadvertently. I maintain several
directories for this purpose, named \DUMP1, \DUMP2, etc. To get to one
of these directories quickly after unzipping, type <G*><G*>, then the
directory name, or move through your directory tree with <G-> & <G+>.
2) MORE ROOM FOR BIG APPLICATIONS: To make more room for big applications,
you can use SHROOM or SWAPDOS. SHROOM will swap 4FILES to disk, and
SWAPDOS will swap it to EMS or XMS memory or to disk. SHROOM may be
faster for you since 4FILES is a small swap and the following execution
is made via the DOS EXEC function. SWAPDOS shells to DOS to execute the
program, and this takes considerable time. The freed-up memory may make
the difference between your application running or not running.
3) MULTIPLE 4FILES CONFIGURATIONS: You can write a variety of aliases to
quickly load 4FILES in specialized, frequently used configurations. An
alias called 4FE might call 4FILES with the /E switch set. Another
called 4FT, might make the call 4FILES C:\WP\TEXT. In such aliases,
giving the full pathspec to 4FILES may speed loading, or you may want to
have the directory containing 4FILES listed early in your PATH statement.
4) To speed your return after shelling to DOS, use this alias: ALIAS E EXIT.
Then "E <CR>" gets you back to into 4FILES (or any other program you
have shelled out of) without fuss.
5) Remember the "double tap" keys: ^E^E, G*G*, and the double strokes in the
Sort menu. Also G*G*G* to return to the previous directory.
6) FREEZING THE SCREEN (A): With the ^E command or when using a utility port
with a batch file or alias, a message might flash off screen too fast to
read, or it might appear that nothing happens at all. Appending a "++"
to the command will freeze the screen after execution until a key is hit,
allowing you to see what happened. Also, 4FILES can be configured to
pause after every execution.
7) FREEZING THE SCREEN (B): Some utilities you may like to use will scroll
several pages right off the screen. The solution is to call an alias,
as in these examples calling Borland's TDUMP. They are most conveniently
placed in an alias file, but can be entered on the command line if the
alias expansion is enclosed in single quotes (once entered they are in
memory, ready for use). "=" is not needed from the command line.
ALIAS HEX=C:\PROG\TDUMP.EXE %1 -h | MORE
or
ALIAS HEX=C:\PROG\TDUMP.EXE %1 -h | C:\UTIL\LIST.COM /S
The first example uses an MSDOS resource which pauses at the end of each
page. The later pipes output into Vern Buerg's LIST program, which
allows back and forth scrolling through the output. To put this to heavy
use, map "HEX.ALS" to the 4FILES F3 key. This is just an example; it is
really more efficient to use LIST.COM's ability to do a hex dump directly
by configuring <G+> or <F3> to call it with $F/h in the command tail.
18.
8) OPTIMUM KEYBOARD: We all get set in our ways so it may take some adjust-
ment, but if your function keys are across the top, a change to a board
with them on the left will really speed up your work and make it more
accurate, in all programs. In 4FILES, the close proximity of these keys
to <ESC>, <TAB>, <CTRL> and <ALT> is very handy. This is especially
useful when marking/unmarking all files with ^F5 and ^F6. My own upgrade
to such a keyboard was very rewarding.
9) FAST CHANGE TO ROOT DIRECTORY: ON 101-key keyboards, you can make a
quick, one-handed change to the root directory since 4DOS will recognize
either "\" or "/" during a directory change. There is a "/" key next to
<G*>. So ... just hit: <G*> <G*> / <CR> and you're there. Of course,
repeated hits on <G-> will be faster if you aren't too many levels down.
10) COLOR SUGGESTION FOR COLOR MONITORS: As supplied, 4FILES displays
black/grey/white tones which should work well on any color monitor.
After much playing around over the months, I have come up with color
schemes which I feel are very easy on the eyes as well as functional. In
particular, they gives a good balance between the color of the cursor bar
and the colors of both normal text and sorted fields. One relies on a
dark grey background, the other black.
COLOR SET #1 COLOR SET #2
------------------------- -----------------------
FIELD || BACKGROUND CHARACTER || BACKGROUND CHARACTER
------------- || ---------- ----------- || ---------- ----------
NORMAL TEXT || Dark Grey Dark Green || Black Dark Cyan
SORTED FIELD || Dark Grey Light Yell || Black Light Yell
CURSOR BAR || Light Grey Black || Light Grey Black
CUT HI-LIGHT || Dark Red Black || Dark Grey Light Red
FUNCTION KEY || Dark Grey Light Grey || Light Grey Black
MENU TEXT || Dark Grey Dark Cyan || Black Rust
INDICATORS || Dark Red Light White || Dark Red Light Grey
===============================================================================
4FILES ... ORIGIN & FUTURE EVOLUTION
======================================
4FILES is coded entirely in assembly language for high speed and small
size, and the work involved has been considerable (and the job isn't done).
The concept arose from the lack in 4DOS of two things. First, 4DOS has no good
means to create or edit the file notes it otherwise handles so well. The 4DOS
internal note editor is basic and frustrating to use.
Second, while 4DOS has its own internal transfer commands (COPY, MOVE and
RENAME) which automatically assure that notes stay with their files, it does
not have a good way to perform these operations on marked groups of files.
4DOS unaware utilities capable of block operations (such as XTREE-PRO) are
unsatisfactory since they are oblivious to file notes and will trash them.
4FILES has many file management features, but does not yet include
functions for copying, moving or renaming marked groups of files. This is
coming though! Even for single files, the present implementations of Copy,
Move and Rename are very rudimentary, but V-3.0 will have ones which are truly
exceptional. V-3.0 will also have nice internal facilities to ZIP and UNZIP
files and browse files within ZIP files. 4DOS extended descriptions and longer
basic file notes will also be supported.
19.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: My deepest thanks go out to John Fox, Tom Schulte, Mike
Bessy, Pierre Jelenc, Ward Yelverton and Mack Tanner, who have all been of
great help to me in refining 4FILES, finding bugs, or identifying system
dependent conflicts.
===============================================================================
WHAT YOU GET FOR REGISTRATION:
============================== Registration is $20 and entitles you to: 1)
Free technical support; 2) A copy of the latest version, with personalized exit
message, and a free registered copy of V-3.0 by mail immediately upon release.
Timely notification of releases beyond V-3.0 will be sent; 3) A printed manual
will be available soon (this is Feb. 1992) for $3.50 with registration, or
$5.00 later. I have also been very liberal about providing free incremental
upgrades as major features are added on the way to what is promised for V-3.0.
4FILES has been a very time consuming project because I have gone to great
pains both to maximize its convenience and power and to assure protection of
your data. I regret that V-3.0 is yet not available, but even so the existing
power and convenience is, I believe, considerable. Please recognize this
effort by registering your copy promptly if you put it to useful work, and by
passing 4FILES on to others who might enjoy it.
===============================================================================
AGREEMENT -- USE / REGISTRATION / DISTRIBUTION / & LICENSING OF "4FILES"
===============================================================================
4FILES and its documentation are copyrighted intellectual property which are
distributed as shareware, and may be used or distributed only in compliance
with the terms and conditions which follow. 4FILES is neither free nor in the
public domain. All rights are reserved by the author. Use of 4FILES
constitutes your agreement to the following.
USE & REGISTRATION FOR A SINGLE COMPUTER
----------------------------------------
Use of 4FILES is free during your evaluation period. This period ends when
you begin to use 4FILES for any useful work which is not incidental to
exploring its capabilities, and may not exceed 30-days beyond your acquis-
ition date. When you use 4FILES for the primary purpose of accomplishing
useful work, as contrasted to a genuine evaluation, you are obligated to do
your "share" of the shareware arrangement by registering your copy
promptly. Registration is $20, and a form is provided in the file
4F_REG.TXT and below for your convenience.
MULTIPLE USE & SITE LICENSING
-----------------------------
A site license is required if 4FILES can potentially be used simultan-
eously on more than one computer, terminal or workstation in a business,
institution, organization, government agency, etc. To apply for a license,
please fill out the registration form in 4F_REG.TXT or below. A sample
site license and rates are contained in the file 4F-SITE.TXT
20.
DISTRIBUTION OF 4FILES
----------------------
Distribution by any means is ENCOURAGED, provided that:
1) The distribution includes all original files (see Packing List, below)
in their unaltered forms and with unaltered filenames. If the package
is incomplete its distribution is prohibited; please contact me for a
complete package. It is preferred that the 4FILES be distributed
without a configuration file. A BBS may add a tag file listing it as
the source, and disk vendors may add introductory or installation batch
files.
2) A distribution fee does not exceed $8 if 4FILES is distributed alone or
$12 if it is packed on a disk with other programs (in 1991 dollars),
UNLESS another figure has been approved in writing. Commercial vendors
who are not ASP members must have written permission to distribute.
3) In any vendor catalogs or other publications, it is clear made that this
is shareware and that $20 must be paid to Hand-Crafted Software if the
program is useful, in addition to the distribution fee (if any).
4) 4FILES may not be included or bundled with other goods or services
without express written permission of the author.
WARRANTY & DISCLAIMER
----------------------
Any use of 4FILES constitutes your agreement that it is provided "as-is"
with no express or implied warranty (other than 90-days of free
technical support) that you assume full responsibility for assuring that it
performs acceptably on your system, and that in no event shall Larry
Edwards, Hand-Crafted Software or their successors be held liable for any
damages arising from use of the program.
I HOPE YOU THINK MY SOFT "WARES" ARE TERRIFIC; MUCH EXTRA EFFORT HAS BEEN
EXPENDED TO THAT END. YOUR REGISTRATION WILL BE MUCH APPRECIATED!
===============================================================================
PACKING LIST (All files except 4F.COM are readable text files.)
============
4F .COM 4FILES Program file.
4F .DOC Full documentation.
4F .HLP HELP text file.
4F .VER Version update details and history.
4F-READ .ME Introductory information, and a word on compatibility.
4F-REG .TXT Registration form.
4F-SITE .TXT Sample site license & rates.
4F-VEND .TXT Info for SYSOPs & disk vendors.
FILE_ID .DIZ Description for BBSs.
TV .COM Public domain file browser. (May be omitted for distrib.)
TV .DOC (May be omitted for distribution)
=========================================================================== 21.
4FILES REGISTRATION FORM
========================
Larry Edwards // Hand-Crafted Software
Box 6001 // Sitka, Ak 99835 USA // (907)-747-8996
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY! 4FILES VERSION #____
====================
Your name: ______________________________________ Position:_________________
Company: ________________________________________ Phone: (W) ________________
Street or Box: ____________________________________ (H) ________________
City/State/Zip: ___________________________________ Country: ________________
I got 4FILES from (which BBS/vendor/etc):_________________, ____________ Forum
E-Mail UIDs: CIS ___________. Genie ___________. BIX ____________.
CHECK ONE: INTERNET addr: ______________________________
==========
__ Our (my) operation cannot possibly use more than one copy of 4FILES simult-
aneously, and I am registering one copy via the enclosed $20 payment.
__ Our (my) operation hereby applies for a site license to install 4FILES for
use on up to _____ computers, workstations or terminals. Payment according
to the schedule in the file 4F-SITE.TXT is enclosed (call if file is lost).
Signature: ________________________________________ Date: _______________
Send upgrade by US Mail on: __ 5.25" disk __ 3.5" disk.
CHECK ONE EACH> Using: __ MSDOS __ DRDOS Version ____
With: __ 4DOS __ NDOS Version ____ __ Neither
CPU: __ 8086 __ 8088 __80286 __80386 __80486
================================================================
COMMENTS / PROBLEMS / CHANGES OR ADDITIONS YOU DESIRE IN 4FILES:
================================================================
