The Business Master (3rd Edition)

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ZIP.DOC ------- Instructions for ZIP - Fast File Transfer Utility version 1.61 (18 Dec 1992) (c)1988-92 E. Meyer Requires: two IBM PC compatible computers with DOS 2.x or above; appropriate serial (null modem) cable. ================================== CONTENTS ================================== 1. ABOUT ZIP: Brief description; Copyright and Licensing 2. PREPARING TO USE ZIP A. Setting the serial port and speed B. Menu vs Command-line mode 3. TRANSFERRING FILES A. Sending files B. Receiving files C. Selecting files from a group D. Backups and overwriting files E. Directory, Delete, and Log commands 4. SERVER MODE A. Sending and fetching files B. Server Directory, Delete, and Log commands C. Comparing directory contents 5. FURTHER USAGE NOTES A. Examples of command-line syntax B. Using ZIP in batch files 6. UTILITY PROGRAMS A. Using ZIPDUP to clone ZIP B. Using ZIPCFG to change defaults 7. TECHNICAL INFORMATION A. General information B. Using ZIP on the HP95LX palmtop C. Appropriate serial cables D. Error messages E. Version history and notes F. About the program and author ================================ 1. ABOUT ZIP ================================ Anyone with two computers probably needs to transfer programs or data between them regularly... yet if large amounts of data are involved, exchanging floppy disks quickly grows tedious; and if the disk drives are incompatible, or a portable computer has none, it won't work at all. Keeping track of new or modified files on each computer gets to be a problem, too. ZIP is a tiny, fast utility to transfer files between two IBM compatible computers; it requires no expensive additional hardware, just a simple serial cable. It can be used from the DOS command line or a batch file, or run from an interactive menu. Ideal for laptop or palmtop computers, it takes about 10k of disk space, and occupies no memory when not in use. There are good commercial programs for this purpose, though they typically cost over $100; if you're willing to find or make your own cable, you can do the same job with ZIP instead. ZIP doesn't have all the features of the fancy programs, but it doesn't consume precious system memory either; it just transfers files when you need to, as simply as using the COPY command. It also has options that make it easy to reconcile directories on both computers. ZIP is as fast as a serial (RS232) transfer program can be, and faster than some free/shareware programs that also claim to operate "at 115200 bps". ZIP can transfer data up to 6 times faster than an ordinary telecom program over a serial cable... 48 times faster than typical modem transfer rates. Telecom programs: modem 2400 bps 0.3 K/sec cable 19200 bps 2.3 K/sec ZIP: cable 115200 bps up to 14.1 K/sec! On older PCs and slower portables, ZIP will come as close to this throughput as your computers allow. (Between an 8MHz XT and 4.77MHz laptop, it reaches about 10K/sec.) Of course, disk access also takes time; with any system, large amounts of data can be sent more quickly using RAMdisks or hard disks, rather than slow floppy disk drives. Although ZIP is designed to operate at very high transmission speeds, it can also be used at slower speeds in applications that demand this. (Note: ZIP does not employ data compression, and has nothing to do with the new file compression program PKZIP by Phil Katz.) Be sure you have all the files which should be included in this package: ZIP.DOC - This documentation file. ZIP.COM - The file transfer program. ZIPCFG.COM - The configuration (customizing) utility. ZIPDUP.COM - The duplication (cloning) utility. ORDER.FRM - Registration/site license order form. COPYRIGHT AND LICENSE INFORMATION The ZIP program and documentation are copyright (c)1988-92 Eric Meyer, all rights reserved worldwide. They may not be circulated in any incomplete or modified form, nor sold for profit, without written permission of the author. The use or sale of ZIP is subject to the following terms: SITE LICENSES. Any company or institution wishing to use ZIP in the course of its business must purchase a SITE LICENSE. The cost of the license is quite modest, and varies according to the number of computers on which ZIP may be in use in the workplace: COPIES COST Up to 20 ..... $50 (US) 50 ..... $100 100 ..... $150 200 and over ..... $1 per copy The purchaser of a site license receives several benefits: * A copy of the latest version of ZIP (and other useful programs) on disk direct from the author. * Support. You can get help with any questions or problems you encounter in using ZIP. Future upgrades can be ordered on disk when desired. * No piracy worries. Your employees may use ZIP at home and share it with others at no charge. PERSONAL USE. There is no required fee for personal use of ZIP. However, if you like and continue to use ZIP, you are encouraged to register, and help support the development of high-quality, affordable software: INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION ..... $30 (US) The user who chooses to register receives several benefits: * A copy of the latest version of ZIP (and other useful programs) on disk direct from the author. * Support. You can get help with any questions or problems you encounter in using ZIP. Future upgrades can be ordered on disk when desired. * A document to verify the legality of your personal use of ZIP at your workplace as well. COMMERCIAL SALE. Any software dealer or library may offer ZIP for sale, as long as the price charged for the disk containing ZIP does not exceed US $6. With this single exception, the sale of ZIP, either alone or together with other software or hardware, requires a licensing agreement. Please write for terms. ORDERING AND SOURCES. Site licenses and individual registrations may be ordered directly from the author (see address below), by check or money order in US currency; purchase orders are also accepted. Credit card orders (VISA,MC,AmEx,Discover), including international, may be made through the Public Software Library: phone (800)242-4775 or (713)524-6394, FAX (713)524-6398, CompuServe [71355,470]. Mention item #10304. (There is a $5 surcharge for this service.) ZIP is distributed widely through "shareware" channels. Users with a modem can download the latest version as the archive file ZIPxxx.ZIP, available from the primary distribution point: on CompuServe, in download library 4 (DL4) of the IBMCOM forum. In addition, ZIP is available on a wide variety of other remote systems, and by mail from many good software libraries, including the Public Software Library, P.O. Box 35705, Houston TX 77235. (Disk #1674) Address all correspondence to the author: Eric Meyer 3541 Smuggler Way CompuServe: [74415,1305] Boulder, Colorado 80303 USA Internet: 74415.1305@compuserve.com THE CUSTOMARY DISCLAIMER: You undertake to use ZIP at your own risk. The author does not warrant the suitability of ZIP for any particular purpose, and assumes no liability for damages of any kind resulting from its use. ========================== 2. PREPARING TO USE ZIP =========================== Before you can use ZIP, you will need to have a copy of the same version of ZIP.COM on both computers, and the correct cable connection between them. If incompatible disk formats prevent you from getting ZIP.COM itself onto the second computer to begin with, you can "clone" ZIP with the ZIPDUP utility (see below). For more on null modem cables, or if you have an HP95LX palmtop, see the TECHNICAL INFORMATION section below. A. SETTING THE SERIAL PORT AND SPEED IBM-compatible computers have anywhere from one to four serial (RS232) ports, and on each computer you must tell ZIP which port you have connected its cable to. By default ZIP uses the COM1 port. The standard port addresses are: COM1: 03F8h COM3: 03E8h COM2: 02F8h COM4: 02E8h Some computers (including PS/2s) use different addresses for COM3 and COM4; nonstandard port addresses can be specified in hexadecimal, but only by modifying ZIP.COM with the ZIPCFG utility. You can select any standard COM port during operation of ZIP: in menu mode, just select the choice to modify "P"arameters. In command-line mode, specify one of the following options: /1-4 = use port COM1-4. Data transmission can take place at a wide range of speeds. ZIP normally works at the fastest possible speed, 115200 bps, and most users will not need to change this. To accommodate certain computers or software environments, it may be necessary to set a somewhat slower speed. In fact, ZIP can be slowed down all the way to 2400 bps, so that it might even operate over a good modem connection. In any event, you must have the same rate set on both ends. In menu mode, just select the choice to modify "P"arameters. In command line mode, specify the option: /Bnnnn = use speed nnnn (BPS) The allowed speeds "nnnn" are 115200, 57600, 38400, 19200, 9600, 4800, 2400; each may be abbreviated to as few as two digits ("/B96"). To change your default setting, use ZIPCFG. You will see a note in the ZIP signon message, "Speed=____ Port=____", giving the port address and speed currently in use. ------------------------ B. MENU vs COMMAND-LINE MODE ------------------------ Once your cable is connected and you have chosen the correct ports and speed, you can use ZIP in one of two ways, both of which are described more fully below: 1. MENU-DRIVEN OPERATION. Simply type "ZIP" on both machines. You will see a menu of choices including sending, receiving, or fetching files; listing or comparing directories; logging a new directory; deleting files; entering server mode; unlinking the server; changing parameters; or getting help with options. Just type the highlighted letter of your selection. 2. COMMAND-LINE OPERATION. Any single operation can be performed from the DOS command line, by providing the correct arguments and options. For a brief help message, including additional options, type "ZIP /?". If there is a problem with your cable or port/speed settings, the message "Ready" will remain on screen; abort and try again. ZIP's operation can be interrupted by pressing Escape, ^C, or Ctrl-Break: (1) during initial connection attempt (otherwise, ZIP waits as long as necessary for connection) (2) during file transfer (on receiving end, your keypress will not be noticed until the current file is finished) (3) at any user prompts. =========================== 3. TRANSFERRING FILES ============================ A. SENDING FILES Transferring files between computers with ZIP is as easy as copying them from one disk to another. In menu mode, simply select "S"end, and you will be prompted for the filename(s) and then a directory to send them to. (For the current default directory on the other end, just press ENTER.) For command- line use, give the filename(s) to send as part of the ZIP command, and if you want to specify a destination directory, add it as an option in brackets: C>zip FILENAME /[DESTDIR] In either mode, the "FILENAME" can be a single FILE (including path), or a GROUP specified by wildcards (eg, *.BAK), or an "@FILE" (see below), or a LIST of any of these delimited by commas or spaces. Each item assumes or continues the same path as the previous one, unless the new one begins with a drive or root directory. Thus the list: d:\sf\gort, ltrs\*.892, klaatu refers to files D:\SF\GORT, D:\SF\LTRS\*.892, and D:\SF\LTRS\KLAATU. Any other desired options may also follow the filename(s), though only the selection options /P,N,E,T are valid in menu mode. Files will appear with the same filename, in the receiving directory. Take care not to send two files with the same name, as one would overwrite the other. By the name of each file to be transferred you will see a bar composed of one "=" sign for each 64k of file size; each will turn into a blinking asterisk "*", then disappear as the transfer progresses, the last one leaving a period "." when finished. A number of file management and communications utilities can write a list of filenames selected according to various criteria to a file, or accept the name of such a file following an "@" sign to process all the names it contains; ZIP also honors this convention. You can also create such a file yourself, with any text editor, inserting the names of files which you may often want to transfer as a group. Such an "@FILE" should contain complete filespecs (with drive and path), separated by spaces and/or carriage returns. ZIP can then be used to transfer those files. For example, if file "FLIST" contains the names: c:\work\*.bak c:\myfile then "ZIP @FLIST" will send files C:\WORK\*.BAK and C:\MYFILE. ----------------------------- B. RECEIVING FILES ----------------------------- In menu mode, simply select "R"eceive, and you will be prompted for the directory to receive files into. For command-line use, specify the option: /R = RECEIVE files and, if you want, a directory to receive files into, in brackets: C>zip /r[DESTDIR] By default, files are received into the current directory. Files appear with their original names. Do not supply a filespec before the /R option; the sender determines the files to be sent. ---------------------- C. SELECTING FILES FROM A GROUP ----------------------- If you want to transfer only certain files in a group with ZIP, you can request that you be prompted to confirm each file individually: you will be asked to hit a key (Y/N) to determine whether the file is to be sent. (In menu mode, you can select "O"ptions for a help message describing the selective copy operations.) After the names of files to be transferred, in either menu or command-line mode, specify the option: /P = PROMPT to confirm files individually You will see a note in the ZIP signon message, "Option /P", if this option is in effect. ---------------------- D. BACKUPS AND OVERWRITING FILES ---------------------- ZIP offers several features that are particulary useful for reconciling the contents of directories which are duplicated (in whole or part) on both computers. By default, ZIP doesn't care what files may already exist on the receiving end: it will transfer all files specified, whether or not they overwrite existing ones. Three options are provided to modify this behavior. (In menu mode, you can select "O"ptions for a help message describing the selective copy operations.) After the names of files to be transferred, in menu or command-line mode, specify one (or two) of these options: /N = copy NONexisting files only (cannot be used with /E or /T) /E = copy EXISTING files only /T = TIMESTAMP determines files sent The /N option will prevent all existing files from being overwritten. The /T option will allow overwrites only when the new copy has a more recent time stamp. The /ET combination is especially useful for selective backup purposes: it transfers only more recent copies of files that already exist. Example: if you want to make the contents of two nearly identical directories exactly so, do one transfer "*.* /T" each way; or use "*.* /N" instead if you want differing versions of individual files to remain so. These options can be specified independently on either computer -- but the settings on the sending (or active) end govern each transfer. You will see a note in the ZIP signon message, "Option /_", if an option is in effect. ------------------- E. DIRECTORY, DELETE, AND LOG COMMANDS ------------------- When ZIP is in menu mode, you will see choices for "D"irectory and d"E"lete, offering simple file maintenance without exiting ZIP.COM. The directory function provides an alphabetized file listing for your reference, and shows the free space left on the disk. You will be prompted for the files to list. If you just hit RETURN, ZIP lists all files (*.*) in the default directory. The delete function prompts for a filespec to delete; as always, a path and/or wildcards may be included. It accepts only a single filespec, not a list of them. Deletion is immediate; BE CAREFUL, especially when using wildcards. Although you can always type the full path information for any files you want to look for or transfer, if you're going to be working in a different directory for a while, it can be more convenient to change ZIP's default directory. In menu mode, the "L"og command will let you do this; you will be prompted for the new drive and/or directory, or you can just hit RETURN to check the current directory. Initially, of course, the default is the current DOS directory. (The Log command works much like the DOS command CHDIR, except that ZIP does not actually change the current directory, it simply keeps its own record of the directory you want to be working in.) =============================== 4. SERVER MODE =============================== It would obviously be easier to transfer files if you could do all the typing from one keyboard, and "server mode" lets you do just that. ZIP can remain on line on one end, ready to obey instructions from the other end automatically. To enter server mode: in menu mode, just select the choice for ser"V"er. In command line mode, specify the option: /S = SERVER mode and if you want, a new default directory for ZIP operations in brackets: C>zip /S[DFLTDIR] Otherwise, the default is the current DOS directory. ZIP will now wait to receive commands (described below) from the other computer. When you are finished, you can press Escape, ^C, or Ctrl-Break to exit server mode. Alternatively, you can give an instruction to terminate server mode from the other ("active") keyboard. In menu mode, select the choice for "U"nlink before quitting. In command-line mode, specify the option: /U = UNLINK server (after current exchange is complete) Any request that you make for communication with the server will wait, displaying the message "Ready", until ZIP is detected running in server mode on your other computer. ----------------------- A. SENDING AND FETCHING FILES ------------------------ When one copy of ZIP is running in server mode, it is ready to accept any files that you transfer to it from the other (active) keyboard; these will be received on the server end, into any directory specified by the sender, or by default into the server's current directory. You can also ask the server to send files to you. In menu mode, just select "F"etch, and you will be prompted for the files to fetch and a directory to put them in. In command-line mode, specify the option: /F = FETCH specified files from server and, if you want, a directory to put the received files in: C>zip FILENAME /F[DESTDIR] Otherwise they will be put in the current directory. You must specify the path with the filenames to be fetched, if they are not to be found in the default directory on the server end. --------------- B. SERVER DIRECTORY, DELETE, AND LOG COMMANDS ---------------- If your other computer is running ZIP in server mode, you can also request a directory from it, delete files on it, or log a new directory on it. In menu mode, when using the "D"irectory, d"E"lete, or "L"og commands, simply type a ">" before an argument to indicate that it applies to the server. This can be done either alone, or together with a request on the active end: Directory: \WORK\*.BAK active alone Delete: >B:\BACKUP\OLD.FIL server alone Log: \WORK\*.BAK >B:\BACKUP combined As a convenience, since the two computers may have a similar directory structure, you can also type a quote mark (") to log the same default directory for the server. Log: C:\WORK >" ...logs C:\WORK on the server, too Log: C:\WORK >D:" ...logs D:\WORK on the server For command-line use, you can specify one of the options: /D[FILESPEC] = Directory listing on server /K[FILESPEC] = Kill (delete) file on server /L[NEWDIR] - Log new directory on server /D alone lists all files "*.*", or it can be followed by a filespec in brackets, like "/D[\*.BAT]". /K requires a filespec in brackets. Directory and deletion requests accept only a single filespec, not a list of them. Deletion is immediate; be careful. ---------------------- C. COMPARING DIRECTORY CONTENTS ----------------------- If your other computer is running ZIP in server mode, you can also compare the contents of directories, showing files that appear in one but not the other, or that exist in different versions. (This can be used, for example, as a preview of what files will be transferred if you use the /N or /T option.) Common identical files are not shown. In menu mode, just select the choice to "C"ompare. You will be prompted for the files to compare. If you just hit RETURN, ZIP compares all files "*.*" in the default directory on each end. Type a ">" if you want to specify a different directory on the server: Compare: >\BACKUP active *.* with server \BACKUP\*.* Compare: *.DOC active *.DOC with server *.DOC Compare: *.DOC >\BACKUP active *.DOC with server \BACKUP\*.DOC ZIP will produce two listings: first files on the active end that don't match up with those on the server, and then vice versa. If a file appears on both ends, but in differing versions, it will be flagged with a "+" or "-" to indicate which appears to be the later (+) or earlier (-) version, according to the files' timestamps. Alternatively, from the command line, you can specify the option: /C = Compare with server All files "*.*" are compared, unless you provide a filespec. The option can be followed by a directory in brackets: C>zip FILENAME /c[SRVRDIR] otherwise, the default directory on the server is assumed. ========================== 5. FURTHER USAGE NOTES ============================ A. EXAMPLES OF COMMAND-LINE SYNTAX SENDING FILES: C>zip b:myfile *.doc send files B:MYFILE, B:*.DOC C>zip *.bak /[b:\recs] send files *.BAK to directory B:\RECS C>zip my.* /2 /p send files C:MY.* over COM2, with prompts to confirm each file individually C>zip *.* /n send all files which don't already exist in receiver's default directory C>zip a:chapter.* /et send all files A:CHAPTER.* of which an older version exists on the receiving end RECEIVING FILES: C>zip /r /3 receive files over COM3 C>zip /r[\temp] receive, with default directory C:\TEMP ENTERING SERVER MODE: C>zip /s2b38 wait as server, at 38400 bps on COM2 C>zip /s[d:\] wait as server, with default directory D:\ EXCHANGING FILES WITH SERVER: C>zip *.bak /u send files *.BAK to server's default directory, then unlink server C>zip b:\recs\my.* /f[\orig] fetch files MY.* from directory B:\RECS on server into directory C:\ORIG here FILE MANAGEMENT WITH SERVER: C>zip /d[\work\*.bak] show all server's files \WORK\*.BAK C>zip /k[junk] delete server's file JUNK C>zip *.txt /c[\mydir] compare *.TXT with server's \MYDIR\*.TXT C>zip /l[a:\] log directory A:\ on server ------------------------ B. USING ZIP IN BATCH FILES ------------------------- Since every feature can be accessed from the command line, ZIP is easy to use in batch (.BAT) files, which can be used to automate complex tasks that you perform frequently. If an error occurs during operation in command-line mode, ZIP sets the DOS error code, so that a batch file can test the ERRORLEVEL to determine subsequent action. Normally 0, the value returned will indicate which of the following errors occurred: 1 = argument error 8 = transmission error 2 = out of memory/too many files 16 = disk error (full?) 4 = connect error/no server 128 = user abort At times you may need to back up the entire contents of a sizable disk, including several levels of directories. ZIP is not specifically designed to do this: it does not create directories while copying, nor does it look for files within subdirectories. However, it is easy enough to put the receiver in Server mode, then run a batch file containing a separate command for each desired directory (once corresponding directories exist on both ends): zip \work\*.* /t[\work] zip \work\ed\*.* /t[\work\ed] ... ============================ 6. UTILITY PROGRAMS ============================= A. USING ZIPDUP TO CLONE ZIP ZIP comes with a utility program, ZIPDUP, to make it easier to get a copy of ZIP.COM onto another computer. If you can't exchange disks between your computers, ZIPDUP gives you a way to duplicate or "clone" ZIP onto the second computer over the serial cable. This is a feature most people need only once, so it is not part of ZIP itself. ZIPDUP will duplicate any version of ZIP (indeed, it will duplicate any file, though it's slow and cumbersome compared to ZIP itself). To clone ZIP with ZIPDUP: 1. Connect the cable to the desired serial port on each computer. You must use COM1 or COM2 only; and the cable must have the DTR lines connected, as well as the data lines -- see cabling diagram under TECHNICAL INFORMATION below -- or ZIPDUP will not work. (In this event, you'll need to have a telecom program running on both computers, to transfer ZIP.COM via some protocol like XMODEM.) 2. Set up the receiving end: Make sure the MSDOS utilities DEBUG and MODE are available (either in the current directory or in your PATH); you will have to use MODE, and ZIPDUP requires DEBUG. Be certain that the last character of your DOS prompt is ">". (Yes, this actually matters!) If in doubt, type the command: PROMPT $P$G Then prepare to receive data by typing these two commands: MODE COM#:96,N,8,1 ("#" = 1 or 2 only) CTTY COM# The CTTY command gives control to the sending computer, via the COM# port. The receiving system will seem to "lock up", ignoring any keyboard input. 3. Now, on the sending end, to duplicate your copy of ZIP.COM, type: ZIPDUP ZIP.COM (Actually, you can omit the filename if it is "ZIP.COM"; otherwise, type it.) You will be asked to specify the COM port (again, 1 or 2 only) that the cable is connected to; if the connection can be made, the transfer will proceed. When ZIPDUP is finished, you will find a duplicate copy of ZIP.COM in the current directory on the receiving computer. You can transfer other files the same way, but it's easier and faster now to use ZIP itself! --------------------- B. USING ZIPCFG TO CHANGE DEFAULTS --------------------- A second utility, ZIPCFG, allows you to tailor ZIP to your requirements. Normally, unless you've instructed it otherwise (via command-line options or menu choices), ZIP assumes its built-in "defaults" of 115200 bps, port COM1. You can, however, configure your copy of ZIP.COM to change these defaults as you like; just type: ZIPCFG ZIP.COM (Actually, you can omit the filename if it is "ZIP.COM"; otherwise, type it.) To change your defaults, select "Edit" from the ZIPCFG menu, make changes, then select "Save"; to restore the original settings, select "Restore". To exit without saving changes, select "Quit". The "Edit" procedure takes you through a sequence of settings you can change. For the port you may enter simply "COM1" through "COM4", or any other specific hexadecimal address required by your hardware ("03F0", etc). For the speed you must choose by letter from the allowed values. There is also a setting to force 40-column display width. Normally this is set to "No"; you will see "Width=AUTO", and ZIP adapts itself to the current video mode (40/80 columns). Finally, ZIPCFG offers you a choice of color output (via the IBMPC BIOS) or standard DOS output. You might want to select DOS output if color output does not display correctly on your video system, or if you will want to redirect output from ZIP to a file or device (color output does not redirect). If you select color, ZIPCFG displays a palette and offers you a choice of text colors. ZIP uses three different colors: a "message" color, a "hilight" color for contrast, and an "active" color (during file transfer activity). Each is specified by an "attribute byte" consisting of two hex digits, for a background and foreground color. ("17" = "1", blue background, & "7", white text.) The color digits are: 0 = BLACK 4 = red 8 = GREY C = bright red 1 = blue 5 = magenta 9 = bright blue D = bright magenta 2 = green 6 = brown A = bright green E = yellow 3 = cyan 7 = WHITE B = bright cyan F = BRIGHT WHITE The palette will include 128 colors from 00-7F. Use of colors 8-F as background (80-FF) is also possible but not recommended, since on most systems this produces blinking video. Some colors may be invisible or indistinguish- able on monochrome screens, though all MDA systems can display black, white and bright white (which are the default colors), and in some cases grey also. Please DO NOT distribute modified copies of ZIP.COM; this could confuse other users. They are for your personal use only. (ZIPCFG includes an option to restore the original default values.) ========================== 7. TECHNICAL INFORMATION ========================== A. GENERAL INFORMATION ZIP requires at least 96k of memory to run. Like most communications programs, ZIP does full CRC (Cyclic Redundancy checksum) verification on the data to guarantee accurate transfer. ZIP uses its own transfer protocol, which is not compatible with other programs. Be sure to use the SAME version of ZIP on both ends: the transfer protocol may have changed. Do not disturb the cable when ZIP is running, as it will be unable to resume its task; you will have to abort the program and try again. ZIP does not use interrupts, so it will not conflict with the IRQ usage of other hardware or software; but do not use ZIP while the specific serial port chosen is being used by another program. Using any communications software in a multitasking environment often requires special precautions. ZIP, in particular, may need to be given a "non-swappable" or "foreground-operation" status, so that other tasks will not interfere with its operation. (Under DesqView, ZIP will disable multitasking itself. Under Windows, you must create a PIF file and give ZIP both background and foreground priority.) You may also need to set a slower speed for ZIP to work reliably. ZIP works well on the vast majority of systems. If you experience unresolvable conflicts with other memory-resident software, such as background processes or disk caches, do not use ZIP when that software is in operation. --------------------- B. USING ZIP ON THE HP95LX PALMTOP --------------------- The Hewlett-Packard 95LX palmtop computer is "nearly" IBM-compatible; ZIP will work on it, but there are some special considerations. The HP95LX serial port does not support DTR, so ZIPDUP will not work on it; instead, to transfer ZIP.COM to the 95LX, you must use the 95LX's internal software. You can purchase the HP Connectivity Pack, which includes a cable, or you can buy the serial cable (#HP82222A) separately and use the 95LX COMM utility together with any PC communication program to transfer ZIP.COM via KERMIT or XMODEM protocol at 19200 bps. ZIP automatically detects the 95LX and sets itself for the COM1 port and 40 column screen. Thus you can use the same copy of ZIP.COM on your 95LX as on your PC; modification with ZIPCFG is not needed. ZIP can be run either from the Filer (highlight and press F4, Run) or from the DOS system prompt. ZIP automatically powers up the serial port in WIRE mode, and turns it off again upon exit to conserve batteries, so use of the SERCTL command is not necessary. ------------------------ C. APPROPRIATE SERIAL CABLES ------------------------ SERIAL NULL MODEM CABLES, in various combinations of 9- and 25-pin connectors, are available from a wide variety of sources, and a simple cable in the configuration you need (for example, DB9 to DB25 female) should cost less than $10 at Radio Shack or many computer stores. Double-headed null modem cables (both 9 and 25 pin on each end) are also made, and would be ideal for use with ZIP; I am told that a good source for these is: DALCO, 233 Pioneer Blvd, Springboro OH 45066; (800)445-5342 If you're building or shopping for a cable, you need a "null modem" cable, meaning the transmit and receive data lines should be crossed, and the signal ground connected straight through. (The pin numbers depend on whether you have a small DB9 or large DB25 connector, see figure.) No other connections should be needed; ZIP uses no hardware handshaking lines. (NOTE: ZIPDUP does require the DTR connections between pins 20/4 and 6.) |--COMPUTER 1--| |--COMPUTER 2--| DB9 or DB25 DB25 or DB9 pin 2 - - - - 3 - - - - - - - 2 - - - - 3 \ transmit & 3 - - - - 2 - - - - - - - 3 - - - - 2 / receive data 5 - - - - 7 - - - - - - - 7 - - - - 5 - signal ground pin 4 - - - - 20 - - - - - - 6 - - - - 6 * \ 6 - - - - 6 - - - - - - - 20 - - - 4 * \handshaking (optional) 7 - - - - 4 - - - - - - - 5 - - - - 8 /(* required for ZIPDUP) 8 - - - - 5 - - - - - - - 4 - - - - 7 / Actually, any serial cable that doesn't work by itself, should work with a "null modem adapter" attached. If available, use a well shielded cable; high speed transmissions can be especially susceptible to RF interference. ----------------------------- D. ERROR MESSAGES ------------------------------ <Argument error> invalid command-line argument(s). <Insufficient memory> ZIP requires a minimum of 94k free RAM. <Connect error> can't connect -- bad cable? wrong version? <No server> function requires server mode on other computer. <Too many files> global filespec (eg *.*) includes over 1024 files. <Error reading @file> @file nested or too large to read. <Conflict with NAME> name conflicts with a directory or read/only file. <Error deleting> specified file didn't exist, was read/only, etc. <Disk error> trouble reading or writing to disk. (Disk full?) <Aborted> you pressed Esc/^C/Ctrl-Break. <Error> communication error; or, unrecoverable error. ------------------------ E. VERSION HISTORY AND NOTES ------------------------ Users of earlier versions should note the following changes in operation. NEW IN ZIP 1.61: The handling of directories to put files into has been made simpler and more consistent: (1) You can always specify a destination directory when sending files; this no longer requires the receiver to be in server mode. (2) When sending or fetching files, ZIP now prompts for a destination only in menu mode. Thus, in command line operation, if you want to specify a destination, you must use the "[directory]" option; conversely, there is no longer a need to specify a null option "[]" in a batch file to avoid the prompt when the default directory is intended. NEW IN ZIP 1.6: The server's default directory, which was formerly set only with the command option /S[dir], and affected only receipt of files by the server, can now also be changed from either end with the Log command, and it affects all the server's operations: directory listings, file deletion, and fetching files from the server as well. Also, the delete command, which formerly worked only on a single filename, now accepts wildcards ("?" and "*") to delete a group of files at once. Always use caution when deleting files. ZIP 1.0 (Apr88) - initial release. 1.1 (Apr88) - improved protocol; wildcard transfers; receive directory option; original file time/date preserved. 1.2 (May88) - improved error handling; can use COM3,4; minor fixes. 1.21 (May88) - slower speed options; fixed bug in initializing ports. 1.22 (Aug88) - improved protocol; fixed bug in deleting temp file. 1.23 (Jan89) - menu-driven operation; detects disk-full errors. 1.3 (Apr89) - selective copy options /P,N,E,T; server mode, fetch; file directory; internal improvements. 1.4 (Sep89) - improved protocol; Delete function; directory shows free space; ZIPCFG utility; small improvements. 1.41 (Nov89) - DesqView aware; multiple file arguments. 1.42 (Feb90) - minor improvements; ZIPDUP utility. 1.43 (Mar90) - simplified multiple argument syntax. 1.44 (Aug90) - protocol modified for use in network environments. 1.45 (Mar91) - 4800, 2400bps added; operation at slow speeds improved. 1.5 (Aug91) - unlink function; options /B,U,?; sets ERRORLEVEL; recovers from cable disruption; minor improvements. 1.51 (Jan92) - "@FLIST" ability; color output; 40-col operation. 1.52 (Jun92) - options /D,K; autoconfigures for HP95LX. 1.6 (Nov92) - Compare, Log commands; /C option; delete accepts wildcards; default directory affects all operations consistently. 1.61 (Dec92) - new /L option; minor fixes. ---------------------- F. ABOUT THE PROGRAM AND AUTHOR ----------------------- As of Fall 1992, ZIP has been well reviewed in numerous computer newsletters, and Bantam Books has requested permission to include it on disk with the next edition of "DOS Power Tools 6.0". ZIP has already been included on the HP Palmtop Paper's subscriber disk for HP95LX users, and on disk with "The Little Laptop Book" by Steve Cummings, published by Peachpit Press. "lightning fast and simple to learn... simply dazzling... ZIP provides the fastest file transfer between PC's using the tiniest amount of disk space... a simple, lean, and very effective program, not to mention the fastest of all the programs we looked at for this review." -- Bil. Alvernaz, Quantum PC Report, June 1992 Eric Meyer has also written the VDE editor/word processor and a number of other utilities for IBM PC compatibles. He holds an A.B. in physics and a Ph.D. in history and philosophy of science, and has taught at the Universities of Indiana, Oklahoma, and Colorado. A longtime advocate of microcomputers, he has done programming in HP-41, Z80 assembler, BASIC, FORTRAN, LISP, C, and APL; lately he has been working mostly in 8086 assembler. In a period of escalating software complexity and prices, he still believes that useful, inexpensive software should remain available to computer users worldwide. ====================================[end]=====================================