The Business Master (3rd Edition)

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──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Scheduling Software for Unattended Processing Version 1.2 REVISION DATE August 20, 1992 Copyright 1991,1992 Logical Business Systems, Inc. 15790 Dooley Suite #105 Dallas, Texas 75244 1-214-239-2146 COPYRIGHT Copyright 1991, 1992 Logical Business Systems, Inc. NOTICE This software product is provided "as is" with no guarantees or warranties express or implied. Logical Business Systems, Inc. accepts no liability for the use of or inability to use this product, or any damages attributable thereto. This software product is distributed as "shareware". You may evaluate the product at no charge for 30 days and distribute complete and unaltered copies to others. If you find AUTO-PC useful and wish to continue using AUTO-PC, please print the file register.doc and send $25.00 to: Logical Business Systems, Inc. 15790 Dooley Suite #105 Dallas, Texas 75244 Once registered you will receive the following: Receive the latest registered version of AUTO-PC software. Receive a bound AUTO-PC user manual. Receive FREE product upgrades! Receive a discount for AUTO-PC LAN version. Have access to free technical phone support. Be able to request enhancements and/or submit comments. For a site or distribution license see "LICENSE.DOC". DISCLAIMER Logical Business Systems, Inc. makes no representation or warranties with respect to this manual and accompanying software and specifically hereby disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. TRADEMARK AUTO-PC is a registered trademark of Logical Business Systems, Inc. MS-DOS is a trademark of Microsoft, Inc. LIMITATION In no event shall Logical Business Systems, Inc. be liable for consequential damages, even if Logical Business Systems, Inc. has been informed of the possibility of such damages. Logical Business Systems, Inc. also reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes at any time to the contents of this publication without obligation to notify any person or organization of such revisions or changes. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Preface ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── AUTO-PC was derived from several other products from Logical Business Systems, Inc. These other products are for large scale distribution networks. They provide for distributed applications management on several platforms. The scheduling from these products is used in AUTO-PC. The file transfer data base and automatic host scripts are used in AUTO-PC communication options. This makes AUTO-PC ideal for wide area and local area network distribution, especially when used with one or more AUTO-PC communication options. AUTO-PC communication options include the following: AUTO-PC OPTION PLATFORM --------------------------------------------------- AUTO3270 3270 - Mainframes AUTO6530 6530 - Tandem AUTO3X 5250 - System 3X AUTO400 5250 - AS/400 AUTOVAX ASYNC - VAX AUTO-PC SECONDARY OPTION PLATFORM --------------------------------------------------- AUTONET Novell - Token Ring NOTE: Some of these options are under development. Call for more information and availability. NOTE: The significant difference in the distributed applications management products, and using AUTO-PC with communication options, is CENTRAL control. Distributed Applications Manager allows system administrators to centrally control all networked PC workstations for distribution and processing. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Preface (Con't) ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── NOTE: Distributed Applications Manager is a joint venture product of Franklin Labs, Inc. and Logical Business Systems, Inc. The following is a brief overview: D/AM - Distributed Applications Manager -------------------------------------- DAH - Distributed Applications Host Host based software (where necessary) that interfaces to the host file system. DAW - Distributed Applications Workstation A windows based workstation that system administrators use to control distribution and processing on networked PC workstations. DAN - Distributed Applications Node Dedicated PC workstation software that performs distribution and PC processing as directed by the Distributed Applications Workstation. DAWN - Distributed Applications Workstation Node Performs distribution and PC processing as directed by the Distributed Applications Workstation, but has rights to control a defined group of Distributed Application Nodes. Call for more information and availability. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Table of Contents ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Section 1 Introduction Introduction........................................1-1 Equipment Requirements..............................1-1 User Guide Organization.............................1-1 AUTO-PC Overview....................................1-1 Section 2 Getting Started Backing Up..........................................2-1 Installation........................................2-1 Starting AUTO-PC....................................2-1 AUTO-PC Help........................................2-2 AUTO-PC Main Menu...................................2-2 Section 3 Configuration Configuring AUTO-PC.................................3-1 Changing AUTO-PC Password...........................3-1 Selecting National and Company Holidays.............3-1 JOB Configuration and Scheduling....................3-4 Adding a New Job....................................3-5 Job Entries.........................................3-6 Job Entry Type......................................3-7 Job Batch File Entry................................3-8 Job Keystroke Playback Entry........................3-9 Job Program Entry..................................3-10 Job Scheduling.....................................3-11 Cyclic Schedule....................................3-11 Periodic Schedule..................................3-12 Exact Schedule.....................................3-13 Schedule Exceptions................................3-15 Cyclic Exceptions..................................3-15 Periodic Exceptions................................3-16 Re-tries...........................................3-17 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE C-1 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Table of Contents (Con't) ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Section 4 Activating AUTO-PC Activating AUTO-PC..................................4-1 Resident State......................................4-1 Online State........................................4-2 Activating AUTO-PC from Command Line................4-3 Section 5 AUTO-PC Execution AUTO-PC Exection....................................5-1 Batch File Execution................................5-2 Batch File Status Reporting (JOBSTAT Program).......5-2 Keystroke Playback Execution........................5-3 Program Execution...................................5-3 Manual JOB Execution................................5-4 AUTO-PC System Initialization (BOOT Program)........5-4 Section 6 Keystroke Capture Session Keystroke Capture Session...........................6-1 Starting a Keystroke Capture Session................6-1 Exiting Keystroke Capture Session...................6-2 Editing Keystroke Capture File......................6-2 Keystroke Fast Play.................................6-3 Section 7 Audit Log Processing Audit Log Processing................................7-1 AUTO-PC History Reporting...........................7-2 Viewing a Specific Job..............................7-3 Viewing the Audit Log...............................7-3 Purging the Audit Log...............................7-3 Printing the Audit Log..............................7-3 AUTO-PC Printer Configuration.......................7-4 Define your Parallel Printer........................7-5 Define your Serial Printer..........................7-5 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE C-2 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Table of Contents (Con't) ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Appendix A AUTO-PC Files AUTO-PC Files.......................................A-1 Programs............................................A-1 Database Files......................................A-4 Generated Files.....................................A-5 Screen Files........................................A-5 Transient Files.....................................A-5 Documentation File..................................A-6 Appendix B Error Messages Error Messages......................................B-1 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE C-3 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── SECTION 1: Introduction ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Welcome to AUTO-PC! As you will soon find out, AUTO-PC offers the most powerful scheduling available for automatic processing in a PC based product. The greatest efforts put into AUTO-PC have revolved around scheduling that until now was only available on mainframes and mini-computers. AUTO-PC is ideal for coordinating communications with host systems to receive and/or send data files for scheduled processing. AUTO-PC is extremely easy to use and learn. Much has been put into the user interface to allow for simple to sophisticated scheduling needs that in most cases requires just a few keystrokes. Equipment Requirements AUTO-PC runs on IBM PC/XT/AT, 100% compatibles, and the PS/2 series running MS-DOS 2.1 and greater. User Guide Organization This manual is organized to be as concise and to the point as possible. For quicker use of AUTO-PC you can skip to the "Getting Started" section. It is recommended however, that you review the AUTO-PC Overview. AUTO-PC Overview AUTO-PC provides "AUTOMATIC SCHEDULED PROCESSING" for IBM PCs and compatibles. AUTO-PC processing is known as "JOBS". Each JOB can consists of batch files, PC programs, and/or keystroke playback sessions. Each JOB can be scheduled to execute PC software, perform backups, and/or perform communications, when required or convenient. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 1-1 INTRODUCTION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── AUTO-PC includes keystroke capture sessions for automatic execution of virtually any PC software product. Once the keystroke capture session has been performed, a JOB can then be configured and scheduled, that will invoke keystroke playback. AUTOMATIC: AUTO-PC automatically performs scheduled JOB processing, requiring no user interaction at the AUTO-PC workstation. The user simply leaves the PC on, and all scheduled JOB processing is automatic. AUTO-PC has two automatic processing modes: resident and online. AUTO-PC in resident mode is a terminate-and-stay resident (TSR) program that determines when it is time for the next scheduled processing to take place. If the PC is at the DOS prompt the TSR automatically calls on AUTO-PC to execute the scheduled JOB. If a user at the PC is currently in an application, the TSR displays a POP-UP window to inform the user that it is time for a scheduled JOB to process. When the user exits the application to the DOS prompt, the scheduled processing will automatically be performed. This allows for JOB processing to be scheduled for any time during a normal work day. AUTO-PC in online mode determines when it is time for the next scheduled processing to take place, and automatically performs the processing. This mode allows the user to monitor the status of all scheduled JOB processing. AUTO-PC in online mode displays each "Job Name" and the next scheduled time each JOB will be performed. Also displayed is a running success and failure count for JOBS that have been performed. When the user sees that a failure has occurred, he/she can then review the AUTO-PC audit log to determine problem correction. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 1-2 INTRODUCTION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── SCHEDULED: AUTO-PC provides extensive scheduling capabilities. Scheduling can be performed on a CYCLIC, PERIODIC, or EXACT basis for each JOB process. With cyclic scheduling, JOB processing can be performed on an hourly, daily, and/or weekly basis. For example: Every day of the week at 3:00 AM. With periodic scheduling, JOB processing can be performed on a monthly basis. Periodic scheduling also allows for a last day of month selection for end of the month processing. For example: Every month on the 15th, and the last day of the month at 11:03 PM. With exact scheduling, processing can be performed at specific times. For example: June 15th 1990 at 10:00 PM, and September 15th 1990 at 3:12 AM. Exact scheduling is useful for annual, semi-annual, and quarterly processing, and also for special cases like the 2nd Thursday of each month. For cyclic and periodic schedules, AUTO-PC provides exception scheduling. With exception scheduling, the user selects days of the year that may be processing exceptions, i.e. company holidays. For periodic scheduling, Saturdays and Sundays can be included as exceptions. With AUTO-PC's exceptions schedule, processing can be shifted to the previous work day, to the next work day, not performed at all, or performed as scheduled. Cyclic example: Insurance agents at remote offices need to upload new policy information for processing on the mainframe at the end of each work day. Cyclic scheduling is selected and set for Monday through Friday at 8:00 PM, with "Do not perform on Holidays" selected from the exception schedule. ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 1-3 INTRODUCTION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Periodic example: A large firm with many remote offices performs payroll on the 15th, and last day of the month. If the 15th or last day of the month is a holiday, Saturday, or Sunday, the employees are paid the previous work day. The firm needs to send payroll data to the remote offices where checks will be printed. Periodic scheduling is selected and set for the 15th and last day of the month at 4:00 AM, with "Perform on previous work day if Holiday", "Perform on previous work day if Saturday", and "Perform on previous work day if Sunday" selected from the exception schedule. Each AUTO-PC workstation can be configured with schedules that do not overlay each other. Host communications and file transfers can be scheduled for each PC in a consecutive order to avoid host file contention, dial-up busy conditions, and to ensure efficient utilization of host resources. JOB PROCESSING: AUTO-PC entries are called "JOBS". Each JOB can consist of three different processing types called "JOB ENTRIES". Each JOB can have one or more of the following types of JOB entries: Batch files, Programs, or Keystroke playback sessions. (1). Batch file execution is performed by using the DOS command processor (COMMAND.COM). Any batch file that can be executed from the DOS command line can be processed by AUTO-PC. AUTO-PC comes with a special program (JOBSTAT.EXE) to be used within batch files. This is used along with the DOS errorlevel indicator to inform AUTO-PC of JOB success or failure. (2). Although a PC program can be started from a batch file, or with a keystroke capture session, AUTO-PC allows a program to be directly executed. AUTO-PC will set the JOB status indicator by checking the exit code that the program returns to DOS. (3). AUTO-PC also performs keystroke playback sessions for common PC programs that require user input to be entered. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 1-4 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── SECTION 2: Getting Started ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Backing Up Before you install and start using AUTO-PC it is suggested that you create a backup copy to a floppy disk. Use the backup copy, and store the original disk in a secure place for safe keeping. Installation To install AUTO-PC, first make a directory on your hard drive where AUTO-PC will be installed. AUTO-PC can be installed into any directory, however it is suggested that you select "auto-pc" as the directory name. >md auto-pc Change to the directory. >cd auto-pc Insert the AUTO-PC disk(s) in drive a: and enter the following command: >copy a:*.* /v AUTO-PC is now installed on your hard drive. Starting AUTO-PC From the directory where AUTO-PC is installed, enter the following commands: >disttime >auto-pc *** NOTE *** Before you can use AUTO-PC the TSR (DISTTIME.EXE) must be executed. It is suggested that this program be inserted into the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 2-1 GETTING STARTED AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── AUTO-PC will prompt you to enter a password, *** NOTICE *** NOTICE *** NOTICE *** SHAREWARE users, your password is -> EVALUATE. REGISTERED users, your password is the serial number. You can change your password at any time to what ever you desire. AUTO-PC Help AUTO-PC has built-in help for every screen, and context level help for most fields. AUTO-PC screens also have instructions where required. With AUTO-PC's built-in help, you will soon find that this manual will only be needed as a reference guide. Main Menu From the main menu you can perform all AUTO-PC functions, and also make AUTO-PC active. The first thing you may want to do is change your password. If you know now that you will be scheduling JOB processing that will have exception scheduling, you should now enter national and company holidays, at least for the current year. To configure and schedule a JOB for processing select F2 (JOB Configuration and Scheduling). It is recommended that batch files, keystroke capture sessions, and/or programs for a JOB already exist. Although you can make AUTO-PC active from the main menu, command line options also exist to activate AUTO-PC. This is useful for auto-starting AUTO-PC (see Sec 4 - Activating AUTO-PC from command line). ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 2-2 GETTING STARTED AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ AUTO-PC MAIN MENU ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ F2 = JOB Configuration and Scheduling ║ ║ ║ ║ F3 = Go to Online State ╔═════╗ ║ ║ ║ ║ Active ║ ║ F4 = Change Resident State ---------->╠═════╣ ║ ║ ║ ███ ║ Idle ║ ║ F5 = Change AUTO-PC Password ╚═════╝ ║ ║ ║ ║ F6 = Select National and Company Holidays ║ ║ ║ ║ F7 = Perform Keystroke Capture Session ║ ║ ║ ║ F8 = Perform Audit Log Processing ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help <ESC>=Exit Fig 2.1 AUTO-PC MAIN MENU ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 2-3 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── SECTION 3: Configuration ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Configuring AUTO-PC Configuring AUTO-PC is a piece of cake. The basic underlying philosophy and main objective of AUTO-PC is to offer scheduled processing easy enough for the average PC user, yet powerful enough to meet corporate needs. AUTO-PC is ideal for integration into major networks for distributed applications processing, as a dedicated communication server, or as a backup system for local area networks. Changing AUTO-PC Password From the AUTO-PC main menu select F5 (Change AUTO-PC Password). You can enter any combination of characters and numbers. NOTE: The password you enter is stored in an encrypted file so the contents can not be viewed. Be sure to keep your original and backup copies of AUTO-PC which contain the default password in a secure place. Should you ever forget your password, copy the file PARMS.DAT from the original or backup diskette and your password will then be set to the AUTO-PC serial number again. Selecting National and Company Holidays From the AUTO-PC main menu select F6 (Select National and Company Holidays). Enter the year that you want to set holidays (schedule exceptions) and follow the screen instructions. When a JOB is configured and scheduled with a cyclic or periodic schedule, you will have the option to use the holidays entered as exceptions to the schedule. The following screens will be displayed. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 3-1 CONFIGURATION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ S E L E C T C A L E N D A R Y E A R ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ For what year do you want to select National and Company Holidays? ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ 1992 ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ Enter the year and press ENTER. ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help <ESC>=Exit Fig 3.1 SELECT CALENDAR YEAR EXAMPLE: Year of 1992 entered. After you have entered the year, AUTO-PC will generate a calendar for that year to select the holidays. NOTE: Generally a company will distribute a list of holidays to all employees each year. Have this list handy when selecting holidays. NOTE: When you go on vacation you will also want to enter the days of your vacation. This is useful when daily generated work is uploaded to or downloaded from a host system. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 3-2 CONFIGURATION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── NOTE: Keep in mind that for each JOB you create, you will have the option to use or not to use these holidays as scheduled exceptions. AUTO-PC displays the calendar for the year selected in three screens of four months each. ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ N A T I O N A L A N D C O M P A N Y H O L I D A Y S ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════╦═══════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ January 1992 ║ February 1992 ║ ║ Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat ║ Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat ║ ║ 1 2 3 4 ║ 1 ║ ║ 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 ║ 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ║ ║ 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 ║ 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 ║ ║ 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 ║ 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 ║ ║ 26 27 28 29 30 31 ║ 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 ║ ║ ║ ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════╬═══════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ March 1992 ║ April 1992 ║ ║ Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat ║ Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat ║ ║ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ║ 1 2 3 4 ║ ║ 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 ║ 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 ║ ║ 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 ║ 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 ║ ║ 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 ║ 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 ║ ║ 29 30 31 ║ 26 27 28 29 30 ║ ║ ║ ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════╩═══════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ Use TAB, ENTER, or ARROW KEYS to entry. Use F2, PgDn, F3, or PgUp to screens.║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help F2=Next Screen F3=Previous Screen F9=Toggle ON/OFF <ESC>=Exit Fig 3.2 NATIONAL and COMPANY HOLIDAYS EXAMPLE: The first four months for the year 1992. To select holidays use the TAB, ENTER, or ARROW KEYS to reach the day desired. Use the F9 function key to toggle the holiday ON or OFF. Use PgDn and PgUp or F2 and F3 keys to move between the months of the year. NOTE: After holidays are entered, AUTO-PC will trace the database and re-compute the next schedule time for all JOBS that have holiday exceptions selected. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 3-3 CONFIGURATION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── JOB Configuration and Scheduling From the AUTO-PC main menu select F2 (JOB Configuration and Scheduling). You can now Add, Edit, and Delete JOBS. JOBs can now be configured to process batch files, keystroke playback sessions, and/or programs. JOB scheduling is also performed from here. A special feature exists from this screen to manually perform a JOB. This is useful for testing JOB processing after adding a new JOB, or to manually perform a JOB at any time. ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ AUTO-PC JOB CONFIGURATION ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ JOB NAME ║ ║------------------------------------------------------------------------------║ ║ ____________________ ║ ║ ____________________ ║ ║ ____________________ ║ ║ ____________________ ║ ║ ____________________ ║ ║ ____________________ ║ ║ ____________________ ║ ║ ____________________ ║ ║ ____________________ ║ ║ ____________________ ║ ║______________________________________________________________________________║ ║ INSTRUCTIONS: │ INSTRUCTIONS: ║ ║ Place the scroll bar on desired entry│ Use ARROW KEYS to reach desired entry.║ ║ and press the desired function key. │ Use PgUp and PgDn to page the entries.║ ║ To add an entry press F3 at any time.│ Use HOME for top of entry list. ║ ║ For help press F1 at any time. │ Use END for bottom of entry list. ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════╧═══════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help F3=Add Job F5=Delete Job <ESC>=Exit F4=Edit Job F6=Perform Job Fig 3.3 AUTO-PC JOB CONFIGURATION ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 3-4 CONFIGURATION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Adding a New Job When entering a new JOB, AUTO-PC will ask for a JOB name. The JOB name can contain any alpha-numeric characters including spaces. JOB names serve as AUTO-PC data base keys, as well as a description of the JOB. Make the JOB name as descriptive as possible, for example: "Upload daily work". At this point the JOB schedule type can also be selected. ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ ADD JOB ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ Enter the Job Name: -------------------- ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ Job Schedule Type: - ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ C = Cyclic ( Hourly, Daily, and/or Weekly ) ║ ║ ║ ║ P = Periodic ( Monthly ) ║ ║ ║ ║ E = Exact ( Specific Dates and Times ) ║ ║ ║ ║ N = None ║ ║ ║ ║------------------------------------------------------------------------------║ ║ For field level help, place cursor at field and press <SHIFT> F1. ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help F2=Process (Save) <ESC>=Exit (NOSAVE) Fig 3.4 ADD JOB ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 3-5 CONFIGURATION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Job Entries Once the JOB name has been entered and optionally a schedule type selected, individual JOB entries can be configured. Each Job consists of one or more batch files, keystroke playback sessions, and/or PC programs. The next screen displays each JOB entry and JOB entry type. ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ JOB ENTRIES ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ JOB NAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ║ ║------------------------------------------------------------------------------║ ║ - ------------------------------------------------------- ║ ║ - ------------------------------------------------------- ║ ║ - ------------------------------------------------------- ║ ║ - ------------------------------------------------------- ║ ║ - ------------------------------------------------------- ║ ║ - ------------------------------------------------------- ║ ║ - ------------------------------------------------------- ║ ║ - ------------------------------------------------------- ║ ║ - ------------------------------------------------------- ║ ║ - ------------------------------------------------------- ║ ║______________________________________________________________________________║ ║ INSTRUCTIONS: │ INSTRUCTIONS: ║ ║ Place the scroll bar on desired entry│ Use ARROW KEYS to reach desired entry.║ ║ and press the desired function key. │ Use PgUp and PgDn to page the entries.║ ║ To add an entry press F3 at any time.│ Use HOME for top of entry list. ║ ║ For help press F1 at any time. │ Use END for bottom of entry list. ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════╧═══════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help F3=Add Entry F5=Delete Entry <ESC>=Exit F2=Process F4=Edit Entry F6=Insert Entry at Scroll Bar Fig 3.5 JOB ENTRIES When adding a JOB entry AUTO-PC will prompt for the entry type, and then display the corresponding entry screen. It is suggested that the JOB entry file already exist before configuring it in a JOB. AUTO-PC will validate the existance of a JOB entry file. If the file does not exist, AUTO-PC will inform you, and prompt whether you want to accept the entry. This is useful for ensuring the entry file is entered correctly, as well as allowing an entry on a file server, or for use on other systems. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 3-6 CONFIGURATION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Job Entry Type When adding or inserting a new JOB entry, AUTO-PC will display the following screen to select the JOB entry type. ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ JOB ENTRY TYPE ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ F2 = Batch File ║ ║ ║ ║ F3 = Keystroke Playback ║ ║ ║ ║ F4 = Program ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help <ESC>=Exit (NOSAVE) Fig 3.6 JOB ENTRY TYPE ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 3-7 CONFIGURATION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Job Batch File Entry For each AUTO-PC JOB as many batch files as required for processing can be configured. When entering a batch file, the drive and complete path name are required. When the JOB schedule time occurs AUTO-PC will change to the drive and path of each batch file entered, and then load and execute COMMAND.COM to perform the batch file. Any batch file that can be executed from the DOS command line, while at the drive and path where the batch file is contained, can be configured within an AUTO-PC JOB. AUTO-PC comes with a special program (JOBSTAT.EXE) that is used within batch files to report success or failure to AUTO-PC. The person who creates the batch file inserts this program to be executed. This program is used along with the DOS errorlevel indicator (see Section 5 - Batch File Status Reporting). ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ ADD BATCH FILE ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ Job Name: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ║ ║ ║ ║ Enter the fully qualified batch file name for scheduled processing: ║ ║ ║ ║ ------------------------------------------------------- ║ ║ ^ ^ ║ ║ Drive Fully qualified path and batch file name ║ ║ ║ ║ Enter any replaceable parameters you want to pass to the batch file: ║ ║ ║ ║ ------------------------------------------------------- ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║------------------------------------------------------------------------------║ ║ For field level help, place cursor at field and press <SHIFT> F1. ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help F2=Process (Save) <ESC>=Exit (NOSAVE) Fig 3.6 ADD BATCH FILE ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 3-8 CONFIGURATION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Job Keystroke Playback Entry For each AUTO-PC JOB as many keystroke playback sessions as required for processing can be configured. When a keystroke capture sesson is performed AUTO-PC prompts for a file name, this is the file name that is entered here. The default directory where AUTO-PC is installed is used to store the keystroke file; so, entering a drive and path is not required. NOTE: When the JOB processing program finds a keystroke playback to be performed, it informs the TSR and exits to the DOS command line. When the keystroke playback has completed, AUTO-PC will restore its saved state and continue with the JOB processing. ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ ADD KEYSTROKE PLAYBACK ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ Job Name: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ║ ║ ║ ║ Enter the keystroke playback file name for scheduled processing: ║ ║ ║ ║ -------- ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║------------------------------------------------------------------------------║ ║ For field level help, place cursor at field and press <SHIFT> F1. ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help F2=Process (Save) F3=View Keystroke File List <ESC>=Exit (NOSAVE) Fig 3.8 ADD KEYSTROKE PLAYBACK ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 3-9 CONFIGURATION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Job Program Entry For each AUTO-PC JOB as many PC programs as required for processing can be configured. When entering a program, the drive and complete path name are required. When the JOB schedule time occurs, AUTO-PC will change to the drive and path of each program entered, then load and execute the program. Although a PC program call can be inserted into a batch file or executed with a keystroke capture session, AUTO-PC allows for direct program call. This can be useful for a few reasons: A batch file or keystroke session does not have to be created just to execute stand alone programs and COMMAND.COM memory overhead is removed for batch files. NOTE: AUTO-PC will check the return code the program returns to DOS and set the JOB success or failure indicator. ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ ADD PROGRAM EXECUTION ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ Job Name: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ║ ║ ║ ║ Enter the fully qualified program file name for scheduled processing: ║ ║ ║ ║ ------------------------------------------------------- ║ ║ ^ ^ ║ ║ Drive Fully qualified path and program file name ║ ║ ║ ║ Enter any replaceable parameters you want to pass to the program: ║ ║ ║ ║ ------------------------------------------------------- ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║------------------------------------------------------------------------------║ ║ For field level help, place cursor at field and press <SHIFT> F1. ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help F2=Process (Save) <ESC>=Exit (NOSAVE) Fig 3.9 ADD PROGRAM EXECUTION ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 3-10 CONFIGURATION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Job Scheduling Once the JOB entries have been configured, the JOB can be scheduled. The screen corresponding to the schedule type selected will be displayed. Cyclic Schedule Cyclic scheduling allows for JOB processing to be performed on an hourly, daily, and/or weekly basis. The cyclic screen shows the days of the week and the 24 hours of a day. Entering the minutes after the hour for the day(s) desired will set the schedule. The following screen is an example of a schedule for Monday through Friday at 8:30 PM. ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ CYCLIC SCHEDULE ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║MIDNIGHT -------------- AM -------------->N00N ------------- PM ------------->║ ║ 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11║ ╟──────┬──┬──┬──┬──┬──┬──┬──┬──┬──┬──┬──┬──┬──┬──┬──┬──┬──┬──┬──┬──┬──┬──┬──┬──╢ ║SUNDAY│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ ║ ╟──────┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──╢ ║MONDAY│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │30│ │ │ ║ ╟──────┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──╢ ║TUEDAY│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │30│ │ │ ║ ╟──────┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──╢ ║WEDDAY│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │30│ │ │ ║ ╟──────┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──╢ ║THUDAY│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │30│ │ │ ║ ╟──────┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──╢ ║FRIDAY│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │30│ │ │ ║ ╟──────┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──┼──╢ ║SATDAY│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ ║ ╟──────┴──┴──┴──┴──┴──┴──┴──┴──┴──┴──┼──┴──┴──┴──┴──┴──┴──┴──┴──┴──┴──┴──┴──┴──╢ ║ INSTRUCTIONS: │To ADD, enter the minutes after the hour.║ ║TAB or use ARROW KEYS to each entry.│To DELETE, enter spaces over the minutes.║ ╚════════════════════════════════════╧═════════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help F2=Process <ESC>=Exit (NOSAVE) Fig 3.10 CYCLIC SCHEDULE EXAMPLE: Cyclic Schedule set for Monday through Friday at 8:30 PM ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 3-11 CONFIGURATION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Periodic Schedule Periodic scheduling allows for JOB processing to be performed on a monthly basis. Periodic scheduling also allows for last day of the month selection for end of the month processing requirements. The periodic screen shows the days of the month. Entering the hour and minutes for the day(s) of the month will set the schedule. The following screen is an example of a schedule for the 15th and Last Day of the Month at 3:00 AM. NOTE: If a periodic schedule is set for the 29th or 30th of the month it will be performed on the last day for February. ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ PERIODIC SCHEDULE ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║┌──────────┬──────────┬──────────┬──────────┬──────────┬──────────┬──────────┐║ ║│1 │2 │3 │4 │5 │6 │7 │║ ║│ --:-- -M │ --:-- -M │ --:-- -M │ --:-- -M │ --:-- -M │ --:-- -M │ --:-- -M │║ ║├──────────┼──────────┼──────────┼──────────┼──────────┼──────────┼──────────┤║ ║│8 │9 │10 │11 │12 │13 │14 │║ ║│ --:-- -M │ --:-- -M │ --:-- -M │ --:-- -M │ --:-- -M │ --:-- -M │ --:-- -M │║ ║├──────────┼──────────┼──────────┼──────────┼──────────┼──────────┼──────────┤║ ║│15 │16 │17 │18 │19 │20 │21 │║ ║│ 03:00 AM │ --:-- -M │ --:-- -M │ --:-- -M │ --:-- -M │ --:-- -M │ --:-- -M │║ ║├──────────┼──────────┼──────────┼──────────┼──────────┼──────────┼──────────┤║ ║│22 │23 │24 │25 │26 │27 │28 │║ ║│ --:-- -M │ --:-- -M │ --:-- -M │ --:-- -M │ --:-- -M │ --:-- -M │ --:-- -M │║ ║├──────────┴──────┬───┴──────────┴──┬───────┴───────┬──┴──────────┴──────────┤║ ║│29 Except FEB.│30 Except FEB.│ LAST DAY │ │║ ║│ --:-- -M │ --:-- -M │ of the Month. │ │║ ║│Unless leap year.│Last day for FEB.│ 03:00 AM │ │║ ╟┴─────────────────┴─────────────────┼───────────────┴────────────────────────┴╢ ║ INSTRUCTIONS: │To ADD, enter the time at desired entry. ║ ║TAB or use ARROW KEYS to each entry.│To DELETE, enter spaces over the time. ║ ╚════════════════════════════════════╧═════════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help F2=Process <ESC>=Exit (NOSAVE) Fig 3.11 PERIODIC SCHEDULE EXAMPLE: Periodic Schedule for the 15th and Last Day of month at 3:00 AM. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 3-12 CONFIGURATION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Exact Schedule Exact scheduling allows for JOB processing to be performed at specific times. Exact scheduling is useful for annual, semi-annual, and quarterly processing, and for special cases like the 3rd Wednesday of each month. The exact schedule has two screens, one shows the exact schedule entries, and the other is to add an exact schedule entry. When the JOB schedule time occurs for an exact schedule, the entry is removed upon completion of the JOB. When all the exact entries have been exausted, the JOB schedule type is set to none (N). The following screens show an exact schedule set for quarterly processing and an added entry of the exact schedule. ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ EXACT SCHEDULE ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ DATE AND TIME FOR SCHEDULED PROCESSING ║ ║------------------------------------------------------------------------------║ ║ Fri 03-15-91 10:00 PM ║ ║ Sat 06-15-91 10:00 PM ║ ║ Sun 09-15-91 10:00 PM ║ ║ Sun 12-15-91 10:00 PM ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║______________________________________________________________________________║ ║ INSTRUCTIONS: │ INSTRUCTIONS: ║ ║ To Delete an entry place the scroll │ Use ARROW KEYS to reach desired entry.║ ║ bar on desired entry and press F5. │ Use PgUp and PgDn to page the entries.║ ║ To Add an entry press F3 at any time.│ Use HOME for top of directory list. ║ ║ For help press F1 at any time. │ Use END for bottom of directory list. ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════╧═══════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help F3=Add Entry <ESC>=Exit F2=Process F5=Delete Entry Fig 3.12 EXACT SCHEDULE EXAMPLE: Quarterly Schedule ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 3-13 CONFIGURATION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ ADD EXACT SCHEDULE ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ YEAR: 1991 ║ ║ ║ ║ MONTH: 12 ║ ║ ║ ║ DAY of MONTH: 15 ║ ║ ║ ║ TIME: 10:00 PM ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║------------------------------------------------------------------------------║ ║ Enter desired information in each field, press TAB or ENTER when complete. ║ ║ For field level help, place cursor at field and press <SHIFT> F1. ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help F2=Process <ESC>=Exit (NOSAVE) Fig 3.13 ADD EXACT SCHEDULE EXAMPLE: Exact schedule entry for date and time ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 3-14 CONFIGURATION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Schedule Exceptions AUTO-PC provides exception scheduling for cyclic and periodic schedules. For cyclic schedules holidays can be used as exceptions. For periodic schedules holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays can be used as exceptions. With exception scheduling, JOB processing can be shifted to the previous work day, the next work day, not performed at all, or performed as scheduled. Cyclic Exceptions Cyclic schedule exceptions is most useful for daily JOB processing that doesn't need to be performed on holidays. Where AUTO-PC is used for distribution this can prove invaluable. When daily work will not be performed due to a holiday, then communications costs to host systems can be avoided. ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ CYCLIC SCHEDULE EXCEPTIONS ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ 4 Scheduled Processing falls on National and/or Company Holiday. ║ ║ 1. Perform on Holidays (No exceptions). ║ ║ 2. Perform on previous work day before Holiday. ║ ║ 3. Perform on next work day after Holiday. ║ ║ 4. DO NOT perform on Holidays. ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help F2=Continue <ESC>=Exit Fig 3.14 CYCLIC SCHEDULE EXCEPTIONS EXAMPLE: Cyclic schedule will not be performed on holidays ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 3-15 CONFIGURATION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Periodic Exceptions Periodic schedule exceptions are useful for monthly JOB processing that needs to be shifted from holidays, Saturdays, and/or Sundays. Distribution of bi-monthly payroll data is a prime example. ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ PERIODIC SCHEDULE EXCEPTIONS ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ ║ ║ 2 Scheduled Processing falls on National and/or Company Holiday. ║ ║ 1. Perform on Holidays (No exceptions). ║ ║ 2. Perform on previous work day before Holiday. ║ ║ 3. Perform on next work day after Holiday. ║ ║ 4. DO NOT perform on Holidays. ║ ║ ║ ║ 2 Scheduled Processing falls on a Saturday. ║ ║ 1. Perform on Saturdays (No exceptions). ║ ║ 2. Perform on previous work day before Saturday. ║ ║ 3. Perform on next work day after Saturday. ║ ║ 4. DO NOT perform on Saturdays. ║ ║ ║ ║ 2 Scheduled Processing falls on a Sunday. ║ ║ 1. Perform on Sundays. (No exceptions). ║ ║ 2. Perform on previous work day before Sunday. ║ ║ 3. Perform on next work day after Sunday. ║ ║ 4. DO NOT perform on Sundays. ║ ║ ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help F2=Process <ESC>=Exit Fig 3.15 PERIODIC SCHEDULE EXCEPTIONS EXAMPLE: Periodic schedule will be shifted to previous work day ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 3-16 CONFIGURATION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Re-tries AUTO-PC allows for JOB processing re-tries. This feature is provided for host communications. When a re-try count is set, and a JOB process fails, AUTO-PC will perform re-tries for the specified number of re-tries at the specified interval. If JOB processing includes communications that can fail because the host system or network is down or dial-up lines are busy then set re-tries to ensure success. This will prove useful when using AUTO-PC for a distribution network where the host system is unavailable for maintenance, upgrade, backup, or system gens, and for host scheduled processing that is dependent on operator execution. ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ RE-TRY JOB ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ SCHEDULED JOB PROCESSING FAILURE ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ If the JOB processing fails: ║ ║ ║ ║ Perform the following number of re-tries: 00 ║ ║ ║ ║ Perform the re-tries at intervals of 00 minutes. ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║------------------------------------------------------------------------------║ ║ Enter desired information in each field, press TAB or ENTER when complete. ║ ║ For field level help, place cursor at field and press <SHIFT> F1. ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help F2=Process (Save) <ESC>=Exit (NOSAVE) Fig 3.16 RE-TRY JOB with default values of zero ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 3-17 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── SECTION 4: Activating AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Activating AUTO-PC Activating AUTO-PC puts the PC into an automatic JOB processing state. AUTO-PC will perform each JOB when the JOBs' scheduled time occurs. AUTO-PC has two active states: ONLINE and RESIDENT. AUTO-PC can be activated from the main menu, or from the DOS command line. Once AUTO-PC is activated, user interaction is no longer required. Resident State AUTO-PC in a resident state is a terminate-and-stay resident (TSR) program that determines when it is time for the next scheduled JOB processing to take place, and automatically performs the processing. If the PC workstation is at the DOS prompt the TSR automatically performs the JOB processing. If a user at the PC workstation is currently in an application at a JOB schedule time, the TSR will display a POP-UP window to inform the user that a schedule time has occurred. The following rules apply to the TSR in an "ACTIVE" resident state when a JOB schedule time occurs: 1. If at the DOS prompt the TSR will perform the JOB processing. 2. If in a PC application the TSR will display a POP-UP window. If the application is in a graphics mode the TSR will beep several times. 3. When a POP-UP window is displayed the user can enter "ESC" to continue with the application. 4. The TSR will automatically remove a POP-UP window after 15 seconds and return processing control to an application. 5. The TSR will re-display a POP-UP window every 15 minutes. 6. The TSR will wait 15 seconds after a user exits an application before performing JOB processing. This allows the user a resonable time period to start another application. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 4-1 ACTIVATING AUTO-PC AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 7. If at the DOS prompt and a user is typing on the keyboard, the TSR will delay 15 seconds from the time each keystroke is typed before preforming the JOB. 8. The TSR resident state is de-activated during AUTO-PC fuctions that can change the current JOB schedule. These fuctions include: JOB configuration and scheduling and holiday exception selection. Upon completion of these functions the TSR is re-activated. 9. The TSR resident state is de-activated during a keystoke capture session. Upon completion of the keystroke capture session the TSR is re-activated. 10. When AUTO-PC is put into an "ACTIVE" resident state the number of minutes until the next JOB processing is calculated. The next JOB will therefore occur within one minute of the actual scheduled time. NOTE: When AUTO-PC is put into an "ACTIVE" resident state the current system time is used. If you change the Date and/or Time when AUTO-PC is in a resident state, you must re-enter AUTO-PC and de-activate the resident state and then re-activate it. Online State AUTO-PC in an online state determines when it is time for the next scheduled processing to take place, and automatically performs the processing. This mode allows the user to monitor the status of all scheduled JOB processing. AUTO-PC in online mode displays each "Job Name" and the next scheduled time each JOB will be performed. Also displayed is a running success and failure count for JOBS that have been performed. When a failure occurs, problem correction can be determined by reviewing the AUTO-PC history and audit log. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 4-2 ACTIVATING AUTO-PC AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ A U T O - P C O N L I N E ║ ╠═════════════════════════════════════════╦════════════════╦═══════════════════╣ ║ JOB QUEUE ║ ║ DATE AND TIME ║ ╠═════════════════════════════════════════╣ ╠═══════════════════╣ ║ JOB NAME SCHEDULE TIME ║ ║ ║ ╟─────────────────────┬───────────────────╢ ╚═══════════════════╣ ║ --------------------│ ------------------║ ║ ║ --------------------│ ------------------║ ╔═══════════════════╣ ║ --------------------│ ------------------║ ║ PROCESSING ║ ║ --------------------│ ------------------║ ║ COUNTS SINCE LAST ║ ║ --------------------│ ------------------║ ║ LOG PURGE ║ ║ --------------------│ ------------------║ ╠═════════╤═════════╣ ║ --------------------│ ------------------║ ║ SUCCESS │ FAILURE ║ ║ --------------------│ ------------------║ ║ │ ║ ║ --------------------│ ------------------║ ╚═════════╧═════════╣ ║ --------------------│ ------------------║ ║ ║ --------------------│ ------------------║ ╔═══════════════════╣ ║ --------------------│ ------------------║ ║ LOG LAST PURGED ║ ║ --------------------│ ------------------║ ╠═══════════════════╣ ║ --------------------│ ------------------║ ║ ║ ╚═════════════════════╧═══════════════════╩════════════════╩═══════════════════╝ F1=Help <ESC>=Exit Fig 4.1 AUTO-PC ONLINE Activating AUTO-PC From the Command Line AUTO-PC can be activated from the DOS command line. This is useful for auto-starting AUTO-PC. The following commands activate AUTO-PC from the command line: AUTO-PC G -> Go directly to online state. AUTO-PC R -> Go directly to resident state. This is most useful for pre-configured remote sites to allow the user to start AUTO-PC but not have access to configure AUTO-PC. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 4-3 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── SECTION 5: AUTO-PC Execution ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── AUTO-PC Execution AUTO-PC execution takes place when the schedule time occurs for a JOB. At this time AUTO-PC will display a JOB processing screen, open the log file (AUTO-PC.LOG), and the history tracking file (HISTORY.LOG). AUTO-PC will re-direct all screen I/O to the log file and write a time stamp for the current JOB. AUTO-PC will also make an entry in the history tracking file for the JOB. All messages that JOB batch files and programs would normally output to the screen using DOS writes, will be re-directed to the log file. ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ AUTO-PC JOB PROCESSING IN PROGRESS ║ ╠═══════════════════╦═══════════════════════════════════╦══════════════════════╣ ║ START TIME ║ ║ JOB NAME ║ ╠═══════════════════╣ ╠══════════════════════╣ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╠═══════════════════╝ ╚══════════════════════╣ ║ ║ ║ ╔═════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ ║ ║ CURRENT PROCESSOR CONTROL STATUS ║ ║ ║ ╠═════╦═══════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ ║ ║ ║ AUTO-PC PROGRAM ║ ║ ║ ╠═════╬═══════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ ║ ║ ║ BATCH FILE PROCESSING ( COMMAND.COM ) ║ ║ ║ ╠═════╬═══════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ ║ ║ ║ PROGRAM EXECUTION ║ ║ ║ ╠═════╬═══════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ ║ ║ ║ KEYSTROKE PLAYBACK ║ ║ ║ ╚═════╩═══════════════════════════════════════╝ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ Fig 5.1 JOB PROCESSING IN PROGRESS ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 5-1 AUTO-PC EXECUTION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── When the JOB schedule time occurs from the ONLINE state, AUTO-PC will inform the resident program (TSR) and exit to DOS. The resident program will then start a program that does the JOB processing. This allows your scheduled applications to have as much available memory as possible. Batch File Execution Batch File execution is performed by using the DOS command processor (COMMAND.COM). Any batch file that can be executed from the DOS command line can be processed by AUTO-PC. When AUTO-PC encounters a JOB entry that is a Batch File it changes to the drive and directory where the batch file is located, and loads COMMAND.COM to process the batch file. NOTES: The actual overhead of loading COMMAND.COM is only about 4K since this will only be a shell of the actual COMMAND.COM which was already loaded at system start-up. Since the purpose of AUTO-PC is to offer unattended PC processing, it should be very apparent that programs executed directly or within batch files should not require any user interaction. For PC processing that requires user interaction use the AUTO-PC keystroke capture and playback feature. To avoid memory fragmentation, DO NOT call programs from batch files that will remain resident. Either load resident programs before activating AUTO-PC, or use a Keystroke Playback session to load them. Batch File Status Reporting AUTO-PC comes with a special program (JOBSTAT.EXE) to be used within batch files. This program is used along with the DOS errorlevel indicator to inform AUTO-PC of batch file success or failure. When JOBSTAT is called it will increment the JOB success or failure count. The person who creates the batch file inserts this program call. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 5-2 AUTO-PC EXECUTION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── EXAMPLE: This example assumes AUTO-PC is loaded on drive C: and in the directory auto-pc. . . do_program if errorlevel 1 goto failure c: cd \auto-pc jobstat success goto done :failure c: cd \auto-pc jobstat failure :done Keystroke Playback Execution When it's time to process a keystroke playback session, AUTO-PC will save its current state, notify the TSR, and then exit to the DOS command line. The TSR will perform the keystroke playback, and then re-start AUTO-PC. It is suggested that where possible, a batch file be executed that can determine if the keystroke playback was successful; possibly by looking for output files the keystroke session may have generated. Program Execution When it's time to execute a program, AUTO-PC will change to the drive and directory containing the program, and then load and execute. AUTO-PC will check the program exit code returned to DOS to set the JOB success/failure indicator. NOTES: Although a PC program can be executed from a batch file, direct execution removes the memory overhead of having COMMAND.COM loaded. To avoid memory fragmentation, DO NOT configure programs that will remain resident. Either load resident programs before activating AUTO-PC, or use a Keystroke Playback session to load them. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 5-3 AUTO-PC EXECUTION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Manual JOB Execution A JOB can be manually performed at any time. From the AUTO-PC main menu select F2 (JOB Configuration and Scheduling), place the scroll bar on the JOB you want to perform and press F6 (Perform JOB). When the JOB processing completes a JOB status message will be displayed for success or failure. This feature will prove very valuable when adding a new JOB. After the new JOB has been configured you can perform an immediate test of the JOB. This feature is also useful for on demand JOB processing where a JOB does not necessarily meet a set schedule. AUTO-PC System Initialization AUTO-PC comes with a special program to BOOT the system (BOOT.EXE). This program is useful for removing resident programs that are running in the system that can only be removed by re-booting the system. The BOOT program can be called from a batch file JOB entry or called directly as a program JOB entry. In either case it should be the very last JOB entry performed, for obvious reasons. The AUTO-PC BOOT program is ideal for loading and removing emulation products such as 3270, 5250, 6530, etc. NOTE: You will not be able to capture keystrokes for execution of the BOOT program, again for obvious reasons. Here is an example of using the BOOT feature of AUTO-PC. 1. A dedicated system has an asychronous program running in resident mode to receive incoming calls and provide access to the local area network. 2. A requirement exist to schedule a JOB that will use another program to dial out of the same system. This program will send a file to a host system each work day at 3:00 AM. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 5-4 AUTO-PC EXECUTION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 3. After the file has been sent to the host, the system needs to return to the original state waiting for incoming calls. To perform the above example, several AUTO-PC JOBS will be configured. First, here are a few notes about AUTO-PC execution that are important: 1. AUTO-PC JOBS with the same schedule times are performed in alphabetical order by JOB NAME. (You could however schedule the JOBs to execute one minute apart from each other). 2. To load and execute resident programs from AUTO-PC it is recommended that you use a keystroke playback session to avoid memory fragmentation. 3. When the AUTO-PC BOOT program is called the current JOB containing the call is re-scheduled before the actual system BOOT. 4. To auto-start AUTO-PC use one of the command line parameter options as follows: AUTO-PC G -> Go directly to online state. AUTO-PC R -> Go directly to resident state. System setup. The autoexec.bat file has the command AUTO-PC G as the last command. The following JOBS will be configured, and all scheduled for 3:00 AM Monday through Friday. JOB NAME -> A , B, and C Configuring the JOBS. JOB A has a single JOB entry to execute the BOOT.EXE program. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 5-5 AUTO-PC EXECUTION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── JOB B has JOB entries to execute the programs required to dial out and send the file to the host system, and a last entry to execute the BOOT.EXE program. JOB C has JOB entries to execute the resident program that waits for incoming calls. Execution of the JOBS. JOB A will execute first and perform the system BOOT to remove the resident program that is waiting for incoming calls. JOB A will now be re-scheduled for the next processing time. JOB B will execute as soon as the system has BOOTED since AUTO-PC was auto-started from autoexec.bat and JOB B is now the next JOB in the schedule queue. JOB B will perform the dial out and file transfer, and then execute another system BOOT. JOB B will now be re-scheduled for the next processing time. JOB C will execute as soon as the system has BOOTED since AUTO-PC was auto-started from autoexec.bat and JOB C is now the next JOB in the schedule queue. JOB C will load and execute the resident program that waits for incoming calls, and then be re-scheduled for the next processing time. Again, note that JOB A could have been scheduled for 3:00 AM, JOB B scheduled for 3:01 AM, and JOB C scheduled for 3:02 AM. This would have relieved the requirement of JOB NAME being in alphabetical order. NOTES: AUTO-PC treats each JOB as a unique entity. Therefore; in the above example do not set re-try counts and intervals for JOB B. DO NOT have AUTO-PC execute BOOT program(s) that you may have. The BOOT program that comes with AUTO-PC re-schedules the JOB before performing the actual system BOOT. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 5-6 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── SECTION 6: Keystroke Capture Session ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Keystroke Capture Session Keystroke capture allows keystrokes to be captured while executing programs that require user input. Starting a Keystroke Capture Session From the AUTO-PC main menu select F7 (Perform Keystroke Capture Session). AUTO-PC will then display the following screen to provide a file name for the capture session. The default file extension is ".KEY". ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ KEYSTROKE FILE NAME ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ Enter the keystroke file name: ║ ║ ║ ║ ~~~~~~~~ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║------------------------------------------------------------------------------║ ║ For field level help, place cursor at field and press <SHIFT> F1. ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help F2=Process <ESC>=Exit (NOSAVE) Fig 6.1 KEYSTROKE FILE NAME ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 6-1 KEYSTROKE CAPTURE SESSION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── NOTE: This is the file name you will enter when configuring a JOB to perform the keystroke playback. All keystroke files are kept in the current directory where AUTO-PC has been installed. Once the file name has been entered, AUTO-PC will then save its current state and exit to the DOS prompt. The capture session starts in the drive and directory where AUTO-PC is installed. The following message will be displayed for you to begin entering keystrokes: **************************************** * Keystroke Capture Enabled. * * Start entering your keystrokes now! * * Type <ALT> F2 when finished. * **************************************** NOTE: The AUTO-PC TSR uses a buffer large enough for 1000 keystrokes to be entered. Should you need to enter more than 1000 keystrokes, you will have to perform more than one keystroke capture session. You can then configure AUTO-PC to consecutively perform the keystroke sessions. Exiting Keystroke Capture As the above message states you end the keystroke capture session by holding down the <ALT> key and pressing the F2 key. Editing Keystroke Capture File During the keystroke capture session, AUTO-PC saves the length of time between each keystroke entered. This may prove valuable when using a keystroke session to execute a dial-up program where input depends on interactive response timing. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 6-2 KEYSTROKE CAPTURE SESSION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Keystroke Fast Play If the capture session executes PC programs that are not dependent on timing considerations, you can have AUTO-PC edit the keystroke file for playback as fast as possible. The following screen is displayed to allow the keystrokes to be played back as fast as possible: ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ KEYSTROKE FAST PLAY ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ Do you want the keystroke session to be played back as fast as possible? ║ ║ ║ ║ N ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║------------------------------------------------------------------------------║ ║ For field level help, place cursor at field and press <SHIFT> F1. ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help F2=Continue <ESC>=EXIT Fig 6.2 KEYSTROKE FAST PLAY WARNING: Many PC programs cannot handle the keystrokes played back as fast as possible. Some take too long to load and the keyboard buffer will overflow, others clear the type ahead buffer before reading the keyboard, and others do low level direct keyboard reads. It is therefore recommended that you do not use the fast playback for programs that normally would expect a user typing from the keyboard. Use fast play for DOS command line input. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 6-3 KEYSTROKE CAPTURE SESSION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── NOTE: The keystroke capture session is performed by the Terminate and Stay Resident Program (TSR). This TSR conforms to all the rules of the TSR Action Committee (TSRACT) as stated on CompuServe. Not all memory resident programs work together. Often times they may interfere with one another, causing operational problems for each other as well as foreground applications. Should you encounter unusual problems while using more than one memory resident program, install only the one that you need to complete the task at hand. WARNING: Attention to detail is required when using a keystroke capture session to execute programs on a different drive than where AUTO-PC is installed. DOS keeps track of the current default directory of each drive! An example may best be in order to ensure proper keystroke playback. 1. Let's assume AUTO-PC is installed on the D: drive in the directory AUTO-PC (D:\AUTO-PC). 2. Let's assume that the current default path on drive C: is PROCOMM (C:\PROCOMM). 3. The following keystrokes could be captured to execute PROCOMM. D:\AUTO-PC> C:<CR> <- Change to drive C: C:\PROCOMM> PROCOMM<CR> <- Start PROCOMM Note that during a keystroke playback, the default directory for drive C: must always be PROCOMM for this keystroke capture to be successful. It is therefore imperative that a change directory command is always given during the keystroke capture session, as follows: D:\AUTO-PC> C:<CR> <- Change to drive C: C:\PROCOMM> CD \PROCOMM<CR> <- Change directory C:\PROCOMM> PROCOMM<CR> <- Start PROCOMM When this keystroke capture session is played back it will always be successful, no matter what the current default directory is for drive C:. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 6-4 KEYSTROKE CAPTURE SESSION AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── WARNING: DO NOT use the keystroke capture and playback with HOST emulation programs i.e. 3270, 5250, 6530, etc. Since emulation products send keystrokes to a HOST system, they will take over the keyboard interrupt, and will not pass keystrokes through to DOS BIOS. HOWEVER, have no fear, Logical Business Systems, Inc. offers communication options that work with AUTO-PC. These options offer easy to use script languages to control host sessions. They provide automatic logon and logoff, host screen I/O, and file transfers. For more information call: Logical Business Systems, Inc. at 1-800-521-5904. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 6-5 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── SECTION 7: Audit Log Processing ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Audit Log Processing Audit Log Processing allows you to review JOB processing that has taken place. From the AUTO-PC main menu select F8 (Perform Audit Log Processing). The following screen will be displayed: ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ AUDIT LOG PROCESSING ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ F2 = Purge Log Files (DELETE) ║ ║ ║ ║ F3 = Display JOB History ║ ║ ║ ║ F4 = View Entire Audit Log ║ ║ ║ ║ F5 = View Only JOB Failures in Audit Log ║ ║ ║ ║ F6 = View Audit Log From a Starting Date ║ ║ ║ ║ F7 = Print Job History ║ ║ ║ ║ F8 = Print Entire Audit Log ║ ║ ║ ║ F9 = Print Only JOB Failures in Audit Log ║ ║ ║ ║ F10 = Print Audit Log From a Starting Date ║ ║ ║ ║ <ALT> F1 = Configure Printer ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help <ESC>=Exit Fig 7.1 AUDIT LOG PROCESSING When a JOB is performed AUTO-PC makes an entry in a history file. This history file is for JOB status reporting. AUTO-PC also re-directs stdout and stderr (DOS screen I/O) to a log file. This log file contains AUTO-PC step by step JOB processing information and includes any messages that PC programs send to the screen. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 7-1 AUDIT LOG PROCESSING AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── You will want to periodically review the AUTO-PC JOB processing history. If AUTO-PC in an online mode shows that an error has occured, you can determine problem correction by reviewing the log. A special program exist (HISTORY.EXE) that can be executed from the DOS commmand line to display JOB history at any time. AUTO-PC History Reporting AUTO-PC history reporting is displayed either by selecting from the menu displayed above or by executing HISTORY.EXE from the command line. JOB history reporting contains the following information: JOB NAME, SCHEDULED TIME, ACTUAL START TIME, and SUCCESS/FAILURE STATUS ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ JOB HISTORY ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ JOB NAME STATUS SCHEDULED TIME PERFORMED TIME ║ ╟------------------------------------------------------------------------------╢ ║ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ║ ║ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ║ ║ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ║ ║ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ║ ║ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ║ ║ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ║ ║ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ║ ║ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ║ ║ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ║ ║ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ║ ║______________________________________________________________________________║ ║ INSTRUCTIONS: │ INSTRUCTIONS: ║ ║ To view the log for a specific JOB, │ Use ARROW KEYS to scroll entries. ║ ║ place the scroll bar at the desired │ Use PgUp and PgDn to page the entries.║ ║ JOB and press F2. │ Use HOME for top of entry list. ║ ║ │ Use END for bottom of entry list. ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════╧═══════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help F2=View the JOB processing <ESC>=Exit Fig 7.2 JOB PROCESSING HISTORY ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 7-2 AUDIT LOG PROCESSING AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Viewing a Specific Job From the history reporting screen you can place the scroll bar on a specific JOB, and view the JOB processing by pressing F2. Viewing the Audit Log You can elect to view the log in several ways. The main purpose of an audit trail is for problem determination and correction. You have the option to view only the JOB entries that have failed. You can also view the entire log or view the log from a starting date. Purging the Audit Log You can purge the audit log at any time. It is suggested that you perform a periodic purge to reserve disk space. Once you have established a stable error free JOB processing environment, you may want to schedule a JOB for automatic log purge within AUTO-PC. The program "LOG.EXE" WITH the command option "-P" will perform a log purge. NOTES: When a log purge is performed, both the history file and the JOB processing log file are deleted. The success and failure counts are reset for each JOB. DO NOT use the DOS delete command to purge the log files since this will not reset each JOB success and failure count. Printing the Audit Log Like viewing of the log, you can elect to print the log in several ways. You can print only those JOB entries that have failed, print the entire log, or print the log from a starting date. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 7-3 AUDIT LOG PROCESSING AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── AUTO-PC Printer Configuration You can print the log to either a parallel or serial printer. You configure your printer by selecting the <ALT> F1 option from the Log Processing Screen. Once you have configured your printer correctly, you will not have to re-configure again. The following screens will be displayed. ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ Define your Printer Type ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ F2 = Parallel Printer ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ F3 = Serial Printer ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help <ESC>=Exit Fig 7.3 Define your Printer Type NOTE: The current printer type selected will be highlighted on this screen. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 7-4 AUDIT LOG PROCESSING AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Define your Parallel Printer All that is required for a parallel printer is the parallel port number where the printer is attached. The following screen will be displayed. ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ Define your Parallel Printer ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ 1 Which parallel port is your printer attached to? (1=LPT1, 2=LPT2) ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ For field-level help, place the cursor at field and press <Shift> F1. ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help F2=Process <ESC>=Exit Fig 7.4 Parallel Printer Selection with defualt of LPT1 Define your Serial Printer For serial printers AUTO-PC allows the printer to be indirectly attached (printer sharing devices, protocol converters, network print server, etc.). AUTO-PC has sophisticated support for various ways that your printer can be attached. A full description of each parameter is not explained here. The online HELP provides extensive detailed parameter descriptions. If you are not familiar with serial communications or your particular system setup, find someone who is. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 7-5 AUDIT LOG PROCESSING AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── For serial printers the following screen will be displayed. ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ Define your Serial Printer ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ Enter the communication parameters of your serial printer. ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ 1 Serial Port of Attached Printer. ║ ║ ║ ║ 1 Stop bits (1 or 2). ║ ║ ║ ║ 8 Data bits (7 or 8). ║ ║ ║ ║ N Parity (N=None, E=Even, O=Odd). ║ ║ ║ ║ 9600 Data transmission Rate (9600, 4800, 2400, 1200, 300). ║ ║ ║ ║ S Flow Control (S= Software XON/XOFF, H= Hardware RTS/CTS). ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ For field-level help, place the cursor at field and press <Shift> F1. ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help F2=Process/Continue <ESC>=Exit Fig 7.5 Serial Printer Parameters with default values ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 7-6 AUDIT LOG PROCESSING AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── AUTO-PC has special serial processing provided. If you have a serial printer that uses the RTS/CTS signals for ready but uses XON/XOFF flow control, AUTO-PC can ensure your print data is received! AUTO-PC can even support special printers connected with just the send, receive, and ground wires. For special serial printers, print devices, or print servers the following screen is displayed. ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ Define your Serial Printer ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ You have selected software flow control XON/XOFF. The following parameters ║ ║ allow for special support when using software flow control. If the receiver ║ ║ does not use RTS and DTR (request to send and data terminal ready) signals ║ ║ or your RS232-C cable does not have pins 4,5,6, and 20 connected you can ║ ║ have the print program use XON/XOFF exclusively. ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ N Check DSR & CTS line signals to determine if the receiver is ready. ║ ║ ║ ║ N For XON/XOFF exclusively wait for XON from receiver before sending. ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ For field-level help, place the cursor at field and press <Shift> F1. ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ F1=Help F2=Process <ESC>=Exit Fig 7.6 Serial Printer Parameters with default values ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE 7-7 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── APPENDIX A: AUTO-PC Files ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── AUTO-PC Files The following is a list of AUTO-PC files and what purpose they serve. This list is provided for reference purposes. Programs AUTO-PC.EXE - This is the main program which starts AUTO-PC. Options include G to go directly online and R to go directly resident. AUTOCFG.EXE - This program is called from AUTO-PC to configure and schedule JOBs. This program can be executed directly from the command line however; entering the password is required. BOOT.EXE - This program can be executed from a batch file JOB entry or directly as a program JOB entry. This program will BOOT the system. Although this program can be executed from the DOS command line DO NOT do so (See INIT.COM). This program will re-schedule the current JOB being executed. COMPUTE.EXE - This program is called to compute the next schedule time for a JOB. If executed from the command line, this program will exit. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE A-1 AUTO-PC FILES AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── CONTEXT.EXE - This is a special program used by AUTO-PC for communications with the TSR. This program saves memory by only being loaded when required. If executed from the command line, this program will exit. DISPSCRN.EXE - This is a special program used during JOB processing to display the current JOB status. This program saves memory by being loaded only when required. DISTTIME.EXE - This is a TSR (Terminate and Stay Resident) program. This TSR allows for AUTO-PC to be active in a resident state, and is used for keystroke capture and playback. This program MUST be loaded before executing AUTO-PC.EXE. HISTORY.EXE - This program allows you to view the JOB processing history from the command line. HOLIDAYS.EXE - This program is for selecting National and Company Holidays. This program can be executed from the command line however; entering the password is required. INIT.COM - This program will BOOT the system. This is called from the BOOT.EXE program after re-scheduling the current JOB. JOBSTAT.EXE - This program is used to report JOB success or failure to AUTO-PC. The formats are: JOBSTAT SUCCESS and JOBSTAT FAILURE. KEYCAP.EXE - This is the keystroke capture and playback program. This program can not be executed from the command line. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE A-2 AUTO-PC FILES AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── LOG.EXE - This program is for log processing. This program can only be executed from the command line to purge the log. To purge enter: LOG -P MAKEJOB.EXE - This program is called from AUTOCFG to add JOBS and JOB entries. If executed from the command line, this program will exit. ONLINE.EXE - This program is called from AUTO-PC to activate an online state. If executed from the command line, this program will exit. PROCESS.EXE - This program is called from AUTOCFG when a user requests manual JOB processing. This program can not be executed from the command line. RESIDENT.EXE - This program is used to change the AUTO-PC resident state and set the resident schedule timer. This program can not be executed from the command line. SCHEDULE.EXE - This program is called from the TSR when a JOB schedule time occurs. This program can not be executed from the command line. SENDCOM.EXE - This program sends a file out a serial port and is used for printing the log files to a serial printer. SENDCFG.EXE - This program is used to configure the printer type you have attached. This program can be executed from the command line. SENDLPT.EXE - This program sends a file out a parallel port and is used for printing the log files to a parallel printer. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE A-3 AUTO-PC FILES AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── SETPASS.EXE - This program is called from the AUTO-PC.EXE program to change the AUTO-PC password. This program can be executed from the command line, however entering the password is required. SWITCH.EXE - This program is used by various AUTO-PC programs to provide task switching. This program informs the TSR what program is calling and what program to call next. This program can not be executed from the command line. VIEW.EXE - This program is called from the LOG.EXE program to view the AUTO-PC audit log file. This program can be called from the command line to view any ascii file. The format is: VIEW FILENAME -> where FILENAME is a fully qualified filename. Database Files These files make up the AUTO-PC database. AUTO-PC.LOG - This is the JOB processing log file. DATABASE.DBS - This is the AUTO-PC database file containing JOB information. This file is encrypted. DATABASE.IDX - This is an index file for each JOB into the AUTO-PC database. DATABASE.SCH - This is the JOB schedule file for all JOBS. HISTORY.LOG - This is the JOB processing history log file. HOLIDAYS.DAT - This is the file of selected national and company holidays. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE A-4 AUTO-PC FILES AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── HOLIDAYS.IDX - This is an index file for each year into the holidays file. JOBENTRY.DBS - This is the JOB entry database file for all the JOBS. PARMS.DAT - This is a parameters file. This file is encrypted. PRINTER.DAT - This is the printer configuration file. NOTES: The above files should be backed up on a scheduled basis. It is suggested that you use AUTO-PC to schedule a backup of these files! Keep track of your password at backup time. If a restore is performed the password will be what it was when the backup took place. If a restore is performed a schedule re-compute must be performed. Consider the scenario where you want to configure multiple AUTO-PC workstations with the same scheduled processing. Configure a single AUTO-PC workstation and then copy these files to the others. CAUTION: Be sure to offset each AUTO-PC JOB schedule with communications involved. This is to control line busy conditions, host file access, and host system resource contention. The printer configuration file "PRINTER.DAT" should be tailored for any target AUTO-PC workstation(s). Generated Files *.KEY - These are keystroke capture files for playback. All keystroke files are kept in the directory where AUTO-PC has been loaded. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE A-5 AUTO-PC FILES AUTO-PC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Screen Files These are screen files that AUTO-PC programs use for video display. AUTO.SCR DATABASE.SCR MAKEJOB.SCR ONLINE.SCR PASSWORD.SCR SENDCFG.SCR Transient Files These are files that AUTO-PC will use for temporary processing requirements. JOB.DAT KEY.DAT NEXT.DAT NEXTTIME.DAT PURGE.DAT TIME.DAT Documentation File The following file contains general and updated information. Review this file for the latest version notes, documentation changes, known problems, fixes, and more. README.DOC ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE A-6 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── APPENDIX B: Error Messages ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Error Messages AUTO-PC performs extensive error checking during execution. Many errors are file related, which may indicate a hard drive data integrity problem. Should files inadvertantly get corrupted or deleted, an AUTO-PC file error will be displayed. The following are the error messages and an appropriate corrective action. NOTE: AUTO-PC opens and closes files as they are used, and therefore does not require many files opened at any given time. It is however suggested that the "FILES =" command in config.sys have at least 10 files specified. FILE ERRORS: - Error opening XXXXXXXXX file -> Press <ESC> to exit. - Error reading XXXXXXXXX file -> Press <ESC> to exit. - Error writing XXXXXXXXX file -> Press <ESC> to exit. - Error renaming XXXXXXXXX file -> Press <ESC> to exit. - Error removing XXXXXXXXX file -> Press <ESC> to exit. SCREEN ERRORS: - Error opening XXXXXXXX screen file -> Press <ESC> to exit. - Unable to display XXXXXXXX screen -> Press <ESC> to exit. PROGRAM LOAD ERRORS: - Error loading XXXXXXXX program -> Press <ESC> to exit. If you receive any of the above error messages, re-install AUTO-PC and restore the database (You have AUTO-PC scheduled to back-up the database, Don't You!). Be sure to compute new schedules for each JOB. Most other error messages are informative type messages, e.g. Batch file entry must end with .bat. These messages only require corrective action. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE B-1 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── INDEX ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── A Audit Log...........................................7-1 Automatic...........................................1-2 AUTO-PC Activating........................................4-1 Configuring.......................................3-1 Execution.........................................5-1 Files.............................................A-1 Help..............................................2-2 Installation......................................2-1 Log Processing....................................7-1 Main Menu.........................................2-2 Overview..........................................1-1 Password..........................................3-1 Starting..........................................2-1 System Initialization.............................5-4 B Backup Database..........................................A-4 Diskette..........................................2-1 Batch File Adding............................................3-8 Execution.........................................5-2 Status Reporting..................................5-2 BOOT................................................5-4 C Configuring AUTO-PC.................................3-1 Changing Password...................................3-1 Cyclic Exceptions...................................1-3, 3-15 Schedule.....................................1-3, 3-11 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE I-1 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── INDEX (Con't) ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── D Database Backup............................................A-4 Files.............................................A-4 E Error Messages......................................B-1 Equipment Requirements..............................1-1 Exact Schedule.................................1-3, 4-1 F Failure Status.................................1-2, 5-2 Failure Re-tries....................................3-17 H Help................................................2-2 History Reporting...................................7-2 Holidays............................................3-1 I Installation........................................2-1 IPL.................................................5-4 J JOB Adding...........................................3-5 Batch File Entry.................................3-8 Definition.......................................1-1 Keystroke Playback Entry.........................3-9 Manual Execution............................3-4, 5-4 Processing..................................1-4, 3-4 Program Entry....................................3-10 Re-tries.........................................3-17 Scheduling.......................................3-11 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE I-2 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── INDEX (Con't) ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── K Keystroke Capture...........................................6-1 Editing Capture.................................6-2 Exiting Capture.................................6-2 Starting Capture................................6-1 Fast Playback.....................................6-3 Playback Entry....................................3-9 Playback Execution................................5-3 L Log Audit.............................................7-1 History...........................................7-2 Purging...........................................7-3 Printing..........................................7-3 Processing........................................7-1 Viewing...........................................7-3 M Main Menu...........................................2-2 Manual JOB Execution...........................3-4, 5-4 N National and Company Holidays.......................3-1 O Online State...................................1-2, 4-2 Overview............................................1-1 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE I-3 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── INDEX (Con't) ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── P Parallel Printer....................................7-5 Password.......................................2-2, 3-1 Periodic Schedule.....................................1-3, 3-12 Exceptions...................................1-3, 3-16 Printer Configuration.....................................7-4 Parallel..........................................7-5 Serial............................................7-5 Program Entry.......................................3-10 Program Execution...................................5-3 Program Files.......................................A-1 R README.DOC File.....................................A-6 Resident State.................................1-2, 4-1 Re-tries............................................3-17 S Scheduling.....................................1-3, 3-11 Exact Schedule....................................3-13 Cyclic Schedule...................................3-11 Periodic Schedule.................................3-16 Screen Files........................................A-5 Serial Printer......................................7-5 Status Reporting....................................5-2 T TSR........................1-2, 2-1, 3-9, 4-1, 6-2, 6-4 U User Guide Organization.............................1-1 V Viewing Audit Log.........................................7-3 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── USERS GUIDE I-4