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REDUCER.DOC
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1989-01-15
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T H E R E D U C E R 1.20 Page 1
Copyright (C) 1989 by Elkay Software - All rights reserved
The Reducer is designed to save space on a hard disk system and make it
easier to access programs by creating a menu. To accomplish this, Phil
Katz's compression utilities, PKARC and PKXARC, must be used. These
files are not included with this package and must be obtained from
another source, such as a local Bulletin Board System or directly from
PKware.
The Reducer saves space by making a menu for the hard disk and allowing
any subdirectory on the menu to be reduced. It is recommended that this
only be done on subdirectories that are accessed infrequently. When
selecting a reduced item from the menu, the subdirectory unreduces itself
and runs the program in that subdirectory. After working with the
program it reduces the subdirectory once again (including all new files
created) and returns to the hard disk menu.
SHAREWARE
This program is distributed under the Shareware concept, which means that
you are granted a temporary license to evaluate the software. After 30
days a registration fee of $ 25.00 is required. To register use the file
REGISTER.FRM included with this package. The Reducer may be copied and
distributed via electronic bulletin board systems or other means. The
program must remain unmodified and contain ALL original files. No fee
may be charged for this software other than a disk copying fee, which
may not exceed $5.00. The benefits of registration are:
1. The latest version of The Reducer on disk.
2. A printed manual.
3. Support from the author via THE ARCHIVES BBS in Orlando, Florida
407/894/3821, 1200/2400 Baud, N-8-1, 24 hours a day.
4. Special discounts on future releases from Elkay Software.
Page 2
DISCLAIMER
Elkay software is not responsible for any hardware damage or loss of data
incurred by using The Reducer. This package is provided "as is" with no
expressed or implied warranties including the warranties of
merchantability and fitness of this program for any purpose. The Reducer
and accompanying documentation are the property of Elkay Software and
cannot be disassembled or modified without our express written consent.
Elkay Software is in no way connected with Phil Katz, PKware or it's
products. Registration of The Reducer does not entitle the user to any
benefits from Pkware. The PKARC package must be registered separately
with PKware.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The Reducer requires DOS 2.1 or higher, at least 256k RAM, and a hard
drive to run properly. The DOS files "FIND.EXE" and "CHKDSK.EXE" must
be in the same subdirectory as your DOS files. Some versions of DOS may
use the files "FIND.COM" and "CHKDSK.COM". Either .EXE or .COM will work.
THE REDUCER PHILOSOPHY
The concept of The Reducer evolved from the fact that no matter how large
the hard disk is it soon fills up with programs and data. Some of these
programs and data files are used frequently, while others are kept
for occasional use. While it is easy to transfer this data to floppies
for storage, it is inconvenient to access such data when it is needed.
The Reducer solves this problem by retaining all the data on the hard
disk while reducing it in size by 40 to 50%. Taking this concept one step
further, a menu is created that allows access to this data by entering a
one or two digit number. Once finished with the program, the reduction
process takes over again and stores the files in less space. This
version of The Reducer uses the subdirectories one level deep, which
means that you can reduce C:\Lotus but not C:\Lotus\Accounts. Future
versions may allow reduction of all subdirectory levels.
HOW REDUCTION IS ACCOMPLISHED
Those who use Electronic Bulletin Board Systems are familiar with
utilities that archive files. Archived files put a great deal of
information into a small space and increase both the life expectancy and
the storage capability of your expensive hard disk. This advantage is
now available to everyone who uses The Reducer. Storage requirements for
archived files will average 40 to 50% less than the original files. Text
files are usually able to be reduced in size by a much greater degree
than .EXE or .COM files.
Page 3
THE HARD DISK MENU
The Reducer creates a menu for use with the hard disk. This menu is a
screen which shows your selections. It is also a collection of batch
files that changes subdirectories, reduces, unreduces and runs the
programs. Each menu item will list the name of the selected subdirectory
and will reduce or unreduce files, depending upon your specifications.
EXAMPLE:
╔════════════════════ HARD DISK MENU ═══════════════════════╗
║ ║
║ 0 - Lotus 1 - Dbase ║
║ 2 - Telix 3 - *Q&A ║
║ 4 - Procomm 5 - Narc ║
║ 6 - *Storm40 7 - Outline ║
║ 8 - PFS 9 - *MDR200 ║
╚═══ * Subdirectory is reduced ═════════════════════════════╝
To change to the Lotus subdirectory and run the program, type 0 and hit
ENTER. After exiting Lotus, the hard disk menu will reappear on the
screen.
Item #3 is preceded by an asterisk, which indicates that this
subdirectory is reduced. Select #3 and the menu will change
subdirectories to Q&A, unreduce the files and then execute the program.
After exiting Q&A, all the files within the subdirectory will be reduced
(including any new files created). The hard disk menu will then reappear
on the screen.
The Reducer is particularly useful for those who would rather not worry
about subdirectories, command line parameters and command names to
execute programs.
FEATURES OF THE REDUCER:
- Has options for adding and deleting menu items at a later time.
- Provides an easy method for creating a permanent menu.
- Enables more data to reside on the hard disk by automatically reducing
the selected programs.
- Makes backing up the hard disk simpler, faster and less expensive.
- Creates smaller programs and organizes them into related groups.
- Includes on-line viewing of enclosed documentation.
Page 4
INSTALLING THE REDUCER ON THE HARD DISK
THE REDUCER may come to you in one of two forms:
If you downloaded this program from an electronic BBS it will be in
archived form. Create a subdirectory on the hard disk called REDUCER.
EXAMPLE: C:\reducer. Unarc the files into this subdirectory. Copy PKARC
and PKXARC into The Reducer subdirectory. At the C:\REDUCER prompt type
REDUCER to execute the program.
If received in unarced form, create a subdirectory called REDUCER and at
the C:\REDUCER PROMPT copy A:*.*. Next, copy PKARC and PKXARC into The
Reducer subdirectory. Then type REDUCER to execute the program.
NAVIGATING THE REDUCER SCREENS
After viewing the opening screen hit ENTER. The main command screen will
appear. The interface provides three ways to access commands available.
1. You can toggle to a selection by using the up/down arrow keys.
Hitting ENTER will execute the option that is highl