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1993-10-21
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UNI-RFS 1.50
(UniNova's Random File Selector)
(c) 1993 by UniNova Services Corporation
TABLE OF CONTENTS
-----------------
What is RFS? ................................................... 1
Disclaimer ..................................................... 1
File List ...................................................... 1
How To... ...................................................... 2
Install RFS ................................................ 2
Run the RFS program ........................................ 2
Use RFS in a batch file .................................... 2
Sample batch file ...................................... 3
Copyright ...................................................... 3
Contacting UniNova ............................................. 4
Closing Notes .................................................. 4
WHAT IS RFS?
------------
RFS is a simple program to randomly select from a group of files, and copy
one file to a specific filename. For example, by running RFS in the
directory where one stores .BMP Windows wallpaper files, and having Windows
use the wallpaper of "WINDOWS.BMP", one could randomly copy one .BMP file,
from all available .BMP files, to the active wallpaper. Called from the
AUTOEXEC.BAT file, each reboot of the computer could lead to a different
wallpaper. RFS is free to use and copy, but it is NOT in the public domain.
See the section COPYRIGHT in this document for specific information, and also
see CONTACTING UNINOVA if you are interested in seeing the source code.
DISCLAIMER
----------
By using RFS on your computer, you agree to assume full responsibility for
the effects (or lack of effect) of the program on your system. You agree to
hold UniNova Services Corporation blameless and without liability, even in
the event that some type of damage occurs. RFS IS PROVIDED AS IS, WITH NO
WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF ANY KIND. This implicit agree-
ment between you, the user, and UniNova Services Corporation is governed by
the laws of the State of Delaware.
FILE LIST
---------
The following files should appear in the distribution archive in which you
received RFS (and which you should include for re-distribution):
RFS.EXE - The program executable code itself
UNI-RFS.DOC - This document
If any of these files are missing, or you just want to make sure you have
the most recent version, see "Contacting UniNova" for information on the
UniNova Support BBS.
HOW TO...
---------
INSTALL RFS
-----------
If you are reading this, presumably you have already opened the archive
containing the RFS program. If not, do so now. You should place the
file RFS.EXE in a convenient location; by placing it in a directory that
is already in your DOS PATH, it will be available to you from any batch
file in any location. (Please refer to your DOS manual if you need more
information on batch files and/or the PATH statement in DOS.) Once you
have RFS placed in a convenient directory, you're done installing it!
RUN THE RFS PROGRAM:
--------------------
Simply make a call to the program from the DOS prompt or batch file,
giving it two parameters. The first is the file specification for the
set of files to copy from (presumably including at least one wildcard,
otherwise the COPY command in DOS would be more appropriate than RFS).
The second parameter is the name of the file that the selected file
is copied to. The second parameter may match the first parameter's
file specification - RFS will simply skip over it. Thus, the basic
syntax for RFS is:
RFS file*.spc filename.ext
where "file*.spc" is the specification for the group of files, and
"filename.ext" is the file to copy to. RFS is not case sensitive,
and will return the following errorlevels:
0 - program successful
1 - no parameters given
2 - missing 2nd parameter (destination filename)
3 - no files matching specification given in 1st parameter
(Please refer to your DOS manual for an explanation of errorlevels;
if you don't know what they are, and don't care what RFS sets the
errorlevel to, it won't do you any harm.)
You can also make use of the "help" feature of RFS by calling it
with the single parameter containing a question mark to get a
quick usage reminder. Therefore,
RFS ?
RFS /?
RFS -?
(actually, even RFS HELP?!)
will all work to display a short reminder on the correct syntax for the
program.
USE RFS IN A BATCH FILE
-----------------------
You will probably want to put the call to RFS in a batch file so that
there is no need to run it manually (or even think about it, once it's
set up). For example, calling it from the AUTOEXEC.BAT file will run
the program every time you boot up your computer, so you will have a
frequent change in Windows Wallpaper. If you're not using RFS to change
your wallpaper, the batch file you add it to will vary.
If you check for the errorlevel returned by RFS, make sure that you
start at the highest (3) and work down. This is due to DOS evaluating
ERRORLEVEL = n as "true" for values of n from n to positive infinity.
(In other words, if the errorlevel is 3, ERRORLEVEL = 2 is "true", as
far as DOS is concerned.)
The following sample batch file is an example of an AUTOEXEC.BAT file
that calls RFS at the end to change the current Windows wallpaper:
@ECHO OFF
REM This is a sample AUTOEXEC batch file, which would be run
REM every time you boot your computer. The important line here
REM is line 14 (comments included), but the rest is at least semi-
REM relevant.
PATH C:\;C:\DOS;C:\WINDOWS;C:\UTIL
REM We will assume that RFS.EXE is located in C:\UTIL, part of the
REM list of DOS PATH directories, and your .BMP files are on CD-ROM
REM drive F in the \WINDOWS\WALLP directory.
PROMPT $P$G
CD \WINDOWS
REM We will also assume that the wallpaper set in the Windows
REM Control Panel, Desktop, is "WINDOWS.BMP".
RFS F:\WINDOWS\WALLP\*.BMP WINDOWS.BMP
IF ERRORLEVEL 1 GOTO BMPERR
GOTO END
:BMPERR
ECHO NOTICE! The RFS program reported an error condition!
:END
This is just a sample for one way to use RFS in a batch file. If you
run a BBS, you could also use it to randomize your screens. You will
certainly find other uses for the program!
COPYRIGHT
---------
Although RFS is free to use, it is not public domain software! All rights
to RFS are reserved by UniNova Services Corporation. You are given the
following specific permissions (license), any or all of which may be revoked
at any time:
1. You may copy, distribute, and use RFS without charge, IF AND ONLY
IF:
a) You include all documentation files you received with the copies
you distribute; and,
b) You do NOT modify the program or documentation in any way,
including (but not limited to) removing the copyright notice; and,
c) You notify the recipient of the copies you distribute that they
do not own the program but merely have free license to use it in
the manner outlined in this section.
2. You may incorporate RFS in your own hardware or software applications
without royalty, IF AND ONLY IF you obtain written permission from UniNova
Services Corporation IN ADVANCE. If you incorporate it in a system
without prior written permission, you are subject to payment of penalty
fees and continuing royalties; compared with getting the permission in
advance, it's not wor