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DLS.MAN
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1993-09-12
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DLS v3.11
Copyright (c) 1990 - 1993
All Rights Reserved
by
James A. Clark
2015 Pleasantview Drive
Marion, Iowa 52302
(319) 373-8896
For IBM PC's, XT's, AT's, PS/2's and 100% Compatibles
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
CONTENTS
Warranty and Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
License and Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Program Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Using DLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Reading Physical Disks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Reading Catalog Databases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Moving Through the Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Directory Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Edit Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Print Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Configure Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Exit Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Editor Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
String Editor Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Notes Editor Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Incremental Choice Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Files/Disks Window Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Pick Window Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Color/Mouse Pick Window Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Program Enhancements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Program Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Registration and Prices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Registration Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
i
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
WARRANTY AND DISCLAIMER
The author of DLS makes no warranty of any kind, express or
implied, including without limitation, any warranties or
merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose. The
author of DLS shall not be liable for any damages, whether
direct, indirect, special, or consequential arising from a
failure of this program to operate in the manner desired by the
user. The author of DLS shall not be liable for any damage to
data or property which may be caused directly or indirectly by
the use of this program.
IN NO EVENT WILL THE AUTHOR OF DLS BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY
DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS, OR OTHER
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF YOUR USE OR
INABILITY TO USE THE PROGRAM, OR FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY OTHER
PARTY. YOUR USE OF THIS PROGRAM CONSTITUTES YOUR AGREEMENT TO
THIS DISCLAIMER AND YOUR RELEASE OF THE AUTHOR FROM ANY FORM OF
LIABILITY OR LITIGATION.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Microsoft and MS-DOS are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
IBM, IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2 and PC-DOS are trademarks of
International Business Machines Corporation.
EPSON is a trademark of Epson Corporation.
CompuServe is a trademark of CompuServe Incorporated.
GENIE is a trademark of General Electric Company.
Desqview is a trademark of Quarterdeck, Inc.
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DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
LICENSE AND REGISTRATION
DLS is not in the Public Domain; DLS is not free. As such, it is
made available to the general computing public for evaluation.
Non-registered users are granted a limited 30-day license on a
SINGLE COMPUTER to determine whether or not the program meets
their needs. Continued use of DLS beyond this 30-day period
requires registration of the program for EACH COPY to be used.
Business and government users of DLS must register in order to
legally use this software. The 30-day evaluation privilege is
extended only to non-business users.
Registered users are those users that elect to pay for DLS and
register that payment with the author of DLS (James A. Clark).
By virtue of registration and payment for the program, registered
users are granted a license to continue to utilize the program on
their personal computer for as long as they choose. This license
authorizes the user to use the program on any personal computer
system he or she may own so long as the program is operated on
only one computer system at a time. If you desire to use the
software on more than one computer you must purchase a site
license.
By using DLS you acknowledge that you have read this agreement,
understand it and agree to be bound by its terms and conditions.
The author of DLS retains sole rights to the program. No one may
modify DLS or its attendant files, in any way, for any reason.
The complete set of files are as follows:
DLS.EXE Executable program file
DLS.HLP On-line help file
DLS.MAN Program manual
REVISION.HST Revision history for DLS
DIAB_630.PRD Printer codes for a Diablo 630
EPSON_FX.PRD Default Epson FX printer codes
LQ-1010.PRD Printer codes for an Epson LQ-1010
LQ-1500.PRD Printer codes for an Epson LQ-1500
LQ-2550.PRD Printer codes for an Epson LQ-2550
IBM_PRO.PRD Default IBM printer codes
OKI_192.PRD Printer codes for an Okidata 192
STAR_NX.PRD Printer codes for a Star Micronics NX-1000
REGISTER.FRM A registration form
READ.ME A quick introduction file
CLONE.EXE Clone configuration information from v2.10
or higher to v3.11
CLONE.MAN Clone program instructions
The complete set of --UNREGISTERED-- program files, as listed
above, may be freely copied and transferred to individual parties
for evaluation purposes. It may be posted on Bulletin Board
Systems (BBS) for electronic access as long as NO FEE is charged
for its distribution except for a regular user subscription fee.
iii
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
Computer information services such as CompuServe (CIS), Genie,
etc., are authorized to post this product for subscriber access.
DLS may NOT be distributed on diskette by any disk
distributor/vendor that charges more than $6.00 for the diskette
upon which the program and attendant files are recorded without
the prior written consent of the author of DLS. DLS may NOT be
distributed with or as a part of any other product or software
package without the prior written consent of the author of DLS.
DLS is a fully functional Shareware product. Shareware is a
computer program distribution/marketing method that permits
potential buyers to thoroughly try the program prior to purchase.
It is NOT free and it is not in the Public Domain. If, after
evaluating the program, you find it to be useful enough to use it
on a regular basis, you are expected to pay for it by registering
with the author of DLS. The registration fee is $15.00 for
single users or a site license is available. Additional
registration information and a registration form is included at
the end of this document.
iv
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
DLS is a product designed to read the main directory files and
any subdirectory files from all types of 3-1/2" and 5-1/4"
diskettes. You may also read any drive that has a DOS format
with any drive letter from A to Z. You may then print a label,
disk insert, or disk sleeve on your printer. A volume label is
required for diskettes read. You may also add notes to the
label, if desired. A 3-1/2" x 1" label might look like:
+------------------------------------------------------------+
| -- SAMPLE TITLE -- |
| -Volume Label-----------------------------------360k disk- |
| \ File1 .ext File2 .ext |
| \SubDir1 SubFile1.ext SubFile2.ext |
| Subfile3.ext SubFile4.ext |
| -- Notes -- |
| This is a sample 3-1/2" x 1" diskette label. |
| ----------------------------------------------15 Jun 1990- |
| 7 Files Bytes: 360448 Used 2048 Free |
+------------------------------------------------------------+
In addition to reading physical disks, DLS supports the
importation of data from several disk catalog programs. At this
time, DLS can read disk databases created by following the
programs:
- CatDisk
- InteliCat (formerly LogiCat)
- PmCat
- Wssindex
The default print driver set supplied as part of the program
should work with Epson FX and compatible printers, if set in the
Epson mode. Several other driver sets are also included with the
program files.
If you send me the appropriate codes for other printers, I will
add the configuration files to future releases. The setup allows
ASCII codes up to #127. Please let me know if higher ASCII codes
are needed for other printers.
Please report any problems or suggestions to me at the address
given at the beginning of this manual. Please be specific about
errors and include your system information: hardware, DOS
version, and a listing of your autoexec.bat and config.sys files.
1
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The minimum system requirements for DLS are as follows:
Computer Type: IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2 or 100% compatible
Operating System: PC-DOS or MS-DOS 2.0 or higher
Memory: 256K Ram
Other Hardware:
Drives: 2 diskette drives
or
1 hard disk and 1 floppy disk
Printer Port: LPT1, LPT2, LPT3, COM1, or COM2
Printer:
Default: Epson FX or compatible
Other: Configurable
Video: MDA, CGA, EGA, MCGA or VGA
DLS has been tested on XT's, AT's, PS/2's and compatibles with
various video displays, all types of diskettes, and various Epson
and Epson compatible printers.
It has been reported that DLS works on multitasking systems such
as Desqview. Mouse support is automatically provided if a
Microsoft or compatible mouse driver is present in the system.
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DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
INSTALLATION
The only file that is required for DLS to work is DLS.EXE. Copy
this file to a diskette or to an appropriate (i.e. \Utility)
subdirectory on your hard disk. The file, DLS.HLP should be
copied to the same diskette as DLS.EXE, the same hard disk
directory as DLS.EXE, or somewhere on the DOS path, if the on-
line help system is desired. All program parameters are
configurable within the program. The default settings the first
time you use the program are as follows:
- Monochrome color settings
- Epson FX printer
- LPT1 printer port
- 0 margin
- 3-1/2" x 1" diskette labels
- The program will read diskettes on the A: drive
- Disk volume label is required
- The title will be left justified
- DLS will not read any disk database files
There are several other installation parameters (probably too
many cosmetic parameters!) that can be configured; see the
section below.
CONFIGURATION
When DLS is executed, you will first be presented with an opening
advertisement (unless you have registered the program). After
the initial delay, the horizontal bar of a typical pull-down menu
and a settings window is displayed. See the menu illustration
below.
+--------------------------------------------+
| Directory Edit Print Configure eXit @X |
+--------------------------------------------+
DLS comes configured so that the user can see it on any screen
(monochrome colors) and so that most users could use it without
any modification. Under the Configure menu item, many aspects of
the program can be changed to suit personal preferences and
configurations.
The various configuration options are grouped in to 2 major
categories, under the Configure menu item, as illustrated below:
+--------------------------------------------+
| Directory Edit Print Configure eXit @X |
+-------------------------+--------------+---+
| Cosmetics |
| Program F2 |
| Save |
+--------------+
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DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
The remainder of this section explains how each of these options
effect the program.
> Cosmetics: When this item is chosen, a window is opened that
contains all the cosmetic parameters so that you may
personalize DLS to meet your personal preference, as
illustrated below.
+---------------------------------------------------------------+
|+--->> Color Options <<----++------->> Sample Colors <<-------+|
|| Color Scheme: Monochrome ||Get a New Disk Directory ||
|| Background: ||+-------------------------------+||
|| Status Line: ||| Directory Edit ... eXit @x |||
|| Menu: ||+-+------------+----------------+||
|| Information: || | Get @G | ||
|| Help: || | Catalog > | +->> Files <<-+ ||
|| Error: || | Browse @F | |\ | ||
|+--------------------------+| +------------+ | FILE1 .EXT| ||
| | |\SUB1\ | ||
| | | SUBFILE1.EXT| ||
|+->> Other Cosmetics <<-+ | +-->> Menu Help <<--+||
|| Menu Border: +----+ | |+->> Error! |The pulldown menu s|||
|| Info Border: +----+ | ||DOS Critica|commands. Choose..|||
|| Mouse Cursor: Reverse | ||Drive Not R| |||
|| Mouse Color: | ||occurred! |... Topics: MENU IT|||
|| BG Character: +++++ | ||Press any K| COMMAND|||
|+-----------------------+ |+-----------+-------------------+||
| | Status Line ||
| +---------------------------------+|
| |
+---------------------------------------------------------------+
>> Colors Options
The color of every aspect of the program can be changed to
suit your personal preference. You can choose from the
default monochrome colors or a default color grouping, or
you can change individual color options. These options
range from changing the background color to Error window
colors. Highlight the appropriate option and press <Enter>.
At that time, you are presented with a sub-list of choices
or you are placed directly in the color selection window.
The color options pertain to the following window and other
program colors.
>>> Background - Change the main background color.
>>> Status - Change the bottom status line color.
>>> Menu - Change the menu colors.
>>> Info - Change the Information window colors.
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DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
>>> Data - Change the Program Data window colors.
>>> Help - Change the Help window colors.
>>> Error - Change the Error window colors.
When choosing a color, the right window is a capsule of what
the program colors are currently. A window appears on the
left which is a grid of possible color choices. Pressing
the arrow keys moves the cursor, $, to an adjacent color, or
pressing the left mouse button moves the cursor to the
indicated color. The right window is then updated to show
the color change. Pressing <Enter> or the pressing the left
mouse button when the mouse cursor is over the currently
selected color changes the default color while pressing
<Esc> or the right button exits without changing anything.
>> Borders
These options allow you to change the
>>> Top/1st level menu window
>>> Information, Data and Error window
borders. The 4 border options are single line, double line,
and 2 mixed (double horizontal/single vertical or single
horizontal/double vertical). Use the <Space> bar to toggle
through the possible border styles.
>> Mouse
The configuration options for the mouse allow you change the
cursor color and cursor shape. Choosing a color is
accomplished in the same manner as for the program colors.
The cursor shape can be toggled through the possible choices
by pressing the <Space> bar.
>> Character
The default background character is ASCII character 176.
You have the option to use the default or one of 3 other
characters. They are ASCII characters 177 or 178, and a
clear background character. Use the <Space> bar to toggle
through the various possible characters.
When you have completed making the desired cosmetic changes press
<F10> to update these parameters. Press <Esc> if you want to
discard the changes. If you want to make these changes
permanent, use the Save option.
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DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
> Program: When this item is chosen, a window is opened that
contains all the non-cosmetic parameters that can be
changed so that DLS can communicate properly with
printer, print the correct label type, and interface
with you as you desire. This configuration window is
illustrated below.
+---------------------------------------------------------------+
|+->> Printer Options <<-+ +-------->> Disk Options <<--------+|
|| Port: LPT1 | | Drives: A A ||
|| Type: Epson FX | | Optional Drive Types ||
|| Margin: 0 | | 1st Drive Description: NOT SET ||
|| Quantity: 1 | | Actual Size: ||
|+-----------------------+ | 2nd Drive Description: NOT SET ||
| | Maximum Size: ||
| +----------------------------------+|
| |
|+-->> Label Options <<--+ |
|| Size: 3-1/2 x 1 | +--->> Volume Options <<---+ |
|| Pages: All Pages | | Required: Yes | |
|| Format: Left | | Fake Name: DLS Label | |
|| Entry: User | +--------------------------+ |
|| Character: - | |
|| Border: No | +------>> Database Options <<------+|
|+-----------------------+ | Program: None ||
| | Data File: ||
| +----------------------------------+|
| |
+---------------------------------------------------------------+
>> Printer Options: Under Printer are the options that allow
DLS to properly interface with your
printer. These options are:
>>> Port
DLS can be configured to send printer data to the LPT1,
LPT2, LPT3, COM1, or COM2 port. Press the <Space> to
toggle through these port options.
>>> Type
Pressing <Enter> opens a window of sub-choices. The
choices in this window allow you to edit or choose
print driver sets. The default print driver set
included with the program should work on standard Epson
FX printers and compatibles. An IBM driver set, as
well as driver sets for other printers, are also
included. The "Edit" option allows you to edit the
current print driver set, if the default codes do not
work for your printer. In order to edit these codes,
you will need to refer to your printer manual for the
correct printer codes.
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DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
+----------------------------------------------------+
| If you contact me for help in getting your printer |
| to work with DLS, please keep in mind that I do |
| NOT have access to the codes for printers other |
| than the ones that I have included as part of the |
| program files. I will be happy to assist you in |
| getting your printer to work with DLS, but you |
| will need to at least have your printer manual in |
| front of you if you call me. Sending me either a |
| photocopy of the complete printer manual or the |
| appropriate printer codes section would give me |
| the best chance to determine correct printer codes.|
+----------------------------------------------------+
To edit a driver set, change the printer identification
description and then position the highlight over the
particular code character that requires modification.
At this point use the <Space> bar or "+" key to
increment, or the "-" key to decrement the ASCII code
until you have the correct code shown. Repeat until
you have the correct codes for your printer. Those
characters that are shown as "NIL" are discarded and
not sent to the printer.
The driver set includes the following printer code
commands:
Condensed Mode: Set or release condensed or
compressed character printing.
Double Width Mode: Set or release double width
character printing.
SuperScript Mode: Set or release superscript
character printing.
Double Print Mode: Set or release the 2 pass printing
mode.
Emphasized Mode: Set or release the emphasized
printing mode.
1/12 Line Spacing: Set 1/12 (or 6/72 or 4/48) line
spacing.
1/6 Line Spacing: Set 1/6 (or 12/72 or 8/48) line
spacing.
Line Feed: Line feed code.
Initialize Printer: Printer initialization code.
If emphasized or double print modes are not desired,
change all the printer code fields for these commands
7
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
to "NIL". For some printers, an initialization code is
not applicable. If this is so, just set the all the
fields to "NIL" as the only reason I use it is to
remove any printer codes that might have been set prior
to executing DLS. Finally, when setting the 1/12 and
1/6 codes, make sure that the appropriate "6" and "12"
line space fields are #006 and #012, respectively, NOT
the characters 6 and 12.
Once you have edited a print driver set and exited with
the <F10> key, you are prompted for a file name (do NOT
add an extension), and the edited code is saved in a
print driver file. If you have print driver files
already created, you can "choose" a printer file from
disk for use by the program.
>>> Margin
This option allows you to change the left margin for
printing. Please note that the number entered in the
Settings Window corresponds to spaces, where each 17
spaces equals a 1 inch change in the margin.
>>> Quantity
This option allows you to change the number of labels
that are printed each time. If you are duplicating
disks for a computer club, this can be quite handy.
>> Label: Under Label are the options that tell DLS what
type of label you have and how you want to print
these labels. The options are:
>>> Size
Options under Size allow you to choose one of several
default configurations, or you can edit the current
label configuration to create custom labels which are
saved to disk and retrieved as needed.
The default label configurations are as follows.
2-3/4" wide x 15/16" high, single header.
3-1/2" wide x 15/16" high, single header. (Avery
4013 or 4600)
4" wide x 1-7/16" high, single header. (Avery
4014)
4-3/4" wide x 1-1/4" high, single header. (Avery
4240)
2-3/4" wide x 2-3/4" high, double header. (Avery
4241)
5-1/4" diskette insert
5-1/4" diskette sleeve
3-1/2" diskette insert
8
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
3-1/2" diskette sleeve
The method used to edit a label driver set is the same
as for editing a print driver set. While editing a
label driver, the information at the right will display
several parameters on what a label is capable of
accepting for data, such as lines of data that can be
printed per label.
+-------------------------------------------------+
| Please note that Label Configuration Files from |
| releases prior to DLS v3.10 are not compatible |
| with later versions of DLS! |
+-------------------------------------------------+
The option for single or double headers is to allow you
to either print a label with one header (Title and
Volume Label Information) once or twice, respectively.
The double header allows you to fold over part of the
label to the back side of the diskette, such as when
using 2-3/4" x 2-3/4" labels on 3-1/2" diskettes. The
double header option is not available for 1", 1-1/4",
or 1-1/2" high labels.
Labels used to test 2-3/4" x 2-3/4" labels are Avery
#4241 labels. These labels are based on a 3" vertical
label spacing. Also, labels used to test 4-3/4" x 1-
1/4" labels are Avery #4240 labels. These labels are
based on a 1-1/2" vertical label spacing.
>>> Page
This toggle option determines whether all pages
(labels) of information about a disk or just the first
page will be printed.
>>> Title
Toggle options under this item allow you to determine
1) whether the label title will be left justified or
centered on the label when it is printed and 2) whether
the title is determined by the user (immediately after
reading a diskette) or if DLS will use the Volume Label
(actual or fake) for the title.
>>> Character
This option allows you to change the character that is
printed on the label between the disk information and
the files information.
>>> Border
9
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
If you wish to cut out a label from standard printer
paper, this option gives you that ability by printing a
border around the label information. Please note that
when using this option, DLS does not check for the
perforation. You will have to manually do a form feed
when you near the end of a sheet of paper.
>> Disk: Under Disk are the options that tell DLS what type
of label you have and how you want to print these
labels. The options are:
>>> Drives
Choose the desired drive(s) you want DLS to read. DLS
reads the A: drive by default. If desired, you may use
this option to change DLS to read any other drive in
your system or you may configure DLS to toggle between
2 drives. If you want to read only 1 drive, just
configure both drive fields to the same drive.
+-------------------------------------------------+
| Please note that trying to print disk labels of |
| hard disks and other high capacity drives may |
| cause the bottom line to print past the edge of |
| the label on small width labels. |
+-------------------------------------------------+
When reading disk drives, if you have DLS configured to
toggle between 2 drives and you want to change to the
next drive without reading the current drive, just
press the <TAB> key.
>>> Special Drive Types
Tell DLS to check for special drive types or sizes.
Information for a disk description and disk capacity
data, in bytes, for 2 special drive types can be
documented that DLS will check against, if it cannot
determine that the disk read was of a standard type.
DLS also checks for 400K and 800K disks as formatted by
FormatMaster. Similar programs may format to slightly
different capacities. Please note that DLS checks for
an exact match against the first special drive type.
For the second special drive type, DLS considers that a
match has been made if the disk size read is less than
or equal to the size associated with this second disk
type.
The order of checking occurs in this manner:
- known standards, including 400K and 800K.
- special disk type #1
- special disk type #2
10
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
If a match cannot be made, a window will be opened to
allow you to directly tell DLS what type of disk has
been read.
>> Volume: Under Volume are the options that determine
whether DLS will or will not require a Volume
Label to on a disk.
>>> Required
DLS can be configured to make use of the disk volume
label in one of 3 ways. A 'Yes' in this field
indicates that DLS will require you to have a volume
label to be present when reading a disk, or you will be
asked to place one on the disk before proceeding. This
is the default configuration and corresponds to the
method used by early versions of DLS.
A 'No' in this field will means DLS will not require a
Volume Label when reading a disk. If a disk does not
have a Volume Label, the default Fake Label phrase,
'DLS LABEL', will be printed in the appropriate area.
A 'Not Used' in this field means that DLS will not
check for a Volume Label at all when reading a disk.
The default Fake Label phrase, 'DLS LABEL', will be
printed in the appropriate area.
To toggle through these options, use the <Space> bar.
>>> Fake name
If a Volume Label is not required and you are printing
a label for a disk which does not have a Volume Label,
a default phrase is printed in the appropriate area on
the label. This option allows you to change this
phrase or remove it so that nothing is printed in this
area of the label.
>> Database: Under Database are the options that allow DLS to
locate and read database files as produced by
CatDisk, InteliCat, PmCat, and Wssindex.
In the 'Program' field, use the <Space> bar to toggle
among the various options. In the 'Data File' field,
type the location of the database file to read. DLS
does not search the path as defined in the PATH
statement of your AUTOEXEC.BAT file; you must tell DLS
the full pathname for the database files. This is done
by completely typing in the full pathname, or you may
press F2 to open up a Files window that will allow you
to search through the directory tree.
11
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
When you have completed making the desired program changes press
<F10> to update these parameters. Press <Esc> if you want to
discard the changes. If you want to make these changes
permanent, use the Save option.
> Save: If you have made any configuration changes, this option
will save them. The program is self modifying; there is
no configuration file required to be read by the program.
If you have made any changes and have not saved them with
this option, the program will prompt and ask you if you
want to save them when exiting the program.
+-------------------------------------------------+
| As indicated above, DLS modifies itself by |
| writing over the existing information stored |
| within the internal data structure of the |
| DLS.EXE file. Programs such as PKLITE compress |
| this structure which prevents DLS from finding |
| certain pointers located in this area. DLS |
| should work in a compressed format with the |
| exception of this function. If you use PKLITE, |
| perform the program configuration prior to |
| compressing the executable file. |
+-------------------------------------------------+
12
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
USING DLS
Once the program is configured to your tastes and requirements,
the program is very simple to use. Just insert the labels or
paper that corresponds with the label type selected into your
printer and a disk into the drive to be read from.
- Reading Physical Disks
Select the "Disk" option under the top-level "Directory" option,
or <Alt><G> (see illustration below), and the program will
retrieve ALL files from the disk. This includes hidden files,
and subdirectories and their associated files.
+--------------------------------------------+
| Directory Edit Print Configure eXit @X |
+-+------------+-----------------------------+
| Disk @G |
| Catalog > |
| Browse @F |
+------------+
If the program (actually DOS) cannot determine the type of drive
that has been read, the program will prompt you to choose the
type of drive that has been read. You will be allowed to pick a
standard type or may enter a description directly. This should
not be a problem on diskette drives, only if you decide to read
some drives that DOS cannot recognize as a specific drive type.
This problem may also occur if you are reading a substituted
drive.
If the disk does not have a volume label, you will be prompted to
add one now. If you choose not to, you can press <Esc> and the
program will prepare for a different disk. This can be changed
in the configuration, explained above, to make the Volume Label
not a requirement.
+------------------------------------------------+
| If you read non-standard drive devices such as |
| tape drives, Bernoulli drives, etc., I |
| cannot guarantee that the Volume Label |
| routines will work correctly. BE FOREWARNED! |
+------------------------------------------------+
At this time, you are prompted to add a label title. If desired,
you can press <Alt><F> to browse through the file listing and
then continue editing.
If desired, you may add notes to the label. Up to 23 lines of
data can be entered. While editing, any data that goes beyond
the margin on the 23rd line gets discarded. This is also true if
you change the label size and you have data in the notes window.
13
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
Under the "Print" options, you can then print out a diskette
label, with or without a file listing, or with a listing of file
directories only.
Please note that in most instances, pressing <Esc> will take you
one step back or out of an editor. Press the <F1> key or both
mouse buttons at any time to obtain context-sensitive help. This
can be especially valuable when editing an item.
That's all there is to it!
- Reading Catalog Databases
Select the "Read" option in the submenu illustrated below. This
will read into memory all the disk and associated file
information from the disk catalog database file configured
earlier. Once this information has been read, select the
"Choose" option, or <Alt><C>, and the program will open a window
listing all the disks contained in the database. Browse through
the list, highlight the desired disk name, and press <Enter>.
+--------------------------------------------+
| Directory Edit Print Configure eXit @X |
+-+------------+-----------------------------+
| Disk @G |
| Catalog >-----------+
| Browse | Read |
+---------| Choose @C |
| Delete |
+-----------+
At this point, the program essentially behaves as if a physical
disk was read and goes through the same routine as described
above in 'Reading Physical Disks'.
There is one exception to the above statement. When reading
physical disks, DLS retains any notes from one disk read to the
next disk read. This is also true when reading disk catalog
databases, however, any comments associated with a disk in the
database are used and placed in the "Notes" window. You may
modify or delete these notes as desired.
The disk catalog programs that I am supporting in DLS v3.11 are:
- CatDisk, version 7.00 (Databases produced by earlier
versions must be updated to the version 7.00 format to be
able to be read by DLS v3.11)
- InteliCat, through version 1.89a
- PmCat, through version 5.7.2
- Wssindex, through version 5.20
DLS should not have a problem with later versions of these
programs, as long as the present file formats remain the same.
14
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
These particular programs are widely used, and highly supported
by their respective authors. They also happen to be programs
that I have had the opportunity to try over time...
This does not mean that there are not other very fine disk
catalog programs in the PC market. It simply means that I have
not had the opportunity to obtain a copy of these programs or may
simply not be aware of some of them.
+-------------------------------------------------+
| If you use a disk catalog program that DLS does |
| not support at this time and you want to make |
| use of this feature, please contact me about |
| adding support. I will need to know how to |
| obtain a copy of the program and how to contact |
| the author. If you happen to be an author of a |
| disk catalog program and would like me to add |
| support, please contact me. |
+-------------------------------------------------+
There is one item to keep in mind when using this feature of DLS.
DLS can only extract the information that a particular disk
catalog program saves in the database file. Specifically, for
the programs supported at this time:
- CatDisk
DLS prints labels so that the directory listings are similar
to a directory tree; each subdirectory is directly related
to it's parent directory. CatDisk does not retain this
information to allow DLS to relate directories to it's
parent on 2nd level directories or deeper.
When printing labels from CatDisk databases that contain
directory structures, DLS prints 1st level subdirectories in
alpha-numeric order followed by 2nd level and deeper
directories in alpha-numeric order.
- PmCat
PmCat does not retain information on how much disk space has
been used by the files contained on a disk. DLS attempts to
use individual file sizes, number of subdirectories, and a
sector size of 1024 bytes to determine the disk type. This
value is then checked against known values. There are a
couple of situations in which this will not work. If the
disk that was read does not use a 1024 byte sector size
(single-sided diskettes, for example) and/or if the disk
contains hidden files, incorrect values for bytes USED will
be obtained.
In both cases, however, this should not pose much of a problem
for most users. I must also stress that the above caveats do not
in any way detract from the usefulness of a particular program
15
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
when compared to the others... DLS simply requires very specific
information; other features determine why some people would
prefer one program over another.
If you would like further information about one of the programs
listed above, please contact the author using the information
below. Also:
+-------------------------------------------------+
| DLS uses information obtained from the authors |
| of these disk catalog programs. While the |
| authors of the disk catalog programs have had a |
| chance to review DLS, the software routines in |
| DLS have been written by me. If you have a |
| problem reading a database with DLS, please do |
| not contact the author of the disk catalog |
| program to try to resolve the situation. You |
| must contact the author of DLS, James A. Clark, |
| to resolve any conflicts. |
+-------------------------------------------------+
- CatDisk
Rick Hillier Voice: (519) 570-3523
98 Toynbee Crescent FAX: (519) 884-4887
Kitchener, ONTARIO CompuServe I.D. # 73307,333
Canada N2N 1R9 The Shareware Connection BBS:
(519) 570-4132
- InteliCat
Curtis Little Voice: (303) 280-1076
P.O. Box 33613 CompuServe I.D. # 76276,3004
Northglen, CO 80233 Lost At C BBS: (303) 280-1007
- PmCat
William C. Scott Voice: (405) 927-3840
P.O. Box 474 CompuServe I.D. # 71406,1251
Coalgate, OK 74538 GEnie address: WILLSCOTT
Melange BBS: (405) 436-3602
- Wssindex
Robert W. Babcock Voice: (617) 275-1183 or
WSS Division of DDC (617) 275-9104
4 Reeves Road
Bedford, MA 01730
16
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
MOVING THROUGH THE MENUS
There are several methods to tell the program your next command.
The first method is by means of using the arrow keys to maneuver
through the pull-down menus. Using the <Enter> key or pressing
the highlighted alphanumeric key selects the currently
highlighted option and either executes the indicated action or
selects one of several pull-down menus. Options that have a
"down" arrow or "left" arrow to the right of the option have a
lower level menu associated with it while options which have a
"@" symbol to the right of the option or no symbol directly
execute a program function. To return from a lower level menu to
the previous level, press the <Esc> key.
The second method is by means of using the mouse cursor to "pick"
the menu option with the left button. The right button behaves
the same way as the <Esc> key. You may also back out a lower
level menu by "picking" an option from the previous menu.
The third method is by means of directly executing some commands
by using the <Alt> key in combination with a letter. For
example, pressing the <Alt> and "G" key together gets a directory
listing of the currently selected drive in preparation for
printing a diskette label. The menu options that can be executed
using this method have the "@" symbol followed by the matching
alpha key at the right of the option.
Only those options that can be executed will be active and shown
on the various menus. Inactive menu options are not displayed
until they are usable.
MENU OPTIONS
- Directory
+--------------------------------------------+
| Directory Edit Print Configure eXit @X |
+-+------------+-----------------------------+
| Disk @G |
| Catalog > |>-----+-----------+
| Browse @F | | Read |
+------------+ | Choose @C |
| Delete |
+-----------+
> Disk (<Alt><G>)
This option reads the currently selected disk drive and
places you in to "Title" edit.
17
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
> Catalog
>> Read
This option reads the currently selected disk catalog
database into memory.
>> Choose (<Alt><C>)
Once a database has been read into memory, use the "Choose"
option, or <Alt><C>, to open a window listing all the disks
contained in the database. Browse through the list,
highlight the desired disk name, and press <Enter>. The
pertinent information is collected for the highlighted disk
and places you in to "Title" edit.
In addition to picking a single disk, you may also "tag"
several disks to be printed one after the other by using the
Print/Multiple entries option. Use the space bar or left
mouse button to "tag" or "untag" these disks. A √ will
appear next to disks that are tagged.
>> Delete
Once a database has been read into memory and you have
printed any labels needed from this database, you may use
the "Delete" option to remove the database from memory.
> Browse (<Alt><F>)
Use this option to browse the files in the Files Window.
While in this window, you may "tag" or "untag" individual
files to be printed on the disk label. Use the space bar or
left mouse button to "tag" or "untag" these files. A √ will
appear next to files that will be printed. Please note that
when DLS first reads a disk, it will tag all files to be
printed. If you toggle a directory, all files and
subdirectories under this directory will be affected the
same way. A file under a subdirectory which has been
untagged cannot be tagged until that subdirectory has been
tagged.
- Edit
+--------------------------------------------+
| Directory Edit Print Configure eXit @X |
+------------+----------+--------------------+
| Notes > |>---+-----------+
| Title @T | | Edit @N |
| Label @L | | Delete |
+----------+ | Save |
| Read |
+-----------+
18
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
> Notes
The "Edit" option, or <Alt><N>, under this menu item places
you in the note window which allows you to add personal
notes to the diskette label. Notes can be removed at any
time by using the "Delete" option. If you have a baseline
note or set of baseline notes that you use frequently, you
may also "Save" the current note in a file and recall it
anytime using the "Read" command.
When using the "Save" command, you will be prompted for a
file name to save the current note in.
> Title
This option allows editing of the disk title.
> Label
This option allows editing and change of the disk Volume
Label. It is enabled only if this field contains an actual
disk volume label.
- Print
+--------------------------------------------+
| Directory Edit Print Configure eXit @X |
+------------------+-----------------------+-+
| Align @A |
| Blank @B |
| disk W/files @W |
| disk w/O files @O |
| disk w/Directories @D |
| Multiple entries |
+-----------------------+
> Align
This options allow you to check the alignment of the labels
in the printer. Adjust as necessary and execute this option
again. The need for this is simply that DLS makes use of as
much of the label as possible and if not aligned correctly,
you may print information on the backing instead of the
label itself.
> Blank
This option simply prints a blank label with only a title
and the dividing lines on it so that you can simply write
information as you desire.
19
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
> Disk w/Files
This option prints all the information on the diskette:
directory names, files, notes, etc.
> Disk w/o Files
This option prints all information on the diskette as above
except the listing of directories and files. This is useful
when backing up software and an actual file listing is not
necessary.
> Disk w/Directories
This option prints all information on the diskette as above
except the listing of files. This can be useful when
backing up hard drives and a directory listing would provide
adequate label information without having to print 50+?
labels!
> Multiple entries
If you have tagged any database disks for continual
printing, this option is enabled. When executed, you will
be prompted if you want to pause between disks to enter
information for a particular disk, or if you want
uninterrupted printing. If you wish to pause between disks,
you may edit the title and add notes. When editing, you may
use the <Alt><F> command to "tag" or "untag" individual
files to be printed.
If you do not desire to pause between disks, DLS will use
the Volume Label for the Title, print all files and any
notes associated with a particular disk.
- Configure
See the section above on Configuration.
- Exit
Exit the program to DOS. If you have made any configuration
changes and have not saved them, you will be prompted at this
time to save them if you wish.
20
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
EDITOR COMMANDS
Listed below is the command syntax associated with various
editors used in this program.
-- String Editor Syntax
The string editor is used for editing single line variables such
as the disk title. Syntax is as follows.
<Left> Move cursor left one character.
<Right> Move cursor right one character.
<Home> Move cursor to beginning of variable.
<End> Move cursor to end of variable.
<Del> Delete character at cursor.
<Bksp> Delete character to left of cursor.
<Ins> Toggle insert mode on (fat cursor) and off
(thin cursor).
<Alt><F> Browse the Files window.
<Enter>, Left Mouse Button Accept new variable.
<Esc>, Right Mouse Button Abort. Restore the original
variable.
<F1>, Both Mouse Buttons Help. Invoke the help facility.
Pressing <F1> or both mouse buttons
a second time will bring up a
general help index.
-- Notes Editor Syntax
The notes editor is used for editing notes. Syntax is as
follows.
<Left> Move cursor left one character.
<Right> Move cursor right one character.
<Up> Move cursor up one line.
<Down> Move cursor down one line.
<Home> Cursor to beginning of current line.
<End> Cursor to end of current line.
21
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
<PgUp> Scroll display up one page.
<PgDn> Scroll display down one page.
<Ctrl><PgUp> Move cursor to beginning of notes.
<Ctrl><PgDn> Move cursor to end of notes.
<Tab> Move the cursor to the next tab stop. Any
text to the right of the cursor is moved to
the right of the tab stop.
<Del> Delete character at cursor.
<Bksp> Delete character to left of cursor.
<Ins> Toggle insert mode on (fat cursor) and off
(thin cursor).
<Alt><F> Browse the Files window.
<Enter> Start a new line.
Left Mouse Button Move the cursor to the position indicated by
the mouse.
<Esc>, Right Mouse Button End note edit.
<F1>, Both Mouse Buttons Help. Invoke the help facility.
Pressing <F1> or both mouse buttons
a second time will bring up a
general help index.
-- Incremental Choice Syntax
The incremental choice editor is used for editing label and
printer code parameters. Syntax is as follows.
<Left> Move one field to the left.
<Right> Move one field to the right.
+ or <Space> Increment field variable.
- Decrement field variable.
<Enter>, Left Mouse Button Accept field edit and go to next
field.
<Esc>, Right Mouse Button Abort. Restore the original
variables and exit.
<F10> Accept edits and exit.
22
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
<F1>, Both Mouse Buttons Help. Invoke the help facility.
Pressing <F1> or both mouse buttons
a second time will bring up a
general help index.
-- Files/Disks Window Syntax
<PgDn> Display next page of data.
<PgUp> Display previous page of data.
<Home> Display first data entry.
<End> Display last data entry.
<Space> Toggle between printing or not printing a
file or disk.
Left Mouse Button Move cursor to mouse location. If mouse
is on the current cursor location, toggle
between printing, or not printing a file or
disk.
<Alt><T> Toggle all files or disks to print.
<Alt><U> Toggle all files or disks not to print.
<Enter>, <Esc>, Right Mouse Button Exit.
<F1>, Both Mouse Buttons Help. Invoke the help facility.
Pressing <F1> or both mouse buttons
a second time will bring up a
general help index.
-- Pick Window Syntax
<PgDn> Display next page of data.
<PgUp> Display previous page of data.
<Home> Display first data entry.
<End> Display last data entry.
<Enter>, Left Mouse Button Accept highlighted entry and exit.
<Esc>, Right Mouse Button Exit without making any changes.
<F1>, Both Mouse Buttons Help. Invoke the help facility.
Pressing <F1> or both mouse buttons
a second time will bring up a
general help index.
23
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
-- Color/Mouse Pick Syntax
<Up> Previous color background.
<Down> Next color background.
<Left> Previous color or mouse character.
<Right> Next color or mouse character.
<Enter>, Left Mouse Button Accept color or mouse character and
exit. Double click mouse if
needed.
<Esc>, Right Mouse Button Abort. Retain original color or
mouse character and exit.
<F1>, Both Mouse Buttons Help. Invoke the help facility.
Pressing <F1> or both mouse buttons
a second time will bring up a
general help index.
24
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS
My desire is to tailor this program to what is desired by the
you, the end user. I designed this program to meet my needs and
then enhanced it to make it usable for everyone else. If you see
something you do not like or if you have an idea that would make
the program more functional for you, let me know and I will try
to incorporate reasonable (or feasible) suggestions for
improvements into the program.
PROGRAM UPDATES
I make my best effort to see that the latest version of DLS, i.e.
DLSxxx.ZIP, (xxx being the version number) is uploaded to the
following BBS's.
- The Forbin Project BBS, home of QMODEM SST. The number is 319-
266-0540 or 319-266-0752.
- CompuServe IBM System/Utilities (Go IBMSYS) Forum, File Section
#9. My CIS # is 71261,241
- The Shareware Connection BBS, home of CatDisk: (519) 570-4132
- Lost At C BBS, home of InteliCat: (303) 280-1007
- Melange BBS, home of PmCat: (405) 436-3602
25
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
REGISTRATION AND PRICES
The following page is an order form that you can use to register
your copy of DLS. Why should you register? I have spent many
hours making this program what it is. I would like to make it
better and the only way I can do this is generate support for
this program. Registration and comments from you are the means
through which this can be done. Please note that even if you
decide not to register this program, taking the few minutes to
write down your comments would be appreciated.
For those who do register, I will send you the registration
information necessary to remove the opening and closing
registration incentives. Please note that distributing a
registered copy of DLS is strictly prohibited!
The registration fee is $15.00 for single users. For site
licenses, please use the following fee schedule.
Total copies Price PER copy
------------ --------------
1 to 10 $15.00 All checks and money
11 to 50 $12.00 orders must be made out
51 to 100 $10.00 in U.S. Funds.
over 100 $8.00
The following forms of payment are accepted:
Check or Money Order (must be payable through a US bank)
Purchase Order - NET 30 (orders of $100.00 or more only.)
26
DLS - Diskette LabelS v3.11 USER'S MANUAL
DLS v3.11 REGISTRATION FORM
Quantity Amount
________ DLS Registration @ $____________ each
Total: $____________
NOTE: Please make check or money order, made out in U.S.
Funds, payable to James A. Clark
Company: ________________________________________________________
Name: ________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Phone: _______________________
Printer Model: __________________________________________________
Comments and Suggestions: _______________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Please send completed form, and check or money order to:
James A. Clark
2015 Pleasantview Drive
Marion, Iowa 52302
27
