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AUTORND.DOC
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AUTORND v.3.00 by Arun Bhalla 3/3/93
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The Flexible Utility
That You Can Configure
AUTORND v.3.00 by Arun Bhalla 3/3/93
AUTORND3.ZIP contains the following files...check agaist your copy to be sure
no hacks or viruses are included...
AUTORND.EXE 14,855 bytes 3-3-93 The AUTORND program (What you waited for)
AUTORND.DOC 12,915 bytes 3-3-93 This documentation file
PRINTDOC.COM 460 bytes 3-3-93 Program which will PRINT this file...
#.COM 1,424 bytes 3-3-93 Finds #'s in CBBS0393.NAM (see #.DOC)
#.DOC 2,930 bytes 3-3-93 Documentation for the #.COM program
FILE_ID.DIZ 692 bytes 3-3-93 Description in zip file....keep in ZIP!
DESC.SDI 46 bytes 3-3-93 Short description... keep in ZIP!
REGISTER.FRM 3,041 bytes 3-3-93 Registration form...print it out!!!
README.EXE 14,605 bytes 3-3-93 AUTORND.DOC in executable format
That seems to be all for the files (for now) <G>. Check the date and file
sizes of the files so that you know that no viruses, hacks, or files that
aren't supposed to be in AUTORND.DOC are not in it... You can always ignore
this if you want.... It may or may not affect how this program works, but a
virus will usually affect the way your computer works <G>. I have checked all
files for viruses with SCAN v.100 by McAfee Associates.
Before we get started....let's review the LICENSE AGREEMENT....
THE LICENSE AGREEMENT:
By using this program, you fully agree to the following terms:
1. You will use this program for up to seven to fourteen days. After that
period of time, you must decide to keep it or remove if off your system
completely and permanently. If you decide to keep it on your system,
please, please pay a small registration fee ($5) to show that you like my
hard work and wouldn't mind seeing new versions. Print out REGISTER.FRM
fill it out, and mail me, with your cash. Include any comments/suggestions
which will help me for sure.
2. VENDORS!!!: Since this is SHAREWARE, the SHAREWARE version may be
distributed by anyone, including distributors, as long as the REGISTERED
version is not distributed, and as long as you don't charge anyone over $6
per disk. If you want to charge more, send me $2 my mail, or ask me via one
of the ways listed below, and I will consider it.
3. The REGISTERED version can only be used on one computer at a time, but may
be accessed via a network providing that the program exists physically on
one computer only.
4. By using this program, you agree that I, Arun Bhalla, am not responsible
for any damage, loss profit, hard feelings, loss sleep, etc., that may
occur... Use at your own risk, but don't fear me... I tested it on my PC
and it works great.
5. This product may not be bundled with any commercial software or hardware
product. If this is bundled with a shareware, freeware, or public domain
product, please respect my request in the registration fee.
6. Custom versions, commercial licenses, site licenses, etc. are available.
Contact me in one of the ways listed below to haggle out what you want.
Enough of that, which you probably simply skimmed through (though I would
recommend a reread). You are now probably asking, "What does this program do,
and how can I use it?" Good question...keep reading....
How to use AUTORND....
AUTORND was originally developed to randomly play on of four .MODs (music
files) with the MODPLAY program (I did not program MODPLAY). The program I
wrote worked so well that I decided to make a SHAREWARE version of it that
could pick one of FOUR batch files and run it. In this newest version, AUTORND
can pick one of 99,999,999 batch files (almost infinity <G>).I've decided to
share this idea with you, but I hope you can share your generosity with me...
AUTORND best works as an entry in the AUTOEXEC.BAT..( as in "AUTOexec.bat
RaNDom play). Possible uses of AUTORND are that you could make four batch
files that AUTORND would choose one of and run it. In each batch file, you
could tell DOS to play a song, run a backup program, display ANSI, make the PC
talk with a PCVOICE program, or display a GIF using GIFEXE. If you can't decide
which game to play, use AUTORND! Want a variety of ANSI screens on your BBS?
Use AUTORND!!!... The possibilities are endless, so register and save this
program!!! If you can't use it now, don't delete it....you might be able to use
it tomorrow...
Running AUTORND...
When you first load AUTORND, a small screen comes up, saying this is the AUTORND
program, the compile date, the version number, and whether or not it is
registered or not. Obviously, when you get it, it is SHAREWARE. The SHAREWARE
version displays the screen, the REGISTERED version does not. Therefore, if
you don't want to see that annoying screen, I urge you to register!!! The
SHAREWARE version is fully-functional, except for that first screen that will
popup and intentionally wait for a second and then "do it's duty". As for the
REGISTERED version, you don't even notice AUTORND at all.
The batch files...
I hope you know how to work batch files.... the basics will do. If you can
modify your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, you can make batch files. Make as many batch
files as you want, from as low as one or two to as high as 99,999,999 (for the
real professionals.) For example, suppose you wanted to make 7 different batch
files. You would make these batch files using your favorite text editor:
1.BAT 2.BAT 3.BAT 4.BAT 5.BAT 6.BAT 7.BAT
In each file, set up the batch file the way you want it to. Test if out, if
you desire... I guarantee that my program will work... Any errors would be in
your batch file, or if you did not create these batch files.
The last possible batch file is 99999999.BAT, limited only by DOS. For most
people, this is an unlimited number of batch files. Most people probably won't
go higher than 100, but why should I limit you at all?
Simple isn't it?
As for executing AUTORND, the format is as follows:
C:\> AUTORND {#} {?}
^ ^ ^
| | +-------- loads help screen
| +---- a number from 1 to 99999999
+----DOS Prompt
At the DOS prompt, simply type "AUTORND" (without quotes) followed by either
a number (representing the greatest batch file created) or a question mark
to load up a help screen.
For compatibility with AUTORND v.2.00, the default number of batch files is 4.
This means, if you simply type "AUTORND" at the DOS prompt without any
arguments, AUTORND will choose a batch file between 1 and 4, inclusive. This
shouldn't be too complicated.... If you have questions, contact me.
Notes for adding it to the AUTOEXEC.BAT:
A good idea would be to run AUTORND.EXE after the time & date are set, if
applicable, and after all device drivers, but before you load an environment,
such as Windows... Insert a line, like this:
AUTORND 10
(This would execute one of 10 batch files, randomly chosen by AUTORND.)
Add a path, if necessary, before AUTORND. The batch files must either be in
a directory in the PATH, or in the current directory (which would be the root
directory when AUTORND is in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.)
Once again, by not adding the argument (number) after the "AUTORND", the
default is 4 batch files.
Errors/exit codes:
Exit code/errorlevel 0: batch file was executed normally
Exit code/errorlevel 1: bad argument (incorrect character/number)
Exit code/errorlevel 2: batch file not found
The corresponding error will be displayed and the errorlevel number will be
sent to DOS. Errorlevels can be used in batch files. See your DOS manual.
AUTORND v.3.00 isn't all that finicky. More than one argument, negative signs,
or a number followed immediately by letters or other symbols are usually
ignored.
Final notes:
AUTORND v.3.00 has been tested on an IBM PC-XT (for sale) at 4.77 MHz and on
a Packard Bell 386sx/20 computer.
AUTORND v.3.00 was compiled with Turbo C v.2.0 on the Packard Bell 386sx/20.
I use AUTORND v.3.00 on the IBM PC-XT.
About the Author:
Arun Bhalla
I program in Turbo C, and used to dabble in GW-BASIC and Qbasic. I enjoy
.GIFS, .MODs, and many games, including Apogee Software.
Other programs available in SHAREWARE by Arun Bhalla:
QUESTionnaire v.1.10
A handy questionnaire that sysops can use, or anyone else. DOORWAY & LIST
programs, which are both shareware, are included. $5 registration fee for
QUESTionnaire. New time-date stamping in the user file & non-ANSI support!
BBS filename: QUEST???.ZIP, QUEST???.EXE, QUEST???.ARJ, where ??? is the version
number.... currently QUEST110.ZIP
AUTORND v.3.00
You have it, so you know what it is...
BBS filename: AUTORND?.ZIP, where ? is the version number...currently
AUTORND3.ZIP
$5 registration fee.
Registration includes some more random utilities such as printing random
numbers and sending random errorlevel/exit codes.
#.COM
This handy utility is found with each release of the above programs. I have
chosen to include #.COM with the Stillwaters list. (You need the new version of
#.COM to let it run with the newest version of the Stillwaters list. The version
included works only with the CBBS0393.NAM list. Check out the CBBS????.ZIP
files to see if I have included it!!! If you register, I will continue this
fine utility, and possible upload it directly to your favorite 708/800 BBS!
FREEWARE:
PIT.ZIP
Three Qbasic programs using EGA/VGA. This is a game similar to COLUMNS or
Tetris. The VGA graphics is stunning! Other features include saved scores!
Available on some BBSes in the (708) area and released with all registrations
of Arun Bhalla's software.
Working on:
DOOR MENU program for Wildcat! Test Drive BBS.
Popup calculator
Duke Nukum Levels
Castle Wolfenstein 3D levels
And more!
Distribution/Technical Support BBSes
My latest versions will be uploaded directly from me to only certain 708 BBSes
that I call frequently. The BBSes will receive my latest versions the fastest,
so if you want to get help or get new versions, call these FREE BBSes or contact
me in the ways listed below.
The following BBSes are my Distribution/Tech Support Sites:
Great Northern BBS 708-632-0884
The Racer's Edge 708-653-9076
Digital Systems 708-307-9097
Hideaway BBS 708-748-1911
And hopefully at most Internet/FTP sites!
I can be reached on any of these BBSes my mailing a letter to "Arun Bhalla".
I am a member of the CBBS List Team, based at Hideaway BBS!
How to contact Arun Bhalla:
Internet: I can't quite give a specific address at this moment. Look around
on USENET. You will be able to find me on an Illinois Internet Node.
Call my home for a specific address.
Prodigy: VXWF62B This is my old address, before I canceled Prodigy. If I
restart it soon, which I might, it may or may not be the same. Call
me for a specific address or check out the Simcity subjects and
Communications areas. I might find you.
Address: 6744 Breckenridge Road
Lisle, IL 60532-3409
Telephone: 708-961-5678
Part-time BBS: Contact me for details.
My BBS will carry my newest versions, so make an appointment by contacting me
on any of the above ways!
Be sure to print out REGISTER.FRM and register now!
AUTORND History:
11/15/92 AUTORND v.1.00 is debugged & compiled as an alternative to MUSICRND,
a program I wrote for a friend.
11/24/92 AUTORND v.1.00 documentation is written
AUTORND v.1.00 is officially released, and thereafter distributed.
12/20/92 AUTORND v.2.00 is written, debugged, and compiled.
New version uses less system memory, is smaller in program code,
and does not need to use the files OLD, NEW, OLDMUSIC, NEWMUSIC
anymore. In other words, we have true randomization here!
03/3/93 AUTORND v.3.00 (PRO) documentation is written and released!
[End of AUTORND.DOC 3-3-93]