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Shareware Overload Trio 2
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Shareware Overload Trio Volume 2 (Chestnut CD-ROM).ISO
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BIGMENU.HLP
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1993-01-25
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***INDEX
001 AUTOEXEC.BAT file
002 BIGMENU (Addendum and Offers)
003 BIGMENU (Described)
033 Command Line Options
004 Cursor Keys
006 DOS Commands
007 Exiting BIGMENU
035 Hot Keys
008 Installation
009 Master Password
010 Menu Selection (add)
011 Menu Selection (delete)
012 Menu Selection (edit)
013 Menu Selection (run)
014 Messages
015 Mouse
016 Pause Function
017 Phone Book (add entry)
018 Phone Book (delete entry)
019 Phone Book (display entry)
032 Phone Book (data files)
020 Phone Book (edit entry)
021 Phone Book (labels)
036 Phone Book (password protection)
031 Phone Book (printing)
036 Phone Book (settings)
022 Phone Book (tagging entries)
032 Phone Book File Manager
038 Scheduler
023 Settings (blankout time)
023 Settings (default colors)
023 Settings (DOS lock)
023 Settings (hour chime)
023 Settings (main menu title)
023 Settings (monitor type)
034 Time Execution of a menu item
026 User Controls (function keys)
037 User Controls (renaming a user)
026 User Controls (time restrictions)
027 User Password
028 User Menu (add)
029 User Menu (delete)
030 User Menu (load)
037 User Menu (rename)
***001
ADDING BIGMENU TO THE AUTOEXEC.BAT FILE:
The AUTOEXEC.BAT is a file that is located in the root directory
of the boot drive of your computer. This drive is usually the C: drive
for hard drive systems. When you turn your computer on, the operating
system reads this file and executes the commands in this file. These
commands configure the start up of your computer to your specifications.
To look at your AUTOEXEC.BAT use this command:
C> TYPE C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT (this assumes C: to be the boot drive)
One of the commands in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file is probably a
PATH statement and will look something like this:
PATH C:\;C:\DOS
Make sure BIGMENU.BAT is copied to one of the directories in this
statement. Note that the install program will copy BIGMENU.BAT to the ROOT
directory of all drives.
If you want BIGMENU to be loaded when you boot your computer (turn your
computer on) then make "BIGMENU" the last line in your AUTOEXEC.BAT. See
your DOS manual for instructions on editing a text file. Here is an example
of an AUTOEXEC.BAT file that will load BIGMENU:
ECHO OFF
CLS
PROMPT $P$G
PATH C:\;C:\DOS
BIGMENU
You may have already asked the BIGMENU install program to edit your
AUTOEXEC.BAT file. BIGMENU can do this if there was not a program that was
already loaded by the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
* end *
***002
BIGMENU ADDENDUM:
For more information about BIGMENU, press <F8> at any menu or print
README.TXT from the BIGMENU directory. Any complaints, questions, problems
or suggestions should be directed to the address or telephone number below.
BIGMENU c/o FSCI
P.O. Box 161463
Altamonte Springs, Fl. 32716-1463
(407)869-8999
BIGMENU offers:
Registered user options:
1] New program disk (latest release): $5.00
2] New BIGMENU user manual: $5.00
3] Customized program for home or business: Call or write
Unregistered user options:
4] Latest program disk (unregistered version): $5.00
5] Program disk and manual (registered): $35.00
Please enclose your check, option(s), floppy disk size and density, and
full mailing address with your request.
* end *
***003
ABOUT BIGMENU:
BIGMENU is a multiuser menu system, designed to make running DOS
applications an easy task for computer users of all levels. It is ideal for
both family use and single PC businesses with multiple users. Each user can
define his own menus and menu characteristics. A system supervisor can
control the users with time restrictions and function button restrictions.
BIGMENU writes temporary batch files to run your programs. The batch files
use no memory, allowing your application to use all available memory.
BIGMENU will find your drives, directories, and executable files. All menus
and supervisor functions may be password protected. Access to the operating
system may also be password protected.
An additional feature of BIGMENU is the phone book. The phone book data
base will keep track of names, addresses, and telephone numbers. The
BIGMENU phone book will print address and rolodex labels. Phone book entries
can be selected for labels or deletion by tagging or highlighting.
BIGMENU is shareware. This means that you are welcome to use BIGMENU
on a 6 week trial basis. If you find BIGMENU useful beyond the trial period,
then you are obligated by law to register the program for $35. Choose <F8>
from any menu to print a registration form. You are encouraged to copy the
program for trial use by others. You are also encouraged to upload
BIGMENU7.ZIP to bulletin board systems. BIGMENU7.ZIP is the compressed
version of your program and contains within it the 6 BIGMENU program files
(listed below). You may reproduce BIGMENU without limit provided that the
program is not altered in any way and the reproduction contains the 6
program files listed below. As an incentive for reproducing and uploading
BIGMENU you will receive $10 from BIGMENU for each user who receives your
program and subsequently registers it (your registration number will appear
on his registration form).
BIGMENU Requirements:
IBM compatible processor with DOS (2.2 or higher)
640K RAM
Hard Drive (with 360K free space)
Any Monitor
Mouse (optional)
BIGMENU program files:
MENU.EXE
INSTALL.EXE
README.TXT
README.BAT
BM_M.PRG
BIGMENU.HLP
* end *
***004
THE CURSOR KEYS:
BIGMENU uses a scrolling window for all program selections. The
following keys are functional:
ARROW UP ............. up one selection
ARROW DOWN ............. down one selection
PAGE UP ............. up one page
PAGE DOWN ............. down one page
HOME ............. go to first selection
END ............. go to last selection
A .. Z ............. go to first selection starting
with the key pressed or the next
selection if the letter is not
found. If the same key is pressed
again BIGMENU will find the next
item starting with the key pressed.
* end *
***006
DOS COMMANDS:
Press <F9> from the main menu or user menu to execute DOS commands.
Select "Type a DOS Command" to execute a single command. BIGMENU will
keep a history of 256 commands that you have executed via this option.
If you have exceeded the 256 command limit, you must delete unwanted
commands to make space for your latest commands. Select "Choose from
History List" to execute or delete a command from the history list. The
pause function will automatically be activated so that the results of the
command do not scroll off the screen. To execute a series of DOS commands
select "Use DOS" and then return to the menu by typing "EXIT".
From the main menu press <Shift-F9> to go directly to the history
list. Press <Ctrl-F9> from the main menu to load COMMAND.COM for multiple
DOS commands (return to menu by typing "EXIT").
* end *
***007
EXITING BIGMENU:
Press <F10> from the main menu to exit BIGMENU. If the DOS lock is on,
then you will be prompted for the master password (if one exists) before you
can exit. In DOS type "BIGMENU" to reload BIGMENU.
* end *
***008
INSTALLATION:
Installation will check your program diskette for the necessary program
files, copy the program files to a directory (BIGMENU) on the drive of your
choice, create other program files needed to run BIGMENU, search your
computer for drives, search each drive for directories, edit your
AUTOEXEC.BAT file (optional), and create BIGMENU.BAT (the batch command file
used to run BIGMENU). BIGMENU.BAT will be copied to the root directory of
each drive. It is necessary for BIGMENU.BAT to be located in at least one
directory that is accessed through the DOS PATH statement (this will allow
you to run BIGMENU from any directory). The DOS PATH statement is located
in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. If you are reinstalling, your existing menu and
phone book files will not be changed or deleted.
To begin installation, put the program disk into your A: or B: drive and
type the following commands at the DOS prompt. If you do not have a program
disk, then create one by copying the 6 program files to the root directory
of a floppy disk.
C> A: or C> B:
A> README B> README
A> INSTALL B> INSTALL
Now follow the step by step instructions until installation is complete.
Use the same commands if you are reinstalling or updating BIGMENU.
Reinstallation will not affect your existing menu or phone book files.
When installation is complete, type "BIGMENU" to load BIGMENU.
* end *
***009
MASTER PASSWORD:
Press <F3> from the main menu to change the master password. You will
be prompted for the current master password (if one exists) before you can
change it. Enter the new master password when prompted and then retype it.
For no master password, hit enter twice without inputting a password.
Reinstalling the program will reset the master password.
* end *
***010
ADDING A MENU ITEM OR A SUBMENU:
Press <Ctrl-A> from a user menu to add a menu item or a submenu.
ADDING A SUBMENU: Choose "Add a submenu" and then type a
description for the new submenu. BIGMENU will create a DOS file for the
submenu by combining the first 8 characters of the submenu description
and the extension ".SUB". Illegal DOS file name characters are replaced
with "_".
ADDING A MENU ITEM USING MENU CONTROL: Choose "Add a menu item"
and then type a description for the menu item (this will be the
description as it appears on the menu). Initiate menu control.
Menu control is recommended for less experienced users. BIGMENU
will find your drives, directories, and executable files when using
menu control. Select a drive, directory, and finally an executable
file. If you have added drives or directories and cannot find them
on the scrolling list of drives and directories then press <Ctrl-S>
to scan for new drives or directories. The final option will be to
add command line parameters. Some programs will allow you to send
information about how the programs should run at the command line.
You can type fixed command line parameters now, have BIGMENU prompt you
for parameters at run time, or elect no parameters. If you are not sure
what to do or do not want to send your program parameters, then select
"No command line parameters". Now run the program to make sure that it
works. If it does not run, then edit <Ctrl-E> the item that you just
created and start over (the most common mistake is to select the wrong
executable file).
ADDING A MENU ITEM USING BATCH CONTROL: Select "Add a menu item"
and then type a description for the menu item (this will be the
description as it appears on the menu). Initiate batch control. Batch
control is recommended only for more advanced users. BIGMENU recommends
that you put all of your batch files in a separate directory (e.g.
C:\BATCHES\ or C:\BIGMENU\) and include that directory in your DOS path
statement (see the section on AUTOEXEC.BAT). Now type the batch file
name (no extension) that will control your menu item. The final option
will be to add command line parameters. Batch files allow you to send
parameters into your batch file from the command line. You can type
fixed command line parameters now, have BIGMENU prompt you for
parameters at run time, or elect no parameters. If you are not sure
what to do or do not want to send your program parameters, then select
"No command line parameters". Finally, if you have DOS 5.0 you can
create or edit the batch file. Now run the program to make sure that it
works. If it does not run, then make sure that the batch file is in a
directory that is in the DOS path statement or in the BIGMENU directory.
Also check your batch file, by executing it outside of the BIGMENU
environment.
* end *
***011
DELETING A MENU ITEM OR SUBMENU:
From the user menu, highlight the item or submenu that you would like to
delete. Press <Ctrl-D> and confirm the deletion. Caution: Deleting
submenus will delete all menu items and submenus within the deleted submenu.
* end *
***012
EDITING A MENU ITEM OR SUBMENU:
From the user menu, choose (highlight) the item or submenu that you
would like to edit. Press <Ctrl-E> and make all desired changes. BIGMENU
will not allow you to create a menu description that already exists on the
working menu or duplicate a DOS file name when editing a submenu description.
BIGMENU creates DOS files from submenu descriptions by taking the first 8
characters of the description and adding the ".SUB" extension. Illegal file
name characters are replaced with "_".
* end *
***013
RUNNING A MENU SELECTION:
From a user menu, highlight the menu item or submenu that you would like
to execute. Press <Enter>.
* end *
***014
DAILY MESSAGES:
Press <F3> at the main menu and then "Daily Messages" from the settings
menu. The master password (if one exists) will be needed to access the
settings menu. Select a date and the current message will be displayed. You
may overwrite the current message or add a new message if there is no
current message. BIGMENU permits one message for each day of the year.
* end *
***015
USING A MOUSE:
To use a mouse in BIGMENU, highlight (with the mouse cursor) the
function that you would like to execute and click the left mouse button. To
highlight an item on the scroll window, click the left mouse button once. To
execute that item, click the left mouse button again. Use quick mouse clicks
to choose functions in BIGMENU. Do not attempt to "drag" or hold a mouse
button down (this may result in unpredictable results). Use the right mouse
button to escape BIGMENU activities.
* end *
***016
THE PAUSE FUNCTION:
Press <F3> from the user menu to turn the pause function off and on.
When the pause function is enabled, it will require the user to strike a
key prior to reentering his menu from an application. This is useful if
you need to read the screen that is left behind by your program or command.
* end *
***017
ADDING A PHONE BOOK ENTRY:
Press <Ctrl-A> to add an entry to the phone book. Fill in the wanted
data fields. To complete each field press <Enter>. When the last field is
complete BIGMENU will give you the option to edit any field. Press the field
number that you would like to edit. Save your new entry by pressing <S>.
Press <N> to start a new entry or exit by pressing <Esc>.
The phone book capacity is 1024 listings. Total entries are noted next
to the file name, in the title area of the phone book.
* end *
***018
DELETING PHONE BOOK ENTRIES:
To delete one entry: Highlight the entry with the mouse or the cursor
keys. Press <Ctrl-D>. Press <H> to delete the highlighted entry. BIGMENU
will ask you to confirm your choice. To delete more than one entry:
Highlight each entry to be deleted and then tag them with the space bar (see
below for more information about tagging phone book entries). An arrow
symbol will appear to the left of the entry. Press <Ctrl-D>. Press <T> to
delete the tagged entries. BIGMENU will ask you to confirm your choice.
* end *
***019
DISPLAYING PHONE BOOK INFORMATION:
From the phone book scroll window highlight the name that you would like
to display with the cursor keys or by clicking the left mouse button once.
Press <Enter> or the left mouse button again to display the phone book
information for the highlighted name. Pressing a mouse button or any key
will return you to the phone book.
* end *
***020
EDITING PHONE BOOK ENTRIES:
Highlight the phone book entry that you would like to edit with the
mouse or the cursor keys. Press <Ctrl-E>. Press the number of the field
that you would like to edit. Type your changes into the blank field. Save
your changes by pressing <S> or exit without saving the changes by pressing
<Esc>.
* end *
***021
PRINTING LABELS:
Choose one phone book entry by highlighting a name in the phone book with
the cursor keys or the mouse. Choose more than one name by using the space
bar to tag your selections. Press <Ctrl-L>. Select <H> to print label(s)
for the highlighted name or <T> to print labels for the tagged names. Select
<R> to print rolodex labels or <A> to print address labels (examples of each
are listed below). If you are printing labels for a highlighted entry, you
will be prompted for the number of labels you would like to print. BIGMENU
will print up to 999 labels. Next select the label size, set up your
printer, and press any key to start printing.
Example of an address label:
John Doe
555 Elm Street
Anytown, Mi. 55555-5555
Example of a rolodex label:
Jane Doe
444 Maple Ave.
Mytown, Fl. 55555-5555
555-555-5555
* end *
***022
TAGGING PHONE BOOK ENTRIES:
Use the <Space bar> to tag and untag names in the phone book. BIGMENU
will allow you to delete tagged entries or print labels for tagged entries.
To tag all of the entries in the phone book, press <Ins>. To untag all,
press <Del>.
* end *
***023
PROGRAM SETTINGS:
Press <F3> from the main menu and enter the master password to change
the following settings:
Master Password
Daily Messages
User Controls
Hot Keys (DOS 5.0)
Other Settings:
Program Sound
Main menu title
Monitor type (color or monochrome)
Blank out time
Program colors (color monitor only)
Hour chime
DOS lock
* end *
***026
USER CONTROLS:
Choose <F3> from the main menu. The master password (if one exists)
is needed for this function. Select "User Controls". Now select a user.
Displayed information: The following user information is displayed but
cannot be changed: User name, Last log-in time and date and the user
password (user defined).
User function keys: The following user function keys can be enabled or
disabled by pressing <Alt-1 .. Alt-5>:
<Alt-1>: <Ctrl-A> Add a menu item
<Alt-2>: <Ctrl-D> Delete a menu item
<Alt-3>: <Ctrl-E> Edit a menu item
<Alt-4>: <F3> User settings
<Alt-5>: <F9> DOS functions
Time restrictions: Press <1 .. 7> to make time restrictions for the
loaded user for <SUN .. SAT>. Press <Any key> to make the hour
unrestricted, or hit the space bar to restrict that hour.
Saving user control changes: Press <Esc> to exit and save changes made.
* end *
***027
CHANGING A USER PASSWORD:
Select <F3> from the user menu to change the current user's password.
Input the current password. If the current password is correct, then BIGMENU
will allow you to change it. Type and retype the new password. Press
<Enter> without any input for no password.
* end *
***028
ADDING A USER MENU:
From the main menu Press <Ctrl-A> and you will be prompted for for a new
user menu name. There is an eight character limit for a user menu name. The
master password (if one exists) will be required to add a user menu.
* end *
***029
DELETING A USER MENU:
From the main menu highlight the user menu and then press <Ctrl-D> to
delete the menu. The master password (if one exists) is necessary for this
function.
* end *
***030
LOADING A USER MENU:
From the main menu, highlight the user menu to be loaded and press
<Enter>. If the menu is password protected, then the user will be prompted
for the password. Either the master password or the user password will allow
access. If it is a restricted time period, then a message will be displayed
and the user will be returned to the main menu.
* end *
***031
PRINTING THE PHONE BOOK:
From the phone book menu, press <Ctrl-P> to print your phone book.
Options include printing only tagged items or all items. You can send the
output to a printer (LPT1) or a text file. The phone book will be printed
as a list in the following format:
LAST NAME (Alphabetical) FIRST NAME TELEPHONE NUMBER
* end *
***032
MANAGING YOUR PHONE BOOK DATA FILES:
From the phone book menu, press <F8> to view the list of phone book
data files. From this screen you may change data directories, load a phone
book, create a new phone book, rename a phone book or delete a phone book.
BIGMENU allows 128 phone books and each phone book can hold 1024 entries.
* end *
***033
COMMAND LINE OPTIONS:
BIGMENU Run the program.
BIGMENU "User name" Run the program and load a user's menu.
MENU PB Run the phone book module only.
README View README.TXT
INSTALL Program installation.
* end *
***034
TIME EXECUTION OF A MENU ITEM:
From the user menu, highlight the menu item that you would like to
execute at a later time. Press <Ctrl-T>. Select the execution time and
press <Enter>. BIGMENU will go into a screen blanking routine and will
execute the menu item at the specified time.
*end*
***035
HOT KEYS
Hot keys are key combinations that allow quick access to programs or
batch routines. BIGMENU uses <Shift-F1..F12> for its 12 hot key
combinations. Hot keys will only function from the main menu, user menu, or
submenu. Hot keys are only an option if you are running DOS 5.0 or later.
Press <Ctrl-F1> to display your hot keys from the main or user menu.
To set up hot keys: Select <F3> from the main menu. Select "Hot Key
Controls" from the Settings Menu. Press <Ctrl-N> to name the hot key. Press
<Ctrl-E> to write a batch file for the hot key. BIGMENU will put you into
the DOS 5.0 text editor to write your commands. Save your changes and exit.
You may also delete hot keys, enable/disable hot keys, or print a hot
key function strip for your keyboard.
*end*
***036
PHONE BOOK FILE MANAGER SETTINGS
Press <F3> from the phone book file manager menu to access the phone
book file manager settings. The master password (if one exists) will be
necessary to access these settings.
Choose "Password Protect Functions", if you would like to turn off or
turn on password protection of the phone book file manager function buttons.
If the password protection is enabled, the master password (if one exists)
will be necessary to add, delete, or rename a phone book file or to change
the data directory.
Choose "Password Protect File", if you would like to password protect
a phone book data file. Select a file and press <Enter>. Choose "YES" to
enable the password protection or "NO" to disable the password protection.
When password protection is enabled, the master password (if one exists)
is necessary to access the file.
*end*
***037
RENAMING A USER MENU
Hi-Lite the user to be renamed and press <Ctrl-R> from the main menu
to rename a user menu. The master password (if one exists) is necessary for
this function.
*end*
***038
SCHEDULER
Press <F7> from the user menu to access BIGMENU's scheduler module.
IF the module file, SCHEDULE.EXE, does not exist, you will be advised and
returned to the user menu. Each user may create his own schedule data file.
The user password (if one exists) is needed to access this file. The
scheduler module can be obtained from FSCI, by registering the program. See
BIGMENU (Addendum and Offers) or press <F8> for more information about
registering BIGMENU.
*end*
***END