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1994-02-21
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37KB
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962 lines
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EZBatch ( 3.30) ..... by DL, of course! (c) 1992,93,94
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
| REQUIREMENTS |
| MSDOS versions 3.3, 4.xx, 5.0 or 6.x |
| COLOR MONITOR, HARD DISK & PKUNZIP 2.04G |
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
EZBatch creates simple batch files automatically. Once an
"EZBatch file" is created, you can execute your program by
typing the EZB batchname (rather than changing to the proper
drive & directory ... then running your program).
The following steps will take place
while using the EZBatch menu system:
1) Your list of current EZB files will be displayed on
the screen (using a wide format of 8 filenames across).
(unregistered= 8 max. registered=144 max.)
2) You will then be able to execute ANY of the EZB files
on the screen by simply typing it's name.
(no matter which hard drive you have logged)
3) The EZB file will run your program as normal.
OPTIONAL command switches may be passed to your program.
(the batch files created may be edited
with ANY normal text editor)
4) Upon program completion you are returned to step 1.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*** EZBatch INSTALLATION ***
UNZIP EZB-330.ZIP to a floppy (ANY density).
LOG to that floppy ( A: or B: for example).
type "EZBATCH" for general help.
EZBatch will automatically install (or upgrade) by
typing "EZBATCH INSTALL" from the floppy drive.
*** BACKGROUND INFO ***
EZBatch was started to aid in creating simple batch files
without using a text editor. The program started out as a
batch file, then was converted over and re-written using
Microsoft QuickBasic 4.5 . I have incorporated safeguards
against errors and will be adding more in the future. This
program is made available for anyone who wants to give it
a try before they purchase it. You must read the disclaimer
on the next page.
This version will upgrade ANY older version that you may be
using. You may ALWAYS type "EZBATCH" by itself to get help.
Install or upgrade EZBatch by typing "EZBATCH INSTALL" from
any floppy drive which has the EZBatch program files on it.
Once EZBatch is INSTALLED you will see the command line help
screen.(it shows you help on creating your EZB batch files).
If EZBatch IS NOT installed you will be told that you must
install EZBatch first. You may ALWAYS type "EZBATCH" to get
the current version and general information screen.
LIST OF FILES WITH THIS VERSION
|------------ CRC .EZB --- PKZIP's CRC values for the files
| / EZB-DOC .TXT --- This documentation file
| | NEW-EZB .TXT --- New features for this version
| | EZB-QUIK.TXT --- Quick installation instructions
|-------> | EZBATCH .EXE --- The actual EZBatch program
| EZB .EXE --- Directory sorter used by EZBatch
| EZBFIX .EXE --- Game Batch File Converter Program
\ FILE_ID .DIZ --- File description of this program
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ORIGINATION
These files originated from the mind(s) of DL Miller at
Jungle Land BBS. If you have any questions call the BBS,
and leave a message for me.
You may contact me using any of the following:
JUNGLE LAND BBS
c/o Denny Miller
1511 Blossom Hill Rd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15234-1922
BBS# (412) 343-3137
voice# (412) 343-3451
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMER
Use of these programs acknowledges this disclaimer of warranty :
"These files are supplied as is. DL Miller disclaims all
warranties, express or implied, including, and without
limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of
fitness of these files for any purpose. DL Miller
assumes no liability for damages direct or
consequential, which may result from
the use of these programs."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*** The EZBatch advantages ***
EZBatch WILL DO THE FOLLOWING:
■ Automatically install & configure itself onto your hard drive.
■ Automatically upgrade to newer versions when available.
■ Make it real EZ to run your favorite programs.
■ Will make CALLs to (.bat) files, if necessary.
■ Will run (.com) or (.exe) files.
■ Create it's own EZBATCH directory (for the MAIN batch files).
■ Create it's own GAMES directory (for the GAMES batch files).
■ Display the list of your EZB files for EZ selection.
■ Automatically alphabetize the EZB file directories.
■ Grow/shrink the MAGIC MENU as you add/delete EZB files.
■ Show the EZB filenames WITHOUT the extension.
■ Display your EZB files in color for better readablilty.
■ Display your EZB files in an 8 column format. (144 maximum)
■ Create simple batch files from the command line.
■ The batch files may be edited (if you wish) with any editor.
■ Optionally pass "replaceable parameters" to the executable.
■ Optionally pass "command switches" to the executable.
■ Establish a sort of "mini environment" for you:
Look at the available EZB files. Run a program.
Look at the available EZB files. Run a program.
Look at the available EZB files. Run a program.
well.... you should get the general idea!!
*** WHY SHOULD YOU USE IT ***
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EZBatch creates batch files that will simulate the series of
key strokes that are required to execute the desired program.
(You will not have to add the program's path to your DOS path)
When called upon, your batch file will execute your program, &
then return you to the "MAGIC MENU" that displays your current
batch file listing. You may still use DOS as usual without any
interference from EZBatch (It is NOT A TSR). Whenever you want
to see your batch files, simply type "GO" (return) and they
will be displayed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Without EZBatch, you would type key strokes
similar to the following example ...
The program's path is ----- C:\QMODEM\QMODEM.EXE
----------
\
\ This is the
program you
Your normal key strokes want to run.
would be something like:
C: (return) ; change to the proper drive
CD\QMODEM (return) ; change to the proper directory
QMODEM /STATS (return) ; execute the actual program
(& run the "/STATS" option)
If you say "That's no big deal, I type THAT all the time".
EZBatch may be just what you need !!
*** EZBatch EXAMPLES ***
The previous example ran the popular communication program
called QMODEM and automatically processed the "/STATS"
command line switch. It was a relatively simple example.
It was shown so you may better understand just exactly
what EZBatch DOES.
Once EZBatch creates the EZB file (from the command line above)
you ONLY need to type the EZB filename to execute your program.
You DO NOT have to add the program location to your PATH. You
can type "GO" (return) and EZBatch will display the EZB files
currently available to you. You will no longer have to change
the drive, directory, etc. in order to run the desired program
(although you MAY if you want to run a program manually).
Now, let's see how to do the above example using EZBatch.
==============================================================================
From the DOS prompt you would type the following :
(of course, you must have previously installed EZBatch)
ezbatch QMODEM C QMODEM QMODEM /STATS
------ - ------ ------ ------
| | | | \
EZB batname | | program \ program switch p1
| | (p2,p3,p4 switches
program drive program directory are not needed)
==============================================================================
You could also use the following command line if you merely
wanted to run QMODEM (without the "/STATS" switch):
ezbatch QMODEM C QMODEM QMODEM
------ - ------ ------ --------
| | | | \
EZB batname | | program \ program switches
| | p1 - p4 ARE NOT
program drive program directory needed this time
==============================================================================
OR the following if you merely wanted to run QMODEM and pass
up to 4 "replaceable" parameters each time you run QMODEM:
ezbatch QMODEM C QMODEM QMODEM %1 %2 %3 %4
------ - ------ ------ -----------
| | | | \
EZB batname | | program \ replaceable
| | parameters
program drive program directory
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
E Z B A T C H G A M E S M E N U
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
*** PRE 3.00 USER NOTES ***
If you have been using EZbatch for a while, you probably
already have some batch files setup which are 'GAMES'.
EZBatch versions before 3.00 DID NOT support a seperate
GAMES menu. Games were cluttered in amongst the other
application programs. (or the applications were messing
up your games menu.... depending on how you view it!)
Starting with EZBatch 3.00, the normal menu is called the
MAIN MENU and any game batch files CAN be kept in a second
menu (called the GAMES MENU).
If you are upgrading from a pre 3.00 version,
here is all you have to do:
1) Run 'EZBATCH INSTALL' (from a floppy) like you have
done with your old 1.xx or 2.xx version.
2) Mark down which batch files are your GAME FILES.
(They will need to be moved and modified.)
3) Use whatever method you want to MOVE your game files
to the new GAMES subdirectory. (C:\EZBATCH\GAMES)
You can use a file manager or Dos (it doesn't matter).
A sample set of Dos commands would be something like:
copy c:\ezbatch\yergame.bat c:\ezbatch\games
del c:\ezbatch\yergame.bat
4) After you have MOVED all of your game files:
Run 'EZBFIX' and read it's help screen.
EZBFIX will modify each of your EZBatch files
to work with the GAMES MENU.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
E Z B A T C H G A M E S M E N U
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
*** NEW USER NOTES ***
EZBatch, when installed, will create a subdirectory called
GAMES. This allows you to create GAME files and keep them
in a seperate menu. This cleans up your menu and makes it
easier to remember which files are games and which are not!
When you want to get down to some serious work just type 'GO'
and you are at your MAIN MENU!! When it is time to relax
type 'GAMES' and you are at the GAMES MENU!. EZ....HUH??
The most important thing you need to know is that EZBatch will
ONLY create a GAMES file WHEN you are at the GAMES Menu.
EZBatch makes that very easy too! Type "GAMES" and hit enter!
(Once EZBatch is properly installed, of course).
You may also use the standard Dos commands to achieve the
same thing (i.e. the "CD" or "CHDIR" command). EZBatch is
not intended to replace Dos commands or to avoid Dos. The
purpose is to help you save time while still using and
learning more about Dos.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
E Z B A T C H O P T I O N A L P A R A M E T E R S
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This version has the following PARAMETERS
available from any DOS PROMPT
no parameter -- shows optional parameters
HELP -- command line (help screen)
SHOW -- show file (help screen)
SOUND -- toggles sound ON/OFF
DEL -- deletion (help screen)
UNINSTALL -- uninstall (help screen)
INSTALL -- install/upgrade process
REGISTER -- registration/re-registration process
USAGE NOTES
* You must use a space after "ezbatch" and between any 2 parameters.
(this applies to the command line help parameters)
* EZBatch will create batch files with a few identifying lines
inside telling you that they were created by EZBatch.
* If EZBatch does NOT display the Magic Menu after each program,
something IS WRONG. You either did not add "C:\EZBATCH" to
your PATH statement (or not correctly) or you erased the
executable file that EZbatch was supposed to run.
The DOS command "PATH" should yield something like:
PATH C:\EZBATCH;C:\DOS;C:\
---------- ------
| |
| /
| /
| |
There may be more or less to the \ | \__/ EZBatch needs to be able to
statement BUT this part MUST be |/ | find a few DOS files. Make
there. Preferably starting one | | sure you have your Dos
space after the word PATH. / \ directory in your path.
The above help screen is similar to what will be displayed any
time EZBatch is run without any parameters. (installed or not)
*** THE PARAMETERS ***
(no parameter) -- Shows all available options.
(this should be self explanatory)
HELP -- This always shows a help screen.
Once EZBatch is installed from a floppy,
you will see the command line help. This
will give you assistance in the creation
of your EZB batch files.
SHOW -- Shows the EZB file on the screen.
Helpful if you want to check out
where you placed a particular program.
SOUND -- toggles the sounds.
Run once to turn the sounds OFF. Run
again to turn sounds ON again. Repeat as
many times as you wish.
DEL -- Shows EZB file deletion help screen.
This is used to delete an EZB file that
is no longer needed. (Perhaps you have
removed that paticular program from your
hard drive)
UNINSTALL -- Shows an uninstall help screen.
This is to be used for EZ elimination of
the EZBatch program. It will erase ONLY
the EZBatch program, configuration and
doc files. The EZB files that are already
created will remain on your hard disk for
you to use. (You may MANUALLY delete EZB
files using DOS at ANY TIME)
INSTALL -- Runs the install/upgrade process.
For the first time user:
This will start the auto-install process.
It will create a directory and transfer the
necessary floppy files to the hard disk.
For the user that has an older version:
This will start the auto-upgrade process.
It will sense an older version and upgrade
to the newer version automatically.
REGISTER -- Registration/re-registration process.
Once you pay the registration fee, you
will receive a registration number that
you will use to register your copy of
the program. This will unlock the extra
features which are not available in the
unregistered version. Each time you upgrade
you must re-register the program.
*** EZBatch CONFIGURATION ***
EZBatch WILL AUTOMATICALLY configure itself when it is
initially installed ( or upgraded). It will ALWAYS use
the "C" drive and use a directory called "EZBATCH" to
keep it's own program and all of the batch files in.
If there is an existing directory called "EZBATCH"
on your "C" drive it will use it for storage. Please be
sure to move any files already in a directory of that
name to a safe place. (although it is unlikely that you
have used that name for anything else). If you have used
this name for your "old" EZBatch program, don't worry the
new version will find it as an old version and will upgrade
files to the new version as required.
You will have to make sure that you have added the
"C:\EZBATCH" to your DOS path. There should already be a
statement within your "AUTOEXEC.BAT" file which says
something like:
PATH=C:\;C:\QMODEM;D:\QA
If there is change it to:
PATH=C:\EZBATCH;C:\;C:\QMODEM;D:\QA
If there is NO PATH statement, ADD THIS ONE :
PATH=C:\EZBATCH
It is beneficial to add the "C:\EZBATCH" portion to
the BEGINNING of the PATH statement, this will allow for
slightly faster execution of your batch files that you
will be creating for your programs.
If you accidently erase your EZB.CFG file, simply
re-install EZBatch from a floppy and it will update the
configuration file for you. PLEASE-- NOTE that you WILL
have run the "REGISTER" parameter again using your assigned
registration number. You must re-run the registration
parameter after upgrading to a newer version of EZBatch.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
E Z B A T C H C O M M A N D L I N E H E L P
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ezbatch batname drive dirname filename p1 p2 p3 p4
batname --- The EZB file name you want to use.
(NAME only NO extension)
drive ----- The drive that the executable is on
(C D E LETTER ; NO colon or slash)
dirname --- Directory name where executable is located
(directory or dir\subdir)
filename -- Filename of the executable
(BAT/COM/EXE NO extension)
p1 ----- Optional command switch #1
(/ADLIB, -E, -d, /ON, etc.)
p2 ----- Optional command switch #2
(same usage as p1)
p3 ----- Optional command switch #3
(same usage as p1)
p4 ----- Optional command switch #4
(same usage as p1)
batname --- You may choose ANY legal DOS file name, but try to
use a name that will help you easily identify the
executable file that you want to run.
drive --- You MUST use a legal drive AND it must be the drive
which contains the program that you want to run.
directory --- You MUST use a legal directory name AND it must be
the directory which contains the program that you
want to run. You may not use the name "EZBATCH".
You may specify subdirectories also.
filename --- You MUST use the proper executable name for the
program you want EZB to run, it MUST exist in the
PATH defined by the "drive:\directory" parameters
AND it MUST be a (BAT,COM or EXE) file. DO NOT use
the filename extension. If you do EZB will tell you
if it can not find the file.
p1,2,3,4 --- You MAY pass up to (4) program parameters directly
to the executable file. Some programs can utilize
them to automatically start a particular feature.
-V (VGA mode)
-EGA (EGA mode)
/ON (ON)
-ADLIB (ADLIB sound driver)
These are just a few sample switches. Only use
switches that are available to your program.
(Upper/lower case will be recognized correctly)
NOTE --- Refer to your program's instructions
for any possible command switches
that MAY be utilized.
The above help screen is similar to what will be displayed any
time EZBatch is run with the HELP parameter. (if configured)
*** Trouble Shooting AND Tips ***
1) The 3 most common mistakes made setting up EZBatch!
1- You did NOT add a PATH statement in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
2- Your MsDos directory was NOT in your PATH statement.
3- "C:\EZBATCH" was NOT added to your path statement.
2) Your system freezes while trying to INSTALL EZBatch!
You MUST have a COLOR MONITOR to run EZBatch.
Your MsDos directory MUST be located in your PATH statement.
You MUST be using MsDos 3.3 or higher.
3) EZBatch is installed BUT it does not work correctly!
You MUST have an AUTOEXEC.BAT file which boots your system.
You MUST have a PATH statement in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
You MUST have "C:\EZBATCH" in your PATH statement.
You MUST have your MsDos directory in your PATH.
(i.e. you should have something like "C:\DOS"
in your PATH - the exact directory name must match
the directory name of YOUR MsDOS FILES.)
You MUST reboot your computer if you make an changes to
your autoexec.bat file! (anytime you change it)
4) My system freezes while trying to RUN EZBatch!
You MUST have a COLOR MONITOR to run EZBatch.
Your MsDos directory MUST be located in your PATH statement.
You MUST be using MsDos 3.3 or higher.
5) I want to see the MAIN menu each time I start my computer!
Add "GO" as the LAST line in your 'autoexec.bat' file.
(NOTE: This will work as long as you do not have another
application automatically start)
6) I want to see the GAMES menu each time I start my computer!
Add "GAMES" as the LAST line in your 'autoexec.bat' file.
(NOTE: This will work as long as you do not have another
application automatically start)
7) I create GAME files, BUT, they always end up in the MAIN menu!
You MUST be at the "C:\EZBATCH\GAMES" directory when you
create a "GAMES" file! If you are ANYWHERE ELSE, the created
file will automatically be placed in the MAIN menu.
8) I had a file called "ZEBRA", but, it is no longer in my menu!
There is a limit to how many files EZBatch will display.
Once you go beyond that limit (& since they are alphabetical)
EZBatch will display (alphabetically) the first 8 files. Any
others which have been created will NOT be displayed. Once
registered, it will display up to 144 files in each menu!
*** NOTES on NOT using EZBatch ***
Once the program is done you end up at a blank DOS prompt and
once you start developing a library of programs, with a lot
of directories on numerous drives ...... well, quite frankly
it becomes quite a chore to remember which program is in what
directory and on what drive !! Not to mention.... trying
to remember the executable name and those pesky command line
switches needed for certain programs.
You CAN add the program's PATH to your autoexec.bat, but that
uses up valuable environment space quickly (and DOS places a
limit on the PATH length). It can get to be a pain going back
and editing your autoexec.bat and rebooting EVERY time you
want to try a new program that requires a change to your PATH
statement. It can also get annoying to have to change to the
appropriate drive, then the proper directory, then finally run
the program. You did remember to add that or those switches...
didn't you ?
(YOUR...AMOUNT OF CONFUSION...MAY VARY)
If you find this program useful... please consider sending
the registration shown on the order form. There is also an
extra form enclosed for a friend! I have put a lot of time
into this program and hope to develop it further. Once you
use the program, you WILL find it very convenient AND easy
to use. **** Don't forget.... register it if you like it !
The registration fee will unlock those extra features. You
will be able to turn off those annoying sounds and will be
able to see the maximum 288 batch files. (144 in each menu)
instead of only 8!
trademark & copyright information
EZBatch files are Copyright (c) 1992,93,94 DL Miller
MS-DOS is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
PKZIP is a copyright and trademark of PKware.
PKUNZIP is a copyright and trademark of PKware.
*** ORDER FORM for a friend ***
Make check payable to: Dennis L. Miller
mail to: Jungle Land BBS
1511 Blossom Hill Rd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15234-1922
BBS# (412) 343-3137
VOICE# (412) 343-3451
|====================================================|
| Date: / / |
|====================================================|
| Description | Cost |
|====================================================|
| E | EZBatch ( 3.30) | $20.00 |
| Z | includes : | |
| B | BBS Subscription (1 year) | 0.00 |
| A | (45 min/day non-adult level) | |
| T | EZBatch upgrades via BBS | 0.00 |
| C |==============================================|
| H | Total enclosed: $ |
|=====================================================
Checks and money orders accepted.
Your Name:
--------------- ---------------------------
Address:
------------------------------------------------
Phone:
--------- --------- ---------------------
City:
------------------------------------------------
State:
------------------------------------------------
Zip:
------------------------------------------------
Comments:
*** YOUR ORDER FORM ***
Make check payable to: Dennis L. Miller
mail to: Jungle Land BBS
1511 Blossom Hill Rd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15234-1922
BBS# (412) 343-3137
VOICE# (412) 343-3451
|====================================================|
| Date: / / |
|====================================================|
| Description | Cost |
|====================================================|
| E | EZBatch ( 3.30) | $20.00 |
| Z | includes : | |
| B | BBS Subscription (1 year) | 0.00 |
| A | (45 min/day non-adult level) | |
| T | EZBatch upgrades via BBS | 0.00 |
| C |==============================================|
| H | Total enclosed: $ |
|=====================================================
Checks and money orders accepted.
Your Name:
--------------- ---------------------------
Address:
------------------------------------------------
Phone:
--------- --------- ---------------------
City:
------------------------------------------------
State:
------------------------------------------------
Zip:
------------------------------------------------
Comments: