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M i c h a e l P e r r y ' s
EZ-MENU(tm)
The Ultimate Computer Organizer
*** NOTE ***
This manual contains complete information on all of EZ-Menu's features.
Some (just a few) abilities outlined in this manual may not be fully-
operational in the Shareware version. The Shareware version of EZ-Menu
3.8 can be tested in both a single-user and LAN environment. This
manual may occasionally make reference to a separate EZ-Menu LAN
Setup/Operations manual which is not included in the Shareware package.
Other than that, you'll undoubtedly find all you need to know about EZ-
Menu capabilities herein. Enjoy!
(c) 1982-1994, Mike Perry/Progressive Computer Services, Inc.,
All Rights Reserved Worldwide
EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
Table of Contents:
SOFTWARE LICENSE INFORMATION...........................................3
INTRODUCTION...........................................................5
GETTING STARTED........................................................7
Upgrading from another version .......................................7
COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PROGRAMS/ENVIRONMENTS.........................8
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS........................................................8
Manually Installing EZ-Menu ..........................................9
IMPORTANT NOTES ON EZ-MENU'S OPERATION................................10
A SHORT INTRODUCTION TO THE DOS DIRECTORY STRUCTURE...................12
EZ-MENU CONFIGURATION.................................................14
Configuration - System Options ......................................14
Configuration - User Options ........................................18
Configuring EZ-Menu Colors ..........................................22
USING EZ-MENU.........................................................24
Main Menu Commands ..................................................24
Additional Editing Commands .........................................26
SETTING UP MENUS......................................................27
USING SUBMENUS........................................................35
EDITING ENTRIES.......................................................36
Some Considerations When Editing Menu Items .........................37
THE TIMED-EXECUTION FEATURE...........................................38
Unusual Frequencies For Timed Events ...............................39
THE RESET RE-EXECUTION FEATURE........................................40
THE USAGE LOG FEATURE.................................................41
USING EZ-MENU WITH WINDOWS............................................43
Recommended Set-Up For EZ-Menu ......................................43
Running EZ-Menu From Windows ........................................44
Running Windows Applications From EZ-Menu ...........................45
MULTIUSER OPERATION OF EZ-MENU........................................46
Why would I need the multiuser feature? .............................46
THE READLOG UTILITY...................................................49
THE MAKEMNU UTILITY...................................................52
THE EZCONV UTILITY....................................................54
Appendix A - Quick Review of EZ-Menu's Features ...................55
Appendix B - Troubleshooting ......................................59
Appendix C - Files Included With The EZ-Menu Package ..............64
Appendix D - Special Techniques For Using EZ-Menu .................66
Appendix E - The Logistics of Timed Execution .....................68
Appendix F - Special Options For Dealers, Consultants, etc ........70
Appendix G - How To Contact PCS ...................................71
Appendix H - Program History & Author Information .................74
INDEX.................................................................76
2
EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
Software License Information
(the obligatory legal stuff)
This software package (the software, documentation & accompanying
materials) remains the property of Progressive Computer Services, Inc.
(PCS), who makes no warranty or representation with respect to the
licensed software and it is licensed "as is". By opening the sealed
software package, and/or using the software you are agreeing to be bound
by the terms of this agreement. There are no other warranties,
expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for particular purpose. This
package is protected by United States copyright laws and international
treaty provisions and all other applicable national laws.
To activate your license and become a "registered user" you must
complete the enclosed user registration card and mail it to the address
on the reverse of the card. This user of this software package is
granted a license to run the software on ONE (1) PC (or one node in a
local area network or similar installation). It is in direct violation
of this license agreement to make any copies of the software for use on
other machines without authorization from PCS. The user however, is
entitled to make back-up copies of the software for archival purposes.
Failure to adhere to the terms of this licensing agreement voids the
license and is in direct violation of the copyright laws governing the
product, of which PCS will aggressively protect. Some special site-
license arrangements direct with PCS will already be "pre-registered"
and in such a case there is no additional steps to take to authorize
your license.
You may not rent or lease the package, but you are allowed to transfer
the package on a permanent basis provided you retain no copies and the
recipient agrees to the terms of this Agreement. You may not reverse
engineer or disassemble the included software (this also includes
modifying or "hacking" the data or executable portions of the package
beyond the program's normal operational abilities). If the package is
an update or has been updated, any transfer must include the most recent
update and all prior versions.
Network Licensing
LAN versions of EZ-Menu are generally sold based on the total number of
stations (PCs or "nodes") connected into the network. If more than one
station on the LAN has access to EZ-Menu, a legitimate license for each
station on the LAN must be obtained. A typical EZ-Menu LAN product will
be configured for 5, 10, 25, 50 or more users - this covers a network
with that many nodes interconnected, regardless of whether the LAN is
peer-to-peer or several stations connected to a single file server. EZ-
Menu versions sold on a "per-server" basis will cover a specified number
of stations (outlined on the front of the package, in the product
version or in the invoice) and the number of stations connected to a
particular server should not exceed the 'user number' for the version of
EZ-Menu. In peer-to-peer networks, each node can also act as a "server"
- and in this situation, an unlimited per-server license is invalid
unless approved in writing specifically by PCS (we do offer such options
however). In a peer-to-peer network, EZ-Menu is licensed according to
the total number of stations and not the number of "servers".
3
EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
Shareware Versions
Certain versions of the EZ-MENU software are available through the
Shareware distribution medium. Commercial versions of EZ-MENU are fully-
operational and packed with tons of features not found in the limited-
ability Shareware versions. Shareware versions of EZ-MENU are
identified with a version number earlier (less than) than 4.0 (For
example, EZ-Menu 3.8 is a special Shareware demo of the commercial
product EZ-MENU 6.0). While Shareware versions are more flexible in
their licensing & distribution arrangements, please do not distribute
any version of EZ-Menu to any other entity if you are unsure of its
version or licensing agreement. Shareware users who register their
program(s) and receive the commercial version must replace their
Shareware product with the commercial update. Just like the commercial
versions, each use of the Shareware version constitutes a single,
limited license - most PCS Shareware allows the user a 30-day evaluation
period after which the software must be registered or promptly removed
from any and all machines using it.
It would probably be easier for us to entirely stop distributing
Shareware versions of our products but we owe our success to this medium
(and to you), therefore we will always endeavor to provide demo versions
of our new products through Shareware. You're reading this manual today
because thousands of honest Shareware users registered their products
and provided us the resources needed to continue the next generation of
our software. We rely on you to help us stop piracy by reporting the
distribution of any illegal or commercial versions of our software.
Call us at (800) 628-1131 if you know of someone illegally
copying/distributing a commercial version of EZ-Menu.
Trademarks & Copyrights
(c)1994 by Progressive Computer Services. All rights reserved
worldwide. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in
any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose,
without the express written permission of Progressive Computer Services,
Inc. All PCS products, including but not limited to EZ-Menu(tm),
Software for humankind(tm), Readlog(tm), EZUSER(tm), MakeMnu(tm),
Progressive Computer Services(sm) are registered trademarks of
Progressive Computer Services, Inc.
Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective holders.
4
EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
Introduction
"What is EZ-Menu? Do I really need it for my computer?"
If you own a computer, especially one equipped with a hard drive, you
will soon wonder how you ever functioned without EZ-Menu. Think for a
minute about what makes a computer so useful; the answer is simple:
unlike dedicated word processors or calculators, the computer is
designed to be able to perform many different tasks. In the morning you
turn on the computer to use your spreadsheet program, then switch to
your word processor to write letters, and later use the computer to
handle accounting tasks and so on... With all of these (and many more)
applications, it is easy see how tedious it can be remembering the
commands to invoke the application you wish to use. If you are tired of
looking through DOS manuals to find the correct syntax for backing-up or
formatting disks, you will appreciate how easy life can be with EZ-Menu.
Even with today's array of supposedly "user-friendly" environments such
as MS Windows(tm) it is easy to become confused. Regardless of your
level of computer knowledge, from an experienced programmer to an ultra-
novice, EZ-Menu will help organize all of the computer's applications.
EZ-Menu consists of an extremely fast and simple "menu" system that can
be set up to appear when the computer is turned on. All of the programs
and applications that you use your computer for can be easily entered
into the menu (if not automatically done so during installation). After
which, if you want to use the word processor, simply highlight 'Word
Processor' on the menu and press <ENTER>. Instantly your word processor
'pops-up' and is ready for use. When you exit the program, EZ-Menu
immediately returns, faithfully waiting for your next action.
If you are like most people, you do not want to bother with all of the
intricate commands used by the computer; you just want to work on your
accounting or other applications and cannot afford to spend the majority
of your time studying computer manuals. You need a simple menu to point
you to where you want to go. EZ-Menu is this and much more...
Beyond simply organizing your computer applications, EZ-Menu provides
many enhanced features to increase security, control and ease-of-
operation on your PC. You can restrict access to any program, group of
programs or DOS, track PC activity and generate reports on usage,
automatically scan your hard drives and identify applications, automate
any program on your system (for such things as regular back-ups,
preventive maintenance, diagnostics, virus scans and much more)!
Imagine being able to set up your computer to automatically optimize
your hard drive every Monday at 3:13 p.m., or backup your accounting
data on the 3rd of every month, all without operator intervention.
Imagine implementing network-style security on a single PC with each
having their own unique setup and access restrictions. Imagine user
being able to generate a report detailing how much time was spent by
each user on the computer, or a summary of computer usage and
efficiency. Imagine making the computer so easy to operate that your
support time is reduced by over 90%. Does this sound impossible?
Thousands of people from the recreational user to the MIS/DP directors
at Fortune 500 companies are finding that it is not only possible, but
incredibly easy to accomplish with EZ-Menu.
5
EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
Congratulations! You are now in possession of one of the most unique
and powerful utilities any PC owner can have. You won't find a more
comprehensive array of features and capabilities in any other similar
program! Read on to find out more...
6
EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
Getting Started
EZ-Menu has been designed so that with a minimal amount of "studying",
one can get up-and-running under the system very quickly. We do
recommend that you read over the manual just to familiarize yourself
with the many capabilities of the product, as well as a few special bits
of information to consider. To install EZ-Menu, simply follow the
instructions on the disk label - this usually involves putting the EZ-
Menu master disk in your floppy drive, and at the dos prompt typing
A:INSTALL <Enter>. If your floppy drive is not A:, simply substitute
the appropriate drive reference. The install program will prompt you
for all necessary information. Previous versions of EZ-Menu included
separate install and upgrade procedures. The latest version
incorporates both into the install program.
Since EZ-Menu is designed to run in a variety of environments - the user
has the capability of changing many of the operational defaults of the
system. We recommend however, that until you get to know how EZ-Menu
works that you accept most of the system configuration defaults during
installation and setup. To do this, whenever you are prompted for some
information, simply press <ENTER> and the system will default to the
most common option. Once you have worked with EZ-Menu and feel
comfortable with it, feel free to customize the configuration to suit
your fancy. Later in this manual we will outline the many user-
definable options that may be implemented.
Please note that whenever you change a configuration option, you should
consult the documentation just to make sure that your change does not
affect another area which you might have overlooked. Try not to be
intimidated. In most cases, everything is straightforward. We do try
however to anticipate any potential problems and elaborate on them in
the program's online help so that you will never be without a choice
when it appears that something is not operating properly.
Since EZ-Menu is constantly being improved, there will always be a file
on your disk under the name of READ-ME.1ST or WHATSNEW.DOC containing
additional information on any new features or special considerations.
This file can be displayed from the DOS prompt by typing: TYPE READ-
ME.1ST or PRINT READ-ME.1ST (to send the document to your printer).
There may also be an option to display the file from the EZ-Menu
Utilities menu. It is always a good idea to examine such files in case
any important changes have been made since we last printed the manual.
Please note that some of the files included with the EZ-Menu package are
extracted from an archive called EZPAK.EXE in order to conserve space on
the distribution diskette. These files will be set-up on your computer
during installation or upgrading.
Upgrading from another version
If you have been running an earlier version of EZ-Menu, the install
program should be able to identify it and convert your existing menus to
run under the new version. In some cases, configuration settings may be
reset, but you should always be able to retain your original set of
menus if desired. There is a program called EZCONV which will be used
during installation to automatically convert old menu files if
necessary.
7
EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
Compatibility With Other Programs/Environments
If there is one thing you can count on, it will generally be that EZ-
Menu will not conflict with any other piece of hardware or software on
your system. EZ-Menu is a model of stability. If your PC can run most
popular applications, chances are that your system is appropriately
configured for flawless operation of EZ-Menu.
EZ-Menu requires a minimum of 256K free RAM and will operate under DOS
3.0 or higher on IBM-compatible PCs. EZ-Menu is compatible with all
known DOS brands including Novell DOS(tm), Dr Dos(tm), MS-DOS(tm), PC-
DOS(tm) and other DOS-compatible environments. EZ-Menu is NOT memory
resident and does not take up RAM that can be used by other
applications. EZ-Menu supports all standard displays/adapters including
the Monochrome monitor, CGA, EGA, VGA, SVGA+ and most others in their
appropriate modes of operation. In fact, to this day after over tens
years of product development, we are unaware of any conflict between EZ-
Menu and any other software. This includes other DOS shells, disk
compression utilities, TSRs, device drivers, memory managers, modem
remote-access programs and more. Any program that you can run on your
computer from the DOS prompt, can be set-up to run from EZ-Menu without
any problems or loss of memory or performance.
EZ-Menu is also network compatible. It has been tested it under Novell,
Alloy, DEC Pathworks, LANtastic, OS/2, MS Lan Manager, Desqview, Banyan,
PC-MOS and many other multiuser/multitasking environments. EZ-Menu
conforms to standard DOS operating procedures, so if your network will
operate most of the popular PC software, there is little chance of EZ-
Menu not functioning properly. For more information, consult the EZ-
Menu LAN Operations/Setup manual if you're running the network version.
If you have any problems with EZ-Menu's operation, please consult the
Troubleshooting section in this manual..
Acknowledgments
There are entirely too many people to mention that have contributed to
the development of EZ-Menu and other PCS Products. First and foremost
we want to thank you and all our loyal users without whom we'd all
probably have to get real jobs! Much appreciation also goes out to our
friends who have been very supportive of this endeavor: Mike Todd, Randy
Fernandez, Wisdom, Patrick McGuire, Br. Neal Golden, Kay Newman, Roy
Blondeau, Matt Pepper, Al Prieto, Jim Aspinwall, Rory Burke, Gerry
deGruiter, Charles Jung, Guy Smith, John Poindexter, Janice & Roy Logan,
Lee Isaacson, Linda Cobb, Greg Leonard and Priscilla Hagebusch. I also
want to thank all of EZ-Menu's satisfied users, without whose support
none of this would be possible.
8
EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
Installing EZ-Menu
To install EZ-Menu, simply put the original disk in your floppy drive,
and type A:INSTALL and press <ENTER> from the Dos prompt. If your
floppy is drive B:, use the command B:INSTALL. The installation
procedure will prompt you for all necessary information. If you're
upgrading from an earlier version of EZ-Menu, the install program will
identify your existing version and ask if you want to keep your old
menus.
Manually Installing EZ-Menu
This section describes what is done by the installation procedure, and
for advanced users, how to install EZ-Menu without using the install
program. In most cases, it is not necessary to read this section unless
you want to familiarize yourself with the specifics of how EZ-Menu is
installed, or have installed EZ-Menu in a subdirectory other than
\EZMENU. For the most recent information on EZ-Menu and its INSTALL
procedure, consult the file named READ-ME.1ST included on the EZ-Menu
disk.
EZ-Menu's installation routine will tell you everything you need to do;
for purposes of manually installing the system, here are basic steps
involved in installing EZ-Menu:
Create a subdirectory where EZ-Menu will reside (from the DOS 1. root
directory, type: md ezmenu)
2. Copy the EZ-Menu files into that subdirectory.
Modify your AUTOEXEC.BAT 3. file (by using the command edit
\autoexec.bat) and modify the PATH statement, adding the \EZMENU
directory to the statement, then at the end of the file add the
command: menu 0 ("menu" with a zero parameter). This will allow EZ-
Menu to instantly appear when you start your PC. You should also
check to make sure another program isn't set to automatically run:
erase any line which contains a command such as "WIN "or "DOSSHELL "
by itself.
4. Change to the \EZMENU subdirectory (cd\ezmenu) and type the command:
ezmenu config which will run EZ-Menu and display the configuration
screen. At this point, we recommend simply pressing space to save
the default options and continue - you can always change them later.
SPECIAL NOTE: EZ-Menu allows you to define the command normally used to
invoke the menu (which by default is "MENU" in single-user
versions and "EZ" in LAN versions). If you choose to change
this to another name, you must modify AUTOEXEC.BAT and put
the new name of the invocation file where "MENU" was
previously listed.
If you are using an earlier version of EZ-Menu and want to retain your
original menu files, make sure that you do NOT copy the sample .MNU
files from the master disk over your original files. Menu files from
EZ-Menu 3.x will need to be converted to work with later versions - see
the section describing usage of the EZCONV utility for more information.
9
EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
Important Notes on EZ-Menu's Operation
As easy-to-use as the software is, there are a few items that should
be of interest to the user. Please read this section carefully - it
may avoid problems in the future. Whenever EZ-Menu is running, the
files that it works with are never kept open longer than the time
necessary to read or write the required data. This means that you
can turn the computer off while EZ-Menu is running with no problems.
In fact if usage tracking is enabled, it is recommended that when you
opt to power-down the system, you do so from EZ-Menu's main menu. If
you are using the multiuser option, log out (F8) and power down at
the user-login screen. It should be noted that it is never a good
idea to turn the computer off while a program is running, especially
database and spreadsheet programs since the possibility of losing
data or corrupting files is highly probable. EZ-Menu has been
designed so that power can be turned off, or the computer can be
reset, while waiting at the main menu with virtually no possibility
of any data being lost or corrupted. Of course, never turn the
computer off when data is being saved - this goes for EZ-Menu when
configuration data or a menu entry is being stored to disk.
EZ-Menu saves its configuration information in the program itself
(EZMENU.EXE). This is done to insure the security of the system, and
also to enhance EZ-Menu's performance. However, many anti- virus
programs may interpret this has being an attempt to attach code to
the EZMENU.EXE program (or some other seemingly "subversive"
activity) - this is not the case although if you are running some
anti-virus software, it may notify you of this activity. This is a
normal aspect of EZ-Menu's configuration and should not be aborted.
If you copy EZ-Menu to another drive or subdirectory, make sure you
re-configure the program and pay attention to the subdirectory where
EZ-Menu has been told it resides. EZ-Menu's configuration tells the
program where many important files can be located and if the
subdirectory and drive are not set properly you may get a wide
variety of error messages, including a message indicating that
"EZMENU.EXE may be corrupted" during configuration. EZ-Menu can be
forced into configuration mode from DOS by typing ezmenu config.
If you run into problems while adding/editing menu options (you've
added an item but it does not invoke the application properly), it is
recommended that you set the appropriate menu choice option Pause
Before Returning to YES so that if an error message is generated by
the computer, you have time to read it before the menu comes back up.
The most common problem users have is improperly entering the command
or subdirectory name of an application - when they call the item from
the menu, the "Bad Command or Filename " message appears and EZ-Menu
immediately returns. If you get this message, check the spelling of
your subdirectory name, program name, or the drive letter where the
application is supposed to reside. More information on this is
outlined in the section describing how to add entries to the menu
10
EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
There is a Troubleshooting section at the end of this manual which
outlines some possible problems that may be experienced and their
appropriate solutions. If you run into any problems using the
software, always check the troubleshooting section first. More often
than not, most problems experienced have nothing to do with EZ-Menu,
but rather result from incorrect usage of an application that is
referenced from the menu (i.e. improperly spelling subdirectory and
program names, calling the wrong executable file in an application,
or calling a batch file when EZ-Menu is told that the menu choice is
of program/command type).
If you are having problems with another application and call their
technical support line, a common question they will ask is whether
you are using a "menu system" or "dos shell". Often, other menu
programs that are resident can cause problems with applications - EZ-
Menu is not memory resident. Be sure to mention that if you're asked
this kind of question by another company - they sometimes have a
habit of claiming someone else's program is causing the problems
you're experiencing. Sometimes this can be the case, but it would be
extremely unlikely that EZ-Menu would be the culprit in such
circumstances.
11
EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
A Short Introduction to the DOS Directory Structure
This section will help users who are unfamiliar with DOS have a better
idea of how their applications are stored and operated on a hard disk.
While this section does not directly pertain to EZ-Menu's operation, it
will help you better understand how to set-up and utilize EZ-Menu. If
you are already familiar with DOS you can skip this section.
As you are probably aware, a hard drive (also known as a fixed disk) can
store a very large amount of information. This "information" can either
be programs (instructions telling the computer to do something) or data
(which is manipulated by a program). We generally refer to a program
and its associated data as an "application". An application is one (or
more) procedures relating to a particular task (i.e. word processing,
accounting, communications). Each application may have one or more
programs and data sets. These programs and data are stored on the hard
drive. The programs and data are organized into what are called
"files". A file is nothing other than a collection of information -
labeled with a name. When we ask DOS to give us a DIRectory, we are
obtaining a list of files. It is usually quite easy to tell the program
files from the data files by looking at the "extension". A file is
identified by a 1-8 character name, (followed by a period when
referenced from a program), and an optional (1-3 character) extension.
The extension will usually indicate the type of file being examined.
Program files, or files that can be executed almost always have one of
three possible extensions: .BAT, .COM, or .EXE - these files can be
executed from DOS by typing the name and pressing <ENTER>. Every
application will have at least one file with such an extension. Any
other files are usually information used by the program itself.
Since the computer is not limited in its capabilities to just one
application, we usually install several different applications (programs
+ data) on our hard disk. In order to keep each application separate,
we have the capability to store each application in its own special area
on the hard disk. These areas are generally referred to as directories.
Applications are stored in separate directories in order to isolate them
from other applications - the same reason why you categorize documents
and put them in their own place in a filing cabinet. Under DOS, you
have a MAIN directory (called the ROOT directory) from which all other
files/directories are stored. We generally refer to these "isolated
areas" dedicated to a particular application as a "subdirectory". A
subdirectory has an entry in the DOS directory just like a file, but you
will also note the word <DIR> immediately to the right of the name.
This tells you that there is a subdirectory of a particular name
accessible from where you are.
In order to invoke an application from DOS, you primarily perform two
steps:
1. Issue the command to change to the directory where your
application is located
Issue the command to execute the program/application 2.
Usually when a program is installed onto your computer, the instructions
or the installation program will tell you two important items of
information associate with your application:
12
EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
The subdirectory 1. (and/or drive) where the program will be located on
your hard disk, OR ask you to specify the subdirectory (and/or drive)
where the program should be installed.
The program name - what you should type from DOS 2. to start the
application.
Those two items of information are what is required by EZ-Menu to add an
entry (program/command) to the menu. If the information is not obvious,
you can always get a DIRectory of your disk and look at filenames. EZ-
Menu's primary function is to change into the appropriate area and begin
the selected application. There are many other capabilities within EZ-
Menu, but what is described above is the only required information that
you must tell EZ-Menu in order for it to properly invoke your
application from the menu. If you are interested in learning more about
DOS, it is recommended that you visit your local book store and examine
the variety of informative publications available.
13
EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
EZ-Menu Configuration
EZ-Menu can be configured in three ways: during installation, from the
main menu by pressing F9 during normal operation, or in selected
versions with multiuser abilities via a special EZUSER utility.
Configuration options are usually divided into two categories: System
Options and User Options. System Options are global settings affecting
the entire operation of EZ-Menu. User Options are configurable for each
. user
When configuration mode is entered, a menu of options are displayed,
each labeled with a letter (A to Z). Next to each option is its
displayed setting. In all cases, the setting is the most common usage
of the particular option. When the user selects an option, a "help box"
pops up on the screen further identifying each option and allowing the
user to change its setting. If Automatic Help is set to anything other
than always, a minimal amount of information will be displayed, and the
user can more quickly change most of the configuration settings. Below
are brief descriptions of the configuration options. In most cases as
with every other area in EZ-Menu, the options are straightforward in
their presentation and solicitation of user input.
Configuration - System Options
The System Options configuration are global options which control how
EZ-Menu behaves, where it is located, and various security settings.
There is only one set of System Options while there may be one or more
User Options depending upon whether the multiuser option is enabled.
EZ-Menu Drive
This option identifies which drive EZ-Menu is installed on.
EZ-Menu Subdirectory
This option identifies which subdirectory EZ-Menu is installed in. The
default (which should not be changed unless necessary) is \EZMENU
Start-Up Filespec
This option identifies the batch file used to invoke EZ-Menu. Its
default is MENU or EZ.BAT . . .BAT and unless absolutely necessary, should
not be changed. If this field is modified, the command the user must
type from DOS to invoke EZ-Menu will be different from the default. An
example of when this option should be changed is if there is another
program on the computer system with the same name, a conflict would
occur. "MENU" is a common filename. On Novell Networks, their menu
system also uses the command MENU, therefore if EZ-Menu is to run under
Novell, the best thing to do would be to change the start-up command to
something like , therefore the user would have to type "EZ" from EZ.BAT
the Dos prompt to start EZ-Menu. Please note that when this command is
changed, the AUTOEXEC.BAT file must also be modified, with the new
start-up command replacing the existing "MENU" reference. For more
information, see Manually Installing EZ-Menu.
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Global Work Directory (only available in EZ-Menu LAN
versions)
This option is designed for network environments and is critical to
reliable multiuser operation. Here you must specify either a mapped or
common drive/path reference which every user will have available, which
points to a different data area on disk based on the user's network or
ID. The path specified here determines where EZ-Menu writes its node
batch files which control the user's entry to an application and the
subsequent return to EZ-Menu. For example, in a Novell environment you
would commonly specify a drive letter in this field which is mapped to a
subdirectory on the server based on the user's login name. If this
field is not properly set in a network environment, strange things may
happen such as the user dropping into another application after exiting
the one he selected, or not returning back to the menu. More complete
information is available in the EZ-Menu LAN Setup/Operations Manual.
Master Password
This password, if specified will be required to be entered by the user
in order to re-configure EZ-Menu. This password will also work in any
area of EZ-Menu where a password is required in order to proceed. If
you set a Master Password and forget it, the only way to circumvent the
security is by re-installing EZ-Menu from its original disk. This
password as with all other global passwords are encrypted into the
EZMENU program itself and virtually impossible to decode. Great care
should be taken to remember the master password. Progressive Computer
Services can if necessary, determine the password, but the user will
have to send his EZ-Menu program to us along with a $10 "I'm sorry I
forgot the password" fee (so don't forget the password). This password
as with all others can be changed if the user has access to
configuration.
Dos Exit Password
If this field is empty (no password protection) the user will have
immediate access to DOS by pressing <ESC> from within EZ-Menu. If a
password is entered in this field, the user must know this password
before gaining access to DOS.
Edit Menu Password
If a password is specified in this field, the user must know the
password in order to edit, erase, or add items to the menu. The user
must also know this password in order to set colors for a submenu. If a
particular menu choice has its own password assigned, this password can
be used to override the menu choice password in order to execute or edit
the entry. Implementing this password will inhibit users from changing
the menu layout once they have been defined.
Min. Level/Configure (multiuser feature)
This option is only useful if the multiuser option is enabled. This
determines the minimum security level required for a user to be able to
configure the system. It is recommended that you only allow the system
administrator to be able to configure the system settings to avoid
potential security problems.
Min. Level/User Edit (multiuser feature)
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This option determines the minimum security level required for a user to
be able to configure his own user options. Since there are some
possibly volatile options in the user setting configuration, you may
want to restrict this ability as well. If you don't want your users to
be able to access DOS, then do not give them clearance to edit their
user settings as well - this will make security tighter.
Min. Level/DOS Access (multiuser feature)
This option determines the minimum security level required for a user to
be able to hit ESC and exit from EZ-Menu. If the user does not have
clearance, nothing will happen when ESC is pressed. If a DOS Exit
Password is also specified, the user must first meet this security level
and then must know the appropriate password to get to DOS.
Min. Level/Menu Mod. (multiuser feature)
This option determines the minimum security level required for a user to
be able to modify any of the menus in the system. If an Edit Menu
Password is also set, the user must first meet the security level
requirements and then will be prompted to enter a password to change any
part of the menus. If you do not want the menus changed by certain
users after they've been set up, use this setting in a multiuser
environment to restrict modification of the menus.
Multiuser?
This option, if set to Yes unlocks a powerful feature in EZ-Menu -
allowing you to define a list of users who will have access to EZ-Menu
and a host of special options, security and user-specific configuration
settings. If you are the only person using your PC, you probably don't
need to implement the multiuser feature, but on a LAN or if several
people share your PC, this can give you added security and additional
flexibility. If multiuser is enabled, you will find that you can set
security levels for a variety of functions as well as for any menu item.
A separate program called EZUSER allows you to maintain a list of users
who have access and modify their settings individually - determining
what menus they have access to, how the menus look, and many other
options. With the multiuser option set to yes, you will find that EZ-
Menu's behavior changes dramatically in many areas of the system - most
notably that you will be asked to log in to the menu, and when adding or
editing menu items, you have the ability to assign a numeric security
code - representing an access level required for operation. For more
information see the Multiuser Operation Of EZ-Menu section.
Pick Username Method (multiuser feature)
This option allows you to specify how a user logs in to EZ-Menu. You
can have them pick from the list of available user names, or for added
security require them to type in their username. The LAN version of EZ-
Menu offers additional options including the ability to automatically
retrieve the username from the network user ID or node address. The
following options are available:
Pick name from list
This option displays an alphabetized list of user accounts; the user
can pick the appropriate username and specify a password to continue.
The supervisor record is always listed first.
Prompted to enter name
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This option displays a prompt where the user must type his username
(case insensitive). EZ-Menu will search the userfile for an account
under the name specified, and if found, will prompt for a password
and log the user in. If you do not want your users to know the names
of any other accounts, this option is best.
Name retrieved from LAN user login name / node ID
These options are available in the LAN version of EZ-Menu and allow
the username to be automatically selected from the LAN environment;
consult the EZ-Menu LAN Operations Manual for more information.
Allow ESC from Login? (multiuser feature)
This option, if set to Yes allows the user to press <ESC> at the user
login prompt and exit EZ-Menu (thereby allowing exit-to-dos instead of
logging in). If the option is set to No, the user must login to EZ-Menu
before continuing. As an extra feature, if the file EZABORT.BAT exists
in EZ-Menu's subdirectory and this option is set to Yes, when the user
hits <ESC> at the login prompt the EZABORT.BAT file will be executed.
Set this option to No for increased security, or create the EZABORT.BAT
file to take the user to an appropriate program/location if he won't
properly login to EZ-Menu. In a LAN environment, the EZABORT.BAT file
could log the user off the network if he won't properly enter EZ-Menu
(or is using an account not recognized by EZ-Menu).
LAN Type (LAN/multiuser feature)
This option is available in the LAN versions of EZ-Menu and is used to
identify what kind of network you are running. Certain features of EZ-
Menu support the retrieval of information from the network operating
system and this setting defines what kind of LAN environment you are
operating under. Further information on this setting is outlined in the
EZ-Menu LAN Operations/Setup Manual for users of the EZ-Menu LAN
versions.
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Configuration - User Options
The User Options configuration contain settings that can be configured
per-user if you have the multiuser option enabled, otherwise these
options are global as well. If multiuser is set to no, then there will
only be one set of User Options, accessible by pressing F9 from within
EZ-Menu.
User Name (multiuser feature)
This option is the specified name of the user under EZ-Menu. This only
applies when EZ-Menu is in multiuser mode. This is the identifier that
the user will select to log in to EZ-Menu. In a LAN environment, if you
set this option as node or user, EZ-Menu will retrieve the node ID or
the network username from the current environment. Note: When prompted
to enter a username for logging in to EZ-Menu, you can also type node or
user instead of typing the actual node ID or username for the current
station/account (applicable only in the EZ-Menu LAN versions).
Department (multiuser feature)
This option is another field of information you can specify to be
associated with the current user. It's primarily used for
identification/classification.
Login Password (multiuser feature)
This is the password which must be specified by the corresponding user
when logging into EZ-Menu. If this field is blank, the user will not be
prompted to enter any password. Note: If you have EZ-Menu set to pick
the username from the LAN environment, keeping this field blank will
ensure that upon execution of EZ-Menu, a username will be automatically
selected and the main menu pops-up without any required intervention by
the user. This password is also used for the password-protected screen
blank feature. If you press Ctrl-Home from the menu, the screen will
blank; if a user password is set, upon hitting any key (to end the
screen blanker), you must specify the user password to continue. This
is useful if you want to temporarily lock the system while you're away.
Security Level (multiuser feature)
If multiuser is enabled, each user will have a corresponding security
level from 0 (lowest) to 255 (highest) specified in this option. You
can set minimum security levels for a variety of system options, as well
as for any menu item. If the user does not have a high-enough security
level, he will be unable to complete the specified operation (whether it
be reconfiguring the system, accessing or modifying a menu item, etc.)
User Work Directory (multiuser feature)
This option specifies a drive/path reference where EZ-Menu will create
internal files necessary for operation. It is functionally identical to
the Global Work Directory option in System Configuration Settings, with
one exception. If this field is set, its value will override the value
of the Global Work Directory setting. This is useful if you have a few
atypical nodes in your network that require alternate settings for where
private files are stored, or if you want to make the User Work Directory
different for each user on the network, and there are no mapped drive
settings.
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Exit Command(s) DOS
This option allows the user to specify a sequence of commands which will
be executed when the user presses <ESC> to exit-to-dos from within EZ-
Menu. Any valid executable DOS command, batch filename or program name
can be entered in this field. Multiple DOS commands can be entered
provided they are separated by a tilde (~) character. The default for
this option contains three commands: "CD\~CLS~ECHO To return to EZ-Menu
type MENU." as explained below.
CD\ (changes to the root directory of the disk)
CLS (clears the screen)
ECHO (displays the message "To return to EZ-Menu type MENU.")
Obviously if the menu-startup command is modified, the name as listed
above to invoke EZ-Menu should be changed.
Usage Log Filespec
This option contains the filename (and optional drive/path) where the
user's computer activity will be logged. The default for this is
USAGE.LOG and if this is changed, the filename specified in READLOG's
configuration should also be changed. If no drive/path is specified,
the global/user work directory is used.
Timex Filespec
This option allows the user to specify an alternate menu file which will
be checked at a user-defined frequency for scheduled events (timed-
executions). It should contain a valid filename with a .MNU extension
(drive and path specifications are allowable). The file specified in
this field is not unlike any other menu file except that during EZ-
Menu's operation, if this feature is enabled (via the Check Timex Menu
option), this menu will be checked automatically for scheduled events
regardless of whether or not this is the current menu displayed. This
menu does not have to be normally accessible from EZ-Menu's main menu in
order to be activated, therefore the user can have up to 120 scheduled
events that will be automatically checked for timed-execution without
being visible in EZ-Menu. For more information see the Check Timex Menu
and the Timed-Execution section of this manual.
Main Menu Filespec
This option identifies the filename (and optional drive/path) where the
initial menu file is located. When EZ-Menu starts, it will look for
this file to contain the list of choices for the main menu. Changing
this option allows virtually any menu to be the initial one displayed
(assumed to be the "Main" menu). The default filespec is MAIN.MNU and
since no drive or subdirectory is specified, it is assumed that the file
is located in whatever subdirectory EZ-Menu is installed. If this file
does not exist, EZ-Menu will create it when it runs, and then the user
will have the option of adding entries to the menu.
Main Menu Title
This option contains the title of the initial menu displayed. This
description is limited to 35 characters and is displayed at the top of
the menu display. Its default is "Main Menu of Available Applications"
but it could be set to something like "Bob's Main Menu" to personalize
EZ-Menu.
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Bottom Screen Message
This is simply a user-defined screen message. The text is displayed at
the bottom of the main menu screen - set it to whatever you would like.
NOTE: There are some special commands (for LAN systems) which can be
placed in this field which cause EZ-Menu to display information on the
current environment. For more information, consult the EZ-Menu LAN
manual if you have the network version of EZ-Menu.
Screen Blanking
This option determines the amount of inactivity (in minutes) after which
EZ-Menu will clear the screen. Clearing the screen helps extend the
life of the computer monitor. If a 0 is entered, screen blanking is
disabled. Note that EZ-Menu's screen blanking feature works only within
the EZ-Menu program and not while another application is running. It is
recommended that if a user is going to leave the computer idle for a
reasonable amount of time, that he exit his application and let the
computer sit in EZ-Menu anyway. During normal operation, pressing Ctrl-
Home from the menu will force EZ-Menu to instantly blank the screen - if
a user password is set, it must be specified to unlock the screen
blanker (a feature many users have suggested). When pressing Ctrl-Home,
the user can also specify a particular message to be displayed by the
screen blanker. This message will remain in effect until it is changed,
the menu is exited, or an application is invoked.
Simple Menu
This option allows you to change the layout of menu items. With
Simplemenu enabled, menu items will be displayed in a single column, 13
to a page, otherwise they are displayed in two columns, 26 to a page.
This is strictly a cosmetic setting you can change to suit your
preference. Simplemenu supports a more basic layout with less
information and "clutter" on-screen.
One-Key Execution
This feature allows the user to select options from the menu with a
single keypress. If this feature is set to YES, all entries will be
labeled with a letter - pressing the corresponding letter will
immediately execute the selection. If this feature is disabled,
pressing a letter at EZ-Menu's main display will highlight the first
entry whose name begins with the letter pressed. If One-Key Execution
is enabled, additional options will indicate how the menu items are
alphabetically labeled, whether from left-to-right (L/R) or top-to-
bottom (T/B). It is recommended that Left/Right be set [to YES] because
any changes to the menu if it is labeled from top-to-bottom, will often
cause many menu choices' letter-identifiers to change.
Time Stamping
If this feature is set to Yes, every time a menu choice is executed, EZ-
Menu will make a note of the date and time it was selected. This
feature should be enabled if timed-execution is enabled, or if the user
would like to know when the last time an application was executed -
which is displayed on the Status Page (F10 from the main menu). See
"The Logistics of Timed-Execution" section for more information.
Sound
During the course of its operation, EZ-Menu will commonly generate
sounds to indicate various events or bad user responses. If you want
sound disabled, set this option to No.
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Minute Chime
With this feature set to YES, EZ-Menu will "beep" once every minute,
identifying that timed-execution entries are being checked. If an
alternate timed-execution menu is enabled, another "beep" will be heard
when the timex menu is checked. This option is also useful if the
computer is doing processing and the user would want to be notified when
the application finishes and EZ-Menu is once-again active.
Timed-Execution
With this feature enabled, EZ-Menu will check for any entries on the
menu scheduled to be executed at a particular time. If no events are
scheduled for timed-execution, it is still OK to leave this option set
to YES. Every minute, EZ-Menu will examine the menu to see if any
choices have been designated to execute at a particular time. If you
set up scheduled events and they seem to not be triggering, chances are
this option is set to NO. If this option is enabled (which is the
recommended setting), make sure that the "Time Stamping" option is also
set to YES to insure that scheduled events execute as intended. For
additional information see the section entitled: The Timed-Execution
Feature.
Check Timex Menu
This option allows the user to specify the frequency at which the
alternate timed-execution menu will be checked for scheduled events. A
number between 1 and 240 is acceptable, or 0 to disable the alternate
timex menu. A 1 would indicate that the timex menu would be checked
every minute; 10 would mean every 10 minutes, etc.. The menu file
checked under this operation is specified under the Timed-Execution File
option in configuration.
Usage Tracking
With this feature enabled (set to YES), EZ-Menu will keep an exact log
of all activities accomplished from the menu; this includes the date and
time (to the second) an application was entered and the elapsed time
spent in the application. The usage log will also keep track of
activities accomplished from within EZ-Menu such as timed-executions,
reset re-executions, invalid passwords and any modifications to the
system or menus.
On Screen Clock
This option allows you to enable or disable the on-screen clock, as well
as configure how the date and time are displayed. There are many
display options available compatible with a wide variety of time and
date formats in foreign countries.
Color/Settings
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This option identifies which type of monitor is attached to EZ-Menu and
whether or not the user has the ability to configure the colors and
display attributes. If the user wishes to configure EZ-Menu's colors,
he should select this option, toggle it to say YES, then press <ENTER>
after which the color selection menu will be displayed. During color
configuration the user can easily determine how the color scheme will
look by pressing the <SPACEBAR> while in that mode. Some users who may
not have a color monitor may still want this feature set to YES so they
can change the display attributes for their particular computer/monitor
type. Special versions of EZ-Menu designed to run in a mainframe
emulation environment may also have an option here to change certain
screen writing functions to be compatible with special emulation
hardware. Additional information on configuring colors is outlined
later in this section.
Automatic Help
This option has several settings and controls how EZ-Menu displays
various help messages. If set to always, EZ-Menu's automatic context-
sensitive help system will display additional information when available
in various areas of the program. Until the user is familiar with EZ-
Menu it is recommended that this option be set to always; later it can
be changed to speed the user's way through the system by inhibiting the
help screens. If you're running a "closed" menu system, the last two
option are probably desirable. Automatic Help settings include:
Always enables all internal help messages, screen displays & pop-
up help boxes
Screen/Menu Help disables the pop-up help messages associated with
adding, editing or configuring EZ-Menu options
Menu Help Only goes one step further and disables the display of any
help information on EZ-Menu's screen - but allows pop-up
help associated with individual menu items to be displayed
None disables all internal help, screen messages (such as a list
of which keys are active at the bottom of the menu); also
disables menu item pop-up help messages
The latter two options will also disable the ability to press F4 from
the main menu and display the "EZ-Menu Information Page".
Saving/Aborting Configuration
After the user is satisfied with the configuration settings, pressing
<SPACE> will save the options and resume EZ-Menu's operation with the
new settings. If <ESC> is pressed EZ-Menu will abort back to its
original settings. If <ESC> is pressed the first time EZ-Menu is
configured, the user will be returned to Dos since configuration is
required in order to run EZ-Menu.
Configuring EZ-Menu Colors
EZ-Menu allows the user to individually configure display attributes
(colors) for any menu on the system. The main color scheme is defined
as part of your User Options configuration; in addition, each submenu
may have a unique set of colors as well.
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EZ-Menu saves a "master" set of colors that is used with the main menu
(and any other submenus that do not have unique colors set) - this set
of colors is accessible from EZ-Menu's standard configuration after
selecting the color monitor or autodetect option from the configuration
menu.
To configure the colors for a submenu, simply display the appropriate
submenu, then press F9. Normally the message Are you sure you want to
configure EZ-Menu? would be displayed, but since a submenu is active
(and EZ-Menu has been told that you are using a color display), the
message Configure EZ-Menu, or Configure Menu Colors? (E/M) will be
shown. If m is pressed, the user will be taken to the color
configuration screen and the colors he chooses will be set for this
displayed submenu only. If the user presses e he will be taken to the
main configuration screen.
Note: If the user's configuration is not set to indicate a color
monitor is present, this option will not be available. Whenever a
submenu is entered that has unique colors set, these colors will
appear, and will take effect in every area of EZ-Menu as long as
that submenu is loaded. When the user presses F3, the main menu
along with the standard color scheme will be loaded. If another
submenu is selected and no colors are set for that submenu, the
default colors will remain in effect.
EZ-Menu saves submenu color set-ups in a file of the same name as the
menufile, but with a .CLR extension. To remove a color set-up for a
submenu, simply delete the appropriate CLR file, or re-configure the
colors to match EZ-Menu's default colors. EZ-Menu will ignore submenu
colors when running in monochrome or B&W mode.
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Using EZ-Menu
Most users should have very few problems navigating through EZ-Menu and
its various menus, options & features. We have made every effort to
always display a user's available choices and commands on-screen so
you're never in doubt about what keys are active. In almost every area
where you may have to answer a question or provide a command, pressing
<Enter> will always default to the most common or appropriate choice.
When EZ-Menu first "pops-up", you will see a menu of available options.
This is called the main menu. If you are running in multiuser mode,
before you reach the main menu you must log in, but we will go into that
later (see the Multiuser section for more details).
At the main menu, you can select any option on the menu by hilighting
the selection and pressing <Enter>. Some menu options will immediately
invoke a program while others may take you to another menu of options.
We call each selection on the menu a menu item or menu choice. The
main menu (as with any menu in EZ-Menu) is almost completely user-
configurable. You can add new items, edit existing ones, move items
from one location to another, erase items, or through configuration,
define many options which determine how the menu items are displayed or
selected.
Main Menu Commands
When a menu is displayed, the following keys are active:
ENTER Executes/selects the menu item hilighted
arrows Move the pointer up, down, left, or right.
PgDn Switches display to next page (if there is more than 1
page of entries on the current menu).
PgUp Switches display to the previous page.
Home Move pointer to first entry on the page.
End Move pointer to last entry on the page.
a-z Depending upon whether you have One-Key-Execution
enabled, pressing a letter on the keyboard will either
immediately execute the entry labeled with the letter you
pressed, or move the menu bar to the next entry whose
first character matches the key pressed.
Ctrl a-z Highlights the menu choice labeled with the alpha key
that is pressed in combination with Ctrl. This feature
is useful when One-Key-Execution is enabled and you wish
to edit an entry - in such a case, you would press Ctrl-B
and option "B" would be highlighted, whereupon you could
press F2 to edit that entry. The only exception to this
feature is with Ctrl-M, which will execute the currently
highlighted menu choice.
F1 Permits you to add entries to menu.
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F2 Switches to edit mode for highlighted entry.
F3 Switches display to Main Menu.
F4 Displays program information.
F5 Erase the highlighted entry.
F6 Swap/Copy the highlighted entry - you must then move the
cursor to the second item you wish to swap with and press
<ENTER> If the 2nd item highlighted during swapping is a
the user submenu will have the option of copying the
first highlighted entry to the specified submenu, or
simply swapping the entries on-screen.
Shift-F6 Sorts the currently displayed menu in alphabetical
(descending) order.
F7 Prints information on each menu entry from the current
menu (to the printer connected to your computer).
F8 Depending upon whether the multiuser option is enabled,
F8 will either force all entries on the current menu to
be checked for timed-execution (Multiuser=No), or log the
current user out of EZ-Menu (if Multiuser=Yes).
F9 Re-configure EZ-Menu. If a color monitor is defined and
is in a submenu the user when pressing F9, this key will
also allow configuration of individual menu colors.
F10 Display the status of your computer system and EZ-Menu
settings. On this page, you are shown items such as:
Current available DOS , available DOS memory for memory
EZ-Menu applications, capacity of the current drive,
amount of space in use on the current drive, amount of
free space (in bytes and in percentage free), a bar graph
displaying how full the current drive is, EZ-Menu's
configuration options, the name of the current
highlighted entry, the time/period it is set to execute
(if any), the time/date the highlighted entry was last
executed and other information.
NOTE: (The time/date of an entry's last execution may
not be accurate if during configuration , the "Time
Stamp" option is disabled. If this is the case, the
date displayed will be indicative of when the entry
was created or last time-executed.)
While on the status page, pressing a drive letter (A-Z)
will show the amount of free space (in bytes and by a
graph) of the specified drive. Pressing the <SPACEBAR>
will return you to EZ-Menu's main display.
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Ctrl-Home This will "hot-key" the security screen-blanker. The
screen will clear, similar to what would happen if
inactivity caused your EZ-Menu display to blank, except
that if you hit a key to continue and terminate the
blanker, you'll be required to specify a password to un-
lock your PC. The password will be asked for if you have
a User Login Password set. When prompted, you can
specify the User Password or the Master Password. This
is useful for temporarily locking your PC when you're
away.
ESC At the main menu, the ESC key normally will allow the
to exit to DOS user (leave EZ-Menu). If an Exit-To-DOS
is in effect, the user must enter the password password
before continuing. When the user exits via the ESC key,
any defined exit-to-dos commands in configuration will be
first executed. If ESC is pressed while a submenu is
displayed, the user can "back-out" to the previous menu.
Additional Editing Commands
At any point in EZ-Menu, when prompted to input/modify more than one
character of information, the following keys are active:
Home Moves the cursor to the beginning of the current line.
End Moves the cursor to the end of the current line.
Ins Toggles between INSERT and OVERWRITE mode; changes cursor
shape.
Del Erases the character under the cursor.
left Moves the cursor one character to the left (non-
destructive)
Backspace Erases the character to the left of the cursor
(destructive)
right Moves the cursor one character to the right.
Ctrl-Right Erases all characters from the cursor to the end of line
(during line editing).
ENTER Accepts current line and continues.
ESC Aborts input/editing procedure and continues.
Ctrl-b Reformats text; only active when editing pop-up help
messages.
Any other keys pressed will be accepted and judged for input.
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EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
Setting Up Menus
The F1 key from the main EZ-Menu display allows you to add a new menu
choice to the current menu. There are three basic types of menu choices
that can be added, each with its own characteristics:
1. Program/Command
This is the most common type of menu choice , used to start most
standard programs and DOS commands. Any application which is
invoked by calling an .EXE or .COM file including any command that
would be typed from the DOS prompt that does not call a batch file
should be set up in EZ-Menu under this type of entry. You can also
call a .BAT file as a program/command type entry - however upon
exit, the user will not be returned to EZ-Menu (in some cases this
may be desirable - such as logging on/off a network.)
2. Batch File
This menu choice type indicates that a batch file will be called
from the menu. Any application that is started by invoking a batch
file (a file with a .BAT extension containing one or more DOS
commands or programs) should be set-up in EZ-Menu as an entry of
this type.
3. Submenu
This menu choice indicates the "entrance" to another menu of options
within EZ-Menu. When a menu choice of type "submenu" is created, an
entry on the current menu will be created, which if selected will
take the user to another menu of choices.
All three types of menu choices will be outlined on the following pages.
Each type of menu entry will have many user-definable options and a few
required pieces of information.
Upon selection of the F1 option to add a menu choice, additional help
will be displayed during the operation (assuming that automatic help is
enabled in configuration). Whenever an entry is added to the menu, in
most cases when prompted with a question, the user can press <ENTER> and
EZ-Menu will default to the most common answer. Please note that some
information MUST be input by the user (such as the description of the
choice on the menu, the subdirectory name, and a filename or command
used to invoke the application).
For entries of Program/Command type, the required information that the
user must specify in order for the menu choice to work includes the
subdirectory and program name. For Batch file entry types, the user
must be able to specify the subdirectory and filename for the batch
; for submenu file types a valid filename must be specified where new
menu items will be stored.
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The third kind of entry (Submenu) is a special feature used by EZ-Menu
so you can group similar programs together without cluttering the main
menu. For example, let's say you have 3 different word processing
programs that you use regularly. Instead of putting all 3 on the main
menu, you could create a menu entry listed as "Word Processing Menu",
and upon selection of that choice, you are taken to another menu
consisting of your word processing options. When creating this kind of
entry, simply specify "S" as the type, then enter in the subdirectory
and menu filename. When you select this item initially from the menu,
the screen will say 'There are no entries in this menu'. At that point
you should press F1 and add entries to your sub-menu. While viewing a
submenu, pressing F3 will take you back to the main menu.
To give you an idea of how an application would be added to EZ-Menu, we
will demonstrate by using a common application. For example, if
Wordstar is installed on your hard drive, to normally call-up the
program, from DOS you might type the following commands:
CD\WS switch into the "WS" subdirectory ( where Wordstar is
installed)
WS (Invoke the program by name to begin execution of ) WS.COM
Assuming that Wordstar is installed as demonstrated above, the program
would begin running. After you exit from Wordstar, you would once-again
be at the DOS prompt where the computer awaits your next command. If
this application is entered into EZ-Menu, the user will simply have to
press a single letter to invoke the program, and when it ends the menu
will immediately return - yielding a much "friendlier" environment.
From looking at the Wordstar example above, the two bits of information
required are easily identified: the subdirectory where the application
is located is "\WS" and the command to invoke the program is "WS",
therefore when adding the appropriate menu choice, we have the two
required items of information necessary to insure that everything
operates properly. All of the other options EZ-Menu asks for when
adding an entry are user-definable.
The Wordstar application is an example of a Program/command-type entry,
which will be by far the most common menu choice added to EZ-Menu. We
will now go into the questions that are asked when creating menu
choices:
What is the DESCRIPTIVE name of your menu entry?
Here you simply type the name of your choice as you wish it to appear
on the menu. If you are going to create an entry leading to another
menu, you might enter something like "Utility Menu". There is no
default for this question.
Is this entry a: Program/command, Batch file, Submenu? (P/B/S)
Here is where you would specify the entry type as described earlier.
Depending upon which type of entry you are creating, different
questions may be asked. The default for this question is a
Program/command.
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What drive is your selection located on?
Here you should enter the drive letter where your application, batch
file, or submenu file will be stored or invoked from. If EZ-Menu is
installed on drive C: and you are creating an entry to call a program
on drive D:, you should enter "D" here. Pressing <ENTER> will cause
EZ-Menu to assume that your menu choice will invoke an application on
the current drive (and therefore switching to another drive is
unnecessary). If EZ-Menu is being run in a LAN environment, it is
always a good idea to specifically enter the drive letter where your
application is installed even if it is on the default drive.
Enter the subdirectory where the program/command/batch file is located:
When prompted for this information, you can also press F2 and pop-up
a list of available subdirectories to pick from. This list will be
alphabetically sorted and broken down into multiple pages if there
are too many to list on one screen.
This is one of the required bits of information EZ-Menu must have in
order to have the menu choice execute properly. Depending upon which
type of menu choice you are adding, this question will be slightly
different. When a subdirectory name is entered, you need not be
concerned with preceding the name with a backslash - EZ-Menu will
automatically do that for you if necessary. If however, your
subdirectory reference is something like: \WORDPROC\WS you should
include the backslash in the middle (this example assumes that the \WS
subdirectory is inside of the \WORDPROC subdirectory, which is where
the application is located on your hard disk). For program/command
entries, the default to this question is \ (the root directory).
For batch files, the subdirectory name entered should tell EZ-Menu where
the batch file to be called is located. The batch file itself may
change to another directory once run, but here EZ-Menu is only concerned
with the location of the batch file, and not what happens once it is
executed. The default answer to this question for entries of batch type
is the \EZMENU subdirectory - that is EZ-Menu assumes that any batch
files to be executed from the menu will be located in the EZ-Menu
subdirectory.
For submenus, this question refers to the location on disk, where the
submenu file will be stored. When a submenu entry is created, you tell
EZ-Menu the name of a file that will contain the menu choices associated
with the submenu. This file is stored in the subdirectory specified
here. The default for this question is the \EZMENU subdirectory and
should generally not be changed unless you are working in a multiuser
environment (in which case you might want to centrally locate all of the
menu files in their own subdirectory).
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Enter the exact filename/command to call-up your selection: (P/c
type entry)
Enter the name and extension of the Batch file: (B type
entry)
Enter the name of the Submenu file: (S type
entry)
When prompted for this information, you can also press F2 and pop-up
a list of available program files to pick from. This list will be
alphabetically sorted and broken down into multiple pages if there
are too many to list on one screen.
This next question will vary as identified above depending upon the
type of menu choice you are adding. Since this option requires
specialized information there is no default. For Program/command
entries, any valid DOS command can be entered - most commonly the name
of the program you wish to execute. You can also "stack" multiple
commands by separating each with a tilde character (~). Here is an
example:
ACCT~ECHO Insert Backup Disk in A:~PAUSE~COPY *.DAT A:
In this manner, we can invoke multiple DOS commands without having to
create a batch file by separating each command with a tilde character.
In the above example, let's assume that "ACCT" executes an accounting
program; after the program finishes, a message will be displayed on
the screen (via the ECHO command) and the user is prompted to insert a
backup disk in A:; after pressing a key (the PAUSE command), all files
with a .DAT extension are copied to the floppy (using COPY). You are
limited to stacked commands not exceeding 70 characters in length. If
more commands are desired, you should create a batch file instead.
For batch file entries, this question asks the name of the batch file
to be executed. If no extension is entered, a .BAT extension will be
added. The filename entered here must exist in the specified
subdirectory otherwise an error message will be generated. The file
specified is assumed to contain additional DOS commands. Please note
however that you do not necessarily have to have your batch file
identified with a .BAT extension on the disk. You can "beef up"
security by renaming a batch file to look like something other than a
batch file, and specifying the full filename here (i.e. ACCT.JJJ could
actually be a batch file as told to EZ-Menu, but a user looking around
on the disk may not realize this). Such is one way to enhance the
security of your system.
For submenu entries, simply specify a 1-8 character name which will
correspond to a file under which the submenu's choices will be stored.
A .MNU extension will be automatically appended.
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Enter Password (or <RETURN> for no protection):
If you wish to limit access to your menu choice , regardless of its
type, you can assign a password here. If such a password is specified,
the user must enter the password in order to select the appropriate
option. If your entry is of Submenu type, assigning a password will
limit the user's access to that entire menu of choices. Without
knowledge of the password (if set), a user will not have access to this
menu choice. Two special passwords can override any password set here -
the Edit Menu Password and Master Password (as defined in
configuration). When setting a password, you will not see it on the
screen; instead a series of "blocks" will appear. The password will
have to be entered twice in this manner to verify its correct spelling.
If the two do not match, the process must be repeated. This way if
someone is looking over your shoulder they will not have any idea of
what you are typing. There is no easy way to determine a forgotten
password! If you forget a password for a menu item, use the master
password to edit the entry and either remove or reset the old password.
Do you want to set any Pop-Up Help or Security Options? (Y/N):
Answering YES to this choice will display the pop-up help box. If you
want to enter any special help message to display, type the text at
this point, otherwise press ESC to get to the next prompt.
Edit Pop-Up Help:
This feature allows you to custom-create a help box that can be set to
pop up when the user selects the current menu item. Obviously there
are many times when it would be helpful to provide more-detailed
information to the user on a particular menu item. This feature
allows you the opportunity to compose additional help information that
can be displayed prior to, or upon selection of a menu choice.
Several lines of text can be entered (and during this time, the help
box can be edited like a standard text editor - with arrow keys,
insert and delete keys active). After you have entered the desired
text, press the F10 key to exit and continue. Next, you'll be
prompted to specify how the help text is displayed to the user. There
are three options:
Pop-Up Help disabled (will not appear unless user presses SPACE)
This setting will cause the specified help text to only be
displayed if the menu item is hilighted and the user presses the
<SPACEBAR>.
Help shown when menu item is hilighted
This setting will cause the specified help text to "pop-up" on
screen whenever the menu item is hilighted (probably the most
appropriate setting).
Help shown when menu item is executed (user prompted to continue)
This setting is helpful when you want to tell the user something
about the item he is about to run, or provide more information
before the user is prompted for parameters or to enter a comment
into the activity log. The help will display only after the menu
item has been selected and then the user will be prompted to press
a key to continue.
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Minimum security required to see or access menu item:
If the multiuser feature is implemented, you can also specify a
numeric security level from 0-255 associated with the current menu
item. The user's security level must be greater than or equal to the
number specified in order to see the item on the menu or select it.
Minimum security required to edit/swap/erase menu item:
The user's security level must be greater than or equal to the number
specified here in order to have access to modify the menu item (edit,
swap or erase). NOTE: In the case of erasing a menu item, if the
user does not have access to all entries on the current menu, the
operation cannot be performed.
Do you want the computer to pause before returning to EZ-Menu? (Y/N):
Answering YES to this question will cause the message "To return to
EZ-Menu, Strike any key.." and you will be prompted to press a key
before returning to EZ-Menu (after you've exited from your
application). If you are running a program (such as CHKDSK) which
displays important information then immediately terminates, you might
want to set this option to YES so that time is allowed for you to read
the screen before EZ-Menu pops back up (otherwise you're immediately
returned to the menu).
Do you want to be prompted to enter parameters to this entry? (Y/N):
Answering YES to this, upon execution of the option, will allow the
user to be prompted to enter any additional parameters to the command
line before the item is executed. In most cases, you should just
press <ENTER> at this prompt so that it defaults to NO.
If the computer is reset or loses power during this operation, would you
like the computer to automatically re-execute this choice? (Y/N):
Answering YES to this option implements one of EZ-Menu's special
features: reset-re-execution. If the computer is reset (for example,
by a temporary loss of power) while the application is running, upon
rebooting of the computer, EZ-Menu will drop back into the interrupted
application. This is especially useful for applications which do not
require operator attention (i.e. BBS's etc.). When the computer is
reset in such circumstances, EZ-Menu will wait ten seconds in which if
any key is pressed, the reset-re-execution process will be aborted,
otherwise the interrupted application will restart.
Upon returning from this application, display the main menu? (Y/N):
You will get this question only if you are adding an entry to a sub-
menu. If you answer YES (the default), when you exit the application
called, you will return to the Main Menu; if you answer NO, upon
exiting your called application, the sub-menu from which you called
the selection will be initially displayed.
Do you wish to be prompted to add a log comment for this entry? (Y/N):
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You will only get this question if you have the automatic usage log
enabled. Answering Yes to this question will cause the operator to be
prompted to enter a comment which will be added to the log whenever
you select this option to be executed. This feature is very useful
for people wishing to keep specific info on what they are doing in a
particular application (i.e. for billing purposes to clients, etc.).
With this feature enabled, if you do not want to add a comment during
a particular session, simply press <ENTER> at the blank prompt.
Do you want to specify a set time for this choice to execute? (Y/N):
This feature will enable you to set a menu choice to execute at a
specific time. Answering YES to this question will bring up another
prompt, asking you to specify the desired frequency: Daily, Weekly,
Monthly, Annually, or on an Exact date. You can effectively set an
option to execute at a specific time of day according to any frequency
you specify. The user input asked for is self-explanatory in most
(all) cases. When specifying the time of day, the user can enter it
in a variety of formats. Here are some examples:
(1:01 am) 1:1 (2:30 pm) 14:30
(3:21 pm) 3:21p 7:00am (7:00 am)
As you can see there is a lot of flexibility available in specifying
the time of day for an item to execute. Depending upon the frequency
chosen, you will get a variety of additional prompts:
Daily (specify the time of day as indicated above)
Weekly (specify a number from 1-7 indicating the day of week)
(1=Sunday, 2=Monday...7=Saturday)
Monthly (specify the number day of the month)
Annually (specify the month number and day-of-month number)
Exact Date (specify the exact month, day, and year)
Incremental (specify number of minutes between program executions)
There is additional information on the usefulness and implementation of
the Reset-Re-execution and Timed-Execution features later in this
document.
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Using Submenus
To create a submenu and add entries to it, these are the basic steps:
1. Create a menu entry of SUBMENU type, enter an appropriate
description, subdirectory name (preferably the default \EZMENU),
and specify a filename and optional password . This will serve as
the selection which will take you to a new menu of options. This
entry should be added to whatever menu you wish to have a branch
(to a submenu) from.
2. After the submenu entry is created, select it from the menu (by
highlighting it and pressing <ENTER>. You will be taken to another
menu, which in most cases will say "There are no entries on this
menu".
3. While the created submenu is active, use the F1 key to add entries
to this sub-menu. Any entries added will now be displayed only
when you have entered the appropriate submenu.
One nice thing about the use of submenus is that, for example, if you
want to have several menu selections password protected, rather than
put a password on each entry, you could put them all in a separate
sub-menu and password protect the submenu's entry. This would make it
necessary to enter the proper password before even bringing up the
submenu of your selections.
Once a submenu has been created, you can make it accessible from any
menu in the system by adding an entry of submenu type and specifying
the same menu filename. There is no limit (other than your available
storage space) as to how many submenus and nested submenus can be
implemented.
By default, the main menufile is called MAIN.MNU (or EZMAIN.MNU in LAN
versions). It is possible to add a choice to any menu which will invoke
the main menu (as if it were a submenu) simply by specifying MAIN.MNU as
the submenu filename.
Linking an existing submenu to the current menu
If you would like to make a particular sub-menu accessible from a
particular menu, it takes only a few easy steps. For example, let's say
you have a submenu that is a few levels deep:
entertainment main card games
and you would like to have the "card games" submenu accessible from the
main menu. To do so, simply press F1 from the main menu to add an
entry, specify submenu type, and when asked for the filename, you can
press F2 and look at a list of the available menu filenames and pick the
one which corresponds to the "card games" menu. At that point, you'll
have an option on the main menu that can take you to the card games
submenu (in addition to it also being accessible from the
"entertainment" menu).
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EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
Editing Entries
Editing menu choices is a simple task in EZ-Menu. To do so simply
highlight the menu selection you wish to modify (using the arrow keys)
and press the F2 key. Information on the highlighted menu choice will
be displayed, outlining the options which can be modified. If a
password has been assigned to the menu choice, it must be entered before
the entry can be edited. When prompted for a password to edit an entry,
the individual choice's password, the edit menu password, or the master
password can be used to gain access.
Once in "Edit Mode", the various fields of the menu choice are
displayed, each labeled with an alphabetic character from A thru Z. To
change any field, press the corresponding letter to edit the item.
While editing a field, the arrow keys, INS, DEL, and other keys are
active (as outlined in the section "Using EZ-Menu").
After changing the desired item, press <ENTER> to save and continue, or
<ESC> to abort editing. After everything has been changed to suit your
fancy, press the <SPACEBAR> to save the new changes, or <ESC> to abort
any changes you may have made and return to the menu.
Below are the fields available for editing associated with a menu
choice. Depending upon the type of entry (Program, Batch File or
Submenu), some of the items may not be available for editing (as they
may not be applicable for the type of entry). Complete information on
each field is outlined in the section "Setting Up Menu Files".
Change the description A
Change the entry type B
Change the subdirectory C
Change the program/command D filename
Change the password E
(to remove password protection, leave this field blank)
Change the drive letter on which the menu choice F is located
(pressing <ENTER> sets this option to the default drive)
Toggles the "Pause before returning G " option
Toggles the "Prompt for parameters H " option
Toggles the "Reset-Re-Execution" option I
Toggles the "Return to Main Menu J " option (valid on
submenus)
K Toggles the "Prompt for Log Comment" option
L Set minimum security level to see or access item (valid in
multiuser operation)
Set minimum security M level to edit/swap/erase item (valid
in multiuser operation)
N Set a specific time and frequency under which to execute
the menu selection
Edit/specify Pop-Up help Z
<SPACE>Save the entry with the appropriate changes and exit
<ESC> Abort editing and exit, leaving entry unchanged
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While editing an entry you will notice that if there is a password, it
will not be displayed. If you forget a particular menu item's password,
you can use the Master Password in configuration to override the menu
item and change the password - but there is no way to determine what the
password was - this was designed to insure security - not unlike the
method utilized on mainframe computers.
NOTE: You can erase an entire menu of choices by deleting the
appropriate .MNU file. For example, if you want to erase the main
and start over, simply exit to dos and type DEL menu MAIN.MNU and
press <ENTER>. The next time you start EZ-Menu, the main menu will
be blank and ready to add new choices.
Some Considerations When Editing Menu Items
Whenever a menu choice is modified and its TYPE is changed (from Program
to Batch File for example), it is very important to change the other
fields appropriately. The command/filename field is handled differently
depending upon what type of entry is defined. If the correct data is
not in the command/filename or subdirectory field, the possibility
exists of not properly invoking the desired application (and getting an
error message). Here are the specifications for the command field based
on the type of entry:
P - program/command type
The command field should contain a DOS command or program name not
exceeding 70 characters in length. Whatever is in this field should be
a valid command you could type at the DOS prompt. Here you can stack
DOS commands by separating them with the tilde (~) character.
S - submenu type
The command field should contain 1 to 8 alphanumeric characters (a valid
filename DOS WITHOUT any extension). EZ-Menu adds a .MNU extension to
this name and creates a new menu file when this entry is selected from
the menu. This new file will hold all of the entries for your submenu.
B - batch file type
The command field in this type should contain a valid DOS filename. If
you do not specify an extension, .BAT will be appended to your entry.
If you have a file for example, that has NO extension, you must specify
the filename with a period at the end (i.e. "SAMPLE.") Obviously this
filename must correspond to an existing ASCII file (in the specified
directory) containing additional DOS commands. You can call a file
containing dos commands without it having to have the .BAT extension -
so it won't be easily identifiable in case a user is poking around in
the directory.
For BATCH entry types, the subdirectory asked for tells EZ-Menu WHERE
your batch file is located. The default subdirectory is \EZMENU (or
wherever the EZ-Menu program has been installed).
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The Timed-Execution Feature
A handful of similar programs have attempted to provide a feature such
as "Timed execution of programs" but EZ-Menu accomplishes it with
fantastic flexibility and power. With EZ-Menu, one can set a menu
choice to execute at a specific time of day, according to a wide variety
of frequencies: daily, weekly, monthly, annually, incrementally, or on
an exact date. While this does not immediately sound like that
significant of a feature, think about some things first: Probably one
of the greatest problems today involved in working with computers is the
threat of lost and damaged data. The two biggest causes of this are:
1. Information is not regularly backed-up or archived
2. The media on which the information is stored fails
The solution to the first cause is simple: regularly back up your hard
disk! Unfortunately, this can be quite a tedious task and is often the
major object of procrastination by users. Some software companies have
become quite successful by implementing into their programs, a "memory"
feature which reminds you to back up your information. EZ-Menu can do
this also, but with much more flexibility. You can have your hard disk
backup itself to tape at 6:27pm every Thursday evening, or perhaps on
the 1st of each month at midnight, etc.
To address the second cause above, a huge array of third-party and DOS
utilities like CHKDSK, SCANDISK, NORTON UTILITIES and PC Tools among
others are quite adept at diagnosing and/or correcting potential problem
areas on your hard disk. The truth is hard disks WILL deteriorate over
time and use - areas that were once good, will fail to accurately store
data, and if something important is in such an area, you will have
problems. Disk Doctor for example, (a disk diagnosing and correction
program by Symantec/Norton Utilities) looks for these areas and marks
them so you do not end up losing data, and if possible, moves data out
of the "problem" areas. Regularly running a utility such as Norton's
Disk Doctor or Speedisk can quite often save you from a horrible data-
losing, finger-pointing, "in-trouble-with-the-boss" kind of event.
EZ-Menu has the capability to automate the diagnostic testing of a hard
disk, as well as other devices. If fact, you can execute ANY program or
batch file at any time period that can be specified in EZ-Menu (which
covers just about the entire scope of frequencies that are useful). If
you are operating the computer when something is scheduled to be
executed, you will not be interrupted, instead when you return to EZ-
Menu, the timed-execution item will be signaled. EZ-Menu keeps track of
when a menu choice was last executed and promptly notifies you when it
once again becomes time to execute. As with this feature and the one
described below, when such an event initiates, EZ-Menu allows you 10
seconds to abort the automated procedure before continuing.
Please note that EZ-Menu provides the means by which an "event" or
function can be executed automatically, and NOT the actual software
program to do the job. For example, if you want EZ-Menu to optimize
your hard drive, you will still need the necessary "optimizing
software". EZ-Menu in conjunction with such utilities enhances their
overall usefulness, convenience and capability. The invoked program
should also be fully-automated via command line parameters.
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EZ-Menu's ability to support a wide variety of frequencies for timed-
execution means that events can be scheduled in the best possible manner
so as to not disturb normal computer use.
Unusual Frequencies For Timed Events
If you desire to run a particular program at an unusual frequency - say
on weekdays only or Monday, Wednesday & Friday, the best way to set this
up is to create a separate menu item for each day. EZ-Menu currently
does not allow you to set a menu item to execute at a multiple
frequencies. For example, let's say you want to run Scandisk every
Monday and Friday at 6:00pm. To set these events, create two identical
menu entries that run Scandisk. Set one to execute weekly on Monday,
6:00pm, and the other to execute weekly on Friday, 6:00pm.
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The Reset Re-Execution Feature
No other similar system has anything like EZ-Menu's "Reset Re-Execution"
feature. With EZ-Menu, an item can be set from the menu, so that if it
is executed and the computer is reset - either by manual means, or a
temporary power outage, control can be immediately passed back to the
interrupted program - all without operator intervention. Anybody using
their computer to operate automatically without the need of constant
supervision can certainly realize problems when the computer is reset
for one reason or another. For example, if you are using the computer
to do any or all of the following tasks, keeping it online is of utmost
concern:
running a Bulletin Board System (BBS)
using the computer as a FAX
using the computer to control or monitor other devices
using the computer as an answering machine/voice mail system
running complex and lengthy reports and calculations
running any communications applications which either waits for calls,
or transmits information in an unattended fashion.
using the computer in any manner, whereby interruption needs to be
limited, monitored and/or controlled
If an application with the Reset-Re-Execution feature enabled is
interrupted, the user (if he is there) will be immediately notified when
the computer re-boots, and will have ten seconds to press any key before
EZ-Menu drops back into the interrupted application. If the user
presses a key within this time, the menu will appear and the return to
the interrupted application will be aborted.
When an entry is executed with Reset Re-Execution enabled, a special
file is created (commonly: REXEC.EZ) in EZ-Menu's subdirectory. This
file will exist as long as the application is properly running, and when
the application normally terminates, the file is removed before EZ-Menu
is invoked. If the computer resets before normal termination of the
application, when EZ-Menu restarts it will notice this special file and
attempt to drop back into the application (which is identified in the
REXEC.EZ file). Note: If a global or user work directory is specified,
the REXEC.EZ file will be created in the drive/path specified in the
global/user work directory configuration option.
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The Usage Log Feature
EZ-Menu's "Usage Tracking" feature allows computer activity to be logged
to a file from which comprehensive reports can be generated detailing
computer usage. This feature can be optionally disabled from
configuration if desired. During program operation, if usage tracking
is enabled, all activity accomplished from within EZ-Menu is logged to a
data file, including the exact date and time an application was entered,
and the elapsed time spent. This feature will prove valuable to anyone
wishing to keep track of computer time and activities; an obvious
example would be for the purpose of identifying computer time which
could be billed to a client. EZ-Menu is also useful for noting how much
time a procedure may take to run (and unusual delays may often indicate
something significant to the user). Any application/program that can be
called from EZ-Menu can be logged and later detailed in a report.
Additionally, all important EZ-Menu-related activities are also logged,
such as: changes to the menu, reconfiguration, deletion of menu items,
printing of the menu, and even abortion of procedures such as reset-re-
execution and timed-executions.
A special feature of the log allows the operator to optionally enter a
comment associated with the execution of a menu entry. During the
addition of a new menu entry, or while editing an existing one, the
operator can select whether or not to be prompted to enter a log comment
during selection of the associated entry (which is further described in
the "Setting Up Menu Files" section). If a menu entry has been
configured to enable a log comment, upon selection of that entry the
will be prompted at the bottom of the screen to enter such a user
comment. Pressing <ESC> will abort the procedure and return to the
menu. Pressing <ENTER> without typing anything will continue and NOT
add a comment into the log. Typing any characters and then pressing
<ENTER> will add the text into the log and continue with the entry's
execution. This feature can be used in a variety of ways. For example,
if a word processor is used, the operator might want to indicate what
document he/she is working on.
In addition to logging selections and comments from the menu, EZ-Menu
will also keep track of any parameters passed and make note of the
success or failure of certain actions.
When the usage log is enabled, a file by the name of USAGE.LOG (by
default) in EZ-Menu's subdirectory is created and updated routinely. If
the multiuser feature is enabled, each user may have a separate log
located in a particular area or under a different filename (settable in
configuration). The USAGE.LOG file contains coded information which is
interpreted by the READLOG utility (described later). The usage log
data file can store a huge amount of tracking data without becoming too
large, therefore it is possible to accumulate many months of activity
and not take up more than 30K of disk space.
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EZ-Menu's usage tracking system includes a special program called
READLOG which generates reports based on the computer activity logged.
Typically, the Log Reporter program would be available via a menu choice
or by typing READLOG from the DOS prompt while in EZ-Menu subdirectory .
Please note that in order for the usage log feature to properly
calculate computer activity, the user AUTOEXEC.BAT file should have 's
the "MENU 0" command in it. The "0" parameter allows EZ-Menu to
determine when the computer has been turned off or reset. For more
information, consult the Troubleshooting or Readlog Utility section of
the manual.
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Using EZ-Menu With Windows
While EZ-Menu was primarily designed to operate outside of the Microsoft
Windows environment, it can also be run from Windows with the same power
and flexibility. In fact, EZ-Menu can be a powerful tool under Windows
- allowing you to have multiple DOS menus on-screen in your Windows
session! Let's go over some variations of how EZ-Menu can be used with
Microsoft Windows.
Recommended Set-Up For EZ-Menu
The most flexible scenario would be for EZ-Menu to be set-up so that
when you turn on or reboot your PC, it is loaded automatically - from
the main menu you can then launch any program (including Windows), TSRs
or utilities with no performance loss. Some programs, especially games,
TSRs and device drivers will not work properly if invoked from Windows -
because Windows will remain resident in memory whenever you run a DOS
program, therefore reducing the amount of available memory and possibly
causing other conflicts. Additionally, if you load any TSRs that are
not specifically designed for Windows, from Windows, very strange (and
undesirable) things might happen which include crashing your system.
With EZ-Menu being the first thing you see when your computer starts,
you have the option of running any DOS programs, as well as loading
Windows, and even jumping directly into a specific Windows application.
EZ-Menu's MakeMnu utility recognizes most common Windows applications
and will also add them to your menus. If you select a Windows
application from EZ-Menu, it will automatically load Windows and jump
straight into that program - it's even easier than running the program
directly from Windows program manager!
If security is a concern, you'll note that the current versions of
Windows have virtually little or no adequate provisions with respect to
restricting access. EZ-Menu is a much more secure "front end" than
Windows under any scenario.
To ensure that EZ-Menu appears first when you turn on your PC, put the
command menu 0 (zero) at the end of your AUTOEXEC.BAT file (the
installation program normally does this automatically). If you have
DOSSHELL or Windows load automatically, you'll have to move this menu 0
command up ahead in the file, prior to any command such as:
c:\dos\dosshell, dosshell, win, win/3 or equivalent.
If your AUTOEXEC.BAT file is set to automatically load Windows for
example, it will probably look like this:
PROMPT $P$G (these are standard DOS commands
commonly found)
PATH (set path / note that C:\EZMENU
C:\DOS;C:\WINDOWS;C:\ should also be in the path)
LH C:\DOS\MOUSE (load the Mouse driver)
C:\DOS\MSCDEX.EXE (load a CDROM device driver)
SMARTDRV.EXE (these are other common device
drivers that you might find in
C:\DOS\FASTOPEN an autoexec.bat file)
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CD\EZMENU (insert these commands here)
MENU 0 Here is where you need to put the
command to invoke EZ-Menu.
CD\WINDOWS
WIN (run Windows - these commands
won't be executed)
The previously outlined setup is quite common. EZ-Menu's installation
procedure will attempt to correct this, and allow EZ-Menu to pop-up
instead of Windows. If you're still getting Windows after you've
installed EZ-Menu when you reboot your PC, edit the AUTOEXEC.BAT file
and compare it to the one above and make appropriate changes. If you
want to run Windows, you'll find an option on the main menu to do so.
This scenario gives you the maximum amount of flexibility and
performance, allowing you to run DOS command and applications directly
from EZ-Menu, as well as invoke Windows programs - all from one set of
menus!
Running EZ-Menu From Windows
In addition to the recommended setup, you can also have EZ-Menu set-up
as an icon in Windows and use it to invoke a menu you can follow when
you want to run a non-Windows application. This can be very useful.
By default, EZ-Menu will not create any Windows icons or folders - you
can easily do this yourself by going to the File pull-down menu in the
Windows Program Manager and selecting New, then specify you want to
create a new Program Item. Enter the following information in the
Properties dialog box:
Description: EZ-Menu
C:\EZMENU\MENU.BAT Command
Line:
C:\EZMENU Working
Directory:
Shortcut (whatever you want)
Key:
If EZ-Menu is installed on a drive other than C:, simply substitute the
appropriate drive reference in its place.
Next, to use the included EZ-Menu icon, perform the following steps:
Select the Change Icon option - You'll get a message saying There are 1.
no icons for the specified file. Click on the Ok button.
You'll see the Change Icon dialog box; backspace and erase the File 2.
Name field and enter: C:\EZMENU\EZMENU.ICO in its place. (replace C:
with another drive letter if appropriate)
Click on the Ok button. 3.
Now EZ-Menu will be available under Windows by clicking on the EZ-Menu
Icon.
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Running Windows Applications From EZ-Menu
EZ-Menu will incorporate Windows applications as well as DOS programs in
its series of menus. In fact the MakeMnu program will recognize quite
an array of popular Windows applications. EZ-Menu invokes Windows
programs by first executing Windows and then specifying the name of the
application as a command line parameter. For example, to run Word for
Windows, EZ-Menu would switch to the appropriate directory and execute
the command:
WIN WINWORD.EXE
This will first load Windows and then run the specified program. It's
even faster and easier than invoking the program from Windows directly.
The only downside to running Windows applications is that upon exit of a
Windows program, control is not returned back to EZ-Menu until Windows
is exited. There is very little we can do about this. Once Windows is
loaded, it takes control of the system and since EZ-Menu is not
resident, Windows maintains control until exited.
Windows by itself - at least the current version 3.1 has very little if
any significant security and control options. Be advised that once a
user enters Windows, he may have access to a lot more than the specified
application selected from EZ-Menu.
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Multiuser Operation of EZ-Menu
This section outlines how to setup and use EZ-Menu in a multiuser mode.
There are two flavors of multiuser operation: normal (on a single PC)
and networked/LAN (where EZ-Menu is run on a network and shared by
different users simultaneously). There are different versions of EZ-
Menu for each of the two types of installations. The single-user
version of EZ-Menu is designed to be run in a non-LAN environment (at
least not shared on the network) while there is a separate EZ-Menu LAN
version designed to be centrally located on a file-server. This may
seem confusing at first because there are two meanings to the term
multiuser. One meaning relates to the "multiuser" feature of EZ-Menu
(It's ability to have separate configuration options identified by
different user names), and the other reference indicates a type of
environment (i.e. a "multiuser" network such as Lantastic or Novell
where multiple users are running the same program at the same time.)
EZ-Menu can be run with multiuser mode enabled or disabled in both of
the two environments. In this section, we'll concentrate on its use on
a single PC - for more information on LAN operation, consult the EZ-Menu
LAN Setup/Operations Manual.
Why would I need the multiuser feature?
If you are the only one who uses your PC, and you're not running the LAN
version, chances are you probably don't need to take advantage of the
multiuser feature. However, if several people share your PC, the
multiuser feature allows you to set varying degrees of access for each
of your computer. You can have your children or your secretary user
have access to certain applications, while restricting other programs
for authorized personnel. To do this you simply set the multiuser
option in EZ-Menu's System Settings to Yes and then use the EZUSER
program to create a list of users who will have access to your PC. When
you turn on your PC and EZ-Menu comes up, it will ask for a username
(and password if set) - and then set-up the menus and other options
according to the user's personal settings and security level.
The beauty of the multiuser feature is that you can set a security level
associated with each user, and then set security levels for any menu
item or group of items, and effectively "block out" certain menu choices
from even being seen by other users. In addition to security settings,
EZ-Menu allows you to change a wide variety of the "look and feel" of
the menu for each user. One user can have different colors, titles or
an entirely different main menu file if desired. It's not unlike
typical LAN security but on a single-user PC.
How to set-up multiple users under EZ-Menu (in a non network/LAN
environment)
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Lets say you have three people in your household who use your computer:
you, your wife and your kids. Maybe you don't want your children to
have access to your financial data so you don't even want such options
to be displayed on a menu when they're using the PC; maybe your wife (or
husband) knows just enough to get themselves in trouble on the computer
so you don't want to give her access to DOS just yet. Or maybe you're
just interested in tracking activity on how each person uses the PC.
EZ-Menu's multiuser feature will allow all of these things and more.
Without the multiuser feature enabled, you can still restrict access to
all of these things by specifying passwords, but with the multiuser
option enabled, you can simply set security levels, and options that a
doesn't have access to will not even appear on-screen, plus if you user
choose to change access in the future, it can be more-easily done simply
by changing the user's security level instead of divulging passwords or
modifying security options for each menu item.
When you first install EZ-Menu, there is only one user set up, and that
is called the supervisor or master user record. If multiuser is
disabled, all user configuration settings are global. If you change
multiuser to yes, EZ-Menu's behavior will change slightly: it will
prompt you to specify a user when it begins, and load a set of
configuration options defined for the specified user. Initially, there
is only one user on file, so you'll want to run the EZUSER program to
define additional users. This option will be found in the EZ-Menu
Utilities menu or you can run it from DOS by typing ezuser while in the
\EZMENU subdirectory. For more complete information, see the Using the
EZUSER Utility section.
To add users, from EZUSER, select the option User Maintenance from the
main menu and then select Create New User from the menu. You will then
see a complete array of configuration options. They will initially be
the same as your master user configuration, but you'll at least want to
change the user name and security level. Create one account, "Wife";
create another account, "Kids" (please excuse this rather impersonal
example). You could set the "Kids" user security level to say 100,
while setting the "Wife" user security to 150 (and keep the supervisor
level at the maximum 255 value). Then, simply go into EZ-Menu and edit
any menu item you want to restrict. When you select a menu item and
edit it, you'll see an option such as minimum security level required to
see or access item. If you set this value to 150, that would mean you
and your wife's account would be able to access it, but your "Kids"
account (with a security level of only 100) would not even see this
option displayed when they were logged in. Any menu item or submenu can
have a security level associated with it. In addition, you can also set
an edit security level - so that maybe a user can run a menu item, but
not change the way it is set-up. Now to restrict the "Wife" user's
access to DOS, you'll need to modify EZ-Menu's Configuration System
Options (by pressing F9 from the main menu). Here you will see several
global functions you can assign security levels for, including one for
Dos access. Since the "Wife" user has a security level of 150, setting
this value to anything higher than 150 will mean that person will not be
able to press <ESC> and exit to Dos.
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Bingo! Now you're set up. When you turn on your PC, EZ-Menu will ask
for your user name. There are several options here as well - you can
have the person manually type in their user name, or you can have them
pick it from a list - these settings are defined in EZ-Menu's System
Options area of configuration.
The EZUSER program can also define a wide variety of options for each
. Maybe you like the 2-column menu layout in blue and purple, but user
your wife prefers the Simplemenu option with brown and gold colors. You
can allow each user the ability to customize how the menu appears for
them. You can also specify different filenames for the activity log,
separating data on your computer activity from other users.
Note: Some configuration options are only relevant if EZ-Menu is
running in a LAN environment (such as the user work directory and
the global work directory). These options should be left blank if
available.
The best thing to do is play with the multiuser feature and the EZUSER
program. It should take you only a short period of time to fully-
understand the power and flexibility of these features.
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The Readlog Utility
Included with the EZ-Menu system is a utility called READLOG. This
utility is used to read the USAGE.LOG file and generate useful reports
outlining computer activities. The Readlog program is normally set up
as a menu option from the EZ-Menu Utilities menu. This selection can be
password protected, moved or erased as the operator sees fit. The
Readlog utility does not necessarily have to reside in the same
subdirectory as EZ-Menu, although that is the standard setup. If
Readlog is located in another subdirectory, please make sure the program
is configured to identify where the USAGE.LOG file can be found.
Upon startup of Readlog, there are four main options, each labeled with
a letter:
A Generate a detailed usage log report
B Generate a summary usage log report
C Configure the Readlog operating parameters
E Erase the usage log
These options are accessible by pressing the appropriate letter key
while in the Readlog program. The first two options are the primary
functions of Readlog. Both reports examine the logfile created by EZ-
Menu and generate a report that can be used to exactly identify the
activities logged by the computer. The detailed report shows each
activity while the summary report breaks down usage statistics by day.
Readlog shows the exact time and date any actions were taken, as well as
the total time spent in doing so (where applicable). The report
displays time in either 12 or 24-hour format, and breaks the log down
into activity by day with subtotals indicating the total logged time on
computer by each day (to the second). At the end of the report, Readlog
displays the total number of days on file for the given log as well as
the total cumulative computer time and average daily computer use. At
any time in Readlog, the program/output can be halted by pressing <ESC>.
Upon selecting one of the two usage log report options, you will be
prompted to specify a time period for which you wish to view logs. You
can select all data on file, the current day, the previous day or
specific activity within a range of dates. There are additional options
outlined if you type readlog ? from the DOS prompt.
Detailed Usage Log Report
This report outlines specific computer activity, including each
application run and the elapsed time spent, as well as data on other
operations done from EZ-Menu (including modification of the menu, timed-
events, attempted security breaches and more).
Summary Usage Log Report
This report outlines computer activity, with one line per day,
indicating the number of times applications were executed, exits to DOS,
timed events, abortion of timed-events and other operations were
accomplished. This report is useful for quickly determining if any
scheduled events were run or aborted.
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Selecting criteria for specific activity to be reported
This option allows you to specify additional criteria to extract only
the log entries you want to see. The options available offer some quick
methods of extracting specific types of log information such as security
breaches, computer reboots, timed-events, or exits to DOS.
Additionally, you can also select Specified Log Entries and enter a
particular search string which will be looked for when parsing the log -
only entries which contain your search string will be displayed - the
string can be the name of an application (as it would appear in EZ-Menu)
or any bit of text which might appear in a log entry that you want to
see. For example, if you want to check on how often "Windows" was run,
you can specify "Windows" as a search string. The log reporter would
display all log entries with the word "Windows" in any portion of the
line.
Note: You may notice that on the reports, it is possible to see a
total cumulative daily time which exceeds 24 hours (and will be
broken down in "days" if the time is great enough). This is due to
the fact that if an application is logged as being started on one
day, and isn't terminated until another day, the elapsed computer
time used is credited to the day on which the application started.
This may also indicate that the zero parameter is not following the
menu command in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. For more info, see the
Troubleshooting section.
The usage log report can be sent to the video display screen, the
standard printer connected, or a disk file. If output to a disk file is
selected, the operator will be prompted to enter the filename under
which the log report will be stored (in standard ASCII form compatible
with just about any word processor or text editor).
The configuration option allows overriding of common default settings
for Readlog. These options include:
Display Type The color or monochrome/single-color monitor (C/M).
Log File The drive/subdirectory and filename of the log file to
read (drive and subdirectory are optional, and if not
specified, Readlog assumes the USAGE.LOG file is in the
current dir.)
Screen Display Lines The number of lines on the video display, which
should almost always be 23 - in the future Readlog will
support extended video modes of monitors and this value
will be more useful.
Printer Lines The number of lines per page on the printer, the default
is between 55 and 65.
File Lines The number of lines sent to a file before a form feed is
issued (for the purpose of creating a file to be later
printed). Entering 0 here will make the output file
continuous with no page breaks
Date/Time Format The format for date and time as displayed in the
activity reports.
Company Name This is the user-specified title/name that will appear at
the top of each page of the usage log report.
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When configuring Readlog, to change an item, simply type the letter next
to the item you wish to change, make the modifications, then press
<ENTER>. Full line editing capabilities are available while changing an
option (cursor keys, INS, DEL, etc.). To save the configuration
options, press <SPACEBAR>, or <ESC> to abort and return to the main menu
of Readlog.
NOTE: If the default usage log filename has been changed in
configuration, Readlog should also be reconfigured to identify the
new filespec. By default the usage log filename is USAGE.LOG and
resides in the \EZMENU subdirectory.
The Erase Current Usage Log option allows the user to remove the
USAGE.LOG file from the disk. Since this file is constantly updated
when the usage log is enabled, it will continue to get larger in size.
If available storage space on your disk is an important consideration,
it is recommended that the USAGE.LOG file be archived regularly and
erased. In most cases, the usage log will rarely consume a significant
amount of disk space since it is coded to make the most efficient use of
storage. But of course, if the log was not erased for a long time, the
file could theoretically get pretty big. Under EZ-Menu it would be
advisable if the usage log is enabled, to set an entry that will archive
the usage log and erase it via timed-execution at some frequency (i.e.
every month or so). Making copies of the USAGE.LOG file, and naming
them to something indicating the date is also recommended (i.e.
012288.LOG could be the usage log archive starting on January 22nd,
1988). If you later wanted to read this log, simply configure Readlog
to access the appropriate file.
During most prompts and operations, pressing <ESC> will abort and return
to Readlog's main menu. If <ESC> is pressed from the main menu, you
will exit Readlog (and return to EZ-Menu).
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The Makemnu Utility
Included with EZ-Menu is an additional utility called MAKEMNU. This
program, which is called during normal installation, automatically
examines the drive that is specified, looking for common applications.
If an application that Makemnu recognizes is found on your computer, a
corresponding menu choice is automatically created in the menufile you
specify. This is an excellent way to easily set-up a menu unique to
your computer system automatically. EZ-Menu's normal installation will
initially run Makemnu and scan your system.
Makemnu recognizes thousands of popular applications, and PCS is always
adding more to the list. Not only does Makemnu scan your system & add
applications to the menu, but it also categorizes applications under a
variety of headings such as "Word Processing", "Databases",
"Multimedia", "Windows" and many others. Makemnu reads a file called
APPS.DAT which gives it information on how to find an application - i.e.
the subdirectory to look in, the program name, and if it is found, the
description that should be added to the menu. After running Makemnu,
applications identified will now be easily selectable from the menu -
the user will not have to add an entry to call the application, Makemnu
has done so automatically.
Makemnu can be run manually by entering MAKEMNU from dos. The program
will prompt the user for a few items of information before continuing:
the drive to search (or enter a "+" to search all available drives), the
top-level menufile to add an entry to if applications are found (i.e. if
an item such as "Wordperfect" is found, it will be added to the "Word
Processing" menu, and then Makemnu will check the top-level menu to
ensure that there is an item that will take the user to the "Word
Processing" menu - if not found, Makemnu will add an item to the top-
level menu that says "Word Processing"). The only exception to this
rule is if you tell Makemnu to add all items to the main menu - then
applications found will not be categorized and added to submenus.
Additionally, Makemnu will check to make sure that an item isn't already
on the menu before attempting to add it. In this manner, it is useful
to run Makemnu every time you add a new application to your computer -
Makemnu may automatically recognize it and add the entry so won't have
to. It should be noted that Makemnu uses the menu descriptions to
identify if an application is already on the menu - so if you change a
menu choice's description, successive executions of Makemnu may add the
item to the menu again.
Makemnu can also be run utilizing command line parameters. For example,
the command MAKEMNU UTIL.MNU D: will automatically start Makemnu and
have it look on drive D: for applications, which if found will be added
to the menufile UTIL.MNU.
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It is also possible to add your own application recognition data to
allow Makemnu to identify new or proprietary setups. Simply create an
ASCII file (using any text editor) named APPS.EZ and add some simple
information as indicated below:
\SUBDIR\PROGNAME.EXT
Description of Application
Upon running Makemnu, the program will first read the APPS.DAT file and
then look for an APPS.EZ (custom file) and process it if found. Note
that the APPS.DAT file is encrypted and cannot be modified.
You can insert a comment into the file as long as it's preceded with an
asterisk. All lines in the APPS.EZ should begin at column 1 - the
structure above is indented only for the purpose of clarity. Makemnu
will examine the extension listed and appropriately create an entry of
either Program/Command or Batch type. You can also indicate special
command line parameters to add by including an additional line beginning
with a carat (^) and immediately followed by the parameters to add to
the program command upon finding it. The parameter line must precede
the application's description line in the file. Here is an example of
other optional information that can be put in the APPS.EZ file:
\WP51\WP.EXE
%\DATA (causes the item to be executed from the \DATA
subdirectory instead of \WP51)
^FILE.TXT (specify a parameter / the equivalent of WP.EXE FILE.TXT
command)
:WP1.EXE (specifies an alternate command instead of WP.EXE -
don't use with the ^ option)
WordPerfect 5.1
Please note that such special features as custom application recognition
are especially helpful if you're maintaining large groups of PCs and
want to standardize the menu layout among systems. As always, be
advised that you need a separate copy/license of EZ-Menu for each PC on
which the software is installed.
If you are running any common applications that Makemnu does not
recognize, please contact PCS and let us know about them so that future
versions will identify these applications. We will need the following
information in such cases: The name of the application, the subdirectory
where the application installs itself into, and the exact filename for
the main program. In fact, FAX us the information at (504) 834-2160 or
drop us e-mail at the addresses listed in the Appendix How to contact
PCS. We would very much appreciate your support and help!
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The EZCONV Utility
Included with the EZ-Menu package is a program by the name of
EZCONV.EXE. This is a utility that will convert menu files used with
previous versions of EZ-Menu so that they will operate with new version.
If you have not used an older version of EZ-Menu, this section as well
as the EZCONV program will not be of use to you. If you are upgrading
to version 5.x, the UPGRADE procedure will automatically invoke the
EZCONV program. If you wish to manually convert the menu files, the
information on EZCONV is supplied below. There are several versions of
EZCONV, usually appended with a number which indicates the EZ-Menu
version the utility will convert menu files for. EZCONV5 converts
earlier .MNU files to run with EZ-Menu 5.x, while EZCONV6 converts EZ-
Menu 5.x files to run with version 6.0.
Because the latest version of EZ-Menu has so many more features than its
predecessors, the structure for the menu files has been modified. As a
result, menu files that worked with previous versions will not operate
properly under the latest version of EZ-Menu. (If you call-up EZ-Menu
and you get garbage on your screen, that is an indication that the menu
file may have been created with an older version).
The easiest way of running EZCONV is in automatic mode, by typing
EZCONV6 AUTO from the DOS prompt. The program will examine all .MNU
files in the current directory and convert any if necessary. Otherwise
you can specify an individual .MNU file as a command line parameter such
as EZCONV6 MAIN.MNU (which will only convert the specified file).
In both cases, you must have the EZCONV.EXE program in the DRIVE and
SUBDIRECTORY where EZ-Menu is installed (where the menu files are), and
invoke the program from that location. You only need to do this once;
thereafter you can erase the EZCONV.EXE file if you so desire.
NOTE: If you have an older version of EZ-Menu which is not supported by
the latest version of EZCONV, you can download other versions of
EZCONV which will convert your older menu files. See the How to
contact PCS appendix for our BBS number.
After the menu files have been converted (and you have finished
configuring the program), you should run EZ-Menu normally and the menus
should work fine. If they don't you may have an older menu file, or the
menu file may have become damaged.
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Appendix A - Quick Review of EZ-Menu's Features
EZ-Menu requires no special software or additional programs (like text *
editors that many other menu systems require). The EZ-Menu program
itself contains all the routines necessary to add, modify, sort, copy,
move, erase, or execute an entry in its menu.
The user * can define & select a virtually unlimited number of menu
choices; the only limitations are based on available disk space and
EZ-Menu is very conservative in terms of space it consumes on disk.
* The user can define "sub-menus" which can contain categorized
selections. (Sub-menus can contain other sub-menus, etc..). There is
no limit to how many sub-menus you can create (other than your
available storage considerations).
Sub-menus, as well as any EZ-Menu entry can be password * protected to
eliminate unauthorized access.
All passwords are encrypted into the program & data files to further *
insure security.
EZ-Menu can be easily setup to execute large batch files * as well as
programs and dos commands. Batch files to be executed can be located
in any accessible drive and subdirectory.
EZ-Menu will execute ANY application * software, command, or batch file
that conforms to DOS's operating specifications (and most of the few
that don't). In other words, if it runs under MS/PC-DOS on an IBM or
Compatible, it can be called from EZ-Menu. EZ-Menu can also execute
Windows applications directly from the menu, first invoking Windows
and then causing the specified Windows application to execute without
any additional prompts.
EZ-Menu runs from DOS, Windows, OS/2 and any other DOS-based *
environment. A MS Windows icon is also included.
* With a few keystrokes from the main menu, an entry can be erased, or
modified in whole or part with the greatest of ease.
The user * can custom-configure the screen colors. EZ-Menu supports
monochrome, CGA, EGA, VGA, and SVGA+ adapters and monitors. There are
even several default "color sets" from which you can choose with a
single keypress. EZ-Menu allows each menu to have different, user-
defined colors if desired. In Multiuser mode, each user can also have
different color schemes.
The screen will automatically black-out after a few minutes of *
inactivity in order to extend the life and quality of your video
display. The amount of idle time before the screen clears can be set
by the user, or disabled completely. You can also force the screen to
blank and temporarily password-protect access to your PC. User-
specified screen blanking messages can also be set.
Any menu item can be set to execute with a single keypress, require *
the ENTER key for confirmation or by clicking of the mouse cursor on
the appropriate selection.
* After running an application from EZ-Menu, control is immediately
returned back to the menu. EZ-Menu can be configured to wait for a
keypress, or immediately bring up the menu after you exit your
application.
A menu choice * from a sub-menu can be easily configured to allow
automatic return to the main menu (upon exiting from the called
application), or to the sub-menu from which the entry was originally
called.
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EZ-Menu is not memory-resident - it is so fast it doesn't n * eed to be.
Using EZ-Menu DOES NOT reduce the amount of memory available for any
of your other software! Essentially there is no need for such a
program to be memory resident.
EZ-Menu can be set to execute a menu choice * at a particular time
without operator intervention; the frequency of such timed executions
can be daily, weekly, monthly, annually, incrementally, or on an exact
date. If the user is in an application when a choice is scheduled to
be executed, he/she will be immediately notified upon returning to the
menu, with an option to abort the automatic execution.
EZ-Menu supports a separate "Timed Execution Menu" which will be *
automatically checked for scheduled events at a user -defined
frequency. Timed-events entries do not even have to be visible to the
user, can be user, machine or group-specific.
With each menu entry, the * can optionally select whether or not to user
be prompted to enter command line parameters (This also works with
batch files).
Any application * available under EZ-Menu can be set so that if the
computer is reset or power is lost temporarily, upon reboot of the
system, control is automatically returned to that program - VERY
useful for unattended software.
EZ-Menu has built-in features to support multiple drives/hard di * sks.
You can specify which drive the destination program is located on, and
on which drive EZ-Menu is installed. From any directory on any drive,
typing "MENU" will instantly invoke EZ-Menu. EZ-Menu also checks to
make sure the specified subdirectories and batch files exist - to help
reduce problems in adding entries.
The user * has the capability to swap entries easily from one location
to another on the menu and even copy menu choices to other sub-menus
with the greatest of ease.
EZ-Menu supports sound effects that call attention to various *
functions and responses. These sound effects can be turned on or off
during configuration.
During configuration * , the user can optionally select "One-Key
Execution" where each menu choice is assigned a letter and pressing
the appropriate letter will instantly execute the choice. Any one of
twenty-six menu items can be executed with a single keystroke; with
two keystrokes you can execute any one of over 700 menu choices, and
so on.. With one-key execution enabled, the user can additionally
specify whether the menu entries should be labeled alphabetically from
top-to-bottom or left-to-right.
* From the dos prompt, when invoking EZ-Menu, the user can specify a
parameter to the MENU command to tell EZ-Menu to immediately execute a
menu choice upon start-up. (i.e. "MENU A" will load EZ-Menu and
execute the first item, labeled with an "A").
Pressing F10 from the menu will invoke a special "status page" which *
displays a variety of important information on EZ-Menu and your system
including: the status of configuration options, the date the currently
highlighted menu choice was last executed, the total capacity of the
current drive, space in use, and available storage (in bytes); the
system will even graphically show to what capacity your disk is full.
Also shown is the available memory (in bytes) available to EZ-Menu's
applications.
* Graphic information on any drive on the system can be displayed from
the "status page" by pressing the letter of the appropriate drive.
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Password protection can be assigned in various levels including *
separate passwords required to Exit-To-Dos, Modify the Menu, Execute
Menu Choices, Re-Configure the System and even a "Master Password"
which can override all others. All passwords are encrypted for
maximum security. A wide variety of security can be implemented
allowing only authorized users access to specified areas of your
computer or EZ-Menu.
By pressing F7, a comprehensive report can be printed on all of the *
entries on the current menu, with complete information on each menu
choice & its options.
EZ-Menu is very understanding of invalid user * input, and in most cases
will attempt to correct bad input or otherwise notify the user of the
specific problem and its solution.
* In all cases, complete, consistent information is displayed indicating
EZ-Menu's actions, responses, and default options. The system is
self-documenting and straightforward in its operation. EZ-Menu also
includes an automatic context-sensitive help system which displays
useful information in areas throughout the program. This feature can
be optionally disabled if desired.
EZ-Menu can be installed in any subdirectory * or drive; installation
into a LAN environment is also easily accomplished.
It is possible to stack multiple DOS * commands for a program-type
entry. With this feature, selection of a single option from the menu
can invoke several DOS commands or programs (without having to create
a batch file). The user simply "stacks" the DOS commands to be
executed and separates each one with a special character.
The user * can now also specify a command (or stacked set of commands)
to be executed upon exiting EZ-Menu. The default exit command is to
switch to the default drive's root directory and clear the screen.
EZ-Menu incorporates full text editing * functions during any prompts
for more than one character of information. Left and right arrow keys
position the cursor appropriately; INS key toggles between insert and
overwrite mode; DEL erases the character under the cursor, HOME and
END move the cursor to the beginning/ending of the current line; CTRL-
Right arrow erases from the cursor to the end of line.
When adding or editing menu items, the user can press F2 and display a *
list of subdirectories or program names to pick from - essentially
eliminating the possibility of misspelling program references.
EZ-Menu has a built-in usage log which keeps track of all actions *
accomplished from the menu, including but not limited to: executions
of menu items (date and time started and the elapsed time spent doing
so), any modifications to the menu, exiting to DOS, security breaches,
abortion/execution of scheduled events, reset/reboot of the computer,
and much more.
* With the usage log enabled, the user can optionally select that a
comment be entered into the log associated with the selection of a
menu choice (to further aid in identifying computer usage).
EZ-Menu includes a utility program, * READLOG which interprets the usage
and generates a comprehensive report on log activities, including log
statistical time usage (total usage by day, total computer usage in
log, average daily usage, etc.). The log report can be printed, sent
to a disk file, or viewed on the screen extracted in whole or part.
Readlog generates detailed and summary reports of computer activities
with subtotals, totals & statistics.
*EZ-Menu's log reporter allows users to extract activity information
based on keywords specified by the user. You can generate activity
reports of specific applications or procedures, for any time perior.
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EZ-Menu allows a "title * page" to be displayed to the screen prior to
the main menu whenever the computer is rebooted or initially turned
on. If an ASCII file called TITLE.EZ is located in EZ-Menu's
subdirectory, the first 13 lines of this file will be displayed when
EZ-Menu is initially started, for sixty seconds or until a key is
pressed. This file can be created using any standard text editor and
should not contain ANSI codes, but can contain high-order characters.
*A special "multiuser" feature in EZ-Menu allows multiple users to be
set up, each with unique configuration options, colors, menu layouts,
and security clearances. Users can now "log in" to EZ-Menu and have
totally-customized menus & operational parameters.
There are a variety of user-definable options in multiuser mode *
including: customized title pages, aborting user login - or execution
of a specific batch file if a user aborts a log in procedure, and
several different methods of loggin into the menu including: picking a
user name from a list, entering the name, automatically selecting the
user from the LAN environment or node address (allowing user and
machine-specific sets of configuration options).
In addition to EZ-Menu's password proection abilities, each user can *
have a numeric security code; each menu item and system function can
also have an associated "minimum security clearance" value. If the
user does not have adequate clearance, the menu options or system
functions will not be available.
*EZ-Menu also includes the MakeMnu program - a utility that will
automatically scan your hard drive(s) and search for thousands of
common applications - if these apps are found, they are automatically
categorized and added to your menu layout. You can even customize
MakeMnu to automatically recognize proprietary programs.
*EZ-Menu supports user-definable context-sensitive help associated with
any menu item. You can define specific notes that will pop-up when an
item is highlighted, selected or a special key is pressed.
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Appendix B - Troubleshooting
Hopefully you will not have any problems installing and using EZ-Menu
but if something should go wrong, check the list of possible problems
outlined below with suggested solutions. It should be noted that 95% of
the problems that people experience while using EZ-Menu have nothing to
do with EZ-Menu's operation - the most common mistake people have is
improperly spelling the commands or subdirectory names used to reference
their applications. Another major problem is that an application or DOS
version is not properly installed and therefore problems may surface
when attempting to execute the program(s).
Messages such as "Bad Command or Filename", "Incorrect DOS Version",
"Invalid Subdirectory" or "Data Error Reading Drive C:" are DOS error
messages, which if encountered will usually indicate a problem OUTSIDE
of EZ-Menu (or a misspelled reference in a menu entry).
When I select an item from the menu, it says "directory does not exist"
or "bad command or filename" or EZ-Menu quickly reappears.
You should edit the entry you selected and make sure your spelling is
correct, or that the subdirectory and/or program you are calling
actually exists on the disk. You can also press F2 when asked for a
subdirectory and program name to display a list of actual files on disk.
Another possibility could be that you do not have access to the program
you are trying to run from the menu (applicable in a LAN environment).
When I select an item from the menu, after exiting, I am not returned to
EZ-Menu.
This is probably one of the most common problems that occurs. It can be
due to several things:
You have defined the menu entry as a Program/Command type (P), but 1.
are actually calling a batch file. You should change the menu entry
to a batch type (B), then copy the batch file to the root directory
(or \EZMENU is it's installed there).
You may not have installed EZ-Menu properly, the program may not be 2.
recognizing the subdirectory where EZ-Menu is installed. Try re-
configuring the program (using the EZMENU CONFIG command from DOS).
The program you are calling may call other programs using batch files 3.
in which case it would terminate EZ-Menu's ability to re-appear.
This is uncommon and in most cases due to bad programming design on
the part of the people who wrote the software you want to call from
EZ-Menu. To solve this problem may require a bit of modification to
the calling programs' batch files (most notably to add the "MENU"
command at the end of the batch file).
When I select the item from the menu, the computer freezes up.
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The program was not designed to conform to DOS' specifications, see
description number 4. above. Chances are that the program may be
corrupt, or located on a part of the disk drive that may be going bad.
Disk diagnostics should be run to verify the integrity of the hard
drive. Another possible problem may be that a TSR is in memory that may
conflict with the current program.
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I can't execute or edit my menu entry, EZ-Menu says my password is
invalid.
By any chance did you consider that you may be trying the wrong
password? Are your fingers on the right keys? Did you (dare I say)
FORGET your password?? It looks like you're out of luck because there
is no way to get to the entry without knowing the password. You can
either erase the entry or the .MNU file and start over, or in extreme
cases contact PCS and we can possibly help you, but you will have to
send us a copy of your EZMENU.EXE file. An alternative is to use the
Master Password and edit the menu item, either reassigning a new
password or erasing the old one. Another option is to re-install EZ-
Menu from its original master disk and set a master password and use it
to access the menu item.
I forgot my Master Password
Ooops! The best thing to do is re-install EZ-Menu from the original
master disk. This will wipe out the global passwords. Next time don't
forget your password...
I get garbage on my screen when creating new entries.
This will occur after erasing entries sometimes (primarily on older EZ-
Menu versions); It may happen when you use the F5 key (erase entries)
several times to completely clear a menu. In such a case where you want
to completely erase all items from a menu, it is recommended to exit to
dos and use the DEL command to erase the specific .MNU file. If you get
garbage on the screen, simply exit from EZ-Menu and restart it using
MENU and it should clear up.
After configuring ezmenu, the screen displays "EZMENU.EXE corrupted".
For some reason the EZ-Menu program has been damaged. Copy the
EZMENU.EXE file from your original disk and replace this damaged file
and try configuring it again. Another possibility (more common) is that
the EZMENU.EXE file is not in the same subdirectory that is identified
as the EZ-Menu subdirectory in configuration. Try going back into EZ-
Menu and reconfiguring, paying attention to the subdirectory where EZ-
Menu is being set-up. EZ-Menu can be thrown into configuration mode
from DOS by typing "EZMENU CONFIG" from the same directory where
EZMENU.EXE is located.
When exiting to dos, my cursor is missing or different from normal.
Since EZ-Menu's initial development, one of the areas where things are
NOT consistent between IBM "compatibles" is video display attributes
(which is mainly a function of the display adapter). If you are having
problems with the cursor, try changing the display setting in EZ-Menu's
configuration (select Monochrome if you were previously using color and
vice-versa). As a last resort, one sure solution is to set the command
to execute upon exit of EZ-Menu to be something like MODE 80 which will
automatically reset the screen and cursor. EZ-Menu 5.x automatically
resets the cursor to its default setting when exiting - this now works
in virtually any display mode, however if a user-defined cursor has been
set, it will be replaced with DOS's default cursor type.
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The usage log reporter is incorrectly calculating computer usage.
EZ-Menu's usage log reporting functions rely heavily on a particular
command that must be present in the user's AUTOEXEC.BAT file. By
default EZ-Menu's start-up command is "MENU". In the AUTOEXEC.BAT file
however, the command listed at the end of the file should be "MENU 0".
The zero parameter is used to tell EZ-Menu when the computer has been
reset (which would be the only time AUTOEXEC.BAT would be normally
executed). If the zero parameter is left out, EZ-Menu's log reporter
will not be able to determine the proper amount of time utilized on the
computer. If the start-up command has been changed to something other
than "MENU" (from configuration), please make sure that the zero
parameter is still used in conjunction with the proper start-up command
in the user's AUTOEXEC.BAT file. This file can be edited with any
standard ASCII text editor and corrected.
Another possible problem relating to incorrect usage tracking would
result from the computer's real-time clock not being set properly.
Always check the date and time displayed on EZ-Menu's main menu screen.
If this information is incorrect, go to DOS and issue the command DATE
and TIME to properly set the clock. On computers without a battery-
backed-up clock, it is imperative that the user properly set the date
and time whenever the computer is turned on or reset (the best method
would be to put the commands DATE and TIME in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file,
prompting the user to enter the proper date before EZ-Menu is executed.
Upon exiting an application, I'm sometimes dropped into another program
or unusual things happen. When I pick an item from the menu, sometimes
the application is invoked and other times I'm returned to EZ-Menu.
This can be the result of many different things - it usually means that
EZ-Menu's batch files were either overwritten while you were in your
application, or another user (in a LAN environment) with the same
account/username is online at the same time. It can also indicate that
you're not properly invoking EZ-Menu - calling another MENU.BAT file
upon startup. Check for these items:
Make sure that there is not more than one copy of EZ-Menu's start-up
batch file (look for menu.bat OR OR OR ez.bat in the root directory or any
other directory - these files (you should have one or the other
depending upon whether you're running the LAN or single-user version)
should reside exclusively in the \EZMENU subdirectory - if any copies
are located elsewhere on your disk, erase them.
Do not invoke EZ-Menu from Windows if you have previously invoked
Windows from EZ-Menu - this can cause EZ-Menu's original batch files
to be overwritten in some cases.
Try to avoid having two LAN users using the same account (and EZ-Menu
settings/username) online simultaneously - in certain types of
networks this will also cause EZ-Menu's original batch files to be
overwritten by the second user running EZ-Menu.
In a LAN, verify that you have the Global Work Directory set properly
(or the User Work Directory - also check to make sure that the User
Work Directory option is empty if you are using a global setting and
don't want any users to override that setting).
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I can't seem to invoke Windows from EZ-Menu without Windows crashing -
but I can do it from the DOS prompt with no problems.
This is really due to a problem that Windows appears to have with
recognizing where certain system files are stored. We've run across
this situation only a few times - Windows will claim that a certain file
such as krnl386.exe is missing. Try running windows from the
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM subdirectory (instead of \WINDOWS) or call Microsoft
tech support, or wait for a newer version of Windows to come out which
corrects this bug. One problem is that when you install a program under
Windows, changes are made to the system.ini and win.ini files for that
application, and in some cases it disrupts the operation of Windows.
This has nothing to do with EZ-Menu but we receive a lot of calls
regarding Windows problems. All we can do is hope that Microsoft will
make the next release of Windows more stable in this and other areas.
EZ-Menu seems to be stuck in a loop - generating an error message and
then restarting.
We've seen this happen if certain files become corrupted or some
configuration setting has an invalid drive or path specification. In
current versions we've done everything possible to avoid this kind of
situation - if this does happen, try to break out of the loop by hitting
Ctrl-C or break out of the autoexec.bat file when the computer reboots
by doing the same. If all else fails, reboot from a clean floppy. We
recommend you re-install EZ-Menu to correct this, or erase the
main.mnu/ezmain.mnu file and try to restart the program. You can test
things without getting stuck in a loop by executing the command: "ezmenu
E" from the DOS prompt. You can avoid these kinds of problems by
regularly running disk diagnostic software to anticipate possible
problems with your hard drive and corrupted files.
The Mouse does not work with EZ-Menu
This is usually the result of the mouse driver not being loaded during
booting of the PC. If you run Windows, normally Windows will
automatically load the mouse driver, and then unload it upon
termination. It is better to put the MOUSE command in your AUTOEXEC.BAT
file to load the driver from DOS - this will allow EZ-Menu to recognize
and use the mouse. Also there is a possibility that you have a very old
mouse driver or something which is not very Microsoft-mouse-compatible
(the standard). Try changing to a different mouse driver. Mouse
drivers typically come with each version of DOS and Windows (so look for
a file called MOUSE.COM or MOUSE.EXE in the \DOS \WINDOWS or directories
and add the command to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file). If the mouse normally
does work - this could be an indication that some other program or
utility has corrupted or interfered with the mouse driver in memory -
try rebooting your PC to see if the problem is corrected.
Smoke and flames are coming out of my computer!
Try moving your PC farther away from the fireplace.
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Appendix C - Files Included With The EZ-Menu Package
The following files are used by EZ-Menu: (some are included, others are
created; others are extracted from the file EZPAK.EXE)
EZMENU.EXE This is the EZ-Menu program.
EZMENU.HLP EZ-Menu context-sensitive help data.
MENU.BAT This file is used to invoke EZ-Menu, if it is not present,
type EZMENU at the dos prompt and it will be created. If
you change the start-up command in system settings, this
file will be replaced with whatever name you specify; Note:
EZ-Menu does not erase the original batch file in this case
- you'll have to do that manually if necessary.
ONE_MOME.BATThis file is created by EZ-Menu. It is part of the
sequence of batch files which take the user into and out of
their applications.
MAIN.MNU This is the file containing the selections for the main
menu. If it is not present, then a new one will be created
and the display will say 'There are no entries in this
menu' when you invoke EZ-menu. At that point you should
press F1 to add entries to the menu.
EZMENU.DOC This is the EZ-Menu users manual, which will only be on EZ-
Menu disks which are sent to registered Shareware users; a
printed version of this file will be included with the
retail package.
READ-ME.1ST This file will always contain the latest information on EZ-
Menu. It should be addressed first, before consulting the
documentation.
INSTALL.EXE The installation program for EZ-Menu, instructions for
installation of EZ-Menu will be in the file READ-ME.1ST or
on an accompanying Quick Start card.
EZCONV6.EXE This program will convert menu files that were used with
older versions of EZ-Menu (5.x) so that they can be used
with the newer versions of EZ-Menu.
FEATURES.DOCThis file outlines the major enhancements and changes
between the current version of EZ-Menu and its predecessor.
READLOG.EXE This is the usage log analyzer program.
READLOG The is the configuration .PCS file for READLOG (it is created if
it doesn't exist, or the defaults are used).
SCREEN.EZ The contents of this ASCII file, if found will be displayed
behind the user login screen if EZ-Menu is in multiuser
mode.
TITLE.EZ The contents of this ASCII file, if found will be displayed
in front of the main menu when EZ-Menu is initially entered
(only upon start-up of your PC - not every time).
MAKEMNU.EXE This is the automatic menu-creator for EZ-Menu.
APPS.DAT This file contains data used internally by the Makemnu
program.
EZUSER.EXE This is the EZUSER utility which is used to maintain & add
user accounts when EZ-Menu is running in multiuser mode.
EZABORT.BAT A batch file that if exists, will be executed if the user
presses ESC while logging in (and the ESC from login option
in configuration is enabled.
LAN.DOC Any new notes on the LAN version will be in this ASCII
file, available for viewing.
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Any other files with a .MNU extension are sub-menu files containing
other selections accessible from EZ-Menu. The file READ-ME.1ST will
also contain information on any additional files included with the
package.
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EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
Appendix D - Special Techniques For Using EZ-Menu
Here are a few tricks you can use to add special features. These are
just simple examples that can be expanded on for further capabilities.
Pop-Up help can be used in a wide variety of ways - in addition to
providing extra information for a user, some resourceful people are
using this field to display items such as technical support numbers
for specified applications - that's a great idea. For example, if
Microsoft Windows is an option from the menu, why not add pop-up help
which lists the telephone number for MS tech support - it's a very
convenient location.
If you want to be able to select an option from the menu and NOT be
returned to the EZ-Menu after the application terminates, create a
batch file with the commands you want executed when you select the
entry, then add an entry to the menu as a Program/Command type (P)
and for the exact command, type in the name of the batch file you
created. When selecting this option, you will not be returned to the
menu after completing your application(s).
The Batch file type entry is very useful and most often overlooked.
If you want to set up certain options before you run your
application, put the appropriate commands in a batch file and create
a Batch entry type. For example, I have a laser printer connected to
my serial port. Every time I turn on the printer I have to
initialize it via dos's MODE command. Unfortunately the laser
printer uses a lot of electricity so I only turn it on when I plan to
print something and turn if off when I'm finished. So what I do is
create a batch file called WORDPROC.BAT containing the MODE command
to set it up, along with the commands to switch to my word processing
subdirectory and call-up my word processor. I then create an entry
in my menu defined as a Batch type, and put WORDPROC.BAT as the
command. This way when I want to enter the word processor, I turn on
my printer and select my word processor from the menu. EZ-Menu sets
up my printer and goes into the word processor.
If you have implemented reset re-execution, you can manipulate how
EZ-Menu deals with computer reset by conditionally erasing the
REXEC.EZ file in EZ-Menu's subdirectory. If it is erased, reset re-
execution will not be invoked upon return to EZ-Menu if it exists, it
will be in the following format:
An ASCII file containing the following lines:
- line describing user name (for future versions)
- description of the menu choice
- name of menu file choice was from (with the .MNU extension)
- the number of the item executed
items are numbered from left to right) (
If you encounter any strange problems with EZ-Menu and have memory
resident programs in use, check to make sure that the RAM-resident
software is not causing the problem.
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EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
Using EZ-Menu's Timex menu feature (as outlined earlier in this
manual) will allow you to "hide" a menu of scheduled events to be
executed, or at the very least allow timed events to not crowd the
main menu. You can create a menu choice leading to the Timex menu,
then add the scheduled events, and later erase the menu entry leading
to the submenu . Even though the menu may not be accessible from
within EZ-Menu, it will still be checked regularly for scheduled
events (if the feature is enabled via configuration).
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EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
Appendix E - The Logistics of Timed Execution
For those interested, the specifics of how menu choices are scheduled
for timed-execution are outlined below.
1.An entry of Batch or Program/Command type can be set to execute at a
specific time at any of the following frequencies: daily, weekly,
monthly, annually, on an exact day month and year
Information appropriate to the specified frequency is required to be
input by the user in an easily-understandable format. Information on
the time-of-day can be input in either 12 or 24 hour format which is
then converted to 12 hour (am/pm) format for display. Whenever the
information on the setting of a timed-execution entry is displayed -
it is described in a very verbose manner quite comprehensively (i.e.
"Entry scheduled to execute on Friday at 2:24pm" or "..on the 21st at
3:00am").
The logic under which a timed-execution entry is activated is as 2.
follows:
Once you have set a period (frequency and time) under which a menu
choice is to be time-executed, the sequence (automatic execution)
will be initiated if one of the two conditions is met:
1. You are at the menu, and the selected period matches the date and
time of the system clock
2. You are at the menu, and system clock shows a time and date which
is LATER than the set period, AND, the entry has NOT been executed
since the set period.
It is assumed that the timed-execution feature is ENABLED (which is
selectable during configuration), and if so, entries are checked for
timed-execution:
1. upon initially entering EZ-Menu (checks the Main Menu)
2. upon entering a sub-menu (checks the selected sub-menu)
3. each minute (MM:00 on the system clock) (checking whatever menu is
currently displayed)
4. whenever the F8 function key is pressed (checking whatever menu is
currently displayed)
5. each minute while the screen is cleared (assuming the screen save
option is enabled) (checking whatever menu is in use)
If you are at the Main Menu, EZ-Menu will only check timed-execution
entries for THAT menu, NOT any sub-menus unless you enter the
particular sub-menu. For this reason, you should generally locate
all timed-execution entries on the initial (main) menu. The
exception to this is the special "Timex" menu which can be defined in
configuration. Items on this menu will be checked every time EZ-Menu
enters any menu, and also at the frequency defined in configuration.
The Timex menu need not be accessible (from any menu) in order to be
utilized.
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EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
Checking for timed-execution is only done while EZ-Menu is running. 3.
If you are in an application and the specified execution period for
an entry is reached, you will be notified upon returning to EZ-Menu.
The user will NOT be interrupted while in an application, which is
the last thing a person would probably want anyway (and there is
certainly no easy way to implement such a capability without
jeopardizing the integrity of the current application).
When a timed-execution choice is activated, an appropriate message is 4.
displayed on the screen and the user has 10 seconds to press any key
to abort EZ-Menu from executing the option. If no key is pressed,
the entry is time-stamped and executed. If a key is pressed during
this "wait period", the entry is time-stamped and the user is
returned to the menu.
NOTE: This feature is sensitive to a specified point in time, rather
than a time range. For example, if you set execution of an entry to be
on the first of the month, effectively the entry should execute
generally every 28-31 days BUT the system is tuned to have that option
execute on THE EXACT PERIOD specified, and if that period has passed, it
should be executed ASAP. The next scheduled timed-execution will be set
after the current date and time. Here is another example:
The date is currently January 10th. You set an entry to execute monthly
on the 20th. You turn off the computer. The next time you turn on your
computer is March 19th. EZ-Menu will execute the entry since it is past
Jan 20th and has not been executed. The next day marks the 20th of the
month again, and at the appropriate time, if your computer is in EZ-
Menu, timed-execution will once again be activated. After this event,
the next scheduled date/time will be the 20th of the next month (April
20th) and so on. This method of implementation has been well-thought-
out and represents the most practical way to time an entry's execution.
The above example represents an uncommon scenario but shows how timed-
execution is handled. In the real world, during normal operation, if an
entry is set to execute on the 1st of each month, it will normally be
executed at a frequency of approximately once each 30 days (aside from
when it may be manually executed).
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EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
Appendix F - Special Options For Dealers, Consultants & Corporations
If you are a consultant and wish to distribute EZ-Menu to your clients,
or a retail outlet or distributor and want to bundle EZ-Menu with other
products you sell to increase their value, or perhaps your company has
many satellite offices that you are setting computer systems up for,
special arrangements can be worked out by contacting Progressive
Computer Services.
* EZ-Menu can be customized to your specifications. Depending upon the
type of customization and quantity of order - turnaround on such
custom work can be as soon as 7 days!
Your advertising/promotional information can be listed on the *
"information" page and anywhere else in the system you desire (where
feasible).
After taking just a few minutes to examine EZ-Menu, you will surely
agree that it can:
1. increase the value of any computer or software system it is bundled
with by making it much more "user-friendly" and easy-to-operate
2. significantly reduce the chance of a user inadvertently damaging or
purging data from the computer and also restrict users from certain
operations
3. logically assemble and organize the wide array of applications that
can be implemented on the computer
4. create a consistent user interface for all of your computer systems
5. dramatically reduce the amount of unnecessary employee/customer
time spent in having to learn DOS command syntax just to be able to
operate their applications (Most computer users in a business
environment are primarily concerned with a particular application -
they don't want to learn how to "program" or be a "computer whiz";
they want to get up on their database/spreadsheet/word processor in
a minimal amount of time, and with that in mind - EZ-Menu is the
perfect tool to help them do so).
6. protect the computer from interruption of processing as a result of
a temporary power outage or reboot
7. allow any software to be executed at a particular time, at a user-
defined frequency - This feature is invaluable when you think of
how you can set your computer to automatically check and perform
preventive maintenance on the hard disk at regular intervals!
8. provide protection against invasion of subversive software such as
vires, worms, and trojan programs by limiting the capability of
unauthorized software being introduced as well as providing an
accurate record of activities accomplished on the system
For additional information, contact Progressive Computer Services at the
address and telephones listed in the section entitled, How to Contact
PCS.
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EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
Appendix G - How To Contact PCS
Ordering Information
If you are interested in ordering or upgrading additional copies of EZ-
Menu, call our toll-free credit-card order line at (800) 628-1131. Do
not call this line for technical support - those numbers are listed
below. We accept VISA, Mastercard and American Express. You can also
use any of our E-Mail and standard addresses listed. For further
information on quantity discounts, site licenses or dealer options, see
the section Special Options for Dealers & Corporations.
Comments & Suggestions
We always welcome any comments or suggestions you may have regarding our
products! The PCS software that you use today has been developed over
the years with lots of feedback from our users. Now you're part of our
elite group and we value any opinion you may have. When this program
was originally marketed, we made very little money - what motivated us
was the positive encouragement we received from our users - that still
holds today. You can make our day by sending us a letter outlining your
thoughts, praise or comments. We will also be publishing a newsletter,
each month outlining how our clients make use of EZ-Menu's features in
their particular scenario. Please write us outlining how you use EZ-
Menu. If we reprint your story, we'll send you your choice of at least
one of our software packages!
Progressive Computer Services, Inc.
PO Box 7638
Metairie, LA 70010-7638
(504) 834-2160 fax
Technical Support
Nowadays everybody seems to be charging their customers for tech
support. We find this to be almost unethical. We at PCS will always
endeavor to provide free technical support (and we sure hope we don't
put our foot in our mouth on this aspect <g>). However, please do your
best to make sure that you have done everything possible to rectify the
situation before calling us. Check the Troubleshooting section of the
EZ-Menu Users Manual first; even take a break and approach the computer
after a little while - you'd be amazed how many problems are so obvious
you don't realize them at first glance.
NOTE: Almost 90% of the calls we get for technical support have little
to do with EZ-Menu. Many customers think that since EZ-Menu
appears when they turn on their PC, that any PC-related problem
should be directed to us. While we would like to be able to
help everyone, often it is impossible for us to diagnose or
solve a problem which is not related directly to the operation
of EZ-Menu.
We really do sympathize with you if you can't figure out how to print
under WordPerfect, or have accidentally erased a floppy, but many
problems such as this are simply beyond our knowledge or responsibility.
If we had a dollar for each person who called and said, "My computer
won't work, fix it!", we could probably hire a few additional full-time
tech support people!
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EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
Most of the questions and answers in the Troubleshooting section are
directly taken from actual tech support cases. Please check the
Troubleshooting section (in the EZ-Menu Users Manual) before calling
tech support. Every time we run into a user with a legitimate EZ-Menu
question, we make note of it and include it in future troubleshooting
sections. Most of the time, we receive calls from users who cannot get
an application to run from the menu - this is usually due to
misspellings of the subdirectory or command, or possibly the wrong entry
type.
PCS Technical Support Avenues:
(504) 834-2160 FAX One of the best ways to reach us; we'll thoughtfully
consider your situation and usually promptly fax you back
a comprehensive list of solutions.
(504) 835-0085 BBS PCS maintains a 24-hour computer bulletin-board-
system; on your first call you can scan the PCS message
base for questions & answers or leave your own. The PCS
file area also contains Shareware & Demo versions of all
our products, as well as any public updates, utilities
and other important files. If you call our BBS, ignore
any reference to "membership" or "registration" - this is
for local callers who also use the BBS for e-mail and
other services. Our BBS will always offer the sections
our customers need on the first call regardless of their
validation level. Our BBS can be reached through Fidonet
at 1:396/21
Voice (504) 831-9717 This is the PCS voice tech support line. We
accept calls from 9:00am-5:00pm CST. Please have your
version number and product serial number ready when
calling (the serial number can be found by pressing F4
from the main menu, at the bottom of the screen). Other
helpful information to know when calling includes: your
DOS version, type of PC (brand/model, 286/386/Pentium,
etc.), and what resident utilities & device drivers you
may have installed.
E-Mail Tech Support Perhaps the most wonderful aspect of the computer
revolution is E-Mail. PCS maintains a presence on almost
every major information service & network available -
some of which garner a quicker response than others.
These are listed in order of priority.
System E-Mail Address: Comments:
Name:
Internet: PCS@f21.n396.z1.fidonet (the best & most direct address) .org
71127.2105@compuserve.com
mikeperry@pan.com
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EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
humankind@aol.com
Compuserve: 71127,2105 (please specify sender pays
charges)
America Humankind, or Arpegi0
Online
Fidonet: 1:396/21 (checked constantly - very prompt)
BBS (504) 835-0085 300-14400+ bps, 24 hours direct
Messages:
mikeperry Pan:
When sending E-Mail, please be sure to describe the complete name and
version of your software, as well as information on what type of
environment you're running under (Dos version, any network, special
programs or TSRs, etc). You can also specify the method for us to
respond, either via E-mail, FAX or telephone.
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EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
Appendix H - Program History & Author Information
EZ-Menu was developed in 1982 by Michael Perry, at the time an
independent computer consultant and programmer. From the time of
elementary school Mike was heavily involved in computers. While barely
a teenager, he was designing and programming software for the computer-
based-education lab at Tuskeegee institute in Alabama. Later he
developed comprehensive software systems for several worldwide
corporations. At the time when PC's were nothing more than "kits"
available to hobbyists, Mike was working at home after school on a
computer terminal linked into Control Data's PLATO worldwide network.
It was on the Control Data network that Mike realized the value of a
simple, yet powerful user-interface.
After college, Mike opted to go into business for himself as a computer
programmer and consultant. Mike's consulting services allowed him to
become involved in developing systems in a wide variety of business
environments. From the instant of Mike's involvement with PC's he
realized that a lot of his clients were spending entirely too much time
shuffling through manuals, talking on the phone to computer stores, or
complaining about the lack of service they received from the people who
sold them their computers. Indeed, Mike soon found himself spending
more time instructing his clients on basic computer use than developing
"software solutions". He needed something to allow his clients to
access their applications with a minimal amount of computer
"technicrosity". Thus EZ-Menu was born.
Initially written in BASIC and later compiled, EZ-Menu was intended for
use by Mike to distribute to his clients. After its introduction it was
immediately acknowledged as a valuable tool not-to-be-without for hard
disk users. Soon others developed similar software, but EZ-Menu has
remained the original, easiest-to-operate menu system.
Since the time of EZ-Menu's creation, the response to the product has
been incredible, which prompted Mike to enhance the product and address
the comments, suggestions and criticisms that have been received. EZ-
Menu has been totally re-written and utilizes the benefits of several
different programming languages to provide both speed and power. The
current product represents an immeasurable amount of research and
development into the best method of allowing a computer user the ease of
operation without sacrificing power or flexibility.
In the last seven years, EZ-Menu has been updated over 18 times - these
have NOT been versions to correct bugs; they have always included major
enhancements. On the other hand, the latest version represents over
three years of development. PCS has a commitment to provide to its
users the best software possible and we will live up to that commitment
by constantly improving the software as per our users' requests.
With the introduction of EZ-Menu, a new realm of computer control and
ease-of-use has been attained. So much so that it seems the term "menu
program" barely fits the product. EZ-Menu's functions and features go
far beyond a simple user interface. The term "application control
system" now seems more appropriate.
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EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
PCS is still a relatively small software company by today's standards.
It seems that the standard route for such a company is to "sell out" and
acquire venture capital to break into the commercial mainstream.
Unfortunately this is probably true, but we would prefer to be the best
and not necessarily the biggest. To this day, most of our sales come
from word of mouth - which is why we truly do rely on you to help us
promote our products. Some of the major distributors won't mess with us
because we don't have $10 million to blow in advertising - it's a
vicious circle. If you like our products please tell your friends, call
your dealers and distributors and ask for EZ-MENU! Even if you know
they don't have it, the request will make it easier for us to get our
product on the shelves of every major computer/software dealer. Every
little bit helps!!
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EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
Index
color configuration, username method,
A--- --- 22, 23 16; running EZ-Menu
command/filename, 37 with Windows, ; 43
access level, 16 commands, 30; saving settings,
acknowledgments, 8 stacking, 30, 57 22; screen
Alloy, 8 comments & blanking, 20;
application, 5, 10, suggestions, 71 simple menu layout,
11, 12, 13, 15, 20, communications, , 12 20; sound, 20;
21, 27, 28, 29, 33, 40 start-up filespec,
34, 37, 40, 41, 43, compatibility, 8 14; subdirectory,
44, 49, 50, 52, 53, Compuserve, 73 14; System Options,
55, 56, 59, 66, 69, computer 14; time stamping,
70, 74 usage/activity: 20; timed-
application generating activity execution, 21;
recognition, 52; reports, 49 timed-execution
submitting info to configuration, 7, 9, filespec, 19; timex
PCS, 53 10, 14, 15, 16, 18, menu, ; title 21
APPS.DAT, 52, 53, 64 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, page, 58; usage log
APPS.EZ, 52, 53, 64 25, 26, 27, 31, 37, filespec, 19; usage
arrow keys, 24 40, 41, 46, 47, 48, tracking, ; User 21
AUTOEXEC.BAT, 9, 14, 50, 51, 56, 57, 61, Options, 14; user
42, 43, 44, 50, 62, 62, 64, 67, 68; security level, 18;
63; setup for adding new users, user work
Windows, 43 ; allow ESC from 47 directory, 18
automated execution, login, 17; bottom context-sensitive
19 screen message, 20; help, 57, , 22 64
Automatic Help, , 14 colors, 22, 55; converting old menu
, 22 27 configuring colors, files, 54
automation, 34 ; department, 18; 22 Ctrl keys, 24
display type/color cursor, 61
--- B--- settings, ; DOS 22 custom services, 70
exit commands, 19;
backup, 5, 30, 38 drive, 14; exit-to- ------ D
Bad Command or DOS password, 15;
Filename, 10, 59 EZ-Menu options, date, , 21, 20 25,
Banyan, 8 14; LAN type, 17; 34, , 41 38 49 , 51 , ,
batch file, 11, 14, log reporter, 50; 56, 68 57 62, , 69 ,
27, 29, 30, 37, 38, login password, 18; date/time formats:
55, 57, 59, 64, 66 main menu filespec, when specifying
batch files, 29, 37, 19; main menu timex frequency, 34
55, 66 title, 19; MAKEMNU, DEC Pathworks, 8
BBS, 54 , 40, 33 , 72, 53; master Desqview, 8
73 password, 15; min. diagnostics, 38
bottom screen level/configure, directories, 12
message, 20 15; min. level/DOS display attributes,
access, 16; min.
C--- --- level/menu mod.,
16; min. level/user
CGA, 8, 55 edit, 16; multiuser
check timex menu, 19 feature, 16;
CHKDSK, 38 multiuser
clock, 21, 62, 68 operation, ; one- 46
CLR, 23 key execution, 20;
passwords, 15; pick
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EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
55, 57, 59, 60, 61, under Windows, 44; execution, 40;
62, 70 installation, 9; special deals for
DOS commands, 19, introduction & resellers &
37, 57 overview, 5; list corporations, 70;
DOSSHELL, 9, 43 of filenames & special techniques,
drive, 29 descriptions, 64; 66; timed-
monitoring execution, 38;
--- E --- activity, 41; usage tracking, 41
multiuser FEATURES.DOC, 64
edit menu password, operation, 46; fidonet, 72
15, 16, 31 operation, ; 24 file: outputting
edit mode, 36 ordering activity logs to
editing: additional information, 71; disk file, 50
commands, ; menu 26 performance, 10; filename, 14, 19,
choices, 36 rebooting/reset, 27, 28, 30, 35, 36,
EGA, 8, 55 10; 37, 41, 50, 51, 53,
elapsed time, 21, reselling/dealer 59
, 41 , 49 57 information, 70; files, 7, 9, 10, 12,
E-Mail, 71, 72, 73 running under 15, 18, 29, 30, 54,
End key, 24 Windows, 44; 55, 56, 59, 64, 65;
error messages, 10, running Windows included in the EZ-
59 applications, 43; Menu package, 64
errors: solving running with MS function keys, 24
problems, 7; Windows, 43;
troubleshooting, 59 setting up menu --- G ---
exit commands, 19 27 files, ; special
extension, 12, 19, characters & their Global Work
23, 27, 30, 37, 53, usage, 19; System Directory, 15, 18
65, 66 Options, 14;
EZ.BAT, 14 technical support, --- --- H
EZABORT.BAT, 17, 64 71; timed-
ezconv, 7, 9, 54, execution, 5; tips hard disk, 56
64; introduction, & techniques for help, 22, 57; adding
54 using, 66; customized help for
EZCONV.EXE, 64 trademarks & menu items, 31;
EZ-Menu: copyrights, 4; User menu pop-up help
acknowledgements, Options, 14; options, 31
8; adding new working with old help box, 14, 31
users, ; 47 version menu files, Home key, 24
advantages & unique 54 humor: token joke in
abilities, 70; ezmenu config, 9, 10 manual, 63
author information, EZ-Menu LAN manual,
74; commands at 20 --- I ---
main menu, 24; EZ-Menu Users
compatibility with , 71, 72 Manual install, 7, 9, 12,
other programs, 8; EZMENU.DOC, 64 47
configuration, 7, EZMENU.EXE, 10, 61, INSTALL.BAT, 64
9, 14; configuring 64 installation: manual
colors, ; custom 22 EZMENU.HLP, 64 installation, 9
services, 70; drive EZUSER, 4, 14, 16, Installing EZ-Menu,
where installed, 46, 47, 48, 64 9
10; editing menu Internet, 72
choices, 36; --- F--- introduction, 5
features, 5;
feedback, 71; FAX, 40, 72, 73
getting started, 7; features, 55; list,
history, 74; icon 55; reset re-
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EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
--- K --- , 38, 37 , , 55 52 42 , multitasking, 8
, 56, 57 , 68 , 67 66 multiuser, 8, 10,
keyboard: control menu choices: 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,
commands, ; 24 adding, 27; adding 24, 25, 29, 33, 36,
editing commands, comments into 41, 46, 47, 48, 64;
; function keys, 26 activity log, 34; adding new users,
24 description, 28; 47
keyboard commands, 29 drive, ; editing,
24 36, 37, 57; exact --- N---
command/filename,
--- L --- 30; labeling, 56; network, 3, 72, 73;
minimum security to licensing, 3
LAN, 8, 10, 15, 16, access, 33; minimum networks, 14; mapped
17, 18, 20, 29, 35, security to edit, drives, 15
46, 48, 57 ; pause before 33 node, 3, 15, 16, 18
LAN type, 17 returning, 33; pop- Norton Utilities, 38
LAN.DOC, 64 up help, ; 31 Novell, 8, 14, 15,
Lantastic, 8 printing, 25; 46
late prompting for
changes/improvement parameters, 33; --- O---
s, 7 reset re-execution,
License: Shareware, ; return to main 33 ONE_MOME.BAT, 64
4 33 menu, ; saving, One-Key Execution,
licensing, 3 36; special 20, 56
limitations, 55 considerations when Optune, 38
login, 10, 15, 17 editing, 37; Ordering
subdirectory, 29; Information, 71
--- M --- submenus, 35; OS/2, 8
swapping, 56;
main menu, 10, 14, swapping/copying, --- --- P
18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25; timed-
26, 28, 33, 35, 37, execution, 34 38; , parameters, 33, 56,
43, 44, 46, 47, 51, type, 27, 28, 37,
52, 55, 58, 62, 64, 66
67 menu files, 7, 9,
main menu filespec, 29, 54, 64, 65
19 menu item:
main menu title, 19 program/command
MAIN.MNU, 19, 35, type, 11
37, 64 menu items, 16, 20,
Makemnu, 52, 64; 24, 41, 56, 57
adding your own MENU.BAT, 14, 44, 64
recognition data, menufiles, 9, 37,
53; identifying 65; conversion, 9,
Windows 54; setting colors,
applications, 43; 22
introduction, 52 Mike Perry, 73, 74
mapped drives, 15 minimmum security
master password, 15, level, 16
, 26 31 37 , 36, 57 , minimum security
memory, 8, 11, 25, 47 level,
38, 43, 56, 60, 66 minute chime, 21
MENU, 9 MODE, 66
menu 0, 9, 43 monochrome, 8, 61
menu choice, 10 11, , mouse, 63
, 15 27 20 , 24 , , 28 , MS Lan Manager, 8
, 29 , 34 30 , 31 , , 36 multiple drives, 29
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EZ-Menu Operations Manual (c)1982-1994 PCS, Inc.
printing: activity sound effects, 56 upgrading, 7
logs, 50; menu startup command, 19 usage log, , 19, 10
choices, 25 start-up filespec, 21, , , 42 41 34 , 49,
program/command, 11, 14 , 50 , 57, 62, 51 64
13, 27, 29, 36, 37 status page, 25, 56 usage tracking, 5,
Prompt for Log subdirectories, 10, 21, 41; adding
Comment, 36 14, 29, 57 comments, 33, 41;
Prompt for subdirectory, 9, 10, detailed report,
parameters, 36 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 49; generating
17, 19, 27, 28, 29, activity reports,
------ R 30, 35, 36, 37, 40, ; logging 49
41, 42, 47, 49, 50, comments, 41;
READLOG, 19, 41, 42, 51, 52, 53, 55, 57, summary report, 49
49, 57, 64; 58, 59, 61, 66, 72 USAGE.LOG, 19, 41,
configuration, 50; 15 submenu, 23, 22 , , 49, 50, 51;
generating activity 27, 25, 29 30 , 28, , erasing, 51
reports, 49; 35 37, , 47 67; , user, 5, 7, 10, 14,
overview & colors, 22 15, 16, 17, 18, 19,
information, 49 submenus, 27, 28, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24,
READLOG.PCS, 64 29, 35, 37, 55; 25, 26, 27, 28, 30,
READ-ME.1ST, 7, 64 creating, 35 31, 33, 34, 37, 40,
reports, 49, 57 System Options, 14, 41, 42, 46, 47, 48,
reseller options, 70 47 50, 51, 52, 55, 56,
reset re-execution, 57, 61, 62, 64, 66,
, 33, 56 21 --- T--- 68, 69, 70, 74;
Return to Main Menu, login to EZ-Menu,
36 technical support, 16
return to submenu, 11, 66, 71, 72; User Login Password,
33, 55 avoiding problems 26
REXEC.EZ, 40, 66 in getting help, 11 User Options, 14,
tilde, 19, 30, 37 16, 18, 22
--- S --- Time Stamping, 20, User Password, 26
21, 25
scheduled events, timed events, 38, 69
19, 38 , 34, 21 , , 56 timed-execution, 5,
, 57 , 68 67 19, 20, 21, 34, 38,
screen blanking, 20, 56; frequencies,
55; password- 34; incremental
protected, 26 frequency, 34;
security, 5, 10, 14, introduction/logist
15, 16, 17, 18, 26, ics, 68; unusual
30, 33, 36, 37, 41, frequencies, 39
43, 46, 47, 49, 50, timex file, 19
55, 57, 70; timex menu, 21, 56,
identifying 67
unauthorized title, 19, 50, 58
intrusions, 41 title page, 58
security code, 16 tracking: computer
security level, 15, activity, 49
16, 18, 33, 36, 46, Troubleshooting, 8,
47 10, 11, 42, 50, 59,
security options, 31 62, 66, 71, 72
Shareware, 4, 64, 72
Simple Menu, 20 ------ U
Simplemenu, 20, 48
site licensing, 70 unattended
Sound, 20 operation, 40
79