Shareware Overload Trio 2/Shareware Overload Trio Volume 2 (Chestnut CD-ROM).ISO/dir39/abatv2.zip/ABATCSYS.DOC

Text File | 1994-01-04 | 21KB | 401 lines

 ABAT + CSYS V2 are Copy(c)right 1993,1994 by Gary M. Raymond, New Orleans, La.

       PROVIDE a simple, FAST and easy way to create, view or add to the
              AUTOEXEC.BAT or CONFIG.SYS dos system setup files.

              More powerful utilities in the DiskSave Series by

                              Gary M. Raymond
                                P.O.Box 8184
                           New Orleans, La.  70182
                               [phone]
                            Compuserve 70613,3165

   ====================================================================

   Files Provided:
   ABAT.COM            ABAT Utility
   CSYS.COM            ABAT Utility
   ABATCSYS.DOC        This document.
   LICENSE             Legal stuff etc.

   System requirements: PC/XT/AT, DOS 2.1 up, 128k+ ram, floppy
   with hard drive, mono or color, any type graphic adapter.

   For technical information about these utilities see end of doc.
   ====================================================================

Q  What exactly are ABAT and CSYS.COM?
A  These are very small, powerful ascii list and append utilities that
   are written in assembler. They allow you to very easily view, create
   or add new lines of instructions to the system AUTOEXEC.BAT or
   CONFIG.SYS files WITHOUT a lot of red tape or inconvenience. They are
   intended to provide a quick means of viewing the content of the
   existing files or append new instructions to them. Also, by deleting
   the existing file first, a new one can be created from scratch with
   all necessary lines added one by one. More importantly, ALL this can
   be done from the DOS prompt without invoking any editor.

Q  I just purchased my computer and the manual mentions these system
   configuration files (AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS) but gives very
   little and somewhat vague information. What is the purpose of
   these files?
A  Excellent question. Let's begin with the CONFIG.SYS file.

   CONFIG.SYS
   ----------------
   This is the first of the two configuration files that will be read by
   the operating system as it boots up the computer. This file, like the
   AUTOEXEC must always be located in the root of the default (boot up)
   drive. The CONFIG.SYS is read by DOS to finish up any special or
   custom configurations you desire of your system. This includes such
   things as defining the various software device drivers that will be
   used to operate some of your PC's peripheral hardware. This can be
   anything from extended or expanded memory managers to ANSI graphic
   detection and display devices, to CD-ROM drives.  The basic syntax
   for loading a software device driver is:

   DEVICE=C:\DOS\ANSI.SYS

   You might note that the actual driver file does not have to be located
   in the root of the boot drive as long as a valid path is given to its
   actual location.

   Additionally, DOS can allow you to define how many files it can have
   open at any given time as well as the number of drive disk buffers.
   If you are using a database manager that works with many files at one
   time, you may want to set the FILES= to a value recommended by the
   program author. The default setting for open files is usually eight.
   Disk buffers speed, to some extent, the reading and writing of files
   by pulling in more data at one time. A single buffer uses roughly one
   half k. To some extent, experimentation is the best way to determine
   the optimum setting. Most DOS manuals suggest setting this value to
   around 20. (this eats 10+k!).

   Since these parameters do use up available RAM memory you may wish to
   investigate using only what is absolutely necessary. The syntax for
   this is:

   SET FILES=20
   SET BUFFERS=20


   You might also want to consider changing DOS'es BREAK setting from
   the default status of OFF to ON. This is useful if you desire to have
   the ability to crash exit at any time from most programs by simply
   using either Ctrl C or Ctrl Break keys. Otherwise, those keys are
   generally only monitored by DOS during i/o activity. Some programs
   themselves may take over those keys for their own purposes. If this
   is the case, setting BREAK ON wont give any additional capability
   when using that application.

   There are many other possibilities for setting other useful
   parameters and I suggest you explore the DOS documentation manual
   that came with your version of DOS for more specific details
   concerning these and other setup possibilities.

   When using CSYS to add a new DEVICE or parameter to your CONFIG.SYS
   system file, seldom is it necessary to have anything listed in any
   kind of arranged pecking order. This means that simply adding an
   additional line (with the correct syntax) will get the job done; and
   that is exactly what CSYS was designed to do.

   Example: Suppose you wish to add a SHELL statement in order to
   increase the size of your DOS environment space. You might first want
   to see what is already in the existing CONFIG.SYS file. Type "CSYS *"
   (less quotes) at the DOS prompt. This will dump the content of the
   file to the screen. By using DOS redirection commands, you could even
   send the output to the printer (or to a file) as follows:

   C>"CSYS * >prn"          (less quotes, sends the info to your printer)
   C>"CSYS * >myfile.dat"   (less quotes, sends the info to myfile.dat)

   Now, to add a SHELL statement to the existing file, type the following
   at the system prompt (C>, A> etc)

   C>CSYS SHELL=C:\COMMAND.COM /E:1280 /P /R

   then hit the Enter key. That's all there is to do. The new line will
   be neatly appended as the new last line of the CONFIG.SYS file. NOTE:
   To activate anything added or changed to your CONFIG.SYS file, it will
   be necessary to reboot your computer.

   AUTOEXEC.BAT
   ----------------
   The best statement to make immediately about this configuration file
   is to say that anything you can do at the system prompt can also be
   done within the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Executing this batch file is the
   very last thing DOS does before giving control to the user via the
   appearance of the DOS prompt. Since there are literally a hundred or
   more DOS commands or utilities, as well as an uncounted number of
   third part utilities or programs that can be executed from within
   this special system batch file I will leave it basically up to you to
   explore your DOS manual for ideas to enhance your system and
   operation. What I will do however, is give you an example of a
   generic AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

   DATE              <---- in case you do not have an internal clock
   TIME              <---- or for whatever reason wish to manually set.
   PROMPT $p$g       <---- display your path location at prompt (ugh!)
   SET PATH=C:\;C:\DOS;C:\WP61;C:\UTILITY etc etc etc. <- set path
   CD\WP61           <---- change directory to Wordperfect
   WP                <---- start running Wordperfect

Q  How do I use ABAT or CSYS.COM?
A  Place the utilities into any directory that you have already a DOS
   path assigned to. If you are unsure of what directories that may be,
   simply type "SET" at the DOS command prompt and your system will tell
   you what paths are currently active in a SET PATH= statement. Most
   systems are set up with a path to the "DOS" directory.  Once you have
   located the utilities in a proper directory, you may then use them
   from ANY other directory you happen to be in at the time you need
   their services. Both ABAT and CSYS automatically look in the root
   directory of the default drive for the proper corresponding files.



   RECAP:
   -----------------------------------------------------------------
   "ABAT *" or "CSYS *" will view the existing contents of your
   system files. Either name without the * will generate help.

   "ABAT SET PATH=C:\UTILITY" with the existing AUTOEXEC.BAT still
   present in the root will append "SET PATH=C:\UTILITY" to a new last
   line. If the file was first deleted, a new one will be created
   containing the indicated line. The same info applies to CSYS.COM
   ------------------------------------------------------------------

   ====================================================================
   V2.0  01/8/94  First public release
   ====================================================================

                           ┌─────────┐
                           │ MEMBER  │   Society of
                           │  ┌──────┴──┐ Independent
                           │  │         │   Shareware
                           └──┤    ■    │     Authors
                              │    ║    │
                              └────╨────┘
    This program is produced by a member of the Society of Independent
    Shareware Authors (SISA).    The Society wants to ensure that all valid
    shareware principles actually work for you and SISA members.  The
    principle behind shareware distribution is simple: try before you
    buy.  Society members agree to license all shareware for a minimum of
    10 days, free of charge, to first-time users as an evaluation
    period.  After 10 days, buyers are then obligated to license their
    copy with the Society member.  Society members are obligated to
    provide high quality, useful shareware, but are free to choose
    whatever marketing methods suit their specific needs.  SISA-
    sanctioned marketing methods include: demonstration versions;
    providing printed documentation after purchase; registration keys
    that unlock additional features not necessary to determine basic
    usefulness; and providing bug fixes free of charge.  Any Shareware
    author may become a member of SISA without cost by simply agreeing
    to the above conditions and displaying, at their option, this logo
    in their documentation.
    ====================================================================

    WARRANTY:
    Software:
    Gary Raymond warrants that the software contained herein will
    perform in substantial compliance with the documentation
    accompanying the software.  If you report, in writing, a significant
    defect to us, and we are unable to correct it within 90 days of the
    date you report the defect, you may return the software and
    accompanying materials, and we will refund the purchase price.

    Diskettes and Documentation:
    Gary Raymond warrants all diskettes and documentation to be free
    of defects in materials for a period of 30 days from the date of
    purchase.  In the event of notification within the warranty period
    of defects in any materials, Gary Raymond will replace the
    defective diskette or documentation.

    Remedies:
    The remedy for breach of the warranty shall be limited to
    replacement and shall not encompass any other damages, including but
    not limited to loss of profit, special, incidental, consequential,
    or similar damages, losses, or claims.

    DISCLAIMER:
    Gary Raymond specifically disclaims all other warranties, expressed
    or implied, including but not limited to, implied warranties of
    merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect to
    defects in the diskette and documentation, and the program license
    granted herein, in particular, and without limiting operation of the
    program license with respect to any particular application, use, or
    purpose.   In no event shall Gary Raymond be liable for any loss of
    profit or any other commercial damage, including but not limited to
    special, incidental, consequential or other damages.

    GOVERNING LAW:
    This statement shall be construed, interpreted, and governed by the
    laws of the State of Louisiana.
    ====================================================================

   Registering your copy will help continue the competitive advantages
   of providing economical shareware.  Upon receipt of your payment I
   will provide you with a copy of the latest version and notify you of
   all future upgrades.  Your patronage is appreciated.

   My no-nonsense license:
   ------------------------
   Your one-time registration fee will license you to use ABAT on
   any number of personal computers owned directly and personally by you
   in any non-commercial environment.

   Re-distribution via electronic transmission, or down loading, is
   allowed without further permission.  Re-distribution of the Shareware
   version of ABAT, for a fee, is also allowed without further
   permission as long as that cost is limited to no more than two
   dollars per copy, if supplied on any physical disk media.

   The assembler source code for ABAT.COM and CSYS.COM is available for
   sale at $50 per copy.  The source is based on the A86 assembler /
   compiler but is generic enough to be compatible with most all
   assemblers with very minor changes.

   Yes Gary, I can really make use of your program and would like to
   register and obtain the latest version as well as get on your mailing
   list for future upgrades and new releases!

   Product:
   --------
   ABAT V2 and CSYS V2    Private User License USA only.....BOTH  $5.00
   Registered users will be disked the latest version, will be entitled
   to any bug fixes free of charge, and receive a free disk containing
   all of my other nifty shareware programs and utilities on approval.
   See the listing below for more information about my other shareware
   products.

   For information about commercial and/or multiple site licensing,
   contact the undersigned.

   Name_____________________________________________________________

   Mailing Address__________________________________________________

   City & State ___________________________________________________

   ZIP _____________________________ Phone _________________________

   Send registration check or money order to:

                              Gary M. Raymond
                                P.O.Box 8184
                            New Orleans, La. 70182
                                504-288-6550
                            Compuserve 70613,3165
   ====================================================================

    TECH DATA:
    ----------
    ABAT and CSYS.COM are essentially identical except that one works on
    the AUTOEXEC.BAT while the other works on the CONFIG.SYS file. These
    utilities use various BIOS and DOS services to both read and write
    to the two subject system files. Since these utilities write in an
    append mode they are not to be confused with conventional or normal
    text editors. Function 40 of Interrupt 21h is used to write to the
    file after Function 42 moves the pointer to eof for append. Function
    3F is used to read the file, with Function 9 providing cooked screen
    writes.
    ====================================================================


    MANY OTHER USEFUL PROGRAMS, DATABASES AND UTILITIES FROM SLICWARE!
    ===================================================================
SLICK65  EXE  Join On-Line Electronic Services today using SLICK modem
              terminal. SLICK is used by everyone. SLICK has many powerful and
              exciting features not found in other communications programs.
              Example: SLICK has a built in GIF viewer for 256 color SVGA and
              VGA graphic images. Plus, SLICK supports all the popular file
              protocols such as X, Y and Zmodem and others. SLICK has a very
              easy to learn script language for automating your logons. SLICK
              is easy to install and pre configured for COM2 at 1200 baud,
              however any default can be changed on the fly.

CLUBCON4 EXE  Great MONEYMAKER, dating, matchmaking software, used worldwide.
              Compatible with Dbase3 or 4. Everything you need to get started.
              Sample database and search info included to tutor and guide you.
              If you are thinking about a computer bases business, this is it!

EZBBSV11 EXE  Feature packed BBS system that sets up in less than five minutes!
              Great system for first time sysops. Easy but feature packed. Uses
              ordinary ascii text files as data files for fast maintenance.

EZCASHV1 EXE  Easy to use CASH Register program, ideal for small businesses.
              Compatible with Dbase3 or 4. Sets up quickly and user friendly!

EZPV11   EXE  External Protocol Engine supports SeaLink, X, Y and Zmodem. Great
              way to upload or download files when stuck with a dumb terminal
              that supports no internal protocols. Or, for that terminal that
              is missing SeaLink, Zmodem or Ymodem B/G.

PAGEIT18 EXE  SAVE Money, dispatch your own messages to Alpha Numeric Pagers.
              Requires modem capable of operating at 300 baud and your PC.

PCM_V13  EXE  Corporations! Quietly monitor PC work station productivity. This
              is a very powerful utility for determining the need of a pc at a
              particular work station in a large company. Excellent tool for
              company pc managers.

READV12  EXE  Ascii Text Viewer that FINDS the file you want to read. Can use
              mouse. Great for those having to read text files daily.

SHOWV20  EXE  Convert your ascii text files to Electronic Magazine format.
              Makes it easy to distribute your memos, notices, letters,
              documentation etc. Many unique features allow you to Find, Goto,
              Write to a file, Print, change colors etc. Easy to use.

ATZ-V12  EXE  Dial your phone, control your Modem, all from the DOS prompt!
              Works on all four standard IBM default COM ports. NOT a tsr.

SLICKPRO EXE  Easy to use ascii text editor with directory directory file
              point and load feature. Emulates most Word Star key commands.

SWAPORT1 EXE  BIOS Serial utility for reading or swapping com port addresses.
              Useful utility to get various games and terminals working ok.

COPYNOT2 EXE  PREVENTS any unauthorized person from removing files from
              your workstation. Simple to setup and just seconds to use.

DISKSAV2 EXE  If you are one of those people who keep promising to do
              BACKUPS, this is for you. Some protection is better than none!

SMTV11   EXE  The DO IT ALL script driven communications terminal. Ideal
              to set up for students to call the campus library etc etc.

PORTEST2 EXE  Simple and easy to use serial port diagnostic tool that even
              a housewife could learn to use in minutes. Explains it all.

READV12  EXE  Nice tool for quickly viewing and reading ascii text files.
              Has several powerful features not even found in Vern's LIST.

SAM-V32  EXE  Slick Answer Machine, ideal for notifying users when the
              BBS is down for regular maintenance. Quick to setup an use.

VALERT2.EXE   Finally, a safe way to test suspicious software. Easy to
              use, monitors DOS Vector table for potential virus attack.

ASAVITV3.EXE  Add a timed auto file save feature to your favorite Editor
              or word processor, can also double as a timed prg execution util.

PCLOCKV2.EXE  Stop the kids from messing with the keyboard when you leave
              the terminal for coffee. Easy and quick to both install an use.

DIVEFIX2.EXE  Eliminate DOS Divide Error system crashes with this temporary
              DOS patch utility. If you ever had this problem, its over.
==============================================================================

    ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
    -----------------
    To one of my best friends and machine code instructor, the Padre,
    alias, Machine Man, whose many patient hours of coaching and prodding
    over the years helped me learn assembler so that I could create this
    and many other useful DOS utility. Also, to a small handful of other
    generous "Elmer's of Assembler" whose contributions over the years
    have helped make my hack more efficient and elegant. Five years ago
    I could not even spell Assnembler, now I are one. Thanks guys!

                                <EOF>