Copyright: Copyright ®1996 Walter Novacek


HTMASC 2.0 Help Contents

Welcome to HTMASC, the easy and fast way to convert pages from the World Wide Web (*.htm) to plain Textfiles (*.txt).

All of the HTML tags (e.g.<TITLE>, <HEADER> ...) are removed and entities (&quot; &copy; ....) are converted.

HTMASC also offers full text handling capabilities. You get all the standard features like searching for text, using the Clipboard, printing... and you get nice extras like bookmarks and a powerful undo facility.

HTMASC

What's NEW in Version 2.0

Introduction to HTMASC

HTMASC Features

HTMASC Menus

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Pricing and Ordering Information

Updating from HTMASC 1.x

Credits and Copyrights

Contacting the Author


What's NEW in Version 2.0

New:  History List Window

New: Multiple Convert Dialog

New: Configure Lights Dialog

New: Select from a list of previously entered Output Directories

Added: New options to the Options Dialog

Added: Find Dialog displays the word at the cursor position

Added:  New Lights to the Options Speed Bar

Added: Navigation Buttons to the Toolbar

Added: Right Mouse Button now works in the following places:

•	Converted File Window

•	Options Speed Bar

•	History List Window

Changed:  Pricing and Ordering Information

Changed : Option Show Links : URL's are now in all lowercase (Some Browsers had problems with an uppercase-address)

Fix: Improved detection of Mac/Unix/DOS Files


Introduction to HTMASC

Load a HTML File, click on  [image]  and the converted textfile will show up in the bottom window! That's all you have to do to convert Webpages into a  more readable format. It's that easy!

Now the screen should look something like this:

Note: For Help with an area of the Main Window click on it in the picture below


Original File Window

After loading a HTM - File the original text can be viewed. That's only for reference, no editing, copying, searching etc. is possible.


Converted File Window

The converted file can be fully edited using the mouse or standard CUA keystrokes. You can search for text, cut, copy, paste, undo, redo ...

Note: The right mouse button displays a PopUp Menu for quick access to most of the Menu commands.


Bookmark

You can define up to 10 Bookmarks in the editor


Selected Text

You can cut, copy or delete the selected text


OrigFileLabel
Shows the full name of the HTM - File


ConvertFileLabel
Shows the full name of the converted Textfile


ToolbarPopUp
The Toolbar allows quick access to most of the commands


OutputDirPanelPopUp
Shows the full path of the current Output Directory


OptionsSpeedBarPopUp
The Options Speed Bar provides shortcuts

for commands from the Options Dialog.


SizeWindowPopUp
You can vertically resize the File Windows by dragging the separator line that lies between the Converted File Label  and the Original File Window.


ColumnsCount
Shows the number of currently visible columns.


Loading *.htm Files

Use the [image] icon from the Toolbar or choose File|Open from the Menu to show the Open File Dialog box.

To select more than one file to be converted in one pass use the [image] icon from the Toolbar to show the Multiple Convert Dialog


HTMASC Features

Some of the features in alphabetical order:

Bookmarks

File Size

History List Window

Multiple Convert Dialog

Options Speed Bar

Output Directory

PopUp Menu

Resizable Windows

Toolbar

Undo/Redo

Window Size and Position

Word Wrap


Bookmarks

Bookmarks provide a means of moving quickly from place to place within a file.

You can define up to 10 Bookmarks.

To set a bookmark, press <CtrlShiftN> where N is a number in the range 0 to 9. To return to that spot later, press <CtrlN>, where N is the number used to set the bookmark.

Clicking the right mouse button in the Converted File Window  displays a PopUp Menu for quick access to most of the Menu commands including Bookmark actions.


Toolbar

Below the Menubar you see a row of buttons called the Toolbar. Toolbar buttons perform an action, just like a menu selection. Using a Toolbar button couldn't be easier  just click on it.

Greyed Out Buttons

Toolbar buttons that are not currently available appear greyed out.

Getting Help with a Toolbar Button

To find out what a Toolbar button does, point at it with the mouse. HTMASC will display a short explanation of the button's action.

    Exit the application

   Open a HTM - File

   Open the Multiple Convert Dialog

   Start the conversion

   Save the  converted file

   Save the converted file under a different name

   Cut selected text to the clipboard

   Copy selected text to the clipboard

   Paste from clipboard

   Open the Find Dialog Window

   Search again

   Previous File in history

   Next File in history


File Size
HTMASC can handle files up to a limit of 16MB.


Undo/Redo

The Converted File Window provides a undo facility that allows multiple edit commands to be undone.

You can either choose Undo/Redo from the Edit Menu or you can use the following keystrokes:

Undo     <CtrlZ> or <AltBkSp>

Redo     <ShiftCtrlZ>

Note: The editor stores a record of each edit command in a single continuous buffer, which is 64KB. This is also the maximum which can be undone in one step.


Output Directory

Using the Options Dialog you can specify the directory  to store your converted textfiles


PopUp Menu
•	Clicking the right mouse button in the Converted File Window  displays a PopUp Menu for quick access to Bookmarks and most of the Menu commands.

•	Clicking the right mouse button while the cursor is over the Options Speed Bar (OSB) displays a PopUp Menu with entries for  Hiding/Showing the OSB and for configuration of the OSB.


Word Wrap
Adapts the text in the Converted File Window to the actual size of the window.


Window Size and Position

If the Save Window Position Checkbox in the Options Dialog is activated(Default) the last window size and position is saved when you exit HTMASC.


HTMASC Menus

File Menu

Edit Menu

Search Menu

Options Menu

Help Menu


File Menu

The File menu enables you to open, save, convert and print files.

Note: Most of the commands are also available from the Toolbar

Open

Loads an existing HTML File

Convert

Starts the conversion

Multiple Convert

Opens the Multiple Convert Dialog

Save

Saves the file in the Converted File Window using its current name

Save As...

Saves the file in the Converted File Window using a new name

History List...

Opens the History List Window

Print

Sends the file in the Converted File Window to the printer

Print Setup

Opens the Printer Setup Dialog box

Exit

Closes the open files and exits HTMASC


History List Window

After converting at least 2 Files choose File|History List... to show the History List Window.

Keyboard: Use <Ctrl - H> to switch from the Main Window to the History List and use <Ctrl - M> to switch back to the Main Window.

The History List Window is used to select Files for viewing and/or editing which have been already converted during a session. Double Click on a Filename or press <ENTER> and the selected File will show up in the Main Window of HTMASC.

Alternatively you may browse through these Files using the [image] [image]  buttons on the Toolbar

Keyboard: <Ctrl - P> for previous File, <Ctrl - N> for next File.

The RMB shows a PopUp Menu with the following entries:

•	Always On Top: The History List remains on top of the Main Window

•	Close: Close History List Window


Edit Menu

The Edit menu enables you  to manipulate text in the Converted File Window

Note: Most of the commands are also available from the Toolbar

Undo

Undoes your last action or last deletion

Redo

Reverses an undo

Cut

Removes selected text and places it on the Clipboard

Copy

Places a copy of the selected text on the Clipboard, leaving the original in place

Paste

Copies the contents of the Clipboard into the Converted File Window

Delete

Removes the selected text

Select All

Selects all the text in the Converted File Window


Search Menu

The Search menu enables you to locate text in the Converted File Window.

Note: These commands are also available from the Toolbar

Find

Opens the Find Dialog Window

Find Next

This will find the next match for the specified text, starting from the current cursor position.


Find Dialog Window

Use this dialog box to specify text you want to locate, and to set options that affect the search.

Note: For Help with an area of the Find Window click on it in the picture below


EditSearchText
Enter a search string


SearchForward
Searches from the current position to the end of the file


SearchBackward
Searches from the current position to the beginning of the file


MatchCase
Differentiates uppercase from lowercase when performing a search


GlobalSearch
Searches the entire file


Multiple Convert Dialog

The Multiple Convert Dialog is used to select a number of files to be converted in one pass. You can choose files from different directories and the converted files will all be saved in the Output Directory .  If  the Same Directory Option is active, the Converted Files are stored in the directory of the corresponding  *.htm File.

Note: For Help with an area of the Multiple Convert Window click on it in the picture below


MultiFileBox
Select File(s) to convert.

To add Files to the list use one of the following methods:

•	Double Click on a Filename

•	Select File(s) and use the Move One Button or press <ENTER>

•	Use the Move All Button


MultiConvertBox
Displays the File(s) that will be converted in one Pass.

To remove Files from this list use one of the following methods:

•	Double Click on a Filename

•	Select a File and use the Remove One Button or press <DEL>

•	Use the Remove All Button


MultiDirectory
Select Directory


MultiDrive
Select Drive


MultiDisableWarnings
If ON:

Disable ALL warnings during Multiple File Processing

Note: To set this option permanently use the Options Dialog


MultiGoBtn
Starts the Multiple File Conversion


MoveAllBtn
Move complete directory to the Convert List


MoveOneBtn
Move selected File(s) to the Convert List


RemoveOneBtn
Remove selected File from the Convert List


RemoveAllBtn
Remove all Files from the Convert List


Options Menu

Use the Options menu to view and change project and environment settings

Word Wrap

Adapts the text in the Converted File Window to the actual size of the window.

Show Lights

Shows the Options Speed Bar.

Configure Lights...

Shows the Configure Lights Dialog

More...

Opens the Options Dialog Window.


Options Dialog

Use the Options Dialog to view and change project and environment settings.

Alternatively you may use the Options Speed Bar for quick access to most of the options.

Note: For Help with an area of the Options Window click on it in the picture below


EditOutputDir
Displays the current output directory and  you can enter a new output directory.

If the directory does not yet exist, HTMASC will ask to create it.


OptionsBrowse
Opens the Select Directory Dialog Window


Select Directory Dialog

Use the Select Directory Dialog box to choose a  directory for your converted textfiles.

Note: For Help with an area of the Select Directory Window click on it in the picture below


EditOutDir
Displays the current output directory and  you can enter a new output directory.

If the directory does not yet exist, HTMASC will ask to create it.


Select Drive


Select Directory


ShowHints
If ON:

Popup Hints are shown


SaveWindowPosition
If ON:

Saves the last window size and position


ShowTitle
If ON:

Document Title is shown in the converted file


MultiWarnings
If ON:

Disables ALL! Warnings during Multiple-File-Processing.


MakeBackup
If ON:

Existing Files are renamed with the extension 'BAK'


CompressLines
If ON:

Skips blank lines in the converted File


Minimize
If ON:

Minimize Main Window during Multiple-File-Processing.


Options Speed Bar

The Options Speed Bar (OSB) serves two purposes:

1)	To provide shortcuts for commands from the Options Dialog by clicking on the corresponding light.

2)	To give quick visual feedback of the presently selected options.

To Show/Hide the OSB use Show Lights from the  Options Menu.

To configure the OSB use the Configure Lights Dialog

The RMB shows a PopUp Menu with the following entries:

•	Show Lights: Toggles Show/Hide the OSB

•	Configure Lights...: Opens the Configure Lights Dialog

Note: For Help with an area of the OSB click on it in the picture below


OSBHintsPopUp
Show Hints

If ON:

Shows these Popup Tooltips


OSBPosPopUp
Save Window Position

If ON:

Saves the last window size and position


OSBOEMPopUp
Output OEM (DOS)

If ON:

Converted File is saved in OEM (=DOS) Format.

File extension is *.ASC.


OSBLinksPopUp
Show Links

If ON:

Shows all ULRs (HREF="xxx...") in the converted file.


OSBSameDirPopUp
Same Directory

If ON:

Converted Files are stored in the directory of the currently open *.htm File.


OSBShowTitlePopUp
Show Title

If ON:

Document Title is shown in the converted file


OSBMultiWarningPopUp
Disable Multi-Warnings

If ON:

Disables ALL! Warnings during Multiple-File-Processing.


OSBMakeBackupPopUp
Make Backup *.BAK

If ON:

Existing Files are renamed with the extension 'BAK'


OSBCompressPopUp
Compress Empty Lines

If ON:

Skips blank lines in the converted File


OSBMinimizePopUp
Minimize / Multi-Proc

If ON:

Minimize Main Window during Multiple-File-Processing.


Configure Lights Dialog

Use the Configure Lights Dialog to set the visible lights of the Options Speed Bar

Note: For Help with an area of the Configure Lights Dialog click on it in the picture below


ShowAllBtn
Use this button to set all lights to be visible on the OSB.


ConfigBox
Select/Deselect a checkbox to Show/Hide the corresponding Light


Help Menu

Contents

Opens the Help file. The online Help provides a contents screen that summarizes the contents of the HTMASC Help system.

Note: If you do not know how to use Help in Windows, choose Help|How To Use Help from the menu bar.

Topic Search

Displays the Help Search dialog box. The Search dialog box lets you search for Help topics using keywords.

How To Use Help

Displays information on how to use the Windows Help system.

Register

Displays the Register Dialog where you can enter your registration key to turn your Shareware version of HTMASC into the registered version.

Only You can make a Smiley SMILE!

About

Shows the About HTMASC dialog box with copyright and version information.


Frequently Asked Questions

I'm trying to open a HTML File and I get the error message: "Unknown filetype ..."

When I click on the Smiley button nothing happens, why?

My Registration Key doesn't work.

I can't enter a new Output Directory

Why is the file ENTITIES.HTM included?

How can I resize the Converted File Window?


Error message: "Unknown filetype ..."

Prior to loading a HTML File HTMASC has to determine its type (DOS or UNIX) to allow a proper file handling. The main difference between DOS and UNIX files is the character used for end of paragraph . DOS uses a combination of CRLF (Carriage return - Line feed) while UNIX uses only LF.

Note: Filetype Detection should have improved in Version 2.0. If you still see this message please send me that file so I can have a look at it.


Smiley button

It serves NO specific purpose.

BUT after registering HTMASC  Smiley's mood changes from [image]  to [image] !

Only You can make a Smiley SMILE!


Registration Key Problem

If you encounter a problem when you try to register HTMASC, please make sure to verify the following:

•	The User Name must be identical to the name you sent me for registration

•	The Registration Key must be entered exactly

•	The Program Version must be the same that you have registered for.

There is also the possibility that you have found a bug, please send me your name,  the version number of HTMASC  and your registration key by E-Mail. I'm sure we will find a solution!


I can't enter a new Output Directory

Check if the 'Same Directory' Option is selected.

You can change this setting using the Options Dialog or click on the SD - Light of the Options Speed Bar.


ENTITIES.HTM
This file contains all of the HTML Entities.

I included it to prove that HTMASC is able to convert ALL of these Entities.

You might as well use it to compare HTMASC to other conversion programs ;-)


Pricing and Ordering Information

Alternative Ordering Information

This version of HTMASC is SHAREWARE. The registration price is US$25.-  for a single user license.

Registration benefits:

When you register, you'll get a key which disables the Shareware Reminder Screen, puts your name into the title bar, makes the Smiley smile, enables technical support by E-Mail AND you get

2 WINDOWS BONUS PROGRAMS!

      RWATCH  and

      STAMP IT!

for FREE!

Plus:

•	Automatic email notification of product updates

•	Free minor updates

•	Discounts on major upgrades

Ordering HTMASC

For your convenience we have contracted another company, NorthStar Solutions, to process any orders you may wish to place with your VISA, MASTERCARD or DISCOVER card.

NorthStar Solutions can be easily contacted FOR ORDERS ONLY via any of the following methods:

Important Note! Please state clearly in your order to NorthStar Solutions that you would like to register VERSION 2.x !

Phoned Orders:

Calls are taken 10 am - 8 pm, EST, Monday thru Saturday.

1-800-699-6395 (Calls from the U.S. only)

1-803-699-6395 (International calls)

Faxed Orders:

1-803-699-5465 (Available 24 hours. International and business orders  encouraged)

E-Mailed Orders:

CompuServe: 71561,2751

America Online: STARMAIL

Internet: 71561.2751@compuserve.com

World Wide Web: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/starmail

Mailed Orders:

You may register with a check or money order (U.S. currency).

Make them payable to "NorthStar Solutions" and send them to:

PO Box 25262

Columbia, SC 29224

Please provide (or be prepared to provide) the following information when ordering:

•	The program and version you are registering

•	Your mailing address

•	Your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover # and its expiration date (if using credit card)

•	Your E-Mail address (so NorthStar Solutions can send you an E-Mail confirming your order and so I can contact you with your registration key, any important follow-up information, upgrade announcements, etc.)

IMPORTANT:

NorthStar processes registrations ONLY, please contact the author for any product/technical support.

Alternative Ordering Information


RWATCH
Monitors System Resources (WIN)


Stamp it
Changes DATE/TIME of  selected files (WIN)


Alternative Ordering Information

This version of HTMASC is SHAREWARE. The registration price is US$25.-  for a single user license.

Ordering HTMASC

There are a number of ways to order HTMASC from us.  When we receive your payment, we will e-mail you the serial number to register HTMASC.

CompuServe

Compuserve Shareware Registration Service (GO SWREG, registration ID is #13573).

Credit Card

A registration form for Credit Card Orders (VISA only!) is available on:

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/bite/register.htm

Alternatively you may send us your credit card details by  post or  e-mail

Cash

We will accept cash in

US  dollars ($25.-),

German Marks (DM40.-)

or Austrian Shillings (S250.-).

However, we will take no responsibility for the cash while it's in transit. For your own protection if you want to pay in cash, we strongly recommend sending it to us by registered mail.

Note: Make sure to include your E-Mail address!!!

Registration benefits:

When you register, you'll get a key which disables the Shareware Reminder Screen, puts your name into the title bar, makes the Smiley smile, enables technical support by E-Mail AND you get

2 WINDOWS BONUS PROGRAMS!

      RWATCH  and

      STAMP IT!

for FREE!

How to get the latest version

 The prefered source of information about HTMASC is our Web site:

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/bite

You may also try the following forums on Compuserve:

INETRESOURCE  Lib9 / WWW/Hypertext Tools

WINSHARE  Lib11 /Internet/HTML

PCUTIL  Lib4/Windows

PCONLINE  Lib9 / Internet

How to reach us

Compuserve: Walter Novacek 100341,240

Internet: 100341.240@compuserve.com

Fido: Walter Novacek@2:310/39.15

You can also use snail mail:

BITE'n'BYTE SOFTWARE

Walter Novacek

Kirchstetterng.56/12

A-1160 Vienna

AUSTRIA


Updating from HTMASC 1.x

Update Price is US$ 10.-

Users who have registered HTMASC 1.x  AFTER  01-Sept-1996 will NOT be charged for the update. Please contact the author by EMail.

If you have registered HTMASC 1.x  PRIOR TO 01-Sept-1996 you can update to Version 2.0 using one of the following methods:

NorthStar Solutions Ordering Service

Important Note! Please state clearly in your order to NorthStar Solutions that you would like to register the UPDATE from 1.x to 2.x !

Detailed NorthStar Solution ordering instructions: Pricing and Ordering Information

CompuServe

Compuserve Shareware Registration Service (GO SWREG, Update ID is #13574).

BITE'n'BYTE Homepage

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/bite


Credits and Copyrights

HTMASC is the  registered trademark of  Bite'n'Byte Software.

For Product License Information please read LICENSE.TXT.

This product uses several components from TurboPower Software's Orpheus package.

Special Thanks to Lee Inman from TurboPower Software for his great support.

Thanks to Nick Hodges for his TSmiley, the Delphi Component of the century!


Contacting the Author

The preferred source of information about HTMASC is our Web site:

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/bite

Here you can download updates and bug fixes to HTMASC, follow links to a number of HTML resources on the Web, subscribe to our mailing list and much more.

Technical Support

Technical support for HTMASC is available by e-mail  to registered users only.

Compuserve: Walter Novacek [100341,240]

Internet: 100341.240@compuserve.com

Fido: Walter Novacek@2:310/39.15

Pricing and Ordering Information