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Text File | 1995-05-07 | 20.7 KB | 497 lines

TaskMaster v1.12 ---------------- The following documentation is specific to the TaskMaster product developed by Avanti Technology, Inc. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): ---------------------------------- - Upon initially loading the TASKMSTR.NLM, it displays the error message 'Unable to locate schedule (.SCH) file' or similar. How do I create the TASKMSTR.SCH file? Answer: This is merely an informative message indicating that no schedule file (TASKMSTR.SCH) file exists so there are not any tasks scheduled to be executed. The TaskMaster Client (TASKMSTR.EXE) creates the schedule file once the first task is scheduled. - What can TaskMaster execute? Answer: TaskMaster can automate most any task which would normally be manually performed at the Server Console. This includes loading and unloading NLMs, as well as keying data into NLM screens. Additionally, numerous extensions have been added to support NLM screen interogation, copying NLM screens, performing DOS file management commands, and much more. TaskMaster's scripting language is very powerful, yet easy to use, since it combines features found in DOS batch and NetWare LOGIN script programming. TaskMaster .TSK scripts and standard NetWare .NCF files can be scheduled to run at almost any desired interval or frequency. - Can I use TaskMaster to run .EXE programs directly at the Server? Answer: No. NetWare is not designed to run .EXE programs on the Server. However, we have added many of the DOS commands to the Server Console command subset so that some of the same functionality can be simulated. Future versions of TaskMaster will support Server-to-Server and Server-to-Client command sets. With the Server-to-Client command sets, .EXE programs can be launched on workstations configured to integrate with the TaskMaster NLM. - Do I need to use KEYIN to type a command at the System Console? Answer: No. KEYIN is only necessary for entering keyboard data to NLM screens. Any command not preceeded by a KEYIN is assumed to be directed to the System Console. Enhancements/Modifications to the EXE since the User's Guide was printed: ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Defining Task Operators and Task Users -------------------------------------- Once installed, the TaskMaster client (TASKMSTR.EXE) requires Supervisor equivalent or File Server Console Operator privileges for execution. However, the SUPERVISOR or a Supervisor Equivalent user can define Task Operators and Task Users who are each granted a limited subset of privileges. Task Operators and Task Users are defined through the Admin menu bar option which appears on the main screen. To manage these definitions, place the pointer over the Admin option on the main screen and press the left mouse button or press and hold the Alt key followed by the 'A' key (Alt-A) to activate the Admin pull- down menu. Place the pointer on the desired option and press the left mouse button or position the highlighted bar over the desired option and press Enter (the highlighted bar will move in response to the Up/Down arrow keys). Upon selecting one of the options in the Admin pull-down menu, a split subwindow will appear showing defined Task Operators/ Task Users on the left and other users on the right. The Tab key can be used to swap the highlighted bar between the split windows and the Up/Down arrow keys can be used to position the highlighted bar over the desired entry. Once the highlighted bar is positioned over the desired user name, the enter key can be used to Add the user name to the defined list (if the highlighted bar is in the right window) or Delete the user name from the defined list (if the highlighted bar is in the left window). Optionally, the mouse pointer can also be placed over the desired user name and the left mouse button can be pressed to highlight the entry. The left mouse button can then be pressed a second time or the mouse pointer can be positioned over the Add/Delete buttons and the left mouse button can be pressed to accomplish the same result. On-line Help is available by pressing and holding the Alt key and then the 'H' key (Alt-H) or positioning the mouse pointer over the Help button and pressing the left mouse button. Once the selection process is complete, the Escape key can be pressed or the mouse pointer can be positioned over the Cancel button and the left mouse button pressed to return to the main screen. (NOTE: Task Operator and Task User definitions are specific to each server. Granted rights are not transferrable between servers and must be specifically configured for each server.) Task Operators: --------------- Task Operators are managed by selecting the Operator option from the Admin pull-down menu on the main screen. Task Operators can schedule, manage, and execute those tasks for which they have sufficient file access rights. Task Users: ----------- Task Operators are managed by selecting the Operator option from the Admin pull-down menu on the main screen. Task Users can execute tasks via the TaskMaster client (TASKMSTR.EXE) using the command line options. However, the tasks which can be executed by Task Users must exist in the same directory from which the TaskMaster NLM (TASKMSTR.NLM) was loaded. Task Users cannot schedule or manage tasks through the TaskMaster client, only run them through the command line options. Executing a Task from the command line -------------------------------------- Task files can be executed directly from the command line through the TaskMaster client utility (TASKMSTR.EXE). To execute a task file from the command line, the user must be logged in to the server where the task file is to be executed as the SUPERVISOR, a Supervisor Equivalent user, or have been previously defined as a Task Operator or Task User. The format for executing task files directly from the command line through the TaskMaster client utility is as follows: TASKMSTR S=server T=taskfile [opts] (NOTE: Task Users can only execute tasks which exist in the same directory from which the TaskMaster NLM was loaded.) Enhancements/Modifications to the NLM since the User's Guide was printed: ------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE: - Up to 10 arguments can be established by passing command line parameters as part of the RUN/CALL execution methods, as well as through the DEFINE or OPEN_READ\READ commands. These arguments (%0 - %9) can be substituted for any batch line item/entry as the parser provides the substitution during the reading of the batch file. - Arguments (%0 - %9) that are defined as numeric values can be incremented or decremented through the DEFINE command Supported <TEST> parameters for IF and WHILE: --------------------------------------------- CURRENT_SCREEN "screen name" Used to check if the screen currently displayed on the server console matches the specified "screen name" parameter. The quotes surrounding "screen name" are required. The "screen name" must exactly match the name of the currently displayed screen on the server console, both in case sensitivity and length. (NOTE: The defined name for any screen can be determined by pressing the Alt key on the console keyboard while the screen is actively displayed. The name will appear in the upper left hand corner of the screen.) SCAN_SCREEN "string" Scans for the specified string anywhere within the screen currently displayed on the server console. The search string must be enclosed within double quotes. This is a case sensitive scan of the screen data for the specified string. (NOTE: The currently displayed screen can be checked using CURRENT_SCREEN and changed using CHANGE_SCREEN.) SCAN_STRING "search string" "source string" Scans for the specified string (search string) within the supplied data (source string). Both strings must be enclosed within double quotes. This is a case sensitive scan of the source string for the specified search string. (NOTE: Both the search string and the source string can be assigned using user defined or System Environment variables.) Supported system environment variables: --------------------------------------- The following represent special NetWare system environment variables which will be automatically substituted into any command line by TaskMaster as appropriate. The information returned is specific to the NetWare file system. These system environment variables presently do not support the DOS partition (i.e., C:\ boot partition). %CONNS_PEAK% Substitutes the peak number of licensed connections in use at one time since the server was last brought up (0000 to 1000 - 4 digits to support 1000 users). %CWD% Substitutes the Current Working Directory (CWD). Example: SYS:\PUBLIC\IBM_PC\MSDOS\V6.23 SYS: (root dir of SYS:) %PATH% Substitutes the path for the Current Working Directory (CWD). Example: \PUBLIC\IBM_PC\MSDOS\V6.23 (root dir of volume) (NOTE: The root directory %PATH% returns a null string.) %VOL_FREE% Substitutes the percent of available blocks on the volume associated with the Current Working Directory (CWD), including blocks which are purgeable (000 to 100 - 3 digits). %VOL_USED% Substitutes the percent of in use blocks on the volume associated with the Current Working Directory (CWD), including blocks which are not yet purgeable (000 to 100 - 3 digits). Supported batch processing commands: ------------------------------------ The following represent special batch processing commands, supplemental to those server console commands available through NetWare. CHANGE_SCREEN "screen_name" Used to change the screen that is currently displayed on the server console, which is also the screen to that KEYIN and SCAN_SCREEN refers. If a specific screen name is desired, it must be enclosed in quotes and must exactly match the name of the desired screen (i.e., case and length sensitive). If the intent is to merely change to the next screen (i.e., as if pressing Alt-ESC at the server console), either provide a null screen name (CHANGE_SCREEN "") or do not provide any screen name at all (CHANGE_SCREEN). (NOTE: The defined name for any screen can be determined by pressing the Alt key on the console keyboard while the screen is actively displayed. The name will appear in the upper left hand corner of the screen.) CLEAR_FILE [[vol:]path\]name.ext Closes every occurrence of a file open (NetWare, NLM, or workstation) for the specified file. The file is flushed internally within NetWare and closed without terminating any connections. Wild cards are supported in the file name and extension. (NOTE: Caution should be exercised when using wild cards as this command will close any file matching the specification, including NetWare system and bindery files.) CLEAR_LOCK [[vol:]path\]name.ext Release any file locks (NetWare, NLM, or workstation) against the specified file. The file is unlocked internally within NetWare without terminating any connections. Wild cards are supported in the file name and extension. (NOTE: Caution should be exercised when using wild cards as this command will unlock any file matching the specification, including NetWare system and bindery files.) KEYIN keyword KEYIN "string" KEYIN ["string"|keyword] ["string"|keyword] ["string"|keyword] Used to enter "string" and/or special keys into the screen which is currently displayed on the server console as if input from the console keyboard. Multiple "string" and/or keyword combinations are allowed. The "string" may contain one or more alphanumeric characters and must be enclosed within quotes {""}. Refer to the keyword list for support of special key names. (NOTE: See CHANGE_SCREEN for definition of how to set the currently displayed screen on the server console.) KEYIN keyword list: ------------------- BACKSPACE, ENTER, ESC, ESCAPE F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12 UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT, PGUP, PGDN, HOME, END INS, INSERT, DEL, DELETE SHIFT-keyword (hyphen/dash required) ALT-keyword (hyphen/dash required) CTRL-keyword (hyphen/dash required) LOAD [[drive:|vol:]path\]module[.ext] Load the specified module. The ERRORLEVEL flag is set TRUE is the load fails. PURGE [filename.ext] [/A][/ALL] Purge previously erased files in the Current Working Directory (CWD). A specific filename.ext may be specified. Wild cards are supported. If a file spec is not provided, all previously erased files in the CWD will be purged. (NOTE: Specifying the /A or /ALL option will purge all previously erased files in the CWD, plus all previously erased files in the subdirectories beneath the CWD.) SAVE_SCREEN [[vol:]path\]name.ext SAVE_SCREEN [[vol:]path\]name.ext BIN[ARY] SAVE_SCREEN [[vol:]path\]name.ext TEXT SAVE_SCREEN [[vol:]path\]name.ext TXT Captures the image of the screen which is currently displayed on the server console to the specified file. Two modes of screen capturing are supported: Binary stores both the displayed character and attribute while Text stores only the displayed characters. Text mode is the default but can be overridden by specifying BIN or BINARY. (NOTE: The file specification can be either fully qualified, with the volume and path, or relative to the Current Working Directory established through CD or CHDIR.) Extended server console commands: --------------------------------- The following represent server console commands which supplement those normally available through NetWare. These can be executed as part of a TaskMaster batch task, like any other NetWare server console command, or manually at the server console. COPY [[drive|vol:]path\]name.ext [[drive|vol:]path\]name.ext Copies the specified source file(s) <first parameter> to the destination file(s) <second parameter>. Copying to and from the DOS partition (i.e., C:\ boot partition) is supported, provided that the DOS specification includes the drive and path. Wild cards are supported. However, both a source and destination file specification must be provided (even with wild cards). (NOTE: Each file specification can be either fully qualified, with the volume and path, or relative to the Current Working Directory established through CD or CHDIR. Copying to or from the DOS partition requires that the DOS specification include the drive and path, e.g., C:\SERVER\STARTUP.NCF.) Wild card usage examples: ------------------------- COPY SYS:\*.* DATA:\*.* (between volumes) COPY SYS:\*.LOG C:\SERVER\*.* (between partitions) COPY C:\SERVER\*.* SYS:\*.* (between partitions) COPY *.* \PUBLIC\*.* (default dir to PUBLIC) COPY ..\*.* *.* (higher dir to default) COPY *.BAT *.BAK (copy w/ different .ext) COPY NEW*.* OLD*.* (copy w/ modified name) COPY ?123*.* ?456*.* (copy w/ modified name) PURGE [filename.ext] [/A][/ALL] Purge previously erased files in the Current Working Directory (CWD). A specific filename.ext may be specified. Wild cards are supported. If a file spec is not provided, all previously erased files in the CWD will be purged. (NOTE: Specifying the /A or /ALL option will purge all previously erased files in the CWD, plus all previously erased files in the subdirectories beneath the CWD.) VOLINFO Displays the currently mounted volumes and their disk space usage. Licensing: ---------- TaskMaster is offered as a licensed software product with continuous right to use so long as the user registers the software and remains in adherence with the terms and conditions of the Software License Agreement. TaskMaster is available the following licensing method: Licensed per File Server at $395.00/Server Under this licensing method, registered users are provided with free updates for the first ninety (90) days and free technical support for the first year following the initial software order. Upgrades after that period are available for a fee which may vary based upon the licensing method. Prices quoted are pre-paid in US Dollars, excluding any applicable sales taxes or export duties. The license fee includes ground delivery within the continental United States (call for quotes on express or non-continental U.S. delivery). The availability of credit terms and invoicing is at the sole discretion of Avanti Technology, Inc. System Requirements: -------------------- The TaskMaster NLM requires NetWare v3.11, v3.12, v4.0x, or v4.10. CLIB v3.11 rev D or later is required for the TaskMaster NLM to run under NetWare v3.11. The standard CLIB which ships with NetWare v3.12, v4.0x, or v4.10 will support this NLM. Technical Support: ------------------ In order to provide the best and most expedient technical support possible, it is requested that the following information be known prior to initiating technical support contact: Workstation: DOS, IPX/NETx, or VLM versions, plus free RAM size File Server: NetWare version and CLIB revision In addition, the more indepth the problem can be described & isolated (including any error message), the greater the chances are for quick resolution. The following means may be used for technical support: Mail: Avanti Technology, Inc. 13492 Research Boulevard Suite 120-271 Austin, Texas 78750 USA Telephone: (+1)512/335-1168 08:30 to 17:30 (US Central time zone) Facsimile: (+1)512/335-7838 CompuServe: GO LANUTILS (NVENB - Message sec. 17 | 76711,1477) internet: prodinfo@avanti-tech.com or tech@avanti-tech.com STATEMENT OF TITLE AND WARRANTY ------------------------------- TaskMaster (the Software) was developed by and is the property of Avanti Technology, Inc., of 13492 Research Boulevard, Suite 120-271, Austin, Texas 78750 USA (Avanti). All rights are reserved worldwide under both Federal and International Copyright Laws. No distribution or use of the Software in any form relinquishes Avanti's claim to ownership and title of the Software and concept. Avanti warrants that the Software, when used as intended, is free from known defects at the time it was distributed. Should a defect become evident, a detailed report of the conflict or anomaly should be provided to Avanti. Upon confirmation of the report, Avanti will endeavor to correct the problem and make the correction available to registered users. If a registered user encounters a defect within the initial ninety (90) days following original receipt of the software which Avanti is unable to rectify, the software may, at Avanti's sole discretion, be replaced or arrangements made for a refund of the license fee. Avanti shall not be required to insure the compatibility of the Software with future revisions to the workstation or network operating system, nor the hardware on which it may be installed. Nevertheless, Avanti reserves the right to enhance, update, or change the Software in ways which may alter its specification, operation, performance, and/or support levels. However, such a modification does not obligate Avanti to continue doing so. Registered users of the Software may be eligible for such revisions provided they adhere to the terms of the Software License Agreement NOTICE OF DISCLAIMER -------------------- AVANTI TECHNOLOGY, INC. SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES IMPLIED OR EXPRESSED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND ANY IMPLIED OR EXPRESSED WARRANTY FOR PARTICULAR USE. IN NO EVENT SHALL AVANTI TECHNOLOGY, INC. BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS WHICH IS GREATER THAN THE LICENSE FEE PAID BY THE REGISTERED USER. AVANTI TECHNOLOGY, INC. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, OR SPECIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE SOFTWARE (some of these exclusions may not apply in some states).