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- CTS Serial Port Utilities, Version 1.3 DESCRIBE.DOC
-
- Last updated: February, 1994
-
- This file includes sample descriptions which you may use to describe
- the CTS Serial Port Utilities package.
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- Program Information
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- File Name for BBSs
- ------------------
- The CTS Serial Port Utilities uses a naming convention of CTSSPUxx.yyy,
- where "xx" is the major/minor version number, and "yyy" is the
- extension showing the compression method used. The preferred name is:
-
- CTSSPU13.EXE CTS Serial Port Utilities, Version 1.3
-
- If the program is compressed using some other file compression
- method, then please use the name "CTSSPU13" with the appropriate
- extension (ARC, LZH, EXE (for self-extracting), etc.) Please
- drop the version number when limited to six characters for
- the file name.
-
- Keywords
- --------
- Serial Port, Comm Port, IRQ, Interrupt, Diagnostic, UART, DOS,
- Communications, Utilities, Port Conflicts
-
- Category
- --------
- Communication Utility, Serial Port Setup & Diagnostic
-
- One Line Description
- --------------------
- CTS Serial Port Utilities v1.3. Test, fix & control comm ports
-
- Short Description
- -----------------
- The CTS Serial Port Utilities (SPU) is a collection of Com Port setup
- and control utilities for anyone involved with PC support or with a
- serial port problem. Version 1.3 improves support for network
- equipped PCs. Detect more than one port at the same address, PCs
- which can't use Com4, shared and conflicting IRQ assignments, com
- ports which can't generate IRQs, & non-standard BIOS port assignments.
- IDs all UART types (including T/Ports & emulated UARTs), IRQ & address
- used. Control utilities for all port functions. DOS 2.0+.<ASP>
-
-
- Long Description
- ----------------
- The CTS Serial Port Utilities (SPU) is a collection of DOS software
- utilities that provide you with control over the serial ports in
- your computer. Most serial port problems can be resolved by using
- these utilities. Each of the utilities support all standard and any
- user-defined serial ports. Version 1.3 adds improved support for PCs
- that are equiped with network cards. The SPU is designed and supported
- by a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals <ASP>.
-
- PortInfo is a comprehensive utility which tests your system to
- determine everything possible about your serial ports, including
- interrupt and addressing conflicts. PortInfo provides you with
- FAILURE and WARNING messages about actual and possible conflicts.
-
- PortInfo provides details on the following:
- * Detects multiple serial ports at the same address
- (eg, 2 Com1 ports)
- * Interrupt conflicts between a bus mouse and a serial port
- * Shared interrupts (2 serial ports, or a serial port and a
- serial mouse sharing an IRQ)
- * Conflicts between COM4 and 8514/A compatible monitors
- * Unusual BIOS serial port setups
- * Serial ports that cannot generate interrupts
- * Helps to determine when interrupts can be shared
-
- Other information provided:
- * Actual IRQ used by each port and the current IRQ status
- * DOS port assignments (com1-com4, mouse)
- * Port (UART) Identification (8250, 8250A/16450, 16550,
- 16550A, the T/Port, and some "emulated UARTs"
- * FIFO status: If it exists, on / off, else 'None'
- * If the FIFO is ON, the current FIFO receiver trigger level
- is displayed.
- * All programmable port parameters: speed, format, parity,
- current RTS and DTR settings
- * Current status of modem lines: Ring Indicator, Carrier
- Detect, Clear to Send, Data Set Ready, with indication
- of when the lines are tied together (looped back).
-
- Other features:
- * Ports are COMPLETELY restored to their original settings
- * Supports standard serial ports 1-4 on PC/AT, 1-8 on PS/2
- * Supports up to 8 user definable serial ports (*any*
- serial port address and IRQ)
- * Displays detailed messages about conflicts with reference
- numbers to assist looking up the detailed assistance in the
- User Guide.
-
- Other Utilities:
- * Control the 16550A FIFO trigger level
- * Set port speed and format
- * Add a serial port to the BIOS Comm Port assignment table
- * Swap serial ports in the BIOS Comm Port assignment table
- * Control the RTS, DTR, and Out2 (IRQ enable) lines
- * Reset a serial port to initial settings
-
-
-
- Registration Information
- ------------------------
- When you register your copy:
- * You receive the current copy of the SPU
- * If included with your license option, a printed copy of the
- expanded 85 page (8.5x11") User Guide including 30 pages of
- introductory and tutorial information about serial port and IRQs,
- extended support, and bonus utilities.
- * Personal support via phone, mail, fax, or electronic mail
- * Notification of updates and new products
- * Free minor updates (usually bug fixes)
- * Free major updates within 6 to 12 months of your initial
- registration, depending on license option.
- * Inexpensive updates (typically 1/3 the registration price)
- after your free updates expire
- * Occasional special price offers (for registered users only)
- * Your input and ideas help shape future products
- * A sense of pride and ownership, by having honestly participated
- in the Shareware revolution
- * The satisfaction of helping to keep software prices down, by
- supporting a distribution method which doesn't depend on expensive
- advertising campaigns
-
- You can register directly with CTS by printing the file ORDER.DOC or
- by contacting me as described below.
-
-
- Comments from users:
- --------------------
-
- "CTSSPU is really in a class by itself. And the price is very
- reasonable."
-
- "PortInfo is clearly outstanding. I've seen nothing like it."
-
- "This little jewel needs to be seen to be believed!"
-
- "The SPU is a...fine program. I look forward to recommending it."
-
- "As I worked through the documentation, in all areas SPU performed
- flawlessly. I have yet to catch it in an error."
-
- "CONGRATULATIONS! You have written one of only two programs I know
- of...that correctly identify *ALL* of my COMports and IRQ#s! And the
- other one doesn't run under DOS"
-
- "About the documentation...it doesn't get much better than this."
-
- "FANTASTIC! The SPU located a com port conflict which was driving
- a client (and me) nuts!"
-
-
- About CTS
- ---------
- Computer Telecommunication Systems, Inc. is a small software and
- consulting company specializing in personal computer communications.
- CTS was founded in 1990, and is owned and operated by John Jerrim.
- Computer Telecommunication Systems, Inc. is a member of the
- Association of Shareware Professionals.
-
- Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have any problems,
- questions, comments or suggestions.
-
- Thank you for your support.
-
- John Jerrim
- Founder & Chief Technical Officer
-
- Computer Telecommunication Systems, Inc.
- 3847 Foxwood Road, Suite 1000
- Duluth, Georgia 30136-6100
- USA
-
- I can also be reached electronically as follows:
- Phone: 404-263-8623
- FAX: 404-263-0124
- CompuServe: 76662,2315
- Internet: 76662.2315@compuserve.com
-
-