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TTTTTT HH HH EEEEEE TT HH HH EE TT HHHHHH EEEE TT HH HH EE TT HH HH EEEEEE EEEEEEEEEEEEEE 8888888888 8888888888 EEEEEEEEEEEEEE 88888888888888 88888888888888 EEE 888 888 888 888 EEE 888 888 888 888 EEEEEEEEEE 8888888888 8888888888 EEEEEEEEEE 8888888888 8888888888 EEE 888 888 888 888 EEE 888 888 888 888 EEEEEEEEEEEEEE 88888888888888 88888888888888 EEEEEEEEEEEEEE 8888888888 8888888888 TTTTTT EEEEEE XX XX TTTTTT TT EE X X TT TT EEEE XX TT TT EE X X TT TT EEEEEE XX XX TT EEEEEE DDDDD II TTTTTT OOOO RRRRR EE DD DD II TT OO OO RR RR EEEE DD DD II TT OO OO RRRRR EE DD DD II TT OO OO RR RR EEEEEE DDDDD II TT OOOO RR RR and The E88 Text Editor machine .----------------. | A ssociation of| The author of this program is a member of | S hareware | the ASP and has agreed to abide by its | P rofessionals | high standards of quality and support. | ---------- | ------------- `-----MEMBER-----' (C.) Copyright 1986,87,88 Microsystems Research and Engineering (C.) Copyright 1986,87,88 Emery D. Wooten Jr. E88, M.R.E. Software, Microsystems Research and Engineering (TM)s All rights reserved II PREFACE E88 was originally designed as an editor to write assembler language code but has since been enhanced into a full function text and programming editor. Since the shareware release of version 1.00 the editor has been updated seven times including this version. E88 is short for editor in 8088 machine language. The editor is written in 100% assembler language which accounts for it's compact size and lighting fast speed. This editor was designed and written on an IBM PC and is intended for use on IBM and closely compatible machines. The goal of this editor is to provide a new concept in text editing. It does not use all of the complicated keyboard commands associated with many editors and word processors. The result is a very fast, natural, logical, and easy to learn user interface. Most of the editing functions of E88 are direct, one keystroke, commands. This editor uses the IBM keyboard the way it was intended to be used, not the way some "ported over" programs use it. The function keys are used heavily but in a logical and easy to remember fashion. The numeric keypad/cursor control keys provide text control as it should be provided, fast, versatile, and full featured. All complex file control and setup functions are accessed via a menu driven command window with helpful prompts, which are brief but informative. A help screen is also provided and can be accessed directly from edit mode or from the command window. This help screen provides an abbreviated list of the editor's direct functions. E88 represents an amalgamation of user ideas forged with the speed and precision of machine language coding into a sleek little computer program whose ease of use and price/performance ratio are unmatched by any major commercial product. Since E88 is shareware, and M.R.E. Software is a very small company, user ideas are the primary source of innovation and improvement in this product. Comments received from registering users ARE read, answered, and appreciated. Good ideas are incorporated in future versions whenever possible. If, after evaluating the program, you decide to register your copy, please feel free to send any comments or complaints (we can take it) that you think will improve a future version. You WILL receive an answer. E88 IS actively supported. If you are familiar with older versions of E88, then you will be pleased with this new edition. The new features definitely make the program more useful than ever before. The basic simplicity of operation has been retained even with the additional power. If you are not familiar with E88, then prepare yourself for a surprisingly fresh, new approach to text editing. The speed and power provided by E88 is unmatched by any other editor in its class. You will be able to master the commands and functions of E88 in just a few minutes and retain this knowledge after only a couple of sessions. You'll never dread loading and running a text editor again as long as you have E88. III HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS E88 will run on the IBM PC-XT-AT-PCjr-PS/2 and all true compatibles. The general system requirements are outlined below. Memory .......... 64-640 Kb. The edit file size is a function of free memory. Operating sys. .. MS/PC DOS version 2.00 or later. Video ........... Standard color graphics and monochrome display adapters are supported as well as the 43 line/screen mode of the IBM compatible EGA adapter. The display adapter is selected automatically on systems with only one adapter installed, but may be user selected using start-up options on multiple adapter systems. Disk ............ All disk I/O is controlled through standard DOS function calls. Any valid path and filename may be used in the file specification. Files ........... E88 reads/produces standard ASCII text files with an optional tab compression mode. Standard ASCII files are the type required by most assemblers and compilers. Tab compression mode provides a method of compressing text files to preserve disk space while still retaining DOS compatibility. Printer ......... The printer output from E88 is standard ASCII text which should be acceptable to all printers. It should also be noted that no filtering is done on the text when it is sent to the printer. The user may specify any special codes such as escape codes directly on a line in the file and force the printer to do whatever he desires. Some special characters in the IBM extended character set (above ASCII 127) as well as some control characters (below ASCII 32) may not be acceptable to some printers and could cause unusual looking printouts. Note that many printers may be controlled by encoding the desired control characters in the file by adding 128 to the basic ASCII code. For example the BEL character would be ASCII 135 instead of ASCII 7 ie. 7+128=135 Keyboard etc. .... E88 supports both the 83 and 101 key format. It uses the standard BIOS interface and starting with version 4.20 it is able to read and display the complete IBM character set. Most characters may be entered using Ctrl key combinations, those that can't may be entered by holding down the [Alt] key, typing the ASCII value on the numeric keypad, and releasing [Alt]. WARNING: E88 will allow ALL ASCII control codes to be entered into a file and saved to disk. The user is warned that some control codes such as EOF(26), CR(13), and LF(10) are essential to the file structure of ASCII files and could cause problems to E88 and other ASCII programs if used improperly. The CR(13) character (a musical note) is also used by E88 to indicate a line contains trailing blanks. This feature may also be employed by the user to pad a line with trailing spaces. E88 also provides internal translation routines to allow the user to redefine keyboard commands using The E88 Text Editor machine covered in section 4. S P E C I A L N O T I C E Users who are currently using older versions of E88 are warned to erase all of your E88SETUP.DEF files and .PGR files. This version of E88 uses an enhanced format for these files and is not compatible with the older files. If you fail to do this the editor will not harm anything, it just will not function as expected. We apologize for this inconvenience. This page is not numbered or included in the table of contents. It may be discarded from the .DOC file printout. IV C O N T E N T S PREFACE ......................................................... II HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS ........................................... III PART 1 *** THE E88 TEXT EDITOR (1.) STARTING E88.................................................. 1 Filenames .................................................. 1 Options .................................................... 1 Examples ................................................... 2 Indirect mode ............................................ 2 Direct mode .............................................. 2 Miscellaneous .............................................. 3 Special start/restart features ........................... 3 (2.) THE EDIT SCREEN .............................................. 4 Top line information ....................................... 4 The remainder of the screen ................................ 4 Miscellaneous .............................................. 4 (3.) PROGRAM CONTROL .............................................. 5 The numeric keypad ......................................... 5 [Up] [Dn] [Lt] [Rt] ... Cursor keys ...................... 5 [Pg Up] [Pg Dn] ...... Scrolling ........................ 5 [Home] [End] ......... Scroll 1 line .................... 5 [Ctrl] [Lt] & [Rt] .... Find previous/next word .......... 5 [Ctrl] [Home] ........ Home cursor ...................... 5 [Ctrl] [End] ......... Cursor to end of line ............ 5 [Ctrl] [Pg Up] ....... Go to top of file ................ 5 [Ctrl] [Pg Dn] ........ Go to end of file ................ 5 [Ins] ................. Insert a character ............... 5 [Del] ................. Delete a character ............... 6 Word processing mode ..................................... 6 The function keys ........................................ 6 [F1] .................. Command window call .............. 6 [Shift] [F1] .......... Set the right margin ............. 6 [Alt] [F1] ............ Instant help ..................... 6 [F2] .................. Printer call ..................... 6 [Alt] [F2] ............ Alternate printer call ........... 7 [F3] [F4] [F5] [F6] [F7] [F8] ... Pagers ................. 7 [Alt] [F3] [F4] ....... Send printer strings ............. 7 [Alt] [F5] ............ Make cursor TOS .................. 7 [Alt] [F6] ............ Page to last active screen ....... 7 [Alt] [F7] ............ Rep. Load buffer ................. 7 [Alt] [F8] ............ Load buffer ...................... 7 [F9] .................. Insert a line .................... 7 [Shift] [F9] .......... Quick default directory .......... 8 [Alt] [F9] ............ Change line attribute ............ 8 [F10] ................. Insert a line from buffer ........ 8 [Alt] [F10] ........... Delete a line .................... 8 [Ctrl] [F1-F10] ....... Programmable characters .......... 8 [ENTER] ............... Record screen / Reset tab cnt. ... 8 [Ctrl] [Enter] ........ Toggle auto-indent mode .......... 8 [Tab] ................. Tab the cursor ................... 8 [Shift] [Tab] ......... Set the tabs ..................... 8 Additional information on functions ...................... 9 Command modes .............................................. 11 V (E.) END the edit and save this file ..................... 11 (B.) BACKUP (create filename.bak) ........................ 11 (F.) FILES (directory search) ............................ 11 (C.) CHANGE the filename (for saving) .................... 11 (D.) DEFINE block operation .............................. 11 DELETE the marked block ............................. 12 MOVE the marked block ............................... 12 COPY the marked block ............................... 12 PRINT the marked block .............................. 12 TRANSFER marked block to disk ....................... 12 (H.) HELP ................................................ 12 (K.) KEY file saved for this directory ................... 13 (L.) LOAD another file (with options) .................... 13 (M.) MERGE data from another file ........................ 13 (P.) PROGRAM Ctrl. keys and def ext. ..................... 13 Special supplemental information about setup files .. 13 (S.) SEARCH and [replace] string ......................... 14 (T/W) TAB comp.( )/WORD wrap( ) (x)=on .................. 14 (Q.) QUIT * RETURN TO DOS * NO SAVE ...................... 15 PART 2 *** THE E88 TEXT EDITOR MACHINE (E8M.EXE) (4.) THE E88 TEXT EDITOR MACHINE Running the machine ....................................... EM1 E8M main menu options ..................................... EM1 (0.) Registration information ........................... EM2 (1.) Personalize the title screen ....................... EM2 (2.) Screen parameters (colors etc.) .................... EM2 (3.) Start-up options ................................... EM2 (4.) Program character sets, printer strings and tabs ... EM3 (5.) Redefine keyboard & help screen .................... EM3 (6.) Load a personality file ............................ EM4 (7.) Save a personality file ............................ EM4 (8.) Manufacture your copy of E88 ....................... EM4 (9.) QUIT/EXIT .......................................... EM4 Additional remarks about E8M .............................. EM4 APPENDIX A - E88 program compatibility ............................ A1 Memory resident programs ..................................... A1 Prokey ..................................................... A1 Sidekick ................................................... A1 Non resident programs ........................................ A1 Assemblers / Compilers ..................................... A1 Communications programs .................................... A1 Operating system files ..................................... A2 Data base data files ....................................... A2 APPENDIX B - The E88 help screen .................................. B1 A printable reproduction ................................... B1 A note about the help screen ............................... B1 APPENDIX C - License / Warranty / Trademarks ...................... C1 License .................................................... C1 Warranty ................................................... C2 Trademarks ................................................. C2 VI APPENDIX D - Registration ......................................... D1 Why should I register ? .................................... D1 Registration fees .......................................... D2 The M.R.E Support BBS ...................................... D2 Registration form ..................................... D3 & D4 1 >> Section 1 << STARTING E88 E88 may be started either directly or indirectly from the DOS prompt. There are also several options available to the user at run-time. This section will discuss filenames and options needed to begin an editing session with E88. >> 1.1 << FILENAMES Standard DOS notation is acceptable. d: [path] filename [.ext] If no path is specified then E88 will use the default directory. If no filename extension is specified then E88 will use it's user definable internal default. If the desired file to be edited does not have an extension then 3 blanks should be entered for an extension. >> 1.2 << OPTIONS E88 supports several options which may be specified on the DOS command line at execution. They are listed below. The /B option: (blanking) The /B option will eliminate "blanking" of the display when the screen is scrolled. This feature is useful on machines which have the newer display adapters. The user may determine if his computer will tolerate this feature by starting E88 using the /B option and looking for display "fetches" (interference) when the screen is scrolled. This option only applies to color graphics adapters and has no effect on mono or EGA displays. The /C option: (color) The /C option will force the video output to be directed to the color graphics display adapter. This option is useful when a system is equipped with two adapters. See also the /M option. The /E option: (end the file with no EOF mark) The /E option will suppress the end of file marker being added to the end of a saved file. Although most programs accept this format some may require the marker. The /E option is recommended for .SYS and .BAT files. The /H option: (high resolution EGA) The /H option will direct the editor to operate in EGA 43 line/screen mode. The /I option: (auto indent mode) The /I option will start the editor in auto-indent mode. The cursor will be tabbed to the first tab stop each time <ENTER> is pressed. This mode may be toggled on and off by pressing the key combination <Ctrl> <ENTER> while in edit mode. The /M option: (monochrome) The /M option will force the video output to be directed to the monochrome display adapter. This option is useful when a system is equipped with two adapters. See also the /C option. 2 The /T option: (tab compression) The /T option will cause the editor to toggle into tab compression mode. Unless the mode is changed from the command window the loaded file will be saved tab compressed. The /R option: (word wrap mode) The /R option turns on word wrapping. This mode may be changed from the command window later. The /S option: (silence) The /S option will silence all sound effects except for error messages. The /W option: (word processor insert mode) The /W option will direct the editor to function in word processor mode. This mode is discussed in detail later in the manual. >> 1.3 << EXAMPLES >> 1.3.1 << INDIRECT MODE To start E88 in indirect mode simply enter E88 at the DOS prompt. The editor will be loaded and will prompt the user for the edit filename. Start-up options must be specified at the DOS prompt. example: C>E88 /B Would execute E88 with screen blanking disabled and prompt the user for a filename. example: C>E88 /B/C/W Would execute E88 with screen blanking disabled, force the video output to the color graphics adapter, and place the editor in word processing mode. The user would then be prompted for a filename. >> 1.3.2 << DIRECT MODE To start E88 in direct mode, the filename must be specified on the command line. example: C>E88 MYFILE.DOC Would execute E88, which would then load MYFILE.DOC for editing. example: C>E88 MYFILE Would execute E88, which would then load MYFILE.(default ext.) example: C>E88 /B/W \JUNK\THAT_OLD.BAT Would execute E88, disable screen blanking, place the editor in word processing mode, and load the file THAT_OLD.BAT from the pathed directory JUNK. example: C>E88 BBSLIST.(enter three spaces for the extension) Would execute E88 and load the file BBSLIST no extension, for editing. 3 >> 1.4 << MISCELLANEOUS Start-up option letters as well as filename specifiers are NOT case sensitive. e88 /m myfile.dat would work just as well as e88 /M MyfiLE.dAT. The spacing and order are important however. CORRECT: E88 [/option] [d:]\[path]\filename[.ext] s s s b b p l p a a a a a c c c s c k k e h e s s l l a a s s h h The /T, /R, and /I options are reversible after the editor is executed, all others are not. >> 1.4.1 << SPECIAL START/RESTART FEATURES E88 provides a pair of special features that may be used on start-up in indirect mode or upon a restart from within the editor. Although these options are mentioned on the opening screen they are not entirely obvious. These options are very useful and should be noted by the user. (1.) Entering a null string at the filename prompt will terminate the program. (2.) Entering a filename which includes an asterisk (*) wildcard character will prompt the editor to do a directory search. The user may enter any valid path and filename/wildcard combination to search any directory. See the FILES command covered later in this manual for more information and examples. 4 >> Section 2 << THE EDIT SCREEN This section outlines the edit screen. It provides information relating to the top line status and also provides information on interpreting the displayed text file >> 2.1 << TOP LINE INFORMATION FILENAME LINE COL FREE MODE RtMar.=xx current | text | cursor | 78 char. | current mode| the right margin file | line#| column | lines free| EDIT etc. | value setting The indicated line number represents the current line that the cursor resides on IN THE FILE being edited. A line consist of a screen line. example: > this is supposed to represent text on the E88 screen > text text text text text text more text etc.. on and on > new line of text across screen starts at arrow on left represents 3 lines of the text file - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - >> 2.2 << THE REMAINDER OF THE SCREEN The remainder of the screen contains the text file that is being edited and also contains a "> " ,nothing, or the letter "F " in the first two columns of the screen on each line. An arrow "> "means that this is the beginning of a new line. If the first two columns are blank, the line is an extension of the previous line. There is no limit on line length. It is the user's responsibility to insure that the length does not exceed that which is acceptable to the assembler or compiler that the text file is to be used with. The letter "F " in the left two columns indicates that this line is available but not in use. The appearance of the first line marked "F " is the physical end of file. Although it is possible to type on these free lines, any text present on these lines will not be saved to disk. This feature will allow the user to make notes on these lines if desired, however these notes will not be saved or reloaded. >> 2.3 << MISCELLANEOUS Some files, such as database record files and ANSI graphics files, contain lines padded with spaces on the end. E88 will include a carriage return character (ASCII 13 a musical note) on the display screen when a line such as this occurs. This feature allows the user to have a visual indication of where the end of the line actually is. The CR character is also used by E88 to determine the end of the line when the file or block is to be saved to disk. The user may also employ this feature to pad lines with spaces. Use the [Alt] numeric keypad to enter a CR after the proper number of spaces at the end of a line. Press [Alt] and type 13 on numpad then release [Alt]. Extended lines are counted as a line when referring to E88's line number or free lines remaining information. They are however saved to disk as being one complete line of text. example: > this represents a line of text on the E88 editor screen which is extended ( notice no arrow ) into this line * 2 lines to E88 but only one long line to the disk file. 5 >> Section 3 << PROGRAM CONTROL This section provides information regarding program control. It outlines the use of the numeric pad, function keys, tabs, enter, and programmable keys. >> 3.1 << THE NUMERIC KEYPAD The numeric keypad provides standard cursor as well as complete and extended screen control. [Up] [Dn] [Lt] [Rt] ... MOVE CURSOR The four arrow keys provide cursor control as expected but also provide screen control. Whenever a cursor movement would cause the cursor to be positioned off the top or bottom of the screen an automatic screen scroll will occur. This includes end wrap for the left and right arrows as well as simply holding the up and down arrow keys to force a scroll. [Pg Up] [Pg Dn] ... SCROLL ENTIRE SCREEN 24 LINES The page up and page down keys will cause an immediate 24 line scroll to the preceding or following page of text. [Home] [End] ... SCROLL 1 LINE AT A TIME The home and end keys will cause a 1 line scroll up and down. [Ctrl] [Lt] & [Rt] ... FIND WORDS These keys will find the previous/next word in the line. [Ctrl] [Home] ... HOME THE CURSOR The key combination of [Ctrl] [Home] will home the cursor. [Ctrl] [End] ... GO TO END OF LINE This combination will place the cursor at the end of the current line plus one. [Ctrl] [Pg Up] ... GO TO TOP OF FILE This key combination will cause the editor to instantly locate on Line 0, Row 1, Col 2, of the file being edited. It is denoted as the Go to TOF command. [Ctrl] [Pg Dn] ... GO TO END OF FILE This is the Go to EOF command. The logic behind this command constantly keeps track of the current EOF even with changes in file length. When this key combination is pressed the editor will locate the cursor on the end of the last line in the file plus one position. [Ins] ......... INSERT CHARACTER Toggles the insert mode. The insert and delete character keys work exactly like they do in the BASIC program editor. The insert key toggles on and off. Insert mode is indicated by a "fat" cursor. When insert is enabled, characters will be inserted into the line at the current cursor position while all characters to the right are moved and wrapped around to the next line if necessary. The editor will also insert an extension onto the line if needed. The insert mode is toggled off with any screen or cursor movement including tabs with the exception of backspace. Backspace backs up and deletes the character leaving the program in insert mode just like BASIC. 6 [Del] .......... DELETE CHARACTER Deletes the character at current cursor position. >> 3.1.1 << WORD PROCESSING MODE Word processing mode is entered by using the /W option on the command line. This feature in no way magically transforms E88 into a word processor. It merely changes some of the key assignments and functions. These changes are outlined below. The insert mode becomes a true toggle. Pressing the insert key will cause a "fat" cursor as described in the insert key function above, but the editor remains in insert mode even with cursor movement. There are only two ways to exit insert mode, they are, press the insert key again, or position the cursor past the end of the current line. This feature is similar to the insert scheme used by many popular word processors. The Ctrl. Home key also function differently. Pressing the [Ctrl][Home] key will cause the cursor to move to the start of the current line. This represents a change from earlier versions in which the [Home], [End], [Ctrl][Home], and [Ctrl][End] keys were actually swapped. With the introduction of The E88 Text Editor machine these keystrokes may be changed by the user if desired. The function assigned to [Ctrl][Home] on default will be "go to start of line" and not "home cursor". Therefor the user can set up the editor to be completely compatible with older versions. >> 3.2 << THE FUNCTION KEYS [F1] .......... COMMAND CALL F1 calls the main command menu window, discussed in detail later. [Shift] [F1] .. SET RIGHT MARGIN Shift F1 sets the right margin value at the current cursor position. The right margin is in effect when the editor is in word wrap mode. This feature is useful for typing formatted text such as pre-written text to be uploaded in E-Mail messages. The default value for this setting is 74. This is the correct value for using the MRE BBS system. [Alt] [F1] .... INSTANT HELP SCREEN Alt. F1 provides instant on-line help. This method of calling the help screen by-passes the command window. Help is still available from the command window, maintaining compatibility with older versions and supporting the needs of novice users. [F2] .......... PRINTER CALL (standard) F2 calls the printer !? Make sure the printer is on (if it isn't DOS will indicate the error). Place the cursor on the line where the printout is to start and press [F2]. The printer will print lines and the cursor will move and the screen will scroll until any key is pressed or the end of file is reached. The cursor indicates the line currently being printed. Termination of the print will restore the screen and cursor to their previous positions. * Extended lines will be added together and printed just as if they were one long line. 7 [Alt] [F2] ... PRINTER CALL (with arrows printed) This key combination causes the same action as described above except that the arrows are printed. [F3] [F4] [F5] [F6] [F7] [F8] ... PAGERS F3 through F8 are called pagers. Pressing these keys will cause the text to scroll instantly to a page that has been preset by the user. To preset the page for each key, simply scroll to the desired page, hold the shift key down, and press F3 to F8. That key is then set to the displayed page and will return to that point from anywhere in the text. These keys will remain set until reset, which can be done as often as necessary. Upon start-up the pager keys are set up to split the file into equal parts. [F3] points at the first page and [F8] points at the last page in the file with all others equally spaced in between. This feature allows rapid access to any area in the file. This feature may be overridden by the PGR default file however. For more information about the PGR file see the setup mode section. [Alt] [F3] [F4] .. SEND PRINTER CONTROL STRING This key combination will send a pre-programmed string to the printer. The default strings will form-feed and reset an Epson compatible printer respectively. [Alt] [F5] .... MAKE CURRENT LINE TOP OF SCREEN This combination will make the current line the new top of screen [Alt] [F6] .... RECOVER LAST ACTIVITY SCREEN This combination will recover the last screen that edit activity occurred on. This feature allows the user to scroll or page all over the place and still instantly recover the last screen where a letter was typed. [Alt] [F7] .... LOAD BUFFER WITH SAME LINE This is the repeat load buffer command. This command is identical to the [Alt] [F8] command below except that the cursor is not moved down to the next line. Audible feedback is provided to verify the command was executed. This command is useful when a line needs to be duplicated several times. An example is the many 'DB' Pseudo-ops used in an assembly language data segment. [Alt] [F8] .... LOAD LINE INTO BUFFER (does not delete as does F10) This is the load buffer command key combination. When this command is issued, the line that the cursor is on will be loaded into a 32 line buffer. The cursor will then move to the next line down, which, if the user desires, may also be loaded. Up to 32 lines may be stored in this manner and recovered with the [F10] key. The use of this command in combination with the [F10] key may used to do a block copy of up to 32 lines at a time. To copy more than 32 lines at a time see the block operations section. [F9] .......... INSERT A LINE F9 will insert a line into the text directly above the line that the cursor is on when the key is pressed. 8 [Shift] [F9] .. QUICK DIRECTORY LISTING (default drive & extension) Shift F9 will display a quick default directory search. The default directory will be searched for all filenames ending in the currently defined default extension. [Alt] [F9] .... TOGGLE LINE ATTRIBUTE (join or seperate lines) This key combination will toggle the attribute of the current line. It will change an extended line into a new line or a new line into an extended line. This can be used to separate or join lines in the file. [F10] ......... INSERT A LINE FROM THE BUFFER This key will automatically insert a line of text which has been saved in the 32 line buffer. The insert will occur at the current cursor position in the same manner that the [F9] key effects an insert. Lines may be saved into the buffer by the [Alt] [F8] load buffer command or by the [Alt] [F10] delete line command. [Alt] [F10] ... DELETE CURRENT LINE (line is placed in the buffer) This key combination is the delete line command. When this command is used the current line will be deleted from the screen and the file will scroll up to fill the vacated space. The deleted line is not lost forever however, it is placed in a 32 line circular buffer. The last 32 deleted lines may be recovered by simply pressing [F10] after positioning the cursor at the desired insert position. Using the key sequences of [Alt] [F10] and [F10] in combination can be used to move a block of text (up to 32 lines at a time) from one place in the file to another. [Ctrl] [F1-F10] .. SPECIAL CHARACTERS (types user defined character) These key combinations print a special character which has been pre-programmed by the user for the particular function key. The programming of these keys is discussed later in the setup window instructions. The default character set for these keys is the set of line graphics characters. [ENTER] The enter key is used much as with any other editor. When typing in text, hitting [ENTER] will cause the cursor to move to the start of the next line, inserting a line if it is at the end of file. [ENTER] also resets the tabs and records in memory the current text screen. There is one difference with this editor to many others including the Microsoft BASIC program editor. It is NOT necessary to press [ENTER] to insure that your screen changes have been preserved. The program logic automatically detects a screen change and records the new screen. This prevents the old BASIC problem of forgetting to press [ENTER] and having to re-type a change. [Ctrl] [ENTER] .. TOGGLE AUTO INDENT The key combination of [Ctrl] [ENTER] will toggle the editor's auto-indent mode. When in auto-indent mode the cursor is automatically tabbed to the first tab stop. This process is essentially identical to pressing [ENTER] and [TAB] in sequence. [Tab] The tab key tabs the cursor to the user preset tabs. [Shift]*[Tab] .. SET TAB This key combination of shift and the tab key will set a tab on the screen. E88 supports 20 tab positions which can be set to function in almost any manner imaginable. 9 To set the tabs: (1.) Press [ENTER] (this clears the tab COUNT) *** See note 1 ! (2.) Move the cursor to the desired tab position. (3.) Hold down a shift key and press the tab key. (4.) Tab 1 is now set and the next tab is ready to be set. (5.) Repeat this procedure until the speaker beeps if desired. More on the tab function : 1. To set the first tab, which is the position that the cursor will move to when in auto indent mode, the editor must NOT be in auto indent mode. This is because the cursor will automatically be tabbed by the [ENTER] key and the tab count WILL NOT be cleared. The tabs MAY be set when the editor is in auto-indent mode, however the user should be aware that the tab count will start with the second tab. For more information about auto- indent mode see [Ctrl] [ENTER] in this section. 2. The speaker will beep when the 20th tab is set. When the speaker beeps this indicates that the count is about to start over at the first tab. The tab function on both tabbing and setting the tabs is a rollover procedure. When the last tab is reached, the program will start over with the first tab again. There is no beep during normal tabbing, 3. The tabs can be set in any order desired. The cursor does not have to tab from left to right. For example 38,24,36,5,10,15,38, 24,36,71,... is a perfectly legal tab setup. The default tab setup is a repeating sequence of 2,12,22,42,2,12,22,42,2,12,22,42 and so on. 4. Any tab can be set at any time. Simply clear the tab count by pressing [ENTER]. Tab the cursor normally with the tab key while counting the number of tabs. When the desired tab is reached, position the cursor on the proper column and perform step 3 above. *** See note 1 if setting tabs in auto-indent mode. 5. The tab setup is saved within the setup file E88SETUP.DEF which is discussed later in the command mode section. To save the tab setup, the user must go into setup mode. (See command mode option "P.") Alphanumeric keys: Type as usual. >> 3.2.1 << ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON FUNCTIONS The circular buffer referred to in the previous function descriptions is used as temporary storage area for deleted and saved lines. The buffer is always available to accept 32 new lines. Circular implies that the last 32 lines either saved or deleted may always be recovered from the buffer. The lines are stored using "last in - first out" or "STACK" logic. 10 Mini-Merge .... Another use for the buffer The circular buffer contents may be transferred from one file to another. The user may load the circular buffer with information from a file, select the (L.) option from the command window, load a new file, and dump the buffer contents into the new file. This feature is great for copying a small subroutine or a couple of paragraphs from one file to another. For larger transfers a full scale file merge and a block to disk transfer are also provided. 11 >> 3.3 << COMMAND MODES Pressing function key [F1] will call E88's command window. The command mode will allow the user to save, backup, or exit from editing as well as setup some editor defaults and perform block and disk operations. The following information is provided to serve as a guide to the command mode functions. [Esc] The escape key will return to edit mode. (E.) END the edit and save this file This command will save the file to the drive and filename displayed in the upper left corner of the screen. The program will return to DOS when the save is complete. (B.) BACKUP (create filename.bak) This command will create a backup file using the displayed filename (as above) but with the extension of BAK. This command can be used as often as necessary during the edit to insure that a loss of power or other unthinkable event would not cause a loss of data. Note that no backup file is automatically produced as with EDLIN. (F.) FILES (directory search) This command allows the user to display any directory or specified files in any directory. The window will display some help information for using the search. One may enter any valid path and combination of DOS wild cards as a criterion for the search, at the prompt. Simply pressing [ENTER] without any criteria will result in a *.* display of the current default directory. The pathname(s) and filename must be separated with a backslash (\) for the search to work properly. Example: \PROCOMM\DOWNLOAD\*.MSG would display all the files with the extension of .MSG in the sub-directory DOWNLOAD of the directory PROCOMM a sub directory of the root. Any valid path and filename may be used. Refer to your DOS manual for information concerning filenames, wildcards, etc. (C.) CHANGE filename (for saving) This command allows the user to save a file under a different name. This is useful in cases where a standard format is used to set up a source file. The user can load the standard file, change the name, and save the edited file without effecting the standard load file. When pressed, the current file specification will be displayed. The user may then press [ENTER] to return with no change, or enter the new file specification. (D.) DEFINE BLOCK operation This command provides access to E88's extended block operations menu window. Before this command is issued a text block should be defined by the user. Failure to do this will result in a harmless error message which includes information on how to define a block. A block is defined by pressing Ctrl. B with the cursor on the line one desires to mark. This procedure should be performed twice, thus denoting the beginning and end of the block. Pressing Ctrl. C will clear all block marks. Selecting the (D.) command will open a window which offers the following block operations: 12 D./ INDICATES THESE ARE DEFINE BLOCK SUB-COMMANDS D./(D.) DELETE the marked block. S This sub-command will remove the marked block from the file. U This process is executed very fast and is not reversible, so B the user is advised to use this with care. Please note that the disk file is not affected unless the edited file is saved, so an error may be corrected by simply reloading the file. D./(M.) MOVE the marked block. S This sub-command will delete the marked block from its U current location and insert it at a new location selected B by the user. Instructions are provided "on screen" as to the new location selection process. Basically, the user is returned to a pseudo edit screen which allows full operation of the screen control keys including vertical cursor keys, page keys, home and end keys, Ctrl. page keys, and even the pagers. When the desired position in the file is reached pressing [ENTER] will execute the move command. Pressing [Esc.] will abort the command and return the user to edit mode leaving the original block unchanged. D./(C.) COPY the marked block. S The copy sub-command operation is identical to the move U command (see above) with the exception that the original B marked block is not deleted. This command also provides a chaining feature allowing the user to make multiple copies of the block. This chaining option is prompted for in the screen window after each copy is made. [ENTER] and [Esc.] provide control over the copy command as outlined above under the move command. D./(P.) PRINT the marked block. S The print sub-command will send the marked block to the U printer. This is useful for unattended printing of a B section of text or for use with a print spooler or buffered printer. D./(T.) TRANSFER marked block to disk. S The transfer sub-command provides the E88 user with the U very powerful ability to build a custom file from selected B bits and pieces of other files. This command will literally allow you to "pick apart" one or more files and merge the pieces into one file. This command is extremely useful for building program source code from subroutine libraries or selecting text data of interest from a large file to be included in another file. When this command is issued, E88 will either create or APPEND a file called E88DTF.(default extension) in the current directory with the data from the marked block. The E88 Disk Transfer File is saved as a standard ASCII file including the EOF mark. This file may later be renamed, edited, or operated on just as any other ASCII file. To create a new E88DTF any existing E88DTF file with the same extension must be either renamed or erased. (H.) HELP This command provides a quick reference to most of the key functions as well as some very important program information. Press the escape key to return to editing. 13 (K.) KEY file saved for this edit file The key file command will create a file which is named for the edit file but given the extension of PGR. This file will reside in the same directory as the edit file and will be pathed to that directory automatically by E88. The PGR file is a special file associated only with the edit file. It contains all of the information in E88SETUP.DEF and also contains the currently set pagers when it was saved. The use of E88's setup files is described in detail in a special section that follows below. (L.) LOAD another file (with options) This command allows the user to load and edit another file without leaving the editor. The current file may be saved or discarded. See section 3.2.1 for information about how to use the (L.) command to merge data between files. (M.) MERGE data from another file This command, when executed, will prompt the user for the filename of the file to merge with the current edit file. The merged data will be appended to the current edit file. (P.) PROGRAM Ctrl. keys and default extension This command will open a new window which will prompt the user for new characters for the Ctrl. F1 to F10 characters and the default filename extension. Pressing [ENTER] without entering a new value for these parameters will leave them unchanged. When the setup prompts have cycled through, the user will be asked to optionally create an E88SETUP.DEF file. This file contains the set of tabs, special characters, and the default extension that were in effect at the time of the save. The use of E88's setup files is described in detail in a special section that follows below. >> SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SETUP FILES << This information is presented to allow the user to understand the loading process used by E88 so that the setup files may be used to their maximum advantage. Since some confusion and complaints were acknowledged with older versions of E88 it was felt that a complete description of this process should be provided. Please note that it is no longer necessary to create an E88SETUP.DEF file in each sub- directory to get the needed color changes. The E8M.EXE (the machine) program will allow the user to define all internal defaults. When E88 is executed it first searches the ROOT directory of the current drive for the file E88SETUP.DEF. If this file is found the editor will set it's internal parameters to those specified by this file. Thus, the user may create an E88SETUP.DEF file in the root directory of his disk and allow that file to serve as a MASTER setup file. This eliminates the need to put a setup file in each sub- directory just to get the various parameters set like you want. Next, E88 searches the CURRENT directory for the file E88SETUP. DEF. If found then it sets it's parameters to those specified by this file. This will allow the user to create many setup files, one in each sub-directory, so E88 can be used to do many different tasks without the need to reset the tabs, colors, or default extension. An example would be to put a setup file in the communications 14 directory that makes the default extension .DOC or .DAT . You could also put one in the directory where "C" programming is done to set the tabs up for indenting lines. There are numerous places where these extra setup files may be useful. Next the edit file is prompted for or loaded, depending on the start-up method used. As a final step E88 searches for a file with the same name as the edit file but with the extension .PGR. This file, if found will again override all the previous parameters and set the pagers to the values they had when the .PGR file was created. The .PGR file is saved and searched for in the same directory that the edit file resides in. This file is mainly used for debugging source code since a programmer can set the pagers to areas in the edit file where he is working. After exiting E88, he may then reload the editor later and instantly page to these preset areas. If none of these files is found then E88 uses its' internal defaults. * * Please note that beginning with version 4.20, MRE Software is including The E88 Text Editor machine to produce a customized copy of the editor. Henceforth the internal defaults may be set up exactly to the user specs. Although E88 will still support the .DEF file methodology, many users will not need a .DEF file at all. (S.) SEARCH and [replace] string When this command is selected the user will be prompted for the search and replace strings. The strings may be up to sixteen characters in length. Once the strings are entered the user will then be given the option to do a standard search or a search and replace. Pressing the [+] key will cause a replace all to occur. The user is advised to use the replace all with caution. The search will begin at the current line position in the file and continue until the string is found or any key is pressed. If the string is found the screen containing the find will be displayed and the cursor will be positioned on the first character of the string. The user may then press [space] to skip and continue, [ENTER] to replace the string and continue, [\] to "drop out" to edit mode leaving the screen at the current position, or [Esc] to end the search. Entering a null string in response to the search string prompt will cause the command to be terminated. Entering a null string for the replace string is OK however, since replacing with a null string simply deletes the search string from the file. Audible feedback is provided to the user during the search process and all information concerning the search is displayed on the top line. Pressing any key while the search is in progress will end the search. (T/W) TAB comp.( )/Word wrap( ) (x)=ON This command toggles tab compression and word wrap modes on and off. The lower-case (x) indicates that the mode is active. Pressing the "T" or "W" key will toggle these states and the current status will be indicated on the screen. (T) on/off Tab compression compresses the file by using a process of imaginary tab stops in the disk file. E88 will NOT automatically 15 turn tab compression on and off when a file is loaded depending on whether tab characters are detected in the file. This represents a change from earlier versions. This method of file compression is completely compatible with MS-DOS. The MS-DOS "TYPE" command will properly expand and display a tab compressed file for example. One recommended use for tab compression is for electronic mail files. Since most "E" mail and BBS programs will expand tab compressed files properly, the use of this mode will reduce file size, and hence, upload time. Since the process is reversible, E88 may be used to expand or compress any text file and save it in the format desired. WARNING: Tab compression is not recommended for program source code since most compilers will not expand the inserted tab characters in data definitions. If you do save a source file using tab compression, DON'T PANIC the process may be reversed by reloading the file with E88, manually turning tab compression off and then saving the file. All general text files may be saved using tab compression however, and a fair savings in disk space can be expected. (W) on/off Word wrapping will cause the word being typed to be picked up and carried around to the beginning of the next line when one has typed off the right margin of the screen. A new line will be inserted in the file to prevent overwriting the data present on the next line. If the editor is in auto indent mode the word will be wrapped around to the auto indent position. (Q.) QUIT * RETURN TO DOS * NO SAVE This option allows the user to return to D.O.S. without saving the file. When this option is selected the user may then press [Esc] to return to D.O.S or any other key to return to editing. >> END OF PART 1 << EM1 >> PART 2 << >> SECTION 4 << THE E88 TEXT EDITOR MACHINE This section provides information for using The E88 Text Editor machine. A supplemental program that is provided for creating a customized copy of The E88 Text Editor. >> 4.1 << RUNNING THE MACHINE The E88 Text Editor machine is provided on the disk in the form of an .EXE file named E8M.EXE and a "pattern" file for E88 called E88.PAT. Both of these files must be present to produce the E88.EXE file, which is the actual executable code of E88. The "machine" was designed to be as simple and self explanatory as possible. Many text screens are provided to guide the user during the actual running of the program. Follow the instructions below to start E8M and refer to this .DOC file when in doubt. (1.) Place E8M.EXE and E88.PAT in the same directory on your disk and make that the default directory. We recommend that you place these files on a floppy disk and use it. You will NOT need E8M.EXE or E88.PAT to use E88. These files are only used in the manufacturing process and are not needed thereafter, unless you want to re-manufacture your editor. (2.) Start E8M by typing E8M at the DOS prompt. The program does not need or accept any command line arguments. (3.) The logo screen will "shoot" onto the CRT. This is the only frilly stuff you will find in E88. We believe in compact code and down to business operations. Even this screen will appear only once. E8M will create a file called QSTART.E8M and anytime this file is detected later, E8M will jump straight to the main menu. After the letters are finished dancing onto the screen you may press any key except "R" to advance. You could press R of course, there is nothing we can do to prevent it. (4.) If you have advanced past the logo screen, you will see the introduction screen. Please take the time to read this screen. It describes the "whats and whys" of E8M as well as it could be done here. When finished, press any key to continue. (5.) Next you will be viewing the main menu. If you are a new user it is highly recommended that you do not use option number (5.) "Redefine keyboard..." at this time. This .DOC file is based on the default keyboard setup, and redefining that setup may cause confusion. (6.) Select option (0.). Read and make plans to follow the suggestions presented there. You have now got the old machine churning. Select the various options available and make E88 work like you want it to. EM2 >> 4.2 << E8M MAIN MENU OPTIONS This sub-section is included to present a more detailed description of The E88 Text Editor machine menu options. (0.) Registration information. This selection will provide a screen full of information about registering E88. We hope you will be pleased with our work and decide to register your copy. (1.) Personalize the title screen. This option will allow the user to personalize the top line of the E88 title screen. This message will appear whenever E88 is executed or restarted. Any string may be typed in with the exception of the "$" character, do NOT use it or the complete string will not be printed by E88. This option is provided so that you may quickly identify individual copies that were produced with different defaults. (2.) Screen parameters. (colors, etc.) This option has a sub-menu associated with it. See below. (1.) Cursor types This sub-selection will allow the user to define both the edit mode and insert mode cursors. Press the "S" and "E" keys to adjust the start and end scan lines for the displayed cursor. The IBM display adapters will produce a variety of cursors including split and block types. Some experimenting by the user is recommended here. Press the [ENTER] key when you find the style you like. (2.) Screen colors This option will allow you to define the screen attributes that will be used in E88. A sample mini-screen is provided so that the changes may be seen immediately. Press keys 1-7 to change the attributes accessed by these keys. The colors cycle through the 8/16 colors available on the PC in order. Eight background and sixteen foreground colors or various strange attributes on the monochrome display are supported. Press [ENTER] when satisfied. (3.) Exit to main menu. Exits to main menu. (3.) Start-up options (/switches) This option will allow you to build in all the various start-up switches available to E88. Refer to the previous section on start-up options for a more detailed description of what the switches do. Follow the example given on the screen and enter whatever options you want, preceded by a forward slash. The option letters are not case sensitive. If you enter an unknown option or use an invalid format E8M will inform you of the error and give you a chance to redo it. EM3 (4.) Program character sets, printer strings, and tabs. This is probably the most comprehensive option included in the E8M command menu. It will allow the user to build in many of the most important and frequently used defaults into the editor. Although most of these defaults are changeable and may be saved in a E88SETUP.DEF file with E88 itself, careful selection here could be of great value. When this option is selected you will first be asked to define the default character set. This is the set of characters that are accessed by using the Ctrl. F1-F10 keys. You may accept the previously defined character by simply pressing [ENTER], or you may type in a character of your own liking and press [ENTER]. When [ENTER] is pressed the machine will cycle through the complete set of 10 characters following this same logic. *X* Next you will be asked to enter the two printer strings that are accessed by using the Alt. F3 & F4 keys in E88. The default values for these strings will form-feed and reset an Epson compatible printer. You should refer to your printer manual for information about sending different printer command strings. Programming of the printer strings is performed exactly like the special characters, as is everything that is covered by option (4.). *X* Next the tab programming screen will appear. The default tab settings are designed for writing assembler language source code, so unless that is what your primary use of E88 is, you will probably want to change them. Please note that an E88SETUP.DEF file is capable of resetting the tabs, so you are not stuck with the ones defined here. These are only the default values used when a setup file is not found. To program the tabs, use the left and right arrow keys to position the cursor on the tab stop and press [ENTER] when satisfied. Again, the program will cycle through the 20 available tab stops and you may press [ENTER] to continue with no change or move the cursor to redefine the tab. *X* Finally you will be asked to program the default right margin setting that is used when E88 is in word wrap mode. The default setting is 74 which is correct if you are creating E-Mail files for the PC-BOARD BBS program used by the MRE Software support BBS system. Program the right margin in the same manner as the tabs. This parameter is also easily changeable from within E88. (5.) Redefine keyboard & help screen. This option will allow you to redefine the keyboard and create an updated help screen at the same time. It also provides the capability to add your own personal notes in an area of the help screen. The new keyboard definitions, the help screen, and your personal note area will all become effective in the executable code of E88. A full screen of information is provided when you enter this command to assist you in programming. Here is a brief outline for using this option. To reprogram the keyboard: Use the cursor keys to position the highlighted block on the function you wish to change. Press the [ENTER] key to "pick up" that function. The selected function will begin blinking. Now move the highlighted block to the function you would like to swap with the first one. Press [ENTER] again to swap the two functions. Continue this process until the keyboard is defined as you desire. Pressing [ENTER] twice on the same function will result in a cancel. EM4 To edit your personal help area you must press the [F1] function key to enter the mini-editor. A cursor will appear in the personal help area when in edit mode. This is a very simple editor that provides cursor movement, backspace, and alphanumeric text entry. You may add any information to this area that you feel would be useful. One suggestion for this area is to build a table for referencing your 10 special character definitions. To exit the editor, press the [F1] key again. You may toggle between the editor and keyboard programming mode at will. When all programming is complete press [Esc] to return to the main menu. There may be a slight delay while the help screen is being saved. (6.) Load a personality file. This option in conjunction with option (7.) provides the user with a means to save the parameters he has defined so that there will be no need to go through the entire programming process each time the machine is run. The personality files are in no way related to E88.EXE and are not required to run the editor. If you keep E8M and E88.PAT on a floppy disk you may also keep your personality files there as well. To load or save a personality file just select (6.) or (7.) and follow the prompts. The commands were designed to be very flexible and guide you. It is possible to load one personality file, and after making a few changes, save it using another name leaving the original file unchanged. (7.) Save a personality file. See option (6.) (8.) Manufacture your copy of E88.EXE This is the command that writes E88.EXE, the actual editor file, out to disk. It will overwrite any copy of E88.EXE that already resides in the default directory and warns you of this fact. Once the E88.EXE file is produced you may treat it just like any other .EXE file. Briefly, what the machine actually does is load the pattern file in RAM, pass the parameters you have defined to it, and write it back to disk using E88.EXE as the filename. (9.) QUIT/EXIT This will return you to DOS. You will be asked a (Y/N) question designed to remind you to save personality files and the new copy of E88.EXE before exiting. You are not required to save these files, we are just trying to prevent inadvertent errors. >> 4.3 << ADDITIONAL REMARKS ABOUT E8M Just a few notes and reminders about E8M (the machine). * E88.PAT must be present in the default directory to run E8M. * E8M.EXE, E88.PAT, nor any of the personality files are needed to run the editor itself (E88.EXE) and may be kept on a floppy disk if desired. EM5 * The machine always starts with default settings. The E8M.EXE and E88.PAT files are immune to changes made by the machine. The only way to change the settings is by loading a personality file or by doing the work manually. * A personality file may be loaded under one name and saved with another. Thus preserving the first file. * The built in default extension for personality files is .PER, however the user may assign any extension desired in responding to the prompt. * The file QSTART.E8M is created the first time E8M is run. It is a zero length file which serves the sole purpose of skipping the delaying intro screen. If you erase this file the intro screen will reappear the next time E8M is executed. This file is not necessary to the operations of E8M or E88. A1 >> APPENDIX A << E88 PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY This information is provided for users who desire to use E88 in combination with, or as a supplement to, other MS-DOS applications. The information provided here was compiled primarily from user input. M.R.E. software request that all users who discover new uses for E88 or encounter compatibility problems when using the editor with other programs, please drop us a note. Include as much data as possible about how the program(s) work, or don't work, together. >> A.1 << MEMORY RESIDENT PROGRAMS >> A.1.1 << ProKey (R) If you are a ProKey user you must either suspend ProKey, so that all aspects of E88 will be functional, or if you desire, you can set up a specific macro set that allows the E88 function keys to work normally. Invoking E88 can then be done from a batch file that initiates your desired macro set as well as E88. Of course, when through with E88, your same batch file can restore your usual macro set. >> A.1.2 << SideKick (R) E88 works well with SideKick. The only reported problem is a slight loss of speed in cursor movement and screen scrolling. This is thought to be due to SideKick's sampling of the keyboard input in search of it's calling sequence. As one user described it, "Its like swapping from your warp engines back to impulse drive". >> A.2 << NON RESIDENT PROGRAMS >> A.2.1 << ASSEMBLERS / COMPILERS There have been no problems reported using E88 with any assembler or compiler. Several of the more popular programs that programmers report using the editor with are listed below. Microsoft MASM 5.00 (R) (C) Copyright Microsoft corp. Microsoft C Compiler " " " Microsoft Pascal compiler " " " Microsoft QuickBASIC compiler (R) " " " Borland Turbo Pascal (R) (C) Copyright Borland International Ashton Tate Dbase III (C) Ashton Tate (command language files only) >> A.2.2 << COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAMS Because of its small size and ease of use, E88 is widely used as the editor to match with ProComm (C) Copyright Datastorm Technologies Inc. Since the editor produces standard ASCII output it may be used to create and edit electronic message or text files for use with any communications package. Note that the tab compressed mode may be used with many "E" mail and BBS systems. The savings in file size and upload time could go a long way toward paying the E88 registration fee. A2 >> A.2.3 << OPERATING SYSTEM FILES E88 is 100% MS/PC DOS compatible. It is excellent for creating and maintaining .BAT and .SYS files. The /E option is recommended when creating these files because it prevents the double prompts that sometimes occur when a .BAT file has completed execution. >> A.2.4 << DATA BASE DATA FILES DO NOT attempt to edit a data base record file with E88 without first making a backup. Although E88 is fine for editing the programming language for most data bases it is not compatible with the record files. E88 terminates a line when the last non-blank character occurs. Most data base programs use FIXED LENGTH records and fill in the lines with blank characters. These files should be edited with the data base itself, not a text editor, since a change in the length in only one record will render the file useless ! If you are in doubt about the editor being compatible with any file MAKE A BACKUP FIRST !!! >> A.2.5 << SPELL CHECKERS AND OTHER PROGRAMS E88 users report that the Turbo Lightning (TM) spell checker works extremely well with E88. This is another fine BORLAND (R) product. The user should create an environment for E88 that does not use destructive backspacing. This can be done by setting backspace = None. Several E88 users, who are also engineers, report that E88 will fit and work fine with AutoCAD (TM) from Autodesk Inc. (R) B1 >> APPENDIX B << THE E88 HELP SCREEN This appendix contains a printable reproduction of the E88 help screen for version 4.22. It may be printed out and used as a quick reference card. When editing with E88 the help screen may be called using either [Alt] [F1] or the command window option (H.). >> B.1 << A PRINTABLE REPRODUCTION |------ Plain -----|------ Ctrl ------|----- Shift ------|------- Alt ------| | F1 = Com. window | F1 = special chr | F1 = Set RtMar. | F1 = Instant help| | F2 = Printer call| F2 = special chr | F2 = No action | F2 = Print+arrows| | F3 = TOF/pager | F3 = special chr | F3 = Set pager | F3 = Print ctrl=1| | F4 = Call pager | F4 = special chr | F4 = Set pager | F4 = Print ctrl=2| | F5 = Call pager | F5 = special chr | F5 = Set pager | F5 = Curline=TOS | | F6 = Call pager | F6 = special chr | F6 = Set pager | F6 = Recover last| | F7 = Call pager | F7 = special chr | F7 = Set pager | F7 = Rep buf.load| | F8 = EOF/pager | F8 = special chr | F8 = Set pager | F8 = Load buffer | | F9 = Insert line | F9 = special chr | F9 = No action | F9 = Toggle attr.| | F10= Ins. buffer | F10= special chr | F10= No action | F10= Delete line | | PgU= screen up | PgU= top of file |------------------|------------------| | PgD= screen down | PgD= end of file | * E88 CUSTOM HELP SCREEN AREA * | | Hm = scroll 1 up | Hm = home cursor | | | End= scroll 1 dn | End= end of line | Use this area to add your own notes | | Ins= insert mode | -> = next word | for using E88. This area may be | | Del= delete char | <- = prev word | personalized by using the E88 Text | |------------------|------------------| Editor Machine. | | Shift TAB sets tab at cursor pos. | | | ENTER will save screen & reset the | - help us help you - | | tab count to zero. (1 in ^AI mode) | S U P P O R T S H A R E W A R E ! | | Ctrl. Enter will toggle auto indent.| Register your copy. | | * Press Esc. to exit this screen. | See the .DOC file for more info. | |-------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| >> B.2 << A NOTE ABOUT THE HELP SCREEN This is a reproduction of the default E88 help screen. The E88 text editor machine has the ability to produce a dynamic help screen depending on changes made by the user. C1 >> APPENDIX C << LICENSE / WARRANTY >> C.1 << LICENSE E88 version 4.22 is being distributed under the "shareware" or user supported concept. This software is NOT free software. The use or reproduction of this software outside of the limits specified in this license agreement is prohibited. Non-registered users are granted a limited license to use this software for a period not to exceed thirty days. During this period they should test and evaluate the software to determine if it will meet their needs. The use of this program beyond this limited time period requires registration. Non-registered users are not allowed to distribute this software without the express written permission of Microsystems Research & Engineering. The only exceptions to this distribution restriction are SYSOPS of electronic bulletin boards and distributors of public domain and user supported software. SYSOPS and software distributors must abide by the copying restrictions specified below. Registered users are granted the right to use E88 on only one computer at any time. Site licensing agreements are available for businesses, corporations, and government agencies. Registered users are also granted the right to copy and distribute E88 subject to the following conditions. E88 must be copied in its original unmodified form with the exception that the serial number of the distributor may be be changed to the new distributor's serial number. This exception only applies to registered users, SYSOPS who are not registered users must not alter the files in any manner. All of the files must be included in the copy. No fee or charge may be requested or paid to any licensee by the recipient of the copy. E88 may not be distributed in conjunction with any other product without the express written consent of MRE Software. C2 >> C.2 << WARRANTY Microsystems Research and Engineering makes no warranty of any kind, express or implied, including without limitation, any warranties of merchantability and or fitness for a particular purpose. Microsystems Research and Engineering shall not be liable for any damages, whether direct, indirect, special or consequential arising from a failure of this program to operate in the manner desired by the user. Microsystems Research and Engineering shall not be liable for any damage to data or property which may be caused directly or indirectly by use of the program. IN NO EVENT WILL Microsystems Research and Engineering BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS OR OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF YOUR USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE PROGRAM, OR FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY OTHER PARTY. >> C.3 << TRADEMARKS IBM, IBM PC-XT-AT-PCjr-PS/2 and PC-DOS are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. Microsoft, Microsoft BASIC, MS-DOS, MASM, and Microsoft Macro Assembler are registered trademarks of Microsoft Inc. ProComm is a registered trademark of Datastorm Technologies Inc. PC-BOARD is a registered trademark of Clark Development Co. Other tradenames are referenced where they occur. D1 >> APPENDIX D << REGISTRATION >> D.1 << WHY SHOULD I REGISTER ? E88 is distributed under the shareware concept. Shareware is a unique marketing concept born of the computer revolution. Users are allowed to obtain complete working programs to freely test and evaluate for a limited time period. If they find the programs useful then they are required to register their copy of the program. The small registration fee goes to support the authors and encourage them to continue to improve the software. Shareware depends on honesty. The computer programs are freely distributed as finished products. The authors of this type of program depend completely on the honesty of end users for compensation for their work. If you use a shareware program, any shareware program, please be honest and register your copy. Shareware is not free software. It requires just as much work and effort to produce as the highly advertised commercial products, but it usually sells for a small fraction of the price. Registering a shareware program also gives you the unique opportunity to do something that is virtually impossible with most commercial software. When you register, your comments and ideas are usually communicated directly to the author of the program and the response you will receive is from him/her. (it is in this case) This fact assures you that your ideas are heard by someone who is paying attention. It is also from this pool of suggestions and ideas that future improvements are spawned. Shareware companies in general don't spend millions of dollars doing "market research" or advertising the heck out of their products in order to sell you something that you have only read about. We lay it out there on the line....here it is....fully functional....you like it, please buy it, you don't .... erase it. We also don't charge you $400.00 for our products. Don't take this the wrong way however, commercial software is a necessity. LORD knows that this program would not exist if it weren't for MS-DOS and MASM. (which are quality, reasonably priced, and supported). Shareware that is of high quality at low prices does tend to keep all software prices lower and is therefor a necessity in its own right. When you support shareware you not only receive the right to use a good program (usually with free updates) but you also make a statement to the entire software industry. Make the free world economy work! Register shareware. D2 >> D.2 << REGISTRATION FEES The registration fee for E88 version 4.22 is only $20.00. This is one of the more reasonably priced editors available anywhere. We know of no comparable commercial product that offers so much, for so little, to so many! >> D.2.1 << SITE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS Site licenses are available for $15.00 per copy to qualified businesses, corporations, individuals, and government agencies. This represents a $5.00 per copy or 25% savings. A minimum of five copies must be registered to qualify. Site licensed organizations will receive a 5.25 inch diskette which contains a current version of the editor. Future updates of the site license copy are provided as follows. The first update is free. All others $20.00 Prices are for a titled master copy and cover all charges including shipping. Licensees will be informed when updates become available and given the option to update at will. There is NO penalty for skipping updates. Businesses may of course register less than five copies at the individual copy price. >> D.3 << THE M.R.E SUPPORT BBS M.R.E. Software provides a support bulletin board system for distributing the latest versions of E88, on-line registration, and processing user questions and suggestions. We are running the latest version of PC-BOARD and our primary SYSOP is Tom Ford. E88 author, Emery Wooten may also be reached via the BBS. Non-Registered users: Will be given limited access to the BBS. We are currently running an "open" system and no delay is imposed requiring you to make two calls to gain access. Non registered users will be provided with access to the main message base, the MRE file area, and the on-line registration procedure. You will be able to download the latest version of E88 and a few other selected files. Questions and suggestions from non-registered users will be processed as time permits. Registered users: Will be given complete access to the BBS with full time allocation. You may access our base of selected quality shareware and public domain software and download the latest versions. Registered users will also have access to the MRE, and other conference areas. The MRE conference is a lively discussion of E88 and other MRE products and future plans. Other conferences discuss the news and views of the IBM/compatible industry. Registered users will be given priority support and consideration. Telephone: (601) 494-8078 <data> 24 hours/day 7 days/week You are invited! D3 >> D.4 << REGISTRATION FORM This section contains the E88 registration form. It is meant to provide users with a convenient means to register. You may fill out the form right on your screen and print it using E88. Thank you for your support. * If you are filling out the form using E88, simply type over the underlines. They are provided for users who prefer to write. We prefer that you type or print clearly. To print, place the cursor on the next line and press [F2]. D4 REGISTRATION FORM ver 4.22 YES! I would like to register my copy of E88. I have read the information contained in appendix C and D as well as tested the software and would like to support the efforts of MRE software. Distribution point ID. number: 0101549B5D For office use only please do not alter. Name .............: Street Address ...: City .............: State ............: Zip Code .........: Place an X by those that apply. _ I am enclosing $20.00 per copy for 1 to 4 copy(s) registration. * Supplied on diskette(s) for $25.00 per copy for 1 to 4 copies. * Mississippi residents must add 6% sales tax. * International users please send a money order in U.S. dollars _ Requesting site license for _______ copies at $15.00 per copy. * A minimum of 5 copies is required to qualify for site license. * Supplied on diskettes for $17.50 per copy for 5 or more. Enclosed : - Check - Money Order - Company PO. - I prefer to purchase using my VISA/MasterCard. - VISA - MasterCard Card #: ____ ___ ___ ___ Expires date: / Card issuing bank name: _________________________________________ your signature ________________________________________ You MUST sign this form if using a credit card. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= *** The following info is optional. Answer only those you wish.*** Company/Title ............: Age ......................: Where did you obtain E88? : Computer type/brand ......: Printer ..................: Monitor ..................: What do you use E88 for ? : _ Programming _ General editing _ Other If other please explain: I have the following comments / suggestions about E88: Send to: M.R.E. Software 150 Jones St. West Point, Ms. 39773