Programmer 7500/MAX_PROGRAMMERS.iso/PROGRAMS/UTILS/LASER/MICTXT31.ZIP/MICROTXT.DOC

Text File | 1989-09-06 | 23.7 KB | 656 lines

                MicroText -- The Document Cruncher
                           Version 3.1

New Features in MicroText 3.1

*** Printer drivers now built-in.
*** Printer selection menu.
*** HP LaserJet, Series II now fully supported.
*** Now supports Epson LQ and IBM Proprinters.
*** Faster operation.
*** Improved HP LaserJet, Series II printing.
*** Added environmental variable option.
*** Fixed minor printing bugs.
*** Added LaserJet reset options.


COPYRIGHT NOTICE
----------------

MicroText is protected under the copyright laws of the
United States. The program and this document are Copyright,
1989, by the author, George Campbell.  All rights reserved.


SHAREWARE NOTICE
----------------
MicroText is not in the public domain.  It is shareware.
If you use this program, please register your copy by
sending the $10 shareware fee to:

George Campbell
1472 Sixth St.
Los Osos, CA  93402

The latest version of this program is always available on
the SLO BYTES BBS.  [phone].

BBS SysOps and shareware distributors are welcome to
distribute this program, as long as no changes are made
without my written permission. Users of MicroText are
welcome to share the complete program with their friends
and others.  Please keep the program and documentation
together.

Registered users will receive the latest version, without
the shareware screen at the end of the program.  They are
also entitled to mail and BBS support, and will receive
upgrades to the program automatically without charge.

SPECIAL NOTICE:  Any user who contributes a new printer
driver is entitled to free registration for MicroText, and
will receive a complimentary copy of the registered
version. Just send your driver to the address above or
upload it (with your address) to the BBS number listed
above.


PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
-------------------

MicroText does just one thing:  it cuts down on the amount
of paper needed to print documentation for shareware
programs.  Now you can print the equivalent of two or four
pages on a single sheet of 8.5" X 11" paper.

There are other programs which do this, but none of them
have the options included in MicroText.

MicroText can:

1. Use any dot matrix printer which can print condensed,
italic, or superscript characters with 7/72" line spacing.

2. Remove all extra blank lines from a document.

3. Remove all control characters which can confuse printers.

4. Replace graphics characters with an asterisk (*).

5. Print graphics characters if you wish. (default)

6. Automatically word wrap long lines to fit.

7. Display a page preview of your document. (CGA/EGA/VGA).

8. Allow you to set custom screen colors.

9. Add a 1" left margin for hole punching.

10. Format your document for one or two-column printing.

11. Print source code files from any language, with lines up to
156 characters long.  (or longer)

12. Re-format most Word Processor files and database files into
a form which can be printed by MicroText.

13. Print just part of a file.  MicroText has a powerful search
routine to help you find a starting point.

14. Support IBM ProPrinter's or compatibles which only offer a
137 character line length.

15. Print directly to the Printer or to a temporary file.

16. Now prints on HP LaserJet, Series II, using a special font.

17. Now prints on EPSON LQ-series printers and compatibles.

18. Now can use environmental variable for instant operation.

Once you try MicroText, you won't know how you lived without
it.


INSTALLING MicroText
--------------------
You can run MicroText from a hard or floppy disk.  Simply
copy the file, MICROTXT.EXE to a floppy disk or to a
directory on your hard disk.

NOTE:  NORMALLY, the files, MICROTXT.EXE, PRINTER.DAT,
TINY3.SFP, and COLOR.DAT, along with any added printer
drivers MUST be in the current directory, or MicroText
won't be able to find them.  You must run MicroText from
its own directory, unless you provide an environmental
variable for the program.

USING ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES WITH MICROTEXT
------------------------------------------
New to version 3.1 of MicroText is the ability to specify
an environmental variable for MicroText data files. This
feature allows you to place MicroText in a directory
contained in your PATH statement, then run it from any
other directory.

To use this feature, you must give the DOS command:

SET MICROTXT=PATH[\]

where [PATH] is the full path description to the MicroText
data files, PRINTER.DAT, TINY3.SFP, and COLOR.DAT.  If, for
example, you have all your MicroText files in the C:\UTIL
directory, the command would look like this:

SET MICROTXT=C:\UTIL
       -or-
SET MICROTXT=C:\UTIL\

The backslash is optional.

If you use MicroText regularly, include the SET command in
your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

If you need more information on environmental variables, or
the SET command, see your DOS manual.

NOTE: This feature is optional. You can always run
MicroText from it's own directory and ignore this variable.

Once installed, run MicroText with the command:

MICROTXT <Enter>.


HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
---------------------
MicroText requires DOS 2.0 or later, 256K of RAM, and CGA,
EGA, or VGA ONLY for the page preview.  If you have a
monochrome system and try to use the page preview feature,
you'll see an error message.

USING MicroText
---------------

IMPORTANT!!!  Always turn on your printer before running
MicroText.  You will see a warning to this effect when you
start the program.  If you don't do this, you may see
unpredictable printouts.  This is especially true with HP
LaserJet printers.

SPECIAL NOTES FOR HP LaserJet USERS
------------------------------------------------------------
Unlike dot-matrix printers, the LaserJet handles fonts in a
different way. MicroText downloads the TINY3.SFP font to
the printer, then makes it the primary font. It also sets
line spacing and other features of your printer.

When you start MicroText, you are asked if you want to send
a reset command to your HPLJ. Normally, this is not needed.
Some other software, however, like Microsoft WORD, may
reset your printer's page length to a value not compatible
with MicroText. The reset option allows you to return your
printer to its normal settings. If you see unexpected
pagination when printing with MicroText, answer "Y" for the
reset.

Similarly, when exiting MicroText, you will be asked if you
want to reset the printer. Since the TINY3 font becomes the
default font, answer "Y" to reset the printer to its
defaults.

When you choose to reset the printer, a blank page will be
ejected. This is rather annoying, but is a function of the
printer. You can simply put the blank page back into the
paper tray.
------------------------------------------------------------

The first time you run MicroText, it will show you a menu
and ask you to select one of 5 possible printers for use
with the program.  Choose the number which is closest to
your printer. If your exact printer isn't shown, check for
compatiblitiy in your printer manual and choose the most
compatible.  After you choose, you'll be asked whether you
want to make that printer the default for MicroText.  If
you enter "N," you'll have another chance to choose a
printer.  When you enter "Y," MicroText will write your
choice to a data file, PRINTER.DAT.

If, later, you want to change printer types, start
MicroText again, but this time with the "?" switch.  This
will present the printer selection menu again.  The command
looks like this:

MICROTXT ? <Enter>


After you start the program, you'll see a menu. You'll also
see a flashing warning telling you to make sure your
printer is on.  While I've trapped printer errors, some
AT-class computers can be fooled.  Just make sure you turn
your printer on and have paper in it.  Leave the printer on
until you exit MicroText. To get rid of the message, press
any key.

Position your paper approximately with about 1/4" of paper
above the actual printing position.  This top margin is
important, since MicroText starts printing immediately at
the current paper location, and uses the entire page.  You
may have to experiment.

Naturally, if you're using a LaserJet, just make sure the
paper bin isn't empty.  The LaserJet will take care of
paper positioning.

Look at the menu, and you'll find that it's pretty
self-explanatory.  [F1] offers a brief help screen.  The
remaining Function Keys are arranged basically in the order
in which you'll use them.  Press Function keys only at the
main menu.  [F10] is an exception.  It aborts printing and
only functions during printing.

[F2] asks for the name of the file you want to crunch.  You
can include path information if you wish.

Once you enter a file name, another prompt will ask you for
the name of a scratch file.  MicroText creates a file for
storing its output. The default filename is MICROTXT.TMP,
but you can supply any filename you wish, if you want to
save the file for later use.  Again, path information is
accepted at this prompt.

Once you provide both filenames, crunching proceeds, with a
status report at the bottom of the screen. When crunching
is finished, you'll see a report screen showing your paper
savings and other information.

CRUNCHING DIRECTLY TO THE PRINTER
----------------------------------
You can also tell MicroText to crunch the file directly to
your printer, instead of creating a temporary file.  Just
type in LPT1: or LPT2: instead of a filename.  The crunched
document will go directly to your printer.  This option
saves disk space, but is riskier if your original material
causes excessive line wraps.

[F3] repeats the crunching process.  That process will be
followed on the status line, counting lines as it proceeds.
You can watch each line being crunched, then written to the
scratch file.

Once crunching is complete, you'll see a screen which is a
report of the savings you'll get.

[F4] prints the file you just crunched.  Again, make sure
your printer is on and has enough paper to print the number
of pages shown in the report.  Tractor feed is HIGHLY
recommended for dot-matrix printers.

You can abort printing by pressing [F10].  Since your
printer has a buffer, it may take some time for printing to
stop.  If, after pressing [F10], you need instant printer
stoppage, turn off the power to the printer.  Be sure to
turn it back on again, though. NOTE: don't do this with the
LaserJet unless you plan to restart the program, since the
TINY3 font must be resident in the printer's memory.  If
you abort printing on a LaserJet, MicroText will eject a
page.

Once printing is complete, you'll be asked if you want to
delete the scratch file.  It's up to you.

[F5] prompts you for the name of a document to print.  This
could be a previously-created crunched file from MicroText,
although other files can also be printed in tiny type.  You
might try this for source code files with line lengths up
to 156 characters. Longer lines will be wrapped
automatically.

After entering the filename (<Enter> alone aborts), you'll
be asked if you want to start printing from the beginning
of the file.  If so, just press Y.

Otherwise, press N and MicroText will prompt you for a
search.  You have two choices:  [1] accepts a MicroText
page number. Enter ONLY the number....nothing else.  [2]
lets you enter any search text you wish.  This search is
case-sensitive so CURSOR won't find Cursor.

After you enter your search text, MicroText will search the
file for the first line containing your search text, then
will begin printing on that line.  Use this feature if you
have to interrupt a printing job in the middle for some
reason, or if you just want to print part of a file.

Again, after printing, you'll be asked about deleting the
file.

[F6] is the key that allows you to customize the program
for YOUR printer.  You'll need your printer's manual.  You
need the ASCII codes for Elite type size, Condensed
printing, Super or subscript and 7/72" or 10 lines per inch
line spacing.

When prompted, enter the codes ONE AT A TIME, always using
the ASCII code in decimal format.  Enter one code, then
press enter and you'll be prompted for the next code for
that feature.

Example:

On EPSON printers, the code for Elite Printing is {Esc}{M}.
You would enter 27 at the first prompt, then 77 at the
second prompt, then press <Enter> alone to move to the next
feature.

A help screen is always shown during printer configuration.

Once you've finished, you'll be asked for a filename for
your configuration file.  Again, path information is OK.

Finally, you'll be asked if you want to make the entries
you made effective immediately.

[F7] allows you to load a previously-created driver.  Just
enter the filename for your driver, with path information
if needed.

[F8] is the key that toggles graphics characters.  When you
start, MicroText is in full graphics mode.  Pressing [F8]
switches back and forth between the two modes.  You'll see
the result right on the menu. With graphics [OFF], all
ASCII extended graphics characters are replaced with an
asterisk (*). NOTE: The soft font used in the HP LaserJet
doesn't have the IBM graphics characters. MicroText
automatically turns graphics [OFF] when you use this
printer. Don't try to disable this feature manually, or you
may see unexpected characters.

If your file has many line-drawing characters, I suggest
turning graphics [OFF] since most printers will cause
improper pagination if they print these characters in
Elite, Condensed, Superscript.  It's up to you.  Try both
ways.

[F9] exits to DOS.  You'll have a chance to abort.  Once
you abort, you'll see my shareware request.  Please take
the time to read it.  If you register, you'll receive the
version without this screen.

[F10] is only used to cancel printing, and operates only
during printing.  See the note above.

CURSOR KEY COMMANDS
-------------------
The four main arrow keys also control functions in
MicroText.

[UP CURSOR] takes you to the page preview.  Notice that you
must have either crunched a file or loaded another file for
printing before this command will function.  Again, you
must have CGA, EGA, or VGA capabilities for this preview.
If not, you'll see an error message and will return to the
main menu.

Also, the appearance of your page may differ if you are
using printers other than the Epson 86 series.  This page
preview is not a totally accurate representation of the
printed page. Page proportions may vary.  It's designed to
simply let you check the basic layout of your document.

[LEFT CURSOR] sets one or two column mode.  Default is two
columns on the final printout.  Press the key to toggle
between modes.  You'll see the status displayed on your
menu.  NOTE:  You must do this before crunching a file.
------ Use one column mode for text files or source code
files where the line length is consistently over 64
characters.  This prevents excessive line wrapping and will
make your printout easier to read.

In one-column mode, only two pages will print on each final
page. This may be especially useful for users with
ProPrinters or compatibles, especially if you are seeing
too many word wraps in your printout.

[DOWN CURSOR] Takes you to MicroText's screen color setting
menu.  Full instructions are shown on the screen.  When you
select the colors, you'll see a sample of your selection,
then MicroText will ask if these are OK.  If so, just press
Y. If not, press N and you'll get another chance.

Once you decide, you'll have the chance to save your
selection in a configuration file, COLOR.DAT.  If COLOR.DAT
exists, MicroText will automatically start with the colors
stored in that file.  NOTE: COLOR.DAT must be in the
current directory.  If you operate MicroText from other
directories, copy COLOR.DAT to those directories.

[RIGHT CURSOR]  sets the left margin on your printout on or
off. This key is a toggle.  You can see the status of the
toggle on the menu screen. The default is no left margin.
If the margin status is ON, then a 1" wide margin will be
added to your printout.  This allows for hole punching or
other binding techniques. NOTE: HP LaserJet users may want
to turn on the left margin switch, since that printer can
print wider lines than some others.  It makes a neater
page.

NOTE:  If you elect to have a left margin, MicroText will
automatically wrap lines over 64 characters wide in
two-column mode and over 140 characters wide in one-column
mode.  Use margins carefully to avoid excessive wrapping.
In ProPrinter mode, started with the P switch, line lengths
will be shorter. HP LaserJet lines will be longer, up to
200 characters in one-column mode and 80 characters in
two-column mode.

HINT:  If you're not sure whether to use margins or not,
try setting margins on, then pressing [F3] to crunch the
file.  Check the report, then press [UP CURSOR] to see a
page preview.  If you don't like what you see, press [F3]
again after leaving the preview and re-setting the margin
toggle.  MicroText will re-crunch your document in the new
mode, and you can preview it again.

This hint also applies to one and two-column printing. Once
you've loaded a file for crunching, you can re-crunch it at
any time, overwriting the scratch file.


HINTS
-----
1. Since MicroText creates a scratch file, you must have
enough disk space to hold that file.  Typically, it will be
somewhat larger than the original text file.  Allow for it.

2. MicroText can handle some Word Processor files directly.
Try it out on a short file. Turn Graphics [OFF] for best
results. I've tested it with Microsoft WORD files with good
success.

Also, most database files are amenable to MicroText
crunching.  You may not like the format, but you can read
it just fine.

3. If you're designing printer drivers, test them with
short files.  It saves lots of time.

4. Any time you're testing MicroText, work with short files.


OTHER USES FOR MicroText
------------------------
MicroText has a few obvious uses, like printing shareware
documentation, but it has other uses as well.  Here are a
few options you might consider:

Spreadsheet Printing:
---------------------
MicroText can crunch a spreadsheet print file in it's
one-column mode and handle text up to 156 columns wide.
That beats the typical 132-column condensed printing. HP
LaserJet users can print single-column text up to 200
characters wide.


Source Code Printing:
---------------------
MicroText is ideal for printing archival copies of
programmer's source code files. If your source code files
have long lines, use the one-column mode.  Also, you can
print source code files without crunching them if
pagination is impractical.  This feature allows you to view
your screens perfectly, complete with all ASCII graphics
characters.

To print without crunching, use the [F5] key to load any
ASCII file for printing.

NOTE: MicroText prints 105 lines per 8.5"X11" page.


Special Printing:
-----------------
Use MicroText's [F5] key to load any ASCII file for
printing. You can customize your print output by using the
[F6] key to insert printer codes.  If you choose, you can
even save these codes in special configuration files for
repeated printing.  There is no limit to the number of
printer control codes you can enter at any control code
prompt.  Just enter them one code at a time.


Working With Print Enhancers:
-----------------------------
Various programs are available to enhance print quality for
most Epson-compatible 9-pin printers.  MicroText interfaces
perfectly with these program.  My favorite is "The Image
Printing Utilities."  LETTRIX is another good bet. Using
one of these programs, you can produce near-laser quality
printing.


USING MicroText with Laser Printers:
------------------------------------
HP LaserJet, Series II printers use some special techniques
for printing with MicroText.  A soft font, TINY3.SFP is
downloaded by MicroText to your printer. It remains in the
printer until you shut the printer off. In order not to
conflict with other soft fonts, this font uses the font
number, 1333, as an identifier.  You can even specify that
font number for other printing chores, if your software can
handle soft fonts.

The font, TINY3.SFP is a fixed-space font at 3.8 points,
with 21.5 characters per inch. It has only the normal
keyboard characters, ASCII 33 to ASCII 127, and takes up
very little memory. As used in MicroText, line spacing is
set at 12 lines per inch. NOTE: since TINY3 doesn't have
any graphics characters, MicroText turns graphics filtering
OFF automatically if you choose the HP printer.

You may download the font to your printer outside of
MicroText for other uses.  Use the command:

COPY /B TINY3.SFP LPT1: <Enter>

The font number, 1333, is built into the font itself, as is
the 12 lpi line spacing.  To access the font in an external
document, just include a line in your document containing
the following HP printer control information:

Esc(1333X

Where you see "Esc," include the actual ASCII character 27.
In most editors, you do this by holding down the <Alt> key
while you type 27 on the NUMBER PAD on your keyboard. The
command above makes TINY3 the primary font.  Send EscE to
the printer to reset it when you're done printing with
TINY3.

I just wanted to add that information for LaserJet junkies.


COMMAND LINE OPTIONS
--------------------
You may bypass MicroText's printer selection menu by adding
a command line switch.  There are five possible switches:

MICROTXT E
This sets up the program for EPSON FX-86, EPSON FX-286,
LX-86, and other compatible printers.

MICROTXT P
Sets up the program for IBM ProPrinter, IBM Graphics
Printer 5152, MX-80, FX-80 and other compatible printers.

MICROTXT LQ
Sets up the program for the Epson LQ series of printers,
and compatibles.

MICROTXT HP
Sets up the program for HP LaserJet, Series II printers,
and compatibles.

MICROTXT ?
Calls the printer selection menu, even if a PRINTER.DAT
file exists.  Use this switch for changing printers.

Command line switches may be entered in upper or lower
case.

VERSION HISTORY
---------------
Version 3.1, September 4, 1989

Fixed HP line spacing to avoid pagination problems.
Added environment variable option.
Added page eject on print abort.
Fixed blank page eject for HP LaserJet printers.
Added reset option for HP LaserJet printers.
Added automatic crunching after file selection.

Version 3.0, June 18, 1989

Added HP LaserJet, Series II support.
Added internal printer type selection menu.
Added LaserJet soft font, TINY3.SFP
Compiled MicroText with QuickBasic 4.5 for more speed.
Added command line options for printers.

Version 2.2, April 1, 1989

Added IBM PROPRINTER SUPPORT
Added Direct Printing Option


Version 2.1, March 28, 1989

Fixed filename bug.


Version 2.1, March 27, 1989

Added Search routine for printing after interruption.


Version 2.0, March 26, 1989

Added Cursor Key commands. Added One or Two Column Modes.
Added Color Customizing. Added Left Margin Capabilities
Fixed pagination bug.


Version 1.0,  March 24, 1989

So far, this is the only version.  I'm sure there are
things to be done to the program.  I welcome your
suggestions, especially when accompanied by registration
fees.

I will try to change the program to suit any reasonable
request, at least as far as I'm capable.

MicroText was written in Microsoft QuickBASIC.