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************************************ * REFERENCE & TRAINING MANUAL * ************************************ Hard Disk / Local Area Network Single Key / Mouse Menu System ******************************************** * EasyMenu Version 1.00 * * IBM PC/XT/AT * * DOS 2.1 + * * NOVELL NetWare * * * * * * Copyright (C) 1986, Johnathan J. Stein * * All Rights Reserved * ******************************************** UPGRADE: $49.95 M/C, Visa or Check ---------------------------------------------------------------------- US MAIL | PHONE ORDERS | ELECTRONIC MAIL ---------------------------------------------------------------------- EasyMenu Publishing | Call (419) 666-7103 | CompuServe 76576,470 P.O. Box 346 | and give your address & | Perrysburg, OH 43551 | credit card information. | You will receive: 1 - The complete & current EasyMenu system (NOT copy protected) 2 - The complete & current documentation 3 - Your support registration number No changes to worry about - Upgrade takes 3 minutes to install Copyright (C) 1986 Johnathan Jay Stein - All Rights Reserved --------------------------------------------------------------------- LICENSE STATEMENT --------------------------------------------------------------------- This software is protected by both United States Copyright Law and International Treaty provisions. You MAY : 1 - Use this software on ONE (1) information storage device ONLY. This type of device includes but is not limited to a floppy disk, hard disk or LAN (Local Area Network) disk device. 2 - Make archival copies of the software for the sole purpose of backing up your software and protecting your investment from loss. 3 - Distribute the Evaluation copy. This copy says "Evaluation Copy - odd numbers only" on the menu screen. You MAY NOT : 1 - Distribute the full version software in any form whatsoever. 2 - Distribute the Evaluation copy on a bundled disk. It MUST be on a disk by itself. --------------------------------------------------------------------- WARRANTY --------------------------------------------------------------------- With respect to the physical diskette and physical documentation, EasyMenu Publishing ("EasyMenu") warrants the same to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 60 days from the date of purchase. In the event of notification within the warranty period of defects in material or workmanship, EasyMenu will replace the defective diskette or documentation. The remedy for breach of this warranty shall be limited to replacement and shall not encompass any other damages, including but not limited to loss of profit, special, incidental, consequential, or other similar claims. EasyMenu Publishing specifically disclaims all other warranties, expressed or implied, including but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect to defects in the diskette and documentation, and the program license granted herein, in particular, and without limiting operation of the program license with respect to any particular application, use, or purpose. In no event shall EasyMenu be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential or other damages. --------------------------------------------------------------------- GOVERNING LAW --------------------------------------------------------------------- This Statement shall be construed, interpreted and governed by the laws of the state of Ohio. --------------------------------------------------------------------- INTRODUCTION --------------------------------------------------------------------- EasyMenu is a nice, simple menu system, with a few extra features. It makes your PC more convenient to use. You record the start-up command sequence for all programs - such as CD\directory, PROGRAM-NAME /Option Switch, or BATCH file, then let EasyMenu remember for you. You can run any program at a keystroke or by clicking a mouse button. It is designed for Hard Disks AND Local Area Networks (LAN). EasyMenu can be setup on a network in 3 minutes. You can copy MENU, HELP & USER files to the network without changes. (Just type FLAG *.* SRW at the F> DOS prompt, after you copy them.) At this time, only NOVELL NetWare & Advanced NetWare are supported. --------------------------------------------------------------------- UPDATES IN PROGRESS --------------------------------------------------------------------- MORE LAN SUPPORT: 3COM, MS-NET, PC-NET INFORMATION: Network-Wide PC Hardware Report Please fill in the FEEDBACK REPORT, telling us what features you would like added or expanded. Many people suggest the same changes - common suggestions will be placed on the planned update list. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how much easier it is to use your computer with a menu system. Cordially, Johnathan J. Stein Programmer --------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSUMPTIONS MADE ABOUT YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF DOS --------------------------------------------------------------------- You are assumed to know what a sub-directory is. You are assumed to know what a PATH is. If you do NOT know how to use the above, please consult your DOS manual or a knowledgeable user. --------------------------------------------------------------------- TABLE OF CONTENTS Page --------------------------------------------------------------------- Registration 1 License and Disclaimer 2 Introduction 3 Table of Contents 4 QUICK-START NOTES 5 QUICK-START 6 EXERCISES 1-3 Help files 7 Quit & Main menus 8 EXERCISES 4-7 Backup & Recovery 9 EXERCISES 8-10 Features & Benefits 10 Autoexec Menu 11 Reboot from a menu 12 Editing & Customizing 13 LAN (Local Area Network) 14 Tricks & Tips for Communications 15 EXERCISES 11 Tricks & Tips for DOS commands 16 EXERCISES 12-14 Revision History & Design Considerations 17 Full Feature Listing 18 Technical Reference Page 19 Consultant's Page 20 Feedback Report 21 INVOICE / ORDER FORM 22 INDEX 23 INDEX 24 --------------------------------------------------------------------- TABLE OF CONTENTS - SORTED Page --------------------------------------------------------------------- Autoexec Menu 11 Backup & Recovery 9 EXERCISES 8-10 Consultant's Page 20 Editing & Customizing 13 Features & Benefits 10 Feedback Report 21 Full Feature Listing 18 Help files 7 INDEX 23 INDEX 24 INVOICE / ORDER FORM 22 Introduction 3 LAN (Local Area Network) 14 License and Disclaimer 2 QUICK-START 6 EXERCISES 1-3 QUICK-START NOTES 5 Quit & Main menus 8 EXERCISES 4-7 Reboot from a menu 12 Registration 1 Revision History & Design Considerations 17 Table of Contents 4 Technical Reference Page 19 Tricks & Tips for Communications 15 EXERCISES 11 Tricks & Tips for DOS commands 16 EXERCISES 12-14 --------------------------------------------------------------------- SETUP RECAP --------------------------------------------------------------------- Put the distribution diskette in Drive A: At the DOS prompt, type C>a:setup --------------------------------------------------------------------- ADDITIONAL SETUP FOR LOCAL AREA NETWORKS - NOVELL NETWARE --------------------------------------------------------------------- You must FLAG all files as SHAREABLE, READ/WRITE after setup. Example: F>FLAG *.* SRW NOTE: This will have been done by the SETUP program, if the FLAG command is kept in a PATHED directory. --------------------------------------------------------------------- QUICK-START NOTES --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Read all help files completely. They contain information NOT duplicated in this manual. 2. How to run your programs from a menu: a. Note what you normally do to start a program b. Record a list of the commands in a MENU. Example: TITLE >RUN LOTUS SPREADSHEET MENU/C>CD \LOTUS You change sub-directory C>123 You type the start command 3. Circle the following keys on the keyboard map below, so that you will know them for the Exercises which follow. ESC TAB SPACEBAR RETURN DEL --- THE Computer KEYBOARD Map --- ********************************************************************** F1 F2 ESC 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 - = BackSpace ` NumLck ScrollLck F3 F4 TAB q w e r t y u i o p [ ] Home | PgUp - F5 F6 Ctrl a s d f g h j k l ; ' RETURN <- 5 -> F7 F8 Shift z x c v b n m , . / Shift PrtSc End | PgDn + F9 F10 Alt \ SPACEBAR CapsLock Ins DEL ********************************************************************** 4. Do EXERCISES #1 to #10. This can take up to one-half an hour but is worth the time spent. EXERCISES #11 on up are optional, as they may or may not apply to your system or wants. 5. Please look at the bottom line of your screen. This Menu/Status line will change while you use EasyMenu. --------------------------------------------------------------------- QUICK-START Exercises 1, 2 & 3 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Type at the DOS prompt C>CD \EASYMENU (changes directory) C>EASYMENU (starts EasyMenu) If you add these 2 lines to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, your computer will start EasyMenu automatically when you turn on the power. --------------------------------------------------------------------- EXERCISE #1: Setting date & time from a MENU MAIN MENU #1 a. Press the keys: 1 E b. type SET DATE AND TIME and press TAB c. type DATE and press TAB d. type TIME and press RETURN or ENTER You have just customized a MENU to set the system date & time. Press the RETURN, 1 or F1 key to run this MENU item. --------------------------------------------------------------------- EXERCISE #2: Running a program - WORD MAIN MENU #3 Assumes: 1. WORD is in a directory called \WORD 2. You use the last document edited as the current document a. Press the keys: 3 E b. type WORD PROCESSING and press TAB c. type CD \WORD and press TAB d. type WORD /L and press RETURN Press the RETURN, 3 or F3 key to run this MENU item. --------------------------------------------------------------------- EXERCISE #3 Creating/calling another MENU MAIN MENU #5 a. Press the keys: 5 E b. type UTILITY AND OTHER PROGRAMS and press TAB c. type MENU UTILITY and press RETURN NOTE: The + symbol denotes a MENU to call. The - symbol denotes a program to run. d. Press RETURN, 5 or F5 key. You have just created the UTILITY menu. --------------------------------------------------------------------- You now know how to: 1 - Make EasyMenu run any program you own. 2 - Create additional menus. --------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTES: 1 - The number of menus you may create with EasyMenu is not limited. 2 - You may call any menu from any other menu. --------------------------------------------------------------------- ADDITIONAL OPTIONS --------------------------------------------------------------------- Most options are intuitive - you will learn best by hands-on experience. Try each option and watch what occurs; you will not be able to harm anything. Press the ESC key if you get lost. Press the H key to turn HELP ON or OFF. Help files explain the various additional features. --------------------------------------------------------------------- HELP FILES --------------------------------------------------------------------- You may wish to make help/note files for other users or to remind yourself of program commands, file extensions, etc. When you create help files, follow the guidelines below: The file DEFAULT.MHH is used when no specific help file exists. One help file may be created for any MENU file. This HELP file must have: 1 - The same NAME as the MENU file MAIN.M = menu 2 - A file extension of .MH MAIN.MH = menu help 3 - A right margin of 76 or less 4 - 200 lines or less 5 - ASCII format. If you have no other editor, use the EDLIN.COM program provided with DOS to edit help files to your needs. (Refer to your DOS manual for instructions on EDLIN.) If you use a Word Processor, an ASCII convert utility is likely to be included in your software. TEXT EDITORS (such as EDLIN or SideKick) write files in ASCII and need not be converted. 6 - If edited on a Local Area Network, the help file must be flagged as shareable, read/write. If your editor is NOT a network version, then flag the files you change manually. Example: F>FLAG *.MH* SRW --------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE TO MICRO-MANAGERS --------------------------------------------------------------------- You may also change the EasyMenu SYSTEM help files. These files have an extension of .MHH and must follow the above rules. See the Technical Reference page for further details. CONTROL.MHH = Customizing options DEFAULT.MHH = Active when no other help file exists EDIT.MHH = Special commands & options INFO.MHH = Explains purpose of AUTOEXEC.BAT & CONFIG.SYS files PRINTER.MHH = Printer control options --------------------------------------------------------------------- QUIT & MAIN MENUS Exercises 4, 5, 6 & 7 --------------------------------------------------------------------- EXERCISE #4 To run a program when Q is pressed UTILITY MENU CONTROL AUTORUN Assumption: You have a program called SHIP to lock your hard disk. UTILITY MENU #1 a. Press these keys: 1 E b. type LOCK HARD DISK and press TAB c. type SHIP and press RETURN To run the program when you press Q to quit, do this: a. Press these keys: C A TAB b. Where you see QUIT MENU type UTILITY and press TAB c. Where you see RUN QUIT # type 1 and press RETURN d. Press ESC to leave CONTROL/AUTORUN section Press Q to quit EasyMenu and this program will run. --------------------------------------------------------------------- EXERCISE #5 To use an alternate MAIN MENU CONTROL AUTORUN Assumption: You have created the UTILITY MENU a. Press these keys: C A b. Press the DEL key until the word MAIN is gone c. Where you see MAIN MENU type UTILITY and press RETURN d. Press the ESC key Notice that the current menu is the UTILITY MENU --------------------------------------------------------------------- EXERCISE #6 To use the MENU named MAIN as the MAIN MENU CONTROL AUTORUN a. Press these keys: C A b. Press CTRL key and the Y key. c. Press RETURN d. Press the ESC key Notice that the current menu is the MAIN MENU. MAIN is the default startup menu. --------------------------------------------------------------------- EXERCISE #7 Menus for multiple users. MAIN MENU #7 a. Press the D key. b. Type C>COPY MAIN.M JOHN.M and press RETURN c. Type EXIT and press RETURN To access the JOHN menu: a. Press these keys: 7 E b. Type John's Personal Menu and press TAB c. Type MENU JOHN and press RETURN. Press the RETURN, 7 or F7 key to call the JOHN menu. --------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKUP & RECOVERY Exercises 8, 9 & 10 --------------------------------------------------------------------- EXERCISE #8: EasyMenu BACKUP MAIN MENU #9 Comment: You will need a formatted diskette. NOTES: The BAKUP.BAT and BAKADD.BAT programs (provided with Easymenu) are simple backup procedures. You can get details for your own use of them by typing BAKUP or BAKADD at the DOS prompt. a. Press the keys: ESC 9 E b. Type EasyMenu Backup and press TAB c. Type BAKUP \EASYMENU M MH MU and press RETURN Run this item to backup menus, menu help files and customization options. Label the diskette "\EASYMENU DIRECTORY BACKUP". To recover after a disk problem, do the following: a. Follow the SETUP procedure (re-setup EasyMenu) b. Put the BACKUP disk in Drive A: and type C>copy a:*.* That's it. Type EASYMENU to start EasyMenu. --------------------------------------------------------------------- The following options are the ones most often selected: --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- EXERCISE #9: Turning off Print Screen CONTROLS Comment: If you've ever hit Shift-PrtSc by accident, you'll love this! a. Press the C key b. Press the P key Pressing Shift-PrtSc will have no effect. Print Screen Active should be FALSE. --------------------------------------------------------------------- EXERCISE #10: Automatic Reset/Refresh of Printer PRINTER Comment: This option lets you force the printer to be reset before and after each program run, just as if you had turned it off & on. See the HELP file for further information. a. Press the P key b. Press the R key The RESET option should be TRUE. NOTE: Standard codes are for the Epson / IBM Graphics printer. Please check that these codes match those in your printer manual. You may enter New-Codes if necessary. --------------------------------------------------------------------- FEATURES & BENEFITS --------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR PEOPLE WHO DON'T OWN EasyMenu (yet): Can be installed in 3 minutes & customized in the time it takes to start any existing program. Run ANY program by pressing a SINGLE key. At most, two keys - your choice. FOR NEW USERS: Once setup, you learn to run programs, not DOS. FOR CONSULTANTS & MICRO-COMPUTER MANAGERS: (also see CONSULTANT'S PAGE) Automate the PC from BOOT-UP to BACKUP. Users don't need to know DOS. You may create MENUS (and help files) for your users and copy them to their system, without changes. This lets you test run the MENUS you create. Pressing the "I" key will display: DOS version in use, network station number, number & type of PORTS, MEMORY installed, DISK space available, type of video card, current PATH & directory, DOS prompt, CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files. FOR POWER USERS: EasyMenu uses no memory. The exception is BATCH files and then 3K is reserved while the BATCH program runs. Once you record a program in an EasyMenu MENU, you can forget about changing \DIRECTORY, setting PATH, /startup parameters, etc. FOR NETWORK USERS: (Novell NetWare/Advanced NetWare) A separate version is NOT required. EasyMenu files may be copied to a network directory, flagged as shareable, and you are ready to go. Network functions are built into EasyMenu. --------------------------------------------------------------------- MAKING EasyMenu AUTOMATIC, WHEN YOU TURN ON THE POWER: --------------------------------------------------------------------- The file AUTOEXEC.BAT will run commands for you at boot-up time. It must exist in the ROOT \ directory of your disk. Your computer will accept any commands typed into this file just as though you had typed them at the DOS prompt and then pressed RETURN each time. To make your computer start EasyMenu automatically, add these 2 lines at the bottom of your AUTOEXEC.BAT file: CD \EASYMENU EASYMENU --------------------------------------------------------------------- TO AUTOEXEC A MENU TITLE: --------------------------------------------------------------------- You can run any program you have stored in a MENU at boot-up time. Add the name of a MENU and a TITLE # to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Example: CD \EASYMENU EASYMENU menuname item# Example: EASYMENU UTILITY 4 runs the 4th TITLE on the UTILITY MENU EASYMENU MAIN 8 runs the 8th TITLE on the MAIN MENU EASYMENU PROCOMM 9 runs the 9th TITLE on the PROCOMM MENU You will return to EasyMenu after your program is finished. --------------------------------------------------------------------- QUICK FILE MODIFICATION TECHNIQUE --------------------------------------------------------------------- To add lines to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file without an editor: C>cd \ C>echo cd \easymenu > temp C>echo easymenu >> temp C>copy autoexec.bat + temp autoexec.bat To check if AUTOEXEC.BAT has been modified correctly, do this: C>type autoexec.bat The last 2 lines should be: cd \easymenu easymenu --------------------------------------------------------------------- MENU REBOOTING - COMMANDS --------------------------------------------------------------------- EASYMENU REBOOT will simply reboot the system. This is identical to a power-on start or pressing the CTRL-ALT-DEL keys. EASYMENU AUTOEXEC will reboot your system and use the file AUTOEXEC.NEW in place of the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. EASYMENU CONFIG will reboot your system and use the file CONFIG.NEW in place of the CONFIG.SYS file. EASYMENU AUTOEXEC CONFIG will do both of the above. You must create the AUTOEXEC.NEW and CONFIG.NEW files. If these files do not exist, the original files will be used. --------------------------------------------------------------------- This feature is provided to allow you to reboot your systems as a MENU option. You may also use an alternate AUTOEXEC and/or CONFIG file with which to reboot. Reasons you may need this feature are: 1. You have loaded unremovable, memory resident programs and must clear them in order to run a large memory program. 2. You have loaded device drivers which conflict with certain programs. 3. You want access to your DOS prompt over the phone. Create a MENU which does this: TITLE >Change AUTOEXEC for remote access MENU/C>COPY \AUTOEXEC.BAT \*.SAV C>COPY \AUTOEXEC.REM \*.BAT C>EASYMENU REBOOT In case of power-failure, you need to be sure that the PC will AUTOEXEC the proper program or MENU. The AUTOEXEC.REM file should call your communications program in answer mode. --------------------------------------------------------------------- FILE: GOODBYE.BAT PURPOSE: To reboot the system over the phone. Notes: File is in a PATH directory. echo off You may use EDLIN from remote location. cls echo Hang up the phone and reboot the system. echo Press CTRL-C to abort or pause CD \ COPY AUTOEXEC.BAT *.SAV COPY AUTOEXEC.REM *.BAT ECHO ATH S0=0 > COM1 CD \EASYMENU EASYMENU REBOOT I have used this batch program, along with ProComm "Host Mode" shell, to run & reboot my system from a Model 100 portable computer. ProComm tele-communications software is available on a "ShareWare" basis. --------------------------------------------------------------------- EDITING NOTES: --------------------------------------------------------------------- Press CTRL-Y to delete a line. Press INS to toggle Overwrite/Insert mode. 1. MENUS - they store a list of commands needed to start a program. a. If the first 3 letters of a MENU TITLE are REM, that item will be INACTIVE. The message * - NOT AVAILABLE will show on the screen and the item will NOT run, EXCEPT as a QUIT option. b. Additional MENUS are called/created by typing the word MENU and then a one to eight character name for the MENU. c. The command PATH+\pathname will add \pathname to the current PATH. After the MENU job has finished, the original PATH will be reset. 2. TOP LINES - The top two lines may be changed from the CONTROL menu. 3. AUTORUN - allows you to define the MAIN menu & QUIT menu. a. The MAIN MENU may be changed. b. The job to be run at the end of the day may be entered here. The QUIT menu TITLE # is run when the Q key is pressed. --------------------------------------------------------------------- CUSTOMIZING --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. CONTROLS - allow you to: Turn SHIFT-PrtSc or VERIFY on or off, blank the screen when no key is pressed, restrict changes, etc. 2. PRINTER - allow your printer to be reset and/or select type styles as actions to be performed before & after each program run. This allows the printer to be fresh for each program. FormFeed and LineFeed commands may be sent directly to the printer. 3. HELP FILES - a help file may be created by you for any menu. It must have the same name as the MENU and a file extension of .MH The file DEFAULT.MHH is used if no individual menu help file exists. A menu help file must be in ASCII form, have a right margin of 76 or less and be 200 or less lines long. 4. INFO SCREEN - Provides the following information when the I key is pressed: a. SYSTEM REPORT - Version of DOS, Network station #, video card type, total memory, number and type of ports, disk booted from, current disk, directory, capacity, space remaining and number and name of PATH(s). b. CONFIG.SYS - file is displayed (only). c. AUTOEXEC.BAT - file is displayed (only). --------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCAL AREA NETWORKS --------------------------------------------------------------------- Network(s) supported: Novell NetWare Novell Advanced NetWare --------------------------------------------------------------------- INITIAL SETUP ON A NETWORK --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 - Put diskette in A: drive. At the DOS prompt, type A:SETUP and press RETURN. 2 - Flag all files as SHAREABLE, READ/WRITE. Example: F>FLAG *.* SRW That's it. You may customize operation for each station. --------------------------------------------------------------------- UPGRADING TO A NETWORK --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 - Create an \EASYMENU directory on the network. 2 - Copy all files from the stand-alone \EASYMENU directory to the network \EASYMENU directory. 3 - Flag all files as SHAREABLE, READ/WRITE. Example: F>FLAG *.* SRW That's it. You may customize operation for each station. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- HELP FILE ATTRIBUTES ---------------------------------------------------------------------- HELP FILES: If edited on a Local Area Network, these files MUST be flagged as Shareable. If your file editor is not a LAN version, be sure to manually FLAG any files you change as shareable. Example: F>FLAG *.MH* srw - will give all help files shareable, read/write status Example: F>FLAG *.MH* - will show the current file status --------------------------------------------------------------------- TRICKS & TIPS FOR COMMUNICATIONS Exercise 11 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Your modem is assumed to be attached as COM1. If not, then take a pencil and change COM1 to COM2 where you see it on this page. --------------------------------------------------------------------- EXERCISE #11: Cancelling modem auto-answer AFTER running your communications program. Comment: Some communications programs, if set to AUTO-ANSWER the phone, FAIL to tell the modem when they are finished running. The modem then answers the phone AFTER you have left the program! Here is one solution. The telecomm program used in this example is PC-TALK III. If you use a different telecomm program, fill in its \DIRECTORY and start command. 1 TITLE >PC-TALK III 2 MENU / C>CD \PCTALK 3 C>PC-TALK 4 C>ECHO AT S0=0 > COM1 (S is letter "S", 0 is number "0") Line 4 tells a Hayes compatible modem to not answer the phone. --------------------------------------------------------------------- TRICKS & TIPS FOR DOS COMMANDS Exercises 12, 13 & 14 --------------------------------------------------------------------- These exercises show you how to pre-answer a DOS Y/N query. Some DOS commands will ask you to confirm a potentially harmful command you have given. Here are ways to automate answers to prompts such as "Are you sure? Y/N". --------------------------------------------------------------------- EXERCISE #12: Pre-answering YES/NO for CHKDSK Comment: These commands can notify the user to call the consultant or system manager if bad files are found by the CHKDSK program. Lines 1 and 2 are the only ones actually needed to pre-answer CHKDSK. TITLE >Check hard disk 1 MENU/C>ECHO Y > YESFILE 2 C>CHKDSK /F < YESFILE 3 C>CD \ 4 C>IF NOT EXIST *.CHK GOTO DONE 5 C>ECHO FILE ERRORS DETECTED - CALL SYSTEM MANAGER ! 6 C>DIR *.CHK 7 C>PAUSE 8 C>:DONE If CHKDSK detects file errors, the operator will NOT be asked if errors are to be saved - they will be saved automatically because you have pre-answered the DOS query. Lines 3 - 9 are optional. --------------------------------------------------------------------- EXERCISE #13: Pre-answering YES/NO for DEL *.* Comment: This procedure allows you to delete all diskette files without having to reformat or answer a DOS prompt. TITLE >Wipe ALL diskette files - DRIVE A: 1 MENU/C>ECHO Y > YESFILE 2 C>DEL A:*.* < YESFILE --------------------------------------------------------------------- EXERCISE #14: Preventing DOS error messages Comment: This allows you to create a MENU or BATCH file which will RE-DIRECT DOS messages to oblivion. Specifically, messages such as "xx File(s) copied" or "File not found" can be sent to a universal trash bin called "NUL", making your MENU or BATCH job look cleaner. TITLE >Backup personal files 1 MENU/C>ECHO PERSONAL FILE BACKUP IN PROGRESS . . . 2 C>ECHO Y > YESFILE 3 C>IF EXIST A:*.* DEL A:*.* < YESFILE > NUL 4 C>COPY WOMEN.DIR A: > NUL 5 C>COPY CLIENTS.DIR A: > NUL 6 C>COPY *.MHH A: > NUL Try this with & without the > NUL addendum. --------------------------------------------------------------------- DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS --------------------------------------------------------------------- I originally wrote EasyMenu while doing consulting. I needed a product that would provide the following benefits & shortcuts: Allow any program to run by pressing a single key. It must run on hard disk and Local Area Network systems. Upgrading to a network should be merely a matter of copying the menus & help files. Allow me to set up the DOS commands needed to run various programs, without training the user on DOS. Allow me to restrict access to the DOS prompt. Allow me to run a backup (or other) program at the end of the day. This program will run by pressing the "Q" (for QUIT) key. The program should use little memory. Preferably none. The program must be compatible with all memory resident utilities & device drivers. It must run any program, including multi-processors such as DesQView & Windows. It must be not be complicated to setup or change. It must be able to execute a number of commands before or after running a program, including batch files. I wanted quick hardware & system information to help pinpoint problems quickly. It must run on any compatible PC, any video card, any memory. --------------------------------------------------------------------- REVISION HISTORY --------------------------------------------------------------------- To those who are interested, EasyMenu has been in constant use by the author and others, since first written. Date Change or Addition ======== ========================================== AUG 1985 - First system written in compiled BASIC SEP 1985 - Installed in customers' computers MAR 1986 - RE-WRITTEN in Pascal & current users updated APR 1986 - ALPHA TESTING PERIOD MAY 1986 - Mouse, Reboot & Autoexec Menu options added JUN 1986 - Network functions added JUL 1986 - Printer feature added AUG 1986 - BETA TESTING PERIOD SEP 1986 - Network testing completed OCT 1986 - Documentation completed. Version 1.00x released. --------------------------------------------------------------------- FULL FEATURE LISTING --------------------------------------------------------------------- ANY MENU CAN BE DESIGNATED MAIN MENU. You may designate an "orphan" menu as the MAIN menu to keep users from wandering. AUTOEXEC. Run any MENU TITLE from AUTOEXEC.BAT before EasyMenu starts. BLANK SCREEN OPTION. Screen will blank to conserve life of monitor. BUILT-IN NETWORKING. No new version required. MENU and HELP files can be copied & used immediately. COMPATIBLE WITH MEMORY-RESIDENT PROGRAMS. No "beeping" or lockup. CONSERVES MEMORY. All memory is given to the program to run. DOS ACCESS & EXIT. Access the DOS prompt by pressing the "D" key. HARDWARE REPORT. No need to open up the case to find out the amount of memory installed, number & type of ports, video card, etc. INSULATE USERS FROM DOS. Lock users into EasyMenu. LOCK OUT CHANGES. Set Edit Allowed control to false. MOUSE SUPPORT. Supports Microsoft Mouse and compatibles. PATH RESET OPTION. Restores startup PATH after program run. PRINT SCREEN DISABLE. Shift-PrtSc function may be turned on or off. PRINTER UTILITY. Reset, formfeed, linefeed, and other control codes may be sent to the printer manually and before & after a program run. QUIT MENU. When you press Q to quit, a menu job may be run. Allows you to run such jobs as end of day backup & hard disk head parking. REBOOT FEATURE. You may reboot the system from a MENU. Use alternate AUTOEXEC.BAT & CONFIG.SYS for memory-hungry programs. RESTRICTIONS USER-ADJUSTABLE. Editing, quitting, DOS access and separate MAIN MENUS for network users may be set. RUN ANY PROGRAM. All programs run as normal - including multi- processing programs such as Windows and DesQView. SIMPLE OPERATION. Can be operated by the spacebar & return key. TIME DISPLAY. Visible from across the room. UNLIMITED MENUS & HELP FILES. Files are independent and may be copied, deleted or renamed. Allows you to test before installation. USE EASYMENU THE SAME WAY YOU USE DOS. To run a program, you just Edit a menu item and type in the SAME commands you use at the DOS prompt, including BATCH files. USER-CUSTOMIZED HELP. Create HELP files for each menu and/or a default for all menus. --------------------------------------------------------------------- TECHNICAL REFERENCE PAGE --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- LIMITATIONS --------------------------------------------------------------------- MENUS | No limit. 1 to 8 character name. Help files | 0 to 1 per MENU (if 0, DEFAULT.MHH is used) | Size: 200 lines or less Programs per MENU | 9 Commands per program | 9 Title length | 50 characters Network Users | Limited by network capability | EasyMenu limit: 99,999,999 per directory Memory usage | 3K if running batch file; otherwise none Input | Keyboard or Mouse-(Microsoft compatible) --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- DISTRIBUTION FILES: 13 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Name Length Date Purpose ============ ======== ========= ================================= BAKADD.BAT 3454 1 Oct 86 Batch backup program BAKUP.BAT 3729 1 Oct 86 Batch backup program CONTROL.MHH 2483 1 Oct 86 User control help DEFAULT.MHH 2901 1 Oct 86 Default help EASYMENU.BAT 52 1 Oct 86 EasyMenu Program Start EASYMENU.DOC 53212 1 Oct 86 EasyMenu documentation EDIT.MHH 2697 1 Oct 86 Special commands help INFO.MHH 2671 1 Oct 86 System information help OPTIONS.COM 64152 1 Oct 86 Control program PRINTDOC.COM 21701 1 Oct 86 Program to print documentation PRINTER.MHH 850 1 Oct 86 Printer commands help READ.ME ---- -------- Latest information SETUP.BAT 2779 1 Oct 86 Setup program ===================================================================== --------------------------------------------------------------------- MEANING OF FILE EXTENSIONS --------------------------------------------------------------------- *.M = Menu files *.MH = Menu Help file *.MU = User customization file *.MHH = Feature Specific Help file --------------------------------------------------------------------- CONSULTANT'S PAGE --------------------------------------------------------------------- Of immediate interest to you will be: You may run existing BATCH programs. EasyMenu has been tested with enough programs, utilities & drivers to fill 2 pages of compressed print. No incompatibilities have been found yet. You keep AUTOEXEC capability. You may run a MENU job when the "Q" key (to Quit) is pressed. DOS access may be restricted. Network users may be assigned different MAIN MENUS. You may REBOOT from a MENU. Also, you may REBOOT with alternate AUTOEXEC and/or CONFIG files. This feature is provided so you may clear the system for large memory programs. Also, you may reboot a client's computer remotely - see MENU REBOOT page. You may have control codes (including RESET) sent to the printer before and after running a program. Mouse use is supported (Microsoft compatibles). Operation may be adjusted for ease of use. All adjustments may be locked by setting the Editing-Allowed option to FALSE, from the CONTROL menu. --------------------------------------------------------------------- FEEDBACK - COPY THIS FORM, DO NOT REMOVE FROM MANUAL --------------------------------------------------------------------- Should you encounter a problem or want to suggest changes, copy & fill out this page as fully as possible. See first page for address info. --------------------------------------------------------------------- ADDRESS INFORMATION --------------------------------------------------------------------- Your Name_____________________________________ DATE__________________ Company______________________________________________________________ Division_____________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________ City_____________________________ State_____ Zip_____________________ PHONES ( ) ___________________ ( ) ___________________ ELECTRONIC MAIL: Brand:_________________ ID:_______________________ --------------------------------------------------------------------- SYSTEM INFORMATION --------------------------------------------------------------------- Brand Name of computer_______________________________________________ Version of DOS: 2.0 2.1 3.0 3.1 4.0 5.0 _________ If Network, version: NetWare: _______ Advanced NetWare: ________ --------------------------------------------------------------------- PROBLEM AREA OR CHANGE/ADD REQUEST --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 - Setup/Install 5 - Network operation 9 - Printer feature 2 - Running a program 6 - Control options 10 - OTHER 3 - Customizing 7 - Info screen 4 - Documentation 8 - Help system --------------------------------------------------------------------- Describe the problem or your comments in AS MUCH DETAIL as you can. Add as many more pages as you need. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- COPY THIS FORM - DO NOT REMOVE FROM MANUAL ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Make check EasyMenu Publishing INVOICE payable to: P.O. Box 346 Perrysburg, OH 43551 ====================================================================== Date: PO #: ====================================================================== Quantity Description Unit Extended ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | EasyMenu Program Disk and Support | $49.95 | $ | Registration Number | | | | | | EasyMenu Evaluation Disk | $14.95 | $ | (Current version & manual) | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subtotal: $ OH residents please add 6% sales tax: $ --------- Total: $ Orders outside the U.S.: Send check drawn on U.S. bank in U.S. dollars, or international money order in U.S. dollars. Payment by: ( ) Check ( ) Money Order ( ) MC ( ) VISA Card #:_________________________________ Exp. Date: ________________ Your Name____________________________________________________________ Company______________________________________________________________ Division_____________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________ City_____________________________ State_____ Zip_____________________ PHONES ( ) ___________________ ( ) ___________________ ********** SHIP-TO address, if different from the above ********** Address______________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________ City_____________________________ State_____ Zip_____________________ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- INDEX ---------------------------------------------------------------------- alternate ............................................. 8, 12, 18, 20 ascii ......................................................... 7, 13 autoexec .......................................... 4, 11, 12, 17, 20 autorun ....................................................... 8, 13 backup ........................................ 4, 9, 16, 17, 18, 19 bakadd ............................................................ 9 bakup ............................................................. 9 batch ................................. 3, 10, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 boot-up ....................................................... 10, 11 chkdsk ............................................................ 16 command ............................................... 3, 5, 13, 16 config ........................................................ 12, 20 consultant ........................................................ 16 control ....................................... 7, 8, 13, 18, 19, 20 copy .......................................... 1, 2, 3, 10, 12, 14 create .................................... 6, 7, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 customize ......................................................... 14 default ................................................... 8, 18, 19 desqview .......................................................... 17 device .................................................... 2, 12, 17 dos ....... 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20 edit .......................................................... 7, 18 editor ........................................................ 7, 14 edlin ......................................................... 7, 12 error ............................................................. 16 esc ................................................... 5, 7, 8, 9 evaluation ........................................................ 2 exercise .......................................... 6, 8, 9, 15, 16 extension ..................................................... 7, 13 feature ....................................... 4, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20 feedback ...................................................... 3, 4 file .................................. 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 19 flag .................................................. 3, 5, 7, 14 hardware .................................................. 3, 17, 18 hayes ............................................................. 15 help ...................... 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19 history ....................................................... 4, 17 index ............................................................. 4 info .............................................................. 13 input ............................................................. 19 ins ........................................................... 5, 13 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- INDEX ---------------------------------------------------------------------- keyboard ...................................................... 5, 19 keys .......................................................... 5, 10 lan ................................................... 2, 3, 4, 14 license ....................................................... 2, 4 memory-resident ................................................... 18 modem ............................................................. 15 mouse ................................................. 1, 3, 18, 20 netware ............................................... 1, 3, 5, 14 network ....................... 1, 3, 7, 10, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20 notes ......................................................... 4, 5 novell ................................................ 1, 3, 5, 14 options ................................................... 7, 9, 17 path .............................................. 3, 10, 12, 13, 18 printer ................................... 7, 9, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20 prtsc ............................................................. 5 quick-start ............................................... 4, 5, 6 quit .................................................. 4, 8, 13, 18 reboot ............................................ 4, 12, 17, 18, 20 recap ............................................................. 5 recovery ...................................................... 4, 9 reference ............................................. 1, 4, 7, 19 registration .................................................. 1, 4 reset ..................................................... 9, 13, 18 setup ......................................... 3, 5, 9, 14, 17, 19 support ........................................................... 1 system .................... 1, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 technical ................................................. 4, 7, 19 tips ...................................................... 4, 15, 16 training ...................................................... 1, 17 upgrade ........................................................... 1 user .................................................. 3, 16, 17, 19 verify ............................................................ 13 warranty .......................................................... 2 windows ........................................................... 18