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+----------------------------------------------------+ | AUTOMENU | | Version 3.00 | +----------------------------------------------------+ | by Marshall W. Magee | | | | (C)Copyright Magee Enterprises 1983, 1985 | | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | +----------------------------------------------------+ | This version of the documentation, software | | and copyright supersedes all previous versions of | | AUTOMENU. | +----------------------------------------------------+ July 12, 1985 ================================================================= COPY NOTICE This software is a user-supported software package and is protected by a federal copyright. The use of this software program is expressly prohibited, except as authorized herein. If you have received this software from another user and found this software useful, the author would appreciate your sending a contribution of thirty dollars. Without the written consent of the author, users of this software and documentation are granted a limited license to make an evaluation copy for trial use on a private, non-commercial basis. This license does not include distribution of this software package: 1. In connection with any other product or service 2. For general use within a company or institution 3. For any consideration or 'disk fee' 4. Distribution in modified form If you wish to be registered for updates in AUTOMENU, you will be required to send a contribution of thirty dollars. When updates are made, we will let you know. Also if you have any comments or suggestions concerning AUTOMENU send them to the address below. A copy of this message can be obtained by pressing "C" while in the AUTOMENU program. Updates and other exciting programs will be available in the future. Please support the free enterprise system. Thank you! MAGEE ENTERPRISES 6577 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Norcross, Georgia 30092-3796 CompuServe [70167,2200] ================================================================= AUTOMENU Version 3.00 USERS GUIDE Page 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE ----------------- ------ 1.0 INTRODUCTION 4 1.1 Benefits and Advantages 4 1.2 Hardware & Software Requirements 5 1.3 How Does AUTOMENU work 5 2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION 6 3.0 HOW TO USE AUTOMENU 6 3.1 Setting up AUTOMENU for the first time 6 3.2 AUTOMENU Menu Definition File (MDF) 6 3.3 How to run AUTOMENU 8 3.4 Functional Characteristics 8 3.5 Mouse Support 9 3.6 Uses and Performance for Floppy Diskette Systems 10 3.7 Uses and Performance for Fixed Disk Systems 10 3.8 Error Messages 10 4.0 REFERENCE SECTION 11 4.1 Examples of AUTOMENU Menu Definition Files 11 4.1.1 AUTOMENU.MDF 11 4.1.2 AUTOM001.MDF 12 4.2 Examples of Batch files 13 4.2.1 Floppy Diskette Version 13 4.2.2 Fixed Disk Version 13 4.2.3 Example of AUTO.BAT 14 4.3 Example of a Configuration File 14 4.4 Menu Definition File Functions 14 4.4.1 ( % ) - Title 14 4.4.2 ( * ) - Option 14 4.4.3 ( ? ) - Option Help 15 4.4.4 ( ^ ) - Password 15 4.4.5 ( ~ ) - Coded Password 15 4.4.6 ( @ ) - Alternate Menu Definition File 15 4.4.7 ( - ) - Direct DOS Command without Pause 16 4.4.8 ( = ) - Direct DOS Command with Pause 16 4.4.9 ( ! ) - Batch DOS Commands Resident 16 4.4.10 ( + ) - Batch DOS Commands Non-Resident 17 4.4.11 ( . ) - Comment 17 4.4.12 ( # ) - End of Menu Definition File 17 5.0 CUSTOMIZATION 18 5.1 Patch for Tandy 2000 18 5.2 Changing Colors 19 5.3 Custom Switches 19 5.3.1 Auto Screen Blackout 19 5.3.2 Time Display 19 5.3.3 Control Break 19 5.3.4 Mouse Capability 20 5.3.5 Country code 20 5.3.6 Color or Black and White 20 5.4 Default filename for Menu Definition File 20 5.5 Default filename for Temporary Batch File 20 (C)Copyright MAGEE ENTERPRISES 1983, 1985 All Rights Reserved AUTOMENU Version 3.00 USERS GUIDE Page 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) PAGE ----------------------------- ------ 6.0 USER SUPPORT 20 6.1 Problems 20 6.2 Updates 21 6.3 Assembler Source Code 21 6.4 Contacting the Author 21 6.5 Corporate Users 22 6.6 Dealers, Value added resellers, and Consultants 22 7.0 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT AUTOMENU 23 7.1 History 23 7.2 Author of AUTOMENU 23 8.0 CONCLUSIONS 24 8.1 User-Supported Software 24 8.2 Future 24 (C)Copyright MAGEE ENTERPRISES 1983, 1985 All Rights Reserved AUTOMENU Version 3.00 USERS GUIDE Page 4 1.0 INTRODUCTION ----------------- AUTOMENU is the solution to the problem of learning all the DOS commands required to access many different application programs. No longer will the user be required to type in a list of commands to find the program they are looking for. With a single press of a key, almost any application program can be made available. AUTOMENU provides the user with an easy to read and understandable menu of options to choose from. It automatically executes the commands required to bring the selected menu option to the user's fingertips. AUTOMENU provides the user with the capability to set up their own customized menu systems. The user can define the menu titles, the menu options displayed, and DOS compatible commands required to carry out each of these menu options. 1.1 Benefits & Advantages -------------------------- - AUTOMENU can become memory resident, requiring the loading of the Menu Definition File and the AUTOMENU program only once - The software is entirely written in FAST ASSEMBLER language - Program requires only 11,000 bytes of storage space on disk - Execute any DOS command, program, or batch file directly without creating a batch file to be executed outside AUTOMENU. - Password Protection on any or all menu options - Works on the PC, XT, PC Jr., Portable, AT, and 3270-PC - Memory is allocated dynamically, using only what it needs - Ability to define eight individual menus per Menu Definition File - Eight menu options per menu - Individually titled menus, automatically centered - Compatible with floppy diskette or fixed disk systems - Help Messages and Option help - Many individual features that can be changed easily with the AUTOMENU Installation Utility - Mouse support to choose menu options - Supports all monitors including the Enhanced Graphics Adapter - The software is well-behaved; using only accepted programming practices. - Automatic Screen Blackout to save monitor - Option to switch from the color to monochrome monitor and back - Current date displayed in three different formats - Current time displayed in 12-hour or 24-hour format while in menu - Amount of Memory Available for use is displayed - Status of Keyboard displayed (Caps Lock, Num Lock, Scroll Lock) - Multiple keys perform the same functions for logical selection - Updates available to registered users - Sets ERRORLEVEL to 1 if error occurs in software - A printed copy of the assembler source code is available (C)Copyright MAGEE ENTERPRISES 1983, 1985 All Rights Reserved AUTOMENU Version 3.00 USERS GUIDE Page 5 1.2 Hardware & Software Requirements ------------------------------------- These are the minimum requirements of AUTOMENU: * Compatible machine or (PC, XT, PC Jr., Portable, AT, and 3270-PC) * DOS (2.0, 2.1, 3.0, 3.1) * Minimum of 30KB of free memory * Monochrome and/or Color Monitors 1.3 How does AUTOMENU Work --------------------------- AUTOMENU is designed to be the direct interface with the user, so as not to allow the user direct access to DOS itself. The software reads a Menu Definition File containing the information needed to display options for the user to choose from and the DOS commands to reach these options. During the setup process, the user can choose various methods of reaching the application program or DOS command requested by the option. AUTOMENU has the ability to execute a command directly, in that, AUTOMENU remains dormant in memory waiting for the application program or DOS Command to finish before springing back to life. The second concept used by AUTOMENU is the facility provided by DOS, called batch files. A batch file contains a list of DOS commands that you wish to be executed by entering one command. A good example of a batch file is AUTOEXEC.BAT. This batch file is executed automatically by DOS at boot time. It should contain commands desired or needed to initialize your system. Examples might be to set up a RAM disk or setting the time for your clock card. This method when used by AUTOMENU builds a batch file containing the commands required to carry out the menu option selected. To use this method requires the use of the batch file called AUTO.BAT. AUTO.BAT contains two commands; the first is AUTOMENU, which executes the menu program, and the second is AUTOTEMP, which is a batch file containing commands written to it by AUTOMENU. After selecting your desired option from the menu, AUTOMENU creates AUTOTEMP.BAT which in turn is executed by AUTO.BAT. The AUTOTEMP.BAT batch file will contain the commands required to execute the selected option. Although the use of batch files are popular with most other menu systems, this approach is both slow and antiquated and users should use the direct DOS command capability whenever possible. (C)Copyright MAGEE ENTERPRISES 1983, 1985 All Rights Reserved AUTOMENU Version 3.00 USERS GUIDE Page 6 2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION ------------------------ The files distributed with AUTOMENU are listed below. Be sure that you have all of them. If not, please feel free to contact us. AUTOMENU COM <- Main AUTOMENU program AUTOMENU MDF <- Menu Definition File AUTOM001 MDF <- Secondary Menu Definition File AUTO BAT <- Batch file to call AUTOMENU AUTOMENU DOC <- Documentation for AUTOMENU AUTOINST COM <- Installation Utility program This version is the third major release of AUTOMENU. Old AUTOMENU users will find many changes and additions and should take the time to read the entire USERS GUIDE. Only then can you take advantage of the many individual enhancements. 3.0 HOW TO USE AUTOMENU ------------------------ The best way to learn how to use AUTOMENU is to experiment with it. There are examples listed here in the documentation and examples included with the package. 3.1 Setting up AUTOMENU for the first time ------------------------------------------- A text editor, such as EDLIN or WordStar, and a knowledge of DOS are required to initially set AUTOMENU up. Thereafter, its use consists of simply selecting options from the menu. Start by formatting a new diskette and loading the diskette with the Disk Operating System. Copy the four files listed below onto the diskette. To gain some idea of what AUTOMENU looks like, execute the program AUTOMENU and select the option 'Print Directory to screen'. AUTO.BAT AUTOMENU.COM AUTOMENU.MDF AUTOM001.MDF 3.2 AUTOMENU Menu Definition File (MDF) ---------------------------------------- The default Menu Definition File used by AUTOMENU is called AUTOMENU.MDF which contains all the information needed by AUTOMENU to build the menu. Before starting, determine what you plan to title your menus, what menu options you wish to have, and the DOS commands required to execute those options. This information can then be used to build a Menu Definition File. Below is a small example. %TITLE OF MENU ONE .THIS IS A COMMENT LINE .TO PLACE HELPFUL INFO *OPTION ONE OF MENU ONE ?OPTION HELP (C)Copyright MAGEE ENTERPRISES 1983, 1985 All Rights Reserved AUTOMENU Version 3.00 USERS GUIDE Page 7 ^OPTION PASSWORD -DIRECT DOS COMMAND WITHOUT PAUSE *OPTION TWO OF MENU ONE +DOS COMMAND +DOS COMMAND %TITLE OF MENU TWO *OPTION ONE OF MENU TWO +DOS COMMAND *OPTION TWO OF MENU TWO !DOS COMMAND !DOS COMMAND #END OF MENU FILE The software determines the difference of the items listed in the Menu Definition File by the first character in each line. These special characters are listed below (See Reference Section for more information): Character Name Function Performed --------- -------------- --------------------------------------- % percent sign title * asterisk option ? question mark option help ^ circumflex password ~ tilde coded password @ at sign alternate menu definition file - minus sign direct dos command (resident) no pause = equal sign direct dos command (resident) pause ! exclamation batch dos commands (resident) no pause + plus sign batch dos command (non-resident) . period comment # pound sign end of file The maximum length for each line of information is 50 characters. The maximum number of menus that can be defined by one menu definition file is eight, with a maximum number of eight options per menu. The number of DOS commands that can be defined for an individual option is unlimited. However, the overall size of the menu definition file is limited to about 1000 lines of information. The memory used by AUTOMENU is dynamically allocated depending on the size of the file. Use the example below as a guide to setting up the AUTOMENU.MDF file. (C)Copyright MAGEE ENTERPRISES 1983, 1985 All Rights Reserved AUTOMENU Version 3.00 USERS GUIDE Page 8 Example contents of AUTOMENU.MDF +---------------------------------+ This is the title of the menu |%MY MAIN MENU | <- marked by the percent sign. |*Directory of Drive A: | <- This is a menu option marked |+DIR A: | by a star. |+AUTO | <- This is a DOS compatible |*Format A: | Command marked by a plus sign. |?Initialize Diskette in Drive A: | <- This Option Help marked by a |-FORMAT A: | Question Mark. |*Word Processing Menu | <- This menu option will change the |+CHDIR \TEXT | present directory to a TEXT sub |+AUTO | directory, and will load a |*Copy Automenu.doc to printer | different AUTOMENU.MDF. |-COPY AUTOMENU.DOC PRN: | <- This is a direct DOS |*Return to Disk Operating System | command, it will be |+REM Welcome to DOS | performed while AUTOMENU |+REM Enter 'AUTO' for Menu | remains in memory. |#End of data for AUTOMENU | <- This marks the end of menu data +---------------------------------+ file marked by a pound sign. 3.3 How to run AUTOMENU ------------------------ There are two ways to run AUTOMENU. The first way is to execute a batch file called AUTO.BAT. This batch file will execute AUTOMENU and then allow the execution of a batch file built by AUTOMENU, if the non-resident batch feature are used. The second way to execute AUTOMENU is directly by entering AUTOMENU at the DOS prompt or placing AUTOMENU in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Using this method will allow for only the use of the resident features of AUTOMENU. If an error occurs during the execution of AUTOMENU, the return code (ERRORLEVEL) is set for detection by the DOS batch processor. This software also allows for the specification of a Menu Definition File on the Command Line at the DOS Prompt. This will override the default Menu Definition Filename AUTOMENU.MDF. Examples: A>automenu d:\data\dos.mdf ( read in DOS.MDF as the MDF ) or A>AUTOMENU [drive:][path][Menu Definition Filename] 3.4 Functional Characteristics ------------------------------- The menu options or menu items can be selected in various ways. The particular menu option with the arrow pointing to it can be selected by pressing the return key. The arrow pointer can be moved to another menu option by using the up and down arrow keys. A menu option can also be selected by pressing the number value or FUNCTION KEY corresponding to that menu option. If more than one menu has been defined, the user can change to the other menus by pressing F10 to go forward one menu and F9 to go backwards one menu. The user also has the ability to switch (C)Copyright MAGEE ENTERPRISES 1983, 1985 All Rights Reserved AUTOMENU Version 3.00 USERS GUIDE Page 9 active monitors from monochrome to color and back again by pressing the letter "S". However, this changing of active monitors will not occur if another monitor is not available. This software also has a built in screen blackout feature; if the machine remains inactive inside the menu for more than three minutes, the screen will be turned off until the user presses a character key on the keyboard. While the user is at the menu, various fields of information are being displayed. The Menu selected tells the user how many menus are available and which particular one is being displayed. The user is also informed of the status of the keyboard toggles CAPS LOCK, NUM LOCK, and SCROLL LOCK. The status of the CTRL, ALT, and SHIFT keys are also displayed. This status is helpful in teaching users the difference between a CAPS LOCK and the CTRL key; the fact that one is a toggle and the other is temporary. The memory available field displays the amount of available free memory which is not allocated by AUTOMENU. This is helpful in determining if enough memory is available to load another application program. The option help field is also displayed at the bottom of the menu above the status block. This field displays additional information about the current option being pointed to by the pointer, but only if the field has been defined by the option. A list of the valid commands while in AUTOMENU: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Select option on menu F1, F2, F3, F4 Select option on menu F5, F6, F7, F8 Up arrow Move arrow pointer up Down arrow, space Move arrow pointer down Return key Select option being pointed to F10, PgDn, right arrow Go to next menu F9, PgUp, left arrow Go to previous menu Home First Menu End Last Menu S Switch active monitor (COLOR/MONO) C Print Copy Notice Any other key Prints Help Message 3.5 Mouse Support ------------------ AUTOMENU supports the use of a mouse to allow the user to move the pointer and to select an option. Moving the mouse up and down simulates the use of the up and down arrow keys which moves the option pointer up and down on the menu. Moving the mouse from side to side will simulate the use of the left and right arrow keys which will then display other menus if they were defined. Pressing any of the mouse buttons will simulate the pressing of the return key which selects the option being pointed to. The mouse interface which AUTOMENU uses to control the mouse is provided by the mouse manufacturer through a device driver or DOS resident program. AUTOMENU looks for this support through interrupt 33H. The only manufacturer that provides this support (C)Copyright MAGEE ENTERPRISES 1983, 1985 All Rights Reserved AUTOMENU Version 3.00 USERS GUIDE Page 10 to our knowledge is MOUSE SYSTEMS, INC. for their mouse called "PC-MOUSE". They have provided its users with both a device driver and DOS resident mouse interface. If this interface is installed, AUTOMENU will detect its presences and communicate with the interface. 3.6 Uses and Performance for Floppy Diskette Systems ----------------------------------------------------- For a floppy based system, placing the AUTOMENU files on a newly formatted diskette will enhance AUTOMENU's performance. The use of a RAM drive and the copying of the COMMAND.COM file into this RAM Drive will also help. The Customization section can also help to change the location of where the temporary batch file is written. For example, the RAM Drive. 3.7 Uses and Performance for Fixed Disk Systems ---------------------------------------------------- On a fixed disk system, where several sub-directories usually exist, AUTOMENU provides an easy way to change to a different directory and execute a program or load another AUTOMENU.MDF file with a different set of options. The DOS PATH command works well within a fixed disk environment and gives the user the ability to execute most programs from any sub-directory. A good example would be to create a sub-directory called PUBLIC and within this sub-directory place the programs and batch files commonly used; for example: BASICA.COM, DISKCOPY.COM, FORMAT.COM along with AUTOMENU.COM and AUTO.BAT. A good example of an AUTOEXEC.BAT file to setup your fixed disk system is contained in the reference section. 3.8 Error Messages ------------------- There are various types of errors available with AUTOMENU. (1) Error reading "MENU DEFINITION FILE" file This error occurs when the program cannot find or read the Menu Definition File. Can also occur if the file is not in the correct format. (2) Invalid Filename The filename given to AUTOMENU is too long. (3) Not enough Memory available to load MDF The Menu Definition File is too big to fit into available memory. (C)Copyright MAGEE ENTERPRISES 1983, 1985 All Rights Reserved AUTOMENU Version 3.00 USERS GUIDE Page 11 (4) AUTOMENU requires DOS 2.0 or Higher This software will not operate under DOS 1.0 or DOS 1.1. (5) Not enough memory to load COMMAND.COM To execute any direct DOS commands requires at least 17KB of Memory to load COMMAND.COM. (6) COMSPEC= Not found in Environment AUTOMENU requires this information to be in the environment to find COMMAND.COM. (7) Can't write "TEMPORARY BATCH FILE" file This error occurs when the program cannot write to disk or no space is left on disk to write file or disk is write protected. (8) Command error This error occurs when the user presses any key not defined by the program, and as a result the "MENU HELPS" will be displayed. These helps will then be removed on next valid command. 4.0 REFERENCE SECTION ---------------------- 4.1 Examples of AUTOMENU Menu Definition Files (MDF) ----------------------------------------------------- 4.1.1 AUTOMENU.MDF ------------------- ................................................... . AUTOMENU Menu Definition File . . By Marshall W. Magee ................................................... %Automenu Application Menu *Word Processor ?Run the PERSONAL EDITOR program (Password = IBM) ~JCN -pe *Install AUTOMENU ?This will allow you to customize AUTOMENU +AUTOINST +AUTO *Basic ?Run BASIC directly -basica *Check fixed disk =CHKDSK/F *Print Directory to screen =DIR *DOS COMMAND MENU ?Load AUTOMENU Simply DOS Menu @autom001.mdf *Copy AUTOMENU Documentation to line printer (C)Copyright MAGEE ENTERPRISES 1983, 1985 All Rights Reserved AUTOMENU Version 3.00 USERS GUIDE Page 12 ?Prints Document to PRN: -COPY AUTOMENU.DOC PRN: *Disk Operating System ?Return to Disk Operating System +ECHO OFF +ECHO +---------------------+ +ECHO | Returning to DOS | +ECHO +---------------------+ +ECHO | Enter > AUTO < | +ECHO |to return to the Menu| +ECHO +---------------------+ +ECHO ON . .------------------------------ . Define another sub-menu .------------------------------ . %******* Executive Diversions ******* *Chess !CD \GAMES !CHESS !CD \ !AUTO *Backgammon !CD \GAMES !BACK !CD \ !AUTO *JUMPJOE !CD \GAMES !JUMPJOE !CD \ !AUTO # END OF AUTOMENU.MDF 4.1.2 AUTOM001.MDF ------------------- %Automenu Simple DOS *Directory of Drive A: ?Will display all files of drive A: =DIR A:/P *Directory of Drive B: =DIR B:/P *Check diskette in Drive A: =CHKDSK A: *Check diskette in Drive B: =CHKDSK B: *Format a data diskette in B: ^BOB ?Format disk in Drive B: using "ZFORMAT B:" -ZFORMAT B: *Format diskette in B: with system on it ?Format disk in Drive B: using "ZFORMAT B:/S/V" ^BOB -ZFORMAT B:/S/V (C)Copyright MAGEE ENTERPRISES 1983, 1985 All Rights Reserved AUTOMENU Version 3.00 USERS GUIDE Page 13 *Return to Main Menu ?Will return to Main Menu @automenu.MDF %Backup Menu *Prepare diskette in A: to be used for backup +ECHO Enter Ctrl-Break & "Y" to STOP format +PAUSE +ZFORMAT A: +AUTO *Total Backup of Drive C: +BACKUP C:\ A:/S +AUTO *Update backup for files changed on Drive C: +BACKUP C:\ A:/S/M +AUTO #END OF AUTOM001.MDF 4.2 Examples of Batch Files ---------------------------- 4.2.1 Floppy Diskette Version ------------------------------ Contents of AUTOEXEC.BAT +--------------------------------+ |AUTO | +--------------------------------+ 4.2.2 Fixed Disk Version ------------------------- Example contents of AUTOEXEC.BAT good for fixed disk systems +---------------------------+ |ECHO OFF | <- Don't display commands that follow |TIME | <- Request present time |DATE | <- Request present date |COPY COMMAND.COM D: | <- Copy COMMAND.COM to RAM Drive |SET COMSPEC=D:\COMMAND.COM | <- Tell DOS new location of COMMAND.COM |PROMPT $P $G | <- Prompt to show present sub-directory |PATH=C:\PUBLIC | <- Path to sub-directory PUBLIC on C: |VERIFY on | <- Disk read after write check |AUTO | <- Execute AUTOMENU batch file |REM autoexec.bat | <- Remark statement in batch file. |REM by Marshall W. Magee | |REM on 07/02/83 | +---------------------------+ (C)Copyright MAGEE ENTERPRISES 1983, 1985 All Rights Reserved AUTOMENU Version 3.00 USERS GUIDE Page 14 4.2.3 Example of AUTO.BAT -------------------------- Example of AUTO.BAT +---------------------------+ |ECHO OFF | <- Don't Display commands that follow |AUTOMENU | <- Execute AUTOMENU program |IF ERRORLEVEL 1 GOTO QUIT | <- Check for ERROR during AUTOMENU |AUTOTEMP | <- No Error, Execute AUTOTEMP.BAT |:QUIT | <- Label for error goto statement |ECHO ON | <- Display commands that follow +---------------------------+ 4.3 Example of Configuration File ---------------------------------- This is an example of a CONFIG.SYS which can be placed on the root directory of a fixed disk. DOS checks for this file when the computer is first started and interprets the text commands within. +-------------------------------+ |BUFFERS=10 | <- Set buffers to ten |DEVICE=C:\PUBLIC\VDISK.SYS | <- Sets up a ram drive |DEVICE=C:\PUBLIC\QLPT1.SYS | <- Sets up a print spooler |DEVICE=C:\PUBLIC\MSMOUSE.SYS | <- Loads mouse device driver +-------------------------------+ 4.4 Menu Definition File (MDF) Functions ----------------------------------------- This section describes the various functions that can be defined in the Menu Definition File (MDF). The MDF is a standard text file that is read by AUTOMENU to obtain the information needed to display the menu. The file consists of lines of information ending with a carriage return and line feed characters. The first character of each line is used to define the function of that line to AUTOMENU. Below is a list of the valid functions and a description of each. 4.4.1 Title ------------ ( % ) - Title - a title must be defined for each individual menu. This title will be displayed on the second line on the menu. The Title will be also be centered automatically. In each MDF the user can define eight individual menus in this file. 4.4.2 Option ------------- ( * ) - Option - this is the actual item displayed for the user to choose from. There is a limit of eight different options to each of the eight individual menus in the file. (C)Copyright MAGEE ENTERPRISES 1983, 1985 All Rights Reserved AUTOMENU Version 3.00 USERS GUIDE Page 15 4.4.3 Option Help ------------------ ( ? ) - Option Help - will cause the text that follows to be displayed as a description for the option that the arrow pointer is pointing to. The text is centered automatically and printed on a line above the status block at the bottom of the menu. EXAMPLE: *AUTOMENU Documentation ?This Option prints Document to printer 4.4.4 Password --------------- ( ^ ) - Password - the text that follows this function will be used as the password required by the user to gain access to that option selected. A max of 30 characters is allowed for password. The example below would require the user to enter the password "DOS". The password checking routine does not try to determine any difference between UPPER and lower case letters. EXAMPLE: *Return to Disk Operating System ^DOS 4.4.5 Coded Password --------------------- ( ~ ) - Coded Password - the text that follows this symbol will be used as the password required by the user to gain access to that option selected. A max of 30 characters is allowed for password. The example below would require the user to enter the password "ABC". The password checking routine does not try to determine any difference between UPPER and lower case letters. This option is different in that each character in the password that is written into the MDF is shifted one character to the right. If you wanted a user to enter the password "ABC" , shift each letter to the right to cause a coding effect on the password. For Example: A is shifted to B; B is shifted to C; C is shifted to D. EXAMPLE: *Return to Disk Operating System ~BCD 4.4.6 Alternate MDF -------------------- ( @ ) - Alternate MDF - this specific option will cause the text that follows to be treated as the name of another Menu Definition File (MDF). When the user selects an option with this listed under it, AUTOMENU will read the new MDF and change the menu display accordingly to show the options in the new MDF. The MDF filename can be any valid DOS filename and can include drive name and path. The file can also be a hidden file. If for example, the MDF called "DOS.MDF" was on drive D: in subdirectory PUBLIC, the following example shows an example on how to get AUTOMENU to read that file as a MDF. EXAMPLE: *Load DOS Command Sub Menu @d:\public\DOS.MDF (C)Copyright MAGEE ENTERPRISES 1983, 1985 All Rights Reserved AUTOMENU Version 3.00 USERS GUIDE Page 16 4.4.7 Direct DOS Command without Pause --------------------------------------- ( - ) - Direct DOS Command - this specific option will cause the text that follows to be interpreted as a valid DOS command. A limit of one Direct DOS command per menu option. When the user selects the menu option, AUTOMENU loads a second COMMAND.COM and requests this Direct DOS Command to be executed while AUTOMENU remains resident in memory in a dormant state. But as a result, the memory available is reduced by minimum of 14K, memory which was allocated to AUTOMENU and the second COMMAND.COM. When the DOS command is finished, AUTOMENU will regain control and will display the menu without rereading the MDF. This function acts as if the command were entered at the DOS level. As DOS normally does, it will search both the present directory and any other directories specified by the DOS PATH command. And with this function, AUTOMENU does not pause before displaying the menu when it regains control. EXAMPLE: *Format diskette in drive B: -FORMAT B:/S/V 4.4.8 Direct DOS Command with Pause ------------------------------------ ( = ) - Direct DOS Command - this function works the same as the function above, but when AUTOMENU regains control the user is required to press the space bar or any button on the mouse to return to the menu. 4.4.9 Batch DOS Commands Resident ---------------------------------- ( ! ) - Batch DOS Commands - this function defines a DOS command to be executed in a DOS batch file. There is no limit to the number of commands that can be defined under each menu option. AUTOMENU will create a batch file containing the lines marked with this function. After the batch file is written, AUTOMENU will execute this batch file in the same manner as the function Direct DOS command ( - ) above. In other words, AUTOMENU remains resident during the execution of this batch file. EXAMPLE: *Execute 123 in it sub-directory !cd \lotus123 !123 !cd \ 4.4.10 Batch DOS Commands Non-Resident --------------------------------------- ( + ) - Batch DOS Commands - this function defines a DOS command to be executed in a DOS batch file. There is no limit to the number of commands that can defined under each menu option. AUTOMENU will create a batch file containing the lines marked with this function. After the batch file is written, AUTOMENU will return to the Disk Operating System. To make use of this function it requires the use of one batch file used with AUTOMENU and it is called AUTO.BAT. (C)Copyright MAGEE ENTERPRISES 1983, 1985 All Rights Reserved AUTOMENU Version 3.00 USERS GUIDE Page 17 AUTO.BAT contains two commands: the first is AUTOMENU, which executes the menu program, and the second is AUTOTEMP, which is the name of the batch file containing commands written to it by AUTOMENU. After selection of the desired menu option from the menu, AUTOMENU creates AUTOTEMP.BAT which in turn is executed by AUTO.BAT. AUTOTEMP.BAT batch file will contain the commands required for the menu option selected. It is important that the last command be AUTO, so that AUTOMENU regains control. If not, the user will be returned to DOS. EXAMPLE: *Directory of Diskette in Drive A: +DIR/P +PAUSE +AUTO To date this method is the most commonly used by menu systems similar to AUTOMENU. This method has an advantage and disadvantage, the advantage is that AUTOMENU does not remain resident in memory, reducing the memory requirements of the user. The disadvantage of using this method is that batch files execute slowly and in addition require the reloading of the AUTOMENU program when the batch file is finished. This paragraph explains a BUG in the DOS 3.0 batch processor, that might be construed as a problem with AUTOMENU. DOS gives the user the capability of executing a batch file from a batch file. The problem is that if a batch file calls another batch file; the users memory is decreased by 80 bytes. This memory could then only be recovered by rebooting the user's system. The problem would continue if the second batch file called a third batch file, resulting in an additional 64 bytes of memory loss. Any further chains to other batch files would continue to allocate the users memory in 64 byte pieces until their was none left to allocate. For most users, this problem is never even noticed and/or does not become a problem, but it is an interesting discovery. This bug does not occur in DOS 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, or 2.1. And this BUG in DOS 3.0 has been corrected with DOS 3.1. 4.4.11 Comment --------------- ( . ) - Comment - this function is used to place a comment inside the MDF. AUTOMENU simply ignores this line all together. Anything can be placed on this line. 4.4.12 End of Menu Definition File ----------------------------------- ( # ) - End of MDF - this function is used to inform AUTOMENU that it has reached the end of the MDF. AUTOMENU will stop reading there, and information that follows will be ignored. (C)Copyright MAGEE ENTERPRISES 1983, 1985 All Rights Reserved AUTOMENU Version 3.00 USERS GUIDE Page 18 5.0 CUSTOMIZATION ------------------ The program AUTOINST.COM has been made available to help customize the many individual features of AUTOMENU. Also allows user to reset all features to their original defaults. To run this program enter the following command: A>autoinst This will make the changes to AUTOMENU.COM. If you have renamed AUTOMENU.COM to some other name, you can specify the new name in the command line and include an optional drive and path name. A>AUTOINST [d:][path]AUTOMENU.COM or A>autoinst c:\public\menu.com Once AUTOINST is executed, it will check to make sure the file specified exists and that this is the correct file to be changing for this version of AUTOINST. The user will be given the choice to change colors, custom switchs, filenames, and a choice to reset all features to their original values. Other changes to customize AUTOMENU can be made in such areas as keys, messages, and sounds among others. For more information write a letter to the address listed on page one. Future versions of the AUTOINST will address these area as the need warrants. 5.1 Patch for Tandy 2000 ------------------------- This patch will fix problems related to the Tandy 2000. A>debug automenu.com <- Run DOS's DEBUG on AUTOMENU -F 038C L2 0A 41 <- Turn Cursor off -F 1D65 L6 B8 07 0E CD 10 C3 <- Beep on error or password -F 18A5 L7 B4 01 B9 0A 01 CD 10 <- Turn Cursor on -F 2162 L7 B4 01 B9 0A 01 CD 10 <- Turn Cursor on -F 22B9 L7 B4 01 B9 0A 01 CD 10 <- Turn Cursor on -F 1851 L1 02 <- Change mode set to 80 B&W -F 215E L1 02 <- Change mode set to 80 B&W -W <- Write Changes made Writing xxxx Bytes -Q <- Quit Debug A>debug autoinst.com <- Run DOS's DEBUG on AUTOINST -F 05F0 L2 0A 41 <- Turn Cursor off -F 174B L9 50 B4 01 B9 0A 01 CD 10 58 <- Turn Cursor on -F 176D L7 B4 01 B9 0A 01 CD 10 <- Turn Cursor on -F 17D8 L7 B4 01 B9 0A 01 CD 10 <- Turn Cursor on -F 173D L1 02 <- Change mode set to 80 B&W -W <- Write changes made Writing xxxx Bytes -Q <- Quit Debug A> <- Returned to DOS, all Done. (C)Copyright MAGEE ENTERPRISES 1983, 1985 All Rights Reserved AUTOMENU Version 3.00 USERS GUIDE Page 19 5.2 Changing Colors -------------------- This option on the menu will allow the user to easily change the colors of both the foreground and the background of each area on the menu. Each area is displayed in its current color and by moving the pointer with the cursor keys the user can select the area to change. The left and right arrow keys then allow for changing of the colors quickly. The page up and page down keys also allow for quick changing of background colors. The HOME and END key allow the user to change the foreground color from high to low or low to high intensity. Pressing the S key will switch the active monitor from monochrome to color or color to monochrome and then only if the other monitor is available. All these commands are listed on the color installation screen. A mouse would simulate the cursor keys if used. The user can change the color of any area to black on black to effectively erase this area from being displayed on the screen. 5.3 Custom Switches -------------------- This option on the menu allows the user to change individual switches inside AUTOMENU. The cursor keys are used to select the item to change. The left and right arrow keys are used to cycle through the possible choices for each switch. All these commands are listed on the custom switches screen. A mouse would simulate the cursor keys if used. 5.3.1 Auto Screen Blackout --------------------------- Three switches are associated with auto screen blackout. The length of time before the menu is removed from the screen can be changed anywhere from 1 to 15 minutes. When blackout occurs a message will be displayed to inform the user what has happened to the menu. This message will scroll every 30 seconds. This message can be disabled or enabled. The third option can be to turn the auto screen blackout ON or OFF all together. 5.3.2 Time Display ------------------- The user can select the time display format to be either 12-hour format with AM and PM displayed or 24-hour format as displayed by DOS. 5.3.3 Control Break -------------------- AUTOMENU can be set to intercept all Control Breaks that the user enters while under the control of AUTOMENU. This provides for additional security and helps prevent the user from ending up in DOS by mistake. Note, this option will not stop Control Breaks issued by the user during the execution of Batch DOS Commands using the Non-Resident feature. (C)Copyright MAGEE ENTERPRISES 1983, 1985 All Rights Reserved AUTOMENU Version 3.00 USERS GUIDE Page 20 5.3.4 Mouse Capability ----------------------- This switch will disable AUTOMENU's capability to use a mouse regardless of the presence of the mouse interface provided by the mouse manufacturer. If this switch is enabled, AUTOMENU will check for the mouse interface at INT 33H and if it is not there AUTOMENU will not respond to the mouse. 5.3.5 Country Code ------------------- The date displayed at the bottom of the screen can be set to be displayed in the following three formats: USA = Month Day, Year -> July 2, 1960 EUROPE = Day Month Year -> 2 July 1960 JAPAN = Year Month Day -> 1960 July 2 5.3.6 Color or Black and White ------------------------------- This option allows the user the filter out all colors that would be displayed and only show their low and high intensity attributes. This black and white format is good for those users with amber monitors such as the PC Portable or users who prefer black and white. This result could be obtained by changing the colors in the Color Installation section, but this is much faster. This switch does not effect colors set in the other section. 5.4 Default filename for Menu Definition File ---------------------------------------------- This option allows the user to define the filename that AUTOMENU will look for to load the Menu Definition from. The filename can be preceded by a drive and path name specification. 5.5 Default filename for Temporary Batch File ---------------------------------------------- This option allows the user to define the filename that AUTOMENU will create as the batch file to contain the Batch DOS commands. The filename can be proceded by a drive and path name specification. This allows for the batch file to be created on an non-write protect drive or a RAMDISK. The batch file could also be placed in the sub-directory defined by your path command. This option makes it unnessesary to have the AUTOTEMP.BAT batch file on all your sub-directories. Note: If you change the name from AUTOTEMP.BAT to something else, please make the change in AUTO.BAT also. 6.0 USER SUPPORT ----------------- 6.1 Problems ------------- If you have problems with AUTOMENU, please read this manual first to make sure you do understand everything. We have tried to provide a problem-free product but sometimes we make mistakes. If you think you have found a problem please take the time to (C)Copyright MAGEE ENTERPRISES 1983, 1985 All Rights Reserved AUTOMENU Version 3.00 USERS GUIDE Page 21 write us and explain your problem to us. All registered users will be informed of any problems and their solution. Make sure that you include the following information to help us evaluate the problem: 1. Which version of DOS used 2. Machine type, memory, monitors, etc. 3. Any application executed before AUTOMENU 4. Your address and telephone number 5. Where and how you obtained AUTOMENU 6. Which version of AUTOMENU you are using 6.2 Updates ------------ AUTOMENU changes to respond to the requests of its users. Therefore if you wish to be registered for notices of updates in AUTOMENU, you will be required to send a contribution of thirty dollars. When updates are made, we will let you know. Please use the invoice included at the end of this document. Also include information on where you obtained this software. 6.3 Assembler Source Code -------------------------- The source code for this software consists of more than 5,000 lines of code or about 85 printed pages and is written entirely in assembler language, including the installation utility. A printed listing of the assembler source code and documentation in a bound book form is available ONLY to registered users for $20.00 (Outside USA or Canada add $15.00 for postage). This offer is for those users who are both interested in assembler language and the inter-workings of this software. The source code is not available to users in diskette form. For those interested, the source code was composed with IBM's Personal Editor and assembled with IBM's Macro Assembler Version 2.00 under DOS 3.1. 6.4 Contacting the Author -------------------------- The best way to reach the author is to drop a postcard in the mail. The address provided will be good at least for the next 15 years. If you write a letter or drop a postcard in the mail to us, we can send you the information on how to contact us more directly by phone. The CompuServe ID number provided on the first page is the personal user ID for the author of this software. He can be reached by sending E-Mail to his user ID. There is no official telephone number listed in the phone book for MAGEE ENTERPRISES. (C)Copyright MAGEE ENTERPRISES 1983, 1985 All Rights Reserved AUTOMENU Version 3.00 USERS GUIDE Page 22 6.5 Corporate Users -------------------- AUTOMENU is the solution to problems many businesses are having and is worth more than the thirty dollars requested. Therefore, corporate users are expected to register each one of the copies of AUTOMENU they are using. Corporate users please use the invoice below and also include the name of the person to contact with notices of updates. 6.6 Dealers, Value added resellers, and Consultants ---------------------------------------------------- AUTOMENU is your ticket to setting up a turnkey system for your customers. This software was designed for this use. If you would like to use AUTOMENU and include it with your packages, please write to us. The basic requirement will be that you or your customer must pay the thirty dollars. You cannot give this software to your customer without first making sure that the payment of thirty dollars will be made. This requirement is for your protection since this software is protected by a federal copyright, and the author is therefore the only party that can receive any consideration or payment for this software. (C)Copyright MAGEE ENTERPRISES 1983, 1985 All Rights Reserved AUTOMENU Version 3.00 USERS GUIDE Page 23 7.0 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT AUTOMENU ------------------------------------------ 7.1 History ------------ The first version of AUTOMENU was written during the summer of 1983. The program was the solution to teaching new users too much information about the use of the computer. Turning the computer on should be the hardest part for the user. But, now that more than one application can be made available on a fixed disk, an easier method must be available to both access and manage these applications. Exposure to a personal computer users group showed that many users out there had the same problem. After testing AUTOMENU on these users for six months, it was decided to make the program available to everyone who had the desire to use it. Version 1.6 of AUTOMENU was originally placed onto only one Remote Bulletin Board System (RBBS) in Auburn, Alabama. In days, AUTOMENU had spread like wildfire to many different bulletin boards throughout the United States. Within a few weeks, the first letters concerning AUTOMENU arrived. Letters containing ideas and suggestions about both the problems and the limitations of version 1.6 prompted a major update to version 2.0. That version released in October 1984, has remained unchanged until now, the official release of this version 3.00. To date, AUTOMENU is being used by fifty or more reported users, many of which are corporations including such names as: American Express Grant Corporation AMSCO King County, Washington James B. Beam Distilling Company Ladd Petroleum Corporation Becton Dickinson and Company Long Island Water Corporation Brigham Young University Memorex GMBH Coca-Cola Occidental Crude Sales, Inc. Citibank Pacific Gas & Electric Deloitte Haskins & Sells Seven-Up Company Ernst & Whinney Vertical Software Incorporated General Electric Veterans Administration Because of the support of both individuals and corporations, AUTOMENU will continue to strive to be the best product of its kind available. 7.2 Author of AUTOMENU ----------------------- Marshall W. Magee was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. At present, he is an undergradute student studying engineering at Auburn University in Alabama. During the past eight years, he has worked in all areas of software design and development. Working with a wide variety of computers developing everything from large accounting systems on mainframes to small custom programs for small businesses. While at school, he works part- time and sometimes full-time for various computer companies and for the school of engineering at the university. His responsibles include the management of programmers and the design and maintenance of various software packages as well as teaching classes on computer related topics. (C)Copyright MAGEE ENTERPRISES 1983, 1985 All Rights Reserved AUTOMENU Version 3.00 USERS GUIDE Page 24 8.0 CONCLUSION --------------- AUTOMENU is the result of many hours of design and development on the part of the author. It is his desire that as many people as possible find this software useful. 8.1 User-Supported Software ---------------------------- This software is made available under the concept of User- Support Software, in which users support the author. While support is expected from most users in the form of a monetary contribution, there are additional methods that can be considered support from the user. Passing information about AUTOMENU to your friends, personal computer clubs, businesses, and electronics bulletin boards would help AUTOMENU. Another method of support could be the writing of reviews to be sent and printed by computer magazines and/or computer club newsletters. 8.2 Future ----------- There will always be improvements in this software as the need warrants. Any comments or suggestions concerning AUTOMENU would be greatly appreciated. Updates and other exciting programs will be available in the future. Please support the free enterprise system. Thank you! ================================================================= End of Documentation for Version 3.00 of AUTOMENU (C)Copyright MAGEE ENTERPRISES 1983, 1985 All Rights Reserved ----------------- INVOICE ----------------- BILL FROM: MAGEE ENTERPRISES DATE: _________ 6577 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Norcross, Georgia 30092-3796 BILL TO: _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ Attention: __________________ Telephone: _____________ QUANTITY ITEM COST PER UNIT TOTAL COST ======== ===================== ================= ================ ____ AUTOMENU Program 3.00 $30.00 _______ ____ Printed Source Code $20.00 _______ ================================================= ================ (Outside USA or Canada add $15.00 for postage) $15.00 Total Amount .... _______ ================================================================== Make checks payable to: MAGEE ENTERPRISES