STraTOS 1997 April & May

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Freedom┐ V1.14a --------------- ('to choose...') 5th July 1995 (c) 1995 by Christian Krüger and Kolja Koischwitz EnhancedGEM 2.25 (c) 1995 by Christian Grunenberg XIMG decoder (c) by Dirk Haun English translation by Joe Connor Overview ======== Multitasking is the future for Atari software. To survive into this era software has to adapt. Most experienced programmers have already implemented windowed dialogs, the time for flying dialogs has flown! Only two relics remain from this bygone age, the file selector and alert boxes. There's no way to bypass these system blocking relics, at least there wasn't until Freedom┐ arrived and set your applications free! The unbelievable feature list: ------------------------------ -At least 8 non-modal file selectors at the same time! -Parallel processing capability! -Freedom┐ alert boxes can optionally be displayed in windows. -Any program which supports the VA_START protocol or has a menu bar is no longer blocked! -Long filename support -Font, size and colour in directory window are user definable -User definable font and size -Drag&drop font protocol support -Keyboard layout 99% Selectric┐ compatible -Multiple file selection (naturally Selectric┐ compatible) -Up to 40 user definable filenames, paths and extensions -History popup to select from last 20 selected files -The ultimate in intuitive interface design using Enhanced GEM featuring Short paths, minimal clicks, shortcuts and Popups -Left handed mode! -Unix masks (*,?,[]) and extension lists (*.TOS,*.PRG) -Icons representing files/folders -Drag&drop support (paths and files and be dragged to the file selector (AV, MultiTOS, Drag&drop) and vice versa -Messages concerning directory changes evaluated using SH_WDRAW, AV_PATH_UPDATE, SC_CHANGED -Fuzzy file location! Freedom┐ tries everything possible to ascertain a reasonable application name even under single TOS. Freedom┐ looks for XAcc, AV and even Menutitle0 if the string looks promising (not the Atari symbol or Desk). -File delete, new file/folder creation and file/folder info -Search using mask to select or deselect files -Export paths or selected files as ASCII listing to the Clipboard -Full communication with available AV-Server (eg Thing/Gemini) -Delete and touch files -File delete/copy/move using Drag&Drop or the Clipboard. Kobold is automatically used if loaded in memory or available via the environmental variable KOBOLD_PATH under a multitasking OS. Reasons to use Freedom┐ - A checklist ===================================== -You can't resist the feature list! -You use a multitasking OS -You like using superb software which pushes GEM to the limit -You have a Flydial, file selector or alert open and: ... Your comms application rings ... Your comms application reports an up/download error ... You want to run your GEM ray tracer ... You want to use your GEM packer ... Your window clock stops ... You press F1 and your beloved Kobold doesn't appear ... Your MagiC popup is no longer accessible ... You can't access the menu bar ... Your screenshot program can't take any more pictures ... etc etc Add the problems caused by system modal dialogs ('Flydials') together with programs which don't offer long filename support and it's time to ditch them and see what Freedom┐ has to offer! Installation ============ -Add FFSEL.PRG to your Auto folder -Or optionally use FFSELR.PRG instead -Or skip this step -Rename FREEDOM.APP to FREEDOM.ACC to install Freedom┐ as an accessory under Single TOS -Or use a Chameleon to un/load Freedom┐ as desired -Under MagiC/MiNT FREEDOM.APP can be started as desired. (Under MagiC from the APPS folder or under MiNT in GEM.CNF) If you're short of memory there's another option so long as your computer and hard disk are fast enough. Create a file called FFSEL.INF which contains the path to FREEDOM.APP (including the filename) and add it to your Auto folder alongside FFSEL.PRG for example: C:\FREEDOM\FREEDOM.APP Using this method the main program FREEDOM.APP is not memory resident but loaded into memory as required. After a period of inactivity (defined in FREEDOM.CNF using the #SHUTDOWN parameter) FREEDOM.APP can also be automatically unloaded from memory. Loading Freedom┐ in and out of memory isn't a problem under a multitasking OS. Under single TOS we recommend you install Freedom┐ memory resident BUT it is possible to use Chameleon, the accessory loader programmed by Karsten Isakovic. For those determined to ignore our advice a patched version of Chameleon is included (with Karsten's permission)) in this distribution. This has been patched so that: 1) On reloading an accessory an AC_OPEN isn't automatically sent. 2) The comprehensive crash using appl_find('?AGI') is rectified. For some strange reason there are a few users who wish to eradicate all their free memory by running Freedom┐ AND Selectric┐! This is now possible using the program KILLFSEL which deletes the Selectric┐ cookie jar entry. If, during installation, FFSEL finds a FSEL Cookie less than v2.0 it replaces this with a pointer to it's own structure. If you luck holds Freedom┐ appears with all clean programs leaving Selectric┐ to clean up the rest (including the 'Start program...' entry in the MagiC popup. FFSELR.PRG is offered as an alternative to FFSEL.PRG and handles redraw messages by filling the application windows with the Freedom┐ logo. When the application regains control it can restore its windows. This method is less compatible than the new version but on slower computers saves a few superfluous redraws, it's also a few Kilobytes larger. If you'd don't like the fill pattern you can change it using a program written by Andrew Mayer. The choice is yours! How Freedom┐ works ================== Freedom┐ consists of two parts: -A file selector/Alert box 'Server' (FREEDOM.APP) which runs as a parallel application or accessory and waits to be activated by calls via the defined interface (usually AES messages). A number of file selectors and alert boxes which can be opened is only limited by available memory and window handles. The server reports itself on starting using the XAcc Protocol and installs the extended XAcc Names 'XFileSelect\0XFontAck'. -A resident part FFSEL.PRG. Applications which call the file selector or an alert box sends an appropriate request to the Server which (if necessary) starts itself in parallel and waits in an event loop for a reply from the Server. Inside the event loop various other messages are handled simultaneously (Window redraw, move, size, top, send to back etc) as long as the alerts/file selectors are active and the menu bar of the calling program is dis/re-enabled. By cunning programming this part is up to 8 times re-entrant which means up to 8 different applications, alerts or file selectors may be open before the trap handler ignores any further calls and passes an alert to the system. This part also handles conversion of the reply from Freedom┐ using one of the three Selectric┐ protocols. This does however present a problem because only a single Selectric cookie is passed it's possible another application/s could try to communicate simultaneously. To minimise this risk the resident FFSEL sits on messages for applications and passes them on later. The following are specifically 'swallowed': (AC_CLOSE) ; Sadly, due to problems with Chameleon AC_OPEN MN_SELECTED WM_CLOSED, WM_FULLED, WM_ARROWED,WM_MOVED WM_HSLID, WM_VSLID, WM_SIZED, WM_UNTOPPED, WM_TOPPED, WM_ONTOP WM_NEWTOP, WM_ICONIFY, WM_UNICONIFY, WM_BOTTOMED VA_START, VA_STARTED, VA_DRAGACCWIND AV_SENDKEY ; AV server should be the Freedom┐ Protocol AV_STARTPROG ; supported, if it's a file selector AV_OPENWIND ; call AV_OPENCONSOLE ; AP_DRAGDROP ; answered with DD_NAK WM_REDRAW ; passed once (maximum) for each window sent by WM_MOVED ; an application. Operation ========= Although the Freedom┐ interface is primarily designed to take advantage of the latest enhanced GEM tools to offer the ultimate in point and click simplicity we haven't forgotten users who prefer to navigate menus using keyboard shortcuts. Changing drives - using the mouse Keyboard shortcut ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Click on the drive letter section of the path [Control]+L and a popup containing the available drives Displays the popup is displayed. Alternative: [Alternate]+Drive letter Changes to drive Changing the file extender - using the mouse Keyboard shortcut ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Click on the file extender section of the path using: .. Left click: Directory specific masks [Control]+Y +[Shift] if files selected .. Right click: User defined masks [Control]+X +[Shift] if files selected .. Left double click: Dialog to enter mask [Control]+E .. Right double click: Pseudo File type masks Alternative: [Control]+Number pad 1-0 Selects from the first 10 defined masks. [Shift]+[Control]+ Number pad 1-0 selects masks 11-20. [Control]+Number pad . selects the default mask [Control]+Number pad * sets mask to *.* Change directory level - using the mouse Keyboard shortcut ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Left click on the directory section of the path using: .. Directory: popup with alternative folders is displayed. .. Slash '\': The path is 'truncated' at [Control]+1-0 steps the level selected. This 1-10 levels up feature is similar to the 'Mac-Path' concept. .. last '\': All directories at this level are displayed in a popup. Left click on the Closer (icon to left of [Control]+[Backspace] or path) to move up a directory level. [Control]+[Undo] Right or double click to return to the root [Shift]+[Control]+ directory [Backspace] or Direct single or double click on a folder Move to folder using the in the directory window changes to the scroll arrows then press folder. either the [Return] or Default: Double click needed to open folder [Enter] key Double left click or single right click on [Control]+P the path on or before the last backslash Alternative: to display the user defined path popup. [Alternate]+1-0 selects from the first 10 user defined paths. [Alternate]+[Esc] selects the default path. [Shift]+[Alternate]+1-0 selects user defined paths between 11-20. Save current status in Clipboard. [Control]+C Set current status from Clipboard. [Shift]+[Control]+V De/select files - using the mouse Keyboard shortcut ----------------------------------------------------------------------- To select any file use a single left click. Left click and hold the button down then drag to select consecutive files. The directory window automatically scrolls in the appropriate direction as the upper or lower edge of the window is reached. Note! If you don't start the drag action quickly enough the pointer changes to the hand Drag&Drop icon. The time delay before the cursor changes is user definable. To select two or more files which are not adjacent to each other, hold down either [Shift] key and select them in turn. To deselect a selected file select it again whilst holding down either [Shift] key. To de/select all files left click on the [Control]+A fuller icon to the right of the path in the directory window title bar. To invert the selected files right click on [Shift]+[Control]+A the fuller icon. To select files using a mask double click on [Control]+S the fuller icon and a 'Select files' dialog appears ready to enter your desired mask. On exiting the dialog using the 'OK' button all matching files are selected. To deselect files using a mask hold down the [Shift]+[Control]+S [Shift] key and double click on the fuller icon to display a 'Deselect files' dialog. A popup containing the pre-defined files is [Control]+M or called by right clicking on 'File:' text to the left of the editable field. A left click displays the 'History' popup [Control]+< which contains the last 20 files selected. Selecting file/s with either of these two Popups automatically closes the Freedom┐ and passes the file/s to the calling application. This behaviour can be inhibited by holding the [Shift] key down during selection. Using the arrow keys the selected file can be changed using the selection bar like a cursor. To scroll the directory window a page at a time hold down the [Shift] key. To select the first/last entry press [ClrHome] /[Shift]+[ClrHome] or [Control]+Cursor up/ [Control]+Cursor down. Freedom┐ can also be configured so a right click in the directory window is interpreted as a [Shift]+left click action. Copy complete path (with mask) to Clipboard [Control]+C Collect path (with mask) from Clipboard [Control]+V File scrolling - using the mouse Keyboard shortcut ----------------------------------------------------------------------- The simplest method is a left click and hold See above action to scroll through the files. The [Control]+Cursor up slider works just like a standard GEM slider [Control]+Cursor down only better because of 'real time' scrolling. If the #RSCROLL option in the configuration file is active a single right mouse click anywhere inside the directory window activates 'Dynamic scrolling' (As used in the 'Thing' alternative desktop') Changing the Sort method - using the mouse Keyboard shortcut ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Right or double click on the slider button [Control]+J to open the sort popup (locating the sort Alternatives: popup on the slider button means it's always [Control]+H: By name handy when you need it). [Control]+Z: By date [Control]+G: By size [Control]+T: By ending [Control]+K: No sort [Control]+R: Reverse File type sorting can additionally be applied by activating the 'Type' option and can only be activated using this popup. Drag & drop - using the mouse Keyboard shortcut ----------------------------------------------------------------------- A left mouse click and hold over a selected [Alternate]+Arrow keys file (or combination of selected to manoeuvre the mouse files/folders) changes the mouse pointer to pointer over the the hand icon and surrounds the selected selected objects, then objects with a ghosted frame. [Alternate]+[Insert] to These objects can now be dragged to other 'grab' the objects. applications, eg a desktop, depending on your Now the objects can be system. The Info line along the bottom of the dragged using the directory window reports the likely result of [Alternate]+Arrow keys. releasing the left mouse button. (These shortcuts are built into the OS and nothing to do with Freedom┐)! If the files are dragged onto a badly programmed application Freedom┐ cannot foresee the outcome. Often nothing at all happens because the window of an AV-Server (Gemini/Thing/Ease or other program) has already requested the destination. Freedom┐ can copy/move objects by Drag&Dropping objects between windows of an AV-Server or other Freedom┐ file selectors. Further (application independent) Freedom┐ [Control]+[Help] or file selectors can be opened by double or [Shift]+[Help] right mosue clicking on the Freedom┐ logo. Freedom┐ functions - using the mouse Keyboard shortcut ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Delete: Select the object/s to be deleted [Control]+D then click on the Wastebaket icon or drag the selected objects to the icon. New object: Click on the folder icon to [Control]+N display the 'New object' dialog. Enter the desired folder/file name to be created and select the desired button to create an empty (zero length) file or folder. Object Information: Select the object/s you would like Information about followed by the desired action. Alternatively you can drag the selected object/s to the icon. .. Left mouse click on the Info icon: [Control]+I (or [Tab]) Displays the 'Object-Information' dialog for each object in turn. For files the dialog displays the file creation date and time, filename, size and status flags (Locked, Hidden, System and Archive). The status flags and filename are editable. For folders the dialog along with the editable folder name. .. General information ('Count files'): [Shift]+[Control]+I After selecting one or more objects right mouse click on the Info icon to display an 'Information' dialog which begins a recursive count then displays the total number of files, folder and bytes. If the count is started in error or takes too long press the [Esc] key to abort the count. .. Drive info ('Count files'): [Shift]+[Control]+I Left or right mouse click on the Info icon without any objects selected to begin a recursive count of all the files on the current drive. A dialog displays the total number of files, folder and bytes. If the count is started in error or takes too long press the [Esc] key to abort the count. .. Touch: [Control]+B The 'Touch' button updates (recursively) the file creation date and time for each selected file. Select the desired object/s then drag them to the New object icon to display the Touch dialog. Export to Clipboard: Select the desired [Control]+C for copy object/s then drag them to, or click on, the [Control]+X for move Clipboard icon. For move operations hold down the [Control] key during the drag action. A file SCRAP.TXT will be created listing the selected paths and filenames, tagged to distinguish between copy and move operations. Import (Copy/move) from Clipboard: [Control]+V The contents of the file SCRAP.TXT is acted upon. Select the destination directory then click on the Clipboard icon or drag the Clipboard icon to the desired location. For move operations hold down the [Control] key during the drag action. Right mouse click on the clipboard to [Shift]+[Control]+V import the path from SCRAP.TXT. Freedom┐ jumps to select any specified object/s. Naturally if SCRAP.TXT contains garbage anything can happen! It's also possible to 'exchange' object/s with a window in the Gemini desktop. Highlight the desired object's in a Gemini window then press [Control]+C to export it to the Clipboard and use [Control]+V to import the paths in Freedom┐. Unfortunately this currently doesn't work in the other direction due to a faulty Gemini function. Find file: Click on the magnifying glass to [Control]+F display the Object search dialog. Enter a search mask and select whether the current folder, drive or all drives will be searched. If the environmental variable DRIVEMAP is set this is used when search all drives is selected. Click 'OK' to start the search and any keypress [Esc] to abort at any time. If a matching file is found the search is paused and its name is displayed in the wide button beneath the Search line. Four options are available: .. Wide button: The file is passed to the underlying file selector which passes the file to the application and automatically closes Freedom┐. .. OK: Single left click passes the file to the underlying selector with the matching file selected and entered in the 'File' editable field. A double or right mouse click has the same effect as clicking on the wide button. .. Again: Searches for another matching file. .. Cancel: Close the dialog without action. Freedom┐ normally puts an 'invisible' link between the search dialog which means it's only possible to open one search dialog per file selector. This option offers the possibility of [Shift]+[Control]+F opening multiple search dialogs which can all run even under Single TOS! Don't blame us if your hard disk explodes! Open object: Primarily for multitasking OS Select file/s then press users. A double/right mouse click, whilst [Control]+O holding down either the [Alternate] or [Control] key, on an object/s opens the object/s. i.e. if a viewer is configured to handle a Alternatively a single certain filetype a message is sent with the file can be opened using selected file/s. Freedom┐ also starts the [Control]+[Return] viewer in parallel if it's not already memory resident. Since this isn't very flexible Freedom┐ lets the AV-Server (where possible) handle this because it can also take into account installed applications etc. The one-step auto-locator - an overview... ------------------------------------------ A certain other file selector offers an auto-locator but ours is different and we're proud of its functionality! Our 'One-step auto-locator' is similar in operation to the 'Completion' command anyone familiar with command shells should recognise. If the auto-locator is switched off it can be activated by pressing the [Tab] key. There is an apparent conflict with the 'Object info' function which is also assigned to the [Tab] key. To avoid this conflict 'Object info' is also assigned to the [Control]+[I] and the 'One-step auto-locator' is also assigned to the [Control]+[Tab]. By default (set in the CFN file) the Freedom┐ auto-locator searches for both files and folders. Holding down the [Shift] key during a search restricts the search to files only. The 'One-step' feature steps through each matching file in turn before looping back to the first match for another cycle, the ultimate in convienience! The Clipboard ------------- The Clipboard, via the file SCRAP.TXT, is used to store the object names and paths for subsequent use. To exchange files with the Clipboard the standard copy, [Control]+C, and move, [Control]+X, key combinations are available. Altenatively object/s can be Drag&Dropped onto the Clipboard icon. A single left click on the Clipboard icon changes the pointer to display a hand with the ghosted image of the object/s ready to Drag&Drop onto other applications, editable fields, path fields or the Freedom┐ Trashcan/Info icons or any Freedom┐ file list window (to copy). Copy/move operations can also be completed using the keyboard combination [Control]+V which checks the status of the move/copy flag. Holding down the [Shift] key in addition to [Control]+V causes Freedom┐ to jump to the directory containing the objects listed in SCRAP.TXT and highlight them ready for selection. This makes it easy to return to the original path after a copy/move operation (similar to Selectric). Another useful feature is the ability to 'capture' a formatted filelist. Highlight the desired files then double click on the Clipboard icon or press [Shift]+[Control]+V to save the list in SCRAP.TXT. Here's a simple example #NICEFORMAT string in FREEDOM.CNF: #NICEFORMAT Filename: %-F.%-E Size: %11P Bytes And here's the resulting output: Filename: evrst34e.zip Size: 96.472 Bytes Filename: frdm114d.lzh Size: 365.720 Bytes Filename: html093 .lzh Size: 107.119 Bytes Notes! Remember object/s are only physically copied/moved when they are Drag&Dropped to another location or pasted using [Control]+V. Warning: DON'T copy files to the Clipboard then delete the originals because all you'll have left is a file list in SCRAP.TXT!!!! SCRAP.TXT itself is vunerable and is often written to by other applications so it's safest (and sensible) to perform copy/move/paste operations following on from each other then you're unlikely to encounter unexpected data in SCRAP.TXT. For anyone interested Freedom┐ (cheekily :-) sets the file archive bit for SCRAP.TXT when using [Control]+X or [Control]+V. Using [Control]+X the (normally set) archive bit is cleared. It's also possible to drag object/s even if Freedom┐ is display as a modal dialog. Seven little helpers - the popup menus ------------------------------------ Have you ever noticed how often you working on the same files? Sometimes days or even weeks at a time! And each time you have to select them using the file selector. With Freedom┐ it doesn't have to be this way! If you're used to using other file selectors which offer user definable paths and extensions you'll know just how useful they are. No doubt you'll also have noticed how quickly you run out of slots! Freedom┐ offers up to 40 full paths and extensions which should be enough for most people! File popup ---------- A single right mouse click on the word 'File:' preceding the editable file selection field displays the File popup, simply select the desired file and Freedom┐ automatically closes itself and passes the specified file to the calling application. Up to 40 files with full path entries can be defined under the #FILES section in FREEDOM.CNF. A single click on the File popup displays files which match the currently active mask and a double click displays all files up to the maximum which can be fitted on screen. To display all available files select the '*.*' mask. History popup ------------- A single left mouse click on the word 'File:' preceding the editable file selection field displays the History popup, simply select the desired file and Freedom┐ automatically closes itself and passes the specified file to the calling application. This popup contains the last 40 (maximum) selected files which makes it reall easy to find files quickly. If the #HISTFILE <ful path> is set in FREEDOM.CNF the contents of the history popup is stored and restored next time you power on your machine and run Freedom┐. A single click on the History popup displays files which match the currently active mask and a double click displays all files up to the maximum which can be fitted on screen. To display all available files select the '*.*' mask. Path popup ---------- A double/right click anywhere before the last '\' on the path line displays the Path popup, simply select the desired path in the popup and Freedom┐ jumps to the specified directory, all that remains is select the desired file followed by the 'OK' button. Entries can be changed by opening the popup with the desired directory and mask active then selecting an existing slot with a double click or a single click whilst holding down the [Shift] key. Up to 40 files can be defined under the #PATHS section in FREEDOM.CNF. Extension popup --------------- A right mouse click to the right of the last '\' on the path line displays the Extension popup, simply select the desired extension mask to display files of the desired type in the directory window. The first entry in this popup is always '*.*'. Entries can be changed by right clicking to the right of the last '\' on the path line then selecting an existing slot with a double click or a single click whilst holding down the [Shift] key. A double click to the right of the last '\' on the path line displays the 'New mask' dialog. Enter the desired mask and select 'OK' to activate the mask. Currently edited settings (in the Path and Extension Popups) are NOT stored in the CFN file and are consequently lost when you reboot your machine. You'll have to edit the CFN file manually until we change Freedom┐. File type popup --------------- A double right mouse click to the right of the last '\' on the path line displays the File type popup, select the desired 'psuedo' file type mask which appears inside brackets, eg <Program>, at the end of the path line instead of the usual extender. Only folders and matching file types are displayed in the directory window. The first entry in this popup is always 'Folder'. Hold down the [Shift] key while right double clicking on the extension to append further file types to the path line. Drive popup ----------- A left mouse click before the first '\' on the path line displays the available drives. Folder popup ------------ A left mouse click on or before the last '\' on the path line displays a popup containing the folders at the selected directory level. General points -------------- -The small icon at the bottom right can be used to resize the number of lines and columns used by Freedom┐. -Freedom┐ always allows multiple file selection however on selecting 'OK' it depends on the calling application how many files are loaded. In many cases this is only a single file. -The way Freedom┐ is designed often means there are two alternative ways of doing things. Some people prefer pressing the mouse button down for the whole time during a action, others prefer to click once to start and once briefly again to finish. Freedom┐ offers both methods in the following cases: In all popups, using the slider, as a flying dialog (with Freedom┐ running in modal mode) using the size icon and finally even using Drag&Drop (Grab using [Control] or [Alternate] keys). -The (Selectric┐ compatible) function keys can be turned off (using the #NOFKTKEYS option in FREEDOM.CFN) so they can passed to an AV-Server. -The 'Again' button in the Search dialog offers an exceptional function: Hold down this button using the mouse to 'pseudo skip' files you're not interested in. Alternatively use the keyboard shortcut [Alternate]+W in which case keyboard events are surpressed! -Optionally Freedom┐ can display all its alert boxes completely in the background in which case they can be controlled without holding the right mouse button down. If in spite of this option you wish to top a Freedom┐ alert this you can either click on the window title or briefly click any non-selectable background area! If you've read enough about features we suggest you have a play. After a few days (at most!) you'll have forgotten your old file selector and appreciate just how intuitive and powerful Freedom┐'s interface really is! Overview of Freedom┐ keyboard shortcuts ======================================= [Alternate]+A-Z Select drive [Control]+[Backspace] Step one directory level up [Control]+[Undo] Step one directory level up [Control]+A Select all [Control]+[Shift]+A Invert selection [Control]+D Delete selected folder(s)/file(s) [Control]+N New object [Control]+I Object info [Control]+[Shift]+I File count, drive info [Control]+B Touch file/s [Tab] Object info OR auto-locator (Depends on #SHELLTAB option in CNF file) [Control]+[Tab] One-step auto-locator; cyclic folder and files [Control]+[Shift]+[Tab] One-step auto-locator; cyclic files only [Control]+F Search for object, linked to current file selector (F for find) [Control]+[Shift]+F Search for object, independent of selector [Control]+C Copy current status to Clipboard [Control]+[Shift]+C Export directory listing according to the #NICEFORMAT format string to Clipboard [Control]+V Copy/move files using data in file list [Control]+[Shift]+V Import status from Clipboard [Control]+H Sort by Name; H like Selectric┐ [Control]+Z Sort by Date; Z for Zeit (German for Time) [Control]+G Sort by Size; G for Grö₧e (German for Size) [Control]+T Sort by Type [Control]+K Unsorted; K for Keine (German for none) [Control]+R Sort in Reverse [Control]+[Shift]+S Deselect files using mask [Control]+S Select files using mask [Control]+E Enter mask (E for extension) [Control]+Y Open application specific Extension popup [Control]+P Open user defined Path popup [Control]+J Open Sort popup [Control]+X File list to Clipboard (SCRAP.TXT) tagged move [Control]+[Shift]+X Open user defined extension popup (eXtension) [Control]+M Open filtered user defined File popup [Control]+[Shift]+M Open unfiltered user defined File popup [Control]+< Open filtered History popup (< for backwards) [Control]+[Shift]+< Open unfiltered History popup [Control]+L Open Drive popup [Control]+W Cycle windows forwards [Control]+[Shift]+W Cycle windows backwards [Alternate]+[Control]+W Global window change (only via AV-Server) [Control]+[Return] or Open selected object (under a multitasking OS [Control]+O or AV-Server eg Gemini/Thing etc) [Control]+1-0 Select directory level from 1 to 10 [Alternate]+[Esc] Select the default (home) path [Alternate]+1-0 Select user defined paths from 0 to 10 [Alternate]+[Shift]+1-0 Select user defined paths from 11 to 20 [Control]+Num.Pad . Select default extension [Control]+Num.Pad 1-0 Select user defined extensions from 1 to 10 [Control]+[Shift]+ Select user defined extensions from 11 to 20 Num.Pad 1-0 [Control]+Num.Pad * Select *.* as mask [Control]+Num.Pad / Same as Freedom┐ window fuller icon [Control]+Num.Pad + Same as [Cursor down]+click on 'OK' button [Control]+Num.Pad - Same as [Cursor up]+click on 'OK' button [Shift]+[Esc] or Re-read directory [Control]+[Esc] [Esc] Clear 'File' editable field [Return] or [Enter] Same as 'OK'. Any selected files/folders will be passed to the calling application as file/s [Shift]+[Return] or Same as 'OK'. Any selected files/folders are [Shift]+[Enter] ignored and solely the text in the 'File' editable field is passed as a file to the calling applications [Control]+Q, [Undo] Same as 'Cancel' or [Control]+U [Help] Freedom┐ info [Shift]+[Help] or Open another application independent [Control]+[Help] file selector [Alternate]+[Control]+ Space bar De/Iconify Freedom┐ selector or alert [Control]+Cursor up Same as Freedom┐ up scroll arrow [Control]+Cursor down Same as Freedom┐ down scroll arrow Cursor up Move selected file 'Cursor' up Cursor down Move selected file 'Cursor' down [Shift]+Cursor up Move selected file 'Cursor' up a page [Shift]+Cursor down Move selected file 'Cursor' down a page [ClrHome] Select first entry in directory window [Shift]+[ClrHome] Select last entry in directory window The function keys F1-F10, [Shift]+F1-F10 (=F11-F20) are user definable. Parallel processing capability ============================== Freedom┐ works like a co-operative operating system, allocating available processor time between all the currently running tasks. This means that under normal (co-operative) TOS versions Freedom┐ can work on a file search whilst reading a large directory or performing a file count for a drive. Even better each action started in Freedom┐ (Search, delete, file counts, directory reading, copy, move ..) are managed as extra tasks by Freedom┐ and can all run in the background even if individual task/s opens a popup, window or dialog! Unfortunately, thanks to the slow speed of GEMDOS, running parallel copy/move operations will cause Freedom┐ to grind to a halt all on but the fastest machines with fast storage media... One search dialog per file selector is allowed and it's bound to the file selector it was initiated from. However, using [Control]+[Shift]+F it's now possible to launch multiple independent search operations, set them all off to find different files, close Freedom┐ and sit back and watch your hard disk explode! Other operations including file counts, drive info, delete, touch and file info operations can run at the same time, the hard part is keeping on top of all the activities! The 'De/Select files' and 'Enter new mask' dialogs can only be started once and are bound to the file selector from which they were called. Drag and drop ============= Freedom┐ can pass and receive files using Drag&Drop with applications using MultiTOS and AV Drag&Drop. Generally this means: -You can Drag&Drop files, holding the [Shift] key down, to a destination Freedom┐ file selector which will automatically close and pass the dragged files to the calling application. (If you'd rather not hold the [Shift] key down you can Drag&Drop the files onto the the 'File:' editable field. -A Drag&Drop without modifier keys copies (if possible). -A Drag&Drop holding down the [Control] key moves (if possible). -Additionally holding down the [Alternate] key during a copy/move operation enables objects to be renamed before copying/moving. -Drag&Drop onto icons: Drag objects from Freedom┐ to other applications, for example, to alternative desktops such as Thing and Gemini or to the icons (Delete/Info etc) in other Freedom┐ selectors) The way it works (Methodology) ------------------------------ Where possible Drag&Drop copy/move actions will be left to the AV-Server (Thing/Gemini). If no AV-Server is available Freedom┐ tries to copy/move the files itself. Drag your files to another unblocked application and Freedom┐ asks the AV-Server whether it recognises the destination application then passes the files, if necessary via an intermediate AV-Server. If no AV-Server is available or the application is unknown then (as a last attempt) a VA_START is sent to the owner of the window (unless this can be determined using Appl. 0). Freedom┐ can also communicate with applications (for example Gemview) using the MultiTOS Drag&Drop (via pipes) although with most applications this involves a delay of several seconds. Applications which support MultiTOS Drag&Drop can have their filenames, without extensions, added under the #PIPEDD section of FREEDOM.CNF. Dragging object/s onto Freedom┐'s path line selects the object/s (just like dragging object/s to the 'File' line) except Freedom┐ remains open. The file type concept ===================== Each file type can be assigned: -Name: A text description -Sort: A sort priority -Image: Number of the image in the image file Colours: Foreground colour for text, selected and unselected Background colour for text, selected and unselected Mask: A preceding \ denotes a folder rule Here's one example line from the #FILETYPES section from FREEDOM.CNF: Program 19 1 0 1 1 0 *.PRG,*.TOS,*.ACC,*.TTP,*.GTP,*.APP | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | +--Mask for list of file types | | | | | | +-------Text colour (selected) | | | | | +---------Background (selected) | | | | +-----------Text colour (Deselected) | | | +-------------Background (Deselected) | | +----------------Number of the corresponding image (icon) | +----------------------Sort priority +-----------------------------Type name (preferably brief descriptions) (Refer to the Thing Desktop) The file type descriptions can optionally be displayed in the directory window by adding '%X' in the format string. The Type option has also been added to the Sort popup and may be used in addition to the other sort methods. If selected the file type becomes the primary sort attribute and files are first grouped into types, according to their priority in FREEDOM.CNF, then sorted using the current secondary attribute (Name, Date, Size, Extender, Unsorted). Because two sorts are performed this option is slower. Be careful to place general masks after specific ones. For example placing if '*.*' is used as the first entry all subsequent entries will be ignored. Configuration ============= Freedom┐ is highly configurable, the options include: -Font, size, colours and line spacing in the selector directory window -Scroll bar position to left/right of directory window -Various delay actions -Separate format string for 8.3 and long format filenames -Whether case sensitivity is observed -Whether the auto-locator is active and matches files and folders -Whether the alert box buttons are all the same width -Where Kobold is located (Environmental variable is checked) -Name of file viewer (1st View, ST-Guide etc) -Name of search utility (Parafin, FSearch etc) -Function key layout -Which files are interpreted as executables -Whether folders are opened using a single or double click -Whether a right click in the directory window scrolls (like Thing) or (like everywhere else) a double click is used -Whether background operation of window dialogs is active -Whether the file selector opens under the mouse -Number of lines/columns for the directory window -Up to 40 user defined files -Up to 40 user defined paths -Up to 40 user defined extensions -The path to search for the Freedom┐ file icons (FREEDMxx.IMG) -Rules which control file icon/colour/priority etc -List of applications Freedom┐ should run in modal mode -List of up to 16 applications which do not co-exist with Freedom┐ -List of up to 64 applications which Freedom┐ can call using the VA_START or Menu bar trick -Whether Freedom┐ displays alert boxes in windows Currently these parameters can only by changed by editing the CNF file in a text editor (Everest etc) but don't panic! The CNF file is heavily commented. Some changes only take effect on re-launching Freedom┐. On starting Freedom┐ searches for its configuration file under a name which corresponds to the current screen resolution (using the same method employed by Gemini). For example at 640x400 resolution 06400400.CNF, at 1280x960 resolution 12800960.CNF etc. If Freedom┐ can't find a file specifically for the current resolution it searches for FREEDOM.CNF and if this fails default values are used instead. Freedom┐ searches for it's configuration file using the shel_find() call which means the search is left to the AES. The AES searches the current directory and all directories listed in the $PATH environmental variable. Using the Image path (#IMAGEPATH) variable in the CNF file it's possible to set a different image file for each colour depth and resolution and similarly, using the Font setting (#FONTID) different fonts for each resolution can be set up. Example: -------- Actual folder containing Freedom┐: 03200200.CNF Could have an entry: #IMAGEPATH C:\FREEDOM\FDIMG\SMALL\ 06400400.CNF Could have an entry: #IMAGEPATH C:\FREEDOM\FDIMG\NORMAL\ The icon image file at 320x200 resolution would be searched for in: 'C:\FREEDOM\FDIMG\SMALL\' At 640x400 resolution 'C:\FREEDOM\FDIMG\NORMAL\' would be searched instead. The Image filenames denote the colour depth, for example: FREEDM04.IMG is 4 bit or 16 colours deep FREEDM08.IMG is 8 bit or 256 colours deep Important! Users of pre-version 1.14 should add the #IMAGES keyword to their FREEDOM.CNF otherwise your icons will not be loaded! The #IMAGES keyword sets how many icons exist in the IMG files. If the value is set explicity to 0 (or set incorrectly) no icons will be displayed. If this keyword is missing altogether only the folder icon is displayed. General configuration file notes -------------------------------- Freedom┐ reads the file line by line. Any line preceded with a semi-colon ';' character is ignored. All other lines are searched for recognised keywords, for example #AUTOLOCATE. Keywords all begin with a hash '#' character. If no keyword is found the line is assumed to belong to the previously recognised keyword. Some options are followed by a list, for example #PATHS where up to 40 lines containing paths may follow. Exact information about each individual option can be found in the example configuration files included in the distribution and can be viewed and edited using your favourite text editor (Everest etc). Be sure to keep a back-up copy before making changes! The Image files and corresponding masks ======================================= Freedom┐ reads FREEDOM.CNF and searches the path specified by #IMAGEPATH for the XIMG format files FREEDMxx.IMG where 'xx' represents the number of bitplanes, for example: Monochrome resolutions have 1 bitplane and load: FREEDM01.IMG 16 colour resolutions have 4 bitplanes and load: FREEDM04.IMG 256 colour resolutions have 8 bitplanes and load: FREEDM08.IMG If an appropriate image in XIMG format is found, and it has exactly the right number of bitplanes, it will be loaded and divided into individual images according to the value set in #IMAGES. For example if the image loaded is 280 pixels wide and 16 pixels high and #IMAGES 14 it's divided into 14 separate 20x16 pixel icons. This is a very flexible and easy to extend system but be careful when adding new icons or changing font size. Remember to update the #IMAGES value and if necessary edit your XIMG to the correct height. Always work on a back-up! The Format string ----------------- Freedom┐ makes it easy to format the entries in the directory window to suit your needs. In addition to the standard 8.3 format (8 character filename followed by a period and 3 character extender) other file systems which use long filenames or other formats can be accessed. The display format is handled using a single format string in which the percent '%' character plays a special role. Let's set-up a string which formats the directory window listing to display the filename, size, date and time as follows: : EVEREST PRG 154.510 29.10.94 09:41 EVEREST INF 840 09.01.95 11:36 : First the filename is listed in standard 8.3 format followed by the size up to a maximum 9 digits followed by the date and time without seconds. Here's the format string: #FORMAT %-F %-E%9K %T%2D.%2M.%2Y %T%h:%m The format string uses the percent '%' character as a place marker for each attribute, the following attributes are available: F Filename up to the last period (if period used) E Filename from the last point (if extension used) N Full (unformatted) filename D Day M Month Y Year (without century 00-99) h Hour m Minutes s Seconds S Size in Bytes of file in '13456789' format, folders excluded P Size in Bytes of file in '1.345.678' format, folders excluded K Size in Bytes of file in '13456789' format, folders '<folder>' T Use the clock symbol for today's files, otherwise nothing A[xx] Attribute bit of the files [-a] Default character W[xx] Write protected file status [-r] Default character H[xx] Hidden bit file status [-h] Default character Z[xx] System bit file status [-s] Default character X File type a Any ASCII character (e.g, %13a for CR or %10a for LF) % The percent character used to denote attributes Tabs (Pseudo attributes): L Left justified tab (character by character) C Centred tab (character by character) R Right justified tab (character by character) l Left justified tab (pixel by pixel) c Centred tab (pixel by pixel) r Right justified tab (pixel by pixel) (Suggestions for other attributes welcomed!) Each attribute displayed by Freedom┐ has a default width. To make the width wider or narrower you can set the new width directly between the '%' character and the attribute (eg %9P). Freedom┐ right-justifies all attributes narrower than the field width. If you'd prefer to left-justify attributes insert a '-' immediately after the '%' part of the attribute, the '%-20N' start of the following example does this: On a system supporting long filenames it's not so important to use separate attributes for the filename and extender, here's an example: #LONGFORMAT %-20N%9P %2D.%2M.%2Y The directory window output leaves more room for the long filenames: : EVEREST.PRG 154.510 29.10.94 EVEREST.INF 840 09.01.95 : Proportional fonts ------------------ With the introduction of tab handling (%L,%C,%R,%l,%c,%r) Freedom┐ can now make practical use of proportional fonts. The format string is used as the horizontal 'cursor' which together with the tab attributes provide good control over the directory window display. %l or %L displays left justified output to the right of the cursor position, %c and %C display centred output around the cursor postion and %r and %R display right justified output to the left of the cursor. All the tab attributes are strung together into a Format string. The offset values are always relative to the previous tab position. Negative tabs are allowed and text could overlay other text although this is likely to result in an untidy display (!) If no tabs are active, each attribute has a default width, which is padded with space characters to the left and right as needed to fit the default width. Using proportional fonts this is not desirable so it's important the first attribute in the format string is a tab. Here's an (ugly) example: %12R%N%6C%P%6L%2D.%2M.%2Y %T%h:%m '%N' displays the full filename right justified to 12 character spaces. At this point the cursor is positioned 12 character spaces from the left border. Next follows a centred tab which moves the cursor a further 6 places to the right and '%P' displays the size of the file centered around this position. The cursor is now 18 character spaces from the left border. Finally the cursor is moved another 6 characters to the right to display the rest of the format string left justified 24 character spaces from the left border. The VA_START trick ------------------ Using the VA_START message (Gemini/Thing/Ease) many programs can be 'tricked' into loading file(s) without loading another copy of itself into memory. Calling Freedom┐ from an application which understands the VA_START message (and is configured in the CNF file) causes Freedom┐ to send a simulated message back to the application that the 'Cancel' button has been pressed. This causes the application to call fsel_input then continue working leaving the Freedom┐ window open! After selecting a file(s) and exiting Freedom┐ using the 'OK' button Freedom┐ sends a VA_START message to the calling application which opens the file(s). It's similar to dragging file(s) onto an icon installed on the desktop (Gemini/Thing/Ease). Some example programs which understand the VA_START message are included in the example CNF file. There are plenty of programs which don't like this arrangement but one glorious exception is the Everest text editor, which handles everything VA_START throws at it! A disadvantage of the VA_START method is the directory path cannot be passed so next time the file selector is opened the old path is displayed. One workaround if the program understands VA_START and you have enough free screen available is to simply leave the Freedom┐ file selector open. This makes it possible to can drag files to the window of any application which understands VA_START at any time. Example #VA_START entry in FREEDOM.CNF: PAULA Load MODFILE | | | +-- Title in the file selector which Freedom┐ looks for +-------- AES program name The Menu bar trick ------------------ And another trick: Applications in which file selector calls are directly bound to a menu entry can be added to the #MENUBAR section in FREEDOM.CNF. This allows absolutely non modal multiple file selections to be made. In contrast to the VA_START trick this method has the advantage of passing the directory path and extension. Using the supplied program MENU_ID, which runs as an application or accessory (APP/ACC), the ID numbers for a menu entry can be determined. Like the VA_START method the file selector returns 'Cancel' and then supplies the file/s afterwards. An MN_SELECTED message is sent to the relevant application (which simulates the menu item) and the program then calls fsel_[ex]input. Instead of opening a new file selector one of the selected files is returned with, if neccessary, a restore MN_SELECTED message. Finally multiple file selection. This doesn't work with programs without menu lines or programs which call the file selector from a dialog. You should not try to use the Menu bar trick for menu items such as 'Save as...', because this method can't remember which application window topped at the moment the original call was made, and normally the selection of such menu items refer to the _currently_ topped window. For this reason this list should only be used for absolutely context independent file selector calls! Example #MENUBAR entry in FREEDOM.CNF: PC 8 76 Select Project... | | | | | | | +--Title in the file selector which Freedom┐ looks for | | +--------Object number of the corresponding menu entry (item) | +----------Object number of the corresponding menu title (title) +-------------AES Program name (Pure C in this case) The title and item values can be determined using MENU_ID, which runs as an application or accessory (APP/ACC) and displays the numbers at the top right of the menu bar. The program is crude and should be removed after use because, in contrast to Freedom┐ itself, MENU_ID does not run under protected MiNT! Also bear in mind a new release of any application may have different 'item' or even 'title' values so you'll have to re-establish the correct IDs and update FREEDOM.CNF. We've already tried this trick successfully with many programs. The weakest point which Freedom┐ depends upon is that the MN_SELECTED message really is evaluated by the program and answered with a fsel_[ex]input call so that the next file can be sent. It's possible a program will not allow the selection of a particular menu item at any moment, for example it may still be loading the previous file, in which case the MN_SELECTED message will unfortunately be rejected. With Everest a wait time of around half a second is enough, with Pure C it always works (to our pleasure :-) and with other programs it doesn't. After sending a MN_SELECTED message Freedom┐ waits up to ten seconds before releasing 'uncollected' files. If the application has dumped the MN_SELECTED message and you manually call the file selector before ten seconds have elapsed the file selector doesn't appear but the next file in the queue should be delivered. After ten seconds have elapsed the file selector appears when the menu title is called. You cannot use this trick in the following cases: -The application has no menu line -The application uses fsel_input instead of fsel_exinput, which results in the default 'Select file...' title line which makes it impossible to distinguish between file selector calls within the same application. It's OK to so long as the program only calls the file selector once. -The application uses fsel_exinput but passes the same menu title from several different points in the program which makes it impossible to distinguish between file selector calls within the same application. It's OK to so long as the program only calls the file selector once. -The application opens by calling the relevant menu item the first time but after loading a file a dialog or some other user input is displayed. If you click fast enough these work...sometimes! There are still some conceivable areas of improvement for this trick: The delay between sending MN_SELECTED messages could be made application dependent/adjustable, maybe using fuzzy logic :-) Function key definitions ------------------------ The function keys can be freely defined using the #FKTKEYS options in FREEDOM.CNF. A character string is used to represent each option. The string is read from left to right and assigned in turn to the function keys F1 to F20 (F11 = [Shift]+F1). Example: -------- A-JKDEFGIH Assigns F1 with function A (see list below) Leaves F2 unassigned Assigns F3 with function J .. All unassigned function keys are still passed to the AV-Server where each key could peform an action. For example F2 could launch a program. Using the #NOSENDKEY option in FREEDOM.CNF keypresses are not sent to the AV-Server, this is particularly useful for applications which cannot tolerate this behaviour (for example Gemini 1.A). Here's the possible functions: A = Drive popup B = File popup (filtered with current mask) C = Extension popup D = Sort popup E = User defined path popup F = Available extensions popup G = Selection mask dialog H = Deselection mask dialog I = New mask dialog J = Find object dialog (bound to selector) K = Create new object dialog L = Selected files to list in Clipboard M = Open file (display or launch) O = History popup (filtered with current mask) P = Recursive touch selected file/s Q = Restore path from the clipboard R = Individual file info dialog S = File count on current drive T = Find object dialog (independent of selector) U = file list exported to clipboard using using #NICEFORMAT string V = File popup (unfiltered) W = History popup (unfiltered) X = File type popup - = Unassigned (Available to AV server) Note! By default Freedom┐ does not distinguish between upper and lower case (dependent on the parameter #LOWERCASE) when reading paths and masks. FREEDOM.CNF is formatted using upper and lower case to make it easier to distinguish between commands, comments, paths and masks. If you're using a case sensitive file system you can add a preceding '!' character before any path or mask to force Freedom┐ to observe case sensitivity. Programmers notes ================= Freedom┐ can be directly supported. Please refer to the FDMPROTO.H, SLECTRIC.H and EXAMPLE.C files in the SOURCE folder in this distribution which covers programming options in more detail... We'd like to stress we're hoping programmers will develop direct support for Freedom┐ from their applications, this is beneficial for your applications and every Freedom┐ user. The general guidelines for handling the file selector is: If the FSEL Cookie >= v2.0 then the fsel_[ex]input call BEG/END_MCTRL should NOT be bracketed. If the FSEL Cookie < v2.0 the fsel_[ex]input call BEG/END_UPDATE should ALWAYS be bracketed. Under development ================= -Conversion to eCPX to run under Christian Grunenberg's 'Space' -A 'Set' feature to handle the VA_START/Menu bar tricks. -Conflicting filenames dialog to make it possible to rename files during copy/move operations. -MTOS path Drag&Drop (for NEWDESK) -Improved Menu bar trick. -English hypertext help, yeah it's late and there's already a German version :-( -A setup program to ease Freedom┐ configuration. -Signal and AP_TERM evaluation under MultiTOS Known limitations ================= -Freedom┐ can't be called from TOS programs. In principle this also applies to programs running in a VT52/TOSWIN window which would need to talk to the AES (using appl_init), so the AES file selector server could exchange data with Freedom┐. -Using virtual RAM the program flags 'lalt' and 'malt' must be cleared! -There are a programs which don't work 100% with Freedom┐ (although these are becoming a rare breed). If you find one please report it to us AND the author of the program so we can solve incompatibilities. -The Server uses over 160Kb memory (well you wanted built-in copy/move operations!). Without abandoning Enhanced GEM and it's wonderful features we can't see any alternative... -In MagiC single mode the Freedom┐ Server is frozen which means the resident FFSEL.PRG cannot be reached or a second selector cannot be launched in parallel if a path needs to be passed to FFSEL.INF. Until MagiC documentation is available we can't solve this... -Messages under MiNT from FFSEL.PRG (the resident part) are not evaluated => after closing each selector/alert (KILL/TERM) one of the eight trap handler slots is lost. Known problems ============== -CD-Tools. Old versions which worked fine with Freedom┐, now fall through the Dxreaddir call! Solution: Get the latest version. Freedom┐ is not the only program which uses Dxreaddir so if you experience any problems with MetaDOS drivers don't settle for a version which cannot cope with Dxreaddir! -Falcon TOSs have an 'extended' Dsetdrv() that causes some problems with Metados <=2.5 and programs (Freedom┐, Gemini etc.) using the Dsetdrv(Dgetdrv()) construction. Under some circumstances drives can suddenly vanish using Metados versions =<2.5. This 'feature' should be corrected in Metados v2.6. -Zeig's mir. For some reason Freedom┐ and Zeig's mir don't get along. It appears to depend on a faulty XACC protocol implementation in either or both our programs but in any event communciation via the XAcc cause both programs to crash under Single TOS... we're working on it. -MultiDialog. Good Idea, terrible implementation. Avoid! -STZip (2.6). No redraws occur if the window lies in the background. -Some programs don't remember which of their windows can change positions during file selection/alert display. For example Paula, XControl, Maxidat and NotePad ignoring rectangle lists and/or sending WM_MOVED messages. Remedy: Don't move the window and inform the author! -Kandinsky and Triple_D bomb when run with Freedom┐ installed. This should be fixed in the next Kandinsky release, until then add these applications by adding the filenames, without extension, under the #EXCLUDE section in FREEDOM.CNF. -The Let 'em Fly 'Niceline' option used with some programs can result in menu entries being moved (evil!) Neither Freedom┐ (or Let 'em fly) is to blame. Sufferers: Pixart v1.2 and 'Rastaman'. Remedy: Turn Nicelines off or use alternative programs... -If you must use Let 'em Fly then install it after FFSEL.PRG in the Auto folder otherwise they both try to handle alerts. Obvious really! Frequently asked questions ========================== Q: Why is Freedom┐ so large (and getting bigger with each release)?! A: Many people asked us to implement in-built copy/move operations, we've improved the error/conflict handling, added the menu bar trick and file type concept. Consider this, Freedom┐ has most of the functionality of a desktop, MagX is probably the most compact but without window dialogs and Kobold support it's about the same size! And name us another program which allows you to continue working during copy/move operations? Q: Why after a certain time does Freedom┐ appear modally from all programs until I select the ACC entry. A: This is usually caused by a program placing a form_dial and not removing it which causes the Freedom┐ trapper to (incorrectly) assume a dialog is still open on screen. As a workaround when the accessory version is called it clears the form_dial field. It's also possible to switch off the form_dial query in the trapper using the #NOFORMDIAL option in FREEDOM.CNF. This runs the risk with some programs that a window will open over a dialog and cause screen garbage. Happily only a few programs still display their dialogs on screen using form_dial/form_do and of these only GEM-View springs to mind as a program which tehn calls the file selector. Getting on my soapbox it appears ludicrous to me that programmers don't rate the multitasking capability of their programs above the saving of a few Kb of application size. It's especially crazy when the routines for Windowed dialogs are available as Freeware! Re: Papyrus: V4.0 includes a reworked dialog library which should relieve it of its status as the main culprit in this area :-) Q: Yuck! Why have Freedom┐'s radio buttons become octagonal in monochrome! A: Chrisker attempted to install AES-Font idependent round radio buttons but after several hours fighting with the VDI circle routines admitted defeat concluding whoever programmed the offending routine knew nothing of circle algorithms but instead used the Random() command :-) The real result of Chrisker's struggle is only visible when running in sixteen colours or more using a 3D-AES (those nice new radio buttons!). When using small AES-Fonts, the octagonals look like circles/ellipses! Q: Why do I get the system selector using CPXs? A: It's a deliberate safety measure. In theory Freedom┐ could function by delving deeper into the system. Before the NVDI 3 Font CPX there weren't many useful CPXs which called the file selector. CPXs are normally too small, unmanageable and not multitasking friendly and that's before we look at XControl which is itself uncleanly programmed....(I think that's enough! :-) Q: Why is the system file selector displayed, for no apparent reason, with certain programs? A: 1) The program makes AES calls before appl_init or doesn't make a appl_init call at all! (Refer to 'Known problems with other software' for more details) 2) Some programs make dirty AES calls (Some calls do not pass the same global field to the AES parameter block that appl_init initialised). Often the blame lies with outdated GEM libraries which don't include bindings for some of the 'newer' AES Functions (for example fsel_exinput) and the programmer has to create them manually. If you're using a different global-field to the library, even out of necessity, then try to get hold of the GEMPARBLK because it's written in Pascal, Basic or similar. The GEM libary in Pure Pascal even includes flawed global-fields. Using Pure C it's very simple to use the GEMPARBLK bindings instead of the ones in the library. Under MiNT passing an invalid global field causes the AES itself problems: In this case the MiNT-ID of the application must always be handled first by Appl-ID. As soon as Andreas makes the internal AES information for MagiC available we'll be able to address this problem, at least for MagiC. Why programmers should use always the same GEMPARBLK for AES calls ------------------------------------------------------------------ GEMPARBLK is a structure which can pass parameters to GEM when calling a GEM function. This structure also contains the (famous) global-field, which is initialised by the AES on the first GEM call (appl_init) of an Application. The information, that is put into that field by the AES is needed by Freedom┐ to determine which application has made the call. Because the AES itself doesn't need this information (it always knows, which Application is running, because normally the AES is the one switching the tasks!) no one is urged to always use the same GEMPARBLK structure when calling the AES. For example because CPXs do not call appl_init (they're not applications), the global-Field of the GEMPARBLK structure they use usually contains only zero values. But if there's no correct global-field, there's also no information which Freedom┐ can access to determine the calling Application, and Freedom┐ has to relinquish contol to the system file selector. From MagiC 3 Freedom┐ will be able to access the AES internal information, which should make it possible for Freedom┐ to appear when calling the file selector from CPXs along with some dirty applications. Q: Freedom┐ displays a modal dialog without apparent reason?! A: Freedom┐ uses the MCTRL flags and the AES to recognise flying dialogs. Dialogs can't receive redraw messages so Freedom┐ also has to appear as a modal dialog. A few programs didn't call the file selector from flying dials but also set MCTRL (for example Gemini, GemView) -> Freedom┐ must accept this and displays itself as a flying dialog. You can set these programs free by adding the the name displayed in the Freedom┐ title bar under #IGNOREMCTRL section in FREEDOM.CNF. Programs which also call the selector from dials (for example CAT and Maxidat) should NOT be listed! The guidelines for programmers are: If the FSEL Cookie >= v2.0 then use fsel_[ex]input call, NOT MCTRL. If the FSEL Cookie < v2.0 then always use MCTRL and UPDATE should always be set. Guidelines for programmers -------------------------- If the FSEL-Cookie >= 2.00 is installed, the fsel_[ex]input call should NOT be nested with MCTRL, otherwise always! UPDATE should always be set. Q: If I move Freedom┐ suddenly the windows of the calling application vanish. However on closing Freedom┐ they all reappear, whats going on? A: This is a problem fundamentally linked to the way Freedom┐ works. Because the calling application simply waits at the file selector it doesn't notice its windows need redrawing. In order to avoid screen garbage previous Freedom┐ versions have intercepted any redraw messages and filled the offending window with the Freedom┐ logo. This method met with wide dissapproval and caused various problems. We've had a rethink and come up with a new approach which, although not perfect, circumvents all the earlier problems and is more elegant, more compatible and needs less overhead from Freedom┐'s point of view. Guidelines for programmers -------------------------- The old process suffered from a further stubbon problem: After intercepting window redraws Freedom┐ has to restore the windows using a WM_MOVED, followed of a WM_REDRAW message but: 1) A considerable number of applications don't send a message after file selection. 2) Came sometimes a further, from the AES sent WM_REDRAW between them, and so the WM_MOVED arrived not more than first message with the application and so the window is redrawn at the wrong position. There's also a problem with XAcc messages which can under certain circumstances get lost when a certain upper limit is passed with all known AES versions. The (mildest) effect is application windows which that were moved during file selection didn't receive any Redraw/Moved messages, although (according to Sysmon) they were sent. Under MagiC, with lots of open windows, one possible workaround is to send a SMC_TIDY_UP message instead of loads of redraws... Q: If Kobold or Parafin are called from Freedom┐, under MagiC their windows are not handled correctly. What's going on? A: MagiC sends false window top messages! MagiC tries to prevent the top window and menu line belonging to different programs. As a consequence (and to the chagrin of many users) closing the last window of an application takes the window stack out of consideration. Normally this effect would appear every time Freedom┐ closes its last window (which it naturally does quite often!). Happily a trick has fallen into our laps: If MagiC is available, Freedom┐ bottoms the corresponding window before closing it. If the last window closed is not the top window MagiC behaves completely 'normally'. Hopefully either MagiC will change its behaviour or this loophole remains available! -Although we can't expect all programmers to implement the 'bottom' trick... Q: Can Freedom┐ really survive a resolution change? A: Yes! But as a precaution it's a good idea to close any Freedom┐ selectors/alerts! Q: Why does MiNT display the System alert and file selector using 'Load...'? A: This alert/file selector is called directly from the AESSYS. Freedom┐ should not control this process... Q: Why does the MagiC 'Start program...' display the system file selector when Selectric┐ works OK? A: MagiC accesses the file selector differently for this operation and this is not accessible to Freedom┐ therefore the system file selector appears. (You can also run Selectric┐ alongside Freedom┐ by running it before FFSEL in the Auto folder in which case Selectric┐ appears!). Q: If I use Freedom┐ to copy files using Kobold 2 with Gemini <=1.a installed then the Freedom┐ window is updated before instead of after the copy operation. A: An Error in Gemini (The corresponding message is sent before Gemini receives a reply from Kobold, and in general if something is copied). Q: Gemini sometimes crashes when I press unassigned keys in Freedom┐. A: Freedom┐ passes unassigned keys to the AV-Server. Gemini 1.a doesn't tolerate this behaviour and leads to a crash. Activate the #NOSENDKEY in FREEDOM.CNF to cure the problem. Q: Freedom┐ locked up/crashed my system... A: We and our beta testers have thoroughly tested Freedom┐ with all the applications we can get our hands on but there are bound to be problems with a few applications! If you do encounter a problem first check the problem occurs on a completely clean system with NO Auto folder or accessories loaded. If the problem persists please report it using one of the contact addresses. Include you machine details along with the program name (send it to us if possible), version with a clear concise description of the problem and we'll do our best to fix it. Q: Do I have to load Freedom┐ as an ACC under Single TOS? A: Yes. Freedom┐ is designed to run as a parallel application under a multitasking OS and under Single TOS the only way to do this is as a desktop accessory. This will change when the eCPX version of Freedom┐ is released for Space! Q: Why are the calls #VASTART, #MENUBAR and #NOALERTS included in the Freedom┐ configuration file? A: These are needed when running Freedom┐ as an application to overcome some fundamental limitations in this mode of operation. They will not be needed in the forthcoming Freedom┐ eCPX. Q: Why are the three images (FREDOMxx.IMG) so nice? A: Because Chrisker designed them. Q: Why are the Freedom┐ function icons so nice? A: Because Kolja designed them! Legal stuff =========== No part of this publication or other Freedom┐ documentation may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into another language or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise without prior written consent of the authors. Warranty and liability ---------------------- Whilst we will make our best endeavours to resolve any problems you may experience using Freedom┐ the liability of the authors and their agents for any loss, or consequential loss, you may suffer due to the use of Freedom┐ is strictly limited to refunding your shareware fee. All trademarks used are recognised and acknowledged. About this documentation ------------------------ -Original German manual (c) 1995 by Christian Krüger and Kolja Koischwitz -English translation and adaptation Joe Connor Registration: ============= Option 1 -------- UK users can register locally via Joe Connor's Supported Shareware scheme. Refer to the file SUPPORT.TXT included with this archive. Alternatively you may register directly: Option 2 -------- Send DM 30 (cash, Eurocheque etc) and a self addressed envelope and international reply coupon to: Kolja Koischwitz Sandhauser Stra₧e 21 13505 Berlin Option 3 -------- Transfer DM 30 to the following bank account: PGiroamt Berlin Kolja Koischwitz BLZ (Sort Code): 10010010 Konto-Nr (Account No): 705 92-100 Be sure to clearly state the transfer is to register Freedom┐ along with with your contact details!! Please also send an Email/letter to confirm your transfer. To generate your key we need the following details: Name: .................................... Street: .................................... Town, County Postcode: .................................... We'll rush you a key together with the latest registered version which you can only unpack using your personal key! Email contacts -------------- Authors: Kolja: joust@cs.tu-berlin.de Chrisker: chrisker@cs.tu-berlin.de Agents: Criss: Christian_Grunenberg@lb.maus.de (EnhancedGEM-Library) Joe: jconnor@cix.compulink.co.uk That's it! Kolja and Chrisker