ProfitPress Mega CDROM2 …eeware (MSDOS)(1992)(Eng)/ProfitPress-MegaCDROM2.B6I/MISC/NETWORK/ZIP150.ZIP/ZIP.DOC

Text File | 1991-08-13 | 29.2 KB | 590 lines

                                   ZIP.DOC
                                   -------
                           Instructions for ZIP.COM
                      Fast Serial File Transfer Utility
                           version 1.5 (12 Aug 91)

                             (c)1988-91 E. Meyer


        Requires:  two IBM PC compatible computers with DOS 2.x or above;
                   appropriate serial (null modem) cable.



     ZIP is a tiny, fast utility to transfer files between two IBM compatible
computers over an ordinary serial cable connection.  This is especially useful
when large amounts of data are involved, and essential when the computers
don't share a common disk size or format.
     ZIP is ideal for laptop computers: it requires only 8k of disk storage,
and consumes no memory when not in use, yet it can transfer files or groups of
files with a single command.

     Be sure you have all the files which should be included in this package:
              ZIP.DOC      - This documentation file.
              ZIP.COM      - The ZIP file transfer program.
              ZIPCFG.COM   - The configuration (customizing) utility.
              ZIPDUP.COM   - The duplication (cloning) utility.


===================== COPYRIGHT AND LICENSE INFORMATION ======================

         The ZIP program and documentation are copyright (c)1987-91
         Eric Meyer, all rights reserved worldwide.  They may not be
         circulated in any incomplete or modified form, nor sold for
         profit, without written permission of the author.  The use
         or sale of ZIP is subject to the following terms:

SITE LICENSES.  Any company or institution wishing to use ZIP in the course of
    its business must purchase a SITE LICENSE.  The cost of the license is
    quite modest, and varies according to the number of computers on which ZIP
    may be in use in the workplace:
                         COPIES        COST
                       Up to 20  .....  $50 (US)
                             50  ..... $100
                            100  ..... $150
                            200  ..... $200
                       Over 200  ..... $1 per copy
    The purchaser of a site license receives several benefits:
            * A copy of the latest version of ZIP on disk direct
         from the author.  (Specify 5.25" 360k or 3.5" 720k disk.)
            * Support.  You can get help with any questions or
         problems you encounter in using ZIP.  Future upgrades can
         be ordered on disk when desired.
            * No piracy worries.  Your employees may use ZIP at home
         and share it with others at no charge.

PERSONAL USE.  There is no required fee for personal use of ZIP.  However, if
    you like and continue to use ZIP, you are encouraged to register, and help
    support the development of high-quality, affordable software:
                   INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION .....  $30 (US)
    The user who chooses to register receives several benefits:
            * A copy of the latest version of ZIP on disk direct
         from the author.  (Specify 5.25" 360k or 3.5" 720k disk.)
            * Support.  You can get help with any questions or
         problems you encounter in using ZIP.  Future upgrades can
         be ordered on disk when desired.
            * A document to verify the legality of your personal use
         of ZIP at your workplace as well.

COMMERCIAL SALE.  Any software dealer or library may offer ZIP for sale, as
    long as the price charged for the disk containing ZIP does not exceed US
    $6.  With this single exception, the sale of ZIP, either alone or together
    with other software or hardware, requires a licensing agreement.  Please
    write for terms.

ORDERING AND SOURCES.  Site licenses and individual registrations may be
    ordered directly from the author (see address below), by check or money
    order in US currency; purchase orders are also accepted.
         Credit card orders (VISA,MC,AmEx,Discover) may be made through the
    Public Software Library: phone [phone] or [phone], FAX
    [phone], CompuServe [71355,470].  Mention item #10304.  (There is a
    $5 surcharge for this service.)
         ZIP is distributed widely through "shareware" channels.  Users with a
    modem can download the latest version as the archive file ZIPxxx.ZIP,
    available from the primary distribution point: on CompuServe, in download
    library 4 (DL4) of the IBMCOM forum.
             In addition, ZIP is available on a wide variety of other remote
    systems, and by mail from many good software libraries, including the
    Public Software Library, P.O. Box 35705, Houston TX 77235.  (Disk #1674)


                  Address all correspondence to the author:

            Eric Meyer
         3541 Smuggler Way            CompuServe: [74415,1305]
    Boulder, Colorado  80303  USA       Internet: [e-mail]


              THE CUSTOMARY DISCLAIMER:  You undertake to use ZIP at
         your own risk.  The author does not warrant the suitability
         of ZIP for any particular purpose, and assumes no liability
         for damages of any kind resulting from its use.



===============================  INTRODUCTION  ===============================


     Anyone with two computers probably needs to transfer programs or data
between them... If you have compatible disk drives, you can just swap disks,
though this gets tedious if done frequently or with large amounts of data.
And if you have incompatible disk drives, like old 5.25" versus new 3.5" ones,
you're out of luck!

     Rather than shuffling stacks of disks, or buying expensive additional
hardware, a simple (null modem) cable connected between serial ports can be
used to transfer data instead -- at rates approaching 14K per second!  There
are good commercial programs for this purpose, though they typically cost over
$100; if you're willing to find or make your own cable, you can do the same
job with ZIP instead.  ZIP doesn't have all the features of the fancy
programs, but then it doesn't consume precious system memory either; it just
transfers files when you need to, as simply as using the COPY command.  It
also has options that make reconciling directories on both computers easy.

     ZIP is as fast as a serial transfer program can be, and faster than some
free/shareware programs that claim to operate "at 115200 bps".  ZIP can
transfer data up to 6 times faster than an ordinary telecom program over a
serial cable... 48 times faster than typical modem transfers.
            Telecom programs: modem       2400 bps            0.3 K/sec
                            : cable      19200 bps            2.3 K/sec
            ZIP: cable                  115200 bps     up to 14.1 K/sec!
     If you don't own the latest '486, ZIP will come about as close to this
amazing throughput as your computer speed allows.  (Between an 8MHz XT and
4.77MHz laptop, it reaches about 10K/sec.)  Of course, disk access also takes
time; with any system, large amounts of data can be sent more quickly using
hard or RAM disks, rather than (slow) floppy disk drives.
     ZIP is designed to operate at very high transmission speeds; however, it
can also be used at slower speeds in applications that demand this.


-------------------------------- I. USING ZIP --------------------------------


     Transferring files with ZIP requires a copy of ZIP.COM on both computers,
and the correct cable connection between them.  For more on null modem cables,
see the Technical Information section below.  If incompatible disk formats
prevent you from getting ZIP.COM itself onto the second computer to begin
with, you can "clone" a copy of ZIP with the ZIPDUP utility (see below).

     Transferring a file between computers with ZIP is as easy as copying it
from one disk to another.  To transfer files, once the cable is properly
connected to the serial ports of the two computers, from the DOS prompt:

           1.  MENU-DRIVEN OPERATION.  Simply type "ZIP" on both
      machines; the program will offer a menu of choices including
      transferring or receiving files, viewing file directories and
      deleting files.  Just type the letter of your selection.

           2.  COMMAND-LINE OPERATION, for experienced users.  For a
      brief help message, type "ZIP /?".  (See full explanations and
      usage examples, below.)
              C>zip FILENAME      to send a file
              C>zip /R            to receive
              C>zip FILENAME /F   to fetch a file from serer
              C>zip /S            to enter server mode

     As each file is transferred you should see a line of "=" signs, one for
each 64k of file size; each will turn into a blinking asterisk, then disappear
as the transfer progresses.
     ZIP can be interrupted and aborted by pressing Escape, ^C, or Ctrl-Break:
          (1) during initial connection attempt
                (otherwise ZIP waits as long as necessary for connection)
          (2) during file transfer (on sending end, aborts immediately;
                on receiving end, once current file is finished)
          (3) at confirmation or string input prompts.


                      SETTING THE SERIAL PORT AND SPEED

     IBM-compatible computers have anywhere from one to four serial (RS232)
ports.  By default ZIP uses the COM1 port.  The standard port addresses are:
                      COM1: 03F8h         COM3:03E8h
                      COM2: 02F8h         COM4:02E8h
Some computers (including PS/2s) use different port addresses for COM3 and
COM4; to use a nonstandard port address, you must modify ZIP.COM with ZIPCFG.
     You can select any standard COM port during operation of ZIP:  in menu
mode, just select the choice to modify "P"arameters.  In command-line mode,
specify one of the following options:

              /1-4  = use port COM1-4.

     Data transmission can take place at a wide range of speeds.  ZIP normally
works at the fastest possible speed, 115200 bps.  To accommodate certain
computers or software environments, it may be necessary to set a somewhat
slower speed.  In fact, ZIP can be slowed down all the way to 2400 bps, so
that it can even operate over a good modem connection.  Just be sure you have
the same rate set on both ends.
     In menu mode, just select the choice to modify "P"arameters.  In command
line mode, specify the option:

              /Bnnnn  = use speed nnnn (BPS)

The allowed speeds "nnnn" are 115200, 57600, 38400, 19200, 9600, 4800, 2400;
each may be abbreviated to as few as two digits ("/B96").  To change the
default settings, use ZIPCFG.
     You will see a note in the ZIP signon message, "Speed=____ Port=____",
giving the port address and speed currently in use.


                                SENDING FILES

     In menu mode, simply select "S"end, and you will be prompted for the
filename(s).  For command-line use, specify the name(s) of the file(s) to send:

              C>zip FILENAME

The "FILENAME" can be a single FILE (including directory), or a GROUP
specified by wildcards (eg, *.BAK), or a LIST of these delimited by commas
(FILE1,FILE2).  Each item assumes or continues the same drive/directory as the
previous one (unless the new one begins with a drive or root directory).  Thus

              C:\WRK>zip B:\SF\GORT,LTRS\*.892,KLAATU

will send files B:\SF\GORT, B:\SF\LTRS\*.892, and B:\SF\LTRS\KLAATU.
     Any desired options may follow the filename(s).  Files will appear with
the same filename, in the receiving directory.  Take care not to send two
files with the same name, as one would overwrite the other.


                               RECEIVING FILES

     In menu mode, simply select "R"eceive, and you will be prompted for the
directory to receive into.  For command-line use, specify the option "/R" for
RECEIVE:
              C>zip /R

Each file will appear with its original filename.  Files are received into the
current directory, unless you specify another.  In command-line mode, this can
be done in square brackets after the /R option:

              C>zip /r[DIRECTORY]

Do not supply a filename with the /R option.  (Note: ZIP also still accepts
the syntax of earlier versions, where the receive directory was specified from
the command line by typing "zip DIRECTORY /r", but this tends to be confusing,
and may not continue to be supported.)


                         SELECTING FILES FROM A GROUP

     If you want to transfer only certain files in a group (such as *.BAK)
with ZIP, you can request that you be prompted to confirm each file
individually: you will be asked to hit a key (Y/N) to determine whether the
file is to be sent.  (In menu mode, you can select "O"ptions for a help
message describing the selective copy operations.)  After the names of files
to be transferred, in menu or command-line mode, specify the option:

              /P  = PROMPT to confirm files individually

     This option (which can be combined with others) can be specified on
either end -- but the option on the SENDING (or active) end governs each
transfer.  You will see a note in the ZIP signon message, "Option /P", if this
option is in effect.


                              OVERWRITING FILES

     ZIP offers several options that are especially useful for reconciling the
contents of directories which are duplicated on both computers.
     It is possible that a file already exists on the receiving end with the
same name as the one being sent.  By default, ZIP doesn't care: it will
transfer all files specified, whether or not they overwrite existing ones.
Several options are provided to modify this behavior.  (In menu mode, you can
select "O"ptions for a help message describing the selective copy operations.)
After the names of files to be transferred, in menu or command-line mode,
specify one (or two) of these options:

              /N  = copy NONexisting files only
                       (cannot be used with /E or /T)
              /E  = copy EXISTING files only
              /T  = TIMESTAMP determines files sent

     The /N option will prevent existing files from being overwritten.  The /T
option will allow overwrites only when the new copy has a more recent time
stamp.  The /ET combination is especially useful for backup purposes: it
transfers only more recent copies of files that already exist.
     These options can be specified independently on either computer -- but
the options on the SENDING (or active) end govern each transfer.  You will see
a note in the ZIP signon message, "Option /_", if an option is in effect.


                                 SERVER MODE

     It would obviously be easier to transfer files if you could do all the
typing from one keyboard, and "server mode" lets you do just that.  ZIP can
stay "on line" on one end, ready to obey instructions from the other end
automatically.  To enter server mode: in menu mode, just select the choice for
ser"V"er.  In command line mode, specify the option /S for SERVER:

              C>zip /S

     ZIP will then remain ready to exchange files with the other copy of ZIP
by remote control.  From the other ("active") keyboard, you can then transfer
files TO the server; these will be received into the default directory, either
the current one or another that you specify in square brackets:

              C>zip /s[NEWDIR]  = Server mode, default directory NEWDIR.

     In any event, when you send files to the server, you will be prompted for
a destination directory (if desired) to override the default on the server end.
In command-line mode, you can specify this on the command line in brackets:

              C>zip sendfile /[DESTDIR]

(Specify "/[]" if you simply want to avoid the prompt and use the default, for
example, when running ZIP from a batch file.)

     You can also fetch files FROM the server.  In menu mode, just select the
choice to "F"etch files.  In command-line mode, specify the option:

              /F  = Fetch specified files from server.

     You must specify the directory with the filenames, if they are not in the
default directory on the server end.  You will be prompted for a directory to
receive the files into, unless you specify one in square brackets after the /F
option:
              C>zip filename /f[DESTDIR]  = Fetch into directory DESTDIR.

(Again, specify "/f[]" to avoid the prompt and use the current directory.)  A
fetch request will not be completed until server mode is detected on the other
end.

     File directory and deletion requests can also be directed to the server
using the ">" character (see below).

     When you are finished giving remote commands to the server, you can
instruct it to exit server mode.  In menu mode, select the choice for "U"nlink
before quitting.  In command-line mode, specify the option:

              /U  = Unlink server after transfer is complete.

Otherwise, the server remains available for further instructions; you must
press Escape, ^C, or Ctrl-Break on the server end to exit.


                    VIEWING DIRECTORIES and DELETING FILES

     When ZIP is in menu mode, you will see choices for "D"irectory and
d"E"lete, offering simple file maintenance from within ZIP.COM itself.  (These
functions are not available from the command line.)
     The directory function provides an alphabetized file listing for your
reference, and the free space left on the disk.  You will be prompted for the
files to list.  If you just hit RETURN, ZIP lists all files (*.*) in the
default directory.
     The delete function prompts for a filename to delete (as always, a
directory may be included).  Note that wildcards ("*,?") are NOT allowed.

     If the other computer has ZIP running in SERVER MODE, you can also
request a directory from it, or delete files on it.  Simply type a ">" before
the filespec for the server.  This can be done alone, or together with a
request on the active end:

              Directory: \WORK\*.BAK                active alone
              Delete:    >B:\BACKUP\OLD.FIL         server alone
              Directory: \WORK\*.BAK >B:\BACKUP     combined

     A server directory or delete request will not be completed until server
mode is detected on the other end.


                              USE IN BATCH FILES

     ZIP is easy to use in batch files.  The "/[DIR]" option allows you to
bypass user prompts for directory names.  If an error occurs during operation
in command-line mode, ZIP sets the DOS error code, so that the ERRORLEVEL can
be tested to determine subsequent action.  Normally 0, the value returned will
be the sum of whichever of the following errors occurred:
     1 = argument error                   8 = transmission error
     2 = out of memory/too many files    16 = disk error
     4 = connect error/no server        128 = user abort


                            BACKING UP A HARD DISK

     At times you may need to transfer the entire contents of a sizable disk,
including several levels of directories.  ZIP is not specifically designed to
do this: it does not create directories while copying, nor does it look for
files within subdirectories.  However, it is easy enough to put the receiver
in Server mode, then run a BAT file containing a separate command for each
desired directory (once corresponding directories exist on both ends):
              zip \work\*.* /t[\work]
              zip \work\ed\*.* /t[\work\ed]  ...


                      USAGE EXAMPLES (Command-line mode)

   SENDING FILES:

 C>zip b:myfile,*.doc              sends files B:MYFILE, B:*.DOC

 C>zip my.* /2 /p                  sends files C:MY.* over COM2, with
                                 prompts to confirm each file individually

 C>zip *.* /n                      sends all files which don't already exist
                                 on receiving directory

 C>zip a:chapter.* /et             sends all files A:CHAPTER.* of which an
                                 older version exists on the receiving end
   RECEIVING FILES:

 C:\WORK>zip /r                    receives files into directory C:\WORK

 C:\WORK>zip /2 /r[\temp]          receives over COM2 into directory C:\TEMP

   ENTERING SERVER MODE:

 C>zip /sb38                       waits as server to send or receive files
                                 at 38400 bps

 C>zip /s[d:\]                     waits as server, with default directory D:\

   EXCHANGING FILES WITH SERVER:

 C>zip *.bak /[]u                  sends files *.BAK to server's default dir,
                                 then unlinks server

 C>zip *.bak /[b:\recs]            sends files *.BAK to directory B:\RECS

 C>zip b:\recs\my.* /f             fetches files MY.* from directory B:\RECS

 C>zip b:\recs\my.* /f[\orig]      fetches files MY.* from directory B:\RECS
                                 on server into directory C:\ORIG


---------------------- II. UTILITIES: ZIPDUP AND ZIPCFG ----------------------


     ZIP comes with two utility programs: ZIPDUP and ZIPCFG.  If you need to
duplicate ZIP on your other computer in order to begin using it, you can do so
with the ZIPDUP utility.  If you want to configure the default values in ZIP
differently, you can use ZIPCFG.

                                 USING ZIPDUP

     In order to duplicate or "clone" ZIP itself on another computer, ZIPDUP
runs DEBUG, remotely, to receive and write the file to disk.  This is a
feature most people need only once, so it is not part of ZIP itself.  ZIPDUP
will duplicate any version of ZIP (indeed, any file, though it's slow and
cumbersome compared to ZIP itself).

     1.  Connect the cable to the desired serial ports (COM1 or COM2 only).
The cable must have the DTR lines connected, as well as the data lines -- see
cabling diagram under "Technical Information" below -- or ZIPDUP will not work.

     2.  Set up the receiving end:  Make sure the MSDOS utilities DEBUG and
MODE are available (either in the current directory or accessible via PATH).
     Be certain that the last character of your DOS prompt is ">".  (Yes, this
actually matters!)  If in doubt, type the command:
              PROMPT $P$G
     Then prepare to receive data by typing these two commands:
              MODE COM#:96,N,8,1     ("#" = 1 or 2 only)
              CTTY COM#
(The CTTY command gives control to the sending computer, via the COM# port.
The receiving system will seem to "lock up" -- the keyboard is ignored, etc.)

     3.  Now, on the sending end, to duplicate your copy of ZIP.COM, type:
              C>ZIPDUP ZIP.COM
(You can omit the filename if it is "ZIP.COM"; otherwise, type it.)
     You will be asked to specify the COM port (1 or 2 only) that the cable is
connected to; if the connection can be made, the transfer will proceed.  When
ZIPDUP exits, you will find a duplicate copy of ZIP.COM in the current
directory on the receiving computer.  You can transfer other files the same
way, but it's easier to send them using ZIP itself!

                                 USING ZIPCFG

     If you don't instruct it otherwise (via command-line options or menu
choices), ZIP assumes its built-in "defaults" of 115200 bps, port COM1.  You
can, however, configure your copy of ZIP.COM to change these defaults as you
like, using ZIPCFG.COM: just type "zipcfg FILENAME" (if you omit the filename
it defaults to "ZIP.COM".)  For the port you may enter simply "COM1" through
"COM4", or any specific hexadecimal address required by your hardware ("03F0",
etc).  For the speed you must choose from the allowed values.

     Please DO NOT distribute modified copies of ZIP.COM; this could confuse
other users.  They are for your personal use only.  (ZIPCFG includes an option
to restore the original default values.)


-------------- III. TECHNICAL INFORMATION and TROUBLESHOOTING ---------------


     Like many communications programs, ZIP does full CRC (Cyclic Redundancy
checksum) verification on the data to guarantee accurate transfer.  ZIP uses
its own transfer protocol, and is not compatible with other programs.  Be sure
to use the SAME version of ZIP on both ends: the transfer protocol may have
changed.  Do not disturb the cable when ZIP is running, as it will be unable
to resume its task, and you will have to abort the program and try again.

     Using any communications software in a multitasking environment often
requires special precautions.  ZIP, in particular, may need to be given a
"non-swappable" or "foreground-operation" status, so that other tasks will not
interfere with its operation.  You should allocate at least 96k of memory to
run ZIP.  You may also need to set a somewhat slower speed for ZIP to work
reliably.
     Do not use ZIP while any serial ports are in use by other software.  In
particular, potential conflicts exist between COM1 and COM3, and between COM2
and COM4, because they use the same interrupt vectors.

                                   Cabling

     SERIAL NULL MODEM CABLES, in various combinations of 9- and 25-pin
connectors, are available from a wide variety of sources.  I am told that a
good source for inexpensive double-headed (both 9 and 25 pin on each end) null
modem cables, ideal for use with ZIP, is:
              DALCO, 233 Pioneer Blvd, Springboro OH 45066
              [phone]

     If you're building or shopping for a cable, you need a "null modem"
cable, meaning the transmit and receive data lines should be crossed, and the
signal ground connected straight through.  (The pin numbers depend on whether
you have a 9-pin DB9 or 25-pin DB25 connector, see figure.)  No other
connections should be needed; ZIP uses no hardware handshaking lines.  (NOTE:
ZIPDUP does require the connections between pins 20/4 and 6.)

        |--COMPUTER 1--|         |--COMPUTER 2--|
         DB9       DB25           DB25       DB9
      pin 2 - - - - 3 - - - - - - - 2 - - - - 3   \ transmit &
          3 - - - - 2 - - - - - - - 3 - - - - 2   / receive data
          5 - - - - 7 - - - - - - - 7 - - - - 5   - signal ground

      pin 4 - - - - 20  - - - - - - 6 - - - - 6 * \
          6 - - - - 6 - - - - - - - 20  - - - 4 *  \handshaking (optional)
          7 - - - - 4 - - - - - - - 5 - - - - 8    /(* required for ZIPDUP)
          8 - - - - 5 - - - - - - - 4 - - - - 7   /

Actually, any serial cable that doesn't work by itself, should work with a
"null modem adapter" attached.  If possible, use a properly shielded cable;
high speed transmissions can be especially susceptible to RF interference.

                              Problems using ZIP

     ZIP works well on the vast majority of systems.  Under certain software
environments, particularly multitasking operating systems and memory resident
programs (TSRs) such as disk caches, ZIP may fail to work; if you experience
problems, do not use ZIP with that software.


                                ERROR MESSAGES

    <Argument error>  invalid command-line argument(s).
     <Out of memory>  less than 64K free RAM available.
     <No connection>  no files transferred.  (Bad cable? Wrong version?)
         <No server>  function requires server mode on other computer.
    <Too many files>  global filespec (eg *.*) includes over 1024 files.
<Conflict with NAME>  name conflicts with a directory or read/only file.
     <Cannot delete>  specified file didn't exist, was read/only, etc.
        <Disk error>  trouble writing to disk.  (Disk full?)
           <Aborted>  you pressed ^C/Esc/Ctrl-Break.
             <Error>  error on other end; or, unrecoverable error.


                               VERSION HISTORY

ZIP 1.0  (Apr88) - trial release.
    1.1  (Apr88) - improved protocol; wildcard transfers; receive directory
                  option; original file time/date preserved.
    1.2  (May88) - improved error handling; patchable default port also
                  allows use of COM3,4; small bug fixes.
    1.21 (May88) - slower speed options; fixed bug in initializing ports.
    1.22 (Aug88) - improved protocol; fixed bug in deleting temp file.
    1.23 (Jan89) - menu-driven operation; detects disk-full errors.
    1.3  (Apr89) - selective copy options /P,N,E,T; server mode, fetch;
                  file directory; internal improvements.
    1.4  (Sep89) - resend, not abort, on error; delete file function; directory
                  shows free space; ZIPCFG utility; small improvements.
    1.41 (Nov89) - DesqView aware; multiple file arguments.
    1.42 (Feb90) - minor improvements; ZIPDUP utility.
    1.43 (Mar90) - simplified multiple argument syntax.
    1.44 (Aug90) - protocol modified for use in network environments.
    1.45 (Mar91) - 4800,2400bps added; operation at slow speeds improved.
    1.5  (Aug91) - unlink function; new options /B,U,?; sets ERRORLEVEL;
                  recovers from cable disruption; minor improvements.

(One final note -- this should be obvious but I'll say it anyway: ZIP is not
related to the new PKZIP series of file compression utilities by Phil Katz.)

====================================[end]=====================================