ProfitPress Mega CDROM2 Shareware Freeware (MSDOS)(1992)(Eng)

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ ProfitPress Mega CDROM2 …eeware (MSDOS)(1992)(Eng) / ProfitPress-MegaCDROM2.B6I / UTILITY / 4DOS / 4FILES2P.ZIP / 4F.DOC < prev next >

Wrap

Text File | 1991-10-26 | 66.5 KB | 1,186 lines

▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒══════════════════════════════╗ ▒▒ 4-FILES V-2.P HELP PgDn for MANUAL▒▒ <TAB> =File-Mode/Note-Mode. ║ ▒▒▒▒▒ SYNTAX: 4F [d:] [path] [/8/e/s/t/n/d] ▒▒▒▒ <NUM-LK> =File Time/Attribs. ║ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒──────────────────────────────╢ ║<ESC>,<^ESC> =quit to original path. │ <GREY*> or <SCRL-LK> =Change drives. ║ ║<@ESC> =quit to current path. │ (Tap twice for explicit change).║ ╟──────────────────────────────────────┤ <GREY-> =Change to parent directory. ║ ║UTILITY PORTS: F1 =Help (via LIST). │ <GREY+> =Various actions: ║ ║ F2 =Edit file. F3 =File Finder. │ 1) CD if record is a directory. ║ ║ F4 =4UNZIP. <G+> =LIST or FV. │ 2) Browse if a non-archive file.║ ╟──────────────────────────────────────┤ 3) Show file list if an archive.║ ║NOTE-MODE: F9/F0 =Cut & paste text. ├───────────────────────────────────────╢ ║ ^Y =Delete note. ^H =Backspace. │FILE-MODE: ^<char> acts on marked blk. ║ ║ $-RT =Bump note tail to right margin.│ F5/6 =Mark/Unmark. ^F5/6 =ALL records.║ ║ If no tail, enter Flush-Right mode.│ A/^A =Set Attribs. C =Copy. M =Move.║ ║ $-LFT (or vertical keys) =Quit FLR. │ D/^D =Delete file. R =Rename. ║ ║ $-BS =Destructive forespace (in FLR).│ N =Make "New" dir. K ="Kill" dir. ║ ║<@-CHAR> =Find record starting w/char.│ S =Change Sort type or order. ║ ╟──────────────────────────────────────┤^E =DOS Command line. ^E^E =Blank line.║ ║ TO CONFIGURE 4FILES: Hit <@-F10>. │NEXT VERSION: Better copy, move, zip. ║ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ ▒ SHAREWARE by Larry Edwards (c)1991 ║ PRICE $20 ║ Box 6001-S Sitka, Ak 99835 ▒ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ -- PgDn for more -- ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ ║MOUSE HELP: The buttons duplicate the functions of the keyboard keys shown.║ ╠═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ ║ MOUSE BUTTONS: │ L-- M-- R-- │ L-R LM- -MR │ LMR ║ ║ ───────────────┼─────────────────────┼────────────────────────┼─────── ║ ║ 3 Button Mouse │ <G-> <G+> <ESC> │ <TAB> <PgUp> <PgDn> │ <F9> ║ ║ │ │ │ ║ ║ 2 Button Mouse │ <G+> ∙ <ESC> │ <G-> ∙ ∙ │ ∙ ║ ╚═════════════════╧═════════════════════╧════════════════════════╧══════════╝ -- MORE -- ------------------- ===== 4 - F I L E S ===== ------------------- DOCUMENTATION --- Version 2.P September 21, 1991 An advance release of V-3.0, including all work to date. -------------------------------------------------------------- Shareware by Larry Edwards, Copyright 1991 All Rights Reserved REGISTRATION $20 Box 6001 Sitka, Ak 99835 Tech Support (907)-747-8996 (ask for Larry) or CompuServ mail to 72037,3607 or the above address. --------------------- _______ ____|__ | --| | |------------------- | ASP wants to make sure the shareware | ____|__ | Association of | principle works for you; its Ombuds- | | |_| Shareware | man can help resolve any dispute with |__| o | Professionals | an ASP member on a shareware related -----| | |--------------------- | problem. Details on page 3. (R) |___|___| MEMBER ================================================================================ CONTENTS OF MANUAL ... ======================== Overview of 4FILES .. 1 Mouse Use ........... 6 Display Features .... 13 About File Notes .... 3 File & Note Modes ... 7 Safety Features ..... 13 Shareware Notice .... 3 Using File Mode ..... 7 Hot Tips on 4FILES... 15 Quick Start ......... 3 Sorting File Lists .. 8 Origin/Evolution .... 17 Special Controls .... 3 Utility Ports ....... 8 Registration Benefits 17 Dir. Tree Navigation 5 Using Note Mode .... 10 Agreement for Use ... 18 <@-CHAR> File Search 6 Configuring 4FILES . 11 Registration Form ... 20 ================================================================================ OVERVIEW OF 4FILES ================== 4FILES is a multi-purpose tool for file management, and includes an exquisite editor for 4DOS-standard "file notes". The interface is very clean and convenient, and incorporates what may well be the easiest directory tree navigation method you have ever tried. A strength of 4FILES is its function as a well coordinated front-end for several of your favorite utilities. It allows rapid-fire, point and shoot access to your file browser, text editor, archive-file extractor, file finder, or other utilities you configure into it. 4FILES has a built-in configuration routine, so changes to these "utility ports" and other settings can easily be made on-the-fly. 2. The current directory is listed with sorted subdirectories at the top, followed by sorted files. The file list sorting order may be changed from the alphabetical default either via command line switches or on-the-fly. Sorts may be by file name, extension, size or date/time, or "file note" in either ascending or descending order. Except for the default filename field, the field of the current sort is highlighted on screen. The left half of each line of the list shows a file or subdirectory name and its full statistics. The right half is a 40-character space for a descriptive file note. If you are using 4DOS (a superior COMMAND.COM substi- tute), a file note will remain associated with its file during copy, move and rename operations. You may also play with file notes under COMMAND.COM, but the notes will be lost during the above file operations. 4FILES starts up in File Mode, which has built-in management operations for single files and marked blocks of files. A DOS command line, either blank or containing the current file name, is easy to bring up. <TAB> toggles between File Mode and Note Editing Mode. The above mentioned "utility ports" are functional in both modes. It's easy to do, but you will probably have to configure 4FILES before using it as a utility front-end. <ALT-F10> displays the configuration menu. The "factory" configuration calls the 4DOS's LIST for file browsing, and all other utility ports are set-up just as in earlier versions. You may substitute your favorite utilities for any of these, and can specify a command line tail. The ports are now fully and independently flexible, also including settings to pause/not-pause on exit and to load/not-reload the current directory list. The configuration can be changed on-the-fly, and you may permanently save the new one into the program code, or use it for the current session only. 4FILES supports ANY video text mode of 80x25 or higher, in monochrome or color. Built-in support for two and three button mice uses all buttons on either type to their best advantage. 4FILES Version 2-Minus is an advance, incomplete release of Version 3.0, for which work is still in progress. This release is being made now to put in your hands the substantially increased power of all recent work. The full V-3.0 will be released as soon as possible. I hope you will view the Version 2-Minus "cup" as being 3/4 full rather than 1/4 empty. Meanwhile, I am coding as fast as time allows, and have some truly exceptional features in the works. A printed manual will be available in November ($3.50 with registration, or $5.00 if ordered later). ================================================================================ ABOUT FILE NOTES & 4DOS ======================= Ability to annotate your files will revolutionize your computer use, and this feature alone is AMPLE reason to replace COMMAND.COM with 4DOS. But the powers of 4DOS do not end there, and you are really (!) wasting time and energy if you aren't using it. It makes the MSDOS command line SIMPLE and adds many features to MSDOS which should have been included all along, but aren't even in MSDOS 5.0. I obviously can't recommend 4DOS highly enough! 4DOS's modest price will pay you back big benefits in efficiency! It is shareware by JP Software, Box 1470, E. Arlington, Ma 02174, (617)-646-3975, also available on most BBSs (but a long download). ============================================================================ 3. SHAREWARE NOTICE ================ 4FILES is a commercial, copyrighted program, and is being distributed as shareware. Shareware is a marketing method which allows you to evaluate a fully functional program before deciding whether you wish to add it to your software collection. You may not continue use of 4FILES beyond a period of bona-fide evaluation, not to exceed 30-days, unless the copy you are using has been properly registered for your use, and unless your use complies with the agreement near the end of this documentation. IF YOU DECIDE *NOT* TO REGISTER, I WOULD SINCERELY APPRECIATE YOUR FRANK CRITIQUE OF 4FILES, OR A TROUBLE REPORT IF YOU ENCOUNTER A PROBLEM. I will accept critiques and reports by the means most convenient to you: via mail, collect phone call, or CIS E-mail. My goal has been to make 4FILES "beyond perfection". If there is a quirk between your system and my program which prevents the program from operating or achieving its full potential, I hope you will give me an opportunity to find a fix rather than giving up. Any use of 4FILES constitutes your acceptance of the agreement and the liability disclaimer contained near the end of this document. Your distrib- ution of 4FILES to others is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED, provided that all files except the registered version (if any) is given; that all files are unaltered; that not more than $6 for 4FILES alone or $12 if packaged with other programs is charged (in 1991 dollars) unless another arrangement is approved in writing; and that if you are a commercial distributor, you send me written notification within 30-days of beginning distribution of 4FILES. Permission for commercial distribution of 4FILES may be withdrawn at any time for cause. Larry Edwards is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442 or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536. ================================================================================ QUICK START: =========== Capacity: 530 records per directory. Requires: 64K and DOS 2+. -------- -------- SYNTAX: 4F [d:][\][subdir] [/8] [/D] [/E /S /T /N] ------ ** Items in brackets are optional. The current path is the default. ** Quitting: <ESC> or <^ESC> = to original dir; <@ESC> = to current dir. ** Type <@F10> reconfigure 4FILES. Use full drive:pathspecs for utilities. ** /D /E /S /T and /N are list sorting switches. /D may be used alone or with any of the other four. /8 is used to force an 80x25 display, in case you want to switch automatically, or in case of an incompatibilty with the video mode detection. 4. ** OPERATION: Use the menu line for guidance, and go with the flow! <TAB> toggles modes. Some key strokes will work in both modes, but are shown only on the menu of one (limited space on menu line). Navigate with the G+, G- and G* keys. <F1> displays the above help screen and this manual if 4FILES is properly configured. Many more features described below. =================================================== D O C U M E N T A T I O N O F F E A T U R E S =================================================== =============================================================================== SPECIAL CONTROLS ================ Most keys act as expected, and the others (below) are laid out logically. A special keyboard handler allows nice, normally unavailable key assignments. ("**" means 4FILES must be configured properly for the feature to work.) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- <F1> -- Help. ** <F2> -- Edit current file. ** <F3> -- File Finder. ** <F4> -- Unzip current file, if archive. ** <F5> -- Mark record. <^F5>=all <F6> -- Unmark record. <^F6>=all <F9> -- Cut. <F0> -- Paste. <Grey*> or -- Change drives. The change is instantaneous when a drive <SCL-LCK> letter is typed. One of the two keys is active, based on your keyboard BIOS, but the other can be reconfigured in. <GREY*><GREY*> -- Change drive and/or directory via a text entry field. or <SCLLK><SCLLK> Actual active key depends on keyboard BIOS. <GREY-> -- CD to parent directory (from any record). <GREY+> -- IF RECORD IS: 1) a directory, CD to it. 2) a file, browse it. ** 3) an archive, list its constituent files. ** <TAB> -- Toggles between FILE MODE and NOTE MODE. <NUM-LK> -- Toggles between showing file attributes and file time. <@-Character> -- Fast scroll to next record starting with the character. <SCL-LK> or <Keypad-5>, depending on KB BIOS, changes direction. CTRL-BREAK -- Disabled, as is termination with ^C. NOTE MODE COMMANDS: ------------------- ^Y -- DELETE NOTE to cut buffer. ^H -- Destructive backspace. <Ctrl-PgUp> -- Go to TOP of directory listing. <Ctrl-PgDn> -- " " END " " " <Ctrl-Up> -- Go to TOP of page. <Ctrl_Dn> -- " " END " " <Sh-Up> -- Scroll display to show record ABOVE TOP of page. <Sh-Dn> -- " " " " " BELOW END " " 5. <Ctrl-Lf> -- Shift cursor ONE WORD LEFT. <Ctrl-Rt> -- " " ONE WORD RIGHT. <Sh-Rt> -- 1) Bump any text to the right of the cursor to right margin. 2) If no text to the right, enter Flush-Right (FLR) mode. <Sh-Lf> -- Exit FLR mode (or use <ESC>, <CR> or any bar movement keys). <Sh-BS> -- Destructive "Fore-space", available in FLR mode only. <ESC> -- Like <^ESC>. Can be disabled with a configuration switch. <^ESC> or <@ESC> -- Quit to original or current directory, respectively. FILE MODE COMMANDS: ------------------ <^E> or <^E><^E> -- Presents a DOS command line with or without the current file name present. (See also "configuration".) ++ -- To force a pause in redisplaying 4FILES after a utility has been executed via ^E, append "++" to the command line. F5 / F6 -- Mark / Unmark a record. ^F5 / ^F6 -- Mark / Unmark all records. A / ^A -- Change attributes of current file or all marked files. C -- Copy file. D / ^D -- Delete current file or all marked files. M -- Move file. R -- Rename a file or directory. N -- Make a "New" Directory under the DEFAULT directory. K -- "Kill" (remove) the highlighted directory. S -- Sort the list with a new type or order of sorting; menu driven. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- The Copy, Move, Rename functions are VERY rudimentary, and will be top notch in V-3.0. Interal PKZip and Unzip support will also be included. ================================================================================ DRIVE & DIRECTORY NAVIGATION ============================ 4FILES has perhaps the most natural key mapping yet devised for drive and directory navigation. It employs a group of three keys operated by your right hand in coordination with the cursor pad keys, leaving your left hand free for other tasks. (A keyboard with lefthand function keys will accentuate the efficiency of this layout, and is a worthwhile switch with Northgate prices now reduced and clones available.) The functions of <G+> and <G*> are also available via mouse buttons. These are the layouts, depending on your type of keyboard and mouse: KEYBOARD: 83-Keys Over 83-Keys NOTE ===========|================================================================= <Grey*> | --- Enter new drive\dir (Input field) | <Scrl-Lck> | Enter new drive\dir --- (Input field) | <Grey-> | CD to parent dir CD to parent dir (Instant CD) | <Grey+> | CD to highlighted dir CD to highlighted dir (Instant CD) | or browse if a file. or browse if a file. 6. MOUSE BUTTONS: | L-- M-- R-- L-R LM- -MR LMR ===============|======================================================== 3 Button Mouse | <G-> <G+> <ESC> <TAB> <PgUp> <PgDn> <F9> | 2 Button Mouse | <G+> <ESC> <G-> 4FILES will automatically detect both the type of mouse and the type of keyboard BIOS in your computer, but the layout of your keyboard can only be assumed (based on the BIOS). If the assumption is incorrect for your system, you may force its reversal via the configuration menu. WHAT YOU WANT IS THREE KEYS ADJACENT TO ONE ANOTHER. On the 83-key keyboard they should be in a vertical sequence of <SCRL-LK>, <G-> and <G+>. On other keyboards they should form a dog-leg at the upper left corner of the keypad, using <G*> instead of <SCRL-LK>. Proper arrangement is essential to maximize your working efficiency. After hitting <G*> or <Scrl-Lck>, you will be prompted to enter a drive letter. Giving a valid letter will cause an immediate change to that drive. If the <G*> or <Scrl-Lk> key is instead tapped a SECOND time, an input field and prompt will be appear for specifying the new directory and/or drive. Hitting <G+> while the cursor is on a subdirectory record will cause 4FILES to change to that subdirectory. If this is the ".." record, the change will be to the parent of the current directory. <GREY-> will change to the parent dir- ectory from ANY record. When changing to a parent directory, the cursor will do a quick scroll from the top of the listing down to the entry for the subdirectory you just left. This feature is helpful when inspecting a succession of child directories, since you always return to your last place in the parent, rather than its first record. The screen is scrolled rather than flashing you to the correct record in order to give an impression of your current location in the list. During a drive change, 4FILES goes to the extra trouble of avoiding the ann- oying DOS message "Insert Disk for Drive A" on systems with only one floppy, and will seamlessly give you an opportunity to swap disks without messing up the screen. Since some hard drives now have replaceable media, the swap disk message will appear whenever a change to the current drive is requested, includ- ing for hard disks. On single floppy computers, a change to drive 'B' will be honored, but will be shown as the physical drive 'A' on screen. FILE FINDER: Scrolling to files in a directory listing is easy: just hit an <@-char> key, where "char" is the alpha-numeric first character of the file or directory name. You will be delivered to the next occurrence of a record starting with that character. <SCL-LK> toggles the search direction at any time, including in mid-search. On 83-key keyboards, <Keypad-5> performs this function instead since <SCL-LK> is used for directory navigation. If faster cursor bar movement is desired, 4FILES will support rates which are much faster than "normal". Faster settings can be made via some keyboard hardware, or otherwise via keyboard enhancement utilities. ================================================================================= MOUSE USE ========= See the button map above. The mouse handler is setup so that no action is taken until all depressed buttons have been released. To experiment, for a 'page-down' hold down the right button -- no rush -- and hit the middle button at your leisure. Then lift one finger -- again no rush -- and when the other finger is lifted the action will be taken. 7. Some older mouse drivers may be incompatible, causing the program to lock up when the mouse is moved. An incompatibility with the MicroSpeed trackball was reported, and is being worked on. There are two solutions for this: 1) get an up-to-date driver, if available, or 2) disable the 4FILES mouse features with the switch on the configuration menu. The mouse will be left in its previous state, and may still move the cursor bar. Please let me know if you have a problem here for which an adequate driver is not available. ================================================================================ FILE MODE & NOTE MODE ===================== 4FILES now starts in FILE MODE, in which the file management functions are enabled. <TAB> toggles between File Mode and Note Mode. You will notice that the menu changes with the mode, and you will find that while every command on each menu will work in that mode, some will also work in the other mode. There is not a enough space on the single menu line to list all commands for each mode, but they are logical and you'll catch on. =============================================================================== USING FILE MODE =============== The file mode commands functional in this release are Copy, Move, Rename, Delete, and Attributes for single files, and for marked files they are Delete and Attributes. Other commands are New Directory, Kill Directory, Sort, and ^E (execute). The copy, move and rename implementations are very rudimentary, and are a stop-gap while a truly exceptional implentation is being coded into V-3.0. These rely directly on 4DOS resources, preserving the file notes. Block functions of these commands will also be included, as well as both zipping and unzipping for single files or marked blocks of files. ^E presents a DOS command line loaded with the name of the current record. The cursor is in front of the name, and the line editor is forced into insert mode. All cursor controls as documented for the note editor are functional. Immediately tapping ^E a second time will provide a blank command line. If the configuration switch for an "immediate exit" from DOS in on, appending "++" (unquoted) will force a pause before the 4FILES display is refreshed. The DOS make-directory and remove-directory commands appear as New-direct- ory and Kill-directory to provide clear one-key mnemonics of "N" and "K" which do not conflict with Move and Rename. "R"ename works for subdirectories as well as files. <NUM-LOCK> toggles between displaying file attributes and file creation time, and is functional in both File and Note Mode. "A" & "D" are the mnemonic commands to change file attributes and delete files. ^A and ^D act on all marked files. "D" requires a double-tap of the "Y" key for confirmation. <F5> & <F6> mark and unmark records for such block operations. <^F5> & <^F6> mark and unmark all records. Marking may be done in either File or Note Mode. Block file operations will automatic- ally pass over subdirectories. Marking of DESCRIPT.ION is blocked. If plain "A" is hit, an editable image of the current file's actual attrib- utes is displayed for modification. If ^A is hit to operate on a marked block, a template rather than an actual image is shown. In the template, initially each attribute letter is preceded by a "?" wildcard, indicating that any existing attribute will be left unchanged. Repeatedly typing an attribute character (R, A, S or H) will toggle the the action on that attribute through a cycle of, for example, ?R, +R, -R, and back to ?R. The "+" and "_" indicate that the attribute will be forced "ON" or "OFF" for each file. 8. When the browse key (usually <G+>) is hit on an .EXE file, 4FILES now checks to see if the file is a self-extracting archive in the PKWare, LHARC or LHA format. If so, FV or the utility you have substituted for it will be called to list the contents of the file. (Some programs such as ZR will have no action.) This capability will be added for other types of self-extracting archives when I find copies of such files and learn to identify them. ================================================================================ SORTING THE LIST OF FILES ========================= While the sublist of subdirectories is always alpha- betically sorted, the sublist of files may be sorted in various ways either on-the-fly or via command line switches. The default sort is alphabetical, in ascending order. To change the sort "on-the-fly", type "S" while in DOS mode. After making a selection, which may involve making settings for both type of sort and for ascending or descending order, a second tap on the last key hit will exit the sort menu and cause the sort to be made. <CR> will exit also. Notice that the sort by file-note is case sensitive (e.g. notes starting in lower case letters will be in a block below notes starting in upper case). The command line sort switches are described below. /D may be used by itself or in combination with other switches, and affects only the primary sort. These sort specs also apply to on-the-fly settings. The sorts are: SWITCH PRIMARY SORT SECONDARY SORT ------- ----------------- ------------------ DEFAULT FILENAME.EXT (None) /E .EXT FILENAME /S File Size FILENAME.EXT /T File Time/Date FILENAME.EXT /N File Note FILENAME.EXT /D (Descending Order) (Descending Order) Except when using the default sort order, the primary sort field is highlighted with a color that is controlled via the configuration menu. For more about sorts, see the section on tips for 4FILES use. ================================================================================ UTILITY PORTS -- BROWSING, EDITING, UNZIPPING and FINDING FILES =============================================================== -- BROWSING FILES -- The <G+> key is overloaded in a wonderful way. Not only will it allow you to "see" the contents of a subdirectory, if the highlighted record is a file, it will call up your favorite file browser or archive viewer with the file loaded. 4FILES comes configured with the internal 4DOS LIST command as the browser, but any browser may be substituted. Shelling to DOS to run this internal command is slow, but if you use a browse utility like Vern Buerg's LIST.COM, your file will be displayed literally in an eye-blink. If the record is a .ZIP, .ARC, .DWC, .LBR, .LZH, .PAK or .ZOO archive, an archive inspector such as ZR.COM or Buerg's FV.COM will be called. FV gives a table of what's in any of the above archive types, while ZR actually browses files inside the archive, but only for the .ZIP format. Packed .EXE files in the PK and LHARC formats are listed in tables directly. 9. The mouse will function in these and all other utilities in the manner initialized by 4FILES, and will provide scrolling and a quick return via the right button. The combination of middle-button equal to <G+> and right- button equal to <ESC>, combined with movement of the 4FILES cursor bar by the mouse, allows one handed "rapid-fire" inspection of multiple files. In the midst of your rapid firing though, you will sometimes inadvertent- ly exit from 4FILES. To avoid this, you will probably want to reconfigure to disable quitting 4FILES via the <ESC> key. The <^ESC> and <@ESC> keys still function, and allow you to quit to the original or current directory, respectively. Improper <ESC> use will display a menu of the proper keys. -- EDITING FILES -- <F2> calls your editor, loading it with the filename of the current record. In the factory configuration, record extensions of .COM .EXE .BIN .OBJ .SYS .LIB .WKS .DB (or the seven above archive extensions) will not be loaded for editing. These and four other denied-extension may be set or deleted on the configuration menu. The idea is to protect the integrity of executable and non-text data files. If a disk is write-protected, the editor will not be called and you will be given an error message. Note that an "R" switch is provided in the configuration listing for each utility port. It forces reloading the current directory upon return from the utility, and should be "on" for any editor or other utility which can change file size or directory contents. "W" (wait before redisplaying) should be off, since you will want to return immediately to 4FILES from the editor. To create a NEW file, hit F2 while on a NON-FILE RECORD. This will not work if the "R" switch is off. You will be prompted for the new filenames, but may hit <CR> with the entry field blank if you wish. Some editors may not be able to utilize more than one filename from the command line. -- FINDING DUPLICATE FILES -- <F3> is initially set up to call a file finder utility called WHERE.EXE, which will be loaded with the file name of the current record. Bruce Gavin's utility FIND.EXE is a good one to use here. Any type of utility which takes a file name as an arguement may be mapped to this key. -- UNZIPPING FILES -- <F4> is set up to call 4UNZIP, a shareware utility which in turn calls PKUNZIP. A list of the files archived in a .ZIP file is shown, and individ- ual files can be marked and extracted from the archive singly or as a group. ================================================================================ UTILITY PORTS IN USE ==================== One potential difficulty which 4FILES avoids is that some utilities and editors you might like to call allow you to delete/rename files or change drives/directories. When the utility is exited, 4FILES by default explicitly changes back to its last drive/directory and rereads the directory list. The bar is returned to the last record it was on, or if deleted, to the nearest record number possible. This process takes a little longer than assuming that the directory structure is unchanged, and also destroys the "+/-" note modified indicators and any file marks, but is SAFE. 10. Alternatively, you may command 4FILES not to reload the directory by setting reconfiguring the port (hit <@F10>). Use these switches ONLY if you are certain that the subject utility is not capable of the operations mentioned in the previous paragraph. Note that the switch for the browser will also be operative when displaying Help with <F1>, since the file browser is used to display the help screen. ================================================================================ NOTE MODE -- ANNOTATING FILES ============================= File notes may be up to 40-characters long, and each directory with annotated files will contain a hidden file named DESCRIPT.ION, containing a list of files and their notes. If you are using 4DOS instead of COMMAND.COM, these notes will remain associated with their files when copying, moving or renaming the files. To put the "*" character in a note, the SHIFT-8 key must be used since <G*> has a special function. Great attention has been devoted to making 4FILES a true power tool for creating or modifying one or a multitude of notes. These are the features: -- CUT & PASTE -- ----------- <F9> initiates the text-cutting mode. After highlighting the desired text by moving the cursor horizontally, hit <CR>. ^Y cuts the entire note with one action. Cutting is innactive in FLR mode. <F10> pastes the last string of text which was cut. If a PASTE causes an overflow of the 40-character note space, the note is moved to an 80- character space at the bottom of the screen. This expanded field is fully editable (see following). <F10> is inactive in FLR mode. -- EXPANDED EDIT FIELD -- ------------------- Expanded Field Mode is triggered whenever typing or pasting causes the length of the current note to exceed 40 characters, and allows editing over a full 80-character field. The note is moved to a highlighted 80- character field at the bottom of the screen and the 40-character field is blotted out. Two "eyebrows" of contrasting "blot" characters, each 40-characters long, are placed above this field, and act as a guide for where the over-long note will be truncated when <CR> or <ESC> is hit. The effect of the blotted out 40-character field, eyebrows, and high- lighted bottom row is to draw your eyes down to the expanded field. To return to the 40-character field, hit <ESC> or <CR>. <ESC> will return to the current record and <CR> moves the cursor to the next record. In both cases the note is truncated after the 40th character. 4FILES will not accept more than 80 characters under any circumstances, and will block pasting or typing which would exceed that size. A 40- character long cut string can be pasted into a full 40-character note. -- FLUSH RIGHT (FLR) MODE -- ---------------------- To create notes which are easy to scan by eye, it is sometimes useful to make part of a note left justified and part of it right justified. Hit- ting <Sh-Rt-Arrow> provides right justified text in either of two ways: 11. 1. If there is text to the right of the cursor, it is bumped over to the right margin. The cursor is not moved, and 4FILES remains in its normal, left justified editing mode. 2. If there is no text to the right of the cursor, 4FILES enters Flush- Right Mode (FLR). The cursor is moved to the right margin, and highlighted indicators are set-up to show the part of the note field which is available for FLR text entry. Text will grow leftward from the cursor, which is initially outside the field. Editing is forced into insert mode. All horizontal cursor movement keys are active. ^Left & ^Right behave slightly different than in normal mode, putting the cursor between words, and Shft-BS is enabled. Collision of new FLR text with any left-justified text is prevented. Cut and paste are not allowed. QUITTING FLR MODE -- There are three ways to leave FLR mode, with differing effects on the text cursor and the cursor bar. In all cases, the pre-existing insert or overwrite mode will be restored. The choices: <ESC> Leaves the cursor where it is. <Sh-Left> Sends the cursor home. <Record-change> (All vertical cursor keys act normally.) -- INSERT / OVERWRITE MODES -- ------------------------ The INSERT mode default may be changed from the configuration menu. -- FULL CURSOR CONTROL -- ------------------- 4FILES has nice cursor controls, several of which are not available to programmers who don't go to the trouble of making their own keyboard interrupt handlers. The keys are listed above in "Note Mode Commands". -- NOTE FORMAT ALTERATIONS -- ----------------------- 4FILES maintains any leading spaces you put in your notes, but unfortun- ately all versions of 4DOS (so far) delete any leading spaces while manipulating the notes during copy, move and rename operations. Sorry! If this a problem for you, please direct your request for a program modification to JP Software. ================================================================================ INTERNAL CONFIGURATION ROUTINE -- CUSTOMIZING 4FILES ==================================================== You can change 4FILES' on-screen appearance, the INSERT/OVERWRITE default, the characteristics of the "utility ports" used to call your utilities, and a number of other features. To bring up the Configuration Screen, hit <@F10>. Move between fields with the <TAB> or <CR> key. Note that while <G+> is always shown on the menu, it functions only when configuring colors. Changes may be permanently patched to 4FILES or remain unpatched for "session-only" use. For loading a directory larger than 4FILES' normal 495 record capacity, the configuration code may be overwritten to increase capacity to 530 records. A switch on the configuration menu either allows this to happen automatically (when needed) or will prompt you to OK an overwrite. When the code is over- written, you will not be able to reconfigure until your next 4FILES session. 12. Data for six "utility ports" is shown at the top of the screen. The long field is for an alias name or complete filespec. In all cases the file exten- sion MUST be given, along with the drive and complete path. For batch files, both .BAT and .BTM are recognized, and for an alias the extension .ALS must be used. ".ALS" is an internal flag for 4FILES only, and is not included in the utility call. The next version of 4FILES will be able to search your path for an executable file if the filespec is incomplete. Errors in calls to .COM and .EXE programs (e.g. file not found) will be shown as "configuration incorrect". Execution errors for batch files and aliases are not trapped though. If the configuration is for "no-pause" after shelling to DOS, you will see only a fast screen flash. If this happens, your configur- ation is incorrect, but trying again with "pause" on will let you see what's happening. For HELP, both the browser and help file must be configured right. The next field in the utility port block is the command line tail. This is for sending filenames, command line switches or other parameters to the utility. To send the name of the current record as a parameter, the string "$F" must be included in this field, as a flag to 4FILES. $F allows you to place the filename wherever your utility requires in relation to switches. The "W" field is a binary YES/NO field which determines whether or not 4FILES waits for a keyhit after the utility has finished executing. It should be set to "Y" for utilities which run straight through and exit without any user input (FV.COM is an example). The "R" field is another YES/NO binary field which determines whether 4FILES will reload the directory list and DESCRIPT.ION file after the utility exits. It must be used if the utility is capable of managing files or changing drives and directories. It should also be set for an editor or word processor. In the next configuration section, switches are provided for the following: Typing default -- The insert mode default can be changed to overtype. Other keyboard -- Set this to "Y" if 4FILES assumes the non-optimum keyboard layout for your computer. Disable <ESC> -- To avoid inadvertent exits with <ESC>, set this to "Y" and exit with <^ESC> or <@ESC>. Enable Mouse -- "N" leaves the mouse undisturbed. Snow prevention -- Needed by some CGA monitors. This switch has no effect on performance for non-CGA monitors. Video Mode -- Must be "Y" to enable over 80 columns by 25 rows. "Y" is OK for most but not all systems in 80x25 too. Sound on/off -- Can be used to override the default sound "on". Data Overwriting -- Allows data to AUTOMATICALLY overwrite configuration code to increase capacity from 495 to 530 records. Auto exit from DOS -- If result of an ^E command flashes off the screen, set this to "N", or alternatively put "++" at the end of the command line. Both await a keyhit. 13. Last comes a section for selecting colors or monochrome highlights. Navigate this submenu with <TAB>, <G+> and horizontal arrows. There is separate data for colors and MGA/HGC highlights; the appropriate set is activated at runtime. Some color combinations may not work with some "ported utilities". For example, if a utility automatically sets up a black on white cursor bar without clearing the screen to white on black text first, AND if you have 4FILES text set to black on white, you won't see the cursor bar. This occurs with 4UNZIP & VDE.COM. The only solution is to pick text colors for 4FILES which avoid the conflict. Please write to authors of such programs and request a "smarter" set up of screen attributes in the next version. Please notify me as well. On exit from configuration, new and old data are compared, and you are prompted to save the configuration only if there is a difference. ================================================================================ DISPLAY FEATURES ================ In order to use video text modes greater than 80 columns by 25 rows, you must set a switch on the configuration screen to enable higher modes. If the switch is not set, garbage will be displayed in these modes. If a CGA video card is detected, a default no-snow video write is used to avoid snow. If you CGA is snow-proof, use the no-snow switch for faster displaying. TOP LINES -- The top line shows the current file number and total file count; the current directory; indicators for CAPS-LOCK and file search direction; and the 4FILES version number. On the next row, a highlighted "T" in the middle of the double line indicates that the top record of the list is displayed. A "VIEW ONLY" message is displayed if the current disk is write protected, meaning that note editing and text editor access are "off". BODY -- Records with altered notes are flagged with a "+/-" character (ASCII 241) at mid-line. This space is otherwise occupied by a "feather" character (ASCII 175). A solid-delta character next to a file name indicates that the file is marked for a block management operation. BOTTOM LINE -- This is the key-command menu, except when needed for the expanded text field or for a message. For <F1> to function, the manual must be stored at C:\4DOS\4F.DOC, unless help is reconfigured. A highlighted "E" on the double line indicates that the last record is displayed. ================================================================================ SAFETY FEATURES =============== -- DISK OVERFLOW PREVENTION -- ------------------------ In DOS, a file write which exceeds disk capacity will truncate the file, usually with no outward indication of a problem, at least until later. Any automatic protection against such data loss must be provided by the program itself, and 4FILES has an excellent overflow prevention system. No competing program I have tried checks for disk overflow; some will truncate files to the length written to disk at time of overflow, and some will truncate them to zero length. Some give absolutely no warning, and the others warn AFTER the damage has already been done. 14. Whenever you change records or directories, 4FILES checks for an over- flow condition. If your edits exceed disk capacity, you are immediately alerted with a message giving the number of excess bytes. At this point the note file is still in memory, and operations which would cause a file write are blocked. These include drive or directory changes, calling browse or edit utilities, and quitting. Meanwhile, you have FULL editing freedom, even text insertion and pasting(!). The overflow bytes message is updated on each record change, and the tally can run up as high as necessary. When the message fails to appear, the notes will fit on disk, and blocked-off functions have been re-enabled. Entirely deleting a note deducts more than the note size from the overflow; the length of the "filename.ext" plus three delimiter bytes are also nixed. If you delete a file (as opposed to just its note) or subdirectory with the "D" or "K" commands, the space freed up from the record and its note will be properly accounted for. Changes during ^E operations are accounted for also since the directory is reread afterward. 4FILES pinpoints available disk space down to the last byte. In one unusual circumstance the overflow detection behavior may seem strange, although it is still working correctly. Writing a new file requires at least one cluster of disk space (1024, 2048, or 4096 bytes, depending on the drive). Writing the first note in a subdirectory requires one cluster of available space, but if the disk is already full, doing so will cause an overflow condition. You might try going to another subdirectory with notes and deleting a few notes, but this problem will not work. You may appear to free up enough bytes, but unless this also frees up a cluster 4FILES will still indicate an overflow since one does in fact exist. -- READ ONLY "TRAP" AVOIDED -- ------------------------ 4DOS and 4FILES can move and edit notes only if the "attribute" of the DESCRIPT.ION file allows a file write. Unfortunately, the "READ-ONLY" attribute can be inadvertently set by some utilities, especially those which can operate on blocks of files (such as XTREE Pro). When loading a directory, 4FILES checks ahead for the READ-ONLY attribute, and will prompt you to clear it. Competing programs (FDU and 4EDIT) aren't so nice. They let you edit notes and *appear* to save your notes to disk -- but ... uh, uh, surprise! 4FILES won't let you waste effort making edits which can't be saved, nor will it lose them. If you say "NO" to clearing the attribute during a directory change, you will be returned to the old directory. During 4FILES startup, picking "NO" will terminate the program. "YES" clears the bit, and operations are normal. NEVER intentionally mark a DESCRIPT.ION file "READ-ONLY" for any reason. 4FILES catches the error, but versions of 4DOS issued so far don't check for it. The result is that a file moved or copied TO the affected directory will lose its note. A renamed file would also lose its note. 4FILES also will not allow you to use the A or ^A commands to change the attributes of DESCRIPT.ION, nor will it allow you to copy or rename it. It may be deleted only if all notes have been erased. For the 4DOS file note system to be absolutely reliable, DESCRIPT.ION must inviolate! -- TIMELY WRITE-PROTECTED DISK DETECTION -- 15. ------------------------------------- Files on a write protected disk cannot be altered. During 4FILES startup and all drive changes an immediate check is made to see if the new disk is write protected. If so, you will be alerted with a prominent "VIEW ONLY" message. The ability to edit file notes, the use of <F2>, and appropriate DOS functions will be disabled, but you will still be able to browse and use the other 4FILES functions. If the root directory is current a check is made to see if it is full, and if so, appropriate limitations are setup. -- INTERNAL CRITICAL ERROR HANDLER -- ------------------------------ DOS handles some simple, common problems as critical errors, and can disrupt execution of a program. These problems include leaving a drive door open or calling a drive with no disk inserted. 4FILES has its own INT24 handler to treat such problems seamlessly. It also goes to extra effort to handle use of drives A and B in single floppy systems seamlessly. ================================================================================ 4FILES TIPS =========== Here are some ideas for making the most of 4FILES in everyday use. 1) TEAMWORK WITH LARGE APPLICATIONS: 4FILES is a great time saver when used in conjunction with some application programs. For example, you can write a 4DOS alias which loads 4FILES whenever you exit your communica- tions program. Using Procom as an example, if you create this alias: ALIAS COM = C:\COM\PROCOM ^ 4FILES C:\COM\DOWN /E/D the command "COM" will cause 4FILES to be load when Procom exits. Your download directory will be shown sorted in reverse order by file extension, placing .ZIP files at the top of the list. Then, using <G+> you may view the contents of any .ZIP file. To unzip a file, type F4 to call PKUNZIP or 4UNZIP. For added flexibility in un- zipping, you can use the ^E command line. For example, I often send PKUNZIP output to an empty directory, so inconsistently named files don't get lost in the display of \COM\DOWN, and so other READ.ME files don't get overwrite inadvertently. I maintain several directories for this purpose, named \DUMP1, \DUMP2, etc. To get to one of these directories quickly after unzipping, type <G*><G*>, then the directory name, or just move through your directory tree with <G-> & <G+>. 2) MORE ROOM FOR BIG APPLICATIONS: To make more room for big applications, you can use SHROOM, a shareware program which will swap any other program to disk when it shells to DOS. 4FILES runs in 64K, and most small utilities called from it also run in 64K or more. If these are called via ^E or a batch file or alias, SHROOM will free-up 58K+. If you call 4FILES from a big application like a word processor, this may make the difference of being functional or not. I would like 4FILES to swap itself to disk or EMS in a future version, saving even more memory. 3) MULTIPLE 4FILES CONFIGURATIONS: You can write a variety of aliases to quickly load 4FILES specialized, frequently used configurations. An alias called 4FE might call 4FILES with the /E switch set. Another called 4FT, might make the call 4FILES C:\WP\TEXT. In such aliases, giving the full pathspec to 4FILES may speed loading, or you may want to have the directory containing 4FILES listed early in your PATH statement. 16. 4) To speed your return after shelling out when automatic returning is not enabled, use this alias: ALIAS E EXIT. Then "E <CR>" gets you back to into 4FILES (or another program you have shelled out of). 5) Remember the "double tap" keys: ^E^E, G*G*, and the double strokes in the Sort menu. 6) FREEZING THE SCREEN (A): With the ^E command or when using a utility port with a batch file or alias, a message might flash off screen too fast to read or nothing may appear to happen. On the ^E command line a "++" appended to the command will freeze the screen until a key is hit. Also, the configuration can be set to no-pause after the DOS shell execution. 7) FREEZING THE SCREEN (B): Some utilities you may like to use will scroll several pages right off the screen. The solution is to call an alias, such as one of these for using Borland's TDUMP. Since they use pipes, they must be entered from a file of aliases rather than the command line. ALIAS HEX=C:\PROG\TDUMP.EXE %1 -h | MORE or ALIAS HEX=C:\PROG\TDUMP.EXE %1 -h | C:\UTIL\LIST.COM /S The first one uses an MSDOS resource which pauses at the end of each page. The later pipes output into Vern Buerg's LIST program, which allows you to scroll back and forth through the output. To put this to heavy use, HEX.ALS could be configured to the F3 key. This is just an example; Buerg's LIST.COM can more efficiently do a hex dump directly, by configuring <G+> to call it with $F/h in the command tail. 8) OPTIMUM KEYBOARD: We all get set in our ways so it may take some adjust- ment, but if your function keys are across the top a change to a board with them on the left will really speed up your work and make it more accurate, in all programs. In 4FILES, the close proximity of these keys to <ESC>, <TAB> and <CTRL> will keep your left hand in position all the time. This is especially handy for marking/unmarking all files with ^F5 and ^F6. I feel my upgrade to such a board had a very fast payback. 9) COLOR SUGGESTION FOR COLOR MONITORS: As supplied, 4FILES displays black/grey/white tones which should work well on any color monitor. After much playing around over the months, I have come up with a color scheme which I feel is very easy on the eyes as well as functional. In particular, it gives a good balance between the color of the cursor bar and the colors of both normal text and sorted fields. BACKGROUND CHARACTER ---------- --------- NORMAL TEXT Black Dark Cyan SORTED FIELD Black Bright Yellow CURSOR BAR Light Grey Black CUT HI-LIGHT Dark Grey Bright Red FUNCTION KEYS Light Grey Black or: Black Bright Yellow MENU TEXT Black Rust (Dark Yellow) INDICATORS Dark Red Bright White =========================================================================== 17. 4FILES ... ORIGIN & FUTURE EVOLUTION ====================================== 4FILES was written entirely in assembly language for high speed and small size, and the work involved has been considerable (and the job isn't done). The concept arose from the lack in 4DOS of two things. First, 4DOS has no adequate means to create or edit the file notes it otherwise handles so well. The 4DOS internal note editor is as frustrating to use as EDLIN. 4FILES V-1.X fulfilled the need for a fully capable note editor for 4DOS, and also had other useful features, such as the directory tree navigation capability and utility ports. Second, while 4DOS has its own internal transfer commands (COPY, MOVE AND RENAME) which automatically assure that notes stay with their files, it lacks a good way to perform these operations on blocks of files. 4DOS unaware utilities capable of block operations (such as XTREE-PRO) are unsatisfactory since they are oblivious to file notes and will trash them. 4FILES Version 2-Minus adds many file management features, easy DOS command line shelling, and the configuration routine. Present implementations of Copy, Move and Rename are very rudimentary, but will be *HOT* in V-3.0. 3.0 will also 1) ZIP files with their 4DOS notes as included comments. 2) List files in a .ZIP (with their notes) and browse or unzip those files by the existing 4FILES methods. PKZIP options will be well supported. 3) Display a (V)olume window showing free and occupied disk space for two drives, editable volume labels, and counts of subdirectories and files in the current directory in categories of "all" and "marked", with bytes listed for the sets of files. The COPY/MOVE facility will be extraordinary in its power and flexibility, and will include a "freshen" command to update files in other directories. Options may be set to trigger an alert if there are differences between the file notes or the date/time of the source and target files. Appropriate action, including note editing on the fly, is prompted if there is a difference. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: My deepest thanks go out to John Fox, Tom Schulte, Mike Bessy, Pierre Jelenc and Mack Tanner, who have all been of great help to me in refining 4FILES, finding bugs, or identifying system-dependent conflicts. =============================================================================== WHAT YOU GET FOR REGISTRATION: ============================== Registration ($20) of V-2 Minus or an earlier version entitles you to: 1) Free technical support. 2) A free copy of the latest version, with personalized exit message, and a free registered copy of V-3.0 by mail immediately upon release. Timely notification of releases beyond V-3.0 will be sent. 3) A printed manual for $3.50 with registration, or $5.00 later (available November 1991). 18. 4FILES has been a very time consuming project because I have gone to great pains both to maximize its convenience and power and to assure protection of your data. I believe 4FILES stands head and shoulders above competing programs in these regards and in all that it does. I regret that V-3.0 is yet not avail- able, but even so the existing power and convenience is considerable. Please recognize this effort by registering your copy promptly if you put it to useful work, and by passing 4FILES on to others who might enjoy it. ===================================================================== | All comments, pro or con, will be gratefully received! | | You need NOT be registered to comment. | | | | All known incompatibilites have been worked out of 4FILES, but | | if you encounter difficulties please call collect, even if you | | aren't registered. I want 4FILES to work on your system! | ===================================================================== =============================================================================== AGREEMENT -- USE / REGISTRATION / DISTRIBUTION / & LICENSING OF "4FILES" =============================================================================== 4FILES and its documentation are copyrighted intellectual property which are distributed as shareware, and may be used or distributed only in compliance with the terms and conditions which follow. 4FILES is neither free nor in the public domain. All rights are reserved by the author. Use of 4FILES constitutes your agreement to the following. USE & REGISTRATION FOR A SINGLE COMPUTER ---------------------------------------- Use of 4FILES is free during your evaluation period. This period ends when you begin to use 4FILES for any useful work which is not incidental to exploring its capabilities, and may not exceed 30-days beyond your acquis- ition date. When you use 4FILES for the primary purpose of accomplishing useful work, as contrasted to a genuine evaluation, you are obligated to do your "share" of the shareware arrangement by registering your copy promptly. Registration is $20, and a form is provided in the file 4F_REG.TXT and below for your convenience. MULTIPLE USE & SITE LICENSING ----------------------------- A site license is required if 4FILES can potentially be used simultan- eously on more than one computer, terminal or workstation in a business, institution, organization, government agency, etc. To apply for a license, please fill out the registration form in 4F_REG.TXT or below. A sample site license and rates are contained in the file 4F-SITE.TXT WHAT REGISTRATION ENTITLES YOU TO: 19. --------------------------------- 1) By mail, a fresh copy of 4FILES listing you as registered user at logoff. 2) By mail, a FREE copy of V-3.0 immediately upon its release. 3) Postcard or CIS E-Mail notification of releases beyond V-3.0 4) Free technical support. (Phone might be answered "Baidarka Boats".) 5) A printed manual for $3.50 with registration, or $5.00 later. 6) Custom modifications at reasonable rates (FREE if your idea is produced). DISTRIBUTION OF 4FILES ---------------------- Distribution by any means is ENCOURAGED, provided that: 1) The distribution includes all original files (see Packing List, below) in their unaltered forms and with unaltered filenames. If the package is incomplete its distribution is prohibited; please contact me for a complete package. It is preferred that the .COM file be in its "factory" configured state, if possible. A BBS may add a tag file listing it as the source, and disk vendors may add introductory or installation batch files. 2) A distribution fee does not exceed $8 if 4FILES is distributed alone or $12 if it is packed on a disk with other programs (in 1991 dollars), UNLESS another figure has been approved in writing. Commercial vendors who are not ASP members must have written permission to distribute. 3) In any vendor catalogs or other publications, it is clear made that this is shareware and that $20 must be paid to Hand-Crafted Software if the program is useful, in addition to the distribution fee (if any). 4) 4FILES may not be included or bundled with other goods or services without express written permission of Hand-Crafted Software. WARRARNTY & DISCLAIMER ---------------------- Any use of 4FILES constitutes your agreement that it is provided "as-is" with no express or implied warranty (other than 90-days of free technical support) that you assume full responsibility for assuring that it performs acceptably on your system, and that in no event shall Larry Edwards, Hand-Crafted Software or their successors be held liable for any damages arising from use of the program. I HOPE YOU THINK MY SOFT "WARES" ARE TERRIFIC; MUCH EXTRA EFFORT HAS BEEN EXPENDED TO THAT END. YOUR REGISTRATION WILL BE MUCH APPRECIATED! =============================================================================== PACKING LIST (All files except 4F.COM are readable text files.) ============ 4F .COM 4FILES Version 2.P program file. 4F .DOC Full documentation. 4F .VER Version history of 4FILES. 4F-READ .ME Introductory information, and a word on compatibility. 4F-REG .TXT Registration form. 4F-SITE .TXT Licensing rates and sample site license. 4F-SYSOP.TXT Information for SYSOPs. 4F-VENDR.TXT Information for disk vendors. =========================================================================== 20. 4FILES REGISTRATION FORM ======================== Larry Edwards // Hand-Crafted Software Box 6001 // Sitka, Ak 99835 USA // (907)-747-8996 PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY! 4FILES VERSION #____ ==================== Your name: ______________________________________ Position:_________________ Company: ________________________________________ Phone: (W) ________________ Street or Box: _______________________________________ (H) ________________ City/State/Zip: ___________________________________ Country: ________________ CIS ID# _________ I got 4FILES from (if BBS give forum too):_________________ _________________ CHECK ONE: Send upgrade by US Mail on __ 360K __1.2M __720K __1.44M disk. CHECK AS APPROPRIATE: __ Our (my) operation cannot possibly use more than one copy of 4FILES simult- aneously, and I am registering one copy via the enclosed $20 payment. __ Our (my) operation hereby applies for a site license to install 4FILES for use on up to _____ computers, workstations or terminals. Payment according to the schedule in the file 4F-SITE.TXT is enclosed (call if file is lost). Signature: ________________________________________ Date: _______________ QUESTION: Is the documentation __ too detailed? __ not detailed enough? __ OK? ================================================================ COMMENTS / PROBLEMS / CHANGES OR ADDITIONS YOU DESIRE IN 4FILES: ================================================================