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Resident-TaskManager Version 2.05 -- September 1990 A Memory Resident Task Manager Copyright (c) 1989,90 WetZoft Applications All Rights Reserved _______ ____|__ | (tm) --| | |------------------- | ____|__ | Association of | | |_| Shareware |__| o | Professionals -----| | |--------------------- |___|___| MEMBER Table of Contents I. INTRODUCTION............................................1 A. What Is Resident-TaskManager?.........................1 B. Current Limitations & Restrictions....................1 C. Files Included on Distribution Disk...................2 D. Shareware.............................................2 E. Acknowledgements......................................3 II. LEGAL STUFF............................................3 A. Trademarks Mentioned..................................3 B. Copyright Notice And License..........................3 C. Warranty..............................................4 D. Registration..........................................4 E. Support...............................................5 F. Bulletin Boards, Users Groups And Disk Vendors........5 III. INSTALLATION AND DEFAULT OPTIONS......................5 A. Using The Install Program.............................5 IV. COMMAND LINE OPTIONS..................................10 V. GENERAL USAGE..........................................12 A. Tasks................................................12 B. Swapping-Memory-Resident.............................12 C. Displaying Task's....................................13 D. Commands.............................................13 E. Popping Up...........................................13 VI. COMMAND REFERENCE.....................................14 A. Scrolling The Display................................14 B. Add/Modifying Items..................................14 C. Deleting Items.......................................15 D. Editing the Attached Description.....................15 E. Date Manipulations...................................16 F. Exiting Resident Task................................16 G. Sorting Tasks........................................17 H. Menus................................................17 I. File Options.........................................17 J. Print Options........................................18 VII. EDITING KEYS.........................................19 VIII. TECHNICAL NOTES.....................................20 IX. ASSOCIATION OF SHAREWARE PROFESSIONALS................20 A. The primary goals of the ASP:........................20 X. OTHER PROGRAMS BY WETZOFT APPLICATIONS.................21 A. CALRPT...............................................21 B. CALTRV...............................................21 Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: i XI. REVISION HISTORY......................................21 Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: ii I. INTRODUCTION A. What Is Resident-TaskManager? Resident-TaskManager(RTM) is (optionally) a memory-resident program to manages lists of Tasks, Reminders or ToDo's. Really, this can be anything you want it to be: a general list of things to do, a list of appointments, tasks you've delegated, etc. Resident-TaskManager's most important feature is it's ability to load as a memory-resident program. That means it's available to you whenever you need to use it. And, it only uses about 6 of DOS' lower 640K while doing so. NOTE: Resident-TaskManager does not have to be loaded memory-resident. It can be run as normal DOS task from the command line or within a Window's or DesqView Window. Resident-TaskManager has the following features for managing tasks and lists: . Multiple lists . Add, Modify, Delete, Repeat, and Transfer . 3 Level Sorting . Prioritization . Easy date manipulation . A user-definable field . Audit Files with view and search capability . Simple Printing Resident-TaskManager provides the best combination of memory usage, simplicity, and features for managing small lists of tasks. Attention SK+ Owners!! - Now you can integrate your Task List with your SK+ Calendar. Using CALRPT and/or CALTRV, available separately from WetZoft Applications or on CompuServe (BORAPP LIB 2 & IBMSYS LIB 3), you can merge task lists created using Resident-TaskManager with a formatted listing of your SK+ Calendar/Time Planner. A short description of CALRPT and CALTRV appears later in this document. B. Current Limitations & Restrictions . 150 Absolute maximum number of Tasks. The default is 50. You can use the install program to set this number depending on the amount of EMS memory / Disk Space you want to use. . 5 lines (72 characters each) of added description information per Task . Requires about 6K of real memory Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: 1 . Requires about 150K of EMS, or approximately 300K of disk space - This is based on the Max Tasks set in RTMINST. . RTM can not be loaded globally within a DesqView or Windows environment. They fight each other for the keyboard and RTM always loses. However, RTM runs fine within a window. *NOTE: Resident-TaskManager will not pop-up over a graphics screen such as Windows (Although it can be run within a Window). This restriction is for two reasons. 1) It takes a lot of memory to save/restore the graphics screen and 2) We have not seen a sure fire way to detect all modes and all colors properly. Hence we were not satisfied with the results. If you are using a graphics program and wish to pop-up Resident- TaskManager, you must switch the program to text mode first(if the application provides this option). C. Files Included on Distribution Disk The Resident-TaskManager Distribution Disk contains the following files: RTM.EXE - The Resident-TaskManager program RTM.DAT - A Short Help File in Resident-TaskManager Format RTM.DOC - This file RTMCONVT.EXE - A Conversion Program to convert RTM 1.x files to 2.0 format. RTMINST.EXE - An installation program README - Changes or important information not included in the printed documentation (RTM.DOC). REGISTER.BAT - A BATch file to print out the registration form to your printer (LPT1) REGFORM.DOC - The actual Registration Form PRINTDOC.BAT - A BATch file to print out this documentation file to your printer (LPT1) VENDOR.DOC - Instructions to Disk Vendors who wish to distribute Resident-TaskManager. Copy these files onto your disk into whatever directory you wish. Then, consider how you want to run Resident-TaskManager and set your options(See: Installation And Default Options later in this file). D. Shareware Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy. And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it. Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: 2 Resident Task Manager is distributed as Shareware -- this means WetZoft Applications encourages users, subject to restrictions described below, to share copies of this program with friends, associates and bulletin boards. You may not share the registered version of Resident Task Manager. If you make copies of Resident Task Manager, you must include all files in the original distribution file. You are not permitted to distribute Resident Task Manager without this documentation. E. Acknowledgements Thanks to TurboPower Software for furnishing an excellent set of utilities (Turbo Professional 5.0) that made this program possible in 25% of the time it would have taken us otherwise. Thanks to my co-author Terry Hughes who put in many long hours on this project. Terry really did all the hard stuff! II. LEGAL STUFF A. Trademarks Mentioned Turbo Pascal is a trademark of Borland International Turbo Professional is a trademark of TurboPower Software Window's is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation Desqview is a trademark of Quarterdeck Office Systems B. Copyright Notice And License This document; other accompanying written and disk-based notes and specifications; and all referenced and related program files, demonstration code and object modules accompanying this document are copyrighted by WetZoft Applications. The copyright owner hereby licenses you to: initial use of the software; make as many copies of the software and documentation as you wish; give exact copies of the original to anyone; and distribute the software and documentation in its unmodified form via electronic means. There is no charge for any of the above. This is not free software. This license allows you to use this software without charge for a period of 30 days. In order to continue using this software, include this software as part of any product, either commercial, shareware, freeware, or public domain, REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Any other use of Resident- TaskManager is in violation of federal copyright laws. No copy of the software may be distributed or given away without this accompanying documentation; this notice must not be removed. ONLY COPIES OF THE SHAREWARE VERSION MAY BE DISTRIBUTED IN ANY FORM. Contact WetZoft Applications if you receive a copy that does not comply with these requirements. Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: 3 C. Warranty There is no warranty of any kind associated with this software, and the copyright owner is not liable for damages of any kind. By using this software, you agree to this. Every effort has been made by WetZoft Applications to make this product bug-free. However, the nature of software development is that it is impossible to guarantee bug-free software. Every attempt will be made to correct any verifiable bug reported. Upgrades will be made available to all registered users. D. Registration To register Resident-TaskManager, fill out the registration form included with this documentation, and send a check or money order (in US funds only) for the appropriate amount to: WetZoft Applications 788 Martin Ct West Severn MD 21144 Upon receipt of the appropriate registration fee, WetZoft Applications will acknowledge the registration and . Provide the user with the codes necessary to remove the shareware registration screen. . Provide the user with a registration number entitling the user to upgrades and telephone support. . Provide the user with a printed copy of the documentation and the latest copy of the software. Please specify disk size on the registration form. If no disk size is specified 5 1/4 inch disks will be sent. The registration fee is for the use of a single copy of Resident-Task Manager by ONE individual. Resident-Task Manager may be used on any computer owned by the registered user so long as there is NO possibility of Resident-TaskManager being used at more than one location at the same time. Please contact WetZoft Applications for information on multiple copy registration and site licenses. Telephone support will only be provided to registered users. If you need technical assistance and you are NOT registered, you may either write to WetZoft Applications the address above, or contact the author on Compuserve: Jim Wetzel [75166,3200] E-Mail, BORAPP, IBMSYS Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: 4 E. Support Registered Users of Resident Task Manager are entitled to the following support: . CompuServe - The preferred method of support is via CompuServe. Technical questions and inquires can be E- Mailed to: Jim Wetzel [75166,3200]. . Mail Support - You can send all questions and inquires to the address listed above. WetZoft Applications will respond as promptly as possible to your inquiry. . Telephone Support - Registered users may call WetZoft Applications at (301)-969-9385 for technical support. Voice response is generally available weekday evenings. Messages are checked periodically throughout the day. For Non-Registered users of Resident Task Manager, we will provide you with assistance to install a shareware copy of Resident Task Manager and evaluate it during the 30 day evaluation period. WetZoft Applications cannot guarantee continued support to Non-Registered Users beyond the 30 day evaluation period. F. Bulletin Boards, Users Groups And Disk Vendors UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES MAY RESIDENT TASK MANAGER BE DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT ALL ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION FILES (INCLUDING THIS COMPLETE FILE), ALL PROGRAMS, AND OTHER MATERIALS PROVIDED WITH THE OFFICIAL COPIES FROM WETZOFT APPLICATIONS. ANY OTHER SUCH DISTRIBUTION OF RESIDENT-TASKMANAGER OR ITS RELATED FILES, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED FOR IN THIS LICENSE, SHALL BE DETERMINED TO BE IN VIOLATION OF FEDERAL COPYRIGHT LAWS. III. INSTALLATION AND DEFAULT OPTIONS A. Using The Install Program Resident-TaskManager is somewhat unusual in that many of its options can only be set via the install program (RTMINST). The reason for doing this: to reduce the amount of memory required for this program (by reducing the size of the program itself). Since most options are typically set only once, this should be a reasonable trade-off. To run RTMINST, simply type: C:>RTMINST <cr> RTMINST will look in the current directory for RTM.EXE. If it's not there, RTMINST will search your currently defined path. If that fails as well, RTMINST will end with an error message. RTMINST presents a data-entry screen showing the name of each configurable option and it's current value. Use the cursor Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: 5 keys to scroll through that screen, setting the defaults as you wish. Use the <F1> key at any time for a Pop-Up Help box for the current field. Default Datafile Path & Filename This is Resident-Task's default data directory and file name. RTM always looks here for it's data. If no file is found, RTM will create a new one (with the specified name) and begin adding records. You can override this option at run-time with the /F [Filename] parameter. For the data file name, you can specify a new drive, path, and file name. It is highly recommended that you add a Drive & Path to the filename supplied. If you do not Resident-TaskManager will try to read its task file from whatever directory you first Pop-Up in. While this may be useful in some situations it could also lead to multiple task files spread across your hard disk. Default SwapFile Drive & Path If RTM can't find enough EMS (or Disk /D swapping is specified) RTM will use a disk file "RTMSWAP1.$$$" to perform the swap. You MUST specify at least a drive here. For the swapfile path, specify the drive and optional path. The last backslash is REQUIRED. RTMINST will make sure this drive and path exists! If it doesn't RTMINST will report an error and you will have to correct the entry. The default is C:\. Valid drives are C: -> G:. Default Screen Colors RTM uses a variety of colors to make the screen more readable. Use the Space Bar,+,- keys to toggle through the color options. The Color Sample Box always shows what the current color selections will look like. Default Run Mode Resident-Task has 3 Run Modes. "Normal Task" means to run as a normal DOS program. "Swap EMS" (Recommended) means to swap all but 6K to EMS and run as a TSR. "Swap Disk" means to swap all but 6K to Disk. Note: "Disk Swap" will also be used if there is not enough EMS available to run as "SWAP EMS". For the Run Mode option, use the +/-/Space keys to toggle through the three options. Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: 6 Option 1 - SWAP EMS (Best Performance) - Instructs RTM to run as a swapping TSR using approximately 6k of your 640K memory and about 150K of exPANDed (EMS) memory. This is the highest performance option with low memory requirements and fast pop- ups. Option 2 - SWAP Disk (Somewhat slower Performance) - Instructs RTM to run as a swapping TSR using approximately 6k of your 640K memory and about 300K of Disk Space. This has somewhat slower performance with low memory requirements and somewhat slower pop-ups. Performance of this option can be enhanced by the use of a RAM Disk. (A perfect option for AT users with a free 384K of exTENDed memory.) Option 3 - Normal Task (Default) - Instructs RTM to run as a normal DOS task. This option is useful from the command line but does not allow you to pop-up over your existing work. This option can be used if you are using some other form of task switching program. Default Hot Key Valid Hot Keys consist of one or more of: <Ctrl>, <Alt>, <Left-Shift> and <Right-Shift> + one "other key". The "other key" can be any VALID letter, number, or function key. For the Hot Key, simply press the desired hot key combination. The text description of the current hot keys lets you verify that RTMINST got the keystrokes correctly. Here are a couple of things to remember about valid hot key combinations: - you must have at least one of: <Alt>, <Ctrl>, <Left-Shift>, <Right-Shift> (these are all referred to as shift keys) - you can have multiple shift keys in any combination (i.e., your shift can consist of all four shift keys. But, I would like to see a picture of you trying to hit all of them.) - one (and only one) non-shift key follows your shift key(s) - avoid keystroke combination that you might use in other programs or that other pop-up programs might use Also, there are a limited set of Keys that the IBM BIOS does not process directly (and neither does RTM). Some of these are certain <Ctrl>-number/punctuation keys and a few <Alt>- Punctuation keys. Generally most <Ctrl>-Letter/Function keys are valid as are most <Alt>-Letter/Number/Function keys. One way to be sure is to try the key you want to use - If it is displayed then it is a valid HotKey. There should be enough to choose from so that you don't conflict with any other TSR's or Function type codes used by other programs. Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: 7 Default Task Priority Resident-Task provides the capability to PRIORITIZE your Tasks. If you want to have a Default value supplied - enter it here. The priority field is used in some of the Task sorting options. Recommended values are A -> Z or 0 -> 9 or Space. The default is "B". It is recommended to use all Numbers or all letters. Intermixed letter & number priorities may not sort the way you expect. Default User Field Name Resident-Task provides one user-definable field. It is 10 characters in length and has a title of up to 7 characters. The title is displayed where ever Task's are displayed or printed. The default name for this field is "Project". You can change this name here and also specify a default Value in the User Value Field. Default User Field Value Resident-Task provides one user-definable field that is 10 characters long. The field is displayed next to the task on the Task screen. The default for this field blank. If most of your "Projects" or what ever you use this field for have the same value - you can specify that value here. RTM will automatically assign that value to the user field as you add records. You can always type over the displayed value. Default Delete Option Resident-Task provides various methods of DELETEing Tasks. These are ERASE: To completely erase a task from the file MOVE: To move the task to the AUDIT file and then erase the task or COPY: To copy the task to the AUDIT file and leave the task for editing. When you select "D"elete from the RTM Menu the option specified here will be automatically highlighted and you only need hit "Enter" to carry out the action. You will still be able to select another option by scrolling with the arrow keys. Additionally, RTM will use this default if you specify Quick Delete using the <Alt>-D keys on the main screen. Space/+/- toggles this field. Default Load Only Option When RTM is loaded as a memory resident program, it executes the program as it loads. That is, you have a chance to view and manipulate your Task's. If you just want RTM to load quietly and not display the your Tasks initially, then set this option to "Y"es. Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: 8 File Write After Add/Modify Resident-Task normally writes all task file changes when you exit the program. If you would prefer, you can set this option to "Y" and write the task file after each change is made via the Add/Modify screen. Warning - After the file is written you cannot use the Quit with No Save option from the Exit Screen. European Dates Resident Task Manager can show its dates in Standard Format (MM/DD/YY) or, if you set this flag to "Y", in European Format (DD.MM.YY). Default Sort Order RTM provides various Sort options for viewing your data. You can pick the one you would like have as default by toggling through the options with the +/-/Space keys. You will still be able to sort & view your tasks in a different order within RTM. This option is also used as the Quick Sort method when you press the <Alt>-S key within RTM. Auto Sort Option By default RTM will load your data and display it as it was last saved or modified. This option allows you to have RTM automatically sort your Task file each time it is loaded and each time you add or modified a record. If this option is set to "Y" RTM uses the Default Sort Order on loading and the last sort option the user specified after adding or modifying a record. Past Due Warning Resident-Task will, by default, check your tasks to see if you have any that are Past Due. If you do, each time you pop-up RTM, you will be reminded with a short warning message. If you do not want RTM to check these tasks for you just change this option to "N". Default Printer Setup / Reset String The Printer Setup and Reset strings are sequences of control and ASCII characters that can initialize or reset your printer. To enter control characters, first press ^P (control-P), then enter the desired control character (e.g. ^O). Control characters are displayed as uppercase alphabetics (^O is displayed as 'O', for example) in a different color. Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: 9 Default Print Page Size The Printer Page Size setting tells Resident-Task how many lines to print on it's reports. When the page fills up to (or near) the specified page size, Resident-Task issues a Form Feed character to advance the printer to the next page. Max Tasks Supported Resident-Task can support up to 150 Tasks. This requires about 150K of EMS/Disk space when loaded in "Resident" mode. You can reduce the EMS space requirement by setting a lower limit (each Task requires about 430 bytes). Select a value between 10 and 150. RTM's default is 50. Use <F10> to save your options and end the install program. Use <Esc> to cancel the changes and end the program. Use <F2> to reset all options to the default levels. Some options can also be specified on the command line when you run RTM (typically in your AUTOEXEC.BAT). IV. COMMAND LINE OPTIONS The ability to change a few options from the command line, as you load Resident-TaskManager is provided. These options are those most likely to change on a temporary basis (where you wouldn't want the burden of re-running the installation program). Typing RTM /? will give a list of the command line options. Command Line Options: /D {Load as DISK Swapping TSR} This option tells Resident-TaskManager to load as a DISK- Swapping TSR. This is a very good way to gain the functionality of Resident-TaskManager if you don't have EMS memory available on your system. Resident-TaskManager will swap to the path specified in the install program or to the default C:\. Resident-TaskManager creates two files RTMSWAP1.$$$ and RTMSWAP2.$$$. PLEASE DO NOT DELETE these files while RTM is running - it is a nasty sight! ATTENTION AT Owners: Resident-TaskManager likes to use part of the 384K ram disk above the 640K line. /E {Load as EMS Swapping TSR} This tells Resident-TaskManager to make itself memory-resident using as little memory as possible. This is the preferred Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: 10 running mode in most cases. If enough EMS is available, all swapping will be done using EMS memory. If EMS is not available, Resident-TaskManager will swap to DISK. This will result in a slight delay when you hit the "hot key". In either mode, Resident-TaskManager consumes only 6K of RAM. /F [drive:\path\filename] {Load Optional Task File] This option tells Resident-TaskManager where to find your data. This overrides the default (or installed) location for your data. An audit file is always derived from the data file name. It is identical to the data file name with the exception of the extension. The extension for the audit file is .AUD. If you specified a file name of C:\DATA\PROJECT1.DAT The Audit File will be C:\DATA\PROJECT1.AUD. The default (uninstalled) file name is RTM.DAT. And, the name of the default audit file is RTM.AUD. /N {Normal DOS Program} This tells Resident-TaskManager to run as a Normal foreground task; it will not stay resident in memory. /L {load only} This option is only relevant when Resident-TaskManager is being installed in memory resident mode. Normally, as you install Resident-TaskManager, it will display your list of items and give you a change to Add/Modify/Delete etc. When you exit, Resident-TaskManager will stay resident in memory, available whenever you press the hot keys. If you don't want Resident-TaskManager to execute as it loads (i.e., just load quietly) then specify this option on the command line. /U {unload} This option tells Resident-TaskManager to unload from memory. You can only use this option from the DOS command line; and, only if Resident-TaskManager was the LAST PROGRAM LOADED in memory. If either of these conditions is not true, Resident- TaskManager will not unload from memory. Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: 11 V. GENERAL USAGE A. Tasks A Task consists of a 48 character Task name, a due-date, an age, a Priority (User Selected) and one user defined field of 10 characters. The due day-of-week is also displayed. A Task can have up to 5 extra description lines of 72 characters each. The user defined field can be whatever you want it to be: Project, Delegated-To, Time, etc. The title of the user field can be changed through the installation program. Tasks are kept in a file on your hard disk. You can specify the name and location of that file with the installation program. You can also specify a file name as you load the program; or, change it while the program is running. When you complete Tasks, you can simply erase them; or, you can move them to an audit file. This gives you a running record of things you have accomplished (and when you accomplished them). B. Swapping-Memory-Resident Resident-TaskManager is memory-resident program that uses as little memory as possible. The actual amount of memory required to run Resident-TaskManager is about 150K bytes (depending on the value of Max Tasks). This is far too much memory to devote to one memory-resident program. So, Resident-TaskManager swaps the bulk of itself to either EMS memory or disk. If you have it, EMS memory is by far the best choice (although a RAM-Disk swap is pretty close). In this configuration, Resident-TaskManager pops-up almost immediately. If Resident-TaskManager can find enough EMS memory, it will use it. If Resident-TaskManager can't find enough EMS memory, it will swap to disk. This requires about 300K of disk space. The drawback to this method is increased loading times. That is, when you press the Resident-TaskManager hot-key, it takes a few moments to pop-up (depending on the speed of your disk). While this delay can certainly be bothersome, it still offers the advantage of not having to exit your current application, just to view your Task list. You can also run Resident-TaskManager from the DOS command line. You may want to this if you don't have EMS memory and you aren't in the middle of an application. This gives you the best of both worlds: a normal, fast-loading Task Manager when you're not doing anything else; and a somewhat slower, memory-Resident TaskManager for when you're in the middle of an application. Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: 12 C. Displaying Task's Resident-TaskManager presents a full-screen list of your Tasks. A highlight bar shows the currently selected item. Every item can have up to five lines of attached descriptions. The description attached to the highlighted item is always displayed at the bottom of the screen. These two windows are called, respectively, the main window and the attached descriptions window. The top line on the screen is the status line. It tells you the name of the current Task file and the current date and time. Optionally, the top line may show you a pull-down menu <F10> that gives you access to all of Resident-TaskManager's commands. The bottom line is the command line. It tells you what commands and keys are currently active. In addition to the commands shown many of the other commands are available as quick commands. See the on-line help <F1> for a list of the current Quick Commands. Some functions (e.g., Add and Modify) require a third window to pop-up. These pop-up windows are always temporary. D. Commands All commands are simple, unshifted, single letter commands. The date of the currently selected item can be manipulated using the Left/Right (and <Ctrl>-Left/Right) arrow keys. A brief help screen is available through <F1> and <Alt>-H. The command line at the bottom of the screen always shows most of the currently active commands or options. E. Popping Up Resident-TaskManager is designed to pop-up very safely. It won't pop-up in the middle of critical operations (like accessing your hard disk or over a graphic screen). It is considerate of other pop-ups. That is, it will allow other programs to pop-up over it, if it's not busy. There is one situation where other pop-ups can't be called while Resident-TaskManager is active. Generally, TSRs installed AFTER Resident-TaskManager cannot be called. Why? Because Resident-TaskManager has "borrowed" their memory. Temporarily, those TSRs no longer exist. Resident-TaskManager will put them back after it's finished. Therefore, any TSR you might wish to pop-up over Resident-TaskManager, must be loaded before Resident- TaskManager. This brings up an important point about where to load Resident-TaskManager. Really, the above paragraph explains it all. But, just in case it wasn't clear, NEVER LOAD Resident- TaskManager BEFORE A NETWORK DRIVER OR OTHER DEVICE DRIVER. Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: 13 Remember, all programs and drivers loaded after Resident- TaskManager will get swapped out when Resident-TaskManager pops- up. Swapping out a Network Driver will cause most Networks to think that the station is lost (and will probably log it out). In the case of Novell Netware, Resident-TaskManager will recognize if you are attempting to pop-up over a Network Driver and won't let you do it. It can't recognize other networks; so, be careful. Before popping up, Resident-TaskManager will save the contents of the current screen and restore those contents it is finished. This is true for TEXT DISPLAYS only. Currently, Resident-TaskManager will not pop-up over graphics screens. VI. COMMAND REFERENCE A. Scrolling The Display <DnAr> - Down Arrow moves the highlight bar down one line <UpAr> - Up Arrow moves the highlight bar up one line <PgDn> - Page Down displays the next screenful of items <PgUp> - Page Up displays the previous screenful of items <HOME> - Home displays the first item <END> - End displays the last item <Esc> - Escape removes the current pop-up window B. Add/Modifying Items "A" - Add a new item Press the "A" key to add a new Task to your list. The Add/Modify window pops up and lets you fill in a new item. Use Enter or the arrow keys to move from field to field. The date always defaults to today's date. Use the arrow keys to change it. The priority field accepts any character and will force all alphabetic characters to UPPER CASE. The default value is blank (or no priority). Up to fives lines can be entered in the attached descriptions area (See "Editing Keys" later in this document). Press <Esc> while in the Attached Description Area to stop editing or <F2> to stop editing and save. Or, press <F2> at any time to save. New items are always inserted at the current highlighted position unless the auto-sort option is enabled. "M" - Modify an item Move the highlight bar to the desired Task. Press "M". This will bring up the Add/Modify window and let you modify the Task (See "Editing Keys" later in this document). Use Enter or the arrow keys to move from field to field. Press <Esc> while in the Attached Description Area to stop editing or <F2> to stop editing and save. Or, press <F2> at any time to save. Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: 14 "R" - Repeats an item Repeats a Task in it's entirety. This is useful for creating a few mostly similar Tasks. Create one, repeat it, then modify the new items. C. Deleting Items "D" - Delete a Task Pressing "D" will display the Delete Option Menu. The three delete options are: Erase (completely) Move to Audit File (and erase) Copy To Audit File (and leave) The Erase option simply erases the current Task; no record of it will remain. The Move option also erases the current Task; however, it first copies it to the Audit File. The Audit File is a export-format file that keeps holds copies of all Tasks you've completed (and sent to that file). The Copy option also moves the Task to the Audit File. However; it does not delete it from your active list. This is useful for repetitive Tasks. For instance, you have certain tasks that you must do every month. So you don't forget, you create Task entries to remind you of them. After you've completed the task, you document that fact by Copying the Task to the Audit File. You still have the original items in your active file. Now, you can use the Date Manipulation keys to set the next due-date. <Alt>-D - Automatically Delete a Task Pressing <Alt>-D will automatically delete a task according to the delete option specified in the install program. This is similar to the "K"ill option listed below but you have the option of automatically Copying or Moving the task to the Audit file. "K" - Kill a Task Immediately Pressing the "K" while on the main screen will Kill / Delete the highlighted task immediately. There is no warning - the task is gone! (unless you use the (Q)uit with No Save to exit RTM). The "D" menu option is the recommended option for dealing with completed tasks. D. Editing the Attached Description <Alt>-E - Edit Attached Description Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: 15 Resident-TaskManager can edit the attached description of the current task. See "Editing Keys" elsewhere in this document. When you have completed editing the attached description you can hit <Esc> or <F2> to quit editing. E. Date Manipulations All of the date manipulation commands operate on the currently highlighted item; or, on the Due Date field in the Add/Modify Window. -> Increment Day - The RightArrow increments the date by one day. <- Decrement Day - The LeftArrow decrements the date by one day. <Ctrl>-> Increment Week - The <Ctrl>-RightArrow combination increments the date by one week. <Ctrl><- Decrement Week - The <Ctrl>-LeftArrow combination decrements the date by one week. "C" - Pop-Up Calendar - Using "C" on any date field will invoke a pop-up calendar with either the task date or current date highlighted. You can then page through the calendar by day (right/left arrow), week (up/down arrow), month (Page- Up/Page-Down), or you can go to the current date by pressing the <Home> Key. Pressing <Enter> will accept the highlighted date, <Esc> will exit the calendar and leave the original date unchanged. " " - Spacebar - Pressing the <Space> key while displaying the main screen will cause the date being displayed to toggle between the "Due Date" of the task and the date the task was "Assigned". The "Left" column will continue to show the number of days left till the task is due. F. Exiting Resident Task "X" - eXit with Save This command saves the current data file (if it's been modified) and ends the program. No verification is requested. <Esc> - Quit with Options* This command displays a prompt box of three options: Save File & Quit; Quit with NO Save. You can use the arrow keys to pick the desired option and then press Enter. Or, just press the first key (S,Q) for immediate execution. The options are self-explanatory. *Note: <Esc> will also exit all menus and cancel any action you have initiated. Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: 16 G. Sorting Tasks "S" - Sort the list You can sort your lists eleven different ways. A prompt box is displayed with all of the possible sort options. Use the highlight bar to pick the sort order you need, then hit the <Enter> key. <Alt>-S Sort the list Automatically You can specify a default sort option in the install program and then automatically sort your file at any time by pressing the <Alt>-S key. If you pop up the sort menu and change the sort option that option will become your NEW sort default until you change it again or remove RTM from memory. If you specify Auto Sort on in the install program the <Alt>-S key must be used to maintain sorted order after date manipulation. The Auto Sort option only maintains the sort order after Add/Modify tasks or a new file is loaded. H. Menus <F10> - Menu Bar Pressing <F10> initiates a Pull Down menu that will give you access to all of Resident-TaskManager's commands. I. File Options "F" - File Change File - While running, you can switch to a different Task file without leaving the program. The switch file might be useful if you use a different file for different projects or maintain tasks/assignments for various individuals. Resident-TaskManager prompts you for a new file name (and keeps prompting you until you enter a valid file name, press enter for a file pick list, or press <Esc>. You will be asked if you wish to save the current file prior to reading the new file if you have made any changes. This option can also be used to re-read the current file and cancel any changes you have made without using the quit option to cancel changes. Save File - While running, you can Save the current Task file without leaving the program. This is helpful if you have made a lot of changes and have not saved your file for some time View Audit File - Resident-TaskManager has the option of creating an Audit file for tasks that have been completed and deleted using the "Copy" or "Move" Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: 17 options. This file can be "Viewed" from the file menu or by hitting the "V" key from the primary task screen. Transfer Task - Resident-TaskManager can transfer (copy) a task to another task file. This is helpful if you want to create a new task file for a different project or if you want to assign a task to another person. "V" - View Audit File The Audit File can also be viewed from the main task screen by hitting the "V" key while the main task screen is displayed. While "V"iewing the audit file you can also search/find a specific value by enter <Ctrl>-F. Once the value is found it will be highlighted. You can search for the next occurrence of the item by pressing <Ctrl>-L. J. Print Options "P" - Print the list This is a fairly basic Print facility. It displays a short pick-list of printer options. The changeable options are: Description Lines are Skipped/Printed - The enter key will toggle this field. Print the Next 999 days - The enter key will bring up a sub- menu to allow you to specify the number of days. Print the Next 999 tasks - The enter key will bring up a sub-menu to allow you to specify the number of tasks you want to print. Print "userfield" = ALL - The enter key will bring up a sub- menu to specify the substring you wish to search for. Output [destination] - This field toggles between "LPT1" and "FILE". When file is selected the Task report will be written to a disk file named "taskfile.RPT". Go - The enter key will start the printing. For each option, using the cursor keys (or press the first letter of the option) to move the high-light bar. Then press Enter to select that option. To start printing, select the "Go" option and press the Enter key. Resident-TaskManager will print all qualifying Tasks to LPT1. <Alt>-P - Automatically Print Task List Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: 18 If you press the <Alt>-P keys you will get a quick listing of your task file without going through the "Print" menu. <Alt>-P will use the default print options or the last options you specified on the Print menu. VII. EDITING KEYS While adding or modifying tasks, Resident-TaskManager offers a fairly complete set of basic editing commands. The available commands and associated key(s) are listed below. These keys may vary depending if you are editing a single line or the attached description. <Left>, <CtrlS> - Cursor left one character. <Right>, <CtrlD> - Cursor right one character. <CtrlLeft>, <CtrlA> - Cursor left one word. If the cursor is at the beginning of a line, it is moved to the end of the previous line. <CtrlRight>, <CtrlF> - Cursor right one word. If the cursor is at the end of a line, it is moved to the beginning of the following line. <Home>, <CtrlQ><S> - Cursor to beginning of line. <End>, <CtrlQ><D> - Cursor to end of line. <Up>, <CtrlE> - Cursor up one line. <Down>, <CtrlX> - Cursor down one line. <CtrlHome>, <CtrlQ><E> - Move cursor to top of description window. <CtrlEnd>, <CtrlQ><X> - Move cursor to bottom of description window. <Del>, <CtrlG> - Delete character at cursor. <Bksp>, <CtrlH>, <CtrlBksp> - Delete character to left of cursor. If the cursor is at the beginning of a line, the line will be joined with the previous line. <CtrlY> - Delete current line. <CtrlQ><Y> - Delete from cursor to end of line. <CtrlT> - Delete word to right of cursor. If the cursor is at end of a line, the following line is joined with the current line. <Enter>, <CtrlM> - Start a new line. Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: 19 <Tab>, <CtrlI> - Move the cursor to the next tab stop. If insert mode is on, any text to the right of the cursor is moved to the right of the tab stop. <Ins>, <CtrlV> - Toggle insert mode on and off. A fat cursor indicates insert mode; a thin cursor indicates overtype mode. <CtrlB> - Reformat attached description. <CtrlQ><L> - Restore original contents of the current line. <Esc>, <CtrlBreak> - Quit editing. VIII. TECHNICAL NOTES For those that care about these things, here is some of the technical information about this program: The program is written in Turbo Pascal version 5.5. It relies extensively on the Turbo Professional toolbox from TurboPower Software for screen handling, error handling, pick lists, and many other aspects of the program. It uses the Swapping TSR routines from TurboPower Software's Object Professional. IX. ASSOCIATION OF SHAREWARE PROFESSIONALS The owner of WetZoft Applications is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP), an organization formed in April 1987 to strengthen the future of shareware (user- supported software) as an alternative to commercial software. Its members, all of whom are programmers who subscribe to a code of ethics, are committed to the concept of shareware as a method of marketing. 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 P.O. Box 5786, Bellevue, WA 98006 or send a Compuserve message via easyplex to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536 A. The primary goals of the ASP: To inform users about shareware programs and about shareware as a method of distributing and marketing software; To encourage broader distribution of shareware through user groups and disk dealers who agree to identify and explain the nature of shareware; Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: 20 To assist members in marketing their software; To provide a forum through which ASP members may communicate, share ideas, and learn from each other; and To foster a high degree of professionalism among shareware authors by setting programming, marketing, and support standards for ASP members to follow. X. OTHER PROGRAMS BY WETZOFT APPLICATIONS A. CALRPT CALRPT is a program that produces a nicely formatted calendar report (Screen, Printer, or File) from Sidekick+'s Calendar file without invoking Sidekick+. This is especially helpful in your AUTOEXEC file to show you what is on your Calendar for the next few days. To invoke CALRPT just type CALRPT from the DOS command line or place the command CALRPT somewhere in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. B. CALTRV CALTRV, like CALRPT, is a program that produces a nicely formatted calendar report from Sidekick+'s Calendar file without invoking Sidekick+. The primary difference between CALTRV and CALRPT is that CALTRV is more paper oriented. That is it produces a more standard type of Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Calendar report. CALTRV was designed to be a replacement for Traveling Sidekick, by Borland International. XI. REVISION HISTORY 2.05 09/20/90 . Added toggle between Date Due/Assigned on main screen - using space bar. . Fixed Bug with long lines in attached description that caused code to be clobbered . ASP Information included in documentation . Removed Two Tier Pricing. Registration automatically includes disk & printed documentation . Cleaned up various other area in the documentation. 2.04 09/06/90 . Removed timed delay on Shareware Screen. Now Press Any Key will continue immediately. 2.03 08/25/90 . Fixed problem with heading (File Name) not being properly updated when Menu Bar showing. . Fixed problem with Added/Modified Task containing Nulls in User Field. . Fixed File Safety Feature to save Modified/Added task at the proper time. It was saving prior to last change. Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: 21 2.02 08/21/90 . Fixed Problem where Pop-Up Menu bar would not clear 2.01 07/31/90 . Fixed problem with pick list on Change File 2.00 07/21/90 . Beta converted to production. 1.05 Beta Release - 07/16/90 . Modified Help Screen for new options and clarity . Cleaned up documentation for consistency and clarity 1.04 Beta Release - 07/10/90 . Fixed Problem with UserField/Task Descriptions Redraw . Added Query to Create File when Changing/Transferring to a New File 1.03 Beta Release - 07/09/90 . Add time Completed to Audit report . Add Audit File Browse with String Search . Add 3 Level Sorting [Date, Priority, Project AND Project, Date, Priority] . Add Print to File [taskfile.RPT] . Change <F10> in Add/Modify to F2 for File Save for Menu Consistency . Add Transfer Task to Another File . Add Wordwrap/Free Form Edit for Attached Description . Add <Alt>-E for Quick Edit of Attached Description from Main Screen . Add Message to Tasks Reports to indicate 0 or Number of records printed . Add Auto Save Option after Add/Modify [Installable] . Fix Loose Changes to Lose Changes - Spelling . Error Add Pick list to Change of File . Change All Data Entry Fields to Clear 1st Char . Add Print from Cursor for N Tasks . Remove Quit w/Cancel Option to Avoid Confusion - Use Change File . Add European Dates Support [Installable] 1.02 December 1989 . Added <Alt>-D,P,S for automatic deleting (Erase, Move, Copy), . Printing, Sorting. . Added Auto Sort option for keeping tasks sorted automatically. . Cleaned up Install program and added pop-up field help. . Removed Hidden/System Attribute from SWAP files. . Changed Insert cursor size on add/modify screen to be more visible. . Added ability to access Help Screen <F1> from within Add/Modify screen. . Add Verification Check when <Esc>ing out of Add/Modify Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: 22 screen. . Add "Reminder" for past due tasks in Main Pop-Up. 1.01 . Added "K" for Quick Kill Task. WARNING!!! This will delete the current Task immediately!!! With NO warning. The "D" Menu is still recommended. . Added "C" for Pop-Up Calendar date entry . Added additional defaults to the Install program to allow user to select Default "Delete" action, Default User Field VALUE, Default Priority Value . Added/Clarified Quit options for Save/NoSave and Reread Input File . Fixed Install Program - Return on Hot Key went to Top of Screen instead of next field. . Fixed Problem with RTM/RBase conflict (INT 33) . Fixed Problem when writing out Audit file with blank Description Lines 1.00 Initial Shareware Release - September 1989 Resident-TaskManager Documentation Page: 23