home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search
Text File | 1992-03-13 | 66.7 KB | 1,208 lines |
- -------------------
- ===== 4 - F I L E S =====
- -------------------
-
- DOCUMENTATION -- Version 2S.2
- March 7, 1992
-
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- Shareware by Larry Edwards, Copyright 1990-92 All Rights Reserved
- REGISTRATION $20 Box 6001 Sitka, Ak 99835
-
- TECH SUPPORT: (907)-747-8996 (ask for Larry)
- CompuServ mail to 72037,3607
- GEnie mail to L.EDWARDS10
- BIX mail to L.T.Edwards
- _______
- ____|__ |
- --| | |------------------- | 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 ...... 5-6, 13 EMS & XMS Memory . 13,17
-
- About "File Notes"... 2 File & Note Modes .... 7 Video & Screens ..... 14
-
- Shareware Notice .... 2 Using File Mode ...... 7 Safety Features ..... 15
-
- Quick Start ......... 3 Sorting File Lists ... 8 Hot Tips on 4FILES... 16
-
- Special Keys ........ 3 Utility Ports ........ 9 Origin/Evolution .... 18
-
- Dir. Tree Navigation 5 Using Note Mode ..... 10 Registration Benefits 19
-
- <@-CHAR> File Search 7 Configuring 4FILES .. 12 Agreement for Use ... 19
- (incl. colors & blink)
- Registration Form ... 21
-
- ================================================================================
- OVERVIEW OF 4FILES
- ================== 4FILES is a multi-purpose file management tool, and
- includes a full-featured editor for 4DOS-standard "file notes". The interface
- is clean and convenient, and incorporates what may well be the easiest drive
- and directory navigation method you have tried.
-
- 4FILES also serves as a well coordinated "front-end" for several of your
- favorite utilities, providing rapid-fire, point-and-shoot loading of files into
- the utilities. There is a "utility port" for a file browser, two for editors
- or word processsors, three specialized for archive programs or viewers, and
- an extra port. 4FILES has a built-in configuration routine, so changes to
- these utility ports and other program settings can easily be made on-the-fly.
- Changes may be used "session-only" or be saved to a configuration file.
-
- 2.
- The screen shows the current directory with subdirectories at the top
- followed by files, each taking a full line. The list may be sorted any way you
- like, both on-the-fly and via command line switches. Except for sorts by file
- name (the default), the key field for the current sort is highlighted on
- screen. Any video mode over 80x25 is supported (see Quick Start on page 3).
-
- File or subdirectory names are displayed on the left half of the screen,
- one per line, with full statistics. The right half is space for descriptive
- file notes. If you are using 4DOS or NDOS (superior COMMAND.COM substitutes),
- 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. The new 4DOS-4.0 description
- "extensions" are detected if present, but no programs are using them yet.
-
- Any program file or batch file may be executed directly from the listing
- or be put in an DOS editable command line. Data files with "executable exten-
- sions" may be loaded directly into their applications. A real DOS command line
- (secondary shell) is available too.
-
- International keyboards and character code pages are fully supported.
-
- A printed manual will be available soon. Version 3.0 is in the works
- and will have several new features and improvements to existing features.
-
- ================================================================================
- 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 EASY and adds many features to MSDOS which should have been included all
- along, but aren't even in MSDOS 5.0. I can't recommend 4DOS highly enough!
- It's shareware by JP Software, Box 1470, E. Arlington, Ma 02174, 617-646-3975.
-
- ===============================================================================
- SHAREWARE NOTICE
- ================ 4FILES is a commercial, copyrighted program, and is distrib-
- uted as shareware. Shareware is a marketing method which allows you to eval-
- uate a fully functional program before deciding whether you want it. You may
- not continue use of 4FILES beyond a period of bona-fide evaluation of not over
- 30-days unless the copy you are using has been properly registered for your
- use and your use complies with the agreement near the end of this manual.
-
- If you decide *not* to register, your frank critique of 4FILES (or a
- trouble report) would be sincerely appreciated. Use the means most convenient
- to you: collect phone call, E-mail, or a letter.
-
- Your distribution of 4FILES to others is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED, provided that
- the distribution complies with the agreement at the end of this manual.
- Permission for commercial distribution 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 the shareware principle works for you. If you
- are unable to resolve a shareware-related dispute or problem with an ASP
- member, ASP's Ombudsman may be able to help resolve it. ASP does not however
- provide technical support for members' products. Contact: ASP Ombudsman, 545
- Grover Rd, Muskegon, MI 49442 or (via CompuServe Mail) ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.
-
- ============================================================================= 3.
- QUICK START:
- =========== Capacity: 470 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 directory is the default.
-
- ** Quitting: <ESC> or <^ESC> = to original dir; <@ESC> = to current dir.
-
- ** Type <@F10> to reconfigure 4FILES. A wide range of features, including
- colors, can be set here. Always give an extension for utility configur-
- ations. A pathspec is not needed if a utility is in the PATH. If you
- need Blinking enabled for called utilities or after exiting 4FILES, it
- can be forced on here. Foreign keyboards may require a setting also.
-
- ** REPLACE OLD .CFG FILES: The configuration file format was changed in
- version 2S.0. If your .CFG file was written by an earlier version, you
- must delete it and configure the new version from scratch.
-
- ** /D /E /S /T and /N are command line switches for list sorting. /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 incompatibility with the video mode detection. /+ must be used with
- HGC, MDA or CGA if you are displaying MORE than 80x25.
-
- ** 4FILES should either be located in a directory which is in your PATH, or
- be called via an alias (preferably using the full pathspec for speed).
-
- ** 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+ (Grey-plus), G- and G* keys. 83-key keyboards use <SCL-LK> rather
- than G*. <F1> displays the above help screen and this manual if 4FILES
- is properly configured. Many more features are 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. Key symbols: ^ means the CTRL key, @ means the ALT key.
-
- ("**" 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. <F6> -- Unmark record.
- <F9> -- Copy selected text. <F0> -- Paste text (insert).
- <^F2> - Second editor or a utility. **
- <^F5> - Mark ALL file records. <^F6> - Unmark ALL records.
- <^F9> - Cut selected text.
-
- <@F9> - Copy the whole note. <@F10> - Change 4FILES configuration.
-
- 4.
-
- NOTE: <G*> is the "grey" star key on the keypad. <G**> is a double hit of
- ---- this key. Adjacent keys are <G+> and <G->.
-
- <G*> -- Change drives. The change is instantaneous when a drive letter
- is typed. ON 83-KEY KEYBOARDS, THE <SCL-LCK> KEY SERVES THIS
- FUNCTION; the alternate key choice can be forced by configuration.
-
- <G**> -- Change drive:directory via a text entry field. LCD and ACD
- compatible. On 83-key keyboards, use <SCL-LCK>.
-
- <G***> -- Change back to the previous directory. Use <SCL-LCK> for 83 keys.
-
- <G-> -- Change to the parent directory (from any record).
-
- <G+> -- IF RECORD IS: 1) a directory, change to it.
- 2) a file, browse it. **
- 3) an archive, list its constituent files. **
-
- <^G+> -- Active only for archive files; calls an alternate utility. **
-
- <CR> -- ENTER may be configured to duplicate <G+> in File Mode only.
-
- <@-F10> -- Shows the configuration menu.
-
- <TAB> -- Toggles between FILE MODE and NOTE MODE.
- <NUM-LK> -- Toggles between showing file attributes and file time.
-
- <@-Char> -- Fast scroll to next record starting with the character.
- <SCL-LK> or <Keypad-5>, depending on KB BIOS, changes direction.
-
- NOTE MODE COMMANDS:
- -------------------
- ^H -- Destructive backspace.
- ^Y -- DELETE NOTE.
-
- <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 " "
- <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.
- (If you use NEWKEY, see page 10.)
-
- 5.
-
- FILE MODE COMMANDS:
- ------------------
- <^E> or <^E><^E> -- Presents a DOS command line with or without the current
- file name. (See also "configuration".) Appending "++" to a
- command freezes the screen temporarily after execution.
-
- <^X> -- Instantly executes records which are .COM, .EXE, .BAT or .BTM
- files; also acts on data files with "executable extensions".
-
- 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. ACD compatible; LCD not updated.
-
- N -- Create a "New" Directory. LCD/ACD compatible.
- K -- "Kill" (remove) the highlighted directory. LCD/ACD compatible.
-
- 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. Internal 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 Northgate or Focus key-
- board with this layout would be an excellent investment. Note that on laptop
- computers the lack of a separate cursor pad and left function keys negates the
- advantage of the right-hand grouping. The functions of <G+> and <G-> are also
- available via mouse buttons. These are the keyboard and mouse layouts:
-
- KEYS HIT: | 83 Keys Action 84+ Keys Action NOTE
- ========= | ==================== =================== =============
- <Grey*> | (Use <SCL-LK> key) ----> Fast drive change (Input field)
- |
- <Grey**> | (Use <SCL-LK> key) ----> Enter new drive:dir (Input field)
- |
- <Grey***> | (Use <SCL-LK> key) ----> CD to previous dr:dir (Instant CD)
- |
- <Grey-> | CD to parent dir CD to parent dir (Instant)
- |
- <Grey+> | CD to highlighted dir CD to highlighted dir (Instant)
- | or browse if a file. or browse if a file.
-
- 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->
-
- 6.
-
- 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, 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. A valid entry will cause an immediate change to the drive. A double
- hit on <G*>, rather than a drive letter, presents an input field for specifying
- the new directory and/or drive. This <G**> command is compatible with LCD and
- ACD (directory changing utilities) if 4FILES has been configured for it,
- allowing you to type only part of the path name. 4FILES will update the
- database when directories are created or removed. The database is updated
- during directory renaming only if ACD is used. <G***> makes an immediate
- change to the previous directory.
-
- 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. <G-> will change to the parent direct-
- ory from ANY record.
-
- When changing to a parent directory, the cursor will quick-scroll from the
- top of the listing down to the record of the subdirectory you just left. This
- 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
- scrolling action gives a quick impression of your current location in the list.
-
- During a drive change, 4FILES goes to the extra trouble of avoiding the ann-
- oyance of the DOS message "Insert Disk for Drive A" overwriting the screen on
- systems with only one floppy. You will be seamlessly given an opportunity to
- swap disks without messing up the 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
- second finger is lifted the action will be taken.
-
- 7.
-
- There is one known mouse incompatibility: to date, all drivers for the
- OptiMouse have a bug which renders them incompatible with 4FILES. Mechanical
- mice by the same manufacturer use other drivers, and work fine.
-
- ================================================================================
- FILE MODE & NOTE MODE
- ===================== 4FILES 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 its 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:
-
- (C)opy, (M)ove, (R)ename, (D)elete, and (A)ttributes for single files;
-
- (^D)elete and (^A)ttributes for operation on marked files; and
-
- (N)ew-directory, (K)ill-directory, (^E)xecute-prompt, and e(^X)ecute-now.
-
- Copy, move and rename rely directly on 4DOS resources, and keep the file
- notes with their files. As implemented here, these commands are very rudiment-
- ary stop-gaps which shell to DOS. They will serve until the truly exceptional
- implementations planned for Version 3.0 are ready. Ability to copy and move
- marked files will also be included in V-3.0, as well as both zipping and
- unzipping for single files or marked multiple files.
-
- ^E presents a DOS command line loaded with the name of the current record,
- and the line editor is forced into insert mode. The cursor controls are
- identical to those for the note editor. ^E^E will provide a blank command line
- in which you may enter any command. Treat this just like the DOS command line.
- ^Y will also delete the command line.
-
- The command typed-in is executed, and when it finishes the return to 4FILES
- is automatic. In many situations this is desirable, but in some cases (the DOS
- SET command is an example) the information you want to see flashes off the
- screen. To prevent this there are two ways to cause 4FILES to delay clearing
- the screen until a key is hit. One is to set the configuration switch named
- "Pause after DOS Command" to YES (NO is the factory default). The other is to
- append ++ to the ^E command line. ++ is a 4FILES flag, and is not actually
- part of the command. Either <G+> or <Shift=> may be used to generate +. If
- the switch is set to YES, a "--" appendage will force an immediate return.
-
- If you wish to work directly from the DOS prompt for a while, type ^E^E
- <CR>. Executing the blank command line will load a secondary DOS shell, and
- you will remain in the shell until you type EXIT to return to 4FILES. Back in
- 4FILES, you will be returned the same drive and directory you were in before.
-
- The command keys to make and remove directories are (N)ew-directory and
- (K)ill-directory. (R)ename works both for subdirectories and files. If you
- use LCD or ACD, (N) and (K) will update the LCD database, but (R) will do so
- only with ACD.
-
- 8.
-
- <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. A count
- of marked files and marked bytes is shown on the second line in the "indicator"
- color. Marking may be done in both File & Note Modes. Marked file operations
- automatically pass over subdirectories, and marking of DESCRIPT.ION is blocked.
- Note however that UPON EXIT OR DURING THE NEXT DIRECTORY CHANGE, if no file
- notes remain, DESCRIPT.ION will be deleted for you automatically. An empty
- DESCRIPT.ION may also be deleted via the "D" single file command.
-
- 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 marked files,
- a template rather than an actual image is shown. In the template, each attrib-
- ute letter is initially preceded by a "?" wildcard, indicating that the exist-
- ing attribute will be unchanged. Repeatedly typing an attribute character (R,
- A, S or H) will toggle the action on that attribute through a cycle of, for
- example, ?R, +R, -R, and back to ?R. + and - indicate the attribute will be
- forced "ON" or "OFF" for each file.
-
- When the <G+> browse key is hit on an .EXE file, 4FILES checks to see if
- it is a self-extracting archive in the PKWare, LHARC or LHA format. If so, FV
- or a utility you have substituted for it will be called to list the contents of
- the file. (Some utilities will not read such files.) This capability will be
- added for other self-extracting archives types as I become aware of them.
-
-
- ===============================================================================
- SORTING THE LIST OF FILES
- ========================= While the subdirectory portion of the list is always
- alphabetically sorted, the files-portion 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.
-
- 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
- /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 sorting by filename, the primary sort field is highlighted with
- a color that is set on the configuration menu. International code pages are
- used for sorting. For more about sorts, see the section on "tips".
-
- ============================================================================ 9.
- UTILITY PORTS -- BROWSING, EDITING, UNZIPPING and FINDING FILES
- ===============================================================
-
- -- BROWSING FILES --
-
- The <G+> key is overloaded in a sensible 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. In File Mode <CR> may be configured to duplicate the function
- of <G+>, although this is not recommended unless you really need it.
-
- 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 TV.COM or
- Vern Buerg's LIST.COM, your file will be displayed in a literal 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 shows
- a table of what's in any of the above archive types, but ZR actually browses
- files inside the archive (only for the .ZIP files, unfortunately). Both can
- be easily used since an alternate utility port for archives is mapped to
- <^G+>. Packed .EXE files in the PK, LHARC and SFX formats are handled by FV.
-
- While in these and other utilities, the mouse functions "as initialized"
- by 4FILES, and provides scrolling and a quick return via the right button.
- The combination of <left-button>=<G+> and <right-button>=<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 inadvert-
- ently exit from 4FILES (even without the mouse). To avoid this, you can
- reconfigure to disable quitting 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 then display a menu of the
- proper keys. If you use NEWKEY, to activate the <^ESC> key in 4FILES run
- NEWKEYSP.EXE, pick "I" on the menu, and make any entry for <^ESC>.
-
- -- EDITING FILES --
-
- <F2> calls your editor, loading it with the filename of the current
- record. As supplied, editor access to .COM .EXE .BIN .OBJ .SYS .LIB .WKS &
- .DB extensions and the seven above archive extensions is denied. The denied
- extensions may be changed via the configuration screen. Denials protect the
- integrity of non-text files. A second editor or word processor (or any
- utility, such as a .GIF viewer) may be mapped to the <^F2> key. The denied
- extensions apply to this key as well. 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 names for the new
- files, but may hit <CR> on the blank field blank if you wish. Some editors
- may not be able to utilize more than one filename from the command line.
-
- 10.
-
- -- 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. A utility of any type
- 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.
-
- Alternatively, you may command 4FILES not to reload the directory by
- setting the "R" switch for the port. Use the "R" switch 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
- ============================= A file note (or "description" in 4DOS parlance)
- 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.
-
- With 4DOS-4.0, the specification has been changed to allow extended
- descriptions, with each record being up to 4K in size. Only part of this space
- is intended for basic "file notes", but unfortunately the maximum size of that
- partition was not specified. One competing program now uses 80-character file
- notes, but this scheme is presently not safe -- under a couple of circumstances
- these notes can be truncated or lost entirely. In fact some 4DOS functions
- will truncate basic notes of over 40-characters. After JP Software sets a
- standard for longer basic notes, 4FILES will be modified to support it. For
- now, 4FILES does detect notes of over 40-characters and warn you.
-
- No programs are using the extended (up to 4K) space yet. 4FILES does
- detect an extended record though, and will warn you that editing notes in that
- directory will cause the extensions to be lost. When copying, moving, or
- renaming the files, 4DOS and 4FILES _will_ move the basic notes and extensions
- with them. A future version of 4FILES will fully support the extensions.
-
- 11.
-
- 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 & LINE DELETE --
- -------------------------
- <F9> initiates the text-copying mode. Highlight the desired text by
- moving the cursor horizontally, and then hit <CR> to put it in the
- paste buffer. <^F9> cuts the text to the buffer, and <@F9> copies the
- whole note.
-
- <F10> pastes text in the buffer at the cursor position. 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). Captured text stays in the buffer
- when changing drives or directories. <F10> is inactive in FLR mode.
-
- ^Y deletes the entire line. In earlier versions it cut the line to the
- cut-buffer, but now the buffer is loaded only via the various <F9> keys.
- ^Y is functional in notes and all text input fields and command lines.
-
- -- 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:
-
- 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.
-
- 12.
-
- 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 control key combinations, several of which are
- not more commonly available in programs because they are available only
- by writing a special keyboard interrupt handler. The cursor control
- keys are listed above in "Note Mode Commands".
-
-
- ================================================================================
- 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
- <Alt-F10>. Move between fields with the <TAB> or <CR> key. The key command
- menu on the bottom row is context sensitive, and changes for each section of
- the main menu. Changes may be permanently save in a 4F.CFG configuration file
- or be used "session-only" without being saved. If you have renamed 4FILES,
- any .CFG file which is created or saved will have a matching name.
-
- For loading a directory larger than 4FILES' normal 428 record capacity, the
- configuration code may be overwritten to increase capacity to 470 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.
-
- Data for several "utility ports" is shown at the top of the screen. The
- first field of each line is the "utility field", and is for an alias name,
- file name, or complete filespec of a utility or application. A complete
- filespec may speed loading, but is not necessary if the program is in your
- PATH. IN ALL CASES, A FILE EXTENSION MUST BE GIVEN. Valid extensions include
- .BAT, .BTM and .ALS. ".ALS" must be appended to aliases or internal commands.
- It is a flag for 4FILES, and is not included in the actual call. All commands
- without extensions will fail to execute.
-
- 13.
-
- If you wish to swap 4FILES to EMS or XMS memory or a hard disk before
- executing a utility or application, SWAPDOS.COM can be used. Enter SWAPDOS in
- the utility field. The name of the program to be called then goes in the tail
- ("T=") field, preceded by any command line switches for SWAPDOS and followed by
- any of its own switches. Another swap program which can be used for this is
- SHROOM. 4FILES rather than the utllity is loaded via SHROOM, so SHROOM should
- not be placed in a port's configuration. (With SWAPDOS, swapping only occurs
- for the selected utilities, while SHROOM will swap for all utilities. On the
- other hand, SHROOM does fast executions via the DOS EXEC function, while
- SWAPDOS makes a slower shell to DOS.)
-
- Errors in calling .COM and .EXE programs from 4FILES (e.g. file not found)
- are shown as "configuration incorrect", but execution errors for batch files
- and aliases are not trapped. If execution is a quick flash on the screen,
- you need to repeat the operation with a "screen pause" to see what is
- happening. There are two ways to do this; one global and one specific to the
- utility. To pause after execution of any utility, set the "No-pause After
- Execution" configuration switch to "Y". This also affects ^E command line.
- To cause a particular utility to pause after execution, set the "W"
- (wait) switch to "Y".
-
- <F1> HELP and <^F1> Manual will work only if the <G+> BROWSE key is
- configured correctly.
-
- The next field in the utility port block is the command line tail. This
- sends filenames, command line switches or other parameters to the utility. "$F"
- inserts the filename of the current record, and may be placed where needed among
- the parameters. No spaces are needed before or after $F, conserving space.
-
- The "W" field is a YES/NO field which determines whether or not 4FILES
- waits for a keyhit after the utility has finished executing. Set it to "Y" for
- utilities which run straight through and exit without any user input.
-
- The "R" field is also a YES/NO field which determines whether 4FILES reloads
- the directory list and DESCRIPT.ION file after the utility exits. It must be
- set to "Y" if the utility is capable of managing files or changing drives and
- directories. It should for example be "Y" for an editor or word processor.
-
- In the next configuration section, switches are provided for the following:
-
- Keyboard Code -- Two letter DOS keyboard-country-code. LEAVE THIS BLANK
- UNLESS YOU HAVE A PROBLEM. Takes effect next session.
-
- 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>. If you use NEWKEY, see
- P.10 for how to make <^ESC> available.
-
- Enable Mouse -- "N" leaves the mouse set up as-received by 4FILES.
-
- Exit colors -- Select the previous colors or 4FILES text colors.
-
- 14.
-
- Exit blinking -- 4FILES disables blinking to allow all color choices. To
- restore blinking on exit or during utility calls, set
- this switch to "Y".
-
- Snow prevention -- Set to "Y" if your CGA monitor has a snow problem.
-
- Sound on/off -- The beep is on by default, and may be turned off.
-
- Data Overwriting -- Choses AUTOMATIC data overwrite of configuration code to
- increase capacity from 428 to 470 records.
-
- Pause after DOS -- If the result of an (^E)xecute flashes off screen, set
- this to "Y", or alternatively enter "++" at the end of
- the command line. Both await a keyhit.
-
- 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
- ================ 4FILES will work with any video text mode of 80x25 or
- higher. Except for HGC, MDA and CGA video cards, a if a higher mode is
- used it will be automatically implemented. For HGC, MDA and CGA running higher
- modes (such as with UltraVision), the /+ command line switch must be used.
- The reason is that not all cards in this class are 100% BIOS compatible, in
- some cases defeating the automatic detection, and this arrangement assures that
- all systems will run "out of the box" in 80x25 mode. If you are calling 4FILES
- from an application running in a higher mode, 80x25 mode may be forced with the
- /8 switch. When calling utilities or shelling to DOS, the screen may have its
- best appearance if ANSI.SYS is not installed.
-
- If a CGA video card is detected a no-snow video writing method is used by
- default. A configuration switch is provided to enable faster displaying if
- your monitor does not have a snow problem.
-
- "T" and "E" indicators near the top and bottom of the screen indicate that
- the top or end of the listing is shown on screen. Used disk bytes are shown
- in File Mode, and the 4FILES version number is shown in Note Mode. A file
- count is displayed at all times. An "S" indicator with an up arrow symbol
- on the top row means the file search direction is upward. "PROTECTED" and
- "ROOT FULL" messages indicate that the full range of file management and note
- editing features are not available for the current disk.
-
- 15.
-
- Records with altered notes are flagged with a "+/-" character at mid-line.
- A different character is shown for unaltered notes. A "delta" character next
- to a file name indicates that the file is marked for a bulk file management
- operation.
-
- ===============================================================================
- 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.
-
- 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
-
- 16.
-
- you to clear it. Competing programs aren't so nice. They let you edit
- notes and *appear* to save your notes to disk -- but ... uh, uh, surprise!
- Your work is gone. 4FILES won't let you waste effort making edits which
- can't be saved, nor will it lose them under any circumstances.
-
- 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. Such
- protections are essential to the safety of the description system.
-
- -- TIMELY INACCESSIBLE-DISK DETECTION --
- ----------------------------------
- Files on a write protected disk cannot be altered, or if the root
- directory is full files can't be added to it. During 4FILES startup and
- all drive or directory changes an immediate check is made to see if one
- of those conditions exists. If so, you will be alerted with a prominent
- "PROTECTED" or "ROOT FULL" message. As appropriate, certain 4FILES
- functions are disabled, and you will get an error message if you try to use
- them. For example, in a full root you will not be able to edit notes
- unless the DESCRIPT.ION file already exists. You can view files on a
- protected disk, but file management and note editing is impossible.
- No wasted time writing notes you can't save!!
-
- -- 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 real 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 /T/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 creation
- time, placing new files at the top. Using /E/D would puts .ZIPS there.
-
- 17.
-
- Then, using <G+> you may view the contents of a new text or .ZIP file.
- To unzip a file, type F4 to call PKUNZIP or 4UNZIP. For added flexibil-
- ity in unzipping, you can use the ^E command line. For example, I
- often send PKUNZIP output to an empty directory, so inconsistently named
- files in the archive don't get lost in a lenghy directory, and so READ.ME
- files don't get overwritten 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 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 or SWAPDOS. SHROOM will swap 4FILES to disk, and
- SWAPDOS will swap it to EMS or XMS memory or to disk. SHROOM may be
- faster for you since 4FILES is a small swap and the following execution
- is made via the DOS EXEC function. SWAPDOS shells to DOS to execute the
- program, and this takes considerable time. The freed-up memory may make
- the difference between you application running or not running.
-
- 3) MULTIPLE 4FILES CONFIGURATIONS: You can write a variety of aliases to
- quickly load 4FILES in 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.
-
- 4) To speed your return after shelling to DOS, use this alias: ALIAS E EXIT.
- Then "E <CR>" gets you back to into 4FILES (or any other program you
- have shelled out of) without fuss.
-
- 5) Remember the "double tap" keys: ^E^E, G*G*, and the double strokes in the
- Sort menu. Also G*G*G* to return to the previous directory.
-
- 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 it might appear that nothing happens at all. Appending a "++"
- to the command will freeze the screen after execution until a key is hit,
- allowing you to see what happened. Also, 4FILES can be configured to
- pause after every 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,
- as in these examples calling Borland's TDUMP. They are most conveniently
- placed in an alias file, but can be entered on the command line if the
- alias expansion is enclosed in single quotes (once entered they are in
- memory, ready for use). "=" is not needed from 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 example uses an MSDOS resource which pauses at the end of each
- page. The later pipes output into Vern Buerg's LIST program, which
- allows back and forth scrolling through the output. To put this to heavy
- use, map "HEX.ALS" to the 4FILES F3 key. This is just an example; it is
- really more efficient to use LIST.COM's ability to do a hex dump directly
- by configuring <G+> or <F3> to call it with $F/h in the command tail.
-
- 18.
-
- 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>, <CTRL> and <ALT> is very handy. This is especially
- useful when marking/unmarking all files with ^F5 and ^F6. My own upgrade
- to such a keyboard was very rewarding.
-
- 9) FAST CHANGE TO ROOT DIRECTORY: ON 101-key keyboards, you can make a
- quick, one-handed change to the root directory since 4DOS will recognize
- either "\" or "/" during a directory change. There is a "/" key next to
- <G*>. So ... just hit: <G*> <G*> / <CR> and you're there. Of course,
- repeated hits on <G-> will be faster if you aren't too many levels down.
-
- 10) 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 color
- schemes which I feel are very easy on the eyes as well as functional. In
- particular, they gives a good balance between the color of the cursor bar
- and the colors of both normal text and sorted fields. One relies on a
- dark grey background, the other black.
-
- COLOR SET #1 COLOR SET #2
- ------------------------- -----------------------
- FIELD || BACKGROUND CHARACTER || BACKGROUND CHARACTER
- ------------- || ---------- ----------- || ---------- ----------
- NORMAL TEXT || Dark Grey Dark Green || Black Dark Cyan
- SORTED FIELD || Dark Grey Light Yell || Black Light Yell
- CURSOR BAR || Light Grey Black || Light Grey Black
- CUT HI-LIGHT || Dark Red Black || Dark Grey Light Red
- FUNCTION KEY || Dark Grey Light Grey || Light Grey Black
- MENU TEXT || Dark Grey Dark Cyan || Black Rust
- INDICATORS || Dark Red Light White || Dark Red Light Grey
-
-
- ===============================================================================
- 4FILES ... ORIGIN & FUTURE EVOLUTION
- ======================================
- 4FILES is coded 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 good
- means to create or edit the file notes it otherwise handles so well. The 4DOS
- internal note editor is basic and frustrating to use.
-
- Second, while 4DOS has its own internal transfer commands (COPY, MOVE and
- RENAME) which automatically assure that notes stay with their files, it does
- not have a good way to perform these operations on marked groups 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 has many file management features, but does not yet include
- functions for copying, moving or renaming marked groups of files. This is
- coming though! Even for single files, the present implementations of Copy,
- Move and Rename are very rudimentary, but V-3.0 will have ones which are truly
- exceptional. V-3.0 will also have nice internal facilities to ZIP and UNZIP
- files and browse files within ZIP files. 4DOS extended descriptions and longer
- basic file notes will also be supported.
-
- 19.
-
-
- ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: My deepest thanks go out to John Fox, Tom Schulte, Mike
- Bessy, Pierre Jelenc, Ward Yelverton 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 is $20 and entitles you to: 1)
- Free technical support; 2) A 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
- will be available soon (this is Feb. 1992) for $3.50 with registration, or
- $5.00 later. I have also been very liberal about providing free incremental
- upgrades as major features are added on the way to what is promised for V-3.0.
-
- 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 regret that V-3.0 is yet not available, but even so the existing
- power and convenience is, I believe, 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.
-
-
- ===============================================================================
- 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
-
- 20.
- 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 4FILES be distributed
- without a configuration file. 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 the author.
-
- WARRANTY & 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 Program file.
- 4F .DOC Full documentation.
- 4F .HLP HELP text file.
- 4F .VER Version update details and history.
- 4F-READ .ME Introductory information, and a word on compatibility.
- 4F-REG .TXT Registration form.
- 4F-SITE .TXT Sample site license & rates.
- 4F-VEND .TXT Info for SYSOPs & disk vendors.
- FILE_ID .DIZ Description for BBSs.
- TV .COM Public domain file browser. (May be omitted for distrib.)
- TV .DOC (May be omitted for distribution)
-
- =========================================================================== 21.
-
- 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: ________________
-
- I got 4FILES from (which BBS/vendor/etc):_________________, ____________ Forum
-
- E-Mail UIDs: CIS ___________. Genie ___________. BIX ____________.
-
- CHECK ONE: INTERNET addr: ______________________________
- ==========
-
- __ 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: _______________
-
- Send upgrade by US Mail on: __ 5.25" disk __ 3.5" disk.
-
- CHECK ONE EACH> Using: __ MSDOS __ DRDOS Version ____
- With: __ 4DOS __ NDOS Version ____ __ Neither
-
- CPU: __ 8086 __ 8088 __80286 __80386 __80486
-
- ================================================================
- COMMENTS / PROBLEMS / CHANGES OR ADDITIONS YOU DESIRE IN 4FILES:
- ================================================================