Copyright: CisLib Help 1994-1995!


CisLib Help Contents

To learn how to use Help, press F1.

Reference Information
All that you need before starting.

Using CisLib 1.02
Step-by-step instructions to help you complete
your tasks.

Technical Support
Available support options so that you can get
the most from your product.

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing. Help file revised by Scott Mitchell and Phil Starr.


Reference Information

Welcome to CisLib 1.02

Introduction

Getting Started

Mastering CisLib

Uninstalling

CisLib Outputs

Features Checklist

Extended Features

History

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


 Welcome to CisLib 1.02

CompuServe Catalog-Files Manager

CisLib is a CompuServe Catalog-files manager for Windows. It is intended for those users that need a Windows tool to manage their Catalog files; it reads, reorders and discards filenames. TapCis  and GoCIS  users can use CisLib to download files and to save descriptions of downloaded files. CisLib is 100% TapCis and GoCIS compatible.

< ASP >  Shareware. Go SWREG #5733 - $22.50

This program is produced by a member of the

Association of Shareware Professionals <ASP>.

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Introduction

To run CisLib you need a personal computer with Microsoft Windows 3.1 or above. CisLib also works in a Windows session under OS/2 version 2.1 and OS/2 Warp and on a Windows NT 3.50 workstation.

It is not necessary to have a copy of TapCis , or GoCIS  although CisLib has many functions to interact with these programs.

Modules required to correctly run CisLib:

CISLIB.EXE 	Main Program.

THREED.VBX 	A Visual Basic VBX.

CMDIALOG.VBX	A Visual Basic VBX .

VBINT.DLL	An External DLL.

VBRUN300.DLL 	Visual Basic runtime module (not included).

The complete CisLib package also contains:

CISLIB.HLP 	Help Module.

MYFILE.CAT	A catalog file for your tests.

FILE_ID.DIZ	Summary (Abstract).

README.TXT	Instructions.

CISLIB.XLM	A simple Excel 4 macro to read the History file.

Strictly speaking, this module (CisLib.Hlp) is not essential to the program but we greatly recommended having it.

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Getting Started

CisLib needs no installation or setup!!!

All that you need is the Visual Basic runtime module VBRUN300.DLL.

The first time you run CisLib, it creates its initialization file in its starting directory. After this, we suggest that you move the initialization file into your Windows directory and the three extensions (Threed.Vbx, Cmdialog.Vbx and Vbint.Dll) into your System directory. In this way you can place Cislib.Exe wherever you want, because it needs no other file than the initialization file and the three extensions.

Setup option is strongly recommended for TapCis  and GoCIS  users.

Simply click on the Setup Button (Button Bar Commands); choose your Navigator and click the Find Button; CisLib will look for selected navigator across all directories and all available disks; if found, all of the Extended Features will become available.

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Mastering CisLib

When you feel confident enough with CisLib, try these master options:

Preferred Sort.

This option allows you to set up a preferred sort of your CompuServe catalog file using up to three keys. In the Sort Menu select More Sort option. Then select your favorite sort keys and click on the Set command button in the preferences area.

Save descriptions.

These two options allow you to save a description for every file to download and to get descriptions in the same directory used by your navigator for downloads. It is very useful to have a file and its description in the same directory. No more file-unzipping only to see the contents. To activate this important feature, choose Options label from the Setup form and check the Save Descriptions box.

Save a history file.

Choose this option, and every time you mark a file for download, a new record is written in the CisLib History file (CisLib.His). Important information such as Forum, Section, Date of Download, File length, and Title will be saved. You can retrieve this information by loading the history file into an Excel© sheet. A simple Excel 4 macro comes with this program to make it easier to read the history file.

From the Setup form, choose Options and check History File. Mark some files for Download, and save the catalog file. Run Excel. Load CisLib.Xlm and run the macro.

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Uninstalling

To uninstall CisLib you can delete all the file contents in CISLIB.ZIP.

If you have moved some file(s) in Windows directory or System directory then:

CISLIB.INI . You can delete it.

THREED.VBX , CMDIALOG.VBX, VBINT.DLL (in your System directory). You can delete these files *ONLY* if other programs do not need them. (You know, this is an unresolved problem of Windows programs).

In most cases you would leave THREED.VBX and CMDIALOG.VBX and could delete VBINT.DLL. Our suggestion is to rename all files (i.e. ren Threed.Vbx Threed.old) and delete them after a while.

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


CisLib Outputs

As we do not like programs that create a large number of files (i.e. index files), only one file, the initialization file, is created exclusively for CisLib purposes. However other files (mainly log files) are also created.

CisLib.Ini

This is the initialization file. This file is created in CisLib starting directory. We suggest you to copy CisLib.Ini into your Windows Directory.

CisLib.His

This is the history file, containing information about downloaded files. This file is created and updated only if you choose to create it (Setup). CisLib.His resides in the CisLib starting directory.

CisLib.Err

This is the error log file. We have tested CisLib for about two months in the SWBETA forum, and believe that virtually all the errors have been found and fixed. Should an error occur, CisLib writes the error log file in its starting directory. You may send us this file with a brief description of the error. This will help us to understand and fix the problem.

<FileName>.Des

This is the description file containing a long description of a downloaded file. This file is created only if you choose to create it (Setup). The description files reside in the same directory that TapCis or GoCIS use for their downloads. (TapCis users will find these files in their Download File Path directory).

<Forum>.Dow

This is the script file containing commands for TapCis. This file is read when the catalog file is opened, and is written (or overwritten) if there are files to download.

<Forum>.Lxr

This is the download command file used by GoCIS. This file is read when the catalog file is opened, and is written (or overwritten) if there are files to download.

~VB?????.Tmp

Temporary files are occasionally created and deleted. These files are created in a temporary directory (if any) or in your root directory (so you can easily find and delete them).

*.* (All Files)

You can create files using CisLib by selecting Save As... option in Menu File or checking the Save Discarded Filenames in the Discard Form .

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Features Checklist

Basic functions

Reads CompuServe Catalog files.

Shows a list of filenames and the long description of selected files.

Discards single file titles or all duplicate file titles (Discard Form) or older file titles from your Catalog File. Optionally saves discarded filenames in a separate file (Discard Form).

Saves with user specified filenames and deletes unwanted catalog files. (Menu File).

Finds a string in Titles, Keywords or the entire description.

Goto function available.

Statistics shows elapsed time / number of discarded files / number of downloaded files and downloaded bytes either for current session or for all sessions.

Numerous sort criteria (using up to 3 Keys); reverse order available.

Changes of CisLib versions are directly managed (no user action is required).

Registration key is automatically recognized for new versions.

Updated to manage either newer and older CompuServe forum software file formats.

User Interface

Time and date are shown in national formats according to settings in International section of Control Panel.

ToolTips available on Button Bar Commands.

Expected / Recommended action is shown in Status Bar (CisLib Main Window).

Most recent Catalog files are directly accessible from Menu File.

Shows updated (never or not yet opened) files. (Menu File).

Setup for Font, Tooltips, Sound.

Minimize, Maximize, Resize, Restore original size of window.

It is possible to set up a preferred sort. For example Sort by Library AND by Date AND by Submitter.

Error management to avoid GPFs.

Environment

It is possible to create the program manager icons (and, eventually, a new group) for CisLib and its help file.

It is possible to copy text from the description window to the clipboard.

CisLib accepts file names on the command line. I.e. It is possible to associate CisLib to the files with CAT extension (see  Menu File in Windows File Manager Program).

CisLib is a File Manager Drag&Drop Client. Drag a filename from File Manager to CisLib and drop on it. CisLib reacts as if File Open has been selected.

CisLib saves its current position even when it is minimized.

No file is created in either the Windows directory or in the System directory. Windows initialization files are not modified.

Uninstall instructions available.

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Extended Features
Extended Features (TapCis and GoCIS users)

Extended Features for TapCis Users

Automatically retrieves TapCis directory (Setup ...).

Initial position is calculated according to TapCis rules (that is TapCis and CisLib open files in the same position) and is enabled in the Goto option.

File date and time is never updated, so TapCis can correctly calculate days in Library Search option.

If any exist, opens scripts files (DOW file) and Section files connected to opened catalog file.

Script files, Library and Messages sections are shown in proper windows (Menu View).

Activates the Download command button to create Script files for automatic downloads.

Optionally creates description files for files that are downloaded. These files are created in the same directory used by TapCis for its downloads (as defined in Download File Path), so downloaded files and their descriptions lie in the same directory.

Optionally creates a History file for files to download.

Extended features for GoCIS Users

Automatically retrieves GoCIS directory (Setup ...).

Initial position  is calculated according to GoCIS rules (that is GoCIS and CisLib open files in the same position) and is enabled in the Goto option.

If any exist, opens download command files (LXR file) and Sections files connected to opened catalog file.

Library and Messages sections are shown in proper windows (Menu View).

Activates the Download command button to create download command files for automatic downloads.

Activates the Update GoCIS Button menu item to Update the GoCIS.Btn file.

Optionally creates description files for files that are downloaded. These files are created in the same directory used by GoCIS for its downloads, so downloaded files and their descriptions lie in the same directory.

Optionally creates a History file for files to download.

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


History
As on July, 22 1995.

1995/07/22	Ver. 1.02.001

Patch: Error selecting More Sorts menu option.

New function: More Sorts; Find and GoTo windows have a complete 3D look.

1995/07/15	Ver. 1.02.000

This new version is mainly due to introduce GoCIS compatibility.

New function: GoCIS compatibility. It is possible to retrieve GoCIS files, to interact with GoCIS for Catalog Management, to add CisLib in GoCIS.Btn file.

New function: It is possible to create CisLib.Exe and CisLib.Hlp icons from CisLib itself.

New function: Version introduced even in CisLib.Ini. The changes of versions are managed directly by CisLib. (No user action required).

New function: Introduced a reverse order sort.

Changed: The use TapCis directory parameter is no more used. The default directory for Description files is always the default directory used by navigator for its downloads.

Patch: Error when sorting very large files. Now sorts are quicker and safer.

Patch: CompuServe has different date formats: according to Language Preferences, dates have English, German, French or Spanish format. Now this is correctly managed.

1995/05/28	Ver. 1.00.000

Release of final version 1.00 with correct documentation.

1995/05/07	Ver. 1.B4.03

New function: If previous version was registered, program allows to register immediately.

Changed: In GoTo windows first option (goto initial position) is not enabled if items are sorted.

New function: Errors are monitored, a log file is created (CISLIB.ERR) and GPFs are avoided. Log file contains information on all global variables. There are 6 areas in which errors can happen: Open File / Save File / Fill List / Tool Bar (clicked) / Save as... / Commands.

1995/04/30	Ver. 1.00.B4

Changed: The starting directory for .CAT files is found with more accuracy.

New function: CisLib.Xlm is an Excel4  file, containing a macro to read CisLib.His.

Changed: The Save option and Statistics are now more accurate, because the file is rewritten only when there are items to discard. Statistics are updated only when there are NEW items marked for download.

New function: Every message box now has a beep.

New function: After a click on the Download Button, the focus is in the list box.

Patch: Keywords now show correctly. Sometimes there were too many Carriage returns and Keywords were appearing on three lines.

Patch: In Discard window, files marked for discard or for download are not considered in the sort.

1995/04/02	Ver. 1.00.B2

Changed: Sort by date shows the date in national format.

Patch: Find File window is hidden during file loading (and last open date is immediately updated).

Patch: Balloon delay modified 1.8s medium = ON - 0.5s = OFF.

New function: There is a Max button. Also resizing is partially managed.

New function: Menus and toolbar are always visible.

Patch: Menus and toolbar are not enabled during file loading.

New function: Setup: there is no more initial scanning to find TapCis.

Changed: Messages have 3D Look.

New function: TapCis param file is updated with symbol used from TapCis to indicate downloads.

1995/03/12	Ver. 0.70.000

Patch: Error during final copy when TapCis and Cat files were in different disks.

Patch: Command Button Download not active if there is not TapCis.Exe.

Patch: Dow File is rewritten even if Cat file is not changed.

Patch: Error using Find when on last item.

New function: Message on Download if library = 0 and no Library 0 is found in Sec File.

1995/02/18	Ver. 0.59.000

Patch: For internationalization problems fontsize is multiplied by 100.

New function: New files list has two sections and shows also older files.

New function: During registration, user name is read from USER.EXE.

Changed: In the starting Splash Screen, the OK and Register buttons are invisible and there is a colored bar.

New function: CisLib accepts *Very* large catalog files because list-box is handled in memory.

1995/02/05	Ver 0.55.000

New function: File - FindFile. Shows (and opens) all (and only) updated files. CisLib.Ini saves the last date in which a file was opened.

New function. Edit - Discard. To quickly discard doubles or old filenames.

Patch. Main Window is disabled when secondary windows are active.

Changed. New icons for Repeat Find, Goto, Setup and Exit.

Patch. There was an error in files with more than 1600 filenames.

Patch. There was a GPF in registration form when trying an incorrect code.

1994/12/19	Ver 0.45.000

Changed. Current directory is never changed.

New function. CisLib has now Drag&Drop capabilities. (Accept files from file manager).

New function. The application (normal and minimized) position is stored in CisLib.Ini.

New Function. CisLib accepts filenames on command line.

Changed. Discard is now Cancel default (If you press ESC key, discard is selected).

1994/11/07	Ver 0.30.000 USA

First release of public, shareware version.

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Using CisLib 1.02

CisLib Main Window

Button Bar Commands

Menu Commands

Menu File

FindFile ...

Menu Edit

Multiple Discard ...

Menu View

Menu Sort

More Sorts ...

Menu Options

Setup ...

Menu Help

About ...

Register Form

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


CisLib Main Window

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Button Bar Commands

Open. Corresponds to Menu File - Open.

Find File. Corresponds to Menu File Find File.

Save. Corresponds to Menu File Save.

Copy Highlighted Text. Corresponds to Menu Edit Copy.

Find. Corresponds to Menu View Find.

Find Again. Corresponds to Menu View Find Again.

Goto. Corresponds to Menu View Goto.

Setup. Corresponds to Menu Options Setup.

Exit. Corresponds to Menu File Exit.

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Menu Commands

Menu File

Open ...

FindFile ...

Save

Save As...

Delete

(Recent Files) 1 - 4

Exit

Menu Edit

Copy

Find ...

Find Again

Go To  ...

Multiple Discard ...

Menu View

Files to Download

Forum Sections

Script File

Statistics...

Menu Sort

No Sort

... by Library

... by Submitter

... by Contributor

... by Date

... by Downloads Number

Preferred

More Sorts ...

Reverse Order

Menu Options

Restore Original Size

Create ProgMan Icons

Update GoCIS Buttons

Setup ...

Menu Help

Contents

Searching For Help On ...

Obtaining Technical Support

About ...

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Menu File

Open

Opens a Dialog Box that allows you to choose the file to open. The default file extension is CAT for Catalog (or LBR for GoCIS users). The default directory is the directory of the last opened file, or the CisLib starting directory.

For TapCis users, the default directory is the Storage Disk Path directory.

For GoCIS users, the default directory is the CONTROL subdirectory of the GoCIS starting directory.

FindFile

Opens a new window with a list of files. The list shows the files never opened or not opened  since the last catalog update. Next the list shows the files opened but not updated.

Save

Saves modifications on current file. File date and time are not modified so TapCis can correctly calculate days in Library Search  option.

If no filename is marked for Discard, only the Script file is updated.

Save As...

This function allows you to save current catalog file with another name. It is useful if you want a backup copy before discard option, or to move your catalog file without using File Manager, or if you want try CisLib without risks!!!

Delete

This function allows you to delete the current catalog file. It is very useful if you decide to delete a catalog file and do not want to use File Manager.

Recent Files (1 - 4)

These are the most recently opened files.

Exit

Closes all files and ends the program.

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


FindFile Form

The list shows the files never opened or not opened since the last catalog update. Next the list shows the files opened but not updated.

The Open button is not enabled until a file is chosen (to choose a file, click on it).

Double-clicking a file in the list, selects and opens the file.

The date of last opening is updated every time a file is opened. Calculating the file date, we do not consider file time, so a file updated on current date will be shown in upper section for the entire day.

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Menu Edit

Copy

Copies the selected text from the textbox to the clipboard. If no text is selected, this option is not active.

Find

Searches for a specified text string entered in the Find Window.

Find Again

This option is only active when a Find Panel is not empty.

Go To

Goto simplifies moving within a catalog file. The initial position is calculated according to TapCis or GoCIS rules. (TapCis and GoCIS fix their Initial Position based on the starting point of the most recent Library Search performed).

Discard

This option opens a new window to allow the discarding of unwanted file titles (It is possible to save these discarded files in a separate file).

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Discard Form

Use this form to perform multiple discards in your catalog files. Options are self-explanatory.

Doubles.

This option allows you to discard all duplicate file titles.

If the check box (Discard files across libraries) is selected, then all duplicate files will be marked for discard even if in different libraries.

Date.

Discards filenames up to (but not including) a given date.

If the check box (Save Discarded Filenames) is selected, then you will be prompted for the  name of a file in which to save the discarded file titles.

Important: Library file will be updated (and discards will be effective) only after a  File Save operation.

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Menu View

Files to download

This option is active only when a Navigator has been selected. It shows a window with a list of files marked for download (in same sort order as the list in Main Window) and an estimated download time. Expected Bytes per Second are calculated as Connection Speed / 10 (i.e. 2400 = 240 Bps). Upon double-clicking an item in the list, this window is closed and the description of the selected file is shown in the Main Window.

Forum Sections

This option is active only when a Navigator has been selected. It shows a window with Messages and Library Sections. No action allowed. It is only for information.

Script FiIe

This option is active only when TapCis was found. It shows a window with the script file associated with the current catalog file . No actions allowed.

Show Statistics

Shows simple usage statistics.

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Menu Sort

No Sort

Files are shown in order of arrival.

... by Library

Files are sorted by Library and by name. If a SEC  file was found, the library name is  also shown.

... by Submitter

Files are sorted by Submitter AND by name.

... by Contributor

According to new forum software, it is possible to sort even by contributor. The sort on the contributors name is done by considering the name as it appears in the Catalog File; no effort is done to distinguish, i.e. First Name from Surname.

... by Date

Files are sorted by Last available date (that is first submission date or Last Update, if any).

... by Downloads number

Files are sorted by the number of times they have been downloaded from CompuServe (In the file description this is Count:).

Preferred

Sorts file according to sort keys selected in the More Sort ... window. To change your preferences, Select More Sort option in Sort Menu, select your favorite sorts keys, then click on Set command button in the preferences area.

More Sorts ...

Allows you to choose a sorting criteria using up to three keys. It is also possible to set and retrieve preferred sort keys.

Reverse Order

This option allows you to immediately reverse current sort order.

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


More Sorts Form

You are allowed to choose a sorting criteria using up to three keys. It is also possible to set and  retrieve preferred sort keys.

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Menu Options

Restore Original Size

Use this option if you have changed the size of the main window and want to restore it to its original size (8940 x 7200 twips).

Create ProgMan Icons

Use this option to add to Program Manager the icons of CisLib and its help file. You can either use an existing group or create a new one.

Update GoCIS Buttons

This option is active only when GoCIS has been selected. It allows you to add CisLib in GoCIS.Btn file. Occasionally, you can also modify the current buttons order.

Setup

Opens Setup Form

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Setup Form

This form controls all setup functions for CisLib. Options are self-explanatory.

Navigator.

Are you using TapCis, GoCIS or none of two?

Select the navigator that you are currently using, and click on the Find button:

The system will automatically search across all the disks.

Options.

Use these options for the fine tuning of CisLib.

In the first section (Files) you can choose to

- Force the creation of description files for every file marked for download. These files are created in the same directory used by Navigators for their downloads;

- Force the creation and the updating of the History file (Mastering CisLib ).

In the second section (General) you can choose:

- If activate beep on messages;

- If activate ToolTips on Command Button Bar

Fonts.

Choose fonts for the file description.

Change Button will open a Dialog Box.

Default Button gives default values (Ms Sans Serif / 9.75/ Bold / Not Italic)

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Menu Help

Contents

Accesses this Help File.

Search For Help On ...

Directly accesses the Help Search Window.

Obtaining Technical Support...

Shows Help Topic Obtaining Technical Support .

About

Shows an About Form

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


About Form

Registered users.

Registered users (thanks) can only choose OK.

Unregistered users.

Unregistered users can click the Register Button to access Register Form

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Register Form

This form allows you to register CisLib.

If you have  sent an E-Mail or the order form for the registration; and received your Personal Access Code, you can register the program.

Insert your name and company (the program will show Windows User name and User Company).

Insert your Personal Access Code.

Caution: After this operation the program will end and all modifications will be lost.

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Technical Support

Obtaining Technical Support

Registration

Benefits when registering

Definition of shareware.

Ombudsman Policy

Disclaimer

Legal Stuff

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Obtaining Technical Support

Support is guaranteed through CompuServe and our Home-BBS.

For new releases, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) , product upgrades, newsletters, etc., check for TCI-SS keyword or give a look in library section 17 of CIS:ITALFOR Forum.

For every question concerning CisLib, feel free to contact us at our CompuServe address: 100265,1725 or through Internet at @Compuserve.com.

Our Home BBS(+39 (2) 7385423) is available seven days a week. You will find all documentation about CisLib and the latest available release. You can receive technical support writing your questions using the BBS built-in word processor. All that you need is a modem and a communication program (i.e. ProComm, Telix, Windows Terminal, etc.)

After using (and hopefully registering) this program, you will certainly have some ideas on how to improve upon it. We are very interested in hearing them! Each version of CisLib has been shaped by its users - if there is something you want, we would like to know!

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Registration

CisLib 1.02 is not public domain software, nor is it free software. You are allowed to use CisLib for a trial period. After this trial period, if you find CisLib easy and convenient to use, you are required to register.

Registration entitles you to use CisLib. We will provide you with the access code necessary to personalize your copy of the program. If you desire, we will mail you a registration confirmation notice to prove to your corporate auditors that the software has been legally registered.

CisLib can currently be registered in two ways:

1.	Via the CompuServe Software Registration Forum (GO SWREG #5733 - fee is $22.50). This is the easiest (and most convenient) registration method.  When we receive notification of your registration, we will send you your access code via e-mail.

2.	Print this page, fill in the order form and send with $22.50 US currency (Cash, check or money orders only) to the specified address.

*** Cis Sysops - Please contact via E-Mail ***

======================================

Order Form For CISLIB 1.02

Mail this	TCI Computing

form to:	Viale Corsica, 91

20133 - Milano - ITALY

Phone: +39 (0)2 70101882

Fax/Bbs: +39 (0)2 7385423

CompuServe: 100265,1725

Ship to:	______________________________

______________________________

______________________________

______________________________

Phone:	______________________________

Fax:	______________________________

CIS: 	______________________________

___ Cash	___ Check 	___ Money Order

Quantity ordered ____    REGISTRATION

                         $22.50 each (includes handling & shipping)

======================================


Benefits When Registering

According to < ASP > principles, this shareware is fully functional, not crippled. We are confident that people that use CisLib on a regular basis will register this software.

When registering, users will gain two types of benefits:

Program benefits

No more starting and ending NAG Screens. This will save you every time 3 seconds of death-time, a beep AND a mouse click;

No more Watermarks (=Unregistered Version) when moving mouse across the screen;

More complete messages. The message title will be appropriate to the context and there will not be anymore Please Register at the end of every message;

The program will correctly update the GoCIS main window. The update does not work with unregistered versions (this is an unwanted effect, since we were not able to fix it).

General Benefits

A written registration notice (if required);

Free future upgrades up to version 1.99. This will guarantee you about one year of free upgrades;

A personal notification (via CompuServe Mail) of every new program release. This will guarantee you that your program will be always updated. Reading the What is new notice, you will be able to avoid problems before having them;

Top Class Support. That is: an immediate answer to every your mail (maximum 48 hours except in August); the quickest possible solution to your problems; we will assume (when possible) the charges of patch files (i.e. sending a new file via CompuServe E-Mail).

Discounted Software. There is an average 30% discount on others TCI Computing shareware programs reserved to TCI Computing registered users. (Contact for details).

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Definition of Shareware

Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs differ on details -- some request registration while others  require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using the software to an updated program with printed manual.

Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished  programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy and to distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a specific group. For example, some authors require written permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware.

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Ombdusman Policy
Ombudsman Policy

This program is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals <ASP>. ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products.

Please write to the

ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road,

Muskegon, MI USA 49442-9427,

Fax 616-788-2765,

or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to

ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Disclaimer

Users of CISLIB must accept this disclaimer of warranty:

CISLIB is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use of CISLIB.

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Legal Stuff

TapCIS is a copyright of The Support Group, Inc.

GoCIS is a copyright of Logix Systems

CompuServe is a copyright of CompuServe, Inc.

Windows 3.0 and Windows 3.1 are copyrights of Microsoft

VBINT.DLL is a copyright of Karl Peterson and Rick Esterling (thanks!)

CISLIB is a copyright of TCI Computing

All other trademarks are of their owners.

© 1994-1995 - TCI Computing


Glossary

A

ASP

C

Catalog files

CisLib.Ini

D

Description file

DLL (Dynamic Link Library)

DOW files

Download Command Files

Download File Path

G

GoCIS

GoCIS.Btn

H

Home BBS

I

Initial Position

Initialization File

Italfor

L

Library Search

LXR files

M

Mitchell, Scott

N

Navigator

S

Script files

Section files

Starr, Phil

Starting Directory

Storage Disk Path

System Directory

T

TapCis

V

VBRUN300.DLL

Visual Basic VBX

W

Windows Directory


TapCis

TapCis® is a CompuServe Navigator.

It is very easy to install and to use.

It works only in a DOS environment.

TapCis is a copyright of The Support Group, Inc.


DOW files

Script files that have the same name as Catalog files (i.e. MSBASIC.CAT and MSBASIC.DOW).

These files have mainly download instructions.

There is some other information, i.e. Library Search information.


Visual Basic VBX

External control for special operations. As DLL's, many files can share VBX's.

A VBX must reside in the same directory as the program that uses it or it must be in the System Directory.


VBRUN300.DLL

The runtime-module for Visual Basic programs. Usually it is in the System Directory. The Visual Basic runtime module is not included in the CisLib package due to its size. It can be downloaded from a variety of locations: We have uploaded VBR300.ZIP (a compressed copy of VBRUN300.DLL) in Section 17 of CompuServe ITALFOR.

Once you have downloaded Vbrun300.Dll, copy it to your System Directory or to the same directory as CisLib.


Catalog files

Catalog files have the CompuServe standard format for file lists.

All automated forum processors can read this format.

Catalog files have a CAT extension.

CisLib reads and manages Catalog files.


Description file

A file with the same name of downloaded files and with DES as extension.

It contains file description in text format.

Only CisLib creates description files (DES extension is not a standard).


Library Search

Option of TapCis program that allows the capture of the file titles matching certain criteria (i.e. new files, only files with certain keywords, etc.).


Section files

In the Section Files are enumerated all the messages and library sections of a given CompuServe forum.

If a Section file is present, CisLib can show the name of a library (not only the number).


Initial Position

When the last Library Search is executed, the Navigator marks Catalog files  to retrieve the position of first new item.


CISLIB.INI

CisLib Initialization file.

Keep this file in the same directory as CisLib (recommended) or copy to your Windows directory.


ASP

ASP. The Association of Shareware Professionals is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to furthering Shareware (try before buy) as a unique software marketing alternative to commercial distribution.

ASP Members agree to follow strict rules on shareware requirements and guarantee their  registered users with the acceptance of Ombudsman  decisions.


Windows Directory

It is the directory (usually C:\Windows or C:\Win) in which the Windows program is installed.

Generally initialization files (*.INI) are in the Windows directory.


System Directory

It is the System subdirectory of Windows Directory (usually C:\Windows\System or C:\Win\System). In this directory are all system files such as VBXs or DLLs.


CIS:ITALFOR

It is the home forum for CisLib. In File Section 17 (Computer) you will always find the latest version of CisLib, more documentation, Newsletters, etc.


DLL (Dynamic Link Library)

An external module containing functions required by the main program and usable, at the same time, from all active Windows programs. Usually DLLs are in the System directory.

Before deleting a DLL in your System Directory, be sure that no program uses it.


CisLib Starting Directory

The directory in which CisLib.Exe resides. (i.e. C:\Wintools).


Storage Disk Path

It is the directory (i.e. C:\Tapcis\Down) in which are stored all files created by Tapcis (i.e. <Forum>. MSG - captured messages, or <Forum>.CAT - Catalog of forum files).


Home BBS

A Bulletin Board System dedicated to distribution and support of a software program. The word home refers to the program.


Initialization file

A file that contains all the parameters needed by a program. Example: A list of most recent files, the main window position, all setup options, and so on.

Initialization files have an INI extension and are found in the Windows directory or in the starting directory of the program.

CisLib.Ini is the initialization file of CisLib 1.02

Win.Ini and System.Ini are the main initialization files of Windows.


Download File Path

It is the directory (i.e. C:\Tapcis\Files) in which are stored all files downloaded by Tapcis.


Starr, Phil

A former insurance broker, now he likes working as a beta tester.

- That helps me learn the software better and faster because I can read the ideas from other testers as well.


Mitchell, Scott

An air line pilot who dabbles in computers.

- I beta test because I'm too cheap to actually pay for software.


GoCIS

A CompuServe Navigator that  works in a Windows environment.

GoCIS is a copyright of Logix System.


Navigator

Navigator or Forum processor or Off-Line Reader (OLR) is a computer program that automates the actions required to obtain required information from CompuServe.

There are many navigators available. Some names are:

- CIM and WinCim

- TapCis

- OzCIS

- GoCIS

- AutoSIG


GoCIS.Btn

From GoCIS HelpFile:

The GoCIS Button Bar permits you to handle certain GoCIS functions, macros, and call outside applications via one-click buttons or icons.


LXR Files

GoCIS Download Command Files.

These files have command strings to generate, when connected, download scripts.


Menu Commands

Menu Commands.


Button Bar

Button Bar Commands


List of file titles

A vertical scroll bar and a horizontal scroll bar appear the currently selected file is marked for download and/or marked for discard.


Description of Currently selected file

On the top of this area there is the name and the length of file.

In the text box there is the long description.

At the bottom of this area the words Download and Discard appear when currently selected file is marked for download and/or marked for discard.


Button Commands

Download	Toggle download marker.

Discard	Toggle a discard marker and shows next file title

Previous	Shows previous file title

Next	Shows subsequent file title


Bottom Bar

Description of expected action

String to find

Actual position / total files

Current time


Option List

Click to select your first, second, third key.

You may select whatever keys you desire, even the same key three times, if you wish.


Current Preferred Selection

These are the three keys currently used for preferred sorts.


Load Button

Use this command button to load the preferred selection in the Option List.


Save Button

Use this command button to save the selection in the Option List as your preferred sort.

Saving the preferred sort is not affected by a subsequent Cancel button.


Ok Button

Catalog file is sorted according to the current selection in the Option List.


Cancel Button

Current sort is not modified.

This command button does not cancel modifications to the parameters for Preferred Sort.