Copyright: File Manager StepUp Copyright® 1994 ChaoSoft


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 Contents

Introduction

Overview

Getting Started with FM StepUp

What is Shareware? What is the ASP ?

License/Limited warranty

Technical support

Upgrades, updates...

What do you get when you register FM StepUp

How to register

Acknowledgments

Using FM StepUp

Menus and commands

Quick Menu

Execute Menu

Special Commands

Dialog Boxes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a copy for a friend?

FM StepUp does not work. Why?

Can I use FM StepUp and other File Manager extenders simultaneously?

Windows cannot find FM StepUp Help file. What to do?

FM StepUp cannot produce 3D effects. What can be the reason?

How to display new icon for File Manager in a Program Manager's group?

Can I change the name StepUp in the menu bar to something else?

Will I be able to use FM StepUp with Windows 4.0 (Chicago)?

How to get updates and upgrades to the FM StepUp?

How to make my viewer/editor find files?

How to prevent the About screen from showing up on start-up

Run DOS Program does not work. Why?

How to uninstall FM StepUp?


 Overview

Thank you for trying File Manager StepUp!

File Manager StepUp (or, briefly, FM StepUp) is a utility that dramatically improves File Manager. Instead of replacing File Manager, FM StepUp simply makes it better. When you install FM StepUp, additional commands are added to File Manager's menus, and existing commands are enhanced.

"FM StepUp ... does all manner of clever things. It adds 3D effects (a la Word 6 or Excel 5) to the dialog boxes, gives you a command-line history in all sorts of places ... and provides right-click pop-up menus in a variety of useful places ... FM StepUp is certainly good enough to try."

Windows User UK, June 1994

"The standard dialog boxes gain a history list of recently used commands and that attractive 3D look, and adding pop-up menus. However ... the best thing about this is the pop-up menus. Right click on a file and a menu pops up giving you a bunch of options, like viewing the file, editing it, running it, printing it, and so on ... once you have started using it you'll never want to give them up!"

Australian PC User, June 1994

Click here to read about features of the FM StepUp.

Click here to read about benefits of the FM StepUp.

Click here to read some quotes from users of the FM StepUp ver. 1.x.

FM StepUp is NOT a free software. It's Shareware. This means that you may use the program during 14 days (not necessarily constituting a contiguous sequence) to evaluate it and determine whether FM StepUp is suitable for your needs. At the end of this trial period, you must either register (purchase) your copy or discontinue using FM StepUp.

Click here to know what you receive when you register FM StepUp

Click here to know how to register

Unregistered copies of the FM StepUp are fully functional. We make it this way so that you can have a real look at the program and then decide whether it fit your needs. The only difference between registered and unregistered copy is the registration reminder screen that shows up whenever you start File Manger with FM StepUp installed. However, unlike most other shareware programs, our reminder does not really affect your evaluation of our software, since you don't have to press any key or wait some time until it goes off. Our message just sits quietly in background, waiting for you to register. When you receive our Registration package with your personal Registration number, you will use it to put your name in the About FM StepUp screen and to remove the reminder.

You may freely copy the FM StepUp software, and give it to anybody (however, you may not do it for profit, click here to read the full text of your license agreement). FM StepUp is a self-unregistering software, i.e. it automatically becomes unregistered when you copy it to another disk or computer or issue a specially assigned command to unregister it. You can re-register it any number of times, but only if you know your Registration Number. This means that you can make and install as many Unregistered copies of the FM StepUp as you wish on as many computers as you can, provided that you do not share your Registration Number with anybody and there is NO POSSIBILITY to use your Registered copy by anybody else. You may not use a copy of the FM StepUp registered to anybody else (except site license arrangements). In simple words, every user of the FM StepUp must be licensed.

Click here to read full text of your license agreement.

All corporate, business, government or other commercial users of FM StepUp must be registered.  We offer quantity discounts, starting with as few as 2 copies, as well as site licensing.  Site license agreement allows installation and using of specific number of registered copies within the licensed institution.

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 49442-9427 USA, FAX 616-788-2765 or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.


Features

Enhanced File Managers dialog boxes, including history lists, browse buttons, verify check boxes, etc.

Commands to easily create, view, edit or print arbitrary files, not necessarily associated with an application.

Customizable Execute Menu provides an easy way to access frequently used applications and perform pre-programmed operations on currently selected files.

Customizable Quick Menu, instantaneously accessible with the right mouse button, contains the most frequently used commands and keeps track of the execution history of other commands.

A number of special commands are provided to make you more productive.

FM StepUp allows you to restrict certain features of the File Manager in the same manner as you do it for Program Manager. This is particularly valuable for use by corporate system administrators (please refer to README.TXT file for details).

Complete context-sensitive help is available from all dialogs. The help file provides a complete user's guide for FM StepUp.

FM StepUp is highly customizable. User can control virtually every aspect of the FM StepUp, from choosing it's menu name to specifying which dialog boxes to enhance.

The way software should be! (TM)


Benefits

FM StepUp  allows you to perform various file management operations easier and faster.

FM StepUp  makes it easy to create, view and edit files.

FM StepUp  provides you with unique (or hard-to-find elsewhere) commands.

FM StepUp  saves your time giving you the opportunity to reuse your commands.

FM StepUp  makes the right button of your mouse finally usable.

FM StepUp  allows you to restrict the File Manager from performing dangerous or undesirable functions.

After all, FM StepUp  makes the File Manager an actually user friendly application.

The way software should be! (TM)


Quotes from users of the FM StepUp ver. 1.x

I've been trying out FM StepUp and it seems quite useful.

- M.W., Australia

I have tried FM StepUp and quite like it ... speeds things up considerably.

- N.P.G.S., UK

Since acquiring this program, I have started using the File Manager. ...Your program makes FM so useful that I now have it running almost all the time.

- R. T. B., NJ

I think its an intriguing idea.

- V.M.S., Washington, DC

Excellent! ... Very worthwhile.

- C.L., Farmers Branch, TX

I just downloaded the shareware version of FM StepUp and no doubt about it: it's great! Very functional and easy to use.

- J.S., Tewksbury, MA

Great little program!

- R.H., Northglenn, CO

No problems! I love your software ... I only purchase minimal shareware and FM StepUp is one of the best.

- J.D., CA

Nice little shareware!

- R.G., UseNet

Looks nice and seems to be useful.

- N.E., Canada

I tried FM StepUp last Friday and ... I felt in love with it!

- C.F., UK

FM StepUp is the best program for Windows I ever tested!

- M.S., Sweden

Nice!

- J.E.M., Canada


Getting Started with FM StepUp

Unlike most other Windows applications, FM StepUp is not a stand-alone program: there is no special executable file you would run to start the FM StepUp. To use the FM StepUp software, all you need is properly install it, and it will run automatically every time you run the File Manager.

Actually, all you need to have FM StepUp work is add a string specifying full DOS path to file FMSTEPUP.DLL in the [AddOns] section on the WINFILE.INI file. You can do it yourself, if you like, or you can make use of our convenient Setup utility included in the package. Just run SETUP.EXE from File Manager or Program Manager, and follow its instructions:

If you obtained the FM StepUp on a diskette or CD-ROM, you can quickly take a look at it without installing it onto your hard or network disk. Run Setup and choose Activate button when prompted. In this case Setup will just add the above mentioned string to the WINFILE.INI file and won't copy anything to your hard disk. Of course, in this case you need to have the diskette or CD inserted in the drive while working with File Manager, and the loading time will be much longer.

If you want to install the software onto your hard or network disk for permanent use, copy all the FM StepUp files into some directory onto the disk. You can do it yourself or have Setup do it for you: run Setup, choose button Install when prompted, and then enter the name of the directory where you want the FM StepUp files to be placed. If you already have the files on the hard disk, you don't need to perform the copying; use Activate button of the Setup utility instead.

If you want to stop using FM StepUp, you need to remove the 'FM StepUp=' string from WINFILE.INI file. Again, you can use Setup to do it: choose Deactivate button when prompted. When you decide to return to using FM StepUp again, run Setup and choose Activate. On the other hand, if you, to our regret, decide to remove FM StepUp from your system permanently, all you need to do is choose Deactivate from Setup prompt and then delete all the FM StepUp files from your hard disk. Please click here for more information on uninstalling FM StepUp.

The Setup utility assumes that all the FM StepUp files are in the directory where SETUP.EXE is. If you have a numbers of the FM StepUp file sets in different locations (on a CD and on your hard disk, for example), you can manipulate them via running their own SETUP.EXEs.

After the installation complete, you can immediately start using File Manager enhanced with FM StepUp. The first time when you run it, FM StepUp will display registration reminder, and the About FM StepUp screen will read 'Unregistered copy'. If you have registered your copy and obtained your personal Registration Number from us, you may use it to remove the registration reminder from the screen and put your name in the About FM StepUp screen. To do it, choose Preferences from the StepUp menu of File Manager and when a dialog box pops up, click the Register button. Now enter your name (exactly as it appears in your Registration Acknowledgment) and the Registration Number.

If the automatic installation fails by any reason, you can install the FM StepUp manually:

1.	Create a directory on your hard disk for FM StepUp, say C:\FMSTEPUP, and copy all the files from the FM StepUp installation disk into that directory. If you obtained the FM StepUp files compressed in an archive, extract all the files from it.

2.	Copy the file CTL3D.DLL into the Windows SYSTEM directory on your hard drive (be sure not to overwrite the newer version of this file if you have already got one!). If you are using a networked Windows installation and the SYSTEM directory is write-protected, put the file CTL3D.DLL into the WINDOWS directory.

3.	Open file WINFILE.INI for editing (using Notepad or any other text editor). This file is located in the WINDOWS directory on your hard disk (or directory you specified when installing Windows). Please note: the file you need is WINFILE.INI, not WIN.INI.

Find the section [AddOns] in this file and place the following string right after the string [AddOns]:

FM StepUp=C:\FMSTEPUP\FMSTEPUP.DLL

(or specify the directory you copied the FM StepUp's files in, if other than FMSTEPUP).

The resulting portion of the winfile.ini should look like this:

...

[AddOns]

FM StepUp=C:\FMSTEPUP\FMSTEPUP.DLL

...

(... means other lines of the file). Save the file.

4.	If the File Manager is running, close it, and then run it again.

You shell find new menu item, StepUp, among the other items of the File Manager's main menu, if the installation has been completed successfully. If you cannot see the StepUp item in the main menu of the File Manager, an error has occurred. Please verify that you have done all the steps above, and, particularly, specified correct path in the [AddOns] section of the WINFILE.INI file.


ChaoSoft License Agreement

Definitions.

Software or Program means the ChaoSoft software product File Manager StepUp (FM StepUp), including both the software and the associated documentation and other materials;

Unregistered Copy means a copy of the Program you obtained from us or other source for evaluation purposes and which is described as "Unregistered copy" in the About FM StepUp screen. An Unregistered Copy can become registered by supplying the name of the registered user or institution and the correct Registration Number, which can be obtained from us.

Registered Copy means a copy of the Program registered with us or with a dealer, and which is described as "Registered to: <your name>" in the About FM StepUp screen. A Registered Copy can be made unregistered explicitly by issuing a command, or implicitly by copying it to another disk or computer.

Registration Package means all the materials you are obtaining from us after sending to us your registration fee. In particular, Registration Package contains your personal Registration Number, allowing you to remove the registration reminder message and put your name in the About  FM StepUp screen.

we or us means ChaoSoft, a company based in Old Town, Maine, USA; and

you means the end user of the Software.

Legal Agreement. This is a legal agreement between you and ChaoSoft. By using the software you are agreeing to be bound by the terms of this agreement.

Grant of license. ChaoSoft grants to you the right to use the Software under the terms of this agreement. The software is in "use" on a computer when it is loaded into the temporary memory (i.e., RAM) of that computer. Use of an Unregistered Copy of the Software after the evaluation period, or use of a Registered Copy, registered to anybody else except you (or, for site license arrangements, to your organization),  is in violation of federal copyright laws.

Copyright. The software is owned by ChaoSoft and is protected by United States copyright laws and international treaty provisions. Therefore, you must treat the Software like any other copyrighted material except that a limited right to make copies of the Software, subject to conditions of this license agreement, is granted to you. You may not copy any written or printed materials from your Registration Package and you may not rent or lease the Software.

Evaluation Period.  You may use an Unregistered Copy of the Program for evaluation period of up to 14 days. This period may be not a contiguous sequence of days. However, you should count a day as the evaluation day if you used the Program during that day at least once. The purpose of this evaluation period is to allow you to determine whether the program meets your needs before purchasing it.  Once the evaluation period has ended, you agree to either purchase your copy of the Program through registration, or to stop using it.  If you have sent your registration fee to us, you may continue to use your Unregistered Copy beyond the end of the evaluation period until your Registration Package arrives.

Registering the Program. To register the Software, you should send your name, address, and correct amount of registration fee to us or one of our registration sites. You can use various registration forms supplied with the on-line documentation to the Software. After getting your Registration Package from us, containing the Registration Number assigned to you,  you may use that number to register your copy of the Software. You agree to keep the Registration Number for your own use only and not to share it with anybody else.

Multi-User and Network Use.  If you registered the Software for use by multiple users,  you agree not to use the Program on more computers than the number specified in your site license. You may install the Program on computers attached to a network, or remove it from one computer and install it on a different one, provided there is NO POSSIBILITY that your copy will be installed or used on more computers than it is licensed for.  If you have a network, you don't need to include every computer attached to the network in your license, but you must include every computer on which the Program is installed or used, regardless of whether the user of the computer happens to know that the Program is in use on their system.  If you have single computers which allow multiple users to use the Program simultaneously, you must count each keyboard or terminal separately when determining how many computers are using the Program.

Making and Distributing Unregistered Copies of the Program.

You may make as many copies of the Program as you wish, give them to others, upload them to any BBS or FTP site worldwide, include them in software collections such as CD-ROM disks, distribute them through Disk-of-the-Month (or Subscription) Distribution, and distribute them in any other possible way, as long as you:

--	do not share your Registration Number with anyone else and do not make copies of any printed materials from your Registration Package, if the copy you use is a Registered Copy;

--	include all of the unmodified files, as listed in the PACKING.LST file included with your copy. If any of the files or the PACKING.LST file itself is missing, you should contact us, or the dealer you obtained the Program from, to receive the complete set of files;

--	agree not to sell the Unregistered Copies of the Program or distribute them to others for any kind of compensation or fee (small shipping and handling fees are OK), unless you are an ASP approved Vendor or you have received written permission from us; and your permission to distribute the Program has not been revoked by us;

--	agree to inform the user(s) that the Unregistered Copy is to be used for a time limited evaluation period, and that it must be registered to continue to use the Program once the evaluation period has ended;

--	do not bundle the Program with any other software without our written permission.

Other restrictions. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the Software. You are not allowed to make any modifications to, or to create derivative works from any of the files that are used in this software. This includes all the executable, help, installation, and readme files, as well as graphics images. Any such unauthorized use shall result in immediate and automatic termination of this license.

LIMITED WARRANTY:  The following limited warranty applies to Registered Copies of the Program.  This warranty does NOT apply to Unregistered Copies of the Program.

Satisfaction Guarantee.  If you are dissatisfied with any product you buy from us under this Agreement for any reason, you may return it at any time up to 30 days after purchase and we will give you a refund.  Refunds will be based on the price you paid, with shipping costs excluded.  You must contact us before returning any product for a refund. This satisfaction guarantee does not apply to multi-system licenses for more than 10 computers, or to purchases of more than 10 individual copies at a time.

Physical Defects.  We pledge that the disks, if any, and any printed material we send you will arrive free of physical defects which interfere with normal use. If you find such a defect and report it to us within 30 days after you get your Registration Package, we agree to replace the defective item(s) at no charge to you as long as the defect was not caused by misuse or abuse.

Bugs and Program Errors.  We don't promise that the Software will be free of bugs or program errors, and you agree that bugs or program errors will not be considered as "physical defects" in the program.  We agree that if you report a program error or bug to us, we will use our best efforts to correct it.  We also agree that if we can verify and correct the error you report, and we then issue a bug-fix release for the Program which includes the correction, we will allow you to update your copy of the Program at no charge if you request it.  However we will only do this for minor releases, not for new major releases or other new versions of the Program.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

The SOFTWARE (including instructions for its use) is provided "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. ChaoSoft further DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE ENTIRE RISK ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE AND DOCUMENTATION REMAINS WITH YOU.

IN NO EVENT SHALL CHAOSOFT, ITS AUTHORS, OR ANYONE ELSE INVOLVED IN THE CREATION, PRODUCTION, OR DELIVERY OF THE SOFTWARE BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION, OR OTHER PECUNIARY LOSS) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE OR DOCUMENTATION, EVEN IF CHAOSOFT HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. BECAUSE SOME STATES/COUNTRIES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

Copyright and Trademark Information

File Manager StepUp is copyright (c) 1994 ChaoSoft.  All Rights Reserved.

ChaoSoft, ChaoSoft's logo, and "The way software should be!" are trademarks of ChaoSoft.

Microsoft  and MS-DOS are registered trademarks, and Windows and Windows for Workgroups are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

All other product names may be copyright and registered or unregistered trademarks / tradenames of their respective owners.

Conclusion. All rights not expressly granted here are reserved to ChaoSoft.

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Maine and shall inure to the benefits of ChaoSoft and any successors, administrators, heirs, and assigns. Any action or proceeding brought by either party against the other arising out of or related to this agreement shall be brought only in a STATE or FEDERAL COURT of the competent jurisdiction located in Augusta, Maine. The parties hereby consent to in personal jurisdiction of said courts.

If you have any questions about this agreement, write to:

ChaoSoft

P.O.Box 43

Old Town, ME 04468-0043


 Technical Support

Registered users of the FM StepUp are entitled to FREE technical support for the first 90 days from the date of registration. This does not mean that you may not ask questions after that period or if you have not registered yet, however, we cannot guarantee that all such questions will be answered.

Please, (PLEASE!) check the on-line Help and other documentation first. Our experience shows that about 9 out of 10 questions have been already answered in the documentation.

If you cannot find the answer there, or have a suggestion on how to improve the FM StepUp, we will be glad to hear from you.

Our experience shows that due to the oftentimes complex technical nature of FM StepUp or Windows configurations, technical support by phone is not the most effective and almost always results in a request for follow-up information. Please use one of the following channels and send us a detailed description of your problem. Your questions will be answered directly by the author of the program, Andrei Belogortseff.

You can reach him by sending a message through electronic mail to one of the following addresses:

Delphi:  	andreib

CompuServe:	74634,2173

Internet:	andreib@delphi.com or 74634.2173@compuserve.com

or by sending a letter to the following address:

ChaoSoft

P.O.Box 43

Old Town, ME 04468-0043

U.S.A.


Upgrades, updates
Upgrades, updates ...

ChaoSoft frequently updates its products. There are various kinds of updates, including Major upgrades, minor updates, and bug-fix updates.

Minor and bug-fix updates for our shareware products are free - subject to only our reasonable shipping and handling charges. This means that you will be able to use the same Registration number to register an updated copy for your use.  As we are not in the disk selling business, you may find that shareware vendors specializing in disk sales can easily sell disks cheaper than we can. On the other hand, we always have the most recent versions of our software. If you want (by whatever reason) to make sure that you have the latest version of the program and/or documentation, you can order them directly from us. Click here to see the order form.

You can also obtain a minor or bug-fix update from other sources (such as FTP sites, your local BBS, or a shareware disk vendor). In this case, of course, there in no charge from us, however, you will probably have to pay the on-line service or disk vendors fees.

The policy and pricing for major upgrades vary. Depending on the nature of the upgrade, length of time since the previous major upgrade, desirability of new features added, the extent of revisions to the printed manuals, work involved, and other factors, we may or may not charge upgrade fees.

For example, due to success of the 1st version of the FM StepUp, we have found it possible to make the major upgrade to the version 2.x free!. This is the policy of ChaoSoft -- to protect faithful customers, and to derive the majority of our income via sales to new customers rather than continually attempting to extract more and more money from existing customers. Of course, we must at least cover our costs, or we could not stay in business bringing you new and updated software.


 What do you get when you register

When registering your copy of the FM StepUp, you enable us to further improve our existing products and develop new ones of the same high quality. We believe that Shareware is the future of software industry and when you register our products you vote with your pocketbook for this future -- high quality software of low cost.

In addition, you will receive:

    Your personal Registration Number, allowing you to put your name in the About FM StepUp screen and remove the registration reminder from the File Manager's window.

    The privilege to be personally informed about new major releases of the FM StepUp and other products from ChaoSoft.

    The privilege to upgrade to new versions of the FM StepUp paying only 1/2 of registration fee.

    Free customer support for the first 90 days beginning from the date of registration.

    Disk with the latest version of the program.

    FREE BONUS (when ordering disk): a  800x600x256, 3-dimentional, ray-traced (very impressive!) *.bmp image of ChaoSoft's logo (can be used as wallpaper on your Windows desktop).


 How to register FM StepUp

Please choose one of the order forms below (depending on the way of payment you prefer), print it out, fill in all the information requested and sent it to the address shown in the form.

Payment with a check, cash, or money order

Payment with a credit card

International Ordering:

Canada

Europe

Australia

You can also register this software via CompuServe.

Other payment options available.

Orders within USA are shipped through USPS, first class.

International orders are shipped through Airmail. To reduce your possible customs taxes (if any), the contents of the package will be described as follows: "Diskette; Letter", that almost never is taxable.


Payment Options

We understand that in same cases (international orders, especially) payment with a check drawn on a US bank, written in US funds, or with a credit card is not always possible. That's why  we accept other forms of payment as well:

Mailing US currency directly to us. Most foreign banks have US currency readily available.

Mailing your domestic currency directly to us. We accept only currency listed below:

Japanese Yens, German Marks, British pounds, French Francs, Canadian Dollars, Swiss Francs, Mexican Peso.

To calculate amount, just look in your newspaper for the current exchange rate, apply the conversion factor, and round it off to the nearest "paper" banknote.

If you decide to send us cash, we encourage you to obtain a low-cost "Certificate of Mailing" (USPS form 3817) or equivalent, or even send your letter certified. It will help us to find your letter if (that is very rare) Post Office will fail to deliver it to us. Please, don't include coins; the total payment amount should be rounded to the nearest "paper" unit.

Through American Express money orders payable in US currency. They are also commonly available in your commercial banks.

Through an international postal money order from your local post office, written in US dollars.


Registering through CompuServe

If you are a CompuServe member, you can register FM StepUp on-line: type GO SWREG at the ! prompt, select "Register Shareware" from the menu, and follow the instructions.

The REGISTRATION ID of the FM StepUp is:  2949

When registering in this way, registration fee ($19.95) will be charged to your CompuServe account. The personal Registration number, allowing you to eliminate the registration reminder, will be sent to you through CompuServe e-mail, usually within 1 or 2 days. This eliminates the necessity of the shipping & handling fees (since nothing will be sent via regular mail; you can download the latest version from CompuServe anyway) making this the easiest, fastest, and cheapest way for registering FM StepUp!


International Order/Registration Form: Europe

Our European customers can order FM StepUp from our European representative. Please, use this form for payment in British Sterling ONLY. To print this form, please choose File | Print Topic from the FM StepUp Help menu.

ALL PRICES AND DISCOUNTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

    Yes! I would like to register my copy of the File Manager StepUp software for my own use only ( on the [image] 3.5" or [image] 5.25" disk ) for £13.50.

    I've registered one of the previous versions of FM StepUp and, therefore, I am entitled to 50% discount, that is I am paying only £6.75 !

    Yes! I and my friend(s) want to save. Send me ____ (more than one) packages of the FM StepUp software for only £10.50 each. We need ____ 3.5" and/or ____ 5.25" disks. I'm enclosing the list of my friends' names and addresses; all of them become the registered users of FM StepUp.

    Yes! I would like to order the File Manager StepUp software under a site license arrangement for ____ (more than 5) users, allowing my company or organization to legally install the FM StepUp on multiple computers. Send me the installation disk of the [image]  3.5" or [image]   5.25" format. The payment £6.75 for each user is enclosed.

Payment amount (see above):	£ ________
Shipping & Handling*:	£            2.50
TOTAL:	£ ________
*The package will be sent from U.S.A. via Air mail.

My   [image]   Sterling check     [image]   Eurocheque     [image]     Sterling money order    [image]    Travellers' cheque  is enclosed (payable to Simon Jones).

NAME:    ___________________________________________________ (please type or print)

ADDRESS:

Additional (optional) information:	COMPANY:

Phone:   (_____)_______________	Email address:

I use:     Windows 3.1(3.11)   [image]   Windows for Workgroups 3.11  [image]   other:________________

Send this form and payment to: 	Simon Jones

5 Broadfields

Eastington

Cheltenham

GL54 3PX

United Kingdom

Thank you for registering FM StepUp!


International Order/Registration Form: Australia

Our Australian customers can order FM StepUp from our Australian representative. Please, use this form for payment in Australian dollars ONLY. To print this form, please choose File | Print Topic from the FM StepUp Help menu.

ALL PRICES AND DISCOUNTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

    Yes! I would like to register my copy of the File Manager StepUp software for my own use only ( on the [image] 3.5" or [image] 5.25" disk ) for $AUS 29.95.

    I've registered one of the previous versions of FM StepUp and, therefore, I am entitled to 50% discount, that is I am paying only $AUS 14.97 !

    Yes! I and my friend(s) want to save. Send me ____ (more than one) packages of the FM StepUp software for only $AUS 20.95 each. We need ____ 3.5" and/or ____ 5.25" disks. I'm enclosing the list of my friends' names and addresses; all of them become the registered users of FM StepUp.

    Yes! I would like to order the File Manager StepUp software under a site license arrangement for ____ (more than 5) users, allowing my company or organization to legally install the FM StepUp on multiple computers. Send me the installation disk of the [image]  3.5" or [image]   5.25" format. The payment $AUS 13.95 for each user is enclosed.

Payment amount (see above):	$AUS ________
Shipping & Handling*:	$AUS            5.50
TOTAL:	$AUS ________
*The package will be sent from U.S.A. via Air mail.

My   personal check is enclosed (payable to DP Computing, Australian dollars).

NAME:    ___________________________________________________ (please type or print)

ADDRESS:

Additional (optional) information:	COMPANY:

Phone:   (_____)_______________	Email address:

I use:     Windows 3.1(3.11)   [image]   Windows for Workgroups 3.11  [image]   other:________________

Send this form and payment to:

DP Computing

P.O.Box 712

Noarlunga Centre SA 5168

Australia.

Thank you for registering FM StepUp!


 Order/Registration Form

To print this order form, please choose File | Print Topic from the FM StepUp Help menu.

ALL PRICES AND DISCOUNTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

    Yes! I would like to register my copy of the File Manager StepUp software for my own use only (on the [image] 3.5" or [image] 5.25" disk) for $19.95.

    I've registered one of the previous versions of FM StepUp and, therefore, I am entitled to 50% discount, that is I am paying only $9.97 !

    Yes! I and my friend(s) want to save. Send me ____ (more than one) packages of the FM StepUp software for only $14.95 each. We need ____ 3.5" and/or ____ 5.25" disks. I'm enclosing the list of my friends' names and addresses; all of them become the registered users of FM StepUp.

    Yes! I would like to order the File Manager StepUp software under a site license arrangement for ____ (more than 5) users, allowing my company or organization to legally install the FM StepUp on multiple computers. Send me the installation disk of the [image]  3.5" or [image]   5.25" format. The payment $9.95 for each user is enclosed.

Payment amount (see above):	$ _________
Maine residents add 6% sales tax:	$ _________
Shipping & Handling*:	$ _________
TOTAL:	$ _________

*S&H: Continental U.S.: $1.00, AK,HI,Canada,Mexico: $2.00, International: $4.00)

My   [image]   personal check or   [image]   Money order or  [image]  other

is enclosed (payable to ChaoSoft, U.S. funds, U.S. bank).

NAME:    ___________________________________________________ (please type or print)

ADDRESS:

Additional (optional) information:	COMPANY:

Phone:   (_____)_______________	Email address:

I use:     Windows 3.1(3.11)   [image]   Windows for Workgroups 3.11  [image]   other:________________

Send this form and payment to: ChaoSoft, P.O.Box 43, Old Town, ME 04468-0043, U.S.A.

Customer Comments

Please help make this an even better product

Why do you register?  Would you have registered if the price were higher? How much higher?

How can this product be improved?

Are there corrections to the documentation that need to be made? Spelling, grammar, any other correction?

Any general comments you have will be appreciated...

Thank you for registering FM StepUp!


Credit Card Order/Registration Form

Please, use this form for Credit Card Orders ONLY.

ALL PRICES AND DISCOUNTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

To print this order form, please choose File | Print Topic from the FM StepUp Help menu.

Please choose one:

    Yes! Send me just 1 package of the File Manager StepUp software (the latest version) for my own use only, on the [image] 3.5" or [image] 5.25" disk for $19.95. Note: the 50% upgrade discount is not available when ordering with a credit card. Please use other payment options if you qualify for this discount.

    Yes! I and my friend(s) want to save. Send me ____ (more than one) packages of the FM StepUp software for only $14.95 each. We need ____ 3.5" and/or ____ 5.25" disks. I'm enclosing the list of my friends' names and addresses; all of them become the registered users of FM StepUp.

    Yes! I would like to order the File Manager StepUp software under a site license arrangement for ____ (more than 5) users, allowing my company or organization to legally install the FM StepUp on multiple computers. Send me the installation disk of the [image]  3.5" or [image]   5.25" format. The payment $9.95 for each user is enclosed.

Program Name: FM StepUp (item # 11231)

Payment amount (see above):	$ _________
Maine residents add 6% sales tax:	$ _________
Shipping & Handling*:	$ _________
TOTAL:	$ _________

*S&H: Continental U.S.: $1.00, AK,HI,Canada,Mexico: $2.00, International: $4.00)

  Visa	 Amex	  Mastercard 	 Discover	Exp.Date  ______/______

Credit Card No.  |___|___|___|___|___|___|___|___|___|___|___|___|___|___|___|___|

NAME:    ___________________________________________________ (please type or print)

Signature: _________________________________________________

ADDRESS:

Additional information (if applicable):	COMPANY:

Phone:   (_____)_______________	E-mail address:

To order:	call Public (software) Library, 800-2424-775 or 713-524-6394

from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST Monday-Friday;

or 	FAX this form to: 713-524-6398 (any time);

or 	send the above information by CIS Email to 71355,470

or 	send the above information through Internet to 71355.470@compuserve.com

or 	mail this form to: PsL, P.O.Box 35705, Houston, TX 77235-5705, U.S.A..

THE ABOVE NUMBERS ARE EXCLUSIVELY FOR PLACING ORDERS WITH CREDIT CARDS.

CHAOSOFT CANNOT BE REACHED AT THOSE NUMBERS. Any questions about the status of the shipment of the order, refunds, registration options, product details, technical support, volume discounts, dealer pricing, site licenses, etc., must be directed to the author of the program: Andrei Belogortseff, email: andreib@delphi.com, phone: 207-581-6076. To insure that you get the latest version, PsL will notify us the day of your order and we will ship the product directly to you.

Thank you for registering FM StepUp!


International Order/Registration Form: Canada

Please, use this form for payment with a check in Canadian dollars ONLY. To print this form, please choose File | Print Topic from the FM StepUp Help menu.

ALL PRICES AND DISCOUNTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

    Yes! I would like to register my copy of the File Manager StepUp software for my own use only ( on the [image] 3.5" or [image] 5.25" disk ) for $CAN 28.95.

    I've registered one of the previous versions of FM StepUp and, therefore, I am entitled to 50% discount, that is I am paying only $CAN 14.47 !

    Yes! I and my friend(s) want to save. Send me ____ (more than one) packages of the FM StepUp software for only $CAN 19.45 each. We need ____ 3.5" and/or ____ 5.25" disks. I'm enclosing the list of my friends' names and addresses; all of them become the registered users of FM StepUp.

    Yes! I would like to order the File Manager StepUp software under a site license arrangement for ____ (more than 5) users, allowing my company or organization to legally install the FM StepUp on multiple computers. Send me the installation disk of the [image]  3.5" or [image]   5.25" format. The payment $CAN 13.95 for each user is enclosed.

Payment amount (see above):	$CAN ________
Shipping & Handling*:	$CAN            2.50
TOTAL:	$CAN ________
*The package will be sent from U.S.A. via Air mail.

My   personal check is enclosed (payable to ChaoSoft, Canadian dollars).

NAME:    ___________________________________________________ (please type or print)

ADDRESS:

Additional (optional) information:	COMPANY:

Phone:   (_____)_______________	Email address:

I use:     Windows 3.1(3.11)   [image]   Windows for Workgroups 3.11  [image]   other:________________

Send this form and payment to: ChaoSoft, P.O.Box 43, Old Town, ME 04468-0043, U.S.A.

Customer Comments

Please help make this an even better product

Why do you register?  Would you have registered if the price were higher? How much higher?

How can this product be improved?

Are there corrections to the documentation that need to be made? Spelling, grammar, any other correction?

Any general comments you have will be appreciated...

Thank you for registering FM StepUp!


The Latest Version Disk Order Form

Use this form to order a disk with the latest version of the FM StepUp software directly from us. You may wish to order such a disk for evaluation purposes or to update your current registered version.

Please, do not use this form to register the program!

ALL PRICES AND DISCOUNTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

To print this order form, please choose File | Print Topic from the FM StepUp Help menu.

Please check one:

I've registered one of the previous versions of the FM StepUp and want you to send me the latest version of the File Manager StepUp software to update my current version. I am currently using the version ______; the registration  number is_________________ . If the latest version of the FM StepUp is a major upgrade in comparison with the version I use, and an additional fee is required to upgrade to it, I want you to (check one):

    send me an Unregistered Copy of the program for evaluation

    bill me the additional upgrading fee and send me the Registered Copy, including my new Personal Registration number.

I am not a registered user of the FM StepUp and want you to send me an Unregistered Copy of the latest version of the File Manager StepUp software for evaluation purposes. I understand that ordering such a disk does not make me a registered user.

Payment amount for the disk :	$ 4.00
Maine residents add 6% sales tax:	$ _________
Shipping & Handling*:	$ _________
TOTAL:	$ _________

*S&H: Continental U.S.: $1.00, elsewhere: $2.00)

Disk format:	 3.5"	 5.25"

My   [image]   personal check  [image]   money order or  [image]  other

is enclosed (payable to ChaoSoft, U.S. funds, U.S. bank).

NAME:    ___________________________________________________ (please type or print)

ADDRESS:

Additional information (if applicable):	COMPANY:

Phone:   (_____)_______________	E-mail address:

I use:     Windows 3.1(3.11)   [image]   Windows for Workgroups 3.11  [image]   other:________________

Send this form and payment to: ChaoSoft, P.O.Box 43, Old Town, ME 04468-0043, U.S.A.

Thank you for using FM StepUp!


 Acknowledgments

I would like to express my thanks to a number of people who have made valuable contributions to the 2nd version of the FM StepUp (in alphabetic order):

Anssi Roiha

Aslam Hassan

Charles Feher

Charlie Livingston

Daniel Parrish

Daniel Yorksie

Daniel Hauck

David Davies

David Owen

Duncan Charlton

Gene Fulkerth

Gerald Collins

Jess Ting

Kate Wilson

Marina Belogortseva

Mark Bracewell

Mark Lawrence

Martin B. Brilliant

Martin Towner

Matt Waite

Maxim Poliashenko

Nathan Elke

Nida Paulauskaite

Robert Allison

Sam Sampson

Steve Mitchell

Tad Marko

Tom Sherrod

Your participation in the project varies from a couple of words to complete testing of the final release, but I thank you all! Without you FM StepUp 2.5 as it is would have been impossible. I thank also all those people who supported and used FM StepUp -- voices of users have always been a constant encouragement to me.

Thanks!

Andrei Belogortseff,

the author of the FM StepUp


 Menus and Commands

FM StepUp provides additional commands to the File Manager, increasing its capabilities. Most of these commands can be accessed through the StepUp submenu, which is added automatically to the standard File Manager menu bar.

    Relative position of the StepUp submenu within the menu bar depends on how many File Manager extensions you are using and the position of the FM StepUp extension declaration in the [AddOns] section of the File Manager's configuration file (WINFILE.INI).

    You can specify another name for the FM StepUp's submenu in the File Manager menu bar using command Preferences.

The following commands are available in the StepUp submenu:

New File

creates a new file using the default editor

View File

runs the default viewer with the currently selected file as an argument

Edit File

runs the default editor with the currently selected file as an argument

Execute

opens the Execute Menu

Special

opens submenu with special commands

Preferences

allows you to customize FM StepUp

Help

opens on-line Help for the FM StepUp

About

displays version and registration information about FM StepUp


 Quick Menu

Quick Menu is a convenient way for accessing and executing frequently used commands of the File Manager. Quick Menu is displayed when you click with the right mouse button within the client area of the File Manager's window.

Top portion of the Quick Menu contains a fixed set of commands. Use the FM StepUp command Preferences to change the set of commands available in this part of Quick Menu.

    You can include in the Quick Menu any of the standard commands of the File Manager, as well as the additional commands provided by FM StepUp and other extenders, including your own commands placed into the Execute Menu.

Bottom portion of the Quick Menu contains the history list of the commands used. Any command, no matter how it is accessed (through regular File Manager menu or Quick Menu)  which is not already included into the top portion of the Quick Menu, is placed into the history list.

    You can change the size of the history list in the Quick Menu in the same way as you change it for any other history lists: use the FM StepUp command Preferences.


 Execute Menu

Execute Menu is a set of commands or applications represented by a pop-up menu easily accessible through the FM StepUp command Execute.

Each item in this submenu can represent a Windows application or a DOS program, which you want to be easily accessible directly from File Manager. It can also be a generic command to be performed over the currently selected file in the File Manager's Directory window.

Initially, after installing FM StepUp, the Execute Menu already contains a number of useful items:

Control Panel

to launch the Windows Control Panel from the File Manager;

Clipboard

to run the Windows Clipboard viewer;

DOS Prompt

to start a DOS session from the File Manager;

PIF Editor

to run the PIF Editor;

UnZip

to run the PKUNZIP utility for the currently selected file (assuming it's a ZIP archive);

Note: to use this command, you need to have that utility already installed in your system, it's not supplied with FM StepUp!

UnArj

to perform the 'ARJ x' command for the currently selected file (assuming it's an archive produced by the ARJ utility);

Note: to use this command, you need to have that utility already installed in your system, it's not supplied with FM StepUp!

    To remove any of the above items from the Execute Menu, or to add new items to it, you can use  the FM StepUp command Preferences.


 Special Commands

FM StepUp provides a number of unique or hard-to-find commands accessible through the FM StepUp command Special:

Total Size

calculates the total length and space occupied for all the files and directories, currently selected in the File Manager's window, including all the subdirectories; the directory to be analyzed can be selected in either Directory or Tree window of the File Manager;

Change Date/Time

changes the date and/or time of the selected files;

Run DOS Program

terminates Windows, runs a specified DOS program, and then restarts Windows. This command is convenient to run DOS applications uncompatible with Windows.

Run Screen Saver

launches the default Windows Screen Saver (usually specified with the Control Panel) any time you want to leave your machine (if you are using a screen saver with the password protection - you don't have to wait 5 min. to activate it!);

Return to DOS

quickly ends your Windows session and returns control to DOS. Any running application with unsaved changes will ask for confirmation before closing.

Restart Windows

exits and restarts Windows. Any running application with unsaved changes will ask for confirmation before closing. The restart process is identical to completely exiting Windows and restarting it from the DOS prompt. This command is convenient, for example, to activate any changes to your SYSTEM.INI or WIN.INI files.

Reboot System

completely restarts your computer. Any running application with unsaved changes will ask for confirmation before closing. The reboot process is identical to turning the power off and back on or pressing the reset button on your computer. This command is convenient, for example, to activate any changes to your CONFIG.SYS or AUTOEXEC.BAT files.


 Dialog Boxes

FM StepUp processes and updates in one or another way 14 standard dialog boxes of the File Manager. You may prevent FM StepUp from processing any of the dialog boxes through the FM StepUp command Preferences.

    Almost all the edit boxes of the dialog boxes are provided with history lists keeping track of the text you typed into edit areas. With FM StepUp you are able to recall any of them and edit it, if necessary, without typing all the text from scratch.

    The following dialog boxes: Move, Copy, and Copy Disk, are provided with the Verify check boxes which enable you to easily set the verify mode on or off (with the same effect as entering command VERIFY ON/OFF at the DOS command prompt) before performing the operations.

    The Run dialog box is supplied with two additional buttons, Command and Argument, allowing you to browse your disks and choose a file to run or supply its filename as an argument for the command line.

    The Move and Copy dialog boxes are provided with an additional button, Browse, in case you forgot the name of the directory to copy/move the files in.

    The Print dialog box is now provided with the Copy to PRN option allowing you to quickly print out plain text files, not necessarily associated with applications, or binary files obtained with using the 'Print to file' (or similar) option provided by many applications. When you are using this mode for printing, you may also find handy the Eject check box , allowing you to specify whether to eject the last page or not (convenient for some models of printers) and edit box Copies, where you can specify the number of copies to print.

For more detailed information on each particular dialog box, open it with the corresponding File Manager command and press the Help button.


 FM StepUp does not work. Why?

Probably, because of incorrect installation. Please try the following:

    Verify that FMSTEPUP.DLL, FMSUKERN.DLL, and FMSTEPUP.HLP files have been copied into the directory you specified when installing FM StepUp. If not, find out the reason (maybe the disk is write-protected?)

    Make sure that:

--    the section [AddOns] in the WINFILE.INI file contains the string FM StepUp=...,

--    the first character of the string is not a semicolon ( ; )

--    the string after the = sign points to the actual location of the FMSTEPUP.DLL file.

    If you have some other File Manager extenders installed, make sure you have no more than 4 (for Windows 3.1) or 5 (for Windows for Workgroups 3.11) of them active, including FM StepUp. Try to rearrange the order in which they are listed in the [AddOns] section of the WINFILE.INI file.

    Make sure you have restarted the File Manager after installation. The FM StepUp comes to play only since new session of the File Manager!

    Check out the file FMSTEPUP.INI in your WINDOWS directory and make sure it's not corrupted by some reason. It's safe to delete it, the FM StepUp will restore its default configuration during the next File Manager session and create a new file FMSTEPUP.INI. For the best result, close File Manager, open MS-DOS command prompt window, and delete the file with the command like this:

del c:\windows\fmstepup.ini

Then return to Windows (enter 'exit' at the command prompt) and run File Manager.

    If everything is done, but FM StepUp is still not working (there is no StepUp item in the File Manager's menu bar), please,  find a minute to drop us a line with the description of the problem, including information on DOS and Windows versions running on your computer. We will try to find the reason.


Can I use FM StepUp and other File Manager extenders simultaneously?

Sure. There should be no conflicts between FM StepUp and other extenders. If there are some, try to rearrange the strings in the [AddOns] section of the WINFILE.INI file. And remember, there should be no more than 4 (if you are using plain Windows) or 5 (in case of Windows for Workgroups) extenders active at the same time. If you have them more than that  number, comment out some of them (i.e. place a semicolon ( ; ) in front of each line of the section [AddOns] corresponding to an extender you don't want to be used. Which ones you choose to keep active is up to you! )


 Windows cannot find FM StepUp Help file. What to do?

Make sure that the file FMSTEPUP.HLP is in the same directory as FMSTEPUP.DLL.


 FM StepUp cannot produce 3D effects. What can be the reason?

FM StepUp uses Microsoft's library CTL3D.DLL to produce the 3D effects when displaying dialog boxes. Make sure the file CTL3D.DLL is in the Windows SYSTEM directory (or, if running on a networked Windows installation, in the WINDOWS directory). If not, find out why. Be sure not to overwrite the newer version of this file, if you have one.


 How to put new icon for File Manager in a Program Manager's group?

That's easy:

a.	Activate the Program Manager window and open the group containing the item 'File Manager' (usually it's the Main group).

b.	Highlight the File Manager item (for example, click it with the mouse), and choose File | Properties from the Program Manager main menu (or press Alt+Enter keys);

c.	In the 'Properties' dialog box click the 'Change Icon...' button and when the 'Change Icon' dialog pops up, enter the full path and name of the FM StepUp executable, FMSTEPUP.DLL, into the 'File Name' field. For instance, if you have installed the FM StepUp into the directory C:\FMSTEPUP (default), enter the following string:

C:\FMSTEPUP\FMSTEPUP.DLL

If you are not sure about the correct path, click the 'Browse' button and search for the file FMSTEPUP.DLL.

d.	Now the new icon should appear in the left-bottom corner of the 'Change Icon' dialog. Click 'OK', then 'OK' again and enjoy.

Note:	if you decide someday to bring the old icon back, do the same steps, but enter the path and name of the File Manager's executable in the 'File Name' field of the 'Change Icon' dialog box, for example

C:\WINDOWS\WINFILE.EXE

(the path can be different in your system).


Can I change the name StepUp in the menu bar to something else?

Yes. Choose the FM StepUp command Preferences and enter the new name you like more in the edit box Menu Name. Place the & sign right before the letter you want to be underlined in the menu bar and used as a 'menu activation key'.

For instance, if you want to use the word SuperDuper to represent the FM StepUp's submenu in the File Manager's main menu, and you want to use the key u as a shortcut, make the corresponding string look like:

S&uperDuper

or

SuperD&uper

Now click OK and enjoy!


 Will I be able to use FM StepUp with Windows 4.0 (Chicago)?

"... Chicago will enable them [users] to continue running their current Program Manager and File Manager configurations..."

Source: Chicago Q & A, Microsoft, December 1993.

"Chicago includes the Windows 3.1 File Manager and Program Manager... With minimal changes in appearance, the Program Manager and the File Manager run on Chicago and are easily accessible via the Start button."

Source: Microsoft Windows "Chicago" Reviewer's Guide, May 1994.


How to uninstall FM StepUp?

Quick way: run FM StepUp Setup (i.e. file SETUP.EXE in the FM StepUp directory) and choose button Deactivate when prompted. To return to using FM StepUp later on, run Setup and choose Activate. Note that Setup does not delete any files from your disk; if you want to, you need to delete them youself (see below).

You can prevent File Manager from loading the FM StepUp by simply commenting out the 'FM StepUp=...' entry in the [AddOns] section of the WINFILE.INI file in your WINDOWS directory (i.e. placing the semicolon symbol (;) as the very first symbol of the string starting with the words 'FM StepUp=').  Doing so you retain the chance to return to using the FM StepUp anytime later by restoring the string in its original appearance without going through the reinstallation process again. You can do this procedure with any text file editor, for example, Notepad.

Another way, equivalent to the above, is to rename the directory you installed the FM StepUp in. If File Manager cannot locate any file specified in the [AddOns] section, it just skips it without any error message. To force File Manager to load FM StepUp later, you can restore the original name of the FM StepUp directory on your disk.

If you, to our regret, decided to stop using FM StepUp and remove it from your system permanently, please follow these steps:

1.	Run Setup utility from the FM Setup installation disk (or from directory where you have FM StepUp installed). If it detects the presence of the FM StepUp in your system, it gives you a chance to Deactivate it. What Setup does in this case it removes the 'FM StepUp=...' entry from the WINFILE.INI file  and deactivates FMSUKERN.DLL module. It does not delete any files described below, you should remove them from your system yourself.

Alternatively, you can perform this step manually:

a) Open file WINFILE.INI for editing, find the string starting with the words 'FM StepUp=' in the section [AddOns], and remove it . Save the file.

b) Restart Windows (not just File Manager!). This is necessary to deactivate FMSUKERN.DLL module.

2.	Delete all the files from the directory on your hard disk you installed FM StepUp in (C:\FMSTEPUP by default) as well as the directory itself, if you wish.

3.	Delete file FMSTEPUP.INI (not WINFILE.INI !) in your WINDOWS directory.

4.	Delete program group 'FM StepUp' using Program Manager, if any.

We hope you will change your mind!


 How to get updates and upgrades to the FM StepUp?

If file FMSTEPUP.DLL from your copy of the FM StepUp is one or two months old, then there probably is a newer version of the program and you can obtain it directly from us. Click here to know how to do it.

If you are a registered user, we will notify you personally about new major releases of the program and you will decide whether to upgrade or not.

For minor updates, not requiring separate registration fee, or if your have not registered yet, take a look at the following FTP sites:

FTP site	Directory
garbo.uwasa.fi	windows/util
oak.oakland.edu	pub/msdos/windows3
ftp.cica.indiana.edu	pub/pc/win3/util
ftp.sunet.se	/pub/pc/windows/utils
wuarchive.wustl.edu	/pub/MSDOS_UPLOADS/win

(or their numerous mirrors) and search for the file

fmstepNN.zip

where NN is the version number.


 How to make my viewer/editor find files?

If the application you are using as the default viewer or editor fails to find the currently selected file when you are issuing the FM StepUp command View File or Edit File, you need to correct the command line template for the viewer or editor in the Preferences dialog box. Make it look like:

d:\mydir\myviewer !:!\!.!

(of course, you need to supply your own correct path and filename for the application). The argument  !:!\!.!  will cause the complete file name, including disk and path, of the currently selected file be passed as an argument to the viewer or editor.


Default Viewer

The application used to view the contents of a file. The file to be viewed may be not associated with any other application.

By default, the Windows Notepad is assigned as the default viewer. To change the default viewer, use the FM StepUp command Preferences.


Default Editor

The application used to edit the contents of a file. The file to be edited may be not associated with any other application.

By default, the Windows Notepad is assigned as the default editor. To change the default editor, use the FM StepUp command Preferences.


How to prevent the About screen from showing up on start-up

If you don't like the About FM StepUp screen showing up your name each time you run File Manager, you can put the following string in the [Preferences] section of the file FMSTEPUP.INI (search for it in your WINDOWS directory):

ShowAboutOnStart=0

This option has no effect for unregistered copies of the FM StepUp.


Command Line Template

Text specifying a command line (name of application and optional parameters) to be used as a template for generating an actual command line when starting the default viewer or editor, or when choosing a command from the Execute Menu. All the characters from the template are transferred into the command line to be executed without modifications, except the following combinations of characters, which have special meanings and are used to represent the file currently selected in a File Manager window:

characters	meaning
!.!	name and extension of the selected file
!.	name of the selected file followed by a dot
!	name of the selected file
!\	directory name (including leading and trailing backslashes) the selected file is located in
!:	disk letter followed by a semicolon the selected file is located on
!!	! (exclamation sign)

Examples:

If the current File manager window displays the directory C:\APP, and the selected file is  README.NOW, then the command View File will execute the following command (depending on the command line template specified in the Viewer area of the Preferences dialog):

command line template:	command executed:
notepad.exe !.!	notepad.exe readme.now
C:\WINDOWS\NOTEPAD !.!	C:\WINDOWS\NOTEPAD readme.now
myviewer -a -b !:!\!.! -c -d	myviewer -a -b c:\app\readme.now -c -d


Preferences

Use this command to customize the FM StepUp. The Preferences dialog box has the following areas:

Viewer

command line template specifying the default viewer

Editor

command line template specifying the default editor

Note:	You can use Browse button to find the application on a disk. The name of file found will replace the name of file in the Viewer or Editor box, whichever was the last used.

Ignore Associations

Use this check box to set the desired behavior of FM StepUp when you are choosing the New File command or trying to View or Edit an associated file. If the box is

unchecked

the default viewer and editor are not used with the associated files. The associated application is used instead.

checked

the default viewer and editor are always used, even with associated files.

grayed

you will be prompted to use an associated application, if any, to view or edit a file.

The above settings affect also the printing of associated files when using the Copy To PRN mode.

Dialogs

choose this button to set up the processing of the standard dialog boxes of the File manager.

Quick Menu

choose this button to customize the Quick Menu

Execute Menu

choose this button to customize the Execute Menu.

Menu Name

use this area to change the StepUp name in the File Manager's menu bar.

History Size

maximum size of the history lists, both for dialog boxes and Quick Menu.

New Icon

check this box if you want FM StepUp to display an updated icon when the File Manager is minimized.

Register/Unregister

use this button to register or unregister  your copy of the FM StepUp.


Dialog Boxes

Use this dialog box to specify the processing and appearance of the standard File Manager's dialog boxes by FM StepUp. It has the following areas:

Add-ons

select the check boxes in this area for those File Manager's dialog boxes which you want to be modified by the  FM StepUp (by maintaining history lists, Verify check boxes, etc.).

    You can set up the processing of individual dialog boxes only if the All Dialog Boxes check box is in the grayed state.

    Dialog boxes Copy Disk and Make System Disk are used only if there are more than one floppy drive available in your system.

3D effects

select this check box if you want FM StepUp to produce 3D effects (like Excel and some other applications do) when displaying any of the File Manager or FM StepUp dialog boxes.

Extended UI

select this check box if you want FM StepUp to use the extended user interface for history lists.


Extended User Interface

The extended user interface (for history lists only) differs from the default user interface in the following ways:

    Clicking the static control (if any) displays the list box.

    Pressing the DOWN ARROW key displays the list box (F4 is disabled).

    Scrolling in the static control is disabled when the item list is not visible (the arrow keys are disabled).


Customize Quick Menu

Use this dialog box to customize the Quick Menu:

Available Commands

list of all of the available commands, not included in the Quick Menu.

Quick Menu

list of commands currently included in the Quick Menu.

Add/Remove

use these buttons to add items to the Quick Menu or remove them from it.

Move Up/Move Down

use these buttons to change the order of commands in the Quick Menu.

Include Command History

select this check box if you want the FM StepUp to show the list of previously used commands as the bottom part of the Quick Menu. Use the History Size area of the Preferences dialog  box to change the size of the list.

Use Right Button to Select Commands

select this check box if you want to use the right button of the mouse to choose commands from the Quick Menu.

Enable Quick Menu

Uncheck this box if you want to disable the Quick Menu.

Centered

Check this box if you want Quick Menu to appear on the screen centered horizontally in respect to the mouse cursor, if possible.

Reset

Choose this button to reset the contents of the Quick Menu.


Customize Execute Menu

Use this dialog box to insert, modify, or delete menu items which can be selected in the FM StepUp menu, under the Execute menu item. The dialog box has the following areas:

Execute Menu

List of currently available commands as they appear in the Execute Menu. To modify the currently selected item choose the Modify button.

Command Line

The command line corresponding to the menu item selected in the Execute Menu list. To modify the command line use the Modify button.

Add

Choose this button to add a new item to the Execute menu.

Modify

Choose this button to change the name or command line of an existing item of the Execute menu.

Remove

Choose this button to delete an item from the Execute menu.

Separator

Choose this button to add a separator to the Execute menu.

Move Up/Move Down

use these buttons to change the order of commands in the Execute Menu.

Reset

Choose this button to reset the contents of the Execute Menu.


Modify Menu Item

Use this dialog box to modify any existing menu item of the Execute Menu. The dialog box has the following areas:

Item

The text to appear under the Execute Menu. Put an ampersand (&) before the letter you want to be underlined in the menu.

Command Line

The command line template specifying the command line to be executed when selecting the command from the Execute Menu.


Registering FM StepUp

Use this dialog box to register or restore the registered status of your copy of the FM StepUp. The dialog box has the following areas:

Register To

enter the name to register to here exactly as it is spelled in your Registration Acknowledgment, including all spaces (if any) between the words and paying attention to upper and lower case letters.

Reg. number

enter your personal Registration number as it appears in your Registration Acknowledgment.

If you entered the above information correctly, the name and number entered should appear in the About FM StepUp screen, the registration reminder should vanish from your screen, and the button Register in the Preferences dialog box should change to Unregister.

If you do not have the Registration Acknowledgment, please click here to know how to get it.


Print

The Print dialog box, updated by the FM StepUp, has the following areas:

Print

This box shows the name of the file to print.

    To print a different file, type its name in this box. If the file is not in the current directory, include the path.

Copy to:

    Select this check box if you want to directly print the file to the default printer, bypassing the associated application, if any. Use this option to print plain ASCII files, or files obtained using the Print To File mode provided by some applications.

    device PRN corresponds to the LPT1 port.

Hint:	 if you are using one of the COMn ports, you can specify the size of the transmition queue placing a string PRN.Queue=nnnn (4096 by default) in the [Pereferences] section of FMSTEPUP.INI file. And don't forget to restart File Manager!.

Eject Page

    Select this check box if you want the printer to automatically eject the last page of the printout. If more than 1 copies specified (see below), the page will be ejected after each one. This option has no effect when the Copy to: check box is unchecked.

Copies

    Specify the number of copies you want to print here. This option has no effect when the Copy to: check box is unchecked.

Note:	If you are not using the CopyTo PRN mode, the file must be associated with an application. The way of processing the files associated with an application when using the Copy To PRN mode can be changed through the Ignore Associations check box in the Preferences dialog box.


Run

The Run dialog box, updated by the FM StepUp, has the following areas:

Command Line

This box displays the file to be processed by an associated application, or the command line to be executed, i.e. the application's executable file  with optional path or parameters.

    If a program file or document file is not selected, or if you want to start a different application, type the MS-DOS command and path.

    Click the down arrow in the square at the right to see the history of commands accumulated by the FM StepUp.  You can recall any of the previously entered strings and modify it, if necessary.

Run Minimized

Select this check box if you want the application to be reduced to an icon as soon as it starts.

Program

Use this button to find the file to run. It will be placed in front of the text currently entered into the Command Line box.

Argument

Use this button if you want to find a file to be processed by the application and append its name and path as an argument to the end of the command line.


Copy

The Copy dialog box, updated by the FM StepUp,  has the following areas:

From

This box shows the currently selected file or directory.

    To copy a different file or directory, type its name in this box. If the file is not in the current directory (listed at the top of the dialog box), include the path.

    Click the down arrow in the square at the right to see the history of commands accumulated by the FM StepUp.  You can recall any of the previously entered strings and modify it, if necessary.

To

Type the name of the destination directory in this box. If the directory is not a subdirectory of the current directory, include the path.

    Click the down arrow in the square at the right to see the history of commands accumulated by the FM StepUp.  You can recall any of the previously entered strings and modify it, if necessary.

    If you are copying a file to the current directory (listed at the top of the dialog box), you do not need to fill in the To box.

Copy To Clipboard

Use this option to copy the file onto the Clipboard so that you can paste, link, or embed it into another file.

Browse

Use this button if you want to browse the disks to choose the destination directory.

Verify

Select this check box if you want MS-DOS to verify that your files are written correctly to a disk (like entering VERIFY ON at the DOS command prompt).


Rename

The Rename dialog box, updated by the FM StepUp,  has the following areas:

From

This box shows the currently selected file or directory.

    To rename a different file or directory, type its name in this box. If the file is not in the current directory, include the path. If you want to rename a group of files, use wildcards; for example, *.TXT.

    Click the down arrow in the square at the right to see the history of commands accumulated by the FM StepUp.  You can recall any of the previously entered strings and modify it, if necessary.

To

the new name of the file or directory (the new name must not already exist in the directory).

    If the file or directory is not in the current directory, include the path. However, you cannot specify a different directory to move the file to. If you are renaming a group of files, use wildcards; for example, *.TXT.

    Click the down arrow in the square at the right to see the history of commands accumulated by the FM StepUp.  You can recall any of the previously entered strings and modify it, if necessary.


Move/Rename

The Move dialog box, updated by the FM StepUp,  has the following areas:

From

This box shows the currently selected file or directory.

    To move a different file or directory, type its name in this box. If the file is not in the current directory (listed at the top of the dialog box), include the path.

    Click the down arrow in the square at the right to see the history of commands accumulated by the FM StepUp.  You can recall any of the previously entered strings and modify it, if necessary.

To

Type the name of the destination directory in this box. If the directory is not a subdirectory of the current directory, include the path.

    Click the down arrow in the square at the right to see the history of commands accumulated by the FM StepUp.  You can recall any of the previously entered strings and modify it, if necessary.

    If you are moving a file to the current directory (listed at the top of the dialog box), you do not need to fill in the To box.

    To rename the file when you move it, type the new name in the To box.

Browse

Use this button if you want to browse the disks to choose the destination directory.

Verify

Select this check box if you want MS-DOS to verify that your files are written correctly to a disk (like entering VERIFY ON at the DOS command prompt).


Delete

The Delete dialog box, updated by the FM StepUp, has the following area:

Delete

This box shows the currently selected file or directory.

    To delete a different file or directory, type its name in this box. If the file is not in the current directory (listed at the top of the dialog box), include the path.

    Click the down arrow in the square at the right to see the history of commands accumulated by the FM StepUp.  You can recall any of the previously entered strings and modify it, if necessary.

Note:	When you delete a directory, all files and subdirectories in the directory are deleted.


Create Directory

The Create Directory dialog box, updated by the FM StepUp, has the following area:

Name

In this box, type the name of the new directory. If you don't want this directory to be in the current directory, include the path.

    Click the down arrow in the square at the right to see the history of commands accumulated by the FM StepUp.  You can recall any of the previously entered strings and modify it, if necessary.


Search

The Search dialog box, updated by the FM StepUp, has the following areas:

Search For

Type the name of a file to search for in this box. Use wildcards to specify a group of files; for example,  *.TXT.

    Click the down arrow in the square at the right to see the history of commands accumulated by the FM StepUp.  You can recall any of the previously entered strings and modify it, if necessary.

Start From

Type the name of a directory to start the search from in this box.

    Click the down arrow in the square at the right to see the history of commands accumulated by the FM StepUp.  You can recall any of the previously entered strings and modify it, if necessary.

Search All Subdirectories

Select this check box if you want to search all the subdirectories of the directory listed in the Start From box.


Select Files

The Select Files dialog box, updated by the FM StepUp,  has the following area:

File(s)

Type a filename, or use wildcards to specify a group of files you want to select, and then choose the Select button. Repeat this step as necessary to select more files.

    Click the down arrow in the square at the right to see the history of commands accumulated by the FM StepUp.  You can recall any of the previously entered strings and modify it, if necessary.

If you want to cancel any of the selections you have made, specify the file or files in the File(s) box, and then choose the Deselect button.

When you finish making your selections, choose the Close button.


Copy Disk

The Copy Disk dialog box, updated by the FM StepUp, has the following areas:

Source In

Select the letter of the drive you want to copy from.

Destination In

Select the letter of the drive you want to copy to.

Verify

Select this check box if you want MS-DOS to verify that your files are written correctly to a disk (like entering VERIFY ON at the DOS command prompt).


Label Disk

The Label Disk dialog box, updated by the FM StepUp, has the following area:

Label

Type the new volume label in this box. The label can contain up to 11 characters.

    Click the down arrow in the square at the right to see the history of commands accumulated by the FM StepUp.  You can recall any of the previously entered strings and modify it, if necessary.


Format Disk

The Format Disk dialog box, updated by the FM StepUp, has the following areas:

Disk In

the drive in which to format the floppy disk

Capacity

the capacity of your floppy disk drive

Label

Type the new volume label in this box. The label can contain up to 11 characters.

    Click the down arrow in the square at the right to see the history of commands accumulated by the FM StepUp.  You can recall any of the previously entered strings and modify it, if necessary.

Make System Disk

Select this check box if you want to include system files on the disk you are formatting. A system disk contains the MS-DOS files necessary to start your system.

Quick Format

Select this check box if you want to perform a quick format on a previously formatted disk. Use this option only for a disk that doesn't have errors (bad sectors).


Make System Disk

The Make System Disk dialog box, updated by the FM StepUp, has the following areas:

Copy System Files To

Specify which drive you want to use to create the system disk.

Verify

Select this check box if you want MS-DOS to verify that your files are written correctly to a disk (like entering VERIFY ON at the DOS command prompt).


To Directory

Use this dialog box to choose the directory you want to copy/move the files to.

   To choose a directory, double-click it in the list  box. The area Directory contains the string to be inserted into the To area of the Copy/Move dialog after choosing OK button.


New File

Use this dialog box to specify name of the file to be created. The New File dialog box has the following area:

Create the file

the name of file you want to create.

Note	Which application is used to actually create the file depends on the Ignore Associations setting in the Preferences dialog box.


New Date & Time

Use this dialog box to change the last modification date and/or time of the selected files (not directories!).


Run DOS Program

Use this command to terminate Windows, run a DOS program specified in the field Command Line, and then restart Windows.

This command is convenient to run DOS applications uncompatible with Windows.

   You can execute EXE, COM, and BAT files in this way.

   Use button Browse to find a program on your disk.

Click here for a hint!


Can I make a copy for a friend?

Yes! It's legal to make copies of this software (even if you have registered it) and give them to others! It's shareware, that means: share it! If you like this software, show it to your friends and associates, let them know about it, too!

The simplest way to make a copy of the software is run SETUP.EXE and choose Make Copy button when prompted.

Otherwise, you can just copy all the files from the directory you have the software installed onto a diskette using File Manager or DOS COPY command.


Run DOS Program does not work. Why?

Some DOS programs require loading other programs (drivers) to run, or changing current directory to one that contains the main module of the program, or placing specific variables into DOS environment, etc.

What the Run DOS Program command does is it just runs the specified file. If it's not sufficient, you can try to prepare a *.BAT file where you can place all the necessary commands and then try to use the Run DOS Program to run that *.BAT file instead.

For instance, to run DOOM.EXE in this way you need to set up the current directory before starting DOOM.EXE. To prepare the BAT-file, open Notepad and type in the following three lines:

C:

cd \DOOM

DOOM.EXE

(we assume here that DOOM is installed on disk C into directory \DOOM\). Now save the file as WINDOOM.BAT and next time when trying to run DOOM using StepUp | Run DOS Program command, specify WINDOOM.BAT as the file to run.


 What is Shareware? What is the ASP?

Some Definitions

The Shareware Concept

The Virus Problem

The Association of Shareware Professionals

Contacting ASP Members Via CompuServe

Author Address Changes

ASP Ombudsman Statement

For More Information

Copyright (c) 1990,1991 by Falk Data Systems. Used with permission.


Some Definitions

You've probably heard the terms "public domain", "freeware", "shareware", and others like them.  Your favorite BBS or disk vendor probably has many programs described by one or more of these words.  There's a lot of confusion about and between these terms, but they actually have specific meanings and implications. Once you understand them, you will have a much easier time navigating the maze of programs available to you, and understanding what your obligations are, or aren't, with each type of program.

Let's start with some basic definitions.

Public domain has a very specific legal meaning.  It means that the creator of a work (in this case, software), who had legal ownership of that work, has given up ownership and dedicated the work "to the public domain".  Once something is in the public domain, anyone can use it in any way they choose, and the author has no control over the use and cannot demand payment for it.

If you find a program which the author has explicitly put into the public domain, you are free to use it however you see fit without paying for the right to use it.  But use care - due to the confusion over the meaning of the words, programs are often described by authors as being "public domain" when, in fact, they are shareware or free, copyrighted software.  To be sure a program is public domain, you should look for an explicit statement from the author to that effect.

Copyrighted is the opposite of public domain.  A copyrighted program is one where the author has asserted his or her legal right to control the program's use and distribution by placing the legally required copyright notices in the program and documentation.  The law gives copyright owners broad rights to restrict how their work is distributed, and provides for penalties for those who violate these restrictions.  When you find a program which is copyrighted, you must use it in accordance with the copyright owner's restrictions regarding distribution and payment.  Usually, these are clearly stated in the program documentation.

Maintaining a copyright does not necessarily imply charging a fee, so it is perfectly possible and legal to have copyrighted programs which are distributed free of charge.  The fact that a program is free, however, does not mean it is in the public domain - though this is a common confusion.

Shareware is copyrighted software which is distributed by authors through bulletin boards, on-line services, disk vendors, and copies passed among friends.  It is commercial software which you are allowed to use and evaluate before paying for it.  This makes shareware the ultimate in money back guarantees.

The Shareware Concept


The Shareware Concept

Most money back guarantees work like this:  You pay for the product and then have some period of time to try it out and see whether or not you like it.  If you don't like it or find that it doesn't do what you need, you return it (undamaged) and at some point - which might take months - you get your money back.  Some software companies won't even let you try their product!  In order to qualify for a refund, the diskette envelope must have an unbroken seal.  With these "licensing" agreements, you only qualify for your money back if you haven't tried the product. How absurd!

Shareware is very different.  With shareware you get to use it for a limited time, without spending a penny.  You are able to use the software on your own system(s), in your own special work environment, with no sales people looking over your shoulder.  If you decide not to continue using it, you throw it away and forget all about it.  No paperwork, phone calls, or correspondence to waste your valuable time.  If you do continue using it, then - and only then - do you pay for it.

Shareware is a distribution method, NOT a type of software. Shareware is produced by accomplished programmers, just like retail software.  There is good and bad shareware, just as there is good and bad retail software. The primary difference between shareware and retail software is that with shareware you know if it's good or bad BEFORE you pay for it.

As a software user, you benefit because you get to use the software to determine whether it meets your needs before you pay for it, and authors benefit because they are able to get their products into your hands without the hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses it takes to launch a traditional retail software product.  There are many programs on the market today which would never have become available without the shareware marketing method.

The shareware system and the continued availability of quality shareware products depend on your willingness to register and pay for the shareware you use.  It's the registration fees you pay which allow us to support and continue to develop our products.

Please show your support for shareware by registering those programs you actually use and by passing them on to others.

Shareware is kept alive by YOUR support!

The Virus Problem


The Virus Problem

We've all heard the horror stories about computer viruses. Unfortunately, we have also heard lots of conflicting statistics and opinions.  When it comes to the virus problem there is a lot of confusion among users and even developers.

The sad truth is that some unscrupulous publishers of anti-virus products are using half-truths, overdramatizations, and outright fabrication to promote sales of their products.  They delight in manipulating statistics to support their marketing efforts. While not illegal, these snake-oil tactics are certainly not ethical.

To make matters worse, the media has frequently promoted the misinformation promulgated by these unscrupulous individuals rather than the straight facts.  While the misinformation may be more interesting than the actual facts, the media is not doing the computer industry any favors by spreading inaccurate information.  To be fair, many newspapers, magazines, and news networks are beginning to realize which "virus experts" are reliable and which "experts" say whatever is in their own best interest.

One of the most interesting myths that has been promulgated by these snake-oil salesmen is that BBSs (Bulletin Board Systems) and shareware programs are a major source of virus infections. Some corporations are now afraid of shareware and BBS activity because of this misinformation.

In the October 11, 1988 issue of PC Magazine, publisher Bill Machrone's editorial was entitled "Shareware or Scareware?".  In his article, Bill Machrone points out "The truth is that all major viruses to date were transmitted by commercial [retail] packages and private mail systems."  That sounds a little different than the claims being made by less knowledgeable journalists.

Let's consider for a moment, the distribution differences between retail software and shareware software.  Company XYZ releases a new version of its retail software product.  At the same time company XYZ ships tens of thousands of copies to its retail distribution channels, it also ships 30,000 updates to loyal users.  Most of those loyal users will receive the update within a few days of each other.  This can be a big problem if the update happened to be infected with a virus.

"Not likely", you say?  It has already happened!  Several times! There have been seventeen (17) major incidents of virus and trojan horse problems in retail software.  Some of these incidents affected tens of thousands of users.

What about shareware?  To date there has been one case of a shareware author shipping an infected product.  The virus was detected by the disk vendors and the problem was corrected immediately.  No users were infected.

"But it makes sense that programs which are passed around have a greater chance of virus infections, doesn't it?"  Think about it. Who has the most to lose if viruses were spread by BBSs and shareware programs?  The BBS operators, shareware disk vendors and the shareware authors, of course.  Because of this, reputable BBS operators, disk vendors and shareware authors are very careful with the programs they handle.

Think about it.  Hundreds (even thousands) of BBS operators and disk vendors are carefully examining the programs they receive and distribute.  Their business depends on it.  This means that any given shareware program can go through hundreds (even thousands) of checkpoints where the program is carefully examined.  If a problem is found, word spreads incredibly fast. News travels "on the wires" even faster than the proverbial small town gossip.  Programs have disappeared almost overnight as a result of this highly efficient communication network.

If a shareware program has been around for a few months, it has been checked for virii and trojan horses many more times than any retail software could hope to be checked.  Retail distributors don't check the disks they sell.  Even if the publisher checks their masters for virii (few do), this is still far less than the scrutiny to which shareware programs are subjected.

There's something else to consider.  Most retail distributors have a return policy.  What do they do with packages that are returned?  They shrink-wrap them and resell them, of course.  How can you be sure that you are the first person to purchase the package you just bought at your friendly neighborhood computer store?  You can't.  On the other hand, most shareware authors erase, reformat, and reduplicate the disks that are returned to them.  Which do you think is safer?

Bill Machrone's article in PC Magazine goes on to say "It's time to recognize that there's nothing to fear in shareware.  As a distribution medium, it saves you money and helps you try out new genres of software with minimum risk."

Does this mean that we should all start buying shareware instead of retail software?  Not at all (although few shareware authors would object).  Let's face it, more data has been lost to power failures and spilled cups of coffee than all virii, trojan horses, and worms combined!  An even bigger threat is plain old human error, a mistake, a wrong key press, turning off the power while files are open, and so forth.  Accurate information and common sense (regular backups) are the best defenses against lost data.

Sure, the virus problem is real.  Virii exist.  But shunning shareware is not the answer.  Shareware and BBSs are, quite simply, NOT a major source of virus infections.  Some corporations have even banned shareware entirely because of fear of infections.  This is not only unreasonable, it is also expensive.  Think how much they could save in software costs if they would only try software before they buy it!

Is there anything you can do to help protect yourself from virus infections?  Absolutely!  Fortunately, the best preventive measures are also the least expensive!

If you need informative, accurate and practical information, please read the treatise on "Computer Virus Myths" written by Rob Rosenberger and Ross M. Greenberg.  This treatise is available as a text file on many BBSs and online services.  It not only gives you the facts, it also provides the best overall strategy for protecting your computer system.

Don't let fear stop you from saving money on software.  Don't let fear prevent you from trying some of the best software available. Shareware is an important market for software.  Take advantage of it.  You'll be glad you did!

The Association of Shareware Professionals


The Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP)

In the early days of shareware there were no real standards. Independent authors had no efficient way to learn from each other or to work together to improve the overall image of shareware. There was no system in place to ensure that users were treated fairly and professionally.  There was no way for users to find an address for an author who had moved.  In short, the shareware community was disorganized and each author did things the way he or she thought was best.  It was clear that if shareware was ever to become a viable and respected marketing alternative, there had to be some standardization.  There had to be some guidelines to best serve the users.

In 1987 a handful of shareware authors founded the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP).  In forming this industry association, these shareware authors had several primary goals in mind, including:

To inform users about shareware programs and about shareware as a method of distributing and marketing software.

To foster a high degree of professionalism among shareware authors by setting programming, marketing, and support standards for ASP members to follow.

To encourage broader distribution of shareware through user groups and disk dealers who agree to identify and explain the nature of shareware.

To assist members in marketing their software.

To provide a forum through which ASP members may communicate, share ideas, and learn from each other.

The newly formed Association of Shareware Professionals worked together to draft a code of ethics for all present and future members.  This code of ethics included several requirements that soon became very popular among users (customers), including:

A member's program (evaluation version) could not be limited (crippled) in any way.  In the true spirit of Try-Before-You-Buy, users must be able to evaluate all the features in a program before paying the registration fee.

Members must respond to every registration.  At the very least they must send a receipt for the payment.

Members must provide technical support for their products for at least 90 days from the date of registration.

A new system was put in place to help ensure that users were treated fairly and professionally.  If a user was unable to resolve a problem with a member author then the user could contact the ASP Ombudsman with their complaint.  The Ombudsman would then try to help resolve the dispute.  For more complete details regarding the Ombudsman, please refer to the "ASP Ombudsman Statement" below.

As of May, 1994, the ASP had over 700 author members and over 350 vendor members, with new members joining every week.

Contacting ASP Members Via CompuServe


Contacting ASP Members Via CompuServe

There is an easy and convenient way to speak directly to many ASP Members (both authors and vendors).  Visit the shareware forum on CompuServe.  Simply type "GO SHAREWARE", "GO SHARE", or "GO ASPFORUM" from any CompuServe ! prompt.

Here you will be able to talk to the authors of your favorite shareware programs, learn about other programs, ask questions, make suggestions, and much more.  We'd love to meet you online, please come visit us today!

Author Address Changes


Author Address Changes

People move.  Forwarding orders expire.  What can you do?

"I got a copy of a shareware program written by an ASP Member.    I sent in the registration fee and the post office returned my letter saying that it was undeliverable.  Now what do I do?"

If the author has moved then chances are very good that you have an old version of the program.  This is another situation that the ASP can help you to resolve.  ASP Members are required to keep the ASP informed of address changes.  If you need to obtain the current address for a member, simply write to the following address:

ASP Executive Director

545 Grover Road

Muskegon, MI  49442-9427

U.S.A.

or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe MAIL to ASP Executive Director 72050,1433.  You may also FAX your request to the ASP Executive Director at 616-788-2765.

ASP Ombudsman Statement


ASP Ombudsman Statement

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:

ASP Ombudsman

545 Grover Road

Muskegon, MI  49442-9427

U.S.A.

or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe MAIL to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.


For More Information

If you would like to learn more about the shareware phenomenon, there are several excellent sources of additional information. Two of the best books ever written about shareware are described below.

Dr. File Finder's Guide to Shareware:

By Mike Callahan and Nick Anis.  Foreword by John C. Dvorak.

"[Mike's] book distills thousands of hours of his online search for the crown jewels of Shareware into one usable guide.  As such, it may be the most valuable computer book you'll ever buy."

--Jack Rickard, Publisher, Boardwatch Magazine

"No one combines Dr. File Finder's comprehensive knowledge of    the Shareware genre with his good taste in software. This is    sure to be the definitive place to look for insight and    program information."

--Barry Simon, Former President of the Association of Shareware Professionals, PC Magazine Columnist, and Coauthor of Stackey, Batutil, and Ctrlalt

"GREAT!  Every PC user will find something of value within    these pages.  This book will save you a bundle."

--Alfred Glossbrenner

"If I were going to buy only one computer book, this would be t."

--Tom Scott, Publisher, Telecomputing Magazine

Nobody knows Shareware like the illustrious Dr. File Finder, known  off line as Mike Callahan.  Now, in Dr. File Finder's Guide to  Shareware, you can learn about dozens of leading Shareware programs,  including where and how to get them.  In the true spirit of Shareware, this book/disk package includes a disk full of top programs that you can try out yourself before registering.  Send in the card at the back of the book and you'll get two additional disks with more software.

Mike Callahan, AKA Dr. File Finder, is the world's leading authority on Shareware.  He regularly accesses thousands of bulletin board systems and has been a major force in promoting many of the top Shareware packages.  Callahan has spent several years and thousands of hours helping people around the world learn more about Shareware.

Nick Anis is the coauthor of several acclaimed best-sellers in the  Dvorak*Osborne imprint, including Dvorak's Guide to PC Telecommunications, Dvorak's Guide to Desktop Telecommunications, and Glossbrenner's Complete Hard Disk Handbook.

$39.95, ISBN: 0-07-881646-7, 950 pp. 7 3/8 X 9 1/4.

AVAILABLE NOW AT YOUR LOCAL BOOK OR COMPUTER STORE

OR CALL TOLL-FREE 1-800-227-0900 (M-F, 8:30 - 4:30 PST)

Shareware:  "Try Before You Buy" Software:

Perhaps you've read Rob Rosenberger's well known and highly acclaimed treatise on the computer virus problem.  If you liked that article then you'll love his excellent book on Shareware. This book is a must for anyone who is interested in Shareware, what to look for (and look out for), and where to find it.  In this book, shareware author and writer Rob Rosenberger delves into the very heart of Shareware, telling you who developed the concept and why.

You'll know why these programs:  * undercut the price of retail software * helped bring down the use of copy protection schemes * receive numerous editorial and reader survey awards * generate more sales than retail software in some cases * make retail OS/2 software developers so nervous * are falsely accused of spreading computer "viruses".

Rob shows you where you can find good Shareware.  You'll learn to beware of companies that make money by abusing the "try before you buy" concept.  And you'll discover where Shareware is heading in the near future.

"A lot of good books devote just one or two chapters to the    concept and history of Shareware.  I'm pleased to say there is    finally a reference book on the subject."

--Jim Button, cofounder of the Shareware concept

"It's filled with accurate information for anyone who wants to    learn about one of the most significant sources of high-quality software."

--Edward Mendelson, contributing editor, PC Magazine

Here's all the information you need to obtain your copy of this outstanding book:

Shareware:  "Try Before You Buy" Software.  By Rob Rosenberger.

Third Edition.  Only $6.95!

Paradise Publishing

Phone:  (800) 233-2451

3111 S. Valley View Blvd., Suite B-105

Las Vegas, NV  89102   U.S.A.