The PC-SIG Library 10

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/ The PC-SIG Library 10 / The PC-Sig Library - Shareware for the IBM PC and Compatibles (PC-SIG)(Tenth Edition Disks 1-2804)(1991).iso / PC_SIGCD / 13 / 0 / DISK1305.ZIP / PROCESS.DOC < prev next >

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Text File | 1988-05-22 | 16KB | 397 lines

CMD Processor Version 1.03 (c) Copyright 1988, GREENLINE Computing Co. ------------------------------------------- Overview: This utility was designed to simplify access to multiple small programs, using a simple point and choose menu. When a selection has been made, the program name is displayed and an opportunity to add any required or optional parameters to a program filename is given. There is an option of directly entering a filename or a DOS command directly through a command line. The ability to read a menu file allows the menu selector to be flexible enough to maintain an unlimited number of menus. Requirements: At least 128k bytes must be available in memory for the program to work efficiently. Color was used in the design of the program, but it is not necessary for proper operation. Colors were chosen to prevent illegibility when used with monochrome systems. A hard disk is also not required, however each entry will need additional editting or disk swapping. Written in compiled BASIC and use of the BASIC SHELL command requires that COMMAND.COM be available on the diskette, or in the path on the hard drive. Starting the program: Both PROCESS.EXE and the menu file you wish to use must be on the same drive, and preferably in the same path. The program can be called from a batch file, or entered directly on the DOS prompt. The default menu filename is AUTOPROC.DAT. Unless another file is specifically requested, an attempt will be made to read this file. If the file is not found on initial startup, an error message will be displayed, but the menu will still be presented with all the selections left blank. The decision to abort processing or to choose a valid menu file can then be made. C:\>PROCESS : Load program, call default filename or C:\>PROCESS filename : Load program, call specified filename PROCESS.EXE (c) Copyright 1988, GREENLINE Computing Co. ----------- ------------------------------------------- The program: The program menu file is read and a 4 column listing of program filenames is presented. The highlighted bar in the upper left hand cornor of the menu, will show the four valid arrow keys. This is the Home position. When the highlighted bar is moved from filename to filename, the currently high- lighted filename is also displayed at this postion in the form as it will appear on the command line. This will become the filename placed into the DOS command line if the Enter key is pressed. Should you press Enter while in the Home postion, or on a blank filename a blank line will be place into the DOS command line. This has the same effect as pressing F2. The 4 Function keys used in the program are displayed at the top of the menu. The F1 key, or Info key is provided for program registration information. The F2, DOS Command Line function key is used for immediate jumps to the DOS command line, and can be used instead of the enter key to select the highlighted program. While on the DOS command line, the line editor INSERT mode will be ON. To turn it OFF, press the Ins key. The cursor will then become a full BLOCK cursor and will overwrite any- thing at the cursor. Most of the standard editing commands are used to enter information on the command line. When the command is complete, press Enter again. The requested command will then be processed. When the program is finished, a "Press any key" prompt will bring you back to the menu. A large number of DOS commands have been tested, from MS- DOS 2.1 to PC-DOS 3.2 without problem. An error will be reported from withing the SHELL in the familiar DOS fashion. The F3 Function key ends the program returning you to DOS or if called through a batch file, allows a clean return to the next batch command. When you need a new menu file, press the F4 Function key. The highlighted bar will return to the home position. There is enough room to enter a full filename, with extension. An editor will test for valid alpha-numeric characters, as well as the special symbols allowed by DOS for use in filenames. The period is also allowed to permit inclusion of filename extensions. Invalid filename characters except for the period will not be allowed on this line. The program will NOT check for valid filename or extenstion length. Check your DOS manual if you are unsure of the proper filename and extension usage. Prior to pressing Enter, be sure the data file program you wish to read is in the default drive. Page (2) PROCESS.EXE (c) Copyright 1988, GREENLINE Computing Co. ----------- ------------------------------------------- General Editing Keys: Left/Right arrow keys will automatically wrap the high- lighted cursor around to the opposite side of the menu. The Up/Down arrows will move from the bottom of one column to the top of the next, with automatic wrap from the bottom of the last column to the top of the first, and vis-versa. Up arrow ................ Move Up one Down arrow .............. Move Down one Left arrow .............. Move Left one column Right arrow ............. Move Right one column Home key ................ Move to upper left cornor End key ................. Move position #64 Pg Up ................... Move to Top of column Pg Dn ................... Move to Bottom of column Esc ..................... Abort from command line Enter ................... Processes current command Ins ..................... Toggle insert ON/OFF Del ..................... Delete character at cursor Backspace ............... Erase character, move left one Registration: (c) Copyright 1988, GREENLINE Computing Co. Gilbert J. Thompson 31 South Buckboard Lane Marlborough, Ct. 06447 CMD Processor Ver. 1.03 If you find this program useful, a registration fee of $20.00 would be appreciated. Be sure to include the version number of this program to receive the latest update. Page (3) PROCESS.EXE (c) Copyright 1988, GREENLINE Computing Co. ----------- ------------------------------------------- Data file structure: Although seemingly awkward at first glance, this data file structure lends itself to more flexibility in the design of a menu than most of the other file types tried. When created with a pure ASCII word processor or text editor with simple column sorting capabilities, there is little that cannot be done. This data file structure also permits leaving lines blank to separate "TYPES" of callable programs. To create your own menu, the best approach would be to read AUTOPROC.DAT into your text editor, then type over the sample entries. The first line of the file is read as the menu title. The title can be up to 77 characters long. The following 64 lines contain two pieces of information. The program filename, up to 8 characters and the program extension, up to 3 characters. For clarity, it is suggested that the DOS convention be followed. The program name capitalized and left justified, then the extension placed in the last three spaces to the right. A space for the period is included for further clarification of the file name. If your text editor supports screen import, importing the directory, or part of the directory itself as a text file can minimize the amount of typing you will have to do. Following the program name, enter up to 75 characters to display as a help bar at the bottom of the menu screen when that program name is highlighted. The most effective use of the help bar would be a reminder of the syntax and options which may be used to call that particular program. For clarity, enter a space both before and after the help bar statement. For example, "ALTER .COM"," ALTER [d:][path]filename[/V][/N|/R/H/S/A|/B] " when ALTER is highlighted, the help bar at the bottom of the menu will display a reminder of the correct syntax to use, along with the optional switches available to the program. When you press F2, or the Enter key, the options you would like to use can then be added to the program name. All 64 lines must be present in the data file, or an "OUT OF DATA" error will occur. Again, for clarity sake, use (12) blank spaces to fill the unused program name lines, and at least 12 blank spaces for any blank help bars. This will keep the menu presentation from looking haphazard. Page (4) PROCESS.EXE (c) Copyright 1988, GREENLINE Computing Co. ----------- ------------------------------------------- A datafile named SAMPLE.DAT is provided for you to overtype. " SAMPLE MENU DATA FILE - TITLE - enter up to 77 characters " "filename.ext"," Program Help Bar 01, up to 75 characters long " "file02 .ext"," Program Help Bar 02, up to 75 characters long " "file03 .ext"," Program Help Bar 03, up to 75 characters long " "file04 .ext"," Program Help Bar 04, up to 75 characters long " "file05 .ext"," Program Help Bar 05, up to 75 characters long " "file06 .ext"," Program Help Bar 06, up to 75 characters long " "file07 .ext"," Program Help Bar 07, up to 75 characters long " "file08 .ext"," Program Help Bar 08, up to 75 characters long " "file09 .ext"," Program Help Bar 09, up to 75 characters long " "file10 .ext"," Program Help Bar 10, up to 75 characters long " "file11 .ext"," Program Help Bar 11, up to 75 characters long " "file12 .ext"," Program Help Bar 12, up to 75 characters long " "file13 .ext"," Program Help Bar 13, up to 75 characters long " "file14 .ext"," Program Help Bar 14, up to 75 characters long " "file15 .ext"," Program Help Bar 15, up to 75 characters long " "file16 .ext"," Program Help Bar 16, up to 75 characters long " "file17 .ext"," Program Help Bar 17, up to 75 characters long " " "," " " "," " "file20 .ext"," Program Help Bar 20, up to 75 characters long " "file21 .ext"," Program Help Bar 21, up to 75 characters long " "file22 .ext"," Program Help Bar 22, up to 75 characters long " "file23 .ext"," Program Help Bar 23, up to 75 characters long " "file24 .ext"," Program Help Bar 24, up to 75 characters long " "file25 .ext"," Program Help Bar 25, up to 75 characters long " "file26 .ext"," Program Help Bar 26, up to 75 characters long " "file27 .ext"," Program Help Bar 27, up to 75 characters long " "file28 .ext"," Program Help Bar 28, up to 75 characters long " "file29 .ext"," Program Help Bar 29, up to 75 characters long " "file30 .ext"," Program Help Bar 30, up to 75 characters long " "file31 .ext"," Program Help Bar 31, up to 75 characters long " "file32 .ext"," Program Help Bar 32, up to 75 characters long " "file33 .ext"," Program Help Bar 33, up to 75 characters long " "file34 .ext"," Program Help Bar 34, up to 75 characters long " "file35 .ext"," Program Help Bar 35, up to 75 characters long " "file36 .ext"," Program Help Bar 36, up to 75 characters long " "file37 .ext"," Program Help Bar 37, up to 75 characters long " "file38 .ext"," Program Help Bar 38, up to 75 characters long " "file39 .ext"," Program Help Bar 39, up to 75 characters long " "file40 .ext"," Program Help Bar 40, up to 75 characters long " "file41 .ext"," Program Help Bar 41, up to 75 characters long " "file42 .ext"," Program Help Bar 42, up to 75 characters long " "file43 .ext"," Program Help Bar 43, up to 75 characters long " "file44 .ext"," Program Help Bar 44, up to 75 characters long " "file45 .ext"," Program Help Bar 45, up to 75 characters long " "file46 .ext"," Program Help Bar 46, up to 75 characters long " "file47 .ext"," Program Help Bar 47, up to 75 characters long " "file48 .ext"," Program Help Bar 48, up to 75 characters long " "file49 .ext"," Program Help Bar 49, up to 75 characters long " Page (5) PROCESS.EXE (c) Copyright 1988, GREENLINE Computing Co. ----------- ------------------------------------------- "file50 .ext"," Program Help Bar 50, up to 75 characters long " "file51 .ext"," Program Help Bar 51, up to 75 characters long " "file52 .ext"," Program Help Bar 52, up to 75 characters long " "file53 .ext"," Program Help Bar 53, up to 75 characters long " "file54 .ext"," Program Help Bar 54, up to 75 characters long " "file55 .ext"," Program Help Bar 55, up to 75 characters long " "file56 .ext"," Program Help Bar 56, up to 75 characters long " "file57 .ext"," Program Help Bar 57, up to 75 characters long " "file58 .ext"," Program Help Bar 58, up to 75 characters long " "file59 .ext"," Program Help Bar 59, up to 75 characters long " "file60 .ext"," Program Help Bar 60, up to 75 characters long " "file61 .ext"," Program Help Bar 61, up to 75 characters long " "file62 .ext"," Program Help Bar 62, up to 75 characters long " "file63 .ext"," Program Help Bar 63, up to 75 characters long " "file64 .ext"," Program Help Bar 64, up to 75 characters long " Page (6)