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1995-08-11
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GEN7 User's Guide
Version 2.0
Copyright 1993-1995
Synergistic Consultants, Incorporated
Post Office Box 18888
Huntsville, AL 35804-8888
1-800-828-8384
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Subject Page
What is GEN7?.............................................1
Help on HELP..............................................1
Installing GEN7...........................................2
Quick Start Guide to GEN7.................................2
Getting around in GEN7....................................5
Selecting the GEN7 utilities..............................6
File management utility...................................7
Operations with sub-directories...........................9
Main menu (pull down).....................................9
F2.Menu.................................................9
F3.Menu................................................11
F4.Menu................................................14
F5.Menu................................................15
F6.Menu................................................17
F7.Menu................................................25
F8.Menu................................................26
Installing user programs.................................27
Removing user programs...................................28
Using the program icons..................................29
Using the calendar.......................................30
Using the calculator.....................................33
Miscellaneous functions..................................33
Auxiliary functions......................................34
Using a text editor with GEN7............................37
About Security Codes and Groups..........................39
Children's Tutors........................................40
Accounting Module........................................41
Bible Study..............................................43
Voice Data Module........................................45
Music Database...........................................45
Compression Module.......................................46
Program Manager..........................................47
Command Line options.....................................49
Trouble Shooting.........................................50
Quick reference (Hot keys)...............................52
Warranty.................................................54
License & Copyright Notice...............................55
Acknowledgments..........................................56
License for Registered Users.............................57
System requirements......................................58
Ordering Information.....................................59
I
Version 2.0
What is GEN7?
GEN7 is a graphic user interface that allows the
computer operator to perform DOS functions with
simple intuitive actions. It also allows the operator to
perform operations such as disk to disk copy as well as
directory to directory file copy. And these functions
may be performed with the assurance that the operation
is being executed properly. Feedback is given to the
computer operator while the operation is being
performed.
Help on HELP.
You may view the entire help file whenever GEN7
enters the help box. The 'Next ' and 'Last ' switches will
allow you to page through the file. (PgUp/PgDn from
the keyboard may also be used.)
To jump to page 1 of the help file click (press & release)
the left mouse button on the blue switch. To jump to the
end of the help file, click on the magenta switch. Both
switches are located in the upper right corner.
(Home/End may also be used.). To jump to a help page,
move the mouse pointer to the page number in the index
and click once. This works on other pages also ( even if
the index is not visible). To close the help box click on
the red switch located in the upper left corner. (Esc
may also be used.).
To quickly learn what each of the main menu selections
mean, press F1 while the mouse pointer is upon an open
menu. The help page that describes the menu element
will be displayed!
Installing GEN7.
Installation tips:
The install procedure is simple, and you should use the
INSTALL.BAT file provided with the distribution disk
for this purpose. Its syntax is:
s:INSTALL s: d: \directory
where s: is the source disk drive letter designating the
distribution disk's location, and d: is the disk drive
where you wish to install GEN7, and \directory is the
name of the directory on the destination disk to install
GEN7 (it does not have to exist). The program: LHA is
used to extract the programs and data, and it is required
to answer 'YES' to any 'Overwrite' questions. Also, if
voice data is within the distribution, then the data is
decompressed using a PCM decompression program.
This takes a minute or so, and is very repetitive (each
voice is unpacked), so be patient.
Quick Start Guide to GEN7.
The GEN7 program requires a mouse, and an
EGA/VGA display, and an IBM PC compatible
computer. The cursor keys move the mouse pointer
also, if the mouse is not handy, and the Enter key works
like the left mouse button, and the ESC key works like
the right mouse button. The GEN7 Program Manager
is different from GEN7 with the operation of the mouse:
in the Program Manager, clicking upon an Icon once
will select it, and the second click operates it, or
executes the program attached to it. Clicking on a
different Icon deselects the first one selected. The
GEN7 Desktop works differently in that the Icons
become the cursor after the first click, and then the
Icon must be 'dragged' as the cursor to the work area of
the screen (usually). Once the Icon is in the work area,
another mouse click operates the Icon. Sometimes an
Icon must be selected and moved to a little box in the
middle of the screen to make a selection. Note that the
left mouse button is the operate button, and the right
button is the cancel button.
Yes and No dialog boxes:
Note that many of the questions are phrased as a Yes or
No answer, and a quick mouse click (or the Enter key)
will make the selection. All dialog boxes have the
mouse cursor placed upon the Continue button as the
default, but the answer may not be what you wish. In
this case, press the Yes or No button until it is green and
then press the Continue button.
Printing the Manual:
The F1 key in most cases will display the page from the
manual that will help with your questions (or the index).
If you did not order the GEN7 Users Guide, then the
manual may be printed from the menu in the upper
left hand corner of the screen. Click upon the switch,
and a sub menu will appear. Next click upon the 'Aux.
Functions' selection, and finally upon the 'Print Info.'
selection. The option to print the Order Form,
README files or Manual will be given. Answering
Yes to this question will allow the text of the Order
Form, README files, or the Manual to be printed.
Child Lock:
Note the small red lock in the upper right hand corner of
the screen. This is the Child Lock symbol. It is red
when full access to the File Manager and other features
is enabled. The Lock is green when only the 'Tutors'
category of programs is enabled, along with the songs,
clock, calculator, and other non-destructive functions.
The password feature is also accessed from the 'Aux.
Functions' menu (to change the password). To just lock
the lock, click upon the lock symbol with the left mouse
button. A warning is given stating that an invalid
password may terminate the program. The initial
password is: SUPERPASSWORD. The password
feature has two levels of passwords, one external that
anyone could know (but the children), and one that is
internal that only the owner knows. The internal
passkey is set to PASSWORDSUPER initially. The
password (external or internal) cannot be changed
without knowing the internal passkey. An option in the
Program Manager (/l stands for lock) prevents exiting to
the DOS prompt until the Lock is red. This feature will
keep the children from going into DOS and possibly
doing mischief there also! But no one can exit to DOS
until the Lock is red!
Operations with Icons and the Mouse:
This some operations are not as intuitive if you have not
read this manual, but it is very easy after that. Some
features in GEN7 require selecting a file before selecting
the menu item to operate upon the file (installing
the external Editor, and installing Programs as Icons,
Editing files, etc.). To install an Icon, first select the
program to execute from the filebox file listing (click
and drag the disk drive symbol into the work area to
show the contents of that disk drive, and click the
directory name to display the contents of a directory).
Clicking once upon a file name selects it (clicking twice
on a directory shows the contents of it). Many more
detailed examples and descriptions follow in the rest of
this manual.
Getting Around in GEN7.
Although the cursor keys along with selected hotkeys
may be used to perform all functions, a mouse must be
installed to run GEN7, the cursor keypad will move the
mouse cursor! Generally, the left mouse button means
the same as the [Enter] key, and the right mouse button
means the same as the [Esc] key. Pressing the [Esc] key
while entering a string from the keyboard into a dialog
box will cancel the current function and return to the
GEN7 main screen.
Selecting a drop menu.
Move the mouse cursor to one of the menu switches and
click (press & release) the left mouse button. The
alternate method is to strike the Function key shown on
the menu switch. The drop menu will then be displayed
Select the desired option with the mouse. You will
notice the choices are highlighted as you move the
mouse cursor. The up and down arrow keys will move
the highlight through the menu selections also. If the
selection is grayed out, this indicates that this option is
not available. For example, if a filebox is not in the
work area then menu choices related to files are 'grayed
out'. They are active when a filebox is active.
Closing a drop menu.
To close the drop menu you may either click the right
mouse button or strike the [Esc] key.
Selecting the GEN7 utilities.
There are three basic utilities available in GEN7 along
with the file management utility. To select a utility, first
click (press & release) the left mouse button on the
desired utility icon. The icon will now become the
mouse cursor. Move the icon to the work area and click
the mouse button again. A small clock is also available
in addition to the large clock. Strike the F9 key to
toggle the small clock on and off. Note that user icons
are not available with the small clock active. After
selecting the large clock (icon) the following functions
are available:
F6 - Set alarm.
F9 - Close the large clock and toggle on the small
clock.
F10 - Save the screen NOW!
Other utilities include:
Calculator Calendar
Optional Modules include:
MATHTUTR See Children's Tutors
TIMETUTR See Children's Tutors
MORTGAGE See Accounting Module
File management utility.
GEN7 will recognize up to eight floppy and fixed disk
drives. Installed drives are represented by a 'floppy disk'
icon. Four drives will be displayed at one time. Click
on the blue switch in the upper left corner to toggle
between drive groups.
To open a filebox click (press & release) the mouse on
the desired drive icon. The alternate method is to strike
the [Home] key and use the arrow keys to move to the
desired drive then strike [Enter]. The drive icon will
now move with the mouse or arrow keys. Move the
icon into the work area (the large open area) and click
on the left mouse button or strike [Enter]. You may
have two fileboxes open simultaneously. To re-read a
disk after a floppy disk change, click on the magenta
switch in the upper right corner. To close a filebox click
on the red switch located in the upper left corner of the
filebox.
To copy a file from one filebox to the other first click on
the file icon, or the filename, and the filename will be
shown in reverse video (white letters on black
background). Click on the file icon a second time and
the file icon and filename will now move with the
mouse. Move the filename to the other filebox and click
the left mouse button. A file status box will appear to
indicate the copy operation is in progress.
To print a text file first click on the file icon, the
filename will be shown in reverse video. Click on the
file icon a second time and the filename will move with
the mouse. Move the filename to the printer and place
the file icon on the printer. Click the left button of the
mouse. After confirmation, the file will be sent to the
printer. On all print functions, a print queue manager
(called a spooler) may be available if the DOS PRINT
command was loaded before running GEN7, and a
printer is connected to the computer. Up to 10 files
may be scheduled for printing at a time.
When just the mouse cursor is placed upon the printer
and the left mouse button is pressed, one of the
following will happen:
With the spooler enabled, and a filebox open:
Any selected files will be queued (up to 10).
If files are already in the spool queue:
The queue may be examined, and files removed.
Files may be added to queue from a file mask.
If the spooler is not enabled:
After confirmation a form feed may be sent to the
printer.
A form feed may be sent to the printer if the print
spooler is not active, or the spooler is not selected by
the operator.
To delete a file first click on the file icon, the filename
will be shown in reverse video. Click on the file icon a
second time and the filename will move with the mouse.
Move the filename to the dustbin and click the left
mouse button. After confirmation, the file will be
deleted (erased).
Operations with sub-directories.
All sub-directories are identified by the directory icon, a
small blue diskette. The files are identified by a small
yellow diskette, to the left of the filename within the
open file boxes.
To change directories click on the directory icon, the
directory name will appear in reverse video. Click on
the directory icon a second time and the contents of that
sub directory will now be displayed in that filebox. The
current pathname is always displayed at the foot of the
filebox. Notice that the pathname may be truncated,
i.e. from TMP\CLASSLIB\EXAMPLE
to \...\CLASSLIB\EXAMPLE.
To return to the parent directory or root directory
follow the above procedure with the .. directory icon.
To delete a sub-directory first click on the directory
icon. Then click on the Dir switch on the top menu bar.
When the drop menu appears click on Remove
directory. The sub-directory will be deleted without
confirmation. If the sub-directory contains files or
sub-directories then an error box will appear and the
sub-directory will not be deleted.
_____________________________________________
Main Menu (pull down )
File F2 Menu:
Get/Set Info... (files) [Files F2]
Allows viewing information about a specific file or
directory, or to set the attributes of the file or directory
(e.g. Read only, Archive, System, Hidden, etc.). The
information it returns is the date, time, and size of the
currently selected file. This function is not available
with multiple select active.
Copy to... [Files F2]
Copies currently selected file to another filename while
keeping the selected file unchanged. Enter the new
filename at the prompt. This function is not available
with multiple select active.
Rename... [Files F2]
Renames the currently selected file. Enter the new name
at the prompt. This function is not available with
multiple select active.
Run.. [Files F2]
Loads a second copy of your command interpreter and
runs the selected *.EXE, *.COM, or *.BAT file. This
function is not available with multiple select active.
DOS shell [Files F2]
Loads a second copy of your command interpreter and
allows you to operate as you would in DOS. Type EXIT
to return to GEN7.
Quit [Files F2]
Exits GEN7 and returns control to DOS.
_____________________________________________
Multiple F3 Menu:
Copy selected (multiple active) [Multiple F3]
Copies ALL selected file(s). The files must have been
selected after Multiple select is turned on. All files
clicked in the Multiple select file box remain selected
until clicked again.
Move selected (multiple active) [Multiple F3]
Copies ALL selected file(s) and after a successful copy,
deletes selected file(s) in the active filebox.
Delete selected (multiple active) [Multiple F3]
Deletes ALL selected file(s) in active filebox. Individual
confirmation may be deactivated in which case ALL
selected file(s) are deleted after only ONE confirmation!
Multiple ON/OFF (Ctrl-F3) [Multiple F3]
This selection toggles the multiple select option on and
off. After the multi-select icon appears, using the mouse
or arrow keys move the icon to the desired filebox.
(NOTE: if only one filebox is open the icon will not
appear, the open filebox is selected.). Press the left
mouse button or strike [Enter]. The highlighted filebox
will allow multiple file selection. Clicking on the blue
switch that appears in the upper left corner of the
filebox will toggle between all files selected and all files
deselected.
Archive Menu:
Compression Module Only:
Set Archive File [Multiple F3]
Set the file to be used as the Archive file in all archive
file operations. Once this file is set, it will remain until it
is set again, or the List Archive' option is used. The
files to be unarchived or decompressed will come from
this file, and the files to be archived or compressed will
be put into this file. Select a file with the extensions:
.ARC, .ZIP, .LZH, or .EXE or .COM (for self
extracting archives), before using this selection.
List Archive [Multiple F3]
The currently selected archive file (.ARC, .ZIP, .LZH),
will be listed into the filebox containing the selected file.
The full contents of the file will be displayed into the
filebox. The filenames in the filebox may be used in
other Archive Menu options (Compress, Decompress
and Delete). This menu selection has the same effect as
the Set Archive File selection, in that the file selected
becomes the currently selected archive file. Note these
files may not be dragged to the Dustbin (deleted) or
printed, as they must first be extracted before this is
allowed. This option is available in the base GEN7
system without the Compression Module, so the
contents of Archive files may be viewed.
Compress Files [Multiple F3]
One or many files may be compressed into the currently
selected archive file. In Multi Select mode, multiple
files may be selected to be compressed into a given
compression file. See the Compression Module
documentation for full details.
Decompress Files [Multiple F3]
The option to overwrite existing files may be specified.
This is similar in operation to the compress files menu
option but it decompresses files, instead of compressing.
Install Compress [Multiple F3]
The user defined compression program may be installed
with this option. The program must first be selected in
an open file box (*.EXE, *.COM or *.BAT). The
options to pass to the compression program will be
prompted for. These options are the same as
documented in the Compression Module section, later in
this document.
Set Parameters [Multiple F3]
Of the four compression programs (LHA, PKZIP,
ARCE, and User Defined), each may have a user
defined options string associated with it. This string is
always put into the command line when executing
compression, or decompression.
Delete Files [Multiple F3]
Any selected files may be deleted from the currently
selected archive file. Multiple files may be selected if
the Multi-Select mode is on. Note that the ARC files
may not have files deleted from them. The archive
program will return an error if any of the selected files
are not contained in the currently set archive file.
Set Archive Mask [Multiple F3]
A file mask may be set to specify a range of files to be
the subject of the Compress, Decompress or Delete
archive menu selections. This overrides any selected
files, and allows a large number of files to be operated
upon with a few keystrokes. The operator is asked to
confirm to use the current mask before an operation is
performed. To force GEN7 to use selected files again
after using an archive mask, set a blank or null archive
mask with this menu selection.
_____________________________________________
Dir F4 Menu:
Create sub-directory (Ctrl-F4) [Dir F4]
Creates a sub-directory within the filebox selected with
the directory icon. (See for an explanation of how to
select a filebox with the directory icon.)
Remove sub-directory [Dir F4]
Removes the selected sub-directory without
confirmation. Will not remove sub-directories that
contain files or sub-directories.
Set File Select. [Dir F4]
Sets the file selection string (* and ? are allowed). This
string is used in all sub-directory listings.
Example: *.COM *.EXE
lists only COM and EXE files. Multiple groups may be
specified at the same time. Note that in the root
directory, the file selection mask is always *.*. In
addition to the file selection string, the string: *. is
inserted into it elsewhere in the directory tree. This
guarantees the .. and . directories to be shown.
Remove All:rm /r [Dir F4]
This selection causes all files in the selected file box, and
the subdirectories within it, and below to be deleted.
This command is similar to the Unix command: rm /r, or
the MS-DOS command: DELTREE. The difference is
that the operator has the option leave the subdirectories
(not delete them), and a file mask (containing a valid
DOS filename with optionally the ? and * characters)
may be entered to restrict the files that are deleted. For
instance, if the virus checker in MS-DOS is executed
(MSAV), many small files named CHKLIST.MS are left
in each directory that was scanned by the virus checker!
To remove these, open a filebox to the root directory of
the drive that had been checked, and select Remove
All:Rm /r from the Dir F4 menu. Answer no to the
question about removing subdirectories, and enter
CHKLIST.MS for the file mask. Each of these files on
the disk will be removed! A confirmation to continue is
requested before any files are deleted, because this is a
potentially dangerous command (the whole disk can be
erased if not used properly!). Please be careful!
_____________________________________________
Disk F5 Menu:
Disk copy [Disk F5]
Uses your DOS diskcopy program. This option is active
only if GEN7 locates DISKCOPY.COM. Ensure that
the sub-directory where this file is located is included in
your DOS PATH statement. Refer to your DOS
reference manual concerning the proper use of the
PATH statement.
Format [Disk F5]
Uses your DOS format program. This option is active
only if GEN7 locates FORMAT.COM. Ensure that the
sub-directory where the file is located is included in your
DOS PATH statement. After selecting either drive A or
B, you may select the size option. Use the size option
when formatting a low density disk in a high density
drive. Make your selection depending on the size of
disk being formatted (i.e. 3½ inch or 5¼ inch) .
System disk [Disk F5]
Formats a disk and transfers the system files using the
format program included with your DOS.
Get Info (disk) (Ctrl-F5) [Disk F5]
Displays the volume ID, size, and bytes free of the
selected drive. Also displays information about the
current sub-directory. This includes the total and
selected bytes. If the file selected is in an archive filebox
list, then the size and date reflect these parameters in the
archive file (the size is the uncompressed size). (See
Multiple ON/OFF for an explanation of how to select a
filebox with the info icon).
File Finder [Disk F5]
Any file or set of files may be found using the file finder.
First open a filebox to the directory where the search
should begin. Next select File Finder in the Disk F5
menu. When prompted to enter the file to find, enter
the file name, or a file mask. If the exact file name is not
known, or a set of files is desired, use a file mask
containing a valid DOS filename and the * or ?
characters.
Scan for Disks [Disk F5]
Computers with CD ROM disk drives will have the
drive letter that represents the CD ROM appear on the
palette with the other disk drives on the computer. If a
CD ROM disc (platter) is not installed in the CD ROM
drive, then GEN7 will not sense a valid drive for this
disk letter. In this case use the Scan for Disks option on
the Disk F5 menu to scan for CD ROM drives that have
a new disc in them. This will place the CD ROM drive's
letter on the palette if there was not a disc in the drive
when GEN7 was started.
_____________________________________________
Desktop F6 Submenu - Calendar / Quote:
Reminder ON/OFF [Desktop F6 -Calendar/Quote]
Set reminder to ON if you want to be alerted to memos
entered into the calendar utility.
Set look-ahead [Desktop F6 - Calendar/Quote]
Set for number of days advance notification of
upcoming memos entered into the calendar utility.
Clear calendar [Desktop F6 - Calendar/Quote]
Clears all memos from the calendar utility that do NOT
have the keep option activated.
Reconcile Account [Desktop F6 - Calendar/Quote]
This is used only in the Accounting Module, the account
balances may be manually set here.
Disable Accountant [Desktop F6 - Calendar/Quote]
This is used only in the Accounting Module also, to stop
the Accounting module from running.
Setup Daily quote [Desktop F6 - Calendar/Quote]
Reconfigures the Daily Quote feature. It may be
disabled, or only certain categories may be cycled
through. When only one category is selected, the
quotes in that category are repeated after they are
exhausted. A three level menu is presented allowing the
selection of the book shelf, book, and the chapter in the
book. Only one book shelf and book are available with
this version of GEN7. The default setting at start up is
to cycle through all quotes.
Desktop F6 - Music / Voice
Play a Song [Desktop F6 - Music/Voice]
Play either a GEN7 internal song through the PC
speaker, or a CMF file through a Sound Blaster
compatible card. The song plays continuously in the
background. The current song that is playing is
displayed in yellow in the lower right corner under the
version number. When a song is playing, the song name
may be selected to gain access to the song queue.
Additional songs may be added to the queue, or songs
may be deleted from the queue at this time. Register the
Song Database for more songs, including over 100 CMF
files!
Stop the Music [Desktop F6 - Music/Voice]
Stops the current song from playing.
Audible Clock [Desktop F6 - Music/Voice]
Makes the Clock announce the time when it is on the
screen. Time is called out each quarter hour.
Audible Calc. [Desktop F6 - Music/Voice]
Makes the Calculator announce the operators and digits
when they are depressed, during operation of the
calculator.
Audible Errors [Desktop F6 - Music/Voice]
A Voice announces error boxes that are displayed.
Audible Feedback [Desktop F6 - Music/Voice]
The chimes and other miscellaneous voices are enabled
when entering and exiting functions.
Audible Effects [Desktop F6 - Music/Voice]
Certain functions will have audible effects to replace the
normal voices. Ex: Errors.
Desktop F6 Menu
Set alarm (Ctrl-F6) [Desktop F6]
Enter the hour using 24 hour notation then enter the
minutes. This will override an alarm setting by the
calendar utility. The alarm is only active while in
GEN7. To set the alarm automatically, enter a memo in
the calendar utility with the alarm option activated. A
song may play in lieu of a bell.
Desktop Prefs. [Desktop F6]
The preferences for the Desktop are set here. The
Printer port may be chosen, or the Modem port may be
configured. The Wallpaper for the background may be
chosen, or you may select from 16 internal background
patterns and/or colors for the work area. Also the help
balloons may be enabled or disabled here.
The dialog box selections:
Printer is used to select the desired printer port.
Modem is used to select a modem port if more than one
is connected to the computer.
Screen is used to configure the background or help
balloons. First choose the option to modify: Auto Help,
or Background. Choosing Auto Help will allow you to
enable or disable the automatic display of help balloons
when the mouse cursor passes over active elements on
the screen. If choosing the Wallpaper, first select a
*.ICO or *.BMP file in an open filebox (or use the file
finder).
The screen saver may be chosen by pressing Scrn Saver
and then selecting either the internal screen saver or
external saver program to be used. The internal screen
saver draws multi-colored patterns on the screen until a
key is pressed. There are currently two internal screen
savers available: a star field pattern with twinkling stars,
and a random cruciform style of pattern that draws
straight lines in four pointed patterns. Select which of
these you prefer if the internal screen saver is chosen.
To use an external program, select a *.EXE, *.COM or
*.BAT file in a filebox first (or use the file finder). The
selected file should be the DOS program to execute to
place a pattern on the screen until a key is pressed.
Desktop F6 - Icon Operations Submenu:
Install Icon [Desktop F6 - Icon Operations]
Install an often used program to run from GEN7. First
select the program to install with the File Manager, or
use the file finder. The program category is prompted
for first, so select one of the four icons at the bottom of
the screen: System, Programs, User or Tutors. Move
the icon to the box in the middle of the screen after it
becomes the mouse cursor.
Command line parameters may be sent to the program
when it is executed if the operator desires this. The
parameters may be entered when the program runs, or
when the icon is defined. If no parameters are desired,
just press [Enter].
Twelve of the GEN7 icons may be used (internal
icons), or an external source of icons may be selected
(the icon directory must be entered in this case). When
the palette of icons appears, click upon the one that
most closely matches the function of the program, and
move it into the work area after it becomes the mouse
cursor, and press the left mouse button again. If more
than twelve icons are available, scroll buttons will be
visible at the bottom of the screen. You may page
through the icons in this case. The Blue switch in the
upper left hand corner of the palette may be pressed to
cancel the install operation.
The name or label that identifies the icon and program
must be entered. This is an eight character identifier.
Pressing [Esc] while entering the identifier will cancel
this operation.
Since each program may have restricted access, the
different groups that may access the program must be
selected now. Any or all of the four groups: Chief,
Brave, Tender Foot or Pale Face may be allowed access
to programs. The minimum security level allowed
access to the program must be entered also. This can
allow ones that are not in the selected groups access the
program, if their security level is greater than the given
security level for the program. But, access cannot be
denied those that are in the groups assigned to the
program's icon. A single line of information may be
entered that describes the program. This information is
placed into the help balloons when the icon palette is on
the screen, or drawn in the information area in the
Program Manager when the mouse cursor is over the
icon. Finally, a dialog box is displayed when the icon is
successfully created!
Remove Icon [Desktop F6 - Icon Operations]
Remove an installed program. Similar to Install, but the
palette of icons is the list of all programs in the selected
category. Select the one to remove, and move the
mouse cursor into the work area, and press the left
mouse button. The program icon will no longer be
listed, and will not be available for use again.
View Icons [Desktop F6 - Icon Operations]
All icons in the directory in the selected filebox are
displayed. Page up and page down buttons are at the
bottom of the palette, and the blue close switch is in the
upper left corner, to exit viewing.
View Wallpaper [Desktop F6 - Icon Operations]
A *.BMP or *.ICO file must be selected to be displayed
as a wallpaper background. This does not change the
background, but shows the given pattern. If icons are
selected to be the wallpaper, one of the twelve internal
GEN7 icons may be used also.
_____________________________________________
Desktop F6 - Phone / Address Submenu:
View Address [Desktop F6 - Phone / Address]
All addresses in the Address book may be scanned. Use
the Next button to go to the next address, and use the
Prev button to go to the previous address. The [Esc]
key or the right mouse button exits.
Change Address [Desktop F6 - Phone / Address]
The names in the Address book are displayed and one
must be selected from the menu to be modified. Once a
record is selected, it is displayed. The mouse cursor
remains an Ibeam over the areas that may be modified.
The [Enter] key or the left mouse button when the
cursor is an IBeam will allow entry of the fields in the
address record. Use the Save button to save the
address, and use the Drop button to ignore any changes.
The [Esc] key or the right mouse button cancels the
changes.
Delete Address [Desktop F6 - Phone / Address]
The names in the Address book are displayed and one
must be selected from the menu to be deleted. Once a
record is selected, it is displayed, and confirmation is
requested before the record is deleted. The first record
in the Address book is the GEN7 entry, and cannot be
modified or deleted.
Add Address [Desktop F6 - Phone / Address]
An empty address record is displayed, and the procedure
is identical to the Change Address above.
Dial Phone [Desktop F6 - Phone / Address]
The names in the Address book are displayed and one
must be selected from the menu to be dialed. Once a
record is selected, it is displayed, and confirmation is
requested before the phone is dialed. If the Modem port
does not respond, the phone cannot be dialed.
_____________________________________________
System F7 Menu:
DOS version [System F7]
Display the Disk Operating System version number.
Set system date [System F7]
Sets the system date. Use the format MM DD YY to
enter the date. Strike [Enter] after each entry.
Set system time (Ctrl-F7) [System F7]
Sets the system date. Use 24 hour notation. Strike
[Enter] after each entry.
Equipment [System F7]
This option will return general information about your
system.
Available Memory [System F7]
This option will return the number of bytes of memory
available for GEN7.
_____________________________________________
Setup F8 Menu:
Display [Setup F8]
Choose between EGA/VGA color or monochrome
monitor. An EGA or VGA color graphics adapter is
required.
Auto screen save [Setup F8]
Select the number of minutes, 5 to 30, that GEN7 will
wait before switching to the screen saver to prevent
screen burn-in. The screen saver is started when the
computer keyboard and mouse have been inactive for
the selected amount of time. This timer begins when the
mouse or keyboard was last accessed, and is not on
when the Calculator, large Clock, Calendar or Editor
are on the screen. This time is counted in the File
Manager, and the main screen. The timer is reset
whenever you exit GEN7 also.
Confirm deletes [Setup F8]
The individual confirmation of file deletion while
multiple select is active may be disabled or enabled.
With the confirmation disabled, you will be prompted
once to confirm deletion of ALL selected files.
Confirmation enabled forces confirmation of each file.
Install editor [Setup F8]
Installs external editor run from the 'Editor' icon. Open
a filebox then move to your text editor (refer to File
Management Utility for more information about
selecting files). Select the text editor program with the
mouse, clicking on the file icon, or the filename . The
file selected must be an *.EXE, *.COM or *.BAT. The
program selected must accept the filename to edit as a
parameter when it is run. Click on the Setup switch on
the top menu bar and select 'Install editor' from the
menu. Click on the 'Continue' switch to install the
program as the external editor, or the 'Cancel' switch to
cancel the operation..
Auto save [Setup F8]
Enables / disables automatic saving of the current
configuration information when GEN7 terminates. If a
program icon is installed or removed the configuration
file must be saved to retain the changes. All current
status information is contained in the configuration file
(GEN7.CFG).
Save settings (Ctrl-F8) [Setup F8]
Save configuration information NOW! Configuration
information should be saved after installing or removing
program icons, changing the work area background
and/or color, and after any changes under the Setup
menu.
Installing user programs.
You may install any number of user programs as icons
to run from GEN7. The files must be an executable file,
i.e. files that have the *.BAT, *.EXE, or *.COM
extensions.
Open a filebox then move to the program file (refer to
the File Management Utility section). Select the
program file with the mouse, clicking on the file icon.
Click on the Desktop switch on the top menu bar and
select 'Install icon' from the 'Icon Operations' menu.
When the 'Select Icon category' box appears, double
click on the icon that you feel best represents the
program type (System, Programs, User or Tutors).
When the icon becomes the cursor, move the cursor to
the selection box and click again. The option of using
internal or external icons is provided. One dozen internal
icons are built-in, or a directory name containing *.ICO
files should be specified (standard Microsoft Windows
type icons). If more than twelve icons are available,
scroll buttons will be visible at the bottom of the screen.
You may page through the icons in this case. The Blue
switch in the upper left hand corner of the palette may
be pressed to cancel the install operation, or the [Esc]
button pressed while entering the directory name will
have the same effect.
The name or label that identifies the icon and program
must be entered. This name does not have to be the
program filename. This is an eight character identifier.
Pressing the [Esc] button while entering the identifier
will cancel the operation.
Since each program may have restricted access, the
different groups that may access the program must be
selected now. Any of the four groups: Chief, Brave,
Tender Foot or Pale Face may be allowed access to
programs. The minimum security level allowed to
access the program must be entered also. This can
allow ones that are not in the selected groups access the
program, if their security level is greater than the given
security level for the program. A help string is
prompted for that is the information that is shown in the
help balloon for this icon if the help balloons option in
GEN7 is enabled. When in the GEN7 Program
Manager, this information is displayed in the info line at
the bottom of the screen when the mouse cursor moves
over that icon! Finally, a dialog box is displayed when
the icon is successfully created!
Removing user programs.
To remove a program icon first close all fileboxes.
Click on the Desktop switch and select 'Remove icon'
from the 'Icon Operations' menu. When the 'Select Icon
Category' box appears, double click on the icon
category that contains the icon you wish to remove
(System, Programs, User or Tutors). When the icon
becomes a cursor, move the cursor to the selection box
and click again. All icons installed in the selected
category will be displayed, and one should be chosen
and moved to the work area of the screen (the blue
switch at the top of the screen will cancel the
operation). You will be given the option to cancel the
operation, or to continue.
Using the program icon(s).
To run the program that an icon represents first click on
the icon's category. The icon will become the mouse
cursor. Move the icon to the work area and click the
mouse once again. The currently installed programs will
be listed in a palette of 12. Select the program to
execute by placing the mouse cursor upon the icon, and
pressing the left mouse button, or the Enter key. Move
the icon into the work area of the screen and click the
left mouse button to run it. GEN7 keeps track of the
directory and drive where the program resided when the
icon was created. GEN7 will locate and run the
program using this information.
If the program is relocated in another drive or directory,
the old icon should be removed and a new icon must be
created. Note that running programs from the Desktop
is different from the Program Manager. The Program
Manager requires one click to select, and the second
click will execute the selected program.
Using the calendar.
The calendar utility allows you to enter short memos /
reminders that can be accessed through the utility itself
or activated automatically when GEN7 loads and runs.
See Accounting for more information about the
calendar.
_____________________________________________
Calendar Control panel
Quit - Quit the calendar utility and rewrite the
GEN7.CAL memo file.
Help - Brings up the GEN7 help utility.
Clear! - Clears the current month's memos. (See also
Desktop - F6 Calendar/Quote - Clear Calendar).
Weekly/Bi-Weekly/Monthly - Automatically generates
repetitive memos at the selected interval.
To select a month or year click (press & release) the left
mouse button on either the up or down arrow located at
the year and month 'boxes'.
Creating a memo.
Click (press & release) the left mouse button on the
desired date. You must click on the numerals, NOT the
box as some boxes may represent two dates. If a memo
already exists on that date, a dialog box appears that
asks: 'Memo(s) exist, create a new one?'. Press Yes to
create a new memo.
After the memo box appears, move the mouse cursor to
the first line in the memo area. Click the left mouse
button and the mouse cursor (I-beam) will be replaced
by a vertical line. Enter the memo from the keyboard,
striking [Enter] after each line. After entering the memo
choose the appropriate option(s) from the memo box
control panel. The following options may be selected:
Keep - This prevents the clear functions from erasing
the memo.
Alarm - After selecting this option an input box will
appear. Enter the time using 24 hour notation. The
alarm will sound on the given date and time if GEN7 is
running.
Drop - Exits the memo box and erases the current
memo. This overrides the 'keep' function.
Save - Saves the current memo to GEN7.CAL when the
calendar utility is exited.
Abort - Abandons all changes made to the memo.
NOTE: All dates with current memos will be
highlighted with a red background.
To repeat a memo on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly
basis, select the appropriate switch from the calendar
control panel before selecting a date. Click on the
switch a second time to cancel the option. When you
save the memo an option box will appear. Select the
desired number of repetitions by clicking on either the
up or down switch located within the option box. The
calendar utility will now create the memo for the
selected repetition at the desired interval automatically.
Modifying a memo.
Click (press & release) the left mouse button on the date
that contains the memo you wish to modify (it will be
red because a memo exists on this day). You must click
on the numerals, NOT the box as some boxes may
represent two dates. Since a memo already exists on
that date, a dialog box appears that asks: 'Memo(s)
exist, create a new one?'. Press No to view the existing
memos.
Each memo that exists on that date will be shown, with
three buttons in the control panel of the dialog box:
Modify - After this option is selected, the normal control
buttons appear in the upper part of the dialog box that
allows normal modification of the memo. Note that the
string fields associated with the memo must be modified
before the 'Save' button will work!
Drop - Advances to the next memo box (if one exists)
and erases the current memo. This overrides the 'keep'
function.
Save - Saves the current memo to GEN7MMYY.CAL
when the calendar utility is exited.
_____________________________________________
Using the calculator.
The calculator operates like any standard calculator.
You may enter the number via the keyboard or click
(press & release) the left mouse button to select the
numerals and functions of the calculator. If the voice
module is enabled, and the calculator voice output is
selected (see Desktop - F6 submenu Music / Voice) the
number and operator keys will be called out as they are
operated. To exit the calculator utility, click on the red
switch in the upper left corner.
_____________________________________________
Miscellaneous functions.
Click on the alarm clock in the upper right corner to
toggle the alarm on and off. When the alarm is not
visible there, daily alarms are disabled.
Click on the red lock symbol in the upper right corner to
set the lock (turn it green). A super user password is
prompted for, and after it is validated, the opportunity
to change the lock to the locked position is presented.
Note that the Auxiliary Submenu - Lock/Unlock is the
only place that the lock may be unlocked. Once locked,
the security system of GEN7 makes the system behave
as though a Pale Face were logged on (Anonymous
user), and most of the functions do not operate. The
'TUTORS' icon is still active with the informational type
of features. The password is set to:
SUPERPASSWORD
initially. An internal pass key is kept for privacy since
more than one person may know the external password.
This internal pass key is set to:
PASSWORDSUPER
initially.
The pull down menu:
About GEN7 - Displays the credits entry screen.
Help - Gives access to the GEN7 Help file.
Large clock - The large analog clock is drawn in
the center of the screen.
Save screen - Save the screen NOW!
Redo screen - Redraws the main screen.
Aux. Functions - Auxiliary functions (see below).
Auxiliary functions.
Print Manual
The GEN7 help file may be sent to the printer. 'End of
page: xx' appears at the end of each Help page. This is
the Help page number, not the physical page number.
This keeps all internal page references intact.
Lock/Unlock
Destructive functions may be Locked and Unlocked
with this selection. A Supervisory password is
provided to only allow authorized people to operate this
feature. The password is set to SUPERPASSWORD
initially. An internal pass key is kept for privacy since
more than one person may know the external password.
This internal pass key is set to PASSWORDSUPER
initially. The external password cannot be changed
without the internal pass key.
Change Password
The password may be changed to allow more secure use
of the Lock/Unlock feature, and user logons. Entering
an invalid password could terminate GEN7, so take care
to enter the correct one. After entering the old internal
pass key (this is required to change it), the new external
password and the internal pass key are prompted for.
Then the old password record will be deleted. After this
process, the new password is revalidated, and another
chance is given to change it. Note that the password
may be any password, not necessarily the one of the
user currently logged on.
Add user
New user entries are created with this option. Each user
has a name that must identify them (this name is used
when changing or deleting users). The new user 's
passwords may be entered, and the security level and
groups set for them. An error is issued if the user
password is not unique. You must be in Super User
mode to select this option. Also, passwords are case
sensitive (I. e. 'password' and 'PASSWORD' are two
different password keys).
Delete user
Existing users may be deleted with this option. A menu
of users is presented, and one must be selected to be
deleted. The user is removed after confirmation from
the operator. You must be in Super User mode to
select this option.
Change user
Existing users may be modified, with new security level
and group information. Again, the user to change must
be selected from a menu. Once selected, the security
level for this user must be entered. Customary security
levels are:
GEN7 Name Security UNIX Name
Pale Face 0 Anonymous
Tender Foot 64 Guest
Brave 128 User
Chief 192 Super User
Note that these are recommended values, and if a value
greater than or equal to 192 is given to a Pale Face, they
can do anything a Chief can do! If someone is about to
graduate from Tender Foot to Brave, for instance, then
their security level may be placed closer to Brave than
Tender Foot to allow more privileges than usual.
Finally, the group must be selected from one of the four
in a dialog box to be the user's new group. You must be
in Super User mode to select this option.
Modify Security
The security levels for each of the major categories of
operations (and the groups that may access them) may
be modified with this option. These include: viewing,
printing, files, shell, etc.. The logon's group must match
a group allowed to perform a particular function, or
their security level must exceed the one assigned to that
function, or a security violation occurs. See About
Security Codes and Groups for more information.
User Logon
A new user can take control of GEN7 by logging on
here. After logon, the group is displayed in the lower
right corner under the GEN7 logo. The security level of
the new user takes effect, and will stay in effect (even in
the Program Manager) until a new user logs on. The
access to resources in the GEN7 system may be
restricted after a new user logs on. Note that the Add
user, Delete user, Change user, and Modify Security
functions require a Super User to be logged on!
_____________________________________________
Using a text editor with GEN7.
Installing an External Text Editor
Open a filebox then move to your text editor (refer to
File Management Utility for more information about
selecting files). Select the text editor program to install
by clicking on the file icon, or the filename with the
mouse pointer. The editor program name should be the
color white on black (highlighted). Click on the Setup
switch on the top menu bar and select 'Install editor'
from the menu. The external editor program must
accept a filename as a parameter. Example:
C:\DOS\EDIT.COM INPUT.FIL. The DOS edit
command may edit a file: INPUT.FIL if invoked from
the command interpreter. Any program that edits the
file that is the first parameter on the command line may
be used.
Using the Internal Text Editor
The Internal editor can edit small files. The basic
command set is as follows:
PgUp and PgDn scroll up and down one line.
Cntl PgUp and Cntl PgDn scroll up and down one page.
Cntl Y deletes the line containing the cursor.
Cntl J inserts a line at the cursor.
Home and End go to beginning and end of the line
containing the cursor.
Ins inserts one character at the cursor.
Del deletes one character under the cursor.
Esc exits the editor, and allows the file to be saved.
Alt S Searches forward for all occurrences of a given
string.
Alt B Searches Backward in the file for all occurrences
of a given string.
Alt R Replaces one string for another string that appears
below the cursor.
Alt P Replaces one string for another string that appears
above the cursor.
Ctrl moves the cursor to the word to the right.
Ctrl moves the cursor to the word to the left.
Note the character appears at the end of every line.
This designates the physical end of line as it appears in
the text file. This can be used to see how many blanks
appear at the end of a line.
A 'View only' mode option is presented to the operator
before editing a file. If this option is chosen, then only
the Internal Editor will be used, and the option to save
the file will not be available. Any other destructive
editing commands will be ignored.
Editing a File
To use the text editor to edit or view a text file while a
filebox is open, first click on the file icon, or the
filename of the file to edit. Click on the icon a second
time and 'move the file' to the text editor icon. Click the
mouse once again and the text editor will become the
cursor. Move the cursor to the work area, and press the
left mouse button. A dialog box will ask whether to
'View Only' or 'Modify Text'. If the external editor is
desired, 'Modify Text' must be chosen. Another dialog
box appears if an External Editor is installed, and the
operator must select the editor to use. Finally, the
editor is invoked to display the selected file.
_____________________________________________
■ About Security Codes and Groups
The security system in GEN7 is designed to be very
flexible, and safe. Each operation in GEN7 is assigned a
security level, and group mask. The four groups and
default security levels are:
GEN7 Name Security UNIX Name
Pale Face 0 Anonymous
Tender Foot 64 Guest
Brave 128 User
Chief 192 Super User
Any operation may be performed if the user's security
level is high enough, no matter what group they belong
to. By default, the Chiefs can do anything, and the Pale
Faces can barely look. (See Auxiliary Submenu - Add
user).
_____________________________________________
Children's Tutorials
To use the Children's Tutorials, close all open fileboxes
and click on the 'TUTORS' icon. The icon will now
become the mouse cursor. Move the icon to the work
area and click the mouse once again. Then click on the
'MATHTUTR' or 'TIMETUTR' icon, and move it into
the work area again.
Math Tutor
The math tutor is similar to the calculator except it has
four operation modes.
1) Choose operators (Level 1 and 2).
2) Choose digits (Level 1 and 2).
3) Memory game (Level 1 and 2),
remember the number.
4) Calculator mode.
In Choose operators mode, the appropriate operator
must be chosen based upon the calculator display. Level
1 tests addition and subtraction, while Level 2 tests
multiplication and division. In Choose digits mode, an
underbar (_) appears in the math problem, and the
operator has to determine what digit should be in that
position. Again, Level 1 tests addition and subtraction,
whereas Level 2 tests multiplication and division. The
memory game shows a number in the display of the
calculator, and the operator must retype the number
exactly to get credit for it. In Level 1 play, three tries
are given to get the correct answer, before the number
missed window is updated to one more. In Level 2 play,
only one try is given.
Time Tutor
The time tutor has a digital and analog clock for
children to learn time telling. In Show mode, the time
is shown in the digital window, reflecting the hands on
the analog clock. In Quiz mode, a time is shown in the
digital window, and the analog clock must be set to the
proper time before pressing the answer button. Try
playing a tune in the background! To exit the tutors,
press the red button in the upper middle of the
calculator or clock.
_____________________________________________
Accounting Module:
The accounting module is built into the calendar
function of the GEN7 Desktop. To access this function,
refer to the calendar function for details about the
standard memo function.
The Accounting module transaction types:
1) Automatic Credit (posts auto deposit checks).
2) Automatic Debt (posts auto debts).
3) Manual Credit for other types of deposits.
4) Manual Debt for personal or business checks.
The manual debts and credits allow a check number. All
transactions have a memo, recipient and amount fields.
A grace period before and after the transaction may be
specified for the calendar function to begin and stop
alerting the user of the transaction's specified post date.
A music or bell type alarm may be designated to
accompany the transaction when it is displayed on entry
to GEN7. GEN7 may be run from AUTOEXEC that is
configured to remind you of bills and credits to post
(use the /a option to run the Accounting Module only).
The Reconcile Acount lets you set the account balances.
When a debt or credit is shown, the color of the words:
Manual or Auto and Credit or Debt indicates the active
status of the transaction. A red color indicates the
transaction has not been posted yet. A green color
indicates that the transaction has been posted, and it is a
non repeating transaction. A cyan color means that the
transaction has been posted, and this record is a
repeating template for the transaction (repeating
transactions are stored once, the posted transactions are
copied at post time).
A repeating transaction is one that was created when the
Weekly Bi-Weekly or Monthly buttons were depressed.
These transactions will automatically repeat on the given
day at one of the above regular intervals. For repeating
transactions, only a template is needed to describe their
behavior. Once the transaction's due date is passed, and
it is posted, the transaction will be copied into the non-
repeating file.
One memo file is generated for each month scanned
through in GEN7. The file names are made of the
month and year (GEN7MMYY.CAL). One repeating
transaction file is made (GEN7REPT.CAL) that
contains all repeating records and the account balances.
Take caution in specifying grace periods. Grace periods
that overlap from one repeating date to another may
show transactions as posted, that have not been. Up to
30 transactions are allowed per month unless the /cxx
option is specified at runtime. The xx is the maximum
number of memos to allow. If the year in the past or
future is not reachable (GEN7 issues an error message,
and terminates), then use the /nXX option to increase
the number of files that may be open at once (See
command line options later in this document). The
modify feature can change a non repeating transaction
into a repeating transaction, if set before modifying.
_____________________________________________
Bible Study:
The GEN7 Bible Study allows the text of the Bible to be
viewed and searched using the keyboard and the mouse.
Bookmarks may be placed where the cursor is, and the
limits of searches may be restricted to what the user
selects. The Up and Down arrows at the edge of the
window are sensitive to the upper left corner of the
cursor to scroll the window up or down. The
commands:
Alt-C - Goto a specific chapter.
Alt-L - Set the search Limits.
Alt-I - Initialize Search Parameters.
Alt-S - Search for keyword(s).
Alt-N - Create a new bookmark
(Using letters A through Z as markers).
Alt-D - Remove a previously set bookmark.
Alt-G - Goto a previously set bookmark.
Alt-V - Visit all set bookmarks.
PgUp - Page the display up.
PgDn - Page the display down.
Home - Display the first page in search range.
End - Display the last page in search range.
F1 - This Help information.
[Esc] - Exit the Bible Study.
Search Parameters:
The following questions are asked when search
parameters are entered:
Is the order that the words are found not important
(any ordering OK)?
A yes answer returns lines containing the search words
in any order, no answer means the order the words are
entered is important. Sometimes the exact ordering of
the words in a sentence is not known, so this option will
be handy in such a case.
Return line(s) with any subset of requested words
(do not need every one requested)?
Answer yes for an OR search. Answer no for an AND
search (all words are important to select a line).
Return after first match?
The first occurrence in the search range is only returned,
and no others.
Number of lines search words may span.
When a group of words is searched for, these words
must fall within a certain range in the text, or the line
does not match the search criteria. Note these are lines,
not verses.
When visiting bookmarks (Alt-V), these keys are valid:
After entering the first bookmark to visit:
P - Visit the previous bookmark.
Alt-R - Remove the current bookmark.
[Esc] - Stop visiting bookmarks.
When in search mode (Alt-S), the above keys are valid,
and also:
Alt-N - Add a new bookmark at this spot.
_____________________________________________
The Voice and Music Data Sets
Voice Data Module:
GEN7 senses the presence or absence of the voice data
at startup. If the CPU is a 286 10MHz or better, the
voice data will be available for use. The following may
occur:
1) Feedback may be given at entry to functions.
2) Errors may have audible feedback.
3) The clock may speak out the time on quarter hours.
4) The calculator may speak the digits and operators.
5) Errors or other functions may have additional voice
or special effects that are called out audibly.
No sound card is required, only a standard PC speaker.
If a Sound Blaster compatible sound card is installed in
the computer, the /b option (see Command Line
Options) may be used to direct the voice output to this
device. A sound card driver is provided with GEN7 to
allow output to the sound card (SBDRIVER.OBJ). If
songs are to be played through the sound card, the
SBFMDRV.COM program must first be run (use
G7SB.BAT to start GEN7). More about playing
*.CMF files follows.
See the F6 - Desktop - Music / Voice submenu.
_____________________________________________
Music Database:
The Music Database replaces the usual selection of one
dozen songs that may be played in the background. If
an internal song is to be played through the PC speaker
a menu is displayed of all the Juke boxes available
(*.JBX). Then the song categories within the selected
Jukebox are displayed for selection. And finally, the
song list within the category is shown to allow final
selection of the song to play. Over 30 internal songs are
available with this version of GEN7 Music Database.
These songs may only be played through the internal PC
Speaker.
If a Sound Blaster compatible card is available (see /b
on Command Line Options page), then a Creative Music
File (*.CMF) may be played. The driver for the Sound
Blaster must be loaded (SBFMDRV.COM). Any CMF
file may be selected from an open file box (or use the
File Finder), and select Play a Song from the Music /
Voice submenu (or use Ctrl-F7). If the sound card and
driver are installed properly, the CMF file option will be
presented to the operator for selection. Over 100 CMF
files come with this version of the Music Database. Use
the G7SB.BAT file to start GEN7 if output to a sound
card is desired. Note that the *.CMF files may not be
played through the PC Speaker, but only through a
Sound Blaster compatible sound card.
_____________________________________________
Compression Module:
The compression module with GEN7 allows
compressing, decompressing or deleting archive files
using the File Manager. GEN7 automatically searches
for the programs: PKZIP.EXE, PKUNZIP.EXE,
LHA.EXE and ARCE.COM upon start-up (the PATH
environment variable must specify the path to the
programs). The above programs available for use may
be used to compress, decompress or delete archive files
(except ARCE which may only be used to decompress).
In addition, a user defined archive program may be
installed, with associated parameters.
Two sets of parameters are kept for decompression, one
for overwriting existing files, and one for no overwrite.
Only the first parameter is used in compression. A user
defined parameter may be installed from the menu, and
this parameter will always be placed on the command
line when the desired program is run.
The default extension associated with each of the
archive programs is automatically detected when an
archive file is selected (LZH for LHA, ZIP for PK????,
and ARC for ARCE). The first step is to set the archive
file by selecting the file in an open filebox, and then
selecting Set Archive File, or List Archive from the
Archive Menu. The List Archive option will list all files
in an archive in the filebox, so they may be selected for
operations. Note that self extracting archives have the
extension EXE or COM, for any archive program!. In
this case, the compression type must be selected when
this file is set as the current archive file. With multiple
select on, more than one file may be archived or
dearchived. Alternatively, an archive file mask may be
set that will allow multiple files in an archive to be
operated upon with only a few keystrokes. The archive
file mask overrides any selected files, and must be
confirmed before use. Set a blank or null archive file
mask to discontinue this feature. Often, when more
than one file box is open, the one in question must be
selected. By default the current file box is where the
files are archived, or dearchived.
_____________________________________________
Program Manager:
Any user program icons installed in GEN7 (Desktop F6
/ Icon Operations) may be executed from the Program
Manager. To run the Program Manager, type the
following command:
G7PMAN [/option1 /option2 ... ]
Where the valid options are:
/S Only display System icons.
/P Only display Program icons.
/U Only display User icons.
/T Only display Tutor icons.
/E Leave off the Editor icon.
/G Leave off the GEN7 icon.
/D Leave off the Shell icon.
/l Do not allow anyone to exit the Program
Manager with the Software Lock on. (The /l
is a slash followed by a small L character,
standing for noLeave, not the numeral 1).
The default (no options specified), is all categories.
Note the four options may be in any combination on the
command line to restrict the types of icons that are
available to run. This can be used to keep children from
running the adult's programs! Typically, all the
children's programs may be placed under the 'Tutors'
category, and the adult's programs in all others. The
Software Lock could be set to 'On', and the children
may play without the danger of costly accidents. Note
that the security level and groups specified when the
icons were created are still in effect in the Program
Manager, and the last person that logged on GEN7 is
the one in control of the Program Manager. This will
prevent any unauthorized use of installed icons in the
Program Manager also (a child could be logged on and
not be able to run the adult's programs). The help
strings set when icons are defined are displayed in the
info line at the bottom of the screen when the mouse
cursor passes over these icons. Three icons are placed
on the screen as the default:
Editor The editor installed in GEN7.
GEN7 GEN7 Desktop program.
Shell The DOS shell may be run from here.
To exit the GEN7 Program Manager, type Alt-X, just as
in GEN7, and answer 'Yes' at the prompt.
_____________________________________________
Command Line options:
GEN7 allows useful options on the command line.
Options are a single letter preceded by a '/'.
/nXX - Set to XX the maximum number of files
that GEN7 may have open.
/cXX - Maximum memos to allocate (for calendar).
/q - Only run the Daily Quote, and exit.
/a - Only run the Accountant, and exit.
/s - No screen saver.
/v - No voice feedback.
/b - Try to use a SoundBlaster for voice output,
and for playing *.CMF files.
/Xicon - Execute icon and exit. Ex: /XMATHTUTR.
Trouble Shooting
Problem: GEN7 says the configuration file is corrupt,
and only aborts, saying to reload the configuration file.
Solution: Try copying GEN7SAV.CFG into
GEN7.CFG first (if G7??.BAT has been used to start
GEN7). If this does not work, copy the GEN7.CFG
files from the original install diskette into the GEN7
directory. Another solution would be to make a backup
of the *.CFG files, and delete all these files from the
directory GEN7 is in. This will force GEN7 to create an
empty GEN7.CFG file for use.
Problem: GEN7 cannot find one of the files it needs to
startup.
Solution: GEN7 must be wholly contained within one
directory. When running GEN7, change to that
directory, and use one of the supplied batch files to
start it (G7??.BAT, G7PMAN.BAT, etc.).
Problem: The voice module or music does not work
properly after running GEN7 in a window under
Microsoft Windows.
Solution: Start GEN7 first, and then run Microsoft
Windows from an icon in GEN7, or better yet, run
Windows from the GEN7 Program Manager (this yields
the most available free memory to other applications).
Windows has no problem running from GEN7, but it
takes some of the system resources, and will not allow
GEN7 to use them.
Problem: One of the users has forgotten their
password.
Solution: Delete that user, and create a user with the
same attributes as the one deleted.
Problem: The Super User password has been lost, or
forgotten.
Solution: After unpacking and loading GEN7, add a
Super User that will not be modified or deleted, and put
the password somewhere safe. If anything goes wrong,
this login can always be used.
Problem: The calendar function will not move ahead or
behind the number of years you wish, but exits with an
error message.
Solution: Rerun GEN7 with the /nXX option, to
increase the number of files that may be open at one
time. Try a value like /n50 at first. Make the
corresponding value in the CONFIG.SYS file is large
enough to accommodate this (FILES=60, for example).
Quick Reference
F1................Help Ctrl-F1.........About GEN7
F2...............Files Ctrl-F2....Close all files
F3.....Multiple select Ctrl-F3....Multiple ON/OFF
F4.Directory functions Ctrl-F4...Create directory
F5......Disk functions Ctrl-F5...Disk information
F6.............Desktop Ctrl-F6..........Set alarm
F7....System functions Ctrl-F7........Play a song
F8......Configure GEN7 Ctrl-F8.Save configuration
F9..........Show clock Ctrl-F9...Show large clock
F10........Save screen Ctrl-F10.......Redo screen
While in Dropbox.........[Esc] will exit Dropbox/Menu
While in work area..[Esc] centers mouse in work area.
While entering a string..[Esc] cancels the operation.
Arrow keys move the mouse pointer in the work area.
Left mouse button is the same as [Enter].
Right mouse button is the same as [Esc].
Internal editor commands:
PgUp and PgDn scroll up and down one line.
Cntl PgUp and Cntl PgDn scroll up and down one page.
Cntl Y deletes the line containing the cursor.
Cntl J inserts a line at the cursor.
Home and End go to beginning and end of the line
containing the cursor.
Ins inserts one character at the cursor.
Del deletes one character under the cursor.
Esc exits the editor, and allows the file to be saved.
Alt S Searches forward for all occurrences of a given
string.
Alt B Searches Backward in the file for all occurrences
of a given string.
Alt R Replaces one string for another string that appears
below the cursor.
Alt P Replaces one string for another string that appears
above the cursor.
Ctrl moves the cursor to the word to the right.
Ctrl moves the cursor to the word to the left.
WARRANTY
Synergistic Consultants, Inc. (hereafter designated as
the 'author') provides no warranty expressed or implied
to cover the operation of any part of this software to
meet the expectations or the needs of the user.
Although we are delighted when it does!
The author shall not be liable for any damages, whether
direct, indirect, special or consequential arising from a
failure of this program to operate in the manner
desired by the user.
The author shall not be liable for any damage to data or
property which may be caused directly or indirectly by
the use of this program. IN NO EVENT will the author
be liable to the user for any damages, including any lost
profits lost savings or other incidental or consequential
damages arising out of your use or inability to use the
program, or from any claim by any other party.
Purchasing the program entitles the owner to software
updates and assistance by mail and/or phone. Warranties
covering the diskettes, or the return of the software for
any reason may vary from distributor to distributor.
License & Copyright Notice
GEN7, is copyrighted property of Synergistic
Consultants, Incorporated. The phrase: 'GEN7
Software' is the registered trademark of Synergistic
Consultants, Incorporated. PC-HyperText Architect,
PC-Applications Architect and PC-Language Architect
are a trademarks of Synergistic Consultants,
Incorporated. You are granted a limited license to use
this material. The evaluation version may be freely
copied unmodified, for a nominal fee. This program
contains security processing to prevent files from being
exchanged between the evaluation version and the
registered version. The registered version of this
program may not be copied or distributed except under
the conditions of the License for Registered Users. The
entry credits clearly state if this program is the
registered or evaluation version.
Acknowledgments
* AT, IBM, PS/1, and PS/2 are registered trademarks
and PC/XT is a trademark of International Business
Machines Corporation.
* Microsoft Windows and MS-DOS are a Registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
* UNIX is a trademark of Bell Laboratories.
* Turbo Pascal is a trademark of Borland International.
* Portions of the runtime library and data are licensed
from Borland International.
* Quick Pascal is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
* LHA is copyrighted by Haraysu Yoshizaki.
* PKZIP is a registered trademark of PKWare, Inc.
* ARCE is copyrighted by Wayne Chin and Vernon D. Buerg
* Portions of this program are licensed from Robert L. Steinbach.
* The Voice Module runtime and associated utilities are
licensed from Farpoint Software.
* Some of the Spooler is by David Bradley.
* Some of the Phone dialer is by Wayne E. Conrad.
* The File Finder is derived from code by C. C. Thompson.
* The voice output to the Sound Blaster was adapted
from source code written by John Ratcliff.
License for Registered Users
The owner may only:
1) Use this program on a single machine.
2) Make a machine readable backup copy of the
software to support the use of it on a single machine.
This program may be treated in this way like a book:
one person at a time may read the book, but two may
not use it simultaneously (one person may use this
program on a single computer, but two or more may not
use it on more than one computer, without additional
payment for each user).
3) Transfer the program and license to another party if
the other party agrees to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement. If it is transferred to another party, all
copies of the program and data not transferred to the
other party must be destroyed.
4) This program may not be resold except under
condition (3) above. This program may not be bundled
with other programs or hardware except with express
written permission of the Author.
About Registration:
Use of these products in a place of business requires
registration (unless the business is not making a profit
yet). Private use is allowed, but registration is required
when the ways and means exist, and the trial period has
expired. Please intend to register if these products are
used often (when possible, budget it). Use the Bible
Study products freely in cases where funds may be
lacking. The free Bible Study modules do not contain
any add on modules (the voice data is an exception).
System requirements:
100% IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/1, PS/2 compatible with
DOS 4.0 or better.
EGA or VGA graphics adapter, paper white monitor
may be used.
A Mouse is required, but the cursor keys may be used to
move the pointer also.
A fixed disk highly recommended but a high density
drive will work.
The CONFIG.SYS must contain: FILES=40, or greater.
At least 512K of RAM (Approx. 490k of free space).
It works nicely on an XT (8088), but it is not as quick
to startup, and some functions are slower.
The Voice Module will only work with a 286 10MHz
processor, or better.
Ordering Information and Prices:
Send to:
Synergistic Consultants, Incorporated
Post Office Box 18888
Huntsville, AL 35804-8888
1-800-828-8384 (Order, help, fax line)
To register any single module is $10.00!
0. GEN7 Desktop Only (Required)
1. Children's Tutorials 4. Voice Module
2. Accounting Module 5. Program Manager
3. Music DataBase 6. Compression Module
Register All Seven for $65.00.
Register more than one, subtract $5.00.
Add $10.00 for the GEN7 User's Guide.
Add $4.00 on all orders for S&H.
The Daily Quote feature includes many Christian
oriented quotations ((c) 1994, George W. Freas II).
The number of quotations is more than doubled after
registration.
A GEN7 Bible Study program is available with subsets
of both the Old and New Testaments without charge.
(Specify the Old or New Testament when ordering).
The Bible Studys are Freeware, the others are
Shareware, not free. All are copyrighted. Share
unmodified copies!
Call or write about group or educational discounts, and
other GEN7 Software products.