XURL
                                                    
                        ½ COPYRIGHT 1996
                               by
                          Gary A. Priest

XURL - The URL eXtractor 
------------------------
XURL (pronounced ZURL) extracts URLs such as http:// from a file and
adds them to a html document which can be loaded into a browser.
The URL can then be clicked on and the browser will jump straight to
the given URL.
This means that you no longer have to write them down and then re-key 
them into your browser. XURL makes it easy.


INSTALLATION
------------
1. Copy the XURL folder onto your hard drive.

2. Run XURL:
   (a) Set the 'Source' path to point to whichever file you are going to
       extract URLs from. The filename can include wildcards ie. *.* 
       to process all files.
   (b) Set the 'HTML' path to point to XURLHOME.HTM

3. Run CAB:
   (a) Set the homepage to XURLHOME.HTM (if you want it as your home page).
   (b) Set XURL.PRG as an external viewer for *.XRL (this enables you to
       click on the 'Run XURL' link and run XURL from within CAB.
       NB. XURLHOME.HTM and XURL.XRL must exist in the same folder.

4. Environment Variables:
   The following environment variables must exist for XURL to be able 
   to launch a web browser:

   eg. BROWSER=C:\CAB\CAB.APP
       EMAIL=C:\CAB\CAB.APP
       
   Single TOS users can either get hold of programs such as GEMENV 
   and SETENV or can use the file VARS.ENV. This file must exist in 
   the same path as XURL.PRG to be effective.
   Edit file VARS.ENV to point to whichever programs you wish to use.
   
   Magic users should add the following lines to MAGX.INF
   #_ENV BROWSER=C:\CAB\CAB.APP
   #_ENV EMAIL=C:\CAB\CAB.APP

   MultiTOS or Geneva users should add the following lines to GEM.CNF
   setenv BROWSER=C:\CAB\CAB.APP
   setenv EMAIL=C:\CAB\CAB.APP


USING XURL
----------
As long as the paths are set up correctly, using XURL is simple.
I always 'extract' emails and news to the same file from Oasis and have
the 'Source' path point to that. As long as you always use the same file
you shouldn't have to change the settings in XURL each time you
use it.

Click on 'Ok' and XURL will extract any URLs from the source file and
add them to the HTML file specified.

'Append' means that they will be added on to the end of any existing ones
whereas 'Replace' will replace the existing HTML file if it exists.

The resulting HTML file can be loaded into CAB manually or automatically
if you have it set to be your homepage.

Now, simply click on the link (assuming STiK is connected) and you'll go
straight to it.

XURL can be run from the desktop or from within CAB by clicking on
'Execute XURL' (remember to click reload on return to CAB).

Files can also be dragged onto the XURL program icon from the desktop.
This results in it being placed in XURL's 'Source' path ready for 
extraction. Files ending with .xrl or .XRL will be ignored so that 
XURL can be run from CAB as above.


LAUNCHING A BROWSER AFTER EXTRACTION
------------------------------------
The extracted .html file ie. (XURLHOME.HTM) can be viewed immediately 
after extraction in your web browser.

An environment variable (BROWSER=) must be installed (see installation 
notes) for this feature to work. This variable tells XURL the location 
of your web browser.

If the web browser is already in memory then VASTART is used else the 
web browser will be launched via shel_write.


ALL ABOUT THE NEW "ABOUT" WINDOW
--------------------------------
This is a bit gimmicky but is going to be a standard in all of my 
programs from now on. As the Pentium advertisements keep saying, this 
program is 'Internet Connected' :-)

Both the email address and the URL can be selected and copied to the 
GEM clipboard via (CTRL C or CTRL Insrt). This allows them to be 
pasted into any programs that support 'pasting' into their fields 
such as CAB. Saves all that typing!

For people who are really lazy, try double clicking on them.
The browser will be launched and passed a mailto: or http:.
Hence if you are ONLINE at the time, the web browser will go straight 
to my web site. Or in the case of the email address, you'll be all 
ready to start typing an email to me!
Two environment variables (BROWSER= & EMAIL=) must be installed (see
installation notes) for this feature to work. This variable tells XURL
the location of your web browser and of your email program.


THE USUAL DISCLAIMER
--------------------
This  program  is  freely redistributable for  use  by  absolutely 
anyone who feels they need it.

Any damage caused by use of this program either directly or
indirectly is the sole responsibility of the user.


FREEWARE
-------------------------------------
XURL is FREEWARE. I make no charge for using XURL although an email to
say that you find it useful might be nice. :-)

If you find any bugs in XURL or have any suggestions, then drop me an 
email.

Gary Priest
gary@the-gap.demon.co.uk
http://www.the-gap.demon.co.uk/