`PolySili(CON:)'
                               ===============


                   a Superior Interface for Line Input...


This directory contains the Freely Distributable version of the ShareWare
program `PolySili(CON:)' -- a program for managing multiple Shell and CLI
processes conveniently from a single Command Window with a visible history.
This is a fully functional version, but missing some of the ancillary
modules of the complete system.  (For information on ordering the complete
version -- which also includes an expanded, printed manual -- see the end
of SiliCon.DOC and the `Reg_Form' file in this directory.)  The program
is compatible with both 1.3 and 2.0 releases of the Operating System.

To understand the reasoning behind `Sili(CON:)', look at the "History'n
Philosophy" document, and the "Concept" section at the beginning of
`SiliCon.DOC'.  (In case any confusion exists, `PolySili(CON:)' and
just plain `Sili(CON:)' are here one and the same: the `Poly' part is
simply to distinguish it from a much earlier single-process version -- and
to be cute!  The shorter name is nearly always used in the documentation.)

You will doubtless wish to try the program BEFORE adding the modules
needed by Sili(CON:) to your LIBS:, L:, and C: directories (and making
changes to your MountList etc.).  To do this, double-click on the `Install
SiliCon' icon, and answer `Yes' to the first question ("Trial Only?") after
the initial text instructions have completed.  After a moment, you should
see the Sili(CON:) command window (on the right) and a single controlled
Shell (on the left).  The command window will be active, so type a few
AmigaDOS commands there and observe how they are both executed by the shell
and preserved in the history list.  Double-click on one of the lines in the
history and it will be re-executed; a single click brings it down for
re-editing.  (You have a few extra editing keys beyond the normal Shell
ones: for example control-left or -right arrow skips whole words.)

To bring up a second controlled shell window, give the command `newsili';
a second shell window will appear, and become the one that gets new
commands by default.  (But notice how commands already in the history will
go to their original shell if re-invoked.)  To switch control between
Shells, use the right-hand menu available when Sili(CON:) is active. See
SiliCon.DOC for details.  I suggest you explore the other features of the
program with the aid of the manual at this point.

To remove a particular Shell, you can either give `endcli' as usual, or
use the `SHUT:' menu.  To close down Sili(CON:) completely, use the `QUIT'
item in the left-hand menu.  (Note: the `IP-Handler' used by Sili(CON:) is
a DOS device, and -- like other devices -- cannot be removed once mounted
until the next reboot of the machine; it in turn makes use of `ppipc.library',
so these two modules will hang on to about 8K of your memory until you turn
the machine off or restart. It also leaves behind a couple of temporary
directories in RAM:, `S_trial' and `C_install' that you can delete after
terminating Sili(CON:).)

Installing Sili(CON:) into your system on a more permanent basis is simply
a matter of running `Install SiliCon' again, but this time clicking on the
"Install" answer to the first query.  See the "Installation" section of the
manual for a full description.



Directory Contents (`.info' files omitted):

     Install SiliCon        -- an "executable directory" that contains
                            all the files and mechanisms needed to install
                            the system.  (You may drag it to any other
                            drawer or disk and it will remain functional.)

     History'n Philosophy   -- a short discourse on the motivation behind
                            the program.

     README                 -- this file.

     SiliCon.DOC            -- Manual for the Freely Distributable version.

     Reg_Form (no icon)     -- use this for sending your ShareWare donation
                            please.

     Sil-Icon               -- An icon for starting Sili(CON:) (or a new
                            shell controlled by it if it is already running).
                            The initial default directory of the resulting
                            shell is that in which the icon resides.
                            Requires both Sili(CON:) to be installed, and
                            Xicon to be available in `C:', to function.
                            (Xicon isn't installed by the automatic sequence,
                            but you can copy it from the `Install SiliCon'
                            directory yourself.)



I now find Sili(CON:)'s painless command-line interaction indispensable.
I hope you will too.  Have fun with it, anyway!

                                            Pete Goodeve

                                            June 1991

                                            3012 Deakin St #D
                                            Berkeley, CA 94705
                                            USA

                                            [email:
                                                pete@violet.berkeley.edu]