

                     README file for fx-Label Version 1.14

                           Copyright (C) 1989-1993 by

                  S T R A D I V A R I O U S   S O F T W A R E

                              All Rights Reserved


  This README file contains information on the following topics:

     - Unpacking the files.
     - Packing list of files.
     - How to order registered version.
     - Development history.
     - Using MAKEDOC.COM.
     - Using STYLTEST.BAT.
     - Using a Star LC200 colour printer.
     - Using print spooler FXSPOOL.COM.
     - Last minute notes.


  Unpacking the archive and installing the files
  ==============================================

  The fx-Label package is supplied by shareware vendors in a single 
  compressed archive named FXL114.LZH, along with a set-up program, 
  SETUP.EXE.  To unpack the archive, insert the diskette into your 
  floppy drive and type 

      A:SETUP

  (Type B:SETUP if the floppy is in drive B)

  Follow the instructions on the SETUP screen to unpack the files. 


  Packing list after unpacking:
  =============================

       File         Size     Date    Time *   Check value
                                
    README          12243  16-04-93   1:14a     ----
    FXL      EXE   143744  16-04-93   1:14a     ECA8
    FXL      CFG      558  16-04-93   1:14a     ----
    FXL44    DIC    13315  16-04-93   1:14a     E9E9
    FXL49    DIC    13890  16-04-93   1:14a     54F7
    FXL44    HLP    97623  16-04-93   1:14a     DEC8
    EXAMPLE  LBL     2121  16-04-93   1:14a     0426
    EXAMPLE  IDX      497  16-04-93   1:14a     36FD
    MAKEDOC  COM    10770   1-03-92   1:00a     AC5F
    STYLTEST BAT     4328  16-04-93   1:14a     8649
    ORDERFRM         2372  16-04-93   1:14a     DD92
    RETURNME         1808  16-04-93   1:14a     059A
    FXSPOOL  COM     9604   1-03-93   1:00a     1266
    CHECKER  COM     4974   1-03-92   1:00a     83C4

    * Time stamp represents version number.



  Use CHECKER.COM to verify that the files received are not 
  corrupted in any way.  Note, however, that FXL.CFG cannot be 
  checked, as it will be specific to your installation.  To check 
  a file, type:

      CHECKER filename.ext

  The value returned should equal the check value for the file.


  Ordering the registered version of fx-Label
  ===========================================

  Please print off the file ORDERFRM, fill it out, not forgetting to 
  specify the required diskette size and your FULL address, and send 
  it with your payment to the address shown on the form.


  Development history
  ===================

  Version 1.01  Printer driver routines revised and improved.  Other
                internal code changes.  Load option /Dn discontinued.

  Version 1.02  Added load option /NC to suppress running printer
                status checking.

  Version 1.03  Load option /NC now standard (no need to specify it).
  (08SEP90)     Printer default timeout value reduced from 5 to 1
                second.  Full path naming introduced.

  Version 1.04  Initial character of radio buttons now highlighted.
  (17SEP90)     Colour schemes revised.  Double quotes in access keys
                are converted to single quotes.

  Version 1.05  Bug Fix: If number_of_rows + row_gap was equal to 13,
  (08OCT90)     a spurious form-feed occurred one line too soon.  This
                has been fixed.

  Version 1.06  Bug Fix: Full path naming feature rejected an empty
  (30OCT90)     directory as "non-existent", thus no label file could
                be created in an empty directory.

  Version 1.07  Many internal changes and optimisation.  Change to
  (unreleased)  BASIC 7 PDS compiler.

  Version 1.08  Final beta copy of optimised version.
  (restricted
   release)












  Version 1.09  New features/enhancements:
  (01MAR92)     - Number of labels increased to 300.
                - Change print styles within label.
                - Store label parameters in label file.
                - Scrollable index of label access keys.
                - Hidden text in large labels now visible.
                - MAKEDOC.COM utility added.
                - CHECKER.COM utility added.
                - Support for LPT2.
                - Simplified printer error reporting.
                - Larger print buffer.
                - Smaller executable.
                - Separate input and output file paths for importing.

  Version 1.10  - Internal pilot version.
          1.11  - Internal pilot version (international).

  Version 1.12  New features/enhancements:
  (01MAR93)     - FXSPOOL.COM print spooler.
                - Expanded parameter configuration.
                - Ins key toggles Insert/Overwrite modes.
                - Help screens stay in current topic.
                - Pop-up window for label file selection.
                - Compact now preserves tag status.
                - SAVE block retained in file on exit.
                - Temporary left margin in PRINT label.
                - Range for left margin now 0 - 99.
                - Range for row gap now 0 - 30.
                - Colour schemes revised for VGA.

  Version 1.13  - Internal test version.

  Version 1.14  New features/enhancements:
  (16APR93)     - Range for column gap now 0 - 99.
                - Column gap is now based on character width of
                  default print style.
  

  Using MAKEDOC.COM
  =================
  fx-Label includes a comprehensive help file.  MAKEDOC.COM converts 
  this file into a Quick Guide that you can print off.  Run MAKEDOC, 
  then input the filename FXL44.HLP at the first prompt and any 
  filename of your choice at the second prompt.  You can include 
  drive specifier and path in the filenames if required.  After a 
  minute or two, you will have a printable Quick Guide, paginated to 
  60 lines per page.  Use the MS-DOS print spooler to print off the 
  Quick Guide.


  Using STYLTEST.BAT
  ==================
  The STYLTEST.BAT utility provided with this release enables you to 
  print out a sample of every supported print style on your printer.  
  On the Epson FX-105 model you will get 68 different styles.  Your 
  printer model may not be able to print all styles.





  Using a Star LC200 Colour Printer
  =================================
  This printer fully supports the Epson FX-850 as standard and 
  supports the Epson EX-800 colour printing commands.  You can embed 
  the appropriate colour change commands in your labels.  For example, 
  ((C))1 changes to red and ((C))0 changes to black.  See your
  printer's user guide for details of supported colours.


  Using FXSPOOL.COM
  =================
  The new print spooler has been written specially for fx-Label, but 
  can be used to print any kind of file.  FXSPOOL.COM has the 
  following features:
  
    - Queues up to four files.

    - Can be removed from memory if no longer required.

    - Can be used with MS-DOS 2.11.

    - Does not change or expand ANY characters, i.e. TAB (ASCII 09) 
      is sent exactly `as is', which is necessary when sending 
      control strings to the printer.


  FXSPOOL Commands
  ================

  If you only want to use FXSPOOL in conjunction with fx-Label, 
  simply load FXSPOOL without any parameters before you load 
  the label program.  If fx-Label has been configured to use the 
  spooler but FXSPOOL has not been loaded, a warning message will 
  be displayed.  If this happens, just exit fx-Label, run FXSPOOL, 
  then reload fx-Label. 
  
  To print a file from the MS-DOS command line, type the 
  following command:

      FXSPOOL [[drive:][path]filename]] [/LPT2]

  The program defaults to LPT1 and the current drive and directory, 
  so if your printer is attached to LPT1 and the current directory 
  contains the file XYZ.TXT, you can spool it by typing:

      FXSPOOL XYZ.TXT


  To remove FXSPOOL from memory, type:
  
      FXSPOOL /R

  This assumes that no other TSR (Terminate and Stay Resident) 
  program was loaded after FXSPOOL.







  To list the current contents of the spooler queue:

      FXSPOOL /L

  This presents a numbered list of the waiting print jobs.  The 
  currently executing print job, if any, is NOT included in the 
  list.  Note the job numbers in case you want to cancel a job.


  Cancel the currently executing print job by typing:

      FXSPOOL /C


  Cancel a waiting print job by typing:

      FXSPOOL /Cn

  where n is the job number.


  Although FXSPOOL is really designed to provide background 
  print spooling for fx-Label, you can use it to print off other 
  files, especially files containing printer control strings, such 
  as Hewlett-Packard LaserJet (PCL) codes.
 
  For example, if you are using a program such as Word for Windows 
  and use the Print to File option, the resultant print file may not 
  print correctly with PRINT.COM, because it may contain bytes that 
  would not normally be expected in a standard ASCII file.  You can, 
  of course, print such a file by copying it with the binary option 
  to the printer, e.g. 

      COPY /B MYFILE.BIN LPT1

  The disadvantage with this approach is that you must wait until 
  the file has been printed.  Using FXSPOOL, you could print off 
  the file, and carry on with other work, i.e.

      FXSPOOL MYFILE.BIN

  It does not matter what type of printer is connected, whether dot 
  matrix, laser or bubble-jet, as the spooler simply copies each and 
  every byte `as is' to the printer port.  Of course, if you copy 
  a file containing Epson printer control strings to a LaserJet, or 
  if a file containing PCL codes is printed on a dot matrix printer, 
  do not be surprised if your printout looks a little strange!














  General Notes
  =============
  
  1.  Please ensure that non-Epson printers are used in 'Epson- 
      compatible' mode when using fx-Label or STYLTEST.  This mode 
      may be termed `standard mode' on some makes of printer.  Also, 
      some printers (e.g. Star LC200) can be set on the printer 
      control panel to stay in the pitch and/or the font set on the 
      panel.  However, if set in this way, the pitch and/or font 
      will not be overridden by pitch or font change commands sent 
      by the computer.  To get the full benefits from fx-Label you 
      should ensure that the printer is set so that printer 
      commands issued by the software are accepted and acted upon.

  2.  Some earlier designs of PC used a monochrome screen connected 
      to a CGA adapter.  If the fx-Label program appears to display 
      certain data incorrectly or not at all, you should run the
      MS-DOS utility MODE to set the monitor to mono BEFORE running 
      fx-Label.  At the MS-DOS prompt, type MODE MONO {Enter}.  Note 
      that this is NOT necessary for the majority of PCs.

  3.  If you have a slow printer with only a small input buffer you
      may be experiencing 'Printer not ready' messages, especially
      on faster PCs, because the printer cannot keep up with the
      program.  If this is a problem, specify a large printer 
      timeout value (e.g. 200) in the parameter definition screens.

  4.  The column gap can now be set to any value in the
      range 0 - 99 and is based on the character width of the 
      initial or default print style that is in effect when you 
      start a new print job.  This change provides greater 
      flexibility when using very small labels, such as those used 
      to label 35 mm slides.  Note that changes to the print style 
      within a label (i.e. whilst a label is printing), using the 
      VPS codes, will not affect the column gap, which is only set 
      at the start of printing. 


  Registered users will be informed about updates when available.


                       <-- End of README -->


