DOC 1.1 documentation file ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note - this is a plain ASCII text file but it contains multiple documents each separated by a title line beginning with two @ signs. You may find it most convenient to view or print this file using the DOC.EXE program supplied. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Title1:PC MAGAZINE Title2:Power Pack Volume 3 Copyright:(C)1993 Ziff-Davis UK Ltd @@Introduction Introduction PC Magazine Power Pack Volume 3 ------------------------------------------------------- Welcome! This disk is one of three making up the PC Magazine Power Pack, a collection of the top utilities from the PC Magazine utility library. Volume 3 contains mouse and keyboard, video display and printer utilities along with a some useful additional programs. Program Summary --------------- Video utilities --------------- ANSI Fast replacement for ANSI.SYS BROWSE Text file viewer CTYPE Set cursor size and shape DIMMER VGA brightness control FONTEDIT EGA/VGA font editor/loader MONO Force monochrome display SMOOTH VGA smooth scrolling file viewer VIDMODE Set video mode VIDPAGE Set video page Printer utilities ----------------- ASPRN Substitute characters for printing ENVELOPE LaserJet envelope address printer LANDSCAP/PORTRAIT Set LaserJet paper orientation LASERLST Print two-up on a LaserJet LPTPORT Swap LPT1 and LPT2 over PCBOOK Print booklets on a LaserJet PCSPOOL Print spooler PP Print text files neatly PRN2FILE Capture printer output in a file PRSWAP Convert PC characters to ASCII SETUP2 Pop-up printer configuration Mouse and keyboard utilities ---------------------------- KBX Easy access to unusual characters KEY-FAKE Simulate keystrokes MOUSECTL Adjust mouse sensitivity MOUSEKEY Emulate cursor keys with mouse NOPRTSC Disable PrintScreen key SPRINTER Neat keyboard accelerator STAYDOWN 'Sticky' shift keys STICK Lock cursor shape and size TOGGLE Control lock keys TYPEFAST/TPFST-AT Keyboard repeat accelerators VISITYPE Extended keyboard buffer Plus... ------- 386STEP Report 386 chip stepping level LITES Simulated RS232 breakout box LOG Record programs run on PC MEMMAP Display DOS memory map RECORDER Track file usage TYPEA TYPE any format of file UMBFILES Use upper memory for FILES= (DOS5) The PC Magazine Utility library ------------------------------- These programs are taken from the library of utility programs originally written for the US edition of PC Magazine. More information on these and the other programs in the library is available on-line in the ZiffNet forum on the CompuServe Information Service. Where do I go from here? ------------------------ For more information about installing and running these programs, see the 'Tech Notes' document. If you're reading this in the DOC documentation viewer provided, press the Left arrow key to go back to the document list on the left and then the down arrow key to highlight 'Tech Notes'. It is a good idea too to make sure that you read the instructions for each program fully before trying to use it. @@Tech Notes Technical Notes PC Magazine Power Pack ------------------------------------------------------- This document provides additional information on setting up and using these utilities and on using the documentation viewer program. Installing the programs ----------------------- To install these programs to a hard disk, use the install program provided (started by typing GO). Note that you can try out or use the programs directly from the floppy if you don't want to install them onto your hard disk straightaway. For example, to try the PRUNE program out, follow steps like these: * Insert the disk containing PRUNE (volume 2) * Enter A: (or B:) at the DOS prompt to log onto the disk * Enter PRUNE to run the PRUNE program Installing the programs from DOS -------------------------------- You can install all of the programs or just selected ones using the DOS COPY command in the normal way. For example, to install the FSIZE program, you might: * Insert volume 2, the disk with FSIZE on it * Enter A: (or B: if appropriate) to log onto the disk. * Enter COPY FSIZE.COM C:\UTILS to copy the FSIZE program to an existing UTILS directory on your hard disk drive C. Most of the programs use their own name for a filename (for example, the CHKFRAG program is in the file CHKFRAG.EXE). The programs will be either .COM or .EXE type files. Use the DOS DIR command to find out the filenames you need for your COPY command. Installing volumes 1, 2 and 3 together -------------------------------------- You can opt to install all three volumes in the Power Pack into a single directory on your hard disk so that all the programs are together. This is a convenient arrangement and saves disk space. To do this using the GO program, install each disk in turn but select the same directory, for example C:\PCMAG, each time. Some files, such as PACKING.LST and DOC.EXE, are installed by each volume. When you come to install volumes 2 and 3, GO will warn you that these files already exist as they will have been copied to your disk when you installed volume 1. You should choose the 'Skip this file' menu option to continue the installation. If you do install all three volumes to one directory, the DOC documentation program will present a menu of files when you start it with the command DOC. You can also switch between the manuals for the three disks by choosing 'Select document file' from the DOC menu. If you want the instructions for a particular program, you can still enter DOC followed by a space and the program name when you start it (for example, DOC ANSI). DOC will search all three manuals for the right document and open the correct file. If you know which file the document is in, you can reduce the search time by giving its name on the command line too, for example DOC MANUALS3 ANSI. Running the utilities --------------------- These utilities are all individual programs which should be started or loaded from the DOS prompt as needed by entering the relevant command (usually the program name followed by a space and any parameters that particular program needs). Read the documentation for a particular program before trying to use it. This will give a guide to the command format needed to use the program and in some cases a few examples to show you how it works. Please note that there is no overall menu or front- end for the utilities as this isn't really an appropriate way to use them. In general, the way to run a particular program is to change to the drive and directory where it is stored and then enter the relevant command. For example, if you want to run the DIRMATCH program, and you install these programs to a C:\HOTUTILS directory, you might enter: C: change to drive C CD \PCMAG2 change to the volume 2 directory DIRMATCH start DIRMATCH Putting the programs in your DOS command PATH --------------------------------------------- You can start DOS programs by either changing to the drive and directory they are in and then entering the relevant command or, if you have DOS 3.0 or later, giving the relevant drive and directory before the command name (e.g. enter C:\PCMAG2\PRUNE to start PRUNE from a PCMAG2 directory on drive C). However, it is most convenient if you place the programs in your DOS command search path... a directory that is mentioned in your current PATH command. You can do this by either: * Adding the directory the program is in to your normal PATH command in AUTOEXEC.BAT. For example, if the PATH command in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file reads C:\DOS;C:\WINDOWS and you have installed all the programs to a C:\PCMAG directory, you might change it to read C:\DOS;C:\WINDOWS;C:\PCMAG You should be careful when making changes to AUTOEXEC.BAT not to disturb other commands already in it. See your DOS manual for full instructions. or * Copying those programs you use often to a directory already in your PATH command. Many PCs already have a directory called \BIN or \UTILS for small utility programs like these. For example, if you have a \BIN directory on drive C and use the HC program often, copy it across with a command like this: COPY C:\PCMAG1\HC.EXE C:\BIN Loading programs from AUTOEXEC.BAT ---------------------------------- Some of these utilities are designed to be loaded or run whenever your PC is working by placing the relevant command in the AUTOEXEC.BAT startup file. Please bear in mind: * The program file must be available for AUTOEXEC.BAT to load it. If it is not in a directory already named in a PATH command earlier in AUTOEXEC.BAT, you must give the drive and directory where it is stored (e.g. C:\PCMAG1\ADDIT) or copy the file to the root directory of the hard disk. * The order in which resident programs are loaded can be significant. If there appears to be a conflict, try re-ordering the lines in AUTOEXEC.BAT. * Always keep a startup floppy to hand and a back-up copy of your AUTOEXEC.BAT file so that if problems arise you can restore things to normal. Using TSR (memory-resident) programs ------------------------------------ Some of these utilities are 'TSRs' or memory-resident programs. These load into memory when first started and remain there, either operating invisibly or waiting to be called up. TSR programs are very popular and those on this disk are carefully written and fully tested. However, the design of DOS means that there is always a chance of conflict between different TSR programs or between a TSR and your main software. To avoid problems, please note: 1. You should carefully test any new TSR program on your system before using it while doing your normal work. 2. Each TSR uses up memory. If you load too many at once, your normal software may not be able to run. 3. If you discover a conflict, loading the TSRs in a different order may resolve it. 4. You can sometimes change the 'hotkey' used to call up a TSR to avoid a conflict with keys used by your other programs. PACKING.LST file ---------------- A complete index of all the files on all three volumes is provided in a text file called PACKING.LST. This is arranged with details of one file per line so that it easy to search using a program such as the DOS FIND command. Use this file to help you locate particular programs or to identify the contents of various files. Viewing and printing the documentation -------------------------------------- A simple on-disk documentation viewer and printer is provided in the program file DOC.EXE. The documents for this are stored in the files MANUALS1.TXT, MANUALS2.TXT and MANUALS3.TXT, one for each volume. You can start DOC by changing to the disk and directory containing it and entering DOC. DOC command line ---------------- The easiest way to start DOC is just with the command DOC. However, you can add either the name of a particular documentation file or of a particular document to the command. For example, DOC MANUALS3 Starts DOC with MANUALS3.TXT loaded. This form is only needed if you have more than one document file in the current directory and want to load a particular one straightaway. DOC CALC Starts DOC with the instructions for CALC selected. It may take a moment or two for DOC to locate the relevant document. DOC MANUALS3 BROWSE Stars DOC with the MANUALS3 file, open at the instructions for BROWSE. Running DOC ----------- DOC displays a list of available documents down the left side of the screen and shows the text of the currently selected document on the right. To select documents, use the up and down arrow keys to move through the list on the left. Typing the initial letters of a document name will jump directly to the next matching document. Once you've found the document you want, press TAB or the right arrow key to move to the text of the document on the right. The cursor keys (Home, End, Up, Down, PgUp, PgDn) will now move through the text. Press the left arrow or TAB key again to go back to select other documents. The DOC menu ------------ To call up DOC's menu, press the ESC key. DOC presents various options which you can select with the cursor and Return keys or by pressing one of the highlighted letters. The options will vary depending on your PC's configuration and the document files available. Pressing ESC a second time cancels the menu. Quitting DOC ------------ Choose the Quit option from the menu to leave the DOC program and return to DOS. Colour display off ------------------ Choose Colour display off from the menu to ask DOC to work in black-and-white. You may wish to do this if you're using a laptop with an LCD screen that doesn't show colours well or with some greyscale or CGA composite video monitors. This menu option does not appear on PCs that do not have a colour capability. Extended screen on ------------------ Choosing this menu option switches the display to 43 or 50 lines so that you can see more text without scrolling. You can go back to the normal display by choosing Extended screen off subsequently. This menu option is only available on EGA or VGA equipped PCs. If you have a Super VGA display card and a program to set extended text modes, such as 60 lines deep, you might like to try setting an appropriate mode before starting DOC... the program will operate correctly with many non-standard Super VGA formats. Fast screen on -------------- This menu option only appears on PCs fitted with CGA or equivalent displays. Normally the DOC program deliberately slows down on this type of display to prevent the screen flicker or 'snow' that some CGA displays can suffer from. If your system does not suffer from snow, choose 'Fast screen on' for a faster screen display. There's no harm in trying this option either way on your PC... snow does no harm and you might prefer to have a fast display that flickers to a slow one that doesn't. Print Document -------------- Choose this menu option to print the currently selected document. A menu appears from where you can make four print settings, choose Go to start printing or Cancel to return to viewing documents. You may need to alter the settings to suit your system before choosing Go as follows: 1. Output port This is the printer interface that DOC should print the document to. By pressing O you can step through the ports fitted to your computer. The default LPT1, the first parallel printer port, is correct for most PCs. DOC can work with a serial printer (COM1 or COM2) if you have one but you must make sure that the port is correctly set up (e.g. with a command such as MODE COM1:9600,n,8,1,p) BEFORE running DOC. X-On/X-Off handshaking is automatically provided for serial printers. You can set the output port to "FILE". In this case, DOC will ask for the name of a disk file when you start printing and will then print to disk rather than to a printer. If the file you name already exists, DOC will append pages to it. DOC does not support PostScript printers. If you have one of these, you might like to use the print to FILE option and then use a PostScript conversion program or word processor to print the resulting file. 2. Lines per page This is the number of printable lines on each page on your printer. DOC will print with this set incorrectly but will not be able to put page breaks and headers in the right place. The default is 70 lines for A4 fan-fold paper at 6 lines per inch, typical of many dot-matrix printers. Other common values are 64, 66 and 72. If you have difficulty with this setting, a workaround is to set the form-length correctly on your printer, enter a small number of lines per page (e.g. 60) and then select the "Use form-feeds" option. 3. Use form-feeds Set this option to Yes if you're using a LaserJet- style printer or any printer with the form-length set correctly. DOC will work with this option set to No by counting output lines but this is slower. 4. Pause between pages Set this option to Yes if you're feeding single- sheets to the printer... DOC will pause for you to get the next sheet ready between each page. Select document file -------------------- This menu option only appears if you have more than one DOC documentation file in the current directory when you start DOC, for example if you install all three volumes to the same directory on your hard disk. Using this option, you can switch from one file to another without leaving DOC. Using document files without DOC -------------------------------- The DOC document files can be accessed by programs other than DOC though this may not be as convenient. They are plain ASCII text files, with a line-feed/carriage return pair at the end of every line so they can be viewed with normal DOS commands such as TYPE MANUALS1.TXT | MORE or COPY MANUALS1.TXT PRN, text editor programs or other file viewers and browsers. The only unusual aspect is that the file contains multiple documents separated by lines beginning with two @ signs and a title for that particular document. DOC uses these to provide its list of available documents. If you're using the files outside of DOC, you may wish to break them up at these lines. Customising the utilities ------------------------- Some of these utilities are compact assembly language .COM programs to make them small, fast and efficient. This means that some of the programs do not include built-in configuration options. However, if you're experienced with DEBUG, you can 'patch' the programs to customise their operation. The manual for each program will describe the ways in which it can be customised but typically you can do so to: * Customise the screen colours the program uses (if the display is hard to read on your screen). * Change the 'Hotkey' used by one of the TSR programs to avoid a conflict with your other software. * Change defaults such as sorting order, size of records and so on. To customise a utility, follow this general procedure in conjunction with the manual for the program. (You SHOULD NOT ATTEMPT this if you are not confident about using DEBUG as a mistake may stop the program from working or even crash your PC.) 1. Always MAKE A COPY of the .COM file for the program in question as a back-up. For example, assuming you were patching a program called POP-CAL.COM, you might enter: COPY POP-CAL.COM ORIGCAL.COM 2. Start DEBUG with the name of the program to modify. You must have the DOS DEBUG program available for this to work. For example, enter DEBUG POP-CAL.COM DEBUG loads the file and presents a - prompt. 3. Use the DEBUG E command to modify the areas of the program as described in its documentation. For example, assume the hotkey for POP-CAL can be changed by entering a new keyboard scan code at location 174. If we wanted to use Alt-P rather than Alt-C we can see from the scan code (SS) table below that we need to change this to code 19. This can then be entered in DEBUG with: E174 19 4. After making all the necessary changes, save the file back onto disk with the W command. Enter W 5. Now leave DEBUG. Enter Q 6. Now load and test out the new program. If it no longer works, delete it, restore your back-up copy (e.g. COPY ORIGCAL.COM POP-CAL.COM) and then try again. The tables below list the values necessary for customising colours and hotkeys. Keyboard scan codes for alternative hotkeys (Values for SS) ----------------------- Scan Scan Key Code (hex) Key Code (hex) -------- ---------- --------- ---------- Esc 01 Z 2C 1 ! 02 X 2D @ 2 03 C 2E # 3 04 V 2F $ 4 05 B 30 % 5 06 N 31 ^ 6 07 M 32 & 7 08 < , 33 * 8 09 > . 34 ( 9 0A ? / 35 ) 0 0B R Shift 36 _ - 0C PrtSc * 37 + = 0D Alt 38 Bkspace 0E Spacebar 39 Tab 0F CapsLk 3A Q 10 F1 3B W 11 F2 3C E 12 F3 3D R 13 F4 3E T 14 F5 3F Y 15 F6 40 U 16 F7 41 I 17 F8 42 O 18 F9 43 P 19 F10 44 { [ 1A NumLock 45 } ] 1B ScrlLk 46 Enter 1C 7 Home 47 Ctrl 1D 8 UpArr 48 A 1E 9 PgUp 49 S 1F - 4A D 20 4 LArrow 4B F 21 5 4C G 22 6 RArrow 4D H 23 + 4E J 24 1 End 4F K 25 2 DnArr 50 L 26 3 PgDn 51 : ; 27 0 Ins 52 " ' 28 . Del 53 ` 29 SysReq 54 L Shift 2A F11 57 | \ 2B F12 58 Shift Mask codes for alternative hotkeys (Values for MM) ----------------------- Value Alt Ctrl L-Shift R-Shift ----- --- ---- ------- ------- 0 1 X 2 X 3 X X 4 X 5 X X 6 X X 7 X X X 8 X 9 X X A X X B X X X C X X D X X X E X X X F X X X X X signifies that this key must pressed. For example, to use Left Shift and Right Shift for the hotkey, the value to use for MM would be 3. Colour values --------------- Black 0 Blue 1 Green 2 Cyan 3 Red 4 Magenta 5 Brown 6 Lt Gray 7 Dark Gray 8 Lt Blue 9 Lt Green A Lt Cyan B Orange C Violet D Yellow E White F A full colour value is two hex digits, the first for the background colour and the second for the foreground. For example, bright white on a dark blue background is 1F. Do not choose light colours (values larger than 7) for the background as it will produce a blinking display in most of the programs. @@386STEP 386STEP Jeff Prosise 386 chip stepping level identification Version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Displays the "stepping level" of the 386 chip in use. Format ------ 386STEP Remarks ------- Not all 386 chips are alike. Earlier ones came with a few bugs that were fixed in later chip versions or "steps." You can find out which version you have by running 386STEP, which identifies the stepping level of a 386 chip as: B0 or earlier B1 or D0 or higher This information may be useful if you are having problems with 386-specific software though do not assume that an older 386 chip is necessarily the cause of difficulties. The author thanks Bob Moote and Richard Smith of Phar Lap Software for their advice and assistance in preparing the code for this program. Copyright (c) 1992 Jeff Prosise @@ANSI ANSI Michael J. Mefford Fast, convenient replacement for ANSI.SYS version 1.3 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- A memory-resident utility that enables selectable use of the extended screen and keyboard control sequences that normally require loading the ANSI.SYS device driver. Unlike ANSI.SYS, ANSI.COM supports all video modes, permits sizing and clearing the key-assignment buffer, and provides high-speed screen updating. Format ------ ANSI [FAST | SLOW][ON | OFF][/B nnn][/C][/U] Loads ANSI resident program. Remarks ------- ANSI.COM may be installed either at the DOS prompt or through an AUTOEXEC.BAT file. It will not load itself if ANSI.SYS has already been loaded as part of a CONFIG.SYS file. ANSI.COM will not load multiple copies of itself, so its command name may be invoked repeatedly in the same session to change user-selectable parameters. Upon loading, ANSI defaults to the FAST and ON status parameters. For use with IBM CGA video cards (where direct screen writes produce "snow") or with some screen capture software, the SLOW (screen writing via the BIOS, as with ANSI.SYS) status option may be selected. Entering ANSI OFF disables recognition of the ANSI control codes. The ANSI.COM key assignment buffer defaults to a size of 200 bytes. The buffer may be increased to as much as 60K or decreased to 0 bytes by entering ANSI with the /B switch and the desired number of bytes as nnn. Resizing the buffer after initial installation requires deinstallation, which may be accomplished using the /U switch. Current key assignments are lost if the buffer is resized. The buffer can be cleared without resizing by invoking ANSI with the /C switch. The full set of IBM-ANSI control sequences is printed in the DOS Technical Reference manual. @@ASPRN ASPRN Robert L. Hummel Printer character substitution Version 1.2 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Defines up to 26 2-character text macros that will be replaced in the output to the printer by user-designated control strings. Format ------ ASPRN [ /U | [/S] [/Mx | /Cnnn] ] Remarks ------- ASPRN is a memory-resident (TSR) macro processor and editor that intercepts characters on their way to the printer. When it detects a user-designated macro key combination--the default is a tilde (~) followed by a letter--it substitutes the user-designated printer control codes. Example ------- The HP LaserJet series II uses the Escape sequence Esc&l0O to cause it to print in portrait mode. Many word processors cannot send the actual ASCII ESC character (027d, or 1Bh), or could not send a needed Escape sequence in the middle of a line of text. They could, however, send ~A, to which the user could assign the sequence, and ASPRN would make the substitution. To make or change macro assignments, enter ASPRN /S. Both an optional descriptive name and the codes that constitute the macro itself can be entered and edited on screen, in any video mode with a screen width greater than ten characters. The bottom line of the screen indicates the use of the various editing keys. The ASCII ESC character is entered by hitting the Esc key; it appears on screen as a left-pointing arrow. Pressing F7 saves all macros and descriptive names entered under the name ASPRNNEW.COM, which may either be loaded as such or renamed. The default macro identifier (the tilde) may be changed by invoking ASPRN with either the /Mx or the /Cnnn switch. The x is any printable ASCII character, e.g. the # or & symbol. The /Cnnn switch is used if a non- printing character is to be used for the macro identifier. To use the backspace character (ASCII 008) instead of the tilde, for example, you would enter ASPRN /C008. To make the macro identifier change permanent, use both the /S and the /M (or /C) options. Subject to the usual TSR deinstallation limitations, ASPRN may be uninstalled from memory by invoking it with the /U switch on the command line. It should be loaded after any print spoolers or any redirection made using the MODE command. @@BROWSE BROWSE Charles Petzold Browse text files on-screen Version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- BROWSE displays any plain text file on-screen and lets you scroll forward and backward without having to start a word processing program. Format ------ BROWSE [d:][path]filename[.ext] [/W] Remarks ------- The DOS TYPE command does not permit you to scroll ahead or go back to previously displayed material in a file. It also exits at the first instance of Ctrl-Z (ASCII 26, conventionally used as an End-of-File marker), making it impossible to scan binary (e.g. .COM) files for error messages, copyright notices, and the like. BROWSE overcomes these shortcomings, giving you the chance to go immediately to the top or to the end of a file (the Home and End keys, respectively), to the succeeding or previous screen (PgUp and PgDn), or to move up or down a line at a time (Up Arrow or Down Arrow). To return to DOS, simply press the Escape key or Ctrl-Break. Wide displays, e.g. a spreadsheet file, are not broken at 80 columns, as with TYPE. BROWSE ignores carriage returns (ASCII 13), breaking lines only on line feeds (ASCII 10). The Right Arrow key scrolls the display to the right in eight-character increments (see Note 3 below) to view wide displays; the Left Arrow key returns you immediately to column zero. BROWSE expands tab characters (ASCII 9) to the next eight-character boundary, but does no other character processing unless the /W parameter is specified. Use of the /W option permits using BROWSE with WordStar files. Notes ----- 1. BROWSE can run under TopView or Windows; specify "writes directly to screen" in the .PIF and use the default 52K memory requirement. (The program actually requires only approximately 33K to run.) 2. BROWSE is compatible with the IBM Monochrome, CGA, EGA and VGA displays, and will run in the 43- or 50-line mode. Files prepared with word-processors that employ a one-line-per-paragraph format (such as Microsoft Word and XyWrite) may require excessive right scrolling, however. 3. BROWSE can be patched with DEBUG so that its right-scroll jumps by more than the default eight characters. The address to patch is 10F in the .COM file. After entering DEBUG BROWSE.COM type: E 10F and the default value (08h) will appear. Type the desired hexadecimal number (28 for a 40-column increment; 50 for an 80-column increment) and press . Then type W to write to the disk and Q to quit DEBUG. 4. Requires DOS 2.0 or later. @@CTYPE CTYPE Jeff Prosise Cursor set program Version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Recovers the cursor when it disappears upon leaving an application and permits setting cursor shape. Format ------ CTYPE [/xy] Remarks ------- The optional /xy command line parameter consists of two letters ranging from A to the letter that represents the maximum number of scan lines in the current video mode character box. This is N for a Hercules or an EGA in 25-line mode (14 scan lines), and H for an EGA in 43-line mode or a CGA in text mode (8 scan lines). Entered without the /xy parameter, CTYPE brings up a selection frame in which, as the cursor is moved by the arrow keys, the cursor size/shape changes. Pressing the Spacebar at this point alternately shows the cursor against a sample line of text and returns to the selector frame. Pressing Enter selects the cursor shape shown and returns to the command line prompt. When the cursor is temporarily lost, as when exiting from SideKick (or other TSR utility) while in a 43-line EGA mode, entering CTYPE will restore the cursor. Note ---- Many applications programs reset the cursor internally for their own purposes. These settings will supersede those of CTYPE. One way to restore the CTYPE cursor on exit is to run such programs from a batch file whose last line resets the desired CTYPE parameters. A handier alternative is to use the STICK.COM utility contained on this disk. @@DIMMER DIMMER Douglas Boling and Jeff Prosise Software VGA brightness control Version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- To provide software control of VGA monitor brightness interactively from the keyboard, through parameters entered on the command line, or at a specified interval after the last keystroke. Format ------ DIMMER [[+|-]adj] [/D time [+|-]adj] [/V[+|-]] [/U] Remarks ------- Entered without any of its optional parameters, DIMMER uses the Alt-Up-Arrow and Alt-Down-Arrow keys to increase or decrease screen brightness. The original intensity level can be restored at any time by pressing Alt-Home. DIMMER is a memory-resident program and can be uninstalled by being run with the /U switch. The adj parameter accepts integer values from +63 to -63. Although relative to the intensity level in effect when the program loads, a value of -63 will completely blank the screen and +63 will wash out almost all colours. The time parameter sets the number of minutes (up to 65,534) to allow after the last keystroke. Used in conjunction with the optional /D switch and an adj value (usually -63), the time parameter is normally used when it is desired to blank the screen after a specified period of keyboard inactivity. Any subsequent keypress will restore the screen to its original level, but as this keystroke will be fed to the application, it is safest to hit an unaccompanied Ctrl, Alt, or Shift key. Once active, the screen-saver option can be cancelled by entering DIMMER /D 0. With applications that do not write directly to the video BIOS, a blanked screen can be automatically restored when the program attempts to update the display. This is accomplished by using the optional /V (or V+) switch. By default, DIMMER restores the intensity level only when a keystroke is entered, which is equivalent to running the program with a /V- command-line switch. @@ENVELOPE ENVELOPE Ron Saidikowski Pop-up laser envelope printer Version 1.1 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- A memory-resident utility that captures a name and address field from the screen and prints it, with an optional return address, on an envelope fed into a laser printer. Format ------ ENVELOPE [/U] /Pxx /Ln [/R] Remarks ------- Entered without command line parameters, ENVELOPE defaults to /PL1 (printer port LPT1:) and /L2 (LaserJet II or compatible printer with centre-feed envelope slot. Other values for xx are L2, L3, C1, C2, C3, or C4 (for LPT2: or 3, or COM1: to COM4:). The /L switch with a value of 1 for n is used for the older LaserJet or LaserJet+ (or compatibles), whose envelopes feed at the bottom of a landscape page. The default Alt-E hotkey initiates the defining/printing process. The cursor keys are used to position the cursor on the upper-left corner of the name/address to be printed, and pressing Enter anchors it. The cursor keys are then used to define (highlight) the recipient's address field, which may be up to six lines deep and any displayable number of characters in length. Pressing Enter then presents a choice between envelope sizes (F1 for small envelopes, F2 for large, No. 10 size). F3 toggles a selection highlight for printing or not printing a return address. Pressing Enter then prints the envelope inserted in the laser printer's manual feed slot. At any point short of printing, Esc can be used to exit. The optional /R command line switch permits storing a return address of up to three lines of 40 characters. This address may be stored (and updated) as a permanent part of ENVELOPE.COM, if desired, or it may be used only during a single session. ENVELOPE.COM is normally installed via the user's AUTOEXEC.BAT file. If it is the last terminate-stay-resident utility loaded, it can be uninstalled at the DOS prompt by being invoked with the optional /U switch. @@FONTEDIT FONTEDIT Michael J. Mefford EGA/VGA font editor and loader Version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Permits modifying/creating EGA or VGA character fonts with keyboard or mouse and saving the new fonts as .COM files which can later be loaded from the DOS prompt. Format ------ FONTEDIT Remarks ------- If no font filename and path are supplied as the FONTEDIT uses the currently-displayed font, beginning with the letter A. Pixels in the Edit window are toggled on or off with the spacebar or with left and right mouse buttons. The highlighted cursor may be moved within the Edit window by mouse or with the cursor Arrow keys, and it can be "dragged" to adjacent pixels by holding down a Shift key or mouse button. Editing changes are saved by pressing F4, and opportunity is provided to supply a missing filename. FONTEDIT will supply the requisite .COM extension automatically. Esc quits the program. Pressing F5 copies the original character template to Edit window. New characters to edit can be loaded by pressing the appropriate key on the keyboard, by pressing the PgUp and PgDn keys (which move in ASCII sequence), or by holding down the Alt key while typing the ASCII code on the numeric keypad, then releasing Alt. The Tab key toggles the cursor between the Edit window and the full Character Set window. Highlighted characters in the latter can be loaded for editing by pressing Enter or one of the mouse buttons. The F1, F2, and F3 keys affect all characters within the entire font. F1 (or the Del key) deletes a whole row of pixels, and is used to shorten the height of the character box. The default (and maximum) character box size is 8 pixels wide (this cannot be changed) by 14 pixels high (EGA) or 16 pixels high (VGA). A 43-line EGA font uses a character box of 8 by 8 pixels, for example. When using F1 (or Del) confirmation of the deletion is required. F2 inserts a blank row of pixels throughout the entire font (maximum height permitting), and F3 copies each character's current pixel map, as, for example, to thicken a serif. Modified or created fonts are loaded simply by entering their names at the DOS prompt. Normal operation is restored by entering any video mode command, for example MODE CO80, on a colour system or MODE MONO in monochrome. Applications that reset the video mode on entry or when returning from DOS also restore the default ROM font and cannot be used successfully with FONTEDIT. @@KBX KBX Jeff Prosise Provides access to PC extended characters Version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Allows entering extended-ASCII line-drawing, foreign language, math, and science symbols in word processing programs and editors that would not otherwise support them. Format ------ KBX Remarks ------- KBX is a memory-resident utility that is normally loaded as one of the command lines in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Once loaded, pressing Alt-Space pops up a window that displays the normal PC keyboard layout. While this window is on-screen, pressing NumLock shows the key locations for one of the two extended-ASCII sets; pressing ScrollLock displays the other extended-ASCII set. Esc closes the display and returns to any active applications program. To enter the extended-ASCII characters, hold down the NumLock (or ScrollLock) key and press the key at the appropriate position. Note that the single-line (NumLock) and double-line (ScrollLock) box-drawing characters are arranged around the outside of the numeric keypad. Using the NumLock and ScrollLock keys as additional "shift" keys avoids conflicts with applications programs that normally use Alt- key and Ctrl-key combinations. The normal Ctrl-NumLock (pause) and Ctrl-ScrollLock (break) combinations continue to work without change. When KBX is loaded, however, Shift- NumLock and Shift-ScrollLock are used to toggle the NumLock and ScrollLock states. KBX is not compatible with word processors that normally make use of the 8th ("high") bit for their own purposes (e.g., WordStar) or that utilise their own keyboard handlers (e.g., XyWrite). Only experimentation will show whether the program will work with a given editor. Notes ----- Since different printers vary in the characters they output when presented with extended-ASCII codes, you must determine either from your manual or by experiment whether your printer's character set is compatible with that of the PC. @@KEY-FAKE KEY-FAKE Charles Petzold Simulates keystrokes Version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Supplies the series of keystrokes needed to initialise an application program on boot-up. Format ------ KEY-FAKE ["xyz"] [nn] [0] [@F] PROGNAME Characters typed within a pair of single or double quotes ("xyz") are normal ASCII-character keystrokes. Numbers (nn) not in quote marks are ASCII decimal codes, e.g., 13 (Enter), 26 (Ctrl-Z), or 27 (Esc). Numbers preceded by @ are the extended ASCII decimal codes (128 through 255) generated by the Alt keys, cursor keys, Ins and Del keys, and the Function keys (e.g. @61 is the F3 keystroke). The 0 is used with programs that check the keyboard buffer (it tells such programs the buffer is clear, so the programs will treat the succeeding keystroke separately). Remarks ------- KEY-FAKE is of greatest use in batch files used to call up application programs. For example, to enter Lotus's 1-2-3 and set it for File Retrieve, the following .BAT file would be appropriate: CD \LOTUS KEY-FAKE 0 13 0 13 0 13 0 13 0 13 "/FR" LOTUS This takes you past the necessary initial carriage returns and /FR command without having to type them in each time. Similarly, if each time you enter BASICA you want to have a blue border, blue background, and yellow letters, you would create a batch file, B.BAT, containing the lines KEY-FAKE "COLOUR 14,1,1" 13 "CLS" 13 BASICA Notes ----- 1. The keystroke sequence stored by KEYFAKE is limited to 124 characters and must be on one continuous command line. Keystrokes not supported by PC BIOS (e.g., Alt-Home) cannot be stored. 2. Programs such as XyWrite II that get keyboard information directly from the hardware keyboard interrupt will bypass KEY-FAKE. KEY-FAKE will also not work well when you are on-line using a communications program. 3. KEY-FAKE is memory resident, but can be executed multiple times in the same session without reloading. However, if nested batch files cause it to be re-invoked before its initially stored keystroke sequence has been exhausted, the remaining initial keystrokes will be lost. @@LANDSCAP & PORTRAIT LANDSCAP & PORTRAIT Paul Somerson Select landscape or portrait printing on an HP Laserjet Version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- These two tiny programs switch an HP LaserJet between portrait format printing and landscape format. portrait mode. Use this to restore normal printing after using the LANDSCAP program on this disk. Format ------ LANDSCAP (selects landscape printing) then PORTRAIT (returns to portrait printing) Remarks ------- Make sure your LaserJet is ready before entering these commands. @@LASERLST LASERLST Michael Holmes and Bob Flanders Two-up printer on HP LaserJet printers Version 1.1 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Formats text files so that two standard-sized pages will print side-by-side on a single landscape mode page when using an HP LaserJet (or compatible) laser printer. Format ------ LASERLST infile [outfile] [/Tn] Remarks ------- The infile parameter designates the text file(s) to be printed. DOS "wildcards" (* and ?) can be used to designate multiple files, and a drive and path may also be included as part of infile. By default, LASERLST sends its output to the standard DOS printing device, which is normally LPT1:. The optional outfile parameter can be used to direct the output either to another DOS device (e.g., LPT2:), or to a disk file instead. The optional /Tn switch causes each tab character (ASCII 9) in the infile to be replaced in the outfile with n spaces. The default value of n is 8; other values up to 16 may be used. The outfile produced by LASERLST contains the requisite formatting and printing Escape sequences used by the HP LaserJet series printers. The infile is printed in landscape mode with two 66-line x 81-character pages on each physical page. Files suitable for processing by LASERLST should be ASCII files that do not contain Escape sequences of their own and that do not require any specific word processor's formatting codes. Underlining produced by a backspace and character overstrike is supported, however. LASERLST may be used with files whose line lengths exceed 81 characters if it is understood that lines will be wrapped automatically at their 82nd character and that no provision is made for word wrap. LASERLST is especially suitable for printing program listings, readme files, and rough drafts of text to be edited. Updated ------- 8/24/90 To fix problem with IID, IIP and other series II near compatibles @@LITES LITES Jeff Prosise Display RS232 status Version 1.1 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Replaces an RS232 breakout box by displaying the status of the DTR, DSR, RTS, CTS, DCD, and RI pins; also indicates the data rate, parity, number of data bits, and number of stop bits of the serial port being monitored. Format ------ LITES [comport] [U] Remarks ------- LITES is a memory-resident utility and may be loaded either at the DOS prompt or as part of an AUTOEXEC.BAT file. If no communications port is specified, the default comport monitored is COM1. After loading, alternately pressing Alt-L (the default hotkey) pops up and cancels the on-screen display, which is located (by default) in the upper right corner of the screen. LITES can be deinstalled by entering it with the optional u (or U) parameter, which simplifies changing the comport to be monitored. (Do not precede the U with a slash.) @@LOG LOG Jeff Prosise Keeps a log of computer activity Version 1.1 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- A memory-resident utility that automatically maintains a record of computer activity suitable for tax records, client billing, and usage analysis. Format ------ LOG [filespec] [/U] Remarks ------- Entered without the optional filespec parameter, LOG opens a file named USAGE.LOG in the root directory of the current drive. The user may over-ride any or all of the drive, path, and filename defaults by supplying his desired parameters as the filespec option when LOG is initially run. Although it can be executed from the DOS prompt, LOG is normally loaded by being included as a line in an AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Provided it is either the only or the last memory-resident program loaded, LOG can be uninstalled by executing the command with the /U parameter. After listing the date, LOG files provide a single-line column display of start, end, and elapsed times for each program run. The program name and any parameters entered with it are also logged, as is the "level" of DOS activity. The original DOS level is 0; a program running under DOS is level 1; invoking a secondary copy of COMMAND.COM by shelling out from the program to DOS, represents level 2, etc. LOG can track up to 10 levels of DOS activity. Time spent at the DOS prompt is identified as . LOG does not record the use of internal DOS commands (DIR, CD, REN, for example), nor command calls that fail ("Bad command or filename"). LOG produces pure ASCII files that can be TYPE'd to the screen or to a printer and that can be used with a browse utility or text editor. @@LPTPORT LPTPORT John Dickinson Swaps LPT1 and LPT2 over Version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Permits alternate use of two parallel printers (e.g. letter- and draft-quality units) with software that is normally limited to using LPT1:. Format ------ LPTPORT Remarks ------- DOS and many programs print, by default, to the first parallel printer on the PC, known as 'LPT1'. The DOS MODE command will let you redirect LPT1 to a serial printer but it will not switch to another parallel printer. To use a second parallel printer in this case, LPTPORT provides a software toggle that interchanges the internal DOS I/O addresses of LPT1 and LPT2. After entering the LPTPORT command, a second printer, connected to LPT2 will receive program output nominally directed to LPT1. Entering the LPTPORT command a second time restores the original port assignments. Notes ----- 1. Certain internal print-spooling programs, such as those supplied with add-on memory board cards, read the port address assignments at boot-up time and do not thereafter look at the low-memory area of DOS to find them. With such programs you will have to run LPTPORT before the print spoolers are loaded in order to change the effective port assignments. @@MEMMAP MEMMAP Earl F. Glynn Display DOS memory map Version 2 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- To display all allocated memory blocks, including memory-resident (TSR) programs and their associated environment memory blocks. Optionally, also displays the variables in each environment block. Format ------ MEMMAP [/V] Remarks ------- Entered at the DOS prompt without its optional /V parameter, MEMMAP produces a display similar to that shown below: Memory MemMap (Version 2, May 89) Control Block Size Block [Bytes] Owner Segment Hex Decimal Segment Type Name ------ ----- ------- ------- ------------ ------------- 09CF 14A30 84528 0008 System 1E73 00D30 3376 1E74 Program 1F47 00030 48 0000 Free Space 1F4B 000A0 160 1E74 Environment 1F56 00030 48 D001 Environment C:\CHSTACK.COM 1F5A 000B0 176 1F67 Environment C:\EDITOR.EXE 1F66 354C0 218304 1F67 Program C:\EDITOR.EXE 54B3 000B0 176 54C0 Data 54BF 00D30 3376 54C0 Program 5593 000A0 160 54C0 Environment 559E 000B0 176 55AB Environment D:\911\MEMMAP.EXE 55AA 02920 10528 55AB Program D:\911\MEMMAP.EXE 583D 47C20 293920 0000 Free Space Note that under DOS 2.10, 3.3, and the DOS Command subset of OS/2 Extended Edition 1.1 some program names will be designated that are reported fully under DOS 4.0. When used under OS/2 EE, DOS identifies itself as DOS 10.10 . Entered with the /V switch, MEMMAP also reports the environmental variables that are loaded with each TSR. These variables initially loaded by DOS are contained in the first environment block with the name , as shown above. The default size of this block is 160 bytes. @@MONO MONO Michael J. Mefford Force screen display to mono on laptop screens Version 1.1 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Makes the display of colour applications legible on laptop computers and other monochrome screens that have limited intensity range capabilities, by translating the colour attributes into black-and- white. Format ------ MONO [U] Remarks ------- MONO is a memory-resident utility that is normally loaded as part of an AUTOEXEC.BAT file. If no other TSR programs are installed after it, MONO can be deinstalled by reentering the command with the U parameter added. Once installed, MONO automatically converts colour attributes into black-and-white, updating the screen approximately five times each second. Since a typical 80 by 25 display contains 2,000 attribute bytes, some loss in speed must be anticipated, though the amount of degradation will vary with the type and clock speed of the system microprocessor. For applications that do not require MONO, its active state can be toggled off and on with alternate presses of Alt-M, the default hotkey. The default hotkey values, screen update speed and display algorithm, and CGA snow-eliminating routine can all be changed with DEBUG.COM. The addresses, bytes allocated, and default values are shown below: Function Address Bytes Default ------------------------ ------- ----- ------- Hotkey ID String 0299h 5 "Alt M" Hotkey Scan Code (SS) 0194h 1 32h MONO Update Frequency 016Ah 1 40h MONO Screen Display Alg. 0211h 2 07 70h CGA Snow check (off) 0213h 2 90 90h Hotkey Shift Mask 018Eh 1 8 The Hotkey Scan Code (SS) and Shift Mask (MM) values you can substitute for the defaults are listed in the Tech Notes document on this disk. Decreasing the Update Frequency value (default 40h) lowers the load MONO puts on your system, and increasing its value speeds up screen updating. If the default screen display algorithm produces inverse video on your machine, change the 07 70 to 70 07 at address 0211h to reverse the algorithm. Changing the two bytes at 0213h to EB 14 will add snow checking, but will slow down your machine considerably. Note ---- MONO is not intended to work with graphics programs. @@MOUSECTL MOUSECTL Michael J. Mefford Adjusts mouse sensitivity Version 1.1 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Provides multiple sensitivity settings for achieving more precise and smooth control of IBM and MicroSoft mice. Format ------ MOUSECTL [n ... n | filename | /U] Remarks ------- MOUSECTL is a memory-resident utility that can be loaded either at the DOS prompt or as part of an AUTOEXEC.BAT file. It can be used only with IBM or Microsoft mouse drivers and must be loaded after either MOUSE.SYS or MOUSE.COM. MOUSECTL can be deinstalled by entering the command with the /U switch. The optional n parameters consist of up to eight "multiplier" values between 0 and 32767, which are used to modify the mouse sensitivity. The default values are 5,6,10,15,22,30,50,70. Other values for n may be entered using either a space or a comma delimiter. The n values are entered into a look-up table from left to right; if less than 8 numbers are entered those already in the table remain in force. The range values represent the number of mickeys (1/200th-inch increments) the mouse actually moves during its 25-millisecond reporting period. The multiplier values (n) are divided by 10 and then multiplied by the range value to determine the adjusted number of mickeys reported to the application program. For example, an actual motion of 5 mickeys, multiplied by 0.6 results in 3 mickeys being reported, slowing the mouse movement to obtain more precise control for drawing. A movement of 30 mickeys in one 25-ms period will be multiplied by 5.0, so that 150 mickeys will be reported, moving the cursor very rapidly for page scanning. Note ---- Because Microsoft Windows loads its own mouse driver, MOUSECTL cannot be used with Windows utilities or with programs (such as Pagemaker) that must, rather than may, be run under Windows. @@MOUSEKEY MOUSEKEY Jeff Prosise Allows a mouse to be used with non-mouse programs Version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Programs a mouse to emulate the cursor keys, PgUp key, and PgDn key within applications that do not normally support a mouse. Format ------ MOUSEKEY Remarks ------- MOUSEKEY requires that a mouse driver program (MOUSE.SYS in a CONFIG.SYS file or MOUSE.COM in an AUTOEXEC.BAT file) be loaded first. The driver and mouse must be Microsoft-compatible. After running MOUSEKEY, the left mouse button emulates the PgUp key and the right button mimics PgDn. Moving the mouse in any direction simulates repeatedly pressing the corresponding cursor keys. MOUSEKEY works in conjunction with the BIOS keyboard driver and does not impede normal keyboard operation of the keys it emulates. MOUSEKEY is compatible with either the bus or serial version of the Microsoft mouse and with any mouse that emulates them. @@NOPRTSC NOPRTSC Disable PrintScreen key Version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Disables the normal PrintScreen key (Shift-PrtSc on older keyboards). This is useful if you're travelling with a laptop as some PCs will hang up if you accidentally press PrintScreen with no printer attached. Format ------ NOPRTSC Remarks ------- This is a small memory-resident program. To uninstall it after use, reboot your system. @@PCBOOK PCBOOK Jay Munro Prints booklets on a LaserJet type printer Version 1.1 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Prints README and similar ASCII files in booklet format on an HP LaserJet II, IIp, or III printer. Uses two-sided printing in landscape mode, with Line Printer font so that four standard pages of 80 characters/line, 66 lines/page are printed on each sheet without formatting changes. Format ------ PCBOOK [path] filename [/F] [/P] [/D][/C] [/2] [/A] [/W] [/S] [/H] Remarks ------- The filename can designate any ASCII text file in which each line is terminated with a Carriage Return/Line Feed combination. Page Feed characters can be added to force breaks in addition to those implicit in the 60-line (68-line if a header is used) page length. Any or all of the /F, /P, and /D command-line switches can be used to create a one-line header that prints the filename, page number, and date, respectively, on all but blank pages. The /W switch causes lines exceeding 80 characters to wrap; by default such lines are truncated. Adding the /2 switch causes PCBOOK to print to LPT2 rather than the default LPT1. (Use the DOS MODE command to implement serial connection, if desired.) The /A switch can be used to direct output to a file. PCBOOK sequences the page printing so that all side-one pages are printed in one pass. The sheets are then put back in the LaserJet paper tray and all side-two pages are printed. The finished booklet can then be created with a single fold. When using the normal (top) LaserJet output bin the pass-one sheets should be reinserted in the paper tray without any relative change in orientation. If rear output from the printer is used, the sheets must be turned over as a group before reinsertion. To determine how many sheets will be required without automatically starting the print operation, use the /C switch. The /H switch provides on-screen help for the program, and the /S switch sounds a beep as each printing pass is successfully completed. @@PCSPOOL PCSPOOL Michael Holmes and Bob Flanders Print spooler Version 1.5 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- A TSR utility that spools files to be printed into memory or onto disk, freeing the PC and application for immediate use while printing takes place in background. Controls and displays status of up to three printers through command line and window commands. Queued files can be skipped, cancelled, and separated by formfeeds and/or pauses with prompt messages. Format ------ PCSPOOL /I [/1] [/2] [/3] [/Cnn|/D[d:\path]] PCSPOOL /P [/1] [/2] [/3] [Comment] PCSPOOL /F [/1|/2|/3] PCSPOOL /U Remarks ------- The /I (Install), /P (Pause), /F (FormFeed) and /U (Uninstall) commands cannot be combined, but must be executed separately from the DOS prompt. LPT1: is assumed if no entry is made for /1, /2, or /3, but printer(s) to be controlled can be changed from the pop-up window, whose default hotkey is Ctrl-Alt-P. The /C switch reserves nnK of conventional memory for the queue; default is 16K. Alternatively, a drive and path, including EMS RAM disks, can be specified with /Dd:\path. (Note: No space between /D and d:. The filename PCSPOOL.QUE will be used.) A comment entered with the /P command (to change paper, for example) will be displayed when the pop-up window is activated. PCSPOOL's TSR code requires 7K of memory. Printers not specifically controlled by PCSPOOL receive data normally; serial printers, even if set up with MODE LPTx:=COMx:, cannot be controlled by PCSPOOL. Pauses and formfeeds should not be issued while data is being sent to the queue for their placement will be uncertain. Single-letter commands to disable control (D), pause (P), send formfeed (F), reset printer (R), skip to next file (J), and to flush the queue (C) are applied from the window to LPT1:. The same letters with Ctrl- apply the function to LPT2:, and, with Alt-, to LPT3:. The window Go (G) command takes control of a printer or ends a printer pause. (Two G commands will be required if both command line and window pauses have been issued.) Printer status, amount of the queue being used by the printer (Gauge), printing rate (CPS), characters printed (CP), characters remaining in queue (CIQ) and time required to print the present queue contents are shown in the pop-up window. @@PP PP Based on a program by John Dickinson Prints text files Version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Prints the standard ASCII files of program listings or other text files in a standard formatted style with page breaks. Format ------ PP file(s) [/Ln][/Wn][/On][/Tn][/F][/H][/A][/D:dev] Remarks ------- PP neatly prints files with page breaks and, optionally, a header including the filename, the date and time it was created or last changed and the page number. Various options can be used to set the page size and other parameters to suit the file or your printer and paper. By default, PP prints 80 column wide lines and 70 lines to the page to LPT1... this works for fan-fold A4 on a standard dot-matrix printer attached to LPT1. You may print several files in one go by giving multiple filenames or using wildcards. Ctrl-Break will stop the program if necessary during printing. Options ------- /Ln Sets the number of lines per page. 66 and 70 are common values. /Wn Sets the width of pages, normally 80. /On Adds an offset of n spaces to every line to ensure the printhead is past the sprockets on a tractor fed printer or to leave space for binding. /Tn Sets tab stops every n positions, normally 8. Use this if the file has been formatted with a different value such as 4. /F Uses form-feed characters to end pages. PP normally sends the relevant number of blank lines so that it will work even if the form length is not set correctly on the printer. Use /F if it is set or if you are using a LaserJet or similar printer. PP takes note of any form-feed characters already in the file regardless of this setting... provided you set a page length the same or larger than that used to format the file, you can print a pre-formatted file. /H Disables the header. Use this if the file being printed already has its own page headers. /A Outputs only ASCII characters, converting PC extended characters to near ASCII equivalents. Use this if your printer cannot handle the full PC character set. /D:dev Prints to the named device, usually LPT1, LPT2, COM1 and so on. You can give a filename here to print to disk or even use CON to print to the screen display. If you print to an existing file, PP appends the new output to it rather than replacing the old file. Notes ----- 1. If you're printing to a serial port, make the correct settings first with the DOS MODE command. Like DOS, PP does not provide X-on/X-off handshaking so your printer must be setup for a hardware handshake. 2. PP always expands tabs to spaces on output so tab settings on the printer are ignored. 3. PP is based on John Dickinson's original PR program. @@PRN2FILE PRN2FILE Tom Kihlken Capture printer output to a file Version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Captures any output nominally directed to a printer to a file that can then be edited by a word processor or printed later. Format ------ PRN2FILE [d:][path]filename [/Pn] [/Bn] [/U] Remarks ------- PRN2FILE is a memory resident program that is normally loaded as part of your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. It should be installed before other print utilities, such as a print spooler or the DOS MODE command. Once installed, the program may be run multiple times to change the filename (the drive and path default to the current directory unless specified) designated to receive the printer output. Unless the filename is changed, successive print operations are appended to (rather than overwrite) the created file. To disable the printer output redirection, simply omit to specify a filename. The optional /Pn parameter designates the printer number (the default is LPT1) to be redirected. Note that output to a non-existent printer (/P2 in a one-printer system) is supported. This is another way to permit normal printing while PRN2FILE remains resident. Legal values for Pn range from 1 through 3. The optional /Bn parameter sets the buffer size. The default value is 4096 bytes, and values up to 64K may be specified. The buffer repeatedly empties when partially full in order to minimise the chance of buffer overflow even when DOS may be called on for other activities than writing the buffer to disk. Should buffer overflow occur an error message is produced, but some data will be lost, so the file should be re-written using a larger buffer. The optional /U parameter is used to unload PRN2FILE from memory. If other memory-resident utilities have been loaded after PRN2FILE and have chained onto the same interrupts, it will not be possible to unload the program, and a message to this effect will be displayed. All optional parameters may be entered in any order, but must each be separated by a single space character that acts as a delimiter. @@PRSWAP PRSWAP John Dickinson ASCII-only filter for printer output Version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Replaces IBM text-graphics characters in printer output with plain ASCII characters when using a printer that cannot print the full IBM PC character set. Format ------ PRSWAP Remarks ------- The IBM text-graphics characters (non-standard ASCII 176-223 and 254) programmers often use to make their screen displays look more attractive cannot be handled by many printers. PRSWAP.COM is a memory-resident program that translates these characters into presentable-looking ASCII substitutes. PRSWAP should be loaded only once until you power down or hit Ctrl-Alt-Del. If you intend to use it regularly, the best place to put it is in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. @@RECORDER RECORDER Tom Kihlken File usage tracking for Ram disk users Version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Keeps a log of the number of times each file is accessed over a period of time to show which files would benefit from being stored on a RAM disk. Format ------ RECORDER [n] [/R] Remarks ------- RECORDER is a memory-resident utility that should normally be loaded by being included as a line in an AUTOEXEC.BAT file. By default it keeps track of disk I/O activity (reads, writes, EXECs) for 200 filenames. The optional n parameter can be entered when the utility is loaded to increase the number of filenames to 2,000. Each additional filename requires 20 bytes of RAM. The current log can be seen by entering RECORDER at the DOS prompt. Entering RECORDER with the /R switch resets the table. This may be done at any time, and certainly should be done if the error message "Table is saturated" is displayed. Redirection is supported, so the results can be stored to a file. Example ------- To store the results and reset the table simultaneously at the end of a morning's use, for example, enter RECORDER /R > FILES.LOG By default, RECORDER sorts by the numbers in the totals column. The DOS SORT program can be used to sort by the values in other columns. The read column begins with character 20, the write column with 27, and the EXEC column with 34. Example ------- To sort the table by the number of entries in the EXEC category, enter RECORDER | SORT /+34 @@SETUP2 SETUP2 Jeff Prosise Pop-up printer configuration program Version 2.0 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Sends menu-selected or typed control codes to a printer from within an application or from the DOS prompt. The codes can be used to configure the printer, select type faces or styles, paper trays and so forth. Format ------ SETUP2 [d:][path][filename] | [/C codes] | [/U] Remarks ------- Entered without the /C option, SETUP2 becomes a RAM resident utility with a pop-up menu of user configured printer control sequences specified in the file given by filename. The default hotkey is Ctrl-Right Shift. Esc closes the menu window and returns to any already running application. Entering SETUP2 with the /U option uninstalls the utility if no subsequent TSR program has been loaded. Any ASCII text editor or word processor can be used to create the configuration file, which contains the desired printer commands. This file may be up to 64K in size and may contain any number of lines, each of which must be ended by pressing Enter. The first line identifies the printer or company (hit Enter alone to leave it blank), and may be up to 26 characters long. Subsequent lines consist of up to 20 characters of identifying ASCII text, followed by a semicolon, followed by up to 255 bytes containing the printer control sequence. For example, the first four lines of a file for an H-P LaserJet might be: H-P LASERJET Spreadsheet; 27,"&l1o2e5.647c66F",27,"&k2S" Reset Printer; 27,"E" Form Feed; 12 ASCII 27 is the (decimal) escape character; it could alternatively be entered in hexadecimal notation as x1B or 0x1B, following the C-language style. Numeric entries may be separated by commas (as shown), or by spaces or tabs. Literal ASCII text must be enclosed either within double quotes (as shown) or single quotes. White space to the right of the semicolon is ignored, and any line in filename beginning with a pound sign (#) is treated as a comment line and will not appear in the SETUP2 window. In the example above, when the SETUP2 menu is popped up with Ctrl-Right Shift, the words "Spreadsheet," "Reset Printer," and "Form Feed" will appear next to lines identified as F1, F2, and F3. The associated printer control codes do not appear in the on-screen menu, but are sent to the printer either by pressing the indicated function key or by moving the menu highlight bar to the appropriate line with the Up- and Down-Arrow keys and pressing Enter. The PgDn and PgUp keys bring lines beyond the first "page" (ten lines) into the menu window. Below F10 in the SETUP2 menu is a blank line that may be used to send printer control sequences not contained in filename. This line is accessed by pressing the Slash key (/), typing in the actual control codes (using the format conventions previously discussed), and pressing Enter. In this case, the actual printer codes are shown on the screen; the entry line scrolls horizontally to accommodate sequences of more than 100 characters. Entering SETUP2 with the /C option enables sending printer control codes from the DOS command line without making the utility RAM-resident. This is useful both for testing and for batch file operations. The codes are again entered with the numeric and quotemark conventions previously indicated. Note that each line must end with an ASCII 13,10 (carriage return/line feed) sequence. By default, SETUP2 uses LPT1. Users familiar with DEBUG can change the entry at offset 018A (normally 0) to 1 (for LPT2) or to 2 (for LPT3). Similarly, the default Ctrl-Right Shift hotkey can be changed to another shifting key combination by changing the entry at offset 01B3 (normally 5). A hex value of C in this location would change the hotkey to Ctrl-Alt, for example. A sample file with the menu entries and codes for many Epson compatible dot-matrix printers is shown below: #============================================ # Epson RX/FX-80 Printer Make File # Copyright (c) 1989 Ziff Communications Co. #============================================ EPSON RX/FX-80 PRINTER Compressed Mode On; 15 Compressed Mode Off; 18 Expanded Mode On; 27,"W1" Expanded Mode Off; 27,"W0" Emphasised Mode On; 27,"E" Emphasised Mode Off; 27,"F" Double-Strike On; 27,"G" Double-Strike Off; 27,"H" Miniature Mode On; 15,27,83,0,27,65,6 Miniature Mode Off; 18,27,84,27,50 #-------------------------------------------- Elite Mode On; 27,"M" Elite Mode Off; 27,"P" Skip Perforation On; 27,78,8 Skip Perforation Off; 27,79 1/8" Line Spacing; 27,"0" 7/72" Line Spacing; 27,"1" 1/6" Line Spacing; 27,"2" Line Feed; 10 Form Feed; 12 Reset Printer; 27,"@" A similar sample for LaserJet printers is: #============================================ # HP LaserJet Printer Make File # Copyright (c) 1989 Ziff Communications Co. #============================================ HEWLETT-PACKARD LASERJET Portrait Mode; 27,"&l0O" Landscape Mode; 27,"&l1O" 10 Pitch; 27,"&k0S" 12 Pitch; 27,"&k4S" 16.66 Pitch; 27,"&k2S" Light; 27,"(s-3B" Medium; 27,"(s0B" Bold; 27,"(s3B" Form Feed; 12 Reset Printer; 27,"E" #-------------------------------------------- Line Printer; 27,"(s0T" Pica; 27,"(s1T" Elite; 27,"(s2T" Courier; 27,"(s3T" Helvetica; 27,"(s4T" Times Roman; 27,"(s5T" Gothic; 27,"(s6T" Spreadsheet; 27,"&l1o2e5.647c66F",27,"&k2S" These two sample files are included with SETUP2.COM, called HP and EPSON. If you have an Epson-compatible dot-matrix printer, you can try SETUP2 with the command: SETUP2 EPSON followed by pressing Ctrl and Right-shift to pop-up the program. If you have an HP Laserjet or compatible printer, enter SETUP2 HP @@SMOOTH SMOOTH Michael J. Mefford Smooth scrolling text file viewer Version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- An EGA or VGA text-browsing utility that makes reading from the screen easier by providing smooth scrolling in either direction at user-selectable speeds. SMOOTH uses the hardware smooth scrolling ability of an EGA or VGA type display and will not work with other types. Format ------ SMOOTH filespec [/W][/Snn][Cmmm] Remarks ------- The filespec entered with SMOOTH is a filename plus any required drive and path information. The optional /W switch strips the "high bit" from WordStar document files. The optional /Snn switch sets the scrolling speed, where nn is a decimal number that represents twice the number of pixel rows to be scanned on each screen refresh cycle. The default value for nn is 3. For comparative purposes, the DOS TYPE command used with an EGA (14 pixel rows per character) would have an nn of 28. The optional /Cmmm sets the foreground and background colours according to: mmm = Foreground colour + (Background colour * 16) The foreground and background colour numbers are given in the BASIC manual under the heading, Colour statement. The default is 23 (white letters on a blue background). The up-arrow and down-arrows set the scrolling direction, and PgUp and PgDn flip a screen page. The Home and End keys go directly to the top and bottom of the file. Pressing the space bar (or the numeral 0) freezes the screen, which can be restarted by pressing any key. Hitting Esc cancels SMOOTH and returns to DOS. Pressing the plus and minus keys speeds up or slows down the scroll rate, as does pressing the number keys. Note ----- As SMOOTH manipulates the EGA/VGA controller registers directly, it is incompatible with operation of the Print Screen (PrtSc) key and with many pop-up programs, such as SideKick. @@SPRINTER SPRINTER Douglas Boling Keyboard cursor accelerator Version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------- SPRINTER speeds-up the cursor keys and PgUp/PgDn keys when a user-selected accelerator key is pressed at the same time. SPRINTER works with AT systems and will boost the cursor repeat rate beyond the fastest that can normally be set. Format ------ SPRINTER [/K xx] [/S n] [/U] [/D] [/E] [/?] Remarks ------- SPRINTER is a small (1K) TSR program that can be installed by running it from the DOS prompt or by including it as a line in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. The program defaults to using the Alt key as the accelerator key but this can be changed by using the /K option as follows: /K S Either Shift key /K LS Left Shift key /K RS Right Shift key /K A Either Alt key /K LA Left Alt key /K RA Right Alt key /K C Either Control key /K LC Left Control key /K RC Right Control key On extended keyboards (101 keys), SPRINTER /K RC can be a good choice as this key is often rarely used but is conveniently near to the arrow keys. The amount by which SPRINTER accelerates cursor and paging speed can be set by using the /S x switch, using x values from 1 through 9, with 1 the slowest and 9 the fastest. The default value is 2. The ideal setting for /S may have to be found by experimentation... SPRINTER's effectiveness depends a lot on the programs you use it with. Some programs may not be able to keep up with SPRINTER or at least won't scroll any faster with it operating. Too fast a setting can lead to over-run where the cursor continues to move long after you've released the cursor key because the program has stored, and is now processing, all the extra key repeats that SPRINTER has generated. With other programs, the SPRINTER key will allow you to move through tables, lists, spreadsheets or text at amazing speeds... scrolling in many programs is limited by keyboard rate not by the program itself. Note that you can change both the /K and /S settings at any time after loading SPRINTER with another SPRINTER command. SPRINTER cannot be compatible with all programs and in particular does not work with those that take over the BIOS keyboard interrupt (Int 9). This includes Windows and some DOS applications. To prevent any possible problems when changing applications while SPRINTER is loaded, the /D (Disable) and /E (Enable) switches can be invoked at any time. Subject to the usual TSR limitations (last in, first out), SPRINTER can be uninstalled with the /U switch. Entering SPRINTER /? brings up a help screen. @@STAYDOWN STAYDOWN Jeff Prosise 'Sticky' shift keys Version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Permits entering two-key Ctrl-, Alt-, and Shift-key combinations as separate keystrokes. Format ------ STAYDOWN [/D] [/U] Remarks ------- The relocation of the function keys on IBM's "enhanced" 101-key keyboard makes it impossible to hold down a shifting key (Ctrl, Alt, Shift) and press a key simultaneously with one hand. Even with the 83-key (PC and XT) and 84-key (original AT) keyboards, many shifting key combinations have been awkward for many users and sometimes impossible for the physically handicapped. STAYDOWN is a terminate-and-stay-resident (TSR) utility that permits (but does not require) the shifting key to be physically released while remaining logically depressed until the key it is to affect is struck. If a shifting key is mistakenly hit (and so held down by STAYDOWN), just hit the key again to disengage it. The optional /D switch deactivates STAYDOWN until the command is entered again without the switch. The optional /U switch uninstalls the program and frees the memory it previously occupied. If another TSR program that uses the same interrupt vector has been loaded after STAYDOWN, a "Cannot Uninstall" message will be displayed. If the message "Uninstall Error" appears, users should immediately save their work and reboot. STAYDOWN should be loaded before SideKick. SideKick users can then choose to pop up the SideKick utility either by holding down the Ctrl key and pressing/releasing the Alt key (as before) or by pressing/releasing the Ctrl key and then pressing/releasing the Alt key. Note, however, that as STAYDOWN's action is confined to the next keystroke, three-key combinations such as Ctrl-Alt-Del must be entered conventionally. STAYDOWN can be entered either at the DOS command line or, preferably, as a line in an AUTOEXEC.BAT file. While compatible with most applications, full compatibility with all applications cannot be guaranteed by any TSR program. @@STICK STICK Jeff Prosise Locks cursor size and shape Version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Locks/unlocks a cursor size and shape set with CTYPE.COM (also contained on this disk); similarly locks/unlocks a choice of VGA/EGA foreground and background colours and permits selective replacement of the EGA/VGA BIOS code for CGA emulation. Format ------ STICK [/L+|/L-] [/E+|/E-] [/B+|/B-][/C-|/C fg bg] Remarks ------- STICK is a memory-resident (560 bytes) program that eliminates several recurring problems connected with the Enhanced Graphics Adaptor (EGA) and display. A non-resident utility such as CTYPE.COM can set a cursor size and shape in DOS, and it can also prevent the cursor loss frequently encountered when exiting from utilities such as SideKick while using a 43-line EGA display. CTYPE alone can do nothing to preserve its customised cursor when applications reset the cursor, however, as they normally do. The STICK /L+ option locks in the cursor shape for all but applications (such as 1-2- 3) that bypass the PC BIOS cursor routines altogether. To permit some applications (such as word processors) to manipulate the cursor shape themselves, the STICK /L- option disables cursor locking. The STICK /C fg bg option sets EGA foreground and background colours respectively, using the hex digits shown below: 0 Black 8 Gray 1 Blue 9 Bright Blue 2 Green A Bright Green 3 Cyan B Bright Cyan 4 Red C Bright Red 5 Magenta D Bright Magenta 6 Brown E Yellow 7 White F Bright White The foreground colour (fg) may range from 0 through F; background (bg) values are limited to 0 through 7. A single space must separate each parameter. The /C- option disables the colour selection locking. @@TOGGLE TOGGLE Jeff Prosise Software control of lock keys Version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Provides a software toggle and an on-screen report of the states of the CapsLock, NumLock, and ScrollLock keys. Format ------ TOGGLE [+c|-c] [+n|-n] [+s|-s] Remarks ------- Entered without any parameters, TOGGLE simply reports the current status of the three toggle keys. The c (CapsLock), n (NumLock), and s (ScrollLock) parameters may be added on the TOGGLE command line to change the state of the specified key(s). A + (plus) sign preceding a parameter toggles that key on; a - (minus) sign forces that key off. The optional parameters may be entered singly or in any combination and order, and in upper or lower case. Requested parameter changes are processed before TOGGLE issues its on-screen report. Entering TOGGLE with any unrecognised parameter (/H or ?, for example) produces an error message that displays the correct syntax. With 83-key PC and XT keyboards, which lack status LEDs, TOGGLE eliminates the need to determine the states of the CapsLock, NumLock, and ScrollLock keys by trial and error. Owners of "compatible" 84-key keyboards often find that their status LEDs get out-of-sync with the true states of the toggle keys. This condition arises when an LED-equipped keyboard is matched with an XT BIOS design, which lacks provisions for updating the indicators when a program rather than a keystroke changes the toggle-key state. TOGGLE can be used to restore the synchronization, which will be retained as long as only keystrokes are used to change the toggle keys' status. The BIOS interface for the current 101-key (Enhanced) keyboard causes the machine to boot up with the NumLock state on. All previous keyboards have provided the opposite default condition. Including the line TOGGLE -n in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file will cause the NumLock key to boot up in the off state when using the Enhanced keyboard. @@TYPEA TYPEA Displays both text and binary files Version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Lets you browse through the ASCII the contents of any file, including executable and other binary files. TYPEA displays just the ASCII letter and number characters in any file, and shows everything else as dots. Format ------ TYPEA [d:][path]FILENAME [ > FILENAME.TXT] Example ------- If you want to see the messages or commands inside COMMAND.COM, type: TYPEA \COMMAND.COM Use the Ctrl-S key to pause the display. If you want to create a file called COMMAND.TXT that contains this information, type: TYPEA \COMMAND.COM > COMMAND.TXT @@TYPEFAST & TPFST-AT TYPEFAST & TPFST-AT Michael J. Mefford Keyboard speed-up Version 1.1 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- To change the default keyboard typematic rate and initial delay. TYPEFAST.COM is a memory-resident (TSR) utility that works with all XT and later PCs and clones; TPFST-AT.COM is non-resident, but works only with late-model ATs (BIOS date 11/15/85 or later) and with XT 286, PS/2, and 386-based AT compatibles. Format ------ TYPEFAST [m][,n] | [/U] | [N] or TPFST-AT [m][,n] | [N] Remarks ------- Entered without any optional parameters, both TYPEFAST and TPFST-AT default to a repetition rate of approximately 17 characters per second (11 cps is the normal keyboard typematic rate) with a standard initial delay of 1/2 second. The optional m parameter sets the repeat rate and n sets the delay. For TYPEFAST, the m values may range from 0 through 31 (the default is 2) and n values may range from 0 through 3 (default 3). For TPFST-AT m values also range from 0 through 31, but in this case the default value of 27 corresponds to the 17 cps repeat rate. TPFST-AT n values range from 0 through 3 (default 1). The same numeric values for the optional m and n parameters do not produce the same results in the two programs, though in both cases the larger the number the greater will be the repetition rate and the initial delay. When executed, both programs show the appropriate syntax parameters on the screen. A single parameter may be entered (preceded by a delimiting comma if the first parameter is omitted) if the default value is satisfactory for the missing value. When installed, normally by being made part of an AUTOEXEC.BAT file, TYPEFAST occupies approximately 300 bytes of RAM. The program can subsequently be run again with new parameters without further memory penalty. Subject to the usual TSR limitations, TYPEFAST can be uninstalled by running it with the /U switch. The N option restores the normal typematic rates. Since TPFST-AT is not memory resident it cannot be uninstalled. To revert to the normal typematic speeds simply use the N switch. TPFST-AT provides slightly smoother response and permits the keyboard to use slower or faster than normal rates. TYPEFAST, on the other hand, provides better insurance against overshooting the desired stopping point. @@UMBFILES UMBFILES Jeff Prosise Upper memory alternative to FILES= Version 1.1 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Created especially for MS-DOS 5, UMBFILES creates space for DOS file handles in the upper memory area, acting as a substitute for the normal FILES= instruction in CONFIG.SYS. Using UMBFILES can free up as much as 15K of DOS memory. Format ------ UMBFILES[=]nn This is where nn is the number of files you want to allocate space for in upper memory. Valid values range from 1 to 247. An additional restriction is that the sum of UMBFILES and files already allocated may not exceed 255, because DOS doesn't support more than 255 files open in the system at any one time. For example, if you boot with the statement FILES=20 in CONFIG.SYS and then run UMBFILES, the maximum value UMBFILES will accept for nn is 235. If you allocate space for 20 more files with the statement UMBFILES=20 and then run UMBFILES again, the most it will accept is 215. You can run UMBFILES as many times as you like. Each time, the number of file handles available is extended by the number of entries indicated. The most efficient way to use UMBFILES is to place the statement FILES=8 in CONFIG.SYS and place a UMBFILES command allocating additional space for files in AUTOEXEC.BAT. (Remember UMBFILES is a normal program and so must be called from AUTOEXEC.BAT unlike FILES= which is a special instruction that can only be used in CONFIG.SYS.) For example, if you currently boot with the statement FILES=60, change it to FILES=8 and add the command UMBFILES=52 to AUTOEXEC.BAT. Doing so will save you 3,072 bytes (3K) of memory. The 8 SFT entries created by the FILES command will be located in conventional memory; the 52 set up by UMBFILES will be in upper memory. Why not place all 60 in upper memory? The minimum value DOS will accept for FILES is 8, so the first 8 SFT entries must always be in conventional memory. Any entries beyond that may be placed in upper memory with UMBFILES. To use UMBFILES, you must be running DOS 5.0 and have a 386 or 486 configured for loading programs and device drivers in upper memory. At a minimum, this means that: - You must load HIMEM.SYS in CONFIG.SYS; - You must also load EMM386.EXE with a RAM or NOEMS parameter; - CONFIG.SYS must contain the statement DOS=UMB (or DOS=HIGH,UMB); - Your PC must contain at least 384K of extended memory. If UMBFILES reports that the upper memory area is not available, then it was unable to allocate a block of upper memory probably because your system isn't set up properly for UMBs. If this happens, check your CONFIG.SYS file to make sure it contains the required statements and that EMM386.EXE is indeed being loaded with a RAM or NOEMS parameter. Without one of these two parameters, EMM386.EXE will not create the upper memory blocks that UMBFILES needs. If UMBFILES reports "Insufficient memory," it means that the upper memory area is available but there isn't a UMB large enough to hold the number of SFT entries you requested. To determine the size of the largest free UMB, just type MEM /C. If there is some unallocated upper memory remaining, you may be able to use it by decreasing the requested number of SFT entries. You should note that each entry requires approximately 59 bytes of upper memory. Other error messages from UMBFILES include "Sum of FILES and UMBFILES cannot exceed 255," indicating that the number of additional SFT entries that you requested would push the total to more than 255, and "Invalid parameter (cannot be 0)," which you get if you type UMBFILES=0. UMBFILES will also respond with an error message if the number you enter for nn is invalid (for example, if the entry contains any nonnumeric characters), if you attempt to run it with any version of DOS other than 5.x, or if there is a syntax error. If UMBFILES succeeds in extending the SFT, it will display the message "System File Table extended," indicating that the entries you requested were added to the SFT. A final note concerning the use of UMBFILES relates to its on-line help feature. You can get help with any DOS 5.0 command by running it with a /? switch. Similarly, you can get help with UMBFILES by typing: UMBFILES /? In response, UMBFILES displays a one-line description of itself followed by a description of its syntax and other helpful information. @@VIDMODE VIDMODE Charles Petzold Sets/displays the current video mode Version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Reports/changes the current video mode. Format ------ VIDMODE m Remarks ------- Entered without the optional m parameter, VIDMODE displays the current video mode. In text modes, the commands VIDMODE 03 and VIDMODE 07 have the same practical effect as the DOS commands MODE CO80 and MODE MONO respectively. The table below lists the m (mode) parameters to which VIDMODE can be switched. Mode Type Disp. Resol. Chars Box Colours Pgs ---- ---- ----- ------- ----- --- ------- --- 0&1 Text CGA 200x320 25x40 8x8 16 8 EGA 350x320 25x40 14x8 16 8 VGA 400x360 25x80 16x9 16 8 2&3 Text CGA 200x640 25x80 8x8 16 8 EGA 350x640 25x80 14x8 16 8 VGA 400x720 25x80 16x9 16 8 4&5 Graph CGA+ 200x320 25x40 8x8 4 1 6 Graph CGA+ 200x640 25x80 14x8 2 1 7 Text MDA 350x720 25x80 14x9 4 8 8-12 ------------ Reserved/PCjr modes ------------ 13 Graph EGA+ 200x320 25x40 8x8 16 8 14 Graph EGA+ 200x640 25x80 8x8 16 4 15 Graph EGA 350x640 25x80 14x8 4 1 16 Graph EGA+ 350x640 25x80 14x8 16 2 17 Graph MCGA+ 480x640 25x80 14x8 2 1 18 Graph VGA 480x640 25x80 14x8 16 1 19 Graph MCGA+ 200x320 25x40 14x8 256 1 Notes ----- 1. Users of a Hercules graphics card can activate "page 1" graphics if an EGA/VGA is installed with the command sequence: MODE CO80 VIDMODE 16 ... MODE MONO Use VIDMODE 14 if your EGA is connected to a conventional colour monitor. 2. Should you switch to a mode not supported by your monitor, you can recover by blindly entering VIDMODE 3 (colour) or VIDMODE 7 (monochrome). 3. By adding 128 to the mode number desired you can change modes without clearing the screen (though the cursor is reset to the upper left). These high numbered modes may confuse some applications programs, however. 4. VIDMODE will switch to 'super VGA' modes if your display has them provided that you know the correct mode number to use. Your display card manual should list these. WARNING: You should be careful not to select Super VGA modes that your monitor is not designed to handle. Some Super VGA cards do not provide protection against this and it can cause damage to your monitor. 5. VIDMODE was formerly called EGAMODE. @@VIDPAGE VIDPAGE Charles Petzold Sets/displays the current video page Version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Reports/changes the current video page. Format ------ VIDPAGE p Remarks ------- Entered without the optional p parameter, VIDPAGE reports which video page is currently active. The chart presented in this manual for VIDMODE shows which video pages (p parameters, beginning with 0) can be used in each mode. VIDPAGE can be useful when you have material on your screen to which you want to return later. Entering VIDPAGE 1 activates a new screen while retaining the contents of the default VIDPAGE 0 in memory. The previous display can subsequently be recalled by issuing the VIDPAGE 0 command. Notes ----- 1. When using an alternate video page do not change video modes (e.g. with MODE CO80) or the previous display contents will be lost. 2. ANSI.SYS cannot be used with other than video page 0. 3. VIDPAGE was formerly called EGAPAGE @@VISITYPE VISITYPE Steven Holzner Expanded keyboard typeahead buffer Version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------- Purpose ------- Expands the PC's normal 15-character typeahead buffer to 80 characters. Format ------ VISITYPE Remarks ------- If you enter a series of commands without waiting until each has finished executing (as during a long directory scroll or disk-searching operation, for example), the PC will beep and discard subsequent keystrokes when you exceed its built-in 15-character keyboard buffer. VISITYPE enlarges the keyboard buffer to 80 characters and temporarily displays any overflow on the top line of the display before they are used. Keystrokes so displayed can be edited, if necessary, by using the Backspace key and then entering the correct keystroke. Notes ----- 1. VISITYPE is a memory-resident utility that is normally loaded through your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. While it will work with most applications programs, it will not work with those that completely take over the keyboard interrupts for their own purposes.