TABLE OF CONTENTS Area Description Page ______________________________________________________________ 1.0 Introductions. 1 1.1 Instant Access program capabilities. 2 1.2 Hardware and Software Requirements. 2 1.3 New improvements for v2.65! 3 1.4 Instant Access Warranty. 3 1.5 License and Copyright Notice. 4 1.6 Order Form for registering your copy! 5 1.7 Corporate and Quantity Purchases. 6 2.0 Using CONFIG.EXE - The IAMS Configuration System. 6 2.1 A Little Note 7 2.11 A Word on Help 7 2.12 Valid Keys 7 2.13 Running it 7 2.14 The File Validation Screen 8 2.2 The Opening Screen 8 2.3 Main Menu Configuration 8-9 2.4 The Sub Menu Selector 9-10 2.5 Configuring a Program 10-11 2.6 Program Entry Validation 12-13 2.7 Password Configuration 13 2.8 General Configuration 13-15 2.9 Configuring AutoExecution 16-17 2.99 Quitting 17 3.0 Using MENU.EXE - Instant Access itself! 18 3.01 Running it 18 3.02 Self Checking 18 3.1 The Main Menu 18 3.2 Passwords 18 3.3 The Sub Menus 19 3.4 The Function Menu 19 3.41 Online Help 20 3.42 Registration Info 20 3.43 Notepad 20-21 3.44 The Turbo Editor 21-23 3.45 DOS Shell 23 3.46 Screen Blank 23 3.47 Autoexecution toggle 24 3.48 AutoBoot toggle 24 3.5 ESCaping 24 3.6 Final Note 24 TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) Area Description Page ______________________________________________________________ 4.1 The User Supported Software Concept. 25 4.2 AutoBoot Information. 26 4.3 Trouble running programs or the DOS shell. 27 4.4 Instant Access and Autoexec.Bat. 27 4.5 Programs known to work with Instant Access. 28 4.6 The Programmer's machines. 28 4.7 Thanks to those that helped. 29 Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 1 * 1.0 - INTRODUCTION * WHAT IS THE INSTANT ACCESS MENU SYSTEM ? The Instant Access Menu System (IAMS) is a program that allows you to organize your software in a centralized fashion. From there, you may "order" which program you want to run, much like you'd order what you wish to eat from a restaurants menu. WHO WAS IAMS DEVELOPED FOR ? IAMS was designed for anyway who wants to get the most out of their computer programs with the least amount of work, hassle and wasted time. IAMS is both an organizational and productivity tool. It's interface allows for easier, and quicker, access to any program on your hard disk. JUST HOW WILL IT MAKE THINGS "EASIER AND QUICKER" ? Once you have entered the information on the programs you wish to run through Instant Access, you no longer have to deal through DOS. For example, if you want to run your spreadsheet, you simply hit "A" (or whatever you wish it to be). The same is true for any type of program. From here on out, you don't have to switch drives and directories, or remember the command to begin the program. Simply said, with Instant Access you can run any program that would normally be executed through DOS. The important difference is that with Instant Access, it only takes two keystrokes! WHO WROTE THIS PROGRAM ? This program is produced by Tony Gentile, a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). The ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for the member's products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at P.O. Box 5786, Bellevue, WA 98006 or send a Compuserve message via easyplex to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536. HOW ABOUT SOME SPECIFICS ON IAMS ? For more information on IAMS, including features, functions, setup and use, just continue reading! Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 2 * 1.1 - CAPABILITIES * PROGRAMS : o Run any DOS program using less than 4K of memory. o Run any of 400 DOS programs with just two keystrokes. o Run programs on other [logical] drives. o Run internal DOS Commands. o Run programs on your PATH statement. o Run programs in AutoBoot mode. o Run a program at a specific time and date, or everyday unattended. o Pass parameters to any program. o Password protect any program. CONFIGURATION : o Completely menu driven configuration system. o Program entry is done interactively. o Complete drive, directory and file name validation. o Prompting to confirm exit if changes were not saved. o Edit the Banner message. GENERAL UTILITIES : o User definable colors. o Automatic screen blanking utility. o Usage log for program (time) tracking. o Online Help o A PopUp Notepad. o A Full-functioned text editor. o A DOS Shell. o Running time display. * 1.2 - HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS * IAMS was designed for use on any IBM PC/XT/AT, PS/2, or any fully compatible machine. It requires 172K worth of RAM to load, but less than 4K to run programs. Although Instant Access could be run off a floppy drive, you would not realize the true benefits it provides. Thus, a Hard Disk is also recommended. The only required software is DOS version 2.0 or greater. Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 3 * 1.3 - NEW IMPROVEMENTS FOR VERSION 2.65 * Many enhancements have been made in this latest version. These include: o AutoBoot : Instant Access can now be run in either Normal or AutoBoot mode. Normal mode is how you've always used IAMS. The new AutoBoot feature will automatically restart any program that did not return to the menu. For example : If you were running a program, and it was interrupted by a power outage, it would be automatically restarted (within 10 seconds) after the power is restored. o Save Message : If you've made a change in any area with the configuration system, did not save it, and attempt to exit, you will now be prompted for confirmation. o Banner Message : Users may now enter their own 43 character message to insert in the Banner. o Bugs : - The "Shadow" bug has been fixed. - The "DOS prompt" bug has been fixed. - The "Drive" bug has been fixed. - The "Screen Blank" bug has been fixed. As always, if you have ANY questions or comments concerning IAMS, PLEASE feel free to contact me. The best ideas always come from people like you! * 1.4 - WARRANTY * PRODIGY Technologies makes no warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, and warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose. PRODIGY Technologies shall not be liable for any damages, whether direct, indirect, special or consequential arising from a failure of this program to operate in the manner desired by the user. PRODIGY Technologies shall not be liable for any damage to data or property which may be caused directly or indirectly by the use of this program. IN NO EVENT will PRODIGY Technologies be liable to you for any damages, including any lost profits, lost savings or other incidental or consequential damages arising out of your use or inability to use the program, or from any claim by any other party. Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 4 * 1.5 - LICENSE AND COPYRIGHT NOTICE * Instant Access is distributed under the User Supported software concept. Non-registered users of Instant Access are granted a limited license to use Instant Access for a 30 day trial period, in order to determine its suitability for their purposes. ANY OTHER USE of Instant Access requires registration. Any use of non-registered copies of Instant Access by an organization, business, or any kind of institution is PROHIBITED. Registration allows you to use the product on a regular basis. Registration includes mailed notification of the next update to the program. If you purchased this program for a disk vendor or user group library, you have NOT registered the program. The ONLY way to register is to select item one (1) or two (2) from the below descriptions, and mail the registration form to PRODIGY Technologies. Instant Access comes in several forms: 1] Registration only. This costs $25.00 and assumes that you have already received a copy of the program from whatever source. We do not provide diskettes or manuals. The fee covers the use of the program. 2] Registration/Diskette. This costs $30.00. If you order this package, we will send you the latest available version of the program, along with the corresponding documentation (on disk). 3] Registered User Upgrade. This costs $5.00, which covers all shipping and handling charges. Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 5 * 1.6 - ORDER FORM * Make cash, check or money order out to either Tony Gentile, or PRODIGY Technologies, and mail it to: PRODIGY Technologies 14611 Carmel Ridge RD San Diego, California 92128 Please send: (5 1/4, 360K DISKS ONLY) Instant Access Registration ............ @ $ 25.00 ea #_____ Instant Access Registration/Diskette ... @ $ 30.00 ea #_____ Instant Access Registered User Upgrade . @ $ 5.00 ea #_____ [ PLEASE PRINT ] NAME :____________________________________________________ ADDRESS :____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ Day Phone:(____)______-_______ Evening:(____)______-_______ Current version in my possession _2.65_ COMMENTS:_____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ [The items below are optional] Computer:_____________________________________________ DOS version:________ Do you have a color display [Y/N]:__ Do you have a modem [Y/N]:__ Where did you hear about (and/or receive a copy of) IAMS ? [ ] BBS Name_____________________ Ph #________________ [ ] SIG Name____________________________________________ [ ] CompuServe [ ] Friend [ ] Other ________________________________________________ Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 6 * 1.7 - CORPORATE AND QUANTITY PURCHASES * All corporate, business, government or other commercial users of Instant Access must be registered. We offer quantity discounts starting at the eleventh copy. Corporate or site licensing is available. Purchases of over 75 units may be handled as quantity purchases or as corporate licensing agreements. Licensing agreements allow duplication and distribution of specific numbers of copies within the licensed institution. Duplication of multiple copies is not allowed except through execution of a licensing agreement. Please write for further details. Note: Educational Institutions such as schools or universities who wish to purchase a limited number of copies of Instant Access may do so at $15.00 per copy. The quantity purchase discounts are as follows: 0 - 10 copies: no discount 11 - 25 copies: 10% discount 26 - 50 copies: 20% discount 51 - 100 copies: 25% discount 101 - 200 copies: 30% discount 201 - 300 copies: 35% discount 301+ copies: 40% discount All prices and discounts are subject to change without notice. Discounts are NOT cumulative; they apply to single orders of like products only. Unit prices are the same as for individual users. NOTE: You may NOT use Instant Access within your organization without a prior purchase or license arrangement. * 2.0 - USING CONFIG.EXE * CONFIG.EXE is the menu driven configuration program for IAMS. It let's you define virtually every aspect of the program in a very simple and straight-forward manner. Enjoy! Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 7 * 2.1 - A LITTLE NOTE * Just as a note, I wanted to remind you that this manual is not to teach you the niceties of DOS. A basic knowledge of DOS is required to setup this program. If you need an explanation of some aspect of DOS, or if there is something you don't understand about hard disks or subdirectories, please refer to your DOS manual, or ask a friend. Other good places to look for help are your local Bulletin Board Systems (BBS's), or local user group. * 2.11 - A WORD ON HELP * Help is available to you throughout the configuration program. This manual is more detailed, but the instructions provided within the program will point you in the right direction. * 2.12 - VALID KEYS * Throughout the configuration program, you will be prompted to enter descriptions, and names of different items. During this time, several keys are available to help you with entering (or editing) the items. [Right/Left Arrow]: Hitting the right or left arrow key will move the cursor one space in the appropriate direction. [Up/Down Arrow]: Within the program configuration area, you will have a list of four items to configure for each program. You may use the up and down arrow keys to move through that list. [INS]: The INSert key can be hit to toggle insert mode on or off. [Backspace]: The backspace key will delete the character to the left of the current cursor position. [DEL]: The DELete key will delete the character at the current cursor location. * 2.13 - RUNNING IT * To start the configuration program, type CONFIG (and press return) at the DOS prompt. Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 8 * 2.14 - FILE VALIDATION SCREEN * The first thing you will see when you start the configuration program is the file validation screen. It searches the current directory for all of the necessary data files to run Instant Access. If they are not found, they will be created. If they are found, they will appear on the check list. After file validation, the program will prompt you to hit a key, and will then proceed to the Opening Screen. * 2.2 - THE OPENING SCREEN * The opening screen gives you the following options: F1) View the Opening Screen Help F2) Configure the Main Menu F3) Configure the Sub Menus F4) Configure Passwords F5) General Configuration F6) Configure AutoExecution Esc) Exit to DOS * 2.21 - OPENING SCREEN CHOICES * Essentially, the opening screen presents you with five choices (F2 through F6). This documentation is written to assist you in this order. However, you may of course choose to edit any section at any time you wish. * 2.3 - MAIN MENU CONFIGURATION * Upon selecting Function Key Two (F2) from the Opening Screen, you will be placed in the Main Menu Configuration area. In this area, you will define the descriptions of the Sub Menus. Each description can be up to 25 characters long. These descriptions are what you will initially see when the menu program starts. * 2.31 - MAIN MENU CHOICES * [A to T] : When you enter a letter, from A to T, you will be presented with a prompt. You may enter any description up to 25 characters. When you are done, hit return. The program will then update the screen. Common definitions for Sub Menus are: Utilities, Spreadsheets, and so on, but of course, it all depends on the type of programs you use. Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 9 * 2.31 - MAIN MENU CHOICE (continued) * [F1] : When you select this choice, you will see a help screen which will list all available commands. [F2] :Choice 2 allows you to save the changes to disk. This choice create a file named MAIN.MEN in the current directory. If the file already exists, it will be over written. [Esc] : The last choice is the ESC key on your keyboard (the ESCape key). Hitting this will return you to the Opening Screen. Please note that if you select this option before saving your changes, the changes you made will be lost. * 2.4 - THE SUB MENU SELECTOR * When you select Function Key Three (F3) from the Opening Screen, you will see the Sub Menu Selector. This area is your path to each of the twenty different Sub Menus. * 2.41 - SUB MENU SELECTOR CHOICES * At this point, you should see the descriptions you entered in the Main Menu area listed in this menu. From the Sub Menu Selector, you have several choices: [A to T] :Select the Sub Menu that you wish to configure. You don't have to configure all four hundred applications at this time. After entering a letter from A to T, you will be moved to the Sub Menu Configuration area. [F1] : View a help screen on the Sub Menu Selector options. [Esc] : This choice will return you to the Opening Screen. * 2.5 - SUB MENU CONFIGURATION * After selecting a Sub Menu from the Sub Menu Selector, you will be presented with the following choices: * 2.51 - SUB MENU CHOICES * [A to T] : Choosing a letter from A to T allows you to configure the corresponding program. You will have to provide a description, a path, and the executionary name of the program. More details follow. Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 10 [F1] : This choice will display two pages of complete instructions on what you need to do to configure a program. The help is very detailed, and should be more than satisfactory if you happen to need on the spot help. [F2] : This choice saves the changes you have made to a file named SUBMENU.MEN. The changes are saved VERY quickly. [F3] : This choice will allow you to clear (ie delete) a range of entries. You may delete from one, to twenty. If you exit from the Sub Menu without saving, the entries will be restored. [Esc] : This choice will return you to the Sub Menu Selector area. * 2.6 - CONFIGURING A PROGRAM * When you choose a letter from A to T you will be presented with a prompt for several different items. You will be prompted for all of them at one time. You may use the cursor keys to move between them. When you are done with each one, hit return. After answering all of them, the program will start to validate them. [Prompt 1: Description] A good description might be the name of the program and its version number. These descriptions are what you will see from within the actual menu program, after you have selected the Sub Menu, and entered the correct password. Descriptions may be up to 25 characters long. If you leave the description blank, the program will not run. [Prompt 2: The path] The path must have the drive, followed by a colon, then a slash, and then the subdirectory. For example, lets say that you want to define the Instant Access configuration program. We'll say the program is on drive C (your hard disk), and is in subdirectory MENU. The path would look like this: C:\MENU That's all there is to it. Just remember that it is important that you follow the following syntax: drive[:][\]subdirectory. You may of course, have more then one subdirectory. Just remember that there must be a slash [\] between each of them. Also, the maximum path length is 25 characters. Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 11 [Prompt 3: Program name] The third prompt asks for the name of the program, and its' extension. It is important that you provide the correct name, and extension. Extensions must be .EXE, .COM or .BAT. Please note that you may enter internal DOS commands (like DIR), or external ones (like CHKDSK.COM). So, lets have an example. If we still wanted to include the Instant Access configuration program, we would enter the following when the configuration program prompts for the program name: CONFIG.EXE [Prompt 4: Parameters] If you wish to pass parameters (also known as arguments / switches) to the program at run time, you should answer either R or S here. If you do not wish to pass parameters, enter N (no). When the menu program goes to run your program, it will check to see the answer to this question. Entering (R) signals the program that you wish to be prompted for parameters before the program executes. Entering (S) signals the program that you have default parameters that you always want passed to this program. You may enter these parameters following the S. For example: DIR *.* /P ^^^^^^---------- Parameters In the above example, *.* /P are parameters. So, if you always wished to pass these to your program, you would enter S*.* /P at the prompt. Entering (N) signals that you do not want to pass parameters to this program. [Prompt 5: Password] This prompt allows you to enter a 5 character password for this specific program. If you do not wish to password protect the program, simply leave the entry blank (Hit enter when you come to it). [Prompt 6: Pause] If you want the Instant Access to pause after it runs the program, you may enter a Y or y here. If not, you may enter a N or n. Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 12 * 2.61 - PATH/NAME/PARAMETER VALIDATION * When you hit enter after the prompt for pausing, the configuration program will attempt to validate your entries. Here is a listing of possible messages for each prompt: [Path]: o Path not found - The path you entered does not exist on the drive. You will be prompted to re-enter the path. o Illegal Path - The path you entered did not have a drive, colon, and slash. You will be prompted to re-enter the path. o Path found - The configuration program found the path that you entered. [Program]: 1. File found: The file you entered was found either in the directory you specified, or on your PATH (DOS Environment). 2. Internal: You entered an internal DOS command, which, of course was found. 3. File not found: The file you entered could not be found in either the directory you entered or in your PATH statement. 4. Illegal '.': You used more or less then one (.) in the filename. 5. Illegal '*' or '?': Wildcards are not allowed in a filename. 6. Illegal prefix: You entered more then 8 characters before the extension (.). 7. Illegal extension: Either the extension was too short, or too long. 8. No definition was entered. As you can tell, a lot of checking is being done here. If you get either message one or two, you will know that the program you entered was located. If you get a message from four to eight, you entered an illegal file name. If you get message three, you will see a list of files in the directory you selected pop up. You may have used an extension of .EXE when the actual name is .COM. By showing you the list, you will be able to check. [Parameters] 1. You will see a message indicating which type you selected. 2. You will get a message saying that you entered an invalid selection, and will be prompted to re-enter. [Pausing] 1. You will get a message indicating whether you wanted pausing or not. 2. You will get a message indicating that you did not answer with a Y or N, and will be prompted to re-enter. Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 13 After everything is validated, you will be prompted to strike a key. Following that, the program will update the menu, and allow you to make your next selection. * 2.7 - PASSWORD CONFIGURATION * After selecting Function Key Four (F4) from the opening screen, you will be brought to the Password Configuration Area. Here, you will define the passwords for the different items within Instant Access. * 2.71 - PASSWORD CHOICES * The password configuration area lets you define a password for every aspect of Instant Access. Here are the available choices: [A to T] : Upon selecting a letter from A to T, you will define the password for the corresponding Sub Menu. [U] Configure the password for the DOS Shell. [V] Configure the password for the Text Editor. [W] Configure the password for the Auto-execution area. [X] Configure the password for Exiting to DOS. [Y] Configure the password for Configuration. [F1] Displays the Password Area help screen. [F2] This choice saves the changes you have made to disk. The file that the changes are saved to is named PASS.MEN. [Esc] This choice returns you to the Opening Screen. * 2.72 - DEFINING A PASSWORD * Regardless of which one you select you will be presented with a prompt for the password. Just type in any numbers or letters (for a total of 8), and hit return. The program will then update the screen. * 2.8 - MODIFYING THE GENERAL CONFIGURATION * After selecting Function Key Five (F5) from the Opening Screen, you will be brought to the area where you can modify the two files, MENU.BAT and MENUS.CFG. From this area, you have five choices. Please note that the configuration program automatically creates this file when you first run the configuration program. It uses the current drive and directory for the definition. If you plan on moving the program to another area, or just want to do it yourself, then the following will explain how to do just that. Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 14 * 2.81 - GENERAL CONFIGURATION CHOICES * [F1] : This selection displays the online help screen. [F2] : This options allows you to save all changes to both MENU.BAT and MENUS.CFG. [F3] : This selection allows you to edit the general configuration. When you select it, you will be able to edit the seven prompts seen on the screen. [Prompt 1: Drive] This prompt asks you to enter the drive where the Instant Access files are located, followed by a colon. If you were on drive C, you would enter C: at this prompt. [Prompt 2: Path] This prompt asks you to enter the path where the Instant Access files are located. It must have a slash, \ , prefixed to it. So, if you were in a subdirectory called MENU, you would enter \MENU at this prompt. [Prompt 3: Exit Location] This prompt asks you to enter a drive and directory to exit to when you leave the menu program. If you were on drive C, and wanted to exit to your root directory, you would enter C:\ at this prompt. Even if you wish to stay on the present drive, and only change directories when you exit, it is best to specify a drive. [Prompt 4: Editor Name] This prompt asks you to enter the name for the Text editor you wish to use. The default is TURBO.EXE, which is the DOS name of the Turbo Editor. If you wish to use a different editor, you may enter it's name here. [Prompt 5: Editor Location] This prompt asks you to enter the location of the above editor. The format is drive[:]/[Subdir]. So, if the editor was located on drive C, in directory EDITOR, you would enter C:\EDITOR at the prompt. [Prompt 6: Banner Message] This prompt allows you to enter your own message which will be displayed in the Banner. It may be up 43 characters long. IAMS will automatically center it from within the program. [Prompt 7: Blank] This choice asks if you'd like the program to automatically blank the screen after three minutes. This option, when turned on, allows you to protect your monitor from screen burn in. Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 15 [Prompt 8: MiniLog] This choice asks if you'd like the Mini Log turned on. If so, it will write to a program named MINILOG.TXT every time you execute a program. [Prompt 9: AutoBoot] This toggle determines whether IAMS will be run in Normal or AutoBoot mode. AutoBoot is discussed in full detail in Appendix B. NOTE : Prompts seven and eight may be toggled from within the menu program as well. [F4] This options lets you configure the colors for MENUS.EXE, the actual menu program. There are a lot of prompts here, but they are all very straight forward. First, here is a list of the keys that you can use : Right and Left Arrow Keys : By hitting the right and left arrow keys, you can toggle the colors used for the foreground characters. Up and Down Arrow Keys : By hitting the up and down arrow keys, you can toggle the colors used for the background. Return or Enter : The Enter key allows you to "confirm" the color you selected, and move on to the next prompt. ESCape : The ESC key will allow you to abort entering changes at any prompt. Now, for the prompts : Banner [Words]: Type 1 Banner [Border]: Type 2 Main Menu [Words]: Type 1 Main Menu [Border]: Type 2 Sub Menu [Words]: Type 1 Sub Menu [Border]: Type 2 Function Menu [Words]: Type 1 Function Menu [Border]: Type 2 Status Line [Words]: Type 1 * All Menu Titles * : Type 1 Background color : Type 1 Background character : Type 3 Type 1 : For these prompts, you may use both the right/left and up down arrow keys. For these prompts, the right/left arrows change the color of the words in the menu. Also, the up/down arrows change the background color. Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 16 Type 2 : For these prompts, you may only use the right/left arrow keys. These colors change the foreground color of the lines that make up the menu. The background will be the same color as you entered for the words of the same menu. Type 3 : For this prompt, you will need to enter a number. Your choices are 176, 177, 178 or 32. To see which each will look like, you can look at the numbers below the Background Color prompt. [ESC] Allows you to return to the Opening Screen. * 2.9 - CONFIGURING AUTOEXECUTION * Selecting Function Key Six (F6) from the opening screen allows you to configure the AutoExecution function of the Instant Access Menu System. This function is used to execute programs unattended. You have several choices in this area: [A to J] Selecting a letter from A to J allows you to configure the corresponding program. When you select one of these options, you will be presented with six (6) prompts (you are familiar with 4 of them already). [Prompt 1:Time] This prompt asks you to enter the time you wish the program to execute. The time should be entered in military (24hr) fashion, down to the second. For example, 8:00 am would be entered as 08:00:00. Likewise, 8:34 pm would be entered 20:34:00. [Prompt 2:Date] The second prompt asks you to enter the data that you wish to execute the program. Enter the data in the fashion of: zz/xx/yy. July 1st, 1989 would be entered as 07/15/89. If you wish to have the program execute everyday, enter the word "Everyday" (without the quotes) for the date. [Prompt 3:Description] This prompt asks you to enter a description for the selection. [Prompt 4:Path] This prompt asks you to enter the path (location) of the program. This path is entered in the same was as when configuring a program: [Drive][:][/][Subdir]. [Prompt 5:Name] This prompt asks you to enter the name of the program. This name is entered in the same was as when configuring a program: FILENAME.EXT Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 17 [Prompt 6:Parameters] This prompt asks you to enter parameters for the program. For obvious reasons, the menu program will ignore a selection of R (run time parameters) when executing the program. That's all there is to defining a program. It looks like a lot of information, but it's really pretty straightforward. For obvious reasons, there is NO validation (except for time and date) for these selections. [F1] Displays the Auto Execution Area help screen. [F2] Saves your changes to AUTORUN.MEN. [F3] This option allows you to import data from the Sub Menu's you have previously defined, and then export that data into one of the choices A to J. When you select this option, you will be asked four questions. [Prompt 1: Submenu] This prompt asks you to enter the submenu from which you wish to import the data from. It must be in the range of A to T. [Prompt 2: Program] This prompt asks you to enter the program in the above submenu from which you wish to import data from. It also must be in the range of a to T. After answering this prompt, the configuration program will show you the data that you just imported. [Prompt 3: Export] This prompt asks you to enter the selection you wish to export this data to. It must be in the range of A to J. [Prompt 4: Confirm] This prompt asks you to confirm that you wish to export the data to the chosen selection. Any data in that selection will be written over with the new information. [Esc] This command will return you to the opening screen. * 2.99 - QUITTING * That's all there is to configuring the program. From the Opening Screen, hit Esc, and you will return to DOS. You should now check the current directory. You should have the following programs there: MENUS .EXE <--- The actual menu program CONFIG .EXE <--- The configuration program CONVERT .EXE <--- The file validation/conversion program TURBO .EXE <--- The Turbo Editor Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 18 * 2.99 - QUITTING (continued) * NOTE .EXE <--- The NotePad NOTE .HLP <--- The help file for the note pad MANUAL .TXT <--- This file MENU .BAT <--- The batch file MENUS .CFG <--- The configuration data MAIN .MEN <--- The Main Menu descriptions PASS .MEN <--- The Password file SUBMENU .MEN <--- The Sub Menu file MENUHELP.MEN <--- The help file for the configuration/menu program * 3.0 - USING MENU.EXE * MENU.EXE is the actual driver for the menu program. From within it you will select the programs you wish to run. * 3.01 - RUNNING IT * To run the menu program, you need to type MENU (the batch file created with the configuration program). This file will take care of the rest. * 3.02 - SELF CHECKING * When you start the program, Instant Access will do a search for all of the data files that you have just created. If they do not exist, a listing of the missing one(s) will be shown, and the program will exit. If this happens, all you have to do is run the configuration program, which will create the missing one(s). * 3.1 - THE MAIN MENU * If there are no missing files, the program will proceed as normal, and the main menu will be displayed. Now the description. The Main Menu will contain the descriptions that you entered earlier. At this time, you have many different options. However, we will only discuss those concerning the Main Menu, and Sub Menus. The commands in the Functions Menu will be discussed later. [A to T] Choose the Sub Menu to be active. After entering a letter from A to T, you will be presented with a prompt for a password, if you defined one for that particular Sub Menu. Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 19 [PgUp] Selecting Page Up (a key on your keyboard) will show the titles for Sub Menus A to J. If those are already displayed, nothing will happen. [PgDn] Selecting Page Down will display the titles for Sub Menus K through T. If those are already displayed, nothing will happen. Note: You do not have to have the Sub Menu in order to select it. In other words, if the titles for K through T are currently being displayed, you can still select any of A to J. The same is true if A through J was displayed. This was done so that a user would not be bombarded with 20 different selections (which may or may not be configured yet). * 3.2 - PASSWORDS * A small box will appear, and will prompt you with "Please enter password". At that time, you will need to enter the password that you specified in the configuration program. The cursor will not move and the characters will no be echoed to the screen as you type them. If you enter the wrong password, you will hear a loud beep, and then be returned to the main menu. If you enter the correct password, you will see the Sub Menu overlay the Main Menu. If you did not define a password, you will be brought immediately to the sub menu. * 3.3 - THE SUB MENUS * Now, you will see the descriptions of the applications that you entered in the configuration program. You now have choices A through T. (You may use PgUp and PgDn to display the other ten just like in the Main Menu). After selecting from A to T one of the following will happen: 1. If you left the program name blank, nothing will happen. 2. If the path no longer exists, "Bad Command or File Name" will be displayed on the screen. 3. If you defined the wrong program name, it couldn't be found, or didn't exist, "Bad Command or File Name" will be displayed. 4. The program (or any program, even if defined correctly, will not run). Consult appendix B immediately (it CAN be corrected). Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 20 Errors occur very rarely, and most of the time everything will work fine. Now, when the program finishes (or you exit from it), you will return to the Main Menu. If you decide not to run any of the programs in that Sub Menu, just hit ESCape, and you'll find yourself back at the Main Menu. * 3.4 - THE FUNCTION MENU * The commands in the Function Menu are only valid when you are in the Main Menu area. In other words, if you have a Sub Menu listed, you will not be able to execute any of the Functions. The Function Menu provides you with 10 options: F1. Online Help F2. Registration Information F3. Note Pad F4. Text Editor F5. DOS Shell F6. Configuration F7. Toggle : AutoExecute F8. Toggle : Screen Saver F9. Toggle : Mini-Log F10. Blank Screen Now * 3.41 - FUNCTION CHOICES * [Choice 1 : Online Help] : The Online Help Function will display a concise listing of the various commands available, and what they do. [Choice 2 : Registration Information] : The Registration Information is kept online for several reasons. One of them being, that some people never read the documentation, but prefer to skip right to the program. Please remember that to continue using this program past the 30 day trial, you must register it. The cost for this program is around a fourth of what you would pay for a commercial program that does the same thing! [Choice 3 : Note Pad] : The Note Pad provides a way for you to leave reminders for yourself or others, store a phone number list, or whatever else you could imagine. It contains a total of 30 lines (displayed 15 at a time), with a width of 60 characters. And since it only modifies a file named Note.Pad, it is safe for anyone to use. Here is a complete list of the available commands: Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 21 Cursor Movement: -T: Move cursor to the top of the screen -B: Move cursor to the bottom of the screen -Right Arrow: Moves the cursor to the beginning of the next word. -Left Arrow: Moves the cursor to the previous word. Home: Moves the cursor to the beginning of the current line. End : Moves the cursor to the end of the current line. Tab : Moves cursor to the next tab stop. Shift Tab: Moves cursor to the previous tab stop. Page Movement: PgUp: move the text forward PgDn: move the text backward -Home: Moves the cursor to the first page of text, and places the cursor at the beginning of that line. -End: Moves the cursor to the last page of text, and places the cursor at the beginning of that line. Block Commands: F4: Forms a paragraph from the lines marked as a block. F5: Marks the first line in the block. F6: Marks the last line in the block. F7: Moves the marked block to the line where the cursor is positioned. Blocks can not be copied onto themselves. F8: Copies the marked block to the line where the cursor is positioned. This command differs from F7 because the original block remains in place. F9: Deletes the block. F10:Unmarks a block. Editing Commands: F1: List Help. Hitting F1 again returns you to the note pad. F2: Returns you to the Main Menu. F3: Erases all the text in the notepad. Requests confirmation first. Ins: Toggle Insert/Overwrite mode, and changes the shape of the cursor to indicate the mode. Del: Deletes the character under the cursor. Backspace: Deletes the character to the left of the cursor. Ctrl D: Deletes the word on which the cursor is presently located. Alt D: Deletes the line where the cursor is presently positioned. [Choice 4: The Text (Turbo) Editor] This function has been modified to allow you to run your favorite text editor. Should it happen to be the our Turbo Editor, please read on. Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 22 As we developed the notepad, we realized that it had one function. This function was to leave notes, which all revolved around the file it creates [note.pad]. There was no way to call up another file. We also noted while writing the appendices that we were referring people to a commercial word processor. To eliminate that need, and to further enhance Instant Access functions, we added a text editor. Those of you who are familiar with WordStar, Sidekick, or any of the Borland programming environments will be instantly at home in this editor. For those of you who aren't, we've tried to make it as painless as possible. With all that in mind, here is a listing of the Turbo Editor commands. Basic Cursor Movement: . Ctrl-S/Left Arrow Moves one character left . Ctrl-D/Right Arrow Moves one character right . Ctrl-A/Ctrl-Left Arrow Moves one word left . Ctrl-F/Ctrl-Right Arrow Moves one word right . Ctrl-E/Up Arrow Moves cursor up one line . Ctrl-X/Down Arrow Moves cursor down one line . Ctrl-W Scrolls screen up one line . Ctrl-Z Scrolls screen down one line . Ctrl-R/PgUp Scrolls screen and cursor up one page . Ctrl-C/PgDn Scrolls screen and cursor down one page Quick Cursor Movement: . Ctrl-Q S/Home Moves cursor to beginning of the line . Ctrl-Q D/End Moves cursor to the end of the line . Ctrl-Q E Moves cursor to the top of the screen . Ctrl-Q X Moves cursor to the bottom of the screen . Ctrl-Q R/Ctrl-PgUp Moves to the beginning of the file . Ctrl-Q C/Ctrl-PgDn Moves to the end of the file . Ctrl-Q B Moves cursor to the top of a block . Ctrl-Q K Moves cursor to the bottom of a block . Ctrl-Q P Moves cursor to its previous location Insert and Delete Commands: . Ctrl-V/Ins Toggle between insert and overwrite mode . Ctrl-N Inserts a line at the current cursor position . Ctrl-Y Delete the line containing the cursor . Ctrl-Q Y Delete from current position to end of line . Ctrl-H/Backspace Delete to the left of the cursor . Ctrl-G/Del Deletes character currently under the cursor . Ctrl-T Deletes the word to the right of the cursor Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 23 Block Commands: . Ctrl-K B/F7 Marks the starting location of a block . Ctrl-K K/F8 Marks the end of a block . Ctrl-K T Marks a single word as a block . Ctrl-K C Copies a previously marked block to the current cursor position . Ctrl-K Y Deletes a previously marked block . Ctrl-K V Moves a previously marked block from its original position to the current cursor position . Ctrl-K R Reads a file from disk, inserts it at the present cursor position, and marks it as a block . Ctrl-K W Writes a previously marked block to a file . Ctrl-K P Prints currently marked block. If no block is marked, it prints the entire file Miscellaneous Commands: . Ctrl-U Aborts current operation [except loading a file] . Ctrl-O I Toggle autoindent on/off. This feature provides automatic indenting of successive lines . Ctrl-Q F Lets you search for a string of up to 30 characters . Ctrl-Q A Searches and then replaces a string . Ctrl-L Repeats the last search . Ctrl-Q N Finds a set place marker . F1 Saves current file to disk . F2 Loads a new file . F3 Quits Editor, returns you to Instant Access . Ctrl-Q L Restores line cursor is currently . Ctrl-K 0..Ctrl-K 3 Set marker #0 to #3 . Ctrl-Q 0..Ctrl-Q 3 Jump to marker #0 to #3 . Ctrl-I/Tab Tabs over 8 spaces Search Options : B - Searches backwards, from the current cursor position toward the beginning of the file. G - Search Globally search the entire file starting at the beginning,or backward if used with the B option. #[a number] - Searches for the nth occurrence of the search string. U - Ignore case and treat all characters as uppercase. W - Search for whole words only; skip patterns embedded within other text. Replace Options: N - Replace without asking. Otherwise, each replace will seek validation. Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 24 To enter text, type as though you were using a typewriter. To end a line, press the ENTER [or RETURN] key. Turbo Edit will let you type over 200 characters in a line, but only recognizes the first 149. [Choice 5 : DOS Shell] : This shell provides you with full access to all of the DOS commands. It is just as if you had no program running at all. However, if you do a CHKDSK, you may note that 4K of memory is missing. This memory is being used by Instant Access. You may use this shell just as if it were the DOS prompt. To return to Instant Access type EXIT and hit return. When you type EXIT, you will be returned to the Main Menu. [Choice 6 : Configuration] : This choice allows you to configure the menu program. To do this it runs the configuration program, CONFIG.EXE. [Choice 7: The Auto-Execution Toggle] : This selection allows you to toggle whether Auto-Execution is turned on or off. [Choice 8 : Blank Toggle] : This selection allows you to turn the automatic screen blanking function on or off. [Choice 9 : Mini-Log] : This selection allows you to turn the Mini-Log function on or off. [Choice 10 : Blank Screen Now] : The screen will blank approximately one second after you hit this key. It's just like the Auto Blanking feature, except that you wait one second instead of three minutes. * 3.5 - ESCAPING (ESC key) * This is the exit command. After password verification, you will be returned to DOS. * 3.6 - A FINAL NOTE * Well, that's all there is to it. You will probably find that it takes a little while to get used to a different type of interface, but we believe it to be a much more understandable and productive one. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to drop us a line. Following this are several appendices that cover a variety of topics. Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 25 * 4.1 - APPENDIX A: USER SUPPORTED SOFTWARE CONCEPT * User Supported software is a way of delivering quality software to a user at a very reasonable cost, while allowing the user to make sure the software meets his/her needs. This concept is based on several ideals: The value and utility of software is best assessed by the user on his/her own system. Only after using a program can one really determine whether it serves personal applications, needs and tastes. There should be a way of delivering low-cost, high-quality software to the consumer. Copying of programs should be encouraged, not discouraged. This is the strength of User Supported software, and allows it to spread far more readily then software distributed by regular means. The program carries a notice suggesting registration for the program. You should register if you are going to use the program on a regular basis. Regardless of whether you register and use the program, you are encouraged to copy and distribute the program for the private, non-commercial trial use of others. User Supported software is generally not public domain material; most programs of this nature carry a copyright notice. Rather, the author has licensed you to copy and use the program under certain conditions. Likewise, User Supported software is not intended to be free software; The user is simply granted a license to try the program for a period of time. The author hopes that by cutting out the overhead which makes a commercial software package so expensive, the same program can be sold for a much lower price. As an experiment, User Supported software seems to be failing. The sad truth is that less then 1% of the users of a product of this type are registering. Only through the financial support of users will this kind of inexpensive software continue to be available. Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 26 * APPENDIX B: AutoBoot * Included with Instant Access Menu System v2.65 is the AutoBoot feature. WHAT IS AUTOBOOT? In the simplest words, AutoBoot is an insurance policy for your programs! HOW DO I USE IT? In the General Configuration area, there's a prompt that asks: "Run IAMS in AutoBoot Mode (Y/N)". If you enter "Y", you will be in AutoBoot mode. If you enter "N", you'll be in normal mode. WHAT EXACTLY DOES IT DO? AutoBoot does one simple thing. It automatically restarts any program which did not successfully return to IAMS after execution. HOW ABOUT AN EXAMPLE! Let's say you you're using the Auto-Execution feature to set a backup program at 1:00 am. You go off to sleep, expecting your files to be backed up when you awake. Half way through the backup, the power goes off. Normally, the end result would be a disgruntled user with half a backup! As soon as the power is restored, IAMS senses that a program was not completed. It displays a message, stating that the program will be automatically restarted in ten seconds. If a key isn't hit, the program runs. The result? A successful backup! NOTE: In order for AutoBoot to work, you must start IAMS from your Autoexec.Bat file. Also, you must be sure not to answer YES to the "pause after execution" prompt during program execution. Aside from those small prerequisites, the rest is automatic! HOW CAN I TEST IT? First, enter "Y" for running IAMS in AutoBoot mode. Then, select a program to execute. When the program starts, reboot your computer. When IAMS comes up, you'll have ten seconds to abort the AutoBoot. If you don't abort, the program will run! IMPORTANT: AutoBoot will not function properly with BATCH files. This is a DOS limitation. Please use it ONLY for .EXE, .COM and internal DOS commands. Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 27 * 4.2 - APPENDIX C: Trouble running programs or DOS Shell * During testing, we attempted to create every possible error, and provide a solution for it. If you have been unable to run programs (and you know the drive, subdirectory, and name are correct) or if you have been unable to use the DOS shell, read on. To run other programs (and create the DOS Shell), Instant Access makes a call to DOS for another copy of COMMAND.COM. COMMAND.COM is your command interpreter. For instance, when you type DIR at the DOS prompt, COMMAND.COM intercepts it, and then lists the directory. The reason why the programs won't run is because Instant Access can't find COMMAND.COM in your PATH statement. Here's what to do: First, go to your root directory. To do this, type "CD \" at the DOS prompt. Now, type "SET". You will see at least two lines appear. One of them will be COMSPEC, and the other will be PATH. On most computers, your COMSPEC will look like the following: "COMSPEC=C:\COMMAND.COM". If you look at it carefully, you will see the C:\ part of the COMSPEC. That is the part that must be in your path. If it would have been "COMSPEC=C:\DOS\COMMAND.COM", the C:\DOS would have been the important part. You must add that part of the COMSPEC to your path command. To do this, type "SET PATH=C:\", or which ever was the important part of the COMSPEC. Doing this will fix it so that you can run all your programs. If your path was already followed by a few directories, just add the important part onto the end. PLEASE consult your DOS manual or a friend on how the PATH command functions. * 4.3 - APPENDIX D: Instant Access and Autoexec.Bat * If you would like Instant Access to automatically start when you turn your computer on, add the following to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file after the PATH command: CD \SUBDIR MENU Where SUBDIR is the subdirectory where the files for Instant Access exists. This will force DOS to change to that directory, and then execute the MENU.BAT batch file. Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 28 * 4.4 - APPENDIX E: Programs that work with Instant Access * Through all our testing, I have yet to find one program that won't run directly through Instant Access. Here is a list of the programs that definitely will work. Remember, this is by no means a complete listing... after all, nobody could own every program! Turbo C 1.0/1.5/2.0 Lotus 1-2-3 2.01 Turbo Pascal 3.0/4.0 Turbo Tax 5.01 Microsoft Assembler 4.0/5.0 dBase III Plus 1.1 WordPerfect 4.2/5.0 Timeline 1.1 Vopt 2.12/2.2 Desqview 1.03 PCTools Deluxe 4.3/5.0 Harvard Business Graphics 2.1 CatDisk 3.56 Paradox 1.11/2.0/3.0 Windows 1.03 Dac Easy - Accounting 2.0 Fastback 5.1 The Word Processor 4.1 Foxbase 1.0 PFS First Publisher 1.01 Transcopy 4.3 Locksmith/PC 1.2 Cruise Control 3.02 Typing Tutor 4.0 Gramatika II 1.00a Enable 1.5 QDOS II 2.00 Double DOS 4.0 Telix 2.12/3.11 Procomm 2.4.2/Procomm Plus DirMagic Dynadiag 2.05 Eureka 1.0 Express SuperCalc WordStar 4.0/5.0 Clipper PCPaint Brush PCPublisher Quicken * APPENDIX F: 4.5 - THE PROGRAMER'S MACHINES * Instant Access was written on a Compaq Deskpro 286, with the following statistics: . 6 / 8 switchable speed [Instant Access was tested at both] . 512K extended cache memory [turned off and on for testing] . 30 meg hard drive . 1 1.2 meg floppy drive . Amdek 132 video graphics adapter . Amdek 732 monitor Programming was also done on a Compaq Portable III: . 8 / 12 switchable speed . 40 meg hard drive . 1 1.2 meg floppy drive . CGA card . Gas Plasma monitor Instant Access Menu System Version 2.65 07/15/89 Page 29 * APPENDIX G: 4.6 - THANKS TO THOSE THAT HELPED * Although there are far too many people that have helped PRODIGY Technologies develop Instant Access, I would like to take some time to point out a few: Bruce Bequette : Not only for his great ideas, but also for unselfishly providing his resources. Ivars Bezdechi : Love that green man! A great friend with a tremendous amount of talent. Mike Daniels : I've never met Mike personally, but he seems like a top notch person. I'd LOVE to personally take credit for the AutoBoot idea, but in reality, it was his brain child. Ben Debban : A user I met on a local BBS. He has provided me with some of the most open and valuable criticism. He's now a shareware author himself! John Dwulet : For being a great friend, providing tons of encouragement, an excellent BBS, and, monetary incentive! Rick Fry : Sharing his ideas on user interface, and setup procedures, as well as providing an excellent BBS. Dan Horn : A great BETA tester and friend; and, he's now a shareware author too! John Newlin : A great shareware author who has gone out of his way for me several times. Bill P : Bill is the SysOp of dBored, an IAMS support board. Aside from running a professional level board, he has been a very supportive friend. Bob Rapp : SysOp of the Anonymous BBS. I've spent many a late night chatting with him about IAMS. His help has been beyond priceless!