TakeIt(tm) 1.2 Evaluation

TakeIt is Copyright (c) 1994 by Damon Janis, all rights reserved.
Duplication and distribution of the the evaluation version of TakeIt
is authorized.  Please see "Ordering TakeIt" below for information
on how to get the retail version.


NOTE: If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions about TakeIt,
      please send an email message to Damon Janis at Compuserve ID
      75600,3137.


This text file is organized as follows:
   1. What is TakeIt?
   2. Ordering TakeIt
   3. The Evaluation Version
   4. Installation
   5. Notes on Loading the Briefcase
   6. Quick Tutorial
   7. New in Version 1.2
   8. Getting More Information




1. What is TakeIt?


   Summary

   TakeIt provides access to network files when you are not
   connected to the network.  Instead of dialing up over phone lines
   to access your network, you simply take the files you will need
   with you.  They appear to still be on the network.  When you
   return to your office, or re-establish a network connection, then
   TakeIt synchronizes your files so they are up to date.


   Description

   TakeIt has an electronic briefcase that is used to store the
   network files.  The briefcase resides on the local hard-drive of
   your mobile computer.
   
   When you are connected to your network, you run TakeIt to put the
   files you will need into the briefcase.  When you are not
   connected to your network, you load the briefcase and access the 
   files in it as if they were still on the network.  You use the
   same drive and directory path.
   
   TakeIt synchronizes the files in the briefcase and the files on
   the network.  When you are connected to the network and want to
   return the files in the briefcase, just run TakeIt and it will be
   done automatically.
   
   TakeIt always performs a read-after-write when moving or copying
   files.  This ensures that data will not be lost or corrupted. 
   TakeIt also keeps track of network files so that if they have
   changed, you will be notified.  This ensures that you won't write
   over changes someone else may have made while you were remote.


   What TakeIt is Used For

   Mobile computers users use TakeIt for many purposes.  Here are a
   few ideas that might help you see what TakeIt can do for you.
   
   Managers use TakeIt when they go to meetings where there is no
   connection to the network.  Many conference rooms and off-site
   locations do not provide access to the network.  By putting 
   documents such as spreadsheets and project schedules in the
   briefcase, managers access them during the meetings as though they
   had a connection.  If changes are made, then the files on the
   network will be updated when the manager returns to their office.
   
   Programmers use TakeIt to develop and debug their programs at
   client locations or at home.  Since TakeIt lets you access the
   files in the briefcase as though they were still on the network,
   they don't need to change environment settings.  Before TakeIt,
   you had two choices: 1) dial-up and program remotely, which is
   very slow and in some cases incurs expensive phone charges, or
   2) manually copy the source code and supporting files to the
   hard drive such as C:.  This meant changing environment variables
   to map to the C: drive instead of the network drive, as well as
   compiler settings.  TakeIt eliminates both of these problems.
   
   Professionals who do presentations at client sites use TakeIt to
   take their presentations with them.  Instead of manually copying
   the files to the notebook computer, they put them in the 
   briefcase and let TakeIt manage where they are and any changes
   that are made.  Since access to the briefcase is instantaneous,
   their presentations are not slowed down at all.
   
   Anytime you need access to your network files, just use TakeIt to
   put those files in the briefcase.  Word processing documents,
   spreadsheets, applications, source code, presentation files,
   scripts, can all accessed quickly when you aren't connected to
   your network.
   

   Advantages of TakeIt

   Since TakeIt does not rely on analog, digital, or wireless links
   to connect you to your network, and it accesses the briefcase on
   your local hard-drive, access is instantaneous.  If you have used
   remote access software with a modem, you know that network access
   is much slower (in some cases unacceptable) than when you have a
   direct connection.
   
   Since the files appear to still be on the network because they
   reside on the same drive and in the same directory path, you
   don't need to change your environment.  Also, you don't need to 
   remember where you put the file, since it looks like it's still
   on the network.
   
   When it is time to synchronize the briefcase files and the
   network files, TakeIt automates the process and ensures that new
   data will not be lost or corrupted.  TakeIt is very fast and easy
   to use.  DOS command line programs let you automate tasks
   manually or in batch files.  The Windows program provides a
   simple drag-and-drop interface to put files in the briefcase and 
   return them to the network.



2. Ordering TakeIt

   To order TakeIt, call G'Vosay at 800-700-8840.  We accept VISA,
   MasterCard, American Express, and purchase orders.  One license of
   TakeIt is $39.95.  Shipping and handling per order is $7.00.
   Site licenses are available, please call for information.
   
   To order via mail, send a check or money order to:
   G'Vosay
   811 West 1340 South
   Provo, Ut  84601
   
   If you need TakeIt fast, we can send it via Compuserve mail the same
   day you order it, for no charge.  Or, for $12.00 we can send it
   overnight gauranteed to most locations in the United States, and for
   $14.00 gauranteed overnight to all locations within the United States.
   


3. The Evaluation Version

   The evaluation version of TakeIt is the entire retail version of TakeIt
   with one limitation: a maximum of 5 files are allowed in the briefcase.
   This limitation will allow you to evaluate the software and determine
   if it is useful to you.  The retail version of TakeIt has no limitation
   to the number of files in the briefcase (assuming you have unlimited
   disk space).



4. Installation 

   The TakeIt installation program is a Windows program.  If you do not
   have Windows, read the section below entitled "Install Without Windows".
   Follow these steps to install TakeIt:

   1. Run Windows.
   
   2. In Program Manager, select File/Run.
   
   3. Type [path\]SETUP.EXE.  For example, "C:\DOWNLOAD\TAKEIT\SETUP.EXE".
   
   4. Follow the instructions on the screen. 
   
   IMPORTANT!  If you did not allow the Takeit installation program to
               modify AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS, TakeIt may not run
               correctly.  Follow these guidelines to ensure a
               successful installation:
   
               1. Make sure LASTDRIVE=Z is in CONFIG.SYS.  TakeIt can
                  only load briefcase drives that are less than or equal
                  to what LASTDRIVE is set to.  If you don't set
                  LASTDRIVE to Z, chances are the briefcase will not load
                  successfully.

               2. Add the directory where TakeIt was installed to the
                  PATH line in AUTOEXEC.BAT.  Adding the TakeIt directory
                  to the PATH allows you to run the TakeIt programs
                  without having to change into the TakeIt directory.  It
                  is highly recommended that you do this.

               3. If you would like to be prompted to load the briefcase
                  each time you boot your machine, add the command TIBOOT to
                  AUTOEXEC.BAT.
   
   
   
   Install Without Windows

      If you don't have Windows, you can still install TakeIt from DOS. 
      Follow these instructions:
      
      1. Insert the installation diskette in the A: drive (or B: drive).
      
      2. Create the directory where you want TakeIt to reside (MD C:\TAKEIT).
      
      3. Assuming you create the directory C:\TAKEIT, type the following:
         COPY A:\*.EXE C:\TAKEIT.
      
      4. Make sure LASTDRIVE=Z is in CONFIG.SYS.
      
      5. Add the TakeIt directory to PATH in AUTOEXEC.BAT.
      
      6. Add TIBOOT to AUTOEXEC.BAT.  This is optional.  Add TIBOOT if you
         want to be prompted to load the briefcase each time you boot your
         machine.
      
      7. Run CREATEBC to create the briefcase. 
      
   
   
   LASTDRIVE and other programs
   
      TakeIt requires LASTDRIVE to be set to Z, as explained above. 
      There are, however, other programs that require LASTDRIVE to be
      set to a different value, like E, for example.  If you use a
      program that requires LASTDRIVE to be set to a value less than Z,
      then you need to use LASTDRV.EXE, which is supplied with TakeIt. 
   
      The NetWare(R) Shell, NETX.EXE, requires a value less than Z. 
      The NetWare VLMs, however, require a value of Z.  So, if you use
      NETX.EXE (or NET3, NET4, NET5, XMSNETX, or EMSNETX), you will
      need to use LASTDRV.
   
   
   Using LASTDRV
   
      To explain how to use LASTDRV, we'll use an example.  Suppose you
      load NETX.EXE when you need to access your network.  Follow these
      guidelines: Make sure LASTDRIVE=Z is in CONFIG.SYS. When you are
      going to connect to the network and you load NETX, run "LASTDRV E"
      before running NETX.  Substitute 'E' for the value you need, if
      necessary. When you are going to use the briefcase, you don't
      need to run LASTDRV.
   
      LASTDRV changes the value of LASTDRIVE, but it can only change it
      to a value less than what it is set to in CONFIG.SYS.  It is important
      that LASTDRIVE be set to Z, or LASTDRV will not be able to change the
      drive and the program that needs a lower setting of LASTDRIVE will not
      run properly.  It may be helpful to write a batch file (or modify one
      you already use) that loads your network.  Here is a sample batch file
      for loading NetWare:
           @ECHO OFF
           LASTDRV E
           NETX
           ECHO LASTDRIVE changed from Z to E.
   
      The point here is to run LASTDRV just before you load or run any
      program that needs the LASTDRIVE set to a value lower than Z. 
      
      LASTDRV is not a TSR.  When it executes, it changes some internal DOS
      settings and then is removed from memory.
   


5. Notes on Loading the Briefcase

   To access the files in the briefcase, you load the briefcase.  When
   the briefcase is loaded, your briefcase drives are allocated and mapped
   to the corresponding directory paths.  After the briefcase is loaded,
   you proceed to access the files as though they were still on the
   network.

   There are two ways to load the briefcase:

   1. Run LOADBC.EXE.  This program is run from the command prompt.  If
      you use Windows, only run LOADBC *before* you run Windows.

   2. Add TIBOOT.EXE to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.  TIBOOT is the TakeIt
      boot-time program.  Whenever you turn on your computer or boot up,
      it asks you if you want to load the briefcase.  You respond by
      pressing 'Y' for yes, or 'N' for no.

   The method you choose depends on your preferences.  Some people don't
   like having the boot-up process interupted.  If you are of the same
   opinion, then run LOADBC whenever you want to load the briefcase.  If
   you would like to be reminded to load the briefcase each time you boot
   your machine, then add TIBOOT to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.



6. Quick Tutorial 

   This quick tutorial is a good start for learning how to use
   TakeIt.  Just follow the instructions, and you will learn how to:
        put a file in the briefcase,
        access the file in the briefcase, and
        return the file to the office.
   
   This tutorial assumes that TakeIt is installed, LASTDRIVE is set
   to Z in CONFIG.SYS, and your TakeIt directory is in your path. 
   We'll assume that the name and path of the file you will be
   working with is G:\HISTORY\1847\FACTS.TXT.  You can use any file
   on the network you choose (a text file you can modify is
   recommended for the tutorial).
   
      1.  Turn on your machine.  If TIBOOT runs from the AUTOEXEC.BAT,
          don't load the briefcase. 
      
      2.  Connect to your office.  If you are running on a network,
          connect to the network and make sure your drives are mapped. 
      
      3.  Type CREATEBC to create the briefcase (if you haven't
          created it yet.)
      
      4.  Type TAKEIT G:\HISTORY\1847\FACTS.TXT (substitute your file
          name and path) to put the file into the briefcase.
      
      5.  Reboot your machine.  Don't connect to your office.  If
          TIBOOT runs from the AUTOEXEC.BAT, load the briefcase.
          Otherwise, type LOADBC, which will load the briefcase.

      6.  Type TAKEIT /D to display all the files in the briefcase.
          The file you put there will be listed.
      
      7.  Type EDIT G:\HISTORY\1847\FACTS.TXT (substitute your file
          name and path).  The point here is to modify the file in the
          briefcase.  You access it as if it were still on the network.
          After modifying the file, save it and return to DOS. 
      
      8.  Run UNLOADBC to unload the briefcase.
      
      9.  Reboot your machine.  If TIBOOT runs from the AUTOEXEC.BAT,
          don't load the briefcase.
      
      10.  Connect to your office again, and make sure your drives are
          mapped as before.
      
      11. Run RETURNIT.  Your file is taken out of the briefcase and
          returned to the office.  The office file is overwritten with
          the modified file from the briefcase.
      
   The steps above follow three basic concepts.  First, put files in the
   briefcase that you want to take with you.  Second, after leaving
   your office, load the briefcase and then access the files as if
   they were still on the network.  Third, when you return to your
   office, return the files in the briefcase to their original
   location.
   
   The DOS programs involved in this process are: TAKEIT.EXE,
   LOADBC.EXE, UNLOADBC.EXE, and RETURNIT.EXE.
   
   You can run TAKEITW.EXE, the Windows version of TakeIt, to
   perform the same functions as TAKEIT.EXE and RETURNIT.EXE.


7. New in Version 1.2

   - MOVEBC.EXE lets you move the briefcase from one drive to another.
     It was originally intended for users without notebook computers who
     want to take files with them on a floppy diskette, but can be used
     for any other purpose as well.

   - TakeIt now has much more robust detection to make sure new data does
     not get lost or overwritten.  A database containing tracking
     information of each file in the briefcase enables the robust
     detection.
   


8. More Information on Using TakeIt

   For more information and help on using TakeIt, refer to the online
   help.  For the DOS command line programs, type the program name followed
   by "/?".  In TakeIt for Windows, press F1 to bring up the online help.

   Order TakeIt by calling G'Vosay at 800-700-8840.


