 {1.15}                                                      CD-rom Explorer
 ===========================================================================
            CD-rom Explorer(tm) Copyright by Hamster Software(tm)
                P. van Andel 1995-1997 All rights reserved.

  -------------------------------------------------------------------------
  ...ooooo.....ooooooo.....oooooooo........................................
  .ooooooooo...ooooooooo...oooooooo........................................
  ooo......oo..oo.....ooo..oo..............................................
  oo...........oo......oo..oooooooo........................................
  oo...........oo......oo..oooooooo...oooooo...ooo...ooo...o..o..ooo...o...
  ooo......oo..oo.....ooo..oo.........o..o..o..o..o..o..o..o..o..o..o..o...
  .ooooooooo...ooooooooo...oooooooo...o..o..o..oooo..o..o..o..o..oooo..o...
  ...ooooo.....ooooooo.....oooooooo...o..o..o..o..o..o..o..ooo...o..o..oooo
  -------------------------------------------------------------------------


                           Short description:

                           Cde is a very easy to use program to explore
                           cd-roms drives or any other drive.
                           Create (active) drive info files for any drive.
                           Remark and category marks for every directory.
                           Start from Cde Dos and Windows programs.
                           View documentation files.
                           Combine extensions with your favorite programs.
                           Unpack files to Cde tmp directory to examine
                           or start the unpacked files.
                           Make for every file a separate note to e.g.
                           describe pictures, sound files or fonts.


                           You have to Register ONLY ONCE




                           Requirements.

                           AT computer (286 or higher) IBM compatible.
                           MS DOS v3.2+ Windows 3+ MSCDEX.EXE or
                           Windows95
                           Approximately 520 kb base memory

     **********************************************************************
     DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

     THIS SOFTWARE IS SUPPLIED  AS IS. THE AUTHOR DISCLAIMS ALL WAR-
     RANTIES,  EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED,  INCLUDING,  WITHOUT LIMITATION,
     THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND OF FITNESS FOR ANY  PURPO-
     SE.  THE AUTHOR ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES, DIRECT OR CON-
     SEQUENTIAL, WHICH MAY RESULT FROM THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE.

     You may use this program, but on your own risk. Always test any
     program on a save location to avoid loss off data.
     **********************************************************************

                                                             CD-rom Explorer
 === # 0 ===================================================================
     Contents

             Topic                                            chapter

             Short description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
             Disclaimer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
             Contents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  0
             Notations used in this file . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1
             Cde, introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2
             Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  3
             Mouse   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
             Key usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
             Supported description files . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
             The Cde screen  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
             Personal key file  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
             Archived files  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9
             Cde_dif files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
             The extension file  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
             Error message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
             Memory problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
             Give a Cde copy   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
             Windows95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
             Register Cde  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
             Credits/Testers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
             Address Author  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18


==== # 1 ===================================================================
     Notations used in this file.

     Alt+Letter : Keep the Altkey down while you press the letterkey;
     | Letter   : Select a highlighted letter from a pulldown menu.
                  Example:
                    Alt+F|A means keep the Alt key down and press F key,
                    release the Alt and press A, this will open the
                    file menu and activate the Auto Read function.

     ^ Letter   : Hold down the Control Key and press the letterKey,
                  Example:
                    ^F = Control+F (Starts the File browser directly)


                                                             CD-rom Explorer
 === # 2 ===================================================================
     Cde, introduction.

         Cde is designed to explore -on a very comfortable way- a cd-rom.
         Cde creates a active Drive_Info file for a cd-rom drive
         or any other drive.
         Cde uses this file to examine (explore) the contents of a cd-rom.
         With Cde you can view documentation files, start programs
         (even Windows programs), unpack files to the cde tmp directory for
         further examination, if desired you can delete them afterwards.

         Through the extension file "cde_ext.dat" you can combine/start
         your favorite pictureviewer, soundplayer or any other program
         with the desired extension.

         For each directory there is a category mark and remark field where
         you make a description for the program it contains.
         Note:
           For directories with archived programs you can insert
           a special remark list for that directory.

         If you use the auto read option, Cde fills the remark
         space
         by scanning for description files like "file_id.diz"
         or uses information from the "descript.ion" files .

         For each directory you can turn on/off six category marks:
         X           Directory already seen.
         M           Has the program/game music
         S           Is sound (voice) available.
         D  W  B O   Needs, Dos, Windows, Dos&Windows or Other.
         CD HD       Runs from cd-rom or install needed on hard disk.
         1..10       Value (is it a good or bad program).

         With the remark filled and the proper marks set, you instantly
         see the nature of the program.
         And by setting for example the filter on CD you see only
         the programs that run directly from the cd-rom.

         If a program or game locks the computer, and you have to reboot.
         Cde shows at startup a error message in which directory the
         error occurred.

         Cde Drive_Info files can be opened without the drive actually
         being present, so you can examine the files at any time to
         search for a file or program.

         Conclusion:
         New cd-roms can be fun, now you are able to explore the
         cd-rom, stop exploring and even months later you now exactly
         where you were, and continue where you left off.

         Learn to use the Cd-rom Explorer once, so you can access
         every cd-rom/drive with the same (interface) program.

         Scan all your floppies with Cde, then you have a way to find
         a program without feeling like a diskjockey, and insert
         only the disk you really need.

                                                             CD-rom Explorer
 === # 3 ===================================================================
     Quick Start.

         1 Make the directory containing Cde active.

         2 Type INSTALL <ENTER>.

         3 Follow the instructions from the install program.


         4 Start cde by typing "CDE" at the Dos prompt.
           Cde starts now with defaults.

         5 Examine the example file [CDETESTFILE] #AAAAENG.DIF,
           this will give you a impression of what a Drive_Info file
           looks like.

         6 Begin your first Drive_Info by pressing Alt+F | D
           select a drive from the menu and press enter.
           Cde will scan the designated drive to build a tree.
           When Cde is ready, the screen will show the new Drive_Info file.

         7 At this point you can use the Drive_Info file.
           The main screen has three fields
           First field  (left)   : The tree of the drive.
           Second field (Middle) : Here are 6 locations for category
                                   marks you can set.
           Third field  (right)  : 60 character remark space.

           To EXPLORE a directory just press enter or Alt+X.

           To EDIT the category mark and remark press Alt+E.

         8 You can fill the remarks yourself during the exploring
           of the cd-rom/drive using Alt+E.
           Or if the descript.ion and/or file_id.diz files (**) are found
           by Cde, you now can Auto read the drive, to fill the
           remark spaces by pressing Alt+F | A.

         9 The file you by now have created can be used as
           described in the "Cde introduction" page.

    (**) Note:
         If none of the files above are found during the tree scan
         you have to search manually for a file which can be used
         for auto search Alt+F | I, look for a filename which is
         the same in most directories, for example bbs.txt or files.txt.
         Because Cde skips the remark lines already in use, you may
         scan the drive more then once using different info files.


                                                             CD-rom Explorer
 === # 4 ===================================================================
     Mouse.

     In this documentation only the keyboard is reviewed.
     But all options, menus, buttons can also be used by click or
     double click of a mouse, If a single mouseclick is not activating
     the option then use a double click.
     E.g to activate the Explorer you may click on the Explore button
     or double click in the main screen on the tree you want to use.

     Double click (RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON) on a word in viewers or main screen
     activates a quick search system and jumps to the first next match.

     Click on the top or bottom (scroll)window lines, to slowly scroll
     the text up or down (use the arrow signs to scroll fast).

     The screen saver can be activated, if you put the mouse cursor at the
     top right screen corner then the screen.

==== # 5 ===================================================================
     Key usage.

     Tab and shift+tab: If the screen contains buttons or other fields
                        you can use the tab key to switch to the
                        next button or field or shift+tab to switches
                        backwards.

     Alt + Letterkey:   If a letter on a button is highlighted
                        then you can access that part by pressing
                        Alt+the highlighted letter.
                        e.g. Alt+F starts the file menu.

     Ctrl + Letterkey:  Some menu parts can be used directly, look for a
                        ^ sign followed by a letter in a menu e.g. ^F
                        this means that you can start that menu part
                        directly by using the Ctrl + that letter.

     Escape:            The escape key brings you mostly back to a
                        previous window.

     Letterkey:         Quick search, jumps to a line which begins with the
                        pressed letter, works in most windows.

                                                             CD-rom Explorer
 === # 6 ===================================================================
     Main screen

         Topline Pulldown menu
           Access by pressing ctrl+highlighted letter or a mouseclick.

         Below the pulldown menu you find the main screen which is
         used for a active Drive_Info file.

         The lines of a Drive_Info file:

           line 1    : Label name and filename and media description
           line 2    : Drive letter where the cd-rom is.

           Rest of lines (divided into three columns):

           Left:
             The first 30 locations are used to show the tree for a
             scanned cd-rom or other drive.
             Select a directory by moving the cursor up or down, if
             you press the enter key the Explorer becomes active.
           Middle:
             Here you find six category marks which can be set through Alt+E.
           Right:
             Here you can write down your remark for a directory,
             max. 60 characters (should be enough for a brief description).

         Info line:
           The bottom screen line gives (from left to right)
           the following information:

           Label   the name of the active Drive_Info file.
           Name    of a file (preference to read first) used for
                   Auto Read, Dir_Info and Get_Info.
           Name    of your file manager, default NC (Norton Commander).
           Drive   the active drive.
           000:000 Number of directories, and which of them is highlighted.

                                                             CD-rom Explorer
 === # 7 ===================================================================
     Supported description files.

     There are many files to describe a program, for example FILE_ID.DIZ,
     SDN.ID and DESC.SDI, Cde reads such a file and takes the first or
     second line and inserts this line in the (empty) remark space.

     Cde works with the data file "cde_scan.dat" in this file are the
     most common description files present, you may add up to 30 file names
     to this file.
     Use Alt+F | I to look for or add any filename, or edit with Alt+C | L
     the cde_scan.dat file.
     The search for description files is from top down if the first file
     is not present Cde looks for the next file until the list is completed.

     Special files:

       CDE_DIF.INF
         Special CDE format (See chapter Cde_dif files).

       FILES.BBS
         From this file there are many different variations therefore
         you can get unexpected results.

       DESCRIPT.ION
         Describes more then one directory.
         Those files are usually the best choice for (Auto read) because
         they (often) have descriptions for every directory.
         The method for auto read in this case is very different from
         the other files.
         If descript.ion files are found and some other files, Cde
         scans first for the descript.ion files and start after that a scan
         for the other files.
         Exception: if cde_dif.inf and descript.ion are found you can
                   choose with file to use first.

       VENDINFO.DIZ  ('95 and up)
         Special file which contains very useful information, if you
         start in the Browser or the Explorer this file then vv.exe takes
         over and you can choose the information you want to read.
         Note: If Cde puts information from a VENDINFO.DIZ files in the
               Remark space Cde will putt a ! first in that space.


                                                             CD-rom Explorer
 === # 8 ===================================================================
     Personal key file

     * * * * * * * * YOU HAVE TO REGISTER CDE ONLY ONCE * * * * * * * * *

     Registered users of Cde receive a personal Key file which  contains
     your "very" personal information, this key enables you to update your
     current Cde version with any newer shareware versions.
     Simply get hold of a newer shareware version of Cde and you have a
     completely working registered version again.

     To transform a newer shareware version of Cde into a registered version
     you have to copy your personal key file "CDE_KEY.DAT" into the
     Cde directory (see also points 1 and 2).
     You'll find this key file on you registered floppy disk.

     Note: make a backup of the current Cde directory.

     1: If you install the newer shareware Cde in your present (registered)
        Cde directory, you don't have to do anything your key file
        is already present.

     2: If you start a new directory for shareware Cde then you have to
        import the key file from your disk, this can be done which the
         "Import Key" options in the Help menu.

     Do not give anyone your personal key file, this file contains personal
     information, keep your registered floppy at a save place.

 === # 9 ===================================================================
     Archived files.

     For cd-roms which contains mostly archived files,
     you have to take a different approach to explore the directories.
     (some cd-rom have directories filled with archived files)

     Example (for a card came directory):
       First go to the directory CARD GAMES, press ALT+D to insert
       a Dir_List, now you have a list of all the archived files
       the directory contains, also each line has a limited space for a
       brief remark.
       Press the enter key to open the explorer.
       The explorer should show the same filename as shown during
       the File_List, press enter again to unpack the program.
       Cde unpacks a archive always to the Cde tmp directory.
       After this operation start the File Browser to go directly to
       this directory to examine/execute the unpacked program.
       If you are done press Alt+C to return to the File_List, edit
       the remark line to describe the program.
       Use the Erase Tmp button to erase the files in the Cde\tmp
       directory.

                                                             CD-rom Explorer
 === # 10 ==================================================================
     Cde_dif files

     This cde_dif.inf file (75 bytes) contains marks and remarks and can be
     used by Cde to fill both fields, and is filled with all the characters
     right from the directory line (incl. all spaces).
     If you create those files (Ctrl+P) in every directory on any drive
     (CD_ROM producers can use them also) then cde fills the mark and
     remark spaces with the info from the found cde_dif.inf file.
     Use CDELINE.EXE from the Dos prompt to create (for active directory) a
     cde_dif.inf file directly.

 === # 11 ==================================================================
     The extension file.

     The extension file "cde_ext.dat" combines a program to an extension,
     and is used in Cde by the Explore and File browser.

     Example:
       If you want to start Word perfect with any file with the
       extension wp5, then you have to add the line,
       wp5=wp
       to the file "cde_ext.dat"
       Now if you start Cde and find a file sample.wp5 in the Explorer or
       Browser simply press enter on that line to start WP with sample.wp5.
       Or if want to use a text viewer named Viewtxt with some text files
       then add one or more lines to the extension file.
       doc=Viewtxt
       txt=Viewtxt

     The file looks like the example below:
     [ARCHIVE]
     zip=pkunzip -d
     arj=arj x
     lzh=lha x
     [END_ARCHIVE]
     bmp=vpic
     mid=play
     diz=c:\cde\vv.exe   (vv.exe = Cde program to view vendinfo.diz files.)

     The extensions between the label [ARCHIVE] and label [END_ARCHIVE]
     are an exception, those extensions and programs are used by Cde to
     unpack a compressed file to the Cde tmp directory.
     You may add your own archive program between the two labels.

     Note: If you place a archive program outside the labels,
           Cde starts that program like the other extensions.

     Use "Edit ext. file"  Alt+C | E to edit the file "cde_ext.dat"
     Read the instructions in the file before you change anything.

==== # 12 ==================================================================
     Error message.

     If a program started by the Explore or Browser locks the
     computer or some program errors place you back to Dos, by
     restarting Cde, Cde show you in which directory the error occurred.
     If the main screen filter was off, the remark *ERROR* can be written
     in the directory's remark space, if the filter was previously on
     only the error line number is given.

                                                             CD-rom Explorer
==== # 13 ==================================================================
     Memory Problems.

     Cde runs completely in base memory including the Drive_Info file
     so you need enough memory to scan large drives.
     Cde + Drive_Info screen consumes about 220kb and each line in a
     Drive_Info file need about 110 bytes (changes by diverted versions).
     So with 500kb free you should be able to read some 2550 directories.
     But in practice Cde reserves some memory to keep running.
     If you have problems reading very large Drive_Info files, examine
     your memory by typing MEM /C <enter> at the dos prompt, to find
     out which programs use the memory.
     Disable those programs from your system you don't really need.

     EMS/XMS memory
     If a program needs more ems or xms memory then try the Alt+O | S
     Swap to Disk option, then Cde will not use this memory to store
     its program data, but uses disk space installed.

==== # 14 ==================================================================
     Give a Cde copy

     Shareware version:
     You may distribute the shareware version freely and also you may
     upload Cde to bulletin boards.

     Note: Vendors and shareware distributors see VENDOR.DOC.

     Registered version:
     On the floppy of the registered version you will find the batch file
     GIVECDE.BAT (drive C: needed for tmpfiles) with this file
     you can create a (shareware) copy for friends.

     1 Take your (floppy) copy of Cde and a empty formatted floppy.

     2 Put the registered floppy in drive A: or B: and type
       a:      <enter>    or    b:        <enter>
       givecde <enter>          Givecde B <enter>
     3 follow the instructions from the batch file... done.



                                                            CD-ROM Explorer
==== # 15 =================================================================
     Windows95.

     Create a shortcut for Cde on the desktop:
       There are two ways to create a shortcut on the desktop:
       Use your right mouse button to click the desktop, click New, and then
       click Shortcut. Type the correct drive:\path\Cde, or browse to find
       Cde to make a shortcut. Click Next, and you will be prompted for a
       shortcut name. Enter "CDE", and then click Finish.
       OR
       Open Windows Explorer, and find the map with contains Cde to create a
       shortcut for Cde. Click and hold the icon while dragging it to the desktop.
       This creates a shortcut on the desktop named "Shortcut to Cde."

     Properties:
       Start Cde (in a Dos-box) and you can make adjustments, select
       the properties button (hand with letter) to change for example
       the used fonts.
       Check "Advanced" to make sure that all the marks there are off.

     With Cde you can start Dos and Windows programs by selecting a
     executable file (Explore/Browser) and simply press the enter button or
     dubbelclick with the mouse on the program name.

     Tips:
       1  Run Cde in a Dosbox, then if you start a Windows
          program Cde remains visible.
       2  Alt+Enter : Switches between Dos/Windows screen.
       3  Alt+Tab   : Switch between applications.
       4  Alt+Space: Running window menu.

     Extension File:
       Between the labels [WINDOWS95] AND [END_WINDOWS95] in the file
       cde_ext.dat you may add links for use with Windows95 only.
       Use ( Alt+O | E <enter> ) to edit this file.
     (See Chapter Extension File").

==== # 16 =================================================================
     Register Cde.

     CDE IS NOT FREE!, if you continue to use Cde longer then the
     30 evaluation days you'll have to register and pay the program.

     By registering you'll receive a updated version without any
       shareware messages, limits or build in delay's.
     With a registered version you can convert newer shareware versions
       into a registered version, so you don't need to register again.
       The latest version of Cde can be downloaded from homepage:
       http//ourworld/compuserve.com/homepages/pvandel/homepage.htm
     As a BONUS you get a free copy of the utility DIRZIP(tm)
       This archive shell allows you to pack or unpack a directory by
       simply typing "dirzip" at the dos prompt. (Needs an archive program.)
       Or if you use DIRZIP to make a backup from a directory, DIRZIP
       creates a batch file on a floppy drive to restore the archive to
       any drive.

                                                             CD-ROM Explorer
==== # 17 ==================================================================
     Credits/Testers

     I wish to thank the following beta testers for there dedication,
     enthusiasm, tips and support.

     A. van Andel      (Dos intern, tests, shareware advice)
     W. Barendregt     (Use of test computer, error messages)
     P. van den Dungen (BBS viewer, tests, distribution advice)
     C.W Floor         (Dutch version)
     P. Melchior       (Tests, Program and Doc. corrections)

==== # 18 ==================================================================
     Address Author

     Hamster Software (tm)
     P. van Andel
     Boezemlaan 80
     3034XD Rotterdam
     Holland (Europe)
     Tel +31 (0)10 - 4110966

     E-mail 106143.3333@compuserve.com
     http//ourworld/compuserve.com/homepages/pvandel/homepage.htm
