
DWM Startup Utility
Version 1 (June 1994)
Author: Brian M. Fell <bmf2s@aurora.urich.edu>

DESCRIPTION:

    This program was written in order to simplify the process of periodically 
executing programs used to maintain a computer's hard disk drive(s). 
The program works by reading in the date from the system clock and executing 
one of three DOS batch files (see below) based on that date.  For instance, 
if the date is the 28th then the monthly.bat file would be executed, if the 
date is the 7th, 14th, or 21st then the weekly.bat file would be executed, 
the daily.bat file would be executed otherwise.

     I have outlined below the specifics of how to use this program and some
guidance for those who have never dealt with .bat files.


HOW TO USE THIS PROGRAM:

    Edit each of the .bat files and put in the path and filename of all of
the programs that you wish to have executed on a daily, weekly, and/or 
monthly basis (see below). Then, in your autoexec.bat file put the path to 
the directory in which the files (startup.exe, etc.) have been placed.  I 
suggest creating a directory called startup or just put them in your DOS  
directory. Finally, in your autoexec.bat file put the command STARTUP.EXE after the path statement 
and before any TSRs (programs that remain in memory while other programs are 
running) that may conflict with the execution of any of the executables 
that are to be called by the 3 batch files (for instance Microsoft's Fastopen 
will interfere with the execution of a defragmentation program such as 
Microsoft's Defrag). 

The next time you boot up your computer the program will execute.


BASIC DOS BATCH FILE PROGRAMMING:


    If you are unfamiliar with .bat files and the example and explanation
given below does nothing for you, please consult your DOS manual or type
'help batch' at the C:> prompt.

>> Edit the batch file with a text editor or word processor capable of saving
>> in DOS text mode.

The following is an example of a typical command to be executed in a batch 
file:


C:\EXAMPLE\RUN.EXE
           ^^^^^^^ The name of the program you wish to have run.
^^^^^^^^^^ The drive and directory in which the executable file you wish to
           include resides. 

Note: An empty batch file will have no effect on the execution of the  
      program, so if you don't want to specify anything to run on say
      a weekly basis, don't worry about it.

* I have included my daily.bat file, with notes, for your inspection

                                        
COST OF THIS PROGRAM:

    This program is shareware and a fee of $4.00 is requested if you wish
to use it.  Your one time registration fee will put you on the mailing list
announcing future updates of this program as well as the satisfaction of 
knowing that you are keeping the concept of shareware alive. Please print out 
and complete the form contained in the file "register.me" and send it in with 
your registration fee as soon as possible.


PROGRAM SUGGESTIONS:

     There are plenty of programs availible that could be used to maintain 
your computer if it is used frequently, obviously this is not a complete 
listing.

Note: The execution of all of the programs listed below can be modified
      through the use of switches (commands that come after the executable
      file such as: defrag /f would execute MS-Defrag and would defragment
      all files by using the /f switch).

IN THE DAILY.BAT FILE:

   * an anti-virus program such as Fridrik Skulason's F-Prot in order to 
     do a daily scan of your hard disk, a scan of just executable files 
     would be sufficient on a daily basis for most computers. 
     
IN THE WEEKLY.BAT FILE:

   * an anti-virus program scanning all files for a computer which sees a lot 
     of floppy disks on a weekly basis.

   * a hard drive defragmenter such as Microsoft Defrag which will ease the
     process of reading and writing to files on your hard disk by 
     putting individual files in a continuous chain, instead of having them 
     fragmented (spread unlinked throughout your hard disk).

IN THE MONTHLY.BAT FILE:
   
   * an anti-virus executing a full scan of the hard disk.

   * a defragmentation program

   * a program such as Microsoft Scandisk which will check your hard disk
     for potential problem and fix them.

   * a simple set of copy comands that will backup your autoexec.bat, 
     config.sys, win.ini, and other files (PKZIP could also be used for
     this).

If you have any further questions or suggestions please do not hesitate to
contact me at the E-mail address mentioned below.

Thanks,
Brian M. Fell  <bmf2s@aurora.urich.edu>
          



Microsoft Defrag, Scandisk, and Fastopen are trademarks of the Microsoft 
Corporation.

F-Prot is a trademark of Frisk Software International and is availible
throught the SimTel Software Repository. 

PKZIP is a trademark of PKWARE, Inc. 
