Wait_Time ST
(c) 1991 DO NOT STAMP (tm) Software
Released 8/27/91
Distributed as Freeware, may be freely copied but not sold.
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Wait_Time ST is a utility for the Atari ST/STE/TT line of 
microcomputers.  It is designed for use from a command line or shell 
environment, and provides a means to schedule the execution of 
programs at specified times during the day.

File provided in this release:

    WAITTIME.TTP  -  The executable program
    WAITTIME.TXT  -  This introductory text file

These files are copyrighted, but may be distributed in unaltered form 
on a not-for-profit basis.  Minimal fees for the cost of the 
distribution media only may be charged.

Usage:   WAITTIME [today] HHMMSS

    TODAY -  an optional keyword that indicates Wait_Time should exit
             immediately if the specified time has already passed for
             the current day.  Without this keyword Wait_Time will 
             wait until the indicated time occurs, even if that time 
             is more than 24 hours in the future.  Confused?  Try
             executing the program with the TODAY keyword, and 
             without it.  You'll notice a difference.

    HHMMSS - The time of day Wait_Time should stop executing.  
             HH=hours, MM=minutes, and SS=seconds.  Use the 24 hour 
             clock to specify the time.  e.g.: 180010 would tell 
             Wait_Time to wait until 6:00:10 PM before exiting.

     
             ( Note, if you execute Wait_Time without a command line, 
             it will display additional summary and usage 
             information. )

Wait_Time was initially designed to be used with HotWire from 
CodeHead Software.  By using HotWire's "chaining" feature you can 
utilize Wait_Time to introduce a delay anywhere in a series of programs.  
For example you might use it to start a chain, during the wee-hours 
of the morning, to run QuickCIS and/or Aladdin.  ( Hint: You can 
use Wait_Time more than once in the chain, use HotWire to pass it 
different times automatically by including the "~" character 
in the command line.  See your HotWire manual for details.)

Of course, Wait_Time is also compatible with various CLI's, shells, 
and probably any other program that will let you designate a list of 
programs to run. 

For the truly sophisticated set-up, note that Wait_Time returns a 
series of return codes when it exits.  Some shells may be able 
to interpret these return codes and respond accordingly.  For example, 
if Wait_Time is prematurely exited by pressing the <ESCAPE> key you 
may not want to run the next program in sequence.  However you may 
decide that if Wait_Time is exited by pressing the SPACE BAR, it is 
okay to continue with the next task.  It's up to you to decide, 
and program your shell program appropriately, but the option is there 
for you to use.  For specific information on the return codes, 
execute Wait_Time without a command line, it will define them for you.

(By the way, the CodeHeads have hinted that a future revision of 
HotWire may included the ability to interpret return codes!)

Finally, even if you don't desire to schedule any delayed programs, 
you may find Wait_Time useful as a means of helping to inhibit 
your use of, for example, Aladdin during Prime-Time access hours.  By 
setting up Wait_Time with a command line of   ( TODAY 180000)  you'll 
find that Wait_Time will provide a visual reminder that it isn't the 
most economical time to call GEnie.  You can always override 
Wait_Time by pressing the SPACE BAR and continuing on...


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Your comments, suggestions, and bug reports are most welcome.

DO NOT STAMP Software
PO Box 781
Park Ridge, IL USA 60068-0781

CompuServe: 72307,1502      GEnie: GRMEYER        Delphi: GRMEYER

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Disclaimer:
Every identifiable brand, name, product, and feature is undoubtedly a 
trademark of somebody somewhere.

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