PROGRAMS.TXT - Description of Programs

This is a list of programs which are currently available from the
author (see address below).


TRIAL/RUN Sample C Program

    This is a demo program for the TRIAL/RUN license keys libraries.
    TRIAL/RUN is a set of libraries and supporting programs which
    allows software (particularly shareware) authors to add software
    license keys to their programs.  The library functions allow
    the author to limit the duration and/or number of program runs
    during various periods, such as the initial trial period.
    The user can contact the author to extend the trial period or
    to register the program.  License keys can be exchanged via
    telephone or mail.  The program and license key file contain
    a number of safeguards to prevent tampering and to prevent one
    author from generating license keys for another author.


Main-One(tm)

    This is a mainframe communications program designed to work
    specifically with IBM and compatible mainframes.  It allows
    a single keyboard mapping to be defined and used, despite
    variations in the keyboard mappings for the protocol converters
    that are in use.  The automatic response capability allows the
    user to automatically connect to a given mainframe simply by
    selecting its name from the menu which is displayed when the
    program is first started (or when requested at a later time).
    For example, the automatic response capability can be used
    to connect to corporate mainframes via call-back modems.
    This feature requires some effort to customize the program
    correctly to provide the intended ease of use for the end user
    and so that errors are handled gracefully.  Therefore, this
    program is best suited for someone with PC and communications
    experience who can set up the program for the end users.


QEZBuild - Builds .QEZ install files

    QEZbuild builds .QEZ files for quick and easy software distribution.
    It takes a given list of files and compresses them into one file which
    can be sent on diskette or via communications lines.  The files can then
    be extracted from the package by processing it with the QEZ program.

    The operation of the QEZbuild program is controlled by a simple text
    file.  By creating this file once and reusing it, rather than adding
    files one at a time (as in some general purpose archiving utilities),
    you can be assured that the same files will be included each time you
    use the QEZBUILD program.

    Various options can be specified when the library is built, including:
        Default directory
        Which files are required depending on video adapter installed
        Whether an existing file is replaced, updated, deleted, or retained
        Automatic execution of .COM, .EXE, or .BAT files after extraction

    The end user installs the files from a .QEZ package by running the
    QEZ.EXE program and specifying the name of the .QEZ file to be installed.
    A list of files to be installed and the amount of disk space required
    is displayed.  Existing files are taken into account when the disk space
    is calculated in order to allow re-installs or updates even when there
    is not enough disk space for the entire set of files.  The user can
    choose to accept the default directory or select a different one.


ShapeGame - Shapes and Colors To Go Game

    This is a game program intended for 3 to 7 year olds.  The program
    displays an "order" on the screen using either pictures or words.
    Use the forklift to select each of the objects in the order and move
    it to the conveyor belt for loading into a truck.  A number of options
    provide a wide variety of difficulty levers.  Includes a "demo" mode.
    It also allows varying the speed of the forklift for adjusting to
    different processor speeds.  Written for an Interactive Graphics
    course instructed by Ken Sochats and Jim Williams at the University
    of Pittsburgh and inspired by the picking and shipping department
    at my place of employment.


PCX Utilities

    A set of utilities for processing PCX format graphics files.  These
    programs were written to process files intended for use on a FaxBack
    system using Intel fax cards.  The utilities and their original
    purpose include:
        NEXT     - generates sequence numbers with or without a check digit
                This program generates the file names for documents which
                become the document numbers for the FaxBack system.
        PCXHEX   - display PCX format graphics file in hex
                This program was used in testing and debugging only.
        PCXLINES - expands a PCX format file to a given number of lines
                This program expands document pages to a fixed size so that
                the document number can be placed at the bottom of the page.
        PCXMERGE - overlays a given PCX file with another smaller PCX file
                This program puts the document number at the bottom of each
                page.  It is also used to put different company logos at
                the top of the first page.
        PCXTEXT  - converts text to PCX format
                This program converts the document numbers generated by NEXT
                to PCX format so they can be PCXMERGEd into the document.
        PCXTRIM  - interactively trims a PCX format file
                This program was used to trim the company logos so they
                would not overlay nearby text or drawings in the documents.
        STRIP1   - strips one character (CR/LF) from the end of a file
                This was needed to eliminate a blank page at the end of
                certain documents.


Filter Ciruits

    This program was written for a Communications Devices course at the
    Univerisity of Pittsburgh.  The purpose of the the program is to show
    how different filter circuits affect a given input wave.  The input
    waveforms and filter transfer functions are read from disk.  Additional
    waveforms and functions may be defined.  The program prompts for the
    frequency and amplitude of the input wave.  It also prompts for any
    variables required in the calculation of the filter transfer function.
    These variables are normally the values of the components of the filter
    circuit.  The program can display graphs of the composite input and
    output waves and/or their harmonics, and of the filter transfer function.
    Does not require or use a math coprocessor.


VTEXT - Variable Text Generator (text merge on demand)

    Prompts the user to enter a given set of variables one at a time.
    When all variables have been entered, they are displayed on the screen
    for approval.  This screen can show a list of the variables, some
    sample text with the variables in context, or both.  The user can
    modify any of the variables, or approve them which initiates printing
    of a document with the variables inserted at pre-defined locations.
    Text is rearranged to fill lines to the desired length.


Miscellaneous

    AltPrtSc - Alternate Print Screen
        A very short program which selects the alternate print screen routine
        contained in the ROM BIOS of EGA and VGA video adapters.  Written to
        resolve a problem using the standard print screen routines with a
        print sharing device.  Since this is not a TSR, it returns all
        memory to the system when it finishes executing.

    Screen Editor
        A rudimentary screen form generator which allows defining various
        text and input fields on the screen.  Data can then be entered into
        the form and saved in a sequential file.

    Digital Plot Program
        Displays a line plot of rectangular (x,y) coordinates which are read
        from an input file.

    3D Image Manipulation Demo

        Displays a wire-frame image of a house which can be rotated in
        three dimensions.  Includes hidden line clipping.

    Room Layout Designer

        Manipulates images representing objects such as furniture within a
        given area of the screen.  Objects can be added, moved, and deleted.
        Limited to a specific room size.

    Image Display and Printing

        Prints only to Epson and compatible printers.  Currently supports
        only one program-specific file format, but support for standard
        file formats is being added.

    File View Utility

        This is a program to view a given file regardless of the format
        of its contents.  Supports a variety of file formats including
        PCX and TXT.


Author

    Robert Simpson
    2839 Dolores Drive
    Library, PA  15129

    CompuServe ID:  71520,737

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