; Text file for PSHELP.EXE or PSHELP.COM, a menu-driven environment 
; for screen/printer output. Place PSHELP and this file in the same
; directory and type PSHELP.
;
; Except as specified in the "User-Added Information" section below, 
; no alterations may be made. Doing so violates the copyright, and may 
; make this file unusable with the help program. Use well, and enjoy.
;
; ^OL4 ^OR71 ^OJ
;
3 May 1989
6
TITLE: PSDIR USER MANUAL
                              USERS  MANUAL

                                -- for --


          ******************************************************

                              P  S  D  I  R

            The Multi-Path Directory Sorting & Display Program

          ******************************************************


                      PSDIR / PSHELP License: $15.00
                          (c) 1989, J. W. Olsen
                           All Rights Reserved
                        Advocate Enterprises, Ltd.
                                 Chicago
~ (Menu)
         =================  HELP Run-Time Menu  ================
         =                                                     =
         =  0 - QUIT Help Program                              =
         =  1 - Becoming Acquainted with and Installing PSDIR  =
         =  2 - Basic Usage                                    =
         =  3 - Advanced Usage                                 =
         =  4 - (User-Added Information)                       =
         =  5 - License Agreement, Credits & Disclaimer        =
         =  6 - ALL ABOVE SECTIONS                             =
         =                                                     =
         =======================================================
~(Section 1)
            << BECOMING ACQUAINTED WITH & INSTALLING PSDIR >>

   PSDIR meets two basic needs. In its simplest usage, it will serve as 
   an  effective  everyday "DIR" program for you, providing  the  basic 
   information needed to manage your files. Like some alternatives, you 
   may  display filenames and their sizes in several  meaningful  ways. 
   Unlike some others, your screen WON'T be cluttered by esoteric  data 
   which  only slows down your computing. PSDIR is designed for  quick, 
   clear information, yet with full capabilities such as redirection of 
   output to printer or a file for later reference.
          You say you already have a program that does all that?  Sure, 
   we  have a bundle of them ourselves. What is UNIQUE about PSDIR  and 
   makes  it  a  "must  have" as your DIR  program  is  its  MULTI-PATH 
   feature,  displaying up to FOUR paths simultaneously--as easily  and 
   clearly  as it displays one. And again, output--whether  to  screen, 
   disk or printer--can be sorted in any of several ways.
          Just two examples for now: "PSDIR A: C:\UTIL" compares  drive 
   A: with a subdirectory on drive C:. "PSDIR *.EXE *.COM *.BAT"  lists 
   all  executable files on a given directory. We'll look at these  and 
   similar uses shortly. . . .

   By  use  of  PSDIR, you agree to the terms  and  conditions  of  the 
   License Agreement in Section 5.

   PSDIR  is  designed  to run  on  virtually  any  MS-DOS/PC-DOS-based 
   system. Amount of memory and type of disk drives or monitors  aren't 
   critical.  A  CP/M  version is possible if  sufficient  interest  is 
   expressed. (Contact information appears in Section 5.)

   PSDIR  is  exceptionally easy to use, but take time  to  browse  the 
   complete manual first--time well spent.

   INSTALLATION

   If  new  to ordering software, note that  distribution  disks  don't 
   contain  "system tracks" because of the exceptional costs  we  would 
   have  to pass along. So, to get started, you'll need to make  copies 
   of these files before using them. It's easy. . . .

   HARD DISK SYSTEMS: Boot your computer on the hard disk as usual  and 
   select a directory for all PSDIR files. This directory should be one 
   listed  on  the  PATH line in your AUTOEXEC.BAT  file  in  the  root 
   directory.   (See   your   computer  manual   if   unfamiliar   with 
   subdirectories  or  PATH command.) Note that  ancillary  PSHELP  and 
   QORDER programs expect to find the text files they format to  screen 
   or printer in the same subdirectory. After copying ALL files to your 
   hard disk, see the "All systems" section below.

   FLOPPY-DISK-ONLY  SYSTEMS:  Format a blank disk as usual,  add  your 
   favorite  file  copying utility, and place that disk  in  drive  A:. 
   Place  the PSDIR distribution disk in drive B:. Now, copy all  files 
   from B: to A:. Then see next paragraph.

   ALL  SYSTEMS: You should use ONLY working copies you create.  Thwart 
   Murphy's  Law  by safely storing the originals--just in  case.  Now, 
   move  to  the disk directory containing your PSDIR  working  copies. 
   Then,  if  accompanied  by a README.COM  program,  type  README  for 
   introductory  information and notice of any enhancements  since  the 
   last update of this manual.

   We've  made a conscientious effort to accommodate a broad  range  of 
   needs. But enhancements are always possible. We'll work with you  if 
   you  have ideas, run into difficulties--whatever. And, we'll  supply 
   you  with  a complimentary enhanced version containing any  of  your 
   suggestions  we implement. This benefits you and others. Help us  to 
   serve you better. Contact information is found in Section 5.
~ (Section 2)
                            << BASIC USAGE >>

PSDIR 1.10  (c) 1989, J.W. Olsen
===========================================================================
Usage:        Enter 0 to 4 pathnames and switches--all optional
Syntax:       PSDIR path1 path2 path3 path4 /switches
Switches:     (Choices in each category mutually exclusive)
              Sort by:
                   F = Filename
                   S = Size
                   T = Type
              Pausing:
                   M = 'More' between screens
                   N = Nonstop
              Other:
                   H (or invalid switch) = Help--this screen
Totals Data:  'Used' = total kilobytes of disk space displayed files occupy
              'Free' = available kilobytes on drive
===========================================================================

   The  most  important thing to remember in getting  started  is  that 
   typing  "PSDIR /H" will provide the above help screen at  any  time, 
   which  summarizes  all of the program's basic  features.  We'll  now 
   examine each of these in more detail.

   The  simplest usage is to type "PSDIR" to display all files  in  the 
   current  directory.  As distributed, in the program's  default  mode 
   (i.e.,  if  you  use no switches--discussed below),  files  will  be 
   displayed alphabetically, pausing between screens if too many  files 
   exist  to  be seen at once. (Pressing any key  moves  to  subsequent 
   screens. Following operating-system conventions, pressing  control-C 
   immediately halts output, pressing control-S immediately pauses.  If 
   unfamiliar   with  these  or  other   operating-system   conventions 
   described below, see your computer manual or third-part y  reference 
   book.  After you have registered your copy, feel free to contact  us 
   as well.) 

   You  also may use the operating system wildcard and PATH  functions. 
   For  example,  "PSDIR \UTIL\*.COM" displays all  files  ending  with 
   ".COM" in a subdirectory off your root directory called "UTIL."

   PSDIR's  most unique feature is its ability to display MULTIPLE  (up 
   to  four!) paths simultaneously and as easily as displaying one.  To 
   compare  floppy  drive A: with the default directory  on  C:,  enter 
   "PSDIR A: C:". Or let's say you keep all your word processing  files 
   in  four directories. You could list them all by a command  such  as 
   "PSDIR  LETTERS  DOCS FORMS MEMOS". All directories appear  side  by 
   side for comparison. One of our favorites (discussed further in  the 
   next  section) displays all EXECUTABLE files in a  given  directory: 
   "PSDIR *.EXE *.COM *.BAT".

   Important: If you want to include the current DEFAULT directory (the 
   one you're in when invoking PSDIR) in a multi-directory display, you 
   must explicitly say so. While "PSDIR" by itself implicitly means the 
   same thing as "PSDIR *.*" (display all files in the default  drive), 
   if you want to display all files on the current drive AND all  files 
   on  drive A:, you must type "PSDIR *.* A:". Or, you can use  another 
   operating-system  shortcut by typing "PSDIR . A:". The period  means 
   "default directory."

   SWITCHES

   Several  "switches" let you do things your way. In all cases,  PSDIR 
   looks  to the LAST parameter on the command line for  switches.  (In 
   this  case, "parameter" means any group of characters preceded by  a 
   space. Upper- and lower-case characters are treated identically  and 
   the  order of switches is unimportant.) To distinguish  a  parameter 
   from  a filename, you must use a single slash "/" character  (not  a 
   backslash  "\"),  followed  by any switches. All  switches  must  be 
   grouped  together (i.e., no intervening spaces). Invalid  characters 
   in  an  otherwise  valid switch parameter is treated  as  an  error. 
   PSDIR's help screen is displayed for assistance.

   Switches fall into three categories. If more than one switch from  a 
   given category is entered, PSDIR assumes you meant the last one.

   You've already seen one switch, "/H", which invokes the help screen. 
   Switches in the remaining two categories are described below. 

   An asterisk ("*") indicates default values in distributed copies  of 
   PSDIR.  Unless you've reinstalled your copy for other defaults,  you 
   will never need to use the default switches.

   SORTING:  These switches determine the ORDER in which filenames  are 
   displayed.  (In  all cases, directory filenames  are  listed  first, 
   followed  by  "real"  filenames.)
   F*     Sort alphabetically by filename
   T      Sort by file type (i.e., by the "extension"--".COM," ".DBF,"
          etc. Great for quickly determining how many of various  kinds 
          of files you have.
   S      Sort by file size. Very handy in many circumstances.

   PAUSING:  These switches simply determine whether output  is  paused 
   for reading each time the screen fills. Pressing any key  continues, 
   pressing control-C immediately aborts. To pause display WHILE  files 
   are being printed to the screen, press control-S (any key resumes). 
   M*     Pause with a "more" prompt after each screen.
   N      Nonstop display. Some people prefer it this way for general   
          use.  And  it's invaluable if output is  redirected  to  your 
          printer or saved to a disk file (see next section).

   One  final  example to illustrate all we've discussed. To  view  all 
   files  beginning with "MAY" on four drives by size and no  automatic 
   screen pauses: "PSDIR A:MAY*.* B:MAY*.* C:MAY*.* D:MAY*.* /SN".

~ (Section 3)
                           << ADVANCED USAGE >>

   This section outlines three areas for those interested in exploiting 
   the  full  potential of PSDIR: redirection of output, use  of  batch 
   files and patching default values.

   REDIRECTION

   If   you're  familiar  with  your  operating  system's   redirection 
   capabilities, you may want to skip this discussion and simply  apply 
   what you already know. If unfamiliar with redirection, you may  want 
   to supplement the following by reviewing your system's manuals.

   It  is often handy to send listings to your printer or a  disk  file 
   for  more  convenient review, now or in the future.  Doing  so  with 
   PSDIR  is as simple as appending an appropriate instruction  to  the 
   END  of your command line. It must come AFTER all  pathnames  and/or 
   switches. Examples:

   PSDIR A: C: /N > PRN      (sends the information to your printer)
   PSDIR A: C: /N > FILE.EXT (writes the information to a file)

   The ">" character is the conventional "redirect arrow" symbol. "PRN" 
   is  a convention meaning "default printer." Ensure your  printer  is 
   ready  BEFORE issuing this command. For file output, any valid  path 
   and/or  filename may be used. In both cases, nothing will be  output 
   to your screen. Your system prompt won't reappear until the computer 
   has completed output.
          IMPORTANT: PSDIR's "N" switch should generally be used during 
   redirection,  for  two  reasons. If more than a screen  of  data  is 
   involved,  you  will have to press RETURN or another key  to  resume 
   output. Also, the "more" prompt to indicate it is time to press  the 
   key  will also have been redirected to the printer or file.  So  not 
   only  will  you be unable to see it, but your printed page  or  file 
   won't be formatted as nicely.

   BATCH FILES

   Like redirection, if you're unfamiliar with batch files, there's  no 
   time like the present to do yourself a favor and read about them  in 
   a  reference book! Basic batch files (those ending with  ".BAT"  and 
   which,  when their name is typed, execute commands contained  within 
   them) are exceptionally easy to learn to exploit.

   We  use batch files regularly to expand the value of PSDIR.  One  of 
   our  simplest  yet  most  useful  such  files  is  enclosed  as   an 
   illustration and for your use and convenience. WHATRUNS.BAT contains 
   this command: 

   "PSDIR %1\*.EXE %1\*.COM %1\*.BAT".

   (The file also contains a couple of additional commands to display a 
   message while running PSDIR. It isn't essential to include these  in 
   batch  files  of  your own creation, but they  serve  as  convenient 
   reminders of the purpose of the file.)

   By typing WHATRUNS and a PATH name, all executable files in the PATH 
   directory  (i.e., all files which DO something when you  type  their 
   name)  are displayed. (Typing WHATRUNS without a PATH does the  same 
   thing  in  the  root directory of your  current  drive.)  So  typing 
   "WHATRUNS \UTIL" displays all executables in a subdirectory   called 
   "UTIL" off the root directory on your logged-in drive.

   Note:  If you use a hard disk with subdirectories, it's a good  idea 
   to  edit  WHATRUNS.BAT and other PSDIR batch files to  indicate  the 
   full  PATH  to PSDIR.COM itself. This speeds execution  and  ensures 
   that  the operating system finds PSDIR. Simply use a word  processor 
   capable  of ASCII text output to enter the PATH. (For WordStar,  use 
   the "Nondocument" rather than "Document" mode to create the file. In 
   WordPerfect, save the revised file to "DOS" format.) If PSDIR.COM is 
   kept in a PATH of "C:\UTIL" the above example would become:

   C:\UTIL\PSDIR %1 ...

   With  a little imagination, you'll come up with a bundle  of  ideas. 
   Batch files are a "must" for repetitive tasks. . . .One more example 
   for good measure: Assuming you have two drives, keep PSDIR.COM on A: 
   and  want  to check all files by type, you might  create  DIRALL.BAT 
   containing:

   A:PSDIR A: B: /T

   PATCHING

   If  you're technically inclined you might want to change  two  PSDIR 
   defaults, either because you have different preferences or prefer to 
   keep  a couple of different versions handy so you won't have to  use 
   switches so often. If so, you'll first need a common disk editor and 
   a WORKING copy of PSDIR. (Never patch the original. Not only might a 
   mistake  render  it  permanently unusable, but  it  is  a  copyright 
   violation to pass along an altered copy to others who might  benefit 
   from PSDIR.)

   WARNING: While the patching described here is comparatively  simple, 
   it should be noted that the process itself has some inherent  risks. 
   The  following  information  is provided  solely  for  informational 
   purposes  and  is  intended only for those  familiar  with  patching 
   techniques.  The author expressly disclaims responsibility  for  the 
   results  of modifications of any kind to this program and  disallows 
   distribution  of  any modified copies. Patch at your own  risk,  but 
   please don't infringe upon the copyright by distributing an  altered 
   copy.

   With  your disk editor in hexadecimal display, search PSDIR.COM  for 
   two  strings  of "INSTALL>" and "<INSTALL"  with  three  hexadecimal 
   numbers  between.  (Location varies with the version of  PSDIR.)  As 
   distributed, you'll find:

   INSTALL>000100<INSTALL

   The first null ("00") value is insignificant.
          The   second   byte  ("01"  as   distributed)   means   "sort 
   alphabetically" as default. Change it to "02" to sort by "type,"  or 
   "03"  to  sort  by file size. Any other value  is  invalid  and  the 
   results  of such value are undefined. Please note that if you  alter 
   this byte, you are responsible for ensuring its validity.
          The final byte ("00" as distributed) means "pause after  each 
   screen." Any other value means "nonstop" scrolling.
          No other locations are user patchable.
~ (Section 4)
                       << USER-ADDED INFORMATION >>

   Authorized  distributors  and licensed end users may add  notes  and 
   other  information  for their purposes here. Begin  by  following  a 
   basic  computer  precaution  by  editing  ONLY  a  back-up  copy  of 
   PSDIR.HLP.  A word processor capable of ASCII output must  be  used. 
   (For  WordStar, select "nondocument" rather than  normal  "document" 
   mode from its main menu to create your file. WordPerfect users: Save 
   the output file in "DOS" format.) 

   IMPORTANT: All text MUST remain below "<< USER-ADDED INFORMATION >>" 
   and  above  the  (undisplayed) "~(Section  5)"  to  avoid  potential 
   adverse effects when running this file with the HELP program.
~(Section 5)
              << LICENSE AGREEMENT, CREDITS & DISCLAIMER >>

   PSDIR.EXE,   PSHELP.EXE,  QORDER.EXE,  (PSDIR.COM,  PSHELP.COM   and 
   QORDER.COM for some operating systems), PSDIR.HLP, QORDER.HLP,  plus 
   all  accompanying materials (together referred to as "PSDIR"  below) 
   are copyright (c) 1989, J.W. Olsen / Advocate Enterprises, Ltd., all 
   rights reserved. PSHELP is a dedicated version of HELP.EXE (HELP.COM 
   for  some  operating systems), (c) 1986-89, J.W.  Olsen  /  Advocate 
   Enterprises,  Ltd., all rights reserved. A full-featured version  is 
   available   for   sale  ($20  at  this  writing),   accompanied   by 
   instructions to easily create help files on unlimited topics for use 
   in your office or home with an ordinary word processor. (See  QORDER 
   for more information.)
          PSDIR,  PSHELP,  and QORDER are trademarks of  J.W.  Olsen  / 
   Advocate Enterprises, Ltd. 

   By  use  of PSDIR, user agrees to all terms and conditions  in  this 
   section, which constitutes our full agreement.

   J.W.  Olsen  /  Advocate Enterprises, Ltd. has  taken  due  care  in 
   preparing  PSDIR.  However, no expressed or implied warranty  as  to  
   accuracy, reliability or suitability for any specific purpose or use 
   is  made. In no event shall J.W. Olsen / Advocate Enterprises,  Ltd. 
   be  liable  for  damages,  including  incidental  or   consequential 
   damages, in connection with or arising from furnishing, performance, 
   support or use of PSDIR.

   Upon  payment  of  the  registration licensing  fee,  J.W.  Olsen  / 
   Advocate  Enterprises, Ltd., will provide the latest,  full-featured 
   version  of PSDIR and associated help files, 90 days  of  reasonable 
   telephone  and  modem  access support, as well  as  notification  of 
   certain  future  updates  and access  to  same  for  copying/mailing 
   charges only ($10 as of this writing).

   Unregistered  users  of any version may not use them  for  financial 
   gain. Others may use them AT ONE SITE or BY ONE INDIVIDUAL, but  NOT 
   BOTH.  Subject to the other terms and conditions herein,  users  are 
   authorized to make sufficient copies of PSDIR for normal use.
          Users who have received a complimentary copy of PSDIR may not 
   sell it to another party. Other users may transfer PSDIR to  another 
   party, provided such users and the subsequent licensees agree to all 
   terms  and conditions herein, and provided all PSDIR  materials  are 
   transferred  together and without alteration. Further, by resale  of 
   any copy of PSDIR, seller agrees to relinquish any right to  further 
   possession,  use or benefits of said copy or any duplicates made  of 
   same.

   For  further  information  and ordering  (including  bulk  rates  or 
   distributorships), see QORDER or contact:

                 J.W. OLSEN / ADVOCATE ENTERPRISES, LTD.
                     899 S. Plymouth Court, Suite 504
                               Chicago, IL 60605
                             312/939-3300  (voice)
                 312/939-4411 (24-hr. modem telecommunications)
~
