Instant Access Menu System Version 2.5 Copyright (c) 1988, 1989 by Tony Gentile of Prodigy Technologies All Rights Reserved TABLE OF CONTENTS Section / Description _________________________________________________________________ 1.0 Introductions - Welcome to the Instant Access Menu System (IAMS) -------------- 1.1 Instant Access program capabilities. 1.2 Hardware and Software Requirements. 1.3 New improvements for v2.5! 1.4 Instant Access Warranty. 1.5 License and Copyright Notice. 1.6 Order Form for registering your copy! 1.7 Corporate and Quantity Purchases. 2.0 Using CONFIG.EXE ----------------- 2.1 A Little Note 2.11 A Word on Help 2.12 Valid Keys 2.13 Running it 2.14 The File Validation Screen 2.2 The Opening Screen 2.3 Main Menu Configuration 2.4 The Sub Menu Selector 2.5 Configuring a Program 2.6 Sub Menu Configuration 2.7 Password Configuration 2.8 General Configuration 2.9 Configuring AutoExecution 2.99 Quitting 3.0 Using MENU.EXE --------------- 3.01 Running it 3.02 Self Checking 3.1 The Main Menu 3.2 Passwords 3.3 The Sub Menus 3.4 The Function Menu 3.41 DOS Shell 3.42 Screen Blank 3.43 Online Help 3.44 Registration Information 3.45 Notepad 3.46 The Turbo Editor 3.47 Autoexecution toggle 3.5 ESCaping 3.6 Final Note 4.0 Appendices ----------- 4.1 The User Supported Software Concept 4.2 Trouble running programs or the DOS shell 4.3 Instant Access and Autoexec.Bat 4.4 Programs that are known to work with Instant Access 4.5 The Programmer's machines 4.6 Thanks to ... 4.7 Listings of updates other then current =================================================================== Page 1 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 1.0 - INTRODUCTION Instant Access is the end result of a dedicated group of MS-DOS users and programmers who felt a need for a premium menu program for the IBM (R) PC/XT/AT/PS-2 family of computers. Due to their efforts, Instant Access is quickly becoming the standard in menu program software. If you are considering running this program, please look over the documentation carefully before trying to set up a system using Instant Access. The Instant Access Menu System is the first in a new generation of menu programs. Instant Access was designed to ease the use of Hard Disks and DOS. In addition to the above, it also presents a more functional interface between DOS and the user. The result of this is increased productivity with less work. With Instant Access you can run any program that would normally be executed from the DOS prompt. The key difference is that with Instant Access it takes only two keystrokes! The program is setup with a Main Menu, with twenty branching Sub Menus. Each Sub Menu holds twenty applications. Thus, you can run any of 400 applications at the touch of a finger. Instant Access provides complete access to DOS by using a shell. Instant Access also contains several innovative functions, that will be covered shortly. Instant Access also provides complete password protection for with those who have security needs. Passwords are available for every part of Instant Access, including: each Sub Menu, as well as to the DOS shell, Turbo Editor, Auto-Execution Area, and Exit to DOS, are provided. These passwords are 8 digit, alphanumeric, and are case sensitive. This program is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). The ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for the member's products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at P.O. Box 5786, Bellevue, WA 98006 or send a Compuserve message via easyplex to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536. * 1.1 - CAPABILITIES o Run any DOS program using less then 4K of memory o Run any of 400 DOS programs with just two keystrokes o Run programs on other [logical] drives o Run internal DOS Commands o Run programs on your PATH statement o Run a program at a specific time and date, or everyday unattended o Password protection to every aspect of the program o A menu driven configuration program o An automatic screen blanking utility o A Mini-Log to track program usage o Online Help and Registration Information o Path and file validation o Command line parameters =================================================================== Page 2 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 1.1 - CAPABILITIES (continued) o A popup Notepad o A DOS Shell o A full function Text Editor o Running time display * 1.2 - HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS The program currently runs on the IBM PC/XT/AT, PS/2, or any fully compatible machine. It requires 172K worth of RAM to load, but less then 4K to run another program. A graphics adapter is recommended, but not required as Instant Access runs in text mode. Although Instant Access could be run off a floppy drive, you would not realize the true benefits it provides. Thus, a Hard Drive is also recommended. The only required software is DOS version 2.0 or greater. * 1.3 - NEW IMPROVEMENTS FOR VERSION 2.5 Many enhancements have been made in this latest version. These include: o Color - The colors have been changed once again, and will now remain until full color configuration is made available. o Blanking - Screen blanking has been changed. Instead of the former manual toggle, the program will now automatically blank the screen after three minutes of keyboard inactivity. When it blanks the screen, it displays a message. This message is rotated between two locations, once every minute. In this manner there is no chance for screen burn in. o Log - A small, "Mini-Log" has been added to the program. It creates a small file named MINILOG.TXT, which can be displayed by entering TYPE MINILOG.TXT at the DOS prompt. o Passwords - Password entry from the menu program has been changed. In order to provide maximum security, there will be absolutely NO keyboard echo when the password is entered. o Toggles - Most of the additions made modify the configuration file MENUS.CFG. However, they can also be turned on or off from inside the menu system. o Functions - The functions from the menu system have been changed from numeric (1, 2, 3...) to function keys (F1, F2, F3...). o Bugs : Somehow, , the last version was surprisingly clean. About three weeks after it's release I found a small bug in the configuration program. When defining a program, entering anything other than a path (ie. C:\) when asked for the path would give a system error (but the program wouldn't crash). This is now fixed. As always, if you have ANY questions or comments concerning IAMS, PLEASE feel free to contact me. The best ideas never come from programmers! =================================================================== Page 3 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 1.4 - WARRANTY PRODIGY Technologies makes no warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, and warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose. PRODIGY Technologies shall not be liable for any damages, whether direct, indirect, special or consequential arising from a failure of this program to operate in the manner desired by the user. PRODIGY Technologies shall not be liable for any damage to data or property which may be caused directly or indirectly by the use of this program. IN NO EVENT will PRODIGY Technologies be liable to you for any damages, including any lost profits, lost savings or other incidental or consequential damages arising out of your use or inability to use the program, or from any claim by any other party. * 1.5 - LICENSE AND COPYRIGHT NOTICE Instant Access is distributed under the User Supported software concept. Non-registered users of Instant Access are granted a limited license to use Instant Access for a 30 day trial period, in order to determine its suitability for their purposes. ANY OTHER USE of Instant Access requires registration. Any use of non-registered copies of Instant Access by an organization, business, or any kind of institution is PROHIBITED. Registration allows you to use the product on a regular basis. Registration includes mailed notification of the next update to the program. Instant Access comes in several forms: 1] Registration only. This costs $25.00 and assumes that you have already received a copy of the program from whatever source. We do not provide diskettes or manuals. The fee covers the use of the program. 2] Registration/Diskette. This costs $30.00. If you order this package, we will send you the latest available version of the program, along with the corresponding documentation (on disk). 3] Registered User Upgrade - This costs $5.00, which covers all shipping and handling charges. =================================================================== Page 4 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 1.6 - ORDER FORM Make cash, check or money order out to either Tony Gentile, or PRODIGY Technologies, and mail it to: PRODIGY Technologies 14611 Carmel Ridge RD San Diego, California 92128 Please send: Instant Access Registration .............. @ $ 25.00 ea #_____ Instant Access Registration/Diskette ..... @ $ 30.00 ea #_____ Instant Access Registered User Upgrade ... @ $ 5.00 ea #_____ [ Please Print ] NAME :____________________________________________________ ADDRESS:____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ Day Phone:(____)______-_______ Evening:(____)______-_______ Current version in my possession ______ COMMENTS:_____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ [The items below are optional] Type of Computer:_____________________________________________ Do you have a color display [Y/N]:__ Do you have a modem [Y/N]:__ Where did you hear about (and/or receive a copy of) Instant Access [ ] BBS Name_____________________ Ph__________________ [ ] SIG Name____________________________________________ [ ] CompuServe [ ] Friend [ ] Other ________________________________________________ =================================================================== Page 5 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 1.7 - CORPORATE AND QUANTITY PURCHASES All corporate, business, government or other commercial users of Instant Access must be registered. We offer quantity discounts starting at the eleventh copy. Corporate or site licensing is available. Purchases of over 75 units may be handled as quantity purchases or as corporate licensing agreements. Licensing agreements allow duplication and distribution of specific numbers of copies within the licensed institution. Duplication of multiple copies is not allowed except through execution of a licensing agreement. Please write for further details. Note: Educational Institutions such as schools or universities who wish to purchase a limited number of copies of Instant Access may do so at $15.00 per copy. The quantity purchase discounts are as follows: 0 - 10 copies: no discount 11 - 25 copies: 10% discount 26 - 50 copies: 20% discount 51 - 100 copies: 25% discount 101 - 200 copies: 30% discount 201 - 300 copies: 35% discount 301+ copies: 40% discount All prices and discounts are subject to change without notice. Discounts are NOT cumulative; they apply to single orders of like products only. Unit prices are the same as for individual users. NOTE: You may NOT use Instant Access within your organization without a prior purchase or license arrangement. =================================================================== Page 6 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 2.0 - USING CONFIG.EXE CONFIG.EXE is the menu driven configuration program for IAMS. It let's you define virtually every aspect of the program in a very simple and straight-forward manner. Enjoy! * 2.1 - A LITTLE NOTE Just as a note, I wanted to remind you that this manual is not to teach you the niceties of DOS. A basic knowledge of DOS is required to use this program (or at least for its configuration). If you need an explanation of some aspect of DOS, or if there is something you don't understand about hard disks or subdirectories, please refer to your DOS manual, or ask a friend. Other good places to look for help are your local Bulletin Board Systems (BBS's), or local user group. * 2.11 - A WORD ON HELP Help is available to you throughout the configuration program. This manual is more detailed, but the instructions provided within the program will point you in the right direction. * 2.12 - VALID KEYS Throughout the configuration program, you will be prompted to enter descriptions, and names of different items. During this time, several keys are available to help you with entering (or editing) the items. [Right/Left Arrow]: Hitting the right or left arrow key will move the cursor one space in the appropriate direction. [Up/Down Arrow]: Within the program configuration area, you will have a list of four items to configure for each program. You may use the up and down arrow keys to move through that list. [Ins]: The INSert key can be hit to toggle insert mode on or off. [Backspace]: The backspace key will delete the character to the left of the current cursor position. [Del]: The DELete key will delete the character at the current cursor location. * 2.13 - RUNNING IT To start the configuration program, type CONFIG (and press return) at the DOS prompt. * 2.14 - FILE VALIDATION SCREEN The first thing you will see when you start the configuration program is the file validation screen. It searches the current directory for all of the necessary data files to run Instant Access. If they are not found, they will be created. If they are found, they will appear on the check list. After file validation, the program will prompt you to hit a key, and will then proceed to the Opening Screen. =================================================================== Page 7 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 2.2 - THE OPENING SCREEN The opening screen gives you the following options: 1) Configure the Main Menu 2) Configure the Sub Menus 3) Configure Passwords 4) General Configuration 5) Configure AutoExecution Esc) Exit to DOS * 2.21 - OPENING SCREEN CHOICES The Opening Screen presents you with five choices. We recommend that you configure the Main Menu (choice 1), then the Sub Menus (choice 2), then the passwords (choice 3), and finally modify the general configuration (choice 4). Auto-Execution configuration will most likely not be necessary initially. This manual is written to help you in this order. * 2.3 - MAIN MENU CONFIGURATION Upon selecting one (1) from the Opening Screen, you will be placed in the Main Menu Configuration area. In this area, you will define the descriptions of the Sub Menus. Each description can be up to 25 characters long. These descriptions are what you will initially see when the menu program starts. * 2.31 - MAIN MENU CHOICES [A to T] When you enter a letter, from A to T, you will be presented with a prompt. You may enter any description up to 25 characters. When you are done, hit return. The program will then update the screen. Common definitions for Sub Menus are: Utilities, Spreadsheets, and so on, but of course, it all depends on the type of programs you use. [1] When you select this choice, you will see a help screen which will list all available commands. [2] Choice 2 allows you to save the changes to disk. This choice create a file named MAIN.MEN in the current directory. If the file already exists, it will be over written. [Esc] The last choice is the Esc key on your keyboard (the ESCape key). Hitting this will return you to the Opening Screen. Please note that if you select this, your choices will stay in memory, but they will not be saved to disk. =================================================================== Page 8 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 2.4 - THE SUB MENU SELECTOR When you select two (2) from the Opening Screen, you will see the Sub Menu Selector. This area is your path to each of the twenty different Sub Menus. * 2.41 - SUB MENU SELECTOR CHOICES At this point, you should see the descriptions you entered in the Main Menu area listed in this menu. From the Sub Menu Selector, you have several choices: [A to T] Select the Sub Menu that you wish to configure. You don't have to configure all four hundred applications at this time. After entering a letter from A to T, you will be moved to the Sub Menu Configuration area. [Esc] This choice will return you to the Opening Screen. * 2.5 - SUB MENU CONFIGURATION After selecting a Sub Menu from the Sub Menu Selector, you will be presented with the following choices: * 2.51 - SUB MENU CHOICES [A to T] Choosing a letter from A to T allows you to configure the corresponding program. You will have to provide a description, a path, and the executionary name of the program. More details follow. [1] This choice will display two pages of complete instructions on what you need to do to configure a program. The help is very detailed, and should be more then satisfactory if you happen to need on the spot help. [2] This choice saves the changes you have made to a file named SUBMENU.MEN. The changes are saved VERY quickly. [3] This choice will allow you to clear (ie delete) a range of entries. You may delete from one, to twenty. If you exit from the submenu without saving, the entries will be restored. [Esc] This choice will return you to the Sub Menu Selector area. =================================================================== Page 9 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 2.6 - CONFIGURING A PROGRAM When you choose a letter from A to T you will be presented with a prompt for several different items. You will be prompted for all of them at one time. You may use the cursor keys to move between them. When you are done with each one, hit return. After answering all of them, the program will start to validate them. [Prompt 1: Description] A good description might be the name of the program and its version number. These descriptions are what you will see from within the actual menu program, after you have selected the Sub Menu, and entered the correct password. Descriptions may be up to 25 characters long. If you leave the description blank, the program will not run. [Prompt 2: The path] The path must have the drive, followed by a colon, then a slash, and then the subdirectory. For example, lets say that you want to define the Instant Access configuration program. We'll say the program is on drive C (your hard disk), and is in subdirectory MENU. The path would look like this: C:\MENU That's all there is to it. Just remember that it is important that you follow the following syntax: drive[:][\]subdirectory. You may of course, have more then one subdirectory. Just remember that there must be a slash [\] between each of them. Also, the maximum path length is 25 characters. [Prompt 3: Program name] The third prompt asks for the name of the program, and its' extension. It is important that you provide the correct name, and extension. Extensions must be .EXE, .COM or .BAT. Please note that you may enter internal DOS commands (like DIR), or external ones (like CHKDSK.COM). So, lets have an example. If we still wanted to include the Instant Access configuration program, we would enter the following when the configuration program prompts for the program name: CONFIG.EXE [Prompt 4: Parameters] If you wish to pass parameters (also known as arguments / switches) to the program at run time, you should answer either R or S here. If you do not wish to pass parameters, enter N (no). When the menu program goes to run your program, it will check to see the answer to this question. =================================================================== Page 10 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 2.6 CONFIGURING A PROGRAM (continued) Entering R signals the program that you wish to be prompted for parameters before the program executes. Entering S signals the program that you have default parameters that you always want passed to this program. You may enter these parameters following the S. For example: DIR *.* /P ^^^^^^---------- Parameters In the above example, *.* /P are parameters. So, if you always wished to pass these to your program, you would enter S*.* /P at the prompt. Entering N signals that you do not want to pass parameters to this program. [Prompt 5: Password] This prompt allows you to enter a 5 character password for this specific program. If you do not wish to password protect the program, simply leave the entry blank (Hit enter when you come to it). * 2.61 - PATH/NAME/PARAMETER VALIDATION When you hit enter after the prompt for password, the configuration program will attempt to validate your entries. Here is a listing of possible messages for each prompt: [Path]: o Path not found - The path you entered does not exist on the drive. You will be prompted to re-enter the path. o Illegal Path - The path you entered did not have a drive, colon, and slash. You will be prompted to re-enter the path. o Path found - The configuration program found the path that you entered. [Program]: 1. File found: The file you entered was found either in the directory you specified, or on your PATH (DOS Environment). 2. Internal: You entered an internal DOS command, which, of course was found. 3. File not found: The file you entered could not be found in either the directory you entered or in your PATH statement. 4. Illegal '.': You entered more then one (.) in the filename. 5. Illegal '*' or '?': Wildcards are not allowed in a filename. 6. Illegal prefix: You entered more then 8 characters before the extension (.). 7. Illegal extension: Either the extension was to short, or to long If anything other then the messages for one or two is displayed, you will be shown list of allowed DOS commands, and all of the .BAT/.COM and .EXE files in the directory you specified. You will then be prompted to re-enter the program. =================================================================== Page 11 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 2.61 - PATH/NAME/PARAMETER VALIDATION (continued) [Parameters] 1. Not N, R or S: You entered something other then a N, R or S as the first character. You will be prompted to re-enter your selection. 2. If you answered R, you will see RunTime parameters will be asked for. 3. If you answered S, you will see Set Parameters have been defined. 4. If you answered N, you will see that no parameters will be asked for. After everything is validated, you will be prompted to strike a key. Following that, the program will update the menu, and allow you to make your next selection. * 2.7 - PASSWORD CONFIGURATION After selecting three (3) from the opening screen, you will be brought to the Password Configuration Area. Here, you will define the passwords for the different items within Instant Access. * 2.71 - PASSWORD CHOICES The password configuration area lets you define a password for every aspect of Instant Access. Here are the available choices: [A to T] Upon selecting a letter from A to T, you will define the password for the corresponding Sub Menu. [U] Configure the password for the DOS Shell. [V] Configure the password for the Text Editor. [W] Configure the password for the Auto-execution area. [X] Configure the password for Exiting to DOS. [Y] Configure the password for Configuration. [1] After selecting choice 1, you will see a complete help screen. [2] This choice saves the changes you have made to disk. The file that the changes are saved to is named PASS.MEN [Esc] This choice returns you to the Opening Screen. * 2.72 - DEFINING A PASSWORD Regardless of which one you select you will be presented with a prompt for the password. Just type in any numbers or letters (for a total of 8), and hit return. The program will then update the screen. =================================================================== Page 12 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 2.8 - MODIFYING THE GENERAL CONFIGURATION After selecting four (4) from the Opening Screen, you will be brought to the area where you can modify the two files, MENU.BAT and MENUS.CFG. From this area, you have four choices. Please note that the new configuration program automatically creates this file when you first run the configuration program. It uses the current drive and directory for the definition. If you plan on moving the program to another area, or just want to do it yourself, then the following will explain how to do just that. * 2.81 - GENERAL CONFIGURATION CHOICES [1] This selection displays the online help screen. [2] This selection allows you to edit the general configuration. When you select it, you will be able to edit the 8 prompts seen on the screen. [Prompt 1: Drive] This prompt asks you to enter the drive where the Instant Access files are located, followed by a colon. If you were on drive C, you would enter C: at this prompt. [Prompt 2: Path] This prompt asks you to enter the path where the Instant Access files are located. It must have a slash, \ , prefixed to it. So, if you were in a subdirectory called MENU, you would enter \MENU at this prompt. [Prompt 3: Exit Location] This prompt asks you to enter a drive and directory to exit to when you leave the menu program. If you were on drive C, and wanted to exit to your root directory, you would enter C:\ at this prompt. Even if you wish to stay on the present drive, and only change directories when you exit, it is best to specify a drive. [Prompt 4: Editor Name] This prompt asks you to enter the name for the Text editor you wish to use. The default is TURBO.EXE, which is the DOS name of the Turbo Editor. If you wish to use a different editor, you may enter it's name here. [Prompt 5: Editor Location] This prompt asks you to enter the location of the above editor. The format is drive[:]/[Subdir]. So, if the editor was located on drive C, in directory EDITOR, you would enter C:\EDITOR at the prompt. [Prompt 6: Color] This choice asks you if you have a color monitor, and needs a Y or N (Yes or No) as an answer. It determines which color set you will see within the menu program. [Prompt 7: Blank] This choice asks if you'd like the program to automatically blank the screen after three minutes. This option, when turned on, allows you to protect your monitor from screen burn in. =================================================================== Page 13 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 2.81 - GENERAL CONFIGURATION CHOICES (continued) [Prompt 8: MiniLog] This choice asks if you'd like the Mini Log turned on. If so, it will write to a program named MINILOG.TXT every time you execute a program. NOTE : Prompts six, seven and eight may be toggled from within the menu program as well. [3] This selection allows you to save your changes; updates MENU.BAT and MENUS.CFG. [ESC] Allows you to return to the Opening Screen. * 2.9 - CONFIGURING AUTOEXECUTION Selecting five (5) from the opening screen allows you to configure the AutoExecution function of the Instant Access Menu System. This function is used to execute programs unattended. You have several choices in this area: [A to J] Selecting a letter from A to J allows you to configure the corresponding program. When you select one of these options, you will be presented with six (6) prompts (you are familiar with 4 of them already). [Prompt 1:Time] This prompt asks you to enter the time you wish the program to execute. The time should be entered in military (24hr) fashion, down to the second. For example, 8:00 am would be entered as 08:00:00. Likewise, 8:34 pm would be entered 20:34:00. [Prompt 2:Date] The second prompt asks you to enter the data that you wish to execute the program. Enter the data in the fashion of: zz/xx/yy. February 1st, 1989 would be entered as 02/01/89. If you wish to have the program execute everyday, enter the word "Everyday" (without the quotes) for the date. [Prompt 3:Description] This prompt asks you to enter a description for the selection [Prompt 4:Path] This prompt asks you to enter the path (location) of the program. This path is entered in the same was as when configuring a program: [Drive][:][/][Subdir]. [Prompt 5:Name] This prompt asks you to enter the name of the program. This name is entered in the same was as when configuring a program: FILENAME.EXT [Prompt 6:Parameters] This prompt asks you to enter parameters for the program. For obvious reasons, the menu program will ignore a selection of R (runtime parameters) when executing the program. =================================================================== Page 14 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 2.9 - CONFIGURING AUTOEXECUTION That's all there is to defining a program. It looks like a lot of information, but it's really pretty straightforward. For obvious reasons, there is NO validation (except for time and date) for these selections. [1] Displays a help screen. [2] Saves your changes to AUTORUN.MEN. [3] This option allows you to import data from the Submenu's you have previously defined, and then export that data into one of the choices A to J. When you select this option, you will be asked four questions. [Prompt 1: Submenu] This prompt asks you to enter the submenu from which you wish to import the data from. It must be in the range of A to T. [Prompt 2: Program] This prompt asks you to enter the program in the above submenu from which you wish to import data from. It also must be in the range of a to T. After answering this prompt, the configuration program will show you the data that you just imported. [Prompt 3: Export] This prompt asks you to enter the selection you wish to export this data to. It must be in the range of A to J. [Prompt 4: Confirm] This prompt asks you to confirm that you wish to export the data to the chosen selection. Any data in that selection will be written over with the new information. [Esc] This command will return you to the opening screen. * 2.99 - QUITTING That's all there is to configuring the program. From the Opening Screen, hit Esc, and you will return to DOS. You should now check the current directory. You should have the following programs there: MENUS .EXE <--- The actual menu program CONFIG .EXE <--- The configuration program CONVERT .EXE <--- The file validation/conversion program TURBO .EXE <--- The Turbo Editor NOTE .EXE <--- The NotePad NOTE .HLP <--- The help file for the note pad MANUAL .TXT <--- This file MENU .BAT <--- The batch file MENUS .CFG <--- The configuration data MAIN .MEN <--- The Main Menu descriptions PASS .MEN <--- The Password file SUBMENU .MEN <--- The Sub Menu file MENUHELP.MEN <--- The help file for the configuration/menu program =================================================================== Page 15 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 3.0 - USING MENU.EXE MENU.EXE is the actual driver for the menu program. From within it you will select the programs you wish to run. * 3.01 - RUNNING IT To run the menu program, you need to type MENU (the batch file created with the configuration program). This file will take care of the rest. * 3.02 - SELF CHECKING When you start the program, Instant Access will do a search for all of the data files that you have just created. If they do not exist, a listing of the missing one(s) will be shown, and the program will exit. If this happens, all you have to do is run the configuration program, which will create the missing one(s). * 3.1 - THE MAIN MENU If there are no missing files, the program will proceed as normal, and the main menu will be displayed. Now the description. The Main Menu will contain the descriptions that you entered earlier. At this time, you have many different options. However, we will only discuss those concerning the Main Menu, and Sub Menus. The commands in the Functions Menu will be discussed later. [A to T] Choose the Sub Menu to be active. After entering a letter from A to T, you will be presented with a prompt for a password, if you defined one for that particular Sub Menu. [PgUp] Selecting Page Up (a key on your keyboard) will show the titles for Sub Menus A to J. If those are already displayed, nothing will happen. [PgDn] Selecting Page Down will display the titles for Sub Menus K through T. If those are already displayed, nothing will happen. Note: You do not have to have the Sub Menu displayed in order to select it. In other words, if the titles for K through T are currently being displayed, you can still select any of A to J. The same is true if A through J was displayed. This was done so that a user would not be bombarded with 20 different selections (which may or may not be configured yet). =================================================================== Page 16 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 3.2 - PASSWORDS A small box will appear, and will prompt you with "Please enter password". At that time, you will need to enter the password that you specified in the configuration program. The cursor will not move and the characters will no be echoed to the screen as you type them. If you enter the wrong password, you will hear a loud beep, and then be returned to the main menu. If you enter the correct password, you will see the Sub Menu overlay the Main Menu. If you did not define a password, you will be brought immediately to the sub menu. * 3.3 - THE SUB MENUS Now, you will see the descriptions of the applications that you entered in the configuration program. You now have choices A through T. (You may use PgUp and PgDn to display the other ten just like in the Main Menu). After selecting from A to T one of the following will happen: 1. If you left the program name blank, nothing will happen. 2. If the path no longer exists, "Bad Command or File Name" will be displayed on the screen. 3. If you defined the wrong program name, it couldn't be found, or didn't exist, "Bad Command or File Name" will be displayed. 4. The program (or any program, even if defined correctly, will not run). Consult appendix B immediately (it CAN be corrected). Even if "Bad Command or File Name" is displayed, the program might run. This is true because of the fact that Instant Access will search your path for the program, and add a .EXE or .COM to the end of the file to try to run it. If you see one of these errors, but the program runs, you should re-configure it with the correct path or file name. If you see one (or both) of these errors, and the program won't run, it's because the path or file name is bad, and Instant Access couldn't find the program or directory. Errors occur very rarely, and most of the time everything will work fine. Now, when the program finishes (or you exit from it), you will return to the Main Menu. If you decide not to run any of the programs in that Sub-Menu, just hit ESCape, and you'll find yourself back at the Main Menu. =================================================================== Page 17 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 3.4 - THE FUNCTION MENU The commands in the Function Menu are only valid when you are in the Main Menu area. In other words, if you have a Sub Menu listed, you will not be able to execute any of the Functions. The Function Menu provides you with 10 options: F1. Online Help F2. Registration Information F3. Note Pad F4. Text Editor F5. DOS Shell F6. Configurationr F7. Toggle : AutoExecute F8. Toggle : Color F9. Toggle : Screen Saver F10. Toggle : Mini-Log * 3.41 - FUNCTION CHOICES [Choice 1 : Online Help] The Online Help Function will display a concise listing of the various commands available, and what they do. [Choice 2 : Registration Information] The Registration Information is kept online for several reasons. One of them being, that some people never read the documentation, but prefer to skip right to the program. Please remember that to continue using this program past the 30 day trial, you must register it. The cost for this program is around a fourth of what you would pay for a commercial program that does the same thing! [Choice 3 : Note Pad] The Note Pad provides a way for you to leave reminders for yourself or others, store a phone number list, or whatever else you could imagine. It contains a total of 30 lines (displayed 15 at a time), with a width of 60 characters. And since it only modifies a file named note.pad, it is safe for anyone to use. Here is a complete list of the available commands: Cursor Movement: -T: Move cursor to the top of the screen -B: Move cursor to the bottom of the screen -Right Arrow: Moves the cursor to the beginning of the next word. -Left Arrow: Moves the cursor to the beginning of the previous word. Home: Moves the cursor to the beginning of the current line. End : Moves the cursor to the end of the current line. Tab : Moves cursor to the next tab stop. Shift Tab: Moves cursor to the previous tab stop. Page Movement: PgUp: move the text forward PgDn: move the text backward -Home: Moves the cursor to the first page of text, and places the cursor at the beginning of that line. -End: Moves the cursor to the last page of text, and places the cursor at the beginning of that line. =================================================================== Page 18 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 3.41 FUNCTION CHOICES (continued) [Choice 3 : Note Pad (continued)] Block Commands: F4: Forms a paragraph from the lines marked as a block. F5: Marks the first line in the block. F6: Marks the last line in the block. F7: Moves the marked block to the line where the cursor is positioned. Blocks can not be copied onto themselves. F8: Copies the marked block to the line where the cursor is positioned. This command differs from F7 because the original block remains in place. F9: Deletes the block. F10:Unmarks a block. Editing Commands: F1: List Help Menu. Hitting F1 again returns you to the note pad. F2: Returns you to the Main Menu. F3: Erases all the text in the notepad. Requests confirmation first. Ins: Toggle Insert/Overwrite mode, and changes the shape of the cursor to indicate the mode. Del: Deletes the character under the cursor. Backspace: Deletes the character to the left of the cursor. Ctrl D: Deletes the word on which the cursor is presently located. Alt D: Deletes the line where the cursor is presently positioned. [Choice 4: The Text (Turbo) Editor] This function has been modified to allow you to run your favorite text editor. Should it happen to be the Turbo Editor, please read on. As we developed the notepad, we realized that it had one function. This function was to leave notes, which all revolved around the file it creates [note.pad]. There was no way to call up another file. We also noted while writing the appendices that we were referring people to a commercial word processor. To eliminate that need, and to further enhance Instant Access functions, we added a text editor. Those of you who are familiar with WordStar, Sidekick, or any of the Borland programming environments will be instantly at home in this editor. For those of you who aren't, we've tried to make it as painless as possible. With all that in mind, here is a listing of the Turbo Editor commands. Basic Cursor Movement: . Ctrl-S/Left Arrow Moves one character left . Ctrl-D/Right Arrow Moves one character right . Ctrl-A/Ctrl-Left Arrow Moves one word left . Ctrl-F/Ctrl-Right Arrow Moves one word right . Ctrl-E/Up Arrow Moves cursor up one line . Ctrl-X/Down Arrow Moves cursor down one line . Ctrl-W Scrolls screen up one line . Ctrl-Z Scrolls screen down one line . Ctrl-R/PgUp Scrolls screen and cursor up one page . Ctrl-C/PgDn Scrolls screen and cursor down one page =================================================================== Page 19 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 3.41 - FUNCTION CHOICE (continued) [Choice 4 : Text Editor (continued) Quick Cursor Movement: . Ctrl-Q S/Home Moves cursor to the beginning of the line . Ctrl-Q D/End Moves cursor to the end of the line . Ctrl-Q E Moves cursor to the top of the screen . Ctrl-Q X Moves cursor to the bottom of the screen . Ctrl-Q R/Ctrl-PgUp Moves to the beginning of the file . Ctrl-Q C/Ctrl-PgDn Moves to the end of the file . Ctrl-Q B Moves cursor to the top of a block . Ctrl-Q K Moves cursor to the bottom of a block . Ctrl-Q P Moves cursor to its previous location Insert and Delete Commands: . Ctrl-V/Ins Toggle between insert and overwrite mode . Ctrl-N Inserts a line at the current cursor position . Ctrl-Y Delete the line containing the cursor . Ctrl-Q Y Delete from current cursor position to end of line . Ctrl-H/Backspace Deletes character to the left of the cursor . Ctrl-G/Del Deletes character currently under the cursor . Ctrl-T Deletes the word to the right of the cursor Block Commands: . Ctrl-K B/F7 Marks the starting location of a block . Ctrl-K K/F8 Marks the end of a block . Ctrl-K T Marks a single word as a block . Ctrl-K C Copies a previously marked block to the current cursor position . Ctrl-K Y Deletes a previously marked block . Ctrl-K V Moves a previously marked block from its original position to the current cursor position . Ctrl-K R Reads a file from disk, inserts it at the present cursor position, and marks it as a block . Ctrl-K W Writes a previously marked block to a file . Ctrl-K P Prints currently marked block. If no block is marked, it prints the entire file Miscellaneous Commands: . Ctrl-U Aborts current operation [except loading a file] . Ctrl-O I Toggle autoindent on/off. This feature provides automatic indenting of successive lines . Ctrl-Q F Lets you search for a string of up to 30 characters . Ctrl-Q A Searches and then replaces a string . Ctrl-L Repeats the last search . Ctrl-Q N Finds a set place marker . F1 Saves current file to disk . F2 Loads a new file . F3 Quits Editor, returns you to Instant Access . Ctrl-Q L Restores line cursor is currently . Ctrl-K 0..Ctrl-K 3 Set marker #0 to #3 . Ctrl-Q 0..Ctrl-Q 3 Jump to marker #0 to #3 . Ctrl-I/Tab Tabs over 8 spaces =================================================================== Page 20 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 3.41 - FUNCTION CHOICE (continued) [Choice 4 : Text Editor (continued] Search Options: B - Searches backwards, from the current cursor position toward the beginning of the file. G - Search Globally search the entire file starting at the beginning,or backward if used with the B option. #[a number] - Searches for the nth occurrence of the search string. U - Ignore case and treat all characters as uppercase. W - Search for whole words only; skip patterns embedded within other text. Replace Options: N - Replace without asking. Otherwise, each replace will seek validation. To enter text, type as though you were using a typewriter. To end a line, press the ENTER [or RETURN] key. Turbo Edit will let you type over 200 characters in a line, but only recognizes the first 149. [Choice 5 : DOS Shell] This shell provides you with full access to all of the DOS commands. It is just as if you had no program running at all. However, if you do a CHKDSK, you may note that a little over 3K of memory is missing. This memory is being used by Instant Access. You may use this shell just as if it were the DOS prompt. To return to Instant Access type EXIT and hit return. When you type EXIT, you will be returned to the Main Menu. [Choice 6 : Configuration] This choice allows you to configure the menu program. To do this it runs the configuration program, CONFIG.EXE. [Choice 7: The Auto-Execution Toggle] This selection allows you to toggle whether Auto-Execution is turned on or off. [Choice 8 : Color Toggle] This selection allows you to turn color menus on or off. Original programming was done on an amber screen (only shades of brown are seen). Unfortunately, this meant the menus looked good in amber (and green), but not in full color. This selection allows you to toggle either the original screens, or the new color screens. [Choice 9 : Blank Toggle] This selection allows you to turn the automatic screen blanking function on or off. [Choice 10 : Mini-Log] This selection allows you to turn the Mini-Log function on or off. =================================================================== Page 21 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 3.5 - ESCAPING (ESC key) This is the exit command. After password verification, you will be returned to DOS. * 3.6 - A FINAL NOTE Well, that's all there is to it. You will probably find that it takes a little while to get used to a different type of interface, but we believe it to be a much more understandable and productive one. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to drop us a line. Following this are several appendices that cover a variety of topics. =================================================================== Page 22 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 4.1 - APPENDIX A: USER SUPPORTED SOFTWARE CONCEPT User Supported software is a way of delivering quality software to a user at a very reasonable cost, while allowing the user to make sure the software meets his/her needs. This concept is based on several ideals: The value and utility of software is best assessed by the user on his/her own system. Only after using a program can one really determine whether it serves personal applications, needs and tastes. There should be a way of delivering low-cost, high-quality software to the consumer. Copying of programs should be encouraged, not discouraged. This is the strength of User Supported software, and allows it to spread far more readily that software distributed by regular means. Under the User Supported software concept, anyone may request a copy of a user-supported program by sending a blank, formatted disk to the program author together with an addressed, postage paid return mailer. A copy of the program, along with documentation on disk, will be sent by return mail on the users' disk. The program carries a notice suggesting registration for the program. You should register if you are going to use the program on a regular basis. Regardless of whether you register and use the program, you are encouraged to copy and distribute the program for the private, non-commercial trial use of others. User Supported software is generally not public domain material; most programs of this nature carry a copyright notice. Rather,the author has licensed you to copy and use the program under certain conditions. Likewise, User Supported software is not intended to be free software; The user is simply granted a license to try the program for a period of time. The author hopes that by cutting out the overhead which makes a commercial software package so expensive, the same program can be sold for a much lower price. As an experiment, User Supported software seems to be failing. The sad truth is that less then 1% of the users of a product of this type are registering. Only through the financial support of users will this kind of inexpensive software continue to be available. =================================================================== Page 23 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 4.2 - APPENDIX B: Trouble running programs or the DOS Shell During testing, we attempted to create every possible error, and provide a solution for it. If you have been unable to run programs (and you know the drive, subdirectory, and name are correct) or if you have been unable to use the DOS shell, read on. To run other programs (and create the DOS Shell), Instant Access makes a call to DOS for another copy of COMMAND.COM. COMMAND.COM is your command interpreter. For instance, when you type DIR at the DOS prompt, COMMAND.COM intercepts it, and then lists the directory. The reason why the programs won't run is because Instant Access can't find COMMAND.COM in your PATH statement. Here's what to do: First, go to your root directory. To do this, type "CD \" at the DOS prompt. Now, type "SET". You will see at least two lines appear. One of them will be COMSPEC, and the other will be PATH. On most computers, your COMSPEC will look like the following: "COMSPEC=C:\COMMAND.COM". If you look at it carefully, you will see the C:\ part of the COMSPEC. That is the part that must be in your path. If it would have been "COMSPEC=C:\DOS\COMMAND.COM", the C:\DOS would have been the important part. You must add that part of the COMSPEC to your path command. To do this, type "SET PATH=C:\", or which ever was the important part of the COMSPEC. Doing this will fix it so that you can run all your programs. If your path was already followed by a few directories, just add the important part onto the end. PLEASE consult your DOS manual or a friend on how the PATH command functions. * 4.3 - APPENDIX C: Instant Access and Autoexec.Bat If you would like Instant Access to automatically start when you turn your computer on, add the following to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file after the PATH command: CD \SUBDIR INSTANT Where SUBDIR is the subdirectory where the files for Instant Access exists. This will force DOS to change to that directory, and then execute the INSTANT.BAT batch file. =================================================================== Page 24 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 4.4 - APPENDIX D: Programs known to work with Instant Access Through all our testing, I have yet to find one program that won't run directly through Instant Access. Here is a list of the programs that definitely will work. Remember, this is by no means a complete listing... after all, nobody could own every program! Turbo C 1.0/1.5/2.0 Lotus 1-2-3 2.01 Turbo Pascal 3.0/4.0 Turbo Tax 5.01 Microsoft Assembler 4.0/5.0 dBase III Plus 1.1 WordPerfect 4.2/5.0 Timeline 1.1 Vopt 2.12/2.2 Desqview 1.03 PCTools Deluxe 4.3/5.0 Harvard Business Graphics 2.1 CatDisk 3.56 Paradox 1.11/2.0/3.0 Windows 1.03 Dac Easy - Accounting 2.0 Fastback 5.1 The Word Processor 4.1 Foxbase 1.0 PFS First Publisher 1.01 Transcopy 4.3 Locksmith/PC 1.2 Cruise Control 3.02 Typing Tutor 4.0 Gramatika II 1.00a Enable 1.5 QDOS II 2.00 Double DOS 4.0 Telix 2.12/3.11 Procomm 2.4.2/Procomm Plus DirMagic Dynadiag 2.05 Eureka 1.0 Express SuperCalc WordStar 4.0/5.0 Clipper PCPaint Brush PCPublisher Quicken * 4.5 - THE PROGRAMER'S MACHINES Instant Access was written on a Compaq Deskpro 286, with the following statistics: . 6 / 8 switchable speed [Instant Access was tested at both] . 512K extended cache memory [turned off and on for testing] . 30 meg hard drive . 1 1.2 meg floppy drive . Amdek 132 video graphics adapter . Amdek 732 monitor Programming was also done on a Compaq Portable III: . 8 / 12 switchable speed . 40 meg hard drive . 1 1.2 meg floppy drive . CGA card . Gas Plasma monitor =================================================================== Page 25 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 4.6 - Thanks to . . . Although there are far too many people that have helped PRODIGY Technologies develop Instant Access, I would like to take some time to point out a few: Ben Debban - A user I met on a local BBS. He has provided me with some of the most open and valuable criticism. Dan Horn - A great BETA tester and friend. Rick Fry - Sharing his ideas on user interface, and setup procedures, as well as providing an excellent BBS. Bruce Bequette - Not only for his great ideas, but also for unselfishly providing his resources. John Dwulet - For providing an excellent BBS, and encouragement. Bob R. - SysOp of the Anonymous BBS. I've spent many a late night chatting with him about IAMS. John Newlin - A great shareware author who has gone out of his way for me several times. Ivars Bezdechi - Love that green man! A great friend with a tremendous amount of talent. Distribution Boards Over the Line BBS (619) 279-1930 The Shareware BBS (619) 455-5226 PCBoard of S.D. (619) 584-4172 The Software Society (201) 729-7410 P.C.Xchange (201) 891-1483 Invention Factory (212) 431-1194 =================================================================== Page 26 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 4.7 - Enhancements since version 2.0: Version 2.4 : o Color Configuration: The user may now select a toggle for either color, or mono screens. o Users may now define their favorite Text Editor, or use the Turbo Editor as the default. o The configuration program has been added as an option from the function menu. o Each individual program may now have it's own 5 character password. o When attempting to save a file in the configuration program, a screen is displayed containing the status of the save (success / fail, etc). o Improved AutoExecution area. This area has been completely redone. Additionally, it has been moved into the configuration program to allow proper editing functions. It now allows not only data import, but also customization. o Parameters have also been completely restructured. Rather than just having the previous options of Yes or No, with Yes allowing you to enter parameters at run time, you now have three options. No, Fly (like the Yes option before), and Set. The Set option allows you to predefine parameters to use with a specific program. o Help screens. The help screens have been updated, so as to be useful white the new version. Additional help screens have been added. o The notepad has been modified. It now has an ESCape command that lets you exit without updating it's file, NOTE.PAD. o Bugs Department. 1) You may now hit ESC to escape from any editing sequence. 2) High Noon. The clock has been fixed to read 12:00 pm at noon, rather than 0:00 pm. 3) Root directory. Previously, if you entered the root directory as the path for a program, and than entered an invalid file name, the program would show you a blank list of files in the root directory. This has been corrected. 4) Floppies. Previously, when you designated drive A or B as the path to the program, IAMS would search the floppy drives. This meant that 1) IAMS crashed if no floppy is in the drive, or 2) It requires the user to insert each and every floppy disk... This has likewise been corrected. Version 2.31: o Applications - Instant Access will now auto-execute any of your configured programs at any time and date. There is also an option to execute a program every day. o File Validation - The file validation featured added in version 2.1 and updated in 2.2 has been updated for the new data files. In addition, it now includes program and path verification. o Command Line - You may now send command line arguments ( switches parameters) to any defined application. o Configuration - The configuration program has been updated, to including better online help, and a more usable interface. It has also been modified to work with the new data files. o File Conversion - A utility has been included to automatically convert data files from version 2.0, 2.1 and 2.2 to 2.3. o DOS - The configuration program now checks to make sure that DOS 2.0 or higher is installed, and refuses to run if it isn't. =================================================================== Page 27 Instant Access Menu System v2.5 March 20, 1989 =================================================================== * 4.7 - Enhancements since version 2.0 (continued) : Version 2.2: o Applications - Instant Access has increased program capacity by 400%. The program will now run any 400 applications or commands that the user defines, while still maintaining a simple interface. o File Validation - The file validation featured added in version 2.1 has been updated for the new data files. It also now generates INSTANT.BAT automatically. o Configuration - The configuration program has been updated, including better online help, and a more usable interface. It has also been modified to work with the new data files. o File Conversion - A utility has been included to automatically convert data files from version 2.0, 2.1 and 2.2 to 2.3. Version 2.1 : o File Validation - This newest addition to the configuration program will create all necessary data files to run Instant Access, rather then require the user to save each sub-menu, configured or not. o Passwords - If a password was left blank during configuration, the user will no longer be prompted to hit return. o Interface - The user interface for Instant Access has been "modernized". The new look is not only more attractive, but is actually faster. o Real time clock - In the upper right hand corner, users will find a real time clock updated by the second. o Documentation - This documentation file was modified to reflect the changes in the program.