****!!!!! Some Newer features are not yet Documented !!!!!**** Documentation is added when written. AUTOCAT v1.37 Introduction Autocat has been developed for Cataloging your Floppy Disks for storage. It has been designed to make the 'reading in' of your floppies as painless as possible, and retrieval quick and convenient. The general idea behind AUTOCAT, is to NUMBER your disks from 1 to whatever (Disk space limit only) and add them to the database with the auto numbering feature ON. Then place the disks in numerical order, into boxes of 200 or so. Later when searching for a disk, you can search for a specific filename and it will report what disk 'number' that file is stored on. Then you just go to that box and get the file you need. i. Table of Contents COMMAND LINE OPTIONS ................................................. 1 Environment Settings ................................................. 1 SEARCH Filename ............................................................ 2 Disk Label .......................................................... 2 Free Space .......................................................... 2 Date ................................................................ 2 Size ................................................................ 3 Category ............................................................ 3 Description ......................................................... 3 Last disk ........................................................... 3 Any Text ............................................................ 3 ADD DISK ............................................................. 4 REPORTS Filename ............................................................ 5 Disk Label .......................................................... 5 Category ............................................................ 5 Date ................................................................ 5 Text/Match .......................................................... 5 MAINTAIN Category ............................................................ 6 Description ......................................................... 6 Sort ................................................................ 6 Pack ................................................................ 6 Delete .............................................................. 6 Re-Count ............................................................ 6 SETUP Runtime ............................................................. 7 Disk Labels ......................................................... 7 Description ......................................................... 8 Disk Drives ......................................................... 8 Printer ............................................................. 8 Function Keys Alt-F1 .............................................................. 9 Alt-F2 .............................................................. 9 Alt-F3 .............................................................. 9 Alt-F4 .............................................................. 9 Alt-F5 .............................................................. 9 Alt-F6 .............................................................. 9 Alt-F7 .............................................................. 9 Alt-F8 .............................................................. 9 Alt-F9 .............................................................. 9 Alt-F10 ............................................................. 9 Alt-X (Quick Exit) .................................................. 9 Default Files Created, System Requirements .......................... 9 Legal Notice ........................................................ 11 Registration Information ............................................ 11 Registration Form ................................................... 12 *** NOTES: **** Special Keys; * The [Space Bar] Will Pause Reports and Searches from scrolling. * The [ESC] key will 'abort' or 'backup' from most options. ii. * COMMAND LINE * Command Line searches on FILENAME can be done from the DOS Prompt by Entering 'AUTOCAT filename' from the DOS prompt. * If a search fails, and you are presented with the 'NOT FOUND' window you can enter 'R' to resume the program, and remain in Autocat. This is useful since most of the delay is loading the program into memory, and at this point the program is ready to go ! Autocat will recognize what display (card) is being used on your system, but in some case (composite monitor w/ Color adapter) Autocat will recognize the system as being a color system. In this case you case force Autocat to operate in the BLACK and WHITE mode by entering a '/BW' on the command line. ie. 'AUTOCAT /BW' * All example quotes in this text should be entered WITHOUT the Quotation marks. * Environment Settings * You can use an Environment setting to tell AUTOCAT where to find it's setup and catalog files. To do this use the DOS 'SET' command in the following manner; SET AUTOCAT=C:\CATALOG This example would tell AUTOCAT to use the subdirectory called 'CATALOG' on drive 'C', for it's current catalog and setup information. * This option is especially useful when looking for a file using the command line options, and you don't want to have to 'log' into the drive/subdirectory to search for that file. 1. * SEARCH * This Function is to SEARCH the active Database, There are several search categories to search for filenames, free space, date etc. 1 - FILENAME : This is the most commonly used search option, this search option allows you to search the catalog database by FILENAME. When selecting this option you will see the following; You will see the following; 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� � � � What Filename to Look for [ ] � � � � {ESC} to Exit / {Enter} for ALL � � {Ctrl-Enter} for EXACT match search. � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� Here you enter in the filename to search for, using DOS wildcards or the first 3-4 character of the filename ie. 'AUTO' can be entered to find all files that start with the characters 'AUTO', or is same as entering 'AUTO*.*'. If you wish to search for files that are called 'AUTO' ONLY, you can enter 'AUTO' followed by [Ctrl-Enter], this is same as entering 'AUTO.*' 2 - DISK LABEL : You will see the following; 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� � � � VOLUME to Look for [ ] � � � � {ESC} to Exit / {Enter} for ALL � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� Searches for Disk Label. If you wish to see what is on Disk number 743 you can use this function to search volume labels (or disks). If you use the prefix 'DISK-' entering 'DISK-743' will display all files on disk #743. 3 - FREE SPACE : You will see the following; 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� � � � Search for a DISK(s) with more than [ ] K bytes � � � � {ESC} to Exit � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� Here you enter a number to search for, ie. if you want to display all disk with more than 200k Free space on them. You would enter '200' and it would display all disk with MORE than 200k FREES SPACE 4 - DATE: You will see the following; 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� � � � Enter File DATE to search for [01/11/89] � � Older or Newer file DATES (O/N) ? N � � {ESC} to Exit � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� If you are looking for a file with a certain DATE, use this option After selecting the DATE you are prompted for OLDER or NEWER files. Selecting 'N' will display files with a NEWER date or Later DATE, selecting 'O' will display files OLDER or Earlier file DATE. 2. 5 - SIZE : You will see the following; 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� � � � Enter File SIZE to search for [ ] � � � � {ESC} to Exit � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� This option may never be used, but if you are looking for a file with a pedicular SIZE, you could use this option to locate that file. Enter in the EXACT file size to search for in BYTES, not K Bytes. 6 - CATEGORY : You will see the following; 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� � � � Enter File CATEGORY to search for � � � � {ESC} to Exit � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� Searches for files matching the Category Field. 7 - DESCRIPTION : You will see the following; 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� � � � Enter File DESCRIPTION TEXT search for � � [ ] � � {ESC} to Exit � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� Searches for files with the selected 'text' in the Description Field. 8 - LAST DISK : Shows the files that where on the Last Disk Cataloged. 9 - ANY TEXT : You will see the following; 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� � � � Enter ANY TEXT 'String' to search for � � [ ] � � {ESC} to Exit � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� Searches the complete current Database for Any Text selected. 3. * ADD DISK * This function is used to ADD disks to your catalog database. Before using this option, be sure you have run SETUP and setup how this will operate for you, most of the SETUP options pertain to the operation of this function. You will see the following; 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� � Last Disk Added [ ] � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� �袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴敲 � Waiting for Disk Change � 훤袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� �袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴敲 � Insert Disk To be ADDED in Drive A: � � [ Enter to ADD / to exit ] � 훤袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� 4. * REPORTS * This function is used to REPORT To Disk, Printer or screen files in a selected order, starting at the selected filename. - Filename : Reports Files in FILENAME order to Disk or Printer. - Disk Label : Reports Files in DISK order to Disk or Printer. - Category : Reports Files in CATEGORY order to Disk or Printer. - Date : Reports Files in DATE order to Disk or Printer. - Text/Match : Reports Files matching selected TEXT to Disk or Printer. 5. * MAINTAIN * This function is to MAINTAIN your current Catalog Database, Pack Deleted Records, Sort the Database in various orders, add Descriptions to Files, Attach a Category to files etc. - Category : This option allows you to attach a category to files in the database. - Description : �袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴敲 � � � 1 - MANUAL EDIT � � 2 - AUTO DESCRIPTION � � � 훤袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� -Manual -Auto - Sort : Sorts the Database and creates a completely new database and indexes in the specified order. Filename - Sorts the Database in FILENAME order. Date - Sorts the Database in DATE order Category - Sorts the Database in Category order. Disk Label - Sorts the Database in DISK LABEL order. - Pack : PACKS the database and removes records marked for deletion. - Delete : This function allows you to Delete Disks from your current catalog or to delete an entire database. (careful) Disk - Allows you to DELETE a disk from the catalog Database. All - Will DELETE an ENTIRE Database. Use this option with extreme care. - Re-Count : Will re-count the Disks in the catalog Database, in the event that the counter gets out of sync. 6. * SETUP * - Runtime : What if any text, to precede Disk Label [ ] This option is to allow you to use a preceding text string for disk labeling. It also saves you the trouble of having to re-type the text for every disk. This option is recommended for use while Auto numbering is used. SEARCH options to show like A or B (A/B) [ ] This option allows you to have your search displays show File Category and Disk Free Space or File Description. Use Sound (Y/N) [ ] This option toggle audible Disk ADD prompt ON and OFF. AUTO Disk Swapping enabled (Y/N) [ ] If you want the system to Auto recognize Disk Changes, Enable this option. If problems are encountered with this option and drive compatibility, Disable this option. SEARCH output to STOP after 24 lines (Y/N) [ ] Search scroll can be togged ANYTIME by depressing the space bar but this option will stop scroll every 24 lines Re-configure CATEGORY selections (Y/N) [ ] With this option you can configured the Category active selection menu. You can have 9 active category choice available at one time. - Disk Labels : You will see the following; �袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴敲 � When the disk being Cataloged is Found in the DATABASE, � � What action would you like : 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴커 � 훤袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴固 No Questions Asked 넌� � Stop and PROMPT � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴켸 You will see the following; �袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴敲 � The AUTO-NUMBERING feature will Automatically NUMBER Disks� � in numerical order. 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴커 � 훤袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴固 AUTO-NUMBERING on 넌� � AUTO-NUMBERING off � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴켸 You will see the following; �袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴敲 � WRITE ON - Will Write Labels to the Disks 'Volume Label' � � WRITE OFF - Will 'NEVER' Write to Disk. 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴� � 훤袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� WRITE ON 넌� � WRITE OFF � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴� 7. You will see the following; �袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴敲 � What action would you like the Disk Label Function to take� � when determining DISK LABEL 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴커 � 훤袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴固 No Questions Asked 넌� � Stop and PROMPT � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴켸 - Description : You will see the following; �袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴敲 � When the AUTO DESCRIPTION feature finds a duplicate � � File DESCRIPTION : 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴커 � 훤袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴� Leave OLD 넌袴暠 � Stop & ASK � � Overwrite � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴켸 You will see the following; �袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴敲 � Use COMMENTS from archive files as Description for files? � � 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴옌 훤袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴固 Yes use file Comments 낵 � No don't use Comments � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� - Disk Drives : You will see the following; 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� � What Drive will hold the DISKS TO BE Cataloged ? [ ] � � � � What is the FILENAME of the CATALOG Database ? [ ] � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� - Printer : ( All codes are entered in Decimal (ie. 027=Esc,065=A or 066=B ... etc.) and MUST use (3) Digits (ie. use '001' = to represent '1' etc.) Printer Initialization String : 027 064 Printer Double Strike control Code : Enter code for ON : 027 071 Enter code for OFF: 027 072 Printer Condensed Print control Code : Enter code for ON : 015 Enter code for OFF: 018 Number of lines per page # 60 Initialize Printer Before Printing (Y/N) ? N Use compressed Print on 'long' reports (Y/N) ? N 8. * SPECIAL FUNCTION KEY * - F1 Brings up Function key Menu. - Alt-F1 Brings up Current Category Selection menu - Alt-F2 Directory of current drive used for Disk Add function - Alt-F3 Allows you to put a Disk Label on the disk in the Catalog drive. - Alt-F4 Allows you to FORMAT the disk in the Catalog drive. For this option to operate correctly you need to have a copy of FORMAT.COM program available in the current Directory or in a DOS path setting. - Alt-F5 VIEW the current system configuration. - Alt-F6 Run SETUP from almost anywhere - Alt-F7 Toggle the Writing of 'Disk Labels' to Disk ON/OFF. - Alt-F8 Toggle the AUTO numbering feature ON/OFF. - Alt-F9 Sets a filter for 'screening out' certain files or extensions. - Alt-F10 Run IFF 'Interactive File Find' external program written by: John Barlos For this option to operate correctly you need to have a copy of the latest IFF.EXE program available in the current Directory or in a DOS path setting. (program available on Computer Assistance Network BBS) - Alt-X Will EXIT you from the program Quickly from Anywhere. 9. AUTOCAT SYSTEM CONFIGURATION REQUIREMENTS MS/PC-DOS version 2.xx 3.xx 4.xx Operating system Hercules MGA/CGA/EGA/VGA) Display adapter. 512K - (640K recommended) memory. Minimum Mass Storage: System a: 2 Floppy disk drives of any capacity. (PROGRAM DISKETTE in drive A: or B:) System b: 1 Floppy disk drive of any capacity. 1 hard disk w/ at least 5 meg. capacity note: 1 Floppy drive is essential but not required if AUTOCAT is to be run from a hard disk. Normally, drive A: is used to "read in" information to the catalog database. AUTOCAT will know if it is being run for the first time on your system and creates several files. * ------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEFAULT FILE LIST ------------------------------------------------------------------------- FILE NAME DESCRIPTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------- AUTOCAT EXE - - - - - - - - - >Main Program Executable * AUTOCAT CFG - - - - - - - - - >Configuration Storage CATALOG CNT - - - - - - - - - >Disk Volume(s) Count CATALOG DBF - - - - - - - - - >Main Catalog DataBase CATALOG1 NTX - - - - - - - - - >Main Catalog Index #1 CATALOG2 NTX - - - - - - - - - >Main Catalog Index #2 CATALOGD DBF - - - - - - - - - >File Description DataBase CATALOGD NTX - - - - - - - - - >File Description Index CATALOGF DBF - - - - - - - - - >Disk Free Space DataBase CATALOGF NTX - - - - - - - - - >Disk Free Space Index * - Name cannot be changed. These File Names can only be changed from within AUTOCAT. Note: Do not change the name of any AUTOCAT file by use of a DOS utility such as XTREE (tm). BACKUP To Backup Database Files, All that is required are the file with the .DBF Extensions on them. so to save time and Diskspace, You could set your backup software to backup *.DBF. ***************************************************************************** 10. Legal notices AUTOCAT Version 1.37 Computer Assistance Network P.O. Box #1118 Maryland Heights, MO 63043 Voice line: (314) 298-8339, regular business hours Support BBS: (314) 298-8564/8363/0937, three modem lines. Autocat warranty Autocat software and documentation are provided AS IS. It is provided to users under the shareware concept, in which users may test the program thoroughly before paying for it. Because of the diversity of conditions, hardware, and other software under which the program may be used, no warranty of fitness for a particular purpose can be offered. Materials supplied by Computer Assistance Network Software are warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship for thirty (30) days from the date of receipt. Users may return defective materials during that time for replacement at no charge. Evaluation copies You may try Autocat on a 30-day trial basis to determine if this program meets your needs. You must then either register the program or quit using it. You may NOT modify Autocat in any way that changes the program's computer instructions unless these methods are approved by Computer Assistance Network. You may give UNMODIFIED copies of Autocat to others so they can evaluate it for their needs, subject to the same restrictions and conditions above. Registering Autocat If you want to keep using Autocat after your 30-day trial period, mail the registration form with proper payment. Your Autocat registration will include the following: � No charge for using an upgrade. Your registration will be valid for ALL future versions of Autocat. � One year of BBS support at (314) 298-8564 � The latest version of Autocat is sent on disk. � Order disks & manuals anytime at the registered-user rate. � Help "�eta test" future versions of Autocat if you wish, before they are publicly marketed. Form Autocat REGISTRATION 002 (Registration is good for all future versions) Make checks payable to: Computer Assistance Network P.O. Box #1118 Maryland Heights, MO 63043 Registration (disk incl.) @ $25.00 $_________ 3.5" (720k) diskette surcharge @ $3.00 $_________ Total $_________ Name: _____________________________________ Date: ___________ Company: ________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Tell us where you found Autocat! _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Any comments? ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________