JP Software Take Command/32 for Windows NT and Windows 95 -- Shareware README Version 1.02 -- April 17, 1996 Copyright 1988 - 1996, JP Software Inc., All Rights Reserved. Published by JP Software Inc., P.O. Box 1470, E. Arlington, MA 02174 USA, (617) 646-3975. 4DOS is a registered trademark and 4OS2, Take Command, and Take Command/32 are trademarks of JP Software Inc. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Greetings, and thanks for trying Take Command/32! This file contains a variety of information you should read before using Take Command, including: * About this Version * Installation instructions * Introduction to Take Command * Technical support * Take Command for 4DOS/NT users * Bulletin board support * Take Command files * Shareware and ASP policies If you have tried a shareware copy of Take Command and want to place an order, see the product and ordering information in the file ORDERINF.DOC, or call us at (800) 368-8777 (USA only, orders only please!) or (617) 646-3975. For order information and an order form see the files ORDERINF.DOC and ORDER.FRM. JP Software also offers a complete 16-bit version of Take Command for users of Windows 3.1 and above; 4DOS, 4OS2, and 4DOS for Windows NT -- our award-winning character mode command processors for DOS, OS/2, and Windows NT; and many other complementary products. For complete installation instructions, see page 4. The license agreement which governs your use of Take Command is included separately in the file LICENSE.DOC. Please read it before ordering. The text is written in plain English, and clearly explains your rights and responsibilities as a user of Take Command. For more information on the shareware system under which you obtained Take Command see page 7, 8. This file, like all our ASCII documentation files, is formatted at 58 lines per page, and contains form feeds and page footers. It can be viewed with a file viewer such as the Take Command LIST command, or printed on most PC printers using the command: copy readme.doc prn Printing it with a program that formats the pages is not likely to work due to the formatting included in the file. (04/96-1.02) TCMD/32 1.02 [04-17-96] README.DOC page 1 About this Version Version 1.02 is a maintenance release of Take Command/32. It coincides with similar maintenance releases of our other command processors: 4DOS version 5.52, 4OS2 version 2.52, 4DOS for Windows NT version 2.52, and Take Command/16 version 1.02. The only substantial change in this version is the addition of support for Windows 95. All other changes are relatively minor. For a complete list of changes be sure to read UPDAT102.DOC -- BEFORE you begin using version 1.02! If you're a new Take Command user, you can skip UPDAT102.DOC. Introduction to Take Command This section and the next are excerpted from the Take Command/32 Introduction and Installation Guide (in the file TCMD32.DOC). See that file for additional details on how Take Command works and how to install and use it (brief installation instructions are also included on page 4 of this file). [A note about our product name: JP Software also offers a version of Take Command for Windows 3.1, and may produce versions for other platforms in the future. Except where we specifically say otherwise, in all Take Command/32 documentation the terms "Take Command" and "Take Command/32" are used interchangeably to refer to the 32-bit version of Take Command for Microsoft Windows NT and Windows 95.] We developed Take Command/32 to bring the power and convenience of our popular 4DOS and 4OS2 programs to Windows NT and Windows 95 users. Whether you are a computer novice or an experienced user, Take Command will help you get the most out of your system. You re probably already familiar with graphical applications running under Windows NT and Windows 95, and with the command line, but you may not be used to seeing them combined in one product. Most Windows applications offer limited command-line capability at best, and most command-line utilities aren t designed for a graphical environment like Windows. We designed Take Command to give you the best of both worlds. You ll probably find it most useful when you need to perform tasks like managing your hard disk, scripting a series of steps with an alias or batch file, or starting applications under Windows. There are graphical utilities that perform some of these tasks, but often you may find it more convenient or productive to perform them from the command line. Take Command also looks and feels like the other Windows programs you use, unlike a character-mode session. Take Command offers a host of features that couldn t exist at all in a character-mode command-line utility. For example you can pop up TCMD/32 1.02 [04-17-96] README.DOC page 2 simple dialogs from a batch file, pass keystrokes to applications, use a Windows-based dialog to find files or text on any of your disks, or configure Take Command with dialogs instead of editing an .INI file. Take Command for 4DOS and 4DOS/NT Users If you're an experienced user of 4DOS or 4DOS/NT, JP Software's replacement command processors for DOS and Windows NT, you'll find plenty of familiar features in Take Command. You'll also find a lot that s new and different. Because the underlying command processing in Take Command/32 is based on 4DOS and 4DOS/NT, you'll find the features of those products are readily accessible. All the commands and switches you've used work the same way and have the same meaning in Take Command; the only exceptions are those that don't make sense outside a character-mode environment, or -- if you're a 4DOS user -- those that necessarily vary between DOS and Windows. Other 4DOS and 4DOS/NT features are included as well -- Take Command/32 supports command line editing, command and directory histories, aliases, .BTM files, and virtually all the other features you already know. New in Take Command/32 are Windows-related features, including: * A built-in scrollback buffer that lets you look back through the output from past commands. * A standard Windows menu bar for access to many commonly-used Take Command features. * A status bar showing date, time, key state, and memory load. * A customizable tool bar that gives you quick access to commands and applications. * Windows dialogs, accessible from the Configuration and Utilities menus, for editing environment variables, aliases, file descriptions, and startup parameters (the TCMD.INI file). * Direct access to Program Manager groups through the Applications menu. * High-speed, dialog-based file and text search. * Commands like ACTIVATE, MSGBOX, QUERYBOX, and WINDOW that allow you to use Windows NT and Windows 95 features and control Windows, Windows NT, and Windows 95 applications from your batch files. TCMD/32 1.02 [04-17-96] README.DOC page 3 * Seamless support for Personal REXX for Windows NT from Quercus Systems. For more details on all of these features, see the Take Command for 4DOS and 4DOS/NT Users topic in the online help. Files Included with Take Command/32 version 1.02 The following files are included with this version of Take Command: TCMD32.EXE Take Command/32 program file TCMD32.DOC ASCII copy of the Take Command/32 Introduction and Installation Guide TCMD32.HLP Take Command/32 help file TCMD32.INI Skeleton Take Command/32 initialization file TC32DLL.DLL DLL used to support the KEYSTACK command BATCOMP.EXE Batch file compression utility for use with Take Command/32 CTL3D32.DLL Windows 3D controls DLL for use with Take Command LICENSE.DOC The Take Command shareware license agreement ORDER.FRM JP Software shareware and upgrade order forms ORDERINF.DOC Ordering and product information README.DOC This file SHRALIAS.EXE Utility program for retention of global alias and history lists SUPPORT.BBS Information on Channel 1, the independent BBS used for Take Command support SYSOP.DOC Take Command information for BBS sysops UPDAT102.DOC Information on changes in Take Command 1.02 VENDOR.DOC Take Command information for shareware disk vendors Installation Instructions (These instructions do not cover diskette installation, because when Take Command is installed from diskette this file is not visible until after installation is complete.) (1) To install Take Command/32 on your system, first create a new directory for Take Command/32 version 1.02 (do not install it in the same directory as any other JP Software product). The directory can be on any hard disk drive, and you can use any valid directory name. (2) Decompress your downloaded Take Command files into this directory. You can print any Take Command documentation file by copying it to the printer with the COPY command. TCMD/32 1.02 [04-17-96] README.DOC page 4 (3) Install CTL3D32.DLL as follows. [CTL3D32 is a Microsoft library which gives a 3-dimensional appearance to some elements of the Windows NT and Windows 95 display, for programs that use it.] (a) Check the date and time on the copy of CTL3D32.DLL that came with Take Command. Then check your \WINNT\SYSTEM32 directory for the same file. (b) If the version that came with Take Command is newer than the version in \WINNT\SYSTEM32, or if the file does not exist at all in \WINNT\SYSTEM32, then copy the newer version from the Take Command directory to the \WINNT\SYSTEM32 directory. (c) DELETE the CTL3D32.DLL file from the Take Command directory. This ensures that you do not have multiple copies of CTL3D32 on your system. CTL3D22 only works properly if there is a single copy in the \WINNT\SYSTEM32 directory; if you have more than one copy you will receive an error when Take Command starts. (4) Under Windows NT, use the following steps to create a Take Command/32 item in the Program Manager's Main group (you can use a different group or create a new group if you prefer): (a) Select the "Main" group. (b) Select the Program Manager "File" menu. (c) Select "New." (d) Select "Program item." (d) Enter "Take Command," or any other title you desire, in the Description field. (e) Enter the full path and name for TCMD32.EXE in the Command Line field (for example, C:\TCMD32\TCMD32.EXE). (f) Enter the directory in which you want the Take Command window to start (if any) in the Working Directory field. (g) Click on "OK" to accept the entry. Under Windows 95, use these steps to create a new shortcut for Take Command/32 on the desktop: (a) Click with mouse button 2 in any open area of the desktop (b) On the popup menu click New, then Shortcut. (c) Fill in the drive and path for TCMD32.EXE, and any other items you wish to set (no specific settings are required). TCMD/32 1.02 [04-17-96] README.DOC page 5 You can place any necessary commands or other directives (e.g. @ininame to name a specific INI file) on the startup command line. For more details on configuration and tuning, see Chapter 2 of the Introduction and Installation Guide. (5) Select the new object and press Enter, or double-click on it, to start Take Command/32. You'll see a Windows screen with some startup messages, and a [C:\] or similar prompt. You can now use Take Command for all your command processing tasks. Press F1 any time for complete online help. Upgrading from Take Command/32 Version 1.0 or 1.01 to Version 1.02 Be sure to go over the changes in version 1.02, in the file UPDAT102.DOC, before you start using it. To upgrade from Take Command/32 version 1.01 to version 1.02, make the following changes: * Follow steps (1) through (3) of the Installation Instructions above. Be sure to use a new directory for the new version. * Copy your Take Command startup or exit files (TCMD32.INI, TCSTART / TCEXIT if you use them) from your old directory to the new one. Also be sure to copy any other files you saved in the Take Command directory. * Be sure that any desktop objects or shortcuts are modified to reflect the new directory where TCMD32.EXE is stored. * If you own Take Command/32 version 1.0 or 1.01 you can "brand" your copy of version 1.02 and convert it to a registered copy. To do so, be sure the new version of Take Command/32 is not running (because you cannot brand a running program under Windows NT or Windows 95). Copy the BRAND program from version 1.0 or 1.01 into the same directory as the version 1.02 files, and run it (from a 4DOS or "MS-DOS Prompt" session) with the command BRAND. Follow the on-screen instructions to install your name and serial number into Take Command/32. The information needed to brand your copy is on the small blue or yellow "Brand ID Card" which came with your copy of 4OS2. If you cannot find this card with your branding codes, you can order a replacement from JP Software for $5. Technical Support We support Take Command/32 in the JP Software CompuServe area, section 10 of the PC Vendor B forum (GO PCVENB). For support leave a message in this area addressed to user ID 75300,1215. TCMD/32 1.02 [04-17-96] README.DOC page 6 If you are not currently a CompuServe subscriber, consider a special offer CompuServe has made to Take Command/32 users: call 1-800-848- 8199 (outside the US and Canada call 614-457-0802) and ask for operator 178 to receive a free CompuServe introductory membership, including user ID, password, and a $15 connect time credit. For technical support on the Internet send mail to support@jpsoft.com. Support for Take Command/32 is also available by phone (617-646- 3975), fax (617-646-0904), and mail (JP Software, PO Box 1470, E. Arlington, MA 02174). Telephone support hours and availability may vary depending on our current staffing pattern and workload; there may not always be a support representative available when you call, in which case we will take a message and call you back. We return calls as soon as possible, and we return all calls within at most 24 hours except on weekends and holidays, or in the event of an emergency. Bulletin Board Support for Take Command/32 Take Command/32 product support is always available on our support BBS, Channel 1 in Boston. Channel 1 is an independent BBS (not operated by JP Software) which has generously offered to provide a home for Take Command BBS support. Phone 617-354-3230 to access Channel 1 at 2400 - 14,400 baud (no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit). Use 617-349-1300 for 28,800 baud v.34. If you have access to a local bulletin board which is a member of any of the major BBS networks (RIME / PC Relay, ILink, or FidoNet), you can discuss Take Command with other users, and obtain limited support from JP Software, by leaving messages in the network's "4DOS" conference (the same conference used for JP Software's character-mode command processors). Downloading Take Command/32 Files You can download Take Command/32 upgrades and other files from CompuServe or the Channel 1 BBS (see above), or from our Internet ftp site. To download files from CompuServe, go to the PC Vendor B forum (GO JPSOFT or GO PCVENB) and look for the files you want in Library 10. On Channel 1, join conference 5 after you log on, then download the files you need (as long as you join conference 5 before downloading you will be able to download Take Command files even if they appear to be too large for your remaining time on the system). On the Internet, download the files you need via ftp from ftp.std.com, directory /vendors/jpsoft (for general JP Software files) or directory /vendors/jpsoft/tcmd32 (for Take Command/32 TCMD/32 1.02 [04-17-96] README.DOC page 7 files). You can also download the files from our web site at http://www.jpsoft.com/. Shareware Copies of Take Command/32 If you obtained Take Command from a shareware disk vendor, an on-line computer service or bulletin board, a friend or colleague, or another similar source, you have an unregistered (trial) copy. As the copyright holder for this software, JP Software allows and encourages you to use this trial copy without charge for a limited period of time, under the terms of our license agreement (see LICENSE.DOC). After this time is up, you must purchase (register and pay for) the product to continue using it (see ORDERINF.DOC and ORDER.FRM for details). This method of distribution is known as shareware. It allows you to determine whether the product meets your needs before you pay for it. Payment of the shareware registration fee for Take Command entitles you to a complete copy of the product with typeset-quality printed and bound manuals; the ability to download an upgrade to the first major release of the product after your initial purchase; continued technical support via electronic mail or telephone; and a subscription to "The Prompt Solution", JP Software's customer newsletter. Association of Shareware Professionals The authors and publisher of Take Command/32 are members of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP), an organization formed to strengthen the future of shareware. Its members, all of whom are programmers who subscribe to a code of ethics, are committed to the concept of shareware as a method of marketing. The ASP sets standards for its members and their shareware products which provide that programs produced by ASP members must be fully documented, non-crippled, and offered with at least a minimum level of support. It also sets standards for shareware disk vendors and provides information to the public about shareware. ASP Ombudsman Statement JP Software is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). 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 members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover TCMD/32 1.02 [04-17-96] README.DOC page 8 Road, Muskegon, MI 49442-9427 USA, FAX 616-788-2765 or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536. 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