Dec 142017
Task switcher to switch between up to 10 programs V2.13. | |||
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File Name | File Size | Zip Size | Zip Type |
FASTFLIP.DOC | 42901 | 9886 | deflated |
FASTFLIP.EXE | 34806 | 24202 | deflated |
FASTFLIP.NEW | 2460 | 1030 | deflated |
FFSETUP.EXE | 47826 | 27732 | deflated |
TPCREAD.ME | 199 | 165 | deflated |
Download File FFLIP213.ZIP Here
Contents of the FASTFLIP.DOC file
FastFlip
The Fast Application Swapper
FastFlip, Copyright 1991 Aquila Data Systems and Chris Curran.
All rights reserved.
Aquila Data Systems, Inc.
304 Bayfield Drive
Brandon, FL 33511
FAX : (813)653/2408 Group II, III
BBS Line 1: (813)653-2937 1200,2400,38400 v.32
BBS Line 2: (813)685-4218 1200,2400,38400 v.32
License This version of FastFlip is NOT public domain or free
software, but is being distributed as "shareware".
Non-registered users of this software are granted a limited
license to make an evaluation copy for trial use on a
private, non-commercial basis, for the express purpose of
determining whether FastFlip is suitable for their needs. At
the end of this trial period, you should either register
your copy or discontinue using FastFlip.
A FastFlip registration entitles you to use the program on
any and all computers available to you, with the following
restriction: If other people have access to this program or
may use it, then you should purchase a site license. See
the following section for information about site licensing
or quantity discounts.
All users are granted a limited license to copy FastFlip
only for the trial use of others and subject to the above
limitations. This license does NOT include distribution or
copying of this software package:
1. In connection with any other product or service.
2. For general use within a company or institution.
3. For any consideration or 'disk fee'.
4. For distribution in modified form; i.e., the file
containing this license information MUST be included,
along with the full FastFlip documentation.
Operators of electronic bulletin board systems (Sysops) are
encouraged to post FastFlip for downloading by their users,
as long as the above conditions are met.
Shareware This shareware version of FastFlip has a 5 second delay
Policies when started from DOS. Registered versions of FastFlip do
not contain this screen. The registered and shareware
versions are otherwise identical.
FastFlip v2.13 Page 1
Disclaimer The software and accompanying written materials (including
instructions for use) are provided "AS IS" without warranty
of any kind. Further, Aquila Data Systems does not warrant,
guarantee, or make any representations regarding the use, or
the results of the use, of the software or written materials
in terms of correctness, accuracy, reliability, currentness,
or otherwise. The entire risk as to the result and
performance of the software is assumed by you. If the
software or written materials are defective you, and not
Aquila Data Systems or its dealers, distributors, agents or
employees, assume the entire cost of all necessary
servicing, repair, or correction.
No warranties of any kind, either express or implied,
including but not limited to the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, that
are made by Aquila Data Systems on this Aquila Data Systems
product. No oral or written information or advice given by
Aquila Data Systems, its dealers, distributors, agents or
employees shall create a warranty or in any way increase the
scope of this warranty, and you may not rely on any such
information or advice. This warranty gives you specific
legal rights. You may have other legal rights, which vary
from state to state.
Neither Aquila Data Systems nor anyone else who has been
involved with the creation, production, or delivery of this
product shall be liable for any direct, indirect,
consequential, or incidental damages (including but not
limited to damages for loss of business profits, business
interruption, loss of business information, and the like)
arising out of the use or inability to use such product even
if Aquila Data Systems has been advised of the possibility
of such damages. Because some states do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or
incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to
you.
Trademarks All trademarks and copyrights belong to their respective
holders.
FastFlip v2.13 Page 2
Ordering A FastFlip registration licenses you to use the product on a
Information regular basis. Registration includes notification of updates
and technical support (via our support BBS).
Registering FastFlip costs $35 (plus 1.50 shipping). When
received, we will send you the latest FastFlip diskette,
with documentation on the disk. Alternatively, if you so
specify, we will send you the next update of the program,
when available. Florida residents should include 6% sales
tax. Please use the form at the end of this document.
Orders Please send a check drawn on a US bank in US dollars. We
outside can accept non-US currency; however, you must include an
the US additional $15 to cover conversion and collection costs.
Please include an additional $10 to cover postage on orders
delivered outside of the US.
Corporate All corporate, business, government or other commercial
Site users of FastFlip must be registered. We offer quantity
Licenses and discounts as well as site licensing.
Quantity
Purchases Corporate site 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.
Site license fees are based upon estimated number of users.
Note that with a site license, only one copy of the program
will be sent. You will be responsible for distributing
additional copies.
Please call or write for more information.
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.
WARNING YOU MAY NOT USE FastFlip WITHIN YOUR ORGANIZATION WITHOUT A
PRIOR PURCHASE OR LICENSE ARRANGEMENT.
FastFlip v2.13 Page 3
Development C compiler : TurboC++ v1.0 (Borland)
Tools Used Assembler : TASM v2.0 (Borland)
Linker : TLink v3.0 (Borland)
Debugger : TDebug v2.0 (Borland)
Editor : Qedit 2.13a (SemWare)
Version Control: PVCS for DOS (Sage Software)
C Libs : CodeRunneR (Microsystems Software)
: PDK1 (Microsystems Software)
: PDK2 (Microsystems Software)
: PDK3 (Microsystems Software)
: ADK1 (Microsystems Software)
Microsystems Software are the developers of a group of TSR libraries for
'C' programmers. Their libraries were used extensively in the
development of FastFlip, most notably ADK1. It should also be noted that
a sample program provided with ADK1 was used as the "starting point" for
FastFlip. While FastFlip no longer resembles the original sample,
FastFlip does have it's roots in someone else's work. In other words,
credit is due to MSI for providing superior programming libraries with
superior sample programs to it's customers.
It should also be noted that MSI provides the absolute best technical
support there is. There are no three day waits for a call back from tech
support! Without the quality tech support provided by MSI, FastFlip
would have been next to impossible to write. Again, credit is due to the
guys at MSI (Dick, Ratko and Reed).
While the MSI documentation is not what one would call "perfect", it is
much better than other products competing in the same market, and
sufficient for most applications. MSI has also been receptive to
comments and suggestions concerning their doc, and has continually
improved the quality of it's documentation with each release.
I'd also like to take this opportunity to mention MSIG. This is a
"Norton Guide" clone written by Reed Lewis (of MSI) that has quickly
become my left arm. If you use (or have a use for) Norton Guide files,
you absolutely *must* try this program - it's great!
And no, I don't work for MSI, and I don't get any kick-back from them.
The above is this programmers opinion; you may or may not agree.
How to contact MSI:
Microsystems Software, Inc.
600 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01701
Voice: (508)626-8511
BBS: (508)875-8009
FastFlip v2.13 Page 4
Program FastFlip v2.13
Name Application Swapper
What is it? FastFlip(tm) is a versatile program management tool that
allows you to load up to 10 programs at once and instantly
switch between them. You can switch between your word
processor, spreadsheets, databases, and utilities at will
without having to wait. This eliminates the need to exit one
program to open and use another, which lets you concentrate
on the reasons why you are using your software in the first
place.
NOTE: This is NOT a multi-tasker; the PC apps are simply
swapped in and out as desired. The *only* task that is
actually running is the task that is being viewed.
System FastFlip will run on the IBM PS/2, PC/AT, PC/XT, PC, PC/Jr,
Requirements and IBM compatible computers including the Compaq, NCR,
Tandy, and WYSE PC's. MINIMUM requirements are:
- 512k of memory.
- PC-DOS 3.0 or greater or MS-DOS 3.0 or greater.
- Either a color or a monochrome monitor with 80-column
display.
Memory Now for the next question in everyone's mind - how much
Requirements memory is this going to cost me? (drum roll please)...15k!
That's right - you can have up to 10 PC applications running
at the same time for 15k of DOS memory. And if you load
FastFlip into upper memory (with DOS 5.0), it will leave a
0k DOS footprint!
How can this be? Because FastFlip uses a new and advanced
technique (MSI patent pending) to "swap" applications in and
out of memory as needed.
The memory/disc space requirements of FastFlip are as
follows (assuming you use the default memory settings):
1. ~775k of XMS memory per application, or
2. ~775k of LIM memory per application, or
3. ~775k of disc space per application, or
4. Any combination of the above.
FastFlip is able to "scatter" it's data requirements among
the different stowage mediums available at load time. In
other words, it can use some XMS, some LIM and send the rest
to disc.
FastFlip v2.13 Page 5
XMS memory is preferred, then LIM, then lastly the disc
drive. Note that FastFlip can directly access XMS (extended
memory) if it is available. This type of memory is the
cheapest to add to a PC (no extra boards are needed to
install or control this type of memory), and also the
fastest performing memory you can add to your PC. Street
prices for memory are now about $50 to $75 per meg
(depending on type and speed).
Also note that if you use extended memory, you'll need to
include HIMEM.SYS in your CONFIG.SYS file (make it the first
entry).
If a disc drive is used (and most will need to), then disc
caching software is recommended. I personally use HyperDisk
version 4.21 and find it to be one of the best. I have my
machines on UPS's, so I also enable the disc write caching
of HyperDisk, which tremendously decreases application swap
time.
If you're using this on a 10mhz 286 with 512k RAM and a
ST-225, please don't tell me how slow FastFlip is at
swapping - it is you who are slow to swap...
Installing Installing FastFlip is as simple as coping FASTFLIP.EXE to
FastFlip your utilities directory. You do not HAVE to store
FASTFLIP.EXE in your utility directory, but it is
recommended.
Starting To start FastFlip, simply type in FastFlip at your DOS
FastFlip prompt, followed by any optional command line parameters
(see below). Do NOT start FastFlip if you have "shelled to
DOS" from another application - this will leave "holes" in
your memory.
After FastFlip has been loaded, you may "hotkey" into any
available application.
NOTE: With the exception of Windows 3.0, FastFlip can swap
almost any application - even hi-res graphics
applications.
FastFlip v2.13 Page 6
Command Line The available command line options are as follows:
Options
/? Display HELP screen. The help screen may be displayed
before, or after FastFlip is loaded.
/C Sets the hotkey used for CUT.
Example: FastFlip /clcs-1
Sets the CUT hotkey to Left-Ctrl-Shft-1.
/E Forces FastFlip to NOT use any available EXPANDED
memory (LIM 3.x-4.x) for swapping.
/I Displays detailed information about the currently
defined pages.
/M Sets the hotkey used for MENU.
/N Specifies the number of pages FastFlip will setup. The
default is 3, and the maximum is 10.
Example: FastFlip /n6
Loads FastFlip with 6 pages.
/P Sets the hotkey used for PASTE.
/S FastFlip will use the current drive for swapping (if
disc swapping is needed). If you do not have
sufficient space on the current drive, or, have a RAM
drive with sufficient space, use this option to
specify a different swap drive.
Example: FastFlip /sg
Loads FastFlip, and swaps to drive G: if
needed.
/U Unload FastFlip from memory. This option requires that
FastFlip is the LAST TSR that has been loaded. If
other TSR's are loaded AFTER FastFlip, they will need
to be removed before FastFlip can perform an unload.
/X Forces FastFlip to NOT use any available XMS memory
for swapping.
FastFlip v2.13 Page 7
Program After FastFlip has been loaded, LCTRL-? will pop-up the
Status application status menu.
Pg Stat Mem Program HotKey
1 > 554k Dos Prompt LC-1
2 Act 256k Dos Prompt LC-2
3 Idl 256k Dos Prompt LC-3
4 Idl 256k Dos Prompt LC-4
5 Act 256k Dos Prompt LC-5
6 Idl 256k Dos Prompt LC-6
7 Idl 256k Dos Prompt LC-7
8 Idl 256k Dos Prompt LC-8
9 Idl 256k Dos Prompt LC-9
0 Idl 256k Dos Prompt LC-0
Enter Page #, or 'E' to edit
Sample Application Status Menu
The Application Status Menu is rather self-explanatory. The
current page is indicated with a ">". Pages that are idle
show "Idl" and pages that are active (but not currently
selected) show "Act". The status display also shows the
amount of memory, program name and hotkey for each page.
FastFlip v2.13 Page 11
Editing A limited number of fields may be modified at run time for
Program each application page. To edit the settings of a page, enter
Information 'E' and select the appropriate page number from the list.
The following screen will then be displayed:
Page: x
Name: _________________________
Program: ________________________________________
Chg Dir: ________________________________________
Pause for command line options? (Y/N): _
Sample Page Edit Display
Page The page number being edited. This is a display
only field.
Name The description of the program. This may be any
text up to 25 characters.
Program The DOS name of the program. If the program is a
COM or EXE file, an extension is not needed. If
the program is a BATCH file, then the ".BAT"
extension *MUST* be included.
If the program is in your DOS PATH, then a path
does not need to precede the DOS file name. If
the program is NOT your DOS PATH, then you must
specify the path with the file name, or use the
"Chg Dir" field below.
If you only want a DOS prompt, leave this field
blank. A BATCH file will also return to the DOS
prompt (unless an EXIT command is included).
Chg Dir The path that FastFlip should change to when the
program is started.
Pause If this field is "Y", FastFlip will pause for
entry of any parameters to be passed to the
program.
FastFlip v2.13 Page 11
Custom DOS If a custom prompt is desired for each page at the DOS
Prompt prompt, specify a BATCH file in the Program field to change
the prompt.
Example SETNEWP.BAT file for DOS:
@echo off
prompt $e[37;40m%1$p$g$e[36;40m
Example SETNEWP.BAT file for 4DOS users:
@echo off
setdos /V0
prompt $e[37;40m%1$p$g$e[36;40m
This BATCH file will set a new prompt for this page (the
4DOS version also sets a 4DOS state variable). The PROMPT
statement above requires ANSI.SYS (or equivalent) to be
loaded since it also changes the color of the prompt (my
personal preference). Note the placement of the DOS
parameter "%1" - this parm is specified in the FastFlip
Program Edit screen for this page (see example below).
Following is a sample BATCH file setup:
Page: 3
Name: Dos Prompt
Program: setnewp.bat 3
Chg Dir:
Pause for command line options? (Y/N): N
FastFlip v2.13 Page 11
Cut and FastFlip also allows you to "cut and paste" data between
Paste applications.
Cutting The contents of one application screen may be
Data copied to another application, or to itself. Data
that is to be copied must first be marked, then
"cut". Note that the term "cut" does not denote
that any damage or modification with come to the
original data.
Data is marked for cutting by pressing
"Left-Ctrl-Left-Shft-C". The current application
screen will then be set to white on black, and the
marked area will be displayed as white on blue.
The current cursor location is used as the upper
left corner of the marked block. Use the arrow
keys to expand or shrink the marked area.
You may not move the cursor above or to the left
of the current upper left corner of the marked
block. If the upper left corner of the block needs
to be moved, press "F9", reposition the cursor and
press "F10" to anchor the upper left corner of the
marked block.
After the block has been marked, press "Enter".
The data will then be copied to a disc file for
later use by the Paste command. The disc file is
NOT erased after a Paste command, or when FastFlip
is unloaded. This allows you to paste the same
data any number of times, to any number of
applications.
Pasting The contents of the disc cut file is pasted to the
current application by pressing
"Left-Ctrl-Left-Shft-P". The contents of the disc
cut file is then fed into the current applications
keyboard buffer, with an "Enter" simulated at the
end of each line. If the disc cut file is empty or
an error occurs during reading, a beep will be
emitted and no action taken.
Note: You must release all keys of the Paste
command before pasting will begin.
FastFlip v2.13 Page 12
Configuring The program FFSETUP.EXE is used to configure FastFlip. If
FastFlip you run FFSETUP from a page in FastFlip (while it is
loaded), the changes will not take effect until FastFlip has
been unloaded and reloaded.
NOTE: Command line toggles will override any configured
settings.
After FFSETUP has been loaded, you will be presented with
the following menu:
Startup Parameters
Application Page 1
Application Page 2
Application Page 3
Application Page 4
Application Page 5
Application Page 6
Application Page 7
Application Page 8
Application Page 9
Application Page 10
Select "Startup Parameters" to configure settings that
effect all application pages (number of apps, swap drive,
etc). Select "Application Page 1" through "Application Page
10" to configure the appropriate application page.
FastFlip v2.13 Page 11
Startup
Parameters
Menu Hotkey: LC-/
Cut Hotkey: LCS-C
Paste Hotkey: LCS-P
Prev App Hotkey: LCS-,
Next App Hotkey: LCS-.
Number of Applications: 3
Swap Drive (if needed): C Alternate Drive: C
Use EMS for swapping?: Y
Use XMS for swapping?: Y
Startup Parameters Edit Screen
Menu Sets the hotkey used to display the application
menu. See "Hot Key" in "Application Page Edit
Screen" for valid hot key specifiers.
Cut Sets the hotkey used to activate the cut
operation. See "Hot Key" in "Application Page
Edit Screen" for valid hot key specifiers.
Paste Sets the hotkey used to activate the paste
operation. See "Hot Key" in "Application Page
Edit Screen" for valid hot key specifiers.
Prev Sets the hotkey used swap to the previous
application page. See "Hot Key" in "Application
Page Edit Screen" for valid hot key specifiers.
Next Sets the hotkey used swap to the next
application page. See "Hot Key" in "Application
Page Edit Screen" for valid hot key specifiers.
Number Specifies the number of pages FastFlip will
setup. The default is 3, and the maximum is 10.
Swap Drive The primary drive that FastFlip should use for
swapping (if disc swapping is needed). If there
is not enough free space on this drive, the
Alternate swap drive will be attempted.
Alternate If FastFlip needs to swap to the disc and the
primary swap drive does not have enough free
space to hold the swap file, the alternate drive
will be used instead.
FastFlip v2.13 Page 11
Use EMS If this field is "Y", FastFlip will allow
application pages to use EMS memory for
swapping.
If this field is "N", FastFlip will not allow
application pages to use EMS memory for
swapping.
Use XMS If this field is "Y", FastFlip will allow
application pages to use XMS memory for
swapping.
If this field is "N", FastFlip will not allow
application pages to use XMS memory for
swapping.
Application
Page 1-10
Page: 1
Name: Dos Prompt
Program:
Chg Dir:
Memory: 512
Hot Key: LC-1
Use EMS: Y
Use XMS: Y
Pause for command line options? (Y/N): N
Application Page Edit Screen
Page The page number being edited. This is a display
only field.
Name The description of the program. This may be any
text up to 25 characters.
FastFlip v2.13 Page 11
Program The DOS name of the program. If the program is a
COM or EXE file, an extension is not needed. If
the program is a BATCH file, then the ".BAT"
extension *MUST* be included.
If the program is in your DOS PATH, then a path
does not need to precede the DOS file name. If
the program is NOT your DOS PATH, then you must
specify the path with the file name, or use the
"Chg Dir" field below.
If you only want a DOS prompt, leave this field
blank. A BATCH file will also return to the DOS
prompt (unless an EXIT command is included).
Chg Dir The path that FastFlip should change to when the
program is started.
Memory The amount of memory needed (in k) for this
program.
NOTE: Memory size changes do not take effect
until FastFlip has been unloaded and
reloaded.
FastFlip v2.13 Page 11
Hot Key The HotKey that will be used to change to this
page. A HotKey is selected by entering HotKey
specifiers, followed by a dash ('-') and then
the identifier key. Available HotKey specifiers
are:
L Left
R Right
A Alt
C Ctrl
S Shift
HotKey specifiers may be combined in any manner,
except 'L' and 'R' - these two specifiers are
mutually exclusive.
A HotKey identifier is any single key. Function
keys may be used as identifiers by using the key
name (i.e. "F5").
Examples:
LCS-1 Left-Ctrl-Shift-1
RCS-1 Right-Ctrl-Shift-1
LCA-1 Left-Ctrl-Alt-1
LCAS-1 Left-Ctrl-Alt-Shift-1
LC-F9 Left-Ctrl-F9
RC-F11 Right-Ctrl-F11
LCAS-F9 Left-Ctrl-Alt-Shift-F9
RCS-Q Right-Ctrl-Shift-Q
NOTE: HotKey changes do not take effect until
FastFlip has been unloaded and reloaded.
Use EMS If this field is "Y", FastFlip will attempt to
use EMS memory for swapping this page. If EMS
usage is turned off (via Startup Parameters),
this field has no effect.
If this field is "N", FastFlip will not use EMS
memory for swapping this page.
Use XMS If this field is "Y", FastFlip will attempt to
use XMS memory for swapping this page. If XMS
usage is turned off (via Startup Parameters),
this field has no effect.
If this field is "N", FastFlip will not use XMS
memory for swapping this page.
Pause If this field is "Y", FastFlip will pause for
entry of any parameters to be passed to the
program.
FastFlip v2.13 Page 8
Usage Notes Disc-cache software should be loaded BEFORE FASTFLIP.EXE to
insure proper operation.
Lantastic may be loaded before, or after FastFlip in an
available partition. If loaded after, other partitions will
"see" the new LASTDRIVE, but will be unable to access it.
Known to Lantastic 2.57, DOS 3.3, DOS 4.01, DOS 5.0, HYPERDISK 4.20,
Work SMARTDRV.SYS, VDISK.SYS, RAMDRIVE.SYS, SHARE.EXE, WIN3, WORD
4.0, WORD 5.0, QMODEM 4.2g, 4DOS 3.x, QEdit 2.x, Quattro Pro
1.x - 3.x, dBase III Plus, dBase IV 1.1, Microsoft C 6.0,
MASM 5.1, TurboC++ 2.13, TASM 2.13, Turbo Debugger 2.13,
Turbo Profiler 2.13, PcTools Deluxe 6.0
To register your copy of FastFlip, please fill out the following form and
send it along with a check or money order.
Remit/Send To: Aquila Data Systems, Inc.
304 Bayfield Drive
Brandon, FL 33511
FastFlip v2.13 Page 13
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
FastFlip Order Form
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name (to register to): ________________________________________________
Address to ship to: ________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Telephone: ________________________________________________
Date: __________________
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUANTITY DESCRIPTION UNIT PRICE TOTAL
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
________ FastFlip US $ 35.00 ________
Florida Residents add 6% ________
Shipping $1.50
Additional Shipping ________
Total ________
Check/Money Order enclosed for US $ ___________
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Version Number of FastFlip: _________________________________________
Place obtained from: _________________________________________
Type of Computer: _________________________________________
Type of Operating System: _________________________________________
Type of video card/monitor: _________________________________________
Additional Comments: _________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
December 14, 2017
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