Category : Batch File Utilities - mostly for DOS
Archive   : BFD10.ZIP
Filename : BFD.DOC

 
Output of file : BFD.DOC contained in archive : BFD10.ZIP
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Batch File Directory
áETATech Computer Consulting

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PURPOSE: This utility is designed to replace the memory wasting
menu programs currently on the market. BFD takes
advantage of MS-DOS BAT files, allowing the user the
flexibility to access MS-DOS applications without
losing memory.



INTRODUCTION:

Oh no, not another menu program! BFD is not just a menu program.
It is a program designed to not constrict the experienced user
while still offering ease of use to the novice user. We usually
have quite a few .BAT files lying around in \BAT, but can never
remember what all of them may do. This program allows the
flexibility to call the menu all the time or only when you need
to refresh your memory. BFD can display up to 200 files,
allowing you to page back and forth to find the one you want.
When working in the management mode, it can handle up to 500
files.



INSTALLATION:

Place BFD.EXE in the subdirectory containing all your .BAT files.
This subdirectory should be placed on the path to take full
advantage of BFD.



OPERATION:

The basic operation of BFD is to type BFD at the DOS prompt.
This will display all the currently defined .BAT files in a four
column format. The .BAT file name will appear in the 1st and 3rd
columns and a user-defined description of the file will be in the
2nd and 4th columns.


USAGE: BFD [ /D=dirname /E=editorname /M /M=filename /? ]

/D=dirname allows you to specify a different directory to
read instead of the default.

By default BFD reads the directory in which it resides.
You can also set the environment variable BFDDIR=.
This allows you to keep BFD.EXE in a directory on the
path while reading the .BAT files in a different
directory.

/E=editorname allows you to specify the name of your text
editor for use in maintaining the batch files. You can also
set the environment variable BFDE=.

By default BFD is setup to call QEdit (Q.EXE) for
editing the .BAT files. This is áETATech's favorite
text processing program. If you have never used this
program, please check it out, you will be pleased.
Ordering information for QEdit will follow later.

You can call another editor by simply changed the BFDE
environment variable. For example if you are running
DOS v5.0 and above and want to use DOS's editor you
would SET BFDE=EDIT.

/M will bring up a list of your .BAT files and allow you to
pick one to edit. You can then add the menu ID line.

When calling BFD using the /M option, a listing of all
the .BAT files in the directory are displayed in
alphabetical order in the left hand screen column. The
box to the right of the screen displays the first 18
lines of the .BAT file selected. As you move the
select block among the .BAT files the contents of that
file are displayed. If a file contains a BFD ID line,
the name of the file above the right window will flash.

The user will have the opportunity to change the
current batch file description which contains a
description of the program. To do this, just press
return over the file name. If changed or added, this
description is added as the first line of the .BAT
file. BFD then uses this information to display the
.BAT filename and description.

BFD will then ask the user if they wish to call BFD as
the last line of the .BAT file. This is useful when
setting up the PC to always call BFD when exiting after
each program run.

You can also edit the contents of the currently
displayed .BAT file by pressing F10. This will load
the file into your editor as defined above.

From the management menu you can also delete the
currently selected .BAT file. Just press the DEL key.
You will be prompted to confirm before the file is
actually deleted.

/M=filename allows you specify the batch file to modify.

This option is similar to /M but operates on just the
file you specify.

/? or /H displays the help screen.



EPILOGUE:

BFD.EXE is offered to the public under the SHAREWARE concept.
This means that you get to try a fully functional version of the
program before you buy it. Give BFD.EXE a thorough work out for
30 days and see if it meets your needs. If it does, please fill
out the registration form found in the .ZIP with the program and
include your registration fee. If it doesn't, please let us know
why and perhaps we can make some improvements. Custom versions
of BFD.EXE with your company name in the header instead of the
BFD info are also available for a small fee. See the enclosed
registration form.




AUTHOR CONTACT:

Problems, solutions, kudos and ideas are welcomed. We can be
reached at:

The Paradigm BBS áETATech Computer Consulting
(404) 671-1581 P.O. Box 566742
1200-19,200 Baud 24 Hrs/Day Atlanta, GA 30356-6013



DISCLAIMER:

Use of this program acknowledges this disclaimer of warranty:
"This program is supplied as is. áETATech Computer Consulting
disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including, without
limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness of
this program for any purpose. áETATech Computer Consulting
assumes no liability for damages or consequential, which may
result from the use of this program".



ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

The superb QEdit text editor is produced by SemWare. If you do
ANY work with text at all, you just can't do better than QEdit.
I wouldn't write a program without it!! They can be reached at
the following:

SemWare
4343 Shallowford Rd., Suite C-3
Marietta, GA 30062-5003

Phone: (404) 641-9002
BBS: (404) 641-8968
FAX: (404) 640-6213

I would also like to thank Bruce McMillan for coming up with the
idea for BFD.EXE. Bruce is the epitome of an "idea man". Billy
Blaze has nothing on Bruce!



REVISION HISTORY:

13-SEP-1991 v1.0 Initial release.


  3 Responses to “Category : Batch File Utilities - mostly for DOS
Archive   : BFD10.ZIP
Filename : BFD.DOC

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