EMS 1.0
Batch file utility for detecting EMS memory

by
Bob Eyer
[73230,2620]


Feb 22, 1992


Syntax
------

EMS

Returns:

- DOS error level 1 if no EMS is present, displaying a message
to that effect on the screen.

- DOS error level 0 if EMS is detected.


Discussion
----------
I wrote this little utility to avoid wasting time trying to make
useless memory adjustments to Desqview tasks, resulting from my
forgetting that I set up DV to run only under EMS. What typically
happens in the DV environment, is that you log in, select a task,
and then DV returns a message indicating inadequate memory. So,
you spend maybe 30 minutes fiddling with memory reallocation and
then, suddenly, it hits you: You should activate conversion of
extended to expanded memory in your CONFIG.SYS file! 30 wasted
minutes!

This problem is not important for regular users of Desqview, since
the regular user will probably always keep his machine configured
to make EMS available. But it is liable to victimise occasional
users of Desqview, who prefer to deactivate EMS entirely for
normal computer operations (because of the sacrifice in CPU
speed which EMS conversions involve).

EMS.EXE solves this problem. As illustration, I suggest the
following batch file, called DV.BAT, to run XDV:

@echo off
ems
if errorlevel 1 goto exit
c:
cd\dv
xdv
:exit

Since EMS returns an error level of 1 if EMS is not detected, this
batch file simply returns the user back to DOS. En passant,
EMS.EXE will print the message

--> Error: No EMS memory detected

to the screen. On the other hand, if EMS.EXE does detect EMS
memory, the batch file simply proceeds to load Desqview.

There are obviously other uses for EMS.EXE, as well.



** SHAREWARE NOTICE **

This program is shareware: if you think it's a worthy addition to
your personal software, you should make a contribution to the
author. In return for your contribution you will receive the
items mentioned in the list below, including any current update of
the program described above.

Simply purchase a money order from your bank in the amount of $20
US made out to Bob Eyer and send with your return address to:

Bob Eyer
1100 Bloor Street West
Suite 16
Toronto, Canada M6H 1M8

Please mention in your accompanying note whether you wish 5.25" or
3.5" diskette format, and state the name in which you wish
registration-only utilities to be registered.

Do not send cheques.

Enquiries may be placed by writing directly to the author via
Easyplex at Compuserve [73230,2620].

Warranty and Disclaimer:
-----------------------
The author, Bob Eyer, guarantees the physical integrity of the
diskette covering the points above, and will replace free of
charge, if it is received defective. However, in no case will the
author be responsible for any damages due to loss of data or any
other reason. In no event does the author's liability for any
damages exceed the price paid for the buyer's order of this
software, regardless of the form of the claim. The person using
the software bears all risk as to the quality and performance of
the software.

DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAMS YOU WILL RECEIVE FREE WITH YOUR REGISTRATION
********************************************************

Many of the programs in the following list have not been publicly
posted, and those which have been posted previously are unlikely
to be posted in new updates, except in rare cases.

Certain programs are registered-only, which means that the user
must not post copies on bulletin boards. Some of these have also
never been posted at all, and are available ONLY to registered
users.

Versions new since last public post are indicated with a + sign.
Entries marked by double asterisk have never been posted, and are
available only to registered users.

Nearly all file-processing programs take full advantage of
wildcard logic, including DOS shortcuts, keeping keystrokes to
absolute minimum.

Total size in compressed form for all of below, including docs:
about 320K.

** MG
--
Moving average ASCII graphing program. Especially designed for
obtaining graphic updates on stock-market activity in practical
trading environments, in which it is essential that the user get a
quick graph immediately, with points of the graph directly
associated with the numerical and other text information which
these points represent (a feat impractical in Lotus graphics).
Designed to be used with SETV below.

+ SPC
---
Multidrive columnar drive report, with fairly complete description
of your machine including communications, important chips,
printer, BIOS, memory, processor and coprocessor speed,
multitasking, networking, and so on, all in one single snapshot.
New version doubles the amount of information on each
communications port and displays the information in columnar mode
above the drive report, adds an environment usage readout as well
as a new P parameter to pause the PRINT multiplexer, when it is
used to feed data to your printer. (DOS PRINT lacks a pause
command).

SETV
----
Sets seven VGA text video modes. Enables Multisync or VGA user to
make use of seven major video text modes at DOS level, including
132 column modes.

AL
--
Best and most flexible TSR alarm program with clock option. Has
time-locking and a full range of options. 7K of memory.

CA
--
Four-function fixed point TSR calculator with formatted displays
and scientific notation for direct paste to text. Also has
accumulator. Four mode groups. About 13K of memory.

+ CAF
---
TSR floating point calculator with formatted displays and direct
paste to text. 18 functions, and an accumulation area. Five
types of modes. Number formatting. CAF is the most sophisticated
calculator in the business, for its size. 27K of memory.

PAUZ
----
Replacement for DOS PAUSE, allows specification of seconds to wait
or target [<=] time, as well as what key to use for pause
interruption. User triggering of error levels 1 to 9.

+ MV
--
Fast file mover. Preserves date/time/attribute stamp for all
moves. Allows moving Read Only and Hidden files, source files
opened in SHAREd mode for network users. Wildcards. None
faster or safer.

** SPLT
----
ASCII file splitter which, for the first time, offers the ability
to prevent the split from resulting in split messages or other
defined text blocks. Works with DIV and REV, below.

** OTL
---
Makes it possible to apply any set of operations, say, as
specified in a batch file, to every file in an ASCII list, without
having to specify the path information for each file. For Sysops.

** KALL
----
For users of DOS 3.0-3.2 who would like batch file control like
that offered in the more advanced DOS versions. Allows
redirection of batch file output, unlike DOS 4/5 CALL.

** SS
--
Secure shell, protects your system from keyboard redefinition
resulting from ANSI codes read in remote message areas. Maintains
default DOS colour scheme, but requires use of NANSI.SYS.

DIV
---
Generalisation of FGREP-type programs to include blocks of text.
A single string defines a block in most kinds of blockable text.
DIV handles almost any kind. Returns blocks containing one or
more of up to 64 different strings from large ASCII files. Useful
in extracting messages or extended file descriptions containing a
range of strings without manual cut and paste. Can prepare a file
containing every block EXCEPT the ones selection, and
simultaneously. See REV in short list below.

COMB
----
Sorts and combines wildcard text files in specified order into
first file found in that order. Primarily for eliminating the
tedium and error involved in accumulating message files into one
file for easy reference. Essential for systematic followers of
international correspondence forums.

ADD
---
Adds very lengthy columns of numbers found in ASCII text, such as
byte counts in BBS listings without manual data entry. (Capable
of handling the addition of up to 1 billion numbers in one pass).

CITM
----
Counts similar items in formatted ASCII lists, where the
similarity is based on a fixed string field found at one position
in each line of text, and all lines have been previously sorted,
based on the contents of that string field. Perfect as a
companion utility for Baker's QSORT.

+ FVER
----
Compares a file list, like a BBS listing, to the actual files
found anywhere in the BBS's download path. Operates in FAST or
SLOW mode, depending on your safety requirements. Can be operated
remotely through a BBS door.

+ MVA
---
Moves files, even if set to read only status, from anywhere in a
specified download path to a given location. Operates directly on
ASCII lists, like directories or BBS listings. Can be operated
remotely through a BBS door.

RNF
---
Minimises keystrokes and keystroke error on renaming files with
date or time info or special flags.

plus:
----
ELIM - Advanced replacement for DEL.
LCNT - Very fast linecounter; formatted output.
ESRT - Element sorter. User specified delimiter.
+ TYME - Program execution timer.
CHG - Attribute file/directory/date/time file changer/reader.
+ CBRO - Compuserve Browse converter. Old/new formats.
REV - Reverses order of blocks of text (messages, etc).
DTR - Toggles modem DTR line.
RTS - Toggles RTS line.
** CFIX - Fix cursor to normal, block or off.
** EL - Converts number to error level, for batch files.
WD - Gives wildcard support to any program.
SWP - Fast single-level sweep program.
TSTF - Floppy disk status tester.


----------------------
End of documentation