Category : System Diagnostics for your computer
Archive   : CTSSPU13.ZIP
Filename : DESCRIBE.DOC

CTS Serial Port Utilities, Version 1.3 DESCRIBE.DOC

Last updated: February, 1994

This file includes sample descriptions which you may use to describe
the CTS Serial Port Utilities package.

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Program Information
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File Name for BBSs
------------------
The CTS Serial Port Utilities uses a naming convention of CTSSPUxx.yyy,
where "xx" is the major/minor version number, and "yyy" is the
extension showing the compression method used. The preferred name is:

CTSSPU13.EXE CTS Serial Port Utilities, Version 1.3

If the program is compressed using some other file compression
method, then please use the name "CTSSPU13" with the appropriate
extension (ARC, LZH, EXE (for self-extracting), etc.) Please
drop the version number when limited to six characters for
the file name.

Keywords
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Serial Port, Comm Port, IRQ, Interrupt, Diagnostic, UART, DOS,
Communications, Utilities, Port Conflicts

Category
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Communication Utility, Serial Port Setup & Diagnostic

One Line Description
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CTS Serial Port Utilities v1.3. Test, fix & control comm ports

Short Description
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The CTS Serial Port Utilities (SPU) is a collection of Com Port setup
and control utilities for anyone involved with PC support or with a
serial port problem. Version 1.3 improves support for network
equipped PCs. Detect more than one port at the same address, PCs
which can't use Com4, shared and conflicting IRQ assignments, com
ports which can't generate IRQs, & non-standard BIOS port assignments.
IDs all UART types (including T/Ports & emulated UARTs), IRQ & address
used. Control utilities for all port functions. DOS 2.0+.


Long Description
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The CTS Serial Port Utilities (SPU) is a collection of DOS software
utilities that provide you with control over the serial ports in
your computer. Most serial port problems can be resolved by using
these utilities. Each of the utilities support all standard and any
user-defined serial ports. Version 1.3 adds improved support for PCs
that are equiped with network cards. The SPU is designed and supported
by a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals .

PortInfo is a comprehensive utility which tests your system to
determine everything possible about your serial ports, including
interrupt and addressing conflicts. PortInfo provides you with
FAILURE and WARNING messages about actual and possible conflicts.

PortInfo provides details on the following:
* Detects multiple serial ports at the same address
(eg, 2 Com1 ports)
* Interrupt conflicts between a bus mouse and a serial port
* Shared interrupts (2 serial ports, or a serial port and a
serial mouse sharing an IRQ)
* Conflicts between COM4 and 8514/A compatible monitors
* Unusual BIOS serial port setups
* Serial ports that cannot generate interrupts
* Helps to determine when interrupts can be shared

Other information provided:
* Actual IRQ used by each port and the current IRQ status
* DOS port assignments (com1-com4, mouse)
* Port (UART) Identification (8250, 8250A/16450, 16550,
16550A, the T/Port, and some "emulated UARTs"
* FIFO status: If it exists, on / off, else 'None'
* If the FIFO is ON, the current FIFO receiver trigger level
is displayed.
* All programmable port parameters: speed, format, parity,
current RTS and DTR settings
* Current status of modem lines: Ring Indicator, Carrier
Detect, Clear to Send, Data Set Ready, with indication
of when the lines are tied together (looped back).

Other features:
* Ports are COMPLETELY restored to their original settings
* Supports standard serial ports 1-4 on PC/AT, 1-8 on PS/2
* Supports up to 8 user definable serial ports (*any*
serial port address and IRQ)
* Displays detailed messages about conflicts with reference
numbers to assist looking up the detailed assistance in the
User Guide.

Other Utilities:
* Control the 16550A FIFO trigger level
* Set port speed and format
* Add a serial port to the BIOS Comm Port assignment table
* Swap serial ports in the BIOS Comm Port assignment table
* Control the RTS, DTR, and Out2 (IRQ enable) lines
* Reset a serial port to initial settings



Registration Information
------------------------
When you register your copy:
* You receive the current copy of the SPU
* If included with your license option, a printed copy of the
expanded 85 page (8.5x11") User Guide including 30 pages of
introductory and tutorial information about serial port and IRQs,
extended support, and bonus utilities.
* Personal support via phone, mail, fax, or electronic mail
* Notification of updates and new products
* Free minor updates (usually bug fixes)
* Free major updates within 6 to 12 months of your initial
registration, depending on license option.
* Inexpensive updates (typically 1/3 the registration price)
after your free updates expire
* Occasional special price offers (for registered users only)
* Your input and ideas help shape future products
* A sense of pride and ownership, by having honestly participated
in the Shareware revolution
* The satisfaction of helping to keep software prices down, by
supporting a distribution method which doesn't depend on expensive
advertising campaigns

You can register directly with CTS by printing the file ORDER.DOC or
by contacting me as described below.


Comments from users:
--------------------

"CTSSPU is really in a class by itself. And the price is very
reasonable."

"PortInfo is clearly outstanding. I've seen nothing like it."

"This little jewel needs to be seen to be believed!"

"The SPU is a...fine program. I look forward to recommending it."

"As I worked through the documentation, in all areas SPU performed
flawlessly. I have yet to catch it in an error."

"CONGRATULATIONS! You have written one of only two programs I know
of...that correctly identify *ALL* of my COMports and IRQ#s! And the
other one doesn't run under DOS"

"About the documentation...it doesn't get much better than this."

"FANTASTIC! The SPU located a com port conflict which was driving
a client (and me) nuts!"


About CTS
---------
Computer Telecommunication Systems, Inc. is a small software and
consulting company specializing in personal computer communications.
CTS was founded in 1990, and is owned and operated by John Jerrim.
Computer Telecommunication Systems, Inc. is a member of the
Association of Shareware Professionals.

Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have any problems,
questions, comments or suggestions.

Thank you for your support.

John Jerrim
Founder & Chief Technical Officer

Computer Telecommunication Systems, Inc.
3847 Foxwood Road, Suite 1000
Duluth, Georgia 30136-6100
USA

I can also be reached electronically as follows:
Phone: 404-263-8623
FAX: 404-263-0124
CompuServe: 76662,2315
Internet: [email protected]