PATCH



Michael Mefford November 12, 1991 (Utilities)


Purpose: Replaces the DEBUG scripts previously used to change hotkeys,
colors, and the like in PC Magazine utilities with a simple point-and-shoot
procedure that makes use of a customization information file that is supplied
with the utility.

Format: PATCH [ZIF directory [program directory]]

Remarks: Entered without the optional directory parameters, PATCH assumes
that both the customization information file (the .ZIF file) and the utility
itself are located in the current directory. If not, the directory names
containing these files (but not the filename of the utility to be customized)
should be entered as shown.

PATCH will then bring up a list showing customizable utilities on the
left and selectable customizing categories on the right of the screen. The
arrow keys are used to move between options, and the Enter key is used to make
selections. After making your selections, pressing Esc brings up Save Changes
and Make Backup Copy prompts. Repeatedly pressing Esc will back you out of
the utility.

Color selections are made from a bar display of 128 combinations.
Other modifiable options (only some of which are relevant for any given
utility) include choice of TSR hotkeys, text strings to be displayed, printer
ports and code strings, modem ports and dialing instructions, file sorting
criteria, and so on.

For future utilities (where appropriate), each author will put the
required data for all user-modifiable aspects of a utility, including the
necessary DEBUG-style addresses, into a standard-format, same-named ASCII file
that is identified by having a .ZIF extension. (For previous-published
utilities, .ZIF files will be made available as they are prepared). .ZIF files
will be downloadable from PC MagNet along with the utility.