RO, Version 1.4 - January 27, 1992


SUMMARY

Most computer users have files that they would not want to lose due to
accidental deletion or modification. Fortunately DOS includes a means of
write protecting a file, called the read-only file attribute. When this
attribute is set, deletion and overwrites are less likely to occur.

Although many utilities exist to allow modification of the read-only file
attribute, most (including the DOS command ATTRIB) are not particularly easy
to use. This program allows you to zoom all over the subdirectories of a
drive, protecting or unprotecting files at the press of a key. Because it's
easy and because you can view a large number of files at once, you'll find that
you can browse among your files and readily protect them. If you later need to
change one, you can just as easily unprotect the file, too.

Since there are four file attributes (read-only, archive, system, and hidden)
and the mechanism for changing them is identical, the program lets you change
any of them. Also, since a common thing to want to do when file browsing is
to eliminate deadwood, a capability is provided that allows you to delete
files and/or directories. Last, the means is provided to view the contents of
any file of interest, again by pressing a single key.

Once you start using the program, press [F1] to get help on the hot keys that
are used to invoke the various program options.

Setting the hidden and system file attributes is an interesting process,
because when you do so, normal DOS commands such as DIR can no longer 'see'
the files. This program, however, will continue to see them, letting you
'unhide' them whenever you want to.


REGISTRATION

This program is distributed as shareware (though not freeware). If you keep
this program and find it useful, please send $3 to:

Dan Chandler
14013 Adkins Rd.
Laurel, Md. 20708

Even if you decide not to keep it yourself, I would appreciate it if you
would upload the entire package to bulletin boards in your area. Just
please be sure to include both files (EXE and DOC).

Thanks

RESTRICTING THE VIEW OF A DRIVE

By default, the RO program uses *.* as a file-spec, which means that you will
be able to view and modify the file attributes for all files on the drive.
Sometimes, though, you may want to deal with a subset of all files. For
example, you may want to protect a number of your COM files. To do this, you
start the program with the command RO *.COM (normally you would start the
program by typing RO without the trailing parameter).


OVERCOMING DISPLAY PROBLEMS

By default, the RO program does direct video memory updates to do menu
processing. This brings the menus up in a flash. Some computer configurations,
however, do not allow direct video memory manipulation. For that reason, this
program has an option that allows you to force use of BIOS calls for display.
If you experience any display problems, use this option by starting the program
with the command RO /B (normally, the program is started by just
typing RO).

Using the BIOS will make screen updates noticeably slower, but assures
compatibility with the widest range of computers and configurations.


CONTACTING THE AUTHOR

You can reach me by writing to the above address or by sending a message on
Prodigy to FDCG42A.