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THE SHAREWARE USERS GUIDE
SUMMARY OF TOPICS IN ORDER OF PRESENTATION
Types of software: shareware, public domain, freeware, commercial
Eight easy steps to using shareware FAST!
Minimum DOS commands for using shareware
Copying the master disk
The directory listing of a shareware disk
File names and extensions - the keys to the kingdom
A turbocharged shortcut
Unpacking and installing, including ARCS, ZIPS, LZH and more
Configuring the program if necessary
Running the program
Feedback: either register or send your regrets!
Common questions and answers
Recommended reading list for shareware users and authors
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SHAREWARE, PUBLIC DOMAIN, FREEWARE AND COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE
----------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREWARE is software which has been prepared by a variety of
individuals and companies. The concept governing shareware is
that you "try before you buy." Shareware is above all a unique
marketing experiment which operates on the "honor system."
In practice, shareware is frequently of the same quality as
commercial software. However, it uses a different, and somewhat
less expensive method of marketing which involves letting
others freely copy, use and distribute the shareware. What you
receive from your friend at work, computer club, commercial
shareware disk distributor or BBS modem system is a "disk
evaluation copy" which you may use, copy and above all TRY.
Documentation and instructions for program use are usually
contained within special text files on the same disk as the
program and sometimes take a little detective work to locate.
Formal printed documentation and instruction books may also
be available from the author.
If you like what you find and use the program consistently -
many shareware authors suggest 30 days, but this is not a
firm rule - then you are expected to register the shareware
by submitting a fee usually by mail to the author which
frequently brings additional benefits sent back to you by
the author of the shareware. Above all, it is legal to copy,
distribute and USE shareware.
Computers improve the world, shareware improves computers
and registration is what improves and motivates shareware
programmers who are called "authors" in the trade.
If you do not submit a registration fee AT LEAST send a
postcard with your thoughts on why improvement is needed.
You just might NEED and USE the revised version which is
produced due to your funding or critique. Either way, feedback
is essential to the shareware process!
The registration fee requested by the author is a matter of good
conscience since shareware registration fees are paid by
users directly to the author "on the honor system." Paying
an honest registration fee frequently means you will receive
additional disks for the program or further instruction
documents, bonus items or other "inducements" directly from the
author.
Registration is more than this though: on a human scale your
registration fee is supporting a small company or individual
who shows you how to use and understand a computer. A programmer
is a craftsman whose tools are logic and considerable creativity.
Your registration check is a special bond which allows this
quiet "honor system" of submitting your registration fee
for a programming job well done to motivate creative programmers
to produce some rather astonishing products!
The best way to summarize is this: you are not registering a
product, you are helping a person or small company do something
which improves how man uses the computer, most important tool of
this century. Paying a registration fee to the author of the
program rewards technical craftsmanship for providing creative
computer solutions at unbelievably low cost. Good programmers are
rare creatures - a small registration check goes a long way and
means a lot to a small shareware author!
PUBLIC DOMAIN software is a second type of computer software
which is NOT copyrighted and has no other legal restrictions
as to use by the general public. The author may or may not
be identified. Most public domain programs result from the
efforts of a programmer who designs a small piece of software
for personal use. The author may not decide to invest
additional time in developing and marketing the software due to
lack of market knowledge or lack time and funds to effectively
develop it into a larger commercial or shareware package.
For these and other reasons, the author does not copyright the
software and allows it to be copied, used or even incorporated
into other software packages since it is part of the public
domain available for the common good.
FREEWARE is related to BUT NOT the same as public domain
software. Freeware requires no registration fee or reimbursement
for use by the public but the copyright is RETAINED BY THE
AUTHOR who notes a copyright restriction within the body or
documentation of the software. A reason for this subtle
difference is that the author may, at a future date, wish to
reclaim all or part of the software or modify and reissue
the software as shareware or commercial software. The copyright
continues the unique claim of the author to the product.
COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE is computer software provided by a company
or individual which is generally marketed via retail, wholesale
or other commercial means but does not use or promote a
registration fee concept, a "try before you buy" concept, and
does not use or promote sharing copies of the program among
individuals or other enterprises. The user is expected to purchase
the right to use the package BEFORE being allowed to use the
software extensively.
Note that either purchase or registration of any software
package does not mean you own the package, merely THE RIGHT AND
LICENSE TO USE IT. The author or company which produced it owns
the software programming code and is granting you a LICENSE to use
it in exchange for a fee or other compensation. In essence you
do not buy or own software, you merely license its use. The
author owns it.
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EIGHT EASY STEPS TO USING SHAREWARE
---------------------------------------------------------------
Print this section and keep it next to your computer! These
steps are the secrets to using shareware! We will look at each
suggestion in greater detail in just a moment . . .
1) Make a copy of the shareware disk, store your original
and work with the copy.
2) Do a DIRECTORY LISTING of the disk(s) on paper or your
monitor screen.
3) Determine FILE TYPES using extensions and filename clues.
4) Read DOCUMENTATION and TEXT FILES if available on disk.
5) Unpack and install the program.
6) Configure the program if necessary.
7) Run the program.
8) Submit a registration fee or at least postcard(s)
with your regrets to the author and the disk vendor.
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MINIMUM DOS COMMANDS FOR USING SHAREWARE
----------------------------------------------------------------
Before we move forward, a brief refresher course in several
basic DOS operations without which a shareware disk is useless.
DOS SYNTAX
A DOS command must always use the same syntax illustrated
below:
COMMAND <blank space> WHAT? <space> WHERE? <press return/enter>
Example: COPY PCLEARN.TXT B: <press return/enter key>
Example: TYPE PCLEARN.DOC <press return/enter key>
In the second example DOS assume the WHERE is the screen.
In the first example DOS needs to be told that a copy
of a file is to be sent to the B: floppy drive.
NOTE! Generally DOS commands, drive letters and filenames
and be typed in upper or lower case or both, since DOS
is not fussy in that respect. It is ok to use capital letters,
small letters or any combination.
THE DIR COMMAND
An essential command which displays the names of the files
on a disk.
Example: A>DIR <press return/enter>
Lists files on the diskette your are in THE DEFAULT DRIVE, in
this case is A:
Example: A>DIR B:
Lists files in the B: drive. We have omitted the <press enter/
return> since you already know this is necessary after a DOS
command.
Example: A>DIR /P
List files in current default drive but pause after each
screenful of information.
Example: A>DIR B: /P
Same as above, but list the files on B: drive with a pause.
Example: A>DIR /W
List current default drive but display in wide screen mode
for numerous files.
NOTE! With any DOS operation which rapidly fills and overflows
the screen with data, try pressing CTRL-S (control or ctrl key
plus the S key together at same time) to pause the screen.
Any key touched resumes the scrolling display and CTRL-S
repeated pauses again. Very handy!
NOTE! Switching drives is easy. If you see this: A>
and you want to change the default drive to this: B>
then simply do this: A>B: <press return/enter>
Switching default drives is an essential skill!
THE FORMAT COMMAND
This prepares a blank disk to receive new information. You must
format disks out of the package from the store before you can
use them. Formatting tests a disk and installs magnetic tracks
where information will later reside.
Examples:
C>FORMAT A: format floppy in A:
A>FORMAT B: format floppy in B:
C>FORMAT B:/S see below for explanation . . .
The last example formats the disk in B: drive and also adds the
special system files so that the disk can be self starting
or self booting. Not essential with most disk you will work
with. You MUST have the special file FORMAT.COM on your disk or
hard drive to able to do this operation since FORMAT.COM normally
resides EXTERNALLY on a floppy or in a special area of your hard
drive.
THE COPY AND DISKCOPY COMMANDS
Moves, copies and even renames files as they pass from one
disk to another.
Examples:
A>COPY *.* B: Copies ALL files (indicated by *.*) to the
B: floppy drive.
A>DISKCOPY A: B:
This is a variation of the copy command. The above example will
copy the ENTIRE contents of the diskette in the A: drive to the
B: drive. DISKCOPY.COM is an external file and must be available
to be used! The COPY command is an internal command (always
resides in your computer's RAM memory and is thus ALWAYS
AVAILABLE - unlike DISKCOPY.COM)
A>DISKCOPY A: A:
This is a variation of the diskcopy command. The above example will
copy the ENTIRE contents of the diskette in the A: drive to the
A: drive for those using ONLY a single floppy drive system and
perhaps not having a B: or C: drive. In essence, this variation
copies the SOURCE diskette into memory, allows you to remove the
SOURCE diskette, insert a blank formatted TARGET diskette and
transfer the files to that new floppy. Useful for those having only
a single floppy drive.
C>COPY A:*.* B:
Copies all files from A: to B: while still in the C: default
directory.
C>COPY A:HAPPY.DOC B:
Copies only the file HAPPY.DOC to B:
NOTE! DISKCOPY is an external command and must be on the disk
or in the default directory to work. COPY is an internal command
and is always available at the DOS command line. We mentioned
this before, but it is worth repeating . . .
TYPE COMMAND
Lets you view the internal contents of a file on the screen.
If the file is in ASCII or english text (same thing) you will be
able to read it. If the file is not ASCII then you will see
symbols which are gibberish. Only text or ASCII files are
readable for the most part.
Examples:
C>TYPE MANUAL.DOC
Type the contents of the file MANUAL.DOC to the screen. Remember
to use CTRL-S to pause, any key to resume scrolling and
CTRL-S to pause again.
A>TYPE B:MANUAL.DOC
Type the file MANUAL.DOC which is located on the B: drive to the
screen.
PRINT COMMAND
There are actually two ways to print text or documentation files
on your printer.
Examples:
C>PRINT EXAMPLE.DOC
Prints on your printer the contents of the file EXAMPLE.DOC.
Note that PRINT command is an external file and must be present
in the default drive to be used!
C>TYPE EXAMPLE.DOC>PRN
This is a useful alternative method of accomplishing the same
result by using the TYPE command which is an internal command,
always available and redirecting the output to a printer. The small
> symbol is found as a shifted period mark on most keyboards
and in other locations on your keyboard. Be sure to find and try
the > symbol.
NOTE! To stop printing use the CTRL-C key combination to stop the
printing and completely abort. CTRL-C works to abort just about
ANY DOS operation safely.
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COPYING THE MASTER DISK
----------------------------------------------------------------
Now that you know a little DOS, be aware that the first step to
accomplish with any disk of shareware is to copy your original
diskette onto another blank formatted floppy. Then work with the
copy and safely store the original just in case a problem
arises, a file is deleted, or you accidentally copy other files
over the shareware program diskette you need. It's a good idea to
also put a write protect tab over the notch of the original disk
before you use it so that data cannot accidentally be deleted.
----------------------------------------------------------------
THE DIRECTORY LISTING OF A SHAREWARE DISK
----------------------------------------------------------------
The next step is to use the DIR command to list the contents
of a disk so you can do a little detective work and determine
the disk contents and locate the instruction text files which
are probably contained on the disk.
We have already given examples for listing a directory to the
screen in our previous DOS lesson. Another option is to print
the directory on your printer and carefully highlight or pencil
notes about the files on the paper which is a good idea for
beginners at first.
Example for printing a directory of a disk onto paper:
A>DIR B:>PRN
Prints the directory of files on the B: floppy drive to your
printer.
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FILE NAMES AND EXTENSIONS - THE KEYS TO THE KINGDOM
----------------------------------------------------------------
To the beginner, DOS is a little cryptic in its use of file
names. Study the example directory listing below and the
notes to the right of the listing:
PCPC EXE 51489 5-03-86 3:36p ---> PCPC.EXE
PCPR EXE 21457 5-03-86 3:29p ---> PCPR.EXE
PCPY EXE 32017 5-03-86 3:39p ---> PCPY.EXE
README 128 5-03-86 12:46p ---> README
NOTES565 TXT 1390 7-03-86 8:31a ---> NOTES565.TXT
In each case you will note the REAL file name to the right and
the directory listing version to the left. The point is that
in DOS, filenames always have a name, a period or dot and an
optional (but highly useful) extension. This is a very important
point!
KEYS TO THE SHAREWARE KINGDOM!
Study the following list carefully, perhaps print it on paper
and mark it with a colored highlighter. This list contains a
roster of filename extensions which reveals the type of file and
its possible contents and application.
FILE EXTENSIONS WHICH PROBABLY CONTAIN DOCUMENTATION,
INSTRUCTIONS OR PRINTED TEXT
.DOC ---------> Probable DOCumentation file
.TXT ---------> Probable Text (TXT) file
.MAN ---------> Probable MANual/instruction file
.LST ---------> Probable file containing a LIST.
.PRN ---------> Probable text file from a PRINTED source.
.INS ---------> Probable INSTRUCTIONS in text form.
.HLP ---------> Probable HELP text file.
. ---------> NO, EXTENSION. VERY LIKELY A TEXT FILE!
.HST ---------> Probable text file containing HISTORY of
program revisions
FILENAMES (WITH OR WITHOUT EXTENSIONS) WHICH PROBABLY
CONTAIN INSTRUCTIONS OR PRINTED TEXT
README ---------> VERY IMPORTANT TEXT FILE
READ.ME ---------> VERY IMPORTANT TEXT FILE
READ.1ST ---------> VERY IMPORTANT TEXT FILE
READ ---------> VERY IMPORTANT TEXT FILE
READ.NOW ---------> VERY IMPORTANT TEXT FILE
NOTE! There are so many variations of the "READ..." theme that
hopefully you can imagine other variations of this "READ..."
concept!
If you stop and think about it for a minute, most of these
extensions and filenames offer strong clues about file contents
and phonetically "hint" to you what the file contains. Here are
some examples you might actually see. Note the "clues" that tell
you text or instructions are available inside the file:
1232XX.TXT MAKE445.DOC SYSOPS.
ASEASY.LST MANUAL.TXT READ.
DATABASE.DOC MANUAL. AUTHOR.
ENTIRE.MAN FORMFEED.MAN VENDOR.
MONEY.TXT HOMEHELP.HLP README.
README.!!! HOMEHELP.LST README.NOW
READSOON. HOMEHELP.HST VENDORS.
BBM.PRN TRY44B.DOC MANUAL.PRN
OTHER IMPORTANT FILENAME EXTENSIONS
.EXE ---------> An EXECUTABLE FILE which starts program
.COM ---------> A COMMAND FILE which starts program
.BAT ---------> BATCH FILE which starts program
.BAS ---------> BASIC file which can be run with
the aid of the GWBASIC interpreter
GWBASIC which is normally on your DOS
disk or hard drive.
FILE EXTENSIONS WHICH INDICATE THE FILE
IS "COMPRESSED OR ARCHIVED" AND MUST BE UNPACKED PRIOR TO USE
.ZIP ---------> Compressed file, use PKUNZIP to unpack
.ARC ---------> Compressed file, use ARC
.PAK ---------> Compressed file, use PAK
.LZH ---------> Compressed file, use LHARC
.ZOO ---------> Compressed file, use ZOO
OTHER USEFUL EXTENSIONS
.BAK ---------> A backup or duplicate file
.DAT ---------> A data file
.CFG ---------> Configuration data for program
.WKS ---------> Spreadsheet file
.WK1 ---------> Spreadsheet file
.DBF ---------> Database file in dBase format
.ASC ---------> ASCII file, perhaps a basic program
saved in ASCII format
.BIN ---------> Binary file, file used by a program
Some disk vendors try to help you by putting their own files
on a disk with a little extra information. The following file
examples might offer help in text or documentation form.
An advanced shareware user would guess quickly that these files
refer to a disk from a shareware vendor or computer club library
and are most probably disk number 565 in a larger set of
programs that vendor or club offers in a library collection.
NOTES565 TXT 1390 7-03-86 8:31a
FILES565 TXT 1728 7-03-86 8:37a
If you buy a disk from a disk vendor named BEST VALUE SHAREWARE
DISTRIBUTORS you might look for files such as the following
which also contain text, BAT, COM or other file startup information.
Each vendor might use a different system, but watch for these
patterns as you list directory information on a shareware disk.
With the variety of methods, your best bet is to study filename
extensions for a few minutes and "play detective" which for some
folks is a bit of the interest in using shareware!
FILES PUT ON A DISK BY A HYPOTHETICAL SHAREWARE
DISK VENDOR NAMED BEST VALUE SHAREWARE INC.
BESTVAL.COM 1390 7-03-86 8:31a
BESTVAL.BAT 1728 7-03-86 8:37a
BV.COM 5656 7-03-86 8:31a
RUNBEST.COM 1777 7-03-86 8:37a
BESTVAL.767 8787 8-9-91 9:30P
----------------------------------------------------------------
COM, EXE AND BAT FILES START PROGRAMS
----------------------------------------------------------------
A file ending in EXE or COM is a file which contains a
EXECUTABLE OR "RUNNABLE" program and is a way to start a
software package.
Examples:
To start PCF.EXE do this PCF (then press enter).
For DBFKK.EXE DBFKK (then press enter.)
Some files which end in BAS will need a basic interpreter such
as GWBASIC.EXE to operate. Example files would be GAME.BAS or
MUSIC.BAS. GWBASIC.EXE is usually included on your DOS disk
which came with the computer.
Another standard of shareware programs is to use batch files to
start programs. GO.BAT or MENU.BAT or START.BAT or INSTALL.BAT
are "batch files." Simply type the first word at the prompt to
proceed.
Example: for file GO.BAT GO (then press enter).
DOS searches a disk for programs to run in a precise order:
HELLO.COM ---------> Run this first if found then try
HELLO.EXE ---------> to find and run this then
HELLO.BAT ---------> try to find and run this.
----------------------------------------------------------------
BASIC DATA FILES
----------------------------------------------------------------
If you find a BASIC program file which ends in .BAS try this
per the following example . . .
For the file HELLO.BAS, first copy both GWBASIC.EXE
and HELLO.BAS to a blank formatted diskette. Then issue the
command:
A>GWBASIC HELLO
Another alternative is to leave GWBASIC.EXE on your hard drive
and tell it where the basic program is located.
Example: C>GWBASIC A:HELLO
The above example assumes a copy of GWBASIC.EXE resides on your
hard drive and a floppy containing the basic program HELLO.BAS
is on the A: drive.
The program will be loaded into GWBASIC and run. If you
don't care for the program, try to exit if the program gives
you a menu of choices, otherwise press CTRL-BREAK keys
at same time which will let GWBASIC exit. You will see an
"OK" prompt. Type the word "system" and press the return/enter
key to return you to DOS and leave GWBASIC.
Basic is a rather elegant and precise programming system if you
are interested! Pick up a book at your local library and you can
learn how to use GWBASIC.EXE on your DOS disk to write and modify
your own elaborate custom programs! Also investigate the
availability of affordable Basic compiler programs which prepare
speedy .EXE free standing programs rather than requiring you to
haul out your GWBASIC.EXE file each time you wish to run the
program.
----------------------------------------------------------------
SOME EXAMPLES - OUR FIRST POP QUIZ!
----------------------------------------------------------------
Try to puzzle through this pop quiz! Small stars next to the
filenames indicate an educated guess as to IMPORTANT TEXT
information or documentation contained within. These directory
lists are similar to what you might see on your screen when using
the DIR command when you first explore a new software disk. Brief
notes may follow each directory listing.
** means high probability documentation is contained within
* means some documentation possibly is contained within
BRUN10 EXE 58388 7-17-85 1:56p
BUSINESS DAT 384 5-04-86 6:42a
DELXTRA BAT 128 5-03-86 6:55p
MSG1 TXT 384 5-03-86 7:10p *
MSG2 TXT 768 5-03-86 7:23a *
PAY BAT 16 9-02-85 12:11p
PCPAY DOC 64512 5-04-86 7:11a **
PCPC EXE 51489 5-03-86 3:36p
PCPR EXE 21457 5-03-86 3:29p
PCPY EXE 32017 5-03-86 3:39p
PRNTDOC BAT 128 5-03-86 7:09p
README BAT 128 5-03-86 12:46p
GO BAT 668 7-03-86 8:39a
NOTES565 TXT 1390 7-03-86 8:31a *
FILES565 TXT 1728 7-03-86 8:37a *
Note that on the above disk the LARGEST file PCPAY.DOC contains
64,512 bytes. Its size leads to strong suspicion it contains
the main documentation. Shorter files probably contain other
useful data. The two files at the bottom of the directory listing
make one suspect this disk in number 565 in a club library or
disk vendor collection. Sherlock Holmes would approve of our
logic!
ASEASY EXE 205392 7-17-90 10:29a
ASEASY MSG 9636 7-16-90 6:27p *
ASEASY CFG 298 1-18-90 7:47p
ASEASY HLP 58346 4-25-90 9:05a **
HTREE EXE 9185 4-11-90 12:36a
ASAU400 COM 36610 4-11-90 2:26p
VENDOR DOC 3784 4-10-90 11:54p *
LICENSE DOC 4133 4-11-90 12:28a *
ORDER ME 4301 10-15-89 11:24p *
YESNO COM 97 10-02-86 9:47p
SETUP BAT 2873 7-18-90 12:26p
READ ME 19512 4-12-90 11:53a **
The largest file which hints it contains text data would be a
good candidate to examine! The file SETUP.BAT suggests that
some intial setup or configuration of the program is necessary
prior to use.
COMFILES <DIR> 12-05-89 4:48p
GOODBY 384 10-03-89 2:44p *
INTRO1 512 1-11-90 8:19a **
INTRO2 896 10-08-89 7:02p **
MENU 640 10-03-89 3:41p
NEWPROD 2176 10-03-89 3:40p *
MANUAL DOC 77568 2-02-91 11:12a **
QUICK DOC 33664 2-02-91 11:10a **
TUTR DOC 109696 10-02-89 4:30p **
SEBFI COM 2270 12-10-89 2:50p
SEBFI DOC 5888 12-05-89 8:04p *
SEBFI BAT 384 12-02-89 1:25p
LASTMIN ANN 512 12-08-89 1:45p *
GO BAT 1362 1-31-91 6:17p
SEBFIM BAT 384 12-08-89 3:05p
This is a disk with several important documentation files, but
a highly unusual second subdirectory! COMFILES <DIR> contains
other file(s) and must ALSO be examined. The DOS CD or
change directory command must be used to examine this other
subdirectory or file storage area of the disk. See your DOS manual.
Most shareware authors try to stay away from using additional
subdirectories on a disk which can confuse a beginner. The file
LASTMIN.ANN would tell an advanced shareware user that the file
contains "last minute announcements" and is most probably
a text file. TUTR.DOC probably means "tutorial document."
QUICK.DOC is probably quick startup documentation.
HM EXE 306347 8-28-90 11:48a
This is an odd disk indeed. No documentation? Actually this
is a special SELF-EXTRACTING file which is usually copied
to a hard drive run with the command HM. The file will proceed
to unpack itself and produce several files containing
documentation, COM or EXE files and more! Most authors would
include a small README file on the disk to advise you of this
fact, but this author has omitted even that! If you locate a
large EXE file, copy it to your hard drive (perhaps into
a subdirectory named TEMP or temporary) and then run the
file to cause it to unpack and produce all the little subfiles
which are the main program! Shareware authors do this to
conserve disk space or otherwise compress large programs to
fit onto fewer disks.
DBATE001 EXE 185785 3-25-90 9:07a
DBATE002 EXE 284884 6-22-90 11:28p
DBATE003 EXE 244771 9-19-90 7:47p
READ1ST EXE 6267 11-26-90 11:04p **
READ1ST.EXE is run since it is a self-extracting EXE file which
probably produces documentation notes. The other three files are
probably self-extracting files which produce three separate
programs. This is a case of multiple self-extracting files! A
clever author is highly compressing his data to save space on
disk!
FUNNELS EXE 59904 9-21-84 3:01p
FUNNELS DOC 14713 9-21-84 1:58p **
FUNNELS INV 2432 9-21-84 3:18p
ATC2 BLD 4096 8-23-84 9:08p
ATC EXE 50304 7-09-84 11:20a
AUTOEXEC BAT 11 7-12-84 10:29a
ATC DAT 384 1-01-80 1:04a
EUCHRE BAS 22784 7-21-84 3:09p
EUCHRE DOC 3645 7-21-84 3:52p **
CRC TXT 1123 11-16-84 7:06a *
FUNNELS SCR 128 11-25-88 10:27a
A relatively simple disk. Text or documentation files indicated.
Do you see the single basic BAS file which will require a copy
of GWBASIC.EXE?
Pop quiz part 2: Grab a few loose disks from any random source
and repeat this detective process a few times and you will soon
be a shareware GURU!
----------------------------------------------------------------
A TURBOCHARGED SHORTCUT!
----------------------------------------------------------------
There is always a shortcut to any process if you apply a little
thought and a bit of technology. As mentioned previously, you
need to identify files on a disk containing text or
instruction documentation and then view the contents of the
file. A previous section showed you how to use the DOS TYPE
and PRINT commands to print the contents of a suspected text
file to either the screen or paper.
If DOS commands and structure are not interesting or you don't
have the time to learn DOS, there exist programs called DOS
SHELLS which essentially provide DOS access for routine things
like moving and copying files AND QUICKLY VIEWING THE INTERNAL
CONTENTS OF SUSPECTED TEXT FILES; these menu programs hide the
DOS commands behind a series of "point and select" choices
similar to the point and shoot menus you use on game programs
and serious business software.
The typical DOS shell is a package which surrounds DOS (like a
shell, hence the name) and allows you to perform the most common
DOS functions by pressing only one or two keys or moving a
highlighted arrow. Very appealing for beginners! This may be
all the DOS control most people need . . .
Some practical and easy DOS shell packages include: Still River
Shell, DOS2ools, PC Tools, Powermenu, Automenu, Dirmagic and
Directory Freedom. DR.COM and its companion shell programs
CO.COM and RN.COM are extremely simple shells suited for
beginners which most computer clubs and shareware disk vendors
carry. The author of this package uses the Directory Freedom
shell which you may also wish to investigate.
If you are beginner and don't want to be troubled learning DOS,
then a shell program is the easiest way to use the PC. And one
of the easier ways to view text files.
----------------------------------------------------------------
UNPACKING AND INSTALLING
INCLUDING ARCS, ZIPS, LZH AND MORE
----------------------------------------------------------------
Many times a shareware package is quite large and has been
compressed or "archived" to fit on the disk. Another use for
archiving, or packing many files into one highly compressed
file, is to decrease telephone charges and time when transmitting
files by modem. In a previous section we indicated the following
filename extensions as pertaining to compressed or "archived" files:
.ZIP ---------> Compressed file, use PKUNZIP to unpack
.ARC ---------> Compressed file, use ARC system
.PAK ---------> Compressed file, use PAK system
.LZH ---------> Compressed file, use LHARC
.ZOO ---------> Compressed file, use ZOO system
Let's take a closer look. For example, the file FUN454.ZIP
might contain the following files contained within the
ZIP archive.
FUNNELS EXE
FUNNELS DOC
FUNNELS INV
ATC DAT
FUNNELS SCR
FUNNELS TXT
By the way, in the above example, FUN454.ZIP, we are given the
probable clue that this might be Version 4.54 of the program.
This is another odd but useful convention when dealing with
the shareware community and archived or compressed files.
In the shareware trade, one frequently hears the terms "ARCING,
ZIPPING, UNZIPPING, LHARCING, PAKING" and similar terms. You
can quickly understand that "archive processing" or compressing
and uncompressing disk files is what these terms refer to!
Not all disks contain archives - some do, some don't. To unpack
the program you need a few blank floppies (or a hard drive) and
a special unpacking utility program to unpack. If your software
needs this utility, it is usually available on one (or several) of
your disks or can be ordered from most computer clubs or shareware
disk vendors. Here is how to unpack an archive file ending in
ZIP. Other files ending in .LZH, .ZOO and other file extensions
are quite similar in use.
Files which end in .ZIP are unpacked with PKUNZIP.EXE. For our
example let's pretend we are unpacking the file SAMPLE.ZIP.
Start with a BLANK formatted floppy. Copy the program file you
wish to unpack (e.g., SAMPLE.ZIP) and the file PKUNZIP.EXE
onto the blank floppy. Hard drive users may prefer to simply
copy the file to be unpacked and the unpacking utility
PKUNZIP.EXE to their hard drive. For our example, SAMPLE.ZIP and
PKUNZIP.EXE are now on a floppy in the A: drive.
Next we need a place to put the unpacked files! For computers
without a hard drive put a blank formatted floppy in your other
empty B: floppy drive. This is where the unpacked newly expanded
files will go: the DESTINATION OR TARGET drive for the unpacked
software. Hard drive users will probably just unpack to the hard
drive (C:) using a subdirectory on the hard drive as the target
area.
Using the examples which follow, type an unpacking command
showing the source drive containing the packed file, the name of
file and the final destination drive; press enter or return key
after typing the unpacking command. Of course, substitute the
name of the file you are using for the file SAMPLE.ZIP. Blank
spaces in the command ARE essential.
EXAMPLE: A>pkunzip A:SAMPLE.ZIP B:
Translation: unpack or unzip all files from the packed file
SAMPLE.ZIP contained on the A: floppy drive and send the
unpacked files to the B: floppy drive. Press enter or return key
after typing the command.
EXAMPLE: C>pkunzip C:sample.ZIP B:
Unpack files from C: hard drive area to a blank floppy on B:
drive.
By the way, you can omit the .ZIP file extension for a shortcut.
EXAMPLE: C>pkunzip C:sample B:
Files are now unpacked and ready to use in the conventional
manner - after unpacking you will probably see the readme, text
and documentation files you need. The data is now in a more
familiar DOS file format. The archive can "inflate" more than
200% from its compressed format in some cases!
Some programs are very large and may be submitted to you in
several parts. You might find a program which consists of
three or four packed .ZIP, .LZH or other archive file(s) on
several disks.
NOTE! for hard drive users you are usually wise to unpack each
program to a separate subdirectory on your hard disk. For
example, to use pcwrite you might unpack the files to C:\PCW. Of
course, you must first create a subdirectory called PCW on your
hard drive BEFORE you start. To prepare a subdirectory, use the
DOS md (make directory) command (example c>md pcw.) Hard drive
users might wish to delete the original compressed ARC/ZIP files
from their hard drive since the unpacked versions are now ready
and the original floppies serve as your backup copies.
UNPACKING ARCHIVED/COMPRESSED PROGRAMS
ON SINGLE FLOPPY SYSTEMS LACKING A HARD DRIVE
A problem arises trying to uncompress archived programs on
single drive systems. Most computers have at least two drives.
On a single drive system you may need to uncompress your
programs to a special memory area of the computer called a RAM
DRIVE. Your DOS manual covers this option or you can obtain a
shareware package which produces a ram drive and thus allows
your computer to "think" it has two floppy drives. This is
about the only alternative for unpacking software on a single
drive machine. Generally single drive computers may not be fully
IBM compatible with many modern software packages which may need
two drives. Suggest you 1) return disks to vendor for refund or 2)
consider adding a second drive as most modern fully compatible
machines offer or 3) attempt unpacking with a RAM DRIVE then
copy back to disk. Later versions of DOS contain a RAM DRIVE
program. You can also obtain RAM DRIVE programs from shareware
and other software vendors.
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CONFIGURING THE PROGRAM IF NECESSARY
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Many times a software program must be configured prior to being
actually used. This means that possibly screen colors, type of
disk drives, optional accessories such as a mouse or modem,
printer types and other features must be activated. Some
software programs allow you to configure this information
directly within the main program. Other programs prefer that
you run a separate small "configuration" program first.
The only useful rule in this case is to read the documentation
or at least study the table of contents or index to see if
configuration is a necessary step.
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TIME TO RUN THE PROGRAM!
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From a previous chapter of this tutorial we again offer the
reminder that the following file extension relate to a file
or program that can be run!
.EXE ---------> An EXECUTABLE FILE which starts program
.COM ---------> A COMMAND FILE which starts program
.BAT ---------> BATCH FILE which starts program
.BAS ---------> BASIC file which can be run with
the aid of the GWBASIC interpreter
GWBASIC which is normally on your DOS
disk or hard drive.
Examples:
File is HMFAST.EXE. To start, assuming the file is on the C:
hard drive,
C>HMFAST <then press enter or return key> starts program.
File is ASEASY.COM. To start, assuming the file is on the A:
floppy drive,
A>ASEASY <then press enter or return key> starts program.
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FEEDBACK: EITHER REGISTER OR SEND YOUR REGRETS!
----------------------------------------------------------------
The last step is probably the most important to a shareware
author and for that matter the continued production of ever more
interesting and useful shareware:
Register the package if it proves truly useful. Send a 19 cent
postcard to the author if you don't register with a few observations,
constructive criticisms or at least suggestions. The fact that
you were interested enough in the program to try it means that
it might be VERY close to what you need. Inexpensive postcard
feedback just might result in a program change by the author
which gives you a "perfect fit." You would be surprised how
responsive shareware authors are in revising a program QUICKLY
to meet a customer request. You might even say this is about
the closest thing to having your own personal programmer
on the staff as you will ever find!
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COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
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PROBLEMS USING COLOR SOFTWARE ON MONOCHROME COMPUTERS
Some shareware programs (usually games and a few others) require
a color circuit within the computer called CGA, EGA or VGA
color graphics. If you start the program on a monochrome (no
color) computer you may see nothing on the screen!
Solutions: 1) Use an inexpensive software program (e.g., SIMCGA)
which helps monochrome machine pretend (emulate) color 2) Buy a
CGA, VGA or EGA circuit card 3) check the documents which come
with the shareware package to see if it can be switched from color
mode to monochrome.
Turn off your computer and restart it if you use a program such
as SIMCGA or other software patch to help a monochrome computer
emulate a color machine. You don't want the emulation program
interfering with other software you may wish to run later.
Problem: Computer responds with "bad command or filename."
Solution: Make sure that what you typed at the DOS command line
is EXACTLY the filename you intended to run. This is probably a
simple typing mistake.
Problem: Program asks for a file which is not on the disk.
Solution: Do you have ALL of the disks required. Have you
unpacked all archives? Have you run the configuration program
which creates the missing file?
Problem: Screen goes blank and machine locks up.
Solution: Sounds like this is a color program trying to run on
a monochrome system. See the notes above.
Problem: Incorrect DOS version message.
Solution: Many sophisticated programs cannot use older
DOS versions such as 2.0 or 2.11. Check the documentation.
There might be a way around this that the author suggests
towards the end of the program instructions.
Problem: Only have one disk drive.
Solution: Refer to DOS manual or obtain separate standalone
RAM disk software which can create a second drive in your
computer's RAM memory area. This is still a severe limitation
and you are advised to at least purchase a second floppy drive
which is not terribly expensive, these days.
Problem: Author did not respond to my questions or send anything
for my registration check.
Solution: Authors can move and change address. Contact a
shareware disk vendor, obtain the latest version of the program
and see if the address of the author has changed. Call or write
again.
Problem: I want to know more about shareware!
Solution: Explore the following . . .
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RECOMMENDED READING LIST FOR SHAREWARE USERS AND AUTHORS
----------------------------------------------------------------
Shareware Magazine. Published by PC-SIG, 1030-D East Duane
Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. Voice telephone: 408/730-9291 FAX:
408/730-2107. Included with membership in PC-SIG, one of the
largest shareware disk distributors in the world. A bimonthly,
"light and lively" guide to the shareware market featuring
reviews and articles on the best and latest in shareware, author
interviews and discussion and analysis of trends in the
industry.
Dr. File Finder's Guide to Shareware by Michael Callahan and
Nick Anis. ISBN: 0-07-881646-7. A book and disk package teaching
you how to find and use the best in shareware. Learn about disk
vendors, computer club sources, details about the very best
shareware in 20 categories. Disk includes such popular programs
as Qmodem, Dos line editor, Anarkey, BackMail and more. Two
additional disks available upon submission of a postcard
contained in the book.
Writing & Marketing Shareware. A book, disk and companion
cassette tape by Steve Hudgik, HomeCraft, P.O. Box 974,
Tualatin, OR 97062. Tel 503/692-3732. The best book in the
industry for learning about programming, designing and MARKETING
shareware for maximum financial return. Shows you how to become a
successful shareware author who develops WINNING shareware for
maximum income. Includes mailing list of distributors, equipment
suppliers, service providers, how to design your shareware and
more! Combined with the software program SMS in the next
paragraph, you have a complete reference set on becoming a
financially successful shareware author.
$hareware Marketing $ystem. Two disk set containing tutorials
and quarterly marketing newsletter for shareware authors plus
dBase format mailing list on disk of over 3,000 addresses for
industry contacts: computer clubs, disk vendors, magazine
writers and more who use, distribute or review shareware. The
mailing list on disk is ready to import into many database
packages so you can print mailing labels for your disk mailers!
By Jim Hood, the author of THIS tutorial you are now reading.
$25 registration or $90 to subscribe to 4 quarterly issues.
Also available as an inexpensive evaluation disk set from most
shareware disk vendors, computer clubs and BBS systems, as with
all shareware. POB 1506, Mercer Island, WA 98040. 206/236-0470.
Known among shareware authors simply as "SMS."
Alfred Glossbrenner's Master Guide to Free Software and
Shareware, c/o FireCrystal Communications, 699 River Rd,
Yardley, PA 19067. Alfred writes one of the largest and most
respected guides to shareware in the industry and is a
contributing editor to several computer industry magazines.
Tips and Techniques for Using Low-Cost and Public Domain
Software. John Gliedman. 1988. McGraw-Hill. A thorough guide to
low cost, effective shareware and public domain programs
including RAM disks, word processors, batch file systems, hard
disk managers, tutorials and other topics.
PC-LEARN is a computer tutorial system for computer beginners
which features high speed color or monochrome menus, tutorial
printing on your printer, information searching capabilities
and much more! PC-LEARN is a training system which includes
chapters on buying and using a computer, an entertaining history
of computers, DOS lessons, hard disk drives and tech tips. It
also includes information on word processing, a suggested reading
list, software selection, computer clubs, batch files, spreadsheets,
databases, and even a glossary! PC-LEARN runs on all IBM compatible
PC-LEARN is shareware. This tutorial was extracted from PC-LEARN.
Submitting $10 to the author of PC-LEARN whose address
information accompanies this package brings an UNREGISTERED
evaluation copy of PC-LEARN. Submitting the full $25
registration fee brings TWO BONUS DISKS and A FULLY REGISTERED
COPY OF PC-LEARN.
End of file, press escape to return to menu. Have you registered
to receive your BONUS DISK and update to the computer club
mailing list?