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SHAREWARE REVIEW
PROGRAM: Just Another Disk Utility - Version 1.3
AUTHOR: J.C. Ratjen
DATE RELEASED: October 1989
REGISTRATION: $25.00
RESTRICTIONS: None
RATING: 9.0
NAME-SIZE ZIP: JADU13.ZIP, 88K
One of the many problems that users face are commands. Certain commands
do certain things on certain software. Rarely, save the F1 and ESC key,
do commands complete the same tasks.
Complicating this problem, are programs that have a command set that are
no where near what task you would like to accomplish. (An example in a
terminal program would be to hit ALT-H to dial, rather than the more
logical ALT-D) The misnaming of command sets is a fault that is running
rampant in the ShareWare industry.
So, when I came across JADU, whose description read something like "USER
FRIENDLIEST DOS SHELL", I had to download it. DOS Shells are like
fingerprints, none of them are alike; when you switch shells, you also
switch command sets.
USE: JADU's documentation is supreme. Complete with an index, I have
never experienced such high quality documentation in a ShareWare
product. The documentation is in a semi-bullet form, which lends
itself to quick reading for advanced users, and easy learning for
novices.
Setting up JADU is a breeze also. Included is an install program
that allows you to control everything from colors to mouse speed.
Oh, did I mention JADU also supports mice? The only problems were
the lack of a "no sort" option on your directory, and the small
choice of screen colors.
Once inside JADU, though, you really begin to see what a banner
program it is. The commands are VERY logical. Want to delete a
file? Ok, hit D. Want to move a file? Ok, hit M. Want to see inside
an Archive? Ok, hit A. Oh, did I mention that JADU also interfaces
with compression programs? The program also works in a tag mode,
but you must specify it, allowing you to mark files to be deleted.
copied, moved, etc. A nice feature would have been to allow the
program, through the installation module, to pop up in tag mode.
Also, hitting CNTRL-C does the familiar "scroll a line" that
accompanies every program that doesn't turn CNTRL-C off. You can
refresh the screen, but it's a pain.
Interestingly missing from the program was on-line help. Sure,
there was a help screen, but no detailed help. You can look at it
like the bridge was half built so we could get to the middle of the
river. It just didn't make sense. Have a logical, perfect command
set and then fall short by leaving out on-line help.
By anyone's standards, JADU's shining attribute is its command
structure, but the choice of commands weren't that shabby either.
You could manipulate compressed files, print out files, and
countless other luxuries.
What would I like to see? Thanks for asking! Well, I have run into
a program called SAGE, a text editor, that allows you to MAKE your
own command set. This would be a good step for JADU. But why mess
with near perfection?
SUMMARY: GOOD POINTS BAD POINTS
??????????? ??????????
? Price ? No "no sort"
? Documentation ? No on-line help
? Command Structure
? Features
1----------5---------10:
????????????????????
9.0
JADU is the embodiment of the perfect command structure. D for delete, M
for move and C for copy are just the beginning of an excellent program.
Buoyed by this, the program assumes minimal damage in the BAD section.
A great value!
(C) Copyright 1989 Patrick Grote