

                              MyDisks V 1.22

                        The floppy disks data base

                    written by Greg Poloczek & Greg Kacy

       Program and Documentation Copyright (C) Kacy & Fournier Software
                            All rights reserved



                            T H I S  I S  T H E
      U N R E G I S T E R E D  S H A R E W A R E   V E R S I O N   ! ! !


  Introduction
-----------------

     Welcome, and thank you for trying MyDisks. This program was designed
     to help in keeping order in your floppy disks and ease a process of
     finding and storing files on your floppy disks. MyDisks provides a floppy
     disk database with fast access to list of your disks, files and archives.
     The registration and updating of disks is completely automatic.
     MyDisks allows to find files in the floppy disks database and also finds
     floppy disks with requested free disk space.
     MyDisks also provides a program menu from which user can execute programs.


  Hardware requirements
-------------------------
     MyDisks was written for the IBM PC, PC/XT, PC/AT and compatibles.
     It requires MS/PC-DOS 3.30 or above. It works with MDA, Hercules, CGA, EGA
     VGA and SVGA video adapters.


   Installation
-----------------

     To install MyDisks on your system copy all the files listed below to one
     directory such us C:\MYDISKS. (You can also add the path for MyDisks to
     you autoexec.bat)

     Files:      smydisks.exe  - The executable file (shareware)
                 db_files.dat  - The data file
                 db_disks.dat  - The data file
                 db_progs.dat  - The data file
                 db_cnfg.cfg   - Configuration file
                 mydisks.txt   - This file
                 orderfrm.txt  - Order form

  
   Execution
---------------

     The program was designed around the use of bar menus to allow the easiest
     possible interface between user and program. All menus include mouse
     support if a mouse driver is loaded.

     There are several ways to control the program.
     You can use the arrow keys to move around menu and Enter key to choose the
     currently highlighted option (Esc - for go back).
     You can also use hotkeys Alt + highlighted letter for Main menu or just
     highlighted letter for the submenu.

     Of course you can also use the mouse. To choose an option click once
     the left mouse button when the option is highlighted.
     To go back press the right button.



     The menu consists of following options:

      System
      
          Execute  - this option allows to execute a program from a program
                     menu. Program menu can be modified. Menu items can be
                     added or deleted. (To modify program menu use: Config/Mo-
                     dify program menu). To execute a program you can also use
                     a hotkey F3.

          Dos shell  - Temporarily exit to DOS. To return to MyDisks type 'exit'

          Dos screen - Shows the DOS screen.

          About      - Shows the information about your version of MyDisks

          Quit       - Quits MyDisks (You can also use the hotkey F10)



    Disk
    
         New disk    -  This option allows to register a new diskette
                        to the database. MyDisks registers disk by placing
                        a special 0 bytes long, hidden file on the disk. The
                        name of this file is KdbID where ID is the
                        identification string entered by user during the
                        registration process.


         Update      -  Updates the information about already registered disk.
                        You should use this option, if you added or deleted some
                        files from a registered disk. By doing that you will
                        keep your database up-to-date.


        Optimize     -  This option optimizes MyDisks database files. Optimized
                        database makes the program to run faster. You should
                        use this option after registering or deleting a large
                        amount of disks.



    Options
    
         List       -  Shows the list of all the registered disks. The list
                       consists of: disk's ID, type, free disk space and comment
                       for the disk. You can browse this list by pressing the
                       arrow keys or moving the mouse. If you want to get the
                       file list for the highlighted disk press Enter or left
                       mouse button. The other available options during the
                       'List' are listed on the status bar (Print, Delete,
                       To file, Comment).

                       Print         - prints the list on your printer
                       To file       - prints the list to file
                       Delete        - deletes the disk from database
                       Comment       - allows edition of comment

      Find disks    -  Finds disks by a keyword in the disk comment. This
                       option allows to find disks with a specific keyword in
                       a disk comment.

                       ( Example: if we enter a keyword: 'sources' we'll get
                       a list of all disks with word 'sources' in a disk
                       comment)


      Show disk     -  This option shows the list of all files on the disk.
                       You will be asked to enter the ID of the disk you
                       want to inspect. The list of files consists of: name of
                       file, length, creation date and comment for the file.
                       You can browse this list by pressing the arrow keys or
                       moving the mouse. If you want to get the file list for
                       the highlighted archive press Enter or left mouse button.
                       Then you will be asked to insert the disk to the drive.
                       The list of files in the archive will be shown in the
                       new window. MyDisks supports the following archive
                       formats: ZIP,ARJ,PAK,LZH,ZOO.

                       The other available options during the 'Show disk' are
                       listed on the status bar (Print, Delete, To file,
                       Comment).

                       Print         - prints the list on your printer
                       To file       - prints the list to file
                       Delete        - deletes the file from database [& disk]
                       Comment       - allows edition of comment


      Check disk    -  Checks if the disk in current drive has been registered
                       in the data base. If yes, you can view the list of files
                       for that disk.


      Show all      -  Shows the list of all files on all registered disks.
                       The options and control for this list is similar to
                       the list from 'Show disk' option.


      Find file     -  Searches for a file in the database. It is possible to
                       search by filename or by a keyword in a file comment.

                       In search by a filename, user will be asked to enter the
                       name of file he is looking for. You can use DOS wildcards.

                       Example: Enter *.zip for all zip files or
                                      a*.c for all 'C' sources
                                      starting with 'A'

                       In search by a keyword in a file comment, user will be
                       asked to enter the comment keyword.

                       Example: Enter vga for all files with that comment.


      Find place    -  Searches all disks for requested free space. This option
                       is useful if you have a file and you do not know which
                       is the optimal disk to put it on. This option will find
                       the best disk to put it on. After you choose the option
                       you will be asked to enter the amount of disk space you
                       need (in KB).
                       Example: Let's suppose you have a file 'girls.zip' which
                       is 146789 bytes long. You want to save it on one of your
                       disks. Choose the option 'Find place' and enter f.ex 146
                       MyDisks will find the best disk to put that file on.


    Config
    

Modify program menu  - Allows to modify the program menu. User can create
                       the program menu which consists of up to 19 items.
                       Each menu item has a description (name in menu) and
                       command. The command is a string which is used to run
                       the program. (path\programname [+ parameters])
                       To add a new item press F7, to delete press F8 and
                       to edit an item highlight it with menu bar and press
                       Enter.


       Change drive  - Allows to change the current floppy disk drive. Use
                       this option if you have two or more floppy disk drives
                       and you want to register different type of disks (3,5 or
                       5,25 inch).



      Default drive  - Sets the default active disk drive on start of the
                       program.


      Clock active   - Toggles the clock ON/OFF


      Black desktop  - Toggles the black desktop ON/OFF


     Save settings   - Toggles saving of the configuration (default drive,
     on exit           clock,desktop,mouse resolution) on exit ON/OFF



  Mouse
  

     Mouse active   -  Toggles mouse ON/OFF

     Vertical       -  Sets the vertical resolution for mouse. The value is
     resolution        between 1..200

     Horizontal     -  Sets the horizontal resolution for mouse. The value is
     resolution        between 1..200



  Working with MyDisks
------------------------

First of all you have to register all your floppy disks. To register a new disk
use the 'New disk' option. You will be asked to enter the disks ID. The ID is
an identification string. It can be up to four characters long (ex: 21, A4,
WIN3). However from my own experience I know that a simple number is the
best ID.

MyDisks registers disk by placing a special 0 bytes long, hidden file on the
disk. The name of this file is KdbID where ID is the ID string.

During the registration process the program finds all the files on your disk
and stores the list and other data in the database.

In the last step of the registration process you will be asked to enter the
comment for the disk. It is useful to write some short info about the programs
you store on the disk. (You can also add comments for single files).

It is recommended to put labels or write the ID on the diskette, too. It helps
a lot...

Each time you change contents of any diskette (erase or add files) it is
recommended to update the disk database. To do that just insert the disk into
the current drive and choose option 'Update'.

If you later look for a certain program or file choose the 'List' or 'Find file'
options.


  And that's basically it! Please read Questions & Answers for more info.



  Questions & Answers
-----------------------

1. Q: I want to get the list of all 'C' sources on all my disks

   A: Use 'Find file' option and enter '*.c' in search pattern edit window.


2. Q: I have a file which is 625 KB and I would like to place it on some of my
   diskettes however I do not know which disk has enough disk space. What
   should I do ?

   A: Use 'Find place' and enter 125


3. Q: How to view an archive ?
   A: Highlight the archive file and press Enter. Then insert the disk for
      the current drive.


4. Q: I have lost already registered disk. How to update the base ?
   A: You can either delete disk from database ( [D] in 'List' option ) or
      take a new (not registered) disk and use option 'New disk'.
      Enter the ID of the lost disk in the ID edit window. The program
      will report that this disk is already in the database and will ask if
      you want to "Register and overwrite old". If you do not choose Cancel
      this disk will be marked as the lost disk. (Do not forget to write the
      ID on it)


5. Q: I have formatted already registered disk. The mark has been deleted.
   A: Choose option 'New disk' and enter it's ID (it should be written on the
      disk) then choose "Register and overwrite old".


6. Q: I have a disk and I do not know if it is registered. What to do ?
   A: Insert the disk for the current drive and choose 'Check disk'.


7. Q: I want to register or update the disk, the disk is in the drive but
      nothing happens (I have already chosen the appropriate option).
      What to do ?
   A: Check if the current drive is the one you have your disk in.


8. Q: I do not want disk (f. ex. 21) to be registered in the database anymore.
      What to do ?
   A: Use 'List' option, highlight the disk 21 and press 'D'. After your
      confirmation the disk will be deleted from the database. Then you will be
      asked if you want to erase the disks ID. It is recommended to erase the ID
      if you still have that disk.


9. Q: I want the floppy disk drive B: to be a default drive on the start of
      MyDisks.
   A: Choose 'Config''Default drive' and select drive B: then make sure that
      'Save settings on exit' is checked 'YES'


10. (FOR A SHAREWARE VERSION)
    Q: I have registered less than 15 disks and I want to register a new disk
    but the program 'says' that: this is a shareware version and you cannot
    register more than 15 disks.
    A: Use 'Optimize' and then try to register a new disk.



 Shareware limitations    !!!
-----------------------

This is the shareware version of the program. It allows you to REGISTER ONLY
UP TO 15 FLOPPY DISKETTES and it has the words "UNREGISTERED SHAREWARE VERSION"
appearing in the 'About' window.

In the registered version this limitation is omitted. It has also a unique
serial number, user name and the words "REGISTERED VERSION" appearing in the
'About' window.


  Registration Information
----------------------------

The MyDisks is a copyrighted program protected by all applicable US and
International copyright laws. If you have obtained this copy from a shareware
disk vendor, an on-line computer service or bulletin board, a friend or
colleague, or any similar source, you have the trial (unregistered) copy.
You are allowed to use this copy without charge for a limited time as specified
under the license agreement. After this time, you must register in order to
continue using MyDisks legally.

  The registration fee for MyDisks is only $6. Payment of this fee entitles
  you to:

    - A disk with the extended version of MyDisks registered directly to you.

    - Notice of future updates to the program


A REGISTERED VERSION of MyDisks can be obtained by sending a money order or
check and registration form to our US distributor:

                           Kacy & Fournier Software
                           P.O. Box 615
                           Contoocook, NH 03229



   Contact  (Support/Suggestions/Bug reports)
 ----------------------------------------------

Contact:   Mike Fournier
           P.O Box 615
           Contoocook, NH 03229
           (603) 746-3986
           Internet: mike3986@aol.com


Bug reports/suggestions/support

           Greg Poloczek           Greg Kacy
           Kupca 4                 Narcyzow 8
           43200 Pszczyna          44335 Jastrzebie
           POLAND                  POLAND
                                   Internet: greg8@homer.iinf.gliwice.edu.pl



    License Agreement
  ---------------------

The use of MyDisks is subject to the following terms and conditions.

MyDisks is copyrighted material. It is protected by all applicable US and
International copyright laws. You may not make any changes or modification to
MyDisks. You may not decompile, disassemble, or otherwise reverse-engineer the
software in any way.

Shareware copies are distributed to allow you to try the program before you
pay for it. These copies are still Copyright Kacy & Fournier Software. These
copies are not to be confused with "public domain" or "free" software. You are
allowed to use the shareware copies for a trial period of 30 days. Once the
trial period is over, you are required to register for 6$.

Title to the licensed software is NOT transferred to the end user.  The 
end user is granted an exclusive license to use the software on one 
computer or computer work station at any given time.



  Limited Warranty
 ------------------

THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. WE FURTHER
DISCLAIM ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE
ENTIRE RISK ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE AND
DOCUMENTATION REMAINS WITH YOU.

IN NO EVENT SHALL WE BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS
OF BUSINESS INFORMATION, OR OTHER PECUNIARY LOSS) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF
OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE OR DOCUMENTATION, EVEN IF WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED
OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. BECAUSE SOME STATES/COUNTRIES DO NOT ALLOW
THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTIAL
DAMAGES, THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.


 MyDisks Distribution
----------------------

You may pass the UNREGISTERED version of the program to others, but you must
follow these rules:

MyDisks MUST be copied in an unmodified form and MUST contain the
following files:

       smydisks.exe
       db_files.dat
       db_disks.dat
       db_progs.dat
       db_cnfg.cfg
       mydisks.txt
       orderfrm.txt

No charge be made for this program (except for the cost of the actual
physical disk/duplicating costs).

Public Domain Disk Vendors may not charge a fee for MyDisks itself.
However you may include MyDisks on a diskette for which you charge a
nominal distribution fee. The purchaser of said diskette must be 
informed in advance that the fee paid to acquire the diskette does NOT 
relieve said purchaser from paying the Registration Fee for MyDisks if
said purchaser uses MyDisks.

Operators of electronic bulletin board systems (Sysops) may post MyDisks
for downloading by their users without written permission only as long 
as the above conditions are met. A fee may be charged for access to the
bbs as long as no specific fee is charged for downloading MyDisks files
without first obtaining express written permission from Kacy & Fournier
Software to charge such a fee.

Distributors of public domain and user supported software, such as disk 
vending services, may not charge a fee for MyDisks itself. However you
may include MyDisks on a diskette for which you charge a nominal
distribution fee. The purchaser of said diskette must be informed in 
advance that the fee paid to acquire the diskette does NOT relieve said 
purchaser from paying the Registration Fee for MyDisks.


                    ***  END OF FILE  ENJOY........***


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