








                          The CTS Serial Port Utilities (TM)
                                      User Guide

          (c) Copyright 1993-1996 Computer Telecommunication Systems, Inc.
          All Rights Reserved.

          No part of this User Guide may be reproduced, transmitted,
          transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any
          language (natural or computer), in any form or by any means,
          without the prior written permission of Computer
          Telecommunication Systems, Inc. See the accompanying files
          OEM.DOC, VENDOR.DOC, LICENSE.DOC, and SYSOP.DOC for specific
          information pertaining to distribution of this shareware version
          of the User Guide.

          Information in this User Guide is subject to change without
          notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of
          Computer Telecommunication Systems, Inc.

          Computer Telecommunication Systems, Inc. may make improvements
          and/or changes in the User Guide and/or in Serial Port Utilities
          at any time.


          Trademarks and Copyrights

          IBM(R) and PS/2(R) are registered trademarks of International
          Business Machines Corporation.

          Hayes(R) is a registered trademark, and ESP(TM) is a trademark of
          Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc.

          Practical Peripherals(R) is a registered trademark of Practical
          Peripherals, Inc.

          The CTS Serial Port Utilities(TM), IRQInfo(TM), IOInfo(TM),
          SwapIRQ(TM), and AT Command Test(TM) are trademarks of Computer
          Telecommunication Systems, Inc.

          T/Port(TM) and Telcor(TM) are trademarks of Telcor Systems
          Corporation.

          Other names listed in this User Guide are the proprietary
          trademarks of their respective companies.


                       Computer Telecommunication Systems, Inc.
                            3847 Foxwood Road, Suite 1000
                           Duluth, Georgia  30136-6100 USA

          1-800-380-2666 (Orders)
          1-770-263-8623 (Voice)                     CompuServe: 76662,2315
          1-770-263-0124 (FAX)                Internet:support@comminfo.com








                                          ii



                                  TABLE OF CONTENTS

          Registration Options  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
               Corporate  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
               Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
               Personal PLUS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
               Professional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  viii
               Professional PLUS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  ix

          Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv

          1.0 Introducing The CTS Serial Port Utilities . . . . . . . .   1
               PORTINFO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2
               PORTMASTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3
               BIOS_FIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3
               BUFFER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   4
               COM_BPS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   4
               COM_FMT  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   4
               DOS_COM  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   4
               DOS_SWAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   4
               DTR  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   4
               FIND_COM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
               HANGUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
               IRQ  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
               RESETCOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
               RESETMOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
               RTS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5

          2.0 Short Instructions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   6
               Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   6
               Quick-Start  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   6

          3.0 The Command Line  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
               Serial Port Number Switches  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   8
               On / Off Switches  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   8
               Parameter Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   8
               Option Switches  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9
               Default Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9

          4.0 Defining Non-Standard Serial Ports  . . . . . . . . . . .  10

          5.0 Testing The System With PortInfo  . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
               Test All Serial Ports - /0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
               Test One Serial Port - /n, n<>0  . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
               BIOS Update - /B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
               Quick Test - /Q  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
               Log File - /L, /LA, /LP  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
               Force a Mouse Reset on PortInfo Exit - /MR . . . . . . .  14
               Short (or Summary) Report - /S . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
               Skip the IRQ Scan - /NoScan  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
               Search for ESP port - /ESP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15








                                         iii


               Advanced PortInfo Options  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
                    /Batch  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
                    /LT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
                    /Modem  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
                    /ModemID  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
                    /NoModem  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
                    /NoMouse  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
                    /NoWin  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
                    /Plug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
                    /Win <Path> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
                    PORTINFO.CFG File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
               Network Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
               The PortInfo Summary Screen  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
                    Port Configuration  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19
                         Port Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19
                         Interrupt (IRQ)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19
                         IRQ (Out2) Enabled . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19
                         BIOS Detects As  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20
                         Device Detected  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20
                         FAX Service Class  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20
                         Type of Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
                         Buffer - Trigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  22
                    Port Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  23
                         Speed (BPS)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  23
                         Speed Multiplier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  24
                         Bits / Character . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  24
                         Parity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  24
                         Stop Bits  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  24
                    Hardware Signals  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  25
                         Clear to Send  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  25
                         Data Set Ready . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26
                         Ring Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26
                         Data Carrier Detect  . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26
                         Data Terminal Ready  . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27
                         Request to Send  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27

          6.0 The Other Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28
               BIOS_FIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28
               BUFFER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28
               COM_BPS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29
               COM_FMT  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29
               DOS_COM  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29
               DOS_SWAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
               DTR  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
               Find_COM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
               HANGUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  33
               IRQ  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  33
               RESETCOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  34
               RESETMOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  34
               RTS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  34

          7.0 PortInfo FAILURE and WARNING Messages . . . . . . . . . .  35








                                          iv


               Port Failures  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35
                    Message PI-1000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35
               Interrupt Conflicts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35
                    Message PI-2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  36
                    Message PI-2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  36
                    Message PI-2100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  36
                    Message PI-2110 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  37
                         You have multiple ports at the same address  .  37
                         You have another device using the same
                              interrupt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  38
                         The system will not let you share this
                              interrupt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  38
                    Message PI-2200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  38
                    Message PI-2300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  39
                    Message PI-2400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  39
                    Message PI-2500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  40
               Port Conflicts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  40
                    Message PI-3000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  41
                    Message PI-3100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  41
                    Message PI-3200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  41
                    Message PI-3500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  42
               Mouse Conflicts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  42
                    Message PI-4000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  42
               DOS Port Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  43
                    Message PI-5000-5040  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  43
                    Message PI-5050 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  43
               Other CTS Software Detected  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  44
                    Message PI-6000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  44
               Windows Communication Setup  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  44
                    Message PI-7000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  44
                    Message PI-7050 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  44
                    Message PI-7100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45
                    Message PI-7200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45
                    Message PI-7300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45
                    Message PI-7500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45
               Serial Card Variations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45
                    Message PI-8000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45

          8.0 Customer Support Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  47

          9.0 About Computer Telecommunication Systems  . . . . . . . .  48
               OEM and Custom Programming Services  . . . . . . . . . .  48
                    Serial Port and Modem Installation Software . . . .  48
                    Custom "Pre-communication" testing  . . . . . . . .  48
               IRQInfo  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  48
               SwapIRQ  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  49
               PortFix  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  49
               AT Command Test  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  49
               AT Command Test for EIA-602  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  49
               CTS IOInfo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  50

          Appendix A: BONUS utilities MouseOFF and MouseON  . . . . . .  51








                                          v


          Appendix B: Introduction To Serial Ports  . . . . . . . . . .  53
               What is a serial port? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  53
               Serial Port Addresses for PC/XT/AT and Compatible
                    Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  54
               Serial Port Addresses for MicroChannel Architecture
                    Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  54
               Interrupts (IRQs)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  55
               Why are the DOS serial port assignments sometimes
                    different from one application to another?  . . . .  57

          Appendix C: Types of Serial Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  58
               The 8250 and 8250B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  58
               The 8250A  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  59
               The 16450  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  59
               The 16550  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  59
               The 16550A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  59
               The 16552  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  60
               The StarTech 16650 UART  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  60
               Texas Instruments 16750 UART . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  60
               The T/Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  60
               Emulated 16450 UARTs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  60
               Hayes ESP-I and ESP-II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  61
               Practical Peripherals HSSP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  61

          Appendix D: Sharing Interrupts (IRQs) . . . . . . . . . . . .  62

          Appendix E: Using IRQ 2 and IRQ 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  64

          Appendix F: Avoiding or Reducing Overrun Errors . . . . . . .  65
               What is an Overrun Error?  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  65
               Why Overrun Errors Occur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  65
               Eliminating Overrun Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  67
               Additional Questions about Overrun Errors  . . . . . . .  68

          Appendix G: The EIA-232 Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  69
               EIA-232 Signalling Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  70
               EIA-232 Signal Lines Used in Normal Modem
                    Communications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  70
                    Signal Ground (GND) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  70
                    Transmitted Data (TXD)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  70
                    Receive Data (RXD)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  70
                    Request To Send (RTS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  71
                    Clear to Send (CTS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  71
                    Data Set Ready (DSR)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  71
                    Data Terminal Ready (DTR) . . . . . . . . . . . . .  71
                    Ring Indicator (RI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  71
                    Carrier Detect (CD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  71
               Table of Modem Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  72

          CTS Tech Note 1: Serial Port and Modem Installation Guide . .  73

          CTS Tech Note 2: Trouble-Shooting Serial Ports  . . . . . . .  79







                                        vii

     Registration Options
     ====================
     Several different registration options are available:

     ** Corporate **
     ---------------
     Multi-Copy and OEM license agreements are available for any or all of
     the utilities included in the CTS Serial Port Utilities. Please see
     OEM.DOC or contact CTS, Inc. for details.

     ** Personal **
     --------------
     This is the most economical registration for a single user. If you need
     to use (or used) the SPU to diagnose a problem with your personal
     computer, then this is the license for you. By registering, you obtain
     personalized support to assist you with trouble-shooting your computer.
     Details are provided in the User Guide section titled "Customer Support
     Policy". As part of this license, you also receive:

       *  Additional features in PortInfo includes the Windows Setup
          Verification test that makes sure that Windows is setup correctly.
          PortInfo suggests specific changes if any are required.

       *  BIOS_FIX includes the Windows Setup Verification test.

       *  30 minutes of personal assistance with your serial port problems.

       *  The most current version of the CTS Serial Port Utilities.

       *  A FREE CompuServe IntroPak which gets you online with CompuServe
          without the regular signup fee plus a $15 usage credit.

       *  Announcements about updates. 

       *  Special savings on other products from CTS. Details are listed just
          before the order form!

     The license provided with this option allows the registered user to use
     the SPU on any computer personally owned or used exclusively by the
     registered user.

     ** Personal PLUS **
     -------------------
     This registration option provides all of the benefits above plus:

       *  A new step-by-step guide to installing a modem. This informative
          document will help you make the right decisions about organizing
          your serial ports and IRQs when you are installing or upgrading
          your modem. 

       *  The serial port troubleshooting guide. This helpful document will
          help you resolve the most common types of serial ports problems.








                                       viii



       *  A printed copy of the attractive 86 page, 8.5 x 11" User Guide,
          including 30 pages of introductory and reference information not
          included in the electronic manual. This additional information
          includes serial port basics, types of serial ports, when and why
          you need a 16550A UART, how and when you can share interrupts
          between serial ports, details of the RS-232 interface, cable
          wiring, and how IRQ 2 and IRQ 9 are used.

       *  60 minutes of personal assistance with your serial port problems.

       *  The MouseOn and MouseOff utilities. The "mouse utilities" allow a
          mouse and a modem to share the same interrupt when running under
          DOS.

     The license provided with this option allows the registered user to use
     the SPU on any computer personally owned or used exclusively by the
     registered user.


     ** Professional **
     ------------------
     This license is for consultants and corporate support specialists who
     routinely deal with a multiple computers. Treat the SPU like your
     screwdriver - that is, as long as it is in your possession and not
     "left" (installed) at any other machine, you are in compliance with the
     license. Only one individual is authorized to call for support.

     This license option provides all of the benefits described above, plus:

       *  A number of new "advanced options" are available in the PortInfo
          utility designed specifically for the technical user. These include
          the ability to create fully automated batch files to operate
          PortInfo, a configuration file which allows operation without
          command line switches, and the ability to force or suppress
          different tests. See the "Advanced PortInfo" section for more
          details.

       *  The bonus utility "FindCOM" which locates any serial port installed
          in the computer system. This utility does a "safe search" of the
          I/O address area to find any 8250 compatible serial port at *any*
          address. A very handy utility for those "unknown" machines. 

       *  90 minutes of technical support (one authorized caller per license)

       *  Allows use of the SPU on multiple computers AS LONG AS the SPU is
          ONLY used on ONE COMPUTER AT A TIME. Site licenses are available
          for situations where multiple installed copies are required.





                                        ix


     ** Professional PLUS **
     -----------------------
     Includes everything in the Professional License, PLUS:

       *  A "toolkit copy" of the CTS SwapIRQ(tm) utility. SwapIRQ is our
          $29.95 (retail) DOS utility that lets DOS applications use any IRQ
          supported by a serial port or modem. A very handy utility for those
          situations where an IRQ conflict could be resolved *if* a software
          application could just use a different IRQ. Now it can!

          SwapIRQ is a TSR which uses 784 bytes of memory and redirects
          hardware-generated IRQs to the IRQ the software uses. SwapIRQ runs
          in DOS, or in a DOS box under Windows and OS/2.

          Note: each installed copy of SwapIRQ requires an additional
          license. Multicopy discounts and site licenses are available if
          required. Contact CTS for details.

       *  A "toolkit copy" of the CTS PortFix utility ($14.95). PortFix is
          another little DOS TSR utility (only 704 bytes!) which eliminates
          lockups caused by some faulty UARTs shipped with PCI computers
          during late 1993 and 1994. These faulty UARTs have also been used
          in some addin cards...if you are experiencing occasional lockups,
          particularly on the "second use" of the port, then this utility is
          worth a shot!

     ** Special Discounts ** 
     =======================
     You may take advantage of these special prices for our other products
     listed below ONLY when you order the CTS Serial Port Utilities. 

     IRQInfo PRO (tm)
     ----------------
     This is a comprehensive Interrupt Mapping utility. IRQInfo detects
     nearly all common devices and accurately displays their IRQs.
     IRQInfo includes tests for serial and parallel ports, sound cards,
     scanners, the mouse, hard and floppy disk drives, network cards,
     SCSI devices...just about everything that uses an IRQ. IRQInfo PRO
     includes an integrated TSR module that watches the computer while
     you use it to determine if any of the unused IRQs have a "hidden
     device" using them. IRQInfo PRO includes a full color animated
     display as devices are detected, and continually "learns" about
     your system as long as the TSR module is loaded. NOTE: TSR module
     uses only 512 bytes.
 
     Price: $35

	  

                                         x


     CTS IOInfo (tm)
     ---------------
     IOInfo performs a detailed test of the I/O space in the computer
     and displays a descriptive chart showing what addresses are used
     and available. Runs in a DOS box in Windows, Windows 95 or OS/2 to
     provide information about devices available in each environment and
     combines all of the environment reports together in a single
     report. 
     
     Price: $24

     SwapIRQ
     -------
     This utility is described in the Professional PLUS version. Normally
     $32.95 (including shipping) but you can order it now for only $20. 

     PortFix
     -------
     This utility is described in the Professional PLUS version. Normally
     $14.95 (including shipping) but you can order it now for only $10. 

 	 CTS Connect Master - $99.00
	 ---------------------------
	 Our newest product, CTS Connect Master for V.34/V.34+ Modems is a 
	 software tool for professional modem testing. CTS Connect Master
	 can be used to identify connection problems between different
	 modems, as a purchasing qualification tool, or simply as a modem 
	 testing tool to identify failing modems. Connect Master uses two 
	 modems to establish connections over two analog phone lines.
 
      NEW Product Bundles!
     ====================
     Personal Pack
     -------------
     Includes the Personal PLUS License of the CTS Serial Port Utilities, 
     IRQInfo PRO and IOInfo - this saves you a few dollars if you want
     all three of the CTS "INFO" products.
     
     Price: $79.00
 
     ProPack
     -------
     Includes the Professional License of the CTS Serial Port Utilities, 
     IRQInfo PRO and IOInfo - this saves you a few dollars if you want
     all three of the CTS "INFO" products. 
          
     Price: $109.00
          
     ProPack PLUS
     ------------
     This is everything! It includes the Professional License of the
     CTS Serial Port Utilities, IRQInfo PRO, IOInfo, SwapIRQ and
     PortFix. Separate prices on these products total $144 - save and
     order the ProPack PLUS!
          
     Price: $129.00



                          The CTS Software Utilities Order Form

          Name: ________________________________ Telephone: ___________________

       Company: ________________________________   E-mail ID: _________________

       Address: _______________________________________________________________

                _______________________________________________________________

                _______________________________________________________________

       QTY   Description                                    Price      Subtotal
       ===   ===========                                    ======     ========
             The CTS Serial Port Utilities (CTSSPU)
       ___          Personal (PER) License . . . . . . . .  $20.00     ________
       ___          Personal (PER) PLUS License  . . . . .   35.00     ________
       ___          Professional (PRO) License . . . . . .   59.00     ________
       ___          Professional (PRO) PLUS License  . . .   79.00     ________

       ___   IRQInfo PRO (DOS / Win 3.x) . . . . . . . . .   35.00     ________

       ___   IOInfo  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   24.00     ________

       ___   CTS Connect Master PRO for V.34 / V.34+ Modems  99.00     ________
   
       ___   SwapIRQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   20.00     ________
       ___   PortFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   10.00     ________

       ___   Personal Pack:  (CTSSPU Personal PLUS +
                          IRQInfo PRO + IOInfo . . . . . .   79.00     ________
       ___   ProPack: 
                  (CTSSPU PRO + IRQInfo PRO + IOINFO). . .  109.00     ________
       ___   ProPackPlus: 
                  (ProPack + SwapIRQ and PortFix). . . . .  129.00     ________

                                                                       ========
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     How to Pay for your order
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                                         xiii



                                DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

          USERS OF THIS SOFTWARE MUST ACCEPT THIS DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY:

          THIS SOFTWARE IS SUPPLIED AS IS. COMPUTER TELECOMMUNICATION
          SYSTEMS DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
          INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
          MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WITH
          RESPECT TO THE SOFTWARE AND THE ACCOMPANYING WRITTEN MATERIALS. 

          NO LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT SHALL
          COMPUTER TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS OR ITS SUPPLIERS 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 THIS COMPUTER TELECOMMUNICATION
          SYSTEMS PRODUCT, EVEN IF COMPUTER TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS HAS
          BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. BECAUSE SOME
          STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR
          CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT
          APPLY TO YOU.








                                          xiv




          Association Of Shareware Professionals Member
          =============================================


                        _______
                   ____|__     |                (R)
                --|       |    |-------------------
                  |   ____|__  |  Association of
                  |  |       |_|  Shareware
                  |__|   o   |    Professionals
                -----|   |   |---------------------
                     |___|___|    MEMBER


          This program is produced by a member of the Association of
          Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the
          shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a
          shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the
          member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can
          help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but
          does not provide technical support for members' products.  Please
          write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI
          49442-9427 USA, FAX 616-788-2765 or send a CompuServe message via
          CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.


          Acknowledgments

          I wish to express my very special thanks to David Bittner, Ted
          DeCastro, Wayne Fulton, Dan Landiss, Earle Robinson and Tom Wason
          who made this application possible through their dedicated beta
          testing. The CTS Serial Port Utilities would not have the same
          features or reliability as they do without the many hours of
          testing invested by these individuals.

          In addition, there were individuals too numerous to list who
          tested at least one version of the SPU and reported back
          suggestions or verified that known problems were fixed. To each
          of you, my thanks!







                                          1

          1.0 Introducing The CTS Serial Port Utilities 

          Serial ports (also known as comm ports) are painless when they
          work, and a pain in the neck when they don't. They have plenty of
          options and limitations. They need a unique address, an inactive
          IRQ, and software which is properly configured to use it. No
          wonder nearly everyone gets confused by serial ports.

          The CTS Serial Port Utilities (SPU) is a collection of DOS
          software utilities that provide you with control over the serial
          ports in your computer. Most serial port problems can be resolved
          by using these utilities. Each of the utilities support all
          standard and any user-defined serial ports. User-defined ports
          are defined in the command line or in the system environment
          variables.

          Today the SPU is widely regarded by consultants and computer
          professionals as the premier serial port diagnostic package. In
          addition to accurately identifying the types of serial ports and
          the actual IRQs used, there are many things that PortInfo (the
          diagnostic program in the SPU) can do that nothing else will.
          PortInfo can detect many types of conflicts that are not readily
          apparent. In addition to mouse/modem conflicts, PortInfo detects
          video card conflicts, multiple ports installed at the same
          address and can even detect when a "disabled port" is not
          completely disabled.

          PortInfo detects several types of "enhanced" serial ports,
          including Telcors' T/Port , the Hayes ESP cards (both types), and
          the Practical Peripherals HSSP. PortInfo even identifies some
          internal modems that have "emulated UARTs". PortInfo also detects
          the new 16650 and 16750 UARTs (a type of serial port) and detects
          which ports have modems connected. We continue to update the
          modem detection - it now identifies the Rockwell RPI  modems
          (these modems require special drivers) and to return additional
          information about the modem (Professional and Customer Support
          versions).

          The biggest addition in this version of the SPU is the addition
          of the CTS PortMaster  program. PortMaster provides a simple user
          interface to the most commonly used features included in the SPU
          and includes integrated help. If you do not like command line
          options, then run PortMaster. It will start up PortInfo,
          ResetCom, ResetModem or HangUp for you and also does most of the
          actions provided by the other utilities in the SPU.

          NOTE: The command line options will always be available in the
          SPU.

          Please see the HISTORY.TXT file for details about what changes
          are new in the SPU.








                                          2


               1.1 PORTINFO

               PortInfo is a comprehensive utility which tests the computer
               system to determine everything possible about your serial
               ports, including interrupt and address conflicts. PortInfo
               provides you with FAILURE and WARNING messages about actual
               and possible conflicts. 

               PortInfo provides details on the following:
                *   Multiple serial ports at the same address (eg, 2 Com1
                    ports)
                *   Interrupt conflicts between a bus mouse and a serial
                    port
                *   Shared and conflicting IRQs
                *   Serial Ports using "clock multipliers" for higher data
                    rates
                *   The local loopback test accurately identifies failed
                    serial ports 
                *   Conflicts between COM4 and 8514/A compatible monitors
                *   Unusual default serial port setups (BIOS and DOS port
                    assignments)
                *   Serial ports that cannot generate interrupts
                *   Helps to determine when interrupts can be shared
                *   Identifies which port(s) have active modems, and may
                    determine if the modem is internal or external.
                *   FAXmodems are identified, with the FAX classes the
                    modem reports supporting included on the summary
                    report.
                *   PortInfo can also set the system BIOS to match the
                    actual ports installed.

               Other information provided:
                *   Actual IRQ used by each port and the current IRQ status
                *   DOS port assignments (com1-com4, mouse)
                *   Port (UART) Identification (8250, 8250A/16450, 16550,
                    16550A, 16650, 16750, the T/Port, Hayes ESP (both
                    types), the Practical Peripherals HSSP, and some
                    "emulated UARTs"
                *   FIFO status: If it exists, on / off, else 'None'
                *   If the FIFO is ON, the current FIFO receiver trigger
                    level is displayed.
                *   All programmable port parameters: speed, format,
                    parity, current RTS and DTR settings
                *   Current status of modem lines: Ring Indicator, Carrier
                    Detect, Clear to Send, Data Set Ready, with indication
                    of when the lines are tied together (looped back).








                                          3


               Other features:
                *   Ports are COMPLETELY restored to their original
                    settings
                *   Supports standard serial ports 1-4 on PC/AT, 1-8 on
                    PS/2
                *   Supports up to 8 user definable (port address and IRQ)
                    serial ports
                *   Displays detailed messages about conflicts with
                    reference numbers to assist looking up the detailed
                    assistance in the section titled "PortInfo FAILURE and
                    WARNING Messages". 


               1.2 PORTMASTER

               PortMaster is the "control panel" for the SPU. When you run
               PortMaster, you have a interactive full-screen program that
               allows you to select operations that you want to do with
               your serial ports. Portmaster uses the other SPU utilities
               to actually do the operation or to run the test - and it
               even shows you the command line options used to do the
               operation. This makes PortMaster a good way to try out
               different operations to resolve port problems. When you've
               got an operation that fixes a problem, then just use the
               command line and place it in a batch file to automate the
               operation each time you need it.

               You can run PortMaster by using a mouse or the keyboard. The
               Tab and Enter keys are best for keyboard use. The Tab key
               will move among the possible options on a screen, and the
               Enter key will select the current option. There are also
               several "shortcut keys" available. If you see a highlighted
               character on the screen, pressing the Alt key and the
               character will activate that option. Using the mouse is even
               easier - just click on the option you want!

               There are instructions and Help available throughout
               PortMaster to make it as easy as possible to use.


               1.3 BIOS_FIX

               The BIOS in many computer systems will not accurately detect
               the serial (Com) ports in the computer. Many will never
               detect Com3 or Com4, a few will fail to detect one or more
               ports after a control-alt-del, and nearly all will
               inaccurately install the ports if they are not installed in
               sequence (for example, Com4 will be assigned to Com3 if no
               real Com3 exists). This can cause any number of problems in
               DOS and/or Windows operation. BIOS_FIX can be run from the
               AUTOEXEC.BAT file to ensure that the serial ports are always
               installed and initialized properly.








                                          4


               NOTE: BIOS_FIX (and the PortInfo /B command) do not write to
               or make any changes to the computer system BIOS. These
               utilities update a data table in RAM (memory) that is
               created by the BIOS for use by the operating system. 

               Registered versions of BIOS_FIX also test the Windows
               SYSTEM.INI file to make sure that the port addresses and
               IRQs are properly set for Windows operations. Any changes
               that are required are displayed on the screen.

               1.4 BUFFER

               Buffer controls the FIFO buffers in a 16550A or compatible
               UART. You can turn the buffers on and off, and set the
               receiver trigger level. See the section titled "Testing Your
               Software with PortInfo...Buffer-Trigger" for more
               information on UART FIFO receiver trigger levels.


               1.5 COM_BPS

               COM_BPS sets a port data rate (in bits per second, or BPS)
               to any standard value supported by the serial port. This
               utility is normally used as a replacement for the DOS set
               mode command. 


               1.6 COM_FMT

               COM_FMT sets a port character format to any standard value
               supported by the serial port. This utility is normally used
               with COM_BPS as a replacement for the DOS mode command. 


               1.7 DOS_COM

               Use DOS_COM to insert a serial port in the list of ports
               used by DOS.


               1.8 DOS_SWAP

               Use DOS_SWAP to exchange two serial ports in the port list
               used by DOS.


               1.9 DTR

               DTR controls of the Data Terminal Ready (DTR) line of any
               serial port. 








                                          5


               1.10 FIND_COM

               FIND_COM performs an intelligent search of the system I/O
               address space to locate serial ports that are not at
               standard addresses. FIND_COM also includes a capability to
               install any located ports into the BIOS data area.

               NOTE: FIND_COM is provided with all Professional License
               options.


               1.11 HANGUP

               HANGUP provides a simple utility to assist in forcing the
               modem to hangup a connection by using different hangup
               techniques until the modem responds.


               1.12 IRQ

               IRQ enables and disables the interrupt enable gate for any
               serial port.


               1.13 RESETCOM

               RESETCOM resets a port to a "power-up" configuration: Port
               interrupts are disabled, data rate is set to 2400 bps,
               character format to eight data bits, no parity, one stop
               bit. If the port is a 16550A family device, then the buffers
               (FIFOs) are disabled. This utility will often restore a port
               that doesn't work after running an ill-behaved application.


               1.14 RESETMOD

               RESETMOD provides a simple utility to assist in forcing the
               modem to respond to commands. If you have ever had to reboot
               a computer to get a modem to response, then RESETMOD may be
               able to help!


               1.15 RTS

               RTS controls the Request to Send (RTS) line of any serial
               port. 








                                          6


          2.0 Short Instructions


               2.1 Installation

               Installation of the CTS Serial Port Utilities is easy. Just
               create a subdirectory to hold all of the utilities, and then
               copy the distribution diskette to the directory. Please
               refer to your DOS User Guide if you need assistance with
               creating a sub-directory.


               2.2 Quick-Start

               Each of the utilities provides a short help screen when you
               enter the program name followed immediately by the return
               key. This help screen includes a brief description of what
               each utility does and the valid command line switches used
               to control it. For example, if you wanted to see the help
               screen for PortInfo, enter:

                    PortInfo <Enter>

               After reading the help screen, you might decide to do the
               basic system test with the command:

                    PortInfo /0 <Enter>

               NOTE: This only works for standard serial port addresses.
               Refer to the section on "Defining Non-Standard Serial Ports"
               for information on how to test serial ports located at any
               address.

               Some internal modems occasionally require the computer to
               have a hard reset before running PortInfo to obtain correct
               results. If you observe a problem where PortInfo does not
               detect an internal modem or the IRQ used by the modem, then
               try using the ResetMod(em) utility before PortInfo. If it
               still does not work, then either turn the computer off and
               back on to perform a hard reset, or, if the computer has a
               RESET button, press it. Then try running PortInfo again.

               NOTE: a soft reset (pressing Control-Alt-Delete) is not
               sufficient to reset these modems to a state where PortInfo
               can recognize them. You must do a "hard reset"  as described
               above.








                                          7


          3.0 The Command Line

          The different programs in the SPU are controlled by "command
          switches" that are entered on the command line when starting the
          program. Each command switch is preceded by a slash character
          "/". These "switches" control the SPU software the way a hardware
          switch controls the options on a board. Of course, you can also
          use the PortMaster utility for most operations. PortMaster
          creates the correct command line for you based on selections you
          make from the menus.

          The standard command line format is:

               Program_Name /switch1 /switch2 ... <Enter>

          For each of the utilities, you can enter either the program name
          by itself or with a "/? command line switch" to display a brief
          description of the utility and the switches used to control it.
          For example, both of the following commands will display the help
          screen for PortInfo:

               PortInfo /? <Enter>

               or

               PortInfo <Enter>

          where <Enter> means you should press the Enter or Return key.

          There are some general rules for the command line switches:

          1. You may enter the command line switches in any order UNLESS a
          fixed sequence is defined for a particular utility. 

          2. You can enter the command line switches as uppercase or
          lowercase letters.

          3. You may optionally leave one space between different values in
          a single command line switch.

          To demonstrate, the following commands all do the same thing (it
          sets the data rate to 9600 bps for COM1):

               COM_BPS /1 /S9600 <Enter>
               com_BPS /s 9600 /1 <Enter>
               com_bps /1 /S 9600 <Enter>
               com_bps /1/s9600 <Enter>
               CoM_BpS/1/s9600 <Enter> 

          Choose a format to use that is comfortable for you. You will
          receive a format error message if you enter a string the utility
          doesn't understand.








                                          8


          There are four formats of switches in addition to the help
          switch:

               3.1 Serial Port Number Switches

               Each of the utilities can work on a defined serial port
               specified as a number, or on all serial ports that are
               standard or defined for the CTS Serial Port Utilities (see
               the next chapter for instructions on how to define a non-
               standard port.)

               The command line switch for port assignments is simply a "/"
               (the switch command) followed by the port number. For
               example, to run PortInfo on serial port one, you would
               enter:

                    PortInfo /1 <Enter>

               Specifying serial port "zero" will cause the utility to
               operate on all of the serial ports. For example, to run
               PortInfo on all standard and user-defined serial ports, you
               would enter the command:

                    PortInfo /0 <Enter>


               3.2 On / Off Switches

               Some utilities control a serial port function that is turned
               on or off. For example, to turn "On" the DTR line for serial
               port 2, you enter:

                    DTR /on /2 <Enter>       -OR-
                    DTR /ON /2 <Enter>       -OR-
                    DTR /2 /On <Enter>

                    Remember, they all do the same thing!

               To turn a function off, you use the "/Off" switch rather
               than "/On".


               3.3 Parameter Switches

               There are a number of these switches which you use to enter
               a value. One example was shown above when we set the port
               data rate to 9600 bps with the "/Sspeed" parameter switch.
               Parameter switches are also used to define a non-standard
               serial port, to set port formats, receive trigger levels for
               a 16550A fifo, and to define a particular interrupt (IRQ) to
               use. Check the help screen for each utility to see which
               parameter switches are used.








                                          9


               3.4 Option Switches

               These are a number of option switches used in PortInfo to
               control how it operates. The switch "/Q" instructs PortInfo
               to do a Quick test, and "/L" causes a Log file named
               "PORTINFO.LOG" to be created containing an copy of all
               messages displayed to the screen. The "/X" switch allows you
               to eXclude IRQs ("/XIi") and port addresses ("/XAaaa" or
               "/XAaaa-bbb") from the PortInfo test. See the Section
               "Testing The System With PortInfo" for details.


               3.5 Default Values

               A number of the command switches have default values. All of
               the programs will default to all ports (/0) if you any other
               command. For example, "COM_BPS /S2400" is the same as
               "COM_BPS /0 /S2400". Commands with On/Off toggles always
               default to "On" - that is "DTR /0" is the same as "DTR /0
               /On" or "DTR /On". 

               NOTE: you must specify one of the two commands to avoid
               getting the help screen. Check the help screen for each of
               the utilities to determine what defaults are available.








                                          10


          4.0 Defining Non-Standard Serial Ports

          The CTS Serial Port Utilities will work with any serial port on
          any interrupt (IRQ). However, if there are serial ports other
          than the standard COM1-COM4, then you have to tell the SPU where
          the ports are (that is, what address the port is installed on.)
          You have two different ways to do this: 

          1. you can run each of the utilities using the serial port
          address switch "/Aaaa", where "aaa" is the first address location
          (the "base address") used by the serial port

          2. you can define a system environment variable for each non-
          standard serial port that will make the ports available to the
          SPU via port numbers. 

          The CTS SPU recognizes an environment variable with the following
          format:

               CTSCOMn= /Aaaa

          where:
               "n" is the serial port number you are assigning to the Com
               port 
               "aaa" is the first address location (the "base address") for
               the serial port

          NOTE: Make sure there is NO space between the com port number and
          the "="

          You define an environment variable with the DOS "SET" command,
          which you can enter at the DOS command line or place into a batch
          file (such as the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.) The DOS manual provides
          documentation on the SET command.

          Examples: 

          1. Define a port at base address 1E0 (hexadecimal) as COM5:

               CTSCOM5= /A1E0

          2. Define a port at base address 2E0 as COM6:

               CTSCOM6= /a 2E0

          Using these two examples, you may now access the two non-standard
          serial ports as COM5 and COM6 in all utilities of the SPU. These
          serial ports will also be used by any utility that is used with
          the "/0" (all ports) command line.

          NOTE: The CTSCOMn environment variables may be used by other CTS
          applications.








                                          11


          5.0 Testing The System With PortInfo

          The first thing to do after installing the Serial Port Utilities
          is to run PortInfo to do a full system test. If there is a mouse,
          make sure that the mouse driver is loaded. PortInfo will discover
          many common problems with the serial ports, including: 

            *  multiple ports installed at the same address
            *  ports whose UARTs have failed
            *  interrupt conflicts with other devices
            *  conflicts between the mouse and serial ports
            *  identifies which serial ports are sharing an interrupt
            *  identifies serial ports which are not able to generate an
               interrupt
            *  possible problems with the DOS definitions for the serial
               ports
            *  Identifies some displays which conflict with the standard
               COM4 serial port

          PortInfo can also be used to update the system BIOS data area to
          accurately reflect the system serial ports.

          PortInfo (and all of the utilities) will run from DOS, or from a
          DOS session within Windows or OS/2. However, the conflict testing
          is very limited under Windows and OS/2, so it is recommended that
          PortInfo be used for diagnosing problems primarily in the DOS
          environment.

          The summary screen provides information about the type of UART
          used in the serial port and the current settings for the port.
          You want to pay particular attention to the FAILURE and WARNING
          messages that appear the first time you run PortInfo. All
          messages and the summary screen can be captured to a "log file"
          for later use or reference.

          PortInfo reports a FAILURE message when there is a problem
          detected with the system that will prevent correct operation.
          Failures are typically reported for conflicts between a serial
          port and another serial port or device. At times, a failure will
          be reported by PortInfo when the port seems to work - this
          generally happens because PortInfo tests the port at high speeds
          (which "forces" many problems to appear), while the port is only
          used at low speeds. You may get away with using such a port until
          you try to move to higher speed operation.

          A WARNING message is reported by PortInfo when there is no
          immediate problem that you have to fix, but there is a situation
          that could lead to a problem if you are not careful. For example,
          if there are two different serial ports using the same interrupt,
          a WARNING will be reported. If you are careful, you can often
          share the IRQ between the ports - BUT the potential for a problem
          exists.








                                          12


          Both warning and failure messages have a message number. Save the
          message number(s) for reference to the section titled "PortInfo
          FAILURE and WARNING Messages". You will find each message
          explained in more detail with a description of the most common
          solutions for the problem.

          We've occasionally observed situations with internal modems that
          require the computer to have a hard reset before running PortInfo
          to obtain correct results. If you observe a problem where
          PortInfo does not detect an internal modem or the IRQ used by the
          modem, then either turn the computer off and back on to perform a
          hard reset, or, if the computer has a RESET button, press it.
          Then try running PortInfo again. Also try using the "ResetMod"
          utility. ResetModem will perform the most complete reset of the
          modem that is possible without turning the power off.

          NOTE: a soft reset (control-alt-delete) is not sufficient to
          reset these modems to a state where PortInfo can recognize them.
          You must do a "hard reset" as described above.


               5.1 Test All Serial Ports - /0

               To start PortInfo to do a complete test of all ports, enter
               the following command:

                    C:> PortInfo /0 <Enter>

               This tells PortInfo to do a full test of all standard serial
               ports (remember, /0 is the command for all ports), and all
               non-standard serial ports you have defined using the CTSCOMn
               environment variables for the CTS Serial port Utilities. 

               NOTE: If you have a non-standard serial port installed, it
               will not be tested unless you have defined a CTSCOMn
               environment variable.


               5.2 Test One Serial Port - /n, n<>0

               You can also have PortInfo test only a single serial port.
               You can tell PortInfo to test a single serial port in two
               different ways. One way is to specify the serial port number
               you want to test. For example, the following command will
               test COM2:

                    C:> PortInfo /2 <Enter>








                                          13


               You can also test a serial port by specifying the serial
               port address. This is the only way you can test a non-
               standard serial port without a CTSCOMn environment variable.
               For example, to test the port at address 01E0 (hex), you
               enter:

                    C:> PortInfo /A 1E0 <Enter>


               5.3 BIOS Update - /B

               PortInfo will update the BIOS data area to accurately
               include all serial ports in the computer system. Windows and
               many DOS applications often fail if the BIOS data area is
               not accurate. If you receive any "PI-5000" series error
               messages, run PortInfo with the /B option. Combining "/B"
               with "/S" (discussed below) offers an easy alternative to
               the DOS_COM utility for AUTOEXEC.BAT file use and performs
               the same action as BIOS_Fix.

               5.4 Quick Test - /Q

               You may tell PortInfo to do a "quick test" if you are in a
               hurry to just check out a port setting. The quick test skips
               most of the conflict tests, so it will generally not detect
               port conflicts. You can specify the quick test for both a
               single port test and the complete system test. To specify
               the quick test, add a "/Q" (for Quick) to the command line
               as shown below:

               Example 1: Do a quick test on all ports:

                    C:> PortInfo /0 /Q <Enter>

               Example 2: Do a quick test on COM3:

                    C:> PortInfo /3 /Q <Enter>








                                          14


               5.5 Log File - /L, /LA, /LP

               PortInfo can create a copy of all messages and the summary
               screen on the disk that you can use to refer to when
               installing new equipment in the computer. When you use the
               "/L" command line switch, PortInfo creates a file named
               "PORTINFO.LOG" in the default directory. This file contains
               all information that is displayed on the screen while
               PortInfo runs. Use the command "/LA" to Append to an
               existing log file (/LA will create a new log file if there
               is not a PortInfo.LOG file available to append too.) The
               command "/LP" will "create" the log file on the system
               printer (LPT1).

               Example: Do a full system test, and save the results in the
               "PORTINFO.LOG" file:

                    C:> PortInfo /0 /L <Enter>

               5.6 Force a Mouse Reset on PortInfo Exit - /MR

               On occasion, a serial port mouse driver will need to be
               reset after running PortInfo. If the mouse stops working
               after running PortInfo, use the '/MR' command to have
               PortInfo reset the mouse just before stopping.

               5.7 Short (or Summary) Report - /S

               PortInfo now includes a "short report" capability which does
               a quick system test to simply identify the current serial
               ports by Com Port number, IRQ (interrupt) used, the port
               type and the current BIOS setting. Combining this option
               with the "/B" command provides a fast way to automatically
               set the comm port assignments and verify they match what you
               think is installed.

               Example: Do a quick system test, update the BIOS area, and
               display the short report:

                    C:> PortInfo /S /B <Enter>

               NOTE: the "/0" is not required here, as this the default
               setting.

               5.8 Skip the IRQ Scan - /NoScan

               The "/NoScan" command bypasses the "Active Interrupt Scan"
               normally done at the start of PortInfo. The active interrupt
               scan is used by PortInfo to detect certain devices,
               including network cards, that may be affected by PortInfo.
               If there is a network card installed in the system being
               tested, it is suggested that you do NOT use this option.








                                          15


               5.9 Search for ESP port - /ESP 

               The "/ESP" command will instruct PortInfo to search the
               computer for a Hayes ESP-compatible serial port. 

               5.10 Advanced PortInfo Options

               The following PortInfo options are available in the
               different registered versions as indicated. Those indicated
               as "Professional" are designed to allow fast checking of a
               number of computer via different batch file options.

               /Batch (Professional)

               The "/Batch" command causes PortInfo to automatically accept
               any options presented, and to continue running without user
               intervention. Use of the /Batch option is normally done with
               the "/LA" option, allowing the creation of batch files that
               can perform a number of different operations while allowing
               the user to review the test results with a text viewer.

               /LT  (All)

               The "/LT" command will cause PortInfo to do a "long test" to
               search for a hard to find conflict. The long test takes
               about 2 hours / port (this may be best run overnight!)
               PortInfo will report any conflicts that are detected as well
               as any "spurious" interrupts. Spurious interrupts may be
               caused by a number of sources (including PCMCIA devices);
               however, if several occur when testing one particular port,
               then this may indicate a second port located at the same
               address.

               /Modem (Professional)

               The "/Modem" command forces PortInfo to do the modem
               detection test. This option bypasses the prompt requesting
               permission from the user to continue and reminding the user
               to turn on their modems.

               /ModemID (All)

               The "/ModemID" command will tell PortInfo to display and log
               the results of the modem identification commands (ATI0 -
               ATI7).

               /NoModem (Professional)

               The "/NoModem" causes PortInfo to skip the modem test
               completely.








                                          16


               /NoMouse (Professional)

               The "/NoMouse" command causes PortInfo to skip the mouse
               test. In systems where no mouse is installed, this may save
               a few seconds of run time.

               /NoWin (All)

               The "/NoWin" command will force PortInfo to not look for or
               verify the Windows setup.

               /Plug (All)

               The "/Plug" command will cause PortInfo to also look for a
               loopback condition on the transmit and receive lines of each
               serial port where no other device is detected. This option
               can be used with a loopback plug to identify which physical
               connector on the back of the computer belongs to which port.

               /Win <Path> (All)

               To avoid a lengthy search of the hard disk, PortInfo will
               normally look for the Windows SYSTEM.INI file in the
               "C:\Windows" directory. If Windows is installed in a
               different directory or disk drive, then specify the complete
               path for PortInfo on the command line here. For example, to
               verify the SYSTEM.INI file in "D:\win311", run "PortInfo
               /Win d:\win311".

               PORTINFO.CFG File

               The PORTINFO.CFG file is used to store a set of commands
               that you want PortInfo to execute each time. You create a
               text file called PORTINFO.CFG containing a list of PortInfo
               commands just as they would be entered on the command line.
               Then, instead of entering the commands each time you run
               PortInfo, you can simply enter the command "PortInfo". 

               5.11 Network Considerations

               Early versions of PortInfo (1.x) would occasionally cause
               users to lose their network connections. It is believed that
               these problems have been eliminated with version 2.0.
               However, if you should have a problem, please contact CTS to
               let us know, and then review the following technique for
               avoiding the problem.








                                          17


               While searching for serial port and interrupt (IRQ)
               conflicts, PortInfo performs a very intensive test of the
               computer system interrupts. One result of this testing is
               that it is possible to lose the network connection after
               running PortInfo. You can restore the network connection by
               just logging out and back in, or you can avoid the problem
               entirely if you know what IRQ the network card is using.
               PortInfo includes the ability to exclude any IRQ or port
               address from the test. By ensuring that the network card IRQ
               is excluded, you will avoid interference with the network.
               If the network card is installed at an address that
               conflicts with a normal serial port address, you should also
               exclude the address from the test.

               To exclude one or more IRQs from being tested, you can use
               the "/XIi" command line switch. The "/XIi" switch causes
               PortInfo to eXclude Irq "i" from being tested.

               Example: Exclude IRQ 5 (used by the network card) from a
               full system test:

                    C:> PortInfo /0 /Xi5 <Enter>


               NOTE: you can exclude multiple IRQs by using multiple "/XIi"
               commands


               Example: Exclude a network card at address 2E8 using IRQ 5
               from a full system test:

                    C:> PortInfo /0 /Xi5 /XA2E8 <Enter>

               This example demonstrates the use of the eXclude Address
               switch "/XAaaa". This switch will prevent PortInfo from
               testing a port residing in the address block including
               address "aaa". 

               NOTE: an "address block" is defined for this discussion as
               eight consecutive addresses starting with an address ending
               in "0" or "8".

               The example above excludes testing of the eight addresses
               located at 2E8-2EF.








                                          18


          5.12 The PortInfo Summary Screen

          PortInfo completes operation by displaying a summary of all
          information it gathered while testing. The following is a sample
          display for a system with four or less serial ports (eight columns are
          displayed for more serial ports.) Each item on the display is
          discussed in the following sections. 



                               PortInfo Summary Screen

                                 Serial 1     Serial 2     Serial 3   Serial 4

       Port Address (Hex)             3F8          2F8          3E8        N/A
       Interrupt (IRQ)                  4            3           10
       IRQ (Out2) Enabled              No          Yes           No

       BIOS Detects As               Com1         Com2         Com3        N/A
       Device Detected        ExtFAXModem        Mouse     FAXModem    Display
       FAX Service Class          0,1,2.0                       0,1

       Type of Port                 16650        16450       16550A
       Buffer - Trigger              None         None         On-8
       Port Speed (BPS)             38400         1200         2400
       Speed Multiplier                x4           x1           x1
       Bits / Character                 8            7            8
       Parity                        None         None         None
       Stop Bits                        1            1            1

       Clear to Send                   On          Off          Off
       Data Set Ready                  On          Off          Off
       Ring Indicator                 Off          Off          Off
       Data Carrier Detect             On          Off          Off
       Data Terminal Ready            Off           On          Off
       Request to Send                Off           On          Off








                                          19


                    5.12.1 Port Configuration


                         5.12.1.1 Port Address

                         This line shows the "base port address" in
                         hexadecimal for each serial port detected. The
                         "base port address" is the first address used by
                         the serial port. Serial ports normally use eight
                         address locations, so the term "base port address"
                         is used to refer to the first address used. In the
                         example displayed above, the COM1 base port
                         address is 03F8 (hex). The serial port actually
                         uses eight consecutive addresses starting at 03F8
                         and ending at 03FF (hex).


                         5.12.1.2 Interrupt (IRQ)

                         The Interrupt (IRQ) line of the display shows the
                         actual hardware interrupt used by the serial port.
                         This value is determined by testing the serial
                         port. If a ? is displayed in this field, then
                         there is a possible conflict with this port that
                         will cause a problem if you try to use the port.
                         If a ??? is displayed, then PortInfo was not able
                         to get the port to generate any interrupts. 


                         5.12.1.3 IRQ (Out2) Enabled

                         This line shows the current status of the OUT2
                         line for the serial port. The OUT2 line is a UART
                         control line used by some communication software
                         to enable the IRQ. A serial port cannot generate
                         interrupts when this line is disabled, OR when
                         another serial port that uses the same IRQ line is
                         enabled. 

                         If you have two serial ports sharing an IRQ with
                         an "Enabled" status, or if you have a problem
                         using one port when the other shows an "Enabled"
                         status, then you need to disable the OUT2 line on
                         the inactive port. You can do this with two
                         different utilities provided in the SPU.
                         "ResetCom" will restore a serial port to it's
                         original power-up status, and "IRQ" provides you
                         with direct control of the IRQ (Out2) line. These
                         utilities are described below.








                                          20


                         5.12.1.4 BIOS Detects As

                         This line shows how the BIOS instructed DOS to use
                         this port. This field will contain the DOS default
                         port assignments as detected by the system BIOS at
                         boot-up time. If the letters "N/A" are displayed,
                         then the port is Not Available for use by commands
                         like the DOS Mode command. The port assignment can
                         be changed with the DOS_COM and DOS_SWAP utilities
                         provided with PortInfo. 

                         If PortInfo detected a problem with the port
                         assignments, then a < will appear beside the
                         assignment. The easiest way to fix this problem is
                         to install the BIOS_FIX (included) in your
                         AUTOEXEC.BAT file. 

                         5.12.1.5 Device Detected

                         This line displays the type of device detected on
                         the serial port - this includes a serial mouse,
                         modems of several types, and "LoopBack" for the
                         Registered License options when the "/Plug"
                         command is used. Modems are identified as
                         precisely as possible: "Modem" when a modem is
                         detected, but no other information is available,
                         "IntModem" when the modem is identified as an
                         Internal Modem without FAX capability, "ExtModem"
                         for an external without FAX, "FAXModem" for a
                         modem with FAX capability, but not identified as
                         internal or external, "IntFAXModem" or
                         "ExtFAXModem" for internal and external FAXmodems,
                         respectively. 

                         5.12.1.6 FAX Service Class

                         The FAX Service Class, or "FAX class" will display
                         the reported FAX classes the modem reports
                         supporting. This information can be used to make
                         sure that the FAX software is compatible with the
                         FAX class(es) supported by the modem. As of late
                         1994, there are three distinct "FAX classes":
                         Class 1, Class 2, and Class 2.0. Class 0, which
                         means standard data transfer mode (data and file
                         transfer) is normally reported as being available
                         as well

                         If you are having problems using the FAX modem, be
                         sure that you are using software designed for the
                         FAX classes supported by the modem.








                                          21


                         5.12.1.7 Type of Port

                         The Type of Port line describes the type of UART
                         detected by PortInfo. If no UART was detected for
                         the port, the letters "N/A" will be displayed.
                         Also notice that the word "Display" appears on the
                         COM4 port. There are some display cards, including
                         the Diamond Stealth, the ATI Ultra Graphics, and
                         others which emulate IBM 8514/A displays that use
                         the address space normally reserved for COM4.
                         PortInfo detects the presence of many of these
                         displays and identifies the port as such. PortInfo
                         reports Hayes ESP compatible ports as ESP-I or
                         ESP-II (depending on the ESP version). These ports
                         are functionally equivalent to a 16550A in non-
                         enhanced mode. The ESP port detection must be
                         enabled by using the /ESP command line option with
                         PortInfo.

                         Two new UARTs are detected by PortInfo beginning
                         with version 3.0. The StarTech 16650 is an
                         "enhanced 16550A" that includes 32 byte buffers,
                         automatic flow control and a higher data rate.
                         Unfortunately, this UART is not fully compatible
                         with the 16550A, so it should be used with
                         caution. This part is reported as "ST-650".

                         The second new UART is the 16750 from Texas
                         Instruments. This UART provides a 64 byte buffer
                         and automatic flow control and is fully compatible
                         with the 16550A. This part is identified by
                         PortInfo as the "TI-750".

                         NOTE: that there are two types of UARTs which
                         software cannot tell apart: the 8250A and the
                         16450. PortInfo chooses to display this UART type
                         as a "16450" since the 16450 is the most common
                         UART used today. Other diagnostic software may
                         identify the UART as an 8250A (or even an 8250,
                         which is incorrect). 








                                          22


                         5.12.1.8 Buffer - Trigger

                         One of the unique features of PortInfo is it's
                         ability to sense not only the status of the FIFO
                         buffer on a 16550A, but also to detect what
                         receiver trigger level is being used. This line
                         will display "None" for those UARTs that do not
                         have buffers, Off for 16550A compatible UARTs
                         whose buffers are not enabled, and On-#, where #
                         will be 1, 4, 8, or 14 to show that the FIFO
                         buffer receiver trigger is set to (for 16550A
                         modes; the StarTech 16650 and TI 16750 will report
                         different trigger levels if they are enabled in
                         the enhanced mode.)

                         The receiver trigger level for a 16550A UART
                         determines when it will issue an interrupt
                         request. If the trigger is set to 14, the UART
                         will issue the interrupt after 14 of the 16 spots
                         in the buffer are filled. This reduces the number
                         of interrupts generated by the UART, but only
                         leaves three character times for the PC to service
                         the interrupt before data is lost. Reducing the
                         trigger level to 8 increases the number of
                         interrupts (1 interrupt for every 8 characters
                         received), but greatly reduces the possibility of
                         data loss since the PC has 9 character periods
                         before an overrun will occur. If you experience
                         data loss at high speed in a communication
                         program, try exiting to DOS while connected and
                         run PortInfo on the port. If the Buffer - Trigger
                         shows "Off", then the software may not support the
                         16550A UART. You can try enabling the buffer with
                         the trigger set to one (1) with the "Buffer"
                         utility and then exit to your communication
                         software. This change may cause the communication
                         software to lock up. If it does, your only
                         recourse is to contact the software manufacturer
                         for an update, or change to another communications
                         application.
                         If PortInfo displays "On-14", try using the
                         "Buffer" utility to reset the trigger level to
                         eight (8). This should reduce or eliminate the
                         overrun problem. Making this change should not
                         adversely affect the communications software, but
                         may eliminate the overrun problems.








                                          23


                    5.12.2 Port Settings

                    The following port settings are normally controlled by
                    the communication software.


                         5.12.2.1 Port Speed (BPS)

                         This line shows the current port data rate (NOT
                         the data rate of a connected modem) in bits per
                         second (BPS). normally control this value in the
                         communication program, but you can change this
                         value with the DOS Mode command, or with the
                         COM_BPS utility provided with PortInfo. The
                         advantage of the COM_BPS utility is that it allows
                         setting data rates up to 115,200 bps, and supports
                         ports not recognized by DOS.  

                         NOTE: to convert to characters per second, you
                         normally divide the BPS value by 10. That is, a
                         serial port sending characters at 19,200 bps is
                         sending 1,920 characters (or bytes) per second.








                                          24


                         5.12.2.2 Speed Multiplier

                         Several new ports and cards now support a "fast
                         clock" mode that allows the port to run at a
                         higher data rate. This is normally done by using a
                         UART clock that is 2, 4 or 8 times faster than the
                         normal data rate. This allows the serial port to
                         operate at data rates above 115,200 bps (for use
                         with ISDN Terminal Adapters, for example) while
                         still being compatible with standard PC software. 

                         Note, however, that most software (particularly
                         DOS applications) will not be aware of the faster
                         data rate. This could cause a problem with modem
                         operation as it is possible to inadvertently use a
                         port data rate that the modem does not support.
                         For example, if a port used a "x2" clock and the
                         software was set to 38,400 bps, the actual date
                         rate presented to the modem is 38,400 x 2 = 76,800
                         bps. Very few modems will respond to this data
                         rate. Cards of this type should have a special
                         driver provided for use on your operating system.

                         5.12.2.3 Bits / Character

                         The bits per character line displays the number of
                         data bits used for each character. Allowable
                         values are 5, 6, 7, and 8. You can control the
                         bits per character with the COM_FMT utility
                         provided with PortInfo. This setting is normally
                         controlled by the communications software, but is
                         provided here for control of non-standard ports
                         not supported by the DOS Mode command.


                         5.12.2.4 Parity

                         The Parity line shows the current parity bit
                         setting for the port. The possible values are
                         None, Even, Odd, Mark, and Space. You can control
                         the port format with the COM_FMT utility provided
                         with PortInfo.


                         5.12.2.5 Stop Bits

                         This line shows the number of stop bits sent with
                         each character. Valid values for the number of
                         stop bits are 1, 1.5, and 2. You can control the
                         number of stop bits with the COM_FMT utility
                         provided with PortInfo.








                                          25


                    5.12.3 Hardware Signals

                    The serial port hardware signals are used by different
                    modems and devices in different ways. The RTS line is
                    often used for hardware flow control, or it may be used
                    to provide power to a portable modem. It's also
                    possible for a cable, connector, or a serial port board
                    to provide a means of looping back, or connecting lines
                    to each other. If you see a hardware line listed as "On
                    - DTR" or "Off - RTS", then this means that the line
                    indicated is in the state shown, and it *may* be
                    connected to the line indicated. These results can be
                    affected by the devices connected to the serial port.
                    You can disconnect the device and cables to determine
                    where the loopback condition occurs. 

                    Common uses for each line are discussed below. 


                         5.12.3.1 Clear to Send

                         The Clear To Send (CTS) line is commonly used by
                         modems and other devices for "hardware flow
                         control". Flow control is used to prevent data
                         from being sent faster than it can be processed.
                         The CTS line is input only - it is controlled by
                         the device attached to the serial port. The modem
                         can use the CTS line to start and stop the flow of
                         data sent by the computer when your software
                         supports hardware flow control.

                         The CTS line is normally "Off" when the serial
                         port has nothing connected to it, or if it is
                         connected to a device like a serial mouse or a
                         scanner. When the serial port is connected to a
                         Hayes compatible modem, and the modem is turned
                         on, CTS should be "On" at all times except when
                         the modem is connected to a remote system, and the
                         modem has signalled the software to stop sending
                         information. If you detect that CTS is not "On"
                         for the modem when there is no connection, then
                         you may have one of the following conditions: 1)
                         The cable between the serial port and the modem
                         does not contain the CTS line. This means you will
                         NOT be able to use hardware flow control with the
                         modem; 2) The modem is not a true Hayes-compatible
                         modem; 3) The modem is not operating correctly; or
                         4) The serial port is not working correctly. 








                                          26


                         5.12.3.2 Data Set Ready

                         The Data Set Ready (DSR) is a line which
                         historically is used by modems (data sets) to
                         signal when they are connected to a remote modem
                         and ready to send data. This line is input only -
                         it is controlled by the device attached to the
                         serial port.

                         Most modems today allow you to configure how this
                         line is used. The default for Hayes and compatible
                         modems is to turn this line "On" when the modem is
                         powered on. On some modems, you can also configure
                         this line to be "Off" at all times except when
                         connected with a remote modem.


                         5.12.3.3 Ring Indicator

                         The ring indicator line is normally used by modems
                         to signal that a ring was detected on the phone
                         line. This line is input only - it is controlled
                         by the device attached to the serial port.

                         PortInfo will normally detect this line as "Off"
                         with a modem unless you manage to get a ringing
                         signal at the exact moment PortInfo checks the
                         status of the line. 


                         5.12.3.4 Data Carrier Detect

                         The Data Carrier Detect (DCD) line is normally
                         used by a modem to signal that the modem is
                         connected to a remote modem and ready to exchange
                         information. This line is input only - it is
                         controlled by the device attached to the serial
                         port.

                         Many modems can be configured so that DCD is "On"
                         all of the time with a command (the &C command is
                         used by Hayes and true compatible modems) or with
                         a switch on the modem.








                                          27


                         5.12.3.5 Data Terminal Ready

                         The Data Terminal Ready (DTR) line is a line
                         output by the serial port to the connected device.
                         Historically, the DTR line was used by old "dumb
                         terminals" to signal the modem that they were
                         ready to receive data. 

                         The DTR line typically has two different uses
                         today with modems. Most common is to use the DTR
                         line to end a connection. The modem can look for a
                         signal from the communication software to force a
                         hangup. In some cases, this will also hang up the
                         modem.

                         The second use for this line is to provide power
                         to the "line powered" portable modems introduced
                         over the last couple of years. Some portable
                         modems have no power supply or batteries, and
                         actually use the telephone line, the DTR line, and
                         the RTS line (see below) to supply their power. If
                         you have one of these modems, then make sure that
                         DTR is high if you try to use the modem. Most
                         communication software does this automatically,
                         but some utilities that send modem commands from
                         the DOS prompt may not. You can use the "DTR"
                         utility that comes with PortInfo to control the
                         DTR line.


                         5.12.3.6 Request to Send

                         The Request to Send (RTS) line is another line
                         output by the serial port to the connected device.
                         This line typically is used for hardware (RTS/CTS)
                         flow control. When this line is "On", the serial
                         port is requesting that the modem send data.

                         A second use for this line is to provide
                         additional power to the "line powered" modems as
                         discussed in the paragraph above. You can use the
                         "RTS" utility provided with PortInfo to control
                         the RTS line.








                                          28


          6.0 The Other Utilities

          There are a number of additional utilities provided with
          PortInfo. These utilities are very specific in nature, and are
          provided to give you a standard user interface and source of
          support. You can also use these utilities to test the PortInfo
          utility.


               6.1 BIOS_FIX

               BIOS_FIX updates the BIOS data area to accurately install
               each of the serial ports detected in the computer, resets
               and initializes the port to the default DOS values. Install
               BIOS_FIX in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file so it is run each time the
               computer is restarted - this will ensure that the serial
               ports are always ready for communications. 

               If you have registered the SPU, then BIOS_FIX can also check
               the Windows SYSTEM.INI file each time the computer is
               rebooted. This will make sure that nothing has changed in
               the system setup that may cause a problem in Windows.


               6.2 BUFFER

               BUFFER controls the internal buffer in a 16550A or
               compatible serial port. You can use this utility to turn the
               FIFO buffer "On" with any of the four ( 1, 4, 8, and 14)
               valid receiver trigger levels, or to turn the buffer off. In
               general, application software which can support a 16550A
               UART will control the buffer correctly. 

               The primary use of this utility is to: 1) turn off a 16550A
               buffer which was not turned off by an application; and 2) to
               provide a way to adjust the buffer setting for a software
               application which has the trigger level set too high. 

               If you have old software which does not support a 16550A,
               and you are experiencing an occasional overrun error (this
               often appears as a retry during a file transfer with an
               "error-free" connection), then you can try turning the
               buffer on with different trigger levels. This is an
               experimental process, and it may not work. In fact, it's
               possible the communication software will "lock up" if you do
               this. 

               From the DOS prompt, type "BUFFER" or "BUFFER /?" to display
               the command line options and examples. 

               NOTE: If no trigger level is specified on the command line,
               BUFFER will set the receiver trigger level to 14.








                                          29


               6.3 COM_BPS

               COM_BPS sets a serial port data rate (in bits per second, or
               BPS) to any of the common standard values supported by the
               serial port. You can use this to replace the MODE command
               provided with DOS on ports that DOS does not detect. The
               following data rates are supported by COM_BPS: 110, 300,
               600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 7200, 9600, 14400, 19200, 38400,
               57600, and 115200 bits per second (bps). From the DOS
               prompt, type "COM_BPS" or "COM_BPS /?" to display the
               command line options and examples.

               NOTE: most communication applications control this parameter
               directly.


               6.4 COM_FMT

               COM_FMT sets the character format on a serial port to the
               specified value. You can use this to replace the MODE
               command provided with DOS on ports that DOS does not detect.
               The following chart shows the three character "format" value
               used on the command line and the associated description:

                    Format         Description
                      8N1          Eight data, No parity, 1 stop bit
                      8N2          Eight data, No parity, 2 stop bits
                      7E1          Seven data, Even parity, 1 stop bit
                      7E2          Seven data, Even parity, 2 stop bits
                      7O1          Seven data, Odd parity, 1 stop bit
                      7O2          Seven data, Odd parity, 2 stop bits
                      7M1          Seven data, Mark parity, 1 stop bit
                      7M2          Seven data, Mark parity, 2 stop bits
                      7S1          Seven data, Space parity, 1 stop bit
                      7S2          Seven data, Space parity, 2 stop bits

               From the DOS prompt, type "COM_FMT" or "COM_FMT /?" to
               display the command line options and examples.

               NOTE: most communication applications control this parameter
               directly.

               6.5 DOS_COM

               The BIOS of the computer system creates a list of detected
               serial ports when it boots. Unfortunately, many computers
               will only detect the standard serial ports COM1 and COM2.
               Some computers will look for the conventional COM3 and COM4
               ports as well. You can use the PortInfo summary screen line
               "DOS uses port as" to determine whether the BIOS has
               detected the serial port.








                                          30


               DOS will only use ports that are detected in the BIOS list
               of serial ports. For example, DOS must know a COM3 port
               exists if you want to redirect LPT1 to COM3, where you have
               a serial printer. If PortInfo shows "DOS uses port as N/A",
               then you need to help it out and add COM3 to the list of DOS
               ports. You use DOS_COM to do this. From the DOS prompt, type
               "DOS_COM /?"  to display the command line options and
               examples.

               NOTE: Also see the BIOS_FIX and DOS_SWAP utilities for
               alternative ways of changing the BIOS port assignments.


               6.6 DOS_SWAP

               DOS_SWAP exchanges two port addresses in the list of serial
               ports used by DOS. From the DOS prompt, type "DOS_SWAP" or
               "DOS_SWAP /?" to display the command line options and
               examples. You can use the PortInfo summary screen line "DOS
               uses port as" to determine whether how the BIOS has assigned
               the serial ports it detected.


               6.7 DTR

               DTR controls the Data Terminal Ready line for the port
               specified. You can raise (turn "On") or lower (turn "Off")
               the DTR line with this utility. See the discussion on the
               DTR line in the section dealing with the PortInfo summary
               screen for applications of this utility. From the DOS
               prompt, type "DTR" or "DTR /?" to display the command line
               options and examples. 


               6.8 Find_COM


               NOTE: Find_COM is a bonus utility provided with the
               Professional Licenses only.

               Find_COM is a utility which will locate, display, and
               optionally install the serial ports into the BIOS data area.
               Ports are installed into the BIOS first using the standard
               Com1/Com2 addresses, then using the conventional Com3/Com4
               address, and finally in ascending address sequence until a
               total of 4 serial ports are installed. Many communication
               applications use the BIOS data area to identify which serial
               ports are available for use.








                                          31


               Find_COM carefully searches through the computer system I/O
               address space, performing a passive test to determine if a
               serial port exists at a particular address block. If the
               passive test determines that a serial port may be installed,
               then a more detailed test is performed.

               Certain areas of the system I/O space are not tested by
               FIND_COM under any circumstances. The following address
               areas are permanently excluded:

               Port Addresses Excluded:

               0000 - 0107         PS/2 POS registers
               0170 - 0177         Secondary Fixed Disk Controller
               01F0 - 01F7         Primary Disk Controller
               0320 - 032F         Original Fixed disk controller
               03B0 - 03DF    Video
               0370 - 0377         Secondary Floppy Disk Controller
               03F0 - 03F7         Primary Floppy Disk Controller

               If you know that equipment is installed using a particular
               I/O address space, then you can avoid testing those address
               spaces with the "/XAaaa-bbb" address switch as described
               below.

               Command Line format:

               FIND_COM [/Options] <Enter>

               Options:
               no parameter: default search

               /B   loads serial ports located by COM_FIND into the BIOS
                    data area. The standard Com1-Com4 addresses are loaded
                    first, then ports are loaded in ascending address
                    sequence (up to 4 total ports installed).

               /XAaaa or /XAaaa-bbb
                    excludes the I/O address block at "aaa" or the range of
                    address blocks including addresses aaa-bbb from
                    testing. This is used to avoid testing a particular I/O
                    address that may conflict with a board in the system.

               NOTE: Multiple address blocks can be excluded from testing
               (see example 5)

               /?   Displays the help screen








                                          32


               Examples:

               1.   FIND_COM <Enter>

                    Find_COM will search all allowed address locations for
                    serial ports and display the results to the terminal
                    screen. No ports are installed into the BIOS data area.

               2.   FIND_COM /B <Enter>

                    The /B switch enables the BIOS port installation.

                    Find_COM will search all allowed address locations for
                    serial ports and display the results to the terminal
                    screen. Located serial ports are installed into the
                    system BIOS in the following sequence (as found) until
                    a total of four ports are installed:

                    3F8, 2F8, 3E8, 2E8, and then in ascending address
                    sequence starting from address 108. 
           
               3.   FIND_COM /XA300 <Enter>

                    The /XA switch tells FIND_COM to exclude the 8-byte
                    address block containing the following address. 8-byte
                    address blocks start with addresses ending in "0" or
                    "8", so the following are all equivalent:

                    /XA300, /XA301, /XA302.... /XA307

                    Find_COM will search all allowed address locations for
                    serial ports and display the results to the terminal
                    screen. The address block from 300-307 is not tested.
                    No ports are installed into the BIOS data area.

               4.   FIND_COM /XA302-320 /B <Enter>

                    The /XA switch in this example tells FIND_COM to
                    exclude the address block from 300-327 from the search.


                    NOTE: the address "302" falls in the 300-307 address
                    block, and the address 320 falls in the 320-327 address
                    block. Therefore, the address range from 300 - 327 is
                    excluded from the search.

                    Find_COM will search all allowed address locations for
                    serial ports and display the results to the terminal
                    screen. The address block from 300-327 is not tested.
                    The detected serial ports are installed in the BIOS as
                    described in example 2.








                                          33


               5.   FIND_COM /XA300 /XA360-36F /B <Enter>

                    This example shows use of multiple block exclusion.
                    FIND_COM does not test the addresses 300-307 or
                    360-36F. All other allowed addresses are searched, and
                    located ports are installed in the BIOS data area as
                    described in example 2.


               6.9 HANGUP

               HANGUP performs a series of actions to help force the modem
               to disconnect from the phone line. Some communication
               software will not cause the modem to hang up the phone line
               if the modem configuration is not correct. HANGUP bypasses
               the modem configuration problem by trying a number of
               different techniques.

               From the DOS prompt, type "HANGUP" or "HANGUP /?" to display
               the command line options and examples. 


               6.10 IRQ

               IRQ controls the interrupt request line (Out2) from the
               serial port specified. Generally, a serial port should have
               IRQs disabled (IRQ Status "Off" on the PortInfo screen) at
               all times except when the serial port is actually being
               used. The major exception to this rule is when a serial
               mouse is attached to the serial port. The mouse driver will
               enable the interrupt and keep it enabled at all times.

               If you want to try sharing an interrupt between a mouse and
               a modem, you can in some cases manage this with IRQ. For
               example, if you have a mouse on COM1 and a modem on COM3,
               both using IRQ 4, you can run IRQ to disable interrupts on
               COM1. Then run your communication program. When you are
               finished with the communication program, you can (but
               normally you don't have to) run IRQ to re-enable the COM1
               interrupt. 

               NOTE: this will NOT work reliably with a communication
               application that is "mouse aware". If you need to share an
               interrupt with a mouse-aware application, then you need to
               use a utility similar to the CTS "MouseOff" and "MouseOn"
               utilities.

               From the DOS prompt, type "IRQ" or "IRQ /?" to display the
               command line options and examples. 








                                          34


               6.11 RESETCOM

               RESETCOM resets a serial port to the DOS default condition.
               Interrupts are disabled, the port is set to 2400 bits /
               second with a character format of 8 data bits, no parity,
               and 1 stop bit, and the Request to Send (RTS) and Data
               Terminal Ready (DTR) lines are set low. If the port is a
               16550A or compatible, the buffers (FIFOs) are also disabled.

               There are a few communication applications which do not
               properly restore a serial port after completion. ResetCOM
               can be used to completely reset the serial port to a well-
               defined state.

               From the DOS prompt, type "RESETCOM" or "RESETCOM /?" to
               display the command line options and examples. 


               6.12 RESETMOD

               RESETMOD performs a series of actions to help avoid having
               to power-cycle the modem - which is particularly useful if
               you have an internal modem that requires rebooting the
               system. RESETMOD (short for ResetModem) performs a full
               reset of the serial port, and goes farther by then issuing a
               sequence of modem commands in an attempt to re-establish
               control over the modem. 

               From the DOS prompt, type "RESETMOD" or "RESETMOD /?" to
               display the command line options and examples. 



               6.13 RTS

               RTS controls the Request to Send line for the port
               specified. You can raise (turn "On") or lower (turn "Off")
               the RTS line with this utility. See the discussion on the
               RTS line in the section dealing with the PortInfo summary
               screen for applications of this utility. From the DOS
               prompt, type "RTS" or "RTS /?" to display the command line
               options and examples. 








                                          35


          7.0 PortInfo FAILURE and WARNING Messages

          The different types of failures and conflicts detected by
          PortInfo are separated into different categories. Each FAILURE
          and WARNING message can be referenced by number to the list
          below. Steps you can take to correct each of the problems are
          described.

          The general rule is to pay the most attention to the first
          FAILURE message that displays. Once a FAILURE has been detected,
          it should be corrected before looking at other problems that may
          be reported.


               7.1 Port Failures


                    7.1.1 Message PI-1000

                    Symptoms: The serial port UART has failed the "local
                    loopback" test. This test performs a check of the UART
                    to verify it is performing basic functions. This port
                    is not.

                    Solution: This error normally indicates that the UART
                    is faulty and needs to be replaced - however, it can
                    also occasionally indicate an address conflict between
                    two ports. To verify that the serial port UART is
                    faulty, remove the port from the system and run
                    PortInfo again. If PortInfo still shows a serial port a
                    t the same address, then the problem is an address
                    conflict. If no port appears at that address any
                    longer, however, then the serial port or modem needs
                    replacing.


               7.2 Interrupt Conflicts

               An interrupt conflict message indicates that one or more of
               the serial ports is not always generating interrupts. This
               can cause a number of "interesting" problems that sometimes
               appear and disappear for no apparent reason. Finding the
               cause of the problem requires both a tool like PortInfo to
               identify that the problem exists, and patience on your part
               in taking a systematic approach to fixing the problem.
               Please follow the directions carefully.








                                          36


                    7.2.1 Message PI-2010

                    Symptoms: You may have regular or sporadic lockups
                    using either of the ports at this address. 

                    Solution: As the message indicates, PortInfo is
                    detecting two separate interrupts when testing a single
                    serial port address. The typical cause of this is two
                    different serial ports at the same address (eg, two
                    separate UARTs defined as COM1). To fix this problem,
                    it is necessary disable, remove, or reassign one of the
                    serial ports to another address location. 


                    7.2.2 Message PI-2020

                    Symptoms: You will likely get a system lockup, a high
                    rate of CRC errors (file transfer retries) if using a
                    modem, a very jerky motion on a serial mouse, or a
                    combination of these symptoms if you do not resolve
                    this problem.

                    Solution: If the software allows use of another port or
                    IRQ, then you can change the port settings to avoid
                    this IRQ. A second approach is to temporarily remove or
                    disable the serial port, and then to run a GOOD
                    "interrupt snooper" utility like our IRQInfo to
                    determine which other device is using the IRQ. Then you
                    can decide which one of the two devices will actually
                    use the IRQ.


                    7.2.3 Message PI-2100

                    Symptoms: You have a serial port that works sometimes,
                    but not all of the time. You may have any or all of the
                    symptoms listed for any message in the PI-2000 to PI-
                    2999 range.

                    Solution: The usual causes for this error message are
                    multiple serial ports at the same address, or another
                    device using the interrupt. Use the solutions described
                    for PI-2001 and PI-2002.








                                          37


                    7.2.4 Message PI-2110

                    Symptoms: Most applications will lock up when trying to
                    use this port.
           
                    There are three common causes for this message.
                    Troubleshooting this problem requires a careful and
                    methodical approach. The basic idea is to reduce the
                    system to a state where the conflict is no longer
                    observed, and then add boards back in one at a time to
                    determine which board is involved with the conflict.
                    Often (but not always) the board you have most recently
                    added to the system is the culprit.

                    Diagnosing and repairing this problem often involves
                    opening the computer system and removing / installing
                    boards. Be sure to follow the instructions provided
                    with the computer system when adding and removing
                    boards. 

                    PortInfo is most useful at diagnosing problems if you
                    run it after installing each board. By making sure that
                    the system is ok after each board is added, you can
                    then quickly identify which board is causing the
                    problem.


                         7.2.4.1 You have multiple ports at the same
                         address

                         This is a common problem with many computers.
                         There is often a forgotten or unknown serial port
                         installed in the computer, and adding another port
                         at the same address location can cause all sorts
                         of interesting problems. The best way to approach
                         this problem is to remove all of the add-in boards
                         that have serial ports from the system. This
                         includes internal modems as well. Then run
                         PortInfo to verify that the system is no longer
                         displaying this error message. If the error still
                         exists, then it is likely due to one of the other
                         problems discussed here. If the problem did go
                         away, then add each of the boards back into the
                         computer one at a time to determine which board
                         causes the problem. 

                         After you have identified which board causes the
                         problem, you should change the serial port address
                         (or Com# setting) to a selection which not used on
                         the system.








                                          38


                         7.2.4.2 You have another device using the same
                         interrupt

                         Many different devices compete for interrupts with
                         the serial ports, including other serial ports
                         (including internal modems), bus mice, network
                         cards, sound cards, and so on to name several.
                         While well-behaved serial ports and software will
                         allow serial ports to share an IRQ, you generally
                         cannot share an IRQ between a serial port and
                         another device. Bus mice often use IRQs 2,3,4,5,
                         or 12, and sound cards commonly use IRQs 5 and 7.
                         Try removing these cards from the system and then
                         run PortInfo again to see if the problem still
                         appears. If the problem still exists, then leave
                         the boards out and continue diagnosing the problem
                         following the steps in (1). When you have the
                         system to the point where the error is no longer
                         reported, then begin adding the boards back to the
                         system one at a time, running PortInfo after
                         you've added each board to determine which board
                         is involved in the conflict.



                         7.2.4.3 The system will not let you share this
                         interrupt

                         There are some computer system motherboards which
                         simply will not let any other device generate
                         interrupts for IRQs used on the motherboard. For
                         example, if you have a serial port on one of these
                         motherboards set to use Com1 / IRQ 4, no other
                         device will be able to use IRQ 4.

                         Your only solution, if you need to share these
                         interrupts to make everything fit, is to disable
                         the serial ports on the motherboard, and purchase
                         an add-in serial port card. 


                    7.2.5 Message PI-2200

                    This is an informational message regarding the Telcor
                    Systems T/Port card. A newer ROM exists for the T/Port.
                    If you are experiencing problems with the T/Port, then
                    you should contact Telcor Systems Inc. for more
                    information. 

                    NOTE: PortInfo is not able to test the IRQ used by the
                    T/Port when this message is displayed.








                                          39


                    7.2.6 Message PI-2300

                    Symptoms: If you use well-behaved software, and if the
                    hardware allows sharing interrupts, then everything
                    will be fine. If not, then you can have problems
                    ranging from serial ports which work intermittently to
                    complete system lockups.

                    Solution: Make sure the hardware will allow the
                    interrupt to be shared among multiple devices, and that
                    the software will make the IRQ inactive on the board it
                    uses after it has completed use. You may not use two
                    devices at the same time on the same interrupt.

                    7.2.7 Message PI-2400

                    Symptoms: You can use your mouse or your modem, but not
                    both!

                    Solution: The mouse and modem are sharing the same
                    interrupt (IRQ). The mouse must be on an IRQ by itself
                    to work correctly. The normal solution is to move the
                    modem to a different (preferably unused) IRQ. If you do
                    not have a GOOD interrupt identification utility, we
                    suggest our IRQInfo product (available at a discount to
                    all SPU customers).








                                          40


                    7.2.8 Message PI-2500

                    Symptoms: This message is displayed only during a '/LT'
                    (long test). This indicates that something in the
                    computer may be generating "noise" on one or more of
                    the IRQ lines. This report is provided primarily for
                    the more experienced "techie" who is having problems
                    running down an intermittent failure.

                    Solution: In some cases, this is due to a port
                    addressing conflict (eg, two Com1 ports) that is not
                    detectable by other means. Other causes may be a poor
                    serial card design, a noisy power supply or other
                    problem with the system. They have also been reported
                    for PCMCIA modems that are working acceptably. If the
                    spurious interrupts are reported for all ports, and the
                    ports appear to be working without problems, then
                    ignore this message. If the report only appears for one
                    of the serial ports, then there may be a definable
                    problem with this port. Try to test for a possible
                    address conflict by disabling or removing the known Com
                    port and retest with PortInfo. If the port is still
                    present, then there was a conflict. If the problem goes
                    away, but there is no other port present, then the
                    report may be indicative of a pending failure in the
                    board. 

               7.3 Port Conflicts

               Port conflicts normally indicate that there are two serial
               ports located at the same address. This is commonly done
               when installing new serial cards or modems into an older
               machine without knowing for certain what equipment is
               already installed.








                                          41


                    7.3.1 Message PI-3000

                    Symptoms: System lockup or failure of a communication
                    application to successfully use a modem.

                    Solution: You most likely have a conflict between a
                    serial port and another device, possibly another serial
                    port, at the same address location. You may also have a
                    serial port that is jumpered to use two IRQs at the
                    same time. Remove or disable the port which fails the
                    test, and run PortInfo again. If another port is
                    reported at the same address, then you have a conflict
                    between two serial ports. If no other serial port is
                    detected at that address, then you probably have a
                    conflict with another device. Common conflicts involve
                    local area network cards. Be sure to verify that your
                    serial card is jumpered correctly.


                    7.3.2 Message PI-3100

                    Symptoms: The system may lock up, or the display may
                    show meaningless characters ("garbage").

                    Solution: You cannot use a serial port at the normal
                    COM4 address location if this message appears. The
                    display adaptor on the video card is installed at the
                    address normally used for Com4.

                    7.3.3 Message PI-3200

                    Symptoms: The system may lock up, or the display may
                    show meaningless characters ("garbage").

                    Solution: There is a serial port installed at Com4 that
                    is being interfered with by the video card. Video
                    display cards that emulate an 8514/A display use the
                    same address as the normal Com4 port (02E8h). The port
                    at this address must be removed or reassigned to
                    another "non-standard" address.








                                          42


                    7.3.4 Message PI-3500

                    Symptoms: This is a message displayed when a
                    "ComxBase=" statement exists in the Windows SYSTEM.INI
                    file that references a serial port that is at a "non-
                    standard" address and was not defined for PortInfo or
                    BIOS_FIX.

                    Solution: Add a "CTSCOMn=/A" environment variable as
                    described by the message to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file prior
                    to the BIOS_FIX utility.


               7.4 Mouse Conflicts

               PortInfo looks for conflicts between the mouse and the
               serial ports. Most conflicts are detected by the interrupt
               conflict tests. However, PortInfo also checks for possible
               future conflicts.


                    7.4.1 Message PI-4000

                    This is a WARNING message that the bus mouse is using
                    one of the IRQs normally used by the Com1 or Com2
                    serial ports. If you are not using this port for any
                    connections, then you will not have any problems. If
                    you do use Com1 and Com2 for your communications and
                    they are using the standard IRQs (Com1 / IRQ 4, Com2 /
                    IRQ 3), then you need to change the IRQ used by the
                    serial port or the bus mouse to resolve the conflict.








                                          43


               7.5 DOS Port Assignments

               The DOS port assignments are determined by a data table that
               is created by the computer system BIOS when the system is
               powered up or reset. The BIOS detects the ports installed in
               the computer and places them in a data area for use by DOS
               and application software.

               Unfortunately, different BIOS implementations work
               differently, so there are often inconsistencies in how the
               serial ports are used. Many systems will only look for two
               comm ports, and no system looks for more than four. The BIOS
               also doesn't follow conventions in assigning a port at a
               particular address to the proper Com port number. To further
               confuse the issue, many applications do not use this data
               area because of the inconsistencies and address the ports
               directly by address. This leads to the situation where two
               different applications use the same device through
               "different" ports.

               Windows operation is also affected by the port assignments.
               The assignment by the BIOS is the first priority that
               Windows uses. So, if the BIOS is not installing the ports
               properly, then Windows may have communication problems.

               The best general rule is to always install ports in
               sequential order...that is, do not skip a port number. The
               first port should use the normal Com1 address, the second
               Com2, and so on.

               With the release of Version 3, PortInfo will now display a
               single message suggesting use of BIOS_FIX if any of the
               ports are not recognized by the BIOS or are being identified
               out of sequence. 

                    7.5.1 Message PI-5000-5040

                    Obsolete - Removed from Version 3+

                    7.5.2 Message PI-5050

                    Symptom: The BIOS is not detecting one or more of the
                    serial ports properly. See the discussion above for
                    affects this can have on computer operation.

                    Solution: Use the BIOS_FIX utility in the AUTOEXEC.BAT
                    file to ensure that the serial ports are properly
                    installed in the bios and initialized.








                                          44


               7.6 Other CTS Software Detected

               The CTS Utility SwapIRQ can affect the reporting of IRQs
               used by some diagnostic software. PortInfo is "aware" of
               SwapIRQ and notifies you that it is still active.


                    7.6.1 Message PI-6000

                    Symptoms: Just an informational message to let you know
                    that SwapIRQ was detected and temporarily disabled by
                    PortInfo. The PortInfo reports will not be affected by
                    the presence of SwapIRQ.

                    Solution: You should disable SwapIRQ when the
                    application has finished with it by using the "/D"
                    command line switch.

               7.7 Windows Communication Setup

               The registered versions of PortInfo and BIOS_FIX include a
               test of the Windows communication setup parameters.
               Normally, PortInfo is used to test the system and correct
               any identified problems. BIOS_FIX can then be installed in
               the AUTOEXEC.BAT file to "monitor" the system. BIOS_FIX
               detects the port addresses and IRQs used by the ports and
               then compares them to the way Windows will use the ports. If
               the hardware or software configuration changes, then
               BIOS_FIX will detect the change and alert you the next time
               the computer is re-booted.

                    7.7.1 Message PI-7000

                    Symptoms: Just an informational message to let you know
                    that PortInfo did not check the SYSTEM.INI file when
                    only a single serial port was tested.

                    Solution: Run "PortInfo /0" to test all ports.

                    7.7.2 Message PI-7050

                    Symptoms: Another informational message to alert you
                    that PortInfo did not check the SYSTEM.INI file because
                    one or more serial ports are not generating interrupts.

                    Solution: Resolve the hardware problem with the serial
                    port interrupt as described in other PortInfo messages.








                                          45


                    7.7.3 Message PI-7100

                    Symptoms: Yet another informational message to let you
                    know that PortInfo did not check the SYSTEM.INI file.
                    This message will appear when PortInfo cannot locate
                    the SYSTEM.INI file. 

                    Solution: PortInfo looks (by default) in the directory
                    "C:\Windows" for the SYSTEM.INI file. If it is not
                    located in that directory, then you must specify the
                    drive and directory with the "/Win <path>" command as
                    described elsewhere in the User Guide and on the
                    PortInfo help screen.

                    7.7.4 Message PI-7200

                    Symptoms: PortInfo has detected that changes are needed
                    in the SYSTEM.INI file.

                    Solution: Make the listed changes to the SYSTEM.INI
                    file using a standard editor.

                    7.7.5 Message PI-7300

                    Symptoms: The port assignments made by the BIOS are
                    inaccurate.

                    Solution: Use the SPU utility BIOS_FIX in the
                    AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

                    7.7.6 Message PI-7500

                    Symptoms: An RPI Modem does not connect at high speed.

                    Solution: RPI modems require a special software driver
                    for high-speed communications. Be sure to follow the
                    manufacturer directions to load the driver. For current
                    information, log on to our World Wide Web page at
                    http://www.comminfo.com and read the RPI Modem
                    discussion.

               7.8 Serial Card Variations

               Some new serial cards support higher data rates without
               notifying the software. This can cause problems for DOS
               applications that set the port to a specific data rate for a
               reason.

                    7.8.1 Message PI-8000








                                          46


                    Symptoms: DOS applications fail to communicate with a
                    modem and PortInfo reports a speed multiplier of x2, x4
                    or x8.

                    Solution: The card is multiplying the data rate by the
                    speed shown. If your DOS applications are not working
                    correctly, reduce the port speed used by the
                    application by the factor shown. For example, if the
                    port was set to 38,400 bps and the port multiplier is
                    x2, try using 38,400 / 2 = 19,200 bps.








                                          47



          8.0 Customer Support Policy

          Customer support is provided via telephone, FAX, and electronic
          mail. We provide from 30 to 90 minutes of support (depending on
          the license you obtained) for any registered user within the
          following guidelines:

          1. We are in the office and happy to assist with problems during
          our normal business hours of 8-12am and 2-6pm (US east coast
          time). We always answer the phone whenever we are in (other
          hours). If you are unable to catch us "live", please leave a
          detailed message, and we will reply via phone, FAX, electronic
          mail (E-mail), or regular mail. 

          2. Messages sent to us on CompuServe E-mail or via the Internet
          will usually receive a reply within 24 hours. 

          3. We will be happy to assist with SPU installation problems
          before you register. However, we cannot provide detailed
          technical assistance until we've actually received your
          registration. We can register you over the phone via credit card
          if you need immediate assistance.

          Please be prepared to answer the following questions before you
          call for assistance:

            *  The version number of your CTS Serial Port Utilities. You
               can view this information in the program title by starting
               any of the utilities. 

            *  The brand name and model number of your computer.

            *  What equipment you have in your computer. A good diagnostic
               program such as our IRQInfo program can be very helpful in
               determining what other equipment is installed.

            *  The version of DOS you are using (type "VER" at the DOS
               prompt).

            *  A complete description of the problem.

            *  Can you duplicate the series of steps that results in the
               problem?

            *  Did an error message appear? What did it say?

          You may contact CTS via voice phone at 770-263-8623 during normal
          business hours (Eastern Time Zone), or 24 hours / day via FAX at
          770-263-0124, on the Internet at support@comminfo.com and on
          CompuServe at 76662,2315.








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          9.0 About Computer Telecommunication Systems

          Computer Telecommunication Systems, Inc. was formed in 1990 to
          provide new communication software products, custom programming
          services, and consulting on personal computer asynchronous
          communications. Please visit our World Wide Web page at
          http://www.comminfo.com for the latest information. We currently
          offer (as of August, 1996) the following products and services:


               9.1 OEM and Custom Programming Services

               Do you need a special version of PortInfo as a customer
               support tool? How about a fully customized modem or serial
               port installation program? We've done it before, and we're
               happy to do it again! 

               Serial Port and Modem Installation Software: a multipass
               installation program that "pre-tests" a user system,
               determines port and IRQ availability, suggests likely
               changes to the user setup, and then provides the user with a
               proper switch settings. After the user installation is
               complete, the installation is tested to verify that all is
               well. Tell us about your hardware configuration and user
               interface requirements!

               Custom "Pre-communication" testing: Have a sensitive
               communication application that your customers manage to
               break easily? A PortInfo "pre-test" can verify that the
               ports are set properly, interrupts are not being shared, and
               that the modem is powered up and ready to connect.
               Transparent to the user, but a great aid in reducing your
               customer support calls by catching the problems before they
               happen.

               Please call us to discuss your special communications
               software requirements.


               9.2 IRQInfo  and IRQInfo PRO 

               IRQInfo is our new general-system test utility that
               identifies what interrupts (IRQs) are being used by what.
               Unlike most other applications of this type, IRQInfo
               actually tests the system to detect which IRQs are being
               used (many similar applications make "assumptions" about
               what IRQs are being used by the serial and printer ports,
               disk drives, etc.) IRQInfo actually tells you when it isn't
               certain about an IRQ - for example, it may not be possible
               to always detect which IRQ the printer uses - so we make
               sure that you know we detected the port, but not the IRQ -
               and then we tell you what IRQ that port would normally use.








                                          49


               IRQInfo successfully detects interrupts used by sound cards,
               SCSI controllers, hard and floppy disk drives, serial and
               parallel ports, all standard system equipment, scanners,
               network cards...just about everything. We think it is the
               best tool available for identifying used and "free" IRQs. 

               IRQInfo PRO adds several new device tests to improve device
               detection, and includes a TSR module to detect devices that
               cannot be detected via other means. IRQInfo PRO is also a
               "smart application", in that it learns more about the system
               from one run to the next. 


               9.3 SwapIRQ 

               A small utility that allows software to use IRQs that are
               not supported directly by the software. For example, a
               communication application that supports COM3 on IRQ 4 can
               now use COM3 on any IRQ. Or, a game that requires a sound
               card on IRQ 7 can now use a sound card that generates
               interrupts on IRQ 5. Contact CTS for more information.

               9.4 PortFix

               A small DOS TSR utility that prevents serial port lockups
               with DOS software using a faulty serial port chip shipped
               with many PCI-bus machines and some add-in cards in late
               1993 and early 1994.


               9.5 AT Command Test 

               AT Command Test (ATCT) is a software application that
               performs a comprehensive test of the AT command set of any
               modem claiming to be "Hayes Compatible". ATCT tests most of
               the standard modem commands, all result codes, and many
               other characteristics. ATCT provides three different reports
               of command set compatibility with nine different Hayes modem
               product lines. 

               9.6 AT Command Test for EIA-602

               AT Command Test for EIA-602 (ATCT'602) is a software
               application that performs a comprehensive test of the AT
               command set of any modem claiming to be compliant with the
               ANSI/EIA/TIA-602 command set standard. ATCT'602 tests all of
               the standard modem commands and result codes, and many other
               characteristics. 








                                          50


               ATCT and ATCT'602 are being used today by modem
               manufacturers as a design aid, as a qualification tool for
               purchasing modems by major corporations, and as a diagnostic
               tool for testing modems returned to corporate support
               services prior to obtaining warranty service. Please contact
               CTS for more information.

               9.7 CTS IOInfo 

               IOInfo does a careful scan of the computer I/O space to
               detect which port addresses are used and available. IOInfo
               runs from DOS and from a DOS box to detect port addresses in
               all environments. Results from all reports are merged into a
               single report.

               9.8 New Products

               We are constantly developing new software products that you
               may be interested in, including several that have been
               suggested by our customers. Be sure to check with us at 1-
               800-380-2666 if you have questions about any new products we
               may have (or that you would like to have!)








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          The appendices provide background and tutorial information
          about serial ports, IRQs, installing new modems and 
          troubleshooting common serial port problems. They are provided
          in the printed User Guide.

