Auto Start Manager Version 1.7
Copyright (C) 1997-2000 Cool Bay Software
All Rights Reserved


INTRODUCTION
============

   Auto Start Manager extends the functionality of the Windows StartUp
   folder by giving the ability to conditionally start programs at
   startup time or after a specified time delay.

   The program allows time and configuration dependent conditions to be
   tested before deciding which programs to start. Tests are provided
   for day of week, time of day, time elapsed since last run, start
   configuration, and power mode (if APM installed).

   Of particular interest to notebook users is the ability to control
   the programs started, based on the configuration (e.g.
   docked/undocked) and power settings (mains/battery).

   Programs can be started immediately, or after a specified delay time
   thereby allowing the staggering of program starts. Programs can
   optionally be minimized, maximized or closed after a predetermined
   time.

   Auto Start Manager is written using Borland C++ Builder, and runs
   under Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000.

   Auto Start Manager is distributed as shareware with a modest
   registration fee of $20.


VERSION HISTORY
===============


  1.7 Released 13-07-00. Extends network tests, improves UI.(see Release 
      Information below).
  
  1.6a Correct missing help file (02-09-1999).

  1.6 Released 29-08-99. Adds tests for network presence. 

  1.5 Released 09-07-98 Adds optional wait for idle/finish. Import/Export
      feature to save definitions. Easier editing of Global entries on NT.

  1.4 Released 08-03-98 Adds option delay before execution starts. Entries
      can be individually disabled. Global entries can be defined for all
      users in NT.

  1.3 Released 27-11-97 Runs the associated program if a non-executable
      file (e.g. "readme.txt"). Shortcuts and other files can be dropped
      onto main screen. Some small changes to User Interface: - Show
      delay timer on main screen - Shows delay countdown if screen
      opened from system tray - Allow sorting of items on main screen
      (by clicking column header) - Add browse button for program
      parameters (if parm is filename) - About box has clickable link to
      home page - Default name for new items no longer has extension Fix
      some bugs: - Execute button was not starting tasks with delays
      specified - Frequency specified as months/years was starting every
      time - Cursor was not positioned correctly on definition screen

   1.2 Released 25-09-97 Timer functions added: - delayed execution -
       action (close/restore/minimize/maximize) after specified time
       minimizes to system tray when timer function pending add test for
       environment (config/power/user) change remembers position of
       program definition screen

   1.1 released 23-08-97 now runs on NT 4.0 add testing on time of day
       add testing on userid context sensitive help start directory
       dialog now includes network neighborhood validate defined
       programs are executable file open dialog mask includes all
       executables icon was not changing if program changed fix load
       icon error for program without icons (e.g. ms-dos applications)
       fix bug which allowed duplicate on name of first item
       documentation included in pdf format

   1.0 released 05-08-97


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
====================

   PC running Windows 95 or Windows 98 or Windows NT 4.0.
   2 Mb free disk space.


FIRST INSTALLATION
==================

   Auto Start Manager has a setup program which must be used to perform
   the installation. The setup program will preserve your existing
   definitions when updating from an earlier release.

   To install Auto Start Manager from a ZIP file:

     1) Unzip into an empty temporary folder. 2) Run SETUP.EXE, and
     follow the on-screen instructions. 3) Delete the files unzipped in
     step 1 above.

   The installation program will, by default, install a shortcut to the
   Auto Start Manager in your "StartUp" folder, as well as creating a
   folder with shortcuts to the program and to the documentation files.


UPDATE
======

   If you are updating an existing version, and have downloaded the
   smaller update file (asm17u.zip, 433k, and does not contain a
   setup.exe), then simply unzip the contents of the update file to the
   directory where Auto Start Manager is installed replacing the old
   files.


UNINSTALLING
============

   Uninstall Auto Start Manager using the Control Panel Add/Remove
   function. This will remove the program files and the program
   definitions.
   

RELEASE INFORMATION
===================

   Version 1.7 adds startup sequence processing, extends the network
   testing capabilities, and imports/exports all the program definitions.
   
   Allow explicit setting of start sequence. Sequence 0 (default)
   items start first, then sequence 1, etc. Delay timers only start
   counting down when specified sequence starts - i.e. a sequence 0
   item with a 30 second delay, will start (at least) 5 seconds 
   before a sequence 1 item with 5 seconds delay.

   Import/Export includes advanced options + registration info.
   
   Advanced options changes now trigger Save dialog on exit, and
   are only saved is reply is ok (previously changes in advanced 
   options were always saved on exit).

   Major reorganisation of the program definition tabs, to (hopefully)
   make it easier to understand. 
   
   Test button on program definition tab to show how the conditions 
   would evaluate if run now.
   
   Test button on advanced options to test network status.

   Network status not shown on about screen by default. Can be enabled
   in advanced options.
       
   Extend network/resource test ability to detect if dial up networking
   is active, and also to be able to ping ip addresses. Network & resource
   tests are now as follows:
   
   a) MS Logon: previously called "auto", this is very rarely of any use(!)
      It detects if the current Windows session supports networking or not.
      If MS networking is being used, then it can effectively detect if a
      network card is present of not.
      
   b) Dial up Networking: New feature. Detects if a dial up networking
      session is active or not. This feature requires Winsock 2, so it
      may not work on older versions of Win95 (if they haven't been
      upgraded to Winsock2). 
      
   c) Explicit Resource test: New features here - this combines 3 types
      of resource testing:
      
      i)   UNC resource - resources beginning with a backslash: (e.g. \\server)
           This is the code from version 1.6, and should work as before.
      ii)  Drive/file - resource beginning with a drive letter: (x:\)
           This is the code introduced in beta 1. It can be used to detect
           the presence of a specific drive (physical or mapped), or even a 
           specific file. Some examples:
              x:                test for drive x present    
              x:\               test for drive x present 
              x:\filename.typ   test for specific file
           Note: The results here may not always be what you expect! Local drives, 
           network drives and removable drives may behave differently, and what 
           works in Win 9x, may not work in NT/2000 and vice versa.
      iii) http address -If network resource begins with http: then http protocol
           used to establish if network is present or not. Optionally tests http
           resources via proxy server (not recommended, as can lead to longer
           timeout response times when network not present).
      iv)  IP address - anything alse is assumed to be an IP address.
           If the resource doesn't begin with a backslash or have a colon as the 
           second character, or start with the constant http:, then the resource 
           is assumed to be and IP address (or name) and will be pinged. Name 
           resolution is automatic. Generally it is best to specify an IP address 
           rather than a name, as the name resolution could itself cause your dial 
           up connection to be established (if it is set to dial whenever needed).
   

USAGE
=====

   The installation program will create a shortcut to the Auto Start
   Manager. Select this item to bring up the main screen, and start
   the definition of the programs to run, with their associated
   conditions.

   New programs can be added by using the "new" toolbar button, the
   "new" item in the edit menu, by dropping the program file
   (executable) onto the main screen, or by copying an existing entry.

   Definitions can be edited by double clicking the entry on the main
   screen.

   When your definitions are complete, set the menu option "Auto Run".
   This will tell the Auto Start Manager to test/execute the specified
   programs the first time it is called after each Windows startup. By
   having Auto Start Manager in your startup folder, this will occur
   automatically each time Windows is started.

   Definitions can be changed at any time by running the Auto Start
   Manager.

   See the online help for further details.


SUPPORT
=======

   The latest version of Auto Start Manager can be found at:

      http://www.autostartmanager.com

   Support is provided by email. Please send your queries or comments to

      brendan@coolbay.net


REGISTRATION
============

   Payment of the once off registration fee of $20 will entitle you to
   use the current and all future versions of Auto Start Manager. On
   receipt of your registration fee, you will be notified by email of
   your registration code. Registered users will be automatically
   notified of new releases of the software.

   Credit card payments are possible via a secure web site. Follow the
   "Secure Registration" link from the Cool Bay web site, or go directly
   to:

      https://www.regnow.com/softsell/nph-softsell.cgi?item=1062-1

   Alternatively, send $20, or the approximate equivalent in your local
   currency, along with your email address, to the address given below.
   Cash only please - the fees for cashing a cheque would exceed the
   cheque value!

   Brendan Ryan 38 Watson Road Killiney Co. Dublin Ireland


TRADEMARKS
==========

Windows, Windows NT, Windows 2000 are trademarks, or registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation. C++ Builder is a trademark or registered
trademark of Borland International Inc. All other trademarks and
registered trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective owners.