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PC-SIG Diskette Library (Disk #626)
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FILES626.TXT
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Disk No 626 PC-Dial v1 DS2
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PC-Dial is a modem communications program from Jim Button, the author
of PC-File III. It has the ability to create autologon scripts but
lacks some of the functions of PC-Talk III. With this version the
author provides a special program just for PCjr owners to communicate
with.
DOC BAT A batch file that will print the documentation on the printer
JR-DIAL COM Version for the PCjr
PC-DIAL DOC Documentation for PC-Dial
PC-DIAL COM The main program
PC-DIAL PRO A control file used by PC-Dial
READ ME Intro. to PC-Dial
PC Software Interest Group (PC-SIG)
1030D East Duane Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
(408) 730-9291
PC-DIAL.DOC
PC-Dial(tm)
A Communications Program
For the IBM Personal Computer
(C)Copyright 1984,85 by Jim Button
Version 1.5
Jim Button
ButtonWare
P.O. Box 5786
Bellevue, WA 98006
_
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION:.................................. 1
GETTING STARTED....................................... 2
USING THE AUTOMATIC FEATURES.......................... 3
USING THE FUNCTION KEYS............................... 5
COMMANDS.............................................. 11
THE "PROFILE" FILE (PC-DIAL.PRO)...................... 11
STOPPING THE PROGRAM.................................. 11
COMMAND KEY SUMMARY................................... 12
ERROR MESSAGES........................................ 14
SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:...................... 14
DISCLAIMER............................................ 14
Restricted Permission to Copy......................... 15
THE USER-SUPPORTED CONCEPT............................ 16
Why Should I Pay?..................................... 17
INDEX................................................. 19
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PC-Dial(tm) USERS GUIDE Page 1.
A Note About Your Evaluation Copy
At several places in this copy of the User's Guide you'll see the
following notice.
**************************************
* Omitted from the evaluation copy *
**************************************
We honestly feel that we've supplied enough of the manual to
allow you to make a good evaluation of the program. There are
several reasons why we didn't provide the entire manual on disk.
- We'd like to encourage more of our users to "come out of the
closet". We've priced our software so that you can afford
it. Frankly, it's the best bargain in the industry. We also
suspect and hope that you (the buying public) will want to
cast your "vote" for lower priced software by paying readily
for such programs. Other software publishers would then be
forced to take notice.
- We feel that the honesty of our "registered" users should be
rewarded. They're entitled to some extra value that should
rightfully be denied to those who don't pay.
- It takes up too much room on the diskette.
We trust that you'll be open-minded about the omissions. We hope
that we can soon add you to our list of very satisfied customers.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
PC-Dial is a general purpose asynchronous communications program.
Although it employs a simple and straightforward approach to
communications, its capabilities surpass those of some of the
more expensive communications programs on the market today.
With PC-Dial you'll be able to:
- Communicate at speeds up to 9600 baud (limited by the speed
of your serial port and modem.)
- Exchange (send or receive) text files with other computers.
While sending text files, you may dynamically send selected
records from the file and skip past other records not to be
sent.
- Exchange (send or receive) non-text (exe or com) files with
other computers which support the "X-Modem" protocol.
- Use modems which don't support Auto-dial.
- Use modems which do support Auto-dial. This includes not only
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the Hayes SmartModem, but also a variety of other modems
which use other commands to AutoDial a phone number.
- Have PC-Dial automatically redial a phone number over and
over again, until connection is made.
- Capture incoming data in a disk file.
- Save a "picture" of your screen to disk at any time.
- Setup your own "filters" to remove or change undesirable
characters in the incoming data.
- Dynamically slow down the speed at which you transmit, so as
not to overrun the computer at the other end.
- Dynamically alter your communications parameters, such as
Parity, Speed, and number of data bits.
- Build automatic logon sequences of any length, to enable you
to log on to a variety of remote computers without having to
remember phone numbers, passwords and access commands.
- Change the colors on your display (if you have a color
display) to suit your personal taste.
- Move back and forth between different directories on your
hard disk (if you have DOS 2.0) for retrieving and sending
data.
- Communicate properly with computers which use "XON/XOFF"
characters.
In short, PC-Dial is easy to use, easy to understand, powerful,
and small in size.
PC-Dial requires a 64K or larger IBM PC (with PC-DOS 1.0 or 1.1),
a 96K or larger IBM PC (with PC-DOS 2.0 or later), one disk
drive, and a serial I/O port with a Modem. You must also have a
video monitor capable of displaying 80 characters per line.
PC-Dial will run on the PCjr, but downloading of files must be
done using X-Modem protocol.
GETTING STARTED.
1. Read the documentation.
2. Copy the "PC-DIAL.COM" program and the "PC-DIAL.PRO" file
onto any disk which has been formatted with PC-DOS. This will
become your communications disk. Example:
COPY A:PC-DIAL.* B:
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3. File your PC-Dial distribution diskette in a safe place. You
may need it someday for "backup" purposes.
4. Turn on your modem and make sure that you are properly
connected to the phone line and to your PC.
5. To run PC-Dial, assign the "logged on" drive to the disk that
contains the PC-Dial program, like this:
B:
Then type the program name, like this:
PC-DIAL
6. You may be asked to choose one of five pre-chosen
communications protocols. You can probably choose number two,
as this is the most common one in use. To see what these
protocols are, you'll have to turn to your IBM BASIC manual
(the one which came with your PC). Turn to section 4 and
find the documentation for the "OPEN 'COM..." statement.
7. Place a phone call to the computer with which you wish to
communicate. When you hear the high pitched squeal from the
other end, you can switch your modem to "data" mode and you
should be on the air. If you have an autodial modem, please
read carefully the section on using autodial modems.
8. When you're through communicating, type in (Alt)Q (while
holding down the "Alt" key, type a "Q") and this will cause
PC-Dial to return control back to DOS.
9. Switch your modem back to "talk" mode.
USING THE AUTOMATIC FEATURES
For normal operations, it's indeed possible to use PC-Dial
knowing only that whatever you enter through the keyboard will be
sent out over the phone line. However, to really make use of the
program, you need to understand just a few of the extended
features.
Although PC-Dial can do the normal transfer of files using either
X-Modem protocol or ASCII transfer with XON/XOFF standards, it
has the unique and powerful ability to send one record each time
the "send record" key is pressed. This, coupled with the ability
to preview each record before sending it, and to skip forward in
the transmit file to selectively transmit records, makes the
program flexible enough to adjust to almost any requirement.
The record that is sent can be data intended for the remote
computer. It might also be a command to be sent to your
"intelligent" modem. Or, it can be a command which PC-Dial will
intercept and act upon. For example, I've created the following
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file which allows me to call up a local computer and log onto it:
\COM1:0300,N,8,1
AT DT 575-3011
BUTTON
JIM
BELLEVUE, WA
JGB
I have built one of these little files for each computer that I
call regularly. One of the files is named "SOURCE.LOG", another
is named "COMPUSER.LOG", and another is named "DOWJONES.LOG".
When I first start PC-Dial and am ready to communicate, I push F9
("send record"). PC-Dial shows me all of my automatic logon
files (all files with a suffix of "LOG") and asks me "FILE NAME
TO SEND:". I enter the name of my automatic logon file for the
remote computer with which I wish to communicate. I then press
F9 again. PC-Dial reads the first record (\COM1:0300,N,8,1) and
sees that it's a command to automatically set the communications
protocol for that computer. It does it. I press (F9) again. The
program reads the next record (AT DT 575-3011) and since it's not
a command, it sends it out over the line. As it turns out, my
Hayes SmartModem sees this and realizes that it's a command to it
to dial the phone number. It dials the number.
When I hear the beep from the remote computer, I know that the
connection is completed. Also, the remote computer detects my
presence and asks me for my last name. I press F9 again.
PC-Dial reads the next record (BUTTON) and sends it out over the
line. The remote computer asks me for my first name. I press F9
again and the PC reads the next record (JIM) and sends it. The
remote computer asks me what city I'm calling from. I press F9
and PC-Dial sends the record (BELLEVUE, WA). The remote computer
asks me for the password, I press F9, and PC-Dial sends the last
record (JGB).
Notice that I don't have to remember to enter anything special in
order to automatically log on to the remote computer. All I need
to do is press F9 each time that input is needed from me.
Because I built the logon file with the proper commands,
everything else happens automatically.
You should also know that I could freely intermix data from the
keyboard with pressing of F9. Thus, if something went wrong in
the logon sequence, such as the remote computer saying "We are
taking a survey today, please answer a question...", I could type
some input from the keyboard which would be sent over the line. I
could later go back to using F9 to complete my logon sequence, or
I could just continue to do it manually from the keyboard.
In order to create one of these "logon" files, you'll need an
editor program, such as Edlin, Wordstar, or Personal Editor.
Then, you will need to keep track of all the keys you press while
you're calling and logging on to the remote computer. When you
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PC-Dial(tm) USERS GUIDE Page 5.
have done this once, you can use your editor program to create a
"logon" file for that computer and you're then ready to have it
all happen automatically, as described above. If you give the
file a suffix of ".LOG", such as "SOURCE.LOG", then it'll be
automatically shown in the display of autolog file names each
time you initiate a file transmission.
The ability to send one record at a time is an extremely simple
concept, but it gives PC-Dial tremendous power and flexibility.
It's so easy to use, easy to implement, and pleasant to work with
that I'm surprised it's not available in all other communications
programs.
Another use for this "send record" capability is in the sending
of electronic mail. You can build your letter using your editor
program, and save it in a file called "LETTER". Then, call up
your information utility and when you get to the spot where they
prompt you for the first line of your letter, just push F9 and
send the first line of your "LETTER" file. Each time they ask you
for the next line, push F9. The remote computer thinks that you
certainly are a fast and accurate typist! It would get confused
if you sent it the whole file at once, (as some other
communications programs force you to do), because it was
programmed to prompt you before the sending of each line. No
problem when you're using PC-Dial. After you have sent the last
line of your "LETTER" file, you just continue communications from
the keyboard.
USING THE FUNCTION KEYS.
While PC-Dial is running you will see a command key summary line
printed at the bottom of your screen. The command keys may be
pushed at any time the program is running and will take effect
immediately. (Exceptions to this are while you are in "send file"
mode (F7), or are uploading/downloading files using the "X-Modem"
protocol). During the X-modem up/download process, the only
command keys active will be F2(stop receive) and F10(stop send).
If either of these keys is pressed, the file transfer will be
discontinued.)
(F1) - Receive file.
Pressing (F1) tells PC-Dial that you would like to receive a
file. You will be asked for the File name to receive into.
Enter any valid "filespec". Example: "B:INMAIL.TXT". (Omit the
quote marks and the trailing period.) From then on, every
character coming in on the communications line will automatically
be saved on the disk file which you've named. If the file didn't
exist previously, it will be created. If the file did exist
previously, all incoming data will be added at the end of the
previous data.
Warning: If you're using a PCjr, this operation will produce
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unreliable results unless you use the X-Modem protocol described
below.
This facility is excellent for keeping a "log" of your entire
communications session. After you're finished, you can go back in
with your editor program and clean up the disk file containing
the record of your session (removing the parts which are
unimportant). Then, just print the whole thing on your printer
and save it for future reference.
If you wish to receive the file using "X-Modem" protocol (which
automatically does error checking and error recovery), wait until
the remote computer says it is ready to send the file, then press
(F1) and enter the filespec followed by the characters =X.
Example: "B:DOWNLOAD.COM=X". Caution: When you are using X-Modem
for file transfer, you are required to use 8-data bits in your
communications protocol. Read the section on (F4) changing
communications parameters. With X-Modem transfer, a new file
will always be created. If one existed previously by the same
name, it will first be deleted.
(F2) - Stop Receive of file.
Pressing (F2) will "close" the disk file and stop storing the
incoming characters. Later on, you could always press (F1) and
reopen the same file to save more incoming data following the
original data. If you are receiving a file using "X-Modem, stay
away from (F2) unless you have to abort the download. The file
will automatically be closed when the sending computer tells you
that the last data in the X-Modem transmission has been sent.
(F3) - Echo ON/OFF.
Normally, the computer which you are communicating with will echo
your data back to you, which causes it to be printed on your
screen. However, sometimes the remote computer won't do this for
you. In this case, you will not be able to see your keystrokes as
you enter them. When this happens, pressing (F3) will turn
"echo" on, and PC-Dial will automatically display your data as
you enter it. Pressing (F3) again will turn "echo" off again.
Each time you press the key, "echo" will switch to the opposite
state. If you ever see "double" characters on your screen, it is
because "echo" is on and the remote computer also is echoing your
data back to you. Just press (F3) to turn "echo" off at this end,
and everything should look normal again.
(F4) - Change Communications Parameters. Sometimes you'll want
to change one or more of your communications parameters. You may
need to slow down your speed from 1200 baud to 300 baud. Or you
may need to change the number of "data bits" from 7 to 8.
Pressing (F4) will allow you to make these changes from the
keyboard. You will be given six choices. Choice number 1 is to
return to communications. Use this if you pressed (F4)
accidentally and don't wish to make any changes. The next two
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choices are some standard protocols for 300 baud transmission
speed. The next two choices are some standard protocols for 1200
baud transmission speed. The last choice, called "SPECIFY" will
let you type in an entire communications specification, assuming
that none of the above choices is adequate.
For almost all cases, one of the four predefined communications
protocols will be adequate. Select number 6 "SPECIFY" only if you
have to. You then will be shown a "skeleton" of the standard
entry format and asked to completely overstrike it with your new
specification. Your textbook on accomplishing this is the IBM
BASIC manual which came with your PC. You will have to turn to
section 4 in the manual and locate the pages which describe the
"OPEN COM..." statement. If you can understand this material,
you will have no trouble entering whatever communications
protocol is required.
(F5) - Set the "DELAY" counter.
When you're sending files or records to the remote computer, you
will occasionally come across a computer which can't receive data
as fast as you can send it. This is normally handled
automatically by the remote computer sending you an "x-off"
character, in which case PC-Dial will stop sending until the
remote computer sends an "x-on" character. In those cases where
the remote computer doesn't know about x-on and x-off and also
can't receive as fast as you can send, they will lose some of
your data. This will be seen by you as missing parts of your
message or file as they are echoed to your screen.
You can slow down your sending speed to give the remote computer
time to catch its breath between characters by using the (F5)
key. This allows you to set the "delay counter", which simply
tells PC-Dial to count to some number after each character that
it sends. This, of course, slows the output down. You will be
shown the current value of the delay counter, which is 0 at
startup. You will have to enter some new number, which will
become the value of the delay counter. Some experimentation will
be required on your part to discover a number just large enough
to slow things down to the right amount. Values of a few hundred
will slow things down a little bit (this computer counts fast!)
and values in the multiple hundreds will slow things down much
more.
(F6) - Change Directory.
If you are using DOS 2.0 or a later version, with perhaps a "hard
disk", it is nice while running a program to be able to change to
a different directory without having to stop and restart the
program. PC-Dial lets you change directories whenever you press
(F6). You will be asked which directory you would like to change
to. Just give the name of the new directory. You'll be told
whether or not the change was successful. This works just like
the DOS "CHDIR" command. It's very convenient, when you're
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PC-Dial(tm) USERS GUIDE Page 8.
sending or receiving files, to be able to change to the
appropriate directory right in the middle of your communications
session.
(F7) - Send File.
When you wish to send a file to the remote computer, you can
press (F7) to send the entire file without stopping. PC-Dial
shows you a list of all the filenames ending with ".LOG". This
is for convenience. If you named all of your automatic logon
files with a suffix of ".LOG", this shows you all of your logon
files. If each of your logon files includes the dialing commands
to autodial the phone number, this list serves as a "dialing
directory". You don't have to transmit one of these files. You
can transmit any file that exists on your disk.
You will be asked to enter the name of the file to be
transmitted. Enter a valid file specification. Example:
"B:SAMPLE.DOC". (Omit the quote marks and the final period).
After receiving the file name, PC-Dial will start transmitting
the file, so be sure not to press (F7) until the remote computer
is ready to receive your data. Once transmission begins, data
will be sent continuously until either the entire file has been
sent, or you have pressed (F9) or (F10).
If you will be sending your file using "X-Modem" protocol, wait
until the remote computer has signaled that it is ready to
receive your file. Then press (F7) and enter the file name
followed by the characters "=X". Example: "A:DEMO.EXE=X".
(F8) - Turn the PEEK window off or on.
Normally, you'll want the bottom line of the screen to show your
command summary menu. However, when you're transmitting a file in
"one record at a time" mode (F9) it is handy to see which record
you are about to transmit, before you press F9 to send it. That
way, if you want to override the record and enter from the
keyboard instead, or just turn off record transmission, you can
do so. Pressing (F8) turns on the peek window. The bottom line of
your screen will now display the record that's "in the batter's
box" (the one that's destined to be transmitted, if you choose to
do so). This is very handy for your automatic logon sequences.
When the peek window is on you have several options available
with respect to the record being shown in the window.
First, you can ignore the record being shown and provide input
through the keyboard.
Second, you can transmit the record being displayed as if you had
entered it from the keyboard, by pressing (F9).
Third, you can skip past the record in the window to the next
record in the file, by pressing the "cursor down" arrow (the "2"
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key on the numeric keypad at the right side of your keyboard).
Here are some of the other operations you can perform while
manipulating the transmit file.
**************************************
* Omitted from the evaluation copy *
**************************************
The peek window will remain on until you press (F8) again, or
until a \PEEK OFF command is read from your transmission file.
If you are running with the peek window on but can't remember
which function key you need to push, just push (F8) to get your
menu back. View it, then push (F8) again to continue with the
peek window.
(F9) - Send Record.
If you wish to send your file one record at a time, with you
controlling when each record will be sent, use (F9). You will be
asked to enter the name of the file to be transmitted. Enter a
valid file name. PC-Dial will then wait for you to press (F9)
again before transmitting the first record in your file. Each
time you press (F9), one more record will be sent out. In this
manner, you can control the sending of records, usually sending
one each time you observe that the remote computer is ready to
receive it. However; if you transmit your file using X-modem
protocol, it will all be sent without pausing. The "one record at
a time" only applies to upload of ASCII files.
When the record in the window is one of the predefined commands,
PC-Dial will not pause after sending it. Commands will continue
to be sent automatically until data appears in the window which
is not a command.
Rather than transmitting the record in the window, you may choose
to skip past it. This can be done by pressing the "cursor down"
arrow. If you do this, PC-Dial will bypass the record in the peek
window and retrieve the next record from the transmit file. Or,
you can press the "cursor right" arrow. If you do this, you will
be prompted for a character string to be searched for in the
transmit file. The prompt is ">". Enter the character string
followed by the "return" key. PC-Dial will then bypass all
records in the transmit file until it finds the character string
starting in column 1 of a record in your transmit file.
Incidentally, there is a nice way to view an ASCII dataset just
to see what's in it. You can press (F9) to open it, then use the
cursor-down key to view each record in the peek window, without
sending anything over the phone line. Press (F10) when you're
through looking at it.
There is also a "retransmit record" capability provided. When you
are in "send record" mode, you can retransmit the record which
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was most recently transmitted. To do this, press (Alt)R. Each
time you press these two keys together, the record will be
retransmitted. This feature makes it easy to redial a phone
number if you get a busy signal. Just wait a few minutes and
press (Alt)R to redial the number.
Your file will be closed for you when you have sent the last
record, or when you press (F10). Note that you can press (F7) at
any point in time and transmission mode will switch from "one
record at a time" to "the whole remainder of the file".
You may have commands for PC-Dial imbedded in your transmit file.
These begin with a backwards slash "\" and have a command encoded
in CAPITAL LETTERS. (See the section on commands). When PC-Dial
detects one of these commands, it will act on it and will not
send the command out over the phone line as data.
(F10) - Stop Sending the File.
If you wish to stop sending the file before you reach the end of
it, you can press (F10). PC-Dial will close the file and
discontinue the sending of file data. If you have been in "send
file" mode (F7), as opposed to "send record" mode (F9), it may
take a while for PC-Dial to empty all of its communications
buffers. Don't panic. Eventually (after a few more lines of
output), the buffers will all be empty and you'll see the data
stop going out over the phone line.
(Alt)C - Save Color/graphics screen to disk.
Holding down the (Alt) key while simultaneously depressing the
"C" key will cause the Color graphics screen to be saved to a
disk file. This is like taking a snapshot of your screen for
later viewing. You should only use this command if your
communications session is being displayed on a television set or
other type of graphics monitor. If you're using the Monochrome
display, see the next command. The screen image will be saved to
a file called "SCREEN.SAV" on the default drive. Each new
snapshot that you make will be appended (added to the end) of the
file.
Warning: If you're using a PCjr, you should only do this
operation when the remote computer isn't actively writing to your
screen. Otherwise, parts of the incoming message may be lost.
(Alt)M - Save Monochrome screen to disk.
Holding down the (Alt) key while simultaneously depressing the
"M" key will cause the Monochrome screen to be saved to a disk
file. This snapshot image of your screen will be appended to a
file called "SCREEN.SAV". Use this command only if your session
is being displayed on a Monochrome display. If you use the
color/graphics card, you should use the (Alt)C command described
above.
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COMMANDS.
Certain commands can be imbedded in your disk files to be acted
upon by PC-Dial whenever it comes across one while transmitting
file data. This is typically done at the start of a file which
will be used to help you automatically log on to a remote
computer. You may wish to create a series of different files,
one for each computer you will wish to call up and log onto. The
commands at the front of this file can instruct PC-Dial to change
its communications parameters to match those of the remote
computer, or to change the characters which it will "filter" out
of the incoming data, etc.
Here are the commands which can be used. Important: all commands
must be entered in UPPER CASE only. If they are not, they will be
treated as data and sent out over the phone line.
**************************************
* Omitted from the evaluation copy *
**************************************
THE "PROFILE" FILE (PC-DIAL.PRO).
Whenever PC-Dial is started, it looks on the default disk drive
for a file called "PC-DIAL.PRO". If it finds it, it executes all
of the commands it finds in the file. We've provided a "default"
profile file for you to show you how it's done, and to get you
started in case you don't care to provide your own. However, if
you wish to change the file to suit your own operating
conditions, you should do so. You can use any of the commands
found in the above section. This would be a good place, for
example, to place your "\COLOR" command to initialize your screen
colors.
STOPPING THE PROGRAM.
When you're finished communicating, you can end your session by
pressing (Alt)Q. To do this, press down on the (Alt) key on the
left side of your keyboard. While holding this key down, also
press the "Q" key. This will cause PC-Dial to close all disk
files and return control to the PC-DOS operating system. You can
also stop PC-Dial with the (Ctrl)\ combination.
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COMMAND KEY SUMMARY
F1 - RECEIVE FILE.
Opens a disk file. Saves all incoming data. The open is for
"Append". (see note 1)
F2 - END RECEIVE.
Closes the "receive" file.
F3 - ECHO.
Toggles "ECHO" (to screen) "on" or "off".
F4 - PARMS.
Allows changing the communications parameters.
F5 - DELAY.
Allows slowdown of outbound characters.
F6 - CHDIR.
Changes the current directory (DOS 2.0)
F7 - SEND FILE.
Sends an entire file. (see note 1). (see note 2).
F8 - PEEK.
Toggles "Peek" to ON/OFF. When on, shows the record that will
be sent next.
F9 - SEND RECORD.
Same as F7, but only one record is sent each time F9 is
pressed. You may switch back and forth between F7 and F9.
(see note 1). (see note 2).
F10- STOP SEND.
Closes the "send" file.
(Alt)B
Send a "BREAK" character.
(Alt)C
Save Color-graphics screen to disk.
(Alt)M
Save Monochrome screen to disk.
(Alt)R
Retransmit a record.
*Note 1: Here are some example file names:
?A Display directory on "A:"
?C:*.LOG Display directory of *.LOG
files on "C:" drive
AB.XYZ File is "AB.XYZ" in ASCII mode
AB.XYZ=X File is "AB.XYZ" using
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PC-Dial(tm) USERS GUIDE Page 13.
"X-Modem" protocol
*Note 2: The following "commands", if found in
your "SEND" file, will be acted upon
(and not transmitted).
**************************************
* Omitted from the evaluation copy *
**************************************
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_
PC-Dial(tm) USERS GUIDE Page 14.
ERROR MESSAGES.
To keep the size of the program as small as possible, PC-Dial
uses the standard error messages as discussed in your IBM BASIC
manual. The program will try to recover from all errors, and will
always issue the line number in the program where the error
occurred and the error number. For the more common errors, it
will also print out a brief description of the error.
**************************************
* Omitted from the evaluation copy *
**************************************
SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
1. "Will it help if I buy more RAM memory for my PC?". ANSWER:
No, PC-Dial fits very nicely into 64K and would not benefit
from any additional memory.
2. "In what language was PC-Dial written?". ANSWER: It was
written in BASIC, then compiled with the IBM BASIC Compiler.
Some portions were done in Assembler language.
3. "Can I obtain the source code for the program?". ANSWER: No,
it's considered to be proprietary.
4. "What is your update policy?". ANSWER: All registered users
will be notified by mail of each new update.
5. "Do you have any other programs that you're distributing?".
ANSWER: Yes, PC-File III(tm), a database manager program,
PC-Graph, a program which produces graphs of a PC-File III
database (PC-Graph will be available January 1985), and
PC-Calc, a spreadsheet program.
6. "Is there a version of PC-Dial for other computers?".
ANSWER: No.
DISCLAIMER.
These programs are provided "as is" without warranty of any kind,
either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to the
implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose.
The entire risk as to the quality and performance of the programs
is with you. You assume the responsibility for the selection of
the programs to achieve the results you desire and for the
installation, use and results from the programs.
In no event will ButtonWare be liable to you for any damages,
including any lost profits, lost savings or other incidental or
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_
PC-Dial(tm) USERS GUIDE Page 15.
consequential damages arising out of the use of or inability to
use this program, even if ButtonWare has been advised of the
possibility of such damages, or for any claim by any other party.
RESTRICTED PERMISSION TO COPY
PC-Dial is not a public domain program, and never has been. It
is Copyright(C) 1984, 1985 by Jim Button. The conditions under
which you may copy the PC-Dial programs and documentation are
clearly outlined below. WARNING!!! The author intends to
vigorously prosecute copyright violations.
Individuals are granted permission by the author to freely copy
the PC-Dial diskette for their own use or for others to evaluate,
so long as no price or other consideration is charged. The
printed material may not be copied without the express written
permission of the author.
Computer clubs (non-profit) are granted permission by the author
to copy the PC-Dial diskette and share it with their members, so
long as:
1. No price or other consideration is charged. However, a
distribution cost may be charged for the cost of the
diskette, shipping and handling, as long as it's not more
than $9 total.
2. The program or documentation are not modified in any way and
are distributed together.
3. PC-Dial may not be sold as part of some other more inclusive
package.
4. The program may not be "rented" to others.
5. The program may not be distributed via computerized "bulletin
boards" or through any other telecommunications link.
6. The printed manual may not be copied or reproduced in any
way.
Any group, person, or organization which purchases advertising
space in any publication may not distribute PC-Dial under the
"computer club" conditions.
Companies, schools, universities, government and other
organizations are granted permission by the author to copy the
PC-Dial programs and documentation for use on other computers and
at other locations in the organization, so long as:
1. The full registration fee of $29 has been paid for the
original copy of the program.
2. A usage fee of $25 is paid to ButtonWare for each additional
building where PC-Dial will be used. Within any building for
which the usage fee has been paid, PC-Dial may be copied
freely for use on any computer in that building.
3. Where Local Area Networks, "LAN"s, are involved, the above
building rule also applies. The building usage fee must be
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PC-Dial(tm) USERS GUIDE Page 16.
paid if PC-Dial is copied into the memory or storage of any
computer in the building.
Organizations are invited to correspond with ButtonWare
concerning a special license agreement which would enable you to
copy and distribute the diskettes with impunity within your
organization. We also offer quantity purchase discounts.
Programmers, Software and hardware distributors and system
developers are encouraged to include PC-Dial with their own
products. You must have written permission from ButtonWare
before you can copy or distribute PC-Dial. Please contact
ButtonWare to obtain a written agreement.
THE USER-SUPPORTED CONCEPT.
User-Supported Software
You are encouraged to copy and share this program with others.
If after evaluating this program you find it to be useful,
I trust you to send a $29 payment. The payment will "register"
you as a user. You'll receive a printed user's guide,
notification of future updates and new programs, and
product support if needed.
Jim Button
P.O. Box 5786
Bellevue, WA 98006
User-supported software is an experiment in distributing computer
programs, based on these beliefs:
1. That the value and utility of software is best assessed by
the user on his/her own system.
2. That the creation of personal computer software can and
should be supported by the computing community.
3. That copying of programs should be encouraged, rather than
restricted.
Anyone may legally obtain an evaluation copy of the program from
a friend or computer club. After you've had a chance to use and
evaluate the program in your own environment, you're trusted to
either forward a payment to the author, or to discontinue use of
the program. In any case, you are encouraged to copy the program
for evaluation by others.
Free distribution of software and voluntary payment for its use
eliminates costs for advertising and copy protection schemes.
Users obtain quality software at greatly reduced cost. They can
try it out before buying, and do so at their own pace and in the
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_
PC-Dial(tm) USERS GUIDE Page 17.
comfort of their own home or office. The best programs will
survive, based purely on their quality and usefulness.
Please join the experiment.
If you believe in these ideals, your payment is solicited to
help make them work.
WHY SHOULD I PAY?
We were hoping you would ask.
You're trusted to use this copy of PC-Dial for evaluation
purposes only, until the requested payment is made. There are
some solid reasons for sending in your payment:
- It's the right thing to do. You'll feel a lot better about
yourself!
- When we receive your payment, we'll send you the latest
version of PC-Dial. This is the version with the fewest bugs
and the newest enhancements.
- You'll receive a complete, printed copy of the User's Guide.
- We'll add you to our database of supporters. Every time a
new version comes out, we'll automatically send you a flyer
giving you the option of buying the new version for a
nominal update charge - usually about $15.
- We'll give you "priority" treatment if you need to write to
us with problems or questions.
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_
ORDER FORM
-------------------------------------------------------
JIM BUTTON Federal Employer I.D.# 91-1228699
ButtonWare
P.O. Box 5786 (Quantity and dealer
Bellevue, WA 98006 discounts available)
PRICE PRICE
ITEM QTY EACH EXTENDED
========================== === ===== ========
"PC-Dial version 1.5 $29 $
(Includes User's Guide) --- -------
Usage fee for additional $25 $
copies (each building) --- -------
Extra printed User's Guide $15 $
(Registered users only) --- -------
Package of 10 $100 $
Printed User's Guides --- -------
Package of 100 $700 $
Printed User's Guides --- -------
SUBTOTAL: $
-------
7.8% state sales tax $
(Washington state residents) -------
TOTAL: $
-------
MasterCard or Visa or personal check
----- ----- -----
Card number:
-------------------------------------------
Expiration date: Signature:
--------- -------------------
Name
------------------------------------------------
Address
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
City State Zip
------------------------ ----- ---------
_
INDEX
**************************************
* Omitted from the evaluation copy *
**************************************
( 19 )
Directory of PC-SIG Library Disk #0626
Volume in drive A has no label
Directory of A:\
PC-DIAL COM 41242 12-01-84 1:51a
PC-DIAL PRO 286 12-01-84 1:50a
GO BAT 509 1-05-98 9:43a
DOC BAT 247 12-01-84 1:50a
PC-DIAL DOC 49985 12-01-84 1:50a
JR-DIAL COM 41590 12-01-84 1:50a
READ ME 1098 12-01-84 1:50a
FILES626 TXT 1024 1-01-80 7:09a
8 file(s) 135981 bytes
22528 bytes free