PCjs Machines
Home of the original IBM PC emulator for browsers.
PC-SIG Diskette Library (Disk #1635)
[PCjs Machine "ibm5170"]
Waiting for machine "ibm5170" to load....
Information about “TASK MASTER”
Looking for a slick alternative to XTree or your current DOS shell?
TASK MASTER is an integrated set of utilities for disk, directory, and
file management that gives you powers far beyond those of DOS alone.
More than a simple DOS shell, TASK MASTER allows you to log up to 26
disk drives, then graphically display your tree of subdirectories for
any disk drive. It also provides for multiple file functions
including attributes and date/time changes, file security, and backup
onto multiple diskettes. You can recall 20 stored DOS or TASK
MASTER commands. The fully indexed user's manual will guide you
through the power of this program.
Perhaps the greatest strength of TASK MASTER is its ability to work
with whole directories in ways DOS never dreamed of. Copy, move, or
delete a directory or multiple directories with a single step -- as
easy as working with individual files.
FILE1635.TXT
Disk No: 1635
Disk Title: Task Master
PC-SIG Version: S1
Program Title: Task Master
Author Version: 1.0B
Author Registration: $20.00
Special Requirements: None.
Looking for a slick alternative to XTree or your current DOS shell?
TASK MASTER is an integrated set of utilities for disk, directory, and
file management that gives you powers far beyond those of DOS alone.
More than a simple DOS shell, TASK MASTER allows you to log up to 26
disk drives, then graphically display your tree of subdirectories for
any disk drive. It also provides for multiple file functions
including attributes and date/time changes, file security, and backup
onto multiple diskettes You can even recall 20 stored DOS or TASK
MASTER commands. The fully indexed user's manual will guide you
through the power of this program.
Perhaps the greatest strength of TASK MASTER is its ability to work
with whole directories in ways DOS never dreamed of. You are able to
copy, move, or delete a directory or multiple directories with a
single step--as easy as working with individual files.
File Descriptions:
READ ME Introduction file for TASK MASTER.
TM DOC User documentation file.
INSTALL BAT Batch file to install TASK MASTER.
EDIT BAT Batch file used to make edits.
TM EXE Executable file for TASK MASTER.
PC-SIG
1030D East Duane Avenue
Sunnyvale Ca. 94086
(408) 730-9291
(c) Copyright 1988 PC-SIG, Inc.
GO.TXT
╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ <<<< Disk #1635 TASK MASTER >>>> ║
╠═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ To start program, type: TM (press enter) ║
║ To install program on hard drive, type: INSTALL (press enter) ║
║ ║
║ To print documentation, type: COPY TM.DOC PRN ║
╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
TM.DOC
Task Master
____ ______
Directory & File Management Utilities
_________ _ ____ __________ _________
Version 1.0B
User's Guide
Last Revision: June 27, 1988
Softronics
Software Development Group
Product Manager: David W. Hoover
First Printing (December, 1988)
No part of this material may be reproduced in any form or by any
means without written permission of David W. Hoover, except as
provided by explicit license.
Copyright (C) David W. Hoover, 1988
Copyright (C) Softronics, 1988
Restricted Rights:
For non-commercial use: These programs are supplied under a
license. They may be used, disclosed, and/or copied only as
provided under such license. Any copy must contain the above
copyright notices and this restricted rights notice. Use,
copying, and/or disclosure of the programs or program
documentation is strictly prohibited except as provided in the
LIMITED LICENSE agreement.
For United States Government use: Use, duplication, or
disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set
forth in subdivision (b)(3)(ii) of the Rights In Technical Data
and Computer Software Clause at 52.227-7013.
The author reserves the right to revoke the shareware offer
at any time, and without prior notice.
All Rights Reserved
Printed In The USA
Task Master is a trademark of David W. Hoover.
Shareware License Agreement
You are hereby granted a LIMITED LICENSE for the use of the
Task Master Directory & File Management Utilities (the software)
by the author, David W. Hoover, subject to the following
restrictions:
1. You are requested to complete and sign the enclosed
registration form and return it to the author within 30 days
after deciding to keep and use the software. The information
provided on this form will not be released to third parties, nor
will you be contacted regarding registration or registration
payment if you do not wish to become a registered user. By
returning this form you will merely be activating your license as
a licensed user under this agreement.
2. You may use this software only in a non-commercial
environment. A site license for use in a commercial environment
may be obtained from the author for a nominal fee of $10.00 per
copy. A minimum site license fee of $100.00 applies.
3. You are granted permission under this license to make
as many archive copies as you need for your own use.
4. You may copy and distribute this program and its
documentation to any third party for non-commercial use, provided
the original program and documentation are provided to the third
party in unmodified form.
5. You may distribute this software for commercial
purposes to any third party for non-commercial use, provided the
original program and documentation are provided to the third
party in unmodified form and provided the cost of this software
and its documentation does not amount to more than $10.00,
including shipping & handling.
6. The author will provide to registered and licensed
users, free of charge, mail-in support for this software for a
period of one year from the date of receipt of the registration
form by the author.
7. The author will provide software updates to the
licensed or registered user as provided in the accompanying
registration form, for $5.00 shipping & handling, provided the
update request is made prior to December 5, 1988.
This agreement, including the accompanying registration form
(which is incorporated herein by reference) constitutes the
entire agreement between the parties, and may not be amended
without prior additional written agreement between the parties.
The author warrants that the software will perform
substantially as advertised, but does not warrant that the
operation of the program will be without interruption or will be
error free.
Task Master
REGISTRATION FORM
To register your copy of Task Master, Version 1.0A, complete this
form and return it to the author at the address listed below.
Please allow three to four weeks for your registration serial
number to be mailed to you. Thank you for supporting Task
Master.
Name_____________________________________________________________
Address__________________________________________________________
City______________________ State_________________ Zip____________
Phone ( )_____________________ (optional)
( ) LICENSED USER Cost $0
One free software update ($5.00 shipping/handling charge).
Periodic update notices
Technical Support by mail
( ) REGISTERED USER Cost $20
Three free software updates ($5.00 shipping/handling charge).
Periodic update notices
Technical support by mail
Task Master 2.0 (Commercial release, January, 1989).
o OS/2 support
o printed manual
o telephone support
Return this registration form and registration payment (optional)
to:
David W. Hoover
2168 63rd Avenue
Sacramento, California 95822
0001.0B-PCSG
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction .....................................7
System Requirements ..............................8
Hardware requirements .......................8
Shareware version limitations ...............8
Installing Task Master ...........................9
Task Master Distribution Files ..............9
Installation ................................9
Using This Manual ................................10
Running Task Master ..............................11
Running The Program .........................11
Command Line Options ........................11
Task Master Integrated Environment................13
Task Master Screen ..........................13
Displaying Directories & File Information ...13
Directory Display Window ....................13
Directory Statistics ..................14
Directory Window Options ...............14
File Window .................................14
File Statistics ........................15
File Window Options.....................15
Marking Files ..........................15
Volume Statistics ...........................15
File Specifications .........................15
File Lists ..................................16
Command Window ..............................16
Task Master Menus ......................17
Task Master Functions Keys .............18
Task Master Command Line ...............19
Editing Task Master Commands ...........19
Quick Reference ..................................20
Volume Commands .............................20
LOG ....................................20
SORT ...................................20
FILELIST ...............................21
CLOSE ..................................22
DISPLAYALL .............................22
PRINT TREE .............................23
Directory Commands ..........................24
NEW ....................................24
COPY ...................................24
ERASE ..................................26
MOVE ...................................26
RENAME .................................28
PRINT DIRECTORY ........................28
File Commands ...............................29
COPY ...................................29
DELETE .................................31
MOVE ...................................32
RENAME .................................34
ATTR ...................................36
DATE ...................................38
TIME ...................................39
VIEW ...................................40
PICK ...................................41
XECUTE .................................43
Window Commands .............................44
PREVIOUS ...............................44
NEXT ...................................44
SWAP ...................................44
FILESTATS ..............................45
LARGE ..................................45
ACTIVE .................................46
Index .......................................47
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 7
Introduction
I. Introduction
Task Master is an integrated set of disk, directory, and
file management utilities for MS-DOS/PC-DOS based floppy and hard
disk microcomputer systems. Task Master provides many more
directory and file management features than MS-DOS/PC-DOS and
commercial file managers such as Tree86*, XTREE*, XTREE Pro*, and
Still River Shell*.
Specifically Task Master provides these useful features:
o Log up to 26 drives
o Super fast disk logging
o RAM drive support
o Graphic tree displays
o Full directory and filename wildcard support
o Multi-directory, multi-file copys, deletes, moves,
renames, attributes changes, date/time changes, by
o filename mask
o file attributes
o by a combination of the above
o File attribute security
o Easy backup of directories and files onto multiple
diskettes
o Single-step multi-directory removals, including files
o Single-step multi-directory copys; directories in
destination path are created as necessary.
o Single-step multi-directory moves; directories in
destination path are created as necessary.
o "Point & Shoot" directory/file selection and command
processing; easy command line editing
o Recall up to 20 previous DOS/Task Master commands
o Fully indexed user's guide
The scheduled enhancements (and their projected completion
dates) to Task Master are:
o High speed disk copying (9/88)
o High speed disk formatting (9/88)
o Disk and file security wiping (9/88)
o Text search (9/88)
o File encryption (9/88)
o Disk and directory optimization (12/88)
o Disk/directory/file
backup and restore (12/88)
o Network support (12/88)
o Screen, function key
configuration utility (12/88)
o OS/2 support (1/89)
o Task Master 2.0
Commercial Release (1/89)
*Tree86, XTREE, XTREE Pro, and Still River Shell are trademarks
or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 8
System Requirements
II. System Requirements
A. Hardware Requirements
Task Master requires an IBM PC, XT, AT, or 100% compatible
system equipped with at least one disk drive and at least 192K of
available memory. The supported video modes include MDA,
Hercules, CGA, and EGA. (Task Master does not currently support
the 43 line mode of the EGA.)
Task Master also requires MS-DOS, PC-DOS 2.x, 3.x. The
shareware version of Task Master does not support network
environments.
B. Shareware Version Limitations
The shareware version of Task Master has the following
limitations:
Maximum hard drive partition size: 330Mb
Number of logged drives: 26
Number of directories: 32,767
Number of files per logged drive: 32,767
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 9
Installing Task Master
III. Installing Task Master
A. Task Master Distribution Files
Task Master is distributed on one distribution diskette.
The files on this diskette are:
TM.EXE Executable program
INSTALL.BAT Installation utility
TM.DOC Program documentation
READ.ME Latest news and notes
EDIT.BAT VIEW utility batch file
B. Installation Procedures
Task Master requires no installation for use on floppy
diskettes. Simply make of a backup of your Task Master
distribution diskette and you're ready to begin enjoying Task
Master's comprehensive directory and file management utilities.
To install Task Master on a system equipped with a hard
drive, type the following command at the DOS prompt, with the
Task Master distribution diskette in drive A:
INSTALL x:<<ENTER>>
__
where x: is the hard drive where Task Master should be installed.
__
The installation program will create directory \TM on the
selected hard drive and will copy the necessary files from the
Task Master distribution diskette to this directory.
Task Master requires no configuration for different video
monitor types or other hardware configurations.
Task Master may be invoked from any drive or directory if
your AUTOEXEC.BAT file contains the \TM directory variable in the
PATH statement, i.e.
PATH=\TM;
You may also add the drive containing the \TM directory to this
variable. This will allow Task Master tobe invoked at any time
from any drive or directory.
If you wish to use the Task Master VIEW utility, which
allows you to view and edit text or other types of files while
you're working within Task Master, modify the batch file EDIT.BAT
provided with Task Master to include the path and filename used
to run your favorite word processor. By default, the batch file
EDIT.BAT contains the command line:
WS %1 %2 %3 %4 %5
If the filename of your word processor is different than WS.EXE
(or WS.COM), change the filename (WS) to match the path and
filename of your word processor.
Let's say your word processor is named WORD and it is
located in directory C:\WORD. Modify the batch file so that the
command line reads:
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 10
Installing Task Master
C:\WORD\WORD %1 %2 %3 %4 %5
Note that this command line requires DOS 3.2, since the batch
file may be invoked from other than the C:\WORD drive and path.
If you're using a different version of DOS, you'll need to be
sure that the PATH environment variable contains the path to
search for the word processor.
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 11
Using This Manual
IV. Using This Manual
This manual has been designed and written to make it as easy
as possible to get the most power out of Task Master. The first
few chapters present some important information about the Task
Master environment. Later chapters explain each Task Master
function in-depth. We've also added a few examples of each
function's usage to help you get the most out of Task Master's
power and flexibility.
There are a few typographical conventions to be aware of
while reading the user's guide:
1. Italicized words indicate user-supplied information,
i.e. x: may be substituted with any valid drive letter- A, B, C,
_
and so on.
2. Capitalized words and letters designate information
that must be typed in exactly as shown. The one exception is
ENTER, which simply designates that the ENTER key must be
pressed.
NOTE: All references to "currently selected" drive, directory,
or file refer to the drive, directory, or file currently
highlighted in the volume statistics, directory display, or file
display windows.
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 12
Starting & Running Task Master
V. Starting Task Master
A. Running the Program
Task Master requires only 192K of available RAM to operate.
However, if you have a large hard disk more RAM will be required.
If you have problems running the program, and Task Master tells
you that insufficient RAM is available, we suggest you unload
some RAM resident programs or otherwise free up some RAM for use
by Task Master.
To execute Task Master, log the drive and directory
containing the Task Master program files and type the following
command at the DOS prompt:
TM<<ENTER>>
Unless otherwise directed, Task Master will log the current
drive. If you wish to log a drive other than the current drive,
you may specify the desired drive on the DOS command line, as
explained in the next section.
B. Command Line Options
By default, Task Master logs the current drive and will
display all file entries contained on this drive sorted in
ascending alphabetical order. If you want to specify the drive to
log or the sort order of the file display, Task Master allows the
following DOS command line options:
TM [x:] [/[+|-]O|N|E|D|S]
_
where
x: = Desired drive
_
+ = Ascending sort modifier
- = Descending sort modifier
O = Don't sort file entries, physical order
N = Sort by filename
E = Sort by file extension
D = Sort by file creation/modification date
S = Sort by file size
As an example, the command line
TM A: /-S
will force Task Master to log the A: drive and to sort file
entries in descending size order. If no sort order modifier (+/-)
is supplied, "+" is assumed. If no sort option is specified,
"+N" is assumed.
If you should specify a drive which Task Master cannot
access or if there is insufficient memory to run Task Master, the
program will describe the error and display the message:
Can't access specified drive!
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 13
Starting & Running Task Master
and will abort. Check the DOS command line for errors or unload
some memory-resident programs and try again.
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 14
The Task Master Integrated Environment
VI. The Task Master Integrated Environment
Task Master divides the display into several "windows", each
of which displaying some important information about the
directories and files on the currently selected drive. Task
Master allows you to configure this display to change the way
this information is displayed, with a minimum amount of effort on
your part. Power and flexibility are as important to us and they
are to you!
A. Task Master Main Screen
The Task Master screen resembles the following example:
[Task Master Screen Shot]
Screen 1
______ _
As shown above, Task Master divides the screen into several
areas- the directory display window, the file entry display
window, the volume statistics window, the directory statistics
window, and the file specification window.
B. Displaying Directories & Files
The directory and file display windows contain the
directory and file lists of the currently selected drive. Only
one of these windows can be active at a time. Press the F2
function key or select the "/WA" command to make the desired
window active.
The left arrow, right arrow, PageUp, PageDown, Home, and
End cursor control keys are used to move the highlighted video
item selector through the directory and file lists; i.e. the up
arrow key moves the item selector up one entry, or the down arrow
key moves the item selector down one entry. The cursor control
keys and their actions are shown below:
LeftArrow = Move left one entry (Files Display Only)
RightArrow = Move right one entry (Files Display Only)
UpArrow = Move up one entry
DownArrow = Move down one entry
PageUp = Move up one window
PageDown = Move down one window
Home = Move to start of list
End = Move to end of list
C. The Directory Window
The directory display window is active when Task Master is
first invoked. To make the file display active, choose the "/WA"
command option or press the F2 function key. To make the
directory window active again, choose the "/WA" command menu
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 15
The Task Master Integrated Environment
option or press the F2 function key again. Up to 13 directories
are displayed in the window, and the statement "More" is shown at
the bottom of the directory window when more directories exist in
the directory list for the currently selected drive. Those
directories not shown can be viewed by moving the item selector
through the directory list.
1. Directory Statistics
When the directory window is active, moving the item
selector up or down the list using the cursor control keys causes
both the directory list and directory statistics displays to
display important information about the currently selected
directory. The item selector and the Path: display at the top of
_____
the directory display window display the currently selected
directory and the directory statistics window shows the
statistics for this directory, including the total, matching, and
marked number of files and the cumulative file sizes for the
total, matching, and marked number of files. As shown in Screen
1, Task Master also displays the name of the currently selected
directory in the directory statistics window.
Movement of the item selector within the directory window
also causes the file window to show the file entries contained in
the currently selected directory. This display takes place in
the file list display window in real-time with changes in
directory selections.
2. Directory Window Options
The directory window can be enlarged using command menu
option "/WL". This command forces the directory display .IX WL,
Discussed
window to expand to cover the area normally occupied by both the
directory and file windows. The directory window must be active
when this option is selected. To restore the directory window to
its normal size, choose the command menu option "/WL" again.
The position of the directory window can be swapped with
the position of the file window (command menu option "/WS"). The
directory window must be active when this command is selected.
To restore the directory and file windows to their normal
positions, choose command menu option "/WS" again.
Display commands are discussed fully in the Quick Reference
section under Window Commands.
D. The File Window
The files window can be accessed by toggling between the
directory and file windows, using the menu option "/WA" or the F2
function key. Up to 20 files can be displayed at a time in the
file window. The statement "More" appears at the bottom of the
window when there are more files in the currently selected
directory than will fit in the file window. Those file entries
not shown can be viewed by using the cursor control keys to move
the item selector through the file entry list.
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 16
The Task Master Integrated Environment
1. File Statistics
By default, the files display list shows only filenames. To
display the statistics for each file (which include the file
size, file creation/modification date, and attributes), choose
the command menu option "/WF". This allows display of file
statistics but limits the file display window to 5 entries.
Again, the statement "More" appears on the last line of the
window when more file entries can be viewed. To omit the file
statistics from the display, choose the "/WF" command option
again.
2. File Window Options
The file window can be enlarged to cover the area normally
occupied by both the directory and file windows (command menu
option "/WL") or can be swapped with the contents of the
directory window (command menu option "/WS"). Successive
execution of the "/WL" or "/WS" command menu options will reverse
the effects of a previous command.
3. Marking Files (Tagging)
To mark a file for a file operation, select the desired file
using the item selector and press the F3 key. Pressing the F#
when the file window is active marks only the currently selected
file. Pressing F3 when the directory window is active marks all
files in that directory. Task Master will display the symbol
">M" next to the filename and its parent directory to indicate
that the file is marked and that the directory contains marked
files. The marked file(s) can now be operated upon by any Task
Master function which accepts the "/M" (operate on marked files
only) option, such as file COPY or file REMOVE.
You can also mark files by choosing the "/FP" command. This
command lets you mark groups of files based on an optional file
specification and specified file attributes. The PICK command
also allows you to locate specific files you may have "misplaced"
somewhere on your hard disk. See the description of the PICK
command in the FILE commands section of the Quick Reference guide
to Task Master commands for more information.
E. Volume Statistics Window
The volume statistics window shows the number of files on
the currently selected drive and the number of files matching
the current file display specification. The volume statistics
display also shows the total space, the unallocated free space,
and the total bytes contained in all matching files on the
volume. In the case of the cumulative size of all matching files,
this value represents the the actual sum of bytes in the files,
not the space the files would occupy on a hard or floppy disk.
F. File Specification Display Window
The file specification display shows the file specification
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 17
The Task Master Integrated Environment
for the current file list. The default file specification is
"*.*" (all files), and is called the master list.
______ ____
G. File Lists
Each time a new drive is logged, a master file list is
created. Each time a new file specification is set, Task Master
creates a separate file list. This file list is separate from
all previous file lists, including the master file list. Only
those files matching the file specification for the currently
selected file list will be shown in the file window.
Task Master allows you to define many lists for each logged
drive. Task Master does not limit the number of file lists you
may define, but the actual number that can be created is relative
to number of files and directories in the file list and the
amount of available memory.
As an example of the Task Master file list concept, consider
the following examples.
If drive A: has the files:
TM.EXE TM.DOC UPDATE.DOC CHKDSK.EXE BACKUP.EXE
the master file list "*.*" would be created when this drive is
logged and would contain all files on this drive. If you then
execute the Task Master command volume FILELIST "/VF" (which is
described in the next section), and set the file specification to
"*.EXE", Task Master would create a new file list based on the
files on drive A: and would only include those files matching the
new file "*.EXE" specification. Thus, only the files
TM.EXE CHKDSK.EXE BACKUP.EXE
would be displayed in the file window. After creating a new file
list, Task Master does not erase the previous or master file
lists. You can switch back to the previously displayed file list
using other Task Master display commands, which are discussed in
the following sections.
1. Creating File lists
If you wish to create separate file lists based on a
specific drive, choose the "/VF" (volume FILELIST) command option
and provide the desired drive and file specification.
2. Switching File lists
To return to previous file lists, choose the command option
"/WP". To go to succeeding file lists, choose the "/WN" option. To
close a "file list", i.e. to get rid of it, choose the "/VC" command
option.
CAUTION: All file operations involving file specifications
containing wildcard characters are relative to the master file
______ ____
list and not the current file list.
____
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 18
The Task Master Integrated Environment
H. Command Window
The last three lines of the screen are collectively used as
the command window. The command window is used to enter and
display commands, to display error messages, and to otherwise
interact with you.
1. Task Master Menus
Task Master provides two means of accessing commands- menus
and "function keys". The primary reason that we've provided two
ways of accessing commands is that some people like choosing
commands from menus, and some like choosing commands using
"function keys".
Task Master menus and the commands contained in them are
shown in the diagram below.
MAIN MENU
/--------\ /------\ /-----------\ /--------\
| VOLUME |------| FILE |-----| DIRECTORY |------| WINDOW |
\--------/ \------/ \-----------/ \--------/
| | SUB-MENUS | |
/------------\ /------------\ /------------\ /------------\
| FILELIST | | COPY | | NEW | | PREVIOUS |
\------------/ \------------/ \------------/ \------------/
/------------\ /------------\ /------------\ /------------\
| LOG | | ERASE | | COPY | | NEXT |
\------------/ \------------/ \------------/ \------------/
/------------\ /------------\ /------------\ /------------\
| SORT | | MOVE | | REMOVE | | FILESTATS |
\------------/ \------------/ \------------/ \------------/
/------------\ /------------\ /------------\ /------------\
| CLOSE | | RENAME | | MOVE | | SWAP |
\------------/ \------------/ \------------/ \------------/
/------------\ /------------\ /------------\ /------------\
| PRINT | | ATTR | | RENAME | | LARGE |
\------------/ \------------/ \------------/ \------------/
/------------\ /------------\ /------------\
| DATE | | PRINT | | ACTIVE |
\------------/ \------------/ \------------/
/------------\
| TIME |
\------------/
/------------\
| VIEW |
\------------/
/------------\
| PICK |
\------------/
/------------\
| XECUTE |
\------------/
To get to the main menu, press the "/" key. Once the
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 19
The Task Master Integrated Environment
main menu is displayed, you can choose the desired menu by
pressing the keyboard character corresponding to the first letter
of the desired menu. You can also choose the desired menu by
using the standard left arrow and right arrow cursor control
keys to position the highlighted item selector on the desired
menu name. Once you've chosen the desired menu, press the ENTER
key to confirm the choice and display the menu.
Once the desired menu is displayed, choose the desired
command. This is done using the same technique used when
choosing a menu. After you choose a command, Task Master will
open up a command window on the last three lines of the monitor
screen. The command name will be displayed on line 1 of the
window and the syntax for the selected command, if any, will be
displayed on line 3 of the command window.
To execute a command, just type the required parameters for
the command (as required by the displayed syntax) and press the
ENTER key. Task Master will then execute the command. If an
error is encountered, Task Master will display a DOS-like error
message.
2. Task Master Function Keys
Task Master also provides a short-cut to choosing commands
from menus. This short-cut is based on function-key-like
keystrokes. Press the ALT or CTRL keys, or both, depending on
the menu containing the desired command, in combination with the
first letter of the desired command.
The menus correspond to the keystrokes
FILE = ALT
WINDOW = ALT + SHIFT
DIRECTORY = ALT + CTRL
VOLUME = SHIFT + CTRL
To activate the file COPY command, for instance, press the
ALT and C keys simultaneously; this simulates the menu keystroke
sequence "/FC". To activate the volume LOG drive command, press
the SHIFT + CTRL + L keys simultaneously; this simulates the menu
keystroke sequence "/VL".
One important note: You can jump from one command to
another at any time by making a new function key command
selection. You can issue this command at any point, even while
editing a command line. This is quite useful when you
inadvertently call up, say, the file COPY command and discover
that you really want to copy the entire directory- possibly even
an entire directory structure- with the directory COPY command.
Other function keys used in conjunction with some Task
Master commands are:
F4: Recall Command (Recall up to 20 previous Task Master
or DOS commands)
F9: Search Forward (Used to locate and display files found
by the PICK command)
F10: Search Backward (Same as above)
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 20
The Task Master Integrated Environment
3. The Task Master Command Line
For some commands, the Task Master command interface
automatically appends the path or filename of the currently
selected path or filename to the command name displayed on line 1
of the command window, depending on the currently active window.
If the file window is active, Task Master appends the filename of
the currently selected file, otherwise Task Master appends the
current path. As you change the selection of a directory or
file, Task Master automatically updates the command line to
reflect the new directory or filename selection.
To quit a command at any time and close the command window,
press the ESC key. To choose another command while the command
window is open, press the up or down arrow key. Task Master then
reverts to the parent menu of the command or menu, or closes the
command window if exiting from the main menu.
4. Entering & Editing Commands
If a command has been chosen and the command name appears
on line 1 of the command window, you may enter required parameters
and options on the command line. You may use the following
keystrokes to invoke special Task Master command line editing
functions:
INS Toggle insert mode on/off
DEL Delete character to the right of the cursor
^HOME Go to the start of the command line
^END Go to the end of the command line
^LEFT Move left, non-destructive
^RIGHT Move right, non-destructive
BS Destructive backspace
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 21
Volume Commands
VII. Volume Commands
Task Master provides several commands for manipulating hard
and floppy diskette volumes. These commands are described in this
section.
A. LOG
The LOG command logs and creates a master file list of the
______ ____ ____
diskette in the designated drive. LOG accepts the following
command line parameters:
LOG x[:]
_
The only command line parameter, x[:], specifies the drive
_
to log.
If you inadvertently try to log a drive which has already been
logged, Task Master will automatically switch to the master file
list for the desired drive.
If you wish to relog a drive which has already been logged, close
the existing file list using the volume CLOSE command first, and
then LOG the desired drive.
Messages:
Can't log specified drive: You specified an invalid drive.
Insufficient memory: Not enough memory to log the drive.
Example:
LOG A:
Log the A: drive.
See Also: FILELIST
B. SORT
The SORT command arranges the display order of files for a
specified drive. SORT accepts the following command line
parameters:
SORT [x:] [[+|-][O|N|E|D|S]]
_
where
x: = Desired drive
_
+ = Ascending sort modifier
- = Descending sort modifier
O = Physical order (order of appearance in directory)
N = Sort by filename
E = Sort by file extension
D = Sort by file creation/modification date
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 22
Volume Commands
S = Sort by file size
If the operator "-" is encountered before the sort character, the
order of the sort is reversed for the sort operation. If "+" and
"-" are absent on the command line, "+" is assumed.
The SORT command sorts all file lists matching the current drive,
not just the current file list.
Messages:
Invalid sort option: You specified an invalid option on the
command line.
Examples:
SORT C: -D
Sort the files for all file lists of drive C: in descending date
order.
See Also: FILELIST
C. FILELIST
The FILELIST command creates a new file list from the master
file list for the specified drive. The command line syntax is
described below.
FILELIST [x:]fspec
__ _____
where x: specifies the drive containing the files matching fspec.
__ _____
fspec may be any valid filename, and may include wildcard
_____
characters "*" and "?".
The new file list will become the current file list and will
contain only those files matching fspec. If you mistakenly
_____
specify an fspec which has already been created for the same
_____
drive, Task Master will not create the new file list but will
display the file list for the desired file specification.
Messages:
Insufficient memory: Not enough memory was available to create
the new file list.
Examples:
FILELIST *.COM
Create a new file list containing only COM files on the
currently selected drive.
See Also: CLOSE, SORT
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 23
Volume Commands
D. CLOSE
The CLOSE command closes all file lists associated with a
designated drive. CLOSE accepts the following command line
parameters:
CLOSE [x[:]]
_
where x: defines the drive associated with the file lists to
__
close. If x: is omitted, the currently selected drive is
__
assumed.
If there is only one logged drive when the CLOSE command is
executed, only the master file list will remain- any other
existing file lists for the drive will be closed.
Messages:
Not valid window: You specified a file list which does not exist.
Examples:
CLOSE A:
Close all file lists (except the master file list)
associated with drive A:
CLOSE
Close all file lists associated with the currently selected
drive.
See Also: None
E. DISPLAYALL
The DISPLAYALL command creates a new file list from the
master file list for the specified drive. All of the files on
the specified drive will be shown in ascending alphabetical
order. DISPLAYALL accepts the following command line parameters:
DISPLAYALL [x:]
__
where x: specifies the drive containing the files to display in
__
DISPLAYALL mode.
The new DISPLAYALL file list will become the current file list
and will contain all files on the drive. If you mistakenly
specify a drive for a DISPLAYALL which has already been created
for the same drive, Task Master will not create the new
DISPLAYALL file list but will display the previously established
DISPLAYALL file list.
To close the DISPLAYALL file list, execute the "/VC", Volume
CLOSE, command.
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 24
Volume Commands
Messages:
Not valid window: You specified a window which does not exist.
Examples:
DISPLAYALL
Create DISPLAYALL file list, display all files on the currently
selected drive.
See Also: CLOSE
F. PRINT TREE
The PRINT TREE command prints a graphic representation of
the currently selected drive's tree on the printer, or to a disk
file. PRINT TREE accepts the following command line parameters:
PRINT TREE [[x:]pathname]
__ ________
The first parameter, x:, specifies the drive portion of the
_
pathname to use when creating a disk file for the tree. If x: and
_
pathname are omitted, the printer attached to PRN device is used.
________
Messages:
Can't Open File: You specified an invalid filename, or the
disk is full.
See Also:
None
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 25
Directory Commands
VIII. Directory Commands
Task Master provides some very sophisticated
directory management tools. Most of these tools are not provided
in file managers costing three times as much as Task Master.
We're sure you'll find them quite useful in copying, removing, or
moving multiple directories at one time.
A. NEW
The NEW command creates a directory. NEW accepts the
following command line parameters:
NEW [x:]pathname
_ ________
The first parameter [x:] specifies the drive on which to create
_
the directory. The second parameter specifies the name of the
directory to create. If [x:] is omitted, the currently selected
_
drive is assumed.
Messages:
Not enough memory: Not enough memory was available to
make the directory.
Invalid path/filename: The path was not valid, the drive
could not be found, or the directory
already exists.
Source drive not logged: The source drive you specified has not
been logged.
Insufficient disk space: Not enough disk space was available to
make the directory.
Examples:
NEW C:\MYDIR
Create a directory \MYDIR on drive C.
NEW MYDIR
Create directory MYDIR as a subdirectory of the
currently selected directory.
See Also: None
B. COPY
The COPY command copies a directory and its files to a
specified drive and/or directory, creating the directory on the
target drive if necessary. COPY accepts the following command
line parameters:
COPY [x:]pathname [y:]pathname [/D][/S][/V]
_ ________ _ ________
Command line options are:
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 26
Directory Commands
[/D] Copy all directories in the source path, including
nested subdirectories. Directory
wildcards may not be used if this option
___ ___ __ ____
is specified.
[/S] Suppress "existing file" prompts. Normally,
Task Master requests your permission to
copy over an existing file with the same name
as the source filename.
[/V] Verify that data has been copied accurately.
The first two parameters, [x:] and pathname, specify the source
_ ________
drive and pathname of the directory to copy. The third and
fourth parameters, [y:] and [pathname], specify the destination
__ ________
drive and path for the copy. If [x:] is omitted, the currently
_
selected drive is assumed; if [y:] is omitted, [x:] is assumed.
_ _
Task Master does not allow a file to be copied onto itself.
Messages:
Not enough memory: Not enough memory was available to
copy the directory.
Invalid path/filename: The path was not valid, or the file(s)
was not found, or the directory does not
exist.
Source drive not logged: The source drive you specified has not
been logged.
Can't copy file: You may not copy a file onto itself.
Insufficient disk space: Not enough disk space to perform the
copy.
Can't open source: Task Master could not open the source
file.
Can't open destination: Task Master could create destination
file.
Can't create directory: Task Master could not create the directory
because the path was not valid, or the
file(s) was not found, or the directory
does not exist.
Examples:
COPY A:\DBASE C:\
Copy directory \DBASE on drive A: to drive C: and create it
off the root directory (thus creating directory C:\DBASE),
if necessary.
COPY A:\COMPILERS C:\LANG\C
Copy directory \COMPILERS on drive A: to drive C: and create
it off the C:\LANG\C directory (thus creating directory
C:\LANG\C\COMPILERS), if necessary.
See Also: file COPY, directory MOVE
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 27
Directory Commands
C. ERASE
The ERASE command removes the specified directory from the
specified drive. ERASE accepts the following command line
parameters:
ERASE [x:]pathname [/D][/R]
_ ________
Command line options are:
[/D] Remove all directories in the source path, including
nested subdirectories. Directory
wildcards may not be used if this option
___ ___ __ ____
is specified.
[/R] Remove all files from directory. The
message "Are you sure? (Y/N)" is always
displayed before erasing the files.
The first and second parameters, [x:] and pathname, specify the
_ ________
drive and path containing the directory to erase. If [x:] is
_
omitted, the currently selected drive is assumed.
Pathname may not contain directory or filename wildcard
________
characters. Unless the "/R" option is used, a directory
containing files will not be erased. A directory containing
subdirectories will never be erased unless the "/D" is used.
Messages:
Invalid path/filename: The path was not valid, or the file(s)
was not found.
Source drive not logged: The source drive you specified has not
been logged.
Can't erase directory: Unknown error which prevented the
deletion of the directory.
Files in directory: Task Master found files in the directory
and the "/R" option was not used.
Subdirs in directory: The specified directory contained
subdirectories and you did not specify
the "/D" option.
Examples:
ERASE A:\DBASE /R
Erase the \DBASE directory on the A: drive and remove
files if necessary.
See Also: MOVE Directory
D. MOVE
The MOVE command copies a directory to a specified
drive/directory and then deletes the original copy. MOVE accepts
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 28
Directory Commands
the following command line parameters:
MOVE [x:]pathname [y:]pathname [/D][/S][/V]
_ ________ _ ________
Command line parameters are:
[/D] Move all directories in the source path, including
nested subdirectories. Directory
wildcards may not be used if this option
___ ___ __ ____
is specified.
[/S] Suppress "existing file" prompts. Normally,
Task Master requests your permission to
copy over an existing file with the same name
as the destination pathname.
[/V] Verify that data has been copied accurately.
The first parameter [x:] specifies the source drive of the
_
directory matching the directory specification defined in the
second parameter, pathname. The third, [y:], and fourth,
________ _
[pathname], parameters specify the destination drive and path for
________
the move. If [x:] is omitted, the currently selected drive is
_
assumed. If [y:] is omitted, [x:] is assumed.
_ _
Messages:
Not enough memory: Not enough memory was available to
perform the move.
Invalid path/filename: The path was not valid, or the file(s)
was not found.
Source drive not logged: The source drive you specified has not
been logged.
No matching files: No files matching the pathname were
found.
Can't copy file: You may not move a file onto itself.
Insufficient disk space: Not enough disk space to perform the
copy.
Can't open source: Task Master could not open the source
file.
Can't open destination: Task Master could not create destination
file.
Can't delete directory: Source directory may have contained
directories.
Examples:
MOVE A:\DBASE B:\
Move the directory \DBASE in the root directory of drive A
to the root directory of drive B. Erase directory and files
in source path after moving.
MOVE A:\DBASE B:\DATABASE
Move directory A:\DBASE to B:\DATABASE. Create directory
B:\DATABASE\DBASE if necessary, and remove directory
A:\DBASE.
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 29
Directory Commands
See Also: COPY Directory, MOVE file, COPY file
E. RENAME
The RENAME command renames a directory to a specified name.
RENAME may only be invoked from the Task Master integrated
environment. RENAME accepts the following command line
parameters:
RENAME [x:]pathname pathname
_ ________ ________
The first two parameters, [x:] and pathname, specify the
_ ________
directory to rename. The third parameter specifies the new name
for the directory. If [x:] is omitted, the currently selected
_
drive is assumed.
Messages:
Invalid path/filename: The path was not valid, or the file(s)
was not found.
Source drive not logged: The source drive you specified has not
been logged.
No matching files: No files matching the pathname were
found.
Can't rename file: Task Master could not rename the
directory.
Examples:
RENAME A:\DBASE \MYBASE
Rename the directory A:\DBASE to \MYBASE.
See Also: RENAME file
G. PRINT DIRECTORY
The PRINT DIRECTORY command prints a graphic representation
of the currently selected drive's tree on the printer, or to a
disk file. PRINT DIRECTORY accepts the following command line
parameters:
PRINT DIRECTORY [[x:]pathname]
__ ________
The first parameter, x:, specifies the drive portion of the
_
pathname to use when creating a disk file for the tree. If x: and
_
pathname are omitted, the printer attached to PRN device is used.
________
Messages:
Can't Open File: You specified an invalid filename, or the
disk is full.
See Also: None
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 30
File Commands
IX. File Commands
In addition to some useful file management commands such as
ATTR, DATE, TIME, and PICK, Task Master provides the usual file
management fare, including COPY, ERASE, MOVE, and RENAME. Unlike
most file managers though, Task Master extends the usual
functionality to include the ability to execute these commands
based on specified filename and attribute masks. Just try that
with other file managers!
A. COPY
The COPY command copies one or more files to a specified
drive/directory. COPY accepts the following command line
parameters:
COPY [x:]pathname [y:]pathname ["RHSA"] [/D][/S][/V][/M]
_ ________ _ ________
Command line options are:
[/D] Copy all files in the source path, including
those in nested subdirectories. Directory
wildcards may not be used if this option
___ ___ __ ____
is specified.
[/V] Verify that data has been copied accurately.
[/S] Suppress "existing file" prompts. Normally,
Task Master requests your permission to
copy over an existing file with the same name
as the source filename.
[/M] Copy only marked files to specified destination.
The first parameter [x:] specifies the source drive of the files
_
matching the file specification defined in the second parameter,
pathname. The second parameter may include a path specification
________
and wildcard characters which define the directories and files to
be copied. The third, [y:], and fourth, [pathname], parameters
_ ________
specify the destination drive and path for the copy.
If no drive is specified, the drive for the current file list is
assumed. If no directory is specified, the currently selected
directory is assumed. If no filename is specified in either
pathname, Task Master assumes "*.*". If the "/D" option is used,
no directory wildcards may be used.
You may direct the COPY command to copy files whose attributes
match those specified in the optional attributes parameter, which
must be enclosed in double-quotes. These attribute letters
correspond to file attribute bits as follows:
R Read-Only
H Hidden
S System
A Archive
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 31
File Commands
Each attribute specified in the attributes option will be
compared against the attributes of the files specified in the
source pathname. Only those files matching both the source
pathname and containing any of the attributes specified in the
attributes option will be copied. If no attributes are
specified, "RHSA" is assumed.
By adding the "/M" option, you may direct the COPY command to
copy only those files you have marked using the PICK command or
the F3 function and that match the source filename specified on
the command line. You may also use the attribute and "/S" and
"/V" options in conjunction with the "/M" option, but the "/D"
option will have no affect.
When a file is copied, the archive bit of the destination file is
set to indicate that the file should be archived.
Task Master does not allow a file to be copied onto itself. Task
Master does not allow files to be appended to one another, using
the DOS "+" operator.
Messages:
Not enough memory: Not enough memory was available to
perform the copy.
Invalid path/filename: The path was not valid, or the file(s)
was not found.
Source drive not logged: The source drive you specified has not
been logged.
No matching files: No files matching the pathname were
found.
Can't copy file: You may not copy a file onto itself.
Insufficient disk space: Not enough disk space to perform the
copy.
Can't open source: Task Master could not open the source
file.
Can't open destination: Task Master could not create destination
file.
Examples:
COPY A:\*.* B:\
Copy all files in the root directory of drive A to the root
directory of drive B.
COPY A:\DBASE\*.*\*.* C:\ /S
Copy all files in all level 2 subdirectories in subdirectory
DBASE on drive A to the root directory of drive C. Suppress
"existing file" messages and prompts.
COPY A:\DBASE\DAT\*.DAT C:\*.DOC
Copy all DAT files in directory A:\DBASE\DAT to the root
directory of drive C and rename the filename extensions to
DOC.
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 32
File Commands
COPY A:\DBASE C:\ /D
Copy all files in all subdirectories at or below directory
DBASE on drive A to the root directory of drive C.
COPY A:\DBASE B:\ "A"
Copy all files in the A:\DBASE directory which have the
ARCHIVE bit set to the root directory on drive B:.
See Also: MOVE file, COPY directory
B. DELETE
The DELETE command removes the specified file(s) from the
specified drive/directory. DELETE accepts the following command
line parameters:
DELETE [x:]pathname ["RHSA"] [/D][/M]
_ ________
Command line options are:
[/D] Delete all files in the source path, including
those in nested subdirectories. Directory
wildcards may not be used if this option
___ ___ __ ____
is specified.
[/M] Delete only marked files.
The first and second parameters, [x:] and pathname, specify the
_ ________
drive and path containing the files to delete. Pathname
________
may contain directory or file name wildcard specifications. A
wildcard specification of "*.*" will result in a display of the
message "Are you sure? (Y/N)".
If no drive is specified, the drive for the current file list is
assumed. If no directory is specified, the currently selected
directory is assumed. If no filename is specified in either
pathname, Task Master assumes "*.*".
If the "/D" option is used, no directory wildcards may be used.
You may direct the DELETE command to delete files whose
attributes match those specified in the optional attributes
parameter, which must be enclosed in double-quotes. These
attribute letters correspond to file attribute bits as follows:
R Read-Only
H Hidden
S System
A Archive
Each attribute specified in the attributes option will be
compared against the attributes of the files specified in the
source pathname. Only those files matching both the source
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 33
File Commands
pathname and containing any of the attributes specified in the
attributes option will be copied. If no attributes are
specified, "RHSA" is assumed.
By adding the "/M" option, you may direct the DELETE command to
delete only those files you have marked using the PICK command or
the F3 function and that match the source filename specified on
the command line. You may also use the attribute and "/S" and
"/V" options in conjunction with the "/M" option, but the "/D"
option will have no affect.
Unlike DOS, Task Master allows you to delete subdirectories and
the files in them, all with one command (see REMOVE under
directory commands).
Messages:
Invalid path/filename: The path was not valid, or the file(s)
was not found.
Source drive not logged: The source drive you specified has not
been logged.
No matching files: No files matching the pathname were
found.
Can't delete file: Unknown error which prevented the
deletion.
Can't open source: Task Master could not open the source
file.
Examples:
DELETE A:\*.*
DELETE all files in the root directory of drive A.
DELETE A:\DBASE\*.*\*.* /S
Delete all files in all level 2 subdirectories in subdirectory
DBASE on drive A. Suppress "Are you sure" messages and
prompts.
DELETE A:\DBASE\DAT\*.DAT
Delete all DAT files in directory A:\DBASE\DAT.
DELETE A:\DBASE /D
Delete all files in all subdirectories at or below directory
DBASE on drive A.
See Also: REMOVE directory
C. MOVE
The MOVE command copies one or more files to a specified
drive or directory and then deletes the original copy. MOVE
accepts the following command line parameters:
MOVE [x:]pathname [y:]pathname ["RHSA"] [/D][/S][/V][/M]
_ ________ _ ________
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 34
File Commands
Command line options are:
[/D] Move all files in the source path, including
those in nested subdirectories. Directory
wildcards may not be used if this option
___ ___ __ ____
is specified.
[/V] Verify that data has been copied accurately.
[/S] Suppress "existing file" prompts. Normally,
Task Master requests your permission to
copy over an existing file with the same name
as the destination pathname.
[/M] Move only marked files to specified destination.
The first parameter [x:] specifies the source drive of the files
_
matching the file specification defined in the second parameter,
pathname. The second parameter may include a path specification
________
and wildcard characters which define the directories or filenames
of the files to be moved. The third, [y:], and fourth,
_
[pathname], parameters specify the destination drive and path for
________
the move. Task Master does not allow a file to be moved onto
itself.
If no drive is specified, the drive for the current file list is
assumed. If no directory is specified, the currently selected
directory is assumed. If no filename is specified in either
pathname, Task Master assumes "*.*". If the "/D" option is used,
no directory wildcards may be used.
You may direct the MOVE command to move files whose attributes
match those specified in the optional attributes parameter, which
must be enclosed in double-quotes. These attribute letters
correspond to file attribute bits as follows:
R Read-Only
H Hidden
S System
A Archive
Each attribute specified in the attributes option will be
compared against the attributes of the files specified in the
source pathname. Only those files matching both the source
pathname and containing any of the attributes specified in the
attributes option will be copied. If no attributes are
specified, "RHSA" is assumed.
By adding the "/M" option, you may direct the MOVE command to
move only those files you have marked using the PICK command or
the F3 function and that match the source filename specified on
the command line. You may also use the attribute and "/S" and
"/V" options in conjunction with the "/M" option, but the "/D"
option will have no affect.
When a file is moved, the archive bit of the destination file is
set to indicate that the file should be archived.
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 35
File Commands
Messages:
Not enough memory: Not enough memory was available to
perform the move.
Invalid path/filename: The path was not valid, or the file(s)
was not found.
Source drive not logged: The source drive you specified has not
been logged.
No matching files: No files matching the pathname were
found.
Can't copy file: You may not move a file onto itself.
Insufficient disk space: Not enough disk space to perform the
copy.
Can't open source: Task Master could not open the source
file.
Can't open destination: Task Master could not create destination
file.
Examples:
MOVE A:\*.* B:\
Move all files in the root directory of drive A to the root
directory of drive B. Erase files in source path after
moving.
MOVE A:\DBASE\*.*\*.* C:\ /S
Move all files in all level 2 subdirectories in subdirectory
DBASE on drive A to the root directory of drive C. Suppress
"existing file" messages and prompts. Files in source path
erased after moving.
MOVE A:\DBASE\DAT\*.DAT C:\*.DOC
Move all DAT files in directory A:\DBASE\DAT to the root
directory of drive C and rename the filename extensions to
DOC. Files in source path are erased after moving.
MOVE A:\DBASE C:\ /D
Move all files in all subdirectories at or below directory
DBASE on drive A to the root directory of drive C. Erase
file sin source path after moving.
See Also: MOVE directory
D. RENAME
The RENAME command changes the name of one or more files.
RENAME accepts the following command line parameters:
RENAME [x:]pathname pathname ["RHSA"] [/D][/M]
_ ________ ________
Command line options are:
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 36
File Commands
[/D] Rename all files in the source path, including
those in nested subdirectories. Directory
wildcards may not be used if this option
___ ___ __ ____
is specified.
[/M] Rename only marked files.
The first parameter, [x:], specifies the drive containing the
_
files to be renamed. The second parameter, pathname, specifies
________
the path and file specification of the files to be renamed. The
third parameter, pathname, specifies the new directory and/or
________
file names. Wildcard characters (* and ?) are allowed in the
source parameter, and may denote subdirectories and/or filenames.
If no drive is specified, the drive for the current file list is
assumed. If no directory is specified, the currently selected
directory is assumed. If no filename is specified in either
pathname, Task Master assumes "*.*".
If the "/D" option is used, no directory wildcards may be used.
If the "/M" is used, only marked files will be renamed.
You may direct the RENAME command to rename files whose
attributes match those specified in the optional attributes
parameter, which must be enclosed in double-quotes. These
attribute letters correspond to file attribute bits as follows:
R Read-Only
H Hidden
S System
A Archive
Each attribute specified in the attributes option will be
compared against the attributes of the files specified in the
source pathname. Only those files matching both the source
pathname and containing any of the attributes specified in the
attributes option will be copied. If no attributes are
specified, "RHSA" is assumed.
By adding the "/M" option, you may direct the RENAME command to
rename only those files you have marked using the PICK command or
the F3 function and that match the source filename specified on
the command line. You may also use the attribute and "/S" and
"/V" options in conjunction with the "/M" option, but the "/D"
option will have no affect.
Messages:
Not enough memory: Not enough memory was available to
rename the files.
Invalid path/filename: The path was not valid, or the file(s)
was not found.
Source drive not logged: The source drive you specified has not
been logged.
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 37
File Commands
No matching files: No files matching the pathname were
found.
Can't copy file: You may not move a file onto itself.
Insufficient disk space: Not enough disk space to perform the
copy.
Can't open source: Task Master could not open the source
file.
Can't open destination: Task Master could not create destination
file.
Examples:
RENAME *.BAT *.DOC
Rename all files containing the filename extension ".BAT" in
the currently selected directory to ".DOC".
RENAME \DBASE\INVENT.DBF \DBASE\BACKUP.DBF\INVENT.DBF
Rename the INVENT.DBF file from the \DBASE directory to
directory \DBASE\BACKUP.DBF\ directory on the currently
selected drive.
RENAME \*.*\*.*\*.TXT \*.*\*.*\*.DOC
Rename all files in all level 2 subdirectories from *.TXT to
*.DOC.
See Also: RENAME directory
D. ATTR
The ATTR (Change Attribute) command sets or resets any
attribute of a file, including those not defined by MS-DOS/PC-
DOS. ATTR accepts the following command line parameters:
ATTR [x:]pathname attribs ["RHSA"] [/D][/M]
_ ________ _______
Command line options are:
[/D] Alter the attributes of all files in the source
path, including those in nested subdirectories.
Directory wildcards may not be used if this
___ ___ __ ____
option is specified.
[/M] Alter the attributes of only marked files.
The first two parameters, [x:] and pathname, specify the path and
__ ________
file names of the file whose file attributes are to be changed.
The pathname parameter may contain directory and filename
________
wildcard characters. The third parameter specifies the attributes
to be set or reset. Attribs may include any of the letters
_______
RHSA, corresponding to the attributes
R Read-Only
H Hidden
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 38
File Commands
S System
A Archive
and the optional "+" or "-" include/exclude operators succeeding
each included letter, where "+" sets the attribute and "-" omits
the attribute. If "+" and "-" are omitted after an attribute
letter, "+" is assumed.
If the "/M" is used, only marked files' attributes will be
changed.
You may direct the ATTR command to change the attributes of
those files whose attributes match those specified in the
optional attributes parameter, which must be enclosed in double-
quotes. These attribute letters correspond to file attribute
bits as follows:
R Read-Only
H Hidden
S System
A Archive
Each attribute specified in the attributes option will be
compared against the attributes of the files specified in the
source pathname. Only those files matching both the source
pathname and containing any of the attributes specified in the
attributes option will be copied. If no attributes are
specified, "RHSA" is assumed.
By adding the "/M" option, you may direct the ATTR command to
change the attributes of those files you have marked using the
PICK command or the F3 function and that match the source
filename specified on the command line. You may also use the
attribute and "/S" and "/V" options in conjunction with the "/M"
option, but the "/D" option will have no affect.
Messages:
Invalid path/filename: The path was not valid, or the file(s)
was not found.
Source drive not logged: The source drive you specified has not
been logged.
No matching files: No files matching the pathname were
found.
Invalid attributes: You specified invalid attribs on the
command line.
Examples:
ATTR \DBASE\*.DBF A- "A"
Turn off the archive bit on all ".DBF" files contained in
the \DBASE directory on the current drive which have the
archive bit set.
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 39
File Commands
See Also: None
E. DATE
The DATE command enters or changes the date for one or more
files defined by pathname. DATE accepts the following command
________
line parameters:
DATE [x:]pathname mm-dd-yy ["RHSA"] [/D][/M]
__ ________ __ __ __
Command line options are:
[/D] Alter the file dates of all files in the source
path, including those in nested subdirectories.
Directory wildcards may not be used if this option
___ ___ __ ____
is specified.
[/M] Set only marked file's dates.
The first two parameters, [x:] and pathname, specify the path and
__ ________
file names of the files whose dates are to be changed. The
pathname parameter may contain directory and filename wildcard
________
characters. The second parameter specifies the new date for the
files and must be in the format mm/dd/yy, where mm = 01 to 12, dd
__ __ __ __ __
= 01 to 31, and yy = 01 to 99.
__
If the "/M" option is used, only marked files' dates will be
changed.
You may direct the DATE command to date files whose attributes
match those specified in the optional attributes parameter, which
must be enclosed in double-quotes. These attribute letters
correspond to file attribute bits as follows:
R Read-Only
H Hidden
S System
A Archive
Each attribute specified in the attributes option will be
compared against the attributes of the files specified in the
source pathname. Only those files matching both the source
pathname and containing any of the attributes specified in the
attributes option will be copied. If no attributes are
specified, "RHSA" is assumed.
By adding the "/M" option, you may direct the DATE command to
date only those files you have marked using the PICK command or
the F3 function and that match the source filename specified on
the command line. You may also use the attribute and "/S" and
"/V" options in conjunction with the "/M" option, but the "/D"
option will have no affect.
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 40
File Commands
Messages:
Invalid path/filename: The path was not valid, or the file(s)
was not found.
Source drive not logged: The source drive you specified has not
been logged.
No matching files: No files matching the pathname were
found.
Invalid date: You specified an invalid date on the]
command line.
Examples:
DATE \DBASE\MYFIL.DBF 12-20-89
Modify the creation date of file \DBASE\MYFIL.DBF on the
currently selected drive to 12/20/89.
See Also: None
F. TIME
The TIME command enters or changes the time for one or more
files defined by pathname. TIME accepts the following command
________
line parameters:
TIME [x:]pathname hh:mm:ss ["RHSA"] [/D][/M]
__ ________ __ __ __
Command line options are:
[/D] Copy all files in the source path, including
those in nested subdirectories. Directory
wildcards may not be used if this option
___ ___ __ ____
is specified.
[/M] Alter only marked files.
The first parameter specifies the path and file names of the
files whose times are to be changed. The second parameter
specifies the new time for the files and must be in the format
hh:mm:ss, where hh = 00 to 23, mm = 00 to 59, and ss = 00 to 59.
__ __ __ __ __ __
If the "/M" option is used, only marked files' times will be
changed.
You may direct the TIME command to set the creation/modification
time of files whose attributes match those specified in the
optional attributes parameter, which must be enclosed in double-
quotes. These attribute letters correspond to file attribute
bits as follows:
R Read-Only
H Hidden
S System
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 41
File Commands
A Archive
Each attribute specified in the attributes option will be
compared against the attributes of the files specified in the
source pathname. Only those files matching both the source
pathname and containing any of the attributes specified in the
attributes option will be copied. If no attributes are
specified, "RHSA" is assumed.
By adding the "/M" option, you may direct the TIME command to set
the time of files you have marked using the PICK command or the
F3 function and that match the source filename specified on the
command line. You may also use the attribute and "/S" and "/V"
options in conjunction with the "/M" option, but the "/D" option
will have no affect.
Messages:
Invalid path/filename: The path was not valid, or the file(s)
was not found.
Source drive not logged: The source drive you specified has not
been logged.
No matching files: No files matching the pathname were
found.
Invalid time: You specified an invalid time on the
command line.
Examples:
TIME \DBASE\MYFIL.DBF 12/20/89
Modify the creation date of file \DBASE\MYFIL.DBF on the
currently selected drive to 12/20/89.
See Also: None
G. VIEW
The VIEW command invokes a user-defined editor to edit a
named file. VIEW accepts the following command line parameters:
VIEW [x:]pathname]
_ ________
where [x:] and pathname specify the drive and path of the file to
_ ________
be edited.
The editor to be used can defined by creating a batch file called
EDIT.BAT, as in the following example:
WS %1
where %1 represents the x: and pathname are the parameters passed
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 42
File Commands
to the batch file.
Messages:
Invalid path/filename: The path was not valid, or the file(s)
was not found.
Source drive not logged: The source drive you specified has not
been logged.
No matching files: No directory matching the pathname was
found.
Examples:
VIEW MYFIL.TXT
Edit the file MYFIL.TXT, using the user-defined batch file
EDIT.BAT.
See Also: None
H. PICK
The PICK command marks one or more files for file
operations. The "marked" file names may then be displayed by
using special function keys to initiate a forward or backward
search for a marked file. PICK accepts the following command
line parameters:
PICK [x:]pathname ["RHSA"] [/D]
__ ________
Command line options are:
[/D] Pick all files in the source path, including
those in nested subdirectories. Directory
wildcards may not be used if this option
___ ___ __ ____
is specified.
The first two parameters specify the path and file names of the
files to be marked.
If the "/D" option is used, no directory wildcards may be used.
You may direct the PICK command to mark files whose attributes
match those specified in the optional attributes parameter, which
must be enclosed in double-quotes. These attribute letters
correspond to file attribute bits as follows:
R Read-Only
H Hidden
S System
A Archive
Each attribute specified in the attributes option will be
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 43
File Commands
compared against the attributes of the files specified in the
source pathname. Only those files matching both the source
pathname and containing any of the attributes specified in the
attributes option will be copied. If no attributes are
specified, "RHSA" is assumed.
To see the files found by this command, press the F9 function
key. Task Master will search for the first file matching the
filespec. Task Master will then update the file and directory
________
displays to show the first file matching filespec. To see more
________
files found by the command, keep pressing the F9 function key to
see each found file. When no more files are found, Task Master
will "beep" to let you know. To search backward for found files,
use the F10 function instead of the F9 function key.
To unmark files previously marked by PICK, execute the PICK
command with the same file specification and attribute options;
i.e. if you previously marked "*.BAT" and "*.COM" using the PICK
command, and you now wish to unmark only the "*.BAT" files,
execute the PICK command with the parameter "*.BAT". PICK will
not unmark the "*.COM" marked files in this case.
Files marked as "found" by the PICK command will no longer be
marked after file operations on the "picked" files.
Messages:
Invalid path/filename: The path was not valid, or the file(s)
was not found.
Source drive not logged: The source drive you specified has not
been logged.
No matching files: No files matching the pathname were
found.
Examples:
PICK \*.BAT /D
Mark all the ".BAT" files in the root and any nested
subdirectories. This is the same as requesting that all the
".BAT" files on the current drive be marked.
See Also: FILELIST
I. XECUTE
XECUTE will execute any DOS command or executable program.
XECUTE permits optional command line parameters for the DOS command
or program to be executed. XECUTE accepts the following command
line parameters:
XECUTE [x:]pathname [command line parameters]
_______ ____ __________
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 44
File Commands
The first and second parameters x: and pathname define the DOS
__ ________
command or the drive and directory containing the program or file
to be executed. The optional string command line parameters may
_______ ____ __________
specify any necessary command line parameters to be passed to the
program to executed.
If a program is to be executed, Task Master will search for the
program to be executed as follows:
1. If the program is not found using the filename you
gave, it will add the extension ".COM" and search again; and
2. If the program is still not found, it will add a ".EXE"
extension and search one last time.
3. If pathname does not contain an explicit path, XECUTE
will search the currently selected directory first, then the
directories set in the DOS PATH environment variable.
The drive containing the program to execute (or the currently
logged drive, in the case of a DOS command) must contain a copy
of COMMAND.COM.
CAUTION: If you run a program or use a DOS command which creates,
deletes, or otherwise modifies the statistics for a logged drive
Task Master will not know about these changes.
Messages:
File not found: Task Master could not find the program you
you specified.
Example:
XECUTE A:\WS.EXE
Search the root directory on the A: drive for program WS.EXE
and execute it, if found.
See Also: None
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 45
Window Commands
IX. WINDOW COMMANDS
By now you've probably used Task Master a few times, and you
might be wondering how to get even more power out of a fine set
of disk management utilities. Well, we haven't let you down. In
addition to the most powerful set of disk and file manipulation
utilities, we've also provided equally powerful utilities for
viewing the directories and files on your floppy and hard disks.
After all, what good are powerful disk and file manipulation
utilities if you can't view those disks and their files in a
powerful way?
A. PREVIOUS
The PREVIOUS window command displays the previous file list.
The current file list is saved and may be restored with the NEXT
window command.
Messages:
No more file lists: There are no more previous file lists.
Examples:
PREVIOUS
Show the previous file list
See Also: NEXT
B. NEXT
The NEXT window command displays the next file list. The
current file list becomes the previous file list and may be
restored with the PREVIOUS window command.
Messages:
No more file lists: There are no more file lists.
Examples:
NEXT
Show the next file list
See Also: PREVIOUS
C. SWAP
The SWAP command swaps the contents of the directory and
file windows. All display parameters remain in effect, including
window size and file statistics, if enabled. To re-swap the
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 46
Window Commands
contents of the windows, choose the SWAP command a second time.
Messages:
NONE
Examples:
SWAP
Exchange the contents of the directory and file
windows with each other.
See Also: None
D. FILESTATS
The FILESTATS command enables the display of file
statistics, including file creation/modification date and time,
and file size. The number of files displayable in the file
window is reduced to one file per window display line. To omit
file statistics display, choose the FILESTATS command a second
time.
Messages:
NONE
Examples:
FILESTATS
Toggle the file statistics display on/off.
See Also: None
E. LARGE
The LARGE window command zooms the currently active window
to "full" window. "Full" window means that the inactive window
(file or directory) is not displayed. To redisplay the inactive
window, choose the LARGE command a second time.
Messages:
NONE
Examples:
LARGE
Toggle the directory/file display window to large/normal window.
See Also: None
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 47
Window Commands
F. ACTIVE
The ACTIVE command toggles the active window from the
currently active window to the inactive window. Thus, choosing
this command will make the directory display window active when
the files display window is active, and vice versa if the
directory display window is active.
You may also use the F2 function key as a shortcut method of
changing the active window.
Messages:
NONE
Examples:
ACTIVE
Toggle the directory/file display window to active status.
See Also: None
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 48
Index
X. INDEX
ACTIVE
See Window Commands
ATTR
See File Commands
Attributes
changing, 34
Backup
directories, 22
files, 22, 27
CGA
See Video Adapters
CLOSE
See Volume Commands
Closing file lists, 20
Command line
DOS options, 9
editing, 11
Task Master, 16
Command Window, 15
Commands
choosing, 15
Copy
directories, 22
files, 22, 27
See Directory Commands
See File Commands
Creating directories, 22
Creating file lists, 19
DATE
See File Commands
DC
See Directory Commands
DE
See Directory Commands
DELETE
See File Commands
Directory Commands, 22
Directory Commands
COPY, 22
ERASE, 24
MOVE, 24
NEW, 22
PRINT DIRECTORY, 26
RENAME, 26
Directory statistics window, 12
Directory window, 11
Directory Window
Options, 12
Directory, displaying, 12
Directory
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 49
Index
statistics, 12
Display all files, 20
DISPLAYALL
See Volume Commands
DM
See Directory Commands
DN
See Directory Commands
DOS
Required version, 6
DP (PRINT DIRECTORY)
Defined, 26
DR
See Directory Commands
Drive Commands
See Volume Commands
Drive, information about, 13
Drives
Logging, 9
Editing files, 38
EGA
See Video Adapters
Erase
files, 29
See Directory Commands
Erasing
directories, 24
files, 24
Error Messages
Logging drives, 9
F2
Discussed, 11
F3 (Function Key)
Marking files, 13
FA
See File Commands
FC
See File Commands
FD
See File Commands
File attributes
changing, 34
displaying, 43
File Commands, 27
File Commands
ATTR, 34
COPY, 27
DATE, 36
DELETE, 29
MOVE, 30
PICK, 39
RENAME, 32
TIME, 37
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 50
Index
VIEW, 38
XECUTE, 41
File date
changing, 36
displaying, 43
File list
Closing, 14
Creating, 14
Defined, 14
switching, 14
File Lists, 13
File size
displaying, 43
File Specification, 13
File time
changing, 37
displaying, 43
File Window, 12
File Window
Options, 13
FILELIST
See Volume Commands
FILESTATS
See Window Commands
FM
See File Commands
FP (file PICK)
Discussed, 13
FP, See File Commands
FR
See File Commands
FT
See File Commands
Function keys
command menu, 16
Definition, 16
F10, 16
F9, 16
using, 16
FV
See File Commands
FX (File XECUTE)
Defined, 41
Hercules
See Video Adapters
Installation, 7
Item selector, 11
LARGE
See Window Commands
LOG
See Volume Commands
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 51
Index
Marked files
display of, 13
Marking files, 13, 39
Master file list
restrictions, 14
Menus
choosing, 15
Description of, 15
Monochrome
See Video Adapters
Move
directories, 24
files, 24, 30
See Directory Commands
See File Commands
Networks, 6
NEW
See Directory Commands
NEXT
See Window Commands
Pick file, 39
PICK
See File Commands
PREVIOUS
See Window Commands
Print directory, 26
PRINT DIRECTORY
See Directory Commands
Print tree, 21
PRINT TREE
See Volume Commands
RAM
Required amount of, 6
Recall command, 16
Removing file lists, 20
Rename file, 26
RENAME
See Directory Commands
See File Commands
Running a program, 41
Running the program, 9
Searching
backward, 16
for files, 39
forward, 16
Show all files, 20
SORT
See Volume Commands
Sorting, 18
Sorting
File entries, 9
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 52
Index
SWAP
See Window Commands
Tagging files, 13, 39
Task Master
Limitations, 6
Main Screen, 11
Program files, 7
TIME
See File Commands
VC (volume CLOSE)
Defined, 20
VD (volume DISPLAYALL)
Defined, 20
VF (volume FILELIST)
Defined, 19
Discussed, 14
Video Adapters
Required, 6
VIEW
See File Commands
Viewing files, 38
VL (volume LOG)
Defined, 18
Volume Commands, 18
Volume Commands
CLOSE, 20
DISPLAYALL, 20
FILELIST, 19
LOG, 18
PRINT TREE, 21
SORT, 18
Volume Statistics Window, 13
VP (volume PRINT TREE)
Defined, 21
VS (volume SORT)
Defined, 18
WA
Discussed, 11
See Window Commands
WF (window FILESTATS)
Discussed, 13
WF, See Window Commands
Window Commands
ACTIVE, 44
FILESTATS, 43
LARGE, 43
NEXT, 42
PREVIOUS, 42
SWAP, 42
WL
See Window Commands
WN
Task Master File Management Utilities Page 53
Index
See Window Commands
WP (window NEXT)
Discussed, 14
WP (window PREVIOUS)
Discussed, 14
WP, See Window Commands
WS
See Window Commands
XECUTE
See Volume Commands
Directory of PC-SIG Library Disk #1635
Volume in drive A has no label
Directory of A:\
EDIT BAT 24 6-27-88 7:58a
FILE1635 TXT 2961 11-22-89 10:27a
GO BAT 38 1-01-80 1:37a
GO TXT 617 11-22-89 12:10p
INSTALL BAT 1152 3-21-88 7:36p
READ ME 2560 7-05-88 12:58p
TM DOC 115200 7-07-88 1:04p
TM EXE 67130 7-10-88 11:28a
8 file(s) 189682 bytes
128000 bytes free