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PC-SIG Diskette Library (Disk #1661)
[PCjs Machine "ibm5170"]
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Information about “MULTI-PRINT”
Looking for a better alternative to the DOS PRINT program? Something
that will give you more control over your printing? MULTI-PRINT accepts
several different parameters for such added features as printing
multiple copies of a document, left margin adjustment, page length, page
width, and the ability to add page numbers and time stamps to the
printout. Like PRINT.COM which comes on your DOS disk, this program has
a print queue for multiple files, but MULTI-PRINT can also work in batch
mode accepting a list of documents (with command options) from a file.
MULTI-PRINT prints a file in interactive mode constantly displaying what
is being printed, the files in the print queue, and a helpful estimation
of print time.
The added control and flexibilty that come with MULTI-PRINT make it a
necessary part of any user's utility library.
CHKENV10.DOC
" Check Environment "
a
Multi-Print v4.0 Utility
This utility will display your systems 'environment' and determine wether
or not you have defined a path for Multi-Print v4.0 to find it's
configuration file.
If Check Environment finds a match to the environment string
MPRINT=DRIVE:\DIRECTORY then it will stop and point it out to you. If a
match is not found your entire environment will be displayed. For more
information about your systems 'environment' I suggest your consult your
DOS manual. Please read the User Configuration utility documentation,
CONFIGMP.DOC, to get a better idea as to what this utility is used for.
CONFIGMP.DOC
Multi-Print v4.0 Copyright (c) 1987,89
U S E R C O N F I G U R A T I O N U T I L I T Y
**** Note ****
You should read the section entitled 'All about Multi-Print's Switches'
contained in MPRINT40.DOC before proceeding further if you are not familiar
with how Multi-Print's 'switches' work.
***************
The User Configuration Utility, hereafter known as UCU, will allow you to
store your most commonly used switches to a configuration file, which will
be loaded when you run Multi-Print. For example, lets say you use the
following switches the most: MPRINT /S+ /PH+ /PP+ /DT+ README.DOC
^ ^ ^ ^
|__ Switches __|
You need only enter them once in the UCU and they, the switches, will be
loaded automatically when you run Mprint. Let's create your own
configuration file by running the file CONFIGMP.EXE now.
You will always know the location of the configuration file you will be
creating, or over-writing by looking at the first line inside the box which
says,'Using Config File:'. If a configuration file was found you will be
shown it's location on this line, such as: C:\DOS\. Okay, now let's get
started. The first question is:
Enable the print sensor [N] (Y or N) ?
The 'N'(No) in the box '[ ]' tells you that this is the value Mprint will
use right now, if you decided NOT to alter it. If you want Mprint to use
the print sensor just type a 'Y'. If you want to keep what it is set to
now just tap the RETURN button. Any other answer besides an 'N' or a 'Y'
will be met with a beep.
Further on you will be asked another question that requires you to enter a
number within a certain range. For example:
Set default page length to [64] (25-200) ?
At this point the UCU is asking you for a number between 25 and 200.
Anything else will be rejected and you will have to re-enter your number.
There are eleven questions in all. These questions allow you to pre-set the
most commonly used switches. When you finish answering all of them you will
either be asked if you want to save the values you entered or over-write an
existing configuration file file.
The UCU has a special feature which enables it to search for a
configuration file if one was not found in your current directory. Here's
how you can do this:
User Configuration Utility Page 02 Multi-Print v4.0
Type the following in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file which is, or will be, located
in the root directory of your hard disk, or diskette.
SET PATH=DRIVE:\DIRECTORY <- Location of MPRINT40.EXE
SET MPRINT=DRIVE:\DIRECTORY <- Location of MPCONFIG.CFG
Set to same location as MRINT40.EXE.
Now just re-boot your system and your all set to go ! Place MPRINT40.EXE
and your newly created configuration file MPCONFIG.CFG in the location you
specified in 'DRIVE:\DIRECTORY'.
Now no matter where you are in your system you can run Multi-Print and it
will load it's configuration file. If you are in a directory that already
has a configuration file the UCU and Multi-Print will load it BEFORE it
goes out to search for the one in your pre-set directory above. This
feature allows you to have a seperate configuration file for different
locations on your disk for different documents.
And that's it !
FILE1661.TXT
Disk No: 1661
Disk Title: Multi-Print
PC-SIG Version: S1
Program Title: Multi-Print
Author Version: 4.0
Author Registration: $15.00
Special Requirements: None.
Looking for a better alternative to the DOS PRINT program? Something
that will give you more control over your printing? MULTI-PRINT accepts
several different parameters for such added features as printing
multiple copies of a document, left margin adjustment, page length, page
width, and the ability to add page numbers and time stamps to the
printout. Like PRINT.COM which comes on your DOS disk, this program has
a print queue for multiple files, but MULTI-PRINT can also work in batch
mode accepting a list of documents (with command options) from a file.
MULTI-PRINT prints a file in interactive mode constantly displaying what
is being printed, the files in the print queue, and a helpful estimation
of print time.
The added control and flexibilty that come with MULTI-PRINT make it a
necessary part of any users utility library.
File Descriptions:
MPRINT40 EXE Multi-Print v4.0 Program.
MPRINT40 DOC Documentation file.
CHKENV10 EXE The 'Check Environment' utility.
CHKENV10 DOC 'Check Environment' documentation.
CONFIGMP EXE User Configuration utility
CONFIGMP DOC Documentation file.
STATMENT LIC Registration agreement & disclaimer.
LICENSE LIC Form to register your copy of Multi-Print v4.0
DISTRIBG LIC Distribution aggreement.
README FIX Documentation erros corrected.
README! MP A quick start to running Multi-Print.
GO BAT Batch file to get Multi-Print up and running fast.
PC-SIG
1030D East Duane Avenue
Sunnyvale Ca. 94086
(408) 730-9291
(c) Copyright 1988 PC-SIG, Inc.
GO.TXT
╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ <<<< Disk #1661 MULTI-PRINT >>>> ║
╠═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ To start program, type: GO (press enter) ║
║ ║
║ To print documentation, type: COPY MPRINT40.DOC PRN ║
╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
MPRINT40.DOC
Multi-Print (tm) v4.0
Copyright (C) 1987-1989 Gerald P. Doyon
February 6, 1989
" An Enhanced and Innovative Print Utility "
Multi-Print v4.0 User Documentation Page 2
Multi-Print v4.0 Page 02 Users Guide
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
Introduction 3
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Command-Line Switches 4
/CO:xxx - # Copies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
/DD - Duplicates Documents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
/DC - Display User Configuration default values . . . . . 5
/DM - Display Multi-Print default values. . . . . . . . . 5
/DT - Print current Date/Time stamp . . . . . . . . . . . 6
/DV - Run in DESQ View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
/? & /H - Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
/LM:xxx - Set left margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
/OP - Output to Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
/OS - Output to Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
/PH - Print page headers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
/PL:xxx - Set Page Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
/PP - Print page numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
/PS:xxxx - Set Printer Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
/PW:xxx - Set page width. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
/S - Print Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
/SS - Save Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
/ST - Print Sensor Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
/WE - Watch edge of paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
/WF:filename - Work Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Multi-Print in action 11
Statistics Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-14
Text View Window. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Primary On-Line Commands 15
[A]bort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
[N]uke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
[S]ensor On/Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
[P]ause . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
[-]/[+] Scroll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
[V]iew Queue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
[Up-Arrow]/[Down-Arrow] - # Copies . . . . . . . . . . . 16
[H]elp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
[Q]uit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
[F-1] Toggle between command lists. . . . . . . . . . . . 17
[O]utput . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Secondary On-Line Commands 17
[D]isplay Defaults. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
[M]emory Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
[U]se Headers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Thanks & Things to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Shareware/Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Multi-Print v4.0 User Documentation Page 3
Multi-Print v4.0 Page 03 Users Guide
I N T R O D U C T I O N
Welcome to Multi-Print version 4.0 !! Multi-Print was specifically
designed to make printing your documents less of a chore, and to give you
more control over the printing process than the program PRINT.COM gives
you, which is supplied with your operating system. A big part of
Multi-Print's objective is to keep you informed as to exactly how your
document's printing is progressing.
For those of you already familiar with Multi-Print you will find that the
new and enhanced capabilities of this version are greater than all previous
versions combined, and promises to be even better in the months to come.
You should make sure that the following files are contained in your archive
of MPRINT40.ARC:
MPRINT40.EXE - This is Multi-Print v4.0
MPRINT40.DOC - and its associated documentation.
CHKENV10.EXE - The 'Check Environment' utility
CHKENV10.DOC - 'Check Environment' documentation
CONFIGMP.EXE - User Configuration utility
CONFIGMP.DOC - and its documentation
STATMENT.LIC - Registration agreement & disclaimer
LICENSE.LIC - Form to register your copy of Multi-Print v4.0
DISTRIBG.LIC - Distribution aggreement.
README.FIX - Documentation erros corrected.
README!.MP - A quick start to running Multi-Print
GO.BAT - Batch file to get Multi-Print up and running fast.
You can rename the executable file MPRNIT40.EXE to MPRINT.EXE, or whatever
is comfortable for you to use. I will refer to MPRINT40.EXE as MPRINT.EXE
from now on.
If you do notall of the above files, you can find the complete archive at
the following FINE BBS's:
Georgia Board BBS (912) 923-8180 2400 buad, 24 hours
Dixieland BBS (912) 471-6833 9600 baud, 24 hours
Capture BBS (912) 923-6471 2400 baud, 24 hours
Channel-1 (617) 354-8873 9600 baud, 24 hours
PC-Ohio (216) 381-7946 9600 baud, 24 hours
Northern Lights (207) 766-2467 9600 baud, 24 hours
GEnie IBM Roundtable ( My user I.D. here is G.DOYON)
Compuserve IBM section ( [75340,272] )
I like recieving mail from people who have questions on the operation of
Multi-Print, and yes, even problems ! So far I've been able to respond to
every letter, so keep 'em coming ! Feel free to call me at home if you have
any problems, whether you are a registered user or not.
Gerald P. Doyon
246 Collins Ave
Centerville, GA 31028
(912) 953-2817 ( Eastern Standard Time )
Multi-Print v4.0 User Documentation Page 4
Multi-Print v4.0 Page 04 Users Guide
R E Q U I R E M E N T S
You should run Multi-Print on a IBM or 100% compatable. You must have a
minimum of 105k or RAM available to run Multi-Print. Multi-Print should be
able to run easily on most printers, but works best on Epson and
compatables. I wrote Multi-Print with MS-DOS version 3.2. I do not know if
this program will operate on earlier, or later version.
For best printing results, I suggest making your printer ignore the paper's
page breaks - Multi-Print will handle it.
S W I T C H E S
Hint: A switch is basically what the name implies, it usually switches
something on or off. These on/off switches are convenient. If you type a
switch, but realize at the end of the command line that you need ( or don't
need) that option, you can cancel the other switch by typing the opposite
one. Also, switches and filenames need not be in any specific order on the
command-line. You can first have a switch, then a filename, then another
switch or two.
All on/off switches use the +/-, respectively.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
/CO:xx # Copies
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
You are limited to a maximum of 99 copies PER document. If you attempt to
exceed the maximum, Multi-Print will adjust the number of copies to 99.
Only the FIRST document loaded in Queue will effect by the number if copies
you set here.
Multi-Print v4.0 User Documentation Page 5
Multi-Print v4.0 Page 05 Users Guide
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
/DD+ or /DD- Duplicate Documents
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Multi-Print has incorporated a unique feature which will ensure that you do
not load the same document twice in Queue. By default this option is set to
/DD-, or duplicates NOT allowed. However, you can override the default by
using the /DD+ switch, duplicates allowed.
MPRINT /DD+ TEST.DOC
or, should you decide that you really DON'T want duplcates and do not want
to re-type the command line just add the opposite switch, for example:
MPRINT /DD+ TEST.DOC /DD-
which effectively cancels out the first switch !
Note: When the number of documents in Queue becomes lengthy, say in excess
of 100 files, you might notice a slight delay. This is due to the fact that
before a filename can be added to the Queue, it must first be checked to
see that it has not been previously loaded.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
/DC Display Configuration File Defaults
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
This switch works identical to the '/DM' switch above, except that
Mutli-Print will display the values/defaults YOU have written in one of
your user configuration files.
Note: Any other switches/filenames entered on the command line will be
ignored. After displaying the defaults in your configuration file(built
by the User Configuration utility, remember ?), Multi-Print will return
you to the DOS prompt.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
/DM Display Multi-Print Defaults
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
You may view exactly what default values Multi-Print will load by default
by using this switch. Settings for things such as page length, margins,
page width, printer speed, etc...
These are the preset values received within Multi-Print. Do not confuse
this switch with the '/DC' one which will show you the dfefaults you set
via the User Configuration utility. You will be returned to the DOS prompt
after Mulit-Print's defaults have been displayed.
Multi-Print v4.0 User Documentation Page 6
Multi-Print v4.0 Page 06 Users Guide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
/DT+ or - Date & Time
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
This feature is particularly nice for programmers who have a hard time
keeping track of their most current copy of source code. This problem is
solved by printing the document name, file date,and current date and time
on the top lines of your document in this format:
'* File name : MPRINT40.DOC 21-Dec-88'
'* Printed on: Saturday November 26, 1988 1:31:36 p.m.'
Note: This switch will only work when a document is printing in 'Manual'
mode, since Multi-Print cannot compensate for documents with form-feeds to
control the paging.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
/DV DESQview
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
New to Multi-Print is its ability to run in the multi-tasking environment
of DESQview. To run Multi-Print in DESQview simply use the '/DV' switch,
for example:
MPRINT TEST.DOC /DV
If DESQview is not already loaded, then Multi-Print will not run.
Note: You MUST load Multi-Print in DESQview with direct screen writes OFF !
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
/H or /? Help
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you cannot remember how to use a certain switch, or even remember how to
invoke Multi-Print then use the Help switch like this:
MPRINT /H or MPRINT /?
If this switch is present on the command line, even if other switches are
used, the help screen will be displayed and you will be returned to the DOS
prompt.
Multi-Print v4.0 User Documentation Page 7
Multi-Print v4.0 Page 07 Users Guide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
/LM:xxx Left Margin
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
To set your left margin type the following: MPRINT /LM:5 MPRINT40.DOC. This
will set your left margin to indent five spaces to the right before
printing. The maximum length for the left margin is 50. The default margin
has been set to 0, or no indentation. You may change your configuration
file at any time to the value which you use most often. This is in addition
to any margins built in to the document itself.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
/OS or /OP Output
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are two output modes, or places where your text will be printed: to
the screen or printer. You will always be able to see your document in the
Text View window whether output is being directed to the printer or not.
For instance, if you want to familiarize with Multi-Print, or you wish to
pre-view your document without having to waste any paper just type the
following:
MPRINT /OS MPRINT40.DOC
Multi-Print will function in screen mode just as it does when actually
printing. The default mode is output to the printer. Output to the screen
is just that, no printing is being done.
The switch '/OP' will cancel out the previous one, '/OS', if entered on the
same command line. This saves you from re-entering the whole
command-line.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
/PH+ or /PH- Print Page Headers
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
For any document that Multi-Print has to MANUALLY insert page breaks for,
you have the option of printing page headers. When Multi-Print is up and
running you will then be prompted for a header, a maximum of 78 characters
in length. It will then be centered and be printed on the top line of each
page. More on this option later when we get to the on-line commands. To
activate page headers, use the switch '/PH+' on your command line. The
default is '/PH-', or no page headers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
/PL:xxx Set Page Length
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The default page length is set to 64 lines per page. You can change this
at any time either by altering your user configuration file via the User
Configuration utility (CONFIGMP.EXE), or on the command-line. For example:
MPRINT MPRINT40.DOC /PL:66
The maximum page length allowed has been set to 999.
Multi-Print v4.0 User Documentation Page 8
Multi-Print v4.0 Page 08 Users Guide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
/PP+ or /PP- Print Page Numbers
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
You also have the option to have Multi-Print to print page numbers on the
bottom of each page, provided your document is printing in MANUAL mode.
Page numbering will appear in this format: '1 of 5', '2 of 5', etc..
To activate this feature use the switch '/PP+', or 'PP-' to de-activate.
The default is page numbering OFF.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
/PS:xxxx Set Printer CPS Speed
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The default printer speed in characters per second, CPS, is set to 160. You
can change the default two different ways. Either change your user
configuration file or use the 'PS:xxxx' switch to alter it on the
command-line. For example:
MPRINT TEST.DOC /PS:180
Note: Minimum speed is 60 CPS, maximum setting allowed is 1500 CPS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
/PW:xxxx Set Page Width
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The default page width has been set to 80 characters. You may change this
by entering this switch. For example: MPRINT /PW:100 will set your page
width to 100 characters. Maximum page width is 255 characters.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
/S+ or /S- Print Sensor On/Off
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Also new to Multi-Print is its ability to sense whether or not your printer
is on/off, or, if some sort of error condition has occurred. No print
utility can successfully trap EVERY error for EVERY printer and Multi-Print
is one of them. Multi-Print may not work with your printer at all and may
indicate that your printer is off line, when it really isn't.
In such an instance, you should disable the sensor option for best results.
To find out whether or not the sensor will work with your printer, use
please look at the Sensor Test switch below, '/ST'.
The print sensor will NOT intercept every printer error and is by no means
fool proof ! The sensor merely gives you a margin of protection against
occassional 'non-serious' printer errors (the term 'non serious' may mean
different things to different people).
Multi-Print v4.0 User Documentation Page 9
Multi-Print v4.0 Page 09 Users Guide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
/SS+ or /SS- Save Screen
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
You can optionally allow Multi-Print to save a copy of your screen BEFORE
it starts operating. When Multi-Print is finished your screen will be
restored exactly as it was before. Use '/SS+' to save the screen, or '/SS-'
to disable screen saving. Nothing will happen if you have Multi-Print
already configured to save your screen and you enter the switch '/SS+'. By
default Multi-Print will restore your screen to what it looked like before
you ran this program.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
/ST Print Sensor Test
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not all printers will respond to Multi-Print's print sensor. To find out if
yours will/will not, run the built-in sensor test. For example:
MPRINT /ST
You should run this test with both your printer on, and off for best
results.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
/WE+ or /WE- Watch Edge
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
If any line within the document you will print is LONGER than your set page
width that line will be truncated. This switch prevents your printer from
running off the 'Edge' of the paper. Most newer printers will wrap the word
around to the next line, so this feature may not be useful to you. You can
activate this switch by typing '/WE+' on the command-line, or '/WE-" to
DE-activate it. This option may be pre-set within the User Configuration
Utility.
Multi-Print v4.0 Page 10 Users Guide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
/WF:filename Work Files
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Work files are a fast and painless way of printing documents that you print
often. Many related documents can be grouped in a work file and printed
effortlessly. Typing a long list of filenames on the command line can
become cumbersome.
To create a work file you can use any word processor that makes pure ASCII
files. I suggest you give your work file an extension of '.WRK' so as not
to confuse them with your other documents, however, it is not necessary.
Here is an example of a work file I use often:
MPCODE.WRK <-- Work file name
MP4?.PAS /PH+ /PP+ /DT+ \
MPWORK.PAS |
MPCONFIG.PAS |
C:\TURBO\MP4\MPHELP.PAS |--- Contents of the work file.
MPTEXT.PAS |
MPVARSB.* |
MPQUE.PAS /
Please note that wildcards, paths and switches are FULLY supported within
work files. ( Do not call another work file from WITHIN a work file !)
Note: To set some of your more commonly used switches and have them loaded
whenever you run Multi-Print please refer to the document CONFIGMP.DOC.
Remember that you can temporarily over-ride any values in your
configuration file by alternately using the switches '+'(on) or '-'(off)
capability on the command line.
Multi-Print v4.0 User Documentation Page 11
Multi-Print v4.0 Page 11 Users Guide
Multi-Print I N A C T I O N
There are two windows shown while Multi-Print is running. I call the top
window the 'Statistics' window, and the bottom the 'Text' window. Let me
explain the Status window first. The best way for you to understand
everything that you see would be to run Multi-Print using MPRINT40.DOC to
work with. Just type 'MPRINT40 /OS MPRINT40.DOC' on your command line and
we'll continue.
Let's discuss the all the information provided to you in the Statistics
window in conjunction with the on-line commands and how they interact.
We'll start first with the:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statistics Window - Line #1
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Output to:
----------
At this time you will see the word 'Screen' displayed here. This means
that the document is being sent ONLY to the screen at this time. By
default Multi-Print sends all output to the printer, or screen, but you
have re-directed your document to the screen by using the '/OS' ( Output to
Screen ) switch used above.
You can re-direct output from printer to screen, or screen to printer, by
tapping the 'O'utput command. If you are currently outputing your document
to the screen you will immediately start printing your document. At this
point you will notice a highlighted bar appear in your Text window. This
is a reference point showing you that all text below the highlighted line
has been re-directed to the printer, or screen which ever the case may be.
The 'Output to' status line will now reflect your change in output and you
will see the word 'Printer'.
If your printer was not on-line when you tapped the 'O'utput key to start
printing your document a small window will pop up tell you that you have a
printer error. Please refer to the on-line 'S'ensor command below for more
on the printer error trapping options.
Queue
-----
The number of documents you have in 'Queue' (documents waiting to be
printed) will be displayed at all times. This number does not include the
document currently being printed and will decrease after the document
currently printing has completed.
Multi-Print v4.0 User Documentation Page 12
Multi-Print v4.0 Page 12 Users Guide
Page Mode
---------
There are only two Page(paging) Mode's, Automatic and Manual. Multi-Print
has the unique ability to automatically choose which method of paging your
document would be best. Your document will first be scanned, or analyzed,
before it is printed. If a form feed is found while scanning, Multi-Print
will shift into Automatic paging. It will let the document automatically
page itself.
There is Manual mode. Let's say, for example, that the current page length
has been set to 64 lines per page. If while scanning, Multi-Print does not
come across a page break before the 64th line it will then decide that your
document you should be printed in Manual mode. All page breaks will be made
at the specified page length of 64 lines. If you know that there are
built-in page breaks in your document but Multi-Print wants to print it in
Manual mode because of what we discussed in the last few lines you can
'over-ride' it.
To over-ride just temporarily set your page length to a greater value, or
past where you think the first page break occurs. You can temporarily
over-ride the page length you set in the User Configuration utility with
the command-line switch '/PL:xxx'. For instance: MPRINT /PL:100 TEST.DOC
will force Multi-Print to print a document in Manual mode if a page break
is not found before the 100th line.
Print Time
----------
The amount of time that your document will take to print is dependent on
your printer's speed in characters per second(CPS). The default CPS is set
to 160 CPS. Consult your printer's manual for the correct speed. Be sure to
enter this figure in your user configuration file, or specify it on the
command line with the switch '/PS:xxxx'.
Note: The maximum print speed allowed is 9999 CPS.
Multi-Print v4.0 User Documentation Page 13
Multi-Print v4.0 Page 13 Users Guide
Scroll Rate
-----------
Scroll rate refers to the speed in which your documents is displayed in the
Text View window. There are three scroll speeds available: Normal, Slow,
and Slower.
The default speed is set at the 'Normal' rate, which is FAST. This rate of
scroll is not ideal for previewing your document. Just tap the '-' to slow
it down a little, and tap it again to slow it down ALOT. If you want to
start scrolling at the normal rate just tap the '+' however many times you
pressed the '-' key. Easy !
To completely stop the document from printing/scrolling tap the 'P'ause
key. To resume printing tap any key.
If you run Multi-Print initially outputing to the screen the scroll rate
will be stepped down to 'Slow' scrolling.
Note: Slowing the scroll rate while the document is printing will,
naturally, slow down the printing.
Sensor
------
The print sensor is either 'On' or 'Off', and will be displayed/updated at
all times. The default is 'On', unless otherwise changed via the
command-line switch '/ps-' or your configuration file. You can toggle the
print sensor On/Off by tapping the 'S'ensor key.
Copies
------
Displays the amount of copies left to print for the document currently
printing. You may adjust the number of copies to print by using your
up-arrow key to INCREASE the copies, or the down-arrow key to DECREASE
them. You are limited to a maximum of 99 copies per document at any given
time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statistics Window - Line #2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Pages
-------
After Multi-Print has scanned the document it will immediately indicate how
many pages this document will take to print.
Multi-Print v4.0 User Documentation Page 14
Multi-Print v4.0 Page 14 Users Guide
% Printed
---------
There are two indicators that show how far the document has progressed in
its printing. I call them the 'Digital' and 'Analog' indicators. The
digital indicator is very precise and tells you exactly how much has
printed, such as 4 %, 17 %, 78 %, etc.. The other indicator, the Analog
display, was incorporated for one important reason. I usually don't sit in
front of the computer and wait for my document to finish printing. From a
distance I cannot see the Digital status because it is too small and
doesn't catch my eye. On the other hand, the Analog % is perfect because
at a glance I can roughly tell how far the document is along in its
printing.
Each block that pops up represents 10 % of the document that has printed.
When it reaches the middle partition the document is 50 % printed. Both
indicators are very useful, as you will come to know.
FileName
--------
[Top Line] The document's name currently being printed.
[Bottom] The next document in Queue to be printed.
Size
----
The size of the document in bytes.
Date
----
The creation date of that document.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Text View Window - Line #3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Text View windows primary job is to display your document as it is
printing, at ALL times - even while printing.
The upper-right corner of the Text View window will always display the
location of the document currently printing. If the location path is more
than twenty characters in length it will be truncated and a '+' sign will
be stuck to the end to indicate that the path length was exceed. For
example the path: C:\DOS\TURBO\PASCAL\MPRINT.PAS would become:
C:\DOS\TURBO\PASCAL+
The upper right portion of the Text View will display how many pages of the
document has printed. It also shows thewhich line is being printed on the
current page.
Multi-Print v4.0 User Documentation Page 15
Multi-Print v4.0 Page 15 Users Guide
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Primary On-line Command list
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
We will now catch up and explain the rest of the on-line command functions
that we did not cover in the process of describing the Statistics and Text
view windows.
'A'bort
--------
Any time a document is printing you have the ability to abort it - to stop
it from printing. If you are printing multiple copies of a document and
you abort the document, you abort ALL of them ! Multi-Print will then load
and print the next document in Queue, if there is one. Since this command
is 'destructive', you will be given a choice to back out. Just type a 'N'
to the question " Do you REALLY want to abort this document ? (Y/N)". If
you are currently printing and you abort, a control code will be sent to
your printer to clear it's buffer and not print un-wanted text.
Note: Saying a particular command is 'destructive' does not mean that your
computer or actual document will be hurt !
'N'uke
-------
This command allows you to 'Nuke', or remove the document that is next in
Queue to be printed. This command is also 'destructive' in nature, and you
will be given a chance to back out, and not remove the document from Queue.
If there are no documents in Queue when you use this command it will be
ignored.
'S'ensor
---------
You may turn the print sensor On or Off at will while the document is being
sent to your printer or screen. If Multi-Print's sensor works with your
printer you will be notified of a printer error, should one occur. If an
error does occur while the sensor's on you will be given three choices to
correct the problem. You could:
1) Correct any problem you had with the printer and tap your ESCape key to
resume.
2) Tap the 'O'utput key to re-direct output from the printer to just the
Text View window in the event of say a paper jam.
3) Finally, the problem may be that Multi-Print's sensor is to blame and
the only way to continue printing would be to disable the sensor. Just tap
the 'S'ensor key and resume printing.
Multi-Print v4.0 User Documentation Page 16
Multi-Print v4.0 Page 16 Users Guide
'P'ause
-------
By tapping this key you can pause the printing of your document. If you
are outputing to the printer that it will not stop immediately. This is
because the printer's buffer, where it stores some of your document, is
still full. When it empties then your printing will stop.
'-'/'+' Scroll
--------------
This command has been explained in great detail above. Since the normal
scrolling rate within the Text View window is very fast, you can slow it
down by tapping the '-' key. Tap the same key again and the scroll rate
slows down even more. To speed up the scroll rate, you merely tap the '+'
key. This command is very useful for previewing a document and selectively
printing parts of it by alternately tapping the 'O'utput key.
'V'iew Queue
------------
This is a new feature to Multi-Print which allows you to view the entire
list of documents you have in Queue. A window will pop up showing you the
position of the document in Queue, it's location, name, size, date of
creation, and estimated print time. For example:
C:\DOS\PRINT\TEXT\TEMP <--- document path, normal length
C:\DOS\PRINT\TEXT\TE+ <--- Truncated path
Notice the '+' sign on line two's path ? This indicates that your
documents path was longer then twenty characters and had to be truncated to
fit in the window.
If you have more then ten documents in Queue you can alternately use your
PG DN(Page Down) and PG UP(Page Up) keys to view the entire Queue.
Up Arrow/Down Arrow Copies
--------------------------
As mention above, use your up and down arrow keys to alternately
increase/decrease the number of copies of you wish to print.
'H'elp
------
By tapping the 'H' key, you can get on-line help on any of the commands
available in Multi-Print. Tap the highlighted letter of the command and a
window will pop up containing a brief description of the command you chose.
To try another help screen, tap any key and you will be returned to the
help menu. If you want to resume printing, tap your ESCape key and you will
leave the Help menu.
Multi-Print v4.0 User Documentation Page 17
Multi-Print v4.0 Page 17 Users Guide
'Q'uit
------
This command hardly needs an explanation. Tap the 'Q' key and you will be
asked if you really want to leave Multi-Print. You can, of course, back
out by tapping 'N' and resume printing.
'O'utput
----------
With this command you may re-direct output to either the printer, or just
the screen depending on where your are printing your document at the time.
If you are outputing to the printer and you tap this key your document will
print only to the screen. The opposite is true when you are outputing to
the screen and you re-direct output to the printer. For more information
about this command refer to the information about 'Output' in the
Statistics window documentation above.
'F-1' function key
-------------------
Tap the F-1 key to view the secondary command-line list. To return to the
primary command list just tap the F-1 key again.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Secondary On-line Command list
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
'D'isplay Defaults
------------------
By using this command you can see practically all of your user definable
options, such as page width, length, whether or not Screen Save has been
enabled, etc..
This feature is very useful when you are in doubt as to whether or not you
set.
'M'emory Stats
--------------
This feature is a hold-out from when Multi-Print was being Beta tested and
debugged. I have kept it in the final release as kind of a throw away type
information. It is really not very useful, but may be interesting to some
people. When you activate this command, you will be shown two lines, the
first of which tells you how much available memory is left in your system.
The second tells you how much memory space the Queue is taking.
Multi-Print v4.0 User Documentation Page 18
Multi-Print v4.0 Page 18 Users Guide
'U'se headers (On/Off)
-----------------------
If you have loaded more than one document in Queue that will print page
headers, but want to over-ride this option for one or several documents you
just tap the 'U' key. A small window will be displayed to tell you whether
the header(s) were enabled or disabled. This function has absolutley NO
effect on documents that were not previously loaded to print page headers.
Multi-Print v4.0 User Documentation Page 19
Multi-Print v4.0 Page 19 Users Guide
T H A N K S
I would like to personally thank the following people who spent many hours
Beta testing Multi-Print:
Melvin Douglas - My very first registered supporter who's pleas for 'More
Gerry, give me a Son of Multi-Print that does MORE !' have been answered.
Patrick Piccolo - A great Beta tester if ever there was one ! Thanks for
your many ideas which were implemented in this version.
George Hughes - An ace dBase programmer, teacher and Beta tester.
Jim LeMay - His outstanding windows and screen writing code heled make
Multi-Print what it is today.
Borland International for it's fine Turbo Pascal compiler, which
Multi-Print was written in.
T H I N G S to C O M E
There are MANY things that I wanted to put into version 4.0, however, if I
kept adding things I would never release a new version ! Multi-Print will
continue to grow by leaps and bounds. Please feel free to send any comments
on what you would like to see. Stay tuned, there's more to come !!!
- A completely new user interface that will combine the creation and
adjustment of the User Configuration utility with the running of
Multi-Print all in one.
- A super fast pull down directory that will allow you to add a document to
the Queue on the fly.
- The ability to print WordStar version 5.0 down by filtering the garbage
characters you would normally see outside of the Word Star environment.
- Even better printer error detection.
- Overall increase in the document scanning speed by re-writing my Turbo
Pascal code which accomplishes the text in Turbo Assembler, another fine
Borland product.
- Adding several printer font styles.
- Laser printer compatability
- The ability to 'zoom' the text view window so that more of your documents
text can be seen.
- The ability to print both sides of your paper to cut down on waste.
- A bookmark capability which will allow you to resume printing a a pre-set
'book-mark(s)'.
- Support for printers configured as LPT2, LPT3, etc.
Multi-Print v4.0 User Documentation Page 20
Multi-Print v4.0 Page 20 Users Guide
S H A R E W A R E & R E G I S T R A T I O N
Multi-print is NOT a public domain or free program! It is being
distributed as Shareware. The Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP)
offers the following definition of Shareware:
Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying
it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are expected
to register. Individual programs differ on details -- some request
registration while others require it, some specify a maximum trial period.
With registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using
the software to an updated program with printed manual.
Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the
copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions as
stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like
commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality. (In both
cases, there are good programs and bad ones!) The main difference is in the
method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy
and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a specific
group. For example, some authors require written permission before a
commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware.
So, Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should
find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether it's commercial
or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier,
because you can try before you buy. And because the overhead is low, prices
are low also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you
don't use the product, you don't pay for it.
Registration licenses you to use Multi-Print Version 4.0. Any unregistered
use other than trial use to determine if Multi-Print meets your needs is a
violation of our license agreement and is forbidden.
Single user registration is available for $15 per copy, which does noti
nclude postage and handling. Registered users will be sent the most
current version. I will also answer letters and calls from any Multi-Print
User whether registered or not concerning any problems they may have.
Comments, good or bad, ideas and suggestions are welcome !
If you wish to be a registered member of Multi-Print please read the
document STATMENT.LIC, and complete the form LICENSE.LIC.
The End !
Directory of PC-SIG Library Disk #1661
Volume in drive A has no label
Directory of A:\
FILE1661 TXT 3257 11-29-89 2:04p
GO1 BAT 38 1-01-80 1:37a
CHKENV10 DOC 790 1-16-89 4:31p
CHKENV10 EXE 3056 1-29-89 7:06p
CONFIGMP DOC 3547 1-09-89 11:28p
CONFIGMP EXE 19552 1-09-89 9:59p
DISTRIB LIC 2250 1-17-89 3:04p
GO BAT 27 1-16-89 11:56p
LICENSE LIC 1551 2-06-89 7:21p
MPRINT40 DOC 43368 2-06-89 7:16p
MPRINT40 EXE 61574 2-06-89 7:50p
README! MP 680 2-01-89 7:00p
README FIX 663 2-06-89 7:15p
STATMENT LIC 1722 1-17-89 3:02p
GO TXT 540 11-30-89 10:34a
15 file(s) 142615 bytes
12800 bytes free