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PC-SIG Diskette Library (Disk #2052)
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Information about “MULTIBAK AND FINDZZ”
MULTIBAK makes computer tasks requiring multiple file changes less
frustrating and safer from disaster. Many programs, such as
wordprocessors, database managers, and spreadsheets, provide for a
single generation of backup, usually renaming the old version of
"filename.ext" to "filename.bak" before writing a new "filename.ext" to
disk. When a new revision is again saved, the old version again becomes
"filename.bak," wiping out the backup file saved earlier.
But what if we change our minds about a major revision and need to
return the document or spreadsheet to its state several generations
earlier? Or if we later discover a major error and the loss of earlier
versions could seriously set our work back? MULTIBAK allows for
creation of backups whenever significant changes are made, accumulating
them until a final version is completed and verified. MULTIBAK allows
sequential creation of up to 99 backup versions of a file. These backup
files can be conveniently erased later using the PURGE program.
FINDZZ locates misplaced files in the blink of an eye! Use wildcard
characters to find files created at specified dates and times. FINDZZ
is much faster than DOS because FINDZZ creates a disk index which
allows for speedy access of up to 300 subdirectories.
FINDZZ consists of four easy to use screens: "find files;" "found
files"; "selected file"; and "configuration file." Indicate search
criteria in the "find files" screen, then see the list of files found in
the "Files Found" screen. Highlight one of the found files, press
return and the "selected file" screen allows you to edit this file using
your text editor. Up to eight of your programs can be added to the
"selected file" screen program menu. FINDZZ is convenient, and it's a
great time saver for any hard disk owner!
FILE2052.TXT
Disk No: 2052
Disk Title: MultiBak and Findzz
PC-SIG Version: S1
Program Title: MULTIBAK
Author Version: 1.2
Author Registration: $20.00
Special Requirements: None.
MULTIBAK makes computer tasks requiring multiple file changes less
frustrating and safer from disaster. Many programs, such as word
processors, data base managers, and spreadsheets, provide for a single
generation of backup, usually renaming the old version of "filename.ext"
to "filename.bak" before writing a new "filename.ext" to disk. When a
new revision is again saved, the old version again becomes
"filename.bak," wiping out the backup file saved earlier. But what if
we change our minds about a major revision and need to return the
document or spreadsheet to its state several generations earlier? Or
if we later discover a major error and the loss of earlier versions
could seriously set our work back? MULTIBAK allows for creation of
backups whenever significant changes are made, accumulating them until a
final version is completed and verified. MULTIBAK allows sequential
creation of up to 99 backup versions of a file. These backup files can
later be conveniently erased using the PURGE program.
Program Title: Findzz
Author Version: 1.1
Author Registration: $19.00
Special Requirements: None.
FINDZZ locates misplaced files in the blink of an eye! Use wildcard
characters to find files created at specified dates and times. FINDZZ
is much faster than DOS's sluggish XTREE command because FINDZZ creates
a disk index which allows for speedy access of up to 300 subdirectories.
FINDZZ consists of four easy to use screens: "Find Files"; "Found
Files"; "Selected File" and "Configuration File". Indicate search
criteria in the "Find Files" screen then see the list of files found in
the "Files Found" screen. Highlight one of the found files, press
return and the "Selected File" screen allows you to edit this file using
your text editor. Up to eight of your programs can be added to the
"Selected File" screen program menu. FINDZZ is convenient, and it's a
great time saver for any hard disk owner!
PC-SIG
1030D East Duane Avenue
Sunnyvale Ca. 94086
(408) 730-9291
(c) Copyright 1989 PC-SIG, Inc.
FILES.TXT
File description for the FINDZZ shareware disk.
MANUAL BAT 80 9-09-89 10:13a Print the manual
README BAT 38 6-20-87 8:50a Start screen
REGISTER BAT 23 9-15-89 8:36a Print registration form
REPORT BAT 21 4-29-89 10:49a Print problem report form
FNZ EXE 22528 9-09-89 11:24a The FINDZZ program
READ ME 1045 9-09-89 10:12a Start screen text
FNZMAN TXT 32909 9-15-89 8:34a Manual text
REGISTER TXT 1681 9-09-89 9:55a Registration text
REPORT TXT 2069 4-29-89 10:45a Problem report text
FNZMAN.TXT
THE FINDZZ PROGRAM
OPERATING GUIDE
Version 1.10 (September 1989)
Published by Aeius Corporation
PO BOX 700457
San Jose, CA 95170
(408) 257 0658
Copyright (c) 1989 by Aeius Corporation
All rights reserved.
The FINDZZ program is a shareware program. This means you
are encouraged to give a copy of the program to your friends.
If you use the program regularly, you are expected to
register. When you register, you recieve the latest program
disk and will recieve the following version of the program,
free, when it is released. To print out a registration form,
place your master disk in your floppy drive, and type the
command:
REGISTER
Table of Contents Page
----------------- ----
REGISTRATION FORM R
INTRODUCTION 1
GETTING STARTED 2
Installation 2
Sample Installation 2
Quick Tryout 2
FIND FILES 5
Editing a Field 6
File Name and File Extension 6
Path 7
Date 7
Time 7
Find, Update Index, and Reset 8
FOUND FILES 9
Selecting a File For Viewing 9
SELECTED FILE 10
CONFIGURATION 11
HELPFUL HINTS 12
FIELD REPORT FORM Last Page
FINDZZ REGISTRATION FORM
If you use the program regularly, you are expected to register.
This provides us with revenue to continue working on improvements and
additions to the program. When you register as an FINDZZ User, we
will send you the latest program disk. In addition, we will provide
you with a free copy of the next improved version, when it is
released. You can register by mail or phone.
MAIL TO: AEIUS CORPORATION OR PHONE: (408) 257 0658
PO BOX 700457 Leave your order, credit card
SAN JOSE, CA 95170 number, name, address and phone
number on our recorder. Use
form below as a guide. Or
leave your phone number for
call back.
The price for registration is $19.00 POSTPAID and TAX PAID. Check,
money order or credit card. Canadian or foreign customers use credit
card or postal money order in US funds. Overseas customers add $5.00
postage.
Name______________________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________
City____________________________State_______Zip___________________
( ) Visa ( ) Master Charge Number ________ ________ _______ _______
Exp Date ____/____ Phone Number (________) ________ ________
Signature for charge only___________________________ Date ________
R
INTRODUCTION
The FINDZZ program is simple to use even though it
provides you a very powerful and flexible addition to your
computing capability. The program operates from four
windows. Each window is marked with operating instructions
so most customers can operate the program without reading the
manual. To find a file, enter a search pattern consisting of
partial file name and/or path, date, time. The program
quickly lists the matching files. You can then instantly
flip back to narrow the search pattern. A selected file may
be viewed or edited from within the program using any of 8
editor, word processor, or spreadsheet programs that reside
on your disk.
FINDZZ uses an index to search files, so the searching
occurs at blazing speed. As you become familiar with the
program, you will use it to invoke your word processor and
editor more frequently to avoid constantly changing
subdirectories and looking for forgotten files.
FINDZZ will handle up to 300 subdirectories and unlimited
files. It uses 85k of memory and can be configured for
either a monochrome or color monitor. It will run on any IBM
PC or IBM compatible PC machine.
If you discover a problem with the FINDZZ program or you
have a suggestion for improvement, please fill out a Field
Report Form and send it to us. We will appreciate your
assistance greatly. The FINDZZ Master Disk contains a report
form which can be printed by placing the Master Disk in your
floppy drive and typing the command:
REPORT
The Master Disk also contains an order form which can be
printed out with the command:
ORDER
1
GETTING STARTED
Installation
The FINDZZ program is installed on your hard disk (or
floppy) by simply copying the program from the master disk to
a subdirectory on your hard disk. The root directory or any
existing subdirectory can be chosen or a new subdirectory can
be created. The following procedure will install FINDZZ in a
subdirectory named "findzz".
Sample Installation
Start your computer and change directories to your root
directory with the command:
CD \
Then create the directory "findzz" with the command:
MKDIR FINDZZ
Change directories to the new directory with the command:
CD \FINDZZ
Place the Master Disk in your floppy disk drive A: and
type the command:
COPY A:FNZ.EXE
The program will be copied from the Master Disk to your
hard disk and the installation is complete. Of course you
can use an existing subdirectory on your disk or you can
create the subdirectory with a name of your own choosing.
Quick Tryout
Now quickly try the program before reading through the
rest of this manual. Make sure your default directory is the
directory in which the program is installed. If you followed
the sample in the preceding Installation Section, the default
directory will be "\FINDZZ". Start the program by typing the
command:
FNZ
2
A CopyRight screen will appear with a prompt "Press any
key". Press the space bar to start the program. Because
this is the first time you have run the program, an Index
File will be created by the program. A blinking prompt
"Index file missing, Wait.." will appear in the upper left
hand corner of the screen. It takes from 5 to 30 seconds to
create the index depending on the number of files on your
disk and the speed of your disk and computer. Then four
windows will be drawn on your screen with the FIND FILES
window in front of the others. At the bottom of the screen
there are function key reminders in intensified display. The
date of the last index update will be highlighted in the
upper left area of your screen.
You can move from one window to another by pressing the F3
key to go to the next window or F5 to go to the previous
window. Try this now to take a look at each of the four
windows. Return to the first window FIND FILES.
Look at this window for a second. The first line contains
blanks for the file name and the file extension. A flashing
cursor is located at the first character of the file name.
Other lines in the first window provide blanks for entering a
path name, a starting and ending date, and a starting and
ending time. Press the down arrow cursor key and the cursor
will move to the first character of the file extension. Type
"EXE" into the extension blanks. Then press the PgDn key.
The cursor will jump to the bottom of the window. Press the
letter "F". The program will quickly find all files with a
".exe" extension, switch to the second window FOUND FILES,
and display the first 15 of the files in the window. The
number of files found is displayed at the top right of the
window. Press the PgDn key to view the second page of files.
Press the down arrow cursor key to move the highlight down
the page. The files are listed in subdirectory order with
deeper subdirectories listed last. Use the up or down cursor
arrow keys to highlight any ".exe" file. Press the <return>
key to select that file. The program will jump to the third
window and the selected file will be highlighted.
Press the PgDn key and then press the "A" key to add this
file to the list of programs you can use. The disk will
operate as the program saves your selection. You will later
use this simple method to create a list of programs that you
can use to view a selected file. Now you can delete this
program from the list by pressing "D".
Move back to the first window by pressing F5 twice. Press
the down arrow cursor key 5 times to move the cursor down to
the STARTING DATE year position. Type the current year over
the "1980" previously displayed in that position. Press the
PgDn key and then "F" to get a list of files with an ".exe"
extension which were created this year. If no files meet
this criteria, the window will be blank and "Found no Files"
will be displayed in the upper right hand corner of the
second window.
3
Press F3 twice to move to the fourth window which is used
for configuring the program to your needs. If you have a
color monitor, you can select a color display by pressing
"C". Later you can eliminate some paths from the search by
setting the starting path in the second line. Press PgDn to
move the cursor to the third line. If you press "S", the
configuration will be saved on disk.
Press the Esc key to get out of the program. A blinking
prompt "Do you really want to quit (Y/N)?" will be displayed.
Press the "Y" key to end the program.
4
FIND FILES
The FINDZZ program is designed to make it convenient and
intuitive for you to find a file by repetitive narrowing of a
search. For example, you might be looking for a file you
created in 1988. A search of the disk might list 200 files
matching that year. You might then narrow the list by
specifying a file name starting with "B". That search might
narrow the list to 28 files. At this point you could view
one or two likely files or you could narrow the search
further based on hints you get from the files listed. The
program operates so quickly that iterative searches of this
type are painless and fun to conduct. It is sometimes easier
to edit a series of files using FINDZZ, than it is to operate
from the DOS command line even if you know the file names you
are looking for.
The FIND FILES window contains several lines for entering
file specifications. A file must match all of the
specifications to be accepted as a match. The first line
contains a field for the file name and file extension. You
can enter full or partial names in these fields and the
program will search for all files which contain those
entries. A blank field means the program will accept all
files as matching that field.
The next line specifies a starting search path. If you
enter a path name in this field, the program will search that
path and all subordinate paths. This allows you to eliminate
subdirectories from the search that could not contain the
file.
The next two lines specify the calendar interval to be
searched. The first line specifies the starting date of the
interval. It is defaulted to Jan 1, 1980. The second line
specifies the ending date of the interval. It is defaulted
to the present date. During a search, the program accepts
any file which was created or last modified on or after the
starting date but also created or modified on or before the
ending date.
The next two lines specify the time interval to be
searched. The first line specifies the starting time of the
interval and the second line specifies the ending time of the
interval. For example, if the starting time is set to 06:00
and the ending time is set to 12:00 the search will accept
any file created or last modified in the morning.
The bottom line is used to execute the search, to reset
the search fields, or to update the index. When the cursor
is on the bottom line, keying a "F" will make the program
search for a list of files which meet the specification. If
you key an "I", the program will update the index. If you
key an "R", the FIND FILES window will be reset to all its
default fields.
5
Editing a Field
FINDZZ uses standard editing procedures for adding or
deleting characters in a file specification field. The
default edit mode is "REPLACE", meaning that the character
above the cursor is replaced by the character entered from
the keyboard. You can switch to the "INSERT" editing mode by
pressing the "Ins" key and switch back to the "REPLACE" mode
by pressing "Ins" again. The INSERT mode causes the keyed
character to be placed in front of the cursor and all
characters from the cursor to the end of the field are moved
one space to the right. A highlighted prompt at the upper
right of your screen tells you whether you are in the
"INSERT" or "REPLACE" edit mode.
Pressing the "Del" key deletes the character over the cursor
and pressing the backspace key deletes the character
preceding the cursor. The right arrow and left arrow cursor
keys move the cursor to the right and left in the field
respectively. The "End" key moves the cursor to the last
character in the field and the "Home" key moves the cursor to
the beginning of the field.
Pressing the down arrow cursor key moves the cursor from
one field to the next field while the up arrow cursor key
moves the cursor to the preceding field. The PgDn key moves
the cursor to the last field on the screen and the PgUp key
moves the cursor to the first field.
The F3 function key takes you to the next window and the
F5 key takes you back to the preceding window.
File Name and File Extension
The File Name field is used to enter a partial or full
file name. The program then searches each file name in the
index for a match to the characters entered in the File Name
field. A "?" can be used as a wild card place holder. A "*"
is not used by the FINDZZ program. The search looks for a
matching string of characters anywhere in each file name. A
'/' at the end of the string means look for an exact match
for that string. The search process is best illustrated
with an example.
Suppose we search these seven files.
EDUCATOR
TEDDY
TREDLITE
FIXED
WANTED
LOCATED
PROVIDED
6
If we enter "ED" in the File Name field, and run a search,
all seven files will be listed because there is a match
somewhere in each file name with "ED". If we enter "???ED",
only the last four files will match, because the first three
characters of each file name are covered with a "?" so the
match against "ED" starts with the fourth letter. If we
enter "ED??????" only the first file name would match because
the last 6 letters are covered with a "?" so "ED" will not be
searched against those last 6 letters. An entry of "ED/"
would match no files since only the file name "ED" would be
an exact match.
The File Extension is searched in the same manner but that
field only holds 3 characters instead of 8.
Path
The Path field is used to restrict the search to a
starting subdirectory and all subordinate subdirectories.
Enter the starting path name in the second line. The default
path is "\" which specifies the starting directory as the
root directory. If the path does not exist, a blinking
prompt "DIRECTORY DOES NOT EXIST" will appear in the upper
left of the screen when you execute the search. Subdirectory
names are separated with a "\" in the path field in the
standard DOS manner. A typical path entry would be:
\JOHN\TEXT\MEMOS
Date
The starting date field specifies a month, day and year on
or after which a file must have been created or modified.
The default starting date is 01/01/1980. Either a "0" or a
blank will specify an unused left digit.
The ending date field specifies a month, day and year on
or before which a file must have been created or modified.
The default ending date is the present date.
Time
The starting time field specifies a time in hours and
minutes on or after which a file must have been created or
modified. The default starting time is 00:00 or midnight of
the previous day. A 24 hour time is used so 2 pm is
specified as 14:00. Either a "0" or a blank will specify an
unused left digit.
The ending time field specifies a time in hours and
minutes on or before which a file must have been created or
modified. The default ending time is 24:00 or midnight of
the present day.
7
Find, Update Index, and Reset
The last field on the FIND FILES window is a one character
field used to tell the program to find files, recompile the
index, or reset all the search fields to their default
values. To move the cursor to this field, press PgDn. Enter
a "F" to conduct a search. FINDZZ will quickly scan the
index, switch to the FOUND FILES window, and list the
matching files.
If you enter an "I' in the last field, the program will
recompile an up to date index of your disk. A blinking
prompt "Updating index.." will appear on your screen while
the index is being recompiled. It will take from 5 to 30
seconds to update the index, depending on the number of files
on your disk and the speed of your computer and disk. The
date and time of the last Index Update is shown in the upper
left hand corner of the window for your convenience. It is
advisable to recompile your index daily at some convenient
time. You can also recompile the index when you start the
program by specifying an "I" parameter in the command line as
in:
FNZ I
If you enter an "R" in the last field, all fields in the
FIND FILES window will be reset to their default values.
8
FOUND FILES
After you command a search by pressing the "F" key, a new
window is drawn on the screen and the matching files are
listed in this FOUND FILES window. The first file is
highlighted. The number of matches found is shown in the
upper right corner of the window. If no matching files were
found, "Found no files" will be shown.
Each file name is listed with its full path and the drive
letter. A file number is also listed at the left of the
line. At the right of the line, the date and time of the
file's creation or last change is shown. The files are
listed in subdirectory order, with the root directory first,
followed by the shallowest paths, followed by increasingly
deeper paths. If the path is too long to display, only the
right hand portion of the path is shown and "--" is drawn at
the left of the path to indicate it has been truncated.
15 files are listed at one time in the FOUND FILES window.
If more than 15 files were found, you can display the next
page of 15 files by pressing the PgDn key. The PgUp key
displays the previous page of files. The down arrow cursor
key moves the highlight to the next file and the up arrow
cursor key moves the highlight to the previous file name.
The program is limited to displaying the first 512 files
in a very long list. However the correct number of files
found is listed in the upper right corner of the window.
Selecting a File For Viewing
To select a file, move the highlight to the desired file
name and press the <return> key. This tells FINDZZ you want
to select that file to view or to add to your program list.
9
SELECTED FILE
When you have selected a file and pressed the <return>
key, the SELECTED FILE window is drawn on the screen. This
window displays the selected file name on the first line and
also displays a list of programs which can be used to view or
edit the selected file.
First you will need a list of programs. To compile this
list you need to find a program you wish to add to the
program list. Use the FIND FILES window to find the editor
or word processor you wish to add. Enter the file name and
extension of the program to be added and run a search. The
extension must be either "EXE" or "COM". You will get a
short list of file names. (Usually one file.) Move the
highlight to your program name and press <return>. The file
name will be shown in the SELECTED FILE window. The cursor
will be located in a one character field marked "Press "A" to
add selected file to program list". Press the "A" key to add
the selected file to your program list. The disk will
operate and the selected file will be displayed under
"Programs:". This program list is saved in the index so you
only have to make up your list once. It is a good idea to
make up your program list while the default path is set to
the root directory so that none of the programs you wish to
add to the list are hidden from the index.
Up to eight programs can be added to the program list.
Any program will work, but programs that will accept a file
name as an argument are best. Most word processors and
editors will accept a file name on the command line and will
open the desired file when they are invoked. Some programs
will not accept a file name argument. These programs can
still be used in your program list but the selected file will
not be opened automatically. In this case you will have jot
down the selected file path and name and open it from within
the application.
Once you have completed your program list, the selected
file can be viewed or edited by simply finding a selected
file, highlighting the desired program in the program list,
and pressing the <return> key. FINDZZ will call your program
and give the selected file as the command line argument so
the next thing you will see is the selected file from your
editor or word processor.
Programs are not limited to editors and word processors
but can include spreadsheets or any other type of program you
find useful. "EDLIN.COM" and "PRINT.COM" are two good
programs to start with. Batch files are not accepted as
programs by FINDZZ.
A program can be deleted from the program list by
highlighting it and pressing the 'D' key. Programs can be
added or deleted at any time.
10
CONFIGURATION
The last window is used for configuring FINDZZ to your
needs. The first field is a one character field. It is used
to select either a monochrome display by entering "M" or a
color display by entering "C". The default is monochrome.
When you change the display selection, the screen will be
redrawn but the selection is temporary until it is saved as
described below.
The second field allows you to select a subdirectory
Starting Path for the index search. The Starting Path
feature can be used to eliminate paths from the Index which
you know you will never search.
To set the Starting Path, enter a path name in the second
field. Use the "\" backslash to separate directory names as
in "\TEXT\LETTERS". The path must start with the root
directory. If the path does not exist a warning prompt will
be displayed.
Any configuration settings are temporary until they are
saved in your index file. Once the configuration is saved it
will be used every time FINDZZ is used. To save the
configuration move the cursor down to the last line in the
window marked "Press 'S' to save configuration". Then press
the 'S' key and the disk will operate to save the
configuration and recompile the index.
11
HELPFUL HINTS
In this section several common problems and pointers are
presented in a problem/solution format to help you get the
most out of the program.
Problem: "I can't find a memo that I typed this morning even
though I am sure the file name is correct."
Solution: Make sure that your Index has been recompiled
since this morning. If a file has been created, moved or
deleted since the last compilation, the Index is not
informed about that file.
Problem: "I can't find a file that I just found ten minutes
ago in another search."
Solution: You may have dates or times left from a previous
search which prevent the file from being matched. Reset
your dates and times to the default values by entering an
'R' at the bottom of the FIND FILES window.
Problem: "I have a 750 Megabyte disk. How do I get around
the 300 subdirectory limit?"
Solution: Install FINDZZ in two or more subdirectories in
your root directory. Use the CONFIGURATION window
Starting Path to separate your disk into chunks which
contain less than 300 subdirectories each.
12
FINDZZ PROBLEM REPORT FORM
We would appreciate it if you would report any problems
you may discover with the program or the manual. We will
update the program and manual from time to time and your
comments will help us eliminate errors from future versions.
If you have an idea on how the program or manual could be
improved or made easier to use and understand, we would
appreciate your comments in these areas also.
Please fill out all applicable sections of the form and
send it to us at the address given below. Thanks for your
help.
DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM: Use other side if necessary.
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Has the problem occurred more than once?____________________
Program function being used when problem occurred.__________
____________________________________________________________
I would like to see the following features added to the
program or manual: _________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Computer Type______________________Disk Size________________
Name________________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________
City________________________State______________Zip__________
Telephone including area code_______________________________
Mail to: AEIUS CORPORATION
FINDZZ FIELD REPORT
PO BOX 700457
SAN JOSE, CA 95170
Phone: (408) 257 0658
GO.TXT
╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ <<<< Disk #2052 MULTIBACK AND FINDZZ >>>> ║
╠═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ To start COPY model of MULTIBAK, type: MBC (press enter) ║
║ To start RENAME model of MULTIBAK, type: MBR (press enter) ║
║ To start FINDZZ, type: FNZ (press enter) ║
║ ║
║ To print MULTIBAK documentation, type: MANUAL ║
║ To print FINDZZ documentation, type: COPY FNZMAN.TXT PRN ║
╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
MULTIBAK.DOC
MULTIBAK: A Multiple Generation File Backup Utility
Copyright 1989 Gilbert Shapiro
**********
I. Purpose
Many microcomputer programs that modify files, such as word processors, data
base managers, and spreadsheets, provide for a single generation of backup,
usually renaming the old version of "filename.ext" to "filename.bak" before
writing a new "filename.ext" to disk. When a new revision is again saved, the
old version again becomes "filename.bak," wiping out the backup file saved
earlier. This is not always satisfactory. We may change our minds about a
major change later, and want to return the document or the spreadsheet to its
state several generations earlier. We may even discover much later a major
error and the loss of earlier versions could seriously set our work back. For
these reasons, some mainframe operating systems provide the option of multiple
generations of backup. Not only the previous version of a file, but as many
generations as the user wishes (or as many as can fit in his disk space) can
be preserved. MULTIBAK is a set of programs intended to provide the most
important features of such mainframe services for MSDOS systems.
Any computer work that creates multiple changes in files can be made less
frustrating and safer from disaster by using this collection of programs.
When editing a document or developing a spreadsheet, for example, one might
create a backup almost at the stroke of a key whenever significant changes are
made, accumulating them until a final version is completed and verified. The
backup files can then be conveniently erased using the PURGE program provided.
II. Versions of MULTIBAK
This is the freely distributed version of MULTIBAK. You are invited to make
as many copies of this program as you wish for your own use or the use of
others, for non-commercial purposes. You may not, however, charge anything for
MULTIBAK (except for user groups, who may charge a cost-based fee, not to
exceed $10, to cover their own costs).
The free version of MULTIBAK consists of the following files:
MULTIBAK.DOC This file.
MBC.EXE The COPY model of MULTIBAK.
MBR.EXE The RENAME model of MULTIBAK.
PURGE.EXE A program for conveniently and safely erasing backup files.
These programs comprise a fully functional system that will be sufficient for
many users. A more elaborate system, with additional conveniences, is
also available. If you send $20 to:
CN Software
Dept. 183
414 S. Craig St., Suite 280
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
as a registered user of MULTIBAK you will receive a copy of an enhanced
system, which includes
1. MEMORY RESIDENT versions of both the COPY and RENAME models. These make
MULTIBAK available to the user at the touch of a Hot Key of his choice,
permitting execution from within programs that do not provide
facilities for the execution of DOS commands.
2. Two additional utilities: REVERT, which quickly and simply returns you to
an earlier version of your file while preserving the current version,
and RENUMBER, a facility to change a broken series of backup names to
an unbroken series beginning at number one.
III. General Functions of MULTIBAK
MULTIBAK saves the current version of a file under a new file name; it is
normally called immediately prior to issuing a "save" command to some program,
such as a word processor, to write a new version. The name of the backup file
is, by default, provided by MULTIBAK. Unless over-ridden by the user, by means
described below, it is constructed as follows:
- The drive, directory, and first file name are identical with the
original file.
- The extension is the first character of the extension of the original
file, followed by the lowest integer from 1 to 99 not yet used in
backup versions of that file. If the original file has no extension,
the backup file extension will begin with a dash: for example, the first
backup of MYFILE. will be MYFILE.-1, the second MYFILE.-2.
Thus, if the file to be backed up is MYFILE.EXT, the first call to MULTIBAK
will produce a backup file named MYFILE.E1, the second backup will be called
MYFILE.E2, and so on. If, after the call to MULTIBAK, a new version is saved
by a spreadsheet or word processor, it can always have the original name,
MYFILE.EXT. Note that the preservation of the first letter of the original
extension permits us to distinguish the backups of MYPROG.C, MYPROG.EXE and
MYPROG.DOC, which will, respectively, have extensions beginning with C, E, and
D. (The backups of MYFILE.BAS, MYFILE.BAT, and MYFILE.BAK will be jumbled
together, however.)
The COPY model, MBC.EXE, creates a new backup file by copying the current
version, without disturbing the original. The RENAME model, MBR.EXE, on the
other hand, calls upon DOS to rename the original, changing the name in
the directory. Generally, these two procedures behave like the DOS commands
with the same names, but with one exception: the RENAME model of MULTIBAK
permits backups to appear in a directory different from the directory of the
original file, which the DOS command does not. Like the DOS "copy" command,
the COPY model of MULTIBAK permits backups to a different drive, while the
RENAME model, like the rename command in DOS, does not. Like the DOS "copy"
command, the COPY model of MULTIBAK keeps the original file intact, under its
original name; like the "rename" command, the RENAME model does not, since it
changes the file's name. On the other hand, long files can take considerably
longer to back up using the COPY model, although they can be RENAMEd in an
instant, and, in fact, as quickly as short files.
IV. How to Use MULTIBAK
In the following discussion, we will use the name MULTIBAK when we wish to
describe commands or features common to both the COPY model, MBC.EXE, and
the RENAME model, MBR.EXE.
At a DOS prompt (such as "C>") MULTIBAK is called as follows:
C>MULTIBAK filespec [backup filename root] [max files]
(the arguments in square brackets, as usual, being optional).
"Filespec" refers to the specification of the file to be backed up. It can be
a "full" specification, including an optional drive and directory path.
The "backup filename root," if provided, over-rides the default filename for
backup files, which is described above (Section III). The rules for
constructing this argument are provided below, Section V.
"Max files," the final argument, specifies the maximum number of versions to
be saved. That value can be any number up to 99. If this optional argument is
provided, it over-rides the program default of 50. In case very large files
are saved when disk space is at a premium, it might be set as low as 2 or 3.
When plenty of disk space is available, or files are short and the recovery of
earlier versions might be critical, a value of 99 makes sense. Since the
program seeks the lowest integer available for a new backup by searching for
existing files starting at the maximum and proceeding down, an unnecessarily
large number might slightly slow execution. Note that "max files" can not be
entered unless an explicit "backup filename root" is also entered: otherwise
the number entered as the maximum number of files will be taken as the file
name root. For example, on its first execution
MBC MYFILE 10
will produce a backup of MYFILE named "10.-1".
MBC MYFILE MYFILE 10
will produce what is desired, a backup named "MYFILE.-1" searching only from
10 to 1 instead of from 50 to 1 for already existing backup files.
In all of the following examples, the file to be backed up is understood to be
C:\SUBDIR\MYFILE.EXT. MBC.EXE and MBR.EXE are either in the current default
directory or in the directory path. MULTIBAK means either MBC or MBR.
1. Succession of executions of COPY model, with default backup filenames.
Command Files existing after command executed.
------- --------------------------------------
C>MBC MYFILE.EXT C:\SUBDIR\MYFILE.EXT
C:\SUBDIR\MYFILE.E1
C>MBC MYFILE.EXT c:\subdir\MYFILE.EXT
c:\subdir\MYFILE.E1
c:\subdir\MYFILE.E2
******
2. Succession of executions of RENAME model, with default backup filenames.
Command Files existing after command executed.
------- --------------------------------------
C>MBR MYFILE.EXT C:\SUBDIR\MYFILE.E1
C>MBR MYFILE.EXT C:\SUBDIR\MYFILE.E1
C:\SUBDIR\MYFILE.E2
Note: Ordinarily, in this case, another program such as a word processor would
create a new version of MYFILE.EXT when MULTIBAK creates a backup.
*****
3. Backup to a different directory.
Command Files existing after command executed.
------- --------------------------------------
C>MBC MYFILE.EXT \ALTDIR\MYFILE C:\SUBDIR\MYFILE.EXT
C:\ALTDIR\MYFILE.E1
or
C>MBR MYFILE.EXT \ALTDIR\MYFILE C:\ALTDIR\MYFILE.E1
*****
4. Backup to a different drive.
Command Files existing after command executed.
------- --------------------------------------
C>MBC MYFILE.EXT D:\ANYDIR\MYFILE C:\SUBDIR\MYFILE.EXT
D:\ANYDIR\MYFILE.E1
*****
5. Backup to a new backup filename.
Command Files existing after command executed.
------- --------------------------------------
C>MULTIBAK MYFILE.EXT BACKFILE C:\SUBDIR\MYFILE.EXT
C:\SUBDIR\BACKFILE.E1
*****
5. Backup using the same filename, to a different drive and directory.
Command Files existing after command executed.
------- --------------------------------------
C>MBC MYFILE.EXT D:\ANYDIR\MYFILE C:\SUBDIR\MYFILE.EXT
D:\ANYDIR\MYFILE.E1
NOTE: In this example, the explicit filename MYFILE may NOT be omitted in
specifying the backup filename, even though it may be omitted when calling the
DOS COPY program.
V. The Backup Filename Root
The "backup filename root," if provided, over-rides the default filename for
backup files. It is called a "root" since an extension including a sequence
number is appended to it to construct the full backup filename.
The filename root:
MUST include a first name for the backup file;
MAY include a directory path;
MUST NOT include an extension. If one is entered, it is ignored.
The extension will always be assigned by the program, by the rules described
above.
The rule on including a drive in the backup filename root differs for the COPY
and the RENAME models.
You MAY include ANY drive when executing the COPY model.
You MUST include the same drive if any is named in "filespec," i.e., the
drive of the original file, when executing the RENAME model.
For example:
C>MBR D:\SUBDIR\FILE.EXT D:\NEWDIR\BACKUP
is a correct command line entered from the current default disk C:, which
would rename the current version of FILE.EXT in directory \SUBDIR of
disk D: to one of BACKUP.E1, BACKUP.E2, BACKUP.E3, etc. (using the first
unused integer) in directory \NEWDIR of disk D:.
If the second "D:" is omitted,
C>MBR D:\SUBDIR\FILE.EXT \NEWDIR\BACKUP
the command will be interpreted as an attempt to backup a file located on D:,
by renaming, to drive C:, the default drive, and the error message "Can not
back up to a different drive" will appear on the screen. On the other hand,
C>MBC D:\SUBDIR\FILE.EXT \NEWDIR\BACKUP
using the COPY version, will create the backup file demanded:
C:\NEWDIR\BACKUP.E?? where ?? represents a sequence number.
VI. PURGE
PURGE permits the deletion of selected generations of backup files created by
MULTIBAK. Particularly when files are long, storing many generations could
use considerable disk space to little purpose. But the chore of erasing large
numbers of backups might be burdensome, since wild cards would probably wipe
out useful files, including the current version. PURGE permits the user to
select the generations to be erased with a single command. On each execution
of MULTIBAK, the user is advised of the size in bytes and the serial number of
the new backup, so that he can use the purge facility when he feels the number
of backups is becoming excessive.
PURGE is called at the DOS prompt as follows:
C>PURGE [filename] [highest sequence number] [starting sequence number]
where the "filename" is the name of the file whose backups are to be erased,
including an optional drive, directory, and extension. The "highest sequence
number" option permits erasing only the oldest generations, up to the
specified number. Thus, if a file has 12 generations of backup on disk it is
possible to erase, for example, the first six, or the first eleven. The second
argument to PURGE, the starting sequence number, permits still more
flexibility, the erasing of only the generations beginning at the number
entered. Thus, if a file named "PROGRAM.C" has been backed up 8 times the
directory will show:
PROGRAM.C1
PROGRAM.C2
PROGRAM.C3
PROGRAM.C4
PROGRAM.C5
PROGRAM.C6
PROGRAM.C7
PROGRAM.C8
After execution of
C:>PURGE PROGRAM.C 6 3
the disk will hold:
PROGRAM.C1
PROGRAM.C2
PROGRAM.C7
PROGRAM.C8
If, as in this case, the sequence is broken, C>PURGE PROGRAM.C will erase
files only until it finds a missing backup, i.e., in this case, it will erase
PROGRAM.C1 and PROGRAM.C2. If, however, an upper limit is given as an argument
to the command line all files up to that limit will be erased, regardless of
missing versions. Thus, all files in the broken list above will be deleted by
the command C>PURGE PROGRAM.C 8.
These rules present an apparent danger to any file with an extension composed
exclusively of two digits. When MULTIBAK backs up a file called FILE.12 its
first backup will be called FILE.11, and its second backup will be called
FILE.13. (If FILE.12 exists, it will skip that name.) Now the original file,
FILE.12, appears to the computer as it does to a human observer as
indistinguishable from a backup, and the command PURGE FILE.12 would seem to
destroy the current version, FILE.12, along with its backups. PURGE, however,
is programmed to avoid this; it will never erase the current version entered
as its first argument on the command line.
Examples of the Use of PURGE
============================
Erasing all backup files: PURGE MYFILE
Files existing before command Files existing after command
============================= ============================
MYFILE.EXT MYFILE.EXT
MYFILE.E1
MYFILE.E2
MYFILE.E3
Erasing all backups except the most recent: PURGE MYFILE 2
Files existing before command Files existing after command
============================= ============================
MYFILE.EXT MYFILE.EXT
MYFILE.E1 MYFILE.E3
MYFILE.E2
MYFILE.E3
Erasing all except the first two backups: PURGE MYFILE 4 3
Files existing before command Files existing after command
============================= ============================
MYFILE.EXT MYFILE.EXT
MYFILE.E1 MYFILE.E1
MYFILE.E2 MYFILE.E2
MYFILE.E3
MYFILE.E4
VII. Executing MULTIBAK from Other Programs
While MULTIBAK can be called from the DOS prompt like any other program, it is
specifically designed to be called from within applications that write
modifications to files and provide either a DOS command call facility or a DOS
Shell option. For example, SPRINT is an editor that, like many others,
provides a macro, "call," that executes a DOS command. The following macro
can be bound to a function key, so that it executes each time that key is
pressed:
call MBR fname write fname
This stores the current version of the file being edited (SPRINT calls it
"fname") without destroying previous backup versions, and then writes the
newly edited version to disk, under the original file name. This backup
procedure is very fast, and can be called a dozen times or more in a given
editing session, so as to provide the possibility of returning to many
different versions if desired. At the end of an editing session, some or all
of these backups can be PURGEd.
The popular word processor Word Perfect offers a different method of using
MULTIBAK while editing. Instead of a macro for executing a DOS command,
Word Perfect offers a "shell" command. Pressing Control-F1, the user sees a
DOS prompt, which enables him to execute any DOS command including MBR or
MBC.
VIII. Disclaimer
Used properly, this software will perform as described. By using this
software, you acknowledge that this software may not suit your particular
requirements or be completely trouble-free. We are not responsible for your
specific application or any problems resulting from use of this software. We
have no liability to you or any other person or entity for any damage or loss,
including special, incidental, or consequential damages, caused by this
software, directly or indirectly. Some states do not allow the limitation or
exclusion of liability for incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
REGISTER.TXT
FINDZZ REGISTRATION FORM
If you use the program regularly, you are expected to register.
This provides us with revenue to continue working on improvements and
additions to the program. When you register as an FINDZZ User, we
will send you the latest program disk. In addition, we will provide
you with a free copy of the next improved version, when it is
released. You can register by mail or phone.
MAIL TO: AEIUS CORPORATION OR PHONE: (408) 257 0658
PO BOX 700457 Leave your order, credit card
SAN JOSE, CA 95170 number, name, address and phone
number on our recorder. Use
form below as a guide. Or
leave your phone number for
call back.
Registration costs $19.00 POSTPAID and TAX PAID. Pay by check,
money order or credit card. Canadian or foreign customers use credit
card or postal money order in US funds. Overseas customers add $5.00
postage.
Name______________________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________
City____________________________State_______Zip___________________
( ) Visa ( ) Master Charge Number ________ ________ _______ _______
Exp Date ____/____ Phone Number (________) ________ ________
Signature for charge only___________________________ Date ________
REPORT.TXT
FINDZZ PROBLEM REPORT FORM
We would appreciate it if you would report any problems
you may discover with the program or the manual. We will
update the program and manual from time to time and your
comments will help us eliminate errors from future versions.
If you have an idea on how the program or manual could be
improved or made easier to use and understand, we would
appreciate your comments in these areas also.
Please fill out all applicable sections of the form and
send it to us at the address given below. Thanks for your
help.
DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM: Use other side if necessary.
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Has the problem occurred more than once?____________________
Program function being used when problem occurred.__________
____________________________________________________________
I would like to see the following features added to the
program or manual: _________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Computer Type______________________Disk Size________________
Name________________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________
City________________________State______________Zip__________
Telephone including area code_______________________________
Mail to: AEIUS CORPORATION
FINDZZ FIELD REPORT
PO BOX 700457
SAN JOSE, CA 95170
Phone: (408) 257 0658
Directory of PC-SIG Library Disk #2052
Volume in drive A has no label
Directory of A:\
FILE2052 TXT 3775 1-24-90 11:53a
FILES TXT 609 9-15-89 8:52a
FNZ EXE 22528 9-09-89 11:24a
FNZMAN TXT 32909 9-15-89 8:34a
GO BAT 38 1-01-80 1:37a
GO TXT 771 1-24-90 12:20p
MANUAL BAT 80 9-09-89 10:13a
MBC EXE 9935 10-05-89 9:29p
MBR EXE 8647 10-05-89 9:00p
MULTIBAK DOC 18696 10-06-89 10:43a
PURGE EXE 8739 9-11-89 5:01p
READ ME 1045 9-09-89 10:12a
README BAT 38 6-20-87 8:50a
REGISTER BAT 23 9-15-89 8:36a
REGISTER TXT 1681 9-09-89 9:55a
REPORT BAT 21 4-29-89 10:49a
REPORT TXT 2069 4-29-89 10:45a
17 file(s) 111604 bytes
42496 bytes free