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Disk No: 2579
Disk Title: MaxCat
PC-SIG Version: S1.0
Program Title: MaxCat
Author Version: 1.1
Author Registration: $20.00
Special Requirements: Two floppy drives. Hard drive recommended.
MAXCAT is a menu-driven diskette cataloging program which creates a
cataloged index of floppy disks. This catalog can reside on your hard
disk, or even on another floppy disk. With just one keystroke diskettes
are read and each file and subdirectory is indexed automatically. File
names are also extracted from both ARC and ZIP files and added to the
MAXCAT database. This index can be browsed on-screen by diskette or by
individual subdirectory. Searches by file name or extension are a snap
to perform. Comments can be attached to both diskettes and
subdirectories. Printed reports include a listing of all diskettes, all
subdirectories, all files, all files on a selected diskette, or all
files in a selected subdirectory. Complete, helpful database statistics
are always available, as well as context-sensitive help.
MAXCAT indexes diskettes by volume label. Volume label is a logical
label which is recognized by DOS (and MAXCAT) as the "name" of the
diskette. MAXCAT (and DOS) provides the ability to add, change, or
delete volume labels.
MAXCAT will provide you with an easy-to-use, highly effective means to
catalog and track all of your floppy disks. The more floppy disks you
have, the more valuable MAXCAT will be.
PC-SIG
1030D East Duane Avenue
Sunnyvale Ca. 94086
(408) 730-9291
(c) Copyright 1989 PC-SIG, Inc.
╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ <<<< PC-SIG Disk #2579 MAXCAT >>>> ║
╠═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ ║
║ To print the program's documentation, type: PRINTDOC (press Enter) ║
║ ║
║ To start MAXCAT, type: MAXCAT (press Enter) ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ Copyright 1991, PC-SIG, Inc. ║
╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
M a x C a t
Diskette Management System
Version 1.1
Copyright (c) 1990 by Max Burgstahler
User's Manual
Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MaxCat is Shareware..............................3
MaxCat Registration Form ........................4
Introduction.....................................5
Installation.....................................6
Running MaxCat...................................6
Using MaxCat.....................................7
MaxCat Keys......................................8
Process Diskettes................................9
Process Subdirectories..........................10
Database Search.................................11
Database Reports................................11
Index A Diskette................................12
Delete A Diskette...............................13
Label A Diskette................................13
Database Utilities..............................14
Database Statistics.............................15
Page 3
MaxCat is Shareware
MaxCat is the copyrighted property of Max Burgstahler. You are
granted a limited license to use, copy, and distribute MaxCat
provided the following conditions are met:
A. Copying and distribution fee may not exceed $10.00.
B. MaxCat may only be distributed in its original unmodified
state.
This software is distributed under the user supported software
concept. Though MaxCat is copyrighted, you are encouraged to copy
and distribute this program to others. If you like this product and
find it useful, a registration fee of $20.00 is required for
continued use. Site licenses and commercial distribution licenses
are available. A program disk and printed documentation are
available for $30.00. See the registration and order form elsewhere
in this manual. All registered users receive technical support and
upgrade notices.
The author makes no representations or warranties with respect
to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any implied
warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose.
Further, the author reserves the right to revise this publication
and to make changes from time to time in the content hereof without
obligation of the author to notify any person or organization of
such revision or changes.
MaxCat is user supported. This means that you may copy it
freely and give the copies away to anyone you wish. They are in
turn requested to send in a contribution if they decide to use it.
The user supported software concept (also known as "shareware")
is an attempt to provide quality software at low cost. Both the
user and author benefit from this plan. The user will benefit by
being able to "test drive" software thoroughly before purchasing it.
The author benefits by being able to enter the commercial software
market while avoiding the high cost of commercial distribution.
This concept helps many independent authors and small companies
that otherwise would be discouraged from developing and promoting
their ideas. It can only work with your support. If you obtain a
user supported program from a friend and are still using it after a
few weeks, then it is obviously worth something to you, and a
contribution should be sent.
For further information and registration, please send all
correspondence to:
Max Burgstahler
831 Jefferson Dr.
Decatur, IL 62521 U.S.A.
(217) 429-5146
Registered users of MaxCat receive telephone support. You pay
for the call.
Page 4
05 **** MaxCat Registration Form ****
Send to: Max Burgstahler
831 Jefferson Dr.
Decatur, IL Current version number ________
62521 U.S.A.
QUANTITY SUBTOTAL
Register currently used MaxCat (no disk) $20 ________ ________
Latest release of MaxCat and
printed manual (indicate disk size).. $30 ________ ________
MaxCat Network License (per server) ... $100 ________ ________
MaxCat Site License (per site)..........$250 ________ ________
MaxCat Corporate License (unlimited) .. $500 ________ ________
Outside U.S. add $5 for shipping...... TOTAL ________ ________
Name________________________________________________________________
Company_____________________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Phone_______________________________________________________________
Where did you hear about MaxCat_____________________________________
Comments____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Make checks in U.S. currency from a U.S. bank or in your own
currency from a non-U.S. bank.
Page 5
Introduction
MaxCat is a menu-driven diskette cataloging utility which
creates a searchable index of floppy disks. This catalog can reside
on your hard disk, or even on another floppy disk. With just one
keystroke diskettes are read and each file and subdirectory is
indexed automatically. Filenames are also extracted from both ARC
and ZIP files and added to the MaxCat database. This index can be
browsed on-screen by diskette or by individual subdirectory.
Searches by file name or extension are a snap to perform. Comments
can be attached to both diskettes AND subdirectories. Printed reports
include a listing of all diskettes, all subdirectories, all files,
all files on a selected diskette, or all files on a selected
subdirectory. Complete, helpful database statistics are always
available. The interface is window/menu oriented, and
context-sensitive help is never more than a keystroke away.
MaxCat indexes diskettes by volume label. Volume label is a
logical label which is recognized by DOS (and MaxCat) as the "name"
of the diskette. DOS provides the ability to add, change, or delete
volume labels on diskettes with the DOS LABEL command. MaxCat also
provides the ability to add or change volume labels with the LABEL A
DISKETTE option. Please refer to your DOS manual for more
information on volume labels and the LABEL command. A good
understanding of how volume labels work is helpful in understanding
the MaxCat system. It is important to keep in mind that volume
labels are the "key" by which diskettes are stored in the MaxCat
database and that each diskette MUST HAVE A UNIQUE VOLUME LABEL in
order to work with MaxCat.
The intent of the MaxCat system is simply this: once a unique
volume label has been added to a diskette, the user then writes the
volume label on the outside of the diskette and indexes the diskette
with MaxCat. Then, as files are added, changed, or deleted on the
diskette, one only needs to re-index that diskette with MaxCat and
the index on the hard drive is automatically updated. It is no
longer necessary to write, erase, and re-write file names or
comments on the outside of the diskette. Nor is it necessary to
print a directory listing and store it with the diskette. When you
need to locate a file on one of your diskettes, it is a snap to find
it with MaxCat; it is never more than a few keystrokes away.
MaxCat requires an IBM compatible computer running DOS 3.0 or
above, with at least 256K of available memory. Although MaxCat can
be ran on dual floppy disks, a hard disk is highly recommended. All
types of video modes are supported; color EGA or better is
recommended.
Page 6
Installation
HARD DISK USERS - Create a subdirectory called MAXCAT under the
root directory (MD MAXCAT from the C> prompt). Copy all of the files
on the distribution disk to that subdirectory. A batch file called
PRINTDOC.BAT is provided to print the documentation.
DUAL FLOPPY USERS - Format a diskette (even a 360K diskette
will do), and copy the files on the distribution disk to it. You may
wish to format it with the /S option to make the disk bootable.
refer to your DOS manual for more information on the DOS FORMAT
command and the /S option. After you start the program you will need
to set the default drive to the drive which does not have the MaxCat
program and data files (i.e. start MaxCat from the A: drive and set
the default drive to B:). The default drive is set using the
DATABASE UTILITIES: Change Drive option described later in this
manual. MaxCat remembers this setting between sessions so set it and
forget it. A batch file call PRINTDOC.BAT is provided to print the
documentation
Running MaxCat
To execute MaxCat, make sure you are in the MAXCAT directory,
type MAXCAT and press enter. The first screen to be displayed is the
copyright screen. When you register your copy of MaxCat you will
receive instructions on how to skip this screen; until then, simply
press any key to continue (and enjoy!).
To exit MaxCat, press <Esc> from the main menu and answer
the dialog box prompt appropriately.
Page 7
Using MaxCat
The MaxCat Diskette Management System Distribution Disk
includes 4 files:
MAXCAT.EXE - The main program
MAXCAT.DOC - This file
PRINTDOC.BAT - Prints this file
REGISTER.DOC - MaxCat Registration Form
The first time MaxCat is ran it will create 4 more files in the
current directory:
MAXCAT.INI - Data file #1
DFILE.DAT - Data file #2
FFILE.DAT - Data file #3
PFILE.DAT - Data File #4
To maintain only one diskette database simply have all of these
files in one subdirectory.
To maintain multiple databases, you may wish to create
different subdirectories, each having it's own copy of the four
data files. Then (using batch files to make it easier if you wish),
you may change to one of the directories containing the database you
wish to access and then execute the program by specifying the fully
qualified pathname (or making sure it's directory is in the path).
For example:
CD\MAXCAT\HOMECAT
C:\MAXCAT\MAXCAT
assumes that a database (consisting of the three data files) exists
in the HOMECAT subdirectory (disks you use at home instead of work,
let's say) and that the program resides in its parent directory
MAXCAT. Using this scheme you may wish to have several directories
under the MAXCAT program directory, each containing its own set of
four data files.
Although the limit is 9,999 diskettes or 9,999 subdirectories
or 99,999 files, the MaxCat system's real limit is that which is
imposed by available memory. Keeping your database in manageable
chunks will keep MaxCat from getting bogged down and will avoid the
dreaded "Out of Memory" message from rearing its ugly head.
Page 8
MaxCat Keys
MAIN MENU KEYS - The main menu (displayed on program startup)
is designed so that any of the nine major functions can be accessed
by using only the four arrow keys and the <Enter> key. Upon startup
the up and down arrows will highlight each of the three main
categories: Query, Index, and Utilities. Pressing either <Enter> or
<right arrow> will select the highlighted main category option and
present a menu of each option available within that main category.
Highlighting an option and pressing enter will perform the
highlighted task. After you complete that task, pressing <Esc> or
<left arrow> will then return to the Main Menu. In summary, all
options can be selected with the four arrow keys and <Enter>.
Repeatedly pressing <Esc> will return to the Main Menu from ANYWHERE
in MaxCat.
F1 (HELP) - Any time you are faced with a menu of different
option from which to choose, simply highlight an option and press F1
(Help) for a full explanation of what the highlighted option does.
F1 will also provide an explanation of the type of input being
requested at any input prompt. Whenever a scrollable list of
diskettes, subdirectories, or files is presented, F1 will pop up a
window to show scroll key operation.
<Esc> - Repeatedly pressing <Esc> from ANYWHERE in MaxCat will
eventually return you to the Main Menu. <Esc> will also exit any
menu, help screen, or input prompt.
SCROLLING KEYS - Anytime a scrollable list of diskettes,
subdirectories, or files is presented the following keys can be
used:
<HOME> - Scrolls to the top of the list
<END> - Scrolls to the bottom of the list
<PgUp> - Scrolls up one page
<PgDn> - Scrolls down one page
<UpArrow> - Scrolls up one line
<DnArrow> - Scrolls down one line
<Esc> - Exits the scrolling display
<F1> - Displays help on scrolling
HOT KEYS - All MaxCat menus (except the main menu) are equipped
with hot keys. These are keys which are displayed in a contrasting
color and, when pressed during menu selection, produce the same
results as if that option were highlighted and <Enter> was pressed.
Page 9
Process Diskettes
The Process Diskettes option brings up a scrollable list of all
diskettes in the MaxCat database. <UpArrow> and <DnArrow> will move
the reverse video "bounce bar" up or down one line at a time. <PgUp>
and <PgDn> will scroll an entire page in the desired direction. The
<Home> key will display the first page of the list; the <End> key
will display the last page. <Esc> will return to the MaxCat main
menu.
By highlighting a diskette with the "bounce bar" and pressing
<Enter>, a Process Diskette menu is popped up. With this pop-up menu
you can:
1. List the files on the selected diskette
2. Print the files on the selected diskette
3. Delete the diskette from the database
4. Add or change the comment for the diskette
5. Show the date that the diskette was last indexed
LIST THE FILES will bring up a list of all the files on the
selected diskette. This list can be scrolled in the same manner as
the diskette list. While viewing a list of files, you can pop up a
window showing the original path for that file by highlighting it
and pressing <Enter>. Files which have been extracted from ARC or
ZIP files will display a double-sided arrow between the filename
and the extension. <Esc> will return to the diskette list.
PRINT THE FILES will print a report of all the files on the
selected diskette. The report will be printed on the default
printer. See DATABASE UTILITIES: Change Printer on how to designate
the default printer. The generated report has page breaks, page
numbers, and includes the date the report was printed.
DELETE THIS ENTRY will delete all entries in the MaxCat
database pertaining to the selected diskette. After a diskette is
deleted the letters "DEL" appear on the diskette list display to
indicate that it has been deleted. The next time a diskette list is
brought up the deleted diskette will not appear.
ADD A COMMENT will add or change the comment attached to the
highlighted diskette. A comment can be up to 30 characters long.
When a comment is added to a diskette which previously had no
comment, a window is popped up with a blank input field; you simply
type the desired comment and press <Enter>. When changing an
existing comment, <Insert> toggles between INSERT and OVERWRITE mode.
Other keys available for editing a comment are <Home>, <End>,
<Left Arrow>, <Right Arrow>, <Delete>, and <Backspace>.
SHOW DATE INDEXED will display the date and time that the
diskette was last indexed.
Page 10
Process Subdirectories
The Process Subdirectories option brings up a scrollable list
of all subdirectories in the MaxCat database. <UpArrow> and
<DnArrow> will move the reverse video "bounce bar" up or down one
line at a time. <PgUp> and <PgDn> will scroll an entire page in the
desired direction. The <Home> key will display the first page of the
list; the <End> key will display the last page. <Esc> will return to
the MaxCat main menu.
By highlighting a subdirectory with the "bounce bar" and
pressing <Enter>, a Process Subdirectory menu is popped up. With
this pop-up menu you can:
1. List the files on the selected subdirectory
2. Print the files on the selected subdirectory
3. Add or change the comment for the subdirectory
4. Show the date that the subdirectory was last indexed
LIST THE FILES will bring up a list of all the files on the
selected subdirectory. This list can be scrolled in the same manner
as the subdirectory list. While viewing a list of files, you can
pop up a window showing the original path for that file by
highlighting it and pressing <Enter>. Files which have been
extracted from ARC or ZIP files will display a double-sided arrow
between the filename and the extension. <Esc> will return to the
subdirectory list.
PRINT THE FILES will print a report of all the files on the
selected subdirectory. The report will be printed on the default
printer. See DATABASE UTILITIES:Change Printer on how to designate
the default printer. The generated report has page breaks, page
numbers, and includes the date the report was printed.
ADD A COMMENT will add or change the comment attached to the
highlighted subdirectory. A comment can be up to 30 characters long.
When a comment is added to a subdirectory which previously had no
comment, a window is popped up with a blank input field; you simply
type the desired comment and press <Enter>. When changing an
existing comment, <Insert> toggles between INSERT and OVERWRITE mode.
Other keys available for editing a comment are <Home>, <End>,
<Left Arrow>, <Right Arrow>, <Delete>, and <Backspace>.
SHOW DATE INDEXED will display the date and time that the
subdirectory was last indexed.
Page 11
Database Search
The Database Search option allows the MaxCat database to be
searched by file name or extension. After selecting the type of
search desired, a window will pop up to input the search criteria.
The file name search will accept up to 8 characters; the extension
search will accept up to 3 characters.
Partial file names are accepted (no wildcards *.* necessary)
and will search for any file name which contains the input
characters (i.e. "read" will find "README.NOW" and "READ.ME").
Similarly, partial extensions are accepted and work the same way.
The search is NOT case sensitive (i.e. entering "doc" for an
extension search will find all of the "*.DOC" files in the
database).
The list of matching file names can be scrolled with the
standard scroll keys described under "MaxCat Keys." While viewing
a list of files, you can pop up a window showing the original path
for that file by highlighting it and pressing <Enter>. Files which
have been extracted from ARC or ZIP files will display a
double-sided arrow between the filename and the extension. <Esc>
will exit this option at any time.
Database Reports
The Database Reports option will generate various reports on
the data stored in the database. The following reports can be
generated:
1. All diskettes in the database
2. All subdirectories in the database
3. All files in the database
All reports have page breaks, page numbers, and include the
date the report was printed.
Page 12
Index a Diskette
Indexing is the process by which diskettes are added to the
MaxCat database. Also, once the diskette is in the database, it
should be re-indexed with this option every time files are added to,
changed, or deleted from the diskette.
The key by which diskettes are indexed is the volume label
(a.k.a Volume ID or simply "label"). Volume label is the "name" of
the diskette as recognized by DOS (and MaxCat). For more information
on volume label, refer to your DOS manual. Adding or changing a
label before indexing is simple. You can use the DOS LABEL command
from the DOS prompt, or better yet, use the LABEL A DISKETTE option
within MaxCat (explained later).
Once the diskette is labeled it is ready to be indexed with
this option. Simply insert the diskette into the default drive (as
designated with the DATABASE UTILITIES:Change Drive option) and
press <Enter>. During the indexing process files in every
subdirectory on the diskette are read into the MaxCat database.
Filenames are also extracted from ARC and ZIP files and added to
the MaxCat database. When indexing is complete, you are prompted
for a comment for the diskette (up to 30 characters).
If this is a previously unindexed diskette AND there were
subdirectories, the comments for those subdirectories are blank
after the initial indexing process. In order to attach comments to
them you must use the PROCESS SUBDIRECTORIES:Add a Comment option
described earlier. The comment you attach during the indexing
process is attached to the root directory of the diskette; it is also
the comment for the entire diskette and can be subsequently changed
with the PROCESS DISKETTES:Add a Comment option or the PROCESS
SUBDIRECTORIES:Add a Comment option.
When re-indexing a diskette already present in the database,
all existing subdirectory comments remain intact. In addition, you
are given the option of changing the existing comment for the entire
diskette. Any new subdirectories added since the last indexing will
have blank comments. These comments can be updated with the PROCESS
SUBDIRECTORIES:Add a Comment option.
If the diskette is empty when it is indexed, it is designated
by MaxCat as a "SCRATCH" diskette and the comment "SCRATCH" is
automatically attached to the root directory of the diskette. DO NOT
change this comment until you actually add files to the diskette;
MaxCat uses the comment to identify empty diskettes when producing
the database statistics report.
MaxCat will also store the date which a diskette is indexed in
the database. Before indexing a diskette, MaxCat will examine the
current system date on your computer. If the year is prior to 1990,
an error message is popped up and you are given the option to cancel
the operation, ignore the warning, or exit to DOS to fix the system
date.
Page 13
Delete a Diskette
This option provides the ability to delete an entire diskette
from the MaxCat database. This option works exactly like the PROCESS
DISKETTES:Delete This Entry option described earlier.
Label a Diskette
This option allows you to add or change the volume label of a
diskette. Volume label is the "name" of the diskette as recognized
by DOS (and MaxCat). For more information on volume label, refer to
your DOS manual. Volume label is also the key by which diskettes are
stored in the MaxCat database. All diskettes MUST have a unique
volume label to work with MaxCat.
Insert the diskette in the default drive (as designated with
the DATABASE UTILITIES:Change Drive option) and press <Enter>. If
the diskette is currently labeled, its label will be displayed. If
it is not labeled, that is indicated also. You are then prompted to
enter a label (up to 11 characters). Type in the desired label and
press <Enter>. If you wish to retain the current label (or lack
thereof) simply press <Esc> at the label prompt.
Page 14
Database Utilities
Database Utilities include the ability to change the default
disk drive (from which diskettes are indexed), the default printer
(used to print reports), set the frequency of optimization, and
export the MaxCat database to ASCII comma delimited format for
inclusion in your favorite spreadsheet or database. All Database
Utility options are saved between program executions.
CHANGE DRIVE changes the default disk drive which is read
during the indexing process. For hard disk users this will usually
be set to A:. Dual floppy users may wish to run MaxCat from the A:
drive and designate B: as the default drive. By setting the default
drive to C: you can index your hard drive.
CHANGE PRINTER allows you to change the printer to which MaxCat
reports are directed. Your choices are LPT1: and LPT2:.
SET OPTIMIZATION allows you to set the frequency at which the
MaxCat database is optimized. Whenever database records are deleted
from the database they are not physically removed until the database
is optimized. Therefore after much database activity, MaxCat will
begin to slow down until the database is optimized. Optimization
physically removes these deleted records from the MaxCat database.
AUTOMATIC OPTIMIZATION will optimize the database after every
session which involves a database update. Note that automatic
optimization will not occur after a session in which diskettes were
only browsed or reported on. MANUAL OPTIMIZATION will cause MaxCat
to give you the option to optimize the database only as part of the
exit panel.
VIEW SETTINGS provides a display of all current DATABASE
UTILITY settings.
EXPORT TO ASCII exports the MaxCat database to ASCII comma
delimited format. Many popular spreadsheets and databases can import
data in this format. This option creates 3 files: FILES.ASC,
SUBDIRS.ASC, and DISKS.ASC. The format of these files is as follows:
FILES.ASC : VOLUME ID, PATH, FILENAME, EXTENSION, SIZE, YEAR,
MONTH, DAY, HOUR, MINUTE, SECOND, ARCHIVED
SUBDIRS.ASC : VOLUME ID, PATH, (INDEXED) YEAR, MONTH, DAY, HOUR,
MINUTE, SECOND, COMMENT
DISKS.ASC : VOLUME ID, FREE KILOBYTES, (INDEXED) YEAR, MONTH,
DAY, HOUR, MINUTE, SECOND, COMMENT
Page 15
Database Statistics
This option provides the following information about the MaxCat
database:
1. Total number of diskettes, subdirectories, and files
2. Last diskette indexed and when it was indexed
3. Active disk with the most space and how much
4. A report of SCRATCH disks broken down by disk capacity
5. A report of active disks broken down by available space
Whenever this report is requested, the database is also
searched for deleted records that could be removed through
optimization. If the ratio of active to deleted records is less than
5:1, a message is displayed "DATABASE FRAGMENTATION ENCOUNTERED -
OPTIMIZATION RECOMMENDED." For more information on optimization,
refer to the DATABASE UTILITIES:Set Optimization section.
05 **** MaxCat Registration Form ****
Send to: Max Burgstahler
831 Jefferson Dr.
Decatur, IL Current version number ________
62521 U.S.A.
QUANTITY SUBTOTAL
Register currently used MaxCat (no disk) $20 ________ ________
Latest release of MaxCat and
printed manual (indicate disk size).. $30 ________ ________
MaxCat Network License (per server) ... $100 ________ ________
MaxCat Site License (per site)..........$250 ________ ________
MaxCat Corporate License (unlimited) .. $500 ________ ________
Outside U.S. add $5 for shipping...... TOTAL ________ ________
Name________________________________________________________________
Company_____________________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Phone_______________________________________________________________
Where did you hear about MaxCat_____________________________________
Comments____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Make checks in U.S. currency from a U.S. bank or in your own
currency from a non-U.S. bank.
Volume in drive A has no label
Directory of A:\
MAXCAT DOC 30442 7-21-90 9:22a
MAXCAT EXE 122050 7-08-90 8:29p
PRINTDOC BAT 47 2-07-90 3:16p
REGISTER DOC 1856 7-17-90 7:35p
FILE2579 TXT 2665 3-18-91 11:38a
GO BAT 38 1-31-91 12:58a
GO TXT 848 2-26-91 8:26a
7 file(s) 157946 bytes
0 bytes free