PCjs Machines
Home of the original IBM PC emulator for browsers.
PC-SIG Diskette Library (Disk #3043)
[PCjs Machine "ibm5170"]
Waiting for machine "ibm5170" to load....
CDROM.TXT
T h e P C - S I G L i b r a r y o n C D - R O M
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This may well be the greatest collection of software ever compiled.
The PC-SIG Library on CD-ROM is our premier collection of the entire
PC-SIG library. It has over 3000 different, and complete applications
for your every need. Every shareware program we have is on one disc;
over 700 megabytes (unzipped) of software you can have immediate access
to.
Easy to use, all you have to do is insert the disc and type 'GO' at the
DOS prompt. We've included all the tools you need for fast easy access
to the programs and their descriptions.
Whether you're interested in Accounting or Windows, there's a shareware
program for you on the PC-SIG Library on CD-ROM.
Winner of the Optical Publishing Assn's Best Consumer Product Award.
Shareware for every imaginable need: Accounting Chemistry Educational
Engineering Games Hypertext Networks Programming Spreadsheets Utilities
Word Processing
# # #
PC-SIG UPDATES PC-SIG LIBRARY ON CD-ROM
For Immediate Release
PC-SIG LIBRARY ON CD-ROM UPDATED TO INCLUDE A NEW USER INTERFACE AND MORE
THAN 800 MB OF PROGRAMS June 21, 1992, SUNNYVALE, CALIF. - PC-SIG, Inc.
today announced availability of The Eleventh Edition of the PC-SIG Library
on CD-ROM. The PC-SIG Library on CD-ROM contains over 800 megabytes of
shareware and includes more than 300 new programs, 550 updated programs,
and the addition of 75 megabytes of Windows 3.x shareware. The
user-interface has been completely re-engineered to take advantage of the
HyperWriter! hypermedia and multimedia authoring system from NTERGAID, Inc.
The implementation of HyperWriter! provides significant performance and
ease of use enhancements. Programs can access and download much faster
than with previous editions. Programs have been reorganized and indexed
for better referencing. Users just c lick with a mouse, or point with the
cursor, on a program name to see a complete description of the program.
Downloading or copying a program is handled automatically by HyperWriter!
Addition of a preview option is especially important for anyone who uses
images, icons, or fonts. "You can preview the whole library of images to
find the right one," according to Bruce Kent, product development manager.
"This CD finally makes it possi ble to conserve your disk space and paper,
yet still have all the information you need to make an informed decision,"
said Kent.
All new and updated programs have been reviewed and tested by PC-SIG. Every
program goes through extensive virus checking using the most recent version
of VIRUSCAN from McAfee Associates, and other anti-virus software.
According to Kent, "In the ten ye ars we've distributed shareware, we have
never had a confirmed report of a virus on any of our distributed programs
or CD-ROMs."
The PC-SIG Library on CD-ROM, Eleventh Edition has a list price of $179.
Upgrades from previous editions are available for $99.
Users of PC-SIG's Essential Home & Business Collection CD-ROM can upgrade
for $120.
PC-SIG CD-ROMs are distributed worldwide through a network of distributors
and resellers. Based in Sunnyvale, Calif., PC-SIG, Inc. markets and
supports one of the world's largest collections of shareware for IBM PCs
and compatible systems. PC-SIG also publishes Shareware Magazine, which is
devoted solely to shareware. The magazine is availa ble by subscription
and on newsstands nationwide.
System Requirements:
IBM PC/XT/AT PS/2 or compatible with 640K memory, DOS 3.1 or higher and
Microsoft MS-DOS CD ROM extensions, and a hard drive. Microsoft compatible
mouse supported and VGA highly recommended.
To Order in the U.S.A.: Call 800-245-6717 and ask for Customer Service.
Outside the U.S.A. call (408) 730-9291 for the name of the dealer in
your country.
CREM.DOC
CREM: Config.Sys REMarker Program v1.0
A Companion Program to LACE
_______
____|__ | (tm)
--| | |-------------------
| ____|__ | Association of
| | |_| Shareware
|__| o | Professionals
-----| | |---------------------
|___|___| MEMBER
Written by Keith Ledbetter
4240 Ketcham Drive
Chesterfield, VA 23832
(804) 674-0780
(6:00pm - 10:00pm Eastern Time)
Tech Support BBS: Blue Ridge Express
804-790-1675
30 Phone Lines (2400 bd)
Sub-board KEITHL
("J KEITHL")
Electronic mail on GEnie: ORION.MICRO
Compuserve: 72240,1221
AOL: KLedbetter
Program and Documentation are
Copyright (c) 1992 by Keith Ledbetter. All rights reserved.
Portions Copyright Borland, International.
Written with Borland C/C++ 3.0.
Introduction
------------
CREM (Config REMarker) is designed to help out those users
who use LACE in conjunction with QEMM-386, 386^MAX, or BlueMAX.
Because of the way these programs perform their "optimization"
procedures, the LACE method of "selection blocks" won't work.
All of these products get very confused when you try to run an
unmodified, LACE'd CONFIG.SYS through them.
Before CREM, the only way to optimize your multiple
configurations was to manually "comment out" or delete unwanted
lines in your CONFIG.SYS, run the optimization procedure, and
then place the newly-optimized lines back into your LACE
selection blocks. CREM helps speed up this process by quickly
and easily commenting out all "LACE specific" lines in your
CONFIG.SYS file, leaving only one selection block (from your
specification) visible to the optimization program.
How it Works
------------
CREM has two possible command line syntaxes, as follows:
CREM block_number
or
CREM "remove"
"CREM block_number" tells the program to process your CONFIG.SYS
file, commenting out all LACE-specific lines and all selection
blocks EXCEPT the "block_number" that you specify.
"CREM remove" tells the program to remove all comments from your
CONFIG.SYS file that were previously placed there by earlier
invocations of CREM (your own comments will remain untouched).
An Example
----------
Let's assume that you have a CONFIG.SYS file that looks like
this one:
DOS = High
device = c:\qemm\qemm386.sys ram
shell = c:\4dos\4dos.com /p @c:\4dos\4dos.ini
device = c:\utils\lace.sys Center NumOff
device = LACE SelectionBarBackground=RED
device = LACE "C\onfiguration with cache"
device = d:\ms_mouse\mouse.sys /y /s30
device = c:\caches\mycache.sys 4096
device = c:\dos50\ansi.sys
device = c:\dos50\setver.exe
device = LACE "C\onfiguration with RAMdisk"
device = d:\ms_mouse\mouse.sys /y /s30
device = c:\dos50\ramdrive.sys 4096
device = c:\dos50\ansi.sys
device = c:\dos50\setver.exe
device = LACE "B\are-bones configuration"
device = c:\dos50\ansi.sys
device = c:\dos50\setver.exe
device = LACE End
buffers = 5
files = 60
break = on
STACKS = 0,0
lastdrive = E
If you invoked CREM with the command line "CREM 2", your
CONFIG.SYS file would be modified to look like this:
DOS = High
device = c:\qemm\qemm386.sys ram
shell = c:\4dos\4dos.com /p @c:\4dos\4dos.ini
REM {!!}device = c:\utils\lace.sys Center NumOff
REM {!!}device = LACE SelectionBarBackground=RED
REM {!!}device = LACE "C\onfiguration with cache"
REM {!!} device = d:\ms_mouse\mouse.sys /y /s30
REM {!!} device = c:\caches\mycache.sys 4096
REM {!!} device = c:\dos50\ansi.sys
REM {!!} device = c:\dos50\setver.exe
REM {!!}
REM {!!}device = LACE "C\onfiguration with RAMdisk"
device = d:\ms_mouse\mouse.sys /y /s30
device = c:\dos50\ramdrive.sys 4096
device = c:\dos50\ansi.sys
device = c:\dos50\setver.exe
REM {!!}device = LACE "B\are-bones configuration"
REM {!!} device = c:\dos50\ansi.sys
REM {!!} device = c:\dos50\setver.exe
REM {!!}
REM {!!}device = LACE End
buffers = 5
files = 60
break = on
STACKS = 0,0
lastdrive = E
As you can see, only the second selection block will now be
seen by the operating system (and, most importantly, by the
optimization program). You would then run either QEMM's OPTIMIZE
program or 386^MAX's MAXIMIZE program. After you have completed
the optimization step, you would execute the following command:
CREM remove
which would remove the comments placed in your CONFIG.SYS by the
earlier run of CREM, leaving you once again with your old LACE
menu selections (but with a properly optimized second selection
block).
OK..So What about AUTOEXEC.BAT?
-------------------------------
You had to ask that question, didn't you! Unfortunately,
since there are so many ways that you can set up for multiple
AUTOEXEC.BAT processing under LACE, there's really no clean way
to implement an automatic approach to remarking or deleting
unwanted pieces. Because of this, you will still have to handle
the AUTOEXEC.BAT file(s) yourself before running your
optimization program.
If you are using only one AUTOEXEC.BAT file, then the
process will be much easier. Let's say that your AUTOEXEC.BAT
file looks like this:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
c:\lace\lace_set
goto config_%lace%
:config_1
... configuration one lines ...
:config_2
... configuration two lines ...
:config_3
... configuration three lines ...
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Continuing the above example of optimizing configuration block
number two, you could run "CREM 2" to modify the CONFIG.SYS file
(as we did above), and then edit your AUTOEXEC.BAT file to look
like this:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
c:\lace\lace_set
set LACE=2 <--- ADD THIS LINE
goto config_%lace%
:config_1
... configuration one lines ...
:config_2
... configuration two lines ...
:config_3
... configuration three lines ...
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Then, after running the optimize program, merely edit your
AUTOEXEC.BAT file again and remove the "set LACE=2" statement.
You have now fully optimized selection block two.
In Conclusion
-------------
CREM will -ALWAYS- operate on C:\CONFIG.SYS; there's no way
to tell the program to read and write to a file on a different
drive (but, there should never be a need to).
To wrap up, here are the steps you would take to fully
optimize a hypothetical LACE configuration with three different
selection blocks (we'll use QEMM's OPTIMIZE in this example):
1. run "CREM 1"
2. Change AUTOEXEC.BAT for first configuration
3. run "OPTIMIZE"
4. run "CREM 2"
5. Change AUTOEXEC.BAT for second configuration
6. run "OPTIMIZE"
7. run "CREM 3"
8. Change AUTOEXEC.BAT for third configuration
9. run "OPTIMIZE"
10. run "CREM remove"
I hope that CREM will help make the job of managing and
optimizing your LACE configurations much more painless. If you
have any suggestions for future enhancements, please don't
hesitate to contact me about them.
Enjoy!
Keith
HISTORY.DOC
L.A.C.E: Led's Autoexec and Configuration Editor
History of Changes
------------------------------------------------
v1.4 9-Jun-92 o The CREM.EXE file included in v1.3's ZIP
file was inadvertantly corrupted.
o Fixed a few "bugs" in the documentation
files.
o Fixed a bug where under very rare
circumstances the TIMEOUT=nn value would
be interpreted incorrectly.
v1.3 29-May-92 o Fixed a bug in the ASK device driver that
would cause the program to always default
to a "YES" answer.
o Added the ENVIRON.SYS and SET.SYS drivers
to the LACE package. These drivers allow
you to set environment variables from
inside your CONFIG.SYS file. See the
SET.DOC file, which you can print with
"COPY SET.DOC PRN".
v1.2 8-May-92 o You can now press the '1' thru '9' keys to
select any one of the first 9 menu items.
o Added the CREM program to the LACE package.
This program makes it much easier to optimize
your system with QEMM's OPTIMIZE or 386^MAX's
MAXIMIZE program. See the CREM.DOC file,
which you can print with "COPY CREM.DOC PRN".
v1.1 25-Apr-92 o Fixed a bug where the high-intensity bit would
sometimes be left on. This would later mess up
some screen displays that expected the "blinking
text" bit to be set.
o When LACE detects a MONOCHROME screen display, it
now sets the default colors to more readable colors.
o Added the "PASSIVE" keyword as a parameter on the
LACE.SYS command line. This option causes LACE to
pop-up its menu ONLY if you hold down the Left Shift
key at bootup time; otherwise it executes menu
option number 1. See the documentation section
entitled "Using the Passive Option".
v1.0 23-Apr-92 o Initial release.
LACE.DOC
LACE: Led's Autoexec and Configuration Editor v1.4
Released June 9, 1992
A PC-DOS / MS-DOS Multiple Configuration Utility
_______
____|__ | (tm)
--| | |-------------------
| ____|__ | Association of
| | |_| Shareware
|__| o | Professionals
-----| | |---------------------
|___|___| MEMBER
Written by Keith Ledbetter
4240 Ketcham Drive
Chesterfield, VA 23832
(804) 674-0780
(6:00pm - 10:00pm Eastern Time)
Tech Support BBS: Blue Ridge Express
804-790-1675
30 Phone Lines (2400 bd)
Sub-board KEITHL
("J KEITHL")
Electronic mail on GEnie: ORION.MICRO
Compuserve: 72240,1221
AOL: KLedbetter
Program and Documentation are
Copyright (c) 1992 by Keith Ledbetter. All rights reserved.
Portions Copyright Borland, International.
Written with Borland C/C++ 3.0 and Borland Turbo Assembler.
This program is produced by a member of the Association of
Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the
shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a
shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the
member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can
help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but
does not provide technical support for members' products. Please
write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442
or send a Compuserve message via easyplex to ASP Ombudsman
70007,3536.
LACE Registration Form Keith Ledbetter
4240 Ketcham Drive
Chesterfield, VA 23832
LACE Version 1.x Quantity Price
Disk with branding utility ($15/copy): _______ _________
Total enclosed: _________
Please make payment by check or money order (in US funds) payable
to "Keith Ledbetter".
Please specify the diskette size(s) that are acceptable for you:
___ 5.25" 360KB ___ 3.50" 720KB
Name _____________________________________________________
Company _____________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Phone _____________________________________________________
Where did you get LACE? _____________________________________
Multi-System and Reseller Licenses:
Site, corporate, network, and reseller licenses are available for
LACE. Check the line on the order form or contact me for more
information. The following schedule provides some examples of
multi-system license fees. The fee includes one master diskette
which you may then copy and use on the number of machines listed
below:
# Users Price
------- -------
5 $ 70.00 ($14 / copy)
10 130.00 ($13 / copy)
25 300.00 ($12 / copy)
50 550.00 ($11 / copy)
100 1,000.00 ($10 / copy)
Unlimited 1,500.00
Table of Contents
Definition of Shareware..................................1
Disclaimer - Agreement...................................2
An Introduction to LACE..................................3
How LACE works...........................................5
The Command Syntax.......................................6
Getting started with LACE................................13
Using the Passive Option.................................14
Using LACE with DOS 3.3..................................15
Using LACE with DOS 5.0..................................16
The ASK.SYS Device Driver................................17
The PAUSE.SYS Device Driver..............................17
The ECHO.SYS Device Driver...............................18
Conclusion...............................................19
Shareware Catalog........................................20
Shareware Distributors...................................23
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.
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.
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 1
Disclaimer - Agreement
Users of LACE must accept this disclaimer of warranty: "LACE is
supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed
or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of
merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The author
assumes no liability for damages, direct or consequential, which
may result from the use of LACE."
LACE is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the
user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with your friends,
but please do not give it away altered or as part of another
system. The essence of "user-supported" software is to provide
personal computer users with quality software without high
prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to continue
to develop new products. If you find this program useful and
find that you are using LACE and continue to use LACE after a
reasonable trial period, you must make a registration payment of
$15 to Keith Ledbetter. The $15 registration fee will license
one copy for use on any one computer at any one time. You must
treat this software just like a book. An example is that this
software may be used by any number of people and may be freely
moved from one computer location to another, so long as there is
no possibility of it being used at one location while it's being
used at another. Just as a book cannot be read by two different
persons at the same time.
Commercial users of LACE must register and pay for their copies
of LACE within 30 days of first use or their license is
withdrawn. Site-License arrangements may be made by contacting
the author.
You are encouraged to pass a copy of LACE along to your friends
for evaluation. One easy way to do this is by placing LACE on
your favorite Bulletin Board System. Please encourage users to
register their copy if they find that they can use it. All
registered users will receive a copy of the latest version of the
LACE program.
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 2
Introduction
Welcome to LACE, the multi-configuration utility for MS-DOS
and PC-DOS versions 3.3 through 5.0. Do you ever have the need
to boot your machine with multiple configurations? For example,
sometimes with a disk cache and another time with a RAM disk? Do
you find yourself keeping multiple CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT
files on your hard drive, and then copying the one you need to
C:\ and then re-booting? Or, even worse, making special floppy
boot disks so that your system boots in a "minimum configuration"
state? If the answer to any of these is yes, then LACE.SYS will
help make your life easier.
LACE allows you to keep up to 14 different configuration
setups inside of your single CONFIG.SYS file. At machine boot-up
time, LACE will present you with a menu comprised of each
configuration that you have specified. After selecting a
configuration, LACE modifies the in-memory copy of CONFIG.SYS so
that only the commands for that specific configuration are
executed during the CONFIG.SYS processing. You can use either a
single AUTOEXEC file or multiple AUTOEXEC files, depending upon
your personal preference. LACE does not remain memory-resident,
so it doesn't take up any of your precious low memory.
The LACE package also includes three additional device
drivers. The ASK device driver allows you to ask simple YES/NO
questions from within your CONFIG.SYS file, and then load (or not
load) device drivers depending upon the answer from the user.
The ECHO device driver allows you to display a comment on the
screen (just like the ECHO command in batch files). The PAUSE
driver allows you to pause the CONFIG.SYS processing (again,
identical to the PAUSE statement within batch files).
The LACE package is made up of the following program files:
LACE.SYS: this is the main device driver that you invoke at
boot-up time in your CONFIG.SYS file.
LACE_ERR.COM: this program can be called from your AUTOEXEC.BAT
file to set the ERRORLEVEL to the boot-up
selection that you made. In other words, if you
selected menu entry one from the boot-up menu,
then ERRORLEVEL would equal 1.
LACE_SET.EXE: this program is much like LACE_ERR except that it
sets the ERRORLEVEL condition and also creates an
environment variable named LACE. Again, if you
chose option one, then in your AUTOEXEC.BAT
"%lace%" would return a 1.
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 3
Introduction
ASK.SYS: a device driver that allows you to ask simple
YES/NO questions, and act accordingly upon the
answer.
ECHO.SYS: a device driver that allows you to display
comments to the screen during CONFIG.SYS
processing.
PAUSE.SYS: a device driver that allows you to pause the
CONFIG.SYS processing and wait for a keypress from
the user.
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 4
How LACE Works
The idea behind LACE is that you place what are called
"selection blocks" within your CONFIG.SYS file (following the
LACE.SYS invocation line). These blocks specify (a) the text
entry that you want displayed on LACE's menu and (b) the CONFIG
lines to execute if that option is selected by the user. A
simple, two selection CONFIG.SYS might look something like this:
---------------------+------------------------------------------
COMMENTS | CONFIG.SYS Contents
---------------------+------------------------------------------
invoke LACE program | device = c:\lace\lace.sys
|
option 1 on the menu | device = LACE "M\enu entry number one"
| ........
| ........
| statements to execute if selected
| ........
| ........
|
option 2 on the menu | device = LACE "M\enu entry number two"
| ........
| ........
| statements to execute if selected
| ........
| ........
|
mark the end of LACE | device = LACE End
|
these lines, since | DOS = High, UMB
they are outside of | Files = 30
the selection blocks,| Stacks = 0,0
are COMMON across | Buffers = 10
all selections. | Break = OFF
---------------------+-------------------------------------------
Using the above CONFIG.SYS file, you will be presented at
boot-up time with a menu that will look something like this:
+------------------------------------------------+
| |
| Menu entry number one |
| Menu entry number two |
| |
+------------------------------------------------+
with the first entry highlighted by the "selection bar". If you
choose option one, the statements immediately following that
selection block will be executed, and statements within the other
selection blocks will be ignored by the system.
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 5
The Command Syntax
LACE will normally, but not always, be the first line in
your CONFIG.SYS file. It reads the remainder of your CONFIG.SYS
file and presents a menu of the entries that you have specified.
After you choose a boot-up option, it removes the other
CONFIG.SYS lines from the copy of CONFIG.SYS that is in memory
(DOS only loads the CONFIG.SYS file once, so these changes will
not actually modify the copy of CONFIG.SYS on your disk).
The actual LACE invocation line has the following syntax:
device = c:\path\lace.sys [optional parameters]
The optional parameters are as follows:
Center tells LACE to center the selection lines in the
dialog window. By default, all of the menu lines
will be left justified.
NoHighVideo by default, LACE uses the "high video" attributes
allowable on EGA and VGA monitors. If you don't
have an EGA or VGA monitor, you should specify the
NoHighVideo parameter. If you're not sure if your
monitor can support this option, it probably won't
take long for you to find out. If text on your
screen is blinking, then you need the NoHighVideo
option.
NumOff tells LACE to turn off the NUMLOCK setting at
invocation time.
Default=n tells LACE to use menu selection "n" as the
default menu selection.
Timeout=s used in conjunction with the "Default=" parameter
above, this keyword sets the timeout period to "s"
seconds, after which time LACE will assume that
you chose the default option specified.
Passive this option puts LACE into a "passive" mode, which
means that it will always execute the first menu
selection unless you force it to pop up its menu.
See the section "Using the Passive Option" below.
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 6
The Command Syntax
After LACE has been invoked, it starts looking through the
CONFIG.SYS file for two specific types of lines. These are "menu
selection" lines and "option modification" lines.
Menu Selection Lines
--------------------
Menu selection lines tell LACE to insert the specified text as
a selection on your boot-up menu. The syntax for a selection
line is as follows:
device = LACE "A \double quoted \S\tring" [optional parameters]
As soon as LACE sees the double quote immediately following
the word LACE, it adds the entry to the pop-up menu. Note that
you DO NOT specify a path on the subsequent LACE lines; you
simply use the word "LACE". Since everything in the CONFIG.SYS
file is folded to UPPER CASE by the operating system, the "\"
character allows you to toggle lower case on and off. The above
example would show on the screen as:
"A double quoted String".
There are only two optional parameters, which are:
Default tells LACE to use this menu entry as the default
menu selection. The selection bar will initially
be placed on this entry, and it will be chosen
automatically if no key is pressed within the
specified timeout period. It only makes sense to
place this keyword on one menu selection line. If
you do specify it on multiple menu lines, the last
one will become the default.
Timeout=s used in conjunction with the "Default" parameter
above, this keyword sets the timeout period to "s"
seconds, after which time LACE will assume that
you chose this selection.
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 7
The Command Syntax
Option Modification Lines
-------------------------
An "option modification" line allows you to change or set
options for LACE (this would be analogous to "switches" on a
command line program). You can have none or many option
modification lines in your CONFIG.SYS file. These lines have
the following syntax:
device = LACE KeyWord[=Value] KeyWord[=Value]...
The valid keywords are as follows:
End this keyword marks the end of where LACE should
stop processing. You must have one of these in
your CONFIG.SYS!
ColorType= this keyword allows you to modify LACE's default
color set.
where "ColorType" keywords are:
BannerBorder the top and bottom lines of the
screen.
BannerBackground the background color of the
copyright messages.
BannerForeground the foreground color of the
copyright messages.
BackgroundFill the color used to fill the
background of the screen.
DialogBorder the border color around the menu
selection dialog box.
DialogBackground the background color of the menu
selection dialog box.
DialogForeground the foreground color of the menu
selection dialog box.
OwnerBackground the background color of the
"registered owner" area.
OwnerForeground the foreground color of the
"registered owner" area.
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 8
The Command Syntax
SelectionBarBackground the background color used when
displaying the moveable
selection bar.
SelectionBarForeground the background color used when
displaying the moveable
selection bar.
and where the possible "color" values are:
Blue
Green
Cyan
Red
Magenta
Brown
LightGray (BrightGray)
DarkGray
LightBlue (BrightBlue)
LightGreen (BrightGreen)
LightCyan (BrightCyan)
LightRed (BrightRed)
LightMagenta (BrightMagenta)
Yellow
White
NOTE: If you are using a monochrome monitor, LACE will
automatically detect this and set all of the colors accordingly.
If all of these options at first overwhelm you, don't be
concerned. LACE is extremely easy to set up and use. At this
point, we will look at an actual CONFIG.SYS file that uses LACE
to allow three different configuration setups. These three boot-
up options are:
1. No network drivers loaded
2. LAN Manager network
3. Novell network
The CONFIG.SYS file and two AUTOEXEC.BAT examples follow.
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 9
CONFIG.SYS
REM Since these first four lines are outside of the
REM "device=c:\utils\lace.sys" and "LACE End" lines,
REM they are COMMON across all selections. In other
REM words, they will ALWAYS be executed.
DOS = High,UMB
device = e:\windows\himem.sys
device = e:\windows\emm386.exe ram noems i=b000-b7ff
shell = c:\4dos\4dos.com /p @c:\4dos\4dos.ini
device = c:\utils\lace.sys Center NumOff
device = LACE SelectionBarBackground=RED
device = LACE "N\o network" Default Timeout=30
devicehigh = d:\ms_mouse\mouse.sys /y /s30
device = d:\hyper\hyperdkx.exe c:4096:4096 xs xt:- s t:2
devicehigh = c:\dos50\ansi.sys
devicehigh = c:\dos50\setver.exe
devicehigh = d:\hyper\hyperscr.exe k:p
device = c:\lace\Ask.Sys "L\oad the \MOUSE\ driver?"
device = YES
devicehigh = d:\ms_mouse\mouse.sys /y /s30
device = END
device = LACE "LAN M\anager \N\etwork"
devicehigh = d:\netlib\dxma0mod.sys 001
devicehigh = d:\netlib\dxmc0mod.sys
devicehigh = d:\netlib\dxmt0mod.sys s=32 c=32
device = d:\hyper\hyperdkx.exe c:4096:4096 xs xt:- s t:2
devicehigh = c:\dos50\ansi.sys
devicehigh = c:\dos50\setver.exe
device = LACE "N\ovell \N\etwork"
devicehigh = d:\ms_mouse\mouse.sys /y /s30
devicehigh = d:\netlib\dxma0mod.sys 001
devicehigh = d:\netlib\dxmc0mod.sys
devicehigh = d:\netlib\dxmt0mod.sys s=32 c=32
devicehigh = c:\dos50\ansi.sys
devicehigh = c:\dos50\setver.exe
device = LACE End
REM Since these last five lines are also outside of the
REM "device=c:\utils\lace.sys" and "LACE End" lines,
REM they are also COMMON across all selections.
buffers = 5
files = 60
break = on
STACKS = 0,0
lastdrive = E
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 10
AUTOEXEC.BAT Example 1
REM ----------------------------------------------------
REM This example shows how to use the LACE environment
REM variable to do everything in a single AUTOEXEC file.
REM ----------------------------------------------------
REM First, we call the LACE_SET program to set the
REM environment variable "LACE" to the selection that
REM we made from the menu.
C:\Lace\Lace_Set
verify off
set comspec=c:\4dos\4dos.com
path d:\batch;c:\utils;c:\dos50;c:\4dos
set prompt=$e[1;37;44m[$p]-[$g $h
mode con rate=30 delay=1
if NOT "%lace%" == "3" goto no_novell
c:\netware\wsgen\ipx
c:\netware\wsgen\route
c:\netware\wsgen\netx
f:
login novell_server/kledbetter
path %path;c:\netware
:no_novell
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 11
AUTOEXEC.BAT Example 2
REM ------------------------------------------------------
REM This example shows how to use the LACE environment
REM variable to have 3 seperate AUTOEXEC files. Depending
REM upon the selection made from the LACE menu, we will
REM either execute AUTO-1.BAT, AUTO-2.BAT, or AUTO-3.BAT.
REM ------------------------------------------------------
REM First, we call the LACE_SET program to set the
REM environment variable "LACE" to the selection that
REM we made from the menu. We then call the matching
REM AUTO-n.BAT file.
C:\Lace\Lace_Set
C:\Auto-%Lace%.Bat
File AUTO-1.BAT:
----------------------------------------------------------------
verify off
set comspec=c:\4dos\4dos.com
path d:\batch;c:\utils;c:\dos50;c:\4dos
set prompt=$e[1;37;44m[$p]-[$g $h
mode con rate=30 delay=1
File AUTO-2.BAT:
----------------------------------------------------------------
verify off
set comspec=c:\4dos\4dos.com
path d:\batch;c:\utils;c:\dos50;c:\4dos
set prompt=$e[1;37;44m[$p]-[$g $h
mode con rate=30 delay=1
File AUTO-3.BAT:
----------------------------------------------------------------
verify off
set comspec=c:\4dos\4dos.com
path d:\batch;c:\utils;c:\dos50;c:\4dos;c:\netware
set prompt=$e[1;37;44m[$p]-[$g $h
mode con rate=30 delay=1
c:\netware\wsgen\ipx
c:\netware\wsgen\route
c:\netware\wsgen\netx
f:
login novell_server/kledbetter
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 12
Getting Started
At this point, probably the easiest way to get started with
LACE is to create a two-selection CONFIG.SYS file. Option one in
our example will be your existing CONFIG.SYS file and option two
will be a "bare-bones" configuration.
Load up your favorite text editor and let's edit your
current CONFIG.SYS file. Make the following changes:
Add the following two lines at the TOP of your current CONFIG.SYS
file (change the path name if you put LACE in a different
directory name):
device=c:\lace\lace.sys Center
device=LACE "S\tandard configuration" Default Timeout=30
Next, go to the very bottom of your CONFIG.SYS file and add these
lines:
device=LACE "B\are-bones configuration"
files = 20
buffers = 30
device=LACE End
Now, save your CONFIG.SYS file and re-boot your system.
Unless you made a typing error, you should now see LACE's menu
screen with your two configuration options on it. Selecting
option one will boot your machine in the exact configuration as
before you installed LACE. Selecting option two will boot your
machine with no drivers at all loaded.
Congratulations! You have just created your first LACE
multiple configuration. As you can see, using LACE is very
simple and intuitive. It should be easy for you to now build
onto this CONFIG.SYS file to create as many different boot-up
configurations as you need.
A Shortcut
----------
There is a shortcut built into LACE that you might want to
try out now. LACE assumes that your first two menu entries are
going to be ones that you will choose the most. LACE makes it
easy for you to do this. Before LACE displays its menu screen,
it checks the keyboard to see if you are holding down either
shift key. If you are holding down the left shift key, LACE
bypasses the menu screen and proceeds as if you had selected
option one from the menu. If you are holding down the right
shift key, LACE proceeds as if you had selected option two from
the menu.
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 13
Using the Passive Option
LACE has an optional mode known as "passive" operation (see
"The Command Syntax" section). Passive mode is most useful when
you execute your first menu selection block most of the time.
When in passive mode, LACE always executes the first menu
selection unless you specifically tell it to pop up its menu by
holding down the Left Shift key at invocation time (when LACE
loads from disk, not when you "boot" your machine).
When you are in passive mode, you can still execute the
second menu item automatically by holding down the right shift
key. The following chart shows what the various Shift Key states
do depending on your current mode:
In "Active" mode In "Passive" mode
---------------- -----------------
No Shift LACE menu is always Executes the first
pressed displayed to you. config block without
displaying the menu.
Left Shift Executes the first Forces the LACE
pressed config block without menu to appear.
displaying the menu.
Right Shift Executes the second Executes the second
pressed config block without config block without
displaying the menu. displaying the menu.
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 14
Using LACE with DOS 3.3
LACE was created to work seamlessly with DOS versions 4.x
and higher. It will work with DOS 3.3 just fine except for a few
differences that are caused by DOS 3.3's processing of the
CONFIG.SYS file.
First of all, there is no "REMark" statement allowed in DOS
3.3's CONFIG.SYS lines. Since the way LACE removes unwanted
lines from your CONFIG.SYS file is by changing them to "remark"
lines, this causes a big problem. The only way to cleanly
remove lines in a DOS 3.3 config file (without getting an
avalanche of "Invalid command" lines printed to the screen) is to
change the unwanted lines to "BREAK=OFF" statements. This is
what LACE does if it senses that you are running DOS 3.3. Of
course, this means that if you want to set "BREAK=ON", you MUST
do it AFTER the "device = LACE End" statement.
Another problem comes in to play if you have a line in a
selection block that has less than 3 characters to the right of
the "=" sign. For example, a line such as "buffers = 5" is not
long enough for LACE to change to a "BREAK=OFF" statement should
it need to remove this line. If this occurs, you will get an
"invalid command" error message, but the processing of the
CONFIG.SYS file will have occurred just as you wanted it to (in
other words, only the lines in the selected area of CONFIG.SYS
will have been executed). One way around this is to "pad" with
spaces to the right of any short lines. Using the above example,
changing "buffers = 5" to "buffers = 5 *" will now allow LACE
to change the line to a "BREAK=OFF" command, thereby eliminating
the bogus "invalid command" message at boot-up time.
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 15
Using LACE with DOS 5.0
The only thing you can't do under DOS 5.0 right now is to
have multiple settings for your "DOS=" entry. This is caused by
the fact that DOS 5.0 pre-scans the entire CONFIG.SYS file,
before executing any device drivers, to see if it needs to set
itself up to load high. What this means is that you can't do
this:
LACE "S\election one"
DOS=Low
...lines...
LACE "S\election two"
DOS=High,UMB
...lines...
LACE End
In this example, "DOS=High,UMB" will always be used since
DOS sees this as the last "DOS=" setting in the CONFIG.SYS file.
DOS will then set itself up to load high before LACE.SYS ever
gets executed. This problem will be addressed in a future
version of LACE. I didn't want to hold up the release of an
otherwise complete product until I could find a way around this
problem.
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 16
The Additional Device Drivers
The ASK.SYS Device Driver
-------------------------
The ASK.SYS device driver is a totally stand-alone device
driver that can be used to ask simple, one-line Yes/No questions
at boot-up time, and then load or not load any number of device
drivers depending upon the answer. The questions can fall within
a LACE "selection block". The format for the ASK driver is as
follows:
Device=c:\Ask.Sys "The Y/N question" [default=Y|N] [Timeout=nn]
Device=YES
... the lines you want executed if they answer YES ...
... the lines you want executed if they answer YES ...
Device=NO
... optional lines you want executed if they answer NO ...
... optional lines you want executed if they answer NO ...
Device=END
For example:
------------
device=c:\Ask.Sys "L\oad the mouse driver? " default=Y timeout=10
device=YES
device=c:\windows\mouse.sys
device=END
The same caveats exist for the ASK driver under DOS 3.3 and DOS
5.0 as for LACE (see the "Using LACE under DOS 3.3" and "Using
LACE under DOS 5.0" sections above).
The PAUSE.SYS Device Drivers
----------------------------
The PAUSE driver does exactly what the DOS "Pause" batch
file command does -- it displays an optional message to the user
and waits for any key to be pressed. The syntax is:
device = c:\lace\Pause.Sys
which would result in:
Press any key when ready...
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 17
The Additional Device Drivers
device = c:\lace\Pause.Sys P\ress a key to continue \CONFIG.SYS
would result in:
Press a key to continue CONFIG.SYS
The ECHO.SYS Device Drivers
---------------------------
The ECHO driver simply echoes a message to the screen, which
can be handy when debugging your CONFIG.SYS file. An example:
device = c:\Echo.Sys I'\m now loading the \MOUSE\ driver
device = c:\mouse.sys
device = c:\pause.sys
would display the message "I'm now loading the MOUSE driver"
immediately before the mouse driver is loaded into memory.
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 18
In Conclusion
I hope that you will enjoy using LACE. Please remember that
this is a Shareware program; if you continue to use the program
after a reasonable amount of time, show your support for
Shareware by registering your copy of the program.
When you register LACE, you will receive a diskette with the
latest version of LACE and a "branding" utility that will allow
you to place your name and serial number into all future versions
of LACE. No future upgrade costs; you pay only one time! The
diskette you receive will also contain the Shareware versions of
all of the products listed in the "Product Catalog" found at the
end of this document.
As with most products, there are those who donate their time
to BETA testing, and LACE is no exception. I'd like to
personally thank the following BETA testers for giving freely of
their time to ensure a solid product:
Hal Hudler, Linnie Martin, Larry Cary, Dick Dunn, Pat Ford,
Robert Norman, Roy Tucker, Mike Phillips, Bob Arnson, Ray
Tackett, Peter Schulz, Joern Wettern, Edward Phillips, Jeff
Garbers, Charles Wajciechowski, and Sharlyn Williams. Also, a
big thanks to Webb Blackman, Sysop of the Blue Ridge Express, for
continuing to allow me to use his BBS as a message center, file
distribution point, and over-all remote disk drive!
Once again, enjoy the program and be sure to contact me with
any ideas you may have for future enhancements. And, last but
surely not least, thanks to all of you who continue to support my
Shareware products!
Keith Ledbetter
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 19
Keith Ledbetter's Shareware Catalog
Listed below is a chart of my other shareware and freeware
utilities, along with the current version number of each. Also
listed is the filename that you will find them under on BBS
systems (please note that they may be different on your favorite
BBS's, but it should help you at least get close to locating
them). When you register one of my Shareware programs, you will
receive a disk with all of these utilities on it.
Filename Version Description
----------- ------- ----------------------------------
SST_53a.ZIP 5.3a The ultimate file-finder program.
PC/Computing magazine called SST
"the Concorde of all file finders".
SST can search inside of all
popular archive formats and also
supports date searching, file size
searching, and command execution on
found files. Far too many other
options to list here!
Shareware: $15
LCD_40b.ZIP 4.0b "Led's Change Directory" is an
intelligent directory changing
program. This program was voted
one of "the 10 best utilities of
1990" by the "Public (software)
Library" magazine.
Shareware: $15
LACE_14.ZIP 1.1 LACE ("Led's Autoexec and
Configuration Editor") is a device
driver that allows you to maintain
up to 14 different boot-up
configurations from within a single
CONFIG.SYS file. LACE is very easy
to set up and use - you no longer
have to be a "power user" to
support multiple configurations!
Shareware: $15
AV_12.ZIP 1.2 "Archive Viewer" is used to display
the names of members of all of the
popular archiving programs (ZIP,
ARC, LHARC, PKARC, ZOO, PAK). No
longer do you have to struggle
remembering the syntax to 6
different archiving programs.
Freeware: $0
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 20
Keith Ledbetter's Shareware Catalog
X_30.ZIP 3.0 "X: The Executioner" can save you a
lot of disk space. X allows you to
ZIP down those seldom-used-but
hard-to-delete .COM, .EXE, and .BAT
files into one system "Command
Library". You can then execute
them easily by simply typing an "x"
in front of the command line (eg:
"x chkdsk c:").
Freeware: $0
ADMENU30.ZIP 3.0 If you own an Adlib Music card, you
need this program. It allows you
to ZIP down all of those .ROL song
files you've accumulated, yet still
play them with no extra effort!
Uses a mouse-able, easy-on-the-eyes
window system.
Freeware: $0
DELDIR12.ZIP 1.2 "Delete Directory" allows you to
delete an entire directory (and all
directories under it) with one
quick command. You will be shown
totals of what you are about to
delete and then be asked to confirm
(the confirm process can be over-
ridden from the command line).
Freeware: $0
DIRSIZ11.ZIP 1.1 "Directory Size Information" allows
you to easily determine the total
size (in both files and bytes) of
any directory.
Freeware: $0
LSDIR_20.ZIP 2.0 "Led's Stacker Directory" is a
replacement for Stacker's SDIR
command. The main advantage of
LSDIR is that it shows the
compression ratio in "PKZIP-type"
notation (50% instead of 2.0:1).
Freeware: $0
DUPICO10.ZIP 1.0 "Duplicate Icon Deleter" is for any
Windows 3.0 user who has
accumulated tons of icons. It will
go through a directory and delete
all duplicate icon images,
regardless of what they are named.
Freeware: $0
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 21
Keith Ledbetter's Shareware Catalog
MSDRBT10.ZIP 1.0 MS-DOS / DR-DOS Dual Boot. This
utility allows you to keep both MS-
DOS 5.0 and DR-DOS 6.0 on your hard
drive at the same time and easily
switch between the two operating
systems.
Freeware: $0
TIMER10.ZIP 1.0 This program allows you to easily
time the execution of any program.
Simply use TIMER to invoke the
command (eg: "timer chkdsk C:") and
you will be shown, at the
completion of the command, the
elapsed time.
Freeware: $0
UNTAB10.ZIP 1.0 One of the fastest "un-tab"
programs you will find. It takes
the specified input file and copies
it to the specified output file,
replacing all tab characters with
hard blanks (you specify the "tab
size").
Freeware: $0
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 22
Software Distributors
You can download all of my programs from the Blue Ridge
Express BBS in Richmond, VA. This is the official technical
support board for all of my software, and there's a special
"Keith Ledbetter" message section where you can quickly get your
questions answered. Once you log on, just do a "J KEITHL" to
join my sub-board. First-time callers have access to both my
message base and all of my download files. Please note that you
must do a "J MAIN" command before downloading any files.
The Blue Ridge Express is a first-class BBS, with 30 phone
lines; no need to worry about getting a busy signal! The number
is:
The Blue Ridge Express BBS
804-790-1675
All of my software can also be obtained from the following
shareware vendors:
Alternative Personal Software
269 Springside Drive Suite C
Hamilton, Ontario
Canada L9B 1P8
Tel: (416) 577-4068
PC Assist Limited
4 Carruber's Close
135 High Street
Edinburgh, EH1 1SJ
Scotland
Tel: 031-557-6432
BroCo Software
P. O. Box 446
3760 AK SOEST
Holland
Tel: 31-2155-26650
EURO BOARD
John Warren
Postfach
3920 ZERMATT, VS
Switzerland
BBS: (0228) / 476-111-06 (Swiss Telepac)
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 23
Index
additional device drivers, 3
ASK.SYS, 4, 17
Blue Ridge Express BBS, 23
BREAK=, 15
common selections, 5
CONFIG.SYS sample shell, 5
DOS 3.3, 15, 17
DOS 5.0, 16, 17
ECHO.SYS, 18
environment variable, 3, 11, 12
ERRORLEVEL, 3
getting started, 13
LACE invocation, 6
LACE.SYS, 3
LACE.SYS Parameters, 6
Center, 6
Default=, 6
NoHighVideo, 6
NumOff, 6
Passive, 6
Timeout=, 6
LACE_ERR.COM, 3
LACE_SET.EXE, 3
left shift key, 13
menu entry lines, 7
menu entry parameters
Default, 7
Timeout=, 7
multiple AUTOEXEC.BAT files, 12
option line parameters
BackgroundFill, 8
BannerBackground, 8
BannerBorder, 8
BannerForeground, 8
color values, 9
ColorType, 8
DialogBackground, 8
DialogBorder, 8
DialogForeground, 8
End, 8
OwnerBackground, 8
OwnerForeground, 8
SelectionBarBackground, 9
SelectionBarForeground, 9
option lines, 8
passive, 14
PAUSE.SYS, 17
product catalog, 20
remark, 15
right shift key, 13
selection blocks, 5
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 24
Index
Shift Key states, 14
shortcut keys, 13
software distributors, 23
technical support, 23
welcome, 3
YES/NO questions, 4
LACE: the Multi-Configuration Utility Page 25
LICENSE.DOC
LACE Registration Form Mail to: Keith Ledbetter
4240 Ketcham Drive
Chesterfield, VA 23832
LACE Version 1.x Quantity Price
Disk with branding utility ($15/copy): _______ _________
Total enclosed: _________
Please make payment by check or money order (in US funds) payable
to "Keith Ledbetter".
Please specify the diskette size(s) that are acceptable for you:
___ 5.25" 360KB ___ 3.5" 720KB
Name _____________________________________________________
Company _____________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Phone _____________________________________________________
Where did you get LACE? _____________________________________
Multi-System and Reseller Licenses:
Site, corporate, network, and reseller licenses are available for
LACE. Check the line on the order form or contact me for more
information. The following schedule provides some examples of
multi-system license fees. The fee includes one master diskette
which you may then copy and use on the number of machines listed
below:
# Users Price
------- -------
5 $ 70.00 ($14 / copy)
10 130.00 ($13 / copy)
25 300.00 ($12 / copy)
50 550.00 ($11 / copy)
100 1,000.00 ($10 / copy)
Unlimited 1,500.00
SET.DOC
SET.SYS and ENVIRON.SYS
Setting Environment Variables Inside CONFIG.SYS
A Companion Program to LACE
_______
____|__ | (tm)
--| | |-------------------
| ____|__ | Association of
| | |_| Shareware
|__| o | Professionals
-----| | |---------------------
|___|___| MEMBER
Written by Keith Ledbetter
4240 Ketcham Drive
Chesterfield, VA 23832
(804) 674-0780
(6:00pm - 10:00pm Eastern Time)
Tech Support BBS: Blue Ridge Express
804-790-1675
30 Phone Lines (2400 bd)
Sub-board KEITHL
("J KEITHL")
Electronic mail on GEnie: ORION.MICRO
Compuserve: 72240,1221
AOL: KLedbetter
Program and Documentation are
Copyright (c) 1992 by Keith Ledbetter. All rights reserved.
Portions Copyright Borland, International.
Written with Borland C/C++ 3.0.
Introduction
------------
The ENVIRON.SYS and SET.SYS drivers included with your LACE
package allow you to set environment variables from inside your
CONFIG.SYS file. The LACE_SET program is used to retrieve these
settings and then place them in your master environment (normally
from your AUTOEXEC.BAT file).
How it Works
------------
Before you can SET environment variables, you must load the
ENVIRON.SYS device driver. This driver stays memory resident and
does the actual storage of the environment variables that you've
specified in your CONFIG.SYS file (you can set up to 128 bytes of
environment variables). The ENVIRON driver is very small, taking
up only around 280 bytes of your precious memory.
After loading ENVIRON.SYS, you merely call SET.SYS to set
environment variables. The syntax is identical to DOS's SET
command, as in:
device=c:\lace\SET.Sys The_Variable=The_Value
In your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, you then run the LACE_SET
program. This program does two things:
1. It sets the LACE variable automatically to the selection
number that you chose from LACE's boot-up menu.
2. It places any environment variables you set into the command
processor's master environment.
Setting Environment Variables from CONFIG.SYS Page 1
An Example
----------
In this example, we'll use the ASK device driver to prompt
the user for two configuration questions:
DOS = High
device = c:\qemm\qemm386.sys ram
shell = c:\4dos\4dos.com /p @c:\4dos\4dos.ini
device = c:\lace\environ.sys
device = c:\lace\lace.sys Center NumOff
device = LACE SelectionBarBackground=RED
device = LACE "S\tandard configuration"
device = d:\ms_mouse\mouse.sys /y /s30
device = c:\caches\mycache.sys 4096
device = c:\dos50\ansi.sys
device = c:\dos50\setver.exe
device = c:\lace\ask.sys "Load a RAMdisk? "
device = YES
device = c:\dos50\ramdrive.sys 2048
device = c:\lace\set.sys RAMDISK=YES
device = NO
device = c:\lace\set.sys RAMDISK=NO
device = END
device = c:\lace\ask.sys "Load the network? "
device = YES
device = c:\netlib\netdrvr.sys
device = c:\lace\set.sys NETWORK=YES
device = NO
device = c:\lace\set.sys NETWORK=NO
device = END
device = LACE "B\are-bones configuration"
device = c:\lace\set.sys RAMDISK=NO
device = c:\lace\set.sys NETWORK=NO
device = c:\dos50\ansi.sys
device = c:\dos50\setver.exe
device = LACE End
buffers = 5
files = 60
break = on
STACKS = 0,0
lastdrive = E
Setting Environment Variables from CONFIG.SYS Page 2
Then, in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file:
c:\lace\lace_set
...
... do whatever
...
if NOT "%RAMDISK%" == "YES" goto no_ramDISK
...
... load the ramdisk
...
:no_ramDISK
if NOT "%NETWORK" == "YES" goto no_network
...
... log onto the network
...
:no_network
...
... rest of your statements
In Conclusion
-------------
Don't forget that you MUST load the ENVIRON.SYS driver
before calling the SET.SYS driver. If you have any suggestions
for future enhancements, please don't hesitate to contact me
about them.
Enjoy!
Keith
Setting Environment Variables from CONFIG.SYS Page 3
PCSIG.TXT
P C - S I G
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Welcome to the world of Shareware, state of the art software you can
actually try before you buy.
Shareware, a term coined in the early eighties, refers to the method of
distribution chosen by the software authors. With shareware, you can
receive a program and put it through its paces without having to pay for
it. If you find the program useful, and choose to keep the program, then
you pay a modest registration fee to the author.
For the last nine years, PC-SIG has been providing shareware and public
domain software to its customers and members. Since 1982 PC-SIG has
developed an unprecedented library of shareware programs, constantly
updated, consistently strong in every category. Our library of
shareware contains over 2700 titles divided into 120 logical categories.
Every program we add to the library is thoroughly reviewed and tested to
insure that each one meets the high standards of reliability and value we
insist upon and you expect. As a result, our library doesn't contain
every shareware program available, just those that really work.
PC-SIG has grown into the premier distributor of shareware and and
shareware information by producing shareware collections on CD-ROM,
publishing an encyclopedia of shareware, and by publishing Shareware
Magazine, a bi-monthly magazine distributed world-wide.
Quality and support - guaranteed. All of our programs are guaranteed
virus free. We've isolated our systems and check every program
submitted to insure that no viruses make their way to your computer or
ours.
Our support staff is available by phone as well as on our BBS to help
you with questions about installation and operation of PC-SIG's
products.
Through our network of international distributors, PC- SIG strives to
bring you the most current, exciting, technically advanced software
available as shareware.
If you can't find the software you need in PC-SIG's library, it may well
not exist.
To order the latest in Shareware, in the U.S.A: Call (800) 245-6717
Outside the U.S.A. call (408) 730-9291 for the name of the dealer in
your country.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SAND.DOC
--------------------------------------------------
| |
| SAND STORM -- version 2.0 |
| |
| by David Johndrow |
| |
| An MVP Software Production |
| |
--------------------------------------------------
Copyright 1992 David Johndrow
_______
____|__ | (R)
--| | |-------------------
| ____|__ | Association of
| | |_| Shareware
|__| o | Professionals
-----| | |---------------------
|___|___| MEMBER
MVP Software is a member of the Association of Shareware
Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware
principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a
shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the
member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can
help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does
not provide technical support for members' products. Please write
to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442-9427 or
send a Compuserve message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman at
70007,3536.
This program is distributed under the "shareware" concept, in which
you can try this software before you buy it. If you like the game,
please register it by sending $15 plus $3 s/h to MVP Software. Or
if you want more for your money, purchase the Sand Storm Championship
Version for $20 plus $3 s/h. (See the Appendix for a description of
the extra goodies you get with Sand Storm Championship Version.)
If after an evaluation period you choose not to register, please
give this software to a friend who might enjoy it.
Neither MVP Software nor David Johndrow, the author of Sand Storm,
receives any compensation from the purchase of the original
diskette. There is over a year of work in this program. Please
support our efforts to bring quality entertainment to users at
reasonable prices by registering your copy today. Use the order
form in this documentation manual.
Please copy and distribute the shareware version of Sand Storm only.
Sand Storm Championship Version may not be copied, given away or
sold by anyone other than MVP Software or an authorized reseller.
Order from:
MVP Software
1035 Dallas SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507-1407
or call: 800-968-9684 or 616-245-8376
order price: $20 + $3 s/h US funds only for Sand Storm
Championship Version
-------------------------------------------------
Canadian customers please order from:
Distant Markets
Box #1149
194 - 3803 Calgary Trail South
Edmonton, Alberta T6J 5M8
or call 800-661-7383 toll free
fax: 800-661-9756 toll free
order price: $29 Canadian funds for Sand Storm Championship Version
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Australian customers please order from:
Budgetware
9 Albermarle St.
Newtown NSW 2042
or call (02) 519-4233
fax: (02) 516-4236
order price: $30 Australian funds for Sand Storm Championship Ver.
------------------------------------------------------------------
United Kingdom customers please order from:
Testware Ltd
46 The Avenue
Harrogate, N Yorks HG1 4QD
or call 0423 886 415
fax: 0423 889 728
order price: 17 pounds for Sand Storm Championship Version
----------------------------------------------------------
Software Creations is now the home BBS for all MVP Software games and
game-creation software. Check out our free MVP file section for new
releases and updates. Call (508) 365-2359 2400 baud; (508) 368-4137
2400-16.8K USR; (508) 368-7036 2400-14.4K V.32. From the main menu
type F 60 to go to the MVP file section.
Introduction
------------
Here you are, stuck in the sweltering Middle East desert,
manning the new untested Patriot missles, when all of a sudden this
madman unleashes the fury of his Scud missles at you. Worse yet,
enemy jets are now flying overhead dropping deadly bombs!
So you scramble into the gunner's position and begin firing
away at the intruders. It is up to you to protect civilization as
we know it today.
Sand Storm System Requirements
------------------------------
VGA graphics adapter and monitor
Microsoft compatible mouse
384k free RAM
Quick Start
-----------
There are three basic scenario types you will face in the
standard version of Sand Storm: SCUDS, JETS, and TOMAHAWKS. Before
each mission you will be briefed on what to expect. Reading the
briefs will help you adopt a strategy before each mission -- making
success more likely. After the briefing, you will see an
introduction sequence reminding you of what type of scenario is to
come; then the mission begins. After you complete a mission, you
will be given information regarding your performance. There are 20
missions in all.
SCUDS
-----
Move the cursor around the screen with the mouse. When you
wish to launch a Patriot to the current location, push the left
button. It couldn't be more simple! Remember, the Patriot will go
to the location of the crosshairs when you pushed the button. This
way, you can launch a Patriot, then seek out more targets while the
Patriot is on its way! Watch out for Conventional (White), Al
Hussein (Blue), and Chemical (Green) Scuds. In addition, enemy jets
will fly over. Try to hit the jets for extra points, but only worry
about the bomb that it may release. The mission ends when the last
scud detonates or is destroyed. The game ends if you let damage
bring down the status of the installations to below 50%.
JETS
----
Same in scope as the scuds scenario but with more jets and
fewer scuds than before.
TOMAHAWKS
---------
During this scenario you will use the mouse to move a tomahawk
missile up and down to avoid contact with AA fire. When your target
appears (usually after several screens), push the left button to
initiate the strike sequence. At that time, the tomahawk will
nosedive to the ground and, if your aim is good, destroy its target.
The mission ends after the last tomahawk detonates or is destroyed.
The game ends if you fail to destroy 50% or more of the targets.
Important: Do not push the button until you are ready to initiate
the strike sequence. Once it has begun, there is no turning back!
Your Mission
------------
Your mission is to protect the following types of potential
enemy targets: cities, towns, hospitals, barracks, water towers,
radar, airfields, oil refineries, oil wells, oil storage tanks, and
ships at sea. The following table illustrates what enemy weapons
will do the most damage to any given facility:
Type of missile Direct Nearby Hit
----------------- ------- ----------
Scuds (White) 50% 30%
Al Hussein (Blue) 40% 24%
Chemical (Green) 50% 30% (cities, towns, hospitals,
barracks, water)
30% 18% (Everything else)
Bombs 30% 10%
Keep in mind that while you are not evaluated on your ability
to protect the Patriot missile launcher, hits to the launcher result
in its loss of ability to fire as rapidly. You can actually lose
all use of the launcher, leaving you with nothing to do but watch,
helplessly, as the scuds rain down on their targets.
During Tomahawk sequences, two approaches may prove helpful.
First, avoid a panic-stricken wild-driving technique. This usually
results in head-on AA contact. Just cruise along, moving when
necessary. Second, when your target is within sight, move your
tomahawk into a low flying position before initiating the strike
sequence. As you will no doubt learn at some point, the tomahawk is
still very vulnerable during this time, actually more-so since you
can no longer swerve away from danger. Moving into a low position
before striking will minimize the amount of time spent in this
critical phase.
CREDITS
-------
Sand Storm was created using MVP PAINT, a VGA graphics creation
and editing program designed especially for game authors. It is
available separately from MVP Software. The following people were
instrumental in debugging and assisting the growth of Sand Storm:
Nancy Johndrow, the author's wife, provided ideas, the title, and
tolerated countless hours of "Just look at this last thing, then you
can go!" Kevin Stokes of Pie in the Sky Software freed me from a
dangerous trap. Bob Roberds gave me the means to get the job done.
In addition, the January 18th, 1991 edition of U.S. News and World
Report and the February 1991 edition of National Geographic were
both invaluable resources.
Appendix
What Do You Get When You Buy Sand Storm Championship Version?
A common question that users ask us is, "If I register a game with
MVP, what do I get?" That's a good question.
With Sand Storm, MVP offers you a choice. If you're happy with the
shareware game, and you don't mind never seeing the awesome tank
battle scenario, and you don't want to really let the Bully of
Baghdad have it right where it hurts <grin>, then you may register
Sand Storm by sending the $15 registration fee (plus $3 s/h). This
will get you the latest version of the game with the registration
reminder screens removed. It will also give you the satisfaction
of knowing you've done the right thing, and you will be supporting
the author in future game development.
If you want the challenge of six additional levels, including the
awesome tank battle scenario, however, then you will want to buy
Sand Storm Championship Version. This sells for $20 plus $3 s/h.
With Sand Storm Championship Version you get the following:
* No registration reminder screens
* Six additional game levels -- 26 levels in all
* The awesome tank battle scenario
* Printed instructions and secret game hints
* a FREE bonus VGA action game
* The satisfaction of doing the right thing
* Support for the author in future game development
Frankly, most folks will want to get the Championship Version.
After all, when you're plunking down the cash, you want something
in return. And Sand Storm Championship Version delivers! I know
you'll be happy with it. Heck, the extra FREE VGA game you get
is worth the five bucks all by itself.
Thank you for supporting shareware. Your honesty
VEND&SYS.DOC
_______
MVP Software ____|__ | (R)
1035 Dallas SE --| | |-------------------
Grand Rapids, MI 49507-1407 | ____|__ | Association of
(616) 245-8376 (voice line) | | |_| Shareware
contact person: Dave Snyder |__| o | Professionals
CIS 70363,15 -----| | |---------------------
|___|___| MEMBER
Sand Storm ver 2.0
categories: games, arcade games, graphics games, action games, VGA/SVGA games
one-line description: Sand Storm VGA arcade game. MVP Software (ASP).
short description: Sand Storm ver 2.0 by MVP Software (ASP).
Fire up your mouse for non-stop action in this high-octane
graphics arcade game. Intercept Scud missles and jet
attacks with your Patriots; then guide your Tomahawk
missle through enemy AA fire on a search and destroy
mission. This is the shareware version of the popular
retail game. Includes 20 missions. Req VGA/SVGA, mouse.
long description: If you like shoot-em-up, high-octane graphics arcade games,
then Sand Storm is for you! Fire up your mouse for non-stop
action as you try to intercept Scud and jet attacks with
your Patriot missles, then guide your Tomahawk missle
through enemy AA fire while on a search and destroy mission.
Can you successfully take out enemy chemical weapons plants
and mobile Scud launchers? Includes 20 missions, digitized
graphics, and a stunning Gulf War Map. This is the
fully-functional shareware version of the popular retail
game. Req VGA/SVGA, mouse. By MVP Software (ASP).
Requirements: 384K free RAM, VGA/SVGA, Microsoft compatible mouse. $15
registration; $20 for Championship Version with 6 extra
missions and the fabulous tank battle scenario.
Catalog vendors: Please include Sand Storm in your printed and disk shareware
catalogs.
RACKWARE VENDORS
MVP Software has a new policy on shareware rack vending. Beginning immediately
no MVP Software shareware product may be sold on shareware racks in any retail
location without prior written approval from MVP Software. This policy affects
Sand Storm, plus all other MVP products. Many of our shareware products are
also sold in retail locations. We do not want our shareware products to under-
mine these sales. Thanks for your understanding.
All MVP shareware products may be sold via catalogs, mail order, telephone
orders, flea markets, computer clubs, and any other method that does not
involve sales in retail locations.
We will give permission to rack vendors to sell our products in retail
locations only if the following conditions are met: (1) The vendor must pay
MVP Software a royalty on all copies sold in retail locations. This does not
include any other type of shareware sales. Suggested royalty is 10 cents per
copy sold. (2) The vendor must provide reports to MVP Software not less than
quarterly of all rack sales minus returns. (3) The vendor must include a one-
page flyer provided by MVP Software in all packages of MVP products sold on
shareware racks. The size of the flyer may be determined by the vendor so
that it fits properly in the package.
Rack vendors meeting the above three conditions must still receive written
authorization from MVP Software to distribute our products on shareware racks.
Permission may not be given in all cases; the decision will be on a case-by-
case basis, and we usually will want to inspect the packaging before granting
distribution permission.
I apologize to those rack vendors to whom these requirements seem onerous.
However, this is the only way we can control how our products get distributed
to make sure we have both a return on our investment and a reasonable chance
at getting a registration.
We really appreciate the distribution that vendors give us. And we will con-
tinue to work with vendors to make both of our businesses prosper. Thanks for
your understanding of why this step is necessary.
And just to be clear: the above requirements do NOT apply to catalog sales.
Sysops: Become part of the MVP Distribution Network and receive first notice of
new products and updates! Software Creations is now the home BBS for
all MVP Software games and game-creation software. Check out the MVP
file section for new releases and updates. Leave a private message for
David C. Snyder to find out how your BBS can benefit by becoming part
of the MVPDN! Call (508) 365-2359 2400 baud; (508) 368-4137 2400-
16.8K USR; (508) 368-7036 2400-14.4K V.32.
2400-16.8K USR; (508) 368-7036 2400-14.4K V.32.
SHAREMAG.TXT
S H A R E W A R E M A G A Z I N E
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Shareware Magazine has distinguished itself as the only internationally
distributed periodical devoted to the use and business of shareware.
Shareware Magazine provides detailed reviews of new products,
hard-hitting comparisons of shareware programs with regular retail
software, and timely information about changes in the industry and the
latest technology.
Intriguing columnists and regular features add to the excitement. The
beginners section sheds light on new user's concerns regarding
everything from choosing the right operating system to alleviating the
intimidation of using on-line systems.
Educational sections focus on how low cost shareware can aid in
classroom learning, curriculum development, and as a forum for
discussing the impact of computers and technology in schools.
Graphics Gallery renders expert advice and suggestions on how to better
work with graphics, desktop publishing, CAD systems, and the Windows
environment.
Programmers benefit from others experience in developing new programs or
polishing existing ones as well as choosing the right programming
language.
And columnists provide that subjective component, sometimes
controversial, that calls for a closer look at the way we compute and
how shareware effects what we do.
Published bimonthly, Shareware Magazine is available on a subscription
or at your local newsstand or computer bookstore. In conjunction with
PC-SIG, there are special benefits for subscribers as well as
opportunities for discount purchases from PC-SIG.
To Order, in the U.S.A.: Call 800-245-6717 and ask Customer Service.
Outside the U.S.A. call (408) 730-9291 for the name of the dealer in
your country.
SIGORDER.TXT
[B]
FROM: ___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
[A] [B]
___________________________
PC-SIG Inc.
[A] [B]
1030-D East Duane Avenue
Sunnyvale California
94086
Fold - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Fold
HOW TO USE THIS RETURN ENVELOPE
1. Place any other pages underneath this page.
2. Using the Fold lines (above) as a guide, fold this flap under.
3. Fold the address flap so it covers this flap.
4. Tape or staple the envelope at the two spots marked [A].
5. Slip in any other enclosures (business cards, cheques, etc.).
6. Tape or staple the envelope at the spots marked [B].
THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO PRINT THIS FORM -*- MAIL YOUR ORDER TO:
PC-SIG Inc. 1030-D East Duane Avenue Sunnyvale CA 94086
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Do not mail cash. Please allow four weeks for processing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Check the items desired:
PC-SIG Disks - Member $2.49 for 5.25" or $2.99 for 3.5"
Non-member $3.25 for 5.25" or $3.75 for 3.5"
_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ total ______
One year subscription to Shareware Magazine $12.95 ______
Super Saver Membership $34.95 ______
(includes a 1 year subscription to Shareware Magazine )
(also The Encyclopedia of Shareware, and 5 free disks )
The Encyclopedia of Shareware special price at $14.95 ______
The Essential Home & Business Collection for $59.00 ______
*** PC-SIG Library on CD-ROM 11th Edition *** $159.00 ______
NEW LOWER PRICE!
Upgrade to the 11th Edition from ANY previous edition
of the PC-SIG Library on CD-ROM! $85.00 ______
Upgrade from ANY other shareware CD-ROM just $99.00 ______
Subtotal ______
If you want 3-1/2 inch disks please add .25 cents per disk ______
Shipping and Handling $4.00
California residents add 8.25% sales tax ______
TOTAL ______
If you have any comments or suggestions, please let us know!
To order by phone with VISA or MASTERCARD call (800)245-6717
Ask for operator #2316
*****
TO PRINT THIS ORDER FORM, PRESS ANY KEY AND
THEN "Quit" ONCE TO RETURN TO THE MAIN MENU.
SELECT "Print Reply Form."
Directory of PC-SIG Library Disk #3043
Volume in drive A has no label
Directory of A:\
LACE_14 ZIP 50551 6-17-92 9:07p
SANDSTRM ZIP 211379 10-30-92 2:17p
CDROM TXT 3972 6-24-92 1:25p
SHAREMAG TXT 1837 1-21-92 6:11a
PCSIG TXT 2335 1-21-92 6:09a
GO EXE 26022 1-10-92 12:14p
GO-FORM DAT 2401 1-20-92 10:24a
GO-STRT DAT 601 6-25-92 12:41p
PKUNZIP EXE 23528 3-15-90 1:10a
SIGORDER TXT 3332 6-25-92 2:28p
10 file(s) 325958 bytes
31744 bytes free