Contents of ErgoFile Help

Introduction to ErgoFile

 Who is Ergosoft?

 What is ErgoFile?

 What is Shareware?

How To...

 Associate Files With Applications

 Copy A Floppy Disk

 Display and Change File Properties

 Display Full Icon Pathnames

 Format A Floppy Disk

 Search For A Filename or File Text

 Set Confirmation and Save Options

 Set File Viewing Options

 Start an Application

 Working With Files and Directories

Commands

 File Menu Item

 Disk Menu Item

 View Menu Item

 Options Menu Item


Associating Files With Applications

Associating a file with an application causes files with the selected files extension to be shown using the associated applications icon.  When the file is opened, its associated application is run using the selected file as input.

To associate a file with an application

1. Select a file with the desired extension.

2. Choose the File | Associate menu option.

3. Specify the path name for the application that is to be associated with the chosen files extension.

4. Choose the OK button.

See Also

Selecting Files And Directories


Working with the Browser

The Browser is a series of list boxes, each of which contains a list of files in a directory in the current path.

Directories in Browser List Boxes

The directories in the Browser list boxes correspond to the directory Icons in the Scroller.  Directories in a Browser list box are represented by a yellow directory folder picture preceding the directory name and an inset arrow following the directory name.  Selecting a directory entry causes the Scroller to display that directory as the current directory and also causes the next Browser list box to display the contents of the selected directory.  The Browser is useful for navigating your directory structure to select files and directories.

Multiple File or Directory Selections

You may select one or many files and directories in a Browser list box.  You can select multiple files and directories by selecting an item in the Browser list box and dragging the mouse cursor to the last item to select.  Selecting an item with the <Ctrl> key pressed down adds the new item to the selected set.  Selecting an item with the <Shift> key pressed down adds all items between the new item and the previously selected item to the selected set.

Quick Search

Files can be found quickly in a Browser list box by typing the first letter of the file name.

Start Applications

Applications can be launched from the Browser by double clicking on the desired file or application item in a Browser list box with the left mouse button.

See Also

Browser View Options

Copying Files And Directories

Deleting Files And Directories

Identifying Icon Pathnames

Moving Files And Directories

Renaming Files And Directories

Selecting Files And Directories

Working With The Scroller


Copying Files and Directories

File and directories can be copied into other directories using either the main menu or the mouse.  Directories may not be copied into themselves.  When a directory is copied, all subdirectories within it are copied as well.

To copy a file or directory using the main menu

1. Select the files or directories to be copied.

2. Choose the File | Copy menu option.

3. Specify the path name for the destination file or directory in the Copy dialog box.

4. Choose the OK button.

To copy a file or directory using the mouse

Drag a file or directory Icon from either the Shelf or the Scroller and drop it on a destination directory icon while holding down the <Ctrl> key.  The file will be copied into the directory represented by the destination directory Icon.  If the file or directory is being copied to a different disk drive, then holding down the <Ctrl> key is optional.

See Also

Deleting Files And Directories

Moving Files And Directories

Options

Renaming Files And Directories

Selecting Files And Directories


Copying a Floppy Disk

This option performs a disk copy of a 3.5 inch or 5.25 inch floppy disk.

To copy a floppy disk

1. Choose the Disk | Copy Disk menu option.

2. Choose the disk drive containing the disk to copy.

3. Choose the disk drive containing the destination disk.

4. Choose the OK button.

5. The disk copy may be cancelled at any time.

See Also

Formatting A Floppy Disk


Create Directory Command

A new directory can be placed in any existing directory.

To create a directory

1. Select the directory that the new directory is to be placed in.

2. Choose the File | Create Directory menu option.

3. Specify the name for the new directory in the Create Directory dialog box.

4. Choose the OK button.

See Also

Selecting Files And Directories


Deleting Files and Directories

Associating a file with an application causes files with the selected files extension to be shown using the associated applications icon.  When the file is opened, its associated application is run using the selected file as input.

To delete a file or directory

1. Select the files or directories to be deleted.

2. Choose the File | Delete menu option or press the <delete> key.

See Also

Copying Files And Directories

Moving Files And Directories

Options

Renaming Files And Directories

Selecting Files And Directories


Disk Menu Item

The following commands are available from the Disk main menu item.

Copy Disk

Makes a duplicate of a floppy disk.

Format Disk

Formats a floppy disk.


Edit Command

The Edit Command brings up the selected file in the Windows text editor.

To edit a file

1. Select the file to be edited.

2. Choose the File | Edit menu option.

See Also

Selecting Files


View Menu Item
Who is Ergosoft?

Ergosoft is a small corporation of software professionals dedicated to producing top quality products that are easy to use, reasonably priced, and well supported.  We believe that with todays software development tools, a small team of highly skilled engineers can effectively compete with the huge corporations in the industry.  Judging by the overwhelming words of encouragement from our customers, our dream is well on its way to becoming reality.

Obviously, Ergosoft cannot compete with the advertising budgets of the likes of Microsoft.  We must rely on innovative, easy to use products, and word of mouth advertising from our customers.  If you have any comments, suggestions, or just want to say hello, please feel free to contact us at any of the following addresses:

 Internet:   rickswan@ergosoft.com

                gregg@ergosoft.com

CompuServe:  71702,3676

Snail mail:   Ergosoft, Inc.

                   P.O. Box 5543

                   Herndon, VA  22070


File Menu Item

The following commands are available from the File main menu item.

Open

Starts the selected application or the application associated with the current file.

Copy

Copies files and directories.

Move

Moves files and directories into different directories.

Delete

Deletes the selected files and directories from the disk.

Edit

Brings up the selected file in the Windows text editor.

Print Setup

Allows setup of the currently selected printer.

Print

Prints the selected files as text on the selected printer.

Associate

Associates a file type with an application.

Create Directory

Creates a new directory.

Run

Starts an application.

Properties

Brings up the Properties dialog box to allow access to file and directory date, size, and other properties.

Exit

Exits the application.


Working With Files and Directories

For help on working with files and directories, choose one of the following topics.

Associating Files With Applications

Copying Files and Directories

Creating Directories

Deleting Files and Directories

Editing Files

Moving Files and Directories

Printing Files

Renaming Files and Directories

Searching For Filenames and File Text

Selecting Files and Directories

Working With the Browser

Working With the Icon Shelf

Working With the Scroller


Formatting A Floppy Disk

This option formats a 3.5 inch or 5.25 inch floppy disk.

To format a floppy disk

1. Choose the Disk| Format menu option.

2. Choose the disk drive containing the disk to format.

3. Choose the appropriate disk capacity to format.

4. Choose the OK button.

5. The format may be cancelled at any time.

See Also

Copying A Floppy Disk


Identifying Icon Pathnames

The full file pathname associated with an Icon can be displayed for any visible Icon at any time.

To display the full pathname for an Icon on the screen

1. Place the mouse cursor over the Icon.

2. Press the Right Mouse Button.


What Is ErgoFile?

ErgoFile is an Windows application that combines the capabilities of the Windows File Manager and Program Manager.  ErgoFile makes extensive use of icons and a drag and drop environment to simplify file and program management.

The Shelf

The Shelf is a storage and working area for Icons.  It is useful for copying, moving, or just saving Icons for later use.

The Scroller

The Scroller is a representation of the current path.  Any of the Icons in the Scroller can be dragged onto the Shelf, onto another Icon, or to another Windows application that accepts drag and drop icons.

The Browser

The Browser is a collection of list boxes that display the files contained in each of the directories in the currently selected path.  The Browser is used for traversing your disks directory structure and selecting files and directories.

The Status Bar

The Status Bar is located at the bottom of the main window and shows the amount of disk space free on the current drive, the amount of Random Access Memory (RAM) free on the computer, and the number of items in the current directory.


Moving Files and Directories

File and directories can be moved into other directories using either the main menu or the mouse.  Directories may not be moved into themselves.  When a directory is moved, all subdirectories within it are moved as well.

To move a file or directory using the main menu

1. Select the files or directories to be moved.

2. Choose the File | Move menu option.

3. Specify the path name for the destination file or directory in the Move dialog box.

4. Choose the OK button.

To move a file or directory using the mouse

Drag a file or directory Icon from either the Shelf or the Scroller and drop it on a destination directory icon while holding down the <Shift> key.  The file will be moved into the directory represented by the destination directory Icon.  If the file or directory is being moved to a directory on the same disk drive, then holding down the <Shift> key is optional.

See Also

Copying Files And Directories

Deleting Files And Directories

Options

Renaming Files And Directories

Selecting Files And Directories


Options Menu Item

The following commands are available from the Options main menu item.

Confirmation

Launches the Confirmation dialog box which has options for confirming delete, copy, move, and replace file operations.

Show Status Bar

When checked, the Status Bar is shown at the bottom of the main window.

Save Settings On Exit

When checked, the current preferences are saved.


Print Command

Any number of files may be printed to a Windows printer in the files native application.

If there is no associated application for the file type, then it is printed as a text file.

To print a file

1. Select the files to be printed.

2. Choose the File | Print menu option.

3. Specify the print options desired in the Print dialog box.

4. Choose the OK button.

See Also

Associating A File With And Application

Selecting Files And Directories


Properties Command
Displaying and Editing File Properties

The properties for a file or directory may be displayed and the files attributes may be edited

using the Properties window.  This window is modeless so it may be kept visible at all times

while performing other operations.  The data in the window updates automatically to show the

properties for the currently selected file or directory.  The data shown includes the files name, its path, its size, the last change date, and the file attributes.

To display a selected items properties

1. Select a file or directory.

2. Choose the File | Properties menu option or press <Alt><Enter>.

3. To show the total size of a directory of group of files and/or directories, press the Size button.

See Also

Selecting Files And Directories


Renaming Files and Directories

Files and directories can be renamed by changing the name shown on their respective Icon.

To rename a file or directory

1. Select the file or directory to be renamed.

2. Double click on the name field of the files Icon.

3. Type the new name of the file or directory.

4. Press the <Enter> key or select another item with the mouse.

See Also

Copying Files And Directories

Deleting Files And Directories

Moving Files And Directories

Options

Selecting Files And Directories


Working with the Scroller

The Scroller provides an icon based representation of the currently selected path.  The Icons can be used for storage on the Shelf, copying, moving, deleting, and renaming of files.  The scroll bar on the Scroller can be used to move back and forth along the selected path.

See Also

Copying Files And Directories

Deleting Files And Directories

Identifying Icon Pathnames

Moving Files And Directories

Renaming Files And Directories

Selecting Files And Directories

Working With The Browser

Working With The Icon Shelf


Searching For A File Name or File Text

The Search capability allows for finding a file name or text within a file given

 a starting directory.

To Search for a filename or file text

1. Optionally, select a starting directory using the Browser or an Icon on the Shelf.

2. Choose the File | File Search menu option.

3. Specify the starting directory for the search.

4. Specify filename to search for.  Wildcard characters (i.e., *, ?) may be used.

5a. To search for a file name, choose the Search For File Name radio button.

5b. To search for text within a file, choose the Search For Text String radio button and specify

      the text to search for within the files.

6. Choose the OK button.

7. When the search is complete, you may select a file in the results list and choose

     the OK button to go to the selected file.

See Also

Selecting Files And Directories


Selecting Files And Directories

Most actions are carried out on the selected file or directory.  Files are selected by either using the Browser or selecting Icons on the Shelf.

To select a file or directory using the Browser

Click on the desired directory or file shown in one of the list boxes in the Browser.  Continue clicking on directories farther down the path to the desired file or directory is reached.  Each time a new file or directory is selected, the Scroller updates the Icon path to show the new selection.  For more information about selecting files or directories, and multiple item selections, see Working With The Browser.

To select a file or directory using the Shelf

Click on the Icon on the Shelf that represents the file or directory to be selected.  The Browser will update itself to display the newly selected file or directory.  The Shelf is a convenient place to store Icons for future selection.

See Also

What is ErgoFile?

Working With The Browser

Working With The Scroller

Working With The Shelf

Identifying Icon Pathnames


View Menu Item
What is 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 wallet, 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!


Working with the Icon Shelf

File and directory Icons can be placed on the Icon Shelf to carry out copy and move operations or to store the Icon for later use.  Icons can be dragged on to the Shelf from the Scroller, from another shelf location, or from another Windows application like File Manager.

Dragging Icons

Icons can be dragged on to and off of the Shelf.  The Icons can be dragged from one place on the Shelf to another, to another Icon, or to another Windows application that accepts Windows drag and drop icons.

An Icon can be dragged off of a Shelf location by selecting and dragging it with the mouse.  A copy of the Icon can be dragged, leaving the original Icon at its Shelf location, by pressing the <Alt> key while selecting and dragging the Icon.

Selecting Files and Directories

Clicking on a file or directory Icon on the Shelf with the left mouse button causes that file or directory to become the selected one in the Browser and Scroller.

Resizing The Shelf

The Shelf can be resized by using the Drag Handle at the bottom of the Shelf.  To change the Shelf size, place the mouse cursor over the Shelf Drag Handle and drag the mouse up or down to make the Shelf smaller or larger.  Icons on the lower part of the Shelf can be covered and uncovered by making the Shelf smaller and larger.

Hidden Icons

The Hidden Icon Bar on the right edge of the Shelf becomes visible when there are Icons that are hidden beyond the right Shelf border.  This can occur when the Main Window is made smaller.  The Shelf may no longer be wide enough to display Icons that were placed on it when the Shelf was wider.

See Also

Copying Files And Directories

Identifying Icon Pathnames

Moving Files And Directories

Selecting Files And Directories


Starting an Application

An application can be started by using the main menu or the mouse.

To start a application from the browser and the main menu

1. Select an application or a file associated with the application.

2. Choose the File | Open menu option.

Using the Run Command

1. Choose the File | Run menu option.

2. Enter the name of the application by typing or using the browse button to select a filename.

3. To start the application as a minimized icon, select the Run Minimized check box.

4. Choose the OK button.

To start an application using the mouse

Double click on the file Icon or Browser list box item representing the application to be started or a file Associated with the application.

See Also

Associating Files With Applications

Selecting Files And Directories

Working With The Browser

Working With The Icon Shelf

Working With The Scroller


View Menu Item

The following commands are available from the View main menu item and control the appearance of the Browser list boxes.

List Directories First

When checked, directories are listed ahead of files in the Browser.

List Files First

When checked, files are listed ahead of directories in the Browser.

Mix Files & Directories

When checked, files and directories are mixed in the Browser.

Name Only

When checked, filenames only are shown in the Browser.

Names & Details

When checked, filename, file size, and file change date are shown in the Browser

for the currently selected directory.

Sort By Name

Sorts files and directories in the Browser by file name.

Sort By Type

Sorts files and directories in the Browser by file type.

Sort By Size

Sorts files and directories in the Browser by file size.

Sort By Date

Sorts files and directories in the Browser by file date.

By File Type

Allows setting of viewing options for hidden and system files in the Browser.  Also allows for setting a file mask to restrict the files shown in the Browser.

The File Mask may be any combination of legitimate filename characters and wildcard characters (* and ?) seperated by semicolons.  For example, the File Mask   *.txt ;*.doc   would show only files with extensions txt and doc.

See Also

Working with the Browser