CTS Serial Port Utilities DESCRIBE.TXT This file includes sample descriptions which you may use to describe the CTS Serial Port Utilities package. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Program Information ---------------------------------------------------------------------- File Name for BBSs ------------------ The CTS Serial Port Utilities uses a naming convention of CTSSPU.yyy, where "yyy" is the extension showing the compression method used. The preferred name is: CTSSPU42.ZIP CTS Serial Port Utilities, Version 4.2 If the program is compressed using some other file compression method, then please use the name "CTSSPU" with the appropriate extension (ARC, LZH, EXE (for self-extracting), etc.) Please drop the version number when limited to six characters for the file name. Please be sure to remove ALL old versions of CTSSPU as our telephone and fax numbers are changing! Keywords -------- Serial Port, Comm Port, IRQ, Interrupt, Diagnostic, UART, DOS, Communications, Utilities, Port Conflicts, Modem, FAX Category -------- Communication Utility, Serial Port Setup & Diagnostic New in Version 4 ---------------- * PortMaster - a User Interface for the rest of the Serial Port Utilities (SPU). PortMaster provides easy-to-use menus for PortInfo, ResetModem, ResetCom, HangUp and the port settings. In addition, PortMaster displays the command required to do the same operation from the DOS prompt so you can add the command to batch files as needed. * PortInfo operation in a Windows DOS box has been improved to allow better operation in various Windows environments. * Detects when a serial port is using a fast clock to provide data rates above 115,200 bps. PortInfo detects x2, x4 and x8 clock multipliers and reports in a WARNING message and on the summary screen. * Improved RockWell RPI (TM) modem detection - detects both versions of RPI modems. Registered versions also detect if the correct driver is installed for Windows to use the modem properly as part of the SYSTEM.INI analysis. * Several internal improvements provide increased accuracy and reliability. * The ModemID command includes additional modem identification commands. One Line Description -------------------- CTS Serial Port Utilities v4.2: Test, fix & control comm ports Short Description ----------------- The CTS Serial Port Utilities (SPU) is a collection of Com Port setup and control utilities for anyone involved with PC support or with a serial port problem. Detect failed UARTs, more than one port at the same address, PCs which can't use Com4, shared and conflicting IRQ assignments, com ports which can't generate IRQs, & non-standard BIOS port assignments. IDs which ports have modems, and identifies the modems as internal, external, RPI, FAX-capable, and FAX class supported. IDs all UART types (including T/Ports, ESP, HSSP & emulated UARTs), actual IRQ & address used. Updates the BIOS to match actual port settings; short form report perfect for AUTOEXEC.BAT operation. DOS 2.1+, or "DOS box" under Windows or OS/2. Long Description ---------------- The CTS Serial Port Utilities (SPU) is a collection of DOS software utilities that provide you with control over the serial ports in your computer. Most serial port problems can be resolved by using these utilities. Each of the utilities support all standard and any user-defined serial ports. Each of the utilities can operate as a Windows or OS/2 DOS application. PortInfo is a comprehensive utility which tests your system to determine everything possible about your serial ports, including interrupt and addressing conflicts. PortInfo provides you with FAILURE and WARNING messages about actual and possible conflicts. PortInfo provides details on the following: * Detects multiple serial ports at the same address (eg, 2 Com1 ports) * Serial ports that have failed * Interrupt conflicts between a mouse and a serial port * Mouse / Modem conflicts * Shared interrupts (2 serial ports, or a serial port and a serial mouse sharing an IRQ) * Conflicts between COM4 and 8514/A compatible monitors * Unusual BIOS serial port setups * Serial ports that cannot generate interrupts * Helps to determine when interrupts can be shared * Checks and suggests changes (when required) to the Windows port setups * Clock rate used by the serial port Other information provided: * Actual IRQ used by each port and the current IRQ status * DOS port assignments (com1-com4, mouse) * Detects which ports have modems or FAXmodems connected, and (in many cases) if the modem is internal or external * Detects which FAX classes are supported by the modem(s) * Port (UART) Identification (8250, 8250A/16450, 16550, 16550A, 16650, 16750, ESP, HSSP, the T/Port, and some "emulated UARTs" * FIFO status: If it exists, on / off, else 'None' * If the FIFO is ON, the current FIFO receiver trigger level is displayed (includes support for larger FIFOs available in the 16650 & 16750 UARTs) * All programmable port parameters: speed, format, parity, current RTS and DTR settings * Current status of modem lines: Ring Indicator, Carrier Detect, Clear to Send, Data Set Ready, with indication of when the lines are tied together (looped back). * Identifies which ports have modems and provides a brief overview of the modem capabilities * Identifies Rockwell RPI (TM) modems Additional features: * Can update the system BIOS to accurately match the actual serial port setting. * Ports are COMPLETELY restored to their original settings * Supports standard serial ports 1-4 on PC/AT, 1-8 on PS/2 * Supports up to 8 user definable serial ports (*any* serial port address and IRQ) * Displays detailed messages about conflicts with reference numbers to assist looking up the detailed assistance in the User Guide. Special Utilities: * Update the BIOS data area with accurate port information * Reset the modem to a known state * Hang up the modem when left on line by another application * Control the 16550A FIFO trigger level * Set port speed and format * Add or swap serial ports in the BIOS Comm Port data area * Control the RTS, DTR, and Out2 (IRQ enable) lines * Reset a serial port to initial settings Registration Information ------------------------ You can register directly with CTS by printing the file ORDER.TXT or by contacting us as described below. Comments from users: -------------------- "CTSSPU is really in a class by itself. And the price is very reasonable." "PortInfo is clearly outstanding. I've seen nothing like it." "This little jewel needs to be seen to be believed!" "The SPU is a...fine program. I look forward to recommending it." "As I worked through the documentation, in all areas SPU performed flawlessly. I have yet to catch it in an error." "CONGRATULATIONS! You have written one of only two programs I know of...that correctly identify *ALL* of my COMports and IRQ#s! And the other one doesn't run under DOS" "About the documentation...it doesn't get much better than this." "FANTASTIC! The SPU located a com port conflict which was driving a client (and me) nuts!" About CTS --------- Computer Telecommunication Systems, Inc. is a software development and consulting company specializing in personal computer communications. CTS was founded in 1990, and is owned and operated by John Jerrim. Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have any problems, questions, comments or suggestions. To keep up with our latest products and for general information of interest to modem users, be sure to visit our home page on the World Wide Web. You can find us at "http://www.comminfo.com". You can also retrieve files from our ftp site at: ftp://ftp.comminfo.com/comminfo.com We are also on CompuServe. Come and visit us in the "Benchmarks and Standards" forum (GO BENCHMARK). We are located in the Diagnostics Tools section. Thank you for your support. John Jerrim Founder & Chief Technical Officer Computer Telecommunication Systems, Inc. 3847 Foxwood Road, Suite 1000 Duluth, Georgia 30136-6100 USA I can also be reached electronically as follows: Orders: 1-800-380-2666 Voice: 1-770-263-8623 FAX: 1-770-263-0124 CompuServe: 76662,2315 Internet: jjerrim@comminfo.com World Wide Web: http://www.comminfo.com