+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ The line above should be centered and one-inch below the top of form. - THE EZ-DEX MANUAL TEXT FOLLOWS - +------------------------------+ | tm | | EZ-DEX | | | | EASY ADDRESS INDEX | | | | Copyright 1993 | | | | HFK Software | | Sixty-Eight Wells Road | | Lincoln, MA 01773 | | | | 617-259-0059 | | | +------------------------------+ Revised 6-2-93 T A B L E o f C O N T E N T S INTRODUCTION 1 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS 1 INSTALLATION 2 TSR LOADING 2 TRIGGERING EZ-DEX 3 INSERTING A NEW ADDRESS 3 AUTO-TYPING AN ADDRESS 4 DELETING AN ADDRESS 4 CHANGING AN ADDRESS 4 SPECIAL SITUATIONS 5 ENVELOPE PRINTING 5 LABEL PRINTING 6 PHONE DIALING 6 ADDRESS LIST PRINTING 8 EZ-DEX REGISTRATION 8 APPENDIX-A -- LIST FILE FORMAT 9 APPENDIX-B -- SPECIAL OPERATIONS 10 APPENDIX-C -- SPECIAL INTERFACE 11 APPENDIX-D -- BATCH-MENU SAMPLE 12 QUICK REFERENCE CARD 13 REGISTRATION FORM 14 -- I N T R O D U C T I O N -- EZ-DEX, the EASY ADDRESS INDEX, provides a means of quickly fetching an address and auto-typing it into the currently running word processor, or other application program. EZ-DEX can also print labels and envelopes as well as dial phone numbers for you. EZ-DEX does all this with a minimum of keystrokes and takes only a fraction of a second. If you are typing an address and you think that you'll need to type it again sometime, letting EZ-DEX remember it for you will save effort and improve accuracy every time that address need be typed. EZ-DEX works with your word processor by popping up a window over the center of its text display. The following pop-up is the result of "triggering" EZ-DEX and striking the "B" key and then the "A" key. +--------------------------------------------------+ | EZ-DEX for BILL PETERSON | | +----------------------------------------------+ | | | Baker, Mr. John | | | | Little Systems | | | | 345 King Street | | | | Littleton, MA 01460 | | | | | | | +----------------------------------------------+ | | BA___ A-Z 0-1 | | <-- INS +C +D | +--------------------------------------------------+ After striking sufficient text and arrow keys to zero in on the desired address, simply striking the ENTER key restores your display, resumes the execution of your word processor, and synthesizes the keystrokes necessary to effect typing the entire address block -- hands off. -- S Y S T E M R E Q U I R E M E N T S -- EZ-DEX requires about 10K bytes of RAM, and runs under DOS Version-3 or later on an IBM PC or equivalent computer. EZ-DEX responds to triggers when the display is in 80 by 25 text mode as with WordPerfect and many other text oriented programs. EZ-DEX works with both hard disk systems and diskette-only systems. However, since much disk I/O is necessary, a hard disk is recommended. -1- -- I N S T A L L A T I O N -- EZ-DEX installation is easy. Just copy the EZ-DEX.COM file from your EZ-DEX diskette onto your system disk. -- T S R L O A D I N G -- EZ-DEX is a resident extension of DOS (a TSR) that remains in memory to provide service while other programs are running. EZ-DEX is loaded into memory via an EZ-DEX [] command line either entered in response to the DOS prompt or from your AUTOEXEC or other batch file. (Additional command line parameters are described in the ENVELOPE PRINTING, LABEL PRINTING and PHONE DIALING sections.) Note: Optional command line parameters are shown enclosed in square brackets. Hence, is required but is not. is specified as a combination of two shift key names joined by a plus sign. Use "CTRL+ALT" for the CTRL and the ALT keys held together, "LEFT+RIGHT" for both case shift keys, "CTRL+LEFT" for the CTRL and the left case shift key, etc. This trigger key combination (sometimes called a "hot key" combination) is used to trigger EZ-DEX into action. is optional, and when specified, overrides the default pop-up colors of white text on a red background. This color specification consists of a text color, a plus sign, and a background color. EZ-DEX accepts RED, GREEN, BLUE, CYAN, MAGENTA, YELLOW, BLACK and WHITE as colors. Entering "EZ-DEX CTRL+ALT WHITE+GREEN" loads the EZ-DEX TSR with the CTRL and ALT keys set for triggering and the pop-up colors set to white text on a green background. Attempting to load EZ-DEX again does nothing unless "EZ-DEX UNLOAD" is entered, in which case the TSR is removed from memory and EZ-DEX may then be reloaded. The ability to unload the EZ-DEX TSR provides flexibility for special cases. Normally EZ-DEX is loaded once via a line in the AUTOEXEC batch file and is never unloaded. If you must unload a TSR, be sure to follow the convention of unloading TSRs in reverse order (last loaded, first unloaded). -2- As you read, you might wish to try the exercises that follow. If so, copy EZ-DEX.COM onto your system disk and initiate EZ-DEX via the two following DOS commands. Often EZ-DEX.COM resides in the \DOS directory, but you may copy it to any directory. C:>COPY A:EZ-DEX.COM C:\DOS C:>\DOS\EZ-DEX CTRL+ALT Address list file "C:\EZ-DEX.LST" cannot be found. Do you wish to create an address list file? (Y/N) _ Respond by striking the "Y" key to create a new address list file in the root directory of the current drive. -- T R I G G E R I N G E Z - D E X -- Once EZ-DEX has been loaded, it may be triggered into action by depressing both trigger shift keys momentarily and then releasing them. Triggering EZ-DEX interrupts the execution of the running program so that EZ-DEX may operate. Keystrokes following a trigger are intercepted by the TSR until an ENTER or an ESCAPE key is struck. These keystrokes direct EZ-DEX to use and maintain your address list. When finished (ENTER or ESCAPE keyed), the display screen is restored and the execution of the interrupted program is resumed. EXERCISE 1 -- Trigger EZ-DEX by holding CTRL+ALT momentarily. Examine the lower portion of the pop-up. Note that the five character area at the left is used to show the current accumulation of command keystrokes with all currently valid command keys shown at the right. A letter preceded by a dot represents a CTRL shifted letter key (e.g., CTRL+C for Change and CTRL+D for Delete). Now, assume that you have triggered EZ-DEX by mistake and strike ESCAPE to back out. -- I N S E R T I N G A N E W A D D R E S S -- To insert a new address: (1) trigger EZ-DEX, (2) strike the INS key in response to the pop-up, (3) type the address into the pop-up window, and (4) strike the INS key again. -3- The first address line should be in last-comma-first format (Smith, Jane Alice) but, as you'd expect, will be auto-typed in first-last format (Jane Alice Smith). See the SPECIAL SITUATIONS section for additional information. When inserting an address, TEXT characters strike over any existing text, the four ARROW keys move the cursor up down right and left, and the ENTER key moves the cursor to the beginning of the next line. EXERCISE 2 -- Insert several actual addresses. Don't be overly concerned with accuracy, corrections can be made later. Also, insert an address beginning with "DELETE THIS" and another beginning with "CHANGE THIS" for use later. Your address list will grow with time. See Appendix-A if you wish to convert existing address text files. -- A U T O - T Y P I N G A N A D D R E S S -- To auto-type an address: (1) start your text oriented word processor (e.g., WordPerfect) and begin an edit, (2) trigger EZ-DEX, (3) strike the first few characters of a last name and/or use the up and down arrow keys to zero in on the desired address, and (4) strike the ENTER key to resume word processing with the auto-keying of the selected address. EXERCISE 3 -- Begin an edit and command EZ-DEX to auto-type a few addresses for real letters. Easy to learn? Easy to use? EZ-DEX is a great helper! -- D E L E T I N G A N A D D R E S S -- To delete an address: (1) trigger EZ-DEX, (2) select the address, and (3) strike CTRL+D twice -- once to command deletion and once to confirm it. EXERCISE 4 -- Delete the "DELETE THIS" address from your list. -- C H A N G I N G A N A D D R E S S -- To change an address: (1) trigger EZ-DEX, (2) select the address, (3) strike CTRL+C, (4) change the address text as needed, and (5) strike CTRL+C again to complete the change. -4- EXERCISE 5-- Change the "CHANGE THIS" address and correct any other known mistakes. -- S P E C I A L S I T U A T I O N S -- Names exist in the list file in last-comma-first format and are auto-typed in first-last format. For most personal names, this is fine; however, some personal and company names contain commas that are not last/first dividers. To provide the control you need in these special situations, EZ-DEX recognizes the vertical bar character as an override name divider. Whenever a vertical bar exists in the first line of an address, as in the following two examples, the vertical bar is used to divide the name, and commas are treated as normal name text characters. LIST FILE FORMAT AUTO-TYPED INPUT (1) National Widgit Co., Inc.| National Widgit Co., Inc. (2) Smith, Ph.D.|Howard C. Howard C. Smith, Ph.D. Vertical bars in the remainder of an address are converted to ENTER keystrokes. This is useful for complex address blocks that require additional lines. -- E N V E L O P E P R I N T I N G -- Often an envelope is printed by a word processor along with a letter. In this case, EZ-DEX is used to auto-type the address in two places within the document and the actual printing is performed by the word processor. However, when you just want to address an envelope, it is easier to let EZ-DEX print it. That is, it is not necessary to start your word processor and begin an edit just to print an address on an envelope. To enable envelope printing, include the following command line option when loading EZ-DEX. ENV:(,,) specifies the top margin as -20 to +100 blank lines before the first address line is printed. -5- specifies the left margin as 0-160 spaces before the first address character of each line is printed. specifies the form size as 0-100 lines. This param- eter is used to advance the envelope free of the printer when printing is completed. A form size of zero, is used for page oriented printers (e.g., laser printers) and causes the entire page to be ejected. Sample command line: EZ-DEX CTRL+ALT ENV:(5,40,20) Striking CTRL+E will print the address currently in the pop- up window onto the envelope in LPT1. -- L A B E L P R I N T I N G -- EZ-DEX will print labels just as it prints envelopes, the only reason for a separate function is that envelope and label dimensions often differ. To enable label printing, include the following command line option when loading EZ-DEX. LAB:(,,) Sample commands: EZ-DEX CTRL+ALT LAB:(4,10,12) EZ-DEX CTRL+ALT LAB:(4,10,12) ENV:(5,40,20) Striking CTRL+L will print the address currently in the pop- up window onto the label in LPT1. -- P H O N E D I A L I N G -- EZ-DEX can dial phone numbers for you if you have a Hayes compatible modem on a serial port. To enable phone dialing, include the following command line options when loading EZ-DEX. COMn [ROTARY] COMn is "COM1" through "COM4" and "ROTARY" is included only for rotary phone systems. Sample command lines: EZ-DEX CTRL+ALT COM1 EZ-DEX CTRL+ALT COM2 ROTARY EZ-DEX CTRL+ALT COM2 LAB:(4,10,12) -6- EZ-DEX assumes that the serial port is ready to transmit data to the modem. Sometimes a MODE command is necessary to initialize a modem's port (e.g., MODE COM2:1200,N,8,1). See your modem documentation for details. If the bottom (fifth) line of an address block begins with an asterisk, that line is considered to be a phone number and is NOT auto-typed. To auto-dial the phone number, just type an asterisk and pick up your phone handset. +--------------------------------------------------+ | EZ-DEX for BILL PETERSON | | +----------------------------------------------+ | | | HFK Software | | | | 68 Wells Road | | | | Lincoln, MA 01773 | | | | | | | | *617-259-0059 | | | +----------------------------------------------+ | | HF___ A-Z 0-1 | | * <-- INS +C +D | +--------------------------------------------------+ The characters following the asterisk are transmitted to the modem (preceded by an ATDT or ATDP). That is, EZ-DEX dials the number exactly as listed. If a "1" and/or an area code are needed, they must be included in the address list entry. SPACEs and HYPHENs may be included for readability and are ignored by the modem. A comma causes the modem to pause and is useful in getting through some PBXs (e.g., *9,617-259-0059). See your modem manual for details. -7- -- A D D R E S S L I S T P R I N T I N G -- You may print your address list data in three formats by entering one of three following commands at the DOS prompt. EZ-DEX PRINT ADDRESSES [PAUSE] EZ-DEX PRINT ADDRESSES BORDER [PAUSE] EZ-DEX PRINT PHONES [PAUSE] The first command, PRINT ADDRESSES, prints eight addresses per page on a 5-1/2 by 8-1/2 inch daily planner page such as a SUPER TRAX 8A form. The second command PRINT ADDRESSES BORDER, prints eight addresses per page on an 8-1/2 by 11 inch blank form with borders delimiting a 5-1/2 by 8-1/2 page. This makes it easy to trim the listing to fit your daily planner. The third command, PRINT PHONES, prints only names (top lines) and phone numbers (bottom lines) for address entries with phone numbers (bottom line beginning with an asterisk). The optional PAUSE with each command causes the printer to pause after each page to allow hand feeding of single sheets. -- E Z - D E X R E G I S T R A T I O N -- EZ-DEX is a complete package that is provided as SHAREWARE. Enjoy getting to know EZ-DEX and understanding the benefits it provides. Feel free to make copies for your friends and co-workers. When you put EZ-DEX to practical use, a $20 registration fee is due. A convenient registration form is included. Please be sure to include a phone number so that we may contact you if an order processing question arises. When you register, you will receive a new diskette containing a copy of EZ-DEX that displays your personal name instead of "UNREGISTERED USER." Note: This offer is subject to change without notice. -8- E Z - D E X A P P E N D I X - A L I S T F I L E F O R M A T The following technical information is provided for those who wish to create or maintain their address list using other programs. EZ-DEX's addresses are maintained in an ASCII file named EZ-DEX.LST that resides in the root directory of the drive that is current when the TSR is loaded (e.g., C:\EZ-DEX.LST). If this file is created or edited by another program the following specifications must be honored. 1. Each address record consists of five 44-character lines terminated by a CR/LF (230 bytes per record). 2. The addresses are alphabetically sequenced by the text of the first line. 3. The last address record is followed by an END-OF-LIST record which is of the same format as address records, but begins with a left brace ({). -9- E Z - D E X A P P E N D I X - B S P E C I A L F U N C T I O N S The following technical information is for those who wish to apply special control to the operation of EZ-DEX. This is not required for its standard operation. A command of "EZ-DEX DISABLE" prevents triggering. The TSR remains resident but is prevented from responding. A command of "EZ-DEX ENABLE" allows triggering and normal operation. These two commands may be used (normally within a batch file) to prevent EZ-DEX operation during a critical period, e.g., when formatting a disk. A command of "EZ-DEX TRIGGER" simulates an EZ-DEX trigger and is not inhibited by EZ-DEX DISABLE. This is useful when you wish to trigger EZ-DEX from a batch file (see Appendix-D). -10- E Z - D E X A P P E N D I X - C S P E C I A L I N T E R F A C E The following technical information is for programmers who wish to DISABLE, ENABLE and/or TRIGGER, EZ-DEX via the BIOS. Each operation is effected via an INT-16 with AH=204 and AL set to 1, 2, or 3 to specify DISABLE, ENABLE or TRIGGER. MOV AX,52225 ;Disable EZ-DEX. INT 16h CMP AX,"EZ" JNE NO_TSR MOV AX,52226 ;Enable EZ-DEX. INT 16h CMP AX,"EZ" JNE NO_TSR MOV AX,52227 ;Trigger EZ-DEX. INT 16h CMP AX,"EZ" JNE NO_TSR If the EZ-DEX TSR is resident, the operation is performed and control is returned with AX set to the ASCII codes for "EZ" to indicate a successful completion. -11- E Z - D E X A P P E N D I X - D B A T C H - M E N U S A M P L E BATCH-MENU is a product that allows branching within a batch stream via menu presentations and user selections. It is a powerful tool for system administrators who wish to organize and simplify the use of a personal computer. BATCH-MENU operates as a part of the file system and locks out EZ-DEX during a menu presentation. Therefore it is not possible to trigger EZ-DEX via the keyboard while a main menu is displayed. If you use EZ-DEX to print envelopes or labels or to dial phone numbers you'll want to do so during the main menu display when keyboard triggering is not possible. The "EZ-DEX TRIGGER" special function makes it possible. The following sample batch file provides an EZ-DEX main menu selection (choice #3) and prevents EZ-DEX operations during formatting. @ECHO OFF BAT-MENU SETUP DMC=BLUE+WHITE MOUSE_OFF :MAIN_MENU IF EXIST {T}{MAIN_MENU} (menu title) IF EXIST {C}{Word_Processor} (choice #1) IF EXIST {C}{Spreadsheet} (choice #2) IF EXIST {C}{EZ-DEX_AutoType_&_AutoDial} (choice #3) IF EXIST {C}{Format_Drive-D} (choice #4) :SELECT IF EXIST {S}{DMC} (selection) IF EXIST {B}{Word_Pr} GOTO :WP (branch) IF EXIST {B}{Spread} GOTO :SS (branch) IF EXIST {B}{EZ} GOTO :EZ-DEX (branch) IF EXIST {B}{Format} GOTO :FORMAT (branch) GOTO :END (ESC struck) :EZ-DEX EZ-DEX TRIGGER GOTO :SELECT :FORMAT EZ-DEX DISABLE BAT-MENU KEYIN {1C0D}LABEL TEXT{1C0D}N{1C0D} FORMAT D:/V EZ-DEX ENABLE GOTO :SELECT -12- -- Q U I C K R E F E R E N C E C A R D -- +-------------------------------------------------------------------+ | | | DOS (or BATCH) EZ-DEX COMMANDS | | | | To LOAD the EZ-DEX TSR: | | EZ-DEX [] [] [] [] | | -- CTRL+ALT, LEFT+RIGHT, LEFT+CTRL, etc. | | -- + | | -- ENV:() | | -- LAB:() | | -- COMn [ROTARY] | | | | To print an ADDRESS LIST: | | EZ-DEX PRINT ADDRESSES [BORDER] [PAUSE] | | | | To print a PHONE LIST: | | EZ-DEX PRINT PHONES [PAUSE] | | | | To UNLOAD the EZ-DEX TSR: | | EZ-DEX UNLOAD | | | +-------------------------------------------------------------------+ +-------------------------------------------------------------------+ | | | BACKGROUND (TSR) EZ-DEX COMMANDS | | | | To AUTO-TYPE an ADDRESS: | | | | | | To AUTO-DIAL a PHONE NUMBER: | | | | | | To INSERT a NEW ADDRESS: | |
| | | | To CHANGE an ADDRESS: | | | | | | To DELETE an ADDRESS: | | | | | +-------------------------------------------------------------------+ -13- -- E Z - D E X R E G I S T R A T I O N F O R M -- +-OWNER'S-NAME-(in-place-of-UNREGISTERED-USER):----------------------------+ | (10-35 characters)| +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ +-MasterCard-or-VISA-account,-check,-or-P.O.-number:----+ +-Expiration:----+ | | | | +-------------------------------------------------------+ +----------------+ +-Signature-if-credit-card-order:---+ +-Phone-number:---+ Diskette: __ | ($20)| | | 3-1/2 inch |__| +-----------------------------------+ +-----------------+ 5-1/4 inch |__| --(fold-back-here)--------------(first-fold)--------------(fold-back-here)-- +-------+ From: ________________________________ | place | | stamp | ________________________________ | here | +-------+ ________________________________ To: +------------------------------+ | | | HFK Software | | 68 Wells Road | | Lincoln, MA 01773-3702 | | | +------------------------------+ --(fold-back-here)--------------(second-fold)-------------(fold-back-here)-- This form may be: (1) folded and placed in a standard business window envelope; (2) folded, taped, stamped, and mailed without an envelope; or (3) FAXed to HFK Software at 617-259-0626. Be sure to include a shipping address (return address above). Phone orders via: 617-259-0059