----------------------------------------------------------------------------- EZBatch ( 4.50) ..... by DL, of course! (c) 1992,93,94 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ | REQUIREMENTS | | MSDOS versions 3.3, 4.xx, 5.0 or 6.x | | COLOR MONITOR, HARD DISK & PKUNZIP 2.04G | \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ EZBatch creates simple batch files automatically. Once an "EZBatch file" is created, you can execute your program by typing the EZB batchname or clicking on it. Rather than changing to the proper drive & directory ... then running your program). The following steps will take place while using the EZBatch menu system: 1) Your list of current EZB files will be displayed on the screen (using a wide format of 8 filenames across). (unregistered= 8 max. registered=144 max.) 2) You will then be able to execute ANY of the EZB files on the screen by simply typing it's name, or, if the mouse is enabled, you can simply click on a name. (no matter which hard drive you are logged onto) 3) The EZB file will run your program as normal. OPTIONAL command switches may be passed to your program. (the batch files created may be edited with ANY normal text editor) 4) Upon program completion you are returned to step 1. 5) If the screen saver is enabled, then it will run after the timer has elapsed. User configurable. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *** EZBatch INSTALLATION *** UNZIP EZB-450.ZIP to a floppy (ANY density). Optionally, Unzip to a hard drive directory. LOG to that location ( A: or B: for example). type "EZBATCH" for general help. EZBatch will automatically install (or upgrade) by typing "EZBATCH INSTALL" from the location. *** BACKGROUND INFO *** EZBatch was started to aid in creating simple batch files without using a text editor. The program started out as a batch file, then was converted over and re-written using Microsoft QuickBasic 4.5 . I have incorporated safeguards against errors and will be adding more in the future. This program is made available for anyone who wants to give it a try before they purchase it. You must read the disclaimer on the next page. This version will upgrade ANY older version that you may be using. You may ALWAYS type "EZBATCH" by itself to get help. Install or upgrade EZBatch by typing "EZBATCH INSTALL" from any floppy drive which has the EZBatch program files on it. Once EZBatch is INSTALLED you will see the command line help screen.(it shows you help on creating your EZB batch files). If EZBatch IS NOT installed you will be told that you must install EZBatch first. You may ALWAYS type "EZBATCH" to get the current version and general information screen. LIST OF FILES WITH THIS VERSION |------------ CRC .EZB --- PKZIP's CRC values for the files | / EZB-DOC .TXT --- This documentation file | | NEW-EZB .TXT --- New features for this version | | EZB-QUIK.TXT --- Quick installation instructions |-------> | EZBATCH .EXE --- The actual EZBatch program | EZB .EXE --- Directory sorter used by EZBatch | EZBSAVER.DAT --- Sample screen saver data file | EZBFIX .EXE --- Batch File Convert/Refresh Program \ FILE_ID .DIZ --- File description of this program ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ORIGINATION These files originated from the mind(s) of DL Miller at Jungle Land BBS. If you have any questions call the BBS, and leave a message for me. You may contact me using any of the following: JUNGLE LAND BBS c/o Denny Miller 1511 Blossom Hill Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15234-1922 BBS# (412) 343-3137 voice# (412) 343-3451 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER Use of these programs acknowledges this disclaimer of warranty : "These files are supplied as is. DL Miller disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including, and without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness of these files for any purpose. DL Miller assumes no liability for damages direct or consequential, which may result from the use of these programs." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *** The EZBatch advantages *** EZBatch WILL DO THE FOLLOWING: þ Automatically install & configure itself onto your hard drive. þ Automatically upgrade to newer versions when available. þ Make it real EZ to run your favorite programs. þ Will execute .BAT .COM & .EXE files. þ Create it's own EZBATCH directory (for the MAIN batch files). þ Create it's own GAMES directory (for the GAMES batch files). þ Display the list of your EZB files for EZ selection. þ Automatically alphabetize the EZB file directories. þ Grow/shrink the MAGIC MENU as you add/delete EZB files. þ Show the EZB filenames WITHOUT the extension. þ Display your EZB files in color for better readablilty. þ Display your EZB files in an 8 column format. (144 maximum) þ Create simple batch files from the command line. þ The batch files may be edited (if you wish) with any editor. þ Optionally pass "replaceable parameters" to the executable. þ Optionally pass "command switches" to the executable. þ Establish a sort of "mini environment" for you: Look at the available EZB files. Run a program. Look at the available EZB files. Run a program. Look at the available EZB files. Run a program. well.... you should get the general idea!! *** WHY SHOULD YOU USE IT *** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EZBatch creates batch files that will simulate the series of key strokes that are required to execute the desired program. (You will not have to add the program's path to your DOS path) When called upon, your batch file will execute your program, & then return you to the "MAGIC MENU" that displays your current batch file listing. You may still use DOS as usual without any interference from EZBatch (It is NOT A TSR). Whenever you want to see your batch files, simply type "GO" (return) and they will be displayed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Without EZBatch, you would type key strokes similar to the following example ... The program's path is ----- C:\QMODEM\QMODEM.EXE ---------- \ \ This is the program you Your normal key strokes want to run. would be something like: C: (return) ; change to the proper drive CD\QMODEM (return) ; change to the proper directory QMODEM /STATS (return) ; execute the actual program (& run the "/STATS" option) If you say "That's no big deal, I type THAT all the time". EZBatch may be just what you need !! *** EZBatch EXAMPLES *** The previous example ran the popular communication program called QMODEM and automatically processed the "/STATS" command line switch. It was a relatively simple example. It was shown so you may better understand just exactly what EZBatch DOES. Once EZBatch creates the EZB file (from the command line above) you ONLY need to type the EZB filename to execute your program. You DO NOT have to add the program location to your PATH. You can type "GO" (return) and EZBatch will display the EZB files currently available to you. You will no longer have to change the drive, directory, etc. in order to run the desired program (although you MAY if you want to run a program manually). Now, let's see how to do the above example using EZBatch. ============================================================================== From the DOS prompt you would type the following : (of course, you must have previously installed EZBatch) ezbatch QMODEM C QMODEM QMODEM /STATS ------ - ------ ------ ------ | | | | \ EZB batname | | program \ program switch p1 | | (p2,p3,p4 switches program drive program directory are not needed) ============================================================================== You could also use the following command line if you merely wanted to run QMODEM (without the "/STATS" switch): ezbatch QMODEM C QMODEM QMODEM ------ - ------ ------ -------- | | | | \ EZB batname | | program \ program switches | | p1 - p4 ARE NOT program drive program directory needed this time ============================================================================== OR the following if you merely wanted to run QMODEM and pass up to 4 "replaceable" parameters each time you run QMODEM: ezbatch QMODEM C QMODEM QMODEM %1 %2 %3 %4 ------ - ------ ------ ----------- | | | | \ EZB batname | | program \ replaceable | | parameters program drive program directory ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- E Z B A T C H G A M E S M E N U ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- *** PRE 3.00 USER NOTES *** If you have been using EZbatch for a while, you probably already have some batch files setup which are 'GAMES'. EZBatch versions before 3.00 DID NOT support a seperate GAMES menu. Games were cluttered in amongst the other application programs. (or the applications were messing up your games menu.... depending on how you view it!) Starting with EZBatch 3.00, the normal menu is called the MAIN MENU and any game batch files CAN be kept in a second menu (called the GAMES MENU). If you are upgrading from a pre 3.00 version, here is all you have to do: 1) Run 'EZBATCH INSTALL' (from a floppy) like you have done with your older 1.xx or 2.xx version. 2) Mark down which batch files are your GAME FILES. (They will need to be moved and modified.) 3) Use whatever method you want to MOVE your game files to the new GAMES subdirectory. (C:\EZBATCH\GAMES) You can use a file manager or Dos (it doesn't matter). A sample set of Dos commands would be something like: copy c:\ezbatch\yergame.bat c:\ezbatch\games del c:\ezbatch\yergame.bat 4) After you have MOVED all of your game files: Run 'EZBFIX' and read it's help screen. EZBFIX will modify each of your EZBatch files to work with the GAMES MENU. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- E Z B A T C H G A M E S M E N U ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- *** NEW USER NOTES *** EZBatch, when installed, will create a subdirectory called GAMES. This allows you to create GAME files and keep them in a seperate menu. This cleans up your menu and makes it easier to remember which files are games and which are not! When you want to get down to some serious work just type 'GO' and you are at your MAIN MENU!! When it is time to relax type 'GAMES' and you are at the GAMES MENU!. EZ....HUH?? The most important thing you need to know is that EZBatch will ONLY create a GAMES file WHEN you are at the GAMES Menu. EZBatch makes that very easy too! Type "GAMES" and hit enter! (Once EZBatch is properly installed, of course). You may also use the standard Dos commands to achieve the same thing (i.e. the "CD" or "CHDIR" command). EZBatch is not intended to replace Dos commands or to avoid Dos. The purpose is to help you save time while still using and learning more about Dos. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- E Z B A T C H O P T I O N A L P A R A M E T E R S ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- This version has the following PARAMETERS available from any DOS PROMPT no parameter -- shows optional parameters HELP -- command line (help screen) SHOW -- show file (help screen) DEL -- deletion (help screen) INSTALL -- install/upgrade process CFG -- configuration for Sound, Mouse, Timer REGISTER -- registration/re-registration process USAGE NOTES * You must use a space after "ezbatch" and between any 2 parameters. (this applies to the command line help parameters) * EZBatch will create batch files with a few identifying lines inside telling you that they were created by EZBatch. * If EZBatch does NOT display the Magic Menu after each program, something IS WRONG. You either did not add "C:\EZBATCH" to your PATH statement (or not correctly) or you erased the executable file that EZbatch was supposed to run. The DOS command "PATH" should yield something like: PATH C:\EZBATCH;C:\DOS;C:\ ---------- ------ | | | / | / | | There may be more or less to the \ | \__/ EZBatch needs to be able to statement BUT this part MUST be |/ | find a few DOS files. Make there. Preferably starting one | | sure you have your Dos space after the word PATH. / \ directory in your path. The above help screen is similar to what will be displayed any time EZBatch is run without any parameters. (installed or not) *** THE PARAMETERS *** (no parameter) -- Shows all available options. (this should be self explanatory) HELP -- This always shows a help screen. Once EZBatch is installed from a floppy, you will see the command line help. This will give you assistance in the creation of your EZB batch files. SHOW -- Shows the EZB file on the screen. Helpful if you want to check out where you placed a particular program. DEL -- Shows EZB file deletion help screen. This is used to delete an EZB file that is no longer needed. (Perhaps you have removed that paticular program from your hard drive) INSTALL -- Runs the install/upgrade process. For the first time user: This will start the auto-install process. It creates a directory and transfer the necessary floppy files to the hard disk. For the user that has an older version: This will start the auto-upgrade process. EZB senses an older version and upgrades to the newer version automatically. CFG -- configuration for Sound, Mouse and Timer. (S)ound: Toggles the sound ON/OFF. Registered version only. (M)ouse: Toggles mouse control ON/OFF. Registered version only. If no mouse is available, then EZB will drop to a DOS prompt. (T)imer: Rotates from 0 to 9 minutes. Registered version only. 0 disables the screen saver. Unregistered version allows disabled (0) or DEMO (1) REGISTER -- Registration/re-registration process. Once you pay the registration fee, you will receive a registration number that you will use to register your copy of the program. This will unlock the extra features which are not available in the unregistered version. Each time you upgrade you must re-register the program. *** EZBatch CONFIGURATION *** EZBatch WILL AUTOMATICALLY configure itself when it is initially installed ( or upgraded). It will ALWAYS use the "C" drive and use a directory called "EZBATCH" to keep it's own program and all of the batch files in. If there is an existing directory called "EZBATCH" on your "C" drive it will use it for storage. Please be sure to move any files already in a directory of that name to a safe place. (although it is unlikely that you have used that name for anything else). If you have used this name for your "old" EZBatch program, don't worry the new version will find it as an old version and will upgrade files to the new version as required. You will have to make sure that you have added the "C:\EZBATCH" to your DOS path. There should already be a statement within your "AUTOEXEC.BAT" file which says something like: PATH=C:\;C:\QMODEM;D:\QA If there is change it to: PATH=C:\EZBATCH;C:\;C:\QMODEM;D:\QA If there is NO PATH statement, ADD THIS ONE : PATH=C:\EZBATCH It is beneficial to add the "C:\EZBATCH" portion to the BEGINNING of the PATH statement, this will allow for slightly faster execution of your batch files that you will be creating for your programs. If you accidently delete any of the needed EZBatch files, the program will re-create them automatically. If you happen to delete your EZB.CFG file, you must run 'EZBATCH REGISTER' to re-register it. Whenever you update to a new version of EZBatch, you will have to run 'EZBATCH REGISTER' again. You simply enter your registration info again. Your registration number will be valid for all future versions. (You only pay once!) If you forget your registration number, just call the BBS and leave a comment to the SysOp. (Even if your BBS account has expired. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- E Z B A T C H C O M M A N D L I N E H E L P ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ezbatch menuname drive dirname filename p1 p2 p3 p4 menuname -- The name you want to use in the menu. (NAME only - NO extension - NO spaces) drive ----- The drive that the executable is on (C D E LETTER ONLY - NO colon - NO backslash) dirname --- Directory name where executable is located (directory or dir\subdir) filename -- Filename of the executable (BAT/COM/EXE file - but NO extension) p1 ----- Optional command switch #1 (/ADLIB, -E, -d, /ON, etc.) p2 ----- Optional command switch #2 (same usage as p1) p3 ----- Optional command switch #3 (same usage as p1) p4 ----- Optional command switch #4 (same usage as p1) menuname --- You may choose ANY legal DOS file name, but try to use a name that will help you easily identify the executable file that you want to run. drive --- You MUST use a legal drive AND it must be the drive which contains the program that you want to run. directory --- You MUST use a legal directory name AND it must be the directory which contains the program that you want to run. You may not use the name "EZBATCH". You may specify subdirectories also. filename --- You MUST use the proper executable name for the program you want EZB to run, it MUST exist in the PATH defined by the "drive:\directory" parameters AND it MUST be a (BAT,COM or EXE) file. DO NOT use the filename extension. If you do EZB will tell you if it can not find the file. p1,2,3,4 --- You MAY pass up to (4) program parameters directly to the executable file. Some programs can utilize them to automatically start a particular feature. -V (VGA mode) -EGA (EGA mode) /ON (ON) -ADLIB (ADLIB sound driver) These are just a few sample switches. Only use switches that are available to your program. (Upper/lower case will be recognized correctly) NOTE --- Refer to your program's instructions for any possible command switches that MAY be utilized. The above help screen is similar to what will be displayed any time EZBatch is run with the HELP parameter. (if configured) *** Trouble Shooting AND Tips *** 1) The 3 most common mistakes made setting up EZBatch! 1- You did NOT add a PATH statement in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. 2- Your MsDos directory was NOT in your PATH statement. 3- "C:\EZBATCH" was NOT added to your path statement. 2) Your system freezes while trying to INSTALL EZBatch! You MUST have a COLOR MONITOR to run EZBatch. Your MsDos directory MUST be located in your PATH statement. You MUST be using MsDos 3.3 or higher. 3) EZBatch is installed BUT it does not work correctly! You MUST have an AUTOEXEC.BAT file which boots your system. You MUST have a PATH statement in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. You MUST have "C:\EZBATCH" in your PATH statement. You MUST have your MsDos directory in your PATH. (i.e. you should have something like "C:\DOS" in your PATH - the exact directory name must match the directory name of YOUR MsDOS FILES.) You MUST reboot your computer if you make an changes to your autoexec.bat file! (anytime you change it) 4) My system freezes while trying to RUN EZBatch! You MUST have a COLOR MONITOR to run EZBatch. Your MsDos directory MUST be located in your PATH statement. You MUST be using MsDos 3.3 or higher. 5) I want to see the MAIN menu each time I start my computer! Add "GO" as the LAST line in your 'autoexec.bat' file. (NOTE: This will work as long as you do not have another application automatically start) 6) I want to see the GAMES menu each time I start my computer! Add "GAMES" as the LAST line in your 'autoexec.bat' file. (NOTE: This will work as long as you do not have another application automatically start) 7) I create GAME files, BUT, they always end up in the MAIN menu! You MUST be at the "C:\EZBATCH\GAMES" directory when you create a "GAMES" file! If you are ANYWHERE ELSE, the created file will automatically be placed in the MAIN menu. 8) I had a file called "ZEBRA", but, it is no longer in my menu! There is a limit to how many files EZBatch will display. Once you go beyond that limit (& since they are alphabetical) Unregistered version displays the first 8 files (alphabetized). Any others which have been created WILL NOT be displayed. Once registered, it will display up to 144 files in each menu! *** NOTES on NOT using EZBatch *** Once the program is done you end up at a blank DOS prompt and once you start developing a library of programs, with a lot of directories on numerous drives ...... well, quite frankly it becomes quite a chore to remember which program is in what directory and on what drive !! Not to mention.... trying to remember the executable name and those pesky command line switches needed for certain programs. You CAN add the program's PATH to your autoexec.bat, but that uses up valuable environment space quickly (and DOS places a limit on the PATH length). It can get to be a pain going back and editing your autoexec.bat and rebooting EVERY time you want to try a new program that requires a change to your PATH statement. It can also get annoying to have to change to the appropriate drive, then the proper directory, then finally run the program. You did remember to add that or those switches... didn't you ? (YOUR...AMOUNT OF CONFUSION...MAY VARY) If you find this program useful... please consider sending the registration shown on the order form. There is also an extra form enclosed for a friend! I have put a lot of time into this program and hope to develop it further. Once you use the program, you WILL find it very convenient AND easy to use. **** Don't forget.... register it if you like it ! The registration fee will unlock those extra features. You will be able to turn off those annoying sounds and will be able to see the maximum 288 batch files. (144 in each menu) instead of only 8! trademark & copyright information EZBatch files are Copyright (c) 1992,93,94 DL Miller MS-DOS is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. PKZIP is a copyright and trademark of PKware. PKUNZIP is a copyright and trademark of PKware. *** ORDER FORM for a friend *** Make check payable to: Dennis L. Miller mail to: Jungle Land BBS 1511 Blossom Hill Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15234-1922 BBS# (412) 343-3137 VOICE# (412) 343-3451 |====================================================| | Date: / / | |====================================================| | Description | Cost | |====================================================| | E | EZBatch ( 4.50) | $20.00 | | Z | includes : | | | B | BBS Subscription (1 year) | 0.00 | | A | (45 min/day non-adult level) | | | T | EZBatch upgrades via BBS | 0.00 | | C |==============================================| | H | Total enclosed: $ | |===================================================== Checks and money orders accepted. Your Name: --------------- --------------------------- Address: ------------------------------------------------ Phone: --------- --------- --------------------- City: ------------------------------------------------ State: ------------------------------------------------ Zip: ------------------------------------------------ Comments: *** YOUR ORDER FORM *** Make check payable to: Dennis L. Miller mail to: Jungle Land BBS 1511 Blossom Hill Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15234-1922 BBS# (412) 343-3137 VOICE# (412) 343-3451 |====================================================| | Date: / / | |====================================================| | Description | Cost | |====================================================| | E | EZBatch ( 4.50) | $20.00 | | Z | includes : | | | B | BBS Subscription (1 year) | 0.00 | | A | (45 min/day non-adult level) | | | T | EZBatch upgrades via BBS | 0.00 | | C |==============================================| | H | Total enclosed: $ | |===================================================== Checks and money orders accepted. Your Name: --------------- --------------------------- Address: ------------------------------------------------ Phone: --------- --------- --------------------- City: ------------------------------------------------ State: ------------------------------------------------ Zip: ------------------------------------------------ Comments: