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Help for Azr
Help for AAA UUE III

Contents

        ZIP and UUE

        How do I...

        Why bother registering now

        Setting up

        From A to Z

        Setting auto-load extensions

        Getting around

        How ZR is changing Shareware

        Where to find

         Register Info

         About ZR FileWorks Multimedia

         About ZR ProgramWorks

         Are we there yet?

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Dual Boots
Why should I have to pay?

   "Why should I have to pay for this when the first one was free." The answer to this should be obvious but I thought I should address this.

1) You really don't have to pay of course, its not like your computer will self-destruct because you don't but you really should.

2) You help me afford to make more. Freeware is great, but you can't make a living with it and shareware has become my sole source of income. Obviously if no one pays, I can't keep doing this.

3) Everyone except maybe my competitors would like to see 32 bit and beyond versions of the ZR programs, and this is expensive. Without people registering I can't get all that expensive equipment and software to make 32 bit applications.

4) Someone will feel better, hopefully you, probably me too since I don't have to send out disks anymore and use a registration code instead.

5) You are supporting real competition in the data compression area, and the one with more innovations in a shorter time (EXzip (repack), Directory warping, Hyperdrive, icon directorys, just to name a few).

6) You get to remove shareware restrictions, such as the opening title thing saying to register.

7) Info on other Scandere Software, ZR, Cubix, AAA and other programs.

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From A to Z
From AAA to ZR

     This is brief history of AAA UUE and ZR from memory so it is not exactly completely accurate. While making a program to display many poems I had written, I could not get all of them to fit into one program so I made the program read them off of the disk and lo, it became a text reader program by circumstance. Having discovered PKZIP.EXE later, I made it shrink any text files and unshrink them when you wanted to use them. That was Readdx version 2. Version 3 would unzip all the files in zip file so you could read multiple files. A side version of this was dubbed ZIP Runner to also run the programs in 'zip' directories, and run other compressed and uncompressed programs as well. ZR shared Readdx's version number 3 and when the Windows version came out on Memorial Day weekend (end of May) 1994, the logical version number seemed to be 3.1.

     Unforseen by me, these early ZR's did not work for everyone as I forgot to include a key  program, BRUN45.EXE. System operators did not catch this probably because they too already had it and didn't know it was needed. In June I discovered my best program did not work for most people, so I skipped over a planned Version 4 to make up for the error with a new version 5 which also backed up files (an identical DOS version 5 came out later), and was released at the beginning of July '94.  Groundwork for Version 6 and Cubix took up most of the next 6 months. In January 95 a new twist came with ZR FileWorks and ZR ProgramWorks. Both would show Jpeg, Gif, Bmp, etc. files, ZRPW would show multiple picture files at once and use icon based decompression. Then came AAAUUE which in turn created ZRFW 6.2 Turbo. Playing around with icons to make ZR ProgramWorks, (early versions were released under the name ZR PhotoView) I soon learned how to make icon buttons for ZRFW which then upped its version number to 6.3. The 6.4 incorporated the new binary file merging from AAA UUE 2.0 to merge pesky Cserve and AOL usenet UUE files which resisted ordinary text based

   This (AAA UUE) was designed around ZR 7, which was to be the designated next ZIP Runner but I could not easily convert all of ZIP Runner's  (ZIP Runner 7 is ZR FileWorks Multimedia 442 without the built in program ZR PhotoView) features, growing too numerous to list, into ZR 7 and I am unsure how the new radical format will go over compared with the tried and true ZR Turbo format (though heavily modified for ZRFW 7 and ZRW 7) which most people are used to. When ZR 7 and AAA UUE III registrations hopefully start coming in and ZR ProgramWorks is finally out there, I can get an idea of which format most people prefer.

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Differences
Setting auto-load extensions

    AAA UUE now uses the same type extension setup file as ZR FileWorks Multimedia and ZIP Runner. This will load any type of file into any program which accepts that type of file and will automatically load if the extensions are setup by double-clicking the icon of the file or by clicking the files icon, then the open icon button on the toolbar (looks like an open box). A sample file should be included. If the file is not a type of file AAA UUE handles internally (ZIP, AVI, MIDI, WAV, UUE) you can have it automatically load into the program of your choice if you set its name correctly in the ZRFW setup under the settings menu item. This file is called ZRWPRINT.DAT and should be in the same directory as this program.

     For the setup file, ZRWPRINT.DAT, programs and paths should be entered in the format as follows: EXAMPLE: for notepad, C:\WINDOWS\NOTEPAD.EXE. The first line is the default for any unknown extensions, I prefer to use notepad for this (I am including a sample setup file with this program, look at it and you will understand this better). The second line is not important and can be anything as the default will load all unknown file types. All following go in the following order, odd (3, 5, 7) are for program names like the above notepad example. Subsequent evens (4, 6, 8) are for their extensions: EXAMPLE .BMP, .GIF. You must include the period before the 3 letter extension for it to be recognized as such.

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Getting Around

    This may seem weird to people who are not use to directory icons. To enter into a sub-directory, click on the icon for that directory. Directory icons are multi-colored folders representing immediate sub-directories of the directory you are in. Think of them as rooms to go into or folders where you keep different files. To back out of a room into the previous one, click the   \..  symbol on the bottom bar beneath the icons. This is in light grey in the middle to make it easier to spot and will back you out one directory. On the file menu, you can use 'Goto directory...' to warp to any directory by typing in its name. You can also access a normal boring directory box by clicking the file icon on the menu bar, and also access the not boring Hyperdrive file list. This is like directory warping and can place you instantly in any directory or sub-directory without having to type its name. To add a directory to the list simple enter the directory and click the plus. To remove from list, click the name of the directory to erase and click the minus.

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How ZR is changing Shareware

    Pretty bold topic, huh? But then ZR is a pretty much of an upstart program. Whenever ZIP Runner comes out with something, oddly, other programs seem to add similar features. Here is a list of possible innovations perhaps begun in ZIP Runner (I do not know the history of all programs to confirm nor deny any of this).

    ExZip- (Now called Repack), a button which would magically erase all uncompressed versions of programs in a ZIP file when you were done using it. Possible origin, original ZIP Runner and ZIP Runner for Windows, May 1994.

    ZIP Favorites- Easy access to your favorite most often used ZIP files, other files or other programs with you being able to launch instead of the main program part on startup. Date: Also May 1994 in the first ZRW version 3.1. Improved Favorites list returned with ZRW 7 / ZRFW 7 with a new easier to use look.

    Lists- Not just content to make lists of files to make into compressed files, the lists were automatically saved to the disk for later use such as moving them, copying them, or deleting them (all of which were functions built into List) after the original zip file was checked out and found to be OK, even if this happened weeks later. (Now lists can be saved and reloaded later if there are files you like to copy over and over) Origin:also May 1994, first ZRW.

    Show files- Far better than your average extension box, you can click on types of files, programs, movies, sound files, and display them. What is better about this is you can combine them such as setting it to display text files and programs, or programs and compressed files or any number of combinations of several types of files. Other choices are showing all files and typing in the extensions. Date January 1995, ZRW 6.0 and ZRFW 6.0.

    Triple threat- While definitely not the first to combine a multiple decompression utility with a multiple format picture viewer and/or text reader, or a picture viewer with a UUE decoder / merger, it APPEARS to be that ZR was the first to combine all 3 into one program, ZRFW 6.0, January 1995. Now ALL those, ZIP, UUE and multiple picture viewing features are all done within windows.

    Icon based decompression- I still cannot believe I am the first to come up with the idea and I will kick myself if I was for not keeping quiet about it. I just seemed to be only a matter of time before someone came out with one so I got too loud about it too quick. Me and my big mouth announced it to the world in January 1995 in all the early ZRFW's, the COMPETITION put one out at the end of Feb / early March. Chances seem good he will get the credit for that one too but that's life. I had it first and said as much but with my history of putting out programs too early, I think have shown remarkable restraint for a change. This program here, AAA UUE, is my take on icon based decompression, icon decompression the way it was meant to be.

     Hyperdrive- It seems so logical yet why didn't other programs use it? Sure they give you access to a few files you used recently, but how about the whole directories you go to most often? Why should anyone have to go File, Open, then change the drive, then the directory, then to the sub-directory, when one can easily make lists of your favorite directories? For unzipping, just set your Cserve\download, AOL\download, Prodig\download, MSN\download, or others and instantly have access to any and all of them. Date July 95 ZIP Runner 7.

    Multimedia access in an unzipping program- If you unzip files, shouldn't you be able to use the files quickly to see what is in them to find out whether or not you want to keep them. Sure with EVERY ZRW or ZRFW you could automatically load them into the appropriate programs, but now you can run movies, play sound files, as well as just showing pictures right out of compressed directories using ZR itself. Date July 95 ZR FileWorks Multimedia 442.

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Where to find

    Where to find ZR or AAA shareware? Try the big boards, Cserve's File finder under go IBM then File Finder or go WINSHARE, on AOL in Windows, Delphi usually has it, and on ZIFNET if you have Prod. On the net, best bet is to ftp either OAK.OAKLAND.EDU or one of its mirrors or FTP.CICA.INDIANA.EDU.  Hopefully your local BBS will get them from one of these, if not, give 'em one.

  10  Current programs and versions as of August 1995

1    Readdx (RDX) 4.0- Origin of all ZR programs. 256,000 color VGA text reader for DOS, probably the highest resolution, multi user saved setup reader there is bar none.

2    ZR 3.0-   Classic ZIP Runner, needs BRUN45.EXE to work, DOS based with built-in Readdx.

3    ZRD 5.0- ZIP Runner for DOS- DOS Version of the Windows version 5.0, not a classic.

4    ZRW 7.0- ZIP Runner for Windows- Basically ZR FileWorks without the picture viewer with

      built in make/unzip, UUencode/decode, and tons of stuff.

5    ZRFW 7.0-  ZR FileWorks MultiMedia 442- Latest greatest ZIP Runner

6     AAAUUE 3.0-  Another recent Freeware gone shareware program now with all windows

      encoding and decoding, built in unzipping and ZR 7 styled interface.

7    AAASSS 1.0- Mini version of ZRFW's directory pie charting features, $10 shareware

8   CUBIX (q-bix)-  Real 3d games for Windows you play in and  (oops, how did that get in here)

9    AAAZIP /  ZR 7 - ZR 7styled unzipping with icon directories for contents of ZIP files, Repack

      contents of ZIP files when done, Refresh, and so on. Also has mini built-in Gif, Jpeg viewer.

10    ZR ProgramWorks-  Companion program to ZRFW but ZRFW defintely not needed.

       Probably the best whatever you could call it there is thus far.

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Register Info

    Shareware is does not mean free, though it is still one of the best deals under the sun. You get to try out really neat stuff and you are trusted to pay for what you like. This means EVERYBODY gets to see whats at the cutting edge, new or unique, without having to spend a fortune to see if the programs really live up to the promises on the box.

    Too many people don't register to warrant shareware releases of most products and many good programs die out because people think it really doesn't make a difference. DON'T KID YOURSELF, if you don't bother, who's to say anyone else will? If you want to see better programs along the lines of ones you like, only paying for them can make it happen.

The registration fee for this program is $19, the are no disks needed, a simple registration code is all you need to remove shareware restrictions, opening title thing.

           Scandere Software

           PO Box 1329

           Dennisport, MA  02639

or register via Compuserve, GO SWREG, Register ID number 6907.

If you would like information on other ways to register, my e-mail address for questions regarding this program is Jared10@aol.com

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About ZR FileWorks
About ZR FileWorks Multimedia

    Where to begin. ZR FileWorks Multimedia make or unzips files using zip, arc, arj, lzh, and zoo formats into temporary imaginary directories for use, can add to or delete files from them, then refreshes them and erases / recompresses them again when you are done, or it can permanently decompress them into the current directory or a new one equal to the name of the file. It also has support for several UUE functions including encode, decode, merge broken UUE files, breakup UUE files to any size to mail pictures, programs, video or sound files over the Internet and supports MIME / Base 64 externally. It also can play AVI movies, sound and music files, compact disks using the very low memory auto remember the songs you like CD-Satellite, and features a full version of ZR PhotoView to load picture files from within compressed directories or uncompressed picture files. It can make pie charts showing the size of any directory's sub-directories, make lists of files to compress, drag and drop moving and copying of files, keyboardless renaming of files or creating new files. ZR FileWorks Multimedia and ZR ProgramWorks were designed to work as a team, and both programs combined make up the ZIP Runner Program Center or ZR-pc for short.

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About ZR ProgramWorks

    ZR ProgramWorks is the greater version of this program. It does icon based unzipping, has multiple groupings of for easy access to your files, loading of files by icon directories, name directories, name groups, icon groups. It is very comprehensive and designed to work together with  ZR FileWorks Multimedia. It has been designed as a program manager for compressed files and all other files and it compares well with Win 4's program manager. Sound like too much hype? Maybe. Here is a brief statement of its parts besides the program grouping and icon loading. Built into the program manager, multiple file viewing capable of showing dozens of pictures at once in Jpeg, Gif, Bmp, and many other picture formats, a tiny pie chart on toolbar always showing free memory while loading and unloading pictures and programs, a system file editor, a multi-document editor, an alarm clock, a program / file launcher, and even has the 3D video game Cubix- Squared thrown in for good measure. And it is all shareware and all in one program.

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PKZIP, ARC, ARJ, LHA, ZOO
ZIP and UUE

 NOTE- THIS PROGRAM NOW CAN UNZIP ZIP FILES WITHOUT ADDITIONAL SOFTWARE AND INTERNALLY WITHIN WINDOWS AS OPPOSED TO THE FREEWARE VERSION.

ZIP is a format used by most online services and many files distributed on the internet. Its origin is a freeware/shareware DOS program called PKZIP. Its current version is 2.04g. It is always advisable to get PK204G.EXE as it is good to have and ZR programs as well as other programs can also use it. UUE is a format used to send binary files (programs, pictures, ZIP files, audio, video, etc) over internet mail and usenet, which are still text based by changing the binary files into text files and back again. FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol which can send binary files via the Internet but that is generally only from or to an 'net site whereas UUE is best for person to person.

   This program also has UUE built in like unzipping only DON'T click while decoding or encoding. The program doesn't like that. Other than that, the program is pretty simple and straight forward. The icon bar on top does most of the functions you would routinely do. For a step by step walk through see How do I...

   One of the new features I am pretty pleased with is the new breakup and merging. While the merging has been binary based since version 2, it was limited to UUE files. Now you can breakup and merge binary files, ie large ZIP files for backing up to many disks, large pictures or programs, especially AVI or MOV files to 1.44 disks. Look for this on a newer ZRFW-MM and some new surprises hopefully coming up soon (early fall).

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Setting Up

    If you use the setup program included, that is about it. It installs to whatever directory you tell it to and saves the name of that directory to a file called AAAUUE.INI which will reside in your windows directory. This enables you to put the programs in any directory and startup in any directory If you change the name of the directory or move it, there is an neat little utility on the setup menu to record the name of the new directory where you put it.

    The ZR FileWorks Multimedia and other new ZR programs such as ProgramWorks are not outdated nor are they not being still revised. Also being added to the impressive arsenal of utilities is directory warping, hot key program / file loading, Hyperdrive and other features from ZR 7, and since ZR 7 (sort of like this program) wholly comes from ZR ProgramWorks, whatever version number ZRPW has when it is fully released (probably 1.0), it still will be far superior to ZR 7. ZRPW is a better program manager than 3.1 has and though similar to 4.0's Explorer, is far easier to add program groups, makes sub-groups, add / remove items from groups, etc.

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Are we there yet
Are we there yet?

    Any one who has seen any verison of ZIP Runner or ZR FileWorks could probably guess this is not the end of the line for this ZR 7 style format. Sure it looks good and is easy to use but lacks the sheer power and flexibilty of other ZR's. There is a lot I would like to do this ZR 7 format, not to mention make it a fully graphical version of the original Windows (TM Microsoft (r) ZIP Runner. That will take registrations, though. Hope you enjoy the program and I hope it never gets cancelled <g>.

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How do I...

UUE decode files 	UNzip ZIP files 	UUE encode files

Breakup files 	Merge files 	Merge text files

Open files	Play sound files 	Play movies

Extract UU files from online logs

Rename files 	Erase files 	Change directories

Preview UUE or text files

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Glossary

B

Breakup files

E

Erase files

Extract UU files from online logs

M

Merge files

Merge text files

P

Play movies

Play sound files

Preview UUE or text files

R

Rename files

U

UNzip ZIP files

UUE decode files

UUE encode files


UUE decode files

To decode a UUE file, click the icon for the file, then click the decode UUE button (looks like an open envelope)


UNzip ZIP files

To unzip a ZIP file, click the yellow ZIP icon above the files name, then click the unzip icon button on the toolbar (looks like a zipper)


UUE encode files

To UUE encode a file, click the icon for that file above its filename, then click the UUE encode icon button on the toolbar (looks like an envelope's front)


Breakup files

You can breakup UUE encoded files, ZIP files, binaries such as pictures, video and sound, for mailing or posting on the Internet. To breakup a file, click the icon of the file you wish to breakup, then click the breakup icon (looks like a hammer breaking a cup)


Merge files

To merge files such as multi-part UUE files or broken up binary files by this program, click on the icon for the file, then the merge icon (looks like 3 envelopes). Repeat for all files (make sure in order) then click the merge button or press F7. Note: Sometimes you can merge uue files by clicking on the first icon, then decode (open envelope) if they are in order on your hard drive.


Merge text files

If you just want to merge text based files, you can click the icon of the file, then File menu on the top of the program, then Merge text files or press F6. Repeat as necessary.


Play sound files

To play sound files (WAV, MIDI), double click the icon of the file or click the icon, then the open button (open box). To pause click where it says Playing.., to end, double click where it says Playing..


Play movies

To play AVI movies (requires freeware Video for Windows 1.1 (tm Microsoft (r) or Win 4.0), double click the movie icon or click the icon and then open (open box). To pause, click where it says Playing.., to end double click where it says Playing..


Extract UU files from online logs

To extract multiple and/or multi-part UUE files from online logs, click the icon of the file, then click the Extract icon (looks like a pair of red pliers)


Rename files

There are 2 ways to rename files. You can click the icon of the file and then the rename icon button (looks like a director shouting through a bullhorn) or just click the name of the file and type it in there.


Erase files

To erase files, click the icon of the file and then the erase icon button (looks like a trash can)


Preview UUE or text files

To preview the contents of a UUE or text file (just loads the top few lines) right click the icon of the file