CONTENTS

Thank  you for trying Diskette Distribution Kit.   I hope you will find that this program is a  valuable addition  to your system.

Diskette Distribution Kit  was designed for  individuals with little of no computer experience. By clicking a few buttons anyone can make a distribution disk, complete with company copyright  information imbedded in the compressed file.

Legal Information

Installation

Instructions

Getting Started

Problems

Registration


Legal Information

Diskette Distribution Kit is Copyrighted 1994 by Cooper Collier.

You are allowed 10 loads of the program free of charge in order to evaluate it  After which time, you are required to register each installation of

Diskette Distribution Kit.

You may freely distribute this shareware version, provided that no fees are charged and all files remain intact and unchanged. You may include a copy of Diskette Distribution Kit in software collection CDs or disk sets as long as you send me a letter of intent or e-mail. (I just would like to know what's being done with my software)

Use Diskette Distribution Kit at your own risk. Cooper Collier is not responsible for any damages or implied damages cause by use of  this software product.

PKZip and ZiptoExe are copyrighted by PKware inc. The purchase of Diskette Distribution Kit does NOT include, in any way, the purchase of PKZip or ZiptoExe. It is the users responsibility to register PKZip and ZiptoExe with Pkware Inc.

A shareware version of PKzip may be obtained from CompuServe and many other BBS services.

CONTENTS


Installation

WARNING: This program requires the PKzip and ZiptoExe utilities from PKware inc.  This program also requires that VBRUN300.DLL be in your system directory. Both products are available for download from CompuServe and other BBS services.

1. In File Manager, double click on the Setup-DK.exe file. This will start the installation process.

2. Verify the program directory. The default is c:\distrib. You may change it at this time.

3. Verify your Windows directory. The program will now be installed.

4. IMPORTANT: You must copy PKzip.exe and ZiptoExe.exe to the program directory. (default is c:\distrib). These files must be in the program directory for Diskette Distribution Kit to work.

5. Verify that VBRUN300.DLL is in you Windows\System directory. The program will not run without it.

7. Diskette Distribution Kit uses Windows Notepad.exe and  Write.exe. The program will run without these programs, but certain functions will not be available. Notepad is used to display the autolog.txt. Write is accessed by the Edit  Readme button.

6. That's it. Double click on the Diskette Distribution Kit Icon to start.

INCLUDED FILES

Distri.exe - The program file

Distri.hlp - This help file

Readme.txt - A sample readme file to be included with your distributions

Terms.ans - A sample banner file. All .ans files will be banner files.

Zip.pif - A compression control file that supplies the interface between PKzip and Diskette Distribution Kit

Zip.bat - A batch file to supply PKzip with needed information. Located in your root directory. You can delete this it is remade each time the program is run.

Install.log - A text file listing the changes made by the installation program. (Feel free to delete it)

File.lst - A list file for Zip.pif. It is remade on each run. (Feel free to delete it)

Autolog.txt - A text report on which files are on which disk, from the last automove process. It is remade each time automove is run. (Feel free to delete it)

CONTENTS


Instructions

Warning: Diskette Distribution Kit requires that PKzip and ZiptoExe be in the same directory as the distri.exe file. If they are not present the program will crash and shut itself down.

The program will always delete the intermarry .zip file upon making the  .exe  file. If for some reason you require both the .zip and .exe you will have to perform two compressions. One for the .zip and one for the .exe.

When making multiple compressed files from multiple source files, the program uses the filename and changes the filenames extension to .zip and .exe. The characters before the extension are always used as part of the compressed file name. Because of this the program will not allow you to compress more than one file with the same name before the extension.

Example: File.exe, file.avi, and file.txt  would all be named file.zip when compressed.

The program will give you the opportunity to rename the source files during the compression process. Once the source file is renamed the compression process will continue. The source file is permanently renamed.

The following picture describes each control. Click on a section for a detailed description.

CONTENTS


Getting Started

Diskette Distribution Kit (DDK) was designed to make compressing and distributing computer files and programs as easy as possible. It is also designed to make adding messages and copyright  notices very easy.

United States Copyright laws require that copyright notice be posted in a place that is likely to be read. The best place for this information is a Zip banner. This banner will always be displayed when the file is uncompressed. This gives the owner of the copyright a strong legal position in case of copyright infringement.

DDK also makes it easy to add a file called readme.txt. A file called readme is the traditional was to pass information to the person receiving the disk or file.  The other person should always read the readme file before doing anything else.  We use the readme.txt file to pass license and copyright information, as well as instructions on uncompressing the files. We also add a list of which files are located on the disks.

Select Files

The first step to preparing a distribution is selecting the files you wish to distribute. It is always easier if all the files are located in the same directory, but it is not necessary. Use the file selection list to select files. The control and shift keys work the same as they do in File Manager, for selecting multiple files.  If the files are in more than one directory you will have to perform the compression process for each directory. There is no way to select files in more than one directory at a time.

Make the .exe form?

Wait don't hit that compress button yet.You first need to decide if you want to compress the files into a self uncompressing file or to the standard .zip file.  The difference is the standard .zip file requires the person that is uncompressing the file to own a copy on PKunzip. The .exe file on the other hand doesn't. All the other person needs to do to uncompress the file is execute it in the directory they wish the uncompressed files to be.

Now why would anyone want to use the .zip format, you may ask?  Well for one. PKware, the makers of PKzip, PKunzip and Ziptoexe, require that you purchase a distribution license if you give anyone a compressed file in the .exe format. Another reason to use the .zip format is if your going to upload the file to a BBS for general consumption. Most people who use download files would prefer the file to be in the .zip format. Don't ask why it's technical, just trust me, OK.

For ease of use, I highly recommend you contact PKware and purchase a distribution license. they do not charge very much at all. In fact they are more than reasonable. It is money well spent.

Once you decide whether to use the .zip or the .exe format. Make the proper selection in the Make Exe check box. It defaults to the make exe.

Zip Banner

If you do not want a banner displayed when the file is uncompressed,  click the check box Zip Banner OFF..

If you want a banner,  you need to select one from the banner list.

How much do you want to bet, that the sample banner I included will be totally useless to you. No bet.  Darn.  Once you get a couple of banners you like you can just select the one you want an proceed to the compression phase.

For, now you will need to create one or edit the one supplied.  Too make a new banner, click new. To edit a banner, select the banner, then click edit. To get rid of a banner, select the banner, then click delete. Ain't this hard.

When editing or creating a banner, I suggest you put a couple of Returns on top, before any text. It improves the readability. If you don't believe me test it out.

Sorry there's no spell checker, can't have everything. What you can do, though, is write the file in your word processor. Spell check it. Then copy it to the clip board. Then you can then paste it into the banner editor.

What?? NO Paste button? OOP's. I, honestly, never thought of it till now. Tell you why. I never use a paste button, too much trouble. I'll tell you a secret, don't tell anyone, OK.  You can use Cntr-V instead of a paste button. Works with just about anything. Try it. You can also use Cntr-X for Cut and Cntr-C for Copy.  Try them you'll never go back to the old way.

Compress Files

Once you have selected the banner, you can start the compression. There are two ways to do this you can compress the files to many compressed files or to one compressed file.

I use the Compress to Many when ever I am going to distribute a number of files on a disk. I do this as a convenience to the person receiving the disk. If that person only wants one of the files, it is easy for them to uncompress just that file. Another reason is purely selfish. If I select a whole bunch of files then compress them into one file and the file is larger than a floppy disk. Guess what? I got to start over and select less files and compress them and see if the compressed file will fit on a disk. If not, etc ,etc.

The Compress to Many process names each compressed file with the first eight letters of the source file plus .exe. So distri.hlp will become distri.exe. This causes one small problem if you have more than one file with the first eight letters the same (i.e. game.hlp and game.txt) the second compressed file will overwrite the first.  The program solves this by giving you a chance to rename the source file in these instances. If you rename the source file it will be that name from then on. You may latter go back with file manager and restore the original name.

If you do not want to rename the file, you may skip it and do it after you move the first compressed file to disk. If you choose to skip any files, the program will give you a list of these files when the compression process is done.

You may also decide to Compress all the files into one compressed file. This is very useful when transferring files electronically.

When you Click the Compress to One button. You will be asked to give a name for the compressed file. Only the first 8 letters are required. The program will supply the extension.

Reserve Space for Readme.

Before you go and move all those files to disk, you need to make sure there will be some room left for the readme.txt file.

First decide how big its going to be. In fact you can go ahead and write it now if you are not going to include a file list. If you want to have a file list you will have to wait till you move the files to disk, or you won't know which files are on which disk.

If you write the file now, or write most of it now. You can use file manager to get the size, or you can just take a wild guess. Regardless set the reserved space in the text box in the lower right corner. It is defaulted to about one page worth of text. Set it to zero if you do not want to include a readme.txt file.

Move the Files

DDK  is set up to automate the process of moving files to disk. If you want to send them somewhere electronically or move them across a network, you will have to use File Manager. The files will be in the "work" directory. Inside the program directory.

There are two methods for moving files to disk.

The first requires that you select the files, then click the Move button.

The faster and more fun way, (Use it. The programming was a real hassle. OK.), is to just click the AutoMove button. All the compressed files will be moved to floppy disk. You will be asked to insert disks when needed. Once all the files are copied a list of which file is on which disk will be displayed. I suggest you highlight it and copy it to the clipboard at this time.

Make the Readme.txt file

To edit the readme.txt file, click the Edit readme button. The Write program  will be started with the Readme.txt already loaded. You can now paste the file list into it. Neat huh.

If you to use another program to edit the readme.txt file, see the section on problems on how to change the Edit Readme button configuration.

Copy the Readme.txt

Last step. Click the copy readme.txt button. this will copy the readme.txt file to every disk in the distribution.

Well that's it easy right.  Good, thanks for trying my program out, hope it helps you as much as it helps me.

Oh yeah, don't forget to register.

CONTENTS


Problems

Theres really not much to go wrong. this program has been extensively  tested under real working conditions and I believe we have all the bugs fixed. The following are the two problems that I know of and the solution.

The program crashes when I hit the compress button?

Most likely PKzip or ZiptoExe is not in the programs directory. Make sure they are there. If they are maybe you have an older version. You must be using version 2.04. Earlier  versions will not work with Diskette Distribution Kit.  A new shareware version can be downloaded form CompuServe as well as most other BBS services.

How to I change the Editor??

You need to edit the ccdist.ini file located in the windows directory. Just change the path and program to one you would prefer.

I honestly cannot predict any other problems.

If you do run into any other problems please contact me and I will try my best to resolve them.

You can send me e-mail on CompuServe at  71553,1645 or

Regular mail at

Cooper Collier

6620 Stella Place #2

Anchorage Ak. 99507

CONTENTS


Registration

If you intend to use Diskette Distribution Kit you must register. You must register every copy you have loaded or will be in use on a network.

Registration cost is $20.

You may register on CompuServe in the SWREG forum

This software is number   3717

You may also register by mail to

Cooper Collier

6620 Stella Place #2

Anchorage Ak. 99507

Additional  licenses are available at $15 each through the mail only. They cost $20 on CompuServe.

Quantity discounts are available, contact me and we will discuss it.

Upon registering on CompuServe, you will be E-mailed a  registration code. This will enable you to reset the registration counter after ten uses. This will allow you to continue to use the software until you receive the registered version in the mail.

Thank You.

CONTENTS


Source File Selection

Select the files you wish to compress or distribute. It is easiest if you copy all the files to one directory first. If the files are in more than one directory you will have to make more than perform this process for every directory.

Warning: The files will not be compressed from more than one directory at a time. The program will only compress the files that are visible and selected.


This button refreshes all visible files lists. This is necessary when changes have been made with any other program.

Example: If you delete a file with File Manager, while Diskette Distribution Kit is open. The deleted file will still show in the Diskette Distribution Kit's file list. Even though you know you deleted it. You MUST click the Refresh button before the change will show.


This button starts the Compress to Many process. This will compress each file selected into it's own compressed file. It will at this time add the banner that will be shown when the file is uncompressed.


This button will start the Compress to One process. All the selected files will be compressed into one file. The banner that will be shown during the uncompress process is added at this time. A popup box will appear asking you the name for the compressed file. Please follow standard file naming conventions. i.e. Don't use punctuation.


This button decides whether the files will be made into a self uncompressing file or just be compressed into a standard .zip file. If the box is checked the files will be compressed, then converted into the self un-compressing form. This is the recommended procedure, because it will be much easier for the person receiving the files to un-compress them. If the box is not checked, only the compressed file will be made. In this form, pkunzip will be required to un-compress the file.


If this box is checked, a Zip banner will not be made. A zip banner is a message that  will appear whenever the file is un-compressed. This is very useful for posting copyright  information.

If the box is not checked then the selected banner will be place in the compressed file.


This is a list of the available banner files. Select the banner you wish to be included in the compressed file.


This button allows you to edit the selected banner file. Only make banner files with this banner editor. Banner files made with any other editor are not guarantied to work.


This button allows you to create a new banner file.


This button will delete the selected banner file.


This is the compressed file list box. Select the file you wish to move to disk and click on the move button. Or just click on the Auto Move button, which will move all the compressed files to disk.

The compressed files are all located in the <program dir>\work directory. If do not wish to move the files to disk, you can use File Manager to work with them. This is useful for people who wish to compress the files for electronic transfer. Such as uploading to a Bulletin Board.

Warning: The program displays all the files in the <program dir>\work directory. If files are left in this directory from the last time the program was run, they will be listed in the compressed file list and can be mixed in with the compressed files currently being made.


This will show the combined file size of the selected files in the compressed files list above. This is useful when selecting files to move to disk.


Use this button to select which drive to move the selected files to.


Uh lets see. I think this button brings up this help file. Maybe, I could be wrong.


This button will move the selected files to the selected disk. The program will check if there are files in the root directory of the disk and let you know if they exist. It will not detect any directories on the disk. Sorry.


This button will move ALL the files in the compressed file list  to disk. It will sort the files to make the best fit. It will ask for disks as they fill up. Once all the files are moved a list of which file is on which disk will be displayed.


This button starts windows Write, with the file Readme.txt active. The file Readme.txt is a text file that you may chose to include on each distribution disk. It can be used to give the person receiving the disk instructions on how to uncompressed the files. I also use it to provide a list of which files are on which disk and a short description of each file.


This button will copy the file Readme.txt to all the disks in the distribution set. The file Readme.txt must be located in the <program dir>. This button will only copy the file called Readme.txt. You cannot copy any other files with this  button.


This section reserves the displayed amount of space on each disk for the readme.txt file. If you are not going to use a Readme.txt file set the number to 0. Adjust it higher if you're Readme.txt file is going to be very large.


This box displays a short description of each controls function when you move the mouse over the control.


PKZip and ZiptoExe are copyrighted by PKware inc. The purchase of Diskette Distribution Kit does NOT include, in any way, the purchase of PKZip or ZiptoExe. It is the users responsibility to register PKZip and ZiptoExe with Pkware Inc.

A shareware version of PKzip may be obtained from CompuServe and many other BBS services.


PKZip and ZiptoExe are copyrighted by PKware inc. The purchase of Diskette Distribution Kit does NOT include, in any way, the purchase of PKZip or ZiptoExe. It is the users responsibility to register PKZip and ZiptoExe with Pkware Inc.

A shareware version of PKzip may be obtained from CompuServe and many other BBS services.


The program directory is the directory that you install Diskette Distribution Kit to.


VBRUN300.dll is a Windows code library required for many programs. Even if you decide not to use Diskette Distribution Kit, it is a good idea to have a copy of VBRUN300.dll.


PKZip and ZiptoExe are copyrighted by PKware inc. The purchase of Diskette Distribution Kit does NOT include, in any way, the purchase of PKZip or ZiptoExe. It is the users responsibility to register PKZip and ZiptoExe with Pkware Inc.

A shareware version of PKzip may be obtained from CompuServe and many other BBS services.


PKZip and ZiptoExe are copyrighted by PKware inc. The purchase of Diskette Distribution Kit does NOT include, in any way, the purchase of PKZip or ZiptoExe. It is the users responsibility to register PKZip and ZiptoExe with Pkware Inc.

A shareware version of PKzip may be obtained from CompuServe and many other BBS services.


PKZip and ZiptoExe are copyrighted by PKware inc. The purchase of Diskette Distribution Kit does NOT include, in any way, the purchase of PKZip or ZiptoExe. It is the users responsibility to register PKZip and ZiptoExe with Pkware Inc.

A shareware version of PKzip may be obtained from CompuServe and many other BBS services.


PKZip and ZiptoExe are copyrighted by PKware inc. The purchase of Diskette Distribution Kit does NOT include, in any way, the purchase of PKZip or ZiptoExe. It is the users responsibility to register PKZip and ZiptoExe with Pkware Inc.

A shareware version of PKzip may be obtained from CompuServe and many other BBS services.