Copyright: Copyright ®1993, Glen S. Tittermary


Contents
Contents for Easy Menu Help

Introduction

What is Easy Menu?

What's New in Version 4.0?

Application Window Overview

Menu Organization

Technical Support

Error Messages

License Order Form

Procedures

Configuring Easy Menu for Windows...

Working with Menus...

Working with Accessories...

Working with Files...

Using Special Features...

Commands

File Menu Commands

Group Menu Commands

Menu Menu Commands

Accessories Menu Commands

Options Menu Commands

Help Menu Commands

Help Version 1.0.  September 11, 1993.


Configuring Easy Menu
Contents for Configuring Easy Menu

Entering Your License Number

Setting Minimize on Run

Saving the Window Position

Setting the System Shell

Setting Up Applications for Auto Start

Setting Up the Command Buttons

Specifying Alternate System Managers


Working with Menus
Contents for Working with Menus

Creating/Editing Groups

Selecting a Group

Creating/Editing Menus

Selecting a Menu

Creating/Editing a Menu Item

Starting an Application on the Menu

Printing a  Menu


Working with Accessories
Contents for Working with Accessories

Setting Up the Windows Accessories

Setting Up the User Accessories

Selecting Windows or User Accessories

Turning the Accessories On and Off

Starting the Windows Desktop Accessories

Starting the User Accessories


Working with Files
Contents for Working with Files

Starting Applications Not on a Menu

Copying/Moving a File

Deleting a File

Renaming a File

Creating a Directory

Using the File Browser

Using the Directory Browser


Using Special Features
Contents for Using Special Features

Using System Security

Using the System Lock

Getting System Information

Using the Keyboard

Exiting from Easy Menu


What is Easy Menu?

Easy Menu for Windows is used to start applications or desktop accessories in Microsoft Windows 3.X.  It makes user-specified applications available with a single click of the mouse or press of a key.  In addition, it makes all of the Windows Desktop Accessories or user-defined accessories available on the same menu.  Applications may be Windows or DOS programs.  Version 4.0 is fully compatible with Windows 3.1 and later (and will not run under previous versions of Windows).  Easy Menu 4.0 runs in Standard and Enhanced mode.  Easy Menu for Windows has complete keyboard support, so it is an excellent Windows applications manager for laptops and other systems without a mouse.


What's New in Version 4.0?

Version 4.0 of Easy Menu for Windows is a major upgrade from previous versions.  Among the new features are:

•	No more separate menu editor.  Now, all configuration and setup of menus is completed from within Easy Menu.  All other setup (such as system shell, auto-start, etc.) is also completed within Easy Menu.

•	The Easy Menu window now has a 3-D appearance.

•	The Command Bar buttons can be configured with the commands you use the most.

•	Alternate program, file, and task managers can be specified by the user.

•	Start-up directories can be specified for Windows Desktop accessories and user accessories.

•	System Information now reports additional information about your system, including diplay resolution and number of colors.

•	Easy Menu now has extensive online help, including context sensitive help in dialog boxes.  The online help replaces the User's Manual.  The Easy Menu Help includes a complete keyboard diagram for users working without a mouse.


Application Window
Application Window Overview

The Easy Menu window is composed of a number of distinct areas, each of which has a specific function.  The areas are shown below.  Click on each area in the window for more information.


Menu Organization

With Easy Menu you can construct up to five menu groups, each with six menus, with 10 items in each menu.  How you organize your menus will determine how easy Easy Menu is to use.  The suggested organizations below are only some of the ways you might want to consider.

Menu Groups

Menu groups are designed to give you more flexibility in organzing your menus.  If you need to start more than 60 applications you can create groups of menus, giving you up to 300 menu choices.  Easy Menu supports up to five groups of six menus each.  Creating multiple groups is also useful if more than one person uses a computer -- each person can be given their own group of menus.  Within each group, you can also provide some organization to the menus as described below:

Organizing by Type of Application

One way to set up the Easy Menu menus is to have each menu contain different types of applications.  Menu 1 might contain word processing and text editing applications, for example, while Menu 2 could contain speadsheet and database programs.  Menu 3 could have drawing, graphics, and presentation applications.  Menu 4 might contain entertainment and game programs.

Organizing by Task

Another way to organize your menus is by the tasks you complete.  This type of organization is useful if you want to use the same applications for several menu items, but with different start-up files (as command line parameters) or start-up directories.  For example, a small consulting firm might have one menu for each current project.  Each menu would contain a word processing menu item, a project management item, a speadsheet item, and a desktop presentation item.  The menu items would have different start-up directories which were created for the exclusive use of the appropriate project.  When the applications are started, the current working directory would be the directory for the desired project.

Organizing Sequentially

If you do not have many applications, it may be more useful to simply list the applications alphabetically in the first couple of menus.  When the first menu is full, go on to the next and continue with the listing.  With the menu scroll buttons on the Command Bar this can be a quick and easy way to access the menu items.


Technical Support

Technical support is available from the author on Compuserve:  71401,2413.  When you report a problem, be as specific as you can and include the following information:  your name, Easy Menu license number, phone number, type of computer, video card and monitor, and the exact nature of the problem you are experiencing.

Also, you can report any problems or suggest improvements for future versions by writing to:

Glen S. Tittermary

P.O. Box 1641

Richmond, Virginia 23213


Error Messages

Too many clocks or timers.

This error means that too many programs which use the Windows timer (such as the Clock) are currently running.  Easy Menu needs one of the timers to display the current date and time.  Close one of the applications and try to restart Easy Menu.

The specified start-up directory is invalid.

The start-up directory that you entered for the application does not exist.  You may have misspelled it when entering it.  Use the Easy Menu Editor to change the start-up directory to a valid DOS directory.

The specified start-up drive is invalid.

You specified a disk drive in the start-up directory that does not exist.  Change the start-up drive to a vaild drive on your system.

Insufficient memory to run application.

There is not enough memory to run the application.  If other applications are running, try closing some of them to free some memory.

Invalid path or filename.

The path or filename that you specified in the command line is invalid.  You may have misspelled it.  Use the Easy Menu Editor to enter the correct path and filename for the application you want to run.

Unable to execute application.

Easy Menu has encountered some problem while trying to execute the application.  Close other applications, and be sure your command line is correct.

Unable to execute accessory.

Easy Menu has encountered some problem while trying to execute an accessory.  If the accessory is a Windows Desktop Accessory, it probably is not in the Windows directory; be sure the accessories are properly installed in the Windows directory.  If it is a user accessory, you may have misspelled the accessory program name when setting it up or it is not in the Windows directory; use the menu editor to check the information you supplied and enter a path in the command line if necessary.

Program Manager is already running.

You tried to start the Program Manager when it was already running.  Use the Task List to activate the Program Manager.

File Manager is already running.

You tried to start the File Manager when it was already running.  Use the Task List to activate the File Manager.

Incorrect license number entered.

The license number you entered was not valid.  Be sure you typed the number exactly as listed on the registration notification.  Contact the author if the your license cannot be entered.

Invalid password after three attempts.  Cancelling current task.

The password has been entered incorrectly three times.  After the third try, Easy Menu cancels the requested task.

Invalid password.  Cannot start Easy Menu.

Password protection has been applied to Easy Menu start-up and the correct password was not entered.  Easy Menu cannot be started.

Selected drive is removable.  Please insert diskette now.

You have requested a file operation for a diskette drive (a: or b:).  This is a reminder to be sure a diskette is in the drive.

Source file cannot be opened.  File operation halted.

Easy Menu could not find or could not open the specified file.  You may need to specify a full path the file or make sure it is not read-only.

Cannot copy or move a file to itself.  Select a new Target Directory.

You tried to copy a file but did not change the target directory.  Change the directory you are to copy the file to.

File already exists in Target Directory.  Overwrite existing file?

This message is asking for confirmation to overwrite a file with the same file name as the one you are copying or moving.

Target file cannot be created.  File operation halted.

Easy Menu was unable to create the file you specified.  Check to make sure it was a valid DOS filename, or that your disk is not full.

File could not be deleted.

Easy Menu was unable to delete the file you specified.  Make sure you specified the file name correctly and that the file is not read-only.

Directory could not be created.

Easy Menu could not create the new subdirectory you requested.  Make sure that you specified a proper DOS directory name and that the directory does not already exist on the specified drive.

Cannot access printer driver.

This error occurs if Easy Menu is unable to determine the type of printer you are using.  This information is contained in the "win.ini" file under the [Windows] section in a field labeled "devices=."  Use the Control Panel to set up a default printer.

Unable to start print job.

Easy Menu was unable to initialize the printer spooler.  Be sure that the Print Manager is properly installed.


Setting Minimize on Run

To make Easy Menu minimize each time you run an application or accessory:

1.  Select Minimize on Run from the Options menu.  A check mark will appear next to Minimize on Run when the option is active.

To turn the minimize option off:

1.  Select Minimize on Run again.  The check mark will be removed when the option is not active.


Entering Your License Number

To order your license:

1.  Print the order form included in this help file.

2.  Fill out the form completely, and be sure to mark a disk size if you are ordering a diskette.

3.  Include your payment (check or money order).  The license fee is $20, and a diskette with the program and help files is an additional $5.  See the order form for site license fees.

4.  Mail to the address on the order form.

To enter your license:

1.  Start Easy Menu and the Enter License... dialog box will appear.  (The license number removes the license dialog box which appears when Easy Menu for Windows is started.)  Note:  After Easy Menu has been started, you can also enter your license by selecting the Enter License... item from the Options menu.

2.  Type your license number exactly as it appears on  your registration notification (capital letters must be typed as capitals, etc.).

3.  If you are using a mouse, click the OK button.  If you are using the keyboard, press the TAB key to move the focus to the OK button, then press the SPACE BAR.


Saving the Window Position

By default, the Easy Menu window will center itself on the screen.  You can override this default and keep Easy Menu in any location on your screen.

To save Easy Menu in a location you want.:

1.  Move Easy Menu to the position you want on the screen by dragging the title bar.

2.  Select Window Position Save under the Options menu.  The position you selected will be saved, and used whenever you start Easy Menu.

To return to the default:

1.  Select Window Position Center from the Options menu.


Setting the System Shell

When you installed Windows, Program Manager was set up as the system shell.  But you can select other programs as shells if you wish.  If you decide to use Easy Menu for Windows on a regular basis you can set it as the shell.

To set the Windows shell:

1.  Select Setup System Shell... in the Options menu.

2.  In the System Shell dialog box, click the radio button for the shell you want.  If you are using the keyboard, use the up and down arrow keys to change the selection.

3.  Click the OK button, or press ENTER.  The new shell will be effective the next time you start Windows.


Setting Up Applications for Auto Start

If you select Easy Menu as the system shell, you can specify that certain applications run when you start Windows.  Five applications can be started as full windows and an additional five applications can be started as icons.

To configure the applications to run automatically whenever Windows is started:

1.  Select Setup Auto Start... from the Options menu.

2.  In the appropriate edit boxes in the Auto Start dialog box, type the program executable file names you want to run and to load as icons.  Remember, if a program is not in a directory specified in your path statement, you will need to enter a complete path and filename in the Auto Start dialog box (and it's preferable to enter the complete path anyway, because the application will load faster).  You can move from one field to the next by pressing the TAB key.

3.  Click OK or press the RETURN key to save your configuration.


Setting Up the Command Buttons

To set the commands to be executed from the Command Bar:

1.  Select Setup Command Buttons... from the Options menu.

2.  When the Command Buttons dialog box opens, select a command from the list box.

3.  Click the button to which you want to assign the command.

4.  Click the Save button to save the change and close the dialog box.  If you are using the keyboard, use the TAB key to move the focus to the Save button and press the SPACEBAR.


Specifying Alternate System Managers

You start Program Manager, File Manager, and Task List with the pushbuttons on the Manager Menu.  Normally, the system managers shipped with Windows are started.  However, you can specify that alternate system managers start when the Program, File, or Task buttons are clicked.

To specify the alternate managers:

1.  Select Setup Alternate Managers... from the Options menu.  (Or, click the Program, File, or Task buttons while holding the SHIFT key down.)  The Alternate System Managers dialog box is displayed.

2.  Type the name(s) of the new program, file, or task managers you want in the appropriate edit boxes.  Use a full path name if the program is not in a directory in your PATH statement.

3.  Click the OK pushbutton, or press the ENTER key.


Creating/Editing Groups

To create or edit a group:

1.  Select Edit Group Names... from the Group menu.  The Group Names dialog box will be displayed.

2.  For each group you want to create or edit, type the name of the group in the appropriate edit box.

3.  Click the OK pushbutton or press the ENTER key to save the new group names.

To add menus to a new group, select the group just created from the Group menu.  Easy Menu will display an empty menu which can be edited with the Menu Names dialog.  See Creating/Editing Menus for more information.

To delete an existing group:

1.  Delete the name in the edit box.

2.  Click the OK pushbutton or press the ENTER key to save the deletion.  (Note:  All the menu data associated with the group is retained so you can reenter a group name later to use the menus in the group.)


Selecting a Group

When Easy Menu first starts, Group A will be active.  You can change the active group from the Easy Menu menu bar, the Command Bar or the keyboard.

To select a group using the menu bar:

1.  Choose the Group item on the menu bar.  The groups which have been created will be displayed in the drop-down menu.

2.  Select the group you want to load.  The currently selected group will have a check mark next to it.  When a new group is selected, Easy Menu will be updated to display the menus associated with the group.

To scroll through the available groups:

1.  Click the Group < or > pushbuttons on the Command Bar.  These are the buttons on each side of a text window showing the currently selected group (A, B, C, etc.).  The keyboard can also be used to scroll through the groups with the PgUp and PgDn keys to select the previous and next group respectively.

NOTE:  You will only be able to scroll through groups if more than one group has been created.  See Creating/Editing Groups.


Creating/Editing Menus

To create or edit a menu:

1.  Select Edit Menu Names... from the Menu menu.  The Menu Names dialog box will be displayed.

2.  For each menu you want to create or edit, type the name of the menu in the appropriate edit box.

3.  Click OK to save the new menu names.

To add menus items to a new menu, select the menu just created from the Menu menu.  Easy Menu will display the menu.  While holding the SHIFT key down, click the button for the item you want to create to display the Menu Items dialog.  See Creating/Editing a Menu Item.

To delete an existing menu:

1.  Delete the name in the appropriate edit box.

2.  Click the OK pushbutton or press the ENTER key to save the deletion.  (All the menu data associated with the menu is retained so you can reenter a menu name later to use the menu items.)


Selecting a Menu

When Easy Menu first starts, Menu 1 of Group A will be active.  You can change the active menufrom the Easy Menu menu bar, the Command Bar or the keyboard.

To select a menu using the menu bar:

1.  Choose the Menu item on the menu bar.  The menus which have been created will be displayed in the drop-down menu.

2.  Select the menu you want to load.  The currently selected menu will have a check mark next to it.  When a new menu is selected, Easy Menu will be updated to display the menu items associated with that menu.

To scroll through the available menus:

1.  Click the Menu < or > pushbuttons on the Command Bar.  These are the buttons on each side of a text window showing the currently selected menu (1, 2, 3, etc.).  The keyboard can also be used to scroll through the menus with the four arrow keys to select the previous and next menu respectively.

NOTE:  You will only be able to scroll through menus if more than one menu has been created in the currently selected group.  See Creating/Editing Menus.


Starting an Application from the Menu
Starting an Application on the Menu

To start an application from the menu using the mouse:

1.  Click the associated pushbutton on the Application Menu.

To start an application using the keyboard:

1.  Press the number key corresponding to the menu pushbutton.


Creating/Editing a Menu Item

You create new menu items and edit exiting items in the Menu Items dialog box.  For each menu item you supply a label, command line, and start-up directory.  You also specify whether the application should start as a window, an icon, or full screen.

To create or edit a menu item:

1.	Hold down the SHIFT key on the keyboard and click the button for the menu item you want to create or edit, or press the corresponding number key on the keyboard.  (Unused menu items will be labeled Reserved.)  For example, it you want to create or edit a menu item for the number 4 button, click the 4 button while holding the SHIFT key down, or press the 4 key with the SHIFT key down.

2.	When the Menu Item dialog box opens, type in the item label that you want to appear beside the pushbutton.

3.	Using the mouse or TAB key, move to the Command Line field.  Type the command line for the application.  If you do not know the name of the executable file, click the Browse button to the right of the Command Line field.  You can then search your drives and directories to select the file you want.

4.	Using the mouse for TAB key, move to the Start-up Directory field.  Type the name of the directory you want as the initial directory when the application starts.  If you do not know the name of the directory, click the Browse button to the right of the Start-up Directory field.  You can then search your drives and directories to select the directory you want.

5.	Using the mouse for TAB key, move to the Start As radio buttons and select how you want the application to start:  as a window, an icon, or full screen.  Click a button with the mouse or use the arrow keys to move to another button.

4.	Click the Save button to save the menu item and return to Easy Menu.

At any time, you can undo your edits to a menu item by clicking the Undo pushbutton.  For a new item, Undo returns all of the edit fields to their defaults (Reserved, none, none, Window).  For an item you are editing, Undo returns the edit fields to their original data before you started the edit.  All edit fields can be set to the defaults with the Clear pushbutton, effectively deleting the menu item.  (The Undo button will recover the original label, command line, and start-up directory.)

Before you Save the menu information in the Menu Item dialog you can use the Test pushbutton to determine if the information you supplied can be used by Easy Menu to execute the application in the way you intended.  When you click the Test pushbutton, Easy Menu performs the following tests:  (1) parses the item label so you can see how it will appear on the menu, (2) determines if the command line executable file can be found, (3) checks the start-up drive and directory to determine if they actually exist on your disk, (4) checks the start-as mode to make sure that an appropriate mode is specified in the "menu.ini" file, and (5) parses the command line parameters so you can see them in the final test report.  After the test is complete, a report dialog box will be displayed.  Any potential errors in your menu data will be reported.


Printing a Menu

To print the currently selected menu:

1.  Select Print Current Menu from the Menu menu.  Easy Menu prints to the default printer for Windows, using the current settings for the printer.


Setting Initial Files for Windows Accessories
Setting Up the Windows Accessories

On some occasions it may be useful to have the Windows Desktop Accessories load an initial file when they are started.  This is especially useful for an accessory such as Calendar, for which you would normally use the same calendar file each time it is started.   Or it may be useful to start with a specific directory active

To specify initial files for the accessories:

1.  Select Setup Windows Accessories... from the Options menu.  (Or, when the Windows Accessories are selected in the Accessories Menu, click any of the accessory buttons while holding the SHIFT key down.)  The Initial Accessory File dialog box will be diplayed.

2.  For each of the accessories listed, type in the file you want to have loaded when the accessory starts.  You can use the TAB key to skip down to the next item.  You do not have to specify a file for all of the accessories, only for the ones you want to open an initial file.

3.  Click the OK pushbutton or press the ENTER key to save your set-up to the "menu.ini" file.  Click Cancel if you want to exit without saving the changes.

To cancel the settings for the initial file:

1.  Select Setup Windows Accessories... from the Options menu.  (Or, when the Windows Accessories are selected in the Accessories Menu, click any of the accessory buttons while holding the SHIFT key down.)  The Initial Accessory File dialog box will be diplayed.

2.  Delete the filename specified in the appropriate edit box in the Initial Accessory File dialog box.

3.  Click the OK pushbutton or press the ENTER key to save the deletion.

To specify a start-up directory:

1.  Select Setup Windows Accessories... from the Options menu.  (Or, when the Windows Accessories are selected in the Accessories Menu, click any of the accessory buttons while holding the SHIFT key down.)  The Windows Accessory Setup dialog box will be diplayed.

2.  In the Start-up Directory edit boxes enter the full path for the directory you want associated with each accessory.  You do not need to enter a directory for all of the accessories, only the ones you want to open in a specific directory.  (The default is for the accessories to open with the Windows directory active.)

3.  Click the OK pushbutton or press the ENTER key to save your set-up to the "menu.ini" file.  Click Cancel if you want to exit without saving the changes.


Setting Up User Accesssories
Setting Up the User Accessories

The Accessories Menu can be configured with either the Windows Desktop Accessories or with nine accessories which you define.

To set up your own set of accessories:

1.  Select Setup User Accessories... from the Options menu. (Or when the user accessory buttons are active in the Accessories Menu, click any of the button while holding down the SHIFT key.)

2.  In the User Accessories Setup dialog box, enter the names to appear on the faces of the pushbuttons in the Button Label: edit boxes.

3.  Enter the command lines to be executed when the buttons are clicked in the Command Line: edit boxes.  The command line can consist of an executable file name plus any command line parameters, including a file to open when the accessory starts.

4.  When Easy Menu starts the user accessories it assumes they are in your Windows directory.  If your accessories are elsewhere, you will need to specify a start-up directory in the Start-up Directory: edit boxes..

5.  Once you have defined all of the accessories you want, click the OK pushbutton or press the ENTER key.

NOTE:  Each accessory you define is assigned to one of nine function keys.  When the Accessories pushbutton menu is active in Easy Menu and the user accessories are selected, you can use the assigned function key to start the accessory.


Selecting Windows or User Accessories

Easy Menu supports two types of accessories:  (1) those supplied with Windows, and (2) utilities which the user supplies from other sources.  You select which type of accessories can be started from the Accessories Menu.

To use the Windows Desktop Accessories:

1.  Select Windows Accessories... from the Options menu.

To use the nine user-defined accessories:

1.  Select User Accessories... from the Options menu.

To toggle between the Windows and user-defined accessories:

1.  Click the Win-> or User-> buttons in the Accessory Control Pad.  You can also toggle between the Windows and user-defined accessories by pressing the SPACEBAR when Easy Menu is the active window.


Turning Accessories On and Off
Turning the Accessories Menu On and Off

You can turn the Accessories Menu on or off as you prefer.  The first time you start Easy Menu for Windows, the Accessories Menu will be on.

To turn the Accessories Menu off:

1.  Select Display Accessories from the Options menu.  The changed configuration will be saved, so the next time Easy Menu is started your preference will be used.

To turn the Accessories Menu back on:

1.  Select Display Accessories again from the Options menu.

As an alternative:

Use the - pushbutton on the Accessories Control Pad to turn the Accessories Menu off.  The + pushbutton turns the Accessories Menu on.  If you are working without a mouse, the + (plus) and - (minus) keys can be used to turn the Accessories Menu on and off.

NOTE:  The pushbuttons for the Program Manager, File Manager, and Task Manager are always available, even with the Accessories Menu turned off.


Starting the Windows Accessories
Starting the Windows Desktop Accessories

If you have the Accessories Menu configured for the Windows Desktop Accessories, you can start the accessories in several different ways.

To start a Windows Desktop Accessory:

1  Click on the appropriate button on the Accessories Menu.  Or, select the accessory from the Accessories menu on the Easy Menu menu bar.  Even if you have the Accessories Menu turned off, the accessories can be run from the pull-down menu.  To use the keyboard, (when the Accessories Menu is turned on) press the letter key corresponding to the pushbutton.  The appropriate letter is the one underlined in the pushbutton.


Starting the User Accessories

If you have the Accessories menu configured for the accessories you have defined, you can start the accessories in several different ways.

To start a user-defined accessory:

1  Click on the appropriate button on the Accessories Menu.  Or, select the accessory from the Accessories menu on the Easy Menu menu bar.  Even if you have the Accessories Menu turned off, the accessories can be run from the pull-down menu.  To use the keyboard, (when the Accessories Menu is turned on) press the function key (F1, F2, F3, etc.) assigned to the accessory when it was set up in the User Accessories dialog.


Starting an Application Not on a Menu

On occasion you may want to run an application not on an Applications Menu.

To type and run a command line:

1.  Select the Quick Run... item from the File menu.  Or, you can click the Run button if it is one of the commands you have placed on the Command Bar.  If you are using the keyboard, press the Q key.

2.  When the Quick Run dialog box appears, type the command line you want.

3.  Click the OK button or press the RETURN key.

NOTE:  You can search for an executable file to run using the Browse pushbutton.


Copying/Moving a File

To copy or move a file:

1.  Select the Copy/Move item from the File menu.  The File Copy/Move dialog box will be displayed.

2.  Select the file to copy by highlighting it in the list box in the lower left hand portion of the dialog box.

3.  Click the Select File button.  (You can move from one directory to another within the list box by highlighting the name of the directory and clicking the Change Directory button.)  The name of the selected file will be displayed in the From: text box at the top of the dialog, and the To: list box in the lower right hand portion of the dialog will be enabled.  The From: list box will be disabled.

4.  Select the drive and directory where you want to copy the file to.  (You can move to other directories by highlighting the directory name and clicking the Change Directory button.)  The currently selected directory will be displayed in the To: text box at the top of the dialog.

5.  To carry out the copy operation, click the Execute button.  After the copy is complete a message box will notify you.

If you make a mistake in specifying any of the information for the copy you can clear all your entries and start over by clicking the Reset button.  After you have copied all the files, click on Close to return to Easy Menu.

To move a file, follow the steps above for copying a file, but click the Move radio button before clicking the Execute button.


Deleting a File

To delete a file:

1.  Select Delete from the File menu.  The File Delete dialog box will be displayed.

2.  Type the name of the file to be deleted in the edit box.

3.  Click the Delete button.

If you do not know the exact name of the file, click the Browse button to open the File Browse dialog box, which will have a listing of all the files in the currently selected directory.  In the File Browse dialog, highlight the file to be deleted in the Files: list box and click the Select button.  The file name will be copied to the File Name: edit box.  Click the Delete button to delete the file.

NOTE:  You can delete a file only in the current directory, which is shown above the edit box for the file name.  If you need to change directories, click on the Browse button to display the File Browse dialog box.  In the Directories: list box, double-click the directory you want.  You can also change drives with the Drives: combo box.


Renaming a File

To rename a file:

1.  Select Rename from the File menu.  The Rename File dialog will be displayed.

2.  Type the file's current name in the From: edit box at the top of the dialog.

3.  Type the new file name in the To: edit box.

4.  Click the Rename button to carry out the rename operation.

If you do not know the exact name of the file to rename, click the Browse button to open the File Browse dialog box, which will have a listing of files in the currently selected directory.  In the File Browse dialog, highlight the file to be renamed in the Files: list box and click the Select button.  The file name will be copied to the From: edit box and the focus moved to the To: edit box ready for the new file name.

NOTE:  You can rename a file only in the current directory, which is shown above the edit box for the file name.  If you need to change directories, click on the Browse button to display the File Browse dialog box.  In the Directories: list box, double-click the directory you want.  You can also change drives with the Drives: combo box.


Creating a Directory

To create a new subdirectory on your hard disk:

1.  Select Create Directory from the File menu.  The Create Directory dialog box will be displayed.

2.  Type the new subdirectory name in the edit box.

3.  Click the Create button.  The new directory will be created in the current directory, which is shown above the edit box at the top of the dialog.

If you need to change to a different directory, click the Browse button to display the Directory Browse dialog box.  To change directories, double-click the directory in the list box.  The current directory will be shown above the list box.  When you have the directory you want, click the Select button or press the ENTER key.


Using the File Browser

The File Browser is used to find files for the Menu Item, QuickRun, File Delete, File Rename, etc, dialog boxes.

To use the File Browser to find a file:

1.  Click the Browse pushbutton in any dialog box where it is available.  The File Browse dialog is displayed

2.  Select the file you want in the Files: list box.

3.  Click the Select pushbutton, or press the ENTER key.  The name of the selected file will be pasted to the edit box of the source dialog.

To change directories within the File Browse dialog box:

1.  Double click the name of the directory in the Directories: list box, or select a directory and click the Change Directory pushbutton.  Select [..] in the Directories: list box to move up one step in the directory tree.  You can also change drives by selecting a new drive letter in the Drives: combo box.


Using the Directory Browser

The Directory Browser is used to select an existing directory for the Menu Item and Create Directory dialog boxes.

To use the Directory Browser to select a directory:

1.  Click the Browse pushbutton in the Menu Item or Create Directory dialog boxes.  The File Browse dialog is displayed

2.  Select the directory you want in the Directories: list box.

3.  Click the Select pushbutton, or press the ENTER key.  The full path of the selected directory as it appears in the text box will be pasted to the edit box of the source dialog.

To change directories within the File Browse dialog box:

1.  Double click the name of the directory in the Directories: list box, or select a directory and click the Change Directory pushbutton.  Select [..] in the Directories: list box to move up one step in the directory tree.  You can also change drives by selecting a new drive letter in the Drives: combo box.


 Getting System Information

Sometimes it is useful to get information about your system, such as how much free memory or disk space is currently available.

To get a report on system information:

1.  Select System Info... from the Help menu.  The System Information dialog box opens and displays the following information:

•	The current version of Windows.

•	Whether Windows is operating in Standard or 386 Enhanced mode.

•	The type of microprocessor in your system.

•	Whether a math coprocessor is present in the system.

•	Whether a mouse is installed.

•	The display resolution for your system.

•	The number of colors which Windows will display on your system.

•	The amount of free memory in the system.

•	The percentage of free system resources.

•	The amout of free disk space on the currently selected drive.

2.  Click the OK button or press the ENTER key to close the dialog box.


 Using System Security

The System Security... item on the Options Setup menu provides several methods for you to protect your system and data.  You can set up password protection for various tasks, and you can set attributes for key system files.  These features provide basic security for your siystem, and can be especially useful if you are using a network or are in a  office in which others may have access to your computer.

You can also optionally apply the password to the start-up of Easy Menu (and to Windows ifself if Easy Menu is the shell), the start-up of each application on the menu, the start-up of the Program and File Managers, and the use of the Windows and user accessories.  Note that if you apply the password to the Easy Menu start-up, you will have to also type your password to close Easy Menu (or your Windows session if Easy Menu is the shell).  This is useful in preventing someone from ending your Windows session in order to get access to the DOS prompt.

The System Security... dialog box also provides a means to protect critical system files.  Five files can be made read-only and/or hidden:  config.sys, autoexec.bat, win.ini, system.ini, and menu.ini.  Making the files hidden will keep others from finding the files on directory listings.  Making them read-only keeps them from being accidentally erased or modified.  Note, however, that making win.ini, system.ini, or menu.ini read-only means you will not be able to save any changes to your Windows configuration.  Also programs such as Excel and Word save their configurations to win.ini when they exit;  if win.ini is read-only protected, you may get an error message.  In addition, many programs must write to win.ini or system.ini when they are installed.  Read-only protection should be turned off before installing any new applications in Windows.

To create a password:

1.  Select System Security... from the Options Setup menu.  The System Security... dialog box will be displayed.

2.  Type your password in the Password: edit box.  So that others cannot see what you type, asterisks will be shown in the edit box as you type.  Type carefully, because you will need to type your password exactly as you type it the first time whenever you are prompted for a password (the password is case sensitive, for example).

3.  To activate the password, click the On radiobutton beside the edit box.  This automatically applies the password to two tasks:  opening the System Security... dialog box and the system lock.  You can disable the password at any time by clicking the Off radiobutton.

To apply the password to optional actions:

1.  Be sure you have created a password and turned it on.

2.  Click one or more of the desired check boxes in the Apply Password To section.

To protect system files:

1.  Click the Hidden or Read Only check boxes (or both) for each file you wish to protect.

NOTE:  File protection remains in effect even when you password has been turned off.

To use your password:

After you have entered a password and turned it on, whenever you start a task to which the password has been applied you will be prompted for the password.  If you type it wrong, the computer will beep and you can try again.  If after three tries the correct password has not been entered, the task will be cancelled.  Remember, you must enter the password exactly as it was created -- capital letters must be entered as capitals, etc.


 Using the System Lock

On occasion, when you walk away from your desk, you may want to keep others from disturbing your work in a Windows application.  Easy Menu makes it possible to lock your Windows session with the System Lock dialog box.

To set up the System Lock:

To use the system lock you first need to enter and turn on a password in the System Security... dialog box.  See Using System Security for instructions on how to create and activate a password.

To activate the System Lock (Easy Menu must be the active window):

1.  Select Lock System! from the Options menu.  Or, if System Lock has been set up as one of the command buttons, click the Lock! pushbutton on the Command Bar.  You can also use the keyboard to activate the System Lock by pressing the PAUSE key.

To unlock your system:

1.  Once the System Lock dialog box is displayed, all other Windows processing is halted.  When the system is locked, no Windows or DOS applications can be accessed.  To resume operation, enter your password in the edit box.

2. Click the OK button or press the ENTER key.


Exiting from Easy Menu

To exit Easy Menu:

1.  Select Exit (or Exit Windows... if Easy Menu for Windows is the system shell) from the File menu.  Or, if Exit has been set up as a command button, you can click the Exit pushbutton on the Command Bar.  If you are using the keyboard, you can just press the X key.

2.  If Easy Menu is the sytem shell, you will be asked to confirm that you want to exit your Windows session.  To exit, click the OK button.


Using the Keyboard

Easy Menu includes complete keyboard support for all functions.  Click a key below to review the use for each key.  (If you are not using a mouse, use SHIFT+TAB to move from key to key.  Press ENTER to view the use of the key.)

Note:  Keyboard support is also described in each topic where appropriate.


License Order Form
Easy Menu Order Form

TO:	Today's date___________

Glen S. Tittermary

P.O. Box 1641

Richmond, Virginia 23213

FROM:

Name:	_______________________________________

Company:	_______________________________________

Title:	_______________________________________

Address:	_______________________________________

City,State,Zip:	_______________________________________

Country:	_______________________________________

Phone Number:	_______________________________________

Single user license (new license)	$20.00	$________

Upgrade from earlier version (licensed users only)	 $ 7.50	$________

Diskette with programs and documentation files	$ 5.00	$________

Commercial site license  (Includes one diskette.)

2 to 10 computers ... $20 each:

# copies _____ x $20	$________

11 to 30 computers ... $150 for first 10, $10 each additional:

$150 + # copies over 10 _____ x $10	$________

31 or more computers . $450 for first 30, $ 7.50 each additional:

$450 + # copies over 30 _____ x $ 7.50	$________

Upgrade of site license for earlier versions:

$7.50 x ______ no. of copies licensed	$________

Total Enclosed	$________

Terms:  Check or Money Order drawn on a U.S.A. bank in U.S. funds.

If ordering diskette or site license please indicate diskette format:

  5.25" disk ____    3.5" disk ____


File Menu
 File Menu Commands

Quick Run...  (Alt,F,Q)

Starts an application.

Copy/Move...  (Alt,F,C)

Copies or moves a file from a source directory to a destination directory.

Delete...  (Alt,F,D)

Deletes a file.

Rename...  (Alt,F,R)

Changes the name of a file.

Create Directory...  (Alt,F,E)

Creates a new subdirectory on your hard disk.

Exit (Exit Windows...)  (Alt,F,X)

Quits Easy Menu (or Quits Windows if Easy Menu is the system shell).


Group Menu
Group Menu Commands

NOTE:  Only one group can be selected at a time.  The currently selected group will have a check mark next to it.  For each instance of Group Name below, you specify a name when you create the group.

Group A:  Group Name  (Alt,G,A)

Selects the first group (Group A).

Group B:  Group Name  (Alt,G,B)

Selects the second group (Group B).

Group C:  Group Name  (Alt,G,C)

Selects the third group (Group C).

Group D:  Group Name  (Alt,G,D)

Selects the fourth group (Group D).

Group E:  Group Name  (Alt,G,E)

Selects the fifth group (Group E).

Edit Group Names...  (Alt,G,G)

Opens the dialog box used to enter the names of the five groups.


Menu Menu
Menu Menu Commands

NOTE:  Only one menu can be selected at a time.  The currently selected menu will have a check mark next to it.  For each instance of Menu Name below, you specify a name when you create the menu.

Menu 1:  Menu Name  (Alt,M,1)

Selects the first menu.

Menu 2:  Menu Name  (Alt,M,2)

Selects the second menu.

Menu 3:  Menu Name  (Alt,M,3)

Selects the third menu.

Menu 4:  Menu Name  (Alt,M,4)

Selects the fourth menu.

Menu 5:  Menu Name  (Alt,M,5)

Selects the fifth menu.

Menu 6:  Menu Name  (Alt,M,6)

Selects the sixth menu.

Edit Menu Names...  (Alt,M,M)

Opens the dialog box used to enter the names of the six menus.

Print Current Menu  (Alt,M,P)

Prints the currently selected menu in the currently selected group.


Accessories Menu
Accessories Menu Commands

NOTE:  The Accessories Menu will have commands for the Windows Desktop Accessories or for the nine user-defined accessories based on your preference.  When user accessories are selected the commands will be the labels of the accessories you have set up.  When Windows Desktop Accessories are selected, the  commands are:

Calculator  (Alt,A,C)

Starts the Windows Calculator application.

Calendar  (Alt,A,A)

Starts the Windows Calendar application.

Cardfile  (Alt,A,D)

Starts the Windows Cardfile application.

Clipboard  (Alt,A,L)

Opens the Windows clipboard.

Clock  (Alt,A,K)

Starts the Windows Clock.

Control  (Alt,A,O)

Starts the Windows Control Panel.

Notepad  (Alt,A,N)

Starts the Windows Notepad application.

Paintbrush  (Alt,A,B)

Starts the Windows Paintbrush application.

PIF Editor  (Alt,A,I)

Starts the Windows PIF Editor.

Recorder  (Alt,A,R)

Starts the Windows Recorder application.

Terminal  (Alt,A,E)

Starts the Windows Terminal application.

Write  (Alt,A,W)

Starts the Windows Write application.


Options Menu
Options Menu Commands

Windows Accessories  (Alt,O,W)

Selects the Windows Desktop Accessories for the Accessories Menu and the Accessories Pushbutton Menu.

User Accessories  (Alt,O,U)

Selects the User Accessories for the Accessories Menu and the Accessories Pushbutton Menu.

Display Accessories  (Alt,O,D)

Toggles the Accessories Pushbutton Menu on and off.  When the Accessories Pushbutton Menu is displayed, this command will have a checkmark beside it.

Minimize on Run  (Alt,O,M)

Toggles automatic minimize on and off.  When selected, Easy Menu will minimize each time an application or accessory is started.  A checkmark beside this command means that automatic minimizing is turned on.

Setup >

Displays a submenu with the following commands:

System Shell...  (Alt,O,S,S)

Displays the dialog box for setting the system shell.

Auto Start...  (Alt,O,S,A)

Displays the dialog box for setting the applications to auto-start when Easy Menu starts.

Command Buttons...  (Alt,O,S,C)

Displays the dialog box for setting the commands to appear on the four command buttons..

Managers...  (Alt,O,S,M)

Displays the dialog box for specifying alternate program, file, and task managers.

Windows Accessories...  (Alt,O,S,W)

Displays the dialog box for specifying the initial files to load when the Calendar, Cardfile, Notepad, Paintbrush, Recorder, Terminal, or Write Desktop Accessories are started.

User Accessories...  (Alt,O,S,U)

Displays the dialog box for specifying the button label and command line for the user-defined accessories.

System Security...  (Alt,O,S,T)

Displays the dialog box for specifying a password and other security options..

Window Position >

Displays a submenu with the following commands:

Save  (Alt,O,P,S)

Saves the current position of Easy Menu and uses the coordinates to position Easy Menu the next time it is started.

Center  (Alt,O,P,C)

Centers Easy Menu on the screen.

Lock System!  (Alt,O,L)

Locks Windows as a security measure.  All applications are locked until you enter your password.  This command will be disabled if no password has been set up and turned on.


Help Menu
Help Menu Commands

Contents  (Alt,H,C)

Opens Windows Help and displays the Easy Menu Help contents page.

Keyboard  (Alt,H,K)

Opens Windows Help and displays the Easy Menu keyboard diagram.

Search for Help on...  (Alt,H,S)

Opens Windows Help and displays the Easy Menu keyword search dialog box.

How to Use Help  (Alt,H,H)

Opens Windows Help with information on how to use the Windows Help application.

System Info...  (Alt,H,I)

Displays the System Information dialog box.

About...  (Alt,H,A)

Displays the Easy Menu About dialog box.


The label is the name of the application that you want to appear next to the button in the menu.  The label can be up to 20 characters long.  For example, the label for Microsoft Excel might be MS Excel.


The command line is the executable program name and any special parameters, switches, or filenames to be passed to the program on start-up.

Examples:	c:\winword\winword.exe

c:\winword\winword.exe letter.doc

winword.exe /mFile1


The start-up directory is the directory you want to use as the working directory when the application starts.  For example, if Excel is in the directory "c:\excel" but your spreadsheets are in "c:\data", you could specify a start-up directory as c:\data.  When Excel is started, the "data" directory would be active (when you open or save files, for example).  The start-up directory is also useful for DOS programs that use configuration files, or for files that are in directories that have not been included in your PATH statement.


When an application is minimized it is turned into an icon.


The sytem shell is the program that runs when you first start Windows.  It is the program you use to start other programs and to exit from Windows.


Applications are programs you use to do work.  Microsoft Word and Excel are examples of word processing and spreadsheet applications.


Accessories are utility programs for special tasks.  The calendar, cardfile, and notepad programs shipped with Windows are examples of accessories.


A group is a collection of six menus.  In Easy Menu, you can create five groups, each with six menus, and each menu can have up to 10 menu items.


A menu is the collection of 10 pushbuttons and associated labels and command lines used to start applications.


Title Bar

At the top of the window is the title bar, which includes the Control Menu box to the left and a minimize button to the right.  The title bar for Easy Menu will always show the menu name of the currently selected menu.


Menu Bar

The menu bar has six menu items:  File, Group, Menu, Accessories, Options, and Help.


Command Bar

Below the menu bar is the Command Bar.  The Command Bar has nine pushbuttons which can be used to execute frequently used commands.  The two sets of arrow buttons, < and >, at the left end of the Command Bar are used to scroll from one group or menu to the next.  The current group letter and menu number are displayed in the text windows on the Command Bar.  Four command buttons can be configured with the commands you use most often.  Until you reconfigure the buttons, they will execute the Help, Lock!, Run, and Exit commands.  The C: (or D:, E:, etc.) button is used to select the drive to be used for the free disk space display.  The button label will change to show the drive currently selected.


System Information Display

To the right of the Command Bar are displays for the current date and time, the amount of free disk space for the currently selected drive, and the amount of free system memory.


Applications Menu

The Applications Menu consists of the ten pushbuttons used to start the applications that you specify.  The applications are defined in the Menu Item dialog box


Manager Menu

The Manager Menu has three pushbuttons for starting the Windows Program Manager, File Manager, and Task List.  You can specify alternate program, file, and task managers in the Altermante Systems Managers dialog box.


Accessories Control Pad

To the right of the Manager Menu are two pushbuttons for controling the Accessories Menu.  The Win-> (or User->) button toggles the Accessories Menu between Windows Desktop Accessories and the nine user-defined accessories. The  - (or +) button turns the Accessories Menu off and on.


Accessories Menu

The bottom portion of the window is the Accessories Pushbutton Menu.  This menu is used to start each of the Windows Desktop Accessories or the user accessories.  The accessories pushbutton menu can be turned on or off as you prefer.


Esc key

Closes a dialog box or cancels an action.  The same as clicking a Cancel pushbutton.


F1 - F9 Function keys

Start the user-defined accessories.  Functions keys are active only when the user accessories are selected for the Accessories Menu.


Pause key

Activates the System Lock.  Only active if a valid password is turned on.


1 - 0 Number keys

Start the 10 applications on the Application Menu.


Tab key

Moves the input focus from one field or pushbutton to the next in dialog boxes.


Q key

Opens the Quick Run dialog box.


W key

Starts the Windows Write accessory.  Only active if Windows accessories are selected in the Accessories Menu.


E key

Starts the Windows Terminal accessory.  Only active if Windows accessories are selected in the Accessories Menu.


R key

Starts the Windows Recorder accessory.  Only active if Windows accessories are selected in the Accessories Menu.


T key

Starts the Windows Task List or the alternative task manager you have specified.


I key

Starts the Windows PIF Editor accessory.  Only active if Windows accessories are selected in the Accessories Menu.


O key

Starts the Windows Control Panel accessory.  Only active if Windows accessories are selected in the Accessories Menu.


P key

Starts the Windows Program Manager or the alternative program manager you have specified.


A key

Starts the Windows Calendar accessory.  Only active if Windows accessories are selected in the Accessories Menu.


D key

Starts the Windows Cardfile accessory.  Only active if Windows accessories are selected in the Accessories Menu.


F key

Starts the Windows File Manager or the alternative file manager you have specified.


H key

Opens Easy Menu Help.


K key

Starts the Windows Clock accessory.  Only active if Windows accessories are selected in the Accessories Menu.


L key

Starts the Windows Clipboard accessory.  Only active if Windows accessories are selected in the Accessories Menu.


Colon key

Opens the dialog box used to select the disk drive for which to display free space in the System Information Display.


Enter key

Executes an action in a dialog box.  The same as clicking an OK pushbutton.


Shift keys

Used with the 1-0 number keys to open the Menu Item dialog box used to create and edit items on the Applications Menu.


X key

Exits Easy Menu, or ends you Windows session if Easy Menu is the system shell.


C key

Starts the Windows Calculator accessory.  Only active if Windows accessories are selected in the Accessories Menu.


B key

Starts the Windows Paintbrush accessory.  Only active if Windows accessories are selected in the Accessories Menu.


N key

Starts the Windows Notepad accessory.  Only active if Windows accessories are selected in the Accessories Menu.


Alt keys

Activates the Easy Menu menu bar.


Space key

Toggles between Windows Desktop Accessories and user accessories on the Accessories Menu.


PgUp and PgDn keys

Scrolls from the current group to the next or previous group.


Arrow keys

Scrolls from the current menu to the next or previous menu.


+ (Plus) and - (minus) keys

Turns the Accessories Menu on and off.