Main Index
Software Manager Help Index

Introduction

What is Software Manager?

Key product features

Shareware concept

Registration

Commands

File menu

Edit menu

View menu

Configuration menu

Software menu

Window menu

Tools menu

Help menu

Other Topics

Registration Database Backups

Configuration File Backups

Contacting PCSoft


Open System File Backup
Open System File Backup dialog box

Select the name of the configuration file and press the Open button.

The next dialog box will display a selection list of available backups for the configuration file you selected.


Configuration File Backups (Including Registration Database)

Note: In the discussion below the term "System File" refers to DOS and Windows files that store startup commands and configuration parameters (ex. INI files, AUTOEXEC.BAT).

The Software Manager automatically creates a backup version configuration files when modified using the text editor. Configuration file backup versions are also automatically created when you start a program specifically designed to modify configuration files like SETUP and the Control Panel.  Additionally, a backup version of the registration database (REG.DAT) is created when the registration database editor is started from Software Manager.

The backup versions are accessed using the Open System File Backup command on the Configuration menu. The files are stored under the Software Manager VAULT subdirectory.

The Registration Database file  (REG.DAT) backup versions can not be opened from within the

the Software Manager. To replace the current version with a backup version, copy the backup version from the VAULT\REGDAT subdirectory to the main windows directory.

Additionally, each time a software application is installed or uninstalled all configuration files are

stored in the VAULT\CFGSAVE subdirectory. These files include AUTOEXEC.BAT, CONFIG.SYS,

WINDOWS\*.INI, WINDOWS\*.GRP, and REG.DAT.

You can delete backup versions from any directory under the VAULT subdirectory without affecting the performance of the Software Manager.


Contacting PCSoft

To obtain technial support regarding this product, call PCSoft at the number listed below. For questions about  a specific application program, contact the software manufacturer.

Your feedback regarding this product is valuable. If you have a comment or suggestion to make

this product better, please contact PCSoft.

Address and Phone Numbers:

PCSoft

25 Mt. Lassen Drive

San Rafael, CA 94903

Phone: (415) 492-0123

FAX:     (415) 492-8950


Registration

If you use this product for more than 30 days, you are required to register your copy with PCSoft. Registered users will receive special upgrade offers for future versions of this product.

The registration fee is $29.95. If you currently use another commercial or shareware product specifically designed to install and uninstall application software, then you may upgrade to the Software Manager for only $9.95. Contact PCSoft for site license information.

The file REGISTER.TXT contains the registration form and instructions.

Related Topic

Contacting PCSoft


Software Manager Key Features
Product Key Features

Listed below are the key features of Software Manager, version 3.00.

      *User Interface

       - Context sensitive help

       - Toolbar for quick access to common commands

       - Status bar

       - Provides standard short-cut keys

       - Toolbar access to DOS command line

       - Interfaces with any File Manager, Print Manager, Backup Software,

         Anti-Virus Software, and System Information Software.

       - Provides help on system.ini and win.ini files as well as the

         Windows registration database.

     * Full featured ASCII text/INI file editor

       - Handles files larger than Notepad and Sysedit

       - Allows multiple files to be opened at the same time

       - Cut, Paste, Copy between multiple open files

       -  Find and Find Replace functions

       - Print Preview

       - Automatic backup of windows INI files when modified

         (an unlimited number of backup versions is supported)

     * Install Wizard

       - Automatically archives configuration files before installation

       - Provides step-by-step instructions to safely install a

         new application

       - Generates comprehensive report of system changes.

       - Sophisticated restart engine allows system changes to be

         analyzed even if the system is restarted during the installation

         process.

       - Supports both Windows and DOS product installations

     * Uninstall Wizard

       - Automatically archives configuration files before software

         removal.

       - Generates a step-by-step procedure to remove an application.

         (The next release of this product will include a automated

         uninstall feature).


 Shareware Concept

Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying it.

If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are expected to

register. Individual programs differ on details -- some request

registration while others require it, some specify a maximum trial period.

With registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using

the software to an updated program with printed manual

Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the

copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions as

stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like

commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality. (In both

cases, there are good programs and bad ones!) The main difference is in

the method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to

copy and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a

specific group. For example, some authors require written permission

before a commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware.

Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should find

software that suits your needs and budget, whether it's commercial or

Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because

you can try before you buy. And because the overhead is low, prices are

low also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't

use the product, you don't pay for it.


Product Description
What is Software Manager?

The Software Manager(tm) is a Shareware product that provides three wizards to help you manage the system and application software on your computer. The wizards eliminate the risk and guesswork associated with installing new software, removing software, maintaining Windows initialization  (INI) files, and maintaining DOS configuration files (AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS).

The installation wizard guides you through the steps required to safely install new software, and creates a comprehensive report of changes made to your system by the installation process.

The uninstall wizard simplifies the complex task of removing all traces of an existing application from your system. Using an expert system, the uninstall wizard guides you through the steps required to safely uninstall an application.

The configuration file wizard provides a full featured ASCII text editor to modify DOS and Windows(tm) configuration files. The text editor can handle larger text files than Notepad and Sysedit. An automatic backup is created when a configuration file is changed. Difference reporting allows review of changes between current and previous versions of a configuration file.

The Software Manager was designed for both novice and expert Windows users.


File menu commands

The File menu offers the following commands:

New	Creates a new document.
Open	Opens an existing document.
Close	Closes an opened document.
Save	Saves an opened document using the same file name.
Save As	Saves an opened document to a specified file name.
Print	Prints a document.
Print Preview	Displays the document on the screen as it would appear printed.
Print Setup	Selects a printer and printer connection.
Run	Execute a program.
DOS Prompt	Run commands from the DOS prompt.
Exit	Exits Software Manager.


Edit menu commands

The Edit menu offers the following commands:

Undo	Reverse previous editing operation.
Cut	Deletes data from the document and moves it to the clipboard.
Copy	Copies data from the document to the clipboard.
Paste	Pastes data from the clipboard into the document.
Delete	Deletes selected text from the current document.
Find	Find first occurrence text in the current document.
Find Next	Find other occurrences of text in the current document.
Replace	Replace text in the current document.
Select All	Select all text in the current document.


View menu
View menu commands

The View menu offers the following commands:

Toolbar	Shows or hides the toolbar.
Status Bar	Shows or hides the status bar.
Set Tab Stops	Set tab stops for the current document.
Set Font Bar	Set the text font for the current document.
Set Printer Font	Set the text font to be used when printing the current document.
Mirror Display Font	Use the same to edit and print the current document.


Window menu
Window menu commands

The Window menu offers the following commands, which enable you to arrange multiple views of multiple documents in the application window:

New Window	Creates a new window that views the same document.
Cascade	Arranges windows in an overlapped fashion.
Tile	Arranges windows in non-overlapped tiles.
Arrange Icons	Arranges icons of closed windows.
Window 1, 2, ...	Goes to specified window.


Configurationmenu
Configuration menu commands

The configuration  menu offers the following commands, which allow you to easily manage configuration files.

Open AUTOEXEC.BAT	Opens the DOS startup batch file.
Open CONFIG.SYS	Opens the DOS startup configuration file.
Open WIN.INI	Opens the Windows WIN.INI initialization file.
Open SYSTEM.INI	Opens the Windows SYSTEM.INI initialization file.
Open All Files	Opens all four configuration files like Sysedit.
Run Control Panel	Runs the Control Panel.
Run Setup	Runs the Windows Setup program.


Software Menu
Software menu commands

The software  menu offers the following commands, which allow you to easily and safely install and uninstall application software

Start Installation	Start application installation process.
End Installation	End application installation process and generate report.
Uninstall	Uninstall application software.


Tools menu

Tools menu commands

The Tools  menu offers the following commands:

File Manager	Start File Manager.
Print Manager	Start Print Manager.
System Information	Obtain system information.
Preferences	Customize Software Manager.
Backup Software	Run your backup software.
Anti-Virus Software	Run your Anti-Virus software.
Distribution Diskette	Procedure to build an error-free distribution diskette.
Emergency Boot Diskette	Procedure to build a diskette that can restart this system.


Help menu
Help menu commands

The Help menu offers the following commands, which provide you assistance with this application:

Index	Offers you an index to topics on which you can get help.
Using Help	Provides general instructions on using help.
SYSTEM.INI File Settings	Provides information about the Windows SYSTEM.INI File.
WIN.INI File Settings	Provides information about the Windows WIN.INI File.
Registration DB  Index	Help index for the Registration Database Editor (REGEDIT.EXE).
About	Displays the version number of this application.


File New command
New command (File menu)

Use this command to create a new document in Software Manager.

You can open an existing document with the Open command.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+N


File Open command
Open command (File menu)

Use this command to open an existing document in a new window.  You can open multiple documents at once.  Use the Window menu to switch among the multiple open documents.

 See Window 1, 2, ... command.

You can create new documents with the New command.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+O


File Open Dialog
File Open dialog box

The following options allow you to specify which file to open:

File Name

Type or select the filename you want to open.  This box lists files with the extension you select in the List Files of Type box.

List Files of Type

Select the type of file you want to open:

Drives

Select the drive in which stores the file that you want to open.

Directories

Select the directory in which stores the file that you want to open.


File Close command
Close command (File menu)

Use this command to close all windows containing the active document.  The Software Manager suggests that you save changes to your document before you close it.  If you close a document without saving, you lose all changes made since the last time you saved it.  Before closing an untitled document, the Software Manager displays the Save As dialog box and suggests that you name and save the document.

You can also close a document by using the Close icon on the document's window, as shown below:


File Save command
Save command (File menu)

Use this command to save the active document to its current name and directory.  When you save a document for the first time, the Software Manager displays the Save As dialog box so you can name your document.  If you want to change the name and directory of an existing document before you save it, choose the Save As command.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+S


File Save As command
Save As command (File menu)

Use this command to save and name the active document.  The Software Manager displays the Save As dialog box so you can name your document.

To save a document with its existing name and directory, use the Save command.


File Save Dialog
File Save As dialog box

The following options allow you to specify the name and location of the file you're about to save:

File Name

Type a new filename to save a document with a different name.  A filename can contain up to eight characters and an extension of up to three characters.

Drives

Select the drive in which you want to store the document.

Directories

Select the directory in which you want to store the document.


File 1, 2, 3, 4 command
1, 2, 3, 4 command (File menu)

Use the numbers and filenames listed at the bottom of the File menu to open the last four documents you closed.  Choose the number that corresponds with the document you want to open.


File Exit command
Exit command (File menu)

Use this command to end your Software Manager session.  You can also use the Close command on the application Control menu.  The Software Manager  prompts you to save documents with unsaved changes.

Shortcuts

Mouse:	Double-click the application's Control menu button.

Keys:	ALT+F4


Undo
Undo command (Edit menu)

Use this command to reverse the last editing action, if possible. This command is dimmed  on the menu if you cannot reverse your last action.

Shortcuts

Keys:	CTRL+Z or

ALT-BACKSPACE


Cut Command
Cut command (Edit menu)

Use this command to remove the currently selected data from the document and put it on the clipboard.  This command is unavailable if there is no data currently selected.

Cutting data to the clipboard replaces the contents previously stored there.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+X


Copy Command
Copy command (Edit menu)

Use this command to copy selected data onto the clipboard.  This command is unavailable if there is no data currently selected.

Copying data to the clipboard replaces the contents previously stored there.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+C


Edit Paste Command
Paste command (Edit menu)

Use this command to insert a copy of the clipboard contents at the insertion point.  This command is unavailable if the clipboard is empty.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+V


View Toolbar command
Toolbar command (View menu)

Use this command to display and hide the Toolbar, which includes buttons for some of the most common commands in the Software Manager, such as File Open.  A check mark appears next to the menu item when the Toolbar is displayed.

See Toolbar for help on using the toolbar.


Toolbar

The toolbar is displayed across the top of the application window, below the menu bar.  The toolbar provides quick mouse access to many tools used in The Software Manager.

To hide or display the Toolbar, choose Toolbar from the View menu (ALT, V, T).


View Status Bar Command
Status Bar command (View menu)

Use this command to display and hide the Status Bar, which describes the action to be executed by the selected menu item or depressed toolbar button, and keyboard latch state. A check mark appears next to the menu item when the Status Bar is displayed.

See Status Bar for help on using the status bar.


Status Bar

The status bar is displayed at the bottom of the Software Manager window.  To display or hide the status bar, use the Status Bar command in the View menu.

The left area of the status bar describes actions of menu items as you use the arrow keys to navigate through menus.  This area similarly shows messages that describe the actions of toolbar buttons as you depress them, before releasing them.  If after viewing the description of the toolbar button command you wish not to execute the command, then release the mouse button while the pointer is off the toolbar button.

The right areas of the status bar indicate which of the following keys are latched down:

Indicator	Description

CAP	The Caps Lock key is latched down.

NUM	The Num Lock key is latched down.

SCRL	The Scroll Lock key is latched down.


Cascade Command
Cascade command (Window menu)

Use this command to arrange multiple opened windows in an overlapped fashion.


Tile Command
Tile command (Window menu)

Use this command to arrange multiple opened windows in a non-overlapped fashion.


Tile Horizontal command (Window menu)

Use this command to vertically arrange multiple opened windows in a non-overlapped fashion.


Tile Vertical command (Window menu)

Use this command to arrange multiple opened windows side by side.


Arrange Icons
Window Arrange Icons Command

Use this command to arrange the icons for minimized windows at the bottom of the main window.  If there is an open document window at the bottom of the main window, then some or all of the icons may not be visible because they will be underneath this document window.


1,2,3 Command
1, 2, ... command (Window menu)

The Software Manager displays a list of currently open document windows at the bottom of the Window menu.  A check mark appears in front of the document name of the active window.  Choose a document from this list to make its window active.


Help Index Command
Index command (Help menu)

Use this command to display the opening screen of Help.  From the opening screen, you can jump to step-by-step instructions for using the Software Manager  and various types of reference information.

Once you open Help, you can click the Contents button whenever you want to return to the opening screen.


Help Using Command
Using Help command (Help menu)

Use this command for instructions about using Help.


About Command
About command (Help menu)

Use this command to display the copyright notice and version number of your copy of Software Manager.


Help Using Help Command
Context Help command

Use the Context Help command to obtain help on some portion of Software Manager.  When you choose the Toolbar's Context Help button, the mouse pointer will change to an arrow and question mark.  Then click somewhere in the Software Manager  window, such as another Toolbar button.  The Help topic will be shown for the item you clicked.

Shortcut

Keys:	SHIFT+F1


Title Bar

The title bar is located along the top of a window.  It contains the name of the application and document.

To move the window, drag the title bar.  Note: You can also move dialog boxes by dragging their title bars.

A title bar may contain the following elements:

Application Control-menu button

Document Control-menu button

Maximize button

Minimize button

Name of the application

Name of the document

Restore button


Scroll bars

Displayed at the right and bottom edges of the document window.  The scroll boxes inside the scroll bars indicate your vertical and horizontal location in the document.  You can use the mouse to scroll to other parts of the document.


Size command (System menu)

Use this command to display a four-headed arrow so you can size the active window with the arrow keys.

After the pointer changes to the four-headed arrow:

1.	Press one of the DIRECTION keys (left, right, up, or down arrow key) to move the pointer to the border you want to move.

2.	Press a DIRECTION key to move the border.

3.	Press ENTER when the window is the size you want.

Note:  This command is unavailable if you maximize the window.

Shortcut

Mouse:	Drag the size bars at the corners or edges of the window.


Move command (Control menu)

Use this command to display a four-headed arrow so you can move the active window or dialog box with the arrow keys.

Note:  This command is unavailable if you maximize the window.

Shortcut

Keys:	CTRL+F7


System Minimize Command
Minimize command (application Control menu)

Use this command to reduce the Software Manager  window to an icon.

Shortcut

Mouse:	Click the minimize icon [image] on the title bar.

Keys:	ALT+F9


Maximize command (System menu)

Use this command to enlarge the active window to fill the available space.

Shortcut

Mouse:	Click the maximize icon [image] on the title bar; or double-click the title bar.

Keys:	CTRL+F10 enlarges a document window.


Next Window command (document Control menu)

Use this command to switch to the next open document window.  The Software Manager determines which window is next according to the order in which you opened the windows.

Shortcut

Keys:	CTRL+F6


Previous Window command (document Control menu)

Use this command to switch to the previous open document window.  The Software Manager determines which window is previous according to the order in which you opened the windows.

Shortcut

Keys:	SHIFT+CTRL+F6


Close command (Control menus)

Use this command to close the active window or dialog box.

Double-clicking a Control-menu box is the same as choosing the Close command.

Note:  If you have multiple windows open for a single document, the Close command on the document Control menu closes only one window at a time.  You can close all windows at once with the Close command on the File menu.

Shortcuts

Keys: 	CTRL+F4 closes a document window

ALT+F4 closes the  window or dialog box


Restore command (Control menu)

Use this command to return the active window to its size and position before you chose the Maximize or Minimize command.


Switch to command (application Control menu)

Use this command to display a list of all open applications.  Use this "Task List" to switch to or close an application on the list.

Shortcut

Keys:	CTRL+ESC

Dialog Box Options

When you choose the Switch To command, you will be presented with a dialog box with the following options:

Task List

Select the application you want to switch to or close.

Switch To

Makes the selected application active.

End Task

Closes the selected application.

Cancel

Closes the Task List box.

Cascade

Arranges open applications so they overlap and you can see each title bar.  This option does not affect applications reduced to icons.

Tile

Arranges open applications into windows that do not overlap.  This option does not affect applications reduced to icons.

Arrange Icons

Arranges the icons of all minimized applications across the bottom of the screen.


Choose Font Dialog
Choose Font dialog box

This dialog box allows you to change the presentation of a document


Edit Find Command
Find command (Edit menu)

Use this command to locate text in the active document.


Find Dialog
Find dialog box

This dialog box allows you to specify specific text to find in the current document.


Edit Replace Command
Replace command (Edit menu)

Search and replace text.


Replace Dialog
Replace dialog box

Place the text you want to replace in the Find What box. Place the replacement text in the Replace With Box


Edit Repeat Command
Find Next command (Edit menu)

Use this command to find other occurrences of text in the current document. This command will find text specified in the Find dialog box..

Shortcut

Key:	F4


Select All Command
Select All command (Edit menu)

Use this command to select all text in the current document.


Edit Delete Command
Delete command (Edit menu)

Delete selected text from the current document.


DOS Commands
DOS Prompt (File menu)

Run DOS functions from the DOS command line.

Hint: For information about DOS commands, type HELP on the command line.


Run Command
Run (File menu)

Use this option to run other programs from Software Manager. This option operates the same

as the File Run command in the Program Manager.


No Help Available

No help is available for this area of the window.


No Help Available

No help is available for this message box.


Mirror Display Font
Mirror Display Font (View menu)

Use this option to use the same font to display and print the current document.


Set Font
Set Font (View menu)

Use this option to set the font for text in the current document.


Set Tab Stops
Set Tab Stops (View menu)

Use this option to set the number of characters to insert when the tab key is pressed.


Word Wrap
Word Wrap (Edit menu)

Toggles word wrap mode on and off.


Page Setup
Page Setup (File menu)

Use this option to specify header and trailers for the current document.


Print Font
Set Printer Font (View menu)

Sets the font to be used when printing the current document.


Open AUTOEXEC.BAT
Open AUTOEXEC.BAT (Configuration menu)

AUTOEXEC.BAT is a DOS batch file that contains commands that are executed whenever

the system is rebooted. This command opens AUTOEXEC.BAT.


Open CONFIG.SYS
Open CONFIG.SYS File (Configuration menu)

CONFIG.SYS is a DOS file that contains configuration commands that are executed whenever

the system is rebooted. This command opens CONFIG.SYS.


Open SYSTEM.INI File
Open SYSTEM.INI File (Configuration menu)

SYSTEM.INI is a  Windows initialization file that stores information about the Windows environment. This file is located in the main Windows directory and is opened with this command.

HINT:  For information about the settings in this file select the SYSTEM.INI File Settings option in the Help menu.


Run Setup
Run Setup (Configuration menu)

Use this option to run the Windows SETUP program.


Run REGEDIT
Run REGEDIT (Configuration menu)

Use this option to run the Windows Registration Database Editor.

HINT: For more information about the Windows Registration Database, select the Registration Database Help Index option in the Help menu.


Start Installation
Start Installation (Software menu)

Use this option to begin installing a new application software product. Remember to select the End Installation option after the new application is installed.

Related Topics

Application Information

Install Options

Perform Application Installation

End Installation


Uninstall Software
Uninstall (Software menu)

Use this option to remove an application software product.


File Manager
File Manager (Tools menu)

Use this option to run the File Manager.

NOTE: Either the default Windows File Manager or a third-party File Manager can be used. To specify  the File Manager startup command, select the Preferences option in the Tools menu.


Print Manager
Print Manager (Tools menu)

Use this option to run the Print Manager.

NOTE: Either the default Windows Print Manager or a third-party Print Manager can be used. To specify  the Print Manager startup command, select the Preferences option in the Tools menu.


backup
Backup Software (Tools menu)

Use this option to run your backup software.

NOTE: Specify the backup software startup command  by selecting Preferences in the Tools menu.


Anti-Virus
Anti-Virus Software (Tools menu)

Use this option to run your virus detection software

NOTE: Specify the Anti-Virus software startup command  by selecting Preferences in the Tools menu.


Distribution
Distribution Diskette (Tools menu)

Use this option to create an error-free Software Manager distribution diskette.


Boot Diskette
Emergency Boot Diskette (Tools menu)

Use this option to create a boot diskette. A boot diskette is a floppy diskette than can restart a computer. This option provides two procedures: Required and Optional. The required procedure outlines the steps required to build a diskette that will restart a computer. The optional procedure outlines the steps required to copy programs to the boot diskette that aid in system diagnosis and recovery.


System File Backups
Open System File Backup (Configuration menu)

Use this option to open a previous version to system configuration files. A backup version of the following files is automatically created each time they are modified in the Software Manager:

AUTOEXEC.BAT

CONFIG.SYS

SYSTEM.INI

WIN.INI

Additionally, an archive version of  REG.DAT is created each time the registration database editor is run from Software Manager.


End Installation
End Installation (Software menu)

Select this option after completing an application installation.

After selecting this option, the Software Manager will analyze changes made by the installation process and generate a Installation Summary Report.

Related Topic

 Start Installation.


System Information
System Information (Tools menu)

Use this option to obtain information about this system.

NOTE: Any system information tool can be used. By default the MSD.EXE program is executed.

Use the Preferences option in the Tools menu to specify the startup command for a different

system information program.


Preferences
Preferences (Tools menu)

Use this option to customize this copy of Software Manager.


SYSTEM.INI Help
SYSTEM.INI File Settings (Help menu)

Use this option to obtain additional information about the SYSTEM.INI file.

NOTE: This option opens the SYSINI.WRI file that is part of the Windows 3.1 Operating System.


WIN.INI Help
WIN.INI File Settings

Use this option to obtain additional information about the WIN.INI file.

NOTE: This option opens the WININI.WRI file that is part of the Windows 3.1 Operating System.


Regedit Help
Registration Database Help Index (Help menu)

Use this option to obtain additional information about the Windows Registration Database and

associated editor (REGEDIT.EXE).

NOTE: This option uses help files that are part of the Windows 3.1 Operating System.


Page Setup
Page Setup dialog

Use this option to set  page headers and page trailers for the current document.


Set Tab Stops
Set Tab Stops dialog

Use this option to set tab stops for the current document.


Run Program
Run Program dialog

Specify the program to execute in on the command line.

Press the File Manager button to start the File Manager.


System File Backups
Open System File Backup Version dialog

Use this option to open a specific system file backup version.

The selection list provides the archive file name and the date the file was last modified.

Check the Generate Difference Report box to create a report of differences between the current

version and selected backup version.

Note: The backup files have a number in their name. This number is not always sequential and

gaps may exist. The Software Manager does not generate this number in a sequential fashion.

However, the file with the highest number in its' name is the last backup version created.


Application Information
Application Information dialog

Specify the name and version of the application being installed.


Install Options
Install Options dialog

Select the options to be performed before and after installing a new application.

Create Boot Diskette

Before installing new software, you should make sure a boot diskette is available. A boot 	disk will be very useful in the unlikely event system files are damaged by the installation process. Select this option to create a boot diskette. By default, this option is not selected.

Check Installation Disk(s) for Viruses

It is recommended that all installation disks be scanned for viruses before performing the installation process. By default, this option is selected.

Backup Installation Disks

Select this option to run your backup software to create a duplicate set of installationdisks. This option ensures your software investment will be protected. By default, thisoption is not selected.

Generate Installation Report

Select this option to generate a complete report of system changes made by the installation process. By default, this option is selected.


Backup Install Disks
Backup Installation Disk(s) dialog

Use this option to duplicate the installation disks for an application. This will ensure your software investment is protected.

The buttons in the toolkit are used to perform the backup process. The Backup Software button

will run the backup program specified in the Preferences option on the Tools menu. The File Manager button will start the file manager. The DOS prompt will allow you to enter commands on the DOS command line.

NOTE: After creation of installation backup disks, remember to press the Next Step button to continue the installation process.


Application Install
Perform Application Installation dialog

After pressing the OK button, the Software Manager will give back complete control of the system to you.

1. Follow the vendors application installation instructions. For example, the installation instructions

    may be: Run  A:\SETUP.EXE from the Program Manager or File Manager.

2. After completing the application installation specific steps select the End Installation option on t

    Software menu.

NOTE:  The Software Manager will report all changes made to the system from when the OK button is pressed until the End Installation command is selected.


Install::Boot diskette
Create Boot Diskette dialog

Use this option to create a boot diskette that can restart your computer. A boot diskette can be made by selecting starting the File Manager and selecting the Create System Diskette command on the Disk menu  or  by using the following DOS command:

FORMAT  A: /S      or      FORMAT B: /S

Use the File Manager button in the toolbox to start the File Manager. Use the DOS Prompt button to run the FORMAT command from the DOS command line.

See BOOTPRO.TXT file for additional information about boot diskettes.

NOTE: After a boot disk is created,  remember to press the Next Step button to continue the installation process.


Install: Virus Detection
Check Installation Disk(s) for Viruses dialog

Press the Anti-Virus button in the toolbox to start your Anti-Virus software. The Anti-Virus startup command specified in the Preferences option on the Tools menu will be executed.

The File Manager and DOS prompt are also available by pressing the other toolbox buttons.

NOTE: After a boot disk is created,  remember to press the Next Step button to continue the installation process.


Preference Dialog
Preferences dialog

Specify runtime options.

File Manager

Specify the File Manager startup command.

Anti-Virus Program

Specify the startup command for your Anti-Virus program.

Backup Program

Specify the startup command for your backup program

Print Manager

Specify the startup command for your print manager.

System Information

Specify the startup command for your system information program.

Max Tasks

The Software Manager will remind you to close other applications when this number of applications is already running when you start an installation. A value of 0 disables this feature. For example, suppose the only task running when you start windows is the Program Manager and Max Tasks is set to 1. Before you start an installation, you started Excel and opened an important spreadsheet. The Software Manager will remind you that  other tasks are running (EXCEL in this case). Why is this important? In rare cases, software installation programs will reboot the system without  warning and any changes made to open docuements would be lost.

Root Drive

Specify the root drive for this system. If your machine boots from the C: drive, then the value of this option is C:. Likewise, if your machine boots from drive D:, then the value of this option is D:.


Uninstall
Uninstall Application dialog

Specify the application to be removed and press Select button.  After selecting the application, the Software Manager will determine the best procedure to remove the software and provide you with a step-by-step procedure on how to proceed.

NO SOFTWARE COMPONENT WILL BE REMOVED WITHOUT CONFIRMATION!

NOTE: Future versions of this product will automate the uninstall process. The automated uninstall process is currently being tested at PCSoft and will be available soon!

Registered users will be contacted by mail when the automated uninstall is released.


Open WIN.INI
Open WIN.INI File (Configuration menu)

WIN.INI is a  Windows initialization file that stores information about the Windows environment. This file is located in the main Windows directory and is opened with this command.

HINT:  For information about the settings in this file select the WIN.INI File Settings option in the Help menu.


Open configuration files
Open All Files (Configuration menu)

Use this option to open the four main configuration files: AUTOEXEC.BAT, CONFIG.SYS,  WIN.INI and SYSTEM.INI.

This function is similar to Sysedit. However,  this option can open larger

configuration files than Sysedit.


Control Panel
Control Panel (Configuration menu)

Use this option to start the control panel.

The control panel is used to modify most Windows settings such as printing parameters  and colors.


File Print command
Print command (File menu)

Use this command to print a document.   This command presents a Print dialog box, where you may specify the range of pages to be printed, the number of copies, the destination printer, and other printer setup options.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+P


Print dialog box

The following options allow you to specify how the document should be printed:

Printer

This is the active printer and printer connection.  Choose the Setup option to change the printer and printer connection.

Setup

Displays a Print Setup dialog box, so  you can select a printer and printer connection.

Print Range

Specify the pages you want to print:

All	Prints the entire document.
Selection	Prints the currently selected text. (Not available in version 3.00)
Pages	Prints the range of pages you specify in the From and To boxes.
Copies

Specify the number of copies you want to print for the above page range.

Collate Copies

Prints copies in page number order, instead of separated multiple copies of each page.

Print Quality

Select the quality of the printing.  Generally, lower quality printing takes less time to produce.


Print Progress Dialog

The Printing dialog box is shown during the time that Software Manager is sending output to the printer.  The page number indicates the progress of the printing.

To abort printing, choose Cancel.


File Print Preview command
Print Preview command (File menu)

Use this command to display the active document as it would appear when printed.  When you choose this command, the main window will be replaced with a print preview window in which one or two pages will be displayed in their printed format.  The print preview toolbar offers you options to view either one or two pages at a time; move back and forth through the document; zoom in and out of pages; and initiate a print job.


Print Preview toolbar

The print preview toolbar offers you the following options:

Print

Bring up the print dialog box, to start a print job.

Next Page

Preview the next printed page.

Prev Page

Preview the previous printed page.

One Page / Two Page

Preview one or two printed pages at a time.

Zoom In

Take a closer look at the printed page.

Zoom Out

Take a larger look at the printed page.

Close

Return from print preview to the editing window.


File Print Setup command
Print Setup command (File menu)

Use this command to select a printer and a printer connection.  This command presents a Print Setup dialog box, where you specify the printer and its connection.


Print Setup dialog box

The following options allow you to select the destination printer and its connection.

Printer

Select the printer you want to use.  Choose the Default Printer; or choose the Specific Printer option and select one of the current installed printers shown in the box.  You install printers and configure ports using the Windows Control Panel.

Orientation

Choose Portrait or Landscape.

Paper Size

Select the size of paper that the document is to be printed on.

Paper Source

Some printers offer multiple trays for different paper sources.  Specify the tray here.

Options

Displays a dialog box where you can make additional choices about printing, specific to the type of printer you have selected.