%%30,62,3%% READ & RUN (tm) Copyright (C) Techserve, inc. 1988 "READ & RUN" ("RNR") provides the capability to read ASCII text files on screen and to execute program files from a single integrated menu handling up to 52 files. Text files may be compressed to save disk space (2 to 1 compression ratio) and are automatically decompressed when loaded for display or printing. Licensed versions of RNR provide a menu "locking" capability and allow users to append their own advertising copy for distribution by electronic media. RNR is an ideal tool for software publishers and DP managers to integrate software and documentation for novice users. It additionally is an ideal vehicle for authors and advertisers to publish their works in the electronic media. "READ & RUN" is executed by typing the command "RNR" at the DOS ">" prompt, followed by a list of the program files and text files to be read or run: A>rnr myprog1.com myprog2.exe readme1.doc readme2.txt readme.3.cmp Using the notation "*.*" causes RNR to read the current disk directory and add all text and program files to the RNR menu, e.g.: A>rnr *.* Prefixing with a drive and path designator, sets a path and loads the menu files from the specified path: A>rnr c:\mydir\*.* New menus may be loaded without re-starting RNR by using the "Path" command as follows: Path : c:\targdir\*.* Executing the "Save" command (Alt+S) saves the file list so that subse- quently one only need type "RNR" when executing the program (or the "*.*" may be omitted when doing the "path" command). The menu is saved in the RNR.EXE file if in the current directory, otherwise they are saved in the path directory in a file named "RNR.MNU". The "Add" (Alt+A) command permits adding files to an existing the menu. Prefacing the file name with "D)" (or other letter) puts the file in the 4th position, e.g.: Add file : d) myfile.doc RNR automatically interprets all files with extensions ".EXE" or ".COM" as program files which may be executed, and all files with extensions ".DOC" or ".TXT" as text files which may be read. ".BAT" type files may also be run provided a copy of DOS's "COMMAND.COM" is in the directory from which RNR is being run. ".CMP" files are compressed text files which may be produced using the "compress" function on the Utility Menu (Alt+U command). The set of recognized file extensions may be augmented by executing the run command as follows: A>rnr *.* /d.mmo /p.cmd This adds ".MMO" to the recognized text files and ".CMD" to the recognized program files. When printing documentation files using RNR, you will be prompted for number of pages. Since printing will start at the top of the currently displayed page, this refers to the number of pages from that point. You are also prompted for printer setup codes. This allows you to set printer type size and margin. Refer to your printer manual for codes for your printer. ASCII values for codes may be entered by depressing the "Alt" key and simultaneously typing in the numeric ASCII value from the number keypad. Upon releasing the "Alt" key you will see on screen the icon or letter representing the ASCII value. When viewing text files, alternative display modes may be invoked by toggling "Alt+M". Depending on your display type (CGA, MCGA, EGA or VGA) the number of columns and lines displayed will change. Text which extends beyond the right edge of the screen may be viewed by toggling "Alt+W" so "Wrap=On'. Scrolling may be started/stopped by toggling the "F10" or "Del" keys. Color may be changed by setting color parameters on the first line of a text file to produce colored boxes such as follows: 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴커 � � � This is an example of a colored box. � � � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴켸 RNR uses about 70K of memory in addition to memory required by object programs and their data. If the object program is very large memory-wise or your PC does not have much memory you may need to run the program outside of RNR. RNR dynamically adjusts its text file read buffer in 16K increments to hold text files. Thus text files of up to 512K+ (uncompressed size) may be read on a PC with 640K memory. Registered users may install an advertisement in the "Info" section of RNR and may "Lock" the menu and configurations so that RNR may be Unless specifically prohibited (see below), unaltered copies of RNR designated "shareware" may be copyied and distributed provided charges are limited to cost of media and distibution, but no more than $10/copy. RNR may be Arc'd or compressed for BBS distribution. Shareware Support - If you are an RNR shareware user, your registration is needed to support continue upgrading of RNR and development of other Techserve, inc. software products. This is especially critical in the face of new PC technology (386 PC's, OS/2, VGA displays, laser printers, high speed modems, scanners, etc) which require substantial capital investment as well as time to make software which is compatible with and utilizes fully these technologies. In addition to registering, we also appreciate any efforts you make to further spread the word about Techserve software to others, either directly, or via messages or shareware uploads to BBS's. Letters noting RNR, PFROI and CAPTOOL to the editor of your favorite computer or professional publications and newsletters are also appreciated and very helpful. Thanks! For a registered version of RNR send $19 plus $3 S&H to: Techserve, inc., POB 70056, Bellevue, WA 98007 (USA) or call: 1-800-826-8082 or (206) 747 5598 (VISA/Mastercard) If ordering by mail be sure to enclose name, address, & telephone number. *** Please Copy and Share RNR Shareware! *** SPECIFIC PROHIBITION: Techserve, inc. "Shareware" may not be distributed outside the U.S. & Canada without specific authorization from Techserve, inc. This is necessary due to attempts elsewhere to reduce the legal status of "shareware" to that of "public domain" property. Those who wish to distribute Techserve, inc. "shareware" from outside the U.S. & Canada must declare in writing to Techserve, inc. that such software 1) will not be represented as "public domain" or the legal equivalent, and 2) will be represented as "trial" software obliging the user to pay the copyright holder if utilized beyond trial use. Such distributor must receive, in return for such declaration, numbered, master disk(s), along with written permission from Techserve, inc. authorizing the distributor to distribute software contained on such disk. Renewal of authorization will be dependent upon registrations. Techserve, inc. may, at its discretion, also grant approval to authorized distributors to take legal action against non-authorized distributors in their legal locality.