

                         Ŀ
                          Ŀ 
                           FASTSEARCH v1.0  
                           
                         



                              User's manual





                          Author: Peter Regner


           Copyright (c) 1998. Peter Regner. All rights reserved!


Ŀ
 Table of Contents 


1, What is FastSearch ?

2, What can it be used for?

3, Basic services

4, Operating the program & key combinations

5, Registering the program

6, Future plans

7, Copyright and distributing




Ŀ
 1.  What is FastSearch ? 


The program lets you have one of the best things in UNIX/LINUX shell under
DOS or Windows 95, and this is automatic filename-completing. This means that
you have to type only a few character from the filename in the shell, press
TAB key, and the program will complete the filename for you (or if more than
one filename match, FastSearch will write down the possible filenames for
you). And of course the program handles long filenames under Windows 95, too.


Ŀ
 2.  What can it be used for? 


The program is very good for people using both UNIX and DOS/Windows 95. It is
specially offered for Java development, cause the Java-compiler runs in DOS
shell and Java filenames are usually very long.
And the program can be used for fastening your work, too. After a short using
of FastSearch, you will get used to it, and you will be able to work faster
in the shell. And you won't need any expensive and big programs.
Some people never used DOS shell, or used it a long time ago, but I think the
only problem in DOS shell is that you have to type a lot -- but not with this
program. It's just a few button.


Ŀ
 3.  Basic services 


- DOS/Windows 95 platform
- long filename support under Windows 95 (short filenames under DOS)
- program uses not much memory
- easy-to-use
- simple, comfortable, and easy to survey
- fast and precise functioning
- full compatibility


Ŀ
 4.  Operating the program 


First I have to mention that the program is only a 'shell', so every written
command is interpreted by the operating system.

It's important that under Windows 95 a long filename can contain space cha-
racter. If it occurs, you have to put the filename in quotes ("").
(eg. cd "c:\Program Files\Internet Explorer") If you don't put it in quotes,
you can experience interesting things. :-)

You can refer the files with the full path (eg. "c:\Program Files\Inter-
net Explorer\iexplore.exe") or relatively (eg. "..\..\Internet Explorer\
iexplore.exe"), both are correct.

Example: you are in the directory "C:\WINDOWS". If you type the following, you
will get the result written down below. (IT'S JUST AN EXAMPLE!)

> type "\Prog<TAB>Int<TAB>re<TAB>
where <TAB> means pressing TAB key

the result is:
> type "\Program Files\Internet Explorer\readme.txt"

It's seen, that the typing is MUCH faster. Of course, it works under DOS with
short filenames, too.

Each rule under DOS/Windows 95 is the same as in this program.

The first written word can only be a runnable (.bat .com .exe) program (Fast-
Search will look for runnable programs in the directories written in PATH
environment variable and in the current directory), or a DOS command, but this
program doesn't complete DOS commands. (because of compatibility problems;
an earlier version may contain a function that a later version doesn't).
Of course you can write anything for first word, but if the first word con-
tains space(s), you have to put it in quotes.
The second, third, etc. words can be anything.

If the program finds more than one filename beginning with the written let-
ter(s), you'll hear a short beep, and you'll see a list of these filenames.
Now you only have to type in some more letters until having the correct comp-
letion. In the list, the directory names end with "\" (backslash) to be dif-
ferent from filenames. The list is separated to columns. The number of columns
depends on the length of the longest filename. So the list can contain 8,5,4,
2 or 1 columns. If the list overflows the screen, you can turn on the more
mode with F7 that stops writing the list after each full screen.

To run a command, press ENTER. In this case the program gives the control to
the operating system that runs the command.

If you've already typed a command, but don't want to run it, just press ESC,
and all the letters in the command line will disappear. (no need to hold down
BackSpace :-))

Program contains a history, too. It means that you can search in the list
of your typed commands with up and down arrow keys. With F6, you will know
how many commands you typed in.

To have information about your last command, press F4.


 Function keys
 

up and down arrows......: searching in the list of typed commands
left and right arrows...: moving in the command line
Home, End...............: jumping to the beginning/end of the command line
Shift+PgUp, Shift+PgDn..: jumping one screen left/right in the command line
Del, BackSpace..........: deleting right or left character in the command line
Esc.....................: erasing all the letters written in the command line
Ins.....................: insert/overwrite mode switching
Enter...................: executing the command
Tab.....................: completing
F1......................: help
F2......................: shows the current directory
F3......................: clears screen
F4......................: information about last command
F5......................: shows the free memory for the shell
F6......................: shows the number of commands you executed
F7......................: more mode (like DOS's 'more')
F9......................: registration information
F10.....................: information about the program

To exit the program, type 'exit' or 'quit' in the command line.

If you need help, press F1 at any time.

The program shows the current directory after each executed commands. It's
better than having a very long prompt.

IMPORTANT! When the program beeps 3 low and a high, the memory runned out, and
all the possible filenames can't be shown. It's not a frequent problem, because
the program can show about 1200 filenames. But if it occurs, the program will
show only the filenames could be read. In this case, just type in one or two
more letters, and you'll get the whole list.
To display the free memory for the shell, press F5.

Program uses less than 50 Kbytes from the memory, but it matters only under
DOS, because under Windows 95 all the memory are available for programs.

FastSearch takes no notice of file-handling errors. For example, when you're
looking for files on a floppy disk, and you take the disk out of the drive,
the program will ignore the searching, and nothing will happen.

Registration information can be shown with F9, or program information with F10.

All the function keys can be used at ANY TIME (also while typing).

You can run the program with 2 parameters, "DOS" or "WIN95". These parameters
will ignore auto-detecting the operating system.
WARNING! Never start the program with "WIN95" parameter under DOS 6.22 or
earlier, because the program will lock up.

FastSearch contains a self-check routine, too. If it finds any problem, it
will stop the program immediately with an error message. In this case, the
program file may contain a virus, or is corrupt. If it happens, please scan
your files with a virus-detector, and set up the program again from a place
contains no viruses. If needed, reregister FastSearch. (Chapter 5)


Ŀ
 5.  Registering the program 


FastSearch v1.0 is a shareware program. It means that you can use the program
for up to 30 days. After 30 days of using you have to register the program.
Shareware version contains a limitation: after each execution you have to push
a random button. Of course, registered program doesn't contain it.

When registering, send me the registration fee in a letter (I suggest to send
a registered letter) enclosing your precise address, and when getting the
money, I'll send you your registration code to the address you enclosed.

You can send me either cash or cheque in the letter, but don't send coins,
and make the envelope opaque.

Please read the file REGISTER.FRM to make sure that everything important is
on the letter. Fill it and print it, if you can, that's the best way.
And don't forget to sign the letter!

PLEASE write readable (to be able to read your address, too), or print it.

Please write down your address as I have to write down onto the envelope I'll
send to you. (I don't know much about addresses outside Hungary. Thanks. ;-))

Registration fee:

In Hungary (only):   Ft 1500 [HUF]
In Europe:           DM 20 [DEM] (plus DM 5 for bank-cost if sending a cheque)
                    or 10 [GBP] (plus 3 for bank-cost if sending a cheque)
                    or $15 [USD] (plus $5 for bank-cost if sending a cheque)
Outside Europe:        $20 [USD] (plus $5 for bank-cost if sending a cheque)

Please don't send me any other currencies.

If sending a cheque, make it out to Rgner Pter.

Send the money or the cheque to this address:
                                           (please use diacritical marks, too)


                                       Rgner Pter

                                         BUDAPEST
                               Krsi Csoma stny 7. IV/15.
                                         1 1 0 2

                                         HUNGARY


I won't accept responsibility for unreadable or wrong addresses, or the
posting!
If you want to make sure that everything is okay, write the letter with a
typewriter or computer, and use a registered letter. And to contact, send me
your email address, if exist.
If you like, I'll send you your code via email, but in this case, please write
it in your letter.
In the letter, please use English or Hungarian language.

VERY IMPORTANT! The registration code will be generated from the name and the
city written in your address (hope that's your name and your city:)), so it'll
be typical of you. If you give the registration code to anybody, that's a
violation of the law. So I ask you to keep your code in secret, and don't tell
it to anyone.

After sending me the money, you'll only have to wait until getting the regist-
ration code. I'll send you a paper with your name, the city, and the regist-
ration code. You'll have to type in your name and the city WITHOUT diacritical
marks into the registration program, right the way it's written down on the
paper I'll send to you.

After having the registration code, run REGISTER.EXE, and follow the rules
written in the program. It will register FastSearch for you.

Have a good work with FastSearch!

And don't forget: if you register version 1.0, you'll have to pay only a re-
duced price when registering the next versions.


If you have ANY questions or suggestions about the program, don't hesitate to
write me an email to the address reggy@rulez.org, or a snail-mail to the add-
ress written above. If sending email, use the subject "FS".


Ŀ
 6.  Future plans 


- less memory using (about 5 Kbytes)
- configurable functions
- and some other things :-)


Ŀ
 7.  Copyright and distributing 


FastSearch v1.0 is written by Peter Regner.
You may freely distribute the unregistered version of FastSearch on disks,
shareware CD's or FTP sites, but with any distribution ALL the files included
in the original compressed file must be included in the distribution package.

The registered version may NOT be distributed under any circumstances without
signed, written permission from the author.

Modifying the program file is a violation of law!

The author doesn't guarantee perfection, so you're running this program on
YOUR OWN RISK!

I tested the program under DOS 6.22 and Windows 95, but it may contain errors.
If you detect any errors, please write me an email or snail-mail with the
description of the error. Thanks in advance.

Windows, Windows 95 and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.



      -=<( Copyright (c) 1998. Rgner Pter. All rights reserved! )>=-



++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+                                                                            +
+ This program is dedicated to the memory of Varga Tams, a very good friend +
+ of mine, who passed away in a tragic accident not much before distributing +
+                             the program.                                   +
+                                                                            +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++



