Misc. Utilities for DOS (2 of 2)

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OTHER MISC PROGRAMS


Autocon- Dos boot manager.

* * * * * [added 10-5-98]

reviewed by H. Schwartz (10-3-98)

If you use DOS and Win3.x you may have up to 3 different boot managers to contend with:

  1. A program that lets you select which OS to start.
  2. If you choose, DOS in #1, a program to let you select which autoexec.bat and config.sys files to read and execute.
  3. If you want to start windows from DOS, a program to let you select which system.ini and win.ini files to read and execute.

Most DOS boot managers accomplish task #2. However, they should really be called ``reboot managers''. They do not provide a menu of choices during bootup. Instead, you must first boot DOS, using a default config.sys and autoexec.bat. Then you can use the boot manager to quickly REboot to alternate autoexec.bat and config.sys files.

Autocon is different: It provides its own menu system so that you can choose one of up to 50 different sets of config.sys and autoexec.bat files to read and execute, during the bootup process itself. Alternately, autocon will work with the boot menu system that comes with MSDOS 6 and above. However, autocon's own menu system can be used with earlier versions of DOS, or with other kinds of DOS (e.g., OpenDOS, Free DOS)

Autocon also comes with a user-friendly, mouse-menu interface that lets you manage your alternate sets of config.sys and autoexec.bat files. (These alternate sets of files are stored in a small data-base.) Some of its options include:

  1. Edit any stored config.sys or autoexec.bat file at any time, using an internal or external editor.
  2. Choose to boot to a menu of configuration choice, or boot in ``single mode'' to a default config.sys and autoexec.bat file.
  3. Update the stored configuration files with any files you want, including your current autoexec.bat or config.sys files.
  4. Add or delete sets of autoexec.bat/config.sys files.
  5. Compare any stored set of autoexec.bat/config.sys files to the ones in current use.
  6. Choose type of boot (cold, warm, etc.)

Like the other boot managers, the command: "autocon name2 <RETURN>" allows you, at any time, to quickly reboot DOS to a configuration you have named, ``name2''.

Author: Larry Weaver (1993)

download autoconx.zip (137K)


Linkln- Link executable files to filenames in other directories.

* * * * * [added 10-3-98]

reviewed by H. Schwartz (10-2-98)

In Unix, the ``ln'' program lets you link a real file in directory A, to a filename in directory B. Within directory B, the filename ``points to'' the real file and reacts (to commands) exactly like it was the real file. Linkln allows you to link executable files (i.e., exe and com files) to filenames in other directories, within DOS (using a tool like bat2exec, you can also create links for bat files). Why would you want to do this? Doing so lets you execute programs from any directory, without the problems related to DOS's PATH variable.To execute programs in any directory, DOS has you set the PATH variable to all directories containing executable programs. However:

Using linkln, you place all your executable filenames in, and set PATH to, only ONE directory. Advantages:

  1. Faster execution of programs and less wear on your disk.
  2. Saving environment space and ram, since the PATH variable need contain only one directory.
  3. Saving disk space: Linkln stores a filename, not a real file, in a directory. This requires about 12 bytes instead of the minimum 2Kbytes or so (1 cluster) required for a file of any size.
  4. For convenience or clarity, you may wish a file to show up in different directories, with different names. You can link a file to filenames in one or many directories, using any filenames you want.

Cautions:

Author: Oliver Fromme, Germany (1994)

download linkln11.zip (25K)

Note that Simtel.Net carries linkln10.zip, but it contains a bad bug.


man- ("PCMan") Helpfile system for DOS.

* * * * * [added 10-1-98]

reviewed by H. Schwartz (10-1-98)

Have you ever promised yourself you would organize all those documentation files that come with software programs, so you could find them when you need them? This helpfile is a great tool for doing this. It is an extension of the Unix ``man page'' helpfile system - essentially a menu browser for help files (with 4dos type descriptions), a viewer, and a data-base to search for the files you want.

What makes this one better than other helpfile systems?

Author: Stuart Herbert, UK (1994)

download pcman19b.zip (116K)


PRN2FILE- Redirects print jobs to a disk file.

* * * *

A few programs on these pages support printing- but have no "save to file" option. PRN2FILE is a TSR that provides a means of redirecting print jobs to a file. By default, successive print operations are appended to a single file, but the program may be invoked repeatedly to change the filename. Option to uninstall from memory.

Usage: PRN2FILE [d:][path]filename [/Pn] [/Bn] [/U]

/Pn...Printer number (default is LPT1) to be redirected.
/Bn...Set buffer size. Default value is 4096 bytes (max 64K).
/U....Unload PRN2FILE from memory.

An older version (v. 1.0, 1987) is still floating around- the v. 1.1 update (1991) added reminder beeps to indicate that prn2file is working.

download prn2fil3.zip (14K)


TCAP- TSR logs console text input/ output to file.

unrated [added 6-23-98]

From the docs: "TCAP is a text capturing utility. Console I/O is copied to a file. TCAP's purpose is somewhat like the "script" program available on Unix systems, with respect to its ability to log text from the console while it is running. It can remain resident in memory (i.e., as a TSR program) to capture text from several programs or commands, or capture text from a single program. Both program output and text input by the user are captured. Captured text input does not include editing characters, such as backspaces, only the final text is captured. TCAP captures text from both standard-out and standard-error." Good documentation.

TCAP [options] [filename] [/C command [parameters]]
 /?       display a help screen
 /B=size  specify Buffer size in kilobytes
          (minimum=4, maximum=64, default=8)
 /ON      turn capturing ON
 /OFF     turn capturing OFF
 /N       No filename swap (with /C option only)
 /U       stop text capture and Uninstall TCAP
 filename specify the name of the capture file
          (defaults to TCAP.TXT)
 /C       run and capture text from 'command', using the
          indicated parameters

Author: Tim D. Kannel (1998). Suggested by Marianna Van Erp.

download tcap30.zip (14K)


TSR Utilities (TSRCOM)- Remove memory resident programs that can't remove themselves.

* * * * *

Several TSR programs are listed on these pages- many of which have no option to uninstall themselves from memory. It's often wise to uninstall DOS TSR's when running programs with which they may conflict (e.g., Windows). The TSR Utilities are compatible with a wide range of memory managers and can remove TSR's loaded to upper memory. From the docs: "The TSR Utilities are a collection of programs useful for managing DOS memory, particularly for managing memory-resident programs, also known as TSR's...The most popular use of these utilities is for removing TSR's from memory without rebooting the PC. There are many other uses, however, especially if you are a software developer." Released in 1993.

download tsrcom35.zip (80K)


SLOWDOWN- Slows down PC to allow running of older programs.

unrated [added 7-15-98]

One of the more flexible "slowdown" tsr programs available- freeware or shareware.

From the docs: "SLOWDOWN is a program that temporarily "slows down" your computer so that you can run programs that require a slower computer (usually, a 4.77 MHz PC/XT or an 8 MHz PC/AT)...There are other "slowdown" programs out there that have already been designed and marketed, so what makes SLOWDOWN different enough from the others that I even bothered to write it? The main thing is flexibility... SLOWDOWN can be used to either "permanently" slow down your computer (letting you run several programs in a row, slowly), or to just slow down one particular program (and when that program is done, your computer automatically returns back to its normal, faster speed). Secondly, SLOWDOWN will let you run any type of program - either executable files (.COM or .EXE) or Batch files. Some other "slowdown" programs will only work with COM or EXE files. Thirdly, SLOWDOWN can either simulate a PC/XT, a PC/AT, or can be "fine- tuned" to simulate almost any speed you want it to."

SYNTAX: SLOWDOWN [/?] [/H] [/Q] [/speed] [/X] [/A] [filename]
  /?,/H    -Show this HELP screen
  /Q       -Be QUIET unless there's an error
  /speed   -Speed to run the computer at (1-65535) (default=XT speed)
                (bigger Speeds make the computer slower)
  /X       -Run the computer the same speed as an XT
  /A       -Run the computer the same speed as an AT
  filename -Program to run at this Speed (default=permanent SLOWDOWN)

Note: Default XT and AT speed values can be modified by setting an env. variable.

Author: Bret Johnson (1995)

download slodn101.zip (10K)


FDATE (2)- Multi-purpose date manipulation/ format utility for batch files.

unrated [updated 12-06-98]

Fdate is a utility for performing date formatting and date arithmetic in DOS batch files. Includes a variety of means for placing output into environment variables which can be then be manipulated in numerous ways in a batch file. Detailed and brief help documentation included; multiple help screens. This program is admittedly beyond my comprehension- but it is too interesting to ignore. Author: Stephen Ferg (1997).

Features from the documentation:

New in v 96a: minor update for justifying NT text; docs address NT issues.

download fdate96a.zip (85K)


HORST- Batch utility collection.

* * * * * [updated 6-17-98]

I tend not to include batch utility sets in this list, but even my limited mind can recognize the diversity, quality, and usefulness of this compilation. From a reader..."All hand-crafted assembler, tiny and incredibly fast. More than a power-users batch toolkit. There is something here for everybody. How can anyone manage without it?" With excellent, separate documentation for each program. Author: Horst Schaeffer, Germany. (1998). Suggested by Robert Bull.

Included programs:

ANSICHK  returns errorlevel 0 if ANSI driver detected
ANSIEX   remove ANSI sequences, emulating cursor movements
ASCREEN  display screen from file, ANSI emulation
BANNER   big font looping message
BIGFONT  display big characters (4 lines high), round pixels
CHOIX    CHOICE clone with mouse support
COUNT    Count, add, subtract (variable), fixed length option
CRC32    report and check CRC32, optional list processing
CRLF     convert: lines to be terminated by CR+LF, CR or LF
CSCRIPT  DEBUG/UU/XXencoded script generator with CRC32
CSOUND   sound output to PC speaker / resident beep replacement
DELAGE   delete/report files by age (days)
DREADY   disk(ette) ready?, optional check "ready to write"?
ESPACE   environment variable space report/check with errorlevel
EVERY    run jobs once a day / on specified days of week
FPATH    locate path of program file, optional CD
INPUT    string input, editing of existing variable..
ISDATE   compare date (also file date, today)
KPUSH    stuff keystrokes into keyboard buffer, code test mode
LINEX    extract [multiple] range of lines from ASCII file
LISTMOD  make list of commands from input list
LOGECHO  custom entries for logfiles, with enhanced date handling
LOGTRIM  trim logfiles (min/max KB)
NSET     pipe data from STDIN into an environmental variable
PACO     executable COM file archive (run with prefix)
PCHECK   checks if (parallel) printer is ready, optional reset
QECHO    "quote echo" with control codes, defaults without CR/LF
RANDOM   random number (given range) to STDOUT
TIMENOW  current time within given period(s)?
WAIT     wait with prompt, key by errorlevel
WAIT4    wait for/until with large "digital clock", options
WHAT     errorlevel for: hour/minute/year/month/day/day of week

update 6-17-98: New programs added: FPATH, TIMENOW. See Home page for other update information.

download horst31.ZIP (68K)


Pause substitutes...

1. HoldIt- PAUSE replacement time-outs after specified time.
2. MPause- PAUSE replacement uses mouse or keys to answer prompt.
3. Press- PAUSE substitute with OK button box, mouse support, time-out option.

  1. HoldIt: * * * Differs from PAUSE in it's ability to timeout after a specified period of time (seconds). HoldIt can also return error level messages. If you use MS-DOS 6+, also look at the CHOICE command which can work in a similar fashion. Author: Peter Strickler, Switzerland (1993).
  2. MPause: * * "If a mouse is detected, then the program waits for any key stroke OR any mouse button press. It prompts you to press any key or mouse button. If no mouse is present, then the action is identical to that of the PAUSE command, including the identical prompt to press any key." Doesn't add a new line after return. Author: C. Somerville. (1992)
  3. PRESS: * * * Yet another replacement for the PAUSE command. By default it darkens the screen and displays an OKAY button box. The only problem with this design is that the box can sometimes obscure potentially important screen text. You can add text to the button box, and also use both ok/cancel buttons with errorlevels for decision branching in batch files. Option to time-out after x seconds. Mouse support too. Author: George Kerber (1995)
  1. download holdit10.zip (7K)
  2. download mpause.zip (3.4K)
  3. download press.zip (30K)


ONBOOT- Run programs only during warm, cold, or daily boot.

* * * *

A reader pointed me to this smart little utility...

From the docs: "ONBOOT is a simple utility designed for your AUTOEXEC.BAT. It allows you to have AUTOEXEC run selected programs only during a warm boot (Ctl-Alt-Del), a cold boot (power on), or the first boot of the day. For example, placing the command "ONBOOT DAILY CHKDSK" into AUTOEXEC will cause AUTOEXEC to run CHKDSK only once a day, the first time the PC is turned on."

Released by Christopher J. Dunford (1989). Suggested by Marianna Van Erp.

While v1.0 is widely available on SimTel mirrors, the enhanced v1.10 is difficult to locate on the Net. Uploaded to my web space.

download onboot11.zip (6K)


SLEEP- Batch util sleeps until event occurrence.

* * * * * [added 3-21-98]

A very flexible command line tool for scheduling events; intended for batch files. "The possible events are: FOR a length of time, TILL a certain time, a question ASKed of the user, certain FILESPECS appear or disappear, the UPS is active, or a SCHEDuled event. Commands can be combined. Sleep is DOS, DesqView (uses DV System Memory), OS/2, and Windows aware.

Usage:
INDIRECT COMMAND FILE.Sleep "@"<file>
FOR syntax............Sleep for [[hh":"]mm":"]ss
TILL syntax...........Sleep till [[hh":"]mm":"]ss
ASK syntax............Sleep ask '<prompt string>' <responses>
FILESPECS syntax......Sleep ["&"]"+"|"-"<filespec> ...
PAR and SER syntax....Sleep par|ser <port adr> <out> "+"<in> "-"<in>
SCHED syntax..........Sleep sched <file>

No documentation- type SLEEP /? for extended help screens. Author: John R. Souvestre (1997)

download sleep_47.zip (33K)


COUNTDN- Launch program after countdown- with keypress abort option.

* * *

From the docs...

"This program will launch any specified program (EXE, COM, or BAT) after a countdown of a specified number of seconds. The countdown may be aborted and the program launched immediately by pressing the ENTER key. Pressing the SPACE or ESC key will stop the countdown without launching the program.

This is ESPECIALLY useful for programs that run from the AUTOEXEC.BAT file (like Windows) that you may not want to run EVERY time. This is easier than maintaining multiple configuration files. There are two ways to run COUNTDN: Regular mode and Advanced Mode. The difference is that regular mode is very easy to use, but adds a small amount of memory overhead (3-4 K) to the launched program. Advanced mode is a little more complex to use, but does not take any memory from the launched program." Default countdown beeps can be turned off with /Q switch. Released by David C. Filmer. 1994.

Not as flexible as SLEEP- but more "visual" and easy to use.

download countdn.zip (31K)


UPCT- Ultra precision command timer.

unrated [added 3-26-98]

A small utility for benchmarking duration of processes.

Usage: UPCT [COMMAND_SEQUENCE]
Meaning: Any command plus parameters you would normally
enter at the DOS command prompt, including redirection.

To get UPCT to time duration of a batch file run from the command line, try this syntax:

UPCT CALL MY.BAT

Here's the output after running a batch file that turns this web site into a text file:

Command executed: C:\COMMAND.COM /C call HTSTR.BAT
Parameters: HTSTR.BAT
Raw total count: 128403478 cycles on the 8253/4 programmable interval timer.
Elapsed time: 107614357.1 microseconds = 1 minute and 47.6144 seconds.

No documentation included in zip. Author: Erik de Neve (1993). Suggested by Robert Bull.

download upct16.zip (7K)


MakeLog- Create and maintain time-date logs for program usage.

* * *

MakeLog is a small and simple utility that can be used for tracking program usage. You will have to create and use batch files for launching the programs you wish to track. Not fancy, but it works and it doesn't eat up valuable memory. Author: Jeff Debrosse (1994) .

Syntax: MAKELOG FileName [/D] [/T] [/S "string"]

FileName .. name of the log file to be created or appended to.
/D ........ current date.
/T ........ current time.
/S ........ follow by user-specified string (place in quotes "").

An example to track usage of the DOS editor and launching Windows:

1) create dosedit.bat:
MAKELOG logall.log /d /t /s "Launched DOS editor"
EDIT
2) create windows.bat:
MAKELOG logall.log /d /t /s "Launched Windows"
WIN
3) Here's a snippet from the log file logall.log after running dosedit.bat and windows.bat:
09/25/97 11:54 Launched DOS editor
09/25/97 11:57 Launched Windows

download mklog100.zip (8K)

Also see: LOGECHO (use similarly with re-direction (>>) to a log file; more flexible date/ time formats).


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