
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
            EZBatch ( 4.50) ..... by DL, of course!  (c) 1992,93,94
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------


                      /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
                     |               REQUIREMENTS                 |
                     |    MSDOS versions 3.3, 4.xx, 5.0 or 6.x    |
                     |  COLOR MONITOR, HARD DISK & PKUNZIP 2.04G  |
                      \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/




             EZBatch creates  simple batch files  automatically.  Once an
             "EZBatch file" is created,  you can  execute your program by
             typing the EZB batchname or clicking on it. Rather than changing
             to the proper drive & directory ... then running your program).


             The following steps will take place
             while using the EZBatch menu system:

             1)   Your list of current EZB files will be displayed on
                  the screen (using a wide format of 8 filenames across).
                      (unregistered= 8 max.     registered=144 max.)
             2)   You will then be able to execute ANY of the EZB files
                  on the screen by simply typing it's name, or, if the
                  mouse is enabled, you can simply click on a name.
                      (no matter which hard drive you are logged onto)
             3)   The EZB file will run your program as normal.
                  OPTIONAL command switches may be passed to your program.
                      (the batch files created may be edited
                      with ANY normal text editor)
             4)   Upon program completion you are returned to step 1.

             5)   If the screen saver is enabled, then it will run after
                  the timer has elapsed. User configurable.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------




                            ***   EZBatch INSTALLATION   ***



                    UNZIP  EZB-450.ZIP  to a floppy (ANY density).
                    Optionally, Unzip to a hard drive directory.
                    LOG to that location ( A: or B: for example).
                    type "EZBATCH" for general help.


                    EZBatch will automatically install (or upgrade) by
                    typing "EZBATCH INSTALL" from the location.






                                 ***   BACKGROUND INFO   ***



                 EZBatch was started  to aid in creating simple  batch files
                 without  using a text editor.  The program started out as a
                 batch file,  then was  converted over  and re-written using
                 Microsoft QuickBasic 4.5 .  I have  incorporated safeguards
                 against errors  and will be adding more in the future. This
                 program  is made available for  anyone who wants to give it
                 a try before they purchase it. You must read the disclaimer
                 on the next page.

                 This version will upgrade  ANY older version that you may be
                 using. You may ALWAYS type  "EZBATCH" by itself to get help.
                 Install or upgrade EZBatch by typing  "EZBATCH INSTALL" from
                 any floppy drive  which has the EZBatch program files on it.
                 Once EZBatch is INSTALLED you will see the command line help
                 screen.(it shows you help on creating your EZB batch files).
                 If EZBatch  IS NOT installed  you will be told that you must
                 install EZBatch first. You may ALWAYS type  "EZBATCH" to get
                 the current version and general information screen.


                       LIST OF FILES WITH THIS VERSION

         |------------ CRC     .EZB  ---  PKZIP's CRC values for the files
         |          /  EZB-DOC .TXT  ---  This documentation file
         |         |   NEW-EZB .TXT  ---  New features for this version
         |         |   EZB-QUIK.TXT  ---  Quick installation instructions
         |-------> |   EZBATCH .EXE  ---  The actual EZBatch program
                   |   EZB     .EXE  ---  Directory sorter used by EZBatch
                   |   EZBSAVER.DAT  ---  Sample screen saver data file
                   |   EZBFIX  .EXE  ---  Batch File Convert/Refresh Program
                    \  FILE_ID .DIZ  ---  File description of this program


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                     ORIGINATION

             These files originated from the mind(s) of DL Miller at
             Jungle Land BBS. If you have any questions call the BBS,
             and leave a message for me.

             You may contact me using any of the following:

                             JUNGLE LAND BBS
                             c/o Denny Miller
                             1511 Blossom Hill Rd.
                             Pittsburgh, PA  15234-1922

                             BBS#    (412) 343-3137
                             voice#  (412) 343-3451


























-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                      DISCLAIMER


            Use of these programs acknowledges this disclaimer of warranty :
               "These files are supplied as is.  DL Miller disclaims all
                 warranties, express or implied, including, and without
                 limitation,  the warranties of merchantability and of
                   fitness of these files for any purpose. DL Miller
                      assumes no liability for damages direct or
                         consequential, which may result from
                             the use of these programs."


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
























                              ***   The EZBatch advantages   ***


                EZBatch WILL DO THE FOLLOWING:

               Automatically install & configure itself onto your hard drive.
               Automatically upgrade to newer versions when available.
               Make it real EZ to run your favorite programs.
               Will execute .BAT .COM & .EXE files.
               Create it's own EZBATCH directory (for the MAIN batch files).
               Create it's own GAMES directory (for the GAMES batch files).
               Display the list of your EZB files for EZ selection.
               Automatically alphabetize the EZB file directories.
               Grow/shrink the MAGIC MENU as you add/delete EZB files.
               Show the EZB filenames WITHOUT the extension.
               Display your EZB files in color for better readablilty.
               Display your EZB files in an 8 column format. (144 maximum)
               Create simple batch files from the command line.
               The batch files may be edited (if you wish) with any editor.
               Optionally pass "replaceable parameters" to the executable.
               Optionally pass "command switches" to the executable.
               Establish a sort of "mini environment" for you:
                     Look at the available EZB files. Run a program.
                     Look at the available EZB files. Run a program.
                     Look at the available EZB files. Run a program.

                     well.... you should get the general idea!!

































                           ***   WHY SHOULD YOU USE IT   ***



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

             EZBatch creates batch files  that will simulate  the series of
             key strokes  that are required to execute the desired program.
             (You will not have to add the program's path to your DOS path)
             When called upon, your batch file will execute your program, &
             then return you to the "MAGIC MENU" that displays your current
             batch file listing. You may still use DOS as usual without any
             interference from EZBatch (It is NOT A TSR). Whenever you want
             to see your batch files,  simply type  "GO" (return)  and they
             will be displayed.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

             Without EZBatch, you would type key strokes
             similar to the following example ...


             The program's path is   -----   C:\QMODEM\QMODEM.EXE
                                                       ----------
                                                             \
                                                              \ This is the
                                                                program you
             Your normal key strokes                            want to run.
             would be something like:

             C:  (return)               ; change to the proper drive
             CD\QMODEM  (return)        ; change to the proper directory
             QMODEM /STATS  (return)    ; execute the actual program
                                         (& run the "/STATS" option)



             If you say "That's no big deal, I type THAT all the time".
             EZBatch may be just what you need !!





















                              ***   EZBatch EXAMPLES   ***



             The previous example ran the popular communication program
             called QMODEM and automatically processed the "/STATS"
             command line switch. It was a relatively simple example.
             It was shown so you may better understand just exactly
             what EZBatch DOES.


             Once EZBatch creates the EZB file (from the command line above)
             you ONLY need to type the EZB filename to execute your program.
             You  DO NOT  have to add the program location to your PATH. You
             can type  "GO" (return)  and EZBatch will display the EZB files
             currently available  to you.  You will no longer have to change
             the drive, directory, etc.  in order to run the desired program
             (although you MAY if you want to run a program manually).

             Now, let's see how to do the above example using EZBatch.

==============================================================================             

             From the DOS prompt you would type the following :
             (of course, you must have previously installed EZBatch)

             ezbatch  QMODEM  C  QMODEM  QMODEM  /STATS
                      ------  -  ------  ------  ------
                          |   |    |       |          \
                EZB batname   |    |       program     \ program switch p1
                              |    |                     (p2,p3,p4 switches
                  program drive    program directory      are not needed)

==============================================================================
             You could also use the following command line if you merely
             wanted to run QMODEM (without the "/STATS" switch):

             ezbatch  QMODEM  C  QMODEM  QMODEM
                      ------  -  ------  ------  --------
                          |   |    |       |          \
                EZB batname   |    |       program     \ program switches
                              |    |                     p1 - p4  ARE NOT
                  program drive    program directory     needed this time

==============================================================================
             OR the following if you merely wanted to run QMODEM and pass
             up to 4 "replaceable" parameters each time you run QMODEM:

             ezbatch  QMODEM  C  QMODEM  QMODEM  %1 %2 %3 %4
                      ------  -  ------  ------  -----------
                          |   |    |       |          \
                EZB batname   |    |       program     \ replaceable
                              |    |                     parameters
                  program drive    program directory




 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      E Z B A T C H    G A M E S   M E N U
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            *** PRE 3.00 USER NOTES ***



             If you have been using EZbatch for a while, you probably
             already have some batch files setup which are 'GAMES'.
             EZBatch versions before 3.00 DID NOT support a seperate
             GAMES menu. Games were cluttered in amongst the other
             application programs. (or the applications were messing
             up your games menu.... depending on how you view it!)

             Starting with EZBatch 3.00, the normal menu is called the
             MAIN MENU and any game batch files CAN be kept in a second
             menu (called the GAMES MENU).

             If you are upgrading from a pre 3.00 version,
             here is all you have to do:

              1) Run 'EZBATCH INSTALL' (from a floppy) like you have
                 done with your older 1.xx or 2.xx version.

              2) Mark down which batch files are your GAME FILES.
                 (They will need to be moved and modified.)

              3) Use whatever method you want to MOVE your game files
                 to the new GAMES subdirectory. (C:\EZBATCH\GAMES)
                 You can use a file manager or Dos (it doesn't matter).
                 A sample set of Dos commands would be something like:

                   copy c:\ezbatch\yergame.bat c:\ezbatch\games
                   del c:\ezbatch\yergame.bat

              4) After you have MOVED all of your game files:
                 Run 'EZBFIX' and read it's help screen.
                 EZBFIX will modify each of your EZBatch files
                 to work with the GAMES MENU.

                 


















 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      E Z B A T C H    G A M E S   M E N U
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            *** NEW USER NOTES ***



             EZBatch, when installed, will create a subdirectory called
             GAMES. This allows you to create GAME files and keep them
             in a seperate menu. This cleans up your menu and makes it
             easier to remember which files are games and which are not!
             When you want to get down to some serious work just type 'GO'
             and you are at your MAIN MENU!!   When it is time to relax
             type 'GAMES' and you are at the GAMES MENU!. EZ....HUH??

             The most important thing you need to know is that EZBatch will
             ONLY create a GAMES file WHEN you are at the GAMES Menu.
             EZBatch makes that very easy too! Type "GAMES" and hit enter!
             (Once EZBatch is properly installed, of course).

             You may also use the standard Dos commands to achieve the
             same thing (i.e. the "CD" or "CHDIR" command). EZBatch is
             not intended to replace Dos commands or to avoid Dos. The
             purpose is to help you save time while still using and
             learning more about Dos.


































 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
               E Z B A T C H    O P T I O N A L   P A R A M E T E R S
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------



                        This version has the following PARAMETERS
                        available from any DOS PROMPT
                   


                 no parameter -- shows optional parameters
                 HELP         -- command line (help screen)
                 SHOW         -- show file    (help screen)
                 DEL          -- deletion  (help screen)
                 INSTALL      -- install/upgrade process
                 CFG          -- configuration for Sound, Mouse, Timer
                 REGISTER     -- registration/re-registration process




                                      USAGE  NOTES

           * You must use a space after "ezbatch" and between any 2 parameters.
                (this applies to the command line help parameters)

           * EZBatch will create batch files with a few identifying lines
                inside telling you that they were created by EZBatch.

           * If EZBatch does NOT display the Magic Menu after each program,
                something IS WRONG. You either did not add "C:\EZBATCH" to
                your PATH statement (or not correctly) or you erased the
                executable file that EZbatch was supposed to run.

                   The DOS command "PATH" should yield something like:
                              PATH C:\EZBATCH;C:\DOS;C:\
                                   ---------- ------
                                      |          |
                                      |         /
                                      |       /
                                      |      |
  There may be more or less to the \  |       \__/ EZBatch needs to be able to
  statement BUT this part MUST be   |/          |  find a few DOS files. Make
  there. Preferably starting one    |           |  sure you have your Dos
  space after the word PATH.       /             \ directory in your path.











             The above help screen  is similar  to what will be displayed any
             time EZBatch is run without any parameters. (installed or not)



                                   ***   THE PARAMETERS   ***



                    (no parameter) -- Shows all available options.
                                      (this should be self explanatory)
             
                        HELP       -- This always shows a help screen.
                                       Once EZBatch is installed from a floppy,
                                      you will see the command line help. This
                                      will give you assistance in the creation
                                      of your EZB batch files.

                        SHOW       -- Shows the EZB file on the screen.
                                       Helpful if you want to check out
                                      where you placed a particular program.

                        DEL        -- Shows EZB file deletion help screen.
                                       This is used to delete an EZB file that
                                      is no longer needed. (Perhaps you have
                                      removed that paticular program from your
                                      hard drive)

                        INSTALL    -- Runs the install/upgrade process.
                                       For the first time user:
                                      This will start the auto-install process.
                                      It creates a directory and transfer the
                                      necessary floppy files to the hard disk.
                                       For the user that has an older version:
                                      This will start the auto-upgrade process.
                                      EZB senses an older version and upgrades
                                      to the newer version automatically.

                        CFG        -- configuration for Sound, Mouse and Timer.

                                       (S)ound: Toggles the sound ON/OFF.
                                                Registered version only.
                                       (M)ouse: Toggles mouse control ON/OFF.
                                                Registered version only.
                                                If no mouse is available, then
                                                EZB will drop to a DOS prompt.
                                       (T)imer: Rotates from 0 to 9 minutes.
                                                Registered version only.
                                                0 disables the screen saver.
                                                Unregistered version allows
                                                disabled (0) or DEMO (1)

                        REGISTER   -- Registration/re-registration process.
                                       Once you pay the registration fee, you
                                      will receive a registration number that
                                      you will use to register your copy of
                                      the program. This will unlock the extra
                                      features which are not available in the
                                      unregistered version. Each time you
                                      upgrade you must re-register the program.



 

                               ***   EZBatch CONFIGURATION   ***



                   EZBatch WILL AUTOMATICALLY configure itself when it is
                   initially installed ( or upgraded). It will ALWAYS use
                   the "C" drive and use a directory called "EZBATCH" to
                   keep it's own program and all of the batch files in.
                        If there is an existing directory called "EZBATCH"
                   on your "C" drive it will use it for storage. Please be
                   sure to move any files already in a directory of that
                   name to a safe place. (although it is unlikely that you
                   have used that name for anything else). If you have used
                   this name for your "old" EZBatch program, don't worry the
                   new version will find it as an old version and will upgrade
                   files to the new version as required.
                        You will have to make sure that you have added the
                   "C:\EZBATCH" to your DOS path. There should already be a
                   statement within your "AUTOEXEC.BAT" file which says
                   something like:
                        PATH=C:\;C:\QMODEM;D:\QA

                   If there is change it to:
                        PATH=C:\EZBATCH;C:\;C:\QMODEM;D:\QA

                   If there is NO PATH statement, ADD THIS ONE :
                       PATH=C:\EZBATCH



                        It is beneficial to add the "C:\EZBATCH" portion to
                   the BEGINNING of the PATH statement, this will allow for
                   slightly faster execution of your batch files that you
                   will be creating for your programs.



                        If you accidently delete any of the needed EZBatch
                   files, the program will re-create them automatically.
                   If you happen to delete your EZB.CFG file, you must run
                   'EZBATCH REGISTER' to re-register it.



                        Whenever you update to a new version of EZBatch, you
                   will have to run 'EZBATCH REGISTER' again. You simply enter
                   your registration info again. Your registration number will
                   be valid for all future versions. (You only pay once!)
                   If you forget your registration number, just call the BBS
                   and leave a comment to the SysOp. (Even if your BBS account
                   has expired.







 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   E Z B A T C H   C O M M A N D   L I N E   H E L P
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

             ezbatch  menuname  drive  dirname  filename  p1  p2  p3  p4

             menuname  -- The name you want to use in the menu.
                             (NAME only - NO extension - NO spaces)
             drive  ----- The drive that the executable is on
                             (C D E   LETTER ONLY - NO colon - NO backslash)
             dirname  --- Directory name where executable is located
                             (directory  or  dir\subdir)
             filename  -- Filename of the executable
                             (BAT/COM/EXE file - but NO extension)
             p1     ----- Optional command switch #1
                             (/ADLIB, -E, -d, /ON, etc.)  
             p2     ----- Optional command switch #2
                             (same usage as p1)
             p3     ----- Optional command switch #3
                             (same usage as p1)
             p4     ----- Optional command switch #4
                             (same usage as p1)


             menuname  --- You may choose  ANY legal DOS file name, but try to
                           use a name that  will help you easily identify  the
                           executable file that you want to run.
             drive     --- You MUST use a legal drive AND it must be the drive
                           which contains the program that you want to run.
             directory --- You MUST use a legal directory name AND it must be
                           the directory which contains  the program that you
                           want to run. You may not use the name "EZBATCH".
                           You may specify subdirectories also.
             filename  --- You MUST use the proper executable name for the
                           program you want EZB to run, it MUST exist in the
                           PATH defined by the "drive:\directory" parameters
                           AND it MUST be a (BAT,COM or EXE) file. DO NOT use
                           the filename extension.  If you do EZB will tell you
                           if it can not find the file.
             p1,2,3,4  --- You MAY pass up to (4) program parameters directly
                           to the executable file. Some programs can utilize
                           them to automatically start a particular feature.

                               -V          (VGA mode)
                               -EGA        (EGA mode)
                               /ON         (ON)
                               -ADLIB      (ADLIB sound driver)

                           These are just a few sample switches. Only use
                           switches that are available to your program.
                           (Upper/lower case will be recognized correctly)

                           NOTE   ---   Refer to your program's instructions
                                        for any possible command switches
                                        that MAY be utilized.

             The above help screen is similar to what will be displayed any
             time EZBatch is run with the HELP parameter.   (if configured)




                       ***   Trouble Shooting AND Tips   ***


          1) The 3 most common mistakes made setting up EZBatch!
                1- You did NOT add a PATH statement in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
                2- Your MsDos directory was NOT in your PATH statement.
                3- "C:\EZBATCH" was NOT added to your path statement.

          2) Your system freezes while trying to INSTALL EZBatch!
                You MUST have a COLOR MONITOR to run EZBatch.
                Your MsDos directory MUST be located in your PATH statement.
                You MUST be using MsDos 3.3 or higher.

          3) EZBatch is installed BUT it does not work correctly!
                You MUST have an AUTOEXEC.BAT file which boots your system.
                You MUST have a PATH statement in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
                You MUST have "C:\EZBATCH" in your PATH statement.
                You MUST have your MsDos directory in your PATH.
                    (i.e. you should have something like "C:\DOS"
                    in your PATH - the exact directory name must match
                    the directory name of YOUR MsDOS FILES.)
                You MUST reboot your computer if you make an changes to
                    your autoexec.bat file! (anytime you change it)

          4) My system freezes while trying to RUN EZBatch!
                You MUST have a COLOR MONITOR to run EZBatch.
                Your MsDos directory MUST be located in your PATH statement.
                You MUST be using MsDos 3.3 or higher.

          5) I want to see the MAIN menu each time I start my computer!
                Add "GO" as the LAST line in your 'autoexec.bat' file.
                (NOTE: This will work as long as you do not have another
                 application automatically start)

          6) I want to see the GAMES menu each time I start my computer!
                Add "GAMES" as the LAST line in your 'autoexec.bat' file.
                (NOTE: This will work as long as you do not have another
                application automatically start)

          7) I create GAME files, BUT, they always end up in the MAIN menu!
                You MUST be at the "C:\EZBATCH\GAMES" directory when you
                create a "GAMES" file!  If you are ANYWHERE ELSE, the created
                file will automatically be placed in the MAIN menu.

          8) I had a file called "ZEBRA", but, it is no longer in my menu!
                There is a limit to how many files EZBatch will display.
                Once you go beyond that limit (& since they are alphabetical)
                Unregistered version displays the first 8 files (alphabetized).
                Any others which have been created WILL NOT be displayed. Once
                registered, it will display up to 144 files in each menu!










                            ***  NOTES on NOT using EZBatch   ***



             Once the program is done you end up at a blank DOS prompt and
             once you start developing  a library  of programs, with a lot
             of directories  on numerous drives ...... well, quite frankly
             it becomes quite a chore to remember which program is in what
             directory and on what drive !!   Not to mention....    trying
             to remember the executable name and those pesky command line
             switches needed for certain programs.

             You CAN add the program's PATH to your autoexec.bat, but that
             uses up valuable environment space quickly (and DOS places a
             limit on the PATH length). It can get to be a pain going back
             and editing your autoexec.bat and rebooting EVERY time you
             want to try a new program that requires a change to your PATH
             statement. It can also get annoying to have to change to the
             appropriate drive, then the proper directory, then finally run
             the program. You did remember to add that or those switches...
             didn't you ?



                       (YOUR...AMOUNT OF CONFUSION...MAY VARY)











             If you find this program useful... please consider sending
             the registration shown on the order form. There is also an
             extra form enclosed for a friend! I have put a lot of time
             into this program and hope to develop it further. Once you
             use the program, you WILL find it very convenient AND easy
             to use. **** Don't forget.... register it if you like it !
             The registration fee will unlock those extra features. You
             will be able to turn off those annoying sounds and will be
             able to see the maximum 288 batch files. (144 in each menu)
             instead of only 8!




                trademark & copyright information

                EZBatch files are Copyright (c) 1992,93,94 DL Miller
                MS-DOS is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
                PKZIP is a copyright and trademark of PKware.
                PKUNZIP is a copyright and trademark of PKware.




                      ***   ORDER FORM for a friend   ***



                   Make check payable to:   Dennis L. Miller

                                 mail to:   Jungle Land BBS
                                            1511 Blossom Hill Rd.
                                            Pittsburgh, PA  15234-1922

                                            BBS#   (412) 343-3137
                                            VOICE# (412) 343-3451

                  |====================================================|
                  | Date:     /    /                                   |
                  |====================================================|
                  |                 Description             |    Cost  |
                  |====================================================|
                  |  E  | EZBatch  ( 4.50)                  |  $20.00  |
                  |  Z  |   includes :                      |          |
                  |  B  |     BBS Subscription (1 year)     |    0.00  |
                  |  A  |     (45 min/day non-adult level)  |          |
                  |  T  |     EZBatch upgrades via BBS      |    0.00  |
                  |  C  |==============================================|
                  |  H  |                    Total enclosed:  $        |
                  |=====================================================


             Checks and money orders accepted.

             Your Name:
                        ---------------      ---------------------------

               Address:
                        ------------------------------------------------

                 Phone:
                        ---------    ---------     ---------------------

                  City:
                        ------------------------------------------------

                 State:
                        ------------------------------------------------

                   Zip:
                        ------------------------------------------------


              Comments:










                             ***   YOUR ORDER FORM   ***



                   Make check payable to:   Dennis L. Miller

                                 mail to:   Jungle Land BBS
                                            1511 Blossom Hill Rd.
                                            Pittsburgh, PA  15234-1922

                                            BBS#   (412) 343-3137
                                            VOICE# (412) 343-3451

                  |====================================================|
                  | Date:     /    /                                   |
                  |====================================================|
                  |                 Description             |    Cost  |
                  |====================================================|
                  |  E  | EZBatch  ( 4.50)                  |  $20.00  |
                  |  Z  |   includes :                      |          |
                  |  B  |     BBS Subscription (1 year)     |    0.00  |
                  |  A  |     (45 min/day non-adult level)  |          |
                  |  T  |     EZBatch upgrades via BBS      |    0.00  |
                  |  C  |==============================================|
                  |  H  |                    Total enclosed:  $        |
                  |=====================================================


             Checks and money orders accepted.

             Your Name:
                        ---------------      ---------------------------

               Address:
                        ------------------------------------------------

                 Phone:
                        ---------    ---------     ---------------------

                  City:
                        ------------------------------------------------

                 State:
                        ------------------------------------------------

                   Zip:
                        ------------------------------------------------


              Comments:








