     READ V1.2 Copy(c)right 1985,1993, Gary M. Raymond, New Orleans, La.
                   READer, a Document or Ascii Text Viewer
                              HOME of SlicWare

                                Gary Raymond
                            Post Office Box 8184
                           New Orleans, La.  70182
                               (504) 288-6550
                            Compuserve 70613,3165
   ====================================================================

   Why another READ, you ask?  READ does a few things few other text
   readers now do (but all will probably soon follow suit). First, READ
   automatically searches all paths in the dos comspec environment to
   locate and load the desired text file you wish to look at. As long as
   both READ and the document file are located in a directory which has
   been assigned to a dos PATH statement (normally done via the
   autoexec.bat file), READ will function correctly. Let me repeat that.
   It does not matter what directory or drive you are located in at the
   time you call READ to view a text file AS LONG AS a dos path is
   assigned to READ's default directory *AND* the text file you wish to
   read.  This eliminates having to type extra path statements appended
   to the file name. So, in place of typing:

   READ C:\WP\DOC\LETTERS\MOM.TXT   (a la LIST)
   you need only type: READ MOM.TXT  and you are in business!

   Examples: Suppose you have a sub sub directory called LETTERS residing
   off a parent directory structure of WP\DOC\, wherein you keep all your
   ascii text documents. Lets say this directory structure is located on
   your c: drive. The utility READ.EXE is stored in a directory off the
   root of c: called \utility. First, to set a dos path to both
   locations (and any other you may elect) add the following line to
   your AUTOEXEC.BAT file: SET PATH=C:\UTILITY;C:\WP\DOC\LETTERS (plus
   whatever else?) Now, type AUTOEXEC or reboot to set the new dos path.
   Now, you have the ability to call READ from any drive on your system
   but more importantly, the ability to read any text in \\\\LETTERS
   by only typing its filename after READ. i.e. READ MOM.TXT.

   Next, READ has two additional nifty feature that can save a lot of
   time if you find yourself having to read a particular document with
   regularity. Auto Read and Mouse Support. Auto Read example: Suppose
   every day you download a text file via Xmodem from your company BBS
   which consist of a special report you are required to read. Tell
   Xmodem to download it as XYZ.TXT and then simply type READ! Or, use
   whatever method you prefer to rename your text file to "XYZ.TXT".
   This can be done automatically with a simple batch file or various
   similar ways at the dos prompt. The bottom line is this: READ, typed
   all by itself at the dos prompt, first goes looking all over your dos
   path for a file called XYZ.TXT. If it locates a file called XYZ.TXT,
   it load and displays. If there is no XYZ.TXT, READ informs you of its
   normal syntax for regular operation.

   Mouse support: READ is capable of working with a two (or preferably
   a three) button MicroSoft or LogiTech mouse.

   Left button:                Scroll down one line
   Right button:               Scroll down one page
   Center button:              Scroll up one page
   Left/Right together:        Exit Program
   Left/Center together:       Go to top
   Right/Center together:      Go to bottom


   How to rename files via bat or dos prompt:
   ----------------------------------------------------------------------
   RN.BAT                             at the dos prompt
   ------                    (or)     -----------------
   RENAME %1 XYZ.TXT                  RENAME mytext.doc XYZ.TXT
   -----------------
   type: RN mytext.doc [and mytext.doc is renamed XYZ.TXT]

   RC.BAT                             at the dos prompt
   ------                    (or)     -----------------
   COPY %1 XYZ.TXT                    COPY mytext.doc XYZ.TXT
   ---------------
   type: RC mytext.doc [and mytext.doc will remain but a copy of it
                       will be created with the name XYZ.TXT]
   (In any of the examples above, upper or lower case is permitted!)
   ----------------------------------------------------------------------


   READ has a very basic menu appearing on line 25 of your monitor. You
   have all the essentials to easily scroll through a text file with the
   following menu keys:

   <PgUp> <PgDn> <Arrow Up> <Arrow Dn> <Home> <End> <Alt-P LTP1:> <Esc Exits>

   READ will start by displaying the first 24 lines of the file and then
   wait for your next instruction. If you desire a hard copy and have a
   line printer connected to LPT1:, (parallel port 1, 378) you can press
   the Alt and P keys. This will cause the entire file to be sent to
   your printer. Should the printer be off line or disconnected, the
   program will terminate with the appropriate "printer off line"
   message.

   If the default colors are not pleasing you can use the left and right
   Arrow keys to toggle through the background and foreground colors
   until you find something acceptable. The left arrow controls the
   background colors and the right arrow controls the foreground colors.

   To keep READ as small as possible and because there are already many
   other larger, more sophisticated read type utilities out there, READ
   can only accept text files that are under 65,536 bytes.
   READ was written in Pascal 7.0  Source code is available. PUR

   =====================================================================
   Registration is only $5.00. You will receive the latest version which
   will include any new features plus a disk FULL of other useful files.

   YES Gary, I like to use READ! Here is my fin!  Send READV1+ now!

   Name_____________________________________________________________

   Mailing Address__________________________________________________

   City & State ___________________________________________________

   ZIP _______________ Phone _____________________ Disk Media ______

   Send $5.00 check, cash or money order to:
   ====================================================================
                              Gary Raymond
                              P.O.Box 8184
                          New Orleans, La. 70182
                              504-288-6550
                          Compuserve 70613,3165
   ====================================================================
                                   EOF()
