THD ProScan's Terminal Assistant Version 3
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Messages from a user stating the need for an interface for people who wished
to use THD ProScan with their terminal program, sparked me to create this
simple program.
This program was outwardly inspired by THDPRO TERMINAL EXTENSION. A
program created for the same basic purpose as this one.
Keep in mind that this program is really only a glorified batch file.
Most (if not all) of what it does could easily be done in a batch file. It
is being provided for those who don't have the time or knowledge to create a
batch file that performs this task.
WHAT'S NEW IN VERSION 3?
------------------------
Version 3 is a minor upgrade which takes care of version 2's nasty
habit of deleting entire directories if the user were to configure the
source and destination directories the same. The reason being that THDTERM2
"moved" the file and if the file was found IN the destination directory then
the original was deleted. In a case where the two directories were the
same.. this would result in the deleting of all the files.
The other addition to this version allows the testing of a directory
other than the one configured as the source. To use this feature one must
run THDTERM.EXE /S C:\PATH\TO\SOURCE.
Where "C:\PATH\TO\SOURCE" represents the directory to be tested. When
this option is used... ONLY the failed files will be moved to your
previously configured "FAILED" directory. All passed files will be left
where they are.
On some occassions when used as above dos will change the position of
files in the directory. This action will could result in duplicate testing
of a file. So if you see "File 11 of 11 to be tested" in a directory
containing only 10 files it is due to dos's movement of files and is
perfectly normal.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
-----------------
You will need a configured copy of THD ProScan (preferably version 6).
A directory for files which have not yet been tested (your usual download
directory is recommended). A directory for files which pass the test and
another directory for files that fail the test.
This Terminal assistant will run on any platform which currently
supports THD ProScan. It will require about 2k of memory above the
requirements for THD ProScan.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
----------------
Quite simply, It runs THDPRO.EXE on every file in a given directory and
then moves each of the files to a directory depending on whether it passed
or failed the test by THDPRO.EXE.
WHAT PARAMETERS DOES IT TAKE?
-----------------------------
The proper Syntax for THD ProScan's Terminal Assistant is quite simply
"THDTERM.EXE". After it has been configured this command will run the
program as explained below.
THDTERM.EXE accepts one of two parameters.
"C" or "/S {PATH}".
The "C" parameter can be used to reconfigure a previously configured
file.
The /S parameter tells THDTERM3 that what follows is a directory other
than the one configured which you would like to test. In this case only
"failed" files will be moved (to the failed directory as defined in the
configuration). Passed files will be left as is.
CONFIGURATION
-------------
The first time THDTERM.EXE is run it will automatically prompt you for
4 things. (no parameters need to be supplied on the first run)
You will be prompted for the following...
Path to THDPRO.EXE
Path to the directory containing the files to be tested.
Path to the directory for passed files.
Path to the directory for failed files.
ALL of these paths MUST exist prior to the configuration. As mentioned
above it can be reconfigured by running "THDTERM.EXE C".
HOW DOES IT WORK?
-----------------
THDTERM.EXE counts the files in the directory to be tested and then
runs THDPRO.EXE on each of the files. IF THD ProScan passes the file, it is
moved to the directory for "PASSED" files.
IF THD ProScan fails the file, THD Terminal Assistant will check to see
if THD ProScan moved the file, If not it will be moved to the directory for
"FAILED" files.
It then moves to the next file. At the beginning of testing of each
file, you will be informed of the number of files to be tested and the
number of the file about to be tested (ie. "Testing file 4 of 8").
This program was made to work specifically with THD ProScan Version 5
or later. The reason being that it also informs THD ProScan NOT to send
output to the comport (this will only work with version 5 or higher). While
it will work with previous versions, the remote output will NOT be
suppressed on those earlier versions.
GENERAL INFORMATION
-------------------
This is an excellent tool for sysops as well as users. For a sysop, it
will allow them to use THD ProScan Version 5+ with their fossil active
without attempting to send output over the modem. Thus making it the perfect
tool for a sysop to test his/her downloads.
Compressing the executeable is recommended for space purposes and has no
adverse affect on the operation. However, Note that it must be configured
before it is compressed and that it cannot be configured or reconfigured in
it's compressed state.
For users in general it provides the same security that many sysops
have become accustomed to.
Needless to say, THDPRO.EXE will need to be configured properly before
this program will be of any use.
Reasons for failure are not reported by this program, but all such
instances should be accounted for in your THDPRO.LOG created by THD ProScan.
With the exception of possible runtime errors, this program will ALWAYS
exit with errorlevel "0". The only indicators left by this program will be
the presence of the tested files in the Pass or fail directory. In keeping
with the tradition of THD ProScan, this program will NOT delete files for
any reason. Files are left for you to do with as you choose.
DISCLAIMER
----------
This progam was concieved,written and tested in less than 24 hours.
While I do believe it to be stable, I cannot guarantee that it will not do
damage. In over 100 tests on my system throughout the various stages of
programming, not a single file was corrupted or lost.
This program is provided for convenience and comes with absolutely no
warranty of any sort. If you find it convenient and wish to offer
suggestions to improve or expand it, all such comments are welcome in the
BBS support base on TELENET CANADA (TNCNET).
Address all such comments to David Muir.
COPYRIGHT
---------
This program and all of its associated names,
files, logos and makeup are Copyright 1993 PainSoft.
No duplication in whole or in part is allowed. With
the exception of duplication of the entire archived set of
files for distribution to those in need of it's services. None
of the copyrighted material may be changed in any way, except
by the author. Changes made by the " original / unmodified"
installation program will be considered to have been made by
the author for the purpose of this copyright. The files may be
rearchived in ANY fashion which requires them to be restored
to their original condition before use. ( Portions Copyright
Borland International)The executable files may be "compressed"
to save space but may not be distributed in this "compressed
format". The Author accepts no responsibility for the actions
of this program. It is FREEWARE and NO charge may be made for
it's distribution. It is NOT a commercial product and as such
the ONLY acceptable charge for it will be "actual, physical
cost of duplication". I do not profit from it monetarily and
any attempt of other persons to do so shall be considered an
infringement of my copyright.