====  Documentation for LST-TOOL.COM  ====

                           VERSION 1.1

                 Copyright (C) 1985 by UCS, inc.
                       ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

            A Utility Program for Use With .LST Files
             as produced by MCAT/XCAT or LCAT/XLCAT

                           - NOTICE -

     LST-TOOL is released with LIMITED USE END-USER RIGHTS.   You
are encouraged to use this software in any  NON-COMMERCIAL,  NON-
GOVERNMENTAL  environment.   You  may  distribute  this  software
freely,  so long as no monetary transaction takes place, and this
documentation  file accompanies it.   This software is  protected
under United States Copyright Law and International Treaty.   Any
violation of the UCS, inc. copyright will be prosecuted.


                        - Introduction -

     LST-TOOL  is  a  utility  program  designed  to  extend  the
usefulness of the MCAT/XCAT or LCAT/XLCAT Disk Cataloging System.
LST-TOOL  can  read  the .LST files produced  by  XCAT/XLCAT  and
report useful information on them back to you.

     LST-TOOL is distributed with a terminal installation routine
that  will  adapt it to most Z-80 based  computers.  The  install
procedure  is menu-driven,  and,  once LST-TOOL is installed  for
your  terminal,  the installation files may be deleted from  your
working disk. Only LST-TOOL.COM is necessary.

                         - Background -

     LST-TOOL was originally written to meet my immediate  needs.
I  had many different sets of MAST.CAT,  MAST.LST,  MASTL.CAT and
MASTL.LST files,  for different sets of disks.  I needed a way to
compare  the files,  and list the names that showed on the  Input
file  that  DID NOT show on the Master file.  I then  decided  it
would  be useful to be able to scan the .LST files and  determine
which  filenames were listed on more than one  disk.  Finally,  I
determined that it would be desirable to be able to REName  files
if necessary (More than one .LST file...).

     In  addition to these functions,  LST-TOOL needed to be able
to  read  the disk directory (to remind you what  files  you  are
working  on...) and a way to rapidly read the disk files  created
by LST-TOOL (or other ASCII files for that matter...).

                          - Features -

     LST-TOOL  will compare two .LST files (NOT THE SAME NAME!!!)
and prepare a file called LIST.DIF showing those entries that are
on  the Input List that were not on the Master  List.  Both,  the
Master List and the Input List MUST be in sorted order.  XCAT.COM
and  XLCAT.COM  will take care of that,  but  results  cannot  be
guaranteed for other applications.

     LST-TOOL  will  read a .LST file and prepare a file  showing
all  Filenames  that  appear on  multiple  disks.  These  may  be
(usually...)  deleted  to increase available storage  space.  The
list  will  be saved as DUPES.LST and may be viewed  from  within
LST-TOOL.

     Because  LST-TOOL  allows you to use  multiple  ????????.LST
files, LST-TOOL also allows you to rename them, if necessary.

     Finally,  LST-TOOL has options for displaying the  directory
of  the working disk and viewing an ASCII file on the screen  (20
lines at a time).

                     - Update Information -

     LST-TOOL  version 1.1 utilizes a technique to  automatically
determine available memory at run-time.  It adjusts the stack and
heap  pointers  to fit within any size TPA.   The  technique  was
developed by James R.  Shiflett of Stafford,  Texas, and is fully
described  in the August-September,  1985,   (number 25) issue of
Micro Cornucopia magazine

                           - Future? -

     Heck if I know...  Like I mentioned above,  LST-TOOL grew up
out of my own personal requirements.  This is not the best way to
develop  useful software (but it is typical of  PD  software...).
The  author  lives in a little sterile environment and cannot  be
expected to anticipate all potential uses, or desirable features.
This is where YOU come in.  How do you use the .CAT & .LST files?
What  additional features do you think might be  desirable?  Why?
Let me know what you think at my RCP/M,  The Lost Dutchman's Gold
Mine (602)848-6708, 24 Hours. I support 300, 1200 & 2400 Baud.

James A. Gronek
08/26/1985