VOLNUM.COM Overview VOLNUM.COM was developed by James R. King to supplement the FATCAT disk catalog program written by Steven M. Cohen. Steve's program, albeit a very excellent method of cataloging disks, relies on the user to keep track of the disk numbering scheme. This is true whether you number them with "SAVE 0 FILENAME.EXT" or number them from within FATCAT's handy "Clean-up mode" (`T' option). If you are going to be cataloging a substantial number of disks, keeping track of which number to assign next can become a nuisance. VOLNUM eliminates the disk numbering hassle by saving within the program the next number to be issued to the next disk. The VOLNUM program, when invoked from drive A, automatically writes zero-length, read-only filenames in ascending order to each disk inserted into drive B. Although running VOLNUM over all your disks before cataloging may seem like added tedium from having to handle the disks twice, the program will number your disks automatically in flawless sequence much faster than you ever could manually. As an added feature, VOLNUM.COM contains a built-in, easy to use installation package to permit individual user customization of the program. Please note that if you desire to REName VOLNUM to something more convenient, or if you would like to change the internal filename that VOLNUM writes to the disks, you should make these changes from within the installation program. The installation program, invoked with the command "VOLNUM INSTALL", is completely menu-driven and will guide you step by step. GETTING STARTED WITH VOLNUM FIRST -As with any software, make a backup copy of the original VOLNUM.COM program and put it away in a safe place. SECOND -If you haven't already done so, take a few minutes now to read the excellent FATCAT documentation. Pay particular attention to page 4: DISK NAMES--some simple rules. This may save you a lot of grief later. THIRD -The distribution version of VOLNUM.COM will run without modification, and must be invoked from drive A only. If you wish to have a custom version of VOLNUM.COM, now is the time to make it. Simply boot up a disk containing the VOLNUM.COM file in drive A and invoke the instal- lation program by typing at the CP/M prompt: VOLNUM INSTALL You must include the space between the words VOLNUM and INSTALL. The symbol means to hit the carriage return key. At this point you're on your way and the installation program will guide you from here. If you goof, just hit a "CONTROL C" to abort your installation and start over from the beginning. HOW TO RUN VOLNUM.COM Operational notes 1. Insert the disk with your working version of VOLNUM.COM into Drive A. (NOTE: Do not write-protect the VOLNUM program or try to run it from a write-protected disk. The program must be able to write to itself in order to save the last number.) 2. Invoke VOLNUM by entering the name of the file and hit . 3. The program is menu-driven and you will be prompted at each step from this point. (NOTE: Just entering a carriage return instead of "Y" or "N" will be interpreted as a "YES".) 4. You will be asked to shuffle the disks to be numbered through the disk drive that you selected in the installation program or through Drive B if you're using the distribution version without any changes in the default values. (NOTE: Remember to remove all write-protect tabs before numbering your disks or the program will abort!) 5. When the time comes to terminate the process, you will have one chance to save the next number to be assigned for the next session. DO IT! - This keeps things in order for each session and avoids duplicate disk numbers. CAVEAT EMPTOR THE PROGRAM VOLNUM.COM AND THIS DOCUMENTATION ARE RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC DOMAIN FOR PRIVATE, NON-COMMERCIAL, NON-PROFIT USE ONLY. NO WARRANTY WHATSOEVER AS TO THE FITNESS OF THIS PROGRAM TO ANY APPLICATION IS MADE OR IMPLIED. THE AUTHOR ASSUMES NO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY LOSS OR COSTS INCURRED AS A DIRECT OR INDIRECT RESULT OF THE USE OF OR THE INABILITY TO USE THIS PROGRAM. YOU MAY FREELY DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS PROGRAM BUT YOU MAY NOT SELL IT OR BUNDLE IT WITH ANOTHER PACKAGE FOR SALE OR COMMERCIAL USE WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE AUTHOR, JAMES R. KING. VOLNUM.COM COPYRIGHT (C) 1984, 1986 JAMES R. KING 6708 - 92nd. Ave. West Taylor Ridge, IL 61284