W8SDZ@SIMTEL20.ARPA (01/20/86)
Now available via FTP from SIMTEL20:
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FATCAT23.LBR.1 BINARY 161792 DB4AH
FATCAT is a new multi-featured disk cataloging utility for Z80 CP/M
systems. It was designed with the user's convenience in mind. It
features rapid-fire insertion of diskettes. The filenames are simply
appended sequentially to a temporary file. Then when you are done,
while you go eat supper or watch TV the computer does the tedious work
of sorting, inserting, deleting, etc., without making you share its
tedium. Also includes LBR file support. Replaces FMAP, CAT, UCAT,
MCAT, XCAT programs.
Changes from Previous Versions
NOTE -- If you have been using FATCAT version 2.0, please
READ THIS:
NOTE -- Any references to version 2.1 apply equally to version
2.3.
None of the program files in FATCAT vers. 2.0, 2.1, or 2.2 (those
with file types of .COM, .CHN, .00?) or the Configuration Files
(.CFG) are compatible with version 2.1. To avoid needless
confusion, you should make sure you have backed these files up
onto an archival disk, and then GET THEM OFF YOUR SYSTEM. They
will not work with the version 2.3 files, even though some of
them have the same names.
HOWEVER, ALL actual catalog and index files (.LIX, .RIX, .DNX,
.LCX, .RCX, and .TCX) from previous versions ARE PERFECTLY
COMPATIBLE with version 2.3, so there is no need to do anything
with your actual data files, they will work just fine under
either version.
BUG FIXES
Three bugs, are fixed in version 2.3
-- A serious bug that caused library files not to be deleted
properly has been fixed. This may have caused some corruption
in your catalog files, but not your index files. To check,
catalog a disk, note the number of library files reported. Then
output all files in the catalog. If these numbers don't agree
with the ones obtained previously your catalog file is corrupted.
Running the <M> option will fix it.
-- Searches in OUTPUT mode now give correct results when
seraching unambigous file names.
-- Counts of files now give correct results.
Two major bugs were fixed in Version 2.1.
-- The add and rename functions in cleanup mode now give full
access to user areas other than the current one.
-- Disk resets have been added in places where disk swapping was
occurring -- causing BDOS errors when run under CP/M. This was
not a problem under ZRDOS, which is how it slipped through.
ENHANCEMENTS
The following enhancement is provided in version 2.3:
-- Output now available in a cross-reference format similar to
XCAT, in addition to the previous FATCAT format. Accessible from
new <X> option on main menu or from command line of OUTCAT.
The following enhancements are provided in version 2.1:
-- The single/multiple mode toggle has been eliminated. This
function is now controlled by the Automatic Reindex toggle.
Leaving this off speeds up the updating process, regardless of
whether one disk or several have been inserted, and there is no
automatic update as in former single mode. What you gain here is
faster operation. However, the tradeoff is that you lose the
robust backup that this admittedly slower method provided. If
you are going to run with the Auto-ReIndex off it is recommended
that you back up your catalog disks.
-- Since Auto-Reindexing may now be disabled, we have added the
'M' option which gives a manual Recreation of the Catalog files
from the index files, which used to happen under Updating in the
multiple mode (and which can still be achieved under Auto-
Reindex). The 'F' Option is now renamed 'R'.
-- FATCAT now takes better advantage of memory space resulting in
a faster throughput, since disk accesses are reduced. This will
be apparent especially on floppy based systems.
-- The Printer Offset has been added as a configuration option
for those who like to leave their paper in a fixed position on
their printers.
-- Command Line Control of Output is now provided. See the
section 'OUTCAT' for a description of this feature. The output
module will work from the menu, however, just as it did before.
On-line help available for OUTCAT with command OUTCAT //.
-- Configuration setup provision allowing FATCAT to stop
conflicting with the Plu*Perfect DateStamper's assumption that
its special file would be first in any sort.