[comp.sys.ibm.pc] VMS-style HELP program for DOS computers

baird@cod.NOSC.MIL (John M. Baird) (10/11/89)

On Sep 15 a multi-part posting to comp.binaries.ibm.pc was made for the
subject program. It is a nine part posting, in uuencoded ZOO format. Now
that comp.binaries.ibm.pc is active again, it will eventually show up. The
program is also available (as of Sep 22) on simtel20 in PD1:<MSDOS.SYSUTL>
HELPSB.ARC. The following is a synopsis:


HELPSB  DOS 3.x 4.x OS/2 Help Utility   Version 1.10   09-15-89
No Copyright. No Rights Reserved. Share freely and benefit.

The files that follow contain help information for users of DOS-
based personal computers. The primary ways that this help utility
differs from a number of others is:
	- non-technical orientation. It is intended for non-technical
	  users, and includes a section of definitions (NEW_TERMS)
	  just for them. It will run from floppies or hard disks.
	- scope. It covers the commands of DOS 3.x, DOS 4.x, and
	  some aspects of OS/2 in detail.
	- examples. For almost every command, a collection of
	  annotated examples is provided.
	- batch file coverage. Extensive information on the use of
	  BAT files, and examples of their use, is provided.

The information is structured in VMS HELP fashion as a collection
of almost 400 small files in more than 100 subdirectories. The PKZIP
program was used to produce files DISK1.ZIP and DISK2.ZIP. Each file
just fits on a 5 1/4" floppy disk. After UUDECODEing the two files,
use PKUNZIP -DX to unzip them (either to floppies or to one subdirectory
on a hard disk or a 3 1/2" diskette) and read the README file on DISK1. 
PKUNZIP -XD doesn't preserve the subdirectory structure. If you unzip to 
a hard disk, there will be two HELP.LKP file duplicates and one HELP.HLM 
duplicate. Answer Y or N to the overwrite question from PKUNZIP, because 
they really are duplicates, and are there for those who unzip to two 
floppy disks.

Robert P. Scott wrote the HELPOUT program used, and John M. Baird 
prepared the help files. If you find HELPSB helpful, and convenient 
to use, a registration fee would be appreciated.  No money is 
requested or expected. Fees take the form of enhancements to 
existing files or suggestions for improvements to them. Please state 
the version of HELPSB that you currently have.  Send those fees to:   
	...ucbvax!ucsd!nosc!cod!baird
	baird@nosc.UUCP
	baird@COD.NOSC.MIL