!Help for !DFSreader Version 0.01 Beta
--------------------------------------

[Docs as of 31-Mar-90]

Files included in this package :-

  !Run
  !RunImage
  !Sprites
  !Help
  Templates
  MakeTrans
  typetrans
  chkspr    ) my chkspr util, rename the app and see what
  !Boot     ) happens (nothing!). Notes in Comments.


  This app was designed to aid transfer of DFS files to the
Arc. Of course there are many ways to do this, the cheapest
being serial transfer, notorious for the headaches it
causes. Since I had an external 5.25" drive I wrote this
app to allow me to transer files to & from my BBC with the
minimum of hassle. Of course if you have DFS files on a
3.5" disc (why?) then the app should function quite
satisfactorally.

NOTE
----

This app IS a beta version & many factilitys are missing
from it, for instance it won't read 40 track discs (I
think!), only accepts Acorn DFS discs (or compatible, want
Watford DFS, send me the spec & I will gladly add it!) and
there in no format command. This app is NOT a dfs filer, by
simply a customized sector reader.


Usage
-----

  Double clicking on the !DFSreader icon in the filer
window will install the application on the left hand side
of the iconbar.

  Under the !DFSreader icon is a drive number. This number
specifies the drive using the DFS convention, NOT the
standard ADFS convention. ie

               Drive  Side  Number
              
                 0     0      :0
                 1     0      :1
                 0     1      :2
                 1     1      :3

(this should be no problem to previous DFS users)

  To catalogue a DFS disc in the chosen drive simply click
on the DFSreader icon and a filer type window will open
displaying the contents of the disc.

  To transfer files to and from a DFS disc simply treat the
DFSreader window as a standard filer window. ie drag icons
to and from save and filer windows to load and save files
onto the DFS disc. Transfers to and from memory resident
applications can take place just as easily although note
that the Wimp <Scrap$File> is used as a temporary store.

  To change discs, just insert the new disc and click on
the DFSreader icon. Note : if you change the disc without
clicking on the DFSreader icon then !DFSreader will not
allow you to make any transfers.

  The iconbar menu gives you access to certain general
actions :-

Info                 Displays current version number &
                     date, please quote this in all
                     corespondence.
Drive (submenu)      Allows section of desired drive.

Name Disc (submenu)  Allows the disc name to be changed.

Import Dir           If ticked then the DFS directory
                     character prefix (except $) is placed
                     at the front of the ADFS file name.

Free                 Displays the free space on the disc.

Quit                 Removes the !DFSreader application
                     from memory.

  There is also a context sensitive menu for the file
window which when menu is clicked offers :-

Display (Submenu)       Allows the choice of window display
                        types

and if menu is clicked ontop of a file then there an extra
submenu titled '<FileName>' which offers the standard file
operations Rename, Delete, Access and Count.

  There is a BASIC utility supplied called 'MakeTrans',
this utility allows the creation of of the file
'typetrans', the data file that maps Arc filetypes onto BBC
load and exec addresses. Add data lines onto the end of the
data list (before the -1,-1,-1 !) if you wish to add your
own mappings. 


Versions
--------

0.00 (Beta)  Application under constant development

Comments
--------

There are a great many desirable features missing from this
application at the moment & the only reason I am releasing
it now is because some company is selling a DFSreader for
money abd I would like to give people the choice of a pd
app or forking out for an expensive one.

  Even so the application is very functional and although
is not as good as I would like, it is quite satisfactory
for transfers.

  In future releases expect : Multi file selections,
format, verify, other BBC disc formats, User default of
drive, 40 track compatible, multiple windows and compact. I
cannot guarantee that all these WILL be implemented but I
will have a go at them!

  So please write (mail) to me with features you want and
especially BBC disc format specs (ie Watford DFS) and
mappings for the file 'typetrans'.

  The ChkSpr Utility

  The chkspr utility will, when run, examine the '!Sprites'
file and check if the first sprite is the directory's name.
If not the sprites name will be changed to the directory's
name. The !Boot file contains on it's FIRST line 'Run
ChkSpr', this runs the util, the next line contains
'IconSprites <Obey$Dir>.!Sprites' this loads the new sprite
in. The filer always calls any new (ie renamed) app's !Boot
file so the new sprite is automatically loaded for display,
et volia! Please feel free to use the utility separately
from the rest of the package, I think it is very useful!


Conditions of Use
-----------------

  This application is supplied free to everyone 'as is', I
do not give any guarantee that it is free of bugs, or
supply any warranty about its suitabliliy for use. However
if there are any problems with it and you notify me of them
then I probably will do my best to recify them.

  You are may give this application to anyone, via any
medium, so long as :- 

  1) It is delivered with ALL the supplied files and
     unaltered (except !Run & !Boot files) .

  2) It is not supplied on a disc you are charging
     for (except for media and postage costs).
  
  You have permission to use any part or the whole
application in a project you intend to place in the public
domain, as long as I am fully credited. If you wish to use
these routines in a program that is for sale (for however
much and for whatever reasons) or released as copyright
material then my express permission in writing must be
obtained. I maintain copyright on all the material
supplied and reserve the right to amend these conditions in
cases where I deem misuse.

   A large number of hours of work have gone into the
production and maintenance of this application and although
I have supplied the application free, donations will be
gratefully received (and if over 7 pounds I will send you a
disc with updates of this and all other pd stuff I have
written. Please include a letter telling me which apps of
mine you use and their version number & dates).


Contacts
--------

My address:

  6 Parklands Place,
  Guildford,
  Surrey GU1 2PS.

BBSs I call frequently:

  Archive BBS          [0603 745932]   mbx 23
  Arcade BBS           [01 654 2212]   mbx 23
  The World of Cryton  [0749 679794]   mbx 273


 Emmet Spier 1990 - USE and Enjoy!
