Msg: 5093 *Conference*

05-25-94 11:17:40

From: RICHARD HANSON

To : CHARLES BIRKNER

Subj: REPLY TO MSG #5091 (SAVE DIFFS)

Charles:  Good question.  Let's talk about methods of saving TEXT files (Aka.
ASCII, or files with the .DO extension).

Upon entering TEXT, you are asked for a filename.  You may enter an up-to 6
character filename, alpha first.  When you hit <enter> that file is referenced
in a directory area with a pointer to a file allocation table.  Anyway, the
file is created under the filename you enter.

When you exit the file with either <f8> function key, or <esc> <esc> the file
is automatically updated and you are returned to the main menu where you see
the filename.DO.

When you in the .DO file, you'll note other function key options beyond
<f8>Menu.  One of those option--as you mentioned--the <f3>Save function key
also asks for a file to save, the clicks.  Well sir, those clicks are the relay
to your cassette port.  If you had a cassette player connected in record mode
(the CCR82 is the best for this job) your .DO file would be saved to the tape
in the cassette player.  Thus, the <f3>Save function key is a direct-to-tape
option provided in the the TEXT program.

With a simple add-on, you can turn your tape storage utilities, <f2>Load and
<f3>Save, into disk storage utilities.  TS-DOS (on either disk (RAM) or on
option ROM, includes a DOS-ON function.  Once turned on, the programming to
access the serial port for tpdd/tpdd2 or DOS computer via LapLink (Aka
BoosterLink)--this is not a reference to Lapdos II--becomes available within
the TEXT program.

For instance, let's say that you are in a .DO file called STUFF.DO.  You have
previously turned the TS-DOS DOS-ON function, on.  You want to save this file
to your tpdd.  Turn your tpdd on with a formatted disk inserted.  Tap your
<f3>Save function key, type in 0:STUFF and hit <enter>.  The contents of the
current file will write to the tpdd under the filename STUFF.DO.  Note: If the
STUFF.DO files does not exist it will be created.  If it does exist it will be
overwritten but you will "NOT" be asked if you want to overwrite--a small flaw
in an otherwise excellent program.

Another way to use the DOS-ON function built into TS-DOS is in creating form
letters.  Let's say you do a ton of response letters every day.  And, much of
your work is repetitive.  Start by creating mini-files, each containing a
particulay repetitive response.  Name each of these files using a simple naming
sequence, such as A1.DO, D3.DO, whatever.  On a seperate piece of paper, make a
list of mini-files with annotations to their contents.  Okay, now you're ready
to blow off those letters.

You read the letter and figure that files, HEAD1.DO (your letter head) S6.DO,
A2.DO, and OFF1.DO (your sign-off) would work.  You enter TEXT, create a blank
file.

Tap <f2>Load, type in 0:HEAD1 <enter> . . . the file loads.  Go to the end of
the file <ctrl><down arrow>, <enter> <enter> for a new paragraph.

Tap <f2>Load, type in 0:S6.DO <enter> . . . the file loads.  Go to the end of
the file <ctrl><down arrow>, <enter> <enter> for a new paragraph.

Tap <f2>Load, type in A2.DO <enter> . . . the file loads.  Tap <f2>Load, type
in OFF1.DO <enter> . . . the file loads.

Enter any custom information and print.  You are done, dude!  You just blew
that letter off.

I love computers.  With a little planning and creativity a computer is a time
saving tool.  Also, computing is a performing art.  You must practice.

Hope this helps... -Rick-

PS: Note catalog in the mail to you for prices on TS-DOS disk and ROM versions.
Also, if you purchase the ROM version, ask for me to throw in the disk at no
extra cost.