>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>         YOU ARE NOW RUNNING ED-A-BAT          <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
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This is the DOCUMENTATION file for Ed-A-Bat, a small, line oriented text editor
expressly designed for writing batch files.  TEXT and RUNME.BAT are READ ONLY
files; do NOT try to modify and use <F3> to save.
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                    Ed-A-Bat is what EDLIN should have been.
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RULES and SUGGESTIONS for Ed-A-Bat
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 1.   No line can be longer than 80 characters.  The program will load only the
      first 80 characters in a file line.  Using MicroMacroBat, described below,
      will help you avoid batch files with long lines.
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 2.   The maximum number of lines possible in a single file is 280.
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 3.   No line can be completely blank.  Use ":" or "REM" as a filler if you need
      white space.  If you use Ed-A-Bat to write a text only file, use an ASCII
      character 255 to prevent an empty line.  You can have blank lines while
      editing, but saving a file with <F3> will strip them out.
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 4.   You cannot enter some control codes using the ALT key and numerical key-
      pad.  Trying to enter ASCII 27 for example will eject you from the program
      and unsaved work will be lost, just as if you had pressed <ESC>; which is
      what ASCII 27 is.
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 5.   Be sure and save your work before pressing <ESC>.
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 6.   Ed-A-Bat does not create .BAK files as does EDLIN.
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 7.   If you wish, get rid of EDLIN and rename Ed-A-Bat to EDLIN.  You will
      never use EDLIN again!  Put Ed-A-Bat (or EDLIN if you renamed it) into
      your DOS or Utility directory, making sure that a PATH is pointing to it.
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 8.   If you are writing long, complex batch files, you may want to continue
      using your text editor.
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 9.   Save your file periodically with <F3>.
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10.   Experiment with all the functions as outlined in the prompts below.
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11.   If there is anything you do not like about Ed-A-Bat, let us know.  We are
      open to suggestions as long as they don't make the run file too bloated.
      A little bloated is OK.
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12.   Start Ed-A-Bat as you would EDLIN.  Example:   EDABAT TESTFILE.BAT
      Trying to run Ed-A-Bat without specifying a filename will not work.
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REGISTRATION
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$35 payable to:     SITTING DUCK SOFTWARE             Add $2 shipping if you
                    POBox 130                         reside anywhere other than
                    Veneta, OR  97487                 the American continent.
                    (503) 935-3982
:
Brings you:     1.  A new run file containing any enhancements which may have
                    been added since this program was distributed.  We are now
                    working on the next version and are confident that a new
                    development in our programming language of choice will allow
                    us to get the run file size to below 9K.  This will mean a
                    great deal to floppy only users, somewhat less to hard drive
                    users.
                    The next version will have:
                       1.  Greater number of lines.
                       2.  Display of a MicroMacroBat and DOS syntax file.
                       3.  Smaller run file, as mentioned.
                       4.  Your ideas? for  Ed-A-Bat  or  MicroMacroBat
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and!            2.  The MicroMacroBat control files which allows you to use many
                    new commands in your batch files.  An abbreviated version
                    of MicroMacroBat has been used on this disc.  MicroMacroBat
                    comes with a nice, six page manual and demonstration files.
and!            3.  Support for both programs with the possible inclusion of
                    your suggestions.
and!            4.  Updates, as they occur, for a pittance.
and finally!,   5.  Our undying gratitude.
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Ed-A-Bat is a copyrighted program.  If you are going to use Ed-A-Bat in a work,
production or commercial environment, on multiple machines; we ask that you
obtain an inexpensive SITE license.  DISTRIBUTION licenses are available for the
MicroMacroBat control files.  Contact us for details.
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If you do not wish support, MicroMacroBat, etc., you can register for a lower
price of $18.00.  This will assure you of update notices, the latest version of
Ed-A-Bat, plus item 5 above.
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Remember, Ed-A-Bat is a program in itself and does not require the MicroMacroBat
program to be an effective replacement for EDLIN.
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COMMENTARY for the benefit of shareware program USERS (and WRITERS).............
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Shareware is your source of QUALITY, INEXPENSIVE software which will do the
things you want.  Big business is not going to write programs where the interest
is limited to a small percentage of computer users.  If you do not support the
shareware authors by registering, most will eventually quit writing programs
and you will be left with either having to pay 3 or 4 times the money for EVERY
program or, worse, not having the programs you want AT ALL.  Sadly, it is
estimated that only about 10% of those who continue to use and are satisfied
with their shareware programs will bother to register.  Keep shareware healthy
and alive by registering.
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When you press <ESC>, the RUNME.BAT file will be loaded into Ed-A-Bat so you can
examine it.  Naturally, since it includes many MicroMacroBat commands, it does
not look like a typical batch file....there are only a few familiar commands.
After you have looked at the batch file, without modifying it, press <ESC> again
and write a batch file of your own.
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Print this file with <F5> if you wish.