HyperHelper 1.5 Another ShareWare Product: Inexpensive software for the rest of us! by Bryan Flamig HyperHelper is a ShareWare utility that enables you to construct custom hypertext help and readme systems. Files you should have: readme -- This file. update -- Summary of new features hh.exe -- The hypertext browser. hc.exe -- The hypertext compiler. hyperhlp.htx -- A sample hypertext file that briefly explains what HyperHelper is and how to use it. sample.txt -- A sample text file that illustrates how hypertext cards are created in HyperHelper. A Brief Description HyperHelper is a ShareWare utility that is ideal for creating custom hypertext help and readme systems on IBM PC's and compatibles. HyperHelper differs from other help utilities in that it is simple, inexpensive, and takes a minimum of resources, yet at the same time provides a way to incorporate hypertext into help systems. You can use HyperHelper to build your own: o hypertext "readme" files o hypertext help for application programs o hypertext help for programming libraries o hypertext references for just about anything! HyperHelper consists of a hypertext compiler and browser which enable you to create and view hypertext files. A hypertext help system begins as a text file that contains the information that is to be displayed by the browser. In addition, special link commands are embedded into this text which specify how you will be able to move about the information. The compiler then reads this file and translates it into a special hypertext format that you can view with the browser. That's all there is to it! Getting Started If you want to begin learning how HyperHelper works, try running the hypertext browser by typing: hh hyperhlp at the DOS prompt. This will invoke the HyperHelper browser and display the contents of the hyperhlp.htx file-- a hypertext file which explains how to use HyperHelper and briefly tells you how you can go about building your own hypertext cards. Try Out the HyperHelper Compiler After you get a feel for the HyperHelper browser, you'll probably want to try out the HyperHelper compiler. For your convenience the distribution disk includes a very simple hypertext file, called sample.txt, that you can try compiling. You can edit this file with your favorite text editor; however, make sure your editor has formatting turned off. To compile sample.txt into a hypertext file that is readable by the HyperHelper browser use: hc sample Note that the .txt extension of the filename is not used. The compiler will translate the .txt file into a special format that is only readable by the HyperHelper browser. This compiled file will be called sample.htx. Now try browsing through the file sample.htx with the HyperHelper browser by typing: hh sample You'll probably want to look at sample.txt to see how the various HyperHelper commands are used. In addition, you might want to try modifying the file in order to try out the commands on your own. Tips on Using HyperHelper Although space does not allow a full description of the features in HyperHelper, the following tips may prove useful while you are learning how to use HyperHelper: 1. If you encounter problems reading the screen with your monochrome monitor, try the following option which forces HyperHelper to use monochrome attributes: hh -m 2. You can move the HyperHelper window on the screen by holding down the Shift key while using the arrow keys. If snow appears on the screen when moving the window, try invoking HyperHelper with the -s switch at the command-line. This will prevent most of the snow. Therefore, if snow appears on the screen use: hh -s 3. HyperHelper is designed to work in text mode only. 4. For best performance locate your hypertext files on a hard disk. A Word of Caution This version of HyperHelper is fully operational, but it DOES NOT contain a comprehensive user's guide. Nonetheless, the files sample.txt and hyperhlp.htx should give you an adequate idea of how HyperHelper works and how to make your own hypertext system. If you find HyperHelper useful and decide to register your copy of HyperHelper, you will receive the complete printed documentation. Registering HyperHelper! Since HyperHelper is a ShareWare product, you are encouraged to experiment with it and share it with your friends as long as the following provisions are met: 1) It is distributed ONLY in its original, unmodified form. 2) No fee is charged for copying or distribution without permission by the author. If you find HyperHelper useful, you may register your copy for $20 in which case you will receive: 1) The latest version of HyperHelper. 2) A printed user's guide that explains how to use the HyperHelper browser and how to create your own hypertext files. 3) A memory-resident, context sensitive version of the HyperHelper browser. 4) An install program which allows you to change the colors used by HyperHelper. To register HyperHelper, fill out the form below and send it along with $20 in check, money order, or Visa/MasterCard. Or for immediate processing, call the number below and place your order using your Visa or MasterCard. Ein Stein's Computers, 750 Bridge Street Yuba City, CA 95991 (916) 671-7444 __________________________________________________________________ Name __________________________________________________________________ Company Name __________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________ City State Zip __________________________________________________________________ Telephone Registration Fee: $ _____________ Tax (CA only) : $ _____________ Total Enclosed : $ _____________ Method of payment: Check ______ Visa ______ MasterCard ______ Credit Card Number: ______________________________________________ Expiration Date: _________________________________________________ Signature:________________________________________________________ [107]