BYZANS TASK MANAGER (TM) (Version 0.9)

Copyright  1993, Yorgo Vergos


* CONTENTS

    - Overview

    - Disclaimer Of Warranty And Agreement

    - Definition Of Shareware

    - File List

    - Why Register

    - Registration Procedure

    - Installation

    - Using BTM

    - Getting To Know BTM

    - Vendor Information    

    - Release 0.9 Information


* OVERVIEW

The Byzans Task Manager (BTM) is a replacement Task Manager for 
MS Windows 3.1. BTM combines the functionality of the Windows Task
List and Program Manager. Although BTM could also be used as a 
Windows Shell in place of the Program Manager theoretically, it is
meant to complement not replace the Windows Program Manager or any
other Shell that you might be using.

BTM is available on demand at any moment during your Windows 
session. It is only a mouse click or Ctrl+Esc away so you don't 
have to search for it on your Desktop.

BTM consists of the following sections:

     - A Tool Bar with the commonly used Windows Accessories
     - A visual Task List
     - A button group for manipulating items in the Task List 
     - A button group for Desktop Management
     - A Runner Bar that remembers
     - An Application Strip to launch your favorite applications
     - An Information Bar at the bottom of the window
     - A pop-up Floating Menu


* DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY AND AGREEMENT


    THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED  "AS IS"  WITHOUT WARRANTY OF 
    ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT
    NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
    FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

    GOOD DATA PROCESSING PROCEDURE DICTATES THAT ANY SOFTWARE
    BE THOROUGHLY TESTED WITH NON-CRITICAL DATA BEFORE RELYING
    ON IT.  THE USER MUST ASSUME THE ENTIRE RISK OF USING THE 
    SOFTWARE.

    IN NO EVENT, WILL THE PROVIDER OR AN AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR
    OF THE PROVIDER BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING
    INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, ARISING OUT OF THE USE
    OF THE SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
    DAMAGES.

    ANY LIABILITY OF THE PROVIDER WILL BE LIMITED EXCLUSIVELY TO
    PRODUCT REPLACEMENT OR REFUND OF PURCHASE PRICE.
  
    YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ THIS LICENSE, UNDERSTAND
    IT AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY ITS TERMS. 


This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of
New Jersey.

It is your responsibility to determine if the program will work
reliably on your equipment and for your particular business
environment.  That's why evaluation copies are made available
to you.  
                     
BTM is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge
to the user for evaluation.  Feel free to share it with your
friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of
another system.  The essence of "user-supported" software is to
provide personal computer users with quality software without
high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to
continue to develop new products.  If you find this program
useful and find that you are using BTM and continue to use
BTM after a thirty day trial period, you must register your
copy of BTM.


* DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE

Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software
before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue
using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs
differ on details -- some request registration while others
require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With
registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue
using the software to an updated program with printed manual.

Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software,
and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific
exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished
programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are
of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs
and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of
distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy
and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a
specific group. For example, some authors require written
permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their
Shareware.

Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You
should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook,
whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes
fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy.
And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware
has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the
product, you don't pay for it.


* FILE LIST

The BTM-09.ZIP archive contains the following ten files:

     - BTMTASK.EXE
     - BTMTASK.INI
     - BTMLIB.DLL
     - BTMINFO.TXT (this file)
     - README.TXT
     - SETUP.EXE
     - SETUP.INF
     - REGISTER.DOC
     - VENDOR.DOC (*)
     - FILE_ID.DIZ (*)


****************************WARNING****************************

If any of the files mentioned above (other than the ones
followed with (*) ) are missing in the package that you received 
do not use them as they might have been tampered with.

To get the latest set of files send a check or money order
drawn from a US bank for the amount of $5.00 in US funds to: 

          YORGO VERGOS
          WORLD PLAZA SOUTH
          316 PROSPECT AVENUE 7F
          HACKENSACK NJ 07601-2575
          USA   

Also make sure to include on a piece of paper where you obtained
this package your name and address and what size of floppy disks
you use.

The $5.00 shipping and handling fee will be deducted from the
total of your order when you decide to register BTM.

***************************************************************


* WHY REGISTER

These are some of the reasons why you should register BTM:

- When you register BTM you will receive a unique registration
  number and a license that will entitle you to use BTM legally 
  beyond the 30 day evaluation period.

- You will receive the upcoming version (1.0) of BTM free of
  charge when it becomes available. (You will also save some
  money since the registration fee for version 1.0 will probably
  be slightly higher.)

- You will receive a comprehensive printed manual and a disk 
  with version 1.0 at no charge.

- You will be entitled to free unlimited support. (Limited to
  mail support in the time being.)

- As a registered user you will have the opportunity to influence
  future development of BTM (including version 1.0) This means
  that features that you think would be useful to you might be
  incorporated into BTM, making BTM a greater value for you.

- You will receive a registered version of "SOLUS" a board game
  for MS Windows 3.x valued at $10.00.

- You will also receive a utility that allows you to exit or
  restart Windows at the click of the mouse from an icon on your
  desktop. This utility is not available to the general public.
  Comparable programs are sold for anywhere from $5.00 to $10.00.

- You will encourage the future development of quality shareware 
  products, which will translate to overall, high quality and
  affordable software products for you, the end user.

Note: We reserve the right to append new items or make changes to
the benefits above as we see fit, without any further notice.


* REGISTRATION PROCEDURE

BTM is licensed on a per user basis.  The license grants the user
the right to install and use the software on one or more computers
so long as the total number of users does not exceed the license
quantity.

To register your copy of BTM use the registration form supplied
with this package in the "REGISTER.DOC" file (we recommend that
you use the "Register" option from the BTM System Menu or the
BTM Floating Menu to fill and print the form).

Or send a check or money order drawn from a US bank for the 
amount of $30.00 in US funds to: 

          YORGO VERGOS
          WORLD PLAZA SOUTH
          316 PROSPECT AVENUE 7F
          HACKENSACK NJ 07601-2575
          USA   

Cash is accepted but not encouraged.

Note: International orders add $5.00 for shipping and handling.

For the benefits that come with registration please read the
section titled "Why Register" above.


* INSTALLATION

To install BTM on your machine follow these instructions:

- After decompressing the distribution archive file BTM-09.ZIP
  either copy all the files to a formatted blank floppy disk, or
  to a temporary directory on your hard drive.

- If you copied the files to a floppy disk start up Windows,
  go to the Program Manager, select the "File" menu and then the
  "Run" option. Type either "A:\setup" or "B:\setup" according
  to the floppy drive you are using, and hit OK.
   
- If you copied the files to a temporary directory on your hard
  drive, i.e. "C:\TEMP", go to the Program Manager, select the 
  "File" menu and then the "Run" option. Type "C:\TEMP\setup"
  and hit OK.

- When SETUP comes up follow the on screen instructions to
  complete the installation of BTM.

- Setup will copy all the BTM files to a sub directory called
  "BTM" it will also create a Program Manager group called 
  "Byzans" and modify your system.ini file.

- In order for BTM to become active you MUST restart Windows.

- During Setup BTM modifies the "TaskMan=" line in your 
  system.ini file. The old setting is saved as in:

  ;TaskMan=taskman.exe 

  It is very important that you do not delete or modify the
  above line, as BTM needs it to reset your original Task
  Manager when you decide to uninstall BTM (we don't think
  you will, unless of course you'll have to if you don't register
  your copy of BTM at the end of the 30 day evaluation period).

- To uninstall BTM follow the above instructions to start up
  SETUP, select the uninstall option and hit OK.

- Setup will remove all the BTM files, remove the "BTM" directory,
  delete the Byzans Program Group and reset the TaskMan entry
  in your system.ini file to its original value.   


Note: If you used a temporary directory such as "C:\TEMP" you
may delete the directory and its contents since it is not
required for the normal operation of BTM.


* USING BTM

To start up BTM use one of the following methods:

- Double click on the BTM item in the Byzans Program Group.

- Double click with the left mouse button any where on your
  Windows Desktop.

- If there is no Desktop area visible, use the Ctrl+Esc key
  combination to activate BTM.



* GETTING TO KNOW BTM

BTM consists of the following sections:

     - A Tool Bar with the commonly used Windows Accessories
     - A visual Task List
     - A button group for manipulating items in the Task List 
     - A button group for Desktop Management
     - A Runner Bar that remembers
     - An Application Strip to launch your favorite applications
     - An Information Bar at the bottom of the window
     - A pop-up Floating Menu

A red frame around most of the items mentioned above shows you
where the focus is located at any particular moment. The Tab
and Shift+Tab key combinations allow you to move from one section
to the other. You can also use speed keys such as Alt+S for
<Switch To> to navigate quickly.  


- THE TOOLBAR
  
  The Toolbar gives you access to the most commonly used Windows
  accessories: 

         File Manager
         Control Panel
         System Editor
         Clipboard Viewer
         DOS Window
         Notepad
         Calendar
         Calculator
         Character Map

  In addition to the above there are the following three options:

        Setup :
             It brings up the BTM Setup dialog. From here you can
             add, modify or delete application strip items.
             You can change system wide parameters such as command
             line buffer overflow warning and application strip
             order.

        Help  :
             Brings up the BTM on-line help main screen. (not
             available in version 0.9)

        Exit  :
             Allows you to exit BTM.
             
             BTM will also be terminated the moment another
             application is activated or you click on the desktop.

  All the above items are also accessible from the Floating Menu, 
  for more information on how to activate this menu please read
  the section titled: Floating Menu.  

- VISUAL TASK LIST

  The Task List gives you a visual representation of all the
  currently running applications in your system. You immediately
  recognize the items listed because the icon of each application
  is displayed together with the descriptions.

  By double clicking on an item in the Task List you can switch
  automatically to that application.

  You can also highlight an item in the Task List and use it in
  conjunction with the Task Buttons located to the right of the
  Task List.

- TASK RELATED BUTTONS

        Switch To :
             Switches to the highlighted application in the
             Task List.

        End Task  :
             Terminates the highlighted application in the
             Task List.

        More...   :
             Brings up a dialog box with more information about
             the highlighted application, such as module name, 
             path of the executable file, handles for the window
             task, module, instance and so on.
             
             Information provided in this dialog box can be 
             highlighted and copied to the clipboard if needed.

- DESKTOP MANAGEMENT BUTTONS

  There are four buttons in this group that allow you to change
  the positioning of the windows on your desktop.

        Tile Horizontally:
             Tiles the windows in a horizontal fashion, like a 
             word processor.
             Use this when you need to see information contained
             in windows such as word processors or spread sheets. 
             
        Tile Vertically:
             Tiles the windows in a vertical fashion.
             Use this when you don't have any applications such
             as word processors or spread sheets running. 

        Cascade:
             Cascades the windows on the desktop diagonally,
             beginning at the top left corner.

        Arrange Icons:
             Arranges the iconized windows on the desktop.   
 
- RUNNER BAR

  The Runner Bar has a Command Line field that allows you to
  type the path for a file and run it.

  If you are not sure about the exact path for a file you can
  use the Browse feature to search for it.
  The unique thing about this feature is that it allows you
  to merge program files with document names, so that you
  can launch your application with that particular document
  opened.

  Browse lets you pick between program files and all other
  files. This allows you to merge them automatically i.e. :

  Lets say you select Browse and pick the executable for
  the Windows Notepad. Now you should have something like
 
  "C:\WINDOWS\NOTEPAD.EXE"

  in the Command Line field. Now lets select Browse for a 
  second time. As you see it defaults to the all files setting
  and the Merge option is checked. If you don't change any
  of the settings and select a file name you get something
  like this

  "C:\WINDOWS\NOTEPAD.EXE C:\BTM\REGISTER.DOC"

  When you select Run BTM will launch the Notepad and open
  the file Register.doc.

  If you push the down arrow to the right of the Command Line
  field, a list box drops with the contents of the Command
  Line buffer. This buffer can hold up to twenty items. If you
  like to run one of these items just click on it and select Run.

  The Command Line buffer works on a first in first out basis.
  In other words if the buffer already contains twenty items and
  you try to run a new item, the buffer overflows.
  This generates a buffer overflow warning. If you go ahead, the
  first (the oldest) item in the buffer is flushed (discarded).

  This warning can be enabled or disabled from the BTM Setup
  dialog box (see above).

  You can also use the Delete option to clean the buffer; get
  rid of items that you don't need anymore in order to avoid 
  the overflow situation.

- APPLICATION STRIP

  The Application Strip can be used to set up to nine of your
  favorite applications, so that they are always one mouse click
  or Ctrl+Esc away.

  When you setup an application you can specify whether it
  should start up iconized or not. If your application accepts
  a command line argument (see Notepad example above) you can
  enable the File Log feature. This feature is similar to the
  Command Line buffer in the Runner Bar, it keeps a log of the
  files that you use with your application.

  - Adding An Application Strip Item

    Select Setup from the Tool Bar or the Floating Menu. Select 
    Add New Item and enter the information for your application. 
  
    Or
  
    If one of the Application Strip items is highlighted, has the
    red focus frame around it, hit the Insert key on your key
    board to go to the add new item screen directly.

  - Modifying An Application Strip Item

    Select Setup from the Tool Bar or the Floating Menu. Highlight
    the item that you want to modify, select Modify Item and
    change the information for your application. 
  
    Or

    Highlight the application item that you want to modify and hit
    the Alt+Enter keys to go to the modify item screen directly.

  - Deleting An Application Strip Item

    Select Setup from the Tool Bar or the Floating Menu. Highlight
    the item that you want to delete, and select Delete Item.
  
    Or

    Highlight the application strip item that you want to delete
    and hit the Delete key on your key board.


  Once the focus is in the Application Strip, one of the items
  has the red focus frame around it. You can use the little arrows
  on either side of the Information Bar to move from one item to
  the other or you can use the Home, End or left and right arrow
  keys on your keyboard.

- INFORMATION BAR

  The Information Bar displays the current day and date by default
  It also displays information about a selected item:

    when you scroll up and down in the Floating Menu and,

    when you click and hold the left mouse button on the Tool Bar 
    or on any application item.

- FLOATING MENU

  The Floating Menu is activated by clicking the right mouse
  button anywhere on the BTM screen.
  
  It contains the items listed in the Toolbar and two more 
  options:

        About:
             Displays the About BTM dialog box

        Register:
             Brings up the Windows Notepad, assuming you have not 
             deleted the notepad.exe and opens the Register.doc 
             file.
             You can fill and print the registration form from 
             here.

  These two options are also available from the BTM system menu.


* VENDOR INFORMATION

Any person or organization that wants to distribute BTM for profit
should read the "VENDOR.DOC" file, or contact: 

          YORGO VERGOS
          WORLD PLAZA SOUTH
          316 PROSPECT AVENUE 7F
          HACKENSACK NJ 07601-2575
          USA   


* RELEASE 0.9 INFORMATION

This release is a prelude to version 1.0, which every registered
user will receive free of charge when it becomes available. 

Version 0.9 is a fully working copy of the program, its only
limitation is that there is no on-line help available yet. This is 
where BTMINFO.TXT (the file you are reading) comes in.

Version 1.0 will provide context sensitive on-line help but will
also try to incorporate any improvements that users like you would
like to see in BTM, or any ideas that you might have to make BTM
better fit your working environment.

So please, send all your comments (good or bad) or ideas to:

          YORGO VERGOS
          WORLD PLAZA SOUTH
          316 PROSPECT AVENUE 7F
          HACKENSACK NJ 07601-2575
          USA   

Or E-Mail them to CIS ID# 70242,3524



Windows is a trade mark of Microsoft Corporation.
