Copyright: Help for the Backer (c) 1995 Bernd Cordes
Citation: (This help file was created with Microsoft Word 2.0b.)


Contents
Backer 2.8 <ASP>  -   Online Help

Backer is a Windows 3.1 program for comparing, synchronizing and updating directories and files between any kind of data media via network, disk, or cable. Uses file creation dates to compare. Interactive selection of included or excluded files, file types and directories. Several options for sorting, path reduction, confirmation and filtering. Takes parameters for automatic work and keeps a log of what has been done. Fast access to stored configurations. Almost unlimited file quantities. Can handle large volumes. Writes standard MS-DOS files - readable on virtually any computer in the world without special software.

With Backer you can:
backup your day's or week's work;
sync your notebook before you travel and sync your desktop afterwards;
transfer files between your office and your home;
keep current copies of system files on disk to be prepared for a crash;
and many things more.

An indispensable tool for everyone who works on more than one computer; those who do not want the cost and hassle of commercial programs just to backup 20 files a week; and network administrators who want a simple yet powerful backup tool on everybody's PC.

CAUTION: DO NOT USE WITH WINDOWS 95 LONG FILENAMES!

Help topics are grouped in the following categories:

Questions

Examples

Details

Registration, legal information, support

And finally...


Questions

  What can I do with this program?

  How can I make this program work?

  How can I get rid of this program?

  How exactly does this program work?

  What is the difference to the competition?

  What is a workfile?

  How can I automate my work?

  How can I use Interlink in MS-DOS 6?


Examples

  Example 1: Backing up system files to disk

  Example 2: Getting notebook and desktop in sync

  Example 3: Backing up important documents to floppy disk

  Example 4: Restoring important documents from floppy disk

  Example 5: Comparing two directory trees

  Example 6: Removing unnecessary files


Details

  New file

  Open file

  Save file

  Save file as...

  Exit

  Files

  Destination

  Options

  Log

  Top Five

  Update

  Overview

  Confirmation

  Interruption

  Structure of workfiles


Registration, legal information, support

  Shareware

  Registration / Contact address

  Legal information

  ASP ombudsman statement


And finally...

  Other products

  About the author


What can I do with this program?

The Backer compares two different versions of one and the same file by their creation dates and times. This job, although not very demanding, allows a variety of applications:

You can save your system files to disk so that you can restore these important files any time in case your computer has become 'sick'.

You can update the data on two computers, i.e. synchronize them in terms of file versions. A newer version replaces an older one; files not present on one machine are considered ancient for this purpose so that they are added. Updating can optionally work in only one direction or in both. This is useful e.g. between a notebook and a desktop system or among network computers.

You can save your important documents to disk (backup) in case they accidentally got deleted from your hard disk or that device refuses to work. Unfortunately, floppy disk space is pretty scarce, but since you can have individual workfiles for several projects or applications you can divide data volumes down to fit on a single floppy disk.

If data loss really has occured you can restore your documents from disk. The Backer does not care between which data media or devices you want to copy to and fro, meaning you can proceed just like with the backup.

And last but not least you can compare directory trees in general, even without any kind of updating.

As mentioned, you can build the Backer's tasks as needed and store them in workfiles so that you can start right away the next time.


How can I make this program work?

The actual Backer consists of BACKER.EXE and BACKER.HLP, i.e. executable program and online help file.
SYSTEM.BAC and TMPBAK.BAC are examples of workfiles.
BWCC.DLL is needed to enhance the user interface. Move this file to your Windows system directory (usually C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\) unless you do not already have a version of newer or same date there. Note that there are international versions of this file so you can select the one appropriate for you. Supplied here is English version 2.00. You can do nothing wrong with a newer version as it is downward compatible.


How can I get rid of this program?

Why do you ask? Aren't you enthusiastic?

Delete BACKER.EXE, BACKER.HLP, SYSTEM.BAC and TMPBAK.BAC; also README.TXT, FILE_ID.DIZ and VENDINFO.DIZ, if you have not done so already.
BWCC.DLL in the Windows system directory (usually C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\) may only be deleted if you are positively sure none of your other applications will need it. Advice: Leave it on your hard disk, it is not that big. The Backer does not modify your system files (AUTOEXEC.BAT, CONFIG.SYS, WIN.INI, SYSTEM.INI); however, in your Windows directory (usually C:\WINDOWS\) a file called BACKER.INI is created that can also be deleted.


How exactly does this program work?

Because a file's creation date and time remain untouched when being copied or moved under MS-DOS and Windows this is a very reliable criterion of newer file versions. In this sense replacing an existing file is also a form of creation, but only if you, the user, demand this by giving your application a save command for a revised document. You see: It is you, not the computer, who affects a file's creation date and time.

Other backup utilities check a file's so-called archive bit to decide whether it has already been backuped. In case you want to archive large data volumes over a long time this is quite useful. In case you want to archive manageable data volumes on a few disks, however, a date/time comparison is much more reliable, as does the Backer.

Communication between computers is left to those who know best how to do it: your operating system Novell DOS or MS-DOS and Windows for Workgroups. They offer, via Interlink or networks, powerful capabilities I could not do half as good myself. Instead, I put some extra work in the Backer's main task, the search for files to be processed.

To put it another way: The operating systems mentioned above present all available mass storage devices through drive letters (A: to Z:). What they stand for physically (a floppy disk, a hard disk or a CD-ROM, in your own or another machine) and how you are connected to them physically (by serial or parallel cable or by network) need not be your concern - you only want to access their directories and files. The Backer thinks just the same.

Something the Backer can certainly not do is starting applications on remote computers. The market offers enough utilities for that purpose. Besides, I hate programs overloaded with features.


What is the difference to the competition?

This program has been developed, like so many others, because someone was not satisfied by what the market offered.

Commercial backup programs often feature high transfer rates and good compression; however, this reduces compatibility, i.e. cooperation with other computers. Usually these backups can only be read by the program that created them. And what quickly annoyed me was the bad habit of one of these to pile up files and directories on my hard disk. This makes the file manager slow and confusing. The Backer creates normal MS-DOS files that can be read on almost any computer in the world - thanks to industry standards! What is copied where is at only your command.

Many backup program detect files to be processed by the archive bit (an "a" behind its name in the file manager) and clear it afterwards. If you are one of those safety fanatics who want two subsequent backups you can forget about that. The Backer, on the other hand, judges files to be processed by their creation dates, which is not altered by a backup.

Today there is MS-DOS 6 and Windows for Workgroups with their built-in capabilites for PC communication via standard cables. The Backer uses these capabilities instead of creating its own standard. Focussing on a single task eliminates one source of bugs and, of course, also affects the retail price positively.

Smaller products, like this one, often set an upper limit to the number of records etc. The Backer knows no such limits but can handle as much as memory allows, being a lot more powerful with bigger data volumes. It does not spread its data all over the hard disk, either, but uses workfiles containing all updating information in one directory of your choice. Should you need a really complicated constellation you can simply create several workfiles and run them one after another. The Backer's ways to automate tasks might prove helpful here.

Okay, enough of this self-praise...


What is a workfile?

A workfile tells the Backer what to do. It contains the directories and files to be processed, the destination to copy the files to and the options you selected. To put it shortly: It knows everything about your updates or backups.

File name extension normally is BAC. You can specify one of your choice, but what for? Besides you lose the chance to include a workfile in the command line to be loaded automatically - this works only with the extension BAC.

In case you want to learn more about a workfile's structure...


How can I automate my work?

It's simple: by the command line(1).

The Backer allows five so-called parameters:

a file name with the mandatory extension BAC (to allow correct identification) appearing first in the parameter list. This workfile is then automatically loaded.

a suffix /start that starts updating automatically; must be after a file name, if specified

a suffix /stop that after updating automatically stops the Backer; must be after a file name, if specified

a suffix /exit that after updating automatically exits Windows; must be after a file name, if specified, and works only in conjunction with /stop.

a suffix /suppress that suppresses error and warning messages during updating; must be after a file name, if specified. To be noticed of errors you should enable the Log. Errors outside updating are still displayed.

The analysis used for the command line is admittedly not too sophisticated. All parameters mentioned above will be identified with no problems, however, if you do not abide by the syntax you may receive strange results... Capital and small letters are equivalent, by the way.

By combining the parameters above you can make updating run by itself. E.g., by putting travel.bac /start /stop on the command line right after the Backer's program name the workfile TRAVEL.BAC gets loaded, updating starts, and after all work is done the Backer exits. Thus you can easily integrate it into other applications.

Remember that under Windows there is no limit on the number of iconized copies of one and the same program, e.g. the 'normal' version of the Backer and a customized one with a command line. To tell one from the other a second icon(2) is available. Hint: The icon used by the running program cannot be customized. The Backer automatically switches to the second icon as soon as it finds /start or /stop in the command line This will affects all running copies!

Another handy way to use the command line is to link the file name extension BAC to the BACKER.EXE executable file via the file manager. Thus you will only have to double-click a workfile's name to get it loaded and the Backer started.

Three more hints:
Windows sometimes cannot handle painting of the various program windows properly. When using /start you may not see the Backer's main window.
All options specified by you are used. If confirmation is active you will hardly have an automatic run!
Not all program launchers like these parameters. Windows' own program manager shows no problems, but my personal favorite Clysmic Icon Bar (copyright by Clysmic Software) crashes - why, I can't say.

(1) This remainder of DOS obviously makes sense under Windows, too. You can specify it in the program manager by clicking the Backer once and then pressing Alt+Return.

(2) You find it by clicking the Backer once in the program manager, pressing Alt+Return and selecting More icons...


How can I use Interlink in MS-DOS 6?

MS-DOS (c) Microsoft Corporation

Interlink helps in the relatively slow but simple and inexpensive data transfer between two computers. All you need is MS-DOS 6 and a so-called null modem cable(1). On one of the two machines you add the lines "DEVICE=C:\DOS\INTERLNK.EXE" and "LASTDRIVE=Z" to the CONFIG.SYS file and reboot it. On the other you leave Windows and enter "INTERSVR". To connect a notebook to a desktop system this other one should be the notebook - the null modem cable consumes one serial port and thus probably disconnects the mouse.

Now you can start the file manager on the first computer. On the drive letter bar you will see some new entries. The second computer tells you what letters its drives now bear and whether Interlink is reading or writing data.

For additional information see your MS-DOS 6 manual or enter "help interlnk" at the MS-DOS prompt.

(1) MS-DOS tells you the exact assembly of such a cable after you enter "help interlnk", click the notes on the top and leaf through them. In case this goes over your head choose "File / Print" and see your local retailer.


Example 1: Backing up system files to disk

What does your computer do when important system files like AUTOEXEC.BAT or CONFIG.SYS get lost or damaged? Not much anymore!

To prevent this ill fate you can copy these files and the INI files created by almost any Windows program for basic settings to disk. Simply open the workfile SYSTEM.BAC, insert a floppy disk in drive A: and start updating.

This disk's full power can only be unleashed, however, if it is a system disk, meaning it was formatted with this option in Windows' file manager. Thus it can be used to boot your machine after a hard disk failure. Remember to update this disk regularly.


Example 2: Getting notebook and desktop in sync

You want to go on a business travel, go home or on a holiday, and get some work done on your notebook? Then you will first have to get the latest revisions of your documents (texts, speadsheets, data bases) onto the notebook. For this example let us assume the directory structure on both machines is identical (e.g. all documents under C:\SMITH\... on the respective hard disk).

By the way...
If your notebook runs on a nickle cadmium (NiCd) battery you should clear the memory effect before the trip and thus bring the battery to its full capacity. The Depleter by the same author will help you with that. Its latest version is 2.2.

Case 1: Computers connected to each other

If your computers are connected to each other (network or Interlink) find out under which letter the notebook's hard disk is known by your desktop (or vice versa). Make this drive the destination. The directories and documents to be processed can be set under files as inclusive. As options select Directory Names: keep, Filters: create new directories and Filters: in both directions. The other three filters must be off, all other settings are irrelevant.

It suffices to let the Backer run on only one of the two computers. The other one is either doing some task in the network or runs the Interlink program.

Because you will certainly need this workfile more than once you should save it in a place of your choice.

Now start updating, and the latest versions of your documents are copied from the desktop to the notebook.

On return to your work desk this procedure repeats: All you have to do is open the  workfile created and start updating. Since you selected Filters: in both directions the latest versions of your documents are now copied from your notebook to your desktop.

Case 2: Computers not connected to each other

You proceed as in case 1 but have to insert floppy disks as an aid. The Backer must run on both computers, and you must organize your documents by hand to fit the number of disks. If necessary, create individual workfiles for the various subdirectories. The destination must be A:\, and you must do updating on one machine first, then on the other.

Hint:
Of course you can use the options Filters: not more than x days old and Filters: check sizes in both cases. Unselecting them was only done for the sake of simplification.


Example 3: Backing up important documents to disk
Example 3: Backing up important documents to floppy disk

Let's assume you have created documents with a popular word processor that have the extension *.DOC and are located in the directory C:\DOCUMENT\ and its subdirectories. The layouts used end in *.DOT and are located in the directory C:\WORD\ but not its subdirectories. These files are to be saved to an empty floppy disk.

Under files select the named directories and file name extensions, both inclusive. For C:\DOCUMENT\ the option all subdirectories must be checked, for C:\WORD\ it need not. Under destination select the directory A:\. A floppy disk (not necessarily the one designed for backup) must be present in the drive, or this selection is not accepted. Under options check Directory Names: keep and Filters: create new directories. The other four filters must be off, all other settings are irrelevant.

Because you will certainly need this workfile more than once you should save it in a place of your choice.

With the correct floppy disk in the drive and the update command you start the machine. All text documents in C:\DOCUMENT\ with its subdirectories and all layouts in C:\WORD\ without its subdirectories are copied to disk (provided space is sufficient!). The respective directories are created on the disk, that is A:\DOCUMENT\ etc. and A:\WORD\.

This updating can be repeated anytime since you saved the workfile and can simply open it again. Then, of course, only those documents and layouts are copied that have been revised since the last backup.

Hint:
Of course you can decide on other options. Directory Names: shorten and Directory Names: keep, however, will yield the same result here because there is nothing to shorten. If you want only the documents and layouts copied, but not their locations on hard disk, have the directory names removed.
You can also update with Filters: in both directions, but since an empty floppy disk was assumed the Backer has nothing to copy in the opposite direction here. This gets interesting when you delete outdated documents and layouts from hard disk later. If you update in both directions afterwards these are copied back to hard disk, else not. Depending on the application this is desirable or annoying.
Of course you can use Filters: not more than x days old and Filters: check sizes in both cases. Unselecting them was only done for the sake of simplification.


Example 4: Restoring important documents from disk
Example 4: Restoring important documents from floppy disk

This example assumes that you followed the example 3: Backing up important documents to floppy disk.

All you have to do now is open the workfile created there, select the option Filters: in both directions and start updating.

All documents and layouts saved to floppy disk that on hard disk do not exist or exist in an older version are now copied back into precisely those directories they belong to.


Example 5: Comparing two directory trees

Generally the Backer can be used to compare two directory trees, that is directories with all their subdirectories, without having to update them.

Let's assume you want to compare your popular spreadsheet installation on hard disk in the directory C:\EXCEL\ to the version on CD-ROM in the directory D:\, both having several subdirectories.

Under files select D:\ with all subdirectories as the directory and *.* as the file name extension, both inclusive. As the destination take C:\EXCEL\. The options are Confirmation: overview, Directory Names: keep and Filters: in both directions. The other four filters have to be off, all other settings are irrelevant.

After you have started updating you are shown an overview of all differences in the directory trees. Leave this dialog with Cancel, not with OK. Due to the large number of files the search might take a while, and if there are very many differences not all of them may be displayed in the overview (an internal limit of Windows).


Example 6: Removing unnecessary files

In the course of time a lot of files gather on your hard disk: temporary files (extension TMP) that an application forgot to delete (or could not delete due to a crash), safety copies (extension BAK) that you had made during your work on a document but need no further, etc.

The Backer can search your hard disk for these candidates and offer them to you for deleting. This is what the supplied workfile TMPBAK.BAC does.

A destination is not really necessary here, so C:\DOS\TEMP is assumed. The overview shows all files found (the destination files do not matter in this case). With the buttons on the lower left you can delete marked files.

Caution: Do not delete TMP files that might belong to a running application. Make sure with BAK files that you really do not need them anymore.


New file

This topic creates an empty workfile in memory. The Backer resets the options to the basic settings stored in the INI file. A file name is assigned only when the workfile is saved for the first time.

A warning is displayed in case memory contains yet unsaved data.


Open file

This topic reloads a workfile created previously into memory. The file name extension BAC is expected but not mandatory.

A warning is displayed in case memory contains yet unsaved data.

The name of a workfile can be included in the command line upon starting the Backer.


Save file

This topic saves the workfile currently in memory. The existing file named is used. In case you want to respecify it or have not yet named the file you must select topic save file as....


Save file as...

This topic saves the workfile currently in memory by a new name. In case you want to keep the existing file name you must select topic save file.

The file name extension BAC is expected but not mandatory.


Exit

This topic exits the Backer. Saving is offered in case memory contains yet unsaved data.


Configuration: Files

Here you assemble the directories and files you want to update. Their respective number is only limited by the memory available on your computer - you will probably never encounter these limits, unless you are a network administrator.

Restriction: All directories must be on the same drive. However, you can easily bypass this restriction by simply creating several workfiles.

Just click on the spot you want to learn more about:

The settings made here are stored in the workfile.


Existing directories:

Here you see all directories and drives available on your machine including those accessible via network or Interlink.

With a single click you highlight a drive or directory, with a double click you switch to that drive or directory. Just like in Windows' file manager you can have multiple highlights: With an additional Ctrl you highlight another line, with an additional Shift you highlight a whole block. You can also drag with the left mouse button pressed. Highlighting drives is possible, but useless - useful is only to switch by a double click.

You can as well type the desired directory into the top line. The little X button to its right resets the input to "C:\" because this is probably the point you want to start from.


All subdirectories:

These two buttons decide whether directories are used with or without all their subdirectories. A small box behind their names indicates these subdirectories.

With the left button you make the decision for all subsequently selected directories, with the right button you toggle already selected directories.


Green and red directory arrow:

These arrows copy directories from the upper to the lower list and vice versa. This is the same as selecting and unselecting directories. A single entry in the lower list can also be copied by a double click.

If at least one entry is highlighted in the upper list it is copied down, if not, the entry above is copied. You cannot copy drives but will have to switch to them first.

Though you may select any directories you want they will be checked to be on a single drive when you leave the window by OK.


Selected directories:

Here you can see all directories selected so far in alphabetical order.

With a single click you highlight a directory. Just like in Windows' file manager you can have multiple highlights: With an additional Ctrl you highlight another line, with an additional Shift you highlight a whole block. You can also drag with the left mouse button pressed.

Though you may select any directories you want they will be checked to be on a single drive when you leave the window by OK.


Inclusive/exclusive directories:

You can select directories to be searched or not to be searched - i.e. inclusive or exclusive. Though you can have both selections parallelly only the one checked last is used for updating.

Note that an inclusive search is much faster. If you have both options you know now how to decide!

Caution: If you selected a directory without subdirectories as exclusive these subdirectories will be in the search later.


Existing files:

Here you see all files in the present directory that fit the mask (e.g. *.TXT) above.

With a single click you highlight a file. Just like in Windows' file manager you can have multiple highlights: With an additional Ctrl you highlight another line, with an additional Shift you highlight a whole block. You can also drag with the left mouse button pressed.

You can as well type the desired file or mask into the top line. The little X button to its right resets the input to "*." because this is probably the point you want to start from.


Green and red file arrow:

These arrows copy files or masks from the upper to the lower list and vice versa. This is the same as selecting and unselecting directories. A single entry can also be copied by a double click.

If at least one entry is highlighted in the upper list it is copied down, if not, the entry above is copied. You can copy both complete file names and masks (z.B. *.TXT). For fast editing, the green arrow can be activated by the return key.


Selected files:

Here you can see all files and masks selected so far in alphabetical order.

With a single click you highlight a file or mask. Just like in Windows' file manager you can have multiple highlights: With an additional Ctrl you highlight another line, with an additional Shift you highlight a whole block. You can also drag with the left mouse button pressed.


Inclusive/exclusive files:

You can select files and masks to be processed or not to be processed - i.e. inclusive or exclusive. Though you can have both selections parallelly only the one checked last is used for updating.

Note that an inclusive search is much faster. If you have both options you know now how to decide!


Update selection:

This button switches to the directory specified above the directory list and displays the files that fit the mask specified above the file list. Shortly: You update your selections.


Configuration: Destination

Here you select the destination directory for updating, i.e. the object of comparison. This destination directory can be on another drive or data medium, of course. Check out options: directory names to avoid mistakes.

It can e.g. be a special directory named C:\ARCHIVE\ or C:\BACKUP\, maybe also a floppy disk A:\ or B:\, or maybe a drive or directory on another computer via network or Interlink, with an unlimited number of subdirectories.

The selection window shows only existing directories. To select a not yet existing directory or a presently unavailable data medium (disk not inserted in drive, net drive not accessible) you can enter it into the top line by hand.
Important: If you chose a destination directory earlier that is not available when opening this dialog it cannot be displayed and is replaced by one that is available. Your old setting is not overridden, though. Simply leave the dialog by Cancel. The decisive entry is always the one in the Backer's main window.

The settings made here are stored in the workfile.


Configuration: Options

Just click on the spot you want to learn more about. As a novice, be sure to read about directory names since this topic often causes misunderstandings.

The settings made here are stored in the workfile.


Confirmation:

Decide here if you want to confirm the files to be updated not at all, separately before each copy process, or all together in an Overview.


Directory names:

The directory name of a file is anything between drive letter (with colon) and actual file name, e.g. \TEST\BACKER2\ for the file C:\TEST\BACKER2\BACKER.HLP.

These directory names you can
remove, if the precise location of a file is not important, e.g. with a backup copy.
keep, if the directory names are important, e.g. when getting two computers in sync.
shorten, if the directory names contain an always identical part, e.g. when you want to backup a subdirectory on your hard disk.

Examples:
You want to save the directories C:\TEXTS\FIRM\ and C:\TEXTS\PRIVATE\ into the destination A:\.
If you select remove, the files will be copied to A:\. Take care that no file name occurs twice because the second would overwrite the first.
If you select keep, the files will be copied to A:\TEXTS\FIRM\ and A:\TEXTS\PRIVATE\, respectively.
If you select shorten, the files will be copied to A:\FIRM\ bzw. A:\PRIVATE\ because the directory TEXTS\ that is containted in both is dropped.
Another example: You want to synchronize F:\DATA\ and I:\DATA\. If you select the destination I:\DATA\ and keep the directory names, you will compare to I:\DATA\DATA\ - obviously not what you wanted. The destination has to be I:\, or you must shorten the directory names so that DATA\ is dropped from the source.

Hints:
If you select remove, the filter in both directions does not work because the original file names cannot be reconstructed.
If you are not sure which result shorten will yield simply check with the help of the overview whether you get want you wanted.
To create directories that not yet exist the filter create new directories must be on.


File sorting:

Decide here how the Backer sorts the files to be updated and thus the order in which they are processed.

The path is anything from the drive letter (with colon) to the last character before the actual file name. The name is that part of the file name before the dot. The type is that part of the file name after the dot. The date includes the time. If two files are equivalent in terms of the sorting key the order in which MS-DOS put them on the disk decides.

Examples:
For the file C:\TEST\BACKER2\BACKER.HLP the path is C:\TEST\BACKER2\, the name is BACKER and the type is HLP.
The file A:\TEST\BACKER2\BACKER.HLP has the same name and type but a higher ranking path due to the drive letter.


Filters:

Here you extend or limit the Backer's selection of files to be updated.

The age of the candidates can be limited between 1 and 99 days, with the present day counting als 0. This avoids outdated files to be updated although you want them parked somewhere in the depth of your hard disk. This filter is also handy when transferring files via floppy disk instead of cable because you then have no comparison with the other computer whose files did probably not all fit on the floppy disk.

If you keep or shorten directory names, new directories may have to be created. With this filter off you will get an interruption if a necessary directory does not exist. In most cases this filter should be on.

The size check requires a confirmation before updating if the size difference between the two file versions is larger than a factor of 5 or if the two file versions have different sizes in spite of identical date. This way you sometimes can stop damaged files before they spread.

If updating in both directions the destination is also searched for matching files. For synchronizing two computers or directories this is helpful. If, on the other hand, you have backup copies on floppy disks containing files that are not used any more you will probably want to prevent them from being copied back to hard disk.

You can limit updating to those files that are already present in the destination. This is useful if important and unimportant files are in the same directory - update by hand the first time, and for the future the Backer will know which files are interesting to you and which are not.


Write INI file:

Just like any other Windows program that follows the latest fashion the Backer creates a so-called INI file in the Windows directory (usually C:\WINDOWS\) that holds some basic settings (e.g. your user ID). By pressing this button you store your present options.

Note that opening a workfile overwrites these basic settings and creating a new one restores them (in memory, not on disk!).


Configuration: Log

A log gives you a report of the Backer's activities, i.e. writes them to a normal text file that you can view with Windows' notepad (editor). This log's appearance can be customized here.

With Log active you decide whether a log is written or not.
Under Date and time you define how the moment a file was copied is kept. Please do not mistake this date and time for the date and time a file was created.
The File information should need no further explanation.
The Log file can be any file, existing or not. There are no limitations as to its name. A good try would be LOG.TXT. Note that with the file name extension TXT a double click in the file manager starts the notepad to view the log.
Finally you may decide whether the new log is appended to an old one or overwrites it. If no old log file exists both will yield the same result, of course.

The settings made here are stored in the INI file.

Hint:
The log file should always be excepted from updating since it is written to in the meantime. Put it out of the directories to be processed, or adapt your files accordingly.


Configuration: Top Five

You can put workfiles that you use rather often on the Top Five list and add a description to them. This description is displayed in the file menu so that you open a workfile and start updating with one command. Instead of the file menu you may also use the keys F1 through F5. (In case you are one of those people who expect a help function on F1, as most Windows programs do offer, better leave this key empty.)

A description can be up to 40 characters long and contain any character. You may specify a non-existing file name, since it will only be checked when opened later. A list entry without file name will not appear in the file menu but is stored nevertheless.

The settings made here are stored in the INI file. There you can also program function keys F6 to F12 by inserting description and file name manually - simply use Windows' notepad (editor).


Update

This topic starts what the Backer was made for: updating files and directories.

You should have determinded the files and directories in question and the destination and selected your options  - or maybe you have simply opened a workfile.

The Backer checks if source and destination data media are available, no matter if they are floppy or hard disks on your own machine or drives via network or Interlink.

Free space on the destination data medium is checked; if you have selected the option Filters: in both directions also free space on the source data medium. Note that actual space consumption is always slightly greater than calculated because MS-DOS cannot occupy single bytes and thus fills up files with zeros until a block boundary is reached. The Backer includes a small safety margin in the calculation.

During the search for candidates you will see an information window displaying the Backer's present occupation. Though is has no button to cancel you can close it by the system menu (on the very left of the information window's title bar), which leads to the same result.

It is in the nature of things that searching for exclusive files and directories takes longer than searching for inclusive ones - first all files and directories have to be processed and then the ones not wanted have to be dropped.

Basically the number of files and directories to be processed is only limited by available memory (one of the Backer's main strengths!). For example, on a computer with 4 MByte RAM you can easily copy 500 file pairs. Above that the Backer continues working properly but speed decreases rapidly. Because in those cases even closing the information window is a test of your patience you should hit Ctrl-Alt-Del . This ends updating rudely but normally without affecting your other applications.


Overview

You will only see the overview if you have selected the option Confirmation: overview. All files elected for updating are displayed at one glance.

Due to Windows' internal 64 kByte data limit for the list box used here you cannot view more than 400 file pairs. All others will be updated, of course. Working in this dimension takes some time for creating and deleting the overview. The hour glass tells you that your computer is still working and has not yet given up the ghost because of overload.

A status bar below the list shows you how many files altogether and how many not yet present in the destination have been found and what data volume must be copied. This is not the free space needed on the destination disk (that one is checked, too, and admonished, if required) but the data volume that actually has to be copied. This gives you a notion how much time you have to invest with slow transfer techniques like Interlink.

If you are puzzled now: The data volume to be copied is the volume of the source files. The free space needed on the destinatinon disk is the volume of the source files minus the volume of any existing (older) destination files.

You can highlight up to 100 files for deletion. You can delete source file, destination file, both, or none from the data medium; what will always disappear is the list entry. The Backer does not check if there really is a destination file for a marked file pair; that will be known only later when deletion actually takes place. Because every file pair spans two lines your highlighting is first extended to both lines and then checked to be within the limit of 100 file pairs (a bit clumsy but it couldn't be done better!). To delete more than 100 simply do it in several steps. Important: Actual deletion takes place only after you have left the overview by OK. If you choose Cancel nothing is lost.


Confirmation

This window appears for every file if you have selected the option Confirmation: single . It also appears if you have activated the option Filters: check sizes and this check rings alarm.

Just click on the spot you want to learn more about:


Information window:

Here you see which file is next to be copied. If the option Filters: check sizes is activated and rings alarm, the last line gives you a hint to that.


Yes:

Confirm here to copy the file named.


All:

Confirm here to copy the file named and all following ones - so confirmation is switched off. This is useful if you only want to check part of the updating.


Next file:

This button skips to the next candidate in the list of files to be updated. The file that is currently processed is omitted. The candidates' order is set with the option File Sorting.

This button is active even if there is no more next file.


Next directory:

This button skips to the next candidate in the list of files to be updated that is not located in the present directory. The file that is currently processed and any other still following in this directory are omitted. The candidates' order is set with the option File Sorting.

It poses no problem to the Backer that files are not processed bundled by directories. The button is active even if there is no more next directory.


Delete:

This button deletes source and/or destination file on disk - so be cautious! The destination file is only offered for deleting if it exists.


Quit:

When you lost fun in updating you can stop it with this button.


Interruption

This window appears if copying a file during updating got interrupted - either by you or by an error in reading or writing.

In the case of an interruption the partly written destination file is always deleted because it is useless anyway. This is hardly a loss since you still have the source file, which must be the newer version. (If the destination disk is unaccessible the destination file cannot be deleted, of course, and remains as 'ruins'.)

Just click on the spot you want to learn more about:


Information window:

Here you see which file was currently copied. If an error in reading the source file or in writing the destination file has occured, the last line gives you a hint to that.

A read error is often caused by having moved or deleted a file to be updated in the meantime, or that the file is currently in use by another application.

A write error may be caused by write-protected disks, directories or files or full data media. Remember that overwriting an old file version with a new one is the same as deleting the old version, so that file may not be write-protected.


Continue:

You will only see this button if you have requested the interruption yourself. It allows you to continue copying seamlessly.


Retry:

You will only see this button if the interruption is due to a read or write error. A seamless continuation is not possible then, but at least another try.


Next file:

This button skips to the next candidate in the list of files to be updated. The file that is currently processed is omitted without suffering any harm. The candidates' order is set with the option File Sorting.

This button is active even if there is no more next file.


Next directory:

This button skips to the next candidate in the list of files to be updated that is not located in the present directory. The file that is currently processed and any other still following in this directory are omitted without suffering any harm. The candidates' order is set with the option File Sorting.

It poses no problem to the Backer that files are not processed bundled by directories. The button is active even if there is no more next directory.


Delete:

This button deletes the source file on disk - so be cautious!

In contrast to overview and confirmation you have no option to delete the destination file - that one is always deleted.


Quit:

When you lost fun in updating you can stop it with this button. The file that is currently processed suffers no harm.


Structure of workfiles

A workfile is a simple ASCII file and therefore can be revised with any editor (e.g. Windows' notepad). Remember it is your own risk to spoil the file - the Backer might crash on loading it.

Editing by hand is handy when you need several similar workfiles since this is done easily by copying, pasting and deleting. To check which information is where here is an explanation of SYSTEM.BAC which is supplied with the Backer:

1	DInclusive

1	FInclusive

a:\	Destination

0	X

2	ConfirmMode

4	SortMode

1	PathMode

32767	DaysOld

1	CreateDirs

1	CheckSizes

0	Bidirection

0	MatchingFiles

IncludedDirectories:	(static text)

2	number of DInclSels

c:\	DInclSels->Entry(0)

c:\windows\	DInclSels->Entry(1)

ExcludedDirectories:	(static text)

0	number of DExclSels

IncludedFiles:	(static text)

3	number of FInclSels

*.ini	FInclSels->Entry(0)

autoexec.bat	FInclSels->Entry(1)

config.sys	FInclSels->Entry(2)

ExcludedFiles:	(static text)

0	number of FExclSels

Meaning of variable names:

DInclusive	directories included (0 = no, 1 = yes)

FInclusive	files included (0 = no, 1 = yes)

Destination	destination

X	(not used)

ConfirmMode	confirmation (0 = none, 1 = single, 2 = overview)

SortMode	file sorting (0 = by path, 1 = by name etc.)

PathMode	directory names (0 = remove, 1 = keep, 2 = shorten)

DaysOld	not more than x days old (32767 = maximum, i.e. no check)

CreateDirs	create new directories (0 = no, 1 = yes)

CheckSizes	check sizes (0 = no, 1 = yes)

Bidirection	in both directions (0 = no, 1 = yes)

Matching	matching files only (0 = no, 1 = yes)

number of DInclSels	number of included directories

DInclSels->Entry	the specified included directories

number of DExclSels	number of excluded directories

DExclSels->Entry	the specified excluded directories

number of FInclSels	number of included files

FInclSels->Entry	the specified included files

number of FExclSels	number of excluded files

FExclSels->Entry	the specified excluded files

Although not shown here included and excluded directories and files can peacefully coexist in one and the same workfile. The decision which of the two shall be used is made by the values of DInclusive und FInclusive.


Shareware

This is an unregistered version of the Backer. The only drawback in comparison to the registered version is a reminder screen upon program start. Thus usability is only slightly reduced.

This program and its accompanying documentation are Shareware. The Shareware principle states that you may use the product for a limited time or to a limited extent freely, on violation of these limits, however, either delete the product completely from your system or convert it into the registered version by paying the registration fee, then being subject to normal copyright rules without the limitations mentioned. In the case of the Backer the limitation is that you must not use the unregistered version for more than 30 days. Remember: Trust is the foundation of the Shareware principle!

All users of the unregistered version of the Backer are granted a limited license to copy the product only for the trial use by themselves or others, provided that the Backer is copied in its full and unmodified form. The copy must include all files necessary to permit full operation of the program. It must also include this documentation. Use of unregistered copies of the Backer by any person in connection with a business, corporation, educational institution, or government agency is forbidden. Such users must register this product. By using the unregistered version of the Backer you acknowledge that you have read and understood this limited license and agree to be bound by its terms and conditions. The registered version must not be distributed.


Registration / Contact address

This is an unregistered version of the Backer. If you use the Backer for more than 30 days you will have to register. To do so, switch on your printer and then click on this text: Order form.

Bernd Cordes
Wiesingerweg 34
D-20253 Hamburg
Germany
Phone/Fax +49 (40) 494370
CompuServe: 100334,375
Internet: 100334.375@compuserve.com

As a registered user you will receive at no cost a user ID to convert your unregistered version into a registered version. Because of the context sensitive online help I do without a printed manual. Your personal version may be used without restrictions other than those resulting from copyright laws. Support by phone, fax, mail and e-mail is included.

Please see also the legal information.


Order form
Please print this Order form (File / Print Topic), fill it in and mail/fax it.

Bernd Cordes
Wiesingerweg 34
D-20253 Hamburg
Germany
Fax +49 (40) 494370

Name:	_________________________	Company:	_________________________

City:	_________________________	Zip code:	_________________________

Street:	_________________________	Country:	_________________________

Phone:	_________________________	Fax:	_________________________

I order:

________	licenses Backer 2.8 english

credit card, check:	DM 40 each	DM	_____________ total

all others:	US$ 25 each	US$	_____________ total

Site licenses available; please inquire.
Prices include taxes and shipping & handling. Credit card or check users, please check your current exchange rate.

I pay:

O	cash; money is enclosed

O	MasterCard/Access no __________________________ exp. date _________

O	Visa card no ___________________________________ exp. date _________

O	CompuServe Registration Base (GO SWREG) No. 4310

O	check (drawn on a German bank in DM, payable to Bernd Cordes)

O	international postal money order

____________________________
Signature

If you can spare another piece of paper, please take the time to answer the following questions. You help to rid this product of possible bugs and to serve the customers' needs better.

Supplier of Backer 2.8:

O	Shareware distributor _______________________________________________

O	CD-ROM ___________________________ published by __________________

O	CompuServe, forum ________________________________________________

O	MSN, provider _____________________________________________________

O	other information service: ____________________________________________

O	Internet, FTP server / WWW page ____________________________________

O	BBS ______________________________ in ____________________________

O	something totally different: ___________________________________________

Opinion in school marks:

usefulness:	A	B	C	D	E

user friendliness:	A	B	C	D	E

readme file, online help:	A	B	C	D	E

maturity / crash safety / bugs:	A	B	C	D	E

An F is not provided - if my program were that bad you would hardly have made it through here.

Suggestions for improvements:

Thank you for your effort!


Legal information

Beside defining the user rights for your unregistered version of the Backer the following information is necessary:

The author of the Backer is Bernd Cordes, Wiesingerweg 34, 20253 Hamburg, Germany. He owns the unlimited copyright. You are granted permission to use program and documentation per license on one computer at the same time. The unregistered version may be distributed freely.
© 1995 for program and documentation: Bernd Cordes.

Limited Warranty:
This product is provided as is, without any representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including without limitation any representations or endorsements regarding the use of, the results of, or performance of the product, its appropriateness, accuracy, reliability, or correctness. The entire risk as to the use of this product is assumed by the user. The author does not assume liability for the use of this program beyond the original purchase price of the software. In no event will the author be liable for additional direct or indirect damages including any lost profits, lost savings, or other incidental or consequential damages arising from any defects, or the use of or inability to use this program, even if the author has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some US states do not allow the exclusion or the limit of liability for consequential or incidental damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you.

Distribution Policy:
Permission is granted to any individual or business to distribute the unregistered copy of the Backer, provided they convey a complete and unaltered copy of the entire package (recompression or decompression is permitted). This permission pertains to any kind of data media including online services and BBSes, any form of packaging and bundling, and any distribution fee. The author may revoke any permissions granted here by notification in writing.

MS-DOS and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Novell-DOS is a trademark of Novell Inc.


ASP ombudsman statement

This program is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI USA 49442-9427, Fax 616-788-2765, or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.


Other products

ShareMan 1.7
Windows utility for software distribution; LHA and crypto interface also usable generally. Encrypt and decrypt text and files, insert passwords, user IDs and serial numbers with authentication digit into the program. Compress and copy files for distribution. Create individual disks with serial number, customer's name and company within the program, write a user ID and store customer data in an address file. Options can be turned on or off separately. Crypto algorithms as source.
Available in English and German. US$ 25 or DM 40.

Depleter 2.2:
Windows utility for owners of laptops and notebooks.
Countdown mode for controlling remaining battery use time, based on previous measurements during your normal work. Thus you can see long before your computer's built-in voltage control when you will have to shut down your work.
Discharge mode for calculated battery depletion under constant conditions. Thus you can detect and cure the memory effect, i.e. the steady decline of maximum battery capacity.
Available in English and German. US$ 10 or DM 20.

Good Credit 1.2
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Available in English and German. US$ 10 or DM 20.


About the author

I was born in 1966 in little Stade near Hamburg. My first steps in the world of computers were on a TI 99/4A. Via Atari 400, Atari 130 XE, Atari 800 XL and Atari 1040 ST I climbed up to the PC in 1992, which turned from a mere writing tool to a fascinating programming machine, thanks to Borland C++ 3.1.
In 1986, I joined the Federal German Navy, doing an 11-month trip around the world on a sailing ship. Deciding the navy was the right place for me I applied for career officer, including a university degree in communications engineering, with a focus on digital electronics, microprocessors, and C programming.
In private, I am a passionate bachelor and now and then enjoy the multi-faceted nightlife of Hamburg.

TI 99/4A is a trademark of Texas Instruments.
Atari 400, 130 XE, 800 XL and 1040 ST are trademarks of Atari.
Borland C++ is a trademark of Borland International.

______________________
Bernd Cordes, 11/21/95