DWM Startup Utility
Version 2 (July 1994)
Author: Brian M. Fell <bmf2s@aurora.urich.edu>

DESCRIPTION:

    This program was written in order to simplify the process of periodically 
executing programs used to maintain a computer's hard disk drive(s). 
The programs works by reading in the date from your computer's system clock,
with this information the program determines whether or not it has been
executed that day.  If the program was executed that day it prompts you to
bypass it, otherwise it will execute one of three DOS batch files (daily, 
weekly, or monthly.bat) based upon how many times the program has been run 
since the last execution of the monthly.bat file. This means that if it has 
been 7, 14, or 21 days since the last execution of monthly.bat, the weekly.bat
file will run, if it has been 28 days the monthly.bat file will run, otherwise
the daily.bat file will run. The first time you run the program your 
monthly.bat file will be executed.

     I have outlined below the specifics of how to use this program and some
guidance for those who have never dealt with .bat files.


HOW TO USE THIS PROGRAM:

    Edit each of the .bat files and put in the path and filename of all of
the programs that you wish to have executed on a daily, weekly, and/or 
monthly basis (see below for instructions). Then, in your autoexec.bat file 
put the path to the directory in which the files (startup.exe, etc.) have been 
placed.  I suggest creating a directory called startup or just put them in your 
DOS directory. Finally, in your autoexec.bat file put the command STARTUP.EXE 
after the path statement and before any TSRs (programs that remain in memory 
while other programs are running) that may conflict with the execution of any 
of the executables that are to be called by the 3 batch files (for instance 
Microsoft's Fastopen will interfere with the execution of a defragmentation 
program such as Microsoft's Defrag). 

The next time you boot up your computer the program will execute.


BASIC DOS BATCH FILE PROGRAMMING:


    If you are unfamiliar with .bat files and the example and explanation
given below does nothing for you, please consult your DOS manual or type
'help batch' at the C:> prompt.

>> Edit the batch file with a text editor or word processor capable of saving
>> in DOS text mode.

The following is an example of a typical command to be executed in a batch 
file:


C:\EXAMPLE\RUN.EXE
           ^^^^^^^ The name of the program you wish to have run.
^^^^^^^^^^ The drive and directory in which the executable file you wish to
           include resides. 

Note: An empty batch file will have no effect on the execution of the  
      program, so if you don't want to specify anything to run on say
      a weekly basis, don't worry about it.

* I have included my daily.bat file, with notes, for your inspection

                                        
COST OF THIS PROGRAM:

    This program is shareware and a fee of $5.00 is requested if you wish
to use it.  Your one time registration fee will put you on the mailing list
announcing future updates of this program as well as the satisfaction of 
knowing that you are keeping the concept of shareware alive. Please print out 
and complete the form contained in the file "register.me" and send it in with 
your registration fee as soon as possible.


PROGRAM SUGGESTIONS:

     There are plenty of programs availible that could be used to maintain 
your computer if it is used frequently, obviously this is not a complete 
listing.

Note: The execution of all of the programs listed below can be modified
      through the use of switches (commands that come after the executable
      file such as: defrag /f would execute MS-Defrag and would defragment
      all files by using the /f switch).

IN THE DAILY.BAT FILE:

   * an anti-virus program such as Fridrik Skulason's F-Prot in order to 
     do a daily scan of your hard disk, a scan of just executable files 
     would be sufficient on a daily basis for most computers. 
     
IN THE WEEKLY.BAT FILE:

   * an anti-virus program scanning all files for a computer which sees a lot 
     of floppy disks on a weekly basis.

   * a hard drive defragmenter such as Microsoft Defrag which will ease the
     process of reading and writing to files on your hard disk by 
     putting individual files in a continuous chain, instead of having them 
     fragmented (spread unlinked throughout your hard disk).

IN THE MONTHLY.BAT FILE:
   
   * an anti-virus executing a full scan of the hard disk.

   * a defragmentation program

   * a program such as Microsoft Scandisk which will check your hard disk
     for potential problem and fix them.

   * a simple set of copy comands that will backup your autoexec.bat, 
     config.sys, win.ini, and other files (PKZIP could also be used for
     this).

CHANGES SINCE VERSION 1

 - The program no longer executes based on the day of the month, instead
   it executes based on how many days have passed from the last monthly.bat
   execution.

 - The program now stores the date of the last time it ran, in order to
   eliminate multiple, unnecessary runs if you turn your computer on
   more than once per day (The original program was targeted towards
   business that turn the computer on in the morning and off at night).

 ** Thanks for your suggestions regarding Version 1, they have been a 
    big help in terms of being able to find out how this program is used. 
    Keep them coming!

If you have any further questions or suggestions please do not hesitate to
contact me at the E-mail address mentioned below.

Thanks,
Brian M. Fell  <bmf2s@aurora.urich.edu>
          



Microsoft Defrag, Scandisk, and Fastopen are trademarks of the Microsoft 
Corporation.

F-Prot is a trademark of Frisk Software International and is availible
throught the SimTel Software Repository. 

PKZIP is a trademark of PKWARE, Inc. 
