ARCVER
Vers. 1.8
Written by Andrew Black 1991
(c) Andrew Soft
This program has been released into Pulic Domain.
However I still retain all Copyright.
Instructions for ARCVER
-----------------------
Welcome to ARCVER. ARCVER was basically written because I was fed up
of having a 31 file limit on my DFS discs. ARCVER enables you
overcome this limit by taking files (any type) and squashing them into
one big one. ARCVER does not alter the load and execution addresses
so the files will be decompacted exactly as they were compacted.
ARCVER is very easy to use. (At least I think so). ARCVER allows
multiple file entry. This means that you can enter lots of filenames
and then leave the computer to get on with it. ARCVER also displays in
seconds the time it will take to compress or decompress a file.
Starting out
------------
When you boot up the program you will be asked to enter the source
drive of the data (the files). This will also be the drive for the
compressed file. This can be any number between 0 & 3.
You will then be asked whether you want to compress or decompress.
Enter C or D then <RETURN>. If you press C you will enter compressing
mode and if you press D you will enter decompressing mode.
Compressing Mode
----------------
First you will be asked how many files you wish to compress. The
maximum number of files you are allowed to compress is 30 at any one
time. This is because you have to leave a spare filename for the
compressed file. Also remember that you have to leave at least 100K
(or 50K for 40T) of free disc space on the disc. To check that there
is enough space for the compressed file follow this procedure ...
A. Check the length of each of your files. Add 32 bytes to each files
length. If they collectivly come to under 100000 (or 50000 for
40T) bytes you will fit the compressed file on. If they are over a
100000 (or 50000 for 40T) bytes you must remove files until the
compressed file can be fitted on.
B. Next you be asked for a destination file name. This is the
filename under which the compressed data will be stored.
C. The program will now ask you to enter the file names to compress
rather like the example illustrated below ...
Enter file(s) to compress? BLOG
or
Enter file(s) to compress? L.DATA
It will repeat this for the amount of files you want compressing
for example with 3 files to compress ...
1. Enter file(s) to compress?file1
2. Enter file(s) to compress?file2
3. Enter file(s) to compress?file3
After you have entered the name of the last file to be compacted the
computer will automatically start compacting the files (you might like
to go and do something until the computer has finished compacting as
it could take a long time). During the compacting the current file
being compacted is displayed and the estimated time to compress that
particular file. For Example ...
Compressing L.DATA
Compressing time is 182 seconds
If everything goes well during the compacting you should see the
message 'Transfer successful' after the program has finished
compacting. You will then be asked if you wish to exit the program.
If you reply N <Return> you will be sent back to the start of the
program otherwise the computer will return to BASIC.
Decompressing Mode
------------------
This is very easy to do. You have already entered the source data
drive of the compressed file. This is also where the files will
un-compressed. Make sure you have at least 100000 (50000 for 40T)
bytes free for the files or alternatively use a blank disc and copy
your compressed file onto this. The program will ask you for the
filename of the compressed file. Enter this and press <Return>.
The program will then start to decompact the compressed file. It will
display the approximate time it will take to work through the complete
file. For Example ...
1829 seconds to decompress complete file.
Decompressing L.DATA
Decompressing BLOG etc.....
Now all you have to do is wait. (I advise making a cup of tea).
When the computer has finished un-packing all the files it will print
the message 'Transfer successful' if all went well. It will then ask
you if you wish to exit. Reply N or Y then <Return> to this.
Errors
------
When an error message is encounted the computer will first close down
all open files. It will then sound a siren, telling you an error has
occured. Then it will report the error and end the program.
Probable errors
---------------
Bad drive - You entered a number for a non existent drive.
Disc full - There is not enough space for the compressing or
decompressing of data.
Disc read only - Take the write protect tab off and retry.
File not found - Check spelling & Current Directory.
Catalouge full - You have tried to exceed the DFS' 31 file limit.
Bad filename - Check Spelling - catalogue your disc if neccessary.
General notes
-------------
It is possible to nest compressed files inside each other. ie.
Compres1 ---:
: - Compres6 ---:
Compres2 ---: :
: --- Compres8
Compres3 ---: :
: - Compres7 ---:
Compres4 ---:
But you will have to decompact each compressed file seperately.
At the moment ARCVER is fairly slow at compacting and decompacting.
About 2 and a half minutes for a 16K file. I am re-coding it at the
moment to do compacting and decompacting in half the orginal time.
The next version will be compatible with all existing compacted data
files. I am not sure whether it will work with ADFS systems. It
should do.
The file transfer speed can be speeded quite a lot up by typing
*FX255,15 then pressing break and booting the program.
Andrew Black
Please address any comments and ideas for future expansion of the
program for Reviews Editor (722) c/o 8BS at the usual address. Our
thanks go to Andrew for providing such as useful utility which 8BS
intends to make frequent use of in future issues.