Photo shows Homerun 1.03 running in Warp 4.0 of @Macarlo, Inc.
Homerun 1.03 Released
and the archive (HRUN103.ZIP, 837.2k) was uploaded on Pete Norloff 's BBS. Homerun is a flexible
scheduling program from Crystal Environmental, Inc., that allows set up of start-ups
and/or kills on virtually any time schedule in OS2, Dos and WinOS2 programs in a
window, fullscreen or PM. Homerun includes a day-timer diary and a 50 year calendar.
Jump Norloff>@@@
Homerun allows programs to be run on any time schedule. Homerun can start &
terminate OS2, Dos and WinOS2 (Windows) programs in a window, fullscreen or Presentation
Manager as applicable. Dos & OS2 windows can also be closed using hexadecimal
commands. Convenient red/green buttons confirm whether the start-ups and kills are
active or inactive. If you have installed any OS2 FixPaks after Warp 3 it is recommended
that you read the file rexxsom.txt included in the Homerun directory. The appointment/message
scheduler allows simple multiple scheduling, and has a programmable warning alarm.
Installation
Homerun can be installed from its own directory or from a floppy drive. The installation
program will install an icon on the desktop. To install from its own directory unzip
the files into a directory of choice (default is C:\HOMERUN), and at the C:\HOMERUN>
prompt type INSTALL. To install from a floppy, at the A:> prompt type INSTALL.
Homerun requires the runtime library file VROBJ.DLL and it is in the hrun100.zip
file. If you already have VROBJ.DLL installed, you do not need this file. VROBJ.DLL
can remain in the Homerun directory or can be moved to a directory listed in the
LIBPATH list defined in the configuration file config.sys.
To minimize CPU time, Homerun only status checks every 20 seconds. Between these
checks there is no demand on the CPU. If you are watching, this delay can sometimes
give the impression of being slow to respond to changes. Just remember, we are saving
resources!
In 'Settings' there is a preferences file which can remove some of the pop-up boxes
for the experienced user.
Note: A 'System Proportional Italic' font is used in Homerun to distinguish inputted
data. In one test computer at 1024x768 there were slight imperfections in the appearance
of the font. I have stuck with the italic font, but please let me know if there
are other systems with this problem, and I will change the font back to a normal
font.
Scheduling Program Starts & Kills
Start-ups
Click on 'Events' in the 'Schedule' drop down menu. There are hints shown at the
bottom of most windows to assist in entering data.
There is virtually no limitation on how you can set up the start-ups. For OS2 programs,
It is best to start with the 'Default' setting and to test your choice by clicking
on 'Run now' and then 'Terminate now' if you are using this feature. It is unlikely
that incorrect set-up of a program will crash the program, but in some cases the
program may not run as scheduled. It is wise to test the start-up by clicking the
'Run now' button before saving it to the container list.
DO NOT run Dos and Windows programs with the 'Default' setting. Although they may
generally run, Homerun does not keep track of the session PID number and can not
terminate it.
The file extension must be included in order for the search check to work properly
although the 'Terminate after X minutes' will still work properly. For 'Dos Window'
and 'Dos Fullscreen' applications (including WinOS2 applications started in dos,
the 'Terminate after X minutes' option, keeps track of the start-up PID number and
uses that that to terminate the program. If several programs are started at the
exact same time, Homerun could grab the wrong PID number, so it is best to stagger
Dos start-ups by at least a minute.
Windows programs may only run in full screen and are tricky. Success in making windows
programs run depends on the video resolution and other factors. Also, you should
enter the directory that is the working directory for the program you are running.
For example enter:
Entry Title: Windows Eudora
Program path & file name: eudora.exe
Parameters:
Directory: c:\eudora
to run Eudora. The 'Run in a WinOS2 Window session' only runs if the video resolution
is 640x480.
Terminating of windows programs is not supported, other than you can terminate a
windows program YOU start through Dos. Although if you were able to send a hexadecimal
'ALT-F' and 'x' via the 'Use macro' you would think it should work.
Hints:
1. If you intend to start-up a 'Run in a WinOS2 Fullscreen session' while
you have a 'Dos Fullscreen' session active, the Dos session should be started in
the background or questionable results may occur.
2. OS2 Windows do not start in the 'Background'. Use the 'Min' box and start minimized.
3. Fullscreen programs do not start minimized. Use the 'Background' box and start
in the background.
4. Thanks to Andy Glass who offered that:
cmd.exe /c detatch [path]/homerun.exe
will run Homerun in 4OS2.
Kills
The 'kills' use a program called 'go' written by Carston Wimmer, and further information
about this program can be found in the file go.doc. You can send keystroke commands
and hexadecimal keystrokes to a
Dos or OS2 window by activating the 'Use macro' button and completing the entry
fields. For example enter:
Window Title: DOS Window
Macro: exit
to close a dos window.
Note: This feature uses the clipboard and it must be active.
The 'Program started in an OS2 Window' check box is to be used for programs started
in an OS2 Window or started with a .cmd batch file.
For example, Maximus could be started with a batch file 'max.cmd'. In this case
the executable to be entered would be the Maximus 'maxp.exe' file and the 'Program
started in an OS2 Window' box should be checked in order that the OS2 window is
closed at the termination of (maxp.exe) Maximus.
You can enter a sequence of kills through the start-ups if desired, using 'go' or
any other kill program. For example enter:
Entry Title: Elephant
Program path & file name: go k
Parameters: elephant.exe
Directory: c:\homerun
( Hint: In this example use 'Run without using start' as the shell.)
to kill a program whose executable is 'elephant.exe'. The Directory is the path
to your 'kill' program.
The 'Fullscreen (Window) Cmd.exe Shell and kill on exit' do not use the /C of START
which is not too reliable. Rather the program 'kills' the shell after the program
is found and killed.
Appointment/Message Daily Diary
The appointment/message scheduler is quite straight forward and contains hints in
the windows to assist the new user. There is a programmable appointment warning
alarm to alert the user about impending appointments. The appointments can be scheduled
in a variety of ways from every few minutes to yearly and beyond.
Calendar
There is a built in 50+ year calendar and access to this feature has been conveniently
located in the Calendar menu.
Disclaimer
The author makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of this material
for any purpose. It is provided "as is", without any express or implied
warranties. The author will assume no liability for damages either from the direct
use of this product or as a consequence
of the use of this product.
Bugs and Suggestions
Should an unexpected dump occur, check the Homerun.err file for an explanation.
Please report any bugs (or suggestions) and I will take action on them if possible
and practical
Homerun updates
Fixes and Changes in Version 1.01
1. Fixed spelling mistakes and other miscellaneous irritants.
2. Fixed password routine which sometimes gives an error message and prevents
further use at the end of the free uses.
3. Fixed appointments not showing on a sequence when the current time is less
than the start time and the date is the current date.
4. Fixed 'lost' appointment entries when a sequence is partially deleted down to
a single day. Entries were not able to be deleted.
5. Fixed calendar problem when calendar shows larger date than days in subsequent
month. Date normally jumps to same day in subsequent month. If there is no day
(31st etc.), day jumps to 1st.
Fixes and Changes in Version 1.02
1. Fixed error that was corrupting data.
2. Fixed outstanding and past appointment number counter.
3. Added 'Power Delete' by clicking on 'Delete' with right mouse button. Allows
removal of corrupted data.
4. Added notification upon detection of corrupted data.
5. Book now stays open at added entry date instead of returning to current date.
6. Fixed error problem when week is changed in entry box after box was opened.
Fixes and Changes in Version 1.03
1. Fixed problem with calendars not showing right month number display if the month
or year spin button held down for more than one click.
2. Fixed problem with deletion of past dates not working unless settings was also
set
for deletion of past due dates.
.
CONTACT AUTHOR:
Crystal Environmental, Inc.
email: brow139@ibm.net
@Macarlo, Inc.
@Macarlo's Shareware & Web
OS/2
Java Lobby Member
Java Site Accredited
[TOP]
[HOME] [INDEX]