Date   : Sun, 19 Jan 1986 18:04:00 MST
From   : Keith Petersen <W8SDZ@SIMTEL20.ARPA>
Subject: FATCAT23 - a buffered multi-disk catalog program

Now available via FTP from SIMTEL20:

Filename                       Type     Bytes   CRC

Directory PD:<CPM.CATLOG>
FATCAT23.LBR.1                 BINARY  161792  DB4AH

FATCAT is a new multi-featured disk cataloging utility for Z80 CP/M
systems.  It was designed with the user's convenience in mind.  It
features rapid-fire insertion of diskettes.  The filenames are simply
appended sequentially to a temporary file.  Then when you are done,
while you go eat supper or watch TV the computer does the tedious work
of sorting, inserting, deleting, etc., without making you share its
tedium.  Also includes LBR file support.  Replaces FMAP, CAT, UCAT,
MCAT, XCAT programs.

Changes from Previous Versions 
 
NOTE -- If you have been using FATCAT version 2.0, please 
READ THIS:
 
NOTE -- Any references to version 2.1 apply equally to version 
2.3.
 
None of the program files in FATCAT vers. 2.0, 2.1, or 2.2 (those 
with file types of .COM, .CHN, .00?) or the Configuration Files 
(.CFG) are compatible with version 2.1.  To avoid needless 
confusion, you should make sure you have backed these files up 
onto an archival disk, and then GET THEM OFF YOUR SYSTEM.  They 
will not work with the version 2.3 files, even though some of 
them have the same names.
 
HOWEVER, ALL actual catalog and index files (.LIX, .RIX, .DNX, 
.LCX, .RCX, and .TCX) from previous versions ARE PERFECTLY 
COMPATIBLE with version 2.3, so there is no need to do anything 
with your actual data files, they will work just fine under 
either version.
 
BUG FIXES
 
Three bugs, are fixed in version 2.3
 
-- A serious bug that caused library files not to be deleted 
properly has been fixed.  This may have caused some corruption
in your catalog files, but not your index files.  To check, 
catalog a disk, note the number of library files reported.  Then 
output all files in the catalog.  If these numbers don't agree 
with the ones obtained previously your catalog file is corrupted.  
Running the <M> option will fix it.
 
-- Searches in OUTPUT mode now give correct results when 
seraching unambigous file names.
 
-- Counts of files now give correct results.
 
Two major bugs were fixed in Version 2.1.
        
-- The add and rename functions in cleanup mode now give full 
access to user areas other than the current one.
 
-- Disk resets have been added in places where disk swapping was
occurring -- causing BDOS errors when run under CP/M.  This was 
not a problem under ZRDOS, which is how it slipped through.
 
ENHANCEMENTS
 
The following enhancement is provided in version 2.3:
 
-- Output now available in a cross-reference format similar to 
XCAT, in addition to the previous FATCAT format.  Accessible from 
new <X> option on main menu or from command line of OUTCAT.
 
The following enhancements are provided in version 2.1:
 
-- The single/multiple mode toggle has been eliminated.  This 
function is now controlled by the Automatic Reindex toggle. 
Leaving this off speeds up the updating process, regardless of 
whether one disk or several have been inserted, and there is no 
automatic update as in former single mode.  What you gain here is 
faster operation.  However, the tradeoff is that you lose the 
robust backup that this admittedly slower method provided.  If 
you are going to run with the Auto-ReIndex off it is recommended 
that you back up your catalog disks.
 
-- Since Auto-Reindexing may now be disabled, we have added the 
'M' option which gives a manual Recreation of the Catalog files 
from the index files, which used to happen under Updating in the 
multiple mode (and which can still be achieved under Auto-
Reindex). The 'F' Option is now renamed 'R'.
 
-- FATCAT now takes better advantage of memory space resulting in 
a faster throughput, since disk accesses are reduced.  This will 
be apparent especially on floppy based systems.
 
-- The Printer Offset has been added as a configuration option 
for those who like to leave their paper in a fixed position on 
their printers. 
 
-- Command Line Control of Output is now provided.  See the 
section 'OUTCAT' for a description of this feature.  The output 
module will work from the menu, however, just as it did before.
On-line help available for OUTCAT with command OUTCAT //. 
 
-- Configuration setup provision allowing FATCAT to stop 
conflicting with the Plu*Perfect DateStamper's assumption that 
its special file would be first in any sort.