                  Chk4Net -- Check for Network:
                  "The Laptop Mobility Manager"
                        (Version 2.1a)
           Program Copyright(c) 1995, Jerry B. Byrd


The Startup Group never has worked exactly right:
	*  You want different things running when on the net and off
	*  Two people share the same computer and each has his/her
	   its own preference for which programs start when Windows
	   is started
	*  You typically use one or two of the same group of 
	   programs when you start Windows, but seldom want all of 
	   them started, yet finding the right group and icon to 
	   click is bothersome and time-consuming.
	*  As you move from task to task (e.g. document preparation 
	   to financial analysis to presentations, etc.) you need 
	   several programs started and the "hunt is on" to find the 
	   3 or 4 you wish you could start with one quick click.
_______________________________
CHK4NET DOES ALL THIS AND MORE!


You use your laptop at the office on the network and off the net 
when you take it home or on the road.  Of course you need to run 
some things only when you first shift from network to stand-
alone.  If you want different programs to start-up in each of 
these modes (i.e. network circumstances), Chk4Net provides just 
the flexibility you need!  It supports three modes and starts a 
different set of programs for each:
	*  On the network
	*  Off the network
	*  First time to change to/from the network

If there are two users, Chk4Net can let each launch a different 
set of programs when Windows is started.

Chk4Net will go through your list of startup programs and do what 
you choose for it to do:
	*  Execute (Run) the program unconditionally
	*  Ask the user if the program should be executed, then 
	   follow the instructions
	*  Skip the program unconditionally
	*  Answer all future questions for executing as Yes or No
	*  Cancel execution of remaining programs

Chk4Net will let you set up a group of programs to be 
automatically (or with the questions above) executed by just 
double-clicking on one icon.

______________________________________________________________


After starting the execution of each program, CHK4NET can be set-
up to perform any one of three post-execution actions:
	*  Proceed to next program
	*  Pause until the user indicates a desire to proceed
	*  Wait until the current program completes, then proceed 
	   to the next program

CHK4NET supports the use of many execution switches that 
modify the behavior of the program.  Some that are available:
	/c  Instructs CHK4NET to continuously read the file list, 
	    follow the execution instructions and then close down.
	/Me  Use the environment variable CHK4NET=net instead of 
	    the presence of network as basis for program 
	    execution/non-execution.
	/a  Instructs CHK4NET to ask user which option to assume:
	    net, no-net, or changed

______________________________________________________________

--------------------------------------------------------------
______________________________________________________________

INSTALLATION:

	If you have gotten this far, you have obviously unzipped the 
set of files, or are receiving this by diskette.  To install, 
select the File menu item on the Program Manager (the main) 
screen, then select Run.  Type in the location of the SETUP.EXE 
file below (from diskette is usually A:\setup.exe).  The program 
will install itself.  The first note below talks about a file you 
may need, if you got this in the zip format.  Dont worry, you 
probably wont need it, just wait and see.
	The setup program will copy all the necessary files to the 
right place on your disk and then create a program group called 
Chk4Net.
	To run Chk4Net just double-click on the Chk4Net icon.  You 
will have 30 days to evaluate Chk4Net and see if you like it.  
There is also a short grace period available.  Notes are 
available within Chk4Net to register it, if you want to continue 
using it.

FILES INCLUDED IN CK4NT2.ZIP SET:
	CHK4NET.EX_
	CHK4NET.IN_
	CMDIALOG.VB_
	COMMDLG.DL_
	FMDROP1.VB_
	GAUGE.VB_
	SETUP.EXE
	SETUP.LST
	SETUP1.EX_
	SETUPKIT.DL_
	SPIN.VB_
	VBNET.VB_
	VER.DL_
	CHK4NET.HL_
	README.TXT
Additional file on diskette:
	VBRUN300.DL_
	CHKFREE.EX_
	CHKFREE.TX_
	CHKFREE.TXT


MINIMUM EQUIPMENT:
	Any computer capable of running Windows.
	Windows
	For network checking, network software (** This is not 
		required for many useful functions **)
______________________________________________________________

--------------------------------------------------------------
______________________________________________________________

NOTES:
	1.  A large file named, VBRUN300.dll, is required by 
Chk4Net, but is not included in the zip file, in order to save a 
large amount of space for faster transmission via modems.  It is 
probably already on your computer, since so many programs use, 
even though it is not included with Windows.  If you need this 
file, it is available from many sources:  CompuServe, the 
INTERNET, or from me.  Just drop me an EMail to the address 
below, or write to the address, I'll send it to you.  Of course, 
there is no charge.  If Chk4Net runs on your machine, it means 
you have the file.

	2.  If you set Chk4Net to check for a network and you have 
never had a network installed on your computer, you may get a 
"netware.drv file not found" error when the program runs.  That 
is ok, it just means you are not on the network.  The program 
will still run fine.

______________________________________________________________

--------------------------------------------------------------
______________________________________________________________

CHANGES IN VERSION 2.1:
	1.  The program now accepts more than just executable 
program files.  You can put any file for which you have created 
an association.  Most programs do this automatically for you when 
they are installed.  For instance, if a file has the extension 
.doc (e.g. TEST.doc) then if you double click on that file in 
file manager, it usually causes your word processor to start and 
begin processing that file.  Clicking on any .ini file (e.g. 
WIN.ini) will usually cause Notebook to start with that file 
already loaded.  (You can associate any extension with an 
application by using File Manager.  There are instructions in the 
File Manager help system.  At execution time, if the file is not 
an executable and if there is no program associated with the 
extension of your file, Chk4Net will inform you.

	2.  Now you can drag and drop from the file manager (or 
Norton Desktop file window) to Chk4Net.  Just start Chk4Net (not 
from the Startup group) and then start File Manager.  Minimize 
Chk4Net or make it small enough that you can also see the file 
window (be sure that File manager is not full screen).  Then you 
can just drag and drop one or groups of files from the file 
manager over to Chk4Net.  The files will appear in your program 
list.  You may want to go in a dress them up to suit your tastes.
  Note:  If the file properties screen is showing, the file name 
is only placed in the file name box and the whole entry is not 
made.  This allows you to use file manager as an alternate 
Browse button, if desired.

______________________________________________________________

If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact:

Program Copyright(c) 1995, Jerry B. Byrd

	Consulting Associates
	202 North Westpark
	McKinney, Texas 75070

EMail:   INTERNET: jbyrd@metronet.com
         CompuServe: 76505,1232

