Welcome to CMDbar, the utility to control Windows from the keyboard.  It can speed up every day work of every user and does not require any special knowledge or to be a command expert.   CMDbar gives user the power to type commands fast and easily perform routine task as in command-line oriented environments (DOS, Unix) while retaining all advantages of the Windows environment and graphical user interface.

CMDbar differs from other command line utilities because it integrates with Windows whenever possible.  For example, command del (erase, delete) deletes files or folders using Recycle Bin.  When user types dir then Explorer window exploring current folder appears (not the inconvenient MS-DOS prompt box).  User defined aliases, file filters and favorites are available in addition to built-in commands.

CMDbar is also ActiveX Scripting Host (another common scripting hosts is, for example, Internet Explorer).  This means that CMDbar can host popular scripting language engines (like VBScript, JavaScript, PythonScript, PerlScript) and run scripts written in a scripting language.  Visaul Basic for Applications (VBA) like scripting capability is also available (like VBA macros in Microsoft Office), so, all CMDbar commands can be called within scripts.  This feature makes possible to prepare powerfull scripts to automate various tasks.

User does not have to remember all commands and their syntax because of  two important features: Quick Help (displays command syntax and description in a small tool tip window as user types) and Smart Command Complete (offers possible commands or files from current folder matching typed text in similar way as Internet Explorer does for links from history combo-box).  These features makes usage of the CMDbar extremely easy and convenient and speed up every day work in Windows.

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The following list briefly describes all major features of the CMDbar:

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Current version is 2.30.  CMDbar is shareware -- it can be evaluated for 30 days and after this period it has to be registered or removed from the system.  We appreciate to hear every user's feedback, comments or suggestions to improve CMDbar and make next versions as useful as possible.

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Main CMDbar Windows consist of the following parts:

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Title bar area is located in the left side of the window to spare space and make main window as slim as possible.   User can reposition CMDbar (in floating state) just as any other window -- move mouse cursor over the title bar area, hold mouse left button down and drag window to the desired position.

CMDbar window can be resized only horizontally.   Horizontal resizing works as usual in Windows -- user positions mouse cursor either on left or right border, cursor changes to horizontal double-sided arrow and when holding mouse left button the window can be resized.

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Main menu is hidden when it is not needed but can be tracked very easily.  User can either type command menu and press <Enter> or move mouse cursor over the title bar area and press mouse right button (or left button when CMDbar is docked) and main menu will appear.  Main menu hides itself when a command is selected or <Esc> key is pressed twice or when another application gets focus.

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CMDbar provides today two modes (in a future more modes may appear).  The Command Line mode is the main one and the second is the System Settings and Info mode.  Each mode has one icon inside the mode toolbar (see Main Window).  User can switch between modes either by selecting mode using mouse (left click over required icon) or by shortcuts <Alt + PgDn> and <Alt + PgUp>.

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CMDbar can be easily customized to conform users habits and requirements.  Inside this paragraph are discussed global options, for other, more specific, customizations follow one of the links: Customizing the Command Line, Using Aliases, ...

Basic settings (Always on Top, Dock, and Autohide) are available both inside the main menu (under item 'View') and inside the tray icon menu.  They can also be also set, as well as other options, in the first page (General) of the Options property sheet (go to 'Tools/Options...' inside main menu or type command 'options').   Description of all general options are in the following list:

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CMDbar places a small icon inside the tray area of the task bar.  The icon has two main functions:

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The Command Line mode is the main working mode of the CMDbar.  The Command Line mode window consist of three parts:

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Commands are entered inside the Command Combo Box.  After a command is entered user has to press <Enter> and command is performed.  Entering of commands simplifies and make very easy two important features Quick Help and Smart Command Complete.

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Quick Help tracks users typing and tries to recognize known commands.  Once a command is recognized a small tool tip window is displayed.  This window contains command parameters and description.  The Quick Help feature prevents user from the necessity to remember all possible parameters of each command.  Quick Help can be disabled inside the Options property sheet, page Command Line (see Customizing the Command Line).

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Smart Command Complete (auto-complete) as well as Quick Help tracks users typing and tries to match partially entered commands or command parameters against the following (in the listed order):

1. Commands from command history list, that is, previously entered commands.
2. All built-in commands, aliases, favorites and filters.
3. Names of files and folders from current directory.

This  technology can extremely speed up command typing because for unique commands and files is usually sufficient just type the first two characters, command/file is recognized and offer, so user can hit immediately <Enter>.   User can disable or enable all described options (1, 2 or 3) inside the Options property sheet, page Command Line (see Customizing the Command Line).

Example:

User types:

scr

Smart Command Complete offers:

scrsaver

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Folder navigation works as navigation inside MS Internet Explorer 4.x.  User can use shortcuts <Alt + Left> and <Alt + Right> (commands back and forward) to go back and forward among already entered folders.  Except these shortcuts is also available shortcut <Alt + U> (command up) to go up one level inside the directory hierarchy.  Right click on appropriate icon inside the toolbar displays either back, forward or up menu (m parameter of the back, forward and up commands).  User can also specify number of steps to go back, forward or up as a parameter of these commands.

Command browse folder displays Browse for Folder dialog box inside which user can easily select a new current folder.

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Command Browser is a special window displaying in a tree view all built-in commands and also user defined aliases, favorites and filters.  User can search inside the tree for required command and once a command is found or just manually selected then its parameters and description are displayed.

Selected command may be copied to the edit control 'Resulting Command', and then finally used as new command (when users closes the Command Browser dialog using 'Use Resulting Command' button.

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The File Management Dialog provides functionality to easy copy, move, delete, open and rename files.  The window has look and feel similar to Windows Explorer. 

The following picture shows example of File Management Dialog opened displaying content of directory 'C:\WINNT\system32' using user defined filter 'text' to filter out all files except the text ones.

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Inside log is stored (logged) all user activity, that is, entered commands, error messages, etc.  When an error appears (usually wrong or missing command parameters) then log dialog box automatically opens itself.  Use command log to open log dialog box or clear the log.  Log window has two tabs -- List View and Text View.  List View provides better view to a log with icons distinguishing between information messages, erros and entered commands.  Tex View makes possible to copy log content to clipboard and use for some further processing.

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CMDbar is able to run a special instance of (IE) Internet Explorer (on command ls, dir or explore) and synchronize current folder with it.  When user changes folder in CMDbar then folder is automatically changed in IE and vice versa.  Internet Explorer 4.x or higher is required for this feature.

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CMDbar can evaluate math expressions.  Expressions are computed via VBScript, so the VBScript ActiveX engine has to be installed (Internet Explorer 4.x or higher is also required).  Command = is used to evaluate arbitraty math expression, e.g.,

= 3 *(2345 - 789) / 12

The result is automatically displayed in log.   Commands -=, +=, *= and /= can be used to evaluate an expression and subtract, add, etc., it to the last result.

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CMDbar supports drag-and-drop of files, folders and pure text (single line) on the command line window.   When a left mouse button is used then the dropped file/folder name or text is copied into the command combo box.  When a right mouse button is used then a menu with several items is displayed on the drop.  User can create a new favorite item (e.g., folder, file, link) or change current directory when a folder has been dropped.  The most likely expected operation is highlighted.

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The command line options can be set in the Options property sheet, page Command Line.  The following options can be set:

CMDbar supports various user defined commands -- aliases, favorites and file filters.  Each category of user defined commands is discussed in a separate paragraph.

All user defined commands can be defined inside the Options property sheet, pages Aliases, Scripts, Favorites and Filters.  Because all these property pages have identical look and feel they can be described together.  The following picture contains a Favorites property page.

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Aliases provide easy way to create shortcuts to various commands (instead of forward user can create and use alias fwd, etc.).  Each alias can consist of multiple commands (that is, built-in commands, other aliases, favorites, filters and file or program names), so simple batches can be written using aliases as well.  Alias cannot be reentrant and this is the only limitation.  Alias can take up to 9 parameters.  Strings '%1', '%2', ..., '%9' are replaced by actual parameters before an alias is performed.

Alias description and first command of alias definition are displayed inside Quick Help  window and inside the Command Browser window.

Aliases are defined inside the Options property sheet, page Aliases.   This property page is described inside the paragraph Property Pages for User Defined Commands.  User can also use Command Browser inside Alias Properties dialog box.

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Scripts can be written in one of the following scripting languages: VBScript, JavaScript, PerlScript and PythonScript (proper script engines have to be installed as well as Internet Explorer 4.x or higher, see FAQ's for information about getting PerlScript and PythonScript).   CMDbar can run a script either via Internet Explorer or via internal ActiveX Script Host.   The second option is recommended because it is usually faster and also makes possible to invoke any CMDbar command using methods of object 'CMDbar'. 

Add New button displays simple dialog inside which user can select type of the script (only the currently installed scripting languages are enabled) and decide if he wants to generate a sample 'Hello, world !' script.

Scripts are defined inside the Options property sheet, page Scripts.  This property page is described inside the paragraph Property Pages for User Defined Commands.

Script properties dialog looks like the following:

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Favorites represent user's favorite folders, programs, files and WWW links.  Each favorite has assigned a unique shortcut which is used for fast access.  Favorites can be also accessed from main menu.

Favorites are described by category in the following list:

Favorite description and definition are displayed inside Quick Help  window and inside the Command Browser window.

Favorites are defined inside the Options property sheet, page Favorites.  This property page is described inside the paragraph Property Pages for User Defined Commands.

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User can define various File Filters for most often used files (for example, '*.h; *.cpp' for C++ development, '*.doc; *.xls; *.ppt' for MS Office documents, my*.* for all 'my' files, etc.).  Each filter has a shortcut and when user types it then File Management window with the filter set as active appears.   User can also switch between all file filters inside the File Management window.

Filter description and definition are displayed inside Quick Help  window and inside the Command Browser window.

File Filters are defined inside the Options property sheet, page Filters.  This property page is described inside the paragraph Property Pages for User Defined Commands.

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The System Settings and Info mode is an add-on working mode of the CMDbar.  It provides buttons with shortcuts to most important system settings and information (usually Control Panel applets).

The System Settings and Info mode window consist of one part -- button style tab window:

User simply clicks on required button to open appropriate settings or information window or special folder.

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Inside this paragraph are briefly described all built-in commands.

User interface commands makes possible to control the CMDbar user interface and call functions available in the main menu.

[on | off]

Switches auto hide mode on or off or displayes the autohide option state.

[on | off]

Switches auto-minimize mode on or off or displays the auto-minimize option state.

window_title

Close a specified window.  The window_title is considered as substring of window title, so user can type close note to close Notepad, etc.

[top| bottom | on | off]

Docks main window (the toolbar) top or bottom or leaves docking mode (off) and makes CMDbar floating.

Exits CMDbar.

[open | save | saveas]

Opens a CMDbar data file or saves (saves with different name) current data file.

Opens default browser window with this help file.

[clear]

Shows log file and eventually clears it.

Track main menu.

[all | window_title]

Minimize CMDbar main window or all windows or window with the specified title.  The window_title is considered as substring of window title, so user can type minimize note to minimize Notepad, etc.

[on | off]

Switches the Always On Top mode on or off.

Opens the Options property sheet.

[text]

Displays simple pause message box with default or user defined text.  User has to close this message box to continue.  This command is useful for multi-command aliases.

[window_title]

Restores main window to its original position or a specified window, see also command minimize.  The window_title is considered as substring of window title, so user can type restore note to restore Notepad, etc.

Activates currently selected screen saver.

[window_title]

Invoke move command on the specified window.  Use arrow keys to move the window and press Enter when finished.  The window_title is considered as substring of window title, so user can type winmove note to move Notepad window, etc.

[window_title]

Invoke size command on the specfied window.  Use arrow keys to size window and press Enter when finished.  The window_title is considered as substring of window title, so user can type winsize note to size Notepad window, etc.

Shell commands provide main functionality.  Among shell commands are both well known commands, like del (integrated with Recycle Bin), and new commands like up, back, etc.

[expression]

Evaluate a math expression and display the result in log.   Expression is evaluated via VBScript, so VBScript ActiveX Engine has to be installed (it comes automatically with Internet Explorer 4.x and higher).  If expression is not entered then the last result is displayed only.

[expression]

Evaluate a math expression, add it to the last result and display the result in log.  If expression is not entered then the last result is displayed only.

[expression]

Evaluate a math expression, add subtract it from the last result and display the result in log.  If expression is not entered then the last result is displayed only.

[expression]

Evaluate a math expression, multiply it by the last result and display the result in log.  If expression is not entered then the last result is displayed only.

[expression]

Evaluate a math expression, divide the last result by it and display the result in log.  If expression is not entered then the last result is displayed only.

[N | m]

Back and forward commands navigate between already visited directories.  They both go one (default) or N steps back or forward.  Parameter m invokes back or forward menu.

[file | folder | command]

Browse makes possible to browse either for a file or folder or command (opens Command Browser).

[drive:][path] | [favorite_folder]

Sets new current directory or displays (inside the log window) current directory.  Favorite folder can be also used as a parameter.

[drive:][path] source    [drive:][path] destination

Copies source files or folders to specified destination.

Open Control Panel window.

[file_or_folder]

Display context menu for the specified file or folder or for current folder if no parameter is supplied.

Displays date and time properties.

[+rb | -rb] [drive:][path] name

Deletes specified files or folders either directly or through Recycle Bin.  The default behaviour is specified inside the "Command Line" property page.  Parameters +rb and -rb can be used to explicitly specify if the Recycle Bin is to be used (+rb) or not (-rb).

Explores the desktop folder.

Opens display properties.

Disconnects a network drive via Disconnect Network Drive dialog.

[command]

Opens MS-DOS command line window in current directory or performs a command using default command interpretter (cmd.exe for Windows NT and command.com for Windows 9x).

drive:

Ejects a removable media like CD-ROM disk or ZIP disk, etc.   Note, that media may not be used by any other application when it is to be ejected.

Tracks favorites popup menu (this menu is also part of the main menu).

Invokes the Find: Computer dialog which is used to search for computers on the network.

Invokes the Find: All Files dialog which is used to search for files or folders.

Opens keyboard properties.

[drive:][path] file_name

List specified files to the log.  Files can be easily copied from Logs text view to the clipboard.

Logs off current user.

Invokes Map Network Drive dialog which is used to map a network drive.

new_directory

Creates a new directory.  Multiple (multi-level) directories can be created as well.  For example, mkdir d1\d2\d3 will create all directories from d1 to d3 in oposite to default 'MS-DOS' behavior where sequence of five commands (mkdir d1, cd d1, mkdir d2, etc.) was required.

Opens mouse properties.

[drive:][path] source    [drive:][path] destination

Moves source files or folders to specified destination.

Explores the My Computer folder containing everything on the local computer: storage devices, printers, Control Panel, network drives, etc.

Explores Network Neighborhood.

{ /folder | /prog | /file | /link | /other } [favorite_definition]

Command for fast creating of a new favorite item.  Favorite item properties dialog box is displayed with provided favorite item definition.

Shutdowns system and switches off power.  Note, that system has to support the power-off feature (old systems usually does not support it).

[drive:][path] file_name

Prints files using associated programs, e.g., files with extension .doc are printed via MS Word, etc.

Shows installed printers -- explores special folder Printers.

[file_or_folder]

Displayes properties of file, folder or current folder when no parameter is specified.

[info | empty]

Opens Recycle Bin or shows number of items inside (info) or clears it up (empty).

directory_to_delete

Removes specified directory.  Note, that command del can be used as well.

Shutdowns and reboots the system.

[drive:][path]old_name   new_name

Renames the specified file or folder.

Invokes the standard Run dialog.  This dialog can be used to run programs if they cannot be for some reason run directly from CMDbar.

[variable_name[=variable_value]]

Sets, modifies or gets value of environment variable(s).  Only environment variables for current process (CMDbar) and child processes (programs run from CMDbar) can be set using this command.

Shows desktop -- minimizes all windows.

Shutdowns the system.

Popus and tracks the Start Menu.

Opens system properties.

[N | m]

Goes up one (default) or N levels.  Parameter m invokes up menu.

Tells name of current user.

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A default CMDbar object is automatically available inside scripts run by CMDbar ActiveX Script Host.   The object does not have to be declared and it provides the folowing methods:

string with command

A generic method to invoke any CMDbar command including aliases and other scripts.  String with command should contain also all required parameters.

string to be displayed

Invokes command pause without possible syntax problems with embeded quote (parameter for pause is quoted string).

Scripts run via Internet Explorer can use object window provided by IE.  This object is not available to scripts run via CMDbar but three usefull methods are also provided by the CMDbari object:

message

Display an Alert dialog box with a message and an OK button.

message

Display a Confirm dialog box with a message and Yes and No buttons.  The method returns TRUE if user chooses Yes and FALSE if user chooses No.

message, input_default

Display  a Prompt dialog box with a message, input field and OK and Cancel buttons.  The input_default string is displayed in the input field.  The method returns the value that user types in when OK button is choosen or empty string when Cancel butten is choosen.

Support is provided on rovensky@kagi.com and is free for all registered users and users evaluating the CMDbar.

When reporting bugs or problems please include:

Please, keep in mind that more information you provide us about your problem give us better chance to find a solution.

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Upon your acceptance of this Agreement, Pitrinec Software (Author) grants to you a nonexclusive license to use the CMDbar software (Software).

A. Use of the Software.

The Software has been released for distribution as a SHAREWARE and may be distributed at no cost.

You may install the Software on a hard disk or other storage device; install and use the Software on a file server for use on a network for the purposes of (i) permanent installation onto hard disks or other storage devices or (ii) use of the Software over such network; and make backup copies of the Software.

B. Restrictions.

Unregistered use of the Software after the 30-day evaluation period is in violation of international copyright laws.

You are not allowed to modify, translate, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble or otherwise attempt to discover the source code of the Software.

The number of the (licensed) Software instances running at the same time may not exceed the number of licenses purchased.

You are not allowed to redistribute or provide to 3rd party already registered versions of the Software as well as you may not publish the registration number(s) that unlock the Software.

The Software can be distributed only as the package provided by the Author.This package cannot be changed in any way without written Author's permission.

C. No Warranty.

ALL WARRANTIES ARE DISCLAIMED, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, IN THIS SOFTWARE. THE ENTIRE RISK OF THE USE OR THE RESULT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE REMAINS WITH THE USER.

Unpublished-rights reserved under international copyright laws.

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As stated in "License Agreement" part of this document, CMDbar is a shareware program and must be registered if user decides to keep it.  There are several ways how to register it.  User can either use on-line registration or send registration form via e-mail or snail mail (in such a case there is a Register.exe program provided with the package allowing user to generate registration form).  User can choose among several payment methods including credit cards, cash, money order, etc.

CMDbar Price List:

* Site license is for unlimited number of users at one organization, and within a radius of 100 miles (160 km) from one central location. 
** An organization that has offices further than that and wants to use the product in these distant locations, should buy a world-wide license 

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This section is supposed to grow up in future releases of CMDbar.

Question:  What is the drag-and-drop support good for ?

Answer:  The drag-and-drop support is very useful for fast configuring of CMDbar.  It is usually used by a new CMDbar users because it makes possible to create favorite items (folders, files, links, programs) just by dragging and dropping the required file, folder, etc., on CMDbar while right mouse button is used.

Question:  Why the File Management window does not support drag-and-drop ?

Answer:  The File Management window does not support drag-and-drop because the primary CMDbar focus is to speed up work with keybord.   This does not mean the drag-and-drop support is not planned for future versions of CMDbar.

Question:  When I minimize CMDbar it disappears and its icon is not displayed in the tray area.  What should I do ?

Answer:  This problem might appear in prior CMDbar versions (before 2.20).  The solution is the select the "Show always icon in tray" options inside the Options/General property page.

Question:  Why many of build-in command names are rather long ?

Answer:  The command names should be descriptive and if the Smart Command Complete is on then usually typing of the first two characters is sufficient and the command is found and offered.   Aliases can be also used to make shortcuts for long commands.

Question:  Some features are available only if the InternetExplorer 4.x or higher is installed.  I want to use these features but I use Netscape Navigator as my web browser I do not want to browse with IE ?

Answer:  You can have installed Internet Explorer 4.x or higher and still hapilly browse the web with Netscape Navigator.  Only the IE 4.x and higher provides features and API that can be used to implement the 'IE 4.x features'.

Question:  I have Internet Explorer 4.x or higher installed but can use only VBScript and JavaScript.  PythonScript and JavaScript are disabled.  Why ?

Answer:  JavaScript and VBScript engines are part of the IE installation.  The other scripting engines have to be downloaded from the third party vendors.  The following information was true in time of writing this answer (June 1999):

PerlScript can be downloaded at:

www.activestate.com   and it is part of the ActivePerl installation.

PythonScript can be downloaded at:

www.python.org (look for link windows/win32com).

Question:  How differ favorites and aliases ?

Answer:  Aliases make possible to create shortcuts to command, write simple batches, etc.  The favorite items can directly launch a program, show special folder, etc.  User can use both aliases and favorites very well together.  For example, MS Word can be added to your favorite programs and several aliases launching the most used Word documents (using the same favorite) can be prepared, etc.

Question:  For what are the Favorite/Other items good for ?

Answer:  The simple answer is that they are good for all non-categorized favorite items, for example emails.  User can create 'other favorite' like: