Talking Directory version 2.0
Copyright 1994-1997 by Access Success

TD is a powerful, speech friendly file, directory, and program
manager for DOS based personal computers.  It provides "point and
shoot" control over single or multiple files.  Copy, delete,
move, rename, and sort files and directories.  Read and bookmark
files in almost any DOS or Windows word processor format.  Attach
descriptions to files, either manually or automatically.  Search
for files by name, description, or keywords--even inside .ZIP
files.  Protect files from accidental modification or deletion. 
Stamp the date and time of files.  Format floppy disks, set
volume labels, and set the system clock.  View, create, and
extract files compressed with the .ZIP format.  Define a dozen
external programs that can be launched--without limit on the size
of a program.  All this and more comes with an integrated visual
and verbal interface, allowing blind and sighted users to operate
with equal ease and efficiency!

The following files are included in this distribution archive:

README.TXT = this file
TD.EXE = the executable file
TD1UTIL.EXE = utility to convert word processor formats
TD2UTIL.EXE = utility to convert Windows help files
TD.TXT = the documentation file
UPGRADE.TXT = explanation of upgrade procedure and features
INSTALL.BAT = a batch file for installing TD
REGISTER.TXT = a form for obtaining the registered version of TD
FILE_ID.DIZ = a description file used by bulletin board systems


I wish to thank the following Beta testers who identified bugs,
revealed points of confusion, provided encouragement, and gave
suggestions for enhancing TD's power and friendliness:

Jim Ansley
Don Breda
Heewon Chun
Charlie Crawford
Ted Filteau
Bob Gildea
Bud Keith
Bonnie O'Day

I also wish to thank Malcolm Drury for permission to use his View
utility (Copyright 1995) and Wolfgang Beyer for permission to use
his HLP2DOC utility (Copyright 1994).  These allow TD to convert
almost any word processor format, as well as Windows help files.


Talking Directory has been many months in the making.  It has
been inspired by the notion that reaping the benefits of the
information age means effectively managing, not just having
electronic information.  Unfortunately, the many DOS based
directory and program managers on the market are generally
difficult to use with speech access.  They tend to make extensive
use of multiple, adjacent screen windows rather than one window
displayed at a time, lightbars that track independently of the
system cursor, and status indicators shown with color
enhancements or graphic characters rather than standard text and
punctuation symbols.  I hope that Talking Directory and its users
show the competitiveness of a speech friendly environment!


Jamal Mazrui
Access Success
1400 East-West Highway, #1623
Silver Spring, MD  20910
U.S.A.
Phone: (301) 589-8899
Email: 74444.1076@compuserve.com

The following is a testimonial from Don Barrett, a TD customer:

One of the problems I run into as a speech writer is that I
collect a lot of information in little bits and pieces scattered
throughout numerous little files.  TD has made a huge difference
in helping me to manage this material, and to put it into some
cohesive order.  One of the functions that has allowed for this
is the file description capability, which lets you add
lengthy descriptions to files listed in a directory.  So, for
example, a given description might say,  good statistical data to
support more program funding, or, good opening for speeches, or
good closing, promotes action on part of audience.  

Get a whole list of these together and you have a compendium of
files that you can decide how and when to use at a glance by just
cursoring up and down through their descriptions.

Another great feature, especially for blind folks like us, is the
ability to do key word searches throughout an entire directory. 
Let's say for example, I am looking for info on employment that I
want to use in a given speech.  I just hit the letter k while in
directory mode, type the word employment, and hit enter. TD will
stop at each file that contains the word employment, and yes,
thank God it is not case sensitive.

The great thing is that after you finish either viewing that
file, or working with it in your word processor, both of which
you can do from TD, you just hit K again and the enter key, and
TD continues to search, actually excluding files you've already
seen.  It's like having a sighted reader skimming your hard disk
for you.

I for one like to sort my directories by time in descending
order, for in doing so, I can tell at a quick listen, the most
recent things I've been working on, something that can be quite
useful when you want to do a quick mental review of what you've
been doing.

The wonderful thing about a program like TD is that it was
written to work in tandem with the way we think about how we want
to manage information.  Manipulating information according to the
way your mind wants to process it is where td's real value is
shown.  I suppose it's what the G U I tries to do for the sighted
in
presenting a screen in which you can manipulate data through
mind-hand coordination; TD does the same thing, but gives it to
us the way we need it and can best utilize it, one orderly piece
of information at a time.