Now available on the Empowerment Zone web site at
http://www.empowermentzone.com/batcon10.zip
BATCON 1.0 by Access Success
January 25, 1998
BATCON is a collection of DOS batch files and distributable
programs (freeware or shareware without "bundling" restrictions)
which form a simple and efficient interface for converting computer
files from one format to another. The latest distribution archives
of these programs are provided, and registration is encouraged for
shareware one regularly uses in a conversion process (I am a
registered user of all of the included shareware). The programs
were selected after extensive Internet and bulletin board searches,
identifying and comparing them with other programs of a similar
purpose.
Over the years, I've learned a lot about converting various file
formats to text that may be read with any document viewing
software, or edited with any word processor. My home page on the
world wide web, Empowerment Zone (http://www.empowermentzone.com),
specializes in plain text collections on numerous
self help-oriented subjects, which may be read online or downloaded
using any web browser, and with alternative input or output
equipment operated by people with disabilities. The vision is to
make empowering knowledge as freely available as possible.
This version of BATCON supports conversions to either text files or
ASCII documents from the following formats: executable, HTML,
Norton Guide, rich text format, Word, WordPerfect, WordStar, and
Write. In addition, Windows help files may be converted to Word or
rich text format (and subsequently to a text file or ASCII
document). Any file format may be UU or MIME encoded for email
transmission, or compressed into a zip archive. Almost any encoded
email format may be decoded (including UU, MIME, and BINHEX). Most
file formats may be identified and the integrity of zip archives
may be tested.
The BATCON processes have been tested in DOS 6.2 and in a DOS box
under Windows 95. They generally do not support long file names,
so one should assume a base name of up to 8 characters and an
extension of up to 3. They are provided "as is," without any
assumption of liability for their results by Access Success.
Feedback is welcome, as are suggested enhancements or additions to
the conversions presently provided. The best way to do this is by
writing to Jamal Mazrui at the email address [log in to unmask]
Thanks go to the following beta testers: Don Barrett,
Geoff Chapman, and Steve Zielinski.
Happy computing!
Jamal
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