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DOS File Exchange:  A Review.....................Bill Morgan

I've just been playing with a new program called DOS File Exchange (DFX), and it is wonderful.  Author Graeme Scott has provided a very useful tool for transferring any type of files through a modem, with full error-checking.  You can even chat at the keyboards while the transfer is going on!

The DFX program must be running on both computers, and one of them must be using an original (primary) disk of the program.  The program can be copied to produce a secondary disk; DFX will even send a copy of itself to a remote Apple, but the copy will be a secondary.

To transfer files, one user selects a "master" mode, so he will control both Apples.  He then chooses whether he will send or receive; the program then transmits the sending Apple's disk catalog to the receiver.  The master user selects the files wanted from the catalog and starts the transfer.  Both users are then free to chat, supervise the transfer in one of three display modes, or even leave the room.

At almost any time, you can switch back and forth between Function and Chat modes.  Function is used to select all control and menu choices; Chat sends all characters entered to the other Apple.

There are three display modes, called M(enu), U(tility), and G(raphic).  Menu shows choices, including the disk catalog when files are being chosen.  Utility displays the transmitted and received data streams, and allows more space for chatting.  Graphic displays the data being transferred on the Hi-res screen, so if you are receiving a picture you can watch it take shape.

The only drawbacks I've found are that DFX will only operate with a Hayes Micromodem II in slot 2 and the disk in slot 6, drive 1.

DFX is available from Arrow Micro Software, 11 Kingsford, Kanata Ont., K2K 1T5 Canada.
