MegaD 3.2
                               by Tom Cannon

MegaD is a disk utility that allows the user to manipulate files and
directories using windows, gadgets and menus. The graphic interface is
where MegaD excels, since its configuration is in the hands of the user.

MegaD is a shareware product.  No system requirements are stated, but
MegaD has more features under Workbench 2.0 or higher.  No installation
is necessary, simply unarchive it. AmigaGuide is used for the help system
and most of the documentation. When you press the HELP key, the
MegaD.guide file is accessed whenever you select a gadget or menu item.
It is an online help system that commercial software products should
implement. AmigaGuide files are provided for the main program, the AREXX
interface and the print spooler. The print spooler is not required and is
a separate download. The tutorial, which should be printed to preserve its
formatting, is quite thorough, including an index. Once you've read it you
will be quite comfortable with MegaD. The overall detail and quality of
the  is excellent.

MegaD's interface uses gadgets, menus and windows to perform its
functions. The program can be run on the Workbench screen, in which case
the control window becomes an app window. When iconified, the program
icon acts as an app icon. This feature is quite powerful when used with
the Autoboot feature of the program. Autoboots create program controls
which allow data files to be run by double-clicking them in a directory
window. Some unique aspects of this feature are:

1. MegaD has an automatic feature for learning program controls.
2. You can have it ask you which program of several to use for a
   particular file type.
3. You can use your MegaD app icon on the Workbench screen to run all of
   your data files. It is like having a Multiview for all your applications!

The program also supports custom screens and virtual screens and has the
ability to place and size windows so that they will not overlap your
monitor view on virtual screens. However, support for varied system fonts
sizes is not yet completely bug-free and can result in some odd displays.
The program's control window can be used to perform all standard utility
needs. The gadgets are arranged to mimic the numeric keypad and are
hot-keyed to their location. Of course, this is completely configurable
including fonts and   The directory windows are
unlimited in the registered version and allow you to select multiple
source and destination directories. The directories and volumes are
buffered into memory but may be purged with a mouse click.

When you outgrow the standard control window, user gadgets are unlimited
and completely configurable. The gadget layouts (i.e. 1 x 7, 2 x 4, etc.)
are definable and their location on screen is remembered. Gadgets can be
designed to pop up with a hotkey and close after use. They can even be
configured to open other gadgets. They accept any of the 123 AREXX
commands. Menus can also be configured with the end result that you can
lay out the  in any way that suits your needs.

Major advantages

  Unsurpassed level of configuration
  Unlimited directory windows
  Excellent documentation
  Try before you buy

Major disadvantage

  Different from the 'typical' and therefore a longer learning curve

MegaD3.2 is available for a $30 registration fee from

John L. Jones
PO Box 292
Midvale UTAH 84047

 GEnie files

#20198  MDSpool.lha /print spooler with docs requires WB2.0+/
#20938  MegaD31_b.lha /documentation/
#22272  MegaD32.lha /latest version/


 Previous Article   Table of Contents   Next Article