The PC-SIG Library 10

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Text File | 1990-09-28 | 51KB | 1,224 lines

Section 4 -- Setup Filenames and Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 Program file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 Parameter and Help Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 Script files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 Other Distribution Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2 Files Created By TAPCIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Creating the Directories for TAPCIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Storage and Download Directories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Running TAPCIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6 From DOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6 Command Line Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6 TAPCIS Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8 Registration Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8 Version Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8 Forums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8 Help! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8 Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8 Cancel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8 Parameters Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9 COMn: Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9 Initialize Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9 Online Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10 Fail Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10 Reset Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10 Telephone Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11 Access Networks in Order Preference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11 Non-CompuServe Access Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12 User ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12 IntroPak Sign-on ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12 Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12 Storage Disk Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13 Download File Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13 Log Times/Transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13 Monitor Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14 Append/Overwrite Message Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14 Keep Outbox File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14 Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14 When Done, <Exit> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15 IntroPak Sign-on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16 IntroPak Sign-on Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16 Final Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16 The Sign-on Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17 If This Doesn't Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17 If The Connection Is Made . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17 Record Your Sign-on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17 Follow The Prompts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17 Getting TAPCIS to Work with CompuServe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18 Default Settings List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18 TAPCIS(tm) Documentation Copyright (c) 1990, Support Group, Inc. 800-USA-GROUP, 301-387-4500 ======================================================================== Filenames and Descriptions ======================================================================== ------------------------------------ Program file TAPCIS.EXE The TAPCIS main program. Includes all program modules in a single executable file (it does not use overlays). ------------------------------------ Parameter and Help Files PARAMS.CIS TAPCIS parameters include your user ID and name, disguised password, phone numbers, selected forums, modem commands, colors, and disk paths. If you create alternate parameter files, they will all use the PARAMS filename with a different file extension. TAPCIS.HLP Context sensitive help file. It is in ASCII format and can be printed as a quick reference if desired. USERID.CIS TAPCIS address book. A few examples are included in this file. If you edit this file outside of TAPCIS, be sure to save it in ASCII format. Comments in the file start with <space><|>. User names are in parenthesis in the comment section. One address per line, and postal addresses are not supported. RATES.CIS File containing current CompuServe rates for use with the time accounting function (STATS.EXE). ------------------------------------ Script files PARAMS.SCR Sets the CompuServe parameters to those required by TAPCIS. It is used once for each baud rate (since CompuServe keeps parameters independently by rate) by going online with the <Alt-P> command. SPRINTnn.SCR Logon scripts (where nn=12 for 1200 bps and 24 for 2400 bps) for the GTE Sprint communications network. Sprintnet can be used for access to CompuServe at a higher surcharge than the CompuServe network with generally lower throughput. You indicate that a phone number is a Sprintnet number by putting a period <.> after the phone number. TYMNET.SCR Tymnet is also an alternative network. An exclamation point <!> after the phone number tells TAPCIS to use this script to sign-on. LATANET.SCR LATA numbers are another way to connect to CompuServe. They do have a higher surcharge than a CompuServe connection. Use a colon <:> after the phone number to indicate a LATA number. TAPCIS Setup 4-1 TAPCIS.SCR User defined logon script (optional). Use an underscore <_> after the phone number. You can develop a login script to handle almost any gateway into CompuServe including ones overseas. DPC.SCR This is a sample script for Canadians to login through DataPac (put _DPC after the phone number). Use the P command line option with DataPac. INFONET.SCR Use this login script with CSC/Infonet by putting _INFONET after the telephone number on the parameters screen. CIS.SCR An alternate way to login to a CompuServe node that is not recognizing the ^C to start the login. (Put _CIS after the phone number). MANUAL.SCR Script for manual login to CompuServe. You can put _MANUAL after the telephone number. After the connect string is seen (or immediately if the connect string is NONE) this script will allow you to use whatever commands are necessary to get to the User ID: prompt. Press <F7> at that point and TAPCIS will take over. PHONES.SCR A script for calling a toll free number (800-346-3247) to get CompuServe access numbers or report node problems. Any output will be captured to ONLINE.LOG if you start TAPCIS with TAPCIS G. Otherwise, you will need to write down the numbers. FRONTEND.SCR A script that will run before any other online actions when the user presses <Alt-N> from the main menu. The output captured as a result of these script commands is stored as a message under the CompuServe Mail forum, or you can use the "C d:\path\filename.ext" command to capture to a specific file. This script can be edited to modify the actions performed. ------------------------------------ Other Distribution Files README.TAP Includes any last minute information. From DOS you can "TYPE README.TAP" to read this information. Or, use the <E>dit <F>ile command inside of TAPCIS. NAMES.BAT A small DOS batch file that renames 5.2a files for EASYPLEX and PC MAGNET to the new names supported by 5.3. You can run NAMES in your TAPCIS storage disk path. It can be deleted afterwards. STATS.EXE A time and charges module. This file will provide you with complete usage statistics. Includes a Charges Graph. CHANGES.TAP A file describing updating from a previous version of TAPCIS to the current version along with information on new features and changes. 4-2 Setup TAPCIS ------------------------------------ Files Created By TAPCIS TAPCIS creates several different files in the TAPCIS directory and in various directory paths you specify when setting up the parameters. Some of these files are temporary and will disappear and reappear depending on the program's status. You will probably never have to look at these files outside of the TAPCIS program. <forum>.SEC Forum section and library names (e.g., TAPCIS.SEC, WPSG.SEC). These are created by the <Alt-J> command that joins a forum. They can be updated at anytime after joining the forum by using the <Alt-J> command again. <forum>.MSG File of captured messages (e.g., CONSULT.MSG). <forum>.SAV Saved message file, including messages sent (the "outbox") if specified in the parameters section (e.g., AVSIG.SAV). <forum>.SND Messages awaiting upload (e.g., BPROGA.SND). <forum>.QSN Downloaded headers for forums designated as "Q" forums (e.g., PRACTICE.QSN). You can select which message threads you want to read offline using the <M>ark TAPCIS command. <forum>.MRK This is a script command file that is created during the marking of the QSN headers above. The next time online, TAPCIS will use this script to download only the selected messages. <forum>.CAT Catalog of forum files in particular libraries, created by the <L>ibrary main menu command. Using the <C>atalog command can scan these offline and mark the ones you want to download. <forum>.DOW After marking the files from the catalog above, TAPCIS creates this script which includes the CompuServe commands for downloading the files you marked, and will be used next time you are online with CompuServe. <forum>.ADV Advanced commands (as entered by the user). <forum>.SO Sysop commands (Sysop Version Only). LOGmm-yy.CIS Detailed accounting record for MM (month) and YY (year). Used by the <$> command to generate usage reports, and activated by the <L>og command in the parameters screen. XFER.LOG Perpetual log of file transfer activity, both automated and interactive. Gives the summary record of the transfer after it completes (or aborts). Use the <L>og command in the parameters screen to change logging of time and/or transfers. TAPCIS Setup 4-3 ONLINE.LOG Created only when command line options L or G are used, it records either the last 350 lines of the online session (option L) or a full record of the session (option G for "Global"). MACROS.CIS Macros you define for use in the editor or online in terminal mode are stored in this file. 4-4 Setup TAPCIS ======================================================================== Installation ======================================================================== TAPCIS is easy to install. These instructions assume a hard drive installed as drive C:. We will locate all files in the directory C:\TAP. You can also change the drive and/or the directory by making the appropriate substitutions in these instructions. The TAPCIS Distribution is stored in compressed form in a single file called TAP.EXE. The programs and files must be extracted and uncompressed before TAPCIS can be used. ------------------------------------ Creating the Directories for TAPCIS For these instructions we use a DOS prompt that shows the current subdirectory. You can make your prompt look like this by typing the following at your current DOS prompt: PROMPT [$P] The following steps create a subdirectory called TAP off the root directory of drive C: and change into that directory. Put your TAPCIS Program Disk in drive A:. The last runs a "program" called TAP that uncompresses and installs the files from the program disk in A: to C:\TAP. You type the BOLD commands and press return (i.e., <Enter> or <HRt>) after each line: [C:\] MD C:\TAP ; make the directory [C:\] C: ; make sure you are on drive C: [C:\] CD \TAP ; change into the TAPCIS directory [C:\TAP] A:TAP C:\TAP ; Uncompress and copy files to C: If you get any error messages during this procedure, try again. If you get read errors your computer may be unable to read your diskette. Try the diskette in another computer if possible, then get a replacement. If you get a write error during the copy step, your disk may be bad, and you should take steps to get it checked out. If you get a Disk Full error, you'll need to make more space on your drive before you can install TAPCIS. Note: Other important TAPCIS files may be on additional disks as part of the package registered users receive. Be sure to refer to the disk insert and labels when you are installing the program. If you need more help installing any of the disks, type A:INSTALL to get more information. Storage and Download Directories You can use the DOS MD command to make a directory for TAPCIS working files and/or for files downloaded by the program. For the examples in this manual, we will use the main TAPCIS directory C:\TAP for the storage of working files as well as the program. We will create a subdirectory called C:\TAP\DL for downloaded files: [C:\TAP] MD C:\TAP\DL TAPCIS Setup 4-5 ======================================================================== Running TAPCIS ======================================================================== ------------------------------------ From DOS To start TAPCIS from DOS, change your directory to the main TAPCIS directory and then type TAPCIS. [C:\] CD \TAP ; change into the TAPCIS directory [C:\TAP] TAPCIS ; start the program with no command line options If your computer responds with Insufficient Memory or a similar sounding error, you do not have enough free RAM memory available to run TAPCIS. You either need to remove some memory resident (TSR) programs or purchase more RAM. You should have 300K free before running TAPCIS. If you have any problems you can find out how much available RAM you have by using the DOS CHKDSK utility. If you get the error File Not Found then you need to make sure you copied and extracted the files according to the installation instructions above. ****> Be sure to quickly scan the list of command line options on the next page to see if any apply to you. You may want to start TAPCIS with the command TAPCIS G when you are first installing the program. Then, all output from CompuServe will be saved in the file ONLINE.LOG which can be reviewed from DOS after you logoff. ------------------------------------ Command Line Options The following is a list of TAPCIS command line options. To get a list of the command line options from DOS type TAPCIS ?. Thh:mm Log on at military time hh:mm. Delayed start time must have a T in front of the time with no intervening space. -n B proto packet size divided by 128. n >= 1 n <= 8. If you have a noisy phone line, using -2 might make transfers run faster. B Block cursor in editor C Defeat Carrier Detect checking (as a last resort only if you cannot get the modem to properly signal the status of CD to the computer. D After "OFF" is sent, immediately close and exit (primarily for overseas logons) G Maintain backup session log as ONLINE.LOG Hnn Between each character in the initialization string, delay nn tenths of a second (e.g., H10 for one second delay between characters). Inn Change the normal 30 second delay between busy redials to nn seconds (e.g., I05). Vnn Change the PAD clearing character from V21 (^U) to Vnn (enter a two digit number in decimal). L Maintain last 350 lines as ONLINE.LOG. Use either L or G options, not both. M Main menu ^O N Main menu N + Main menu Alt-N (new plus front-end script) 4-6 Setup TAPCIS O Main menu O Q Quiet - no beeps R Main menu R Wnn Editor Width (must be last command), 40 <= nn <=76 (for packet networks) X Drop to DOS after running (ext) Use PARAMS.ext file rather than PARAMS.CIS. F Use bioswrites (no fastwrites). P Suppress the sending of ^P characters that might disrupt transmissions of some foreign PADs (such as DataPac). U Suppress the sending of the line clearing character (default is ^U). Some foreign PADs cannot handle this character. ! Use B+ protocol to upload CompuServe Mail messages. S1 Suppress the READ WAITING command on Q forums when the N>ew command is running. S2 Suppress the SCAN WAITING command on R forums when the N>ew command is running. S3 Suppress both READ WAITING and SCAN WAITING. # Read threads in chronological order rather than in order by section. K Disables the S>ave and D>elete keys when reading messages (you would use F10/Save and the Del key). It also disables the F9/F10 keys from the main menu which set or reset all forums. Command line parameters must be entered with no spaces, except for the optional logon time, which must be separated from all others by a space. [C:\TAP] TAPCIS (RPW) NXLD-2BW62 T07:30 Meaning: At 7:30am (option Thh:mm), go online with the New command to get new messages and/or headers and perform any pending actions (N option) using the parameters and forums in PARAMS.RPW. When this completes, drop to DOS (X option). Log the last 350 lines of the session to ONLINE.LOG so it can be checked for normal termination (option L). After the OFF is sent, hang up the line immediately (option D). Use 256 byte packets since the line from overseas is terrible (option -2). If I use the editor (not likely with these options), use a block cursor (option B) and a width of 62 (option W62). [C:\TAP] TAPCIS Q The quiet option Q keeps TAPCIS from making any noise. The program is pretty quiet, and tries to keep its tones down to a slight boop-boop. TAPCIS Setup 4-7 ======================================================================== TAPCIS Main Menu ======================================================================== If all goes well, the TAPCIS main menu screen will appear. A display of that screen is shown below. Do not worry if you don't understand every command listed. You'll learn the important ones during this setup process. The rest you will learn as you need them. ------------------------------------ Registration Information The registration number at the top of the screen indicates that a fully registered version is being used. Unregistered versions indicate that fact, and you are given the opportunity to register the program using a credit card each time you start TAPCIS. ------------------------------------ Version Number Next to the registration number on the top line is "TAPCIS 5.3". TAPCIS is the name of the program. The 5.3 is the current version number. Sysop versions have an S after the version number, and should not be used by non-sysops. ------------------------------------ Forums The long horizontal box at the bottom has the <F>orums command above it. Pay attention to this box. It will show you which forums you've selected, as well as which ones have messages to read, headers to mark, messages to send, and files to download. ------------------------------------ Help! The <Help> key is found on the same function key as WordPerfect-brand programs: <F3-Help>. Press it at the main menu to get a brief description of the commands listed. It is also available in all other parts of TAPCIS as well. After you learn the TAPCIS basics, the <F3-Help> key is likely all you'll need to refresh your memory. ------------------------------------ Exit The <F7-Exit> key is used extensively by TAPCIS. From the main menu, <F7-Exit> terminates TAPCIS. It is also used in most of the submenus to return to the main menu. ------------------------------------ Cancel The <F1-Cancel> key provides the general purpose "abort" function. 4-8 Setup TAPCIS ======================================================================== Parameters Setup ======================================================================== ****> The setup of the parameters is critical. Whenever you hit a problem, check the parameter screen to make sure all your settings are correct. Read through this section so you know what they are supposed to be. Before you can connect with CompuServe, you must give TAPCIS information about your computer, CompuServe access phone number(s), user ID, and password. This is done through the parameters menu. Look at the Main Menu. In the OFFLINE box is the arameters command. Press the letter on your keyboard to go to the parameters screen. Like all TAPCIS commands shown in angle brackets <>, you press that letter to select the option. Upper or lowercase letters are fine. ------------------------------------ COMn: Port To change the selected COM: port, press <C> until it cycles through to the desired port. Modems are serial devices so TAPCIS talks to the modem through a serial port on the computer. The serial ports are referred to as COM: ports and are numbered 1-4. External modems (that are not installed inside the computer and are connected to the computer through a 25-pin cable) require a COM: port inside the computer. This port is usually configured as COM1: or COM2:. Internal modems which install as circuit boards inside the computer's chassis sometimes offer the flexibility of setting them to COM3: or COM4:. Note: you don't necessarily need a COM1: to have a COM2:. It is beyond the scope of this documentation to tell you how to determine which COM: port your modem is using. You should be able to find that out from the person who installed your computer or from the manuals that came with your computer. If all else fails, start with COM1: and work your way up! TAPCIS 5.3 is coded to use only the 8 bits, no parity setting. Since the B+ protocol requires 8 data bits to work, but a number of modems had difficulty switching from 7E to 8N, TAPCIS has a filter to allow it to use CompuServe at 7 bits, although it is always set for 8 bits on the arameters screen. Also note that some computers can give a false reading on their COM: port numbers. If you find that the program cannot communicate with your modem on one COM: port, try the other settings. We've also found many conflicts between user ports and devices like mice and tape drives. You may wish to use the <!> command from the main menu to try to communicate with your modem if you run into configuration trouble. ------------------------------------ Initialize Modem To change the initialize modem command, press and enter the new command. If you are using a Hayes or AT command set compatible modem that is properly configured, you should not need to change the initialize modem command. Unfortunately, most new modems are shipped with two improper settings for use TAPCIS Setup 4-9 with TAPCIS. Those are the monitoring of Carrier Detect (CD) and the modem's response to Data Terminal Ready (DTR). Those modems will need one of two things: either dip switches (physical switches on the modem) will need to be changed or software commands will have to be added to the initialization string. Carrier Detect needs to track the status of the CD signal (rather than presuming the presence of a carrier). DTR when switched from on to off needs to tell the modem to drop carrier. You'll have to refer to your modem manual to see how your modem sets these options. Many new modems use the software switches &C1 and &D2 to set these choices properly. So, a "proper" nitialization string for those modems might be: ATV1E1X4&C1&D2DT The DT at the end tells the modem to dial using touch tones. Pulse or rotary dial lines can be used by changing it to DP. If your modem requires a more complex setup command refer to Modem Commands on page A-1. ------------------------------------ Online Report To change the online report, press <O> followed by a response of one or four characters. If you are using a Hayes compatible modem, you should not need to change the online report. The online report is the response from the modem when a connection is made with the remote modem. A Hayes compatible mode sends CONNECT, so TAPCIS uses the last 4 characters NECT. ------------------------------------ Fail Report To change the fail report, press <F> followed by a response of one or four characters. The default report of RIER is for the last 4 characters of NO CARRIER. When TAPCIS sees the fail report, it pauses for 30 seconds and then redials. If you have a 100% Hayes compatible, you can use a fail report of "HAYS" (Hayes without the E), and add X4 to your initialization string. This activates busy signal detection. TAPCIS uses this report to indicate that the attempt to call and connect with the remote modem failed (it did not receive a carrier signal). This could mean several things. The phone number could be busy. You may not be getting a clear connection (lots of static or low volume which keeps the modems from talking). The remote modem may not be answering. You may have the wrong number! I strongly recommend that you monitor your calls using the built-in speaker on your modem. If your modem does not have a speaker, dial the phone number first using your phone to confirm that the number is answered by a modem (with a high pitched tone). We have had our voice numbers listed as modem numbers at various times over the years. If you are unfortunate enough ever to have this happen to you, you'll be grateful for those people that monitor their calls instead of blindly letting the computer redial every minute for three hours straight. ------------------------------------ Reset Modem The command to reset the modem is given by pressing <R> followed by the command. The default of ?3 produces a 3 second delay-usually long enough for the remote modem to hang up. Some modems may require a more elaborate sequence 4-10 Setup TAPCIS to hang up and reset the modem for the next call. If you have such a modem, please turn to the Modem Commands section on page A-1. When you first start using TAPCIS, you should monitor whether TAPCIS is hanging up the phone after a call is completed. If not, you should first make sure that the DTR signal is being properly handled by your modem. Next, you could try changing the reset string to: ?2+++?2ATH^M?3ATZ^M?K This reset string will hang up the phone and reset the modem. ------------------------------------ Telephone Numbers TAPCIS supports up to six telephone numbers. The phone numbers are entered using the <T> command on the parameters screen. You choose one of the six as the "selected" number for the next call by pressing a number on the keyboard from <1> through <6>. Press <T> to add/change a phone number. TAPCIS will ask on the status line: 1 2 3 4 5 6 Q -> _ Select the number you wish to change or press Q to cancel. If you press <1> you'll be asked for the first phone number. A list of access phone numbers is printed in the section Access Phone Numbers on page C-1. A 2400 bps CompuServe node is the best choice provided you have a 2400 bps modem. Our experience shows that you should look for numbers in the following order: Access Networks in Order Preference * 2400 bps CompuServe * 1200 bps CompuServe * 2400 bps Tymnet/Sprintnet * 1200 bps LATA * 1200 bps Tymnet/Sprintnet At times we have chosen to call a 2400 bps CompuServe number long distance rather than use a local Tymnet or Sprintnet number. The long distance charge to a neighboring city might not be as high as the surcharge for use of the local Sprintnet/Tymnet number during the day. And, you'll get the fastest response and throughput from direct CompuServe numbers. If you only have a 300 bps modem follow the same order, but if you are going to be using CompuServe regularly, it will quickly pay to get a faster modem. As an example, consider Baltimore, Maryland. According to the phone list, there is a 2400 bps CompuServe number in that city at 301/832-0160. Since it is a local call, the area code is dropped and we enter: Phone #1 -> 832-0160 TAPCIS then asks for the rate. This is a 2400 bps number (and we have a 2400 bps modem) so we press 2 when the program asks: TAPCIS Setup 4-11 1>200 2>400 3>00 4>800 1<8>00 9>600 -> 2 Non-CompuServe Access Numbers If you must use a non-CompuServe access phone number, you must follow the phone number with the proper character to tell TAPCIS what network you are using. The network characters are as follows: ! Tymnet . Sprintnet : LATA _ Optional user defined script in TAPCIS.SCR (underscore < _ > character) or specific login script file (e.g., _DPC for DataPac). The phone number list for Baltimore, Maryland (area code 301) might look like those shown in the completed parameters screen in IntroPak Sign-on section that follows (although you need only define one number). Phone number 1 is selected by pressing <1>. Telephone <6> is a long distance 2400 bps CompuServe node in Pittsburgh, PA, the number we use from our McHenry, MD offices. You can also enter a short comment after the phone number and network/script codes by putting in a semicolon: <6> 1-412-261-4192;Pittsburgh ------------------------------------ User ID You must enter your user identification number by pressing followed by the number. All CompuServe User ID's are in two parts separated by a comma with no spaces. Existing accounts start with a 7 followed by four digits, a comma, then 2 to 4 digits. Some new accounts start with a 1 followed by 5 digits, a comma, then 2-4 digits. If you already have a permanent ID, press and enter the number. IntroPak Sign-on ID If you are going to be using an IntroPak to sign onto CompuServe and get an official account setup, now is the time to open it. Read the Service Agreement Terms. If you agree to the terms, look for the temporary user ID number and password. Press and then enter that number: CIS User ID: 177000,1147 ; example IntroPak sign-up user ID ------------------------------------ Password You must enter the correct password for TAPCIS to work properly. Your CompuServe password is entered from the parameters menu by pressing , confirming that you want to change the password by pressing <Y>, and typing the password. The password is the "key" to your user ID and no one can access your account unless they have your password. Keep it secret and change it often. When you do want to change it, you'll first call CompuServe and use the GO PASSWORD command to change it on the CompuServe computers and then change it inside TAPCIS. Notice that the password is not displayed on the screen except when you enter it. At other times it shows as [ blanked ]. Your password is stored 4-12 Setup TAPCIS on disk in disguised form, too, so a casual look at PARAMS.CIS will not show the password. However! Someone else with TAPCIS could take your PARAMS.CIS file and use your account-even though they could not figure out what your password is. Protect your PARAMS.CIS file. Never give a copy of it to anyone else (TAPCIS will create a blank one if it can't find an existing parameter file). And, change your password regularly. Another option is to enter a single asterisk (*) as your password. Then, when you enter TAPCIS, the program will request your password and not store it on disk. If you enter the asterisk as the password, you will have to exit TAPCIS then re-enter before you can logon to CompuServe. ------------------------------------ Storage Disk Path Where would you like to store the files that TAPCIS creates? See Filenames and Descriptions on page 4-1 for a complete list and description of files created by TAPCIS. Press <S> and enter the drive and directory (make sure you have created the directory from DOS first). If none is entered, which is probably the best way to go while learning the program, the directory where you started the program will be used. This applies to the download file path as well. TAPCIS does not store all the files it creates in the storage disk path. Only forum message, header, send, catalog, download, and advanced commands are stored there. Section lists, transfer and online logs, and time logs are stored in the directory where you start TAPCIS. For that reason we typically recommend that you use one directory where you have the program and all files as the storage disk path provided you have enough disk space on that drive. ------------------------------------ Download File Path When you have TAPCIS automatically download files from forum libraries or you receive binary mail, the files are stored in the directory specified here. You can use a special directory or the standard TAPCIS directory used for other files. Press <D> and enter the drive and path for those files (e.g., C:\TAP\DL). Again, it is important that you enter this path correctly and that the directory specified already exists. Note: manual downloads (in nteractive mode) do not use the download path. You should give the full pathname in interactive mode for all files, or they will be stored in the default directory. We do recommend that you use a download storage path. It helps to keep your binary mail and downloaded files organized in one subdirectory. ------------------------------------ Log Times/Transfers TAPCIS optionally keeps track of the time you spend online in each forum. This information is stored in LOGMM-YY.CIS where MM is the month and YY is the year (e.g., LOG10-90.CIS is a log file for October 1990). The <$> function uses these logged times to generate reports. If you do not want these reports, you can save some disk space by pressing <L> to turn time logging off. TAPCIS Setup 4-13 The option is also used to activate or deactivate transfer logging. A record of all file transfers can be made to the file XFER.LOG if activated here. The four options are: none (no logging), time only, transfers only, or time and transfers. Pressing <L> on the parameters screen cycles through these options. ------------------------------------ Monitor Colors The standard TAPCIS colors are normal intensity "white" on a black background with highlighted and reversed text both in reverse video (black on white). Press <M> and select from the displayed color chart to modify these defaults. On an EGA Color monitor I prefer high intensity colors. My choices are: <M>onitor colors Norm: 79 Hi: 30 Rev: 31 The choice is, of course, up to you. Color choices like 68 (red on red), 119 (white on white), and 17 (blue on blue) are patriotic but might cause you a bit of confusion. ------------------------------------ Append/Overwrite Message Files When you go online with TAPCIS to get new messages using <N>ew, your old messages will be overwritten with the new messages unless you choose the Append option here. Pressing <A> lets you choose between the two possibilities. Overwrite is the default. If you choose the Append option, you'll have to manually clear your <forum>.MSG files using the <K>ill command in TAPCIS or the DEL command from DOS. ------------------------------------ Keep Outbox File Do you want to keep a copy of the messages that you send? If you do not, leave this parameter as the default "Never." Press <K> to choose from the three possible choices. The outbox file is actually the <forum>.SAV file. If you change this option to Always, every message you write-whether an original or a reply to another message-will have a copy stored in the save file. If there is a question about something you wrote, you can review your message using the <V>iew command. If you write many messages, this can consume quite a bit of disk space. Another possibility is to save only private CompuServe Mail messages you write. ------------------------------------ Name Please press <N> to change the default name before you connect with CompuServe! If you do, you'll get to snicker at all the people who did not read this far and are sending all their messages under the name "!!! Please Change !!!" Use mixed case (not all upper or lowercase). This name is used when you join any forum and will be attached to every message you send. Once you set your CompuServe and forum defaults, any change to your name will have 4-14 Setup TAPCIS to be made manually by going online in the forums using the "OPTION;NAME" command or using an <A>dvanced ser command from the main menu (OPTION;NAME;Your Name;P). You can change the name in CompuServe Mail by setting the CompuServe default parameters again using the command <Alt-P> from the main menu or going nteractive to Mail and using the ADDRESS NAME command (as you will have to do to set your return address for postal delivery messages). Forum protocol dictates that you use your full name. Most forums also discourage inclusion of various titles such as Ph.D, M.D., J.D., etc., on the name. A member information profile is available for such interests and affiliations (Forum command MD, Membership Directory). ------------------------------------ When Done, <Exit> Press <F7-Exit> to return to the main menu after completing the parameter settings. TAPCIS Setup 4-15 ======================================================================== IntroPak Sign-on ======================================================================== If you already have a CompuServe account, you may skip this section. If you are using an IntroPak to establish a new CompuServe account, you will need to choose a billing option from the choices in the IntroPak. Make sure that you have your credit card information ready before proceeding. You cannot transfer the $15 usage credit to an existing account. It is only available for use by new subscribers signing on using an IntroPak. You can give the IntroPak to someone else, or use it to create a back-up account. ------------------------------------ IntroPak Sign-on Parameters The parameters for signing on with an IntroPak are exactly the same as you will use with a regular account with two exceptions: your initial account number and your initial password are temporary. You will be assigned a permanent user ID and a new temporary password during this sign-up procedure. If you skipped the previous section on Parameters, go back and complete the items. You must at least set your COM: port, the local access telephone number, the user ID from the IntroPak, the password from the IntroPak, and your name. If you don't, this sign-on won't work. The next figure shows a completed parameters screen, ready for use. ------------------------------------ Final Checklist * Recheck the parameters to make sure that you have entered the modem parameters, IntroPak account number, IntroPak password, and your name properly according to the instructions above. Make sure that no forums are selected by pressing <F> then <F10> then <Enter>. * Have your credit card or CheckFree information ready for billing. * The IntroPak where you get your sign-on account number and password also has your serial number and agreement number. You will need to enter these during the sign-on process. * Review the Service Agreement Terms. You will be asked to agree to these terms as part of your application. 4-16 Setup TAPCIS ------------------------------------ The Sign-on Procedure As a precaution, before going online, press <F> then <F10> then <Enter> to make sure no forums are active. The nteractive command causes TAPCIS to dial the phone, connect to CompuServe, enter your user id and password, and then switch to "terminal mode" where you respond directly to CompuServe prompts. When you press to sign-on using your IntroPak, you should see a screen similar to Figure 0. If This Doesn't Work For the above to work, all your parameter settings have to be correct. If you do not connect, press <F1-Cancel>. This should return you to the main menu. Try the command again. If that doesn't work, the number you are dialing could be wrong or busy. The parameters for the modem may be specified incorrectly. You may have chosen the wrong COM: port. Go back through the parameters selection to verify those entries. You may have to modify the modem commands as described in Modem Commands on page A-1. If you do connect but the system responds: ?? LOGINE - Invalid entry - try again you entered the wrong password or user ID on the parameters screen. You may also have hit line noise which caused CompuServe to receive your account and password incorrectly. If you suspect a noisy line, try the call again. If The Connection Is Made Once CompuServe has verified the sign-on user ID and password you entered on the TAPCIS parameters screen, the first screen will clear and CompuServe will ask for the Agreement and Serial number. Record Your Sign-on TAPCIS can capture (meaning record to disk) everything that appears on your screen during the sign-on session. To tell TAP to do this, press the <PgDn> key on your keyboard. TAPCIS will request the filename, and you should enter SIGNON.TXT followed by <Enter>. Then enter the agreement number and serial number from the IntroPak at the prompts. Follow The Prompts The sign-on is straightforward. Just follow CompuServe's lead. If you hit any snags during the process, try again. If it still doesn't work, contact CompuServe Customer Service at 800/848-8990 (in Ohio call 614/457-8650). Assuming that everything went according to plan, write down your permanent account number and temporary password. After logging off, go to the parameters screen and enter the new user id and password. Next we'll have TAPCIS set our CompuServe default settings. TAPCIS Setup 4-17 ======================================================================== Getting TAPCIS to Work with CompuServe ======================================================================== ****> This section is critical. If the CompuServe defaults are not set properly, TAPCIS will not work. Also, if you have not already done so, return to the parameters screen and enter your permanent user ID and your current password. Now, let's have TAPCIS start doing some work for us! CompuServe has a profile for each user ID. It contains information on your computer, the width of your screen, your logon actions, etc. TAPCIS needs all these options set a certain way, and with one simple command-Alt-P-the program will call CompuServe, login, set the options, and logoff with no input required on your part. It also enters your name in your CompuServe Mail address book. The entire process takes about 3 minutes at 2400 bps, 6 minutes at 1200 bps, and 24 minutes at 300 bps. You will need to do this process at each rate (300, 1200, and 2400 bps) at which you will use TAPCIS. Make sure the supplied PARAMS.SCR file is in the same directory from which you started TAPCIS. Then from the main menu, hold the <Alt> key and press . TAPCIS will logon and change your CompuServe defaults for the rate you have selected. If you are going to be using different speeds at other times, you may want to go to the parameters screen, change the active phone number using the <1>-<6> keys, and use <Alt-P> again. If you do this for all speeds (300, 1200, and 2400 bps), TAPCIS will be set up regardless of the speed you call CompuServe. (Some people use 300 bps because of its cheaper hourly rate for Conferences, CB, and the Convention Center where you are typing interactively). None of the changes made by TAPCIS should keep you from using CompuServe with another communications package. ------------------------------------ Default Settings List The following are the settings that are made by the <Alt-P> script (stored in PARAMS.SCR). You could do the same manually if you desire using the GO DEFAULT command and following the menus to change your permanent settings. You would also need to add your name in CompuServe Mail and change to COMMAND mode, with no line numbers in the editor. 4-18 Setup TAPCIS PERMANENT SETTINGS 1 Explanation 2 Logon/Service options 3 Display options 4 Terminal type/parameters 5 Transfer protocol/graphic support 6 Make session settings permanent LOGON/SERVICE OPTIONS (Option 2) 1 First service at logon [COMMAND] 2 CompuServe Mail waiting [NOTIFY ONLY] 3 Personal menu established [NO] (Select this to create or change a personal menu.) 4 TOP goes to [COMMAND] 5 Online editor [EDIT] 6 Forum presentation mode [COMMAND] PERMANENT DISPLAY OPTIONS (Option 3) 1 PAGED display [NO] 2 BRIEF prompts [YES] 3 CLEAR screen between pages [NO] 4 BLANK lines sent [YES] 5 Line feeds sent [YES] TERMINAL TYPE/PARAMETERS (Option 4) 1 TERMINAL type [OTHER] 2 Screen WIDTH [79] 3 LINES per page [0] 4 Form FEEDS [SIMULATED] 5 Horizontal TABS [SIMULATED] 6 Chars. received (CASE) [U/L] 7 Chars. sent in CAPS [NO] 8 PARITY [ZERO] 9 Output DELAYS [0] 10 ERASE when backspacing [YES] 11 Micro inquiry sequence at logon [NO] TRANSFER PROTOCOLS/GRAPHICS SUPPORT (Option 5) FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOL 1 PROTOCOL preference [B PROTOCOL] GRAPHICS SUPPORT 2 GIF SUPPORT [NO] 3 NAPLPS SUPPORT [NO] 4 RLE SUPPORT [NO] TAPCIS Setup 4-19