Shareware Grab Bag/Shareware Grab Bag.iso/096/windhelp.dqc/windhelp.doc

Text File | 1985-02-14 | 26KB | 525 lines

                     Welcome To DOING WINDOWS (SAFELY)    Version 1.1 02/04/85

This tutoral comes after taking a one year vacation from work, to make a full
time `job' of understanding RBBS and WINDOWS. In the process I also grew to see
the role Multi-Link played in this concert of computing.

This guide is  the SECOND version of this subject, in a series of
written word guides on a variety of subjects. This repsents an experiment on
the authors part to see if the Freeware(tm) concept is mature enough include a
consultation service as well as what is loosly refered to as Public Domain
programs.

In every case possible, all tutorals will use Freeware or Shareware(tm)
programs commonly available to achive the desired results. Authors connection
with any company refered in any event to is limited to being a registered user
unless otherwise stated.

                            Authors Experiment

We are experimenting to see if Freeware is ready for service that is not
tangable. I gratefully adknowledage Andrew Frugleman for starting Freeware and
all those who contibute to its success.

In apprication of your contribution ($35. annually suggested) you receive:

Access to VIDEO ADVISOR ON-LINE BBS

With private mail box (thank you Asa Fulton)

A state of the art BBS (thank you Tom Mack and Jon Martin)

The Pacific Northwest first RBBS with a hard disk full of
all PD programs refered to. (thanks to all over worked programmers)

Assistance via Chat or E-MAIL reply (usually within 24 hours)
                                 ****

We are trying to find out if the Ms-Dos community will support not just a BBS
but a ON-LINE consutating service. Please help support this experiment. Even if
you don't use this assistance your sharing copies with others is appricated.

                    Why This Tutoral Was Written

On an average of once every 18 hours there is a new caller on our system
from somewhere in the country pressing the operator chat hoping for assistance
with RBBS-PC Windows/Doors. From here on, I'll refer to them as Windows. In
almost all cases, Multi-Link is part of the package. This edition deals with
Multi-Link use as well as without.

                             The PROBLEMS

Common to all callers is that Windows/Doors are not working. Once in a while
the problem is that the target program will not run. Most often this seems to
be a compiled basic program. Can't help you there, except to suggest getting
the source code and compiling with com ports disabled. A few times the program
writes directly to the screen. As mentioned in RBBS-PC.DOC, Multi-Link will
cure this ill.

Hovever almost all calls deal with Batch files, carrier drop or security. Lets
deal with these problems in order.

Rbbs will build a batch file each time the window is excuted. The names of the
batch files are determined by your RBBS-PC.DEF file, usually written with
CONFIG.EXE or CONFIG.BAS The default batch file name for building the
`Quarterback' for Windows is RCTTY.BAT. Lets look at the simplest batch file.

IF EXIST C:RCTTY.BAT DEL C:RCTTY.BAT
RBBS-PC.EXE
IF EXIST C:RCTTY.BAT c:RCTTY.BAT
C:RBBS.BAT

To understand how this works remember that when the caller enters Windows,
RBBS-PC creates RCTTY.BAT then inserts the batch file that the desired
the caller wishs to run. The batch file says IF the batch file RBBS-PC
just created exists, run it. That just build batch file has one line in it.
That is the name of the batch file for the requested window.

Lets say the requested program is called CUSTOMER. There must exist a batch
file, CUSTOMER.BAT. This batch file must as least have in it the name of the
program to run. Lets assume the customer information is in a program called
DATABASE.EXE. The batch file at least would look like this:

D:DATABASE.EXE

If you have other files to load, such as a keyboard re-definer, it should look
like this:

D:KEYSWITH DATABASE.KEY
D:DATABASE.EXE
D:KEYSWITH NORMAL.KEY

Once the user exits the next command in the batch file is run. This should be
RBBS.BAT (or whatever you renamed it in config.exe). This batch command now
starts the loop over again which looks for RCTTY.BAT created at the beginning
of Windows, deletes it and restarts RBBS-PC. So the end results is that there
is a batch file set up in a endless loop. RBBS when waiting for a call is
sitting in the middle of a batch file.

If you are running a window where do wish some security with the program, this
writer stongly suggests you do a batch file with a read keyboard varible to
compare against a value in the batch file. Use this as a password for entry
into the window program. In other words once the RCTTY.BAT opens the
CUSTOMER.BAT  pause the batch file asking for a PASSWORD. You can use varible
parameters and GOTO to make sure the passwords match. I suggest this besides
whatever security you have elected with config. RBBS being read in Window
security. The reason this is suggested is RBBS-PC MAY make a error in security
and allow a tempory change in security level for current window user or even
(in some hardware configerations and bad luck) allow a new caller to be
interperted as the previous caller and whatever security level the previous
caller had or that RBBS-PC choose to give away, when the caller returns to RBBS
(it has happened to me).

Puttting a password check in windows is really not as hard as it sounds. Lets
look at a real batch file I use for windows. Keep in mind, in this system
setup, no caller EVER selects ANY window to OPEN except WINDOW.BAT All
selections and security checks are done in WINDOW.BAT

To successfully use THIS BATCH file, you need BAT.COM from Seaware Corp.
the * is used in BAT.COM for remarks, like the REM statment in BASIC

>>>>NOTE<<<<<< the 3101 calls in the menu in the following batch file seems
to work with some, but not all modem packages with ansi.sys or 3101 emulation
Further news in next edition.
MY WINDOW.BAT

ECHO OFF
bat begtype * Types large amounts of data Much FASTER then BAT on each line
bat * In begtype, this would be an empty line, elimates clutter
                                  WINDOW MENU  *note 3101 code highlights

Please select ONE choice:
END *ends begtype
BAT READSCRN %1 %2 %C %D %E *Dos Varibles 1 & 2 are reading AVL & PRT (thown
BAT READSCRN %1 %2 %C %D %E *away) BAT com Varible hold on to Callers first
BAT BEGTYPE *name in %C Last name in %D city in varible %E Begin new begtype

A) Askmovie - Video Advisor ON-LINE DATA BASE (Password required)

H) Help - Understanding how to use PC-FILE Data Base

Q) Query- A PC-FILE Data Base On Freeware program (Password required)

X) eXit WINDOWS

If you select ANY window HANG UP instead of returning to RBBS, PLEASE!

Password protection at Data Base level. This menu also has PASSWORD
             option. Password for Query is \1b[33;44mPASS\1b[0m
        Need \1b[33;44mREAL PASSWORD\1b[0m at data base entry point.
end
bat * See the 3101 code, if caller does NOT see inverse box, terminal emulation
BAT * is NOT successful!
bat type %s%s%C, *%s makes a blank space, then Prints callers first name
bat begtype
       \1b[33;44mIf this box is not reverse video, you CANNOT use windows. \1b[0m
       \1b[33;44m Use Pc-Talk with IBM 3101 or Qmodem Overlay version 1.02+\1b[0m
       \1b[33;44m             Make Sure your Alt. G is on!                 \1b[0m

\85 Please enter an ONE letter selection now.....\07
end
echo off
BAT INKEY %%A *See the double %%, BAT com will not see first % after a DOS
bat* call. If I had plain old BAT * above BAT INKEY then the single % is valid
BAT TYPE %C, You Selected,%S%A *Tells caller the key selection was (in case of
bat * line noise) also note that BAT is NOT case senstive.
BAT IF %A = A GOTO -PASSWORD *the - tells bat it is a label
BAT IF %A = X GOTO -BBS *The %A is the keyboard selection
BAT IF %A = Q GOTO -QUERY
BAT IF %A = H GOTO -HELP
BAT TYPE SORRY, %C! I did not understand your request! Returning to RBBS.
BAT * in case line noise makes selection for caller!
BAT GOTO -BBS
BAT -PASSWORD
BAT *Password routine can be same or different for each window
Echo off
BAT *
BAT READ Enter your Askmovie PASSWORD:  %K *Can use single % here (preceded by
bat * a BAT call, if not USE double %%K
bat IF %K = PASS2 GOTO -FILE
ECHO
BAT TYPE %C, THAT IS AN INVALID PASSWORD!
BAT GOTO -BBS
BAT -HELP *OnLine HELP! Notice more 3101 and ANSI.sys calls!
bat *this makes sure terminal emulation is working and highlights important
BAT *info in OnLine help.
BAT CLS *Clears the screen
BAT TYPE %S%S%S%S%C%S%D, *Spaces, prints First name, space, last name
BAT BEGTYPE
              \1b[33;44mDO NOT ENTER MESSAGE IN RBBS AFTER WINDOWS!\1b[0m

It somehow does some damage to the message base, making your message unreadable
anyway, so it is a waste of time and effort. Sysop is working on the problem.

                    \1b[33;44mSUGGEST You "CAPTURE" this HELP\1b[0m

When you enter PC-File it defaults to Drive B, you must overwrite with a C
drive selection since there is no B drive. It will then ask you to select
the data base you wish with the cursor pad. Do not attempt to enter any data
base ending with a ! You need a password for those. After you selected with
arrow keys what data base you want, (probably FREE!) hit the Fn10 key.

If you hit a return key Pc-File puts you in the FINd mode. You must understand
the data base to FINd. A better selection would be Fn4 key or DIS (there the
same). After you get into DIS, enter a + key. It will display the first record.
Another + key displays the next record and so on til the end of the data base
is reached. A ++ scans the next 20 records. The / gives last record and the
* the last record you looked at. #nn pulls that relative record number.

\1b[33;44mSrike Any key to continue....automatic time out this help screen\1b[0m
END
wait
BAT CLS
BAT BEGTYPE

Note the structure of a single record.  Sometimes PC-File will let you out with
a  return keystoke.  Sometimes,  if your in a mess only an ESC key will get PC-
File out. Problem is, under remote terminal status, the ESC key will not work.

You must enter an \1b[33;44mALT =\1b[0m(both at the same  time),  assuming  you
are  following true IBM 3101 terminal emluation.  If not,  You may be stuck and
have to hang up.

After you get the feel of the data base stucture, try a ADD or Fn1 key to enter
                     your own favorate Public Domain finds.

end
bat type %C, Your Choices Are: *Begtype prints bunch of stuff to screen
bat *anything inside begtype is printed exactly that way, so you cannot
bat *put callers name inside begtype End begtype PRINT varibles then start
bat *begtype again
bat begtype

A) Askmovie - DATA BASE On movies

H) Help - Repeat This HELP file

Q) Query- Data Base On Freeware program

X) eXit WINDOWS
end
echo off
BAT INKEY %%A
BAT TYPE  Your Selection is %A
BAT IF %A = A GOTO -PASSWORD
BAT IF %A = X GOTO -BBS
BAT IF %A = Q GOTO -QUERY
BAT IF %A = H GOTO -HELP
BAT TYPE %C, I DID NOT UNDERSTAND THAT, RETURNING TO RBBS
BAT GOTO -BBS
BAT -QUERY
ECHO
BAT READ Enter your Query PASSWORD %%K
bat IF %K = PASS GOTO -FILE
BAT TYPE  %C, SORRY THAT IS AN INVALID PASSWORD!
BAT GOTO -BBS
BAT -BBS
RBBS
BAT -FILE
bat cls
bat type %S%S%S%C,
BAT BEGTYPE
            WHEN PC-FILE ASKS FOR WHAT DRIVE ENTER A
                              C
Careful now it Defaults to a     B drive and there is no such drive!

                      >>>>>IMPORTANT<<<<<<<

If you get stuck, PC-File uses the ESC key to get out of a mess.

IF PC-FILE SUGGESTS THE ESC KEY YOU MUST USE ALT= INSTEAD WHILE ON-LINE!


end
ctty com1:
PC-FILE
ctty con
bat type %C%S%D,
bat type PLEASE TURN YOUR TERMINAL EMULATOR OFF NOW! OR HANG UP!
RBBS
EXIT


Begtype has a real handy feature over plain old echo or the . (can't use . in
dos 3.0) That advantage is speed. In plain batch files each line has to be read
to either perform or skip, making for VERY slow instructions online. BAT
BEGTYPE will real off thousands of words when called, if desired. But in cases
when batch must skip over BAT BEGTYPE, it scoots down to the END then starts
reading for commands again. This makes online help as part of the same batch
file easy. If you are thinking a caller can simply crash the batch file and
then type WINDOW.BAT to see the passwords, if you follow procedures below,
under Security, the caller cannot do that. You will see why later.

Also, note that the callers name is used in the window. You could write a file
with info about what the caller did when. The limitation is that RBBS options
such as AVL PRT ANY must be set and left that way! In this example, if AVL or
PRT is off, then when BAT com does a READSCRN, it will grab the FIRST & LAST
name, discard that info and will in a FIRST & LAST NAME (Being varibles 3 & 4
or %C & %D would yield something like:

Seattle, WA or   SEATTLE,WA 19:37 since it read the FIRST ITEM, the SECOND
ITEM, threw them aside, then read THIRD ITEM AND FOURTH ITEM and used them.
I leave page on all the time. If I need the printer normally used for RBBS, I
switch LPT for ANY so there are still two items to be ingored, but read.
If your wondering why I readscrn TWICE, its because when I tried to READSCRN
further up the batch file, BAT.com freaked out and the batch file dies.
The READSCRN is fast, so there is no real loss. If someone figures out how to
make ONE READSCRN statement, I'd love to hear from you.

Before closing the subject of how to build batch files lets touch on a few more
items. Unless you are using WATCHDOG, never use a command in any batch files
such as PAUSE. If the user comes to a PAUSE in the batch file, everything would
be OK if there was no other commands in the way (again assuming the use of
WATCHDOG or Multi-Links MLUTIL SCMON).  If there was a second PAUSE in the
batch the system will freeze there waiting for keyboard input. Without either
of these carrier detect systems, it is suggested you use no pause at all. If
you are using Multi-Links carrier detect remember it only forces the excution
of the NEXT line in the batch file! So, if there is a pause after the carrier
detect program `makes a push', that is where the system will wait. This is not
the case with WATCHDOG. This PD program does a warm boot if carrier is lost.
I prefer using Multi-Links SCMON to look for carrier loss. It is faster than
reloading the ram disk each time.

It is STRONGLY SUGGESTED you use one of these two programs.  Multi-Link is not
free, but serves more purpose than carrier loss detect, and WATCHDOG is
available for the cost of a phone call.

The final suggestion in writing batch files is to use sub-dirs (assuming DOS
2.x) even if you are using a floppy disk system. I use the batch file for rbbs
to set up the suggested ram disk and copy into same at the root dir with a
AUTOEXE file. The last line in this file is BBS.BAT. This has only two lines
in it. It looks like this.
CD\RBBS
RBBS.BAT
This changes the sub directory and then runs RBBS.BAT  IN THE RBBS SUB DIR, as
given previously. Remember that all RBBS stuff is in this sub dir. This will be
important later in our discussion of security.

                                 Security

First please refer to RBBS-PC.DOC for security within RBBS-PC. All discussion
about security in this tutoral deals with security OUTSIDE RBBS-PC. The only
expection to this rule is to remind you to put all Window batch files in
FILESEC, and COMMAND.COM, which you will see why shortly.  It is also
suggested you pay close attention to the discussion about nasty uploads in
RBBS-PC.DOC.

Here we get into the real meat of security in windows. The First edition of
this tutoral really confused folks, so lets chat about dos first.
DOS is in reality, a three part program. Only one part is of interest to us.
That is COMMAND.COM Computers really don't talk in the same language we do.
They really don't even like to talk computer english. DOS uses COMMAND.COM to
take computer English and converts it (via the hidden, system files into
something the computer can understand, and takes computer talk and converts
messages to you back to computer English. That is the job of COMMAND.COM

The first security measure is to modify the dos COMMAND.COM. Using U-ZAP,
Norton Utilities, or PC-WRITE and working on a BACK-UP copy of DOS, examine the
file COMMAND.COM While you will see alot of garbage that is totally senseless,
sooner or later in your disk snooping you will find good old ASCII charaters
that say things like DIR, DATE, TIME, COPY, ERASE, DEL, MD, RD, CD, and the
error messages such as BAD COMMAND OR FILE NAME.

USING a PENCIL & PAPER change the real nasty commands like ERASE and DEL to a
code of your choosing. Rather than doing something like LED for DEL, it is
suggested you use something totally off the wall, like JQZ, making real sure
you write down what you did!

In the batch file example above lets look at how it is written now.

IF EXIST C:RCTTY.BAT JQZ C:RCTTY.BAT
RBBS-PC.EXE
IF EXIST C:RCTTY.BAT c:RCTTY.BAT
C:RBBS.BAT

See the difference, to DOS, DEL is now makes as much sense as if you had typed
JQZ with the orgional COMMAND.COM file. The same goes for COPY in setting up
your ram disk in the AUTOEXE.BAT if you change COPY. Changing ALL the DOS
commands you can find that are internal to DOS is suggested. You cannot with a
disk snopper, make a 4 charater command, such as TYPE an make it more than 4
charaters. There is no space in the .com file for spare charaters. You can
replace with fewer charaters, but the knowledage a window cracker would gain by
presumming you have used 4 charaters is far less help to the caller than giving
him the chance of guessing one charater commands.

Remember, COMMAND.COM is the interperter of "computer English" to numeric
computer talk. Once you change the "DOS English" to garbage English, it needs
to see garbage English commands in order to perform! One more warning is in
order. Once you complete your modifaction of COMMAND.COM, your system will not
run until you reboot. That is because some COMMAND.COM calls are in memory. If
the system tries to make a DOS call though COMMAND.COM, the calls are changed,
so the system senses an error and processing stops. You must reboot to reload
COMMAND.COM AND ITS NEW COMMAND SET!

If you are not running Multi-Link it is suggest you create diskette for booting
RBBS, EVEN if you are using a hard disk, unless you are going to memorize your
new DOS commands. It is also possible to use a keyboard redefining program,
assuming you are willing to live within the limitations of whatever the limits
of the keyboard program are. Usually I have not found a Translates to
limitation, but a translate from limitation. If you go this route, place your
.key file in filesec, with a password and a security level BEYOND the syop
level. To really sleep better, do the above, and don't keep it on the hard disk
or in any of the drives when you are not actually using it. However, DO put
your redefine.key file in the FILESEC in case you forget to take it out.

If you ARE running Multi-Link, life is eaiser. Load the forground with normal
COMMAND.COM and invoke MLINK.COM. For your background paration(s) run all your
autoexe?.bat files off the hard disk or other floppy disk with the modified
COMMAND.COM. If you want to have parations with normal COMMAND.COM, put the
autoexe?.bat(s) needed on the A drive, or wherever your normal COMMAND.COM
resides. Multi-Link loads a COMMAND.COM into each paration. What I do is boot
off the A drive and then load all AUTOEXE?.bats from the hard disk. My A drive
has a normal COMMAND.COM. My C drive has a modifed COMMAND.COM

I boot from A drive, setting date and time, then go to C:autoexec.bat
that has:
C:
and my goodies for my paration in the forground, then loads the ram disk for
rbbs.
MEANWHILE
Autoexe1.bat sets up the modified COMMAND.COM and RBBS for the background
paration. Keep this is mind if you are using a SHELL command. You will freeze
everything up if you use a SHELL from the wrong COMMAND.COM

Now you can see how you could put a PASSWORD in a batch file and not allow a
caller to TYPE the batch file to see the needed PASSWORD. Entering type would
make as much sense to DOS as expecting it to TYPE by entering YLPI.

While you are in COMMAND.COM with your disk snopper, it is suggested you change
all likly error messages as well. It is advisable to have ALL error messages
say the same thing. On Video Advisor ON-LINE all the error messages say:
"Request Denied. Type RBBS"
Not only does this not give a clue as to a simple mistype of a filename verses
not having the right command name, the next edition WINDHELP.DOC will tell you
how to have the error message invoke RBBS-PC again or whatever else you wish.

The final little twist involves a new PD file, from the authors of FIDO. Its
available on our system as FUNCOM.EXE. The author purpose is to liven our DOS
headache #789. You can use it to give a Window crakcer a real headache. The
program is an .EXE file that looks like a fresh DOS BOOT. It even comes up and
asks the user to set DATE and TIME. However, if you ask for TIME, FUNCOM.EXE
comes back with, "I don't have a watch on." Oh, yes, every return key gives a
different drive letter and prompt. Some of the commands are ramdom. The best
part is it will only quit running when a secret combination of letters is
typed. Those letter were given to me, but I will not tell and will change them
frequently. If they are found out change FUNCOM.EXE with a disk snopper as you
did for COMMAND.COM to take them out! You do not want this program to EXIT!
Remember your carrier loss detectors? Either one will force FUNCOM.EXE out
AFTER the Window cracker hangs up!

To get the dubious caller trapped into FUNCOM, it is possible to READSCRN your
error messages. READSCRN is give varibles. Then use:
BAT -READSCRNTEST
bat IF %G = Request|IF %H = Denied|IF %I = Type|If %J = RBBS|GOTO -TRAPPED
BAT GOTO -READSCRNTEST
bat -TRAPPED
FUNCOM

At least that is the basic idea, I am working on making this work all the time.
There is still some work to do. If you wish to play with this, keep me posted
on your progress.

                        About How This Was Created

ALL programs listed in this tutoral, except for Multi-Link, from Multi-Soft in
Atlanta, GA are available on a Freeware or Shareware basis.
Multi-Link makes your system a multi-user sytem. Even if something like M/L was
in what is refered to as Public Domain, the support for a concept so advanced,
you would want the support anyway.

Most programs are not in Public Domain. This includes RBBS-PC. You are granted
freedom to use most Freeware or Shareware programs provided you follow the
authors rules. They include not disributing modified copies, taking credit for
the authors work, and passing along un modified copies to other users. If you
do make any changes most authors wish you to send a copy of your effort to them
to see if your efforts can work for the benfiit of all. Most authors enourage a
contribution toward further efforts. The author of this tutoral is no
exception.

                                    So,

If you use this tutorial, and find it of value, your contribution ($35.00
annually) is suggested. For your support you get,

Access to the latest tutorals and
access to the programs listed and used (if they are Freeware or Shareware AND
the author(s) do not object to telecommunication tranfers).
And an Eletronic mailbox so you may ask for assistance and find a reply,
usually within 24 hours.
In any event, please pass this along to other who may have this need.

                              Future Directions

There will surly be enchanement to Widnow Security in the future. One
programmer friend is working on not accepting a ^C or ^Break at all, under
Multi-Link. Video Advisor is working on not allowing ^C or ^Break without
Multi-Link. We are doing this to provide as many varations as possible. For
registered users we have created a message base (like conference) that will
allow direct interaction and the latest updates.
It has been a month since the first version was released on 12/31/84
I still have not run this though a spell checker or even handed it to my wife,
who is a techincal editor. If those items are ever done depends on you. As I
said this is an experiment. If there is modest support from you, this will
continue. If not, I will continue my work anyway, but will take these efforts
to businesses, who would happly pay a couple of kilobucks for the information.
As Tom Mack said in RBBS-PC.DOC, "There is no free lunch".

                                Programs Used


PC-WRITE (QuickSoft, Inc., Seattle, WA) Word Processing this doc
 (A very nice word processor - this tutoral is the first time I have really
  used it and I never touch another word processor again)

BAT.COM (Seaware Corp. in FL) I am using bat.com 2.02, I understand there are
later versions. Having just gotten bat.com working, I am just now sending them
$30. to register. Should have the latest copy soon.
Freeware is a trademark of Freesoft
Shareware is a trademark of Quicksoft

Contents Copyright 1985 Video Advisor Information Services Seattle WA 98168

Modem line 206-244-1685 24 hrs. 300/450/1200 baud