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------------------------------------------------------------------ | | | | | | | | | | | | | USBBSDOR Version 4.2 | | | | * * * 4 Year Anniversary Edition 7/6/87 - 7/6/91 * * * | | | | Search Darwin's National BBS (USBBS) List for Area Codes, | | States, Text, Modem types, Brand of BBS, & New listings. | | | | | | | | Works with virtually every brand of BBS software including: | | PCBoard 14.x, Wildcat!, RBBS, GAP, Spitfire, Remote Access, | | and any BBS software which uses a compatible PCBOARD.SYS, | | DOOR.SYS, DORINFO1.DEF, CALLINFO.BBS, or SFDOORS.DAT door | | information file. | | | | | | * * * COMPLETELY AUTOMATED MONTHLY MAINTENANCE * * * | | | | | | USBBSDOR Version 4.2 | | | | (C) Copyright 1987-1991 L. Brent Yandell All Rights Reserved | | | | Distributed by: | | | | Yandell Computer Services | | 12121 Little Road - Bldg. 303 - Suite 212 | | Hudson, FL 34667 | | | | DATA - (813) 842-8099 (HST) | | | | | | | | July 6, 1991 | | | | | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------------- USBBSDOR -------------------------------------------------------------------- TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ----------------- ---- INTRODUCTION ------------ 1.0 What is USBBSDOR 3 1.1 What's New 4 1.2 Upgrading from Previous Versions 4 PRELIMINARIES ------------- 2.0 A Word on Installing Doors 5 2.1 Obtaining the Current USBBS List 5 2.2 Required Files 5 INSTALLATION ------------ 3.0 Setting Up USBBSDOR.CNF 6-9 3.1 Setting Up Door Files to Call USBBSDOR 10 3.2 Setting Up PROTOCOL.DAT 10 3.3 Setting Up SEND.BAT 11 3.4 Setting Up and Modifying Text Files 11 RUNNING USBBSDOR ---------------- 4.0 Running USBBSDOR Locally 12 4.1 Notes on Automated Monthly Maintenance 12 4.2 Notes on Searching USBBS Lists 13 4.3 Notes on Downloading from USBBSDOR 13 4.4 Caller "Command Line" Search Information 14 4.5 On-Line Sysop Functions 14 4.6 Multi-nodes, Networks, Multi-taskers 14 MISCELLANEOUS ------------- 5.0 Where to Receive Assistance 15 5.1 Technical Notes 15 5.2 Log Entries 15 5.3 Error Messages 16 5.4 Disclaimer and Warranty 16 5.5 About the Author 16 5.6 Acknowledgments 16 5.7 Macro Chart 17 5.8 Revision History 18 REGISTRATION ------------ 6.0 Registering USBBSDOR 18 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 3 USBBSDOR Page 3 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.0 What is USBBSDOR --------------------- USBBSDOR is a door program which allows the caller to access the Darwin National BBS List (USBBS) on-line. The caller will be able to search the list for area codes, states, up to twenty characters of text, 9600 baud modem types, brand of BBS software, and new or changed listings in the list. If the Sysop desires, the caller may also download the list from within USBBSDOR. Searches may be conditional. Callers may specify where (area code, state, or entire list) to perform searches for Text, Modem, Brand of BBS, or New listings. Automated monthly Sysop maintenance! The Sysop simply places a new list each month in a specified location and USBBSDOR will know it is there and use it. No renaming! No re-configuring! No conversions! The same applies for the list's ZIP file if the Sysop enables downloading. USBBSDOR works with many types of BBS software, including PCBoard, Wildcat!, RBBS, GAP, Spitfire, Remote Access, and any software which uses door information files compatible with those BBS types. "Header" and "footer" information files from the list are created automatically! USBBSDOR checks to see if they exist each time it runs and creates them if not. If they do exist, USBBSDOR checks their dates and if the Sysop has installed a new list, USBBSDOR will create new information files! Automatically! Built-in local maintenance mode with configuration file editor with F1 pop-up help at each parameter for easy installation and testing. For callers in color mode, the list output is colorized "on-the-fly" for a nice effect. (H)elp is embedded in the Area code and State input prompts, in case a caller needs help determining an area code or state abbreviation. USBBSDOR is DESQview aware. Screen and keyboard I/O are limited to their assigned window. USBBSDOR gives back time slices while idling at input prompts. New PCBoard style color macros *OR* ANSI in text files may be used. Several USBBSDOR information @macros@ may be used in text files. If the Sysop chooses, the list may be downloaded from within the door. An optional security level may be attached to downloading. USBBSDOR fully supports non-standard COM port operation. USBBSDOR runs at all baud rates and has been thoroughly tested with COM ports locked at 38400 baud. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 4 USBBSDOR Page 4 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.1 What's New --------------- As of this release, USBBSDOR has been updated and continuously supported for four years! (7/6/87 - 7/6/91) (F)ast-search command. The Sysop may configure the (F)ast-search command to immediately display an Area code or State without any additional prompting of the caller. The (F)ast-search configuration parameter is in the local setup screen (USBBSDOR /L). Simply enter a three digit area code, or a two digit state code (Sysop option). Non-standard COM ports (3 - 8) may now be configured in USBBSDOR's configuration file. Previous versions of USBBSDOR read PCBOARD.DAT (PCBoard), CONFIGWC.BBS (Wildcat), or a Sysop specified environment variable for non-standard port base address and IRQ information. Spitfire (SFDOORS.DAT) compatibility. Remote Access (DORINFO1.DEF) compatibility. Previous versions of USBBSDOR only supported the DORINFO1.DEF file created by RBBS. On PCBoard systems, the caller may enter search information from the PCBoard main prompt. For instance, the caller may enter USBBS 813 to immediately search the list for area code 813, then exit USBBSDOR. @F@ = (F)ast-search text file macro. This is replaced in text files with the specified information from the (F)ast-search parameter. The (O)perator page command was removed in this release due to the lack of "page" information in most BBS door information files. 1.2 Upgrading from Previous Versions ------------------------------------- * If upgrading from USBBSDOR version 4.0 or 4.1: There have been several small changes to the USBBSDOR text and help files. You should use the new MENU, HELP, HELLO and all of the *.HLP files located in USBDOR42.ZIP. Copy the new USBBSDOR.EXE into your USBBSDOR directory and run USBBSDOR /L. You will need to configure the "Set non-standard COM information" and the "(F)ast-search area code or state" parameters. If upgrading from version 4.0, you will also need to set the "Add line separating each listing" parameter to your liking. F1 key help is available at all setup parameters to facilitate a quick upgrade. BYE and BYEG files are no longer used in USBBSDOR. * If upgrading from USBBSDOR version 3.0 or earlier: USBBSDOR will need to be completely reinstalled. With the F1 key help at each local setup parameter it should take about 5 minutes! -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 5 USBBSDOR Page 5 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.0 A Word on Installing Doors ------------------------------- The purpose of this documentation is to explain to you how to install the USBBSDOR program. It assumes that you have already read the documentation which comes with your BBS software concerning doors and their use. It is not within the scope of this manual to cover door installation on each type of BBS software which USBBSDOR is compatible with. 2.1 Obtaining the Current USBBS List ------------------------------------- The Darwin national BBS list is required. It is not possible for a USBBS list to be included within USBDOR42.ZIP, as the list is updated monthly. The newest USBBS list is always available on our system in the USBBS door. The "home" of the USBBS list is Robert Blacher's BBS and the number is 301-547-3037. The USBBS list follows a pattern for naming in the convention of USBBSxx.LST. The ZIP file which contains it follows this same pattern. The "xx" is the version number and increments monthly. As of this writing, the version is 86 (USBBS86.LST in USBBS86.ZIP) for 7/91. Using this method, you can determine the 8/91 list would be USBBS87.ZIP, etc. Use this method to locate the current version on the hundreds of systems where the USBBS list can usually be found. The author of USBBSDOR (the software) is not affiliated with the USBBS listings (the list), its authors, or its providers. Each USBBS list contains complete information regarding how, where, and to whom to make changes or additions to the USBBS list. 2.2 Required Files ------------------- The following files should be contained in USBDOR42.ZIP : USBBSDOR.EXE - The executable program file. ORDER.FRM - Order form for registering USBBSDOR. HELP - A help file shown when a caller requests (H)elp. HELLO - A text file displayed when entering the door. MENU - The door program's main menu. AREA.HLP - Help file for the Area Code prompt. STATE.HLP - Help file for the State prompt. MODEM.HLP - Help file for the Modem prompt. BRAND.HLP - Help file for Brand of software prompt. PROTOCOL.DAT - A configuration file for external protocols. SEND.BAT - A single batch file for all external protocols. LOCAL.BAT - Batch file for USBBSDOR's local maintenance mode. QUICK.DOC - Quick and easy installation guide. USBSETUP.HLP - Help file for F1 help in local setup screen. USBBSDOR.DOC - This documentation file. There should be fifteen files in USBDOR42.ZIP. All of the files should be dated 07-06-91. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 6 USBBSDOR Page 6 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.0 Setting Up USBBSDOR.CNF ---------------------------- Create a directory where USBBSDOR will reside. Extract the entire contents of USBDOR42.ZIP into this location. USBBSDOR uses a configuration file for certain door parameters. The default name is USBBSDOR.CNF, however you may designate any name for this file. USBBSDOR contains a built-in editor for this file. The first installation step is to properly configure this file for your system. You must enter USBBSDOR /L at your DOS prompt or use the enclosed LOCAL.BAT file (which is easier to remember) to invoke the door in its local maintenance mode. Select option #1 for "creating or modifying config files". You will then be prompted for a config file name. Simply hit enter to use the default USBBSDOR.CNF or enter a file name of your choice. You may use one configuration file for all nodes, unless you wish to enable certain features on some node's and not on others. You may use F1 to see the information below in a pop-up help window. * BBS software (door file) type ------------------------------- Please read this section carefully to avoid making incorrect assumptions about this parameter. Select the number for the door information file your BBS creates: 1) PCBoard 14.0 through 14.5 2) PCBOARD.SYS Auntie (auntie.sys), etc. 3) DOOR.SYS Gap, Wildcat 3.x, etc. 4) CALLINFO.BBS Wildcat 2.x, etc. 5) DORINFOx.DEF RBBS and software which writes color mode as 2 6) DORINFOx.DEF RA and software which writes color mode as 1 7) SFDOORS.DAT Spitfire, etc. Selections 2, 3, 4, and 7 will allow entering alternate file names. Press enter for the default file name displayed, or enter the name of the file your BBS software creates. For instance, Auntie Sysops would select #2 then enter AUNTIE.SYS. With the exception of #5 and #6, USBBSDOR only supports the original software's format for each information file. On multi-node systems which utilize DORINFOx.DEF (x = node #), USBBSDOR will select the appropriate file (DORINFO1 DORINFO2 etc.) based on the node number. * Name of this system --------------------- The name entered here is displayed at USBBSDOR's termination in the "Registered To:" message (registered copies only). The name used in this parameter MUST be identical to the name used when ordering a customized registration number for USBBSDOR. Section 3.0 continues on the next page -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 7 USBBSDOR Page 7 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.0 Setting Up USBBSDOR.CNF (continued) ---------------------------------------- * Idle keyboard time-out (minutes) ---------------------------------- Enter the number of minutes before a keyboard time-out occurs. USBBSDOR cycles back to the BBS should this happen. USBBSDOR will beep at the caller once every fifteen seconds during the last minute of the time-out period before returning the caller to the BBS. * Disable CTS signal checking ----------------------------- Always answer no to this question unless you know for a fact that disabling (answering yes) is best for your system. NEVER disable (answer yes) CTS when using a high speed or MNP modem. * Location of current USBBSxx.LST -------------------------------- Enter the location where you will be keeping the EXTRACTED USBBSxx.LST each month (xx = version). NEVER place a file name in this parameter. USBBSDOR looks for the newest USBBSxx.LST in this location each time it runs. This is also the location USBBSDOR will automatically extract a new list to (if your copy of USBBSDOR is registered) if a new list is detected in a new USBBSxx.ZIP file. See page 12 section 4.1. * Disable (D)ownload option --------------------------- USBBSDOR provides the caller a simple facility for downloading the the current USBBSxx.ZIP. When (D) is selected, USBBSDOR will choose the current USBBSxx.ZIP file and display its size and download time to the caller. The caller then chooses a transfer protocol and the transfer will begin. If the caller has insufficient time remaining to transfer the file, the download will not be allowed. If you do not wish your callers to be able to download the current list inside the door, answer Yes to disable downloading. * Security needed to Download ----------------------------- Enter the security level required for downloading USBBSxx.ZIP. Some Sysops may want to allow new or non-subscribing callers access to the list, but not want them to be able to use USBBSDOR's download feature. This parameter facilitates this Sysop preference. USBBSDOR uses the caller's security level as it is provided in the BBS software's door information file. Section 3.0 continues on the next page -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 8 USBBSDOR Page 8 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.0 Setting Up USBBSDOR.CNF (continued) ---------------------------------------- * Location of newest USBBSxx.ZIP -------------------------------- If you allow downloading, this parameter works in the same fashion as "Location of current USBBSxx.LST". Simply enter a location where the newest USBBSxx.ZIP (xx = version) will be located. USBBSDOR will will look for the newest USBBSxx.ZIP in this location whenever a caller requests a download. Even if downloading is not desired, this parameter is also used if USBBSDOR is registered and you wish it to automatically detect and extract a new USBBS list to its appropriate location. See page 12, section 4.1 for a detailed explanation of this feature. * Disable `searching' message ----------------------------- When performing certain search functions on the USBBS list, USBBSDOR will display a "searching.." message between "finds". On faster systems, these "searching.." messages come and go so fast that they appear to be little glitches on the screen. After you have installed USBBSDOR, select CA as a state to search then observe between area codes as listings are displayed. Usually, only node's running on 8088's, slow drives, or extremely heavy network traffic will need this option enabled. * Add line separating each listing ---------------------------------- This feature was added in version 4.1 of USBBSDOR. You may specify whether to place a horizontal line of dashes (--------) between each listing when it is displayed. For example: 813-842-8099 FL Port Richey Brent Yandell B 9U The Bounty 813-856-7926 FL Port Richey Jim Brewer W 9U Gulf Coast 813-862-8850 FL Port Richey Ralph Lobianco B 9U Studio PC may be displayed as: -------------------------------------------------------------------- 813-842-8099 FL Port Richey Brent Yandell B 9U The Bounty -------------------------------------------------------------------- 813-856-7926 FL Port Richey Jim Brewer W 9U Gulf Coast -------------------------------------------------------------------- 813-862-8850 FL Port Richey Ralph Lobianco B 9U Studio PC -------------------------------------------------------------------- Answer Yes to add these lines, or no if they are not desired. This option is strictly a "Sysop's preference" option. Section 3.0 continues on the next page -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 9 USBBSDOR Page 9 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.0 Setting Up USBBSDOR.CNF (continued) ---------------------------------------- * Set non-Standard COM information ---------------------------------- If you are using COM 1 or 2, ignore this parameter. If COM ports other than 1 or 2 are used, the base address and IRQ of each non-standard port must be defined. Enter the base address in HEX for the appropriate ports in use. Enter the IRQ (1-7) for the appropriate ports in use. Allowing multiple ports to be defined in a single USBBSDOR.CNF file facilitates the need for only one configuration file for all nodes. When a COM port other than 1 or 2 is detected in the BBS door infor- mation file, the appropriate information is used for that port. Base address and IRQ settings for COM 1 and 2 cannot be changed. USBBSDOR does not support IRQ sharing in PS/2 machines. * (F)ast-search area code or state ---------------------------------- The Sysop may configure the (F)ast-search command to immediately display an Area code or State without any additional prompting from the caller. Simply enter a three digit area code, or two digit state code (Sysop's choice) at this parameter. Tip: If there are numerous listings in your area code, you may wish to enter just your area code. If you are in an area code where there are a limited number of listings in the USBBS list, you may wish to enter the state code. To disable the (F)ast-search command, simply leave this field blank. * USBBSDOR registration number ------------------------------ USBBSDOR is fully functional in unregistered copies except for the "automatic new list extraction" feature. Registration enables this feature. When USBBSDOR terminates, the message "Unregistered Copy" and a brief delay appear. A custom registration number will replace this with the name of your system and remove the brief delay. You may receive a customized registration number INSTANTLY by using a major charge card on our on-line support system. See the enclosed file ORDER.FRM for details. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 10 USBBSDOR Page 10 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.1 Setting Up Door Files to Call USBBSDOR ------------------------------------------- The purpose of this section is to describe the command line calling parameters for USBBSDOR in a door (batch) file. You must refer to your BBS manual for complete instructions on installing doors with your BBS software. @echo off cd\usbbsdor USBBSDOR.EXE USBBSDOR.CNF C:\PCB cd\pcb | | board.bat | --- Location where this node's door info | file can be found (No name, just a | location!). | - Config file name Multi-node DORINFOx.DEF type systems (RBBS) - place a %1 after the node's door information file location, so USBBSDOR will know which node is being used. 3.2 Setting Up PROTOCOL.DAT ---------------------------- If you allow downloading, you may wish to review the enclosed PROTOCOL.DAT file to see if it meets your needs. PROTOCOL.DAT is used to configure the designated "letter" for each type of protocol. USBBSDOR contains no internal protocols, and relies solely on external protocols such as DSZ for this function. Sample PROTOCOL.DAT X,,Xmodem C,,Xmodem/CRC O,,1K-Xmodem F,Y,1K-Xmodem/G Y,,Ymodem G,Y,Ymodem-G Z,,Zmodem As you can see, there are three fields for each protocol, each separated by a comma. The first field is the protocol letter. The second field should be Y or blank. If it is a Y, this instructs USBBSDOR to only allow this protocol if the caller has connected with an MNP modem. The third field is a short protocol description. You may use any letter as a protocol except "V". The caller will have the opportunity at the protocol prompt to view the contents of the file by selecting View. The ZIP view is internal to USBBSDOR. While it is not a great asset to this application, it is part of our door "engine" and it would have required several steps to exclude it, rather than allowing it to be included automatically. See the next section about setting up SEND.BAT. See page 13 section 4.3 for additional details about downloading. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 11 USBBSDOR Page 11 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.3 Setting Up SEND.BAT ------------------------ USBBSDOR uses a single batch file for all external protocols. It is not within the scope of this manual to provide instructions for setting up different types of protocols and all of their individual command line options. The enclosed SEND.BAT and PROTOCOL.DAT, along with the popular DSZ external protocol, should provide ample protocol coverage for the simple task of downloading the current USBBS list from USBBSDOR. If you wish to add or delete protocols, the information below might assist you. SEND.BAT is passed the following parameters from USBBSDOR: %1 (speed) %2 (port) %3 (filename) %4 (protocol letter used in USBBSDOR) An examination of SEND.BAT will demonstrate how the protocol letter is used to branch to the appropriate protocol command. If you are familiar with this type of batch file programming you may wish to modify it. If not, our best recommendation is to use it "as is". As mentioned previously the default configuration used with the popular DSZ protocol will provide ample coverage. If non-standard COM ports are used, see the enclosed SEND.BAT for a sample of how to configure it with the non-standard COM port nodes. See page 13 section 4.3 for additional details about downloading. 3.5 Setting Up and Modifying Text Files ---------------------------------------- The method USBBSDOR uses for obtaining a text file to display to the caller is simple. We will use the MENU file as an example. If the caller is in color mode, USBBSDOR will look for MENUG. If MENUG is not found, USBBSDOR will look for MENU. Use the information below if you wish to change or modify these files. The files which come with USBBSDOR use the new color macro method instead of ANSI. This allows the need for one file per application instead of two. These files use this method - MENU, HELP, and HELLO. MENUG \ These files may contain ANSI or MACROS. Sysops choice. HELLOG \ "G" files are not really needed for MACROS though, as HELPG / USBBSDOR will handle the MACROS in files not ending with ----- / a "G" (see below). MENU \ These files may contain the color MACROS. If the caller is HELLO \ in color mode the macros are simply stripped out. If the HELP / caller IS in color mode the color is displayed. ANSI may ---- / NOT be used in files not ending with "G". Refer to page 17 section 5.7 for the macro chart. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 12 USBBSDOR Page 12 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.0 Running USBBSDOR Locally ----------------------------- Start USBBSDOR with /L (USBBSDOR /L) or the LOCAL.BAT file. Select option #2. You will be prompted for the configuration file to use, then you will be asked whether you would like to begin with color mode on or off. These selections allow you to see how USBBSDOR will appear to a caller on-line. USBBSDOR also works through the BBS in local mode and behaves in the same fashion as if a caller were on- line. When running USBBSDOR in local maintenance mode (/L), the name appearing on the status line will be (Local) SYSOP and will default to a time limit of 90 minutes. 4.1 Notes on Automated Monthly Maintenance ------------------------------------------- USBBSDOR automatically detects the presence of new USBBS lists and new USBBS zip files and acts accordingly. When USBBSDOR is run, it checks the "list location" the Sysop specified in the configuration file for the presence of USBBSxx.LST files. It determines which is the newest one and uses it for the caller's on-line session. Two files are needed by USBBSDOR for the "(E)xplain symbols" command and the "(I)nformation about list" command. These files contain information found at the beginning and end of USBBS lists. If these files do not exist, USBBSDOR automatically creates them from the list when it is run. If they do exist, USBBSDOR checks to see if a list has been installed which is NEWER than these two information files. If the list is newer, new information files are automatically created from the new list. When a caller selects (D)ownload, USBBSDOR checks the "USBBSxx.ZIP file" location the Sysop specified in the configuration file. It determines the newest USBBSxx.ZIP and presents it to the caller for downloading. To update the monthly list in registered copies of USBBSDOR, all the Sysop has to do is place the new USBBSxx.ZIP file where the door has been told it will be. USBBSDOR will determine the newest USBBSxx.ZIP file each time it runs. USBBSDOR will then look inside this newest ZIP and determine the date of the USBBSxx.LST file inside. If this date is NEWER than the current USBBSxx.LST, or if for some reason there is no "current" USBBSxx.LST, USBBSDOR will extract it and place it where you have indicated it should be in USBBSDOR.CNF. PKUNZIP.EXE must be available via a DOS path in order for this "automatic extraction" to work. If a new list is automatically extracted, USBBS.SYM and USBBS.INF (see above) will be created accordingly. Sysops who have not yet registered USBBSDOR will need to remember to extract the contents of the ZIP file to the location you have indicated for the list file in USBBSDOR.CNF. USBBSDOR will not perform this extraction for you if you have not registered USBBSDOR. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 13 USBBSDOR Page 13 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.2 Notes on Searching USBBS Lists ----------------------------------- USBBSDOR contains a file engine which permits extremely fast searches on unformatted (sequential text) files. On AT class or faster machines, end to end searches of USBBS lists are nearly instantaneous. Several methods of searching can be performed in the list. Area Code, States, 20 characters of Text, BBS brand, Modem types, and listings which are New or changed in the current list can be searched for. When performing searches for Text, Modems, Brands, or New, the caller may specify whether to search for them in an Area code, a State, or the Entire list. Commands may be parsed at the USBBSDOR command prompt, such as: A 813 Searches for area code 813 immediately. S FL Searches for FLorida immediately. M U 908 Searches for USR modems in area code 908 M H NJ Searches for 9600 Hayes modems in NJ M M E Searches for Microcom Modems in entire list Text, New, and BBS software may be searched this way also, except Text searches will not accept the last parameter (where to search), as it must be entered at the "where to search" prompt. 4.3 Notes on Downloading From USBBSDOR --------------------------------------- USBBSDOR does not contain a "display entire list" command. If the caller wants the entire list they may download it in compressed form rather than listing the entire contents, which saves a tremendous amount of on-line time. You must use a DSZ log compatible protocol in conjunction with the DSZLOG= environment setting in order for USBBSDOR to determine if a download was successful or not. If you use the default SEND.BAT and PROTOCOL.DAT, USBBSDOR will expect to find DSZ in the current directory or in a DOS path. If the environment setting DSZLOG= is being used, USBBSDOR will correctly place successful/aborted download information in a file called USBBSDOR.LOG. On PCBoard 14.x systems USBBSDOR will write the download information to the node's caller file and to DOWNLOAD.TXT. All downloads of USBBS lists from USBBSDOR are considered "free", as USBBSDOR does not write to any BBS software's USER files. If a caller does not have sufficient time remaining to download a list, the transfer will not be permitted. NOTE: It has been noted that some BBS packages which use DORINFOx.DEF as a door file place the locked DTE modem speed, not the callers connect rate, into the door file. In these cases, callers at speeds BELOW the locked DTE rate will be told the transfer time is shorter than it actually is. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 14 USBBSDOR Page 14 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.4 Caller "Command Line" Search Information --------------------------------------------- PCBoard software supports the passing of information by the caller to a door program. USBBSDOR takes advantage of this feature. For instance, if the door is named USBBS, and the caller enters USBBS NY at the PCBoard prompt, USBBSDOR will load and immediately begin searching for state NY and USBBS 813 would search for area code 813. Any valid USBBSDOR "stacked" command may also be entered, such as USBBS N 813 which immediately searches for (N)ew\changed listings in area code 813. USBBSDOR will always exit when the search has been completed if the door is started in this manner. This process is handled automatically by USBBSDOR and PCBoard. 4.5 On-line Sysop Functions ---------------------------- The following function keys may be used by the Sysop while a caller is on-line. To see these keys defined, enter ALT-H and they will be displayed in a portion of the status line. Only the keys which are valid with the type of BBS software USBBSDOR is running with will be displayed. F3 - Toggles printer on or off. This command is only valid when running USBBSDOR with PCBoard 14.x software. USBBSDOR follows this toggle from PCBoard and prints information such as downloads, carrier drops, and keyboard time-outs. F6 - If you have attached a security level to USBBSDOR's Download function and the caller does not have sufficient security to download, hitting F6 will allow the caller to download the list. This option does not appear in the status line when ALT-H is used as there is extremely little chance of this Sysop function being used in the USBBSDOR application. F7 - Certain user input errors will cause USBBSDOR to beep at them. The Sysop has the ability to toggle whether the host beeps also. This toggle is followed from PCBoard 14.x and BBS packages which use a PCBOARD.SYS or DOOR.SYS door file and accurately set this toggle. F8 - Will return the caller immediately to the BBS. F9 - Toggles the display on or off. USBBSDOR will follow the display toggle with all BBS software using PCBOARD.SYS and DOOR.SYS. F10 - This key will begin an on line chat session. Press ESCape to end the chat and return the caller to USBBSDOR. 4.6 Multi-nodes, Networks, Multi-taskers ----------------------------------------- USBBSDOR has been developed in a networked environment. All multi- node features have been tested on our own multi-node system. USBBSDOR's primary test facility is a twenty node system. USBBSDOR is DESQview aware. It is automatically detected, screen and keyboard I/O are "well behaved", and time slices are given back to other applications while USBBSDOR is idle at an input prompt. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 15 USBBSDOR Page 15 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5.0 Where To Receive Assistance -------------------------------- There are two ways to receive assistance should it be needed. YCS Support System - Home of USBBSDOR - 813-842-8099 HST Sound Advice Information Services ----- 816-436-4516 HST 816-436-8029 Hayes Sound Advice is available through PC Pursuit and StarLink networks. Leave a message to Brent Yandell in the YANDELL conference, currently conference #10 on Sound Advice. Please understand that while we call Sound Advice regularly, we do not call there everyday. If your need for assistance is urgent, please direct the matter to the YCS Support System. 5.1 Technical Notes -------------------- Carrier is monitored by USBBSDOR. Should a caller drop carrier while using USBBSDOR, they will be returned to the BBS, which will detect the "no carrier" status and cycle appropriately. USBBSDOR uses approximately 124K of memory. USBBSDOR performs its own "ansi-detect request" to the callers communications program. If the caller supports ANSI sequences then USBBSDOR will use ANSI for special cursor movement, screen clearing, and prompting. USBBSDOR never changes the caller's screen color if the caller is in non-color mode (unless the caller requests color). 5.2 Log Entries ---------------- The following information is written to USBBSDOR.LOG: Completed downloads Aborted downloads Carrier drops Keyboard time-outs File access errors (Path not found) (Invalid drive) (File not found) On PCBoard 14.x systems the following is written to the caller log: The same entries in USBBSDOR.LOG plus: Sysop chat active Sysop chat ended Additionally, successful downloads of the list are entered in the DOWNLOAD.TXT file on PCBoard 14.x systems. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 16 USBBSDOR Page 16 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5.3 Error Messages ------------------- The only error messages which should ever be displayed by USBBSDOR are self-explanatory file access error messages (not found, invalid drive, invalid directory, etc.). * bad command or filename * This message will be echoed to the screen if DSZ (or the specified external protocol) could not be found during a download attempt. External protocols must reside in the directory with USBBSDOR or in a valid DOS path. 5.4 Disclaimer and Warranty ---------------------------- USBBSDOR is a shareware product. USBBSDOR may be uploaded to BBS systems provided copyright notices are not removed and no changes are made to the program. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, for unregistered copies of USBBSDOR. Sysops who install USBBSDOR assume any and all liabilities for anything which may result as a consequence of running USBBSDOR. For registered copies of USBBSDOR, Yandell Computer Services warrants that USBBSDOR will perform as described in this documentation. In the event USBBSDOR does not perform as specified, then Yandell Computer Services will elect to either fix USBBSDOR, or refund the amount paid, if notified within 30 days of registration. Under no circumstances shall Yandell Computer Services or the author of USBBSDOR be liable for any loss of profit or any other damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages, arising out of the use or inability to use USBBSDOR. 5.5 About the Author --------------------- L. Brent Yandell has been involved in telecommunications for five years, and has been updating and supporting USBBSDOR for four years as of this release. Most PCBoard Sysops will be familiar our PCBFV, the popular on-line file viewer/extractor used in the PCBoard F V (File View) process. Recently released was QReader, our on-line text display door with full screen reading capabilities, including PgUp, PgDn, Up arrow, Down arrow, left and right keys (for wide text), and full screen text finds. 5.6 Acknowledgments -------------------- Appreciation and many thanks are in order for the following people: * Pete Olympia, Meade Frierson, and Robert Blacher for the continued existence of the Darwin National USBBS List. * Roy Timberman of Sound Advice Information Services for making his twenty node system completely available for testing and providing a conference for supporting USBBSDOR and our other products. * Jim Brewer for beta testing and overall project review. * Tim Yandell for editing and proofing this documentation. * Robert York and Louie Koepel for beta testing above and beyond the call of duty. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 17 USBBSDOR Page 17 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5.7 Macro Chart ---------------- USBBSDOR utilizes the color macro convention first introduced in PCBoard 14.5. The color chart is enclosed below for non-PCboard Sysops running USBBSDOR. Background (first digit) Foreground (second digit) ----------------------- ------------------------- Black = 0 Black = 0 Blue = 1 Blue = 1 Green = 2 Green = 2 Cyan = 3 Cyan = 3 Red = 4 Red = 4 Magenta = 5 Magenta = 5 Yellow = 6 Yellow = 6 White = 7 White = 7 Background(Blinking Foreground) High Intensity(Bright Foreground) ------------------------------- --------------------------------- Black = 8 Black = 8 Blue = 9 Blue = 9 Green = A Green = A Cyan = B Cyan = B Red = C Red = C Magenta = D Magenta = D Yellow = E Yellow = E White = F White = F Examples: Bright White on Black background: @X0F (0=black F=bright white) Bright Yellow on Red background: @X4E (4=red E=yellow) Blinking Bright Red on Black background: @X8C (8=black C=bright red) You may use the @CLS@ macro to clear the screen. Other macros allowed (in any text file) @FIRST@ is the callers first name, (cased, i.e. Brent). @SYSDATE@ is the current date. @SYSTIME@ is the current time. @TIMELEFT@ is the minutes left for the caller. @FILENAME@ is the NAME of the newest darwin list found. @FILEDATE@ is the DATE of the newest darwin list found. @ZIPNAME@ is the NAME of the newest USBBSxx.ZIP found. @F@ is the (F)ast-search parameter. The text files enclosed with USBBSDOR may be modified to use these macros if the Sysop desires. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 18 USBBSDOR Page 18 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5.8 Revision History --------------------- Date Version Description -------- ------- ----------- 07-06-87 1.0 USBBSDOR first released. 07-28-87 1.1 Multi-node support enhanced. 11-07-87 1.2 Several features added. 11-28-87 1.3 Several features added. 12-06-87 1.4 DORINFOx.DEF added to RBBS. 01-03-88 1.5 Compatibility with a change in Darwin list. 08-20-88 2.0 Built-in installation mode added. 12-19-88 2.1 PCBOARD.SYS changed in PCBoard 14.0. 03-18-89 3.0 Downloading added. 11-09-90 4.0 This is a major revision. USBBS list no longer requires conversion. USBBS.SYM and USBBS.INF created automatically if a new USBBS list is detected. List is colorized "on the fly". Search added for 9600 baud modem brand, BBS brand and New or changed listings. (H)elp is embedded in the Area code and State search prompts which shows Area Codes and State abbreviations. Door is now DESQview "aware and well behaved". 04-26-91 4.1 Option to place horizontal lines between listings added. Automatically detects new USBBSxx.LST in USBBSxx.ZIP and extracts to the appropriate location (registered copies only). Environment variables added to support non-standard COM base and IRQ information in non-PCBoard setups. 07-06-91 4.2 Refer to page 4, section 1.1. 6.0 Registering USBBSDOR ------------------------- USBBSDOR is fully functional in unregistered copies except for the "automatic new list extraction" feature. Registration enables this feature. When USBBSDOR terminates, the message "Unregistered Copy" and a brief delay appear. A custom registration number will replace this with the name of your system and remove the brief delay. You may receive a customized registration number INSTANTLY by using a major charge card on our on-line support system. See the enclosed file ORDER.FRM for details.