September 17, 1996 Tips -n- Techniques:
NetREXX and REXX PPP Connection Scripts by Greg Shah

1. NetREXX
   • To quote from Mike Cowlishaw, inventor of NetREXX: "NetRexx is a user-oriented language that is derived from both Rexx and Java; it makes writing and using Java classes easier than writing in Java, while maintaining the portability and generality of the Java environment."
   • Useful links and information on how to get started with NetREXX (and Java):
     • NetREXX Home Page
     • What is NetREXX?
     • NetREXX FAQ
     • NetREXX Quick Start
     • NetREXX Quick Reference
     • NetREXX Samples
     • Download NetREXX
     • IBM's Center for Java Technology
     • Release Notes for Java for OS/2 (you must register with their server to see this document).
     • Download the Java runtime environment.
     • Download the Java development environment.
     • Download the Java samples and demo applets.
     • Download desktop installation utilities.
2. REXX PPP Connection Scripts
   • Unzip the above file into a single directory. It helps if this is in your PATH. Then after making the necessary edits, run internet.cmd to establish your connection. NO MORE DIAL OTHER PROVIDERS!!!!
   • These files were put together by Greg Shah but many of the techniques came from others. Notably, thanks go to Julian Thomas for posting his scripts for Golden Compass on the GCPSUP in Compuserve.
   • Batch file to control the connection process (internet.cmd).
     • This file calls all the other REXX and batch files in the proper order:
       1. if you have faxworks running, it will turn receive mode off (so you can access the com port)
       2. it then copies the resolv file to your c:\mptn\etc subdirectory; this "registers" the Mindspring nameserver
       3. it starts vmodem.cmd to allow Golden Compass to access Compuserve via the internet
       4. gcp.cmd is started; this starts Golden Compass and tells it to read new messages (get mail and forum subject lists)
       5. calls PPP.EXE with the appropriate parameters, including passing it the connection script mindspr.cmd
       6. it waits for the user to type CTRL-C to kill the PPP connection, then deletes the resolv file
       7. it uses killem.exe to stop vmodem.exe
       8. if you have faxworks, it waits 3 seconds and then turns receive mode back on
     • You may need to make the following changes:
       1. if you have faxworks, "un-rem" the associated lines
       2. if you don't have Golden Compass, "rem" the vmodem and gcp lines
       3. change the path to c:\mptn\etc if your ETC directory is different
       4. change relevant parameters to PPP.EXE (usually just com port, but possibly other info if you don't use Mindspring)
   • The sample resolv file that register's the Mindspring name server (resolv). Edit this to change the nameserver if necessary.
   • The batch file that starts vmodem.exe (vmodem.cmd). It is necessary to eliminate a CMD.EXE session that will be "leftover" after you disconnect. Edit this to change the path to SIO's vmodem.exe.
   • The batch file that starts Golden Compass (gcp.cmd). Edit this to change the paths to GCP.EXE if necessary.
   • The connection script for accessing Mindspring (mindspr.cmd).
     • If you use Mindspring: edit the file and change the userid, password and com port.
     • If you use another ISP: make the same edits plus the login sequence may need to be changed.
     • The mindspr.cmd file is passed as a parameter to PPP.EXE from the internet.cmd batch file.
   • The file that allows gcp.cmd to pause while you connect the the internet (sleep.cmd).
   • The killem.exe program called by the batch file to kill vmodem.exe.
   • Here is the procedure to setup Golden Compass to work via vmodem over the internet, INSTEAD of using the Compuserve access numbers (thanks to GCPSUP Sysop Kevin Hine):
     1. The first step, and a critical one at that, is to refer to Ray's VMODEM.TXT documentation for the prerequisite setup of VMODEM itself.
     2. Ensure a clean GCP modem setup by re-selecting the 'Default' modem parameters, thus re-instating those individual settings, eg. the ATDT dial prefix.
     3. Set GCP to the virtual comm port.
     4. Use a phone number in GCP of gateway*compuserve*com
     5. Click on OPTIONS/TELEPHONES/USER SCRIPTS and enter VMODEM
     6. Try an init string of ATZC1^M (the C1 is the needed part)
     7. Start VMODEM and then run GCP.