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┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ │ │ █▄ ▄█ █▀▀▀ █▀▀▀ █▀█ █ █ ▄▀▀▀▄ ▄▀▀▀ ▀▀█▀▀ │ │ █ ▀ █ █▀▀ █▀▀▀█ █▄▄▄█ █▀▀▀█ █ █ ▀▀▀▄ █ │ │ █ █ █▄▄▄▄ █▄▄▄█ █ █ █ █ ▀▄▄▄▀ ▄▄▄▄▀ █ │ │ │ │ Copyright (c) 1992 by Don Mankin │ │ All Rights Reserved │ │ 231 Market Place #353 │ │ San Ramon, CA 94583 │ │ PSL Orders (ONLY) 800-242-4775 item # 10391 │ │ Support BBS Number 209-836-2402 (ONLINE Registration) │ │ │ ├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ │ │ This is a user supported product. We encourage you │ │ to pass is along to others. If you find MEGAHOST │ │ of value, please register it with us. If used │ │ commercially or for commercial purposes, a │ │ registration fee of $59 (US Dollars) is required. │ │ Otherwise, registration would be just $29. Include │ │ $4.00 shipping and handling plus California sales │ │ tax of 7.75% if ordering from California. │ │ │ │ Please send your registration to the above address │ │ or, register online using your MasterCard or Visa. │ │ Support of this product is provided exclusively │ │ through the Support BBS at the number provided │ │ above. │ │ │ │ Thanks for supporting MEGAHOST! │ │ │ └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Table of Contents ┌─────────┐ ┌─────┴───┐ │ (tm) ──│ │o │────────────────── │ ┌─────┴╨──┐ │ Association of │ │ │─┘ Shareware └───│ o │ Professionals ──────│ ║ │──────────────────── └────╨────┘ MEMBER Table of Contents INTRODUCTION...............................................1 Why Another BBS?.......................................1 The Small Print........................................1 CHANGES FROM MAXIHOST......................................2 Acknowledgements.......................................4 Hardware Requirements..................................4 Files..................................................4 INSTALLATION...............................................8 Modem..................................................8 Directory structure....................................8 SECURITY Level.........................................9 IN AND OUT OF MEGAHOST....................................10 Starting Up MEGAHOST..................................10 Using MEGAHOST in Local Mode..........................10 Directory Status Line.............................10 Quitting MEGAHOST and Exiting to DOS..............10 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION......................................11 CONFIGURATION FILE....................................11 ALLOW300=.........................................11 ANSIDELAY=........................................11 ANSWERSTRING=.....................................11 ASKFILECHECK=.....................................11 ASKMAILCHECK=.....................................11 AUTOINDUCTION=....................................11 BATCHLOG=.........................................12 --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page ii --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Table of Contents BATCHON=..........................................12 BATCHOFF=.........................................13 BAUD=.............................................13 BBSNAME=..........................................13 BIOS=.............................................13 CALLBACK=.........................................13 CALLERRECS=.......................................14 CHANGEMENU=.......................................14 CHECKAPI=.........................................14 CHECKBIG=.........................................14 CLOSEDSYSTEM=.....................................14 CMDLINE=..........................................15 COLOR=............................................15 COSYSOP=..........................................15 COMn_BASE=........................................15 COMn_INT=.........................................15 COMn_IRQ=.........................................15 CONFERENCE=.......................................16 CTSCHECK=.........................................17 DATAPATH=.........................................17 DEBUG=............................................17 DEFAULTS=.........................................17 DIALSTRING=.......................................18 DIRECT=...........................................18 DIRECTORY=........................................18 DIRPW=............................................18 DOORMENU=.........................................19 DOORSYS=..........................................19 ENTERMSG=.........................................19 EVENT=............................................19 EXECSWAP=.........................................19 HOURS=............................................20 INITSTRING=.......................................20 KBDTIMER=.........................................21 LOCKBAUD=.........................................21 LOGFILE=..........................................21 LPT=..............................................21 MAILMENU=.........................................21 MAINMENU=.........................................21 MATCHLEVEL=.......................................21 MDM300=...........................................22 MDM1200=..........................................22 MDM2400=..........................................22 MDM4800=..........................................22 MDM9600=..........................................22 MDM19200=.........................................22 MDM38400=.........................................22 MDM57600=.........................................22 MENU (general)....................................22 MENU=ANSI.........................................22 MENU=BUZZBACK.....................................23 MENU=CHANGEDIR....................................23 MENU=DOWNLOAD.....................................23 MENU=ECHODOOR.....................................23 --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page iii --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Table of Contents MENU=FILEDESC.....................................23 MENU=HELP.........................................23 MENU=LOGDRIVE.....................................23 MENU=KNOWNCALLER..................................23 MENU=MSGTOSYSOP...................................23 MENU=OPERATOR.....................................24 MENU=PROGRAMDIR...................................24 MENU=QUESTIONNAIRE................................24 MENU=READLOG......................................24 MENU=SEARCH.......................................24 MENU=TRAPDOOR.....................................25 MENU=UPLOAD.......................................25 MENU=VIEWBULL.....................................25 MENU=ZIPPYDIRSCAN.................................25 MODEMDELAY=.......................................25 MSGRECS=..........................................26 NEWPVTMSG=........................................26 NEWUSERSECURITY=..................................26 NEWUSERTIMELIMIT=.................................26 NOTIMERS=.........................................26 OFFHOOK=..........................................26 OPTION=...........................................27 PORT=.............................................27 PRINTER=..........................................27 PROTECT (general).................................27 PROTOCOL=SEND.....................................28 PROTOCOL=RECEIVE..................................28 QUIET=............................................28 RESETSTRING=......................................28 RETRIES=..........................................29 REVMSGFILE=.......................................29 RINGBACK=.........................................29 RINGPIN=..........................................29 SAVESCRN=.........................................29 SEPARATORS=.......................................30 SHOWSWAPMSG=......................................30 START=............................................30 SWAPTOEMS=........................................30 SYSOP=............................................30 TDSTRING=.........................................30 TEMPDIR=..........................................30 TRAPDOOR=.........................................31 UPLOAD=...........................................32 UPLOADINPLACE=....................................32 USER DEFINED MENUS (general)......................33 USERLOCK=.........................................34 USERMENU=.........................................34 XONXOFF=..........................................34 BULLETINS.................................................35 CALLER MENU OPTIONS.......................................36 GENERAL OPTIONS.......................................36 (A)NSI Color - on/off.............................36 --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page iv --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Table of Contents (B)uzz Back.......................................36 (C)hange Directory................................36 (D)ownload File...................................36 (E)cho Mail.......................................37 (F)ile Descriptions...............................37 (G)oodbye Logoff..................................37 (H)elp with MHOST.................................37 (K)nown Caller Log................................37 (L)og new Drive...................................38 (M)essage System..................................38 (O)perator Chat...................................38 (P)rogram Directory...............................38 (Q)uestionaire....................................38 (S)earch for File.................................38 (U)pload File.....................................38 (V)iew Bulletins..................................38 (Z)ippy Dir Scan..................................39 (+)-Trap DOOR(s)..................................39 (*)-Read Log File.................................39 (&)-Add Prog Desc. (SysOp Only)..................39 KNOWN CALLER LOG SYSTEM OPTIONS.......................40 (K)nown Caller Log................................40 (A)dd Caller (SysOp Only).....................40 (C)ompress Database (SysOp Only).............40 (D)elete by Record (SysOp Only)..............40 (E)dit Caller Info............................40 (I)nquire Personal............................40 (G)oodbye Logoff..............................40 (L)ist Callers................................41 (S)end to Printer (SysOp Only)...............41 (P)ause Toggle................................41 (Q)uit to Main................................41 (R)ebuild Database (SysOp Only)..............41 (X)pert Mode..................................41 MESSAGE DATABASE SYSTEM OPTIONS.......................42 (M)essage System..................................42 (B)ackward Read...............................42 (C)ompress Database (SysOp Only).............42 (D)elete by Record (SysOp Only)..............42 (E)nter Message...............................42 (F)orward Read................................42 (G)oodbye Logoff..............................42 (I)ndividual Message..........................42 (L)ist to Printer (SysOp Only)..............43 (M)essage Area................................43 (N)ew Messages................................43 (P)ause Toggle................................43 (Q)uit to Main................................43 (R)ebuild Database (SysOp Only)..............43 (S)earch Messages.............................43 (X)pert Mode..................................43 (Y)our Mail...................................44 FUNCTION KEYS.............................................45 --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page v --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Table of Contents MODEM DIP SWITCH AND OTHER EQUIPMENT SETTINGS.............47 Hayes 1200 External Settings..........................47 Hayes 1200B Internal Modem (Early Model)..............47 Hayes 1200B Internal Modem Switch Settings............48 Hayes 1200B Model 07/00043 Internal Modem.............48 US Robotics 2400 and 9600.............................48 AST Six Pack..........................................48 AT cable configuration................................49 KNOWN COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS..............................50 MISCELLANEOUS TIPS AND SETTINGS...........................51 Entering SysOp Information............................51 More on INITSTRING....................................51 Hayes 1200 baud modems............................52 Hayes 2400 baud modems............................53 Multi-Tech 2400 baud modems.......................53 US Robotics Courier HST 9600......................53 Everex Evercom 24 modems..........................53 Everex 24 MNP modems..............................53 BuzzBack Info.........................................54 Single User System....................................54 MINIHOST to MAXIHOST Conversion.......................54 MAXIHOST to MEGAHOST Conversion.......................54 Running DOS (or a program) from a remote..............56 Using MEGAHOST with Doorway...........................57 BIG Terminal..........................................58 Testimonials..........................................59 Definition Of Shareware...............................60 Disclaimer - Agreement................................61 Omsbudsman............................................62 Registration Information..............................63 --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page vi --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Introduction ─────────────────────────────────────── INTRODUCTION ─────────────────────────────────────── WHY ANOTHER BBS? ─────────────────────────────────────── The original purpose of MEGAHOST was to allow the consultant or programmer to call his office from elsewhere and retrieve programs he had forgotten to bring along. It was to be a simple program with only a few features. But, as happens with programs of this kind, I kept wondering what it would be like if I did just changed this, added that . . . so it grew into what you see: a powerful host program, or full featured BBS. THE SMALL PRINT ─────────────────────────────────────── This program is not public domain; it is a copyright work protected by US and international law. Registration is required when used on a regular basis (more than a few times). Read opening screen for details. You are welcome to make copies and pass these on to others, but: * you should distribute the entire package, complete with all documentation and other files; * you may charge no more than $10 per disk for copying, and if you do charge you must make it clear that this payment is for copying only and does not cover the cost of the MEGAHOST registration. * you may not distribute MEGAHOST together with any product that you sell. No exception to these conditions may be made without my specific written permission. When you use MEGAHOST, you assume full responsibility for it; in no event shall I be responsible for any damages whatsoever that may be due to errors in the program or documentation, or your failure to read, understand, or follow instructions in the latter. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 1 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Introduction This file mentions the names of various commercial products; many of these names are trademarks or registered trademarks. Source code is not available, so please don't ask for it. CHANGES FROM MINIHOST ─────────────────────────────────────── MEGAHOST has the following enhancements over MINIHOST: * Improved Message System database * Message System printing * Support for 9600 and 19200 bps modems * Support for Multi-taskers * Event Scheduling * Questionnaire facility * Operator Chat hours. * Trap DOOR menuing system * Menu driven DIRECTORY changes * Supports up to fifteen external file transfer protocols * Releases all but 12k when in a door or a DOS shell. * File description updates in any directory * Data files may be in a separate directory * Twenty five character CONFERENCE descriptions * ANSI graphics new user, help, and goodbye screens * Creation of DOOR.SYS file CHANGES FROM MAXIHOST ─────────────────────────────────────── MEGAHOST has the following MAJOR enhancements over MAXIHOST: * MEGAHOST can be configured for either a hierarchical or non- hierarchial security structure. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 2 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Introduction * Message File System (MFS) goes away. MEGAHOST utilizes a sophisticated message database system. * MEGAHOST now utilizes a sophisticated caller database system. No more 500 known caller limit! * Support for greater than 2 billion messages and user entries! * User Defined Menus --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 3 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Introduction ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ─────────────────────────────────────── I want to thank Rod Cole, Jimmy Nord, Matt Wakeley, Ted DeCastro, Chuck Childers, Lyle Eddy, Andy Walsh, Peter Evans, Carl Sagerquist, Jim Spheekas, Don Lokke, and many others for the help they have provided. This has included suggestions, coding, and system documentation. It is truly appreciated. I use PIBASYNC routines from: Philip Burns (PIB). HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS ─────────────────────────────────────── This program is written to run on an IBM PC (or PC clone) with 384K RAM and PC-DOS 3.X or higher. It can be used with floppies, but is written with a hard drive in mind. It needs a Hayes (or compatible) modem, although information is supplied below for use with certain alternatives. It should be used at 8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit to enable Xmodem transfers, but will operate at 7 data bits, even parity. A printer may be used to log calls. Enter ANSI.SYS into the CONFIG.SYS file as follows: DEVICE=A:\ANSI.SYS or DEVICE=C:\DOS\ANSI.SYS You will most likely have to increase the number of files available to DOS. If you don't have enough you may get a 'Too many files' error. You can increase the number of files available by entering the following into your CONFIG.SYS: FILES=30 FILES ─────────────────────────────────────── The following files are used by MEGAHOST. An * means created by MEGAHOST. ????????.$$$ * Temporary file MAILFIL.DAT * Message data file MAILFIL.IX * Message index file USRSFIL.DAT * Caller data file USRSFIL.IX * Caller index file --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 4 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Introduction ECHODOOR.BAT Used to invoke optional 3rd party echo mail system EVENT.BAT Used to call external programs at a certain time BATCH1.BAT Tests BATCHLOG front end - See BATCHLOG= BATCH2.BAT Sample BATCHLOG.BAT file - See BATCHLOG= BATCHLOG.BAT Used for alternative logon front end BATCHON.BAT Used to call external programs upon logon BATCHOFF.BAT Used to call external programs upon logoff BATCHLOG.DAT * Created when BATCHLOG=Y CHNGMNU?.G01 Sample CHANGE DIRECTORY menu - See User Defined Menus DOORMNU?.G01 Sample TRAPDOOR menu - See User Defined Menus MAILMNU?.G01 Sample MAIL menu - See User Defined Menus MAINMNU?.G01 Sample MAIN menu - See User Defined Menus BULLETIN.G00 ANSI color bulletin menu BULLETIN.T00 ASCII bulletin menu BULLETIN.G?? ANSI color bulletin where ?? is a number 01-99 BULLETIN.T?? ASCII bulletin where ?? is a number 01-99 HELP.G00 ANSI color help menu file (edit to suit) displayed to caller by the '(H)elp with MHost' menu option HELP.T00 Non-ANSI color menu help file (edit to suit) displayed to caller by the '(H)elp with MHost' menu option where ?? is a number 01-99 HELP.G?? ANSI color help file (edit to suit) displayed to caller by the '(H)elp with MHost' menu option where ?? is a number 01-99 HELP.T?? Non-ANSI color help file (edit to suit) displayed to caller by the '(H)elp with MHost' menu option GOODBYE.G01 ANSI color text file (edit to suit) displayed upon logging off the system GOODBYE.T01 Non-ANSI color text file (edit to suit) displayed upon logging off the system MEGAHOST.CNF Configures MEGAHOST (described below) --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 5 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Introduction MEGAHOST.EXE Main executable program MEGAHOST.DOC This file MEGAHOST.LOG * Created for caller log and comments WELCOME.G01 ANSI color file displayed after carrier WELCOME.T01 Non-ANSI color file displayed after carrier NEWUSER.G01 ANSI color file displayed for new users NEWUSER.T01 Non-ANSI color file displayed for new users READ.ME Last-minute news TRAPDOOR.BAT Provides a 'trapdoor' to a program or batch file that you select TRAPDOO?.BAT Same as above where ? would be a letter A - Z and there is at least one TRAPDOOR= keyword in the .CNF file. See below. UPLDDIR.BBS * Created by system for upload files where 'UPLDDIR' is the directory represented by the UPLOAD= keyword WATCHDG1.COM Public domain program to monitor carrier detect: Port 1 version WATCHDG2.COM Port 2 version QUESTION.IN Sample Questionnaire input file - See QUESTIONNAIRE QUESTION.OUT * Questionnaire output file - See QUESTIONNAIRE DOOR.SYS * See DOORSYS= later in this document. DORINFO1.DEF * See DOORSYS= later in this document. MEGAHST1.DEF * See DOORSYS= later in this document. Deleting the MAILFIL.* or USRSFIL.* files will cause MEGAHOST to recreate the files on the next call. Deleting either of the .IX files will cause the releted database to be reindexed next call. The data from the UPLDDIR.BBS file can be moved to the proper download directory and placed in a file there: these might be DNLDDIR and DNLDDIR.BBS respectively, or for games, GAMES and GAMES.BBS. That part of the filename preceding the extension must be the same as the name of the directory. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 6 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Introduction A word on updates: Although I will try and provide compatibility between different versions of MEGAHOST, I cannot guarantee it. You should use and where necessary modify the files provided with each new version (particularly MEGAHOST.CNF) rather than use those from its predecessors. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 7 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Installation ─────────────────────────────────────── INSTALLATION ─────────────────────────────────────── MODEM ─────────────────────────────────────── MEGAHOST is supplied configured for a 'Hayes-compatible' modem. If your modem is not Hayes compatible, see 'MODEM SETTINGS', below. DIRECTORY STRUCTURE ─────────────────────────────────────── The suggested implementation is to make a subdirectory MEGAHOST off the root (if you use the DOS internal command for this, MD \MEGAHOST). All files accompanying this within the bundled archive file should be placed within this subdirectory. A PATH MUST BE SET TO THIS SUBDIRECTORY in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file BEFORE running MEGAHOST, or it will not work correctly. This is accomplished by the line PATH=C:\MEGAHOST. Also, make sure the COMSPEC includes the drive specifier. I use SET COMSPEC=C:\DOS\COMMAND.COM but if COMMAND.COM is in the root, use SET COMSPEC=C:\COMMAND.COM. If COMSPEC is already pointing at COMMAND.COM, you need not include the SET command in your AUTOEXEC.BAT. Some problems involving COMSPEC have been resolved either by placing a path to COMMAND.COM, or by placing COMMAND.COM within the \MEGAHOST directory (which should still have a path set to it). I suggest the upload directory be installed as MD C:\UPLD. The keyword UPLOAD=C:\UPLD should then be specified, as explained below. NOTE: Data Files may now be placed in a separate drive/directory then the executables. See DATAPATH= below. Floppy users may also use subdirectories as described above. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 8 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Installation SECURITY LEVEL ─────────────────────────────────────── This concept is essential to MEGAHOST, and its generous implementation is one of the program's main features. As the SysOp (System Operator) you determine the level of security for just about any aspect of your own MEGAHOST -- notably, each item that appears on the menu that a caller sees -- and specify these levels in MEGAHOST.CNF. This file determines the clearance level a caller must have in order to select the option, download a file, log onto a subdirectory, etc. Security levels are handled differently depending upon the MATCHLEVEL keyword. (For details, see 'CONFIGURATION FILE' below.) --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 9 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: In and Out of MEGAHOST ─────────────────────────────────────── IN AND OUT OF MEGAHOST ─────────────────────────────────────── STARTING UP MEGAHOST ─────────────────────────────────────── Once you have configured the program, to use it you will simply log onto the subdirectory in which you have installed it, and call it up. MEGAHOST will briefly show you a copyright / registration screen while it is reading the configuration file and then will wait for a caller. USING MEGAHOST IN LOCAL MODE ─────────────────────────────────────── To use the program in local mode, press ESC any time you see the 'Waiting for Call' screen. You will then need to answer the 'First & Last Name:' and 'Password:' prompts just as if you had called from somewhere else (a remote system). Directory Status Line ───────────────────── The current directory, maximum time allowed, and time left are shown here. The format is: drive:\directory hours:minutes-timeleft. e.g. C:\PUBLIC\DONS 00:37-23 where C:\PUBLIC\DONS is the current directory, 00:37 is the time elapsed, in hours and minutes, and 23 is the number of minutes remaining before disconnection. In this example, the callers allowed time on the system is limited to 60 minutes. Quitting MEGAHOST and Exiting to DOS ──────────────────────────────────── To quit, you must press ESC at the 'Waiting for Call' screen, then press Enter at the 'First & Last Name:' prompt. MEGAHOST will then terminate and you will be back at the DOS prompt. This can only be done from local mode (while at the keyboard). --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 10 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration ─────────────────────────────────────── SYSTEM CONFIGURATION ─────────────────────────────────────── CONFIGURATION FILE ─────────────────────────────────────── System configuration is determined by the following switches within the configuration file MEGAHOST.CNF. You can edit this file with the editor of your choice. Entries starting with semi colons are considered comments and are ignored. (If you use a word processor, make sure to use it in ASCII mode. If unsure about this, look in the manual for advice on how to use the word processor to write source code or messages for upload to remote systems.) ALLOW300=Y "Y" allows 300 Baud modems to use the system. "N" would prohibit 300 baud modems from coming on. ANSIDELAY=Y Setting this to 'N' eliminates a short pause added when displaying ANSI output that causes some high speed modems to miss ANSI escape sequences which displays garbage on the display screen. ANSWERSTRING=ATA This string causes the modem to answer. ASKFILECHECK=N If set to Y then the system will ask the caller if it should display new file names since the last time the caller was on the system. If set to N the system WILL DISPLAY the new files without asking. ASKMAILCHECK=N If set to Y then the system will ask the caller if it should check for new messages since the last time the caller was on the system. If set to N the system will check for new messages without asking. AUTOINDUCTION=Y Causes the Induction function to be called upon logon if the caller is not recognized by the system. The caller will be disconnected if the induction process fails. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 11 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration BATCHLOG=N The BATCHLOG function is not fully supported in MEGAHOST. It is available only as it was implemented in MAXIHOST and does not support MEGAHOST's special features. If BATCHLOG=Y, MEGAHOST selects an alternate, user-written, batch logon routine; it is up to the SysOp to provide one that is CTTY compatible (INT 21). After the carrier is detected, the file BATCHLOG.BAT is invoked by MEGAHOST. The batch file would call your logon routine. This can provide a custom front end for a business to tailor to its requirements. The user program must create an ASCII file, BATCHLOG.DAT, containing the following information: USER=FIRST LAST SECURITY=9 TIMELIMIT=60 KBDTIMER=3 BUZZBACK=836-2402 ANSI=Y (The above keywords should not have leading spaces in the file; they are only shown this way here for clarity) BATCHLOG.DAT is read by MEGAHOST upon return. If BATCHLOG.DAT is not found, the caller's security defaults to 0. If SECURITY = NEWUSERSECURITY then NEWUSER.?00 will be displayed. If SECURITY is a negative number the user is logged off. The USER field length is 25 characters. If BATCHLOG=Y you must toggle Batchlog OFF by pressing SHIFT-F7 from the Configuration Screen before pressing ESC to exit MEGAHOST. This feature is left in to provide compatability with MEGAHOST but is no longer supported. BATCHON=N If BATCHON=Y, MEGAHOST will execute the batch file BATCHON.BAT just before a caller views the newuser screens, the bulletins, or checking for mail. This allows the SysOp to customize the system with external routines such as checking a badname file against the callers name or giving the caller his fortune or horiscope. External programs such as these are available for download from various BBS's throughout the country. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 12 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration BATCHOFF=N If BATCHOFF=Y or B, MEGAHOST will execute BATCHOFF.BAT just <B>efore logging the caller off. If BATCHOFF=A, MEGAHOST will execute the batch file BATCHOFF.BAT just <A>fter logoff. This allows the SysOp to customize the system with routines such as personal messages, updating bulletins, logs, etc. External programs such as these are user supplied and may be downloaded from various MEGAHOST BBS's throughout the country. BAUD=1200 Selects initial baud rate. Usually this is set to the highest allowed by the modem, which at connection moves down to that of the caller if necessary. For example, if you are using a 9600 baud modem, you would normally set this switch to 9600. NOTE: To the best of my knowledge the Multi Tech 2400 should be set to 300 as it moves UP to the correct speed. BBSNAME=MEGAHOST Support BBS Replace 'MEGAHOST Support BBS' with your system's name. You have up to 25 characters. BIOS=Y This prevents the program from writing directly to the screen. It is MUCH faster to set BIOS=N. Under the supported multitaskers DesqView, TaskView, TopView, DoubleDos, and Microsoft Windows, BIOS may be set to N and direct screen writes will occur correctly within the proper window CALLBACK=N If set to Y, mandatory BUZZBACK is invoked. This provides a great deal of security. A user places a call to MEGAHOST. After his password is confirmed, MEGAHOST hangs up and returns a call to the telephone number placed in the caller database's Data Phone Number field for that caller. The user gives his first name, last name and password again and is then able to log on. You may need to add S7=60 to your INITSTRING. Also see BUZZBACK and RINGBACK. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 13 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration CALLERRECS=500 This number sets the maximum number of callers available to the Caller Database. Once this number is reached, caller entries must be deleted before new ones can be added. You may always increase this number if you run out of room. You may NOT reduce the size of the database any smaller than the highest message number. You may, however, delete all USRSFIL.* files and start over if necessary. Additional utilities should be available by the time you read this that will help you better maintain this database. CHANGEMENU=CHNGMNU1;0 See USER DEFINED MENUS CHECKAPI=N If set to Y (for Yes), optional MEGA_API.EXE program is being used. MEGA_API.EXE is not bundled with MEGAHOST but may be obtained from the Support BBS. CHECKBIG=N If set to Y (for Yes), MEGAHOST will give callers a choice of ASCII, ANSI, or BIG terminal protocols. When the BIG protocol is chosen, it is assumed that the caller is using the Terminal Program BIG and MEGAHOST requests BIG's status. Three modes of BIG are supported - DEMO-LEVEL, REGISTERED, and REGISTERED-ADLIB. If the BIG Terminal is in REGISTERED-ADLIB mode, text files and menu screens ending with the extension '.3??' will be displayed. If it's in REGISTERED level then text files and menu screens ending with '.2??' will be displayed. And finally, if it's in the DEMO-LEVEL then files with the extension '.1??' will be displayed. If REGISTERED-ADLIB '.3??' files are not provided, then REGISTERED '.2??' files will be displayed. If REGISTERED '.2??' files are not available, then MEGAHOST will attempt to display DEMO-LEVEL '.1??' files. If DEMO- LEVEL files are not found, ANSI '.G??' files are tried, and if failed, then ASCII '.T??' files are attempted. If '.T??' files are not available... then NO files are displayed. NOTE: When a BIG file is being transmitted to the caller, the files ARE NOT displayed on the BBS side. Instead, the SysOp is notified that a BIG file is being sent. See BIG TERMINAL for more information. CLOSEDSYSTEM=Y If set to Y (for Yes), anyone giving a name not found in the caller database file will have NO access -- he'll be disconnected. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 14 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration If set to N (No -- an OPEN system), then a new caller will have the security level set by NEWUSER= in this file. CMDLINE=N Select Y if you wish to invoke MEGAHOST from a front end mailer such as FRONT DOOR. The batch file invoking MEGAHOST should send the connected baud rate as its first command line parameter followed by 'CARRIER' if invoked remotely, or 'LOCAL' if invoked locally. If the parameters are not given the CMDLINE=Y is ignored. For example: MEGAHOST 9600 CARRIER would invoke MEGAHOST at 9600 baud with carrier checked. MEGAHOST 9600 LOCAL would invoke MEGAHOST with no carrier checking. COLOR=Y Selects color mode. Select Y if you are using a color monitor with a color graphics adapter, N otherwise. COSYSOP=DON MANKIN Replace 'DON MANKIN' with your co-SysOp's name. The co-SysOp has certain privileges normal callers do not. Comment out this line (put a ; in the first character position of this entry in the MEGAHOST.CNF file) if no co-SysOp is wanted! COMn_BASE= and COMn_INT= and COMn_IRQ= The following are default values, Procomm compatible: COM1_BASE=$3F8 COM1_INT=$0C COM1_IRQ=$04 COM2_BASE=$2F8 COM2_INT=$0B COM2_IRQ=$03 COM3_BASE=$3E8 COM3_INT=$0C COM3_IRQ=$04 COM4_BASE=$2E8 COM4_INT=$0B COM4_IRQ=$03 They establish the port addresses, the interrupt lines, and the IRQ's for the UART. You should specify any changes in the .CNF file -- if you know what you are doing! --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 15 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration CONFERENCE=1;GENERAL;0;Miscellaneous Topics CONFERENCE=2;BETATEST;9;Beta Test Conference You may have up to ten conference entries. Each conference entries should begin with a unique id number 1 - 32767. This number is used by the (M)essage System to associate a message with a conference. Once established, you must not change a conference's id number. Doing so would get your conferences mixed up. You may, however, delete conferences, and sort them. For instance, suppose you wanted to add a conference between: CONFERENCE=1;CATS;0;Cat Stuff and CONFERENCE=2;ZEBRAS;0;Zebra Stuff. You could do the following: CONFERENCE=1;CATS;0;Cat Stuff CONFERENCE=3;DOGS;0;Dog Stuff and CONFERENCE=2;ZEBRAS;0;Zebra Stuff. Later you could even delete a conference as in CONFERENCE=3;DOGS;0;Dog Stuff and CONFERENCE=2;ZEBRAS;0;Zebra Stuff. As long as the id's have not been changed the message database will be intact. If you do decide to delete a conference entry, make sure you delete the associated messages from the message database first. The identifier following the id would be the conference name, followed by the security level, followed by the description. Your conference name and description may contain up to 25 characters. If you do not specify at least one conference in the configuration file, one GENERAL conference will be the default. If MATCHLEVEL=Y then the syntax for CONFERENCE could be: CONFERENCE=2;ZEBRAS;0,5,8,100;Zebra Stuff Notice that the allowed security levels are separated with commas. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 16 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration CTSCHECK=N MEGAHOST defaults to CTS checking off. A 'Y' argument here will enable it. CTS checking is required to support higher baud rate modems. Note that some external file tranfer protocols seem to function poorly with CTS checking on. DATAPATH=C:\MEGAHOST\DATA You may store your data files on a separate drive and directory by stating it here. Your data files include bulletins, welcome, newuser, messages, and user files. Executables would be kept in the directory MEGAHOST would be run from. C:\MEGAHOST for instance. Executables would include .EXE, .BAT, and .COM files. The configuration file must also exist in the executable directory. I keep MAXHOST.EXE, MEGAHOST.CNF, TRAPDOOR.BAT, and all my external file transfer programs together in my executable directory. DEBUG=N If DEBUG=Y then WELCOME, NEWUSER, and GOODBYE text files will be displayed when the SysOp logs on locally. Also, BATCHON.BAT and BATCHOFF.BAT will be executed if they are set to be executed. Also, record information is displayed when viewing records in the database systems. If set off, non of the above will occur when logged on locally. DEFAULTS=100 This works with PROTECT= to let you decide which of your users can go where on your system; it sets protection defaults for drives and directories not named in a PROTECT= line. Regardless of a DEFAULTS=9 setting, a caller with security level 5, say, would be able to access drives or directories having PROTECT= set at 5 or less, e.g. PROTECT=A;5 or PROTECT=C:\GAMES;5 -- however, that user could not change to a directory not so listed as it would default to a security level of 9. In short, PROTECT= takes precedence over DEFAULTS=. If MATCHLEVEL=Y then the syntax for DEFAULTS would be: DEFAULTS=0,5,8,100 Notice that the allowed security levels are separated with commas. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 17 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration DIALSTRING=ATDP This string tells MEGAHOST to use ATDP as the dialing prefix, for a dial (pulse) telephone line. Use ATDT for touch tone. This configures the modem for use with the Buzz Back and Call Back features explained later. DIRECT=N (Replaces LAN=) If DIRECT=Y then MEGAHOST infers it is connected to another computer via a 'null modem' serial connection instead of via modem. Carrier detect must be forced on. This method has been used to transfer files between two machines connected via a null modem cable. MEGAHOST has also been tested in this configuration with limited success on an Ungermann-Bass broadband LAN. Flow control may prevent Xmodem file transfer. Experiment with this if you wish. DIRECTORY=C:\NEWFILES;0;MEGAHOST Programs;UPLOADED.FILES This allows for programmatic change of directories within a list. You may have up to 50 of these entries. The directory is first, followed by the security level, then the description. If the caller selects a menu choice here, the security level is determined by the level in DIRECTORY=. If the caller enters the directory name manually, the security level is determined first by a DIRPW= entry, and if not found, then a PROTECT= entry, and if a PROTECT= entry is not found, the DEFAULTS= security level is used. See DEFAULTS above, DIRPW and PROTECT below. The 4th argument, UPLOADED.FILES is an optional directory alias. It can be up to 25 characters maximum. Some SysOps wish to 'hide' real directory information from the caller. If a directory alias exists, it will be displayed rather than the real directory when changing directories, searching, etc. If MATCHLEVEL=Y then the syntax for DIRECTORY would be: DIRECTORY=C:\NEWFILES;0,5,8,100;MEGAHOST Programs Notice that the allowed security levels are separated with commas. DIRPW=C:\SECRET;PASSWORD This allows password protection of directories. In the above example, the directory SECRET on drive C: would require the password of PASSWORD. You may have up to 5 DIRPW entries. Directory security precedence is determined in the following order: DIRECTORY=, DIRPW=, PROT=, and finally DEFAULTS=. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 18 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration DOORMENU=DOORMNU1;0 See USER DEFINED MENUS DOORSYS=0 Setting this to 1 creates a small version of DOOR.SYS file in the directory pointed to by DATAPATH=. This file is for the benefit of Doorway and is defined in the documentation provided with it. Setting it to a '2' creates a DORINFO1.DEF file as required by Door programs written for QuickBBS and others. Setting this to any number other than 0 also creates the file MEGAHST1.DEF. This text file, currently, contains all of the current callers information as required by MEGAHOST. It is provided for those programmers whom which to design their own door programs. ENTERMSG=1 A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to leave messages to other users. (Replaces MENU=ENTERMSG) EVENT=Y;24 Setting event to Y enables event scheduling. The event will be triggered, in the above example, at 12 midnight. Should a caller be on the system at midnight, the caller will be logged off. The batch file EVENT.BAT, created by the SysOp, will then be executed by MEGAHOST. As in HOURS=, MEGAHOST accepts only 24 hour increments. Allowable hours are 01 - 24. Half hour increments are ignored. For instance, 2330 would set off the event at 11pm. NOTE: If a caller is transferring files using an external file transfer protocol, and is on during the event time, the event COULD BE MISSED! EXECSWAP=N If EXECSWAP=Y then the amount of memory MEGAHOST leaves resident in memory while executing external programs is approximately 12k. Most of MEGAHOST is swapped out to EMS or disk if EMS is not available. This leaves almost all of your system's memory available to your programs called from (+)- Trap Door! One note of caution using this feature. It is never a good idea to run a TSR from within a child process. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 19 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration HOURS=18;08 This would make (O)perator Chat available to those callers with the proper security level (See MENU=OPERATOR below) between, in the example above, the hours of 6pm through 8am. As in EVENT=, MEGAHOST accepts only 24 hour increments. Allowable hours are 01 - 24. Half hour increments are ignored. For instance, 2330 would be recognized as 11pm. The HOURS= availability may be forced on via SHIFT-F10 in the F1 Configuration Screen. INITSTRING=ATE0M0Q0V1X1S0=0S1=0 This is the INITSTRING for Hayes 1200 baud modems. Your communications program (e.g. Procomm, Qmodem, etc) must be responsible for resetting the modem. Hayes 2400 baud modems: INITSTRING=AT&D2V1Q0E0S0=0&C1&T5L3B1M1 Multi-Tech 2400 baud modems: INITSTRING=ATE0M0Q0V1X1S0=0S1=0&Q1 US Robotics Courier HST 9600: INITSTRING=ATE0M0Q0V1X1S0=0S1=0&B0&H0&I0&N0 Racal Vadic 1200/2400/9600 modems: INITSTRING=AT&C1&D2E0M0Q0V1X4S0=0S1=0 Everex Evercom 24 modems: INITSTRING=ATE0Q0V1X4L3S7=60 Adding S7=60 increases to 60 seconds the time the modem is to wait for a carrier after dialing. This may be necessary for BuzzBack to work. You may have two INITSTRING= entries each consisting of 40 characters or less. If you can fit all of your commands into one INITSTRING= you should do so. Using two strings lengthens the time required for resets. If you enter a command into your INITSTRING that is not recognized by your modem, the entire INITSTRING is ignored by the modem. See 'MORE ON INITSTRING' below for further information, particularly on troublesome modems. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 20 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration KBDTIMER=0 KBDTIMER=3 limits a caller to three minutes of keyboard inactivity before the program cuts him off. By setting KBDTIMER to 0, keyboard timeout is deactivated. Setting KBDTIMER to 0 disables keyboard checking and causes ASCII uploads to be quicker. Some laptops that experienced truncation of the first characters of each line during uploads work much better without keyboard checking on. LOCKBAUD=N This option was introduced in an attempt to support US Robotics 9600 and 14400 modems. If LOCKBAUD=Y then your modem will communicate to the UART at the speed specified by the BAUD= keyword in your MEGAHOST.CNF file instead of the baud rate your caller has connected with. LOGFILE=Y Directs tracking output and comments to a disk file. If you specify Y then MEGAHOST creates a file MEGAHOST.LOG, records in it everything a user does, and appends to it records of subsequent activity. This is an especially good idea for OPEN systems; it enables the SysOp to see who uploaded/downloaded what and when. (PRINTER=Y also directs this output to the printer.) LPT=1 Indicates which printer port to send printed output to. LPT=1 indicates LPT1, LPT=2 indicates LPT2, and LPT=0 indicates to send printed output to the MEGAHOST.LOG file. MAILMENU=MAILMNU1;0 See USER DEFINED MENUS MAINMENU=MAINMNU1;0 See USER DEFINED MENUS MATCHLEVEL=N MEGAHOST normally uses a hierarchical security structure. An example of hierarchical security would be if a callers security level were 10, his/her access to menu options, protected directories, conferences, and so on, would be restricted to those that were protected at levels 10 or below. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 21 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration If MATCHLEVEL=Y then menu options, protected directories, conferences, etc, would have several security levels associated with them. A callers security level must MATCH one of the security levels associated with that item to gain access to that item. MDM300=CONNECT;1 MDM1200=CONNECT 1200;5 MDM2400=CONNECT 2400;10 MDM4800=CONNECT 4800;11 MDM9600=CONNECT 9600;12 MDM19200=CONNECT 19200;14 MDM38400=CONNECT 38400;-1 MDM57600=CONNECT 57600;-1 The above defaults configure MEGAHOST to be compatible with Hayes V Series Modems. These should not have to be modified unless you have a modem that supports baud rates of 9600 or greater and is not a Hayes V Series compatible modem. First, you have the keyword, a semicolon, the verbal connect string, a colon, and then the numeric connect string. If your modem does not support a particular baud rate, set the numeric result code to -1. An example of a US Robotics Courier HST follows: MDM300=CONNECT;1 MDM1200=CONNECT 1200;5 MDM2400=CONNECT 2400;10 MDM4800=CONNECT 4800;-1 MDM9600=CONNECT 9600;13 MDM19200=CONNECT 19200;-1 MENU (general) If you wish to disable a particular menu item, simply specify a security level of -1. If MATCHLEVEL=Y then you may assign multiple security levels to a menu item. The security levels in the MENU statement would be separated with commas as in the following example. MENU=ANSI;0,5,8,100 See MATCHLEVEL= for more information. NOTE: MENU= configurations must be set EVEN IF the User Defined Menus are installed. MENU=ANSI;1 A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to get (A)NSI Color. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 22 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration MENU=BUZZBACK;9 A user needs a clearance level of 9 or higher to request a (B)uzz Back. Selecting this option will instruct MEGAHOST to call the user back at the number placed in the configuration file. MENU=CHANGEDIR;1 A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to (C)hange Directory (i.e. subdirectory). MENU=DOWNLOAD;1 A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to (D)ownload a File. MENU=ECHODOOR;1 A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to be able to invoke 3rd party echo mail facility. MENU=FILEDESC;1 A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to get (F)ile Descriptions. Selecting this option displays the file created by uploads or the & command. MENU=HELP;1 A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to get (H)elp with MEGAHOST, i.e. to view HELP.?01. This should be low if you are running an OPEN system and let new users have access. MENU=LOGDRIVE;1 A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to (L)og New Drive (for instance to change from drive C: to drive D: or E:). MENU=KNOWNCALLER;0 A user needs a security level of 0 or higher to enter the (K)nown Caller module. MENU=MSGTOSYSOP;0 A user needs a security level of 0 or higher to leave a (M)essage to SysOp. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 23 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration MENU=OPERATOR;1 A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to attempt an (O)perator Chat. The caller will get a 'not available' message if the request is outside the hours specified by the keyword HOURS=. MENU=PROGRAMDIR;1 A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to see the '(P)rogram Directory' option. This specifies whether he can get a listing of the filenames and sizes of the subdirectory or drive where he is located. MENU=QUESTIONNAIRE;1 Given a security level of 1 or more, MEGAHOST will read the file QUESTION.IN, display a line of it, allow the caller to respond, read another line, etc, until the end of the file is reached. The caller's responses are then written out to a file QUESTION.OUT. This is a very simple questionnaire procedure and no field type checking of any kind is done. MENU=READLOG;9 A user needs a clearance level of 9 or higher to be able to read the log containing private messages to the SysOp and caller statistics. MENU=SEARCH;1 A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to (S)earch for Files. Protected files and directories are not listed during the search. The logged drive, and all drives listed in the DIRECTORY= entries are searched. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 24 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration MENU=TRAPDOOR;9;Door Description A user needs a clearance level of 9 or higher to 'go out of the trap door'. Selecting (T)rap Door runs the batch file TRAPDOOR.BAT. Replace the line COMMAND in the batch file with the program of your choice. Just remember that the DOS CTTY command only provides INT 21 I/O, and anything poking to the screen or directly reading the keyboard will be lost. See TRAPDOOR.BAT or TRAPDOOR= for the command line arguments provided. If there is more than one TRAPDOOR= entry (up to nine) MEGAHOST will display a menu of available doors from which to choose. If the third choice were selected, then the batch file TRAPDOO3.BAT would be called. If the second were selected, TRAPDOO2.BAT would be called, etc. Only one TRAPDOOR= entry would call TRAPDOOR.BAT. The first selection from more than one would call TRAPDOO1.BAT for consistency. This enhancement replaces the (J)ump to DOS function in MINIHOST. A DOS shell could be an item off the list. Read 'Running DOS from a Remote' below for more details. MENU=UPLOAD;0 A user needs a clearance level of 0 or higher to (U)pload a File. A request to upload will be denied if space is not available. MENU=VIEWBULL;0 A user needs a clearance level of 0 or higher to view the bulletins. MENU=ZIPPYDIRSCAN;0 A user needs a clearance level of 0 or higher to be able to search for text within .BBS files. MODEMDELAY=5 This integer value constitutes a pause inserted between characters when AT command strings are sent to the modem. Most modems should work well with this set to 1. If your system IS NOT ANSWERING calls or the modem DOES NOT RESET then increase this number until it works. Some modems require a count of 10 or better (ouch!). This will slow down the recycle time between calls however. (Replaces SLOWMODEM=) --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 25 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration MSGRECS=50 This number sets the maximum number of messages available to the Message Database System. Once this number is reached, messages must be deleted before new ones can be added. You may always increase this number if you run out of room. You may NOT reduce the size of the database any smaller than the highest message number. You may, however, delete all MAILFIL.* files and start over if necessary. Additional utilities should be available by the time you read this that will help you better maintain this database. NEWPVTMSG=N If set to 'Y' then new callers are allowed to enter private messages to the SysOp. If the new caller's security is less than that specified by MENU=ENTERMSG but NEWPVTMSG=Y then that caller may not leave public or private messages to anyone other than the SYSOP=. NEWUSERSECURITY=0 Sets the clearance level for new users. NEWUSERTIMELIMIT=0 Sets the time limit for new users. NOTIMERS=100 Callers with a security level of 10 or above will NOT be logged off when they have been on the system longer than NEWUSERTIMELIMIT or when they have waited longer than KBDTIMER seconds between keystrokes. If MATCHLEVEL=Y then the syntax for NOTIMERS could be: NOTIMERS=0,5,8,100 Notice that the allowed security levels are separated with commas. OFFHOOK=N Setting to Y takes your modem off hook when in local mode. This encourages your callers to believe your system is in use, and not off line. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 26 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration OPTION=(S)pecial Stuff;S;SPECIAL;5 The OPTION keyword allows the SysOp to ADD or OVERRIDE main menu choices. In the above example, '(S)pecial Stuff' will be displayed as a menu option when UDF menus are NOT in effect, 'S' is the key that calls the batch file, 'SPECIAL.BAT' is the batch file invoked, and '5' is the security level required. Be advised that if you enter an existing MEGAHOST option, the existing option will be overridden by the one you provided. You will not be able to get the overridden option back, ie, you cannot reassign it to another key. Therefore, the (G)oodbye menu option cannot be overridden. In this example, the default menu option '(S)earch for file' is no longer available. The ';' semi- colon key is not possible to reassign because of the .CNF semi-colon delimiter. You may have up to 35 OPTION entries. See MATCHLEVEL= for more information. PORT=1 Selects serial port 1. If you are using serial port 2, this number should be 2. I have attempted to support ports 3 (1000/3E8, irq4) and 4 (2E8/744, irq3); try either at your own risk, as I have no way of testing it. PRINTER=N Changed to Y, this directs tracking output and comments to the printer. (To direct it to disk, use LOGFILE=Y.) PROTECT (general) If MATCHLEVEL=Y then you may assign multiple security levels to a protect item. The security levels in the PROTECT statement would be separated with commas as in the following example. PROTECT=C:\GAMES;0,5,8,100 See MATCHLEVEL= for more information. Only 50 PROTECT entries are allowed. Here are some examples as to how they can be used: PROTECT=A;9 A user cannot select drive A: without a clearance level of 9 or higher. (NOTE that there is no colon following the drive letter.) --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 27 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration PROTECT=*.CFG;9 No file with the extension .CFG can be downloaded without a clearance level of 9 or above. (Batch file transfer will disable this protection.) PROTECT=C:\GAMES;3 A user could not select directory C:\GAMES without a security level of 3 or above. PROTOCOL=SEND;Ymodem;dsz port %PORT% speed %BAUD% sb -k %FILENAME% PROTOCOL=RECEIVE;Ymodem;dsz port %PORT% speed %BAUD% rb; MEGAHOST includes two basic file transfer protocols, Xmodem and Xmodem-1k. Other file transfer protocols are available from various BBS's. MEGAHOST allows for SysOp configuration of any of these external protocols up to a total of ten SEND/RECEIVE sets. MEGAHOST's implementation of these protocols require them to be batch protocols. No prompt is given for received files. The PROTOCOL=SEND/RECEIVE indicates which menu, the upload or the download, will display and execute the protocol. The next item between the semicolons indicate how the item will be displayed on the menu. Finally, the command line as it will be sent to the external file transfer program. %PORT% will be replaced by your port number, %BAUD% will be replaced by the connected baud rate, %UART% will be replaced with the UARTS DTE speed, and %FILENAME% will be replaced by the filename(s). The above configuration calls DSZ requesting a Ymodem Batch file transfer. The sample MEGAHOST.CNF configuration file also includes configurations for Zmodem Ymodem-G, PCKermit, SEAlink, Lynx, and MegaLink. Be sure to set a path to the directory containing these file PRIOR to running MEGAHOST. The programs required for these protocols are not bundled with MEGAHOST but may be obtained from the MEGAHOST Support BBS or your local board. QUIET=N Setting this switch to 'Y' prevents the beep sent to the SysOp upon a callers connection. RESETSTRING=ATZ This string is sent to the modem during initialization and after each call. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 28 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration RETRIES=2 If set to 2, the caller may attempt 2 tries each at the 'First & Last Name:' and 'Password:' prompts before MEGAHOST logs you off. You may set this to 1, 3, 4, etc. See USERLOCK=. REVMSGFILE=N Normally MEGAHOST appends a new data to the bottom of the data file. This requires reading all the old data before getting to the new ones at the bottom. The technique is simple and requires little disk space. If REVMSGFILE=Y, on the other hand, MEGAHOST creates a temporary file: the new data is sent to it first, and the old data file is appended to the end of it. If this process is successful, the old data file is erased and the temporary file given its name. Descriptions for the upload and download .BBS files are handled in this manner. This method takes a little longer to add update its files. RINGBACK=N Changed to Y, this allows you to use MEGAHOST on your dedicated voice or FAX line. To trigger MEGAHOST, a second call must be received between 10 and 60 seconds after a first call. (The first call would not be answered; the would-be MEGAHOST user would hang up once he hears the ringing tone.) Ringback requires that the MEGAHOST system be call again within 60 seconds before it will answer the phone. If you have an answering recorder on the same line make sure it is set up to answer on the 3rd or 4th ring. This will enable you to call in from a remote, call MEGAHOST once, hang up, and call right back. Also see BUZZBACK and CALLBACK. RINGPIN=N MEGAHOST normally detects an incoming ring via a '2' or 'RING' from the modem. IF RINGPIN=Y, it will not get its ring indication from the modem, but directly from the serial card. Enabling this option will require pin 22 be available on the RS-232C cable. SAVESCRN=Y If set to Y the 'WAITING FOR CALL' screen will move on the screen at various intervals to avoid screen burn-in. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 29 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration SEPARATORS=N Set this to Y if you want line separators placed into the .BBS files. This requires additional time online for your callers to view (P)rogram Descriptions, but makes for a much more readable display. SHOWSWAPMSG=Y If set to 'N' then, even if EXECSWAP=Y, the 'Swapping MEGAHOST Out' message will not be displayed. Sometimes this message complicates the display. If SWAPTOEMS=Y then the swapping is so fast that the user need not be informed that the swap has occured. START=C:\PUBLIC Directory where MEGAHOST will start from. This allows you to invoke the program from one directory, and start callers off in another. For example, you may not allow users to have access to the directory or drive that contains the MEGAHOST program files. You might put these in \MEGAHOST but have the START line change to \PUBLIC once the program has started up. Another option would be to boot from drive C: but have the START line switch to drive D: (START=D:\). SWAPTOEMS=Y If set to N then EMS is not utilized during an ExecSwap. Only disk will be used. This is provided in the rare case of EMS incompatability. See EXECSWAP= for more details. SYSOP=DON MANKIN Replace 'DON MANKIN' with your own name. The SysOp has certain privileges over any other user. TDSTRING=Jump to DOS This determines how the Trap Door option will appear in the menu. For instance, if the external program you wish to run is the editor EDLIN, you could set TDSTRING=Editor. See TRAPDOOR= below. TEMPDIR=C:\MEGAHOST This directory is where the MAXISWAP.$$$ file will be saved if EXECSWAP=Y and there is insufficient EMS or SWAPTOEMS=N. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 30 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration TRAPDOOR=DOS Shell;9;Command Line Interpreter If MATCHLEVEL=Y then you may assign multiple security levels to a trapdoor menu item. The security levels in the TRAPDOOR statement would be separated with commas as in the following example. TRAPDOOR=DOS Shell;0,5,8,100;Command Line Interpreter See MATCHLEVEL= for more information. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 31 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration TRAPDOOR=DOS Shell;9;Command Line Interpreter You may have up to nine "TRAPDOOR= entries. In the above example, "DOS Shell" would be the menu item, "9" would be the security level for that item, and "Command Line Interpreter" would be the description of the item. Selecting a 1 from the (+)-Trap Door menu would execute TRAPDOO1.BAT, selecting a 2 would execute TRAPDOO2.BAT, etc through 9. If there are no TRAPDOOR= entries, then selecting (+) from the menu would automatically execute TRAPDOOR.BAT, and no menu would be presented. MENU=JUMPTODOS;n, available in MINIHOST, goes away. MEGAHOST passes the following command line parameters: %0 = name ofprogram called (.bat, .exe, .com) %1 = port number %2 = baud rate %3 = first name %4 = last name %5 = security level %6 = ANSI (Y or N) %7 = directory MEGAHOST was to started from %8 = CARRIER or LOCAL UPLOAD=C:\PUBLIC\UPLD Drive and directory where you want uploaded files to go. If this directory does not exist prior to running MEGAHOST you will get a 'Bad UPLD Parameter in *.CNF File' error message. UPLOADINPLACE=100 A caller given this security level would be allowed to upload to the currently logged in drive:\directory rather than be forced to upload to the directory specified by UPLOAD=. If MATCHLEVEL=Y then the syntax for UPLOADINPLACE could be: UPLOADINPLACE=0,5,8,100 Notice that the allowed security levels are separated with commas. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 32 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration USER DEFINED MENUS (general) MEGAHOST allows the SysOp to create alternative menu displays for the the following menus: main, change directory, trap door, mail, and known caller. You may have up to 10 menus for each. The example given will address the main menu, although any one of the following menus apply: CHANGEMENU= DOORMENU= MAILMENU= MAINMENU= USERMENU= Syntax for UDF menus is: MAINMENU=MAINMNU1;0 MAINMENU=MAINMNU2;100 MAINMENU=MAINMNU3;8 MAINMENU=MAINMNU4;5 and so one up to 10 entries. This menu 'array' is sorted in highest to lowest order by security level - the order each entry is read into memory is not important. If a caller with a security level of 0 calls in, MAINMNU2 is first checked, then MAINMNU3, then MAINMNU4, then finally MAINMNU1 will be displayed. If a caller with security level 7 calls in, MAINMNU2 is first checked, then MAINMNU3, then MAINMNU4 is checked and displayed. When a match is found, the search ends - only one menu will be displayed. Because only one menu can be displayed, it does not make sense to duplicate security levels. MAINMNU1 and the other examples represent 8 character names of files that exist in the directory pointed to by DATAPATH=. In this example, a caller whose security matches MAINMNU1 will either see MAINMNU1.G01 if ANSI is enabled, or MAINMNU1.T01 is it is not. If MATCHLEVEL=Y then you may assign multiple security levels to each menu entry. The security levels in the MAINMENU= statement would be separated with commas as in the following example. MAINMENU=MAINMNU1;0,5,8,100 MAINMENU=MAINMNU2;23,65,81,22 --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 33 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration In the case of MATCHLEVEL=Y, a callers security level must EXACTLY match one of the above menus security levels or no menu will be displayed! These entries are sorted by the first number of the available security levels so that the search order would be MAINMNU2 (security 23) first, then MAINMNU1 (security 0) second. This should not be significant providing you DO NOT DUPLICATE security levels. For additional information see MATCHLEVEL=. NOTE: The MENU= keywords MUST be configured to provide the necessary security levels for each menu option. If no User Defined Menus have been enabled then a default menu will be provided. See User Defined Menus for additional infomation. USERLOCK=N If equal to Y then MEGAHOST tracks unsuccessful logon attempts. If a user makes many unsuccessful logon attempts, twice that set by RETRIES=, MEGAHOST flags the callers database entry, and further logon attempts will be denied. The USERLOCK feature should only be used where security is most important as a cracker could lock out a legitimate user. It is therefore not suitable for normal BBS operations. Please note that the SysOp's name will not be displayed at the main menu, nor will messages left to 'SYSOP' be translated to the name set by SYSOP= because of security reasons. USERMENU=USERMNU1;0 See USER DEFINED MENUS XONXOFF=Y MEGAHOST, by default, supports Xon (ctl-s) Xoff (ctl-q) for character pausing. This can be disabled by setting XONXOFF equal to N. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 34 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: System Configuration ─────────────────────────────────────── BULLETINS ─────────────────────────────────────── After logon, MEGAHOST checks to see if the caller has specified (A)NSI Color. If so, MEGAHOST looks for the bulletin menu file BULLETIN.G00 and displays it. If the caller does not specify ANSI or if it does not find this file, it looks for BULLETIN.T00, the equivalent non-ANSI file, and displays it if it finds it. If the caller then presses 3, say, for the third bulletin, MEGAHOST looks for the file BULLETIN.G03 (or BULLETIN.T03 for non-ANSI graphics). Two sets of bulletin files may then be kept: files with and without ANSI graphics, named with extensions starting with G and T respectively. In each case, if the ANSI file is not found, the non-ANSI file is looked for. Bulletin With Without number ANSI graphics ANSI graphics ──────────────────────────────────────────────────── [menu of bulletins] BULLETIN.G00 BULLETIN.T00 1 BULLETIN.G01 BULLETIN.T01 2 BULLETIN.G02 BULLETIN.T02 3 BULLETIN.G03 BULLETIN.T03 4 BULLETIN.G04 BULLETIN.T04 5 BULLETIN.G05 BULLETIN.T05 - - - - - - [et cetera, to:] - - - - - 99 BULLETIN.G99 BULLETIN.T99 It has been brought to my attention that ANY UNIQUE 2 characters after the 'G' or 'T' will work. For instance, BULLETIN.TAA, BULLETIN.TA1, etc, are both valid. This can increase your bulletin count way past 99. (ouch!!!) --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 35 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Caller Menu Options ─────────────────────────────────────── CALLER MENU OPTIONS ─────────────────────────────────────── The following menu options can be available to a caller. You use MEGAHOST.CNF to set the security level of each -- and, if you wish, to disable some completely. GENERAL OPTIONS ─────────────────────────────────────── (A)NSI Color - on/off This command, when enabled, will allow color on those systems properly configured. There are three requirements for this. First, the caller must have set his communication parameters to 8 bits, no parity. Secondly, he must be running a program that supports it: Qmodem, Procomm, and Pibterm are three that do. (Most require that ANSI.SYS be installed on the home system, by putting the line DEVICE=ANSI.SYS in the CONFIG.SYS file.) Thirdly, of course, he must have a color monitor. (B)uzz Back This command instructs MEGAHOST to buzz the caller back at the number in the configuration file. The SysOp will be billed for any long distance charges. (C)hange Directory This command allows the caller to move within the hard (or other) drive, using DOS rules for doing so, or by a SysOp provided menu. By pressing (F)ile Directory while the caller is in a given directory, he sees the available subdirectories; these have the filename extension '.DIR'. The caller may neither enter a drive specifier here nor change to the directory containing the MEGAHOST run-time files. (D)ownload File Entering 'D' from the menu will allow the caller to download (receive) a file. Xmodem (checksum & CRC), Ymodem (CRC), and ASCII protocols are supported. The caller may NOT enter a directory or drive specifier here, but instead must have specified the appropriate path beforehand. The system will prompt for the filename, look for the file, and if it finds it then prompt for the protocol. The caller will see: --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 36 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Caller Menu Options 1 - ASCII. This is for the ASCII protocol. This should ONLY be used for text files, not for compiled programs, source code, or compressed or archived files (.ARC, .ZIP, .LZH, etc.) where error correction is necessary. 2 - XMODEM CHECKSUM. The plainest error-correcting protocol, useful for downloading to old computers or those running antiquated communications software. Blocks are 128 bytes long. 3 - XMODEM CRC. Xmodem with slightly superior (CRC) error checking. Most programs written in the last few years can download using this. 4 - XMODEM-1k CRC. This protocol is used more frequently at baud rates of 2400 or higher, or over fairly clean telephone lines. As blocks are 1024 bytes long, less time is spent error checking. Ymodem allows faster file transfer when used under packet switched networks such as PC Pursuit. External File Transfer Protocols: The SysOp may, at his/her option, enable a number of external file transfer protocols. If someone calls in at 7 data bits, even parity, MEGAHOST switches to 8 data bits, no parity before file transfer, and after the transfer returns to 7 data bits, even parity. (E)cho Mail This option will most likely be disabled. If available, it will invoke a 3rd party echo mail module. (F)ile Descriptions If the caller is in a directory containing a .BBS file of file descriptions, this option displays that file. A .BBS file is one either created by the system, or by the SysOp giving descriptions of files available for download. (G)oodbye Logoff Self explanatory: logs the caller off. (H)elp with MHOST Displays one of the help text files edited by the SysOp. (K)nown Caller Log Enters the Known Caller module. See KNOWN CALLER LOG SYSTEM OPTIONS below for further details. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 37 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Caller Menu Options (L)og new Drive Changes the default logged drive. Your average BBS type caller is unlikely to have enough security to access this option. (M)essage System Enters the Message Database System. See MESSAGE DATABASE SYSTEM OPIONS below for further details. (O)perator Chat Selecting this option enables both the caller and the SysOp to chat real-time via their keyboards. To exit chat mode, either party simply presses ESC. (P)rogram Directory This option will list the various files and directories on the system. The file size will follow the directory entry. Size is rounded to the nearest 'K' (1024 bytes). Directories will be enclosed in [] brackets. [DBASE] would be a valid directory. (Q)uestionaire Prompts callers with a series of questions, and collects answers for SysOp. (S)earch for File Search within the directory for the filename specified and gives the path if found. DOS wild cards can be used. Protected files and/or directories are not displayed. (U)pload File The caller sends a file to the host system and is asked to describe it. Entering a '/' as the first character in the description places a '*' next to the filename and then only the SysOp can display it via the (P)rogram Descripts command. Removing the asterisk makes it displayable to all. End the description with a blank line when done. (V)iew Bulletins Brings up a menu of bulletins to be read. The caller can read the bulletin by entering its number, redisplay the menu by entering 'M', or exit the bulletin function by pressing the Enter key. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 38 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Caller Menu Options (Z)ippy Dir Scan Enables one to search all of the .BBS files for a particular filename or file description. (+)-Trap DOOR(s) Access to external programs provided by the SysOp. May include access to DOS itself. The verbage is configured by the SysOp and may say something other than 'TRAP Door(s)'. (*)-Read Log File Allows a caller with the proper security level to read private messages to the SysOp and see what other users have done while on the system and what files they have uploaded or downloaded. May include messages from other callers as well. (&)-Add Prog Desc. (SysOp Only) This allows you to add file descriptions to the .BBS file existing in the current directory. If the file does not exist, it is created. MEGAHOST asks for the filename to add. It then finds the size of the file, asks for a description, and adds this to the .BBS file. The .BBS file would be DIRNAME.BBS where DIRNAME would be the name of the directory you are in. For instance, in the directory C:\MAXI\UPLD, the .BBS name would be UPLD.BBS. If you are in the root directory, the name would be FILES.BBS. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 39 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Caller Menu Options KNOWN CALLER LOG SYSTEM OPTIONS ─────────────────────────────────────── (K)nown Caller Log Displays Known Caller Log menu as follows: (A)dd Caller (SysOp Only) Allows SysOp to add a caller entry into the caller database. (C)ompress Database (SysOp Only) The record slot for each caller marked for deletion is recovered by the system in order to reuse that record. Prior to (C)ompress, (D)eleted caller records are still recoverable by the system, and may be (U)ndeleted. After (C)ompress, the record slot is released, and that caller record may no longer be (U)ndeleted. (D)elete by Record (SysOp Only) Allows the SysOp to delete records by entering the record number. The record number for a caller entry is obtained by setting DEBUG=Y. The record numbers will then be added the the header when the caller entry is displayed. This function could be useful when attempting to restore a damaged caller database. (E)dit Caller Info A caller may edit personal information here. The SysOp may edit records based on last name, security level, or deleted status. NOTE: When printing to a file (LPT=0) from the edit screen your record is appended to the file CALLERS.PRN. (I)nquire Personal Displays personal information about caller. Shows name, business, city, state, and if allowed, the callers address and phone numbers. The SysOp may traverse the caller database and edit records from here. NOTE: When printing to a file (LPT=0) from the edit screen your record is appended to the file CALLERS.PRN. (G)oodbye Logoff Asks you if you really want to log off. If you say no, you will find yourself out of the Message System. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 40 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Caller Menu Options (L)ist Callers List callers sorted by: last name, state, number of uploads, number of downloads, number of logons, and the most recently called. (S)end to Printer (SysOp Only) Prints ALL caller records to the printer. If LPT=0 then the caller database is saved to the file CALLERS.LST. (P)ause Toggle With (P)ause ON the callers screen will pause after every Caller database entry, or screen of entries depending upon which menu option has been selected. (Q)uit to Main Returns caller to main menu. (R)ebuild Database (SysOp Only) Enables the SysOp to rebuild all of the index files. This function could be useful when attempting to restore damaged database indexes. (X)pert Mode Toggles between a full menu and an abreviated list. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 41 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Caller Menu Options MESSAGE DATABASE SYSTEM OPTIONS ─────────────────────────────────────── (M)essage System Displays Message System menu as follows: (B)ackward Read Asks caller for starting a message number. If ENTER is pressed MEGAHOST will start with the last message. The message database is then traversed backwards. (C)ompress Database (SysOp Only) The record for each message marked for deletion is recovered enabling the system to reuse that record. Prior to (C)ompress, (D)eleted message records are still reserved by the system, and may be (U)ndeleted. After (C)ompress, the record is released, and messages may no longer be (U)ndeleted. (D)elete by Record (SysOp Only) Allows the SysOp to delete records by entering the record number. The record number for a message is obtained by setting DEBUG=Y. The record numbers will then be added the the message header when the message is displayed. This function could be useful when attempting to restore a damaged message database. (E)nter Message Allows caller to enter a message in the message database. You may leave both public and private messages. A conference must then be specified. Refer to (E)NTER MESSAGE in Caller Menu Options for editing options (F)orward Read Asks caller for starting a message number. If ENTER is pressed MEGAHOST will start with the first message. The message database is then traversed forwards. (G)oodbye Logoff Asks you if you really want to log off. If you say no, you will find yourself out of the Message System. (I)ndividual Message Prompts the caller for a message number and displays the message if found. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 42 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Caller Menu Options (L)ist to Printer (SysOp Only) Prints ALL messages (ALL conferences, PRIVATE or OTHERWISE) to the printer. If LPT=0 then the messages are saved to the file MESSAGES.LST. NOTE: Any messages sent to a file (LPT=0) via any method other than this (L) option appends the record to the file MESSAGES.PRN. (M)essage Area Selecting any conference other than ALL will limit the viewing of messages to the chosen conference. (N)ew Messages If the caller is recognized by the system (he has an entry in the caller database) then (N)ew Messages will start forward displaying messages left since the last time he was on. If not, (N)ew Messages will start forward displaying messages one month prior to the current date. (P)ause Toggle With (P)ause ON the caller may be able to (A)nswer, (D)elete, and (E)dit messages depending upon the callers security. These choices are given after each message is displayed. If the caller wishes to capture messages very quickly the (P)ause should be toggled OFF. This mode is read-only as there is no provision for the above choices. (Q)uit to Main Returns caller to main menu. (R)ebuild Database (SysOp Only) Enables the SysOp to rebuild all of the index files. This function could be useful when attempting to restore damaged database indexes. (S)earch Messages Allows caller to search the To, From, and Subject fields of the message database. Wildcards are NOT permitted. (X)pert Mode Toggles between a full menu and an abreviated list. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 43 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Caller Menu Options (Y)our Mail Displays messages that are either From you or To you starting with the first message. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 44 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Function Keys ─────────────────────────────────────── FUNCTION KEYS ─────────────────────────────────────── Function keys are available from the WAITING FOR CALL and the Main Menu. If the SysOp presses F1, he will see the system status: a listing on screen of how the system is configured and what the security levels are for the menu items. Pressing the following function keys will do the following: F1 Toggles Debug mode. Displays ANSI screens during logon, logoff and reports various errors to the log F2 Sets Ringback status toggle F3 Toggles log (turns user log on or off) F4 Toggles printer (turns printer log on or off) F5 Toggles closed system (makes Closed or Open system) F6 Sets Off Hook Toggle F7 Toggles color on and off F8 Initial baud rate toggle F9 Security -1 Each press of the F9 key drops by one the security level of the user while he is connected. F10 Security +1 Each press of the F10 key raises by one the security level of the user online, so that he will have temporary access to functions not otherwise available to him. SHIFT + Function Key ──────────────────── SF1 Toggles XONXOFF state SF2 Toggles MATCHLEVEL state SF3 Toggles BIOS state SF4 Toggles DIRECT state SF5 Toggles EXECSWAP state SF6 Toggles ALLOW300 state --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 45 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Function Keys SF7 Toggles BATCHLOG state SF8 Toggles CALLBACK state SF9 Toggles USERLOCK state SF0 If set to TRUE then Operator HOURS are bypassed and Sysop is available CTRL + Function Key ─────────────────── CF1 Toggles SAVESCRN state CF2 Toggles RINGPIN state CF3 Briefly drops DTR to disconnect the caller Changing the above switches does not update the MEGAHOST.CNF configuration file. If you exit MEGAHOST and return, all items are as configured by MEGAHOST.CNF. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 46 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Equipment Settings ─────────────────────────────────────────────── MODEM DIP SWITCH and OTHER EQUIPMENT SETTINGS ─────────────────────────────────────────────── When configuring your modem, make sure of the following: DTR - not forced on! CD - not forced on! AA - not forced on! The above three conditions are set either by switches or by an extended command setting. Forcing any one of them on is by far the biggest mistake when attempting to get MEGAHOST to work. HAYES 1200 EXTERNAL SETTINGS ─────────────────────────────────────── UUDDDUUD, where: 1 UP. DTR controlled by pin 20. Required. 2 DN. Numeric messages. Optional. Set by MEGAHOST software. 3 DN. No result code display. Optional. Set by MEGAHOST software. 4 DN. Modem does not echo. Optional. Set by MEGAHOST software. 5 DN. Auto Answer suppressed. Optional. Set by MEGAHOST software. 6 UP. CD controlled by pin 8. Required. 7 UP. Single line connection. Required. 8 DN. AT command recognition. Required. I use the above switch settings for ALL the communications software I use: Qmodem, Procomm, etc. It is most important that Carrier Detect and Data Terminal Ready not be forced on. HAYES 1200B INTERNAL MODEM (EARLY MODEL) ──────────────────────────────────────── Early model Hayes 1200B modems may require modification to work with MEGAHOST; read HAYESFIX.DOC. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 47 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Equipment Settings HAYES 1200B INTERNAL MODEM SWITCH SETTINGS ─────────────────────────────────────── You must set the three switches on the board from A-B to B-C, the alternate position. This jumper is not documented in the manual. MEGAHOST will now work with the factory set switch settings. HAYES 1200B MODEL 07/00043 INTERNAL MODEM SWITCH SETTINGS ─────────────────────────────────────── Switch: 1 Either Select COM1: or COM2: 2 Up Select single line 3 Down Detect carrier 4 Up Monitor DTR status 5 Up Select Bell 212A 6 Up US/Canada US ROBOTICS 2400 AND 9600 ─────────────────────────────────────── Use Hayes 1200 external switch settings. (Early ROM versions of the 9600 seem to ignore the V setting and respond only to switch 2.) AST SIX PACK ─────────────────────────────────────── MEGAHOST requires monitoring both Data Terminal Ready (DTR) and Carrier Detect (CD). Apparently some versions of the AST Six Pack force these signals true. Please see the AST manual for more information. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 48 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Equipment Settings AT CABLE CONFIGURATION ─────────────────────────────────────── AT nine pin DB 15 ─────────────────────── 1----------CD---------8 2----------RD---------3 3----------TD---------2 4----------DTR-------20 5----------SG---------7 6----------DSR--------6 7----------RTS--------4 8----------CTS--------5 9----------RI--------22 --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 49 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Compatibility Problems ─────────────────────────────────────── KNOWN COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS ─────────────────────────────────────── MEGAHOST does not function correctly when certain memory resident (TSR) programs are loaded. DOSEDIT, a DOS editor, does strange things at times, especially after a Jump to DOS. Those spiffy clock programs interfere with binary file transfers. If you are having problems, remove ALL resident programs from memory and see if this helps. TSR's should be invoked from a DOS shell (TRAPDOOR) only with caution! --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 50 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Miscellaneous ─────────────────────────────────────── MISCELLANEOUS TIPS AND SETTINGS ─────────────────────────────────────── ENTERING SYSOP INFORMATION ────────────────────────── You MUST first set up a SYSOP= entry in the .CNF BEFORE INVOKING MEGAHOST. The system will not function properly without this entry. The syntax is: SYSOP=DON MANKIN where DON MANKIN is replaced with your own name. MORE ON INITSTRING ─────────────────────────────────────── The examples of INITSTRING below use V1. This sets the modems to verbal result codes. These can also use V0 for numeric result codes, but V1 maintains software compatibility with other communications programs. Some users have been unsuccessful setting Hayes clones to use V1 (verbal result codes) but successful using V0 (numeric result codes), while for others it has been the other way around. If you have difficulty with one mode, try switching to the other. The same applies to the E1 (echo) command. Your modem may respond better in E1 state as opposed to E0, or visa versa. Any INITSTRING sent to a Hayes modem MUST be 40 characters or less! If the string contains a command not recognized by the modem, the entire string is ignored, and MEGAHOST will not operate correctly. Some clone 2400 baud modems are 'Hayes 1200 compatable' and should use the Hayes 1200 INITSTRING. Some clone 2400 baud modems are 'Hayes 2400 compatible' and should use the Hayes 2400 INITSTRING. If you are not certain which to use, some experimentation on your part may be necessary. When configuring your modem, make sure of the following: DTR - not forced on! CD - not forced on! AA - not forced on! The above three conditions are set either by switches or by an extended command setting. Forcing any one of them on is by far the biggest mistake when attempting to get MEGAHOST to work. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 51 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Miscellaneous Hayes 1200 baud modems─────────── INITSTRING=ATE0M0Q0V1X1S0=0S1=0 This is the initialization string sent to the modem. It breaks down as follows: AT Attention X1 Extended result code E0 Echo off S0=0 Do not auto answer ( DO NOT CHANGE ) M0 Speaker off Q0 Send result codes S1=0 Count 0 rings V1 verbal result codes --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 52 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Miscellaneous Hayes 2400 baud modems─────────── INITSTRING=AT&D2V1Q0E0S0=0&C1&T5L3B1M1 This is the initialization string sent to the modem. It breaks down as follows: AT Attention &J0 Single-line connection &D2 Follow DTR &T5 RDL disabled V1 Verbal result codes L3 High speaker volume Q0 Result codes enabled B1 Select Bell 212A E0 Characters not echoed M1 Modem on until carrier S0=0 Disable auto answer &C1 Detect carrier (not forced on) Multi-Tech 2400 baud modems─────────── INITSTRING=ATE0M0Q0V1X1S0=0S1=0&Q1 This string is the same as that for the Hayes 1200 with the exception of the &Q1, which instructs the Multi-Tech to emulate the Hayes 1200 modem. US Robotics Courier HST 9600─────────── INITSTRING=ATE0M0Q0V1X1S0=0S1=0&B0&H0&I0&N0 This modem uses the same INITSTRING as the Hayes 1200, plus: &B0 DTE rate follows connection rate &H0 Flow control disabled &I0 Flow control disabled &N0 Normal link operations The result code expected from the modem is 13 for a 9600 baud connect. Everex Evercom 24 modems─────────── INITSTRING=ATE0Q0V1X4L3S7=60 Everex 24 MNP modems─────────── INITSTRING=ATE0M0X4\N3\Q0\V0\X1\G0\C1%C1S0=0 RESETSTRING=ATZ0 --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 53 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Miscellaneous Some Everex modems require the contents of registers S3 & S4 to be reversed, i.e. S3=10 S4=13. BUZZBACK INFO ─────────────────────────────────────── Adding S7=60 increases to 60 seconds the time the modem is to wait for a carrier after dialing. This may be necessary for BuzzBack to work. SINGLE USER SYSTEM ─────────────────────────────────────── MEGAHOST can be run under multitaskers in single user mode only. That is, data cannot be shared. Several copies of MEGAHOST could be run from different directories, but I fail to see a reason for this. A multiuser database is been planned for the future. MINIHOST TO MAXIHOST CONVERSION ─────────────────────────────────────── Delete MINIHOST.00? Rename MINIHOST.* MEGAHOST.* Rename *.B?? to .T?? Rename MEGAHOST.?00 to WELCOME.?01 Rename MEGAHOST.?01 to NEWUSER.?01 Add a unique identifier in front of each conference entry: CONFERENCE=1;GENERAL;0;Miscellanious Topics CONFERENCE=2;PROBLEMS;0;Problem Resolution CONFERENCE=3;BETA_TEST;5;Beta Test Versions MAXIHOST TO MEGAHOST CONVERSION ─────────────────────────────────────── Before I start explaining the conversion process, let me first emphasize my disclaimer. I tried to provide a simple way to upgrade, but some work will be necessary and there are no guarantees. I suggest that after you get things going, you print the caller log and message file to the ASCII .LST files regularly). These ASCII files can be used to restore your system if necessary. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 54 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Miscellaneous The programs necessary to do this conversion ARE NOT bundled with MEGAHOST. You must obtain them seperately from the MEGAHOST Support BBS before continuing. The files you will need are USRS2ASC.EXE, ASC2USRS.EXE, MAIL2ASC.EXE, ASC2MAIL.EXE, CNF2ASC.EXE, CVTBBS.EXE, and MEGA_API.EXE if you previously used MHAPI.EXE. 1) BACK UP ALL YOUR MAXIHOST FILES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Put in a safe place. 2) Copy MAXIHOST.CNF to MEGAHOST.CNF. 3) Delete all of the USER= entries from your MEGAHOST.CNF file: You will find that the system will comes up MUCH FASTER now! 4) Add the following to your MEGAHOST.CNF file: MENU=ECHODOOR, MENU=ZIPPYDIRSCAN, CMDLINE, NEWUSERSECURITY, NEWUSERTIMELIMIT, AUTOINDUCTION, ENTRMSG, ASKFILECHECK, and ASKMAILCHECK. Look up each keyword above for its appropriate syntax. Delete TIMELIMIT, USER, MSGLINES, MENU=ENTRMSG, MENU=INDUCTION, and MENU=YOURMAIL. 4) Copy all then necessary conversion programs and the new MEGAHOST.EXE file to the same directory as the one with your original MAXIHOST.EXE file in it. You should already have a path set to this directory. 5) Change directory to the one with MAILFIL.DAT in it. Run MAIL2ASC.EXE. It creates MESSAGES.LST. You may then kill the MAXIMAIL.* files as they are no longer used. 6) Run USRS2ASC.EXE. It creates CALLERS.LST. You may then kill the MAXIUSRS.* files as they are no longer used. 7) Now that the two *.LST ASCII files are created, run ASC2MAIL. It creates MAILFIL.DAT and MAILFIL.IX. These are your new message files. 8) Run ASC2USRS. It creates USRSFIL.DAT and USRSFIL.IX. These are your new callers log files. 9) If currently using MHAPI, change references to MHAPI to MEGA_API in all batch files. Do a 'MEGA_API INIT' to initialize. 10) Run MEGAHOST. Make sure that the printer is set to FILE. You can do this by pressing F5 from the configuration screen. From the message system, press (L)ist to Printer. This will rewrite the MESSAGES.LST file with MEGAHOST's updated syntax. Keep this file, repeating this process from time to time. 11) From the (K)nown Caller module, press (S)end to Printer. Make sure that printer is set to FILE. This will rewrite the CALLERS.LST file with MEGAHOSTs's updated syntax. Keep this file, repeating this process from time to time. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 55 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Miscellaneous If you need to restore the databases, use the ASC2MAIL and ASC2USRS programs I provided. If you delete the MAILFIL.* and USRSFIL.* files they will be recreated. If you don't kill them, the records read in will replace the originals. The password.mh and induct.mh files are no longer used. MEGA_API functions will be made available to create .PRN files that can be used to read the callers information. That's it. Lot's of CALLER info will be defaulted to. I used this routine on my old caller database because I needed to provide support for my registrants. Otherwise, I would have deleted the MAXIUSRS files and not run the USRS2ASC program. This way, the USRSFIL files should be created when MEGAHOST is run, and new callers will be forced to enter new info into the file. You will need to call the Support BBS to obtain a MEGAHOST registration number. Select menu item 2 from the (+)- Registration Door. Upgrades are ONLY available from the Support BBS. The 800 PSL number does not have the facility to provide registration numbers. I know I've forgotten something, but I can't think of what. Let me know if you discover some conversion process that is not included in this document. Good Luck!!! RUNNING DOS (OR A PROGRAM) FROM A REMOTE ─────────────────────────────────────── A batch file, TRAPDOOR, is executed from MEGAHOST. A path MUST BE SET to point to TRAPDOOR.BAT if the call is to be successful! One version of TRAPDOOR.BAT is provided with this package; as written, it enables WATCHDOG, a public domain program that monitors carrier detect at DOS level. MEGAHOST sends TRAPDOOR.BAT a parameter to inform it which port is selected, so it may run the proper version of WATCHDOG. You might do well to use this file as is. You could change the line with COMMAND to the name of the program of your choice; this would not allow DOS access, but would execute the program and then return to MEGAHOST. Keep in mind that very many programs write directly to the screen, or intercept the keyboard directly. These programs will not operate correctly under the DOS shell, and may hang up the system. If you have called in DOS then type EXIT at the DOS command line to return to MEGAHOST. A great shareware program, available on the MEGAHOST Support BBS, is available for handling difficult programs from a remote. Download the latest version of DOORWAY, and be sure to register it. It is well worth the money! --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 56 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Miscellaneous USING MEGAHOST WITH DOORWAY ─────────────────────────────────────── MEGAHOST passes the following command line parameters: %0 = name of program called (batch, exe, com) %1 = port number %2 = baud rate %3 = first name %4 = last name %5 = security level %6 = ANSI (Y or N) %7 = directory MEGAHOST was to start from %8 = CARRIER or LOCAL The following TRAPDOOR.BAT file is an example of using DOORWAY from a DOS shell. echo off cls if .%8. == .LOCAL. goto local c:\rundir\doorway COM%1: /VD^U /OT /GON /M32767 /AON /BMS /S* /CDOS goto end :local c:\rundir\doorway local /OT /GON /M32767 /AON /BMS /S* /CDOS :end The following TRAPDOOR.BAT file is an example of using DOORWAY to call in an external program. Rundir would be the directory MEGAHOST was invoked from, and Startdir would be the directory specified by START=. @echo off cd\doors if .%8. == .LOCAL. goto local if .%6. == .N. goto nonansi c:\rundir\doorway com%1: /VD^U /AON /OT /S* /GON /M30 /kV255 /PC:\doors\users.exe %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9 goto end :nonansi c:\rundir\doorway com%1: /VD^U /AON /OT /S* /GOFF /M30 /kV255 /PC:\doors\users.exe %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9 goto end :local c:\rundir\doorway LOCAL /T:^C /O:T /S:* /G:ON /M32767 /PC:\doors\users.exe %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9 :end cd\startdir --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 57 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Miscellaneous BIG TERMINAL ─────────────────────────────────────── Blue Instant Graphics! Online Interpreter Copyright 1991-92 by Larry Mears All rights reserved Version 1.02 Shareware BIG City BBS 205-880-9896 11027 Crestfield Dr Huntsville, Alabama 35803 USA INTRO Blue Instant Graphics! (BIG) terminal brings a whole new concept in online graphics! Now see TRUE online graphics. If you are tired of the blocky ANSI graphics that most BBSs offer, then you will be pleasantly surprised by the super fast high resolution graphics this NEW terminal emulation unleases! Registering allows for advanced graphic and sound features such as online Adlib (tm) support, special sound effects, and bitblit operations. SOME BACK GROUND BIG does graphics by way of a attention command sequence, simular to a Hayes modem, and interprets one letter commands and values up to 9999. It also does ANSI graphics in their standard form. BIG also exists as Instant Graphics!(IG) in the Atari ST online world. BIG was written after IG and is not fully compatible with IG but VERY simular. You should be able to get IG scripts off Atari BBSs and alter them slightly to work. It would be advisable to get the IG doc, look for IG216.ARC So, what's so great about BIG graphics? Well it means lines, circles, ovals, rectangles, fill patterns, system fonts, you can have BIG COLORED text any where on the screen. BIG with a little help from the users out there could open a new door for telecommunications. This terminal would allow better game programs to be written for BBS doors. Another use is bar and pie charts. A good idea would be to have a online comic strip. There are lot's of possibilities. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 58 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Miscellaneous TESTIMONIALS ─────────────────────────────────────── PC World MAY 1992 says "MAXIHOST, a versatile shareware BBS that almost anyone can use. MAXIHOST's ample security features and easy setup make it ideal" and "A MAXIHOST BBS is easy to maintain as it is to set up" Micro Cornucopia NOV-DEV 1989 says "MINIHOST has amazing low maintenance requirements", "is very flexible", and "after years of reliable use Mankin's little BBS is a gem of a system" American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education Vol 53, Summer 89 says "Because of the extensive documentation... I have never a need to call for help" and "a file shareware BBS which ever college of pharmacy should try" Personal Computer Communications, The bible of the online World, by Alfred Glossbrenner (of the New York Times) says "For new users we recommend Don Mankin's MINIHOST. Simple to setup and use" and "for anyone willing to tap an office or home computer from a distant location" --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 59 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Miscellaneous DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE ─────────────────────────────────────── Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs differ on details -- some request registration while others require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using the software to an updated program with printed manual. Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a specific group. For example, some authors require written permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware. Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether its commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy. And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 60 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Miscellaneous DISCLAIMER - AGREEMENT ─────────────────────────────────────── Users of MEGAHOST must accept this disclaimer of warranty: "MEGAHOST is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use of MEGAHOST." MEGAHOST is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with your friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of another system. The essence of "user-supported" software is to provide personal computer users with quality software without high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers tocontinue to develop new products. If you find this program useful and find that you are using MEGAHOST and continue to use MEGAHOST after a reasonable trial period, you must make a registration payment of $29-$59 (see REGISTRATION INFORMATION) to ASCII Computer Enterprises. The $29-$59 registration fee will license one copy for use on any one computer at any one time. You must treat this software just like a book. An example is that this software may be used by any number of people and may be freely moved from one computer location to another, so long as there is no possibility of it being used at one location while its being used at another. Just as a book cannot be read by two different persons at the same time. Commercial users of MEGAHOST must register and pay for their copies of MEGAHOST within 30 days of first use or their license is withdrawn. Site-License arrangements may be made by contacting ASCII Computer Enterprises. Anyone distributing MEGAHOST for any kind of remuneration must first contact ASCII Computer Enterprises at the address below for authorization. This authorization will be automatically granted to distributors recognized by the (ASP) as adhering to its guidelines for shareware distributors, and such distributors may begin offering MEGAHOST immediately (However ASCII Computer Enterprises must still be advised so that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latestversion of MEGAHOST.). You are encouraged to pass a copy of MEGAHOST along to your friends for evaluation. Please encourage them to register their copy if they find that they can use it. All registered users will receive a copy of the latest version of the MEGAHOST system. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 61 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Miscellaneous OMSBUDSMAN ─────────────────────────────────────── This program is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at P.O. Box 5786, Bellevue, WA 98006 or send a Compuserve message via easyplex to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536. --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 62 --- --- MEGAHOST User Guide: Miscellaneous REGISTRATION INFORMATION ─────────────────────────────────────── Purchased from: Don Mankin 231 Market Place #353 San Ramon, CA 94583 Purchases of 10 copies or more constitutes a Site License. DATE: / / Invoice No. 010192 ---------------------------------------------------------------- PRODUCT QTY HOBBY COMMERCIAL ---------- --- ----- ---------- "MEGAHOST" 1 $29 $59 California SALES TAX 7.75% $ Shipping and Handling $4.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------- PLEASE PAY THIS AMOUNT $ Enter the following registration information: First & Last Name : Address : City : State : Zip Code : Phone Number : Business Name : Password : The above password is to be used to gain access to the MEGAHOST Support BBS at 209-836-2402. Register under your Name or Business? (Business option for Commercial registrants only) < U / B > Please make check payable in US Dollars to :DON MANKIN --- MEGAHOST Copyright 1992 - by Don Mankin - Page 63 ---