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T E R R A F I R M A
Version 8.35
Installation Manual & SysOp Documentation
Copyright (c) N.U.G.I. ConSorTium
Anyone can presently call my Support BBS 413-443-8788 or
Voice 413-442-7296 EST Please call before 10:00pm EST
Dave Wendling
N.U.G.I. ConSorTium BBS
49 Hull Ave, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Voice 413-442-7296
BBS 413-443-8788
FiDoNet 1:321/227
Internet "nugicon@delphi.com"
DOORWARE, DOORGAMES and ONLINEGAMES Echo FiDoNet
OS2BBS echo as well.
A list of my current Door Games will be posted at the end of this
document. All new users have a full 120 minutes of DownLoad time.
All files are FREQ. from 1:321/227 Zoom 28.8 v32b/v42b
If you are running a Multitasker or Lan, Terra-Firma has a new
Ship to Ship player attack routines in REAL time via file sharing.
Players online together can also send each other messages and trade Online
as long as all Terra games are run from the same directory. See the
Multitasking Message near the end of these document.
Terra-Firma is ShareWare. The cost just $20.00 Or I have a group
rate of $45.00 for all 7 of my doors which include Who-Dunit Interactive!,
BUSTED, The Enquirer Door, Pass it on, The Happy hacker and my newest door
Quantum Jump is fast becoming a very popular door. We have a Credit
Card Door on N.U.G.I. which accepts all major cards Along with Electronic
banking for a savings account or checking account in case you don't use
credit cards. No More checks in the mail! We also have our
registration # door online. You will receive your reg # within 24 hours
of your call to my bbs. Sometimes faster! Please see REGISTER.TXT
The player editor for Terra is now included in this archive.
Your copy of Terra must be registered for this program to operate.
This version (8.35) needs a complete restart as I have added some
great new stuff. Please read the WHAT'S.NEW file in this archive.
You should delete all older game files before running the SETUP
.EXE program. (You may want to save the old game files before you
delete them just for safety's sake!) Please read the What's new file
for an explanation of the new player time routines.
***********
*IMPORTANT**************************************************************
*********** *
If your Registered Version is older than version 7.00 *
PLEASE READ THIS* *
*
If you are a REGISTERED owner of any NUGI game prior to 7*
the old REGISTERED KEY will no longer work! You must call*
my BBS and leave me a note on how I can get a new key to *
you. I will NetMail, SnailMail or upload it to your BBS. *
Just give my bbs a call 413-443-8788 and let me know. *
Or leave me a message in FidoNets DOORWARE Echo DOORGAMES*
Echo or DDS_ECHO . On the InterNet as "nugicon@delphi.com" *
I will take care of you the same day. *
Voice 1-413-442-7296. The new player editor comes in *
this archive. So don't make an extra call. *
*********** *
*IMPORTANT**************************************************************
***********
The Death Probe, Co-Pilot and Tractor Beam options in Terra-Firma
will not operate unless The game is Registered. All other options
in the NON-registered Version will work fine. Please read the
WHAT'S.NEW file. With that out of the way, welcome to Terra-Firma
SysOp Docs. Lets make this as short and pointless as possible!
* This version of Terra-Firma will support Multinode/Interactive!
Locked ports up to Infinity. Terra is MultiTasker/Lan aware and will
Auto Detect fossil drivers or run on internal comm routines!
Will support Avatar/0+. Terra also supports all Com ports and non-
standard IRQ's. 1-15. Time slicing for OS/2, DV, Windows and others! *
1. Un-Arc the TERRA830.ZIP file into it's own sub-directory. The name of
the sub-directory is unimportant.
2. The following files will be un-arched.
TERRA.TXT ------> On line Player help file.
TFSYSOP.DOC ----> This File. Printer ready
TF.EXE ---------> Terra Start Program
TERRA.EXE ------> Terra Sub Program
FIRMA.EXE ------> Terra Sub Program
INSTALL.EXE ----> Installation Program
SETUP.EXE ---> New Install program Uses Mouse! It will also run on a
Mono or color screen..Try it out!
CYCLE.EXE ------> Must be run once per Day (night) VERY IMPORTANT
TER_INT.EXE ----> Terra Restart Program
WHATS.NEW ------> What's New File. Also included in TERRADOC.ZIP
SETUP.DAT ------> Setup Data For SETUP program
*.ANS ----------> Terra-Firma Ansi Graphic Screens (Help, I need More!)
*.BSV ----------> Install program help files, screens and data.
UPGRADE.DOC ----> Short and pointless upgrade info. Pete made me do it!
TERRADOC.ZIP ---> Download file for download doc feature! Leave it Zipped!
PLAYER.DOC -----> A printable player doc file.
PLAYEDIT.EXE ---> Player editor for Terra.(only works with registered ver)
CYCLEOS2.ZIP ---> OS/2 cycle program for Terra. Runs in a minimized window.
** NOTE for OS/2 SysOps! **
I have written a program called CYCLEOS2.EXE which is designed to
run under an OS/2 .CMD batch file. OS/2 SysOps can use this program
to run the Terra-Firma nightly maintenance program in a minimized window
to save time and get the BBS up and running faster. It is included in this
Archive as CYCLEOS2.ZIP.
3. The newer SETUP.EXE will run on a mono or color screen and uses
a mouse! If you use it without a mouse you can move around with TAB key and
ALT key. Or you can use the older INSTALL.EXE The programs come with help
screens or see the section below entitled Running the SETUP program.
Run SETUP.EXE and answer the questions. This program will write a
TERRA?.CFG file. Once this is complete, SETUP.EXE will run the
TER_INT.EXE program which will initialize the game files needed to run Terra
Firma. Please don't panic! On some slower model computers the Init-program
can be a bit time consuming as it is creating a 10000 sector Universe.
Normally it doesn't take longer than 3 or 4 minutes to run the
TER_INT.EXE program. On my old IBM model 30-286 it takes around 9 minutes.
I have included a counter in the program to let you know how far it has yet
to go.
Once the TER-INT.EXE has program has completed it's business, it
will auto run the CYCLE.EXE program once to make sure all is well in the
Universe. While I'm on the subject, the CYCLE.EXE program is a BIG part
of Terra-Firma. It must run once a day or night or however you run your
BBS daily maintenance. The CYCLE.EXE program takes care of many things
besides looking for inactive players. It keeps the Universe full of Bad Guys
along with checking for dead messages. It also runs the Robot Transport,
Robot Players section, Death Probe section and the new Auto-Pilot feature.
If you forget to run it nightly, your users will get upset!
Lastly it checks to make sure all the files created when a player is online
and then drops carrier are taken proper care of. You should run CYCLE.EXE
at night/early in the A.M. after the date change has taken place from the
previous days play.
** Running the SETUP program:
If you do not use a MOUSE it is still easy to get around in the
SETUP program by using the [TAB] key. Just press the [TAB} key to cycle
through the setup options and using return when all is complete.
Pressing the [ALT] key will highlight the menu options at the top of
the screen. Then you can use your arrow keys [<->] to highlight the
option you want and press [ENTER]/[RETURN].
Note: If you have trouble running the install program you can
always use a Text editor and write your own Terra Control file. Below is
a descriptive control file used for Terra-Firma. It's a straight ASCII
Text file. You should name it TERRA1.CFG the 1 being whatever node you have
set up. If you only have 1 node then use the name I have suggested here
TERRA1.CFG . If you have more than one node then just change the name to
TERRA2.CFG and so on. If you plan on playing Terra-Firma in local mode then
just re-save the file and call it LOCAL with no ending extension. When
you are done you should have two files that are identical. One being the
TERRA1.CFG and another called LOCAL
Dave <--Sysop First Name
Wendling <--SysOp Last Name (if you use a 1 name alias leave a blank line)
1111111 <--Registration Number
90 <--Time Limit for the game
0 <--IRQ Should be 0 for standard IRQ's
NO <--DownLoad Docs Only used in Terra-Firma and Who-Dunit
NO <--Are you running OS2 (YES or NO)
C:\BBS\DOOR.SYS <--Full path and name of dropfile
0 <--Fossil 0 = YES 1 = No Fossil
0 <--Handshake Method. Normally a 0 will pick up current method
If any of the above is confusing to you, just read on a bit. They are all
described in detail below.
The first thing that comes up before the main input screen is
a menu of N.U.G.I. ConSorTium doors. Just choose the door game that you
are installing. I use the same SETUP program for all my doors to keep
things as simple as possible.
Entry one is for your node number for which ever node you are setting
up this control file for. Single node BBS's can just enter a 1.
Entry two involves fossil control. If you enter a 0 here the game will
auto search for a fossil driver. If it finds one it will use the fossil
comm routines. If it doesn't find a fossil at startup. The game will use
it's own internal comm routines. This works very well in almost all
cases. I have had only two problems with it not working on certain
systems and configurations. If you are having a problem that consists
of a game showing up on the Local screen but not the remote then try
entering a 1 in the fossil screen to force the door to use it's internal
comm routines. As I stated earlier I have only heard of two instances
in four years of this not working on certain systems. So use the 0...
The next entry concerns the handshake method that Terra will use to
deal with the remote modem. A 0 in this blank will tell Terra to use the
existing handshaking method that it finds at startup. In just about all
cases this should be the way to go. If you need to change the handshaking
method that Terra will use then 1 will give you Xon/Xoff software hand
shaking. 2 will use CTS/RTS hardware handshaking and 3 will use both. If
you don't understand any of this or you just could care less. Please use
enter a 0 in the blank for this screen.
If any of this sounds complicated don't worry about it. It is much
simpler than it sounds. In fact running and using the SETUP program is
very straight forward. It comes with it's own help screens and most of
what's written here is just for reference in case you run into trouble.
Drop file entry. Enter The path to your BBS's drop file. This is the
spot most folks have trouble. Please double check your spelling and DOS
syntax. An example is provided to use as a guide for DOS syntax.
Sysop's First Name. Note that the First name should be entered here
exactly the same way as in the Registration Door on my BBS.
Enter Sysop's Last name. Again the last name entered should be exactly
the same as in the Registration door on my BBS.
If you want to enable the Zmodem download feature which many
players have asked me to include you must set this option to YES. Note
that you must have DSZ.EXE or DSZ.COM located in the Terra-Firma sub-
directory or some where in your AUTOEXEC.BAT's path command. I could
not include this Shareware program in the Terra Zip file due to legal
ramifications but it is available on most BBS's. If you use this option
with a non-standard IRQ then you must set your DOS DSZ environment
variable in your AutoExec.BAT file. For instance if you are using Com
Port 4 with an IRQ of 7 then entering the following line in your
autoexec.bat will allow DSZ to operate correctly SET DSZPORT=2E8 COMMA 7
See your DSZ docs for more info.
This option affords players the ease of downloading the
Player.doc file and the What's.New file combined together into a small
.ZIP called TERRADOC.ZIP which comes within the TERRA830.ZIP. Many
players do not like to take the time it requires to study the Player
documentation while online. You should use a YES or NO here. This option
works only with Terra-Firma and Who-Dunit.
Registration NUMBER. You can register by online electronic banking with
your checking or savings account info or credit card. If by one of
these means you will receive your reg # within 24 hours! If by Snail
Mail you will receive your reg # as soon possible by voice phone.
Netmail or snail mail. You can also NetMail me with your credit card
info and I will do it for you.
IRQ entry. If you have set up a standard comm port with a NON-standard
IRQ number you must enter that number here. If you don't understand this
option or have never messed with your IRQ comm Port settings just leave
this as 0. If you do change your IRQ setting in the SETUP program be
sure to see the DSZ info above.
You can enter any time limit between 10 and 90 minutes. If the
users BBS time left is lower than the amount specified in the SETUP
program then Terra will use the lower BBS time.
If you are running under OS/2 please enter a YES here. Some SysOps use
DeskView emulators or programs like OS2SPEED to force programs that
are not OS/2 aware to give up timeslicing. Terra-Firma is OS/2 aware
but can be fooled by DV emulators into sending screen output to the
DV virtual screen and consequently showing no video under OS/2.
If you answer YES to this question Terra-Firma will timeslice very
well under OS/2 and should give you no problems.
TERRA-Firma can read BBS DROP files from the following BBS's.
QuickBBS Remote Access RBBS SuperBBS Telegard WildCat 3 PcBoard
(latest) GAP WildCat BBS Genesis SpitFire WWIV Osiris MAXIMUS
FORCE! and other BBS software that uses a compatible format with one
mentioned above.
Door Drop Files:
CALLINFO.BBS
DORINFO?.DEF
SFDOOR.DAT
INFO.BBS
DOOR.SYS
CHAIN.TXT
PCBOARD.DAT
DOBBS.BAT <---Front Door Drop file to load a Door game before BBS!
If your BBS does not write one of these files you will have to use a door
patch program of some type.
4. ** IMPORTANT ** You must run the CYCLE.EXE program once per night or
however your bbs program runs it's nightly events or maintenance.
5. Set up your batch file to call TF. You need one line to run the
program. My bat file follows. Remember the start program is called TF.EXE
CD\BBS\TERRA ----------> Change to your directory of Terra-Firma
TF TERRA1.CFG ----------> Call Terra-Firma with the TERRA?.CFG
The 1 is whatever node number you
specified in the SETUP program.
If you are not sure, just look in the
Terra sub-directory after you run the
SETUP program.
CD\BBS ----------> Whatever it takes to get back into bbs.
All you need to do is call the program TF.EXE and the TERRA?.CFG file
together on the command line and you're set.
Terra will run locally with a default name of SysOp, if NO
drop file is specified on the control line. You can run Terra Local
by just typing TF LOCAL from the DOS command prompt.
If you wish to let more than one person play local just edit your
drop file. Change the baud rates to 0 and the change the persons name to
whomever you wish. Call TF with the name of .CFG file which points to the
doctored drop file on the command line. When Terra sees the 0 in the baud
rate it will run in local mode.
If you wish to begin a new game of TERRA-FIRMA just run the TER_INT.EXE
program. This will re-create all game files and a new Universe.
The following Keys are available to the SysOp while a user is on line.
Alt H = Hangs Up
Alt R or X = Returns to the BBS without hanging up
Alt C = Enters Chat Mode
Alt J = Jumps to DOS (Dos Shell)
If you can't get Terra-Firma running please check your spelling
and path information in your BATCH file. Terra is running all over the world
without problems. Most calls I receive for help end up being spelling
mistakes or bad path commands. Recheck everything carefully before wasting
your hard earned cash calling me. Don't let this last paragraph give you
the wrong impression I am glad to help.....I also monitor the DOORWARE echo
and DOORGAMES in FidoNet. My Voice number is 1-413-442-7296
Multitasking or Lan info:
I have tested Terra-Firma under Desk View, Windows and OS/2 for Multi-
taskers. Terra-Firma has also been tested running under Novel and LanTastic.
As long as you load DOS Share.exe you should have no problems. For Terra-
Firma to take advantage of message sending interactive play, all games
should be run from the same directory. You can enter the path information
for each nodes bbs drop file from the SETUP program, so configuring Terra
for multinode play is simple. The SETUP program will write a TERRA1.CFG or
TERRA2.CFG or any node number up to 15 that you specify in the SETUP
program. You just need to specify which .CFG file on the command line when
you call up TF. Remember to set your DSZ environment variable as explained in
Option D above or the DSZ download feature will not work properly if you are
using NON-Standard IRQ's.
The Following Files are available from Node 1:321/227 (413)-443-8788
for File Request. N.U.G.I. BBS's Uses FroDo 2.20 Commercial /ML
<::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::>
BUSTED53.ZIP Use the magic names below for the latest versions!
ENQUIR65.ZIP
WHODUN53.ZIP---> Who-Dunit Is now Interactive!
TERRA835.ZIP
PASSIT15.ZIP
THEHACK4.ZIP---> It's a new Game!
QUANT220.ZIP---> See Advertiz.TXT N.U.G.I. ConSorTium BBS
C/O Dave Wendling (SysOp)
Magic names for latest release 49 Hull Ave
Pittsfield, MA 01201
TERRA BBS # (413)-443-8788
ENQUIRER FiDoNet 1:321/227
WHODUNIT InterNet "nugicon@delphi.com"
BUSTED 2400/9600/14400/19200/28.8
PASSITON Zoom 28.8 v.32/v.42bis
THEHACK
QUANTUM
Distribution
------------
This program is being distributed via the SHAREWARE concept and as such,
may be copied freely with the following restrictions:
* The program must be supplied in it's original unmodified
form, including documentation.
* This program may not be distributed as part of any commercial
application or service without the express, written consent
of the author.
* Vendors of Shareware/Public Domain software may not
distribute this program without the express, written
consent of the author, unless Vendor has been approved
by the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP).
Registration
------------
This door represents many hours of programming and the author deserves
just compensation for his time, efforts and expertise. If you find this
program to be of some value and you continue to use it on your system,
you Must register. The fee is $20.00 or $45.00 for all seven of my doors.
Registration entitles you to free upgrades via modem from the NUGI
ConSorTium support BBS (413)-443-8788 forever!
NOTE: If you register online, your registration number will be available
within 24 hours from the registration door. When you register by
mail, your number will be sent by NetMail, directly to your BBS or by
Snail Mail. I don't mess around so plan on getting a quick turn
around.
Copyright
---------
Terra-Firma Copyright (c)1990-91-92-93-94 by the NUGI ConSorTium is being
distributed as Shareware. Under this concept you may use the SHAREWARE
(unregistered) version for 30 days after which time registration is
mandatory.
Warranty
--------
This product is provided as is without warranty of any kind. The entire
risk as to the results and performance of the program is assumed by you.
Furthermore, the author does not warrant, guarantee, or make any other
representations regarding the use of, or the results of the use of the
program, you rely on the program and results solely at your own
risk. The author cannot and will not accept responsibility for system
damage, loss of profit or any other special, consequential or incidental
damages resulting from the use of or inability to use this product.