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Text File | 1995-03-13 | 53KB | 1,057 lines

EXECUTIVE HOST HISTORY OF IMPROVEMENTS AND BUG FIXES What's New in Executive Host 3.0 1. The following files have changed: EXECHOST.CNF - The allowed time for call has been changed to security level for VIP displays The default security level has been changed to the security level that restricts uploads/downloads. CONF.DAT - The 5th line for each conference (security level) has been expanded from 1 digit to 2 digits. NEWUSER.DAT - This is a new file and is used as the template for new users. It is in this file that things like default allowed daily time and default security level is kept. Also the default for ul/dl ratios are kept here. EXECHOST.USR - This file has been expanded to a fixed length file. It contains the following fields: 001-031 User Name 032-033 Unused (Will be used later for 6 digit user number) 034-037 User Number 038-051 Password (May not have imbedded spaces) 052-052 Must be a SPACE 053-055 Users daily allotted time 056-057 Security 1 - This is the user level - 99=sysop 058-059 Security 2 - Not used at this time 060-065 Date last on in YYMMDD format 066-071 Expiration date in YYMMDD 072-075 Total files downloaded 076-081 Total bytes downloaded in K-bytes 082-085 Total files uploaded 086-091 Total bytes uploaded in K-bytes 092 Ratio Byte Space=no enforced ratios 093-094 Ratio.... a 10 means D/L's may not exceed 10 times U/L's 095-098 Number of times user has called 099 Lockout flag - Not used at this time 100 Default transfer protocol 101 Default ANSI Graphics 102 Default XPERT mode 103-126 Unused space for future expansion 127-128 Carriage Return/Line Feed 2. The allowed daily time may be set anywhere from 0 to 999. 3. Executive Host now supports UL/DL ratios. 4. The LOGON. and LOGONG. screens have a name change. They are now LOGON.x and LOGONG.x where x is a number from 0 to 9. This allows you to have up to 10 logon screens. 5. The NEWS. and NEWSG. screens also have a name change. They also are named NEWS.x and NEWSG.x where x is a number from 0 to 9. This allows you to have up to 10 news screens. 6. The baud determination under ring detect has been improved to better detect high speed modems. 7. The external protocols may use any letters that are not already used by TELIX. Therefore I can use (H) for HS/LINK and someone else can use (H) for HYDRA. Executive Host will verify that there are appropriate bat or scr files available to run the external protocol. These must be in the format x-UP.BAT and x-DOWN.BAT where "x" is the desired letter. It is not necessary to define the external protocol to TELIX. Remember the x-UP is sending a file and the x-DOWN is receiving a file.. The ? is now used for protocol help 8. If the caller has a default protocol defined in this user record the caller will not be prompted for protocol but the protocol will be taken from the .USR file. 9. F10 while the waiting screen is visible will start the event. 10. There is no limit as to number of files to download if the protocol is one of the external protocols that can handle a file list in the form "@d:\path\filelist". Two examples of protocols that do use this format is DSZ/GSZ and HS/LINK. 11. We now support 2 line file descriptions. 12. I now ask for upload descriptions "following" the uploads. The caller will be prompted for the file descriptions for ALL files found in the Executive Host U/L directory. Therefore it will be MANDATORY that you have as part of your UPLOAD.BAT a move of all files to some other directory. All of this is to facilitate batch uploads and accurate upload counts. 13. A new main menu command EDIT has been added. This command allows the caller to view his user record and to change his default protocol or password. If entered from the SYSOP menu, then the sysop will be prompted for options. If you are using your own custom EDIT/EDITG menus, you will have to change them. 14. I have added another level of VIP screen. If there is a VIP.xx and VIPG.xx where xx is equal to the callers security access level, then this screen will be displayed. This will allow the sysop to target important information to specific groups. 15. Executive Host no longer uses its own auto answer string and the .CNF item about number ring number to answer is ignored. Executive Host now uses the TELIX auto answer string set up in the TELIX.CNF via the Alt-O. The recommended string is: ~~~+++~~~ATH0S0=1^M The number after the equal sign is the ring number to pick up the phone. The H0 will put the phone back on hook in case it was off-hook for some reason. You can experiment with the number of ~ for your modem. If you have trouble with the phone going to auto answer, you might want to add 1 or 2 additional ~. V2.0 is a minor update that includes few new features. The primary purpose of the new version is to complete the release of the RingBack modules, bring your attention to the new support BBS, change the Copyright notice, and fulfill the previous committments to the sysops of Executive Host. With the loss of John Wright in May 1992, Steve Wood has assumed sole ownership of Executive Host and Executive Host Products. Steve is also the Sysop, Programmer, and Technical Support for Executive Host. The support BBS is the WOODSHED out of Matthews, North Carolina at (704)847-8177. Online is a FORVAL v.32bis modem. Users should direct all registrations and inquiries to this new number. Some Specifics: 1. Executive Host Products, Executive Host, Multi-Script, Auto-Run, ESP Ringback, ESP CallBack, Overfix, LocalDoor are now owned by Steve Wood. 2. Support for all Executive Host products can be found by dialing (704)847-8177. Steve Wood, Sysop, Programmer, Technical Support. 3. Version 2.0 will not include what was originally announced in the "Wish" list conference to include the ESP Callback. These features will be added in future releases of the Host. 4. Callback is almost complete with the exception of the configuration file, which will be similar to that found in Ringback. Callback will either be released in a future release of Executive Host or become a Sysop configurable add on. 5. Any releases of any other products associated with Executive Host Products will ultimately come at a later date. VERSION 2.0 (Minor Upgrade) 1. Release 2.0 incorporates the v1.8 Beta release. Thanks to all Sysops who participated in the testing of v1.8B. With the loss of John Wright in May 1992, the v1.8B code has been incorporated into 2.0 and the new ringback module has been officially released to those sysops who previously registered for earlier versions of the host. 2. Support for all registered sysops of earlier versions of the Host will now be at (704)847-8177. Please note that future updates and support cannot be guaranteed indefinetly. Any changes in policy will be announced by Steve at the WOODSHED. V2.0 represents the demands and promise to Sysops to offer Executive Host registered users upgrades up to and including V2.0. Versions beyond 2.0 will represent new releases of the Executive Host. First time users registering the host will fall under the support guidelines listed on the ESP-BBS when registering or in the order text file included in the present V1.7A and subsequent 2.0 shareware release of Executive Host. 3. The new Ringback module is included with this new update and distributed ONLY to previous registered sysops. Future ringback code will become optional. Briefly, as most of you know, RingBack allows callers to have the host system call them back at their current location, thus essentially reversing the long- distance charges. RingBack is especially useful for a BBS running from work or a remote office, as phone bills will be charged to the office instead of your home number. Similar to CallBack, RingBack is completely configurable. The SysOp can elect to allow all callers access to RingBack (perhaps useful for a private system), set a minimum security level for access, or specify each authorized caller individually in a configuration file. INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO SETUP RINGBACK: 1. Press F1 from the Waiting for Call screen to enter local mode. 2. Type 'RINGBACK' from the Main menu prompt. 3. Ringback setup will start automatically since the ringback configuration file does not exist. 4. Select the mode of operation best suited to you. There are three modes of operation: Mode 1 - All callers have access to Ringback. Mode 2 - Only callers listed in configuration have access. Mode 3 - Callers with a minimum security level have access. 5. If Mode 3 is selected, you will be prompted for the minimum security level for access (1-9). 6. Once the mode is selected, the configuration is saved and Ringback is activated. Ringback may be executed in two different ways. The first and most convenient method is to request ringback by using the 'r' command line switch at the 'Do you want ANSI graphics' prompt. Including the new 'r' switch, there are now four valid switches to the 'Do you want ANSI graphics' prompt. They are: 'y/n' - answer to ansi question 'q' - quick access (no open or news file) 'x' - turn on expert mode immediately 'r' - turn on Ringback mode These commands may be entered in any order and case. Ringback can also be executed from the Main menu command line when logged into Executive Host. Ringback will be executed when a caller types "RINGBACK" from the main menu. Caller names can be added to the configuration file from Setup. You will be prompted for the Caller's name and default telephone number (not required). If you are not running Ringback in Mode 2, callers' names and phone numbers are added to the configuration file (RINGBACK.CNF) automatically, as they use use Ringback. Callers are not forced to use the default phone number for each subsequent ringback. The operation of Ringback is very simple, and is best learned by running Ringback in Demo mode. If you have any questions about details not covered here, please ask. 4. I forgot to mention in the last update that Executive Host now has numeric keypad support in all areas of operation, including the message base. 5. The usage log has been updated with new entries indicating the specific doors, bulletins and conferences used by callers. 6. Support was added for modems using non-Hayes standard connect messages. e.g. 'CARRIER' instead of 'CONNECT'. Executive Host now uses the telix configuration to determine the proper connect message (Telix _connect_str variable). 7. New Expert Mode menu lines were added to give callers a better idea of possible command options when in expert mode. 8. More modifications were made to the Ring Detect mode to try to bring more compatibility to the many different types of systems and modems. Even my system was having trouble with the last update, so hopefully this one will improve on that. 9. Some minor appearance changes and fixes were made, including a new monochrome mode in the Waiting for Call screen. 10. New Waiting for Call Screen: The old waiting for call screen has received a long overdue facelift. In addition to a more appealing color scheme, the new screen now has a new status line and Today's Date line for the convenience of the SysOp. 11. FrontEnd Bugfix: A problem with callers being logged off with a "Disconnected due to Scheduled Event" message has been corrected. This error was encountered only when loading Executive Host with a FrontEnd program such as FrontDoor or BinkleyTerm. 12. Message Base Errors: Several accounts of "Error Writing to Message Data File" messages has induced me to rewrite the message base code slightly. The execmail.dat files in all conferences are now updated on the fly, if a caller's user number is not located. This effectively eliminates the possibility of "Error Writing to" errors, unless there is a serious problem with respects to the execmail.dat file. No changes have been made to the basic structure of any of the message base files in this new version. 13. Ring Detect Answer Mode: Many SysOps are continuing to have trouble with the Ring Detect mode, apparently caused by timing differences between different systems and modems. Naturally, these problems rarely surface on my own computer systems, making the test process of this feature difficult. This beta version includes yet another modification of the Ring Detect code, which will hopefully be reliable enough for the majority of SysOps to use, should they so choose. Even if you are satisfied with the Auto-Answer mode, it would be beneficial to all if you would test out this feature and let me know how things operate. 14. The SysOp is now prompted whether to take the phone off-hook after selecting any of the Function Keys on the Waiting screen, except the Exit functions. Support was added for the Host Configuration in response to requests by users. 15. An updated PACK message base utility is included with this beta version. The new PACK now operates up to 300% faster due to increased file buffering. In addition, a feature has been added to trim message bases to a certain file size should they grow beyond the configurable size limit. Read PACK.DOC for information on this new command line option. 16. Several other minor enhancements and bugfixes are included. END OF V2.0 NEW FEATURES -------------------------------------- VERSION 1.7 (Major Upgrade) 1. Executive Host now swaps completely out of Telix when executing a shell to DOS, running door programs, and running the event. DOS CTTY redirection is still used as a default, but it is recommended highly that sysops use Doorway for the remote shell. Notice the new Board.bat file, which allows control to be maintained by the host even after Telix is unloaded. IMPORTANT!: The BOARD.BAT file must be executed as the last line in the drop.bat, event.bat, and all door batch files, in order for Executive Host to reload properly. 2. The Executive Host message base has been dramatically improved. Through the use of an index file and faster internal routines, nearly every function is noticeably faster than v1.6. In addition, the private message system has now been incorporated into the public mail (message.txt) file. This eliminates all of the *.mes files that were cluttering up the Telix directory. These changes required quite a few structural changes in the format of the message base. The CONVERT.BAT file must be run in order to convert old message bases into the v1.7 format. 3. A new (N)on-Stop function has been added to the message base system. This function may now be used to capture messages while they scroll continuously. Message scrolling may be stopped at any time by using (S)top or (Q)uit. 4. A new (Y)our Mail function has also been added that allows callers to read ONLY mail addressed to them. This new command may also be stacked with other read commands, e.g. 'R Y S' would read all mail that you have received since your last call. 5. A new registration questionaire routine has been implemented that allows the sysop to create a custom set of questions for callers to answer when first registering on the system. The sysop may modify the question script 'REGISTER.ASK' with new questions by paying attention to the format of this file, and editing it accordingly. An answer file 'REGISTER.ANS' stores the callers information, instead of in the host log file as before. 6. Callers now have the option to leave mail to a person that is not in the Guest List. This allows callers to write messages addressed to members of a mail relay system such as RIMES (Echo Mail). 7. A New Ring Detection modem answering mode option has been added to the host configuration. Ring Detection mode allows the use of phone monitoring utilities such as PhoneV that reboot the computer if a certain number of unanswered rings are detected. Ring Detection is also more secure than auto-answer since a caller can only connect to the host system when it is functioning normally. The Ring Detection mode currently ignores the number of rings configuration setting (defaulting to 1), so if you want to set your modem to answer on more than one ring, you will have to use auto-answer mode. 8. A New option to set the BBS name has also been added to the host configuration. If this setting is not blank, the bbs name will be used in the logon and logoff message, and will also be added to the door.sys and dorinfo1.def files in the place of Executive Host. If this setting is left blank, the sysops name will be displayed during logon and logoff as before. 9. A new configuration option 'Password Protect Doors' was added. This allows the sysop to decide if password protection is needed when callers are returning from doors. Password protection is still mandatory when shelling to dos from remote... (too dangerous). 10. A new configuration option 'FrontEnd Mail System is Attached'. This setting allows the sysop to use a frontend program to answer the phone and process mail. Frontend programs are necessary to link to some mail networks such as FidoNet. 11. A new option has been added to the Host Configuration, allowing the sysop to set the number of rings before the modem answers. Earlier, this had to be done by changing Telix's auto-answer string. This option does not currently effect the Ring Detect mode. This mode will always answer on the first ring. If you need the modem to answer after more than one ring, you will have to use the auto-answer mode. 12. Executive Host conducts two additional setup checks when loaded. The presence of the status bar on the bottom of the screen is now detected, and if it is not there, the host will abort to DOS. If the host is run from a Telix script directory it will also abort to DOS. Executive Host does not function properly when run from a script directory or when the status line is not located at the bottom of the screen. 13. Executive Host now creates a new complete GAP BBS compatible Door.sys file when a caller logs in, shells to DOS, or opens a door. This Door.sys file is still Doorway compatible, but also stores much more information than either the old Door.sys file or the Dorinfo1.def file. The Dorinfo1.def file is still written when callers open a door in order to give more compatibility and consistency to the host. Notice that this new file stores both the DTE and DTR baud rates, the caller's user number (message data number), and also the current conference number. Special Note: because the new version writes a new door.sys file, version 1.0 of the LastOn utility will no longer work properly. Download LastOn2.zip from our support BBS to run under version 1.7 of Executive Host. 14. Systems using only the MAIN.DIR filelist now may use the (T)ext Search option on the main menu. Callers may perform a text search of the new.dir and main.dir filelists to better facilitate the location of files on the system. 15. A new FASTER! fcopy() routine was written that is used by the host to save messages and other data during calls. The old, slower routine often involved a shell to dos, which could really bog down older XT systems. 16. New ascii menus have been added, thanks to Karl Ulrich from Marietta, Georgia who designed them and brought them to my attention. Thanks Karl! 17. Two new files are now used by the host, UPTEST/UPTESTG. These files will be typed to the caller (if found) after an upload has been tested. This will allow testing utilities to display the result of the file test to the caller, without the need for external communications drivers. The ZipAid utility by Joe Hochstuhl (APC Softwares), will create these files after testing uploads. 18. Complete Front-end compatibility is now installed. Front-end mail programs such as FrontDoor may now be used and can interactively pass information to Executive Host. A file named FRONTEND.USR must be created by the front-end program that contains the following information: baud rate port minutes till next event Executive Host will read this file and use this information for to login the current caller. The caller will be logged off promptly when an event is scheduled by the frontend program. 19. The (black/white) internal menus have been changed to new, clearer menus. Special thanks go to Karl Ulrich from Marietta, Georgia for designing and uploading these new menus. 20. The sysop may now use and edit four new external menu files: UTIL.MEN, UTILG.MEN, EDIT.MEN, EDITG.MEN These menus are displayed when the Edit Guest List and Sysop Utilities options are chosen. 21. Executive Host now restores the status bar completely when quitting to Telix. 22. Executive Host now reinstalls the Telix default usage log when quitting to Telix. 23. Executive Host now uses an internal auto-answer string when initializing the modem. Problems with Telix's default auto- answer string prompted this important change. A new host configuration option will be available in the next update to change this internal string to modify the number of rings before answer. 24. A new trashcan feature is now functional that allows the sysop to make and edit a file named TRASHCAN.TXT. Obsene and other undesirable names can then be placed in this file for the host to check new callers' names against. If a new caller's first, last, or full name matches exactly with a name in the trashcan file, the host will disconnect the caller immediately. Names in this file should be listed one at a time, each on a separate line. i.e. jerk punk hacker joe pest bbs terrorist etc. 25. Executive Host now supports up to 9,999 callers, and up to 999,999 messages per message base (98,999,901 total). 26. PACK.EXE has been updated to pack all message bases automatically. Additional support for automatically deleting outdated mail will be added in a future update as promised. Consult PACK.DOC for further instructions and information about the new Pack.exe program. 27. A bug causing the event to be skipped when set at midnight has been fixed. 28. A bug causing the screen saver to lock occasionally has been fixed. 29. Several internal search routines have been completely rewritten. Most are now at least 200% faster. 30. A Copyright display (required by law) has been added to the initial startup screen. No delay was necessary since the Host was busy checking configuration files and paths. 31. The event now takes the phone off-hook when running. ----------- NEW IN V1.6 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Conference support was added to the SysOp Filer and Utilities. If conferences are detected, Executive Host will now prompt the SysOp for the conference to work out of. Up to 999 individual conferences may be defined by the SysOp, each with its own message base, file areas, bulletins and doors. The message entry system has been improved and modified. Some changes in the maximum line length and internal structure of the message base were made, in order to bring RIMES and FIDONET compatibility to Executive Host. Look for UTI driver support for these netmail systems soon. The word-wrap feature was once again optimized, resulting in faster wordwrap for those slow XT systems. Also, the SysOp function keys are now active during message entry. However, some of these functions are still disabled during message entry, such as chat mode and drop to dos. Host and remote key entry are now simultaneously active during the message entry process. The (V)iew -> (T)ext File function of the Host was completely rewritten. The file TEXT.ZIP is no longer used for this purpose. SysOps wishing to make certain text files available to callers need only add the text.dir file to the DIRLIST menu file. The text files not be compressed, and be located somewhere in the download path of the Host. A result of the changes with the (V)iew -> (T)ext file function caused the removal of the (F)iles -> (T)ext option. SysOps wishing to display a text.dir file for callers must add this filelist to the DIRLIST/DIRLISTG filelist menus and the DIR.DAT file. The internal menus in MENU.SLC are now incorporated in two separate files, MENU1.DAT and MENU2.DAT. This was done for two reasons: 1. To make future menu changes easier to encode, and 2. To hopefully prevent SysOps from attempting to run these menu scripts independently from the Host (a definite no no). You can delete the file MENU.SLC, as it no longer serves any purpose. With the new menu data files come new SysOp Utility and Editor menus that match the Host's other menus. This was done to give the Host a more uniform (and professional) appearance and also to move some unnecessary code out of the main script. A new message scan routine has been implemented to alert callers to waiting mail in different conferences. Multiple conference message base capabilities have now finally been installed. Each individual conference now has it's own message base. The installation of this latest beta version should be seamless, with all that is necessary is to copy the files into the Telix directory. Remember, mail left in each conference, now may be read ONLY in that conference. IMPORTANT!!! - Subdirectories off of the Main download directory no longer are automatically in the Host's download path. Due to many requests for a more flexible configuration of paths, I have implemented the following: All valid paths on your system that you wish to use for the Host must now be listed in a file named "DOWNLOAD.LST". i.e. C:\MAIN\GAMES\ C:\MAIN\UTIL\ D:\HOBBY\ E:\001\ etc, etc.... If you wish to have different download paths (private file areas) in your conferences, then you must have a file of the same name located in each conference directory. If one is not found in the conference directory, the host will default to the Main download.lst file. The old method of using subdirectories off of the Main download directory is no longer used, and these files WILL NOT be found unless the paths are listed in the new file DOWNLOAD.LST. I hope that this will give all SysOps the flexibility they need to design the optimal setup for their needs. New feature on the main menu - A (N)ote to Sysop option has been added to the main guest menu. The function throws the caller directly into a private message addressed to the SysOp. Protocol menu changes - Due to several SysOps requesting this option, the Kermit and Telink protocols, already internal to Telix, will be made available to callers. A new protocol menu was designed to include these protocols and a new external protocol (Zmax). Conferences! Executive Host now supports up to 999 conferences, each of which can be setup with its own doors, bulletins, filelists, uploads and downloads directories, and message base. In addition each conference may have its own open/openg, news/newsg files for display when callers join the conference. Conference security is possible through the use of security levels. To improve the flexibility available to the SysOp, 2 additional security levels have been added. The new security levels are described in detail below: * = New, ! = Changed Level 0 - Caller is "locked-out" of the Host and will have no access. Level 1 - Callers may read mail, view bulletins and info screen, page the SysOp, or leave a private message to the SysOp. Level 2 - Same as 1, but may also view file directories and perform a text search on directories. Level 3 - Same as 2, but may also enter public messages and upload files. Level 4 - Same as 3, but has access to doors and may view files. Level 5 - Caller has full guest privilges including the ability to download files. ! Level 6 - Same access as 5, but higher conference security. * Level 7 - Same access as 5, except for time allowed online. If the SysOp is not giving all callers unlimited time, this level will always be given 60 minutes access. Also higher conference security. * Level 8 - Same access as 5, except this caller will always have an unlimited amount of access time. Also higher conference security. Level 9 - SysOp status. Caller has full access to all SysOp functions. Consult the user manual (MANUAL.DOC) for more information on setting up conferences. Message Menu Added to Host: A new message menu was added and contains four commands in this version. (E)nter Message, (R)ead Messages, (J)oin Conference, (Q)uit Conference. All of these commands are also available from the Main Menu, but are no longer listed. Improved Bimodem Interface: Increased Bimodem support was added, and the Host now passes the callers timeleft directly to Bimodem so the caller cannot download more than his available time. In addition, Bimodem is called with the /I switch, which tells it to write to a special log file. This log file will be used in later versions to update the NEW.DIR file with Bimodem transferred files. Make sure to use the new BIMODEM.BAT file to take advantage of this improved interface. Also, improved high-speed connection capabilities have been added. Executive Host now recognizes the following connect rates: CONNECT (300 baud) CONNECT 1200 CONNECT 2400 CONNECT 4800 CONNECT 7200 CONNECT 9600 CONNECT 12000 CONNECT 14400 /ARQ connections are recognized for all of the above link rates. In addition Executive Host will now display the locked DTE rate as well as the actual link rate when analyzing incoming calls. For example, the connect message: Determining Baud... Locked 38400 (9600) Shows the SysOp that the DTE rate (Telix terminal setup) is set at 38400. (9600) displays that the link rate was connected at 9600. This type connection is common when V32 compatible (Hayes) modems are calling into your US Robotics (Dual Standard) or other V32.bis modem. Addition of Stacked Commands: Executive Host callers may now stack commands for opening doors, reading bulletins, and joining conferences. i.e. "O 1" - Open door # 1 "B 2" - Read bulletin # 2 "J 3" - Join conference # 3 Addition of VIP and VIPG files that may be displayed to callers: These files will be displayed to all callers with access levels 6-8. They are displayed immediately after the NEWS/NEWSG files when a caller first logs on. These files are not available in conferences. The files DESCRIBE.SLC and ADDFILES.SLT were combined with some additional code into the file SYSMAN.SLC. Be sure and copy SYSMAN.SLC into your Telix directory and delete the old version files DESCRIBE.SLC and ADDFILES.SLC. Executive Host now uses the Telix auto-answer string so that SysOps may adjust the number of rings before pickup (S0 register). The status bar during up/downloads has been cleaned up and improved. status bar during up/downloads. The callers information is now displayed on the next line up, and the Telix status bar is restored on the very bottom line. This allows the sysop to view all important information concerning the caller during file transfers. The status bar is also now restored completely when exiting from the Host directly back to Telix (F3). Several registered users expressed the need for this feature, and so here it is. Fixed a bug when using only one filelist (main.dir). The Host Filer's Sort and Verify functions were locking-up. Fixed a bug causing the cursor to not be restored when exiting to DOS. Fixed a bug caused by a dirty variable that could corrupt the EXECMAIL.DAT file. A divide by zero error when locking baud rates with high-speed modems has been fixed. Fixed a problem with the Filer - Addfiles function that caused new files to have spaces padded after descriptions. This could cause filelists to become corrupted when using the FixDir utility. ****************************************************************************** SOME IMPROVEMENTS AND BUG FIXES IN VERSION 1.5: Hot New Menus! Executive Host gets a facelift, including new sysop, guest, and protocol menus. These menus are still encoded and will be displayed to callers unless the SysOp creates his own custom menus. Remember that the Host looks for custom menus first, so if you still have old menu files in your directory, the Host will not display the new ones until the old ones are moved. New SysOp keys: (F9 and F10) Two new Function keys options were added to the Host that may be used while a caller is online. The (F9) key toggles the Page switch on/off. If switched on, the caller will be able to page the SysOp for chat. If switched off, the caller will be instructed to leave a message. The (F10) key displays a full-screen help message for the SysOp. The caller is unaware of the help screen and is not interfered with. Improved the (t)ag file feature. File listing and tagging were improved through the addition of (h)elp and (c)ontinuous commands to go along with the (t)ag and (e)rase commands. Also, callers are now taken directly to the protocol menu if they have tagged files for download. Replies added to message base. A caller can now make a direct reply to a message immediately after reading it. The message is automatically directed to the sender of the original message. Logon.bat file may now be used to run an external program or door upon a caller logging on to the system. This feature is available for registered users only. Logoff.bat file may now be used to run an external program after a caller logs off of the system. This feature is also available for registered users only. Logon and Logong text files will be displayed to callers if found in the Host directory. They are displayed immediately after the news file, and may be used for "last on" or "what happened today" bulletins. Now when a caller selects "/p" for private upload, the description and file information is written to the file PRIVATE.DIR. The message base colors were again modified and improved. I think we have found the ultimate combination this time... but you never know. More internal support was added for the HST and other high-speed modems. The download time for each file is now calculated correctly when using high-speed modems with locked baud rates. More internal security was added to ensure continued system safety. Fixed a bug with the NEW.DIR file not being updated properly when a caller uploaded a file. Fixed a bug with the View Guest List option. A lock-up could be caused if only 5 users were registered. Fixed a bug with the View Zip File function. The "EDIT" Guest List option was taken off of the main menu and added to the (UTIL)ities option. "EDIT" may still be typed from the main menu to take you directly to the Guest List Editor. REMINDER: Although the (S)hell command was also added to the "UTIL" option, it may also be used directly from the main menu to speed up access to DOS. Also, don't forget the quick logon options that were added in version 1.3. The following options may be used to speed up access to the system from local or remote logon. Do you want ANSI graphics? -> y q x "q" means quick access and tells the host to skip the opening screen and the news file. "x" means turn xpert mode on. The Host will immediately go to xpert mode, and the menus will not be displayed upon logon. These commands may be in any order, any case, and spaces are ignored. SOME IMPROVEMENTS AND BUG FIXES IN VERSION 1.4: File tagging is Here! Thanks to popular demand, file tagging into a download batch queue has been added to the Host. Up to 5 files may be tagged for download while the caller is viewing filelists. The (T)ag function will add files to the download queue while checking for the existence of the file, and ensuring that the caller has sufficient time to download the file. The list may also be cleared with the (c)lear list function. Both of these functions are available while viewing filelists. Download batches of more than 5 files will be available as soon as Colin releases version 4.0 of Telix. A fundamental change in the Telix code is required to allow a larger batch. To better serve the new tag file feature, I have also added a new batch process that will allow callers without the use of batch protocols to tag multiple files and download them with a "batch process". For example, a caller who is not using Telix and has no batch protocols (poor soul), could tag up to 5 files, and then choose "D" to download. Executive Host would then send each file, one at a time, until all files have been sent. The caller is asked if he/she wishes to continue the batch download, between each file transfer. This in effect allows a caller to download up to 5 files without having to remember what they are. More Security: Callers are required to reenter their password upon coming out of any DOS shell activity. Password verification is performed when a caller returns from a door, and when the SysOp returns from a DOS shell. This feature adds more security by eliminating the possibility of a simultaneous disconnect/reconnect while a caller is in DOS. If the caller fails to enter the correct password, the caller is disconnected and the Host will recycle. The View Zip file function was slightly improved to give the proper message when a file could not be located. The Verify Dir File option was fixed. Some files that actually existed were being reported as missing. SOME IMPROVEMENTS AND BUG FIXES IN VERSION 1.3: NEW HOST SECURITY LEVELS: The Host secutity levels were slightly modified in version 1.3. The new levels are described below. Level 0 - Caller is "locked-out" of the Host and will have no access. Level 1 - Callers may read mail, view bulletins and info screen, page the SysOp, or leave a private message to the SysOp. Level 2 - Same as 1, but may also view file directories and perform a text search on directories. Level 3 - Same as 2, but may also enter public messages and upload files. Level 4 - Same as 3, but has access to doors and may view files. Level 5 - Caller has full guest privilges including the ability to download files. Level 6 - Same as 5, but no time limit is imposed on caller. Level 7 - Not used (same as 6). Level 8 - Not used (same as 6). Level 9 - SysOp status. Caller has full access to all SysOp functions. Callers with access levels below level 3 now have the ability to leave a private message to the SysOp. Slight modifications were made to the message entry code in order to allow the entry of extended ascii characters. This allows the entry of border characters, and also permits users to enter messages with letters such as ä, ü, è, etc., which are common in the european languages. More color was added and other minor improvements and fixes were made to the public message base. Trailing spaces are now stripped out of caller's name in order to make the Host more strict during name/password entry. Caller's time left is now calculated from the door menu, eliminating the possibility of callers being allowed to stay on too long. Also, the time of day, and time left is now displayed at the door menu prompt. Some problems arising out of more than 100 registered callers were fixed. Added a new option for callers to auto-logoff after their download is complete. Logoff is performed only if transfer is successful. A new option was added to the configuration of Executive Host. The event time may now be set to any time of day the SysOp prefers. This new option may be also used in order to shut down the host at a certain time. For example, if you wanted the Host to shut-down at 6:00am, you could set your event to run at 6:00am, and make the last line of your event read: ECHO ~~~+++~~~ATS0=0 > COM1 ( OR WHICHEVER PORT YOU ARE USING ) This would tell your modem to no longer answer the phone, effectively turning off the host. One more new option added to the configuration of Executive Host. This one allows the Operator to "Lock" baud rates; useful with high-speed modems. When this option is turned on, the Host will lock the communications rate to the default protocol set in Telix. The (C)hange Colors option was removed from the SysOp menu and substituted with the (C)olor on/off option. This function was only taking up code space, and was never being used by most SysOp's. Custom color capabilities will probably be available again in version 2.0, and will most likely be added to the configuration options of the Host. CHANGES IN VERSION 1.2 The Host now supports multiple download directories! The SysOp may now create subdirectories off of the "Main" file directory and place files in them. Executive Host will auto-detect these new subdirectories and search them for downloading. Files in these subdirectories will also be available for view by callers, and will be checked for duplicates when a caller attempts an upload. One Example set-up is as follows: ┌─────┐ ┌────┐ ┌─────┐ │TELIX│─────│MAIN│─────────│UTIL │ <-- These are all valid └─────┘ └──┬─┘ └─────┘ download directories as │ ┌───────┐ they are subdirectories of ├───────────│PROGRAM│ the MAIN download directory. │ └───────┘ │ ┌───────┐ NOTE: Valid download ├───────────│UTILITY│ directories may be │ └───────┘ ONLY one subdirectory │ ┌──────┐ deep off of MAIN. ├───────────│GAMES │ │ └──────┘ │ ┌──────┐ ├───────────│EDUCAT│ │ └──────┘ │ ┌─────┐ └───────────│SYSOP│ └─────┘ Files in these subdirectories will be available for View and Download by all callers with download priveleges (access level 4 and above). These subdirectories will also be searched for duplicates when a caller attempts an upload. No further set-up on your part is required, other that making these directories and placing files in them. The limit on subdirectories is approximately 100, depending on the length of each directory name. This new feature gives the Executive Host SysOp more power and flexibility in designing and maintaining the file base. Note that this feature now makes the Host CD-ROM compatible. For example, if you had a CD-ROM player configured as your D drive, you could set your "Main" download directory as "D:\" (the root directory). This would mean that all of the files in subdirectories off of the root directory will be available for callers. However, a few CD-ROM disks are designed with subdirectories several layers deep. In this case, only the subdirectories that branch directly off of the root will be available for callers. Downloads are now checked against the caller's time remaining to ensure that the caller does not over-extend his\her time limit. The deletion of public messages is now allowed. Callers may delete messages written to them and also messages written by them. The SysOp may delete any public message. A message base "packer" is now included with Executive Host. This program strips out deleted messages from the MESSAGE.TXT file in order to reduce the size of this file, and to speed up the operation of the Host. The program is called PACK.EXE and comes with it's own docs (PACK.DOC). Descriptions of private uploads are now added to a file called private.dir. The Host Filer was fixed so that it would use the "Main.dir" file for certain functions if the SysOp was not using multiple description files. Callers are now returned to the doorlist menu instead of the main menu when coming out of a door. This feature was added by popular demand. Callers may stack door numbers when using the O)pen door option from the main menu - for example entering "O 2" will open door #2. A problem with the recording of callers' daily time has been fixed. Several other minor bugs and problems have been fixed. CHANGES IN VERSION 1.1 The new sortit.bat file is correct and contains no non-standard DOS commands. The Sort Dir Option in the Host Filer now executes the necessary command. The Verify Dir File Option has been modified so that it now finds all files correctly (if they exist). The Host no longer keeps the phone off-hook after returning from Utility and Filer screens, and when coming out of local mode. SysOp may now choose "0" in the time limit configuration to give callers unlimited access time (Callers were being logged off immediately). The files "doorlist.g" and "bulllist.g" may now be used as ansi color versions of the menu files "doorlist" and "bulllist". Color versions of bulletins (with the letter g added to the end) now are used correctly if the caller has ansi turned on. The dorinfo1.def file is created correctly if using com2 or in local mode. Auto-answer string should now work for all modems. The "Last Message Read" number is now displayed correctly. Option "S" in the file directories menu line has been removed since this option is available from the main menu (text search). The limit on number of registered users has been raised from 99 to 999. ** IMPORTANT NOTE: Version 1.1 uses a slightly different message base format. Therefore, it will not run properly with a message base and execmail.dat file created by version 1.0. If you do not want to lose your existing message base, there is a way that you can modify the key files to work with the new version. To accomplish this, follow the instructions below. 1. Edit the EXECMAIL.DAT file with your text editor, and change the following example file as shown. OLD FORMAT FILE 1;00000;00000 <-- Notice that there is a blank space before data 2;00000;00000 <-- numbers less than 10. 3;00000;00000 NEW FORMAT 001;00000;00000 <-- Notice that there are NO spaces in the new format! 002;00000;00000 003;00000;00000 2. You will also have to change your MESSAGE.TXT file, which contains the actual messages in your base. Each message data line (i.e.";;;01;01") in this file will have to have an extra zero added to it as shown below. Remember that ALL data lines in this file will have to be changed (one precedes each individual message). OLD FORMAT FILE ;;;00;01 To: ALL From: etc, etc, etc. NEW FORMAT ;;;000;01 <------- An extra zero in the first number group is all To: ALL that is required to be compatible with 1.1. From: etc, etc, etc. Now the conversion is complete! Of course another way to convert is simply delete ALL of your old version data files, including the user file EXECHOST.USR and re-install the Host, but this I will leave up to you. Keep in mind that if you choose this option, you will have to add all of your caller's names back into the new user file (accomplished with the "EDIT" guest list option), and therefore should print out your old user file before deleting it. If you decide to convert your old message base, your old user file is compatible with version 1.1, but if you delete the message base (along with EXECMAIL.DAT), you will have to delete the user file also, since the data numbers will not match up otherwise.