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1995-03-13
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▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀
IN REMEMBRANCE OF JOHN WRIGHT
Executive Host - Premium Host/BBS for Telix
Version 3.5, released 1 Jan, 1994
Copyright (c) 1992, 1993, 1994
by Steve Wood
All Rights Reserved
Another fine product from,
The WOODSHED
Steve Wood...Owner
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Introduction ......................................................... 1
How to Register .................................................. 2
System Requirements .............................................. 3
Installation ......................................................... 3
Main Menu Options .................................................... 6
SysOp Menu ....................................................... 6
Guest Menu ....................................................... 10
Message Menu ....................................................... 10a
SysOp's Function Keys ................................................ 11
Security Levels ...................................................... 11
The Host User File ................................................... 12
The Message Base ..................................................... 12
Private Messages ................................................. 13
Public Messages ................................................. 13
The Message Data File ............................................ 13
Adding Files to the Host ............................................. 13
Installing Filelists (with descriptions) ............................. 14
Installing Bulletins ................................................. 15
Installing Doors ..................................................... 15
Installing Conferences ............................................... 16
Additional Security - Trashcan File .................................. 18
New User Questionnaire ............................................... 18
Event ................................................................ 18
Using the Host Utilities ............................................. 19
Using the Host Filer ................................................. 20
File Transfers ....................................................... 22
Important Files to Become Familiar With .............................. 22
Limitations .......................................................... 24
Support .............................................................. 24
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPENDIX A - High Speed and Error-Correcting Modem Setup ............. A1
APPENDIX B - Mail Doors, Offline Readers, Mail Networks, and Frontends. B1
APPENDIX C - Installing and using RINGBACK C1
APPENDIX D - Detailed file layouts D1
page 1
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT IS EXECUTIVE HOST?
If you need a fully functional BBS or just a remote access program for
your computer, this is the program for you. Executive Host is designed
to be entirely flexible and can be set-up in a matter of minutes. A
fast and easy to use program that comes with everything you need to be
up and running immediately, and yet has the power to allow extensive
customization and handle E-mail, multiple message bases, bulletins,
file areas, and doors. In addition, Executive Host now completely swaps
out of Telix when executing doors and the remote shell.
CONFERENCES! PRIVATE FILE AREAS! PRIVATE MESSAGE AREAS!
Multiple conferences or forums may now be installed. Up to 999
conferences, each with its own message base, file areas, doors,
and bulletins may be installed by the SysOp. This powerful new feature
will allow you to assign security levels for each conference, enabling
private and semi-private conferences, file areas and message bases.
This ability also allows Executive Host to be linked into many of
the mail relay systems. Utilities already exist for linking your
BBS with the RelayNet (RIMES) international mail network. Support for
off-line mail doors and mail readers is also in place, and the host
may be executed from a frontend utility such as FrontDoor.
Executive Host is written entirely in the SALT language and requires
the communications program Telix, version 3.15 or above, to run
properly. If you are not currently using Telix as your communications
package of choice, Executive Host is one of two reasons why you should
switch now. The other reason being that Telix is beyond a doubt, the
finest, most powerful, and easy to use communications package available.
What is a host and how does it differ from a BBS? There is only one
major difference between a host and a self-standing BBS program, and
that is that a host is programmed in a special script programming language
that allows it to directly interface a communications program and use
all of it's powerful features (in this case Telix). This allows the
Host Sysop to take advantage of all of the special functions and
features built into Telix. For example, the registration and set-up of
protocols is not necessary since these come with Telix. Also, in effect
you are getting two programs for the drive-space of one. In other words,
since Executive Host is using the internal communication routines in
Telix, it is a very small program in itself. An alternative remote access
program would be much larger and also much more expensive.
A host will allow it's operator to access his computer from remote, while
away on business or pleasure. Executive Host also has many other features
that allow the access of several hundred callers (up to 10,000), each of
whom may be assigned a security level for varied levels of access.
It's advanced message base and file transfer routines make it a prime
choice for someone interested in running a Bulletin Board System, either
for personal or business needs. All of this for a low cost of only $35,
as compared to from $200-$500 for programs with comparable features.
page 2
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Executive Host is now, without a doubt, the most powerful and full-
featured Host program available anywhere. If you demand quality and
innovation from your software products, then Executive Host is the
right program for you.
EXECUTIVE HOST IS SHARE-WARE.
The extended use of this program after a 20 day trial period
requires it's registration with the author. Some limits have been
built in to the unregistered version of Executive Host to encourage
individual compliance. The file ORDER.FRM is a registration form
that you may print and mail with your check or money order for $35.00
plus $5 shipping (U.S. dollars). Checks and money orders written
on foreign banks can no longer be accepted due to extremely high bank
processing fees. Send your order to the author at the address below.
Steve Wood
Suite B220-109
100 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 29202 USA
What do you get when you register?
1. Full-featured, personalized Host with Zmodem capabilities.
2. External protocol support including DSZ/GSZ, Bimodem, HS/Link, etc.
3. Free upgrades for one full year or at least one major upgrade.
(obtained on our support bbs in the ExecHost support conference)
4. The right to download and use Beta versions of new upgrades still
undergoing testing. (also available on our support bbs)
5. On-Line support at our BBS, 24 hours a day.
6. Ability to design and use custom menus with Executive Host.
7. Ability to run batch files when callers logon and logoff,
enabling utilities such as "Last Caller On" to be used.
8. The finest, most powerful Host/BBS system available.
page 3
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Executive Host was written entirely in SALT, Telix's powerful script
language. Special thanks go to Jeff Woods, owner of Telix
and the SALT language. Telix is a registered copyright of:
Deltacomm Development
Cary, NC
Register your copy of Telix today!
SYSTEM
REQUIREMENTS - 1. 512k of memory and an MS-DOS or compatible operating
system.
2. Telix version 3.15 or above already installed.
3. A good text editor that accepts file names on the command
line is required. Ted.com, a public domain text editor
from PC Magazine is included for those who do not
currently have their own editor. Obtaining a more
cabable text editor, such as Qedit (shareware) is
highly recommended.
INSTALLATION:
To install, Executive Host from a downloaded .ZIP file, unzip all
files into a temp directory and type 'XINSTALL'. If you received
a registered copy on a floppy diskette, merely insert the diskette
and type A:\XINSTALL.
If you do not have your text editor configured in Telix, do so now.
This is done by running Telix and entering "ALT-O". Then choose
"Filenames and Paths" and enter your editor's name under option "h".
(If you do not have your own text editor, ted.com will be used
automatically, and the Telix editor setup is not necessary.)
Hit Escape to exit this screen. If you do not have Telix configured
to use a status bar on the BOTTOM of the screen, do so now. This is
done from the "Terminal Options" setup screen. Save your new setup
and exit Telix.
If you are using ZIP files, ensure that a copy of pkzip and PKUNZIP
are located in the host directory or somewhere in your system's path.
Decide where you want your DOWN and UP and HOLD directories and create
them with the "MD" command. The DOWN directory is the primary
download directory where callers may download files from. However,
downloading from the HOLD (uploads) directory is also permitted.
One set-up would be:
C:\ -- Telix ---down
└----up
└----hold
You would create them by typing "MD C:\TELIX\DOWN" and "MD C:\TELIX\UP"
and "MD C:\TELIX\HOLD
page 4
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Downloading is permitted from any valid path on your system.
Paths are listed in an ascii (text) file named DOWNLOAD.LST.
See page 13 for further details.
Now run the BOARD.BAT file by typing "BOARD" and pressing the Enter
key. The set-up program will start automatically. When prompted for
the SysOp's name and password, enter your name and password, or the
name and password of the person who will be the System Operator.
Next a list of system parameters will be displayed:
Executive Host Configuration
A: Name of BBS or Host System : (left blank)
B: Directory Containing MAIN board : C:\telix\
C: Node Number : 1
D: Executive Host Download Directory : C:\Telix\down\
E: Executive Host Uploads Directory : C:\Telix\up\
F: Connection Type : Modem
G: Security level for VIP access : 80
H: Date and Time for Event : 01-01-99;00:00:00
I: Host Access (Public or Private) : Private
J: SysOp's Page Turned On/Off : on
K: Security to suspend UL/DL : 04
L: Type of Monitor (Color/Mono) : Mono
M: Baud Rate Locked (High-Speed Modems) : No
N: Auto Answer Mode or Ring Detection : Auto
O: Number of Rings to Answer On : 1
P: Protect Doors With Password : Yes
R: FrontEnd Mail System is Attached : No
S: Screen Blanker - Yes or No : Y
Q: Quit without saving any changes.
X: Exit and save changes to disk.
Which option ->
Each option should be configured to your individual needs as below,
OPTION D: is the full path of where your download files directory
will be located.
OPTION E: is the full path of where your uploads directory will be
temporarily uploaded to. This subdirectory MUST be empty
after every upload. Use the UPLOAD.BAT!!!!!
OPTION F: should be left as "Modem" unless you are connecting two
computers directly with a serial cable, in which it should be
set at "Direct".
OPTION G: Is security access level where the VIP/VIPG screen will be
displayed.
OPTION H: Date/time that the Host will execute it's event(EVENT.BAT).
See Appendix D3 for file layout of this file.
page 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPTION I: This setting, if set at "private", will not allow caller's
who are not registered to access the host. If set at
"public", new callers may access the host at the security
level set in option H.
OPTION J: This option sets whether the SysOp's page will be turned
on or off.
OPTION K: This option selects the security level that disallows file
transfers to the caller.
OPTION L: Is the type of monitor and should be set as "Mono" if you
have a monochrome monitor or "Color" if you have a color
monitor.
OPTION M: This option should be left as "No" unless you are using an
error correcting modem, which requires the baud rate to
be locked. (i.e. HST or Hayes 9600 baud modems)
OPTION N: Auto Answer Mode sets the modem in the answer mode using
the TELIX answer string. The recommended string is
~~~+++~~~ATS0=1^M. The 1 after the = sign is the ring
number to answer on. This method is satisfactory in
most cases. Ring Detection mode waits until a ring is
detected before sending at ATA to the modem signalling it
to answer.
OPTION O: This option sets the number of rings the modem will wait
before answering the phone. Values between 1 and 99 may
be selected. Only used for RING detect.
OPTION P: This option allows the sysop to decide whether password
protection is desired each time a caller returns from a
door. It is recommended that this option be kept at
'Yes' for optimal security. Password protection coming
out of the remote shell is mandatory.
OPTION R: This option tells the host system if it is being executed
from a FrontEnd mail system, such as the FrontDoor mail
program. FrontEnd programs are necessary in order to
interface with certain mail networks, such as FidoNet.
OPTION S: This option allow the sysop to determine if he wants the
internal screen blanker to be active.
page 6
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
This completes the initial installation of the host, and this is all
that is required to run the host as a remote access program, or as a
simple BBS. Help on the Host's menus are available while running the
Host by typing "H" from the main and message menus or "?" from the
protocol menu. More detailed instructions on how to set up multiple
doors, bulletins, filelists, etc. come later in this manual.
THE MENU OPTIONS:
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE SYSOP'S MENU COMMANDS.
█▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀█
█ Executive Host █░░ █▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀█
█▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄█░░ █ SysOp Menu █░░
░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ █▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄█░░
░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░
█▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀█
█ (D)ownload File █░░
█ (U)pload File █▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀█
█ (F)ile Directories █ (M)essage Menu █░░
█ (V)iew File █ (B)ulletins █░░
█ (T)ext Search █ (O)pen Door █░░
█ (S)hell to Dos █ (EDIT) Guest List █░░
█ (J)oin Conference █ (UTIL)ities █░░
█ (Q)uit Conference █ (I)nfo on Host █░░
█ (X)pert Mode █ (C)olor on/off █░░
█▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄█ (P)age SysOp █░░
░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░█ (H)elp on Menus █░░
█▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄█░░
(G)oodbye ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░
(D)ownload - Sends a file from Executive Host to you. The SysOp may
download from anywhere on the system by using a full path. The SysOp
may also use wildcards (i.e. *.*) when downloading with batch
protocols.
(U)pload - Sets Executive Host up to receive a file from you. The
SysOp may also upload files to anywhere on the system by using a full
path (i.e. C:\LOTUS\BUSINESS.WKS). If you use Zmodem, you will not be
able to upload with a full path since the protocol grabs the filename
from the remote site.
(F)ile Directories - Gives a list of all files available for download,
with file names, sizes, dates, and descriptions. After each screen is
filled, the display will pause until <Enter> is pressed. If filelists
have not been set-up by the SysOp, only names, sizes, dates, and
transfer times will be displayed to the caller.
page 7
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(V)iew - The (Z) sub-option will view any Zip file in the main or
uploads directory of Executive Host. A guest may also view text files
that are compressed inside of the zip file. The (T) sub-option will
allow a guest to view any text file that the SysOp has made available.
A directory of text files available for view can be found with the (F)
option from the main menu, and then the (T) sub-option. The (S)ysOp
view sub-option allows the SysOp to view any text file, anywhere on the
system.
(T)ext Search - This option allows the caller to do a text search of
the filelists made available by the SysOp. Searches for specific text,
file names, portions of file names, or even dates (in the correct format)
are allowed. Wildcards (* or ?) will be searched for literally and should
not be used. If the SysOp has not set-up filelists, this option may not
be performed.
(J)oin Conference - This option allows callers to join (or enter)
a conference area. Conference areas may have their own level of
security (minimum access level), file areas, and message base,
depending on how the SysOp chooses to set them up.
(Q)uit Conference - This option returns the caller to the Main
conference area (the area all callers are in when they first log on).
This command is used by callers when they are wish to return to the
Main conference after using the (J)oin command.
(X)pert Mode - This will make Executive Host stop displaying the main,
protocol, and message menus.
(M)essage Menu - This option displays the five message options
available for all callers. They are as follows:
(E)nter a message
(R)ead messages
(N)ote to SysOp
(J)oin Conference
(Q)uit Conference
All of the menu choices on the message menu may also be executed from
the main menu, even though some are not listed.
(B)ulletins - Displays a menu of bulletins callers may view.
(O)pen Door - Displays a menu of doors that may be entered.
(UTIL) Host Utilities - This option allows the use of four SysOp
utilities. These utilities are:
page 8
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(S)hell to DOS - This allows the SysOp to shell to dos from remote.
This option may be used when in local mode, but the F2 key is probably
a better choice in this case. The remote shell may be executed without
using the "UTIL" option by just entering "S" from the main menu. The
Host will shell to DOS using one of three methods. First, if the
DOORWAY.EXE file is detected in the Telix directory, the Host will
create a DOOR.SYS file and drop to DOS using this excellent redirection
program. Doorway will allow the SysOp to run any program from remote
that does not run in graphics mode. This includes most word-processors,
databases, and spreadsheets. Doorway is share-ware, and the latest
version is available on most good BBS's as DRWY222.ZIP.
If you need support for running graphic programs from remote, you will
have to buy a commercial program such as PC-Anywhere, Carbon Copy, or
Commute. Any of these programs can be executed successfully from the
Executive Host remote shell. Consult the documentation of these
programs on how to run them in the carrier detect startup mode.
If Doorway is not detected, then the Host will search for the file
DROP.BAT. The SysOp may modify this file to use the redirection
program/method of his choice (i.e. Gateway, PC-Anywhere, Commute). If
this file is found, the Host will run it to perform the remote shell.
Executive Host swaps completely out of Telix when executing
the remote shell. This means that you will have nearly
your entire system memory available to run programs from remote.
Swapping completely out of Telix requires
that the communications port be reset. This is done by running
RESET.EXE (an Executive Host utility) in the first line of the
DROP.BAT file. In addition, the BOARD.BAT file must be executed
in the last line of the DROP.BAT file, in order to reload Executive
Host after the remote shell. An example DROP.BAT file is listed
below. This example is the default DROP.BAT file that Executive
Host creates automatically when DOORWAY.EXE is detected in the
Telix directory.
RESET.EXE
DOORWAY SYS /O:t /L: /G:ON /V:D /B:M /C:Dos
C:
CD \TELIX
BOARD
If DOORWAY.EXE and DROP.BAT are both not found, the Host will use
the DOS CTTY redirection function to allow the SysOp to shell from
remote. The SysOp will not be able to run most programs, but will be
able to use DOS programs and commands, pkzip/pkunzip, and other programs
that do not write directly to the screen.
(R)ead Host Caller's Log - Allows the remote view of the host caller's
log, which is a text record of everything that takes place on the host.
The caller's log is also where the caller's registration information is
stored.
page 9
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(D)OS Command Line - Allows the execution of dos commands without
having to drop to DOS.
(EDIT) Guest List - The guest list is the file that contains the list
of users of the host. This command allows the SysOp to directly modify
the security levels of callers, even from remote.
The sub-options for this command are:
(1)View Guest List - Allows the SysOp to view the current list of
callers along with their current status (security), and their password.
(2)Add a new guest to list - This option allows the SysOp to add a new
caller's name and password to the guest list.
(3)Edit User Record - This option will allow the SysOp to change
any field in a users record.
(4)Edit Sysop Record - This option will allow the Sysop to change
any field in his own user record.
(5)Edit the NEWUSER defaults - This option allows the SysOp to
change any field in the NEWUSER.DAT file which contains the
default values for new callers.
(T)urn off Host - Shuts down the host from remote. When this option
is chosen, the SysOp will be prompted to decide which environment the
host should quit to (Telix or DOS). By quitting to DOS, the SysOp
may return to a batch file process.
(I)nfo on Host - Displays the Executive Host information screen.
(C)olor On/Off - This will allow the caller to switch between ascii
and color menus.
(P)age - If the page is turned on, this will page the SYSOP for 20
seconds.
(H)elp - Will display a menu command help file.
(G)oodbye - This will log you off, and set Executive Host up for
another caller.
page 10
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE GUEST'S MENU COMMANDS:
█▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀█
█ Executive Host █░░ █▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀█
█▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄█░░ █ Guest Menu █░░
░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ █▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄█░░
░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░
█▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀█
█ (D)ownload File █░░
█ (U)pload File █▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀█
█ (F)ile Directories █ (M)essage Menu █░░
█ (V)iew File █ (B)ulletins █░░
█ (T)ext Search █ (O)pen Door █░░
█ (J)oin Conference █ (I)nfo on Host █░░
█ (Q)uit Conference █ (C)olor on/off █░░
█ (X)pert Mode █ (N)ote to Sysop █░░
█▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄█ (P)age SysOp █░░
░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░█ (H)elp on Menus █░░
█ (EDIT)/VIEW User Stats █░░
█▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄█░░
(G)oodbye ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░
The Guest menu is identical to the SysOp menu except for 2 items.
(EDIT) replaces of the SysOp (UTIL)ities command. This command
allows the caller to change his default transfer protocol and/or
his password. He may also view his other statistacs.
The (N)ote to SysOp command will allow a caller to leave a message
to the sysop, no matter what the caller's security level. If a
caller's security level 2 or below, the message is automatically
marked as private E-mail.
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DESCRIPTIONS OF THE MESSAGE MENU COMMANDS:
█▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀█ █▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀█
█ Executive Host █░░ █ Message Menu █░░
█▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄█░░ █▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄█░░
░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░
█▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀█
█ █░░
█ (E)nter a Message █░░
█ (R)ead Messages █░░
█ (N)ote to SysOp █░░
█ (J)oin Conference █░░
█ (Q)uit Conference █░░
█ █░░
█▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄█░░
░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░
(H)elp on Message Menu
(E)nter Message - Allows callers with access level 3 or above to
leave a private or public message. Public messages may be addressed
to a specific person, or to "ALL". Callers with access level 2 or
below may only leave private mail addressed to the SysOp.
(R)ead Messages - Allows callers to read mail addressed to them, and
also read all messages in the conference marked as public mail.
The (N)ote to SysOp, (J)oin Conference, and (Q)uit Conference commands
are identical to those found on the main guest and sysop menus.
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SYSOP'S FUNCTION KEYS (ON-LINE COMMANDS):
The SysOp has eight commands on the function keys that may be executed
while a caller is on-line, or while in the local logon mode. The SysOp
may toggle the list of commands on the status line by using the up and
down arrow keys.
F1 Key - Kill User - This function will hang-up on the current caller
immediately with no warning or comment.
F2 Key - Dos Functions - This function will bring up the Telix Dos
functions window where the SysOp may drop to dos, perform a directory,
etc.
F3 Key - This key will initiate chat with the current caller.
F4 Key - This key will allow the SysOp to edit the user file
(EXECHOST.USR) file with a text editor, while the caller waits on-line.
F5 Key - This key will raise the caller's access level (temporarily) to
the SysOp level (level 99).
F6 Key - This key will set the caller's access level (temporarily) to
the default new user access level found in the NEWUSER.DAT.
F7 Key - This key will increase the caller's on-line time in 5-minute
increments.
F8 Key - This key will decrease the caller's on-line time in 5-minute
decrements.
F9 Key - This key toggles the page on/off switch. If this switch is
on callers will be able to page the SysOp. If it is turned off, the
caller will be instructed to leave a message.
F10 Key - This key displays the SysOp's full-screen help. It does not
interfere with the caller, and the caller cannot see the help message.
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HOST SECURITY LEVELS:
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 filelists and perform a text
search on filelists.
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 privileges including the ability to
download files.
Level 6-98 - Same access as 5. These additional security levels permits
the sysop to better tailor conference access.
Level 99 - SysOp status. Caller has full access to all SysOp functions.
Access level 99 may be assigned via the Guest List Editor. Access
level 99 will give the caller complete access to your system, and
disastrous results could occur either by accident or on purpose.
See appendix D for the use of the secondary security!!
THE MESSAGE BASE AND HOW IT WORKS:
The message base combines public messages and private E-mail into
one secure message system. Each message base has its own index file
for added speed and ease of use.
The message base uses the message data numbers assigned to each
user in the EXECHOST.USR file. The data numbers are added sequentially
to the file EXECMAIL.DAT, where the user's message information is stored.
Two important bits of information are stored here. The first is the
number of the user's last message read. This is stored in order to give
the caller an idea of where he left off from the last time he read
messages. The second bit of information is the number of the last public
message addressed to the user. When a caller logs on, the Host looks at
the message data file, and compares the last message read with the last
message sent to the user. This way the Host is able to quickly determine
if the user has new mail, without having to scan the entire message base.
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This quick scan is performed for each conference in which the caller has
access (if conferences have been setup), and the caller is notified of
which conferences he has mail waiting.
Messages written to or from the caller may be deleted by choosing
(k)ill at the bottom of the message. The SysOp may delete any public
message. Note: This function does not actually delete the message from
the message base, but simply marks it as deleted so callers are unable to
read it. PACK.EXE must be run to strip these deleted messages from the
message base. It is recommended that SysOps run PACK.EXE at least once
a week (or in the daily event) in order to trim down the size of the
message base and speed up it's operation. Read the file PACK.DOC for
more information on PACK.EXE.
Example of the EXECMAIL.DAT file:
⌐------- Message Data Number
| ⌐--- User's Last Message Read (public message)
| | ⌐ Number of Last Message Sent to User (public message)
| | |
| | | (semicolons used as dividers)
0001;000040;000038
0002;000039;000012
0003;000040;000033
0004;000022;000007
0005;000035;000004
ADDING FILES TO YOUR HOST SETUP:
If you are running the program as a public access BBS, or just as a
semi-private host, you will be sure to want to make available certain
programs for download. Of course the SysOp may download from anywhere
on the system, but guest callers may download from only the upload and
download directories and/or any subdirectory listed in the DOWNLOAD.LST.
Therefore, in order to make programs available to all callers, they
must be copied into one of these directories.
Example of the DOWNLOAD.LST file
<< Beginning of File >>
C:\GAMES\
D:\UTILS\
E:\CDROM1\
E:\CDROM2\
etc, etc....
<< End of File >>
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There is no limit to the number of paths that may be used as download
directories for your callers. WARNING!! Do not add your Telix directory
to this list, since this would compromise your system security.
If you are using filelists with descriptions, initially just copy your
new files to a download directory. Then use the Host Filer to add these
filenames to your filelists (Option A). After your initial set-up
it is a good idea to add new programs to the filelists prior to
copying them into the download directories. The easiest and most
efficient way to do this is to first separate new files into categories
represented by your filelists. For example, copy all of your new
utility files into a temporary directory. Then use option A to add the
new files to your utility filelist. This will allow you to enter a path
such as "C:\TEMP\*.ZIP", instead of adding each file individually. All
that is left is to copy the files into a valid download directory,
delete the original files in the temp directory, and start your new
category.
INSTALLING DESCRIPTION FILES - Executive Host works fine using only
physical (DOS) file directories, however most SysOps who want to run a
serious bbs will want to use a series of filelists that will display the
filenames, dates, and descriptions. Executive Host has an advanced filer
built in, and filelists can be setup easily as follows.
1. Decide how many different filelists you wish to use, and enter their
names and numbers in the directory data file DIR.DAT.
2. If you want to use only one big filelist, the DIR.DAT file
is not necessary. Just name the filelist MAIN.DIR, and the
host will use it.
3. If you use the DIR.DAT file, you must also use the file called
DIRLIST. This file is the menu that will be displayed whenever a
caller chooses to view the filelists, and should contain the menu
of filelists with their corresponding number. An ansi color directory
menu file may also be used and must be called DIRLISTG. Ansi colors
are automatically added to DIRLIST if this file is not present.
4. A Recent Uploads filelist should also be created and must be
called NEW.DIR. This file is where the descriptions of files
uploaded by callers will be added. It is recommended that files be
rotated out of the Recent Uploads directory after about a week's time,
but that is up to the SysOp.
5. Once the data file has been setup and each filelist has been created,
the Host Filer (F6) will recognize your setup and allow you to edit and
modify these files when necessary. All files must be in the Telix
directory. Example files of the DIR.DAT, DIRLIST and DIRLISTG files are
included in the file EXAMPLES.ZIP.
6. Ansi colors are added to the filelists automatically, so a separate
ansi file is not necessary.
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INSTALLING BULLETINS - The set-up for bulletins is similar to the
setup for filelists and is done as follows:
1. If you wish to use only one bulletin file, name it BULLETIN, and
the Host will display it when a caller selects the view bulletins
option. An ansi bulletin may also be displayed for callers who choose
color. This file must be called BULLTING.
2. If you wish to set-up multiple bulletins, you must use a data file
similar to the filelist data file. Enter each bulletin's name and
number in the file BULLETIN.DAT.
3. If you are using multiple bulletins, you must create/modify the
file BULLLIST, which is the menu displayed to callers that shows the
available bulletins, and their corresponding number The file
BULLLIST.G may also be used to display a color bulletin menu. Ansi
colors are automatically added if this file is not found.
4. Create each bulletin with your text editor, and put them in the
host directory. Ansi is added automatically to the bulletins unless
you wish to make separate ansi bulletins. You may do this by adding a
"G" to the end of the bulletin file name. For example, the ansi
bulletin for the file RULES, should be RULESG. Note that the
bulletin name may not be longer than 7 characters long if an ansi
version of the bulletin is to be used.
5. Once all of this has been completed, your bulletins, menu, and data
file may be modified in the SysOp's Utilities Window (F5) at the waiting
for call screen.
INSTALLING DOORS - The set-up of doors is also similar to the set-up of
bulletins and filelists, and is done as follows:
1. If you wish to have only one door on-line, then create a file
called DOOR.BAT that will run the door. DOOR.BAT will be run
whenever a caller chooses the (O)pen Door option.
2. If you wish to use multiple doors, create/modify the file DOOR.DAT
with the batch file name and corresponding number of each door.
3. Also modify the door menu file DOORLIST, which is displayed to
the caller when the (O)pen Door option is chosen. The file
DOORLIST.G may be used to create a color door menu to callers. Ansi
colors are automatically added if this file is not found.
4. Create the batch file for each door to be run. FISHING.BAT is an
example of a batch file for an RBBS door.
5. Once the above has been accomplished, the door batch files, menu,
and data file may be modified from the SysOp's Utilities window (F5) at
the waiting for call screen.
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6. Two files are created when a door is opened, a GAP BBS compatible
DOOR.SYS file which is recognized by Gap door programs and Doorway, and
the DORINFO1.DEF file, which is recognized by RBBS compatible doors,
and some QBBS doors.
7. IMPORTANT!: Executive Host swaps
completely out of Telix to execute door programs. For this reason,
and in order to reset the computer's communications port, the
RESET.EXE program must be run in each door batch file. RESET.EXE
should be the first command executed in each door batch file,
otherwise the some doors may become confused and. In addition,
since Telix is completely swapped out when running doors, in order
to reload the host system, THE BOARD.BAT FILE MUST BE RUN as the last
line in ALL door batch files. An example door batch file for the
Kannons and Katapults door game is listed below.
RESET.EXE
CD \KNK
KNK C:\TELIX\DORINFO1.DEF
CD \TELIX
BOARD.BAT
Notice that RESET.EXE is the first command in the batch file, and that
BOARD.BAT is the last command. It is very important that all door
batch files are setup similarly.
INSTALLING CONFERENCES - The setup of conferences in Executive Host
can add much power and flexibility to the host system. Setup of
conferences is listed on a step-by-step basis below. There are
four main steps.
1. Create the conference subdirectory with the DOS "MD" command.
Conference subdirectories are where the conference messages and other
data files are stored. For example, to create a subdirectory for
the SYSOP conference, you would type "MD C:\TELIX\SYSOP. It is
good practice to name your subdirectory the same as the conference name.
2. Add the conference setup information to the file CONF.DAT. This
is where the conference name, number, and other important information
are stored. The format of this file is shown below:
1;SysOp <-- number and name of conference (1)
C:\TELIX\SYSOP\ <-- conference directory (2)
C:\TELIX\DOWN\ <-- conference download directory (3)
C:\TELIX\UP\ <-- conference upload directory (4)
06 <-- minimum access level for conference (5)
Line one contains the conference number and name. Be sure to limit
your conference name to less than 16 characters. The conference
numbers should be kept in sequence and with NO skipping of numbers.
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Line two contains the name of the conference directory that you just
created using the DOS "MD" command. Use the full path, i.e.
"C:\TELIX\SYSOP\". Enter the path in the exact format as shown above.
Line three contains the conference download directory. This may be
the same or different from the main download directory setup in the
Host configuration.
Line four contains the conference upload directory. This path may
also be the same or different than the main upload directory setup in
the Host configuration.
Line five contains the minimum access level of callers that will be
admitted into the conference.
Be sure to end all paths with a "\" backslash, as shown above.
More conferences are added to the CONF.DAT file in the same manner,
by listing this information below the last conference.
3. Next create or edit the CONFMENU and CONFMENU.G files.
These are the conference menu files that will be displayed to callers
when they select the (J)oin Conference option from the main menu.
These files, along with the CONF.DAT file must be present in the Telix
directory in order for the Host to recognize that conferences have
been setup properly.
4. Special conference files and menus may now be added to the
conference directory. Conference specific setups for bulletins, doors,
and filelists may be created for each conference. For example, if the
Host found the files DIRLIST/DIRLIST.G and DIR.DAT in a conference
directory, it would use this filelist setup when callers are in this
conference only. The SysOp can setup bulletins, filelists and doors
in each conference, EXACTLY as was done for the Main conference.
By limiting the access of callers admitted into conferences, the SysOp
can thus create private conferences with their own file areas, doors,
bulletins and message bases. In addition, the SysOp may design
different menus for each conference, and place them in the conference
directory, if so inclined.
The following files may be placed in the conference directory as
substitutes for the files and menus in the Telix directory:
OPEN. *
OPENG. *
NEWS.x * The x is a number from 0 to 9 allowing the
NEWSG.x * display of up to 10 different files
DIR.DAT
DIRLIST
DIRLISTG
DOOR.DAT
DOORLIST
DOORLIST.G
BULLETIN.DAT
BULLLIST
BULLLIST.G
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Executive Host also supports different menus in each
conference. These files, of course, are not necessary, but if
you wish to have different menus in each conference, it is now
possible. Of course, you must have a registered version of
Executive Host to utilize custom menus.
Files marked with an asterisk (*) will only be displayed if found in
the conference directory. If any of the other files are not found in
the conference directory, the identical files in the Telix directory
will be used. In other words, the Main conference's filelists, bulletins
and doors will always be used as a default if the SysOp has not setup
special ones for each conference.
No other files of any kind should be copied into the conference directory,
as they will not be used and will only waste your hard-drive space.
In particular, all filelists (dir files), bulletins, and door batch files
should be kept in the Telix directory, and full paths are not necessary
in the DIR.DAT, DOOR.DAT, and BULLETIN.DAT files.
ADDITIONAL SYSTEM SECURITY - Executive Host now allows the
SysOp to create and update a 'trashcan' file. This file should be
called TRASHCAN.TXT and is a list of obscene and/or undesirable names
that the SysOp wishes to check new callers' names against, when they
are first registering. When a caller first logs in as a new user,
his name is checked against the names in the trashcan file. If the
new caller's name matches with any of the undesirable names listed
in the file, the caller is disconnected immediately. This file can be
used to weed out obvious undesirable callers with names such as
'Hacker', and can also be used to prevent a particular person from
registering who has proved to be a problem in the past. Both single
and full names can be added to this file, and should be listed, one on
each line, as shown below (case is insignificant):
Hacker
Jerk
Joe Pest
BBS Terrorist
CALLER REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND SCRIPTS - Executive Host
now has an external script questionnaire with a list of questions to
be asked of new callers. This script questionnaire file is named
REGISTER.ASK, and can be modified by the SysOp to change the default
questions, or add additional questions. Answers to the new user
questionnaire are no longer saved to the EXECHOST.LOG file. Instead,
answers to the REGISTER.ASK file are saved to a file named REGISTER.ANS.
THE HOST EVENT - Executive Host will execute the EVENT.BAT file daily,
at the date/time specified in the Host Configuration. An EVENT.BAT
will be created as part of the installation. This will delete
CALLERS.DAT and will run PACK.EXE to keep message bases manageable.
The EVENT.BAT must execute BOARD.BAT as the last item.
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CALLERS.DAT contains information on how much time each caller has
used on the BBS for that particular day. If you are not running
your host 24 hours, and the event is not run each day, this file
will still need to be deleted, otherwise all active callers will
eventually run out of time, and will be unable to login to your
system. The EVENT.BAT file is a perfect place to run optional
utilities and perform automatic backup procedures on your system.
USING THE HOST UTILITIES - By Pressing the F5 key at the waiting for
caller screen, the SysOp may enter the Host Utilities area. In this
area the SysOp may choose from 10 different utility functions (A-J).
If conferences have been setup, the conference menu will be displayed,
and the SysOp will be asked to select the conference to work out of.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ ║
║ ║
║ Sysop's Host Utilities ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ A> List Caller's Log F> Edit Door List ║
║ ║
║ B> Edit UserFile G> Edit Door Batch Files ║
║ ║
║ C> Edit Bulletin List H> Edit Door Data File ║
║ ║
║ D> Edit Bulletins I> Test-Run Door ║
║ ║
║ E> Edit Bulletin Data File J> DOS Command Line ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ Choose a Utility Option? <Enter>=quit -> ║
║ ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
(A) - List Caller's Log. This option will use the LIST.COM file
browsing utility to view the Host caller's log. A copy of List.com must
be located in the Telix directory. V. Buerg's more advanced list.com
may be substituted in the place of the list program distributed with
Executive Host.
(B) - Edit UserFile. This option will use the text editor defined in
Telix to edit the Host's user database. Callers' passwords and
security may be manually changed using this option. Be careful to
not alter the structure or order of this file, otherwise the host
will report an error.
(C) - Press C to bring up the bulletin menu file in your text editor.
This is the file that shows callers the bulletins available for view.
If this file is modified, and you are also using the file BULLLIST.G
to display a color menu, you will have to make the necessary changes to
it also.
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(D) - Option D will allow the editing of each bulletin that is set-up
in the bulletin data file (BULLETIN.DAT). First you will be displayed
the bulletin menu, from which you must select which bulletin to edit.
(E) - Option E allows will bring up the bulletin data file in your text
editor. This is the file that tells the host, which bulletins to read,
and their respective numbers.
(F) - Option F will allow the editing of the door menu file DOORLIST.
This is the menu of all doors available for callers, and is displayed
when a caller enters "O" for open door.
(G) - Choosing option G will allow you to edit any of your batch files
that execute doors. The Host will display your door menu, in order for
you to select the batch file to edit, and will then bring up the batch
file you choose in your text editor.
(H) - Option H allow you to edit the door data file, which contains the
number and name of each door available for callers to use.
(I) - This option will test-run any of the doors that you have set-up in
the door data file. It will display your door menu, and ask you to select
a door to test-run. Once you have done this it will run the door's batch
file, and allow you to test your set-up and installation of doors.
(J) - DOS Command Line - This option will allow the SysOp to run a
specific application without dropping to DOS. A Drop to DOS may be
done by pressing the <Enter> or <ESC> key from the DOS command Line.
USING THE HOST FILER - By pressing the F6 key at the waiting for caller
screen, the SysOp may enter the Host Filer area. In this area the
SysOp may choose from 10 different Filer options also (A-J).
If conferences have been setup, the conference menu will be displayed,
and the SysOp will be asked to select the conference to work out of.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ ║
║ Executive Host Filer ║
║ ║
║ A> Add New Files to Filelist F> Verify Filelist ║
║ ║
║ B> Auto-Describe Filelist G> ║
║ ║
║ C> Edit Filelist Menu H> Run Editor ║
║ ║
║ D> Edit Filelist I> Run List.com ║
║ ║
║ E> Edit Filelist Data File J> DOS Command Line ║
║ ║
║ Choose a Filer Option? <Enter>=quit -> ║
║ ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
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(A) - The "Add New Files to Filelist" option allows the SysOp to add
one or more new files that he has acquired to a filelist. The SysOp
will be asked for the path of the new programs first. For example
"A:*.ZIP" may be entered. Then the SysOp will be asked which filelist
to add the new programs to. The file adder will add these programs
to the filelist and allow the manual entry of descriptions by the
SysOp. Also remember to sort the filelist after the new files have
been added (Option G). The new files must of course be copied into the
main or uploads directory in order to be available for downloading.
(B) - The "Auto-Describe Filelist" option will add descriptions to your
filelist from an existing list. In other words, if you have just
used option (A) to add new files to an Executive Host filelist, and you
do not want to add all of the descriptions manually, you have another
alternative. You can download or capture a filelist from another BBS,
and use this source file to transfer the descriptions to your Host
filelist. This is the purpose of option (B). The source file may be
in any popular bbs format i.e. PCB, RBBS, dBBS, etc. The SysOp will be
asked for the name of the filelist that needs descriptions added. Next,
the name of the source file to be searched must be entered. Both files
must be sorted alphabetically prior to using this option. A .bak file of
the filelist is created in case something goes wrong. All files must be
in the Telix (Host) directory.
(C-E) - Allows the editing of filelists, the directory menu file,
and the directory data file.
(F) - Verify Filelist - This option will verify that all the files in a
filelist really exist in either the upload or download directories.
Example: 75 files processed.
0 files NOT Found.
(G) - Sort Filelist - This option will sort a filelist using the
program SORTIT.EXE. This program sorts filelists alphabetically, while
ignoring (not sorting) any filelist information header that may be
present. Filelists may not be larger than 64k in size. A custom
sort program, such as V. Buerg's SORTF.COM may be implemented to sort
files larger than 64k. This is done by deleting the file SORTIT.EXE and
creating a batch file named SORTIT.BAT to run the program. It is a good
idea to always keep filelists sorted in order to give callers an orderly
display of files available for download. Also, filelists must be sorted
prior to using the "Auto-Describe Filelist" option in the Host Filer. To
sort a file from the dos prompt, simply type "SORTIT [name of filelist]".
(H) - Run Editor - This option simply runs the editor defined in Telix
without a file name. Ted.com is run by default if an editor is not
defined in Telix.
(I) - Run List - This option will run the LIST.COM file browsing utility
if it is present in the Telix directory.
(J) - DOS command Line - This option is identical to option "J" in the
Host Utilities area. You may enter a DOS command to be executed, or
press <Enter> or <Esc> to drop to DOS.
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DOWNLOADING - Downloading may take place from either upload or
download directories, and all files in any of these directories are
always available for download by all callers with access to the
conference. The SysOp may of course enter a full path and download from
anywhere on the system. Remember that the file DOWNLOAD.LST may be
used to make any path on the system a valid Executive Host download
directory.
UPLOADING - Files uploaded by all callers will be sent to the uploads
directory. In addition the UPLOAD.BAT file MUST be run.
This batch file could perform various virus checking functions, and
integrity checks on the uploaded file(s). The UPLOAD.BAT must move
all files in the upload directory to some other subdirectory. This
could be the download directory or some holding directory.
The SysOp may include a full path when uploading, and the file can
be sent anywhere on the system.
IMPORTANT FILES TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH - The following files are used
in the day to day operation of the Host and their structure and format
should be studied by the SysOp. If they should ever become corrupted
or deleted, your knowledge of their structure will ensure that you will
be back on-line quickly.
System and Message Base Files:
exechost.usr - the Host UserFile containing the name, password, and
security levels of all callers.
exechost.cnf - the Host configuration data file
execmail.dat - the message base data file.
message.txt - the message base text.
message.dat - the message base pointers data file.
message.ndx - the message base index file
Executive Host External Menu Files:
* guest.men - main menu displayed to all callers except sysop
* guestg.men - ansi version of guest.men
* sysop.men - main menu displayed to the sysop only
* sysopg.men - ansi version of sysop.men
* message.men - message system menu
* messageg.men - ansi version of message.men
* protocol.men - protocol selection menu
* protcolg.men - ansi version of protocol.men
* util.men - sysop utilities menu
* utilg.men - ansi version of util.men
* edit.men - sysop's edit guest list menu
* editg.men - ansi version of edit.men
[*] - these files are not supported in the UNREGISTERED version.
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OTHER IMPORTANT FILES:
exechost.log - host usage log - contains a log of caller activities on
your host bbs system.
register.ask - the script file questionnaire which contains questions
asked of all new callers.
register.ans - the answer file containing each new caller's answers
to the questions in the register.ask script file.
trashcan.txt - text file containing any obscene or undesirable names
you wish to check new callers' names against before
granting registration.
sortit.exe - program that sorts filelists.
reset.exe - resets communications port before remote shell & doors.
pack.exe - removes deleted mail from each message base and
updates the message index file.
list.com - text file browse utility.
drop.bat - batch file used for remote shell to DOS.
upload.bat - batch file executed whenever a caller uploads a file.
event.bat - batch file run as an "event" at a certain hour each day.
board.bat - runs Executive Host.
logon.bat - executed immediately prior to the open/openg files
being displayed to a caller (if found).
logoff.bat - executed immediately after each caller logs off
the host system (if found).
dir.dat - data file of filelists.
door.dat - data file of door batch files.
bulletin.dat - data file of bulletin files available for view.
callers.dat - data file recording on-line time used by callers.
conf.dat - data file with conference information.
bulllist - bulletin menu file displayed to callers.
bullist.g - ansi version of bulllist.
dirlist - directory file menu displayed to callers.
dirlistg - ansi version of dirlist.
doorlist - door menu file displayed to callers.
doorlist.g - ansi version of doorlist.
logon.x - ascii file displayed following the news files.
The x is a number from 0 to 9 allowing 10 screens.
logong.x - ansi version of logon.x file.
open - ascii file displayed when caller first logs on.
openg - ansi version of open file.
news.x - news file that is displayed immediately following
open/openg.
newsg.x - ansi version of news file.
newuser.dat - Default settings for a new user.
security.dat - Additional security for conference access
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vip - file displayed to callers with VIP access level
immediately after the news file.
vipg - ansi version of vip file.
vip.xx - file displayed to callers with access level equal to
the file extension. i.e. VIP.12 for access level 12
vipg.xx - ansi version of vip.xx file.
info - file displayed when caller chooses (I)nfo on Host.
infog - ansi version of info file.
goodbye - file displayed when caller logs off.
goodbyeg - ansi version of goodbye.
newuser - file displayed after a new caller registers.
newuserg - ansi version of newuser file.
uptest - file that is displayed immediately after an upload.
uptestg - ansi version of uptest file.
LIMITS - The following limits are built into all versions of Executive
Host.
9,999 Registered Callers.
999 Conferences, each with its own message base.
99 Filelists per conference (9,801 total).
99 Bulletins per conference (9,801 total).
999 Doors per conference
999,999 Messages in each conference message base (98,999,901 total).
Of course disk space is a limiting factor in many cases.
SUPPORT - Support for Executive Host is available from:
The WOODSHED BBS - (704) 847-8177 - Support is available 24 hours a day.
All Registered users are given access to a High Speed (v.32bis) line
upon registration.
Trying Hard BBS - (404) 509-7464 - A showplace BBS showing the
versatility and capability of the software.
The Executive Host support conference is echoed worldwide via the RIME
network. You may receive support from many of the RIME BBS's
around the world. If your local RIME sysop does not carry ExecHost
please ask him/her to start carrying RIME channel #330.
Thank you and enjoy Executive Host.
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APPENDIX A - HIGH SPEED AND ERROR CORRECTING MODEM SETUP
The US Robotics and other high speed or error correcting modems require
special settings in order to work properly with Telix and Executive Host.
You have two choices that will allow you to connect with all callers.
But first, make sure that you have a copy of Executive Host 1.3 or above.
Support for these modems was not included with earlier versions.
OPTION 1: Set the Executive Host configuration "Lock Baud Rates" to
"YES".
Then go into Telix configuration and ensure that the two screens
below are set as indicated. The most important settings for
Executive Host have been marked with the "(*)" sign. These
settings MUST be set as shown to have the Host perform correctly.
The Baud rate shown below should be set at 4800 or 9600 for 2400cps
modems, or 19200 or 38400 for high speed (9600 baud) modems, such as
the USRobotics HST dual standard.
╒═╡ Terminal options ╞═════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ │
│ A - Baud 19200 Parity None Data length 8 Stop bits 1 (*) │
│ B - COM2 or COM1 │
│ │
│ C - Default terminal type ........... ANSI-BBS (*) │
│ D - Status line ..................... Bottom (*) │
│ E - Local echo ...................... Off │
│ F - Add Line Feeds after CRs ........ Off │
│ G - Strip high bit (incoming data) .. Off │
│ H - Received Backspace destructive .. On │
│ I - XON/XOFF software flow control .. On (*) │
│ J - CTS/RTS hardware flow control ... On (*) │
│ K - DSR/DTR hardware flow control ... Off (*) │
│ L - Compuserve Quick B transfers .... On │
│ M - Zmodem auto-downloads ........... On │
│ N - Answerback string (ENQ) ......... │
│ │
│ │
│ Change which setting? (Return or Esc to exit) │
╘══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
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╒═╡ Modem and dialing parameter setup ╞════════════════════════════════╕
│ │
│ A - Init string ......... ~~~+++~~~ATH0&C1&D2X4^M (*) │
│ B - Dialing prefix 1 .... ~~ATDP (NOTE: Be sure to save the above │
│ C - Dialing prefix 2 .... ATDP string into your NVRAM "AT&W"). │
│ D - Dialing prefix 3 .... ATDP │
│ E - Dialing suffix ...... ^M │
│ F - Connect string ...... CONNECT │
│ G - No connect strings .. NO CARRIER BUSY │
│ VOICE NO DIAL TONE │
│ H - Hang-up string ...... ~~~+++~~~ATH0^M │
│ I - Auto answer string .. ~~~+++~~~ATS0=1^M │
│ J - Dial cancel string .. ^M │
│ │
│ K - Dial time ........... 50 │
│ L - Redial pause ........ 10 │
│ M - Auto baud detect .... Off (*) │
│ N - Drop DTR to hangup .. On (*) │
│ │
│ │
│ Change which setting? (Return or Esc to exit) │
╘══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
The new Telix modem configuration program (included with v3.15 of Telix),
will setup your modem and Telix in a similar manner. For the greatest
compatibility you should have both CTS/RTS and Xon/Xoff flow control
are enabled. The Executive Host configuration option "Lock Baud Rates?"
must be set to "Yes".
Additional help for the setup of high speed and error correcting modems
under Executive Host is available on our support BBS, 24 hours a day.
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APPENDIX B - MAIL DOORS, OFFLINE READERS, MAIL NETWORKS, AND FRONTENDS
.QWK MAIL DOOR
The .QWK mail format is the current standard for all popular offline
readers such as MEGAREAD, ROBOMAIL, OLX, etc. Also the .QWK format is
also used my many echo mail networks..
There is a .QWK mail door written especially for
Executive Host. This program is not available as shareware but
is available from the WOODSHED for only $25.00.
UNIVERSAL TEXT INTERFACE (UTI) - Executive Host UTI conversion
utilities already exist to link the Executive Host message base with
many external mail programs and networks. The drivers will always
be made available on the bbs systems listed below.
THE WOODSHED BBS - (704) 847-8177 sysop, Steve Wood
Trying Hard BBS - (404) 509-7464 - sysop, Karl Ulrich
The UTI utilities allow the sysop to use the following programs in
conjunction with Executive Host.
1. PCrelay Software and Postlink Software - written by Kip Compton.
This software allows Executive Host systems to be linked with
the Relaynet (RIMES) international mail network, and other mail
networks that run under PCrelay or POSTLINK software. PCrelay
and Postlink can also be used to link BBS's together (outside
of a network), in order to share message bases.
2. MegaDoor Offline Mail Door - written by Kip Compton.
This software can be setup as a door under Executive Host, and
allows callers to download mail, read and reply offline, and
upload new mail into the Executive Host system later.
3. MegaReader Offline Mail Reader - written by Kip Compton.
The MegaReader program is used by callers to read and reply offline
to messages downloaded from the MegaDoor.
4. Any other MegaMail compatible program or door available now or
in the future.
5. In conjunction with TNET, the UTI drivers can be used to create
mail packets for use with echo mail systems that use the .QWK
format
page B2
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FRONTEND PROGRAMS:
Additionally, Executive Host now has sufficient support to be run
from a frontend mail program. Frontend Mail programs actually
answer incoming calls, and then pass the necessary information on
to the bbs software so that the caller can be logged in normally.
Many people prefer to run BBS software from a frontend program
such as FrontDoor, because of its consistent interface and also
because of the many additional features available to the sysop
while waiting for incoming calls. Primarily however, frontend
programs were designed for linking message base systems with
other bbs systems and mail networks.
The same is true for linking the Executive Host message base with
mail networks that require a frontend, such as the FidoNet
international mail network.
In order to obtain the current caller information from the frontend
program, Executive Host will read a file named FRONTEND.USR. This
file must contain three pieces of information, normally passed
as command line parameters from frontend programs:
baud rate
port
minutes left before next event
This file can be built automatically by the batch file that
calls Executive Host. The FrontDoor mail program passes the baud,
port, and minutes until next event information as %1, %2, and %3 command
line variables. An example of the EXEBBS.BAT file used by FrontDoor
is listed below:
ECHO %1 > FRONTEND.USR ; copies the baud info to the new file
ECHO %2 >> FRONTEND.USR ; appends the port info to the file
ECHO %3 >> FRONTEND.USR ; appends the minutes left info
BOARD.BAT ; runs Executive Host
Please call the Executive Host support BBS The WOODSHED for
further information on setting up frontend programs.
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APPENDIX C - RINGBACK
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 (1-99).
6. Once the mode is selected, the configuration is saved and
Ringback is activated.
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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.
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APPENDIX D - Executive Host Files
CONF.DAT
1;SysOp <-- number and name of conference (1)
C:\TELIX\SYSOP\ <-- conference directory (2)
C:\TELIX\DOWN\ <-- conference download directory (3)
C:\TELIX\UP\ <-- conference upload directory (4)
06 <-- minimum access level for conference (5)
MESSAGE.DAT
MAIN/000023/000000
C001/000102/000101
| | |_________ Highest numbered private message
| |_________________Highest numbered public message
|_______________________Conference Number
There should be a 1 for 1 match between the MESSAGE.DAT and the
CONF.DAT file. It is not advisable to edit existing entries. It
may be necessary to edit this file when adding a conference.
EXECMAIL.DAT
0001;000040;000038
0002;000039;000012
0003;000040;000033
0004;000022;000007
0005;000035;000004
| | |_________Highest numbered message to user
| |________________Highest numbered message that caller
| has already read
|______________________Caller (user) number
When the last column is greater than the middle column, the
caller receives the 'Mail Waiting' message at logon and
when joining a conference.
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MESSAGE.TXT
|---------------------------------Flag to determine status
| P=Private ;=Normal D=Delete
| |-------------------------------The double ;; means header
| | |---------------------------User # for the addressee
| | | |----------------------User # of the sender
| | | | |-------------------Message Number
;;;0002;0006;2
To: Woody Wood
From: Dave Manlief
Subject: test
Date: 02-17-93 Time: 4:33pm
test message
-----------------------------------------------------------
The colon after Subject is an echomail flag. If it is a
semicolon then the messsage came in through echomail and
will not be resent.
MESSAGE.NDX
1;0001;0006;0
2;0002;0006;167
3;0000;0006;331
4;0001;0006;499
5;0001;0005;679
| | | |____The 'index key' into the message.txt file
| | | This file is rebuilt by PACK.EXE
| | |________The Senders user number
| |_____________The receivers user number
|________________Message Number from Message.TXT file
NEWUSER.DAT
This file contains the defaults for a new caller. See the file
for the actual record description.
EXEHOST.USR
This file contains the a record for each of your callers. See the
description of the NEWUSER.DAT for a description of each field.
This file can give many wierd errors if the format is incorrect.
The most common problem is with record length. Every record must
have 126 characters, followed by a carriage return and a line feed.
Some text editors do not place a carriage return/line feed on the
last record. So if you edit this file with your favorite editor
BEWARE!!.
page D3
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EVENT.DAT
03-01-93;05:30:00
| |______Time of when the next event will take place
|______________Date of when the next event will take place
SECURITY.DAT
01 ;003;008;010;011;012;123;153
02 ;001;002;003;004;005;006
03-;152;153
04-;050;051;052;053;054
05+;120;121;122;123;124
06+;150
| | |__________________This is a list of conferences (MAX of 31).
| | Each conference must be 3 digits in length
| | preceeded by a semicolon (;).
| |_____________________This is the 'action' code. If the action
| code is a space then the conferences listed
| here are the only valid conferences for
| this caller.
| If the action code is a + the caller has
| all of his present access plus he has
| access to any conference listed in this
| record. This will override his the
| security set in the CONF.DAT
| If the action code is a - the caller will
| not have access to these conferences. This
| overrides the CONF.DAT security.
|_______________________The secondary security code. This field
will match the secondary security code from
the user record before this file is in
effect. 2 spaces are not valid. Any
other 2 character combo is valid.
EXECHOST.CNF
C:\WOODSHED\TELIX\DOWN\ <== Path for your Download Dir
C:\WOODSHED\TELIX\UP\ <== Path for your Upload Dir
Modem <== Are you Modem or Direct Connect
public <== Is BBS public or private
off <== Is sysop 'page' on or off
80 <== Access level for VIP message
Color <== Is your monitor color or mono
04 <== Access level to deny UL/DL
Y <== Is screen blanker active
Yes <== Is your COM port locked
The WOODSHED <== BBS Name
Ring <== Are you using Ring detect or Auto answer
No <== Password protect return from door
No <== Are you running a 'front door'
1 <== Number of rings to answer
C:\WOODSHED\TELIX\MAIN\ <== Location of your MAIN mesg base
1 <== Node number