Shareware Grab Bag/Shareware Grab Bag.iso/001/pctalkc.arc/PCTC2.TXT

Text File | 1985-12-27 | 17KB | 392 lines

*** READ THIS BEFORE DOWNLOADING PCTC.LBR (or PCTC.BIN, PCTC.SXX, PCTC.ARC)***

This information refers to PCTC.LBR, (a library file containing a number of
sub-files), which contains an expanded version of PC-TALK III called;

           PC-TALK III, VERSION C, LEVEL 851111 & 851111A

The program is also stored as PCTC.BIN, PCTC.SXX, and PCTC.ARC, in DL 5,
on the CompuServe IBM PC PRO SIG (Forum), page PCS-131.

If you have downloaded the 7-bit ASCII version, PCTC.SXX then you will need
to process them through the respective converters, SXX.COM, after which you
will have the 8-binary file PCTC.LBR.  See PCTC.TXT for instructions.

This program is an update to PC-TALK III Versions A & B, which are also
called PC-TALKA, PCTA and PC-TALKB, PCTB.


                        **** NOTICE ****

THIS VERSION WAS DEVELOPED AND COMPILED BY JIM GAINSLEY AND ALSO INCLUDES
THE WORK OF OTHER AUTHORS, ALL OF WHOM ARE CREDITED IN THE PC-TALKC.DOC. IT
HAS BEEN LICENSED BY THE HEADLANDS PRESS AND ANDREW FLUEGELMAN FOR POSTING
ON THE COMPUSERVE IBM PC SIG.  ONE OF THE TERMS OF THE LICENSE PROVIDES THAT
THE PROGRAM MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE IBM SIG SHOULD HEADLANDS REQUEST IT.

IT MAY BE COPIED AND FREELY DISTRIBUTED, ACCORDING TO THE TERMS OF THE
LICENSE GIVEN IN THE DOC AND REPEATED IN THE PROGRAM.

                        * * * * * * * * *


      =====>>   THIS VERSION DOES NOT SUPPORT THE PCjr.  <<=====


The included executable program called PC-TALKC.EXE contains many enhancements
and fixes applied to the original PC-TALK III, which make it much more useful
in communicating with networks.  Some of the enhancements not found in the
original PC-TALK are as follows:

Hangup command.

Rewritten Redial module, providing greater information, allowing
  interactive changing of delay times, and direct accessing of dialing
  directory.

New logon screen, reflecting new services.

Alphabetized updated menu.

Split-screen module, including ability to send multiple lines.

Auto-change to 8N1 for XMODEM xfers.

Change Subdirectory and Path.

Make and retrieve a disk file for the ALT-1/0 keys.

Improvements and added flexibility in the Manual Dialing section of
  the Dialing module.

Numerous fixes and changes, which promote smoother and more efficient
  program operation.

Timed and character pacing in the function key and Alt-key modules.

Use macros to do commands and dial numbers... scripting.
  13 Commands are enabled; Alts C,E,G,H,I,L,P,Q,R,T,V,Y,Z (plus the
  Dialing feature). Files may be xfered and viewed automatically.

Macros may be called from the DOS command line when booting the program.
  If you have a macro in F-key F1 for example, you can type at the DOS
  prompt A>PC-TALK F1, which will cause the macro in F1 to execute. Can
  also be used in batch files, e.g. PC-TALK %1. If batch file is called
  P.BAT then typing at the DOS prompt A>P F1, causes execution. Thus, the
  entire sequence of calling and logging on will take place, with no further
  attention from you... You can do it all with just ONE keystroke!

Variable length string entry from keyboard during output of macro
  (Like Prokey). (See Important Note below.)

View disk free space in all file transfer modules. Also, subcommands
  given in Message Line. New subcommands added. (/ now = ? making for
  fewer keystrokes.)

Enable user control of Xmodem Receive timing both before and during
  xfrs. Present screen info regarding block xmission times.

Continuous clock provided on line 25. Operative in standard msg. mode.

Fix bug in Original PC-TALK code to provide Alt-1/0 directory when
  there are blank Alt-1/0 keys preceding loaded keys.

Fix to improve trap correction for ERR-57, to incl. Overrun & Parity
  errors by reading and resetting the LSR. Also, fix to avoid a 'bottomless
  pit' if a CLOSE is attempted in response to an ERR-5.

Allows DTR support for auto-comm parameter changes for 8-bit file xfers.


*** UPDATES TO PC-TALK III VERSION B LEVEL 850215 ***

Additional improvements and enhancements to the XMODEM file transfer
  routines.  Automatic timing adjustment. User can manually resend a block
  in Transmit mode under certain conditions. Enhancement of screen display
  during transfers to show more information. Improvement in Abort sequences.
  Default timing changed from 4 seconds to 10 seconds in Xmodem receive mode.

New Type 5 Segment for Macro generator, enabling the sending of plain strings
  without pacing, from within Macros.

Inclusion of Alt-I command in the fully executable commands from Macros thus
  providing ability to chain and loop from data stored in the Alt Key files.

Automatic loading of a file called PC-TALK.ALT, if it exists, into the Alt-1/0
  keys at bootup.

The use of the ESC key to terminate all file transfers, instead of Alt-R,
  Alt-T, PgDn and PgUp.

New Time Display module, providing complete time display, Start, Stop,
  and Elapsed for all file transfers.

Additional improvements in the message line handler.

Suppression of the Alt Key Directory except when called by new command, Alt-A.

Dial Directory: Allowing single character entry for commands (no <cr> needed).
  Allowing entry of control characters such as LF's in Pacing column without
  disturbing display.  Also, enabling a quick exit feature from directory.
  Fixed problem with service headers not displaying properly after change.

Misc. fixes and improvements, such as quieting of the Hangup routine, and
  fixes for three bugs in original code.


*** UPDATES TO PC-TALKC VERSION B, LEVEL 850310 ***

Run Silent command, Alt-B. Silences the programs normal audible signals, but
  does not affect error, invalid, or illegal event signals.

Inclusion of Alt-G and Alt-L into the macro fully programmable group, together
  with existing Alt- I, R, T, V.

Correction of several bugs, including the one in the original PC-TALK III
  code that caused a crash when attempting exit default with an incorrect
  comm parameter installed.  Also, improvement in the Redial exit routine
  when a macro is running.


*** UPDATES TO PC-TALKC VERSION C, LEVEL 851111 ***
(Compiled with the IBM BASIC COMPILER, version 2.0 dated 6/25/85.)

Rewritten Dial Directory module featuring provison for expansion and
  contraction -- a maximum of 990 entries is possible. Also, the ability
  to navigate by page numbers.  Faster screen writing.

Provision for converting inverse video to hi-intensity to accomodate
  electronic screen readers.

Provision for disabling clock updating, for votrax users.

Alt-N: Do DOS commands, via the SHELL command.

Rewritten Default (Alt-F) module to include provision for 10 additional
  user settable defaults, including an additional 15 characters in the
  modem intialization string, and a modem de-init string, which is sent
  at program termination. Also, modem init string is passed to the
  modem whenever the default routine is exited.  Also, ability to
  elect to strip ASCII 0 (NULs).

Ability to send Line Feeds (LF's ASCII 10) in terminal mode if desired.

Addition of CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) error checking to XMODEM module.

Several improvements in the functioning of the XMODEM module,
  including display of a 20-block moving average of block transfer times
  in receive mode, and, display of block xfer time in send mode.  Faster
  operation and faster cycling during error conditions.  Ability to
  reset Max Time display in send mode. Correction of timing display to
  more accurately reflect the actual block xfer times.

Correction of Elapsed Time error in Elapsed time display.

Provision for recognizing the extended modem return codes of BUSY and
  NO CONNECT, as well as support for adaptive dialing. (If you are set
  for 2400 baud and connect to a system set at 1200 baud, the program
  will automatically adjust, if the modem can do so.) Responsive to
  the US Robotics Courier 2400 "X4" return codes.

Revised Alt-P, Change Comm Parameters module, to provide support for
  2400, 4800 and 9600 baud.  Also, this section no longer breaks the
  comm line, thus avoiding the problem with DTR support.

The disk directory display in all file routines now provides a full
  DOS style directory listing.

Compiled with the IBM BASIC COMPILER, Version 2.00.  Much
  restructuring of code to take advantage of the newly available
  compiler support, provides for faster more efficient operation.

Fixed cursor flickering related to clock updating.

Enable loading of an ALT file in a macro via |3I|4n, where 'n' is a
  letter A-Z appearing in a file called PC-TALKn.ALT.

Ability to put DOS commands for use with Alt-N in ALT file bins. Alt-N
  can also be called in a macro.

Addition of Alt-X to the macro system.  There are now 15 commands that
  can be called from macros.

** UPDATE TO LEVEL 851111A
Fixes and improvements to Level 851111.  No enhancements. Compiled with
the IBM BASIC COMPILER Version 2.00 with updates to 11/21/85.

THERE ARE NO TERMINAL EMULATION MODS.

                        *    *    *    *    *

IF YOU HAVE DOWNLOADED PCTC.LBR, PCTC.BIN, PCTC.SXX, OR PCTC.ARC THEN
TO PREPARE THIS PROGRAM FOR RUNNING YOU MUST HAVE:

IBM or PC DOS 3.0 or UP... DOS 3.1 is *highly* recommended!

NUSQ11.COM (or later)        File Unsqueezer.  Note: Do not use AUSQ or IBM!
or ALUSQ11.EXE


LUE210.COM (or later)        Library File unpacker (If you have this
                             you will not need NUSQ etc. You may also use
                             LU8643.EXE), but then you will need NUSQ or
                             ALUSQ.)

SXX.COM                      Only needed if you have the PCTC.SXX version.

PKCARC.COM (Very fast ARC Extractor)     These are only needed if you
ARC.EXE                                  have the PCTC.ARC version.


THE ORIGINAL PC-TALK III DOCUMENTATION     This available on the CIS IBM PC
                                           SIG page PCS-131, in DL 5, as
                                           PCTORG.DOC, in DL 5.


YOU DO NOT NEED THE ORIGINAL PC-TALK.BAS... THIS IS A FULLY EXECUTABLE
PROGRAM -- NOT A MERGE FILE.

In addition, your computer must have 192K of FREE ram minimum, i.e. *NOT*
including DOS and TSR (Terminate but Stay Resident) programs, such as Prokey,
SuperKey, Sidekick, etc.  If you do have a compliment of these programs
then 256kb of total ram minimum, will probably suffice.

                         *   *   *   *   *

If you have the PCTC.SXX version, then run SXX.COM:

            Format:    SXX PCTC.SXX /F

you will now have PCTC.LBR. Continue as follows.

If you have downloaded the file PCTC.BIN, rename it to PCTC.LBR.

PCTC.LBR is a Library type file, which includes squeezed members. In
order to work with it, you will need a Public Domain program known as
LUE210.COM, which is available on the IBM PC SIG on DL1.  This program
will both unpack and unsqueeze the files in the library in one
operation.  You may also use LU8643.EXE, available on DL1, but then
you will need to unsqueeze the resulting files with either NUSQ or
ALUSQ, also available on DL1. The documentation with each of the above
gives instuctions for us.  However, we've repeated the simple
instructions for those using LUE, below.

If you are not using a fixed disk, then copy LUE.EXE to a blank
formatted diskette. Place another blank formatted diskette in your
second drive, and copy PCTC.LBR onto it. Assuming that LUE is located
in Drive A: and PCTC.LBR is in Drive B: then set your default drive to
A: and type:

                         LUE  B:PCTC.LBR

You will then have in Drive A:

PC-TALKC.EXE   --->  The ready to run, executable PC-TALK III, Version C,
                     Level 851111A. (A minor update to Level 851111.)

PC-TALKC.DOC   --->  The installation documentation, plus revised pages for
                     the ORIGINAL PC-TALK III manual, which detail the
                     updates and new services. (The original manual is not
                     provided in this library.)

PCTCDD.EXE     --->  Utility for physically contracting a PC-TALK Version C
                     Dialing Directory, that has previously been expanded.
                     To run, just type PCTCDD.

IF YOU HAVE DOWNLOADED PCTC.ARC THEN RUN EITHER ARC.EXE OR PKCARC.COM:
(PKCARC.COM is available in DL 1, on CIS page PCS-129.. It's great!!)

 Formats:      ARC x PCTC.ARC      or    PKCARC PCTC.ARC


NOTE: We have NOT included the files below in this library, because so many
      already have them and thus to do so, would cause an unnecessary expense
      in download time.  However, for those who don't, we very much recommend
      them. They are both on DL5.

PCTC.MAC     --->  A file by Bryan Tsuonda providing instruction in
                   creating macros and numerous examples of useful macros.

PCESY.MAC    --->  A file containing a macro for use with EasyLink.


The Basic Source code is not provided at this time with this version due
to the difficult compiling operation, and pursuant to the license
agreement under which this program is posted.

After extraction and unsqueezing, you must read the PC-TALKC.DOC, which
will explain the remainder of the installation procedure.

The pages in PC-TALKC.DOC are intended to be merged after printing with the
original documentation, contained in PCTORG.DOC.

NOTE: PC-TALKC.DOC is a *complete* documentation update. Be sure you
      disgard all previous updates to the *original* PC-TALK III
      documentation.

Printing the Documentation:

Both the original and the updated documentation can be printed by using the
DOS TYPE command in connection with Cntrl-PrtSc.  Or, it can be done with
the DOS command line,  COPY PC-TALKC.DOC  PRN<cr>.  Note that the pages are
tight fitting so place the printer at the very top of the page.  No form
feeds or other print control characters are used.  The DOS program
PRINT.COM can also be used.  The original documentation is 70 pages, the
update is 47 prox.

You may rename the program PC-TALKC.EXE to PC-TALK.EXE or anything you wish,
provided you keep the .EXE extension.

You may use your ancillary files, PC-TALK.KEY, & PC-TALK.DIR, or this
program will create new ones for you.  See Important Note below
regarding the necessary file PC-TALK.DEF.


                       **** IMPORTANT NOTE ****


THIS VERSION USES A NEW AND EXPANDED DEFAULT FILE, PC-TALK.DEF, AND
YOUR CURRENT FILE OF THE SAME NAME WILL BE RE-INITIALIZED THE FIRST
TIME THE PROGRAM IS RUN.  THE FILE IS AN ASCII TEXT FILE AND MAY BE
EXAMINED WITH ANY WORD PROCEESSOR ETC.  YOU SHOULD PRINT IT OUT, FOR
EASE OF INSTALLING YOUR OLD DEFAULTS IN THE NEW PC-TALK.DEF.



                      *    *    *    *    *


NOTE: This program supports the HAYES type modems, AND the "X4" extended
      return codes of the U.S. Robotics Courier 2400 modem AND also, the
      Adaptive Dialing feature.

Supplementary Information:

      CompuServe initially expects you to use 7 databit, EVEN parity and
      1 Stop Bit.  You may easily change this by going into DEFALT at page
      CIS-9.  To read the detailed procedure, see the file 8N1.HLP, located
      on the IBM PC SIG database DL8.  (You must set your params for
      *each* baud rate you use.)

      Even though your CIS default is set for 8N1, you may still communicate
      with CIS, with YOUR parameters set for 7E1, if you wish to do so.

      In summary, there is no need to ever communicate with CompuServe with
      7E1 parameters, once you have changed your CIS defaults at CIS-9. There
      is no disadvantage to setting your CIS defaults to 8N1... You may still,
      if you wish to do so, communicate with CIS in 7E1, without altering
      your CIS parameters again.


      THE COMPUSERVE IBM PC SIG PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR PC-TALK III VERSION C.
      IF YOU ENCOUNTER ANY PROBLEMS, ASK US.


      SYSOPS:  Jim Gainsley     76703,1007
               Conrad Kageyama  76703,1010


      11/11/85, (rev. 12/17/85)