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------------------------------------------------------------------ | | | | | | | | | | | PCBMM Version 1.2 | | | | PCBoard Multi-Menu System | | | | | | For | | | | PCBoard Version 14.5a & 15.0 | | | | | | Add over 100 functions to PCBoard's call-waiting screen! | | | | | | Menu may also be "popped-up" anywhere in PCBoard by the | | Sysop with PCBoard's built-in ALT-M local Sysop function. | | | | | | Uses PCBoard's built-in hooks for the PCBMoni system | | for installation or may be added as a PCBoard 15.0 PPE. | | | | Highly configurable menu shell. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | PCBMM Version 1.2 | | | | (C) Copyright 1992-1993 Yandell Computer Services | | | | 9438 U.S. Hwy 19 N. Suite 212 | | Port Richey, FL 34668 | | | | DATA - (813) 842-8099 | | | | | | May 7, 1993 | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------------- PCBMM -------------------------------------------------------------------- TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Page ------------ ---- 1.0 What Is PCBMM 3 1.1 Multi-Nodes, Networks, Multi-taskers 3 INSTALLING PCBMM AS PCBOARD'S PCBMONI UTILITY --------------------------------------------- 2.0 Preliminaries 4 2.1 Step-by-step Installation Instructions 5 2.2 PCBMM Main Set-up Parameters (MMSETUP.EXE) 6-8 2.3 Change PCBoard Call-Waiting Screen to Say "PCBMM" 9 2.4 Optional Installation as a PCBoard 15.0 "PPE" 10 INSTALLING PROGRAMS INTO THE PCBMM SYSTEM ----------------------------------------- 3.0 Installing Programs Into PCBMM 11-13 3.1 Re-installing PCBMONI Into PCBMM 14 3.2 When to Use a Batch File Instead of Command Line 14 3.3 Configuring a "Drop to DOS" (shell) Function 14 3.4 Memory Considerations - Swapping PCBoard 14 3.5 Sample Setup - MMUTIL1.EXE, MMUTIL2.EXE, etc. 15 MISCELLANEOUS ------------- 4.0 Technical Notes 16 4.1 Error Messages 16 4.2 Where to Receive Assistance 16 4.3 Disclaimer and Warranty 17 4.4 License to Use PCBMM 18 REGISTRATION ------------ 5.0 Registering PCBMM 18 5.1 Register with CONFIDENCE - Author Information 18 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 3 PCBMM Page 3 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.0 What Is PCBMM ------------------ PCBMM adds over 100 local maintenance functions to PCBoard's call- waiting screen. These functions may also be called by the Sysop while logged LOCALLY into their systems using ALT-M. PCBMM allows the Sysop access to other functions from one, easy to use central menu system. PCBMM has been designed to be installed into the PCBoard environment where PCBMoni usually is located. PCBMoni is then moved to the PCBMM system if desired. Using PCBoard's "hooks" into the PCBMoni system allows the Sysop to call up the PCBMM system from the PCBoard call-waiting screen, or from any PCBoard prompt while logged in locally using the ALT-M key combination. PCBMM may optionally be installed as a PCBoard 15.0 "PPE" instead of as PCBMoni, but the PCBMoni installation is highly recommended. Typical examples of PCBMM use: * Checking caller's responses to a log-in or script questionnaire WHILE reading or responding to messages. This requires a simple text viewing program (LIST) to be installed into PCBMM. Simply press ALT-M *while* reading the message. * Viewing CALLER logs from the PCBoard call-waiting menu without logging into the system. This requires a caller-log viewing program such as ACTView to be installed as a PCBMM function. * Editing news, bulletins, menu, etc. files from any prompt while logged into PCBoard. This requires the installation of editors (ones typically used for these purposes) in PCBMM. * Your favorite off-line mail reader may be installed. * Any other utilities used in the maintenance of your BBS! * See the sample configuration for other examples of use. 1.1 Multi-nodes, Networks, Multi-taskers ----------------------------------------- PCBMM has been developed in a networked environment. All multi-node features are thoroughly tested on our own multi-node PCBoard system. PCBMM is DESQview aware. It is automatically detected. Screen and keyboard I/O are "well behaved". Time slices are given back to other applications while PCBMM is idle at an input prompt. DESQview is the ONLY multi-tasking software supported by PCBMM. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 4 PCBMM Page 4 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.0 Preliminaries ------------------ To use PCBMM from PCBoard's call-waiting screen (the screen present while PCBoard is ready and waiting for callers) it must be installed in place of PCBoard's PCBMoni utility. PCBMoni is a utility which comes with PCBoard and is used to monitor activity on different nodes on a single screen. The PCBMoni utility may then be moved to the PCBMM system, resulting in no loss of use or functionality of the PCBMoni utility. PCBMoni is a file called PCBMONI.EXE. It is probably located with the other PCBoard executable files (PCB145.EXE / PCBOARD.EXE, etc.). You must locate this file and note its location. If this file does not exist on your system and you do not use the PCBMoni utility, you need to determine a DOS path to place the PCBMM files in instead. In the simplest terms, PCBMONI.EXE is renamed to another name, such as PCBMON.EXE. The PCBMM files are then placed where PCBMONI is (or was) and PCBMM.EXE is renamed to PCBMONI.EXE. This is required so that the PCBMM system will run when "PCBMoni" is selected from the call-waiting screen or when ALT-M is pressed while logged in locally to PCBoard (Note: step-by-step instructions are given later on how to change "PCBMoni" on the PCBoard call-waiting screen). In all cases, PCBMM.EXE(PCBMONI.EXE) must be in your DOS path in order to function properly when called by PCBoard. Basic installation requirements: -------------------------------- * A basic understanding of PCBoard software and the layout of your bulletin board system. * A basic understanding of DOS path information and the DOS paths in use on your system. * A basic understanding of DOS batch files. Some understanding of passed variables (%1, %2) to batch files might be helpful, depending on the type of applications you plan to install into the PCBMM menu system. * A print out of this manual to use as a check-list for installing PCBMM. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 5 PCBMM Page 5 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.1 Step-by-step Installation Instructions ------------------------------------------ CAREFULLY following the steps below should install PCBMM with no problems. ____(1) Look at your PCBoard call-waiting screen (the screen which appears while waiting for a caller). The lower row of menu items, in the center, is a menu selection that says PCBMoni. Selecting this calls up this excellent node monitoring program. You must decide if you are going to install the PCBMM function in place of the PCBMoni function, or use PCBMM as a stand-alone utility, or both. If you replace PCBMoni, you may re-locate the PCBMoni function to the PCBMM selection menu if you wish. Installing PCBMM in place of PCBMoni allows you to call PCBMM from the PCBoard calling waiting screen and from anywhere in PCBoard while logged in locally by pressing ALT-M. This is primarily what PCBMM has been designed for. ____(2) If you are going to replace PCBMoni, the PCBMM files MUST be placed in a directory path. The most suitable location for this is the main \PCB directory, where PCBOARD.EXE (or PCB145.EXE) and PCBMONI.EXE reside. This location is typically already in a DOS path on most systems. You may install the PCBMM files into their own directory (\PCBMM): (A) If not installing PCBMM as the PCBMoni function replacement, OR (B) If its own directory (\PCBMM) is placed in the DOS path. ____(3) If replacing the PCBMoni function, find PCBMONI.EXE and then RENAME PCBMONI.EXE to PCBMON.EXE (or another file name you prefer). >> YOU MUST DO THIS to use PCBMM with ALT-M in PCBoard!!! Note: You will not have PCBMONI.EXE on your system if you have previously deleted it (if not used, etc.). This is ok. You simply will not need to install the renamed PCBMON.EXE into PCBMM (later). ____(4) Extract or place ALL of the PCBMM files in the location you have decided on in step #2 above. ____(5) If you are replacing the PCBMoni function, copy PCBMM.EXE to PCBMONI.EXE (>COPY PCBMM.EXE PCBMONI.EXE) - but only after carefully completing step #3 above. STEP #5 IS ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED if you wish to use PCBMM from the PCBoard call-waiting screen or with ALT-M while logged locally into PCBoard. ____(6) Run MMSETUP.EXE. Select option #1, "Edit PCBMM Main Set-up parameters". Edit each parameter as needed. IMPORTANT: Press F1 at each parameter for configuration help. The "PCBMM Main Set-up parameters" are explained in detail in the next section. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 6 PCBMM Page 6 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.2 Editing PCBMM Main Set-up Parameters (MMSETUP.EXE) ------------------------------------------------------ * Your PCBMM Registration Number -------------------------------- This is the registration number received when PCBMM is registered. All functions are enabled in unregistered copies. There is one usage limitation on unregistered copies of PCBMM, which permits only the first 18 of the 105 menu selections to be used until registered. Registration will display your system name in the line near the top of the PCBMM menu selection screen. Registration also removes the "PCBMM [Unregistered Copy]" message and the brief delay at program termination. * PCBOARD.DAT For Stand Alone Use --------------------------------- A PCBOARD.DAT (PCBoard's main configuration file) is needed for PCBMM to operate. These files are usually found in each node's directory, sometimes referred to as the node's "home directory". PCBMM will first look in the current directory for PCBOARD.DAT. If PCBMM has been installed as PCBMoni and called from the PCBoard call-waiting screen or with PCBoard's ALT-M, PCBOARD.DAT will usually be found in the current directory. If PCBOARD.DAT isn't found in the current directory, the environment variable PCBDAT is checked to see if PCBOARD.DAT files are being kept elsewhere. If so, this PCBDAT environment variable location is used. If PCBOARD.DAT is not found as outlined above, then the location and filename entered here is used (to use PCBMM in stand-alone mode). * Idle Keyboard Time-out (Minutes) ---------------------------------- Enter the keyboard time-out (in minutes). Valid responses are 0 - 9. Entering a 0 zero will disable this feature. If the time-out occurs while at the main PCBMM selection menu, PCBMM will exit and return to the previous application as follows: If PCBMM has been selected from the PCBoard call-waiting screen (as PCBMoni), you will return to that screen, where PCBoard will reset the modem and wait for a caller. If PCBMM has been selected with ALT-M (PCBMoni) while you are logged into PCBoard locally, you will be returned to the point where you selected ALT-M in PCBoard. If PCBMM has been executed from the DOS prompt, PCBMM will return to the DOS prompt if the time-out occurs. Section 2.2 continues on the next page -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 7 PCBMM Page 7 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.2 Editing PCBMM Main Set-up Parameters (continued) ---------------------------------------------------- * Remember Last Function Used ----------------------------- If you answer Yes to this parameter, PCBMM will store the menu number of the last item which was highlighted when PCBMM ended. The next time PCBMM is used, this menu selection will be highlighted when the menu is first displayed. This is useful if you are doing maintenance that requires you to exit and re-enter PCBMM frequently, as you will not be required to move the cursor (& possibly PageDown) to highlight the selection every time you bring up PCBMM. If you answer No, PCBMM will always begin with item #1 in the upper left hand corner highlighted. Note: This feature refers to saving the highlight location upon actual termination of PCBMM, not the calling of a PCBMM menu item. When a PCBMM menu item (function) is used, that item will always be highlighted upon returning to PCBMM. You should answer NO to this parameter if concurrent copies of PCBMM will be running on your system at any given time. * Password To Edit Functions With ALT-F1 ---------------------------------------- Any menu item may be quickly configured, changed, or deleted while using PCBMM by simply highlighting the desired menu item and pressing the ALT and F1 keys simultaneously. This eliminates the need to exit PCBMM, run the MMSETUP.EXE utility then re-enter PCBMM. This edit function may be password protected if desired. This could be especially useful if PCBMM has been made available to remote Co- Sysops through a remote "Doorway" type program, otherwise an edit password would probably not be needed. If a password for ALT-F1 editing is desired, simply enter it in this parameter. If a password exists and ALT-F1 is pressed, the password will have to be entered. If the password is correctly entered, PCBMM will not ask for it on subsequent ALT-F1 edits. Special note regarding this parameter: While this "password" parameter may give special consideration for use of PCBMM as an on- line utility for co-Sysops through a "doorway" program, please remember that PCBMM has been designed as a local Sysop utility. All aspects of the functionality and performance of this program are designed with LOCAL use in mind, NOT for use as an on-line utility. Section 2.2 continues on the next page -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 8 PCBMM Page 8 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.2 Editing PCBMM Main Set-up Parameters (continued) ---------------------------------------------------- * Use 43 Lines if EGA/VGA Detected ---------------------------------- If you have EGA or VGA video, you may want to use PCBMM in its 43 line mode. This mode displays 48 menu choices per screen, instead of the 21 choices available in standard mode. In this mode, there are 96 total menu options available instead of the 105 options available in the standard video mode. If you desire this capability and some nodes you will run PCBMM on are EGA/VGA and some are not, you may still toggle this option on. PCBMM will only switch the video to 43 line mode when EGA/VGA video hardware is detected and when this parameter is answered with a "Y". The quality of the PCBMM screen display when in 43 line mode is completely dependent on the quality of your video hardware. The font displayed in this mode is generated by your hardware, not PCBMM. Higher quality video hardware will produce better resolution and clearer displays. If PCBMM is running in 43 line menu mode, when a selection is made PCBMM will reset the screen display to standard 25 line display mode unless you have defined the selection (each PCBMM selection may be defined this way) to begin in 43 line mode. Upon return to PCBMM from the selected application, PCBMM will return to 43 line mode if appropriate. * Use Mouse if Mouse Driver Detected ------------------------------------ You may choose PCBMM menu options with a mouse if a mouse driver is installed. This is especially useful if the PCBMM menu is displayed in 43 line mode, as there could be many options configured for use on one screen. A single click on a menu selection "bar" will both highlight and run the defined application. PCBMM does not buffer outgoing mouse clicks, so additional clicks might be passed on to the selected application (if it uses a mouse). When a mouse is used, three extra red boxes will appear on the PCBMM screen that may be clicked on. These are "PgDn", "Exit", and "PgUp". Naturally, the selected application must have mouse capabilities in order to continue using the mouse after clicking on the PCBMM menu. The PCBMM mouse routines require Microsoft mouse compatibility. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 9 PCBMM Page 9 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.3 Change PCBoard Call-waiting Screen to Say "PCBMM" ----------------------------------------------------- By default, the bottom center menu bar on the PCBoard call-waiting screen says "PCBMoni". If you wish to change this to correctly indicate the new "PCB Multi-Menu" function, follow each of the steps below. The following instructions presume the Sysop has some familiarity with customizing PCBoard's PCBTEXT files with PCBoard's MKTXT145.EXE (PCBoard 14.5a) or MKPCBTXT.EXE (PCBoard 15.0). These are cosmetic changes to the PCBoard call waiting screen only. If PCBMM does not function, it is not due to any installation errors which may result from the following steps. __ Run MKPCBTXT.EXE or MKTXT145.EXE. __ Edit PCBTEXT preceded by its location. If you are told the file was not found, you are not entering the correct information. __ Select F3 (jump to record). -- Enter 515. This is the PCBMoni menu selection bar text. __ Enter: "PCB Multi-Menu" (without the quotes). If you wish to call this process something else, enter your preference here. PCBoard will automatically center the text you enter in the selection bar. __ Press F3 again. __ Enter 530. This is the long description of the function which appears under the PCBMoni menu bar on the call-waiting screen. -- Enter: "Run PCBMM (PCBoard Multi-Menu) for more maintenance options" (Again, don't enter the quotes). If you wish to use a different description, enter your preference here. PCBoard will auto- matically center this description on the call-waiting screen. __ Press ESC to save the changes and exit the PCBTEXT program. __ Run PCBoard. Review the changes on the call-waiting screen. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 10 PCBMM Page 10 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.4 Optional Installation as a PCBoard 15.0 "PPE" -------------------------------------------------- It is not required or recommended that PCBMM be installed with PCBoard version 15.0 as a "PPE". However, if you are running PCBoard version 15.0 and are opposed to the "PCBMoni Replacement" method of installation for PCBMM, you may install the PCBMM "PPE". The following step-by-step instructions will install PCBMM so that you may run it with one of PCBoard's ten definable SHIFT-FUNCTION keys. When installed in this manner, PCBMM will be executed while you are logged in locally to PCBoard (15.0) and press a SHIFT and one of the FUNCTION keys (F1 - F10) at the same time. It is your choice as to which F# key to install the PCBMM PPE with. NOTE: When installed as a "PPE", PCBMM cannot be called from the PCBoard call-waiting screen. The Sysop will only be able to execute the SHIFT-FUNCTION keys while logged into PCBoard locally. This requires PCBoard 15.0 and the PCBMM.PPE file (enclosed). (1) Run PCBSetup. (2) Select "G Configuration Options". (3) Select "H Function Keys". (4) Move the highlight bar to an undefined "F-Key #" parameter of your choice. (5) Edit the parameter as follows: F-Key #10 : !D:\PCBMM\PCBMM.PPE ------------------- Start the entry with an exclamation mark as shown, followed by the *FULL LOCATION* of PCBMM.EXE and all related files, followed by the PCBMM.PPE file as shown. It is ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY for this entry to begin with an exclamation point (!) as shown. An exclamation point in the first position is how PCBoard knows to run a PPE function when you press the SHIFT and F# keys at the same time. PCBMM.EXE and ALL RELATED files must be in the SAME LOCATION with the PCBMM.PPE file. (6) Exit AND save PCBOARD.DAT. These steps must be performed on on all nodes where you will be using PCBMM in this manner. If installed properly, whenever you press a SHIFT and the F key that you have defined above, PCBMM will begin. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 11 PCBMM Page 11 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.0 Installing Programs Into PCBMM ----------------------------------- If all installation steps described in sections 2.0 through 2.3 have been carefully followed, you are now ready to run and configure individual menu items in PCBMM. If you are running PCBMM as the PCBMoni function, highlight the "PCB Multi-Menu" bar on the call- waiting screen and press [ENTER]. If you are logged into PCBoard locally, you may press ALT-M at any time from any PCBoard prompt to execute PCBMM. To review and configure the menu items, highlight the desired item and press ALT-F1. You will have to enter the edit password if one was assigned during step #6 in section 2.1. At this point, you may review and change the current item's configuration. Each parameter has help available by pressing F1 which should provide sufficient details for configuration. Remember that only the first 18 menu times may be defined until PCBMM has been registered. * Function Name To Appear In Menu --------------------------------- This is the name of the function which appears in the "selection bar" on the menu with the other menu selection bars. This "name" should be a brief description of what this function does, so that it can easily be identified on the selection menu. For example, if you were using LIST to view the log-in questionnaire answer file (NEWREG is the default PCBoard name for this file) you might give this function a name such as: View NEWREG The name you place in this parameter is automatically "centered" in the selection bar by PCBMM, so there is no need to center this entry on the installation screen. * Filename And Command Line To Execute -------------------------------------- This is the DOS filename and command line to execute. For instance: LIST.EXE D:\PCB\MAIN\NEWREG would look for the filename LIST.EXE in the current directory, then the DOS path. The NEWREG file (the command line) will then be shown. - - - It is recommended to include the location of the executable filename in-line (preceding the executable file name) whenever possible. For instance: C:\UTIL\LIST.EXE D:\PCB\MAIN\NEWREG would look for LIST in C:\UTIL\ and execute it. This results in faster response time since the DOS path is not searched. If the filename & command line exceed the length allowed in the PCBMM installation screen, or if the program to be used requires a switch to its directory, you will need to use a batch file in this parameter. See section 3.2 on page 14 for more information. Section 3.0 continues on the next page -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 12 PCBMM Page 12 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.0 Installing Programs Into PCBMM (continued) ----------------------------------------------- * Long Description Of Function To Appear On Menu ------------------------------------------------ When using cursor keys to highlight a selection on the menu, a long description of each function will appear below the menu "grid" while that particular function is highlighted. For example, if you were using LIST to view the log-in questionnaire answer file (NEWREG is the default PCBoard name for this file) you might give this function a long description such as: View the log-in NEWASK questionnaire answer file NEWREG The long description you place in this parameter will automatically be centered on the screen by PCBMM, so there is no need to center this entry on the installation screen. * Prompt For Additional Command Line ------------------------------------ You may wish to install a function where the executable program name is always the same, but the command lines vary. Each menu selection in PCBMM can be set to prompt you for additional command line infor- mation before executing the command. Valid settings here are: (Y)es : Prompt for command line after selecting an item. PCBMM will add a [SPACE] between the end of the filename or command line and the cursor in the command line editing field. (N)o : Do not prompt for additional command line information. (O)mit: Prompt for a command line after selecting an item, but omit the [SPACE] between the end of the filename or command line and the cursor in the command line editing field. * Pause Before Returning To PCBMM --------------------------------- When some applications run, they display a screen of information then exit to the DOS prompt with no prompting from the user. This type of application is usually not well suited for use with PCBMM, since the PCBMM menu screen is re-drawn when an application ends and returns to PCBMM (this would erase the application's screen before it could be reviewed by the operator). Answering Yes to this parameter will cause a "Press any key" prompt to appear at the bottom of the screen after an application ends, before PCBMM clears the screen to re-draw the menu. This should only be used if needed as described above. If it is not needed, answer (N)o to this parameter, which is the default. Section 3.0 is continued on the next page -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 13 PCBMM Page 13 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.0 Installing Programs Into PCBMM (continued) ----------------------------------------------- * Swap PCBMM From Memory To EMS Or Disk --------------------------------------- PCBMM has the ability to SWAP itself out of memory to EMS or disk when running an application (or when simply shelling to DOS). Answer Y to have PCBMM automatically detect if EMS is present, and swap itself to EMS if available. If EMS is not found or is not available, PCBMM will then swap itself to disk. Answer D to force PCBMM to swap itself to Disk during a shell, even if EMS is available. Answer N to disable swapping. PCBMM will remain in memory. This should be used if difficulties arise using the above modes. Never use a swap mode if PCBMM is being used in a multi-tasking environment other than those listed as supported in this manual. * Password to use this function (if needed) ------------------------------------------- Each function may be password protected if desired. This could be useful if PCBMM has been made available to remote Co-Sysops through a remote "Doorway" type program, otherwise a password would probably not be needed. If a password for this function is desired, simply enter it in this parameter. If a password exists for this function and this function is selected from the menu, the password will have to be entered each time this function is selected from the menu. Each function may have a different password, the same password as other functions, or no password. If the MMSETUP.EXE (Multi-Menu Setup) program has been installed as a menu selection and PCBMM is available to Co-Sysops, the menu selection with MMSETUP.EXE should be password protected. * Set System to 43 Line Mode (EGA/VGA) -------------------------------------- If you have EGA or VGA video, and you know the application defined in this menu option automatically detects and uses 43 line mode screens, you may answer Y to this parameter. Buerg's excellent LIST program operates this way, as does Norton's DBVIEW. In 43 line mode the amount of information displayed on the screen is almost doubled. You are not required to set PCBMM to run in 43 line mode to use this parameter. If PCBMM itself is in regular mode, it will switch before running this menu option, then switch back upon displaying the PCBMM menu again. If you desire this capability and some nodes you will run PCBMM on are EGA/VGA and some are not, you may still toggle this option on. PCBMM will only switch the video to 43 line mode when EGA/VGA video hardware is detected and when this parameter is answered with a "Y". -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 14 PCBMM Page 14 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.1 Re-installing PCBMONI into PCBMM ------------------------------------- The sample PCBMM.DAT file enclosed with PCBMM contains an example of PCBMoni installed as a function in PCBMM. Use the filename you used when renaming PCBMONI.EXE (PCBMON.EXE was recommended). Example: >D:\PCB\PCBMON.EXE D:\PCB\MAIN\USERNET.XXX The above entry would be placed in the "File & Command" parameter while using ALT-F1 in PCBMM to edit a menu selection. PCBMON.EXE would be located in D:\PCB, and your USERNET file would be located in D:\PCB\MAIN. PLEASE NOTE: If you are using an early version of PCBoard 14.5a, you may need to use the filename USERNET.DAT instead of USERNET.XXX. Answer No to "Prompt for additional command line". Answer No to "Pause before returning to PCBMM". Answer No to "Swap PCBMM" unless memory is very limited. 3.2 When to Use a Batch File Instead of Command Line ----------------------------------------------------- If the filename and command line for a function exceeds 60 (sixty) characters, you will need to create a batch file which contains the commands. You would then simply place this batch file name in the "File & Command" parameter in the function's installation screen. This batch file must reside with PCBMM.EXE (PCBMONI.EXE). You may set the "prompt for additional command line" parameter, just be sure to place %1, %2, etc. variables at the end of the command line in your batch file if you do. You will also need to create a batch file for any process that requires you to actually switch (CD\DIRNAME) to an application's directory before running the application. Simply move to the application's drive and directory in the batch file before running it (sort of like many "door" batch files). You do not need to switch back to the current directory (with the batch file) when the application ends, as this is automatically handled by PCBMM. 3.3 Configuring a "Drop to DOS" (shell) Function ------------------------------------------------- To temporarily drop (shell) to the DOS prompt, enter the word SHELL in the "File & Command" parameter for an item. To exit from this shell, type EXIT at the DOS prompt. The "Prompt for additional command line" and "Pause before returning to PCBMM" parameters are ignored when using this special shell function. 3.4 Memory Considerations - Swapping PCBoard --------------------------------------------- It may be necessary to run PCBoard in SWAP mode to free enough memory for some applications you might use. Many systems are already using the SWAP mode for other requirements. Please refer to the PCBoard manual for installation and other information regarding the SWAP settings. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 15 PCBMM Page 15 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.5 Sample Setup - MMUTIL1.EXE, MMUTIL2.EXE, etc. -------------------------------------------------- PCBMM comes with a sample PCBMM.DAT file that is fully loaded with applications. You may use these examples as they are, or edit them to install your own applications in PCBMM. The examples in the enclosed PCBMM.DAT should help you get started. Remember, until PCBMM is registered only the first 18 items may be defined or used. See ORDER.FRM for details on how to register PCBMM. Review the items below, using ALT-F1 (while highlighted) to view their installation in PCBMM. The default PCBMM.DAT comes with MMSETUP as function number one. You may remove or change this. Once the "main" PCBMM parameters have been set with MMSETUP, they should not need to be edited very often. The second item is an example of the SHELL command (see section 3.3 on page 14 for details). The third item is an example of PCBMoni, relocated from its original home on the PCBoard call-waiting screen. Note the method of installation of the other items and use them as a guideline when installing your own applications in PCBMM. Descriptions of the MMUTIL1.EXE, MMUTIL2.EXE etc. files. ------------------------------------------------------- Enclosed with PCBMM are six small utilities which help demonstrate the PCBMM program. You may use these utilities as guideline for installing other utilities into PCBMM. Since some of them are "PCBoard specific", you may wish to leave them installed in PCBMM. All six MMUTILx.EXE files are DESQview aware. MMUTIL1.EXE - Displays the current PCBoard environment switches that are currently set. MMUTIL2.EXE - A perpetual calendar. MMUTIL3.EXE - A very simple four function calculator. MMUTIL4.EXE - An ASCII character chart. MMUTIL5.EXE - Displays all of the PCBoard @X## color macro codes. MMUTIL6.EXE - Displays the valid PCBoard information @ variables. The MMUTILx.EXE utilities are provided "as is" for demonstration purposes. They are not designed for use in 43 line screen modes, and they are not mouse capable. They may not be distributed outside of the PCBMM12.ZIP compressed file. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 16 PCBMM Page 16 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.0 Technical Notes -------------------- PCBMM has been designed to run specifically with PCBoard version 14.5a. PCBMM will not run with earlier versions of PCBoard or with other brands of software. PCBMM uses approximately 51K of memory while running. When executing a function and NOT swapping PCBMM, the amount of available memory will be reduced by this amount. If swapping PCBMM, only 5K of PCBMM is left in memory. If swapping to disk (not EMS), a disk file will be created in the current directory called PCBMMxxx.$$$. The xxx represents the node number as pulled from PCBOARD.DAT. While PCBMM will share PCBMM.DAT with other nodes, care should be taken not to edit PCBMM.DAT (with ALT-F1) while PCBMM is in use on more than one node concurrently. All of the enclosed executable files have been compressed with a commercial compression utility. Uncompressed versions of these files are not available. 4.1 Error Messages ------------------- PCBMM gives verbose installation error messages for the two files it access, PCBMM.DAT and PCBOARD.DAT. If you cannot determine the error from these messages (usually invalid paths or file names) you should contact YCS with the EXACT error message for assistance. PCBMM does not display error messages if an installed function in the PCBMM menu system does not execute properly when selected from the PCBMM menu. It is up to the program being called and the Sysop to track down these types of possible configuration problems. 4.2 Where to Receive Assistance -------------------------------- Yandell Computer Services (YCS) provides the following technical assistance for PCBMM: 813-842-8099 The YCS Support System. Available to all BBS Sysops. INSTANT on-line credit card registration and support system for YCS Shareware. On-line 7 days per week, 24 hours per day. If you need to contact YCS for installation assistance, prepare a ZIP file containing the following items prior to calling: (1) PCBMM.DAT (2) PCBOARD.DAT Upload this ZIP file. Leave us a comment containing: (1) A detailed description of your problem. (2) The ZIP file name you uploaded (1 & 2 above). (3) The location of your PCBOARD.DAT file on your system. (4) The location of ALL of the PCBMM files on your system. (5) The EXACT wording of any error messages you are receiving. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 17 PCBMM Page 17 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.3 Disclaimer and Warranty ---------------------------- PCBMM is a shareware product. PCBMM may be uploaded to BBS systems as long as copyright notices are not removed and no changes are made to the program. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, for unregistered copies of PCBMM. Sysops who install PCBMM on their systems assume any and all liabilities for anything which may result as a consequence of running PCBMM. For registered copies of PCBMM, Yandell Computer Services warrants that PCBMM will perform as described in this documentation. In the event that PCBMM does not perform as specified, then Yandell Computer Services may elect to fix PCBMM or refund the amount paid, if notified within 30 days of registration. Due to the type of program PCBMM is (a program which calls other programs) it is impossible to guarantee that any particular program or application a Sysop might install will be compatible with PCBMM. The warranty covering PCBMM (in the previous paragraph) covers PCBMM's operation only, not the operation of other programs or their compatibility with PCBMM. Under no circumstances shall Yandell Computer Services or the author of PCBMM be liable for any loss of profit or any other damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages, arising out of the use or inability to use PCBMM. 4.4 License to Use PCBMM ------------------------- PCBMM is not "public domain" or "free" software. A limited license is granted to use and evaluate PCBMM for thirty days after initial installation. PCBMM must be registered if it is used after the initial thirty day evaluation period. A PCBMM registration may be used only on the original licensee's BBS system and only on nodes the original licensee owns and operates for their own purposes. If the original licensee leases or sells some or all of their nodes, those nodes will require their own PCBMM registration. PCBMM registrations are not transferable. A PCBMM registration is a license to use PCBMM software on one (1) BBS System at a single location with as many nodes as the original licensee owns and operates at THAT location. When the licensee owns and operates other BBS' in other locations, each location requires a separate PCBMM registration. If PCBMM has not been registered after 30 days, a Sysop reminder will begin appearing at program termination. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 18 PCBMM Page 18 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5.0 Registering PCBMM ---------------------- PCBMM is not free software. PCBMM should be registered no later than 30 days after installation. Registration is $15.00 and may be paid by check, money order, VISA, Mastercard, American Express or Diners Club. If using a charge card, you may receive a registration number INSTANTLY! Refer to the enclosed file ORDER.FRM for complete registration instructions. 5.1 Register With CONFIDENCE - Author Information -------------------------------------------------- L. Brent Yandell has been programming for over eleven years, including more than five years of developing telecommunications software. Many Sysops will be familiar with PCBFV, the popular PCBoard on-line compressed file viewer. Please see the enclosed CATALOG.TXT file for a complete listing of YCS doors and utilities. Yandell Computer Services (YCS) is a licensed business, operating and existing under the laws of the State of Florida. Writing BBS Shareware doors and utilities, in addition to custom programming, is our business.... our ONLY business. First Door Release: 7/6/87 (USBBSDOR) - Still updated and supported! YCS Shareware is GUARANTEED (each product's documentation contains each product's specific guarantee). Yandell Computer Services is an *AUTHORIZED* merchant for VISA, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club charge cards. A dedicated multi-node BBS for support and on-line registrations, a toll-free voice line for registrations, and a voice support line for registered customers are just a few of our offerings in our efforts to provide you with FAST, FRIENDLY SERVICE.