home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
Software Vault: The Gold Collection
/
Software Vault - The Gold Collection (American Databankers) (1993).ISO
/
cdr11
/
onr5_93.zip
/
O
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1993-06-10
|
22KB
|
511 lines
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Give It a Try! │
╞═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╡
│ Odyssey v 1.50 Telecommunications Program │
│ │
│ Shareware Program Review │
│ & Mini-Quick Start Manual │
╞═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╡
│ by Keith Rauch │
│ Jefferson City, Tennessee │
│ (c) 1993, Keith Rauch. All rights reserved. │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Here's an overview of Odyssey v 1.50, a serious contender for
the championship of shareware telecommunications programs. If
your modem is your best friend and you spend entirely too much
time on-line, you owe it to yourself to check out the many great
features that make Odyssey a real pleasure to use.
If you're like me, and hate to read the User's Manual, this
article is written especially for you. It will walk you through
the installation, configuration and basic operation of Odyssey.
So come on and give it a try!
INTRODUCTION
Before we get started, let me explain my prejudices about how
any program should treat me, a new user. I'll admit it -- I'm
lazy and impatient. I HATE to have to pull out the user manual
to install, configure or run a program. I demand a clean,
intuitive, menu-driven interface and context-sensitive on-line
help.
I don't mind a little trial and error as I explore a new program
and its features. To me, however, there is no excuse for that
"left out of the loop" feeling that a program can convey if it
relies on cryptic keyboard commands, explained only in the
manual. If I can't quickly master the basic features of a
program from the menus and with on-line help from the program
itself, I'll move on to a competing program that treats me like
the valuable customer that I am.
Also (for what it's worth) I don't like icons and I don't like
to use a mouse. I like to keep both hands on the keyboard when I
type, so for me a mouse is a distraction. When I'm writing (my
main use for the computer) I want to think about my words, not
how to make the computer work. Yes, I have Windows (not by
choice, it came installed on my computer) and I use it some
(best solitaire game I've seen). But, to me, Windows is little
more than a cute clown suit for DOS.
Now, to the business at hand.
OVERVIEW
Odyssey is a multi-function telecommunications program that
allows your modem-equipped computer to communicate with other
computers through the telephone system. Business and personal
users alike commonly transfer electronic mail, data and program
files in this fashion. The most common connection made by home
computer users is with computer-based bulletin board systems
(BBS for short).
Odyssey is a relative newcomer to an already crowded field.
Procomm, Telix, Qmodem -- everyone has their favorite
telecommunications program and product loyalty seems to be quite
strong. I have used Telix since I came on-line several years
ago, and while it has served me well, I've always wished for a
more user-friendly interface. With Odyssey, I believe I have
found what I've been looking for. Maybe you'll like it enough to
make the switch, too.
Odyssey comes fully equipped with all the stuff I like -- a menu
bar with pull-down menus, pop-up windows, dialog boxes and
extensive, context-sensitive, on-line help. It's easy to learn
and has slick, clean-looking graphics.
When I'm on-line I want to concentrate on what I'm doing, not on
trying to make my telecommunications program work. Odyssey is
fun to use because it doesn't hog my attention. It works the way
I expect it to and it's always there with help [F1] when I do
get stuck.
INSTALLATION
Odyssey comes as two files, ODY150SH.LZH and INSTALL.EXE. The
first file contains all the program files in compressed format.
INSTALL.EXE extracts and copies these files to a directory that
you specify. Not much to it, really, just follow the
instructions on the screen.
CONFIGURATION
Odyssey is fully configurable. It's all done from the "Setup"
menu, which you access by pressing [Alt]+[S]. The first
pull-down menu presents you with a list of setup options:
C - Comms setup
M - Modem Control
D - Display Setup
G - General Setup
W - WP/Editor Setup
H - Host Mode Setup
Z - Zmodem Options
B - CIS B+ Options
A - ASCII Options
E - Edit Macros
T - Terminal Type
L - Language Setup
S - Save Setup
It's all menu-driven and easy to follow. Any time you are not
sure how to proceed, the Help key [F1] will provide advice. The
greatest potential for set up problems occurs in the "Modem
Control" configuration. In particular, you may need some
assistance in the following areas:
1. Number Prefixes
2. Initialization Strings
Let's look at these features separately and discuss how they can
be used to make your on-line sessions more productive.
MODEM CONTROL: NUMBER PREFIXES
Most of the default modem control values will probably work
fine on your system, so you shouldn't have to change anything
here *UNLESS* you need to disable the Call-Waiting feature on
your phone line. If you have Call-Waiting you will definitely
want to disable it while using Odyssey. To begin, select "Number
Prefixes" (N).
First highlight the "Number Prefixes" (N) heading and press
[F1]. Odyssey provides a good explanation of how this feature
works. This is where you specify any numbers that must be dialed
before you dial the number of a remote service. When you need to
dial an access code to connect with a long distance carrier, or
to get an outside line on your office phone, this is where those
number sequences are stored. Disable Call-Waiting will probably
be the most commonly used Number Prefix used on your home
system.
On my phone system (South Central Bell) Call-Waiting is
temporarily disabled by pressing "*70" on the phone dial. This
command probably works on all Bell systems, but don't take my
word for it. Call your phone company if you're not sure.
To temporarily disable Call-Waiting for an on-line session,
highlight "Number Prefixes," then press [Enter]. From the next
menu that appears select "Prefix A," press [Enter], then type
"*70" (or whatever command works on your phone system) and press
[Enter].
Now that "Prefix A" has been defined, let's use it in the
Dialing Directory. Before leaving the Setup menu, highlight
"Save Setup" and press enter. Press [Esc] to leave the Setup
menu.
DIALING DIRECTORY
Press [Alt]+[N] to enter the Dialing Directory. This is like a
phone book where you store the names and numbers of your
favorite BBSs and other remote computer services. At this
point, the only number in the directory is for PBS-BBS (Public
Brand Software, a large-scale distributor of shareware). Call
this number when you are ready to order a registered version of
Odyssey.
To complete our example of how to disable Call-Waiting, let's
enter the number of everyone's favorite BBS, Spokane Online, in
beautiful Spokane (pronounced spoke-ANN), Washington, the land
of mountain lakes, amber waves of grain and home of Expo '74.
Go to the first blank line in the directory and press [F2] to
edit this line. An editing box pops up -- this is where you
enter the phone number and other data Odyssey will need to
complete a call to Spokane Online. The first entry, "Key," is a
place to put a key word to identify this number. Type "SPOKANE"
here and later, we'll use it when we create an automatic log-on
script.
The "Service Name" in this case will be "Spokane Online BBS."
For the telephone number, type "@A,1-509-327-8540". "@A" invokes
dialing prefix A, that we defined during the set-up. The
trailing "," causes a one second pause before dialing resumes.
Now, whenever you dial Spokane Online, Call-Waiting will be
disabled.
MODEM CONTROL: INITIALIZATION STRINGS
When you first get Odyssey up and running on your computer,
look at the bottom line on the screen. Immediately to the right
of the version number in the lower left corner is a field that
should be blank until you make a phone connection with a remote
computer. When connected, the letters "DCD" (Data Carrier
Detected) will appear in this field.
If "DCD" appears in this field *before* you have called another
computer, it means your modem is configured with the DCD switch
held permanently high. To use Odyssey you'll have to correct
this, either through switch settings or by using a modem
command.
You may not want to make a permanent change in your modem
configuration (through dip switches on the modem), especially if
you use other telecommunications programs. A safer (and easier)
solution is to tell Odyssey to temporarily reset the modem so
that DCD reflects the true state of the carrier for the current
session. When you leave Odyssey, the modem will return to its
original default settings.
This is accomplished by providing an initialization string
command. Here's how to do it:
1. Enter the Setup Menu.
2. Select "Modem Control."
3. Select "Init String."
A one-line window will pop up which contains a string of
alphanumeric characters. This is the default initialization
string. If you are using a Hayes or Hayes-compatible modem
replace the current initialization string with the following:
AT&C1 AT&D1
** CAUTION! ** This command works for me and will probably
reset your modem correctly also. If it doesn't work -- you know
the old saying: "if all else fails, read the instructions."
Consult your modem user manual to learn the proper commands for
your modem. The exact wording will depend on the modem, but you
should look for a command that instructs the modem that "DCD
follows the true state of carrier."
Again, before leaving the Setup menu, be sure to highlight "Save
Setup" and press [Enter].
TERMINAL EMULATION
Usually "Terminal Emulation" should be set to "ANSI." This
works well with most bulletin boards. Connection to mainframe
computers and commercial services may require other terminal
emulations. The other settings depend on your hardware. Press
[F1] for help if you're not sure how to set a particular item.
PROTOCOL
Data transmission protocol is one of the veiled mysteries of
telecommunications. Luckily, you don't need to understand it to
use it. Think of protocol as a language that computers use to
exchange data and check for transmission errors. Both computers
must use the same protocol during a data transmission.
You can use any of the choices listed on the menu, as long as
the computer you connect with on the phone line is using the
same protocol. My understanding is that Zmodem, while not the
fastest data transmission protocol, is the most reliable for
detecting and eliminating transmission errors. I have used
Zmodem to transmit and receive millions of error-free data
bytes, so I can recommend it on the basis of my own experience.
I have come across only one or two bulletin boards in the past
year that don't support Zmodem. If this happens to you, Ymodem
is a good second choice. Xmodem is not considered as reliable as
Zmodem or Ymodem at detecting errors.
To transmit a straight ASCII character file (e.g., an
uncompressed text file) you must use the ASCII transfer
protocol. This is the slowest and least reliable data
transmission method. If you plan to upload much data to another
computer, you should look into PKZip, LHarc or other common data
compression program. But then, that is a subject for whole
'nother article.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Text Editor
Odyssey has a basic text editor built into the program. Press
[Alt]+[E] to call it to the screen. When you do, a text editing
window pops up in the bottom half of the screen, ready for you
to start typing.
The text editor offers you a default path and file name when it
is called up. You can define your own path and file name by
pressing [F3], the "New" command. To view the file directory
type "*.*".".
The Zoom, Resize and Move features let you change the size of
the editing window, from full-screen to the size of a postage
stamp. The window can also be moved to any spot on the screen.
LEARN A SCRIPT
This, I think, is one of Odyssey's strongest features. It
allows you, a non-programmer (I presume), to create scripts
that will automate the process of logging on to a remote host.
Here's how it works:
With the modem connected to the computer and phone line, enter
the "GENERAL" menu (press [Alt]+[G]), then select "LEARN A
SCRIPT." Next, enter a file name for the script you are about to
create. This name should be the same that is used at the "Key"
prompt when editing the Dialing Directory (We used "SPOKANE" for
Spokane Online). At this point manually dial the remote system,
using the normal procedure for logging on. While you do this,
Odyssey keeps a record of what the remote system sends and how
you respond to it. When you have successfully logged onto the
system and all the passwords, etc., have been entered, press
[Esc] to leave the Learn mode.
The record of your call will automatically be converted into a
script program and saved under the name you entered. The next
time you call this system, look in the "Call" menu ([Alt]+[C])
for the script that was created for you. Highlight the script
name and press [Enter]. When you do this Odyssey will
automatically log on to that system for you.
Automatic log-ons are much faster and more accurate than logging
on manually. This is a vast improvement over the Salt
programming language, which you must learn to write log-on
scripts for the Telix communications program. This feature alone
places Odyssey head and shoulders above Telix.
TIPS
PASSWORDS
If you've been on-line for a while, you probably have your own
password preferences and you can skip this. But, if you are
venturing out for the first time, let me offer you some hints.
* Use a password that you will always remember. I use my
dog's name. Your wedding day (for example, 31MAY75) might
be another good one.
* Don't use a password that a clever intruder might figure
out easily. Don't use your name, for gawd's sake. Or your
Social Security Number, for that matter. If you are
logging on at work, use a password that doesn't appear in
your personnel file.
* If you connect to computers that contain sensitive private,
or classified government information, use a password that
does not appear in the dictionary. Why? Serious hackers
have been known to break into "secure" systems using
password guessing programs. Many of these are "brute force"
programs that will methodically enter every common word in
the English language at the password prompt. Doing this,
they hope to enter a system through a lazy, or naive,
legitimate user with a simple password.
* Use the same password for all your remote services. I
might get an argument from some quarters on this, but
what's the sense in having to keep a list of passwords
hidden in your desk for someone to find? If you suspect
someone has your password, call each service and change
them all to something else.
WHERE TO GET IT
Odyssey was written in Great Britain by Don Milne at Micropack
Ltd. It is distributed in the U.S. by:
Software Co-op
5437 Honey Manor Dr.
Indianapolis, IN 46241
317-856-6052 (voice)
317-856-2086 (FAX)
800-225-5613 (credit card orders)
You can order a registered copy of Odyssey directly for Software
Co-op. Registration of your Odyssey Package gets you (apart
from salving your guilty conscience):
- The LATEST version of the software, and notice of updates.
- A comprehensive, professionally bound and typeset 300 page
manual.
- Notices of updates and reduced-price upgrades.
- Free voice-line technical support for 90 days. (extendable)
- Online support via CIX (UK), Compuserve, and BBS (USA)
- The Odyssey Extension Package containing a script compiler, an
editor configuration utility, and a dialing directory
conversion program to make switching from Procomm, QModem, or
Telix easier.
In North America you can register Odyssey by sending $99.00 +
$5.00 postage to Software Co-op using the invoice below.
Software Co-op also accepts credit card payments on 800-225-5613
and 317-856-6052. There is also a script (Alt-C Register) that
will automate registration by BBS.
If you want to give Odyssey v 1.50 a try before you buy, see if
you can download the evaluation program from your local bulletin
board, or Compuserve, Prodigy, etc. Alternately, you can order
the evaluation program (includes program and manual on disk, but
not registration) directly from Software Co-op using the invoice
below. Send $10.00 ($5.00 + $5.00 shipping).
You can also order the same evaluation program by sending check
or money order (preferred) to:
Freelance Associates
P.O. Box 452
New Market, TN 37820
Send US$5.00/CDN$7.00 for the PKZip compressed version (ask for
program # TC007Z) or US$6.00/CDN$8.00 for the uncompressed
version (ask for program # TC007). Prices include shipping and
handling. Please specify whether you want 5.25"DD (360K) or
5.25"HD (1.2 M) diskettes.
REFERENCES
Much of the information that appears in this article was
distilled from the context-sensitive, on-line help that is
available at the touch of the [F1] key. Other information was
taken from the Odyssey User Manual, a text file named
ODY150SH.DOC, that is included in the evaluation program
package.
The following order form is copied from the Odyssey distribution
disk for your convenience:
----------------------------------------------------------------
- Single User Invoice -
North America
Remit to: From:
Software Co-op __________________________________
5437 Honey Manor Dr.
Indianapolis IN 46241 __________________________________
or VISA/MC call: __________________________________
800-225-5613 - 317-856-6052 __________________________________
Send me 1 copy of the fully registered Odyssey at $99 + $5
shipping.
Send me ___ copies of the fully registered Odyssey.
The first copy costs $59 + $5 shipping.
Additional copies cost $49 each.
Send me ___ copies of the current Odyssey distribution diskette
at $5 each + $5 shipping.
Send me ___ copies of the Odyssey Extension Package at $25 each.
Send the materials 1st Class mail - $5 extra.
Send the materials 2nd day air - $10 extra.
Send the materials next day air - $15 extra.
Total: __________
I require ____ 5 1/4" ____ 3 1/2" disks
Thank you for your business.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Checks, Money Orders, VISA, MasterCard are accepted. Written
Purchase Orders are accepted for quantity purchases and site
licenses from most companies, schools, and governmental units.
Terms NET 30.
VISA/MC # _______ _______ _______ _______ Exp Date:___ /____
Signature ______________________________ Phone _________________
To Purchasing, Accounts Payable:
Note that Odyssey has been delivered and accepted by the
customer. Upon receipt of this paid invoice, printed manual(s)
and current disk(s) will be sent.
Our federal employer ID number is 35-1689317.