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1993-07-02
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_______
____|__ | (R)
--| | |-------------------
| ____|__ | Association of
| | |_| Shareware
|__| o | Professionals
-----| | |---------------------
|___|___| MEMBER
╒═══════════════════════╕
│ Tag Line Xpress v3.00 │
╘═══════════════════════╛
release date 07/01/93
Introduction
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tag Line Xpress (TLX) is an enhanced tagline manager for offline
QWK mail readers. A tagline is a single line comment that is
added to the end of each message, and is often a funny or
ridiculous statement. Most mail readers available today have
limitations to the amount of taglines they can handle, and one
has to physically select a tagline from what could well be a
sizeable collection, or the mail reader will cycle through the
available taglines sequentially or randomly. TLX makes the job
of maintaining and selecting taglines infinitely easier.
Tag Line Xpress (TLX) supports UNLIMITED taglines. TLX uses a
database to store your tagline collection, and keeps a count of
how many times each tagline has been used. TLX will read the
message you are sending, and suggest taglines from the database
depending on the subject and content of the message, giving
priority to lesser used taglines. TLX also supports FIDO style
taglines. TLX can steal taglines from entire QWK mail packets.
There is even a quote enhancement feature that places a quote
box around the message that you are responding to. TLX offers a
user signature option, adding a default text signature or file
to the bottom of each message. TLX installs automatically into
Silly Little Mail Reader, Off Line Xpress, Deluxe², Jabber,
SpeedRead, Blue Wave, 1st Reader and MegaReader. Additionally,
any mail reader that supports a tagline manager can be set up to
use TLX. Full mouse support is available. All features in TLX
are fully configurable. TLX needs a minimum of 380K of system
memory to work, any memory over that including Expanded Memory
will be used for dynamic caching and buffers.
A tutorial slide show is also included in this package called
TLXDEMO3.EXE that graphically demonstrates the various features
that TLX has to offer. Simply execute this demonstration program
to view the TLX presentation. Press any key to advance screens,
Escape to end the slide show.
ASP Ombudsman statement
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"This program is produced by a member of the Association of
Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the
shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve
a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the
member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can
help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but
does not provide technical support for members' products. Please
write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI
49442-9427 USA, FAX 616-788-2765 or send a Compuserve message
via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536"
Registration
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tag Line Xpress (TLX) is being distributed under the Shareware
concept, you may freely copy and distribute TLX in it's original
unmodified archive form. TLX is NOT crippled or restricted in
any way, the shareware version is a fully functional program to
allow you to evaluate it's performance - except for the random
appearance of a nag screen reminding you to register. After a
reasonable evaluation period you are expected to register TLX
with the author and send in a registration fee of US $10.00 (ten
US Dollars). Once you send in your registration fee, you will
receive a valid registration number that will eliminate the nag
screen, send $10 is cash, check or money order to the author:
R.Janorkar
Box 99, 22 Prince Street,
New York, NY 10012.
please include your full name, mailing address, version number
of TLX you are using, and the mail reader program you are using.
If you send a registration fee of US $25.00 (twenty five US
Dollars) or more, you will also be mailed the next release of
TLX when it is available. The registration number will work with
all future releases of Tag Line Xpress (TLX), however, the
author reserves the right to change the registration method.
The author hosts a support conference on RelayNet/RIME (the TLX
Support Conference), and also monitors several national echo
networks for support including FIDO, Intelec, SmartNET, CatNET,
ILink and WildNET, in the TAGLINES and SHAREWARE Conferences.
Voice support is available to all users, Monday to Friday from
9am to 5pm at (212) 334-1243 FAX (212) 334-1245.
If you find a bug or error while using TLX, please PRINT-SCREEN
the error display and mail a printout along with a detailed
description to the author. User feedback has played a vital role
in the development of TLX and is welcomed.
This is a list of official Tag Line Xpress distribution sites
where the latest releases of Tag Line Xpress can be found,
arranged by area code with modem type (if known) and !DL!
indicates first call download allowed for TLX:
Support BBS - The Brooklyn Broadcasting System 718-375-6569 @14.4 v42 !DL!
~~~~~~~~~~~
TERN BBS 201-399-4772 14.4 Blue Lake 503-656-9790 14.4 v42
Lightning 201-483-5141 2400 503-657-4719 9600 HST
FunInvest 203-834-0490 16.8 DS UtopiaTch 516-579-7507 14.4 DS
Exch Club 206-964-5949 14.4 KentCtyEd 519-354-8683 14.4 !DL!
3rdMillnm 208-664-2983 9600 !DL! BabbleBBS 602-292-6576 16.8 DS
PosterBrd 212-685-8309 9600 PhotoStud 603-672-4433 2400
Nice Guys 212-737-6192 14.4 v32 Dons BBS 609-435-1663 14.4
Amerisrve 212-876-5885 14.4 DRAGnet 612-753-1943 16.6 !DL!
SEOhioCmp 614-432-2899
PlanetBBS 214-306-8269 14.4 DS Big BBS 619-773-5572 14.4 !DL!
RobinsEgg 214-964-8726 9600 Nexxus 703-898-7205 9600 v32
Unnamed 215-540-0141 2400 Exchange 704-342-2333 14.4 HST
PerrIHost 215-698-7677 9600 704-339-0333 14.4 v32
215-698-7394 9600 MyNew BBS 713-726-0445 9600 v42
Merifield 218-829-6340 9600 v32 Point BBS 715-345-1327 14.4
OldTimers 301-645-1049 9600 Queens SE 718-628-6661 2400
US Projct 302-529-1650 14.4 DS Systmatic 718-716-6198 14.4 v42
Snowshoe 304-572-2531 14.4 !DL!
LookngGls 305-346-8524 16.8 HST DS Madhouse 718-893-2318 2400 !DL!
GreatEscp 310-676-3534 14.4 Computec 718-983-9152 9600 HST
310-676-4282 16.8 UtahDataL 801-943-4616 2400
RefinrFir 313-664-0437 2400 !DL! 801-942-2533 14.4 >7pm
JetStream 316-788-9913 14.4 C Pro Run 804-587-4090 14.4
Hearthstn 317-831-9227 14.4 !DL! TwlghtZn 805-256-4931 16.8 HST
PUMA BBS 318-443-1065 14.4 DS !DL! Wet Spot 805-736-7066 14.4 v32
318-442-0669 14.4 DS !DL! CitySetSn 813-960-5169 14.4
CyberZone 401-732-0258 9600 DS TheExpres 814-362-6546 2400 !DL!
ThmpsnTwr 404-941-0746 9600 DarbyRsch 814-825-7905 16.8 DS
Lions Den 410-758-4023 14.4 814-825-9296 14.4 HST
CommSvcNt 410-820-6734 14.4
EastShore 410-827-6725 2400
Bun's BBS 415-756-5098 14.4 !DL! BlueMstng 817-589-1517 9600
415-991-2995 14.4 !DL! Maranatha 903-465-4022 9600
Club Cave 416-796-1400 9600 Night Owl 904-472-5714 14.4
TrekKy! 502-762-6963 14.4 !DL! GraphUnlm 909-862-5319 14.4 DS!DL!
FIDO Freq addresses 1:150/420 (US Project, DE)
1:300/204 (BABBLE BBS, AZ)
1:107/203 (Utopia Tech, NY)
(Sole distribution site for Europe)
Enterprise BBS The Netherlands +31-5950-3933 14.4 !DL!
What's New
~~~~~~~~~~
Version 3.00 is a major update, introducing longer taglines up
to 72 characters in length. The tagline database structure has
been changed, TLX will automatically detect the old database
format and covert it. The index file size has been reduced, only
one index file is used compared to three in older versions.
Added 1st Reader support. New pop up file directory selection
tree, with integral ANSI and text viewer/editor has been added.
Extended FIDO tagline format support, including a new NO TEARBAR
mode. Extended FIDO quoting mode, uses only initials and no high
ASCII characters e.g. RJ>. New 'tagging' support when Browsing
taglines, search, delete, dump multiple taglines by 'tagging'
them. Faster maintenance routine, and faster tagline suggestion
routine.
Upgrading
~~~~~~~~~
Please remember to backup the TLX database before updating to
the new version! Simply copy the TLX.EXE file over the old file.
Run TLX from the command line and select Install from the menu,
the old tagline database will be detected and converted to the
new format automatically.
Quick Start
~~~~~~~~~~~
This section contains the basic information required to install
and use TLX. It is suggested that you also read the following
sections on the various options in TLX, and the reader specific
document that is included in this archive.
Simply copy the contents of this archive into your mail reader
directory, or into a separate directory. When TLX is started for
the first time it will attempt to install itself automatically.
It will first ask for confirmation and show the reader type and
version that it has located.
*** MAKE A BACKUP OF YOUR MAIL READER BEFORE INSTALLATION ***
If the information that TLX displays is correct (mail reader
name and version number) type Y and it will install itself
automatically into the mail reader.
If you are using any other version - INSTALLATION RESULTS ARE
UNPREDICTABLE - since the mail reader formats could well have
changed between versions!!! Please read the specific reader
documentation included in this archive for more information.
Once TLX is installed, you will offered the Configuration menu.
After you finish configuration, TLX will look for a default
tagline file. If it finds one it will ask for confirmation and
import the taglines into it's database. If it cannot recognize
any tagline files, it will prompt you to enter the filename, and
then read in the taglines. After importing the taglines, TLX
will ask if you want to rename the tagline file. You should
normally answer Yes - so your mail reader will not attempt to
attach a second tagline to your messages.
TLX is now installed and ready for use! If your mail reader will
not allow you to suppress it's internal reader signature, you
have to use the UNTAG.EXE utility provided with this package.
Within your mail reader, edit the PACKER option:
Old Option> PKZIP -A
New Option> NEWZIP PKZIP -A
Each reader has a different syntax and different location for
this option, please check the specific reader documentation file
for more information.
When you respond to a message (or initiate a new message) TLX
will first enhance the quoted portion of your reply (a new
message has no quote and will be unaffected) and call your
editor. After you finish editing your reply, TLX will read the
message and suggest taglines based on the subject and content.
You can then select an appropriate tagline from the suggestions,
or select one from the tagline database and TLX will add it to
your message.
Use of disk caching software will make TLX run much faster,
along with every other program you use. It is suggested that a
disk cache be used (especially on slower computers).
Other Readers
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TLX can be installed into other mail readers that are not
currently supported automatically. There are two methods of
installation, the first is a "Classic" TLX installation, and the
second is a "Conventional" tagline manager installation.
"Classic" TLX Installation -
TLX intercepts the message before and after your editor gets it.
The easiest way to do this is to use the batch file TLX_RUN.BAT
that is automatically created by TLX when automatic installation
fails. Modify your mail reader configuration to call TLX_RUN.BAT
instead of your editor, with the reply file name (normally
passed as ! or %O check your reader documentation for the exact
format). Then edit the batch file TLX_RUN.BAT and enter your
editor name in the indicated space. If your mail reader supports
a "standard" message header you should enable it. The mail
reader quote characters should be disabled, and the mail reader
tagline support should also be totally disabled. When you reply
to a message, TLX will quote the reply portion and pass it to
your editor. After you edit your reply TLX will read it and
suggest taglines, select one and TLX will add the tagline to the
bottom of your message along with an optional signature. Some
mail readers do NOT allow you to disable the reader signature!
If your messages have double taglines, you have an additional
step to perform. Edit the PACKER configuration in your mail
reader, and insert NEWZIP.BAT before the Compress command:
Old Option> PKZIP -A
New Option> \path\NEWZIP PKZIP -A
TLX will also have created a batch file called NEWZIP.BAT that
is actually what does the tagline trimming. You will have to
edit this batch file with the correct parameters - depending on
the format your mail reader uses for compressing out going mail.
\path\UNTAG %4
%1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9
This is how the NEWZIP.BAT looks - you have to determine which
parameter your mail reader is passing as the REPLIES file, and
change the UNTAG % number to that.
For example:
Old Option> PKZIP -A
New Option> \path\NEWZIP PKZIP -A
will pass the following line to NEWZIP.BAT:
PKZIP -A BBSNAME.REP BBSNAME.MSG
so %1 = PKZIP
%2 = -A
%3 = BBSNAME.REP
%4 = BBSNAME.MSG
What we are interested is in is the MSG file, that is the actual
replies file that will be compressed into the REP packet. In
this case it is %4.
Another example:
Old Option> PKZIP -A -ES
New Option> NEWZIP PKZIP -A -ES
will pass the following line to NEWZIP.BAT:
PKZIP -A -ES BBSNAME.REP BBSNAME.MSG
so %1 = PKZIP
%2 = -A
%3 = -ES
%4 = BBSNAME.REP
%5 = BBSNAME.MSG
In this case %5 is the parameter we want.
While this is definitely not an easy way to eliminate the
duplicate reader tagline, it is unfortunately the only way.
Conventional Tag Line Manager Installation -
TLX can mimic the popular John Hancock tagline manager and
return the tagline in a text file. This method has certain
drawbacks, it cannot quote your message, the reader signature
cannot be changed, and the user signature option is not
available. Simply set up your mail reader to call TLX with the
following parameters:
\path\TLX g \datapath\ \replypath\REPLY.FIL
where \path\TLX is the full path and filename of TLX;
g is the Generic command line switch;
and \replypath\REPLY.FIL is the full path and filename of the
message file that TLX will read to make suggestions.
The tagline will be returned in a text file (called TLX.TAG by
default) the name of the tagline return file can be changed from
the TLX configuration menu. The mail reader must have the option
to read such a tagline return file and use it.
Detailed Information
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The following is specific information on the various options and
behaviour of TLX. It is not required for using TLX, but is
provided for those want to get the most out of the program.
Expanded Memory
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TLX will normally grab all available Expanded Memory (EMS) and
use it for dynamic caching and index buffers. However, if you
are running concurrent programs or operating under a multi user
environment, you can limit the amount of Expanded Memory that
TLX will use by setting an Environmental Variable:
TAGLINE=Ex
where E is the EMS switch and x denotes a numeric value for the
explicit amount of Expanded Memory in Kilobytes - using E0 will
tell TLX to not use ANY EMS memory.
Additionally, with certain VGA video hardware or under DesqView
multitasking software the cursor will appear deranged. If this
is the case you can use the TAGLINE Environmental Variable to
inform TLX that the cursor is misbehaving with the switch
BADCURS e.g.
TAGLINE=BADCURS
You can use both these switches with the Environmental Variable
by separating them with a semicolon e.g.
TAGLINE=BADCURS;E1024
Note that there should be no spaces between the words. Please
refer to your DOS manual for more information on Environmental
Variables.
@ Variables
~~~~~~~~~~~
TLX supports @ variables in the tagline, user signature, reader
signature and quote enhancer. Note that not some options may not
be available with all mail readers - only SLMR and OLX can offer
support for all variables. All these variables must be in upper
case (CAPITALS).
These variables are replaced by TLX as follows :
@FROM@ - Message authors full name
@FROMFIRST@ - Message authors first name
@FROMLAST@ - Message authors last name
@TO@ - Full name of message recipient
@TOFIRST@ - First name of message recipient
@TOLAST@ - Last name of message recipient
@SUBJECT@ - Subject of current message
@CONFNAME@ - Name of current conference
@TODAY@ - Current date in form MO/DA/YR
@DAY@ - Current day of week e.g. Monday, Tuesday
@DATE@ - Current date
@MONTH@ - Current month
@YEAR@ - Current year
@TIME@ - Current time in form HOUR:MIN:SEC
@HOUR@ - Current hour in 24 hour format
@MINUTE@ - Current minute
@SECOND@ - Current second
@VER@ - Current TLX version
@SDATE@ - Current time & date in Star Date format
Quote Enhancer
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You can configure the quote enhancer to your specific design.
There are three sections in the quote enhancer - the Quote
Comment, the Quote Top and the Quote Bottom. You can have up to
128 characters in each of these three options. To force a new
line, use the ASCII 227 character (π) by holding down the ALT
key and pressing the 2 2 and 7 keys on the numeric keypad. An
ASCII chart can be summoned by pressing F1 in each configuration
field. @ Variables can be used within each of these options. In
addition there can be upto three Quote Character that border the
text on the left margin. If none are explicitly specified, TLX
generates a random set for every message.
When entering mail on networks that do not allow high ASCII
characters (FIDO style), you have the option to use a 'standard'
quote format consisting of only the initials, e.g.
RJ> blah blah blah
TLX also has the capability to 'Guess' the format allowed! If
the Guess quote format is selected, TLX will use the initials
only quoting style for messages that it identifies on FIDO
networks.
The following is a tutorial on message quoting by the Honorable
Harris Lam (ABC) from CatNET.
Quoting is used to remind a person of what you were talking
about. Usually only a few lines are required. Here are some
guidelines to follow:
∙ Delete "Hi"s and other salutations.
∙ Delete taglines unless you are responding to them.
∙ Delete closings and signatures.
∙ Delete text to which you are not replying.
Excessive quoting is improper BBS etiquette.
It makes it more difficult for the reader (that's everyone in
the conference) to read a message. To have to trudge through
unrelated text and other debris before getting to the "meat" of
the message time after time can be a frustrating experience.
Please also take into consideration that several sysops here pay
good money to transport our messages across the nation without
cost to us. Excessive quoting increases transfer time, and
their phone bill.
User Signature
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TLX can add a signature to the bottom of every message. You can
have up to 128 characters in your signature, and also include @
variables. To force a new line use the ASCII 227 character π by
holding down the ALT key and pressing the 2 2 and 7 keys on the
numeric keypad. An ASCII chart can be summoned by pressing F1.
If you enter a filename in this field, TLX will read the entire
specified file in as a signature. A pop up file directory tree
can be called by pressing the F10 key to 'point-n-shoot'
signature files. The file directory has an integral ANSI and
text file viewer/editor built in. Pressing Alt-A will display
the ANSI graphics, and Alt-V will allow you to view/edit text
files.
If the specified file is an executable program (or a batch file)
it will be automatically executed and TLX expects a signature
return file named TLX.SIG which will be added to the message as
a signature. This allows you to run external signature programs
directly from within TLX.
Translation Feature
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You can translate text within the Quote enhancer by creating a
text file called TRANSLAT.TLX (or edit from the Configuration
menu). Basically you specify the text string to find and the
text string to replace with in the format:
Old Text = New Text
where Old Text is the string that will be replaced with the New
String. Capitalization is critical, since only an EXACT match
will be replaced. Typically this is used to personalize your
messages by translating names to short nicknames, e.g.
Joseph = Joe
Douglas = Doug
David = Dave
Doctor = Whats up Doc
For example, this quote addressed to DAVID:
@TOFIRST@ babbled incoherently ...
will be translated into:
Dave babbled incoherently ...
Note that the @ variables are translated first, then the text
translations take place.
Twit Taglines
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Since TLX has the capability of stealing virtually every tagline
from within a QWK mail packet, occasionally you will want to
prevent certain taglines from being stolen. The twit taglines
are stored in a text file called TWITTAGS.TLX and are rejected
by TLX when stealing and deleted when doing Maintenance. Only a
partial match is required, so the string:
WRITTEN
will cause the following taglines to be rejected/deleted:
Written by Joe Shmoe at 10:00am
Written in New York by Joe Shmoe
This tagline written on recycled newspapers.
Single characters cannot be twitted and are ignored. You can
only have a maximum of 500 twit taglines, if you try to use more
TLX will inform you that there are too many twit taglines. Note
that the number of twit taglines directly affects the speed of
tagline theft and Maintenance. Additionally, there is an option
within the Configuration menu for automatically rejecting BBS
advertisement taglines. If this option is enabled, TLX will
reject/delete any taglines that contain a standard format phone
number e.g.
(718)876-0337
718-876-0337
718.876.0337
718 876 0337
will all be rejected/deleted.
Configuration
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TLX saves your settings in an ASCII text configuration file. You
can modify the configuration from within TLX or with a text
editor. If no configuration file is found, TLX will use default
internal values. The configuration options are:
Your full name - Your name as stated on your registration form
(if applicable).
Validation number - Your registration number as stated on your
registration form (if applicable). Registration of TLX
stops the random appearance of NAG screens that remind
you to register.
Mouse Support - TLX offers full mouse support for Microsoft
compatible rodents. Options are Yes or No.
Reader Signature - TLX allows you to modify the reader signature
placed before the taglines in each message, you can use
@ variables in this field and they will be replaced when
the message is saved. The size limit for this field is
25 characters.
Auto Select Taglines - You have three options, [Y] to select and
attach taglines automatically without any prompting; or
[N] to only suggest suitable taglines; or [R] for a
random tagline to be added automatically without any
prompting.
Enable Quoter - When TLX is automatically installed into most
supported readers, the quote enhancer is automatically
installed. If you do not wish to use the quote enhancer,
you can set this option to [N] and TLX will not quote
your replies. Note that the message header will still be
present in your reply, you will have to manually disable
this from the reader configuration. You can also force
FIDO style quoting (initials only), or select [A] and
TLX will ask you every time which quoting style to use.
If the Guess option is selected, TLX will automatically
decide if the message is on a FIDO network, and use the
initials only format.
Default Quote - This is the first line of the enhanced quote in
your replies. You can use @ variables and the TRANSLATE
features (explained elsewhere) in this field. You can
enter up to 128 characters here. Press F1 to summon an
ASCII chart, to force a new line use the ASCII 227
character by holding down the ALT key and pressing 2 2 7
on the numeric keypad.
Top Quote Box - This is the top of the quote enhancer box. You
can use @ variables and the TRANSLATE features in this
field. You can enter up to 128 characters here. Press F1
to summon an ASCII chart, to force a new line use the
ASCII 227 character by holding down the ALT key and
pressing 2 2 7 on the numeric keypad.
Bottom Quote Box - This is the bottom of the quote enhancer. You
can use @ variables and the TRANSLATE features in this
field. You can enter up to 128 characters here. Press F1
to summon an ASCII chart, to force a new line use the
ASCII 227 character by holding down the ALT key and
pressing 2 2 7 on the numeric keypad.
Quote Characters - You can specify up to three quote characters
that will border the text on the left side. If you do
not specify any, a random set will be generated for
every message.
Kill ANSI Lines - You can instruct TLX to automatically delete
lines containing ANSI codes when quoting a reply. It is
considered "inappropriate" to quote back ANSI codes, as
the result is quite hideous.
Filename Tagline - This option is only valid when TLX is used it
the Generic mode. Enter the name of the file that TLX
should return the tagline in. You must configure your
reader to use the same filename, if appropriate.
User Signature - TLX can add a default signature at the bottom
of every message. You can specify it directly in 128
characters, or specify the name of the signature file
that TLX will read into the message. If you specify an
executable program (or batch file) TLX will run the
external signature program, and expects a signature
return file called TLX.SIG which it will add to the
bottom of the message. Press the F1 key to summon an
ASCII chart, to force a new line use the ASCII 227
character by holding down the ALT key and pressing 2 2 7
on the numeric keypad. Pressing the F10 key will
activate a pop up file directory tree, allowing you to
interactively select a file. Note that you can also
override this option when TLX is suggesting taglines.
Path to QWK packets - When you instruct TLX to steal taglines
from QWK packets, it will default to this directory.
When installed automatically, TLX will interrogate the
mail reader configuration and read the correct directory
from there. If no filenames are specified, TLX will add
a wildcard automatically e.g. *.QWK
Garbage Phone Filter - A lot of Sysops like to advertise their
BBSes in their taglines. When this feature is enabled,
TLX will ignore/delete any taglines that contain a phone
number when Stealing or Maintenance is performed.
Xpress Tagline format - TLX supports both the QWK tagline format
and FIDO style taglines. This is the default setting
that TLX will use, you can override the tagline format
at the time of selecting a tagline. If you select [N]
(No bar FIDO mode) the --- tear bar will not be added.
Color settings - This option allows you to modify the colors
used by TLX. If you are running a monochrome monitor,
TLX will detect it and start up with a different color
set. VGA monochrome monitors may not be recognized, and
you will have to select appropriate colors. Use the Left
and Right arrow keys to cycle through the options, the
Up and Down arrow keys change the colors. The box on the
left side of the screen tells you which option is being
modified, pressing ESCAPE or hitting the Right arrow key
repeatedly will exit and save your changes. The sample
display box on the right of the screen shows exactly how
your screen will look with the colors you are selecting.
Internal Defaults - This option restores all settings back to
internal default values. Only the User name and
Validation number are NOT modified. The color settings
will also return to the internal default values.
Save and Exit - This option saves the configuration file to
disk. Any changes made to the configuration are NOT
remembered unless they are Saved.
Never mind, Abort - This option discards any changes you might
have made to the configuration, and prompts you if you
are sure. Answering No will cancel the command, Yes will
lose all changes.
Add Tagline File
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You can import standard text tagline files into TLX. These files
must contain one tagline per line, with a maximum length of 72
characters for the taglines. Longer taglines will be ignored.
TLX will try and find a tagline file, if one is found the file
name will be displayed, you can hit ENTER to accept the default
name or type in a new filename. If no tagline files are found,
you will offered a blank field to enter the filename into. Press
ESCAPE to abort.
After the tagline file is imported, TLX will ask if you want to
rename the file. It will make a suggestion, you can hit ENTER to
accept, type in another name or hit ESCAPE to abort the rename.
Browse Database
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TLX has a full featured internal database browser. You can use
the PageUp and PageDown keys to navigate the database, or you
can jump around by using the Jump option.
Pressing the number before the tagline allows you to edit it
directly, press ENTER to save changes or ESCAPE to discard them.
You can summon an ASCII chart with the F1 key, or press ALT-K to
delete the tagline. Once deleted, taglines are lost permanently!
If you tap the spacebar (or click your mouse on the check symbol
√) you can 'Tag' (mark) the highlighted tagline.
Additionally you can Add a new tagline, calling up an ASCII
chart with the F1 key. You can Search the database for a text
string. A Search always starts at the beginning of the database.
To continue searching, select the Next Match option. If no match
is found, an error box will pop up. If a match is found, it will
be displayed.
You can also Twit a Tagline, you can either enter a twit string
or press ALT-E to enter the Twit file editor. Press F10 within
the editor to save changes, the twit file will be sorted and
duplicate twit strings will be deleted. Note that there is a
limit of 500 twit taglines, and the number of twit taglines
directly affects TLX's speed.
Jumping to a record allows you to cover large databases fast.
Pressing PageUp in this field takes you to the beginning of the
database and pressing PageDown takes you to the end of the
database. When entering numeric values in this field, you can
only enter values from 1 to the size of the database. Pressing
ESCAPE aborts.
The Tag Menu option allows you to Tag (mark) Several matching
taglines, Tag ALL or Untag ALL taglines, Kill Tagged taglines,
or Dump Tagged taglines to a text file.
You can Quit by pressing the Escape key, or clicking the mouse
on the φ symbol. When you Quit browsing, TLX purges any deleted
taglines, compresses the database and rebuilds the index file.
Steal Taglines
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TLX steals every tagline from entire QWK mail packets, including
Fido style taglines. When you select this option, the default
QWK path is offered in the field with a wildcard specification
*.QWK. Hit ENTER to accept or type in the new path and filename
(wildcards are valid). ESCAPE will abort. Pressing the F10 key
will summon the pop up file directory tree, allowing you to
interactively select a QWK packet.
When QWK mail packets are selected, TLX will execute the correct
archival program and unpack the MESSAGES.DAT file. Currently TLX
only recognizes ZIP, ARJ, LHA and PKARC. The appropriate program
must be available in the path, or an error will occur!
When started from the menu, TLX asks for confirmation before
stealing each tagline. If started from the command line, TLX
will do the entire stealing operation automatically without any
user intervention. The options are Yes steal the tagline, No do
not steal the tagline, Edit the tagline and then steal (press F1
for an ASCII chart, ESCAPE to discard tagline), Rest will steal
all the remaining taglines from the same packet automatically.
You can also add to or edit the Twit tagline list, or Quit the
theft menu. If wildcards were used, TLX will proceed with the
next packet (if any).
Command line operation
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All TLX options can be called from the interactive menu or by
passing command line parameters. The syntax for command line
operation is:
TLX <option> \datapath\ \path\filename.ext
where TLX is the program name;
<option> is the specific option desired;
\datapath\ is the path to the TLX database;
and \path\filename.ext is the option specific filename.
The supported command line options are:
TLX I
Installs TLX in the current directory.
TLX C \datapath\
Configure TLX, \datapath\ is the path to the database, not
required if in the same directory.
TLX A \datapath\
Add text tagline file, \datapath\ is the path to the database,
not required if in the same directory.
TLX M \datapath\
Maintenance mode, \datapath\ is the path to the database, not
required if in the same directory.
TLX S \datapath\ \path\packet.qwk
Steal taglines, \datapath\ is the path to the database REQUIRED,
and \path\packet.qwk is the full path and filename of the QWK
mail packet to steal from (wildcards are valid).
TLX Q \datapath\ \path\reply.fil
Quote message, \datapath\ is the path to the database REQUIRED,
and \path\reply.fil is the full path and filename of the message
reply file to quote. This option is ONLY available via command
line.
TLX T \datapath\ \path\reply.fil
Tagline mode, \datapath\ is the path to the database REQUIRED,
and \path\reply.fil is the full path and filename of the message
reply file that TLX will read (for tagline suggestions) and add
the tagline to.
TLX G \datapath\ \path\reply.fil
Generic tagline manager mode, \datapath\ is the path to the
database REQUIRED, and \path\reply.fil is the full path and
filename of the message reply file that TLX will read (for
tagline suggestions). In this mode TLX does not directly write
to the message file, but sends the mail reader a tagline return
file.
TLX B \datapath\
Browse database, \datapath\ is the path to the database, not
required if in the same directory.
TLX D \datapath\
Dump database to ASCII file, \datapath\ is the path to the
database, not required if in the same directory.
TLX H
or
TLX ?
Displays the program information screen.
Using TLX
~~~~~~~~~
When TLX is called by the mail reader, it will first read your
message and make tagline suggestions based on the subject and
content of the message. You can navigate the suggestions using
the PageUp and PageDown keys, select a tagline by moving the
highlighted bar or pressing the corresponding number on the
tagline desired. If you are using a mouse, simply click on the
tagline that you want to use, and it will be selected.
If none of the suggestions catch your fancy, you can Change to
the database and select a tagline from there. You can keep
changing between the suggestions and the database indefinitely.
You can Add a new tagline, which will also be saved in the
database. Or you can edit an existing tagline on the fly, you
can also permanently save the changes you make by pressing
Control-Enter and the database will also be updated (pressing
Enter alone will only change the tagline for that message). You
can also Search for a tagline. A search always starts at the
beginning of the database, to continue a search select Next
Match. Pressing Alt-R will highlight a random tagline, this
works in both the tagline suggestions and the tagline database.
You can also modify your user signature and the reader signature
on the fly. Any changes made here are NOT permanent and exist
only for the current session. Note that these options do NOT
work when TLX is called in the Generic tagline mode. The pop up
file directory tree is available by pressing the F10 key, you
can view signature files (in ANSI or text), and even edit them.
TLX has an internal editor, you can View and Edit the message
reply. Pressing ESCAPE in the editor discards any changes, press
F10 to save your changes. The editor also supports most Wordstar
commands. After saving any changes, TLX will re-read the message
and re-suggest taglines.
The Twit tagline list can also be updated from this menu, you
can enter a twit string or press ALT-E at the prompt to enter
the Twit tagline editor.
Additionally, you can Jump around the suggestions and the
database, pressing PageUp at the prompt takes you to the top of
the database or suggestions, and PageDown takes you to the
bottom of the database or suggestions.
The QWK/FIDO toggle sets the tagline format to use for the
current message. It will start with the default setting that you
have in the configuration, and will toggle between FIDO or QWK
each time you select this option. The tagline format only
changes for the current message, it does not modify the default
setting.
You can also Modify the TLX configuration. Any changes made in
the configuration menu become active immediately. Pressing
Escape (or clicking the mouse on the φ symbol) will quit without
adding any tagline to the message.
Disclaimer
~~~~~~~~~~
Tag Line Xpress (TLX) is Copyright (C) 1992,1993 R.Janorkar all
rights are reserved. Licence is hereby granted for the free
distribution of this program in it's original unmodified archive
form. Tag Line Xpress (TLX) has been released as Shareware, with
all features available for evaluation purposes.
Tag Line Xpress is provided with NO warrantees, expressed or
implied. Use it at your own risk. The author of Tag Line Xpress
(TLX) will NOT be liable for any damages, direct or indirect,
arising from the ability or disability to use Tag Line Xpress
(TLX). The use of Tag Line Xpress (TLX) on your computer system
indicates your acceptance of these disclaimers.
Thanks go to ...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The ßeta test team:
Ron 'Q' Kulick,
Harris 'Speedy' Lam,
David 'The Man' Kaufman,
Rick 'Trekky' Alvey,
Tom 'Smurf' Murphy,
Rick 'Mega' Burwell,
Rex 'Temp=' Pavlovec,
Joe 'Wave' Eversole,
Dane 'BABBLE' Beko,
Joe '100' Sitko,
Karen Davis,
Matt Alberts,
Vern Hall,
Bob 'Utopia' Glasser for making his Fido site available,
Marcus 'Modem' Byron for his invaluable help,
the author of SLMR/OLX Greg Hewgill and MSI,
and all the folks that made a difference for Christmas 1992!
Copyright notices
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Off Line Xpress and Silly Little Mail Reader are copyrights of
Mustang Software Inc; John Hancock is the copyright of Dan Moore
and/or Silicon Frog; Speed Read is the copyright of J.E.Smith;
Jabber is the copyright of Della & Muegge Enterprises; Deluxe²
and 1st Reader are copyright of Mark Herring; MegaReader is the
copyright of Kip Compton; PKZIP is the copyright of PKWare Inc.;
Blue Wave is the copyright of George Hatchew; and other products
mentioned in this documentation may be copyrights of other
software companies.