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1993-01-04
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Qwkit 1.0
Tagline Manager,
Message Filter,
Message Signatures,
and more...
For QWK Mail Readers
Copyright (c) 1993
by Lyman Epp
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WHAT IS QWKIT?
---------------
Qwkit is a utility that will enhance your current QWK mail reader.
Support is currently limited to SLMR, OLX and MegaMail (other readers
may work with Qwkit and may be supported in the future). Qwkit works
automatically, set it up and forget that it's there!
How will Qwkit enhance my current mail reader? Qwkit ...
... includes a completely automated tagline stealer. Now you don't
have to think of your own witty taglines. See TAGLINE_ID,
IGNORE_ID and NEWTAGS options.
... replaces your current mail reader's limited taglines with support
for practically unlimited taglines. You'll have plenty of
taglines when you use the tagline stealer! See TAGLINES option.
... filters messages by name or subject for inclusion and exclusion
from your QWK packets. This can function as a twit filter and
much more. See INCLUDE and EXCLUDE options.
... adds your customized signature(s) to messages. Makes your
messages more "personalized". See SIGNATURE option.
... keeps a cumulative log of new files for each BBS. Be sure to
give this feature a try! See NEWFILES option.
... strip Re: and (R) subject prefixes. Makes reading messages by
subject easier. See STRIP_RE option.
Each of these features can be selectively enabled and disabled.
WHAT'S THE CATCH?
-----------------
Qwkit does not provide a flashy user interface. It works by
intercepting calls to PKZIP and PKUNZIP from your mail reader. You
will not see the taglines or signatures that Qwkit is adding to your
messages. They will be inserted into your messages just before the
REP packet is created. This means that you won't be able to select
taglines and signatures for each message.
GUILT-FREE SHAREWARE AGREEMENT
------------------------------
Qwkit is shareware. If you find that Qwkit is useful and you would
like to help support it's development, then please send a $10
donation. With your donation comes the satisfaction of knowing that
you're helping support a great shareware product.
Send your donation to:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lyman Epp
PO Box 371121
Omaha, NE 68137-6121
BBS SUPPORT
-----------
The Online Pitstop has been gracious enough to host the Qwkit Support
forum. If you want to download the latest version, ask a question, or
make a suggestion for a future release, your best chance will be to
call The Online Pitstop. You will be allowed immediate, free access
to the Qwkit Support forum. Please drop the SYSOP a note thanking him
for hosting Qwkit Support! I also monitor the RIME Offline Mail
Readers forum and the RIME Common forum (find a RIME affiliated BBS
near you).
The Online Pitstop
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(402) 292-3637 CompuCom & 2400
(402) 292-8924 V.32 & V.32bis
(402) 292-3753 HST DS 16.8
INSTALLING QWKIT
-----------------
1. Create a sub-directory for Qwkit. Suggested is C:\QWKIT. Copy
files from the ZIP file to this directory.
2. Use a text editor to create a QWKIT.CFG configuration file in the
directory created in step #1. See format of configuration file
below (or use the sample configuration file). If you use the
sample config file, be sure to specify the correct paths for
PKZIP and PKUNZIP.
3. Use the CONFIG program included with this release. It will
configure your mail reader to use Qwkit. Please read the proper
section for your mail reader. Be sure to execute CONFIG from the
directory that Qwkit is installed in (see step #1). The CONFIG
program will not change the QWKIT.CFG file, it will only change
your mail reader's configuration.
MegaRead V2.1
-------------
CONFIG will update the "PKZIP", "PKUNZIP" and "Swap when zipping"
configuration options. When you look at MegaRead's "PKZIP" or
"PKUNZIP" options, MegaRead will automatically search for
PKZIP.EXE or PKUNZIP.EXE. This will disable Qwkit! If this
happens, just repeat step #3 to re-enable Qwkit.
CONFIG must be able to locate MEGAREAD.EXE in one of the following
locations:
o Current directory
o PATH statement
o C:\MEGAMAIL
If MEGAREAD.EXE isn't located in one of these locations, CONFIG
will not be able to continue. If MEGAREAD.EXE isn't in your PATH
statement and it's not in C:\MEGAMAIL, then change to the
directory that MEGAREAD.EXE is located in and specify a complete
path when starting CONFIG. For example:
C> CD \MYDIR
C> \QWKIT\CONFIG
Qwkit will not process MegaMail format mail packets (UL/DL). It
will only process QWK and REP packets within MegaRead.
Silly Little Mail Reader V2.1 (SLMR)
------------------------------------
CONFIG will change the "ZIP", "UNZIP" and "SWAP" configuration
options.
CONFIG must be able to locate SLMR.EXE in one of the following
locations:
o Current directory
o PATH statement
o C:\SLMR
If SLMR.EXE isn't located in one of these locations, CONFIG
will not be able to continue. If SLMR.EXE isn't in your PATH
statement and it's not in C:\SLMR, then change to the directory
that SLMR.EXE is located in and specify a complete path when
starting CONFIG. For example:
C> CD \MYDIR
C> \QWKIT\CONFIG
Offline Xpress V2.2 (OLX)
-------------------------
CONFIG will change the "ZIP", "UNZIP" and "SWAP" configuration
options.
CONFIG must be able to locate OLX.EXE in one of the following
locations:
o Current directory
o PATH statement
o C:\OLX
If OLX.EXE isn't located in one of these locations, CONFIG
will not be able to continue. If OLX.EXE isn't in your PATH
statement and it's not in C:\OLX, then change to the directory
that OLX.EXE is located in and specify a complete path when
starting CONFIG. For example:
C> CD \MYDIR
C> \QWKIT\CONFIG
Other Mail Readers
------------------
Other mail readers may be supported by Qwkit. If your mail
reader allows you to specify the path for PKZIP and PKUNZIP then
try changing the PKZIP path to C:\QWKIT\QWKIT.EXE and the PKUNZIP
path to C:\QWKIT\UNQWKIT.EXE (substitute the path where you
installed Qwkit). If your mail reader has a "Swap When Zipping"
option, then set the option to "yes". This is known to work with
Deluxe² V2.15. Please drop me a note indicating your success or
failure with a particular mail reader.
QWKIT CONFIGURATION OPTIONS
----------------------------
The Qwkit configuration file is composed of keywords and parameters.
You will need to use a text editor to create the configuration file.
The configuration file is not case-sensitive, unless otherwise noted.
Blank lines are ignored. Whitespace before and after the keyword is
ignored. White-space before and after the "=" sign is ignored. Refer
to the sample configuration file for further information. The valid
keywords are:
* [comment]
Any lines that begin with "*" are considered comments.
PKZIP = [path][filename]
Specify the filename of PKZIP.EXE. The path is optional and
if it is missing, the PATH environment variable will be
searched. This keyword is required.
PKUNZIP = [path][filename]
Specify the filename of PKUNZIP.EXE. The path is optional and
if it is missing, the PATH environment variable will be
searched. This keyword is required.
FIDO = [Yes|NO]
Specify "Yes" or "No" for FIDO compatibility. Some networks
(like FIDO) do not allow the use of non-ASCII characters.
This option will replace the non-ASCII "■" character in
Qwkit's taglines with the more acceptable "*" character.
You don't need to use this option unless you are on a FIDO
network and you are using the TAGLINES= option. This keyword
will default to "No".
STRIP_RE = [YES|No]
Specify "Yes" or "No" for stripping Re: and (R) subject
prefixes. This can make reading messages by subject easier
in some mail readers. This keyword will default to "Yes".
LOGFILE = [filename]
Specify fully qualified filename of log and enable logging.
Qwkit will log the following items:
o Purged message information
o Possible new taglines for IGNORE_ID and TAGLINE_ID
o Summary of messages processed/purged and taglines stolen
This keyword is optional.
TAGLINES = [filename]
Specify fully qualified filename for taglines. If this
keyword specified, then your mail reader's taglines will be
replaced with taglines read from this file. There isn't
really any limit to the number of taglines in this file.
The first tagline is selected at random and taglines are used
sequentially from that point. This keyword is optional.
SIGNATURE = [filename]
Specify fully qualified filename containing your signature.
The contents of this file will be added after the message
body and before the tagline. You can specify a maximum of
100 SIGNATURE keywords. The total combined size of all
signatures cannot exceed 4096 bytes. The first signature is
selected at random and signatures are used sequentially from
that point. This keyword is optional.
NEWFILES = [path]
The contents of the NEWFILES.DAT will be appended to the
BBSID.NEW file in the path you specify (BBSID will be
replaced with the BBS name for each QWK packet). Qwkit will
add a date and time stamp before appending. This keyword is
optional.
NEWTAGS = [filename]
Specify fully qualified filename for stolen taglines. This
option enables the automated tagline stealer. This must be
combined with one or more IGNORE_ID and/or TAGLINE_ID
keywords. This keyword is optional.
IGNORE_ID = [text]
Specify text to ignore when searching for taglines. This
would typically contain network routing information. Case and
whitespace are significant within [text]. You don't need to
create an IGNORE_ID for FIDO-style taglines -- Qwkit will
consider a non-ASCII character within an IGNORE_ID to be the
same as "*". You can specify a maximum of 100 IGNORE_ID
keywords.
TAGLINE_ID = [text]
Specify text to identify taglines. This is how Qwkit
identifies and steals taglines. This option is also used
by Qwkit to replace your mail reader's tagline. Qwkit will
assist you in creating TAGLINE_ID's by identifying possible
new taglines in the log file (only if logging is active).
Case and whitespace are significant within [text]. You don't
need to create a TAGLINE_ID for FIDO-style taglines -- Qwkit
will consider a non-ASCII character within a TAGLINE_ID to be
the same as "*". You can specify a maximum of 100 TAGLINE_ID
keywords.
EXCLUDE = [bbsid]:[conference]:[user]:[subject]
INCLUDE = [bbsid]:[conference]:[user]:[subject]
Enables message filtering by bbsid, conference, user and
subject. EXCLUDE and INCLUDE keywords are processed in the
order that they are specified in the configuration file. You
can have multiple keywords that affect the same message, but
only the last keyword matching the criteria will determine
whether the message is included or excluded (see the sample
configuration file). Wildcards are allowed using "*" and "?"
characters. Case and whitespace are ignored within all
parameters. You may specify "YOU" for 'user' instead of your
name. There is a combined limit of 200 EXCLUDE and INCLUDE
keywords.
SAMPLE CONFIGURATION FILE
-------------------------
*
* Qwkit is Copyright (c) 1993 by Lyman Epp
*
PKZIP = PKZIP
PKUNZIP = PKUNZIP
SIGNATURE = C:\QWKIT\SAMPLE1.SIG
SIGNATURE = C:\QWKIT\SAMPLE2.SIG
TAGLINES = C:\QWKIT\TAGLINES.TXT
LOGFILE = C:\QWKIT\QWKIT.LOG
NEWFILES = C:\QWKIT\
NEWTAGS = C:\QWKIT\NEWTAGS.TXT
FIDO = NO
STRIP_RE = YES
*
* Teach Qwkit how to steal taglines!
*
IGNORE_ID = SFUTI
IGNORE_ID = JetMail
IGNORE_ID = PCRelay:
IGNORE_ID = RBBS-UTI
IGNORE_ID = ■ BCSUTI
IGNORE_ID = ■ Cam-Mail
IGNORE_ID = ■ CNet
IGNORE_ID = ■ ILink
IGNORE_ID = ■ JNet
IGNORE_ID = ■ KMail
IGNORE_ID = ■ MetroMail
IGNORE_ID = ■ MjrUTI
IGNORE_ID = ■ MSI
IGNORE_ID = ■ Origin:
IGNORE_ID = ■ PCBoard
IGNORE_ID = ■ PostLink
IGNORE_ID = ■ QNet
IGNORE_ID = ■ RNet
IGNORE_ID = ■ SFMail
IGNORE_ID = ■ SPITFIRE
IGNORE_ID = ■ TNet
IGNORE_ID = ■ Via ProDoor
IGNORE_ID = ■ Via ProEdit
IGNORE_ID = ■ WildNet
TAGLINE_ID = ■ 1st
TAGLINE_ID = ■ DeLuxe
TAGLINE_ID = ■ EZ
TAGLINE_ID = ■ JABBER
TAGLINE_ID = ■ KingQWK
TAGLINE_ID = ■ KWQ/2
TAGLINE_ID = ■ MegaMail
TAGLINE_ID = ■ MR/2
TAGLINE_ID = ■ OLX
TAGLINE_ID = ■ PMDBM
TAGLINE_ID = ■ PMQWK
TAGLINE_ID = ■ PQ
TAGLINE_ID = ■ QMPro
TAGLINE_ID = ■ Qwkit
TAGLINE_ID = ■ RoboMail
TAGLINE_ID = ■ RoseReader
TAGLINE_ID = ■ SLMR
TAGLINE_ID = ■ SM
TAGLINE_ID = ■ SPEED
TAGLINE_ID = ■ TLX
TAGLINE_ID = ■ TMR
TAGLINE_ID = ■ WinQwk
TAGLINE_ID = ■ XRS!
TAGLINE_ID = ■ ≡OLX≡
*
* Sample Qwkit message filters. Uncomment to use.
*
* BBSID CONFERENCE USER NAME SUBJECT
*
*EXCLUDE = * : * : JANE DOE : *
*EXCLUDE = MYBBS : IDIOT : BOB * : *
*EXCLUDE = * : DEBATE : * : *ELECTION*
*INCLUDE = * : * : YOU : *
*
* This is a simple trick for mail doors that don't allow you to
* select only mail to YOU or ALL. This first excludes all messages
* and then includes messages to ALL and excludes messages with
* subjects that you don't want to read and then includes all
* messages to you. Uncomment to use.
*
*EXCLUDE = * : 4-$ALE : * : *
*INCLUDE = * : 4-$ALE : ALL : *
*EXCLUDE = * : 4-$ALE : * : *286*
*EXCLUDE = * : 4-$ALE : * : *Nintendo*
*INCLUDE = * : 4-$ALE : YOU : *
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
---------------------
Q. What are the BBSID.___ files that Qwkit creates?
A. Qwkit creates these files to avoid stealing taglines from the
same QWK packet more than once. This is very useful in SLMR and
OLX where you can open the same QWK packet repeatedly.
Q. Why doesn't Qwkit work when I disable the swapping option in my
mail reader?
A. The swapping option is almost always required when using Qwkit.
When swapping is disabled, the following programs will all try to
be in memory at the same time.
Your Mail Reader --> Qwkit --> PKZIP/PKUNZIP
Q. Can I use LHARC or ARJ to create my mail packets?
A. No, Qwkit only supports PKZIP at this time.
Q. I have one of the supported mail readers, but Qwkit doesn't seem
to work with it.
A. Qwkit only supports specific versions of each mail reader.
Check to make sure that you're using the correct version of the
mail reader (see installation instructions).
Q. What if my mail reader isn't supported by Qwkit?
A. It doesn't hurt to try it. Read the "Other Mail Readers" section
in the installation instructions.
Q. Why can't I steal taglines from the Blue Wave reader?
A. It uses it's own format for taglines (the tagline appears on the
line after the mail reader's signature).
CREDITS
-------
Silly Little Mail Reader and SLMR are trademarks of Greg Hewgill.
Offline Xpress and OLX are trademarks of Mustang Software, Inc.
MegaMail is a trademark of Kip Compton.
PKZIP and PKUNZIP are trademarks of PKWARE Inc.
THANKS TO
---------
... a great group of beta testers! Special thanks to Jim Logan,
Chau Pham and Robert Savery. Thanks also go to Robert Beagle, Sam
Bennett, Lori Wilson and Dennis Craig. These folks have helped
refine Qwkit into what it is today.
... Robert Beagle for hosting the Qwkit Support and Beta forums on
the Online Pitstop. This is one great BBS!
FUTURE VERSIONS
---------------
If there is enough support for Qwkit.... Future versions may include
some of the following ideas.
o Support for LHA, ARJ and PAK.
o Support for other mail readers (DeLuxe, 1st Reader, Speed, etc).
o Support for MegaMail format mail packets (UL/DL).
o Your ideas! Let me know what they are.
REVISION HISTORY
----------------
1/4/93 Version 1.0
Fixed bug reading CONTROL.DAT file created by QMAIL. Added support
for QWK packets with extensions QW1, QW2, etc. Thanks to Helge
Helgesen for reporting these bugs. Added support for stripping Re:
and (R) subject prefixes. The PKZIP and PKUNZIP config options no
longer require an explicit path name or extension. First non-beta
release.
11/22/92 Version 0.99ß
Correctly update the PERSONAL.NDX file (really, this time!)
First beta release available to the general public.
11/15/92 Version 0.98ß
Changed the name to Qwkit (this is getting old!) Changed tagline
processing to pick a random starting point and then use taglines
sequentially (this should speed things up a lot). Don't process
NEWFILES option when the same QWK packet is opened multiple times.
Allow the user to specify "YOU" instead of a user name for the
INCLUDE and EXCLUDE options. Correctly update the PERSONAL.NDX file.
10/31/92 Version 0.97ß
Fixed crash if you didn't specify any signature(s).
10/30/92 Version 0.96ß
Changed the name to QWKman. Added support for OLX/SLMR mail readers.
Replaced EXCLUDE_USER and EXCLUDE_SUBJECT keywords with the EXCLUDE
keyword and added support for INCLUDE keyword. The NEWFILES option
will now append to the specified file. Added support for up to 100
signatures.