home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
The Arsenal Files 6
/
The Arsenal Files 6 (Arsenal Computer).ISO
/
gen_bbs
/
tnc304d.zip
/
TNCDOC.TXT
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1996-01-06
|
34KB
|
884 lines
The Network Coordinator for DOS
Version 3.04 Release Documentation
January 1996
Software Versions: The Network Coordinator v3.04
The Group Coordinator v3.04
The Subs Coordinator v3.04
The WWIVnews Coordinator v3.04
The Network Coordinator Editor v3.04
Kodiak Solutions Unlimited
12-15 Vermeer Drive
S. Amboy, New Jersey
(908)525-8295 Support BBS
i
________________________________________________________________
First Published, December 1993
Revised, December 1995
The information in this document is subject to change
without notice and should not be construed as a commitment
by Kodiak Solutions Unlimited. Kodiak Solutions Unlimited
assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in
this document.
The software described in this document is furnished under
a license and may be used or copied only in accordance with
the terms of such license.
No responsibility is assumed for the use or reliability
of software on equipment that is not supplied by Kodiak
Solutions Unlimited or its affiliated companies.
Restricted Rights: Use, duplication, or disclosure by the
U.S. Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in
subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in Technical Data
and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013.
(C) Kodiak Solutions Unlimited 1995.
All rights reserved.
ii
________________________________________________________________
Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 The Network Coordinator.......................... 1-1
1.2 What Is Included in The Package.................. 1-1
1.3 Important Information............................ 1-3
2 Installing The Network Coordinator
2.1 Installation Procedure........................... 2-1
2.2 General Instructions............................. 2-1
3 Installing The Group Coordinator
3.1 Installation Procedure........................... 3-1
3.2 General Instructions............................. 3-1
4 Installing The Subs Coordinator
4.1 Installation Procedure........................... 4-1
4.2 General Instructions............................. 4-1
5 Installing The WWIVnews Coordinator
5.1 Installation Procedure........................... 5-1
5.2 General Instructions............................. 5-1
6 Setting Up Your Network
6.1 The Files Required............................... 6-1
6.2 General Instructions............................. 6-1
7 Miscellaneous
7.1 Support.......................................... 7-1
7.2 Upgrade Policies................................. 7-1
7.3 License Agreement................................ 7-1
7.4 Revisions........................................ 7-2
7.5 Trademarks/Copyrights............................ 7-2
7.6 VBBS Support..................................... 7-2
1-1
________________________________________________________________
Introduction
1.1 The Network Coordinator
The Network Coordinator (TNC) is a suite of programs that
allow you to run your very own WWIV compatible network.
TNC includes the following modules:
1. The Network Coordinator. (NC Module)
The main module. You can run your network using ONLY
this program, or along with the modules below to
allow others to help you run your network.
2. The Group Coordinator. (GC Module)
A separate module to allow your GROUP coordinators to
send source verified e-mail, and network updates.
3. The Subs Coordinator. (SUBS Module)
A separate module to allow your SUBS coordinator to
send SUBS and CATEG.NET updates.
4. The WWIVnews Coordinator. (WWIVnews Module)
A separate module to allow your WWIVnews coordinator
to send out WWIVNEWS updates.
5. TNCedit.
A file editor used by all of the modules above.
1.2 What Is Included in The Package
The following files are included with The Network Coordinator:
TNC.EXE - The Network Coordinator Main Program
TNCEDIT.EXE - The Network Coordinator File Editor
EN511.EXE - TNC Encryption Module
DE511.EXE - TNC Decryption Module
SUBSINF.EXE - The SUBS.INF Processor For TNC.EXE
TNCVAL.304 - The Network Coordinator Validation Code
BBSLIST.ZIP - Sample BBSLIST Files
CONNECT.ZIP - Sample CONNECT Files
SUBS.ZIP - Sample SUBS Files
CATEG.ZIP - Sample CATEG.NET File
NETWORKS.ZIP - Sample NETWORKS.LST File
FBACKHDR.ZIP - Sample FBACKHDR.NET File
TNCDOC.TXT - The Network Coordinator Documentation
TGS.ZIP - The Group Coordinator Module (see below)
TSC.ZIP - The Subs Coordinator Module (see below)
TWC.ZIP - The WWIVnews Coordinator Module (see below)
1-2
________________________________________________________________
Introduction
The following files are included with The Group Coordinator:
TGC.EXE - The Group Coordinator Main Program
GRPVAL.304 - The Group Coordinator Validation Code
TNCEDIT.EXE - The Group Coordinator File Editor
EN257.EXE - The Sample Encryption Module For Group 1.
EN257.PAS - Turbo/Borland Pascal sample source code
for EN257.EXE
EN257.C - Sample Turbo/Borland C Source Code to make
Encryption Modules for other groups.
DE257.EXE - The Sample Decryption Module For Group 1.
DE257.PAS - Turbo/Borland Pascal sample source code
for DE257.EXE
DE257.C - Sample Turbo/Borland C Source Code to make
Encryption Modules for other groups.
The following files are included with The Subs Coordinator:
TSC.EXE - The Subs Coordinator Main Program
SUBVAL.304 - The Subs Coordinator Validation Code
TNCEDIT.EXE - The Subs Coordinator File Editor
EN3.EXE - The Subs Coordinator Encryption Module
DE3.EXE - The Subs Coordinator Decryption Module
SUBS.ZIP - Sample SUBS Files.
CATEG.ZIP - Sample CATEG.NET File.
The following files are included with The WWIVnews Coordinator:
TWC.EXE - The WWIVnews Coordinator
NEWSVAL.304 - The WWIVnews Coordinator Validation Code
TNCEDIT.EXE - The WWIVnews Coordinator File Editor
EN3.EXE - The WWIVnews Coordinator Encryption Module
DE3.EXE - The WWIVnews Coordinator Decryption Module
1-3
________________________________________________________________
Introduction
1.3 Important Information
TNCVAL.304 Should NOT be given to anyone. This activates
The Network Coordinator with your registration
info.
GRPVAL.304 Should ONLY be given to your GROUP Coordinators.
This file activates The Group Coordinator with
your registration info.
SUBVAL.304 Should ONLY be given to your SUBS Coordinator.
This file activates The Subs Coordinator with
your registration info.
NEWSVAL.304 Should ONLY be given to your WWIVnews
Coordinator. This file activates The WWIVnews
Coordinator with your registration info.
EN511.EXE Should NOT be given to anyone. It includes
the MAIN encryption routines for your network.
EN3.EXE Should ONLY be given out to the SUBS and
WWIVnews Coordinators.
DE511.EXE Should be given to EVERY node in the network.
DE3.EXE Should be given to EVERY node in the network.
Please keep in mind that EN511.EXE/DE511.EXE and EN3.EXE/DE3.EXE
are SPECIAL encryption/decryption modules, and should NEVER be
replaced with the GENERIC encryption/decryption modules (such as
EN257.EXE/DE257.EXE).
2-1
________________________________________________________________
Installing The Network Coordinator
2.1 Installation Procedure
The Network Coordinator can be installed as a CHAIN of WWIV, or
it can be run by itself. Here is how to install it under WWIV.
Unzip TNC.ZIP into your network's data directory.
In //CHAINEDIT:
A. Description : The Network Coordinator
B. Filename : directory\TNC directory\TNCVAL.304
C. SL : 255
D. AR : None.
E. ANSI : Optional
F. DOS Interrupt : NO <--- This is critical
G. 300 Baud : Allowed
H. Shrink : Yes <--- This is necessary
I. Disable Pause : Yes
J. Local only : Yes <--- This is necessary
K. Multi-User : NO <--- This is NOT critical
2.2 General Instructions
When you run TNC, you will be presented with the following options:
Send BBSLIST Update
Send CONNECT Update
Send FBACKHDR.NET
Send Feedback
Send SUBS Update
Send WWIVnews Update
Send ZIP File
Send Sub Info Request
Send DECODE Files
Send CATEG.NET
Send NETWORKS.LST
Send SSM (Short Msg)
Run TNC File Editor
Run External NETEDIT
Convert SUBS.INF
Quit
Some of the options should be obvious, but here is a brief overview
of the ones that might not be.
2-2
________________________________________________________________
Installing The Network Coordinator
Send FBACKHDR.NET
This option sends the FBACKHDR.NET file to your network. This
file is placed at the beginning of the e-mail that the network
sends whenever a network update is received. It's purpose is
usually to let your users know who is handling SUBS updates,
INTERNET or FIDO-NET node numbers etc... A sample file is
included with TNC. It is a good idea to edit this file using
the TNC File Editor, to make sure that no end-of-file markers
are in this file. The TNC Editor will show an end-of-file
marker as a back arrow. If one should appear in your file, it
should be deleted.
Send Feedback
This option allows you to send Source Verified E-mail to your
network. Prepare the text of the message in advance, and save
it to a file with a ".TXT" file extention. The file should be
placed in your network's data directory. When this option is
selected, you will be presented with a list of *.TXT files that
you can send. You may select more than one file at a time if
you wish.
Send SUBS Updates.
This option allows you to send SUBS.LST & SUBS.# files to the
network.
Send WWIVnews Updates.
This option allows you to send WWIVNEWS.NET or *.NWS files to
your network. When you select this option, you will be presented
with a list of files that can be selected (from your network's
data directory). Simply highlight each file you want to send,
and press the ENTER key. A check-mark will pop-up next to each
file selected.
Send ZIP file.
This option allows you to send any ZIP file (from your network's
data directory) to your network.
2-3
________________________________________________________________
Installing The Network Coordinator
Send Sub Info Request (Ping).
This sends a special request to each selected node, which
when received, will send back to you a list of all the subs
that the nodes would like listed in the SUBS.LST files. The
list is stored in a file called SUBS.INF in your network's
data directory. It is NOT advisable to send this file too
often. You should always process the existing SUBS.INF file
before sending out the next "Ping". I would not recommend
sending a "Ping" more often than once a month.
Send DECODE Files.
As long as your network has a current copy of the DE511.EXE
file, you can send them updates of any of the DE*.EXE files.
The primary purpose of this, is to distribute DE3.EXE and
the GROUP DE256+grp#.EXE files (such as DE257.EXE) to your
network. It sure is much easier for you to send it to them,
then having your nodes chase all over looking for them. They
will automatically be placed in the data directory for your
network.
Send CATEG.NET.
The CATEG.NET file, is a list of categories for the various
Subs in your network. Each line should contain a category #,
and description. There should ALWAYS be a category 0 in your
CATEG.NET file, as this is the category all subs that are NOT
categorized will be placed in. If it doesn't exist, then those
uncategorized subs will NOT be listed. A sample CATEG.NET file
is included in CATEG.ZIP. I highly recommend using it.
Send NETWORKS.LST
This option allows you to send NETWORKS.LST to your network.
The primary purpose of this file is to provide your nodes with
a list of alternative networks that they might be interested in
joining.
Send SSM (Short Msg)
This option allows you to send a short (less than 1 line) message
to your network. These messages are automatically displayed when
the sysop of a network node signs onto his/her BBS.
2-4
________________________________________________________________
Installing The Network Coordinator
Run TNC File Editor.
This option allows you to use the file editor included with
TNC to edit your news files. The editor is simple yet powerful.
It includes cut & paste features, and can work on several files
at once (if sufficient memory exists). If you have another editor
that you have a preference for, you can copy it into your network's
data directory and rename it TNCEDIT.EXE. Not all editors will
work under TNC depending on memory requirements, etc..., but give
it a try. I personally prefer TNCEDIT, but since I wrote it, I'm
a bit partial to it.
Convert SUBS.INF.
This option runs the SUBINF.EXE program included with TSC.
It takes the current SUBS.INF file, sorts it by category
(as long as CATEG.NET exists), and creates a NEW SUBS.LST
file. You MAY have to break down the SUBS.LST file if it gets
too large. You should wait a minimum of a few weeks from the
time you sent a sub "Ping" before using this option.
3-1
________________________________________________________________
Installing The Group Coordinator
3.1 Installation Procedure
The Group Coordinator can be installed as a CHAIN of WWIV, or
it can be run by itself. Here is how to install it under WWIV.
Unzip TGC.ZIP into your network's data directory.
Your NC, should have given you a EN256+grp.EXE & DE256+grp.EXE
(ex. Group 1 will get EN257.EXE & DE257.EXE). These files
should be copied to your network's data directory. You should
NEVER give out a copy of EN???.EXE file, as it is the custom
encryption routines used for your group. DE???.EXE should be
given to all in your group (The NC has the ability to do this,
so you shouldn't need to worry about this). Also, your GRPVAL.304
file should NEVER be given out to anyone.
In //CHAINEDIT:
A. Description : The Group Coordinator
B. Filename : directory\TGC directory\GRPVAL.304
C. SL : 255
D. AR : None.
E. ANSI : Optional
F. DOS Interrupt : NO <--- This is critical
G. 300 Baud : Allowed
H. Shrink : Yes <--- This is necessary
I. Disable Pause : Yes
J. Local only : Yes <--- This is necessary
K. Multi-User : NO <--- This is NOT critical
3.2 General Instructions
Once you have installed the software, you need to make a special
working copy of your BBSLIST.grp# & CONNECT.grp# files. Make a
copy of your BBSLIST.grp# as BBSLIST.grp#+256. For example, if
you are the GC of group #1, you would copy BBSLIST.1 as BBSLIST.257.
You would do the same thing for your CONNECT file (copying CONNECT.1
as CONNECT.257).
When you run TGC, you will be presented with the following options.
Send BBSLIST Update to NC. (Sends BBSLIST files)
Send CONNECT Update to NC. (Sends CONNECT files)
Send Feedback. (Sends *.TXT files as E-Mail)
Run TNC File Editor. (Edits BBSLIST/CONNECT/*.TXT files)
Run External NETEDIT. (Runs NETEDIT if installed)
Quit. (Exists TGC).
3-2
________________________________________________________________
General Instruuctions
When you select the Send BBSLIST/CONNECT/Feedback/File Editor
options, you will be presented with a list of files. In order to
select a file, simply move the cursor so it highlights the file
you want to send/edit, and press the space bar (or press mouse
button if you have a mouse driver installed). Each file selected
will have a little check-mark next to it. If you accidentally
select the wrong file, just select it again, and the check-mark
will disappear. When you are finished selecting files, press
the ENTER (or RETURN) key.
Send Feedback
This option allows you to send Source Verified E-mail to your
network. Prepare the text of the message in advance, and save
it to a file with a ".TXT" file extention. The file should be
placed in your network's data directory. When this option is
selected, you will be presented with a list of *.TXT files that
you can send. You may select more than one file at a time if
you wish.
Run TNC File Editor.
This option allows you to use the file editor included with
TGC to edit your news files. The editor is simple yet powerful.
It includes cut & paste features, and can work on several files
at once (if sufficient memory exists). If you have another editor
that you have a preference for, you can copy it into your network's
data directory and rename it TNCEDIT.EXE. Not all editors will
work under TGC depending on memory requirements, etc..., but give
it a try. I personally prefer TNCEDIT, but since I wrote it, I'm
a bit partial to it.
4-1
________________________________________________________________
Installing The Subs Coordinator
4.1 Installation Procedure
The Subs Coordinator can be installed as a CHAIN of WWIV, or
it can be run by itself. Here is how to install it under WWIV.
Unzip TSC.ZIP into your network's data directory.
If you do not already have a CATEG.NET file in your network's
data directory, then also unzip the CATEG.ZIP file as well.
A copy of EN3.EXE and DE3.EXE should be placed in your network's
data directory as well. Do NOT give out a copy of your EN3.EXE
or SUBVAL.304 file to anyone. However, it is okay to give out the
DE3.EXE file to your network.
In //CHAINEDIT:
A. Description : The Network Coordinator
B. Filename : directory\TSC directory\SUBVAL.304
C. SL : 255
D. AR : None.
E. ANSI : Optional
F. DOS Interrupt : NO <--- This is critical
G. 300 Baud : Allowed
H. Shrink : Yes <--- This is necessary
I. Disable Pause : Yes
J. Local only : Yes <--- This is necessary
K. Multi-User : NO <--- This is NOT critical
4.2 General Instructions
When you run TSC, you will be presented with the following options.
Send SUBS.LST Updates.
Send Sub Info Request (Ping)
Send CATEG.NET.
Run TSC File Editor.
Convert SUBS.INF to SUBS.LST.
Quit.
Some of the options should be obvious, but here is a brief overview
of the ones that might not be so obvious.
Send SUBS.LST Updates.
This option allows you to send SUBS.LST & SUBS.# files to the
network. Each file should be less than 32k in size, so if your
SUBS.LST file gets too large, move some categories out of there
and into the SUBS.1 file (and so on).
4-2
________________________________________________________________
General Instructions
Send Sub Info Request (Ping).
This sends a special request to each selected node, which
when received, will send back to you a list of all the subs
that the nodes would like listed in the SUBS.LST files. The
list is stored in a file called SUBS.INF in your network's
data directory. It is NOT advisable to send this file too
often. You should always process the existing SUBS.INF file
before sending out the next "Ping". I would not recommend
sending a "Ping" more often than once a month.
Send CATEG.NET.
The CATEG.NET file, is a list of categories for the various
Subs in your network. Each line should contain a category #,
and description. There should ALWAYS be a category 0 in your
CATEG.NET file, as this is the category all subs that are NOT
categorized will be placed in. If it doesn't exist, then those
uncategorized subs will NOT be listed. A sample CATEG.NET file
is included in CATEG.ZIP. I highly recommend using it.
Convert SUBS.INF to SUBS.LST.
This option runs the SUBINF.EXE program included with TSC.
It takes the current SUBS.INF file, sorts it by category
(as long as CATEG.NET exists), and creates a NEW SUBS.LST
file. You MAY have to break down the SUBS.LST file if it gets
too large. You should wait a minimum of a few weeks from the
time you sent a sub "Ping" before using this option.
5-1
________________________________________________________________
Installing The WWIVnews Coordinator
5.1 Installation Procedure
The WWIVnews Coordinator can be installed as a CHAIN of WWIV, or
it can be run by itself. Here is how to install it under WWIV.
Unzip TWC.ZIP into your network's data directory.
In //CHAINEDIT:
A. Description : The WWIVnews Coordinator
B. Filename : directory\TWC directory\NEWSVAL.304
C. SL : 255
D. AR : None.
E. ANSI : Optional
F. DOS Interrupt : NO <--- This is critical
G. 300 Baud : Allowed
H. Shrink : Yes <--- This is necessary
I. Disable Pause : Yes
J. Local only : Yes <--- This is necessary
K. Multi-User : NO <--- This is NOT critical
5.2 General Instructions
When you run TWC, you will be presented with the following options.
Send News Updates.
Run TNC File Editor.
Quit.
Some of the options should be obvious, but here is a brief overview
of the ones that might not be.
Send News Updates.
This option allows you to send WWIVNEWS.NET or *.NWS files to
your network. None of the files should be larger than 32k.
The NC of your network has the ability to send out larger
news files. If you need to have a single large news file, you
may want to send all the pieces to the NC, and have him patch
them together and send them out as a single file. When you
select this option, you will be presented with a list of files
that can be selected (from your network's data directory).
Simply highlight each file you want to send, and press the
ENTER key. A check-mark will pop-up next to each file selected.
When you are finished selecting files, press ENTER.
5-2
________________________________________________________________
Installing The WWIVnews Coordinator
You will then be presented with a list of options on where to
send the files. Select one, and the files will be sent.
Run TNC File Editor.
This option allows you to use the file editor included with
TWC to edit your news files. The editor is simple yet powerful.
It includes cut & paste features, and can work on several files
at once (if sufficient memory exists). If you have another editor
that you have a preference for, you can copy it into your network's
data directory and rename it TNCEDIT.EXE. Not all editors will
work under TWC depending on memory requirements, etc..., but give
it a try. I personally prefer TNCEDIT, but since I wrote it, I'm
a bit partial to it.
6-1
________________________________________________________________
Setting Up Your Network
6.1 The Files Required
6.2 General Instructions
7-1
________________________________________________________________
Miscellaneous
7.1 Support
Technical Support is available on our support BBS.
Maniac Mansion ]I[ BBS
908-525-8295
24 hours/7 days.
USRobotics DS HST/V32/V32bis
We can also be reached via WWIVnet by sending e-mail to
1@9800 or Doctor Fred @9800.
Members of WWIVnet are strongly encouraged to subscribe
to the TNC Support Sub (Host @9800/Type TNC). News of
new releases, beta testing, etc... are usually posted
there first.
Our Mailing Address is:
Kodiak Solutions Unlimited
12-15 Vermeer Drive
South Amboy, NJ 08879
7.2 Upgrade Policies
The upgrade policy is subject to change. As of the
writing of this document, the policy is as follows:
Upgrades will be provided free of charge to those
registered users that fill out and send the upgrade form,
a floppy disk, and a floppy disk mailer with sufficient
return postage (usually around 64 cents is sufficient).
Additional upgrade options may be available, for additional
information see the UPGRADE.TXT file included in the most
current version of the TNC demo.
7-2
________________________________________________________________
Miscellaneous
7.3 License Agreement
The registered version of this software is licensed to you
and your network, and is NOT transferrable. You may NOT
alter the software in any manner, doing so will immediately
and irrevocably terminate your license. You may distribute
the GC module ONLY to your Group Coordinators, the SUBS
module ONLY to your SUBS coordinator, and the WWIVnews
module ONLY to your WWIVnews Coordinator, however doing so
will NOT transfer your license. The sofware is to be used
and installed on only one network at a time.
7.4 Revisions
12/93 - Added Support for file sharing/multi-line WWIV.
Added Send SSM Option. Added Data Compression
To TNC Updates.
07/93 - Major upgrade to the documentation. Added Group
Coordinator, Subs Coordinator, and WWIVnews
Coordinator modules. SUBS.FDL Support (For Filenet)
was added. Software now searches the network's data
directory, then current directory, and finally the path
statement when shelling out to run EXE files.
7.5 Trademarks/Copyrights
The following are copyrights, trademarks and/or products of
Kodiak Solutions Unlimited:
The Network Coordinator, TNC, The Group Coordinator, TGC,
The Subs Coordinator, TSC, The WWIVnews Coordinator, TWC,
The Subs Inf Processor, TNCedit.
The following are third-party trademarks:
WWIV and WWIVnet are trademarks of Wayne Bell and/or
WWIV Software Solutions.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business
Machines Corporation.
Microsoft, MS, MS-DOS are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.
7-3
________________________________________________________________
Miscellaneous
7.6 VBBS Support
I personally have not tested the compatibility of TNC
with VBBS. I have heard from a few registered users
that versions of TNC starting at 3.04 are compatible
with VBBS. I do know that there is a good chance that
updates will be received and processed properly, but
errors may show up in their NETDAT0.LOG. These errors
should not be taken literally. For each file update, TNC
sends out 2 updates. The first is the actual update,
the second is a CLEAN-UP type of update. Since VBBS
doesn't properly support the CLEAN-UP update, some
FALSE ERRORS may not get removed from the log. I have
contacted the author of VBBS in order to see if we can
support these updates, but have not heard back from him.
In any event, the updates should still be received fine.
Copyright (C) 1995 by Kodiak Solutions Unlimited.
All rights reserved.