The Arsenal Files 6/The Arsenal Files 6 (Arsenal Computer).ISO/tbbs/sysmdemo.exe/SYSMSTR.DOC

Text File | 1996-02-10 | 23KB | 545 lines

                              SystemMaster
          SystemMaster is (c) Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996
                            By John Schachat


About this Document:

This document will lead you through the various SM capabilities.  It is
not intended, however, to be a TBBS, TDBS, DOS or Dbase primer.  Most of
the functions in SM do not require you to be a Dbase expert. However,
some do require TDBS/Dbase knowledge.  You may find that at times you
will need to refer to your TBBS/TDBS manuals or to a Dbase Manual.


About SystemMaster:

SystemMaster is an EXTREMELY flexible tool for any TBBS system.
Through it's powerful Command Processors, Online Help and TDBS/DOS
management functions, it covers all aspects of system use. With
SystemMaster, there is no longer any need for a Sysop menu.

A Summary of SystemMaster Capabilities:

SystemMaster provides you with a large number of diverse capabilities.
One of the most important of these is it's ability to to store and
execute ANY TBBS command either individually or in a Program Group.

Individual Command Database:  From the Main menu, you can list/add/edit
or delete individual commands.  Any command may be used, even a call to
the QSO or TIMS OMs.  Enter it exactly as you would in SDL.  Once
the command is stored in the database, it may then be selected for
execution by entering it's number. Individual commands are always sorted
in descending order by the last time they were used unless the <S>ort
option is used.

Program Groups: This is an extension of the individual command database.
Program Groups allow you to create a group of commands which are chained
together so that they execute sequentially.  The execution start point
may be anywhere in the chain depending on the command number you enter.
If you want to skip over a command in the chain, delete it.  It will
appear in red and will be skipped over when the chain executes. To add
it back later, simply undelete it.  There is also a <T>imer function,
which is a toggle.  When it is used, it will begin a clock when the
command begins execution and stop it when the command completes.  This
is useful for timing auto-executing TDBS modules, .BAT files or QALs.

The COMMAND PROCESSOR Side of the Main menu also contains a number of
entries which allow you to maintain and modify the help database or to
print it out.

The other parts of the main menu contain a wide variety of TDBS, DOS and
Utility functions.

TDBS - This invokes a menu of TDBS commands which provide complete
control over a DBF file or index.  Using these commands you may
display the structure of a Database, Create or Modify a Database
Structure, Append records into a database, import or export data using a
comma delimited text file, Pack or ZAP a database, add/edit/delete
records in a database, Create\Re-index NDX files, Search any Database,
etc.

There is also a 'Database Manager' which allows you to store your most
frequently used databases for fast retrieval.

To use these functions, either select a database manually or add an
entry to the Database Manager.  Most functions then become available to
you.

Utility functions - SystemMaster provides 'canned access' to most SYSOM
functions.

File Editor allows you to create or edit any Text file, including FARS
and PDIRS.

DOS FILE Utilities allow you to manipulate files, print them, read text
files, search for files, etc.

Note: Some functions require that you have installed specific Option
Modules, such as SYSOM, TIGER, TIMS, QSO, etc. If you try to invoke one
of these commands, and the option module has not been installed, an
error message will be retruned telling you that you tried an 'Invalid
DOTBBS Type'.

Installation:

Put the contents of this package in its own subdirectory.  Keep the
Subdirectory as close to the top of your directory structure as possible
for maximum flexibility, such as C:\SM

Run the INSTALL.BAT utility.  It will create the GROUPS\ subdirectory
and will copy the file TEMPLATE.DBF into it.

SDL and BounceBack Flags:

One of the most powerful things about SystemMaster is that it 'Bounces
Back' to itself after executing ANYTHING.  This feature is enabled
through the use of a flag and SDL entries.

To use this feature you must do the following:

1. Select an UNUSED flag.  For this example we will use A4(5).

2. Put the following in your SDL:

  Note: You will be adding 3 entries to the menu where SystemMaster is
  located and also creating a Dummy menu.  These additional entries are
  necessary to enable SystemMaster's BounceBack after commands are
  executed.

  A. These 3 entries all go on the menu which calls SystemMaster and MUST
     be in this order.  They consist of the actual menu entry which calls
     SystemMaster and 2 autoexecutes which enable the BounceBack feature.

      ; SYSTEMMASTER MENU ENTRY
      Entry: <S> SystemMaster
      priv=255
      Key=S Type=200 opt data=C:\SM\SYSMSTR /Q

      ; AUTOEXECUTE TO RETURN TO SYSTEMMASTER
      Entry:
      Priv=255
      A1=--------
      A2=--------
      A3=--------
      A4=----X---
      Key=^@ Type=200 opt data=C:\SM\SYSMSTR /Q

      ; SYSTEMMASTER AUTOEXECUTE TO BOUNCE
      Entry:
      priv=255
      a1=--------
      a2=--------
      a3=--------
      A4=----X---
      KEY=^@ TYPE=5 OPT DATA=SYSM


  B. Now create a dummy menu in you SDL file.  It will only have 1 entry
  and will be totally invisible (This is a necessary step! Don't leave
  it out).  It should look like this:

      Menu: SYSM

      Entry: Autoexecute to return to the SystemMaster Menu
      Key=^@
      Type=12
      OPT DATA=1

      Endmenu:

Note: Make ABSOLUTELY SURE that unauthorized users are not allowed
access to SystemMaster, as it provides Complete Access to your entire
system.

That's it.  There is one more installation step, however, which is done
when you run SystemMaster.

5. Now run SystemMaster and select option <Z> BounceBack Flags.  Enter the
same flag that you selected previously, A4(5) in the example, and mark
it with an 'X'. Like '----X---'.  All other Flag entries should just be
dashes.

Installation is now complete.


Reference Section:

For clarity we will describe the TBBS Command Processor functions first
(left hand side of the menu) then proceed to the right hand side.

The Command Processors consist of 3 main functions:


The Program Group Database

The Individual Command Database

The Help Database


Program Groups:

A Program Group is a logical organization of TBBS commands which may be
executed sequentially.  For example, let's say you have 3 TDBS programs
which are inter-related and you want them to execute one right after the
other.  Or you might have several TBBS commands which would execute in
order.  An example of this would be:

 Execute a type 31 and change your profile to No Ansi/No graphics

 Execute a type 1 and view a file

 Execute a type 31 and change your profile to ANSI on and Graphics on

 Execute a type 1 and view the same file

 This would allow you to view the file as either type of user without
 having to run around through your menus.  And since the commands all
 execute sequentially, there is no interruption in the command chain.

 When a program group has completed, you will be returned to the command
 listing within that program group.

 You may also time the execution speed of TDBS programs, QALS or
 anything else by hitting the <T>imer key  This will provide you with a
 time for each command in the program group you are executing.

 To use a Program Group, type <P> from the main menu.  You will see a
 listing of available groups.  To see a listing of the contents of a
 group and proceed type the number to it's left.  To Add a group, type
 <A>

 Adding/Editing a Group:

 After typing <A> or <E> you will see a data entry screen with 3 fields.

 Group Name: The name of the Program Group that will appear on the
 listing

 DBF Name: Each Program Group requires a special database which SM will
 create.  This is stored in the GROUPS directory and must be unique.
 Any Valid DOS name will suffice, without an extension.

 Comments: Any comments you wish to add.  These will also appear on the
 listing.


 Accessing a Group:
 From the Main Program Group Listing, type the number of the group you
 wish to access.  If there are any commands for that group you will see
 them listed when the group is displayed, otherwise you may <E>dit\Add a
 command.  If you are adding a command, leave the command # at 0,
 otherwise enter the command # you wish to edit.

 Adding/Editing a Command:
 Enter the TBBS Type for the command from 1-255.
 Enter the appropriate Opt Data for that command.
 Enter any Comments you'd like to appear on the listing.  These comments
 may also be used as a sort key.

 You will notice that when you edit a command, automatic Help will be
 displayed depending on the TBBS TYPE of that command.

 The Timer function is a toggle that turns on the program timer when a
 program group begins execution.  The times you will see returned are
 approximate and subject to system loading, processor and disk speed.
 It is best to use this function with commands that do not require any
 user input, as the timer will also record the 'wait' time.

 The Sort function allows you to sort the Program Group Command Database
 either by the execution number or by the contents of the Comments
 field.

 Executing a Program Group:

 Command execution may begin anywhere in the group.  If you have 10
 entries and you type "5", execution will begin at command 5 and
 proceed through Command 10.  If there are any deleted entries in the
 program group, they will be skipped over as the group executes.

 The Program Group will always execute in sequential numerical order
 regardless of the setting of the Sort toggle.

 Individual Commands:

 From the Main Menu, you may List the Individual Command Database, Go to
 and run a specific Command, Add a Command, Delete a Command or Edit a
 command.  By typing <L> you will see a listing of available commands
 you have entered.  They are continuously sorted by when they were last
 used, with the last used commands at the top of the listing.  From this
 listing you may execute a Command by typing in it's number, Edit a
 command, Add a new Command, or Delete a command.  <CR> will scroll the
 screen if you have more than a single screen of commands.  The last
 command that was run will always be at the top of the listing and will
 also be displayed on the main menu. There is also an option to change
 the way the database is sorted.  By hitting <S>, a toggle, the database
 will either be sorted alphabetically by the Comments field or in
 descending order by Date/Time.  The Comments Sort allows you to group
 commands by the comments you add.  When a command is initially added, a
 comment "~  No Comments" will be placed in the comments field.  This
 may be changed, but if it is not, will place the command near the end
 of an alphabetic comment sort.

 Index and Pack the Database:

 This command will reindex and Pack the SystemMaster Databases.

 Context Sensitive Help:

 This command will display HELP for the command that was last executed
 and is currently being displayed on the main menu.

 Help System:

 The Help System provides Help for the various TBBS Command Types.  By
 hitting <H> from the main menu you will be brought to a screen which
 will allow you to List, Search, Add to or Modify the Help Database.
 Although SM comes with a complete TBBS Command Database, you may modify
 it or add any new commands as they become available.  It may also be
 used to store non-TBBS information, QEMM settings for instance.  If you
 do this, just remember to make sure that the Type is greater then 255.


 Reference Card Builder/Printer:

 This allows you to build 'reference cards' based on the Help Database.
 You have a variety of choices as to the type of reference card that
 will be built as well as whether the output destination will be a text
 file or a printer.  If you choose a printer, make sure it is hooked up
 and turned on.

 Repeat Last Command:

 Many times in a testing cycle you will need to repetitively execute the
 last command. By hitting the <CR> from the main menu, the last command
 used, based on the date and time it was executed, will be run.


 TDBS/DOS/Utility Functions:

 This section will first discuss the DOS and Utility Functions and end
 with the TDBS commands.

 <S> SYSOM - Executing this command will bring you directly into SYSOM,
 if that Option Module has been installed on your system.

 <V> View/Download/Search DOS Dirs - Prompts you for a file path and then
 allows you to Search for a file, Examine an Archive or Download from
 that directory.

 <M> Misc. System Info - Provides you with information about your system
 including the available disk space on the disk where SM is located and
 the total number of users currently executing any TDBS program on your
 system.

 <U> Utility Functions - Provide you with easy access to most SYSOM
 commands and allows you to run your own batch file.  Only for Systems
 with SYSOM installed.  Also provides access to the TIMS control panel
 (for systems with TIMS) and to QSO (for systems with QSO installed).

 <F> File Editor - This editor allows you to either place notes in a
 database, that is associated with the current TBBS Command, or to edit
 any text file on your system.  When you invoke this command you will be
 in a full screen editor.  If you want to read in a file from your
 system, type ^KR and enter in the complete path\name of the file to be
 edited.  To type ^KR, depress the <CTRL> key and the <K> key at the
 same time. Then release both and depress the <R> key.  After entering
 the file information press ENTER and you will be able to edit the file.
 When you are done, press ^KW, using the same key sequence as ^KR.
 Again, you will be prompted for the file path\name where the file is to
 be saved to.  If you wish to save notes to the database, just begin
 typing or read in a text file, and when you're done, type ^W.

 <B> Batch Dos Upload - Simply specify the directory where the upload is
 to be placed and then use your terminal emulator to begin a batch
 upload using a batch protocol.

 <Y> DOS File Utilities - Use carefully!

     <C> Copy a File - Allows you to copy any DOS file by entering a
     complete From\To specification.

     <D> Delete a File - Allows you delete any DOS file by entering a
     complete file path\name.

     <R> Rename a file - Allows you to rename any DOS file by entering
     the current DOS path\name and the new DOS path\name.

     <T> Text File reader - This is a custom reader with Back and Forth
     scrolling and download capability.  It allows you to read any text
     file on your system.  This reader also contains a 'Bookmark'
     feature that allows you to <M>ark any page and then <G>o to it
     later with a single keystroke.

     <P> Print a Text File - Allows you to print any text file to your
     choice of printers, LPT1 - LPT4.

     <F> File Search and Information - Allows you to use wildcards to
     search through your system for DOS files.  The listing will display
     the DOS attributes for a file, the current size and the last
     time/date that the file was modified.  Attributes are A=Archive,
     R=Read Only, S=System, H=Hidden, D=Directory, V=Volume Label and
     may appear in various combinations.  The search engine supports
     both the "*" and "?" wildcards.

     <Z> Bounceback Flags - Discussed in the Installation Section.

     <Q> Quit - Returns you to the calling TBBS menu.

     <X> Exit - Logs you off immediately.

<T> TDBS Database Functions

Warning!  There are a number of extremely powerful commands in this
section which, if misused, can cause serious damage to the database
or Index you are working on. Also, some commands will grab a database
for EXCLUSIVE USE.  This will prevent other users on the system from
accessing it while you have it in use.

Most commands work on the database that is currently selected.
Databases are selected either through the Database Manager <S> or
by manually entering the path\name of the database you wish to work
with <1>.

<S> The Database Manager Selector - SystemMaster allows you to keep a
'Database of Databases'. This lets you store the names and locations
of databases that you use frequently.  To access this function, press
<S> from the TDBS menu.  You will see a listing of stored databases.  At
this point you may Select, Add, Edit, or Delete a database definition.

 Adding/Editing a Definition - You will be prompted for the path where
 the .DBF and it's Index files are stored.  Enter the complete DOS path
 without a trailing '\'.  Next, enter the .DBF name without the .DBF
 extension. Add any comments that you want to appear in the listing.

 You will now be prompted for the names of any index files you wish to
 have attached to this database when it is selected.  If you are using
 index files, answer 'Y' to the prompt and enter the FULL name of the
 index files.  This is necessary because index files may have extensions
 other than .NDX.  The first entry will be the controlling index.  You
 may not skip over any of the index fields, i.e. 1,2,3 is legal while
 1,2,4 is not.

 To select a database from the listing, type <S> and the number of the
 database you wish to select.  Once selected, you will be returned to
 the Main TDBS menu.

After a database is Selected you may:

<L> Locate Information - This command allows you search for information
    in any field in the database.  Fields that may be searched on are
    Character, Numeric and Date.  The Character and Date Searches will
    look for any record which CONTAINS the Search Argument.  The Numeric
    search looks for an EXACT match.  Logical and Memo fields may not be
    searched.  In addition, you may display a second field along with
    the field you are searching for in any records that are found.  The
    second field may be any type, including logical or memo.  In
    addition to the 2 fields being displayed, the record number will
    also be returned, allowing you to then edit the appropriate database
    records using the Database Editor.

<E> Edit\Add\Delete - This Database Editor provides complete database
    manipulation for the selected database on a record by record basis.

<Z> Zap - Will permanently Delete all records in the selected Database
    and any attached indices. Be careful!

<C> Create/Recreate an Index - Allows you to build an NDX file based on
    a field name you specify in the database that is currently selected.
    You may also add a sort method.  For example, if you want to
    create an index in descending order, you could specify the field
    name as Descend(Field_Name).  Or if you wanted the index as all
    upper case you would specify Upper(Field_Name).  You may also
    concatenate fields by specifying Field1 + Field2.

<P> Pack - Will remove any deleted records from the selected Database
    and any attached indices.

<V> View the Structure  - Displays the field layout of the selected
    database.

<M> Modify the selected database structure - Allows you to add, delete
    or change field definitions.  If no database is selected, a new
    structure will be built, otherwise the selected database structure
    will be modified.  A SEF file will be built as a result of this
    operation and will be called TEMP.DBF  (SEF= Structure Extended
    File).

<B> Build a New Database - Creates a new DBF from a SEF. If the SEF is
    empty or one of the fields in the SEF has been improperly specified,
    an error will result.

<A> Append Records - Allows you to add records to a new or existing DBF.
    Only fields with the same name in both databases will be added.
    Fields which are longer in the source database than the target
    database will be truncated.

<I> Import Comma-delimited text - Allows you to specify a file which
    contains comma-delimited text.  This file will be imported into the
    selected database.

<O> Output Comma-delimited text - Will export the contents of the
    selected database into a comma-delimited format text file.

<D> Data -  Displays the attributes of the current database.

<T> TDBS Error Messages -  A Database of all TDBS error messages which
    may be listed or searched based on anything that is Contained in the
    error message.


Modifying an existing Database:

   1. Select the Database.
   2. Use <M> Modify and modify/Add field definitions.
   3. Use <B> Build to Create a new database from the SEF file that was
   just created when you modified the database.  This will create a new
   database with the new information you just added.
   4. Use the <A> Append to add the information from the old database
   into the new database.

   You will now have a new database, with the new field information you
   added, that has all the information that was contained in the old
   database.

Making a Quick Database Lookup Application:

   1. Make sure that no existing database is selected.
   2. Use <M> Modify to build the Database structure.
   3. Use <B> Build to Build the actual Database.
   4. Use the Database Editor to add information to the Database.
   5. Use the <L> ocate function to search on any information that was
   added

                         ---> End of File <---

  =========================================================================

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