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VCOM.DOC
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1996-10-29
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**** VCom v0.2b **** (1 port inbound telnetd)
NOTE: Because this program will be shareware or maybe commercialware,
it supports a maximum of 40 connections (not simultaneously). After
40 users have telnetted to your site, you must reboot to reset the
counter.
Info
----
VCom is high-performance 32-bit Windows 95 program that emulates a Hayes
compatible modem with 16550 FIFO buffered UART over an inbound or outbound
telnet connection. The program allows any program that has modem/serial
support to take advantage of the vast resources of the internet.
VCom includes a telnet client/server that allows BBS sysops to create
multiple inbound telnet nodes for their system and gamers to play any game
that supports a modem to be played over the internet without the need for
any other server or service.
Features
--------
-Runs under Windows 95 (and Win 3.1 if I see demand)
-Speed limited only by your computer
-Fast full 16550 FIFO UART emulation
-User selectable IRQ and Base address
-Emulates a Hayes compatible modem
(e.g. ATxx, RING, CONNECT xxxxx, NO CARRIER, etc)
-Includes a telnet daemon that routes incoming connections to any DOS
application that supports a serial port (BBS's, Games, etc)
Version History
---------------
0.1b Initial release.
0.2b Revised release, although still in beta development.
Enhancements:
-Speed improvement, both to connection and the system (win95) while vcom is running
-Server starts enabled
-A message box informing the user that vcom.vxd has not been loaded properly
if this is the case; in the last version, vcom.386 not being loaded properly
resulted in a page fault.
-BugFix: 16550 detection/emulation
-BugFix: The server no longer crashes if a user whose hostname is
unavailable logs in.
Installation
------------
1. Add a device statement in your system.ini for vcom.vxd:
[386Enh]
device=x:\vcom.vxd
where x is the path to vcom.vxd
If you would like to use VCom on port 2a0h and irq 7, then you may skip to
step 4.
2. If you want a base address other than 2a0h and/or irq other than 7, then
specify the base address and irq for the virtual com port in your
system.ini:
[vcom] <- NOTE: This has changed from the last release ([vcom.386] -> [vcom])
port=2a0h <- port setting must be in hex and can terminate with a "h"
irq=7 <- the irq should be less than 8
If your system.ini does not contain a [vcom] section, the port will default
to 2a0h and the irq will default to 7.
NOTE: In this version no error-checking is implemented on port/irq selection,
so choose a port and irq that is not in use by another device. You
can find valid candidates by right-clicking on "My Computer," selecting
properties, selecting the "Device Manager tab," and double-clicking on
"Computer." In future multi-port versions, all ports will share a
single irq.
3. Reboot your computer. After doing so, launch vcom.exe and then the DOS
application that you would like to use with the virtual com port.
4. Test by telnetting to 127.0.0.1.
Virtual Modem Commands
----------------------
All AT commands other than "ATA" return "OK," and "ATA" returns "OK" if a
ring has been detected or "NO CARRIER" otherwise. "RING" and "CONNECT ..."
messages are also returned by the virtual modem. "ATH0" and "+++" are not
supported, so the remote party must disconnect, which will return a "NO
CARRIER" message. In this version DTR checking is not implemented, so the
only ways to hang up are: 1) the remote user disconnects or 2) disable then
enable the server. The virtual modem is one of the areas of vcom that still
needs a significant amount of work.
Bugs
----
I am aware of the few rare page faults, but I have not had much time to test
this version, so expect bugs.
Future Enhancements
-------------------
Both Versions:
-Performance improvement
-Outbound connection via "ATDT <ip address>"
-Improved virtual modem emulation including ATH0 command
-Server as system tray icon/control panel applet
-Caller ID (?)
Registered Version Only:
-Multiple virtual com ports (using 1 irq for all the ports)
-Port/irq setup dialog rather than system.ini settings
(simply click on the port addresses which you wish to use)
(no modifications to system.ini necessary)
-Change port/irq settings without rebooting
-Number of connections limited only by system imposed constraints
Contact Information
-------------------
The VCom support BBS should be up 24/7 at vcom.gt.ed.net.
The web page url is http://www.netime.com/~infrared/vcom.
I can be reached at infrared@netime.com or root@vcom.gt.ed.net.