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Text File | 1993-01-22 | 30.0 KB | 753 lines

▒███████ ▒██ ▒██ ▒███████ ▒███████ ▒███████ ▒███████ ▒███████ ▒██ ▒██ ▒██ ▒██ ▒██ ▒██ ▒██ ▒██ ▒██ ▒██ ▒██████ ▒███ ▒███████ ▒███████ ▒██████ ▒███████ ▒███████ ▒██ ▒██ ▒██ ▒██ ▒██ ▒██ ▒██ ▒██ ▒██ ▒███████ ▒██ ▒██ ▒██ ▒██ ▒███ ▒███████ ▒███████ ▒███████ COMPLETE VERSION 2.2 Bulletin Board Information System (C) 1993 By Mario Giordani. All Rights Reserved. Distribute Freely as Shareware VERSION 2.2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ------------------ INTRODUCTION ................................................... i WHAT IS NEW .................................................... 1 CUSTOMIZABLE SCREENS ......................................... 2 VOC FILE EDITING................................................ 3 BENEFITS OF USING EXPRESS....................................... 4 USING THE DRAW(tm) ............................................. 5 REGISTRATION FEE ............................................... 6 ANSI.SYS ....................................................... 7 PRINTING ....................................................... 7 .SCR FILES ..................................................... 8 FINAL NOTE ..................................................... 9 TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................ 10 DISTRIBUTION SITES ............................................. 11 LEGAL NOTICES .................................................. 12 HOW TO REGISTER ................................................ 13 USERS COMMENTS.................................................. 14 REGISTRATION FORM .............................................. 15 INTRODUCTION i OVERVIEW ---------- EXPRESS 2.2 is used to educate callers about your system and to promote special BBS features and benefits. This program is primarily designed for Bulletin Board Operators who want to break away from ASCII file introductions. The newest version is more flexible than ever! EXPRESS 2.2 Supports the following features: * Sound Blaster .VOC Files Support * EGA,VGA,SVGA Monitors (and MONO) * PC Speaker Sounds * ANSI.SYS Not Required * Intro .GIF Display (VGA,SVGA) * Customizable .COM Screens * Automatic BBS Form Printing * Super Friendly User-Interface * Used By SysOps Nationwide * Inexpensive Registration * Customized BBS Name (Reg) INSTALLATION ------------ Simply make a directory called \EXPRESS and copy the compressed .ZIP or .ARJ file into it. Then, using the newest version of PKZ204C, unzip the files. Next type "INSTALL". The files will be decompressed and the program will start automatically. (I'm working on a installation program). PRE-INTRO .EXE FILE -------------------- This version of Express! now supports (1) intro .GIF file as a pre-opening. The .GIF file must be converted to a self-displaying .EXE using GIFEXE or some other conversion utility. The file must then be named: SYSOP.EXE. Before Express starts, if it finds this .EXE file, it will display it - or any other SYSOP.EXE you put into its directory! If the file is not present, it will not be shown. Put your picture here if you want your users to see your "mug." (VGA,SVGA Displays Only). Now let's have some fun with Express! Please read on. WHAT IS NEW PAGE 1 (Express Complete Version 2.1 Enhancements) 1. Pre .EXE introduction added. See note above 2. Enhanced the entire interface layout 3. Added LPT1 and LPT2 print options 4. Design now accommodates Boards with 1-2 nodes 5. Added a "changeable" THANKS.SCR (Edit with The Draw) 6. Enhanced the Documentation 7. Scaled down the number of options on Pull-Down Menus 8. Much easier navigation 9. New Voc Files and More Personalization 10. Support for 2 more MISC.VOC files called MISC1.VOC AND MISC2.VOC -> MISC1.VOC - Your own, plays BEFORE "This Product Supports..." -> MISC2.VOC - Your own, plays AFTER "UNREGISTERED BBS" You must create your own if you want them included. REMEMBER: There are [2] Versions of EXPRESS(tm): 1. EXPRESS(tm) Generic: a. Does Not Have the Count-Down and Explosion ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ b. Does Not Have Intro Messages c. Does Not Have Scrolling Text On Closing Screen Listed On author's BBS as EXP_GEN3.ZIP REGISTRATION: $5.00 2. EXPRESS(tm) Complete: Just Like the one you're viewing today! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Listed as EXPRES21.ZIP or EXPRES21.ARJ Express Complete has been designed for SYSOPs who want their users to take full advantage of their Sound Blaster card. REGISTRATION: $9.95 PAGE 2 CUSTOMIZING THE FILES IS SIMPLE AND EASY Suggestion: Backup all of your .SCR and .VOC files first. ----------- Edit .COM files on a new or separate directory. Edit these files using The Draw. Save as .COM with ALT-S and O options. ~~~~ ~~~~~ ~ |-----------> ** MUST KEEP THE SAME NAME! ** | ~~~~~~~~~ | COLEC_01 COM 702 -> Special File Collections COMPUTR COM 621 -> Computer System Information DATE_01 COM 621 -> Date BBS Started ECHOES COM 606 -> Networks, Conferences, etc. FACTS COM 606 -> Other Unique Facts FAVOR_01 COM 549 -> Your Favorite Hobbies FUTRE_01 COM 674 -> BBS Plans For The Future GNRIC_01 COM 808 -> Information About Shareware HIST_01 COM 675 -> Your Personal Background MANUAL COM 16197 -> .TXT converted to .COM MISC_01 COM 725 -> Miscellaneous Information NODESNDS COM 721 -> Total Phone Lines ONLNE_01 COM 648 -> Online Games, Doors, etc. OTHRS_01 COM 549 -> Miscellaneous Information SAFE_01 COM 752 -> Anti-Virus Protection SPEC_01 COM 640 -> Specialties Of Your BBS WHY_01 COM 821 -> Why You Started a BBS 17 file(s) .VOC FILES YOU CAN EDIT *** MUST KEEP THE SAME NAME!! *** ------------------------------------------------------------ 1 VOC 4549 -> Count Down. You can use your own voice. 2 VOC 5167 " 3 VOC 5145 " BBS VOC - "WELCOME TO OUR BBS" - changeable... 5TH VOC 15834 5TH Symphony. You can try Maddona. BBSPWR VOC 30598 I suggest your keep it as it is... BOING2 VOC 4634 Error Message Sound BOMB VOC 15544 Exploding Bomb. Goes with Count Down CHIMES VOC 15909 Sounds good to me FIRE VOC 4784 The Phaser Sound. Goes with Count Down WELCOME VOC 35104 "Utah Data Link BBS" Delete or Edit. IMPACT VOC NEW NEW - Plays when program begins... ENTER VOC NEW NEW - Plays on your OPEN2.SCR ->"OUR BBS" 13 file(s) MISC1 VOC NEW SEE WHAT'S NEW - MISC2 VOC NEW SEE WHAT'S NEW - When you edit these files, save them all with the same name and extension or the program will not work. Trust me. PAGE 3 VOC FILE EDITING? ----------------- You're probably wondering how in the world you are going to create your own .VOC file, right? Well, look around for Blaster Master, in my opinion, the best SB editor on the shareware market today! It will do the job for you. If you don't have a Sound Blaster Card but would like to purchase one, our company has one of the best prices as follows: ........................................................................ . New, Unopened . . Sound Blaster .................................. $115.00 . . Sound Blaster Pro Basic..........................$169.00 . . Sound Blaster....................................$199.00 . . * Prices as of Jan 1, 1993 . . Shipping $5.00 UPS Ground . . Terms: Money Order or Check (Subject to Clearance) . ........................................................................ ** Free Registration Included With A Sound Blaster Purchase. ** NOTE: ---- You may want to delete this document or remove it from the edited program after you are finished creating your screens. PAGE 4 BENEFITS OF USING EXPRESS(tm) This program has been designed for SYSOPS who want to have a nicer looking "MEMBER", "REGISTRATION" or "BBS INFORMATION" file for their new users to download. Many "new" users don't know how to load up a Text Editor to view ASCII files! EXPRESS(tm) will be very user friendly to them. Add Sound Blaster Support to it and your users will immediately see that they are not dealing with another "average BBS". EXPRESS(tm) portrays an image of creativity for you as a SYSOP and for your BBS, whether you are just starting out or have been around for years! EXPRESS(tm) is written to give your BBS a "Touch Of Class" by eliminating traditional ASCII files and allowing your users to have an immediate "feel" about your Bulletin Board System. EXPRESS(tm) also assists in enhancing the image of BBS's by educating users about the wonderful world of shareware, electronic messaging, online games, special CD-ROM collections, etc., thus portraying a professional image about your system. After you have edited a few screens using a program called THE DRAW(tm), you will be ready to make this program available for download to your NEW users. EXPRESS(tm) is another way to nudge users to contribute by printing out your text application form. (.TXT extension mandatory). SUMMARY OF BENEFITS TO YOUR USERS: ---------------------------------- 1. No need to load up a text editor or DOS edit 2. No need to install ANSI.SYS 3. Easy to Use Menus tell them a "story" about your BBS 4. Highly Informational 5. SysOp is no longer a stranger behind a computer 6. BBS is portrayed as being "professional" 7. Full Advantage of Sound Blaster Cards 8. Tells them you "register" your programs 9. Print BBS Membership .TXT file conveniently 10. Provides entertainment The obvious benefit TO YOU is that this program will nudge users to send you a REGISTRATION! We can't guarantee it, but it will certainly help, right? PAGE 5 I. USING THE DRAW ----------------- Print out this document or block the page that shows the .COM files. You probably need to mark off the files as you edit them. Copy all of the .COM screens into a separate directory accessible by The Draw(tm) - Put The Draw in your Path statement. a. Load up THE DRAW and do an ALT-L Command. b. When you see the prompt <previous>, type *.COM and press <Enter>. c. Start editing the screens to your taste. d. If you forget the name of the screen you are editing, press ALT-V If you want to edit "BBS POWER" and replace it with your own BBS screen just save the file as BBSPWR.SCR - but use the bSave command and copy it over the other. REMEMBER: The way the screens displays stays the same. II. ASC2COM.EXE UTILITY ------------------------ ** IMPORTANT** -> Some drawing programs may create a different type of .COM file which will require you to press the Space Bar "twice" before returning to the Main Menu. We STRONGLY suggest you only use The Draw! If you have a utility that converts an ASCII file to an executable .COM file, Express will "read" them also. Your users will be able to Page Up and Down the text file with the directional arrow keys. Just keep the .COM file names the same. This is probably a faster way to get you up and going in the shortest period of time. EXPRESS(tm) is very flexible in this regard. PAGE 6 HOW MUCH IS THE REGISTRATION FEE? $9.95 For Express Complete Version 2.2 $5.00 For Express Generic Version 1.4 For only $9.95 you can pick up a KEY with your registration. Use the program for as long as you want and re-edit the screens as often as you like. Just make sure you never rename them to something else. Registered screens will be available on our BBS only! We usually name a key using the following format: a. First [ 5 ] digits of your BBS name b. The appended -reg to the filename ..........................| 12345REG.ZIP If your BBS name was Lites BBS, your key name would be: LITESREG.ZIP After you call our BBS to upload the ORDER.FRM document for fast processing, we will assign you SYSOP ACCESS. We disabled our callback verifier for LD callers due to high LD costs but you can still upload and download latest versions of EXPRESS(tm). Leave a comment to the SYSOP and please make your upload (/ Private). The easiest way to reach us if you are only uploading the .FRM file is to call (801) 943-4616 at 2400. Our 14.4 node opens from 7pm to 7am M-S only. That node number is (801) 942-2533. If you need to talk to me VOICE, call (801) 942-2533 up to 6pm, M-F. Returned calls are "Collect" only. **** THE KEY **** To PICK UP YOUR REGISTRATION KEY: All downloadable keys are on directory number [ 57 ] on our BBS. Registration keys are posted with the format indicated above. Registration keys are "Password Protected" so only you can have access to your own registration file. The "KEY" file is about 79K in length and must be copied over the shareware .EXE version to show your BBS name and Registration number. PAGE 7 ANSI.SYS is NOT REQUIRED! This program has been written NOT use ANSI.SYS as a device driver. To my understanding, THE DRAW .COM files do not require an ANSI driver. This way new users that may not be so accustomed to color graphics will not get a bunch of garbage characters on their screens. You should, however, recommend that they install DEVICE=C:\DOS\ANSI.SYS anyway to take advantage of the nice colors on your bbs next time they call! EXPRESS(tm) PRINTS OUT YOUR BBSDOC.TXT COPY your .TXT ASCII file into the same directory before you PKZIP the program. JUST BE SURE THE ASCII FILE HAS A .TXT extension for proper print out! If you don't want your users to automatically have your Registration Form Printed out, then omit it from the directory. The program will run just fine without it... Delete all other .TXT files from the directory or rename them to other extensions. Try out the program before posting it online for download. DELETE THE SAMPLE.TXT or Express will print both the sample and your Application Form!!! Test everything before posting your program for download. We have included a SAMPLE.TXT file which contains the registration for EXPRESS(tm). Feel free to edit it to your liking even if you do not register the program. A freebie from us to you for just looking at our program. That's It! PAGE 8 THE ONLY .SCR SCREENS YOU CAN EDIT BBSPWR SCR 4015 -> Same Visual Effect (I recommend you keep it) OPEN2.SCR 4015 -> ** OUR BBS SCREEN ** REPLACE WITH YOURS... THANKS SCR 4015 -> Goodbye .SCR => Scrolling Stays BLUE2 SCR 4015 -> Sound Power. We're looking for a nicer one! Using The Draw, create your own .SCR with the bSave command and a .SCR extension. See The Draw Set Up. ** DO NOT EDIT ANY OTHER .SCR or the program won't run properly. In fact, you will create a mess if you change any of the program screens. More on printing your BBS application file... SAMPLE.TXT - Replace this with your own ASCII APPLICATION FILE AND name it whatever. As long as it has a .TXT extension, it will print just fine. The user is prompted for LPT1 or LPT2. If s/he choose the wrong LPT, the program will stop. A warning dialog box informs them to choose the right LPT. PAGE 9 FINAL NOTE After you have edited your screens, you may want to delete any files which do not pertain to the program you want your users to download. In order to make things easier for your users to view the program you can create a simple batch file to install and run EXPRESS(tm), this way: @ECHO OFF CLS -> Clears the screen ECHO. ECHO. ECHO. ECHO I am ready to decompress all files into the current drive and run Echo the program for you. Press your favorite key when ready or CTRL-C Echo to abort... Pause >nul BBSNAME.EXE -> Created with ZIP2EXE that comes with PKZ204C IF EXIST BBSNAME.EXE DEL BBSNAME.EXE - Deletes the .EXE file CLS - Clears the screen again EXPRESS - Starts EXPRESS.EXE The above batch file will decompress the self-extracting file into the user's current directory, delete the self-extracting file and then run the program automatically. Why make them play with commands? Plus with all the .COM files enclosed, you don't your user to be lost trying to figure out what command to enter. That's why an INSTALL BATCH FILE is highly recommended as well as compression with self- extraction!! - Feel free to edit INSTALL.BAT that comes with EXPRESS(tm). PAGE 10 TROUBLESHOOTING The beauty of EXPRESS(tm) is that it is so easy to install and you should not have to edit your screens more than once unless you want to change the info or the look. The few minutes or hours your may spend editing your screens will be well worth it in the long run, even for future versions of EXPRESS(tm). Q. Is EXPRESS(tm) Desqview aware? A. We have run it several times under DV without any problems. It all depends on how much memory you have available. Some Systems require you to place a line in your CONFIG.SYS on the QEMM LINE AS DMA=29 to hear sound. Q. Does the user need a an EGA/VGA Monitor to view this program? A.: No. EXPRESS(tm) will run just fine on CGA's too and some Monochrome. Q. Does this program support Sound Blaster? A. Yes! Any sound card which can play a .VOC file. Q. Why is your registration fee so low? A. I don't believe in high prices for shareware programs. Q. I have to press the Space Bar twice before going back to the main screen! A. Mostly likely you have used a screen grab utility such as the one from Laughing Dog and converted the file to a .COM file. Even though Laughing Dog is a great program for its purposes, its converted .COM file DO wait for user input, thus creating an extra "wait for input" option which causes the blank screen forcing you to press a key again! Using The Draw(tm) to create your .COM screens will eliminate the problem. Q. How do I register EXPRESS(tm)? A. Easy. Send your $9.95 to the address provided above. Allow 3-5 days for us to receive it. Then pick up your key under the first 5 digits of your BBS plus REG.ZIP from our Support Board. Otherwise the program is not crippled in anyway. I will always post a message to you when your key is ready. An example of a key for Lites BBS would be LITESREG.ZIP PAGE 11 DISTRIBUTION SITES & USERS -------------------------- We can't possibly list all boards, but here are a few carrying and using the latest versions of EXPRESS(tm): Chemeketa OnLine BBS The Soul Connection BBS Wishing Well Bob Hunter Mike Demski MaryLou White Keiser, OR (210) 674-1242 Fremont, CA (503) 393-5580 (510) 745-7901 ________________________________________________________________________ The Gover~NET BBS City Lites BBS Systematic BBS Earl Austria North Dakota Bronx, New York Chicago, IL John Lundell Mufutau Towobola (708)837-7552 (701) 772-5399 (718) 716-6198 ________________________________________________________________________ The Seaside The Data Line BBS The Chess Board BBS Les Jones Jeff Goldensoph Ken Givens Santa Barbara, CA Dade City, FL Dallas, TX (805)964-4766 (904)567-0075 (214) 641-1136 __________________________________________________________________________ Windows World Share City BBS Monty's Place BBS Publisher BBS John St Clair Stuart Thorpe George Weinert SLC, UT SLC, UT Chicago, IL (801) 569-0897 (801) 944-8636 (312) 342-7652 __________________________________________________________________________ COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS Please let us know how we can improve this program for you and your users. If you would like to become a Distribution Site for EXPRESS(tm), simply send in your registration fee and download the latest version which as of today is Version 2.2 zipped as EXPRES21.ZIP. ** Please upload this program to any other service such as CompuServe, AOL and others if possible. Help us get the word out! ** PAGE 12 LEGAL NOTICE Use the EXPRESS(tm) program at your own risk. I shall not be responsible for any direct or indirect damage you or anyone else may occur as a result of running the program on your system or others. The program has run without any problems on my machine. You are not allowed to edit, change, rename or reverse engineer this program in any way. You can only modify the screens specified in the original documentation that comes with this program. You are free to distribute the program on your own BBS or others as long as no unauthorized changes are made to it. Shareware vendors must not charge more than $5.00. It is illegal to modify or temper with any part of this program. If you see this program hacked in any way please report it through echo messages The Hack Report or call us at (801) 942-2533 during business hours. We have all the legal means to trace and sue any violators. This program is so inexpensive that it is not worth any decent person's time to temper with it! The Draw(tm), ASC2COM, Blaster Master, PCboard, WildCat!, SpitFire are trademarks of their respective owners. PAGE 13 HOW TO REGISTER MAIL YOUR REGISTRATION TO: MG Marketing International ------------------------- 2077 East Royal Farms, Suite 20 Salt Lake City, Utah 84121 Checks or Money Orders Only, Please. UPLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM TO: BBS: Utah Data Link BBS (801) 943-4616 2400 24 hours (801) 942-2533 38400 7pm to 7am MOUNTAIN TIME (801) 942-2533 VOICE During Business Hours Special Note: From time to time we perform maintenance on our BBS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ System and may occasionally suffer a system set-back. Feel free to call us Voice at the number above for any questions you may have. Your funds will be processed quickly and your registration key will be provided on a first come first served basis. YOU MUST DOWNLOAD YOUR KEY FROM OUR BBS! NO DISKS WILL BE MAILED UNLESS PAID FOR WITH ORDER. MG MARKETING INT'L - A Registered Software Marketing Company in the State of Utah. Engaged in the business of software development and software sales. USE THE ENCLOSED REGISTRATION FORM TO MAIL IN YOUR $9.95 -------------------------------------------------------- -> (You can also upload it to us for fast processing). PAGE 14 OTHER SYSOPS HAVE THIS TO SAY ABOUT EXPRESS! " Thanks for the great utility! " - Mike Demski - The Soul Connection BBS San Antonio, TX " Nice program you made! " - Mufutau Towobola Systematic BBS Bronx, New York " This program is worth so much more! What a great way to advertise your own BBS on other boards! " - MaryLou White Wishing Well Fremont, CA " Was able to grab the letter and went ahead and sent the $9.95 per our phone conversation - you deserve it!" - Bob Hunter Chemeketa BBS Keizer, OR "First let me say that 2.2 is awsome! You can quote me on that! " - Les Jones The Seaside BBS Santa Barbara, CA MG MARKETING INTERNATIONAL 2077 East Royal Farms, Suite 20 SLC, UT 84121 BBS NODE 1: (801) 943-4616 24 Hrs @ 2400 BBS NODE 2: (801) 942-2533 7pm-7am (MST) @ 14.4 (VOICE 9-5 MST) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------. . O R D E R F O R M . EXPRESS(tm) BBS Registration System . ------------------------. Version 2.2 . P $9.95 EXPRESS(tm) Complete Version R I $5.00 Generic Version Enclosed Is A __Check __ Money Order C E $15.00 For Diskette __5.25" __3.5" TOTAL $ ______________________________________________________________________________ P NAME: E R ADDRESS: S O CITY: STATE: ZIP: N A HOME PHONE:(__________)________________ Best Time To Call____________ L ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- B ** BBS NAME: -> <- Important! B S BBS HIGH SPEED NODE(S) (_______)____________________________________ I BBS TYPE: __PCBOARD __WILDCAT! __SPITFIRE __OTHER_____________ N F Where Did You Get Express? O Do You Have A Sound Card? /__/ Yes /__/ No (IF NO, VIEW SOUNDBL.PRI) O Would You Like To Be Listed As A Distribution Site For Express? T H /__/ Yes /__/ No (Your name will appear on .DOCS) E R NAME TO DISPLAY ON SCREENS: CUSTOM SCROLLING MESSAGE (COMPLETE VERSION ONLY) MSG. 1 [----------------------------------------------------------] Password You Would Like To Have On Our BBS: ____________________ - Used for when you call in to pick up your registration key. Please Provide An Account For Us On Your BBS As: MARIO GIORDANI PASSWORD: ** Make Check Or Money Order Payable Only To: MG Marketing International ** Upload This Form For Faster Processing! Signature: ----------------------------------------------- DATE: / / PAGE 15