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1990-11-09
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------------------------------------------------------------------
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| USBBSDOR Version 4.0 |
| |
| |
| |
| Search Darwin's National BBS (USBBS) List for Area Codes, |
| States, Text, Modem types, Software types, & New listings. |
| |
| |
| |
| Works with virtually every brand of BBS software including: |
| PCBoard 14.x, Wildcat, GAP, RBBS, and any BBS software which |
| uses PCBOARD.SYS - DOOR.SYS - CALLINFO.BBS - DORINFO1.DEF as |
| a door information file. |
| |
| |
| * * * COMPLETELY AUTOMATED MONTHLY MAINTENANCE * * * |
| |
| |
| USBBSDOR Version 4.0 |
| |
| (C) Copyright 1987-1990 L. Brent Yandell All Rights Reserved |
| |
| Distributed by: |
| |
| Yandell Computer Services |
| 12121 Little Road - Bldg. 303 - Suite 212 |
| Hudson, FL 34667 |
| |
| DATA - (813) 842-8099 (All nodes HST) |
| |
| |
| |
| November 9, 1990 |
| |
| |
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| |
| |
------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
USBBSDOR
--------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
----------------- ----
INTRODUCTION
------------
1.0 What is USBBSDOR 3
1.1 What's New 3
1.2 USBBSDOR - BBSQBASE History and Future 3
PRELIMINARIES
-------------
2.0 A Word on Installing Doors 4
2.1 Upgrading from Previous Versions 4
2.2 Obtaining the Current USBBS List 4
2.3 Required Files 4
INSTALLATION
------------
3.0 Setting Up USBBSDOR.CNF 5-6
3.1 Setting Up Door Files to Call USBBSDOR 7
3.2 Setting Up PROTOCOL.DAT 7
3.3 Setting Up SEND.BAT 8
3.4 Setting Up and Modifying Text Files 8
RUNNING USBBSDOR
----------------
4.0 Running USBBSDOR Locally 9
4.1 Notes on Automated Monthly Maintenance 9
4.2 Notes on Searching USBBS Lists 10
4.3 Notes on Downloading from USBBSDOR 10
4.4 Notes on Operator Page 11
4.5 On-Line Sysop Functions 11
4.6 Multi-nodes, Networks, Multi-taskers 11
MISCELLANEOUS
-------------
5.0 Where to Receive Assistance 12
5.1 Technical Notes 12
5.2 Log Entries 12
5.3 Error Messages 13
5.4 Disclaimer and Warranty 13
5.5 About the Author 13
5.6 Acknowledgments 13
5.7 Macro Chart 14
5.8 Revision History 15
REGISTRATION
------------
6.0 Registering USBBSDOR 15
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 3 USBBSDOR Page 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1.0 What is USBBSDOR
---------------------
USBBSDOR is a door program which allows the caller to access the
Darwin National BBS List (USBBS) on-line. The caller will be able
to search the list for area codes, states, up to twenty characters
of text, 9600 baud modem types, and new or changed listings in the
list. If the Sysop desires, the caller may also download the list
from within the door.
1.1 What's New
---------------
Please read the next section, 1.2 for details on features which were
once part of USBBSDOR which are now found in our BBSQBASE door.
Essentially, what is new is that USBBSDOR has been re-released as a
"USBBS list only" door. This re-release is NOT a stripped down
BBSQBASE. This is all new code, as you will see. What's new:
USBBSDOR is completely automatic with regard to updating the monthly
USBBS list. The Sysop simply places the new list in a specified
location, and USBBSDOR uses it! (same for the download ZIP file if
downloading is enabled). NO MORE LIST CONVERSION! End to end
searches of the list are now almost instantaneous on AT class or
faster machines, without the hassle of converting the new list each
month. The information files (still called USBBS.SYM and USBBS.INF)
are now created automatically if they don't exist, and are re-
created when the Sysop installs a new USBBS list. The list is now
colorized on the fly if the caller is in color mode. The list can be
searched by 9600 baud modem brand, BBS brand, and New and/or changed
listings. Help files containing Area Code and State abbreviation
charts are available at the area code and state input prompts.
1.2 USBBSDOR - BBSQBASE History and Future
-------------------------------------------
USBBSDOR was first released in July of 1987. It was a simple
application which allowed callers to search the USBBS list by area
codes and states. Over the years, more and more features were added,
such as a BBS ANSI advertisement section, the ability to install
other BBS lists, and downloading. On our tenth release, in August of
1989, we were making many changes and additions for the program,
including the ability to Add BBS listings to different "local" lists
if the Sysop desired. While we found nothing objectionable with the
name USBBSDOR, it was discovered that many folks thought it was
still a "USBBS only" door. A new name (BBSQBASE) was chosen and the
versions were retained (USBBSDOR 3.0 to BBSQBASE 4.0). During the
year after the BBSQBASE 4.0 release, it was noticed that many
systems were still only using BBSQBASE as a USBBS list door, or
were still running an easier to maintain, prior version of USBBSDOR.
We were developing an all-new door engine, using a simple "USBBS
list" only application. Since many Sysops were only using BBSQBASE
as a USBBS door, or still actually using USBBSDOR, and we had a
practically finished USBBSDOR re-write available, it was decided to
make USBBSDOR available once again. The version numbers pick up
where we left off before releasing BBSQBASE. BBSQBASE will continue
to be updated and supported! The next release of BBSQBASE will be
version 5.0 and will be the same "flavor" as USBBSDOR version 4.0.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 4 USBBSDOR Page 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------
2.0 A Word on Installing Doors
-------------------------------
The purpose of this documentation is to explain to you how to
install the USBBSDOR program. It assumes that you have already read
the documentation which comes with your BBS software concerning
doors and their use. It is not within the scope of this manual to
cover door installation on each type of BBS software which USBBSDOR
is compatible with.
2.1 Upgrading from Previous Versions
-------------------------------------
Whether you are upgrading from an earlier version of USBBSDOR or
switching from BBSQBASE, you will be starting over. Remove your
current installations, including any "converted" lists, as they are
no longer compatible. Every beta tester for USBBSDOR 4.0 had it
installed in about 5 minutes, including those who had not ran it
previously!
2.2 Obtaining the Current USBBS List
-------------------------------------
The Darwin national BBS list is required. It is not possible for a
USBBS list to be included within USBDOR40.ZIP, as the list is
updated monthly. The newest USBBS list is always available on our
system in the USBBS door. The "home" of the USBBS list is Robert
Blacher's BBS and the number is 301-547-3037. The USBBS list follows
a pattern for naming in the convention of USBBSxx.LST. The ZIP file
which contains it follows this same pattern. The "xx" is the version
number and increments monthly. As of this writing, the version is 78
(USBBS78.LST in USBBS78.ZIP) for 11/90. Using this method, you can
determine that 12/90 would be USBBS79, etc. and use this information
to find the current version on the hundreds of systems where the
current USBBS list can usually be found.
2.3 Required Files
-------------------
The following files should be contained in USBDOR40.ZIP :
USBBSDOR.EXE - The executable program file.
ORDER.FRM - Order form for registering USBBSDOR.
HELP - A help file shown when a caller requests (H)elp.
HELLO - A text file displayed when entering the door.
BYE - A text file displayed when leaving the door.
MENU - The door program's main menu.
AREA.HLP - Help file for the Area Code prompt.
STATE.HLP - Help file for the State prompt.
MODEM.HLP - Help file for the Modem prompt.
BRAND.HLP - Help file for Brand of software prompt.
PROTOCOL.DAT - A configuration file for external protocols.
SEND.BAT - A single batch file for all external protocols.
LOCAL.BAT - Batch file for USBBSDOR's local maint. mode.
QUICK.DOC - Quick and easy installation guide.
FEATURES.TXT - Short text file highlighting USBBSDOR's features.
USBBSDOR.DOC - This documentation file.
There should be sixteen files in USBDOR40.ZIP. All of the files
should be dated 11-09-90.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 5 USBBSDOR Page 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------
3.0 Setting Up USBBSDOR.CNF
----------------------------
Create a directory where USBBSDOR will reside. Extract the entire
contents of USBDOR40.ZIP in that location.
USBBSDOR uses a configuration file for certain door parameters. The
default name is USBBSDOR.CNF however you may designate any name for
this file. USBBSDOR contains a built-in editor for this file. The
first installation step is to properly configure this file for your
system. You must enter USBBSDOR /L at your DOS prompt or use the
enclosed LOCAL.BAT file (which is easier to remember) to invoke the
door in it's local maintenance mode. Select option #1 for "creating
or modifying config files". You will then be prompted for a config
file name. Simply hit enter to use the default USBBSDOR.CNF or enter
a file name of your choice.
You may use one configuration file for all nodes, unless you wish to
enable certain features on some node's and not on others.
You should now be at the configuration file editing screen. Each
parameter is described below.
* BBS software (door file) type
-------------------------------
Please read this section carefully to avoid making incorrect
assumptions about this parameter.
If you are running PCBoard 14.0 through 14.5, choose option #1.
If your BBS uses PCBOARD.SYS (and is not PCBoard software) as a door
information file, select option #2. Hit enter for the default name
of PCBOARD.SYS, or enter the name of the file your BBS creates if it
is not called PCBOARD.SYS yet emulates the PCBOARD.SYS format. For
instance, Auntie Sysops would select #2 then enter AUNTIE.SYS.
If you are running GAP software or software which uses DOOR.SYS as a
door information file, select option #3. Hit enter for the default
name of DOOR.SYS or enter the name of the file your BBS creates if
it is not called DOOR.SYS yet emulates the DOOR.SYS format.
If you are running Wildcat! software or software which uses
CALLINFO.BBS as a door information file, select option #4. Hit enter
for the default name of CALLINFO.BBS or enter the name of the file
your BBS creates if it is not called CALLINFO.BBS yet emulates the
CALLINFO.BBS format.
If you are running RBBS software or software which uses DORINFO1.DEF
as a door information file, select option #5. On multi-node systems
which utilize DORINFOx.DEF (x = node ID), USBBSDOR will select the
appropriate file (DORINFO1 DORINFO2 etc.) based on the node's ID.
Certain types of BBS software don't exactly follow the format of the
door information file they are supposedly emulating. USBBSDOR only
supports the original software's format for each information file.
Section 3.0 continues on the next page
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 6 USBBSDOR Page 6
--------------------------------------------------------------------
3.0 Setting Up USBBSDOR.CNF (continued)
----------------------------------------
* Name of this system
---------------------
The name of the system to be displayed when USBBSDOR is registered.
* Idle keyboard time-out (minutes)
----------------------------------
Enter the number of minutes before a keyboard time out (sleep
disconnect) occurs. USBBSDOR cycles back to the BBS if this occurs.
* Disable CTS signal checking
-----------------------------
Always answer no to this question unless you know for a fact that
disabling (answering yes) is best for your system. NEVER disable
(answer yes) CTS when using a high speed or MNP modem.
* Location of current USBBS*.LST
--------------------------------
Enter the location where you will be keeping the EXTRACTED
USBBSxx.LST each month (xx = version). NEVER place a file name in
this parameter. USBBSDOR will look for the newest USBBS*.LST in this
location each time it runs.
* Disable (D)ownload option
---------------------------
If you do not wish your callers to be able to download the current
list inside the door, answer Yes to disable downloading.
* Security needed to Download
-----------------------------
Some Sysops may want to allow new or non-subscribing callers access
to the list, but not be able to download it.
* Location of download list
---------------------------
If you allow downloading, this parameter works in the same fashion
as "Location of current USBBS*.LST". Simply enter the location where
the newest USBBSxx.ZIP (xx = version) will be located. USBBSDOR will
will look for the newest USBBS*.ZIP in this location whenever a
caller requests a download.
* Disable `searching' message
-----------------------------
When performing certain search functions on the USBBS list, USBBSDOR
will display "searching.." between "finds". On faster systems,
these "searching.." messages come and go so fast that they appear to
be little glitches on the screen. After you have installed USBBSDOR
select CA as a state search then observe between area codes as
listings are displayed. Usually, only node's running on 8088's,
slow drives, or extremely heavy network traffic will need this
option enabled.
* USBBSDOR registration number
------------------------------
See the enclosed file ORDER.FRM for details.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 7 USBBSDOR Page 7
--------------------------------------------------------------------
3.1 Setting Up Door Files to Call USBBSDOR
-------------------------------------------
The purpose of this section is to describe the command line calling
parameters for USBBSDOR in a door (batch) file. You must refer to
your BBS manual for complete instructions on installing doors with
your BBS software.
@echo off
cd\usbbsdor
USBBSDOR.EXE USBBSDOR.CNF C:\PCB
cd\pcb | |
board.bat | --- Location where this node's door info
| file can be found (No name, just a
| location!).
|
- Config file name
Multi-node DORINFOx.DEF type systems (RBBS) - place a %1 after the
node's door info file location, so USBBSDOR will know which node is
being used.
3.2 Setting Up PROTOCOL.DAT
----------------------------
If you allow downloading, you may wish to review the enclosed
PROTOCOL.DAT file to see if it meets your needs. PROTOCOL.DAT is
used to configure the designated "letter" for each type of protocol.
USBBSDOR contains no internal protocols, and relies solely on
external protocols such as DSZ for this function.
Sample PROTOCOL.DAT
X,,Xmodem
C,,Xmodem/CRC
O,,Xmodem-1K
G,Y,Ymodem-G
Z,,Zmodem
As you can see, there are three fields for each protocol, each
separated by a comma. The first field is the protocol letter. The
second field should be Y or blank. If it is a Y, this instructs
USBBSDOR to only allow this protocol if the caller has connected
with an MNP modem. The third field is a short protocol description.
You may use any letter as a protocol except "V". The caller will
have the opportunity at the protocol prompt to view the contents of
the file by selecting View. The ZIP view is internal to USBBSDOR.
While it is not a great asset to this application, it is part of our
door "engine" and it would have required several steps to exclude
it, rather than allowing it to be included automatically.
See the next section about setting up SEND.BAT.
See section 4.3 page 10 for additional details about downloading.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 8 USBBSDOR Page 8
--------------------------------------------------------------------
3.3 Setting Up SEND.BAT
------------------------
USBBSDOR uses a single batch file for all external protocols.
It is not within the scope of this manual to provide instructions
for setting up different types of protocols and all of their
individual command line options. The enclosed SEND.BAT and
PROTOCOL.DAT, along with the popular DSZ external protocol, should
provide ample protocol coverage for the simple task of downloading
the current USBBS list from USBBSDOR. If you wish to add or delete
protocols the information below might assist you.
SEND.BAT is passed the following parameters from USBBSDOR.
%1 (speed)
%2 (port)
%3 (filename)
%4 (protocol letter used in USBBSDOR)
An examination of SEND.BAT will demonstrate how the protocol letter
is used to branch to the appropriate protocol command. If you are
familiar with this type of batch file programming you may wish to
modify it. If not, our best recommendation is to use it "as is". As
mentioned previously the default configuration used with the popular
DSZ protocol will provide ample coverage.
See section 4.3 page 10 for additional details about downloading.
3.4 Setting Up and Modifying Text Files
----------------------------------------
The method USBBSDOR uses for obtaining a text file to display to the
caller is simple. We will use the MENU file as an example. If the
caller is in color mode, USBBSDOR will look for MENUG. If MENUG is
not found, USBBSDOR will look for MENU. Use the information below
if you wish to change or modify these files.
The files which come with USBBSDOR use the new color macro method
instead of ANSI. This allows the need for one file per application
instead of two.
These files use this method - MENU, HELP, BYE, and HELLO.
MENUG \ These files may contain ANSI or MACROS. Sysops choice.
BYEG \ "G" files are not really needed for MACROS though, as
HELLOG / USBBSDOR will handle the MACROS in files not ending with
HELPG / a "G" (see below).
MENU \ These files may contain the color MACROS. If the caller is
BYE \ in color mode the macros are simply stripped out. If the
HELLO / caller IS in color mode the color is displayed. ANSI may
HELP / NOT be used in files not ending with "G".
The files supplied with USBBSDOR utilize the macro method. They are
the color and non-color versions contained in a single file.
Refer to section 5.8 page 14 for a macro chart.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 9 USBBSDOR Page 9
--------------------------------------------------------------------
4.0 Running USBBSDOR Locally
-----------------------------
Start USBBSDOR with /L (USBBSDOR /L) or the LOCAL.BAT file. Select
option #2. You will be prompted for the configuration file to use,
then you will be asked whether you would like to begin with color
mode on or off. These selections allow you to see how USBBSDOR will
appear to a caller on-line. USBBSDOR also works through the BBS in
local mode and behaves in the same fashion as if a caller were on-
line. When running USBBSDOR in local maintenance mode (/L), the name
appearing on the status line will be (Local) SYSOP and will default
to a time limit of 90 minutes.
4.1 Notes on Automated Monthly Maintenance
-------------------------------------------
USBBSDOR automatically detects the presence of new USBBS lists and
new USBBS zip files and acts accordingly. When USBBSDOR is run, it
checks the "list location" the Sysop specified in the configuration
file for the presence of USBBS*.LST files. It determines which is
the newest one and uses it for the callers on-line session.
Two files are needed by USBBSDOR for the "(E)xplain symbols" command
and the "(I)nformation about list" command. These files contain
information found at the beginning and end of USBBS lists. If these
files do not exist, USBBSDOR automatically creates them from the
list when it is run. If they do exist, USBBSDOR checks to see if a
list has been installed which is NEWER than these two information
files. If the list is newer, the information files are automatically
rewritten.
When a caller selects (D)ownload, USBBSDOR checks the "download
file" location the Sysop specified in the configuration file. It
determines the newest USBBS*.ZIP and presents it to the caller for
downloading.
To update the monthly list in USBBSDOR, all the Sysop has to do is
place the new USBBS??.ZIP file where the door has been told it will
be, then extract it's contents to the location the door has been
told contains the current USBBS*.LST.
Remember to extract the contents of the ZIP file to the location you
have indicated for the list file in USBBSDOR.CNF. USBBSDOR will not
perform this extraction for you!
No renaming, no reconfiguring. Just download the new USBBS list and
extract it to where it is supposed to be!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 10 USBBSDOR Page 10
--------------------------------------------------------------------
4.2 Notes on Searching USBBS Lists
-----------------------------------
USBBSDOR contains a file engine which permits extremely fast
searches on unformatted (sequential text) files. On AT class or
faster machines, end to end searches of USBBS lists are nearly
instantaneous.
Several methods of searching can be performed in the list. Area
Code, States, 20 characters of Text, BBS brand, Modem types, and
listings which are New or changed in the current list can be
searched for. When performing searches for Text, Modems, Brands, or
New, the caller may specify whether to search for them in an Area
code, a State, or the Entire list!
Commands may be parsed at the USBBSDOR command line, such as:
A 813 Searches for area code 813 immediately.
S FL Searches for FLorida immediately.
M U 908 Searches for USR modems in area code 908
M H NJ Searches for 9600 Hayes modems in NJ
M M E Searches for Microcom Modems in entire list
Text, New, and BBS software may be searched this way also, except
Text searches will not accept the last parameter (where to search),
as it must be entered at the "where to search" prompt.
If the caller is in color mode, the list is automatically colorized
on the fly!
4.3 Notes on Downloading From USBBSDOR
---------------------------------------
USBBSDOR does not contain a "display entire list" feature. Instead,
beginning with USBBSDOR version 3.0 a simple download engine has
been provided. If the caller wants the entire list, they may
download it in compressed form rather than listing the entire
contents and save a tremendous amount of on-line time.
You must use a DSZ log compatible protocol in conjunction with the
DSZLOG= environment setting in order for USBBSDOR to determine if a
download was successful or not.
If you use the default SEND.BAT and PROTOCOL.DAT, USBBSDOR will
expect to find DSZ in the current directory or DOS path.
If the environment setting DSZLOG= is being used, USBBSDOR will
correctly place successful/aborted download information in a file
called USBBSDOR.LOG. Additionally, on PCBoard 14.x systems USBBSDOR
will write the download information to the node's caller file and to
DOWNLOAD.TXT.
All downloads of USBBS lists from USBBSDOR are considered "free", as
USBBSDOR does not write to any BBS software's USER files.
If a caller does not have sufficient time to download a list, the
transfer will not be permitted.
Since the authors of the USBBS list only release it in ZIP format,
ZIP is the only method USBBSDOR supports for downloading it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 11 USBBSDOR Page 11
--------------------------------------------------------------------
4.4 Notes on Operator Page
---------------------------
The Operator page command is only active with systems running
PCBoard 14.x. USBBSDOR follows the F4 toggle from PCBoard. USBBSDOR
also reads the page start and stop times AND security needed to page
from PCBOARD.DAT and only allows an Operator page if the same
conditions exist as in PCBoard.
4.5 On-line Sysop Functions
----------------------------
The following function keys may be used by the Sysop while a caller
is on-line. To see these keys defined, enter ALT-H and they will be
displayed in a portion of the status line.
F3 - Toggles printer on or off. This command is only valid when
running USBBSDOR with PCBoard 14.x software. USBBSDOR follows this
toggle from PCBoard and prints information such as downloads,
carrier drops, and keyboard time-outs.
F4 - Toggles Operator page on or off. This command is only available
when running USBBSDOR with PCBoard 14.x software.
F6 - If you have attached a security level to USBBSDOR's Download
function and the caller does not have sufficient security to
download, hitting F6 will allow the caller to download the list.
This option does not appear in the status line when ALT-H is used
as there is extremely little chance of this Sysop function being
used in the USBBSDOR application.
F7 - Certain user input errors will cause USBBSDOR to beep at them.
The Sysop has the ability to toggle whether the host beeps also.
This toggle is followed from PCBoard 14.x and BBS packages which
use a pcboard.sys door file and accurately set this toggle.
F8 - Will return the caller immediately to the BBS.
F9 - Toggles the display on or off. USBBSDOR will follow the display
toggle with all BBS software using PCBOARD.SYS and DOOR.SYS.
F10 - This key will begin an on line chat session. Press ESCape to
end the chat and return the caller to USBBSDOR.
4.6 Multi-nodes, Networks, Multi-taskers
-----------------------------------------
USBBSDOR has been developed in a networked environment. All multi-
node features have been tested on our own multi-node PCBoard
system. USBBSDOR's primary beta tester is a twenty node networked
system.
USBBSDOR is Desqview aware. It is automatically detected, screen and
keyboard I/O are "behaved", and time slices are given back to other
applications while USBBSDOR is idle at an input prompt. Note: The
"local maintenance mode" portion of USBBSDOR is not Desqview aware.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 12 USBBSDOR Page 12
--------------------------------------------------------------------
5.0 Where To Receive Assistance
--------------------------------
There are two ways to receive assistance should it be needed.
The Bounty - Home of USBBSDOR 813-842-8099 All nodes HST
---------------
Sound Advice Information Services 816-436-4516 HST
816-436-8029 Hayes
Sound Advice is available through PC Pursuit and StarLink networks.
Leave a message to Brent Yandell in the YANDELL conference,
currently conference #10 on Sound Advice. Please understand that
while we call Sound Advice regularly, we do not call there everyday.
If your need for assistance is urgent, please direct the matter to
the number listed as the "Home of USBBSDOR".
5.1 Technical Notes
--------------------
Carrier is monitored by USBBSDOR. Should a caller drop carrier while
using USBBSDOR, they will be returned to the BBS, which will detect
the "no carrier" status and cycle appropriately.
USBBSDOR works with com ports 1 thru 4. COM1 is address 03F8/IRQ 4.
COM2 is address 02F8/IRQ 3. COM3 uses address 03E8/IRQ 4. COM4 uses
address 02E8/IRQ 3. These are "standard" addresses and IRQs for the
respective port. A future release of USBBSDOR will allow you to set
non-standard IRQs and addresses.
USBBSDOR uses approximately 100K of memory.
USBBSDOR performs it's own "ansi-detect request" to the callers
communications program. If the caller supports ANSI sequences then
USBBSDOR will use ANSI for special cursor movement, screen clearing,
and prompting. USBBSDOR never changes the caller's screen color if
the caller is in non-color mode.
5.2 Log Entries
----------------
The following information is written to USBBSDOR.LOG:
Completed downloads
Aborted downloads
Carrier drops
Keyboard time-outs
File access errors (Path not found) (Invalid drive) (File not found)
On PCBoard 14.x systems the following is written to the caller log:
The same entries in USBBSDOR.LOG plus
Operator page attempts
Sysop chat active
Sysop chat ended
Additionally, successful downloads of the list are entered in the
DOWNLOAD.TXT file on PCBoard 14.x systems.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 13 USBBSDOR Page 13
--------------------------------------------------------------------
5.3 Error Messages
-------------------
The only error messages which should ever be displayed by USBBSDOR
are self-explanatory file access error messages (not found, invalid
drive, invalid directory, etc.).
* bad command or filename * This message will be echoed to the
screen if DSZ (or the specified external protocol) could not be
found during a download attempt. External protocols must reside in
the directory with USBBSDOR or in a valid DOS path.
5.4 Disclaimer and Warranty
----------------------------
USBBSDOR is a shareware product. USBBSDOR may be uploaded to BBS
systems provided copyright notices are not removed and no changes
are made to the program. There are no warranties, expressed or
implied, for unregistered copies of USBBSDOR. Sysops who install
USBBSDOR assume any and all liabilities for anything which may
result as a consequence of running USBBSDOR. For registered copies
of USBBSDOR, Yandell Computer Services warrants that USBBSDOR will
perform as described in this documentation. In the event USBBSDOR
does not perform as specified, then Yandell Computer Services will
elect to either rectify the problem or refund the amount paid, if
notified within 30 days of registration.
Under no circumstances shall Yandell Computer Services or the author
of USBBSDOR be liable for any loss of profit or any other damages,
including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or
other damages, arising out of the use or inability to use USBBSDOR.
5.5 About the Author
---------------------
L. Brent Yandell has been involved in telecommunications for over
four years, and has been updating and supporting USBBSDOR for over
three years as of this writing. Many PCBoard Sysops will be familiar
with PCBFV, our popular on-line file viewer/extractor used in the
PCBoard F V (File View) process.
5.6 Acknowledgments
--------------------
Appreciation and many thanks are in order for the following people:
Pete Olympia, Meade Frierson, and Robert Blacher for the continued
existence of the Darwin National USBBS List.
Roy Timberman of Sound Advice Information Services for making his
twenty node system completely available for testing USBBSDOR, and
for providing a conference area for supporting USBBSDOR as well as
our other offerings.
Jim Brewer for helping with a few assembler procedures.
Tim Yandell for editing and proofing this documentation.
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5.7 Macro Chart
----------------
USBBSDOR utilizes the color macro convention first introduced in
PCBoard 14.5. The color chart is enclosed below for non-PCboard
Sysops running USBBSDOR.
Background (first digit) Foreground (second digit)
----------------------- -------------------------
Black = 0 Black = 0
Blue = 1 Blue = 1
Green = 2 Green = 2
Cyan = 3 Cyan = 3
Red = 4 Red = 4
Magenta = 5 Magenta = 5
Yellow = 6 Yellow = 6
White = 7 White = 7
Background(Blinking Foreground) High Intensity(Bright Foreground)
------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Black = 8 Black = 8
Blue = 9 Blue = 9
Green = A Green = A
Cyan = B Cyan = B
Red = C Red = C
Magenta = D Magenta = D
Yellow = E Yellow = E
White = F White = F
Examples:
Bright White on Black background:
@X0F (0=black F=bright white)
Bright Yellow on Red background:
@X4E (4=red E=yellow)
Blinking Bright Red on Black background:
@X8C (8=black C=bright red)
You may use the @CLS@ macro to clear the screen.
Other macros allowed (in any text file)
@FIRST@ is the callers first name, (cased, i.e. Brent)
@SYSDATE@ is the current date
@SYSTIME@ is the current time
@TIMELEFT@ is the minutes left for the caller
@FILENAME@ is the NAME of the newest darwin list found
@FILEDATE@ is the DATE of the newest darwin list found
The text files enclosed with USBBSDOR may be modified to use these
macros if the Sysop desires.
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5.8 Revision History
---------------------
Date Version Description
-------- ------- -----------
07-06-87 1.0 USBBSDOR first released.
07-28-87 1.1 Multi-node support enhanced.
11-07-87 1.2 Several small features added.
11-28-87 1.3 Several small features added.
12-06-87 1.4 Compatibility added for new door info file
introduced in RBBS (DORINFOx.DEF).
01-03-88 1.5 Compatibility with a change in Darwin list.
08-20-88 2.0 PCBoard compatibility added. Local maint.
interface added. Many features added which
are now part of BBSQBASE.
12-19-88 2.1 Compatibility added for PCBoard 14.0's new
PCBOARD.SYS format.
03-18-89 3.0 Download function added. Several small
features added. Some features added which
are now part of BBSQBASE.
6.0 Registering USBBSDOR
-------------------------
USBBSDOR is not free software. Refer to the enclosed file ORDER.FRM
for all registration details. There are NO disabled or crippled
features in USBBSDOR. At program termination USBBSDOR displays the
message "Registered to [ UNREGISTERED COPY ]" until the program is
registered. When registered, "unregistered copy" is replaced with
the registered system's name.