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1990-09-07
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│ │ █████ ▄▄ █ █ █ █▄▄█ █ █▄▄ │ │
│ │ ▀▀ DeLuxe² │ │
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│ │ Entire work │ │
│ │ Copyright 1990 by Mark Herring │ │
│ │ All Rights Reserved │ │
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│ │ Special thanks to │ │
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│ │ Dan Moore │ │
│ │ Maurice Crouse │ │
│ │ Ed Shoulta │ │
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│ │ Sparkware │ │
│ │ P.O. Box 605 │ │
│ │ Cordova, Tennessee 38018 │ │
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│ └────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
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■ Dedication
I suppose all programmers sooner or later dedicate a program
to their wives, if only to please the spouse and point to
something with their name on it involving computers.
Well, I dedicate this release of Qmail DeLuxe² to my wife,
Fran, and our three children, Corey, Casey and Katie, who
put up with me being locked up in my office into the wee
hours of every morning, for not going out on Saturdays and
Sundays to do something with them, and for understanding
that this work must be completed. This is our business and
source of income and they knew that. Without their
understanding you would have never seen a Qmail DeLuxe².
While I'm handing out the "thank yous" a special "thank you"
goes out to Dan Moore. Dan has contributed more than just a
few wisecracks here and there. He put up with me at times
when others probably wouldn't and contributed routines in an
effort to get me to see the whole programming picture.
Without Dan's involvement DeLuxe² would not be the system it
is today.
■ The beta testers
The third part of this dedication goes to all of the Qmail
DeLuxe² beta testers who helped develop this product into
what you see today. They downloaded 110 beta releases of
the Qmail DeLuxe² reader between July 21st and product
release. With an average release size of 120k each tester
downloaded over 13,200,000 bytes during this beta cycle
alone!
You can recognize a DeLuxe² beta tester by the letters "bt"
after their DeLuxe² serial number. They make a great team
and I look forward to working with them again!
MIKE CALLAHAN JOE MALACRIA ED SHOULTA
MAURICE CROUSE TOM MCDERMET TRACEY SNOW
JOHN CUMMINGS KRIS MOLER JAMES SPINELLI
MIKE GLENN DAN MOORE BOBBIE SUMRADA
EDWARD GREENE SCOT NATTRASS PETER SVENSSON
RUSS HAZZON DAVE NIMON STEPHEN TAPP
BRIAN HILLIS JOHN OKERSON DAVID TERRY
ROBERT HOFFMANN JOHN OREN ROY TIMBERMAN
TOM HUGHES HARVEY PIERCE ROBERT TOLZ
GORDON JACOBSON STEVE POGGIO DANIEL TOULAN
ANDY KEEVES DANIEL RALL TOM VERA
CLOYD LAPORTE III MARK RAPP BOB WOODARD
PAUL LECLERC MICHAEL REUBEN
WYATT LEWIS ERIC RINTELL
RAY MAJEWSKI BUD SCHRIMSHER
1
■ WARRANTY NOTICE
■ Copy Protection
Qmail DeLuxe² diskettes are not copy-protected. This does
not mean that you can make unlimited copies of your
diskette. Qmail DeLuxe² is protected by the copyright laws
of The United States of America that pertain to computer
software. You are allowed to make copies of this diskette
for "backup" purposes. It is illegal for you to distribute
the file named "DELUXE2.KEY" (or "QMAIL4.KEY") to any other
person. This file is your "electronic identification" that
you have purchased your Qmail DeLuxe² system.
■ Limited Warranty
Sparkware warrants that your Qmail DeLuxe² diskette is free
from physical defects for a period of thirty (30) days from
date of purchase. If a defect occurs during this period,
you may return your faulty diskette to Sparkware along with
a dated proof of purchase, it will be replaced free of
charge. See Appendix A, "Customer Support Plan", for
further details.
2
NOTICE
EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE, SPARKWARE
GRANTS NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, BY STATUE
OR OTHERWISE, REGARDING THE DISK, PROGRAMS AND RELATED
MATERIALS, THEIR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE, THEIR QUALITY,
THEIR MERCHANTABILITY, OR OTHERWISE.
THE LIABILITY OF SPARKWARE UNDER THE WARRANTY SET FORTH
ABOVE SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT PAID BY THE CUSTOMER
FOR THE PRODUCT. IN NO EVENT SHALL SPARKWARE BE LIABLE FOR
ANY SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF
WARRANTY.
SPARKWARE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE ANY CHANGES TO THESE
PROGRAMS, DOCUMENTATION AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT PLANS AT ANY
TIME WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.
THIS SOFTWARE PROGRAM IS A PROPRIETY PRODUCT OF SPARKWARE
AND IS PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHTS AND INTERNATIONAL TREATIES.
YOU MUST TREAT THIS SOFTWARE LIKE ANY OTHER COPYRIGHTED
MATERIAL, EXCEPT THAT YOU MAY MAKE AN ARCHIVAL COPY OF THE
SOFTWARE FOR EACH COPY THAT IS LICENSED TO YOU. YOU MAY
DISTRIBUTE THE SOFTWARE TO OTHERS SO LONG AS (A) THE
DELUXE2.KEY OR QMAIL4.KEY FILE IS NOT DISTRIBUTED, (B) THE
SOFTWARE IS DISTRIBUTED UNMODIFIED. YOU MAY NOT DECOMPILE,
DISASSEMBLE, REVERSE ENGINEER, COPY, TRANSFER, OR OTHERWISE
USE OR MODIFY THIS SOFTWARE EXCEPT AS STATED HEREIN.
SPARKWARE GRANTS YOU THE RIGHT TO USE THIS SOFTWARE FOR
TRIAL PERIOD NOT TO EXCEED THIRTY (30) DAYS. USE AFTER
THIRTY DAYS REQUIRES REGISTRATION AS DOCUMENTED IN THIS
MANUAL.
Qmail DeLuxe²
Entire work copyright 1990 by Mark Herring
All Rights Reserved
Sparkware
Post Office Box 605
Cordova, Tennessee 38018
(901) 382-5583 (BBS)
(901) 373-MAIL (Office)
10am-5pm CT weekdays
PCBoard is a trademark of Clark Development Company
EZ-Reader is a trademark owned by Eric Cockrell
MegaMail is a trademark owned by Kip Compton
Session Manager is a trademark owned by Pat Hart
Opus Xpress is a trademark owned by Hector Santos
3
■ Contents
Foreword by Dan Moore................................. 5
About this manual..................................... 6
What is Qmail DeLuxe²................................. 6
Installing Qmail DeLuxe².............................. 9
Upgrading from a previous reader...................... 12
Command line switches................................. 13
Where to go from here................................. 15
The Quick Tour of Qmail DeLuxe²....................... 16
Registering Qmail DeLuxe²............................. 26
Advanced Features
DLXTEXT............................................ 28
Configuring Qmail DeLuxe² for low memory usage..... 30
Replacement variables.............................. 31
Customizing DELUXE2.SCR and MENU................... 32
Function key definitions........................... 33
Signatures......................................... 33
Fonts.............................................. 34
Creating your own HEADER file...................... 35
Form letter messages............................... 35
Carbon copying messages automatically.............. 36
Attaching files to your messages................... 37
DOS command modifiers.............................. 39
DOS command variables.............................. 40
SERVICE.BAT and the "BAT:" DOS command modifier.... 41
Using DIALER.BAT................................... 42
Creating "BBS-specific" batch files................ 43
Displaying ANSI art................................ 44
Creating your own MENU files....................... 45
HELP record numbers................................ 49
Message export file formats........................ 50
Create your own HELP files......................... 50
Appendix
A. Customer support plan........................... 51
B. Using WordPerfect with Qmail DeLuxe²............ 54
C. Using Qmail DeLuxe² with a Logitech mouse....... 57
D. Other third party Qmail products................ 61
E. Developing products for the Qmail DeLuxe² API... 66
F. Ordering The Qmail Door......................... 66
G. QNet echomail software.......................... 66
H. Special offer for Qmail Door owners............. 67
4
■ Foreword by Dan Moore
A year or so ago, Mark Herring called me up and said "Hey,
Dan, how would you like to write a preface to my new
reader's documentation? You can write funny stuff." That
was QMail DeLuxe One point Something Point Something Else,
if I remember correctly.
So you think, oh noooooooooo, not another Mail Reader. I
like the one I got. Leave me alone. Go bug (yes, pun
intended) someone else. Who *needs* another mail reader?
You do. You may not know it right now. You may feel nice
and comfy and secure with your Old Mail Reader (OMR) because
you've learned its idiosyncracies and quirks. And you are
an expert at circumventing its bugs. Feels like a nice pair
of old shoes; it fits just fine. Why change, huh?
Excellent question. I could give you the answer right here,
right now, but that would spoil all the fun. Today's mail
readers (yes, yes, even DeLuxe) are still first-generation
products with first-generation features. Nothing to write
home about, so to speak.
No more. Qmail DeLuxe² is going to change all that. And
until you try it, you won't know what a mail reader can do.
Be warned, however, that DeLuxe² can be very addictive. The
Surgeon General, however, has not been able to determine its
harmful effects. Yet. Except for unexplainable urges to
download mail packets far more often and at even odder
hours, just to use that new reader and see how far backwards
you can make it bend.
I was fortunate enought to witness the birth of DeLuxe and
participate in its beta testing. A lot of hard work went
into it, and the result speaks for itself. This thing is
slick, folks. Sparky did listen to all that feedback for
the past two years, and many of your suggestions are in
there -- and then some.
Of course, Qmail DeLuxe² supports the, er, excellent John
Hancock Tag Line Manager. And JH/3 will take advantage of
some of the new reader's features to provide an even
smoother interface.
I wish Sparky success with this thing. DeLuxe was good, but
Deluxe² is terrific. But don't take my word for it. Crank
it up, and see for yourself. Then, of course, send Sparky
money.
Dan Moore
September 5, 1990
5
■ About this manual
This manual is designed to help you install Qmail DeLuxe² on
your computer system and to get the most out of your
investment.
The Qmail DeLuxe² system contains full "context sensitive"
help that is available to you anytime you are inside the
reader. To activate HELP just press your [ALT] and [H] keys
together. You can print out a copy of the instructions on
your printer after you press [ALT-H] by pressing the [P] key
on your keyboard.
Because online help is available inside the system at all
times this manual does not duplicate the information
contained in HELP. The manual explains how you should
install the reader and provides a tutorial on how to use it.
There is a section provided for "Advanced Features" for
those who would like to take advantage of the power designed
into Qmail DeLuxe². If you are a new Qmail DeLuxe² user you
do not need to read about the advanced features in order to
use Qmail DeLuxe².
Throughout this manual any keystrokes you need to type will
be surrounded by brackets. For example, if you need to
press the letter "A" on your keyboard you will see [A] in
this manual.
■ What is Qmail DeLuxe²?
If you call PCBoard bulletin board systems and read messages
then Qmail DeLuxe² can save you both time and money.
Instead of staying "online" reading messages one at a time,
Qmail sends you all of the new messages very quickly. You
can then hangup the phone and read (and reply) to these
messages at your leisure.
If you are calling systems that are long distance you save
money because you are not on the phone while you read
messages with Qmail. You can also save money if you use
"measured service" from your phone company. Qmail will save
you time too because the messages are immediately available
6
to you. In fact, Qmail can send you over 300 messages in
just five minutes if you have a 1200 baud modem!!!
Qmail DeLuxe² lets you read these messages after you hang up
your phone. It basically simulates the bulletin board
system on your own computer but it also gives you plenty of
power you do not usually have when you read messages online.
What power? You use your favorite editor or word processor
to enter messages. Qmail DeLuxe² lets you create "form
letter" type messages that do not look like form letters.
Messages can be easily "carbon copied" to other users or
conference areas. You can upload files back to the bulletin
board automatically. And with "services" available like
"FaxMail" on the BBS you can even send faxes to non-computer
users without having a fax machine!!
This is just a short list of features available inside Qmail
DeLuxe². The system was designed to be totally expandable
so you can grow into future developments.
■ Qmail DeLuxe² and DELUXE2.KEY
If you have purchased Qmail DeLuxe² then you have a copy of
the file "DELUXE2.KEY". This file is your "electronic
identification card" and should never be given to anyone
else. It allows you to be recognized as a registered
DeLuxe² user.
If you have purchased a copy of Qmail DeLuxe 1.11 then you
have a copy of the file "QMAIL.KEY". This key file cannot
be used by DeLuxe² but we do provide you with two methods to
obtain your own "DELUXE2.KEY" file.
You may either call our PCBoard customer support system at
(901) 382-5583 or "Sound Advice" Information Services at
(816) 436-4516. After you log into the system and arrive at
the PCBoard "Command?" prompt type "QMAIL4 KEY" and press
the [ENTER] key. You will then be able to follow the menus
and upload your QMAIL.KEY file so you may receive a new
DELUXE2.KEY file (256 bytes in size) with your old serial
number.
It is recommended that you try to contact "Sound Advice"
first. They maintain twenty systems for your use so there
is rarely a busy signal. You may also update your key file
on the very first call.
Finally, if you are using Qmail DeLuxe 1.10 (or earlier) and
you have not received a QMAIL.KEY file from Sparkware then
you must mail your original Qmail Diskette you received from
us along with $5.00 ($6.00 Canadian) to:
7
Sparkware
P.O. Box 605
Cordova, Tennessee 38018
We will return a new copy of Qmail DeLuxe² on this diskette
to you.
8
DELUXE2.KEY was required by the new reader because the
encryption methods used to create QMAIL.KEY are not
supported in the new development tools used to create
DeLuxe².
■ Installing Qmail DeLuxe²
There are two ways you may have received Qmail DeLuxe². If
you received Qmail DeLuxe² on diskette please follow the
instructions for installing the system from a diskette to
either a hard disk, laptop system, or two floppy drive
system.
You can also download Qmail DeLuxe² from fine bulletin
boards. If you received DELUXE2.ZIP then follow the
instructions for installing the system from an archive.
■ Installing Qmail DeLuxe² from an archive.
Since you are reading this manual now you have already
unpacked "DELUXE2.ZIP" into a subdirectory. You may use
DeLuxe² from this subdirectory or you may create another
subdirectory and copy these files to the new area.
■ Installing DeLuxe² from a diskette onto a hard disk.
1. Type "C:" and press [ENTER].
2. Use the DOS command "MKDIR \DELUXE2" to create a
subdirectory named "DELUXE2".
3. Use the DOS command "CHDIR \DELUXE2" to move into
the \DELUXE2 subdirectory.
4. Insert your Qmail DeLuxe² diskette into Drive A:
(or any other floppy disk drive you wish).
5. Type "COPY A:*.*" and press [ENTER]. This command will
copy the files from the diskette to your hard drive.
6. When the drive light is out on your floppy drive
then remove the Qmail DeLuxe² diskette. Please keep this
diskette in a safe place.
7. If you are using Qmail DeLuxe² on a laptop system with a
gas plasma or LCD screen you should type "DELUXE2 /BW".
This command forces the reader into the "Black and White"
mode (since laptops *think* they all have color screens).
Otherwise, type "DELUXE2".
8. Follow the instructions on the screen to configure your
system.
9
■ Installing Qmail DeLuxe² onto a laptop floppy disk system.
If your laptop system includes a hard disk then you should
follow the instructions for installing Qmail DeLuxe² onto a
hard disk.
If you are using a laptop system that uses a 720k 3.5"
diskette you can use the Qmail DeLuxe² system. If your
laptop contains a 1.44m disk drive then you have no real
space limitations. These steps apply to both, but
especially to 720k diskettes.
1. Format a fresh diskette and do not place a copy of DOS
on the disk. You will need to use a DOS diskette to
"boot" your laptop system and then swap diskettes.
2. Place a copy of COMMAND.COM on this diskette.
3. Copy PKZIP.EXE and PKUNZIP.EXE onto this diskette.
Please note that these programs are from PkWare, Inc. and
are not included on the Qmail DeLuxe² diskette.
4. Copy the following files from your Qmail DeLuxe² diskette
onto this diskette:
DELUXE2.KEY
DELUXE2.EXE
CONFIG2.EXE
TED.EXE
DELUXE2.CFG
DELUXE2.SCR
DELUXE2.1
SERVICES.UP
DLXTEXT
HELP.DAT (you should remove this file when you are
familiar with Qmail DeLuxe² to free up
even more room).
5. If your laptop includes a 1.44m diskette then you should
have enough room to also include your favorite terminal
communications program (if your laptop also includes a
modem).
6. If you are using Qmail DeLuxe² on a laptop system with a
gas plasma or LCD screen you should type "DELUXE2 /BW".
This command forces the reader into the "Black and White"
mode (since laptops *think* they all have color screens).
Otherwise, type "DELUXE2".
7. Q-Tip: When you read messages inside Qmail DeLuxe² you
may need to press [PgDn] to see more of the
message. DeLuxe² will let you hold down your
right [SHIFT] key with your thumb while you press
the [ENTER] key at the same time - it treats this
combination as [PgDn]. This only works when
10
reading messages or text files.
11
8. Q-Tip: When you read messages inside Qmail DeLuxe² you
can always advance to the next message by pressing
either [ENTER] or [+]. The [+] key ALWAYS lets
you read the next message (see "Unread messages"
for more information). Since laptops do not have
keypads (generally) you can use the [=] key to
advance you one message just like [+].
9. Follow the instructions on the screen to configure your
system.
■ Installing Qmail DeLuxe² onto a two drive floppy system.
1. Make a backup copy of the Qmail DeLuxe² distribution
diskette. After you are finished you should store the
original Qmail DeLuxe² diskette in a safe place.
2. Copy COMMAND.COM and your archive programs you wish to
use with DeLuxe² (like PKZIP.EXE and PKUNZIP.EXE).
3. This new diskette should be labeled as your "system"
diskette and used in your Drive A:
4. Format a fresh floppy diskette. This diskette should
be labeled as your "working" diskette and it will be used
in your Drive B:
5. Type "DELUXE2" to start the reader and follow the
instructions on how to configure your system.
■ Archivers
Qmail DeLuxe² requires that you use an archiving system to
pack and unpack your Qmail files.
The archiving system used on many Qmail systems is PkZip
from PkWare, Inc. There are actually two programs that make
the system - PKZIP.EXE and PKUNZIP.EXE. DeLuxe² also
provides support for "PKPAK" too. This is an older
archiving system still in use on many BBS systems. You must
have either of these systems available on your system in
order to use DeLuxe². If you do not have these programs you
may download them from our customer support system at (901)
382-5583. Remember that PkZip is shareware and if you use
them you must register them with PkWare, Inc.
There are three ways Qmail DeLuxe² can locate these
programs. The easiest way is to copy them into the same
subdirectory that contains Qmail DeLuxe². They can also
reside inside a "PATHed" subdirectory. A "PATHed"
subdirectory is a directory that is contained in your DOS
PATH statement. See your DOS manual for more information
about the PATH statement if you are not familiar with it.
12
Finally, DeLuxe² can find these programs if you enter the
full filename when you enter the archiver commands when you
configure your system. For example, you could use
"C:\BIN\PKZIP -A" and DeLuxe² will find PKZIP.EXE in the
"C:\BIN\" subdirectory.
Qmail DeLuxe² also provides support for our own archiving
system, QmDWC. This is a proprietary archiving system
available to our customers who have not yet registered
either PKZIP or PKPAK. Since many of our customers have
also registered these programs we do not include QmDWC as a
part of the Qmail DeLuxe² system. You can purchase it from
Sparkware for $5.00 (US funds). See the invoice at the
beginning of this manual if you are interested in using
QmDWC. Every Qmail Door 4.00 system supports QmDWC.
■ Upgrading from a previous reader.
If you have been using an earlier release of our Qmail
DeLuxe reader, our "shareware" reader or EZ-Reader (tm) then
you can easily transfer your current configurations over to
DeLuxe².
You will find a program named "CONVERT.EXE" on your Qmail
DeLuxe² distribution diskette that will read your current
reader configuration. Just type "CONVERT" and you will see
a menu with three selections:
1. Qmail DeLuxe 1.xx
2. EZ-Reader (tm) 1.20 or above
3. Do nothing and return to DOS.
If you wish to immediately return to DOS select option #3
from the menu. Otherwise, choose the reader you currently
use.
You will need to enter the FULL FILENAME of your reader's
configuration file. If you don't know the filename for your
reader's configuration file they are:
DELUXE.CFG for Qmail DeLuxe 1.xx
EZ-RDR.CFG for EZ-Reader (tm) 1.20 or above
13
■ Qmail DeLuxe² command line switches.
The program DELUXE2.EXE is the main program for the DeLuxe²
system.
You can start your DeLuxe² reader by typing "DELUXE2" from
your DOS prompt. We have provided a few "command line"
switches that you can use to modify how DeLuxe² works.
The switches are always added after DELUXE2.EXE. For
example: "DELUXE2 /ANSI /CO".
■ /ABS
Qmail DeLuxe² will startup with the display sitting at a
menu of mail packets. If you have only one mail packet on
file and you include the "/ABS" switch then the reader will
automatically select this packet for you.
■ /ANSI
Qmail DeLuxe² contains its own ANSI.SYS emulator. This
means you do not need to insert the statement
DEVICE=ANSI.SYS into your CONFIG.SYS file. However, if you
wish to use your own ANSI.SYS emulator then this command
line switch tells DeLuxe² to use it instead of the internal
ANSI emulator.
■ /BW
Qmail DeLuxe² always checks your equipment to see if you are
using a color monitor. Some systems, especially laptops
with gas plasma or LCD screens, "fool" the system into
thinking that you have a color display connected to your
computer. This command line switch tells DeLuxe² that you
have a black and white (or monochrome) monitor on your
system.
■ /CO
This command line switch can be used if you wish to force
DeLuxe² into thinking you have a color monitor connected to
your system.
■ /F
FIDONet compatibility. If you use your Qmail DeLuxe² on
systems connected to FIDONet then this switch will cause the
tagline to conform to FIDONet standards. If your BBS does
not connect with FIDONet then you do not need to use this
switch.
14
■ /Lxx
This switch determines how many lines are on your display.
You must replace the "xx" with the number of lines on your
screen. Qmail DeLuxe² can support anywhere from 25 to 99
line displays. It defaults to "/L25" if you do not use this
switch.
If you use "/L43" (for EGA systems) or "/L50" (for VGA
systems) then you can use [ALT-E] to switch between the
"extended" screen display and the standard 25 line display.
While DeLuxe² does support up to 99 lines on your screen, it
only knows how to switch into 43 or 50 line modes
internally.
Keep in mind that when you expand your display size that
Qmail DeLuxe² also expands the memory reserved to store
screens internally. If you are running under "tight" memory
restrictions you should stay in 25 line mode.
Qmail DeLuxe²'s internal ANSI emulator cannot handle more
than 60 lines in your display. If your display contains
more than 60 lines then DeLuxe² displays all color screens
using ANSI.SYS.
■ /NS
No SuperShell. SuperShell is a feature used in Qmail
DeLuxe² that frees all available memory when you drop to DOS
so you can run large programs like word processors. Unlike
some readers that must load a TSR to do the same thing,
SuperShell is designed into Qmail DeLuxe².
SuperShell has been found to work on every system we have
tested. This command line switch has been provided in case
your system "locks up" when you try to "Drop to DOS". If
this switch is used then SuperShell is disabled no matter
how you have configured your reader.
It is recommended that if you are using Qmail DeLuxe² on a
diskette system that you turn SuperShell off. You can do
this by using this command line switch or by going into the
"Configuration" area and turning the SuperShell switch off
inside "Flags".
Qmail DeLuxe² defaults to SuperShell being turned OFF.
■ /SS
SuperShell. If you use this command line switch then any
"Drop to DOS" operation will use SuperShell instead of a
normal DOS SHELL.
15
■ Where to go from here?
Your Qmail DeLuxe² system has now been installed and you are
ready to begin using the system.
It is strongly suggested that you go through the "Quick Tour
of Qmail DeLuxe²" first. We have included a TUTOR.QWK mail
packet (created using PKZIP) that shows you the basic
features of the reader. You might like to follow the
tutorial and see what is new with DeLuxe².
If you are already familiar with offline mail readers then
you are ready to use Qmail DeLuxe². You should check out
"Advanced Features" section to find out how you can get the
most out of Qmail DeLuxe².
16
■ The Quick Tour of Qmail DeLuxe²
Once you have installed Qmail DeLuxe² you are ready to begin
using your offline mail reader system.
We have included a Qmail packet for you to try out
immediately. When you start DeLuxe² (by typing "DELUXE2" at
your DOS prompt) and you have configured your system you
should see "TUTOR.QWK" in the menu. If you do not see it
then you need to select "Quit Qmail DeLuxe²" from the menu,
return to DOS, and copy TUTOR.QWK into your DeLuxe²
subdirectory (or wherever your system places the Qmail
packets).
Move the "menu bar" down to highlight "TUTOR.QWK" and press
the [ENTER] key. If you have configured your reader
correctly then DeLuxe² will unpack TUTOR.QWK into the
correct work areas.
Remember that ANY time you are inside the reader you may
press [ALT-H] to receive online help. This help always
tells you what you can do at that particular point in the
reader.
■ The WELCOME screen
The first screen you will see is known as the "Welcome"
screen. This is the same screen you will see when you call
a Qmail system. This welcome screen comes from our own
customer support system. You may press [ENTER] to move on
to the next screen.
■ The NEWS screen
This second screen is the "News" screen. Your system
operator will keep you informed of any new developments with
this screen. Qmail will send you the news file every time
it is updated. The news contained here is usually
"system-wide" and is brief. The news may point you to
"bulletins" that contain more information.
If the news file was larger than one screen full you may
user the arrow keys, [PgUp] or [PgDn] to view more text.
You may press the [ENTER] key to move on to the next screen.
17
■ The SESSION.TXT screen
SESSION.TXT is a file that shows you how the Qmail Door
processed your messages in this mail packet. Any time you
see a "More [Y/n]?" prompt on your screen then DeLuxe² is
asking you if you wish to see more text. If you press the
[Y] or [ENTER] keys you will see another screen. If you
press the [N] key then DeLuxe² will stop displaying the
text.
Press the [ENTER] key on your keyboard to continue...
■ Bulletins
You are now at the "Bulletins" screen. Qmail will send you
any bulletins that have been updated since your last call.
We have two bulletins showing on your screen - Main Board
Bulletin #1 and Bulletin #2 . You may press the [ENTER] key
to view Bulletin #1 now.
By now you should know that DeLuxe² will let you press your
arrow keys, [PgUp] or [PgDn] to display the text on your
screen. After you finish reading this bulletin press the
[ENTER] key on your keyboard.
Qmail DeLuxe² has sent you back to the bulletin menu. If
you wish to read bulletin #2 you press [ENTER] now.
Otherwise, press the [ESC] key to continue.
18
■ Join a conference
Qmail DeLuxe² knows that you have just opened the TUTOR.QWK
mail packet so after reading bulletins it takes you to the
"Join a conference" screen.
This screen lists all of the conferences available to you on
this system. There is only one conference, "Main Board",
available in TUTOR.QWK.
You will see two other conference areas listed on your
screen. The "Replies" area contains any new messages or
replies that you have entered with Qmail DeLuxe². If you
select this conference area you will be able to read, edit
and delete your own replies.
The "Personal" conference area contains messages that have
been left by other callers to you. If you selected this
conference area then you could read all of the messages
addressed to you contained inside TUTOR.QWK. As it happens,
no messages were left directly to you so this area is empty.
You can always tell if a conference contains messages by
looking for a "■" character besides the conference name.
You can select conferences by using the arrow keys to move
the "menu bar" around. You can also move directly between
conferences that contain messages by pressing the [PgUp] and
[PgDn] keys on your keypad. The [Home] key on your keypad
will always take you to the "Replies" conference while [End]
will always take you to the last conference in the list.
Press the [ENTER] key now to select the "Main Board"
conference.
■ The list of messages
Qmail DeLuxe² is now showing you a list of messages that are
available to you in the "Main Board" conference area. You
can always find out which conference you are currently
reading by looking at the last line on your screen. See
"(Main Board)" on the status line?
The "menu bar" is highlighting the message you wish to read.
If you press the [ENTER] key now you will begin reading
messages with message #1. Just like other screens in Qmail
DeLuxe², you can use the arrow keys, [PgUp], [PgDn], [Home]
and [End] to move around the screen. If you have more than
25 lines in your display then Qmail DeLuxe² will show you as
many messages as it can fit on one screen.
For now please press the [ENTER] key to begin reading
message #1.
19
■ Reading messages
You are now reading the first message in the TUTOR.QWK mail
packet.
Please read each message since they contain information on
how to best use Qmail DeLuxe². Remember, you always advance
to the next message by pressing the [ENTER] key on your
keyboard.
If you wish to quit reading messages at any time press the
[ESC] key on your keyboard.
■ Back to the "Join a conference" screen.
After you have read all twelve messages Qmail DeLuxe² will
return you back to the "Join a conference" screen. If you
wish you can now join the "Replies" conference (if you saved
the messages you entered).
The "Replies" conference lets you read, edit, and optionally
delete any message you have entered with Qmail DeLuxe². If
you do select the "Replies" conference area you may exit
back to the DeLuxe² main screen by pressing the [ESC] key.
Otherwise, press the [ESC] key to return to the DeLuxe² main
screen now.
■ The DeLuxe² main screen.
From time to time you may see a reference to the "DeLuxe²
main screen". Well, this is the main screen. It is the
"top" of the DeLuxe² system where you can select various
commands.
The display you see on the screen is contained in the file
"MENU". This file allows you to "customize" your screen.
MENU can be any text file you wish...it can also include
ANSI graphics, too.
The menu on the right side of your screen shows you the
various commands available to you from inside the DeLuxe²
system. It is possible to add even MORE commands to this
list.
20
You can press your [F] key to view a list of new files found
since the last time you checked for new files. These files
included in TUTOR.QWK are a list of programs that can help
you get even more out of Qmail DeLuxe². If you call our
customer support system at (901) 382-5583 then you can
download these files. The filenames listed are the same
filenames used on our system. Press the [ESC] key to return
back to the DeLuxe² main menu.
Let's take a moment and explain each of the commands
available to you at the DeLuxe² main menu.
■ Archive new files
The files you just saw using the "Files list" command can be
saved to a text file that you can view later. If you press
the [A] key then these files are saved to "TUTOR.NEW".
TUTOR.NEW is always located inside your "ARCHIVE"
subdirectory.
■ Bulletins
This command lets you view any new bulletins contained
inside the mail packet.
■ Configure DeLuxe²
The configuration area lets you change any of the parameters
used by DeLuxe². You can also access the configuration from
inside the reader at any time by pressing [ALT-C].
■ Drop to DOS
Sometimes it is handy to "drop" out of Qmail DeLuxe² for a
second. You can do this without having to exit the reader
by pressing the [D] key on your keyboard. You will drop to
DOS where you can execute any DOS command. If SuperShell
has been turned on you can execute ANY program as well.
Remember to type the command "EXIT" to return back to Qmail
DeLuxe².
You can also drop to DOS at any time from within the reader
by pressing [ALT-D].
■ Enter a message
This command lets you enter a new message. You can save the
message in any conference area you wish but the reader will
default to the current conference area.
21
■ Files list
This command displays a list of new files that have been
uploaded to the bulletin board since your last call.
■ Goodbye
If you wish to quit Qmail DeLuxe² you should select this
command.
■ Hotkeys
You can configure Qmail DeLuxe² to execute a command as soon
as you touch a key. If Hotkeys are turned ON then pressing
the [F] key will display a list of new files.
If hotkeys are OFF then you must press the [F] key and then
the [ENTER] key as well. Turning Hotkeys ON or OFF from
this menu does not permentantly save the Hotkeys flag. In
order to permanently turn Hotkeys ON or OFF you should go
into the configuration area and turn them off in the "FLAGS"
section.
■ Initial welcome
This command will show you the Welcome, News and SESSION.TXT
files again.
■ Join a conference
This command will let you join any conference in the mail
packet.
■ Manage replies.
This command works just like joining the "Replies"
conference. It will let you read messages that you have
entered in this mail packet.
■ Noise
This command turns noise ON or OFF. If noise is ON then the
reader will beep at you when you read a private message (or
a message addressed to you when you are NOT in the
"Personal" conference area). DeLuxe² will also beep at you
when you select bulletins or new files and none are on file.
Turning noise ON or OFF from this menu does not permenantly
save the hotkeys flag. If you wish to turn noise ON or OFF
permenantly then you need to move to the configuration area
and select "FLAGS" and turn noise off from that screen.
22
■ QwikScan messages
"QwikScan" works just like reading messages does, with one
difference. QwikScan shows you the list of messages and you
can select a message to read by pressing [ENTER] when the
"menu bar" highlights it. But, when you press [ENTER] after
reading the message you will return to the list of messages
again instead of reading the next message in the conference
area.
Q-Tip: If you selected a message to read from the menu
while in "QwikScan" and you wish to read the next
message you can tap your [+] to see the next message
without calling up the list of messages.
If you are using DeLuxe² on a laptop system you can
press the [=] key for the same effect, since
pressing [+] requires you press the [SHIFT] key too
(laptops rarely have keypads).
■ Services
"Services" opens up a whole new area of information for the
Qmail DeLuxe² owner. If your BBS also uses our Qmail Door
4.00 system then the Qmail System can regularly send you new
magazines, program updates, or practically ANYTHING the
system operators configure.
TUTOR.QWK contains an "abridged" edition of "Caller's
Digest" magazine for you to read. Select this command and
you will see a menu on your screen that contains one entry
for "Caller's Digest Magazine" (DeLuxe² can handle up to 50
services at one time). Press the [ENTER] key and you will
be able to read "Caller's Digest" from inside the reader.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are using Qmail DeLuxe² on a two drive
floppy system you do not have enough free disk
space to read "Caller's Digest" from within
the reader.
If you wanted to read the latest edition of "Caller's
Digest" (or ANY electronic magazine) then you would have to
remember to check the date of the last issue when you called
your BBS. If the issue was new then you had to download it
and read it after you hung up.
With "Services", the Qmail System does all of this checking
for you automatically and will include new issues whenever
one is available. You will always know a service was
included in your packets because they will show up in your
"NEWS" screen (we didn't include it in TUTOR's news screen
for simplicity).
23
"Services" opens up a whole new range of possibilities for
the serious system operator. We are only starting to
explore what is possible using them!
■ Re-read messages
This command will toggle the reader's ability to re-read
"read messages".
This sounds a bit strange, but it isn't hard to understand.
DeLuxe² has the capability of "remembering" which messages
you have already seen. If this switch is turned ON then the
reader will skip messages you have already seen (you can,
however, call up the list of messages and select it from
that menu). If the switch is turned OFF then the reader
will always show you messages, even messages you have seen
before.
This switch is handy if you read all of the messages
addressed to you in the "Personal" conference first. This
message area contains all messages that are addressed to you
from ALL of the other conferences. If you have read the
messages once in "Personal" you might not want to see them
again when you read the conferences later.
■ Quiting Qmail DeLuxe²
You have now finished the TUTOR tutorial and you are ready
to exit Qmail DeLuxe².
You can exit the reader from this menu by either selecting
the "Goodbye" command or by pressing the [ESC] key. You
will then see a menu on your screen with seven different
selections.
■ Select another packet
This selection will exit the current mail packet and return
you back to the DeLuxe² opening menu. You can then select
another mail packet to read.
■ OOPS! I didn't mean to do this!
You accidentally selected "Goodbye" from the main menu or
pressed the [ESC] key and you really don't want to quit your
current session. Selecting this option (or pressing your
[ESC] key again) returns you back to the DeLuxe² main menu.
24
■ Exit this packet and quit DeLuxe²
The reader will exit the current mail packet and instead of
returning back to the DeLuxe² opening menu you will return
to your DOS prompt.
■ Insert a bookmark
Some mail packets can contain hundreds, if not thousands, of
messages. Sometimes it is too much to read at one sitting.
If you insert a "bookmark" then Qmail DeLuxe² will remember
where you left off and when you select the mail packet again
you will be returned to the spot you stopped reading.
■ Rename this packet
Qmail DeLuxe² will let you rename the current mail packet to
another name. After you rename the packet (or press [ENTER]
without a new name to leave it the same) you will be
returned to the DeLuxe² opening menu.
■ Delete this packet
If you have finished reading this mail packet you should
probably go ahead and delete it from your disk.
If you select this option then you are given TWO chances to
confirm that you want this mail packet deleted. Pressing
either the [N] or [ESC] keys at either prompt will keep the
mail packet. You will then be returned back to the DeLuxe²
opening menu.
■ Go immediately to DOS
Unlike the other options in this menu, this option will
immediately exit Qmail DeLuxe² and return you to DOS.
However, your mail packet will remain in the work
directories so when you re-enter DeLuxe² you can resume your
reading immediately without having to unpack the messages
again.
25
■ The "Goodbye" screen.
After you select the method you wish to exit Qmail DeLuxe²
you will see the "Goodbye" or "Logoff" screen from the
bulletin board system.
You can press the [ENTER] key to continue past this screen.
■ That's it!
There! You have finished your Qmail DeLuxe² tutorial and
you can now call your favorite PCBoard system using our
Qmail system and receive the latest mail.
26
■ Registering Qmail DeLuxe²
Now that you have tried Qmail DeLuxe² we hope that you wish
to purchase the system for your own use.
If you are interested in purchasing the system from
Sparkware there are two ways you can contact us. If you
wish to purchase Qmail DeLuxe² by check or money order then
you should copy the file ORDER.FRM to your printer, fill it
out and return the invoice along with your check. When we
receive the order we will process it and ship you Qmail
DeLuxe² system on a diskette.
If you wish to "trade up" from EZReader (tm), MegaMail (tm),
Session Manager (tm) or Opus Xpress (tm) then you must fill
out ORDER.FRM and enclose the original registered diskette
you received from the author of the reader you are using
(along with $10.00). We will return this diskette along
with the current release of Qmail DeLuxe².
You can use your Visa, MasterCard or Discover card to
purchase Qmail DeLuxe² "online" and begin using it
immediately. Since you already have the system files all
you require is a DELUXE2.KEY to "unlock" the system's
ability to handle up to 255 conferences.
Follow these steps if you wish to use your credit card:
1. Using your favorite telecommunications program call
either our customer support system (901) 382-5583 or
you can call the "Sound Advice" Information Service
at (816) 436-4516. We recommend that you try
calling "Sound Advice" first since there are twenty
telephone lines available to answer your call.
Practically no waiting!
2. Once you "logon" into PCBoard you will arrive at the
"Command?" prompt. At this point type "ORDER" and
press the [ENTER] key.
3. At this point read the instructions on the screen.
They will tell you how to order Qmail DeLuxe².
4. When you fill out your order you will be asked to
wait one moment while the order is electronically
verified with Visa. Once the order has been
authorized the system will immediately send you a
personalized "DELUXE2.KEY" file for your own use.
This file is transferred to you using the Xmodem
transfer protocol.
27
Remember to keep your DELUXE2.KEY file safe and do
not give it out to anyone. It is your "electronic
ID" that identifies you as a registered DeLuxe²
owner.
5. After you hang up the connection copy your new
DELUXE2.KEY file into the DeLuxe² system
subdirectory and you are ready to use Qmail DeLuxe².
6. Sparkware will ship you a copy of Qmail DeLuxe² to
the address you entered in the order.
Registering by credit card is quick and easy. And you can
begin enjoying Qmail DeLuxe² today since you already have
the system files.
28
■ Advanced Features
This section of the manual is designed for the moderate to
expert Qmail DeLuxe² user.
You do not need to read this section of the manual if you
are just starting to use Qmail DeLuxe². However, if you
want to find out some of the power available "under the
hood" please read on!
■ DLXTEXT
The DLXTEXT file contains all of the text prompts used by
Qmail DeLuxe².
The program DLXTEXT.EXE is the only way you can make changes
to DLXTEXT. Do NOT attempt to edit DLXTEXT in an editor or
word processor. Doing so will damage the file and it can no
longer be read by the system.
Sparkware is publishing foreign translations of this file
for our international users. A Swedish version of the
reader is already available and we should soon have versions
available in both French and German.
Feel free to edit your DLXTEXT file to create "custom"
versions. As long as it is not vulgar and you think others
would like to see your work please upload it to our customer
support system at (901) 382-5583. We do ask that the
official DLXTEXT file remain unchanged in all distributed
versions of Qmail DeLuxe².
When you start the DLXTEXT program it will ask you for the
name of the DLXTEXT file. This is always DLXTEXT but you
must enter the complete path to the file if it is not in the
current subdirectory.
Once you start the program you can see the commands
available to you on your screen. If you wish to search for
some specific text you may press the [F2] key and enter the
text to find. The system ignores upper and lower cases and
will match on all text entered.
You can create a text file that contains all of the prompts
used in DLXTEXT too. For this example we will assume you
are currently in the same subdirectory with the DeLuxe²
system files.
28
Use the DOS command [DLXTEXT DLXTEXT TEXTFILE] to copy the
contents of DLXTEXT to TEXTFILE. This file will contain all
220 prompts in the format "xxxx:TEXT......". It is
important that any changes you make to TEXTFILE do NOT erase
the "xxxx:" markers. The program uses this prompt to
determine which entry's record number. When you are ready
to load your changes back into DLXTEXT use the same command
again ([DLXTEXT DLXTEXT TEXTFILE]). Since TEXTFILE now
exists it will be copied into DLXTEXT for you.
Be careful when you edit the text prompts. Some of the
prompts are sensitive to new lengths (like the TO:, FROM:
and SUBJ: prompts in the message header). Also notice that
the @variable @OPTEXT@ is included in many of the records.
The reader replaces @OPTEXT@ with specific information
before the prompt is displayed. If you edit these records
do not remove the @OPTEXT@ reference.
■ DLXTEXT records of interest
#140 If you enter a message that is longer than 95
lines then DeLuxe² will break the message into
two messages and insert this entry at the bottom
of the first message. Please notice the "π"
symbols in the entry - they are REQUIRED.
#201 This record can be used to change your name in
the list of messages.
Sometimes it can be hard trying to find messages
addressed to you from a list of 200 messages. If
this entry is left BLANK then the reader will use
your name in the list.
If this entry is NOT blank then DeLuxe² will
replace your name with this entry. Remember that
all @variables are available to you. Here are
some examples:
---@OPTEXT@---
<<<@OPTEXT@>>>
YOU
--MY MESSAGE--
#202 This record is the companion entry to #140. It
is inserted at the beginning of the second message
if DeLuxe² breaks your message into two seperate
messages.
29
#211 This entry defaults to "@OPTEXT@>". This record
is used by DeLuxe² as your "QUOTE" string. When
you reply to a message with DeLuxe² the original
message is "quoted" for easy reply. You can
change the quote character to anything you wish
by changing this entry.
@OPTEXT@ is replaced with initials by DeLuxe².
#214 This record contains all of the characters that
mail doors currently translate into the [ESC]
character. DeLuxe² uses this field to "rebuild"
an ANSI art message that was "stripped" by another
system.
If a future system changes the "strip" character
then you can add that character to this entry and
DeLuxe² will be able to rebuild the messages
correctly.
■ Configuring Qmail DeLuxe² for low memory usage
Some DeLuxe² users may find it necessary to try and fit the
reader into the smallest amount of memory possible. Here
are a few suggestions you can try with your system:
■ Do not load DLXTEXT into memory for fast access.
If you are using DeLuxe² on a hard disk system then do not
load the DLXTEXT file into memory. You can disable this
feature under "FLAGS" in the configuration utility. If
DLXTEXT is not loaded into memory then the reader reads the
prompts directly from the disk. The system's performance is
reduced a bit but you also gain almost 17k of memory back.
Do NOT disable this feature if you are using DeLuxe² on a
floppy disk system. The system's performance is DRASTICALLY
reduced because all text prompts are read from the floppy.
■ Avoid using extended screen support
Qmail DeLuxe² reserves buffer space for four "screens" in
memory. Normally, this is only 16k of RAM for a 25 line
screen. But if you use extended screen support then the
system allocates MORE memory to store these screens. If you
used "/L60" then the system would reserve 38k of space.
30
■ Turn on SuperShell
SuperShell opens up more memory whenever you "Drop to DOS".
When the reader drops to DOS without SuperShell loaded then
the program still occupies space in memory. This is memory
you cannot use and it limits the size of the editors (and
other programs) you can use.
With SuperShell turned ON then the memory used by DeLuxe² is
transferred to EMS memory (if it is available) or it is
written to your disk. You then have back almost ALL of the
memory you had free when you first started Qmail DeLuxe².
Do NOT turn on SuperShell if you are using Qmail DeLuxe² on
a floppy disk system unless you also have EMS memory.
SuperShell creates a file that is too large for your
diskette and performance is DRASTICALLY reduced.
If Qmail DeLuxe² determines that you have less than 125,000
bytes of free memory available then it will automatically
perform a SuperShell unless you have used the "/NS" switch
when you started DeLuxe².
■ Replacement variables
Qmail DeLuxe² supports a wide range of replacement variables
in all of the text and message displays used by the system.
You can use these replacement variables in any text prompt,
file or message displayed by the reader. Here is a list of
variables supported by Qmail DeLuxe².
These variables are always available to you from inside
Qmail DeLuxe². You may also use them in any DOS command
(note that some will NOT make sense in a DOS command!):
@CLS@ Clears the screen
@Xnn Converts "nn" (in HEX) to color
@CONTROLx@ Displays information contained inside
the CONTROL.DAT file. "x" can be one of
these values:
x=1 Name of the BBS
x=2 BBS' city and state
x=3 Telephone number
x=4 Sysop's name
x=5 Qmail Door serial number
x=6 BBS' Qmail packet ID
x=7 Date mail packet was created
x=8 Time mail packet was created
31
@PKZIP@ Replaced with the PKZIP definition
@PKUNZIP@ Replaced with the PKUNZIP definition
@PKPAK@ Replaced with the PKPAK definition
@PKUNPAK@ Replaced with the PKUNPAK definition
@QMDWC-A@ Replaced with the QMDWC -A definition
@QMDWC-X@ Replaced with the QMDWC -X definition
@PACKET@ Full name of the current mail packet
@EXT@ The current mail packet's extension
@CONF@ Name of the current conference
@CONFNUM@ Current conference number
@MSGCONF@ Current message conference name
@DATE@ Current system date
@TIME@ Current system time
These variables are available when you enter new messages or
replies:
@FIRST@ First name of the addressee
@LAST@ Last name of the addressee
@USER@ Full name of the addressee
@DATE@ Current system date
@TIME@ Current system time
@DAY@ Day of the week
@BBS@ Name of the BBS
@BBSNUMBER@ Telephone number for the BBS
@SYSOP@ Sysop's name
@MSGNUMBER@ Number of the reply message
@MSGDATE@ Date of the original reply message
@MSGTIME@ Time of the original reply message
@MSGTO@ Original reply message addressee
@MSGFROM@ Original reply message author
@MSGSUBJECT@ Subject of the original reply
@MSGCONF@ Name of the message's conference
■ Customizing DELUXE2.SCR and MENU
The DELUXE2.SCR file is displayed by DeLuxe² when you are at
the opening menu.
You can customize this screen to your personal tastes if you
wish using any text editor or ANSI editor (like THEDRAW).
This screen (as well as all text screens inside DeLuxe²)
make full use of the @Xnn color standard for PCBoard. These
files can also contain all of the @variables used by the
reader.
The MENU file is displayed when at the DeLuxe² main menu
screen. You can also customize this screen to your personal
tastes. The MENU included with Qmail DeLuxe² is a good
example of how to use @variables.
32
■ Function key definitions
Qmail DeLuxe² offers many different options when it comes to
configuring your function keys.
You can assign different operations used inside the reader
to function keys if you wish. For example, you can assign
HELP (which is always [ALT-H] inside the program) to a
function key. If you are used to using WordPerfect and
having help on your [F3] key then you can assign "HELP" to
the F3 key definition. You can then call up help at any
time by pressing [F3] (the [ALT-H] key will still work).
Here are the various combinations available for function
keys:
CONFIG Pops up the system config utility
from anywhere inside DeLuxe².
[ALT-C] also works.
DOS Drops you to DOS.
[ALT-D] also works.
EXIT Substitutes for the [ESC] key.
LOADFONT Reloads the current font (if
you are using a font).
[ALT-F] also works.
HELP Calls up context-sensitive help.
[ATL-H] also works.
MENU=xxx Displays the "MENU.xxx" file in
either a pulldown or bar menu.
(see "Creating your own menus" in
this section).
M=<command> Loads the DeLuxe² command buffer
with <command>.
S=xxxxx Loads the DOS keyboard buffer with
"xxxxx". You are limited to 15
characters.
■ Signatures
When you enter a reply to a message or enter a new message
you usually sign the message with your name.
If you keep your name in the "Signature" entry inside the
configuration utility's "Miscellaneous" section then your
name is always appended by Qmail DeLuxe² whenever you enter
a message.
There are three possible ways to enter your "signature".
The first method is to simply enter your name. If your
signature was "John" then "John" would be inserted at the
end of messages you enter with DeLuxe².
33
The problem with just entering "John" is that your name is
inserted in the left margin of the message. Usually you
would TAB over two times to intent your name to the message.
You can do this with Qmail DeLuxe² by using "16:John". The
"16:" tells DeLuxe² to skip sixteen spaces and then insert
the name "John" into the reply.
The final method is to create a file inside the Qmail
DeLuxe² system subdirectory and have this file copied onto
the end of your message. If you wish to use a file that
contains your signature you must use "F=<filename>" as your
signature. DeLuxe² will always look in the reader's system
subdirectory for <filename>.
■ Fonts
If you are using an EGA or VGA monitor then you can load
your favorite font for use inside Qmail DeLuxe². If you do
not have an EGA or VGA system then you cannot use fonts with
your reader.
The font files are all EGA 9x14 fonts and they are always
stored in the DeLuxe² system subdirectory with a .FNT file
extension. The system can support up to fifty font files.
You may download these fonts from our customer support
system (or "Sound Advice"). The filename is DLX2FONT.ZIP.
You can select a font by going into the configuration
utility and using "Select an EGA/VGA font" from the menu.
Qmail DeLuxe² will then scan for the font files located in
your system subdirectory, sort them into alphabetical order,
and list them inside a menu.
You can select the font you wish to use by pressing the
[ENTER] key on the font's name. DeLuxe² will then load the
font for you. You can disable all fonts and return to your
original ROM fonts by pressing the [Home] key on your keypad
and choosing "Do not select a font" from the menu.
Qmail DeLuxe² will work well with any of these fonts loaded.
Some applications that you may execute from a DOS shell may,
however, reload the current ROM fonts back into your
adapter's memory.
DeLuxe² provides four different methods to reload the
current font.
The first method is to press [ALT-F] on your keyboard. This
reloads the font file immediately.
34
The second method is to use a batch file to call your
application and at the end of the batch file execute the
program "LOADFONT". If LOADFONT.EXE is executed just before
you re-enter Qmail DeLuxe² then the current font will be
reloaded automatically by the reader.
The third method is for your application to generate a DOS
error level of "70" (the ASCII code for 'F'). If DOS error
level 70 is detected by Qmail DeLuxe² when you return from a
DOS call then the current font is reloaded. Actually, this
is what LOADFONT.EXE does for you.
The final method is to use a DOS command modifier (described
in detail later in this section) that tells Qmail DeLuxe² to
reload the current prompt when control returns to the
reader. For example, "LF:EDIT" tells DeLuxe² to reload the
current font after the program "EDIT" has executed.
■ Creating your own HEADER file
You can have Qmail DeLuxe² automatically generate the first
lines of a reply to a message by creating a file named
"HEADER" inside your DeLuxe² system subdirectory.
The contents of this file will be inserted into your reply
by the reader. Please note that this file is NOT copied
into a new message when you use the "E" command to "Enter a
new message".
HEADER can contain anything you wish and you can use all of
the @variables defined earlier in this section.
■ Form letter messages
It is possible to easily create "form letter" messages with
Qmail DeLuxe². All you need to do is to use the @variables
that are available when you enter a message or reply.
35
For example, here is a "form letter" message that will be
translated into a message that is personalized to the
recipient:
----
@FIRST@,
Thank you for your interest in our Qmail DeLuxe²
system. We hope you will find DeLuxe² to be the easiest yet
most powerful offline reading system available today.
Your order has been confirmed and we will ship it out
today. Thank you for the order Mr. @LAST@!
----
This message will be displayed without the @variables being
translated when you return from your editor. The @variables
will be translated when you save your message.
■ Carbon copying messages automatically
Sometimes you may find it handy to send a copy of a message
to more than one person.
Qmail DeLuxe² lets you enter the message once and
automatically carbon the message up to twenty users at one
time.
There are actually two different methods you can use to
carbon messages. The first method is to go into the
configuration utility and under "FLAGS" turn on the "Carbon
copy your messages" flag. If set to YES then the reader
will always ask you if you wish to copy the message you just
entered to another user.
The other method is to include "CC=<username>" in your
message as you enter it with your editor. When you exit the
editor and return back to Qmail DeLuxe² you will see the
message entered but the "CC=<username>" entries will be
stripped by the reader. When you save the message a copy of
this message will be saved automatically to the users in
this list.
Remember that all @variables are available to you here so
you can carbon messages to a group of users and if you use
the "form letter" message described earlier you can
personalize each message.
36
If your editor can "import" other text files into your reply
you may find it a good idea to keep lists of users you
commonly "carbon" messages with. That way you can simply
load the file into your reply each time you create a new
message.
PLEASE NOTE: It is considered VERY BAD PRACTICE to carbon
copy PUBLIC messages to more than one user
in the same conference area. Please carbon
only "PERSONAL" messages to other individuals
or PUBLIC messages that are to be carboned to
other conference areas.
■ Attaching files to your messages
Qmail DeLuxe² working with The Qmail Door 4.00 system on
your system operator's end has the capability to accept
files along with your replies.
These files can contain ANY information you desire. This
capability is provided currently for two services used by
the 4.00 system.
■ FaxMail
If your BBS has purchased the FaxMail service for the Qmail
Door 4.00 then you can send faxes to other fax machines
without actually having to own a fax machine.
All you need to do on your end is to enter a new message and
address the message to "QMAIL". A list of available
services will "pop up" on your screen and you should select
"Send FaxMail". You are then shown "FAX #" - at this point
you need to enter the telephone number of the fax machine
you wish to reach. The message is then saved by DeLuxe².
When you upload your replies back to the Qmail Door 4.00 it
will recognize that this message should be sent to a fax
machine instead of stored on the bulletin board system. The
telephone number is then checked (the system operators may
have "blocked" the number) and if other checks pass then
your message will be transmitted to the fax machine at the
telephone number listed in your subject.
The "ATTACH=<filename>" command can be used with FaxMail to
send messages formatted with WordPerfect. If you inserted
"ATTACH=C:\WP\MYMSG" into your reply then the file
"C:\WP\MYMSG" will be copied into your "REPLIES"
subdirectory. This file will be then be transmitted with
your other replies to the bulletin board when you upload
your mail reply packet.
37
NOTES: When you return from entering your message in the
editor you will see that the PATH to your file
has been removed by DeLuxe². In the example above
"ATTACH=C:\WP\MYMSG" would be translated into
"ATTACH=MYMSG".
When you save the message "C:\WP\MYMSG" is copied
by DeLuxe². It is not deleted from your system.
Do not assume that your system operators have
a FaxMail service on their bulletin board system.
ASK first before you attempt to use this service.
If FaxMail is available also ask the system
operators if the fax hardware on their system can
handle WordPerfect-formatted files. Some cannot
and your messages would not be sent correctly.
■ File uploading
If your system operators have given you the ability to
insert files into your mail replies then you can use the
"ATTACH=<filename>" command to copy these files into your
"REPLIES" subdirectory so they may be uploaded back to your
BBS system.
You must enter a message in order to use the
"ATTACH=<filename>" command. Your message should contain a
description of the file for the system operators. Otherwise
they may not know the contents of your file.
When you save your message a copy of "<filename>" is copied
but it is NOT deleted from your system. When you upload
your reply mail packet (the .REP file) the attached files
will go into a "holding" area for inspection before they are
posted on the BBS (at the system operators descretion).
PLEASE NOTE: Make sure your system operators will accept
files uploaded with your message replies
before you try this feature. The sysops have
complete control of this feature and may have
turned it off on their system.
38
■ DOS command modifiers
Qmail DeLuxe² lets you modify any DOS command so it can take
advantage of features found in the reader.
These DOS command modifiers are always appended to the
BEGINNING of the DOS command. They are never appended after
the DOS command. The DOS command modifiers available are:
LF: Load Font. Reloads the current EGA/VGA font
when control returns to DeLuxe²
NB: No Blink. DeLuxe² allows you to use high
intensity color backgrounds but at the
expense of blinking colors. Whenever you
drop to DOS the reader will restore blinking
colors. However, you may be SHELLing to a
program that also uses high-intensity colors
and the screen will not look right. "NB:"
keeps DeLuxe² in a "no blink/high intensity
background" mode.
ND: No Display. DeLuxe² will normally clear your
screen and display the DOS command in a box
at the top of the screen. "ND:" tells the
reader to leave the screen alone and restore
the screen when control returns to DeLuxe².
NR: No Refresh. This modifier works just like
"ND:" except that the screen is not restored
when control returns to DeLuxe². This might
be desireable if the program executed leaves
information on the screen for use inside the
reader.
NS: No SuperShell. This modifier will disable
SuperShell under all conditions. You might
want to use this command if you have
SuperShell turned ON yet frequently SHELL to
a very small program.
SS: SuperShell. This modifier will turn on
SuperShell for this one DOS call. This
command is handy if you have SuperShell
turned OFF but would like to turn it on for
this one command.
39
■ DOS command variables
Qmail DeLuxe² always lets you use any @variable, listed
earlier, in DOS commands. There are additional "%variables"
that you can insert in your DOS commands.
These variables are expanded by DeLuxe²:
%O "Original" message filespec
%R "Reply" message filespec
%D Location of the DeLuxe² system subdirectory
%W Location of the "work" subdirectory
(note that you must include Q-WORK or
REPLIES in the command yourself).
%A Location of the "archive" subdirectory
%S Location of the "services" subdirectory
%P Location of the mail packet subdirectory
%U Location of the reply packet subdirectory
%L The "LIST" command defined in the config
utility.
%H The current HELP record number. DeLuxe²
maintains "internal" record numbers used to
display context-sensitive HELP. This
variable will be replaced with the actual
HELP record number.
See "HELP record numbers" in this manual for
a complete list of help records and
locations.
? If a question mark is included in a DOS
command then DeLuxe² will stop and ask you
to complete the full DOS command.
40
■ SERVICE.BAT and the "BAT:" DOS command modifier
Qmail DeLuxe² creates a file named "SERVICE.BAT" in the
DeLuxe² system subdirectory whenever you select a "Service"
from the services menu.
This file is created with input from the services "command"
file. If you look inside TUTOR.QWK (supplied with your
Qmail DeLuxe² system) you will find a file named "CDIGEST".
This file tells Qmail DeLuxe² how to handle the CDIGEST
service. You will note that the @variable @SERVICE@ is
replaced by the name of the file containing the service (in
this case, CDIGEST.ZIP).
The SERVICE.BAT file can contain any of the @variables and
DOS command variables defined by Qmail DeLuxe². This makes
it easier to handle services inside the reader.
The @variables and DOS command variables all work well if
your program can execute from one DOS statement. But what
if your program requires a batch file in order to work? How
can the variables be translated into a batch file?
The answer is to create a NEW batch file using the original
file for input. If you include the DOS command modifier
"BAT:" in front of a DOS command then DeLuxe² will read this
file for input and translate it into SERVICE.BAT. Please
note that all DOS command modifiers are not included. The
contents of the SERVICES subdirectory are also erased at
this time so you can use it for temporary workspace if you
need.
DeLuxe² will then SHELL to DOS and execute SERVICE.BAT.
When control returns to the reader then SERVICE.BAT is
automatically deleted.
This feature can be used with editors or archivers, function
keys, menus...anywhere a DOS command is accepted.
41
■ Using DIALER.BAT.
You can interface your favorite telecommunications program
directly into Qmail DeLuxe²'s opening menu if you create a
DIALER.BAT file in the system subdirectory.
This batch file is executed whenever you select "Call Qmail
Systems" from the main menu. It can call up your favorite
telecommunications program and let you upload and download
mail packets, and when you exit the telecommunications
program you are returned back to DeLuxe².
Remember that you can access the @variable and DOS command
parameters from inside this batch file.
42
■ Creating "BBS-specific" batch files
The Qmail Door 4.00 has the ability to send you program
updates, text files and other information inside your Qmail
packet.
Qmail DeLuxe² will let you immediately access these extra
files whenever you open up a mail packet. If you would like
to take advantage of this feature then you need to create a
batch file named "<BBS_ID>.BAT" in the DeLuxe² system
subdirectory. All @variables and DOS command parameters are
available to you from this batch file.
Here is an example of how to use this feature. Let's say
that you call our customer support system and have turned on
our 4.00 door's ability to send you updates to Qmail DeLuxe²
from inside the door's "SERVICES" area. When you scan for
new mail the door notices that a new release of DeLuxe² has
been posted since your last mail scan. The door will
automatically place a copy of the reader into your mail
packet for downloading. For this example we will call this
file "DLX2UPDT.ZIP".
Since our Qmail <BBS_ID> is "SPARKY" you could create a
batch file in your DeLuxe² system subdirectory named
"SPARKY.BAT". When you unpacked the "SPARKY.QWK" mail
packet the reader would execute SPARKY.BAT before you
reached the DeLuxe² main menu.
SPARKY.BAT could do something like this:
ECHO OFF
CLS
IF NOT EXIST %W\Q-WORK\DLX2UPDT.ZIP GOTO CONT
@PKUNZIP@ %W\Q-WORK\DLX2UPDT.ZIP %D
DEL %W\Q-WORK\DLX2UPDT.ZIP
:CONT
The "%W" would be replaced with the path to your work
directory (notice that we added "\Q-WORK"). The "@PKUNZIP@"
is translated into your "PKUNZIP" command. "%D" is the
location of your DeLuxe² system subdirectory.
When the reader executes this batch file it can
automatically update your DeLuxe² for you!
43
■ Displaying ANSI art.
Qmail DeLuxe² has the ability to display ANSI art directly
from inside the reader.
Before DeLuxe² it was necessary for you to use "external"
programs that would show these messages correctly. Since
DeLuxe² uses a lightning fast ANSI emulator these messages
now display instantly.
We have included a few examples of some nice ANSI art inside
the TUTOR.QWK packet. If you haven't taken a look at them
you should now so you can see how DeLuxe² can handle them.
If the reader finds the word "[ANSIART]" (enclosed by
brackets) on a single line in the message then DeLuxe² knows
to treat this message as an ANSI piece of art. The reader
shifts into its "ANSI" mode and displays the entire message
immediately without pausing for the next screenful.
Some ANSI art messages may not contain the word "[ANSIART]"
so DeLuxe² does not know these are ANSI works of art. The
reader will try to display them correctly but they usually
will stop half-way in the middle of your screen. If you see
messages like this try pressing [ALT-Z] on your keyboard.
[ALT-Z] tells DeLuxe² that this is an ANSI work of art and
to display it correctly.
One problem DeLuxe² has with some ANSI art is that the
reader is just too fast to display it correctly. Some works
contain "action" in them and these just "blip" by on your
screen. If you wish to slow the display of the messages
down then press the [ALT-A] key on your keyboard. This
command "bypasses" the internal ANSI emulator and uses
ANSI.SYS instead. Please note you must have installed
ANSI.SYS in your CONFIG.SYS file in order to use [ALT-A].
44
■ Creating your own MENU files
You can modify your Qmail DeLuxe² system to provide any
number of "pulldown" or "bar" menus needed.
If you have turned on the "Menus are turned ON" switch
inside the configuration utility's "FLAGS" section then you
are already using these menus. A menu is displayed at the
DeLuxe² main screen showing you all of the commands
available. You can easily customize this menu (or create
your own) to fit your own needs.
Understanding how menus work inside Qmail DeLuxe² may seem
confusing. However, once you master them you can make any
number of additions to the basic DeLuxe² system you require.
There are three different types of "MENU" files used in the
DeLuxe² system. These menu types are:
DELUXE2.xxx DeLuxe² system menus
MENU.xxx User-created menus
SERVICES.UP Used in message addressed to "QMAIL"
The ".xxx" extensions are replaced with numbers. These
numbers are used by DeLuxe² with the "DELUXE2.xxx" menus to
determine where they are to be activated. "MENU.xxx" use
these numbers to load different menus.
This is the file layout used by the menu files. You can
create these files in any text editor or word processor:
Row position,Column position,Default menu item
Type of menu (either PULLDOWN or BAR)
Name of the menu
Command,Selection description
END
■ Row position
This is the number of the row (also known as the "X"
coordinate) to place the upper left corner of the menu.
■ Column position
This is the number of the column (also known as the "Y"
coordinate) to place the upper left corner of the menu.
■ Default menu item
This entry sets the menu bar at a default entry in the menu.
45
■ Type of menu
DeLuxe² lets you create either "PULLDOWN" or "BAR" menus.
If you wish to use a pulldown menu you must use "PULLDOWN".
Otherwise, you can use a bar menu by entering "BAR" in this
field.
■ Name of the menu
This field is displayed at the top of the menu.
■ Command
This field returns the command to execute when the entry is
selected in the menu.
This field may contain the following entries:
■ DOS=<command>
DeLuxe² will shell to DOS and execute <command>. You may
use any @variable, DOS command modifier or variable in
<command>.
■ MENU=<xxx>
This command will cause the reader to load menu #xxx from
disk. If you are using "DELUXE2" system menus then the
reader will look to load DELUXE2.xxx from the system
subdirectory. Otherwise it will look for MENU.xxx instead.
This command makes it easy to group menus by a particular
function. You could create a BAR menu that lists items like
"Editors Games Applications" and when you select
"Editors" a pulldown menu of editors is then presented on
the screen.
■ S=<xxxxx>
DeLuxe² will insert the keystrokes <xxxxx> into the DOS
keyboard buffer for immediate execution. This is a handy
way to expand the number of "macros" available in the
reader.
■ DEFAULT
This command will "pass thru" the original item stored in
the keyboard buffer. If the "selection description" is also
"DEFAULT" then the value is displayed in the menu.
■ NULL
This command gets converted to a null, or empty, entry.
46
■ Any valid DeLuxe² command.
Any other entry in the "Command" field is translated into a
valid Qmail DeLuxe². See the DELUXE2.1 file to see how the
reader uses this menu.
■ Selection description
This field is displayed in the menu. All @variables are
available for substitution in this field.
■ END
This field is an "END MARKER" that tells DeLuxe² that there
are no more entries in the menu file. The reader can
support up to 25 entries in each menu.
■ Where can you use menus?
You can use menus practically anywhere inside the Qmail
DeLuxe² reader (but not inside the configuration utility).
The only limitation is that you are prevented from using a
menu file if a "hardcoded" menu (like the list of messages
or taglines) or a DELUXE2 menu is already being displayed by
the reader.
Here is a list of locations supporting DELUXE2 menus. All
of these menu filenames are reserved by Qmail DeLuxe²:
DELUXE2.1 DeLuxe² main screen
DELUXE2.2 Reserved
DELUXE2.3 Enter a message - conferences
DELUXE2.4 Enter a message - "To"
DELUXE2.5 Reserved
DELUXE2.6 Enter a message - "Subject"
DELUXE2.7 Enter a message - Personal msg?
DELUXE2.8 Enter a message - Sender password
DELUXE2.81 Enter a message to "QMAIL"
You can create other DELUXE2.xxx files that link into these
menus.
47
■ What are "MENU.xxx" files?
The "MENU.xxx" files are "user-created" menus that you may
assign to function keys (see "Function key definitions" for
more information about function keys).
You can create a menu file named "MENU.1" that contains a
list of applications that you might like to execute from
inside Qmail DeLuxe². If you assign your [F1] function key
the command "MENU=1" then whenever you press the [F1] key
this menu will be displayed on your screen (except if an
existing menu is already on display).
MENU.1 can execute an application, stuff characters in the
DOS keyboard buffer for immediate execution or supply Qmail
DeLuxe² with a command. MENU.1 can even display the MENU.2
file (if one exists).
You can assign a function key a special "MENU=" command. If
you use the command "MENU={HELP}" then the reader will load
the MENU.xxx file for the current "HELP" record number. In
other words, if you are reading messages then the current
help record number is "29". If you assign your [F1]
function key to "HELP={HELP}" and you press the [F1] key
while reading messages then the reader will load "MENU.29".
This feature allows you to create "context-sensitive" menus
that can be displayed at any time in the reader.
48
■ HELP record numbers
This is a list of locations inside the Qmail DeLuxe² reader.
1. Opening screen with mail packets
2. Enter messages without a packet
3. Welcome file display
4. News file display
5. Session.txt file display
6. Replies on file
7. Delete replies
8. "Are you sure you wish to delete these replies"
9. Bookmark found
10. Enter your user name
11. Main menu display
12. Bulletins
13. Enter a message or reply
14. "Save this message?"
15. Save in conference number?
16. "To?"
17. "Subject?"
18. "Private?"
19. "Sender password"
20. "Is this correct (Yes or No)?"
21. Taglines menu
22. New files
23. Goodbye menu
24. Rename this packet
25. Delete this packet
26. Join a conference
27. Manage replies help prompt
28. QwikScan menu
29. Read messages help prompt
30. Archive messages
31. Services menu
32. Entering a message - at the message to QMAIL
33. Select more than one editor when entering messages.
49
■ Message export file formats
Qmail DeLuxe² allows you to export the contents of a message
and its associated information to a file that can be
processed by another program.
When this feature is enabled DeLuxe² copies each message
displayed on the screen to the filename you enter in this
section. This is a powerful feature that lets third-party
software link into Qmail DeLuxe² and offer you capabilities
above those found in the reader.
The format of the exported message file is:
Qmail DeLuxe² release number
Name of the bulletin board
Location
Telephone number
Sysop's name
Qmail Door serial number
PCBoard message status (225=Active, 226=Deleted)
Conference number
Message number
Message status flag
Date
Time
To
From
Subject
Reference number
Number of lines in text body
...Message text...
If you would like to use this feature then you should enter
the name of the message file to be created by DeLuxe²
whenever you enter a message. You may also enter the name
of a program that can be executed every time you view a
message. You may also choose to display the message by
Qmail DeLuxe² in addition to processing it externally.
Please note that you do not need to fill in the program name
to use this feature.
■ Create your own HELP files
If you would like to create your own custom HELP files for
Qmail DeLuxe² all you need to do is create a file named
HELP.xxx (where xxx is the HELP record number) in the
DeLuxe² system subdirectory. Whenever you press [ALT-H] for
online help the reader first checks the system subdirectory
for HELP.xxx and if it is not found it then opens HELP.DAT.
50
■ Appendix A: Customer support plan
If you have a question or problem using Qmail DeLuxe² we
will be happy to help you. It is strongly recommended that
you follow these steps in trying to obtain help.
You should rely on this manual and online help to answer
questions about using Qmail DeLuxe². Remember that you can
access HELP from anywhere in the DeLuxe² system by pressing
the [ALT-H] keys on your keyboard (first hold down [ALT] and
hold it down while pressing the [H] key). Pressing [ALT-H]
in the system will tell you what you need to know about the
function at that time.
Please remember that we can only provide support for Qmail
DeLuxe². If you are experiencing problems using your modem
or printer we cannot help you.
51
■ Duplicate the problem on your system first
Make sure that you can produce the problem at least twice on
your own system before you attempt to contact us. If you
cannot reproduce the problem on your own system then we
cannot duplicate it on our own systems here.
Please provide us with copies of your CONFIG.SYS and
AUTOEXEC.BAT files. We also require the following
information:
Qmail DeLuxe² release number (or release date)
Computer make and model
Amount of memory (RAM)
Version of DOS (Disk Operating System)
Printer model (parallel or serial)
Type of modem
Type of graphics card
Type of monitor
■ Try contacting us through the echo support conferences
If your problem is not urgent or you have a question you can
leave a message addressed to "QMAIL SUPPORT" in the Qmail
Product Support echo conference on the following networks:
InterLink
NorthAmeriNet
RIME
SmartNet
You can probably connect with one of these networks with a
local call from your location. You may call our customer
support system at (901) 382-5583 and locate the nearest
network system from our list of bulletins.
■ Call our customer support system
Sparkware maintains a PCBoard system running 24 hours a day
for our customers at (901) 382-5583. We are using a
USRobotics HST modem and can provide connections up to
19,200 baud.
Conference #3 is reserved for Qmail DeLuxe² customer
support. Please leave your message in this area and we will
reply to your questions here.
52
■ Call our office at (901) 373-MAIL
If you cannot reach us by any other means then you call our
office for telephone support. Office hours are between
10:00am and 5:00pm central time on weekdays, closed for
lunch between 12:00pm and 1:00pm. If we are not available
an answering machine will take your call and we will return
your call collect.
Please note that the office is closed evenings, weekends and
holidays.
53
■ Appendix B: Using WordPerfect with Qmail DeLuxe²
You too can experience the ultimate high in ultra-modern
decadence! If you own WordPerfect 5.1, you may be able to
use the Mercedes Benz of wordprocessors to answer your
electronic mail.
Requirements: IBM or compatible PC.
640K of memory.
WordPerfect 5.1
Qmail DeLuxe².
First, you must go into the DeLuxe² configuration utility.
Then select "EDITORS" and enter the name "QREP" or any
other name you wish to give your batch file. This batch
file is used in place of an editor command. Then create the
batch file QREP.BAT (or whatever name you chose) and it must
located in a subdirectory that is in your search path. Your
batch file should look like this:
ECHO OFF
ECHO LOADING PROGRAM. PLEASE WAIT.
IF NOT EXIST \DELUXE2\REPLY GOTO CONTINUE
COPY \DELUXE2\REPLY \DELUXE2\TMP > NUL
COPY \DELUXE2\TMP /A \DELUXE2\REPLY /B > NUL
:CONTINUE
ECHO * >> \DELUXE2\REPLY
CD \WP
WP/M-GETMAIL
CD \DELUXE2
Of course you will need to amend this to match your own
directory structure. If you don't want to call your macro
for getting the mail GETMAIL, substitute whatever you want
for the macro name (limit is 8 characters.) The third
through seventh lines guarantee that you will have a TEMP
file to load into WordPerfect whether you are just starting
a reply or "OOPS"ing a reply you saved too soon. After
creating your batch file, you are ready to create the
necessary macros.
54
Start Qmail DeLuxe². Select a message to reply to or choose
to enter a message. WordPerfect will give an error message
because the macro GETMAIL (or whatever you called it) does
not yet exist. Then you will be sitting in the usual almost
empty screen as WordPerfect waits for your input. Hit
[SHIFT][F1] followed by 6 followed by 6 followed by [ENTER]
to make sure that you are using the original keyboard
description. Hit [SHIFT][F1] followed by 8 followed by "u"
to be sure you are using the old familiar WordPerfect 4.2
units. Hit [CONTROL][F10] to begin the macro
definition. Enter the name GETMAIL (or whatever you chose)
and enter a description of the macro (e.g. Get mail and
initialize reply space.) Enter the following sequence of
keys, adjusting as necessary to match your directory
structure. (Do not type in the commas!):
[SHIFT][F8], 1, 7, 0, [ENTER], 13, [ENTER], [ENTER], [ENTER]
[CONTROL][F3], 1, 11, [ENTER]
[CONTROL][F5], 1, 2, \DELUXE2\ORIGINAL, [ENTER]
[SHIFT][F3]
[SHIFT][F8], 1, 7, 0, [ENTER], 13, [ENTER], [ENTER], [ENTER]
[CONTROL][F5], 1, 2, \DELUXE2\ORIGINAL, [ENTER]
[HOME], [HOME], [DOWN-ARROW], [BACKSPACE], [BACKSPACE]
[CONTROL][F10]
This sequence of keys sets the margins for document 1 (upper
window) to 0 and 72, sets the number of lines for the upper
window to 11, brings "ORIGINAL" (the current message from
DeLuxe²) into the upper window, switches to document 2
(lower window), sets the margins for document 2 to 0 and 72,
brings REPLY into document 2 and cleans up the two garbage
characters that the batch file put there to make sure there
was a REPLY to bring in.
After closing the macro, the flashing "Macro Def" will still
be in the upper window. Don't worry about it. Now you can
switch windows as desired to clip from the message for your
reply. The first time you switch to the upper window (by
hitting [SHIFT][F3]) the flashing "Macro Def" will
disappear. To copy text from the original message for your
reply, position the cursor at the beginning of the text you
want to clip and hit [ALT][F4]. Move the cursor to the end
of the text you want and hit [CONTROL][F4] followed by 1
followed by 2. Switch back to the lower window, position
the cursor and hit [ENTER] to retrieve the text. Put ">"
marks or something at the beginning of each line of copied
text to indicate that it is quoted from another letter. You
may have to delete carriage returns to pretty up the
clipped text.
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Finish your message and you are ready to create the macro to
save the reply and exit WordPerfect 5.1. Make sure you are
in the lower window (document 2) and hit [CONTROL][F10] to
begin the macro definition. Enter an [ALT] letter
combination for the name of the macro (I call mine [ALT-Z])
and enter a description (e.g. Save reply in ASCII format for
DeLuxe²). Enter the following sequence of keys. (Do not
type in the commas!):
[CONTROL][F5], 1, 1, [ENTER], Y, [F7], N, Y, [F7], N, Y
This macro saves your reply as ASCII text and exits both
windows without saving anything in WordPerfect format.
Exiting WordPerfect automatically closes the macro
definition. Now that both macros are finished, in the
future to use WordPerfect 5.1 with Qmail DeLuxe², all you
need do is choose to reply or enter a message and hit
[ALT-Z] (or whatever [ALT] letter combination you chose) in
the lower window to save your reply when finished and exit
to DeLuxe². Wasn't that easy?
--Ed Shoulta
Memphis, Tennessee
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■ Appendix C: Using Qmail DeLuxe² with a Logitech mouse
NOTES ABOUT COMPATIBILITY
The mouse menu for Qmail DeLuxe² was developed for the
Logitech C7 serial mouse using levels 4.0 of NEWMENU.EXE and
MENU.COM (LOGIMENU.COM) and level 4.1 of MOUSE.COM. If it
does not work with your Logitech mouse, you may need to
compile DELUXE2.DEF with your software level's NEWMENU.EXE
program to generate a usable DELUXE2.MNU. Some levels use
the name MENU.COM while others use the name LOGIMENU.COM for
the program that loads the mouse menus. I have renamed my
program MENU.COM; you may need to substitute the name
LOGIMENU below wherever MENU is referenced in this section.
NOTES ABOUT SETTINGS
The definition file has been written so that the
Logitech mouse buttons work in the following way:
Left [ENTER]
Middle Display appropriate popup menus
Right [ESC]
Left-Middle [Y] (for "Yes" response)
Middle-Right [N] (for "No" response)
Left-Right [PgUp]
Left-Middle-Right [PgDn]
The menu expects the "HotKeys" flag in DeLuxe² to be set to
YES (you can do this from inside the configuration utility
under the "FLAGS" command).
The popup menus are displayed in black on dull white (the
Help and F-keys menus are displayed in bold white on black)
so that they should be highly visible on monochrome screens
as well as on color screens. You can tell the mouse menus
by the double lines for the menu borders -- Qmail DeLuxe²
uses single lines for menus.
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Generally, mouse menus are provided only where Qmail DeLuxe²
does not already have a menu available and where you would
otherwise have to use the keyboard to issue commands. The
DeLuxe² Main Menu is an exception. DeLuxe² provides this
menu, but if you set the flag for "Menus are turned ON"
inside the configuration utility to "NO", then the DeLuxe²
menu will not appear. You may pop up the mouse menu over
the DeLuxe² main menu without any harm. If you sense that a
menu might be useful, press the middle button of your mouse.
If a menu is available then it will pop up immediately.
Often the available menu will be a Help menu offering to
call the built-in help screens. If you don't really need
help, select "OOPS!" to return to the regular screen. (I
hope that *only* the appropriate menu pops up at any given
time. If you find any problem, please let me know.)
(If you wish to have other settings and you know how to
write or edit Logitech definition files, see Section 2
below.)
NOTES ABOUT RELOADING THE MOUSE MENU
If you "shell" to DOS from Qmail DeLuxe² and use a program
that uses its own mouse driver (such as the "John Hancock"
program for supplying taglines), you may find when you
return to DeLuxe² that your mouse will no longer operate.
This is because the program you executed while at DOS
"disconnected" the mouse menus. You will have to reload the
mouse menu yourself. I find it convenient to configure a
function key inside DeLuxe² for this purpose. I keep my
mouse software in the "\BAT" subdirectory, so I have set
[F2] to send:"\BAT\MENU\DELUXE2" (See "Function key
definitions" for instructions on how to configure your own
function keys.) An alternative method is to call "John
Hancock" through a batch file instead. I use "JHBAT.BAT",
which reads as follows:
JH
\BAT\MENU DELUXE2
After "John Hancock" executes, the batch file will reload
the menu before it returns control to the reader.
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1. INSTALLING THE LOGITECH MENU FOR QMAIL DELUXE²
You must have the mouse driver (MOUSE.COM or MOUSE.SYS)
loaded before you may proceed. Either load the mouse driver
in your CONFIG.SYS or AUTOEXEC.BAT files.
Copy the DELUXE2.MNU file into the DeLuxe² system
subdirectory. This is where DELUXE2.EXE is located on your
system.
You will need to tell DeLuxe² to load the DELUXE2.MNU file
AFTER it has loaded itself and you will need to set certain
flags for the menu to operate correctly.
Execute the reader program as you usually do (this will
usually be by executing the command DELUXE2 with any
switches you may need to set). Select "Configure Qmail
DeLuxe²" from the menu.
Inside the configuration utility, choose the option for
"Flags" and set "Hotkeys are turned ON" to YES. Also set
"Display HELP value on the screen" to YES.
Press the [ESC] key to return to the Configuration menu.
Choose the option for "Miscellaneous". Select "DOS command
to execute after loading DeLuxe²..." and enter the same
command used above for reloading the mouse menu (for
example, "\BAT\MENU DELUXE2").
If you desire, set up a function key as described above for
reloading the mouse menu if it gets destroyed by a program
such as "John Hancock".
You can save yourself some effort in using a mouse if you
set the flag for "Automatically join the next conference" to
YES (from inside the "FLAGS" area) and use "J N R" as both
your "AutoJoin sequence" and "Autostart command" while here
in the "Miscellaneous" section.
Press the [ESC] key to exit the "Miscellanous" section and
then press the [ESC] key to exit from the configuration
menu. Save the changes you have made and you will return
back to Qmail DeLuxe².
If you have set up a function key as recommended above, you
may now press that function key to load the Logitech menu.
If you have not set up a function key, you will need to exit
DeLuxe² and start the reader again to load the mouse menu.
After you have installed the menu according to these
instructions, it should automatically load and execute every
time you use the reader.
59
2. IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE THE MENU (ADD COLORS TO THE POP-UP
MENUS, ADD OR DELETE FEATURES, CHANGE SETTINGS, ETC.)
Make backup copies of both DELUXE2.DEF and DELUXE2.MNU
before you make any changes.
Use a text editor to edit DELUXE2.DEF to incorporate your
changes, following the specifications of the menu language
in the Logitech manual.
Recompile DELUXE2.DEF with NEWMENU.EXE to produce an updated
DELUXE2.MNU.
Copy the updated DELUXE2.MNU into the DeLuxe² system
subdirectory.
Install the mouse menu as detailed above.
--Maurice Crouse
Memphis, Tennessee
60
■ Appendix D: Other third-party Qmail products available
Many products have been produced since Qmail DeLuxe²'s
introduction to help you get more out of Qmail. Other
products have been around before Qmail's introduction and
you will find it worthwhile to investigate them
All of these products mentioned below are available for
downloading from our customer support bulletin board system.
You may call our BBS at (901) 382-5583 and use the "D"
command from the "Main Board Command?" prompt to download
these files. The names of the files are listed by the
program titles. Please note that we have renamed these
files to these filenames in order to make it easier for you
to find them on our BBS.
■ John Hancock (Filename: JH.ZIP)
John Hancock is a utility from The Silicon Frog, Inc. that
lets you manage literally thousands of taglines for use in
Qmail DeLuxe².
JH (as it is better known) can be installed inside DeLuxe²
so you can select taglines from its menu rather than from
the nineteen internal taglines DeLuxe² supports. JH carries
a $15 registration fee and when you register you receive a
"Bonus Pack" that includes the "Robbin Hancock tagline
thief" (lets you steal other users taglines!) and other
goodies.
If you need more information you can mail inquiries to
Dan Moore
1514 South Drive
Columbus, Indiana 47201
or you can contact the author directly on the JH Product
Support BBS. Call Cheers! at (901) 373-5941 and leave a
message to DAN MOORE.
If you are interested in obtaining JH you will need to
download these files:
JH.ZIP The John Hancock programs
JHDOCS.ZIP Documentation for JH
JHSHOWS.ZIP Demonstration programs
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■ QMM (Filename: QMM.ZIP)
QMM is a "communications manager" for The Qmail Door. Jack
Mlynek wrote these systems and they work with the Telix
Communications System (also a shareware product) from Exis,
Inc.
QMM will let you call PCBoards running The Qmail Door and
handle all of the steps needed to gather your mail packets.
You can setup QMM so that it will call your favorite
PCBoards at night when long distance rates are at their
lowest.
QMM carries a $30 registration fee. Registered users will
receive QMMSys as a gift. QMMSys provides an interface
between Telix, QMM, Qmail and PCBoard. In addition, QMMSys
contains The Files Manager, which will let you use the New
Files List created by The Qmail Door to tag files for
downloading.
If you do not have a copy of Telix then you will also need
to download the Telix Communications System in order to use
QMM.
If you require any additional information about QMM you may
mail inquires to
Jack Mlynek
2181 Adair Crescent
Oakville, Ontario L6J 5J6
Canada
■ Liberator (Filename: LIBERATE.ZIP)
Liberator is also a communications manager for the Telix
Communications System.
Like QMM, Liberator will let you call bulletin boards that
use The Qmail Door and can gather your mail packets
automatically for you.
Liberator carries a $20 shareware registration fee. When
you register the program, you will be paying for the version
that you are currently using, and any future releases that
come out (the next release is mailed to you for $5.00. You
will receive the satisfaction of knowing that you have kept
your part of the deal, and helped to insure that the product
continues. There are currently no extra 'gimmicks' or extra
benefits. Never-the-less, your name is kept on file, and in
the event that any registration gimmicks become necessary
(such as a registered version, etc.), you will receive full
benefits.
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If you need additional information you may contact the
author by mail at this address:
Wayne Duff
3091 Eglinton Avenue, E. Suite 602
Scarboro, Ontario M1J 2G1
■ Qmail30R (Filename: QMAIL30R.ZIP)
This system is a collection of scripts for Qmodem 4.2 users
written by Mike Callahan, aka Dr. File Finder. If you use
the Qmodem Telecommunications System then you will find that
Qmail30R will also gather your mail packets much like QMM
and Liberator do for Telix but it is not as full-featured.
■ Qmodem
Qmodem is the "grandaddy" of the four telecommunication
programs listed in this appendix. However, you would never
know it by looking at it.
Qmodem makes an excellent communications system for the
serious user. If you wish to use Qmodem to gather your
Qmail packets please check out QMAIL30R.ZIP too.
Qmodem is shareware and carries a $30.00 registration fee.
The complete package including disks, printed manual and
registration is $79.95
If you wish to download the latest copy of QModem from our
support bulletin board system you will need to download
these five files:
QMODEM-1.ZIP
QMODEM-2.ZIP
QMODEM-3.ZIP
QMODEM-4.ZIP
QMODEM-5.ZIP
If you desire additional information about Qmodem you may
contact:
The Forbin Project
P.O. Box 702
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
Voice: (319) 232-4516
BBS: (319) 233-6157
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■ Telix
Telix is another telecommunications program that many Qmail
owners use to gather their mail packets. When you combine
Telix with either QMM or Liberator you end up with a mail
packet system that will fill your needs quite well.
Telix is shareware and carries a $39 (US) registration fee.
If you wish to download the latest copy of Telix from our
support BBS you will need to download these three files:
TELIX-1.ZIP
TELIX-2.ZIP
TELIX-3.ZIP
If you desire additional information about Telix you may
contact:
Exis, Inc.
P.O. Box 130
West Hill, Ontario M1E 4R4
Voice: (416) 289-4641
BBS: (416) 439-8293
■ Boyan
Boyan is a communications system written by Justin Boyan so
he could earn enough money to send himself to college. Not
only has Justin achieved his goal but he produced a very
nice telecommunications program in the process.
Boyan is shareware and carries a $40.00 registration fee.
If you wish to download the latest copy of Boyan from our
support bulletin board you will need to download these
files:
BOYAN-1.ZIP
BOYAN-2.ZIP
If you desire additional information about Boyan you may
contact:
Justin Boyan
P.O. Box 71
Woodstock, Maryland 21163
BBS: (201) 794-7125
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■ PkZip (Filename: PKZIPSYS.EXE)
PkZip is by far the most widely used archiving system with
Qmail Doors today. If you do not currently have a copy of
PKZIP in your toolbox you do need to download this file from
our customer support BBS.
PkZip carries a $25.00 shareware registration fee. PkZip is
a product of
PkWare, Inc.
7545 N. Port Washington Road
Glendale, Wisconsin 53217
■ PkPak (Filename: PKARCSYS.EXE)
The second most popular system used by Qmail Door sysops is
the PkArc/PkPak archiving system.
Due to an out of court settlement support is no longer
offered for PkArc by PkWare. This system is offered for
downloading on the support BBS so our customers will be able
to find it should a Qmail Door still use this system.
■ QEdit (Filename: QEDIT.ZIP)
QEdit (from SemWare) is, in the author's opinion, the BEST
editor for use with Qmail DeLuxe². QEdit makes quoting
messages a breeze and it is both fast and small. You can
configure QEdit to fit just about any key patterns you wish.
Fast and flexible, QEdit fits the bill.
■ Sled (Filename: SLED.ZIP)
Usually you will find that if Qmail DeLuxe² users do not use
QEdit then they will be using SLED (if not one of the
commercially available word processing systems).
SLED is small...smaller than QEdit. It does not offer the
same features that QEdit does but it does get the job done.
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■ Appendix E: Developing products for the Qmail DeLuxe² API
Qmail DeLuxe² contains a fully defined "Applications Program
Interface" or "API". It is possible for other developers to
write applications that use this API for "seamless"
integration into the program environment. Please call our
customer support system at (901) 382-5583 for more
information.
■ Appendix F: Ordering The Qmail Door
The Qmail Door works with PCBoard and lets your own users
send and receive messages from your BBS. Instead of
connecting with your system for long periods of time reading
messages online your users will receive their messages
inside an archived packet quickly. They could read and
reply to these messages using our Qmail family of readers.
Any replies entered could be uploaded back to your BBS
through The Qmail Door.
There are presently over 600 Qmail Doors used on PCBoard
systems throughout the world. We've also had the pleasure
of shipping over 6,500 copies of our Qmail DeLuxe reader to
users.
The Qmail Door is available for $50.00 (US funds). You may
either send a check to:
Sparkware
P.O. Box 605
Cordova, Tennessee 38018
or call our support BBS at (901) 382-5583 and use your
Visa/MasterCard to order the system. If you choose to use
your credit card please use the command "ORDER" on our
system and fill out the questions.
■ Appendix G: QNet Echomail software
If you own a PCBoard bulletin board system you might like to
call our customer support BBS and download QNET.ZIP.
This archive contains our QNet echomail software and allows
you to connect with other major echomail networks. QNet is
easy to install and simple to maintain.
QNet is shareware and carries a $25 registration fee.
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■ Appendix H: Special offer for Qmail Door sysops
Sparkware has made Qmail DeLuxe² available to sysops who
would like to purchase copies for their own users. If you
are a sysop and would like to take advantage of this offer
please contact our offices at (901) 373-MAIL or call our
customer support BBS at (901) 382-5583 for more information.
Quantity Price each (US Funds)
-------- ---------------------
1 $25.00
2-4 20.00
5-9 17.50
10-24 15.00
25-49 12.50
50+ 10.00
Your users will be considered fully registered owners of
Qmail DeLuxe² by us and will be able to obtain support
directly from Sparkware.
If your system is not a member of an echomail network
through which we provide Qmail support you will be able to
echo our Qmail support conference based on our BBS.
67