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JaxHost v5.0 (1/28/90) (c) Copyright 1986 - 1990 by J.C. Kilday Associates Developed at the Northern Lights BBS 207-766-2467 9600(HST)/2400/1200 Table of Contents ----------------- Introduction .................... 1 Description ..................... 1 Advanced Answering Modes ........ 2 Installation .................... 3 Additional Setup Notes .......... 4 Operating JaxHost ............... 6 Enhancing Your Installation ..... 7 Distribution and Restrictions ... 8 After You Register JaxHost ...... 8 Support ......................... 9 JaxHost v5.0 Page 1 Introduction ------------ JaxHost is a specialized host communications program primarily intended to support operations at the DOS level on the host. It may be interfaced with other communications packages to implement more complex functions. It has been successfully used with Ken Brown's REMDoor (REMote Maintenance BBS Door Program which includes a full-screen editor) and with Marshall Dudley's Doorway (which allows nearly any non-graphics program to be run from remote). File transfer operations may be supported through REMDoor or other programs as mentioned in the next section. Popular applications of JaxHost include home-to-office (and vice versa) communications as well as operations between a company home office and its remote sites. Software configuration and file maintenance on the JaxHost-equipped host are frequent uses. JaxHost is designed for operation on an IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2 or a close compatible connected to a Hayes 1200 or Hayes-compatible modem or a US Robotics HST. The complete JaxHost v5.0 package includes the following files: JAXHOST.DOC - this file JAXHOST.COM - executable module JAXHOST.OVR - JaxHost "overlay" file CONFIG.HLP - context-sensitive help file HOST.BAT - optional controlling batch file DO_CTTY.BAT - optional batch file executed by JaxHost JHORDER.FRM - order form for registering JaxHost WHATS.NEW - summary of new features in v5.0 READ.ME - quick review information Description ----------- JaxHost normally monitors the modem and upon detecting a ring answers the call while adjusting to the caller's baud rate. Speeds of 19,200 bps down to 300 bps are supported with the following comm parameters: 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit. Upon successful connect, JaxHost greets the caller with a one-line message of your choosing and requests entry of a password, also of your choosing. If the correct password is supplied and the callback mode is not in effect, JaxHost will transfer control of the next part of the communications session to other software. Depending on the configuration option chosen, the caller may be dropped to the DOS level (with the DOS CTTY command having been invoked to support continued communications). Or a caller may next see another communications application, such as a BBS-like package, or a menu of programs that might be run (possible if a package such as Marshall Dudley's Doorway is used). If the correct password is not given to JaxHost in three attempts, JaxHost hangs up and recycles. For enhanced security against unauthorized access the callback feature is available. If the callback mode is in effect when the correct password is given, rather than give the caller immediate access, the program disconnects the caller and dials the telephone number specified in the configuration data. Access is granted only if there is a successful connect at that number. JaxHost makes up to 3 attempts to establish a connect (it calls a 2nd and 3rd time at intervals of 1 minute if no answer, a busy signal, or no modem connect). If no connection is made on the 3rd attempt, the program JaxHost v5.0 Page 2 recycles and sets up to await another call. If access is granted to the DOS level on the host machine (through CTTY or the equivalent), most DOS commands may be executed and so may other programs designed for "line-at-a-time" operation, usually capable of having console (keyboard and display) data redirected. File transfers to and from the host machine also are possible. A program called XFER supports Xmodem, Xmodem/CRC, and Ymodem (actually 1K-Xmodem) file transfers invoked from the DOS level on the host machine. XFER was written by the author of JaxHost (current version is 1.50, available as XFER150.ZIP on many BBSs and large online services). If not available on the BBS from which you obtained this program, first-time callers may download it from the author's BBS listed at the end of this documentation. You might also like to try Chuck Forsberg's DSZ for Zmodem file transfers, rather than the older protocols provided by XFER (although XFER is simpler to use). A log of call activity (a file called JH.LOG) is created by JaxHost so that any attempts of unauthorized access to your system may be noted. Calls accepted (and normal logoffs), rejected calls (password failures), and other connects not resulting in access to the system (hang ups at the password prompt and 3-minute timeouts awaiting password entry) are all recorded in this text file. The file includes the date and time of each call and how each ended. It can be viewed using the the DOS TYPE command. It may be deleted at any time (using DOS ERASE or DEL) and the program will start a new one whenever the next entry is to be made. When JaxHost is awaiting a call, a display including the date and time, some key setup information, and present JaxHost status is shown. A screen blanker turns off the screen if there is no keyboard activity within a 2-minute span. Striking any key restores the display. The display also is toggled on and off by hitting F9. F10 presents information about the program. F3 allows access to the configuration screen where various JaxHost setup options may be specified. F1 or F2 cause JaxHost to terminate. F1 leaves the telephone line in a BUSY state (modem offhook) while F2 leaves the modem onhook. Advanced Answering Modes ------------------------ JaxHost normally is set up to answer a call on the first ring. But where there is need for the host computer to share a phone line and not intrude on voice calls, special answering modes may be configured. "Long Ring" may be configured such that JaxHost answers only after the specified number of rings have been received. Alternatively, "Ring Back" may be chosen. This mode requires a caller to dial twice before JaxHost answers. The first call consists of a specified number of rings (or JaxHost can be configured for a non-specific number of rings on the first call). JaxHost answers a second call if received within one minute of the first that lasted the proscribed number of rings. Still another answering mode, Triggered Callback, may be specified where JaxHost never answers but, instead, places a call to the number with which it had been configured. Almost a combination of callback and Ring Back, Triggered Callback is set up by two calls much the same as Ring Back. The first call must be of a specified number of rings (or a non-specific number) and a second call must be received within JaxHost v5.0 Page 3 Advanced Answering Modes (Continued) ------------------------------------ one minute of the first. If so "triggered", JaxHost goes offhook and dials out. Upon connecting to the called computer, a password is required before the called party is allowed access. Just as in the callback process described earlier, 3 attempts at a successful connect are made. Installation ------------ JaxHost v5.0 is designed to operate under DOS 3.0, and up, on IBM PC's, XT's, AT's and compatibles equipped with Hayes 1200-compatible modems. If JaxHost has been configured to answer on true ring detect, the modem cable used must have pin 22 (ring indicate) connected. Also pin 20 (Data Transmitter Ready signal) must be connected and the modem must be capable of providing result messages indicating baud rate at connect time (e.g., CONNECT 1200). Recommended Hayes switch settings are: SW 1 - Up, DTR normal (pin 20 controlled by program) SW 2 - Up, Verbal result messages sent (not numeric result codes) SW 3 - Dn, Result messages sent (not quiet mode) SW 4 - Dn, Commands not echoed back SW 5 - Dn, Auto Answer suppressed (controlled by program) SW 6 - Up, Carrier detect indicated by modem (not always on) SW 7 - Up, Single phone line connection SW 8 - Dn, Normal "AT" command set enabled If you are using a modem other than the Hayes standard, make sure that its basic configurable functions are set up the same as above. If your modem does not have switches for one or more of the above functions, there should be appropriate AT commands to achieve the same state. Please consult your modem owner's manual. JaxHost has been improved so that the complication of having controlling batch files is no longer a requirement. There may be circumstances, however, that may require you to use a batch file (like HOST.BAT, included in the distribution archive), but more on that later. To install the software you need only copy JAXHOST.COM, JAXHOST.OVR, and CONFIG.HLP to a directory from which it will be run. The directory you choose should be the default directory when JaxHost is invoked. To configure JaxHost, run it for the first time in LOCAL mode so that it won't look for your modem and attempt to initialize it. Enter the command: JAXHOST L . The L command line parameter specifies LOCAL mode. Initially, the file JHCONFIG cannot be found, you are so informed, and the configuration/setup screen is presented with default settings. If you take some time with this screen and use the F1 key to display the available help for each configuration item, you'll have a good understanding of JaxHost capabilities when you finish. Hit the F10 key to save the configuration information. After JaxHost returns to its status screen, hit F1 or F2 to quit operations in LOCAL mode. If all necessary configuration information has been specified and you've set up whatever batch files and/or other programs that are to be accessed from remote through JaxHost, your're ready to try bringing JaxHost v5.0 Page 4 Installation (Continued) ------------------------ up JaxHost for its first test run. The command JAXHOST with no command line parameters should be tried next. If the code displays a status screen and "Waiting for a call" in the status field, you're ready to try calling in. As indicated on the screen, you may exit JaxHost by pressing F1 or F2 (choose F1 if you wish to have the line ring BUSY to anyone calling). JHCONFIG is a straight ASCII file and can be modified using any ASCII editor so long as its lines are not interchanged and the limits of the variables (as specified by the original prompts for the data) are not exceeded. It may be necessary to modify this file from remote, in which case the DOS EDLIN line editor may be used. Additional Setup Notes ---------------------- Near the bottom of the configuration screen is a parameter headed by: "Program name of executable to be run ...". If this item is left empty, JaxHost exits to DOS upon successful entry of a password from remote. Therefore, proper operation of JaxHost requires that a batch file such as HOST.BAT be used as a controlling batch file when the "program name to execute" is left blank on the configuration screen. If you study HOST.BAT, you will see how JaxHost is controlled and is not permitted to drop to DOS without invoking a communications program or CTTY (which will redirect the console to the communications port). A better way to set up JaxHost is to enable it to "shell out" to a another program to be executed when a caller successfully enters the password. This can be done by specifying the program name to execute, perhaps as in the following example: c:\command do_ctty where do_ctty.bat might be: @echo off ctty com1 echo To logoff, type EXIT and hit (ENTER). command The above setup allows you to invoke JaxHost on the host computer by merely the command JAXHOST. When a caller enters the correct password, a shell to do_ctty.bat is invoked and the simple batch file redirects the console to the COM1 commport, provides a prompt about logging off to the caller, and finally invokes another copy of COMMAND.COM. Operations at the DOS level from remote are sustained until the caller gives the EXIT command. Upon the EXIT, control is returned directly to JaxHost and the code recycles internally to set up for another call. JaxHost v5.0 Page 5 Additional Setup Notes (Continued) ---------------------------------- The simplest form of this concept is accomplished without even shelling to a batch file. Simply specify the following command for JaxHost to execute directly: c:\command ctty com1 The result is similar to the previous batch file example. Use the command EXIT to log off. This setup also allows JaxHost to remain resident during the "shell." While the communications activities are in progress, JaxHost monitors the "carrier detect" signal from the modem. Should there be a loss of carrier (the caller becomes disconnected), JaxHost will reboot the system. If your AUTOEXEC.BAT is set up to invoke JaxHost, then your host communications facility will be restored. Otherwise, an accidental disconnect will cause the system to be unavailable until someone manually sets it up again. There are some additional ways of running JaxHost without resorting to use of controlling batch files. As examples, you might try running Marshall Dudley's Doorway program or Ken Brown's RemDOOR (DRWY205.ZIP or REMDR201.ZIP on most BBSs, as of this writing). Sample command lines that you would enter as the program name to execute in JaxHost's configuration screen are: doorway COM1 /g:on /m:100 /O: /S:* /v:d^U /R:^X /c:dos (causes Doorway to operate using COM1, allowing the caller 100 minutes of time after dropping to DOS. Additionally it would allow the running of full-screen, direct screen-writing applications from remote, such as Lotus, word processors, Kedit, Brief, Vern Buerg's LIST, etc. ) OR remdoor 1 (invokes REMDOOR on COM1, and allows numerous DOS commands and use of an internal editor.) Both of the above show how JaxHost may be set up to operate in conjunction with other software without using batch files. The advantages are simplicity, speed of recycling after a call, and internal monitoring of carrier detect (CD on the modem) and rebooting of the system in the event of carrier loss. The only disadvantage to this kind of setup is that, in the worst case, about 72K of memory is required for JaxHost and COMMAND.COM during the shell. If you cannot afford the memory utilization, a controlling batch file such as HOST.BAT is the last resort. Operation within HOST.BAT leaves more of system memory available for applications after JaxHost has answered the call and verified correct password entry. For this reason, operation with a controlling batch file such as HOST.BAT remains an available option. JaxHost v5.0 Page 6 Additional Setup Notes (Continued) ---------------------------------- If you use the batch file approach to control of JaxHost, include HOST.BAT in the directory where you have installed JaxHost. Modify it to suit your environment and setup as appropriate. For example, you may wish to change "CTTY COM11" to "CTTY COM2" if you have specified use of COM2 on the JaxHost configuration screen. Operating JaxHost ----------------- If the JaxHost drive/directory is the current default, and your modem is turned on, simply enter the following command to run: JAXHOST (or HOST if employing batch file) The complete syntax of JAXHOST is as follows: JAXHOST [ L|[ C|T ] [ S ] ] [ O ] The C and T are optional parameters which invoke the callback mode or triggered callback mode (but only if the callback mode had been configured during the setup of JHCONFIG). If the S parm is specified alone or appended to another parm such as C or T, the "slow" BIOS screen write method will be used for writing to the host system screens. Otherwise, fast screen writing methods are used. If running under a multi-tasker such as Omniview or DoubleDOS, some bleed through may be noted if JaxHost is operating in a background partition. In such cases, specifying the S parm clears up that problem. Examples: JAXHOST T or JAXHOST CS or JAXHOST S (or HOST C or HOST TS or HOST S if employing batch file) The L parm specifies local mode (no communication with a modem) as mentioned in an earlier section. The O parm is used only when employing the batch file option to recycle the code externally. JaxHost invoked with the O disconnects the caller and exits back to the batch file. When used the O parm must be the only command line parm. To terminate JaxHost operation from the host console, hit F1 or F2. If a caller is logged on to the system and currently operating at the DOS level, CTTY COM1 or CTTY COM2 in effect, a more drastic means is necessary to terminate JaxHost (i.e., the power switch). As the caller who has successfully logged on to the system, you may log off in an orderly manner by entering EXIT from any directory. If you are using either of the callback modes and awaiting the callback, you may answer JaxHost's call to your location in one of several different ways: - Set up to receive a call per your modem and/or communications program documentation, or JaxHost v5.0 Page 7 Operating JaxHost (Continued) ----------------------------- - If using one of the communications programs which, in terminal mode before a connect leaves the Hayes compatible modem in command state (e.g., PibTerm, Qmodem, or ProComm), you may type the command ATA when the onscreen report of RING is received from your modem, or - You may setup your modem before or during the session to Auto-Answer mode by entering ATS0=1 or including ATS0=1 in the modem initialization string. If your modem has indicator lights, the AA light will be lit after that command takes effect. When operating in the callback security mode, JaxHost makes the call using the baud rate established during the initial call into JaxHost. Upon successful connect at your location, you are immediately granted access to the host machine (just as though you had entered the correct password in normal mode). When calling out under "Triggered Callback" operation, the baud rate specified in the configuration file JHCONFIG is used. Upon successful connect you are presented the configurable one-line greeting that normally is presented to callers when JaxHost answers a call. Entry of the correct password is required before dropping to DOS on the host machine. If you are operating at the DOS level and JaxHost is setup to shell to a command (rather than operate under a controlling batch file), your host mode of operation is protected against an accidental disconnect so long as your AUTOEXEC.BAT switches to the JaxHost directory and invokes JAXHOST as its last step. Your system will be rebooted back into JaxHost in the event of carrier loss. If, however, you have set things up using a batch file and JaxHost terminates upon successful entry of a password, your system will appear to be locked up should you suffer a disconnect (before you enter EXIT). The system will not respond to subsequent calls (or to its local keyboard until the big red switch is used). But what if you MUST use the batch file approach and you are accidently disconnected? That brings us to the next section. Enhancing Your Installation (If you MUST use HOST.BAT) ----------------------------------------------------- In the event of loss of carrier, or disconnect, JaxHost can set up for the next call, but only if the disconnect occurs while inside the code. If you are using the HOST.BAT form of setup, JaxHost could only handle such an accident if it were waiting for entry of the password. If not awaiting a keystroke from remote, JaxHost is not present in memory when using HOST.BAT. To avoid "losing" the system should loss of carrier occur while JaxHost is not loaded into memory, the public domain program called WATCHDOG should be used. WATCHDOG is a memory-resident utility which is activated when a communications session is in progress ("carrier detect" modem status). It is deactivated before normal logoff occurs or entry into a program JaxHost v5.0 Page 8 Enhancing Your Installation (If you MUST use HOST.BAT) (Continued) ------------------------------------------------------------------ which will take over the monitoring of the carrier detect signal. In the event of carrier loss, it causes a warm boot of the system. By setting up your AUTOEXEC.BAT correctly, the JaxHost directory is selected and the HOST, HOST C, or HOST T command is executed at the end of the booting process. Thus your system may be protected from becoming "unavailable" until you can visit it in person. The HOST.BAT file includes the commands for one of the several WATCHDOG programs that are available. If you do not choose to implement such protection, delete the commands from that batch file. If you are installing one of the watchdog-type programs, double check the documentation supplied for correct syntax of the commands in the batch files. "WATCHDOG +" and "WATCHDOG -" as used in the HOST batch file activate and deactivate, respectively, the WATCHDOG program with which JaxHost has been tested. (That version, apparently due to a bug, also requires that it be installed -- and primed -- by the same two lines appearing in the AUTOEXEC.BAT, one immediately following the other -- the "+" command line immediately followed by the "-" command line.) Distribution and Restrictions ------------------------------- JaxHost v5.0 is made available to you as a fully functional package. It is distributed as SHAREWARE. Should you decide to use JaxHost, you are obliged to pay a registration fee of $20. Registered users are provided support via the BBS mentioned at the end of this documentation. Use the form JHORDER.FRM for registering your copy. You are welcome to distribute this package to others so long as it is unmodified and distributed in its entirety, and it is not included or bundled with other goods or services for which a fee is charged. Exceptions are that JaxHost may be distributed by bulletin boards or other information services even though they receive fees to access their downloadable files, or by library services so long as the fee for the diskette on which this package is contained is not more than $6.50. Use of JaxHost beyond a brief evaluation period by individuals, business entities, corporations, and government agencies is prohibited without payment of a registration fee of $20 per copy (volume purchasing and site licensing arrangements available). After You Register JaxHost -------------------------- Once your registration has been received, you will be sent a registration number. You may use this number to convert to a registered copy of JaxHost which will remove the display of EVALUATION COPY, disable the SHAREWARE screen with its brief delay presented to each caller, and insert your name as the registered user. To make a registered copy, invoke JaxHost with the command line parameter of REGISTER. You are prompted to enter your name and your registration number. That's all there is to it. JaxHost v5.0 Page 9 Support ------- Support is available to registered users of JaxHost through the main message base of Northern Lights BBS which can be reached at the number given below. Please note that support is provided only for use of JaxHost on equipment for which it was designed (described earlier). Registration fees may be made payable to: J.C. Kilday Associates Central Ave. Peaks Island, ME 04108 The author may be contacted at that address or through the Northern Lights BBS (address messages to "Sysop") at 207-766-2467. The BBS operates 24 hours, 7 days per week. Calls accepted at 9600(HST), 2400, and 1200 bps (8,N,1).