Magnum One

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ Magnum One / Magnum One (Mid-American Digital) (Disc Manufacturing).iso / d8 / mh111190.arc / MAXIHOST.DOC < prev next >

Wrap

Text File | 1990-11-11 | 124KB | 3,631 lines

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ │ │ █▄ ▄█ ▄▀▄ ▀▄ ▄▀ ▀█▀ █ █ ▄▀▀▄ ▄▀▀▀ ▀█▀ │ │ █ ▀ █ █▄▄▄█ █ █ █▄▄█ █ █ ▀▀▄ █ │ │ █ █ █ █ ▄▀ ▀▄ ▄█▄ █ █ ▀▄▄▀ ▄▄▄▀ █ │ │ │ │ Copyright (c) 1990 by Don Mankin │ │ 231 Market Place #353 │ │ San Ramon, CA 94583 │ │ Support BBS Number 209-836-2402 │ │ Orders/Registration (only) 415-831-2370 │ │ │ ├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ │ │ This is a user supported product. We encourage you │ │ to pass is along to others. If you find MAXIHOST │ │ of value, please register it with us. If used │ │ commercially or for commercial purposes, a │ │ registration fee of $50 (US Dollars) is required. │ │ Otherwise, registration would be just $25. Include │ │ $2.50 shipping and handling plus California sales │ │ tax of 6.25% if ordering from California. │ │ │ │ Please send your registration to the above address, │ │ or, call the above registration number for VISA or │ │ MasterCard orders. Sorry, but the answering service │ │ at the order desk can not provide technical │ │ assistance. Support of this product is provided │ │ exclusively through the Support BBS at the number │ │ provided above. │ │ │ │ Thanks for supporting MAXIHOST! │ │ │ └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ --- Maxihost User Guide: Table of Contents ┌─────────┐ ┌─────┴───┐ │ (tm) ──│ │o │────────────────── │ ┌─────┴╨──┐ │ Association of │ │ │─┘ Shareware └───│ o │ Professionals ──────│ ║ │──────────────────── └────╨────┘ MEMBER Table of Contents INTRODUCTION...............................................1 Why Another BBS?.......................................1 The Small Print........................................1 MFS Means Message File System......................2 MDS Means Message Database System..................2 CHANGES FROM MINIHOST......................................2 Acknowledgements.......................................3 Hardware Requirements..................................3 Files..................................................3 INSTALLATION...............................................6 Modem..................................................6 Directory structure....................................6 Clearance Level........................................7 IN AND OUT OF MAXIHOST.....................................8 Starting Up MAXIHOST...................................8 Using MAXIHOST in Local Mode...........................8 Directory Status Line..............................8 Quitting MAXIHOST and Exiting to DOS...............8 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION.......................................9 CONFIGURATION FILE.....................................9 ALLOW300=..........................................9 ANSIDELAY=.........................................9 ANSWERSTRING=......................................9 BATCHLOG=..........................................9 BATCHON=..........................................10 --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page ii --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Table of Contents BATCHOFF=.........................................10 BBSNAME=..........................................10 BAUD=.............................................10 BIOS=.............................................11 CALLBACK=.........................................11 CLOSEDSYSTEM=.....................................11 COLOR=............................................11 COSYSOP=..........................................11 COMn_BASE=........................................11 COMn_INT=.........................................11 COMn_IRQ=.........................................11 CONFERENCE=.......................................12 CTSCHECK=.........................................13 DATAPATH=.........................................13 DEBUG=............................................13 DEFAULTS=.........................................13 DIALSTRING=.......................................13 DIRECT=...........................................14 DIRECTORY=........................................14 DIRPW=............................................14 DOORSYS=..........................................14 EVENT=............................................14 EXECSWAP=.........................................15 HOURS=............................................15 INITSTRING=.......................................15 KBDTIMER=.........................................16 LOCKBAUD=.........................................16 LOGFILE=..........................................16 MATCHLEVEL=.......................................17 MDM300=...........................................18 MDM1200=..........................................18 MDM2400=..........................................18 MDM4800=..........................................18 MDM9600=..........................................18 MDM19200=.........................................18 MENU (general)....................................18 MENU=ANSI.........................................18 MENU=BUZZBACK.....................................18 MENU=CHANGEDIR....................................18 MENU=DOWNLOAD.....................................18 MENU=ENTERMSG.....................................19 MENU=FILES........................................19 MENU=HELP.........................................19 MENU=INDUCTION....................................19 MENU=LOGDRIVE.....................................19 MENU=MSGTOSYSOP...................................19 MENU=OPERATOR.....................................19 MENU=PROGRAM......................................19 MENU=QUESTIONAIRE.................................20 MENU=READLOG......................................20 MENU=READMSG......................................20 MENU=SEARCH.......................................20 MENU=TRAPDOOR.....................................20 MENU=UPLOAD.......................................20 --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page iii --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Table of Contents MENU=VIEWBULL.....................................21 MENU=YOURMAIL.....................................21 MODEMDELAY=.......................................21 MSGLINES=.........................................21 MSGRECS=..........................................21 NEWPVTMSG=........................................21 NEWUSER=..........................................22 NOTIMERS=.........................................22 OFFHOOK=..........................................22 PORT=.............................................22 PRINTER=..........................................22 PROTECT (general).................................22 PROTOCOL=SEND.....................................23 PROTOCOL=RECEIVE..................................23 QUIET=............................................23 RESETSTRING=......................................23 RETRIES=..........................................23 REVMSGFILE=.......................................24 RINGBACK=.........................................24 RINGPIN=..........................................24 SAVESCRN=.........................................24 SHOWSWAPMSG=......................................24 START=............................................25 SWAPTOEMS=........................................25 SYSOP=............................................25 TDSTRING=.........................................25 TIMELIMIT=........................................25 TRAPDOOR=.........................................25 UPLOAD=...........................................26 UPLOADINPLACE=....................................26 USER=.............................................27 USERLOCK=.........................................27 USERLOG=..........................................27 XONXOFF=..........................................28 BULLETINS.................................................29 CALLER MENU OPTIONS.......................................30 GENERAL OPTIONS.......................................30 (A)NSI Color - on/off.............................30 (B)uzz Back.......................................30 (C)hange Directory................................30 (D)ownload File...................................30 (F)ile Directory..................................31 (G)oodbye Logoff..................................31 (H)elp with MHOST.................................31 (I)nduction to MH.................................31 (L)og New Drive...................................32 (O)perator Chat...................................32 (P)rogram Descripts...............................32 (Q)uestionaire....................................32 (S)earch for File.................................32 (U)pload File.....................................32 (V)iew Bulletins..................................32 --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page iv --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Table of Contents (+)-Trap DOOR(s)..................................32 (*)-Read Log File.................................33 (&)-Add Prog Desc. (SysOp Only)..................33 Message File System Options (MFS).....................33 (E)nter Message...................................33 (M)essage to SysOp................................33 (R)ead Messages...................................33 (Y)our Private Mail...............................34 (%)-Read Pvt Mail (SysOp Only)...................34 Message Database System Options (MDS).................34 (M)essage System..................................34 (B)ackward Read...............................34 (D)elete by Record (SysOp Only)..............34 (E)nter Message...............................34 (F)orward Read................................34 (G)oodbye Logoff..............................34 (I)ndividual Message..........................35 (M)essage Area................................35 (N)ew Messages................................35 (P)ause Toggle................................35 (Q)uit Mail...................................35 (R)ebuild Database (SysOp Only)..............35 (S)earch Messages.............................35 (Y)our Mail...................................35 FUNCTION KEYS.............................................36 MODEM DIP SWITCH AND OTHER EQUIPMENT SETTINGS.............38 Hayes 1200 External Settings..........................38 Hayes 1200B Internal Modem (Early Model)..............38 Hayes 1200B Internal Modem Switch Settings............39 Hayes 1200B Model 07/00043 Internal Modem.............39 US Robotics 2400 and 9600.............................39 AST Six Pack..........................................39 AT cable configuration................................39 KNOWN COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS..............................41 MISCELLANEOUS TIPS AND SETTINGS...........................42 More on INITSTRING....................................42 Hayes 1200 baud modems............................42 Hayes 2400 baud modems............................43 Multi-Tech 2400 baud modems.......................43 US Robotics Courier HST 9600......................43 Everex Evercom 24 modems..........................43 Everex 24 MNP modems..............................43 BuzzBack Info.........................................44 Single User System....................................44 MiniHost to MaxiHost Conversion.......................44 Running DOS (Or a Program) from a Remote..............44 Using MaxiHost with Doorway...........................45 Testimonials..........................................46 Definition Of Shareware...............................46 Disclaimer - Agreement................................47 --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page v --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Table of Contents Omsbudsman............................................48 Registration Information..............................49 --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page vi --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Introduction ─────────────────────────────────────── INTRODUCTION ─────────────────────────────────────── WHY ANOTHER BBS? ─────────────────────────────────────── The original purpose of MAXIHOST was to allow the consultant or programmer to call his office from elsewhere and retrieve programs he had forgotten to bring along. It was to be a simple program with only a few features. But, as happens with programs of this kind, I kept wondering what it would be like if I did just changed this, added that . . . so it grew into what you see: a powerful host program, or compact BBS. THE SMALL PRINT ─────────────────────────────────────── This program is not public domain; it is a copyright work protected by US and international law. Registration is required when used on a regular basis (more than a few times). Read opening screen for details. You are welcome to make copies and pass these on to others, but: * you should distribute the entire package, complete with all documentation and other files; * you may charge no more than $10 per disk for copying, and if you do charge you must make it clear that this payment is for copying only and does not cover the cost of the MAXIHOST registration. * you may not distribute MAXIHOST together with any product that you sell. No exception to these conditions may be made without my specific written permission. When you use MAXIHOST, you assume full responsibility for it; in no event shall I be responsible for any damages whatsoever that may be due to errors in the program or documentation, or your failure to read, understand, or follow instructions in the latter. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 1 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Introduction This file mentions the names of various commercial products; many of these names are trademarks or registered trademarks. Source code is not available, so please don't ask for it. Throughout the documentation I will be using these acronyms: * MFS Means Message File System * MDS Means Message Database System * MSGRECS is used to configure which of the above two message systems you will use. CHANGES FROM MINIHOST ─────────────────────────────────────── MaxiHost has the following enhancements over MiniHost: * Improved Message System database * Message System printing * Support for 9600 and 19200 bps modems * Support for Multi-taskers * Event Scheduling * Questionnaire facility * Operator Chat hours. * Trap DOOR menuing system * Menu driven DIRECTORY changes * Supports up to fifteen external file transfer protocols * Releases all but 30k when in a door or a DOS shell. * Program description updates in any directory * Data files may be in a separate directory * Twenty five character CONFERENCE descriptions * ANSI graphics new user, help, and goodbye screens * Two S * Creation of DOOR.SYS file --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 2 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Introduction ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ─────────────────────────────────────── I want to thank Rod Cole, Jimmy Nord, Matt Wakeley, Ted DeCastro, Chuck Childers, Lyle Eddy, Andy Walsh, Peter Evans, and many others for the help they have provided. This has included suggestions, coding, and system documentation. It is truly appreciated. I use PIBASYNC routines from: Philip Burns (PIB). HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS ─────────────────────────────────────── This program is written to run on an IBM PC (or PC clone) with 256K RAM and PC-DOS 3.X or higher. It can be used with floppies, but is written with a hard drive in mind. It needs a Hayes (or compatible) modem, although information is supplied below for use with certain alternatives. It should be used at 8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit to enable Xmodem transfers, but will operate at 7 data bits, even parity. A printer may be used to log calls. Enter ANSI.SYS into the CONFIG.SYS file as follows: DEVICE=A:\ANSI.SYS or DEVICE=C:\DOS\ANSI.SYS If using the Message Database System (MDS) you will also need to allow for enough files. If you don't have enough you may get a 'Too many files' error. You can increase the number of files available by entering the following into your CONFIG.SYS: FILES=30 FILES ─────────────────────────────────────── The following files are used by MAXIHOST. An * means created by MaxiHost. ????????.$$$ * Temporary file ????????.MSG * Public message files (MFS Only) ????????.MH * Private " " " " MAXIMAIL.DAT * Message data file (MDS Only) MAXIMAIL.NAM * " index " " " --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 3 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Introduction MAXIMAIL.DTE * " " " " " MAXIMAIL.THR * " " " " " MAXIUSRS.DAT * Userlog data file when USERLOG=Y MAXIUSRS.NAM * " index " " " BADUSER.DAT * List of locked out users - See USERLOCK= EVENT.BAT Used to call external programs at a certain time BATCH1.BAT Tests BATCHLOG front end - See BATCHLOG= BATCH2.BAT Sample BATCHLOG.BAT file - See BATCHLOG= BATCHLOG.BAT Used for alternative logon front end BATCHON.BAT Used to call external programs upon logon BATCHOFF.BAT Used to call external programs upon logoff BATCHLOG.DAT * Created when BATCHLOG=Y BULLETIN.G00 ANSI color bulletin menu BULLETIN.T00 Non-ANSI bulletin menu BULLETIN.T?? Non-ANSI bulletin where ?? is a number 01- 99 BULLETIN.G?? ANSI color bulletin where ?? is a number 01-99 INDUCT.MH * Created by the (I)nduction module for new users and kept as registration information for new users HELP.G01 ANSI color help file (edit to suit) displayed to caller by the '(H)elp with MHost' menu option HELP.T01 Non-ANSI color help file (edit to suit) displayed to caller by the '(H)elp with MHost' menu option GOODBYE.G01 ANSI color text file (edit to suit) displayed upon logging off the system GOODBYE.T01 Non-ANSI color text file (edit to suit) displayed upon logging off the system MAXIHOST.CNF Configures MAXIHOST (described below) MAXIHOST.EXE Main executable program MAXIHOST.DOC This file MAXIHOST.LOG * Created for caller log and comments --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 4 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Introduction WELCOME.G01 ANSI color file displayed after carrier WELCOME.T01 Non-ANSI color file displayed after carrier NEWUSER.G01 ANSI color file displayed for new users NEWUSER.T01 Non-ANSI color file displayed for new users PASSWORD.MH * Created by the (I)nduction module for new users and merged by you with MAXIHOST.CNF using your favorite editor READ.ME Last-minute news REGISTER.TXT Invoice for registration fee TRAPDOOR.BAT Provides a 'trapdoor' to a program or batch file that you select TRAPDOO?.BAT Same as above where ? would be a number 1 - 9 and there is at least one TRAPDOOR= keyword in the .CNF file. See below. UPLDDIR.BBS * Created by system for upload files where 'UPLDDIR' is the directory represented by the UPLOAD= keyword USERNAME.MH Displayed for caller where 'USERNAME' is the first 8 characters of first + lastname. (MFS Only) WATCHDG1.COM Public domain program to monitor carrier detect: Port 1 version WATCHDG2.COM Port 2 version The files ending with the .MH extention created by MaxiHost will grow dynamically and should be purged occasionally. The data from the UPLDDIR.BBS file can be moved to the proper download directory and placed in a file there: these might be DNLDDIR and DNLDDIR.BBS respectively, or for games, GAMES and GAMES.BBS. That part of the filename preceding the extension must be the same as the name of the directory. A word on updates: Although I will try and provide compatibility between different versions of MAXIHOST, I cannot guarantee it. You should use and where necessary modify the files provided with each new version (particularly MAXIHOST.CNF) rather than use those from its predecessors. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 5 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Installation ─────────────────────────────────────── INSTALLATION ─────────────────────────────────────── MODEM ─────────────────────────────────────── MAXIHOST is supplied configured for a 'Hayes-compatible' modem. If your modem is not Hayes compatible, see 'MODEM SETTINGS', below. DIRECTORY STRUCTURE ─────────────────────────────────────── The suggested implementation is to make a subdirectory MAXIHOST off the root (if you use the DOS internal command for this, MD \MAXIHOST). All files accompanying this within the bundled archive file should be placed within this subdirectory. A PATH MUST BE SET TO THIS SUBDIRECTORY in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file BEFORE running MAXIHOST, or it will not work correctly. This is accomplished by the line PATH=C:\MAXIHOST. Also, make sure the COMSPEC includes the drive specifier. I use SET COMSPEC=C:\DOS\COMMAND.COM but if COMMAND.COM is in the root, use SET COMSPEC=C:\COMMAND.COM. If COMSPEC is already pointing at COMMAND.COM, you need not include the SET command in your AUTOEXEC.BAT. Some problems involving COMSPEC have been resolved either by placing a path to COMMAND.COM, or by placing COMMAND.COM within the \MAXIHOST directory (which should still have a path set to it). I suggest the upload directory be installed as MD C:\UPLD. The keyword UPLOAD=C:\UPLD should then be specified, as explained below. NOTE: Data Files may now be placed in a separate drive/directory then the executables. See DATAPATH= below. Floppy users may also use subdirectories as described above. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 6 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Installation CLEARANCE LEVEL ─────────────────────────────────────── This concept is essential to MAXIHOST, and its generous implementation is one of the program's main features. As the SysOp (System Operator) you determine the level of security for just about any aspect of your own MAXIHOST -- notably, each item that appears on the menu that a caller sees -- and specify these levels in MAXIHOST.CNF. This file determines the clearance level a caller must have in order to select the option, download a file, log onto a subdirectory, etc. The higher the number, the higher the level: if something requires a clearance level of 9, say, a user with a clearance level of 8 or less cannot do it. (For details, see 'CONFIGURATION FILE' below.) --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 7 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: In and Out of Maxihost ─────────────────────────────────────── IN AND OUT OF MAXIHOST ─────────────────────────────────────── STARTING UP MAXIHOST ─────────────────────────────────────── Once you have configured the program, to use it you will simply log onto the subdirectory in which you have installed it, and call it up. MAXIHOST will briefly show you a copyright / registration screen while it is reading the configuration file and then will wait for a caller. USING MAXIHOST IN LOCAL MODE ─────────────────────────────────────── To use the program in local mode, press ESC any time you see the 'Waiting for Call' screen. You will then need to answer the 'First & Last Name:' and 'Password:' prompts just as if you had called from somewhere else (a remote system). You MUST have placed an entry with your name and password in the configuration file beforehand. Directory Status Line ───────────────────── The current directory, maximum time allowed, and time left are shown here. The format is: drive:\directory hours:minutes-timeleft. e.g. C:\PUBLIC\DONS 00:37-23 where C:\PUBLIC\DONS is the current directory, 00:37 is the time elapsed, in hours and minutes, and 23 is the number of minutes remaining before disconnection. In this example, the program is configured with TIMELIMIT=60; if TIMELIMIT=0 then there is no limit and the time left (the '-23' here) will not be displayed. Quitting MAXIHOST and Exiting to DOS ──────────────────────────────────── To quit, you must press ESC at the 'Waiting for Call' screen, then press Enter at the 'First & Last Name:' prompt. MAXIHOST will then terminate and you will be back at the DOS prompt. This can only be done from local mode (while at the keyboard). --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 8 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration ─────────────────────────────────────── SYSTEM CONFIGURATION ─────────────────────────────────────── CONFIGURATION FILE ─────────────────────────────────────── System configuration is determined by the following switches within the configuration file MAXIHOST.CNF. You can edit this file with the editor of your choice. Entries starting with semi colons are considered comments and are ignored. (If you use a word processor, make sure to use it in ASCII mode. If unsure about this, look in the manual for advice on how to use the word processor to write source code or messages for upload to remote systems.) ALLOW300=Y "Y" allows 300 Baud modems to use the system. "N" would prohibit 300 baud modems from coming on. ANSIDELAY=Y Setting this to 'N' eliminates a short pause added when displaying ANSI output that causes some high speed modems to miss ANSI escape sequences which displays garbage on the display screen. ANSWERSTRING=ATA This string causes the modem to answer. BATCHLOG=N If BATCHLOG=Y, MAXIHOST selects an alternate, user-written, batch logon routine; it is up to the SysOp to provide one that is CTTY compatible (INT 21). After the carrier is detected, the file BATCHLOG.BAT is invoked by MAXIHOST. The batch file would call your logon routine. This can provide a custom front end for a business to tailor to its requirements. The user program must create an ASCII file, BATCHLOG.DAT, containing the following information: USER=FIRST LAST SECURITY=9 TIMELIMIT=60 KBDTIMER=3 BUZZBACK=836-2402 ANSI=Y --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 9 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration (The above keywords should not have leading spaces in the file; they are only shown this way here for clarity) BATCHLOG.DAT is read by MAXIHOST upon return. If BATCHLOG.DAT is not found, the caller's clearance defaults to 0. If SECURITY=NEWUSER then NEWUSER.?00 will be displayed. If SECURITY is a negative number the user is logged off. The USER field length is 25 characters. If BATCHLOG=Y you must toggle Batchlog OFF by pressing SHIFT-F7 from the Configuration Screen before pressing ESC to exit MaxiHost. BATCHON=N If BATCHON=Y, MAXIHOST will execute the batch file BATCHON.BAT just after a caller has viewed the bulletins, and before checking for mail. This allows the SysOp to customize the system with external routines such as checking a badname file against the callers name or giving the caller his fortune or horiscope. External programs such as these are available for download from various BBS's throughout the country. BATCHOFF=N If BATCHOFF=Y, MAXIHOST will execute the batch file BATCHOFF.BAT just before logging a caller off. This allows the SysOp to customize the system with external routines such as a personal farewell to the caller, etc. External programs such as these are available for download from various BBS's throughout the country. BBSNAME=MAXIHOST Support BBS Replace 'MAXIHOST Support BBS' with your system's name. You have up to 25 characters. BAUD=1200 Selects initial baud rate. Usually this is set to the highest allowed by the modem, which at connection moves down to that of the caller if necessary. For example, if you are using a 9600 baud modem, you would normally set this switch to 9600. NOTE: To the best of my knowledge the Multi Tech 2400 should be set to 300 as it moves UP to the correct speed. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 10 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration BIOS=Y This prevents the program from writing directly to the screen. It is MUCH faster to set BIOS=N. Under the supported multitaskers DesqView, TaskView, TopView, DoubleDos, and Microsoft Windows, BIOS may be set to N and direct screen writes will occur correctly within the proper window CALLBACK=N If set to Y, mandatory BUZZBACK is invoked. This provides a great deal of security. A user places a call to MAXIHOST. After his password is confirmed, MAXIHOST hangs up and returns a call to the telephone number placed in the BuzzBack field in the .CNF file for that caller. The user gives his first name, last name and password again and is then able to log on. You may need to add S7=60 to your INITSTRING. Also see BUZZBACK and RINGBACK. CLOSEDSYSTEM=Y If set to Y (for Yes), anybody giving a name not found in the MAXIHOST.CNF file will have NO access -- he'll be disconnected. If set to N (No -- an OPEN system), then a new caller will have the security level set by NEWUSER= in this file. COLOR=Y Selects color mode. Select Y if you are using a color monitor with a color graphics adapter, N otherwise. COSYSOP=DON MANKIN Replace 'DON MANKIN' with your co-SysOp's name. The co-SysOp has certain privileges normal callers do not. Comment out this line (put a ; in the first character position of this entry in the MAXIHOST.CNF file) if no co-SysOp is wanted! COMn_BASE= and COMn_INT= and COMn_IRQ= The following are default values, Procomm compatible: COM1_BASE=$3F8 COM1_INT=$0C COM1_IRQ=$04 COM2_BASE=$2F8 COM2_INT=$0B COM2_IRQ=$03 COM3_BASE=$3E8 COM3_INT=$0C COM3_IRQ=$04 COM4_BASE=$2E8 COM4_INT=$0B COM4_IRQ=$03 --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 11 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration They establish the port addresses, the interrupt lines, and the IRQ's for the UART. You should specify any changes in the .CNF file -- if you know what you are doing! CONFERENCE=1;GENERAL;0;Miscellaneous Topics CONFERENCE=2;BETATEST;9;Beta Test Conference You may have up to ten conference entries. Each conference entries should begin with a unique id number 1 - 32767. This number is used by the (M)essage System to associate a message with a conference. Once established, you must not change a conference's id number. Doing so would get your conferences mixed up. You may, however, delete conferences, and sort them. For instance, suppose you wanted to add a conference between: CONFERENCE=1;CATS;0;Cat Stuff and CONFERENCE=2;ZEBRAS;0;Zebra Stuff. You could do the following: CONFERENCE=1;CATS;0;Cat Stuff CONFERENCE=3;DOGS;0;Dog Stuff and CONFERENCE=2;ZEBRAS;0;Zebra Stuff. Later you could even delete a conference as in CONFERENCE=3;DOGS;0;Dog Stuff and CONFERENCE=2;ZEBRAS;0;Zebra Stuff. As long as the id's have not been changed the message database will be intact. If you do decide to delete a conference entry, make sure you delete the associated messages from the message database first. The identifier following the id would be the conference name, followed by the security level, followed by the description. Your conference name and description may contain up to 25 characters. If you do not specify at least one conference in the configuration file, one GENERAL conference will be the default. Each conference entry should be xx characters or less. If using the Message File System (MFS), the conference name should consist of valid file name characters. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 12 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration CTSCHECK=N MaxiHost defaults to CTS checking off. A 'Y' argument here will enable it. CTS checking is required to support higher baud rate modems. Note that some external file tranfer protocols will not operate correctly with CTS checking on. DATAPATH=C:\MAXIHOST\DATA You may store your data files on a separate drive and directory by stating it here. Your data files include bulletins, welcome, newuser, messages, and user files. Executables would be kept in the directory Maxihost would be run from. C:\MAXIHOST for instance. Executables would include .EXE, .BAT, and .COM files. The configuration file must also exist in the executable directory. I keep MAXHOST.EXE, MAXIHOST.CNF, TRAPDOOR.BAT, and all my external file transfer programs together in my executable directory. DEBUG=N If DEBUG=Y then WELCOME, NEWUSER, and GOODBYE text files will be displayed when the SysOp logs on locally. Also, BATCHON.BAT and BATCHOFF.BAT will be executed if they are set to be executed. Also, record information is displayed when viewing messages in the Message Database System. If set off, non of the above will occur when logged on locally. DEFAULTS=9 This works with PROTECT= to let you decide which of your users can go where on your system; it sets protection defaults for drives and directories not named in a PROTECT= line. Regardless of a DEFAULTS=9 setting, a caller with security level 5, say, would be able to access drives or directories having PROTECT= set at 5 or less, e.g. PROTECT=A:;5 or PROTECT=C:\GAMES;5 -- however, that user could not change to a directory not so listed as it would default to a security level of 9. In short, PROTECT= takes precedence over DEFAULTS=. DIALSTRING=ATDP This string tells MAXIHOST to use ATDP as the dialing prefix, for a dial (pulse) telephone line. Use ATDT for touch tone. This configures the modem for use with the Buzz Back and Call Back features explained later. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 13 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration DIRECT=N (Replaces LAN=) If DIRECT=Y then MAXIHOST infers it is connected to another computer via a 'null modem' serial connection instead of via modem. Carrier detect must be forced on. This method has been used to transfer files between two machines connected via a null modem cable. MAXIHOST has also been tested in this configuration with limited success on an Ungermann-Bass broadband LAN. Flow control may prevent Xmodem file transfer. Experiment with this if you wish. DIRECTORY=C:\MAXIHOST\UPLOADS;0;MaxiHost Programs This allows for programmatic change of directories within a list. You may have up to 10 of these entries. The directory is first, followed by the security level, then the description. If the caller selects a menu choice here, the security level is determined by the level in DIRECTORY=. If the caller enters the directory name manually, the security level is determined first by a DIRPW= entry, and if not found, then a PROTECT= entry, and if a PROTECT= entry is not found, the DEFAULTS= security level is used. See DEFAULTS above, DIRPW and PROTECT below. DIRPW=C:\SECRET;PASSWORD This allows password protection of directories. In the above example, the directory SECRET on drive C: would require the password of PASSWORD. You may have up to 5 DIRPW entries. Directory security precedence is determined in the following order: DIRECTORY=, DIRPW=, PROT=, and finally DEFAULTS=. DOORSYS=0 Setting this to 1 creates a small version of DOOR.SYS file in the directory pointed to by DATAPATH=. This file is for the benefit of Doorway and is defined in the documentation provided with it. Setting it to a '2' creates a DORINFO1.DEF file as required by Door programs written for QuickBBS and others. EVENT=Y;24 Setting event to Y enables event scheduling. The event will be triggered, in the above example, at 12 midnight. Should a caller be on the system at midnight, the caller will be logged off. The batch file EVENT.BAT, created by the SysOp, will then be executed by MaxiHost. As in HOURS=, MaxiHost accepts only 24 hour increments. Allowable hours are 01 - 24. Half hour increments are ignored. For instance, 2330 would set off the event at 11pm. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 14 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration NOTE: If a caller is transferring files using an external file transfer protocol, and is on during the event time, the event COULD BE MISSED! EXECSWAP=N If EXECSWAP=Y then the amount of memory MaxiHost leaves resident in memory while executing external programs is approximately 30k. Most of MaxiHost is swapped out to EMS or disk if EMS is not available. This leaves almost all of your system's memory available to your programs called from (+)- Trap Door! One note of caution using this feature. It is never a good idea to run a TSR from within a child process. MiniHost permitted the use of WATCHDOG, a TSR carrier detection program, from within it's DOS shell. This MAY NOT BE DONE under MaxiHost when EXECSWAP=N unless you first run MARK before WATCHDOG, then RELEASE the TSR from memory before MaxiHost regains control. HOURS=18;08 This would make (O)perator Chat available to those callers with the proper security level (See MENU=OPERATOR below) between, in the example above, the hours of 6pm through 8am. As in EVENT=, MaxiHost accepts only 24 hour increments. Allowable hours are 01 - 24. Half hour increments are ignored. For instance, 2330 would be recognized as 11pm. The HOURS= availability may be forced on via SHIFT-F10 in the F1 Configuration Screen. INITSTRING=ATE0M0Q0V1X1S0=0S1=0 This is the INITSTRING for Hayes 1200 baud modems. Your communications program (e.g. Procomm, Qmodem, etc) must be responsible for resetting the modem. Hayes 2400 baud modems: INITSTRING=AT&D2V1Q0E0S0=0&C1&T5L3B1M1 Multi-Tech 2400 baud modems: INITSTRING=ATE0M0Q0V1X1S0=0S1=0&Q1 US Robotics Courier HST 9600: INITSTRING=ATE0M0Q0V1X1S0=0S1=0&B0&H0&I0&N0 Racal Vadic 1200/2400/9600 modems: INITSTRING=AT&C1&D2E0M0Q0V1X4S0=0S1=0 Everex Evercom 24 modems: --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 15 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration INITSTRING=ATE0Q0V1X4L3S7=60 Adding S7=60 increases to 60 seconds the time the modem is to wait for a carrier after dialing. This may be necessary for BuzzBack to work. You may have two INITSTRING= entries each consisting of 40 characters or less. If you can fit all of your commands into one INITSTRING= you should do so. Using two strings lengthens the time required for resets. If you enter a command into your INITSTRING that is not recognized by your modem, the entire INITSTRING is ignored by the modem. See 'MORE ON INITSTRING' below for further information, particularly on troublesome modems. KBDTIMER=0 KBDTIMER=3 limits a caller to three minutes of keyboard inactivity before the program cuts him off. By setting KBDTIMER to 0, keyboard timeout is deactivated. Setting KBDTIMER to 0 disables keyboard checking and causes ASCII uploads to be quicker. Some laptops that experienced truncation of the first characters of each line during uploads work much better without keyboard checking on. LOCKBAUD=N This option was introduced in an attempt to support US Robotics 9600 and 14400 modems. If LOCKBAUD=Y then your modem will communicate to the UART at the speed specified by the BAUD= keyword in your MAXIHOST.CNF file instead of the baud rate your caller has connected with. This feature is UNSUPPORTED! I have yet to be able to get MAXIHOST using a HST modem to connect with 'BOTH' 9600 and 19200 callers! If you have some solid advice along these lines, please feel free to pass it along. LOGFILE=Y Directs tracking output and comments to a disk file. If you specify Y then MAXIHOST creates a file MAXIHOST.LOG, records in it everything a user does, and appends to it records of subsequent activity. This is an especially good idea for OPEN systems; it enables the SysOp to see who uploaded/downloaded what and when. (PRINTER=Y also directs this output to the printer.) --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 16 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration MATCHLEVEL=N If set to Y a user is only allowed to change to a subdirectory that has exactly the same security level as his own. This can be used to provide users with their own subdirectories. Normally, a user with a security level of 5 can access any subdirectory with a security protection of 5 OR LESS. The 'OR LESS' is eliminated with this option set to Y. Given the following entries in the .CNF: MENU=BUZZBACK;255 MENU=OPERATOR;100 MENU=TRAPDOOR;350 PROTECT=C:\FRED;100 PROTECT=C:\TOM;200 PROTECT=C:\JAN;300 PROTECT=C:\PAT;400 USER=FRED FREDRICKSON ;FRED ;Y;100;; USER=TOM THOMASON ;TOM ;Y;200;; USER=JAN JANSON ;JAN ;Y;300;; USER=PAT PATSON ;PAT ;Y;400;; If MATCHLEVEL=Y then 1) Fred, Tom, Jan, and Pat could not change into each other's directory, only the one that exactly matched their own security level. 2) Pat could Buzzback, Operator Chat, and TrapDoor. Jan could BuzzBack and Operator Chat. Tom and Fred could only BuzzBack. If MATCHLEVEL=Y then 1) Pat could change to Pat's, Jan's, Tom's, and Fred's directory. Jan could change to Jan's, Tom's, and Fred's. Tom could change to Tom's, and Fred's. And Fred could only change to Fred's. 2) Pat could Buzzback, Operator Chat, and TrapDoor. Jan could BuzzBack and Operator Chat. Tom and Fred could only BuzzBack. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 17 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration MDM300=CONNECT;1 MDM1200=CONNECT 1200;5 MDM2400=CONNECT 2400;10 MDM4800=CONNECT 4800;11 MDM9600=CONNECT 9600;12 MDM19200=CONNECT 19200;14 The above defaults configure MaxiHost to be compatible with Hayes V Series Modems. These should not have to be modified unless you have a modem that supports baud rates of 9600 or greater and is not a Hayes V Series compatible modem. First, you have the keyword, a semicolon, the verbal connect string, a colon, and then the numeric connect string. If your modem does not support a particular baud rate, set the numeric result code to -1. An example of a US Robotics Courier HST follows: MDM300=CONNECT;1 MDM1200=CONNECT 1200;5 MDM2400=CONNECT 2400;10 MDM4800=CONNECT 4800;-1 MDM9600=CONNECT 9600;13 MDM19200=CONNECT 19200;-1 MENU (general) If you wish to disable a particular feature, simply specify a higher security level for it than you give any user. For example, to prevent anyone from jumping to DOS, you can set MENU=TRAPDOOR;50 where users have a levels between 0 and 10. MENU=ANSI;1 A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to get (A)NSI Color. MENU=BUZZBACK;9 A user needs a clearance level of 9 or higher to request a (B)uzz Back. Selecting this option will instruct MAXIHOST to call the user back at the number placed in the configuration file. MENU=CHANGEDIR;1 A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to (C)hange Directory (i.e. subdirectory). MENU=DOWNLOAD;1 A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to (D)ownload a File. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 18 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration MENU=ENTERMSG;1 A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to leave messages to other users. MENU=FILES;1 A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to see the (F)ile Directory. This specifies whether he can get a listing of the filenames and sizes of the subdirectory or drive where he is located. MENU=HELP;1 A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to get (H)elp with MAXIHOST, i.e. to view HELP.?01. This should be low if you are running an OPEN system and let new users have access. MENU=INDUCTION;0 A user needs a clearance level of 0 or above to use the induction/registration option. This option updates two files, INDUCT.MH containing registration information, and PASSWORD.MH, to be merged with the MAXIHOST.CNF file for USER password addition. If a caller's security equals NEWUSER then security is increased by one after Induction. MENU=LOGDRIVE;1 A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to (L)og New Drive (for instance to change from drive C: to drive D: or E:). MENU=MSGTOSYSOP;0 A user needs a security level of 0 or higher to leave a (M)essage to SysOp. MENU=OPERATOR;1 A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to attempt an (O)perator Chat. The caller will get a 'not available' message if the request is outside the hours specified by the keyword HOURS=. MENU=PROGRAM;1 A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to get (P)rogram Descripts. Selecting this option displays the file created by uploads or the & command. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 19 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration MENU=QUESTIONAIRE;1 Given a security level of 1 or more, MaxiHost will read the file QUESTION.IN, display a line of it, allow the caller to respond, read another line, etc, until the end of the file is reached. The caller's responses are then written out to a file QUESTION.OUT. This is a very simple questionnaire procedure and no field type checking of any kind is done. MENU=READLOG;9 A user needs a clearance level of 9 or higher to be able to read the log containing private messages to the SysOp and caller statistics. MENU=READMSG;1 A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to be able to read public messages. (MFS Only) MENU=SEARCH;1 A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to (S)earch for File. Protected files and directories are not listed during the search. MENU=TRAPDOOR;9;Door Description A user needs a clearance level of 9 or higher to 'go out of the trap door'. Selecting (T)rap Door runs the batch file TRAPDOOR.BAT. Replace the line COMMAND in the batch file with the program of your choice. Just remember that the DOS CTTY command only provides INT 21 I/O, and anything poking to the screen or directly reading the keyboard will be lost. See TRAPDOOR.BAT or TRAPDOOR= for the command line arguments provided. If there is more than one TRAPDOOR= entry (up to nine) MaxiHost will display a menu of available doors from which to choose. If the third choice were selected, then the batch file TRAPDOO3.BAT would be called. If the second were selected, TRAPDOO2.BAT would be called, etc. Only one TRAPDOOR= entry would call TRAPDOOR.BAT. The first selection from more than one would call TRAPDOO1.BAT for consistency. This enhancement replaces the (J)ump to DOS function in MiniHost. A DOS shell could be an item off the list. Read 'Running DOS from a Remote' below for more details. MENU=UPLOAD;0 A user needs a clearance level of 0 or higher to (U)pload a File. A request to upload will be denied if space is not available. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 20 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration MENU=VIEWBULL;0 A user needs a clearance level of 0 or higher to view the bulletins. MENU=YOURMAIL;1 A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to select menu option (Y)our Private Mail. (MFS Only) MODEMDELAY=5 This integer value constitutes a pause inserted between characters when AT command strings are sent to the modem. Most modems should work well with this set to 1. If your system IS NOT ANSWERING calls or the modem DOES NOT RESET then increase this number until it works. Some modems require a count of 10 or better (ouch!). This will slow down the recycle time between calls however. (Replaces SLOWMODEM=) MSGLINES=19 (MFS Only) This indicates that Messages to the SysOp and Mail can contain a maximum of 19 lines. (75 is the maximum setting.) If using the Message Database System (MDS) then a fixed length record is used for each message locking MSGLINES at 25. MSGRECS=50 (MDS/MFS Switch) Setting this to anything greater than zero enables the Message Database System (MDS) and disables the Message File System (MFS). This number sets the maximum number of messages available to the MDS. Once this number is reached, messages must be deleted before new ones can be added. You may always increase this number if you run out of room. You may NOT reduce the size of the database any smaller than the highest message number. You may, however, delete all MAXIMAIL.* files and start over if necessary. Each message in the MDS requires approximately 2k. If MDS is enabled then MSGLINES (the number of lines allowed per message) is limited to 25. NEWPVTMSG=N If set to 'Y' then new callers are allowed to enter private messages to the SysOp. If the new caller's security is less than that specified by MENU=ENTERMSG but NEWPVTMSG=Y then that caller may not leave public or private messages to anyone other than to the USER= entry specified by SYSOP=. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 21 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration NEWUSER=0 Sets the clearance level for new users. NOTIMERS=10 Callers with a security level of 10 or above will NOT be logged off when they have been on the system longer than TIMELIMIT or when they have waited longer than KBDTIMER seconds between keystrokes. OFFHOOK=N Setting to Y takes your modem off hook when in local mode. This encourages your callers to believe your system is in use, and not off line. PORT=1 Selects serial port 1. If you are using serial port 2, this number should be 2. I have attempted to support ports 3 (1000/3E8, irq4) and 4 (2E8/744, irq3); try either at your own risk, as I have no way of testing it. PRINTER=N Changed to Y, this directs tracking output and comments to the printer. (To direct it to disk, use LOGFILE=Y.) PROTECT (general) Only 50 PROTECT entries are allowed. Here are some examples as to how they can be used: PROTECT=A:;9 A user cannot select drive A: without a clearance level of 9 or higher. (NOTE that there is no colon following the drive letter.) PROTECT=*.CFG;9 No file with the extension .CFG can be downloaded without a clearance level of 9 or above. (Batch file transfer will disable this protection.) PROTECT=C:\MAXIHOST\GAMES;3 A user could not select directory C:\MAXIHOST\GAMES without a security level of 3 or above. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 22 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration PROTOCOL=SEND;Ymodem;dsz port %PORT% speed %BAUD% sb -k %FILENAME% PROTOCOL=RECEIVE;Ymodem;dsz port %PORT% speed %BAUD% rb; Maxihost includes two basic file transfer protocols, Xmodem and Xmodem-1k. Other file transfer protocols are available from various BBS's. MaxiHost allows for SysOp configuration of any of these external protocols up to a total of ten SEND/RECEIVE sets. MaxiHost's implementation of these protocols require them to be batch protocols. No prompt is given for received files. The PROTOCOL=SEND/RECEIVE indicates which menu, the upload or the download, will display and execute the protocol. The next item between the semicolons indicate how the item will be displayed on the menu. Finally, the command line as it will be sent to the external file transfer program. %PORT% will be replaced by your port number, %BAUD% will be replaced by the connected baud rate, and %FILENAME% will be replaced by the filename(s). The above configuration calls DSZ requesting a Ymodem Batch file transfer. The sample MAXIHOST.CNF configuration file also includes configurations for Zmodem Ymodem-G, PCKermit, SEAlink, Lynx, and MegaLink. Be sure to set a path to the directory containing these file PRIOR to running MaxiHost. The programs required for these protocols are not bundled with MaxiHost but may be obtained from the MaxiHost Support BBS or your local board. QUIET=N Setting this switch to 'Y' prevents the beep sent to the SysOp upon a callers connection. RESETSTRING=ATZ This string is sent to the modem during initialization and after each call. RETRIES=2 If set to 2, the caller may attempt 2 tries each at the 'First & Last Name:' and 'Password:' prompts before MaxiHost logs you off. You may set this to 1, 3, 4, etc. See USERLOCK=. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 23 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration REVMSGFILE=N Normally MAXIHOST appends a new data to the bottom of the data file. This requires reading all the old data before getting to the new ones at the bottom. The technique is simple and requires little disk space. If REVMSGFILE=Y, on the other hand, MAXIHOST creates a temporary file: the new data is sent to it first, and the old data file is appended to the end of it. If this process is successful, the old data file is erased and the temporary file given its name. Descriptions for uploads and messages in the Message File System (MFS) are handled in this manner. This method takes a little longer to add update it's files. RINGBACK=N Changed to Y, this allows you to use MAXIHOST on your dedicated voice or FAX line. To trigger MAXIHOST, a second call must be received between 10 and 60 seconds after a first call. (The first call would not be answered; the would-be MAXIHOST user would hang up once he hears the ringing tone.) Ringback requires that the MAXIHOST system be call again within 60 seconds before it will answer the phone. If you have an answering recorder on the same line make sure it is set up to answer on the 3rd or 4th ring. This will enable you to call in from a remote, call MaxiHost once, hang up, and call right back. Also see BUZZBACK and CALLBACK. RINGPIN=N MAXIHOST normally detects an incoming ring via a '2' or 'RING' from the modem. IF RINGPIN=Y, it will not get it's ring indication from the modem, but directly from the serial card. Enabling this option will require pin 22 be available on the RS-232C cable. SAVESCRN=Y If set to Y the 'WAITING FOR CALL' screen will move on the screen at various intervals to avoid screen burn-in. SHOWSWAPMSG=Y If set to 'N' then, even if EXECSWAP=Y, the 'Swapping MAXIHOST Out' message will not be displayed. Sometimes this message complicates the display. If SWAPTOEMS=Y then the swapping is so fast that the user need not be informed that the swap has occured. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 24 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration START=C:\PUBLIC Directory where MAXIHOST will start from. This allows you to invoke the program from one directory, and start callers off in another. For example, you may not allow users to have access to the directory or drive that contains the MAXIHOST program files. You might put these in \MAXIHOST but have the START line change to \PUBLIC once the program has started up. Another option would be to boot from drive C: but have the START line switch to drive D: (START=D:\). SWAPTOEMS=Y If set to N then EMS is not utilized during an ExecSwap. Only disk will be used. This is provided in the rare case of EMS incompatability. See EXECSWAP= for more details. SYSOP=DON MANKIN Replace 'DON MANKIN' with your own name. The SysOp has certain privileges over any other user. MAKE SURE you have entered a USER= name that matches the SYSOP= name or your system will not behave as expected. TDSTRING=Jump to DOS This determines how the Trap Door option will appear in the menu. For instance, if the external program you wish to run is the editor EDLIN, you could set TDSTRING=Editor. See TRAPDOOR= below. TIMELIMIT=0 Set to 60, this will disconnect callers after 60 minutes. If it is set to 0, there is no time limit. See also NOTIMER=. TRAPDOOR=DOS Shell;9;Command Line Interpreter You may have up to nine "TRAPDOOR= entries. In the above example, "DOS Shell" would be the menu item, "9" would be the security level for that item, and "Command Line Interpreter" would be the description of the item. Selecting a 1 from the (+)-Trap Door menu would execute TRAPDOO1.BAT, selecting a 2 would execute TRAPDOO2.BAT, etc through 9. If there are no TRAPDOOR= entries, then selecting (+) from the menu would automatically execute TRAPDOOR.BAT, and no menu would be presented. MENU=JUMPTODOS;n, available in MiniHost, goes away. MaxiHost passes the following command line parameters: --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 25 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration %0 = name ofprogram called (.bat, .exe, .com) %1 = port number %2 = baud rate %3 = first name %4 = last name %5 = security level %6 = ANSI (Y or N) %7 = directory MaxiHost was to started from %8 = CARRIER or LOCAL UPLOAD=C:\PUBLIC\UPLD Drive and directory where you want uploaded files to go. If this directory does not exist prior to running MAXIHOST you will get a 'Bad UPLD Parameter in *.CNF File' error message. UPLOADINPLACE=9 A caller given this security level would be allowed to upload to the currently logged in drive:\directory rather than be forced to upload to the directory specified by UPLOAD=. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 26 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration USER=DON MANKIN Username,Password,ANSIcolor(YN),Security level,BuzzBack # <------------25-chars-------->;<-12-chars->;1;2 ;<12 chars> USER=DON MANKIN ;ZAXXON ;Y;9 ;622-4300 USER=GEORGE JETSON ;GJ ;N;5 ;987-6543 Above are typical user entries. (Although the first is that of the sysop, you will notice that it takes exactly the same form as that of others.) Field lengths are delimited by semicolons, and entries must be formatted EXACTLY as above, except that they should have no leading spaces. The best way to be sure of this is to follow exactly the examples in the MAXIHOST.CNF file as you receive it; do not delete these examples until you have entered your own and your users' names and passwords. You may have up to 500 USER entries. USERLOCK=N If equal to Y then MAXIHOST tracks unsuccessful logon attempts. If a user makes many unsuccessful logon attempts, twice that set by RETRIES=, MAXIHOST creates a BADUSER.DAT file and puts the user's name in it. This file is read for each attempted logon, and if the caller's name is found in it, he is denied access. The USERLOCK feature should only be used where security is most important as a cracker could lock out a legitimate user. It is therefore not suitable for normal BBS operations. Please note that the SysOp's name will not be displayed at the main menu, nor will messages left to 'SYSOP' be translated to the name set by SYSOP= because of security reasons. USERLOG=Y Turning on this option has no effect unless you are using the Message Database System (MDS). If enabled, a record is kept of the time and date of each caller listed as a USER in the MAXIHOST.CNF file. Selected (N)ew Messages from the (M)essage System will accurately display messages left since the last logon. If USERLOG=N then selecting new messages will display all messages left one month prior to the current date. This allows one to have the MDS enabled and the userlog feature disabled. Those with limited disk space may prefer this option. Deleting the MAXIUSRS.* files will cause MaxiHost to recreate new user files upon next (M)essage System request. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 27 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration XONXOFF=Y MaxiHost, by default, supports Xon (ctl-s) Xoff (ctl-q) for character pausing. This can be disabled by setting XONXOFF equal to N. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 28 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration ─────────────────────────────────────── BULLETINS ─────────────────────────────────────── After logon, MAXIHOST checks to see if the caller has specified (A)NSI Color. If so, MAXIHOST looks for the bulletin menu file BULLETIN.G00 and displays it. If the caller does not specify ANSI or if it does not find this file, it looks for BULLETIN.T00, the equivalent non-ANSI file, and displays it if it finds it. If the caller then presses 3, say, for the third bulletin, MAXIHOST looks for the file BULLETIN.G03 (or BULLETIN.T03 for non-ANSI graphics). Two sets of bulletin files may then be kept: files with and without ANSI graphics, named with extensions starting with G and B respectively. In each case, if the ANSI file is not found, the non-ANSI file is looked for. Bulletin With Without number ANSI graphics ANSI graphics ──────────────────────────────────────────────────── [menu of bulletins] BULLETIN.G00 BULLETIN.T00 1 BULLETIN.G01 BULLETIN.T01 2 BULLETIN.G02 BULLETIN.T02 3 BULLETIN.G03 BULLETIN.T03 4 BULLETIN.G04 BULLETIN.T04 5 BULLETIN.G05 BULLETIN.T05 - - - - - - [et cetera, to:] - - - - - 99 BULLETIN.G99 BULLETIN.T99 --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 29 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Caller Menu Options ─────────────────────────────────────── CALLER MENU OPTIONS ─────────────────────────────────────── The following menu options can be available to a caller. You use MAXIHOST.CNF to set the security level of each -- and, if you wish, to disable some completely. GENERAL OPTIONS ─────────────────────────────────────── (A)NSI Color - on/off This command, when enabled, will allow color on those systems properly configured. There are three requirements for this. First, the caller must have set his communication parameters to 8 bits, no parity. Secondly, he must be running a program that supports it: Qmodem, Procomm, and Pibterm are three that do. (Most require that ANSI.SYS be installed on the home system, by putting the line DEVICE=ANSI.SYS in the CONFIG.SYS file.) Thirdly, of course, he must have a color monitor. (B)uzz Back This command instructs MAXIHOST to buzz the caller back at the number in the configuration file. The SysOp will be billed for any long distance charges. (C)hange Directory This command allows the caller to move within the hard (or other) drive, using DOS rules for doing so, or by a SysOp provided menu. By pressing (F)ile Directory while the caller is in a given directory, he sees the available subdirectories; these have the filename extension '.DIR'. The caller may neither enter a drive specifier here nor change to the directory containing the MAXIHOST run-time files. (D)ownload File Entering 'D' from the menu will allow the caller to download (receive) a file. Xmodem (checksum & CRC), Ymodem (CRC), and ASCII protocols are supported. The caller may NOT enter a directory or drive specifier here, but instead must have specified the appropriate path beforehand. The system will prompt for the filename, look for the file, and if it finds it then prompt for the protocol. The caller will see: --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 30 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Caller Menu Options 1 - ASCII. This is for the ASCII protocol. This should ONLY be used for text files, not for compiled programs, source code, or compressed or archived files (.ARC, .ZIP, .LZH, etc.) where error correction is necessary. 2 - XMODEM CHECKSUM. The plainest error-correcting protocol, useful for downloading to old computers or those running antiquated communications software. Blocks are 128 bytes long. 3 - XMODEM CRC. Xmodem with slightly superior (CRC) error checking. Most programs written in the last few years can download using this. 4 - XMODEM-1k CRC. This protocol is used more frequently at baud rates of 2400 or higher, or over fairly clean telephone lines. As blocks are 1024 bytes long, less time is spent error checking. Ymodem allows faster file transfer when used under packet switched networks such as PC Pursuit. External File Transfer Protocols: The SysOp may, at his/her option, enable a number of external file transfer protocols. If someone calls in at 7 data bits, even parity, MAXIHOST switches to 8 data bits, no parity before file transfer, and after the transfer returns to 7 data bits, even parity. (F)ile Directory This option will list the various files and directories on the system. The file size will follow the directory entry. Size is rounded to the nearest 'K' (1024 bytes). Directories will end with DIR, DBASE. . . . DIR would be a valid directory. (G)oodbye Logoff Self explanatory: logs the caller off. (H)elp with MHOST Displays one of the help text files edited by the SysOp. (I)nduction to MH A registration process that provides the SysOp with some information about his/her callers. See (Q)uestionnaire. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 31 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Caller Menu Options (L)og New Drive Changes the default logged drive. Your average BBS type caller is unlikely to have enough security to access this option. (O)perator Chat Selecting this option enables both the caller and the SysOp to chat real-time via their keyboards. To exit chat mode, either party simply presses ESC. (P)rogram Descripts If the caller is in a directory containing a .BBS file of file descriptions, this option displays that file. A .BBS file is one either created by the system, or by the SysOp giving descriptions of files available for download. (Q)uestionaire Prompts callers with a series of questions, and collects answers for SysOp. (S)earch for File Search within the directory for the filename specified and gives the path if found. DOS wild cards can be used. Protected files and/or directories are not displayed. (U)pload File The caller sends a file to the host system and is asked to describe it. Entering a '/' as the first character in the description places a '*' next to the filename and then only the SysOp can display it via the (P)rogram Descripts command. Removing the asterisk makes it displayable to all. End the description with a blank line when done. (V)iew Bulletins Brings up a menu of bulletins to be read. The caller can read the bulletin by entering its number, redisplay the menu by entering 'M', or exit the bulletin function by pressing the Enter key. (+)-Trap DOOR(s) Access to external programs provided by the SysOp. May include access to DOS itself. The verbage is configured by the SysOp and may say something other than 'TRAP Door(s)'. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 32 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Caller Menu Options (*)-Read Log File Allows a caller with the proper security level to read private messages to the SysOp and see what other users have done while on the system and what files they have uploaded or downloaded. May include messages from other callers as well. (&)-Add Prog Desc. (SysOp Only) This allows you to add file descriptions to the .BBS file existing in the current directory. If the file does not exist, it is created. MAXIHOST asks for the filename to add. It then finds the size of the file, asks for a description, and adds this to the .BBS file. The .BBS file would be DIRNAME.BBS where DIRNAME would be the name of the directory you are in. For instance, in the directory C:\MAXI\UPLD, the .BBS name would be UPLD.BBS. If you are in the root directory, the name would be FILES.BBS. MESSAGE FILE SYSTEM OPTIONS (MFS) ─────────────────────────────────────── (E)nter Message This allows the caller to enter a public message, or a private message to a fellow user. You determine the maximum number of lines. The caller is asked which conference he wants his message in, writes it, and must hit Enter twice to end it. This will re-display it and ask if he wants to (A)bort the message, (D)elete a line, (E)dit a line, (I)nsert a line, (L)ist the message, or (S)ave the message as is. The (E)dit option will ask for the line number to edit, and then display it and ask for the text to be changed; he must enter the string exactly as shown ('xerox' is not the same as 'Xerox'). MAXIHOST then asks for the replacement string. When the named user calls in, he sees the message right after log-on. The writer may use (P) to pause the display/playback of the message or (S) to stop the display and have MAXIHOST resume normal operation. (M)essage to SysOp Allows the caller to enters a message to the SysOp. This message is inserted into the log file. (R)ead Messages The caller can read public messages. He will be asked to select the conference. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 33 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Caller Menu Options (Y)our Private Mail Any mail addressed to the caller is displayed auto-magically just after log on. If he hasn't deleted it, he may use this option to re-read it. (%)-Read Pvt Mail (SysOp Only) Reads the directory for all .MH files and displays them accordingly. To abort this function requires repeated 'S' key presses. MESSAGE DATABASE SYSTEM OPTIONS (MDS) ─────────────────────────────────────── (M)essage System Displays Message System menu as follows: (B)ackward Read Asks caller for starting a message number. If ENTER is pressed MaxiHost will start with the last message. The message database is then traversed backwards. (D)elete by Record (SysOp Only) Allows the SysOp to delete records by entering the record number. The record number for a message is obtained by setting DEBUG=Y. The record numbers will then be added the the message header when the message is displayed. This function could be useful when attempting to restore a corrupted message database. (E)nter Message Allows caller to enter a message in the message database. You may leave both public and private messages. A conference must then be specified. Refer to (E)NTER MESSAGE in Caller Menu Options for editing options (F)orward Read Asks caller for starting a message number. If ENTER is pressed MaxiHost will start with the first message. The message database is then traversed forwards. (G)oodbye Logoff Asks you if you really want to log off. If you say no, you will find yourself out of the Message System. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 34 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Caller Menu Options (I)ndividual Message Prompts the caller for a message number and displays the message if found. (M)essage Area Selecting any conference other than ALL will limit the viewing of messages to the chosen conference. (N)ew Messages If the UserLog facility has been enabled and the caller is recognized by the system (he has an entry in the .CNF file) then (N)ew Messages will start forward displaying messages left since the last time he was on. If not, (N)ew Messages will start forward displaying messages one month prior to the current date. (P)ause Toggle With (P)ause ON the caller may be able to (A)nswer, (D)elete, and (E)dit messages depending upon the callers security. These choices are given after each message is displayed. If the caller wishes to capture messages very quickly the (P)ause should be toggled OFF. This mode is read-only as there is no provision for the above choices. (Q)uit Mail Returns caller to main menu. (R)ebuild Database (SysOp Only) Enables the SysOp to rebuild all of the index files. (S)earch Messages Allows caller to search the To, From, and Subject fields of the message database. Wildcard are NOT permitted. (Y)our Mail Displays messages that are either From you or To you starting with the first message. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 35 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Function Keys ─────────────────────────────────────── FUNCTION KEYS ─────────────────────────────────────── Function keys are available from the WAITING FOR CALL and the Main Menu. If the SysOp presses F1, he will see the system status: a listing on screen of how the system is configured and what the security levels are for the menu items. Pressing the following function keys will do the following: F1 Toggles Debug mode. Displays ANSI screens during logon, logoff and reports various errors to the log F2 Sets Ringback status toggle F3 Toggles log (turns user log on or off) F4 Toggles printer (turns printer log on or off) F5 Toggles closed system (makes Closed or Open system) F6 Sets Off Hook Toggle F7 Toggles color on and off F8 Initial baud rate toggle F9 Security -1 Each press of the F9 key drops by one the security level of the user while he is connected. F10 Security +1 Each press of the F10 key raises by one the security level of the user online, so that he will have temporary access to functions not otherwise available to him. SHIFT + Function Key ──────────────────── SF1 Toggles XONXOFF state SF2 Toggles MATCHLEVEL state SF3 Toggles BIOS state SF4 Toggles DIRECT state SF5 Toggles EXECSWAP state SF6 Toggles ALLOW300 state --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 36 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Function Keys SF7 Toggles BATCHLOG state SF8 Toggles CALLBACK state SF9 Toggles USERLOCK state SF0 If set to TRUE then Operator HOURS are bypassed and Sysop is available CTRL + Function Key ─────────────────── CF1 Toggles SAVESCRN state CF2 Toggles RINGPIN state CF3 Briefly drops DTR to disconnect the caller Changing the above switches does not update the MAXIHOST.CNF configuration file. If you exit MAXIHOST and return, all items are as configured by MAXIHOST.CNF. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 37 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Equipment Settings ─────────────────────────────────────────────── MODEM DIP SWITCH and OTHER EQUIPMENT SETTINGS ─────────────────────────────────────────────── When configuring your modem, make sure of the following: DTR - not forced on! CD - not forced on! AA - not forced on! The above three conditions are set either by switches or by an extended command setting. Forcing any one of them on is by far the biggest mistake when attempting to get MAXIHOST to work. HAYES 1200 EXTERNAL SETTINGS ─────────────────────────────────────── UUDDDUUD, where: 1 UP. DTR controlled by pin 20. Required. 2 DN. Numeric messages. Optional. Set by MAXIHOST software. 3 DN. No result code display. Optional. Set by MAXIHOST software. 4 DN. Modem does not echo. Optional. Set by MAXIHOST software. 5 DN. Auto Answer suppressed. Optional. Set by MAXIHOST software. 6 UP. CD controlled by pin 8. Required. 7 UP. Single line connection. Required. 8 DN. AT command recognition. Required. I use the above switch settings for ALL the communications software I use: Qmodem, Procomm, etc. It is most important that Carrier Detect and Data Terminal Ready not be forced on. HAYES 1200B INTERNAL MODEM (EARLY MODEL) ──────────────────────────────────────── Early model Hayes 1200B modems may require modification to work with MAXIHOST; read HAYESFIX.DOC. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 38 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Equipment Settings HAYES 1200B INTERNAL MODEM SWITCH SETTINGS ─────────────────────────────────────── You must set the three switches on the board from A-B to B-C, the alternate position. This jumper is not documented in the manual. MAXIHOST will now work with the factory set switch settings. HAYES 1200B MODEL 07/00043 INTERNAL MODEM SWITCH SETTINGS ─────────────────────────────────────── Switch: 1 Either Select COM1: or COM2: 2 Up Select single line 3 Down Detect carrier 4 Up Monitor DTR status 5 Up Select Bell 212A 6 Up US/Canada US ROBOTICS 2400 AND 9600 ─────────────────────────────────────── Use Hayes 1200 external switch settings. (Early ROM versions of the 9600 seem to ignore the V setting and respond only to switch 2.) AST SIX PACK ─────────────────────────────────────── MAXIHOST requires monitoring both Data Terminal Ready (DTR) and Carrier Detect (CD). Apparently some versions of the AST Six Pack force these signals true. Please see the AST manual for more information. AT CABLE CONFIGURATION ─────────────────────────────────────── AT nine pin DB 15 ─────────────────────── 1----------CD---------8 --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 39 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Equipment Settings 2----------RD---------3 3----------TD---------2 4----------DTR-------20 5----------SG---------7 6----------DSR--------6 7----------RTS--------4 8----------CTS--------5 9----------RI--------22 --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 40 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Compatibility Problems ─────────────────────────────────────── KNOWN COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS ─────────────────────────────────────── MAXIHOST does not function correctly when certain memory resident (TSR) programs are loaded. DOSEDIT, a DOS editor, does strange things at times, especially after a Jump to DOS.Could it mess things up at other times? Those spiffy clock programs interfere with binary file transfers. If you are having problems, remove ALL resident programs from memory and see if this helps. TSR's should not be invoked from a DOS shell! (TRAPDOOR) --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 41 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Miscellaneous ─────────────────────────────────────── MISCELLANEOUS TIPS AND SETTINGS ─────────────────────────────────────── MORE ON INITSTRING ─────────────────────────────────────── The examples of INITSTRING below use V1. This sets the modems to verbal result codes. These can also use V0 for numeric result codes, but V1 maintains software compatibility with other communications programs. Some users have been unsuccessful setting Hayes clones to use V1 (verbal result codes) but successful using V0 (numeric result codes), while for others it has been the other way around. If you have difficulty with one mode, try switching to the other. Any INITSTRING sent to a Hayes modem MUST be 40 characters or less! If the string contains a command not recognized by the modem, the entire string is ignored, and MAXIHOST will not operate correctly. Some clone 2400 baud modems are 'Hayes 1200 compatable' and should use the Hayes 1200 INITSTRING. Some clone 2400 baud modems are 'Hayes 2400 compatible' and should use the Hayes 2400 INITSTRING. If you are not certain which to use, some experimentation on your part may be necessary. When configuring your modem, make sure of the following: DTR - not forced on! CD - not forced on! AA - not forced on! The above three conditions are set either by switches or by an extended command setting. Forcing any one of them on is by far the biggest mistake when attempting to get MAXIHOST to work. Hayes 1200 baud modems─────────── INITSTRING=ATE0M0Q0V1X1S0=0S1=0 This is the initialization string sent to the modem. It breaks down as follows: AT Attention X1 Extended result code E0 Echo off S0=0 Do not auto answer ( DO NOT CHANGE ) M0 Speaker off Q0 Send result codes S1=0 Count 0 rings V1 verbal result codes --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 42 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Miscellaneous Hayes 2400 baud modems─────────── INITSTRING=AT&D2V1Q0E0S0=0&C1&T5L3B1M1 This is the initialization string sent to the modem. It breaks down as follows: AT Attention &J0 Single-line connection &D2 Follow DTR &T5 RDL disabled V1 Verbal result codes L3 High speaker volume Q0 Result codes enabled B1 Select Bell 212A E0 Characters not echoed M1 Modem on until carrier S0=0 Disable auto answer &C1 Detect carrier (not forced on) Multi-Tech 2400 baud modems─────────── INITSTRING=ATE0M0Q0V1X1S0=0S1=0&Q1 This string is the same as that for the Hayes 1200 with the exception of the &Q1, which instructs the Multi-Tech to emulate the Hayes 1200 modem. US Robotics Courier HST 9600─────────── INITSTRING=ATE0M0Q0V1X1S0=0S1=0&B0&H0&I0&N0 This modem uses the same INITSTRING as the Hayes 1200, plus: &B0 DTE rate follows connection rate &H0 Flow control disabled &I0 Flow control disabled &N0 Normal link operations The result code expected from the modem is 13 for a 9600 baud connect. Everex Evercom 24 modems─────────── INITSTRING=ATE0Q0V1X4L3S7=60 Everex 24 MNP modems─────────── INITSTRING=ATE0M0X4\N3\Q0\V0\X1\G0\C1%C1S0=0 RESETSTRING=ATZ0 --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 43 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Miscellaneous Some Everex modems require the contents of registers S3 & S4 to be reversed, i.e. S3=10 S4=13. BUZZBACK INFO ─────────────────────────────────────── Adding S7=60 increases to 60 seconds the time the modem is to wait for a carrier after dialing. This may be necessary for BuzzBack to work. SINGLE USER SYSTEM ─────────────────────────────────────── MAXIHOST can be run under multitaskers in single user mode only. That is, data cannot be shared. Several copies of MAXIHOST could be run from different directories, but I fail to see a reason for this. A multiuser database is been planned for the future. MINIHOST TO MAXIHOST CONVERSION ─────────────────────────────────────── Delete MINIHOST.00? Rename MINIHOST.* MAXIHOST.* Rename *.B?? to .T?? Rename MAXIHOST.?00 to WELCOME.?01 Rename MAXIHOST.?01 to NEWUSER.?01 Add a unique identifier in front of each conference entry: CONFERENCE=1;GENERAL;0;Miscellanious Topics CONFERENCE=2;PROBLEMS;0;Problem Resolution CONFERENCE=3;BETA_TEST;5;Beta Test Versions RUNNING DOS (OR A PROGRAM) FROM A REMOTE ─────────────────────────────────────── A batch file, TRAPDOOR, is executed from MaxiHost. A path MUST BE SET to point to TRAPDOOR.BAT if the call is to be successful! One version of TRAPDOOR.BAT is provided with this package; as written, it enables WATCHDOG, a public domain program that monitors carrier detect at DOS level. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 44 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Miscellaneous MAXIHOST sends TRAPDOOR.BAT a parameter to inform it which port is selected, so it may run the proper version of WATCHDOG. You might do well to use this file as is. You could change the line with COMMAND to the name of the program of your choice; this would not allow DOS access, but would execute the program and then return to MAXIHOST. Keep in mind that very many programs write directly to the screen, or intercept the keyboard directly. These programs will not operate correctly under the DOS shell, and may hang up the system. If you have called in DOS then type EXIT at the DOS command line to return to MAXIHOST. A great shareware program, available on the MaxiHost Support BBS, is available for handling difficult programs from a remote. Download the latest version of Doorway, and be sure to register it. It is well worth the money! USING MAXIHOST WITH DOORWAY ─────────────────────────────────────── MaxiHost passes the following command line parameters: %0 = name of program called (batch, exe, com) %1 = port number %2 = baud rate %3 = first name %4 = last name %5 = security level %6 = ANSI (Y or N) %7 = directory MaxiHost was to start from %8 = CARRIER or LOCAL The following TRAPDOOR.BAT file is an example of using DOORWAY from a DOS shell. echo off cls if .%8. == .LOCAL. goto local c:\rundir\doorway COM%1: /VD^U /OT /GON /M32767 /AON /BMS /S* /CDOS goto end :local c:\rundir\doorway local /OT /GON /M32767 /AON /BMS /S* /CDOS :end The following TRAPDOOR.BAT file is an example of using DOORWAY to call in an external program. Rundir would be the directory MaxiHost was invoked from, and Startdir would be the directory specified by START=. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 45 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Miscellaneous @echo off cd\doors if .%8. == .LOCAL. goto local if .%6. == .N. goto nonansi c:\rundir\doorway com%1: /VD^U /AON /OT /S* /GON /M30 /kV255 /PC:\doors\users.exe %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9 goto end :nonansi c:\rundir\doorway com%1: /VD^U /AON /OT /S* /GOFF /M30 /kV255 /PC:\doors\users.exe %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9 goto end :local c:\rundir\doorway LOCAL /T:^C /O:T /S:* /G:ON /M32767 /PC:\doors\users.exe %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9 :end cd\startdir TESTIMONIALS ─────────────────────────────────────── PC World MAY 1990 says "MAXIHOST, a versatile shareware BBS that almost anyone can use. MAXIHOST's ample security features and easy setup make it ideal" and "A MAXIHOST BBS is easy to maintain as it is to set up" Micro Cornucopia NOV-DEV 1989 says "MINIHOST has amazing low maintenance requirements", "is very flexible", and "after years of reliable use Mankin's little BBS is a gem of a system" American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education Vol 53, Summer 89 says "Because of the extensive documentation... I have never a need to call for help" and "a file shareware BBS which ever college of pharmacy should try" Personal Computer Communications, The bible of the online World, by Alfred Glossbrenner (of the New York Times) says "For new users we recommend Don Mankin's MINIHOST. Simple to setup and use" and "for anyone willing to tap an office or home computer from a distant location" DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE ─────────────────────────────────────── --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 46 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Miscellaneous Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs differ on details -- some request registration while others require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using the software to an updated program with printed manual. Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a specific group. For example, some authors require written permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware. Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy. And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it. DISCLAIMER - AGREEMENT ─────────────────────────────────────── Users of MAXIHOST must accept this disclaimer of warranty: "MAXIHOST is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use of MAXIHOST." MAXIHOST is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with your friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of another system. The essence of "user-supported" software is to provide personal computer users with quality software without high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 47 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Miscellaneous continue to develop new products. If you find this program useful and find that you are using MAXIHOST and continue to use MAXIHOST after a reasonable trial period, you must make a registration payment of $25-$50 (see REGISTRATION INFORMATION) to ASCII Computer Enterprises. The $25-$50 registration fee will license one copy for use on any one computer at any one time. You must treat this software just like a book. An example is that this software may be used by any number of people and may be freely moved from one computer location to another, so long as there is no possibility of it being used at one location while it's being used at another. Just as a book cannot be read by two different persons at the same time. Commercial users of MAXIHOST must register and pay for their copies of MAXIHOST within 30 days of first use or their license is withdrawn. Site-License arrangements may be made by contacting ASCII Computer Enterprises. Anyone distributing MAXIHOST for any kind of remuneration must first contact ASCII Computer Enterprises at the address below for authorization. This authorization will be automatically granted to distributors recognized by the (ASP) as adhering to its guidelines for shareware distributors, and such distributors may begin offering MAXIHOST immediately (However ASCII Computer Enterprises must still be advised so that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latestversion of MAXIHOST.). You are encouraged to pass a copy of MAXIHOST along to your friends for evaluation. Please encourage them to register their copy if they find that they can use it. All registered users will receive a copy of the latest version of the MAXIHOST system. OMSBUDSMAN ─────────────────────────────────────── This program is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at P.O. Box 5786, Bellevue, WA 98006 or send a Compuserve message via easyplex to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536. --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 48 --- --- Maxihost User Guide: Miscellaneous REGISTRATION INFORMATION ─────────────────────────────────────── Purchased from: Don Mankin 231 Market Place #353 San Ramon, CA 94583 Purchases of 10 copies or more constitutes a Site License. DATE: / / Invoice No. 031590 ---------------------------------------------------------------- PRODUCT QTY HOBBY COMMERCIAL MINI/MAXI UPGRADE ---------- --- ----- ---------- ---------------------- "MAXIHOST" 1 $25 $50 $15 California SALES TAX 6.25% $ Shipping and Handling $2.50 ---------------------------------------------------------------- PLEASE PAY THIS AMOUNT $ Enter the following registration information: First & Last Name : Address : City : State : Zip Code : Phone Number : Business Name : Password : The above password is to be used to gain access to the MAXIHOST Support BBS at 209-836-2402. Register under your Name or Business? (Business option for Commercial registrants only) < U / B > Please make check payable in US Dollars to :DON MANKIN --- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 49 ---