The Best of Windows 95.com 1996 September

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-------------------------------------------------------------------------- ESS-Code 7.5 \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ Electric Storm Software / / / / / / / / / Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, Michel Forget \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ======== CONTENTS ======== 1. Introduction 2. Registration a) Registration Information b) Registration Form c) Site License Registration Form 3. ESS-Code Version Information a) The Windows Version b) The Windows95/WindowsNT Version c) The DOS Version d) The Atari Version 4. Distribution 5. Disclaimer 6. Contacting Electric Storm Software 7. Using ESS-Code a. System Requirements b. The Windows Version (16-BIT & 32-BIT Versions) I) Introduction II) Drag & Drop Support III) The Menu IV) The Extension Script Commands c. The DOS Version I) Introduction II) Common Parameters III) Unique Parameters i) MIME.EXE ii) UNMIME.EXE iii) SHIP.EXE iv) UUE.EXE IV) Help d. ESS-Code Uninstallation 8. Acknowledgements 9. Third Party Copyrights ============================================================================= 1. INTRODUCTION ============================================================================= ESS-Code is an application designed to allow computer users to exchange binary files across computer networks that do not support the transmission of binary information. This task is accomplished by converting the binary file to an ASCII file, then converting the ASCII file back to its original state after transmission. There are four popular methods of conversion, each of which is named after the part of the process that performs the conversion; UUE, MIME, BTOA, and SHIP. Since each of these conversion methods is an accepted standard, there are a wide variety of encoding/decoding utilities available for every major computer platform, including UNIX, Macintosh, Amiga, Atari, and many more. Why should you use ESS-Code instead of one of the many other utilities currently available? There are many reasons: 1) SPEED - ESS-Code is much faster than other coding programs that I have tested. In some cases, the difference in speed is as much as 40%! ESS-Code was tested against several major Shareware applications, and not one of them was faster. 2) COMPATIBILITY - There are versions of ESS-Code available for DOS, Windows, WindowsNT, and Windows95. The conversion methods used by ESS-Code are standard, meaning that you can use other conversion programs on other platforms (UNIX, Amiga, Atari, & Macintosh) to process files that have been converted with ESS-Code. 3) OPTIONS - ESS-Code was written with the needs of the user in mind. There are a host of user-configurable options that can be set to affect how output is generated, how ESS-Code behaves, and even how ESS-Code looks. 4) FLEXIBILITY - ESS-Code supports UUE, BTOA, SHIP, MIME, File Splitting, File Joining, and more. All of your file conversion needs are handled by one application. 5) BINARY NEWSGROUPS - Many USENET discussion groups (newsgroups) -- those with the word "binaries" in the name -- encode messages so that they can be distributed to the public. 6) ONLINE SERVICES - Do you have a Genie, CompuServe, or AOL account? Many online services do not provide a way to send a file to another user in electronic mail, or charge for this service. If this is the case, the file in question can be processed with ESS-Code. [The following two considerations only apply to the Windows version.] 7) APPEARANCE - ESS-Code is a Windows application, which means that it makes extensive use of menus, dialog boxes, and graphical output. You are not required to remember any command line parameters, or type needlessly. Since ESS-Code is a Windows application, you can also access other programs while ESS-Code is performing a conversion, or perform more than one conversion at once. 8) HELP - As you would expect of any application written for the Windows environment, ESS-Code has extensive online help. You can read the documentation online, search for keywords, and find information quickly when needed. ============================================================================= 2. Registration ============================================================================= ------------------------------- - a) Registration Information - ------------------------------- OR: Is this program worth $15.00 to me? If you believe that ESS-Code is a quality product and would like to receive the registered version of the software, please send $15 (US/CDN) to: Michel Forget (RE: PC) 12209 Dovercourt Avenue Edmonton, Alberta CANADA T5L 4E1 If you send a cheque to the address listed above, please make it payable to Michel Forget. If you do not live in North America (and you are writing to this address instead of the address for users in the United Kingdom), please send an international money order or the equivalent of $15 in your own currency. Please do not send a personal cheque unless you live in North America. For your convenience, we have included a registration form which can be printed for improved service. ------------------------ - b) Registration Form - ------------------------ You do not need to print this form to register. It is provided for your convenience only. If you do not have a printer, or simply do not wish to print this form, simply send your name, address, and registration fee to the address listed below. TO: Michel Forget (RE: PC) 12209 Dovercourt Avenue Edmonton, Alberta CANADA T5L 4E1 Dear Michel, I am sending you $15.00 (US/CDN) as my registration fee for ESS-Code. Please send me a key that I can use to unlock all current and future versions of ESS-Code. Name: ____________________________________ Address: ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ If you supply an Internet electronic mail address, your key will me sent to you by electronic mail (in addition to being sent through normal paper-mail. E-Mail: [Internet] ______________________________________________________ [Other] ______________________________________________________ [________] Please send a note to my Internet electronic mail address when new versions of ESS-Code are released. Please feel free to use the space provided below to record your comments, suggestions, or bug reports (if any): (insert as much space as you need before printing - we love feedback) ------------------------------------- - c) Site License Registration Form - ------------------------------------- You do not need to print this form to register. It is provided for your convenience only. If you do not have a printer, or simply do not wish to print this form, simply send your name, address, and registration fee to the address listed below. TO: Michel Forget (RE: PC) 12209 Dovercourt Avenue Edmonton, Alberta CANADA T5L 4E1 Dear Michel, I am sending you $100.00 (US/CDN) as the site license registration fee for ESS-Code. Please send me a key that I can use to unlock ESS-Code on an unlimited number of computers within my organization. I understand that this key will unlock all current and future versions of ESS-Code. Name: ____________________________________ Address: ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ If you supply an Internet electronic mail address, your key will me sent to you by electronic mail (if possible) in addition to being sent through normal mail channels. E-Mail: [Internet] ______________________________________________________ [Other] ______________________________________________________ [________] Please send a note to the above Internet electronic mail address when new versions of this application are released. What is the name of the archive you downloaded/received? ________________ Please feel free to use the space provided below to record comments, suggestions, or bug reports (if any): ============================================================================= 3. ESS-Code Version Information ============================================================================= There are several distinct versions of ESS-Code available, each serving a different operating environment but sharing a common version number. The archive you received this manual with will contain only one version of ESS-Code. If you should desire another of the available versions of ESS-Code, it should be available where you found this archive under one of the following filenames: THE WINDOWS VERSION ECD67WIN.ZIP THE WINDOWS 95 / WINDOWS NT VERSION ECD71W95.ZIP THE DOS VERSION ECD66DOS.ZIP THE ATARI VERSION ECD64ATR.ZIP ESSCD64.ZIP ============================================================================= 4. Distribution ============================================================================= The unregistered version of ESS-Code may be distributed with the following limitations: GENERAL ESS-Code may be distributed free of charge; there can be no fee charged for the distribution of ESS-Code other than reasonable media charges. ESS-Code may only be distributed in its entirety -- the archive format may be changed, but all of the files in the original archive must be included in the new archive. MAGAZINES ESS-Code may be included on disks or CD-ROMs included with (or sold by) magazines without permission, providing that a courtesy copy of the magazine (and media) is sent to Electric Storm Software and all other rules of distribution are adhered to. CD-ROM SOFTWARE COLLECTIONS ESS-Code may be included on CD-ROM collections, providing that all rules of distribution are adhered to. A courtesy copy of the media would but sincerely appreciated, but is not manditory. The limitations specified in this section are not designed to interfere with you; they are designed to protect the interests of Electric Storm Software. If there are any questions about these limitations, please do not hesitate to contact Electric Storm Software. ============================================================================= 5. Disclaimer ============================================================================= ESS-CODE ("THE SOFTWARE") DOES NOT COME WITH ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. IF YOU MAKE USE OF THE SOFTWARE, PLEASE BE AWARE THAT YOU DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK. NEITHER THE AUTHOR OF THE SOFTWARE (MICHEL FORGET) NOR ANY OTHER PARTY WILL ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DATA LOSS, EQUIPMENT DAMAGE, OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CONSEQUENCES OR DAMAGES THAT ARISE AS A RESULT OF THE USE OR MISUSE OF THE SOFTWARE. ============================================================================= 6. Contacting Electric Storm Software ============================================================================= Programming: Michel Forget Design Testing: Mike Bublitz If you would like to contact Electric Storm Software, please send an electronic mail message to mforget@planet.eon.net or mbublitz@agt.net -- your message will be answered promptly. If you would like to contact Electric Storm Software in writing, either for the purposes of registration or to offer comments or suggestions, please write to: Michel Forget (RE: PC) 12209 Dovercourt Avenue Edmonton, Alberta CANADA T5L 4E1 ============================================================================= 7. Using ESS-Code ============================================================================= -------------------------- - a. System Requirements - -------------------------- ESS-Code is not an application that will consume the resources of your system. If you would like to use ESS-Code on your system, you should have: DOS Version DOS >= 3.3 Windows 3.1/3.11 16-BIT Version DOS >= 3.3 Windows >= 3.1 VGA (>=16 Colours) Windows95/WindowsNT 32-BIT Version 80386 Processor Windows 95/WindowsNT VGA (16 Colours) ----------------------------------------------------- - b. The Windows Version (16-BIT & 32-BIT Versions) - ----------------------------------------------------- INTRODUCTION The purpose of this section of the manual is to describe what each of the features of ESS-Code does, and how to use them. ESS-Code is an application designed to allow computer users to exchange binary files across computer networks that do not support the transmission of binary information. This task is accomplished by converting the binary file to an ASCII file, then converting the ASCII file back to its original state after transmission. There are four popular methods of conversion, each of which is named after the part of the process that performs the conversion; UUE, MIME, BTOA, and SHIP. Since each of these conversion methods is an accepted standard, there are a wide variety of encoding/decoding utilities available for every major computer platform, including UNIX, Macintosh, Amiga, Atari, and many more. The ESS-Code "client" (the shell that you work with) is a Windows application; this means that you communicate with the client using menus, dialog boxes, message boxes, and the mouse. The results of your actions are shown in the application window in a summarized graphical format. DRAG & DROP SUPPORT ESS-Code, like many other applications available, allows you to drag a file from the program manager (or explorer) to the ESS-Code application window to perform an encoding/decoding operation. When the file is dropped on the ESS-Code application window, a dialog box will appear asking what should be done with the file. After selecting the appropriate action, ESS-Code will perform the action (asking for extra information if necessary). THE MENU The ESS-Code user interface has four menus. Each menu contains commands that are related to one another. FILE The file menu allows you to perform various operations on files, such as encoding, decoding, splitting, and joining. UUEncode File... ---------------- This command will allow you to convert a file of your choosing from binary to ASCII using the Dumas UUEncode file conversion method. If segmentation is enabled, the resulting output files will have extensions of ".UAA", ".UAB", ".UAC", and so on. If segmentation is not enabled, the resulting output file will have an extension of ".UUE". This method of file conversion is very fast, but it is also very inefficient. After being converted, files are typically 20% larger than their binary counterparts. The most attractive feature of this file conversion method is that it is supported by virtually every computer platform in existence. UUDecode File... ---------------- This command will allow you to return a file converted with the Dumas UUEncode file conversion method to its original binary state. Files that have been converted with the Dumas UUEncode file conversion method have extensions of ".UUE", ".UAA", ".UAB", ".UAC", [...], ".UBA", ".UBB", ".UBC", and so forth. When decoding a segmented file using this file conversion method, you do not need to specify each of the segments. MIME-Encode File... ------------------- This command will allow you convert a file of your choosing from binary to ASCII using the MIME file conversion method. If segmentation is enabled, the resulting output files will have extensions of ".01", ".02", ".03", and so forth. If segmentation is not enabled, the resulting output file will have an extension of ".M". This file conversion method, which is the newest of the file conversion methods to be developed, is rapidly gaining in popularity. It is fast, efficient, and flexible. If you know that the person or machine receiving your data can process MIME-Encoded files, this is the best file conversion method to use. MIME-Decode File... ------------------- This command will allow you to return a file converted with the MIME file conversion method to its original binary state. Files that have been converted with the MIME file conversion method have extensions of ".M", ".01", ".02", ".03", and so forth. When decoding a segmented file using this file conversion method, you do not need to specify each segment of the file to be decoded (though you can do so if you wish). Only the first segment must be specified. SHIP-Encode File... ------------------- This command will allow you convert a file of your choosing from binary to ASCII using the SHIP file conversion method. To retain compatibility with the UNIX implementation of SHIP, the output of this encoding method is always a series of files named "PART0001", "PART0002", and so forth. While not a desirable situation, this is an unfortunate necessity. This file conversion method, though available, should not be used unless there is no other option available. MIME-Encoding, which is nearly as efficient, is much more flexible than SHIP-Encoding. SHIP-Decode File... ------------------- This command will allow you to return a file converted with the SHIP file conversion method to its original binary state. Files that have been converted with the SHIP file conversion method have names such as "PART0001", "PART0002", "PART0003", and so forth. When decoding a segmented file using this file conversion method, you do not need to specify each segment to be decoded (though you can do so if you wish). Only the first segment must be specified. BTOA-Encode File... ------------------- This command will allow you convert a file of your choosing from binary to ASCII using the BTOA file conversion method. To retain compatibility with the UNIX implementation of BTOA, the output of this encoding method cannot be segmented. If you need to segment the output, you can use the "Split File..." command to do so. If the resulting file is to be rebuilt on a UNIX system, you will need to use the "cat" command in the following fashion (after removing network message headers): /usr/mforget/> cat file.1 file.2 file.3 file.4 file.5 >the.whole.file /usr/mforget/> atob the.whole.file output BTOA-Decode File... ------------------- This command will allow you to return a file converted with the BTOA file conversion method to its original binary state. Files that have been converted with the BTOA file conversion method have extensions of ".B2A". Split File... ------------- This command will allow you to split a file into segments so that it may be written to disk for transportation or so that it may be transmitted across a network. It is important to recognize that the file (once split using this method) will not be able to be processed by any conversion method until it is once again rebuilt. If ESS-Code is not available for the platform on which the file will be rebuilt, there are many other utilities available that can perform this task (or it could be performed manually using a text editor). Join File... ------------ This command will allow you to rejoin the parts of a file that has been split by ESS-Code. You do not need to specify the name of each segment to join. Instead, you are only required to specify the name of the first segment (and ESS-Code will determine the other segment names). Apply Filter ------------ This command will allow you to repair UUEncoded files that have been distributed in a corrupted (non-standard) format. This is most often the case when files are distributed through USENET discussion groups or when files are distributed by ftp-mail software. Files are repaired by using a special template called a filter. The filter consists of a data start sequence, a data end sequence, and two instance counters. Each filter consists of four individual elements; a data start sequence, a data end sequence, and two instance counters. The data start sequence is a unique set of characters that appear on the line immediately before the encoded data begins. The data end sequence is a unique set of characters that appear on the line immediately after the encoded data (for the segment) is complete. The two instance counters determine how many times the sequence in question (start or end) should be located before ESS-Code starts or stops recording data. There are several filters included with ESS-Code, but the filter you need may not be available. If this is the case, you can create your own filter (and save it if you expect to need it more than once). Once a file has been passed through a filter, the output will consist of one non-segmented, standard, UUEncoded file. Reset LOG File -------------- This command is only available in the 32-BIT version of ESS-Code. This command will allow you to erase the file that ESS-Code uses to record information about the actions you perform while using ESS-Code. This file is required so that you have a way of tracking where encoded/decoded files have been placed, and what options were used for each encoding/decoding operation. It also provides you with a cumulative written record of what you have done with ESS-Code. If you find that the file is growing too large, simply select this command to erase it. Exit ---- This command will allow you to exit ESS-Code. You will not be asked for confirmation unless your options have changed and the AutoSave Options feature is disabled. SEGMENTATION When ESS-Code is processing a file, it can split the output file into segments so that it can be placed on floppy disks for transportation or transmitted over networks that cannot accommodate large messages. The segmentation menu allows you to determine the size of the segments that ESS-Code will create. Preset Segment Size ------------------- The segment sizes that are shown in this submenu are typical segment sizes that are commonly used. User Defined Size ----------------- If none of the preset segment sizes match your needs, you can specify a segment size of your own by selecting this menu entry. No Segmentation --------------- If you do not need segmentation, select this menu entry to disable it. OPTIONS The options menu allows you to control how ESS-Code encodes and decodes files. You can also significantly alter the look-and-feel of the application using the commands found in this menu. UUEncode -------- Full Path Specification This command forces the inclusion of the full pathname of the file being encoded in the encoded file. Normally, UUEncoded files only contain the filename and extension of the file being encoded. Generate Table This command forces the generation of a table of characters to compensate for corruption by ill-behaved network mailers. This table, while not usually required, can be useful in some situations. SHIP-Encode ----------- Fast Mode Selecting this menu entry will force the SHIP file conversion method to use a slightly less efficient (but slightly faster) method of encoding. MIME-Encode ----------- Subject If you select this menu entry, the MIME file conversion method will prompt you for a message subject to apply to the outgoing (encoded) data. Description If you select this menu entry, the MIME file conversion method will prompt you for the name of a file containing a description of the outgoing (encoded) data. Specify Content Type Selecting this menu entry will cause the MIME file conversion method to prompt you for a content-type to apply to the outgoing (encoded) data. The content-type must be a subtype of application, audio, image, or video. MIME-Decode / SHIP-Decode ------------------------- Quick Find If you select this menu entry, ESS-Code will only require you to specify the name of the first segment of a file that was encoded with the MIME/SHIP file conversion methods. ESS-Code will attempt to determine the names of all subsequent segments. This option, which is enabled by default, should only be disabled if the file you are decoding does not conform to the naming standard used by ESS-Code, or if the segments of the file you are decoding reside in multiple directories on your system. Client Execution Mode --------------------- Hidden If you select this menu entry, ESS-Code will hide servers when they are launched so that they have no visible output and do not appear on your monitor. Minimized If you select this menu entry, ESS-Code will minimize servers when they are launched so that they have no visible output, but appear as an icon (which can be opened should the need arise). Background Window If you select this menu entry, ESS-Code will display the output of servers in a background window when they are launched. This leaves you free to continue working with ESS-Code. Foreground Window Selecting this menu entry will cause ESS-Code to display the output of servers in a foreground window when they are launched. This allows you to see the contents of the entire window. If you wish to continue working with ESS-Code while the server is operating, simply click on the main application window of ESS-Code. Quick Termination Selecting this menu entry will cause ESS-Code to remove server windows (if visible) immediately after the server has finished the task it was assigned. While this prevents you from viewing the output of the encoding/decoding operation, it makes system resources available to the system that would otherwise be unavailable until the server window was closed manually. UNIX Line Termination --------------------- If you select this menu entry, each line of encoded output will end with a UNIX line-end character instead of a DOS line-end character. This prevents "^M" from appearing after every line when the encoded file is processed by a UNIX network mailer. Overwrite Confirmation ---------------------- Selecting this menu entry will cause ESS-Code to ask for confirmation before it overwrites any existing files during an encoding, decoding, file splitting, of file joining operation. AutoSave Options ---------------- If you select this menu entry, ESS-Code will automatically save your options before you exit if they have been changed. Save Options ------------ Selecting this menu entry will cause your options to be saved immediately. Save Options As... ------------------ Selecting this menu entry will allow you to save your options using a filename (and location) of your choosing. Load Options... --------------- Selecting this menu entry will allow you to load a previously saved set of options. HELP The help menu allows you to search for help on a specific topic, use the online manual, learn how to use the help system, and much more. Contents -------- If you select this menu entry, you will be shown the contents of the online manual. Search... --------- This menu entry will allow you to search for help within the online manual on a topic of your choosing. Index ----- If you select this menu entry, you will be shown the index of the online manual. Using Help ---------- If you do not know how to use the help system, select this menu entry to learn more about it. About ESS-Code... ----------------- This menu entry will allow you to view general information about ESS-Code, including copyright and shareware information. THE EXTENSION SCRIPT COMMANDS If you discover a conversion method that ESS-Code does not support, you can now incorporate it directly (and seamlessly) into ESS-Code through a new feature known as an extensible menu system. Extensions are menu entries that are displayed at the bottom of the file menu. There are two steps involved in creating an ESS-Code extension: 1) In the ESSCODE.INI file (located in c:\windows) add a new line using the following format: EXTENSION = <menu entry name>,<script> Example: EXTENSION = "View .&ZIP Contents",c:\viewzip.ess This command MUST be typed exactly as it appears, since case and spacing is expecially important. In the <menu entry name> field, you may specify a keyboard shortcut by typing a "&" immediately before the letter you want to be able to press to activate the menu entry. 2) Create an ESS-Code extension script that has the same name and location as the <script> specified above. An example script is shown below, followed by a detailed dicussion of all the script commands available. ' Extract .ZIP File USING PKUNZIP. ' This script could be improved by using the "ASK INPUT FILE" ' and "ASK OUTPUT FILE" commands. SET TEMPLATE C:\PKUNZIP.EXE %RESPONSE %RESPONSE %RESPONSE SET YES -d SET NO -e ASK YN Do you want to preserve the directory structure of the ZIP file? ASK INFORMATION What is the name of the ZIP file to extract? ASK INFORMATION What folder do you want to extract the ZIP file to? ASK CONTINUE Proceed? GO TELL The file has been extracted. Extension Script Commands ------------------------- Command Explanation ------- ----------- ' This is the symbol used for a comment. Any extension script commands or text that appears on the same line as this symbol will be ignored. SET TEMPLATE <text> This command is required. It describes what the final command line passed to the tool the script is being written for will look like. As the other extension script commands obtain information from the user, the "%RESPONSE" fields are replaced (from left to right) with the actual information supplied by the user. Several example templates are shown below: SET TEMPLATE c:\z.exe -%RESPONSE $RESPONSE In this case, the user might be expected to enter a one letter command switch, which ESS-Code would then insert immediately after the "-". SET TEMPLATE type %RESPONSE In this case, the user might be expected to enter the name of the file, which ESS-Code would then insert after the text "type " (including the space). The template is requried because it determines where the information will be placed on the command line. ASK CONTINUE <text> This command will cause a message box to appear containing <text>. If the user responds by clicking on the "No" button, the extension script will end. The most command use of this command is to ask the user "Do you really want to proceed with this operation?". ASK YN <text> This command will cause a message box to appear containing <text> (a question). The user can either click on the "Yes" button or the "No" button in response to the question. This command must be used in conjunction with the "SET YES" and "SET NO" commands discussed below. SET YES <text> This command must appear BEFORE the "ASK YN" command. It determines what text will be placed on the command line if the user clicks on the "Yes" button in response to an "ASK YN" command. SET NO <text> This command must appear BEFORE the "ASK YN" command. It determines what text will be placed on the command line if the user clicks on the "No" button in response to an "ASK YN" command. SET YES ABORT This command must appear BEFORE the "ASK YN" command. It will cause the extension script to end if the user clicks on the "Yes" button in response to an "ASK YN" command. SET NO ABORT This command must appear BEFORE the "ASK YN" command. It will cause the extension script to end if the user clicks on the "No" button in response to an "ASK YN" command. TELL <text> This command will cause a message box to appear containing <text>. it is used to inform the user of information that you feel they should be aware of. SET DISPLAY MODE <mode> This command is used to determine how the tool the script is being written for will look when it is executed. There are four display modes available: Mode Explanation ---- ----------- HIDDEN The tool will not be visible. This allows seamless integration with ESS-Code. MINIMIZED The tool will not be visible, but can be made visible by clicking on the desktop icon that represents it. BACKGROUND The tool will be visible, but only a a background window (portions of the window may be obscured by other windows). FOREGROUND The tool will be visible, and it will execute in the foreground (the entire window can be seen). ASK INFORMATION <text> This command will cause a dialog box containing <text> (a request for information) to appear on the screen. The user can type a response, which ESS-Code will insert into the template. ASK INPUT FILE <title> This command will cause the standard file selection dialog box to appear, with the title bar set to <title>. This command should be used to request the name of a file from the user. It should only be used for requesting source (input) files, since it requires that the file selected be a valid, existing file. ASK OUTPUT FILE <title> This command will cause the standard file selection dialog box to appear, with the title bar set to <title>. This command should be used to request the name of a file from the user. It should only be used for requesting destination (output) file names, since it does not require that the name selected be an existing file. GO This command instructs ESS-Code to execute the command line. This does not automatically end the script, but the only command that it would make sense to use after the tool has been executed is "TELL". ---------------------- - c. The DOS Version - ---------------------- INTRODUCTION The purpose of this section of the manual is to describe what each of the features of ESS-Code does, and how to use them. ESS-Code is an application designed to allow computer users to exchange binary files across computer networks that do not support the transmission of binary information. This task is accomplished by converting the binary file to an ASCII file, then converting the ASCII file back to its original state after transmission. There are four popular methods of conversion, each of which is named after the part of the process that performs the conversion; UUE, MIME, BTOA, and SHIP. Since each of these conversion methods is an accepted standard, there are a wide variety of encoding/decoding utilities available for every major computer platform, including UNIX, Macintosh, Amiga, Atari, and many more. Each of the applications that form the backbone of ESS-Code has been ported directly from their UNIX counterparts, with the exception of MIME.EXE which is based entirely on the DOS version of MPACK.EXE (with minor cosmetic changes and several additional features which make it easier to use). In all situations, compatibility with the UNIX implementation takes precedence over any other consideration. This can lead to some strange behaviour (such as the file naming method used by SHIP.EXE) but is much preferable to having a program that cannot communicate with the software on which it was based. Unlike the Windows version, there is no "client" aspect to the DOS version of ESS-Code. Instead, you communicate directly with DOS implementations of the various file conversion methods offered by ESS-Code. This form of interaction is most often used by bulletin board systems, electronic mail gateways, and other "batch" applications (since no human interaction is required). This method of interaction is also ideally suited to people who like prefer DOS to Windows. If you do not know what command to use on the command line for an ESS-Code application, simply type the name of that application and you will be shown a "usage" page. If you want more information on a command than is shown on the usage page, or more information than is shown in this section of the manual, please read the section of the manual about the Windows version of ESS-Code. It explains every option in detail. COMMON PARAMETERS ESS-Code is a complex set of applications that encompasses many different file conversion methods, but every effort has been made to ensure that each of the applications that form ESS-Code look and feel the same as the others. In addition to this, many of the applications share the same parameters. This section of the manual discusses those parameters which are common to all of the applications that for ESS-Code. The following command applies to all ESS-Code applications: Name Brief Explanation ---- ----------------- -c This parameter enables overwrite confirmation. You will be prompted before any file are destroyed by ESS-Code, and given the chance not to continue. The following command applies to all ESS-Code encoding applications: Name Brief Explanation ---- ----------------- -u This parameter enables UNIX Line Termination. Instead of ending each line of encoded ASCII data in a file with the standard MS-DOS line-end character, the UNIX line-end character will be used. The following command applies to all ESS-Code encoding applications that are capable of producing segmented output, except MIME.EXE: Name Brief Explanation ---- ----------------- -s<size> This command will enable segmented output. UNIQUE PARAMETERS Several of the applications that form ESS-Code have unique capabilities. This section of the manual describes what those capabilities are: MIME.EXE: Name Brief Explanation ---- ----------------- -s <subject> This applies a subject to the outgoing (encoded) message. If the subject contains spaces, quote it. Example: -s "This is a test." -d <description file> This applies a description to the outgoing (encoded) message. The description should be contained in an ASCII file, and should be no more than eighty characters wide. -m <characters> This parameter enables segmentation, as described in the preceding section. -t <content-type> This command allows you to manually specify the content-type of the outgoing (encoded) message. UNMIME.EXE Name Brief Explanation ---- ----------------- -q This command will prevent MIME.EXE from displaying as much output as it normally does. -d <directory> The UNMIME.EXE application normally places output in the current directory. If you do not want this to happen, you can specify an alternate directory with this command. Example: -d D:\USER\MFORGET SHIP.EXE Name Brief Explanation ---- ----------------- -f This command enables "fast" mode. This mode is slightly faster, but slightly less efficient, than the normal file conversion method used. UUE.EXE Name Brief Explanation ---- ----------------- -f This command will cause ESS-Code to record the full pathname of the file being encoded within the encoded file, instead of simply recording the filename. -t This command will cause ESS-Code to generate a table of ASCII characters, which helps prevent ill-behaved network mail software from corrupting the encoded data during transmission. ------------------------------ - d. ESS-Code Uninstallation - ------------------------------ Windows95 --------- If you have Windows95, ESS-Code can be automatically uninstalled simply by following this procedure: 1. Open "Control Panel" 2. Select "Add/Remove Software" 3. Select "ESS-Code" 4. Select "Add/Remove" WindowsNT --------- If you have WindowsNT, the uninstallation process can still be automated after following this procedure: 1. Open A Console Window 2. Type: [windows path]\delsrv.exe [windows path]\ESS-Code - Uninstallation Data NOTE: Substitute the path of your windows directory where appropriate. This can also be done by creating a program manager item with the command line shown above. ============================================================================= 8. Acknowledgements ============================================================================= ESS-Code is only possible because of the following people: Eric Stano Paul Rutter & Joe Orost John G. Myers Mark Adler Mike Bublitz Denesh Bhabuta Erlend Nagel RSA Data Security, Inc. Carnegie Mellon University Bell Communications Research, Inc. Ed Jay Al Southwell I would also like to thank Cyber City BBS (which can be reached at +60-3-758-7400) for creating a special software area for Electric Storm Software products. There have been many other individuals who have contributed to the development of this product who are too numerous to name. Their help is recognized and appreciated, though. ============================================================================= 9. Third Party Copyrights ============================================================================= The following copyright (and notice) apply to the modified MPACK/MUNPACK used by ESS-Code. Since the two utilities have been modified (in cosmetic terms only) the names "mime" and "unmime" have been used instead of the original names. (C) Copyright 1993, 1994 by Carnegie Mellon University All Rights Reserved. Permission to use, copy, modify, distribute, and sell this software and its documentation for any purpose is hereby granted without fee, provided that the above copyright notice appear in all copies and that both that copyright notice and this permission notice appear in supporting documentation, and that the name of Carnegie Mellon University not be used in advertising or publicity pertaining to distribution of the software without specific, written prior permission. Carnegie Mellon University makes no representations about the suitability of this software for any purpose. It is provided "as is" without express or implied warranty. CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES WITH REGARD TO THIS SOFTWARE, INCLUDING ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS, IN NO EVENT SHALL CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE OR OTHER TORTIOUS ACTION, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS SOFTWARE. Portions of this software are derived from code written by Bell Communications Research, Inc. (Bellcore) and by RSA Data Security, Inc. and bear similar copyrights and disclaimers of warranty. -- Portions of this product are copyrighted by Borland International, Inc. Trademarks are property of their respective owners.