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======================================================================== CHAPTER 1 Quick Start ======================================================================== Welcome to TAPCIS! The purpose of this "Quick Start" chapter is to help you: * Install TAPCIS on your computer * Set up the program * Sign up for a new CompuServe account (if necessary) * Operate TAPCIS (Menus, Dialogs, Hotkeys, Mouse Support) * Learn how to send and receive messages quickly in CompuServe Mail and the Forums After you go through this chapter, we *highly* recommend that you also review Chapter 2, Overview. Chapter 2 is the companion chapter in which we explain what TAPCIS does and how you will operate it on a daily basis. This Quick Start chapter is designed to get you up and running quickly, so that if you run into difficulties, you can turn to the TAPCIS Forum for help. Chapters 3-10 are the detailed reference chapters covering all the TAPCIS options. See also: Installation--1-1 Basic Operation Running TAPCIS--1-3 (dialogs, hotkeys)--1-10 Setup Directories--1-5 CompuServe Mail Messages--1-14 Setup User--1-6 Support from the Setup Modem--1-7 TAPCIS Forum--1-18 Setup Phone Number--1-8 Forum Setup--1-20 Sign-up for New Account--1-9 Where to Go From Here?--1-24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Installation This section covers installing TAPCIS from the DOS prompt by: making a directory for TAPCIS (if one does not already exist), changing to that directory (making it the "working directory"), and expanding the compressed distribution files into that directory. These steps assume your hard drive is C:, your floppy drive (if you are using an Installation Disk) is A:, and you want to use C:\TAP for your TAPCIS 6.0 files. If you are updating from a previous version of TAPCIS, you can install TAPCIS 6.0 into the same directory as the old 5.x; the old and new versions are designed to co-exist. We recommend that you keep the older version around until you have 6.0 up and running. Quick Start 1-1 Backup! Before you install *any* new software product, it is always a good idea to back up the information stored on your hard drive. Note: TAPCIS 6.0 for DOS is designed to run effectively under many different operating systems and interfaces, including MSDOS/PCDOS 3.1 and higher, Microsoft Windows 3.1x, Windows for Workgroups, Windows 95, Windows NT, Quarterdeck Desqview, and IBM OS/2 3.0 Warp. See the "Running TAPCIS" section on page 1-3 for more information. Start from DOS --- The installation steps are performed from a DOS prompt. To get to DOS, you will need to exit from any "DOS shell" programs. From Microsoft Windows 3.1x, click on the "MSDOS Prompt" icon in the Main program group, or press [Alt+F4] and answer [Ok] to exit from Windows back to DOS. We tell you how to run TAPCIS from a Windows icon (once it is installed) on page 1-3. Where we instruct you to Type "ABC XYZ" [Enter], you should type the letters ABC XYZ without typing the quotes ("") and then press the [Enter] key. Make the Directory and Change to It --- Step Where Do What What Happens ---- ----- ------- ------------ 1) DOS Type "PROMPT [$P] " [Enter] Changes DOS prompt, Type "C:" [Enter] switches to C: Type "CD \" [Enter] drive, changes to root directory. 2) [C:\] Type "MD \TAP" [Enter] Make and change prompt Type "CD \TAP" [Enter] into the C:\TAP directory. TAPCIS is distributed as "self-extracting," compressed ZIP files. For example, the TAP.EXE file you receive on disk or download from CompuServe will expand into all the files you need when it is executed. (Note: TAP.EXE does not include this manual in electronic form; TAPDOC.EXE contains the compressed documentation. TAPTRY.EXE (available from the TAPCIS Forum) contains both the program and the documentation.) 3) [C:\TAP] a) For installation from diskette, Starts the self- prompt put the diskette in drive A:, and extracting process. type "A:TAP C:\TAP" [Enter]. b) For installation from a Note: In DOSCIM and downloaded file, you need to know WinCIM, downloads the directory where the TAPCIS are probably located distribution file(s) are located. in a subdirectory of Let's say the TAPTRY.EXE file is C:\CSERVE\ called located in C:\DOWNLOAD. You would DOWNLOAD type "C:\DOWNLOAD\TAPTRY C:\TAP" [Enter]. 1-2 Quick Start 4) Yes/No When asked to extract the files, Files are installed prompt answer "Y". If asked to overwrite in the C:\TAP files, answer "Y". directory. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Running TAPCIS This section covers the simple process of running TAPCIS. To repeat an important point, although TAPCIS is a "DOS" application, we have tested it under many different operating systems that allow you to run DOS applications effectively, such as MSDOS and PCDOS 3.1 and higher, Microsoft Windows 3.1x, Windows for Workgroups, Windows 95, Windows NT, IBM OS/2 3.0 Warp, and a variety of other environments such as WordPerfect/Novell Shell and Quarterdeck Desqview. We shall cover running TAPCIS under DOS and Windows 3.1x only. The techniques to be used under other operating systems are similar. If you have any trouble running TAPCIS under Windows, or any other operating environment, read the file INSTALL.FAQ, available for downloading from the TAPCIS Forum, Library 1/TAPCIS. Under DOS --- From DOS, to run TAPCIS you need to change to the drive and directory where TAPCIS was set up, and run the TAPCIS6.EXE program. The following DOS commands, each entered at a DOS prompt and followed by pressing [Enter] will work for the default installation to directory C:\TAP: C: CD \TAP TAPCIS6 You can leave out the first step if your DOS prompt already indicates that you are working from drive C:. You can also store these commands in a "batch" file located in the PATH, for example "T6.BAT", so that you need only type "T6" and press enter to start TAPCIS. Under other operating systems, you can always perform these commands from a DOS prompt while you get additional help from the TAPCIS Forum on the specifics for your environment. Under Windows 3.1x --- Under Windows, it is desirable to launch TAPCIS from an icon, just as you launch other applications. While these instructions for installing an icon and program information file (PIF) apply specifically to Windows 3.1x, the technique is similar for other operating systems. Quick Start 1-3 Step Where Do What What Happens ---- ----- ------- ------------ 1) Program Select (or open) the program Starts process of Manager group where you want the TAPCIS adding an icon to icon to be located. Then use Windows. File | New, check "(*) Program item" and click on [Ok]. 2) [Program For the description, type "TAPCIS Item 6.0" and press [Tab]. Prop'ties] 3) Command Type "TAPCIS6.PIF" and press Specifies the PIF line: [Tab]. provided (you can field edit it using the PIF Editor). 4) Working Enter the drive and directory Gives TAPCIS' directory: where TAPCIS is located (e.g., location on the field type "C:\TAP"). hard drive. 5) Shortcut Enter one, such as Ctrl+Alt+T, if key: desired. (optional) 6) Any field Click on [Change Icon] button. Displays change Click on [Ok] in the box that icon dialog. warns that no icon was found. 7) Filename: Type "C:\TAP\TAPCIS6.ICO" (or the Points to the field drive and directory where TAPCIS provided icon file. is located). 8) Click on the [Ok] button as many Setup of the icon times as needed (2-3) to return is complete. to program manager with the T6 icon displayed. 9) Program Double click on the T6 icon to Manager run TAPCIS in full screen mode. When you exit TAPCIS, you will return to Program Manager. You can switch to windowed mode with [Alt+Enter], and switch between applications using [Alt+Tab]. TAPCIS can run in the background, but you should not switch between full screen and windowed modes while TAPCIS is connected to CompuServe. 1-4 Quick Start ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Setup If you need help operating the program and selecting items in dialog boxes, see "Basic Operation" on page 1-10 now. At this point we turn you over to the program itself. Run TAPCIS6 according to the previous instructions. You will be prompted to choose the type of installation you are doing. During this process, you will be shown "help screens" that explain what to do. You can press [F1] if you want further information at any point. To exit TAPCIS during the setup process, press [Esc]. To exit TAPCIS from the main screen, press [F7] or [Alt+X]. To re-start TAPCIS, refer to the "Running TAPCIS", on page 1-3. The rest of this section gives you step-by-step instructions as a companion to the general instructions the program presents to you during this process. Assuming you are not upgrading from a previous version of TAPCIS (where TAPCIS will get its basic setup information from the old configuration files), TAPCIS will prompt you to set up: * Directories * User information (Name, User ID, Password) * Modem configuration (COM port) * Phone number to call to connect to CompuServe (and optional login script) You must set up this information accurately in order for TAPCIS to work properly. In-depth coverage of these setup options can be found in Chapter 10, Setup, and by pressing [F1] from the setup dialogs. Setup | Directories --- Setup | Directories dialog. Shows TAPCIS 6.0 default directories. Note that an entry of ".\" refers to the default DOS directory. Quick Start 1-5 Step Where Do What What Happens ---- ----- ------- ------------ 1) Descrip- Leave as "Default" or enter a Moves to Actions: tive name: name. directory field. field Press [Tab] 2) Actions: Press [Tab] to get to any Specify field directory settings you want to directories. change. (*You do not need to Remember that .\ change any of them*.) Enter the means the default directory name, using either a TAPCIS directory. full pathname (e.g., C:\TAP\DL\) or a relative path (e.g., .\DL\) 3) Any field Press [Alt+S] or click on [Save] Saves directory Answer [Yes] to create any settings and directories. creates any new ones. Setup | User --- Setup | User dialog. This is where you enter the user ID, password, name, and postal return address. Step Where Do What What Happens ---- ----- ------- ------------ 1) Descrip- Enter your first name (to Moves to User ID tive name: identify this user ID) and press field. field [Tab]. 2) Userid: Enter your user ID (or temporary Moves to Home field sign-up ID) and press [Tab]. Gateway field. 1-6 Quick Start 3) Home Gate- If you received your user ID Moves to Password: way: field through ZiffNet or another field. alternate gateway, enter that here (press [F2] for a list). Then press [Tab]. 4) Password Enter your current password, or Password (if field the sign-up password if you are entered) is setting up a new account. Leave recorded and then this blank if you do not want the masked with password stored on disk (TAPCIS asterisks. Moves to will ask for the password when Name: field. you go online). Press [Tab]. 5) Name: Enter your name as you would like Name and address field it to appear on messages you information is send. Then press [Tab] and enter entered. the address to be used by CompuServe for any postal mail you send. 6) Any field Press [Alt+S] or click on [Save] Saves user information. Setup | Modem --- Setup | Modem dialog. Configure COMn: port and custom IRQ/Base Address, initialization, and port speed as needed. Step Where Do What What Happens ---- ----- ------- ------------ 1) Descrip- Leave as "Default" or enter a Moves to the Type: tive name: name to describe your modem. Then field. field press [Tab]. 2) Type: If your modem uses a standard COM Moves to Port: field port (e.g., COM2:), press [Tab]. field. Otherwise, press [F1] for help. Quick Start 1-7 3) Port: Enter the number for the COM port Moves to IRQ: field you are using (e.g., "2" for field. COM2:). 4) IRQ: and If your modem uses a "non- Base addr: standard" IRQ and/or base address fields (e.g., COM3: on IRQ5 instead of (optional) IRQ4--very common for new internal modems), enter that information here. Press [F1] for help. 5) Init/Dial: If your modem requires special and initialization or hangup Hangup: sequences (e.g., the modem says fields ERROR when TAPCIS tries to dial, (optional) or doesn't hang up the phone line after a connection), [Tab] to Init/Dial and Hangup fields and enter the information (press [F2] for suggested alternatives). We recommend pressing [F1] for help before doing so. 6) Any field Press [Alt+S] or click on [Save] Saves modem information. Setup | Phone number --- Setup | Phone number dialog. Shows phone number entry for CompuServe's 800 number for 28800. Since no login script is specified, TAPCIS assumes that this is a CompuServe Network connection. Step Where Do What What Happens ---- ----- ------- ------------ 1) Descrip- Enter a name to describe this Moves to Billing tive name: phone number and press [Tab]. rate: field. field 1-8 Quick Start 2) Billing Press [F2] or click on the field Moves to Phone rate: and pick the speed that matches number: field. field the connection speed you expect from this phone number when used by your modem (e.g., for a 14400 bps modem calling a 2400 phone number, you would enter 2400 here). Then press [Tab]. 3) Phone Enter the telephone number to be Telephone number is number: used, including any dialing entered. field prefixes (e.g., "*70,," to disable call waiting in some areas, or "9,," to reach an outside line in some hotels). 4) Login If you need a special login script: script to log in using a non- field CompuServe network, press [Alt+L] (Optional) to move to the Login script: field, and then press [F1] to read the help for Login Scripts. 5) Any field Press [Alt+S] or click on [Save] Saves phone number. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sign-Up for a New CompuServe User ID If you already have a CompuServe account, you should skip to the next section. If you do not have a CompuServe account, we can provide you with a *free* sign-up kit; you do not need to purchase a CompuServe Membership. You can request a sign-up kit by calling us (1-800-872-4768 or +1-301-387-4500), by faxing us (+1-301-387-7322), or by dropping us a message via the Internet (TAPCIS@cis.compuserve.com). The kit includes a temporary sign-up ID and password, a $15 usage credit for extended services, and your first month of basic services. There is a monthly fee that you pay to CompuServe (via credit card or debit from your checking account) for access to the service, as well as hourly charges for certain "extended service" areas. We are not involved in that billing and receive no revenue from your online usage charges. Once you have the sign-up kit, follow these instructions in order to get your permanent user ID and temporary password. Note that CompuServe will send a *replacement password* by postal mail to you at the address you use during this process. You will need to switch to that password under Setup | User on the date specified in the letter. Quick Start 1-9 Step Where Do What What Happens ---- ----- ------- ------------ 1) Main Setup | User [Alt+U][U] Configures TAPCIS screen Press [Alt+U] for Userid: to use the sign-up Enter the sign-up user ID number information. Press [Alt+P] for Password: Returns to the main Enter the temporary password screen. Press [F7] or click on [Save] 2) Main Press [I] for Connect | TAPCIS connects to screen Interactive CompuServe, sends Press [Enter] to accept the sign-up user ID and defaults password, and turns Wait for TAPCIS to log in and control over to switch to "terminal mode" so you you. can complete the sign-up information. 3) Terminal Enter the agreement number and Output from this mode the serial number listed on the session will be sign-up kit. Then follow the stored in a "MAIL" prompts and enter the information message for your requested by CompuServe. records. 4) Terminal Write down the *permanent* User Disconnects and mode ID and *temporary* password returns to the main assigned by CompuServe. At the screen. end of the sign-up session, press [Alt+Q] to log off (disconnect). 5) Main Setup | User [Alt+U][U] The sign-up is screen Press [Alt+U] for Userid: complete. You can Enter the permanent user ID now follow the rest number of the directions. Press [Alt+P] for Password: When you read MAIL, Enter the temporary password you will find a assigned by CIS record of this Press [F7] to save and return to sign-up session. main screen. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Basic Operation In this section we will help you learn how to "drive" TAPCIS. This involves using menus, hotkeys, dialog boxes, the help system, and the mouse. Throughout this manual (and when you press [F1-Help] from anywhere within TAPCIS), two or more words separated by the vertical bar ( | ) mean that we are referring to a particular choice from a menu. For example: File | Exit [Alt+X]. In this case, you first choose the File menu and then choose the Exit option (see the "Menus" section below for 1-10 Quick Start instructions on how to "choose" menu options.) Or, you can hold down the [Alt] key and tap the [X] key as a keyboard shortcut or "hotkey" to do the same thing. Words shown in square brackets (e.g., [Release] or [DoOutbox]) are either dialog box pushbuttons (explained in a moment), or a button on the "toolbar" (an optional line at the bottom of the screen where you can click with the mouse to perform various actions). Main Menu Shows Setup Menu with the Parameters submenu selected. You can then choose from Connect, Interface, or Printer menu choices. Menus --- "Menus" are shown across the top of the screen as a series of commands with a single letter highlighted. On the main screen, the menu is the line that starts "File Connect Move Select..." and ends with "Setup Help." Most of the menu choices have the first letter highlighted. The exception on the main screen is Setup which has the "u" highlighted (the "S" is already used by Select). There are a number of ways to use a menu--some slower, some faster. From the keyboard, you can hold down the [Alt] key and then press the corresponding, highlighted, menu choice letter, such as [U] (either upper or lower case) for Setup. Then you can use the arrow keys to highlight a choice from the "pull down" menu and press [Enter], or simply press the highlighted letter. For example, let's say you want to use the following command: Setup | Parameters | Interface You use the Setup menu choice first, then the Parameters choice which brings up a submenu, and then the Interface choice. [Alt+U][P][I] are the three keystrokes you can use (which correspond to the highlighted letters shown on the menus). There is no hotkey shown because a single keystroke equivalent has not been assigned to Setup | Parameters | Interface; however, [P] is the hotkey for Setup | Parameters, so a shortcut would be [P][I]. Note: If you have difficulty using [Alt+letter] commands, you can press [F10] or slash [/] to "activate" the menu and then [U][P][I]. Quick Start 1-11 Using the mouse, you click on Setup, then click on Parameters, and then click on Interface. You should not hold down the mouse button during these selections ("dragging" the highlight bar is not supported). The [Esc] key and the Right mouse button let you escape from a menu without choosing an option. See also: General Menu Structure & Exploring--1-24 Hotkeys --- Hotkeys are single keystrokes that invoke a menu function. TAPCIS is designed so that the functions most people use repetitively are all available through hotkeys. This makes keyboard use of TAPCIS fast and efficient. For example, the command to go online and get a "New In box" of messages, headers, and catalogs can be invoked using the Connect | New In box menu choice or by pressing [N]. In fact, when you pull down the Connect menu with [Alt+C] or the mouse, you will see the letter N to the right of the New In box choice. In this way, the menu reminds you of the hotkeys that can be used to save you time. On the same Connect menu, you see that [Ctrl+M] is the hotkey for Connect | Mail waiting. Note that, while the menu is pulled down, the [Ctrl+M] hotkey is ignored. Hotkeys can only be used when a menu is not open. A list of available hotkeys can be found in each module using the Help | Keys menu choice, as well as at the end of each reference chapter in the printed manual. Dialog Boxes --- A dialog box is a window which appears on the screen and asks for either user input or confirmation. A dialog box may consist of the following components: Examples * Input fields To: ___________________________, Port speed: 19200 * Checkboxes [X] Option * Radio buttons (*) Option1, or (_) Option2 * Pushbuttons >oK< [cancel], or [Edit] >Release< [Hold] [Discard] You can cancel most dialogs by pressing [Esc] or by clicking the Right mouse button. Input fields: Some input fields allow you to enter information directly, while others offer a "picklist" of choices and do not allow free-form entry. Some fields offer both free form entry and a picklist of common choices. To tell the type of field, look at the bottom right of the dialog. Direct entry fields will show "Tab=Advance F7=Exit ESC=Cancel", while 1-12 Quick Start fields offering a picklist will mention that pressing [F2] will pop up a list of choices (as will clicking on the field with the mouse). If the status line mentions "<-" or "->", you can use the [Left] and [Right] arrows to scroll through the different choices without using [F2]. Here are some of the keys that can be used in input fields: Ins Toggle Insert (default) and Typeover mode Right/Left Move cursor within text of field, or scroll between picklist choices. Tab/Sh+Tab Move forward (Tab) or backward (Sh+Tab) from field to field Up/Down Move forward (Down) or backward (Up) from field to field F7/Ctrl+Enter "Press" the default button Checkboxes: These let you turn a specific option OFF (so that the checkbox shows as [_]), or ON (so the checkbox shows as [X]). When positioned in the checkbox, pressing [Space] toggles the option off and on. The "X" key turns it ON, and the underscore "_" key turns it OFF. To toggle the option using the mouse, you must click precisely between the square brackets ([ ]) of the checkbox. Radio buttons: These are shown as (*) or (_). They represent a series of choices, only one of which can be active at any time. Click with the mouse on the choice you want, or position to the choice using [Tab], and press [Space]. Pushbuttons: These buttons are used to exit a dialog or to choose from one of the special functions offered. For example, the pushbuttons for a confirmation box might be ">Yes< [No]". In the dialog where you are addressing a message, the buttons are ">Edit< [Release] [Hold] [Discard]". At all times, one of the pushbuttons will have its surrounding characters shown as >Button< (the others will be shown as [Button]). The >Button< is the "default." From anywhere in the dialog, pressing [F7] or [Ctrl+Enter] will push the >Button<. You can also press a button by tabbing to the button and pressing [Enter], by clicking on the button with the mouse, or by pressing [Alt+letter] where "letter" is the button letter shown in uppercase. Also, if you have turned OFF the Setup | Parameters | Interface option "[_] Enter same as TAB," pressing [Enter] from any field of the dialog will press the default >Button<. Help System --- The context-sensitive help system available from within TAPCIS includes most of the reference material from this manual. Press [F1] to show the help text from any point in the program. (It can take a moment for the text to appear, since it is stored in compressed format on disk.) Use the arrow keys or [PgDn] and [PgUp] to scroll the help text, which is often more than one screen in length. Press [Esc] or click on the [Quit] button to exit Help. Pressing [Tab] moves from one "See also" topic choice to the next. Press [Enter] to move to the highlighted Quick Start 1-13 topic. More information on the help system is available by using the Help | Help menu choice. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CompuServe Mail Messages This section teaches you how to "converse" with people through private CompuServe Mail. It covers how to: * Write a mail message * Send (transmit) it via CompuServe Mail * Receive new mail from CompuServe * Read your mail and reply from within TAPCIS (while not connected to CompuServe) * Send replies through CompuServe Mail Hint: When practicing, use your own name and CompuServe user ID as the address of the message. That way, you can see how a message is composed, how it is sent, and how it looks to the recipient. Writing a Mail Message --- Repeat these steps for as many Mail messages as you want to send. (See Chapter 6, Writing & Editing, for additional addressing, writing, and editing information.) Step Where Do What What Happens ---- ----- ------- ------------ 1) Main Write | Write new [W] [Send Message: screen Envelope] dialog appears 2) To: field Enter the name and CompuServe To: address is address (e.g., Support Group accepted. Moves to 74020,10) and press [Tab] the next field. 3) Sb: field Enter the subject of your message Subject is (e.g., My first message) and accepted. Moves to press [Tab]. the next field. 4) Forum: Field should say "MAIL." If it Confirm MAIL as the field does not, press [F2] and select destination for MAIL from the list using the this message. arrow keys and press [Enter]. 5) Forum: Notice >Edit< button is the Editor window field default. Press [F7] or appears. [Ctrl+Enter] to "press" the >Edit< button, or click on it using the mouse. 1-14 Quick Start 6) Editor Type your message, pressing The message text is [Enter] twice at the end of each composed and paragraph. Use [Backspace] to edited. correct typos. Arrow keys can be used to position within the text. Use [Ctrl+B] to reformat if you delete ([Del]) text. 7) Editor Press [F7] when your message is [Send Message: complete. (The mouse cannot be Envelope] dialog used for this step.) reappears. 8) >Release< Press [Enter] to release the Returns to the main message so that it will be posted screen. An entry when TAPCIS next connects to for the message CompuServe. (You may also use the appears in the Out [Edit] button to return to box. editing the message, the [Hold] button to keep the message in a "pending" state, or [Discard] if you do not want to send it.) Transmitting the Message(s) --- When you have outgoing messages in the Out box, use this technique to send them. The Connect Menu commands are covered in detail in Chapter 9, Connect to CompuServe. Step Where Do What What Happens ---- ----- ------- ------------ 1) Main Connect | Out box [O], or toolbar Connects to screen button [DoOutbox] CompuServe, goes to MAIL, sends the message(s), logs off, and returns to the main screen. Retrieving Any New CompuServe Mail Messages --- These are the steps you will follow to retrieve new Mail from CompuServe. (There is a short delay between the time a message is sent and the time the message appears in the destination CompuServe Mailbox. If you are sending mail to your own user ID, wait a couple of minutes before using this command.) They can be used repeatedly throughout the day to get new mail, as well as to send any outgoing mail or forum messages shown in the Out box. Quick Start 1-15 Step Where Do What What Happens ---- ----- ------- ------------ 1) Main Connect | Mail waiting [Ctrl+M] Connects to screen CompuServe, gets new mail, (sends any outgoing messages), logs off, and returns to the main screen. 2) In box Note whether there is a "MAIL If there is no Msgs" entry indicating that new entry, no MAIL was mail was received from received. CompuServe. Reading/Replying to CompuServe Mail --- These are the steps for reading and replying to CompuServe Mail messages while "offline" (TAPCIS is not connected to CompuServe). This is a very brief description. We recommend that you read Chapter 2 (Overview), as well as Chapter 4 (Reading). Step Where Do What What Happens ---- ----- ------- ------------ 1) In box Highlight "MAIL Msgs" item using First unread the [Up] or [Down] arrows as message will be needed and press [Enter], or displayed after a double click on the item using brief pause for the mouse. indexing. 1-16 Quick Start 2) Reading The number of messages that are Read through the messages unread is shown at the bottom of messages until you the screen. get to one to which you want to reply. Hotkeys: Use the [Space] or [PgDn] keys to page through the messages screen by screen. The [B] and [PgUp] keys move back to previous screens. The [Up] and [Down] arrows move from message to message (as do [-] and [+]). The [F5/F6] and [Sh+Dn/Sh+Up] keys scroll the current message line-by-line. Toolbar: Click on [PgDn] and [PgUp] buttons on the toolbar to page from screen to screen. Use [Next] and [Prev] buttons to move from message to message. Click on scrollbar arrows to scroll line by line. Click on scrollbar below or above the box to move by page. 3) Message to Write | Reply [R] TAPCIS displays the which you message to which will reply [F6/F5] and [Ctrl+F6/Ctrl+F5] you are replying in scroll the upper reply window, or the upper window, click on the upper window scroll with the editor bars. window below. 4) Editor Compose your reply using the same Reply is composed methods you used to write a new and edited. message. 5) Completed Press [F7] when your message is [Send Message: reply complete. (You cannot use the Envelope] dialog mouse for this step.) reappears. 6) >Release< After reviewing the envelope, Returns to the press [Enter] to release the message to which message so that it will be posted you replied. An when TAPCIS next connects to entry for the CompuServe. (You may also use the message is placed [Edit] button to return to in the Out box. editing the message, the [Hold] button to keep the message in a "pending" state, or [Discard] if you do not want to send it.) 7) Reading Continue reading messages using Finish reading all the keys and mouse controls the unread messages described in step #2. in the file. TAPCIS will beep when you get to the end. Quick Start 1-17 8) Last File | Close [F7] Return to main message screen. 9) Main Connect | Out box [O] or tool bar If any replies have screen button [DoOutbox] been written, connects to CompuServe and sends them. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Support from the TAPCIS Forum You can get technical support *for* TAPCIS *using* TAPCIS. After all, the purpose of TAPCIS is for you to be able to tap into the support resources available online, and we want to help teach you how that is done. If you can send and receive CompuServe Mail but cannot use the TAPCIS Forum, you may send your technical support question to Support Group 74020,10 (Internet: TAPCIS@cis.compuserve.com). However, if you are able to use the forum, we request that you do so. You will find that you get faster response, around the clock, by posting a public forum message to "All." We have many sysops, as well as fellow forum members, who are likely to know the answer to your question, and that answer may help others. Note: Telephone support is only available to extended service plan members when they are unable to connect to CompuServe to get support from the forum, or in emergency situations. If you need telephone support, but have not yet purchased an extended service plan, you can purchase the plan when you call for support. The TAPCIS Forum is set up automatically during installation. (If it is not shown in your forums/services box, you can add/activate it using the "Forum Setup" steps shown on page 1-20.) Here are the steps for writing a message to the TAPCIS Forum (or any other), and later retrieving, reading, and replying to the responses you get. Writing the Forum Message --- Step Where Do What What Happens ---- ----- ------- ------------ 1) Main Write | Write new [W] [Send Message: screen Envelope] 2) To: field Type "All" without the quotes and Message will be press [Tab] addressed publicly to "All". 3) Sb: field Enter a subject for your message. Subject is entered. Be as specific as possible (e.g., "HI! I'm new" or "Intel Modem Dialing"). Then press [Tab]. 1-18 Quick Start 4) Forum: Start typing the forum name TAPCIS is shown in field "TAPCIS" until the proper forum the Forum field. If is shown, or press [F2] and TAPCIS forum is not choose TAPCIS from the list. Then shown, you will press [Tab]. Or, click on the need to set up the field with the mouse and then forum using Setup | click on the TAPCIS Forum from Forum | New. the list that is displayed. 5) Section: Press [F2] or click on the field The section number field with the mouse. Choose the (and name, if appropriate section from the available) will be list, or use one of these displayed in the sections for the TAPCIS Forum: 1 sections field. for general questions and answers, 4 for problem reports, 15 for welcome and test messages. 6) Section: Notice that the >Edit< button is Editor window field the default. Press [F7] or appears. [Ctrl+Enter] to "press" the >Edit< button, or click on it using the mouse. 7) Editor Type your message, using the same The message text is techniques used for writing mail composed and messages and replies. edited. 8) Editor Press [F7] when your message is [Send Message: complete. (You cannot use the Envelope] dialog mouse for this step.) reappears. 9) >Release< Press [Enter] to release the Returns to main message to be posted publicly in screen with an the forum.. entry in Out box. 10) Main Connect | Out box [O], or tool Connects to screen bar [DoOutbox] CompuServe and sends message(s). Getting Replies to your Mail and Forum Messages --- This step will get waiting CompuServe Mail as well as any waiting messages in the forums you have active in the forums/services box. If you want to get all new messages/headers in the forum, you would use Connect | New In Box [N] instead of Connect | Read waiting [Ctrl+R] in step #1. Quick Start 1-19 Step Where Do What What Happens ---- ----- ------- ------------ 1) Main Connect | Read waiting [Ctrl+R] Connects to screen CompuServe, visits all active forums (e.g., MAIL and TAPCIS), retrieves messages to your user ID, logs off, and returns to main screen. 2) In box Highlight using the [Up/Down] The corresponding arrows the "Msgs" item for MAIL message file is or a forum and press [Enter], or opened to the first double click on the item with the unread message. mouse. 3) Reading Follow the instructions from the The methods for messages section on "Reading/replying to reading/replying to CompuServe Mail" (starting at forum messages are step 2). the same as those for Mail. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forum Setup This section covers adding a new forum to the list in the Forums/Services box. The forums listed in that box are the ones for which new messages are read (and/or headers scanned) when either the Connect | New In box [N] command or the [NewInbox] toolbar button is used. 1-20 Quick Start Adding Forums --- Edit Forum Settings dialog. Shows the default setup for the TAPCIS Forum. Message sections 1,3,4,16 will be read. Step Where Do What What Happens ---- ----- ------- ------------ 1) Main Press [F] for Setup | If the FORUMS.LST screen Forums/Services set, then press database is [Alt+A] or click on the available, you are [Add new Forum] button. asked to enter a name or a search word. 2) [Forum Enter a name to search for. Enter Selects a forum search] either a specific forum name if from the list, or dialog known (e.g., CRFORUM) or a you can press [Esc] (optional) general topic (e.g., Travel), and to enter the press [Enter]. From the list of information matches, use the [Down] arrow to directly. get to the one of interest, and press [Enter]. 3) [Edit Enter the forum name as it is to The forum name is Forum be referred to within TAPCIS in entered. Press Settings] the Forum name: field. You can [Tab], if dialog accept what TAPCIS enters from necessary, to move the forums list, or press [Alt+F] to the Gateway: and enter a name of your field. choosing. 4) Gateway: If the forum is not on the Gateway is entered. field CompuServe (CIS:) gateway, press This must be [F2] or enter the gateway where correct for TAPCIS it is found (e.g., ZNT:, EET:, to locate the forum ZMC:). Then press [Tab] to get to online. the Page: field. Quick Start 1-21 5) Page (GO Enter the "page" or "GO word" for Page is entered. word) the forum. This is the forum's This must be field: address on CompuServe. It must correct for TAPCIS direct TAPCIS to the forum itself to locate the forum and *not* to a menu page. Then online. press [Tab]. 6) Descriptio Enter a narrative description for Moves to Read n: field this forum. Press [Tab]. message sections: field 7) Any field Press [F7] or click on [saVe & Saves the forum activate]. setup. Accepts the Press [Enter] to accept the warning that this warning that with the Read and setup will not Scan sections set to None, no retrieve "new" messages will be retrieved other messages or than waiting messages addressed headers. to your user ID. That will be changed in a later step. 8) [Forums/ [Add new forum] again if you have Finish adding new Services more forums to add, or press [F7] forums and return Set] to return to the main screen. to the main screen. dialog Note that there is a transaction in the Out box for each added forum. 9) Main Press [O] to Connect | Out box or Connects to screen click on [DoOutbox] CompuServe, joins the new forum(s), and retrieves section lists. If you know the sections you want to read or scan (or you've chosen to read/scan All sections), you could enter the information in those fields directly before step (7) above. If you do not, you will need to edit the forum using the steps covered below in "Editing Forums" to select the sections. Editing Forums --- Once you have connected to CompuServe to retrieve the list of sections, you will need to repeat the steps below for each forum you have added. These are also the steps you can use whenever you want to view or edit your forum settings. 1-22 Quick Start Step Where Do What What Happens ---- ----- ------- ------------ 1) Main Press [Ctrl+F] to go to the Displays the [Edit screen Forums/Services box. Highlight Forum Settings] the first new forum using the dialog (also [Down] arrow and press [Enter], available from or double click on it using the Setup | Forum | mouse. Edit). 2) [Edit a) Press [Alt+R] to move to the Positions to the Forum "Read message sections:" and entry field for Settings] press [F2], or click on that reading messages or dialog entry field with the mouse. scanning them, and brings up a list of b) Or, press [Alt+S] to move to available sections the "Scan message sections:" in the forum. field and press [F2] or click on that field with the mouse. (Use only if you understand the concept of "header marking"--see Chapter 5.) 3) Section Choose the forum sections that The sections you selection interest you. Use the arrow keys will monitor in list to move from section number to this forum are section number and press [Space] chosen from the to toggle the section on [X] or list and then shown off [_], and then press [F7]. Or, as a series of click between the brackets to numbers in the toggle the setting and click on appropriate field [oK]. of the dialog. 4) Message If you do not want to receive all A message limit is Limit messages or scanned headers the set, as desired. (optional) first time you visit a forum (and Note that this there can be 3000 or more), you setting will return can set a limit to be used for to New when you your first session. Press [Alt+A] exit this dialog. A to position to the "Set message transaction to set limit to:" field and press [F2], this "one-session" or click on the field with your limit is recorded mouse. You can limit by the in the Out box. number of days or the number of messages. If you are monitoring All or most sections, you may want to set a lower limit than the default of New. 5) Any field Press [Alt+V] or click on [saVe & Saves the activate] to turn on the forum, information. Only or press [Alt+N] or click on "active" forums are [save Non-active] if you want to shown in the turn the forum off. forums/services box. Quick Start 1-23 Quick Forum Tips --- * From the main menu, there are three ways to edit forum settings: 1) Press [Enter] or double click on the forum from the forums/services box; 2) Use Setup | Forum | Edit; 3) Press [F] to use the Setup | Forum/Services set dialog, position to the forum, and press [F3]. * Forums can be removed from the Forums/Services box by pressing [Ctrl+F], marking the ones you want to remove with an asterisk [*], and then using Action | Delete [Del]. * If you are not getting any messages or scanned headers when you use Connect | New In box [N], edit the forum to make sure that you have specified sections to monitor. Specifying "None" will only retrieve "waiting messages" addressed to your user ID. * If a forum/service is shown with an "H" next to it, it is "held" and will not be processed online. (See Chapter 3, Main Menu & Boxes, Action | Hold.) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Where to Go From Here... This Quick Start was not designed to teach you TAPCIS--just to get you up and running. Now you will want to learn more. The Overview in Chapter 2 is a great place to start. After reading it, you will have a better sense of how you can use TAPCIS on a daily basis, and which of the reference chapters you will want to explore in depth. General Menu Structure --- We also strongly recommend that you "explore" the menus for each of the different TAPCIS modules: the main screen, reading messages, reading library catalogs, and marking headers. This is the absolute best way to learn where certain functions are located. Press [F10] and notice the bottom status line gives you a brief, one-line description of the menu choice. Use the [Right] and [Left] arrow keys to look at each of the top menu choices. Then, press [Enter] on one of them and use the [Up] and [Down] arrows to move from item to item, reviewing the bottom status line description of each choice. If you need more detail, press [F1] Help. When you have reviewed a pull-down menu (such as the File menu), press [Right] or [Left] to move to the next one. The [Esc] key and the right mouse button escape from a menu without choosing an option. Here are a few of the menus we use in TAPCIS and a general idea of what you'll find under them: File Opening, closing, erasing, editing, rewriting, exiting TAPCIS, and DOS commands Connect Commands that connect to CompuServe to send and receive information Move Moving around the screen and within a file. Most commands are listed as reminders for the corresponding hotkeys. 1-24 Quick Start Select Selects a group of items upon which an "action" can be performed Action Operate on the current or selected items. Holding, Erasing, Printing, Saving, etc. View Change view filters and sort orders that control which items are displayed; turn off view to see entire file (View | Toggle all [F3]) Read Reading messages, folders, and archives; marking headers Write Composing new messages, replies, re-editing, forwarding Library Searching libraries, reading catalogs, downloading and uploading files Other Address book, mailing lists, special online actions, macros Setup Configuring the program, new forums/services, modem, phone number, etc. Help Index, Hotkey lists, Mouse support, Version/Memory information (Help | About) Setting Colors --- You will probably want to change the display colors. Here's the simplest way: 1) Setup | Colors 2) Use the [Right] and [Left] arrow keys to switch from one color set to another. There are several predefined sets (including one designed for color-blind users!) built into TAPCIS. Notice the colors shown in the dialog as you switch colors. (If you see blinking, it is because your video driver is not supporting high intensity backgrounds; you will need to choose the Black & White color and start your own color set using that.) 3) Find the set that is closest to the colors you would like to use. 4) Then use one of the following buttons: [edit viewer Colors] Change colors for viewing messages and library catalogs [edit Main colors] Change colors for main screen [edit marKing colors] Change colors for marking headers 5) Highlight using [Down] arrow a color area to change, and press [Enter]. 6) Move the small "X" in the color matrix to the new color you want, and press [Enter]. 7) Select *Done* when you have completed the color changes. 8) Select another button from step 4, as desired, and repeat steps 5-7. 9) Press [Alt+V] or click on [saVe as] and enter a new descriptive name for your color set. Quick Start 1-25 We're Here! --- If you would like to learn more about TAPCIS and CompuServe, resolve questions or problems you encounter, or if you would just like a friendly place to call your "home" on CompuServe, we invite you to stop by the TAPCIS Forum (CIS:TAPCIS). Drop a public "Hello!" in our Section 15/Welcome Center. We'll be delighted to have you join us. Thank you, and Happy Tapping! Rick Wilkes 76701,23 TAPCIS Publisher Support Group, Inc. Lake Technology Park McHenry, Maryland 21541-0130 U.S.A. Phone: 1 (800) 872-4768 * +1 (301) 387-4500 * Fax +1 (301) 387-7322 CompuServe 74020,10 * GO CIS:TAPCIS Internet TAPCIS@cis.compuserve.com 1-26 Quick Start