home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
Monster Media 1994 #1
/
monster.zip
/
monster
/
BBS_GAME
/
TERRA800.ZIP
/
TFSYSOP.DOC
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1994-04-13
|
21KB
|
427 lines
T E R R A F I R M A
Version 8.00
Installation Manual & SysOp Documentation
Copyright (c) N.U.G.I. ConSorTium
Anyone can presently call my Support BBS 413-443-8788 or
Voice 413-442-7296 EST Please call before 10:00pm EST
Dave Wendling
N.U.G.I. ConSorTium BBS
49 Hull Ave, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Voice 413-442-7296
BBS 413-443-8788
FiDoNet 1:321/227
Internet "nugicon@delphi.com"
DOORWARE & DOORGAMES Echo FiDoNet
A list of my current Door Games will be posted at the end of this
document. All new users have a full 90 minutes of DownLoad time.
All files are FREQ. from 1:321/227 Zoom 28.8 v32b/v42b or HST Dual
Standard speeds from 1:321/210
If you are running a Multitasker or Lan, Terra-Firma has a new
Ship to Ship player attack routines in real time via file sharing.
Players online together can also send each other messages and trade Online
as long as all Terra games are run from the same directory. See the
Multitasking Message near the end of theis document.
Terra-Firma is ShareWare. The cost just $20.00 Or I have a group
rate of $35.00 for all 6 of my doors which include Who-Dunit Interactive!,
BUSTED, The Enquirer Door, Pass it on and The Happy hacker. We have a Credit
Card Door on N.U.G.I. which accepts all major cards. We also have our
registration # door online. You can receive your reg # on the same call that
you use your Credit Card to register! The player editor for Terra is now
included in this archive. Your copy of Terra must be registered for this
progran to operate.
This version (8.00) needs a complete restart as I have added some
great new stuff. Please read the whats.new file in this archive.
You should delete all older game files before running the INSTALL
.EXE program. (You may want to save the old game files before you
delete them just for safetys sake!)
***********
*IMPORTANT**************************************************************
*********** *
If your Registered Version is older than version 7.00 *
PLEASE READ THIS* *
*
If you are a REGISTERED owner of any NUGI game prior to 7*
the old REGISTERED KEY will no longer work! You must call*
my BBS and leave me a note on how I can get a new key to *
you. I will NetMail, SnailMail or upload it to your BBS. *
Just give my bbs a call 413-443-8788 and let me know. *
Or leave me a message in FidoNets DOORWARE Echo DOORGAMES*
Echo or DDS_ECHO . On the InterNet as "nugicon@delphi.com" *
I will take care of you the same day. *
Voice 1-413-442-7296. The new player editor comes in *
this archive. So don't make an extra call. *
*********** *
*IMPORTANT**************************************************************
***********
************************************************************************
The Death Probe and the Co-Pilot options in Terra-Firma will not
operate unless The game is Registered. All other options in the NON-
registered Version will work fine. Please read the WHATS.NEW file.
With that out of the way, welcome to Terra-Firma SysOp Docs. Lets
make this as short and pointless as possible!
************************************************************************
* This version of Terra-Firma will support Multinode/Interactive!
Locked ports up to Infinity. Terra is MultiTasker/Lan aware and will
Auto Detect fossil drivers or run on internal comm routines!
Will support Avatar/0+. Terra also supports all Com ports and non-
standard IRQ's. 1-15. *
* ************************************************************************
1. Un-Arc the TERRA800.ZIP file into it's own sub-directory. The name of
the sub-directory is unimportant.
2. The following files will be un-arched.
TERRA.TXT ------> On line Player help file.
TFSYSOP.DOC ----> This File. Printer ready
TF.EXE ---------> Terra Start Program
TERRA.EXE ------> Terra Sub Program
FIRMA.EXE ------> Terra Sub Program
INSTALL.EXE ----> Installation Program
CYCLE.EXE ------> Must be run once per Day (night)
TER_INT.EXE ----> Terra Restart Program
WHATS.NEW ------> What's New File. Also included in TERRADOC.ZIP
SETUP.DAT ------> Setup Data For Install program
*.ANS ----------> Terra-Firma Ansi Graphic Screens (Help, I need More!)
*.BSV ----------> Install program help files, screens and data.
UPGRADE.DOC ----> Short and pointless upgrade info. Pete made me do it!
TERRADOC.ZIP ---> Download file for the new download feature! Leave it!
PLAYER.DOC -----> A printable player doc file.
HINT.TXT -------> Hints for better Game Play. Included in TERRADOC.ZIP
PLAYEDIT.EXE ---> Player editor for Terra.(only works with registered ver)
**** IMPORTANT ****
Due to some unscrupulous folks I had to change my registration
code. This change takes effect after version 4.01 and After
version 6.00. Versions 7.00 and up have the same reg number.
3. Run INSTALL.EXE and answer the questions. This program will write a
TERRA?.CFG file. Once this is complete, INSTALL.EXE will run the
TER_INT.EXE program which will initialize the game files needed to run Terra
Firma. Please don't panic! On some slower model computers the Init-program
can be a bit time consuming as it is creating a 10000 sector Universe.
Normally it doesn't take longer than 3 or 4 minutes to run the
TER_INT.EXE program. On my old IBM model 30-286 it takes around 9 minutes.
I have included a counter in the program to let you know how far it has yet
to go.
Once the TER-INT.EXE has program has completed it's buisness, it
will auto run the CYCLE.EXE program once to make sure all is well in the
Universe. While I'm on the subject, the CYCLE.EXE program is a BIG part
of Terra-Firma. It must run once a day or night or however you run your
BBS daily maintenance. The CYCLE.EXE program takes care of many things
besides looking for inactive players. It keeps the Universe full of Bad Guys
along with checking for dead messages. It also runs the Robot Transport,
Robot Players section, Death Probe section and the new Auto-Pilot feature.
If you forget to run it, your users will get upset! Lastly it checks to
make sure all the files created when a player is online and then drops
carrier are taken proper care of.
Running the INSTALL program:
The first screen you will see is the Multitasking/Lan information.
Enter a node number for which ever node you are setting up this control
file for. Single node BBS's can just enter a 1. One of the last questions
the INSTALL program will ask you is if you want to configure another node.
Just answer yes to this prompt and you will be brought back to this screen
to configure other nodes if you wish.
The second screen involves fossil control. If you enter a 0 here,
Terra will auto search for a fossil driver. If it finds one it will use
the fossil comm routines. If it doesn't find a fossil at startup, Terra
will use it's own internal comm routines. This works very well in almost
all cases. I have had only two problems with it not working on certain
systems and configurations. If you are having a problem that consists of
Terra showing up on the Local screen but not the remote then try entering
a 1 in the fossil screen to force Terra to use it's internal comm routines.
As I stated earlier, I have only heard of two instances in four years of
this not working on certain systems. So use the 0......
The next screen concerns the handshake method that Terra will use to
deal with the remote modem. A 0 in this blank will tell Terra to use the
exsisting handshaking method that it finds at startup. In just about all
cases this should be the way to go. If you need to change the handshaking
method that Terra will use then 1 will give you Xon/Xoff software hand
shaking. 2 will use CTS/RTS hardware handshaking and 3 will use both. If
you don't understand any of this or you just could care less. Please use
enter a 0 in the blank for this screen.
The last pop up screen before the main input screen is a menu of
N.U.G.I. ConSorTium doors. Just choose the door game that you are installing
in this case Terra-Firma. I use the same INSTALL program for all my doors
to keep things as simple as possible.
If any of this sounds complicated don't worry about it. It is much
simpler than it sounds. Infact running and using the INSTALL program is
very straight forward. It comes with it's own help screens and most of
whats written here is just for reference incase you run into trouble. The
next page describes the main input screen.
At the MAIN install screen:
Option A. Enter The path to your BBS's drop file. This is the spot most
folks have trouble. Please double check your spelling and DOS syntax. An
example is provided to use as a guide for DOS syntax.
Option B. Enter the Sysop's First Name. Note that the First name should
be entered here exactly the same way as in the Registation Door on my
BBS.
Option C. Enter Sysop's Last name. Again, the last name entered should
be exactly the same as in the Registration door on my BBS.
Option D. If you want to enable the Zmodem download feature which many
players have asked me to include, you must set this option to YES. Note
that you must have DSZ.EXE or DSZ.COM located in the Terra-Firma sub-
directory or some where in your AUTOEXEC.BAT's path command. I could
not include this Shareware program in the Terra Zip file due to legal
ramifications but it is available on most BBS's. If you use this option
with a non-standard IRQ then you must set your DOS DSZ environment variable
in your AutoExec.BAT file. For instance, if you are using Com Port 4 with
an IRQ of 7 then entering the following line in your autoexec.bat will allow
DSZ to operate correctly: SET DSZPORT=2E8,7 See your DSZ docs for more info.
This option affords players the ease of downloading the
Player.doc file and the Whats.New file combined together into a small .ZIP
called TERRADOC.ZIP which comes within the TERRA800.ZIP. Many players do
not like to take the time it requires to study the Player documentation
while online. This option will only let you enter YES or NO.
Option E. Enter your Registration here. You can register by check or
credit card. If by credit card you will receive your reg #
while you are online. If by check, you will receive your reg #
as soon possible by voice phone, netmail or snail mail.
Option F. Terra-Firma will run on any Comm Port but if you have set up
a standard comm port with a NON-standard IRQ number you must enter that
number here. If you don't understand this option or have never messed
with your IRQ comm Port settings, just leave this as 0. If you do change
your IRQ setting in the INSTALL program be sure to see the DSZ info in
Option D above.
Option G. You can enter any time limit between 10 and 90 minutes. If the
users BBS time left is lower than the ammount specified in the INSTALL
program, then Terra will use the lower BBS time.
Once you have entered eveything to your satisfaction enter Q to save.
You will be asked if you are running a Novell LAN. If not just answer NO.
You have just created the TERRA.CFG file. Next you will be asked if you
want to set up for another node. You will then be asked
if you would like to create the Terra-Firma Universe. If this is your
first time running Terra then answer yes. If you are just changing an
option and want the present game in operation to continue then answer
no. After the Install program runs the TER_INT.EXE program which
creates the Terra Universe it will also run the CYCLE.EXE program once
to insure everything is set up properly.
TERRA-Firma can read BBS DROP files from the following BBS's.
QuickBBS, Remote Access, RBBS, SuperBBS, Telegard, WildCat 3, PcBoard
(latest), GAP, WildCat BBS, Genesis, SpitFire, WWIV, Osiris, MAXIMUS,
FORCE! and other BBS software that uses a compatible format with one
mentioned above.
Door Drop Files:
CALLINFO.BBS
DORINFO?.DEF
SFDOOR.DAT
INFO.BBS
DOOR.SYS
CHAIN.TXT
PCBOARD.DAT
If your BBS does not write one of these files you will have to use a door
patch program of some type.
4. ** IMPORTANT ** You must run the CYCLE.EXE program once per night or
however your bbs program runs it's nightly events or maintenance.
5. Set up your batch file to call TF. You need one line to run the
program. My bat file follows. Remember the start program is called TF.EXE
CD\BBS\TERRA ----------> Change to your directory of Terra-Firma
TF TERRA1.CFG ----------> Call Terra-Firma with the TERRA?.CFG
The 1 is whatever node number you
specified in the INSTALL program.
If you are not sure, just look in the
Terra sub-directory after you run the
INSTALL program.
CD\BBS ----------> Whatever it takes to get back into bbs.
All you need to do is call the program TF.EXE and the TERRA?.CFG file
together on the command line and you're set.
Terra will run locally with a default name of SysOp, if NO
drop file is specified on the control line. You can run Terra Local
by just typing TF LOCAL from the DOS command prompt.
If you wish to let more than one person play local just edit your
drop file. Change the baud rates to 0 and the change the persons name to
whomever you wish. Call TF with the name of .CFG file which points to the
doctored drop file on the command line. When Terra sees the 0 in the baud
rate it will run in local mode.
If you wish to begin a new game of TERRA-FIRMA just run the TER_INT.EXE
program. This will re-create all game files and a new Universe.
The following Keys are available to the SysOp while a user is on line.
Alt H = Hangs Up
Alt R or X = Returns to the BBS without hanging up
Alt C = Enters Chat Mode
Alt J = Jumps to DOS (Dos Shell)
If you can't get Terra-Firma running please check your spelling
and path information in your BATCH file. Terra is running all over the world
without problems. Most calls I receive for help end up being spelling
mistakes or bad path commands. Recheck everything carefully before wasting
your hard earned cash calling me. Don't let this last paragraph give you
the wrong impression I am glad to help.....I also monitor the DOORWARE echo
and DOORGAMES in FidoNet. My Voice number is 1-413-442-7296
Multitasking or Lan info:
I have tested Terra-Firma under Desk View and Windows for Multi-
taskers. Terra-Firma has also been tested running under Novel and LanTastic.
As long as you load DOS Share.exe you should have no problems. For Terra-
Firma to take advantage of message sending interactive play, all games
should be run from the same directory. You can enter the path information
for each nodes bbs drop file from the INSTALL program, so configuring Terra
for multinode play is simple. The INSTALL program will write a TERRA1.CFG or
TERRA2.CFG or any node number up to 15 that you specify in the Install
program. You just need to specify which .CFG file on the command line when
you call up TF. Remember to set your DSZ environment variable as explained in
Option D above or the DSZ download feature will not work properly if you are
using NON-Standard IRQ's.
The Following Files are available from Node 1:321/227 (413)-443-8788
for File Request. N.U.G.I. BBS's Uses FroDo 2.02
<::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::>
BUSTED53.ZIP Use the magic names below for the latest versions!
ENQUIR64.ZIP
WHODUN53.ZIP---> Who-Dunit Is now Interactive!
TERRA800.ZIP
PASSIT15.ZIP
THEHACK3.ZIP---> It's a new Game!
N.U.G.I. ConSorTium BBS
C/O Dave Wendling (SysOp)
49 Hull Ave
Files also available for FREQ Pittsfield, MA 01201
at HST speeds at 1:321/210 BBS # (413)-443-8788
BBS # 413-499-1327 FiDoNet 1:321/227
Thanks to Pete Farias of Berkshire InterNet "nugicon@delphi.com"
Estates BBS for this service 2400/9600/14400/19200/28.8
Zoom 28.8 v.32/v.42bis
Magic names: TERRA
ENQUIRER
WHODUNIT
BUSTED
PASSITON
THEHACK
Distribution
------------
This program is being distributed via the SHAREWARE concept and as such,
may be copied freely with the following restrictions:
* The program must be supplied in it's original unmodified
form, including documentation.
* This program may not be distributed as part of any commercial
application or service without the express, written consent
of the author.
* Vendors of Shareware/Public Domain software may not
distribute this program without the express, written
consent of the author, unless Vendor has been approved
by the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP).
Registration
------------
This door represents many hours of programming and the author deserves
just compensation for his time, efforts and expertise. If you find this
program to be of some value and you continue to use it on your system,
you Must register. The fee is $20.00 or $35.00 for all six of my doors.
Registration entitles you to free upgrades via modem from the NUGI
ConSorTium support BBS (413)-443-8788 forever!
NOTE: If you register online, your registration number will be available
immediately from the registration door. When you register by mail,
your number will be sent by NetMail, directly to your BBS or by
Snail Mail. I don't mess around so plan on getting a quick turn
around.
Copyright
---------
Terra-Firma Copyright (c)1990-91-92-93-94 by the NUGI ConSorTium is being
distributed as Shareware. Under this concept you may use the SHAREWARE
(unregistered) version for 30 days after which time registration is
mandatory.
Warranty
--------
This product is provided as is without warranty of any kind. The entire
risk as to the results and performance of the program is assumed by you.
Furthermore, the author does not warrant, guarantee, or make any other
representations regarding the use of, or the results of the use of the
program, you rely on the program and results solely at your own
risk. The author cannot and will not accept responsibility for system
damage, loss of profit or any other special, consequential or incidental
damages resulting from the use of or inability to use this product.