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╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ WCInform Version 1.0 ║
║ (c)Copyright 1994, CompuCraft ║
║ All Rights Reserved. ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
DISCLAIMER
----------
This product contains no warranty, either expressed or implied. Use
this software at your own risk. CompuCraft will not be held responsible
for damages related to the use of this product. This product has been
tested on many systems with no difficulties, but it is not possible to
test it on every type of system or configuration.
Table Of Contents
-----------------
1.0 Welcome To WCInform!
1.1 Installation
1.2 Running WCInform
1.3 Using WCInform
1.4 Registration
1.5 Future Versions
1.6 Additional Comments
1.0 Welcome To WCInform!
-------------------------
WCInform is a full-featured, easy to use Wildcat! BBS newsletter
generator featuring:
* Mouse-able Windowed Interface
* Multiple Formats (Color & Monochrome .BBS, ANSI, RIP)
* Shell To Your Favorite Editor
* Overwrite, Append To Top, & Append To Bottom Options
* Wildcat! @ code support
1.1 Installation
-----------------
WCInform may be placed in any directory that you wish, however, all
of the associated files must be in the same directory as WCINFORM.EXE.
I recommend creating a WCINFORM subdirectory and unzipping the contents
of the zip file into this directory. If you are installing WCInform
from a floppy, use the standard DOS copy to copy the files from the
floppy into the specific directory. For example:
copy a:\*.* c:\wcinform
where a: is the location of the floppy disk, and c:\wcinform is the
location of the directory where you would like to install WCInform.
WCInform will use approximately 178k of hard disk space.
1.2 Running WCInform
---------------------
Before executing WCInform for the first time, you must edit the
WCINFORM.INI file with an ASCII editor and specify the appropriate
paths. Below is an example of the WCINFORM.INI file:
c:\wc30\wcinform\
c:\wc30\disp\newsltr.new
c:\wc30\disp\
c:\dos\edit.com
The first line contains the path where you installed WCInform. This
is where WCInform will look for it's files and save any changes to the
WCINFORM.INI file. The second line contains the path of the ASCII
text file that will be converted to a Wildcat! newsletter. You may
also specify the name of the text file on this line, as in the above
example. The third line contains the output path of the newsletter
file. It is not necessary to specify the filename, as this will be
determined during program execution. The final line contains the
path and filename of your favorite ASCII text editor. This editor will
be used during program execution to edit your text file if necessary.
One important note - ensure that the paths in lines two and four of the
WCINFORM.INI file end with a backslash (\), otherwise WCInform will
generate an error requesting you to check the paths.
WCInform must be executed from within the directory containing it's
files. To execute WCInform, change to the directory where it is located
and type WCINFORM at the DOS prompt. You may also create a batch file
to automatically execute WCInform. Below is an one example of a batch
file to execute WCInform:
@echo off
c:
cd \wc30\wcinform\
wcinform
cd \
@echo on
Remember to replace lines two and three above with the specific
location where you installed WCInform.
1.3 Using WCInform
-------------------
Mouse
After executing WCInform, you will be presented with the main menu.
If you are using a mouse, you may click on the appropriate button to
execute an option. You may also select options from the File and Edit
pulldown menus by clicking them and clicking again on the desired menu
item. All clicking is done with the left mouse button, the right button
is not used at this time. The WCInform interface was designed to
operate like any standard windowed program, so learning it should be
fast and easy.
Keyboard
The TAB key will cycle through all of the available options on the
screen. To execute an option, TAB to the appropriate option and hit
ENTER. On certain selection options, such as the Newsletter Type, use
the arrow keys to select the option, then TAB to the next option. The
Create RIP checkbox option may be toggled by tabbing to the checkbox and
hitting the SPACEBAR to toggle the check mark [X]. To access the File
and Edit pulldown menus, hit the ALT key to highlight the menu, then
hit ENTER to access the pulldown menus. Make your selection using
the arrow keys, then hit ENTER to execute the option.
Although using the keyboard is not quite as easy as using the mouse,
it can be mastered with a little practice.
In the following example, I will assume that you are using a mouse.
If you are using the keyboard, use the appropriate keystrokes to get
the desired result. To create a newsletter in WCInform, use the
following instructions:
1. Click on the EDIT button located within the Paths section to
edit the current input and output paths. If these paths are
already correct, you may skip this step. In the Enter Paths
box, first enter the input path and filename of the ASCII
text file that you wish to use to create the newsletter.
This may be a filename that already exists, or a filename that
will be created when you invoke the editor. If you make a
mistake, use the BACKSPACE key to correct the error. When the
input path is correct, click on the output path box and enter
the output path. You do NOT need to specify the filename, it
will be determined by the specific type of newsletter that
you will select later. When the output path is correct click
on the OK button to close the dialog box. If WCInform cannot
locate your specified paths, you will be prompted to reenter
them. The input and output paths in the Paths section on the
main menu should now reflect the paths that you just entered.
If they do not, repeat this step.
2. If you would like to edit the input file, click on the Invoke
Editor button. WCInform will then shell to the editor
specified in the WCINFORM.INI file. If the input file doesn't
exist, it will be created. If it does exist, it will be loaded
into the editor. Edit the file using the instructions for your
specified editor. Remember to save the file using your editor's
save command when you are finished. After you have completed
the editing, exit the editor. You will return to the main menu
of WCInform.
3. If you would like to create a new newsletter, select the
Create New/Overwrite Existing option in the Action section.
WARNING: If you select the Overwrite option, your current
newsletter will be deleted.
If you would like to append the input file to the current
newsletter, you may do so in one of two different ways. If
you would like the text to appear at the beginning of the current
newsletter, select the Append To Top option. If you would
like the text to appear at the end of the current newsletter,
select the Append To Bottom option.
4. Select the type of newsletter that you wish to create. WCInform
supports color Wildcat! BBS (newsltr.bbs), monochrome Wildcat!
BBS (newsltr.bbs), and color ANSI (newsltr.scr). The color
BBS and ANSI formats support Wildcat! @ color codes. The
monochrome BBS is basically a straight ASCII text file without
color codes. WCInform will also create a Remote Imaging Protocol
(RIP) screen in addition to the above mentioned types. To create
a newsltr.rip screen, make sure that an X appears in the Create
RIP checkbox. You may toggle this option by clicking it, or
by tabbing to it and pressing the SPACEBAR. Please note that
the RIP newsletter will be created in addition to the other
selected type.
5. Review the options that you have selected. When you are
satisfied and are ready to create the newsletter, click the
Create Newsletter button. WCInform will create the newsletter
file(s) in the specified output directory.
6. When you are finished, click on the EXIT button to leave
WCInform.
There are a couple of points to remember when creating your
newsletter. First, the input text file must be 80 columns or less.
Any text that extends beyond this point will be truncated. Second,
the RIP newsletter will read 28 lines, pause, and clear the screen
for the next page. You may need to adjust your input file to avoid
pages with only one or two lines.
1.4 Registration
-----------------
WCInform is not crippled in any way. I believe that if a program is
good enough, it doesn't require crippling to force people to register.
The only difference between the unregistered and registered versions
is in the banner of the newsletter. When you register, the banner will
contain "Registered To: <Your Name>", instead of "UnRegistered
Evaluation Copy". Registration of WCInform V1.0 is $5.00 US. To
register, print the REGISTER.TXT file, and follow the instructions on
the form. Registration is accomplished by use of a key file. This file
will be created the day I receive payment. You may acquire the key in
one of two ways:
1. You can download the key from C.C.S. OnLine! in
Montgomery, Alabama. To reduce long-distance charges,
specify the log-in name and password that you want to
use to log in on the registration form, and I will set
up an account for you before you call. Your key will
be attached to a private message to you. You may use
the quick login, "*UserName Password" if you wish.
2. I will mail you the key file on a floppy disk. You
may specify the size that you require. I will charge
an additional $1.00 US for shipping/handling charges.
The key will be mailed the following day that I receive
your registration fee.
Registering WCInform will get you the following:
1. Your newsletter will say "Registered To: <YourName>".
2. All minor releases and bug fixes free of charge.
3. Discount on any other shareware products that CompuCraft
releases.
Your registration provides feedback to me, telling me that my
effort was worthwhile and beneficial. I hope that this program
will make your job as a SysOp a little easier. Even if you decide
not to register, I would appreciate hearing your comments about the
program.
1.5 Future Versions
--------------------
The next version of WCInform is already in the planning stage. I feel
that RIP graphics will soon be the standard for the BBS, so WCInform
will concentrate on improving RIP output. Multiple RIP output screens,
perhaps even a modular system incorporating RIP modules, will be the
main focus in the next version.
1.6 Additional Comments
------------------------
I tried to make WCInform as easy and intuitive as possible. I hope
that you like WCInform and will support me in my first attempt at
a shareware product. If you find any bugs in the program or have
any questions or suggestions for a future version, please leave me
feedback in the WC 3rd Party conference. I may also be reached at
C.C.S. OnLine! in Montgomery, Alabama. The number is (205) 281-9114 or
(205) 281-1331. Both numbers support 1200 - 14.4 bps. Leave E-Mail
to Steve Smith on the BBS, or just drop a comment to the SysOp, Kim
VanLandingham, and he will ensure that I get the message.
Special Thanks to Kim VanLandingham for beta testing and distribution.
Thank you for trying WCInform.......
WCInform was written in Visual Basic for MS-DOS.
MS-DOS and Visual Basic for MS-DOS are registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corp.
Wildcat! BBS is Copyright (c) 1993, Mustang Software, Inc.
RIP is Copyright (c) 1992-1993, TeleGrafix Corp.