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Night Owl's Shareware - PDSI-006 - Night Owl Corp (1990).iso
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1990-10-16
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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
901016 COM-AND 2.7 Page 1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This release of COM-AND:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o This is the eigth release of COM-AND (version 2.7). This release
corrects problems reported with version 2.6 and adds features.
o Run instructions and installation procedures will be found following
this page.
o Changes to the previous version (additions and corrections) are to
be found following run/installation pages.
o The author asks for comments and criticisms of this program.
You may contact the author:
CABER Software PLINK, GEnie id: TARTAN
R. (Scott) McGinnis UNISON id: SCOTTM
P.O. Box 3607 Mdse Mart
Chicago, IL 60654-0607
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Release history (not including beta releases)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
860806: PC-VCO 1.0
860929: PC-VCO 1.1
861119: PC-VCO 1.2
861222: PC-VCO 1.3
861226: PC-VCO 1.31
870814: PC-VCO 2.0 COM-AND 2.0 CCHESS 1.0
871202: PC-VCO 2.1 COM-AND 2.1 CCHESS 1.1
871211: CBRIDG 1.0
880122: CCOLOR 1.0
880713: PC-VCO 2.2 COM-AND 2.2 CCHESS 1.2 CBRIDG 1.1 CCOLOR 1.1
881202: COM-AND 2.3
890309: COM-AND 2.4
891020: COM-AND 2.5
900426: COM-AND 2.6
901019: COM-AND 2.7 CACMP 1.0 (You are here)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
901016 COM-AND 2.7 Page 2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Files in this distribution:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA26-1.ARC:
COM-AND.EXE 2.7 executable
COM-AND.PIF PIF file for Windows
COM-AND.DVP DVP file for DesqView
COM-AND.ICO WIndows 3.0 ICON file (Dr. David Snyder thank you!)
README.DOC This file.
REGISTER.DOC Registration form
CA26-2.ARC:
COM-AND.DOC Documentation for version 2.7 manual functions
CASCRIPT.DOC Documentation for version 2.7 script language
README.DOC This file.
REGISTER.DOC Registration form
CA26-3.ARC:
SCRIPTS.DOC Summary documentation for scripts
REGISTER.DOC Registration form
README.DOC This file.
*.CMD/*.DOC REMAP.CMD, XLATE.CMD, LEARN.CMD, FILEMGR.CMD...
CA26-4.ARC:
CACMP.EXE COM-AND script syntax/semantic check
CACMP.DOC Documentation for CACMP.EXE
OVERLAY.* Sample script overlay files
TALKER.* Sample script overlay supprting limited speech synth
VOICE.* Voice driver and documentation for TALKER
VEND.COM Voice driver termination utility
PC-VCO.EXC Excpetion file for TALKER.CMD script
README.DOC This file.
REGISTER.DOC Registration form
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* COM-AND creates any files it requires that it does not find on the
drive:subdirectory where it is loaded (or on the drive:subdirectory
where the environment variable COM-AND= directs the processor)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* To print the document files, deARC the file onto disc and use the DOS
command "PRINT <file>.DOC". COM-AND documents are formatted 54 lines
to the page, with top-of-forms as page breaks, using tab characters.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
901016 COM-AND 2.7 Page 3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice: Two changes in this version of COM-AND require attention:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* This version of COM-AND changes the self-encrypted script function of
COM-AND. During the development of 2.6, it was found that a compiler
bug in MASM 5.0 (used to develop the ENCRYPTION in COM-AND) yielded an
unintended password for self-encrypted scripts.
Version 2.6 was developed with MASM 5.1, and thus the bug appeared.
When the ENCRYPTION code of version 2.5 was re-compiled, scripts en-
crypted (for passwordless decryption) were left unusable.
For version 2.6, the developer simply re-compiled the ENCRYPTION code
of COM-AND with MASM 5.0, allowing scripts self-encrypted with pre-
vious versions of COM-AND to continue to execute. However...
That mistake has been made again. The only sure correction is to bite
the bullet, invalidate current self-encrypted scripts, and ask that
self-encrypted scripts simply be re-encrypted.
Please re-encrypt any self-encrypted scripts used, from the original.
Scripts self-encrypted with version 2.6 will not work under 2.7.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* This version adds a feature that may startle some and bore most, but
provide a base for simplifying installation of COM-AND. If COM-AND
is loaded on a subdirectory where no COM-AND.DFT resides AND if the
environment variable COM-AND= does not point to a subdirectory where
COM-AND.DFT may be found, COM-AND will create a new .DFT file.
A new script named INSTALL.CMD is included with this release. If
COM-AND creates its .DFT file (as opposed to updating an existing
one), and if the script INSTALL.CMD is available, INSTALL will be
invoked automatically upon completion of initialization.
The INSTALL.CMD script included with this release is a move towards
simplification of installation, especially where the individual does
not have years of experience with modems and comm programs. It is
hoped that the script included with this release will grow over time,
with suggestions and comments.
INSTALL may be manually invoked through the F2 window, of course.
However, it is suggested that you delete INSTALL.CMD after use, to
salvage precious disk space.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
901016 COM-AND 2.7 Page 4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Run instructions:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o To run COM-AND from the DOS prompt:
(Install the release as described below)
C> COM-AND
(Run this way, the F1 menu makes many accessories available to
you. You can modify (and create) new accessories with the 'r'
subcommand at any time.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Installation:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1) Set your current subdirectory to the subdirectory where you wish
to install COM-AND... where you've already installed previous
COM-ANDs (if you've used one). I'd suggest "\COM-AND".
2) DeARC the distribution file. Have a care not to overwrite files
you want to keep!
3) Load COM-AND (i.e. C> COM-AND <return>). If this is the first time,
follow the prompts provided by INSTALL.CMD (automatically invoked).
After INSTALL (if INSTALL was automatic) and otherwise:
o Check Alt-S
.. Modem parms are set for HAYES - you may want to change them.
.. The backscreen buffer size defaults to 4K. You can set it
up to 64K, for redisplay and transcripting.
.. Remember to save the new settings.
o Check Alt-P
.. Choose the COM port you use (1/2/3/4).
.. Default speed selection is not usually important (if you always
use the dialing directory). Set it anyway.
.. Remember to save new settings.
o Check Alt-O
.. Set flags the way you want them (e.g. exit query on, d*mned
advert off, and so on; Note BIOS/DIRECT and PCJr settings)
.. Remember to save new settings.
4) Review the accessories (F1).
You may review the contents of accessory definitions with the 'r'
subcommand. You may wish to add entries for a listing program
and editor.. and perhaps PC-VCO... CCOLOR...
5) Exit COM-AND with Alt-X.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
901016 COM-AND 2.7 Page 5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additions and corrections this release:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------
Changes and corrections to 2.6 COM-AND:
---------------------------------------
o Reduced run-time memory requirement by 1K (over loaded memory req'm't)
o Removed 1.x script code (about 1K)
o Corrected highlight on Alt-P Base/IRQ subwindow to fit field
o Changed RTS usage in COMM.ASM... 1) Raise RTS unless RTSD (even if
RTSF), and 2) don't lower after write unless HARD ON. This allows
bidirectional modems to work out-of-box without RTSF
o Changed Alt-H hangup to Drop DTR (if set) AND issue hangup
o Put a max time on wait for ACK/NAK after ZNAK received (in ZMODEM)
and packet retransmitted (60 secs).
o Corrected ZMODEM (and all batch protocols) to accept a file name
such as 90.12345 (truncating ext to 3 chars)
o Changed ZMODEM send-side to cancel after 10 NAKs.
o Changed ZMODEM to suppress immediate 'auto-ZMODEM' startup after a
questionable transfer (triggered by other side's INIT).
o All transfers - if we are XOFFED when receive read times-out, reset
the timer and continue trying (Telenet prob)
o "Carrier dropped" calllog time change to report time since last call
(was reporting time since pgm loaded)
o Allow tabs in run command (batch execution)
o Refined XON/XOFF handling code (for duplicate XOFFs)
o Corrected up-arrow handling in Alt-M
o Corrected undesirable interaction between remapping and menu mode
o Corrected status line after Alt-255 '.' command changes it (LEGEND)
o Corrected loops and skips in Alt-B backscreen when TOF and ANSI CLS
o Corrected all select-type windows to replace invalid alpha entry w/#
o Changed F2 window to use menu defaults by popular demand
o Cosmetic changes to screen clock
o Changed F5 (ASCII send) to always return to 'go' after selections
-------------------------
Additions to 2.6 COM-AND:
-------------------------
o COM-AND: Added VT100 escape sequences:
ESC,'D' ; VT100: Move cursor down a line
ESC,'E' ; VT100: Move cursor down a line to col 0
ESC,'M' ; VT100: Move cursor up a line
o Added "BIOS" parameter to run command, to direct communications
driver to INT 14H (for LAN modem servers); See appendix below
o Allow Function/Alt'd keys to be used when menu mode window pulled down
o Enabled FIFO buffering for 16550A UARTs (see below)
o Added "Does not exist, create?" query to 'f' subcmds of Alt-D/Alt-M/F1
o Added carrier detect when not connected to calllog: "CARRIER found"
o If COM-AND creates a .DFT file, and the script INSTALL.CMD is present,
it is automatically executed after initialization.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
901016 COM-AND 2.7 Page 6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additions and corrections this release:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------
Script changes and corrections:
-------------------------------
o Corrected MDIAL to NOT issue error message if ESCape is used to exit
o Corrected SET LD code (off by 2 each entry)
o Corrected SET BAUD 19K (to allow numeric in front)
o Enabled SET BAUD 19.2 ('.' delimiter override)
o Corrected justification of intrinsic value in origin buffer (was
justifying values used in Alt-P, for example)
o Corrected SET ZMODEM RECOVER and SET SLOW to show on Alt-O and to
be stored with STORE DEFAULTS
o Corrected GET, ATGET etc to not return character backspaced over when
backspace was last key typed.
o Preserve ON ESCAPE setting across FCALL
o COMBASE and COMVEC will now take a string as the port parameter.
o Changed "_PARM" instrinsic so as to NOT left justify 300 baud value.
o A label caching problem was corrected. When a label in an FCALLed
script duplicates a label in a previously seen script, the label was
not added to the cache.
o Modified HITKEY to return false if both 1) an ON ESCAPE routine has
been provided and 2) an ESC is pending.
-------------------------------
Script language additions:
-------------------------------
DBOX row col row col attr ; Draw box with double lines
MANUAL <number> ; Invoke manual mode window from script
... ; <number is scancode equivalent>
MDIR <string> ; Create subdir (drive:path)
RDIR <string> ; Remove subdir (drive:path)
------------------------------------------
Script language intrinsic functions added:
------------------------------------------
_UART ; Rtns value: -1 -> no UART, 0 -> 8250,
... ; 1/2 ->16550 (no FIFO), 3 ->16550A (FIFO)
_MOUSE ; Mouse presence: rtns string: YES/NO
_RUNTIME ; Runtime invoc: Rtns string: YES/NO
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
901016 COM-AND 2.7 Page 7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Updated scripts in CA26-3:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REMAP.CMD ; Allow decimal numerics as well as hex
REMAP.DOC ; Updated document to amplify discussion
STRIPPER.CMD ; Fixed handling of long line, when the 80 col
; .. break occurs within a blank string: " "
DIALER.CMD ; Auto-dialer corrections for modems
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Known bugs in the current release:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o KERMIT 12 and 16 bit checksums don't seem to work with Jan van der
Eyjk's PCKERMIT. I have not yet found the incompatibilty.
o Reports have been received, but could not be reproduced, of the CPU
clock losing time. No instances have been found due to COM-AND.
Several instances have been tracked to TSR's and special hardware
(e.g. ALL-Charge card).
Some reports suggested that the clock speeds up (!) when run in the
background under DesqView.
At the time of this writing, a loss of ticks in the CPU clock may be
reproducable when COM-AND is set to 19.2K baud. It is being investi-
gated. It is suspected that this problem may be related to COM-AND's
interrupt-driven writes during file transfer.
If you experience a clock that 'lags' (loses time) using COM-AND, it
is suggested that you run COM-AND with the /w switch. The /w switch
disables the interrupt driven write feature. Transfers under DOS
will be only marginally slower.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
901016 COM-AND 2.7 Page 8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Related release; PC-VCO:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PC-VCO is Visual Conferencing for the IBM PC. It is completely
compatible with all three flavors of MacIntosh VCO/VMCO. It has
been in use for more than a year by several groups of people. On
GEnie, the IBM RT has a regularly scheduled VCO conference every
Wednesday at 9PM Eastern Standard Time.
The concept of VCO is that each conference attendee draws a set of
16 (or 18) ICONs, and posts them publically. Other attendees down-
load the ICONs (called face files), and add them to their own lib-
rary of faces. 8 (or 9) expressions (happy, sad, etc) are supported.
When someone speaks in a VCO conference, the appropriate ICON is
displayed on all PC-VCO screens. People who've not uploaded face
files are depicted as Charlie Brown, Don Martin, or OPUS.
PC-VCO interfaces to a public domain text-to speech synthesizer.
The quality is less than might be desired, but its a start!
PC-VCO now includes its own speech driver for faster processors.
PC-VCO has been distributed (its seventh release) as PC-VCO22.ARC.
PC-VCO may be used on either CGA, EGA or Hercules graphics adapters.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Related release; CCHESS:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CCHESS is Conference Chess - two people can play chess over PLINK's
PARTY, CIS CB, etc. CCHESS provides a graphics depiction of a chess
board, and a log of the last few moves. Game play can be performed
entirely with a mouse (if you desire - not necessary). Games may be
saved, and restored later for continuation.
Version 1.2 is a production release - beta testing is complete.
However, I am still looking for comments, criticisms and thoughts
from those interested in on-line interactive gaming.
CCHESS has been distributed (its second release) as CCHESS12.ARC.
Please read the CCHESS.DOC document for a description of CCHESS.
CCHESS may be used on either CGA, EGA or Hercules graphics adapters.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
901016 COM-AND 2.7 Page 9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Related release; CBRIDGE:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CBRIDGE is Conference Bridge - four people can play bridge over
PLINK's PARTY, CIS CB, etc. CBRIDGE deals cards, displays hands,
displays (and protects) the bidding, and monitors game play.
Bidding can be reviewed at any time, as can game play.
Version 1.1 has completed its beta trials. It has found quite
usable. It may be 'rough' in spots... I am looking for comments,
criticisms and thoughts from those interested in on-line interactive
gaming.
CBRIDGE has been distributed (its first release) as CBRIDG11.ARC.
Please read the CBRIDG.DOC document for a description of CBRIDGE.
CBRIDGE may be used on either MDA, CGA, EGA or Hercules adapters.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Related release; CCOLOR:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CCOLOR is another accessory for conferencing. It tracks the conver-
sation, and assigns different colors to each speaker. Each speaker's
text is highlighted and easy to see. Of course, a color adapter,
CGA or EGA is required. It has to be seen to be appreciated!
CCOLOR has been distributed (its second release) as CCOLOR11.ARC.
CCOLOR may be used on either CGA, or EGA adapters.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
A new release of CCOLOR (1.2) may be expected shortly after COM-AND
2.7's release, with screen clock and chat mode additions.
-------------------------------------------------------------------