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Text File | 1990-12-27 | 58KB | 1,408 lines

▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒▄ ▒▒▄ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒▄ ▒▒▄ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒▄ ▒▒▄ ▒▒▄ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒█▀▀▀▀ ▒▒▒▒█ ▒▒█▀▀▀▀ ▒▒█▀▀▀▀ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▀▒▒█▀▀ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█▀▀▀▀ ▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒█▀▀▀ ▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒█▀▀▀ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒█▀ ▒▒█▀▀▀ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒█▀▒▒▄ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒▒▒▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█▀ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▒▒▄ ▒▒▄ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█▀▒▒█ ▒▒█▀▀▀▀ ▀▒▒█▀▀ ▒▒▒▒▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▄ ▒▒█ ▒▒█▀▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▀▀▀▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒▒▒█ ▒▒▒▒▒▒█ ▒▒█ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀ Executive Host - A Powerful Host/BBS for Telix version 1.5, released 27 December, 1990 Copyright (c) 1990, by John Wright Another fine product from, ╓── ╓─┐ ╓─╖ ║─ ╙─╖ ╟─╜ Fine Software Products ╙── xecutive└─╜ oftware ╨ roducts for Intelligent People John Wright - Owner, Programmer, Technical Support T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Introduction ......................................................... 1 Registration ..................................................... 2 System Requirements .............................................. 3 Installation ......................................................... 3 Main Menu Options .................................................... 5 SysOp Menu ....................................................... 5 Guest Menu ....................................................... 8 SysOp's Function Keys ................................................ 9 Security Levels ...................................................... 10 The Host User File ................................................... 10 The Message Base ..................................................... 10 Private Messages ................................................. 11 Public Messages ................................................. 11 The Message Data File ............................................ 11 Setting Up Text Files for View ....................................... 12 Adding Files to the Host ............................................. 12 Installing File Lists (with descriptions) ............................ 13 Installing Bulletins ................................................. 14 Installing Doors ..................................................... 15 Using the Host Utilities ............................................. 15 Using the Host Filer ................................................. 17 File Transfers ....................................................... 18 Downloading ...................................................... 18 Uploading ........................................................ 18 Important Files to Become Familiar With .............................. 19 Limitations .......................................................... 20 Support .............................................................. 20 page 1 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- WHAT IS EXECUTIVE HOST? If you need a fully functional BBS or just a remote access program for your computer, this is the program for you. Executive Host is designed to be entirely flexible and can be set-up in a matter of minutes. A fast and easy to use program that comes with everything you need to be up and running immediately, and yet has the power to allow extensive customization and handle multiple bulletins, filelists, and doors. Executive Host is written entirely in the SALT language and requires the communications program Telix, version 3.12 or above, to run properly. If you are not currently using Telix as your communications package of choice, Executive Host is one of two reasons why you should switch now. The other reason being that Telix is beyond a doubt, the finest, most powerful, and easy to use communications package available today. What is a host and how does it differ from a BBS? There is only one major difference between a host and a self-standing BBS program, and that is that a host is programed in a special script programming language that allows it to directly interface a communications program and use all of it's powerful features (in this case Telix). This allows the Host Sysop to take advantage of all of the special functions and features built into Telix. For example, the registration and set-up of protocols is not necessary since these come with Telix. Also, in effect you are getting two programs for the drive-space of one. In other words, since Executive Host is using the internal communication routines in Telix, it is a very small program in itself. An alternative remote access program would be much larger and also much more expensive. A host will allow it's operator to access his computer from remote, while away on business or pleasure. Executive Host also has many other features that allow the access of several hundred callers (up to 999), each of whom may be assigned a security level for varied levels of access. It's advanced message base and file transfer routines make it a prime choice for someone interested in running a Bulletin Board System, either for personal or business needs. All of this for a low cost of only $35, as compared to from $200-$500 for programs with comparable features. page 2 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXECUTIVE HOST IS SHARE-WARE. The extended use of this program after a 10 day trial period requires it's registration with the author. Some limits have been built in to the unregistered version of Executive Host to encourage individual compliance. The file REGISTER.TXT is a registration form that you may print and mail with your check or money order for $35.00 (U.S. dollars). If you live outside the USA, please send either a money order in US dollars, or a personal check for your currency's equivalent amount. Send your check or money order to the author. John Wright 700 S Virginia Ave Marion, IL 62959 USA USE YOUR CREDIT CARD! - You may now register on-line at our support BBS with your Visa/Mastercard/Discover card. To order, call: ESP BBS - (618) 993-5091 (38400,N,8,1) - HST/V32.bis compatible. For all your computer needs, call Micro-Mart Computer Center, dealer for HST & Cardinal modems, Novell, Sanyo, Brother, DTK and DFI Systems. Located in Carbondale, Illinois at (618)457-4663 (voice). Open 10-5. What do you get when you register? 1. Full-featured, personalized Host with Zmodem capabilities. 2. External protocol support including Puma, Bimodem, Jmodem, etc. 3. Free upgrades for up to the release of v2.0. 4. Unlimited On-Line BBS support, 24 hours a day. 5. Ability to use custom menus with Executive Host. 6. Quarterly Exechost Announcements mailed to all members. 7. The finest, most powerful Host/BBS system available. Some portions of Executive Host are Copyright and used with permission of: Colin Sampaleanu & Exis Inc. and Jon Fleming Thanks go to Jon for his permission to use portions of his password code. Executive Host was written entirely in SALT, Telix's powerful script language. Special thanks go to Colin Sampaleanu, author of Telix and the SALT language. Telix is a registered copyright of: Colin Sampaleanu & Exis Inc. P.O. Box 130 West Hill, ON Canada M1E 4R4 Register your copy of Telix today! page 3 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ╒══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕ │ The author makes no warranties expressed or implied as to the │ │ quality, performance or merchantability of this program. The author │ │ will not be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental or │ │ consequential damages resulting from the use of this program. │ │ Your use of this program constitutes your agreement to this │ │ disclaimer and your releasing the author from any form of warranty, │ │ liability, or litigation. │ ╘══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛ REQUIREMENTS - 384k of memory and Dos version 3.0 or above is required. Telix version 3.12 or above is required. A good text editor that accepts file names on the command line is required. (Qedit is highly recommended) A System operator that is familiar with the editor and the basic DOS commands. INSTALLATION: To install Executive Host, copy all Executive Host files into your Telix directory. If you do not have your text editor configured in Telix, do so now. This is done by running Telix and entering "ALT-O". Then choose "filenames and paths" and enter your editor's name under option "h". Hit Escape to exit this screen. If you do not have Telix configured to use a status bar on the bottom of the screen, do so now. This is done from the "terminal options" setup screen. Save your new setup and exit Telix. If you are using ZIP files, ensure that a copy of pkzip and pkunzip are located in the host directory or somewhere in your system's path. Pkzip and Pkunzip are written and copyright programs of PKWARE, Inc, 7547 N. Port Washingtion Rd., Glendale, WI 53217. The latest shareware release of these programs is PKZ110.EXE, and is available on most BBS's. If you have a copy of Doorway.exe, copy it into your Telix directory, and Executive Host will use it automatically for your remote drop to DOS. The Host also makes a door.sys file that allows the use of doors run under Doorway. Doorway is written by Marshall Dudley. The latest copy of Doorway is DRWY210.ZIP and may be downloaded from Data World BBS, (615) 966-3574. Decide where you want your "main" and "upload" directories and create them with the "MD" command. The "main" directory is the primary download directory where callers may download files from. However, downloading from the uploads directory is also permitted. One set-up would be: C:\ -- Telix ---Main └----uploads page 4 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Executive Host Configuration A: Executive Host Main Files Directory : C:\Telix\main\ B: Executive Host Uploads Directory : C:\Telix\uploads\ C: Connection Type : Modem D: Minutes Allowed per Call : 60 E: Hour of day to run event (0-23) : 0 F: Host Access (Public or Private) : Private G: SysOp's Page Turned On/Off : on H: New Caller's security Level : 1 I: Type of Monitor (Color/Mono) : Mono J: Lock Baud Rate (high-speed modems) : No K: Exit and save changes to disk. Which option -> Each option should be configured to your individual needs as below, OPTION A: is the full path of where your main files directory will be located. OPTION B: is the full path of where your uploads directory will be located. OPTION C: should be left as "Modem" unless you are connecting two computers directly with a serial cable, in which it should be set at "Direct". OPTION D: Is the total minutes allowed on-line per call. A number between 1 and 60 minutes may be chosen or "0" for no limit. OPTION E: Time that the Host will execute it's event (event.bat). Event may be run on any hour of the day (0-23), with "0" representing midnight. OPTION F: This setting, if set at "private", will not allow caller's who are not registered to access the host. If set at "public", new callers may access the host at the security level set in option H. OPTION G: This option sets whether the SysOp's page will be turned on or off. OPTION H: This option selects the security level that will be assigned to new, unverified callers prior to their verification and upgrade by the SysOp. Level 1 - Callers may read mail, view bulletins and info screen and page the SysOp only. Level 2 Same as 1, but may also view file directories and perform a text search on file directories. Level 3 - Same as 2, but may also enter public messages and upload files. Level 4 - Same as 3, but may also gain access to doors, and view files. Level 5 - Same as 4, but has full guest privileges including downloading. page 5 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- OPTION I: Is the type of monitor and should be set as "Mono" if you have a monochrome monitor or "Color" if you have a color monitor. OPTION J: This option should be left as "No" unless you are using an error correcting modem, which requires the baud rate to be locked. (i.e. HST or Hayes 9600 baud modems) This completes the initial installation of the host, and this is all that is required to run the host as a remote access program, or as a simple BBS. Help on the Host's menus are available while running the Host by typing "H" from the Main or protocol Menus. More detailed instructions on how to set up multiple doors, bulletins, filelists, etc. come later in this manual. THE MENU OPTIONS: DESCRIPTIONS OF THE SYSOP'S MENU COMMANDS. ░▒▓█▓▒░▒▓█▓▒░▒▓█▓▒▒░ ░▒ EXECUTIVE HOST ▒░ ░▒▓█▓▒░▒▓█▓▒░▒▓█▓▒▒░ ░▒▓█▓▒░▒▓█▓▒░▓▒░ ░▒ SYSOP MENU ▒░ ░▒▓█▓▒░▒▓█▓▒░▓▒░ ░▒▓▓██▓▓▒▒░░▒▒▓▓██▓▓▒▒░░▒▒▓▓██▓▓▓▒░ ░▒▓▓ (D)ownload File ▓▓▒░ ░▒▓▓ (U)pload File ▓▓▒░ ░▒▓▓ (F)ile Directories ░▒▓▓██▓▓▒▒░░▒▒▓▓██▓▓▒▒░░▒▒▓▓██▓▓▓▒░ ░▒▓▓ (V)iew File ░▒▓▓ (M)essage Menu ▓▓▒░ ░▒▓▓ (T)ext Search ░▒▓▓ (B)ulletins ▓▓▒░ ░▒▓▓ (O)pen Door ░▒▓▓ (UTIL)ities ▓▓▒░ ░▒▓▓ (X)pert Mode ░▒▓▓ (I)nfo on Host ▓▓▒░ ░▒▓▓██▓▓▒▒░░▒▒▓▓██▓▓▒▒░░▒▒▓▓█░▒▓▓ (C)olor on/off ▓▓▒░ ░▒▓▓ (P)age SysOp ▓▓▒░ ░▒▓▓ (H)elp on Menus ▓▓▒░ (G)oodbye ░▒▓▓██▓▓▒▒░░▒▒▓▓██▓▓▒▒░░▒▒▓▓██▓▓▓▒░ Executive Host v1.5 (D)ownload - Sends a file from Executive Host to you. The SysOp may download from anywhere on the system by using a full path. The SysOp may also use wildcards (i.e. *.*) when downloading with batch protocols. (U)pload - Sets Executive Host up to receive a file from you. The SysOp may also upload files to anywhere on the system by using a full path (i.e. C:\LOTUS\BUSINESS.WKS). If you use Zmodem, you will not be able to upload with a full path since the protocol grabs the filename from the remote site. page 6 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- (F)ile Directories - Gives a list of all files available for download, with file names, sizes, dates, and descriptions. After each screen is filled, the display will pause until <Enter> is pressed. If filelists have not been set-up by the SysOp, only names, sizes, dates, and transfer times will be displayed to the caller. (V)iew - The (Z) sub-option will view any Zip file in the main or uploads directory of Executive Host. A guest may also view text files that are compressed inside of the zip file. The (T) sub-option will allow a guest to view any text file that the SysOp has made available. A directory of text files available for view can be found with the (F) option from the main menu, and then the (T) sub-option. The (S)ysOp view sub-option allows the SysOp to view any text file, anywhere on the system. (T)ext Search - This option allows the caller to do a text search of the file directories made available by the SysOp. searches for specific text, file names, portions of file names, or even dates (in the correct format) are allowed. Wildcards (* or ?) will be searched for literally and should not be used. If the SysOp has not set-up file lists, this option may not be performed. (O)pen Door - Displays a menu of doors that may be entered. (X)pert Mode - This will make Executive Host stop displaying the main and protocol menus. (M)essage Menu - This option displays the three message options available to the SysOp. They are as follows: (E)nter a message (R)ead messages (K)ill all public messages - this option, although dangerous, is nice to have available in some extreme cases. A safety feature is built in. The SysOp may skip this menu by entering (E) or (R) from the main menu, in order to enter or read messages. (UTIL) Host Utilities - This option allows the use of four SysOp utilities. These utilities are: (S)hell to DOS - This allows the SysOp to shell to dos from remote. This option may be used when in local mode, but the F2 key is probably a better choice in this case. The shell to dos may be executed without using the "UTIL" option by just entering "S" from the main menu. The Host will shell to DOS using one of three methods. First, if the doorway.exe file is detected in the Telix directory, the Host will create a "door.sys" file and drop to DOS using this excellent program. Doorway will allow the SysOp to run any program from remote that does not use bit-map graphics. This includes most word-processors, databases, and spreadsheets. Of course enough memory must be available for a program to run. Doorway is share-ware, and the latest version is available on most good BBSs as DRWY205.ZIP. page 7 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- If Doorway is not detected, then the Host will search for the file "drop.bat". The SysOp may modify this file to use the redirection program/method of his choice (i.e. gateway, CTTY). If this file is found, the Host will run it to perform the drop to DOS. If Doorway.exe and drop.bat are both not found, the Host will use Telix's internal redirection function to allow the SysOp to drop to DOS. The SysOp will not be able to run most programs, but will be able to use DOS programs, pkzip/pkunzip, and other programs that do not write directly to the screen. (R)ead Host Caller's Log - Allows the remote view of the host caller's log, which is a text record of everything that takes place on the host. The caller's log is also where the caller's registration information is stored. (D)OS Command Line - Allows the execution of dos commands without having to drop to DOS. (EDIT) Guest List - The guest list is the file that contains the list of users of the host. This command allows the SysOp to directly modify the security levels of callers, even from remote. The sub-options for this command are: (V)iew Guest List - Allows the SysOp to view the current list of callers along with their current status (security), and their password. (A)dd a new guest to list - This option allows the SysOp to add a new caller's name and password to the guest list. The new caller always is given full guest access to the Host (level 5). (C)hange Caller's Security Level - This option will allow the SysOp to change a caller's access level and set it from (1-6). (D)eny a Guest Access to Host - This in effect "locks-out" a caller. In other words, his access level is set to 0, and when he calls and enters his correct password he will be immediately disconnected. (S)uspend Download privileges - This options will suspend all the downloading privileges of a caller by setting his access level to 4. (T)urn off Host - Shuts down the host from remote. When this option is chosen, the SysOp will be prompted to decide which environment the host should quit to (Telix or DOS). By quitting to DOS, the SysOp may return to a batch file that was run earlier. page 8 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- (P)age - If the page is turned on, this will page the SYSOP for 20 seconds. (H)elp - Will display a menu command help file. (G)oodbye - This will log you off, and set Executive Host up for another caller. (C)olor on/off - This will allow the caller to switch between ascii and color menus. DESCRIPTIONS OF THE GUEST'S MENU COMMANDS: ░▒▓█▓▒░▒▓█▓▒░▒▓█▓▒▒░ ░▒ EXECUTIVE HOST ▒░ ░▒▓█▓▒░▒▓█▓▒░▒▓█▓▒▒░ ░▒▓█▓▒░▒▓█▓▒░▓▒░ ░▒ GUEST MENU ▒░ ░▒▓█▓▒░▒▓█▓▒░▓▒░ ░▒▓▓██▓▓▒▒░░▒▒▓▓██▓▓▒▒░░▒▒▓▓██▓▓▓▒░ ░▒▓▓ (D)ownload File ▓▓▒░ ░▒▓▓ (U)pload File ▓▓▒░ ░▒▓▓ (F)ile Directories ░▒▓▓██▓▓▒▒░░▒▒▓▓██▓▓▒▒░░▒▒▓▓██▓▓▓▒░ ░▒▓▓ (V)iew File ░▒▓▓ (E)nter Message ▓▓▒░ ░▒▓▓ (T)ext Search ░▒▓▓ (R)ead Messages ▓▓▒░ ░▒▓▓ (O)pen Door ░▒▓▓ (B)ulletins ▓▓▒░ ░▒▓▓ (X)pert Mode ░▒▓▓ (I)nfo on Host ▓▓▒░ ░▒▓▓██▓▓▒▒░░▒▒▓▓██▓▓▒▒░░▒▒▓▓█░▒▓▓ (C)olor on/off ▓▓▒░ ░▒▓▓ (P)age SysOp ▓▓▒░ ░▒▓▓ (H)elp on Menus ▓▓▒░ (G)oodbye ░▒▓▓██▓▓▒▒░░▒▒▓▓██▓▓▒▒░░▒▒▓▓██▓▓▓▒░ The Guest menu is identical to the SysOp menu except for the substitution of the following commands in the place of the SysOp commands. (E)nter Message - Will allow you to enter a message to any registered user of this board. Choose "Yes" for the word-wrap option if you are entering messages normally, "no" if you want the word-wrap turned off, such as when entering ansi escape codes in your messages. (R)ead Messages - Will allow you to read your private mail, and any public messages that are in the Executive Host message base. Enter (R S) to read mail that has been left since you last read messages. page 9 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- (I)nfo on BBS - This will display information about Executive Host or whatever the SysOp wants to be displayed here. SYSOP'S FUNCTION KEYS (ON-LINE COMMANDS): The SysOp has eight commands on the function keys that may be executed while a caller is on-line, or while in the local logon mode. The SysOp may toggle the list of commands on the status line by using the up and down arrow keys. F1 Key - Kill User - This function will hang-up on the current caller immediately with no warning or comment. F2 Key - Dos Functions - This function will bring up the Telix Dos functions window where the SysOp may drop to dos, perform a directory, etc. F3 Key - This key will initiate chat with the current caller. F4 Key - This key will allow the SysOp to edit the message base while a caller waits on-line. F5 Key - This key will raise the caller's access level (temporarily) to the SysOp level (level 9). F6 Key - This key will set the caller's access level (temporarily) to access level 5 (full guest access). F7 Key - This key will increase the caller's on-line time in 5-minute increments. F8 Key - This key will decrease the caller's on-line time in 5-minute increments. F9 Key - This key toggles the page on/off switch. If this switch is on callers will be able to page the SysOp. If it is turned off, the caller will be instructed to leave a message. F10 Key - This key displays the SysOp's full-screen help. It does not interfere with the caller, and the caller cannot see the help message. HOST SECURITY LEVELS: Level 0 - Caller is "locked-out" of the Host and will have no access. Level 1 - Callers may read mail, view bulletins and info screen and page the SysOp only. Level 2 - Same as 1, but may also view file directories and perform a text search on filelists. Level 3 - Same as 2, but may also enter public messages and upload files. Level 4 - Same as 3, but has access to doors may view files. page 10 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Level 5 - Caller has full guest privilges including the ability to download files. Level 6 - Same as 5, but no time limit is imposed on caller. Level 7 - Not used (same as 6). Level 8 - Not used (same as 6). Level 9 - SysOp status. Caller has full access to all SysOp functions. Level 9 may not be assigned via the Guest List Editor. In order to assign this powerful level to a caller other than yourself, you must edit the "exechost.usr" file with your text editor. It is highly recommended that you not give anyone an access level 9 other than yourself. Access level 9 will give the caller complete access to your system, and disastrous results could occur either by accident or on purpose. EDITING THE EXECHOST.USR FILE: Here is one example of an Executive Host Guest List File (exechost.usr). ⌐----------------- User's Name | ⌐-------- User's Password | | ⌐----- User's Security Level | | | ⌐--- User's Data Number (used in execmail.dat) | | | | | | | | (semicolons used as dividers) | | | | | | | | John Wright;host;9;1 << SysOp >> Edward Williams;dud;5;2 << Guest >> Brent Taft;whipped;5;3 << Guest >> Jay Fuller;guy;5;4 << Guest >> Jack Ripper;nut;5;5 << Guest >> Bob Coffey;pup;5;6 << Guest >> Claude Hammond;smart;5;7 << Guest >> Access Levels may be changed by directly modifying this file with a text editor. This is the only way you will be able to assign access level 9 to a user. In most cases, the easiest way to change access levels is by using the on-line guest list editor. Once logged on either local or from remote, enter "edit" from the main menu. THE MESSAGE BASE AND HOW IT WORKS: The message base is divided into two main categories, public and private. These two message systems operate totally independent of one another as discussed below. page 11 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE PRIVATE MESSAGE BASE: When a caller leaves a private message, it is appended to the receiver's private message file. The private message file is created using the message data number of the receiver, which is found in the EXECHOST.USR file. Each user has his/her own data number, and a file is created using this number as a file description. i.e. a private message file for the user with the data number 5, would be called "5.MES". When this caller reads his mail, the Host looks for his message file, "5.MES", and displays it to the caller. After reading the private mail, the caller has the option to delete it. It is obvious that the message data numbers found in the files EXECHOST.USR & EXECMAIL.DAT, are extremely important. Be very careful when editing the EXECHOST.USR file, to not change a user's data number. It is alright to delete a user from the list, as long as the data numbers of the remaining users are not changed. If you add a new user to this file with your text editor, be sure and add a new line to the message data file (EXECMAIL.DAT). Otherwise the caller will receive an error message when the Host searches for his mail. It is highly recommended that you do not edit either of these files unless you are sure that you know exactly what you are doing. It is much easier (and safer) to make any changes with the (EDIT) Guest List option in the Host. PUBLIC MESSAGE BASE: The public message base also uses the message data numbers, but in a totally different way. The data numbers are added sequentially to the file EXECMAIL.DAT, where the user's message information is stored. Two important bits of information are stored here. The first is the number of the user's last message read. This is stored in order to give the caller an idea of where he left off from the last time he read messages. The second bit of information is the number of the last public message addressed to the user. This is stored in order to quickly tell the user if he has new mail or not. When a caller logs on, the Host looks at the message data file, and compares the last message read with the last message sent to the user. This way the Host is able to quickly determine if the user has new mail, without having to scan the entire message base. Messages written to the caller may be deleted once read by choosing k)ill at the bottom of the message. The SysOp may delete any public message. Note: This function does not actually delete the message from the message base, but simply marks it as deleted so callers are unable to read it. PACK.EXE must be run to strip these deleted messages from the message base. It is recommended that SysOps run PACK.EXE at least once a week (or in the event) in order to trim down the size of the message base and speed up it's operation. Read the file PACK.DOC for more information on PACK.EXE. page 12 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Periodically take a look at your EXECMAIL.DAT file to see if the data numbers are in neat, sequential order. If a data number is missing, add it using your text editor. Example of the EXECMAIL.DAT file: ⌐------- Message Data Number | ⌐--- User's Last Message Read (public message) | | ⌐ Number of Last Message Sent to User (public message) | | | | | | (semicolons user as dividers) 001;00040;00038 002;00039;00012 003;00040;00033 004;00022;00007 005;00035;00004 SETTING UP TEXT FILES FOR VIEW: Text files that the SysOp wishes to be available for view by callers should be set up as follows. 1. Compress all of the text files into a .ZIP file called "text.zip". 2. Place this .ZIP file in the Telix directory. 3. List all of the available files in a description file called "text.dir". This description file should be included in your filelist set-up as explained in the next section. This will allow callers to be able to see what text files you have made available to them. 4. Your text files may now be viewed by Executive Host. Special Note: If a file with the same name as a text file exists in the Telix directory, Executive Host will not allow a view of that file. This is to ensure that no important files are overwritten. ADDING FILES TO YOUR HOST SETUP: If you are running the program as a public access BBS, or just as a semi-private host, you will be sure to want to make available certain programs for download. Of course the SysOp may download from anywhere on the system, but guest callers may download from only the main and uploads directories. Therefore, in order to make programs available to all callers, they must be copied into one of these two directories. The arrangement makes no difference; all files may be in the main directory, all files may be in the uploads directory, or any combination is fine and the Host will find them. ** NEW!! ** Starting with version 1.2, multiple download directories may be used. In order for the Host to recognize them properly they must be subdirectories off of the main download directory. page 13 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- For Example: C: \Telix \Main \Utility <-- Notice that these are all \Games subdirectories off of the \program Main download directory. \comm \Misc Approximately 100 subdirectories may be created and used with the Host in this manner. If you elect to separate your files this way, you should leave the "Main" directory empty (except for the subdirectories) in order to speed up the Host's search routines. If you are using filelists with descriptions, initially just copy your new files to a download directory. Then use the Host Filer to add these files to your description files (Option A). After your initial set-up it is a good idea to add the new programs to the description files prior to copying them into the download directories. The easiest and most efficient way to do this is to first separate new files into categories represented by your description files. For example, copy all of your new utility files into a temporary directory. Then use option A to add the new files to your utility description file. This will allow you to enter a path such as "c:\temp\*.zip", instead of adding each file individually. All that is left is to copy the files into the main or uploads directory, delete the original files in the temp directory, and start your new category. INSTALLING DESCRIPTION FILES - Executive Host works fine using only physical file directories, however most SysOps who want to run a serious bbs will want to use a series of filelists that will display the filenames, dates, and descriptions. Executive Host has an advanced filer built in, and filelists can be setup easily as follows. 1. Decide how many different filelists you wish to use, and enter their names in the directory data file "dir.dat". 2. If you want to use only one big filelist, the "dir.dat" file is not necessary. Just name the filelist "main.dir", and the host will use it. 3. If you use the "dir.dat" file, you must also use the file called "dirlist". This file is the menu that will be displayed whenever a caller chooses to view the filelists, and should contain the list of files with their corresponding number. An ansi directory menu file may also be used and must be called "dirlistg". Ansi colors are automatically added to "dirlist" if this file is not present. page 14 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. A Recent Uploads filelist should also be created and must be called "new.dir". This file is where the descriptions of files uploaded by callers will be added. It is recommended that files be rotated out of the Recent Uploads directory after about a week's time, but that is up to the SysOp. 5. A directory of all text files that are available for view by callers is also necessary. This filelist is called "text.dir", and contains a list of the files and descriptions of text files inside the file "text.zip". 6. Once the data file has been setup and each description file has been created, the Host Filer (F6) will recognize your setup and allow you to edit and modify these files when necessary. All files must be in the Telix directory. 7. Ansi colors are added to the filelists automatically, so a separate ansi file is not necessary. INSTALLING BULLETINS - The set-up for bulletins is similar to the set- up for directories and is done as follows: 1. If you wish to use only one bulletin file, name it "bulletin", and the Host will display it when a caller selects the view bulletins option. An ansi bulletin may also be displayed for callers who choose color. This file must be called "bullting". 2. If you wish to set-up multiple bulletins, you must use a data file identical to the filelist data file. Enter each bulletin's name and number in the file "bulletin.dat". 3. If you are using multiple bulletins, you must modify the file "bulllist", which is the menu displayed to callers that shows the available bulletins, and their corresponding number The file "bulllist.g" may also be used to display a color bulletin menu. Ansi colors are automatically added if this file is not found. 4. Create each bulletin with your text editor, and put them in the host directory. Ansi is added automatically to the bulletins unless you wish to make separate ansi bulletins. You may do this by adding a "g" to the end of the bulletin file name. For example, the ansi bulletin for the file "rules", should be "rulesg". 5. Once all of this has been completed, your bulletins, menu, and data file may be modified in the SysOp's Utilities Window (F5) at the waiting for call screen. page 15 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- INSTALLING DOORS - The set-up of doors is also similar to the set-up of bulletins and filelists, and is done as follows: 1. If you wish to have only one door on-line, then create a file called "door.bat" that will run the door. "Door.bat" will be run whenever a caller chooses the (O)pen Door option. 2. If you wish to use multiple doors, modify the file "door.dat" with the batch file name and corresponding number of each door. 3. Also modify the door menu file "doorlist", which is displayed to the caller when the (O)pen Door option is chosen. The file "doorlist.g" may be used to create a color door menu to callers. Ansi colors are automatically added if this file is not found. 4. Create the batch file for each door to be run. "Fishing.bat" is an example of a batch file for an RBBS door. 5. Once the above has been accomplished, the door batch files, menu, and data file may be modified from the SysOp's Utilities window (F5) at the waiting for call screen. 6. Two files are created when a door is opened, "Door.sys" which is recognized by Doorway only, and "dorinfo1.def" which is recognized by RBBS compatible doors. USING THE HOST UTILITIES - By Pressing the F5 key at the waiting for caller screen, the SysOp may enter the Host Utilities area. In this area the SysOp may choose from 10 different utility functions (A-J). ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ Sysop's Host Utilities ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ A> List Caller's Log F> Edit Door List ║ ║ ║ ║ B> Edit Messages G> Edit Door Batch Files ║ ║ ║ ║ C> Edit Bulletin List H> Edit Door Data File ║ ║ ║ ║ D> Edit Bulletins I> Test-Run Door ║ ║ ║ ║ E> Edit Bulletin Data File J> DOS Command Line ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ Choose a Utility Option? <Enter>=quit -> ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ page 16 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- (A) - List Caller's Log. This option will use V. Buerg's List program to view the Host caller's log. A copy of List.com must be present in the host directory or in the system's path. The latest version of List is LIST75A.ZIP, and is available on most BBS's. (B) - Edit Messages. This option will use the text editor defined in Telix to edit the Host's public message base. Messages may then be corrected, modified or deleted by the SysOp. To delete a message in the base simply delete the entire message along with the "To:, From:, etc." header. Also, the data line that comes immediately before the header must be deleted. This data line will look something like this: ";;;02;00012". Although it is not crucial, no spaces should be left between the messages. Messages with data lines that look like this, "D;;02;00012", have been marked for deletion by a caller. These messages can be deleted automatically with the PACK.EXE program (see PACK.DOC). (C) - Press C to bring up the bulletin menu file in your text editor. This is the file that shows callers the bulletins available for view. If this file is modified, and you are also using the file "bulllist.g" to display a color menu, you will have to make the necessary changes to it also. (D) - Option D will allow the editing of each bulletin that is set-up in the bulletin data file (bulletin.dat). First you will be displayed the bulletin menu, from which you must select which bulletin to edit. (E) - Option E allows will bring up the bulletin data file in your text editor. This is the file that tells the host, which bulletins to read, and their respective numbers. (F) - Option F will allow the editing of the door menu file "doorlist". This is the menu of all doors available for callers, and is displayed when a caller enters "O" for open door. If you are using the file "doorlist.g" (G) - Choosing option G will allow you to edit any of your batch files that execute doors. The Host will display your door menu, in order for you to select the batch file to edit, and will then bring up the batch file you choose in your text editor. (H) - Option H allow you to edit the door data file, which contains the number and name of each door available for callers to use. (I) - This option will test-run any of the doors that you have set-up in the door data file. It will display your door menu, and ask you to select a door to test-run. Once you have done this it will run the door's batch file, and allow you to test your set-up and installation of doors. (J) - DOS Command Line - This option will allow the SysOp to run a specific application without dropping to DOS. A Drop to DOS may be accomplished by pressing the <Enter> or <ESC> key from the DOS command Line, however. page 17 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- USING THE HOST FILER - By pressing the F6 key at the waiting for caller screen, the SysOp may enter the Host Filer area. In this area the SysOp may choose from 10 different Filer options also (A-J). ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ ║ ║ Executive Host Filer ║ ║ ║ ║ A> Add New Files to Dir File F> Verify Dir File ║ ║ ║ ║ B> Auto-Describe Dir File G> Sort Dir File ║ ║ ║ ║ C> Edit Directory List H> Run Editor ║ ║ ║ ║ D> Edit Directories I> Run List.com ║ ║ ║ ║ E> Edit Directory Data File J> DOS Command Line ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ Choose a Filer Option? <Enter>=quit -> ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ (A) - The "Add new files to dir file" option allows the SysOp to add one or more new files that he has acquired to a filelist. The SysOp will be asked for the path of the new programs first. For example "A:*.zip" may be entered. Then the SysOp will be asked which description file to add the new programs to. The file adder will add these programs to the description file and allow the manual entry of descriptions by the SysOp. Also remember to sort the description file after the new files have been added (Option G). The new files must of course be copied into the main or uploads directory in order to be available for downloading. (B) - The "Auto-Describe Dir File" option will add descriptions to your filelists from an existing filelist. The description file must be in the correct format (PCB), however the search file may be in any popular bbs format i.e. PCB, RBBS, dBBS, etc. The SysOp will be asked for the source file name, which is the name of the description file that needs descriptions added. Next the name of the search file to be used must be entered. Both files must be sorted alphabetically prior to using this option. A .bak file of the description file is created in case something goes wrong. All files must be in the Telix (Host) directory. (C-E) - Allows the editing of filelists, the directory menu file, and the directory data file. page 18 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- (F) - Verify Dir File - This option will verify that all the files in a filelist really exist in either the main or uploads directories. If you have a dir file with 75 files, a successful verification result would look like this: 75 files processed. 0 files not found. (G) - Sort Dir File - This option will sort a filelist using the batch file "sortit.bat". The DOS programs "sort.com" and "find.com" called by the default batch file. Both of these files must be in the system's path and come with your DOS package. A custom sort procedure may be used by modifying the file "sortit.bat" which contains the default parameters. Filelists should always be sorted in order to give callers an orderly display of files available for download. Also, dir files must be sorted prior to using the "Auto-Describe Dir File" option in the Host Filer. To sort a file from the dos prompt, simply type "sortit [name of dir file]". (H) - Run Editor - This option simply runs the editor defined in Telix without a file name. (I) - Run List - This option will run V. Buerg's List.com program if it is present in the system's path. (J) - DOS command Line - This option is identical to option "J" in the Host Utilities area. You may enter a dos command to be executed, or press <Enter> or <Esc> to drop to DOS. DOWNLOADING - Downloading may take place from either the main or uploads directories, and all files in either of these directories are always available for download by all callers. The SysOp may of course enter a full path and download from anywhere on the system. If you are having drive space problems, and have two partitions, you may place the main directory on one drive and the uploads directory on another. This way you can split up the files into the two directories and better manage your hard-disk space. UPLOADING - Files uploaded by all callers will be sent to the uploads directory. In addition the "uploads.bat" file will be run if it exists. This batch file could perform various virus checking functions, and integrity checks on the uploaded file(s). The SysOp may include a full path when uploading, and the file can be sent anywhere on the system. page 19 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- IMPORTANT FILES TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH - The following files are used in the day to day operation of the Host and their structure and format should be studied by the SysOp. If they should ever become corrupted or deleted, your knowledge of their structure will ensure that you will be back on-line quickly. exechost.usr - The Guest List containing the name, password, and security levels of all callers. exechost.cnf - The Host configuration data file execmail.dat - The public message base data file. message.txt - The public message base. Other important files: #.mes - Private messages to callers. exechost.log - Host usage log - contains registration information of callers. sortit.bat - batch file used by Directory Sort option in Filer. drop.bat - batch file used for remote drop to DOS. upload.bat - batch file run whenever a caller uploads a file. event.bat - batch file run as an "event" at 12 pm every night. board.bat - runs Executive Host. bimodem.bat - runs the optional Bimodem protocol program. dir.dat - data file of filelists. door.dat - data file of door batch files. bulletin.dat - data file of bulletin files available for view. callers.dat - data file recording on-line time used by callers. bulllist - bulletin menu file displayed to callers. bulllist.g - ansi version of bulllist. dirlist - filelist file menu displayed to callers. dirlistg - ansi version of dirlist. doorlist - door menu file displayed to callers. doorlist.g - ansi version of doorlist. open - ascii file displayed when caller first logs on. openg - ansi version of open file. news - news file that is displayed immediately following open/openg. newsg - ansi version of news file. info - file displayed when a caller chooses I)nfo on Host. infog - ansi version of info file. goodbye - file displayed when caller logs off. goodbyeg - ansi version of goodbye. newuser - file displayed after a new caller registers. newuserg - ansi version of newuser file. logon - text file displayed after news. This file may be used to display custom information such as "last on", or "what happened today". logong - ansi version of logon. LIMITS - The following are limits of Executive Host in version 1.5. 999 Registered Callers. 99 Program Description files. 99 Bulletins. 99 Doors. 99,999 Messages in public message base. page 20 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUPPORT - Support for Executive Host is available 24 hours a day on the Executive Software Products support BBS listed below. ESP BBS, (618) 993-5091 (38400,N,8,1) - HST/V32.bis compatible. Support is also available on Compuserve in the IBMBBS area (76605,1310). The author checks this conference weekly. Do not leave private E-mail, as this defeats the purpose of a public support conference. Priority of support will always go to Registered Executive Host SysOp's. *** REGISTER EXECUTIVE HOST ON-LINE WITH YOUR VISA/MASTERCARD/DISCOVER CARD ON OUR 24 HOUR SUPPORT BULLETIN BOARD. ORDERS ARE USUALLY PROCESSED AND AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD WITHIN 24 HOURS. FOREIGN CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED. Thank you and enjoy Executive Host.