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Alley-Wall Version 1.54 An Advanced Door For PCBoard 14.x Bulletin Board Systems By, David Pabst 18 McAdams Road Framingham, MA 01701 Available through CompuServe IBMBBS FORUM Or ID 76547,2643 copyright 1990,1991 all rights reserved Use of Alley-Wall is only allowed for a limited 14 day trial period for unregistered versions. Table Of Contents Alley-Wall Features.................................... 1 Registration Support, Benefits......................... 2 License................................................ 3 Upgrading To Latest Version Of Alley-Wall.............. 6 Guide To The Documentation............................. 7 System Requirements ................................... 8 File List.............................................. 9 Using AWSETUP.......................................... 10 Requirements...................................... 10 Setup Functions................................... 11 Misc. Functions................................... 12 Quitting Functions................................ 12 Setup Menu........................................ 13 Setup Functions.............................. 13 Installation of Alley-Wall............................. 14 Getting Started................................... 14 Once It's Working................................. 15 Using Alley-Wall....................................... 16 Normal Commands................................... 16 Sysop Commands.................................... 17 Entering Data..................................... 18 Registering............................................ 19 Disclaimer............................................. 20 Registration Form...................................... 21 Appendix A - Problems and Treatment.................... 22 Further Help........................................... 23Alley-Wall Features Alley-Wall is the most advanced, easiest to use, friendliest, and most direct way to post public bulletins to the rest of the bulletin board system. These are some of the advantages of using Alley-Wall over the next "graffiti" wall competitor: Ansi and ASCII Visual Support Alley-Wall uses both ANSI and ASCII menus, bulletins, help files, etc... Alley-Wall generates an ANSI bulletin for color users and an ASCII bulletin for non-IBM computers or slow modem users. Easy To Use Menus Alley-Wall has friendly, delightful menus. These menus can be interrupted by the user by typing ^K at any time. Just as easy it was interrupted they can be displayed again using the ? key. An Advanced Setup Program A new interface was designed solely for programs written by me. I incorporated the new interface in the setup program for Alley-Wall. Ease Of Use Just hit a key, and the Alley-Wall does its thing. No hard commands to learn, no cryptic ancient languages, and rapid learning time. Flexibility Any of the bulletins can be edited using a text editor or an ANSI editor such as TheDraw. SysOp Commands System Operators have special commands just for them to use. Such as Kill Alley-Wall File, See Who Posted What, etc... Special Lock Out System For trouble makers. The SysOp can lock them out of the door using a special utility that is included with Alley-Wall. This lock out system can also shut down the door for temporary purposes. Support When you register Alley-Wall, you get: A) on-line support through Compuserve E-Mail and IBMBBS forum, B) a formatted, Near Letter Quality Printed copy of the latest documentation, C) support through RelayNet Door or ShareWare (unofficial support bases) message bases, D) bulletin board support (names and numbers are listed further in the documentation), E) A reduced upgrade price for all major upgrades, F) notification of all future releases, G) A disk with the latest version of Alley-Wall, and H) free bug fixes for all current versions of Alley-Wall. License CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THEM, YOU SHOULD PROMPTLY DELETE THE ENTIRE PROGRAM. USING THIS SOFTWARE INDICATES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGREEMENT. Alley-Wall is not Public Domain or free. It is ShareWare. ShareWare is a way of distributing software so the purchaser can try the software before purchasing. Non-Registered users of this software have 14 days to try Alley- Wall before removing it from there system or registering. Using Alley-Wall after the 14 days without registering it is illegal. Alley-Wall can not be modified in any respect, for any reason, including but not limited to, de-compiling, disassembling, or reverse engineering of Alley-Wall. The registration screen and all of the menus, help files, and start up files must never be altered, removed, bypassed, or disabled by any means (the registration screens are disabled with the registered copy). You are free to distribute the publicly available shareware version of Alley-Wall to others subject to the above restrictions and also the following: A) No fee is charged for its use. B) No re-numeration may be accepted for Alley-Wall. This does not apply to bulletin board service, online services, etc... membership, subscription, or access charges. C) Alley-Wall must be distributed in un-altered form, complete with licensing information, full documentation, and all accompanying files and programs. The archive must not be altered in any respect. D) All Shareware vendors must make sure that the version is the unregistered shareware version. Or request a free evaluation disk. (Shareware houses ONLY) Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) may make Alley-Wall available for download only if the above conditions are met. The archive (AWALL15.ZIP) distributed by me or an equivalent archive may be made available only in complete form. Refer to the File Listing for a complete listing of all the files, use this to verify a complete packet. If the contents appear to be altered or not complete, or you may obtain the latest shareware release of Alley-Wall for only $5. Vendors must give a description that treats Alley-Wall fairly. It may not be biased. Vendors may not refer to this software as cheap, gaudy, etc.. License The previous license agreement license statement does not apply to the registered version of Alley-Wall. The registered software is protected under United States Copyright. It must be treated just like a commercial software with certain exceptions as follows: A) I authorize the making of archival copies of the registered version for the sole purpose of backing up your software and protecting your investment from possible loss. B) The medium on which the registered software is recorded is transferred to the customer, but not the title of the software. C) The software cannot be transferred to anyone. It can be only on one computer. This license is effective until terminated. You may terminate it at any time by destroying the software together with all copies, manuals, disks, saved files, etc.. The license also terminates if you fail to comply with the terms and conditions of the agreement. Also, by terminating the license, you do not have the wave the right to reduced upgrade fees, upgrade notices, etc. Upgrading Users who have registered Alley-Wall versions 1.0-1.4 may upgrade for a $10 (US). You must state your registration PASSNUMB when you upgrade. Fill out the registration form later in the documentation. Guide to the Documentation I added this part to help you get around the manual. I hope it helps. I detest long, unhelpful manuals. So I hope this gives some idea of this manual. Alley-Wall and its utility programs are very powerful and have many commands. Here is a brief summary of the contents of the manual: 1) Installation A) Using Alley-Wall's Setup Program B) Getting Things to Work 3) Instructions for using Alley-Wall A) User Commands B) Sysop Commands 4) More Legal stuff 5) Appendices: A) Problems, trouble Shooting, and treatment 6) Registration Form The text has an abundance of footnotes. These are intended for particularly curious and/or sophisticated users. First time users and those wishing to avoid needless complexity should feel free to skip them. Some footnotes may not be important, but some may be rather important. Alley-Wall Setup Requirements and AWALL15.ZIP File List SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Alley-Wall will run on any IBM PC compatible that runs PCBoard 14.x. A mouse is not required when using Alley-Wall, but has limited support in the setup program. Alley-Wall uses and creates other files to perform its function. This space may be five kilobytes to hundreds of kilobytes of space. You need to be able run PCBoard compatible doors. Using a door converter or another system. FILE LIST The following briefly lists files that are included and created by Alley-Wall, Alley-Wall Setup, and Alley-Wall Bad User. NOTE: Files such as ALLYWAL? means it is ALLYWAL and ALLYWALG, the one with the G being in ANSI, the one without, in ASCII. AWALL152.ZIP The archive that Alley-Wall v1.54 should be included in. ALLYWALL.EXE The Alley-Wall Executable. AWSETUP.EXE The Alley-Wall Setup program, using a new and unique interface. AWBDUSER.EXE The Alley-Wall Bad User System. This file Resets, adds, and lists users in the Bad User File. ALLYWALL.DOC The DOS text version of this documentation. ALLYWALL.WPF A fully formatted, footnotes, etc.. file. Only available with registered version. FILE LIST (Continued from previous page) AW.BAT A batch file for PCBoard to run Alley-Wall, the file needs to be renamed to AW. This may be different with other systems. AWTEST.BAT A batch for testing Alley-Wall in Local mode. LAYOUT.DOC The layout for the configuration file. INVOICE.DOC The same registration form that is included in this file. AWBDUSER.LST File created by Alley-Wall and used by AWBDUSER. ALLYWAL? Alley-Wall bulletin. Created by Alley-Wall. AWHELP1? Help File that is used when the user requests help in the door. AWMENU? The menus that are included with Alley-Wall. AWSTART? The Alley-Wall opening screens. Using Alley-Wall Setup Program (AWSETUP) AWALL15.ZIP comes with a program named AWSETUP.EXE. Use this program to configure Alley-Wall. REQUIREMENTS AWSETUP requires around 50 kilobytes of memory to run. It does not require a mouse. It requires a color monitor. COMMANDS Setup Functions System Operator's Name S Instructs the computer to prompt you for the System Operators Name. It will display what is currently entered above the prompt if anything, if nothing, you will just get the prompt. You are to write the system operators (SysOp) name. Bulletin Board's Name B You will be prompted to enter the Bulletin Board's (BBS) Name. A recommended answer would be: Galaga Telecommunications Service You can use basically whatever you would like as the name of your BBS. Registration Pass Number R This is the registration code. You will receive this when you register Alley-Wall. If you are not registered type in any bunch of numbers you want. COMMANDS (Continued from previous page) SysOp Security Level L This is used for the Sysop commands so the program can tell who has access to the SysOp functions. For example, if the SysOp's security level is set at 255 then enter 255. Use "Bad User" system U This is the lock out system that is built into Alley-Wall. If you want to use the Bad User System then type in Y, if you do not type in N. Message for "Bad Users" M This is the message the bad users get run they run the door. You can enter anything you would like. Misc. Functions View Configuration File V This is helpful because it gives you a run down of the configuration. It displays, gives a description of each item, and really makes setting up easier. Help with Setup H or F1 This provides help functions within AWSETUP. Help isn't available at the main menu, but is available at the Setup Menu. MISC COMMANDS (Continued from previous page) Information on registering I This is the registration screen, for Alley-Wall. I would like to remind you Alley-Wall is not free or in the public domain. It is a product, and has to be bought or you must stop using it. Quitting Functions Abort Without Saving A This is the fast quit function. If you have entered data, and use this option, IT WILL BE LOST. It is recommended that you exit with ^Q or Q. Quit and Save ^Q or Q This lets you exit the program safely. It will automatically save any data you have edited or entered. You should usually exit this way. It may take an extra 5 seconds on an XT, but on an AT you won't be able to notice the difference between quitting and saving or aborting without saving. The Setup (Ctrl-S) You can get into the setup screen by pressing Ctrl and S at the same time from the main menu. This will bring you to a setup screen, which allows you to control the parameters of the Alley- Wall Setup interface. COMMANDS Change Fill Character C Use this option to change the background fill character. The first time AWSETUP runs it sets the fillchar to ▒. You can set characters using the ALT key and the numeric keypad. You must press ALT, while holding ALT down, type in 177 on the keypad. After this is completed you will have ▒. You can enter any character you desire. Help F1 The setup menu has its own help window. When you press F1 a window will appear and describe how to enter a character for the background. Just like above. Quit ^Q This is the same as Quit and Save. Refer to Quitting Functions, above. Main Menu ESC Just press the escape key and you will be back at the main menu. If you pressed the escape key by accident just type, ^S you will be right back at the setup menu. Installation Installing Alley-Wall is probably the hardest part of using the door. These instructions have been written on the premise that the software being used is PCBoard. I know that other bulletin board systems can use PCBoard doors by using door converters, or user file converters. Also you must have PCBoard (or the converters) 14.x. That means any version of PCBoard over 14 works with Alley-Wall. Getting Started First you must unzip the files to your bulletin board directory or your door directory. Once this is done use AWSETUP.EXE to configure the door. Once you have finished configuring Alley-Wall, use a text editor to edit AWTEST.BAT. This is what AWTEST.BAT looks like: @echo off allywall allywall.cnf c:\pcb LOCAL You must change the c:\pcb to the directory with the bulletin board files. You must also type in LOCAL in capitals to run in LOCAL mode. If you are using other bulletin board software, you must read the documentation that came with YOUR software to determine how to use the software with PCBoard doors. If it gives you the bad user message you must disable the function Use Bad User File. You can do this by selecting U while using AWSETUP.EXE. Then use ^Q or Q to quit and save. Once It's Working You should see Sysop's Extras written near the end of the screen. If you do not, you have done one of two things wrong: 1) You entered the wrong Sysop Security Level, or 2) you have to set the Sysop Security Level at 255 while running in local mode from DOS without the BBS software. If you still have problems having it run, refer to Appendix A - Problems and Treatment. If you get a prompt stating that you have 15 seconds or press return, this means you have not followed the directions correctly. Once again you must type ALLYWALL ALLYWALL.CNF C:\PCB LOCAL (or equivalent) to run it in local mode. If you are running in local mode through your BBS software you only have to type ALLYWALL. If you still have problems you can contact me through Compuserve, or RelayNet (Shareware conference). If you do get it working you should explore the options presented. You have to learn how to use Alley-Wall before your users do, so you can help them. Even thought there is on-line help built in to the system. You can always edit the options you have previously set with AWSETUP.EXE, always remember to exit with ^Q or Q if you have made changes. Using Alley-Wall These commands do not have to be memorized since there are online menus for both ASCII and ANSI users. The system also has an online help system which profiles the top commands. The following is a list of all commands with a description of each. COMMANDS Normal Commands Write on the Alley-Wall W This is the feature that allows you to write on the Wall. It is very easy entry prompt. You can enter up to 240 characters on 3 lines. You are then prompted if you would like you name posted. Finally you are prompted if you would like the bulletin posted. Read the Alley-Wall R This allows you to read the bulletins that have been entered into the Alley-Wall. The computer automatically selects which bulletin should be viewed. Either ALLYWAL or ALLYWALG are selected from viewing depending if the users graphic flag is up or down. Version Information V This option displays all the information about the program to the common user. It displays version, author, bbs software, programming language, etc... Registration Status E This displays the current registration status. If your board is registered then you will get a thank you message. On the other hand, you will get a registration message. If you would like to register refer to the registration form. Graphics Mode Change I This is an option so users can change their graphics flag while they are in the door. They will not have to exit back to the bulletin board software to switch in to\out of graphics or text mode. You can switch back and fourth as much as you want. It is also their for door converters which automatically set graphics to off. The users can change into graphics mode if they want graphics. BETA Testers B This was added to give thanks to all of the bulletin board systems who BETA tested, and helped with the development of this software package. Thanks to all that helped!!! Help H This is the help feature for Alley-Wall. This gives basic help for the most important commands that are included within Alley-Wall. If you or your users need more help refer to this documentation. Quit back to BBS Q This returns the user back to the bulletin board software. It closes all open files, and does not log people off the system. Goodbye, Hangup Modem G This disconnects you from the bulletin board software. It closes all files and drops carrier. Sysop Commands Kill Alley-Wall File K Use this to delete the two main Alley-Wall files. ALLYWAL and ALLYWALG are deleted when you use this command. Be careful when using this command. See Who Posted What S This is a bulletin that only the sysop can view. It shows the name of everyone who has posted a bulletin, the bulletin, and more. This is helpfull if you are looking for someone who has posted a "negative" message, and if you want to lock them out of the door with AWBDUSER.EXE. Bad User List 1 This just displays everyone who is in the Bad User List. You can edit the users with a text editor, or AWBDUSER.EXE. Kill Sysop Alley-Wall File 2 This deletes the "See Who Posted What" file. Be careful when using this command. It is reccommended that you delete this file, when you delete the public Alley-Wall files. Display Door Configuration 3 This shows all the data in ALLYWALL.CNF. It also describes each entry. This function is also in AWSETUP.EXE. ENTERING DATA When you select W in Alley-Wall a text entry prompt is displayed. In graphics mode it is three lines of solid color, in ASCII it is one line of =>. Every time you press return in ASCII mode it adds another =>. All you have to do is enter a bulletin. You do not have to fill the whole prompt. You can hit return at any point. After you are done entering text it asks you if you would like your name displayed on the bulletin. You can enter with a yes or a no (Y,N). Finally you are asked if you want the bulletin posted. It displays a copy of the bulletin before it is posted. You can enter with a yes or a no (Y,N). Registering You are required to register Alley-Wall after a 14 day evaluation period. If you do not register within 14 days, you must stop using this software. I have included a description of what shareware is about. I have done this to describe the importance of registering. Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying it. If you try a shareware program and continue using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs differ on details. Some request registration while others require it, some specify a maximum trial period. Registration often entitles the user to updates, printed documentation, or other effects. Copyright laws apply to both shareware and commercial software, and the copyright holder may retain all rights. The only meaningful difference between shareware and commercial software is the method of distribution. Shareware authors specifically grant the rights to copy and distribute the WHOLE software package, with specific exceptions. If you should find the software meets your needs. If you do find this software, commercial or shareware, you should purchase the software. Shareware makes finding software for your needs easier, because you can try before you buy. Also the cost for distribution is much lower, so the price of the product is much lower. Finally, shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee. If you don't like it, don't buy it. All registrations must be paid with money orders or checks that are in American funds. Mail registrations to David Pabst, 18 McAdams Road, Framingham, MA 01701. To register use the form at page 21. Disclaimer Anyone using Alley-Wall must accept this disclaimer of warranty: Alley-Wall is supplied as is. The author disclaim all warranties expressed or implied, including without limitation, the warranties of fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for the use of Alley-Wall even when the author has been informed of the possibility of such damage. For the remainder of this agreement, the term Alley-Wall refers to the Alley-Wall program with all of its accompanying files. Alley- Wall is shareware and is licensed at no charge to the user for 14 days. Feel free to distribute this software, but not to alter the software. Registration Form Mail to: David Pabst 18 McAdams Road Framingham, MA 01701 Fill these answers out accordingly: NAME:_______________________________________________ ADDRESS:____________________________________________ CITY:_______________________________ STATE:________ ZIP CODE:___________________________________________ PHONE(Opt.):________________________________________ DATA PHONE:_________________________________________ Please write any comments or suggestions about Alley-Wall below. MEMO:_______________________________________________ All orders must be in United States funds. Please send checks or money orders. No credit cards accepted. Description Quantity Price Alley-Wall Evaluation Copy _______ $5 (Unregistered Shareware Version) Alley-Wall Normal Registration _______ $13 (printed manual, latest version, registration code) Alley-Wall Deluxe Registration _______ $20 (printed manual, binder, latest version, registration code) Alley-Wall Upgrade to v1.54 ==1=== $10 (You must state your reg. code. Also, if I do not have a record CODE:___________ of you I will not accept your upgrade.) Alley-Wall Upgrade to Deluxe v1.54 ==1=== $15 (You must state your reg. code. Also, if I do not have a record CODE:___________ of you I will not accept your upgrade. You will get the deluxe edition if you upgrade with this option). Total price: $_______ Disk size you would like (Check Box): [_] 3.5 inch \ 760K -or- [_] 5.25 inch \ 360K Version you are registering (you will receive latest version): [_] 1.0, [_] 1.1, [_] 1.4,or [_] 1.5 Appendix A - Problems There are many things that can go wrong with doors and bulletin board systems. I think that they can be one of the hardest types of software to install. Some of the problems are: 1) You get this prompt: USAGE: PROGRAM CONFIG_FILE SYSTEM_DIR [LOCAL] EXAMPLE: prokit prokit.cnf c:\pcb2 LOCAL 08-09-91 16:10 Prokit 3.1 of 10-08-89 Error: Invalid command parameters (15 second delay) Press (Enter): -OR- 08-09-91 16:20 ALLEY-WALL 1.54 3.1 of 10-08-89 Runtime error: 104 PC=0000:1EF8 (15 second delay) Press (Enter): A) You must type allywall allywall.cnf c:\pcb LOCAL to run the door in local mode without the bulletin board software. Allywall is the executable file, allywall.cnf is the configuration file, c:\pcb is the directory where the bulletin board software is located, and LOCAL means to run the door locally. LOCAL must be is capital letters. B) If that does not work, it may be that the configuration file does not exist, is corrupted, or is not in the same directory that the rest of Alley-Wall is in. Use AWSETUP.EXE to edit or create the configuration file. C) Run time errors are certain errors at run time that cause the program to display an error message and terminate: Runtime error: nnn XXXX:YYYY where nnn is the runtime error number, XXXX:YYYY is the runtime error address(segment and offset). The runtime errors are divided into four categories: DOS errors 1 through 99; I\O errors, 100 through 149; critical errors, 150 through 199; and fatal errors, 200 through 255. (This paragraph was copied from the Turbo Pascal manual.) 2) Just doesn't run. A) You haven't renamed AW.BAT to AW. B) You haven't changed the directories, file locations, etc... in AW.BAT. 3) The door crashes for no reason. A) This can happen from a number of reason. The foremost being that you have terminate and stay resident programs(TSR) active. You can try to remedy this by disabling the TSRs. Further Help If you have any questions, problems, comments not addressed by the manual, feel free to make use of Alley-Wall on-line support. Please post questions and comments in the IBMBBS forum, door section, ID 76547,2643 (or send through EMAIL). You can also send messages to David Pabst through RelayNet (RIME) in the Shareware or Door conference. Finally, you can call the )(evious BBS Service at (508)875-3618, and post a message to David Pabst in the EMAIL conference. You may also download the latest version from )(evious, or the Compuserve IBMBBS forum, door section. Here is a list of the bulletin board systems, and services that will have the latest version of Alley-Wall. Board Name Town\State\Country Phone ---------- ------------------ ----- Compuserve -- National -- ------------- )(evious Framingham, MA, USA (508)875-3618 SkateBoard Framingham, MA, USA (508)788-1603 Channel 1 Cambridge, MA, USA (617)354-2505 All of these bulletin boards have a copy of Alley-Wall available for online use. All of these bulletin boards also have the latest version of Alley-Wall available for download. If you would like your board to become a support board, just drop me a line.