Monster Media 1993 #2/Image.iso/comm/infoterm.zip/INFOTERM.DOC

Text File | 1993-06-21 | 26KB | 500 lines

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                                LEGAL NOTICE
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          InfoTerm Plus is Copyright 1993 by Rajib K. Mitra. This program
is protected by federal laws. Rights to this program are as follows:
       Usage of this program in any institution, group, business, agency,
or bureau is not granted by the copyright without prior aggreement from
the author. The aggreement may require fees. Registration is not required
by this copyright aggreement, however the copyright owner may at any time
alter someone's rights to an unregistered copy, provided that notification
is given.

The following is a description of the distribution and reproduction of files
included within this package:
           This package may be reproduced and distributed but it must remain
in the original format. The only acceptable modifications are for reasons of
compression or encryption, however, when it is decompressed or decrypted, it
must return to its original form. If this package is archived or compiled,
the product must not contain any other information, with the exception of a
small comment that will be removed upon extraction. For example, a ZIP
comment is allowed, however a file contained within the ZIP is forbidden,
even if the file is an advertisment automatically added. No fee may be
charged for this package in any form, with the exception of membership fees
of the supplier. This program may be uploaded to a commercial BBS, but cannot
be sold by a shareware dealer without permission.

All rights reserved. The author, Rajib K. Mitra, may at any time alter the
copyright aggreement or grant specific rights at any time. If I feel that
you are inproperly using this program, I may withdraw your rights to this
program.

Use at your own risk. InfoTerm Plus was in no way intended to cause damage
of any form to anyone, however due to the varied computer systems available,
it is nearly impossible for any program to guarantee correct operation on all
systems. For that reason, I take no responsibility for any damage or
wrongdoing caused by this program. Also I take no responsibility for illegal
usage of this program. Any terminal program can be abused.

If any of the aggreement within this package is a violation of local, state,
or federal laws, it is to be altered in a way which the intent of the author is
still conveyed. If that is not possible, it is to be stricken from the
aggreement, with notification given to the owner of the copyright.

Information given in this documentation is presented in the opinion of the
author. The claim "The world's best terminal program" is solely the opinion
of the author.

Portions of the compiled program are copyright 1983,90 Borland International, Inc.
The Major BBS is a registered trademark of Galacticomm, Inc.
Microsoft, MS-DOS, and MS-Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft, Inc.
XT, AT, and IBM are registered trademarks of International Business Machines, Inc.

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-----------------------InfoTerm Plus Documentation----------------------------

Introduction
------------
Welcome to InfoTerm Plus! This program is designed to make it easy for you
to access terminal emulation on IBM and MS-DOS compatible systems, without
lacking important features of other terminal programs. It includes many unique
features which are useful for almost any situation. Please look through the
documentation and try the program for a while. I think you will like it.

Setup and Installation
----------------------
InfoTerm Plus' advanced programming techniques allow for it to require no
subdirectory, but remember that on FAT based systems like DOS, directories
with many files are slower. The only requirement is that the same file path
is used for all of the files in the package. The directory or drive may be
shared with other programs or it may be alone. For a quick setup check, execute
the file "INFOCFG.EXE" (type INFOCFG if you have a DOS prompt). The subprogram
will procede to search your computer system for the necessary components. If
you have a hayes-compatible modem you wish to be configured with InfoTerm Plus,
turn it on before executing the subprogram. Also, if you want InfoCfg to
convert your Qmodem Pro or Telemate dialing directory to InfoTerm Plus
format, have the dialing directory in that directory. If you wish to manually
configure your InfoTerm Plus, execute "INFOTERM /M" and it will procede
directly to the setup menu. "EDITDIAL /?" will list ways to create or convert
a dialing directory.

Mouse/Pointer Usage
-------------------
Mouse usage is supported in almost all areas of the program. One, two, three
or more button mice are all treated the same. On most menus and screens, move
the device representation block to the selection you want. Press either
button once. A added feature included in InfoTerm Plus not commonly found is
mouse quoting. Aim the pointing device to the start of a word on the terminal
screen. (On the terminal screen, scrollback, and file viewing it is not used
for choice, but for quoting.) Press a button and hold it down. Move the mouse
to the right, highlighting the word. Release the button and you will see that
the word is sent over the communications port, as if you had typed it in from
terminal mode. Quoting is quite useful for slow typers.

Keyboard Usage
--------------
Keyboard usage is supported in all accessible areas of the program. Usually
the key(s) to hit are shown on the screen. Sometimes it is required for you
to hit the ENTER or RETURN key after what you type. While getting used to
the program and the features you want to use often, it is a good idea to
wait a second or two after you enter what you want. If nothing happens, hit
the enter key. Some prompts that ask you for a number may require the number
to be padded with zeros (i.e. 007 rather than 7), or just the number followed
by enter. You will never be required to pad a number with zeros, the enter
key will always be an option. Here is a hypothetical menu:

         1) Recieve Fax.
         2) Delete all logs.
         3) Unarchive and delete all download archives.
         4) Enter QWK mail editor.
         5) Ask server for updated files.
         6) Convert bbs list to dialing directory.
         7 through 200) Dial respective numbers.

     Enter your choice, X to exit:

Hitting "x" will immediately exit this menu, enter may or may not be needed.
(As a general rule, a menu that asks for a number but lets you hit X to exit
requires no enter key.) If you wanted to delete all logs, you would hit 2
followed by enter. The enter key is required because the program can't tell
if you will hit any more numbers after the 2. You might want 23 or 200, and
it is difficult to tell. The program could have waited a few seconds to see
if you're done, but generally programs do not do that because advanced users
in a hurry would much rather just hit enter rather than wait out the delay.
Also, if you were to be distracted, it might get the wrong choice. The enter
key is your friend.
    Pulldown menus are different. They are supposedly easier to use. I think
otherwise, but if it works for Microsoft, I guess I should include it. To be
honest, I am not a good teacher. I considered getting an outside source to
write the documentation for me, but I felt it necessary to do it myself to
keep costs down. I'll try my best, and ask my friends what they think. Here
is a hypothetical menubar line:

  ≡  File  Edit  Search  Options  Window  Help

There will be a menubar like that at the top of the screen when you hit F10.
Move the highlighted item using the arrow keys, or "click" on it with a mouse
or similar pointing device. You can also hit the highlighted letter in each
item. A sub-menu may "fall" down from the menu bar. While the sub-menu is
visible, all keystrokes work for that menu. The sub-menus, although they are
vertically aligned, work the same as the menubar. Hitting ESC (escape) will
exit the menu you are on. The "≡" option on the menubar usually is for
information.

InfoTerm Plus has loads of features which I feel I don't need to get too
detailed in. The registration package will include specific instructions
and shortcuts. Using only the basic usage information above and the help
screens available by hitting the HOME key, you should find it easy to use.
Here is an example item from the help menu:
        ALT D         Dial
To enter the dialing directory menu, simply hold down the ALT key and hit the
"d" key. Shift or caps lock are not needed.
If the help screen doesn't answer a question, hit HOME again and it will ask
you for a keyword, or the topic that you want to know about. It does this by
searching the file KEYWORDS.DAT for the keyword you entered.

Multitasking
------------
InfoTerm Plus will work on almost any IBM compatible computer system. However
for fast usage of all the features it has to offer, 16MHz or better is
recommended. InfoTerm Plus can run nicely under a multitasking environment in
many configurations. The only caution is that InfoTerm Plus uses direct
screen writes. This means that for increased speed and video handleing
InfoTerm Plus will write to the screen whatever information it is sending. If
you are multitasking that means that InfoTerm Plus will display messages on
your screen even if you are not currently viewing it. Also remember that
InfoTerm Plus uses modern interrupt based execution, meaning that the program
must not be abruptly halted, or the computer using it will lock up or several
things could occur. Please beware of this and should InfoTerm Plus be stopped
suddenly, reboot immediately.

File Transfers
--------------
38 protocol ability is included in InfoTerm Plus. 19 of these are already set
for you. All you need is the protocol driver file. No messy batch files. If
there is another one you wish to use, make a batch file. The first line of
this batch file must say "REM <protocol name>". Protocol batch files must be
APROTO.BAT through SPROTO.BAT. You must have the preceding batch file for
InfoTerm Plus to search for the next. For example, if you have CPROTO.BAT and
no BPROTO.BAT, InfoTerm Plus will not find it. InfoTerm Plus passes to the
batch file these parameters:
      Uploads:   %1   Com Port
                 %2   "S"   (to indicate Send)
                 %3   Directory for uploads (as specified in setup)
                 %4   Filename supplied by the user

      Downloads: %1   Com Port
                 %2   "R"   (to indicate Recieve)
                 %3   Directory for downloads (as specified in setup)
                 %4   Filename supplied by the user

Here is one you would use if Zmodem wasn't one of the 19 built in.
----------------------------
REM Zmodem
@echo off
if %2 == "R" goto recieve
DSZ PORT %1 SZ %3\%4
goto end
:recieve
DSZ PORT %1 RZ %3
:end
----------------------------


Scripts
-------
InfoTerm Plus uses a powerful yet simple script language in addition to its
Online Scripts (described below). A script file need not be compiled in any
way, and it can be edited or created by InfoTerm Plus Editor. Several
examples are included. Each command line in a script may be no longer than
255 characters. The commands need not be capitolized. Here is a list:

         SEND           Sends text on that line. See below for ways
                        to execute programs, other scripts, and view files.

         WAIT           Waits for the COM port to recieve the text on that
                        line. It does not time-out unless the uesr presses
                        the Esc key.

         HALF           Default, will not echo back what is recieved.

         FULL           Useful for hosts, WILL echo back what is recieved.

         DELAY          Waits nearly half of a second, without looseing
                        what is recieved during that time

         PROMPT         Waits for one character from the remote end. Useful
                        for hosts, this command uses IF.

         IF             This command, followed by a space and a character,
                        will skip all following commands until an ENDIF is
                        encountered, unless the last PROMPT command has
                        recieved that character.

         ENDIF          Resumes execution of all script commands. Note:
                        If there is an IF within an IF, ENDIF will end
                        BOTH.

         STRING         Waits for the remote end to type a message followed
                        by enter. This message is stored in the SEND variable
                        ~1

         GOTO           Following this command with a number will cause the
                        script execution to jump to that line. GOTO 1 will
                        always re-start the script.

         HANGUP         Will lower the DTR signal for the COM port. Depending
                        on how a modem is configured, it may cause the modem
                        to disconnect.

         WAITCARRIER    Will wait for modem carrier (CD) signal.

         ;              Any text on a line which begins with ";" will be
                        ignored by the script execution and is useful for
                        comments.

A good example of how all the commands can be used is found in HOST.SCR, the
InfoTerm Plus host script. The language is meant to be simple and easy to use,
which is a contrast to the 400+ command languages of other programs. With only
12 commands, the InfoTerm Plus script language is powerful yet easy to learn.

Dialing Directory
-----------------
The dialing directory in InfoTerm Plus is unusually large. With the capability
of 300 entries, you can probably fit every system you've ever heard of into it.
The memory management is very unique because it doesn't fill up your precious
memory with the directory, instead it uses a special directory access routine
which loads into memory only the entries you want. Qmodem, Procomm, and
Telemate dialing directory conversions are possible using the EDITDIAL utility.
A wonderful new feature is included in the directory conversion that comes with
InfoTerm Plus.
*******************************************************************************
EDITDIAL /U will attempt to convert an unknown bbs list format to InfoTerm Plus
format. This is especially useful for areas with a monthly local bbs listing.
*******************************************************************************

OS Shell
--------
ALT R from terminal mode will shell to DOS. It attempts to swap to XMS, EMS,
or disk before shelling. If the swapping fails, you should still have a
reasonable amount of memory in DOS. The prompt is set to remind you that you
are shelled to DOS. If music is on, it will continue to play in DOS. If you
are not set to Quiet Mode then you will still hear if a beep is sent over the
COM port. If Quiet Mode is on, you will not hear beeps while yo are shelled,
but you will see up to 8000 characters of what was sent while you were away.
When you return from DOS, InfoTerm Plus automatically sets the current drive
and directory to the previous location.

File Editor
-----------
InfoTerm Plus comes packaged with a very useful file editing utility called
FILEDIT.EXE. It has features such as multiple file editing, cut and paste,
windows, search and replace, calculator, and more. The file editor is default
for the QWK mail program.

QWK mail
--------
Few terminal programs come with a built in QWK mail editor. InfoTerm Plus does.
Rather than loading up your favorite QWK reader (which you can), InfoQWK makes
it fast and easy to do straight from InfoTerm Plus. Simply hit ALT Q from the
terminal, or execute "INFOQWK.EXE", and it will begin. InfoTerm Plus QWK has
popular features, such as taglines, smart quoting, and automatic compressing.
InfoTerm Plus QWK requires that you have PKUNZIP.EXE and PKZIP.EXE in your
directory, as is the case with almost every other QWK reader. InfoTerm Plus QWK
uses FILEDIT.EXE also, so you must have it or another file editor under that
name in the directory.

Configureable Colors
--------------------
From the main setup menu you can choose Video options and edit ten of the most
commonly used prompt colors in InfoTerm Plus. You are not stuck with the colors
it comes with!

MS-Windows
----------
InfoTerm Plus does not, and probably never will, come in a Windows-only form.
Windows users can add it as an external DOS application.

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Uncommon Features
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DISPLAY
InfoTerm Plus uses a unique messaging system. Whenever the program has a
quick and small message to be delivered to you, it will be shown on the
top line. It will stay there for a second or two and then disappear. Hitting
any key will remove it before the timer delay, however be aware that the key
is not recieved. (For example, if what you are connected to says "Enter
Doorway Mode now" and you hit ALT =, the top line will read "Doorway mode
enabled". If you hit a key to remove that message, the key will be sent to
what you are connected to.)

MUSIC
InfoTerm Plus is equipped with built in background music. While most people
prefer having the radio on in the background, this feature is also the
notification to you when a dialing sequence has connected. The music file,
MUSIC.DAT, contains a frequency of a tone on each line. Tones above 20000 Hz
will not be heard, thus being pauses. InfoTerm Plus also comes with a utility
to write your own music and save it as InfoTerm Plus format. Execute
COMPOSE.EXE. Some samples are included. They have the extension "MUS".

SCREEN BLANKING
Another rare but very important feature is screen blanking. I use a terminal
program very often and for long periods of time. With most screens, the
continuous pattern on the screen will cause virtually irreprable damage to
your screen. For this reason, most terminal programs offer status line
disabling. InfoTerm Plus offers that in addition to a special feature called
screen blanking. Setting it to a specific time, if you do not hit any key
within that period of time, it will clear the screen and cease all operation
until you hit a key. If you have this enabled, remember to hit a key when the
screen blanks.

MAJORBBS SPECIFIC FEATURES
InfoTerm was originally designed as a useful tool in addition to the MajorBBS
system. The "Plus" in it is representative of many additions in features and
appearance. However, some features that are mostly MajorBBS specific remain.
The first is chatkill prevention. A problem with the MajorBBS package (it is a
very nice package, but imperfect) is that it will disconnect anyone who
requires too much of the CPU's time. Basically what that means is that when
chatting with a user, it is possible for the user to disconnect you. InfoTerm
attempts to prevent that by detecting an attempt to overload CPU usage, and
exits chat immediately. The prevention is not perfect, and must be enabled
after each chat begins. It disables after the chat is ended, automatically.
[fcolor] emulation is also mostly MajorBBS specific, using things such as [fr]
for red foreground and [bb] for blue background. Using the same emulation is
rainbow writing, which changes [fcolor] emulation foreground colors after each
key pressed. [fcolor] emulation may be used elsewhere, however it is especially
useful on MajorBBS systems.

FASTPACKETS
InfoTerm Plus is equipped with a convenient feature for low speed users. The
fastpacket system allows for rapid display of screens triggered by a short
code. Sysops can make the packet and offer it to their users. The users can
download the packet and easily compile it into their InfoTerm Plus fastpacket
configuration. With 9600 and faster baud rates, this might not be necessarry,
but 2400 baud modems still are somewhat popular due to their low price.
Execute INFOFAST.EXE for using fastpackets.

"HIGH ASCII"
Ascii writing is a unique feature to comment on. Enabling Ascii writing will
cause everything you type to attempt to be translated to high ascii. It has
no practical use that I can imagine other than to look nice when typing to
users with an IBM compatible ascii set. Ascii translation attempts to change
high ascii into similar low ascii characters. This feature is included
because sometimes high ascii gets annoying.

ONLINE SCRIPTS
Another unique feature which may confuse you is Online Scripts. In addition
to normal scripts offered in InfoTerm Plus, Online Scripts allow you to
instantly reply to a message. Ten are provided. An example is using trigger-
words of: "ENTER" "YOUR" "TERMINAL" "EMULATION" "PLEASE" to respond with
"ANSI". When Online Scripts are enabled, InfoTerm Plus constantly searches
for the set words. To disable one of them but not all, leave scripts on, but
make one of the keywords a character other than a letter or number. InfoTerm
Plus only searches for letters and numbers, and is not CaSe SeNsItAvE. Each
keyword is seperated only by one non-number or non-letter character. Please
note that there is a delay between online script triggerings, to protect
against infinate loops.


Messages to send are configured as follows:
         ^A      Ctrl-A
         ...
         ^M      Enter
         ...
         ^Z      Ctrl-Z
         ~1      Last word recieved (Online Scripts)
         ...
         ~5      5 words back (maximum)
         *INFOTERM.DOC        Views file "INFOTERM.DOC"
         &INFOMOD.SCR         Executes Script "INFOMOD.SCR"
         @COMMAND.COM         Executes Program "COMMAND.COM"
         %Hello!              Writes to the screen but not com port "Hello!"
These codes may be used in Macros, Scripts, and Online Scripts

Here is an example of how to use Online Scripts as a word filter. Set the
triggerwords all blank except for number 5 which should be the word you
wish to avoid. If the word is four letters in length, set the response as:
                  %^H^H^H^H^H****
Then the word will be replaced with *s.


Registration
------------
No matter what your supplier told you, this software is, of course, not free.
Registration is only $10 and among several other features includes extended
documentation. The competition charges as much as $100. InfoTerm Plus has all
of the major features of the $100 programs, and many more. The key behind this
low-price software is the distribution available to programs released as
shareware. Thousands of telecommunication systems around the world post
shareware programs for users. Rather than selling a few at a high price,
InfoTerm Plus attempts to sell many at a very low price, giving the program
more popularity and lower cost to potential buyers. But this system requires
YOU to participate and register this program. Please support the shareware
concept.

Execute REGISTER.EXE for a FAST complete form printout!
We prefer that you use REGISTER.EXE if you have a printer. If you do not,
your order may be delayed.

You can register online InfoMOD BBS, Inc and recieve updates and information
there, for only $8. The $10 registration fee includes shipping and handling.

The following is the registration form. Items marked with an asterisk in
brackets ({*}) are required only on credit card orders. All answers will be
kept in strict confidence. We reserve the right to deny anyone registration
provided that we return registration fees paid (if any). Credit card orders
will be billed under the official distribution site of InfoTerm Plus, InfoMOD
BBS Inc. Orders should be mailed to:
                InfoMOD BBS, Inc
                Attn: InfoTerm Plus
                P.O. Box 2173
                Waukesha, WI 53187-2173
                                USA

Online Registration is also available on InfoMOD BBS, Inc. The number is
[phone].

Mailing Name:_______________________________________________

Mailing Address:____________________________________________

                ____________________________________________

Other Mailing Info:_________________________________________
(State, Province, City, Village, Etc)

                    _________________________________________

Daytime Telephone Number{*}:_________________________________

Payment Method: [_] Mastercard   [_] Visa   [_] Money Order

Card Number{*}:
__  __  __  __  -  __  __  __  __  -  __  __  __  __  -  __  __  __  __


Expiring Date{*}: __ / __

Bank that issued card{*}: ______________________________________

I affirm that the above credit card information is valid and I realize that
the amount of 10 United States dollars will be charged to the card in
accordance with the Cardholder's Aggreement. I also realize that intentional
falsification of this information is credit card fraud, a felony of the first
degree.

Signature{*}: _______________________________________________________


InfoTerm Plus registrations ($10) for each copy.

Number of copies to register: ______

Total Cost: $_______

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