Monster Media 1993 #2/Image.iso/magazine/onr5_93.zip/O

Text File | 1993-04-30 | 22KB | 511 lines

     ┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
     │                  Give It a Try!                               │
     ╞═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╡
     │     Odyssey v 1.50 Telecommunications Program                 │
     │                                                               │
     │             Shareware Program Review                          │
     │             & Mini-Quick Start Manual                         │
     ╞═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╡
     │                  by Keith Rauch                               │
     │             Jefferson City, Tennessee                         │
     │    (c) 1993, Keith Rauch. All rights reserved.                │
     └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘


     Here's an overview of Odyssey v 1.50, a serious contender for
     the championship of shareware telecommunications programs. If
     your modem is your best friend and you spend entirely too much
     time on-line, you owe it to yourself to check out the many great
     features that make Odyssey a real pleasure to use.

     If you're like me, and hate to read the User's Manual, this
     article is written especially for you. It will walk you through
     the installation, configuration and basic operation of Odyssey.
     So come on and give it a try!


     INTRODUCTION

     Before we get started, let me explain my prejudices about how
     any program should treat me, a new user. I'll admit it -- I'm
     lazy and impatient. I HATE to have to pull out the user manual
     to install, configure or run a program. I demand a clean,
     intuitive, menu-driven interface and context-sensitive on-line
     help.

     I don't mind a little trial and error as I explore a new program
     and its features. To me, however, there is no excuse for that
     "left out of the loop" feeling that a program can convey if it
     relies on cryptic keyboard commands, explained only in the
     manual.  If I can't quickly master the basic features of a
     program from the menus and with on-line help from the program
     itself, I'll move on to a competing program that treats me like
     the valuable customer that I am.

     Also (for what it's worth) I don't like icons and I don't like
     to use a mouse. I like to keep both hands on the keyboard when I
     type, so for me a mouse is a distraction. When I'm writing (my
     main use for the computer) I want to think about my words, not
     how to make the computer work. Yes, I have Windows (not by
     choice, it came installed on my computer) and I use it some
     (best solitaire game I've seen). But, to me, Windows is little
     more than a cute clown suit for DOS.

     Now, to the business at hand.


     OVERVIEW

     Odyssey is a multi-function telecommunications program that
     allows your modem-equipped computer to communicate with other
     computers through the telephone system.  Business and personal
     users alike commonly transfer electronic mail, data and program
     files in this fashion.  The most common connection made by home
     computer users is with computer-based bulletin board systems
     (BBS for short).

     Odyssey is a relative newcomer to an already crowded field.
     Procomm, Telix, Qmodem -- everyone has their favorite
     telecommunications program and product loyalty seems to be quite
     strong.  I have used Telix since I came on-line several years
     ago, and while it has served me well, I've always wished for a
     more user-friendly interface. With Odyssey, I believe I have
     found what I've been looking for. Maybe you'll like it enough to
     make the switch, too.

     Odyssey comes fully equipped with all the stuff I like -- a menu
     bar with pull-down menus, pop-up windows, dialog boxes and
     extensive, context-sensitive, on-line help. It's easy to learn
     and has slick, clean-looking graphics.

     When I'm on-line I want to concentrate on what I'm doing, not on
     trying to make my telecommunications program work. Odyssey is
     fun to use because it doesn't hog my attention. It works the way
     I expect it to and it's always there with help [F1] when I do
     get stuck.


     INSTALLATION

     Odyssey comes as two files, ODY150SH.LZH and INSTALL.EXE. The
     first file contains all the program files in compressed format.
     INSTALL.EXE extracts and copies these files to a directory that
     you specify. Not much to it, really, just follow the
     instructions on the screen.


     CONFIGURATION

     Odyssey is fully configurable. It's all done from the "Setup"
     menu, which you access by pressing [Alt]+[S]. The first
     pull-down menu presents you with a list of setup options:

        C - Comms setup
        M - Modem Control
        D - Display Setup
        G - General Setup
        W - WP/Editor Setup
        H - Host Mode Setup
        Z - Zmodem Options
        B - CIS B+ Options
        A - ASCII Options
        E - Edit Macros
        T - Terminal Type
        L - Language Setup
        S - Save Setup

     It's all menu-driven and easy to follow.  Any time you are not
     sure how to proceed, the Help key [F1] will provide advice. The
     greatest potential for set up problems occurs in the "Modem
     Control" configuration. In particular, you may need some
     assistance in the following areas:

           1. Number Prefixes
           2. Initialization Strings

     Let's look at these features separately and discuss how they can
     be used to make your on-line sessions more productive.


     MODEM CONTROL: NUMBER PREFIXES

     Most of the default modem control values will probably work
     fine on your system, so you shouldn't have to change anything
     here *UNLESS* you need to disable the Call-Waiting feature on
     your phone line. If you have Call-Waiting you will definitely
     want to disable it while using Odyssey. To begin, select "Number
     Prefixes" (N).

     First highlight the "Number Prefixes" (N) heading and press
     [F1].  Odyssey provides a good explanation of how this feature
     works. This is where you specify any numbers that must be dialed
     before you dial the number of a remote service. When you need to
     dial an access code to connect with a long distance carrier, or
     to get an outside line on your office phone, this is where those
     number sequences are stored.  Disable Call-Waiting will probably
     be the most commonly used Number Prefix used on your home
     system.

     On my phone system (South Central Bell) Call-Waiting is
     temporarily disabled by pressing "*70" on the phone dial. This
     command probably works on all Bell systems, but don't take my
     word for it. Call your phone company if you're not sure.

     To temporarily disable Call-Waiting for an on-line session,
     highlight "Number Prefixes," then press [Enter]. From the next
     menu that appears select "Prefix A," press [Enter], then type
     "*70" (or whatever command works on your phone system) and press
     [Enter].

     Now that "Prefix A" has been defined, let's use it in the
     Dialing Directory.  Before leaving the Setup menu, highlight
     "Save Setup" and press enter. Press [Esc] to leave the Setup
     menu.


     DIALING DIRECTORY

     Press [Alt]+[N] to enter the Dialing Directory. This is like a
     phone book where you store the names and numbers of your
     favorite BBSs and other remote computer services.  At this
     point, the only number in the directory is for PBS-BBS (Public
     Brand Software, a large-scale distributor of shareware).  Call
     this number when you are ready to order a registered version of
     Odyssey.

     To complete our example of how to disable Call-Waiting, let's
     enter the number of everyone's favorite BBS, Spokane Online, in
     beautiful Spokane (pronounced spoke-ANN), Washington, the land
     of mountain lakes, amber waves of grain and home of Expo '74.

     Go to the first blank line in the directory and press [F2] to
     edit this line. An editing box pops up -- this is where you
     enter the phone number and other data Odyssey will need to
     complete a call to Spokane Online. The first entry, "Key," is a
     place to put a key word to identify this number. Type "SPOKANE"
     here and later, we'll use it when we create an automatic log-on
     script.

     The "Service Name" in this case will be "Spokane Online BBS."
     For the telephone number, type "@A,1-509-327-8540". "@A" invokes
     dialing prefix A, that we defined during the set-up. The
     trailing "," causes a one second pause before dialing resumes.
     Now, whenever you dial Spokane Online, Call-Waiting will be
     disabled.


     MODEM CONTROL: INITIALIZATION STRINGS

     When you first get Odyssey up and running on your computer,
     look at the bottom line on the screen. Immediately to the right
     of the version number in the lower left corner is a field that
     should be blank until you make a phone connection with a remote
     computer. When connected, the letters "DCD" (Data Carrier
     Detected) will appear in this field.

     If "DCD" appears in this field *before* you have called another
     computer, it means your modem is configured with the DCD switch
     held permanently high. To use Odyssey you'll have to correct
     this, either through switch settings or by using a modem
     command.

     You may not want to make a permanent change in your modem
     configuration (through dip switches on the modem), especially if
     you use other telecommunications programs. A safer (and easier)
     solution is to tell Odyssey to temporarily reset the modem so
     that DCD reflects the true state of the carrier for the current
     session.  When you leave Odyssey, the modem will return to its
     original default settings.

     This is accomplished by providing an initialization string
     command. Here's how to do it:

           1. Enter the Setup Menu.
           2. Select "Modem Control."
           3. Select "Init String."

     A one-line window will pop up which contains a string of
     alphanumeric characters. This is the default initialization
     string. If you are using a Hayes or Hayes-compatible modem
     replace the current initialization string with the following:

                  AT&C1 AT&D1

     ** CAUTION! **  This command works for me and will probably
     reset your modem correctly also. If it doesn't work -- you know
     the old saying: "if all else fails, read the instructions."
     Consult your modem user manual to learn the proper commands for
     your modem. The exact wording will depend on the modem, but you
     should look for a command that instructs the modem that "DCD
     follows the true state of carrier."

     Again, before leaving the Setup menu, be sure to highlight "Save
     Setup" and press [Enter].


     TERMINAL EMULATION

     Usually "Terminal Emulation" should be set to "ANSI." This
     works well with most bulletin boards. Connection to mainframe
     computers and commercial services may require other terminal
     emulations. The other settings depend on your hardware. Press
     [F1] for help if you're not sure how to set a particular item.



     PROTOCOL

     Data transmission protocol is one of the veiled mysteries of
     telecommunications. Luckily, you don't need to understand it to
     use it. Think of protocol as a language that computers use to
     exchange data and check for transmission errors. Both computers
     must use the same protocol during a data transmission.

     You can use any of the choices listed on the menu, as long as
     the computer you connect with on the phone line is using the
     same protocol. My understanding is that Zmodem, while not the
     fastest data transmission protocol, is the most reliable for
     detecting and eliminating transmission errors. I have used
     Zmodem to transmit and receive millions of error-free data
     bytes, so I can recommend it on the basis of my own experience.

     I have come across only one or two bulletin boards in the past
     year that don't support Zmodem. If this happens to you, Ymodem
     is a good second choice. Xmodem is not considered as reliable as
     Zmodem or Ymodem at detecting errors.

     To transmit a straight ASCII character file (e.g., an
     uncompressed text file) you must use the ASCII transfer
     protocol. This is the slowest and least reliable data
     transmission method. If you plan to upload much data to another
     computer, you should look into PKZip, LHarc or other common data
     compression program. But then, that is a subject for whole
     'nother article.


     SPECIAL FEATURES

     Text Editor

     Odyssey has a basic text editor built into the program. Press
     [Alt]+[E] to call it to the screen. When you do, a text editing
     window pops up in the bottom half of the screen, ready for you
     to start typing.

     The text editor offers you a default path and file name when it
     is called up. You can define your own path and file name by
     pressing [F3], the "New" command. To view the file directory
     type "*.*".".

     The Zoom, Resize and Move features let you change the size of
     the editing window, from full-screen to the size of a postage
     stamp. The window can also be moved to any spot on the screen.


     LEARN A SCRIPT

     This, I think, is one of Odyssey's strongest features. It
     allows you, a non-programmer (I presume), to create scripts
     that will automate the process of logging on to a remote host.
     Here's how it works:

     With the modem connected to the computer and phone line, enter
     the "GENERAL" menu (press [Alt]+[G]), then select "LEARN A
     SCRIPT." Next, enter a file name for the script you are about to
     create.  This name should be the same that is used at the "Key"
     prompt when editing the Dialing Directory (We used "SPOKANE" for
     Spokane Online).  At this point manually dial the remote system,
     using the normal procedure for logging on. While you do this,
     Odyssey keeps a record of what the remote system sends and how
     you respond to it.  When you have successfully logged onto the
     system and all the passwords, etc., have been entered, press
     [Esc] to leave the Learn mode.

     The record of your call will automatically be converted into a
     script program and saved under the name you entered. The next
     time you call this system, look in the "Call" menu ([Alt]+[C])
     for the script that was created for you. Highlight the script
     name and press [Enter]. When you do this Odyssey will
     automatically log on to that system for you.

     Automatic log-ons are much faster and more accurate than logging
     on manually. This is a vast improvement over the Salt
     programming language, which you must learn to write log-on
     scripts for the Telix communications program. This feature alone
     places Odyssey head and shoulders above Telix.


     TIPS

     PASSWORDS

     If you've been on-line for a while, you probably have your own
     password preferences and you can skip this. But, if you are
     venturing out for the first time, let me offer you some hints.

    * Use a password that you will always remember. I use my
      dog's name. Your wedding day (for example, 31MAY75) might
      be another good one.

    * Don't use a password that a clever intruder might figure
      out easily. Don't use your name, for gawd's sake. Or your
      Social Security Number, for that matter. If you are
      logging on at work, use a password that doesn't appear in
      your personnel file.

    * If you connect to computers that contain sensitive private,
      or classified government information, use a password that
      does not appear in the dictionary. Why? Serious hackers
      have been known to break into "secure" systems using
      password guessing programs. Many of these are "brute force"
      programs that will methodically enter every common word in
      the English language at the password prompt. Doing this,
      they hope to enter a system through a lazy, or naive,
      legitimate user with a simple password.

    * Use the same password for all your remote services. I
      might get an argument from some quarters on this, but
      what's the sense in having to keep a list of passwords
      hidden in your desk for someone to find? If you suspect
      someone has your password, call each service and change
      them all to something else.


     WHERE TO GET IT

     Odyssey was written in Great Britain by Don Milne at Micropack
     Ltd. It is distributed in the U.S. by:

                  Software Co-op
                  5437 Honey Manor Dr.
                  Indianapolis, IN 46241

                  317-856-6052 (voice)
                  317-856-2086 (FAX)
                  800-225-5613 (credit card orders)

     You can order a registered copy of Odyssey directly for Software
     Co-op.  Registration of your Odyssey Package gets you (apart
     from salving your guilty conscience):

     - The LATEST version of the software, and notice of updates.

     - A comprehensive, professionally bound and typeset 300 page
       manual.

     - Notices of updates and reduced-price upgrades.

     - Free voice-line technical support for 90 days. (extendable)

     - Online support via CIX (UK), Compuserve, and BBS (USA)

     - The Odyssey Extension Package containing a script compiler, an
       editor configuration utility, and a dialing directory
       conversion program to make switching from Procomm, QModem, or
       Telix easier.


     In North America you can register Odyssey by sending $99.00 +
     $5.00 postage to Software Co-op using the invoice below.
     Software Co-op also accepts credit card payments on 800-225-5613
     and 317-856-6052. There is also a script (Alt-C Register) that
     will automate registration by BBS.

     If you want to give Odyssey v 1.50 a try before you buy, see if
     you can download the evaluation program from your local bulletin
     board, or Compuserve, Prodigy, etc. Alternately, you can order
     the evaluation program (includes program and manual on disk, but
     not registration) directly from Software Co-op using the invoice
     below.  Send $10.00 ($5.00 + $5.00 shipping).

     You can also order the same evaluation program by sending check
     or money order (preferred) to:

             Freelance Associates
                 P.O. Box 452
            New Market, TN  37820

     Send US$5.00/CDN$7.00 for the PKZip compressed version (ask for
     program # TC007Z) or US$6.00/CDN$8.00 for the uncompressed
     version (ask for program # TC007). Prices include shipping and
     handling.  Please specify whether you want 5.25"DD (360K) or
     5.25"HD (1.2 M) diskettes.


     REFERENCES

     Much of the information that appears in this article was
     distilled from the context-sensitive, on-line help that is
     available at the touch of the [F1] key. Other information was
     taken from the Odyssey User Manual, a text file named
     ODY150SH.DOC, that is included in the evaluation program
     package.

     The following order form is copied from the Odyssey distribution
     disk for your convenience:
     ----------------------------------------------------------------

            - Single User Invoice -
                 North America


     Remit to:             From:

     Software Co-op        __________________________________
     5437 Honey Manor Dr.
     Indianapolis  IN  46241       __________________________________

     or VISA/MC call:          __________________________________

     800-225-5613 - 317-856-6052   __________________________________


     Send me  1  copy of the fully registered Odyssey at $99 + $5
     shipping.


     Send me ___ copies of the fully registered Odyssey.
         The first copy costs $59 + $5 shipping.
         Additional copies cost $49 each.


     Send me ___ copies of the current Odyssey distribution diskette
       at $5 each + $5 shipping.


     Send me ___ copies of the Odyssey Extension Package at $25 each.

     Send the materials 1st Class mail - $5 extra.

     Send the materials 2nd day air - $10 extra.

     Send the materials next day air - $15 extra.

                        Total: __________
     I require ____ 5 1/4"   ____ 3 1/2" disks

     Thank you for your business.

     ----------------------------------------------------------------

     Checks, Money Orders, VISA, MasterCard are accepted.  Written
     Purchase Orders are accepted for quantity purchases and site
     licenses from most companies, schools, and governmental units.
     Terms NET 30.


     VISA/MC # _______  _______  _______  _______  Exp Date:___ /____


     Signature ______________________________ Phone _________________

     To Purchasing, Accounts Payable:

     Note that Odyssey has been delivered and accepted by the
     customer. Upon receipt of this paid invoice, printed manual(s)
     and current disk(s) will be sent.

     Our federal employer ID number is 35-1689317.