home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
Libris Britannia 4
/
science library(b).zip
/
science library(b)
/
COMMUNIC
/
1024.ZIP
/
QUIKTALK.DOC
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1987-08-21
|
52KB
|
2,342 lines
QUIKTALK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
──────────────────────────────────
Section Title Page
──────────────────────────────────
1.0 Introduction 1
1.2 Help 2
2.0 What you Have 3
2.1 Share QuikTalk! 4
2.2 The Menu System 5
2.3 Main Menu Options 6
3.0 Communicate 7
3.3 Transmit 16
3.4 Receive 18
3.6 Hang Up 20
3.7 Change Modem 21
4.0 Files System 22
4.1 Directory 23
4.2 Change Drive 25
4.3 View Files 26
4.4 Erase 27
5.0 Library Files 29
5.1 Library Options 31
6.0 Utilities System 33
6.1 Macro Programming 34
6.2 Squeezing Files 38
6.3 UnSqueezing Files 40
6.4 Text Capture 42
6.5 Printer Toggle 44
7.0 The Command System 45
8.0 Hardware and software Req. 49
9.0 User Requirements 50
Appendix A Menu Map 51
Appendix B Installing Quiktalk 52
Appendix C 56
─────────────────────────────────────────
1.0 INTRODUCTION
─────────────────────────────────────────
What is QuikTalk?
The QuikTalk Communications Program provides an electro-
nic link between your computer and a computer in one of
thousands of homes and offices throughout the world.
Computer time sharing services and Bulletin Board
Systems are now within the reach of your computer.
With QuikTalk, programs and files of information can be
sent back and forth between your home and another
computer quickly and easily.
Unlike most other communication systems, QuikTalk does
much of the work for you so there is virtually no
training time to operate the system. QuikTalk does the
dialing and log-on to the remote computer for you
automatically.
QuikTalk features an easy to use menu system that will
save you time and frustration over other more complex,
but no more useful, systems. You may also use a command
mode if you need to implement an option without going
through the menu.
─────────────────────────────────────────
1.2 HELP
─────────────────────────────────────────
This manual will try to be as helpful as possible, but
it is recognized that questions will arise about the
operation of the system, or problems may develop.
For the most part, problems can be resolved by reviewing
this manual, but if it is necessary to diagnose proble-
ms, please use QuikTalk to leave an EasyPlex Message on
CompuServe 76656,347.
─────────────────────────────────────────
2.0 WHAT YOU HAVE
─────────────────────────────────────────
On your QuikTalk diskette, you should have the following
files:
1. QuikTalk.Com - The program file.
2. QuikInst.Com - The installation program.
3. QuikRead.Me - An ASCII read file.
You may have the following files, although QuikTalk will
create them for you if you don't.
1. QuikTalk.Dir - A file of phone numbers.
2. QuikTalk.Key - A file of your macros you create.
These files should reside in the same subdirectory on a
hard disk or be on the same floppy disk you run the
system on.
Please refer to Appendix B - Installing QuikTalk.
─────────────────────────────────────────
2.1 SHARE QUIKTALK!
─────────────────────────────────────────
As you know, QuikTalk is a ShareWare product. This
means that you have quality software that equals or
exceeds the capability of commercial programs, but you
are only expected to pay for it if it is useful to you.
In order to fund more development of QuikTalk and other
products, Precision Business Systems encourages you to
give your unregistered copy of QuikTalk to friends and
associates so they may find a use for it too.
You may make as many copies of the unregistered program
diskette as you wish. However, please do not give away
this documentation.
─────────────────────────────────────────
2.2 THE MENU SYSTEM
─────────────────────────────────────────
The QuikTalk menu system has been designed to be easy
and intuitive to operate, requiring very few keystrokes
from the user to select each option.
The menu on your screen should be similar to the one
illustrated below.
┌─Main Menu ───────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ │
│ Communicate Files Utilities MenuOff Help Quit │
│ Dial, Transmit, Receive, HangUp, Change │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Fig. 2.2
Each option can be selected by one of two methods.
1. Pressing the first letter of each option on
your Keyboard, or..
2. Moving the highlighted bar (the cursor) by
using the left or right arrow keys at the
right of the keyboard and then pressing
[Enter].
After choosing an option by either method, another menu
will appear, or the option will be implemented.
On the next page is a summary of the Main Menu options
and their functions.
─────────────────────────────────────────
2.3 MAIN MENU OPTIONS
─────────────────────────────────────────
Listed below are the options contained in the Main Menu
and their functions.
Communicate this will display a sub-menu of functions
dealing with calling other computers.
Files allows you to change directories, drives,
look at text files, or erase files.
Utilities Squeeze files, turn printer on/off, capture
text or program a function key.
MenuOff turns off the Main Menu.
Help Provide information about using QuikTalk.
Quit stops the program and returns to DOS.
For a detailed description of each menu option please
turn to the appropriate section.
─────────────────────────────────────────
3.0 COMMUNICATE
─────────────────────────────────────────
Introduction
The option Communicate on the QuikTalk Main Menu will
allow manual to be performed using QuikTalk communicat-
ions functions.
With Communicate you may:
> Dial a remote Computer and log on.
> Add or delete entries for your computer to dial.
> Transmit a file to another system.
> Receive a file from another system.
> Hang up the modem.
> Change your modem communications settings.
─────────────────────────────────────────
3.1 USING COMMUNICATE
─────────────────────────────────────────
Starting the Communicate Option
The Communicate option is started from the Main Menu.
Press C or highlight the option with the arrow keys,
then press [Enter].
When the option is implemented, you will see a screen
similar to the one in figure 3.1.
┌──Communicate Menu────────────────────────────────┐
│ │
│ Dial Transmit Receive HangUp Change Quit │
│ Dial another computer system │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Fig 3.1
This is the Communicate Sub-Menu and it is from here
that you implement the Communicate Options.
The rest of this section will be devoted to operating
the options Dial Transmit Receive Hang-Up Change and
Quit.
─────────────────────────────────────────
3.2 DIAL
─────────────────────────────────────────
Purpose
Dial causes the modem to call the number you specify.
The QuikTalk program will set your modem to the communi-
cations settings that have been stored in your directo-
ry. If a remote modem answers the phone, QuikTalk will
establish a connection with it.
Operation
When Dial is selected, you will see a screen similar to
the one in figure 3.2.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ ║
║ Dial ManualDial Add Change Remove NextPage PrevPage Quit ║
║ Automatic Dialing of System on File ║
║ ║
║ Q U I K T A L K Phone Directory ║
║ # System Name Phone Number Baud P D S ║
║ -- ------------------------------ ------------------------------ ---- - - - ║
║ ║
║ 1 compuserve 2396124 2400 E 7 1 ║
║ 2 ecl 2957775 1200 N 8 1 ║
║ 3 ║
║ ║
║ Use Dial to automatically dial a shown system. ManualDial will ask ║
║ you for the phone number and system parameters. Use Change or Add ║
║ to edit systems to be stored in your files. NextPage and PrevPage ║
║ allow you to scroll more systems on screen ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Fig 3.2
─────────────────────────────────────────
3.2 (cont) DIAL
─────────────────────────────────────────
Dial
By pressing D, you will start the AutoDial function. A
window will open in the lower right corner of the screen
and ask you for the number of the system you wish to
call.
Each system is assigned a number beside its name on the
screen. You must enter a valid system number.
Once a valid system number is entered, you will be asked
for the number of times to re-dial if the number is
busy. Press Enter for a default of 4 times.
Once the proper system number and re-dial tries has been
entered, the modem will start dialing.
If the modem of the other system answers, the screen
will clear and you will see the log-on screen the other
system is transmitting. Type as you would on any
terminal.
If the remote modem does not answer within 35 seconds,
QuikTalk will re-dial the number of times you specified.
* If the modem does not dial, please recheck your
configuration, and consult your modem users manual.
─────────────────────────────────────────
3.2 (Cont) DIAL
─────────────────────────────────────────
ManualDial
When you press M, the ManualDial sequence is started.
Unlike AutoDial, this option will ask for system
information. A window will open in the upper right
corner of the screen.
This option will ask you the following questions:
Enter Phone Number: Enter the full number you wish
to dial.
Modem in Com1: or 2: Enter 1 or 2 (see Appendix C)
Baud Rate: Enter 300, 1200, 2400, 9600 or 19200.
Parity: Enter N, E, or O. for None, Even or Odd.
Data Bits: Enter 7 or 8.
Stop Bits: Enter 1 or 2.
Pulse or Tone Enter P if your phone is not a touch-
tone system, otherwise enter T.
The defaults are Com1:, 1200 baud, N parity, 8 data bits
1 stop bit and Touch Tone.
─────────────────────────────────────────
3.2 (Cont) DIAL
─────────────────────────────────────────
Many computer systems will allow you to use any combina-
tion you desire, but for file transfer, the system
automatically set for 8 data bits, No parity, and one
stop bit. When it is done transferring files, it will
automatically reset the settings you had dialed with.
When you are done entering the settings, the modem will
start dialing just as in Dial.
The screen will clear when the remote modem answers the
phone.
Add
Add is a function used to enter new computer systems and
their parameters to the QuikTalk Phone Directory.
To implement Add, press A. You will see the cursor move
to the next empty line on the directory. Enter the
system name (up to 40 characters), then press return to
get to the phone number entry.
Enter the complete phone number. You may enter charact-
ers, including parenthesis, other than numbers to make
the phone number more clear. For example, a number of
15032957775 would be dialed the same as 1-(503)-295-
7775.
─────────────────────────────────────────
3.2 (Cont) DIAL
─────────────────────────────────────────
For those phone systems where a pause is needed (as in a
PBX system), you may enter one or more commas where the
pause is required. Each comma delays the dialing
sequence 3 seconds. An example of this is 9,1-(503)-
295-7775.
When you are finished entering the phone number, press
Enter.
The Baud Rate, Parity, Data Bits, and Stop Bits are
entered next. Press Enter after entering each paramet-
er. Default values are 1200,N,8,1.
When you are finished Adding a system, the cursor will
return to the bottom of the screen, and you may make
another option selection.
─────────────────────────────────────────
3.2 (Cont.) DIAL
─────────────────────────────────────────
Change
This option will allow you to edit each system entry on
the screen. You may change the name, number or system
parameters according to their new values.
Press C to implement Chg. You will be asked Enter the #
to Change:. Enter a number corresponding to the entry
you wish to edit, then press Enter (Remember, do not
change #1 unless authorized to do so).
Change the name, number and parameters, pressing Enter
to skip to each one.
The Delete key and the Insert key work as they would on
any editor of word processor, and the back-space key
will delete all characters to the left.
Pressing Enter without changing each entry will leave it
as it was.
When you are done, the cursor will return to the bottom
of the screen, and the new values will stored on the
disk.
─────────────────────────────────────────
3.2 (Cont.) DIAL
─────────────────────────────────────────
Remove (Delete)
Remove is used to delete an entire system entry.
Press R to implement Remove. You will be asked to
Enter the # to Delete:. Enter the number corresponding
to the system you want to erase, and press Enter.
The system will be erased from the screen and the disk
and the entries below it will all move up to fill up the
empty space.
Use this option carefully, once deleted, that system is
gone from your QuikTalk files.
NextPage (Page Forward)
This option will display the next several system
entries, if they exist. Press N to get the next page of
entries.
PrevPage (Page Back)
This works just the opposite of PgFwd. If you are not
at the first page, press P and the preceding page of
entries will be displayed.
Quit
Pressing Q will clear the screen and display the
QuikTalk Main Menu.
─────────────────────────────────────────
3.3 TRANSMIT
────────────────────────────────────────
Purpose
Transmit is a function of QuikTalk that sends the file
that you specify to a remote computer system. Before a
file can be transmitted, QuikTalk must first have
connected with the remote system and that computer must
be ready to receive the file.
Any type of file that is stored on your disk can be
transmitted. This function uses a communication
protocols called XModem (CheckSum or CRC method),
YModem, and XON/XOFF and only systems that use the same
protocol can successfully receive the file you send.
Virtually all systems you can call will utilize this
method.
You can also send or receive ASCII text. Please refer
to section 7.0
Operation
From the Communicate Menu, press T or using the arrow
keys, highlight the Transmit option and press Return.
If you are not already connected to a remote modem, your
computer will tell you that this option cannot be
performed.
If you are connected, a window will appear and ask Enter
FileName to Transmit:. You must enter the correct
filename as it exists on disk or QuikTalk will write
Cannot Find File: (filename).
Once the correct filename has been entered, you will see
a screen similar to figure 3.3.
─────────────────────────────────────────
3.3 (Cont) TRANSMIT
─────────────────────────────────────────
Block Count Error Count % Transmitted
----------- ----------- ------------
1 0 1
Fig. 3.3
When the file transfer starts, the block count will
start increasing and continue until the file has been
fully transferred. Each block represents 128 bytes of
data transmitted successfully.
A normal file transfer will have no or very few retries
showing under the Retry count. If a block of the file
has not been received correctly, QuikTalk will retrans-
mit that block until it has been received by the remote
computer intact.
QuikTalk will retransmit the same block 25 times, after
that it assumes that there is a problem and asks
Continue (Y/N):. Pressing Y will continue the transmis-
sion and N will cancel the transmission.
The XModem protocol is called an error correcting
protocol. This means that the file the remote computer
receives is an exact copy of the one you transmitted,
and that it will compensate for bad phone lines or modem
connections.
When the entire file has been successfully transmitted,
you will see Press any key to continue.. Pressing a key
will display the Main Menu.
─────────────────────────────────────────
3.4 (Cont.) RECEIVE
─────────────────────────────────────────
Purpose
Receive is just the opposite of Transmit. It's purpose
is to receive a file from a remote computer and store it
on your disk.
As with Transmit, you must be connected to a remote
computer that uses the XModem protocol and that computer
must be ready to transmit to you.
Operation
From the Communication Menu, press R, or use the arrow
keys to highlight Receive and press Return.
You will be asked to choose the protocol to use. This
protocol must be the same as the remote system. Choices
are XON/OFF, XModem, or YModem.
A window will be shown on the screen and you will be
asked Enter Filename to Receive:. Enter the filename
exactly as you want it to be stored on the disk. It is
not necessary to name the file the same name as it
exists on the remote computer, but it is good practice
to do so.
When the file name has been entered, press Return. You
will see the following appear in the Receive Window:
Block Count Error Count
------------ -------------
1 0
─────────────────────────────────────────
3.5 (Cont.) RECEIVE
─────────────────────────────────────────
If the receive process is progressing normally, the
Block Count will increment until the file has been
received correctly.
If the Error Count increases and the Block Count does
not, then the two systems are not operating correctly.
In this case, the error count will increase to 25 and
then ask Continue (Y/N):. Pressing Y will continue the
process and N will cancel the Receive function.
If at any time you wish to halt the receive process,
press the Esc key and hold it down until the above
message appears.
When the entire file has been received correctly, you
will see a message stating File receive Complete, press
any key to continue. Pressing any character key will
display the Main Menu.
─────────────────────────────────────────
3.6 HANGUP
─────────────────────────────────────────
HangUp has the same effect of putting the phone back on
its hook.
Selecting HangUp will terminate the remote modem
connection and reset your modem so that it can dial
again.
To select this option, press H at the Communicate Menu,
or while still on-line, press Alt-Q.
─────────────────────────────────────────
3.7 CHANGE
─────────────────────────────────────────
Change will allow you to set your modem setting "on the
fly". For instance, if you have connected with a remote
modem at 7 data bits and need to change to 8, use this
option. Normally, changing modem speeds does not work,
so leave this option unchanged.
To implement Change, press C at the communications menu,
or press Alt-B while in the terminal mode.
You will be asked a series of communication setting as
shown below.
Modem in Com1: or 2: Enter 1 or 2 *
Baud Rate: Enter 300, 1200 or 2400.
Parity: Enter N, E, or O. for None, Even or Odd.
Data Bits: Enter 7 or 8.
Stop Bits: Enter 1 or 2.
Pulse or Tone Enter P if your phone is not a touch-
tone system, otherwise enter T.
When you are done, QuikTalk will reset the modem to the
parameters you have specified.
* Do not change port settings while still connected.
─────────────────────────────────────────
4.0 THE FILES SUBMENU
─────────────────────────────────────
Introduction
The Files Submenu allows you to perform disk and file
related operations similar to those that may be perfor-
med while at the DOS level. These functions are
included in QuikTalk because you may need to use them
when sending or receiving files.
With Files you may:
1. List a DIRECTORY of files on your disk.
2. Change your default DISK or Subdirectory.
3. VIEW a text file.
4. ERASE files.
The Files SubMenu will look similar to figure 4.0 below.
┌──QuikTalk Files Menu ───────────────────────┐
│ │
│ Directory ChangeDrive View Erase Quit │
│ Show files on logged drive │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Fig 4.0
─────────────────────────────────────────
4.2 DIRECTORY
─────────────────────────────────────────
Purpose
Use Directory when you need to see what files are on
your disk. You may be selective about what files are
displayed by using wildcard (*) characters.
Operation of Directory
Implement this option from the Files Menu by pressing
the D key or highlighting the option with the arrow keys
then pressing Enter.
At this point, QuikTalk will need to know the DIR MASK:
that you wish to use. A mask is a form of file select-
ion that will only display the files matching a certain
pattern.
You use an asterisk (*) to act as a wildcard (so that *
will match anything).
As an example, if we wanted to display all the files
that had an extension of .PRN our Dir Mask to be typed
in would be *.PRN.
Conversely, if we wanted to display only those files
that began with QuikTalk we would type QuikTalk.*.
─────────────────────────────────────────
4.2 (Cont) DIRECTORY
─────────────────────────────────────────
The default mask is *.* meaning that by merely pressing
Enter, all files on that disk and subdirectory would be
displayed.
By preceding the dir mask with a drive name, you may
select files on a drive other than the default.
Example: A:*.PRN will give you all PRN files on the A
drive.
After the files have been displayed, the free disk space
(space available to be used) will appear and you will be
prompted to Press ANY Key To Continue... Press any
character key to re-display the Files Menu.
─────────────────────────────────────────
4.2 CHANGE DRIVE
─────────────────────────────────────────
Purpose
Change Drive allows you to change the current default
disk drive and Subdirectory you are using.
Operating Change Drive
To implement Change Drive, press the C key or highlight
the option with the arrow keys and press Enter.
A window similar to figure 8.3 below will be displayed
and your will be prompted to Enter New Drive Letter:.
Enter a letter corresponding to the drive you want to
use such as A, B, C etc.
Next, you will be prompted to Enter New Directory:.
Enter a valid subdirectory that already exists on the
selected drive. Example: \QuikTalk will tell the
computer to read files only in the QuikTalk subdirec-
tory.
If the drive and subdirectory were entered correctly,
the File Menu will be displayed again.
If the drive or the SubDirectory does not exist, you
will be prompted to re-enter the valid SubDirectory.
If you specify a floppy disk drive, you must have a
diskette in the drive or you will get a Abort, Retry,
Ignore message. If this occurs, insert a diskette in
the drive and press R. Pressing A will terminate the
program and you will at the DOS level.
─────────────────────────────────────────
4.3 VIEW
─────────────────────────────────────────
Purpose
View will allow you to look into files that have text or
printable material in them. Such files commonly have
file extensions of .PRN, .TXT, .DOC. Files such as
programs or data-files cannot be viewed.
Operating View
From the File Menu, press the V key or highlight the
option with the arrow keys and press Enter. You will
see a window appear on the screen similar to figure 4.3.
┌── View Files ──────────────────────────────┐
│ │
│ Enter FileName to View: │
│ │
└────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Enter a valid filename to be displayed. If the file
exists, the screen will clear and the first 21 lines of
text will be displayed.
If the file does not exist, you will see a message
stating Cannot find file: (filename). and you will be
asked for another file name.
─────────────────────────────────────────
4.3 (Cont) VIEW
─────────────────────────────────────────
Pressing Enter without having entered a filename will
cancel the option.
After the first 21 lines of the file have been display-
ed, press any key to display the next 21 lines. If at
any time you wish to cancel this option, press the Esc
key and the screen will clear, and the File Menu will be
re-displayed.
─────────────────────────────────────────
4.4 ERASE
─────────────────────────────────────────
Purpose
Erase is used to delete a file on the default disk drive
and subdirectory. Use caution with this option as the
erased file is gone permanently and cannot be recovered.
Operation of Erase
From the File Menu, press the E key or highlight the
option using the arrow keys, then press Enter.
You will see a window open on the screen that is similar
to the one shown in figure 4.4.
┌─── Erase Window ─────────────────────┐
│ │
│ Enter FileName to Delete: │
└──────────────────────────────────────┘
At this point, you must enter a valid file name you want
to be erased. If the name you enter does not exist on
the default drive and subdirectory, you will see a
message stating Cannot Erase (filename), and you will be
prompted for another name.
If the filename does exist on the disk, it will be
immediately erased and the File Menu will be re-display-
ed.
QUIT
This is the last option on the files menu. Selecting
Main will re-display the QuikTalk Main Menu.
─────────────────────────────────────────
5.0 RESERVED
─────────────────────────────────────────
This section reserved for future use.
─────────────────────────────────────────
6.0 UTILITIES
─────────────────────────────────────────
The Utilities SubMenu combines a variety of functions
such as printer support, Squeezing files, Text capturi-
ng, and logon programming.
From the Main Menu, press U for the Utilities SubMenu.
The menu will look like this:
╔═══╡ Utility Menu ╞═════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ ║
║ Macro Programming TextCapture PrinterOn LineFeeds DOS Quit║
║ Assign Macros to function keys ║
║ ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Each option will be explained in the following sections.
─────────────────────────────────────────
6.1 UTILITY OPTIONS
─────────────────────────────────────────
Macro Programming
Press M if you need to change or add to the Log-On keys.
First, a short explanation. A macro is a combination of
two or more keystrokes that you can cause to be impleme-
nted just by pressing one key, called a Log-on key.
These keys are your function keys on the side of the
keyboard and can be programmed.
As an example of how this can help you, suppose that you
had to enter a series of responses to get into a
computer service such as Compuserve. With each call,
you perform the same log-on procedure - dialing Telenet
or Tymnet, asking for the connection, and giving your
passwords.
Carriage Return, Carriage Return.
? D1
@ C 202202
Enter User Number: 76656,356
PassWord: USE/QUIKTALK
This repetitious sequence can be programmed so that your
LogOn key will do it for you.
─────────────────────────────────────────
6.2 (Cont) MACRO PROGRAMMING
─────────────────────────────────────────
When you press M at the Utilities Menu, a screen will
appear similar to figure 6.0.
╔═══╡ LogOn Macros Keys ╞══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ ║
║ Change/Add NextPage PrevPage Quit ║
║ Edit or Add Macro Key Text ║
║ ║
║ Unshifted Function key ║
║ ║
║ 1. ║
║ . ║
║ . ║
║ 10. ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ Function Keys 1-10. Use | for CR, ~ for 1 second delay, and { for comments║
║ To make changes, simply select Change/Add. Use the Ins and Del ║
║ keys as you normally do. Press P for Previous pages of key ║
║ assignments, and N for the Next Page. ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Fig 6.0
To change or add a LogOn Key, press C, Then enter the
number of the key to change or add. Each number
corresponds to a matching Function key on your keyboard.
There are 40 combinations - F1..F10, Shift + F1..F10,
Ctrl + F1..F10 and Alt + F1..F10.
Use NextPg to change to each set of 10 function keys.
After each function key is assigned a logon sequence,
merely pressing that key (or key combination) will send
the appropriate sequence to the remote computer.
Since each log-on sequence must exactly match the way a
remote computer system expects it's questions to be
answered, you must also be very accurate in the way you
program in the keystroke sequence.
─────────────────────────────────────────
6.2 (Cont) MACRO PROGRAMMING
─────────────────────────────────────────
Examine the logon sequence below.
JOE|JONES|~~~~~QUIKTALK|{Logon for my favorite BBS}
This sequence is an example of a logon sequence needed
to access a typical BBS (Bulletin Board System). To
show you how a typical question/answer session would
operate, read the sequence below:
WELCOME TO Big Board BBS.
PLEASE ENTER YOUR FIRST NAME: JOE [CR]
ENTER YOUR LAST NAME: JONES [CR]
Searching user list...
ENTER YOUR PASSWORD: QUIKTALK [CR]
On at 12:01 February 19, 1986
The logon sequence has answered all of the BBS prompts.
The vertical bar (|) in the sequence is a character that
means Enter or carriage return.
The tilde (~) means pause for one second. In the
example, a 5 second pause was used until the next
sequence of characters were transmitted.
─────────────────────────────────────────
6.2 (Cont) MACRO PROGRAMMING
─────────────────────────────────────────
The left bracket ({) ends a macro sequence and will
allow you to enter a comment.
NextPg will display the next ten log-on sequences, if
they were programmed. When you enter the Macro Progr-
amming option, the first ten macros displayed are those
that will be implemented when you press a function key.
The next page will show those that are started with
Shift[FKey]. The third page is Ctrl[FKey], and the
forth is Alt[FKey].
PrevPg will display the Macro Keys just the reverse of
the above.
Quit will re-display the Utilities Sub-Menu.
─────────────────────────────────────────
6.3 RESERVED
─────────────────────────────────────────
This section reserved for future use.
─────────────────────────────────────────
6.5 RESERVED
─────────────────────────────────────────
This section reserved for future use.
─────────────────────────────────────────
6.6 TEXT CAPTURE
────────────────────────────────────────
Introduction
Text Capture is a QuikTalk function that will allow you
to store everything you see being displayed on the
screen to your disk.
This is useful in situations where you need to keep a
permanent record of your log-on session and possibly
process it with a text editor.
Operation
From the Utilities SubMenu, press T to start capturing
all the text appearing on your screen. An exact image
of the scrolling display will be stored in memory until
you press T again.
This is a toggle function. If TextCapture is on, it
will be turned off. If it is off, it will be turned on.
When Text Capture is on, you will see a T in the lower
left corner of the screen. It will stay there until you
turn it off.
When implementing this function, all text will be stored
on disk, toggle it off by using the menu, or from the
terminal mode, press Alt-C. You will be asked to name
the file you wish to store it under. After you enter a
valid file name, the text will be stored on disk as an
ASCII file.
─────────────────────────────────────────
6.6 (Cont) TEXT CAPTURE
─────────────────────────────────────────
Note
You may also send ASCII text files to another computer.
This is different from the Transmit option discussed in
section 3.3 in that no error checking is performed.
Many computers that you can call can be set to capture
text coming in, as can QuikTalk. When you select this
option, all the ASCII file you send will be received
into the answering computer's file.
To send text, press Alt-T while on-line. A window will
open, asking you to name the text file to send. Enter a
valid filename at this point. If the file exists, it
will be sent to the receiving computer.
See also Section 7.0.
─────────────────────────────────────────
6.7 PRINTER ON
─────────────────────────────────────────
Introduction
PrinterOn is a function similar to TextCapture in the
previous section. When it is turned on, anything
appearing on-screen is sent to the printer to be printed
verbatim.
Operation
To start printing the text scrolling on your screen,
just press P from the Utilities SubMenu. To indicate
that it is on, a P will appear in the lower right corner
of your screen.
With this function on, and your printer operational,
anything appearing on your screen will be printed.
This is a toggle function. Each time it is selected it
will turn the printer on or off.
NOTE
Be sure that your printer is turned on, connected, and
on line before you use this function. If the printer is
not accepting input, the program will not continue until
it does.
─────────────────────────────────────────
6.7 LINE FEEDS
─────────────────────────────────────────
This option is a toggle on/off function that will add a
line feed to your incoming text for systems that do not
automatically do it for you.
If you notice that all your lines of text are being
written on top of each other, select this option.
You can also implement this option at the terminal mode
by pressing Alt-A (append).
────────────────────────────────────────
6.8 DOS
────────────────────────────────────────
Introduction
DOS is a command to exit the QuikTalk system to the
operating system where you may perform DOS functions
such as copy, del, or anything else. You may also run
other programs while at the DOS prompt. This is
commonly called a Shell.
When this command is started, the screen will clear and
you will see the message "Now in DOS, Type Exit to
Return to QuikTalk".
If you type "Exit" at the DOS prompt, QuikTalk will
resume where it left off.
The DOS function can be executed while on line by
pressing Alt-G, too.
─────────────────────────────────────────
7.0 THE COMMAND SYSTEM
─────────────────────────────────────────
Introduction
The Command System is a method of implementing QuikTalk
functions without having to use the menu system.
By using the Command System, you can quickly select an
option such as PrinterOn or the Files System while
communicating with another computer.
Operation of The Command System
All Command System options are started with an Alt key
combination popular with many communication programs.
For each option described, first press and hold the Alt
key, then press the letter key for that option.
On the next page is a list of the options and the key
that will start that option.
─────────────────────────────────────────
7.1 COMMAND SYSTEM OPTIONS
─────────────────────────────────────────
The list below shows the commands available to use.
A = Append Line Feed. Add LF after carriage return
B = Baud rate, parity, data bit stop bit change.
C = Capture all incoming text to Disk.
D = Dial System... Dials, add numbers, change parameters
E = Echo characters..Toggle between full & half duplex
F = File Directory
G = GoDos. Drop to the DOS prompt (shell).
H = Help. Information on how to operate QuikTalk.
I = Incoming XModem file capture. Receive File to disk
K = Kill (erase) files.
L = Logon Keys Management.
M = Main Menu System will be displayed.
N = New Drive selected.
O = Outgoing XModem (transmit) file transfer.
P = Printer Toggle. Turn Printer on/off.
Q = Quit communicating (Hang Up).
S = Screen Clear.
T = Text Send..Send ASCII text files verbatim.
V = View File - show text file on screen.
X = eXit program, go to DOS.
Each of these options can only be implemented while the
Menu System is off.
(To turn off the menu system, press M at the Main Menu)
Many of the choices on the Command System are available
in the Menu System and have already been described. The
following commands are ones that are used only through
the Command System.
─────────────────────────────────────────
7.1 (Cont) COMMAND SYSTEM
─────────────────────────────────────────
Echo (Alt-E)
Some computer systems that are called require a process
called Full Duplex. Normally, you can connect and
communicate with a remote computer using the default
mode of Half Duplex.
Full Duplex means each character you type is printed on
the screen by QuikTalk and also sent to the remote
system, since a computer needing Full Duplex does not
send (or echo) your character back to you. If you
contact a system and you cannot see what you are
typing,you need full duplex. In that case Press Alt-E.
Screen Clear (Alt-S)
Screen Clear will erase all data showing on your current
screen. Press Alt-S to clear the screen.
Send ASCII files (Alt-T)
Use this option while on-line to send a text file to a
remote computer that is ready to receive a text file.
When you press this option, a window will open and ask
for a valid file name.
After the file name is entered, the file will be sent
line by line. This method is available only for ASCII
files, and offers no error correction.
─────────────────────────────────────────
8.0 QUIKTALK SYSTEM FILES
─────────────────────────────────────────
If you install the system yourself (Appendix B), or it
is necessary to re-install the system, the files listed
below are required for the operation of QuikTalk.
1. QuikTalk.COM. This is the executable program.
2. QuikTalk.DIR. This file contains the phone numbers
and other data QuikTalk.COM needs.
3. QuikTalk.KEY. This file contains data pertaining to
your identity when ECL interrogates your system to see
who is calling.
4. QuikInst.COM. Use this program to install your
QuikTalk system on your hard disk.
6. QuikTalk.CNF. This file is created by QuikI-
Inst.COM.
If you do not have one or more of these files, please
call PBS for replacements.
─────────────────────────────────────────
9.0 HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
─────────────────────────────────────────
As mentioned earlier, a complete system has already been
furnished for you. However, for your information, the
following is a detailed list of the minimum equipment
needed to run an Electronic Client Link System.
Computer: IBM or compatible with 2 disk drives, 256kb
memory, 1 serial port.
Monitor: Monochrome or Color.
Modem: Hayes or compatible 300 - 2400 baud.
Phone Line: Single line service compatible with the
modem.
Operating System: DOS or MSDOS 2.1 or higher.
A printer is also highly recommended.
─────────────────────────────────────────
10.0 USER REQUIREMENTS
─────────────────────────────────────────
The user of the QuikTalk software should be familiar
with the following DOS commands:
MD - Make Directory
CD - Change Directory
Time - Show Time
Date - Show Date
Dir - Show Files
Format - Prepare Diskette for use
Copy - Copy files from disks
Type - Write out a text file
File naming conventions
Please refer to the appropriate Disk Operating System
manual for more information on these and other DOS
commands.
────────────────────────────────────────
Appendix B GETTING READY TO START
─────────────────────────────────────────
This chapter details the steps necessary to install the
QuikTalk system on your computer. Prior to this, you
should have installed the computer equipment, and
verified that it is operating properly.
Please refer to your Computer Users Manual, and your
modem manual.
─────────────────────────────────────────
Appendix B MAKING A SUBDIRECTORY FOR QUIKTALK
─────────────────────────────────────────
The installation procedures here assume that your
computer is equipped with a hard-disk capable of
creating Sub-Directories.
Sub-Directories are sections of the disk that are
separated from other sections, allowing you to organize
the information stored there more efficiently.
You must choose a name for the directory. The most
likely name is obviously QuikTalk.
At the DOS level (you will see C>) type MD \QuikTalk.
Unless an error message appears, the directory will be
created.
If an error message appears, the directory was probably
already created, and you can proceed to the next step.
─────────────────────────────────────────
Appendix B COPYING FILES TO THE SUBDIRECTORY
─────────────────────────────────────────
This section will explain how to copy the QuikTalk files
to the directory created in the last step.
The computer has 2 or 3 disk drives with designations of
Drive A: (Drive B:) and Drive C:. Drive C: will always
be the hard disk and the others will be floppy disk
drives. You will be copying from a floppy drive to the
hard disk.
Step 1. Put the QuikTalk distribution diskette
into the A: drive and close the door.
Step 2. At the DOS level (C>) type CD \QuikTalk.
Step 3. Type COPY A:*.* C:
The disk light on Drive A: will go on and you will see a
message like:
Copying QuikTalk.COM
Copying QuikTalk.CNF
Copying QuikTalk.KEY
.
.
.
until all the files have been copied.
─────────────────────────────────────────
Appendix B (Cont)COPYING FILES TO THE SUBDIRECTORY
─────────────────────────────────────────
The copy process has been completed. If no error
messages resulted, all the QuikTalk files have been
placed on your QuikTalk SubDirectory.
If an error message did appear, likely causes are:
∙ Drive A: door not closed.
∙ Diskette is blank or the wrong one.
∙ Diskette drive is defective.
∙ Diskette is defective or damaged.
Correct the problem and try again.
─────────────────────────────────────────
Appendix C QUIKTALK CONFIGURATION
─────────────────────────────────────────
The QuikTalk program comes to ready to run, but first it
needs to know the type of equipment it is running on and
other important parameters.
Make sure that the computer is in the QuikTalk sub-
directory.
At the DOS level, type QuikINST. This will start the
configuration program.
Press [Enter] to start the question and answer process.
─────────────────────────────────────────
Appendix C (Cont) QUIKTALK CONFIGURATION
─────────────────────────────────────────
QuikTalk needs to know the following information.
Please fill in the appropriate spaces before answering
the questions.
If you do not know an answer to a question, please ask
the Technical Resource Person at your computer store to
help you, or call PBS.
What type of Monitor do you have:______________________
(Choices are Monochrome or Color*)
What Port is the Modem Connected to**:________________
(Choices are 1 or 2)
Is the top speed of your modem 1200 or 2400 Baud? _____
If your modem is not Hayes compatible, what is the modem
initialization string?*** _____________________________
* Machines equipped with a color graphics card and
composite monitors should be specified as Monochrome to
get the best text. Compaq Portables should also be
specified as monochrome.
** PORT Refers to the serial communications plug at
the back of the computer. These are designated Com 1
and Com 2. As a rule, if you have both Com 1 and Com 2
installed on your computer, install the modem into Com1.
*** This refers to the prefix your modem needs to see
just before dialing a number. Hayes compatible modems
use ATDT (or ATDP for pulse dialing).
─────────────────────────────────────────
Appendix C (Cont) QUIKTALK CONFIGURATION
─────────────────────────────────────────
When the configuration program starts, it will ask you
questions similar to questions below. You must respond
with the correct choices or QuikTalk will not operate
properly.
Below are examples of the configuration program prompts
and the correct responses.
1. Will QuikTalk run on a [C]olor or [M]onochrome
monitor?
(Correct responses are C or M )
2. Are you running on an IBM AT or Compatible?
(Correct responses are Y or N )
3. What port is the modem in?
(Correct responses are 1 or 2 corresponding to
Com1 or Com 2)
4. Do you have a [1]200 or [2]400 baud modem?
(Correct responses are 1 or 2 )
5 Is it a Hayes compatible modem [Yes] [No]
6. Answer the questions about colors you prefer
(only if you answered that you have a color
monitor).
After you have answered the prompts, the program will
begin to write the configuration file QuikTalk.CNF onto
your disk.
─────────────────────────────────────────
Appendix C (Cont) QUIKTALK CONFIGURATION
─────────────────────────────────────────
If you noticed that one of your responses was incorrect,
you may run the QuikInst program again.
The installation process is complete. The file QuikTal-
k.CNF must reside on the same drive and subdirectory as
the QuikTalk program.
If for any reason the QuikTalk.CNF file is erased or
moved, run the configuration program again
