Libris Britannia 4

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ Libris Britannia 4 / science library(b).zip / science library(b) / COMMUNIC / BULLETIN / 0457.ZIP / ROSUSR.DOC < prev next >

Wrap

Text File | 1986-12-31 | 37KB | 1,404 lines

RRRRRR OOOOO SSSSS RR RR OOO OOO SS SS RR RR OO OO SS RR RR OO OO SS RRRRRR OO OO SSSSS RRRR OO OO SS RR RR OO OO SS RR RR OOO OOO SS SS RR RR OOOOO SSSSS Remote Operating System U S E R ' S G U I D E Copyright (c) 1985, 1986 All Rights Reserved by Steven Fox Albuquerque, New Mexico T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S 1. WELCOME TO ROS.............................................1 2. SYSTEM PROMPTS.............................................2 3. COMMAND SUB-SYSTEMS........................................3 4. MESSAGE SUB-SYSTEM.........................................4 4.1. <A>nswer last msg.....................................4 4.2. <C>hange msg area.....................................4 4.3. <D>elete a message....................................4 4.4. <E>nter message.......................................5 4.5. nformation for new users...........................5 4.6. <O>ther systems list..................................5 4.7. <Q>uick-scan messages.................................6 4.8. <R>ead messages.......................................6 4.9. <S>can messages.......................................6 4.10. and <1> ... <9>..................................6 4.11. <G>oodbye (logoff)...................................6 4.12. <F>ile Sub-system....................................7 4.13. tility Sub-system.................................7 5. FILE SUB-SYSTEM............................................8 5.1. <C>hange file area....................................8 5.2. <D>irectory of files..................................8 5.3. <F>ilesize display....................................9 5.4. <L>ibrary entry/exit..................................9 5.5. <N>ewin list..........................................9 5.6. <W>here is (file search)..............................9 5.7. <R>eceive file using Xmodem protocol (you --> ROS)..10 5.8. <S>end file using Xmodem protocol (ROS --> you)..10 5.9. <T>ype ASCII or squeezed file (Xon/Xoff supported)...10 5.10. <G>oodbye (logoff)..................................10 5.11. tility Sub-system................................11 5.12. <M>essage Sub-system................................11 6. UTILITY SUB-SYSTEM........................................12 6.1. <A>lter configuration................................12 6.1.1. ell after prompt on/off....................12 6.1.2. <C>haracters per line.........................12 6.1.3. <D>efault areas...............................12 6.1.4. <H>elp level set (0-3)........................13 6.1.5. <L>ines per page..............................13 6.1.6. <N>ulls sent after new line...................13 6.1.7. assword change.............................13 6.1.8. <S>hift lock..................................13 6.1.9. <T>ransfer protocol...........................14 6.2. <C>hat with Sysop....................................14 6.3. <R>egister for access................................14 6.4. <S>tatistics.........................................14 i 6.5. <T>ime and date......................................15 6.6. ser list..........................................15 6.7. <G>oodbye (logoff)...................................15 6.8. <F>iles Sub-system...................................15 6.9. <M>essage Sub-system.................................15 7. EXAMPLES..................................................16 ii L I S T O F F I G U R E S 3-1: Command Sub-systems.......................................3 4-1: Message Sub-system........................................4 4-2: Text Editing Commands.....................................5 5-1: File Sub-System...........................................8 6-1: Utility Sub-System.......................................12 6-2: System Configuration.....................................12 iii ROS User's Guide 1. WELCOME TO ROS ROS is a fast, powerful message and file transfer system that works in conjunction with your computer to exchange private mail with other users, post public messages for many others to read, download files for your own use, and upload files that others may find useful or fun. If you are new to ROS, please take a little time to read through this "User's Guide." If you are already familiar with ROS, you may want to just browse, looking up new commands as you go. In any case, menus are available throughout the system to help you when this manual isn't handy. Whenever ROS is listing or typing something to your computer, you may enter a CTRL-S (press the "Control" key and "S" at the same time) to make the display pause. Output will stop until another key is pressed. If this key is anything but a CTRL-C, output will continue. CTRL-C may be entered at ANY time (including when output is paused) to completely stop the listing. ROS will then return to a command prompt. Commands consist of a single letter entered in upper or lower case and should not be followed by a carriage return (<RETURN>). For example, to read a message, just enter the letter "r" (with- out the quotes). ROS will echo the whole word "Read" and then continue with the command execution. Frequently, ROS will ask for more information to complete the command. The appropriate section in this manual will provide more information about these secondary prompts. 1 ROS User's Guide 2. SYSTEM PROMPTS System prompts are displayed while ROS is waiting for a command to one of the three sub-systems (described in more detail later). These prompts consist of several pieces of information: Time remaining Current sub-system Current area (for message and file sub-systems) Library name (while a library is active) Optional help reminder (controlled by help level) For example, the following prompt indicates that you have 32 minutes remaining on the system, are currently in the file sub- system, and logged into the NEWIN area: 32-File: NEWIN [press "?" for menu]> When you enter a library or archive, your prompt will expand to include the library name: 32-File: NEWIN [VECTOR.LBR] [press "?" for menu]> 2 ROS User's Guide 3. COMMAND SUB-SYSTEMS Approximately 38 commands are available to enter and read mes- sages, display directories, transfer files, and control the sys- tem configuration. These commands are grouped into three command sub-systems as shown in Figure 3-1. Sub-system Primary Use Message sub-system Enter and read messages File sub-system Transfer files Utility sub-system Miscellaneous functions Fig. 3-1: Command Sub-systems Subsequent sections of this manual describe each sub-system and the various commands that can be entered. 3 ROS User's Guide 4. MESSAGE SUB-SYSTEM Figure 4-1 lists the message sub-system commands. Subsequent paragraphs describe each command in detail. Message Sub-system ==== Functions ==== ==== Bulletins ==== == System Changes == <A>nswer last msg ulletin <G>oodbye (logoff) <C>hange msg area <1> Turbo User Group <F>ile Sub-System <D>elete a msg <2> ROS tility Sub-System <E>nter a msg <3> Xmodem nfo for new users <O>ther systems list <Q>uick-scan messages <R>ead messages <S>can messages Fig. 4-1: Message Sub-system 4.1. <A>nswer last msg This command is similar to the <E>nter command (described below). The message will be automatically addressed to the individual who entered the last message you read. 4.2. <C>hange msg area ROS supports multiple message areas, i.e. messages are filed in groups by topic. This effectively shortens the message file for any particular user and makes finding a particular message easi- er. After typing "C", enter the name of the desired message area or enter "?" to get a menu of the message areas available. If the entry cannot be found, a short version of the menu will be displayed and the system will once again prompt for the message area. If an entry is not made before typing <RETURN>, the system will remain in the current area. 4.3. <D>elete a message This command is used to delete an existing message. After enter- ing "D", enter the message number in response to the "Message" prompt. If the message exists and you were the author or the individual recipient, the message will be erased. Otherwise the system will respond with a "not found" message. 4 ROS User's Guide 4.4. <E>nter message Until you are validated, this command will automatically enter all messages to the sysop. Use this command to send a message to another user, the sysop, or to all users (like posting a message on a bulletin board). If you enter only a <RETURN> in response to the "FIRST name" prompt, the message will go to all users. If you send a private message, ROS will verify the recipient name. If the addressee cannot be found in the user file, you will be informed and given the oppor- tunity to try again. To send a message to the sysop, enter "SYSOP" as the first name. The prompt for the last name will not appear. Figure 4-2 lists the commands available during editing. ======= Text Editing Functions ======= === Editor Commands === CTRL-A Move cursor one word left <C>ontinue text entry CTRL-S Move cursor one character left <E>dit a selected line CTRL-D Move cursor one character right <L>ist current text CTRL-F Move cursor one word right <S>ave text to disk TAB Space to next tab position <Q>uit without saving Backspace, RUB, or DEL Delete character left of cursor CTRL-G Delete character at cursor CTRL-X Delete line left of cursor RETURN Complete line entry New characters are inserted into the existing line. If there are characters to the right of the current cursor position, they will be moved over to make space. Insertions will not be shown until the line is explicitly re-listed. Fig. 4-2: Text Editing Commands 4.5. nformation for new users This is a short description of the system. It was displayed the first time you logged in. 4.6. <O>ther systems list This is a list of other public Bulletin Board Systems (BBS's) in the local area. 5 ROS User's Guide 4.7. <Q>uick-scan messages After typing "Q", ROS will prompt for the starting message num- ber. If the message number cannot be found, the system will start with next sequential message unless the requested number is outside the range displayed in brackets. In that case, the system will start the scan with the next message after the high- est message read the last time you logged in. For example, if you call on Saturday and the highest message you read was #1842, when you call in on Tuesday and enter a <RETURN> in reponse to the "Start" prompt, the system will start the display with the next available message after 1842. If the number "0" is entered, ROS will start the listing with the first available message. The message number and topic of messages from the starting number until the last message will then be displayed. 4.8. <R>ead messages After entering "R", this command will prompt for the starting message number in a manner identical to quick-scan and scan. In addition to all the information displayed in scan, this command also displays the text of the message. If you are the author of the message or the receiver of a pri- vately addressed message, the system will ask if you want to delete it. Respond with either "Y" to delete the message or with "N" to retain the message. If the message is not the last message, ROS will ask if you want to read the next sequential message on file. Respond "Y" to continue with the reading, or with "N" to terminate the command. The number of lines per page can be controlled in the utility sub-system, and in fact, the pause can be completely eliminated. 4.9. <S>can messages This command is similar to quick-scan. In addition to the number and topic, the sender and receiver will be displayed. 4.10. and <1> ... <9> System and general interest bulletins. ROS automatically dis- plays the system bulletin (ulletin) each time you log in. 4.11. <G>oodbye (logoff) This command is used to terminate the remote session. You will be given the opportunity to enter any comments or questions to the sysop. When this is done, the system will disconnect. 6 ROS User's Guide 4.12. <F>ile Sub-system This command activates the File sub-system. 4.13. tility Sub-system This command activates the Utility sub-system. 7 ROS User's Guide 5. FILE SUB-SYSTEM Figure 5-1 lists the commands in the file sub-system. Subsequent paragraphs describe each command in detail. File Sub-system =============== Functions =============== == System Changes == <C>hange file area <F>ilesize display <G>oodbye (logoff) <D>irectory of files <N>ewin list <M>essage Sub-System <L>ibrary or archive open/close tility Sub-System <W>here is (file search) <R>eceive file using Xmodem protocol (you --> ROS) <S>end file using Xmodem protocol (ROS --> you) <T>ype ASCII or squeezed file (Xon/Xoff supported) Fig. 5-1: File Sub-System Detailed descriptions of each command follow: 5.1. <C>hange file area When you login, you will be placed in the file area specified as your personal default (to change this default, refer to the "<A>lter" command in the utility sub-system). To access other file areas in the system, type "C" at the file sub-system prompt and enter the name of the desired file area or enter "?" to get a menu of the file areas available. If the entry cannot be found, a short version of the menu will be displayed and the system will once again prompt for the file area name. If an entry is not made before typing <RETURN>, the system will remain in the cur- rent file area. If you are in a library (see next description) when this command is entered, the library will be closed before the system prompts for the new file area. 5.2. <D>irectory of files This command displays the directory of files in the current file area. If you are in a library, only those files in the library will be displayed, otherwise, the file area directory will be displayed. The file size will also be displayed according to the current filesize mode (see filesize description). 8 ROS User's Guide 5.3. <F>ilesize display File sizes in the directory display may be shown in "k" (1024) bytes or in minutes and seconds of transfer time (based on the current modem speed). Each time this command is entered, the system will alternate between these two methods. 5.4. <L>ibrary entry/exit Libraries and archives are very useful tools to group related files. For example, a single library or archive might contain source code, object or executable code, and documentation for a particular system. Such a library or archive is actually a single file which contains a directory to the files it contains. In order to simplify library and archive usage, the "L" command may be used to "enter" a library or archive. When this is done, ROS will prompt for the name and then attempt to open the library or archive. If successful, all subsequent file sub-system com- mands will pertain to the files within the library. If you are already in a library or archive, entering "L" will close it. NOTE: While library support is fully implemented, ROS version 3.6 has only partial archive support and cannot type files from an archive. This will be implemented in a future release. 5.5. <N>ewin list This command displays, from the newest to the oldest, recently uploaded files to the system. Files listed here are available in the NEWIN area. 5.6. <W>here is (file search) This command searches all file areas you have access to for files which match the file name you specify. The characters "?" and "*" have special meaning: "?" means that any character in this character position is considered a match (including none); "*" means that from this position to the end of the file name or extent, any character will match. 9 ROS User's Guide For example, to find all the adventure games on the system, you might use the following: Search mask ("?" and "*" allowed)>ADV*.* ROS will then search for all files whose names start with "ADV" such as "ADV-1.LBR" and "ADVENTUR.ARC". 5.7. <R>eceive file using Xmodem protocol (you --> ROS) The Xmodem protocol is a file transfer method that allows the two computers to ensure that each block of characters are accurately transferred. Most terminal emulator packages have the capability of using this protocol. ROS supports both 128 byte and 1024 byte block length. The longer block length is usually associated with Ymodem protocol. Refer to the <A>lter command in the utility sub-system for more information. This command is used to transfer files from your system to ROS. ROS will try to receive using both CRC and checksum. Files will be received in a private area for later release, if appropriate. After the file transfer has completed successfully, ROS will ask for a short description of the file to be shown by the <N>ewin command when (and if) the file is released. 5.8. <S>end file using Xmodem protocol (ROS --> you) Use this command to send a file from this system to yours. After entering "S", enter the file name to transfer. If the system can find the file in the current area, it will display the approxi- mate transfer time and then the message "Ready to send..." Your emulator package should then be set to receive the file using either checksum or CRC (preferred). When the file transfer is complete, the system will return to the File sub-system prompt. 5.9. <T>ype ASCII or squeezed file (Xon/Xoff supported) This command may be used to display the contents of text files even if the file has been squeezed. Xon/Xoff may be used as described in the Key Entries section to pause the display. 5.10. <G>oodbye (logoff) This command is used to terminate the remote session. You will be given the opportunity to enter any comments or questions to the sysop. When this is done, the system will disconnect. 10 ROS User's Guide 5.11. tility Sub-system This command activates the Utility sub-system. 5.12. <M>essage Sub-system This command activates the Message sub-system. 11 ROS User's Guide 6. UTILITY SUB-SYSTEM Figure 6-1 lists the commands in the utility sub-system. Subse- quent paragraphs describe each command in more detail. Utility Sub-System =============== Functions =============== == System Changes == <A>lter configuration <S>tatistics <F>ile Sub-System <C>hat with sysop <T>ime and date <M>essage Sub-System <R>egister for access ser list <G>oodbye (logoff) Fig. 6-1: Utility Sub-System 6.1. <A>lter configuration This command allows you to set several configuration parameters as listed in Figure 6-2. System Configuration ell after prompt <H>elp level assword change <C>haracters/line <L>ines/page <S>hift lock <D>efault areas <N>ulls after newline <T>ransfer protocol All parameters will be retained from one call to the next. Fig. 6-2: System Configuration Detailed descriptions of each command follow: 6.1.1. ell after prompt on/off This command turns on and off the bell (or beep) used to indicate that the system is ready for your input. 6.1.2. <C>haracters per line Set this parameter to match the actual width, in characters, of the display of your terminal. ROS will format most output to give the best appearance. 6.1.3. <D>efault areas This command may be used to make the current message and file areas the defaults each time you log in. For example, if you are usually interested in the newest uploads, you may log into the NEWIN file area and use this command to make this the default. 12 ROS User's Guide In a similar fashion, if you are usually interested in your personal mail, you may want to log into the MAIL message area and use this command to retain that area as the default. 6.1.4. <H>elp level set (0-3) At help levels 1-3, the currently active sub-system will be fully spelled out, e.g. "Files." At help level 0, only the first character of the sub-system will be displayed, e.g. "F." At help level 2, the system will remind you in each prompt that help is available by typing "?." At help level 3, ROS will display the current help menu after each command. In other words: Help level 0: Displays shortest possible prompt Help level 1: Displays full sub-system name Help level 2: Displays menu reminder ("?") Help level 3: Display after all commands complete 6.1.5. <L>ines per page To improve the readability of long displays, ROS will pause after a specified number of lines, waiting for a key to be pressed before proceeding. Use this parameter to match the number of lines displayed to your screen size. If you specify "0" as the line count, ROS will not pause. At this setting, the normal pause between messages is also suppressed and ROS will continue until all messages are displayed or stopped by ^C. 6.1.6. <N>ulls sent after new line Nulls are sent after a new line to allow time for your machine to catch up before any printable characters are sent. Normally this value is set to "0" for CRT (display) terminals, and from 0-99 (try 2) for hardcopy printing terminals. If your display loses characters at the beginning of the line, try increasing this parameter. 6.1.7. assword change When this command is executed, the system will ask for your current password. If this is entered correctly, you will be asked for a new password in a fashion similar to when you first logged into the system. 6.1.8. <S>hift lock Some terminals do not know what to do with lower case letters. When this command is entered, ROS will ask if your terminal can display lower case. If you respond "Y", upper and lower case 13 ROS User's Guide will be sent normally. If you answer "N", lower case letters will be converted to upper case before being sent to your system. 6.1.9. <T>ransfer protocol ROS, in conjunction with your telecommunications software, sup- ports two methods of error detection during file transfers: cyclic redundancy check (CRC) and checksum. Either may be used with short (128 byte) blocks, but CRC is enforced when transfer- ring long (1024 byte) blocks. You may let ROS try to determine the best protocol, or select your preference. In either case, ROS will try to adjust if it detects incompatible modes. For example, if you ask ROS to send a file using checksum, but your system is set to use CRC, the file transfer will still succeed since ROS will switch to CRC as well. Similarly, if you tell ROS to receive using Xmodem CRC but your system starts sending long blocks, ROS will accommodate. This command is used to set one of the following four transfer modes: Mode 0: automatic selection Mode 1: Xmodem checksum Mode 2: Xmodem CRC Mode 3: Ymodem CRC (1024 byte records) 6.2. <C>hat with Sysop During certain hours, the sysop may be available to chat. When this command is entered, the system will try to summon the sysop (if during the chat period). If the sysop is available, you will be notified and a two way conversation may begin. If the sysop is not available or if the current time is outside the hours to chat, you will be given the opportunity to leave a message. 6.3. <R>egister for access Once you have registered for access, either using this command or during the logout process, this command will be disabled. Until then, this command will allow you to enter the information the sysop will need to validate you for full access to the system. Only your name will be shown to other users. The rest of the information will be strictly private and will not be used for any purpose other than validation (no mailing lists or the like). Validation is normally completed in 48 hours. 6.4. <S>tatistics This command displays a bar chart of the percent of system usage by hour. From the information on this chart, you can plan your calls for times when the system is less busy. 14 ROS User's Guide 6.5. <T>ime and date This command will display the current time and date, the amount of time spent on the system today, and the amount of time remai- ning today. 6.6. ser list This command will alphabetically list the names of all the vali- dated users on the system. It may be used to check the spelling of a user to whom you wish to send a message. You may start the list with any name or part of name by entering one or more letters at the appropriate prompt. 6.7. <G>oodbye (logoff) This command is used to terminate the remote session. You will be given the opportunity to enter any comments or questions to the sysop. When this is done, the system will disconnect. 6.8. <F>iles Sub-system This command activates the File sub-system. 6.9. <M>essage Sub-system This command activates the Message sub-system. 15 ROS User's Guide 7. EXAMPLES The following paragraphs describe some of the situations commonly encountered during a session with ROS. After the usual name and password verification, you will be logged into your default message area. At that time you will be notified of any pending personal mail sent to you. To change the message area, type "C". Entering "?" at this time will display the names and descriptions of the various message areas. If ROS cannot find the area you request, it will display a brief list of the message areas. Entering a message is straight forward with prompts for the first and last name of the recipient. An empty first name will result in a public message addressed to ALL. In this case or if the first name is SYSOP, ROS will not ask for a last name. Bulletins may be read by entering one of the numbers listed in the menu. The utility sub-system provides several useful commands for oper- ation and configuration. For example, you probably noticed that after you had called the system once, you were not asked again how many nulls you need, nor whether your terminal could display upper and lower case. This is because this information is stored along with your name and password. If you change to another terminal or computer you may want to change these parameters: just type "A" and you will be prompted. Passwords and other paramter changes may also be done with this command. The statistics command will show you in a graphic form the busy hours of the system so you can plan your calls. Typing "U" now will take you into the utility sub-system where you can try these commands. After experimenting with the utility commands, enter an "F" to enter the file sub-system. On first entry, you will be logged into your defualt file area. ROS will display the directory of this area and a count of the number of successful file transfers you have performed. Once you are in the file sub-system, ROS will interpret an "F" as a command to toggle the filesize display. Try this command a couple of times followed by "D" to get a directory listing. If you type "N", you will get a list of the new uploads along with a description of the files. To get access to these new uploads, type "C" (for change) and enter "NEWIN". Unvalidated users do not normally have access to the NEWIN area. 16 ROS User's Guide The file sub-system change command works like the message system change command in that a "?" will produce a detailed list of the available areas and an invalid name will give a brief list. Users familiar with LUX will recognize the similarity of the "L" command. After entering "L", ROS will ask for the library or archive name which may be entered with or without the ".LBR" or ".ARC" extensions. While in a library all of the file sub-system commands are still operative. Typing "L" a second time will close the library or archive. You may terminate the session at any time by typing a "G" from any system prompt. ROS will ask if you have any comments for the sysop. Following this, the system will disconnect. 17