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1991-06-24
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SFSYSTEM.EXE
Version 1.1
Written by Mike Woltz
Buffalo Creek Software
INTRODUCTION
------------
SFSYSTEM.EXE is a companion utility for SPITFIRE Bulletin Board
System software and will allow a number of system configuration
options to be set outside the SPITFIRE program. Using SFSYSTEM.EXE's
command line parameters, a number of options can now be toggled
on or off and values can be changed thru a scheduled event.
SFSYSTEM.EXE must reside in your SPITFIRE WORK directory where
your SFSYSTEM.DAT exists. If SFSYSTEM.DAT is not found, SFSYSTEM.EXE
provides you with the option of creating it.
MENU DRIVEN USAGE
-----------------
When SFSYSTEM.EXE is executed from the DOS prompt without any of
its optional command line parameters, a menu is displayed to the user
showing the available options. The menu will look like this:
>>>>>>>> MAIN MENU <<<<<<<<
<D>... Display Command Line Usage <N>... Numeric Values
<S>... Sysop Data <T>... Toggle Switches
<Q>... Quit
ENTER COMMAND - [D N S T Q]?
After making a selection, except Q to Quit, a window will open
up on the screen which displays all the features which can be
modified for the option you have selected. As each window opens,
the current setting will be shown to you for each feature. Pressing
the ESC key will always return to the previous screen. Pressing Q
will terminate program execution and you will be returned to the
DOS prompt.
DISPLAY COMMAND LINE USAGE
--------------------------
When this option is selected a window will open up displaying
the following command line usage parameters available with
SFSYSTEM:
/D[x] = Downloads Per Day...................[x] = Number Of Downloads
/L[x] = Log On Time Limit...................[x] = Number Of Minutes
/O[x] = Daily Log On Limit..................[x] = Amount Of Log Ons
/R[x] = Upload/Download Ratio...............[x] = Transfer Ratio
/T[x] = Daily Time Limit....................[x] = Number Of Minutes
/V[x] = U/D Ratio Violation Security........[x] = Altered Security Level
/B- = NU Birthdate Not Required /B+ = NU Birthdate Required
/P- = NU Default Procotol Off /P+ = NU Default Procotol On
/S- = Scan Queued Msg Conferences Only /S+ = Scan All Msg Conferences
These options can be used as command line parameters for toggling
the selected features ON and OFF via SPITFIRE's scheduled events.
More detailed information on how this is accomplished is discussed
in the section, Usage As A Scheduled Event.
TOGGLE SWITCHES
---------------
Selecting Toggle Switches will enable the Sysop to toggle the
following SPITFIRE features:
<A> U.S. Phone Format
This allows the Sysop to set whether the BBS will use a US
phone number format (###-###-####) or allow for SPITFIRE to
merely accept any 12 character string entered by the user.
The SPITFIRE default is set for the US Phone Number Style.
<B> Convert File Description
This feature allows the Sysop to toggle SPITFIRE's File
Description Conversion On and Off. When this is toggled On,
SPITFIRE will automatically convert the first character of
each word in the file description to uppercase. All other
characters will be lower case. If this feature is toggled
Off, SPITFIRE makes no attempt to alter the description
entered by the caller. SPITFIRE, by default, sets this
feature On.
<C> Net Mail Message Base
This toggle allows the Sysop to configure their BBS to allow
Net Mail Messages. If this is toggled to Yes, a user may
enter messages to others who are not a users on the BBS.
If this is toggled to No, messages can only be sent to other
users of the BBS. This also applies to Carbon Copy messages.
<D> Multi-node System
This option allows you to toggle whether you wish to configure
your BBS as a multi-node system. If you are operating more
than one node, you will want to toggle this to Yes and if
you are operating a single node system, you will want to
toggle this to No.
<E> New User Default Protocol
This feature is used to determine if a new user logging on the
BBS can select a default file transfer protocol after completing
the new user questionnaire. If this is toggled to Yes, the new
user will be presented with this option. If this feature is set
Off, the new user will not automatically be presented with this
option, but may still select a default file transfer protocol
from the <Y>...Your Statistics option of the Main Menu.
<F> Require New User Birthdate
This feature allows the Sysop to designate whether a new user
logging onto the BBS for the first time will be required to
enter their birthdate. If toggled to Yes, the birthdate will
be required and if toggled to No, the user will not be prompted
to enter their birthdate.
**NOTE** SPITFIRE uses a caller's birthdate as the second
password, when required. It is not possible to
require a second password if the BBS does not
require the caller to enter their birthdate.
Therefore, the SPITFIRE Second Password feature
will not be operative if the New User Birthdate
requirement is turn off.
<G> Scan All Msg Conferences
This feature allows the Sysop to designate the
message scan parameters. When set to Yes, all
message conferences are included in the scan. When
set to No, only messages in the caller's queued
conferences are scanned. This affects both the
log-on message scan and the scan done by selecting
<Y>...Your Message option from the Message Menu.
<H> Comprehensive Upload Search
This feature allows the Sysop to configure SPITFIRE to perform
a comprehensive file search prior to a caller performing an
upload. When this feature is turned SPITFIRE will trim all
numeric characters from the end of the file name and compare
that file name against all existing file names by trimming the
numeric characters from those file names. For example, if
the caller told SPITFIRE that DSZ0691.ZIP was going to be
uploaded then SPITFIRE would then trim the '0691' from the file
and search for DSZ*.*. Now let's say that SPITFIRE finds
DSZ0591.ZIP on the drive. The caller would be advised that
DSZ0591.ZIP already exists and then asked if DSZ0691.ZIP is
still to be uploaded. When this feature is turned off, then
SPITFIRE searches only for the exact file name.
NUMERIC VALUES
--------------
This option will allow modification to be made to any of the
following numerical values:
<A> Caller Number
This gives you the opportunity to set the number of callers.
The reason for this is if you are already running an
established board, you can enter the the current number of
callers, so as not to start the BBS with Caller Number 1.
<B> Number Of Calls Today
This sets the limit of how many times a user can call your
board per day. If this amount is exceeded, the system will
display TOOMANY.BBS and log the user off.
<C> Messages Today
This option is used to set the total number of messages
left on your BBS for the current day.
<D> Uploads Today
This option is used to set the total number of files
uploaded to your BBS for the current day.
<E> Downloads Today
This option is used to set the total number of files
downloaded from your BBS for the current day.
<F> Daily Time Limit
Sets the amount of time per day, per user.
<G> Daily Log On Limit
Sets the amount of time per call, per user.
<H> Log On Time Limit
Sets the amount of time per day a user is allowed on the board.
<I> New User Security
Allows you to set the default security level for a new user.
<J> New User 1st Day Time
Allows you to set the amount of time on the board for the new
user's visit. (First day only)
<K> Download Limit Per Day
This option can be used to set the total number of files
you will allow a user on your system to download each day.
NOTE: Any parameters set in DAILYLMT.DAT will supercede
those set here.
<L> Download/Upload Ratio
Sets the ratio of downloads to uploads. (i.e. - If a user
uploads 1 file and downloads x amount of files that exceeds
the "x" amount, then after the download is completed, SPITFIRE
sends SFRATIO.BBS unless DAILYLMT.DAT instructs SPITFIRE not
to). SFRATIO.BBS is normally written to notify the users
that their upload/download ratio is unacceptable.
<M> Maximum Amount Of Users
Determines the amount of users you will allow to utilize your
BBS. (i.e. - If you have this value set at 500 and you already
have 500 users and a new user (501) tries to log on, the system
displays the file MAXUSERS.BBS and logs the user off.)
<N> Number Of Nodes
This option allows you to set the number of nodes operating
on your SPITFIRE BBS System.
<O> No Keystroke Time Limit
This option sets the time in minutes that a caller is allowed
to elapse without entering any keystrokes on the BBS. Once
this time has passed, the caller will automatically be
logged off. If available, SFASLEEP.BBS/CLR will be displayed
to the caller prior to the automatic log off.
<P> U/D Ratio Violation Security
This specifies the security level that a caller
will be changed to if the upload/download ratio
is violated and the following conditions are met:
1) The caller has exceeded the upload/download
ratio of 1 upload to the configured Upload/Download
Ratio plus 6. SPITFIRE adds the additional amount
to ensure SFRATIO.BBS/CLR will be displayed to warn
the caller of the possible change in status.
2) The caller's security level in the DAILYLMT.DAT
file is set to display SFRATIO.BBS/CLR when the
upload/download ratio is violated
3) The SPITFIRE Enforce Up/Download ratio is toggled to Yes.
**NOTE** SPITFIRE will return the caller to their original
security once the caller's upload/download ratio is
again within the required ratio limits and provided:
1) The Enforce Up/Download Ratio switch is toggled
On.
2) The caller's security level matches the U/D
Ratio Violation Security.
SYSOP DATA
----------
<A> Sysop's Name
Allows you to change the name of the System Operator of the
BBS. This is the name callers will see credited as the
Sysop when first logging onto a SPITFIRE Bulletin Board System.
In most incidences, you will want to use your real name here.
<B> Sysop User Name
This option will allow you to change the Sysop User Name.
Standard practice usually dictates that the "Sysop" be
used as the Sysop User Name. If any other name is used,
callers will be unable to use the Comment To Sysop option
from the Main Menu.
<C> Drop To DOS Password
Sets the password that is needed to drop to DOS from a
remote location. The default is "Spitfire", but you
will wish to change this for the sake of security.
<D> BBS Starting Date
This provides an opportunity to set the starting date
of your bulletin board. The reason for this is if you
are already running an established board, you can
enter the original starting date of your BBS
rather than the date of your conversion to SPITFIRE.
<E> Sysop Security Level
This allows you to set the security setting for users
you will grant Sysop status. Callers with a security
equal to or greater than the Sysop Security Level have
certain privileges not available to most users. For
example, a user with Sysop status can <U>..Undelete
deleted messages. Refer to the SPITFIRE manual
section - Special Commands For Sysop Status - for a
more detailed explanation of Sysop status.
USAGE AS A SCHEDULED EVENT
--------------------------
The inclusion of the command line usage parameters provide some
unique opportunities in the configuration of your SPITFIRE BBS. A
brief description of each follows.
/D[x] = Downloads Per Day..................[x] = Number Of Downloads
The /D[x] allows you to configure the number of files you will
allow callers to download from your BBS each day. For instance,
if you wish to set the limit to 10, you would use /D10. If a
caller attempts to exceed the number of downloads you have
configured, DLMT.BBS/CLR will be displayed if available.
/L[x] = Log On Time Limit..................[x] = Number Of Minutes
The /L[x] allows you to configure the maximum number of minutes
a caller to your BBS is permitted for each log on. For instance,
if you wish to set the limit to 60, you would use /L60. If a
caller exceeds this, SFTIMEUP.BBS/CLR will be displayed to the
caller and the caller will be logged off the BBS.
/O[x] = Daily Log On Limit.................[x] = Amount Of Log Ons
The /O[x] allows you to configure the amount of times you will
allow callers to access your system each day. For instance,
if you wish to limit the number of times a caller can log on
your BBS to 5 times per day, you would use /O5. If a caller
attempts to exceed the number of allowable daily log ons you
have configured, TOOMANY.BBS/CLR will be displayed, if available,
and the caller will be logged off.
/R[x] = Upload/Download Ratio..............[x] = Transfer Ratio
The /R[x] allows you to configure the required upload-download
ratio you wish to establish for your BBS. For instance, if
you wish to set a ratio requirement of 1 upload for every 10
downloads, you would use /R10. If a caller's download ratio
exceeds your configured ratio, SFRATIO.BBS/CLR, if available,
will be displayed to the caller.
/T[x] = Daily Time Limit...................[x] = Number Of Minutes
The /R[x] allows you to configure the total number of minutes
a caller will be permitted to use each day on your BBS. For
instance, if you wish to set the total number of minutes allowed
on your BBS each day to 90, you would use /T90. If a caller is
logged on the BBS and exceeds their allotted daily time limit,
SFTIMEUP.BBS/CLR (if found) will be displayed to the caller and
the caller will be logged off the BBS. If a caller attempts
to log onto the BBS after exceeding the allowable daily time
limit, SFNOTIME.BBS/CLR (if found) is displayed to the caller
and the caller is denied access to the BBS.
Previously you could only configure your BBS to allow a set
log on time limit. With SFSYSTEM.EXE it is possible to allow,
for instance, a 60 minute log on time limit during the less active
hours of BBS activity and decrease this amount to 45 minutes when
the board is at its busiest. This is one example of the
possibilities now available using SFSYSTEM's command line
parameters and SPITFIRE's scheduled events.
/V[x] = U/D Ratio Violation Security........[x] = Altered Security Level
This specifies the security level that a caller will be changed to
if the upload/download ratio is violated and the following conditions
are met:
1) The caller has exceeded the upload/download ratio of 1 upload
to the configured Upload/Download Ratio plus 6. SPITFIRE adds
the additional amount to ensure SFRATIO.BBS/CLR will be
displayed to warn the caller of the possible change in status.
2) The caller's security level in the DAILYLMT.DAT file is set to
display SFRATIO.BBS/CLR when the upload/download ratio is violated
3) The SPITFIRE Enforce Up/Download ratio is toggled to Yes.
**NOTE** SPITFIRE will return the caller to their original
security once the caller's upload/download ratio is
again within the required ratio limits and provided:
1) The Enforce Up/Download Ratio switch is toggled
On.
2) The caller's security level matches the U/D
Ratio Violation Security.
/B- = NU Birthdate Not Required /B+ = NU Birthdate Required
The /B- configures your BBS so new users will not be required to
to provide their birthdate while the /B+ parameter configures your
BBS so new users will be required to provide their birthdate. The
second password feature within SPITFIRE will not be operable when
the birthdate is not required.
/P- = NU Default Procotol Off /P+ = NU Default Procotol On
The /P- configures your BBS so new users will not be given the
opportunity to select a default file transfer protocol while the
/P+ parameter configures your BBS so new users will be given the
opportunity to select a default file transfer protocol. Regardless
of this configuration, users will still be able to select a default
protocol by using the <Y>our Statistics from the SPITFIRE Main Menu.
/S- = Scan Queued Msg Conferences Only /S+ = Scan All Msg Conferences
The /S- configures your BBS to scan only the user's queued message
conferences when logging on your board and/or when using the <Y>our
Messages feature from the Message Menu while the /S+ parameter
configures your BBS to scan all message conferences.
The procedure for using the command line parameters is the same
for each of these options. The syntax for using the SFSYSTEM with
the command line parameters is this to enter SFSYSTEM, a blank space
and then the command line parameter you wish to use for configuring
your system. For instance:
SFSYSTEM /R10 (This would establish an upload-download
ratio of 1 to 10)
This documentation will take you through the steps of toggling the
log on time limit from 60 to 45 minutes as a scheduled event. The
remaining options can be set up using SPITFIRE's scheduled events
in much the same way.
To set up the log on time limit of 60 minutes as a scheduled event,
you will need to select Create An Event from the Event's Menu (available
at the SPITFIRE Ready For Use prompt by pressing ALT+E simultaneously or
from the Sysop utilities menu). Next select A as the event to be created.
You are then prompted for the time the event will be performed. Let's
assume you will enter 01:00. Next, you are prompted for the day the
event will be performed. Let's assume you wish to run the event daily,
so enter 7.
Following the same procedure a second event will need to be created
to toggle the log on time limit to 45 minutes during the busiest hours of
your BBS. Again, let's assume your BBS gets its busiest around 6 pm.
Again, create an event using the Event's Menu, only this time select B
as the event to be created. You are then prompted for the time the event
will be performed. Enter 18:00. You will want this event to run daily
also, so once again, when prompted for the day the event will be performed,
enter 7.
Now, using your favorite text editor, the SF.BAT file for Event A
and Event B will look like this:
:EVENT_A
REM Place Event Commands Here
GOTO LOOP
:EVENT_B
REM Place Event Commands Here
GOTO LOOP
What is required next is to include all necessary DOS commands
which are needed to toggle the log on time limit from 45 to 60 minutes
with the SFSYSTEM utility and enter those in place of the "REM Place
Event Commands Here". A completed SF.BAT for Event A and Event B
would appear as:
:EVENT_A
CD\SF\WORK
SFSYSTEM /L60
CD\SF
GOTO LOOP
:EVENT_B
CD\SF\WORK
SFSYSTEM /L45
CD\SF
GOTO LOOP
With these events set up in the previously described manner,
every morning at 1:00 am, EVENT_A will execute SFSYSTEM to modify your
SPITFIRE BBS configuration to allow a log on time limit of 60 minutes.
Then each evening at 6:00 pm, EVENT-B will execute SFSYSTEM to
modify your BBS configuration to reduce the log on time limit to 45
minutes.
IMPORTANT NOTE
--------------
SFSYSTEM should NOT be executed by jumping to DOS and modifying
parameters will SPITFIRE is in memory. SPITFIRE holds the established
settings in memory so before the changes can be effective, SPITFIRE
must be re-booted. You MUST exit out of SPITFIRE by pressing F10
or the changes you make will not be effective.
DISTRIBUTION
------------
SFSYSTEM is distributed under the shareware concept. You are
free to distribute the SFSYSTEM program as long as it remains
unmodified and no fee is charged. If you use this program and
find it beneficial a fee is required. A $1.00 fee is required
of registered SPITFIRE sysops and a $5.00 fee is required of
all others. This registration should be mailed to the below
listed address.
BUFFALO CREEK SOFTWARE
ATTN: Mike Woltz
913 - 39th Street
West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
DISCLAIMER
----------
Mike Woltz and/or Buffalo Creek Software shall in no way be held
responsible for any damage incurred while operating SPITFIRE. All
responsibility lies with the user of the software.
The documentation for SFSYSTEM is contributed by Jacque Shipley
and The Mother Board BBS. The shareware version of SPITFIRE
and other SPITFIRE utilities are available for download from:
Buffalo Creek's BBS The Mother Board BBS
Mike Woltz, Sysop Jacque Shipley, Sysop
(515) 225-8496 (515) 986-3464
38400/19200/9600/2400/1200 Baud 19200/9600/2400/1200 Baud