The Original Shareware 1.1/The Original Shareware (WeMake CDs)(Volume 1.1)(CDs, Inc)(1993).iso/1/wcnews.zip/WCNEWS.TXT

Text File | 1988-05-29 | 19KB | 426 lines

                         WILDCAT! News === updated 4-2-88

NOTE:  This information is intended to let individuals know what the latest
enhancements are in the Registered User version we are currently shipping.

Why is it Sysop's never know just what is going on with their BBS software.
Well, we are going to do everything possible to keep you informed of the
status of WILDCAT!

By registering your version of WILDCAT!, your REGISTERED version will have
the all the changes included through version 1.10.

Major Enhancements planned in future versions:

      Version 1.20  - SEAdog support (Net Mail Support)
                      Improved message handling, renumbering messages,
                      true message threading.

      Version 1.30  - File/Record Locking.  Multiple node.

===============================================================================
                          LISTED IN REVERSE ORDER
===============================================================================

Registered Version 1.12 is scheduled for shipment sometime in April and
will be mailed automatically to each user who currently has Version 1.11.

Here are a list of changes:

1.  This version has been rewritten under the new Turbo Pascal Compiler
which creates a 280K .EXE file instead of .COM and .CHN files.  Memory
requirements for this version have been reduced to 340K.  We're working
on an Overlay Version which should get us down in the 256K area.

2.  All video routines have been upgraded under the new compiler.  We have
eliminated all the video bugs which were in 1.11.  Plus all the screen
writing is approx 30% faster on the local console.

3.  This version is 100% DESQview Compatable.  This version runs VERY WELL
under DESQview Version 2.01.  It is quick and flexable.

4.  I have re-designed the Check Mail Routines and [T]o and [F]rom message
reading procedures.  I deleted the MSGTO and MSGFROM Indexes and created a
new Index called MSGTF.IDX which helped in speeding things up.

5.  All the Database routines have been Optimized and tightened up.  I've
taken considerable steps to make sure the .DAT files are always flushed
in case the system is locked up because of an External Protocol or Local
Drop to DOS.  This includes the Message Database, which I believe will
not be causing anyone ANY problems in the future.  Time will tell, I guess.

6.  I have added a display file called AFTERDOS.BBS which is displayed
when returning from a Live Program or Remote Drop to DOS.

7.  Added an additional Index file (USRSEC.IDX) which allows the Match Set
while viewing User Records to be much faster in the larger Databases.

8.  The user is told that a bulletin is updated if the bulletin's date and
TIME is greater then their last long-on.  We used to only check for the date
being equal to or greater, now we check both.

9.  The user is told if the [N]ewsletter file has been upgraded as well.
Note, instead of hard coding the message, I just display whatever you have
for the Menu Description line.

10. I've had to rewrite FIXMSG, FIXUSERS, FIXFILES because of all the
changes in this version.  USERS & FILES is about 30% faster and FIXMSG is
as fast as the disk will let it.  Let me just say, I hope to not hear any
more about FIXMSG being slooow.

11. WC now looks for PROTOCOL.BBS in the display area, instead of the
home directory.

12. MAKEWILD has been revised under the new compiler and new structure.

13. I have written a new program called UPGRADE which will automatically
upgrade everything from 1.11 to 1.12.  It even makes a backup first!

14.  Added the ability to address Comm Ports 3 & 4.

15.  Now when you add files into the Files Database, it will check to see
if the file exist on disk and if it does it will pull the File Size and
File Date.

16.  The Sysop now has the ability to Abort a User's Download while
in progress using <CTRL> [PgDn].

17.  The user is not prompted to read the Bulletin Menu if there isn't
a BULLETIN.BBS file.  (Why didn't I think of that <grin> )

18.  Added [N]onStop Message Reading.  (Spacebar will Stop Messages)

19.  Reading Marked Mail no longer advances your last message read
marker, so you can Read Since after you read all your Marked Mail.

20.  Added the ability to write a user a message right from the User
Maintenence Screen.

More still to come...
                    ...Jim

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

Registered Version 1.11  was shipped on 1/27/88 as a FREE upgrade to
1.10 users.  It was automatically  mailed to each registered user.

The following are minor "fixes" to problems reported and documented in version
1.10:

1.   Fixed the -More- Prompt so if the user changes it to No in [Y]our
     settings, it would be correctly stored for their next call.

2.   Fixed the Security Violation Error Message so it is addressed to the
     actual Sysop's Name instead of 'SYSOP'.

3.   Changed the logic on the Daily Download Bytes Limit.  If the file they
     are going to download would put them over their daily limit, then they
     won't be allowed the file.

4.   Comments to the Sysop no longer create a return message receipt
     automatically.

5.   Fixed the 'ERROR finding user at log-off'

6.   Fixed the Sysop Note in the Questionnaire.

7.   WILDCAT! now handles ASCii 127 as a Backspace.

8.   Fixed QDONExxx.BBS displays

9.   New users are now told of all the bulletins available when they first
     sign on.

10.  Fixed Colors for AT&T 6300 machines

11.  Fixed the ACTIVITY.LOG disappearing problem.  It was related to ASCii
     uploads (which wasn't working -  hence was fixed also).

12.  Fixed the String Length exceeds 255 problem. It  involved the QUOTES File
     having lines > 255 characters.  We now limit each line of the quote to 80
     Characters.

13.  Printing the Userlog now uses the correct 66 lines, instead of 67.

14.  When sending the Startup Strings, we now can send a &C1 to lower carrier
     when initializing WILDCAT! for the first time.

15.  External Uploads now credit the user with the correct Upload K credit.

16.  The users last date called is now updated when they first sign on,
     instead of at sign-off.  This allows the user to get their full time the
     next day even if the signed off earlier that morning.

17.  Corrected the Dropped carrier detection problem in the message database.

18.  The PRELOG file can now be 23 lines without going into the bottom "Sysop"
     window.

19.  Changes made to the user's record (items 25 & 26) are now saved (they
     previously were ignored).

20.  Auto Log-off after an external protocol now correctly shows the log-off
     as NORMAL.

21.  Fixed the 1 Character wrap on the file upload prompt.

22.  We now update the user's download count before DOWNLDOK.BBS is displayed.

The following are additional features added to version 1.11:

1.   Questionnaire & Sysop Comments no longer have the "----" lines between
     each comment line.

2.   Changed the wording on Listing files

3.   Added additional line filtering when the User is Signing on.  No
     Characters above the ASCii value of 127 should be allowed when they enter
     their name.  We have also changing the wording for New Users
     confirmation.  Rather than asking if they are a new user, we ask if their
     name is spelled correctly.

4.   Added a new display file COMMENTS.BBS.  If you have a file called
     COMMENT.BBS, the file will be displayed when COMMENTS to the Sysop is
     requested and the user will be prompted if they want to continue
     (entering a comment, that is).

5.   Added additional line filtering in several areas.

6.   While we were in the Questionnaire we added color to the questions,
     removed the actual question numbers, because with branching it really
     isn't needed, and added reference numbers in the .ANS file.  We (users)
     should be able to write utilities to analyze the .ANS files.

Note:  We are aware of video problems that have materialized on some
combinations of cards, monitors and systems.  The exact combinations seems
to be varied, but usually it involves a Hercules or compatible monochrome
display adapter.  Usually the problem appears as an incorrect display
after a download window, Sysop help (HOME), or online upgrade (F9).  It is
annoying but easily corrected by pressing ALT W twice to switch the
display window type.  We expect this situation to be fully corrected in
version 1.20 with the TURBO PASCAL 4.0 virtual window and video routines.

REGISTERED v 1.10     (Released to REGISTERED users on 10/18/87)

 1.  Added two new protocols for modems that support MNP: Ymodem-G, & Imodem.
     Plus we added the ability to shell to other protocols like PCKermit,
     WXmodem and DSZ modem.

 2.  Added the ability to go to the file section from the message menu and
     vice-versa.

 3.  Added PRELOG.BBS to be displayed before WILDCAT! asks what the users
     name is.

 4.  Added the ability for the user to select HOT KEYS action from WILDCAT!
     By selecting HOT KEYS, WILDCAT! will not wait for [ENTER] to process
     a command.  The user can turn this option on from the [Y]our Settings
     option.

 5.  Change the Tab length from 8 spaces to 5.  Also, we now allow ASCii
     graphics in the Message Area.

 6.  Expanded security levels to accommodate an additional 4 security levels
     for a new total of 18 possible levels.

 7.  Added additional code to all the B+Tree routines.  This should
     eliminate 99% of all the DBOX errors.  This was accomplished by
     adding a routine to duplicate the file handles on all the database
     files and indexes when an update is made to the database, thus
     flushing the DOS buffers.  Now the only time that data can become
     corrupted due to a system crash is if the crash occurs during this
     flushing, which is after each update.  That window of vulnerability
     is  a small number of microseconds, and occurs only at the actual
     moment that the program outputs a new data record or index key.  This
     does mean that the our routines involving the database activities
     will be slower, however we feel the extra time is worth the
     additional insurance.

 8.  Uploads/Downloads now display the type of transfer the user selected.

 9.  You can now define separate paths for:
               A).  Bulletins
               B).  Menu (.SCR) files
               C).  Help Files
               D).  Display Files
               E).  External Protocols

     This was designed to allow you to better organize your hard drive and
     also allow you to place most of the 'TEXT' files on a RAM DISK! (That
     is, if you have an above board card, or RAMPage!

10.  If a name is found in the BADLIST.BBS, the name is now listed in the
     activity log so you can see which name was used!

11.  Added a new display file PREUP.BBS before a user uploads a file, or after
     they selected the [U]pload option.

12.  Added 'BIRTHDAY.BBS' as a display file which is sent when (or if) the user
     calls on their birthday.

13.  We have added the ability for Password protected files to NOT be displayed
     in the file listings.

14.  We now support <CTRL> S Flow Control.  <CTRL> S will Start/Stop flow and
     <CTRL> Q will begin flow.  <CTRL> C and <CTRL> K will stop the screen
     flow.

15.  If <CTRL> C is in your display file, to not allow the file to be aborted,
     we now have removed the [S]top command from the -- More -- prompt.

16.  Added Imodem, Ymodem-G and well as the ability to shell to other external
     protocols to the upload section.

17.  We ask for the file description before the upload starts instead of after,
     this will help get more descriptions before users fall asleep.

18.  Fixed the bug which was allowing the cursor to get into the Sysop bottom
     window.  (Yea!)

19.  The Users Maximum Download K allowed per day is now configurable by
     each security level, instead of one maximum for all users.

20.  Added a new display command (^S^P) this will cause the -- More -- prompt
     to be displayed.

21.  When dropping to DOS, WILDCAT! no longer re-initializes the modems upon
     re-entry, therefore the caller can remain ONLINE.

22.  Added LIVE PROGRAMS or DOORS.  We are still working on compatability,
     however it looks like we'll be able to use PC-Board's DOORS.

23.  We now display the subject of the message on Comments, Replys, Uploads,
     etc... Plus, we have added (R) in front of the subject if in fact it is
     a reply to a message.

24.  Re-designed the [S]can Message feature to allow more information to be
     displayed.  Let me know what you think of the new display.

25.  le-worked WILDCAT! code to run in 360K (Even with all the new code which
     has been added).

26.  I have fixed the bug involving the users daily time limit, before if the
     user was given 100 minutes per day, but your logon time limit was set to
     60 minutes then the user never received the extra 40 minutes on their next
     call.  Now it does.

27.  I have fixed the Paged Sysop routines, now even if the Page Toggle (Not
     the Bell) is turned off, if it is within paging hours, then the system will
     allow the page.  If the Page toggle is on, then paging will remain on
     regardless of the paging hours.

28.  I have cleaned up the Print User Log feature off of the sysop menu, let me
     know if you like the new format.

29.  Rick suggested I standardize on [] instead of <> thoughout the code.

30.  Added additional Color to several prompts.

31.  Added Clear Screens before the menus are displayed.

32.  Fixed all the QUOTES.BBS problems.  This file will correctly index to
     to the next quote after every call now. <Grin>

33.  Corrected the answer phone routines in WILDCAT!  Now if you have
     WILDCAT! answer the phone by Ring Detect we will issue an 'ATA'.
     If you use S0=1 in your initialization string or you have your
     modem dip switch to Auto Answer, then WILDCAT! will turn control
     over to your modem when ring is detected until carrier is
     establised.  (This is the way I should have done it in the first
     place!)  Most (or all) of you are really relying on Auto Answer,
     even though you have it set up as Ring Detect in MAKEWILD.  This
     version will correctly handle the call either way!

34.  I changed a lot of little things that users have requested for a long
     time like:
           A.  If you only allow a user to upload to one area or leave
               messages in one folder then they are no longer prompted
               for the area.
           B.  If the user doesn't have access to the bulletin menu then
               they are not prompted for the bulletin menu at logon.
           C.  If the user interupts a Color Menu then we reset the colors
               to their proper colors.
           D.  Added number of bytes the file contains before a download
               is started.
     I know there is more, but I can't remember. <Grin>

35.  Download Ratio Warning is displayed BEFORE the user downloads a file
     instead of after.

36.  The Sysop can configure (in MAKEWILD) wheather or not they want to
     clear the screen before menus are displayed.

37.  The Sysop can configure the forground color for their local monitor
     for dynamic menus.

38.  Since we now overlay several of the .CHN files, the Sysop can configure
     the drive & path for the .CHN's to reside.

39.  AT&T PC6300 users with Monochrome monitors will be happy to learn they
     can now foce WILDCAT! into MONO mode via MAKEWILD.

40.  Added additional line filtering, so WILDCAT! should keep most of the
     line noise filtered out of the system.

41.  Added the ability to view the contents of an ARC file right from the
     file menu.

42.  Added the ability to read an ASCii text file right from the Files Menu.

43.  Multiple download support for external protocols.  Now users can batch
     download upto 7 times at a time.

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

SHAREWARE 1.03

1.  Fixed a bug in the file listing area.  The listing would not include files
that started with numbers.

2.  Added the ability to lock the comm port at any rate and not change the
rate when a call comes in.  Some modems like the USR HST will allow you to
lock the comm port at 19.2k so WILDCAT! and the modem will communicate at
19.2K and the modem takes care of all the flow control to the remote
terminal.  This increases throughput and makes the communication at 9600
baud just fly!  Other 2400 baud modems (that support this type of locking)
could be locked at 9600 to increase the throughput for 2400 baud calls.

3.  Fixed the [HOME] bug that was causing some problems on some systems.

4.  Fixed a problem (in the commercial version only) with moving files
across drives.

5.  Changed the way NEW files are displayed to the callers.  We no longer
display NEW files by area, which helped speed up the listing considerably.

6.  Turned off the inactivity timer when the sysop drops to DOS locally.

7.  Fixed a bug involving the Check B_Day & Phone number options.  If you
enter a zero in either one of these options, it would crash the system with
a division by zero error.

8.  Added a Memo Date field to the User file.  This will be handy for
subscription boards.

9.  Added two more imbedded control codes listing:
      The User's Memo Date
      The User's Maximum number of DL permitted per day.

10.  Changed the printer error routine, so it should work with more printers.

11.  Fixed the ^B toggle to turn off the -- More -- prompt.

12.  Fixed a bug in the file maintenance.  Seems if you moved a bunch of
     files, WILDCAT! would skip a few when getting the next file.

13.  We now support Color Bulletins as well as a color bulletin menu.

14.  The Sysop can have the user's password not shown on the local console.

15.  Added additional error checking for an incorrect filename when users are
uploading files.

16.  Fixed a bug in the questionnaire involving drop carrier.

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