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ROS User's Guide Copyright 1990 Steven Fox All Rights Reserved Associated Information Services P.O. Box 13711 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87192-3711 The Albuquerque ROS - (505) 299-5974 ROS is a powerful message and file transfer system that works in conjunction with your computer to help you exchange private mail with other users, post public messages for others to read, download files for your own use, and upload files for others to use. If you are new to ROS, please take a little time to read through this manual. If you are already familiar with ROS, you may want to just browse, studying new commands as you go. ============================================================================ CONVENTIONS Throughout this guide, the characters "<" and ">" are used to indicate keystrokes that you type. For example: "Type the letter <R> to start the read operation." 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 pause until you press <Ctrl-Q>. <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. The word "archive" is used in this document to mean one or more files that are collected into a single file. Usually these component files will be compressed and a directory of what is contained within the archive can be made available with the proper software. Archives are very useful tools to group related files. For example, a single archive might contain source code, object or executable code, and documentation for a particular system. ============================================================================ PROMPTS System prompts are displayed while ROS is waiting for a command to either the Messages Menu or the Files Menu (described in more detail later). These prompts consist of several pieces of information: Minutes of connect time remaining Current menu Current area If an archive is open, the archive name For example, the following prompt indicates that you have 22 minutes remaining on the system, are currently in the Files Menu, and logged into the NEWIN file area: 22-File: NEWIN> If an archive is open, your prompt will include the name: 22-File: NEWIN [VECTOR.ZIP]> ============================================================================ COMMANDS AND SELECTIONS Commands consist of a single letter entered in upper or lower case and need not be followed by <Enter>. For example, to read a message, just enter the letter <r> (without the quotes). ROS will echo the whole word "Read" and execute the command. Several commands may require the entry of more than one character. This "selection" must be completed by hitting the <Enter> key. At that time, ROS will try to match what you have typed with possible choices. You only have to type enough characters to uniquely identify to ROS which selec- tion you want to make. Typing the entire name is usually not necessary. For example, assume the protocol list contains the following selections: Xmodem-1k Ymodem Zmodem In this case, typing a <Z> (followed by <Enter>) is sufficient to uniquely identify the desired protocol as "Zmodem." Another example would be in choosing a new message area. Assume the system has the following message areas: MAIL SENT POST PARTY-LINE Q&A If you want to select the POST area, you must type at least <PO> and then press <Enter>. If you were to type only , ROS would select the first matching choice, PARTY-LINE. ============================================================================ MESSAGES The following sections describe the commands that are available to write and read messages. <E>nter message Use this command to enter a message to another user, the sysop, or to all users. Several responses to the "Name>" prompt are accepted: <Enter> addresses the message to "All" and automatically makes the message "Public" Full name "Sysop" is the full name of the system operator First name ROS will then prompt for the "LAST name>" If a name is entered, ROS will check to see if the user is registered. If so, you will be asked if the message should be "Public." If you want users other than the addressee to be able to read the message, type <Y>. If you want only the addressee to be able to read the message, type <N>. If the user is not registered, you will be notified and returned to the Messages Menu prompt. During editing, the following commands are available: <L>ist Text This command will list the text of the message as it currently exists, including the header. <C>ontinue Entry This command allows you to continue entering text starting with the next sequential line. <S>ave Text This command stores the message to disk. <Q>uit Entry If the message contains any text, ROS will verify that this is the desired command and, if it is, will abandon the current message. All text entered in this message will be completely lost. <E>dit Line This command will ask for a line number. If that line exists, it will be listed and the cursor placed at the end of the line, waiting for line editing commands. <D>elete Line This command will ask for a line number. If that line exists, you will be asked to verify you want to delete the specified line. If you do, the line will be permanently deleted. nsert Line This command will ask for a line number. If that line exists, you will be placed in text entry mode. All text entered will be inserted before the specified line. <R>ead messages When given this command, ROS will prompt for the starting message number. If the message cannot be found, ROS will start with the next sequential message. If you enter a number lower than the lower number indicated in the brackets, ROS will start the with the lowest numbered message available in the selected message area. If you enter a number higher than the upper number indicated in the brackets, ROS will start with the highest numbered message available in the selected message area. If you press <Enter> without entering a number, ROS will start with the highest message you have already read. After the text of the message is displayed ROS accepts the following options: <N>ext This command brings up the next sequential message. If there are no more messages, ROS will return to the Messages Menu prompt. revious This command brings up the previous sequential message. If there are no more messages, ROS will return to the Messages Menu prompt. <C>ontinuous This command causes messages to display without pauses for commands or line counts ("More [Y/n] ?" messages) until a message sent by you or addressed to you is encountered or until there are no more messages. <R>eply Use this command to respond to the message you just read. ROS automatically addresses the message and places it in the same area. You will be given the option of making the message public or private. <F>orward This command allows you to readdress the message you just read to send it to another user. ROS will first verify that this is the intended command and then ask for the addressee name. You may enter any valid user name, including just the <Enter> key for "All." <D>elete If you are the author of the message or the addressee of a private message, ROS will ask if you want to delete it. Respond with either <Y> to delete the message or with <N> to retain the message. <Q>uit Use this command when you want to stop reading messages. ulletins Use this command to display information of general interest. ROS will prompt for the bulletin identifier. Enter the two letter id of the bulletin you want to read, a question mark (<?>) to display the directory of bulletins currently on file, or just hit <Enter> to return to the Messages Menu. age Sysop During certain hours, the sysop may be available to chat. When this command is entered, ROS 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. <C>atalog of messages This command will prompt for the starting message number in a manner similar to <R>ead. The message number, date entered, sender, and topic of messages will then be displayed. If the message is addressed to you, the message number will be followed with an asterisk ("*"). In the "SENT" message area, the sender name will be replaced with the name of the addressee. sers This command will alphabetically list the names of all the validated 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 prompt (refer to the section COMMANDS AND SELECTIONS). nformation This command lets you display ersonal or <S>ystem information. Select either or <S> to display accounting and statistical information about your personal activities or about those of the system in general. <S>ettings This command lets you alter your settings which are retained between calls. Sub-commands available are as follow: <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 will be sent normally. If you answer <N>, lower case letters will be converted to upper case before being sent to your computer. <A>NSI When enabled, ROS will send ANSI control sequences to display color and cursor positioning information on your computer. If your computer does not support ANSI, you will probably see gibberish on your screen. Enabling ANSI will automatically release the shift lock so that lower case letters can be seen. <D>isplay colors This command lets you select the colors to be displayed on your terminal. Since this uses ANSI control sequences, ROS will offer to enable ANSI if it is not already on. Once ANSI is enabled, ROS will display a menu of available colors and ask for a number from 0 to 127 that indicates the colors you have selected. <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. <L>ines per page To make reading long displays easier, 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 with "More [Y/n] ?" message. At this setting, the normal pause between messages is also suppressed and ROS will continue until all messages are displayed or stopped by typing <Ctrl-C>. rief toggle This command alternates the file <C>atalog display between brief and full modes. In the brief mode, only the file name and size will be shown. In the full mode, the file name, size, date, and description will be shown. <F>ilesize toggle This command alternates the display of file sizes between kilo-bytes and transfer time. The estimated minutes and seconds of transfer time is computed using your currently selected file transfer protocol and at your current connection rate. <T>ransfer protocol ROS, in conjunction with your telecommunications software, supports many file transfer protocols. As new protocols become available to improve reliability, speed, or other factors, this command lets you select the one you prefer. On the first transfer (upload or download) of a session, ROS will automatically ask you to select a protocol. The last protocol you used (even if it was days or weeks before) will be offered as the default. You may either hit <Enter> to retain that default or select a new protocol from the list. Should you wish to change protocols during a session, use this command. assword change When this command is executed, ROS will ask for your current password. If this is entered correctly, you will be asked to enter and verify a new password in a fashion similar to when you first logged onto the system. <X>pert toggle This command turns the automatic display of menus on and off. <A>rea select ROS supports several message areas allowing messages to be grouped by topic. This makes finding a particular message easier. After typing <A>, enter the name of the desired message area or press <?> 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 ROS will once again prompt for the message area. If an entry is not made before typing <Enter>, you will remain in the current area. As described in the section COMMANDS AND SELECTIONS you only need to enter enough characters to uniquely identify the particular area you wish to use. In addition to the message areas for specific topics, the following areas have special use: MAIL In this area, you will have access to all public messages or private mail addressed to you. SENT In this area, you will have access to all public messages or private mail you have sent. <M>ail This command is a shortcut method of getting to your personal mail. It acts exactly as it you selected <A>rea and then entered <MAIL> as the selected area. <F>iles Menu This command activates the Files Menu. <O>pen a door This command will offer a selection of doors through which programs such as games may be run. Enter the name of the door you are interested in and follow the instructions for that particular door. As described in the section COMMANDS AND SELECTIONS you only need to enter enough characters to uniquely identify the particular door you wish to open. <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. ROS will then display a logoff message and disconnect. ============================================================================ FILES The following sections describe the commands that are available for handling files. pload file This command is used to transfer files from your computer to ROS. ROS will receive the file using the protocol you currently have selected. Files will be received in a private area for later release, if appropriate. Before the transfer starts, ROS will ask for a short description of the file. This description will be added to the catalog to help other users determine if it is something they might find useful. <D>ownload file Use this command to transfer a file from ROS to your computer. After entering <D>, enter the file name to transfer. If ROS can find the file, it will display where it found the file, the approximate transfer time, and then the message "Ready to send 'filename'." Your communications program should then be set to receive the file using the specified transfer protocol. <T>ype file This command displays the contents of text files even if the file is "inside" an archive (refer to the <Z>oom command for additional information). <Ctrl-S>, <Ctrl-Q>, and <Ctrl-C> may be used as described in the CONVENTIONS section to pause and restart the display. <C>atalog of files This command displays the catalog of files in the current file area. If an archive is open (refer to the <Z>oom command for additional information), only those files in the archive 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 <F>ilesize description). The description of the file may be displayed, depending on the value of the "brief" toggle (see the description of the rief command). <N>ewin list This command displays files uploaded to the system since the date you specify. You may simply hit a <Enter> to instruct ROS to use your last logon date for the search. You may also specify a single area to search for new files or just hit <Enter> to have ROS search all file areas. <L>ocate file This command searches all file areas you have access to for files which match the file name you specify. As described in the section COMMANDS AND SELECTIONS, it is not necessary to use wildcards (<*> and <?>) since ROS will find all files whose first characters match the characters you specify. For example, if you specify "ADV", then ROS will find "ADVENTUR.ZIP," "ADV.ZIP," and any other file starting with the characters "ADV". <A>rea change When you logon, you will be placed in the file area you last used. To access other file areas in the system, type <A> at the Files Menu 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 ROS will once again prompt for the file area name. If an entry is not made before typing <Enter>, you will remain in the current file area. If an archive is open (refer to the <Z>oom command for additional information) when this command is entered, the archive will be closed before ROS prompts for the new file area. <Z>oom Unlike some systems that require a special door, ROS seamlessly integrates archives as part of the file menu. Pressing <Z> instructs ROS to "zoom in" or "open" an archive. ROS will ask for the archive name and then attempt the operation. If successful, subsequent <C>atalog and <T>ype commands will pertain to the files within that archive. In this way, reviewing text and documentation for an archive in which you are interested becomes very easy. If an archive is already open, entering <Z> will "zoom out" or "close" it and return to the main catalog. <M>essages Menu This command activates the Messages Menu. Other Commands The following commands, described in the MESSAGES MENU section are also available while in the FILES MENU: nformation <G>oodbye (logoff) <O>pen a door <S>ettings <X>pert toggle ============================================================================ EXAMPLE To see how some of these commands can be used, please review the following session by Joe User: Welcome to The Albuquerque ROS, Node 3 Steve Fox - Sysop Running ROS version 4.0 Serving Albuquerque and New Mexico since 1984 >>> 20,121 Files Totaling 825 Megabytes Online 24 Hours a Day <<< Multi-Line Service at 505-299-5974, 300-9600, N-8-1, MNP 1-5 While visiting, please ensure your activities are legal and in good taste. Name>Joe User Password> <= Joe's password does not echo Welcome back, Joe. Logon : 3:19 pm, Sunday, 19-Aug-1990 Last call : 8:17 pm, Friday, 17-Aug-1990 Times called : 213 Access level : 20 Time used : 990 Time available : 25 Last message read : 29177 Downloads Uploads Today : 0 0 k 0 0 k Total : 29 715 k 3 143 k You have mail: 28257 to 29178 Last that you've read: 29177 Do you want to check your mail [Y/n]? No Messages in POST: 28257 to 29180 Last that you've read: 29177 Albuquerque ROS - Messages Menu Exchange List Style Viewpoint -------------------------------------------------------------------- <E>nter message <C>atalog <S>ettings <A>rea select <R>ead messages sers <X>pert toggle <M>ail to you ulletins nformation <F>iles age sysop <O>pen a door <G>oodbye (logoff) 24-Messages: Xpert <= He turns off menus for now Expert mode - press "?" for menus. 24-Messages: POST>Area New message area, <Enter> to quit, or "?" for menu>Q&A "Q&A" not found. Message areas currently available: DP GAMES IBM JOBS MAIL NOVELL POST Q-A ROS SENT SPORTS TANDY New message area, <Enter> to quit, or "?" for menu>Q-AM He missed it the first time, but now has the name right Messages in Q-A: 28268 to 29148 Last that you've read: 28273 24-Messages: Q-A>Enter From: Joe User Addressee name or <Enter> for all>All <= Joe just hit the <Enter> key Subject>Help running WordPerfect 5.1 To return to command mode, enter an empty line. Ready... 1>I'm looking for a good book that will help me use WordPerfect 5.1. 2>Any recommendations? 3> Joe 4> Edit command>Save Public message 29149 filed at 3:21 pm, Sunday, 19-Aug-1990 22-Messages: Q-A>Files <= Now he changes to the Files Menu 22-Files: EDIT>? <= He's forgotten a command and asks for some help Albuquerque ROS - Files Menu Exchange List Style Viewpoint -------------------------------------------------------------------- pload file <C>atalog <S>ettings <A>rea select <D>ownload file <N>ewin list <X>pert toggle <Z>oom archive <T>ype file <L>ocate file <M>essages nformation <O>pen a door <G>oodbye (logoff) 22-Files: EDIT>Area New file area, <Enter> to quit, or "?" for menu>. <= He enters "." knowing it won't be found. This gets him a short list. He could have entered "?" to get a long list with descriptions. "." not found. File areas currently available: ACCOUNTING AI ART ART-GIF ART-GRASP ART-MAC ART-PCX ART-PIC ART-RLE ARTICLES ASTRO AUTOCAD DEMO DESQVIEW DL02 DL03 DL05 DL08 DRAWING DUSTY EDIT EGA GAMES GEOLOGY HAM HOME HP-FONTS HP-UTILS LAN LANG LASU LOGON MISC NASA NEWIN OTHER-BBS PATCH PC-MAG ROS-NET ROS-PC SCHOOL SOUND SPREADSHEET TC TC-BBS TC-DOORS TC-DRIVERS TC-FOSSIL UTIL-FILE UTIL-KEY UTIL-MENU UTIL-PRINT UTIL-SCREEN UTIL-SYSTEM VIRUS WINDOWS New file area, <Enter> to quit, or "?" for menu>NEW <= Note that he didn't have to type the complete word "NEWIN". 22-Files: NEWIN>Catalog +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | NEWIN * * * * * * N E W U P L O A D S * * * * * * | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ 192HST10.ZIP 14k 8/11/90 Information on HST 9600 ADDCOL.ZIP 8k 8/11/90 Merge your files SIDE by SIDE! BARSTER.ZIP 20k 8/14/90 Bart Simpson in action CANOE.GIF 196k 8/19/90 SUNSCAN Sharp JX-100 sample image 640x 480x256 CSD1_1.ZIP 12k 8/16/90 College selection database v1.1 DIAGCODE.ZIP 4k 8/17/90 List of PC error codes and descriptions E2A.ZIP 14k 8/12/90 EBCDIC to ASCII Converter HANDSOFF.ZIP 22k 8/11/90 A burglar alarm for your computer LIST74A.ZIP 88k 8/14/90 List v7.4a; replaces DOS TYPE command <= He sees a file he might want and types <Ctrl-C>. 21-Files: NEWIN>Zoom Archive name>LIST74A Name Length Method SF Size now Mod Date Time CRC ============ ======== ======== ==== ======== ========= ======== ======== ARCE.DOC 9801 Imploded 60 3863 14 May 90 04:06:00 1E63CF40 ARCE.EXE 5467 Stored 0 5467 14 May 90 04:06:00 E3FFC223 COLOR.PAT 236 Shrunk 28 170 03 Feb 90 07:30:30 50FE22DC DIALER.PAT 201 Shrunk 14 173 03 Feb 90 07:30:30 DF6E678E FV.DOC 6557 Imploded 62 2444 18 Jul 90 01:31:00 2CB3E92E FV.EXE 5771 Stored 0 5771 18 Jul 90 01:31:00 7E9C6A32 LICENSE 9290 Imploded 60 3670 06 Aug 90 07:40:00 0455B70D LIST.COM 20927 Imploded 28 15055 08 Aug 90 13:04:16 AABFB51E LIST.DOC 105245 Imploded 71 30107 08 Aug 90 12:48:46 53F69D85 LIST.HST 7547 Imploded 62 2828 08 Aug 90 11:14:02 4243DEBA LISTR.COM 10973 Imploded 23 8435 08 Aug 90 13:04:00 72776530 LISTS.COM 9645 Imploded 21 7565 08 Aug 90 13:03:42 FBCE4E0C MAILER 1357 Imploded 73 361 06 Aug 90 07:40:00 CAE6A017 WHATSNEW 7220 Imploded 61 2772 06 Aug 90 07:40:00 A8E0A779 ============ ======== ======== ==== ======== ========= ======== ======== *total 14 200237 ZIP 1.10 54% 89987 08 Aug 90 13:04:16 21-Files: NEWIN [LIST74A.ZIP]>Type File name>LIST.DOC <= Joe reads a couple of pages and decides he wants the file. He presses ^C to interrupt the listing and return to the prompt. 19-Files: NEWIN [LIST74A.ZIP]>Zoom LIST74A.ZIP closed. 19-Files: NEWIN>Download File transfer protocols currently available: HYPERP JMODEM KERMIT MLINK XMODEM XMODEM-1K YMODEM YMODEM-G ZMODEM New protocol or <Enter> for ZMODEM> <= Joe just hits <Enter> ZMODEM selected. File name>LIST74A.ZIP File area : NEWIN File size : 89987 bytes Protocol : ZMODEM Estimate : 6.4 minutes Ready to send LIST74A.ZIP <= The file is transferred to Joe's computer. 13-Files: NEWIN>Goodbye Do you want to end this session and logoff [Y/n]? Yes Thanks for stopping by, Joe. You were online for 00:12 and have 00:13 remaining today. Disconnecting from The Albuquerque ROS at 3:31 pm, Sunday, 19-Aug-1990. Adios...