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1993-03-29
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March 28, 1993
NetInfo.exe Copyright (c) 1992 G. K. Pace
All Rights Reserved!
Version 4.02
NetInfo is a database/reporting utility for FidoNet Nets. It will scan
a message base for messages addressed to it and act upon the "controls"
placed in the body of the message. It will then generate a message report
to be sent back to the requestor. It is designed for the purpose of
creating maintaining, and distributing in a secure fashion, a Sysops'
Information list, containing the "personal" information often needed and
typically known as the "voice-list".
When run, it will scan the specified message path for messages
addressed to it. If it finds one it will record what ever input data was
sent in a datafile. It will then create a message reply to the sender with
their data, requesting their review of it. If the sender requested a list
the return message will be setup for file-attaching the text file to the
requester.
Atho NetInfo was primarily designed for use within a Net, it supports
full INTL addressing, so it is not limited to use within a Net,
participants in a particular NetInfo Host system can be from different
Nets, Zones, and even Networks. The only requirement is that they be
capable of sending/recieving FidoNet "style" mail.
The Netinfo System consists of a "Host" and participants. The Host sets
up NetInfo for scanning of NetMail and sending of replies to the
participants. The participants maintain the data in their file by sending
NetMail addressed to NetInfo at the Host address. Any participant may at
any time send a message to NetInfo for the purposes of updating or deleting
their record in the database, or to retrieve an updated listing containing
the information from all who participate. Once a participant deletes their
record, they are denied access to retrieve an updated list, unless they
reinstate their information.
The participant is the "owner" of their information. Their information
cannot be modified (other than deleted) by the Host, or anyone else. The
information supplied is optional - there are not any requirements as to how
much information or its accuracy placed upon the participants by NetInfo.
The input of data is protected by password, and tests verifying that the
Name matches the message originating address. A participant who plans to
change addresses should delete their record, and input a new record with
the new address. The Host can delete records, for this purpose as well.
The control of who can particpate is maintained by the NetInfo Host.
NetInfo requires a control file containing an INTL address and pass-phrase
for each particpant who is/will be using NetInfo from that host. If a
message to "NetInfo" is recieved and scanned, it will not be processed if
it is a "pass-thru" or In-Transient message. NetInfo only reads mail
addressed to it. Netinfo tests the message for the proper "From:" Name,
and pass-phrase - a violation is reported to the Host, and to the Owner of
the record for which access was attempted. Note that such errors are not
returned to "Sender" but rather to the Owner of the record. This can serve
as a warning that someone is attempting to access the Netinfo data using a
forged origin address. If the attempt was a genuine mistake, the reply
serves as evidence of the problem so that it can be corrected.
The output lists NetInfo will produce and return upon request come in
two flavors... an abreviated list, and a list containing more information
for each particpant.
SETUP:
NetInfo requires a configuration file with the same name as the
executable filename, but with and an extention of .INI. (i/e Netinfo.ini)
NetInfo also requires a control file containing the INTL addresses of those
who are authorized use of NetInfo, along with a pass-phrase for each. The
pass-phrase is not case-sensitive, and may contain spaces... the length of
this ascii string must not exceed 71 characters.
NetInfo will only accept messages addressed to it, at the Node
address setup in the configuration file. Due to this, any "passthru"
messages destined for a NetInfo at another Node address will not be
intercepted. If you desire to operate NetInfo as a Host for more than one
group, (say for instance a FidoNet Net, and another Net...) you can setup
another NetInfo system by copying NetInfo.exe to another name, and setting
it up with a differently configured configuration file. (i/e copy
Netinfo.exe to Netinf.exe with a config file of Netinf.ini) The limit to
this is that you cannot have the same user "INTL" addresses for each, as
the first to process an enabled INTL address will mark the message as
recieved.
The setup of the configuration and control files are explained in
the accompanying NetInfo.ini and Netinfo.ctl files. You must modify these
to suit your needs.
NetInfo can be setup to be run as an event following the reciept
of mail, or as an event occuring at a specified time (just prior to
sending mail?). It will scan the specified mail directory for messages
addressed to it, creating replys to the sender of the messages as
appropiate.
NetInfo will not return a message to a Node that is not listed in
the control file!
NetInfo REQUIRES the password to be in the Subject field of the
message addressed to it. If the message is addressed from a node listed
in the control file and the password is correct and (except for new
entries) if the message is from the Sysop listed in the database for the
node, it will scan the message body for directive "keys" which instruct
it where to insert the information into the database or to return a
report of what is there.
If the message does not contain any directives, NetInfo will
return the information contained in the database for the node, so that
the Sysop can review it for accuracy. The directives that NetInfo
recognizes are:
-C Co sysop name Max. 35 Characters.
-A Sysop Mail Address Max. 70 Characters.
-P Voice Phone number Max. 14 Characters.
-D BBS Phone Number Max. 14 Characters.
-O AKA i/e 1:374/600.0 Max. 23 Characters.
-N BBS Name Max. 35 Characters.
-T BBS Type Max. 35 Characters.
-B BBS Baud & Type Max. 26 Characters.
-F Features Max. 70 Characters.
-L Return Public type list.
-X Return Private type list (overrides -L).
-? Return this List of Directives.
-Z Delete Your Record!
To delete a field use the directive space CR.
Example:
-A 1369 Tropical Bush, Hidden Valley Florida, 32718
-P
(the above field will be deleted)
The difference between the -L and -X reports, is that the -L
report will not contain the BBS information, address and misc. fields.
NetInfo will report errors that occur when processing messages. If
an error occurs NetInfo will return a message to the Sysop of the node
informing them of the error and will report the pertinent info concerning
the error to the Host running NetInfo. To record this information NetInfo
can be configured to produce a logfile.
NetInfo returns zero (0) as normal - no database changes made, one (1)
as normal - database changes and new files written.
To provide further security of this Net Information system, you
can setup a batch file to password archive them using PKZIP or another
archiving utility that supports this feature. The password used being given
to those who will legitimately recieve the files.
This Utility has been developed with the assistance of Christopher
Baker Sysop @ 1:374/14, and Dennis Wren @ 1:374/73. Many of the features
and functions of NetInfo were originated by Chris... and Dennis was
exceptionally proficient at the "torture testing" to verify it's usability
and security... NetInfo wouldn't be what it is with out their input!
About Licensing... NetInfo is copyrighted material, and all rights
to it are reserved. You can use it for a limited time to try it out...
but must REGISTER it for continued use. License fees are reasonable, and
FidoNet Sysops operating a Public accessible, non-fee, Bulletin Board
System, or FidoNet Sysops operating a "Host" mail-only system which is
operated on a non-fee basis serving others in the FidoNet, will find the
registration fee to be VERY reasonable... commercial users, Government
users, and anyone who charges Users a fee will pay a little more for the
use of NetInfo. <This is my policy on all of my FidoNet utilities>
For further information, comments, criticism, or to register the use
of NetInfo, please contact me at:
G. K. Pace
3935 Baker Ave.
Titusville, Fl. 32796
(407)269-3088 (voice)
(407)269-9844 (BBS)
FidoNet @ 1:374/26
Freq the Latest from 1:374/26 using the magic name NetInfo.
PS: Have a good day!