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┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ File Library Manager (FLM) by Derek Bryant (c) 1992 ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Copyright (c) 1992 by Derek Bryant
All Rights Reserved
The Total Filebase Manager for RA/QBBS/SBBS Bulletin Board Systems
Shareware Edition Documentation
Release 2.10
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
▒▒ TABLE OF CONTENTS ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Chapter 1 - License and Registration
License
Registration
Warranty
Chapter 2 - Introduction and Installation
Preface
Introduction
Installation
Subscription System
Chapter 3 - Configuration Menu
File Storage
File Lists
Menu
Protocols
Archivers
Externals
System
BBS Options
BBS Colours
Allfiles Lists
Chapter 4 - Viewer/Editor
Area Lists
Global Lists
The Record Card
Moving/Copying/Deleting Files
Block Marking
Deleting The ScrapList
Adding Newfiles
Chapter 5 - Utilities
Adopting Files
Verifying File Information
Re-Sorting Alphabetic
Verifying Counts
Automatic Check For Virus
Sorting Area Lists
Creating Allfiles Lists
Creating Newfiles Lists
Creating ANS/ASC Reports
Exporting to Files.bbs
Chapter 5 - Running FLM in BBS Mode
List Viewing
File Searching
Newfiles Listing
Downloading
Uploading
Support ANS/ASC Files
Chapter 6 - Statistics
Upload Sessions
Uploaders File
Download Sessions
Downloaders File
Usage Statistics
Filebase Information
Chapter 7 - Credits
Chapter 8 - Appendix
A - Extended use of FLSEARCH.CTL File
B - FILES.BBS description files
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
▒▒ LICENCE ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
FLM2 is SHAREWARE, user supported software. FLM2 is made available for a
free 30 day trial period. If you find the program of use and wish to
continue using it, you are obliged to purchase a personal license.
FLM2 is copyrighted software, and all rights are reserved. FLM2 may not
be changed or modified in any way except by the author. FLM2 is
SHAREWARE, and may be freely distributed without permission, as long as
it remains in its complete form with all support and documentation files.
No files may be added or taken away from the original Archived form in
which FLM2 is distributed. Regardless of how the copy is obtained, it is
requested that all users comply with the licensing and registration
provisions if they continue to use FLM2 after an initial 30 day
evaluation period.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
▒▒ REGISTRATION ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Registration of FLM2 provides you with the License to continue using FLM2
after the 30 day Evaluation period. Registration of the SHAREWARE
Edition costs UK Stg 19.00
See accompanying file REGISTER.TXT for a registration form and payment
details.
There is a Professional Edition of FLM2 with many more features and
enhancements than the SHAREWARE Edition. The Professional Edition IS NOT
Shareware, it is a fully commercial product only available direct from
the Author or approved Vendor sites. The Professional Edition costs UK
Stg 39.00 and will not work without a Personal Registration Code. Users
who have previously registered the Shareware Edition can upgrade to the
Professional Edition for UK Stg 20.00
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
▒▒ WARRANTY ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
The author makes no warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied.
This includes, but is not limited to, implied warranties or
merchantability, and fitness for any particular purpose with respect to
both the software and the documentation included in this package.
IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT,
CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY
TO USE THIS PRODUCT EVEN IF THE AUTHOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR CLAIM.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
▒▒ PREFACE ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
There were three prime objectives for writing FLM.
1) a system where I could interrogate the files in my filebase, be able
to describe files, and manage the lists and location of each file
quickly and easily.
2) Provide an easy and fast system for my users, so they could locate
the files they wanted and download quickly.
3) Provide a system that could be built on, with adaptation to new
storage medias, such as CD-Rom and offline tape streamers, etc.
In all respects, I think we have surpassed all expectations. For me FLM
is a angel from heaven. Now I have 25,000 files and spend less time
managing the filebase than I did when I only had 1,000 files. Safe in
the knowledge that the files have all been Virus checked, and put into
the format I like.
I hope FLM allows you to manage your filebase equally as well, leaving
you more time to provide a quality service for your users.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
▒▒ INTRODUCTION ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
FLM is both a file 'Door' for your BBS and a manager for your filebase.
The system operates independently of any existing file systems you have
already setup on your BBS, but routines are provided to install FLM from
what you have.
FLM2 works on the basis that a filebase consists of :
a) Storage Areas where files are actually stored, whether they be
directories on your Hard Disk, or CD-Rom, or floppy disks or Tape
Streamers. Flm2 provides for upto 65,000 different Storage Areas,
with a security system against each.
b) File Lists are displayed to the user. FLM provides powerfull
facilities for editing these lists so that users can see what files
you have. FLM allows you to have upto 65,000 lists, thay usually
are linked to a particular Store, but they don't have to be. For
instance, you could define 50 file stores covering files you have
on 50 floppy disks, but could list them all on just the one list.
c) Menus - which give a structure to your filebase. FLM allows upto
250 different Menus, and each menu can have upto 200 different
options on it. So you could contain your existing RA/Qbbs filebase
all on one Menu.
d) Security - determines what a specific user is allowed to access
from your filebase. FLM has security systems to govern what a user
is allowed to see, download and upload.
The idea of defining Lists and Storage Areas as separate objects may seem
over the top, but it does provide FLM2 with features not previously
available to a BBS filebase. Take the example of a Sysop who has aquired
a CD-ROM disc for his BBS. The disc contains thousands of programs he
didn't previously have, but at the same time it contains many files which
the sysop now has newer versions. The sysop could setup separate file
areas for both the CD-ROM and his existing directories, in which case his
users would then have to look in two separate but similar file areas for
the files they want. Alternatively with FLM2, you could show the users
just one List even though files are stored in different directories.
Having just the one List, as sysop you would then be able to see where
duplications exist and delete the duplicate files from your Hard Disk, or
delete the record in the FLM database for the older versions on the
CD-Rom disc.
Please note, having 4 sets of security levels to set can get a bit
confusing, so to emphasise what governs what here's a brief breakdown.
- The Security Levels set for a Storage area govern whether the user will
be allowed to download or see the file.
- The Security Levels set against a List, govern whether that List will
be offered as an option on a Menu.
- The Security Levels set against a Menu, govern whether that Menu will be
offered as an option to the user.
Whether on multi or single line systems, FLM2 uses a central database
stored usually in a directory \FLM2DATA Each line however has it's own
configuration file FLM2CFG.DTA stored in the directory from which the
program is run.
With this briefly in mind, lets now go on and actually get FLM installed.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
▒▒ INSTALLATION ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Having now un-archived the distribution archive, locate the following
files into the directory where you have your BBS software, alternatively
locate them somewhere in your DOS path.
FLM2.EXE FLM2.OVR FLM2HELP.LBR
Now create a data directory for FLM, say \FLM2DATA. Locate in this
directory the following files:
ARCHIVER.FLM PROTOCOL.FLM
FLM2 is designed to work on both Single and Multiline systems, but you
will need to allow FLM2 to create a config file for each line. This file
FLM2CFG.DTA will reside in the directory from which FLM2 is run for that
line. It contains the paths to your various directories and most
important the path to FLM2's central database.
On initial installation the config input screen will show, but you are
able to later make any changes to it by running from the DOS command line
FLM2 editcfg
The Paths Definitions window asks you to enter the following:
FLM Data Path : a directory where all of FLM's datafiles are stored.
when using FLM on a multiline system, have each config
pointing to the same directory.
BBS Type : the options are R for Remote Access
S for SuperBBS
E for EasiHost
BBS Syst Path : the directory where your BBS system files are stored.
at the moment, the only file FLM will be looking for
in here is the USERON.BBS file.
TXT File Path : the directory where FLM is to locate the ANS/ASC reports
MSG Base Path : - not used -
Work Drive : the drive FLM is to use for all intermediate work.
don't set this to a RAM drive.
Log Format : Logfile style that FLM is to create. There are 3 options
N - FLM will not log anything
O - FLM will create a Opus style log
F - FLM will create a FrontDoor style log
Log Filename : fully qualified filename for the logfile
Use UserOn : on a multiline system, FLM will update the USERON.BBS
file to indicate what each user is doing as they use FLM
There are 3 options, but only 2 are operable:
N - don't update USERON file
Y - do update it
Use Drive Redirection : set to No for the moment. This is described
fully later.
For other command line options, run FLM2 help or FLM2 ?
You could now just run the program and FLM would create blank files. You
would then go to the configuration menu, and setup your filebase details
from scratch. But I expect you already have a filebase, so let FLM
install from that instead.
To get FLM to auto install, you will need a FLSEARCH.CTL file in the
current directory and FILES.BBS files in each directory. (see Appendix A
for a further description of these files and enhancements to read from
CD-ROM discs) If you don't have FILES.BBS files in each directory, FLM
will ask for an alternative list to use. Included in the distribution
file, is a utility to create a FLSEARCH.CTL file from the FILES.RA file.
This utility is provided by Peter Burnett, Piston Popper BBS and is free
to use.
Simply now run the program, with the command line parameter INSTALL
ie. FLM2 install (case is not important)
FLM2 reads your FLSEARCH.CTL file obtaining all of the directory paths,
security levels and file area descriptons. FLM then imports all of the
files in each directory adding them to it's database, then reads the
FILES.BBS files grabbing the descriptions and creating a File List out of
the FILES.BBS. Finally FLM creates a Menu based on the file areas you
have. If at any stage you need to re-install, delete all the files FLM2
has created and start from scratch.
Possible problems that may occur, most likely will stem from the format
or size of the FILES.BBS files which FLM2 will import from. FLM2 is
unable to import descriptions longer than 250 characters and will
possibly run out of buffer memory if there are many lines which have file
descriptions longer than 96 characters or many comment lines. Don't panic
as I myself have many lists with 1500 files on the 1 list.
If all goes well, simply now run FLM2 and go into the Configuration Menu
and alter things to your liking.
FLM also being a 'Door' program for your RA Bulletin Board, would
normally be run from the directory from which you run the BBS software.
In a single line system this would be the \RA directory, on multi-line
systems this would be say \RA\LINE1
Add to your TOP menu, either a Type 7 or Type 15 option. On a RA system
I use the command line
*M flm2 bbs *P *N
where *M tells RA to swap itself to disk before loading FLM
*P is substituted by with the COM port number
*N is the Node number on Multi-Line systems. Set to 1
if using on a single line system.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
▒▒ SUBSCRIPTION SYSTEM ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
FLM2 provides facilities for a Subscription System to be operated on
files downloaded from your BBS. The system works on the basis of an
amount being charged to the user per Megabyte or part actually
downloaded. As an example I charge users 100 pence per Megabyte, ie 1
pence per 10k The system can be enabled in the BBS Mode Configuration
screen, and each storage area can be marked as being a Subscription Area
or not.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
▒▒ COMMAND LINE OPTIONS ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
These are the command line parameters that can be used when running
FLM2. We list here only brief details for each, they are covered in
detail further into the manual.
FLM2 HELP
FLM2 ?
displays a Help screen detailing the Command line options
available.
FLM2 BBS <ComPort> <NodeNumber>
to put FLM2 into the BBS mode of operation.
FLM2 EDITCFG
to edit the file FLM2CFG.DTA, which contains the directory
paths to the central database and BBS directories
FLM2 INSTALL
to Install FLM2 for the first time.
FLM2 VERIFYCOUNTS
maintenance routine where FLM rechecks the Lists On counts and
the number of files and sizes per list counters.
FLM2 SORTFILEBASE
maintenance routine where FLM re-sorts Index file
FLM2 RENUMBER
routine that purges and renumbers the filebase
FLM2 SORTLISTS
routine that sorts the File Lists so that files are listed in
Alphabetical order on the filename
FLM2 ADOPT
to adopt unknown files in the selected directories, adding them
to the default lists as set for the Storage Area.
FLM2 ADOPTALL
to adopt unknown files from every directory, and add to the
default Lists of the Storage Area.
FLM2 ADOPTOLD
to adopt unknown files in the selected directories, but marking
the upload date as the system date of the file.
FLM2 FILECHECK <nnn>
rechecks the file size and date of files in Store # nnn
FLM2 FILECHECK ALL
rechecks the file size and date of files in every Storage Area
FLM2 FILECHECK
rechecks the file size and date of files in all Storage areas,
except those marked is being ReadOnly areas
with the three systems above, an additional parameter can be
added to the command line. /D will force FLM2 to update the
Description and Upload date of the file, if the System date of
the file is newer
FLM2 DELETEAWAY
will delete records of 0 byte files. ie, those indicated as
being 'away'
FLM2 SCAN <minutes>
start the Automatic Virii detection system, and run for the number
of minutes specified
FLM2 CONVERT <minutes>
start the Automatic Archive Converting system, and run for the
number of minutes specified
FLM2 BANNER <minutes>
start the automatic Bannering of Archive files, and run for the
number of minutes specified
FLM2 AF <Number>
to create the Allfiles List specified by <Number>, if set to 0
then all of them configured are created.
FLM2 AREALISTS
to create nicely formated filelists in each directory
FLM2 TOP20
to create an ANS/ASC display of the Top 20 files downloaded,
and a summary of all the files for each Storage Area.
FLM2 WKLYGRAPH
to create the ANS/ASC graphs of the number and size of files
added to the filebase over last year.
FLM2 NEWFILES
to create a list of all the Newfiles added to the database over
the number of days configured
FLM2 MASTER
creates an alphabetical list of every file in database, formatted
with all details listed
FLM2 EXPORT
creates FILES.BBS lists as configured
FLM2 EXPORTFLSEARCH
creates an FLSEARCH.CTL file of the Storage Areas configured
FLM2 EXPORTFILESRA
creates/updates FILES.RA from Storage Area information in FLM
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
▒▒ CONFIGURATION MENU ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Whenever an external program is called by FLM2, it is usually called with
FLM2 still occupying memory in your computer. With some smaller programs
that don't need say more than 100k of memory to run this is fine. If
more memory is required to run an external program, FLM2 has the facility
to swap itself out of main memory to either EMS/XMS or Disk. To enable
this feature, simply add a + character as the first character of the
command line.
▒▒ FILE STORAGE ▒▒
Before files from a directory can be added to the filebase, you need to
create a record for the storage directory/area where the files are kept.
Each directory normally has a default List linked to it> These are
created in the config/Lists.
Ammend the options available on this screen to suit your setup.
Store Tag Name : a 20 character name for this store, used as a short
descriptive name. This TagName isn't fully used yet
but is reserved for future enhancements. For the
moment it is used to identify the area on some of the
reports.
Storage Path : full path to the directory where files are stored in
this area. FLM2 will check that the directory
exists and offer to create it if needed. The Storage
area is expected to be a directory, not a path to the
Root of the drive.
Is Media Online : Yes or No. If you specify No, then any operation
requiring access to files in this Store will be
denied.
Is Media ReadOnly: Yes or No. If you specify No, then copying files to
this store, or changing the files already in this
store will be denied.
Download SecL : Specify the security level the users are required
Download Flags : to have to be able to download files stored in here.
Viewing SecL : Specify the security level the users are required to
Viewing Flags : have to be able to see the files stored in this area.
Adopt files from : if Yes, then this Store will be checked for unknown
this area : files and any new ones added to the database.
Export to : if Yes, FLM will create a standard format description
Files.BBS file. This file is not physically required by FLM2,
but is required by other programs that need to
access the files in your filebase. Ie. your mailer.
Default List No : set to the List where the files in this Storage Area
would normally be listed. This is primarily used
when FLM2 is adopting files, it needs to know which
List to put the files on.
Subscription Area: set to No if you're not using the subscription system.
Include on Report: if set to YES, then the files in this area will
included in the Newfiles and Top20 reports.
Preferred Archive: after you've defined the ARChive programs you have
available, set this to the one preferred for the
files stored in this Area.
Throughout this screen, the following Keys are available to you:
ESC - quits from this screen and saves the information as currently
set.
F1 - brings up a Help Screen for the area.
F2 - brings up a Pick List screen, showing all the Storage Areas
so far defined. Use your cursor keys to move to another
Area, press Return and FLM2 will immediately bring that Area
onto the screen.
F6 - allows you to define a new Storage Area to your filebase.
F8 - allows you to delete this Storage Area from the FLM2
filebase.
F10 - makes FLM2 scan through the files stored in this Area, and
add unkown files to the database.
▒▒ FILE LISTS ▒▒
Having defined the Storage Areas where your files are kept, we can now
create Lists which are actually displayed to the user.
List Tag Name : a 20 character short description for this list. This
TagName is used on the reports to identify this List.
List Title : a longer description or Title for this List. This
Title is used as the header at the beginning of the
list.
List SecL : this is the security levels the user needs to have
List Flags : before this List will be offered to them as an option
on a Menu.
Default Store : set to the Storage Area this List is linked to. This
is used by FLM2 when you are editing the Lists and
moving files from List to List. The default Store
defines what Storage Area is used.
After defining a List, you need to initialise or create it from an
existing FILES.BBS file by pressing the F10 key. You'll notice after
doing this that the Title line appears on a line in the second half of
the screen. This is the description now used as the Title to the list.
You can alter this by pressing the F8 key.
Throughout this screen, the following Keys are available to you:
ESC - quits from this screen and saves the information as currently
set.
F1 - brings up a Help Screen.
F2 - brings up a Pick List screen, showing all the Lists so far
defined. Use your cursor keys to move to another List, press
Return and FLM2 will immediately bring that List onto the
screen.
F5 - allows you to define a new List.
F8 - allows you to alter the List Header Title, shown in the lower
half of the screen.
F10 - makes FLM2 create & initialize a new List.
When creating a new file area, first setup a Sorage Area then enter the
details above for the List. After the two have been linked using the
default Store / default List fields press F10 in the Lists Config
screen. Flm2 will create a blank List file. If you have defined a
Files.BBS file in the associate Storage Area, and that file exists, FLM2
will read through it and create a List based on it, adding the listed
files to the database.
▒▒ MENUS ▒▒
Here you are able to setup the Menus which provide users with the options
to select which Lists to view. You can have upto 256 different Menus,
and 200 options are available on each Menu. If you use an existing
RA/Qbbs file system, then you could have the entire RA file system on one
Menu. Creating a Menu structure with Sub-Menus enables you to split up
your filebase as shown to the user. Sub-Menus work in a tree like style
whereby a Sub-Menu always provides access back to the Menu from which it
was called.
When a Menu is defined all options will be available to you as sysop in
the Viewer/Editor section on FLM2, but when the user is accessing the
Menu the options are only available if the users Security Level matches
that as specified in the List of the option. The numbering of the
options are re-calculated everytime the Menu is shown to the user, so
although Option 1 might be List 1, if the user doesn't have security
access to List 1 then Option 1 will then become the first List defined
that the user does have access to.
An example of the Config Screen:
╔════════════════════════════ Menus Configuration ══════════════════════════╗
║ Menu Number : 0 File Library Manager List Menu ║
║ Menu Security Level : 5 ║
║ Menu Security Flags : A -------- B -------- C -------- D -------- ║
║ Customized Display : No number of Screens : 3 ║
║ Dual Display : Yes Vertical numbering : Yes ║
║ ║
║ L 1L 13L 25L 37L 49L 61L 73L 85 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ║
║ L 2L 14L 26L 38L 50L 62L 74L 86 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ║
║ L 3L 15L 2╔════╗────────────────────────────────╖ 0 0 0 0 0 ║
║ L 4L 16L 2╟L 40║ indicates List 48 ║ 0 0 0 0 0 ║
║ L 5L 17L 2╚════╝────────────────────────────────╜ 0 0 0 0 0 ║
║ L 6L 18L 30L 42L 54L 66L 78L 90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ║
║ L ╔════╗──────────────────────┐ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ║
║ L ║M 2║ indicates Sub-Menu 2 │ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ║
║ L ╚════╝ ─────────────────────┘ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ║
║ L 10L 22L 34L 46L 58L 70L 82M 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ║
║ L 11L 23L 35L 47L 59L 71L 83 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ║
║ L 12L 24L 36L 48L 60L 72L 84 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ║
First create the options which will be available on this Menu. These are
defined in the bank of 200 options which initially are set to 0, ie no
option specified. Each option can be set so that either a List or a
Sub-Menu is displayed to the user. These states are represented by the
letters L or M next to the number.
To configure the Menu, move the Highlight Bar to an option, then to set
the option to a List, you would press F5 to bring up a Pick List of all
the Lists. From here, select a specific List and then press Return.
This will then set that option to the List that you chose.
To create a Sub-Menu, then press F7. This will bring up a fresh Blank
Menu, you will notice that the Menu number will have automatically been
chosen to be the next one available. You would configure this sub-menu
as you like. After finishing, press ESC and you will be returned to the
previous Menu.
The keys available when cursor is in one of the 200 options are:
ESC - quit from the screen and save the Menu.
F1 - a Help screen
F2 - a Pick List of all the Menus so far setup, and you can jump to
any directly.
F5 - sets this option to a List, and brings up a Pick List of the
defined Lists for you to choose which one.
Alt+F5 - to setup all the options to all the Lists you have.
F7 - sets this option as a Sub-Menu. If it is already defined as
one, then that Sub-Menu is brought onto the screen, otherwise
the next available Menu number is used and a Blank Sub Menu is
displayed. A link is made between the calling Menu and the
Sub-Menu so that a route back is available.
F8 - brings up a list of the Sub-Menus already defined so that you can
select one for this option.
InsKey - inserts blank option at this position.
DelKey - deletes the Highlighted option.
F9 - enables you to edit the description given to that option
F10 - enables you to select the colour of the description line.
FLM2 will create it's own screen which is displayed to the users, however
you are able to create your own ANS/ASC screens and have FLM2 display
these instead. To use your own self designed screens, set the Customised
Display question to Yes. You can also specify the number of screens you
have desinged to cover the number of options on this 1 Menu.
Then locate in the \FLM2DATA directory the ANS/ASC screens that you have
created. Keep the displays to less than 23 lines so as not to mess the
screen up. The files will need to be named very strictly to the
following system:
Filenames are to be in the form M-xxx-yyy.A??
xxx represents the Menu Number with no leading 0's
yyy represents the Screen Number with no leading 0's
so as an example, if you specify that Menu 0 (the Top Menu) is
customised, and that there is only 1 screen. Then you will need 2
display files available.
M-0-1.ANS and M-0-1.ASC
When creating your own screens, remember that you will need to show all
the options that FLM2 will physically make available. Particularly be
carefull with the numbering of the options. FLM2 re-calculates the
option numbering for each user depending on the secuirty level of the
user at the time of loading the Menu.
I have included as an example, the screen I have been using on my BBS
here. You are free to use these screens for yourself, just change the
name of the Bulletin Board.
▒▒ PROTOCOLS ▒▒
FLM2 uses third party protocol engines for downloading and uploading. My
personal favourite is DSZ.COM, which provides the Xmodem, Ymodem and
Zmodem protocols. You can configure up to 30 protocols, and FLM2 has
been designed to allow the use of any of the different programs
available.
Because the protocols are external to FLM2, there has to exist methods
for FLM2 to tell the program it's calling what files need to be
transfered either Received or Sent, and likewise there need to be methods
for FLM2 to determine whether the files have indeed been sent or received
correctly.
Effectively, all protocols are given instructions what to transfer either
via the Command Line when calling the program, or by the use of a Control
File. On return, all protocols either exit with an ErrorLevel to signify
a successful transfer or by creating a Logfile which indicates what was
transfered. FLM2 can operate with any of these methods.
When setting up the protocols for your system, PLEASE read the
documentation of the protocol you are using. They all have different
command line directives, and you'll need to be familiar with their
operation in order for transfers to be succesfull.
Enclosed in the distribution archive is a file PROTOCOL.FLM Locate this
file in the \FLM2DATA directory. These are the configurations for the
protocols I currently use on my BBS. They have been tried here and seem
to work Ok. You can use the same if you like, but you may need to change
the path to the one where you have your protocol programs located.
Please note, the command 'restrict' in the U/L command lines for the DSZ
protocols, is only available to registered users of the DSZ program.
Remove it if you are not yet a registred user of DSZ. It's action is to
prevent remote sites from specifying which directory the files are to be
received into, this being an important security measure.
Selection : is the character the user needs to press to choose
Character this protocol
Description : give a 30 character description for the protocol
U/l command : specify the full path and name and command line to invoke
line the protocol program in receiving files from the remote
site.
D/l command : specify the full path and name and command line to invoke
line the protocol program in sending files to the remote site.
in the command line, the following codes can be inserted and will be
substituted by FLM2 with the relevent information at the time
*P will be substituted with the COM port number currently being used
*F will be substituted with the path and filename of the file to send
*D will be substituted with the directory name FLM2 wishes any
received files to be stored.
FLM2 creates a unique upload directory for each user, based on the
record Number of the user. The directory names are of the form
FLMnnnnn.RCV where nnnnn is the users record number. This allows the
situation of failed uploads being able to continue for that user.
Use Control File : if set to YES, FLM2 will create a file for the
protocol program, listing the files which are to be
transfered.
Control File : specify the filename of the Control File FLM2 is to
Filename create. Normally this filename is also listed on the
command line when calling the protocol.
U/L Control : some protocols, in addition to the list of files,
String require a Control String to be added before the
filename. ie: SEND c:\files\Filename.zip add to this
field the Control String required to invoke the
protocol in receiving files from the remote. Note
that DSZ doesn't need it, so you can leave it blank.
D/L Control : the Control String required to invoke the protocol to
String send files to the remote site.
Batched transfers: some protocols such as Zmodem, can send more than 1
file on each call, this is termed Batch Transfers.
Set to Yes, if it applies to this protocol, and FLM2
will list more than file on the command line or
Control File, if the user has requested more than 1
file to transfer.
Use Log File : if set to NO, then FLM2 will require that the
protocol Exit with an Errorlevel to indicate that the
transfer was successfull. If set to YES, then FLM2
will read the log file specified to determine which
files have been transfered Ok.
Log filename : the complete path and name of the Logfile that the
protocol will create. You can also get FLM2 to
obtain the filename if you have already specified it
in an environment variable required by the protocol.
To do this, simply put a '*' as the first character,
and then the environment variable.
ie. *DSZLOG
to enable DSZ to use the same, you would have set
this is your startup batch file.
ie SET DSZLOG=c:\DSZ.LOG
The next two options specify a string sequence FLM2 is to look for at
the beginning of each line in the logfile, that indicates the success
of the transfer. Case is important.
U/L Keyword : set this to a string sequence which FLM can use to
recognise an Upload was performed succesfully.
From the logfile shown below, Z would be used.
D/L Keyword : set this to a string sequence which FLM can use to
recognise that a download was successfully done.
The next 2 options specify which word number from the Logfile, FLM2
can find the filename transferred, and the speed of the transfer. An
example of a DSZ logfile is shown. I've indicated with the numbers 1
to 12, how the logfile is split up. The word number referred to
above, would be one of these numbers. In other words, which column
FLM2 can find the information it needs.
Word Numbers:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Z 46532 38400 bps 3324 cps 0 errors 66 1024 DSZ.COM 1177
Z 124087 19200 bps 1880 cps 0 errors 6 1024 MXY.TMP 1177
│
│ └ Efficiency (ie word 5)
│ │
└ U/L or D/L Keyword Keyword for Filename │
(ie word number 11) ┘
Keyword No. : this field requires a number, which indicates the
for Name column in the logfile where FLM will find the
filename of the file transfered.
Keyword No. : this field requires a number, which indicates the
for Efcy: column in the logfile where FLM will find the
transfer rate achieved. The result is expected in
CPS.
Two-way : set to YES, only if this protocol can do
transfers bi-directional transfers. such as HSLINK and
BiModem.
Efficiency % : set to the approximate efficiency of the protocol.
FLM will use this field, with the current baud rate,
to calculate how long the transfer will take.
If you specify not to use the logfile, then FLM will ask for an Exit
Errorlevel to look for from the protocol to determine the success of the
transfer. It's usually not a good idea to use this method with protocols
that can do Batch transfers.
Note, that the example included, PROTOCOL.FLM, was designed for my
multi-line BBS. If running on a single line, you'll need to change the
Logfile name, by removing the *N. Most failed transfers exist because
the filename given to FLM2 doesn't match up with the one your protocol is
creating. You will see that this is recorded in the FLM2 Logfile, so you
can help resolve an problems.
▒▒ ARCHIVERS ▒▒
You can specify up to 30 Archiving systems. First specify the Extension
that FLM2 is to look for to recognise that this file is an ARChived file.
Then specify the command lines to use for each of the 5 situations
listed.
Pack Command Line : command line to Pack Up file, without directory
pathnames.
Pack Command Line : command line to have archiver Pack Up files
with Paths including recursing into directories and storing
path names in ARChive.
UnPack Command Line : command line to have archiver Unpack files,
without creating any directories stored in
archive.
UnPack Command Line : command line to have archiver UnPack files,
with Paths including creating directories stored in archive.
Delete from Archive : command line to have archiver delete files
Command Line from archive.
Finally, you have the option of specifying a Command Line to Banner an
archive.
on each of the command lines, you can specify the following control
codes, which FLM will substitute with the required information when
called:
*F will be substituted with the full path and filename of the
archived file.
*L will be substitured with the files or list of files that are to
be packed, unpacked or deleted.
I have included an example setup, ARCHIVER.FLM, however you can change
this to suit your preferances.
▒▒ EXTERNALS ▒▒
FLM2 provides you with the ability to specify upto 10 external programs
to run on any file in your filebase. These are used be pressing the
Shift+F? keystrokes, where ? is the Function Key number, when the file
is highlighted in the Viewer/Editor.
Specify the Command Line to use for this external program. The following
control codes are available and substituted when called with the
appropriate information.
*P the complete path to the file in your filebase (NB. a trailing
Backslash is not provided)
*F the Filename only.
- therefore if you want to specify the complete path+filename
use *P/*F
You can specify the Extension the file has to have before this external
is called. This is more usefull on say image files which can only be
called with a certain image viewer.
▒▒ SYSTEM OPTIONS ▒▒
This set of options, don't quite fit into any of the other config
screens.
Newfiles Filename : FLM2 can create a list of the newfiles added to your
filebase. Specify here the name of the file FLM
should create.
Days back for New : and specify how many days back FLM is to report on.
Files Not : you can list up to 9 files, Wildcard specification is
to Adopt: acceptable, which FLM will not adopt to the filebase
if you have these files in the directory of the
Storage Area. As a default, we have set it to not
adopt FILES.BBS *.BAK and *.DIR files.
Extensions to : These are the extensions files must have before FLM2
Convert will attempt to convert them into another archive
format.
Extensions Not : FLM2 has the facility to convert archive formats at a
to convert keystroke. However, there are some files you may not
want converted. Specify upto 10 file Extensions
which FLM2 is not to attempt to try convert.
Counts on : if YES, Flm2 will add download counters to the
Files.bbs Files.bbs when it is asked to export the filebase
details to these files.
Upload Store : specify the Storage Area that uploaded files will
be put.
▒▒ BBS OPTIONS ▒▒
Minimum : specify in bytes, the minimum Disk space that must be
Disk Space: available on the local drive to enable FLM to allow
an upload to go ahead.
Max files to d/l : specify the Maximum number of files a user is allowed
to download in one call to the protocol. This is
mainly of use to limit users who attempt to specify
downloading *.* as a default it is set to 100.
Ul Time : after a user has uploaded files to you, this ratio is
Ratio Credit: used to award the time spent uploading back to the
user.
Check upload : there are three options available, toggle each by
dupes: pressing the Return key.
'ask user' - FLM2 will ask the user whether they
would like to check whether the file
they are going to upload is already in
the filebase.
'don't check' - FLM2 will proceed with the upload
without checking if the file being
uploaded is a duplicate.
'force check' - FLM2 will ask the user for the
filename they are uploading, and
check to see if it is already in
your filebase.
Withold : if YES, Flm2 will re-check to see that the files
Credit/Dupes received are not already in your filebase, and will
not credit the user if they are.
Use Charging : if YES, this will enable the subscription system
System built into FLM2. also specify the Charge per Meg
downloaded, the Credit per Meg for uploads and the
description of the unit being used. I've defaulted
the unit to pence, but you could change it to points
to enable a ratio type system on your board.
Allow : if YES, then before download transfers start, FLM
Auto-Logoffs will ask the user if they would like FLM to
automatically log them off when the transfer has
finished.
Upload Security Lev : specify the security level the user must have before
Upload Security Flgs: they will be allowed to upload to your system.
You can also configure the descriptions and selection keys to use on many
of the menu options available to the users. Use the TAB key to move from
the selection Character to the Description of that Option.
▒▒ BBS COLOURS ▒▒
You can configure the colours used by FLM2 in many of the text lines
displayed to the user.
Use the PageUp and PageDown keys to move up and down the text prompts.
To alter the colour, use the Colour Selector, moving around the available
colours with your cursor keys. To select the colour, press the Enter
key.
If all doesn't go well, you can always go back to the default by pressing
F1 function key.
▒▒ ALLFILES LISTS ▒▒
You are able to specify upto 20 Allfiles Lists which FLM can create for
you. These Allfiles Lists are usually made available for users to
download and view offline. Being able to create 20 varieties means you
can have subsets of your filebase, say one for all the Windows Files,
another for all the Games.
The specification of what to have on the Allfiles List is exactly the
same as the specification of your Menus. You are able to have upto 200
areas on each Allfiles List.
First, specify a TagName. This TagName is used to identify a Header file
which is simply a text based file, say a logo for your BBS, which can be
added to the beginning of an Allfiles List when it is created. If there
is a file in the FLM Data Directory of the same name as the TagName
specified and with the extension .HDR, then this file will be added to
the top of the Allfiles List created.
Then specify the Path and Filename of the file to be created. And then
the age of the files to be included in the report, specified as days old.
The bank of 200 options are used to define which of your File Lists are
to be used to make up this Allfiles List. Initially all the options are
set to 0 indicating no List specified. In the same way that the Menus
are created, highlight one of the options and press F5 to select from one
of your File Lists. To quickly set up an Allfiles List, press Alt+F5 to
set all the options to all the File Lists. As required, you can delete
or insert File Lists by using the Delete and Insert keys.
The actual creation of the Allfiles Lists is done by running FLM2 with
the command line AF
ie: to create Allfiles List No. 1 then the command line would be
FLM2 AF 1
or FLM2 AF 0 to create all of them
▒▒ DRIVE REDIRECTIONS ▒▒
FLM has the facility of altering the Drive letter in the Storage Path
If you're running the BBS on a network with multiple servers, you may
have configured your Network so that the Workstations use different Drive
Letters as to the Host machine. In this situation, when using FLM's
central database the Drives letters on the host would be different to
those on the workstations. To have FLM redirect, or think it is to use a
different drive letter, simply set the drive letters that are to be used
by the workstation.
This is set, by running
FLM2 editcfg on each of the workstations, and set the drive letters
that apply for that workstation. This redirection of
drive letters is only applied by FLM2 to the Storage
Area paths.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
▒▒ VIEWER/EDITOR ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
The Viewer/Editor section of FLM is the core of your management and
viewing of your filebase. There are two parts to it, the Global Lists
and the File Lists. The Global Lists show every file in your filebase,
either in alphabetical or numerical order. The numerical order is
usefull as it's also the order in which the files are added to the
filebase, thus if you want to see quickly what the latest files are, they
will always be at the bottom of the numerical list.
In both sections full facilities are provided to inspect and manage the
files in the filebase. Most keystrokes are similar in both the Global
List and File List, although there are some subtle differences on some.
The selection of any of your File Lists is done by moving the highlight
bar to that List then pressing Return, or by typing the number of the
list. Selecting the Global Lists is done by pressing:
F1 - for the Alphabetical List
F2 - for the Numerical List
If you have setup up Sub-Menus for your filebase, you will notice that
those options are displayed in Yellow, and selecting a Sub-Menu option
takes you to that Sub-Menu.
Pressing the ESCape key, will always exit the current screen to the
previous Menu or screen.
We'll now introduce you to each of these sections, note that most of the
keystrokes described in the Area Lists are also applicable in the Global
Lists. So we'll only cover the differences in that section.
Then we'll briefly describe how to perform some of the usual operations
one normally does to manage your filebase and Lists.
▒▒ AREA LIST ▒▒
After selecting a list to view, from the Menu Selection screen, the List
selected is displayed on the screen. The Top Line shows the List Name
and a count of the files and size of the files on that list. The second
line shows the headings of the information being displayed at the time.
A Help screen is available at anytime by pressing F1
There are currently, six screens available for you to view all the
information known on each file. You can select these six screens by
simply pressing the numbers 1 to 6, or you can circle thru the displays
by using Ctrl+RightCursor or Ctrl+LeftCursor keystrokes.
All six screens will show the FileNumber and the Filename and the Tag
indicator if the file has been tagged. In addition, the six screens show
the following:
Display 1 : FileSize in Kilobytes, File Description. This screen is
exactly the same as would be seen by your users in the BBS mode.
Display 2 : Archive Explosion, a blue window will show on the right side
and the program will show the contents of the file if an ARChive, or
detailed Size, Time and Date details if not.
Display 3 : FileSize in bytes, Date of the File as per DOS, the date the
file was added or uploaded to the filebase and the Directory in which
the file is stored.
Display 4 : The Name of the person who uploaded the file, or 'Sysop'
will show if the file was adopted. The number of times the file has
been downloaded, and the last date that the files was downloaded.
Display 5 : The status of the three control Flags. Initially 'Untested'
and 'Unbannered' will show, but as you use the facilities to Virus
Check, Archive convert and Archive Banner, then these displays will
change to show what operations have been done on the files so far.
Display 6 : Download History, shows the name, Date & Time, Download
Length and CPS rate for every occasion that this file was downloaded.
Each line displayed is either a Comment Line or a File Line. Using your
cursor keys, you are able to move the Highlight Bar up and down your
list.
UpArrow - move up one line
DownArrow - move down one line. if you attempt to move down
beyond the bottom of the list, Flm2 will ask if
you want to add a Blank line to the bottom.
PageUp - move upwards one complete screen
PageDown - move downwards one complete screen
Home - move cursor to the top line of screen
End - move cursor to the bottom line of screen
Ctrl+Home - move cursor to the Top of the List
Ctrl+End - move cursor the last line of the List
To Edit any line, press the RETURN key. The highlight bar and cursor
will move to the beginning of the text to be edited. Press the RETURN
key again to finish the editing of the text. Initially, you are always
put into an Overwrite mode where all characters typed will overwrite any
that were there before. You can change into the Insert mode, by pressing
the INSert key, and a large block cursor will show. Pressing the END key
will move to the end of the text, likewise the HOME key will move to the
beginning.
You are able to define the colour of a comment. While editing the
comment line, press F10 and a colour selector will show. Choose one of
the colour combinations and select it by pressing the RETURN key.
The following keys are available to edit the List.
I - insert a Blank line at the current position
D - delete current line. FLM2 will ask if you want to
Physically delete this file. If you say 'No', then FLM
will move the deleted line to the ScrapList. The
bottom of the screen will indicate the status of the
ScrapList, and the last file copied or deleted will
show on the status line.
C - copy current line to the ScrapList.
R - restore the current line in the ScrapList indicated
at the bottom of the screen, into the List at the
current position.
W - switch the display to the ScrapList. yo'll notice that
the display at the bottom now becomes the List you
were previously looking at. To switch back, simply
type W again. When the ScrapList is on screen it
behaves like any other list. Thus all the keys are
available, although it's safer not to use the Delete,
Copy fuctions as they will simply copy and delete files
to your proper List.
+ - mark the start of a block
- - mark the end of a block
* - if current line is on a file, then a block will be
marked of all the files upwards until a comment line
and downwards of all files until a comment line
Ctrl+D - delete the block to the ScrapList
Ctrl+C - copy the block to the ScrapList
Ctrl+R - restore a block in the ScrapList to the current
position.
Ctrl+N - delete the ScrapList
Return - will allow you to Edit the current Comment or
first line description of the File.
F10 - if on a file, this will bring up the record card
for that file, and you can then edit the second line
description and other details. It will also show
you most of the details recorded about each file.
T - tags a file for possible deletion in the Global lsit.
U - removes the Tag.
F3 - to search for a keyword in the file descriptions of
the files in the List.
Alt+F3 - to continue the keyword search started with F3
When editing a Comment Line, you could specify that the comment is
actually an extended description of the file above. This is done by
making the first character a >
FLM will indent the line to match the description of the file above,
both on the current List displayed and also to the users in the BBS
mode. Note, no checking is done as to the length of the comment line.
The following keys allow management of the file:
Ctrl+F5 - to rename the file.
Ctrl+F6 - to use McAffee's SCAN to do a Virus Check on the file.
after doing so, the results will be noted for future use
Ctrl+F7 - to convert or archive the file to the compression type
specified. Also, this is noted so future conversions won't
be done again.
Ctrl+F8 - to banner the file using the program specified in the
Archiver/config
F9 - to copy the file somehwre. You are prompted to enter a
destination path.
Alt+F9 - to copy the file to the A: drive. In doing so, FLM2 also
increases the download counter by 1, as also creates a
file on the A: drive called PACKING.LST which details the
files that have been copied there listing dates, size and
file description.
Alt+F10 - shows a list of other files the user who uploaded this file
has uploaded.
P - toggles the 'Private' status of the file. On marking the
file, the filename is displayed in a low intesity Brown
instead of yellow. As soon as the file is marked as
Private, users are unable to access the file regardless of
their security status.
F - toggles the Freefile status of the file. If marked as
'Free', then users will not be charged for downloading this
file.
N - so you can mark file as having a replacement version.
This option brings up a Pick List of all the files
Alphabetically close, where you can select one which replaces
this current file.
The following keys allow you to look at the file highlighted:
Shift+F? - ? being one of the Function keys 1 to 10, will invoke the
external program you have defined in config/externals.
F5 - invoke the archive manager SHEZ on the file.
Alt+F5 - unpack or copy the file to the \FLMWORK directory and
invoke a DOS shell located to that directory. Here you can
then run the program or look at it in some other way.
F6 - invokes the excellent file browser LIST on the file
F8 - invokes the GIF viewer VPIC
Alt+F8 - invokes the ANSI file viewer A_TYPE on the file
▒▒ GLOBAL LIST ▒▒
There are two Global Lists available all the time, Alphabetical and
Numerical. Each you will find as you use them has their different
benefits. We'll try to identify some for you here.
First though, we'll talk about the extra key functions available.
Alt+N - switches to the Numerical List, placing the cursor on the
first file.
Alt+A - switches to the Alphabetical List, placing the cursor on the
first file.
W - switches to the other List (either Numerical or Alphabetical)
at the position in the other List where the currently
highlighted file is located.
Ctrl+D - deletes all the TAGGED files. FLM" will ask you to confirm
that you want to proceed.
F2 - searches for a file. Enter the filename or part, and FLM2
will locate to that position in the Alphabetical List. You
will find that it auotmatically switches to the Alphabetical
list.
Alt+F2 - searches for a Part Filename. ie if you are looking for say a
.EXE file.
F3 - searches the file descriptions and filenames for a Keyword.
After being prompted, enter a keyword to search for and FLM2
will locate you to the first match. If there are no matches,
the cursor will stay on the current file. If found, you are
switched to the Numerical List.
Alt+F3 - continues the keyword search starting at the next file.
X - to use you will need to be located on the Alphabetical List.
FLM2 will search for the first set of files with identical
filenames, and locate you to that position. You will notice
that FLM will always put the 2 sets of identical filenames at
the top of the screen, and locate the cursor on the second of
these. This is used to locate possible duplicated files on
your system. Bear in mind that the match is only against
filenames, so you do need to identify if the files are in fact
the same.
▒▒ THE RECORD CARD ▒▒
Every file has a data record, with various bits of information recorded
for each file. The File Record Card screen is reached by pressing F10
whenever your cursor is located over a filename.
On entry to the screen, the cursor is located over the 1st line of the
file description. This screen is the only place where you are in fact
able to edit the second description line. The fields that you are able
to alter are:
The 2 descriptions lines.
Public file status, or 'Private' status. if Public is set to No, then
no user will be able to download or see this file listed. This field
can also be toggled by pressing P from the full list screen.
A file may also be marked as 'Private' by FLM, is it finds that the file
contains a Virus during it's Virus check system.
Free file status, which determines whether users will be debited for the
download of the file. I usually mark all the Allfile Lists or the
Archiver files to being Free, thus users won't be charged. FLM will
still update the download counter for the file, and log the download in
the transfer tracking logs.
Passworded and Detailed Description fields are not yet implemented.
Lists On, refers to the number of Lists where this file is listed. This
counter can unfortunately be messed up with some operations, but it is
used to determine whether FLM offers the option of 'Physically Delete
File' when you select to delete a line from a List. ie FLM only offers
this option if the Lists On counter is set to 1.
You wouldn't under normal use alter this field, but it's available to
force FLM into allowing a file to be physically deleted even if it is
listed more than once.
Expiry date isn't yet used, but future use will mean that FLM would
automatically delete a file that has passed it's expiry date.
Upload Date, as it's name suggests is the date when this file was
adopted to the filebase or uploaded by a user.
Times downloaded, as it's name suggests, is the number of times this
file was succesfully downloaded by your users.
Last Access, is the date of the last download of the file.
Who Uploaded, contains the record number for the user who uploaded this
file. All adopted files are given the record number 1, which is set to
being the Sysop.
Replacement Id, is an interesting feature of FLM, and will possibly be
under used. It is used to indicate to users that a newer version of a
file is now available. To set this field, either enter the file number
of the replacement file, or use one of the two Pick Lists to select it
quickly.
F2 - offers a Pick List of all the files in Alphabetical order.
Usually a replacement file would be next in Alphabetical order,
so this Pick List is the quickest in finding it.
F3 - offers a Pick List in Numerical order, but lists the files with
their descriptions.
When a file has this Replacement Id set, the user will be notified and
offered the option of downloading the replacement file instead. Use this
feature on all those files that seem to get updated each week, and your
users will certainly appreciate it.
File Status 1, is used as a control flags for FLM's various test
processes. ie Virus checking, Archive converting and Bannering.
File Status 2, is not used in the Shareware Edition of FLM2
File Attributes, are those of the file from DOS.
▒▒ MOVING/COPYING/DELETING FILES ▒▒
Moving or copying a file from one List to another is done by using the
ScrapList (List No. 999) in a kind of 'cut and paste' method.
First highlight the file you want to move. Then, if you want to
duplicate that line onto the other List, select C to copy the line to the
ScrapList, or select D to delete it from the Cuurent List to the
ScrapList. Note, when delete is selected you will be asked if you want
to physically delete the file, to which you would answer 'No'.
Then, locate your cursor to the New List where you want the file and
select R to recover the line from the ScrapList. On doing so, and if the
default storage area for this list is available and is not ReadOnly, you
will be offered the prompt of whether you Physically want to move the
file to the new directory. To this you would answer Yes, if your
intention was also to move the file to the List's linked Storage Area.
In a similar fashion, you can delete files from the filebase altogether.
After highlighting the file, press D, and then FLM will prompt you to
confirm that you want to delete the file physically. On selecting 'Yes',
FLM will delete the file and mark it's record that file is deleted. FLM
doesn't physically remove it's own record until you purge the database
using the renumbering facility.
▒▒ BLOCK MARKING ▒▒
Using the Scraplist, you are able to copy/move many files at once. We
have provided the facility of marking a Block of files to make the
process easier. To block a set of lines, first locate to the first line
and press + then locate to the last line and select -
Once done, you will see that the lines are now shown in a light
background. To move this block to the ScrapList, again use similar keys
as above: Ctrl+C to copy the block to the ScrapList, or Ctrl+D to delete
them from the Current List to the ScrapList. If you select to Block
Delete them, you are then asked if you want to default to NOT deleting
the files. Select 'Yes', by selecting 'No', you will be asked to confirm
the deletion of each file that FLM wants to physically delete.
FLM has another feature of marking a Block of files. You can select the *
key, and a block of files will be marked from the first comment line
above to the first below the currently highlighted file. The effect is
to Block all files listed next to each other.
▒▒ DELETING THE SCRAPLIST ▒▒
The ScrapList will often get full of lines you no longer need, and
therefore you'll want to delete it. This is done by first bringing up
onto the screen any of your Lists, and then with the ScrapList status
line at the bottom indicating that there are files in the ScrapList,
select the keys Ctrl+N. FLM deletes the ScrapList, which is actually
List No. 999, and clears the status line.
▒▒ ADDING NEWFILES ▒▒
Newfiles are added to FLM's database during the adopt procedure. First
FLM2 scans the directory looking for any files it doesn't know about, and
any found are first added to the filebase and then added to the default
list for that storage area.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
▒▒ UTILITIES ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
There are a collection of utilities/functions available to you. Some are
available from the Utilities Menu, and others available on specifying a
command line parameter.
▒▒ ADOPTING FILES ▒▒
You have the choice of doing an Adopt of only the storage areas marked to
be checked, this is specified in the config/storage options, or of
adopting file from every Storage Area.
FLM first scans all the files in the Storage Area and checks to see
whether it is known, adding them to the filebase if it doesn't. As it
finds new files in the directory, it will check the Files.bbs description
file to see if there is a description it can grab.
After this, FLM2 adds the file to the appropriate List for that
Storage area. If the Storage area has a default List setting of 0,
the file is not added to any List.
▒▒ VERIFY FILE INFO ▒▒
This process can take some time if you have a large collection of files.
On selection, FLM will re-check the file sizes, dates it has recorded for
every file you have in your filebase. It doesn't skip the files you have
marked as being in ReadOnly Storage areas.
Although FLM records any changes in file sizes and dates in processes it
performs, it doesn't know of changes that have been made externally. If
you have a small filebase, then running this once a week is fine, if
you've got a large collection, run say once a month or if you have made
any major changes to the files external to FLM.
▒▒ RE-SORT ALPHABETIC ▒▒
Hopefully you won't need to run this routine often, but it's purpose is
to re-sort FLM's database into the correct alphabetical order. The
process also seems to tidy up the filebase.
If you notice that FLM is having problems finding files, then run this
routine to clear it up.
▒▒ VERIFY COUNTS ▒▒
As mentioned earlier, FLM maintains a record of the number of times a
file is listed, and it's only when a file is Listed once that FLM offers
you the facility to delete a file physically.
However, when deleting files from one of the Global Lists, FLM doesn't
also delete the corresponding pointer from any of the Lists. So, you
need to run this routine if you have done some major deletions in the
Global Lists. As well, as re-checking the number of times each file is
Listed, FLM also cleans up the Lists removing any references to 'Deleted
Record'. In addition, FLM re-checks the number and total bytes of the
files listed in the Lists.
▒▒ AUTOMATIC CHECK FOR VERII ▒▒
FLM has three automatic systems of looking after your files.
The first is to SCAN each file looking for Viruses, for which it uses
McAfee's SCAN system. You can manually SCAN a file by using the Ctrl+F6
function in the Viewer/Editor, but here with this option a system of
automatically checking all the files in your filebase is started.
After selection, you will see that FLM has started to check the files
from the last added to the first. It knows which ones have already been
checked, so it skips those. The system only checks files with the
extensions of .EXE .COM .SYS or .OVR. Having copied or extracted files
to the work directory, SCAN is invoked, and the result analysed.
You will see a progress indicator both in how long FLM has been checking
and how many file have been checked. These factors bear more importance
when the Virii checking system is run from the Comamnd line, as you are
also able to tell FLM how long to run this routine for.
To run from the comamnd line:
FLM2 scan <minutes>
FLM will start the system, and run for the number of minutes specified.
If you don't specify a time period, it will just continue running until
it's finished checking all your files.
The way I use this, is by having FLM scan the files for 20 minutes each
night in an Event. As FLM notes which it has already checked, it only
continues with files it hasn't looked at, and as it always starts at the
last files uploaded, it very quickly checks all the recent uploads during
the day. If a VIRUS is found, FLM marks the file as 'Private' and
changes the first line of the description to ' VIRUS VIRUS VIRUS' and
also beeps the same message on the screen.
When you want to re-scan all your files using a New version of SCAN, you
can reset the control file using the 'Reset Control Flag' option. This
causes FLM to forget the files which it has already checked, thus forcing
it to start again. If you run the Virii Checking System in a nightly
event for a period of time, you'll find that FLM eventually will have
re-scanned all the files again. How many nights obviously depends on the
number of files you have. For me, when I get a new version of SCAN, I
change the time I give it to 2 hours, and find that after about 10 days
it's re-checked them all again. (ready for another version :-)
▒▒ AUTOMATIC ARCHIVE CONVERTING ▒▒
This second automatic system which is used in exactly the same way as
above, will attempt to convert files into your prefered ARChive format.
This option is also available from the command line as:
FLM2 CONVERT <minutes>
▒▒ AUTOMATIC ARCHIVE BANNERING ▒▒
This is the third automatic system, and causes all the ARChived files to
be bannered. For files to be bannered, you will need to have configured
the ARChives as such.
This option is also available from the command line as:
FLM2 BANNER <minutes>
The flags which control these three automatic systems can be reset using
the either of the three 'Reset' options.
▒▒ SORTING LISTS ▒▒
Most BBS's like to have their file lists sorted Alphabetically or even in
date order. The Shareware Edition of FLM only offers this former
method. By running the Sort Lists option, either from the Utilities
menu, or from the command line, FLM will go thru each list identifying
blocks of files listed together, and then sorting those blocks into
Alphabetic order. By sorting the blocks, FLM doesn't put out of place
any comment lines you have placed in the Lists.
To run from the command line:
FLM2 sortlists
As FLM sorts the lists, it indicates the List, and the block it is
currently doing, in the Progress Window.
▒▒ CREATING ALLFILES REPORTS ▒▒
The Allfiles reports are configured in the config/allfiles section. One
done, you are able to create them from the command line, as:
FLM2 AF <nnn>
<nnn> refers to the record number of the Allfiles List you want
created. Setting this to 0, will force FLM to create all of them
specified.
▒▒ CREATING NEWFILES REPORT ▒▒
FLM is able to create a list of all the Newfiles uploaded/adopted to the
system within a period. Configure the filename and period to report on,
in the config/system section.
To run from the command line:
FLM2 newfiles
▒▒ CREATING ANSI/ASCII REPORTS ▒▒
There are four .ASC/.ANS reports that FLM can create for you, which you
can use on your BBS to show users of the state of your filebase. All
these reports are located in the TXT File Path specified.
From the command line, run :
FLM2 top20 - this will create 2 of them, the first showing
a list of the Top 20 files downloaded from your
system. The reports name FLMTOP20.A??
the 2nd, is a list of all the Storage Areas you
have defined with some interesting stats for each
area, like the number of files, size, number of
downloads etc. The reports name FLMLISTS.A??
FLM2 wklygraph - create the other 2 reports, which are actually a
visual graph of the quantity of files and kilobytes
being added to your filebase over the last year.
The two reports are FLM#NEWF.A?? and FLM#NEWB.A??
▒▒ EXPORTING TO FILES.BBS FILES ▒▒
FLM can export all it's information to standard Files.BBS format files.
If required, the filenames will have been specified in the config/Storage
section.
To run from the command line:
FLM2 export
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
▒▒ RUNNING IN THE BBS MODE ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
As previously mentioned, FLM2 is also a 'door' or external program for
your BBS. In an RA/QBBS/SBBS environment, it can be called using either
a Type 7 or 15 exit. Please refer to your BBS manuals for information on
the use of doors and how they are called.
The most important factor for FLM2 to operate in the BBS mode is it's
requirement for the file EXITINFO.BBS to be located in the current
directory. This file, as previously stated. is created by RA/SBBS on
exits, and contains the Users Record so far. FLM2 on exit will update it
with any changes the user has selected, most importantly updates of the
users download and upload statistics.
The command line I use with my RA system is:
*M c:\ra\flm2.exe BBS *P *N
- BBS is a parameter to FLM, to take it into the BBS mode.
- the *M forces RA to swap itself to Disk before calling FLM
- the *P is substituted with the COM Port number being used
- the *N is substituted with the Line or Node number. Normally used
only by Multi-line systems, but please set to 1 if you are
running FLM on a single line BBS.
Note, that if FLM is called with the BBS parameter and you have an old
EXITINFO.BBS file in the directory from a previous user, it will read it
and most likely detect that that user has now hung up, and FLM will
subsequently close and return to the DOS command line.
All communication with the COM port is done via a fossil driver, both BNU
and X00 have been tested and found to work reliably with FLM. It doesn't
matter to FLM whether the COM port is locked, as it follows the speed as
set by the fossil.
FLM will honour the users settings as for the screen size and settings
prefered, ie use ANSI or ASCII displays. As yet, FLM does not utilise
AVATAR screen codes.
If FLM finds that the user has logged onto your BBS less than 5 times,
it will display the FLM introduction screen FLMINTRO.A??. This screen
was created to introduce the newish user to your file section, and inform
them how quick and easy it is to use your file areas.
Then, the main menu will be displayed. Note, you can customize the
default screens that FLM displays, by altering your Menu and BBS options
configurations. The layout of the menus displayed will be those exactly
as you have defined, and FLM will check at each stage that the user does
have security access to the Lists, or Files as you have set.
You will see that there is a Status Line at the bottom of the screen,
which updates once a minute showing slightly different information on the
user currently online.
While the user is online, you can see everything that the user is seeing,
and can type into the keyboard just as the user can. Characters received
from the COM port however, are limited to the options available on the
screen at the time, and never allows characters above ASCII 127.
From the Sysops keyboard, the additional keystrokes are available:
Alt+C - forces user into Chat Mode with the Sysop.
Alt+J - allows the Sysop to drop to a DOS shell. You must type EXIT to
return to FLM. When invoked, the user is informed to Wait as
you have dropped to DOS.
Ctrl+J - as above, but FLM swaps itself to EMS/XMS or Disk before
opening the DOS shell, giving you more RAM.
Alt+E - FLM updates the EXITINFO.BBS file, and then calls the User
Record Editor FLMUSER. See separate documentation for this
program, written by Andy Williams.
- increases the users Time Limit by One minute
- decreases the users Time Limit by One minute
PageUp - increases the users Credits by One unit
PageDn - decreases the users Credits by One unit
Ctrl+RightArrow - scrolls the Status Line to the next display. There
are three of these lines, each with different
information.
Ctrl+LeftArrow - redisplays the Status Line.
ESC - takes you as Sysop into the Viewer/Editor section of FLM.
you must return by selecting the BBS Mode option from the
screen there.
▒▒ LIST VIEWING ▒▒
After the user has selected an option from the main menu, the configured
List will be displyed. If the user has the Page Pausing option set, the
first screen full will show and then a Prompt asking whether the user
wishes to continue.
The Prompt offers the following options:
Yes to continue showing the List
No to skip to the end
Back to redisplay the previous screen page
TagFile prompts the user for a Filename or Number, thus adding
that file to the users Download selection
ViewArchive prompts the user for a Filename or Number. FLM2 will then
examine the file selected and display the ARChive
contents in a prioritised order whereby Textfiles are
displayed first in Yellow. In most circumstances, all
the document or textfiles are listed first.
The ViewArchive section provides the user with facilities
to read textfiles contained within the ARChive, and to
extract for download any individual file.
DisplayFile prompts the user for a Filename or Number. FLM2 will then
check if the file is an archive. If it is, the user is
prompted to use the ViewArchive option instead, otherwise
the file is displayed.
If the file selected has the extension .ANS, then FLM2
will display the it without the Page Pausing enabled.
Once the end of the list is reached, FLM2 also offers the options:
+ switches to the previous List offered from the Menu.
- switches to the next List offered from the Menu.
▒▒ FILE SEARCHING ▒▒
We are sure that your users will most benefit from FLM2's extremely fast
Searching section. The user is offered the option of searching either
for a Filename or for Keywords.
The filename search, is done using a fast binary search and therefore any
files found will be displayed almost instantaneously. Some users are
fooled by the speed when FLM2 doesn't find any files and shows 0 files
found, the users believe the search hasn't actually been done !
The Keyword search looks for the existance of the Keyword entered, either
in the filename or the file descriptions. As the search progresses, the
users are shown the progress by displaying the file number of the last
file in the block of files just checked. The speed is maintained because
FLM2 checks 250 files at a time.
▒▒ NEWFILES LIST ▒▒
On selecting this option, the user is asked to specify the number of days
back FLM2 is to report. The date used is that of the Upload Date in the
Files Record Card. If you want a specific file to always be shown, then
simply change it's upload date to somewhere in the future. ie if you
want your Allfiles Lists to always be shown as new. The user is offered
the option of pressing RETURN, where FLM2 will then search from the last
date the user was logged on.
▒▒ DOWNLOADING ▒▒
The user is first asked for a protocol method, with Quit being an option
available. Then FLM2 will display any files which have already been
Tagged, and prompt the user to enter any further ones. If you are using
the subscription system, you will see that FLM2 also displays the amount
the user will be charged for each file.
After the user has completed entering the files to be download, a check
is made that the files selected are within the Time and Download Limit
and Credit Limit you have set. After the user selects to start the
download, FLM2 will if configured ask the user if they wish to be
automatically logged-off after the download.
The protocol selected will be started. On return the logfile created or
ErrorLevel set determines the success of the transfer. FLM2 is very
exact with the success of the download, indicating to the user the number
of files that have been transfered correctly, and offering to continue
with those that weren't transfered fully. FLM2 does update it's database
immediately, so you'll find that your users won't get away with supposed
free downloads if they deliberately hang up in the middle of the download.
If you are having problems with failed transfers, check the setup of the
protocol, particularly that the log filename is correct.
▒▒ UPLOADING ▒▒
You can disallow uploads to your system in the config/BBS Options
section.
On the basis that uploads are allowed, the user is asked to select from
one of the protocols. After selected the protocol, the next question to
the user depends on whether you have configured FLM2 to check for
duplicate uploads. If you have configured for 'Force Check', the user is
asked for the filename of the file they are about to upload. An input of
a Wildcard or a input whish is obviously false is disallowed and the user
will be prompted again to enter a valid filename. FLM2 then checks the
filebase and if any matching files are found, these will be listed and
the user asked to confirm that the file they are going to upload is not a
duplicate.
Before starting the protocol, a 'Receive' directory is created by FLM2
uniquely for this user, and then FLM2 loads the protocol from that
directory. On return, FLM2 checks the directory for received files and
asks the user to describe each of the files uploaded. After this, then
moving the files to the Upload Storage Area, and adding the file to that
List.
▒▒ SUPPORT ANS/ASC FILES ▒▒
The following .ASC/.ANS files can be located in the FLM Data Directory,
and FLM2 will display them as indicated:
FLMINTRO.A?? - is displayed to users who have logged onto your BBS
less than 5 times. This can introduce them to your
filebase and indicate the best way to use it.
FLM#nnnn.A?? - the nnnn represents a List Number.
This file is appended to the Top of List nnnn, as it is
being displayed and replaces the normal Header display
that FLM2 shows.
FLM#DEF.A?? - this file is appended to the Top of all Lists except
lists with their own FLM#nnnn.A?? file.
CHARGES.A?? - if you are using the subscription system, this file is
displayed to the users who attempt to download more
than their current Credits. Use to inform them how to
they can get their account back into credit.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
▒▒ FILEBASE STATISTICS ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
▒▒ FILE TRANSFER TRACKING SYSTEM ▒▒
Every download and upload is logged within FLM2, and the first four menu
options gives access to these logs. Uploads and Downloads are treated
independantly, and there are no links between the user who has uploaded
against the same users downloads.
Upload Sessions, will show starting from the last file uploaded, a record
of every file either adopted or uploaded. The log shows the Date & Time
the file was added, the User who Uploaded and the time it took to upload
to your system. You are able to scroll through the log by pressing the
RETURN key. Any files which have subsequently been deleted will show as
'deleted', and any records which have now been removed will show as a
null line.
Uploaders Records, will initially show the Uploading log for the 'Sysop'.
Pressing the F1 key will enable a Pick List of all the Uploaders and from
this window, you can select a user whose record will then be displayed.
Download Sessions, will show starting with the last file downloaded, a
record of every file downloaded. The log details the Date & Time
together with the Time Taken and CPS rate attained and the users name who
made the download. You can continue to scroll down the log of downloads
by pressing the RETURN key.
Downloaders Records, indicate the downloads performed by each user.
Press the F1 key to enable a Pick List and select from any of the users
names shown. The users names are added to the database after they have
performed their first download, therefore the newer users will be listed
last.
▒▒ USAGE STATISTICS ▒▒
The 3 statistics screens display the amount of Usage your users are
making of the FLM2 filebase. With data recorded over five time periods.
Each column is headed with the time period it represents, also the date
the time period started is shown.
Each of the pages are accessed by pressing the PageUp or PageDown keys.
▒▒ FILEBASE INFORMATION ▒▒
On selecting this option, an initial scan through all the database
records is done. This should only take a moment. On completion, FLM2
displays a summary for you to review.
There are 3 further displays, each enabled by pressing :
F1 - Extension List
A complete record of all the file extensions used in your
filebase with a count of the number of files, total size and
number of downloads recorded for each extension. The list may
extend over several screens and FLM2 will prompt you to
continue.
F3 - Dates Analysis
The screen details the age of all the files in your filebase.
The dates are split into 17 year periods, and for each year there
are counts of the number of files, the sizes and the percentage
of the filebase.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
▒▒ CREDITS ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
RemoteAccess is a trademark of Andrew Milner & Continental Software
SuperBBS copyright Risto Virkkala and Aki Antman
FLMUSR - Files Library Manager User Editor, by Andy Williams
RAFI2FLS - RemoteAccess Flsearch.ctl Generator, by Peter Burnett
PKZIP - copyright PkWare Inc
ARJ - copyright Robert K Jung
LHA - copyright Haruyasu Yoshizaki
DSZ - copyright Omen Technology
BIMODEM - copyright Erik Labs
HSLINK - copyright Samuel H Smith
SHEZ - copyright Jim Derr
VPIC - copyright Bob Montgomery
A_TYPE - copyright Ron Huiskes / Intersoft
Credit due to the many BETA testers, and continual encouragement offered
by them and users of the 1.xx series.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
▒▒ APPENDIX ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
▒▒ A - Extended Use of FLSEARCH.CTL ▒▒
On installation from an originally setup system, FLM2 utilises the file
FLSEARCH.CTL to obtain the directories of your filebase. FLM2 can use
and extension of the normal format for this file, allowing installation
of CD-ROM discs much easier. This extension is purely the fourth column
of information, an alternative description file to read. Normally FLM2
would look for a FILES.BBS file in the File Area directory, but with the
additional column you can get round this with CD-ROM discs that don't
use this normal method.
The extended format is.
Directory Security Area Description Alternative Files.bbs
------------ -------- --------------------- ---------------------
u:\010a 5 Window_Demo's e:\text\dir10
u:\011a 5 Personal_System Utils e:\text\dir11
u:\012a 5 Windows e:\text\dir12
u:\012b
u:\012c
u:\013a 5 Windows_Games e:\text\dir13
u:\014a 5 CAD_Programs_&_Utils e:\text\dir14
In this case, the text file dir12 is a list of all the files in
directories 012a, 012b, 012c. FLM2 will create Storage Areas for each
of the directories, but only create Lists for the Lines where there is
an Area Description. If you haven't specified an Alternative files.bbs
then Flm2 will look for one in the Storage Area directory, if one isn't
found then it will finally ask for you to enter a name of one, or you
could leave it blank.
▒▒ B - FILES.BBS description files ▒▒
If you're not already familiar with the FILES.BBS files, you soon will
be as Sysop. They are text based files, usually located in each
directory where your files are stored, and form a kind of directory of
each file in the directory, with a description to what that file is.
The format is simply:
FILENAME.EXT This is the description to this file
FILE2.ZIP Another descriptive file.
each line contains a filename, and then the description. You can also
have lines containing comments, which normally need to be indented by
one or more space characters.
FLM's use of these files is purely to build your filebase initially, and
then subsequently to obtain the descriptions for files adopted to the
filebase. You'll find that many file based programs either maintain or
make use of FILES.BBS files. For example, your Mailer
(FrontDoor/D'Bridge etc), will use them to obtain the descriptions of
files being file requested from your system. Also programs like TICK
will add descriptions to it when files are imported to your system.
FLM will maintain a FILES.BBS file for you, by using the EXPORT command,
but doesn't itself use them.