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RRRRRR OOOOO SSSSS RR RR OOO OOO SS SS RR RR OO OO SS RR RR OO OO SS RRRRRR OO OO SSSSS RRRR OO OO SS RR RR OO OO SS RR RR OOO OOO SS SS RR RR OOOOO SSSSS Remote Operating System U S E R M A N U A L Copyright (c) 1985, 1986, 1987 All Rights Reserved by Steven Fox 2112 White Cloud NE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87112 USA T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ 1. WELCOME TO ROS.............................................1 1. WELCOME TO ROS.............................................1 1. WELCOME TO ROS.............................................1 2. SYSTEM PROMPTS.............................................2 2. SYSTEM PROMPTS.............................................2 2. SYSTEM PROMPTS.............................................2 3. COMMAND SUB-SYSTEMS........................................3 3. COMMAND SUB-SYSTEMS........................................3 3. COMMAND SUB-SYSTEMS........................................3 4. MESSAGE SUB-SYSTEM.........................................4 4. MESSAGE SUB-SYSTEM.........................................4 4. MESSAGE SUB-SYSTEM.........................................4 4.1. <A>nswer last msg.....................................4 4.1. <A>nswer last msg.....................................4 4.2. <C>hange msg area.....................................4 4.2. <C>hange msg area.....................................4 4.3. <D>elete a message....................................5 4.3. <D>elete a message....................................5 4.4. <E>nter message.......................................5 4.4. <E>nter message.......................................5 4.5. nformation for new users...........................6 4.5. nformation for new users...........................6 4.6. <O>ther systems list..................................6 4.6. <O>ther systems list..................................6 4.7. <Q>uick-scan messages.................................6 4.7. <Q>uick-scan messages.................................6 4.8. <R>ead messages.......................................6 4.8. <R>ead messages.......................................6 4.9. <S>can messages.......................................7 4.9. <S>can messages.......................................7 4.10. and <1> ... <9>..................................7 4.10. and <1> ... <9>..................................7 4.11. <G>oodbye (logoff)...................................7 4.11. <G>oodbye (logoff)...................................7 4.12. <F>ile Sub-system....................................7 4.12. <F>ile Sub-system....................................7 4.13. tility Sub-system.................................7 4.13. tility Sub-system.................................7 4.14. <X>pert mode toggle..................................7 4.14. <X>pert mode toggle..................................7 5. FILE SUB-SYSTEM............................................8 5. FILE SUB-SYSTEM............................................8 5. FILE SUB-SYSTEM............................................8 5.1. rief dir toggle....................................8 5.1. rief dir toggle....................................8 5.2. <C>hange file area....................................8 5.2. <C>hange file area....................................8 5.3. <D>irectory of files..................................8 5.3. <D>irectory of files..................................8 5.4. <F>ilesize display....................................9 5.4. <F>ilesize display....................................9 5.5. <L>ibrary or archive open/close.......................9 5.5. <L>ibrary or archive open/close.......................9 5.6. <N>ewin list..........................................9 5.6. <N>ewin list..........................................9 5.7. <W>here is (file search)..............................9 5.7. <W>here is (file search)..............................9 5.8. <R>eceive file using Xmodem protocol (you --> ROS)..10 5.8. <R>eceive file using Xmodem protocol (you --> ROS)..10 5.9. <S>end file using Xmodem protocol (ROS --> you)..10 5.9. <S>end file using Xmodem protocol (ROS --> you)..10 5.10. <T>ype ASCII or squeezed file (Xon/Xoff supported)..10 5.10. <T>ype ASCII or squeezed file (Xon/Xoff supported)..10 5.11. <G>oodbye (logoff)..................................10 5.11. <G>oodbye (logoff)..................................10 5.12. <M>essage Sub-system................................10 5.12. <M>essage Sub-system................................10 5.13. tility Sub-system................................11 5.13. tility Sub-system................................11 5.14. <X>pert mode toggle.................................11 5.14. <X>pert mode toggle.................................11 6. UTILITY SUB-SYSTEM........................................12 6. UTILITY SUB-SYSTEM........................................12 6. UTILITY SUB-SYSTEM........................................12 6.1. <A>lter configuration................................12 6.1. <A>lter configuration................................12 6.1.1. ell after prompt on/off....................12 6.1.1. ell after prompt on/off....................12 6.1.2. <C>haracters per line.........................12 6.1.2. <C>haracters per line.........................12 6.1.3. <D>efault areas...............................12 6.1.3. <D>efault areas...............................12 6.1.4. <H>elp level set (0-3)........................13 6.1.4. <H>elp level set (0-3)........................13 6.1.5. <L>ines per page..............................13 6.1.5. <L>ines per page..............................13 6.1.6. <N>ulls sent after new line...................13 6.1.6. <N>ulls sent after new line...................13 6.1.7. assword change.............................13 6.1.7. assword change.............................13 6.1.8. <S>hift lock..................................14 6.1.8. <S>hift lock..................................14 6.1.9. <T>ransfer protocol...........................14 6.1.9. <T>ransfer protocol...........................14 6.2. <C>hat with Sysop....................................14 6.2. <C>hat with Sysop....................................14 6.3. <R>egister for access................................14 6.3. <R>egister for access................................14 6.4. <S>tatistics.........................................15 6.4. <S>tatistics.........................................15 6.5. <T>ime and date......................................15 6.5. <T>ime and date......................................15 ii 6.6. ser list..........................................15 6.6. ser list..........................................15 6.7. <G>oodbye (logoff)...................................15 6.7. <G>oodbye (logoff)...................................15 6.8. <F>ile Sub-system....................................15 6.8. <F>ile Sub-system....................................15 6.9. <M>essage Sub-system.................................15 6.9. <M>essage Sub-system.................................15 6.10. <X>pert mode toggle.................................15 6.10. <X>pert mode toggle.................................15 Appendices Appendices Appendices A. EXAMPLES..................................................16 A. EXAMPLES..................................................16 A. EXAMPLES..................................................16 INDEX.....................................................18 INDEX.....................................................18 INDEX.....................................................18 ii L I S T O F F I G U R E S L I S T O F F I G U R E S L I S T O F F I G U R E S _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ 3-1: Command Sub-systems.......................................3 3-1: Command Sub-systems.......................................3 3-1: Command Sub-systems.......................................3 4-1: Message Sub-system........................................4 4-1: Message Sub-system........................................4 4-1: Message Sub-system........................................4 4-2: Text Editing Commands.....................................5 4-2: Text Editing Commands.....................................5 4-2: Text Editing Commands.....................................5 5-1: File Sub-System...........................................8 5-1: File Sub-System...........................................8 5-1: File Sub-System...........................................8 6-1: Utility Sub-System.......................................12 6-1: Utility Sub-System.......................................12 6-1: Utility Sub-System.......................................12 6-2: System Configuration.....................................12 6-2: System Configuration.....................................12 6-2: System Configuration.....................................12 iii ROS User Manual 1. WELCOME TO ROS 1. WELCOME TO ROS 1. WELCOME TO ROS ROS is a fast, powerful message and file transfer system that works in conjunction with your computer to exchange private mail with other users, post public messages for many others to read, download files for your own use, and upload files that others may find useful or fun. If you are new to ROS, please take a little time to read through this manual. If you are already familiar with ROS, you may want to just browse, looking up new commands as you go. In any case, online menus are available throughout the system to help you when this manual isn't handy. Whenever ROS is listing or typing something to your computer, you may enter a CTRL-S (press the "Control" key and "S" at the same time) to make the display pause. Output will pause until you press CTRL-Q. CTRL-C may be entered at ANY time, including when output is paused, to completely stop the listing. ROS will then return to a command prompt. Commands consist of a single letter entered in upper or lower case and should not be followed by a carriage return (<RETURN>). For example, to read a message, just enter the letter "r" (with- out the quotes). ROS will echo the whole word "Read" and then continue with the command execution. Frequently, ROS will ask for more information to complete the command. The appropriate section in this manual will provide more information about these secondary prompts. 1 ROS User Manual 2. SYSTEM PROMPTS 2. SYSTEM PROMPTS 2. SYSTEM PROMPTS System prompts are displayed while ROS is waiting for a command to one of the three sub-systems (described in more detail later). These prompts consist of several pieces of information: Time remaining Current sub-system Current file or message area Library or archive name (if a library or archive is active) Optional help reminder (controlled by help level) For example, the following prompt indicates that you have 32 minutes remaining on the system, are currently in the file sub- system, and logged into the NEWIN file area: 32-File: NEWIN [press "?" for menu]> When you enter a library or archive, your prompt will expand to include the library name: 32-File: NEWIN [VECTOR.LBR] [press "?" for menu]> 2 ROS User Manual 3. COMMAND SUB-SYSTEMS 3. COMMAND SUB-SYSTEMS 3. COMMAND SUB-SYSTEMS Many commands are available to enter and read messages, display directories, transfer files, and control the system configura- tion. These commands are grouped into three command sub-systems as shown in Figure 3-1. Subsequent sections of this manual des- cribe each sub-system and the commands that can be entered. Sub-system Primary Use Message sub-system Enter and read messages File sub-system Transfer files Utility sub-system Miscellaneous functions Fig. 3-1: Command Sub-systems Fig. 3-1: Command Sub-systems Fig. 3-1: Command Sub-systems 3 ROS User Manual 4. MESSAGE SUB-SYSTEM 4. MESSAGE SUB-SYSTEM 4. MESSAGE SUB-SYSTEM Figure 4-1 lists the message sub-system commands. Subsequent paragraphs describe each command in detail. Message Sub-System ==== Functions ==== ==== Bulletins ==== == System Changes == <A>nswer last msg ulletin <G>oodbye (logoff) <C>hange msg area <1> Turbo User Group <F>ile Sub-System <D>elete a msg <2> Xmodem tility Sub-System <E>nter a msg <3> ROS <X>pert mode toggle nfo for new users <4> ROS 3.6 <O>ther systems list <5> File posting <Q>uick-scan messages <6> Bonus Time <R>ead messages <S>can messages Fig. 4-1: Message Sub-system Fig. 4-1: Message Sub-system Fig. 4-1: Message Sub-system 4.1. <A>nswer last msg 4.1. <A>nswer last msg This command is similar to the <E>nter command (described below). The message will be automatically addressed to the individual who wrote the last message you read. 4.2. <C>hange msg area 4.2. <C>hange msg area ROS supports several message areas allowing messages to be filed in groups by topic. This effectively shortens the message file and makes finding a particular message easier. After typing "C," enter the name of the desired message area or enter "?" to get a menu of the message areas available. If the entry cannot be found, a short version of the menu will be displayed and the system will once again prompt for the message area. If an entry is not made before typing <RETURN>, the system will remain in the current area. In addition to the message areas for specific topics, the follow- ing three areas have special use: MAIL In this area, you will have access to all public messages or private mail addressed to you. SENT In this area, you will have access to all public messages or private mail you have sent. 4 ROS User Manual WORLD This "area" is actually a cross-section of all message areas except "MAIL" and "SENT," i.e. it does not include messages or mail addressed to or from you. This area may be used to quickly scan messages on all the topics available on the system. 4.3. <D>elete a message 4.3. <D>elete a message This command is used to delete an existing message. After enter- ing "D," enter the message number in response to the "Message" prompt. If the message exists and you were the author or the individual recipient, the message will be erased. Otherwise the system will respond with a "not found" message. 4.4. <E>nter message 4.4. <E>nter message Use this command to send a message to another user, the sysop, or to all users (similar to posting a message on a bulletin board in a laundromat). If you enter only a <RETURN> in response to the "FIRST name" prompt, the message will go to all users. If you send a private message, ROS will verify the recipient name. If the addressee cannot be found in the user file, you will be in- formed and given the opportunity to try again. To send a message to the sysop, enter "SYSOP" as the first name. The prompt for the last name will not appear. Until you are validated, ROS will automatically address all your messages to the sysop. Figure 4-2 lists the commands available during editing. ======= Text Editing Functions ======= === Editor Commands === CTRL-A Move cursor one word left <C>ontinue text entry CTRL-S Move cursor one character left <D>elete selected line CTRL-D Move cursor one character right <E>dit a selected line CTRL-F Move cursor one word right nsert new text TAB Space to next tab position <L>ist current text Backspace, RUB, or <S>ave text to disk DEL Delete character left of cursor <Q>uit without saving CTRL-G Delete character at cursor CTRL-X Delete line left of cursor RETURN Complete line entry New characters are inserted into the existing line. If there are characters to the right of the current cursor position, they will be moved over to make space. Insertions will not be shown until the line is explicitly re-listed. Fig. 4-2: Text Editing Commands Fig. 4-2: Text Editing Commands Fig. 4-2: Text Editing Commands 5 ROS User Manual 4.5. nformation for new users 4.5. nformation for new users This system description is displayed during your first login. It contains material you may need to determine whether or not you wish to register for full access. It briefly describes the hard- ware and software being used, and the standards that will be upheld. 4.6. <O>ther systems list 4.6. <O>ther systems list This is a list of other Bulletin Board Systems (BBS'). 4.7. <Q>uick-scan messages 4.7. <Q>uick-scan messages After typing "Q," ROS will prompt for the starting message num- ber. If the message cannot be found, the system will start with the next sequential message. If you enter a number lower than the lower number indicated in the brackets, ROS will start the scan with the lowest numbered message available. If you enter a number higher than the upper number indicated in the brackets, ROS will start the scan with the highest numbered message avail- able. If you press <RETURN> without entering a number, ROS will start the scan with the highest message you read the last time you logged in. For example, if you call on Saturday and the highest message you read was #1842, when you call again on Tues- day and enter a <RETURN> in response to the "Start" prompt, the system will start the display with the next available message after #1842. If the number "0" is entered, ROS will start the listing with the first available message. The message number and topic of messages from the starting number until the last message will then be displayed. 4.8. <R>ead messages 4.8. <R>ead messages After entering "R," this command will prompt for the starting message number in a manner similar to quick-scan and scan. In addition to all the information displayed in scan, this command also displays the text of the message. If you are the author of the message or the addressee of a pri- vate message, the system will ask if you want to delete it. Respond with either "Y" to delete the message or with "N" to retain the message. If the message is not the last message, ROS will ask if you want to read the next sequential message on file. Respond "Y" to continue with the reading, or with "N" to terminate the command. The number of lines per page can be controlled in the utility 6 ROS User Manual sub-system, and in fact, the pause can be completely eliminated. 4.9. <S>can messages 4.9. <S>can messages This command is similar to quick-scan. In addition to the number and topic, the sender and receiver will be displayed. 4.10. and <1> ... <9> 4.10. and <1> ... <9> System and general interest bulletins. ROS automatically dis- plays the system bulletin (ulletin) each time you log in. 4.11. <G>oodbye (logoff) 4.11. <G>oodbye (logoff) This command is used to terminate the remote session. You will be given the opportunity to enter any comments or questions to the sysop. The system will then display a signoff message and disconnect. 4.12. <F>ile Sub-system 4.12. <F>ile Sub-system This command activates the File sub-system. 4.13. tility Sub-system 4.13. tility Sub-system This command activates the Utility sub-system. 4.14. <X>pert mode toggle 4.14. <X>pert mode toggle This command alternates between help levels 1 and 3 (refer to the Help command for more information). 7 ROS User Manual 5. FILE SUB-SYSTEM 5. FILE SUB-SYSTEM 5. FILE SUB-SYSTEM Figure 5-1 lists the commands in the file sub-system. Subsequent paragraphs describe each command in detail. File Sub-System =============== Functions =============== == System Changes == rief dir toggle <F>ilesize display <G>oodbye (logoff) <C>hange file area <N>ewin list <M>essage Sub-System <D>irectory of files <W>here is file tility Sub-System <L>ibrary or archive open/close <X>pert mode toggle <R>eceive file using Xmodem protocol (you --> ROS) <S>end file using Xmodem protocol (ROS --> you) <T>ype ASCII or squeezed file (Xon/Xoff supported) Fig. 5-1: File Sub-System Fig. 5-1: File Sub-System Fig. 5-1: File Sub-System 5.1. rief dir toggle 5.1. rief dir toggle When displaying the directory of files in the current area (see the <D>irectory command), you may instruct ROS to include de- scriptions or to display only a brief list of files. This com- mand alternates between the two modes. When you first log in, ROS defaults to include descriptions. 5.2. <C>hange file area 5.2. <C>hange file area When you login, you will be placed in the file area specified as your personal default (to change this default, refer to the "<A>lter" command in the utility sub-system). To access other file areas in the system, type "C" at the file sub-system prompt and enter the name of the desired file area or enter "?" to get a menu of the file areas available. If the entry cannot be found, a short version of the menu will be displayed and the system will once again prompt for the file area name. If an entry is not made before typing <RETURN>, the system will remain in the cur- rent file area. If you are in a library or archive (see the description of the <L>ibrary command) when this command is entered, the library will be closed before the system prompts for the new file area. 5.3. <D>irectory of files 5.3. <D>irectory of files This command displays the directory of files in the current file area. If you are in a library or archive, only those files in 8 ROS User Manual the library or archive will be displayed, otherwise, the file area directory will be displayed. The file size will also be displayed according to the current filesize mode (see <F>ilesize description). The description of the file may be displayed, depending on the value of the "brief" toggle (see "rief" de- scription). 5.4. <F>ilesize display 5.4. <F>ilesize display File sizes in the directory display may be shown in "k" (1024) bytes or in minutes and seconds of transfer time (based on the current modem speed). Each time this command is entered, the system will alternate between these two methods. 5.5. <L>ibrary or archive open/close 5.5. <L>ibrary or archive open/close Libraries and archives are very useful tools to group related files. For example, a single library or archive might contain source code, object or executable code, and documentation for a particular system. Such a library or archive is actually a single file which contains a directory to the files it contains. In order to simplify library and archive usage, the "L" command may be used to "enter" a library or archive. When this is done, ROS will prompt for the name and then attempt to open the library or archive. If successful, subsequent rief, <D>irectory, <F>ilesize, <S>end, and <T>ype commands will pertain to the files within the library or archive. If you are already in a library or archive, entering "L" will close it. 5.6. <N>ewin list 5.6. <N>ewin list This command displays files uploaded to the system since the date you specify. You may simply hit a carriage return to instruct ROS to use your last login date for the search. 5.7. <W>here is (file search) 5.7. <W>here is (file search) This command searches all file areas you have access to for files which match the file name you specify. It is not necessary to use CP/M or DOS wildcards ("*" and "?") since ROS will find all files whose first characters match the characters you specify. In fact, wildcards will only confuse the search since ROS does not treat them as such, but rather as normal characters. For example, if you specify "ADV" then ROS will find "ADVENTUR.LBR" and "ADVENT.ARC" as well as another file starting with the char- acters "ADV". 9 ROS User Manual 5.8. <R>eceive file using Xmodem protocol (you --> ROS) 5.8. <R>eceive file using Xmodem protocol (you --> ROS) The Xmodem protocol is a popular file transfer method that allows two computers to ensure that each block of characters are cor- rectly transferred. Most terminal emulator packages have the capability of using this protocol. ROS supports both the short, 128-byte block and the 1024-byte block normally associated with Ymodem protocol. Refer to the <A>lter command in the utility sub-system for more information. This command is used to transfer files from your system to ROS. ROS will try to receive using both CRC and checksum. Files will be received in a private area for later release, if appropriate. After the file transfer has completed successfully, ROS will ask for a short description of the file. This description will be added to the catalog to help other users determine if it is some- thing they might find useful. Some file transfer systems refer to this command as "UPLOAD." 5.9. <S>end file using Xmodem protocol (ROS --> you) 5.9. <S>end file using Xmodem protocol (ROS --> you) Use this command to send a file from this system to yours. After entering "S," enter the file name to transfer. If the system can find the file, it will display the approximate transfer time and then the message "Ready to send..." Your emulator package should then be set to receive the file using either checksum or CRC (preferred). When the file transfer is complete, the system will return to the File sub-system prompt. Some file transfer systems refer to this command as "DOWNLOAD." 5.10. <T>ype ASCII or squeezed file (Xon/Xoff supported) 5.10. <T>ype ASCII or squeezed file (Xon/Xoff supported) This command may be used to display the contents of text files even if the file has been squeezed. Xon/Xoff may be used as described in the Key Entries section to pause the display. 5.11. <G>oodbye (logoff) 5.11. <G>oodbye (logoff) This command is used to terminate the remote session. You will be given the opportunity to enter any comments or questions to the sysop. The system will then display a signoff message and disconnect. 5.12. <M>essage Sub-system 5.12. <M>essage Sub-system This command activates the Message sub-system. 10 ROS User Manual 5.13. tility Sub-system 5.13. tility Sub-system This command activates the Utility sub-system. 5.14. <X>pert mode toggle 5.14. <X>pert mode toggle This command alternates between help levels 1 and 3 (refer to the Help command for more information). 11 ROS User Manual 6. UTILITY SUB-SYSTEM 6. UTILITY SUB-SYSTEM 6. UTILITY SUB-SYSTEM Figure 6-1 lists the commands in the utility sub-system. Subse- quent paragraphs describe each command in more detail. Utility Sub-System =============== Functions =============== == System Changes == <A>lter configuration <S>tatistics <G>oodbye (logoff) <C>hat with sysop <T>ime and date <F>ile Sub-System <R>egister for access ser list <M>essage Sub-System <X>pert mode toggle Fig. 6-1: Utility Sub-System Fig. 6-1: Utility Sub-System Fig. 6-1: Utility Sub-System 6.1. <A>lter configuration 6.1. <A>lter configuration This command allows you to set several configuration parameters as listed in Figure 6-2 and described in subsequent sections. System Configuration ell after prompt <H>elp level assword change <C>haracters/line <L>ines/page <S>hift lock <D>efault areas <N>ulls after newline <T>ransfer protocol All parameters will be retained from one call to the next. Fig. 6-2: System Configuration Fig. 6-2: System Configuration Fig. 6-2: System Configuration 6.1.1. ell after prompt on/off 6.1.1. ell after prompt on/off This command turns on and off the bell (or beep) used to indicate that the system is ready for your input. 6.1.2. <C>haracters per line 6.1.2. <C>haracters per line Set this parameter to match the actual width, in characters, of the display of your terminal. ROS will format most output to give the best appearance. 6.1.3. <D>efault areas 6.1.3. <D>efault areas This command may be used to make the current message and file areas the defaults each time you log in. For example, if you are usually interested in the newest uploads, you may log into the 12 ROS User Manual NEWIN file area and use this command to make this the default. In a similar fashion, if you are usually interested in your per- sonal mail, you may want to log into the MAIL message area and use this command to retain that area as the default. 6.1.4. <H>elp level set (0-3) 6.1.4. <H>elp level set (0-3) At help levels 1-3, the currently active sub-system will be fully spelled out, e.g. "Files." At help level 0, only the first char- acter of the sub-system will be displayed, e.g. "F." At help level 2, the system will remind you in each prompt that help is available by typing "?." At help level 3, ROS will automatically display the current help menu after each command. In other words: Help level 0: Displays shortest possible prompt Help level 1: Displays full sub-system name Help level 2: Displays menu reminder ("?") Help level 3: Always display menu Typing "X" at any command prompt will toggle between help levels 1 and 3 effectively turning the menus on and off. 6.1.5. <L>ines per page 6.1.5. <L>ines per page To improve the readability of long displays, ROS will pause after a specified number of lines, waiting for a key to be pressed before proceeding. Use this parameter to match the number of lines displayed to your screen size. If you specify "0" as the line count, ROS will not pause. At this setting, the normal pause between messages is also suppressed and ROS will continue until all messages are displayed or stopped by ^C. 6.1.6. <N>ulls sent after new line 6.1.6. <N>ulls sent after new line Nulls are sent after a new line to allow time for your machine to catch up before any printable characters are sent. Normally this value should be set to "0" for CRT (display) terminals, and from 0-99 (try 2) for hardcopy printing terminals. If your display loses characters at the beginning of the line, try increasing this parameter. 6.1.7. assword change 6.1.7. assword change When this command is executed, the system will ask for your cur- rent password. If this is entered correctly, you will be asked for a new password in a fashion similar to when you first logged into the system. 13 ROS User Manual 6.1.8. <S>hift lock 6.1.8. <S>hift lock Some terminals do not know what to do with lower case letters. When this command is entered, ROS will ask if your terminal can display lower case. If you respond "Y," upper and lower case will be sent normally. If you answer "N," lower case letters will be converted to upper case before being sent to your system. 6.1.9. <T>ransfer protocol 6.1.9. <T>ransfer protocol ROS, in conjunction with your telecommunications software, sup- ports two methods of error detection during file transfers: cyc- lic redundancy check (CRC) and checksum. Either may be used with short (128 byte) blocks, but CRC is enforced when transferring long (1024 byte) blocks. You may let ROS try to determine the best protocol, or select your preference. In either case, ROS will try to adjust if it detects incompatible modes. For exam- ple, if you ask ROS to send a file using checksum, but your sys- tem is set to use CRC, the file transfer will still succeed since ROS will switch to CRC as well. Similarly, if you tell ROS to receive using Xmodem CRC but your system starts sending long blocks, ROS will accommodate. This command is used to set one of the following four transfer modes: Mode 0: automatic selection Mode 1: Xmodem checksum Mode 2: Xmodem CRC Mode 3: Ymodem CRC (1024 byte records) 6.2. <C>hat with Sysop 6.2. <C>hat with Sysop During certain hours, the sysop may be available to chat. When this command is entered, the system will try to summon the sysop (if during the chat period). If the sysop is available, you will be notified and a two-way conversation may begin. If the sysop is not available or if the current time is outside the hours to chat, you will be given the opportunity to leave a message. 6.3. <R>egister for access 6.3. <R>egister for access This command allows you to enter the information the sysop will need to validate you. If, as a new user, you do not explicity use this command, ROS will offer to register you during the log- out process. Once you have registered, this command will be disabled. Only your name will be shown to other users. The rest of the information will be strictly private and will not be used for any purpose other than validation (no mailing lists or the like). Validation is normally completed in 48 hours. 14 ROS User Manual 6.4. <S>tatistics 6.4. <S>tatistics This command displays a bar chart of the percent of system usage by hour. From the information on this chart, you can plan your calls for times when the system is less busy. 6.5. <T>ime and date 6.5. <T>ime and date This command will display the current time and date, the amount of time spent on the system today, and the amount of time remai- ning today. 6.6. ser list 6.6. ser list This command will alphabetically list the names of all the vali- dated users on the system. It may be used to check the spelling of a user to whom you wish to send a message. You may start the list with any name or part of name by entering one or more let- ters at the appropriate prompt. 6.7. <G>oodbye (logoff) 6.7. <G>oodbye (logoff) This command is used to terminate the remote session. You will be given the opportunity to enter any comments or questions to the sysop. The system will then display a signoff message and disconnect. 6.8. <F>ile Sub-system 6.8. <F>ile Sub-system This command activates the File sub-system. 6.9. <M>essage Sub-system 6.9. <M>essage Sub-system This command activates the Message sub-system. 6.10. <X>pert mode toggle 6.10. <X>pert mode toggle This command alternates between help levels 1 and 3 (refer to the Help command for more information). 15 ROS User Manual A. EXAMPLES A. EXAMPLES A. EXAMPLES The following paragraphs describe some of the situations commonly encountered during a session with ROS. After the usual name and password verification, you will be log- ged into your default message area. At that time you will be notified of any pending personal mail sent to you. To change the message area, type "C." Entering "?" at this time will display the names and descriptions of the various message areas. If ROS cannot find the area you request, it will display a brief list of the message areas. Entering a message is straight forward with prompts for the first and last name of the recipient. An empty first name will result in a public message addressed to ALL. In this case or if the first name is "SYSOP," ROS will not ask for a last name. Bulletins may be read by entering one of the numbers listed in the menu. The utility sub-system provides several useful commands for oper- ation and configuration. For example, you probably noticed that after you had called the system once, you were not asked again how many nulls you need, nor whether your terminal could display upper and lower case. This is because this information is stored along with your name and password. If you change to another ter- minal or computer you may want to change these parameters: just type "A" and you will be prompted. Passwords and other parameter changes may also be done with this command. The statistics command will show you in a graphic form the busy hours of the system so you can plan your calls. Typing "U" now will take you into the utility sub-system where you can try these commands. After experimenting with the utility commands, enter an "F" to enter the file sub-system. On first entry, you will be logged into your default file area. Once you are in the file sub-system, ROS will interpret an "F" as a command to toggle the filesize display. Try this command a couple of times followed by "D" to get a directory listing. If you type "N", you will get a list of the new uploads along with a description of the files. To get access to these new uploads, type "C" (for change) and enter "NEWIN." Note that unvalidated users do not normally have access to the NEWIN area. The file sub-system change command works like the message system 16 ROS User Manual change command in that a "?" will produce a detailed list of the available areas and an invalid name will give a brief list. Users familiar with LUX will recognize the similarity of the "L" command. After entering "L," ROS will ask for the library or archive name which may be entered with or without the ".LBR" or ".ARC" extensions. While in a library all of the file sub-system commands are still operative. Typing "L" a second time will close the library or archive. You may terminate the session at any time by typing a "G" from any system prompt. ROS will ask if you have any comments for the sysop and then sign off and disconnect. 17 Index INDEX INDEX INDEX <A>lter configuration, 12 <A>nswer last msg, 4 and <1> ... <9>, 7 ell after prompt on/off, 12 rief dir toggle, 8 <C>hange file area, 8 <C>hange msg area, 4 <C>haracters per line, 12 <C>hat with Sysop, 14 <C>ontinue text entry, 5 <D>efault areas, 12 <D>elete a message, 5 <D>elete selected line, 5 <D>irectory of files, 8 <E>dit a selected line, 5 <E>nter message, 5 <F>ile Sub-system, 7, 15 <F>ilesize display, 9 <G>oodbye (logoff), 7, 10, 15 <H>elp level set (0-3), 13 nformation for new users, 6 nsert new text, 5 <L>ibrary or archive open/close, 9 <L>ines per page, 13 <L>ist current text, 5 <M>essage Sub-system, 10, 15 <N>ewin list, 9 <N>ulls sent after new line, 13 <O>ther systems list, 6 assword change, 13 <Q>uick-scan messages, 6 <Q>uit without saving, 5 <R>ead messages, 6 <R>eceive file using Xmodem protocol (you --> ROS), 10 <R>egister for access, 14 <S>ave text to disk, 5 <S>can messages, 7 <S>end file using Xmodem protocol (ROS --> you), 10 <S>hift lock, 14 <S>tatistics, 15 <T>ime and date, 15 <T>ransfer protocol, 14 <T>ype ASCII or squeezed file (Xon/Xoff supported), 10 ser list, 15 tility Sub-system, 7, 11 <W>here is (file search), 9 <X>pert mode toggle, 7, 11, 15 18 Index Backspace, 5 Carriage return, 1, 9 COMMAND SUB-SYSTEMS, 3 CTRL-A, 5 CTRL-C, 1 CTRL-D, 5 CTRL-F, 5 CTRL-G, 5 CTRL-Q, 1 CTRL-S, 1, 5 CTRL-X, 5 Current file or message area, 2 Current sub-system, 2 DEL, 5 DOWNLOAD, 10 EXAMPLES, 16 FILE SUB-SYSTEM, 8 Help reminder, 2 Library or archive name, 2 MAIL, 4 MESSAGE SUB-SYSTEM, 4 RETURN, 5 RUB, 5 SENT, 4 System Configuration, 12 SYSTEM PROMPTS, 2 TAB, 5 Time remaining, 2 UPLOAD, 10 UTILITY SUB-SYSTEM, 12 WELCOME TO ROS, 1 Wildcards, 9 WORLD, 5 19