home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
The World of Computer Software
/
World_Of_Computer_Software-02-387-Vol-3of3.iso
/
n
/
ninf400.zip
/
NETINFO.DOC
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1993-03-20
|
7KB
|
137 lines
March 20, 1993
NetInfo.exe Copyright (c) 1992 G. K. Pace
All Rights Reserved!
Version 4.00
NetInfo is a database/reporting utility for FidoNet Nets. It will
scan a message base for messages addressed to it and act upon the
"controls" placed in the body of the message. It will then generate a
message report to be sent back to the requestor. It is designed for the
purpose of creating maintaining, and distributing in a secure fashion, a
Sysops' Information list, containing the "personal" information often
needed and typically known as the "voice-list".
When run, it will scan the specified message path for messages
addressed to it. If it finds one it will record what ever input data was
sent in a datafile. It will then create a message reply to the sender with
their data, requesting their review of it. If the sender requested a list
the return message will be setup for file-attaching the text file to the
requester.
NetInfo requires a configuration file with the same name as the
executable filename, but with and an extention of .INI. (i/e Netinfo.ini)
NetInfo also requires a control file containing the INTL addresses of those
who are authorized use of NetInfo, along with a pass-phrase for each. The
pass-phrase is not case-sensitive, and may contain spaces... the length of
this ascii string cannot exceed 71 characters.
NetInfo will only accept messages addressed to it, at the Node
address setup in the configuration file. Due to this, any "passthru"
messages destined for a NetInfo at another Node address will not be
intercepted. If you desire to operate NetInfo as a Host for more than one
group, (say for instance a FidoNet Net, and another Net...) you can setup
another NetInfo system by copying NetInfo.exe to another name, and setting
it up with a differently configured configuration file. (i/e copy
Netinfo.exe to Netinf.exe with a config file of Netinf.ini) The limit to
this is that you cannot have the same user "INTL" addresses for each, as
the first to process an enabled INTL address will mark the message as
recieved.
The setup of the configuration and control files are explained in
the accompanying NetInfo.ini and Netinfo.ctl files. You must modify these
to suit your needs.
NetInfo can be setup to be run as an event following the reciept
of mail, or as an event occuring at a specified time (just prior to
sending mail?). It will scan the specified mail directory for messages
addressed to it, creating replys to the sender of the messages as
appropiate.
NetInfo will not return a message to a Node that is not listed in
the control file!
NetInfo REQUIRES the password to be in the Subject field of the
message addressed to it. If the message is addressed from a node listed
in the control file and the password is correct and (except for new
entries) if the message is from the Sysop listed in the database for the
node, it will scan the message body for directive "keys" which instruct
it where to insert the information into the database or to return a
report of what is there.
If the message does not contain any directives, NetInfo will
return the information contained in the database for the node, so that
the Sysop can review it for accuracy. The directives that NetInfo
recognizes are:
-C Co sysop name Max. 35 Characters.
-A Sysop Mail Address Max. 70 Characters.
-P Voice Phone number Max. 14 Characters.
-D BBS Phone Number Max. 14 Characters.
-O AKA i/e 1:374/600.0 Max. 23 Characters.
-N BBS Name Max. 35 Characters.
-T BBS Type Max. 35 Characters.
-B BBS Baud & Type Max. 26 Characters.
-F Features Max. 70 Characters.
-L Return Public type list.
-X Return Private type list (overrides -L).
-? Return this List of Directives.
-Z Delete Your Record!
To delete a field use the directive space CR.
Example:
-A 1369 Tropical Bush, Hidden Valley Florida, 32718
-P
(the above field will be deleted)
The difference between the -L and -X reports, is that the -L
report will not contain the BBS information, address and misc. fields.
NetInfo will report errors that occur when processing messages. If
an error occurs NetInfo will return a message to the Sysop of the node
informing them of the error and will report the pertinent info concerning
the error to the Host running NetInfo. To record this information NetInfo
can be configured to produce a logfile.
NetInfo returns zero (0) as normal - no database changes made, one (1)
as normal - database changes and new files written.
To provide further security of this Net Information system, you
can setup a batch file to password archive them using PKZIP or another
archiving utility that supports this feature. The password used being given
to those who will legitimately recieve the files.
This Utility has been developed with the assistance of Christopher
Baker Sysop @ 1:374/14, and Dennis Wren @ 1:374/73. Many of the features
and functions of NetInfo were originated by Chris... and Dennis was
exceptionally proficient at the "torture testing" to verify it's usability
and security... NetInfo wouldn't be what it is with out their input!
About Licensing... NetInfo is copyrighted material, and all rights
to it are reserved. You can use it for a limited time to try it out...
but must REGISTER it for continued use. License fees are reasonable, and
FidoNet Sysops operating a Public accessible, non-fee, Bulletin Board
System, or FidoNet Sysops operating a "Host" mail-only system which is
operated on a non-fee basis serving others in the FidoNet, will find the
registration fee to be VERY reasonable... commercial users, Government
users, and anyone who charges Users a fee will pay a little more for the
use of NetInfo. <This is my policy on all of my FidoNet utilities>
For further information, comments, criticism, or to register the use
of NetInfo, please contact me at:
G. K. Pace
3935 Baker Ave.
Titusville, Fl. 32796
(407)269-3088 (voice)
(407)269-9844 (BBS)
FidoNet @ 1:374/26
Freq the Latest from 1:374/26 using the magic name NetInfo.
PS: Have a good day!