Second Sight to Telefinder conversion now available!
 
Contact: Michael S. Bean
MacWizards
718 E. Campbell Ave.
Gilbert, AZ 85234
(602) 892-5454
AppleLink: UG0116
Phoenix, Arizona-- May 1, 1991 -- MacWizards releases new software utility to convert Second Sight BBS file descriptions to Telefinder “Get Info” format. This is the first utility on the market to interchange file section descriptions between Second Sight™ and Telefinder™ bulletin board systems.
MacWizards will now provide “SS->TF Filer” to the Macintosh market. This utility was developed to automate Telefinder™ file description inputting from Second Sight™ file directories. “SS->TF Filer” was originally developed to automate Telefinder compatibility for MacWizards new “BBS in a BOX” CD . Telefinder™ descriptions were written to over 7,000 files on the CD with this utility.
“SS->TF Filer” produces a resource file that is pasted into each download file listed in the Second Sight directory. This resource then allows Telefinder BBS users to view the description of the file by using the “Get Info” command. Based on the description users can then pass over the file or download it.
“SS->TF Filer” has many purposes for the Mac BBS system operator:
1). “SS->TF Filer” may be utilized to automate the transfer of file sections from a Second Sight™ file section format to a Telefinder iconic BBS format produced by Spider Island of Irvine, CA.
2). “SS->TF Filer” may be used to copy file descriptions from updated Second Sight™ file sections and create Telefinder description resources automatically in a dual Second Sight™ and Telefinder™ shared BBS system as run by the Arizona Macintosh Users Group™. The utility has the ability to update the size information in the Second Sight™ directory after creating the Telefinder resource data and attaching it to the download file. In this way, the Second Sight™ directory can be used to automate Telefinder™ description creation and have its size information on the file be updated as well.
3). “SS->TF Filer” allows Telefinder users to create iconic functioning
description files from easy to use Second Sight Utilities such as Chriss
Koch‘s TidE file editor. This process also allows Telefinder users the ability to create Master download database information about their files on-line and create text file descriptions from Second Sight directory tools such as FSP and others. The use of this multi-BBS platform tool is limited only by the Second Sight/Telefinder BBS system operators imagination.
Future versions may also include the ability to convert from Telefinder file format to Second Sight directories should there be a demand for such a tool.
How to use SS->TF Filer? 
SS->TF Filer is very simple to utilize. Simply copy SS->TF Filer‚Ñ¢ to your hard drive from the SS-TF disk.
 
Then double click on SS-TF Filer‚Ñ¢ to launch the application. The following dialog box will be shown:
 
Next under the File menu select the configuration mode you desire.
 
If the box is checked Second Sight size listings will be corrected as the program runs. The reason for this is that the Telefinder description is written directly to the file increasing its size slightly.
 
Now we have set the configuration menu. Next use the Open command under the File menu, select the Second Sight Directory you wish to use for conversion and make sure the files are mounted. Away you go! SS->TF Filer will list the files in the window as it progresses and notify you when it is done.
Now on the Telefinder User end when a caller selects a file and uses the "Get Info" command they will see the description previously only available in the Second Sight directory. In this example the Telefinder caller will select the Excel 3.0.cpt file and press command I.
 
As you can see the description is now provided to the user and the ability to receive the file:
 
Support and input?
If you have questions about “SS->TF Filer” or input on how it can improve Second Sight™ to Telefinder™ file sharing please call or send mail to:
Michael Bean, 718 E. Campbell Ave., Gilbert, AZ 85234, (602) 892-5454, Fidonet 1:114/56 (Michael Bean), GEnie: MichaelBean, AppleLink: UG0116, AOL: AMUG
How to Order...
“SS->TF Filer” is available during this introductory period for $30 in U.S. funds. “SS->TF Filer” comes complete with a media tracks interactive instruction file on 800K floppy. The product is currently available and shipping. Please include the name of your BBS system, address for shipping and phone, along with a check for $30. Visa may be utilized as well at a price of $35.00. International orders please add $10.00 for shipping.
Send orders to:
Michael Bean
MacWizards
718 E. Campbell Ave.
Gilbert, AZ 85234
(602) 892-5454
Additional products available through MacWizards include:
 
"BBS in a BOX"...
The only Macintosh CD ROM with descriptions of over 7,000 files
ready for use with Second Sight and Telefinder BBS systems. The CD may also be used for personal use utilizing the On Location Directories or the text file "Allfiles.db" which includes full descriptions of all files available. This CD is a subscription service with issues released in April and October of each year. Retail price is $119 and is available from Wayzata, ComputerWare, Maya, MacZone or MacWizards at (602) 892-5454.
Origin Counter & Sectalyze....
 
This utility for Fidonet Sysops reads echo mail and lists all nodes on a particular echo, the sysop, node number, phone, location, number of posts for a designated period. This report will tell BBS users who is on an echo and how active they are. This utility will be available for $22.00 on May 1, 1991. Send $22 to Michael Bean at 718 E. Campbell Ave., Gilbert, AZ 85234 (602) 892-5454 to order.