RBBS in a Box Volume 1 #2

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ RBBS in a Box Volume 1 #2 / RBBS_vol1_no2.iso / add2 / jaxhost4.zip / JAXHOST.DOC < prev next >

Wrap

Text File | 1989-04-22 | 21KB | 410 lines

JaxHost v4.0 (4/22/89) (c) Copyright 1986 - 1989 by J.C. Kilday Associates Developed at the Northern Lights BBS 207-766-2467 9600(HST)/2400/1200 Table of Contents ----------------- Introduction .................... 1 Description ..................... 1 Advanced Answering Modes ........ 2 Installation .................... 3 Operating JaxHost ............... 4 Enhancing Your Installation ..... 5 Distribution and Restrictions ... 6 Support ......................... 6 JaxHost v4.0 Page 1 Introduction ------------ JaxHost is a specialized host communications program primarily intended to support operations at the DOS level on the host. It may be interfaced with other communications packages to implement more complex functions. It has been successfully used with Ken Brown's REMDoor (REMote Maintenance BBS Door Program which includes a full-screen editor). File transfer operations may be supported through REMDoor or other programs mentioned in the next section. Popular applications of JaxHost include home-to-office (and vice versa) communications as well operations between a business home office and its remote sites. Software configuration and file maintenance on the JaxHost-equipped host are frequent uses. JaxHost is designed for operation on an IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2 or a close compatible connected to a Hayes 1200 or Hayes-compatible modem. The complete JaxHost v4.0 package inludes the following files: JAXHOST.DOC - this file JAXHOST.EXE - executable module CONFIG.HLP - context-sensitive help file HOST.BAT - main controlling batch file OFF.BAT - batch file supporting caller logoff JHORDER.FRM - order form for registering JaxHost WHATS.NEW - summary of new features in v4.0 READ.ME - quick review information Description ----------- JaxHost monitors the modem and upon detecting a ring signal answers the call and adjusts to the callers baud rate (38,400 bps down to 300 bps are supported with the following comm parameters: 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit). Upon successful connect, JaxHost greets the caller with a one-line message of your choosing and requests entry of a password, also of your choosing. If the correct password is supplied and the callback mode is not in effect, the caller is dropped to the DOS level (with the DOS CTTY command having been invoked to support continued communications). If the correct password is not given in three attempts, JaxHost hangs up and recycles. For enhanced security against unauthorized access the callback feature is available. If the callback mode is in effect when the correct password is given, rather than give the caller immediate access at the DOS level, the program disconnects the caller and dials the telephone number specified in the configuration data. Access is granted only if there is a successful connect at that number. JaxHost makes up to 3 attempts to establish a connect (it calls a 2nd and 3rd time at intervals of 1 minute if no answer, a busy signal, or no modem connect). If no connection is made on the 3rd attempt, the program will recycle and set up to await another call. Once access is granted to the DOS level on the host machine, most DOS commands may be executed and so may other programs designed for "line-at-a-time" operation, usually capable of having console (keyboard and display) data redirected. File transfers to and from the host machine also are possible. A program called XFER supports JaxHost v4.0 Page 2 Xmodem, Xmodem/CRC, and Ymodem (actually 1K-Xmodem) file transfers invoked from the DOS level on the host machine. XFER was written by the author of JaxHost (current version is 1.50, available as XFER150.ZIP on many BBSs and large online services). If not available on the BBS from which you obtained this program, first-time callers may download it from the author's BBS listed at the end of this documentation. You might also like to try Chuck Forsberg's DSZ for Zmodem file transfers, rather than the older protocols provided by XFER (although XFER is simpler to use). A log of call activity (a file called JH.LOG) is created by JaxHost so that any attempts of unauthorized access to your system may be noted. Calls accepted (and normal logoffs), rejected calls (password failures), and other connects not resulting in access to the DOS level (hang ups at the password prompt and 3-minute timeouts awaiting password entry) are all recorded in this text file. The file includes the date and time of each call and how each ended. It can be viewed using the the DOS TYPE command. It may be deleted at any time (using DOS ERASE or DEL) and the program will start a new one whenever the next entry is to be made. When JaxHost is awaiting a call, a display including the date and time, some key setup information, and present JaxHost status is presented. A screen blanker turns off the screen if there is no keyboard activity within a 2-minute span. Striking any key restores the display. The display also is toggled on and off by hitting F9. F10 presents information about the program. F3 allows access to the configuration screen where various JaxHost setup options may be specified. F1 or F2 cause JaxHost to terminate. F1 leaves the telephone line in a BUSY state (modem offhook) while F2 leaves the modem onhook. Advanced Answering Modes ------------------------ JaxHost normally is set up to answer a call on the first ring. But where there is need for the host computer to share a phone line and not intrude on voice calls, special answering modes may be configured. "Long Ring" may be configured such that JaxHost answers only after the specified number of rings have been received. Alternatively, "Ring Back" may be chosen. This mode requires a caller to dial twice before JaxHost answers. The first call consists of a specified number of rings (or JaxHost can be configured for a non-specific number of rings on the first call). JaxHost answers a second call if received within one minute of the first that lasted the proscribed number of rings. Still another answering mode, Triggered Callback, may be specified where JaxHost never answers but, instead, places a call to the number with which it had been configured. Almost a combination of callback and Ring Back, Triggered Callback is set up by two calls much the same as Ring Back. The first call must be of a specified number of rings (or a non-specific number) and a second call must be received within one minute of the first. If so "triggered", JaxHost goes offhook and dials out. Upon connecting to the called computer, a password is required before the called party is allowed access. Just as in the callback process described earlier, 3 attempts at a successful connect are made. JaxHost v4.0 Page 3 Installation ------------ JaxHost is designed to operate under DOS 2.0, and up, on IBM PC's, XT's, AT's and compatibles equipped with Hayes 1200-compatible modems. Additionally the modem cable used must have pin 22 (ring indicate) and pin 20 (Data Transmitter Ready signal) connected and the modem must be capable of providing result messages indicating baud rate at connect time (e.g., CONNECT 1200). The recommended Hayes switch settings are: SW 1 - Up, DTR normal (pin 20 controlled by program) SW 2 - Up, Verbal result messages sent (not numeric result codes) SW 3 - Dn, Result messages sent (not quiet mode) SW 4 - Dn, Commands not echoed back SW 5 - Dn, Auto Answer suppressed (controlled by program) SW 6 - Up, Carrier detect indicated by modem (not always on) SW 7 - Up, Single phone line connection SW 8 - Dn, Normal "AT" command set enabled If you are using a modem other than the Hayes standard, make sure that its basic configurable functions are set up the same as above. If your modem does not have switches for one or more of the above functions, there should be appropriate AT commands to achieve the same state. Please consult your modem owner's manual. Install JaxHost by transferring the executable and batch files to the same disk/directory. Turn the modem on, make the chosen disk/directory the default, and enter the command: HOST. The file JHCONFIG is found missing and you are prompted for setup information. After the configuration information is complete, JaxHost initializes the modem and is ready for a call. As indicated on the screen, you may exit JaxHost by pressing F1 or F2 (choose F1 if you wish to have the line ring BUSY). JHCONFIG is a straight ASCII file and can be modified using any ASCII editor so long as its lines are not interchanged and the limits of the variables (as specified by the original prompts for the data) are not exceeded. It may be necessary to modify this file from remote, in which case the DOS EDLIN line editor may be used. When changing configuration information locally, use of the F3 command is highly recommended. JaxHost may be invoked with the command line parm of L ( JAXHOST L , or via HOST.BAT by specifying: HOST L ) for quick updating of configuration information without causing a modem or comm port to be disturbed. Before trusting your host system to JaxHost for remote operations, a few more things must be done: 1. Modify your PATH (in the DOS ENVIRONMENT) to include the drive/directory in which JaxHost resides.. 2. Modify OFF.BAT where indicated by the remarks so that the JaxHost directory can be made the default anytime OFF.BAT is executed. (OFF.BAT will always be found when needed if you modified the PATH as suggested in step 1). You might also want to add a drive and CD statements to HOST.BAT to make the directory in which JaxHost resides the default directory. If your AUTOEXEC.BAT switches to this drive and directory before invoking HOST.BAT, then this last suggestion may not be necessary. JaxHost v4.0 Page 4 Installation (Continued) ------------------------ 3. Modify both OFF.BAT and HOST.BAT by inserting a "REM" before the "WATCHDOG" statements (more on WATCHDOG in the section, "Enhancing Your Installation"). 4. If you are using COM2, modify the CTTY ... line in HOST.BAT to reference COM2 instead of COM1. Your system is ready to operate from remote. Operating JaxHost ----------------- If the JaxHost drive/directory is the current default, and your modem is turned on, simply enter the following command to run: HOST The complete syntax of HOST is as follows: HOST [C|L][S] The C is an optional parameter which invokes the callback mode (but only if the callback mode had been configured during the setup of JHCONFIG). If the S parm is specified alone or appended to another parm such as C, the "slow" BIOS screen write method will be used for writing to the host system screens. Otherwise, fast screen writing methods are used. If running under a multi-tasker such as Omniview or DoubleDOS, some bleed through may be noted if JaxHost is operating in a background partition. In such cases, specifying the S parm will clears up that problem. Examples: HOST C or HOST CS or HOST S The L parm specifies local mode (no communication with a modem) as mentioned in an earlier section. To terminate JaxHost operation from the host console, hit F1 or F2. If a caller is logged on to the system and currently operating at the DOS level, CTTY COM1 or CTTY COM2 in effect, a more drastic means is necessary to terminate JaxHost (i.e., the power switch). As the caller who has successfully logged on to the system, you may log off in an orderly manner by entering OFF (from any directory, assuming you have PATHed to the JaxHost directory during installation). If you wish to invoke the callback procedure for a subsequent call, you must enter: OFF C or OFF CS . OFF entered without the C parm will result in the system reverting back to the normal security mode for the next call. Similarly, if configured for Triggered Callback, it will be effective only if the system is started by: HOST T or HOST TS. And, when logging off, to keep it effective for a subsequent call, the logoff must be: OFF T or OFF TS . JaxHost v3.0 Page 5 Operating JaxHost (Continued) ----------------------------- If you are using either of the callback modes and awaiting the callback, you may answer JaxHost's call to your location in one of several different ways: - Set up to receive a call per your modem and/or communications program documentation, or - If using one of the communications programs which, in terminal mode before a connect leaves the Hayes compatible modem in command state (e.g., PibTerm, Qmodem, or ProComm), you may type the command ATA when the onscreen report of RING is received from your modem, or - You may setup your modem before or during the session to Auto-Answer mode by entering ATS0=1 or including ATS0=1 in the modem initialization string (JaxHost configuration screen). If your modem has indicator lights, the AA light will be lit after that command takes effect. When operating in the callback security mode, JaxHost makes the call using the baud rate established during the initial call into JaxHost. Upon successful connect at your location, you are immediately dropped to the DOS level on the host machine (just as though you had entered the correct password in normal mode). When calling out under "Triggered Callback" operation, the baud rate specified in the configuration file JHCONFIG is used. Upon successful connect you are presented the configurable one-line greeting that normally is presented to callers when JaxHost answers a call. Entry of the correct password is required before dropping to DOS on the host machine. During your operations at the DOS level, it is important that you do not terminate your call by merely hanging up at your end. Use OFF as described earlier. Abnormal termination results in a hopelessly locked up system which will not respond to subsequent calls (or to its local keyboard until the big red switch is used). But what if there is a failure on the line and you are disconnected? That brings us to the next section. Enhancing Your Installation --------------------------- In the event of loss of carrier, or disconnect, JaxHost recycles and sets up for the next call, but only if the disconnect occurs while inside the code -- waiting for entry of the password. To avoid "losing" the system should loss of carrier occur while at the DOS level, the public domain program called WATCHDOG should be used. WATCHDOG is a memory-resident utility which is activated when a communications session is in progress ("carrier detect" modem status). It is deactivated before normal logoff occurs or entry into a program which will take over the monitoring of the carrier detect signal. In the event of carrier loss, it causes a warm boot of the system. By setting up your AUTOEXEC.BAT correctly, the JaxHost directory is JaxHost v4.0 Page 6 selected and the HOST, HOST C, or HOST T command is executed at the end of the booting process. Thus your system may be protected from becoming "unavailable" until you can visit it in person. The HOST.BAT and OFF.BAT files include the commands for one of the several WATCHDOG programs that are available. If you do not choose to implement such protection, delete the commands from the batch files. If you are installing one of the watchdog-type programs, double check the documentation supplied for correct syntax of the commands in the batch files. "WATCHDOG +" and "WATCHDOG -" as used in the HOST and OFF batch files activate and deactivate, respectively, the WATCHDOG program with which JaxHost has been tested. (That version, apparently due to a bug, also requires that it be installed -- and primed -- by the same two lines appearing in the AUTOEXEC.BAT, one immediately following the other -- the "+" command line immediately followed by the "-" command line.) Distribution and Restrictions ----------------------------- JaxHost v4.0 is made available to you as a fully functional package. It is distributed as SHAREWARE. Should you decide to use JaxHost, you are obliged to pay a registration fee of $20. Registered users are provided support via the BBS mentioned at the end of this documentation. Also, users who have registered a given release are notified of the next release by mail. Upgrades requested by mail are provided at a $5.00 charge. Use the form JHORDER.FRM for registering your copy. You are welcome to distribute this package to others so long as it is unmodified and distributed in its entirety, and it is not included or bundled with other goods or services for which a fee is charged. Exceptions are that JaxHost may be distributed by bulletin boards or other information services even though they receive fees to access their downloadable files, or by library services so long as the fee for the diskette on which this package is contained is not more than $6.50. Use of JaxHost beyond a brief evaluation period by individuals, business entities, corporations, and government agencies is prohibited without payment of a registration fee of $20 per copy (volume purchasing and site licensing arrangements available). Support ------- Support is available to registered users of JaxHost through the main message base of Northern Lights BBS which can be reached at the number given below. Please note that support is provided only for use of JaxHost on equipment for which it was designed (described earlier). Registration fees may be made payable to: J.C. Kilday Associates Central Ave. Peaks Island, ME 04108 The author may be contacted at that address or through the Northern Lights BBS (address messages to "Sysop") at 207-766-2467. The BBS operates 24 hours, 7 days per week. Calls accepted at 9600(HST), 2400, and 1200 bps (8,N,1).