Belgian Amiga Club - ADF Collection/BS1 part 60.zip/BS1 part 60/Cnet 2.60 d2.adf/README!

Text File | 1993-02-10 | 100KB | 2,356 lines

Current version : 2.60/R2
Last updated    : 10-February-1993

--NEW FEATURES--
Following is a list of new features added since the publication of the
original spiral bound 2.0 manual:

NOTE:    References to manual PAGE NUMBERS in the early parts of this file
    are to the OLD spiral bound manual and will not apply to the revised
    binder edition.  However, the new manual has been changed to reflect
    those new features.  Changes beyond 2.20 will refer to page numbers
    in the NEW manual in the binder.

--- version 2.08    12-Feb-1992

1.    The main CNet program modules are now PURE.  This means you can
    load them into memory in your startup-shell as:

        resident pure cnet:BBS add
        resident pure pfiles:bbs/JOIN pfiles:bbs/JOIN add
        ...etc

    NOTE that in the case of the Join (conferencing system) command,
    the path is given twice.  The first denotes the NAME of the
    resident list entry, the second tells resident where to find the
    file.  This is necessary because CNet uses "run pfiles:cnet/join"
    when running Join, and not "run join."  This procedure must be used
    for all resident pfiles.

    Depending on the number of lines that you run, this can save an
    awful lot of memory, and add to the efficiency of your system.

    There is a new file "xx" in CNET: which executes an XPR protocol
    transfer.  This section of CNet could NOT be made PURE so had to
    be moved to an external program.  For speed, CNet will recognize
    XX in RAM: before checking CNET:.

2.    Referring to UPRATIOSET and UPCHARGESET on pages 69 and 70 of the
    CNet manual, CNet will now allow you to set these values
    INDEPENDENTLY for both file and byte credits.  This allows even more
    flexibility with the credit system.

3.    Referring to the bottom of page 83, CNet's MCI colors now follow
    the ANSI series of color numbers.  These are as follows:  0-black,
    1-red, 2-green, 3-yellow, 4-blue, 5-purple, 6-cyan, 7-white.

4.    Referring to page 15, there are several new BBSEVENT commands.

    The MODEM command allows you to keep a CNet port RUNNING while
    releasing/reclaiming the use of the modem.  The MODEM command takes
    an integer argument which may take the following values:

        MODEM 0        Close device.
        MODEM 1        Re-open device for normal operation.
        MODEM 2        Do not close the device, but inhibit ALL
                modem related I/O activity.

    The AVALID command allows you to select the use of different
    SYS.AVALID files (see page 13) based on the time of day.  The
    argument to the AVALID command is used when attempting to open
    SYS.AVALID.  For example, with:

        AVALID 2

    CNet will attempt to use the file SYS.AVALID2 in place of
    SYS.AVALID.  If the appropriate file is not found, CNet will
    always then attempt to use SYS.AVALID itself.

    The CALLBACK command is provided to control the AUTO CALL-BACK
    at LOGON feature (see page 34).  The arguments are as follows:

        CALLBACK 0    ;disable completely
        CALLBACK 1    ;enable all phone numbers
        CALLBACK 2    ;enable, but with local phone numbers only
                 (as determined by current SYS.AVALID file)

5.    Port 0 no longer has a special significance.  You may create a
    file BBSPORT0 to use as a modem configuration for port 0 just as
    you may for any port.  Any loaded port WITHOUT a BBSPORTx file will
    be loaded as CONSOLE ONLY.  This also means that MULTIPLE 'local
    ports' are now allowed!

6.    CNet now allows you to run AmigaDOS programs as ONLINE PFILES.  Also,
    more than one port may use an ONLINE SHELL at a time.  DOS programs
    used as PFILES must use only the standard I/O, and must break when
    receiving a control-C.  Each AmigaDOS interface must have a
    separate entry in your DEVS:mountlist-cnet file, and must also be
    mounted in your startup-cnet file.  If you will be running DOS
    PFILES, it is wise to create as many DOS interface entries as you
    allow pfiles to be run at a time (as configured in BBSCONFIG),
    or as many as the number of ports you run (whichever is less).

    Here's a sample DEVS:MOUNTLIST-CNET entry:

    CNAUX00:
        Handler = L:CNetAux-Handler
        GlobVec = 1
        Stacksize = 4000
        Priority = 5
    #

    For each entry, increment the 00 to 01, 02, etc, so your entries
    are CNAUX00:, CNAUX01:, CNAUX02:, etc.

    Now, in your startup-sequence, you should have lines like:

    mount CNAUX00: from devs:mountlist-cnet
    mount CNAUX01: from devs:mountlist-cnet
    ...etc.

    one for each DOS interface entry.

    When you add pfiles in the Pfiles, Gfiles, or News areas, CNet
    will now prompt you for whether or not the file is a CNet C
    file.  If you respond No, CNet will then assume it is a DOS
    file.

    The MCI # command has been expanded to allow you to run DOS
    programs.  The format is:

        \#0    AREXX
        \#2    C
        \#4    DOS

    As before, add '1' to the number  for exclusive access to the
    pfile.

7.    Each port's AREXX port is now open CONTINUOUSLY as the BBS
    operates.  This opens a world of possibilities!  To address
    a CNet port from an external AREXX script, the proper command
    is:

        Address CNETREXXp;

    Where you replace 'p' with the port number you are attempting
    to communicate with.

    In addition to the already available AREXX commands (see chapter
    6.3), several new commands have been added to facilitiate the
    implementation of various "control" scripts.  These are as
    follows:

        MODEM 0-2    Operates IDENTICALLY to the command added to
                the BBSEVENT scheduler (see previous entry).

        ADDKEYS    {s}    This command allows you to add a string of
                characters to the port's INPUT buffer.
                When a carriage return is desired, the `
                key will be automatically translated.

    Prevously, CNet would attempt to run the AREXX interface
    automatically.  Now, you must run AREXX yourself, perhaps in
    the startup-cnet file.  The proper command to do this is
    REXXMAST.

8.    At all input prompts, CNet now allows ANSI users to use the
    left and right arrow keys, delete, and insert-typing to more
    easily enter text.  Several maintenance access prompts have been
    altered to take advantage of this new featue.

9.    The gfiles/pfiles/news areas have received a slightly new look.
    The user is no longer shown the "disk title" of items; only the
    description.  The description field size was greatly increased.

    If you did not make use of the descriptions in previous versions,
    you will find the need to use the ATx command on each item to add
    descriptions.

    Great flexibility has also been added, to allow you to set full
    path names for any item.  If an item is specified as a DOS program,
    CNet will also prompt you for ARGUMENTS to the program.

    The Adopt command has been changed to AO (Adopt Orphans), and read
    files from any path.  A new command Add has been added for times
    when you wish to manually enter all of an item's information.

    The X (alphabetize) command has been replaced by ML (move list).
    Just as in the subboards, ML may be used to exchange any two items
    on the list.

10.    The visual editor has received a slight face lift in anticipation
    of major changes in that area.  A title bar exists on the screen at
    all times, reminding users where they are and how to exit.

11.    When specifying the arguments for a DOS pfile, you may insert
    AREXX 'getuser' type strings as arguments to the pfile.  See page
    77 for a list of GETUSER numbers.  Use the character % followed
    by the GETUSER number.  For example, with the arguments of

        %1 %40

    the DOS pfile will be passed arguments consisting of the user's
    handle and ID number.  You may need to use quotes to surround
    arguments which may contain spaces.

12.    EVEN PARITY is now supported as an option for international BBS
    operators in countries where the "7E1" protocol is more popular
    than "8N1". This appears as an extra entry in the BBSPORT files.

13.    A new configuration file "bbsproto" now gives the power to select
    WHICH xpr librares will be used with CNet, and explicitly gives
    the necessary ENV: variables for each protocol.  Each protocol line
    must begin with a UNIQUE one-character identifier, followed by the
    name of the protocol as you want the users to see it, then a control
    number, then the library name, and finally the ENV: variable string.
    Notice how in the stock BBSPROTO file that the Ymodem library is
    actually used TWICE, once for standard Ymodem and once again for
    Ymodem-G.

    The CONTROL number should be set as follows:
        1    a BATCH protocol
        2    a RESUMABLE upload protocol
        3    both a BATCH and UPLOAD RESUME protocol
        0    none of the above

    Referring to page 6 in the manual, the ENV: variables are no longer
    necessary.

14.    CNet now maintains a separate disk subdirectory for EACH user
    account.  These subdirectories appear in the MAIL: area.  In
    addition to holding mail, these subdirectoires will provide CNet
    with the ability to greatly increase user system-customization.

    By default, the name of the subdirectory appears as the user's
    ID number.  In the future, the name of this subdirectory will be
    used to reflect the user's UUCP mailbox address.

    If you are using a version of 2.0 PRIOR to version 2.15, you MUST
    run the user update program "newusers2" which is located in the
    UPDATING directory of the CNet master disk.  This program should
    be ran from the CLI.  It will automatically create the default
    ID number directories in the MAIL: area.  All "cm." and "cu." mail
    files will also be re-named into the appropriate directories.

15.    CNet's list of COMPUTER TYPES is now easily user-modifyable.  The
    list is maintained in the BBSMENU files, as menu # 30.  Do not
    exceed 24 entries into this list.

16.    CNet now fully supports EXTERNAL editors as well as editors for
    use in local mode only.  For now, the standard CNet LINE and
    ANSI editors are INTERNAL to the main CNet module.

    To specify a LOCAL MODE editor, a line in BBSCONFIG is used.  You
    should specify the PATH to the program only; CNet will provide the
    single argument of the filename.  Use NO SPACES here.

    To add an external editor, there are two files which need
    modification.  The list of EDITOR NAMES is stored in the BBSMENU
    files, as menu #29.  The first two entries must NOT be removed or
    moved to any other line.  The configuration file, specifying the
    PATHS to the editors is called "bbsed" in the CNET: area.  This
    file should contain one line for each editor in use.  Each line
    consists of a CONTROL number and a path (with optional arguments).
    The CONTROL number should be set to 1 if the file is a DOS program,
    or to 0 for a CNet C pfile.  For DOS programs, the editor buffer
    filename which should be passed to the editor is "_edbuff"; CNet
    C pfiles should take NO arguments.

    The normal CNet C pfile call-back routine "LineEditor" has been
    split into three functions, PrepEditor(), CallEditor(), and
    SaveEditor().  Please consult the EMPTY.C file in the PROGRAMMING
    directory if you have used the CNet editor in your PFILES.

    Access to the port variables EdBase, EdBuffer, and CR are now
    INVALID.  These are PRIVATE to the CNet editors.  CNet now allocates
    memory for the editor only AS NEEDED--these variables are NOT
    INITIALIZED when the CNet editors are inoperative!  Because of the
    dynamic memory allocation, the BBSCONFIG variable for "max editor
    lines" has been removed.  Memory is allocated based on each user's
    individual "max editor lines" setting.

17.    Previously, each message/file subboard and each p/g files
    subdirectory had a setting for "% download credits" which
    determined how many credits CNet took away from a user for
    downloading (ie, 100 = 1 file/byte credit per file/byte downloaded,
    200 = 2 file/byte credits per file/byte downloaded, etc).

    This variable has been SPLIT into two--one for files and one
    for bytes.  This allows you to have a subboard set up to for
    "free byte credit" downloads or "free file credit" downloads
    independently.

    The redundant "free download area" flag has been removed.  If you
    want a totally free download area, set both percentages to 0, and
    also set the "Credit#" to 0 to disable the accounting system.

    Note that an item's "free item" status will still override all
    three download credit systems.

    To make everything complete, the download charge set numbers
    have also been split into separate numbers for files and bytes.

    NOTE that you will probably have to EL each of your subboards to
    insure everything is set, as several new variables may have an
    un-initialized value of '0'.

18.    The new-user routines have been re-done almost completely. The
    following files are new; they describe prompts as they appear.

    sys.nu_ansi    sys.nu_color    sys.nu_comp    sys.nu_baud
    sys.nu_country    sys.nu_dob    sys.nu_handle    sys.nu_length
    sys.nu_lf    sys.nu_more    sys.nu_password    sys.nu_phone
    sys.nu_tabs    sys.nu_tz    sys.nu_width

    The following files explain different parts of the new user
    process:

    sys.nu        sys.nu2        sys.nu3        sys.nu4

    The "miscellaneous questions" section is now completely different.
    The file "sys.nq" describes the miscellaneous questions in
    general.  Then, each file sys.nq0, sys.nq1, etc., should contain
    the text of each question.  There is no real limit to the number
    of questions possible.  Each question may be answered with up to
    10 lines.

    Each question is saved into a file "_plan" in the user's
    subdirectory, and may be viewed by ALL users.

    Additionally, "sysop questions" may also be entered.  A file
    "sys.sq" describes these questions in general.  Then, each file
    sys.sq0, sys.sq1, etc., should contain the text of each question.
    There is no limit to the number of questions.

    The "new user statement" has been removed, as the purpose of this
    file is now redundant after the addition of the fully configurable
    new user questions system.

    The new-user mail file is filled with the answers to all of the
    above questions.

    The first question that a new user is asked is his language
    preference, if that part of your system is enabled.

19.    Users may read any other user's "_plan" or "finger" file.  The
    command to do this is FINGER at any prompt (UI has been retained
    as an alias for compatibilty).

    A user may EDIT his own _plan file by using the EF command at
    any prompt.

20.    The MV (mail verify) command is now available to ALL users.  A
    user without system operator access may only view the files which
    were entered by him.

21.    A new BBSEVENT option flag is provided to go along with 'o' (make
    sure user is offline).  The new flag 'h', if present, will hold
    an event until any user online has logged off.  The 'h' flag MUST
    be used with a RANGE event so that CNet knows when the event is
    valid and when it expires.  For example,

    ALL    500    ALL    800    -h    RUNC    pfiles:bbs/xfido

    will run pfiles:bbs/xfido ONCE during the hours of 5 am until 8 am
    each day, at the first "idle" opportunity during that time period.

    To better let you know what CNet is doing concerning the event
    scheduler, the status window now contains the time remaining until
    the next event.  The value is shown in the bottom right corner of
    the window.  If no event is scheduled, "no event" will be shown.
    If the time of a scheduled event has passed that has used the "h"
    option, a "!" will show next to the time in the window.

22.    The previously removed Alphabetize (X) command has been re-added
    to the g/p/files prompt due to popular opinion.

23.    A file "bbscolors" now exists to allow you to customize CNet's
    default display colors.  As ports are loaded, CNet will first
    search for BBSCOLORSx, where x is a port number, to allow you to
    have different colors for different ports.  The file first lists
    the colors to 2 color mode, then 4, then 8, and finally 16.

    Each color number has a nybble each for Red, Green, and Blue
    intensity, in that order.

    These files are OPTIONAL.  If not found, CNet has a built-in default.

24.    IMPORTANT!  A new conversion program is necessary.  User directories
    are now stored in MAIL:USERS/ instead of in MAIL: directly.  If you
    run a version prior to version 2.15, the program NEWUSERS2 has been
    updated to take care of this change.  If you run version 2.15 or
    2.16 (any letter after the numbers) then you MUST run NEWUSERS3
    which automatically creates and renames the appropriate directories.

25.    Users are now allowed to use "filename" characters in their handles.
    These were previously restricted.  These characters include
    = " : ; / and *.  Also, users are allowed to force any character
    they wish as uppercase; CNet still requires the first letter of
    each new word to be capitalized.

26.    The XPR ASCII protocol should work fully now ... it may have been
    the source of some "hang" problems in the recent past.

27.    A second "user-questionnaire" file is kept now to hold the
    responses to the sysop-only questions.  The file appears when a
    sysop uses the FINGER command.

    The EF command has been changed to allow a user to edit
    one or the other file, and also gives the option to use the editor,
    or have the questions asked to him one by one.

28.    The final two user system-preference options are completed ...
    UUCP ID and signatures.

    Users are given the ability to change their UUCP ID to any legal
    UUCP formatted name.  UUCP will be better (fully) supported in
    a version of CNet to appear in the near future.

    User signatures consist of 10 lines of text which are automatically
    appended to the end of messages as they are saved.  Separate
    signatures exist for mail, fido messages, UUCP messages, and other
    message base messages.

29.    A new "getuser" number 39 has been installed to allow you to
    get the name of the current user's UUCP directory.  Although
    the port's CURRENT DIRECTORY is set to the user's private
    directory while he is logged on, you may still require this
    at some point.

30.    The SELECT list and UPLOAD lists are now SEPARATE!  This means
    an upload will no longer destroy the select list.  Also, as an
    added bonus, a user's select list is RETAINED between calls.

31.    Bugs dealing with "hanging" during modem resetting may have found
    and removed.  Also, minor bugs dealing with memory usage in the
    Join command may have been removed.  Thanks everyone for your
    troubleshooting!

--- version 2.18    4-May-1992

32.    Built-in archive integrity checking.  This feature allows CNet
    to monitor the integrity of files, withhold credits for bad
    uploads, and to prevent users from downloading files which may
    not work.

    A very BIG thank-you to Shawn McNeece for his help in getting
    this feature of CNet off of the ground!  Without his examples and
    ingenious ideas, such a big feature would be MONTHS away.

    The file BBSARC has changed format to allow a way to tell CNet how
    to test for a file's integrity.  Please make sure you are using this
    new format before re-booting.

    Each BBSARC entry consists of the archive's SUFFIX (with a leading
    ".").  Following this is the EXAMINE/VIEW CONTENTS string.  On the
    next line must be found the archive TEST format string.  The last
    line of an archive entry must contain two numbers, followed by a
    word (no spaces).  These numbers and word tell CNet what to look
    at in an archive test's output in order to determine whether or
    not the archive "passed" its test.  The first number tells CNet
    which line of the output to look at, counting backwards from the
    END of the output.  The only valid numbes here are 0, 1, and 2,
    where 0 is the LAST line, 1 is the 2nd to last line, and 2 is the
    3rd to last line.  The second number tells CNet which character
    position to look at in the selected line.  The word is what CNet
    must find at that position in order to call the archive "passed."

    Note that there are still a maximum of 20 BBSARC entries
    possible.  Using a "-" for the TEST or EXAMINE format string tells
    CNet that the operation is unavailable.  Note that ALL of the
    elements of an entry are still required in these cases!  In the
    event that both the examine AND test strings are "-", the entry still
    serves useful for the "allowable uploads" feature as found on the
    subboard's "EL" screen.

    Note that the stock BBSARC file is designed to work with the
    following archive programs (versions of these programs other than
    as noted may or may not work):

    Warpck......WarpCheck v1.4 by © Mike Thomas.
    HSCHK.......High Speed DMS check V4.19 © By Vince
    Zoom........v5.3 © MXM - Olaf 'Olsen' Barthel
    LhA.........LhA V1.20 - Copyright 1991,92 Stefan Boberg.
    Pkax........v1.0 © PKWARE To quickly test/extract ARC files.
    Zoo.........AmigaZoo V2.1 beta © 1991 Rahul Dhesi & J. Brian Waters
    unzip.......v4.1 of 5-13-91 © 1989 Samuel H. Smith
    Unarj.......V0.5 - Copyright © 1991 Peer Hasselmeyer
    Zip.........V 0.92 - AMIGA version by Ross Martin & Steve Lewis

    Many (or all) of these are found on the CNet master disk in the
    workbench/c directory.  NOTE that some of these fine utilities may
        not be "public domain" and if you USE them the authors may require
        that you send them a nominal licensing fee.  In some cases the
        author will then send you a more powerful "registered" version.

    CNet will automatically test previously un-tested files during
    auto-maintenance.  If you would like the files tested immediately
    after a user uploads them (or the sysop adopts them), set the new
    flag from the subboard's "EL" screen.  To manually test or re-test
    any item, use the new sysop command "TEST" from the subboard prompt.

    CNet uses the "PIPE:" pseudo-device to accomplish the magic seen
    with this command.  Make sure that you MOUNT PIPE: in your startup-
    sequence somewhere.  If you are using a semi-stock AmigaDOS 2.x
    startup-sequence, it should be mounted for you already.

    NOTE that the current version of this and the next feature do NOT
    operate on DIRECT access subboards.  If there is strong desire for
    this, I may allow this in the future.

    ALSO NOTE that many of the archive programs do NOT like SPACES in
    directory names.  If you have udbase directories with spaces,
    please remove them by deleting the subboard(s) (without deleting
    the files!) and then re-adding them after renaming the drawers on
    disk.

33.    Built-in file transformation utility.  This is a rather powerful
    feature, allowing you to automatically "change" archive formats
    of new uploads, and/or to modify their contents.

    Again, thank-you Shawn McNeece for your input, conceptual layout
    and insight!  I hope you enjoy this implementation of your idea.

    When a user uploads, you have the ability to have CNet "run a
    script" to make changes to the new file(s).  Sysops might find it
    handy to have these scripts automatically remove other systems'
    "readme" files and "ZZZ" files from archives, and then to add their
    own "bbs advertisement."  Also, the scripts may even, for example,
    change all ".ZIP" ".ZOO" ".ARC" files to ".LHA" format for best
    disk space efficiency.

    A script's name must be the letter 'x' followed by the three
    letters of the archive which the script is to act upon.  For
    example, "xzip" or "xarc".  When CNet attempts to open a
    script,  the subboard's DATA directory will be searched, and then
    the "S:" directory.  This allows you to have custom scripts for
    different subboards, and/or one "global" script for each archive
    type.  NOTE: in order to use a script, an archive type must
    have an entry in BBSARC.

    There are several EXAMPLE script files in the directory "xscripts"
    in the CNET directory of the master disk.  The files which end with
    a '2' are examples of scripts which change an archive's format to
    the 'lha' format.  NOTE that if you use these, you must rename them
    without the '2'.  In these example scripts, you will see that a
    file "S:Z_MC.displayme" is usually added to the archive.  You should
    change this to whatever path/file you wish to add.  NOTE that
    examples were written for use with the archive programs and
    versions as noted in the archive-testing item.

    If you write your own scripts, you should know that when CNet
    executes the script, there are three arguments that are passed to
    it as follows:

    execute xext path:file.lha path:file.ext file

    Where "ext" is the file's extension, ".lha" is your "preferred"
    format that the script may use to make the change, and "file"
    is the filename without the path or extension.

    CNet knows your "preferred" archive format by the BBSTEXT line
    number 1908.  If you would like anything other than .LHA format,
    you must change this line.

    Also, as a script is executed, the "current directory" is set to
    the subboard's DATA directory.  This allows you to have custom
    advertisements for each subboard if you desire to program your
    script that way.

    CNet will automatically transform previously un-transformed files
    during auto-maintenance.  If you would like the files transformed
    immediately after a user uploads them (or the sysop adopts them),
    set the new flag from the subboard's "EL" screen.  To manually
    transform or re-transform any item, use the new sysop command
    "TRANSFORM" from the subboard prompt.

    As an added bonus, the upload-duplicate protection routine has
    received a modification which prevents a user from uploading a
    file with ANY three letter suffix once the "preferred" format
    (line 1908 of BBSTEXT) of that file has been uploaded.

    Once you have installed this version, you may wish to get your
    system "up to speed" by manually using the TEST and TRANSFORM
    commands, (ie, TEST ALL from each subboard) so that amaint will
    not be bogged down when it runs.  Or, simply run amaint from
    the MAIN prompt.

34.    Automatic file adoption from auto-maintenance.  To enable this
    feature, you must set the flag from the subboard's "EL"
    screen.  Files on the drive, but not listed will be added to the
    list of items.  CNet will use the sysop's name as the "uploader's"
    name.  Auto-adopted files will be noted in the amaint log (LA
    command).

35.    New system maintenance utility entitled "missing."  This program
    searches your subboards for posts and files which are listed,
    but are not on the drive.  CNet will notify you of this condition
    in the amaint log (read using the LA command).  In addition, when
    scanning items, CNet will print a ! before the item's title if there
    is a problem with the item.

--- version 2.18a   5-May-1992

36.    This version features the ability to allow a user to select and
    download 1 file BEYOND the amount of time he actually has available.
    CNet will, however, cut the user off during a download when his
    time expires.  This allows users to download files which are too
    long to download in one call, provided they are using a resume-able
    protocol such as Zmodem.  The appropriate warning messages are
    displayed at the appropriate places.

37.    The current version of UNZIP does not print the word "OK" at
    a consistent character position during an archive test.  I have
    changed the routine to recognize NEGATIVE values for the archive
    test "character-position" (see previous discussion) -- when a
    negative number is given, CNet will count back from the end of the
    line.  Note the change in BBSARC for this version.

--- version 2.18c   6-May-1992

38.    Further testing of the new Test and Transform features showed them
    to cause problems when the file under scrutiny does not exist (that
    is, it is "offline").  This is now accounted for.  In addition, a
    check is in place to make sure a transform isn't attempted when the
    ".LHA" file (or whichever you prefer) already exists.  This feature
    should work for everyone now!

39.    Often times, users change their City/State/Country just so that
    other users using the WHO command will see an ad for their BBS
    or something.  As a sysop, I'd prefer they not do that.  Instead
    of slapping my users on the hand, I have added a new feature which
    ALLOWS them to have text at the WHO display.  This text is called
    the user's "banner" and is editable from the EP command.  Simple,
    but I think a very needed feature!

--- version 2.18g  11-May-1992

40.    The VOTE pfile has been changed slightly to allow users with
    VOTE-ADD access to add their own choices when prompted for a
    choice for a topic.  Also, the name of the contributor of the item
    is displayed as the item is read and voted upon.

41.    CNet now defaults to self-muffling.  This means users will not see
    their own text in the conference, and must use the MUFFLE command
    if they wish to reverse this.

42.    Several smalls "anomalies" were removed, such as MCI commands in
    a quoted message, the "transform" command failing on directory
    names longer than 13 characters, new user questions being aborted
    with too many backspaces, and signature files being used for
    aliased messages.

--- version 2.19  8-June-1992

43.    This version features a TOTALLY reformated messaging system. This
    new system provides optimal combinations of ITEM and MESSAGE
    separation.

    Each message is its own file, which makes editing, killing, and
    searching for individual messages much simpler than the old format.

    With this new architecture, users are able to not only look for
    ITEMS written and addressed by them, but also MESSAGES as well!
    The SCAN and READ commands allow this type of search by use of the
    "MESS" modifier.

        SCAN TOME        ; list all ITEMS to me
        SCAN MESS TOME        ; list all MESSAGES to me
        and so on.

    Other modifiers are new as well, such as "BYME" "UNTIL" and
    "PREVIEW."  PREVIEW controls whether or not during a read NEW
    if one OLD message is also read.  NOTE that BBSMENU aliases RN
    to contain the PREVIEW modifier.

    Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the new set of
    commands available from the "respond or pass" prompt as well.  The
    only way to Edit and Kill responses is now from THIS PROMPT.

    Users can choose to have CNet pause between messages or not using
    the reformatted EP setting.

    CNet can maintain a large number of items in one subboard by use
    of a buffering system.  The size of this buffer is set in BBSCONFIG.
    If you preferred the older "all in memory" method, just set this
    buffer size high enough to cover the maximum number of items you
    have in any one subboard.

    The headers have received a "new look" to go along with the new
    storage method.  In addition, longer "short" descriptions are
    allowed for files.

44.    A conversion program is necessary to update the old message format
    to the new.  The program necessary is "NEWBASE" found in the
    UPDATING directory of the disk 2.  This program has been
    extensively testing, so it should not involve a "trial run" ...
    but if you are sceptical, the option is there to keep the old
    files on the drives.

45.    YANK is now completely automated, and operates in the BACKGROUND
    as a separate task.  The file "cnet:yy" controls this.  Yank as a
    command is designed to Yank "NEW" messages.  See BBSCONFIG for
    several new variables to control this operation.

46.    ANSI users can enjoy a 10 command buffer by using the cursor up
    and down keys.

47.    Subboards and pfiles/gfiles areas can have TIMELOCKS -- a minimum
    amount of time for a user to be online before being allowed to
    enter an area.  A user privilege flag is provided to override this.

48.    You may select a number of lines each user may use in his
    SIGNATURE files through a variable in the user accounts/access
    groups.

    Also, there are a number of different signature file possibilities
    for real name/handle subboards.

49.    Subboards have received several new features.  These are enabled
    using the EL screen's Flags option.

    Old responses to active items can be deleted at amaint.

    You can control the use of signature files in a subboard.

    You may select a subboard to allow Aliases.  CNet will allow
    the use of any handle NOT already in use on the system.  System
    operators, however, do have this option.  CNet will remember the
    last alias that a user used so that it can be brought up again.

    Sysops/subops can INVITE users to or UNINVITE users from a
    subboard using the INVITE command.  Whether the area is by default
    invited or not is controlled by a flag.

--- version 2.19e  29-June-1992

50.    This version corrects ALL reported 2.19 bugs.  Thanks everyone
    for your help!  This version also returns to "the old way" of
    keeping all item headers in memory while using a subboard.  This
    makes commands like Order possible again.  Be sure to change your
    number of items per subboard if necessary in your BBSCONFIG to a
    value large enough to cover the maximum you have in any subboard.

51.    Several cosmetic enhancements were made.  Two extra menus exist in
    terminal mode to allow you to change screen colors, etc.  Also,
    support for MFR and other file requestors has been addressed.

    The main CNet screens use the DOS 2.0 format structures.  Also, the
    Control Panel now uses a sizing gadget instead of the menu to select
    size.

    During inter-user chat, the sysop receives a THIRD color, different
    from the other two users in chat mode.

--- version 2.19j  3-July-1992

52.    When editing signature files, users have one extra choice--a
    "default" file.  This allows users to have one signature for
    EVERYTHING, and then customize individual files as necessary.

53.    CNet now keeps separate user VOICE and COMPUTER phone numbers
    in the user structures.  The user status window was re-structured
    to include this on-line.

54.    The privilege flag which controlled the "EU" command has been
    separated into several flags, allowing you to individually control
    whethers users may change their Handle, Real name/sex/birthday,
    voice #, computer #, and address.

    If you are UPDATING from an earlier version, you should initialize
    these NEW flag values by editing your access groups and then TRANSPOSE
    them using the "pfiles:maintenance/transpose" program.

55.    The EP option for "private info" has been removed.  Instead,
    users can select whether or not to keep individual variables
    private by using the EU command.  Variables separated are Name,
    street address, voice #, computer #, and birthdate.  The user's
    city/state/country is not considered confidential, and is
    shown to all users at the "WHO" command.  If there are specific
    complaints about that policy, I am listening (although, it's been
    that way forever).

    NOTE the program "newusers4" (a CLI program) has been provided to
    automatically set these new variables, as well as the user's VOICE
    phone number (will be copied from the data phone number).

56.    Although primarily written for use by 80 column computers, some
    work was done to CNet to make things easier on the 40 column
    dinosaurs.  The menus now use the auto-indentation, as do the
    message headers.  The WHO display was given a 40 column alternative.

--- version 2.19k  7-July-1992

57.    The commands DS, SS, and *C are now available at all command
    prompts.

--- version 2.19m  9-July-1992

58.    Two VERY powerful commands were added on this version, available
    from the Main prompt.

    TERM    Allow a remote user with the proper privilege flag to
        enter terminal mode on ANOTHER free port.  These routines
        appear to be working 100% ... I even tried file transfers
        at 2400 baud.  They SHOULD work fine at higher speeds.

        Currently, the only way to EXIT the TermLink mode is to
        HANG UP.  I didn't want to insert any command sequences
        and take the chance of file transfers, etc. not working.

        IMPORTANT:  the files "BBSPORT" have changed to allow
        an extra line of initialization for the TermLink mode.

    MONITOR    Allow a remote user with the proper privilege flag to
        monitor another port.  The option will be given whether
        or not to allow input into the port as well.

        To exit the monitoring mode, use control-Z, twice.

        IMPORTANT:  the flags which control access to these
        commands must be edited to allow their use.


--- version 2.20  15-July-1992

    After successfully beta testing 2.19m, which was not a PUBLIC
    release, but a test version, 2.20 is being released into the
    retail store distribution network.  Many thanks to the core of
    die hard CNet fans who have helped spread the word about the
    BBS to make this exciting move possible.

    This version also marks the repackaging of CNet AMIGA into the
    new blue binder, and the publication of the new instruction
    manual, featuring explanations of the new system features
    up through version 2.19, and the addition of a Glossary chapter
    to aid new system users.

    During the conversion from direct mail sales to store sales,
    mail order customers may continue to receive 2.20+ with the
    original spiral bound manual for a short time while we use
    up our stock on hand.

--- version 2.20a  22-July-1992

59.    In the past, when you adopted a file already HAVING a short
    description, the description prompt would be skipped.  Now, you
    are able to edit the existing description before continuing.

60.    When using the D command to download from Mail, Gfiles, or the
    UD/Base, the select list is left un-disturbed, allowing you to
    download individual files without downloading your entire
    selected list.

61.    During "broadcast to all" olms ( OLM *, or CC *, or INVITE * in
    Join ), CNet now skips ports from which you are hiding.

62.    CNet will test to see if a file exists before it is SELECTED
    or DOWNLOADED.  The user is told the file is OFFLINE if it does
    not exist.

63.    During a batch upload, CNet now checks file sizes to prevent
    filling a device.  In the past, CNet only checked at the BEGINNING
    of a batch upload.

64.    For global commands, such as RA, BA, etc., CNet now completely
    skips empty subboards, and subboard with no new items.  In addition,
    the command "banner" may be added to such a command to show the
    entry/exit files for subboards that are entered.  If you wish this
    to be the default, simply edit BBSMENU to include BANNER on the
    RA/SA/BA lines as follows:

        RA ~ RG NEW PREVIEW BANNER

65.    During a Yank, the resultant file is directly added to a user's
    select list.  This allows the user to see the file using SS without
    first doing DS.

66.    The PortMonitor feature was modified to so that the text sent to
    the monitoring port is "generic."  Previously, an ASCII user
    monitoring a CBM user would see garbled characters.  Note that ANSI
    will only be sent to the monitoring port if it is also sent to the
    monitored port.

67.    New GETUSERS are:
        8    Sysop comment
        9    VOICE phone number
        10    DATA phone number
        38    User's WHO banner

--- version 2.20c  27-July-1992

68.    This version corrects a couple of minor 2.20 bugs, leaving it in
    a VERY stable state.  This will be the last 2.20 release before
    work continues on major new features for 2.21 and beyond.

69.    At the prompt between subboards during a Global command, you are
    able to Drop to current subboard.

70.    During a Browse command, you are able to Select, Read or Download
    a RANGE of items.

71.    The YANK program now recognizes two new SYSTEXT files, "YANKSTART"
    and "YANKEND".  These files are appended to the beginning and end
    of a user's YANK file.  Also, the Yank bug of allowing a user to
    enter subboards he does not have access to has been removed!

72.    Using a subboard flag (from the EL command), you can select
    whether or not subboards are by default Joined or Dropped for
    new users.

73.    The .M command in the editor has been changed considerably.  When
    writing Mail, Posting, or Responding, .M will show the file AS
    IT WILL APPEAR, complete with header, signature, and indentation.

74.    The More? prompt has been changed to Y/N/C instead of Y/N/=.  For
    users using multiple BBSTEXT's, the C is taken from line 7 of
    BBSTEXT.  Also, if the current text is non-abortable, a separate
    line of BBSTEXT is used for the prompt, to leave out the "n" as
    an option.

75.    When listing signature files from the EP command, an asterisk (*)
    marks files which currently exist.

76.    The files BBS and CONTROL contain "$VER:" strings so that the CLI
    program VERSION can be used to quickly determine the version number
    of these files.

77.    MVERIFY has changed to allow users to EDIT and KILL messages that
    they have sent.  MV may change again to allow MV ? to list who
    has mail.

--- version 2.20e  29-July-1992

78.    Bugs with invitation subboards letting anyone in and false flags
    in mail headers fixed.

79.    MV ? will display to the system operator a list of WHO HAS mail.

80.    The BBSLIST contains two new commands, allowing users to DOWNLOAD
    or SELECT the bbslist, in either TEXT or LHARC format.

    ALSO! IMPORTANT!  The BBSLIST files must be moved into a SUBDIRECTORY
    entitled "BBSLIST" within SYSDATA:.  Rename files as follows:

    SYSDATA:BBSLIST.INDEX    to    SYSDATA:BBSLIST/INDEX
    SYSDATA:LIST.#?        to    SYSDATA:BBSLIST/#?

        (that is, remove the "bbslist" and "list" prefixes)
        (#? represents whatever follows the "list.")

81.    The VOTE system has received considerable attention.

    1st, all vote topics will be lost.  The new format offers
    considerable more flexibility.  You may DELETE VOTE:#? on
    your old vote area.

    2nd, there is no longer a need for the VOTE: assignment.  CNet
    will look for vote files within the subdirectory SYSDATA:VOTE.
    You will want to create this directory there.

    3rd, a new privilege flag was added to separate "topic-adding"
    and "choice-adding" accesses.  You will want to examine your
    access group settings and modify them if necessary.

    4th, a new TYPE of voting was added, called "floats."  Instead
    of just picking one option or the other, users are given 100
    "floats" which they may distribute across the choices as they
    desire.  This gives "weighting" to the voting.

    5th, if PFILES:BBS/VOTE is ran from the SYS.WELCOME file, CNet
    will prompt the user with un-voted vote items.  This has
    already been done in the SYSTEXT/SYS.WELCOME file on the CNet
    master disk.

    6th, vote topic names may contain any characters necessary.

82.    Several files were re-named to better describe their purpose:

    XX            is now        XPR-TASK
    YY            is now        YANK-TASK
    xprZmodem*.library    is now        xprZmodemCNet.library

--- version 2.21  7-August-1992

83.    This version contains a MAJOR enhancement to an old part of the
    program.  The CNet Visual Data Editor allows system operators
    full screen editing of user information (EA), access group defaults
    (EG), and subboard configuration data (EL).

    The new files "*.vde" in the systext: area contain information
    concerning the formatting and editing of these structures.

    From remote, the VDE will be operational for ANSI users only.  You
    will find it almost mandatory to use a high speed modem when using
    the VDE from remote!  When in the VDE, you are free to use the cursor
    keys to move the lightbar, and then RETURN to select or edit an
    item.  The VDE features a smart save/abort option when you are
    finished editing.

    The VDE may be used in the future to edit other structures.  Also,
    the VDE is being considered for a mouse-visual menu system.  Support
    is given to C pfile programmers in the form of a C callback routine
    (see EMPTY.C) and an example .VDE file creator (see VDE.C).

    A small amount of security was added simultaneously, prohibiting
    a user to edit a system operator's account from remote.  Also,
    it is not possible to set the SystemMaintenance privilege flag, or
    view the password of any user from remote.

84.    A new file BBSLOG controls the way that CNet writes to the CallLog.
    Using the Log_Flags, you are able to monitor certain activities for
    certain people/access groups.

    Also, you are able create custom log files for any activity.

85.    There are several new privilege flags and user variables. These are:

    Log Verbosity Flags.  Used in conjuction with BBSLOG, these flags
    determine WHICH user activities are logged to LOG.CALLS and which
    are not.

    Daily Pfile Minutes.  This controls the number of minutes per 24
    hour day that the user may spend executing pfiles.  NOTE that each
    pfile in the PFILES area now has a flag in its configuration
    controlling whether or not its time CONTRIBUTES to the user's
    pfile usage time, so you may have to use the AT command to set
    this on certain pfiles.  Set this number to 999 for unlimited
    pfile usage.

    Send log to user.  Given an account number, this feature will
    automatically place a copy of the user's call log activity in
    the account number's mailbox.  Excellent for monitoring the
    activity of only certain users!

    Alarm sysop at logon.  This option causes a SOUND file to be
    played when the user logs on.  The SOUND file is playing
    via a BBSTEXT line, and may be changed to any other IFF sound
    file you wish.

    Open screen at logon.  When the user logs on, the port's screen
    will automatically open.   When he logs off, the port's screen
    will then close.  NOTE that if you close/open the screen manually
    once CNet has already opened it, the screen will not close when the
    user logs off.

    Four user privileges have received "tri-state" logic.  The flags
    "use alias", "delete own items", "write anonymously", and "use
    private messages" for the subboards now have THREE possible
    values: always NO, always YES, and FOLLOW SUBBOARD DEFAULT.
    Where necessary, flags were added to the subboard configuration
    screens to set the defaults.

    NOTE, because of these changes, you will likely want to use the
    EG command to update your access group configurations, then the
    TRANSPOSE pfile to make the changes to your user accounts.

86.    The TERMLINK feature now has an exit method.  While at the IDLE
    mode of the remote modem, ^Z^Z should return you to the Main prompt.

--- version 2.25  13-August-1992

87.    This version features a major enhancement to the base/udbase
    areas of the system.  All subdirectory information for ALL
    subboards is now stored IN MEMORY instead of several small
    "dir." files.  This makes entering and traversing the base/udbase
    areas MUCH faster.  "Numbering" the subboards was a necessary
    step toward QWK mail reading and other similar features.

    If you run a multi-line system, the subboard data is SHARED
    between the ports.  On the average multi-line system, this
    will save considerable memory.

    The update program UP225 will create the new "sysdata:subboards"
    file for you.  This update program must be ran from the CLI
    while CNet is NOT running!

    In addition, all of a user's BaseUser structures are kept in memory
    during his call, and re-saved all at once when he logs on.
    Together with the resident subboard structures, these two changes
    will save many THOUSANDS of disk I/O calls in the average day for
    the average BBS!  The price to pay is that the users' existing
    base-user structures are LOST.  When he logs onto the 2.25 system
    for the first time, all "new" items will be forgotten.

    Several "side-effect" features resulted from this work.  For instance,
    when performing a List, the "+" and "-" notation for Joined and
    Dropped subboards are there ALL OF THE TIME, not just after the
    sub was entered.  Also, when the sub contatins new messages, the
    "+" changes to a "*".  Another example, when you MOVE an item,
    it's now possible to move between the BASE and UDBASE.  Also, it's
    now possible to DROP direct-exchange subboards.

88.    The "scan for new" routines at logon have been changed drastically.
    The system now VERY QUICKLY is able to determine WHERE and WHAT
    files are new, and is able to "browse" them in the standard CNet
    way, allowing downloading, selection, etc.

    Following the new files scan, CNet prompts the user with the number
    of subboards containing new messages, and offers to lauch the Yank
    task at that point.

    This procedure is repeatable from the Main prompt with the use of the
    NS command.

89.    When a user "addresses" a message in a public subboard, a copy of
    that message is automatically sent to the addressee's mailbox,
    with a note attached stating which subboard the original appears
    in.  In addition, when a reply is made, the option is given to
    place the reply in the public base as a response to the original
    item.  This is the first step in the "all-user-mail-in-one-place"
    format.  Next ... netmail!

--- version 2.25c  17-August-1992

90.    The new-scan at logon was expanded to allow the user to Scan the
    bases with new items, Browse them, Read them, or launch the Yank
    process. NOTE: As part of the conversion to 2.25c (even if you
    already run 2.25a) you should run AMAINT to correctly set the
    subboard-new dates.

91.    New subboard flags were added to (1) allow you to disable the "carbon
    copy" of addressed messages to user mail boxes (2) force all messages
    and uploads to be private for moderated subboards, and (3) set
    which BBSARC types will be transformed.  If you already run 2.25a,
    you will want to EL subboards as necessary to set these new flags.

92.    Handles and address information is once again forced into an
    upper/lower case format.  If a user needs special attention, the
    sysop is able to use the EA command to set these data to use any
    characters necessary.

--- version 2.26  18-August-1992

93.    NOTE: Although a user may not have access to a SUBDIRECTORY of
    subboards, it is still necessary to set the access group and flag
    settings within the subboards themselves to prevent access during
    global commands such as the Scan for New at logon.

94.    This version has received considerable attention to the VISUAL
    EDITOR.  It is now possible to do all popular line-editor commands
    DIRECTLY from the visual editor without ever leaving it!  This
    includes Quoting, Preview (MCI READ), Search, Abort, Save, Help,
    New, etc.  IN ADDITION, the editor features cut & paste abilities.

--- version 2.27  25-August-1992

95.    This version has received a complete re-do of the control panel
    intuition.  Gadgets have been re-drawn and added.  Two new windows
    are available from the control panel.  After highlighting a port
    with a user on-line, the USERINFO gadget will display a window of
    user stats.  The SYSINFO gadget will display the activity graph,
    SAM variables, and other system variables.  Resetting the graph
    and period is now done directly from this new window's menu.

    It is now possible to send OLM's directly from the control panel.
    Highlight a port to send only to a specific port.

    The close-window gadget now attempts to QUIT CNet (with a requestor)
    instead of iconifying.

    NOTE: because of new stored variables, you must delete BBSCONTROL
    before running this version.

96.    Because all of the useful information like SAM and system activity
    are available right from the control panel, the waiting for call
    screen was changed to display the TIME in 125 point TIMES.  For
    everyone who REMEMBERS the 64 and 128 versions ... THAT'S RIGHT!
    The "big clock" is BACK!

97.    When a port's screen is open, you will notice two new menu items.

    Just below the Printer option is Capture, which allows you to
    directly save all screen output to a temp file, which may then
    be Printed, or Saved, or Appended to another file.  You must have
    DOS 2.0 to use the CAPTURE option.

    The Capture is automatically CLOSED when a user logs off.

    On the SCREEN menu, a new option "workbench" appears.  This allows
    you to toggle back and forth between a custom screen and a console
    device window on the workbench screen.

    When you "save config" from the control panel, the positions, sizes,
    and zoom sizes of all windows are remembered.

98.    If you run FIDO, you must delete the "max items" lines from your
    BBSFIDO files (if you run the 2.27 versions of the FIDO programs!)

--- version 2.27a  27-August-1992

99.    Mainly bug fixes.  Control panel accounts for default screen font.
    Adding a subboard once again takes an argument (optionally).

--- version 2.27c  28-August-1992

100.    The USER LIST program now uses a two-line output to provide more
    information.  User's data AND voice phone numbers, and City/State
    are printable/searchable.

101.    The VOTE program has been ONCE AGAIN changed.  When the FLOAT
    votes were originally added, some inefficiency was also added for
    "regular" votes.  This version fixes that program, making the
    talley once again very quick for "regular" votes.  Float votes
    will still take a few seconds to compute the talley.  It is now
    possible to have 50 vote topics, each with 26 choices.

    NOTE:    It is necessary to re-start voting topics to run this
    version.  DELETE SYSDATA:VOTE/#? ALL

--- version 2.27e  29-August-1992

102.    VERY MINOR cosmetic changes made.  This will be the publically
    released version.

--- version 2.28  1-September-1992

103.    An internal change was made to the "SelectType" structure, which
    requires that users' "select lists" be re-started.  When they log
    on to 2.28, they will have no files from 2.27 in their select
    buffers.

104.    This version has received changes to the JoinLink system.  The new
    system allows you to view who's on ALL linked nodes and in which
    rooms by using the /L command.  The WHISPER and NOISE functions
    have been made more intelligent in that they will recognize
    ambiguous names.  It is only necessary to enter enough characters
    in a person's name to uniquely identify them.  JoinLink will find
    a match from ANY node, and will properly handle WHISPERS and NOISES
    to users on ANY of the nodes.

    To review the operation of JoinLink...

    Each of the nodes (CNet systems) that decide to form a JoinLink
    network must use one port to "link" to the other systems.  Linear
    and star networks will work, but a RING network (loop) may confuse
    the system, and should not be attempted.  For star networks, one
    port must be used for EACH network link made from your system.

    BEFORE CONNECTING, each node must choose a LINKID, different from
    the others in the network.  The number may be from 1-99.  This
    limits the number of nodes in the network to 99.  Then, each system
    operator should create a PERMANENT conference room (use /PER command
    and then possibly /SAVE), then use the /XR command to set the LINKID
    to the one he has chosen.  The "channel" settings in the conference
    rooms allow you to share more than one conference room on the
    network.  For networks sharing just ONE conference room, the
    channel should be 0.  Valid channel numbers are 0-23.

    NOW, the system operators CONNECT the network by entering terminal
    mode.  For each link, one sysop calls the other.  When both are
    connected, each uses the pull-down menu option JoinLink.  Once
    all links are established, the network is in place.  When any
    link is broken, JoinLink will automatically ROSTER the entire
    remaining network to determine who's remaining, to attempt to keep
    the /L command accurate.

    IN CASE a system operator feels the /L command to be inaccurate,
    a new command /VERIFY has been added to cause the network to
    perform the ROSTER function.

    NOTE: the reason it is possible to enter different LINKID's in
    the /XR command than are used in JOIN-LINK is because it is
    POSSIBLE to have conference rooms on your system from DIFFERENT
    networks!  This MAY be pushing the architecture of the network,
    so you are advised to proceed with caution if attempting this.
    LINKID's must NOT be repeated, even between separate networks.

    NOTE: BBSCONFIG must hold the MAXIMUM LINKID used on the ENTIRE
    NETWORK.  This allocates memory for the network roster.

105.    This version features updates to the ACCOUNTING SYSTEM.  The
    format of BBSCHARGES has been completely altered.  If you use
    the accounting system, you need to make copies and modify the
    NEW BBSCHARGES as necessary.  It is now possible to charge for
    time at specific SUBBOARD prompts, as well as specific
    GFILE/PFILE prompts.  A new setting from the EL screen was
    added to set the BBSCHARGES rate used.  As with other "rate"
    settings, a value of 0 means the area is FREE.  The GFILES/PFILES
    areas use the existing settings from the EL GFILES/PFILES EL
    screens.

    When a user's balance runs out, it is possible to select a "new"
    access group for the user.  This is done using the second line
    in a BBSCHARGES file.

106.    DIRECT EXCHANGE subboards have received some attention.

    A new command "CD" was added to view/change the working
    directory.  If the directory to which the exchange is assigned
    has subdirectories, users will be able to enter them at will.
    It is NEVER possible to "CD /" higher up into the directory
    structure.

    In addition, a new menu "sys.menu.direct" is offered to show
    users only those commands which are available in a direct
    exchange environment.

--- version 2.30  12-September-1992

107.    QWK off-line reader support.  The YANK command will give the
    option of using either QWK or standard ASCII format.  QWK is an
    off-line reader format supported by several programs such as
    A-Read, Q-Blue, and others.  Off-line readers allow you to
    easily read and reply to messages OFFLINE.

    A new "user preference" was added to the EP command to select
    the compression program used for message bundling (yank command).
    Also, specification of the end-of-line sequence is offered here.

    For QWK reply packets, you should set up a subboard with an
    appropriate title such as "UPLOAD QWK REPLIES HERE."  This sub
    should be made a direct exchange subboard, and have the new EL
    flag "QWK reply subboard" set.  CNet automatically intercepts
    files uploaded to such a subboard, unpacks them, and posts the
    users' messages.

    When replying, CNet will recognize the "private" flag as being set if
    the user has access to leave private messages in the subboard.  Also,
    if the user changes his name to "anonymous" when replying, CNet will
    recognize this.  Alias handles are currently NOT supported.

    A new file "BBSQWK" contains information what you need to edit. Its
    format is:

    Future World!            <-- Your system's name
    Canton, MI            <-- location
    313-981-1524            <-- phone number
    Ken Pletzer, Sysop        <-- Sysop's name
    1,BBSID                <-- CNet Serial number and 1-8
                        character system identifier

108.    FIDO NetMail BUILT-IN and available directly from the MAIL command.

    When sending mail using the "MAIL" or "MS" commands, CNet will
    recognize the special character "@".  This symbol separates the
    recipient's name from the destination system address.  A valid
    FIDONET address is given by the format:

        ZONE:NET/NODE.POINT

    Entering the ZONE and POINT values are OPTIONAL.  The ZONE is
    assumed to be equal to YOUR OWN zone, and the POINT is assumed
    to be equal to 0 unless otherwise specified.

    If the address is missing, or of a wrong format, CNet will prompt
    for the address.

    Two levels of NETMAIL access are possible.  The 1st level allows the
    user to USE NETMAIL, provided a destination system is chosen from
    a sysop-supplied LIST of systems.  This list is stored in the
    new file SYSTEXT:SYS.FIDOSITES.  You may edit this, following the
    given format.  The 2nd level lifts this restriction, allowing the
    user to enter ANY netmail address.  Further expansion for multi-
    nets and traplist.library support is forthcoming.

    One additional user-privilege flag was added to allow the use of
    FILE REQUESTS (FREQ) and FILE SENDS.  If the user does NOT
    specify a recipient for his mail, CNet will append to the
    outbound .FLO or .REQ file.  If the user DOES specify a
    recipient for his mail, CNet will prompt to set the FIDONET
    file send or file request flags.

    As with echomail, NETMAIL is actually exported when the XFIDO
    program is executed.

    With this feature, the "NMAIL" program has been rendered obsolete,
    and will no longer be supported.

--- version 2.31  26-September-1992

109.    The BBSLIST program was updated to include SEARCH ability.  Users
    can select up to 5 keywords to search for in systems' names,
    nations, locations or descriptions.  CNet will find a match if
    any one of the keywords match for each search item for which
    keywords were entered.

110.    The AREXX interface received many new commands.  Following is
    a run-down:

    CALLEDITOR {s}        This invokes the user's default editor.
                The current contents of the editor's
                buffer are loaded, and the results are
                re-saved.  "1" is returned if the temp
                buffer is not empty ("0" otherwise).

    CHANGEWHAT {s}        Set the user's COMMAND field in WHO
                displays and the control panel.  This
                feature may not yet be implemented.
                The command is added for upward
                compatibility.

    CHANGEWHERE {s}        Set the user's ACTION field in WHO
                displays and the control panel.

    CLEAREDITOR        Clears the contents of the editor temp
                file.  Use this before STARTEDITOR if
                you do not use LOADEDITOR.

    CLOSEDISPLAY        Close the port screen or workbench window.

    FEEDBACK        This performs the standard FEEDBACK
                command, allowing the user to leave a
                message to the sysops.

    FINDACCOUNT {s}        This function accepts either an account
                number of a handle.  It performs the
                familiar handle-search if necessary.  The
                account number is returned if there is
                no problem.  0 is returned otherwise.

    GETSCRATCH {s}        Operates like GETUSER, but reads user
                data from the internal "scratch" account
                structure.  With LOADSCRATCH, this is
                useful for examining user's accounts
                other than the current user's.

    LOADEDITOR {s}        This will read the filename given by
                {s} into the editor temp buffer.

    LOADSCRATCH {s}        This command should be performed before
                GETSCRATCH's.  The argument must be a
                valid account number.  RESULT will carry a
                "1" if everything was loaded OK, "0"
                otherwise.

    OPENDISPLAY        Attempt to open the port's screen or
                workbench window.  It may take a few
                seconds for the display to open.

    SAVEEDITOR {s}        Write the contents of the editor temp
                buffer to the file specified by {s}.
                If the file {s} already exists, it will
                be overwritten. RESULT will carry a "1" if
                everything was written OK, "0" otherwise.

    SETMAILSUBJ {s}        This command should be performed before
                EACH WRITEMAIL in order to set the SUBJECT
                of the mail about to be sent.

    SETMINFREE {s}        This command tells CNet when to STOP an
                upload-in-progress due to critical disk
                space.  {s} should be the lowest free-
                BYTES on the hard drive.

    SETPROTOCOL {s}        This command should be used before an
                XUP or XDN.  {s} should be a SINGLE
                character, matching a character in BBSPROTO
                to designate a specific protocol.  If you
                wish to allow the user to choose his own
                protocol, send {s} as a NULL string.

    XDN {s}            This command has been CHANGED so that it
                now performs an XPR file download of the
                specified file {s}.  The command SETPROTOCOL
                must be used first.

    XUP {s}            This command has also changed with XDOWN
                in the same way.  If the transfer is a
                batch protocol, it is OK to simply pass
                the PATH here.

    WRITEMAIL {s}        Write the contents of the editor temp
                buffer to the user's mailbox specified
                by {s}.  {s} must be a valid account
                number.  RESULT will carry a "1" if
                everything was sent OK, "0" otherwise.

111.    The C program interface received XPR upload/download function
    callbacks, operating identically to the AREXX counterparts.
    Please consult the PROGRAMMING directory on disk 2 for details.

112.    Several new BBSEVENT commands were added.  They are as follows:

    command      arguments     description
    -------   ---------    -----------
    SYSOPIN   0 or 1    This command, together with the next
                three, control the pull-down menu
                settings available from the CONTROL
                panel.

                This one controls whether or not the
                system operator is avaiable for chat (C).

    NONEW      0 or 1    Whether or not to accept new users (NEW).

    NOUD      0 or 1    Whether or not to allow users into
                the upload/download base (U).

    NOPFILES  0 or 1    Whether or not to allow users into
                the pfiles base (P).

    RUND      {path}    To complete the set of RUN commands, RUND
                is added to the existing RUNA and RUNC.
                RUND will execute a DOS program, channeling
                I/O to the current port.

                It is OK to include arguments for the file
                following the filename.

113.    If a user was reading his mail, and the system went down unexpectedly,
    previous versions of CNet would LOSE the entire mail file being read.

    This version will first check to see if a mail-read temp file exists
    before reading from the regular mail file.

114.    The NewScan at logon has been changed to more fully separate searches
    for new files versus messages.

    The browse for new files will still quickly locate all files
    uploaded SINCE YOUR LAST CALL.

    The read/yank/browse/scan for new messages will find all new
    POSTS and RESPONSES (including responses to files) since last
    SUBBOARD VISIT.  This scan will NO LONGER locate "new files."
    This prevents the duplication of files problem, and will make it
    easier for sysops to maintain more separate FILES versus MESSAGE
    areas.

    As a bonus, if you are using a QWK mail reader, CNet WILL assemble
    the list of new uploads into the QWK file "newfiles.dat" which
    some readers will allow you to read.

    The standard YANK and YG commands (from subboard prompts) will
    still pull files as well as messages.

115.    For QWK bundling, CNet will recognize two new files, SYSTEXT:qwkstart
    and SYSTEXT:qwkend, which will be bundled with a QWK packet to be
    read to the user as the HELLO and GOODBYE files.

--- version 2.35  3 October 1992

116.    Paragon door support.  If you have any C "doors" from these
    programs, CNet is now able to interpret them.  When adding a pfile
    to a Pfiles list, select X as its type.

117.    The Z and ZG search commands have been moved to an external program
    (actually, they now use YANK-TASK).  This removes the long delays
    the user once had to endure while waiting for the system to
    search possibly thousands of messages.  Just as when yanking
    messages, the system will OLM the user when the search is complete.

    Yank-task will "mark" matching messages.  A new command "RM" was
    added to allow users to read their marked messages.

    In addition to "keywords" for a search, users may specify "filters."
    Filters are words/phrases that PREVENT a message from being marked.

    The Z command remains at the "respond or pass" prompt, working
    just as it had before.  This allows users to quickly search THAT ONE
    POST using the old method.

118.    CNet now maintains a new format for the old "bbs.alpha" (alpha
    ordering of users by handle).  Now, this primary key information
    is actually sotred in MEMORY (as it should be), and handle searches
    are now BLITZ fast.  No more waiting several seconds on large systems
    just to have the system tell you an account you are mailing is not
    there.

    You must set the maximum number of user accounts possible from
    the BBSCONFIG file.  In the past, CNet was internally limited to
    2000 accounts.  This limit has been lifted, and now CNet allows
    more than 32000 accounts.

    Use the new "pointers" C pfile to create the new file "bbs.ukeys."
    You may then delete bbs.alpha, as it will no longer be used.

    Plans exist for adding other keys to this file ... possibly real
    name, and data phone number.  This would allow FAST ifido operation,
    and FAST checks for use of duplicate phone numbers.

119.    The "Set keywords/filters/subboards?" prompt from the NewScan at
    logon's Yank option is now complete!  After you select Yank from
    the NewScan prompt, answering YES to the above question will take
    you to ANOTHER prompt, allowing you to set keywords/filters
    (which operate the SAME as when doing a global search), to set
    which subboards these keywords/filters will be used on, and to
    set which subboards will actually be yanked.

    A menu "sys.menu.yank" exists for this prompt, and there are
    additions to BBSMENU.

120.    Additional AREXX commands, to conform to ABBEREXX standard.

    BBSIDENTIFY {arg}

        {arg}          returns
        ABBEREXX    : "1.0"
        BBS        : "2.35" or current CNet version
        EMULATION    : "ASCII" or  "ANSI"
        NAME        : Your BBS's name   (bbstext line 9)
        SYSOP        : Sysop's name        (bbstext line 10)
        TERM        : <baud> <columns> <rows> <line>
        USER        : "<username>" "<callingfrom>" <access>
                  <access> is returned as GUEST for
                  new users, MEMBER for other users,
                  SYSOP for account #1, CO-SYSOP for
                  any other account with maintenance
                  access.

    CHECKABORT
        Returns 1 if user has pressed Control-C or SPACEBAR,
        0 otherwise.  You should call this AFTER a line of
        output has occurred.  Each time something is printed,
        this is reset.

    CLS
        Sends the screen-clear code.

    GETCHAR
        Already supported by CNet.

    HANGUP
        Same as CNet's DROPCARRIER

    IREADY
        Same as CNet's CHECKIO.

    MAYGETCHAR
        Returns the waiting-input character, or "NOCHAR" if the
        input buffer is empty.

    NEWLINE
        Sends the newline code.

    PRINT {arg}
        Same as CNet's TRANSMIT.

    PROMPT <length> {arg} '"<prompt>"'
        <length> is the maximum number of characters to input.
        {arg}     is one of:
            NORMAL
            HIDE        : password input
            YESNO        : Yes/No, Yes is default
            NOYES        : Yes/No, No  is default
        <prompt> must be surrounded by double quotes, and then
        single quotes, so that AREXX will actually send the quotes
        to CNet.

    SEND {arg}
        Sends the given string without translation of any kind.
        (no MCI, etc).

    SENDFILE {arg}
        Same as CNet's SENDFILE.

    SETNODELOCATION {arg}
        Same as CNet's NEW command CHANGEWHERE.

    SYSOPLOG {arg}
        Samge as CNet's LOGENTRY.

    The ABBEREXX standard supports three variables, TIMEONLINE, CARRIER,
    and TIMELEFT.  At this time, I have not located the correct
    procedure for adding external variables to an AREXX command file.

121.    When adding a subboard (AL), an option is given to copy the defaults
    from any other physical subboard number.  To aid this, physical
    subboard numbers are displayed during EL.

122.    FidoNet I/O may be directed to any logical device now (was
    hard-wired to MAIL: in the past).  The "net path" is editable
    from the EL display.  Examples are

            MAIL:            /* the default */
            MAIL:FIDO/        /* for more organization */
            RAM:            /* if you have the ram */

    If you use RAM:, you should MAKEDIR the appropriate directories
    somewhere in your cnet-startup file.

--- version 2.36  7-October-1992

123.    Commenting the BADNAMES and BADNUMBERS files is now allowed. Begin
    any line with a semicolon (;).

124.    Amaint now SUMMARIZES subboard message kills.  This should shorten
    logs for people with a lot of activity.  IFIDO/XFIDO now summarize
    THEIR activity, which is placed in LOG.MAINT, no longer a
    separate file.

125.    When using the MOVE command in a subboard, option is now given to
    NOT remove the original (in effect, a COPY option to go along with
    MOVE).

126.    Using a BBSMENU entry "NSAL," the "scan for new" at logon is now
    performed AFTER the user's normal logon-macro.

127.    BBSCONFIG has been changed CONSIDERABLY to offer consolidation of
    many files.  The files BBSQWK and BBSFIDO no longer exist.  All of
    the necessary information is right in BBSCONFIG.  Also, each
    subboard's EL screen allows selection of a network from the
    BBSCONFIG file.

--- version 2.37  10-October-1992

128.    When using the DS command, it is possible to remove RANGES of
    files.  Also, files removed here will "re-appear" after the
    download is complete.  This allows downloading PORTIONS of the
    select buffer at a time!

129.    The EA command allows editing of several more user preferences.

130.    The Z and ZG commands allow you to mark messages, ADDING to your
    PREVIOUS marked list.  NOTE: Previous versions may have left a file
    "_marked0" in users' directories, causing problem with RM.
    This file be deleted after the first use of RM.

131.    It is possible to insert MCI into GFILES/PFILES descriptions.
    This should add to their flexibility!

--- version 2.38  10-October-1992

132.    Line 9 of BBSTEXT contains the default logon-MACRO for new users.
    By default, this will contain the NSAL (new scan at logon) command.
    This now allows users to select whether or not they even WANT the
    NSAL as part of their logon procedure, and if they do, whether to
    do it BEFORE or AFTER other macro commands.

    You may wish to leave NEWS for existing users stating that if they'd
    still like the automatic NSAL, they need to add this to their
    logon macros.

133.    The L! command in the pfiles/gfiles has been modified to display
    ALL known information about the list.

134.    This version features better organization of its text files.  Within
    the SYSTEXT: directory, there are now HELP, MENU, NEW, and VDE
    subdirectories.  SYSDATA: must contain one new subdirectory
    entitled LOG.

    Also, several files within SYSTEXT: have been renamed as follows
    (note that "passwords" has moved to sysdata:):

    Old name            New name
    -----------------------        -----------------
    systext:sys.conf.noises        systext:noises
    systext:sys.passwords        sysdata:passwords
    systext:sys.new user        systext:sys.nuser

135.    Better organization is in place for systems using multiple
    BBSTEXT/BBSMENU files.  When CNet attempts to display a file
    from the SYSTEXT: directory, the following search chain is
    followed until a file is found:

    ex#1:  systext:menu/main    ex#2:  systext:sys.start
    ------------------------    ------------------------
    systext:x1/menu/tt4.main    systext:x1/tt4.start
    systext:x1/menu/main        systext:x1/sys.start
    systext:menu/tt4.main        systext:tt4.start
    systext:menu/main        systext:sys.start

    There are three things to know:

    1.    CNet checks subdirectories "systext:xX" where X is the
        BBSMENU/BBSTEXT number.  If the appropriate file is
        not found, systext: is checked as normal.

        You may copy NONE, ANY, or ALL of the systext: directory
        into an xX subdirectory.  If a file is not found, CNet
        will search the standard systext: directory.

    2.    As with all previous versions, CNet will search for the
        "ttX." prefix in place of the "sys." prefix for alternate
        terminal types (ANSI, IBM, etc).  If the file doesn't
        HAVE "sys." as part of its title, CNet will still search
        for the "ttX." prefix file (tt4.menu and menu above).

    3.    It is possible to have alternate text files in other
        parts of the system, such as entry/exit files, or pfiles.
        Given a filename, CNet will search for an "xX" directory
        before searching for the actual filename.

    ex#3:  base0:games/data/sys.entry
    ---------------------------------
    base0:games/data/x1/tt4.entry
    base0:games/data/x1/sys.entry
    base0:games/data/tt4.entry
    base0:games/data/sys.entry

136.    More good news for systems running multiple BBSMENU/BBSTEXT files.
    CNet now loads all BBEMENU/BBSTEXT files at load-time.  If you
    have more ports that you do text sets, this will save you a
    considerable amount of RAM.  When a user logs on, or switches
    text sets, there is no longer a pause as a new bbstext/bbsmenu is
    read from disk.

137.    More organization is in place for the pfiles/gfiles/news areas.
    Each of these areas, and each of the subdirectories you have in
    these areas must now contain a new subdirectory entitled "DATA".

    Into these new directories, you must rename the files _Items2,
    sys.entry, sys.exit, and _dirinfo (if they exist).

    Old name            New name
    ----------------        ------------------
    pfiles:_Items2            pfiles:data/_Items2
    pfiles:_dirinfo            pfiles:data/_dirinfo
    pfiles:_sys.exit        pfiles:data/sys.exit
    pfiles:_sys.start        pfiles:data/sys.start
    pfiles:maintenance/_Items2    pfiles:maintenance/data/_Items2
    ...repeat for gfiles:, news:
    ...their subdirectories also

138.    For BASE and UDBASE areas, "subdirectories" and "direct exhange"
    subboards now must their own subdirectory in the appropriate BASE0:
    or UDBASE0: partition.  Previously, ony "real" subboards needed
    to have unique directories.  Within these new directories will be
    placed the entry and exit files.

    For example, if you have a subdirectory called "Amiga subboards"
    (which might contain several subboards), and you have given it the
    unique dirname of "amiga" ...

    Old name            New name
    ---------------------        ------------------
    base0:sys.exit.amiga        base0:amiga/sys.exit
    base0:sys.entry.amiga        base0:amiga/sys.entry

    This also applies to the BASE and UDBASE subdirectories themselves..
    Their  unique dirname is always "main"...

    base0:sys.exit.main        base0:main/sys.exit
    base0:sys.entry.main        base0:main/sys.entry

    Because in previous versions, direct exchange subboards did not
    HAVE unique-dirnames set when they were created, you should use
    the EL command to give all direct exchange subboards a name.

--- version 2.40  25-October-1992

139.    System configuration is now performed by a new executable
    entitled "CONFIG".  The following files are now obsolete, and
    should be deleted: BBSED, BBSPROTO, BBSCONFIG, BBSARC.

    The following files have changed format, and should be deleted:
    BBSPORT#?, BBSEVENT#?.  For convenience in re-configuration, it
    might be wise to print these first.

    The file "bbsconfig3" is a default configuration in the new format.
    After copying this file to your CNET: area, you may then use
    CONFIG to make changes.

    When editing/adding archivers, you should leave lines BLANK if
    they are not used.  Do not use "-".

140.    This version REQUIRES DOS 2.04 (V37) or higher to operate
    properly.  Many changes will be made to CNet in the near future
    to take advantage of more of the V37 power.

--- version 2.40e 30-October-1992

141.    This version AGAIN has changes to the BBSCONFIG files.  The file
    BBSCONFIG3 should be deleted, and re-copied and re-configured
    from the master.

    The following files are obsolete, and may be deleted:
    bbscolors, bbslog.

    The following files have changed format, and should be deleted
    before running CONFIG: bbscharges#?  You may wish to PRINT these
    files first!

    The CONFIG program takes care of even MORE configuration.

142.    CNet's screens are now PUBLIC screens, with names CNETSCREENx,
    where x is the port number.  CNet is now compiled with the
    version 37.xx headers and amiga.lib.

143.    Once again, the CLOSE gadget on the CONTROL panel is for
    iconifying the window.  The CLOSE gadget on the ICON is still
    for QUIT requesting.

--- version 2.41 8-November-1992

This version is being released publically to replace version 2.40e, as there
were a couple of minor bugs in 2.40e.  After this version, all versions until
2.50 are BETA TEST ONLY.  Do not download or run such intermediate versions,
as you may experience unexpected results.  Several NEW features DID make
there may into this version, however:

144.    Two new AREXX commands are available ... PUTSCRATCH and SAVESCRATCH.
    This brings the ability for AREXX program to modify user data full
    circle.  LOADSCRATCH and GETSCRATCH were previously supported (see
    above).  The new commands PUTSCRATCH and SAVESCRATCH actually allow
    modification and saving of altered user data.

    PUTSCRATCH takes an argument of the same form as GETSCRATCH (note,
    however, that you should not use the 7 digit format with put/get
    scratch, only the numbers 1-41.

    SAVESCRATCH takes the same type of argument as LOADSCRATCH, that is,
    an account number.

145.    The "sysdata:passwords" file has changed format, and should be
    deleted.  The 2.41 version of "setpass" should then be used to
    create a new passwords file.

    All passwords here are now optional.  Simply press RETURN to
    specicy NO password is required.  All keywords are now optional.
    Simply press RETURN if you do not wish a password to be encoded
    with a keyword.

    Two NEW passwords are possible ... FULL REMOTE MAINTENANCE, which
    allows editing of other users' passwords from remote, and NEW USER
    PASSWORD, which can limit new users on your system to only those
    that know this password(/keyword).

146.    Popular demand has called for a change to the format of BBSEVENT
    files so that changes may be made from the CLI.  I have complied
    with these requests.  The BBSEVENTx files have ONCE AGAIN CHANGED
    FORMAT and should be DELETED.  The new format will resemble the
    old from the CLI (like v2.30), except the command NAME must instead
    be a number.  For the complete list of command numbers, use CONFIG's
    "EVENTS..." editor.

--- version 2.42 20-November-1992

Well, I lied.  This version too will likely be released publically to
correct bugs with 2.41.  This version also contains several NEW features:

147.    CNet screens are opened as the default system screen size.  This
    allows use of productivity mode, PAL interlace, and others.  CNet
    will allow full use of the screen in the vertical direction.

    The visual editor now allows the use of ANY height screen.  The
    only PROBLEM with this is that an accurate display on the console
    will not be possible unless the user is using the same screen
    height as the console.

    CNet now defaults to a "local mode" screen configuration.  This
    allows you to use ANY screen size in local mode, and still benefit
    from the MORE command and VISUAL EDITOR.  The "screen height"
    setting in EP is overridden in local mode.

    This version does not take full advantage of any extra
    horizontal space.  I could not decide whether or not it would be
    wise to allow "82 column" editor mode and the like.

148.    The CONTROL program will not run if the current stack size is
    less than 40000.  This should save some headaches in the future!

149.    A new VOTE command "NEW" has been added to allow users to vote on
    all NEW vote topics at once.  This command is automatically
    executed when the user enters VOTE from the sys.welcome file.

150.    The transformation script system has changed dramatically.
    Virtually ANYTHING is possible now!

    The correct format for a script file title is now "xold2new" where
    "old" is the old suffix, and "new" is the desired suffix.

    EACH SUBBOARD now has a "preferred" archive type selected from the
    EL screen.  You will want to set this now in the subboards you
    currently transform files in.  This allows you to have subboards
    catering to different user needs.

    In addition to the "preferred" archive type, CNet will also
    check for "special" transformation scripts if the "preferred"
    ones are not found.  After searching for 4 "xold" scripts, CNet
    will then check the same places for an "xany" script.  If the file
    doesn't HAVE a 2-5 character suffix, CNet will skip immediately to
    the "xany" scripts.  Following is the complete search sequence:

        udbase0:subname/data/xold2new
                           s:xold2new
                           s:xold2old
        udbase0:subname/data/xold2#?
        udbase0:subname/data/xany2new
                           s:xany2new
                           s:xany2old
        udbase0:subname/data/xany2#?

    The #? pattern search allows you to transform ANY format to
    any OTHER format in ANY particular subboard.  If you have just 1
    subboard which requires transformation of all ".GIF" files to
    ".IFF" ... this is now possible, while retaining the transformation
    of other file types to the "preferred" format.

    Note the "xold2old" format which allows scripts to simply add/
    remove banner files, etc.

--- version 2.42a 24-November-1992

151.    New GETUSERS are:
        13    # of mail items waiting
        14    # of new mail items waiting
        29    Default protocol    (for user online)
        30    Total uploaded kbytes    (for user online)
        31    Total uploaded files    (" for all following)
        32    Total downloaded kbytes
        33    Total downloaded files
        34    File credits
        35    Byte credits
        36    Total public messages
        37    Total private messages
        42    Bytes uploaded today
        43    Bytes downloaded today
        44    Files uploaded today
        45    Files downloaded today

152.    The AREXX command "ADDTIME" now affects not only the time for the
    current call, but time for the entire day.  For example, if a user
    is configured for 120 minutes per day, and ADDTIME -10 is executed
    to his account, not only does he receive 10 less minutes for the
    current call, but the total maximum time for the day is lowered to
    110 minutes.

153.    The Hide/Muffle commands have been reconsidered.  Previously, Hidden
    users were still able to send and receive OLM's.  To completely
    stop inter-user communication they had to Muffle as well.  Now, when
    a user is hidden, they are COMPLETELY invisible to the other port(s).
    Muffling remains as a quick way to shut someone up while remaining
    visible to that person.

    The WHO command now displays the hidden/muffled status so that
    users better know what's going on when the system refuses an OLM,
    muffle, or hide command.

    The JOIN conference now strictly conforms to the following:

    When a user enters a room, he becomes visible to all of its
    occupants.  That is, any "hidden" status is temporarily gone.
    The exceptions are conference-controllers, who may move between
    rooms and monitor un-detected, and room owners, who may hide
    from other users IN HIS OWN ROOM only.

    The /LIST command tells of hidden/muffled satus.

    Users may muffle other users, except conference-controllers and
    room owners.

154.    The SINCE and UNTIL commands when used with the READ command now
    take arguments of NEGATIVE OFFSETS as well.

    READ SINCE 20    ; read all items posted since 20th of this month
    READ SINCE -2    ; read all items posted since 2 days ago

155.    GET and PUT commands are available from the visual editor ...
    control-X G and control-X P.

--- version 2.51 4-January-1993

156.    Maintenance commands "DD" and "*D" are available to download or
    select, respectively, from any path/filename on the system.  From
    remote, users must be validated to have "full" maintenance access,
    if such a password was made necessary.

157.    A new menu systext:menu/browse is available from the Browse prompt

158.    The "old" Z/ZG text search commands are back!  An option is given
    to "mark messages using a background task" ... if the user selects
    YES to this question, yank-task is used, and RM is used to read
    marked messages.

159.    When entering a short description for an upload, the user is given
    an input space which reflects the way the output will look when it
    is displayed during the SCAN command.  This allows users to "align"
    text in a WhatYouSeeIsWhatYouGet manner.  There is one way to "fool"
    this system, and that is to word wrap, and then to shorten the word
    that was just wrapped.  In actual output, the shorter word will
    appear on the previous line.

160.    "Extended" (8th bit and international) characters are available
    for use in the editor (as was before), but now also for titles,
    OLM's, and short descriptions.  If a sysop sees need to insert
    these characters into users' handles/names/etc, this can now be
    done with the Visual Data Editor (EA/EG/EL commands).

161.    The message base storage system has COMPLETELY CHANGED.  All item
    text for a subboard is stored in ONE file, "_Text".  Other files
    (_Message3, _Items3, _Headers3, _Free, _Killed) are used to index
    into the text file.  This method conserves disk space and backup-time.

    A conversion program UP250 has been provided to convert a version
    2.25-2.42 system to the new 2.50 format.  The conversion program
    has been tested, so if you are short on hard disk space, it should
    be SAFE to select the option to "kill old files" as you go.  The
    conversion program should also be used to delete obsolete user data
    files: _buser, _select.  The conversion program may safely be
    re-run if the conversion does not operate correctly, as all data
    files between versions have different names.

    A feature of this new system is the acknowledgement of "received"
    messages in the message base.  When the "addressee" of a message
    has read that message, the word "received" will appear alongside
    his name when the message is read any time after that.

162.    Two new "limits" are available from the CONFIG program's LIMIT
    screen.  The first allows a maximum number of logon attempts to
    be specified.  Previously, the "built-in" value was 6.  The second
    allows a maximum logon time to be specified (time which a user has
    to successfully logon before being logged off).  Previously, the
    built-in value was 20 (this value is given in TENTHS of minutes).

    If you use an old BBSCONFIG3 configuration, you may see "0" for
    these values.  In such a case, CNet will default to the values
    given above.

163.    The "autocallback@logon" variable is now tri-state.  You can set
    this to No, Yes, or Opt.  In the "opt" setting, the user will be
    prompted with an optional call-back.  All accounts for which this
    feature was previously used should now be re-edited or transposed.

164.    The MCI (Message Command Interpreter) system has been completely
    re-worked.  There are many, MANY new features and commands.  For
    a complete list of the NEW system, type HELP MCI at the MAIN
    prompt.

    The OFFICIAL MCI character is now CONTROL-Q.  When this character
    is used in the editor, it appears as a {.  To terminate an MCI
    command, the } is used.  As a holdover, the CONTROL-Y can be used
    to generate a \ to make old-fashioned 3 character MCI commands.
    Although control characters seem at first clumsy, there are MANY
    advantages to this, only one of them being that ALL of the keys on
    the keyboard are now available to actually be USED in messages!

    Another DRAMATIC change comes from the fact that the V and T commands
    no longer use their own cryptic numbers ... they use the same GETUSER
    numbers that are used by AREXX and other parts of the system.

    Test command ... old=new
    ========================
    0=70    1=71    2=72    3=73    4=74    5=15    6=17    7=28
    8=27    9=55    a=23    w=53    x=54    y=51    z=52

    The new MCI system has numerous numeric and string manipulation
    commands.  I will be entertaining suggestions for enhancement to
    this system before the release of 3.0.

    The UP250 program is able to change MCI to the new format in any
    text file or drawer of text files.  It should be safe to run your
    AREXX pfiles through this system.  UP250 is able to take care of
    all user signatures, macros, subboard exit/entry files, etc.

165.    With this version, C pfiles must be re-compiled.  With a run-
    restriction, hopefully this will remove problems experienced with
    previous versions and running "old" pfiles.  This will be the ONLY
    time that this happens before and during the release of 3.0.
    I am SORRY for any inconvenience this causes, and I know it might.

    Also, if you have written pfiles to use the _EDBUFF temp buffer, you
    should know that these temp files are no longer stored in user
    directories.  Consult the file "empty.c" for new examples.

--- version 2.59 18-January-1993

166.    The user-data key files have once again been updated.  Once you
    have 2.59 running, you should RUN POINTERS to create the new
    files.  These new files allow users' REAL NAMES to be used when
    addressing mail, messages, or searching (provided the user has
    specified his real name as not PRIVATE).

    You should notice an immediate speed increase in the IFIDO system
    as a direct result of this.

    Another index is in place to order the users' PHONE NUMBERS.  In
    addition to the current use in the USER LIST program as a sort
    method, this index will be used in conjunction with the CALLER ID
    feature, once I have that fully implemented.

167.    The "use real names" flag in the subboard EL screen may now take
    on several variables.  You can configure the subboard to show handles
    only, real names only, or both handles and real names (in either order).
    There are actually TWO ways to show handles with real names.  One
    way will ALWAYS show both names (Handles + Names). The other way will
    only show both names if the user has not said that his real name is
    PRIVATE (Handles (Names)).

    Using the new user-data real-name index file, it is possible to
    address a message to a user exactly as his name appears in a message,
    regardless of whether it's a real name, a handle, or a real name
    that is PRIVATE in OTHER parts of the system.  This is to say, if a
    user is a member of a real-name-showing subboard, users can address
    messages to him by his real-name, regardless of whether that user
    has selected his real-name as PRIVATE or not.

168.    By sacrificing one of the user-macros (control-G), a new field
    has been added to the user data.  The field will hold an optional
    "Organization" that the user wishes to be associated with.  This
    information will be placed in message headers in the message base
    if the user is not hiding his real name, or if the subboard is
    configured to always show real names.

169.    A new command "FIND" is available at all command prompts.  FIND
    provides a very quick way of determining if a particular file is
    on the system in ANY subboard.  The FIND command allows use of
    the Amiga wildcards (#, ?, etc) as well as the IBM-stand-by (*).

    Users may use the FIND command to easily display ALL of the files
    they have access to, arranged alphabetically.

    The index file "allfiles" in SYSDATA: contains 48 bytes per file
    that is indexed.  To provide speed of searching, filenotes displayed
    by the FIND commands are limited to the 80 characters maintained
    by AmigaDOS.  A file "newfiles" will appear as files are uploaded.
    When AMAINT is run, it will automatically insert "newfiles" into
    "allfiles."

    To create "allfiles" for the first time, or to RE-create it in the
    event that it becomes corrupt, use the maintenance program
    "make_allfiles" in the pfiles:maintenance directory.

170.    The file short-description field has increased in width to
    44 characters.  Using the CONFIG program, it is possible to set the
    maximum LENGTH of short-descriptions from 2 to 8 lines.

    The editor system is now used to enter short descriptions, allowing
    a better what-you-see-is-what-you-get environment.

    The subboard Write command, in addition to describing new uploads,
    can now also be used by the uploader to RE-edit short descriptions.

171.    The Vote system has received a considerable efficiency-boost.  You
    will notice an enormous speed improvement, especially on systems
    with many users.  Unfortunately, all vote files previous to v2.59
    must be deleted.  DELETE SYSDATA:VOTE/#? ALL

172.    The ED command is now available directly from the subboard prompt--
    it allows users with the appropriate access to re-edit the text,
    addressee, private/anonymous flags, date, and alias (author name)
    of any message.  ED is still available from the Respond or Pass
    prompt.

173.    The NS (new-scan) command is now available at any command prompt,
    except the Browse and Respond or Pass prompts.

174.    The ML (move-list) command from a subboard prompt no longer
    "exchanges" subboards on the list.  Instead, the 1st argument
    specifies the subboard you'd like to move; the 2nd argument
    specifies the location to which you would like to move it.
    Other subboards are moved out of the way as necessary to complete
    the maneuver.  This change effects BOTH the base/udbase and the
    news/gfiles/pfiles areas.

175.    The Grab and Examine commands are available from the Browse prompt.

176.    Work has begun on CALLER-ID support.  For this version, the caller-id
    phone number is placed in the call log, together with a list of all
    matching accounts.  If you have suggestions for future features
    based on caller-id, please bring them to my attention.

    In order for CNet to see the caller-id number, you must lengthen the
    time between "ring" and "answer" ... this is done using CONFIG.  Select
    the "modems..." screen, then a port, then edit the "answer pause"
    variable.  3-4 seconds (15-20 units) ADDITIONAL time SHOULD be
    sufficient.

177.    Each subboard may have its OWN voting booth now.  The command is VOTE
    from the subboard prompt.  If you plan to use this feature, it helps
    speed things up to run VOTE as RESIDENT if you do not already do so.

    Further, individual items can be "linked" to voting topics by using
    the item AT command.  You must know the vote topic's serial number
    (displayed when the vote topic is read).  When an item is linked,
    the user may use the VOTE command at a "respond or pass" prompt to
    immediately access the linked vote topic.

    A subboard flag (from EL) has been added to control the addition
    of vote topics in a subboard by NON-sysops.  These users must still
    have the appropriate vote flags in their accounts.

178.    NEW VDE (visual data editor) screens have been completed for the
    item AT command, the news/gfile/pfile AT command, and the news/gfile/
    pfile EL command.  Additionally, when you add a new subboard or
    subdirectory, the VDE is immediately brought up to provide quick
    editing!

    The news/gfile/pfile AT command breaks up the cryptic "MCI
    environment" setting into several questions ... "disable
    word-wrapping?" etc.  Also, option is given to DELETE a file
    when it is purgred.

    The news/gfile/pfile EL command contains one NEW variable for
    controlling the computer types which will be allowed into an
    area.  If you have used the EL command for an area in the past,
    you may need to use it now to set the computer types to "0-23"
    as it may read <none> now.

179.    Several new item variables are available from the item AT command in
    a subboard:

    Purge date:        Specify precisely the date a-maint will kill
                a file.
    Delete when purged:    When a-maint removes a file, will it also be
                DELETED?
    Download before/after:    Specify the date/time range during which users
                can download the file.
    Charge$ to ULer:    What the uploader paid (actually, if negative,
                RECEIVED) to upload this file, if you run
                the accounting system.  Units are $0.0001.
    Credits to ULer:    Total credits the user has received since he
                uploaded this file.  These numbers include
                the immediate file/byte credits, as well as
                the "rewarded" credits, received when users
                download his file.  These numbers are ZERO
                if the file was not completely uploaded.
    Payback to ULer:    These credits will be given to the uploader
                EACH TIME someone downloads his file.  These
                are adopted from the subboard defaults, and
                not used themselves unless the "these vals
                override" flag is set to Yes.
    Cost to DLer:        These credits will be charged the downloader
                when he downloads this file.  This should
                always be higher than the payback values!
                Like paybacks, these values are inherited
                from the subboard defaults, and not actually
                themselves used unless the "these vals override"
                flag is set to Yes.
    Purge after download:    Ask a-maint to kill the file after it is
                downloaded.  May also be set to "query" to
                ASK the user for perimission first.
    Purge at next amaint:    "Marked" for removal at next amaint. THIS FLAG
                OVERRIDES the "disable amaint purge" flag.  Set
                this ONLY if want the item removed!
    Notify uploader at DL:    The uploader will receive a "blank" message
                from the downloader, with the simple title of
                DOWNLOADED: <filename>
    ASCII Grab when read:    The file will be "read" when the item is read
                using the Read command.
    Vote-link:        To enable the VOTE command at the respond or
                pass prompt (see #177).

    New variables for default "paybacks" and "costs" appear in the
    subboard EL screens, under "other flags."  These values will be
    used for downloads in the subboard unless the item itself has the
    override flag set to Yes.  For new uploads, you can choose how the
    override flag will be set by setting the "def. item overrides" flag.

180.    The SS (scan selected) command now displays the file short
    descriptions (the 1st 79 characters from DOS), and the total
    credit information (files, bytes, charges).

--- version 2.59e 28-January-1993

181.    New base/udbase command RR (Repair & Reorganize) runs the program
    pfiles:maintenance/repair_sub.  The program will re-create all
    data files for the current subboard.  This program will be useful
    in the event that the subboard's _Text or _Free file(s) become
    corrupted (message have blank headers, or responses are skipped
    as you are reading an item).  It may be wise to use this program
    occasionally in heavy-use subboards to minimize _Text data file
    fragmentation.

    Other users will not be able to enter a subboard while it is
    being reorganized.

    The repair_sub program has a dual purpose.  If you execute it
    from the Main or Pfiles prompts, it will examine the integrity
    of your sysdata:subboards file, marking unused subboards as
    "killed."

182.    The transformation "any" scripts now handle ANY suffix not
    handled by another script.  Previously, the "any" option only
    worked for files WITHOUT extensions.  Changes were made to item
    #150 above.

183.    DOS (CLI) p-files may now support RAWCON mode.  More control of
    the DOS interface is given ... use the AT command to edit DOS
    pfile configuration.  You may need to do this for any DOS pfiles
    you are currently running--set ECHO and CR-->LF translation to
    ON.

--- version 2.60/R2 10-February-1993

184.    Release version.  All reported bugs removed.