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Excerpts from DarkStar V1.01C documentation...
19.0 - CommLink Overview
DarkStar! (tm) CommLink (r) is a full Multi-Media
terminal emulator for the IBM PC and compatible. In
addition to providing support for conventional ASCII and
ANSI communications, CommLink provides its own hi-speed
communications protocol, allowing HyperBBS access to any
DarkStar BBS.
The method by which DarkStar! and CommLink operate
differs substantially from that of conventional ASCII /
ANSI telecommunications. As a result, CommLink delivers a
performance response of up to 115,200 baud over the
conventional 2400 baud communications link.
Further, DarkStar! and CommLink set forth a new
platform for interactive doorware known as InterWare.
InterWare allows fully animated multimedia applications to
be driven from a remote DarkStar! HOST.
From the moment of CommLink's inception, it was
intended to be a "user friendly" communications platform.
CommLink allows novice users to work easily with
their local BBS systems, while providing the "seasoned
veterans" an undeniable performance improvement over the
older ASCII/ANSI platforms.
Above all, CommLink's prime directive is to open a NEW
frontier on the home front, bringing users back from
commercial graphic systems to their local BBS communities.
Equipped with superior performance, intuitive emulation, and
a graphics interface beyond compare, both DarkStar! and
CommLink are poised to carry the BBS community to an
objective of far-reaching consequence: Increased public
awareness and use of Electronic Bulletin Board Systems,
putting the power of information into the hands of John
Q. Public.
19.0 - SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS (CommLink)
CommLink requires the following:
1. An EGA, VGA, VGA MONO, SVGA, PGA, OR XGA video
controller >>
2. At least 575Kb RAM ACCESSIBLE to CommLink
3. A Microsoft compatible mouse or pointing device
4. 400K of hard drive storage
5. A Hayes compatible modem
6. MS-DOS 3.0+, Windows, Windows/NT, or OS/2 2+
20.0 - TERMINAL EMULATION
CommLink'S intuitive configuration allows quick-start
operation. No terminal emulation configuration is
necessary, since CommLink automatically detects and
responds to the presence of ASCII, ANSI and DarkStar!
communications formats.
21.0 - PORT CONFIGURATION
CommLink assumes a default setting wherein the
modem is attached to COM1:, and the mouse is attached to
COM2. These settings are easily altered from Commlink's
Menu-Bar (at the top of the screen) by selecting
"Connections" then selecting "Configuration".
22.0 - RUNNING CommLink
A. From CommLink's menu-bar under "Connections" you can
select "Dial Directory" which provides a pop-up window
with the dialing directory. This directory is preloaded
with the phone numbers of a few DarkStar! BBS
Support systems. To edit or modify an entry in the
dialing directory, simply:
i. Hi-Lite the record you wish to modify by clicking
the mouse on that line
ii. Press <R><E><T><U><R><N>
iii. The first field in the directory line provides
for the NAME by which you wish to reference a Board.
Backspace over or otherwise enter the NAME of the BBS
you want this entry to represent.
iv. Press <R><E><T><U><R><N> to jump to the second
field on the line.
v. Provide the phone number corresponding to the
name of the BBS you provided in (iii), above.
vi. Press <R><E><T><U><R><N> to jump to the third
field.
vii. The third field allows the specification of
Baud rate. Enter the speed of the modem that you are
calling in this field.
viii. Press <R><E><T><U><R><N> to proceed to the fourth
field.
ix. The fourth field defines the Parity, Data bits
and Stop bits. An entry of N81 here would set the dial
at No Parity, 8 Data Bits, and 1 Stop bit. E71, on the
other hand, would provide Even Parity, 7 Data bits, and
1 Stop bit. NOTE: When in doubt, set it to N81.
x. Press <R><E><T><U><R><N> to move the cursor to the
fifth and final field.
xi. The fifth field defines the linked subdirectory,
a cache area used by CommLink to improve performance
and throughput. This name should be unique for each
BBS entry, such that a temporary cache directory may
be created under this name.
* Note: You may also dial a number manually from the fully
functional terminal screen. Simply type > ATDT (the phone number)
and press return.
B. The icons on the dialing directory might at
first seem confusing. In an effort to clarify, the up and
down arrow icons allow you to page through the
dialing directory. The ICONS with the telephone (not
circled) will auto-dial the dialing directory entry
hi-lighted at the time the button is selected.
Similarly, selection of the telephone with the orange
circle surrounding it will auto-redial the hi-lighted
entry every 60 seconds, until a connection is
established.
The ICONS of the numeric keypad produces a window
enabling manual entry of a number to be dialed (but not to
be stored in the dialing directory).
C. CommLink is uniquely endowed with the ability
to auto-update itself to the most current release
anytime it attaches to a DarkStar-BASED BBS SYSTEM. This
enables you to relax in the knowledge that your copy of
CommLink will not be obsolete by a newer version.
(Remember, at 2400 baud - this autoupdate may take 20
minutes to receive.)
As you are soon to learn, when attached to a
DarkStar-BASED BBS SYSTEM, CommLink allows remarkable
things to happen! Music in the background while Pictures,
Icons, Buttons, AND Windows appear at LIGHTSPEED, even at
2400 baud. It is under a DarkStar BBS that CommLink
shines, shattering the rules you previously thought
etched in stone, rules you might have believed ...
rules many believed to separate the possible from the
impossible.
It is under a DarkStar! HOST that CommLink frees your
imagination and opens a new world for online
communications.
23.0 - DarkStar! (a guided tour)
DarkStar! is the ONLY True Multi-Media BBS platform
available for the IBM series computer. Fully Graphic,
with Sound Blaster support.
If you do not have a Sound Blaster, Commlink will
attempt to use the PC Speaker. Some of the Speakers in
modern PC's may not have the capacity to produce Music.
If this is the case for you we suggest that you use the
"Configuration" menu to use quiet mode to silence the
speaker (by setting the AUDIO option to the OFF position).
The BBS you dial may (depending upon configuration)
use Tech panels. An arbitrary exit may be found on the
upper left. The question mark on the upper right will
call the help functions (the help function is not
available in the current release). The Tech panel may also
contain a menu-bar at the top. Clicking a selection on the
Menu-Bar will bring up the functions available under
that selection.
There are HyperButtons and ICONS (similar to push
button controls. These "push buttons" transfer you from one
function to another with a simple *CLICK* of your mouse
button.
Fields and Switches: These are for data entry. Fields
take multiple characters from the keyboard. Switches are
small boxes, after the mouse is clicked inside it, the box
changes to a box with a check mark in it. Switches maintain
a yes/no value.
A PickList is used to provide you a list of items (like
files, and messages). There are two arrows on the PickList.
These provide the ability to scroll up and down through
the list. Just double-click on the item that interests you.
23.1 - File Transfers
DarkStar! has the interesting capability of updating
the CommLink software. When you log on to a DarkStar! BBS
which requires that you operate a newer version of CommLink
then that which you currently using, a file transfer will
take place to transfer the newest version to you. This
Insures that you can use all newest the functions of
DarkStar! In addition DarkStar! will transfer ICONS, .PCX,
.GIF and .MOD files as required to provide you the user the
Ultimate BBS Experience!
These Graphics and Music files provide this experience
and once transferred do not have to be transferred again.
So please be patient and enjoy the BBS.
24.0 - Message Base
Here is the information you will need to use a
DarkStar! Message Base. This Message Base has both Hot
Key and Mouse Functions built in.
24.1 - MenuBar
The MenuBar contains all the functions available in
our MessageBase Reader. All in a simple, easy to use
interface.
The Options available are:
Editing:
- Enter a Message
- Reply to a Message
- Delete a message you have entered
Functions:
- Goto Top of Board
- Goto Bottom of Board
- Next Message
- Previous Message
- Next Message in Thread
- Previous Message in Thread
- Goto a Message Number
- Change Board Areas
24.2 - ToolBar
The ToolBar has the following functions:
Function Symbol
------------------------------ ------
Goto Top of Board <<
Goto Bottom of Board >>
Next Message >>
Previous Message <<
Next Message in Thread T>>
Previous Message in Thread <<T
Goto a Message Number Read
Next Block of Message V
Read Previous Block of Message ^
24.3 - Hot-Keys
The Hot-Keys provide another way to access the
MessageBase and maintains compatibility with many of
the other message base readers on the market. The
functions supported are:
Function Hot-Key
------------------------------ ----------------
Next Message Right Arrow
Previous Message Left Arrow
Next Message in Thread Plus or Ctrl Right Arrow
Previous Message in Thread Minus or Ctrl left Arrow
Goto a Message Number Return
Read Next Block of Message Page Down
Read Previous Block of Message Page Up
Goto to Beginning of Board Home
Goto to End of Board End
24.4 - Function Definitions
This section will describe each of the functions
available along with the corresponding ToolBar Symbol
and Hot-Key if any.
a. - Enter a Message
Enter a message will allow you to enter a message
into the MessageBase.
Hot-Key - Insert ToolBar - none
b. - Reply to a Message
Reply to a message is the same as Enter a Message
with the exception that the TO: is completed for you.
Hot-Key - none ToolBar - none
c. - Delete a Message
Delete a Message (you have entered) will remove a
message from the MessageBase and update any thread data. For
example, the thread is three deep and the first is
deleted the next message in the thread will have the
previous entry removed. The next entry will remain
unchanged.
Another example is, the thread is three deep and
the middle entry is deleted the first and last messages
are updated to indicate the correct thread path.
Hot-Key - Delete ToolBar - none
d. - Goto To Top of Board
This function will go to the first message on the
board. A board is the specific message area that you are in
at the time. As an example you may be in the Local Message
Area of that particular BBS.
Hot-Key - none ToolBar - <<
e. - Goto the Bottom of Board
This function will go to the last message on the
board. Again a board is the particular message area that
you are in. You may be reading messages about 'Programming'
in one of the YouthNet Echo areas. That message area is a
'Board'.
Hot-Key - none ToolBar - >>
f. - Next Message
This function will go to the next message on the board.
Hot-Key - Right Arrow ToolBar - >>
g. - Previous Message
This function will go to the previous message in
the board.
Hot-Key - Left arrow ToolBar - <<
h. - Next Message in Thread
A thread is a series of LINKED messages. If Joe is
chatting to Mary about a modem problem, it would be nice to
see what Mary's response was. You can jump to that
particular message (and bypass all the other ones in
between) with the thread commands.
The lower left side of the screen will contain one of
the following symbols should the current message be part
of a thread:
<<T There exists a prior threaded message
T>> There exists a next threaded message
Hot-Key - + key ToolBar - T>>
i. - Previous Message in Thread
Goes to the previous message in a thread. Allowing
you to read the original message and any replies to it.
The lower Left Side of the screen will have one of the
following symbols:
<<T There exists a previous threaded message
T>> There exists a next threaded message
Hot-Key - Minus key ToolBar - <<T
j. - Goto A Message Number
Jumps to a particular message number. If the message
number does not exist or belongs to another board a message
will be displayed indicating that the message number
could not be found on this board.
Hot-Key - return ToolBar -
k. - Page Down
Page down displays the next block of the message
text. In the lower right hand corner of the screen the
word "More" will appear to indicate that there is more
text to be displayed.
Hot-Key - Page Down ToolBar - V
l. - Page Up
Page up displays the previous block of the message
text. In the lower right hand corner of the screen the
word "More" will appear to indicate that there is more
text to be displayed.
Hot-Key - Page Up ToolBar - ^
m. - Boards
Displays a PickList of the boards available within
the messagebase. Click on the Board that you want to use.
Hot-Key - none ToolBar - none
24.5 - Message Base Quick Reference List
The following table is a Quick Reference to the
functions available in the DarkStar! MessageBase. You may
wish to print this listing out on your printer and keep it
posted by your computer as an easy reference.
Function Hot-Key ToolBar
-------------------------- ---------------- -------
Enter a Message Insert none
Delete a Message Delete none
Edit a Message Return none
Goto To Top of Board Home <<
Goto the Bottom of Board End >>
Next Message Right Arrow >>
Previous Message Left Arrow <<
Next Message in Thread Plus T>>
Next Message in Thread Ctrl Right Arrow T>>
Previous Message in Thread Minus <<T
Previous Message in Thread Ctrl Left Arrow <<T
Goto A Message Number Return Page Down
Page Down V Page up Page Up ^
Reply to a Message none none
Boards none none
MessageBases none none
25.0 - ANSI Mode
Commlink is capable of connecting to ANY ANSI-based
BBS available. There is no need for another terminal
program with Commlink. Commlink will automatically switch to
ANSI mode when you call an ANSI based BBS. The Commlink
header and the menu-bar will remain on the screen and ANSI
throughput is displayed below.
You will notice that the screen looks different
then standard ANSI terminals. Commlink's Smooth Scroll
give the effect of the screen sliding up not that jumpy look
that ANSI terminals have.
Compare any other Terminal program to Commlink and
we are sure you will agree that we have taken even ANSI a
step further.
26.0 - Registration
Commlink is getting better every day with new
options added all the time. So keep in touch. Better yet
why not register your copy of Commlink! You will find an
order form below. Please take the time to fill it out.
We would like to say "Thank You" in advance because we know
you will like what you see. With your help, we can continue
our research in this field, and change the way the world of
telecommunication works over the years to come.
MC/Visa Zero-Paperwork Registration!
We now offer our MasterCard/Visa zero-paperwork
registration! Simply phone (501) 631-9806, and
provide the operator with your MC/Visa number.
A charge will appear on your card at the next
billing cycle, and in most cases your diskettes
will be shipped same-day.
Thank you in advance for your contributions to
our research...
Order Form
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make checks payable to:
Paragon Technologies Ltd.
2409 W. Dogwood
Rogers, AR 72756
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SySop's Name: ___________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________
City: ___________________________________________
State: ________________ ZIP: ___________________
Home Phone: ____________________
Checks and Money Orders must be drawn on U.S. banks in U.S. funds
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Payment: (check one): [ ] Cash [ ] Check [ ] Money Order
Diskette type (check one): [ ] 360k [ ] 1.2m [ ] 720k [ ] 1.4m
Qty Description Price Amount
--- --------------------------------------------------- ----- ------
___ CommLink Shareware Registration (Registered
DarkStar BBS SySops may use the Shareware
CommLink FREE) $35 $______
___ DarkStar! BBS (DARKSTAR.EXE) and DarkStar
Configuration (DSCONFIG.EXE) - includes
ICONEDIT, BBSGEN20, and a world of added
tools for DarkStar BBS SysOp design! $99 $______
___ Icon Editor (ICONEDIT.EXE) $35 $______
___ Panel Editor (BBSGEN20.EXE) $75 $______
___ MessageBase Editor (DSMBASEM.EXE) $20 $______
___ DarkStar! BBS Introduction Package - Same as the
DarkStar! BBS Package (FIRST 250 Copies) $99 $______
___ Competitive Upgrade Offer - ROBO SysOps - We will
BUY your registered copy of ROBO BBS. To
qualify you must surrender to us at time of
registration all ROBO documents and Disks.
(Value $20 applied to this ORDER) $______
___ Paragon Development Environment (PDE) - Commercial
Application Generator and BBSGEN20 replacement
with DBase III Support. $495 $______
--- QBFX QuickBasic programmer's toolkit - Allows
third-party developers access to the tools
used in the development of the DarkStar and
PDE platform. Includes PCX, GIF, background
MOD audio, and a variety of additional tools! $99 $______
Subtotal $______
Arkansas residents: Please add 4.5% sales tax. $______
Shipping and handling: United States (free)
Overseas ($5.00) $______
Total $______
The following information will help shape DarkStar! in the Future.
Have you been a SysOp Before? [ ] Yes [ ] No How Long? _______________
BBS Name:________________________________________________________________
BBS Phone: _______________________ Fido Address: ________________________
Current Software: _______________________________________________________
Monitor Type: [ ] EGA [ ] VGA Resolution: _______ x _______ DPI:______
Model Video Card: _______________________________________________________
Modem: Speed: __________ Model: ________________________________________
Processor Type: [ ] 286 [ ] 386SX [ ] 386DX [ ] 486SX [ ] 486DX [ ] Other
Memory Manager: [ ] QEMM [ ] EMM386 [ ] Other ___________________________
Multi--Tasker: [ ] DV [ ] DVX [ ] Windows [ ] OS 2 [ ] Other ____________
Network Type: ___________________________________________________________