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EZPoint
FidoNet Message Manipulator
---------------------------
Version 2.1
by Ron Bemis
Nibbles & Bytes BBS
FidoNet Node 1:124/1113
231-3841
User Manual
Last modified July 1, 1991
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 2
Table of Contents
-----------------
1. Introduction 4
1.1 Legal Stuff 4
1.2 Shareware Registration 4
2. Installation 5
2.1 Before You Begin 5
2.2 EZStart 7
2.3 Package Contents 8
2.4 Hardware Requirements 9
2.5 Software Requirements 9
2.5.1 Operating System 9
2.5.2 Device Drivers 9
2.5.3 Utility Programs 9
3. Operation 10
3.1 Command Line Arguments 10
3.2 Files Used 12
3.3 Directories Used 13
3.3.1 Main Directory 13
3.3.2 Inbound Directory 13
3.3.3 Outbound Directory 13
3.3.4 Message Directory 13
3.4 Command Reference 14
3.4.1 Main Menu 14
3.4.1.1 A - Area change 14
3.4.1.2 B - Text Body change 14
3.4.1.3 C - Change attributes 15
3.4.1.4 D - Destination change 15
3.4.1.5 E - Enter 15
3.4.1.6 G - Goodbye 15
3.4.1.7 H - Huh? 15
3.4.1.8 I - Inquire 15
3.4.1.9 J - Jump to DOS 15
3.4.1.10 K - Kill a message 15
3.4.1.11 L - List messages 16
3.4.1.12 M - Move (forward) a message 16
3.4.1.13 N - Next message 16
3.4.1.14 O - Origin change 16
3.4.1.15 P - Previous message 16
3.4.1.16 R - Reply 16
3.4.1.17 V - Version information for EZPoint 16
3.4.1.18 W - Write a message 16
3.4.1.19 X - Xchange options 16
3.4.1.20 Z - Zap Area options 16
3.4.1.21 Read Original (-) 16
3.4.1.22 Read Reply (+) 17
3.4.1.23 Read Continuous (=) 17
3.4.1.24 Mark Message (!) 17
3.4.1.25 Recall Marked Message (@) 17
3.4.1.26 First Message ($) 17
3.4.1.27 Last Message (*) 17
3.4.1.28 First Unread Message (/) 17
3.4.1.29 Next/Previous Message <Enter> 17
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 3
3.4.1.30 Message number <#> 17
3.4.1.31 Main Menu Help (?) 17
3.4.2 Change Menu 19
3.4.2.1 Mail and Echomail Commands 19
3.4.2.1.1 D - Delete toggle 19
3.4.2.1.2 L - Local flag toggle 19
3.4.2.1.3 R - Received flag toggle 19
3.4.2.1.4 S - Sent flag toggle 19
3.4.2.1.5 Change Help (?) 19
3.4.2.1.6 Exit Change Menu <Enter> 19
3.4.2.2 Mail Only Commands 20
3.4.2.2.1 P - Private flag toggle 20
3.4.2.2.2 C - Crash mail toggle 20
3.4.2.2.3 F - File Attached toggle 20
3.4.2.2.4 G - File Request toggle 20
3.4.2.2.5 K - Kill/Sent toggle 20
3.4.3 XChange Menu 21
3.4.3.1 N - Set Node Number 21
3.4.3.2 S - Set System Names 21
3.4.3.3 E - Set Editor 21
3.4.3.4 P - Set Paths 21
3.4.3.5 A - Set Archivers/Unarchivers 22
3.4.3.6 W - Set Default WriteFile 22
3.4.3.7 T - Set Global Trigger Value 22
3.4.3.8 M - Toggle "More?" 22
3.4.3.9 C - Toggle Screen Clear 22
3.4.3.10 H - Toggle Hotkeys 23
3.4.3.11 D - Toggle Decor (Mono/Color) 23
3.4.3.12 B - Beautify (Set Colors) 23
3.4.3.13 Exit XChange Menu <Enter> 23
3.4.4 Zap Menu 24
3.5 Hotkeys 25
3.6 Message Bases 27
3.7 Reply Links 28
3.8 Kludge Lines, SEEN-BYs, and PATHS 29
3.9 Routing 30
3.10 Packing 31
3.11 Message Purging and Renumbering 32
3.12 Exit Errorlevel 33
3.13 Optional Features 34
3.13.1 A FIDOUSER.LST 34
3.13.2 A USERLIST.DOG 34
3.13.3 A NODELIST 34
4. Techie Stuff 35
5. If You Have Problems 36
5.1 EZFix 36
5.2 Your BossNode 36
5.3 Support Echos 36
5.4 Contacting the Author 36
6. Credits 37
7. Index 38
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 4
1. Introduction
Any computer user can establish a point. By doing so, you
enhance your access to the message and file capabilities of
FidoNet. Instead of reading and writing messages while
connected to the BBS, your point will automatically download
the message areas you are interested in, and upload your
replies. As you become more familiar with point operation,
you can add file attach and file request capabilities (with
your BossNode's permission) to allow program downloading and
uploading automatically.
Point operation is a cooperative effort between you and a
participating FidoNet bulletin board system (the BossNode).
Before attempting point operation, be sure to make all
necessary arrangements with the SysOp of the BBS you will be
using as your "Boss".
EZPoint is a program that allows you to read, enter, reply
to, and modify FidoNet messages. It will also create and
address the outgoing mail packets for delivery to the
BossNode, and unpack and sort the incoming mail.
Additionally, EZPoint will create an echo message area
whenever it receives messages for a new echo. By utilizing
the text editor of your choice, EZPoint allows you to create
messages without the need to learn a new set of editor
commands.
1.1 Legal Stuff
EZPoint is Copyright (c) 1986-91 by Ron Bemis. It is
supplied without warranty, and the author assumes no
liability for damage caused by performance or non-
performance of the software. You are hereby granted the
right to wish you had more rights with regard to EZPoint.
1.2 Shareware Registration
Many of the programs that I've written have been shareware,
with an associated registration fee. Many people have asked
me how much EZPoint costs to register. It doesn't cost
anything, but you ARE required to register. You do this by
filling out and mailing the SUPPORT.FRM that is included in
this package. Mark the "Other" box, and write in "FREE
PROGRAM". Of course, if you feel a donation is appropriate,
I won't complain!
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 5
2. Installation
2.1 Before You Begin
Before you set up your point, you have to make arrangements
with your BossNode. He'll need to provide you with some
information. You'll need to know the following before you
begin:
The disk drive you're going to use to install the point
software. To be safe, this drive should have at least
1 megabyte of free space.
Installation Drive ______
Your BossNode's zone number. If you live in the United
States, this will probably be 1.
BossNode's Zone Number ______
Your BossNode's net number. Full numbers are shown in
the format ZONE:NET/NODE. If you don't know your
Boss's number, just ask him.
BossNode's Net Number _________
Your BossNode's node number. This is the part of the
number after the forward slash.
BossNode's Node Number _________
Your BossNode's phone number. Obviously.
BossNode's Phone Number ___________________
A password. This is a 4-6 character password that is
sometimes called a "session-level password". Your Boss
must install it on his system too, so you should agree
upon what you'll use before you start attempting to
connect.
Password ____________
Your private pointnet number. Each BossNode uses a
special net number to identify his points. These
numbers are typically assigned by the FidoNet Zone
Coordinator.
Private PointNet Number ______
Your assigned point number. Your BossNode will
probably just assign you the next available number that
is unused.
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 6
Assigned Point Node Number ______
The highest baud rate that your modem supports.
Modem Baud Rate ______
The COM port to which your modem is connected.
Modem Installed on COM____
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 7
2.2 EZStart
A complete EZPoint package includes a program called
EZStart.EXE. This program allows you to quickly install a
complete point package, including BinkleyTerm, EZPoint, and
the X00 Communications FOSSIL.
To run EZStart, you'll need to have the following files in
the current directory:
o The uncompressed contents of the EZPoint package.
o EZSTART.EXE
o EZPOINT.EXE
o EZFIX.EXE
o The compressed BinkleyTerm program.
o BBIG*.ZIP
o The compressed X00 program.
o X00*.ZIP
In addition, you'll need to have the following program
available for use by EZStart:
o PKUNZIP;.EXE
To start the installation, simply type
EZSTART <Enter>
The program will guide you from there by asking you a few
questions, then installing and configuring your new point
software.
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 8
2.3 Package Contents
The EZPoint package originally comes bundled as a ZIP file
containing the following files:
o EZPOINT.MAN
The EZPoint User's Manual (what you're reading
now).
o SUPPORT.FRM
The registration form that you must fill out and
mail if you continue to use EZPoint.
o EZSTART.EXE
The installation program.
o EZPOINT.EXE
The EZPoint program.
o EZFIX.EXE
A utility to recover damaged message databases.
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 9
2.4 Hardware Requirements
EZPoint should operate on any IBM PC compatible system with
at least 256K of RAM and a single 360K floppy disk drive. A
hard drive and 640K of RAM will significantly enhance
program performance and are recommended.
2.5 Software Requirements
2.5.1 Operating System
Both EZPoint and EZStart are "Bound" executables, meaning
that they will run under either DOS or OS/2.
You must have MS-DOS or PC-DOS Version 3.0 (or later) or
OS/2 1.1 (or later).
2.5.2 Device Drivers
EZPoint makes extensive use of ANSI control sequences.
ANSI.SYS must be installed in your CONFIG.SYS file. See
your DOS manual if you're unsure how to do this.
If you're using DOS (as opposed to OS/2), you'll also need a
FOSSIL driver. The EZStart program creates a C:\CONFIG.NEW
file containing a suggested DEVICE=X00.SYS statement to be
used in your CONFIG.SYS. CONFIG.NEW should be merged into
your existing CONFIG.SYS file using an ASCII editor.
2.5.3 Utility Programs
EZPoint requires three additional software packages -
communications, compression, and editing. Suggested
programs are BinkleyTerm for communications, PKARC/PKXARC
for compression, and QEdit for editing.
PKUNZIP.EXE must be available in your PATH for the EZStart
installation to work.
By default, PKARC.EXE and PKXARC.EXE are needed to compress
and uncompress your mail. In OS/2, ARC2.EXE is used. These
programs must also be available in your PATH.
See your DOS manual if you're unsure how to put a program in
your PATH.
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 10
3. Operation
3.1 Command Line Arguments
Five command line switches can be used with EZPoint. You
can use one or more of these switches in any order. The
switches are:
/S means "Setup". This will take you to the X)change
menu so you can reconfigure EZPoint. If you've
rearranged directories, this switch might be necessary
to get EZPoint searching for its files in the correct
places again.
/B means "Batch". EZPoint will toss pending incoming
mail and exit without invoking the message reader.
/R means "Renumber". EZPoint will purge each message
area before exiting, rather than just those that have
exceeded the trigger value.
/X means "Export". EZPoint will scan all message areas
for outoging mail. This is probably only useful if you
had a previous error when exporting messages.
/A means "All". EZPoint will normally show only those
message areas that contain unread messages. If you use
this switch, EZPoint will move through all existing
areas, not just active ones. The use of this switch
affects the AN, AP, A=, and AL commands. Using this
switch will cause EZPOINT.ACT to be ignored and not
maintained.
/S, /s, -S, and -s all mean the same thing.
Other parameters on the command line are used as commands to
the program. For example:
EZPOINT A SYSOP
Will start the program and place you into the "SYSOP"
echomail area (assuming that you have such an area).
All commands (except "/") may be entered from the command
line. If you've used my MSG program in the past, you know
how this works. Here's a (good) example:
EZPOINT A HUMOR K 1 K 2 K 3 K 4 K 5 G Y
If a file named MESSAGE.TXT exists in the current directory
when you E)nter a message, its contents will be used for the
message, and your editor will not be invoked. Combined with
the command line, you can now use EZPoint to create messages
from batch files:
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 11
COPY NEWSTUFF.TXT MESSAGE.TXT
EZPOINT A MACHINE E All ^ My new stuff^ G Y
Note in the above two examples that /B was *not* used. That
causes EZPoint to skip its interactive (message reading and
editing) part. You can also use DOS redirection. Here's
something else to try, but only if you've got More? turned
off.
EZPOINT A= G Y > NEWMSGS.TXT
If you normally keep More? on, do this to turn it off
temporarily:
EZPOINT X M ^ A= X M ^ G Y > NEWMSGS.TXT
Note that if you use EZPoint with OS/2, you'll need to
specify a double carat (^^;) instead of a single one to keep
the operating system from interpretting the symbol.
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 12
3.2 Files Used
Your configuration file is named EZPOINT.CFG and will be
maintained in the directory specified by the "BBS"
environment variable.
If the EZPOINT.CFG file is not found in the directory
pointed to by "BBS", the program looks in the current
directory. However, any changes made to the configuration
will always be saved in EZPOINT.CFG in the "BBS" directory.
EZPOINT.ACT contains a list of "active" message areas
(unless the /A switch is used - see Command Line Arguments).
This file is completely maintained by the program, so you
shouldn't need to concern yourself with it.
A flagfile called EZPOINT.RUN is created while the program
is running, and the program will not run if this file
exists. This is to prevent problems with maintaining
EZPOINT.ACT in a multitasking environment, where one process
could be attempt tossing while you were busy reading in
another (see Exit Errorlevel).
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 13
3.3 Directories Used
EZPoint utilizes four directories:
3.3.1 Main Directory
The directory where the majority of your setup files are
stored.
EZPoint requires the environment variable BBS to be
defined. This variable should point to the main
directory containing the point files, and can be set by
adding the line
SET BBS=<pathname>
in your AUTOEXEC.BAT or point batch file.
3.3.2 Inbound Directory
The directory where your communications program places all
incoming mail packets.
3.3.3 Outbound Directory
The directory where your communications program will look
for outgoing mail packets. EZPoint will create the mail
packets when you post messages in one or more message areas.
3.3.4 Message Directory
The directory where EZPoint will keep your message area
files.
It is suggested that these last three be subdirectories
below the main directory.
NOTE: in all cases where paths are being defined for
EZPoint, trailing backslashes must be omitted. ( C:\BINK
not C:\BINK\ )
Here's one possible setup:
SET BBS=C:\EZP
C:\EZP is the main directory
C:\EZP\IN is for inbound mail packets
C:\EZP\OUT is for outbound mail packets
C:\EZP\MSG contains message databases
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 14
3.4 Command Reference
3.4.1 Main Menu
EZPoint starts in the net mail area. You will see a prompt
something like this:
0) MAIL: MSG [16] 1-18:
This line shows the following information:
0)
This is the area number. You can move from/to areas by
referring to the appropriate number.
MAIL
This is the name of the area. The netmail area is
always referred to as MAIL, and echo areas will have
the same name as the echo itself. You can also move
between message areas by specifying an area's name.
MSG [16] 1-18
This indicates that there are 18 messages in the area
(1-18), and that you have read through number 16
([16]).
The color of the prompt will change if you're positioned at
the last message of an area. This makes it a little easier
to quickly tell if there are more messages to be read in an
area.
From this prompt, the following commands are available:
3.4.1.1 A - Area change
You will be prompted for the new area, and can respond with
area number, or the first few characters of the area name.
You can type an abbreviated area name in response to the
"Message Area" prompt. Since the order of the areas
sometimes gets rearranged when they're purged and
renumbered, this used to cause problems. If you had an
echomail area named DFWECHO and another (higher numbered)
area named DFW, typing "DFW" at the "Message Area" prompt
would plop you into DFWECHO, since it starts with "DFW".
That's been fixed - EZPoint now searches for an exact match
first, and if unsuccessful, goes looking for something that
starts with whatever you specified.
Area names in the area list are displayed in different
colors, depending on whether they are considered "active" or
not.
3.4.1.2 B - Text Body change
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 15
This will place a copy of the message in your editor, and
delete the original message. This allows you to edit a
message that has been saved, but not yet packed and sent.
3.4.1.3 C - Change attributes
Allows you to change the attributes of the current message
(see Change Menu).
3.4.1.4 D - Destination change
Allows you to change the destination net/node number of the
message.
3.4.1.5 E - Enter
Prompts you for the To: and Subject: information, then
places you in your editor. When you exit your editor, the
message is automatically saved to the appropriate area.
If a file named MESSAGE.TXT exists in the current directory
when you E)nter a message, its contents will be used for the
message, and your editor will not be invoked (see Command
Line Arguments).
3.4.1.6 G - Goodbye
Exits EZPoint. Any pending mail is packed and placed in the
outbound area, and message areas are purged.
3.4.1.7 H - Huh?
Will display the last message again.
3.4.1.8 I - Inquire
Will prompt you for the search term, and then search the
message headers in the present area for that string.
3.4.1.9 J - Jump to DOS
When Hotkeys are ON, it loads a second copy of COMMAND.COM
(or CMD.EXE in OS/2). To return to EZPoint, type Exit at
the prompt. When Hotkeys are OFF, you can follow the "J"
with a DOS command, and you'll return to EZPoint after the
command has executed.
3.4.1.10 K - Kill a message
Prompts for a message number and marks it as deleted.
If you kill a message, you don't actually destroy it. You
just mark it as deleted. It will be destroyed during the
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 16
cleanup process when you exit the program, however. You can
undelete a message by toggling the (DELETED) bit (see Change
Menu, Delete Toggle).
3.4.1.11 L - List messages
Lists the message number, from, to, and subject fields for
the current area.
3.4.1.12 M - Move (forward) a message
Moves a copy of the message into the same or another area,
and allows you to re-address the copy to another individual.
3.4.1.13 N - Next message
3.4.1.14 O - Origin change
Lets you modify the From: (node number) field of the
message.
3.4.1.15 P - Previous message
3.4.1.16 R - Reply
Copies the present message into your editor, and
automatically addresses it to the original author using the
original subject. The copy of the present message that is
placed in your editor is marked as quotes using the first
and last initials of the original author.
3.4.1.17 V - Version information for EZPoint
3.4.1.18 W - Write a message
Exports a message to the designated disk file. If you
respond with 'PRN', the message will be sent to your
printer.
3.4.1.19 X - Xchange options
Allows you to change configuration options from within
EZPoint (see XChange Menu).
3.4.1.20 Z - Zap Area options
Permits you to change the trigger value and source node for
the current area (see Zap Menu).
3.4.1.21 Read Original (-)
the minus key follows a message thread in the reverse
direction.
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 17
3.4.1.22 Read Reply (+)
The plus key follows a message thread in the forward
direction.
3.4.1.23 Read Continuous (=)
The equal sign reads the messages continuously.
3.4.1.24 Mark Message (!)
Marks the current message.
The first time you enter an area, the "bookmark" is set to
the first unread message. You can move the bookmark to the
current message by using the "!" command. The marked
message is restored to the current message when you use the
"@" command. There is a bookmark for each area, and they're
maintained until you exit the program (i.e. switching to a
different area doesn't cause the bookmark to be lost).
3.4.1.25 Recall Marked Message (@)
Restores and displays a marked message.
The first time you enter an area, the "bookmark" is set to
the first unread message. You can move the bookmark to the
current message by using the "!" command. The marked
message is restored to the current message when you use the
"@" command. There is a bookmark for each area, and they're
maintained until you exit the program (i.e. switching to a
different area doesn't cause the bookmark to be lost).
3.4.1.26 First Message ($)
Goes to the first message in the area.
3.4.1.27 Last Message (*)
Goes to the last message in the area.
3.4.1.28 First Unread Message (/)
Goes to and displays the first unread message in the area.
3.4.1.29 Next/Previous Message <Enter>
Continues to next message in the current direction.
3.4.1.30 Message number <#>
Additionally, you can simply type a number at the prompt,
and EZPoint will go to that message number and display the
message.
3.4.1.31 Main Menu Help (?)
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 18
Displays a reminder of most of the commands listed above.
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 19
3.4.2 Change Menu
The Change menu is entered by using the "Change" command
from the main menu (see Main Menu). Different commands are
available in the MAIL area and echomail areas.
3.4.2.1 Mail and Echomail Commands
The following commands can be used in any message area, MAIL
or echomail.
3.4.2.1.1 D - Delete toggle
Marks the current message as deleted if it is not already.
If the message is already marked deleted, this command will
remove the mark.
This command allows you to toggle a file's 'deleted' status,
so you can undelete a message (you must do so before issing
a G)oodbye command). By typing the message number of a
deleted message at the main menu, the message can be viewed,
and will show a "(DELETED)" attribute.
3.4.2.1.2 L - Local flag toggle
The "(LOCAL)" flag indicates that the message was created by
you, and should be sent out. Only messages with the LOCAL
bit set are exported into the outbound area. It's not a
good idea to set the LOCAL bit on other people's messages.
Use this with care, as duplicating echo messages will incur
the wrath of the FidoGods.
3.4.2.1.3 R - Received flag toggle
The "(RECV'D)" flag is used to indicate that you've looked
at a message. When you switch to a new message base, this
information is used to determine where to set your current
message pointer (so the first unread, undeleted message will
be next). Non-received messages are never purged.
3.4.2.1.4 S - Sent flag toggle
The "(SENT)" flag is used to indicate that a LOCAL message
has been exported into the outbound area. This prevents a
message from being sent twice. Like the "(LOCAL)" bit, use
this with care.
3.4.2.1.5 Change Help (?)
Displays a reminder of the commands listed above.
3.4.2.1.6 Exit Change Menu <Enter>
Leaves the Change Menu and returns to the Main Menu.
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 20
3.4.2.2 Mail Only Commands
The following flags can only be used in the MAIL area (area
#0).
3.4.2.2.1 P - Private flag toggle
Netmail messages marked "(PRIVATE)" are not readable by
users on BBS's unless the message is addressed to them.
However, you should be aware that sysops can (and often do)
read private messages that are on their systems. Echomail
messages may not be marked private. If you reply privately
to an echomail message, EZPoint moves it to netmail (see the
RP command).
3.4.2.2.2 C - Crash mail toggle
"(CRASH)" mail will be sent directly to its destination,
without being routed through the bossnode or net. Binkley
will expect you to have a nodelist handy if you use this.
3.4.2.2.3 F - File Attached toggle
Toggles the "(FILE ATTCHD)" bit, indicating that the Subject
of the message is the full filename of a file you want to
send. Unless the message and file are to your BossNode,
you're going to need that nodelist.
3.4.2.2.4 G - File Request toggle
Toggles the "(FILE REQ)" bit, indicating that the Subject of
the message is actually the name of a file you are
requesting. Again, unless you're requesting from your
bossnode, the nodelist is required.
3.4.2.2.5 K - Kill/Sent toggle
A netmail message marked "(KILL/SENT)" will be deleted
automatically when it is packed and placed in the outbound
area.
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 21
3.4.3 XChange Menu
The XChange menu is entered by using the "XChange" command
from the main menu (see Main Menu).
You will also enter this menu when EZPoint starts if the
EZPOINT.CFG file does not exist, or if you specify the /S
command line option.
This menu is used for configuring EZPoint. Using the
selections here, you have complete control over the contents
of the EZPOINT.CFG file.
Some of the selections on the XChange menu prompt you for
several selections. Each of these selections display a
default value in parenthesis. If you don't wish to change a
certain selection, just press <Enter>.
3.4.3.1 N - Set Node Number
You'll be prompted for your Zone, Net, and Node numbers.
This is your "Fake" net number and assigned point number if
you're a point.
If you're a point, you'll also be prompted for your
BossNode's Net and Node number. If you're not a point,
you'll be prompted for a routing Net and Node number.
3.4.3.2 S - Set System Names
You'll be prompted for your name, your system's name, and
your signature.
The Sysop Name is what will appear in the FROM line of each
of the messages you write.
The System Name is used for creating the Origin line that
appears at the end of the echomail messages you write.
The Signature is added automatically near the end of each
message you create with EZPoint. If you do not wish a
signature added to each message, leave this item blank. To
remove a previous entry, enter a space.
3.4.3.3 E - Set Editor
This is where you tell EZPoint what text editor you wish to
use to write your messages. Type the program's name just
like you would type it from the DOS command line (without
the name of the file you'll be editing).
3.4.3.4 P - Set Paths
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 22
EZPoint uses four directories (see Directories Used). The
Main Directory is specified by the BBS environment variable.
This is where you specify the other three.
Note that the Inbound and Outbound directories are shared
with Binkley. If you make a change here, you'll also need
to reconfigure Binkley, and vice-versa.
INBOUND - the full path name to the inbound directory
(without trailing backslash...C:\EZP\IN )
OUTBOUND - the full path name to the outbound directory
(without trailing backslash...C:\EZP\OUT )
MSGBASES - the full path name to the message directory
(without trailing backslash...C:\EZP\MSG )
3.4.3.5 A - Set Archivers/Unarchivers
PACKER - full command line (including any switches) that
invokes the compression package you want to use for outgoing
mail packets. If you do not want your outgoing mail
compressed, leave this item blank. To blank out a previous
entry, enter a space.
UNPACKER - the full command (including any switches) that
invokes the de-compression package you want to use for
incoming mail packets.
If you run EZPoint under both DOS and OS/2, you'll be able
to specify a different set of archivers and unarchivers for
each operating system. This should be transparent to the
user and will only be obvious if you use both operating
systems.
3.4.3.6 W - Set Default WriteFile
Enter the full path and filename for saved messages.
3.4.3.7 T - Set Global Trigger Value
Enter the maximum number of messages EZPoint will keep in a
message area. This is used in the purging processing (see
Message Purging and Renumbering).
3.4.3.8 M - Toggle "More?"
If More is ON, EZPoint will fill the screen with a message
and then wait for you to press RETURN before displaying the
next screenful.
3.4.3.9 C - Toggle Screen Clear
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 23
If Screen Clearing is ON, EZPoint will clear the screen
before displaying the next message.
3.4.3.10 H - Toggle Hotkeys
If Hotkeys are ON, EZPoint will recognize certain keys
(cursor, etc.) as controls for message reading (see
Hotkeys).
3.4.3.11 D - Toggle Decor (Mono/Color)
Toggles between Color and Mono display.
3.4.3.12 B - Beautify (Set Colors)
Choosing this option allows you to customize the colors
EZPoint will use. You'll be presented with a colorful
display of the available color choices, numbered for easy
selection.
3.4.3.13 Exit XChange Menu <Enter>
Leaves the XChange Menu and returns to the Main Menu.
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 24
3.4.4 Zap Menu
You are prompted for a purge value (see Message Purging and
Renumbering). Enter 0 to use the default global trigger
value.
In Echomail areas, you are also given the option of changing
the node number that is your "feed" for the conference. Use
with care.
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 25
3.5 Hotkeys
If you turn on "Hotkeys", you'll have the following
additional keys available:
Key Corresponding Meaning
Command
----- ------- -------
Alt-P RP Reply Private -
if replying to an
echomail message,
you will be moved
to the netmail
area and your
reply will be
sent via private
netmail to the
node number
listed in the
message's origin
line.
Alt-C RC Reply Crash - if
replying to a
netmail message,
your reply will
be sent directly
to the recipient
without being
routed to your
bossnode. You
need to have a
nodelist for this
to work
correctly.
Alt-N RN Reply Normal - if
replying to a
netmail message,
your reply will
not be marked
PRIVATE (the
default for
netmail).
Home ? Help
Up AP Previous area
Down AN Next area
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 26
Left P Previous message
Right N Next messager
PgUp R Reply
PgDn W Write message to
file
Ins E Enter a message
Del K ^ ^ Kill this
message, then go
on to next one
End G Y Exit the message
reader/editor
Ctrl-Up AL List all new
messages from
current area on
Ctrl-Down A= Read all new
messages from
current area on
Ctrl-Left - Search for
original message
Ctrl-Right + Search for reply
to this message
Keypad 5 H Re-read message
(extended
keyboard only
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 27
3.6 Message Bases
MAIL.MSG is your netmail area. A MAIL.MSG is created when
the program starts if it doesn't exist. Echomail messages
go into an approriate *.MSG file. For example, C_ECHO
messages go into CECHO.MSG.
All the *.MSG files (one per area) are stored in the same
subdirectory (namely, the 'messages' directory you specify
in the configuration). Keeping the full message base in one
file saves a lot of disk space (as does using one utility to
maintain them!).
Message bases are created automatically when messages are
tossed into them. There's no simple way to create echomail
message bases. That's intentional. They'll get created
when the boss or host node sends the first messages in a new
conference. This also guarantees that Areafix worked before
you start entering "unsolicited" messages in a new area.
If you "turn off" an area, you may want to delete the
corresponding message base file (xxxx.MSG) so EZPoint will
no longer be able to access it.
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 28
3.7 Reply Links
Here's the logic of how the + and - commands work: The
subject of the current message is stripped of anything that
looks like a "RE:" type of thing. Then a (case insensitive)
search is performed forward (+) or backward (-) for a
message with a subject line *containing* the remaining
string. An exact match was not chosen because some mail
processors out there don't keep a full 72 characters for the
subject, and stuff can get chopped off the end. So here's a
scenario where things might get messed up:
Subject of discussion
Re: Subject of discussion
Stupid subject of discussion
The first and second would chain back and forth. The second
would chain to the third, but the third wouldn't chain back
to anything. I still feel this is better than the way most
reply linkers work - the third one wouldn't be included in
the chain at all.
To follow a reply chain, you could read messages by using
the "+" key (or Ctrl-RightArrow if you have hotkeys turned
on). When you run out of replies, use the "/" command to
jump back to the first unread message in the area. Rinse
and repeat.
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 29
3.8 Kludge Lines, SEEN-BYs, and PATHS
A kludge line is a message lines that starts with a Control-
A (smiley face character). These were added at one time to
allow points and zones to exist in FidoNet, and like
planting a weed, they've grown out of control since that
time.
You should find kludge lines only in netmail messages.
They're meaningless in echomail messages. EZPoint strips
them from echomail. The only netmail kludge lines that
EZPoint will *generate* are the TOPT, FMPT, and INTL lines,
but only in netmail.
SEEN-BYs are equally as silly. They were created when the
"DUPE" was discovered, and were a kludge to stop dupes from
being passed around too much. The correct way to stop dupes
is to fix the echomail topology. (Okay, end of social
statement). EZPoint has no use for these, and they're
always stripped to save disk space. However, a SEEN-BY line
will be added to exported messages to keep them compatible
with the rest of the world.
PATHs are much like SEEN-BYs. They make a little more
sense, though, because they were added to try to track down
the cause of a dupe. Like SEEN-BYs, EZPoint strips 'em, and
only adds them to exported messages.
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 30
3.9 Routing
Routing is built in to the program. Here's how it works...
Echomail is always built up in a .DUT file destined for
whoever the conference's feed is.
Netmail is put into a .OUT file destined for the actual
destination unless the message has 1) the Crash bit set, 2)
the File Attach bit set, or 3) the File Request bit set. In
any of these three cases, a .DUT is created (and a .REQ or
.DLO too if appropriate).
If you haven't specified an archiver, you're finished.
However, most nodes won't toss echomail that isn't archived
somehow...
.OUT files can be routed, .DUT files can't.
.OUT files and the .DUT file for the boss/host are collected
and renamed to .PKT's, then packed up to whoever you've
specified as the boss or the host.
Remaining .DUT files are then individually packed to go to
their respective destinations.
This should work even if you have several sources for
echomail conferences. However, this program will NOT route
echomail, and you shouldn't attempt to use it for that
purpose. In other words, this program only exports messages
that *you* write, and should never export something from
another node.
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 31
3.10 Packing
If you specify an archiver, all mail is packed using that
archiver. If you don't specify an archiver, no mail is
packed. That's all the flexibility you've got for routing
and packing... The EZ stands for simple. :-)
To remove the 'packer' or the 'signature' items, type a
single space in response to the configuration prompt (see
XChange Menu).
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 32
3.11 Message Purging and Renumbering
If a message area contains deleted messages, or more than
the trigger point number that you specified in the
configuration, it will be purged automatically before the
program exits.
When an area is purged, all deleted messages are removed,
and a specific maximum number of the latest messages are
left. This number is typically the same as the trigger
point that you specify in the configuration, but individual
areas can be set up to keep more or less than this number.
The Z)ap command lets you specify this number for each area.
Unread messages (those not marked "(RECV'D)" are never
deleted.
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 33
3.12 Exit Errorlevel
The program exits with errorlevel 2 if there was a problem,
1 if the program aborted because EZPoint was running in
another session, and 0 if everything was okay.
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 34
3.13 Optional Features
This section covers some additional items that are optional,
but that you might find useful:
3.13.1 A FIDOUSER.LST
This file can be output by most nodelist compilers. Unless
you keep a nodelist, you don't need this.
3.13.2 A USERLIST.DOG
This is a text file of names and node numbers of people that
you frequently "talk to". It has a very strict format. All
lines must be exactly the same length. Last name, First
name, spaces, net/node. No tabs. No control-Z trash at the
end. And the file must be in alphabetical order.
Neither of these files are required, but if you have them,
you'll need to keep them in the same directory as the
configuration file (i.e. the "BBS" directory).
Using either or both of these files (USERLIST.DOG has
priority if both exist) will allow you to direct netmail to
individuals without typing their node number.
3.13.3 A NODELIST
Using a nodelist will allow your point to call and exchange
mail with other nodes besides just your BossNode. See the
BinkleyTerm documentation for details.
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 35
4. Techie Stuff
Message bases are stored in a slightly-modified form of the
FTS-0001 packet. Yep, they're nearly identical in format to
the .PKT files that are found in those *.MO? bundles you
find in your inbound and outbound areas. Really the only
difference is that the area's full tag name is stored in a
normally unused part of the header. So now you know...
The source node number for a conference is stored in the
message packet's header, which is created when the first
message for that conference is tossed. When you enter a
message in an echomail conference, that message is sent to
the node found in the header. So what? you say... Well, if
somebody changes node numbers, or you change the feed for a
conference, you'll be left sending echomail to the wrong
place. Not usually a good idea. If/when this happens,
you'll need to use the Z)ap option to change the node number
of your echomail feed.
EZPoint will support any screen size provided that your
video, monitor, and ANSI driver will all cooperate and have
been previously configured.
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 36
5. If You Have Problems
5.1 EZFix
EZPoint attempts to handle most kinds of errors gracefully,
but sometimes things go hayware on your disk.
If you ever see one of these messages:
You may be out of disk space
Unknown bundle type xxxH, expected 2
Unknown packet type xxxH, expected 2
Invalid message base type xxxH, expected 2
Couldn't update xxxxxxxx.xxx
...then it's probably time to break out EZFix!
Simply switch to your MSG directory and run
EZFIX {basename}.MSG
Where {basename} is the name of the damaged message base.
EZFIX searches through the message base, and extracts as
many complete messages as it can. A new message base is
created, and the damaged message base is renamed to *.BAD.
5.2 Your BossNode
Your BossNode is a good source of information. He's
probably been running a FidoNet node for quite a bit longer
than you've had a point going. Any questions pertaining to
routing, supported conferences, or even echomail etiquette
should be directed to him or her.
5.3 Support Echos
The author of EZPoint monitors the POINTS echomail area on a
daily basis. If you've got a problem or question that can't
be solved by reading this documentation or asking your
BossNode, drop a note to "Ron Bemis" in the POINTS echo.
An EZPOINT conference has also been established. While not
currently on the backbone distribution, that status may
change in the future. Look for it.
5.4 Contacting the Author
You can contact me directly by sending netmail to 1:124/1113
(Nibbles & Bytes).
You will find that I'm much more responsive if I've got a
SUPPORT.FRM on file from you. If you haven't mailed it in,
you may get ignored.
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 37
6. Credits
This document was prepared using Microsoft Word, Version
5.0.
BinkleyTerm is the copyrighted work of Bob Hartman and Vince
Perriello.
EZStart, EZPoint, and EZFix are the copyrighted works of Ron
Bemis.
X00 is the copyrighted work of Ray Gwinn.
PKZIP, PKUNZIP, PKARC, and PKXARC are the copyrighted works
of Phil Katz (PKWARE).
ARC2
QEdit is the copyrighted work of Sammy Mitchell (SEMWARE).
Word is the copyrighted work of Microsoft Corporation.
EZStart is dedicated to the memory of David Miller of
Longview, Texas; formerly 1:19/60, who passed away on
February 27, 1991. Gone but not forgotten.
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 38
7. Index
Index
-----
(CRASH) 20
(DELETED) 16, 19
(FILE ATTCHD) 20
(FILE REQ) 20
(KILL/SENT) 20
(LOCAL) 19
(PRIVATE) 20
(RECV'D) 19, 32
(SENT) 19
*.MSG 27
/A 10
/B 10, 11
/R 10
/S 10, 21
/X 10
^ 11
^^ 11
A= 10
AL 10
All 10
AN 10
ANSI 9
ANSI.SYS 9
AP 10
ARC2 9, 37
Archiver 31
Archivers 22
Arguments 10
AUTOEXEC.BAT 13
Batch 10
Batch files 10
BBIG*.ZIP 7
BBS 4, 13, 22, 34
Binkley 22
BinkleyTerm 7, 9, 34, 37
BossNode 5
Bound 9
Cleanup 16
CONFIG.NEW 9
CONFIG.SYS 9
Copyright 4
Couldn't update 36
Damaged message base 36
David Miller 37
Donation 4
DOS 9, 22
DOS manual 9
Downloading 4
Environment variable 12, 13, 22
Export 10
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 39
EZFix 36, 37
EZFIX.EXE 8
EZPoint 37
EZPOINT conference 36
EZPOINT.ACT 10, 12
EZPOINT.CFG 12, 21
EZPOINT.EXE 8
EZPOINT.MAN 8
EZPOINT.RUN 12
EZStart 7, 37
EZSTART.EXE 8
FidoNet 4
FIDOUSER.LST 34
File attach 4
File request 4
Floppy disk 9
FOSSIL 7, 9
FROM line 21
Hard drive 9
Inbound 22
Installation 9
Invalid message base type 36
Kill 15
Liability 4
MAIL 14, 19, 20
Mail packets 4
MAIL.MSG 27
MESSAGE.TXT 10, 15
More? 11
MS-DOS 9
MSG 10
MSG directory 36
Multitasking 12
Nibbles & Bytes 36
Nodelist 20, 34
Origin line 21
OS/2 9, 11, 22
Out of disk space 36
Outbound 22
Packer 31
Parameters 10
Password 5
PATH 9
PC-DOS 9
PKARC 9, 37
PKUNZIP 7, 9, 37
PKXARC 9, 37
PKZIP 37
POINTS 36
Purge 24
Purging 22
QEdit 9, 37
RAM 9
Redirection 11
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
EZPOINT.MAN - page 40
Registration fee 4
Renumber 10
RP 20
Scan 10
Session-level password 5
Setup 10
Shareware 4
Signature 21, 31
SUPPORT.FRM 4, 8, 36
Switches 10
Sysop Name 21
System Name 21
Text editor 4, 21
Trailing backslash 22
Trailing backslashes 13
Unarchivers 22
Undelete 19
Unknown bundle type 36
Unknown packet type 36
Uploading 4
USERLIST.DOG 34
Warranty 4
Word 37
X00 7, 37
X00*.ZIP 7
X00.SYS 9
*** End of Document ***
EZPOINT - Copyright 1986-91 by Ron Bemis
