BBS Toolkit/BBS Toolkit.iso/doors_1/multi604.zip/SYSOP.TXT

Text File | 1993-03-16 | 18KB | 405 lines

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    ▓▓▓█       Multipolix Door by Pierre-Olivier Tavernier       █▒░░▓
    ▓▓▓█  Multipolix (C) Copyright 1993 Pierre-Olivier Tavernier █▒░░▓
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   ┌────────────────────────────────────────┐
   │    All Documentation by Michael Long   │
   └────────────────────────────────────────┘

   Multipolix Home Board
   Coconut's Paradise BBS - [phone]
   Pierre Tavernier, Sysop - York, SC

   Multipolix Distribution Site and Betatest Site
   Inner Realm BBS - [phone] (Currently Down)
   Don Harris & Michael Long, Sysops - Fort Mill, SC
   Window In Time - [phone]
                     [phone]
                     [phone]
   Pam Smith, Sysop - Phoenix AZ


-[ Documentation for Multipolix Version 6.04 ]-

Multipolix Description
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Multipolix is an online door for BBS Systems.  Through this game, you buy,
trade, and sell properties as well as other things.  This game is very much
like Monopoly, however to avoid copyright infringements, this game is not
close to Monopoly in a lot of aspects.  This game is an ANSI GAME ONLY.
This allows for more concentration towards the look of ANSI and not having
to worry about programming non-ANSI.  You should setup this game so that
only users with ANSI have access.

Credits
~~~~~~~
Game.....................Pierre Tavernier
Documentation............Michael Long
Communications Routines..Scott Baker
Registration Handling....Don Harris  & Pam Smith
Betatesting..............Inner Realm BBS  & Window In Time

New Features/Bug Fixes
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
■ Complaints about games that could not be finished due to inactive players
  are now fixed.  Monomain.exe will now delete inactive players and create
  bulletins.

■ Computer vs. Player allows playing without worrying about other users.
  Note that the three computer players are not stupid.  Player vs. Player
  is still supported.

■ USSR has now been changed to CIS to denote the fall of the USSR.

■ Main board has been changed along with other small changes.

■ When buying a country, the first initial of your name is displayed in
  uppercase.

■ Number of cities and countries now displayed on the main board.

■ Bug not recognizing registration on WWIV systems fixed.

■ Bug that dropped to the BBS when trying to start a new game using
  player vs. player is now fixed.  This was caused when some systems
  used a path to the data files that was longer than the program
  allowed.  The allowable length has now been extended.

■ Intro screen added and is now abortable with Control S Control K or
  Control S Control C

■ Computer player names editable when starting a new game


MULTIPOLIX SYSOP EDITOR COMING SOON!

Registration
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sysops are strongly encouraged to register Multipolix.  Registration is
only $10.00 (US Funds).  To register, print out the REGISTER.FRM included
with this package.  In the unregistered version, you can't trade countries
or purchase cities.  However, the computer players can.  When you register,
5 games are allowed by the user.  If you do not think this is reasonable, pleasecontact Pierre Tavernier to get this altered.

Inactive Games and Bulletins
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Use Monomain.exe as an event to remove unplayed games after n days.
Monomain.exe will also produce bulletins of games, players, etc.
Read the section on monomain included in these docs for more information.

What is a Dropfile?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You will see the term dropfile referred to several times in this documentation,
and the .ctl files.  A dropfile is the file that the BBS uses to store its
information needed for games.  The dropfile contains such things as user
name, baud rate, time left, comport, system name, etc.

Here are just a few examples of dropfiles:
WWIV.............CHAIN.TXT
Wildcat..........CALLINFO.BBS
GT PowerComm.....GTUSER.BBS
QuickBBS.........DORINFO.DEF
GAP..............DOOR.SYS

If your BBS Software is not listed in the MONO.CTL file, you will need
to specify a different BBS Software then use a door converter program
to change your BBS dropfile to the other BBS Software's.  This converter
will have to be run before Multipolix is run each time and should be
included in a .bat file.  Check your BBS Software's support BBS for a
door converter.  The .ctl files are control files and you need to
alter these.  These contain the configuration information so you
should edit these files.  The files are MONO.CTL for Multipolix
and MONOMAIN.CTL for Monomain.  Note that in Mono.ctl the
explanations for each thing are presented first, then the actual
data to edit follows.



Multipolix Setup
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1) Unzip this package.  Place the files in your BBS directory or a seperate
   directory according to your preferences.

2) Edit the file mono.ctl.  The comments in this file will explain what
   to edit inside this.  All comments appear at the beginning of the file,
   followed by the actual lines to edit at the bottom of the file.
   <Note:  you must specify the path to your dropfile twice - once in mono.ctl
    and once on the command line>

3) If you have registered, your registration number and serial number will
   work with this release.  If you haven't registered, please do.

4) Make a .bat file, etc. for Multipolix.  The exact process varies depending
   on what BBS software you use.  Don't forget to include command line
   parameters.  In most cases the batfile should switch to the directory
   with Multipolix in it and then send the command line.  If your BBS and
   Multipolix are in the same directory, then you may just specify the command
   line as the filename in your BBS and not use a .bat file at all.  If you
   need to convert your dropfile, call the door converter in this bat (only
   if your BBS is not supported in Mono.ctl)  The command line parameters
   are listed later on in this file.

5) Install Monomain.exe into your BBS nightly event.  Monomain will make the
   bulletins and delete inactive players.  Read the section below on Monomain.

5) Should you have any problems, please leave a message to Pierre Tavernier
   on Coconut's Paradise BBS or on the Inner Realm BBS.

Latest Versions
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The latest versions of Multipolix will always be found on
1- Inner Realm BBS        [phone]   Multipolix Distribution Site
2- Buffalo Creek BBS      [phone]   Spitfire BBS Software Support BBS
3- Coconut's Paradise BBS [phone]   Multipolix Home Board
4- Window in Time         [phone]   Multipolix Distribution Site

Command Line Parameters
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Format:
MULTIPOL [parameters]

/L  This will tell Multipolix to run in local mode.  It will ask the user
    for his/her name and run the door in local mode.

/S  This command will tell Multipolix to load in Sysop Fast Local Mode.
    The only difference in /S and /L is that in Sysop Fast Local Mode (/S),
    the sysop is not asked for his/her name.

/Nx (where x is 1...9).
    This specifies a "node number".  Some BBS software programs support
    multinode environments in which you must know the node number of the
    drop file to use.  For example, RBBS-PC uses DORINFOx.DEF.  If you
    specify /N2, Multipolix would use DORINFO2.DEF

/P[Drive][Path]  (Path and Drive being required parameters)
    This specifies the path to the drop file.  For example, /PC:\BBS would
    tell Multipolix to look for the drop file in \BBS on drive C.

/Bxxxxx where xxxxx is the locked baud rate. Ex: /B38400

High speed / Locked Bauds / Strange Problems
--------------------------------------------
     If you are running a high speed modem (9600 baud or above), then I
  suggest you run your bbs/mailer/doors at a locked baud rate. On high
  speed error correcting modems, locking the baud rate will have a noticeable
  increase on the speed of text that is sent. It's beyond the scope of
  these docs to discuss configuring your bbs and mailer for a locked baud
  rate; you may wish consult those docs for information on that. Here
  are a few things to keep in mind when setting up Multipolix with a locked
  baud rate:

     #1: You may need to use the /B switch on the Multipolix command line
         to specify the locked baud. For 19,200 this would be "/B19200" and
         for 38,400 this would be "/B38400". Please note there is no space
         between the /B and the baud rate. This is only necessary in some
         instances. First try Multi without the switch and then add the switch
         and see what happens.

     #2: When using a locked baud rate, I highly recommend using a FOSSIL
         driver. In fact, I don't even know if Multipolix will work at high
         speeds without one. BNU is a good fossil driver which can even be
         loaded and unloaded before/after you run Multipolix.

     #3: If you are using a fossil, then make sure to tell the fossil that
         the port is locked. For BNU, to lock com1: at 38,400, you would
         use something like "L0=38400" on BNU's command line.

     #4: Please note: If you lock the baud for one program, it must be locked
         for everything. You can't lock the baud for just Multi, but not
         your bbs/mailer.

     If you are running at high speeds without locking the baud rate, then
  Multipolix should function fine. Without a locked baud, there should be no
  need for the use of the /Bxxxx switch.

     What follows is some information on possible strange situations that
  may occur:

     #1: Low speed users can play Multipolix, but high speed users get garbage.

             - If you are not using the DORINFOx.DEF or DOOR.SYS drop file
               then you may wish to find a converter program to convert
               whatever drop file your bbs produces to the DORINFOx.DEF
               or DOOR.SYS format and tell Multipolix to use that.

               Several converter programs are readily available on most
               bbs systems. QKDoor is a good one if you can find it.

             - If you are not using a fossil (i.e. you have Multi's "internal"
               line un commented in MONO.CTL), then I suggest trying a fossil.

     #2: High speed users can play Multi, but low speed users get garbage.

             - You may be specifying the /Bxxxx parameter when you don't
               need to. Only use /Bxxxx if you are using Multi with a locked
               baud rate.

     #3: Everyone gets garbage!

             - You may be using the /Bxxxx parameter when it's not needed,
               or you may have the the wrong baud rate specified in the
               /Bxxxx parameter.

             - Try switching to DORINFOx.DEF as described in #1 above.

             - Try using a fossil (make sure the "INTERNAL" line in
               MONO.CTL is commented out.

     #4: Multipolix hangs up when a user enters the game.

             - Sounds like Multi is getting the wrong baud rate somehow.
               Try switching over to the DORINFOx.DEF drop file method
               if possible.

     #5: Text and screens are getting cut off.

             - If you are running with a locked baud, then this could
               be caused by some sort of FLOW CONTROL problem. Try using
               a fossil if you aren't already.

     General trouble shooting hints: The following may help you clear up
  some of the problems outlined above:


     #1: If you're using something other than the DORINFOx.DEF drop file,
         then I always suggest trying to use DORINFOx.DEF if possible. It is
         the most reliable method and has had the most testing.

If you have any problems, call Coconuts Paradise BBS. I run Dbridge mailer at
38400 baud locked.

Multi-Node support
------------------
Multipolix includes support for multi-node BBSs. Multipolix will create
temporary files named MONOxx.LOK (where xx is a game number 1-99) to indicate
that a game is in used by another node. to set up Multipolix for multi-node
use, you should do the following:

If for some reason, you need to create different MONO.CTL files for each node,
I recommend naming them MONO1.CTL, MONO2.CTL, etc. Then in your MONO.BAT file
copy the appropriate MONOx.CTL file to MONO.CTL.
For example: (sample MONO1.BAT for node 1, use a different batch file for each
node)

CD \BBS\MULTIPOL
COPY MONO1.CTL MONO.CTL  <- or MONO2.CTL for node 2, etc
MULTIPOL /P \BBS\SFDOORS.DAT
CD \BBS

=-> Make sure the multi-node option is set to "Y" in MONO.CTL.

DESQview users
--------------
Multipolix is DESQview aware. You should see flashing a message when you
start the game saying "DESQview detected". It will be using DESQview virtual
screen address.
On a 286 or XT class machine, set "Writes Directly to Screen", "Display
Graphics", and "Virtualize text/graphics" all to "N" and Multipolix should
multitask in a small window.

Monomain.exe
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The following is included in your Monomain.ctl  and is required for
Monomain.exe to work.

Line 1> Maximum number of days you want the game to stay since the user
        last played before the game is deleted for inactivity.


Line 2> Path and name of monochrome bulletin. (ASCII)

Line 3> Path and name of color bulletin. (ANSI)

The monomain is only 3 lines long.  You must fill out these lines or
monomain.exe will crash.  The stability of this program is untested and this
program is being worked on.  This program must be run as an event each night
to delete inactive games and generate bulletins.  This is optional, if you
want no bulletins or games deleted, then don't run Monomain in your nightly
event.   The source is included so if you program good, you can make this
program better and send it to Pierre for inclusion in the archive and for
full credit and implementation in the next Multipol version.

Monocom
~~~~~~~
Monocom is a terminal program for players to call with in order to speed
up the play of the game.  With Monocom, the board, etc. is generated
locally and the data, etc. is generated from the BBS thus speeding up
the game.  The Monocom program is similar to GWterm for Global War and
is based upon GWterm.

Autoplay is now included in the package. It will allow automatic logon of
Monocom with Telix.

Changes v6.01
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
■ Fast game - cards automatically distributed among players
■ Status menu exteneded and supports more info
■ Game board redone
■ Sysop Local Mode and Sysop Fast Local Mode added
■ Players play against computer, not other players
■ Small changes like USSR changes to EUN and other things redone
■ Documentation, Registration Form, Instructions, etc. redone
  by Inner Realm Typesetting Group - A part of the Inner Realm BBS


To be added in the future
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
■ Multinode games - Real time playing
■ Multinet - Play games with people across the country
■ Sysop Ediitor


Examples
~~~~~~~~
These examples are for WWIV since Inner Realm runs WWIV.  However, you
should see the basics of it all.  The mono.ctl that comes with your
archive should be set up for Spitifire.

///MUL.BAT\\\
MULTIPOL PC:\WWIV\
EXIT

///CHAINEDIT\\\
A. Description  : Multipolix v6.01       <-- Whatever you want
B. Filename     : MUL %1                 <-- For Mul.bat.  Can be for
                                             your .bat or just put command
                                             line as filename.
C. SL           : 10                     <-- Normal users' access level
D. AR           : NONE                   <-- Whatever you want
E. ANSI         : Required               <-- REQUIRED
F. DOS Interrupt: NOT Used               <-- NOT USED
G. 300 Baud     : NOT Allowed            <-- Whatever you want
H. Shrink       : Yes                    <-- MUST SHRINK
I. Disable Pause: Yes                    <-- Yes, Multipolix has its own pauses

///MONO.CTL\\\
BBS Software is WWIV.  Comport line should not be activated.  Else self
explanatory.

Disclaimer, etc.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pierre Tavernier is not responsible for any damages caused by this program.
Users use this program at their own risk.

Multipolix, Monopoly, GWterm, Global War, WWIV, etc.  are all registered
trademarks of their respective owners and are copyrighted.

The entire contents of Multipolix are copyrighted.  You may only charge
a nominal copying fee for copying this for someone.  This must be distributed
in its original .ZIP format.  Any programs by other people must be included
in a seperate .ZIP file, however both .ZIP files may be zipped together.

■  People are encouraged to upload improvements, ANSI screens, or
   3rd Party programs to the Multipolix Support Board or distribution site.

- Monopoly is a registered trademark of Parker Brothers -

<END> Documentation revision 604