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1991-11-15
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ExtNet & ExtScan - (c) Copyright 1991 Matt Messier
Description
-----------
The ExtNet package (ExtNet.Exe and ExtScan.Exe) is an addition to the
built-in PCBoard node scan facility. ExtNet provides extra information
about each node. The ExtScan program provides the node scan for users while
the ExtNet program maintains the extended node information data file.
Configuration
-------------
ExtScan requires a configuration file. Only three lines are required in
the configuration file. They are as follows:
Line 1: INTERRUPT or BIOS. Required by ProKit (with which the ExtScan program
is written). Go with INTERRUPT, if that doesn't work try BIOS. If
that doesn't work then you've got a problem <Grin>!
Line 2: Path and name of your usernet.dat file. This should be the same as
what you have configured in PCBSetup.
Line 3: Path and name of your extnet.dat file. This is the extended data file
that ExtNet maintains. It's a good idea to keep this in the same
directory as your usernet.dat file. It doesn't matter where you put
it, but all nodes should point to the same file.
Installation
------------
To install ExtNet, run the ExtNet program with the following command
line parameters (Full information on the ExtNet program will be documented
later on in this file)
ExtNet <UserNet> <ExtNet> doorid.dat 1 /I
where <UserNet> is the path and name of your usernet.dat file
<ExtNet> is the path and name of your extnet.dat file. This should be
the same as what you have on line 2 of your extscan config
file.
This will create the extnet file and format it to the same number of records
as the usernet.dat file. If you upgrade your PCBoard from a lower version to
a higher version (E3 to E9 for instance), run this again so the ExtNet file
will clean itself up. This should be done while there are no callers online.
Finally, create a door id file. This is the file that ExtNet will look at to
put in the "Using Door:" description. This will be explained later. For each
door id, you must have two lines. The first is any id you want (no spaces).
This is what you will specify on the command line for extnet. The second line
is the description that you want to be shown to other users. This may be up
to 20 characters in length.
Using ExtNet
------------
ExtNet.Exe takes up to 6 command line parameters. Only the first 5 are
required for all operations. They are as follows:
Parameter 1: The path and name of your usernet.dat file
Parameter 2: The path and name of your extnet.dat file
Parameter 3: The path and name of your door id data file
Parameter 4: The node number to update
Parameter 5: The function to perform. This may be any one of the following:
/I - Initialize the extnet.dat file. This will clear out all
records with nuls, and format it to the correct size.
/L - Log a user into the system. This should be called from your
$$LOGON.BAT file to tell extnet that someone has just logged
onto the system and to show it in the node scan.
/O - Log a user out of the system. This should be called from
your $$LOGOFF.BAT file to tell extnet that someone has just
logged off of the system. It will fill the record for this
node with nuls so no addition information will be displayed
in the extended node scan
/D - Update the "Using Door" setting. This function optionally
uses the 6th command line parameter. ExtNet will attempt
to match the ID given in parameter 6 with a description in
your door id data file. If No parameter 6 is given or no
match can be found then the "Using Door" setting will be
cleared.
Parameter 6: [Optional] This is used in conjunction with parameter 5. It is
explained with the /D function above.
Create a $$LOGON.BAT file to log the user in. Use parameter 5 function /L.
Create a $$LOGOFF.BAT file to log the user out. Use parameter 5 function /O.
In each of your door data files, add two lines that run the ExtNet program.
The first one should be called before the door itself is loaded. This should
use function /D with a door id for parameter 6. This will update the extended
status to reflect which door the user is using. The second line should be
added after the door exits. Use function /D with no parameter 6 to reflect
the fact that the user has exited the door.
Using ExtScan
-------------
Add a new door to your DOORS.LST file to provide the node scan function
to your callers. Call it SCAN or something similar. Make this door SHELL
instead of dump completely to make it seem like it is built into PCBoard.
In the door batch file all you need is the following command:
ExtScan <config file> <PCB dir> [<LOCAL>]
where <config file> is the path and name of the configuration file for extscan
which was described earlier in this document. This can be
the same for all nodes.
<PCB dir> is the path of your PCBoard directory.
[<LOCAL>] [Optional] If you want to run the node scan locally then
add this parameter to the end.
Conclusion
----------
There is no required registration fee for ExtNet, but if you happen to
have an extra $5 bill burning a hole in your pocket yelling and screaming to
you to spend it, pop it into your checking account and mail me a check for
registration. All registrations received are going towards my college
education, so it's for a good cause. Of course, if you want to send more than
$5, go right ahead! <Grin> If you're sending money from Canada in check form,
then please add an additional $5 because the banks down here like to charge me
a $5 processing fee (Nice of them, eh?)
Thanks for checking this out ... It's really not as hard as it seems to
set it up and get it working properly ... Future upgrades will most likely be
sent out too as I get more ideas for it. Enjoy!
Oh yeah, my address is:
ExtNet Registration
c/o Matt Messier
3 Loring Drive
Lincoln, RI 02865-1623