BBS Toolkit/BBS Toolkit.iso/programs/cel138a.zip/REVISION.DOC

Text File | 1991-11-19 | 84KB | 1,532 lines

Celerity Revision History


The revision history spans Celerity's development from version 1.08 up to the
current version.  It is a good idea to always look at the most recent history
update when a new version comes out to prevent grief and frustration.  If you
are setting up a new system, you might want to read through all of them to pick
up some pointers which I may have left out of the docs.


Celerity v1.08

Version 1.08 had a few major changes.

--Added entirely new answering routines.  No longer does a user have to smash
  [enter] a dozen times to get connected, but will connect immediately upon
  receipt of the modem's result code.
--Another big change was the addition of config variables for many new functions
  which will be added in the near future, including the networking.

Celerity v1.09

Version 1.09 added a lot of minor features and one or two major things.

--The matrix command line is now configurable by the sysop.
--2400/1200 bps people can now log on without any garbage, but the board still
  thinks it's at 19200 or 38400.
--The waiting for call screen has a few changes.  Among them are:
  --Countdown timers for time until the userdefined batch event, the auto-backup
    event, and the network event.
  --Secondly, the glowing thermometer which measures disk space now fills as the
    hard drive fills - it is now an indication of space used rather than space
    free.
--The event timing will scan for all three possible events - unattended batch
  event, auto-backup, and CelerityNet call.
--Auto-Backup is fully implemented.  Add a "BACKUP.BAT" file which will do
  whatever it is you want for the backup.  An easy one would say:

                delete c:\backup.zip
                pkzip  c:\backup.zip c:\celerity\*.* -r -p
                cd c:\celerity
                main

                or

                pkzip c:\backup.zip -f
                main

                (this one requires that you make the backup file before trying
                to freshen it.  pkzip c:\backup.zip c:\ceelrity\*.* -r -p will
                do the trick for this one).  If you have extra space, and want
                speed, use the -es switch.


--Fixed the problems with the xfer timing
--Added provision to catch runaway average cps rates
--Changed the xfer status screen to include the user's average characters per
  second.
--Changed the "whats new" status screen to include file points gained for
  validated files and file points gained from commission since last call.
--Repaired problem of "ghost files" appearing when someone did a batch upload.
  As it used to be, someone who aborted an upload halfway through by dropping
  carrier would leave the half file in the xfer directory.  The next person who
  did a batch upload would have this file found as an "extra" file sent, and
  ask for a description.  This won't happen anymore.
--Added all file commission code.  When a user downloads a file, the uploader
  of that file will get from 10-100% of the file point cost of the file, or
  nothing if the commission value is set to 0.
--Fixed problem with input buffer length getting set to 1 while doing the
  online user editing
--Fixed a problem of files remaining open when users did a lot of activity.
--Changed user record.  You will have to run CONVUSER on your old userlist.

Celerity v1.10

With 1.10, the connect speed problems for 1200/2400 people were finally solved.

--Low speed users can now log on
--Users at speeds not in the supported baud rates CONFIG paramter will be
  questioned for the lockout password before being allowed to log on
--The board will not consider low speed users to be at the direct DTE rate, but
  data will still be sent to them at the DTE rate, for maximum performance
--Userlist editors have been completed for TCS and Emulex to convert your old
  userlists to Celerity format.


Celerity v1.11

A few changes were made with version 1.11, including:

--The registration process has been changed somewhat.  It is now a lot easier
  for me to register copies of Celerity for people, and as time goes on, I will
  soon be able to let you guys register your own copies.
--One or two minor transfer problems have been fixed.
--The addition of four more colors to the general Celerity environment has been
  made.  This will open the way for a more colorful program, not limited to the
  four color maximum which most forum clones have.  These can be configured in
  the configuration menu (for users).  Soon I will allow sysops to define their
  own default colors from the CONFIG.EXE program, but that hasn't happened yet.
  Note:  Tell your users to define their colors if you've already got a board
  going.  Color #8 should be an inverse color (ie: not a black background).
--A few of the transfer prompts now show the length of the expected input (using
  color #8).
--File passwords can only be 20 characters long, rather than 30.
--I just added a global quickscan from the main menu ([Q] command).  This has
  been debugged QUICKLY, and does not look real pretty and may or may not work
  completely.  Please leave input about any problems you find.
--The user's configuration menu also includes a section to configure your
  global quickscan.
--The user file was changed slightly.  Run the CONVUSER.EXE file and delete your
  USERINDX file before running the new version.


Celerity v1.12

A major bug in v1.11 prompted the quick release of v1.12.  Below are the major
changes.

--Fixed bug where board would hang when a new user applied for access.
--Fixed bug in sysop editing of a user's conference access (if they dropped
  carrier, the board wouldn't recognize it).
--Completed the CONVFILE.EXE program which converts an Emulex/2 file record to
  Celerity 1.00/1.12 format.
--Added sysop definable default colors to the CONFIG program.  This allows the
  sysop to define the colors a new user will be given by default when they log
  on as new, allowing a bit more system individuality.
--The config program now displays color choices in their respective colors,
  rather than in white.
--Fixed (hopefully) the delete command being the default when adding multiple
  files in the xfers.  Let me know if this isn't fixed.
--Changed the code for area change (in both subs and xfers) so that it does
  NOT display all the areas every time the 'A' command is given, but only if
  the user hits the '?' for help.
--Added an option in the CONFIG.EXE to automatically zip comment an upload.
  If this is set to yes, then Celerity will run a batch file called COMMENT.BAT
  with the file name as a parameter.  Go ahead and have this file do whatever
  processing or commenting you wish to have done.  For example:

  PKZIP %1 -z < c:\celerity\comment.ans

  or whatever.
--Cleaned up the Global Quickscan considerably.
--Added the estimated cps parameter for external protocols (see Appendix C)
--A few minor aesthetic changes here and there.  Nothing major.


Celerity v1.13

Finally got down to some major communications work again.

--The COM port #, COM inturrupt, IRQ, and Base Address are now all essential
  for operation of Celerity.  Please go into your config and make sure they
  are all set correctly, or your board may not answer.
--Fixed the colored bar input to work correctly.  Thanks to The Slavelord for
  some help on this.
--Added option to kill an individual user's infoform, rather than all of them
  as it was.
--Fixed the bug in remote user conference editing (sysop area).
--Cleaned up all garbage which appeared when using pulldown menus.


Celerity v1.14

I gave in to Lord Icon's nagging and fixed all of the cross-linking problems
which many Forum clones have (ie: infoforms in the message base, posts in
email, etc.)  Here's the bombshell:  the biggest change you'll find in a long
time is now, because ALL of your posts, email, infoforms, news, feedback, etc.
will be ERASED.  I really apologize for this, as I know it is tough to get a
board back on it's feet when all the posts have been erased, but as most of the
boards running Celerity are fairly new, I thought I might as well get this over
with as quickly as possible.  Here are the changes:

--There have been seperate bitmap and text files created for various sections
  of the board.  In your MESSAGES directory, you will now have files for:
  --Posts, in conferences #1 through #5.
  --Information forms.
  --Electronic Mail.
  --News and system notices.
  --Electronic Mail.
  --Xfer section needs.
  --Generic BITMAP and TEXT
  Due to the fact that all these are changing, I suggest you delete your old
  BLOCKMAP and TEXT files, and ALL of your 1.*, 2.*, 3.*, etc. files for the
  sub boards.  Delete BDINDEX and BOARDDIR files too, but keep AREA* files.
--The infoform variable handling has been improved for speed and efficiency.
--New users will be required to fill out as many infoforms as you have defined,
  rather than just the first one.  I suggest you make one of those infoforms a
  little feedback section, so you can hold on to their plea for access.
--Fixed the sysop conference editing bug once and for all.  If it's still not
  working right, fuck it.  Use 0 to exit.
--Cleaned up some code in the transfer sections.
--Added code to send some nulls after a user has logged off, to avoid having
  the end of the logoff message chopped.
--Fixed the prompt in the message area.
--Forced the prompting to post while newscanning to always be on.  As I found
  out with a userlist converted from Emulex, users aren't prompted to post after
  scanning a sub.
--Added two more negative access levels.  A level of -2 will delete the user,
  and give them the password to system #2 (ie: if you have a PD side as system2,
  you can give a new user this access level to "move" them to the new system).
  -3 does the same but with system3.  When a user with -2 or -3 access calls,
  they will have the OTHERSYS.BBS file displayed to them.
--Phone number quizzing now prompts with the user's real phone number, rather
  than that NPA-PRE shit...
--A couple minor color fixes here and there.  Nothing else major.
--Beta versions now indicate beta status when a user logs on.
--When uploading, the order of the board asking for description and password for
  the file is now the same for both single-file and batch uploads.
--Distribution system for new versions of Celerity has been changed.  No longer
  will I give each sysop an individual copy, but rather a copy of VALIDATE.EXE.
  The Validate utility will take a non-registered "demo" copy of Celerity and
  make it usable for each authorized Celerity sysop.


Celerity v1.15

Version 1.14 had some bugs with the mail and feedback, so that prompted the
quick release of v1.15.  Too quick.

--Did more mail and feedback work.
--Removed the beta test backdoor..
--Electronic mail is now read when the user logs on, so they won't forget to
  check their mail.
--Users logging on can enter an 'X' after the welcome screen to skip their
  status display, for more speed in logging on.
--Fixed the 30-character description cutoffs for bacth uploads (I think).
--Fixed the bug in the Access Level Raise Request feedback section.
--Rearranged logon procedure to read email and feedback as user/sysop is
  logging on.
--Extensive chat section rewriting and optimizing done.
--Changed chat call to be less obnoxious.  It only makes noise once every
  minute, rather than at each and every prompt.
--Added a configurable display length, after discovering how awful Celerity
  looked in 50-line VGA text mode.
--Time is now frozen while user and sysop are chatting.
--The 'Calls Since' value records only those calls which successfully logged
  in, rather than every time the matrix came up.


Celerity v1.16

Version 1.16 included the basics of the long-awaited network, albeit in a beta
stage and not ready for full use.  It also fixed a couple nasty bugs in v1.15.

--Created a new unit for doing all network dialogue.
--Added code to initiate and converse with the network dialogue.
--Got modem to dial out correctly, and wait for a 9600bps connection.
--Fixed the problem with new users not being able to apply that crept in with
  version 1.15
--Fixed problem with users not getting their time reset each day, which also
  appeared with v1.15
--Wrote NetMaid routine to clean up after the network, and determine if it was
  successful or not.
--Wrote code to pause for one minute between network calls if connection not
  made.
--Wrote NewsMan(ager) and Stork networking routines.
--Updated logon procedure to read and display network news for netted systems.
--Did a bunch more network crap.
--Added decent timeout checking when waiting for the host's prompts.
--Added delay after last network transaction, to recalibrate dialogue.
--Added code to edit network ID number in subs.
--Optimized sub-board code considerably.  Chopped 9k of compiled data size out
  of Celerity.
--Moved the Email back to the default map and text files in an attempt to fix
  the continuing problem (note: after 2 days, it seems to be working..)
--Fixed an open files bug in the subs.
--Worked some more on net dialogue, making it "safer".  Note: with v1.16,
  please only make network calls when you are present (ie: F1, or time it when
  you are home) until we know it won't crash the system.  Network is still very
  beta.
--Repaired the NodeManager to work correctly with new nodal format.
--Updated Network manager to conform with new node format.
--Created the basis for networked subs.
--Changed the message base sponsor area around a bit.  This is NOT static, and
  will change considerably in version 1.17


Celerity v1.17

Version 1.17 had MANY beta versions go out, as there were a lot of bugs which
arose with the rewriting of much of the file handling routines.  It was a lot
of work and trouble, but the result should be tighter, cleaner, better-behaved
code.  Here's the changes.

--Sub-board sysop menu has a new subsection for editing access to subs.
--In the sub-board sysop section, many of the keys were redefined with logical
  command keys and some minor code cleaning.
--File area selection listings can be substituted with a sysop-defined menu of
  areas, named FILEAREA.x, where x is the conference number.
--Wrote "Brilliant News", to jump on the smart/intelligent/etc. news bandwagon.
  News is only displayed once to a user, unless they ask for it from the main
  menu.
--Special option added for users of 286/386 machines to improve performance.
--Fixed a bug in the |Px feature, which would allow a user to tie up the system
  for hours.  Thanks to The Shocker for letting me know about this.
--Fixed problem with the "New Users apply at matrix" message, which would
  appear if the system was set to have new users apply within the system.
--Rearranged logon process again.
--Added options to CONFIG program: Page Password, Obnoxious Chat, BBS City,
  BBS State, 286/386 System, and Prompt Format.
--Made prompts fully configurable.  The sysop can define his or her own prompt
  format in the config.  Special character commands include:
    |1 to |8 - switch to that user's defined color.
    |9 - send a carriage return.
    @ - give the prompt location name.
    $ - give the time the user has left.

  An example prompt format of:   [@][$]   would appear as [Main Menu][22].
--The emergency chat (/page) command now requires the password as defined by
  the sysop.
--Fixed problem with non-existant Databases or Gfiles section.  As it was, a
  user could crash the system by repeatedly attempting to enter a non-existant
  section.  Thanks to Lord Icon for pointing this one out.
--Changed the chat time freeze again.  Should work better now.
--Worked on file listings a little.
--Added 256 nulls to the hangup procedure, so logoff screens should be fully
  displayed.
--Reset modem and set up to answer after a net call was made.
--Optimized and worked on xfer section to try to kill the open files bug.
  Partial success.
--Optimized and changed batch d/l code to accurately keep track of total bytes
  downloaded in a batch transfer.
--Fixed chat to quit if carrier is dropped (ie: board will not hang if you
  accidentally leave someone in chat.  You also won't keep typing when someone
  has dropped carrier.)
--System log now pauses between entries.
--Hopefully fixed problem with no post titles, or "Post Title" showing up as
  the post title.
--Did a lot of work on the file management.  Ugh, this is awful.  Fixed it so
  that the user file is the only file kept open throughout the call, and most
  of the others are kept closed except when used.  The board has to pause to
  close everything occasionally, but the result is a more reliable system (in
  theory, at least).
--Repaired batch download problem which crept in with optimizing.
--Made screen displays after a transfer look a lot better.
--Changed conference jump to accept Jx, Xx, etc. where x is the conference #
  to join.
--User configuration asks about extended ASCII characters when terminal is
  chosen.  Fixed bug in choosing hotkeys in user configuration.
--Worked on network dialogue.
--Added complete CelerityNet rumors support.    (feature group E)
--Added complete CelerityNet BBS List support.  (featire group D)
--Changed subs to delete first post when maximum posts have been reached,
  rather than the messy "Deleting first five posts".  Short wait every post
  rather than long wait every five.
--Worked on file listing aesthetics a little.


Celerity v1.18

Version 1.18 was a quick release, through all betas to release version in but
five days, but there are a number of new options and fixes.  There have been
some slight changes to the user record, so you must run the new CONVUSER.EXE
program to set your system up with 1.18.  In addition, delete your old KAU.CFG
file and run NUCONFIG.EXE to configure your system again.  Lastly, delete your
CALLERS file in your BBS directory.  Also - you'll need a new version of the
VALIDATE.EXE utility if you are a registered user (version 1.3).

--The ANSI editor is a little bit different.  It looks different, and has a
  couple new features.
--Fixed bug which deleted a user from the USERINDX file if they botched their
  password.
--Did a lot more work on ANSI display and entry from ANSI editor.
--More rewriting of file handling.  Ugh.
--Changed system to connect automatically if a carrier is already present, as
  if you connected in a term program and put the board up for them.
--Changed chat to reset file area after exiting.
--Changed textfile changing to abort if it hadn't been updated (ie: quicker
  file handling).
--Added demonstration listing in file list configuration.
--Rearranged some of the config menus.  Made it look nicer.
--Fixed problem with existant carrier not flushing buffer (ie: users who hit a
  lot of keys while waiting for the BBS to connect would get connected at the
  wrong rate).
--Fixed problem with real display when no emulation was chosen.
--Fixed problem of "To  @%$#F2" in subs when editing a post.
--Changed modem strings to ALWAYS send defaults, then send whatever user string
  existed.  Note:  You should set your modem setup string to a blank unless you
  want to override the recommended settings.
--Fixed 2400/1200 problem once and for all (at least with type 2 HST's).
--Fixed global newscan to work correctly.
--Added support for Alt-F keys in waiting for call screen (but did not
  implement any new commands).
--Changed the waiting for call screen a little bit.
--Added speed in last callers log.
--Added ability for sysop to login invisibly (ie: not show up as last caller or
  on the caller log).
--Mobius completed NuConfig.  See Appendix E below.
--Added xfer policy display (explains default point costs and commission).
--Added new user scan in user editor.
--Fixed the user configuration terminal emulation choice to ask for extended
  ASCII characters.
--Made the system confirm global newscan when the 'Q' command is hit.  'Z'
  will do it without clarification.
--Fixed file listings so it wouldn't skip lines occasionally.
--Changed the "Now in area [x]" crap.  Now it says "Changing to area" when you
  change areas, and says "Scanning Area" when newscanning or searching.  This
  is in xfer section.
--Added prompt for date to scan from when doing a file newscan.


Celerity v1.19

Version 1.19 went through beta testing for quite a while - about two and a half
weeks and three beta versions.  Its purpose was to fix a number of bugs, add a
couple of new features, and lay down the basis for Networked sub-boards.

--Posts made on a network sub are copied into the net directory, instead of
  being posted on the sub.
--Background color in the WFC screen is fixed to always be set.
--Fixed error if you had the default file point value set to 0.
--Set modem to lock the high DTE rate before net call.
--Yanked out old modem answering crap and always set to high DTE rate, to get
  even better performance in high speed transfers.  Problem still exists with
  2400bps non-ARQ folks though.
--Did some work on the doors section.
--Did work on DOS shell.  If you have enough EMS, setting the Use EMS flag in
  your CONFIG will swap the BBS to EMS when dropping to DOS, providing more
  free conventional memory.
--Added the capability for configurable stat screens for logon, main, and xfer.
  See Appendix F.
--Did a bit of chat work.  Added the capability to edit different conferences'
  board access flags using the online menu system.
--Looked into three other alternate modem drivers to provide better hardware
  RTS/CTS flow control.
--Net posts WORK!  That is to say that a node can send a net post.
--Node net posts save properly.
--Cut down on undefined garbage in net posts.  Minor success.
--Solved part of the problem of too many open files (left from Forum/TCS).
--Worked on the net, getting the negotiation dialogue to work completely.
--Net posts can be posted on a node, sent to the host, and posted on the host.
--Net posts downloaded on the node will now save correctly.
--ExtractSub rewritten to send posts in chronological order, rather than reverse
  order as it was.
--Changed password entry to not accept a random password.
--The host system keeps the last date each node connects.
--Changed sub listing to indicate whether a net sub exists.
--Networked subs seem to work correctly.
--See Appendix G for info on the net subs.
--Added additional key/carrier check in WFC screen.
--Changed Rumors and Status files to always be written to the BBS directory -
  no more STATUS and RUMORS.DAT files cluttering your drive.


Celerity 1.20

Designed to be the first demo version in a while, version 1.20 has the networked
subs working completely.

--Put in a new modem driver (YASYNC).  Rewrote code neccessary for the full
  transition (ie: fully configurable ports, 16550 support, calls, etc.)
  Too many problems with hanging, so YASYNC was eventually dumped.
--Got handshaking ironed out so 2400/1200 don't get garbage, AND 14.4k users
  can get 1700+ cps (the top recorded sustained speed is 1813cps using Zmodem)
--Added a prompt to "Hit Return" when entering system 2 or system 3.
--Added code to trim message size by adding ╬'s instead of garbage in the
  empty lines - the post files should now compress by about 85-95% instead of
  50% as it was, thanks for Forum's message storage routines.
--Put escape and carrier checking into network call routine
--Began rudimentary line chat mode.
--Worked on the problem with runaway open files.
--Added the user editing / deleting of his own uploads.
--Did some aesthetic work on the subs.
--Fixed the infoform-viewing while reading feedback problem.
--Added the caller # to the last callers list.
--Fixed SOME cases of the blank title box when replying.
--Attempted to fix problem with batch uploading being allowed to non-upload
  areas (did not test, but it should work).
--Email section asks user if it is ok to delete all old mail after exiting.
--Password is NOT changed if simple return is hit.
--Fixed problem with rumor listing always starting with rumor #1, regardless of
  what index was printed.
--Added the credits box on the WFC screen.
--Did some more work on the open file problem (damn that TCS!)
--Adjusted the routine which checks if the user has enough points to not worry
  about it if the file costs no points.
--Wrote a new CONVFILE program to update 1.19 file sections to the 1.20 spec-
  ification.  The new format has more options for files and file areas, as
  explained below.  The new CONVFILE will recurse all conferences and all areas,
  so the program does not need to be run seperately for each file.
--Added slowdrive support for file areas (untested - Lord Icon, please...)
--Did MORE work on the open file problem
--Added full support for Full File Name (Program Name), Disk X of Y, and Private
  file.
--File listings and listing configuration support the new options, and a feild
  specificly for the file extension (ie: a user can choose not to have the .ZIP
  extension displayed, and save four spaces)
--Wrote some new procedures shared by both batch uploads, regular uploads, and
  file editing to save a LOT of redundancy.
--Added full support for asking the user for Program Name, Disk X of Y, and
  Private File when uploaded.  Added support for editing as well.
--Rewrote the user file editor section completely.
--Redesigned sysop area structure a little.
--Removed some more redundancy in the batch transfer area by sharing code with
  non-batch transfers.
--Rewrote batch upload structure and routines.
--Did a LOT of work optimizing the file sections.
--Repaired some of the earlier routines I wrote.
--Rewrote batch download structure and routines considerably.  Chopped a lot of
  junk, streamlined, added new routines, killed old ones.  Still looks pretty
  much the same, but works a LOT differently.
--Batch transfer buffers are now stored in MEMORY rather than on disk in the
  BATCH.DAT file.  This will make those a LOT faster.
--Config data should be re-read in after sysop runs the config program from the
  WFC screen.
--Enabled data compression for network.  The network goes about TWICE as fast
  as it was (we're talking 2890 cps rates!)
--Wrote a new user location routine
--Added SlowDrive prompt when creating an area.
--Optimized xfer and cut about 500 bytes of data space.
--Added xfer news (files in your BBS directory called XFERNEWS.x, where x is
  the conference number).
--Force 80 columns, lowercase, and linefeeds on.  Moreprompts off when user
  logs on.  (used to fix problem in Emulex converter)
--Forced the sub extract routine to add posts regardless of last date.  Fixes
  net problem.
--Fixed some problems with EMU2CELR - new update to convert Emulex/2 to v1.20
--Rudimentary multi-node support.  Thanks to Slavelord for a few ideas.  See
  Appendix J
--Redesigned status displays in WFC screen
--Fixed bug which prevented people from downloading a master file list.
--Fixed bug in the file list editor which would not check for a lost carrier.
--Added area code to user list listing
--Added full screen status display when editing user (prompting by Malignant
  Growth.. thanks)
--Finally packaged the "new and improved" protocol editor with the official
  Celerity package.  Thanks to Wild Gunman and Lord Icon for coming through
  with an alternative to the garbage we were using.


Celerity v1.21

Released soon after 1.20.  A couple minor fixes, and the fix of a terrible bug
which could compromise security greatly.

--Fixed a problem with the commission granting
--Added age, new user voting, and sex fields to user record (for future use)
--Streamlined the user list.  Should be up to 70-80% smaller
--Rewrote Convuser for optimization
--Began network user data code
--Extended network time delay to 60 seconds (from 25).
--Worked on the global user list a bit more.
--Lengthened modem send delay.
--Redesigned validation utilities.
--Repaired a bug which can compromise security.


Celerity v1.22

Late June, 1990.  Version 1.22 incorporates a few small changes here and there,
and introduces the long-awaited New User Voting section.  Big thanks go to
Phantom and especially to The Shocker for inspiring me to write the New User
Voting section, and thanks go to The Byter (thank you, thank you) for the New
User Voting section this was modelled after, the one in KauCom.

--Lengthened netcall delays.  It used to hang up after 15 seconds, which has
  been extended to 60 seconds.
--Fixed the background color problem in the WFC screen when a user with, say,
  a blue background (for all colors) logged off.
--Added timeout when waiting for the result code in network dialing routine.
--Added level restrictions for the viewing of System Status and Recent Caller
  Listings (Thanks to Malignant Growth for these suggestions)
--Added new user voting variables to the config (see section on New User Voting
  in "Setting up the BBS" above)
--Wrote routines to set up new user voting records when new users log on
--Indicated a user's vote status when they check their account status while
  votes are pending.
--Erased all the "2nd Call Level" crap (some dumb leftover from Forum) and added
  a simple Logon Level option in the config.  Users must have this level to log
  on to the BBS, not just to get the system password (problem would arise if
  someone did not have a system password, a new user could manage to get in and
  see the network news etc.)
--Incorporated enhanced sorting routine in Filexfer (thanks to Mobius for doing
  the work here).  Thanks to The Slavelord for showing all the Forum authors
  that a faster sort really was needed (and forcing us to play "Keep up with
  the Jones'")
--Changed the disk x/y input routine to avoid the 255/255 stuff.
--Wrote the user voting section for new user voting (U from main)
--Finished auto-validating and auto-deleting functions for new user voting sec.
--Changed infoform handling a little bit.
--Updated the system log record to record network and new user voting activity
--Auto-deleted users are given -5 access.  A -5 user, when he/she logs on, will
  be given the final vote status, have the DENIED.BBS file displayed, and then
  deleted from the system.  The sysop can set up a user specification record
  to search for -5 users who haven't called within a certain amount of time to
  delete users who never called back to check on their status.
--Added a few more net conferences.  See Appendix H.
--Changed two or three text file names and/or uses.  See Appendix K.
--Fixed the "slow response" or "no response" to commands at the WFC screen when
  the net call had not been made that day.
--Fixed the default to physically move a file in the xfer section.
--Added the Veto and Remove functions for the sysop in the New User Voting.
--Added the ANSI filter for non-ANSI users (thanks to The Slavelord for this
  good idea).
--Added a configurable status screen for the user editing (USERSTAT).
--Changed new user voting to allow users to change their votes.
--Fixed a bug or two in the new user voting section
--Fixed a bug with the validate xfer points not being granted correctly (new
  bug to 1.20).
--Fixed problem with making a file free (I think) by changing the value to 0.
--Debugged Zmodem post upload routine and put online (U when posting).
--Fixed problem in the New User Voting which would only allow one user to be
  up for vote at a time.
--Users with access to only one conference will not be asked to switch to
  another conference when moving from xfer/message bases.
--Fixed a particularly nasty bug which would delete users when they used the
  CHECK command (part of the New User Voting).
--Added PREMATRX.ANS file to be displayed before the matrix.  Thanks to MG for
  suggesting this.
--Redesigned and enabled the DOS-type matrix.  Sysop can choose the file names
  for the DOS simulator commands as they do in the menu-type matrix.  Extensions
  will be automatically added.
--Wrote new Emulex user and file area converters.


Celerity v1.23

Mid-July, 1990.  v1.23 brought with it a number of structural changes which are
not immediately obvious to the user, but give Celerity a stronger and quicker
foundation.  The biggest change is in the file and post formats, both of which
have changed, and require sysops to run CONVSUBS and CONVFILE to convert (both
are fully automated, and it should take only a few minutes).

--Provided support for shared data names in the transfer areas (what this means
  is that you have to define a data path and filename for each transfer volume.
  This is slightly inconvenient, but will allow you to have the same transfer
  area shared by multiple conferences (or possibly by multiple "systems").
--Shortened the download password from 20 to 15 characters, and eliminated the
  rarely-used extended file description.  The new format will give you about a
  45% reduction in the size of your file list records on your hard drive, as
  well as a bit more speed.
--Rewrote CONVFILE for the new file format.
--Wrote CONVSUBS to convert the posts to the new format (which includes
  provision for future implementation of a data pathname (like the file section
  above) and for FidoNet compatibility).
--Sped up file listings when a user does not have the size selected.
--Added prompt for showing system stats asking if each file should be checked.
--Added zip compatibility in the network post routine (reduced the size of
  transmitted post files to about %5-10% of their original size).
--Added second network origin / postmark line, and made it sysop-configurable.
--Fixed some batch problems.
--Added a sort to the BBS list.
--Added valid phone number / baudrate checking to BBS list.
--Changed the BBS list listing format.
--Added obnoxious comments about non-Celerity software when entering a BBS
  listing.
--Changed the file area sort to sort by Name, Date, Popularity, Wacko, or
  Random (to give the ultimate sysop control!).
--Changed software to provide a full-screen display for the sysop (ie: no
  little status box at the bottom).
--Changed config around a little.
--Fixed a couple transfer errors.
--Rewrote some big chunks of the protocol handling routines and axed a lot of
  global variables.  The result is more reliable, quicker, and smaller code.
  It seems to work without problems (so far).
--Optimized some more of the file transfer code.
--Ask a user for his phone # if we don't already have it.
--Redesigned the built-in status displays to be more aestheticly pleasing.
  Changed format somewhat, and added PCR status box when you enter the subs.
--Fixed a problem in the network zipping.
--Updated CONVEM2.EXE to convert Emulex to 1.23 file format.
--Wrote FIXIT.BAT files - please use it when you upgrade.


Celerity v1.24

Version 1.24 - developed between 7/13/90 and 7/22/90 brings a slightly new
look in places which I beleive everyone will enjoy.  A number of small mods
were made here and there, and while nothing major was added, the changes
should provide a better working environment for sysops and users alike.
Changes include:

--Designed and implemented interactive full-screen file config menu (for those
  with ANSI or VT52 emulation).  The users all seem to love this, and it is but
  a forerunner for a number of similar editing systems for other parts of the
  board.
--Optimized the transfer area a bit more.
--Fixed all the newscan prompts to accept the extended commands.
--Added -More- prompts to systems.
--Fixed problems when making a user (sysop user creation) with no colors, no
  access to conference #1, etc.
--Fixed the display of sysop access in the user edit section.
--Added a New User Voting sysop access which can be granted (to enable a user
  to use the Veto and Remove options)
--Changed the sysop access editing to simply toggle the access rather than ask
  about it in the clumsy manner it was in.
--Added a prompt to ask for additional info when viewing a users' stats (in the
  user editing)
--Fixed the problem with non-ANSI users' infoforms showing up as ASCII when the
  sysop edits them.
--Rewrote the newscan listing in the file xfer (add a menu - FILENEWM.) with
  the commands for the newscan in normal menu format.  Commands are as follows:
  Q-Quit Newscan        N-Next Area             D-Download File
  +-Add to Batch        I-Info on file          Z-Zip Listing
  (Sysop options are C)hange file, R)ename, !)validate, K)ill)
--Added a nicer credits page
--Added better support for the file newscanning and listing
--Added an option to clean up old offline files.  I don't know if this was
  first suggested by Lord Icon or Malignant Growth, as it was a long time ago.
  You can either have it delete ALL offline files from your listings, or have
  it prompt you for each file.  I recommend you make a backup before using, not
  because it doesn't work, but because you'll be pissed if you delete files you
  don't want to delete.  This does not actually delete ANYTHING, it only
  removes files from your listings which aren't found on the drive.
--Added some code for a group file move - NOT TESTED.  Backup your Data dir
  and let me know how it performs.
--The changes you need to make to FSYSOPM.* (menus) are [I] for the cleanup
  ("I" did stand for something, but I forgot what) and [B] for Batch Move.
--Added full-screen data entry for uploads.  'Tis cool.
--Did some work on the batch xfers, and managed to fuck things up on my system
  for a few days.  It seems to work now.
--Fixed some problems in the networking.
--Changed the header boxes to the inverse box type, the same as the built-in
  stat screens.
--Cleared the screen with each area in a filescan.
--Added a 5-minute timeout to the HST default setup strings (ie: the HST will
  hang up the phone after 5 minutes of no activity, in the case of a system
  freeze or some disaster, the line won't stay connected for hours)
--Added some color to the full screen file list config.


Celerity v1.25

Version 1.25 was developed between 7/23/90 and 8/28/90.  During this time, a
number of moderate changes were made, a few minor changes, and the big
features were the system history, soundblaster support, and the online sysop
editing tools.  Be sure to run CONVUSER when upgrading from a previous version
(1.21 to 1.24) to 1.25.  Run your config as well, as there are a few more
options you will have to add.

--Designed and implemented the interactive full-screen configuration menu.
--Fixed the problem of the auto-delete getting out of hand and deleting all
  the posts on a sub.
--Disabled the prompt for a password if the file passwords option is turned off
--Fixed the phone input in the sysop editing.
--Added the system history function.  [H] from the main menu.
--Users with colors set to Black on Black will have colors reset to the system
  default.
--Updated CONVUSER for 1.25 format, and had it clear color #8 if it was not
  an inverse color.
--Added Soundblaster support (digitized chat call).
--Added digitized chat call for non-soundblaster folks.  Sounds like shit.
--Fixed the zip comment (COMMENT.BAT) to only comment ZIP files - not TXT or
  ARC or whatever.
--Added required level to view system history.
--Changed the batch move a bit.
--Fixed and enabled the file autovalidate code.  Turning this option on will
  immediately validate a file as it is uploaded.  Warning: If you give points
  for uploads (ie: file point system which gives validation points), users may
  be able to upload crap and get points immediately for it.  Suggest you avoid
  autovalidate if this happens, move to a pure commission system, or delete
  assholes who pull a trick like that.
--Converted Celerity to Turbo Pascal 5.5 (from 5.0).  No big deal.
--Implemented the online sysop editing tools (F5).  Fixed problems we found.
  Features include:
  --Full screen editing of a user
  --Delete online user
  --Hang up on online user
  --Shell to DOS
  --Run CONFIG program
  --Run Text editor (like Qedit)
  --Run ANSI editor (like TheDraw)
  --Edit some other user (not online)
--Fixed the -More- prompts being turned off.
--Count new users (full application) and incoming net calls as "Calls today".
--Fixed problems with screen positioning for local users.
--Fixed negative uploads problem
--Added point costs to the file listing configuration.
--Removed annoying beeps in the full screen (file) configure.
--Increased memory requirements by about 10k.
--Fixed some conflicts in the online user editing.
--Fixed all the system history problems.
--Fixed the problem with the global newscan not working for local users.
--Updated the emulex converters.
--Fixed a problem with the file areas.
--Fixed screen positioning for the full screen entering of file data (password)
--Added an option to skip all networked subs.  (Note:  This is for users who
  call multiple CelerityNet systems.  It will allow them to only use the subs
  on one or two boards, and not read every net sub on every system.  Slavelord:
  steal this idea quickly, it's a good one.)
--Added notice when posting about net posts not showing up until the net call.
--Limited disk numbers to 99, to preserve layout integrity.
--Changed the WFC screen to access the F5 menus.
--Moved the WFC screen view system log command to F9.
--Fixed a couple log problems (I know some still exist - let me know about
  them)
--Added help lines and error checking in the Online Tools.
--Fixed the reply to an anonymous poster problem.
--Added complete mouse support for the WFC screen (if you have a mouse, it will
  automatically be detected and a cursor will be shown.  You may "press" any of
  the commands listed in the help box).
--Rescinded a couple aesthetic changes which had problems.


Celerity 1.26

Version 1.26 was under development for two weeks from late August to mid-
September, 1990.  No huge new features were added, but a couple improvements
here and there were done, and a number of minor features.  Be sure to run the
new CONFIG program.  The program has shrunk by about 55k of compiled space from
version 1.24, and requires about 15k less data space.

--Fixed a problem with hacked passwords.  If a user had a hacked account, and
  was asked for his phone number, he could never enter it correctly.
--Did some more work on the batch move.  Still not fully tested.
--Fixed problem of skipping 5 posts when the autodelete activates.
--In the new user voting, users can not see the vote results until they have
  voted on the user.  This will make users vote more on the merit of the
  application, rather than following the crowd.
--Added system parameter menu
--Added international phone number support.  Phone numbers preceded by a +
  indicate international format.  One of the few good ideas taken from LSD.
--Introduced Color Continuity throughout the system.  This is a redefinition
  of the coloration on a LOT of text, and will make the board look a lot
  nicer.  Colors will be used for the same things throughout the system, rather
  than it being a bit patchy.
--Replaced the existing Gfiles section with a transfer-type section.
--Updated CelerityNet to version 1.3.  The new version should make net calls
  SLIGHLY quicker (a couple of seconds), eliminate the problem of repeated
  posts when some board doesn't have the net configured correctly, and will
  be more reliable.  Two new net subs have been added, so see the Appendix H
  below.
--Wrote new answering routines.  Celerity is now fully compatible with RARUs
  (Ring Activated Reboot Utilities) for added crash protection.  Celerity now
  sets the modem to NOT autoanswer (make sure you do not set S0=anything but 0
  in your setup, and make sure DIP switch #5 on your HST is down), and watches
  the modem status register for a ring.
--Added keyboard status monitor.  If you turn the keyboard flash monitor option
  on, the NumLock, ScrollLock, and CapsLock lights on your keyboard will cycle
  on and off during the WFC screen.  This will allow you to tell at a glance
  if your board is up or not without turning on your monitor.
--Added the new features display.  The first time you load up a new copy of
  Celerity, a page will display all major recent changes for that version.
  This display will be rewritten with each new version.  Beta versions will add
  additional data to the display.
--Added Screen Saver (including option in config) for the WFC screen.  After a
  few minutes, the screen will clear if you have the option set.  It is not
  recommended that you leave your monitor on when not using it:

  1:  You are exposing yourself to ELM radiation, which may cause cancer in
      later stages of life
  2:  You are using up about 80 watts of electricity which not only costs you
      money, but also contributes to environmental damage in a slight way.
  3:  Your monitor will last longer if you simply turn it off when not in use.

--Fixed the system log view from the Wait for Call screen.
--Fixed the system history reports.


Celerity v1.27

Version 1.27 was begun on 9/12/90 and completed on 9/20/90.  Be sure to run the
CONFIG program and look for new options (Local User Lockout, User Defined
Uploads, New User Upload).  Here are the changes and additions:

--Added the local user lockout (LUL) system.  This allows the sysop to set
  a certain percentage (of total users) who may be from the same area code
  as the BBS.  If this percentage is exceeded, no more locals will be allowed
  to apply for access, and they will be given a sysop-defined message.  All
  Celerity boards should have this set to 50% at a MINIMUM - remember the
  Celerity requirement of no more than 50% local users.  The best boards tend
  to be around 20% or less.
--Added user-defined download costs.  Thanks go to Skeeve and Silicosis, and
  his users for the idea.  If this is turned on, and the system uses the
  auto file validation option and FP system, the uploading user may choose how
  many points to charge for his/her file, within reason.  They can price the
  file at normal (estimated from standard point cost value) cost, half, double,
  1 point, or free.  This is useful when there is a commission system.
--Integrated new version of Online Editing Tools.  Changes in this include:
  --More reliable.  Won't choke on a system which has a conference with only
    one sub in it.
  --User level is updated properly.
  --Sub access is color coded - when you edit a user's sub access, you will see
    a little character flag to the left of the sub.  This will be a K for Keep
    Out (no access), L for Let In (guaranteed access), or B for By Level (in
    which case users with a certain level will be allowed in, others will not).
    The character will be color-coded.  If the user has access to the sub, the
    status character will be green.  If he/she does not have access, it will be
    displayed in red.
--Version 1.2 of Config released.  This has a new option, selected with the F5
  key.  Press F5 and you will be prompted for the text to search for.  Pressing
  F6 will search for the next occurence.  This is helpful if you want to find
  an option, but aren't sure exactly where it is, and don't want to page up and
  down searching for it.
--Fixed a problem which appeared in 1.26 which would not allow a new system to
  be run (division by 0 in the WFC screen).
--Added external post editing - make sure your external text editor path is set
  correctly.  If you use the external editor, make sure it:
  -- Saves files in text format
  -- Saves the file as RECEIVE. in your main BBS directory
  -- Does not have a line length greater than 79
--Added Zmodem post upload - this now works for ANY message entry, including
  email, feedback, automessage, etc. as well as normal posts.
--Added value editing (see user-defined point values above) at the user file
  edit menu.
--Added new user upload code - there are two options for this (require upload,
  save upload).  Turn the first on if you want to require new users to upload
  an example of their latest ware (catch those who say they've got the latest,
  and really don't).  If you have the second option on, the new upload will be
  retained for the sysop to look at.  If you turn it off, the upload will be
  deleted after the user logs off.  Either way, a ZIP listing of the upload
  will be retained for examination by the sysop (and new user voting panel, if
  you use the NUV system).  It is recommended that uploads not be kept, as they
  will only waste space, and you should get your new wares from your validated
  users, not new users.  Users MAY upload trojan horses here as well, so if
  you do decide to keep these files, be wary.
--Wrote CelerityNet v1.4.  The Lexicon will continue to receive CelNet v1.3
  calls for a few more weeks, but upgrade as soon as possible.  CelNet v1.4
  is a stepping stone towards version 2.0, which will support a complete
  Node-->Hub-->Host format, rather than the Node-->Host format which currently
  exists.  CelNet v1.4 also features a combined upload packet and combined dl
  packet, and reduces dialogue to a minimum.  The end result is faster net
  calls, and greater reliability.
--Fixed problem with typing files (caused all files to go offline - old TCS
  or Forum bug).


Celerity v1.28

Version 1.28 was under development during the week of 9/20/90 to 9/26/90.  A
few new features made their appearance, and some other things have been changed
slightly.

--The ancient TCS problem which popped up from time to time - all files going
  offline after a couple botched batch downloads - has been SOLVED.  It
  required a LOT of rewriting over the months, and I finally wrote the last
  peice of the new code which solved the problem.  Thanks to The Cooz who sort
  of inintentionally put me on the right track for this one.
--Added a FAT move when moving files in the xfer section.  Here is how this
  functions:

  With the old system, Celerity (like all other Forum clones) would copy the
  source file to the destination directory, delete the old source file, and
  update the area records.  Now, if the source and destination are on the same
  logical drive (ie: same drive spec), Celerity will simply rewrite the FAT
  (File Allocation Table) data to tell DOS that the file is in the new
  directory, but preserve the cluster/sector pointers.  Thus, the actual data
  of the file is never moved on the disk, only the data which tells DOS which
  directory it is in.  The result is a move which takes only a fraction of the
  original time.  When moving a file to a seperate drive parameter, a regular
  copy is still done.

--Bulk move and delete have finally been fixed, and work completely.  Bulk move
  (use the "B" command from the sysop file menu) will use FAT moves as well,
  when appropriate.
--Redesigned the system status area.  There are now three sub-areas, one for
  Storage report, one for System Information, and one for activity History.
--Rewrote the system history display routines to make it look different.
--Added "Smart Infoform Management".  The initial inspiration for this came
  from an idea of The Slavelord for LSD - allowing sysop's to title their
  info-forms.  When I decided to add this, I also opted to go with some ideas
  which Malignant Growth brought to me about half a year ago - allowing info-
  forms to have minimum and maximum access levels.  I added the option to
  force an infoform to be filled out as well.  This new data can all be input
  from the config program.
--Added infoform text.  Five new text files can be written, titled INFOTEXT.x,
  where x is a number from 1 to 5 corresponding to the appropriate infoform.
  These files will be displayed when a user fills out an infoform, but will
  NOT be part of the form itself.
--Added infoform menu for easy handling.  Users will be placed into this
  menu when they log on if there is a new infoform they have not filled out
  which is within their access range.
--Fixed a problem (I think) which resulted in the occasional mangling of a
  user's file point score, sometimes giving him thousands of FP's, sometimes
  giving him a few thousand FP debt.
--Adopted a handy idea from Havok, which is showing a user's access levels at
  the bottom information bar.  Adding to the regular access level with the old
  system, Celerity now displays the user's Gfile access and Xfer access as well,
  and additionally shows file points.
--The other idea credited to The Shocker and Havok is related to the one above,
  and that is allowing the sysop (local user) to edit a user's xfer points and
  all access from the keyboard in the same manner that time is currently alter-
  ed.  Keys are as follows:

  <--, -->  :  Left/Right arrows remove or add time to the online user.
  ,       :  Up/Down arrow keys will add or remove xfer points.
  Ins,Del   :  Insert/Delete keys will add or subtract one access level.
  Home,End  :  Home/End keys add or subtract Xfer access level.
  PgUp,PgDn :  Page Up/Page Down add or subtract Gfile level.

--Changed to a new modem driver.  Thanks to The Slavelord for providing me with
  a version of Pibasync which seems to work a bit better with CelCore, and seems
  to be working without problems.  Please notify me if you get any CelCore
  error codes or if you find problems with it.  Supposedly, Pibasync (v4.7) is
  one of the fastest Async modem drivers available.  Let me know if you find any
  problems or notice any speed increase.
--Added sysop-configurable input/output buffers.  These may improve or decrease
  performance, depending on their settings.  Play with them, and see if you find
  any noticable differences.
--Established new more strict distribution policy.  Current boards do NOT have
  to conform to the new policy (shareware fees etc.), but new ones will.


Celerity v1.29

Version 1.29 was developed between 9/27/90 and 10/6/90.  Not many changes, but
a couple bug fixes, and full v42 and v42bis support (real tough).

--Added an option to verify file locations (V from sysop file menu).  This will
  look in the file's specified path for the file.  If it isn't there, it will
  look in the currently defined area pathname, and if found, it will remap the
  location.  This is helpful if you decide to move an entire directory to a
  different drive or pathname.
--Changed the extension change command to Z.
--Added two more HST types and corresponding support code for v42/v42bis
  operation.
--Did a little more net work
--No longer require DSZ or PKZIP/UNZIP in current directory, but will search
  the whole path.
--Require description with validation upload.
--Fixed system history display bug.
--Wrote new line chat routine.
--Fixed a problem or two which arise from a no-FPS system.


Celerity v1.30

Development on version 1.30 began on 10/7/90 and the release finally came out
on 11/19/90.  It was supposed to include Net v2.0, but we were still having some
problems with it and people were clamoring for 1.30.  It adds a couple new
features, fixes up some bugs which appeared in 1.29 or earlier, and
makes some heavy structural changes which should manifest themselves in a
slight speed advantage.  Noteworthy changes include the following:

--Added the Zip listing command in the sysop file menu.
--Changed some sysop file area commands.  Z)ip Listing, V)erify Locations,
  G)lobal Extension rename.
--Changed some of the zip manipulation code.
--Eliminated the "You get a loan" message when the user is downloading a
  free file.
--Rewrote the header routine to link quicker and display three types of
  boxes - Extended ASCII, ANSI, and ANSI Plaque.
--Fixed a problem showing the system statistics / storage.
--Put a limit on the length of xfer section names.
--Major structural changes dealing with the Pibasync / CelCore integration.
--Eliminate a validation upload requirement for users logging on new from the
  local console.
--Made a nasty comment if a user skipped a validation upload.
--Fixed the problem when no USERVOTE.DAT file existed.  It should now be
  created correctly.
--Fixed the problem which gave users incredibly large amounts of xfer points,
  or a large xfer point debt.  This was mostly fixed a couple versions ago,
  but still existed in the case of a sysop-added file (ie: if the sysop adds
  a file for a user, and then later deletes that file, that user's points may
  get fucked if the sysop says to remove the points given to the user.  This
  will not happen on any files added under v1.30 or later.)
--Fixed the problem of an online user's handle not getting changed via the
  online sysop editing tools.
--Added config option to turn off FAT move (in those cases where someone has
  to use FASTOPEN or something else which may make trouble).
--Fixed the problem with users being able to download longer than their time
  should allow.
--Added a sysop security password.  Leave this blank in the config to avoid
  using it.  If you are careful about who has sysop access, there should be
  no problems, but some people wanted this..
--Changed the user statistics at the WFC and credits page - now shows the
  total number of users (not just user slots), total local (within area code)
  users, and the percentage of local users.
--Changed the way that the user-specific PCR and UDR are used.  A user with a
  specified PCR or UDR of 0 will use the default (set in config).  A user with
  a non-0 PCR/UDR will use that value.
--Forced color #8 to use a non-black background.  The board really looks shitty
  if this has a black background, so I'm forcing this.
--Redesigned the message reading layout a little.  Shows the same information,
  but on fewer lines.  Knocks out one or two extra lines so more data can fit
  on the screen.
--Used a FAT move when posting new uploads.  It is recommended that you make
  your temporary xfer directory on the same logical drive as your most-often
  uploaded-to directory (ie: a "New Uploads" directory) to make things go as
  fast as possible.
--System will now go off hook when doing net posts, backups, etc.
--Added some checking to get people to enter real descriptions when uploading.
  No more reiteration of program name, disks, etc.
--Changed the reply code in the message systems.
--Added the 'J' (space free on volume) command in the xfer sysop section.
--Changed a lot of system log entries - added some, deleted others, fixed some.
--Fixed the color assignment problems.
--Reverted to the old net to get a 1.30 release out.
--Fixed up some problems in the config (colors not right, aborting at a space,
  etc.).
--Removed some config options.  Added others.
--Added time and date printing capability within text files (Lowercase Delta
  (δ / Alt-235) for the date, and Uppercase Gamma (Γ / Alt-226) for the time).
--Fixed problems with net not dialing out - a result of the offhook/onhook
  routine.
--Added a timeout or two in the network.  Increased speed of net negotiation.
--Added code to delete new posts immediately after successfully sending them,
  to hopefully eliminate all vestiges of repeated posts.
--Added a check so the absense of net news will not crash system.


Celerity v1.31

Version 1.31 was developed between 11/24/90 and 12/08/90.  It adds a few new
features, and fixes up some bugs, as usual.  Some of the exciting new features
are an internal ANSI driver for the local side, for increased speed of display
and ends Celerity's reliance on DOS' ANSI driver, an instant DOS-drop (Alt-D),
new sysop help (Alt-H), sysop toggled file list attributes, and a few other
features.  New stuff to look for in the config includes, but is not limited to:

Connect String - leave blank if you want "Celerity v1.xx Connected at ...",
                 or substitute your own text "VAX SYSTEM.."
Wait String    - This is displayed when the sysop is doing something like
                 using DOS or the online editor.  Make sure you set this.
New User Level - New users will be given this level, usually 0.  If you have
                 an open system and want new users to immediately have access
                 to the system, raise this.
Celerity ANSI  - Turn this on to use Celerity's internal ANSI driver for
                 speed.  It _may_ have some compatibility problems (for the
                 local side only, of course), so let us know if you find any.
Picky Descript - This will make file descriptions be "picky", and not allow
                 users to re-enter the program name as the first words in the
                 description, or repeat disk numbers in the description.
Use Program Name - Turning this off will remove the need for users to enter
                 the program name field when uploading.  It will also prevent
                 users from turning this option on in their file listing config.
Use Disk Numbers-Toggles use of the disk number fields.
Use Description -Toggles the use of the description field.

--Fixed some code dealing with net 1.2 code (for Havok and Silicosis systems)
--Changed the comment.bat code to point to an absolute file location rather
  than point to the work directory.  Change your comment.bat files and remove
  the temporary xfer directory (use %1 as the full pathname, not just part.
  See the comment.bat included here as an example).
--Did some structural changes to increase efficiency in the xfer section.
--Added a full command line to the file list prompt.
--Increased the batch download size to 15 files.
--Removed all file point information from screens if the fps was turned off.
--Stopped the system from deducting file points if the fps was turned off -
  if you want a "leech week" or something, you can turn the fps off and all
  files will be free for that time.
--Added internal i/o checking for the display of files.  1.30 was compiled in
  the wrong error checking state, which introduced a slew of runtime errors
  when missing files were encountered.
--Added a logon string - which can be displayed instead of "Celerity v1.xx -
  connected at ...."
--Fixed a problem with brand new systems with the uservoting turned on.
--Wrote an internal Celerity ANSI screen driver.  This replaces DOS' ANSI
  driver, and is 38% faster than the fastest DOS ANSI driver we could find.
  Local screens will be much faster, and users will notice slightly quicker
  response as well, especially on slow machines.  For best video performance,
  turn the Celerity ANSI driver on, do not load a DOS ANSI driver, turn the
  snow checking off, turn direct video addressing on, and if you can, load
  a screen cache program (SuperPCK and Vcache have them).  Removing the DOS
  ANSI driver is optional, if you use it often you can leave it in with little
  or no system slowdown.
--Wrote the ANSI.EXE utility.  This utility will display an ANSI file, much
  like DOS' TYPE command, but quicker.  You don't need to have ANSI loaded
  in your config.sys, and so your screen will display faster too.
--Added sysop-configurable file list functions.  The sysop can now decide if
  he wants to use program name, disk numbers, and description fields on his
  system.
--Fixed a problem with zip listings of files, where the system always said the
  files were private.
--Added some additional information to file information listings.
--Added the 'I' command for the main file area prompt for file information.
--Fixed a problem with the show/unshow bottom status bar (Alt-B).
--Designed and implemented new sysop help (Alt-H).
--Fixed the sub access editing in the Online Editor.
--Fixed the problem where a crash would occur if the online tools were used
  while someone was newscanning.
--Added the Alt-D "instant dos drop" at Phantom's request.  Works nearly
  anywhere.
--Added a configurable "please wait" text string for dos drop / sysop tools.
--Added configurable new user access level - usually this should be set to 0.


Celerity v1.32

Version 1.32 came out fairly quickly after 1.31, due to some oversights on my
part, namely the timeout calendar was not reset.  It also fixed a few bugs and
added a couple new features.  There are no new config options, and your old
config files are fully compatible.

--Fixed the problem with 2400 users not connecting on a dual standard HST
--Fixed problem with news creation if no news exists
--Fixed problem with subs crashing if the access code was changed
--Fixed problems with user access flags getting scrambled when subs were sorted,
  ordered, or deleted.
--Fixed problem with negative batch point totals
--Added GIF resolution checking on GIF files (duh) in the program name field.
  Note: A system must use Program Name to allow this function to work.  GIFs
  rarely have a program name (as they are only data), so this is the logical
  place for this information to appear.  It may also appear in the I)nformation
  about file area.
--Added point reassignment command (P in sysop file menu) to reassign all file
  point values based on auto-validate parameters (point value)


Celerity v1.33

Version 1.33 came out as a result of releasing 1.32 too quickly, and not giving
my beta testers a decent chance to work it over for bugs, and there were a few
nasty ones in 1.32.  What was done includes:

New config options:

Offhook During Call - Turn this on if you want Celerity to go offhook during a
        local call.
Offhook After Call  - If you want Celerity to go offhook after a successful
        call (ie: during the program reset), turn this on.
Answer on Ring      - What ring should Celerity answer on?  Use ring #0 for the
        normal "answer on 1/2 ring" that Celerity usually does.  This can be
        used for Caller ID purposes in certain parts of the country.

--Removed the old archaic method of listing errors
--Fixed a problem with deletes in the fse (it would back up too far) on the
  modem end.
--Added a vpic/GIF view when a local user T)ypes a GIF file.  VPIC must be
  in the main BBS directory for this feature.
--Fixed a couple problems with the new DSZ handling.
--Added a file extraction/download feature (X from xfer menu) to allow people
  to download one and only one file from a zip.
--Fixed some aesthetic problems, namely in the system status, chat word wrap,
  upload/download 'k' ratio, and system history sections.
--Added a screen restore after dropping to DOS with the alt-d command.
--Added cycling display panels on the WFC screen


Celerity v1.34

Version 1.34 didn't take long, and it doesn't add a whole lot, but I
want everyone to move to it.  It adds the top five lists, but the major
changes are all structural and preparation for future use.

New Config Options:

Top Five Lists     -  Turn this on to enable top five list displays
Top Five Exemption -  Users above this level are exempt from the top
                      five listings.  Usually a sysop does not want to
                      be counted in his competition.
Backup Directories -  For future use.  Leave off.

--Changed structure of user file.
--Changed storage conventions for file directory areas.
--Added top five listings for posts, uploads, and downloads.
--Changed some structural details in the configuration files.
--Wrote CONVAREA to change to new file area conventions
--Changed CONVUSER to update user files
--Added code to enable or disable top ten lists, and have a level exemption
--Fixed a problem relating to changing a sub's parameters
--Corrected a potentially dangerous flaw which could have been used to
  compromise system security.  Due to the delicate nature of this bug, which
  exists in EVERY Forum clone I have seen, I will not reveal any details about
  it.
--Added HEADER.ANS - a 3-line (no more, no less please) ANSI file which can
  reside in your menus directory.  This header, if it exists, will replace the
  default header.  Make sure to leave room for the Command prompt in it.
--Added a new section (C from the sysop menu) for Network Management.  This
  section will allow sysops to list, view, and delete outgoing net posts, and
  therefore keep some control over what posts go out.
--Fixed the baudrate values for the modem.log and doors
--Rewrote the message display handler for greater speed and efficiency.
--Created a download information box (when a user downloads, a box is
  displayed showing his handle, uploads/downloads, etc.)
--Added MSGNEWS.x (like XFERNEWS.x, where x is the conference number.
  This will be displayed when a user enters the subs).
--Added rudimentary private netmail feature (see below)
--Wrote new line chat (F4) routines.

Private NetMail
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you are on the network, with version 1.34 you can have access to a
rudimentary system of private network mail.  "Real" network mail will
be seen with net version 2.0, but who knows when that will be ready.
This essentially works like a net sub (it IS a net sub - #255), except
only the recipient can read the messages.  Let your users know about it,
and put up with their complaints of how cheap it is, which I am the
first to admit.  This private net mail thing took me a total of 7
minutes to implement, and about 3 minutes to debug.  It isn't a terribly
involved system.


Celerity v1.35

Version 1.35 was a long time in the making, spanning all development
between late February and late April.  Some of the delay was due to lack
of work on our part, some of it was due to extensive new structural
changes which needed time to work the bugs out of.  Note that you will
need to process all pending users in the NUV system, if any, and delete
the USERVOTE.DAT file.

New Config Options:

Use Terminal Detection  -  Turning this on will automatically detect the
                           terminal emulation of the caller in most
                           cases.
Preview Posts           -  Turning this on will allow outgoing network
                           posts to be visible BEFORE the network call.
                           Note that if these posts are DELETED, they
                           will STILL go out on the network.
Network Node #          -  This has been changed.  Starting May 1st with
                           the dedicated network server, your net node #
                           will be identical to your serial number.



--Private email will now be skipped, rather than requiring the user to
  press [Enter] at every peice.
--Wrote routines to skip files already on a directory when the sysop is
  adding multiple files.
--Restructured the logon procedure for more efficient operation.  Logon
  shells currently include:
  1: No logon shell
  2: Standard menu-type shell
  3: DOS-simulator logon shell
  4: Interactive ANSI/Avatar logon shell
  5: External shell (information regarding this shell will be released
     to developers who wish to write for it)
--Added automatic terminal detection (will differentiate between ANSI,
  Avatar, and VT-100 emulation)
--Removed colorization from the split-screen chat
--Addressed a problem of the modem hanging up when an incorrect result
  code was returned.
--Removed some useless commands from the BBS list sysop menu.
--Removed some rarely used sections of the BBS, and unnecessary commands
  from the main menu, sub board menu, and sub sysop menu (see the new
  menus for reference)
--Fixed the bug with the "Choose a conference" default.
--Fixed the prompt for the global Zipscan.
--Added a filesize sort in the xfers.
--Redesigned the sysop "make a new user" function to parallel actual new
  user procedures.
--Added compatibility with the new DOOR.SYS standard for doors (GAP
  doors)
--Fixed a problem with the deletion of unvalidated files in the xfer
  section
--Added the top ten monthly posters lists
--Fixed some problems dealing with the linking of a second and third
  system
--Did some work on the Oneliners section
--Gave the sub-boards a minor facelift, including the ability to lock
  specific subs out of your newscans.
--Added the A)utomessage command from the main menu.
--Changed the new user upload format slightly
--Added voter comments to the NUV
--Fixed the vote processing in the NUV
--Changed the user transfer box a bit.


Celerity v1.36

Version 1.36 was developed between 5/1/91 and 6/11/91.  It saw the
inclusion of three entirely new sections coded from scratch which get
away from the poor way that Forum clones handle things.  These sections
include the new BBS list section, the Oneliners section, and the
multinode section.

New Config Options:

Common Node Directory   -  This is a directory that multiple nodes will
                           share on a multinode BBS, preferably a
                           RAMdisk.  Set it to something, even if you
                           only run a single line board (your BBS
                           directory is ok).
List Xfer Activity      -  This is the level required to see the Xfer
                           activity listings.
Show Usage Chart        -  If this is on, users will be prompted if they
                           wish to view the file MODEMLOG.ANS in the
                           main BBS directory.  MODEMLOG.ANS is created
                           by The Necromancer's MODEMLOG program which
                           creates a usage chart.
Port Delay              -  Celerity goes too fast for some serial
                           hardware to handle.  If your users get an
                           inordinant amout of ANSI or Avatar garbage,
                           increase this setting to 5 or 10.  Each count
                           takes up about 10 or 20 clock cycles, so even
                           a setting of 50 should be unnoticable to the
                           human eye.

--Added pick list for user selection in the sysop tools.
--Changed the bottom status bar.  Use Alt-B to select.
--Implemented new BBS/VMB/NUA list section.
--Made provision for external heading.ans file to replace your default
  plaque or standard headers.  Make up to three lines (255 characters
  max) of ANSI, and use the "@" character to insert a 34-line header bar
  (in the color of the @).  This isn't real elegant, but it works and
  works well once you figure it out.
--Changed command parsing.  Commas (,) are no longer used, but you now
  use a semicolon (;) to use multiple commands.
--Changed DSZ log handling a bit - it will now count >1000k files
  correctly
--Wrote and implemented new oneliners section
--Re-arranged the new user process a bit, and gave new users a second
  chance at a botched validation upload.
--Took out the file info display when downloading a single file.
--Changed the area listing in the xfer section for speed
--Wrote and implemented multinode chat.
--Changed modem result codes a bit to include the new commands from the
  new HST/Dual standard modems.
--Added provision for Modemlog.ans to be displayed.
--Changed more prompts to the YES/no format.
--Added Xfer activity log (V from main)
--Added option in sysop file area (X) to download un-added file
--Added global actions menu (G) to sysop xfer menu for global actions on
  all file areas (Sort, Verify locations, Cleanup, Point reassign)
--Wrote new system storage display (S;S from main)
--Renamed HEADER.ANS (FSE header) to EDITHEAD.ANS
--Changed Command-line options for Celerity
--Improved multinode chat considerably
--Increased available memory in DosDrop by about 200k
--Changed file size in listings to "k format", saving 4 spaces
--Added a port delay for slow serial hardware (See above)
--Fixed a number of minor bugs from bug reports
--Added page function to multinode chat.
--Added carrier drop / entry / exit notifications in multichat.
--Increased speed in the pick list
--Added message quoting in the subs


Celerity v1.37

Version 1.37 was developed between 6/24/91 and 8/30/91.  In the message
section, some changes were made to the quoting system.  Quotes appear in a
different color, and quoting is now accessed by ^Q or /Q rather than before
the message is made.  Multiple quotes per message are possible.  We also added
some new color capability.  Users can enter |00 to |15 to set the foreground
color, but can also now use |B1..|B7 to set background color, or |B8..|B9 to
turn blinking on or off.  Users can also be excluded from net subs now with a
simple flag set in the Online Tools.

In the xfer section, big changes came with the introduction of a new ratio
(general ratio), plus the ability to exclude a user from PCR/UDR/GenR.  The
xfer sections are now scanned in a global quickscan, due to many requests.  In
addition, files can be added to the batch buffer from any conference, and
downloaded altogether.  A daily K per day limit has been established which can
be edited in the Online Tools.

New Config Options:

CAE System              - Turn this on to run the system in CAE mode.  Read
                          the appendix in the docs for more details.
Monochrome Monitor      - Makes all characters high intensity for easier
                          reading on monochome/paperwhite VGA monitors.

--Added hooks for a FOSSIL driver.  If you need this version due to strange
  hardware conditions, please contact me.
--Incorporated the CAE mode.  Read more in the docs.
--Added option to turn off local display - hit Cntrl-PgDown to toggle this.
  Things will go quicker for users in a multitasking environment with this
  turned off.
--Fixed bug where top ten lists were not cleared every month.
--Rewrote the display routine for messages, adding the |B command for
  background color and flashing.
--Rewrote disk file display routine.
--Expanded and extended Avatar support.
--Added some optimization when running under a multitasking system
--Added color fix for monochrome monitors (see config option)
--Wrote a new user list for speed
--Fixed up some problems in the split screen chat
--Changed some of the input routines to allow easier access to high-bit ASCII
  characters.
--Changed batch download routines for speed and cross-conference downloads.
--Added color change for quoted text in messages.
--Added a new file, SUBS.x (x=conference number) to display subs.
--Moved the prompt to the bottom of the screen.
--Rewrote some of the sub newscan routines.
--Worked on some WFC commands.
--Extended the global newscan to the xfer conferences.
--Touched up the multinode chat to work with up to 8 nodes instead of 2.
--Fixed some minor bugs in the sysop "make user", file listings, net post
  processing, board editing, and file area editing.
--Added some new access options to SysEdit.
--Changed the answer routines to use verbal (yech!!) result codes to gain some
  measure of compatibility with other non-HST high speed modems.
--Changed the manner in which quoting is done (^Q and /Q, rather than a prompt
  when you post a message)
--Changed the terminal detection routine slightly
--Added some additional protection to private netmail.
--Added basis for the General Ratio (combination of PCR and UDR)
--Added exemption flags for General Ratio, PCR, and UDR.
--Added a flag to exclude users from net subs.
--Added a "Download K per day" limit.  Default is set to 65000 (65 megs)


Celerity v1.38

Version 1.38 began development on 9/1/91, and was completed around 11/19/91.
The major change with the greatest impact is the new SETUP.EXE program which
replaces the former CONFIG.EXE with a much easier to use, better organized,
and flexible configuration utility.

--Wrote and implemented new SETUP.EXE configuration utility.
--Did necessary changes to interface new setup with existing software.  Major
  structural changes needed in some areas.
--Added the option to scan Xfer conferences in a global newscan.
--Added provision for a documentation / system policy packet.  The sysop
  should make a file called LEX_DOCS.ZIP (the first three characters being
  your three-digit acronym) in the main BBS directory.  This can contain a
  copy of the Celerity user documentation, a copy of your system's policies,
  group/subscription applications, or any other files you may wish to include.
  If this file exists, new users will be asked if they wish to download the
  package when they apply.
--Added the CAE/TAC mode.  This stands for "Total Access Control", and makes
  the CAE essentially into a regular BBS with user accounts, access levels,
  file points (if you wish to use them), and the like, but without any
  form of messaging, email, or other amenities that come with a full BBS.
  Users will be dumped directly into the transfer section, although sysops
  will be able to use the system as a regular Celerity BBS (ie: have a sub
  for sysops/cosysops to communicate, etc).
--Rewrote the screen region handling routines.  Added a new pop-up status box
  during a user's login procedure.
--Modified CelerityNet host mode to process new incoming posts AFTER the node
  hangs up.  This will result in a time reduction of anywhere from 5 to 120
  seconds per net call.
--Made private netmail a little more private (note: this is still not
  failsafe!)
--Added provision for xfer conference access flags independent from message
  conferences.
--Fixed bug where only bad downloads were recorded in the "recent xfer
  activity" log.
--Fixed bug where slow users' cps rates were not being updated (ie: a 2400
  user who was initially given a 1000cps average rate (which has also been
  changed for new users) would average 230 or so on a transfer.  Celerity
  would figure "hey - that's less than half the average, it must be wrong!"
  and wouldn't take the new average into account...)
--Incorporated sysop-defined colors for online tools and status bar.
--Created the internal ANSI->Avatar conversion routine.  If the system uses
  the internal ANSI interpreter, and the user has Avatar terminal emulation
  selected, all ANSI codes will be converted into Avatar codes for speed.
  Credit must be given to Ken Sallot and LSD BBS for this idea, we just took
  it one step further and made one that worked!
--Rewrote much of the archive handling routines.  Archives of type ZIP, ARC,
  ARJ, PAK, ZOO, LZH, DDD, and TD0 can now be listed.  ZIP, ARC, LZH, and ARJ
  can now be extracted.
--Fixed some problems in the subs.
--Improved the file display routine somewhat.  Approximate 10% speed
  improvement.

See the README.138 file for more information.