BBS Toolkit/BBS Toolkit.iso/programs/ubfile17.zip/UBFILE.DOC

Text File | 1991-08-25 | 20KB | 369 lines

                              UBFILE ver 1.7
                              For Ultra BBS 2+


Important! Please read the following paragraphs and if it fits your situation
then please read the instructions on separating files.  This is a Beta Test
of UBFILE so make sure you back up all your data before using this program.
Please Make sure your ID names are all 4 charactors long.

  How you use UBFILE is dependent on your present directory setup.  Due to the
fact that moving files is difficult I would assume that many users have only
a limited number of physical file directories.  The number of directory ID's
could be extensive.  This situation has some good and bad points.  Files are
in a centralized area and no physical moving is required.  One drawback is
that it is very difficult to split files to different drives and directories
if you are running low on disk space.  Many utilities such as ones that make
new ZIP headers slow down as the number of files increases.  The situation is
not too bad for small BBS;s but when you have over 3000 files like I do, you
need more than a couple of directories to hold them.  I still like to be
able to go to my Games directory and just see game files, not 300 games mixed
in with 1000 other files.  If you do not have separate physical directories
for your ID's then make sure you read the section of separating files.  Serious
damage can be done to your files if you blindly use this program.


Ver 1.7 - Fixes a few critters that slipped past me in version 1.6

          If no files were in a directory and you used the Record
          Editor and just started typing in the information instead
          of pressing F2 to add a file record was getting assigned
          an improper record number.

          Changed a timed pause on displaying a Registered Feature Only
          window to require a keystroke to exit.  One of the testers
          reported getting scrambled screen displays with the timed
          function.

          Fixed (Hopefully) a problem with the Page Down function that
          would not show the last page if two or fewer records were
          on the last page.

          Added still more code to remove any spaces from filenames that
          are added with the Unlisted File import.  If anyone has any
          trouble with files not being found for downloading that were
          imported with the Text File Import or Unlisted File import
          please let me know about it.  At the time of release the only
          trouble I heard about was people who used Tick Generated text
          files from Remote Access.  Any errors should be fixed
          by running the enclosed FIXDATA.EXE.  Please read Fixdata.Doc
          for instructions.
New Features in ver 1.6

Each ID can contain up to 1000 Files. (500 Unregistered)

Adds files in directory but not in database automatically

Sort Screen display by Date or Filename (Registered version only)

Textfile import now supports up to 5 lines of descriptions

Added the Zip file viewer to the record editor

Removed Memory block size from Ubfile.CFG - 2nd line now contains Sysop's name


Ver 1.5

Features:

Works with either Version 1.11 or Version 2.0 of Ultra.

View and Edit files on directory by directory basis.

Supports up to 200 directories.

Tag up to 100 files at a time for deletion or moving.

View inside archives and read docs. (Requires PKUNZIP in path)

Edit full records and descriptions from scrolling list.

Can be used while multinode BBS is operating.

Global change features for ID names and Paths.

Utilities for reading in Text file lists from other BBS programs.

Updates Filebase Index files.

Edit Text files in DOS directories (Requires Qedit or similar text editor).



SETUP

  UBFILE must be run from the same directory that contains your FILEBASE.DAT
files.  Unzip UBFILE.EXE and UBFSET.EXE into that directory.  Make sure that
a copy of PKUNZIP is available through your path statement or is also in
the same directory.  Create a file called UBFILE.CFG in the same directory
and enter the name of your text file editor on the first line.  The Second
line is the number of records to read into meory.  The larger the number
the faster UBFILE will operate.  This should be a number between 100 and 500.
Ubfile takes approximatly 270K to run.  Each multiple of 100 adds about
33K to that number when the Filebase is being read so if you don't have
a lot of memory then keep the number on the low side.  A disk cache will
also greatly increase the speed of operation.

   If you have a separate physical path for every file ID then setting up
UBFILE is simple.  Just run the included setup file once to create a small
index file containing your ID's and Paths. This file is used throughout the
program to locate directories and move files.  If you have no files online
the procedure is a little more complicated.  You must first run UBFILE and
enter the GLOBAL MENU and choose Add ID's.  You must now physically add your
ID's and paths to the index file.  Make sure that type in all the information
correctly as it is not very easy to correct mistakes once you enter it in.
There has been some trouble handling ID names of less than 4 charctors. It
is suggested that you expand all your ID's to 4 letters to prevent any
errors in the operation of this program.

                         SEPERATING FILES


   If you have many ID names and do not have separate physical drives then
read the following information carefully.  First use UBFSET.EXE to copy infor-
mation from your FILEBASE.DAT file.  In order to separate your files into
other directories you must first Create new ID's with different paths.  For
example if you have an ID called GAME with a path of C:\UBBS\FILES then use
the ADD an ID function to create an ID called\ GAM2 or something similar.  Enter
a path different then the current path of the GAME files.  Entering the current
location of your game files into the new ID Path could result in deletion of
files.  Do the same thing for all your ID's.  A good idea is to name your
DOS directories the same as your 4 letter ID's.  It makes it a lot easier
to keep track of things.  Once you have all your present ID's duplicated with
slightly different names you can begin moving files.  Once all your files have
been moved to the proper location you can then go back and delete the old ID
names.  If you like you can use the Rename ID feature to change the new ID
names back to the old ones.  Although this method takes a bit longer it sure
is faster then typing in 1000 paths one at a time.

   If you have Multiple Paths for an ID then you are in for a bit of work
before you can use UBFILE.  This program is based on the assumption that
you only have one path for Each ID.  Any attempts to move files with this
configuration could have disasterous effects.  DO NOT use UBFSET.EXE if you
have multiple paths for an ID since the program reads the file path of the
first occurance of an ID and enters that path as the default.  Use ADD ID
to enter in all your ID's and PATHS before using UBFILE to move any files.


USING UBFILE

  UBFILE is broken into three main parts: Editor,Global, and Utilities.  All
three sections contain useful features for maintaining and updating your
filebase.

                              EDITING FILES

  When you choose EDIT FILES you are presented with a scrolling list of your
ID's.  Use the arrow keys to scroll up and down through the list and hit enter
to select the ID you would like to edit.  If you remember all the numbers of
your ID's then you can enter that number instead of scrolling through the list.
At this point UBFILE reads your FILE- BASE.DAT file and picks out only those
files that match the selected ID.  This process varies in length depending on
the speed of your hardware.  If you are running on a XT with a slow hard drive
and have a large data file then the process could take a bit of time so be
patient.  A small window then pops up prompting if you wish to look for unlisted
files.  If you enter Y and enter then the bottom of your filelisting will
display any files in the assigned directory that are not contained in the
database.  All unlisted files will be assigned the record number of 99999
until one of the fields of the record is changed (most likely description
added) in the record editor.

  Once the program is done sorting the files you are presented with
a scrolling list of all files that are in the selected ID.  Use the arrow keys
and pageup-pagedown keys to move though the list.


RECORD EDITOR - If you hit enter on a file then a large window pops up con-
taining the complete record for editing.  You may change any information in
the record including the filename.  The pagedown-pageup keys may also be used
to view complete records while maintaining the current cursor location.  This is
handy if you want to change the same field on many records. If a record is
changed and either the page up or page down key is hit then the record is saved
to disk automatically.  If you hit the escaped key then you are asked
if you want to save the changes.  If you change the filename make sure you also
change the filename in the path field or the BBS will not be able to find the
record.

SELECTING FILES - When viewing the scrolling list of files up to 100 files may
be marked by using the space bar.  Using the space bar on a previously marked
file will unmark it.  A small check mark is placed on the left of the ID name
to signify that it has been marked for a future operation.  All files that
are marked will have the same operation performed on them.  If 20 files are
marked then all 20 files would be moved to the same location if the F5 key
is used.  Use caution with the space bar.  I have used it to mark files
and forgotten about them.  I paged down a few time and hit F4 to delete files.
The files that were selected were all marked for deletion even though I had
planned to move them.  If you do the same thing then just use the space bar
to unmark them and correctly set the function before you exit and save the
changes.

MOVING FILES - The F5 key is used to move selected files.  All selected
files must be moved to the same directory ID.  The F5 key may also be used
without selecting files with the space bar.  A list appears and you choose the
new ID by using the arrow key to scroll to your choice and selected with the
enter key.  After you select the ID the check mark will change to a M and
the old ID will be changed on the screen to the new one.  Remember that no
actual moving of files has taken place yet and the procedure can be aborted
by hitting the escape key and answering N to save changes.  If you answer
Y then the physical move of the file(s) will take place and all ID's and
paths will be changed in the FILEBASE.DAT and INDEX files.  To unmark files
you may hit the space bar.  It will then revert back to a check mark.  If
you desire to remove the check mark then hit the file with the space bar again
and it will disappear.

DELETING FILES - The F4 key works the same as the F5 key for deleting selected
or individual files.  You are prompted to make a decision to delete the File(s)
from the Record, Drive, or both.  Choosing Record will set the delete flag to
yes on all the selected files.  Choosing Drive will physically delete the files
from your hard drive while leaving it in the record and choosing both will Set
the delete flag and physically delete the files.  No changes are actually made
until you hit escape and answer Y to save changes.

VIEW ZIP - If you have PKUNZIP in your path use F3 to view the files contain-
ed in the archive file and also read any text file.  I get files in my upload
directory all the time with either missing or bad descriptions.  Usually if
you are in the manager you have to exit, use shez or some other utility to
read the doc file then load up manager again to edit the description.  This can
be tedious for more than a couple of files.  Presently only .ZIP files are
supported but .ARC and LZH may be added into a future version.  The zip file
viewer is available in either the file list or record editor windows.

DOS Directory - This function presents you with a scrolling list of files
in the current directory.  Hitting enter on a file will allow you to
view or edit the file with an external program.  The name of your text
editor is placed on the first line of UBFILE.CFG.  Make sure the editor
is either in the same directory or somewhere in your DOS filepath.  Enter
the name of your editor in the FILENAME.EXT format such as EDIT.EXE.  Help
is built into the directory module and is accessed with F1.

SORT - Registered versions only - Using the F-7 key will sort all the files
on your display by filename.  F-8 will sort by filedate.  The sort only
affects the screen display and actual sorting of the database is done with
a combination of QSORT and MANAGER in Ultra.

                             GLOBAL MENU

   The Global menu gives you the opportunity to make system-wide changes to
 a selected group of records.  I've included functions that appear to be
 useful to me.

CHANGE ID NAME - Should you desire to rename one of you file ID's this function
will update all records and index files with the new ID.  The number of records
updated is shown on the screen.

NEW ID LOCATION - This selection will allow you to change the location of files
associated with any ID.  It will not physically move files.  All records and
index files are updated with the changes.  If you used a File move program
to physically move your programs or reassigned network drives then this
feature is very useful to change all the paths for the ID at once.

ADD ID - Allows you to add a new ID to UBFILES index file.  Once a new ID is
added then files may be imported or moved to the new ID.  This feature does
not add the new ID to your Conference Data File and you my use Ultra's Setup
program to add them.  The reason for this is that each conference could have
different ID's associated with them and I have no idea of which Conferences
you would like the new ID inserted.  ADD ID will create the new filepath if
it does not exist.

DELETE ID - Deletes an ID from the UBFILE index file.  Files with this ID are
not deleted from the FILEBASE.DAT nor are files physically deleted.  The
purpose of this command is to delete an ID from the scrolling selection list
if you are no longer using it.  If you want to actually delete files from the
disk or database then use the Editor to mark and delete files.  If you make
a mistake and delete the wrong ID just use ADD ID an everything will be back
to normal.  This feature does not Delete ID's from your Conference Data File.

                          UTILITY MENU

IMPORT FILELIST - This selection will allow you to import other BBS lists into
Ultra's database.  You can specify at which column each item starts but the
length is fixed to Ultra's parameters.  Most BBS text lists have the following
format:

        FILENAME   SIZE  DATE    DESCRIPTION

  What does vary though is the starting position of each block of information.
Each line of text is made up of 80 characters and although the filename usually
starts at character #1 the rest of the information could vary in position.

1             15       24        34
GAME.ZIP        32451  11/04/91  New shareware game. Supports 3D 256 color VGA

  The above example is the PCBOARD Textfile format.  A different BBS could
have the description start at 35 instead of 34.  The size and date could also
be reversed.  In order to accommodate different style file lists UBFILE allows
you to specify the starting position of each item. Default starting posistions
are installed for PCBoard style directories so if you are converting from
PCBoard or your start points are the same as the defaults then just hit
enter.  If your data start point is different then type in the new value.
If you are unsure of where each item starts then use a text editor such as
QEDIT which will tell you which column and row the cursor is on.

   There only two rules for entering in the starting posistions. File dates
must be in the MM-DD-YY format and be separated by some sort of charactor such
as / or - .  The most important rule is that there must be a charactor in
column #1.  This is because if there is no character in that posistion then
IMPORT will skip that line.  Experiment importing some small directories before
you spend a lot of time doing all of them.  Check the display in the Filelist
and Record editor and make any necessary changes to your format. UBFILE supports
5 description lines of 45 characters which is also the Ultra limit.  As with
the filename make sure that there is a character in the starting posistion of
each line of the file desscription or it will be skipped.

  The final two prompts are for the TEXTFILE to Import and the PATH of the
files.  Enter the full path of the imported text file such as:
  C:\BBS\GAMES.DIR

The path to the files in this directory is entered into the last prompt
such as:
  C:\FILES\GAMES


  You do not need to use ADD ID prior to using IMPORT since this procedure will
automatically add all required information into the index file.  Import will
also create your filepaths if they do not exist.

CREATE FILELIST - This function allows you to pick and choose area ID's that
you would like a text filelist created.  A scrolling list of ID's is presented
and you chose areas by using the space bar.  If you would like all areas listed
then enter A.  If you would only like a listing of one area then you may just
scroll to the ID and hit enter.  The next screen asks you for the filename
you would like the listing to be called.  The default is ALLFILES.BBS and if
that's fine you may just hit enter.  To clear the box you may use ALT D or the
backspace key and enter in any filename you wish. All filelists contain the
number of files and bytes for each directory and a running total of both values
for all directories which is displayed at the bottom of your text file.



                           REGISTRATION

Registration of UBFILE is $20.  Since UBFILE has about 400 hours of
work in it so far I feel that it's a steal...unless you don't register
is at all after 30 days...then it's really a steal!  As a precaution
against use over the 30 day evaluation period code has been incorporated
into UBFile that will misspell words while type messages in the Ultra
Support conference making all who read them think you are a graduate
of a group home.


                           SUPPORT

  The latest version of UBFILE and other software I've written is always
  available on my Bulletin Board.  New Users can only download 1 file so
  make it a good one.  If you are running Front Door or other compatable
  mailer then you may Freq the latest version of UBFILE by requesting
  UBFILE  or a list of all files on my system with the code word of FILES.
  Only HST Freqs are currently supported.  If you are calling with a V.32
  only mode or 2400 then you will have to log on the BBS.

  Please Send any Checks, suggestions, or 600 meg CD WORM drives to:

                        Ken Serikstad
                       Knight Moves BBS
                        42 Camden St.
                      Rochester,NY 14612
                     BBS - 716-865-2106 HST
                        FIDO 1/260/213