home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
BBS Toolkit
/
BBS Toolkit.iso
/
programs
/
xrs510.zip
/
XRS51DOC.ZIP
/
XRS510.DOC
< prev
Wrap
Text File
|
1993-01-01
|
219KB
|
3,881 lines
Note: This documentation is the 5.00 version updated with a few 'fixes'
and corrections only. Documentation for all new features in versions
5.01 through 5.10 is in a separate file named "NEWIN510.DOC"!
"Veteran" XRS users should read "NEWIN510.DOC" carefully, and an all-new
"XRInstal.Exe" program allows easy installation or update existing XRSs.
XXX XXX RRRRRRRR SSSSS <tm>
XXX XXX RRR RRR SSS SS
XXXXXX RRR RRR SSS
XXXX RRRRRRRR SSS
XXXXXX RRR RRR SSS
XXX XXX RRR RRR SS SSS
XXX XXX RRR RRR SSSSS
eXpress Response System v5.10
"eXpress Response System" (R) Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Copyright (C) 1988 - 1992 by Michael Y. Ratledge, CDP, CSP
SysOp of the "East Bay X-Change" RemoteAccess BBS in Charleston, S.C.
BBS: 803/556-7485 (Fido 372/666 - USR HST/14400). Also, FREQ's only at:
FidoNet 372/888 - Hayes V96 'Ultra' V.32/V.42 modem, and 372/6666 (HST/14400).
FidoNet Addresses: 1:1/112, 372/666, 372/777, 372/888, 372/6666
Compuserve Information System ID: 76666,1512
Documentation for XRS 5.0 by Rudi Kusters, dated Jan. 17 1992
FidoNet Address: 2:512/34.4, Arnhem, The Netherlands
Based on earlier documentation by Ed Meloan, North Augusta, SC,
even earlier documentation by Barry Wood, Oklahoma City, OK,
and historic documentation by Miles Hoover, Oakton, VA.
┌─────────┐
┌─────┴───┐ │ (R)
──│ │o │──────────────────
│ ┌─────┴┴──┐ │ Association of
│ │ │─┘ Shareware
└───│ o │ Professionals
──────│ │ │────────────────────
└────┴────┘ MEMBER
XRS is written by a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals
(ASP). ASP wants to make certain the shareware principle works for you!
If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member
by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The Ombudsman
can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not
provide technical support for members' products. Please write:
ASP Ombudsman, 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49942 USA
or send a message via Compuserve Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536. The ASP
Ombudsman may also be contacted by FAX be sending to the ASP FAX number:
(616) 788-2765. Please include a telephone number and/or FAX if available.
eXpress Response System 5.10
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Table Of Contents ├─┐
└─┬───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
SECTION I - OVERVIEW OF XRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
∙ Ethical Usage of XRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
∙ User Supported Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
∙ Licence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
∙ Registering XRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
∙ Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
∙ Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
∙ System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
∙ Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
∙ Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
SECTION II - USING XRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
∙ Getting a Mailbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
∙ Using XRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
∙ Key Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
∙ Origin Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
∙ Unpack a New Mailbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
∙ Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
∙ Reading Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
∙ Write a Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
∙ File & Area Requests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
∙ Configuration Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
∙ Sorting Your Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
∙ End of Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
∙ Miscellaneous Topics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
∙ Getting XRS onto a BBS that doesn't support it . . . . 28
SECTION III - REFERENCE GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
∙ XRS Files Used & Created . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
∙ Configuration File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
∙ Optimizing XRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
∙ Origin Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
∙ Error Messages & Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
SECTION IV - APPENDICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
∙ Appendix A - Checklist for Setting Up XRS . . . . . . . . 54
∙ Appendix B - Problem Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
∙ Appendix C - XRS in Several Environments . . . . . . . . 55
∙ Running XRS on a 2 Floppy System . . . . . . . . . . . 55
∙ Running XRS under DesqView . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
∙ Running XRS under Novell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
∙ Appendix D - XRS Related Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
REGISTRATION INFORMATION & FORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 1
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Section I - Overview of XRS ├─┐
└─┬───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
XRS (eXpress Response System) is an offline reader/editor for
messages downloaded from computer bulletin board systems. The
BBS user is able to configure the message areas that he most
desires to read, and is then able to download all the messages
from his chosen areas in one packet. He can then read them at
his leisure, on his own machine rather than being dependent upon
a sysop decided time limit. Currently, you can download messages
in 'native' XRS format from TComm, QuickBBS, RemoteAccess, Opus,
SuperBBS, Maximus, XBBS or TPBoard Bulletin Boards, or .QWK
format from any PCBoard, WildCat!, GAP, etc. that supports a .QWK
mail door. Support for several other BBS systems is being worked
on now!
The best part of XRS is that the user can also reply to the
messages he reads, or even create original messages. The next
time the user logs onto the BBS, he uploads these new messages,
and they are automatically placed in the BBS message system. Of
course, the user can also download a new batch of messages, and
start all over again!
XRS is extremely easy to use yet very flexible. It allows you
to use YOUR time to YOUR advantage, rather than being limited to
when you can access the BBS. It also allows the BBS to be free
for more callers more often!
For those curious ones, XRS is written in C++ language, using
the C-Worthy Interface Library from Solution Systems and the
TesSeRact CXL User Interface Development System from IDC. This
means that XRS easily takes advantage of windowing, editing,
video configuration and more! It is also augmented by assembler
functions in critical areas plus a binary (external) overlay for
native language support, allowing easy translation to any
non-English language without requiring any changes to the program
itself. If you are interested in translating XRS to your native
language (currently English, Dutch, French, German and Swedish
are available), please contact the author at 1:372/6666 (also
HST/14400/V.42bis).
XRS is best for those people with little time on their hands,
or who call long distance for messages. The packet that you
download is archived into a smaller package for ease and speed of
handling. XRS takes care of all the unpacking, so all you have
to do is read messages. Since you aren't online, you can take as
long to read them as you like. You can also go answer the door,
diaper a kid, or flip the hamburgers without worrying about the
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 2
dreaded "carrier lost." It's also great for sysops that manage
their BBS remotely!
Not only do you get to read messages at your convenience, but
you get quoting ability, can backtrack and read a previous
message easily, follow a thread in a series of messages, export
messages to printer or disk, and even archive them for later
reference. You can also quit, go away, and when you return,
start up exactly where you left off!
XRS is the user side program of a two-program system - the BBS
program will be handled briefly under the "Getting A Mailbag"
section in this manual.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Ethical Usage of XRS
If you are using the "eXpress Response System", you must be
aware of the fact that most of the bulletin boards which make it
available to you are FidoNet systems which use a method called
"Echomail" to transport a message around the world once it is
entered on any local BBS system.
You are required to acknowledge responsibility for any
messages placed into these systems before you use XRS - even to
"test drive" it! These sysops are paying long distance charges
both to pick up the mail you are reading, and to deliver your
response. Messages in poor taste may result in your being denied
access to the bulletin board system you have been using, or even
the entire network. Please do not take advantage of the sysops
or cause them migraines due to you taking it upon yourself to
upload nasty, irrelevant or off-topic messages to their systems.
You must enter messages in echomail areas which pertain to the
subject. If you're not sure ask the sysop about it before you
try it.
You must indicate willingness to abide by these rules and code
of ethics when you register your copy of XRS by checking one of
the two blocks on the registration form.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
User Supported Software
XRS is Shareware or 'User Supported'. It is not crippled in
any way, and all features work perfectly even for unregistered
users. 'User Supported Software' means that you can use it for a
short period of time (up to 30 days) and then - if you like it,
AND use it - you should register XRS by sending the author the
registration fee as listed on the registration form. Otherwise
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 3
you should erase the program and all related files from your
disk!
If you do not register this program, it will continue to work,
but you will always get a little advertising banner, and you will
have to continue entering the random password/key each time you
use beta versions. These are simple reminders that can easily be
avoided by registering your copy and receiving a valid
(permanent) 'PassKey' code from the author in return.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Licence
You are granted a limited, 30-day review period to test-drive
XRS. After that period expires, you *MUST* either register or
discontinue using the XRS program and erase it from your disk.
You may not disassemble, de-compile or reverse-engineer XRS or
its binary file structures to create any competing program or
derivative work, or otherwise make any modifications to the XRS
program itself without the express written permission of the
author, Mike Ratledge. If that's too hard to understand: You do
the reading - Mike does the programming!
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Registering XRS
You can use the form at the end of this documentation to mail
in with your registration fee, after which you will be granted a
'licence in perpetuity' (that means forever!) to have, hold, use,
and/or delete your copy (and future enhanced versions for the
same environment) of the eXpress Response System. You will also
receive your personalized password key to place into an XRS.KEY
file. This key is an eight-digit hexadecimal code produced by a
cyclic redundancy algorithm performed on your name. It is unique
for each person. Note that this form is also in a separate file
named 'REGISTER.XRS' for ease of printing.
New environments (e.g. i386, i486 class machines, non MS-DOS
or PC-DOS operating systems and memory managers) make it
necessary for the author to constantly upgrade his equipment and
programming tools. Which, in turn, is the basis for many new
features. Therefore, a separate fee is requested for major
updates (5.0, 6.0, etc.). See the registration form for more
information.
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 4
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Warranty
This software is guaranteed to take up space on your disk.
Beyond that, if it breaks in two, you may keep both pieces. The
author will, of course, fix any known problems that are reported
to him with sufficient examples to allow him to find the problem.
If you experience an abnormal error, please document the
error-codes and messages that you receive so it can be fixed!
Use <Ctrl-F10> to capture a screen-dump into '$XRS$PRT.SCR' if
possible.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Credits
Both "XRS" (R) and "eXpress Response System" (R) are registered
trademarks of Smokin' Software division of D.E.S.C.U. and Mike
Ratledge - Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Copyrights (c) registered 1988 thru 1992 in the United States,
also protected in all foreign countries recognizing the Bern
copyright convention.
XRSDoor is a trademark of Mike Ratledge and the Smokin' Software
division of D.E.S.C.U., protected by registered Copyrights (c)
filed yearly in 1988 thru 1992.
ARJ is a trademark of Robert Jung.
"C-Worthy Interface Library" and "Brief - the programmer's
editor" are both registered trademarks, Copyright (c) 1987
to 1991 by Custom Design Systems, Solution Systems and SP/II,
Inc. "Brief" also (c) 1992 Borland International.
FidoNet is a registered trademark of Tom Jennings of Fido
Software.
LHA (formerly LHARC) was created by "Yoshi".
NetWare is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc
PCBoard is a registered trademark of Clark Development Company.
PKZip, PKArc, PKUnZip, PKXArc and PKLite are trademarks of Phil
Katz and PKWare.
QMail is a trademark of Mark Herring ("Sparky").
QuickBBS is a trademark of Richard Creighton and Steve
Gabrilowitz.
i386, i486 & Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corp.
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 5
RemoteAccess is a trademark of Andrew Milner, Continental
Software.
XRS uses "SpawnO()" functions by Ralf Brown to maximize the
available memory during DOS shell and external program calls
if you enable swap.
TComm and TCommNet are trademarks and/or copyrighted by Larry
Jordan and The CommSoft Group, written by Jan van der Eijk.
TesSeRact and the TesSeRact Development Tools are trademarks of
Innovative Data Concepts Inc. TCXL is part of the TesSeRact
Development Tools, (C) 1987-91.
XBBS was written by Mark Kimes.
XCS, the eXpress Conversion System, is copyrighted by Rudi J A
Kusters and ProCess, (C) 1990-1992.
XMX (the XBBS mail interface) was written by Bob Butler.
Other names and products are trademarks of their respective
owners.
Many thanks to my Beta Bashers!
Many, many people have contributed ideas, thoughts and
direction to the current version of XRS and their contributions
are greatly appreciated! To date over 1000 ideas have been
implemented in successive versions of XRS making it the most
flexible ORE (Offline Reader/Editor) available!
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
System Requirements
Computer: Almost any IBM/PC-compatible computer running DOS
3.0 or higher, including many of the
not-so-compatible machines.
Disk Drives: At least 2 360K floppies, 1 720K floppy, or
preferably a hard drive are required. It might
be possible to run an extremely limited copy of
XRS on a single 360k floppy, but this would be
frustrating for you.
Memory: Need at LEAST 256K free for the overlay version
of XRS. Recent overlayed versions will cache
overlays in EMS expanded or XMS 2.0 extended RAM
if you have 96k of either type RAM free,
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 6
requiring less 'base' (640k) RAM, yet still
operating at the same speed as non-overlayed
versions. If you have more than 320K free, try
the non-overlay version. XRS dynamically
allocates memory required to display lists and
menus, and therefore the more messages in your
mailbag, the more memory it will require to
operate efficiently. Larger screen sizes (43x80
or 50x80) also slightly increase memory usage. A
very large mailbag may need as much as 200K more
dynamic memory (RAM) for all functions to work,
but a typical one (less than 200 messages) only
needs the memory listed above.
You can "eat up RAM" in many ways. If you have
problems, play with the options. Some of the
CONFIG.XRS options use more RAM than others -
these are marked with "(memory)" in the listing
of "Configuration File" parameters.
Mouse: A Microsoft driver is required if you want to
play with a rodent. Logitech mice with
Microsoft-compatible drivers work fine. XRS
automatically knows that a driver is installed
and will allow you to use the little critter.
For some more info, see "Configuration File".
Monitor: Color is preferable, since XRS makes extensive
use of color. Unless you have it set
differently, XRS will make the best use it can of
the color card (for example, 43-line mode for
EGA). Monochrome monitors can, of course, be
used. See "Configuration File" for more on color
modes.
Running XRS on a two floppy system requires special attention.
Please see Appendix C for more information. Appendix C also
includes information about running XRS in a DesqView and Novell
environment.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Installation
Now that you know what hardware you need to get this program
running, we are going to have a look at what software you need,
what you should do with it and when it is time to get a mailbag.
You probably won't be reading mail within the next two minutes;
you first have to prepare your system.
There's a separate distribution file available called
"XRS5INST.ZIP", which contains a fully automated installation and
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 7
setup program and related files. If you are a new user, this can
save you the wirwar of configuration parameters and you don't
need to worry about the right location of each file.
First of all, make a new directory that will become dedicated
to XRS and related programs, preferably '\XRS'. At the DOS
prompt, you'll type:
C:\> MD \XRS <Enter>
C:\> CD \XRS <Enter>
The first part of these lines ("C:\>") is a representation of
your DOS-prompt; the last part ("<Enter>") means "press your
Enter-key". The text between these two parts (i.e. "MD \XRS") is
what you type in. You may want to separate the program-files
from the data-files. This will make upgrading to a next version
much easier. So, make a new directory as a subdirectory of the
one you made above:
C:\XRS> MD \XRS\MAIL <Enter>
Of course, you can give this mail-directory any name you like.
You can also make one subdirectory for every bulletin board you
get your mail from - it's up to you. Here-after these two
directories are refered to as "program-directory" and
"mail-directory".
The next step is to unpack the distribution files. The
section "XRS Files Used & Created" shows a list of all the files
that are in each distribution file and indicate which of them are
required and which are optional. Uncompress the files
"XRS5CORE.ZIP" and "XRS500xx.ZIP" in the program directory. The
"xx" part in the latter filename indicates the environment in
which the program can be used: "XRS500XT.ZIP" for computers with
an 8088, or 8086 processor and "XRS500AT.ZIP" for those with an
80286, i386, i486, NEC V20, or NEC V30 processor.
At the time you 'unzip' the distribution files, you will
notice "-AV" is shown at the end of each line as the files are
extracted. After uncompressing, you will get a message
"Authentic files Verified! # GXK324 Mike Ratledge". This is to
make sure that you have the original, unchanged distribution
files.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Configuration
Some of the files can be adjusted to fit your personal needs.
A configuration file CONFIG.XRS can be created (or rename the
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 8
sample CONFIG.DMO to CONFIG.XRS) to tell XRS exactly how you want
it to behave. Use an ASCII text editor to create or change this
file, or set the options using the XRS configuration program,
XRCONFIG.EXE. The section "Configuration File" in the Reference
Guide explains each and every parameter that can be used in the
configuration file. CONFIG.XRS is not required; you can run XRS
using all the default settings, as naked as it was born on the
programmer's desk.
When updating from a previous version, be sure to delete files
that are no longer needed or used. A wise user makes a backup
*before* installing a new version. Information on what is
changed can be found in the file "NEWINnnn.DOC", where "nnn" is
the version number.
You can use personal origin lines (a line that is appended to
each echomail message you write). You can either pick & choose
one, set a separate origin line for each or some echomail areas,
or use the same one for each message. There are several files
associated with this feature, which are explained in the section
"Origin Lines" of the Reference Guide.
To start XRS you may want to create a batchfile, build an
"Alias" or a DOSKEY "Macro", or include a couple of commands in
your menu-system. Basically it should switch to your
mail-directory, set a path to the program directory and start the
XRS program, and undo the changes afterwards:
@ECHO OFF (don't display commands)
SET oldpath=%path% (save the current path)
CD \Xrs\Mail (change to the mail directory)
PATH \Xrs;%path% (include the program dir. in the path)
Resp_Ovl (start XRS, 'XT'-version)
PATH %oldpath% (restore the old path)
SET oldpath= (release environment memory)
But this is just one way of doing things. Next sample batchfile
shows the use of a 'soft-font' on a VGA system:
@ECHO OFF (don't display commands)
SET xrs=X (don't let XRS change the video mode)
VgaFont Slim10.Fnt (load a soft-font)
Resp_Rtl ShutUp! (start XRS, 'AT'-version)
SET xrs= (release environment memory)
This sample prepares the system for usage of a non-standard text
mode (e.g. 80x40-line mode), using a shareware VGA font loader
with a 8x10 'thin' font. On an Orchid ProII, you could try
something like "XLoad \ProII\8x14Thin.Fnt" (28 lines on a VGA).
Using any command line parameter disables the music, plus
disables many of the normal beeps. Example: "Response x"
(aren't you glad you're still reading?).
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 9
XRS allows you to change the default colors of the program.
From anywhere in the program, you can press <Alt-F7> to change
one of seven palettes, each representing certain parts of the
program.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│┌────────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────┐ ┌───────────────┐│
││ Edit Attributes │ │ Select Palette │ │ Select Color ││
│├────────────────────┤ ├─────────────────┤ ├───────────────┤│
││ │Foreground Normal │ │ │Normal Palette │ │ │Black ││
││ │Foreground Intense│ │ │Init Palette │ │ │Blue ││
││ │Foreground Reverse│ │ │Help Palette │ │ │Green ││
││ │Background Normal │ │ │Error Palette │ │ │Cyan ││
││ │Background Reverse│ │ │Warning Palette│ │ │Red ││
│└────────────────────┘ │ │Config Palette │ │ │Magenta ││
│ │ │Message Palette│ │ │Brown ││
│ └─────────────────┘ │ │White ││
│ │ │Dark Grey ││
│ ┌──────────────────┐ │ │Light Blue ││
│ │ Current Palette │ │ │Light Green ││
│ ├──────────────────┤ │ │Light Cyan ││
│ │Normal │ │ │Light Red ││
│ │Intense │ │ │Light Magenta││
│ │Reverse │ │ │Yellow ││
│ └──────────────────┘ │ │Intense White││
│ └───────────────┘│
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
For each palette, you can change the foreground 'normal',
'intense' and 'reverse' and the background 'normal and 'reverse'
attributes. The Message Palette is a bit different. Messages
(mail) are displayed using the "Background Normal" color defined
for the "Error Palette", while the "Message Palette" lets you
select colors for several parts of a message.
If you have trouble finding the 'right' set of colors, the
following approach might be of help. First remove all the
"XRSColor <options>" lines from your CONFIG.XRS and delete the
XRSCOLOR.BIN files (or rename them) from all PATH directories.
This will start XRS with the 'absolute default' colors. Next do
a <Alt-F7> and change only the "Background Normal" of the "Error
Palette" and the colors in the "Message Palette". This will
change the colors of the screen you see while reading messages.
Once you have satisfying results for those, save them, exit XRS
and restart it. Then you can change the other colors, and
restart XRS once again to fully see the effects of your changes.
If you choose not to save the color-changes, these changes
will be in effect until you leave XRS. Note that the color
changes will only affect new text, not the text that was already
on the screen. This will be 'cured' next time you start XRS.
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 10
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Section II - Using XRS ├─┐
└─┬───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Getting a Mailbag
To be able to use XRS, you must first have a mailbag from your
favorite BBS. Currently, you can get mailbags from TComm,
QuickBBS, RemoteAccess, SuperBBS, XBBS or TPBoard Bulletin Board
Systems - and Opus/Maximus/*.MSG in beta test, and other people
are working on interfaces for different BBS systems. Each type
of BBS has a slightly different configuration approach for saving
the user's options. Because of this, it is difficult to tell you
exactly how to get a mailbag, but these are the general steps
needed.
You may also pickup mail in .QWK format from any QMail,
MarkMail, or similar door on PCBoard and other BBS systems. Once
you have XRS setup with Qwk2Xrs.Exe and Xrs2Rep.Exe, .QWK support
is "transparent" to you. These two programs are part of XCS,
which allows you to read 'alien' mail-formats with XRS. Please
see appendix D - "XRS Related Programs" for more information.
First, log onto the bulletin board. I am assuming that the
BBS supports XRS. It will probably advertise it's availability
for XRS in some way (the BBS programs are named things like
"eXpress", "Zip_Mail", "XRSDoor", "RAX", "OREO", etc. - "XRSDoor"
was formerly called "RAX/QMX/SeX"). You will want to invoke that
program, following the directions. You will need to choose the
message areas that you habitually want to download, as well as
configure your preferred packing protocol (.ZIPped, .ARCed or
lharc'd .LZH), and transfer protocol. I recommend Z-modem for
transfer protocol if you have it, as this is currently the most
efficient and reliable protocol available.
If your sysop is running a recent version of XRSDoor, you will
also see an additional option labeled "Option Switch Toggles".
Here are brief descriptions of those. You are not required to
set them at this time but you may if you like.
"<S>earch for messages outside selected areas"
Tells XRSDoor to give you any messages addressed to you even
if they are not in selected areas.
"<U>sing XRS 4.51 or later (Alias Support)"
Lets the XRSDoor know to include alias (handle) support, if
you have one.
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 11
"<D>etail Messages during packing (>2400/Local)"
This will cause XRSDoor to show you more detailed information
as it packs if you are calling at more than 2400 baud or logged
in locally (sitting at the console).
"<I>nclude Messages From you when packing Mail"
Causes XRSDoor to include the messages you have written in
your mailbag.
"<M>aximum messages in each mailbag Prompting"
Allows you to tell XRSDoor the maximum number of messages to
allow in your mailbag. You can use this both to limit mailbag
size if you have a 'floppy-only' system or to increase the normal
995 message limit.
After setting your configuration, you should then be able to
download your first mailbag. This file should be moved to the
directory specified with the "InDir" parameter (see:
"Configuration File"), or if you didn't use this parameter, to
the maildirectory (see: "Installation"). XRS will unpack this
automatically.
If this is not your first time getting a mailbag, the BBS's
program should ask if you have a packet to upload. This is the
strangely named file that XRS makes of your replies. Recent
versions of the XRSDoor will tell you the name of it. It will
also be shown at the time you pack your replies and is listed in
the logfile. Upload it at this time. The filename never changes
as long as you use the same BBS, but the file extension will vary
depending upon day-of-the-week and sequence number.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Using XRS
You must have a mailbag from a BBS in order to run XRS (see
above). There is no way that the XRS program will run without
this mailbag (believe me!). The BBS sends some files within the
mailbag that XRS requires. This includes things like your name
as used on the BBS, the network address of that BBS, etc.
After you start XRS, it will notice that you are a new user
(if you are):
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ New User! For Help use <F1>, to view Key │
│ Settings (keyboard mapping), Hit <F1> twice │
│ -- Press <Esc> to continue -- │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 12
Key Functions ___________________________________________________
Some of the available key-functions are displayed at the
bottom line of your screen. The use of these - and others - are
explained briefly in the "<F1><F1>" Help screen. At any time
during the program, the following keys have a special function:
<F1> Help - Full-screen context-sensitive help is available
at any time!
<F1><F1> Displays the keyboard map. <Tab> toggles the two key
help pages on 25x80 display screens.
<F2> Program version info, date compiled, various
information about your PC and dynamic RAM free at the
time.
<F4> Pops up the Configuration Window.
<F6> Pulls up a summary window of new uploads, default
groups selected on the BBS side and the mail "To You".
This will also give you a list of newly uploaded files
since the last time you logged on, if that option is
activated on the BBS.
<F8> Calls Find/Search/Mark routine, and enables color
cascade high-lighting of messages with matches. You
are also given an option at this time of actually
TAGging the messages that are matched (default is not
to tag). Tagged messages can be "archived" when you
finish using XRS.
<Alt-F7> Calls "COLOR CHANGE" menu and lets you change the
screencolors XRS uses. See "Configuration" for more
information.
<F10> Jumps to DOS at any time. Thereafter, issue any
normal DOS command(s); do not change any files in the
XRS sub-directory! When through, be sure to type
"EXIT" and hit <Enter> to return to XRS.
<Shft-F10> allows you to run a single DOS command without
shelling to DOS. Even if swap is enabled, it won't
"swap". If you leave the command blank, you will
shell to DOS (without swapping). XRS does save your
progress! The last command is remembered, <Ins>
blanks the field, so you don't have to backspace over
the whole thing. You can use this to 'quick save'
your progress at any point, and hit <Esc> to return
wherever you were.
<Alt-F10> Exits from XRS at any time. This "hot-exit" feature
saves changes in the tag-file, calls the exit
routines, and asks "do you want to pack your mail",
etc.
<Ctrl-F10> Dumps the "raw" contents of the screen to a file named
$XRS$PRT.SCR so you may capture and analyze screen
displays which can be used by the author to diagnose
any problems you have using XRS.
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 13
<Shft-F3> Displays the Copyright information, and offers to
display the A.S.P. ombudsman statement and
registration information.
<Ins> When you are prompted for an entry, <Ins> will clear
the pre-defined text, so you won't have to
<Backspace>.
Using XRS will quickly become second nature to you. The user
interface is a clean menu with "hot-keys". You select from lists
by highlighting the desired item and pressing <Enter>, or just
touching the highlighted letter (usually the first letter of the
first word of the selection).
If you need more help, just press <F1> for context-sensitive
help. Once you have the correct option highlighted, press
<Enter> to confirm your choice, or again - use the highlighted
letter - it's quicker (of course, if you have a mouse, that is
even quicker)!
The <Esc> key will almost always back you out of what you are
doing. If you decide that you really didn't want to reply to a
message, back out using <Esc>. You can also select "No" when
asked to save the message and your edit session will be
discarded.
Origin Line _____________________________________________________
Also, when you are using XRS for the first time, it will ask
you for a "Brag Line" or "Origin Line". This line will be
appended to all you echomail messages, in case you don't define
braglines per area or random brags.
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Editing "Brag Line" │
├───────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ * Origin: 'XRS' - the Universal Offline Reader/Editor │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
You can press <Enter> to accept the default bragline and
change it later after you got some inspiration after seeing other
people's origin lines.
Unpack a New Mailbag ____________________________________________
The first thing XRS does is unpack your mailbag (assuming you
have a new one). This is done optionally by XRS when it detects
a mailbag - you will be prompted whether you want to unpack it.
The only time you should answer "no" is when you aren't finished
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 14
reading messages from a previous session. XRS never unpacks a
"new" mailbag if you have any outbound ??.MSG files that have not
been packed for return to the BBS!
When unpacking a new mailbag, XRS overwrites a few files,
including the old messages. If you want to keep an old mailbag,
use the "Repack/Delete" submenu to archive the entire mailbag for
future reference (this appears automatically when you completely
read a mailbag, or you can force it to appear every time with
"Always" in your CONFIG.XRS. You can also TAG messages that will
be appended to a special ARCHIVAL file for later perusal.
Main Menu _______________________________________________________
The next thing you'll see is the main menu. With the
"FirstDo" parameter in your CONFIG.XRS you can select the menu
item that XRS should always start with. Just extend this
parameter with the highlighted character - i.e. "FirstDo S" will
let XRS automatically select the next area with unread mail and
display the first unread message in that area.
XRS *always* starts (before executing any "FirstDo" parameter)
by popping up the <F6> News/Summary/Index window if a new mailbag
has been unpacked (first time only). This gives sysops the
ability to post important news about new or deleted message
areas, or other useful information and makes sure the user at
least sees it one time.
┌───────────────────────────────────┐
│ ≡ XRS - eXpress Response System ≡ │
├───────────────────────────────────┤
│ │Select Next Message Area to Read │
│ │Read Within Selected Area Only │
│ │All Areas Read (Chronologically) │
│ │Create, Edit or Delete Messages │
└───────────────────────────────────┘
With the first option, you get a list of all the message areas
that have messages in them. You can choose to read by message
area.
The second option uses the area selected above - if you are in
"Read Only New" mode, the first two options interact
automatically.
Chronological reading is available with the third option.
This method results in a 'jumbled' order. They are not in
message area order at all, but rather in the order that the BBS
received them. As you can see, XRS allows you a full range of
choices!
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 15
The fourth option allows a full range of creativity. From
here, you can start original messages, edit messages you have
already written, or delete them if you choose.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Reading Messages
With every new mailbag, XRS will automatically look first for
messages that are to you. These will be displayed in order by
message area. When you have finished with your personal mail,
you can start on the other messages. This can be changed from
the configuration menu at any time during an XRS session (see
"Configuration Menu" at end of this section). If you run out of
messages addressed to you, the program automatically turns off
the "To You Only" filter.
Aside from your specific and individual configuration there
isn't a lot to tell you here. Everything is very straight-
forward. It all works like you think it should from the menus.
While you are reading messages, if you get one that won't fit all
on one screen, simply press any key to continue reading to the
end of the message or next full screen if it's even longer.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ To: Rudi Kusters Message #: 103 │
│ From: Mike Ratledge Submitted: 09 Dec 91 23:5│
│ Subject: Offline Status: Public │
│Received: ** New Message Read! ** Group: QMX_XRS (22) │
│ * To You!! * * R E P L Y * │
| |
│ RK> Thanks Cy, that's the (not-yet-)FidoNet "Offline" I suppose│
│ RK> I'll try to contact Peter Wadsworth and hope to see it here│
│ │
│Yes - I just (finally!) hooked into the "OFFLINE" echo today. I│
│backbone, now... │
│ │
│--- XRS! 5.00+ │
│ * Origin: eXpReSsing myself as usual <grin>... (RA 1:360/1) │
│ Next Quote Reply Back Tag eXport Jump Again │
│ Continue to the Next Selected Message Sunday 12/15│
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
The upper righthand corner of the screen shows you the number
of messages read, out of a total of messages (per message area).
This is in the form of: "xxx of yyy" ("xxx" being the message you
are reading, and "yyy" is the total messages in that area).
While viewing messages, you will notice the menu bar at the
bottom of the screen. Pressing <Enter> is the default, and will
cause you to go to the next message. You may also press "N"
which is the first letter of the high-lighted option. Each
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 16
option has a letter highlighted. This is the "hot-key" that you
can use for it if you don't want to move the highlighting bar
(using <Tab> or <Left>/<Right> arrow keys).
"<N>ext"
Go to the next message.
"<Q>uote"
You have two methods of replying to a message. The first
option is the "Quote" method. This will basically give you a
copy of the message you are replying to, along with allowing you
to add to the message. You delete the lines you don't want, or
are irrelevant to what you want to say, and add your own reply.
Quoting is very nice, because it lets the person know exactly to
what you are responding. You can tell which lines are quoted.
They have the initials of the person you are responding to,
followed by a '>' - example: " MR> This is a quote." If a
message is too long to quote with your current settings, or if
you are in a 'Read-Only' area, or an area which requires an alias
and you have none, this will not appear.
Please delete all quoted material you don't really need. It
is very hard to read through a lot of "quoted" material
especially if it is unnecessary. Usually a couple of lines of
the original message is all that is really needed.
"<R>eply"
The second type of replying is strictly a reply, with no
quotes. You start off with a blank screen, and go from there. If
you wish to bring up any points from the message you are replying
to, you will have to do so from memory. Again, if you are in a
'Read-Only' area or an area which requires an alias and you have
none, this will not appear.
You can insert text from a text file. You will be prompted
for this. If you hit the <Ins> key at the filename prompt, you
will be asked to provide a sub-directory name to display. A
pop-up scrolling list will show you the available filenames.
"<T>ag"
Continuing along the menu bar, you will see the Tag/unTag
selection. This is merely a toggle, works for each message.
When a message is tagged, you will see it labeled as such at the
top of the screen (where you will also see whether that message
has been READ yet or not). A tagged message can be archived to a
separate file when you exit XRS. This is one way of saving
important messages for later use.
"e<X>port"
Next to the "Tag" toggle, you will see the eXport option. This
little gadget lets you send a message to the printer, or to a
specific file "right now" instead of waiting till XRS is done
(like with the Tag command). The default is the printer, but you
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 17
may change this using the "eXport" parameter in your
configuration file. eXport optionally allows you to export the
message in quoted format, in which case it will *replace* an
existing file rather than being appended to it.
"<J>ump"
This is a nice one. It lists the messages by number, subject,
and "FROM:" fields. You can use the <Up> and <Down> keys to
scroll to any message that looks interesting, and then hit
<Enter> and you go directly to that message. At the top of the
display, you will see a list of descriptive tags that tell you
more about these messages.
"Read" you have read this message already;
"Found" if you did a search for a word, this is one of the
messages with that word in it;
"Reply" indicates this is a reply to a previous message;
"Archive" has been archived to a special file;
"Tagged" you have toggled the TAG option for this message;
"To You" this is a message directed to you.
Note that you can mark messages read (or unread) from the
<J>ump list, unread all messages in the list and optionally
either continuously display the full message header of the
highlighted message at the top of the screen (put "Jump Headers"
in your CONFIG.XRS file) or display the highlighted message
header with <Tab>. You can also tag messages for export here.
"<A>gain"
This only appears on the menu bar if the message overfills
your screen and allows you to read the whole message again.
"<B>ack"
Another hop of the right arrow key, and you will get to Back.
This lets you go backwards, so you can read the message before
the one you are now reading. You probably won't use it often,
but it's there just in case! This option only shows on the menu
bar if there is a message to go back to.
"<H>ome", "<+>" and "<->"
Depending upon your "Threading" configuration, "+" and "-"
keys and/or "<H>ome" are available. These work either like
"<N>ext" and "<B>ack" if no threading is enabled, or follow
threads. "<H>ome" takes you back to the "top" of a thread. If
you hit "+" or "-" while in the middle of a multi-page message in
"Page Mode" you skip to next or previous message. If you want
XRS to normally follow threads (instead of the default which is
to read the next message in the order received), you should use
the XRS-Sort 'preprocess' (see "PreProcess" parameter and
"Sorting your mailbag"). If you have the "Thread Only" parameter
turned on, each of these three options only appears when there is
a threaded message available. (See also: "Threading" and "Thread
Only" in the section "Configuration File.)
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 18
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Write a Message
When you select <Q>uote or <R>eply, you invoke XRS' internal
editor, or the editor you specified with "Editor" in your
configuration file. If you use an external editor, refer to its
manual to learn how it works. The internal editor has quite a
few nice features itself, and most people don't even bother to
set up an external editor.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ To: Mike Ratledge @MSGID: 292c2175 @REPLY: 2921│
│From: Rudi Kusters Linked to # 103 in Area: XRS I│
│Subj: Offline Date: 15 D│
│┌──┤INSERT├─────────────────────────────────────────┤ Line 11 of│
││In a message to Rudi Kusters <09 Dec 91 23:50> Mike Ratledge wr│
││ │
││ MR> Yes - I just (finally!) hooked into the "OFFLINE" echo tod│
││ MR> It's on the backbone, now... │
││ │
││I got a reply from Peter in which he told me it was, but - as u│
││afraid it will take a while before we get to see it here. I al│
││message from Paul Knupke Jr in the ILink Off-line conference, i│
││praised XRS and your support! I wonder what Don's wife will sa│
││finds out that he will be heavily involved in yet another echo │
││doesn't he know yet? :-) _ │
│└──┤ 15501 Free ├─────────────────────────────── Sunday 12/15│
│ <ALT-F1> Swap Menus <ALT-F4> Import <ALT-F6> Del Line <ALT│
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
These hot-keys are available when you are using the internal
editor:
<F5> Starts marking a block for deletion in the editor.
Move the cursor to the end of the block (the marked
text will be shown in reverse video) and delete it
using the <Delete> key.
<F7> Cancel marking or removes all edit changes (restarts
quote or message "clean" - just like when you began
editing).
<F9> Toggles mode between "Insert" and "OverWrite" in the
editor (see: "<Ins> <F9> Reversed" in "Configuration
File").
<Ins> Insert a block of text that was moved to the buffer
with <F5> (see: "<Ins> <F9> Reversed" in
"Configuration File").
<Del> Delete a block of text marked with <F5>.
<Alt-F1> Toggles the two bottom-line help bars.
<Alt-F4> Insert an external file into your message at the point
where your cursor is positioned. Note that you cannot
exceed the text buffer size (see: "EditBuffer" in
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 19
"Configuration File"). Anything that causes the
buffer to overflow will be discarded, but you will
hear a LOT of beeping!
<Alt-F6> Deletes the line the cursor is on.
<Alt-F8> Deletes the word the cursor is on.
<Ctrl-F1> - <Ctrl-F8> These keys correspond to the "Macro"
definitions in your configuration file. The first
"Macro" is stored under <Ctrl-F1>, the second under
<Ctrl-F2>, etc. If you have less than eight macros
defined, the remaining keys are not used.
There are special Help screens (<F1>) while in the editor,
which always cover the latest and greatest enhancements. Try
them at least once after switching to a newer version.
When you are ready with your reply, press <Esc>. XRS will ask
you whether or not you want to save it and will continue to the
next message in the mailbag.
To create a new message, select the item "Create, Edit or
Delete" from the Main Menu. XRS will present you a list of
messages that you already created. With this list on the screen,
you hit the <Ins> key. You will be prompted for several bits of
information ("To:", "Subject:" etc.). Make sure that you place
the message into the proper message area with the scrolling list
(topic) selection window!
If you have been reading messages, you will find the "To:"
field with the name of the last person read already in it, along
with the same subject field. To blank these out, again hit the
<Ins> key, or to keep them just hit <Enter>. After choosing the
correct message area, you will be prompted for input from a
separate file. This is great if you have some source code,
previously prepared text, etc. that you want to include. XRS
will simply pull that file into the new message. <Esc> saves the
message.
If you want to edit a message, use the <Up>/<Down> keys to
scroll through your created messages. Simply hit <Enter> at the
message you wish to edit. Again, hit <Esc> when you are
finished.
To delete one of the messages that you have created, scroll to
the right message, and hit the <Del> key.
<Tab> allows an export of new messages that you have created.
This is only active when you have actually created a new message.
It exports the message to either a file or device (i.e. "PRN:")
that you select. The default export name is the same as for
"eXport" in the message read menu-bar.
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 20
<F3> is used to modify header information ("To:", "Subject:"
etc.). Simply highlight the message you want changed, then hit
<F3>. To leave any field unchanged, simply hit the <Enter> key.
For those people with access to netmail (ask your sysop about
this): When you get to the prompt on "destination" address, you
can hit the <Ins> key and it will search the USERLIST.XRS file to
see if there is a known address. If it finds the person, it will
automatically place that address in the header information. You
can tell XRS what the name is of your userlist and where it is
stored with the "UserList" parameter in your CONFIG.XRS. To use
netmail, you must know the FidoNet address of the person you want
to send the message to, as this is sent directly to that system,
rather than through the echomail links. XRS always checks
USERLIST.XRS in the current subdirectory if it exists first, then
will search any file you specified in the parameter "UserList"
next. This way you can have "special" addresses for certain
people that are not the "normal" ones your nodelist compiler
picks. Your sysop may be able to provide you a "FIDOUSER.LST",
with all the nodes in your region, zone, or even the whole
network. You may have up to two userlists other than
USERLIST.XRS which is always searched first.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
File & Area Requests
Versions 2.00 and newer of the XRSdoor support "User
Requests". User requests at present are for either files or
message-areas. Sysops would call these file requests "pseudo
File Requests" or "automated downloads", since they do not
request files from other systems, but rather request a file
available for download from the BBS. Your sysop has the option
to deactivate this feature.
User Requests are performed at "Mailbag Upload" time. To
create User Requests, you simply address a message to "XRS" with
requests in the text portion of the message. All forms of
requests can be mixed and matched in a single message, and
multiple messages per session are allowed as well (for now the
subject is ignored). Each request must be placed on a separate
line. Each line is checked and interpreted as follows: If a '.'
character is found, the line is interpreted as a User File
Request. Otherwise, a User Message Request is assumed and the
program looks through the tables trying to match either the AREA:
tag _or_ the sysop-defined 'topic' of the area or if the request
is numeric, turns on that area number. Using the area number is
the easiest method. A request to turn an area off is preceeded
with a minus sign. Wildcards and paths are not allowed. XRSdoor
intercepts, interprets and removes them from incoming mail.
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 21
XRSDoor versions 2.00 and newer recognize the "`" as an
"escape" character for area requests, to force XRSdoor to process
it even with a period in the echo area name (like
"COMP.PC.PROG.C" or whatever) - see examples below.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
││ eXpress Response System v 5.00 Sunday December│
│└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│┌──┤INSERT├─────────────────────────────────────────┤ Line 10 of│
││-Dr_Debug │
││C Programming Echo │
││SOMEFILE.ZIP │
││*.ZIP │
││C:\RA\USERS.BBS │
││XRS500AT.ZIP │
││78 │
││NEW_ECHO │
││`comp.pc.biz │
││_ │
││ │
│└──┤ 16281 Free ├─────────────────────────────────────────────│
│ <ALT-F1> Swap Menus <ALT-F4> Import <ALT-F6> Del Line <ALT│
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
The first one would turn off "DR_DEBUG" echo (leading spaces
are ignored and upper/lower/mixed cases are equivalent). The
second one (assuming the sysop named C_ECHO "C Programming Echo")
would turn on an area, the third line would search DOWNLOAD.QMX
for available areas, and attempt to find a matching file to send
in them - it would send it with the user-selected protocol
automatically if found. Both the fourth and fifth requests are
invalid - if any of these characters ('?', '*', ':', '\') are
found a file request is ignored. The next request would send the
file XRS500AT.ZIP if it is found in an eligible area. Next, an
example of a numeric message area request - assuming area # 78 is
available to you, it would be turned on. The next to the last
one would turn on an area named "NEW_ECHO" assuming it was found
and the level and access flags check out, and the last one uses
the "`" override to turn on an area with a period in the AREA:
name (typical in uucp conferences).
If your replies are not processed by the XRSDoor (e.g. when
you get mail from a QWK-door, of via a mailer), the above feature
won't work! The manual of the program that packs your replies
will probably mention how to use options that are equivalent to
the XRS File & Area Requests.
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 22
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Configuration Menu
Hitting the <F4> key will pop up the configuration menu. This
will change the behavior of XRS, and you can do this at any time
while using the program. Most options are toggles. The
following options are listed by the "hot-key" used, in the same
order as the options appear in the configuration windows. There
are actually two windows, with the left showing the toggle ("ON"
for on, and "--" for off), and the right window displaying a
short description, which tells you what action the next selection
of the item will perform. The toggle key is highlighted in the
right window.
┌──────────────────────┐┌───────────────────────────────┐
│ Current Settings ││ Configuration Options │
├──────────────────────┤├───────────────────────────────┤
│ "To You" Filter *ON*││ │Display Messages TO: Everyone│
│ New Only Filter *ON*││ │Read New Only Turn OFF │
│ Quote Heading *ON*││ │Quote Header Line Disable │
│ Quote Kludges -- ││ │Kludge Quoting Enable (ON) │
│ Garbage Nuking *ON*││ │No Nuke Garbage Filter (OFF) │
│ Threading Only *ON*││ │Turn Threaded Read (+/-) OFF │
│ Name and Area *ON*││ │Change Area Prompting OFF │
│Optimize Viewing *ON*││ │View Messages Page at a Time │
│ ││ │Origin Line Edit (Bragline) │
│ Blinking Flags *ON*││ │Blinking Sentinels *Disable* │
│ Auto Cycling *ON*││ │Auto Cycling to Next Area OFF│
│ Jump Sort Off -- ││ │Sort Jump List by Subject │
│ Internal Editor *ON*││ │Editor: External with Swap │
│ Config SnapAway -- ││ │Pop-Away Config Window ON │
└──────────────────────┘└───────────────────────────────┘
"D - To You"
XRS comes up automatically looking for your personal mail
first (this option ON). If it finds that there are no messages
to you, or you have read them all, it will automagically turn
itself OFF, displaying messages addressed to "Everyone".
"R - New Only"
This is also automatically ON. This will cause you to read
only those messages that you haven't already read. If you wish
to read some messages that you HAVE read, you will have to turn
this option OFF.
"Q - Quote Heading"
If ON, this will insert some fancy header info at the top of
each quoted message. Not only does this make your message look
slick, but reminds the reader of the original message.
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 23
"K - Quote Kludges"
This decides if you will quote the tear lines and origin lines
of the messages.
"N - Garbage Nuking"
Gets rid of extra origin lines and a few other usually
unnecessary items.
"T - Threading On/Off/Only"
This affects the usage of the <+> and <-> keys. With this
option you can change the settings of the parameters "Threading"
and "Thread Only" in your configuration file.
"C - Change Area and/or ToName prompting"
This refers to the items that you are prompted to verify (or
change) at the time you reply to a message. The options here
are: "Neither", "Name Only", "Area Only", and "Both".
"V - Optimize Viewing"
"Optimized" viewing automatically switches between "Page View"
and "List View", depending on the length of the message. This
setting will initialy reflect the usage of those two parameters
in your configuration file, or is set to "Optimized" viewing if
none of the two is found. You can cycle through the three modes.
"O - Origin Line Edit"
This is your own origin line. It allows you to change the
line at the bottom of each message, usually advertising a BBS
system, or sometimes having a catchy saying. XRS will
automatically add a couple of necessary items to this line (your
address, for instance). If you don't have this option, don't
worry. Sysops have the option of LOCKING the origin line so you
can't change it.
"B - Blinking"
Many highlighted 'tags' will blink to let you know they are
there. You can control whether they blink or not here. It has
the same effect as "No Blink" in the configuration file.
"A - Auto Cycling"
Causes XRS to "cycle" through the message areas automatically,
without you having to choose which area to read next. If there is
only one area left, XRS will always autocycle to it!
"S - Sort Subject"
Sorts the "<J>ump" list by Subject, by Number, by Sender's
name, or not at all.
"E - Switch Editors"
If you have the external editor set up, you can choose which
editor to use. You get "Internal", "External with Swap", or just
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 24
"External". The swap method is highly recommended over just
regular external, some editors grab memory and don't want to give
it back to XRS. Of course the internal editor is quite nice
itself. In the internal editor, you can hit <F1> for help with
commands, for example. This option overrules the configuration
parameters "Editor", "Internal Editor" and "No Editor Swap". You
can cycle through all three modes if you have an external editor
defined in CONFIG.XRS - if you do not, this option will not
appear.
"P - Config Snap-away"
This simply toggles the <F4> menu to pop away each time you
change an option, or to stay put till you hit the <Esc> key.
Different strokes for different folks!
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Sorting Your Mail
New in this version is a little program to sort the index and
summary files, so you can read your mail in sorted order. It
takes open MAILxIDX.XRS and SUMMARYx.XRS files and sorts them by
date within subject within AREA: and rewrites the two files. It
also rechains the threading pointers completely, and even adds
them if there were none!
This can be made the 'default' by using the new "PreProcess
XRS-Sort.Exe" parameter (see: "Configuration File"). If you like
threading and want XRS to follow threads by default (i.e. after
quoting, etc), this should be used instead of "Sort Subject"
since XRS defaults to reading the next message in the current
filter selection (i.e. "To You" and/or "New Only" and/or "Select
Area"). If you do enable this parameter "Sort Subject" is not
needed and should be removed from your CONFIG.XRS.
You should end up with a mailbag that is fully sorted by
subject within each area, complete with threading, and the
"<N>ext" default movement will always take you to the next
message in the thread or the next topic. XRS-Sort will handle up
to 7500 messages. There are also special 286/386 versions.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
End of Session
Let's assume for the moment that you are finished using XRS.
You are at the main menu, and have hit <Esc> to leave the
program. If you have tagged any messages, you will be prompted
as to whether or not you want them sent to the archive file.
Default is "YES." You can also change the name of the file if
you like.
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 25
If you have entered any messages, you will also be asked if
you are ready to pack up your outbound mail. You may do this
more than one time with the same mailbag, but I suggest you wait
till you are completely finished reading all your mail (this
protects a partially read mailbag!).
Once you have finished working with a mailbag, you should
upload your replies to the bulletin board from which you
downloaded the messages. These new messages contain links to the
messages to which you replied, so you should never upload a
response bundle to the wrong BBS! Upload the mail bundle the
same way you downloaded it: through the program on the BBS. Just
follow the directions it gives.
The mail bundle that XRS makes for you has a strange name made
up of what is called 'hexadecimal' numbers. Don't change this
name, or the file's contents! The name means certain things to
the BBS where you will upload it to, and if you change the name
at all, it is possible that your messages will never make it to
the public to be read. I realize that the name is hard to
remember, but don't change it! The XRSdoor will remind you about
the correct filename at the time you upload the replies.
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Be sure you delete the message bundle │
│ after you upload it to the BBS! │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
You should never send "duplicate" messages - this will cause
the sysop to have a headache, and he may well list you as
banished in the XRS control file if you do this often.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Miscellaneous Topics
┌──────────────────────┐
│ READ THIS SECTION! │
└──────────────────────┘
There is an international echo available in FidoNet for XRS
users. This is a very good place to learn about little "tricks"
while using XRS and you can also find out about the new goodies
that the author is working on. This is also the place to go when
you can't find the answer to your problem in the documentation
(but please try the documentation first!). If your BBS doesn't
carry this echo, ask your sysop to get it. The actual AREA: name
is "QMX_XRS".
If you can't find this echo, a message in the "Off-Line"
conference of ILink could help. You can also try the "Offline"
echo in FidoNet, but remember, these are not support echoes.
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 26
Using any command line parameter disables the music - example:
"Response x".
You cannot use the <F8> key to do searches while a long
message is on the screen. The menu bar options have to be
showing (the end of the message).
XRS checks the CRC of the username field plus all pointnet,
zone, net, node, etc. in USERx.XRS. It will bomb out if this has
been tampered with. XRS also knows if an XORIGIN.XRS file should
be found. It checks the CRC of this file, and if any tampering
has been done, will bomb out here too! XORIGIN.XRS is
automatically deleted before a new mailbag is unpacked. This
allows you to pickup mail from different BBS's and not use a
"locked" origin line from the wrong system.
For batch files, examples of floppy disk setups, modem script
files, and many other nifty goodies to make XRS even more fun,
you need to get a copy of the XRS "toolkit". It even has the
setup for a true point system under BinkleyTerm, and several text
overlays for non-English languages.
There are now versions of the XRSLANG.DLL files available in
Dutch, French, German and Swedish - other languages are coming
soon. These are located in XRS??NL.ZIP, XRS??FRN.ZIP,
XRS??GER.ZIP or XRS??SWE.ZIP and replace the English language
ones. If you un-zip all files inside the main file you will
overwrite the English with another language. Be sure you do not
unzip a foreign language "on top" of the English one by accident!
If you do, just unpack "XRSLANG.DLL" from the original (main) zip
file. If you can translate XRS into your native language,
contact the author for information about doing it.
To change the colors of XRS use <Alt-F7>. This will also
append a XRSColor parameter to the CONFIG.XRS file (and
create/update XRSCOLOR.BIN).
You can use the <F4> key from anywhere in XRS to change
configuration on the fly - even while viewing or editing a
message.
Exit XRS at any time by hitting <Alt-F10>. It will prompt for
packing mail, etc. Upon exit, if any unread mailbags exist, XRS
will offer to restart itself so you can read them. Caution:
doing this while editing a message will discard the message you
were working on!
There is a demo file CONFIG.DMO that will show and explain
some of the CONFIG.XRS options. The file CONFIG.NEW carries more
information about all the new options since the last release.
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 27
If you are using a mouse, you can easily use it for block
marking of text. Just click, slide and release. Then hit <DEL>
for deletion. If you have deleted text <Ins> (or <F9> if you
used the option to reverse those two keys) will pop the last
deleted text back into the message, or the last used macro. Text
cut & paste are global. You can cut text out of one message and
paste it into another.
XRS no longer restricts "graphics" characters from being used
in messages except no ESC, NULL, EOF or DEL characters are
allowed. Some printers may have problems printing some of these
characters, though. In the same vein, you can NOT type "0x01"
(happy face) or "0x7F" (DEL) characters (used by FidoNet
technology for specific actions). Please note that the use of
special or graphics characters is frowned upon or downright
forbidden in many echomail areas.
Shelling to DOS (with <F10>) closes all files. You need not
worry about damage to files or programs. All messages which have
been read are marked and will not be shown next time (unless you
turn off "Read Only New").
When you start XRS, a file named $$ACTIVE.XRS is created.
When this file exists, XRS will not allow you to invoke it again.
You must type EXIT to go back into XRS. If for some reason you
can't go back into XRS via the "exit" command, simply delete
$$ACTIVE.XRS and then you can invoke XRS just like you would
normally for a new session.
A "+" sign after the XRS version number in the "Tear" or "PID"
line merely reflects a registered version of XRS - it is
automatically added when you register. An exclamation point
designates an "AT" version.
The origin line (brag line) is checked for junk characters.
Anything between ' ' (0x20) and '~' (0x7E) is acceptable in
origin lines. Some message manglers apparently have major
difficulty with "foreign" and graphics characters in this area
(which makes sense outside our MS/DOS world).
Laptop computers with LCD or non grey-scale displays may look
better if you type "MODE BW80" before you start the program.
Usage of the "LapTop" parameter in your configuration file, might
help to locate the cursor inside the editor.
If you are running EGA or VGA with extended text rows (43- or
50-lines) XRS will exit you to the same mode you were in when you
started XRS. That way if you usually run 25x80, but like XRS in
the 43x80, it will return the screen to 25x80 when you finish
using XRS. Other screen dimensions can be used as well and
sometimes require the use of "SET XRS=X" (see the sample
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 28
batchfile in "Configuration") and "Soft Font" (see "Configuration
File").
Getting XRS onto a BBS that doesn't support it __________________
If you are a BBS author and wish to be assigned an ID code
(and you are willing to write or designate someone to write an
interface/mail extractor program), contact the author at
1:372/6666.
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 29
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Section III - Reference Guide ├─┐
└─┬───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
XRS Files Used & Created
XRS is distributed in 5 files. Since you don't need all of
them, this will decrease the download time as much as possible.
The announcement of a new version will always include the exact
names of the files and the way they are distributed. The names
of the distribution files for XRS 5.10 are:
XRS510.ZIP This is the main file, with everything you need!
(as long as you have an 80286 or higher computer:)
XRS510XT.ZIP The executable for all systems with an 8088/8086
or NEC V20/V30 processor ('generic')
XRS51ALL.ZIP This one includes 'all the above'.
XRS5TOOL.ZIP The 'Toolkit' contains all kind of 'extras'. It is
not required to run XRS, but it may help to enjoy
your usage of the program.
XRS51xxx.ZIP Language files to replace the English texts are
distributed separately. "xxx" here can be "NL",
"FRA", "GER", "SWE" for the currently available
translations, or other abbrivations for new ones.
The following files come with the XRS program and are required
to run the XRS program. Note that many of the filenames have
been changed since version 4.50 (you should delete the old
files). There are no longer four versions of the program - only
the two overlayed versions stayed, with batchfiles to load them
'non-overlayed'.
RESP_OVL.EXE (XRS510XT.ZIP) Generic version of the XRS program
RESP_OVL.DLL (XRS510XT.ZIP) Virtual portion of the generic
version
RESPONSE.BAT (XRS510XT.ZIP) Batchfile to start RESP_OVL
'non-overlayed'
RESP_RTL.EXE (XRS510.ZIP) 'AT'-version of the XRS program
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 30
RESP_RTL.DLL (XRS510.ZIP) Virtual portion of the 'AT'-version
RESP_286.BAT (XRS510.ZIP) Batchfile to start RESP_RTL
'non-overlayed'
You need either the 'XT' program files, or the 'AT'
files - not both!
XRSCORE.DLL (XRS510.ZIP) RTLink+ "Run-time Library"
XRSLANG.DLL (XRS510.ZIP) Messages, help and error overlay
The following files come with the XRS program, are optional,
and are not required for it to run (but do help):
CONFIG.DMO (XRSAMPLE.ZIP) Sample XRS configuration file -
(inside: rename it to CONFIG.XRS and make
XRS510.ZIP) changes to fit your personal needs.
The automated install program uses
this as your default configuration
if you don't already have one.
USERLIST.DMO (XRSAMPLE.ZIP) Sample userlist for netmail address
lookup - rename to USERLIST.XRS to
use this list.
XRS.KEY (-) Only sent to registered users -
contains passkey
SAMPLE.ORG (XRSAMPLE.ZIP) Example custom origins line file
RESPONSE.PIF (XRSAMPLE.ZIP) Sample start file for running XRS
under Windows 3.x
RESPONSE.386 (XRSAMPLE.ZIP) Sample start file for running XRS
under Windows 386 3.x
XRS51.ICO (XRSAMPLE.ZIP) XRS icon for Windows 3.x
XRS51OS2.ICO (XRSAMPLE.ZIP) XRS icon for OS/2 2.x
XR-PIF.DVP (XRSAMPLE.ZIP) Sample start file for running XRS
under DesqView
XRS-SORT.EXE (XRS510.ZIP) Program to sort a mailbag (see:
"PreProcess" in "Configuration
File")
EMSCHECK.EXE (XRS510.ZIP) A program to check out available
expanded memory and usability by
XRS.
The following files are included when downloading a Mailbag
from a bulletin board supporting XRS and are required for the
program to run (changing any of these files will cause "XRS" to
fail). When you unpack a new mailbag, any of these files that
are old will be deleted:
MAILxIDX.XRS Message information index pointer file
BATxMAIL.XRS Actual text of the messages selected
AREASx.XRS Listing of the message areas authorized
USERx.XRS Control file containing name, address, etc.
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 31
SUMMARYx.XRS Index, summary and other statistics (<F6> displays
it)
These files are optional, but used by XRS if found:
ACCESSx.XRS Message areas access information
XORIGIN.XRS If this file exists, the sysop has 'fixed' the
originline. In this case you can't use your own
originlines (simply deleting this file will not
help!).
ZIP_ONLY.XRS Type of packer index, deleted by XRS when unpacked
ARC_ONLY.XRS Type of packer index, deleted by XRS when unpacked
<bbsid>.XRS Special file - named by the sysop. Should be
different for each BBS. This will allow you to
tell from which board you downloaded the messages
"x" in the above filenames is always replaced by '1' or the
node number you signed onto if a multi-node BBS.
The following files are created by XRS when running - never
change these files:
RESPONSE.XRS Outgoing message header information
??.MSG Actual messages you create ('??' can be 1 to 99)
XRS_PACK.$$? Indicates the last used mailbag sequence number
BAG_ID.XRS Retains the name of the mailbag (from where it
came)
The following files are created by XRS when it is run and may
be modified online or manually. The last three files may be
deleted:
ORIGIN.XRS Contains the default outgoing message "Brag Line"
banner
ARCHIVED.XRS Contains all messages you have marked with "TAG".
Using the parameter "TagOutFN" you can define an
alternative filename that will be used instead of
ARCHIVED.XRS.
XRS_PACK.LOG Log of outgoing messages which have been mailbagged
XRSCOLOR.BIN Maintains your color schemes selected with <Alt-F7>
A single outgoing FidoNet-style Mailbag is created to send
back to the BBS from which the messages were downloaded. The
name of this packet is unique. It reflects your system and the
system you get your mail from. You can write DOS batch files to
control this file for uploading. The filename conforms to the
following conventions:
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 32
<8_hexadecimal_numbers>.<day_of_the_week><sequence_number>
where "<8_hexadecimal_numbers>" are eight characters in the
range of 0-9 or A-F and represent your network address and the
network address of the BBS. Don't worry about the addressing
techniques used; XRS does that for you. Only remember that this
numeric combination is unique for each BBS you get mail from.
You can make a list of filename & BBS combinations, but the
XRSdoor will tell you the exact name of the file to upload.
"<day_of_the_week>" are two characters representing the day of
the week that you packed your replies: SU, MO, TU, WE, TH, FR, or
SA. This is used to eliminate the risk that your overwrite a
previously uploaded mailfile at the BBS, in case for some reason
it hasn't been processed yet.
The last character of the replybag is merely a sequential
number, to allow you to make multiple replybags on the same day.
XRS doesn't need it, since it will include new replies in an
existing replybag (if found).
These three together will make a name like "01E903E6.TH6".
While this kind of naming convention makes it hard to remember
for the user, it will allow the sysop to exactly know where it
came from and whether it is addressed to that BBS.
Of course, people reading mail that was originally in .QWK
format will create a *.REP format response file which is
compatible with the doors which created the mail. If e.g. the
mailbag had the name "CHANNEL1.QWK", the replies will be stored
in "CHANNEL1.REP". XRS2REP.EXE (XCS) is called as an alternate
bundler in this case.
Somewhere on your PATH, you must have whichever packer you
prefer to use. It should be either PKZip, PKArc, or LHA. You
should have the appropriately named unpacker handy also (PKUnZip,
PKXArc, or LHA). For consistency, use the same type packer and
unpacker. You choose your packing protocol when you are logged
onto the BBS and choose your desired message areas. See also
"Packer" in the section "Configuration File". Since XRS always
tries PKZip first, you do not need "Packer PKZip" in CONFIG.XRS!
XRS supports Robert Jung's ".ARJ" format for inbound mailbags,
but substitutes PKZip for outbound packing, since not many mail
processors recognize the ARJ format.
As noted above, you will need to get a mailbag from a BBS that
supports XRS. See 'Getting A Mailbag' for more details. Recent
versions of the mailbag extractors use "Named Mailbags" which
reflect the name of the BBS from which they were obtained
(EBAYXCH1.ZXR, AGFORUM1.ZXR). Support for .QWK format mailbags
is also integrated into the program by calling portions of Rudi
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 33
Kusters' "XCS" (eXpress Conversion System). Picking a .QWK
format mail bundle will cause XRS to first unpack it, then call
Qwk2Xrs to convert the bundle to an XRS mailbag. Upon exit, XRS
will call the "Bundler <program>" program, or "Xrs2Rep.Exe" if
none is specified.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Configuration File
As noted in "Configuration", an optional file named CONFIG.XRS
can be used by XRS. This file is a plain ASCII text file. The
file is actually very important to the functioning of the
program. It is this file that allows the maximum flexibility of
XRS to be utilized by you. With CONFIG.XRS you can setup XRS to
behave exactly as you prefer. It is recommended that you 'play
around' with the many options available till you get it just
right.
At start-up XRS first looks for this configuration file in the
current directory and, if not found, searches the DOS PATH for
it. This means that you can have a generic configuration in the
XRS program directory and in the current directory another one,
specific to the current mailbag.
Each parameter must be on a separate line in this plain ASCII
text file. A semicolon (";") at the beginning of a line can be
used for commenting, or for turning OFF that option. CONFIG.XRS
is *not* case-sensitive, EXCEPT in the external editor parameter
"%s"; see the sample file CONFIG.DMO and the explanatory
CONFIG.NEW.
Each option that is marked with an asterisk ("*") in the left
margin is also available as an ON/OFF toggle while inside the XRS
program from the <F4> hot-keyed configuration (see USING XRS).
Parameters that were introduced or changed since the last
non-beta release are indicated with "NEW".
Third-party programs may use this same configuration file and
most of them use parameter-names that are preceeded with the name
of the program, so you can recognize them at a glance. E.g.
"XCS_Address" is a parameter used by XCS and explained in the XCS
manual.
NEW "8x8" (display)
This could potentially force your video monitor into a
higher lines-per-screen mode (8x8 character mode) than
normally accessable when used with a forced "Mode <nnn>"
parameter. An Orchid ProDesigner/II VGA can be pushe to a
75 line x 100 width mode, for example. The "8x8" parameter
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 34
overrides "Soft Font" and "SET XRS=X" (leave video mode
alone) parameters. (See also: "Mode" and "Soft Font".)
NEW "Alias Default No" (reply)
With this parameter the "Use Alias?" prompt defaults
to "No" when you have the option of using your alias (see
also: "Force Alias").
NEW "Always" (display mailbag handler on exit) (mailbag)
This parameter is used to force the mailbag handling
menu to appear every time you exit, even if you have not
read all messages.
* NEW "Area Prompt" (reply)
You can force XRS to prompt you for the area to place
the reply in (instead of defaulting to placing it in the
current area) by using this parameter. It pops up the
message area list with the current area highlighted and
lets you pick an area. You can also change this in the
<F4> configuration menu, by setting the "Change Area"
option.
NEW "Attribution <text>" (reply)
XRS allows you to customize the quote header
attribution both in echomail and netmail. This parameter
is used for echomail, "NetmailHeader" is used for netmail
messages. The defaults are exactly what previous versions
would have used:
Attribution In a message to %t <%d> %f wrote:||
NetmailHeader In a Matrix message of <%d> you wrote:||
These texts can contain 'substitution strings':
"%f" is replaced by the 'From Name' of the message you are
quoting;
"%t" replaced by the 'To Name' of the quoted message;
"%d" replaced by the date/time it was sent;
"%s" replaced by the subject;
"%a" replaced by the area;
"%u" replaced by your name, or alias if you're using an
alias;
"%1" is replaced by the first name of the person you are
quoting and
"%n" is replaced by the current date and time ('now').
<text> may not exceed 80 characters and the expanded header
may not exceed a total of 159 characters or it will be
truncated. Underscores are replaced by spaces, and pipe
symbols ('|') are translated to <CR> (new line) characters.
If you want to use these header lines, you have to put
"Quote Headers" in your configuration file as well.
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 35
* "Auto Cycle" (display)
When ON, the "Auto Cycle" option in both CONFIG.XRS
and the <F4> configuration window, forces XRS to select the
next available message area to be read when finished
reading the area last selected (or the last area that was
auto-selected). When you run out of new, unread messages
the auto-cycle feature is automagically turned off.
"AutoMatch <text>" (display)
To automatically search and mark found messages.
Searches are *not* case-sensative. "<text>" must be no
more than 30 characters - be sure to imbed underlines when
you need spaces in the search string! You may now have up
to 10 AutoMatch lines, which are executed in reverse order,
leaving the matches found with the *first* AutoMatch
parameter with color cascading. AutoTag also tags the
messages found for later export.
"AutoTag <text>" (archive)
This configuration parameter allows you to TAG any
messages with a given word in them ("<text>" being any
string of characters you desire). You can use this to TAG
all messages addressed to you, for example (which would all
then be archived...). If both AutoTag and AutoMatch exist,
the last "AutoTag" is always done before the last
"AutoMatch" found in CONFIG.XRS. The string searched for
must be at least two characters in length. You may do
multi-word searches by placing an underscore between the
words. Example: "AutoTag Mike_Ratledge" finds the string
"Mike Ratledge". The search is NOT case-sensitive.
Maximum string length is 30 characters. AutoTag and
AutoMatch only run if a new mailbag was opened this time
(unless "Force New" is found).
"Buffer <nnn>" (memory/speed)
You may allocate from 512 to 32768 bytes of memory for
use as a ring-buffer for I/O to the BATxMAIL.XRS file. You
need to experiment with this to get it right - each
different combination of CPU speed and disk drive will have
its own optimum block-size. Using too large a buffer on a
slower machine may have the effect of causing bumpy
performance, where making it too small may give sluggish
performance. If you have a fast hard drive and a 386, set
it on up to 32768 for best performance. Default is 4096
bytes.
NEW "BufferWarn <nnn>" (reply)
With this parameter you can change the editbuffer
warning size (i.e. when the "xxx Free" in the internal
editor starts to blink). The size can be set from 4096
(4 kB) up to 65500. The default (12000) should not be
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 36
adjusted upward for messages which are carried on the
FidoNet Zone 1 "backbone" - at least for now, and should be
adjusted downward for QWK systems which allow only 99 lines
by 72 characters or no more than 7128 bytes. See also:
"DynamicBuffer" and "EditBuffer".
"BundlePath <directory>" (replybag)
If this parameter is missing, then XRS will pack up
your replies and leave them in the current directory. Use
this parameter, if you want to store your replybundle in
another directory (like your communication program's upload
directory). A trailing backslash is optional, but the
parameter must be an existing directory name.
NEW "Bundler <program>.Exe" (replybag)
With this parameter you tell XRS not to pack your
replies using the internal FidoNet bundler, but to call an
external program instead. This program is responsible for
handling all aspects of the outbound mail processing. Do
not use this for built-in .QWK support.
* "Config Snap" (misc)
To make the <F4> Configuration Pop-up window "Snap"
away, instead of staying on the screen until you press
<Esc>.
NEW "Delete Read Never" (mailbag)
To facilitate automatic removal of read messages, XRS
now prompts to see if you want to delete them if it finds
both XCS.EXE and XRSLICE.EXE. There are two parameters
related with this feature - this one turns it off
altogether (in other words, you never get prompted). See
also: "Delete Read Usually".
NEW "Delete Read Usually" (mailbag)
The second parameter that controls the prompt for
deleting read messages, turns the default answer to the
prompt to "Yes", rather than "No". See also: "Delete Read
Never".
NEW "Don't Crash" (reply)
XRS has always defaulted to "Crash" netmail (if you
have a choice) for mail inside your own zone, and "not
Crash" for mail destined to another zone. If you want XRS
to always default to "not Crash", use this parameter.
NEW "DynamicBuffer <nnn>" (memory/reply)
Use this parameter to allow dynamic editor buffer size
(dependant upon the size of the message you are quoting)
and set an upper limit on quoted message size. Setting
this to a number less than your edit buffer size is
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 37
ignored, and 65500 is the maximum size. The default is
twice the EditBuffer size. This will allow you to quote
large messages or import text files into your reply, which
you can then 'trim down' to a managable size.
The FidoNet Zone 1 (USA/Canade) echomail backbone
allows messages no larger than 12,000 bytes, so any time
you exceed this amount, the buffer "free size" blinks,
unless you adjust it with "BufferWarn". If you read "UUCP"
mail, you should increase this accordingly. See also:
"BufferWarn" and "EditBuffer".
NEW "EditBuffer <nnn>" (memory/reply)
This parameter changes the fixed internal editor
buffer size (default is 10 kB). The minimum size is 6144
bytes (6 kB) and the maximum is 65500 bytes (just short of
64 kB). See also: "BufferWarn" and "DynamicBuffer".
* "Editor <program> %s" (reply)
To setup to use your (optional) external editor, use
the following and be sure to include "%s" somewhere in the
command-line so XRS knows where to supply the message
filename for your editor. You may include the pathname
with the filename. If not included, XRS will search the
DOS path. The examples given are just examples! You may
have parameters both before and/or after "%s" on the
command-line.
;Editor Q.Exe %s
;Editor M:\Bin\Sed.Com /q /f%s
;Editor B.Exe /d %s /x
;Editor C:\WP51\WP.Exe %s /m-C:\WP51\Xrs.Wpm /d-D:\
"EmptyBag <option>" (mailbag)
If the "Read Only New" filter is turned off when you
exit, XRS will assume you have read all messages and offer
to compress and/or delete the current mailbag (or leave it
alone). If you compress it, you may optionally select a
different name for the output file. You may pick the
default action for the above using a new CONFIG.XRS
parameter "EmptyBag <option>" where "<option>" is the
hot-key for any of the four menu selections. In English
they are "<C>ompress Mailbag", "<D>elete Mailbag",
"<R>epack and Delete" and "<L>eave it Alone" - so C, D, R,
& L are valid. Actually anything after the hot-key letter
is treated as a comment, so you also can use self
explanatory lines like "Emptybag Delete Mailbag after
Reading" in your configuration file. If you don't
preselect one, the default is "Leave it Alone". If you use
a non-English language overlay, those options will be
different, depending upon which four "hot-key" options are
on your native language's menu.
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 38
"EuroDate" (display)
When XRS displays file picklists, it shows both the
date and time of creation or last update. Use this if you
prefer "DD.MM.YY" instead of "MM/DD/YY"
"eXport <file/device>" (archive)
This parameter allows overriding the default EXPORT
path or device. The default is "PRN:" (your printer). If
you specify something different here, which becomes the new
default. You may change it to a different device, or
specify a text filename to eXport the message to. This
default may be changed "on-the-fly" when you are using the
eXport option, or specify only the pathname here and add
the filename at the time you want to eXport a message. XRS
remembers the name of the file or device you use during
each session. (See also: "eXport" in the section "Reading
Messages".)
"FirstDo <option>" (misc)
This parameter allows you to automatically perform
your "normal" first step by basically storing the keystroke
you would use from the main menu. Valid settings in the
English language version are "Select", "Read", "All Areas
Read" and "Create". The routine only looks at the first
character, which may differ when using a non-English
language overlay.
"Flip Heading" (display)
It switches lines 1 and 2 (TO: and FROM:) of the
screen during message display to make it look more like
QuickBBS or RA message displays as viewed on the BBS.
NEW "Force Alias" (reply)
To disable XRS prompting you whether (or not) to use
your alias in areas where aliases are allowed, and force
your alias to always be used in those areas (see also:
"Alias Default No").
"Force New" (misc)
Some functions are only executed when a new mailbag is
unpacked. Use this parameter to force these to be executed
each time you start XRS. It is useful when an unpacked
mailbag is created by external programs, such as XCS.
NEW "Form Feed" (archive)
Use this if you want XRS to automatically kick a page
out on your printer any time you eXport a message to a
device (PRN:, LPT1: etc.). In this case, the message does
not end with the 'message separator' bar "=-=-=-=".
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 39
"Hide Search" (display)
XRS will not display all the matched text detail
during AutoTag, AutoMatch or <F8> text searches if you use
this parameter.
"InDir <directory>" (mailbag)
Tells XRS to search another disk or subdirectory for
its inbound mailbags (instead of the current directory).
The parameter must point to an existing directory (not a
filename). If you use this, XRS no longer searches the
current (default) sub-directory.
"<Ins> <F9> Reversed" (keys/reply)
Makes the <F9> and <Ins> keys swap functions only
inside the internal editor, in other words, <F9> will paste
from the "cut" buffer, and <Ins> toggles insert/overwrite.
* "Internal Editor" (reply)
To force use of the internal editor by default even if
you define an external editor, use this parameter.
"Jump Headers" (display/speed)
Forces the continual updating of the highlighted
message header during <J>ump selection. You can force the
header to show anyway with the <Tab> key. Slower systems
may find continuous updating too slow, since the disk must
be accessed often.
NEW "LapTop" (reply)
In the internal editor XRS automatically toggles the
cursor between half-box when in "OverType" mode and the
normal (underline) cursor when in "Insert" mode. If you
prefer a block cursor during "Insert" mode, use this
parameter. This is designed for LapTop and NoteBook
computers where the normal underline cursor might not be as
obvious on screen as it is on normal monitors.
OLD "Limit <nnn>" (reply)
This parameter is nowadays only in use by XREd, the
"external internal-editor".
* "List View" (display)
"List View" forces XRS to always show messages in a
scrolling viewable window instead of one page at a time.
"Page View" forces XRS to view messages in a 'page by page'
manner all the time. By default XRS will select the best
view mode automatically depending on the length of the
message.
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 40
"Macro <text>" (keys/reply)
You may have up to 8 macros. They are available from
within the internal editor, using the keys <Ctrl-F1>
through <Ctrl-F8>. If you only have 2 macros, only the
first two macro keys will work. Place a '|' symbol where
you need a carriage return. There is a limit of 128
characters per macro. An example looks like this:
MACRO || Mike Ratledge - XRS Author|
This would place two carriage returns, several spaces and
"Mike Ratledge - XRS Author" and another carriage return.
"Mode <nnn>" (display)
Without this parameter XRS will use the best display
mode you videocard has to offer, but you can 'fine tune'
this by specifying a video mode here. On a monographic or
CGA monitor this parameter will have no effect at all and
the display will always be 25 lines by 80 characters. On
an EGA or VGA, XRS will switch automatically to 43x80 or
50x80 respectively.
With "Mode 3" XRS will not change the video mode and
will use standard 25 x 80 color mode.
If you have a EGA or higher resolution video card that
supports changing into the non-standard text modes via
either direct "special" mode numbers or loading special
parameters into the normal _AX and the extended mode into
the _BX register, you can use this parameter to set your
video automatically as soon as the configuration file is
read. If only the mode needs to be sent in _AX, enter a
single decimal value to use for the extended mode. If your
video card uses the "special" mode setting via the _BX, you
must specify what codes go into _AH and _AX after the mode
number (i.e. three decimal values). Check your monitor
manual for details.
Examples:
Mode 50 (Set many "extended" EGA cards to 50
line mode)
Mode 43 111 5 (Set Video7 VRAM or FastWrite to 60x80
mode)
"Mono Dim" (display)
Using this parameter will cause all text attributes to
have the "intense" bit stripped before text is displayed
(primarily for Mono, but works to dim bright colors in
color modes, too).
"Move Mouse" (mouse)
This one puts the mouse in the bottom right corner,
rather than popping it up on the middle of the screen.
NEW "NetmailHeader <text>" (reply)
(See: "Attribution <text>".)
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 41
"No Alt Keys" (keys)
Makes <Shift-Fx> replace <Alt-Fx> except for
<Alt-F10>. This was done for the UNIX users who were
having problems using the <Alt> keys. Note that XRS
disables the <Alt-Fx> keys entirely if you use this
parameter. The <Del> key is also available on <Shift-F3>
since UNIX still doesn't like the keyboard mapping.
* "No Blink" (display)
Turns off blinking of any highlights on the screen.
"No Clock" (display)
Disables the continuous time on the bottom line during
editing and message viewing. This interferes with
"Screen-Talk" hardware for visually handicapped users by
constantly updating that location of the screen.
"No EMS" (memory)
To disable Swap even trying to swap to LIM/EMS memory
(forcing swap to use disk instead), use this option.
* "No Mouse" (mouse)
This will disable the mouse cursor even if you have a
mouse driver enabled. If XRS still causes problems with
the mouse, try using this command "SET CWMOUSE=NO" before
running the program.
NEW "No Pids" (reply)
Causes XRS to display the XRS information on the
tearline rather than using the PID kludge. If you do not
have this parameter, the tearline becomes "---".
"No Seconds" (display/speed)
For those of you with slower machines or where the
time update gives poor results try "No Seconds", which
makes the bottom time display without the seconds field,
therefore only once per minute instead of every second.
"No Snow" (display/speed)
XRS now does vertical retrace wait (automatically
avoids snow on CGA monitors). If you have a CGA that does
not get snowy, use this option.
NEW "No UMB" (memory)
If for some reason you don't want XRS to use 'Upper
Memory Blocks' at all, put this parameter in your
configuration file. Usually this will be something you
only want to try if you're experiencing problems.
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 42
* "Nuke Garbage" (display)
Strips extra origin lines (zone gates, etc.) and other
miscellaneous unnecessary stuff from the messages.
"Old Outbound Delete" (replybag)
The default when you are prompted is not to delete
existing outbound mailbags. If you want it to default to
"yes", then you need to put this parameter in CONFIG.XRS.
"One Tear" (display)
Strips all but one tear line from the messages. Makes
things much neater, especially for quoted messages. It
will display the first one found in each message.
"Packer <program>" (mailbag/replybag)
This particular option allows you to specify a
specific packer to be used for archiving outbound messages.
If this option is not in CONFIG.XRS, then XRS will use
PKZip (only). Valid options are LHA and PKArc.
* "Page View" (display)
(see "List View").
"Pause <nnn>" (speed)
To adjust the time paused when "information" messages
appear, use this. The default is 3 (seconds) and minimum
is 0 seconds. Note that the pause time is double this
number after a <F8> search/find routine is run.
"Preload Summary" (memory/speed)
This forces XRS to dynamically allocate space for, and
preload the summary/index detail information into memory.
This allows for super-fast access, and saves the program
from reading the disk each time.
"PreProcess <program>" (mailbag/misc)
If you wish to use a special "Preprocessor" which XRS
calls before loading the mail index and summary files, use
this parameter. It can e.g. be used to sort the mailbag
with XRS-SORT.EXE: "PreProcess Xrs-Sort.Exe".
NEW "PrintWidth <nnn>" (export)
XRS word-wraps output to any TTY device (i.e. LPTx: or
CON:) - 79 characters, or one less than the actual screen
width, if you are writing to CON: and at 79 characters if
writing to LPTx:. Using this parameter you can change the
line-width to anything between 40 and 160 characters per
line.
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 43
* "Quote Header" (reply)
The Unix-style quote header defaults to OFF, so if you
want a header you must have this parameter in the
CONFIG.XRS file. The header has the name of the person
quoted, who he was writing to, the date of the original
message and some other interesting info. The text for this
line can be changed using the "Attribution" or
"NetmailHeader" parameters.
* "Quote Kludge" (reply)
Permits the quoting of both the tear line(s) and
origin lines. These are the lines at the bottom of each
echomail message that tell you what editor was used to
write the message (tear line), and the "address" from which
the message originated from. Without this option, these
extra lines are stripped from the quoted reply.
NEW "SafeMode" or "SafeMode <nnn> (misc)
This will save your progress automatically every 10
messages you read, in case you are in a house prone to
lightning or power failure (or short fuses). You can
optionally append an exact number of messages to skip
between updates (to optimize for your machine) by appending
a number from 1 to 20. Independant of this, XRS saves the
mail progress if you hit <F10> or <Shift-F10> for a DOS
shell or command.
"SaveBagPath <directory>" (mailbag)
By default, mailbags which are recompressed go to the
"InDir <directory>" subdirectory (where they started) or if
none exists, into the current subdirectory. If you want to
use a different "holding area" for read mailbags, use
"SaveBagPath <directory>" where "<directory>" is the name
of an existing subdirectory.
"SetPelHeight <nnn>" and "SetPelWidth <nnn>" (mouse)
These are almost never needed, but occasionally a
screen font or mode will not set the proper values in low
memory and the mouse will not properly reach the entire
screen. You can activate one or both of these parameters
if the mouse cannot reach the right side (SetPelWidth) or
bottom (SetPelHeight) of the window normally - that is its
only purpose! You will notice this immediately, because
the menu-bars at the bottom will not allow picking the
correct items - they will be skewed to the left slightly.
NEW "SlowEdit <nnn>" (reply/speed)
If you have poor response using the internal editor
due to all the editor information being constantly updated,
this parameter will cause "Line <xx> of <yy> Column <zz> to
be updated no more than "<nnn>" times a second. Delay may
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 44
be set from 1 to 10 (for one second down to one tenth
second).
NEW "Soft Font" (display)
Because some EGA/VGA/SVGA/1024 fonts are software-only
controlled, you must tell XRS never to adjust back to
original display geometry even if it thinks it has changed.
Hardware fonts (or fonts supported by a "TSR" program like
"VGAFont") should not have this parameter activated, or XRS
will fail to automatically restore them even if you change
them by using another mode-changing program outside XRS.
Note that if you do use software-only non-TSR fonts, you
must adjust any video changes made by external programs (if
any) before returning to XRS, since it will no longer
attempt to keep track of screen size.
NEW "Sort <item to sort on>" (display)
You can have the <J>ump list displayed in any order
you wish, not dependant upon whether or not you sort it
with "Preprocess XRS-Sort.Exe". Note that if you use
XRS-Sort, "Sort Subject" wastes time, since it is already
sorted that way. If you don't use the sorting program,
"Sort Numeric" is equally wasteful.
Sort by Name
Sort Numeric
Sort Subject
"Swap" or "Swap <drive>" (memory)
This option is recommended. First it tries to swap
all memory to a block of XMS or EMS memory. If no XMS or
EMS is available, the program will swap to the current
directory on "<drive>" or the current directory if you do
not specify a drive.
SWAP should permit XRS to run in approximately 300k of
free RAM. This routine also automagically removes the
swapfile or deallocates the XMS or EMS memory when you exit
from the DOS shell or the packer/unpacker. All external
program calls use the swapping once enabled. The "hook"
left in memory for reloading the program is only 240 to 320
bytes. If you are short on memory, then you should use the
overlayed version of XRS! If some options don't seem to
work, especially while working with large mailbags, then
you don't have enough memory.
A parameter ("<drive>") to designate the swap file
disk may be included if there is no LIM memory but there is
a ramdisk (VDISK/RAMDRIVE), or you want to swap to a drive
other than the one from which you run XRS.
Example: "SWAP G" - A path cannot be specified. The
file is always SWAP!XRS.$$$ - please do not mess with that
file (for your own good)!
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 45
"Tab <nnn>" (keys/reply)
XRS expands <Tab> characters in imported files to 8
spaces. Use this if you want to vary this (anything within
the range 1 to 10 spaces).
"TagOutFN <file>" (archive)
Overrides the default archive filename (used for
tagged messages). You may use a full disk and pathname if
you wish, but must not specify a subdirectory alone!
* "Thread Only" (keys)
To facilitate 'true threading', the plus and minus
keys can be locked out when there is no thread to follow,
allowing easier thread following.
* "Threading" (display/keys)
Complete and full-functional "threading" is available.
If you put the "Threading" parameter in your CONFIG.XRS
file, the plus and minus keys become thread following if
(and only if) a thread exists and it is in the mailbag,
instead of duplicating "Next" and "Back" respectively. If
there is a previous or next message in a thread and the
message is in the open mailbag, the "<" or ">" next to
"Thread" in the header will be replaced by a flashing "<<"
or ">>" and if you have threading turned on the plus and/or
minus keys are redefined to read the previous and/or next
message in the thread as applicable (if there is only a
back-thread, "+" still reads the next message, and
vice-versa).
"TimeAdjust <nnn>" (display/speed)
In order to somewhat "tame" the onscreen time display,
you may want to set this number higher than the default of
12 for non-overlayed versions and 16 for overlayed
versions. It defines how many times the background routine
skips execution before checking to see if another second
has elapsed.
"To Name Prompt" (reply)
You may optionally have XRS prompt you to verify the
name of the person to which you are sending the message.
"Twit <username>" (display)
This nifty little option lets you choose those people
whose messages you never want to read. If XRS comes upon a
message written by someone you have listed as a "twit" then
it skips the message.
Personally, I get a bit irritated to see people
mention the use of it as an argument in echomail
discussions. Think with your head, not with your <beep>!
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 46
"UserList <file>" (misc)
This is for addressing netmail. Netmail is mail that
goes directly to a system, rather than through the links of
echomail. It is used mostly by sysops. Some sysops allow
users access to netmail, but almost always require money in
advance to pay for the long-distance charges. XRS always
searches for USERLIST.XRS in the current directory first!
If you have a list of names and fidonet addresses (in
the format: "Lastname, Firstname Address" (e.g. Ratledge,
Mike 1:372/666), then XRS can automatically look up the
address of the person to which you are sending a message.
If you have this enabled, when XRS asks you for the
address, you simply hit the <Ins> key. XRS will
automatically look up the address for you. You need to
have the full path and name of the file in CONFIG.XRS.
Also, within the text file, the right edge of the addresses
must all be "flush right" in the column, regardless of the
length of the address. The addresses need to start at
column 31 or higher. The names should be in ascending
alphabetical order (starting with A, ending with Z). You
may have up to two userlists (with paths). If you use
netmail, and are replying to some netmail, you will see a
couple of strange lines in your reply - it will be
something like "^aREPLYID: <nnn>" ("<nnn>" being numbers).
DO NOT CHANGE THIS LINE! It is important for netmail, so
it gets where you want it to go!
NEW "Virtualize <nnn>" (memory/speed)
In order to accomodate huge <J>ump lists, XRS now
virtualizes any list which would contain more than 500
entries. You can set this threshold down to 100 or up as
high as 3000 entries - smaller numbers take less RAM to
scroll larger lists but increase disk access if you don't
preload summary; larger numbers give faster response, but
take longer to 'pop up' and eat more 'low' RAM to build.
If you have the "Preload Summary" on, response is smooth
either way. If you attempt to set it out of range, the
value is adjusted to minimum or maximum allowable instead.
(See also: "Preload Summary" and "VirtualJump".)
NEW "VirtualJump <nnn>" (memory/speed)
You may also set the virtual page-size (number of
elements which are swapped in and out each time the
physical list "faults" and the virtual list has to be
paged). Smaller numbers page more often, but quickly -
larger numbers page less often, but each page takes longer.
You cannot set the virtual page size to less than the
screen height, nor more than 1/2 the total virtual list
size default, set with the "Virtualize <nnn>" parameter.
(See also: "Virtualize <nnn>").
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 47
"XRSColor CGBwYMR" (display)
In order to select colors other than the defaults used
for the actual message display, you must set the following
to your desired combination of colors using the following
notation:
b=blue c=cyan B=light blue C=light cyan
g=green m=magenta G=light green M=light magenta
r=red w=grey R=light red W=white
y=brown Y=yellow
The order is fixed - you may have up to 7 colors for the
message heading, extended subject, "in a message", quoted
text, message text, tear line and origin line respectively.
You may also use <Alt-F7> to change colors. The defaults
are: "XRSColor CGBwYMR".
The CONFIG.XRS file parameters should be set to fit your
particular needs. There is a sample file "CONFIG.DMO" that will
help you understand how to use this option. Remember that each
parameter must be on a separate line in this plain ASCII text
file. Also, see the included file "CONFIG.NEW" for more details
on each new configuration parameter. XRS automatically looks for
CONFIG.XRS, but doesn't require it. Be sure there is a blank
line at the end of the file if you use it!
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Optimizing XRS
While all the CONFIG.XRS parameters are listed in the previous
section, some of them deserve special attention, for these will
make XRS run "better, faster, stronger than it was". The
guidelines below should help you optimize XRS and memory usage
for your own machine. These items all basically fit into three
areas - things you should (or shouldn't) do, things people
commonly do wrong, and things most people want that are not
defaults, but extend the flexibility of the program. XRS has
grown from a very simple program to one of almost infinite
possible variation. Let others know (via the "QMX_XRS" echo) how
things work best on your computer if the 'normal' options don't
work well for you. Please be sure to detail exactly what your
hardware/software is so that everyone can help you analyze your
situation.
"Swap <drive>"
Is one of the most important options - especially if you want
to use an external editor rather than the editor which is
integrated into XRS. The "<drive>" parameter is optional, and
specifies the drive letter where you want to swap out the XRS
program if no or insufficient XMS or EMS memory exists. If it is
left off, the default drive would be used. XRS leaves only a 240
to 320 bytes "stub" of itself in low memory, freeing all the
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 48
remaining memory for the external program (or DOS "Shell" on the
<F10> hot-key). Note that the exact amount of memory swapped out
will vary every time you swap, since XRS dynamically allocates up
to all available low RAM and up to 2.1 MB of LIM/EMS (and up to
96 kB of XMS memory if you use an overlayed version). If you
don't have enough LIM/EMS available at that time, XRS will
automatically swap to disk instead. If you have neither (say on
a two 360 kB floppy system), XRS will cancel the swap operation
for future external program calls after informing you it is doing
so. Unless you know this option won't be useful for you (you
have a slow hard drive and/or don't have any LIM/EMS to swap),
you should always enable this.
"Preload Summary"
This is probably *the* most important optimization option -
especially if you tend to read large mailbags and/or jump around
a lot (using the <J>ump menu-bar option after viewing a message).
This forces XRS to initialize it's "Heap Expander" routines,
preloading up to 2MB of summary/index info in LIM/EMS and/or up
to available memory less 80k in low (640k) RAM. If for any
reason, this function fails (whether it is because you run out of
available LIM/EMS or don't have sufficient low RAM), it
automatically will free all space which was allocated and turn
off the "preloaded" flag inside XRS, and XRS will use the
SUMMARYx.XRS file instead of the data preloaded in RAM. If you
have plenty of LIM/EMS memory, this allows you to preload the
index for 30,000+ messages for instantaneous lookup, if you have
640 kB and no LIM/EMS, and use an overlayed version, you should
be able to preload information for 2500 messages. Again - unless
you know you have little low RAM available (less than 640 kB) or
seldom do any jumping around - and this includes reading by AREA,
since it also uses the jump table - you should always enable
this! If you have little available memory and run off diskettes,
you *should* try to limit your mailbag size and turn this on,
since XRS will otherwise have to continually search your diskette
for information.
"No EMS"
*Don't* use this unless you have a specific LIM/EMS problem
with XRS. In every case to date, LIM/EMS conflicts have been
resolved by updating to a newer EMM driver if available. If you
do have a definite conflict and are unable to resolve it with a
driver update, you *must* use this parameter, or somewhere along
the way you will have problems! XRS does not require a LIM/EMS
version 4.0 driver, though - any truly up-to-date LIM/EMS 3.2
driver will do! XRS will still use XMS memory for swapping if it
finds any.
"TimeAdjust <nnn>"
If you have an 4.77 MHz 8088 CPU or a CGA with no vertical
retrace in the hardware (i.e. "Snow"), you probably don't need to
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 49
adjust this. This only affects how often the background
procedures 'signal' before any are allowed to execute.
"Packer <program>"
The .ZIP format is the default - if you want to use PKZip -
leave this out! If you want to use ARJ and PKZip would be found
on your PATH (XRS always looks for it first) - use "Packer ARJ" -
if you want to use the 'new' LHA, try "Packer LHA". Note that
outbound mailbags are packed with PKZip if you select ARJ, since
most mail manglers don't "know" about ARJ format yet - all other
local packing (i.e. "SaveBagPath", etc) will use ARJ.
"Buffer <nnn>"
This parameter controls the variable (user-selectable) amount
of buffer space allocated for the BATxMAIL.XRS file (the text of
all the messages) and can be set anywhere from 512 up to 32768.
If you have a slow hard disk, or run on diskettes, set it to a
lower value, if you have a very fast ESDI or SCSI drive, set it
up to the 32768 maximum - assuming you also have plenty (640k+)
of memory, which you should is you have these fast (and usually
large) drives! Depending upon how you set this option XRS may
give spectacularly fast or "square wheel" clunky access to the
messages if you jump around or read within message groups (which
most people do). You may have to experiment a bit to find the
optimal setting for your system, and you should always "tune" it
if you move to another machine!
"Virtualize <nnn>"
"VirtualJump <nnn>"
The defaults for list virtualization is to virtualize the list
only if it is more than 500 messages, and to move the sliding
window by 1 1/2 times the screen-size (i.e. virtual page size -
or number of messages removed from one end and added to the other
if you scroll past the current virtual list). Under Desqview,
you may wish to make these smaller so that XRS runs in a smaller
RAM footprint. The <J>ump list takes approximately 10k per 100
entries, so if you have plenty of RAM, you may wish to increase
the defaults to avoid frequent paging - or eliminate paging in
most cases altogether, building the whole list in memory each
time instead. Virtual lists allows XRS to build a portion of a
list for a 30,000+ message mailbag, for example, and to page
entries in and out as required as you scroll through the list.
This is not possible without virtualization, since that list
would take 300k or more just for that one function (and it must
be built in low RAM).
"No Clock"
"No Seconds"
These two are usually not needed, but provide less "Snow" on
CGA-based systems that don't do verticle retrace timing, or
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 50
eliminate the constant on-screen clock ticking which throws
"Screen-Speak" hardware/software for visually impared users off
running all over the screen constantly.
"<Ins> <F9> Reversed"
Almost everyone prefers to have the default C_Worthy functions
of <F9> (toggle insert/overwrite) and <Ins> (paste) reversed!
Using this option doesn't optimize a thing, but makes those keys
work more intuitively in the internal editor (and only effects
them in the internal editor!).
"To Name Prompt"
Most people like the ability to quote/reply to a message, but
redirect the response to someone other than the author of the
original message. Again - this one doesn't really optimize
anything, except it makes XRS more flexible. The reason this
isn't the default is that previous XRS versions didn't have the
option at all, and if I made it the default, people who typically
never do this have to "bop through" another prompt for every
message.
"Jump Headers"
This option forces more frequent access to the "BATxMAIL.XRS"
text file during <J>ump mode (from the "read messages" menu-bar),
but displays the header of each message as you scroll through the
resulting point and shoot list. Note however that if you have a
slow drive, or run on diskettes, this option is available for a
single message by hitting <Tab>, so most likely you should turn
the continual updating off. Note again that this optimization
only affects using the "<J>ump" menu-bar selection. Since XRS
does "relative jumps" inside the file rather than seeking from
the start of the file, this option usually works well unless you
have a very slow hard drive or diskettes only.
"List View"
"Page View"
These two allow you to force XRS not to use "Optimal Viewing"
during message display. Normally, XRS looks ahead to see how
many lines are in each message and picks one of these modes
automatically (list view if it's too large to fit on one screen
with the menu-bar, or page view if it fits). Page view displays
a page-at-a-time if a message is more than a full screen - the
mouse can only be used to continue to the next screen-full (and a
marker keeps track of where you last were reading). List view
displays everything in a true scrollable list, and the mouse can
be used to skew the list up or down to read or review the
message, however, you must use <Esc> or click the right button on
the mouse to exit page view mode before the menu-bar appears.
Different strokes for different folks. The optimal viewing is
likely best - if you don't have a rodent, the <Up>/<Down> arrow
keys and <PgUp>/<PgDn>, etc. keys work in List View mode, anyway.
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 51
"Bundler <program>.Exe"
Is NOT needed if you use the 'transparent' QWK format support
via Rudi Kusters' "XCS" programs named "Qwk2Xrs.Exe" and
"Xrs2Rep.Exe", but those two programs must be available somewhere
on the PATH! This is a further attempt to "open up" the
architecture and allow people to build exporting bundlers other
than the internal "XRS_Pack" (FTS-0001) or Rudi's Xrs2Rep.Exe
(QWK) packers, so if you have need to build something else,
please get in touch with me. These two already cover "FidoNet"
and other similar network output and QWK flavor "*.REP" mail
outbound mail packing.
"Thread Only"
"Threading"
"Thread only" makes the "+" / "-" keys appear only for
threading use, and "Threading" makes them thread if available,
otherwise next/back.
The way the plus and minus keys worked in all previous
versions were as the equivalent of the "<N>ext" and "<B>ack"
functions. Since version 4.50, XRS has true multi-threading
support, and using one of these two options enables either
threading via plus/minus (if there is one - otherwise they act as
before) or plus/minus only for threading. The behavior can be
modified interactively from the <F4> hot-keyed configuration
window. XRS displays blinking chevrons in place of the < or >
thread symbols if either of these options are activated, so you
know the plus or minus keys will thread and not read next or back
as before.
"Always" (Display Mailbag Handler on Exit)
This option you most likely would want to activate especially
if you tend to read mail from multiple sources, or like to "put
away" a partially read mailbag and open another, rather than use
the default which XRS has always used (keeping the 'current'
mailbag open and instantly available without unpacking). If you
typically read mail from one source, and always read them
sequentially then you probably do not need (or want) this.
"LapTop"
This parameter is new since 4.51, and causes the normal cursor
to be a block instead of the normal (underline) cursor in the
internal editor. Either way, XRS now uses a "half-block" cursor
when in "Insert" (default) mode.
"EditBuffer <nnn>
To alter default 10240 byte - 10K - internal editor buffer.
This parameter controls how much space XRS allocates for the
internal editor buffer and backup buffer (in other words, editing
a file takes twice this much available memory!). Setting this
lower (as low as 6K or 6096 bytes) will free 8K more memory when
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 52
you are editing files - setting it higher can take as much as
110K more free memory!
"DynamicBuffer <nnn>"
To alter maximum quotable or editable file size. This
parameter controls how large a quote or an external file XRS will
dynamically expand the editor buffer to accomodate. Maximum is
65500 bytes. XRS normally will use an editor and backup buffer
of 10K each (unless you adjust "Buffer Size") and this parameter
can cause XRS to use up to 130K total to allow you to edit a
large external file or quote (and clean up!) a larger message
size than "EditBuffer" normally allows. Note that if you do not
specify one, XRS automatically uses double the buffer size
(default would be 20480 bytes or 20K).
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Origin Lines
XRS allows you to have custom braglines for each echomail area
if you wish. If you have a file named "<bagid>.ORG", where
"<bagid>" is the first seven characters of the BBS ID, XRS will
use that, otherwise it will try to open "XRS.ORG" instead. If
neither exist, only the normal origin line is used - and if an
"XORIGIN.XRS" line is in the mailbag - all of this is disabled by
your sysop who wants you to use his origin line! The format for
each line in the *.ORG files is:
AREA_NAME Custom origin line for a certain echo area
Where "AREA_NAME" must exactly match the area name used in
that echo. These names are stored inside your AREASx.XRS file.
Up to 55 characters may be used in the brag (origin) line - as
always subject to the the limitation if adding the address
information causes the complete line to exceed 79 characters. If
you do not include a line for an area, the default one will be
used. The last line must end with a carriage return or it will
be ignored. Example: Ed Meloan has "AGFORUM.ORG". If it were
not found "XRS.ORG" would be looked for instead ("AGFORUMx.?XR"
is what all named mailbags downloaded from Augusta Forum are
named. See "SAMPLE.ORG" for an example of custom origin lines.
You may also have a file of up to 254 random tag lines which
are used if there is no conference-specific origin line specified
in "XRS.ORG" or the "<bagid>.ORG" file (and assuming there is no
XORIGIN.XRS 'lock'). The format is simply lines of up to 55
bytes in a text file. If the text is too long to fit, it is
truncated. The filename "RANDOM.ORG" is searched for on the PATH
if it is not found in the current directory.
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 53
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Error Messages & Codes
All user caused error messages are self-explanatory, and those
that cause fatal errors display the DOS completion code
(errorlevel) when they exit. The following is the current list
of possible error exit codes:
Exit Codes:
1 Unable to open XRS_PACK.LOG for append
2 Missing MAIL?IDX.XRS file
3 Unable to open RESPONSE.XRS for update
5 Missing USERS?.XRS file
6 Missing AREAS?.XRS file
8 Unable to open existing outbound netmail packet
9 Unable to open new outbound netmail packet
10 Unable to open echomail outbound .PKT file
90 Bad User (altered name or address)
91 Bad User (altered/missing XORIGIN.XRS file)
127 Error executing external bundle packer
Swap errors:
-1 Error in Memory Allocation
-2 Error Error in hardware/software
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 54
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Section IV - Appendices ├─┐
└─┬───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Appendix A - Checklist for Setting Up XRS
T e n e a s y s t e p s f o r u s i n g X . R . S .
(____) 1) Get latest version of "XRS" from your local BBS.
(____) 2) Create a new diskette or sub-directory preferably
called \XRS.
(____) 3) Un-Archive the files into this new sub-directory
using PKUnZip.
(____) 4) Read The Fine Manual - decide which parameters
you want in your CONFIG.XRS file. (It will run
without it.)
(____) 5) Obtain an XRS or QWK format mailbag from the BBS.
(____) 6) Use "XRS" Response to read and reply to the
messages.
(____) 7) Enjoy having much more time to read and reply to
messages!
(____) 8) Pack up your replies and upload them back to the
BBS.
(____) 9) After uploading replies, delete them on your end.
(____) 10) Repeat starting at item #5.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Appendix B - Problem Resolution
To date, several "problem" machines have turned up, and out of
those, some were solved easily, one was solved with a lobotomy
and one is still not workable.
GOOD:
1) Under DesqView, make sure you have DVANSI installed. If you
run any other DOS emulator or multi-tasker, you should have an
ANSI.SYS compatible driver loaded.
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 55
2) Make sure the DOS environment string "PATH" points to the
directory where your PKZip/PKUnZip or PKArc/PKXArc programs
reside, or have them in the same sub-directory you run XRS in.
If you run out of memory when doing the Mailbag pack, usually,
just re-entering the program and immediately exiting will
correct the problem. If you cannot correct the problem, you
can upload the ddhhmmss.PKT file (where dd = day of month, hh
= hour, etc) to the BBS, just like you would send the usual
Mailbag.
3) XRS takes advantage of *all* memory types available including
XMS, EMS and UMB memory and sometimes points out problems in
your QEMM386 or 386^Max configuration. To date, all such
problems have been solved by finding the proper memory area
exclusions.
To aid in trouble-shooting, an integrated screen dump to a
hard-coded file is now available by pressing <Ctrl-F10>. This
creates $XRS$PRT.SCR which consists of a short header plus a copy
of the screen buffer. Please send this file to the author when
something unusual happens.
Since the XRS screen dumps contain graphics you should send
the file and YOU SHOULD NOT ATTEMPT TO SEND XRS SCREEN DUMPS IN
ECHOMAIL MESSAGES other than in the QMX_XRS support area!
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Appendix C - XRS in Several Environments
Running XRS on a 2 Floppy System ________________________________
All you have to do is put the programs, etc. on drive B: and
then place "PATH=B:\" into the environment. See below for
exactly which files are required. Also, if you don't already set
the DOS "COMSPEC" in the DOS environment when you start your
system, you should put your command interpreter (usually
"COMMAND.COM") on drive B: and place
SET COMSPEC=B:\COMMAND.COM
in the batch file you start the program with, or type it before
starting XRS. If you use 4DOS or NDOS, it should replace the
"COMMAND.COM" in the above example so XRS knows to call the
proper command interpreter when executing external programs.
Make certain you have at least "FILES=25" in your CONFIG.SYS
file! If you don't already have one, create a CONFIG.SYS file on
your startup diskette with that command in it, plus I recommend
you place at least "BUFFERS=30" in it as well. If you have a RAM
drive but no XMS or LIM/EMS RAM, and do not already have the
"TEMP" variable in the DOS environment pointing to it, "SET
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 56
TEMP=C:\" for example will allow you to use the "SWAP" parameter
to much more quickly swap XRS in and out of memory when executing
external programs. If you have LIM/EMS or XMS memory, "Swap"
will use it instead of disk since both are much faster than your
diskette drive. (in either case be sure you have "SWAP" as a
parameter in your CONFIG.XRS file)
You should put the compressed (or uncompressed) mail to be
read on drive A:, (I suggest that people using two 360 kB
floppies un-compress the mailbags manually rather than having XRS
do it, since this allows you to read twice as many messages!)
plus:
Directory of A:\ (the "XRS work diskette")
CONFIG.XRS XRS configuration file - see "CONFIG.DMO"
for examples
Otherwise - blank! The first time you run XRS, it will create
a file named "ORIGIN.XRS", which contains the default origin line
you selected, and a few other small files depending on exactly
what you do during your first session. This is where you should
have your compressed or already "opened" mailbag when the program
starts. Never delete these small files XRS creates as they keep
track of outbound mail, etc. You also should start the XRS
program from this drive. If "A:" isn't current type "A:" and
press the <Enter> key.
Directory of B:\ (the "XRS program diskette")
RESP_OVL.EXE executable - may be replaced by a 286
RESP_OVL.DLL version
XRSLANG.DLL binary native language support file -
default is English
XRSCORE.DLL Dynamic Link Library for C_Worthy 1.21,
Borland C & TCXL 5.52
PKUNZIP.EXE you need this to unpack "mailbags"
PKZIP.EXE you need this to pack your replies
XRS.KEY you only have this file if you have
registered
COMMAND.COM you will need this so XRS can execute
external programs - this may be replaced by
4DOS.COM or NDOS.COM, etc.
Now, when logged into the A: drive type RESPONSE and it will
execute.
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 57
Running XRS under DesqView ______________________________________
XRS is Desqview "smart". It knows when Desqview is active,
and you should have no problem running XRS in this environment.
For more information on running programs under Desqview, see your
Desqview manual. XRS automatically releases time slices at
appropriate times. If you run Qemm as well, you should set the
option to "Virtualize" = "T" (for "Text"), so XRS will see and
use the 'alternate video buffer' Qemm sets up - XRS wants a "full
screen" to play with (even under Desqview)!
Make sure you have setup Qemm exactly right, or it will cause
you lots of headaches. This is because XRS will try to use every
corner of your system and therefore needs the right information
from Qemm. Improper setup causes Qemm to pass erratic
information to XRS and XRS will likely lock up (sooner or later).
Please follow the installation process in your Qemm and DesqView
manuals!
Both 386^Max and AllCharge/386 have also been used during
testing. Other 386 memory drivers should also be compatible.
Under DesqView, make sure you have DVANSI installed. If you run
any other DOS emulator or multi-tasker, you should have an
ANSI.SYS compatible driver loaded.
Running XRS under Novell ________________________________________
"XRS" Response is written using the C-Worthy Interface Library
from Custom Design Systems marketed by Solution Systems. The
version of the library used with "XRS" Response is a newer
version than the one available when NetWare programs (including
Menus, FConsole, SysCon, Session, Queue, etc) were written. This
version includes mouse support, which is not found in the NetWare
utilities (not yet, anyway!). Just follow the instructions for
setting up XRS - the overlay file names have all been changed so
that there is no longer any conflict with the filenames used by
the NetWare versions of C_Worthy.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Appendix D - XRS Related Programs
In this appendix you find a list of third-party applications
and utilities related to XRS. All of these are distributed as
separate packages and many of the authors of these program can be
contacted in the QMX_XRS echo.
CRR - An XRS "look-alike" for CP/M system by Paul Martin ______
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 58
JabberWocky - An XRS "look-alike" for the Mac by Eric Larson __
XAP - The "XRS Alternative Packer" by Jeroen Smulders _________
If you use XRS in a point-setup (with a mailer) and want to
send replies to several system, instead of just your bossnode,
try XAP. XAP currently has not yet been 'officially' released,
but an alpha/beta version is available from its author.
Filename: XAPnnn.ZIP, where "nnn" is the version number.
XCS - The "eXpress Conversion System" by Rudi Kusters _________
Allows you to use XRS for reading mail in an other than the
'native' XRS format (QWK, FTSC packets, VAX/VMS and others).
Furthermore there are several other utilities to maintain the
mailbag and archive files. Filenames: XCSnnnS.ZIP and
XCSnnnP.ZIP ("nnn" is the version number).
XUC - The "eXpress Userlist Compiler" by Michael Barnes _______
Automagically extracts the name and network-address of writers
in an XRS mailbag and adds them to your USERLIST.XRS file. It
also has facilities to maintain the userlist. Filename:
XUCnn.ZIP ("nn" is the version number).
XRS - The Ballpoint ___________________________________________
If all else fails...
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 59
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Index ├─┐
└─┬───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
┌───┐ <F1><F1> . . . . . . . . 11, 12
│ $ │ <F2> . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
└───┘ <F3> . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
<F4> . . 12, 22, 24, 26, 34, 36
$$ACTIVE.XRS . . . . . . . . 27 <F5> . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
$XRS$PRT.SCR . . . . 4, 12, 55 <F6> . . . . . . . . . . 12, 14
<F7> . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
┌───┐ <F8> . . . . . . 12, 26, 39, 42
│ * │ <F9> . . . . . . . . 18, 39, 50
└───┘ <Ins> . 12, 13, 18, 19, 39, 50
<Ins> <F9> Reversed 18, 39, 50
*.MSG . . . . . . . . . . . 10 <Shift-F10> . . . . . . . . 12
*.REP . . . . . . . . . . . 32 <Shift-F3> . . . . . . . 13, 41
<Tab> . . . . . . . . . 12, 19
┌───┐
│ 8 │ ┌───┐
└───┘ │ ? │
└───┘
8x8 . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
??.MSG . . . . . . . . . 14, 31
┌───┐
│ ; │ ┌───┐
└───┘ │ A │
└───┘
; . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
A.S.P. . . . . . . . . . . . 13
┌───┐ ACCESSx.XRS . . . . . . . . 31
│ < │ Address . . . . . . . . . . 20
└───┘ Again . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Alias . . . . . . . . . . . 8
<+> . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Alias Default No . . . . 34, 38
<-> . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Alias Support . . . . . . . 10
<Alt-F10> . . . . . . . 12, 26 Alternative Packer . . . . . 58
<Alt-F1> . . . . . . . . . . 18 Always . . . . . . . . . 34, 51
<Alt-F4> . . . . . . . . . . 18 ANSI.SYS . . . . . . . . 54, 57
<Alt-F6> . . . . . . . . . . 19 Archive . . . . . . . . 2, 12,
<Alt-F7> . . 9, 12, 26, 31, 47 . . . 14, 17, 24, 35, 38, 45
<Alt-F8> . . . . . . . . . . 19 Maintenance . . . . . . . 58
<bagid>.ORG . . . . . . . . 52 ARCHIVED.XRS . . . . . . . . 31
<bbsid>.XRS . . . . . . . . 31 ARC_ONLY.XRS . . . . . . . . 31
<Ctrl-F10> . . . . . 4, 12, 55 Area Prompt . . . . . . . . 34
<Ctrl-Fn> . . . . . . . 19, 40 Area Request . . . . . . . . 20
<Del> . . . . . . . . . 18, 19 AREASx.XRS . . . . . . . 30, 52
<Esc> . . . . . . . . . 13, 19 ARJ . . . . . . . . 4, 32, 49
<F10> . . . . . . . . . 12, 27 AT Version . . . . . . . . . 29
<F1> . . . . . . 11, 12, 13, 19 Attribution . . . . . . . . 34
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 60
Author . . . . . . . . . . 1, 2 Configuration File . . 6, 8, 33
Auto Cycle . . . . . 22, 23, 35 Configuration Menu . . . . 15,
AutoMatch . . . . . . . 35, 39 . . . . . . . . . 22, 26, 36
AutoTag . . . . . . . . 35, 39 Copyright . . . . . . . 4, 13
Bern Copyright Convention 4
┌───┐ CP/M . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
│ B │ Crash Netmail . . . . . . . 36
└───┘ Create, Edit or Delete . . . 19
Credits . . . . . . . . . . 4
Back . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 CRR . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Backup . . . . . . . . . . . 8 CWMOUSE . . . . . . . . . . 41
BAG_ID.XRS . . . . . . . . . 31
Batchfile . . . 8, 26, 29, 30 ┌───┐
BATxMAIL.XRS . . . . 30, 35, 49 │ D │
Beep . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 └───┘
Beta Versions . . . . . . . 3
BinkleyTerm . . . . . . . . 26 Delete . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Blinking . . . . . . . . . . 23 Delete a Message . . . . . . 19
Brag Line . . . 13, 27, 31, 52 Delete Line . . . . . . . . 19
Bragline . . . . . . . . . . 22 Delete Mailbag . . . . . . . 37
Brief . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Delete Read Never . . . . . 36
Buffer . . . . . . . . . 35, 49 Delete Read Usually . . . . 36
BufferWarn . . . . . . . 35, 37 Delete Word . . . . . . . . 19
Bulletin Board System . . . 1, DESCU . . . . . . . . . . . 4
. . . . . . . . . 2, 10, 25 DesqView . . . . 6, 30, 54, 57
BundlePath . . . . . . . . . 36 Directories . . . . . . . . 7
Bundler . . . . . . 33, 36, 51 Mail Directory . . . . 7, 8
Program Directory . 7, 8, 33
┌───┐ Disk Drives . . . . . . . . 5
│ C │ Display . . . . . . . . . 33,
└───┘ . . . 35, 38-42, 44, 45, 47
Distribution Files . . . 7, 29
C++ Language . . . . . . . . 1 Don't Crash . . . . . . . . 36
C-Worthy Interface . . . . 1, 4 DOS . . . . . . . . . . 12, 27
Cancel . . . . . . . . . . . 18 DOSKEY Macro . . . . . . . . 8
CGA . . . . . . . . . . 41, 49 DVANSI . . . . . . . . . 54, 57
Change Area/ToName . . . 23, 34 DynamicBuffer . . . 36, 37, 52
Clear Entryfield . . . . . . 13
Code of Ethics . . . . . . . 2 ┌───┐
Color . . . . . 9, 12, 26, 31 │ E │
Message Palette . . . . . 9 └───┘
Palettes . . . . . . . . 9
XRSColor . . . . . . . . 47 Echomail . . . . 2, 13, 20, 52
Compress Mailbag . . . . . . 37 Edit a Message . . . . . . . 19
Computer . . . . . . . . . . 5 Modify Header . . . . . . 20
Config Snap . . . . 22, 24, 36 EditBuffer . 18, 35-37, 51, 52
CONFIG.DMO . . . 8, 26, 30, 47 Editor . . . 18, 19, 22, 23, 37
CONFIG.NEW . . . . . . . 26, 47 External Editor . . . . 18,
CONFIG.XRS . . 6-9, 14, 17, 20, . . . . . . . . . 22, 23, 37
. . . 24, 26, 30, 32, 33-52 Internal Editor . . 18, 22,
Configuration . 7, 11, 12, 33 . . . 23, 35, 37, 39, 40, 43
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 61
EGA . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 ┌───┐
EmptyBag . . . . . . . . . . 37 │ I │
EMS . . 5, 30, 41, 44, 47, 48 └───┘
EMSCHECK.EXE . . . . . . . . 30
Error Codes . . . . . . 4, 53 Icon . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Ethical Usage . . . . . . . 2 ILink . . . . . . . . . . . 25
EuroDate . . . . . . . . . . 38 Index . . . . . . . . . 14, 42
Exit . . . . . . . . 12, 24, 34 InDir . . . . . . . 11, 39, 43
eXport . . . . . 16, 19, 38, 42 Insert . . . . . . . . . 18, 39
eXpress Conversion System . 5, Insert External File . . . . 18
. . . . . . . . . . . 33, 58 Installation . . . . . . . . 6
eXpress Response System . . 1,
. . . . . . . . . . 2, 3, 4 ┌───┐
│ J │
┌───┐ └───┘
│ F │
└───┘ JabberWocky . . . . . . . . 58
Jump . . . . . . . . 17, 39, 46
FidoNet . . . . . . . . 2, 4, Jump Headers . . . . 17, 39, 50
. . . . . 20, 25, 31, 36, 37
FIDOUSER.LST . . . . . . . . 20 ┌───┐
File Request . . . . . . . . 20 │ K │
Find . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 └───┘
FirstDo . . . . . . . . 14, 38
Flip Heading . . . . . . . . 38 Key Functions . . . . . . . 12
Floppy System . 6, 11, 26, 55 Keyboard Mapping . . . . 11, 12
Force Alias . . . . . . 34, 38 Keys . . . . . . 39, 40, 41, 45
Force New . . . . . . . 35, 38
Form Feed . . . . . . . . . 38 ┌───┐
Found . . . . . . . . . . . 17 │ L │
FTSC Packets . . . . . . . . 58 └───┘
┌───┐ Language . . . . . . 1, 26, 29
│ G │ Dutch . . . . . . . . 1, 26
└───┘ English . . . . . . . . . 26
French . . . . . . . 1, 26
GAP . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 German . . . . . . . 1, 26
Generic Version . . . . . . 29 Swedish . . . . . . . 1, 26
Getting a Mailbag . . . . . 10 LapTop . . . . . . . 27, 39, 51
Graphics Characters . . . . 27 Leave it Alone . . . . . . . 37
LHA . . . . . . 4, 32, 42, 49
┌───┐ Licence . . . . . . . . . . 3
│ H │ Limit . . . . . . . . . . . 39
└───┘ List View . . . 22, 23, 39, 50
Help . . . . . . 11, 12, 13, 19 ┌───┐
Help Bar . . . . . . . . . . 18 │ M │
Hide Search . . . . . . . . 39 └───┘
Home . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Hot Key . . . . . . 16, 18, 22 Mac . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Macro . . . . . . . . . 19, 40
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 62
Mailbag . . . . . 11, 13, 14, Novell . . . . . . . . . 6, 57
. . 15, 20, 26, 30, 31, 34, NetWare . . . . . . . 4, 57
. . . 36, 37, 39, 42, 43, 55 Nuke Garbage . . . . 22, 23, 42
Maintenance . . . . . . . 58
MAILxIDX.XRS . . . . . . 24, 30 ┌───┐
Main Menu . . . . . . . 14, 19 │ O │
Mark . . . . . . . . . . 12, 35 └───┘
Mark Block . . . . . . . . . 18
MarkMail . . . . . . . . . . 10 Off-Line . . . . . . . . . . 25
Maximus . . . . . . . . 1, 10 Offline . . . . . . . . . . 25
Memory . . . 5, 6, 24, 35, 36, Offline Reader/Editor . . 1, 5
. . . 37, 41, 42, 44, 46, 47 Old Outbound Delete . . . . 42
Menu Bar . . . . . . . . . . 15 One Tear . . . . . . . . . . 42
Message Request . . . . . . 20 Opus . . . . . . . . . . 1, 10
Mode . . . . . . . . . . 34, 40 ORE . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
MODE BW80 . . . . . . . . . 27 OREO . . . . . . . . . . 4, 10
Monitor . . . . . . . . . . 6 Origin Line . . . . . . 8, 13,
Mono Dim . . . . . . . . . . 40 . . . . . . . 22, 23, 27, 52
MORE . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 ORIGIN.XRS . . . . . . . . . 31
Mouse . . . 6, 27, 40, 41, 43 Overlayed Version . . . 5, 45
Move Mouse . . . . . . . 40 OverType . . . . . . . . . . 39
No Mouse . . . . . . . . 41 OverWrite . . . . . . . . . 18
Move Mouse . . . . . . . . . 40
Music . . . . . . . . . 8, 26 ┌───┐
│ P │
┌───┐ └───┘
│ N │
└───┘ Packer . . . . . . . 32, 42, 49
Packing Protocol . . . . . . 10
Netmail . . . . . . . . 20, 46 Page View . . . . . . 17, 22,
NetmailHeader . . . . . 34, 40 . . . . . . . 23, 39, 42, 50
Network . . . . . . . . . . 20 Parameter . . . . . . . . . 8
New Files . . . . . . . . . 12 Passkey . . . . . . . . 3, 30
New Message . . . . . . . . 19 Random Password/Key . . . 3
New Only . . . . . . . . 22, 27 PATH . . . . . . . . . . 8, 9,
New User . . . . . . . . 7, 11 . . . 32, 33, 37, 49, 52, 55
NEWIN500.DOC . . . . . . . . 8 Pause . . . . . . . . . . . 42
News . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 PCBoard . . . . . . . 1, 4, 10
Next . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 PID . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
No Alt Keys . . . . . . . . 41 PKArc . . . . . 4, 32, 42, 55
No Blink . . . . . . 22, 23, 41 PKUnZip . . . . . . 4, 32, 55
No Clock . . . . . . . . 41, 49 PKXArc . . . . . . . 4, 32, 55
No Edit Info . . . . . . . . 41 PKZip . . . 4, 32, 42, 49, 55
No EMS . . . . . . . . . 41, 48 Preload Summary . . 42, 46, 48
No Mouse . . . . . . . . . . 41 PreProcess . 17, 24, 30, 42, 44
No Pids . . . . . . . . . . 41 PrintWidth . . . . . . . . . 42
No Seconds . . . . . . . 41, 49 Problem Resolution . . . . . 54
No Snow . . . . . . . . . . 41 Problems . . . . . . . . . . 12
No UMB . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Processor . . . . . . . . . 7
Non Overlayed Version . . . 6, Program Version Info . . . . 12
. . . . . . . . . 29, 30, 45
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 63
┌───┐ SaveBagPath . . . . . . 43, 49
│ Q │ Screen Dump . . . . 4, 12, 55
└───┘ Screen Size . . 6, 27, 33, 40
Script Files . . . . . . . . 26
Qemm . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Search . . . . . . . 12, 26, 35
QMail . . . . . . . . . 4, 10 SET CWMOUSE=NO . . . . . . . 41
QMX_XRS . . . . . . . . 25, 47 SET XRS=X . . . . . . . . . 34
QuickBBS . . . . . . . 1, 4, 10 SetPelHeight . . . . . . . . 43
Quote . . . . . . . . . 16, 18 SetPelWidth . . . . . . . . 43
Quote Header . . . . . . 22, 43 Shareware . . . . . . . . . 2
Quote Headers . . . . . . . 34 SlowEdit . . . . . . . . . . 43
Quote Kludge . . . . 22, 23, 43 Soft Font . . . . . 8, 34, 44
QWK 1, 10, 21, 32, 33, 36, 58 Sort . . . . . . 22, 23, 24, 44
QWK2XRS.EXE . . . . . . 10, 33 Spawn0() . . . . . . . . . . 5
Speed . 35, 39, 41-43, 45, 46
┌───┐ Summary . . . . . . 12, 14, 42
│ R │ SUMMARYx.XRS . . . . 24, 31, 48
└───┘ SuperBBS . . . . . . . . 1, 10
Support Echo . . . . . . . . 25
RAM . . . . . . . 5, 6, 44, 46 Swap . . . . 12, 23, 41, 44, 47
RANDOM.ORG . . . . . . . . . 52 SWAP!XRS.$$$ . . . . . . . . 44
Read . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Sysop . . . 1, 14, 20, 23, 52
Reading Messages . . . . . . 15 System Requirements . . . . 5
Register . . . . . . . 2, 3, 27
Major Updates . . . . . . 3 ┌───┐
Registration Fee . . . 2, 3 │ T │
Registration Form . . . 2, 3 └───┘
Registration Information 13
REGISTER.XRS . . . . . . . . 3 Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
RemoteAccess . . . . . 1, 5, 10 TAG 12, 14, 16, 17, 24, 31, 35
Repack and Delete . . . 14, 37 TagOutFN . . . . . . . . 31, 45
Reply . . 16-18, 34-41, 43, 45 TComm . . . . . . . . 1, 5, 10
Replybag . . . . . . 32, 36, 42 TCommNet . . . . . . . . . . 5
RESPONSE.386 . . . . . . . . 30 TCXL User Interface . . . 1, 5
RESPONSE.BAT . . . . . . . . 29 Tearline . . . . . . . . . . 41
RESPONSE.PIF . . . . . . . . 30 Thread Only 17, 22, 23, 45, 51
RESPONSE.XRS . . . . . . . . 31 Threading . 17, 22-24, 45, 51
Responsibility . . . . . . . 2 TimeAdjust . . . . . . . 45, 48
RESP_286.BAT . . . . . . . . 30 To Name Prompt . . . . . 45, 50
RESP_OVL.DLL . . . . . . . . 29 To You . . . . . 12, 15, 17, 22
RESP_OVL.EXE . . . . . . 8, 29 Toolkit . . . . . . . . . . 29
RESP_RTL.DLL . . . . . . . . 30 TPBoard . . . . . . . . 1, 10
RESP_RTL.EXE . . . . . . 8, 29 Transfer Protocol . . . . . 10
Twit . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
┌───┐
│ S │ ┌───┐
└───┘ │ U │
└───┘
SafeMode . . . . . . . . . . 43
SAMPLE.ORG . . . . . . . 30, 52 UNIX . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Save Reply . . . . . . . . . 19 Unpack . . . . . . . . . . . 13
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 64
Update . . . . . . . . . . . 8 XRS.KEY . . . . . . . . 3, 30
Upload . . . . . . . . . 20, 25 XRS.ORG . . . . . . . . . . 52
Upper Memory Blocks . . . . 41 XRS2REP.EXE . . . . 10, 32, 33
Use Alias . . . . . . . . . 34 XRS50.ICO . . . . . . . . . 30
User Request . . . . . . . . 20 XRS500AT.ZIP . . . . 7, 29, 30
User Supported Software . . 2 XRS500XT.ZIP . . . . . . 7, 29
UserList . . . . . . . . 20, 46 XRS50ALL.ZIP . . . . . . . . 29
Userlist Compiler . . . . . 58 XRS5CORE.ZIP . . . . 7, 29, 30
USERLIST.DMO . . . . . . . . 30 XRS5INST.ZIP . . . . . . 6, 29
USERLIST.XRS . . . . 20, 30, 46 XRS5TOOL.ZIP . . . . . . . . 29
USERx.XRS . . . . . . . 26, 30 XRS??FRN.ZIP . . . . . . . . 26
UUCP . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 XRS??GER.ZIP . . . . . . . . 26
XRS??NL.ZIP . . . . . . . . 26
┌───┐ XRS??SWE.ZIP . . . . . . . . 26
│ V │ XRSColor . . . . . . 9, 26, 47
└───┘ XRSCOLOR.BIN . . . . 9, 26, 31
XRSCORE.DLL . . . . . . . . 30
VAX/VMS Mail . . . . . . . . 58 XRSDoor . . . . 4, 10, 11, 21
VGA . . . . . . . . . . 8, 27 XRSLANG.DLL . . . . . . 26, 30
Virtualize . . . . . . . 46, 49 XRSLICE.EXE . . . . . . . . 36
VirtualJump . . . . . . 46, 49 XRS_PACK.$$? . . . . . . . . 31
XRS_PACK.LOG . . . . . . . . 31
┌───┐ XT Version . . . . . . . . . 29
│ W │ XUC . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
└───┘
┌───┐
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . 4 │ Z │
WildCat! . . . . . . . . . . 1 └───┘
Windows . . . . . . . . . . 30
Write a Message . . . . . . 18 ZIP_ONLY.XRS . . . . . . . . 31
┌───┐
│ X │
└───┘
XAP . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
XBBS . . . . . . . . . 1, 5, 10
XCS . . 5, 10, 32, 33, 36, 58
XMS . . . . . . . . 5, 44, 47
XMX . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
XORIGIN.XRS . . . . 26, 31, 52
XR-PIF.DVP . . . . . . . . . 30
XRCONFIG.EXE . . . . . . . . 8
XRS . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 4
Checklist . . . . . . . . 54
Optimizing XRS . . . . . 47
Related Programs . . . . 57
Start XRS . . . . . . . . 8
Using XRS . . . . . . 10, 11
XRS Files . . . . . . . . . 29
XRS-SORT.EXE . . 24, 30, 42, 44
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 65
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Registration Information ├─┐
└─┬───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
We do our utmost to make the registration of our programs as
easy and flexible for you as possible. This includes two main
registration sites and several national registration sites,
on-line registration questionnaires on several bulletin board
systems, acceptance of all major international ways of payment
and more!
Rather than having you go thru the registration procedure with
every version, you are granted a licence to use the program you
register for the rest of your life. After receiving your payment
your personalized key will be netmailed to your "home" BBS, if
you provide a valid FidoNet address. Otherwise it will be mailed
to you, unless you indicate that you prefer it to be posted on
East Bay X-Change BBS at 803/556-7485 for you to pick up within
48 hours after receipt here. However, we *much* prefer netmail
(through FidoNet or CompuServe) registrations as opposed to
regular mail! If you do not have your registration passkey in
two (mailed from the US, Canada, or the Netherlands and
surrounding countries) or three to four weeks (depending upon
where you are located) please contact either Mike Ratledge or
Rudi Kusters at their FidoNet, CIS, or mail address.
XRS is an ASP "Shareware" program, and is not cripples in any
way. It will continue to function perfectly until your
registration key arrives! You can either fill out the two page
form and CIS/net/regular mail to one of the primary registration
sites, or call one of the BBS's listed below as registration
sites and fill in an online form.
Diskette Service ________________________________________________
New (non-beta) versions are sent out via FidoNet's Software
Distribution System (SDS) and available on many bulletin board
systems soon after release, but you may find it convenient to
receive new versions on a high-density (1.2 MB 5.25" or 1.44 MB
3.5") diskette. The disk contains all programs (and all
versions), all language overlays plus the totally automated
installation program which sets up your copy after asking your
preferences for version type(s), language, disk paths, etc. Note
that the installation program requires a hard disk! The
diskettes are updated for each beta and non-beta version.
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 66
Printed Manuals _________________________________________________
Likewise all documentation is included in the distribution
file as ready to print ASCII textfiles, but wouldn't you love to
have a printed manual ready to consult? The manuals are printed
using state-of-the-art typographic technologies (it's not just a
WordPerfect printout!) and printed in the US and Europe
simultaneously to make it available to you at the lowest possible
cost. These printed manuals also include sample screens, at a
far better quality than possible in the on-disk documentation.
Family Plan (XRS only) __________________________________________
We are pleased to announce a "Family Registration" policy,
which allows an entire family using XRS for the basic US$ 30
registration fee plus US$ 10 per person for each extra person in
the same family. All keys ordered on the family plan must be
ordered at the same time and must be sent to the same address.
Please indicate the names required on the registration form and
include an extra US$ 10 per family member beyond the initial US$
30 fee for the first family member. The offer is ONLY good with
multiple registrations at one time!
However, if other family members purchase keys after the
initial registration, they may do so at half price for the first
extra key, and US$ 10 for each additional.
In other words - 3 family members all at one time: US$ 50, but
adding 2 family members later US$ 25 (or US$ 35 for 3 more, etc).
eXpress Response System 5.10 Page 67
Primary Registration Sites ______________________________________
Mike Ratledge Rudi Kusters
995 Buck Hall Landing Bodegravenplantsoen 4
McClellanville, S.C. 29458 6843 ED Arnhem
U.S.A. the Netherlands
FidoNet . : 1:372/6666 FidoNet . : 2:512/34.4
CompuServe: 76666,1512 SIGnet. . : 27:3331/2206
Fax . . . : +31-85.210.500
Please make checks and money orders sent to these addresses
payable to "Mike Ratledge" or "Rudi Kusters" respectively. In
the US bankcard transactions are processed by "East Bay X-Change"
and in the Netherlands by "RJA Kusters - ProCess".
Note that XRS386 registrations require processing in the US - you
have to have a new version compiled with your registration in it!
All XRS386 registrations include shipment on diskette - please be
certain to indicate diskette size below.
National Registration Sites _____________________________________
» USA « » THE NETHERLANDS «
BBS : East Bay X-Change BBS : EasyBoard
Sysop : Mike Ratledge Sysop : Peter Janssens
Phone : 803/556-7485 Phone : 04780-12428
FidoNet: 1:372/666 (BBS) FidoNet: 2:512/1
1:372/6666 (netmail)
CIS : 76666,1512
» UNITED KINGDOM « » SWEDEN «
BBS : Sounds Digital BBS : CLN & TST BBS
Sysop : Wally Beben Sysop : Robban Maliszewski
Phone : 0842-762136 Phone : 08-891620
FidoNet: 2:257/45 FidoNet: 2:201/254
» AUSTRALIA «
BBS : The Lightning BBS
Sysop : Khuanchai Chooboonraj
Phone : 3-399-1030
FidoNet: 3:634/383
All of the above systems have an online registration
questionnaire available and accept registrations in local
currency. The East Bay X-Change registration online door allows
you to pay with any bank card listed below as well. You may send
registrations and/or have bankcard registrations returned on any
Fidonet system or CompuServe (Mike Ratledge 76666,1512).
Remember: XRS386 registrations MUST be mailed to Mike Ratledge
in the U.S.! (you will receive a diskette by return mail...)
On the next two pages are the registration form, where you can
tick off what you want to register/order. The prices listed in
US dollars (US$) apply if you send the registration/order to Mike
Ratledge, and the prices in Dutch guilders (Dfl) apply if you
send it to Rudi Kusters or any of the European national
registration sites. Remember: XRS386 must be sent to Mike!
. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
. │ XRS version 5.10 and XCS version 1.10 Registration Form ├─┐
. └─┬───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
. └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
.
. Please verify that you have or will read "Ethical XRS" statement
. which is included in the documentation, and agree to be bound by
. terms therein:
. [ ] Yes - I have read it... / In any case, you agree to abide
. [ ] No - but I will read it by rules and ethics therein by
. \ mailing this form.
.
. Date sent . . . . . . . . : _____/_____/_____
.
. User Name to Register . . : ____________________________________
. (exactly like you spell it on the BBS)
. Address . . . . . . . . . : ____________________________________
. City, State, Zip . . . . : ____________________________________
. Country . . . . . . . . . : ____________________________________
. Name of BBS . . . . . . . : ____________________________________
. Sysop Name . . . . . . . : ____________________________________
. BBS type . . . . . . . . : _________________ (Quick, RA, Opus,
. PCBoard, TPBoard, SuperBBS, etc.)
.
. FidoNet address: __:____/_____ or CIS ID (US Only): _____,_____
. Send key . . . . . . . . : [ ] to network address above
. [ ] as private message posted on
. East Bay X-Change BBS, 48 hours
. after receipt of registration
. [ ] by regular mail
.
. Other family members to register:
.
. ______________________________ ______________________________
.
. ______________________________ ______________________________
.
. Please select the product you want to register in the list below.
.
. eXpress Response System USA Europe
. ─────────────────────── ─────── ───────
. [ ] XRS - Single User Licence, DOS US$ 30 Dfl 60
. [ ] XRS - Single User Licence, 386/Pro US$ 40
. [ ] XRS - 5.x Update Contribution US$ 10 Dfl 20
. [ ] Registered XRS to XRS386/Pro
. Current "XRS.KEY": ___________ US$ 15
. XRS "Family Registration":
. [ ] Combined with above or [ ] List your own XRS.KEY: ___________
. [ ] DOS 2nd & further family members (each!) US$ 15 Dfl 30
. [ ] 386 2nd & further family members (each!) US$ 20
. (List further names separately, please!)
. [ ] XRS - Printed Manual US$ 15 Dfl 30
. --> XRS - Diskette (see below)
.
. (continued on the next page)
. eXpress Conversion System
. ─────────────────────────
. [ ] XCS - Single User Licence US$ 15 Dfl 30
. [ ] XCS - Printed Manual US$ 15 Dfl 30
. --> XCS - Diskette (see below)
.
. XRS / XCS Combined Registration
. ───────────────────────────────
. [ ] XRS/XCS - Combined Registration US$ 40 Dfl 80
. [ ] XRS386/Pro XCS Combined Registration US$ 50
. [ ] XRS/XCS - Printed Manuals US$ 25 Dfl 50
. [ ] XRS/XCS - Diskette US$ 8 Dfl 16
. Disk format: (no charge for 386 version: indicate size below)
. [ ] 5.25" HD [ ] 3.5" HD
. What version:
. [ ] Current [ ] Next non-beta
. [ ] Next beta or non-beta
. Version(s) you have now:
. XRS ________ XCS ________
. [ ] "All the above" (includes XRS386/Pro, XCS, US$ 65
. manuals and disk: mark disk size above!
.
. [ ] XRS/XCS - Site/Group licence (50+) PLEASE CONTACT US!
.
. Payment USA Europe
. ─────── ─────── ───────
. Creditcard - Access [ ] [ ]
. American Express * [ ] [ ]
. Diners Club N/A [ ]
. MasterCard/EuroCard [ ] [ ]
. Optima * [ ] N/A
. VISA [ ] [ ]
. US$ Check (payable on a bank in the US!) [ ] N/A
. (Add US$ 10 for a foreign check!)
. US$ Postal Moneyorder [ ] [ ]
. Internation Postal Moneyorder [ ] [ ]
. EuroCheck (in Dutch guilders only!) N/A [ ]
. Bank transfer (in the Netherlands only!)
. Postbank, accountno. 43.59.426 N/A [ ]
.
. * IMPORTANT! American Express (and "Optima") requires that your
. billing address exactly match the address given above in order to
. validate any mailed or electronically transmitted charge.
.
. If you have selected creditcard, please supply the information on
. your card here - exactly as printed on the card.
.
. Name of Cardholder . . . : ____________________________________
.
. Card Account Number . . . : ____________________________________
.
. Expiration Date . . . . . : _____/_____
.
. THANK YOU for trying, registering and using our ShareWare programs