BBS Toolkit/BBS Toolkit.iso/qbbs/acf514r0.zip/ACFILES.DOC

Text File | 1991-03-10 | 34KB | 923 lines

     ┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
     │               The Auto Control File System - AKA, ACFiles             │
     ├────────────────┬─────────────────────────────────────┬────────────────┤
     │ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀│          ACFiles Version 5.14       │▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ │
     │    ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀│      QuickBBS/RA File Replacement   │▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀    │
     │        ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀│         The Best File System        │▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀        │
     │             ▀▀▀│            By: Ray 'C'ole           │▀▀▀             │
     └────────────────┴─────────────────────────────────────┴────────────────┘


                                 Documentation By
                             Ray Cole and Fred Rorex




                         Thanks To the BETA Testing Team:


           ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
           ║ ****   ACFILES SUPPORT BBS - HOME OF ACFILES    **** ║
           ║ Ray 'C'ole    - Auto Control BBS      - QBBS/Binkley ║
           ║                 1:382/83  [phone]  *9600 HST* ║
           ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
             Allen Andrews - The ACADemy of Austin - QBBS/Frontdoor
                             1:382/56  [phone]  *9600 HST*
             David Gordoa  - Heart O' Texas BBS    - RA/Binkley
                             1:382/72  [phone]  *9600 HST*
             Joe Kutz      - Starbase I            - QBBS/Binkley
                             99:9100/9 [phone]   2400
             Robbie Romano -            QE2        - RA/Binkley
                             1:382/58  [phone]   2400
             Fred Rorex    - MicroWorld BBS        - QBBS/Binkley
                             1:382/78  [phone]   2400
             David Westman - Bon Appetit           - RA/Binkley
                             1:382/84  [phone]  *9600 HST*
             Joe Wessels   - Phantom's Mansion     - QBBS/Frontdoor
                             1:382/72  [phone]   2400
























                                    ACFiles
                               Table of Contents


     1 ..................................................... Overview

     2 ..................................................... Terminology

     2 ..................................................... Requirements

     3 ..................................................... Setup

     6 ..................................................... Other Setup

     7 ..................................................... Protocol Config

     9 ..................................................... Connecting w/ BBS

     9 ..................................................... Other Configs

     10 .................................................... Moving Files

     10 .................................................... Sysop Commands Menu

     11 .................................................... User Commands

     12 .................................................... Other Programs

     12 .................................................... External Protocols

     12 .................................................... Registration































     Introduction - ACFiles                                      Page 1


     DISCLAIMER:

     ACFiles is only guaranteed to take up disk space if you have it on any
     type of computer media.  However, if you or your system delete it then
     it is no longer guaranteed to do anything.

     OVERVIEW:

     Auto Control Files (ACFiles) is a unqiue full File System for QuickBBS
     with a different twist.  It has a unique "Quick-Select" bar so that you
     and users can select files while viewing a file list.  From there the
     user can download the files without having to ever enter a filename.
     The Sysop can use these "tagged files" to do such things as mass-file
     movement to other areas, mass-deletion, hide/unhide the file for users,
     and even edit the description.

     While ACFiles is a nice program for users, you will find it even better
     from the SysOp side.  The status bar looks similar to QuickBBS's bar.
     Setting it up is quite easy.  There are a variety of SysOp commands
     available and it even includes a full-screen chat brought up by ALT-C.

     ACFiles can handle up to 120 file areas.  Each one is configurable for
     access security, upload area, configurable FILES.BBS path and name (so
     you aren't forced into having it 1 particular way), area Name, and even
     area description.

     ACFiles also has a General Configuration for the BBS name, SysOp-level
     security, screen write mode (BIOS or Direct), whether or not you want
     uploaded files to be hidden from a user, inactivity timeout in seconds,
     and an Upload Time Credit ratio.

     Tired of the way the MOVE commands are?  Well, configure your own!
     ACFiles calls a batch file upon moving a file.  The batch file is
     passed 4 variables that allow you to make it "smart" enough to convert
     to various compression formats, scan for viruses, or whatever you want
     it to do!  Samples are included.

     And finally, ACFiles is great for having a "File Section Co-SysOp" with
     all of its powerful commands.  No longer does a Co-Sysop need to know
     your paths to all your file areas..  Each area is easily identified.























     Terminology - ACFiles                                       Page 2


     IMPORTANT TERMINOLOGY

     Even if you think you know all the terminology of a file system, I'd
     suggest you read this to keep you from getting confused.  Some of these
     may be new to you:

     Area Tag: This is a short 2-key code for a file area.  It consists of
               the key combination pressed to get to the area.  For example,
               B5 would refer to Set B, Number 5.  Area tags will be
               displayed at the top of each area in ACFCONF.  Anytime
               you see something asking for an Area Tag, it is NOT a path.
               Throw that idea out of your mind and think about each area
               being assigned a specific tag.

     Tagged File: This refers to a file that has been "tagged" using the
                  selection bar in the file listing.  Tagged files can have
                  many things done with them upon your command.

     FILES.BBS: This is the filename used by QuickBBS and other systems to
                refer to a file consisting of the filenames and
                descriptions of the files in a particular file area.  I
                will refer to those lists as FILES.BBS's.  However, ACFiles
                does not force you to name them this.




     MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS AND REQUIREMENTS

     ErrorLevels: Upon exit, ACFiles exits with the following errorlevels:

                  0 - Exit Program (Normal)
                  1 - General Error (File Not Found, Etc.)
                  2 - Carrier Dropped
                  3 - Time Up For User
                  4 - Fossil Init Failure
                  6 - Inactivity Timeout


     Requirements: IBM or compatible computer running Dos 3.X and later.
                   Quickbbs or Remote Access style bbs system, and the
                   achivers (if you want to support these.)

                   PKPAK.EXE           PKWARE Inc.             ARC
                   PKZIP.EXE           PKWARE Inc.             ZIP
                   PAK.EXE             NoGate Consulting       PAK
                   LHARC.EXE           Yoshi                   LZH
                   ZOO.EXE             Rahul Dhesi             ZOO















     Setup - ACFiles                                             Page 3



     STARTING OUT

                           ! ! ! IMPORTANT ! ! !
         *** ANSI MUST BE INSTALLED FOR ACFILES TO RUN CORRECTLY ***

     Place all of the ACFiles files into their own subdirectory.  Run
     ACFCONF.EXE.  You will notice a selection of either General or Area
     configuration.  Select G first.

     You will now see a screen like this:


     ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
     1)     BBS Name: The Auto Control BBS
     2)  Master List: autoctrl.txt
     3)   SysOp Sec.: 64000
     4) Screen Write: DIRECT
     5)     UpLoads Hidden: Yes
     6) Inactivity Timeout: 120 Sec.
     7) Upload Time Ratio: 1 Times
     8) Auto-D/L File 1: g:\mail\mastlist.txt
                 List of All Files on the BBS
     9) Auto-D/L File 2:

     ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
     Selection:

     The fields for this may be empty right now.  First let's define your
     BBS name.  Hit 1.  It will ask for your BBS name.  Enter in what you
     want your BBS's name to be displayed as.

     Next let's tell it your Master File List.  This is a file produced by
     ACMASTER if you choose to use it to make your Master Files List.  This
     can consist of a full path and filename to a list you want created.  If
     you do not run ACMaster then this field is unused.  It is suggested to
     put something there anyway.

     Now define the SysOp Security level for the file door.  This is the
     access level that all Hidden Files will be displayed and all SysOp
     commands will be available.  I wouldn't make this low enough for normal
     users to access, as the commands are VERY powerful..

     Next select 4 to modify the Screen Writes mode.  If you don't have an
     old CGA card that produces Snow with direct writes, then tell it (2)
     for Direct writes.  If this doesn't work right for you when ACFiles is
     run then you may reset it to 1, BIOS Writes which is a bit slower..

     Uploads Hidden is the 5th selection.  Press 5.  If you want ALL
     uploaded files to be hidden from users (Users are defined as those with
     access lower than the SysOp security defined above) then simply tell it
     that you do want the files to be hidden.  Else tell it No and all
     uploaded files will appear normally to all using the file system.










     Setup - Cont.                                               Page 4


     The next two may seem stupid since they are defined in the QBBS/RA
     configuration programs.  However, since it is a pain to support both
     configuration types, these two options are only configurable here.

     Select 6 to tell ACFiles how many seconds ACFiles should wait until
     hanging up on a user if no key is pressed in that amount of time.
     360 seconds is usually a good number (3 minutes.)

     Number 7 is the Upload/Time Ratio multiplier.  This determines how much
     time credit a user gets when they successfully upload a file.  For each
     1K uploaded, they will receive the amount of minutes defined here.  So
     if I specified 3 minutes here, and a user uploaded a 5K file, then it
     would give them (3*5) minutes, or 15 minutes of extra time.

     8 and 9.  These are the options to select auto-download options.  This
     allows the sysop to assign keys 1 and 2 in the Main Menu to transfer these
     files without the user entering a filename.  The description is also
     included.  This is useful so that the user can download your master file
     list without knowing the name.

     Hit 8.  It'll ask for a filename.  Enter a complete path and filename.
     Next enter a SHORT description for it - very short..  Then when you run
     ACFILES you'll see it is on the Main Menu screen as 1 - <description>.

     Exeriment around with that one.

     General configuration is now complete.  Hit enter to save it and return
     to the main selection menu.

     Now you need to define your file areas.  Hit A.  You will see a screen
     similar to this:

     ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
     Area Tag: A5
     1 - Name: IBM Files
     2 - Desc: This Is For IBM Files
     3 - Path: F:\IBM
     4 - FILE.BBS: F:\IBM\FILES.BBS
     5 - Upload Area Tag:
     6 - Sec.: 5
     A - Flag A: --------
     B - Flag B: --------
     C - Flag C: --------
     D - Flag D: --------
     Regular File Area
     ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
     [+] Next, [-] Previous [J] - Jump to Area [U] - Global U/L Tag Change
     Enter # To Change:

     [A-D] - Edit Security Flags

     This allows you to specify the necessary flags needed for a user to
     access these file areas.  All 4 flags sets are supported.

     The fields may be blank if you are starting out fresh without any
     existing ACFPATH.CTL (a sample one is in the package for your
     convenience.  This is the file you are editing with ACFCONF.)






     Setup Cont. - ACFiles                                       Page 5




     The top line is that area's Area Tag.  Now if you read the terminology
     earlier in this documentation then we are in good shape.  If you failed
     to read it, then PLEASE read it now or you may be lost..

     The remaining lines are the Area's name, description, files path, file
     area's list name, the Upload Area Tag [NOTE - NOT A PATH!!!!!!], and
     the Security needed to access the area.  You will also see Regular File
     Area displayed underneath.  This will always be there UNLESS you have
     the term "GIF" in the Area name.  Then it will say it is a .GIF area
     and ACFILES will replace the View Archive command in the area's command
     set to View GIF header.

     Let's go through the configuration of a file area.. [Oh, boy..what
     fun!]

     Hit 1 to edit the area's name.  Simply type in the area's name.  If you
     wish for this area to be deleted, then hit enter on the line leaving a
     blank line.  The configuration will show it to be a deleted area.
     Let's type in a name for now.  After entering the area's name, press
     enter and you will see the above screen again.

     Now hit 2 to give the area a description.  From this configuration line
     and on, pressing Enter on the input prompt will cause ACFiles to accept
     it as "no change" to the line.  Type in the area's description here and
     press enter.  You will note it has been updated.

     Now hit 3 and give it a path.  The path may be ended with a \ or you
     can leave it off - it really doesn't make a difference.  Hit enter
     after entering the path.

     Now hit 4 to edit the Files List path/name.  Note that this MUST be a
     full path and filename of the file area's list.  It defaults to the
     area's path and FILES.BBS as the name for your convenience.  This may
     be ANYTHING you want - even down to the name.  However, if you decide
     to name it differently from conventional methods, then my utils. will
     be the only ones that will get the list names correct..
     If you are new to this or want to be able to use your previous
     utilities then leave it as the Path\FILES.BBS.

     Next hit 5 to define the area's Upload Tag.

     NOTE  NOTE  NOTE  NOTE  NOTE  NOTE  NOTE  NOTE  NOTE  NOTE  NOTE  NOTE

     THIS IS NOT A PATH NAME!!!!  IT IS AN AREA TAG!  ENTERING A PATH NAME
     OR AN INVALID TAG WILL CAUSE ACFILES TO KICK YOU RIGHT BACK TO THE BBS.

     ACFiles allows you to make files go to any defined area you want when
     they hit [U]pload in the area you are configuring.  Let's say that you
     want all your files in this area to go to your Uploads Directory that
     just happens to be area tag A0 (area tags are displayed at the top of
     each area's configuration.  See above example.)  You would simply put
     A0 here.  This allows you to make uploads go wherever you want.

     Press enter when through with this.







     Setup Cont. - ACFiles                                       Page 6


     Finally press 6 to edit the area's security level.  This is the minimum
     security required for a person to access this file area.  Note that
     this area won't even be displayed in the menus in ACFiles for those
     that don't have a high enough access level.

     You've now configured your first file area.  Hit + to go to the next
     file area until you have configured all the areas you want for your
     system.  Areas do not have to be contiguous.

     You will also notice the J and G commands.  J allows you to Jump To a
     file area by entering it's tag.  So if I am in area A0 (the first area
     that appears when you go to the Areas Edit) and I want to go to area
     H8, I would hit J and enter in H8.

     G allows you to globally change EVERY file area's upload directory to 1
     area tag.  Use this with care..

     Once you are satisfied with your area configuration, hit Enter to save
     your changes.  Then press Q to Quit the configuration program.

     I know this seems like a lot, but you'll get the hang of it.

     There is more..



     OTHER SETUP

     K-Byte limits are defined in RA's/QBBS's configurations.  Usually this
     is via. LIMITS.CTL.  Read your BBS packages documentation on this.
     This data is passed to ACFiles via. EXITINFO.BBS, so the limits are
     defined with your BBS package's method.

     Go into your AUTOEXEC.BAT and create the following lines in the start
     of your AUTOEXEC.BAT.

     SET DSZLOG=C:\ACFILES\DSZ.LOG
     SET DSZPORT=2

     DSZLOG is the full path and filename to your DSZ.LOG.  This MUST be in
     the same directory as ACFILES and named DSZ.LOG.  Failure to have this
     set right will result in NO download counters/time ratios, etc. to be
     updated..  So if I have ACFILES in the directory C:\ACFILES, then the
     command above is the one I would use.

     DSZPORT is the COM port for your modem.  2 is for COM2.

     If you are multi-tasking then these can be done inside of DV also..















     Protocol Configuration - ACFiles                            Page 7


     PROTOCOL CONFIGURATION

     In the ACFCONF program you'll notice a Protocol editor. For those that
     don't need anything other than what is pre-configured with ACFiles, I'd
     suggest leaving it alone.  However, if you want to add a protocol..

     I've tried to make this as easy as possible.  ACFiles calls the external
     protocols and MUST be able to read a log file which IT creates telling what
     it transfered, if it was successful, and how many bytes were transferred.
     For that reason, there may be 1 or two external protocols that won't work.

     If you have troubles, please send me a copy of the protocol you are
     installing and I'll get you a configuration for it.

     You'll notice a screen containing "slots" for each external protocol.
     Select the letter of the slot you wish to edit.

     It will now ask for the Protocol Name.  This is how the name will appear to
     the user when they select the protocol.  This should be short.
     Enter - by itself on the line will delete the protocol.

     Next it'll ask if it is a batch protocol.  This is for protocols like
     Zmodem that allow multiple files to be transferred.  Answer Yes or No
     accordingly.

     Now it'll ask if it is a two-way protocol.  This is like Bimodem.  Set this
     to Yes or No if this protocol allows receiving and transmitting of files at
     the same time.

     The next statement is the command to send a file.  This and the next one,
     command to receive, are explained in detail below.  Generally, call a batch
     file with %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9 and it'll be easier on you.

     ACFiles will call these lines exactly as entered.  The following symbols
     are special for ACFiles and causes it to substitute information in place:


     %1 - Filename(s) to send
     %2 - Baud Rate
     %3 - Com Port
     %4 - File Containing List Of Files To Send
     %5 - Upload Path
     %6 - Download Path
     %7 - Time Left in Minutes
     %8 - Drive Of Upload Path - Ex.   F:
     %9 - Path of Upload Path -  Ex.   IBM\RECEIVE

     Where does %8/%9 come in handy??

     If you are NOT a registered DSZ user then you will NOT be able to specify a
     path for where uploaded files go.  Therefore you can call the batch file
     with the %8/%9 parameters and do:

         %8
         cd\%9








     Protocol Configuration - Cont.                              Page 8


     NOTE: Once these parameters are passed to a batch file the numbers will
     probably be reassigned by DOS.  I'd suggest that if you call a batch file
     (unlike what my examples show..) to call it with ALL 9 paramters in a row
     and do the command line in the batch file with the %'s in there to make it
     less confusing.

     Example Command:

       xmodup.bat %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9

       XMODUP.BAT:

       %8
       cd\%9
       DSZ port %1 estimate 0 %2 rx

     My PROTOCOL.CFG contains this for Xmodem:

       xmodup.bat %3 %2 %1 %8 %9

       XMODUP.BAT

       %4
       cd\%5
       DSZ port %1 estimate 0 %2 rx

     Note that the statements in the batch file change because the batch file
     uses the %'s that you sent and renumbers them from %1 on.  So it is MUCH
     easier to just send all %'s to a batch file and that way you don't have to
     do any conversion.

     Now we are down to the log file format.  It is explained here:

     Log File Format:

     This is the ONLY way that ACFiles will know if a file is sent or not.  It
     will NOT update your counters, etc. correctly if this is not set correctly.

     You must know what type of log entries your external protocol makes.

     Example of DSZ.LOG:

     Z 149372   2400 bps  217 cps    0 errors  506 1024 F:\10\21.ZIP -1

     The Log Format statement in PROTOCOL.CFG represents a "format" of the log
     file's lines.  It has a few flags that represent various things:

     %s - Status Flag Location
     %b - Bytes Sent
     %f - Filename - With or Without a Path
     %g - Garbage

     These represent locations.  Spacing between them doesn't matter.  So, for
     the above log entry, the format would be:

     %s %b %g %g %g %g %g %g %g %g %f

     This means the first word will be the flags, which are checked with the
     Sent Good/Received Good flags defined in Protocol.cfg.  They are case
     sensitive.



     Connecting with the BBS - ACFiles                           Page 9


     The second word is expected to be the # Bytes sent/received.
     The next 8 works are garbage and not need by ACFiles.
     The 11th spot if the filename
     Since the rest of the log entry isn't needed, there are no other "format"
     flags in the log format line and the rest is ignored.


     Good Flags:

     The next information asked for is what the protocol will put in it's log
     file for the %f slot if it is successful at transfer.  ACFiles checks these
     case sensitive.  These are allowed for both send and receive flags.  Z in
     the log example above would be a Receive good flag.

     Next is the protocol log name.  THIS IS NOT a log file for you...This is
     telling ACFiles what the log file name is that the external protocol
     creates for it to read in needed information.  Failure to have this set
     right as well as the flags will cause the Byte counters and Download #
     counters to not be updated..
     That is it.  For more information or help, call the support BBS.


     CONNECTING IT WITH THE BBS

     Make a Type 15 (or Type 7 if you are using QuickBBS 2.75 or above) that
     calls the door like the following:

         COPY DORINFO1.DEF C:\ACFILES
         COPY EXITINFO.BBS C:\ACFILES
         C:
         CD\ACFILES
         ACFILES
         C:
         CD\QUICKBBS
         COPY C:\ACFILES\EXITINFO.BBS
         {call QuickBBS again}

     Failure to copy the Exitinfo.bbs back to your QuickBBS directory will
     result in QuickBBS not knowing what ACFiles has update in the way of
     Download K, Upload K, etc. counters..

     You are now ready to try it out.  Either run the BBS and call ACFiles
     with the menu you have just created or go to the ACFiles directory and
     type ACFILES LOCAL.

     OTHER CONFIGURATIONS

     If a batch file FREQDOOR.BAT exists, then ACFiles will be triggered to
     display a [R]equest Door command for users.  ACFiles will call
     Freqdoor.bat to run the door.  This is in case you like one of those.

     MOVE.BAT is the batch file QuickBBS calls when moving files.  3
     examples are given - MOVE.BAT does nothing (will act like QuickBBS's
     Move command), TOZIP.BAT will convert all files to .ZIP, and
     SCANZIP.BAT will scan the files being moved for Viruses and convert to
     .ZIP format.  See the MOVE.BAT section elsewhere.  DO NOT MESS WITH
     THIS FILE UNLESS YOU FEEL YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING!

     DSZ.EXE (or .COM) must exist in the ACFiles directory or the current path
     in order for the uploads/downloads to work.



     Moving Files - ACFiles                                      Page 10


     MOVE.BAT CONFIGURATION

     MOVE.BAT is a batch file called from ACFiles when a file is moved.  It
     is passed the following parameters:

     move.bat {filepath} {filename} {filename WITHOUT .EXT} {filename .EXT}

     So let's say I'm moving a file TEST.ZIP from area A2 (which you have
     configured as having a files path of D:\BBS).  ACFiles would pass the
     following:

     move.bat D:\BBS\ TEST.ZIP TEST ZIP

     Therefore you can check %1, %2, %3, and %4 in your batch file to do all
     sorts of things.

     Upon exiting, MOVE.BAT must create a file called FILENAME that
     contains the file's name.  This allows you to change to filename during
     a convertion from .PAK to .ZIP.  If the filename above was not
     modified, then you could do ECHO %2.%3 >FILENAME.  That would put
     the name TEST.ZIP into the file FILENAME.  ACFiles will read this in
     and put that name in the file area's list.  Let's say we changed the
     extension to .PAK.  We'd do an ECHO %2.PAK >FILENAME and QuickBBS would
     know that the file's name has been modified and will use it in the new
     file list.

     Look at TOZIP.BAT and SCANZIP.BAT for good examples.

     SYSOP COMMANDS MENU

     Hitting * in a file area (for SysOp's) causes ACFiles to display a
     complete sysop menu.  Here you can Move a file (up to 6 or 7 at a
     time), delete a file(s) (up to 6 or 7), Hide/Unhide a file (6 or 7 at a
     time..), or edit a file's description (6 or 7 at a time..)

     The move command will ask for files to move.  If you have selected
     files in the file list using the selection bar then it will have these
     names on the name prompt already.  In either case, enter the names of
     the files you want to move and hit Enter.  If the names were valid, it
     will ask you which area you want to move the file(s) to.  A complete
     list of file area names and their tags are displayed.  Enter the area
     tag associated with the file area you want to move the file(s) to.
     ACFiles will then move the files calling the MOVE.BAT for any
     conversions you want.

     Delete works in the same manner as above in enter the filenames.  Hit
     enter on the filenames you want to delete and it will delete them.
     Space out the prompt and it will abort.

     Hide/Unhide works the same way with entering the filenames.  For each
     one entered it will tell you if it is currently hidden or not and then
     asks if you want it Hidden or Unhidden.  Hidden files will only be
     displayed to those with SysOp access.  What may be helpful to know is
     that ACFiles does this by placing a @ in the front of the filename in
     the area's list.  This tells ACFiles (and it's utils) that these are
     hidden files.  This also works for comment lines, but comment lines can
     not be hidden from this menu.  You can go in and manually edit the list
     with an ASCII editor to do this.





     User Commands - ACFiles                                     Page 11


     Edit Descriptions: All files entered here will be displayed and you
     will be asked to edit the description.  Hit enter after it is how you
     want it to be and that becomes the file's new description.

     A - Add a filename.  This option allows you to add a filename into the
     listing.  Upon hitting A it will search the directory for any files that
     are not listed in the FILES.BBS.  It'll display their filenames.  You can
     then enter in the filenames you want to add.  After entering the filenames
     to add it'll ask for descriptions.  Hitting enter on the descriptions skips
     the addition of the files.

     V - View Log File.  This lets you view the log file.  This is useful to
     tell who has uploaded and downloaded throughout the day.

     R - Remove Log File.  This lets the sysop remove the log file.
     Confirmation of answering Yes is required before it'll be deleted to keep
     away from accidents.

     User Commands:

     Most of these are self-explanatory.  The tagged file lists may be
     confusing though.  While viewing a file listing, you can tag files.
     Being a sysop you can use these marked filenames to do the SysOp
     commands.  A user can use this to mark files for download.  A status of
     the time estimate and K marked are displayed at the bottom.

     This brings 3 different commands to the menus.  [C]lear tagged files
     will clear the list of tagged files for the current area or for all the
     file areas.  This allows you to reset the list.  [E]dit list will let
     you edit what files are marked or not.  Wildcards are accepted and
     converted into real filenames.  NOTE: Only 78 characters of filenames
     can be stored, which is about 6 to 7 filenames..  [R]eview tagged file
     lists allows you to see what files you have marked in all areas.

     Experiment around a bit here.  It's fun!

     ON-LINE COMMANDS

     HOME will increase a user's time by 1 minute.
     END will decrease a user's time.

     Other keys work like QuickBBS's status bar commands.  PgDn will move
     through the different status bars.  F9 will display the available keys.
     They should be self-explanatory.

     ALT-C calls BCHAT.EXE.  Therefore, Bchat must be in the ACFiles
     directory.  This can also be used for your BBS's chat via. a Type 7
     command.  But I think by now all the BBS packages have built-in chat
     programs.














     Other Programs - ACFiles                                    Page 10


     OTHER PROGRAMS:

     ACMAINT.EXE

     This is the maintenance program.  It reads in the area's lists and
     neatens them up a bit by making the first letter of each word in
     Uppercase, Like This Line Is..  It also sorts the filenames underneath
     the comment lines.  This should cut down on your maint.

     ACMASTER.EXE

     This creates a human-readable file of all the files and descriptions in
     your file system.  It creates a file by the name specified in the
     General configuration of ACFCONF.

     ACMASTER.HED is the text file displayed at the top of the ACMASTER
     list.  ACMASTER.EXL is an "exclude" area list consisting of the area
     tags you want ACMASTER to NOT put in the list.  Format is:

        A5
        B7
        C5


     FD2ACF.EXE is a program to convert FileDoor-Style FILES.BBS's to ACFiles
     format.  The formats are 99% the same with the exception of the # Times a
     file has been downloaded counter.  This will make the conversion.

     That should be it.  If you have any questions then please contact Ray
     Cole at 99:9100/8, 1:382/83, or 50:5512/0.  He'll be glad to hear from
     you!  If the demand is large enough I will create a Fido echo for
     ACFILES support.  Any responses to your netmail will be left in Hold
     for your system to pick up from me.  I usually respond within 24 hours.
     Or you may call [phone] at 300-14.4K HST and leave a message/page
     me there.

     EXTERNAL PROTOCOLS:

     Due to ACFiles having to read a log file and determine if a file has
     been sent/received, I have delayed the External Protocols option until
     a future release.  This is going to be added, so don't worry.  I hope
     the other features will make up for this.


     REGISTERING:

     I am asking $15 for the use of this program.  I've worked hard on this
     and registering will prompt me to make things even better and support it
     better.

     Send it to:    Ray Cole
                    Route 6 Box 255
                    Leander, TX  78641

     See REGISTER.DOC for more information and a form.

     Thanks for your support!

     Future programs by me will be released in support for ACFiles.  By
     registering you will help me to be encouraged to keep on with this!