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Version 7.00 (7.01 gamma)
The first artificially intelligent file area maintenance utility
Copyright (C) 1989 by \/isions software
AlphaQBBS is Copyright (C) 1988,1989 by K-Tech Computers
Vsort is Copyright (C) 1989 by \/Soft corp.
AlphaSetup is Copyright (C) 1989 by \/Soft corp.
This document is Copyright (C) 1989 by \/isions software
1
Contents of these documents:
----------------------------
Section Page
-----------------------------------------------------------------
1.0 Preface by Jason Froikin............................ 3
1.1 Preface by David Kuhn............................... 3 - 4
2.0 About AlphaQBBS..................................... 4 - 5
3.0 Setup............................................... 5 - 10
3.1 Structure of the Control File....................... 11
4.0 System Requirements for Operation................... 12
4.1 Limitations......................................... 12
4.2 Operation of AlphaQBBS.............................. 12 - 13
4.3 Command Line Parameters............................. 13
4.4 Available Command Line Parameters................... 14 - 17
4.5 Expiration Date Explained........................... 17
5.0 Error Table......................................... 18
6.0 Registration Information............................ 19
7.0 Warranties, Licensing, etc.......................... 19
8.0 Credits............................................. 19 - 20
Registration Form................................... 21
Page 2
=================================================================
Section 1: Preface (Why!) by Jason Froikin
=================================================================
I recently opened a BBS in early December of 1988. Shortly there-
after, I discovered that none of the file area maintenance util-
ities, that piled up, sorted the file areas as I wanted them to.
So, you know how the saying goes, if you want it done right, do
it yourself. And low and behold, with help from David Kuhn, I
had an artificially intelligent file area sorter that could be
conscious of where headers, blank lines, and file names were.
Sound like science fiction? Well, hello Star Trek, the future is
here.
It seemed that ,at the time, there was this great file area util-
ity called AlphaQBBS made by Dave. So I decided that the best
should go to the best! Low and behold (heard that before)
AlphaQBBS 5.0, the first AlphaQBBS program, the first program
period, that included my artificially intelligent file sorting
utility, came into being.
What have we got now, you might ask. My answer is obviously THE
best and most intelligent file area sorter and overall files
lister in the shareware market!
=================================================================
Section 1.1: Preface (Why!) by David Kuhn
=================================================================
I first started a BBS around May 15th, 1988. It hasn't been a
year. In that time I have evaluated a number of overall files
listing utilities. None of them totally pleased me. Having con-
trol over processes is a big satisfaction. Perhaps this is why I
was drawn to QuickBBS. Adam has written a fine piece of code, but
still allowed the sysop to have the biggest say in what his/her
BBS looks like. This same "craving for control" is what drives me
write software, even if other programs exist that perform a sim-
ilar function. Hopefully in the process, a superior program will
emerge. If not totally superior, at least one with more func-
tions.
AlphaQBBS started life as a program that only created a total
files listing. The original intent was to create an overall files
listing of all the files on a given system. This was a total
files list, not one separated by file area name and title. It was
quite pleasing to me create a sorting routine that could sort
over 8000 files without running out of system memory! Anybody
that knows me will testify that I can be quite stubborn. This is
all the first four revisions did.
Now with revision 5.0, my thought processes changed. I started
listening to suggestions. Hence 5.0 can produce any form of out-
put that my "think tank" of former users could come up with. The
process of thought changed so much that I even allowed another
author to write part of it! Jason Froikin created an
Page 3
=================================================================
Section 1.1: Preface (Why!) by David Kuhn ...continued
=================================================================
extremely ingenious algorithm to intelligently sort any type of
files.bbs listing. With a little of work, his product "\/sort"
has been incorporated in AlphaQBBS. You will find many features
in this revision that make AlphaQBBS an exciting package with
fresh ideas.
This was a fun project for me, if not time consuming. The
"project" hasn't ended though. AlphaQBBS will continue to grow
and evolve thanks to the many users of this product. I'll con-
tinue to have fun . My closing thoughts? A Philosophy to live by:
"Don't take life so seriously. What the hey, there's always next
time! <Grin>" and "Thank God for spelling checkers!". Enjoy.
=================================================================
Section 2: About AlphaQBBS
=================================================================
WHAT WAS AND WHAT IS:
Since version 1.0 of AlphaQBBS was released, its sole purpose was
to sort a bunch of file listings and make one giant listing out
of it. Versions following 1.0 were bug fixes and large increases
of efficiency. Gradually, AlphaQBBS became a VERY efficient file
lister.
BUT, that wasn't enough for us ambitious people!
\/Sort was added into the code. \/Sort is an artificially intel-
ligent file listing sort subprogram. This subprogram is automat-
ically conscious of solid headers, and blank lines, in the file
WITHOUT HUMAN INTERVENTION. Hence, AlphaQBBS 5.0 was born. The
same quality efficient file lister now with the ability to sort
the individual file listings INTELLIGENTLY.
Jason Froikin of \/Soft rewrote the setup program for version
6.0. This setup program is now of an extreamly high caliber of
quality ,but has once again been separated from the main body of
AlphaQBBS. This was done for compiler memory conciderations.
A \/Adopt module has been added to version 7.0. This usefull
addition allows for the adoption of orphaned files in your BBS's
file list (FILES.BBS). If a file exists in the MSDOS
subdirectory, but for some reason isn't listed in the FILES.BBS,
\/Adopt will adopt that file, giving it the file discription of
"New File: Adopted by AlphaQBBS". AlphaQBBS can also create a
list of all adopted files for the use of the sysop. A separate
NoAdopt.CTL control file can be created to keep \/Adopt from
adopting certain file names (e.g., FILES.BAK, DIR.BBS, etc.,).
Page 4
=================================================================
Section 2: About AlphaQBBS ...continued
=================================================================
A number of other usefull and asked for features have been added.
We're sure that you will find this package exciting and usefull
in your daily BBS life.
Sound good? Keep reading along, and soon you will be able to
have a copy operating on your BBS.
=================================================================
Section 3: Setup
=================================================================
AlphaQBBS requires a control file to operate. Included along with
ver 7.0 of AlphaQBBS is the setup program AQSETUP.EXE. The
purpose of the AQSetup program is to aid you in creating the
needed control file for operation. The structure of this control
file is explained later in these documents. The control file
,AlphQBBS.SYS, can be edited (or even created for that matter)
using your favorite ascii editor.
To initiate Setup, type the following at the DOS command line:
AQSETUP
Once the vanity credit has finished you see a command line at the
top of your screen that looks something like this:
\/isions Edit Control File: AlphQBBS.SYS AlphaSetup 5.2
=================================================================
Pressing the <LEFT> or <RIGHT> arrow keys will cause either the
\/isions or the Edit to be highlighted. Selecting either choice
and then pressing the <DOWN> arrow key will cause a "POP-UP" menu
to appear. Both "POP-UP" menus are explained in detail further
down.
In the center of the top line you should see information about
the control file being used. By default, the name of the control
file is "ALPHQBBS.SYS". This can be changed by a command line
parameter, explained later.
<ESC> Note: at the bottom you will see a line that states
"Press <ESC> when finished.". At all times in the setup
mode, AlphaQBBS will have a similar message at the bottom.
The <ESC> key is used to `back out' of menus in AlphaSetup.
At this point on the start-up menu, the <ESC> will allow
you to end the program run. At other points the <ESC> will
end processes. It doesn't necessarily cancel them.
Page 5
=================================================================
Section 3: Setup ...continued
=================================================================
The \/isions Menu
=================
The \/isions menu looks as such:
+-------------------------------+ -> Use the <UP> and <DOWN>
| | arrow keys to move a
| Induction of FLSEARCH.CTL | scroll bar in order to
| Logo information | select an option.
| Edit header - ALPHHDR.OVL |
| Make tagfile - Download.TAG | -> Pressing <ENTER> will
| File edit - NOADOPT.CTL | select then option under
| Command line switches | the scroll bar
| Output file name change |
| Shell to DOS | -> Menu is also "Hot-Keyed".
| Quick AlphaSetup | Pressing the 1st letter on
| | the line will select that
+-------------------------------+ option.
I(nduction):
Read QuickBBS's FLSEARCH.CTL file and use that information
to create an ALPHQBBS.SYS file. After using this option, it
is probable that you will want to select the Edit "Pop-UP"
menu to change the default control information.
L(ogo):
Redisplays the Alphasetup logo and version information.
E(dit) Header:
This invokes a full screen editor in order to change the
ascii file `ALPHHDR.OVL'. This is custom file that is added
to the beginning of the files compilation. It should list
information about you BBS.
M(ake tagfile):
This invokes a full screen editor in order to change the
ascii file `DOWNLOAD.TAG'. This is a custom file that can be
added to the end of the file compilation. It could list
information about you file directories.
F(ile edit):
This invokes a full screen editor in order to create or
change then ascii file `NoAdopt.CTL'. This is a custom file
that AlphaQBBS uses for the \/Adopt option. NoAdopt.CTL
should contain a list of file names that you would not want
AlphaQBBS to adopt (e.g., FILES.BBS, FILES.BAK, DIR.BBS,
etc.,). More on this later.
Page 6
=================================================================
Section 3: Setup ...continued
=================================================================
C(ommand line switches):
This is a list of the current command line switches that
work with the AQSetup program. These switches don't
necessarily relate to the ALPHAQBBS program operation. At
present, only the -C command line parameter is supported in
AQSETUP. Specifying -Cfilename.ext as a command line
parameter, will allow you to create a control file with a
name other than AlphQBBS.SYS (default). Usage would be as
this:
AQSETUP -Ccustom.SYS
This will cause AQSETUP to created a control file with the
name CUSTOM.SYS. The filename and extention can be anything
of your choice as long as the file extension contains three
characters.
O(output file name change):
This is an alternative way to edit another control file. If
you start AQSETUP without the -C command line parameter but
in the process of editing the file decide to change its
name, use this fuction. You can choice any name for the
control that you wish, as long as it has a three character
file extension.
S(hell to DOS):
As the name implies this fuction will drop you to DOS is a
"shelled" invirionment. This is usefull do look at the
directory, type files, etc.,. Type EXIT to return to
AQSetup. Dont't forget to do this!
Q(uit): This will end the operation of AlphaSetup and put you
back at the operating system.
The Edit Menu
=============
When this menu is selected, information about the control file
will be displayed towards the center of the screen. That display
can look similar to this:
---
Displaying entry number 1
There are 19 Numbered 1 - 19
Directory: D:\files\area5\Files.BBS
Label....: ■■■ Test ■■■
Sort?....: Sort
Include..: Incl
Page 7
=================================================================
Section 3: Setup ...continued ---
=================================================================
The 1st line shows which entry in the control file is being dis-
played.
The 2nd line shows the number of entries in the control file.
The lines 3 through 6 display the entry indicated by line #1.
Make-up of lines 3 through 6
============================
-> Line 3 indicates a path\directory\title
-> Line 4 is a title for that file area.
-> Line 5 indicates whether the files.BBS is to be sorted.
-> Line 6 determines if this file area is to be included in
the file compilation.
<UP><DOWN>:
The arrow keys allow you to page through the entries in the
control file.
<INSERT>:
The insert key allows you to add another entry to the
control file. AlphaSetup will automatically assign harmless
"NULL" information to that entry.
<DEL>:
The delete key will allow you to remove an entry in the
control file. Caution: There isn't any "Are you sure?"
prompt. Press the button and the entry is gone.
<ENTER>:
Pressing enter will allow you to edit a selected entry. Once
pressed, a window, such as shown below, will pop-up.
+---------------------------------------+
| | -> This is a hot-keyed
| Directory: None | selection menu.
| Label....: None |
| Sort?....: Yes | -> To change an item,
| Include?.: Yes | just press the 1st
| | letter.
+---------------------------------------+
<D>: Pressing `D' will allow you to enter a subdirectory path.
AlphaQBBS must be able to find a files.bbs there. The
subdirectory path and the name FILES.BBS must be given
(e.g., d:\Files\Area1\Files.BBS).
Page 8
=================================================================
Section 3: Setup ...continued
=================================================================
<L>: Pressing `L' allows you to assign a name to the subdirectory
listed in this entry. IBM extended graphic characters can be
used (e.g., ■■■ New Uploads ■■■). This name is used by
AlphaQuickBBS in its mode "-3" method of operation. Refer to
the command line parameters section of this manual (section
4.3).
<S>: Pressing `S' will allow you to toggle (on/off) , whether or
not you wish AlphaQBBS to sort the Files.BBS specified in
this entry.
<I>: Pressing `I' will allow you to toggle (on/off), whether or
not you wish AlphaQBBS to include this subdirectory in the
compiled files listing.
<Esc>:
When you are finished editing this entry, press escape to
backout.
-> You will need to perform the last few steps as many times as
necassary to tell AlphaQBBS all the file directories that you
wish to include in as given listing.
Command Line Parameters
=======================
If you wish to specify a different control file for AlphaSetup to
edit, use the -C parameter as such:
ALPHQBBS SETUP -C[FileName.EXT]
Example: ALPHQBBS SETUP -CJASON.TST
AlphaSetup will then save the control information under then
title you chose. The file extension must be three characters.
The Great Idea!
===============
Gee! Since I can create different control files, I can use them
to create different file listings with AlphaQBBS! Why didn't
anyone else think of this?
Page 9
=================================================================
Section 3: Setup ...continued
=================================================================
Suppose you have an adult files area and you don't wish to have
its contents plastered all over the output file compilation for
the world to see. For you MASTER file list, use a control file
that excludes the ADULT subdirectory. Then create a control file
(e.g., as ADULT.SYS) that only had the adult subdirectory listed.
When it comes time for your maintenance routines to operate, you
will run AQBBS at least once to create the MASTER files list and
then again to create just a list of what's in your adult area.
What a great idea! Why didn't we think of that? For more
information on using AlphaQBBS with different control files,
read on.
ENDING SETUP
============
When you have finished making all the changes that you wish,
pressing <Esc> from the opening menu, will allow you to exit
AlphaSetup. The program will prompt to make sure you really want
to finish. Answer "Y" and AlphaSetup will automatically save the
changes to the control file before exiting.
That is the basic operation of the setup program. It is really
very easy to operate once you see it running. You should now be
ready to work with ALPHAQBBS!
Page 10
=================================================================
Section 3.1: Structure of the Control File:
=================================================================
An actual line in the control file looks like this:
D:\Files\Area3\FILES.BBS,New Uploads,!,*
------------------------ ----------- - -
^ ^ ^ ^
| | | +-- * indicates to include
| | this files.bbs in the
Path and file name of the | +--+ output listing.
Files.BBS | |
Title of File +- ! indicates to sort
Area this files.bbs.
Note: For the last two line parameters, if any character appears
other than what is indicated above, the controlled function
will not take place.
In the above example, we tell AlphaQBBS the path to the files.bbs
as indicated, the area name is New Uploads, we wish that
files.bbs to be sorted, and that it is to be included in the
output files listing. It's not that complicated. AlphaQBBS will
warn you and cease to operate if you make an error. No harm will
come.
Your control file will consist of any number of lines, like the
above (see the limitations section of this manual).
For those of you who have used AlphaQBBS since version 5.0, the
control file structure has not changed.
Page 11
=================================================================
Section 4: System Requirements for Operation
=================================================================
AlphaQBBS has these system requirements:
- One hard or floppy disk with at least 250 Kilobytes free
- At least 256 Kilobytes of free RAM space
- MS or PC DOS version 3.0 or higher
- An IBM or fully compatible computer
Alphaqbbs has been tested on the following computers & Software:
- Zenith 386 with 1 megabyte of memory and hard drive, QuickBBS
- ATI 286 with 640K of memory and hard drive, QuickBBS
- Tandy 1000 with 640K memory and hard drive, QuickBBS
- Zenith 161 with 1 megabyte of memory and hard drive, QuickBBS
- Zenith 161 with 256K memory and hard drive, QuickBBS
- off a floppy drive (but why bother?), QuickBBS
- IBM (True Blue), 640K memory, hard drive, OPUS
=================================================================
Section 4.1: Limitations
=================================================================
No ram-resident clocks should be in the system while running
Alphaqbbs, and programs that capture the clock interrupt may
cause some problems. Timed head parking utilities do not effect
the operation of Alphaqbbs. DO NOT operate shelled from any other
environment (carrier detect considerations). If your BBS contains
more than 1100 file areas, or a given FILES.BBS has more than
1100 line in it, OR your BBS has more than 8000 or so files
total, forget about using this program!
=================================================================
Section 4.2: Operation of AlphaQBBS
=================================================================
Operation of AlphaQBBS 7.0 is relatively easy. The minimal you
need for operation are these three files (same subdirectory):
ALPHQBBS.EXE - The executable code.
ALPHHDR.OVL - Your text header to go at the top of the file
compilation.
ALPHQBBS.SYS - The default AlphQBBS control file.
-> ALPHHDR.OVL is the default name of the header file that is
added to the beginning of the files listing output. This can
be changed through a command line parameter.
-> ALPHQBBS.SYS can be edited by an ASCII editor if you strictly
adhere to the structure, listed in section 3.1. Using the
setup facility is highly suggested. Alternative control files
may be used. Refer to section 4.3 of this manual.
Page 12
=================================================================
Section 4.2: Operation of AlphaQBBS ...continued
=================================================================
AlphaQBBS can be run independently or incorporated into a batch
file by using the command:
ALPHQBBS
-> By default, AlphaQBBS will produce an output files listing
with the name "DOWNLOAD.TXT". This name can be changed through
a command line parameter.
When AlphaQBBS runs, it will look for a header file call
"ALPHHDR.OVL". This header file should identify your system, its
phone number, node number, etc.,. In addition, it should also
have a "Title Header" line (or lines), for the start of the files
listing. Rather than explain this "Title Header" any further, I
will refer you to examine the sample "ALPHHDR.OVL" file included
in this package. Please edit that file for your system.
=================================================================
Section 4.3: Command Line Parameters
=================================================================
Command line parameters allow the operation of AlphaQBBS to be
modified. Without any parameters, AlphaQBBS works as follows:
-> Required Header File: ALPHHDR.OVL
-> Name of Output File: Download.TXT
-> Type of Output: An overall files listing, no file area
reference. Good for a File Request of "Files".
-> FILES.BBS will be sorted if indicated in the control file.
To change this default operation, you must use command line par-
ameters. An example use would be as follows:
ALPHQBBS -FBasslope.TXT -3
Version 7.0 of ALPHAQBBS has a rich supply of available command
line parameters to meet almost any need. Refer to the next page
for an explanation of the available parameters.
Page 13
=================================================================
Section 4.4: Available Command Line Parameters
=================================================================
The following command parameter can be used to spice up the oper-
ation of AlphaQBBS:
Parameter | What is does
-----------------------------------------------------------------
-1 (Default) | Standard formatted output file. This produces
| an overall sorted files listing. Program Name,
| size, file creation date, and description
| information is included in the output listing.
| This output listing is most suited for the file
| that you send when your system receives a FILE
| REQUEST for "FILES"
|
-2 | Secondary standard output file. This produces
| an overall sorted files listing. Program Name,
| size, files area, and file description is
| included in the output listing. This is ident-
| ical to the -1 option except the the file area
| # is substituted for the file creation date.
| (More on this later)
|
-3 | This produces a listing totally different than
| option -1 or -2. This may be considered a more
| "traditional" output format. The output listing
| is actually a compilation of all the FILES.BBS
| that are specified in the control file to be
| included in the output. It is almost the same
| as tagging all the FILES.BBS together except:
| File Size and creation date are listed, output
| is neatly formatted, and the area title speci-
| fied in the control file is used to create a
| heading for a given FILES.BBS. This is the
| option you will want to use to create the files
| listing that your users download.
|
-A | This forces AlphaQBBS to adopt any "Orphaned"
| files in the file directories indicated in the
| control file. An Orphaned file is one that is
| in the MSDOS subdirectory but not in the BBS
| files list (Files.BBS). An associated control
| file must exist in the same directory as
| AlphaQBBS called "NoAdopt.CTL". This control
| file contains the names of files that you do
| not wish AlphaQBBS to adopt (e.g., Files.BBS,
| Files.Bak, Dir.BBS, etc.,). The structure of
| the NoAdopt.CTL file is shown in this example:
|
| FILES.BBS
| FILES.BAK
| DIR.BBS
Page 14
=================================================================
Section 4.4: Available Command Line Parameters ...continued
=================================================================
| The NoAdopt.CTL file is ascii in nature and can
| be created using AqSetup or your favorite text
| editor. Only one file name per line with a
| <carriage Return> following it can be used.
|
-Cfilename.ext | Specify the name of an alternate control file.
| This is useful if you wish to compile a list of
| just one area, perhaps one of limited access,
| such as adult access files.
|
-E | Using this parameter will force AlphaQBBS to
| exclude file names that are missing from the
| MSDOS directory, from the file compilation
| listing. Using this option "Shows the user what
| we have, NOT what we want.
|
-Ffilename.ext | Specify a new output file name. The filename
| must be legal and have a 3-digit extension. Do
| not use any spaces between the -F and the
| filename. If the -F parameter is not used, by
| default, AlphaQBBS will create an output files
| listing by the name of "DownLoad.TXT"
|
-Hfilename.ext | Specify a new name for a header file,which is
| added at the beginning of the files listing.
| The filename must be legal and have a 3-digit
| extension. Do not use spaces between the -H and
| the filename. If the -H parameter is not used,
| AlphaQBBS, by default, will look for
| ALPHHDR.OVL.
|
-Mfilename.ext | This will allow AlphaQBBS to create a list of
| files that were found to be missing during it's
| operation. Of course, AlphaQBBS will only look
| in the directories specified in the control
| file. The file name is one of you choosing
| (filename.ext), but must have a three character
| extension.
|
| This option will work even if the -E parameter
| is not used, but will not work if -X (cancel
| file compilation) is called for.
|
-Ofilename.ext | Using this parameter will cause AlphaQBBS to
| create a file (filename.ext) of all the files
| that it adopted during its operation. This
| parameter can have no effect unless the -A
| option is used.
|
Page 15
=================================================================
Section 4.4: Available Command Line Parameters ...continued
=================================================================
|
-P[Option] | When used, AlphaQBBS will attempt to provide
| some type of compressed (e.g., PAKed, ARCIVED,
| etc.,) file compilation. The normal ascii text
| file output is still provided. -P has four
| forms as shown:
|
| -P1 - Use the PAK v1.6 method of file
| compression.
| -P2 - Use Phil Katz's PKARC v3.5 method of
| file compression.
| -P3 - Use the New Phil Katz's PKZIP v0.90
| method of file compression.
| -P4 - Use the ZOO v1.22 method of file
| compression.
|
| AlphaQBBS knows how to use each of the listed
| programs for the given version. Other versions
| of the listed programs may also work, but
| haven't been tested. When using, just specify
| "-P[#]". Do NOT specify the compression program
| name.
|
| If any one of the -P options is used , the
| associated compression program (e.g., PAK.EXE)
| must either exist in the same directory as
| AlphaQBBS or be listed in a DOS PATH statement.
|
-Q[Path] | This allows you to specify in what directory
| the compiled files listings and compressed
| files listings will go. An example:
|
| AlphQBBS -3 -QD:\files\area1\
|
| Note: The trailing backslash is required! This
| will save batch file copying and deleting.
|
-Tfilename.ext | Append the specified file to end of the files
| listing. This may be referred elsewhere as a
| "TAG" file. The filename must be legal and have
| a 3-digit extension. Do not use spaces between
| the -T and the filename. There is no default
| "tag" file.
|
-S | When this parameter is specified, ALL sorting
| of any FILES.BBS is prevented. This is espec-
| ially useful if you run the program more than
| once ,in a batch file, to create multiple
| listings. Specifying this parameter will
| increase execution speed dramatically.
|
Page 16
=================================================================
Section 4.4: Available Command Line Parameters ...continued
=================================================================
|
-X | This parameter allows canceling of any file
| compilation. This is ONLY used if you wish to
| sort the FILES.BBS and not make a files
| listing. This could be very useful during man-
| ual files area maintenance.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
More explanation of option 2:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-> When this parameter is used, the file creation date is substi-
tuted with the area number. Where does this area number come
from? At this time it ISN'T specified in the control file, but
is derived from it. How is that? The FILES.BBS indicated on
the first line is assigned area "1". The FILES.BBS indicated
on the second line is assigned area "2". The FILES.BBS speci-
fied on the tenth line of the control file is assigned area
"10", etc.,
As you might of now guessed, you should create your control
file in an orderly manor.
Your header or tag file should include a little chart that
explains what each files area number is. My "DOWNLOAD.TAG"
file is included in the package as an example.
=================================================================
Section 4.5: Expiration Data Explained
=================================================================
Expiration Date:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is a Gamma (7.01) version and hence has an expiration date
of June 30th, 1989. This was done so that old versions would not
stay in use. When we are sure that the program is absolutely bug
free and in a "final version", a copy will be issued without an
expiration date.
Page 17
=================================================================
Section 5: Error Table
=================================================================
Error return codes and what you should do about it:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Err code: | What you should do about it:
----------+------------------------------------------------------
6 | There are too many of something; hard to track down
7 | Out of memory - get some more
24 | Oh-oh, your disk drive!
25 | Oh-oh, your disk drive!
27 | Printer out of paper - GO TO SLEEP!
51 | Internal Error!!!!!!!!
52 | Too many devices open, check CONFIG.SYS
53 | File missing!!
54 | File not accessible
55 | Too many devices open, check CONFIG.SYS
57 | Oh-oh, your disk drive!
58 | Cannot access file
61 | Disk full - you'll need an extra
62 | Corrupted input file
63 | Index file corrupted
64 | Control file corrupted or bad command line parameter
67 | Directory full - try another one
68 | Oh, nasty! Your disk drive is missing!
69 | Don't redirect to the COM port!!!
70 | Disk write protected - we can't have that!!!
71 | Oh-oh, your disk drive! (not ready)
72 | Oh, nasty! Your disk has a media error!
75 | Path/File cannot be accessed
76 | Path doesn't exist
77 | Oh, nasty! Dead lock!
----------+------------------------------------------------------
This is every possible error, anything else is just weird or an
overflow.
Page 18
=================================================================
Section 6: Registration
=================================================================
Registration is to your advantage. If you register AlphaQBBS 5.0
you will get the following:
* Notification of any bug fixes
* Possible beta tester status
* Get your conscience off your back
* Fund a very successful software development group
* Get a version without an expiration date
If you wish to register please send $30.00 cash or check (No
credit cards please) to:
K-TECH Computers
Box 450
Lewistown, PA 17044
=================================================================
Section 7: Warranties, Licensing, etc.
=================================================================
WARRANTIES:
The only thing I can guarantee is that the program will take up
disk space and will access files.
Due to the demand for more recent versions, version 7.0 will not
last indefinitely.
LICENSING:
You can use this program in any way that you wish, but none of
the associated parties in the development of the program are
responsible for any damage either caused by this program or not.
This is shareware, not a microwave.
=================================================================
Section 8: Credits
=================================================================
COPYRIGHTS:
Original AlphaQBBS is Copyright (C) 1988,1989 by K-Tech Computers
AlphaQBBS 7.0 is Copyright (C) 1989 by \/isions Software
AlphaSetup is Copyright (C) 1989 by \/isions software
Vsort is Copyright (C) 1989 by \/Soft and Dimensions Unlimited
Page 19
=================================================================
Section 8: Credits ...continued
=================================================================
These documents are Copyright (C) 1989 by \/isions Software
\/isions Software is Copyright (C) 1989 by K-Tech computers,
Dimensions Unlimited (a division of K-Tech), and \/Soft
K-Tech Computers is Copyright (C) 1988,1989 by David L. Kuhn
\/Soft is Copyright (C) 1988, 1989 by Jason Froikin
A big thanks goes to Adam Hudson, the author of QuickBBS, a
bulletin board communications system.
To the users of previous versions of this program, accept our
adulations. Without you, version 7.0 would not be possible.
The sysops of the QuickBBS international echo, where many of the
ideas for this product came from.
No part of anything included in this package may be duplicated,
in part or in whole, without the express written consent of one
or both of the parties involved in the production of this great
project.
=================================================================
AlphaQBBS 7.0 Documents
=================================================================
Page 20
Registration Form
+---------------------------------------------------------------+
| |
| |
| Your Name:_____________________________ Date:__________ |
| |
| Street Address:______________________________________________ |
| |
| Your City:___________________________________________________ |
| |
| State:___________________________________ ZIP:_______________ |
| |
| Country:_____________________________________________________ |
| |
| Home Phone (Voice):__________________________________________ |
| |
| BBS Name:____________________________________________________ |
| |
| BBS Phone Number:____________________________________________ |
| |
| Baud Rates Supported:________________________________________ |
| |
| Net Node Number (If Applicable):____________________________ |
| |
| BBS Software used:___________________________________________ |
| |
| Computer Type:_______________________________________________ |
| |
| Approximate Number of Files On your BBS:___________________ |
| |
| Number of file areas:________________________________________ |
| |
| Comments:____________________________________________________ |
| |
| ____________________________________________________ |
| |
+---------------------------------------------------------------+
| |
| Number of Copies of AlphaQBBS: ______ (Version 7.0) |
| |
| Times: $30.00 (each copy) |
| ________ |
| |
| |
| Total: ______ |
| |
| |
| Remit to: K-Tech Computers |
| P.O. Box 450 |
| Lewistown, PA 17044 |
| |
+---------------------------------------------------------------+
Page 21