home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
BBS Toolkit
/
BBS Toolkit.iso
/
rbbs_pc
/
sfmsl30.zip
/
SUPERFMS.DOC
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1990-03-17
|
17KB
|
415 lines
╔═══╗ ╔════ ╔═╗╔═╗ ╔═══╗ ╗
║ ║ ║ ║║ ║ ║ ║ Θ ═╬═
╚═══╗ ╗ ╔ ╔══╗ ╔══╗ ╠══╗ ╠═══ ║ ╚╝ ║ ╚═══╗ ║ ╗ ╔══╗ ║ ╔══╗ ╠══╗
║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╠══╝ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╚══╗ ║ ╠══╝ ║
╚═══╝ ╚══╩ ╠══╝ ╚══╝ ╝ ╝ ╝ ╚ ╚═══╝ ╚════ ╚ ╚══╝ ╚═╝ ╚══╝ ╝
║
╝
Version
╔═════╗ ╔═════╗
║ ║ ║
═══╣ ║ ║
║ ╔╗ ║ ║
╚═════╝ ╚╝ ╚═════╝
Written By
Ethan Poole
P.O. Box 1090
Trenton, FL 32693-1090
[voice] (904) 463-6108
The EHP Software Exchange
[data] (904) 463-0027
300/1200/2400 Baud
24 hrs, 7-days
╔═══════════════════════╗
║ 3.0 March 17, 1990 ║
╚═══════════════════════╝
2.0 November 16, 1989
1.5 October 16, 1989
1.0 September 15, 1989
This Program Consists of the Following Files:
o SUPERFMS.EXE --- The Executable File
(Compiled with QuickBASIC 4.5)
o SUPERFMS.DOC --- This Text File!
o REGISTER.NOW --- Super FMS Lister 3.0 Registration Form
If you do not have all of the above files, please download the latest
version from my board at [data] (904) 463-0027, 24-hours a day.
This utility was originally designed because I could find no other
utility programs which could handle my own particular needs in the way
I wanted. If you have needs above and beyond what this utility can
presently handle, please see the section on REQUESTING ADDITIONAL
FEATURES.
Purpose:
========
The purpose of the Super FMS Lister is to take your rather random
(although often chronologically or alphabetically ordered) FMS Master
Directory and make a nice, sorted, organized, and classified listing of
ALL your BBS's files. A list of this nature is just perfect for your
users to download, print out, and select which files they want before
they spend valuable time online your BBS! A list such as this could
improve your BBS usage, mainly because people can select all the files
that seem interesting to them at their leisure without the hurry of
trying to find the same files online with your BBS. No longer will
users have to perform a Screen Capture to make a record of available
files on your BBS, now they can simply download a single file and have
a complete listing!
Limitations:
============
o Does not support Chained FMS Master Directories
o Does not handle RBBS's special file security feature (i.e
'=filename.zip ... 10DescriptionXXX'; meaning that the file is
only viewable and downloadable to those with a security level of
10 or greater)
o No single category can exceed 10,000 lines (I refer to these
categories as Psuedo-Directories). Hey...if you have more than
151 pages worth of files listed in a single category, maybe you
should break it up into two categories!
o Requires additional work space on your hard disk (requires about
40-50% of the space used by your FMS Master Directory to be free)
o Requires 170+KB free for a Non-Sorted listing, 330+KB if Sorted
o Directory Name (from DIR.CAT) must not exceed 12 characters
in length
o Directory Descriptions (from DIR.CAT) must not exceed 62
characters in length
o ALL lines in your DIR.CAT file MUST be VALID, LEGAL, entries!
(i.e. "GAMES","MNO,CGA,EGA,VGA,SGA","Games of all sorts!")
o No single EXTENDED DESCRIPTION may exceed 23 lines in length
Hey, I think one full screen should be enough to describe a file!
o Can't handle a "\FMS TOP" command if you use extended
descriptions
Features:
=========
o Built in support for multiple category codes within each category
(i.e. "GAMES","MNO,CGA,EGA,VGA,SGA","Games of all sorts!" vs.
"GAMES","GAM","Games of all sorts!")
o Doesn't print SysOp-Only Comments/Descriptions (those beginning
with a '/....')
o Doesn't print comment lines (those beginning with an '*...')
o A little bit faster in initial sorting than 2.0 on cached
systems, significantly faster on non-cached systems.
(Note: Use of a hard disk cache is HIGHLY recommended!)
o By using multiple configuration files, you can create multiple
lists with multiple formats. (i.e. one sorted by date, the other
sorted alphabetically)
o Excellent on-line help when you encounter errors within this
program. States problem. Often will suggest cause and
appropriate action to take!
* Allows Standard and Reverse Sorting Alphabetically by File Name
* Allows Standard and Reverse Sorting by File Date with a Secondary
sort by File Name
* Allows for Re-Formatting of your FileNames in three different
ways, plus option to leave as-is:
By <D>ot ------------------------> FILE.EXT
By Extension <A>lignment --------> FILE EXT
By doing <B>oth -----------------> FILE .EXT (my favorite!)
By <U>nadjusted (leave as-is) ---> [same as in FMS Master Dir]
* Allows for user to add a Comments file to the Top and/or Bottom
of their listing!
NOTE: ALL FEATURES PRECEDED BY AN '*' are available only to
registered users. Read on or see Registration form for
more details!
DOS Command Line Usage:
=======================
USAGE: [d:\path\]SUPERFMS [d:\path\config.fil] [/R]
where optional parameter [d:\path\config.fil] is the Drive, Path, and
File Name containing the Configuration data for SUPERFMS. If no
optional parameters are entered, the default configuration file is
SMFSL.CFG in the present directory
optional parameter [/R] (upper or lower case) indicates that you wish
to re-configure Super FMS Lister. It will use SFMSL.CFG as the
configuration file if no alternate name is requested. (NOTE: SUPERFMS
now supports both commands simultaneously and in any order -- separate
with a space)
First Time:
===========
Install SUPERFMS.EXE in your RBBS or UTILITIES Directory (although can
be any directory you choose). Please note that you should store the
configuration file in the directory you plan to run SUPERFMS from,
unless you intend to make use of the command line option which allows
you to select an alternate path and/or filename.
EXAMPLE SETUP:
=======================================================================
Filename and path for FMS master DIR: C:\RBBS\MASTER.DIR
Filename and path for DIR categories: C:\RBBS\DIR.CAT
Output Filename and path for Sorted Directory: C:\GENERAL\EHP-LIST
Maximum 'Depth' of Category Codes (normally 1): 1
Your BBS's Name (up to 77 characters long): The EHP Soft Xchg
Sort By: <D>ate, <Alphabetically, <N>o Sort: A
Perform a REVERSE Sort (Y/N)?: N
Format for Filenames: <A>ligned - FILENAME EXT;
<D>otted - FILENAME.EXT; <B>oth; <U>nadjusted: B
Path and Filename for OPTIONAL Comments at Top: C:\RBBS\TOP.TXT
Path and Filename for OPTIONAL Comments at Bottom: C:\RBBS\BOTTOM.TXT
Path to PKZIP, if you wish it to ZIP the List: C:\UTILS
If a REGISTERED USER, input your REGISTRATION #: [reg #]
Is all information correct (Y/N)? Y <enter>
=======================================================================
THE MAXIMUM 'DEPTH' OF CATEGORY CODES QUESTION refers to how deep your
category codes are. For example, in the following situation (in your
DIR.CAT file) you would enter a:
'3'
/ | \
/ | \
"SPRD_SHT","LTS,PPS,OTS","Spread Sheets and/or Utils/Macros"
"AI","AI","Software to make your PC Artificially Smart!"
You should now see the Intro Screen, it lasts about 10 seconds and is
followed by a status screen showing you Super FMS Lister in action!
NOTE: The value displayed for "Line Count = xxxx" should NEVER exceed
the value displayed for "Max Number of Lines = xxxx". If this
does ever occur, an appropriate error message will be displayed.
You should remedy this by splitting your larger psuedo-
directories into two or more new and smaller psuedo-directories.
Using an Editor to Edit the Configuration File:
===============================================
The configuration file is set up in such a way as to facilitate editing
with most any type of editor -- especially a line editor. For those of
you wishing to edit the configuration file in such a manner, here is
the format of the file:
Line 1 <---Version ID (DON'T ALTER!)
Line 2 <---Drive, Path, and File Name for FMS Master Dir
Line 3 <---Drive, Path, and File Name for DIR.CAT file
Line 4 <---Max Depth of Cat Codes (usually 1, max of 32,767)
Line 5 <---Drive, Path, and File Name for Output Listing
Line 6 <---Your BBS Name (up to 77 characters)
Line 7 <---Type of Sort: <A>lpha, <D>ate, <N>one
Line 8 <---Do a REVERSE Sort? ( Y or N )
Line 9 <---File Name Format: <D>otted, <A>ligned, <B>oth, <U>nadjusted
Line 10 <---Drive, Path, and File Name for TOP COMMENTS [or blank]
Line 11 <---Drive, Path, and File Name for BOTTOM COMMENTS [or blank]
Line 12 <---Drive and Path to PKZIP (blank if you don't want it ZIPped)
Line 13 <---Registration # [or blank if unregistered]
HyperSort -- What does that funny little flashing message mean?
===============================================================
HyperSort was introduced with version 2.0 and has proven an excellent
means of getting the job done quickly and easily. With HyperSort,
SUPERFMS takes one look at your FMS Master Directory File and copies
the byte location of the first character of every line to a temporary
file based upon the line's category code. It then loads in these
workfiles one at a time, copying their values to a long integer (4
byte) array of 10,000 elements. It then starts counting down from the
last element containing a value to the very first element in the array,
all the while referencing the FMS Master Directory File [based on the
byte locations retrieved] and getting each line of text needed to
construct the final formatted listing.
HyperSort was really a brand new twist to my program. Unlike versions
prior to 2.0, you could now sort any list in an environment of 170+KB.
Additionally, it does so at an incredible speed of 200% faster than
versions 1.0 and 1.5! As if that weren't enough, I've speeded up the
initial breakdown sort even further in version 3.0! It gives your hard
drive a little bit of a workout, but it's fast!
Requesting Additional Features:
===============================
If Super FMS Lister doesn't quite fit your needs then I would greatly
appreciate it if you would leave me a message on my BBS stating exactly
what it is you want. For reference purposes, you should also upload
the following files to me: your MASTER.DIR file, DIR.CAT file, and
your SFMSL.CFG configuration file. Priority is given to Registered
users, but all reasonable requests will be considered.
On the other hand, if Super FMS Lister sounds like something you need
or want but just doesn't seem to work at all (namely if you are using
the '\FMS TOP' or Chained Directories) PLEASE DON'T ABANDON ALL HOPE!
As much as I would like to make Super FMS Lister Compatible with all
formats, user input has left much to be desired and I haven't had the
time to try to create a dozen different versions of my own MASTER.DIR
and DIR.CAT files. However, if you will upload your MASTER.DIR file(s)
and DIR.CAT file(s), I will give VERY serious consideration to
integrating your requests into [any] future releases. I do need some
help from you though. Please call back about a week after leaving me
such a request/complaint to check on the status of your suggestion.
Hopefully I will have a beta version incorporating your suggestions
ready for you to try. Please understand that, because of the diversity
of RBBS setups, beta testing is very important. Besides, a person like
me needs all the help they can get <I really do>!!! Naturally, your
suggestions will receive top priority, regardless of your Registration
status -- I can't exactly expect you to register a program BEFORE it
even works properly for you!!!
Questions, Comments, and Error Reports:
=======================================
All Questions, Comments, and Error Reports concerning Super FMS Lister
should be directed to Ethan Poole.
o [voice] (904) 463-6108; evenings and weekends (all returned
calls will be collect! Sorry, but I can't afford the bills
as-is!)
o [data] (904) 463-0027; 24-hours, 7-days; 300/1200/2400 Baud 8n1
o or by FAX (904) 463-7666 (ATTN: ETHAN POOLE)
NOTE: If you are reporting an error or bug, please upload your
MASTER.DIR, DIR.CAT, SFMSL.CFG [and if it is visible in
your SuperFMS generated list, your file list] to my bbs
along with a text file or message documenting the problem
so that it may be corrected in future releases! THANKS!
Concerning Registration:
========================
WARNING...THIS DOCUMENTATION WILL SELF-DESTRUCT IN 5 SECONDS IF YOU DO
NOT READ THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS!!!
.........
well, maybe nothing quite that exciting, but please do read the
following!
Well, I didn't want to have to do it. Lack of registered users (and a
dire need for a new hard disk on my BBS) has forced me to ENFORCE
REGISTRATION!!! The Sort, File Name Formatting, and Top/Bottom Comment
features are disabled to all un-registered users.
If you are an unregistered user, this version is probably little more
than a somewhat souped-up version of 2.0....
...On the other hand. If you are a REGISTERED USER, Super FMS Lister
is now more powerful than ever! You now have the option to Sort your
directories, change the format of your printed file names, and the very
useful capability of including a text file(s) at the top and/or bottom
of your Super FMS Lister generated listing!!!
I didn't want to have to cripple the software, but it was really forced
upon me. As such, I've designed things so that REGISTERED users will
receive a minimal hassle from this scheme.
Registration of Super FMS Lister is a one time only deal. Your
password will work for this version as well as all future versions
without your having to re-register. In addition, the publicly
distributed version is the only version you need. You do not have to
donwload a special version from me, nor do you need to worry about
making any sort of patch to the software. Your registration # is your
key and it will work on this and ALL future versions!!!
Here is my registration RATES CHART:
BASIC REGISTRATION: $15 ($20 if you really like it) REQUIRED
MAIL NOTIFICATION OF
NEW VERSIONS: $1 <---one time fee
(new version
always avlbl
on my BBS!)
RECEIVE LATEST VERSION
ON DISK BY MAIL: $5 <--FIRST CLASS, not a one time fee
/\
RECEIVE QB 4.0-4.5 |
SOURCE CODE: $5 <--only $2 if ordered w/ above--
====================== =====
Cost if you want the
works!!! $23 <--if you would like to donate
towards my purchase of a new hard
disk, add any additional donations.
<that would sure make my day!>
NOTE: Your REGISTRATION #, and Source Code (if you select that option)
are yours and yours only. They are not to be distributed to
others as they are for your own personal use!!!
*****THANKS FOR YOUR REGISTRATION...I REALLY DO NEED THE HELP!!!*****
Like I said, all money received will be put into improving my bbs and
into the development of other projects such as this.
Additional RBBS Utilities:
==========================
I am also the author of the following RBBS Utilities:
o FMS CHECKER [FMSCKxx] <--3.0 to be released soon!
o Page Lister [PGLISTxx] <--to be released soon, companion util to
Super FMS Lister!
Thanks for Your Interest!
=========================
P.S. -- Why don't you give the EHP Software Exchange a Try!
Dial (904) 463-0027 (3/12/2400 BPS) TODAY!!!
ehp/03/17/90