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Silver Xpress Mail System
[RBBS 17.3]
(c) copyright 1988-1990 Santronics Software
All Rights Reserved.
Hector Santos, Pitt Xpress BBS, FidoNet 1:129/82
Santronics Software
1451 Plymouth Ave
Irwin, PA 15642USA
N O T I C E
The information and price policy contained in this document are
subject to change without notice.
(412) 864-2060 Voice
(412) 864-2294 BBS
Rev - 0
------------------------
D I S C L A I M E R
------------------------
Although Santronics Software has taken every precaution to prevent
abnormal behavior of the Silver Xpress Mail System, Santronics
Software will not guarantee total satisfaction. Santronics Software
will not be responsible for any damages or mishaps to your system.
Should the program be defective in any way, YOU (not Santronics
Software) assume full responsibility for any damage which may result.
SANTRONICS SOFTWARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS THE WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND MERCHANTABILITY.
-----------------------------------------------
C O P Y R I G H T S & T R A D E M A R K S
-----------------------------------------------
The Xpress Off-Line Mail System software and its documentation are
copyrighted materials. Santronics Software reserves all rights to
these materials under United States law and international copyright
conventions which are not expressly granted to the user. No part of
this material may be reproduced or modified in any way without the
prior express written permission of Santronics Software except as
stated within this documentation.
Opus Xpress, Silver Xpress, Gold Xpress, Platinum Xpress, Xpress Lite,
Xpress Windows, Xpress mail, Xpmail, Xpread, Xpuser, Xpcfg, XpEdt,
Xpfiles, and the file extensions OPX and REP in relationship to off-
line electronic mail systems are trademarks of Santronics Software.
QBBS is copyrighted by Unlimited Software Technologies, Inc. RBBS is
copyrighted by Tom Mack. PCBoard is copyrighted by Clark Development
Company, Inc. OPUS CBCS BBS is copyrighted by Wynn Wagner III. PKZIP
and PKUNZIP are copyrighted by and trademarks of PKware Inc. PAK is
copyrighted by and is a trademark of NoGate Consulting. LHARC is
copyrighted by Yoshi. TELIX and SALT are copyrighted by and a
trademark of Exis, inc. DSZ is copyrighted by and is a trademark of
Omen Technology Inc. Qedit is copyrighted by and is a trademark of
SemWare. IBM and IBM PC are trademarks of International Business
Machine Fido and FidoNet are registered US trademarks of Tom Jennings.
---------------------------------------
L I C E N S E A G R E E M E N T
---------------------------------------
Any use of the product at all constitutes acceptance of these terms
and conditions. Santronics Software reserves all rights which are not
expressly granted or necessarily implied by those rights which are
expressly granted.
The law of the United States and of the State of Pennsylvania shall be
controlling and the courts of the United States and the State of
Pennsylvania shall have exclusive jurisdiction to the maximum extent
permitted by international law and the law of the United States.
The Xpress Mail System is fully copyrighted and is not in the public
domain, nor is it "Free Ware". It is distributed under the concept of
software distribution known as "shareware" which allows users to try a
program package to see if it meets their needs before paying for it.
Continued use beyond the authorized evaluation period requires payment
of the registration fee.
Santronics Software grants an unlimited license to make and distribute
unregistered copies of Xpress versions which have been released by
Santronics Software, but no modification at all may be made to the
program or documentation files. The only permitted modification is a
change in the method of archiving. No fee may be charged by anyone
other than Santronics Software for copies of Xpress beyond the actual
cost of providing such copies without the express written permission
of Santronics Software.
Santronics Software grants a limited license to use this product for
an evaluation period of thirty (30) days. Use of this product for
more than 30 days requires payment of the registration fee.
Santronics Software grants to registered users an "unlimited" license
to use this product, subject to the following:
1) Registration is not refundable or transferable.
2) Copies of registered Silver Xpress program files may not be
distributed.
3) Original copyrights must be maintained and not altered.
4) Unofficial software patches must not be not applied.
5) The software executable files must not be tampered with in any
way.
6) Registration shall be automatically voided without notice by any
act which is inconsistent with the rights of Santronics Software
with respect to the product.
-------------------------------------------
Optional Xpress Priority Service Plans
-------------------------------------------
Upon request, Santronics Software is offering two priority service
plans. These optional plans are open to all new or old registered
Xpress users. The priority service lasts for a period of ONE YEAR.
To renew your priority service, please send another request.
Xpress User Priority Service #1 ..... add $60.00
o Xpress News Letter (Bi-Monthly)
o Printed Documentation (Sent Immediately)
o 1 yr automatic updates to the Silver Reader via US/AIR mail
o Netmail Responses.
o Updates via Netmail - US/Canada only.
o Updates via Mail - Foreign Only.
o Discounts on future products.
Xpress User Priority Service #2 ..... add $30.00
o Xpress News Letter (Bi-Monthly)
o Printed Documentation (Sent Immediately)
o NetMail responses
o 1 automatic update via NetMail - US/Canada Only
o 1 automatic update via mail - Foreign Only
Participants of an Xpress Priority Service (XPS) plan will receive an
XPS code for top priority service. XPS customers should use this code
when making all inquiries to Santronics Software.
------------------------------
Registration Information
------------------------------
Registration gives you an unlimited license to use the Silver Xpress
system as stated in the Xpress documentation.
Please fill out the order form and send it with your payment to:
USA: Santronics Software
1451 Plymouth Ave.
Irwin, Pa., 15642
Foreign Registrations other than MC/Visa/AMEX can be processed through
the following official Santronics Software registration points:
England/UK: John Krzesinski
Apricot Computers PLC
27 HighField Rd.
Edgebaston, Birmingham UK
B153DP
Fidonet #: 2:253/192
Australia: Trevour Carlsen
PO BOX 568
Port Hedland
Western Australia 6721
Fidonet #: 3:690/644
For surrounding countries, please register through the nearest
registration point. These registration points are authorized by
Santronics Software to issue registration codes. Any other person
issuing or generating registration codes is in direct violation of
Santronics Software intellectual property. It will be regarded and
pursued as a criminal software privacy violation.
------------------------------
Registration Notes
------------------------------
1) On-line American Express/Mastercard/Visa registration is
available at (412)- 864-2294, 24hrs EST. You may want to choose
to have your charge card verified on-line to get your
registration number immediately. As an added convenience, you
may netmail your registration form to me at 1:129/82.
2) Xpress group discounts and commercial site purchase plans are
available. See Appendix F for more information.
3) Every effort will be made to respond to questions. However,
priority service members will receive top priority. The Xpress
international echo mail conferences are also available for
support.
4) Allow 7 (seven) working days for processing your registration.
Direct foreign registrations should allow for 4-6 weeks for
processing registrations.
5) Foreign mail can take over 6 weeks if you do not order faster
service.
6) Corporate Purchase Orders are allowed for orders of $50 US or
greater from pre-approved companies. Call for more information.
7) You can order PKWare's PKZIP file compression system from
Santronics Software at a discount when registering Silver Xpress!
RBBS SILVER XPRESS ORDER FORM Please print clearly or type:
Your Name as a SYSOP..__________________ Real Name.._______________
Your Board Name.......__________________ BBS Type..._______________
DataLine Number.......__________________ Voice #...._______________
NetMail Address ......__________________ Occupation._______________
Xpress Packet Name ...__________________ (name of your OPX packet)
Address...............________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Why/How do you use
Silver Xpress:........________________________________________________
Previous Registration
Code #................________________________________________________
Where Did you Hear
about Silver Xpress?..________________________________________________
O Single board Door Program cost.................. $35.00
O Single board Door and Reader Program cost........ $45.00
O Reader Program cost.............................. $35.00
O Xpress Priority Plan # 1.........................Add $60.00
O Xpress Priority Plan # 2.........................Add $30.00
O FaXpress - Facsimile Mail System (Software Only). $99.95
O PKZIP Package from PKWARE........................ $42.00
O Group Plan Type ______ # of Copies _______ Total ______
SPECIAL METHODS OF SHIPMENT
O UPS Red (1 days).................................Add $15.25
O UPS Blue (3 days)................................Add $ 8.00
O Intl AIR Mail 7 days (Credit Card Only) Cost varies with country.
METHOD OF PAYMENT
O Cash O Check O Money Order O Mastercard O Visa O P.O. O AMEX
MC/Visa/AMEX Card/P.O. # ______________________________
Expiration Date.....____________ 4 digits above name __________
(if any)
Signature .........._________________________________
SUBTOTAL.............................................____________
Foreign checks (add $5.00).......................____________
PA residents add %6 sales tax........................____________
TOTAL................................................____________
____________________________________________________________________
OFFICIAL USE ONLY (Inv. R071290) Date Received :Registration Code:
Service Code :
-------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
-------------------------------------------
1.0) Introduction to Silver Xpress ...............................1
2.0) How does Silver Xpress enhance your BBS? ....................3
3.0) What type of hardware and software do you need to run Silver
Xpress? .....................................................5
4.0) How do you install Silver Xpress? ...........................6
4.1) What files and directories do you need? ................6
4.1.1) Xpress Area/Board Definition File, AREAS.DEF ...8
4.2) How do you use the Silver Xpress Configuration Program? 11
4.2.1) Starting the Configuration Program, XPCFG. ....12
4.2.2) Main Menu of XPCFG. ...........................13
4.2.3) Board Information Screen ......................14
4.2.4) File Name and Location Screen .................17
4.2.5) Miscellaneous Information and Option Screen ...20
4.2.6) Transfer Protocol Definition Screen ...........24
4.2.7) Bulletin and Welcome File Screen ..............25
4.2.8) Archiver Definition Screen ....................26
4.2.9) Mail Scanning Return Codes Screen .............27
4.3) What Batch files do you have to set up? ...............28
4.3.1) A batch file to run the Silver Xpress Door
program. ......................................28
4.3.2) Batch files to perform file transfers. ........29
4.3.3) Batch files to perform file compression and
expansion. ....................................30
4.3.4) A batch file to allow Silver Xpress to Shell to
DOS. ..........................................30
4.4) How do you test your setup? ...........................31
4.5) How do you run Silver Xpress in local mode outside of the
BBS? ..................................................31
4.6) How do you run Xpress under a multi-node system? ......31
5.0) How do you scan mail after Xpress Uploads Mail? ............33
6.0) How do you customize your Xpress setup? ....................34
7.0) What are the Silver Xpress Command Line Options? ...........36
8.0) What do you do if you want to reduce the Memory required? ..38
9.0) How do you maintain the Silver Xpress User Records? ........39
10.0) What special Sysop features are available? .................43
10.1) Special Sysop features in the Door Program, XPMAIL ....43
10.2) Special Sysop features in the Reader, XPREAD ..........44
11.0) How can you use Silver Xpress to send a FAX? ...............47
12.0) How does Silver Xpress work and how does it maintain
security? ..................................................48
Appendices
A Acknowledgements
B Xpress Support Policy
C Official Xpress Distribution Sites
D Known Problems and Solutions
E Silver Xpress for other Bulletin Board Systems
F Group Purchase Plan
G Utility Chart
Index
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-1
______________________________________________________________________
1.0) Introduction to Silver Xpress
Welcome to the Silver Xpress Mail System! Silver Xpress is a premiere
BBS off-line mail system designed with valuable features for both the
users and the sysops.
This manual is designed for a sysop of a Bulletin Board System (BBS).
Step-by-step instructions are provided for the installation, setup and
use of the Silver Xpress door program. Also included is a discussion
of the special sysop-only features of the Silver Xpress reader
program.
The Silver Xpress system has two primary functions, one for users and
one for sysops:
1) Users can take their time handling mail off-line, which reduces
their telephone charges and allows them to create higher quality
mail. Users can dial into thousands of BBS systems of different
types and use the same Silver Xpress system.
2) Sysops can increase their user base since thousands of Silver
Xpress users on various bulletin board systems already exist.
Xpress also increases board turnover rate and produces higher
quality messages from users since user connect time is
drastically reduced. In addition, sysops can enjoy the same
benefits as the user by using the reader off-line.
Silver Xpress is supported on Opus, Fido, QBBS, Remote Access,
Maximus, RBBS, and soon PCBoard. Development is in progress for other
popular BBS 's. When Silver Xpress is combined with a Fidonet BBS,
users have a very efficient means of world-wide electronic mail
communications. Fidonet is the world's largest network of bulletin
boards and has a huge mail (echo) network covering hundreds of topics
(sigs).
Users will be able to start using the Silver Xpress reader program in
5 to 10 minutes since it includes context sensitive help and high
quality documentation. Users don't have to spend time learning a new
editor, archiver, or transfer protocol, since they can setup Silver
Xpress to use the ones they normally use. Xpress differentiates
itself from other off-line mail systems with advanced features such as
a facsimile interface which allows users to send FAX mail to any FAX
machine in the world. Other advanced features include: intelligent
quoting mechanism, "smart" mail compression detection, addressee
lists, file folders, text video graphics, music, windows, file
requesting, and much more.
The Silver Xpress mail system has two parts. One part executes as a
BBS door program which is activated by users and controlled by sysop
options. The Silver Xpress door, XPMAIL, searches all the mail areas
for the type of mail that a user specifies, packs it all into one
compressed file (with an extension of ".OPX"), and starts the download
transfer program of choice. Users then log off and handle their mail
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-2
______________________________________________________________________
off-line with the second part of Silver Xpress, a mail reader named
XPREAD. XPREAD lets users read and reply to mail downloaded from the
BBS -- as well as create new messages. When they are done creating
replies and new messages, XPREAD packs them into a single file that
can be uploaded quickly and securely to the originating BBS. The
XPMAIL door will automatically unpack and toss the uploaded message(s)
into the proper mail areas. Security is maintained, and the upload
behaves as if the user were actually using the board.
The Silver Xpress mail system enhances your bulletin board service.
Since the user is on-line for less time, the board is made available
to more users, which effectively increases user turnover. Board
quality is increased because potentially more effective and higher
quality messages are created by the user.
The Silver Xpress system is sysop friendly! A simple configuration
program is included and many other utilities are available. The
Silver Xpress reader has many of the usual sysop-only features such as
net mail, zone mail, file requesting and attaching, automatic reply
forwarding of area zero user log-off messages and a whole slew of
other features.
Commercial businesses, groups and organizations using one of the
supported BBS's can benefit from using the Silver Xpress system.
Using a BBS system as an e-mail system for employees, a business can
cost-effectively use the Silver Xpress system for activities such as
field service work or customer communications. Phone charges will be
reduced and the quality of messages will be increased. Silver Xpress
is an extremely useful cost effective system.
As a sysop, you can be sure that Silver Xpress respects all security
aspects of the system. Your system will be protected from
unauthorized message snooping, false entry into areas, or dropping to
DOS. Furthermore, Xpress keeps a log of all major events.
Silver Xpress is a shareware product. For commercial use of this
product, businesses must register and purchase the system. Site
licenses are available. Group and Club discounts are also available.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-3
______________________________________________________________________
2.0) How does Silver Xpress enhance your BBS?
The Silver Xpress Mail system has many features that will enhance your
BBS. Below, lists of features are given for both the door program and
the reader program.
For the sysop of a BBS, the following features are included for the
door side of the Silver Xpress mail system:
- Supports optional facsimile (FaXpress) mail transmission.
- Full support of the FOSSIL and high speed modem systems.
- An interactive configuration program, XPCFG.
- An interactive user maintenance program provided, XPUSER.
- An interactive user on-line menu system.
- Time remaining calculation.
- Message Area Security.
- Net Mail Accounting and Security.
- An internal Message Dupe Checker.
- Supports multiple archiving systems.
- Supports multiple file transfer systems.
- Supports multiple origin lines.
- Supports local, echo, and net mail, including zone mail.
- Supports up to 256 message areas.
- Supports a flexible selection of mail, "Flex Select".
- Network (LAN) compatible.
- Supports modem line carrier detection.
- Secure on-line Xpress sysop menu.
- Detailed Log System.
- Allows for TRUE sysop usage (understands that YOU are truly
the sysop of the system so you can read ALL private mail)
- Xpress allows users to do file downloading from controlled file
areas. Sysops can turn this option off.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-4
______________________________________________________________________
- Xpress understands which users are registered.
For the users of the BBS as well as the sysop, the following features
are included for the reader side of the Silver Xpress mail system:
- Interactive interface and menu system.
- Interactive built-in configuration system.
- Full support of Fidonet messages and structures.
- Automatic File requesting for the user.
- Automatic Off-Line User Door Configuration.
- Supports external editors, but an Xpress editor is also provided.
- Xpress Windows system for fancy message creation.
- Messages can be printed or saved.
- Mail can be sorted before reading.
- Messages can be quoted when creating replies.
- Supports Facsimile (FAX) using Optional FaXpress product.
- Net mailing, Zone mail, Hurling (message forwarding), automatic
forwarding for area 0 replies.
- Alot more!
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-5
______________________________________________________________________
3.0) What type of hardware and software do you need to run Silver
Xpress?
The Silver Xpress Door Program requires the following hardware:
o IBM or PC Clone
o 384K RAM, minimum
o at least 1.5 meg of disk space
For RBBS, the Silver Xpress Door Program requires the following
software:
o MS-DOS or clone operating system version 2.1 or above
o RBBS, version 17.3
o Archiving Software (you specify which types)
o File Transfer Software (you specify which types) DSZ is
recommended since it offers X, Y, and Z modem
Several utility programs are available in separate packages. You can
obtain the following programs from the Santronics Software Support
BBS. See Appendix G for Shareware file names.
XPSUB - XpSub, a version of Silver Xpress used for BBS systems
with limited memory -- a subprocess controller. XpSub
will alleviate some memory problems, but since it is
recommended to run Xpress with using a full DOS exit
(completely exiting RBBS), XpSub will not usually be
needed.
XPSTATS - XpStats, an optional utility for keeping track of user
message download and upload statistics. XpStats
searches the user record and updates the statistics in
XPSTATS.DAT which XPMAIL creates.
XPFILES - XpFiles, an optional utility for creating a new list of
files on the system. The information is passed to
Xpress users off-line.
XPV - an optional set of sample batch files that automatically
create mail packets for users or sysops -- "Xpress
Vacation Saver"
NOTE: Santronics Software is not a distributor for Omen Technology
Inc, System Enhancement Associates, or Columbia University Computer
Data Center. Their respective distribution rights are maintained.
PROTOCOL.ZIP - contains latest DSZ, Sealink, WMODEM, and PCKERMIT.
PKZ102.EXE - contains PKware's ZIP archiving system.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-6
______________________________________________________________________
4.0) How do you install Silver Xpress?
As described in the following sections, you install Silver Xpress by
specifying and creating various directories and files, by running the
included configuration program, XPCFG, and by customizing a set of
batch files.
4.1) What files and directories do you need?
For simplicity, this installation procedure will assume the following
directories are used:
c:\RBBS - location of RBBS-PC.EXE, etc.
c:\utils - or any pathed directory location of utilities.
c:\xpress - location of xpress system.
Create the Xpress directory for Silver Xpress and decompress the
official Xpress package SXxxx.ZIP into it. You should have the
following files:
$README. - basic readme file.
BADXPRV. - file displayed when user is using wrong reader.
COMPRESS.BAT - Xpress Compression batch file.
CONFIG.HLP - Xpress mail on-line help.
DEF-REC.BAT - Bare bone Receive file batch file.
DEF-SEND.BAT - Bare bone Send file batch file.
DEF-XP.BAT - Bare bone Xpress.bat startup file.
DOORNEWS. - File displayed to user on entry, News.
EXITFILE. - File displayed when user exits program.
EXPAND.BAT - Xpress Expansion batch file.
FLEX.HLP - Flex Select help file.
HST-REC.BAT - HST version Receive file batch file.
HST-SEND.BAT - HST version Send file batch file.
HST-XP.BAT - HST version of Xpress.bat startup file.
NEWUSER. - File displayed to new user.
HELLO.BSV - Sample welcome screen.
RDRNEWS. - Sample ANSI based text file reader news.
WELCOME. - Xpress mail door welcome screen.
WELCOMEG. - ANSI version of welcome.
XPCFG.EXE - sysop's Xpress configuration program.
XPCFG.HLP - Xpcfg help file.
XPMAIL.DOC - Silver Xpress documentation.
XPMAIL.EXE - Xpress mail door program.
XPMAIL.HLP - Xpress mail on-line help.
XPSHELL.BAT - Dos Shell Bat batch file.
XPUSER.EXE - sysop's Xpress user file maintenance program.
AREAS.DEF - mail area definitions and miscellaneous switches.
AREAS.HLP - Areas help file.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-7
______________________________________________________________________
The Silver Xpress package does not include the archive programs and
file transfer programs which are required for proper operation (see
section 3.0). This installation guide assumes that you have some of
these programs. If not, the needed programs can be found in most
participating bulletin boards or a request can be sent to the main
Silver Xpress support board in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
At a minimum, you should have the following:
DSZ.COM - Omen Technology Inc. Y/X/Z file
transfer modem system
PKUNZIP/PKZIP.EXE - PKware Inc. ZIP file archiving system
The rest of this installation process assumes you have file transfer
and archive system programs available.
If you picked up PROTOCOL.ZIP (arc), decompress it into a directory
already declared in your path. If you decompress it into the
c:\xpress directory, you must put c:\xpress on your path.
If you picked up PKZ102.EXE, decompress it into a directory already
declared in your path. If you decompress it into the c:\xpress
directory, you must put c:\xpress on your path.
Copy or Move into the utility directory the following files:
all the archive programs such as PKZIP/PKUNZIP, LHARC, etc.
all file transfer programs such as DSZ, etc.
If you are using an HST or any other 9600 modem, perform the
following:
c:\xpress> copy hst-xp.bat c:\RBBS\xpress.bat
c:\xpress> copy hst-send.bat sendopx.bat
c:\xpress> copy hst-rec.bat recrep.bat
If you are NOT using an HST, perform the following:
c:\xpress> copy def-xp.bat c:\RBBS\xpress.bat
c:\xpress> copy def-send.bat sendopx.bat
c:\xpress> copy def-rec.bat recrep.bat
You may delete the HST*.BAT and DEF*.BAT files now.
You may need to edit these batch files, particularly the XPRESS.BAT
file. See Section 4.3.1 for more details.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-8
______________________________________________________________________
4.1.1) Xpress Area/Board Definition File, AREAS.DEF
The AREAS.DEF file is one of the most important files in the Xpress
system setup for RBBS. You need to edit AREAS.DEF with an ASCII
editor to enumerate and order the RBBS message areas. RBBS allows an
unlimited number of mail areas while this version of Xpress allows
only 256 mail areas. RBBS sysops often specify areas with names of 8
or less characters and Xpress only works with area numbers.
Therefore, you have to modify the AREAS.DEF file to associate an area
number with your message area names.
NOTE: If you have to re-order the area numbers in the future, you
should attempt to be as consistent as possible. Changing message area
numbers can cause a user to have mis-selections the if he uploads
information before downloading your new setup in a mail packet. If you
do re-order the area numbers, you should also modify the users'
selected areas with XPUSER.EXE.
Your area definition file, AREAS.DEF should contain specifications for
your main user and message files, secret RBBS names, individuation
offset and length, and mail area information. The entries in
AREAS.DEF include a variable name and then your specific entry. Only
information that is relevant to your particular RBBS setup should be
entered. Comments can be inserted anywhere with a comment character
in column one of the line. Comment characters include "!", "@", "#",
"$", "%", "&", ":", "".
Possible types of information that you should enter in AREAS.DEF
include:
1) Main user file for RBBS
The directory and file name of your main RBBS user file. This is
required for Xpress to perform user auto-join.
Example:
MAIN_USER_FILE C:\RBBS\USERS
2) Main Message file for RBBS
The directory and file name of your main RBBS message file.
Example:
MAIN_MESSAGE_FILE C:\BASE\MESSAGES
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-9
______________________________________________________________________
3) RBBS Secret Name
Your secret RBBS Name.
Example:
SECRET_NAME SE MOI
4) Individuation Offset and Length. (OPTIONAL)
Xpress supports and respects the RBBS individuation fields. To
maintain these positions, please indicate the beginning offset
and the length of the individuation field as you have it defined
in your RBBS configuration.
Example:
INDIV_OFFSET 88
INDIV_LEN 4
5) Multiple Netmail Addresses (AKA)
Xpress supports multiple or alternate netmail addresses for
interzone mail. When interzone mail is uploaded to Xpress,
Xpress will use your AKA address if available for the Destination
Zone. Up to 10 AKA addresses may be defined.
Example:
AKA 7:124/19
AKA 8:905/24
6) Area definition structures.
You have to enter a structure of information about each of your
mail areas. Each area should have a unique number. Entries in
the structure can be made in any order. The structure has the
following format:
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-10
______________________________________________________________________
AREA # Description
MAILTYPE Mail Distribution type LOCAL, ECHO, NETMAIL, FAX
MAILFORM Mail Format. FIDO, RBBS, QBBS, PCBOARD
AUTOLEVEL Minimum Security Level Exempt from AutoUpdate
MINLEVEL Security Level 0-65536 required for entrance.
READPUB Security Level required to READ a public message.
READPRI Security Level required to READ a private message.
POSTPUB Security Level required to enter a public message.
POSTPRI Security Level required to enter a private message.
POSTANON Security Level required to enter anonymous mail
MAXLINES Maximum lines allowed in a messages.
MAXMSGS Maximum # of Messages Allowed in this Area. (0 No
Limit).
SEENBY Should Xpress truncate SEEN-BY traffic information
for users? Y/N
SYSOPNAME (optional) name of sysop moderator for sub-board.
Blank = true BBS sysop
SCANLIMIT (optional) This sets a scan limit (0 to 9999) per
area. By setting a limit, new users will not get
overwhelmed with new mail ther first time he joins
a board. 0 disables this option and will scan all
available new mail for the user.
ECHOTAG (optional) a 20 character string for echo areas
only. When echo mail is uploaded, Xpress will
append the ECHOTAG to the ECHOTOSS.LOG file.
ECHOTOSS.LOG is usually used by mail processors
such as Qmail to process mail quickly.
PASSWORD (optional) This 20 character string will allow for
an additional security level for Boards. When a
user selects an area, Xpress will prompt him for
the password. Blank = no password required.
ELASTIC (optional) YES/NO. NOT available in Xpress at this
time!
Disclaimer: At this time Xpress will always append
mail (or enter mail at the next available slot).
Xpress does not follow non-elastic message bases
at this time!
ENDAREA
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-11
______________________________________________________________________
Example:
AREA 1 Local Mail
SYSOPNAME Richard Couture
MESSAGE d:\base\MAIN1M.DEF
USER d:\base\MAIN1U.DEF
MAILTYPE LOCAL
MAILFORM RBBS
AUTOLEVEL 5
MINLEVEL 5
READPUB 5
READPRI 5
POSTPUB 5
POSTPRI 5
POSTANON 99
MAXLINES 999
MAXMSGS 0
SEENBY YES
ENDAREA
For more examples, see the sample AREAS.DEF file that comes with the
XPCFG.EXE program.
In order for Xpress to work within RBBS, user files must be availble
for each message file. This will allow for LAST READ message counters
to be maintained for each xpress user. User files are not required
for the special FidoNet structured message areas.
4.2) How do you use the Silver Xpress Configuration Program?
Silver Xpress includes an interactive configuration utility, XPCFG.
Below is a description of how to start XPCFG, the screens that are
displayed in XPCFG, and helpful information about each entry. To get
context sensitive help, just press F10 on any entry. Please go
through every option and field.
The first time you use XPCFG, it will create a control file named
XPMAIL.CTL. After you are done using XPCFG, you will be prompted to
have XPCFG compile XPMAIL.CTL into a new file, XPMAIL.PRM, that is
used by the Silver Xpress Door program, XPMAIL, and other utilities
such as XPUSER.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-12
______________________________________________________________________
4.2.1) Starting the Configuration Program, XPCFG.
After you have created your AREAS.DEF file as described in Section
4.1.1, start the Silver Xpress configuration program by typing:
c:\xpress> XPCFG
If it is the first time that you are configuring Silver Xpress, you
will be prompted for several types of information.
First you will be prompted for the Xpress installation directory,
which would normally be C:\xpress.
You will then be asked to enter your name as the SYSOP.
Next you will be asked for your primary netmail addresses. If you
don't have a netmail address, just enter carriage returns or if you
want enter "999" for each entry. If you do have a netmail address,
enter the zone, net, and node.
Then you are asked to enter a short title for your board name. The
title is used in menus and tables. One example of a short tile is:
"Pitt Xpress BBS, Pittsburgh PA"
You are then prompted for the name of your Xpress mail packet. Xpress
packs mail for users into a file with an extension of OPX. For
example: PITTX.OPX for Pitt Xpress BBS EMERALD.OPX for Emerald City
BBS. Select a unique name for your Xpress mail packet.
Next you are prompted for the directory location of the .iDEF file,
normally C:\RBBS.
XPCFG now creates a default Silver Xpress control file. The default
control file assumes PKZIP, LHARC, and PAK as the file compression
utilities and X, Y, and Z modem as the file transfer utilities. To
use this default control file, you must make sure that the file
compression utilities and DSZ.COM are on your path. The default
configuration allows you to quickly get started with Silver Xpress.
XPCFG has many options that you may want to step through to customize
your Silver Xpress system. If you just want to use the default
system, type Q and Y when the main menu is present.
If you want to customize your system or just learn more about the
default system, you should go through each entry and each screen and
fill in your unique data. Descriptions of each screen and entry field
are given below.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-13
______________________________________________________________________
4.2.2) The Main Menu of XPCFG.
+-XConfig V2.2605R1 (c) 1988-90 Santronics Software--+
| |
| A) BBS/Sysop Information |
| B) BBS Files/Directories |
| C) **** Reserved Menu Option **** |
| D) Xpress Miscellaneous Parameters |
| E) **** Reserved Menu Option **** |
| F) Mail Transfer Type Definitions |
| G) **** Reserved Menu Option **** |
| H) **** Reserved Menu Option **** |
| I) Reader Bulletin List |
| J) Compression/Expansion of Mail |
| K) Error Levels Definition |
| L) Shell to DOS |
| Q) Quit/Exit/Compile Program |
+-----------------------------------------------------+
Menu selections A through G will display the specified entry screen.
Option H will allow you to shell to DOS and work on files, run
utilities, etc. Option Q will first prompt you to see if you want to
compile the information into XPMAIL.PRM and then exit XPCFG.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-14
______________________________________________________________________
4.2.3) The Board Information Screen
+------------------------[ Board Information ]-----------------------+
| |
|Registration Code : [ ] |
|Board Name : Pitt Xpress, Pittsburgh PA. |
|Sysop Name : Hector Santos |
|OPX File Name : PITTX [Enter Unique DOS File Name] |
|BBS Version : 17.3 [RBBS 17.3+ only] |
| |
|Board Origin Line : [If left empty, Xpress will ignore Or. Line] |
| |
| Pitt Xpress : Home of Xpress Mail System (1:129/82) |
| |
|Primary Net Zone # : 1 NetMail Crash Access : 10 |
|Primary Net # : 129 NetMail File Attach Access : 10 |
|Primary Node # : 82 NetMail File Request Access : 10 |
| |
| Use Conventional Keys for Cursor Movement |
| ESCAPE to EXIT. PAGE UP/DOWN for Next Section. |
+---------------------------------------------------[ F10 for Help ]-+
REGISTRATION CODE
If you like and use this program, you are required to register your
copy. Upon registration, Santronics Software will issue you a
special registration code.
If you are not registered, please leave this field as is. If you
start to become devious by entering a false code, Xpress will begin
to scratch it's head and start wondering about you. So trying to
play the random game will not help.
If you want to register, please see the order form.
BOARD NAME
The reader requires a short title of your board. It is used as a
header for some of the Xpress Reader menus.
Enter something like
Pitt Xpress, Pittsburgh PA.
The Spring Board, 7 Springs, PA.
SYSOP NAME
Your name! Just make sure it's the same name you use on the
registration form and on the board. This should be your sysop name,
not your secret name.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-15
______________________________________________________________________
OPX FILE NAME
This is the name of your Xpress mail packet. Xpress will put the
extension OPX on it.
It is an identification for the BOARD using the Silver Xpress
system. You may choose your own ID. 8 characters MAX. Choose an ID
that is similar or familiar to your board title. For example:
Pitt Xpress PITTX
Software Connection SOFTCONN
Doctor's Inn DOCSINN
The Cat's Meow CATMEOW
Enchanted Forest FOREST
Registration of Silver Xpress makes the ID an official Xpress Board
ID. Your ID will be reserved on a first come first serve basis.
BBS VERSION
Enter your RBBS version number.
BOARD ORIGIN LINE
Enter the origin line for your system. Xpress will append it to mail
(echo only). If you leave this line blank, Xpress will ignore this
line and will add nothing to the mail. This allows external mail
processors to add the origin line.
If you do use the origin line, please include your Fido Net number
at the tail end of the line. This is for echo mail processors to
handle the mail correctly. Xpress will not force the number in the
line. You have to put it in.
Silver Xpress uses the origin line definedi n ECHOORIG.CTL, which
must be in the same directory as XPMAIL.EXE.
Format: Area# Origin Line
If the origin line includes a net address, xpress will not add it.
PRIMARY NETMAIL NUMBERS
If you belong to a network such as FidoNet, RBBSNet, EggNet,
FamilyNet or a similar network that uses zones, nets, and nodes,
fill in these fields. If you do not belong to a network, please
fill in these field with 999, 999, 999. When you register Xpress,
you will need to tell us your netmail address. If you are not on a
network, you should tell us 999, 999, 999.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-16
______________________________________________________________________
Fields for netmail address:
ZONE - Your zone number
NET - Your net number
NODE - Your node # within your net.
NETMAIL ACCESS NUMBERS
After giving the user access to NETMAIL, you can further provide
extra security by limiting some netmail features such as:
Crash Mail - Immediately send mail to node
File Attach - Attach a file to be sent with netmail
File Request - Request a file from another system.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-17
______________________________________________________________________
4.2.4) The File Name and Location Screen
+--[ QBBS/Remote Access/Xpress Important File Names and Locations ]--+
| |
|Xpress Log File : [C:\XPRESS\XPRESS.LOG ] |
|DORINFO1.DEF file : C:\RBBS\DORINFO1.DEF |
|Location of C.DEF files : C:\RBBS\ |
|Xpress Work Directory : C:\XPRESS\WORK |
|DownLoad Directory : C:\XPRESS\DOWN |
|UpLoad Directory : C:\XPRESS\UP |
|Dnld/Upld Statistics File : C:\RBBS\XPSTATS.DAT |
|Bad Messages Dump Path : C:\XPRESS\DUMP |
|User Base File Path : C:\XPRESS\ |
|Transfer batch files dir : C:\XPRESS\ |
|Archiver batch files dir : C:\XPRESS\ |
|Xpress DUPE file Location : C:\XPRESS\ |
|BBS Node List Location : C:\RBBS\ |
| |
| Use Conventional Keys for Cursor Movement |
| ESCAPE to EXIT. PAGE UP/DOWN for Next Section. |
+---------------------------------------------------[ F10 for Help ]-+
XPRESS LOG FILE
Enter the name of a file where Xpress will record/log major
happenings with Xpress. Default is XPRESS.LOG.
DORINFOx.DEF FILE
Enter the full path location of the DORINFOx.DEF file RBBS creates
when it goes outside to run an external program. The file tells
Xpress all there is to know about the current user.
"x" is the node number.
LOCATION OF .iDEF Files
Enter the directory location where RBBS keeps the system files.
These files are required by Xpress.
This directory location is typically c:\RBBS.
XPRESS WORK DIRECTORY
This is where Xpress will place all temporary files when creating a
packet or where the reply packet is uncompressed.
Xpress will create this directory if it does not exist.
Note: Do not place any files in this work directory. Xpress erases
this directory with each usage.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-18
______________________________________________________________________
DOWNLOAD DIRECTORY
This is where Xpress will create the OPX file or mail packet.
The compression process will create the OPX here and the download
process will grab the OPX from this directory.
In local mode, this is where you will find the OPX file.
Xpress will create this directory if it does not exist.
UPLOAD DIRECTORY
This is where Xpress will receive any reply mail from the user.
The upload process will place the REP file here, and the expansion
process will decompress the file to the work directory.
In local mode, place your REP file here!
Xpress will create this directory if it does not exist.
DNLD/UPLD STATISTICS FILE
This is an optional feature. Input the full path name of a
statistical file Xpress will create to record the DOWNLOAD and
UPLOAD file sizes. With the Xpress utility program called
XPSTATS.EXE, you can modify the user's download and upload
statistics in the user.bbs file. Since this file can not be
modified while a user is on, it can only be updated after he logs
off.
An Xpress utility called XPSTATS.ZIP is optionally available.
BAD MESSAGES DUMP PATH
Define the directory where XPRESS will "DUMP" all messages it fails
to distribute to proper mail areas. This may occur when you make
drastic changes to your mail area setup and the user is not up to
par with the changes. i.e., he uploads a reply packet that
corresponds to your old setup.
This will happen only the first time he sends his replies using the
new set up. After that, his next download packet will contain the
proper information.
Xpress will create this directory if it does not exist.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-19
______________________________________________________________________
USER BASE FILE PATH
Define the directory where XPRESS will look for the user database
file called XPUSER.DAT. This is normally the same directory as your
Xpress directory.
TRANSFER BATCH FILES DIR
This is the directory location of the following batch files:
SENDOPX.BAT
RECREP.BAT
These batch files are used for starting up the appropriate Xpress
mail packet download or upload process. In these batch files, there
is logic for calling any of the defined mail transfer programs such
as DSZ, CLink, PCKERMIT, etc.
The mail transfer definition option will allow you to define the
transfer protocols you wish to have on your Xpress system. Make sure
the definitions match those in the batch files.
ARCHIVER BATCH FILES DIR
This is the directory location of the following batch files:
COMPRESS.BAT
EXPAND.BAT
These batch files are used for starting up the appropriate Xpress
compression or expansion process. In these batch files, the logic
for calling any of the defined archiver programs such as ARC,
PKware, LH, etc. is available.
The Archiver Definition option in XPCFG will allow you to define the
archive program you wish to have on your Xpress system. Make sure
the definitions match those in the batch files.
XPRESS DUPE FILE LOCATION
Define the directory where XPRESS will store it's XPDUPES.DAT file.
This file will contain CRC calculations on uploaded messages by the
user. If the user unknowingly tries to upload replies already
processed, the dupe checker should trap the messages.
BBS NODE LIST LOCATION
The directory for your node list. Xpress will use the node list to
get cost information. It will put this cost in the file XPSTATS.DAT
where the program XPSTATS.EXE will read and update the user record
during post processing mode. (NOT IN RBBS)
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-20
______________________________________________________________________
4.2.5) The Miscellaneous Information and Option Screen
+------------------[ Miscellaneous Xpress Information ]--------------+
| |
| Total Message Limit : [0 ] |
| No Response Timeout (sec) : 0 |
| Prompt Delay (secs) : 15 |
| New Messages Allowed : 500 |
| Total File Requests : 0 |
| Snoop : YES |
| Abort on CTRL C : NO |
| Allow Signatures : NO |
| Carrier Detect : YES |
| Bells : YES |
| Reboot : NO |
| Maximum Dupes to Check : 1000 |
| Acceptable Reader Version : 2.27 |
| |
| Use Conventional Keys for Cursor Movement |
| ESCAPE to EXIT. PAGE UP/DOWN for Next Section. |
+---------------------------------------------------[ F10 for Help ]-+
TOTAL MESSAGE LIMIT
Enter the maximum number of new messages that can be downloaded. The
limit is set to protect your hard disk from being consumed. Use
these approximations to size your limit.
Given: Average 1.5k per message including seen-bys.
Using PKZIP with a 50% compression.
Xpress Messages Disk Space (KB)
240 540
480 1080
720 1620
Example:
if you wish to allow 600 messages as the limit, then
(600*1500) + (600*1500*.50) = 1,350,000
bundle compressed
should be reserved for Xpress mail bundling and compression.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-21
______________________________________________________________________
NO RESPONSE TIMEOUT (SEC)
This feature allows a timeout for users who do not respond to the
system between key strokes. A response time of 0 secs will disable
the response timeout feature.
PROMPT DELAY (SECS)
This parameter will set the delay for 'timed' prompts in Xpress.
This is used in the download sessions to give the user a second
chance to avoid the download. Setting this value to 0 will not
provide a timed prompt and will immediately jump to the download
session.
NEW MESSAGES ALLOWED
This parameter is the total number of messages a user is allowed to
create with his reader. Unregistered users are allowed only to enter
10 messages. Setting it to 0 will not set a limit for registered
users.
TOTAL FILE REQUESTS
This parameter is the maximum number of file requests a user can
make using the reader program. Setting it to 0 will not allow file
requesting. The maximum is 10 during a given Xpress session. This
feature allows registered reader users to make a file request to
download a file. After the user uploads his reply packet with the
file request, XPMAIL searches the directories defined in a file
named FLSEARCH.CTL for the existence of the file.
FLSEARCH.CTL has the following format:
Security Level Directory
SNOOP
This parameter allows the SYSOP to see what is displayed on a users
console. To change the selection, press the SPACE bar.
YES - turns on the snooper.
NO - turns off the snooper.
Note: The @ sign can be used by the sysop to toggle the snooper on-
line.
ABORT ON CTRL C
ABORT when ON allows the user to ^C out of the program. It is
recommended that you keep this off. To change the selection, press
the SPACE bar.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-22
______________________________________________________________________
ALLOW SIGNATURES
This parameter is an option to allow users to define SIGNATURES for
the tear line. To change the selection, press the SPACE bar.
Only registered reader users are allowed signatures.
CARRIER DETECT
Carrier Detect allows the program to exit if carrier detect is
dropped. To change the selection, press the SPACE bar.
ON - turn on carrier detection.
OFF - turn off carrier detection. (Default for local usage)
Combine this with REBOOT to complete the "WATCH DOG" security.
It is recommended you keep this ON and turn off the REBOOT option so
that Xpress can exit gracefully to RBBS and not reboot the machine.
RBBS does a fine job of realizing a carrier drop and will reset
itself.
BELLS
BELLS ON or OFF will toggle the frequent local bell sounds. To
change the selection, press the SPACE bar.
ON - bells sound.
OFF - bells disabled.
REBOOT
REBOOT allows the program to reboot the system if REBOOT is ON. To
change the selection, press the SPACE bar.
ON - enables system reboot if CARRIER DETECT on.
OFF - disables reboot. If CARRIER DETECT is ON, then program
will just exit to the main board when the carrier
drops.
MAXIMUM DUPES TO CHECK
Define the number of message dupes checked.
The default is 1000. A range of 1000 to 4000 is very good for
Xpress.
NOTE: This number should NEVER EXCEED 8000.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-23
______________________________________________________________________
ACCEPTABLE READER VERSION
The Xpress Reader 2.2x is compatible with this RBBS version of
Xpress, however, this option will allow you to STOP users with an
earlier version of the reader from using your Mail System.
A FUTURE version of the reader will include more features which will
make it more tightly coupled with the door. For instance, version
2.27+ is optimized for reading RBBS mail packets. If these changes
are important to you, then you can enforce the reader upgrade on
your users with this option.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-24
______________________________________________________________________
4.2.6) The Transfer Protocol Definition Screen
+----------[ Xpress Packet Mail Transfer Protocol Definition ]-------+
| |
| Menu Hot |
| Description Key |
| |
| [X-Modem ] X |
| Y-Modem (Xmodem 1k) Y |
| Z-Modem Z |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| Use Conventional Keys for Cursor Movement |
| ESCAPE to EXIT. PAGE UP/DOWN for Next Section. |
+---------------------------------------------------[ F10 for Help ]-+
TRANSFER PROTOCOL DESCRIPTION
Enter a Short Description for the Transfer Protocol. This
description will be used in the design of the transfer protocol
selection menu in the Xpress door user configuration section.
Enter a description and hot key that users are familiar with.
Example:
Description Hot Key
----------- -------
Zmodem Z
Xmodem CRC X
Ymodem (Xmodem 1k) Y
SeaLink S
MENU HOT KEY
Enter the HOT KEY or LETTER that the user will HIT to select this
protocol.
Make sure it is UNIQUE from the other protocol definitions.
Also make sure that this protocol hot key is used correctly in the
SENDOPX.BAT and RECREP.BAT batch files.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-25
______________________________________________________________________
4.2.7) The Bulletin and Welcome File Screen
+-------------------[ Reader Bulletin/Welcome Files ]----------------+
| |
| file # 1 : [HELLO.BSV ] |
| file # 2 : RDRNEWS. |
| file # 3 : |
| file # 4 : |
| file # 5 : |
| file # 6 : |
| file # 7 : |
| file # 8 : |
| file # 9 : |
| file # 10 : |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| Use Conventional Keys for Cursor Movement |
| ESCAPE to EXIT. PAGE UP/DOWN for Next Section. |
+---------------------------------------------------[ F10 for Help ]-+
READER BULLETIN/WELCOME FILES
Input the name of the files which will be displayed to the user when
he/she starts up the Xpress Reader. Think of these as welcome
screens. They will be shown one by one to the user. Two types of
files are supported.
o ASCII/ANSI Screens
These are text oriented screens that you can create with your
favorite editor. The files may include ANSI commands and/or
Xpress screen control dot commands.
o Binary Dump Screens
These are 'bloadable' or BSAVE dump screens that you may create
with a program such as TheDraw or AnsiPaint. Make sure the
extension for the file starts with a B like BSV.
The difference between ANSI vs Binary is SPEED of display.
Sample reader bulletins are available for testing purposes.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-26
______________________________________________________________________
4.2.8) The Archiver Definition Screen
+-----------------[ Xpress Packet Archiver Definition ]--------------+
| |
| Menu Hot |
| Description Key |
| |
| [PKZip ] Z |
| LHARC L |
| PAK P |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| Use Conventional Keys for Cursor Movement |
| ESCAPE to EXIT. PAGE UP/DOWN for Next Section. |
+---------------------------------------------------[ F10 for Help ]-+
XPRESS PACKET ARCHIVER DEFINITION
Enter a Short Description for the Archiver Program. This description
will be used in the design of the archiver selection menu in the
Xpress door user configuration section.
Enter a description and hot key that users are familiar with.
Example:
Description Hot Key
----------- -------
PKzip/PKUnzip Z
PAK K
LHARC L
MENU HOT KEY
Enter the HOT KEY or LETTER that the user will HIT to select this
archiver.
Make sure it is UNIQUE from the other archiver definitions.
Also make sure that this archiver hot key is used correctly in the
COMPRESS.BAT and EXPAND.BAT batch files.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-27
______________________________________________________________________
4.2.9) The Mail Scanning Return Codes Screen
+-----------[ Reply Mail Scanning Return Codes/Error Levels ]--------+
| |
| Local Mail Upload Error level : [0 ] |
| Echo Mail Upload Error level : 1 |
| Matrix Mail Upload Error level : 2 |
| |
| Use Conventional Keys for Cursor Movement |
| ESCAPE to EXIT. PAGE UP/DOWN for Next Section. |
+---------------------------------------------------[ F10 for Help ]-+
REPLY MAIL SCANNING RETURN CODES / ERROR LEVELS
Use these error codes for new mail scanning. There are three types
of mail scanning, but only two make any sense: echo and matrix mail.
Input the error levels for each type. These are cumulative depending
on how mail is distributed.
Example using the following numbers.
LOCAL = 0 ECHO = 1 MATRIX = 2
To check for the errorlevel, you have to consider the possible
combinations of ERRORLEVEL checks in your batch file. i.e.
IF ERRORLEVEL 3 THEN ECHO,MATRIX
IF ERRORLEVEL 2 THEN MATRIX
IF ERRORLEVEL 1 THEN ECHO
NOTE: these error levels are not required for the proper operation of
Silver Xpress under RBBS. They are available for your use, however.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-28
______________________________________________________________________
4.3) What Batch files do you have to set up?
Several batch files are needed to execute Silver Xpress under RBBS. A
batch file is used to call the door program, XPMAIL. Other batch
files are used by XPMAIL to upload and download files, compress files,
and shell to DOS. The changes that you have to make to each batch
file are described below.
4.3.1) A batch file to run the Silver Xpress Door program.
This is your Silver Xpress startup batch file. You call this batch
file from RBBS to start XPMAIL.EXE program.
The XPRESS.BAT batch file is hardcoded using the assumed default
directories, \xpress, and \RBBS. In addition, it uses communication
port # 1. The recommended way to call XPRESS.BAT is by completely
exiting RBBS and calling DOS. If your system differs from the default
system you should make the proper substitutions in XPRESS.BAT.
If you are using an HST, note the -B19200 parameter on the XPMAIL
command line. This tells Xpress to use a locked baud rate of 19200
when calling the sendopx.bat and recrep.bat. Most file transfer
programs understand what the baud rate is by looking at the
communication port, but others need a parameter. Under an HST, you
must tell Xpress to lock itself at the fossil locked baud rate. DSZ
is one of the smarter programs. Others are not as smart and need the
parameter.
Also experiment with the fossil handshaking switches. Some Sysops
have said you need the -RXON switch, others said you do not.
-F Use Fossil instead of direct port communications.
-TXON Turn on transmit XON/XOFF.
-RXON Turn on receive XON/XOFF.
-FCTS Turn on handshaking VIA CTS/RTS.
-DISF This switch tells Xpress to disable the fossil when
shelling to DOS for file transfer. It will be
reinitialized when it returns. You may not need this
switch. The idea for it was to improve file transfer by
clearing the fossil interrupt for external file transfer
programs who have their own methods of controlling the
port. Try it both ways. In theory, you should get
better performance by disabling the fossil.
-Bbaud define the lock baud rate.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-29
______________________________________________________________________
Using the fossil for an Xpress HST set up should clear any menu or
screen garbage. That's all it will do.
4.3.2) Batch files to perform file transfers.
Two batch files, SENDOPX.BAT and RECREP.BAT, are called by Xpress to
run any file transfer program. SENDOPX.BAT downloads a mail packet
file with an extension of ".OPX", and RECREP.BAT receives an upload
reply file with an extension of ".REP". Simply MATCH the transfer
protocols defined using the XPCFG.EXE configuration program. For
instance, in the SENDOPX.BAT and RECREP.BAT files you will see:
IF "%1" == "K" goto PCKERMIT
IF "%1" == "X" goto XMODEM
IF "%1" == "Y" goto YMODEM
IF "%1" == "Z" goto ZMODEM
IF "%1" == "S" goto SEALINK
IF "%1" == "W" goto WXMODEM
The protocol menu presented to the user is defined by the sysop via
XPCFG.EXE. The configuration program is pre-configured to use the X,
Y, Z modem protocols:
Description Hot key
Xmodem (CRC) X
Ymodem (Xmodem 1K) Y
Zmodem Z
You don't have to change anything if you stay with this setup. If you
plan to add other protocols, such as Jmodem, simply add another IF
statement to these batch files. Add the logic in the appropriate
label area, and run XPCFG to add JMODEM to the list of file transfer
protocols.
Note the HST setup for the file transfer programs. Most HST setups
use locked baud rates. Xpress normally passes the current baud rate
to these batch files but, with the HST, you must be locked at 19200
baud. Also note the handshaking setup. DSZ goes directly to the
communication port to determine the port, but other file transfer
programs require a baud rate. By passing the -B19200 parameter to
XpMail.exe, Xpress will use this baud rate when it is executing the
sendopx.bat and recrep.bat batch files.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-30
______________________________________________________________________
4.3.3) Batch files to perform file compression and expansion.
Two batch files, COMPRESS.BAT and EXPAND.BAT, are called by Xpress to
run any archive system program. Simply match the archive program
defined using the XPCFG.EXE configuration program. For instance, in
the COMPRESS.BAT and EXPAND.BAT files you will see:
IF "%1" == "A" GOTO ARCA
IF "%1" == "X" GOTO PKARC
IF "%1" == "P" GOTO PAK
IF "%1" == "Z" GOTO PKZIP
IF "%1" == "L" GOTO LHARC
The archiver menu presented to the user is defined by the sysop. The
configuration program is pre-configured to use the PKARC, PKZIP, and
LHARC archive systems:
Description Hot key
pkXarc/pkarc X
pkunZip/pkZip Z
Lharc L
You don't have to change anything if you stay with this setup. If you
plan to add other archive program, i.e.., PAK, add another IF
statement in these batch files, add the appropriate GOTO logic area
and run XPCFG to add PAK to the list of available archive systems.
Note: There exists a program called WAF103.ZIP. WAF.EXE determines
the archive format so it is very possible to automatically decompress
a user's upload file using WAF. An example is shown in WAF103.ZIP.
4.3.4) A batch file to allow Silver Xpress to Shell to DOS.
A batch file, XPSHELL.BAT, is used to shell to DOS when you are using
Xpress remotely. In local mode, Xpress will shell to DOS using
COMMAND.COM. In remote, it will call XPSHELL.BAT with the current
port number passed as the first parameter.
This batch file has two methods for using DOS remotely the unreliable
CTTY, and a better method using GATEWAY.SYS. GATEWAY.SYS is a third
party software available on most bulletin boards offering RBBS
utilities. Edit this batch file and select the method you wish to use
or change it completely for your own needs.
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4.4) How do you test your setup?
To test out Silver Xpress locally, you must run RBBS in local mode.
Running Xpress in local mode should be done every time you change the
control file to check for its stability. Check the Xpress log after
you exit the local mode. There might be some information in it.
You should test out the following:
a) archiver system menu.
b) file transfer protocol menu.
c) creating a Xpress mail packet.
After you quit Xpress the first time, it will create the XpUser.dat
file.
You should also test Xpress under another user name. All you have to
do is log in as another user.
After you are satisfied with the Xpress setup, you will need to know
how to:
a) call Xpress using RBBS.
b) perform a matrix ECHO scan for new mail. Section 5.0 will
describe methods to do this.
4.5) How do you run Silver Xpress in local mode outside of the BBS?
If you have a DORINFOx.DEF file already created, Xpress will use
this file. We recommend that you create a batch file and a
DORINFOx.DEF file specifically for the sysop. Make sure that the
batch file uses the sysop's DORINFOx.DEF file. For example:
@echo off
copy c:\RBBS\DORINFO1.SYS C:\RBBS\DORINFO1.DEF
call xpress.bat
4.6) How do you run Xpress under a multi-node system?
Currently, Xpress works under DesqVu for multi-node systems. Future
versions will address other multi-line environments.
For multi-line operations, Xpress must be registered.
To set up a multi-line system, perform the following:
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1 Create a specific Xpress control file for each node. This is
done by using the -c switch for XPCFG.EXE.
For example:
XPCFG -cNODE1
XPCFG -cNODE2
2 Create a specific XPRESS.BAT batch file for each node and use the
-c switch with the proper control file.
For example:
XPMAIL -p2 -f -cNODE2
3 For each node control file, the following options must be
specific:
Registration code
(if using different netmail numbers)
Xpress log file
(i.e. XPRESS1.LOG, XPRESS2.LOG)
DORINFOx.DEF
(i.e. DORINFO1.DEF, DORINFO2.DEF)
Xpress work directory
(i.e. \XPRESS\WORK1, \XPRESS\WORK2)
Xpress download directory
(i.e. \XPRESS\DOWN1, \XPRESS\DOWN2)
Xpress upload directory
(i.e. \XPRESS\UP1, \XPRESS\UP2)
Statistics file
(i.e. XPSTATS1.DAT, XPSTATS2.DAT)
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5.0) How do you scan mail after Xpress Uploads Mail?
Use your normal logic for scanning for echo mail after a user logs
out. Xpress exits with errorlevels that may help you do this more
efficiently. Even though Silver Xpress creates mail externally, it
handles it as though a user entered it on-line by hand.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-34
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6.0) How do you customize your Xpress setup?
There are two basic things you can do to customize your set up:
- Use the basic Xpress initial display files to put in your own
information.
DoorNews - Yours to do what you want.
Newuser - Display to new users only.
- Use reader bulletins.
The basic flow of Xpress with displays follows:
- Xpress displays
Welcome(g)
doornews
Newuser (for first time Xpress users)
badxprv (if use is working with wrong reader)
exitfile (when user exits Xpress)
- On the reader side, show the bulletin screens in the order
defined in the READER BULLETIN section of the configuration
program.
NOTE: Please do not modify the welcome(g) file. If you do so, please
retain the Santronics Software copyright somewhere in the screen.
One of the nice features about the Xpress off-line mail system is the
ability to make the reader behave similar to an on-line BBS. Since
your users will be reading mail off line, why not make them read your
bulletins, news or any type of information? Xpress gives you this
capability to pass to the user with his mail packet additional files
called reader bulletins. When the Reader starts up, it will display
these files, one by one, to the user.
Up to ten reader bulletins can be defined. During the bundling
process, Xpress will ignore bulletins it can not find. Two types of
files can be sent:
o ASCII/ANSI Screens
These are text oriented screens that you can create with your
favorite editor. The files may include ANSI commands and/or
Xpress screen control dot commands.
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______________________________________________________________________
o Binary Dump Screens
These are 'bloadable' or BSAVE dump screens that you may create
with a program such as TheDraw or AnsiPaint. Make sure the
extension for the file starts with a B like BSV.
The difference between ANSI vs Binary is SPEED of display, however
binary files are slightly bigger (maximum 4k) than text files.
With text files, you can add some commands to control the display of
these files. The following is a list of commands that can be inserted
into reader bulletin text files:
[PAGE] - clear the screen.
[PAUSE] - prompt the user for a carriage return.
[MORE] - prompt the user with a More Y/N question.
[BEEP] - sound a beep.
Some rules for using reader bulletins:
- Xpress screen control commands must start on the first column and
must be the only command on the line.
- You should have at least one of the pause commands such as
[PAUSE], [MORE] or the screens will fly right by the user.
The following files are sample reader bulletin screens provided with
this package:
HELLO.bsv - sample welcome screen created with TheDraw
RdrNews. - ANSI based text file reader news
Please don't use these reader bulletins for your final set up.
Remember this is an optional feature. However, reader bulletins can
add a touch of professionalism to your board and can give the user
some feedback about your board when he reads his mail.
One feature becoming quite popular with Xpress is the option of
passing a list of new files to the user. This can be done by adding a
file name such as "newfiles.lst" to the list of reader bulletins and
running a special program to create that list for the specific user.
One such program is called XPFILES.EXE (see Appendix G).
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7.0) What are the Silver Xpress Command Line Options?
The Silver Xpress door programs (XPMAIL.EXE and XPSUB.EXE) have
general command line parameters, automatic processing parameters,
special parameters for XPSUB, and special parameters for the Fossil
program.
General Parameters
-Pn Comm port, n is 1, 2 (Using fossil allows 1 thru 6)
(default is 1)
-L Local mode. If carrier is OFF, LOCAL is set.
-Cfn fn is the full path name of the control file. (default
xpmail.prm)
-S Turn on snoop regardless of XPCFG setting.
-NT Do not enforce downloading time limit.
-T Show time remaining calculation.
-XSYS Force current user as a Xpress sysop (show extra menu).
-XF# FaXpress message area number (Optional package required)
-MAX# Override message packing limit.
-A# Force Time remaining for current session. # - minutes
(default = 60)
-NC Enable netmail credit accounting of uploaded netmail.
-RP Read Preview. This option will allow sysops only to read
mail without Xpress toggling the RECEIVED flag in the mail.
-ML Multi-Line version. For registered door programs only.
Automatic Processing
-Dx Automatic download.
x is P (personal only),
A (all only),
PA (P first, A second)
AP (A first, P second)
-U Automatic upload.
Switches used in conjunction with XPSUB.EXE
-USE This tells XPMAIL.EXE to exit instead of calling the
external programs.
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-RES This restarts XPMAIL.EXE after using XPSUB. (See
Xpress.bat)
Fossil Control items (XPMAIL.EXE/XPSUB.EXE)
-Pn Comm port, n is 1, 2 (Using fossil allows 1 thru 6) (default
is 1)
-Brate Lock the baud rate @ rate i.e.. -B19200 (use for HST only)
-F Use Fossil instead of direct port communications.
-TXON Turn on transmit XON/XOFF.
-RXON Turn on receive XON/XOFF.
-FCTS Turn on handshaking VIA CTS/RTS.
-DISF This switch tells Xpress to disable the fossil when shelling
to DOS for file transfer. It will be reinitialized when it
returns. You may not need this switch. The idea for it was
to improve file transfer by clearing the fossil interrupt
for external file transfer programs who have their own
methods of controlling the port. Try it both ways. In
theory, you should get better performance by disabling the
fossil.
EXAMPLES
port 1, direct communications. use default xpmail.ctl.
Xpmail -p1
port 2, use Task1.ctl file.
Xpmail -p2 -ctask1.ctl
Automatically create a mail packet locally
Xpmail -dpa -l
Personal mail is checked first. If none, then pack ALL.
Xpmail -dap -l
All mail is checked first. If you exceed the limit, then personal
mail is packed.
Using the fossil, with HST locked at 19200 baud.
Xpmail -P1 -F -RXON -DISF -B19200
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8.0) What do you do if you want to reduce the Memory required?
The XPSUB.EXE program was created for one reason - reduce the memory
requirement of Xpress for tight memory requirement BBS systems using
systems like DesqVU. XPSUB.EXE is optionally available on Xpress
distribution boards. NOTE: Since it is recommended that you perform a
full exit to DOS when calling XPMAIL, you probably don't need to use
XPSUB for RBBS operation.
Xpress now has an option to exit completely to XPSUB, where it will
take control of the external processes - archiving and file transfer.
The goal is to separate the major Xpress tasks:
1) scanning and creating files. approx. 100k
2) packing/unpacking. approx. 90k (arc?) 120k (pk?)
3) download/upload file transfer. approx. 90k (DSZ?)
Currently, the Xpress memory requirements are task 1 & 2 or 1 & 3
working together at any given time. Along with RBBS in memory, which
is 128k, the minimum requirement is 348k (128k+100k+120k). We can
reduce this to 270k, 128k for RBBS, 120k for the largest packing
process, and 36k for a program to control the security and error
traps. That would be sufficient for DDos people and definitely for
DesqVu people.
With this option enabled, Xpress will create a PROCESS.DAT with all
information required for XPSUB to control the packing/unpacking and
transfer processes. XPSUB will create RESTART.DAT to tell Xpress the
result of the processes.
Implementation of XPSUB is easy. The Xpress batch file provided
already has the logic built in. To activate the sub process
controller, pass the switch -USE to the XPMAIL.EXE command.
--- part of current xpress.bat -----
:start
xpmail -P1 -USE %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7
:check_for_process
if not exist process.dat goto no_process
xpsub -p1
delete process.dat
xpmail -P1 %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 -RESTART
goto check_for_process
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-39
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9.0) How do you maintain the Silver Xpress User Records?
XpUser is a program designed to help the sysop manipulate Silver
Xpress user records. All but a few items configurable by the Xpress
user can be altered by the sysop with XpUser. With XpUser, the sysop
can get a friendly view of his Xpress users selected message areas,
including the ability to toggle 'SYSOP SELECTED' areas for specific
users.
Since XpUser was written to fully support Silver Xpress, it reads the
same .prm files to get its information. XpUser requires the compiled
control file XPMAIL.PRM, and the Xpress user database file.
The only requirement is that the XpMail.prm file is in the current
directory. If not, the -Cfilename option must be used. XpUser will
use Xpmail.Prm to locate the xpuser.dat file
Command Line Options:
There are just a few command line options for XpUser.
NOTE: each command line option must be specified with the "-"
character. Each option must be separated by a space.
Usage: XpUser [-Cxpress_prm_file] [-B] [-D]
-Cxpress_prm_file
Pass the name of the parameter file. default is XPMAIL.PRM
i.e.. XpUser -C\xpress\xpmail1.prm
-B Tells XpUser to backup the xpuser.dat before during anything
else. Note: This is not done automatically.
Note: XpUser makes dynamic changes to the database. That means ALL
changes you make are saved automatically. Therefore, there is no
'Save?' prompt. If you are concerned about this, use the -B option.
The -B option will backup the xpuser.dat to XpUser.bac before it does
anything else.
-D Special Switch for displaying more info on the screen.
Designed specifically for the visually impaired.
XpUser Interactive Options
N -Change the current user's name
This option will prompt you for the new user name. If you
press enter at the prompt, then no change will occur.
A - Change User or Sysop selected areas
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-40
______________________________________________________________________
This option will allow you to change the current user
selected message areas, and SYSOP SELECTED messages areas.
In addition, this option has an added feature for toggling a
specific area, ON or OFF, for all users. For example, you
may want to MAKE SURE all users get your Local General
Message Area (usually area 1) and the International User
Xpress echo.
When you first hit A, XpUser will prompt the question:
Toggle Specific Area for ALL users? [y/N]
If you say No, you are only changing the current user
information and a grid of message area numbers will appear.
If you say Yes, XpUser will prompt you for the specific area
number to toggle ON or OFF. For example:
Enter Area Number for Global ON/OFF (i.e. -10 off, 10
on) :
A negative number will turn OFF the area for all users. A
positive number will turn ON the area for all users.
Entering -0 is understood as turning off AREA 0. You need
not put the '+' sign for positive numbers.
In the case where you are just changing the current user's
selected message areas, XpUser will pop up a grid displaying
all possible areas. To use the grid simply move the
brackets with the arrow keys and press the space bar to
toggle the current areas selected.
Switching between the user's selected message areas and the
SYSOP SELECTED message areas is done with the T character.
SYSOP-SELECTED will give the current user FULL access to the
selected area regardless of OPUS area privileges and Xpress
overrides. However, if an Xpress password is required for
the area, the user will need to know the password before
permitted entry.
T - Change user's selected transfer protocol
Use this option to select another protocol from the
available protocol list as defined through XPCFG.
V - Change user's selected Archiver
Use this option to select another archiver from the
available archiver list as defined through XPCFG.
K - Edit user's keywords
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-41
______________________________________________________________________
This function will give a pop-up window listing of all the
user defined keywords. The operator has the option to add
and delete keywords. To quit this function press 'Q' or
<ESC>.
J - Jump to specified record
This function allows the operator to make random movement
through the xpuser.dat file.
S - Search for user by name
This function allows the operator to perform a search on the
users name.
G - Toggle user's graphics setting [ON/OFF]
H - Toggle user's hot-keys settings [ON/OFF]
E - Toggle help-level [Expert/Novice] for current user
D - Mark user for deletion
Note: This has no effect on Xpress (Xpmail.exe) usage.
One way to use this option is to maintain your database by
marking users who has been inactive for a long time. After
a certain period, you can then purge the database with the P
option.
P - Purge Database by deleting all users marked for deletion.
Note: NO BACKUP is MADE!!!
# - Toggle sysop setting for current user
This option will make the user an 'XPRESS SYSOP'. This
means he will have access to the Xpress sysop menu. Nothing
ELSE!!! It does not override the message area access logic.
* - Toggle abuse setting for current user
This option will stop the user from entering the Xpress
system. Use it at your own discretion.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-42
______________________________________________________________________
+ - View Next user record
NOTE: The right arrow key works the same
- - View Previous user record
NOTE: The left arrow key works the same
Q - Quit XpUser
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-43
______________________________________________________________________
10.0) What special Sysop features are available?
The Silver Xpress system has special sysop features both at the door
level on the BBS and on the reader level. The following sections
provide descriptions of these special features.
10.1) Special Sysop features in the Door Program, XPMAIL
When using XPMAIL as an Xpress sysop, the main menu has an additional
option:
[#]..... SYSOP MENU.
Currently, within the SYSOP menu, the options allowed are:
[1]..... See the user list.
[2]..... See registered user list.
[3]..... See the Silver Xpress Log.
[4]..... Kill the Silver Xpress Log.
[5]..... Shell to DOS
[Q]..... Quit to Xpress Main Menu.
[1] - See user List.
This will display all the users in the Xpress database showing name,
last usage, type of transfer and archiver system used, and whether the
user is registered.
[2] - See registered user list.
This option will display only the registered users.
[3] - See the Silver Xpress Log.
This option will display another menu:
List - List the contents of the log.
Search - Search for specific string. Case Sensitive.
Today - List the current day usage of Xpress.
[4] - Kill the Silver Xpress Log.
This option will delete the log.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-44
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[5] - Shell to DOS.
Keep in mind the Shell to DOS option. The shell to DOS command will
run the batch file XPSHELL.BAT. Check this file first to see if
it's properly configured for your system. You will find the batch
file logic for CTTY or GATEWAY. In local Mode, the shell to DOS
option will simply call command.com.
Some additional XPMAIL features are available to the Xpress sysop.
! - Start the Chat mode. <ESC> to exit.
During chat mode, there exists an embedded feature for sysops only
to execute any DOS command by hitting the special key combo ^A@
(control-a, @) followed by the DOS command.
Note: The user, unless he is declared an Xpress sysop (with
XpUser.exe), will not see your DOS command. However, he can possibly
see the results. Be careful here as this feature was designed mainly
for remote debugging purposes.
Sample: ^A@DIR > COM1 direct the dir listing to com1
@ - Snoop ON or OFF.
Up and Down arrows - Add/Substract user time.
F1- Show User information on screen.
F2- Toggle Xpress sysop access (current session only)
10.2) Special Sysop features in the Reader, XPREAD
As an Xpress sysop, you have extra features in the Silver Xpress
Reader too. To use the reader on your board, run RBBS in LOCAL mode.
Start the download session and create a mail packet. XPMAIL will
create the OPX file in the DOWNLOAD directory. Normally, the program
will delete the packet when a normal user exits the program, but the
file will not be deleted in the local state. This gives you the
opportunity to use the reader on the mail packet.
Copy the file to another directory or your personal Xpress mailbox
directory (create one). Start the reader and proceed as usual with
reading and replying.
To send replies or new mail, copy the reply packet (*.REP) to the
UPLOAD directory. Then run the local mode of Silver Xpress and start
the upload session.
See XPREAD documentation for more information on the reader.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-45
______________________________________________________________________
There is an optional package with a set of batch files and a program
called XPVxxx.ZIP. This batch file is designed for sysops to automate
the usage of Xpress during events. It's a vacation saver!
Net Mail, Zone Mail, File Requesting/Attaching.
True board sysops including those users granted access to the net mail
area will have the capability to create net mail related messages
which include:
o crash mail.
o zone mail.
o file requesting and attaching.
The Silver Xpress reader does not maintain a node list of any kind.
You must add the net node yourself when the reader prompts for it. In
a way, this adds to the security since users do not have a node list.
When creating net mail, input the matrix number. If it is a ZONE
mail, input the ZONE number as well.
When creating or replying to zone mail, Xpress employs the Fidonet
standard of using embedded information in the message itself to
control the zone mail. If you reply to zone mail, Xpress will
automatically pick up the target address. If you are creating a zone
mail, again, you must know the ZONE and the address of the intended
receiver. [Version 2.27 of the reader will recognize Gateway or
Direct Zone mail.]
The Xpress Reader does not currently support Points, but can be Points
can be handled by your mail processors.
* * W A R N I N G * *
Please be aware of the Xpress netmail feature. Certainly you do not
wish to have users doing the wrong thing. Only allow access to the
net mail area to trusted and loyal friends. Security is maintained
by:
o not allowing non-sysop users to have access nor to see the net
mail related functions.
o trapping any tampering attempt on the information passed to the
reader by using a proprietary cyclic redundancy check.
o dumping and reporting in the log any illegal net mail attempt by
a user who bypasses the reader.
The only way a user can send net mail is for the sysop to give him net
mail access.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-46
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Santronics Software has provided the system operator with every
capability to control Xpress mail area access. Net mail costs
incurred by the false entry of a user is your responsibility.
Santronics Software will not be liable in any way
Message Forwarding.
True sysops of the board have the ability to hurl or forward messages.
The forwarding function also allows you to add your own comments.
Normal users do not have this feature, nor will they see any command
indication of message forwarding. This section will be the only place
where it is discussed.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-47
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11.0) How can you use Silver Xpress to send a FAX?
With Silver Xpress, there is an optional facsimile capability called
Fax Xpress (FaXpress <tm>). Note: FaXpress requires a fax hardware
support card.
FaXpress allows users to send TEXT mail to your system during a normal
UPLOAD. Your system will then FAX the mail to the user's chosen
destination. If you have the additional Fax Card on your PC, you can
offer a faxing service to your users. Of course, FaXpress is not for
everyone, but if you have a subscription service or informative
service bureau, FaXpress can offer off-line faxing capabilities to
your subscribers.
With FaXpress, users can now FAX mail from their portable or PC when
on a business trip or from home without a FAX machine!
The optional FaXpress package is priced at $99.95. It includes the
following:
o Works with Silver Xpress V2.24+ door and reader.
o FaXpress accounting software.
o FaXpress faxing software supporting various Fax Cards.
Santronics Software offers the following fax cards at LOW prices:
o Intel Connection Co-Processor 9600 baud
o Quadram JT Fax 9600 baud
o Quadram JT Fax 4800 baud
o FaXpress Card 4800 baud
Fax cards may be purchased separately, but we are currently supporting
only the above fax cards. Please indicate which fax card you have or
plan to purchase. We probably have the software for other fax cards
not listed above.
To order FaXpress, call 412-864-2060 9am-9pm EST.
Silver Xpress Mail System for RBBS Page-48
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12.0) How does Silver Xpress work and how does it maintain security?
The Silver Xpress system is optimized to work with the BBS structures.
Silver Xpress requires only the door exit information file and the
mail configuration files.
During a DOWNLOAD or (Scan for new mail) process, Xpress uses the mail
configuration files based on the areas selected by the users. The
selected message areas are scanned using either the date arrived field
or the last read message counter kept by the BBS. If the particular
message is to be bundled for new mail, Xpress copies the message into
a file called mail.dat. All file processing is performed in the Xpress
WORK directory.
When the scan is completed, Xpress packages the mail.dat with other
information into a compressed format using one of the many available
archive systems. Xpress creates this compressed file and stores it in
the Xpress DOWNLOAD directory.
The user starts the transfer of the Xpress compressed packet from the
download directory.
For the reverse or upload process, Xpress collects the uploaded reply
packet into an UPLOAD directory. Xpress decompresses the reply packet
into the work directory.
After performing security measures, Xpress begins to toss the uploaded
messages into their appropriate mail areas.
------------------------
Appendix A
------------------------
Acknowledgements
Santronics Software wishes to acknowledge the RBBS beta testers: Rich
Couture, Rick Moen, Bruce Wilson, Jess James, Leonard Dye, Murjan
Potrc, Mercurio Franco, and Barry Dunkley.
Also to all registered users who have proved the worthiness of the
system. Thanks for the support.
Finally to one precious person, Andrea, my wife, whose patience,
endurance, and love keeps me intact with the Xpress Mail system
development and on-going support.
Please forgive me if I've forgotten any honorable mentionings.
------------------------
Appendix B
------------------------
Xpress Support Policy
Santronics Software is dedicated to support all of its software
products. Any questions, comments, bug reports, etc can be reported
directly to Santronics Software in writing, or through electronic mail
or by calling direct 412-864-2060 9am - 9pm EST.
In the FidoNet community, there are backbone echo mail conferences are
available. These echos are dedicated solely to Xpress Mail system
support. Contact your net echo mail coordinator for picking up the
Xpress support echos. The echo names for these mail conferences are:
OPUS_XPRESS - Mainly for user support of the reader. XPRESS_SYSOP -
Mainly for BBS sysop support.
Registration is not a requirement for support but of course, priority
is given to those who are.
Fidonet Netmail correspondence is the best and surest way to contact
Santronics Software. Santronics Softare's FidoNet address is
1:129/82. Once again, only registered and Xpress priority service
members will get immediate attention through Net Mail.
------------------------
Appendix C
------------------------
Official RBBS Silver Xpress Distribution Sites
Hector Santos Pittsburgh PA USA
Santronics Software FidoNet: 1:129/82
v32/14.4 HST 24hrs 412-864-2294
Geoff Block Pittsburgh PA USA
FidoNet: 1:129/53
9600 HST 24hrs 412-881-7757
FidoNet: 1:129/81
2400 24hrs 412-881-1749
Dean Lechan Plano TX USA
FidoNet: 1:124/4115
v32/14.4 HST 5am-2am CST 214-423-1498
Bob Juge Houston TX USA
FidoNet: 1:106/2000
v32/14.4 HST 24hrs 713-980-9671
Greg Shaffer Bogart GA USA
FidoNet: 1:370/510
14.4 HST 23hrs 404-769-0318
Rich Couture San Francisco CA USA
FidoNet: 1:125/41
RBBSNet: 8:914/201
14.4 HST 23hrs 415-621-2609
Rick Moen San Francisco CA USA
FidoNet: 1:125/27
RBBSNet: 8:914/207
2400 23hrs 415-648-8944
Kevin Johnson Overland Park KS USA
FidoNet: 1:300/312
14.4 HST 23hrs 913-599-6206
John Krzesinki Birmingham, United Kingdom EUROPE
FidoNet: 2:253/192
9600 HST 24hrs +44-21-465-2401
Franz Antonilli Verona, Italy EUROPE
FidoNet: 2:333/101
v32/14.4 HST 24hrs 39-45-6860341
Trevor Carlsen Western Australia
FidoNet: 3:690/644
9600 PEP 24hrs
------------------------
Appendix D
------------------------
Known Problems and Solutions
PROBLEM:
My users complain about not having word-wrapping in XpEdt.EXE
SOLUTION:
Have them use another editor. Simple.
PROBLEM:
How can my users create mail without having an OPX file?
SOLUTION:
They can't because the Reader has to have some information about
message area structure. Your specific OPX file tells the reader
everything it needs to know to emulate your mail system on the BBS.
How would Xpress know how to distribute the mail?
The only solution is to tell the user to save an OPX file for later
usage. However, this can cause a problem if you update your xpress
area system and the user is still using an old OPX packet.
------------------------
Appendix E
------------------------
Silver Xpress for other Bulletin Board Systems
By installing Silver Xpress, you and your users will enjoy a mail
system second to none. The Silver Xpress Reader is compatible with
all Silver Xpress BBS setups. That includes OPUS, Fido, Maximus,
QBBS/RA, RBBS, TPBoard, SearchLight and soon PCBoard.
Version 2.27+ of the Silver Xpress Reader has special internal
features that are fully optimized for use with QBBS/RA, RBBS and other
BBS systems. Reader versions 2.2x will function correctly with all
supported BBS's, but are not fully optimized for the special mail
characteristics of each BBS.
------------------------
Appendix F
------------------------
Silver Xpress Group Purchase Plans
Santronics Software encourages group registrations, and we have two
methods available.
The first method is designed for Group or Club accounts and requires
that you provide us a list of the names of all users. We will then
provide you a registration number for each user, which would allow
them to use all the features of the Silver Xpress Reader. In other
words, the first method uses the normal versions of the Silver Xpress
programs.
The second method is designed for commercial applications and requires
you to order a custom version of both the BBS door program and the
off-line reader program. The BBS door program would only allow the
number of users for which you have paid. The reader program will be
fully featured but will only handle mail packets from your BBS. The
price of registrations using the second method is the same as the
first method, but with an additional charge of $250.00 US for the
customization. Please indicate which method you would prefer. The
Silver Xpress Group Discount Schedule is given below for just the
reader and for the door/reader package.
The name on the order form is considered the contact and is the person
with whom all correspondence will take place.
Note: All prices and discounts are subject to change without
notice.
Note: Discounts apply only to separate orders, they are not
cumulative.
______________________________________________________________________
Silver Xpress Reader
(XPREAD Version 2.26 or lower)
Group Discount Price Schedule -- Type 1
(expires 31 SEP 90)
______________________________________________________________________
Total Each Additional
Number Total Additional User
Group of Price Discount User Discount
Type Users ($US) Rate Price ($US) Rate
______________________________________________________________________
1A 1 35 0.0% | 35.00 0.0%
1B 10 350 0.0% | 33.50 4.3%
1C 20 680 2.9% | 32.50 7.1%
1D 30 1000 4.8% | 31.50 10.0%
1E 40 1310 6.4% | 30.00 14.3%
1F 50 1610 8.0% | 29.00 17.1%
1G 75 2330 11.2% | 28.00 20.0%
1H 100 3030 13.4% | 27.50 21.4%
______________________________________________________________________
o Example:
Price for 32 users = 1,000.00 + (2 * 31.50) = $ 1063.00
o Santronics Software reserves the right to change the price
schedule
______________________________________________________________________
Silver Xpress Door and Reader
(XPMAIL and/or XPREAD Version 2.26 or lower)
Group Discount Price Schedule -- Type 2
(expires 31 SEP 90)
______________________________________________________________________
Total Each Additional
Number Total Additional BBS
Group of Price Discount BBS Discount
Type BBS's ($US) Rate Price ($US) Rate
______________________________________________________________________
2A 1 45 0.0% | 45.00 0.0%
2B 10 450 0.0% | 43.00 4.4%
2C 20 880 2.2% | 42.00 6.7%
2D 30 1300 3.7% | 40.50 10.0%
2E 40 1700 5.6% | 39.00 13.3%
2F 50 2090 7.1% | 37.50 16.7%
2G 75 3020 10.5% | 36.50 18.9%
2H 100 3930 12.7% | 35.00 22.2%
______________________________________________________________________
o Example:
Price for 32 users = 1,300.00 + (2 * 40.50) = $ 1381.00
o Santronics Software reserves the right to change the price
schedule
------------------------
Appendix G
------------------------
Silver Xpress Utility Programs
XPFILES - generates a list of new files on your BBS system.
XPSUB - subprocess controller for BBS systems with limited
memory
XPSTATS - keeps track of user message download and upload
statistics
XPSAVER - vacation saver: set of batch file that read and
store mail
SXTOOLS - Sysops tools
Available Xpress Utilities (ZIP files)
Version XPFILES XPSUB XPSTATS XPSAVER SXTOOLS
OPUS 1.03 F1 XPF226F1 XPSUB226 XPS226F1 XPV224 -------
FIDO 12.+ F1 XPF226F1 XPSUB226 XPS226F1 XPV224 -------
OPUS 1.10 F2 XPF226F2 XPSUB226 XPS226F2 XPV224 SXF2TOOL
RBBS 17.3 R1 XPF226R1 XPSUB226 ------- XPV224 -------
QBBS 2.04 Q1 XPF226Q1 XPSUB226 ------- XPV224 -------
QBBS 2.64 Q1 XPF226Q1 XPSUB226 ------- XPV224 -------
RA 1.0+ Q1 XPF226Q1 XPSUB226 ------- XPV224 -------
------------------------
INDEX
------------------------
Only in Registered Documentation.