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▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ PROFESSIONAL FILE SYSTEM FOR REMOTE ACCESS BULLETIN BOARD SERVICES WRITTEN BY: STEVE BARBER ***************************************************************** ** ** ** PRO-FILE Professional File System ** ** For Use with Remote Access Bulletin Board Systems ** ** ** ** Written By Steve Barber ** ** The Gamer's Connection BBS ** ** (615) 391-4807 Nashville, TN ** ** (615) 883-8674 Voice ** ** ** ** Version 2.0 ** ** Released on: August 23rd, 1991 ** ** ** ** (C)opyright 1991, Steve Services ** ** All Rights Reserved ** ** ** ** Written and Compiled in Turbo Pascal 5.5 ** ** ** ****************************************************************** ** INTRODUCTORY NOTE ** This manual covers every aspect of this software in great detail. If you want to jump right in, the recommended reading is: - Read Carefully the Introduction and FOUNDATION sections following. - Read the PRO-FILE DataBase Information. - In the Management Tools Section, scan the name and purpose of each function to become aware of everything PRO-FILE offers. - Scan the AUTO DRIVE feature information. - Installation Instructions are provided at the close of the document. INTRODUCTION -------------- PROFILE Professional File System is a complete File Management System for Remote Access Bulletin Board Services. It is complete in every detail and offers everything you need to easily manage a professional file system. Among all the vast features, the highlights include: * A Colorful Environment and Overall Professional Appearance. * Easy to Use Interface and Help from within the Program. * A Compact but Informative File Database - The heart of PRO-FILE. * A Conversion Utility that will convert Wildcat's System to PRO-FILE's. * An International First: Extremely EASY Access to EVERY command and function from the Command Line. * All Tools necessary to manage and maintain an RA File System. * New with Version 2: Direct FileDoor Support! * Also New with Version 2: Conversion from "old-style" bracket download counters to the new improved PRO-FILE style. * And of course, the principal function of PRO-FILE: Professional and Eye-catching Files Listings complete with 2 Line Descriptions, Download Count, and Rating, that will for the first time ever replace the dull listings that RA provides. * In addition, two complete programs are also included: An on-line door providing additional information on a file including the uploader, last date of download, and transfer time. In version 2, PRO-Stats was also released that serves as a stats generator that generates a professional and sharp report users can view on-line. * Voice phone support direct to the author. Because of the incredible amount of functions and uses PRO-FILE has, it may seem complicated and overwhelming at first, but if you will take just a few minutes to carefully read and understand the FOUNDATION section, you will have a clear understanding of what PRO-FILE is and how to use it. WARRANTIES ---------- There are none. Use at YOUR own risk. The software and all accompanying materials (including documentation) are provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. The author does not warrant, guarantee, or make any representations regarding the use or misuse of this software, or written materials in terms of correctness, accuracy, reliability, currentness or otherwise. The author shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages of any kind arising from the use of this software. Every attempt has been made to deliver a working program and accurate documentation. DISTRIBUTION ------------ PRO-FILE has been distributed as Shareware. You may use this software for a length of time you deem fit for a short evaluation. You must register if you wish to continue usage. This software may only be distributed as a whole and with NO modifications. COPYRIGHT LAWS -------------- This software and all accompanying materials are protected under United States Federal and International Law. All Rights Reserved. *** The following section is basically a summary of this whole manual. I promise you that if you'll take the time to read it, you will end up using PRO-FILE <AND> thanking yourself for taking the time to download and becoming acquainted with this software. *** FOUNDATION ------------ If you downloaded this package thinking it will allow you to replace those dreadful RA file listings with a new set of colorful, informative, and unique listings, you're right, but you also downloaded a lot more than you bargained for. PRO-FILE is not only an innovative utility that will for the first time replace the dull and minimal RA file lists, it is a Complete and Professional File Management System designed to give you full and easy control over managing the file portion of an RA BBS. To avoid some confusion head on, PRO-FILE is not a door like FileDoor or GDoor, it is a Management System. PRO-FILE generates unique and professional file lists which are viewable on-line. It writes both an ASCII and an ANSI file list to disk as text files, OFF-LINE, not as an on-line door. Users will be able to view the file lists instantly, as opposed to the file doors that take 10 seconds to load and return. A few minor menu adjustments must be made, but don't worry.. installing PRO-FILE is a snap even for beginning SysOps. The beauty of it all is that if desired, you will not need a separate file menu and screen for each area. The heart and foundation of the complete PRO-FILE package is its Database. As you know, the heart of the typical RA files system is the Files.BBS files and listings. The typical RA BBS probably needs a program such as Fido-Fam that manipulates the Files.BBS files and allows the deletion or addition of files, and (if you're lucky), maybe even the transferring of files from one area to another. Thus, the main source of information for those programs is a flimsy text file which contains only the minimal requirements for RA file listings. PRO-FILE, alternatively uses a powerful Database technique to process and gather a wealth of information. The PRO-FILE Database goes beyond the minimal information. It supports extended information such as the uploader, number of downloads, last date of download, rating, status, and more. PRO-FILE uses Files.BBS for one function only - new uploads. Once PRO-FILE has gathered the information of a new file, it's there to stay regardless whether the file is on disk or if the Files.bbs is present or not. All information is kept in the PRO-FILE database. If you decide to add, delete, or transfer files, PRO-FILE not only makes the changes to disk, but also performs all other steps needed (including updating RA, the Files.BBS files, and file lists). ** So Far, I hope it is now common knowledge to you that: 1) PRO-FILE is not a door. 2) PRO-FILE generates unique file listings, that for the first time will replace the standard RA listings. It accomplishes this by generating ASCII/ANSI files which users can view on-line (as a text file). 3) Some editing to the current file menu(s) is required but PRO-FILE will ease this already easy process. 4) The heart or foundation of PRO-FILE is a database, not a flimsy text file like Files.BBS. 5) The PRO-FILE database stores extended file info such as the uploader, last date of download, rating, and more, for each file. 6) If you decide to add, delete, or transfer files or areas, the changes will be made not only to the database, but also to RA and/or disk - Everything is taken care of automatically! Now that you are familiar with PRO-FILE's foundation, it's highlights, and how it differs from other programs, the final part of the Foundation section will briefly describe the steps needed to generate listings and manage a professional file system, AND WHY. Before you get started with PRO-FILE, you need to know how to get around and use PRO-FILE and what steps are needed to accomplish certain tasks. The environment of PRO-FILE is eye-pleasing and easy to use. PRO-FILE does not use a pull down menu interface. While these interfaces are increasingly popular and neat to look at, most of the functions of the program are hidden and scattered from menu to menu. PRO-FILE has one menu, the Main Menu. From the main menu, every command and function is listed along with its corresponding hot-key. All functions can be executed by pressing a key or key combination. Most of the hot-keys have letters that relate to the function performed. For example, to (D)elete a file, you would press Alt-D, or to (S)earch for a file, you would press Alt-S. If you have any problems, Help is available from within the program. PRO-FILE allows you to easily manage your file system by giving you all the necessary tools. You can use PRO-FILE to add, delete, or transfer a file or group of files. PRO-FILE conveniently and automatically takes care of all new uploads. While PRO-FILE functions as a complete file management system, its primary function is to generate professional file listings for RA. This process is completely automatic, but you should know what steps PRO-FILE takes and why. PRO-FILE generates a file list for each area by writing an ASCII/ANSI text file in your RA text files directory. This means all area listings are in one directory. The file names of the area lists are represented by numbers (1-99). Area 1 has Files1.ASC/ANS, Area 5 has Files5.ASC/ANS, all the way up to Area 99 which has Files99.ASC/ANS. Remember, all file lists are placed in your RA text files directory, the same directory that probably contains high score files for games, readable BBS lists, and bulletins. Ok, when I get PRO-FILE set up and the file lists are created, how do the users view them? First, you must make some minor adjustments to your file menus. In brief, you will have to replace the Type 31 (List Files) with a Type 5 (List ASC/ANS Text File). This is discused in detail further on in the manual. After everything is adjusted and PRO-FILE has generated all the file listings (remember, they're really text files), when the user hits L, F, or the key you have assigned to the Type 5 command, the new PRO-FILE file list will be displayed instead of the dull RA listing. Your users will probably notice the change and like it, while other RA sysops will become baffled and jealous and will probably leave you a message inquiring how in the world you (well, you get the picture). Ok, when the file lists are created and I'm getting a whole lot more users... now, how do I update the file lists? As new files are uploaded, filenames and descriptions are placed in the files.bbs file in the area where the files are uploaded. When PRO-FILE loads, it scans all areas where uploads are allowed and adds new file information automatically. Next, an activity log scan must be used to retrieve additional file information. After the database is completely updated, the file lists must be generated, which is automatically taken care of upon exit of PRO-FILE. All this is completely automatic when PRO-FILE is run in AUTO DRIVE (more on this subject later.) ** By now, I hope you also know: 7) Instead of a pull-down menu system, PRO-FILE uses a system where every function is accessible by pressing a hot-key and all functions are listed at the main menu so you don't have to search to find out what key to press. 8) Help is available from within the program by pressing Alt-H. 9) Most keys used to execute a function are related to the function's name, such as Alt-D to (D)elete a file or Alt-H for (H)elp. 10) PRO-FILE offers all the tools needed to manage a Professional File System. 11) Yes! PRO-FILE can be run in Automatic Mode once you've got it set up right and will take care of everything for you. 12) All the complex and multi-staged steps to update the database and generate file lists are handled automatically. Well, those are the Twelve Steps that should familiarize you with PRO-FILE and make the File Portion of your BBS life a whole lot easier. If you still don't have a clear idea of what's going on, look over the Twelve Steps once more. PRO-FILE DATABASE INFORMATION ------------------------------------- The PRO-FILE Database is stored entirely in one file called Files.Bnk located in your PRO-FILE directory. Before you start using PRO-FILE, you must Initialize a new Database (Alt-I). More information on the Initialize Function can be found in the MANAGEMENT TOOLS SECTION following. Once you have created your Database, it will be time to add all the file information. If you just happen to be changing BBS software from Wildcat to RA and still have the Wildcat File Database (FileSpec.Dat), you can use the included utility WMerge, to convert Wildcat's system to PRO-FILE's; however, because Wildcat's database does not have as much information as PRO-FILE's, some information must be entered manually. If you are using RA or converting from another BBS that used Files.BBS, all area information will be added automatically when you load PRO-FILE for the second time. Although a generous amount of information can be gathered through this process, no extended info PRO-FILE supports can be gathered. You must enter the extended information yourself. Once you have setup your database with all your file info, you will be ready to go. You need to be aware of a few customs PRO-FILE uses with its Database. When the manual or PRO-FILE refers to a file, it is referring to a file's information, not the file on disk. When you delete a file (the file information), that file becomes inactive in PRO-FILE. This means it still exists, the information just won't be shown in listings. If you want to permanently remove file information, you must first delete it (so it will become in-active), and then Pack the Database (Alt-P). All this information is listed below, but you need to be acquainted with PRO-FILE's "In-Active" method of deleting files. PRO-FILE MANAGEMENT TOOLS --------------------------------- This section describes in great detail, all the tools PRO-FILE offers. Keep in mind that each of these functions handles everything. Most functions go through a series of complex steps to accomplish the mere title of the function. Each function in PRO-FILE is described below in this format: ** (HOT-KEY): WHAT IT DOES -------------------------- FUNCTION: What this function does. PURPOSE: Why and when to use this function. PRECAUTIONS: Any information you should be aware of, ranging from warnings, to recommendations and reminders. INPUT: The options available, and what you must type in and do. PROCESSING: Steps taken to accomplish the function. (Mainly disk I/O) NOTES: Any additional information is listed here. ** ALT-A: ADD A NEW FILE ------------------------ FUNCTION: Allows you to manually add a file. PURPOSE: Use when you just want to add one individual file. Use only for adding files that have not been uploaded. PRECAUTIONS: None. INPUT: You will need to enter the new file information. If the file is found in the specified area, the file size and date will be picked up automatically. PROCESSING: PRO-FILE first scans the database for any in-active files and if found will overwrite the in-active file with the new file's info to save space and time. ** ALT-B: BRACKET COUNT ------------------------ FUNCTION: Converts old type "download counters" to PRO-FILE's modern and professional system. PURPOSE: Use if you previously used a "download counter" that kept track of downloads by placing bracket counts in file descriptions. PRECAUTIONS: None. INPUT: This procedure is 100% automatic. PROCESSING: PRO-FILE scans the database descriptions for any "old style" download counters. When found, it removes the bracket count and captures the download count and is updated in the file's record. ** ALT-C: ACTIVITY LOG SCAN --------------------------- FUNCTION: Scans the RA Activity Log to gather updated information. PURPOSE: Use this daily to maintain up to date information. PRECAUTIONS: After the scan is complete, make sure and either delete or append the log file. (See Below) INPUT: You have the option to delete, append, or keep the log file. PROCESSING: After scanning, if the log file is to be appended (the recommended choice), then it will be appended to a file named OldRA.Log (located in the PRO-FILE Dir, Not RA) which contains previous log files. The OldRA.Log can be deleted at any time. NOTES: If you do not delete or append the log file, there is a high possibility that the download counts of recently downloaded files will be inaccurate (too high). All previous logs can still be viewed in OldRA.Log. PRO-FILE will not maintain a preset size on OldRA.Log. (It can grow to be quite big if you don't erase it every now and then.) Also, both Frontdoor and Opus style logs from RA and FileDoor are supported. ** ALT-D DELETE A FILE ---------------------- FUNCTION: Allows you to delete a file's information, and if desired, the physical file itself will be removed from disk. PURPOSE: Use this when you want to delete only one file at a time. PRECAUTIONS: If you choose to have the file removed from disk, remember, PRO-FILE can not recover the file itself, just the information in the database INPUT: You must enter the filename and decide if you want to have the file removed from disk. PROCESSING: The selected file's information becomes in-active and will not be shown in listings. NOTES: If you accidentally delete the wrong file, you may be able to recover the file's information by Un-Deleting it. ** ALT-E: EDIT A FILE'S INFORMATION ----------------------------------- FUNCTION: Allows you to edit a file's information. PURPOSE: Use this to change the information of a file. PRECAUTIONS: None INPUT: You may change any and all file information desired. PROCESSING: The file's new or updated information is saved in the Database, and if needed, disk processing is taken care of. ** ALT-F: GENERATE FILES.BBS FILE(S) ------------------------------------ FUNCTION: Generates the Files.BBS File(s). PURPOSE: This function is only provided as a means of correcting a problem with the files.bbs files if it every occurs. You will probably never have to use this. PRECAUTIONS: Dont't ever use this function unless you know what you're doing. INPUT: You may choose to update one or all areas' files.bbs files. PROCESSING: When the files.bbs files are generated, the file is completely wiped out and then rewritten with the information PRO-FILE has for the area. NOTE: The generating and updating of Files.BBS files are automatically taken care of by PRO-FILE when needed. You will seldomly or never have to use this function. Because the demand for Files.BBS by RA is not as great when using PRO-FILE, only one line of the description will be entered in Files.BBS to conserve disk space. ** ALT-G: GENERATE AREA FILE LISTING(S) --------------------------------------- FUNCTION: The primary function of PRO-FILE - This generates area listings (viewable via text files). PURPOSE: This function is processed and used automatically by PRO-FILE when needed. You will probably never need to use this function manually. PRECAUTIONS: None INPUT: You may generate just one area listing or all area listings. PROCESSING: For each individual area, a file list is generated. These files lists are placed in the RA text files directory. There are two file lists flavors for each area - an ASCII (B&W) file and an ANSI (Color) file. The file lists are named by area. All file lists names start with "FILES" and then the area number is added(ex: FILES1). Last, the extension determines the flavor (FILES1.ASC for B&W, or FILES1.ANS for Color) . NOTE: If the files FileLogo.Ans/Asc are found in your PRO-FILE directory, then this files will be inserted into every area listing, thus providing the means for you to create your own BBS/FILE logo. ** ALT-I: INITIALIZE OR EDIT A DATABASE --------------------------------------- FUNCTION: Initializes a new database or allows you to edit the area information of an existing database. PURPOSE: Use this to set up the PRO-FILE database before you do anything else. If you've already set up a database and want to edit area information (such as area names or file paths) or want to add or remove complete areas, you can use this function to change area information. PRECAUTIONS: PRO-FILE protects you from accidentally initializing a new database over an existing one. The only thing you need to be careful of is removing areas. When you remove an area, it's file information is completely erased from the database and can not be recovered. INPUT: If you are initializing a new database, everything is automatic. If you are editing area information of an existing database, you will be allowed to edit existing area names and file paths. PROCESSING: If initializing a new database, PRO-FILE will scan Files.RA to obtain all the area information; thus everything is automatic. If an area is to be removed, then PRO-FILE will completely erase all file information pertaining to that area and its files, and if selected, all the area's physical files on disk will be removed. Any changes in area information will also be made to RA for your convenience. NOTE: This function deals solely with area information and has nothing to do with File information except through the removal of areas. ** ALT-K: UPDATE FROM DISK -------------------------- FUNCTION: Automatically adds new files and optionally updates file info if any changes to the files on disk have been detected. PURPOSE: This is chiefly used for adding complete new areas at once. It can also be used to update the database if any changes to physical files have occurred (ex: file date or size has changed). PRECAUTIONS: All files in the specified area that do not already exist in the database will be added EXCEPT Files.BBS. This means ALL files in the area will appear in the listings. Be careful if there are any files in the area directory you do not want added, then don't use this function. INPUT: You will have several options available. All new files will be added automatically. For all new files, you have the option of adding a description, or if you specify, no description will be added. In addition, you have the option of having PRO-FILE update the database to any file changes (such as in file date or size). PROCESSING: All new and updated information will be added to the database. ** ALT-L: GLOBAL BY AREA ------------------------ FUNCTION: This powerful and convenient feature functions more as a sub-program than just another feature. It allows you to make changes to multiple files at once instead of individual files one at a time. PURPOSE: This will probably serve as your primary management tool. This one function combines all the individual management tools into an easy to use environment. You can delete, un-delete, transfer, or set the download count or rating for several files at once. You may also edit a file's information just by selecting it. All this is done by marking files and then selecting an action to perform on all marked files at once. PRECAUTIONS: None - Easiest and Most Convenient Function in PRO-FILE. INPUT: You'll be given an alphabetized list of all files in the selected area. Use the cursor keys to select the desired file(s). To mark a file, press the space bar on the file and you'll notice a star to the left to indicated it's been marked. Press the space bar again to unmark it. To view information of the highlighted file, press V. To edit a file, press E. When you're finished marking files, press Enter to perform the global functions. Files colored in pink are in-active. Press Escape to go back to the main program when finished. PROCESSING: This function is a processing factory. NOTE: Try your best to become familiar with this function, as it will practically eliminate the need to use the other management tools and is far more convenient. ** ALT-N: UN-DELETE A FILE -------------------------- FUNCTION: Allows you to Un-Delete file information or make it "Active" again. PURPOSE: Use this if you've accidentally deleted the wrong file or want to make "in-active" file information appear in listings again. PRECAUTIONS: Be sure to use this function directly or soon after you've deleted the file you want to recover. Keep in mind that you can not recover any files after a pack has been performed. This function can not recover files from disk. INPUT: Enter the filename and PRO-FILE will take care of the rest. PROCESSING: If you enter a filename that still exists in PRO-FILE, then it will become active again. Note again that the physical file on disk can not be recovered through this process. If the file information has been rewritten, then you will not be able to recover the information either. ** ALT-P: PACK DATABASE ----------------------- FUNCTION: Packs the database by completely removing the file information of in-active files. PURPOSE: Use this if you have a lot of in-active files and are desperate to conserve disk space. There are advantages and disadvantages to this process. Obviously, the advantage is that it will decrease the size of the database by completely removing "in- active" file information, and thus will increase disk space. The disadvantage is that adding files will take longer. This is because when adding files, if PRO-FILE can find an in-active file, it will overwrite it and not have to search the entire database. If no in-active files exist, the an entire search must be performed before adding each file. PRECAUTIONS: You will no longer be able to recover in-active files when this process has been completed. INPUT: This routine is purely automatic. No input is required except to verify the process. PROCESSING: All in-active file information will be completely removed and a new database will be written to reflect the changes. ** ALT-S: SEARCH FOR A FILE --------------------------- FUNCTION: Performs a complete search and displays a file or files matching a search specification. PURPOSE: Use this if you don't know what an exact name of a file is, or want to verify that a file exists. PRECAUTIONS: None INPUT: If you just want to verify that a file exists, enter the complete file name and you'll be told whether it exists or not; otherwise, if you enter a partial name, all filenames containing your search spec will be listed. PROCESSING: A complete search will be performed through the entire PRO-FILE database. NOTE: If and only if ONE EXACT match is found, then the filename will be stored in a buffer that can be called by pressing F9. For example, say you search for PROFILE.ZIP and an exact match is located, then you can press Alt-V to view or Alt-E to edit a file and when it asks you for the filename, you can press F9 to enter the previous filename found in this search. ** ALT-T: GENERATE TOTAL LISTING -------------------------------- FUNCTION: Generates a master files list (ASCII and ANSI flavors). PURPOSE: Use this to generate a master files list of all areas. You may specify for the complete list to be placed in your RA text files directory or placed automatically in a file area in which case the database will be updated of the new or updated file. PRECAUTIONS: It would be wise to perform an Activity Log Scan before generating the master list so it will contain all latest updates. INPUT: You have the option of placing the list in the RA text files directory or in a file area. If you wish to have certain areas excluded from the total listing, place the areas in a file called ProSecur.Ctl with an X at the end of each line. Ex: 13 1000 X 18 100 X 26 X **NOTE: This file and format is used in conjunction with the PRO-Info and PRO-Stats utilities. PROCESSING: Both an ASCII and ANSI Master File Lists will be generated in the specified location and will be named "ALLFILES.LST" and "ALLFILES.ANS". If the lists are placed in a file area, then the database will be updated for the current size and file date of the listings. The area listing that contains the master list will show the ASCII list only. NOTE: This feature is available only in the Registered Version. ** ALT-U: SET-UP OPTIONS ------------------------- FUNCTION: Allows you to configure the PRO-FILE start-up procedure. PURPOSE: Use this to change set up options such as the update method used when PRO-FILE loads, Filedoor support, etc.. PRECAUTIONS: Read the information listed when this function is executed. INPUT: If you allow uploads in only one area (all uploads always go to the same area), then enter that one area number; otherwise press Enter for all areas. PROCESSING: The options configured in this routine will be saved to a config file PROFILE.Cfg. ** ALT-V: VIEW FILE INFORMATION ------------------------------- FUNCTION: Displays the file information of a file. PURPOSE: Use this to view one individual file's information. PRECAUTIONS: None INPUT: You must enter an exact file name that exists in the database. PROCESSING: A search is performed until the file information is located. NOTE: The first filename that exactly matches the filename you entered will halt the search and that file will be displayed. Although it is not recommended, PRO-FILE does allow duplicate file names. Be aware that in the case that 2 or more files share an identical name, only the first match will be displayed with this function. Use the Global by Area to view the other files' information. ** ALT-H: ON-LINE HELP ---------------------- FUNCTION: Displays a Help Menu with Several Topics to Choose from. PURPOSE: If you're stuck and don't want to exit the program to view the docs, try this. Not all help is available within PRO-FILE, but the most important topics are here. PRECAUTIONS: If you view any one help screen for more than 5 minutes, your hard drive may begin to melt and radioactive ooze may begin to flow from the CPU. INPUT: Just select the help topic and sit back and relax. PROCESSING: PRO-FILE does no real processing on its own. Your brain will hopefully process the information displayed. NOTE: If you are still bewildered after reading the help on-line, read the manual again. The manual has been carefully and painstakingly written to cover every aspect of PROFILE in great detail. ** ALT-X: EXIT TO DOS --------------------- FUNCTION: Returns you to DOS. PURPOSE: This is the only way out of PRO-FILE. That's right.. You can NOT avoid this function. If you want to get out of PRO-FILE, this function is your only means of transportation. Well, this about wraps up this section of the manual. If you have read this section carefully, you should now be quite familiar with PRO-FILE and your brain is probably ready for a rest.. Why don't you take a short break and go play Super Two Card Poker or Spin of Chance. UPDATING FROM VERSION 1.0 ------------------------------- If you are just now setting up PRO-FILE, skip down to the PRO-FILE INSTALLATION section following. If you set up PRO-FILE version 1.0, it won't take but a second to upgra upgrade to 2.0. In fact, the PRO-FILE program portion shouldn't take but 6 keystrokes to do it! Just UNZIP (not un-arj) all the files making sure you overright all existing files. Every single file got updated for version 2. Make sure you are in the PRO-FILE directory and type in PROCON. This will convert the data-base as well as the Profile.Cfg and ProSecur.Ctl files. It would be a good idea to erase all of your existing area listings in your RA text files directory (FilesA.Asc - FilesZ.Ans). A simple Del Files?.* should do the job. Last, go into PRO-FILE and Generate All Area Listings (Alt-G). This will generate the new numbered area listings. Now for the RA upgrade... If you set up your file system with a different menu for every area, just change every menu's type 5 optional data field from Files(Character) to Files(NUMBER). The new file system generates number suffixes not letter suffixes. In other words FilesA.* will now be generated as Files1.*. FilesJ.* will now be generated as Files10.*. If you set your files system up with the list type menu (only one file menu with a list sub-menu), delete the list menu. Yes, delete it. I'm sorry you had to go through and create the list menu and then a month later delete it and start over, but I think you'll agree that the 100 areas support is worth it. Add an Type 6 option to your file menu. In the optional data field put exactly: Files You can use the same hotkey as with the previous list menu. Last, create a screen (list) of all available areas and their corresponding numbers. This option should be practically identical to say, a bulletin menu off the main menu. PRO-FILE INSTALLATION ----------------------------- Before you begin to install PRO-FILE, it is highly recommended that you at least read the Foundation section of this manual and quickly scan the Management Tools section before continuing. This will familiarize you with PRO-FILE and installation will be a snap. First, create a sub directory under RA called PROFILE. Place all the PRO-FILE contents in this directory. Be sure to always run PRO-FILE from your PROFILE directory. The first step in the easy installation of PRO-FILE is to initialize a database. You will need to load PRO-FILE. Take a few moments to look around. As you can see, all commands and their corresponding hot-keys are displayed all on one screen - The Main Menu. Onward.. To initialize the PRO-FILE Database, press Alt-I. If you have RA set up correctly, PRO-FILE should now also be set up correctly. The PRO-FILE portion of the installation is completely automatic. If you receive a message informing you that a new database has been created along with how many areas were initialized, then congratulations! You have created the foundation of your soon-to-be Professional File System. Next, while in PRO-FILE, press Alt-U for Set Up Options. When asked for the areas to scan, hit ENTER for all areas. This is required at first; it can be changed later. If you use FileDoor and are familar with it, then you should go ahead an answer the questions about FileDoor. So far, all file area information (specifically the file area names and paths) have been set up as you set them up in RA. PRO-FILE has no file information, just area information, so let's get the files set up. If you have decided to take the futuristic plunge from Wildcat to RA, then you are in luck. WMerge, an included external utility, will somewhat convert all your old Wildcat file information to the new database. To use this utility, place the Wildcat file FileSpec.Dat in your PROFILE directory and then type in "WMerge" at the DOS prompt and WMerge will do the rest. All files will be placed in Area 1. Because Wildcat does not contain the extended file info which PRO-FILE tracks, some file information will be marked "Not Applicable" until you fill in the missing information yourself. After you run WMerge, go into PRO-FILE and press Alt-F to generate all files bbs files. If you have set up RA or are converting from another BBS software that uses Files.BBS (such as Opus, QuickBBS, and many others), then this will ease the files installation dramatically. All files.bbs files should already be in their appropriate areas. Load PRO-FILE and when PRO-FILE begins, it will automatically scan all areas for files not already recorded. (Since no files have been recorded, all files will be added.) Because the Files.BBS standard contains only the minimal requirements for a file system, a substantial amount of information can not be gathered. The, extended info that PRO-FILE supports will be missing. It will be your job to fill in the Ratings. In time, PRO-FILE will fill in the rest. Please note that to conserve space, PRO-FILE uses two line descriptions only for its files. Long comments and file descriptions will be cut short or ignored. So far, the area and file information should be set up. The PRO-FILE portion of the installation is complete. Every RA BBS I've ever encountered uses a multiple file menu system. This means that your RA file menu is divided into a different menu (and possibly a different screen) for each file area. One of the big advantages of PRO-FILE is that if desired, you can break away from the multiple file menu barrier and format the file portion of your BBS to consist of only one file menu (like Wildcat boards are organized). While a single file menu tends to be more convenient for users and will give your board a unique cleverness, it will require a complete overhaul of your file menus and is only recommended for experienced RA SysOps. Instead of having a different menu and screen for each area, you will have one screen and one menu regardless of how many file areas you have. If you would like to change your BBS to this new set up and have registered RA (very important), skip down a couple paragraphs; otherwise, the following describes how to change all your existing file menus. You'll need to make one minor change to each file area menu. Use RAMenu to change each Type 31 to a Type 5. At the same time, fill in the optional data field (which should contain a /F or a file path) to read: "Files?". Replace the question mark with the current area number. If you are confused, remember that PRO-FILE represents areas not only by an area name, but also by a number (thus, only 99 areas are supported). If you don't know which number represents the area menu you're editing, then go back into PRO-FILE and select Init Database (Alt-I, the same function you used before.) This time, you'll be asked if you want to modify the database. Select yes and all the areas will be listed with their number and name. Just hit print screen here and you'll have a hard copy of all your file areas and the number that corresponds to each. Again, replace the question mark with the number of each area. (For example, Files1 will list the files in Area 1, Files6 will list the files in Area 6, on up to 99). This might be a little bit tricky, but you'll be glad to know that is the last installation step. PRO-FILE is now set up and your users will now receive the PRO-FILE Professional File Listings. If you are changing your set up to the more convenient one file menu method, remember that your file system now probably consists of one primary file menu that branches out to several other menus. THE FOLLOWING SET UP CAN ONLY BE ESTABLISHED IF YOU HAVE REGISTERED YOUR COPY OF RA!!!. Delete all the external menus, but first write down or remember what functions were common to each one (such as Downloading, Uploading, New Files Scan, etc). Now, it'll be time to edit or completely start over with your primary file menu. Because it will be easier to just start over, that's what will be explained here. Rename your primary file menu to a back up name so you'll have something to look back to it if you need it. Next, create a new file menu. The bare essentials of this menu should include: * Type 59 - Global Download: This type of download is now required because users won't be changing file areas. Type 33 - Upload: The data field should have a path where you want *ALL* new uploads to go. Type 35 - Keyword Search Type 37 - New Files Type 01 - Goto Menu: This will go to the List Files sub-menu. Of course, you'll want to add an option to return to the main menu or previous menu and an option to log off. Add a type 40 if you display menus by creating screens (like with TheDraw). After you've got these basics set up, go ahead and add any of the additional options you would like. The read text file will not work anymore if you use this set up. Perhaps in a future version of RA, RA will support a Global Read. One last note on the Type 33 (Upload). To use this set up, all uploads must be sent to the same area. You are almost finished. The final step in creating this clever new menu system is to create a sub-menu: The List (Bulletin) Menu. The list menu will display all the file areas available and prompt the user for which area to list files in. Just add a type 6 to your file menu. This is the bulletin type and will function similar to a bulletin menu off the main menu. In the optional data field, you MUST ENTER EXACTLY THE FOLLOWING: Files That's right.. just simply put the word files in the optional data field. Now, create a screen (however complex or simple you want) called files.ans and files.asc and place it in your RA textfiles directory. This screen or list should consist of all the areas and their corresponding numbers. Last, go back into PRO-FILE and press Alt-U to Set PRO-FILE up. This time, enter the area number where all uploads will go to instead of enter for all areas. INSTALLATION COMPLETE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FILE AREA LOGOS --------------------- New with version 2 of PRO-FILE, support for your own personal file/bbs logo has been added. If you choose to use this feature, your logo will be displayed at the head of every file listings before anything else. To use this feature, just create the files FileLogo.Ans (for color) and FileLogo.Asc (for B&W) and place them in your PRO-FILE directory. FILE INFORMATION HEADERS ------------------------------ If you have registered your copy of PRO-FILE, thank you! In appreciation for your support, an exclusive registration only feature has been added to version 2 owners. You can now choose to have information headers to be added after the area title of each listing. This information includes the mention of the best file in the area (along with its downloads), and the total files and total size of the area. To use this feature, use the Alt-U setup function to specify whether or not to use it. FILEDOOR SUPPORT ---------------------- Along with version 2.0 of PRO-FILE, comes direct FileDoor support. FileDoor does require additional programming support because of the incorrect log format it uses to write to your RA activity log. First, make sure that in the Filedoor config file, you have the log file option set to write to your RA log file. Second, find out which log style (OPUS or FRONTDOOR) it uses to write to the log file. (That option is configurable and is also located in the FileDoor config file.) When you know for a fact that FileDoor is writing to your RA log and which style it is using, load PRO-FILE and use the Set-Up (Alt-U) to set PRO-FILE up with the new FileDoor information. THE EXCLUSIVE PRO-FILE AUTOMATICALLY DRIVEN COMMAND LINE SYSTEM ------------------------------------------------ Perhaps one of the most convenient and professional features PRO-FILE offers is its Automatically Driven Command Line System (AUTO DRIVE). This system gives you FULL control of every feature in PRO-FILE directly from the command line. Already, you might be able to imagine the possibilities this feature can offer. AUTO DRIVE mainly was designed to allow full control and manipulation over PRO- FILE from a batch file. Because you can use every function (including all interactive functions) of PRO-FILE from the command line or batch file, you can set up PRO-FILE to run completely automatic for days, weeks, even months without even requiring your presence or attendance. The beauty of it all, is that learning and using this system is exceptionally easy. You don't need to memorize dozens of odd parameters and settings and you don't need to worry about placing commands in an absurd order. AUTO DRIVE allows you to communicate easily and effectively with PRO-FILE as you normally would if you were using it yourself. It achieves this simple interface by allowing to use the actual commands you would normally press, ALL ON THE COMMAND LINE! Because this is such a revolutionary and unheard of new idea, a few examples are listed below to illustrate this new system: Below are the actual command lines used.. PROFILE Alt-G1_Alt-X This would Generate the File List for Area 1 and then exit the program, all automatically. As you can see, if you were to press Alt-G if you ran PRO-FILE yourself, this is the command to Generate Area Listing(s). When you press this in the program, PRO-FILE asks you to press enter for all areas or enter an area number for just one area list to be generated. Therefore, if you just want area 1 to be generated, you would press 1 in the program, so, you'd put 1 on the command line. Then, PRO-FILE would do it's thing and ask you to press any key to continue. It is important to remember that when PRO-FILE is in AUTO DRIVE, it is in real-time or real-life mode. This means that any and all input that PRO-FILE asks for when you are running the program yourself, it will ask for in AUTO DRIVE also. So, when it asks you to press the space bar to continue, put a space on the command line (but, on the command line, an underscore _ must be substituted for a space). So, in real-time mode, when you press the space bar and PRO-FILE would return to the main menu. From there, you would press Alt-X to exit, so that's what you put on the command line. NOTE: Do not use spaces to separate commands and keypresses. It is not required and will probably cause a malfunction. ** IMPORTANT NOTE ** Remember, when you use AUTO DRIVE, all keys that you would normally enter if you were there must be entered on the command line. This means you've got to be careful and remember that if PRO-FILE pauses and asks you to press the space bar when you run the program yourself, it's going to do the same thing in AUTO DRIVE. Also, this means that if you don't tell PRO-FILE to exit in AUTO DRIVE, then it would normally not exit. However, because it is easy to forget this, a few precautions have been installed to make sure that PRO-FILE will indeed exit at some point to make sure it doesn't lock up your computer. If it is in AUTO DRIVE mode, and it detects that it is out of things to do, then it will automatically exit immediately IF it is at the MAIN MENU. PRO-FILE Alt-DBADFILE.ZIP^YNALT-NBADFILE.ZIP^_ Hmmm, I bet you're thinking this isn't so easy after all, right? Wrong.. The only thing weird about it is that there are a few key substitutions that you must use on the command line. Take the example above. Alt-D would activate the Delete File Function. PRO-FILE would ask you to enter a file name, so you must enter the file name in AUTO DRIVE too. In this case, you enter BadFile.ZIP. If you must press enter to finally enter the filename in real mode, you do in AUTO DRIVE. The carat is used to substitute an enter key on the command line. After you enter the file name, PRO-FILE would display the file information and confirm the process. You would type Y for yes in real mode, so it's there in AUTO DRIVE too. Then, it would ask you if you want to delete it from disk. So, in this example, an N is there, so no, PRO-would not delete the file from disk. Next, PRO-FILE would return to the main menu. In this example, you want PRO- FILE to un-delete it, so ALT-N is there to active the Un-Delete command. Next, of course you enter the filename. PRO-FILE un-deletes it and then asks you to press any key to continue. In this example, that any key is a space and then PRO-FILE returns to the main menu. Now, PRO-FILE is out of things to do and is at the main menu, so the safety feature kicks in and exits the program for you; however, it is recommended that you always put the Alt-X on the command line. This is a pretty silly example, as you would not want PRO-FILE to do this from a batch file, but it illustrates the extreme flexibility AUTO DRIVE offers. The above examples definitely do not illustrate what you will usually be using AUTO DRIVE for, but they do illustrate the flexibility and availability of every function from the command line. The following discusses the most convenient aspect of AUTO DRIVE. PROFILE AUTO This command line would trigger a pre-defined command line. The actual command line to duplicate this function is simple, but AUTO might be easier to remember. The pre-defined command line triggered by a mere "AUTO" on the command line performs a series of processes to perform the most common task in PRO-FILE - To update the database with new information and generate updated area listings. It would be wise to put this command in an event that runs daily or even after each caller logs off. This will keep your listings updated, and you don't need to worry about a thing. The command line you would enter manually to duplicate this function is listed below. See if you can figure out first. PROFILE ALT-CAAlt-X First, as usual, when PRO-FILE loads, it scans the appropriate areas for new uploads and updates the database. Next, it goes to the main menu where AUTO DRIVE takes over. Alt-C activates the Activity Log Scan. This function scans the activity log and then asks if you want to Delete, Not Delete, or Append the activity log. By all means, the Append is the recommended choice, so an A is placed on the command line. PRO-FILE appends the activity log and then returns to the main menu. Because the final step of updating the file lists is to generate them, and this task is automatically performed by PRO-FILE upon exit, it is safe to go ahead and end the program, so an Alt-X is last. One additional item: If you need to press a function key (only F-10 and F-9 are needed in the program), just put F-9 or F-10. More examples and hints on how to use AUTO DRIVE are listed in Q&A.Doc. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS -------------------------------- FILE INFORMATION ---------------- PRO-FILE DataBase File: Files.Bnk Maximum Areas Allowed: 99 ** Area Range: 1-99 Maximum Files Per DataBase: Unlimited * Maximum Files Per Area: 500 FILES USED BY PRO-FILE: Files.BBS, Files.RA, Files.Bnk, Config.RA, PROScrn.Dat, PROFILE.Cfg, PROSecur.Ctl FILES GENERATED BY PRO-FILE: Files.BBS, Files.Bnk, Files.RA, Files?.ASC/ANS, AllFiles.LST/ANS, PROFILE.Cfg * An unlimited amount of records (file information) are allowed in the database, however, only the first 500 records of each area are processed. INCLUDED UTILITIES ----------------- PROFILE.Exe The PRO-FILE Management System (Main File) PROInfo.Exe ** Door Users can Use On-Line to Receive Further Information on Files. PROStats.Exe ** Generates a 2 page report viewable on-line including spectrum, graph, and usage reports. PROCon.Exe Use this to Convert the Version 1 Bank Bile to be Compatible with Version 2. Register.Exe Registration Utility designed to ease and speed up registration. WMerge.Exe Converts Wildcat's File Format to PRO-FILE's. ** Registered Version Only (* All of the Above were updated or added with Version 2 *) Duplicate File Names are allowed, but not recommended. ***** SPECIAL THANKS ***** ================================ Thanks to all that have registered PRO-FILE. Your support and encouragement is mostly responsible for the 2-month quickly released enhanced update and I also hold you accounted for the many good ideas and features destined to find their way into this and future versions. I'd also like to take time to specially thank the following people for their encouragement, support, and help in making PRO-FILE what it is today: Bob Banks For his overwhelming encouragement, SysOp of The Bit Bucket BBS patience, and for looking out for me over the past few months. Anthony Jones For his continued encouragement, SysOp of The PlayPen BBS support, and especially patience and help with FileDoor. Bob Knowles For help in revising the documentation SysOp of Beach Ribbs BBS for version 2.0 and beta-testing. CONTACTING THE AUTHOR ----------------------------- If you need to get ahold of me for any reason, whether it be suggestions, comments, or inquiries, you can reach me at: (615) 883-8674 - Direct Voice Line (615) 391-4807 - The Gamer's Connection BBS (804) 480-3351 1:271/35 - The Bit Bucket BBS @ Dual 9600 (602) 992-1475 1:114/127 - The PlayPen BBS (615) 646-2842 1:116/5000 - The RX Shop @ HST 9600 S.BARBER5 - GEnie Information Services RA Util Echo - Look for it at a local RA BBS near you. 2131 Elm Hill Pike F128 - Direct Address Nashville, TN 37210 USA