BBS Toolkit/BBS Toolkit.iso/remote/ra_mpf15.zip/MPF.DOC

Text File | 1991-09-25 | 5KB | 111 lines

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        That's it! I can't take it any more!  I've downloaded dozens of
shareware DOWNLOAD counting programs for RemoteAccess and either they don't
work correctly, they don't work at all, or they have so much to them that I
just don't want to deal with like transfer protocols, special download
menus, or ratios that bypass my own preset ratios ...I gave up!  I just
wanted something that would look through my log, pick out all the DOWNLOADs
for that day, and update (or add) the counters into the FILES.BBS menu.  Is
that too much to ask?  Well, here it is! (I hope!!).

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        (or is it INSTRUCTIONS !?)

        Well, it's this easy...
Place MPF.EXE in the same directory as your RA.LOG.  In your nightly event,
or each day or so manually, just run MPF and it does the rest itself.  It
must be able to find all paths to all FILES.BBS files or it will give you a
nasty little statement and bypass that particular file.  It's always a good
idea to have backups to all your FILES.BBS lists just-in-case as this
program does alter them by adding the counters to each line!

EG: MPF11.ZIP   3417 [11] Most popular files v1.1 - The download counter
                      ^
If the number reaches 10000 it will change and remain at "[9999+] for all
subsequent downloads.  Keep in mind that at its smallest ([1] - [9]) MPF
will chop four spaces off the end of your description.  At its largest
([9999+]) it will be eight characters that will be chopped off.  Having an
average of 5 blank spaces at the end of your description is probably a good
idea.  For long descriptions use two lines.  The PIPE symbol (|) will keep
them together even during a file sort.

EG: MPF11.ZIP   3417 [11] Most Popular Files v1.1 - The download counter
                        | neat little download counter for FILES.BBS lists
                        | BY Mark Garland of CHEETAHWARE


        MPF.EXE will create two other MPF files if it does not find them in
your RA.LOG directory.  These files are as follows:

                            MPF.DAT
This file is created once and is updated each time MPF is run.  If MPF does
not find MPF.DAT, it will start at the first RA.LOG entry again so don't
erase it.  If you archive your RA.LOG files and start fresh every so often
don't worry.  One of the entries in the MPF.DAT file is what the first line
in the log file should be.  If it has changed then it will start at the top
again.

                            MPF.LOG
This is a 'quick reference' log file that lists all the files that have
been updated by MPF and on what dates they were updated.  You may delete
this at any time without affecting the operation of MPF or keep it for your
records.

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        I am distributing this program under the SHAREWARE concept.  I do
not condone DEMOWARE or CRIPPLEWARE in any form.  I did add a 'reminder' to
those who like and use this program to register.  Registration is a measly
$2.00 and it need not be check or money order (but they're ok too).  Just
wrap two dollar bills inside two sheets of printer paper or plain white
paper, write on the paper "MPFxx REGISTRATION" ('xx' being the version number)
with your name and return address, stick it in an envelope and send it to:

                  CHEETAH SYSTEMS
                  3 WENTWORTH PL.
                  LYNN, MA. 01904

Please send any bug reports and suggestions on to this address also.  After
receiving your registration fee you will receive a 'Registration code' by
mail.  Place this in your command line when you execute the program and it
will eliminate the 'reminder' from your version.

        EG:    MPF registrationcode

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        I tested this program extensivly on my system and found it to be
without flaws.  But, neither CHEETAHWARE nor myself may be held responsible
for any damages to hardware or software as a direct or indirect result of the
use or misuse of this product.  Use of this product constitutes that you
agree to accept that the terms of this product are on an 'as is' basis and
any legal rights are hence forfeited.

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        I have been using this program on a Tandy 1000 TL/2 with a 42 meg
hard drive and 20 meg Bernoulli drive without any problems.  I do not yet
know the upward limits of this program. The largest FILES.BBS file at the
time of writing this document is just over 200 lines.  The RA.LOG file is
about 300+/- lines and it is archived and restarted every 3 to 4 months.
Larger BBSs may wish to do this more often to cut down search time.  The
RA.LOG style that I used as a model for this program's use is the FRONTDOOR
style log but I see no reason it should not work with both styles
available.  If this is found untrue, a second release will be made
available at a later date.  Well, that's about it.  I hope it works as well
for you as it has for me.  ENJOY!!
                                -MARK GARLAND
                               CHEETAHWARE BBS