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Text File | 1992-11-14 | 26KB | 516 lines

█▀▀▀█ █ █ ▀▀▀█▀▀▀ █▀▀▀▀█ █▀▀▀▀█ █ █▀▀▀▀ █▄▄▄█ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █▄▄▄▄ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ ▄ █ █ ▀ ▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀ ▀▀▀▀▀ Procomm for Windows 1.xx Aspect(tm) Script Version 1.0 Released: 5 November 1992 Written by Ralph E. Deitrick CompuServe UID 76547,3434 ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ │ │ AutoCIS.WAS AUTOMATIC COMPUSERVE OPERATION │ │ │ │ An ASPECT script file for logging onto CompuServe via the local CIS │ │ number which will then GO to a specific area, search for information │ │ or UpLoad/DownLoad files that are defined ahead of time off line. │ │ Up to five activities can be accomplished during one CIS session. │ │ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ AutoCIS is programmed in the ASPECT(tm) language supplied with the Procomm for Windows communication program from DataStorm. Therefore, it is only possible for it to be used with the Prowin program. INTRODUCTION: This program was initiated as a conversion of CISPLUS.ASP, a script program developed for use with PCPLUS for DOS, but almost complete reprogramming resulted due to significant differences in the Aspect language. Both CISPLUS and AUTOCIS were developed for my personal use of CompuServe facilities, primarily Mail amd Forum use. AUTOCIS is oriented towards the use of CompuServe facilities with the gateway to some ZIFF Net services also being provided. It is offered to the PUBLIC DOMAIN in the hope that it will benefit others. The WAS file is included so that it may be altered by users for their own specific needs, if desired. It is recommended that the original WAS file be retained unchanged so that recovery is possible if necessary. Results of any changes are the complete responsibility of the user. DESCRIPTION: This program provides menus similiar to those presented by the CompuServe service so that selections can be made off line and the mechanics of logging onto CompuServe, performing the task specified and logging out of CompuServe are accomplished auto- matically in order to minimize the online time. In cases where the exact procedure can not be specified, the program provides entry to the area desired and then turns operation over to the user. The areas of automatic operation are as follows: * Sending Mail contained in the Mail subdirectory. * Receiving waiting Mail into the Mail subdirectory. * Retrieve Forum messages into the Capture Log. * Prepare & send Forum messages stored in Logs Directory. * Uploading/downloading files from specified Forum Library. The script may also be specified in the Dialing Directory as a means of automatically logging on and off of CompuServe. The program will provide entrance to the prompt at the end of the CompuServe Top Menu. After that point all commands must be entered manually by the user. When using this manual operation mode, enter the LOG<CR> command in order to exit CompuServe. The program will automatically provide for hanging up the modem and closing the Capture Log. PROGRAM ORGANIZATION: The main control center of the program consists of a replacement of the regular program menu bar including drop down menus for the various activities within a given area. The menu bar has the following selections: * Mail * CIS Forums * ZIFF Net * Setup - required personal information and options. * Other - Mulitple task definition for a CIS session. - Exiting the program with ability to abort. The following provides a description of each of these areas. MAIL OPERATIONS: Send Text Mail- Sending of text letters consisting entirely of ASCII characters uses the compose function of the Mail menu since it is faster than performing a file upload. The letter should be written to the file named LETTERS.OUT and contained in the Mail Directory using the FAST.DOC method described later in this document. Send Binary Mail- Any Binary files to be uploaded to Mail must also be contained in the Mail Directory. You will be prompted for the filename, addressee name and UID and the subject. The CISB+ protocol is used for uploading. Retrieve Mail- Regular ASCII text mail is scrolled to the capture log and will have to be copied to a separate file if retention as a specific filename is desired. Binary mail is downloaded to a separate file in the Mail Directory using the CISB+ protocol. If a DOS type filename is specified in the "Subject" of the letter, the file will be saved under that filename. Otherwise, the file will be named BINLTRxx, where xx is the sequence number of the file. Rename letter- Any downloaded Binary mail having the BINLTRxx filename should be changed immediately after a session so that future Binary downloads will not overwrite it. Write/Edit letter- This function provides the Editor of your choice to create or edit text type letters in the LETTER.OUT file. The FAST.DOC method, explained in the later section, must be used for these text type letters. View/Edit Capture Logs- This allows use of the Editor of your choice to view or modify Capture Logs. If there is Mail waiting when CompuServe is entered via this program, for any purpose, it will automatically be retrieved providing you have the CompuServe default settings for Logon set to notify. By checking the confirm mail pickup option of AUTOCIS, you will be offered the opportunity to indicate whether or not you want to pick up the mail. The delete mail option defines if the mail will be saved or deleted after retrieval. The program will then proceed with the originally defined task. CIS FORUM OPERATIONS: Upon entering a Forum, for whatever reason, waiting messages are immediately retrieved into the capture log before the prescribed task is initiated. Forum messages being read will scroll across the screen very rapidly while being stored in the capture Log. CompuServe will then be exited and you can review the messages off line at your leisure. Usually about 20 to 30 messages per minute are retrieved by this method if using 2400 Baud. Forum selection- the popdown menu allows the selection of the Forum desired. When a Forum is selected, the Forum name is checked against those contained in the file AUTOCIS.LST which indicates those Forums to which you already belong. When initially using the program, select Forums to which you already belong and indicate that you want to join, then cancel the Forum activity without going online. When all present Forums have been "joined", you may define a task and continue to the CIS logon procedure. Only new Forums will now request whether or not you want to join. The list of Forums shown on the drop down menu can be changed by revising the WAS script at lines 11 thru 16. The "&" should be placed in front of the letter to be used for keyboard activation. Duplication of selected letters in the menu is not permitted. It is necessary to revise lines 18 thru 23 with the shortened form for the "GO" command. The WAS file will then have to be recompiled to get a new WAX file. User Specified Forums which are selected will be contained in the AUTOCIS.LST and can be used for those that have less frequent accesses. Section selection- a dialog box is presented for selection of the section desired. The choice of Messages or Libraries will lead to dialog boxes to specify the Activity desired. Other sections provide for manual operation so that desired choices can be made online. There is also a function which provides for creating or editing the outgoing messages file for the Forum selected. Messages to be sent are contained in the file named MESSAGES.ext and are contained in the Capture Log Directory. The extension is defined by the first three letters of the Forum for which the messages are intended, allowing message files for more than one Forum. When the message is written using this dialog box selection, the proper extension required is automatically added for the Forum you have indicated. ZIFF Net OPERATIONS: The selection of any of the ZIFF Net Forums will lead to the same dialog boxes for further selections are is provided for the CIS Forums. SoftLib - Menus are displayed for the specialized operations and provide definition of tasks in this very large Library. Files downloaded from SoftLib will be located in the default directory of Prowin (C:\PROWIN\DNLOAD) since Ziff Net has no provision for specifying the directory to receive the file being downloaded. SETUP INFORMATION: A configuration file (AUTOCIS.CFG) is provided for storing your personal information, specified Directories and your choice of available program options. Personal information is: Local CIS access phone number including any prefixes Your User ID number Your Password Baud rate you wish to use The error correction active message for your modem Your name as you want it to appear in Forums Directory information is: Path and filename for Editor of your choice Mail subdirectory for your computer Files subdirectory for your computer Capture Log subdirectory for your computer Available program options are: Display of program information at startup Deletion of downloaded mail Command mode operation (rather than Menu) Confirmation of dialing start Confirmation of mail pick up Delayed start of dialing time This configuration file should NOT be supplied to any person to whom you might give a copy of this program. The first time the program is run the information required will be requested by the program. The Options will be set to default conditions providing a safeguard until you are familiar with operation of the program. If alterations are made at a later time, you may make the changes temporary for the present program operation or, if permanent is selected, the changes will be saved in the file. If you change your Password at CompuServe using this program, the configuration file is automatically updated provided the change is successful. OTHER OPERATIONS: This menu provides for Multiple Task definition and the means of exiting the script program Multiple Task Definition - The use of Multiple Task definition allows up to five separate operations to be performed during one session on CompuServe. This could consist of operations on five different Forums, the performing of five tasks on a single Forum or a some combination of both Forums and tasks. Messages can be sent to each Forum, new messages can be scrolled to the Capture log for reading offline, a list of files can be uploaded to each Forum and a list of files can be downloaded from each Forum. The only limitations are that ONLY one Forum can be "joined" during a single session and any activity specifying manual operation MUST be the LAST task. Restart Dialing - If either a single task or multiple tasks have been defined and the log on to CompuServe was unsuccessful (log on aborted), this selection can be used to begin a new log on attempt at a later time for the same definition of tasks PROVIDED the activity menus have NOT been accessed to alter the task definition. Exit Script - This method of exiting the script should be used (rather than clicking on the running man) in order for the PROCOMM PLUS for Windows title to be restored at the top of the screen. This method also provides for aborting the exit in case it is activated accidently or it is decided at the last minute not to exit. MODEM REQUIREMENTS: This program was written for use with an Error-Correcting modem using MNP protocol which provides a "/REL" response if a Reliable connection is achieved. When using an error correcting modem and specifying the conformation message in the personal information setup, the logon will be aborted if the "error correction active message" response is not received. This provides a means of guarrenteeing an error correcting connection if such a condition is manditory. CIS provides MNP-4 service (error correction) but does not, at present, provide MNP-5 service (data compression). * * * * Modems with error correction * * * * Enter the response that YOUR MAKE of modem provides when a Reliable connection is achieved with CompuServe in the Configuration information you supply. This should be a message like /REL or /ARQ. In the event you do not know what response your MNP modem gives, use this program to call your local CompuServe number and then abort the call. Review of the first line of the Capture log to obtain the error correction confirmation message such as /REL, /ARQ or LAPM and supply this in the appropriate location in the personal data of the Setup. If you are using a high speed modem with Split Baud operation, and the confirmation message for which this script is looking is not shown, display of the message is usually obtainable by setting the S95 modem register to an odd number (i.e. set bit 0). For example, if S95=44, then set S95=45 and save in NVRAM with the command AT&W <enter>. If no message can be established, leave the item BLANK, which will mean you will not be sure if Error Correction is really active. * * * * Modems without error correction * * * * To use this program with a modem which does not have error correction, leave the conformation message data slot blank. ************************************************************ * W A R N I N G * ************************************************************ * * * Although precautions have been incorporated to protect * * the user in case any telephone line noise disrupts the * * command sequence, use of this program with a modem that * * does not have error correction is at the full risk of * * the user. In the event line noise disrupts the command * * sequence, the program will revert to the manual mode and * * the user will have to manually enter commands - or enter * * LOG to exit the CompuServe service. After disconnecting * * it may be necessary to exit the script and restart it to * * return to the main program selection buttons. * * The amount of line noise can sometimes be reduced by * * switching to a lower Baud rate. * * * ************************************************************ CIS PROFILE SETTINGS: This Script assumes a Port Setting of N-8-1 as is used by most BBS services. CompuServe initially suggests using a setting of E-7-1, but this is not necessary. If you are using a E-7-1 setting, log on to CompuServe and GO PROFILE following the menu directions to permanently change your terminal settings to Zero-8-1. Then exit CompuServe and change the value in your PROCOMM program Dialing Directory. In order for the automatic Mail pickup to work properly, it is also necessary to have the selection of "Notify only" in the Logon Options (rather than "Go to CompuServe Mail"). FILE LOCATION: The compiled Script file, AUTOCIS.WAX, should be located in the Aspect script file subdirectory. The AUTOCIS.CFG and AUTOCIS.LST will also be located in this subdirectory when they are generated. LOG FILES: The program provides a log file that is started over on each new day the program is used. Multiple uses during any given day are separated by a message that defines the time at which logging onto CompuServe was initated. Viewing the contents of these logs is accomplished with your chosen editor so that retrieved Forum messages can be edited to remove any messages which are not of interest. FAST.DOC MESSAGE PREPARATION: Preparation of messages to be sent to the Forum Message Section and ASCII text letters to be sent to E-Mail use the method which is described in FAST.DOC and FASDEM.TXT. These files are available in Library 1 of the PRACTICE FORUM and Library 1 in the DataStorm Forum. It is very _strongly_ recommended that these documents be obtained and reviewed in order to fully understand use of this method. Forum messages -- In order for the message to be posted properly it MUST be formatted in the following manner with the commands aligned with the left edge of the screen. 1) For replies: REP {message number being replied to} ** Text of ***** message is ******** included here /POST 2) For original messages: COM ** Text of ***** message is ******** included here /POST TO:{addressee} SUB:{message subject} SEC:{number} If more than one message is sent, the next REP or COM must be on the next line after the /POST command --- do NOT put a blank line between them. Mail text letters -- Mail text letters for uploading also use the FAST.DOC method of preparation. In order to send text letters properly they MUST be formatted in the following manner with the commands aligned with the left edge of the screen. Notice that there is an added last line containing a Y and that /SEND is required rather than the /POST used in Forum messages. It is also necessary to indicate the addressee, sender and subject at the start of the letter. COM TO: {addressee with User ID number} FROM: {your name and User ID number} SUBJ: subject of the letter (needed by CompuServe) ** Text of ***** letter is ******** included here /SEND Y If several letters are to be sent, the next "COM" must follow the "Y" on the next line (NO blank line between them). If it is desired to retain a permanent copy of the Mail file, it is recommended that the letter be written to a file with its own specific filename. The letter can be copied to the LETTERS.OUT file and the COM, /SEND and Y commands can then be added. USE OF COMMAND MODE: The use of the Command mode while performing tasks in a Forum will reduce the amount of on-line time, since display of the menus is not provided. If you are not familiar with this mode be forewarned that if anything goes astray and a switch to the manual mode is required, you will not have the advantage of a menu to indicate your choices. The prompts consist of just showing "Forum !" or "Messages !" and you must know how to enter required commands without the benefit of a menu. If you use this method and are not familiar with commands, it is recommended that you immediately enter "LOG" to leave CompuServe if manual inputs become necessary. SUSPENDED DIALING: The Option contained in the Set Configuration to delay dialing allows for defining the desired tasks to perform in the late evening (say 11:00pm) and delay the dialing to go to CompuServe until early morning (say 4:30am). Once the Delayed Dialing Option has been turned on, when it is time for the program to logon to CompuServe a window will appear permitting the definition of the time logon should be initiated. The time to start dialing MUST be expressed in Military format (24 hour clock). If you do not want to delay dialing for any particular logon, just press <enter> and indicate in the next window that logon should be immediate. ********** ********** ********** I hope this program will enhance your ease of using CompuServe. Every attempt has been made to assure the program to be error free. However, there is no warranty of any kind given, either implied or otherwise, and the author assumes no liability for any problems or damages of any kind resulting from use of this program. Comments, questions or suggestions are welcome and may be sent via CompuServe to Ralph Deitrick [76547,3434]. ========================================================================== HISTORY of CHANGES to AUTOCIS ═════════════════════════════ Original release of AUTOCIS Script file -- 5 Noverber 1992 Version 1.01 released ? ???????? ???? * removed duplicate no paging command in ForumRun. * provided immediate updating of Setup menus when data is changed by user input. * added "press <CR> for all" to Library Age request in Forum and corrected "success" to "failure". * added check on whether user input had added a trailing "\" to the definition of User defined Directories. * changed when target in logon procedure to avoid aborting due to Compression "NONE" rather than Protocol "NONE". * incorporated additional information in AUTOCIS.DOC regarding the use of Delayed Dialing.