BBS Toolkit/BBS Toolkit.iso/windows/uc3h1.zip/UC3READ.ME

Text File | 1992-08-15 | 21KB | 663 lines

& UNICOM 3.0h Corrections and Enhancements

FIXED: File year incorrect on files received via
       batch protocols.
FIXED: Host user w/level 3 access could download files
       from areas other than their confined directory.
FIXED: OLDSOUND=TRUE should have read:

       OLDSOUNDS=TRUE to enable notification music.

FIXED: Startup "licensed to" screen would not clear during
       execution of auto-start script files.

  UNICOM 3.0g Corrections and Enhancements

FIXED: Unicom 3.0f would not work for some while using
       Windows Standard Mode or with a 286 CPU.
FIXED: ESC[?3l - ANSI Command to switch to 80 column
       mode caused a UAE only when using a large scroll
       buffer size.
FIXED: % Efficiency report was incorrect in 3.0f only.
       It now is calculated by the port baud rate OR by
       the modem speed report after dialing from the
       directory.
FIXED: The upload file selection window excluded files
       that did not have the archive bit set.
CHANGED: Notification Music (via UNICOM.SND file)
       was disabled in favor of the system asterisk
       .WAV file for sound card users.  To restore
       this feature, place the following line in your
       win.ini under the [UNICOM] section.

                    OLDSOUNDS=TRUE

FIXED: Slow startup synchronization for CompuServe
       protocols for both uploading and downloading.

       UNICOM 3.0f Corrections and Enhancements

FIXED: Shell to DOS in host mode not reliable in Win 3.1
FIXED: Error report for each file uploaded in X-Y-Zmodem.
FIXED: Downloaded file using X-Y-Z had an invalid date
       and file attribute in 3.0E only.
       Unicom now provides the actual file date.
FIXED: Slow response sending keypad keys.
NEW:   NOITALICS win.ini option to disable italics (blinking).
NEW:   BACKGROUNDCOLORS win.ini option that assigns dim
       colors to background colors for game support.


       UNICOM 3.0e Corrections and Enhancements

FIXED: CompuServe B excessive timeouts in 3.0d only.
FIXED: CompuServe B protocols startup problem.
FIXED: Inverse reset to white on black upon receipt
       of ESC[0m - now resets to preset terminal colors.
FIXED: Script port command cleared port connection type.
FIXED: Excessive errors during XY transfers in 3.0d only.
FIXED: Unsuccessful directory search produced no notification.
FIXED: 128kb port baud selection actually selected 256kb.
CHANGED: Screen erase in ANSI-BBS now defaults to erase entire
         screen ( ESC[2J) when ESC[J is received. Previously it
         erased from the cursor to the end of screen(ESC[0J);
         VT102 defaults to ESC[0J when ESC[J is received.
FIXED:   Zmodem upload & download option: Send if file newer (or
         longer) did not work.
FIXED:   Script GetFile Quickb did not work.
CHANGED: Zmodem downloading will now abort if there is not enough
         room on the drive.  It previously produced a file of
         0 length when the disk was full.
FIXED:   Exiting Unicom without opening a port caused a UAE.

       UNICOM 3.0d Corrections and Enhancements

NEW:   Telephone tech support hours: 9am-5pm Pacific time weekdays
NEW:   VT102 Transparent print option added.
NEW:   Skinny BBS640x480 Font for VGA displays included. All columns
       are visible on a zoomed window.
NEW:   Login scripts for popular bbs systems are provided
NEW:   Procomm to Unicom directory converter utility provided
FIXED: Unicom stole cursor from other applications.
FIXED: Directory Update problem over duplicate phone number entries.
FIXED: VT102 Font Selections and various screen display problems.
FIXED: Scroll buffer select hilite above top caused program slowdown or hang.
FIXED: Terminal font name is now remembered for next session.
FIXED: Hi-res video users only:  Font name not selected in terminal setup
       window caused display of triangles on screen then lockup.
FIXED: Duplicate lines would appear on the screen during scrolling.
FIXED: Text copied and pasted into other apps was not formated properly
FIXED: Script 'WHILE' malfunctioned if a gosub was before the endwhile.
CHANGED: Improved ABORTs for CompuServe Protocols
CHANGED: No program reminder screens after program start (except exit)
         during 21-day evaluation period.
CHANGED: Compatible with Shivanet comm driver.
CHANGED: ASCII transfers can transmit unprintable and hi-bit characters.

         UNICOM 3.0C Corrections and Enhancements

CHANGED: Font selection/use was limited to only the 1st 38.
       This restriction is now removed, all fonts are available.
FIXED: Prefix/Suffix dialing unreliable or didn't work.
FIXED: CompuServe B/Quickb would not start for some and
       now works at 9600 baud.
FIXED: Display trapped on 25th line problem (was supposed
       to be fixed in 3.0a snuck back into 3.0b and is now
       finally corrected).
CHANGED: Host Greeting, Bulletin and Menu files can now display
       files containing ANSI escape codes or other binary codes.
NEW:   Script Commands Added (See Online Help):
       StrLeft   -   returns left n chars of string
       StrRight  -   returns right n chars of string
       StrMid    -   returns n chars of string at starting position
       StrPos    -   returns position index of matching substring
NEW:   NOBOLD win.ini option added for disabling bold text.
NEW:   Tool Bar option added to Control Menu for enabling
       or disabling tool bar.
NEW:   16 Color support.  Prior 3.0 versions were limited to 8 colors.
FIXED: Copy then paste into Notepad lost 1st column.
FIXED: Default comm port selection did not select a connection type.
FIXED: Zmodem file mgmt options remember their position.  Append to
       existing file and protect existing file options were repaired.
FIXED: Script SendFile command would not parse correctly.
FIXED: Program could lock when trying to exit when the modem
       did not respond to a reset command. (MS driver lockup)
FIXED: Entering host mode from script would not check the
       menu checkmark in the control menu.
FIXED: During port errors, a received character would not be
       displayed unless you typed a character (terminal mode only).
FIXED: Beep would sound when loading directory even if notification
       beeps were turned off in the general setup window.
FIXED: UAE when you exited Unicom with the ReadMe Help window open.
FIXED: No Port Connection report during CompuServe B/QB transfers.
CHANGED: Unicom now automatically converts your 2.0 directory
         to 3.0 format upon activating the dial directory.
CHANGED: Host mode will instruct your modem to answer on the
         ring specified in the modem setup window in the selected
         init string section. If this setting is zero, Unicom
         will instruct the modem to answer on ring 1.
CHANGED: The escape key now works as an abort during modem
         initialization.

UNICOM 3.0b corrects 3.0a as follows:

FIXED: Excessive errors during
       X/Y/Zmodem uploading with
       MBBS and similar type bulletin boards.

UNICOM 3.0a corrects 3.0 as follows:

       KEYBOARD
FIXED: Hot Keys ^^colrow now work
       in description fields of
       the keyboard macro editor.
FIXED: UAE when exiting UNICOM with
       the dial directory displayed.
FIXED: Loss of access to terminal
       setup after executing example
       scripts: GDI.scr and/or Ellipse.scr
FIXED: Numeric keypad now works
       when numlock is on.
FIXED: Occasional Product damaged
       error incorrectly reported.

           SCRIPT:
FIXED: InputString Command did not
       update the variable on consecutive
       uses of same variable.
FIXED: CompuServe example script file
       requires double quotes around
       "^C".  This is now required for
       all strings.

       DIALING:
FIXED: UNICOM window would pop
       to the top upon unsuccessful
       repeat dialing.

           DISPLAY
FIXED: Screen repaint problems with a
       version of windows above 3.0 but
       below 3.2.

FIXED: Display trapped on 25th line
       when host positions cursor
       to this line multiple times
       without moving off.


& What's New in UNICOM Release 3

* Windows 3.1 and 3.0 Compatibility

* DEC VT-102 ( ANSI ) Compatibility:

Double size characters are supported with all standard
attributes.  VT-100 and VT-52 are supported.

* New WinScript Windows Script Language:
Over 200 statements and commands give you
powerful control over communication,windows,
graphics and more!

* High Baud Rate Ready - up to 128kb:
When driver and hardware support arrives,
UNICOM will be ready to operate at 38.4kb,
57.6kb and 128 kb.

* Improved Screen Handling
Our new screen handler gives you the best
performance possible in the Windows
environment.

* 16 Color Support

* AUTO File Downloading:
UNICOM automatically senses download
operations for Zmodem and CompuServe then
starts on its own.

* Download File Marker Feature:
Highlight a file in the expanded 1500 line
scroll buffer. UNICOM will remember your
choices.

* Script Learn Capability:
Generates a WinScript command file as you
interact with the remote host.  Useful for
recording login scripts.

* Expanded Dialing Directory:
Remembers last on date, number of times on.
Supports individual dialing string, password,
default protocol.

* Expanded Host Mode:
Shell to DOS, assign user id-passwords, access
levels, time limits, monitor interaction,
operate in dialback mode.

* Easy Screen Editing:
Highlight screen text with your mouse, then
copy to clipboard, send to host, erase, scroll
or mark as a file.

* Convenient Screen Toolbar:
Provides easy access to common menu picks and
terminal operating modes.

* Font Manager Compatibility:
All types of fonts and sizes can be used.
Improved mapping for proportional fonts.

* Online Help:
Context sensitive "Windows" help is now
provided for all program procedures and script
commands.

* Xmodem senses download filename:
UNICOM will obtain the download filename from
the scroll buffer automatically when downloading
files using this protocol.

* Iconic transfer reports:
File transfer progress is reported to the icon
label when transferring files while minimized.

* Translation Tables
Incoming and Outgoing characters are easily
translated with this new feature.

& Packing List
  -------- Sharware Distribution -----------

  UNICOM 3.0g is distributed in 2 zip files

  UC3g-1.zip  Complete distribution w/o help
  UC3g-2.zip  UNICOM Help (UNICOM.HLP)
              (help has not changed since 3.0c)

  when you unzip these files, it should
  contain the same files as below:

  -------- On disk from Data Graphics ------

  UNICOM   EXE - UNICOM executable program
  UNICOM   FON - fonts for vt100 and BBS
  UNICOM   KEY - example keyboard macro file
  UNICOM   SND - default music file
  UNICOM   CFG - example program configuration
  UNICOM   DIR - example dialing directory
  UNICOM   XLT - example translation table
  UNICOM   HLP - UNICOM Windows Help
  UNICOM   MNU - example Utility menu
  UC3ORDER WRI - order form in write format
  UC3ORDER TXT - order from in text format
  UC3READ  ME  - UNICOM 3 release notes
  PLAYNOTE SCR - Example Script Files
  BITBLT   SCR       ""
  GDI      SCR       ""
  LINES    SCR       ""
  SETPIXEL SCR       ""
  MODEMREG SCR       ""
  COMPUSRV SCR       ""
  MCI      SCR       ""
  UNICOM   MNU       ""
  ELLIPSE  SCR       ""
  RBBS     SCR       ""
  OPUS     SCR       ""
  PCBOARD  SCR       ""
  WILDCAT  SCR       ""
  SRCHLITE SCR       ""
  REMOTACC SCR       ""

& Upgrading from a previous Unicom release

Upgrading to a new minor release does not
require that you re-enter your license
information.

1) MAKE A BACKUP COPY of all your Unicom
   files on a floppy diskette.

2) Unpack the new distribution into a
   temporary directory or a floppy.
   Omit this step if you received a
   3.5 diskette from Data Graphics.

3) Copy the new UNICOM.EXE file over
   your old unicom.exe file.

That's all there is to upgrading to
new minor versions.

For major updates, a new license may be
required. Keep a backup copy of your
existing version.

& HOW TO ORDER UNICOM
TO REGISTER QUICKLY: order by phone!

To get registered immediately, just
call [phone] anytime between 9am and
5pm Pacific time weekdays. Have your Visa or
MasterCard Ready.  You will be issued a
registration number over the phone.

BY FAX: send your completed order form to
Data Graphics fax at [phone] (24hrs)

BY MAIL: Enclose payment and mail to:

   Data Graphics
   P.O. Box 58517
   Renton,WA 98058
   U.S.A.

 SITE LICENSING (prices as of 7/92)

  Units      Discount
  1-10       None
  11-20      10%
  20-49      20%
  50-99      30%
  100+       40%

 For other quantity arrangements, please call.

& More Questions and Answers
Question:
   I access the Dos shell from host mode.  When typing
   exit, the window stays up on the screen and I am
   unable to call back in.
Answer:
   Use the PIF editor to create a COMMAND.PIF file.
   Select close window on exit when creating this pif.

Question: In Host Mode, Unicom will not recognize
   the userid entered during remote login.
Answer:
   The username must be 1 word with
   no spaces between characters.
   Use the host setup window to assign
   one word usernames.

Question: Is Unicom 3.x compatible with Windows
   version 3.1?.
Answer: Yes, there are no known incompatibilites.

Question: My modem does not remember its
   configuration across Unicom sessions.
Answer: Make sure you set the connection type
  (see the Comm port setup window) to a
  Modem connection.  Then save your setup.
  Unicom will send the init string as
  designated in the modem setup window at
  the start of each session.

Question: I can't get Zmodem resume to work
  after an aborted Zmodem transfer.
Answer: To resume an aborted Zmodem transfer,
  disable automatic Zmodem downloading from
  the General Setup Window.  After that,
  download manually using the Zmodem
  resume option.

&  3.0h Release Notes

NEW UNICOM WIN.INI OPTIONS

NOITALICS - disable display of italics (blink).

To enable this option, add the following to
your win.ini under the [UNICOM] section:

        NOITALICS=TRUE


BACKGROUNDCOLORS - causes dim colors to be
displayed in response to ansi background color
commands.

To enable this option, add the following to
your win.in under the [UNICOM] section:

        BACKGROUNDCOLORS=TRUE



0) Uploading Problem at High Speeds

   Uploading may become unrealible when using speeds
   above 9600 baud.

   To solve the problem, configure your modem and
   Unicom for hardware handshaking.  On a HST or
   similar modem, use the &H1&R0 command.  Then set
   Unicom to hardware handshake in the Comm Port
   setup window.

1) The VT102 special fonts may not be available when
   using herc monochrome video mode -OR- if UNICOM
   cannot reference a configuration file at
   startup.

2) Communications may become unreliable above 9600 baud.
   Try to avoid starting and stopping other applications
   during file transfers as this may induce interrupt
   latency while running windows.  In other words,
   Windows may become too busy to service the communication
   port and lose data even with a 16550 uart.

3) Screen Savers do not work well with UNICOM when they
   kick in.  The truth is, screen savers assume that
   they are the only application using your computer if
   no keyboard or mouse input are detected for a given
   time.  To perform the spectacular effects, the
   screen saver will eat up much of your computing power.
   If a Unicom file transfer is in progress when the
   screen saver kicks in, performance can degrade or
   worse, data could be lost.  IT IS STRONGLY SUGGESTED
   that you set the screen saver idle detection time to
   a time greater than the expected file transfer time.

4) Dialing directory file sizes cannot exceed 64k.
   If UNICOM complains of low memory when loading
   a directory, break up the directory into
   smaller directory files.

5) Interrupt driven receive queue size is
   24k if using standard or enhanced mode and
   12k if running in real mode.  The queue size
   was reduced for real mode due to memory
   restrictions. The Send queue size is 4k.
   These override any system.ini setting.

6) Script Commands

   FileLength:  The example for this command is incorrectly
   listed in the manual:  lSize = FileSize("messages.dat")
   It should read: lSize = FileLength("messages.dat");
   This appears correct in the online help.


   StrIsHex: is described incorrectly in the manual.
   It incorrectly states that chars A-Z or a-z are
   valid hex characters.  It should read 'A'-'F' and
   'a'-'f' in addition to 0-9.

7) Fonts

   Type managers let you add many fonts to Windows.
   UNICOM 3.0c,d & e can now handle more than 38 fonts
   and any size of each. Unicom 3.0 versions prior to 3.0c
   were limited to the 1st 38.

8) Host Mode - Shell To DOS

   Your computer must be operating in 386 enhanced mode
   to support this feature.

              IMPORTANT

   Make sure the communication port device contention
   is set to "Never Warn" in the 386 enhanced
   section of the control panel.  If this is not
   done, a message box will be displayed to the
   host computer screen anytime the remote user
   shells to DOS.  This will lock the host unless
   someone is available to reply to the message
   box.

   ALSO include a MODE command in you autoexec.bat
   file to set your com port baud rate.

      MODE COMx:baud,parity,bits,stop

      Example:  MODE COM2:9600,N,8,1

   REMEMBER TO USE A SINGLE WORD USERNAME & PASSWORD
   when setting up users for remote access using the
   host setup screen.

   USERNAME:  JIM SMITH   <----- WRONG
   PASSWORD:  HI THERE    <----- WRONG

   USERNAME: ECHOTRAIL    <----- RIGHT!
   PASSWORD: HEATER       <----- RIGHT!

9) Bold Character Attribute Disable

   Some users found that bold fonts were not pleasing
   to the eye.  You can now instruct UNICOM to
   ignore the bold attribute by adding the following
   option to the UNICOM section of your WIN.INI file:

   NOBOLD=TRUE

10) Color Mapper

    Unicom provides a color mapper setup window (after 3.0b)
    that allows you to change how Unicom maps color codes
    sent by your remote host.  So if you do not like
    a particular color, just activate the Color Mapper
    window from the setup window and change the color
    to your preference.

    The terminal foreground and background colors as
    selected in the Terminal Setup Window will be
    translated according to your Color Mapper settings.
    That is, if you map white to blue and select white
    in the terminal setup window (foreground or background),
    you will see blue on the screen.

& Microsoft Adds 16650 Support to Windows

Microsoft has added 16550 support to their serial
communication driver (comm.drv) provided with
Windows 3.1.  The 16550 uart can buffer up to 16 bytes
of data which can reduce CPU overhead and increase
operational reliability.

The only remaining concern with the new driver is that
the FIFO trigger level is set at 14.  That means
incoming data can still be lost due to interrupt
latency. (This buffer could overflow by the time the
CPU is free from doing other tasks in Windows).

Setting the FIFO to a lower trigger level
should give the CPU a better chance at servicing
interrupts.

This functionality as described above was the only
real gain offered by makers of 3rd party comm drivers.
Therefore, I NO LONGER RECOMMEND that you use or
purchase 3rd party comm drivers to replace the
comm driver provided with Windows 3.1 or above.


& Character Translation Tables

UNICOM supports character translation for incoming
and outgoing characters.  When you save your setup
with the Save Setup menu pick, UNICOM writes the
contents of the current translation tables to the
file UNICOM.XLT.

Upon each program start, UNICOM looks for this file
(UNICOM.XLT). If found, its contents are loaded into
memory.

& Host User database
The file hostuser.dat contains user information for
those authorized to access your machine via host mode.
This file may be changed or altered by remote users
with the appropriate access level.  You may wish to
make this file read only and/or hidden with the dos
attrib command. Hostuser.dat is updated when you
select save setup from the setup menu.


& Where to Find the latest UNICOM
UNICOM may be found on CompuServe in the
following forums: ZENITH, WINADV, IBMCOM, MSOPSYS
Browse the forum shareware or new uploads library
using the keyword "UNICOM".