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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color
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- Communications Accessory
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- CCOLOR is distributed freely and may be copied by anyone for any
- number of machines. The author offers CCOLOR as "shareware". If
- the program is found to be useful or entertaining, a registration
- of $50.00 is required. The author may be reached at:
-
-
- CABER Software
- R. (Scott) McGinnis
- P.O. Box 3607 Mdse Mart
- Chicago, IL 60654-0607
-
- PLINK, GEnie id: TARTAN
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- Version 1.3: 910724
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color
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- CCOLOR version 1.3 is copyright 1991 CABER Software (R. Scott
- McGinnis). All rights are reserved world wide, excepting redistri-
- bution under the ShareWare concept. CCOLOR is distributed freely
- and may be copied by anyone for any number of machines, under the
- ShareWare concept. Restrictions on redistribution are discussed in
- the accompanying document VENDOR.DOC.
-
-
- CCOLOR is distributed as ShareWare. You may use CCOLOR without
- charge for the purposes of evaluating its usefulness. It is sug-
- gested that this evaluation period be limited to a few days of actual
- use. If you find CCOLOR to be worth continued use, then you must
- pay for it. Please complete the form REGISTER.DOC and mail it with
- your payment.
-
-
- Registration of CCOLOR includes COM-AND and all published accessory
- programs (which currently are PC-VCO, CCHESS, CBRIDGE, and CCOLOR),
- and several utilities (unPACKIT and unSTUFIT). COM-AND, accessories,
- and utilities are published separately. One registration covers the
- use of any and all of these programs.
-
-
- By registering your copy of CCOLOR (or any ShareWare product), you
- are promoting and supporting the convenient distribution method and
- free evaluation policy that brought you this copy of CCOLOR.
-
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- If you have received this copy from a Users' Group, "Software
- Library" or "SIG", and have paid a small fee (usually $3 to $10),
- you have NOT acquired a registration or continued right to use
- CCOLOR. This fee was for the convenience of obtaining the diskette
- with CCOLOR on it. The fee does NOT apply to the registration fee.
-
-
- You may NOT distribute CCOLOR or its documentation in connection
- with ANY commercial venture, product, publication or service without
- written approval. CCOLOR may not be disassembled or modified
- without express written consent of its author.
-
-
- CCOLOR is supplied "as-is" with no warranties expressed or implied.
- Neither CABER Software nor the author will be liable for any damages
- or lost revenues incurred through the use of this program or any of
- its accessories and utilities beyond the registration price paid.
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- Version 1.3: 910724
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color
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-
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- COM-AND and its accessories are available as shareware through
- PLINK, GEnie, UNISON, NWI, Delphi and CIS. They are also available
- through many Bulletin Board systems. Individuals are welcome to
- download COM-AND and its accessories for purposes of evaluation, and
- to upload them (in entirety) to Bulletin Board systems.
-
- Commercial users of COM-AND must register them with the author or one
- of the individuals listed on this page. Site licenses (multiple copy
- registrations) are available from:
-
- CABER Software
- R. (Scott) McGinnis
- P.O. Box 3607 Mdse Mart
- Chicago, IL 60654-0607
-
- PLINK, GEnie, Delphi ID: TARTAN
- CIS id: 73147,2665
-
- A COM-AND BBS (using a version of COM-AND's BBS script) is operated
- by SupportWare of Long Beach, CA. SupportWare is licensed to nego-
- tiate COM-AND commercial and site licenses, and provide COM-AND
- support. SupportWare offers considerable expertise in the field of
- communications consultation. Contact SupportWare through:
-
- SupportWare
- Mike Todd
- P.O. Box 14927
- Long Beach, CA 90803-1449
-
- Voice: (213) 439-6104
- BBS: (213) 439-7714 (1200/2400 8n1)
-
- In Japan, COM-AND may be downloaded as shareware from PC-VAN. It
- is also available in Japan as a commercial product tailored for
- specific machines through:
-
- Discotel Japan (Ciari Soft)
- Kurakuen 3 ban-cho 2-50
- Nishinomiya 662
- Japan
-
- Contact: Claude Ciari
- Tel (0798)73-0052
- PC-VAN NEC by Ciari
- ID: CCIARI
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- Version 1.3: 910724
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color
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- THE ASSOCIATION OF SHAREWARE PROFESSIONALS (ASP)
-
- ┌─────────┐
- ┌─────┴───┐ │ (R)
- ──│ │o │──────────────────
- │ ┌─────┴╨──┐ │ Association of
- │ │ │─┘ Shareware
- └───│ o │ Professionals
- ──────│ ║ │────────────────────
- └────╨────┘ MEMBER
-
-
- In 1987 Shareware authors founded the Association of Shareware
- Professionals (ASP). In forming this industry association, these
- Shareware authors had several primary goals in mind, including:
-
- . To inform users about Shareware programs and about Shareware as
- a method of distributing and marketing software.
-
- . To foster professionalism amongst Shareware authors by setting
- programming, marketing, and support standards for ASP members.
-
- . To encourage broader distribution of Shareware through user
- groups and disk dealers who agree to identify and explain the
- nature of Shareware.
-
- . To provide a forum through which ASP members may communicate,
- share ideas, and learn from each other.
-
- ASP OMBUDSMAN STATEMENT
-
- CABER Software (R. Scott McGinnis) is a member of the Association of
- Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to ensure that the Share-
- ware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a Share-
- ware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member
- directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you
- resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide
- technical support for members' products.
-
- Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at:
-
- ASP Ombudsman
- Association of Shareware Professionals
- 545 Grover Road
- Muskegon, MI 49442-9427
-
- or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe MAIL to ASP Ombudsman
- 70007,3536.
-
-
-
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- Version 1.3: 910724
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color
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-
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- Table of Contents
- -----------------
-
-
- I. Introduction .............................................. page 1
-
- A. What is CCOLOR .......................................... page 1
- B. This program ............................................ page 1
- C. This document ........................................... page 1
-
- II. Running the program ....................................... page 2
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- A. Loading through COM-AND ................................. page 2
- B. Loading CCOLOR directly ................................. page 3
- C. Loading CCOLOR Piggyback ................................ page 4
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- III. CCOLOR Display ............................................ page 5
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- IV. Services supported ......................................... page 6
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- A. PLINK IDs and handles ....................................page 7
- B. GEnie IDs and handles ....................................page 7
- C. SOURCE IDs and aliases (now defunct) .....................page 7
- D. CIS handles ............................................. page 8
- E. Delphi IDs and handles ...................................page 8
- F. TBBS IDs ................................................ page 9
- G. PROTOCALL IDs and handles (now defunct) ..................page 9
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- V. CCOLOR Commands using COM-AND .............................. page 10
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- VI. CCOLOR Commands Standalone ................................. page 12
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- VII. CCOLOR Main Menu ........................................... page 13
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- A. Controls ................................................ page 14
- B. Settings ................................................ page 14
- C. Notes ................................................... page 14
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- VIII. The Notes file ............................................. page 15
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- IX. Manual mode ................................................ page 16
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- X. Automatic mode ............................................. page 17
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- Version 1.3: 910724
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color
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- Table of Contents (continued)
- -----------------------------
-
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- XI. Program Configuration (Alt-S, and Alt-P) ................... page 18
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- A. Setup Screen (Alt-S) .................................... page 18
- B. Communications Parameters (Alt-P) ....................... page 20
- C. Colors (Alt-J) .......................................... page 21
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- XII. Program Requirements ....................................... page 22
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- XIII. Program and Author Information ............................ page 23
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- Appendices
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- A. Switches and Parameters .................................... page 24
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- B. Files ...................................................... page 26
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- C. Note file format ........................................... page 27
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color Page 1
-
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- I. Introduction
-
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- A. What is CCOLOR?
-
-
- CCOLOR for the IBM PC is an accessory program, intended to be
- used with a 'base' communications program. CCOLOR is integrated
- into the comm program 'COM-AND'. However, CCOLOR may be used
- with any comm program supporting a 'DOS shell' that does not
- break an established comm link (that does not drop DTR).
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- CCOLOR, used with network conferencing services such as People-
- Link's PARTY, GEnie's RTC conferencing and CompuServe's CB,
- follows the conversation, and assigns different colors to each
- of the speakers. The effect must be seen to be comprehended.
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- B. This program
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- CCOLOR Version 1.3 uses the CGA and EGA color adapters. It may
- be used on a monochrome adapter, but, of course, most of the
- effect is lost. A Microsoft Mouse is supported, if available.
-
-
- CCOLOR may be copied freely and distributed to anyone for any
- number of machines. The author offers CCOLOR as "shareware". If
- the program is found to be useful or entertaining, registration
- is required. CCOLOR will be extended and enhanced if response
- warrants.
-
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- C. This document
-
-
- This document describes the features of CCOLOR. It will not
- attempt to describe all the features of COM-AND (which are
- available within CCOLOR if used), or any other communications
- program used. From time-to-time the assumption will be made
- that COM-AND is used as the communications program, to high-
- light the interaction between CCOLOR and COM-AND.
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- Please do not take it that COM-AND is the only comm program
- possible to use. Refer to the documentation provided with your
- favorite comm program for a full discussion of its function and
- features. They won't be available in CCOLOR, however.
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- Appendices here will provide details for very interested readers.
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color Page 2
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- II. Running the program
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- CCOLOR is an accessory program, and may be entered in one of three
- ways: (1) it may be invoked through the accessory menu of the comm
- program COM-AND, (2) CCOLOR may be loaded itself (in which case it
- will need to be able to load COM-AND) and (3) it may be loaded
- 'piggyback' (intended for use with the DOS gateway of other
- communications programs. Each method is useful and will be
- discussed separately.
-
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- A. Loading through COM-AND
-
-
- COM-AND is invoked at the DOS prompt with the command:
-
- ------------------------------------------------------
- "d>" COM-AND <options>
-
- Where "d>" is the DOS prompt, and
- <options> is (<parm> (<parm> ...))
- where <parm> is either a switch or a parameter
-
- Refer to Appendix A of the COM-AND document for a discussion
- of switches and parameters.
- ------------------------------------------------------
-
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- Once COM-AND has been loaded, the usual sequence is to dial
- a network service using COM-AND's dialing directory or script
- language. When connection has been established, logon achieved,
- and a conference area entered, then CCOLOR may be selected using
- the F1 Accessories menu.
-
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- COM-AND defines an 'accessory' as:
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- o A name which is displayed in the menu (as you like)
- o A subdirectory for use during the accessory (optional)
- o A script file to be performed (optional)
- o A program to be loaded - along with parameters (optional)
-
- COM-AND was supplied with several accessory menu entries. You
- must create a new entry for CCOLOR with the 'r' subcommand. Once
- loaded, CCOLOR is an independent program, using the comm link
- established by COM-AND, and also many of the COM-AND functions.
- CCOLOR is 'integrated' into COM-AND.
-
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- Note that settings (echo/blank line suppression/logging etc) made
- in COM-AND carry over to the accessory when it is loaded, and
- settings made in the accessory carry over to COM-AND when the
- accessory terminates. Alt-X terminates both COM-AND and CCOLOR.
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color Page 3
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- II. Running the program (continued)
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- B. Loading CCOLOR directly
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- CCOLOR may be invoked at the DOS prompt with the command:
-
- ------------------------------------------------------
- "d>" CCOLOR <options>
-
- Where "d>" is the DOS prompt, and
- <options> is (<parm> (<parm> ...))
- where <parm> is either a switch or a parameter (except /P)
-
- Refer to Appendix A of this document for a full description of
- switches and parameters.
- ------------------------------------------------------
-
-
- When CCOLOR is run from the DOS prompt without the '/P' switch,
- it looks for the COM-AND program on the current subdirectory (or
- in the subdirectory indicated by a 'COM-AND=' environment vari-
- able). CCOLOR will not run unless it can find COM-AND (unless
- '/P' is specified) . CCOLOR loads COM-AND and execution proceeds
- on the CRT (COM-AND side) of the program.
-
-
- Again, the usual sequence is to dial a network service using
- COM-AND's dialing directory or script language. When connection
- has been established, logon achieved, and a conference area
- entered, then switch to the gaming side with the F1 key.
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- Loaded this way, the F1 key simply serves as a hot key to switch
- between the two sides of the program (CCOLOR and COM-AND). No
- menu of additional accessories is available. All other features
- of COM-AND are available, however. Again, Alt-X terminates both
- COM-AND and CCOLOR.
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color Page 4
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- II. Running the program (continued)
-
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- C. Loading CCOLOR Piggyback
-
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- CCOLOR may be run piggyback as follows:
-
- ------------------------------------------------------
- "d>" CCOLOR /P COMx <speed> <other options>
-
- where COMx = COM1, COM2, COM3 or COM4 and
- <speed> = 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600
-
- Refer to Appendix A of this document for a full description
- of other options.
- ------------------------------------------------------
-
- For example:
-
- C> CCOLOR /P COM1 2400
-
-
- Used in this manner, CCOLOR 'picks-up' a comm line already
- opened and in use by another program. The 'COMx' and '<speed>'
- parameters are not strictly necessary; however, their use is
- recommended unless you ALWAYS use the same comm port and line-
- speed on all systems wherever you go.
-
-
- Note that Alt-X terminates CCOLOR and simply returns you to
- DOS when CCOLOR is loaded piggyback. Alt-X terminates both
- CCOLOR and COM-AND when the program set is run without /P.
-
-
- Once back at the DOS prompt, you must return to the comm program
- you originally gatewayed - type 'EXIT' at the DOS prompt if your
- gateway was originally to COMMAND.COM. Refer to the documenta-
- tion provided with your comm program on the appropriate means of
- returning from the DOS shell.
-
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- Don't forget to return to your comm program if you shelled to DOS
- and loaded CCOLOR with /P!
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color Page 5
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- III. CCOLOR Display
-
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- When the screen is painted, it is divided into several areas. The
- top line carries the program version and release number, and the
- Main Menu. The current operating mode (manual or automatic) is
- displayed to the left of the menu. The region between the top and
- bottom lines is a scrolling region for received text. A status line
- (and keyboard buffer) take the last line.
-
-
- CCOLOR parses every line of text received for an ID. If you are not
- in the conference area of one of the supported services (PLINK,
- GEnie, SOURCE, DELPHI, CIS, or TBBS), the results will be 'odd'.
-
-
- In conversation, when a speaker is identified (through the ID or
- handle - see following), lines received from that ID (and successive
- lines) will be displayed with a foreground color selected for that
- particular ID. In manual mode, you select the foreground color for
- up to 16 speakers. In automatic mode, CCOLOR assigns a foreground
- color to each new ID. You can review and revise automatic color
- assignments and save assignments for later sessions.
-
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- CCOLOR scans received text after the ID for special words. Words
- which are set off by ("), ('), (*), (_) and (<>) are highlighted in
- a contrasting color. You may turn off this feature if you wish.
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- IV. Services supported
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- CCOLOR is encoded to work with several network services and multi-
- user systems. CCOLOR parses every incoming line for an ID.
- CCOLOR's parser is 'automatic', in that you don't have to tell it
- which system to parse.
-
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- The ID (or handle) parse begins after a carriage return from the
- network. When an ID of a speaker is identified, the line being
- received changes color. The text is displayed after the ID - and
- highlights are performed as they are found. If no ID is identified
- the text is displayed with the color of the last speaker. Blank
- lines (extra carriage returns issued by the network) are not
- displayed by CCOLOR.
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- The CCOLOR parser is only designed to deal with text issued within
- the conversational area of one of the systems. The parser is
- self-adjusting ... all of the supported formats will be taken as
- conversation. [The automatic nature of the parser DOES produce some
- false hits now and then. Its a tradeoff...]
-
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- The following pages describe templates for IDs and handles as dis-
- played on various systems (handles are assumed names which replace
- or add to an ID). I have also included some notes on each system
- and its use with CCOLOR.
-
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- You may wish to skip to the next chapter - the next pages are dull.
- Just one piece of advice - CCOLOR can only parse received text if
- echo from the host is turned off. Turn off echo!
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- IV. Services supported (continued)
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- A. PLINK IDs and handles:
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- "(" <ID> ") " an initial "*" identifies handles
-
- Example: (TARTAN) This is how a line would look on PLINK
-
-
- PLINK does not report (to all in conference) when a customer
- exits.
-
- CCOLOR is best used with echo off (the system doesn't echo what
- you type). You turn echo off with the command /NOECHO. The key-
- board buffer (controls pull-down) allows you to see your typing
- locally if you need.
-
-
- B. GEnie IDs and handles:
-
- "<" [Handle] <ID> "> "
-
- Example: <[Scott] TARTAN> This is how a line would look on GEnie
-
-
- GEnie reports to all present the exit or termination of another
- customer. CCOLOR version 1.3 does not use the report.
-
- CCOLOR is best used with echo off (the system doesn't echo what
- you type). GEnie does not normally echo entered characters. If
- you are echoing characters locally (alt-E) turn it off. Use the
- keyboard buffer to see your typing.
-
-
- C. SOURCE IDs and aliases (now defunct):
-
- <ID/alias> ": " -or- [nn] <ID/alias> ": "
-
- Example: [22] TARTAN: This is how a line would look on SOURCE
-
-
- The SOURCE reports to all attending the exit or termination of
- another customer. CCOLOR version 1.3 does not use the report.
-
- CCOLOR is best used with echo off (the system doesn't echo what
- you type). The SOURCE allows you to turn off echo by exiting the
- SIG (entering command mode), setting half duplex (-> TERM -HALF)
- and re-entering the SIG.
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color Page 8
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- IV. Services supported (continued)
-
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- D. CIS handles:
-
- "(" <Band> , <ID> ") "
- where <Band> ::= (A!B)(N!NN)","
-
- Example: (A1,TARTAN) This is how a line would look on CIS
-
-
- CIS does not report (to all in conference) when a customer exits.
-
- CCOLOR is best used with echo off (the system doesn't echo what
- you type). You turn echo off with the command /NOECHO. The key-
- board buffer (controls pull-down) allows you to see your typing
- locally if you need.
-
-
- E. Delphi IDs and handles:
-
- <ID> "> " where an initial "." identifies handles
-
- Example: TARTAN> This is how a line would look on Delphi
-
-
- Delphi does not report (to all in conference) when a customer
- exits.
-
- CCOLOR is best used with echo off (the system doesn't echo what
- you type). I recommend requesting help from an experienced
- Delphi user to do this.
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color Page 9
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- IV. Services supported (continued)
-
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- F. TBBS IDs:
-
- "(" <node> ":" <ID> ") "
-
- Example: (9: Scott McGinnis) This is how tbbs looks
-
-
- TBBS does not report (to all in conference) when a customer
- exits.
-
- TBBS is still new to me; TBBS BBS's are multiuser (up to 16 lines
- to a BBS), and provide a very comfortable conferencing facility.
- I haven't discovered yet how to turn local echo off. CCOLOR is
- best used with echo off - if there is no such facility, I am sure
- one will be added, just to keep the reading easy.
-
-
- G. PROTOCALL IDs and handles (now defunct):
-
- "<" nn.nn <ID> ">"
-
- Example: <04.21 TARTAN> This is how PROTOCALL looks
-
-
- PROTOCALL reports to all attending the exit or termination of
- another customer and various materializations and dematerializ-
- ations. CCOLOR version 1.3 does not use the report.
-
- CCOLOR is best used with echo off (the system doesn't echo what
- you type). You toggle echo off and back on with the command /ECHO.
- The keyboard buffer (controls pull-down) allows you to see your
- typing locally if you need.
-
- I am well aware that PROTOCALL is no more. However, the parser
- still parses it. Who knows what'll come?
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color Page 10
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- V. CCOLOR Commands using COM-AND
-
-
- When CCOLOR is loaded with COM-AND the following Alt'd keys are
- available:
-
- F1 Switch between text (CRT) and color modes.
- F7 Toggle transcripting.
- F8 Toggle keyboard buffer chat mode.
- F9 Toggle log hold (if logging is enabled).
- F10 Help screen. All currently implemented commands are
- summarized on this screen. Any command may be executed
- directly while this screen is displayed.
-
- Alt-F10 DOS Gateway. If there is sufficient memory available, and
- if the environment variable "COMSPEC" identifies a valid
- .COM or .EXE file, CCOLOR will load the program and execute
- it. This is used to load a second copy of COMMAND.COM for
- access to DOS while a communication session is in progress.
-
- Ctl-End Send a Break. This sends a true 'break' signal.
-
- Alt-A Toggle chat mode.
-
- Alt-B Redisplay (backscreen). This backscreen function is compati-
- ble with COM-AND version 2.8 and after. It is NOT compatible
- with COM-AND versions prior to 2.8.
-
- Alt-C Clear the screen.
-
- Alt-D Dialing directory.
-
- Alt-E Toggle echo (full/half duplex). This function is also
- invoked through the dialing directory (echo on).
-
- Alt-F File directory. A mask is required - just as DOS DIR
- command.
-
- Alt-G Toggle blank line suppression.
-
- Alt-H Hang-up. Hang-up the phone.
-
- Alt-I Program information. Author information. Propaganda.
-
- Alt-L Toggle CGA/EGA modes (if you have an EGA).
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- V. CCOLOR Commands using COM-AND (continued)
-
-
- Alt-M Define a macro for Alt-0 through Alt-9.
-
- Note: Although this menu can be used from either COM-AND or
- accessory, macros are defined through COM-AND and changes
- will be made on the COM-AND side.
-
- Alt-O Options. Set controlling flags for COM-AND.
-
- Note: Although this menu can be used from either COM-AND or
- accessory, it really only effects COM-AND settings.
-
- Alt-P Comm Parameters. Set baud rate, parity, number of data and
- stop bits for use when COM-AND is initially loaded. These
- settings are overridden by run-time switches. Whatever the
- current setting, the dialing directory overrides when used.
-
- Note: Although this menu can be used from either COM-AND or
- accessory, it really only effects COM-AND settings. Each
- accessory has an Alt-P function as well accessible only when
- the accessory is loaded with the '/P' switch.
-
- Alt-R Redial the last number dialed. The program will redial the
- last number dialed number until the function is terminated
- (with ESC), or connection is made.
-
- Alt-S Setup. Define initial program values, such as Modem initial-
- ization, the Modem Hangup sequence, and file names.
-
- Note: Although this menu can be used from either COM-AND or
- accessory, it really only effects COM-AND settings. Each
- accessory has an Alt-S function as well which may or may not
- be accessible when COM-AND is loaded.
-
- Alt-T Elapsed time. The time the program was loaded, and the time
- the last call (Alt-C or Alt-R) was placed are displayed.
-
- Alt-X Exit the program. The program may or may not hangup the
- phone, depending on the modem. Note: COM-AND is also
- terminated, no matter how you loaded CCOLOR and COM-AND.
-
- Alt-Z Toggle parity mask. The high bit mask is used only for text
- received and displayed.
-
- Alt-0/9 Send a Macro. A string of characters defined through the
- Alt-M command described above is transmitted.
-
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- VI. CCOLOR Commands Standalone
-
-
- When CCOLOR is loaded standalone (piggyback, /P) only the following
- Alt'd keys are active:
-
- Alt-C Toggle chat mode.
-
- Alt-C Screen Clear. Clear the text area.
-
- Alt-J Color. This menu allows setting of colors for menues, the
- status line, and for the text area during manual mode.
-
- Alt-L Toggle CGA/EGA modes (if you have an EGA).
-
- Alt-S Setup. This menu allows setting a defaults used by CCOLOR.
- It is also available through the 'Controls' pull-down.
-
- Alt-P Set Comm Parms. This menu provides a way to change default
- communications parameters used by CCOLOR ONLY when it is run
- piggyback. It is therefore only available when CCOLOR is
- run piggyback.
-
- Alt-X Exit the program. In this case (piggyback) only CCOLOR is
- terminated. You are returned to DOS.
-
-
- When used in this manner, the pull-down menues are still available,
- of course. Transcripting is the only function obtained through a
- pull-down that is inhibited when CCOLOR is run piggyback.
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- VII. CCOLOR Main Menu
-
-
- On the top line of the display in CCOLOR there is a menu of key-
- words. A keyword is selected (with the cursor keys or a mouse),
- and a submenu pulled-down (with the return or right mouse button).
- Submenu items are selected (again, with the cursor keys or a mouse),
- and executed (with the return, space bar, or left mouse button).
-
-
- Top-line menu items are selected with the Cursor right/left keys or
- right and left motion with the mouse. When the cursor key is de-
- pressed, the next menu item (in a circular manner) is highlighted.
- The highlighted keyword is 'selected'.
-
-
- A submenu is pulled-down with the Cursor-down key (or End, or PgDn,
- or the left mouse button). A submenu item is selected from a pull-
- down when it is highlighted by pressing the Cursor-down/up keys re-
- petitively. When the Cursor key is depressed, the next submenu item
- (again in a circular manner) is highlighted. The highlighted keyword
- is 'selected'.
-
-
- A selected submenu item is executed with a Carriage Return. That's
- the key with the silly arrow. When a submenu item is executed, the
- pull-down is released (it goes back up?). Hitting the Space-bar or
- the left mouse button will also execute the selected item.
-
-
- A pull-down is released without executing any item with any of the
- following keys: ESC, Home, PgUp, or right mouse button.
-
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color Page 14
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-
- VII. CCOLOR Main Menu (continued)
-
-
- A. Controls
-
- The 'Controls' pulldown allows you to select certain
- control functions. Controls are:
-
- . You may playback (and view) a saved conference
- . Transcripting may be turned on and off (if you
- loaded CCOLOR with COM-AND).
- . Turn keyboard display on and off.
- . Turn transcript hold on and off.
- . Invoke CCOLOR's Setup menu (Alt-S invokes COM-AND's
- Setup menu if COM-AND is loaded).
- . Invoke CCOLOR's Color menu (Alt-J invokes COM-AND's
- Color menu if COM-AND is loaded).
-
-
- B. Settings
-
- The 'Settings' pulldown allows you change program settings:
-
- . Set auto colors (you may not want all possible colors used
- ... you may select the colors applied in automatic mode)
-
- . Set manual mode
- . Set automatic mode
-
- C. Notes
-
- The 'Notes' pulldown allows you to:
-
- . Review (and edit) IDs seen by the automatic parser
-
- . Save your current manual settings
- . Save your current automatic ID assignments
- . Load a new notes file.
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- VIII. The Notes file
-
-
- CCOLOR tries to load a 'Notes' file when CCOLOR is loaded. The
- Notes file name is set though the Defaults menu (Use Controls pull-
- down, or if piggyback, Alt-S). The Notes file name may also be set
- with the /F option at run-time (see appendix A).
-
-
- The notes file is used to save manual and automatic assignments from
- use to use. CCOLOR automatically loads the Notes file when CCOLOR
- is loaded. CCOLOR only saves settings to the notes file when
- explicitly directed to do so (use the Notes pulldown).
-
-
- The manual mode of operation allows up to 16 IDs to be identified
- (with the color you select for that ID). The automatic mode allows
- up to 500 IDs to be preserved across sessions.
-
-
- Users of multiple systems will find the /F switch convenient. Each
- system can have its own Notes file, e.g. PLINK.NOT, GENIE.NOT, and
- so on. When CCOLOR is loaded, the particular notes file is
- specified with the /F switch, e.g.
-
-
- d> CCOLOR /FPLINK.NOT
- d> CCOLOR /FGENIE.NOT
-
- and so on...
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color Page 16
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- IX. Manual mode
-
-
- CCOLOR defaults automatic mode when it is loaded (unless you turn
- off automatic color assignment through the defaults menu or the /M
- switch). Select manual mode from the 'Settings' pulldown, or
- through the defaults menu (Alt-S).
-
-
- In manual mode, all received text is displayed using the foreground
- color specified in the Colors menu (Alt-J), except for IDs listed in
- the manual mode table. Text from the selected IDs is displayed in a
- selected color. When you select manual mode from the 'Settings'
- pulldown, the manual mode table of IDs is presented for editing.
-
-
- Editing the table consists of specifying IDs and selecting colors
- for each ID. You may delete an ID from the table simply by entering
- a blank ID. You may clear the entire table with one of the menu
- selections.
-
-
- The current Manual mode table is saved to the Notes file for another
- session's use with the 'Save Manual settings' of the 'Notes' pull-
- down. The Manual mode table is initialized from the notes file
- specified when CCOLOR was loaded (specified either through the
- Defaults menu of the /F switch).
-
-
- When CCOLOR is loaded with COM-AND, you have the use of a backscreen
- function (Alt-B). The backscreen is comprised of all text received
- by COM-AND up to the buffer size set through COM-AND's Defaults menu
- (64K). [Even text received before CCOLOR was loaded is accessible
- to CCOLOR, but saved as it was displayed... not highlighted by the
- CCOLOR function.]
-
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- X. Automatic mode
-
-
- CCOLOR defaults automatic mode when it is loaded (unless you turn
- off automatic color assignment through the defaults menu or the /M
- switch). Automatic modes and Manual modes are also selected from
- the 'Settings' pulldown.
-
-
- In automatic mode, all received text is parsed for an ID. Colors
- are assigned to each new ID recognized. Text is displayed in the
- selected color. The palette of colors used in automatic mode can be
- set through the 'Settings' pulldown.
-
-
- The list of IDs and colors is displayed through the 'Notes' pull-
- down. The list may be edited through the same function. Pages of
- the list - 16 IDs at a time - are displayed. The INS key begins the
- process of editing. Highlight an ID from the page with the cursor
- down key (or INS key). Select the ID with the enter key (the broken
- arrow). You may set the color of the ID, or delete it at this
- point.
-
-
- The current Automatic mode table is saved to the Notes file for
- another session's use with the 'Save Auto settings' of the 'Notes'
- pulldown. The Automatic mode table is initialized from the notes
- file specified when CCOLOR was loaded (specified either through the
- Defaults menu of the /F switch).
-
-
- When CCOLOR is loaded with COM-AND, you have the use of a backscreen
- function (Alt-B). The backscreen is comprised of all text received
- by COM-AND up to the buffer size set through COM-AND's Defaults menu
- (64K). [Even text received before CCOLOR was loaded is accessible
- to CCOLOR. Text received prior to CCOLOR is not highlighted.]
-
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color Page 18
-
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- XI. Program Configuration (Alt-S, and Alt-P)
-
-
- A. Setup Screen (Alt-S)
-
- 1. Files
-
- . Default Notes file
-
- When you save a position, you will be asked for a file name.
- The file name specified here is used if you enter a blank
- save file name to this query.
-
- . Default Log
-
- This file name will be used when you request transcripting
- and enter a blank in response to the log file name query.
-
- 2. Timings and Values
-
- . Break delay
-
- As noted above, the break delay is controlled through the
- Millisecond loop value. This value "break delay"
- specifies the number of "milliseconds" the comm line is
- held when a break is issued (Cntl-END).
-
- 3. Flags
-
- . Use BIOS for screen saves
-
- CCOLOR executes with alpha screen, so it can use BIOS
- routines for screen saves. BIOS is slower (menues pop-up
- and drop more slowly) than the default method, but some
- machines and some operating environments will require
- that you set this on (use /C in the run command).
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color Page 19
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- XI. Program Configuration (continued)
-
-
- A. Setup Screen (Alt-S) (continued)
-
- 3. Flags (continued)
-
- . Automatic assignment
-
- CCOLOR loads in automatic mode unless you turn it off with
- this flag. When this flag is off, CCOLOR is loaded in
- manual mode.
-
- . Highlight special words
-
- CCOLOR will scan received text for delimited words, and high-
- light them is a contrasting color. You may turn this feature
- (or back on) here.
-
- . Initial advert
-
- Turn off the advert after you've seen it. Just before you
- register... This only effects standalone usage.
-
- . Chat window
-
- This setting allows the chat window to be enabled whenever
- CCOLOR is run.
-
- . Keyboard buffer
-
- This setting allows the keyboard buffer to be enabled when-
- ever CCOLOR is run.
-
- . Exit Query
-
- Some people disdain the query "do you really and truly mean
- it" when they type Alt-X. Some feel it mandatory. CCOLOR
- is distributed with exit query disabled. You may enable it,
- if you're so inclined. This only effects standalone usage.
-
-
- 4. Save
-
- You may change values for one execution of CCOLOR, or you
- may change them for all subsequent executions of CCOLOR. If
- you save values, the values you've saved will be used the
- next time you run CCOLOR.
-
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color Page 20
-
-
- XI. Program Configuration (continued)
-
-
- B. Communications Parameters (Alt-P)
-
- 1. Rate + Parity + Data bits + Stop Bits
-
- Baud rate, parity, number of data bits and number of stop bits
- are specified in combination through the first 10 selections
- on the Alt-P window. These selections are the only way you
- may specify baud rate. Other parameters (parity, data bits,
- and stop bits) may be set individually (below).
-
- Do not change the current setting after you've connected to a
- service. Make your setting here before you use CCOLOR
- on-line.
-
- 2. Parity, Data bits and Stop bits
-
- Individual settings for parity, number of data bits and number
- of stop bits comprise the next 7 items of this menu. You also
- set these values when you create a dialing directory entry.
-
- Again - do not change the current setting after you've
- connected to a service. The settings on this screen are
- effective only when CCOLOR is run standalone. Changing a
- setting here could disconnect you.
-
- 3. COM ports
-
- The last four items on this menu are the candidates for COM
- ports. Select the appropriate port for your modem. This item
- is usually selected once, and then left alone.
-
- 4. Save
-
- You save the current settings for the next execution of CCOLOR
- through the "Save" selection. Settings are saved to disk.
-
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color Page 21
-
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- XI. Program Configuration (continued)
-
-
- C. Colors (Alt-J)
-
- You may set foreground and background colors for
-
- (1) the CRT text area (in manual mode),
-
- (2) the status line, and
-
- (3) the main menu and important menus (queries are set to
- black on white for contrast).
-
-
- The background color for the table is may not be changed.
-
-
- The color names are those used in the IBM Technical reference;
- if you have different names for some of the color values, I
- apologize. My wife and I have argued for years over 'beige'.
-
-
- Like other option menus, you can experiment with settings.
- Unless you save your settings, they are lost when the program
- terminates.
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color Page 22
-
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- XII. Program Requirements
-
-
- This program can only function on an IBM PC or DOS compatible
- machine.
-
-
- CCOLOR supports CGA, EGA. It may be used with an MDA or Hercules
- monitor, with a considerable loss of functionality. CCOLOR uses a
- Microsoft Mouse if one is available (not well, but it'll certainly
- get better).
-
-
- CCOLOR disk I/O is done through the 'Handle' oriented I/O routines
- added to DOS 2.0. Therefore DOS 2.0 is a minimum requirement.
-
-
- CCOLOR (version 1.3) requires 81K for itself. So you need 128.
- To take advantage of the DOS Gateway (use another comm program) or
- to use COM-AND, you'll need 384K.
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color Page 23
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- XIII. Program and Author Information
-
-
- This program was written using Microsoft Macro-Assembler. The
- author likes assembler. Assembly language is an entirely appro-
- priate vehicle for some of the program, and a not-inappropriate
- vehicle for the rest of it. Everything, in moderation...
-
-
- The author of this program is R. Scott McGinnis of Chicago,
- Illinois. PLINK and GEnie ID: TARTAN. Comment and suggestions
- (and criticism in moderation) are welcomed:
-
- CABER Software
- R. (Scott) McGinnis
- P.O. Box 3607 Mdse Mart
- Chicago, IL 60654-0607
-
-
- I thank my wife Elizabeth - I pitched this idea to her, and we both
- got so excited I coded up a demonstration the next day. I've been
- using it addictedly since then. She supported me literally and
- figuratively in this effort. Without her love and goodwill I'd be
- pretty sour by now.
-
-
- This program (Version 1.3) may be distributed freely with the caveat
- that the Author information displayed at program termination is not
- removed. If the program is found entertaining or useful, a regis-
- tration of $50.00 is required. Should response warrant it, I will
- continue to develop and support this product.
-
-
- Most of the hardware names and software names in this document are
- trademarks or trade names of specific manufacturers.
-
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color Page 24
-
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- A. Switches and parameters
-
-
- Program Switches:
-
- /C 'Compatible': BIOS is used for screen saves/restores, as required
- by certain machines and certain operating environments.
-
- /E 'EGA': An EGA, if available will be used for the display of a
- 43 line screen. The size of text is reduced, but for people
- who like to talk, its a great thing.
-
- /F 'File': You may specify a Notes file (other than the Defaults
- menu specification) with the /F switch followed by a valid file
- name. The name is limited to 26 characters in length.
-
- /M 'Manual mode': CCOLOR defaults to automatic mode when it is
- loaded. This flag sets manual mode at run-time.
-
- /P 'Piggyback': CCOLOR will open the COM port in such a manner as
- to retain another program's already opened line. When CCOLOR is
- exited, the previous state is restored. This is for use with
- other communications programs having a DOS Gateway (e.g.
- PROCOMM).
-
- /X 'Debug mode': This switch enables certain resident debugging
- keys. I do not recommend you use it.
-
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- Version 1.3: 910724 Appendices
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color Page 25
-
-
- A. Switches and Parameters (continued)
-
-
- Program parameters:
-
- COM1 CCOLOR uses the COM1 port
- COM2 CCOLOR uses the COM2 port
- COM3 CCOLOR uses the COM3 port
- COM4 CCOLOR uses the COM4 port
-
- 300 CCOLOR uses port at 300 baud
- 1200 CCOLOR uses port at 1200 baud
- 2400 CCOLOR uses port at 2400 baud
- 4800 CCOLOR uses port at 4800 baud
- 9600 CCOLOR uses port at 9600 baud
-
- EVEN CCOLOR uses port with even parity
- ODD CCOLOR uses port with odd parity
- NONE CCOLOR uses port with no parity
-
- DATA7 CCOLOR transmits/receives 7 data bits
- DATA8 CCOLOR transmits/receives 8 data bits
-
- STOP1 CCOLOR uses and expects 1 stop bit
- STOP2 CCOLOR uses and expects 2 stop bits
-
-
- Program switches require no delimiters. Parameters when contiguous
- must be preceded by a blank. For example:
-
- A> CCOLOR 1200 Run the program for 1200 baud communications
- A> CCOLOR /P1200 Piggyback, 1200 baud
- A> CCOLOR /P 1200 Piggyback, 1200 baud
-
-
- Program defaults are:
-
- A> CCOLOR COM2 300 EVEN DATA7 STOP1
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- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color Page 26
-
-
- B. Files
-
-
- Program files: CCOLOR expects the following files on the default
- drive (and subdirectory)
-
- CCOLOR.DFT Parameter save area (Alt-S, Alt-J and Alt-P)
-
-
- CCOLOR will create this file if it is not found. CCOLOR will auto-
- matically update the .DFT file if the program version number is
- different from the .DFT file version number. When CCOLOR is loaded,
- the old file format will be loaded. A new file will then be created
- to replace the old file.
-
-
- When a new major (e.g. 1.0, 2.0, ...) is released or when you move
- CCOLOR from one machine to another the previous .DFT file probably
- should be purged (and recreated by CCOLOR).
-
-
- CCOLOR also uses (if available) the following files:
-
- CCOLOR.NOT Default Notes file (manual and automatic settings)
- CCOLOR.LOG Default log file name
-
-
- Each of these file names may be changed through the ALT-S (Setup)
- Menu. CCOLOR currently implements the rule for file names: If the
- given file name carries a drive spec (i.e. C:) or path (sub-
- directory), the name is taken 'as is'. If neither condition holds,
- the default drive and subdirectory are added to the file name.
-
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- Version 1.3: 910724 Appendices
-
- CCOLOR: IBM PC Conference Color Page 27
-
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- C. Save file structure:
-
- 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
- +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---//
- ! 'C' ! 'C' ! 'O' ! 'L' ! 'O' ! 'R' ! <ver-rev> ! ...
- +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---//
-
- 8 ... 22
- //--+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+----/ /----+-----+---//
- ! Internal file pointers (manual/automatic sections) ! ...
- //--+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+----/ /----+-----+---//
-
- 22 ... 358
- //--+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---//
- ! Manual mode table ! ...
- //--+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---//
-
- 358 360 ... 11860
- //--+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---//
- ! Auto_Len ! Automatic mode table ! ...
- //--+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---//
-
-
- <Ver-rev> Binary, Version * 256 + Revision
- Auto_Len Size of Auto table used
-
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