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QCOM --------------------------------------------------------------------- Version 3.30 March 1996 Copyright 1990-1996 by RTFM Software and Richard W. Turenne Winnipeg, Mb. All Rights Reserved All users are granted a limited license to try QCom for a SINGLE thirty day evaluation period to determine its suitability. Continuing use beyond 30 days requires registration. See LICENSE.DOC for specific license restrictions. QCom is USER SUPPORTED. It is not Public Domain and is not free. If you decide to use this program, please show your support by registering it with the author. Your support ensures continued development and improvements. Upon registration you will be shown how to utilize the user defineable functions. You will be able to pre-define other external dos functions or other external protocols, or batch files, and access them with a single keystroke. Additionally, you will be able to eliminate the Shareware screen when QCom ends. When you register, you will receive the latest version of QCom on diskette and can optionally order an illustrated manual. After registration you are entitled to free technical support and may download and use updates as they are made available. See the file REGISTER for registration details. To print the registration form, press ALT-P while at the Shareware screen. Page 2 System Requirements ------------------- Minimum of one floppy drive, 512K or more memory, and a modem. QCom Features ------------- + Compact and VERY EASY to use. + Easy Modem Setup. + Modem finder. + Mouse support. + User Defined Main menu. + Configurable Com Port IRQ and address. + Easy Scripting. No programming experience required. + Extensive help. + Auto-Script maker. + FIFO (16550) UART support. + Transfer Protocols including Ascii, Xmodem, Xmodem1k, Ymodem, YmodemG, Zmodem, B Plus and any externals. + Terminal Emulation for TTY, ANSI, VT100. + Auto download/upload triggering for ZModem. + AutoSend, AutoHangup Timers and AutoEnd. + Dialing Directory size limited only by available conventional memory. + 500 line Scroll Back Buffer with text quoter. + File tagging for batch Uploads. + QCom Mail Processor offline mail reader. + Function key and Alt-Key Macros. + Mini-BBS QCom Host Page 3 C H A P T E R 1 Installation -------------------------------------------------------------------- To install QCom --------------- Insert the distribution disk in drive A: (you may use B: instead if required) Type "A:INSTALL"<Enter> The Install program will prompt for a target Directory. The default is C:\QCOM. To accept, press <Enter>. Or you may enter a directory of your choice. If the directory doesn't exist, Install will create it prior to copying its' files. The Install program will also create the other directories required for QCom Host within the directory you have chosen. If you are reinstalling or upgrading QCom, the Installation will not overwrite any pre-existing configuration files or Phone files. After installing the programs, QCom will automatically execute and begin the next stage: Setup and configuration which is described in the next chapter. Page 4 C H A P T E R 2 Quick Start --------------------------------------------------------------------- For Experienced Users: --------------------- QCom will automatically enter the Options screen during first time installation. If you're an experienced user and are already familiar with your hardware settings you can directly edit the Com Port and Modem initialization string here. If you are unsure of how to setup the various settings refer to section called Using the Menus to Configure QCom in Chapter 3. Options Screen: Edit :C:\QCOM\QCOM.CFG +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ |4 ; Modem Com Port | |57600 ; Baud rate | |N ; Parity (Also : Odd, Even, Mark, Space) | |8 ; Data bits | |1 ; Stop bits | |AT&F^M~AT&C1&D2&K3&Q5%C1S36=7^M ; Initialization String | |1 ; init on Carrier. 1=Ask, 0=don't ask. | |AT&Q5\N3DT ; Dialing prefix | |AT&Q6\N0DT | |00 ; International Dialing Prefix | |+ ; character for International Prefix | |*70, ; disable call waiting string | |+++^M~~~ATH0^M ; Hang-up string | |CONNECT ; String returned upon connection | |NO CARRIER ; String returned for no carrier | |NO DIALTONE ; String returned for no dial tone | |BUSY ; String returned when phone is busy | |RTS ; Flow control (also :RTS, NON) | |ANSI ; Default terminal emulation (TTY or ANSI) | |65 ; Timeout for connect | |5 ; Redial pause | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ F1:Menu F10:Save ESC:Exit Before running QCom verify the following settings are correct: - Com Port - Modem Initialization String - Upload/Download/Script directories The remainder of the Options can probably be left at the default settings while you try out QCom for the first time. Page 5 C H A P T E R 2 Quick Start ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Editing Options --------------- Many of the options QCom uses can be set by direct editing in the Options screen. Each line displayed represents a separate option. Some lines may contain multiple options. Each line may have a descriptive comment preceded by a semi-colon (";"). All text which follows the last semi-colon is regarded as a comment by QCom and is ignored. This means you may have more than one semi-colon on a line if needed. Do not change the order or sequence of the options. Setting Non-Standard Com Ports ------------------------------ On line 1 after the Com Port number add /I=n /A=a (where n = the desired IRQ number and a = the desired port address in decimal). Example: 4 /I=3 /A=744 ; Com Port Hex to decimal Conversion: Port Hex Decimal ---- ---- ------- Com1 03F8 1016 Com2 02F8 760 Com3 03E8 1000 Com4 02E8 744 Special Character codes in QCom Options --------------------------------------- "^" - Control symbol. Example: "^M" is used to represent Control-M or Carriage Return. "|" - Sends a Carriage Return to the modem. "~" - A half-second pause. Typically used to allow the modem time to execute commands in the initialization string. Some modems need more time than others. The pause is executed by QCom and the modem will not actually receive the "~" character. Saving Changes -------------- When finished editing, save your changes with F10. Qcom will resume and attempt to initialize the modem. Wait a few moments while the modem is being initialized. Once the modem initializes properly, you may proceed to the section on Dialing in Chapter 5. If an error message occurs refer to the Trouble Shooting section for possible solutions. Page 6 C H A P T E R 3 Configuration Overview ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Using the Menus to Configure QCom --------------------------------- To access the Pull-Down Menus, press F1 while in the Options Screen Selecting from the various menus may assist you in setting your Com Port, Modem type and any other options you wish. Note the status line at the bottom displays a line describing each menu function Menu Descriptions ----------------- File Menu --------- Load File - Allows the loading of alternate configuration files. Since QCom can be setup with multiple configurations, this feature allows easier maintenance of different configuration files. Save File - Saves options into the currently loaded configuration file. by default this file is called QCOM.CFG. Save File As - Saves options into configuration file which can be specified prior to saving. This is useful when creating alternate configurations. Exit - Exits QCom Configuration and returns to QCom or the DOS prompt depending on how it was started. Edit Menu --------- Edit QCom.CFG - Edit the configuration file in its' entirety Paths - Edit the paths options only FileNames - Edit the Filename options only Modem Strings - Edit the Modem Return Strings only Dialing Prefixes - Edit the Dialing Prefixes only Modem Menu ---------- Port Settings - Set all communications options here. See section called Communication Port Settings in Chapter 4. Modem Setup - Select modem configuration from a list of over 400 modems. See section called Modem Setup in Chapter 4. Find Modem(s) - Helps find which Com port the modem is on. Init on CD - Option to initialize the modem when a carrier is detected upon startup. When checked, QCom will initialize without prompting and when not checked, QCom will prompt before initializing. Page 6 C H A P T E R 3 Configuration Overview ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dialing Menu ------------ Maximum Redials - Sets the number of times QCom will attempt a connection before stopping. Set this value to zero to have unlimited redials. Connect TimeOut - Time limit in seconds before commencing a redial. Redial Pause - Duration of pause between redials in seconds. Terminal Menu ------------- Colors - Screen colors can be set here. Emulation - Select Terminal emulation. Sound/Music - Toggle sound effect support on or off. Bios Video - Output to screen using the BIOS. Options Menu ------------ AutoBaud Detect - Automatically adjusts modem speed to match Host speed. Most modern modems do this internally. Normally leave this disabled unless your modem requires it. Display Directory - Automatically display Dialing Directory on startup. Sort Directory - When enabled, sorts the Dialing Directory entries alphabetically. Show User Menu - When enabled, this displays the User Menu when QCom is started. Printer - Selects the default printer port. AutoSend Timeout - AutoSend will send a carriage return to the host after the timeout period. This will prevent the host from disconnecting because of keyboard inactivity when you must step away from the computer while on-line. Timeout of zero disables this feature. AutoHangUp Timeout - AutoHangUp will disconnect the modem if the keyboard is inactive past the time-out period. Zero will disable the feature. AutoEnd - AutoEnd will end QCom when an AutoHangUp occurs. Line Pacing - The time delay in milliseconds between lines when sending a file via ASCII Upload (Alt-U). Character Pacing - The time delay in milliseconds between characters when sending a file via ASCII Upload (Alt-U). Protocols Menu -------------- Protocol Prompt - When enabled, will prompt the user for a protocol before commencing a file transfer. If disabled, a file transfer will start immediately upon receiving the command to begin. Xfer Options - File Transfer protocol options. For more details see the section called Protocol Options in Chapter 4. AutoDownload - When enabled, QCom will commence downloading when it receives the download string from the Host. AutoUpload - When enabled, QCom will prompt for a file to upload after it receives the upload command string from the Host. After a file is selected the transfer will commence. Page 7 C H A P T E R 3 Configuration Overview ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Keyboard Menu ------------- Function Keys - Allows editing Function Key definitions called Macros. See the section Function Keys Macros in Chapter 7. Alt-Keys - Allows editing Alt-Key definitions. See the section called Adding Alt-Key Macros in Chapter 7. Page 8 C H A P T E R 4 Configuration ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Communication Port Settings --------------------------- To set QCom system default Com port settings permanently, select the Port Settings choice under the Modem Menu in QCom Configuration. Changing an option is simply a matter of pressing the highlighted letter to select the option desired. Alternately, you can click the options with your mouse. When finished, press Enter or click the "Done" button with the mouse. Qcom will save the new settings. To exit without saving changes press ESC. Modem Setup ----------- Select Modem Setup under the Modem Menu in QCom Configuration. A list of over 400 modems will be displayed. Select the modem which most closely matches your modem and press Enter or double click with the mouse left button. This will update the modem initialization string. See the next paragraph if your modem is not listed. Modem Initialization Strings ---------------------------- Modem settings are critical to the correct operation of both QCom and your modem. The initialization string is a series of commands which the modem understands. When Qcom starts it sends this string to the modem to establish the settings needed. In most cases the default factory settings will do the job nicely. QCom does have a few requirements where modem settings are concerned, however. If your modem is not listed in the Modem list the following Initialization string may get you going if your modem is Hayes compatible: AT&F^M AT &C1 &D2 Q0 V1 X4^M This will set up the factory defaults and certain settings for Qcom. File Transfer Protocols ----------------------- Transfer protocols are used as a method of flow-control and error checking when transferring files. These protocols may be specified when adding to the Dialing Directory. The use of ZModem protocol is recommended if the host computer has the option available. QCom will default to using the built-in protocol unless an external protocol is otherwise specified when editing the Dialing Directory or just prior to starting a file transfer. Adding/Editing File Transfer Protocols -------------------------------------- Select XFer Options under the Protocols Menu in QCom Configuration. To edit an existing entry, select it using the arrow keys. Press "E". To Add a new entry, select a blank entry marked with "*******". The sample below shows ZModem options. Page 9 C H A P T E R 4 Configuration ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Adding/Editing File Transfer Protocols Continued ------------------------------------------------ QCom Configuration File Edit Modem Dialing Terminal Options Protocols Keyboard +------------------+ | _Protocol Prompt | | XFer Options | | _Auto-DownLoad | +- Transfer Protocols --+ | Zmodem | +------------------------- EDIT Protocol Options ----------------------+ | +--------------------------------------------------------------------+ | | Menu Name : Zmodem | | | Program Name : QZ.EXE | | | D/L Options : rz -rm | | | U/L Options : sz -rm | | | AutoDL/UL [Y/N]: Y | | | AutoDL String : **B00 | | | AutoUL String : **B01 | | | Pause [Y/N] : N | | +--------------------------------------------------------------------+ | F10:Save ESC:Exit | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ Add and Configure Protocols QCom ZModem Options ------------------- The following is a list of available ZModem options. QCom comes with preset options and in most cases it will not be necessary to change any settings. Following is a list of available options: -r Receive a file. This switch must come last. -s Send a file. This must be the last switch. -p Send or accept complete path names. -b#### Specify the CONNECT baud rate -l#### Specify a locked baud rate. -h Hardware flow control (RTS/CTS). -i Ignore absence of carrier detect signal. -v Disable serial I/O during disk writes. -w#### Transmit window size (must be a multiple of 128). -x Escape all control characters. -x# Escape specific control characters -6 Force use of 16 bit CRC. -y overrides received filename File exists options. -e0 Do not download. -e1 Resume at the end of current file (default). -e2 Download the file as a separate file. -e3 Overwrite the existing file. 16550 related switches: -d Do not enable 16550 FIFO mode. -t# Characters per interrupt (range 1 to 16). -m Disable modem status register interrupts. Page 10 C H A P T E R 4 Configuration ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Adding/Editing File Transfer Protocols Continued ------------------------------------------------ QCom comes with protocol settings for the popular external file transfer program called DSZ by Omen Technology. This is provided for the convenience of those who use DSZ and for illustrative purposes for those who wish to add other external protocols. If you wish to use this protocol it will be necessary to obtain a copy from the normal shareware channels. It is NOT supplied with QCom. Protocol Options ---------------- Menu Name -The Protocol name which appears in the Protocol list. Program Name -Program name to execute. D/L Options -Command line options when downloading (receiving files) U/L Options -Command line options when uploading (sending files) AutoD/L Y/N -Enable/Disable automatic file transfers AutoD/L String -Command string which triggers download AutoU/L String -Command string which triggers upload Pause Y/N -Wait for user input before returning to QCom after transfer. Setting Colors -------------- To set QCom system colors, select the Colors choice under the Terminal Menu QCom Configuration. Select the screen element from the Screen Elements list box using the arrow keys or mouse. Use the TAB key (or mouse) to move between Screen Elements list and the Color Chart. Use arrow keys while in the Color Chart to select colors. Each new color selected will update the sample screen to show the effects of your changes. Press Enter when done to save changes. Press ESC to quit without saving. Page 11 C H A P T E R 5 Dialing Directory ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Adding Dialing Entries ---------------------- The Dialing Directory stores data about the online services you use. Before dialing, you must first add entries to the list. All Dialing Directory commands can be activated by clicking on the buttons with the mouse, or by pressing the high-lighted letter key. +------------------------- Dialing Directory --------------------------+ | # Name Phone Comments | +----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1 | RTFM Software BBS |1-204-632-5675 |QCom SUPPORT BBS | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | +----------------------------------------------------------------------| | <A>dd <E>dit <C>lone <D>elete <M>anual <O>thers | | <- :Dial SPACE:Tag/Untag <U>ntag all ESC:Exit | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ Adding entries to the Directory is straightforward. Press "A" and the Editing Dialing Entry screen will appear: +-------------------------- EDIT Dialing Entry -----------------------+ | + Host Information ---------------------------------------------+ | | | Name : RTFM Software BBS | | | | Phone No. : 1-204-632-5675 | | | | Comments : QCom SUPPORT BBS | | | | Dial Prefix: 1 Last Online : | | | | Password : Total Calls : 0 | | | +---------------------------------------------------------------+ | | + Communication Settings ---------------------------------------+ | | | Protocol : ZModem Parity : N | | | | Baud Rate : 2400 Data Bits: 8 | | | | Emulation : ANSI-BBS Stop Bits: 1 | | | +---------------------------------------------------------------+ | | + Session Options --------------+ + File Names ----------------+ | | | [ ] Echo On [ ] AutoBaud | | Macro : | | | | [ ] Add LF [X] AutoDL/UL | | Script : | | | | [ ] Capture | | Capture : | | | +-------------------------------+ +----------------------------+ | | F10:Save ESC:Exit | +---------------------------------------------------------------------+ QCom will fill many of the fields with your system default settings. System default settings are changed in the Options screen. When editing, use the Arrow keys, TAB key, ENTER key and/or mouse to select fields to edit. With phone numbers, you can have multiple or Alternate numbers. To add or edit Alternate numbers, press ALT-A and the Alternate list will pop up allowing you to add/edit numbers. (Tip: The bottom status line will display a reminder prompt) Page 12 C H A P T E R 5 Dialing Directory ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Adding Dialing Entries Continued... -------------------------------- On some fields, popup lists will display available choices. For example, Protocol and Baud Rates will appear as popup lists. Select your choice with arrow keys and press Enter (or double click left mouse button). Note: The Script list allows you to press ESC to allow you to enter the name of a script not found on the list. The Script list is a listing of the script files located in the Script subdirectory specified in QCom's Options screen. As a bare minimum, QCom needs a host name and phone number in order to dial. If the system default settings are correct, you may save your entry with F10 and proceed to Dialing. Session Options Session Options can be toggled on or off by pressing the Space Bar when the cursor is positioned at one of the check boxes. Here's what they do: Echo On -must be enabled when the host computer does not "echo back" your keystrokes. Add LF -adds a linefeed to each incoming line. Use this when incoming lines appear to overwrite each other. Capture - to capture your session to disk, this must be enabled. Additionally, a capture file name must be specified in the File Names box. AutoBaud -detects host connect baud rate and adjusts the modem speed accordingly. Most modem modems do NOT need this enabled. AutoDL/UL -When enabled, will start file transfers upon receipt of the appropriate command string from the host. File Names Macro -this allows you to specify a file which contains any Function Key macros. If no file is specified, QCom will load QCom.MAC by default. Script -if a script file is specified it will load when the Dial command is executed in the Dialing Directory. The script will begin executing after connection to the host is successful. Capture -the file in which to store captured text. The Capture option must also be enabled. Tip: If you need to capture raw, unfiltered data, append the " /A" switch after the filename. Page 13 C H A P T E R 5 Dialing Directory ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Editing Dialing Entries ----------------------- To edit an entry, select it using the arrow keys or mouse to highlight a choice. Once selected, press "E". The Edit screen will be displayed. Editing is performed in the same manner as when adding an entry. Clone This will create a duplicate of the selected entry. Delete This will delete the selected entry after asking for confirmation. Manual This will permit manual entry of a phone number for immediate dialing using the system default settings. Others Displays other information columns. Dialing To dial, select the host using the arrow keys or mouse to highlight a choice. (HOT TIP: Pressing ALT and a letter will put the cursor on the first line beginning with that letter.) Once selected, press ENTER to dial. During dialing the Dialing Status box will be displayed: +----------------------------- DIALING -----------------------------+ | +-----------------------------------+ +-------------------------+ | | | Host Name: RTFM Software BBS | | Last On : | | | | Phone : 1-204-632-5675 | | Times On : 0 | | | +-----------------------------------+ +-------------------------+ | | +-----------------------------------+ +-------------------------+ | | | Dialing : ATDT1-204-632-5675 | | Time Left : 55 secs | | | | Result : | | Attempts : 1 | | | +-----------------------------------+ +-------------------------+ | | SPACE:Next ESC:Exit | +-------------------------------------------------------------------+ Dialing will continue until a connection is successful or until interrupted by a Space Bar or ESC keystroke. Once connected, Qcom will return to the Terminal screen for interaction with the Host. Tag/Untag Marks/unmarks one or more entries for multiple dialing. Qcom will dial marked entries until each have been connected or until user intervention. Untag All Unmarks any marked entries. The Dialing Directory can be as large as you like and there is no preset restriction to the number of entries. If needed, you can have multiple Directory files and load a different file at startup using the "/P" command line switch. See the section Command Line Switches in Chapter 6. Page 14 C H A P T E R 6 Running QCom ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Command Line Switches --------------------- Command line: QCOM [/Sfilename.SCR] [/Cfilename.CFG] [/Pfilename.FON] [/B] Optional Command Line Parameters In addition to specifying a script, the user can specify an alternate configuration file and an alternate phone directory file. This allows network users to have CFG and FON files tailored to their individual needs. Command line Switches are: /S - load and execute script file /C - load alternate configuration file /P - load alternate phone directory /B - force monochrome The options may be in any order. The switches (/S,/C,/P) must NOT have a space preceding the filename. When the command line options are not used, QCom defaults to QCom.CFG and QCom.FON. QCom Status Line Detail ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Alt-Z:Help SEC Host system name Online 05:55:55 Z COM1:2400N8 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | |||| | | | | | | |||| | | | | | Commands |||| | | | | | Script on -- ||| | | | | | Echo On ----- || | | | | | Capture On --- | | | | | | Alarm Off ----- | | | | | Host name --------------- | | | | Carrier status --------------------------- | | | Time connected ----------------------------------- | | Transfer protocol -------------------------------------- | ] Com│Γication tort, √Ñud, pa≤ity andñdaΘa╛ts - C H A P T E R 6 Running QCom ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Command Reference ----------------- ALT-A: Toggles the sound and music support on or off. ALT-B: Allows the user to scroll back up to 500 lines of received data. See the section called Scroll-Back Screen later in this chapter . ALT-C: Communication parameters can be modified here. See Communication Port Settings in Chapter 4. These changes remain in effect until changed again or until QCom ends. ALT-D: Displays the dialing directory. Use the arrow keys to select a number and ENTER to dial that number. Other keys that are PGUP, PGDN, HOME and END. HOT TIP: Pressing ALT and a letter will put the cursor on the first line beginning with that letter. See Chapter 5 for more information aboout the Dialing Directory. ALT-E: Toggles local echo on or off. This is used when the host does not echo back the characters that you enter on the keyboard. An "E" is displayed in the left-hand box on the Status Line when local echo is on. ALT-F: Toggles adding linefeeds to incoming and outgoing lines. Use this when incoming lines appear to overwrite each other. ALT-G: Toggles output to printer on and off. Sends all incoming text the printer. Make sure the printer has paper and is online. ALT-H: Sends the hang-up string to the modem and toggles DTR to hang-up the phone. ALT-I: Will save the current screen image to a text file as specified in the QCom.CFG file. Default filename is QCOM.SCN which can be changed in Options (use ALT-O). ALT-J: Allows shelling out to DOS without ending QCom. External programs can be executed while online. ALT-K: Switches between ANSI (VT100) and TTY terminal emulation. ALT-L: Toggles the "Capture" or logging function. If on, all incoming text will be saved in a file named as specified in the Options. The default files is QCOM.CAP. If the file does not exist in the default directory, it will be created. Otherwise data is appended to the existing capture file. A "C" is displayed in the left-hand box on the Status Line when capture is on. ALT-M: Sends the modem initialization string to the modem. ALT-N: Split-screen which separates incoming text and outgoing keystrokes during a "chat" session. Page 16 C H A P T E R 6 Running QCom ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Command Reference Continued --------------------------- ALT-O: Brings up the Options Screen . See Chapters 3 and 4 for more information on Options and Configuration ALT-P: Sends the current password from an entry of the Dialing Directory when you have dialed and connected to that host. ALT-Q: Load and execute a script. ALT-R: Re-dials the last phone number dialed when no entries are "Tagged". Otherwise QCom will continue dialing "Tagged" entries. ALT-S: Toggles the Script Save function. See the Script section for more information on making and using scripts. ALT-T: Allows changing of the transfer protocol currently in effect. ALT-V: Allows the use of an external editor or file viewer. The editor (or file viewer) of choice is defined in Options. ALT-U: Will send a text file to the host with no error-checking. For example, you might use it when sending a message to an electronic mail service. Instead of editing the message online, you can prepare your message in advance. Once online, go to the message editing screen on the host and then use ALT-U to upload your file. Use this method when uploading to an editor which cannot handle uploading with the faster ASCII protocol. ALT-W: Wipes the screen clear. ALT-X: Ends QCOM. ALT-Y: Starts Host Mode. See the Chapter on Running Host Mode. Page 17 C H A P T E R 6 Running QCom ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Command Reference Continued --------------------------- ALT-Z: Displays the following Command Help screen. Command Help Screen +------------------- QCom 3.xx Commands ---------------------------+ | + ----------------------------------------------------+ | | | Alarm on/off.......Alt-A Split Screen.......Alt-N | | | | Scroll Back........Alt-B Options/Config.....Alt-O | Status | | | Com Parameters.....Alt-C Send Password......Alt-P | | | | Dialing............Alt-D Queue Script.......Alt-Q | Alarm | | | Local Echo on/off..Alt-E Redial Last........Alt-R | Baud 2400 | | | Add LF on/off......Alt-F Script Save on/off.Alt-S | Parity N | | | Print on/off.......Alt-G Transfer method....Alt-T | Data 8 | | | Hang-up modem......Alt-H Ascii Upload.......Alt-U | Echo | | | Save screen Image..Alt-I View/Edit File.....Alt-V | LF | | | Shell to DOS.......Alt-J Wipe screen........Alt-W | Print | | | Terminal type......Alt-K End QCom...........Alt-X | Term | | | Capture on/off.....Alt-L Host Mode..........Alt-Y | Capture | | | Initialize Modem...Alt-M Commands...........Alt-Z | | | | | FIFO o | | | Send Break......Ctrl-End F-Key Macros.....Ctrl-F1 | DCD o | | | Receive files.......PgDn Alt-Key Macros...Ctrl-F2 | CTS o | | | Send files..........PgUp Doorway mode.......Alt-= | DSR o | | | User Menu......Alt-Space | | | +-----------------------------------------------------+-----------+ | F1:Help Select Command ESC:Exit | +--------------------------------------------------------------------+ PGUP: Uploads (sends) a file to the other system. See the section called Transferring Files in later in this Chapter. PGDN: Downloads (receives) a file from the host computer. See the section called Transferring Files later in this Chapter. ALT-=: Toggles "Doorway" mode. This removes the status line when in Doorway mode and gives full screen display for using remote applications. Allows you to make full use of all keys while online. All Alt-key combinations except ALT-= are sent out and their usual functions are disabled in this mode. For example, PgUp, PgDn, Home, End and the cursor key codes are transmitted. Status line and all key functions are restored when Doorway mode is turned off. Page 18 C H A P T E R 6 Running QCom ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Command Reference Continued --------------------------- ALT-Minus: Enables/disables debugging during script execution. The Status Line displays the next line of text which the current script is waiting for. ALT-Space: Enables the user defined Main menu when at the terminal screen. For more information see the section called User Menu Setup in Chapter 4. Ctrl-END Sends Break signal to host. Used for terminating some mainframe connections. Definable macro keys. Use them to send text or to execute a script command. See the section F1-F10: Definable macro keys. Use macro keys to send text to the host or to execute script commands. See the section Function Key Macros in Chapter 7. Ctrl-F1 Displays the "Function Key Macros" as they appear in the last macro file to be loaded. If macros are "Named" then the display will show them as "buttons" above the Status Line. Ctrl-F2 Displays current status of the "Alt Key Macros". Scroll-Back Screen In Terminal mode, when text scrolls off the screen it can be viewed or otherwise manipulated in the ScrollBack Screen. Qcom can display up to the last 500 lines of text received. Available Commands <F>ind -Find text contained in the Scroll-Back <S>ave -Saves all text contained in the Scroll-Back to disk <E>rase -Erases all text contained in the Scroll-Back <Q>uote -Select lines of text. Selected lines may be saved to disk, printed or sent to the host. Page 19 C H A P T E R 6 Running QCom ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Transferring Files ------------------ Sending (Uploading) and receiving (Downloading) files between computers involves the use of File Transfer Protocols. A protocol is simply a method of monitoring transfer progress and error checking of the transferred data. There are many protocols in use today each has a different approach to getting files moved from one place to another. QCom includes some of those most commonly used. When selecting a protocol it makes sense to use one that is both fast and reliable. ZModem is such a protocol and it is recommended as your first choice if the host computer supports it. When setting protocols, ensure that the host protocol matches the one chosen at your end. Protocols absolutely do not mix. If you have initiated a transfer and nothing happens then double check protocol settings at both ends of the connection. Downloading If XModem or YModem are the protocols selected, press PGDN to initiate the transfer. You'll be prompted to enter the filename to receive. QCom tries to guess the filename based on recently entered text and places its' guess at the prompt. If ZModem is selected, entry of filenames is not required and in fact, pressing PGDN is not required if AutoDL is enabled. QCom will start ZModem automatically when it receives the Zmodem Receive string. Page 20 C H A P T E R 6 Running QCom ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Transferring Files Continued ---------------------------- Uploading Press PGUP to initiate the transfer. You will be prompted to enter a filename to upload. The file can be preceded by a path only if NO upload path is specified in Options. If using a batch type protocol (one that can send multiple files, ZModem or YModem for example), when prompted for a file, press ENTER with any global file specification (e.g. *.* ). The QCom File Manager containing filenames based on that specification will be displayed: +------------------------ Qcom File Manager ------------------------+ | +-------------------------------------------------------------+ | | |Path: C:\QCOM\*.* | | | +-------------------------------------------------------------+ | | +---------------------------------------------+ | | | .. | | F1:Help | | | | [-A-] _ | | | | [-B-] | | Copy | | | | [-C-] _ | | | | areas.hos 908 12-13-94 03:18a _ | | Delete | | | | bye.hos 1223 12-13-94 03:18a _ | | | | features.doc 824 12-13-94 03:18a _ | | Rename | | | | file_id.diz 345 12-13-94 03:18a _ | | | | files.doc 2388 12-13-94 03:18a _ | | View | | | | foncon.exe 5009 12-13-94 03:18a _ | | | | hello.hos 3246 12-13-94 03:18a _ | | Edit | | | | help.hos 2038 12-13-94 03:18a _ | | | | install.exe 13667 12-13-94 03:18a _ | | <-+:Done | | | | menu.hos 1842 12-13-94 03:18a _ | | | | qb.exe 7958 12-13-94 03:18a | | ESC:Exit | | | +---------------------------------------------+ | | | +-------------------------------------------------------------------+ Simply use the cursor keys to select a files and select (Tag) them by pressing the SPACE Bar. When finished tagging, press ENTER and QCom will upload all the files selected. Page 21 C H A P T E R 6 Running QCom ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Transferring Files Continued ---------------------------- During a file transfer, the progress status will be displayed in the following display. File Transfer Screen +-------------------------- SENDING Zmodem ---------------------------+ | + Current File ----------------------------------------+ File Total| | | File Name : | _ 100% _ | | | File Size : Bytes Moved: | _ - _ | | | Estimated Time: | _ - _ | | | Elapsed Time : | _ - _ | | | File CPS : | _ - _ | | +------------------------------------------------------+ _ - _ | | + Batch Status ----------------------------------------+ _ - _ | | | Expected Files: Files Moved: | _ - _ | | | Expected Bytes: Bytes Moved: | _ - _ | | | Estimated Time: | _ 50% _ | | | Elapsed Time : Average CPS: | _ - _ | | +------------------------------------------------------+ _ - _ | | + Messages --------------------------------------------+ _ - _ | | | RQINIT HEX 00000000 0 | _ - _ | | | RQINIT HEX 00000000 0 | _ - _ | | +------------------------------------------------------+ _ - _ | | ESC:Exit _ 0% _ | +---------------------------------------------------------------------+ Page 22 C H A P T E R 7 Macros ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Function Key Macros ------------------- Macros can do two things. They can send text to the host and they can execute script commands. Since a script command can, among other things, execute any DOS command or batch file, function key macros can be as simple or complex as needed. To aid in remembering which Function Key is assigned to which macro, Macro "Buttons" can optionally be displayed on screen. Each macro can be assigned a descriptive name which will be shown in the on-screen "button". (Once a macro file is loaded, you can toggle the macro "button" display with CTRL-F1.) (A sample macro file is included in the distribution called QCom.MAC. You may want to print it out and have it handy while reading this.) To maintain backward compatibility, we've kept the Macro Names feature optional. If there is no name associated with a macro, then it will not appear as one of the buttons on screen but it will still work. Macro File Layout: (Text within the [ ] brackets is optional) [<Macro Name>] !Script Command [; comments] [<Macro Name>] Text to send [; comments] In the following example, the password for the current Dialing Directory Entry will be sent to the Host when F1 is pressed, and my name when F2 is pressed. The "buttons", "Password" and "Name" will appear on screen when CTRL-F1 is pressed. It should be remembered that screen space is a limited resource. 10 long macro names cannot fit across the screen, so keep the names short. Example: <Password> !A-P ;F1 send password with script cmd. <Name> Richard Turenne^M ;F2 Send my name to host <Exit> !A-X ;F3 End QCom <Mail> !A-Q Mail.SCR ;F4 Run a script to download mail Note the "!" telling QCom to execute ALT-P rather than send "!a-P". Also note no space characters can be included within the name portion of the macro. You can edit the sample Macro file to suit your requirements and make duplicate copies under other filenames to be edited for use with specific Dialing Entries. The default Macro is named in QCom.CFG. This macro file will load when QCom is started or when you dial an entry without a specified macro file. Each macro file can have ten lines. The lines relate directly to the function key it is assigned to. That is, line one will be assigned to F1, line 2 to F2 and so on to line 10 assigned to F10. If you wish to leave unassigned Function keys, then leave the line blank. Control codes can be sent with the use of the "^" character. Example: "^[" = an escape character "^M" = a carriage return "|" = a carriage return Page 23 C H A P T E R 7 Macros ---------------------------------------------------------------------- User Defined Main Menu ---------------------- The User Defined Main Menu allows the user to setup the most frequently used Qcom tasks on one menu. The figure below shows the sample Main Menu supplied with QCom. To popup the menu press ALT-SPACE. To add, remove or change the menu items is simply a matter of editing the text file called QCom.MNU. The menu operates using script commands. Each menu item consists of a pair of lines in the menu file. The first line of each pair will appear on the menu list and the second line is the script command. +----- User Menu ------+ | Call RTFM BBS | | Dialing Directory | | QCom Mail Processor | | Configure QCom | | Host Mode | | Edit this Menu | | Exit QCom | +----------------------+ Contents of sample QCom.MNU text file: Call &RTFM BBS ;DIAL RTFM Dialing Directory ;a-D QCom &Mail Processor ;DOS QMP Configure QCom ;A-O Host Mode ;A-Y &Edit this Menu ;DOS QE QCom.mnu E&xit QCom ;A-X Explanation of first menu choice from the menu sample: Call &RTFM BBS - this line appears on the Menu itself. The "&" precedes the "HotKey" character to be highlighted on the menu. ;DIAL RTFM - the script command that performs the action. For more information on Script commands see Chapter 8. Page 24 C H A P T E R 8 Scripts ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Scripts ------- Scripts are used for automating repetitive tasks such as dialing, logging in to an online service, and transferring files or retrieving electronic mail. A script is generally made up of a series of commands for QCom to execute at the appropriate time. The script can tell QCom to send text to the host or it can make QCom execute one of its' internal functions. Many communication programs provide powerful script functionality at the expense of ease of use. As a result most users never even attempt to create their own scripts and thus are paying for something they can't use. Qcom attempts to restore some ease of use back into scripting. You do not need to be a computer programmer to create and edit and modify your very own QCom scripts. Steps To Making A Script QCom has a built-in Script-Save feature to simplify the creation of scripts. When saving a script, QCom saves every line of incoming text on which the user is prompted for input and which is terminated with a carriage return ( by pressing the ENTER key). Any line that prompts the user but does not require the ENTER key to be pressed, will not be saved in the script. Such lines would have to be manually added into the script with a text editor. To create a typical login script you would do the following: 1. From the Dialing Directory dial the chosen host. 2. When the host answers and immediately after the Dialing box clears, press Alt-S to start the script saver. It will prompt you to enter the name of your script. If, for example, you're calling CompuServe, you could name it CIS.SCR. 3. QCom will save each line of incoming text which prompts you for input. For example the host may prompt you... ENTER YOUR FULL NAME : To which you respond by typing in your name and pressing ENTER when the name is complete. Always type entries in, don't use Function key macros when saving a script. If/when prompted topress "ANY" key always press ENTER. QCom will store the host's prompt, and the text you have entered in the script. (Note: with BBS software that has "HotKey" menu choices where the user is not required to press ENTER after selecting a choice, QCom will not be able to save the line unless you press ENTER. There is no way for QCom to know when it should save a line and which line to save when using "HotKeys". When saving a script, temporarily disable the Hotkey feature at the BBS end.) 4. QCom will also store any internal commands you give it. 5. When you wish to stop saving a script press Alt-S again. 6. To have this new script execute when you call this number again, add the name of your new script into that entry in the Dialing Directory. The next time you dial that number the script will be loaded and executed. Page 25 C H A P T E R 8 Scripts ---------------------------------------------------------------------- QCom Script Format ------------------ A QCom script is a text file which contains the script lines. Each line will consist of either a script command or simply a "Text In / Text Out" line. Most script commands are exact duplicates of the Alt- Key Commands used elsewhere in QCom. The commands Alt-A through Alt-Z can be used in scripts by simply entering "A-" to represent ALT, followed by the key letter. Other script commands are provided to add functionality and they are descibed in more detail in the section called Script Command Reference, later in this chapter. In a script the semi-colon is all important. Its position in the line tells QCom whether the line is a command, or a "Text In / Text Out" line. Its absence tells Qcom the line is a comment and the line will be ignored. The following is a script which contains several examples of a typical script lines you might create. A Sample script: This line is only a comment. QCom will ignore it. Here's a script command. Put a message on screen. ;ECHO ^M This is the start of my first script! ^M Another command. Use an ALT command to Capture the session to file.txt ;a-L c:\capture\file.txt Here's a "Text In / Text Out" line. Note the semi colon separates incoming from outgoing What is your full name?;John Doe^M Sends password from the Directory entry we just dialed Password (Dots will echo)?;a-P Scan Message Base Since 'Last Read' (Enter)=yes;^M Press (Enter) to continue;^M Receive (downloading) a file min. left) Main Board Command?;d^M Filename to Download (Enter)=none?;file.arc^M downloads "file.arc" ;D/L file.arc Press (Enter) to continue;^M Goodbye min. left) Main Board Command?;g^M Give hangup command ;a-H Y Execute another script ;a-Q MyBBS.SCR See the file QCOM.SCR included with QCom for more script examples. In order to use a script automatically, put the name of the script file in the SCRIPT field in the Dialing Directory entry. Page 26 C H A P T E R 8 Scripts ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Command Line Scripts -------------------- Command line scripts allow you to start Qcom, dial a number, transfer files, hangup and end Qcom automatically. To execute this script from the commandline use the following command: "QCom /SMyScript.scr" (where MyScript.scr is a script previously created) The "/S" tells QCom that the following is the name of a script to execute. You must use the full script filename. When a script is executing you will see an upper case "S" on the Status line.o Command Line Scripts To start a script at any time use the ALT-Q command. To stop script execution at any time, press ALT-S. When your script dials a directory entry that has another script specified, the second script will be ignored. You can, however, call another script by using the ALT-Q command. (e.g. ";a-Q ANOTHER.SCR"). Most Script commands consist of shorthand for the command keystrokes you would use when running QCom. The ALT-Key commands that QCom understands can be entered into a script with ";a-" followed by the letter you wish to use. E.g. ALT-P would be ";a-p". Commands are not case sensitve. Exceptions: ALT-- (ALT-Minus) and ALT-= cannot be saved or executed in a script. The following are script commands that may be manually added to scripts. These are not included in scripts created with Script-Save. "ANY" - used to send a given response to text that is received repeatedly. e.g. ;ANY Press any key;^M . Whenever "Press any key" is received, a carriage return will be sent. This will remain in effect until the ANY command is used again in the script to specify new incoming text. e.g. ;ANY This effectively "turns off" a previous ANY command. QCom will no longer respond to the previously specified incoming text. "DEBUG ON" -used in script debugging. The Status line shows which line of incoming text the script is waiting for. This allows you to compare a script line to actual received text to check for spelling errors or typos in cases where a script is not working properly. Pressing ALT-V during a debug session will load your script into your editor so you can make corrections on the fly. "DEBUG OFF" -disables the debug function. "ECHO" -prints text on the local screen. e.g. ;ECHO Please wait. Auto Logon in progress... Text can be colorized and positioned on screen using ANSI escape codes. Page 27 C H A P T E R 8 Scripts ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Scripts Commands Continued -------------------------- "LOG" - will save date, hostname, start time and duration of calls in optional specified filename. If no log file is specified, QCom defaults to "USAGE.LOG". e.g. ;LOG CIS.LOG This would store a log of calls to CompuServe. Also provided is a utility to total the durations of calls, named QTT.EXE. Usage: QTT LogFile. "WAIT" - will pause the execution of a script for a specified number of seconds. E.g. ";WAIT 5" will pause everything for five seconds. Do not pause for too long if you expect to have incoming data during this time. Hitting any key will terminate a pause and continue the script. "DOS" Allows you to shell to Dos and execute batch files or whatever. Use the /WAIT switch after the commandline if you wish to pause the display before returning to QCom. e.g. ;DOS vampire.bat /WAIT "GOTO" To branch to another part of the script. e.g. ;GOTO Label 1 When this text is received;GOTO Label 2 "ASK" Used to get user input from the keyboard. This will display your "User Prompt" in a box and wait for user input. When the user presses Enter, QCom will compare the user's input to the text in "Answer". If it is the same then the script will go to the "Label". Otherwise the script will continue with the next line. Use commas to separate the prompt, answer and label. Usage: ;ASK User Prompt ,Answer,Label e.g. ;ASK Download your mail? (Y/N) ,Y,DownLoad Mail ;GOTO No Download :DownLoad Mail "CALL" To go to another part of the script and execute until the RET (Return) command is encountered. It returns to the line following the Call. Calls can be nested 255 levels. e.g. When this text is received;CALL Label 3 or... ;Call Label 3 ;END :Label 3 Look for this text;send something^M ;RET "RET" As above, used to return from a CALL. A RET must not be executed unless a CALL has been executed first. RET cannot be used with GOTO. Usage: ;RET Page 28 C H A P T E R 8 Scripts ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Scripts Commands Continued -------------------------- "T/O" Timeout for incoming text. A given timeout value will apply to any script line waiting for incoming text which follows the T/O command. To enable timeout use: ;T/O Seconds To disable timeout use: ;T/O 0 e.g. ;T/O 10 Wait for text for 10 seconds;Send if received before 10 secs Otherwise wait for this for 10 seconds;...etc. Disable timeout: ;T/O 0 "END" Used to stop script execution. e.g. ;END or... When this text is received;END "ENQ" Have QCom do something upon receiving an ENQ character (^E). A typical use would be when transferring a file on Compuserve using the QuickB or B Plus protocol. The following example shows how to have QCom shell out to OZBext (an external QuickB protocol) to transfer a file on Com port 2 when the ENQ character is received. E.g. ENQ;DOS OZBext /c2 /x After QCom receives this ENQ it stops looking for further ENQ's. Scripts Commands Continued "TAG" Used for tagging or marking Dialing Directory entries for dialing. e.g. ;TAG PCUG QCom will tag or mark all Dialing Directory entries starting with "PCUG". To tag only one of several entries with similar names it is necessary to have something unique in the name you wish to tag. e.g. ;TAG PCUG Node 1 Note : To dial entries which have been tagged with the above TAG command, use the DIAL command without a specified name. e.g. ;TAG PCUG ;DIAL This will cause QCom to dial all tagged entries until a connection is made. "UNTAG" QCom will untag all marked Dialing entries. e.g. ;UNTAG "DIAL" -dials the entry specified. E.g. ;DIAL CompuServe "U/L" -uploads the specified file E.g. ;U/L Myfile.Zip "D/L" -downloads the specified file E.g. ;D/L Myfile.Zip "BREAK" -sends a BREAK signal to the host E.g. ;BREAK Labels: Like labels in batch files, a label is preceded by a colon and can consist of one or more words or numbers. No semi colon is used as in other script lines. e.g. :Label 1 :Label 2 Page 29 C H A P T E R 8 Scripts ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Scripts Commands Continued -------------------------- Semi-Colons In a QCom script, the semicolon is all important. It divides each line into incoming and outgoing text. Lines beginning with a semi-colon are commands that QCom will execute (such as an ALT-Key command). Also note that only the first semi-colon is used as a divider. Subsequent semicolons are treated as regular text. Any line of text in a script with no semicolon or colon is ignored by QCom and can be used as a comment line for clarification when viewing or editing the script. Script execution takes place only in the terminal screen. If your script executes something like ALT-B (ScrollBack) or ALT-Z (Help), manual input will be necessary to return to the terminal screen to continue script execution. Final Note on Scripts When saving a script, incoming phone noise may be saved during a session and will have to be edited out before using the script. It's wise to double-check a newly created script for any unwanted characters. Password entry is a typical place where corrections may need to be made, especially if you manually typed your password rather than pressing ALT-P. Any text editor can be used to edit or create a script file. Page 30 C H A P T E R 9 QCom Host ---------------------------------------------------------------------- QCOM HOST INSTALLING HOST --------------- If you haven't already installed QCom Host, you can do so with the INSTALL utility provided. INSTALL will set up all the necessary subdirectories and copy files to the correct locations. QCom Host relies on these directories in order to function properly. STARTING HOST from within QCom ------------------------------ Press ALT-Y. QCom will end and execute the QComHost.Bat batch file which will start QCom Host. When QCom Host is ended, QCom will be re-run. STARTING HOST from outside of QCom ---------------------------------- To start QCom Host execute the program called QCHost.EXE. At the DOS prompt type, "QCHOST"<Enter>. Running QCom Host ----------------- QCom Host will initialize the com port and modem as setup in the QCom.CFG file and then will wait for incoming calls. QCom Host is always either waiting for a call or online with a caller (either local or remote). Available keyboard commands are... While waiting for a caller: <Enter> - Local Mode <ESC> - to End Host While online with a caller: <ALT-J> - Shell to DOS <ALT-H> - Hangup on caller <ALT-X> - End Host Setting up QCom Host QCom Host provides you with many ways to configure Host to suit your requirements. You may have an "OPEN" system where anyone can call in, or a "CLOSED" system where you completely control who has access. In a Closed system no caller will be able to log in without previously being added to the Users.DAT file by the Sysop. Before attempting to change anything, perhaps it's better to get a feel for the Host by running it in Local Mode. Page 31 C H A P T E R 9 QCom Host ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To enter Local Mode, press <ENTER> while waiting for incoming calls. QCom Host will display the same login screens callers will see when they dial in. By default, you will be prompted for Name, Password and other information. (This level of initial login information is configurable and can be increased or decreased to suit your needs. This is described in more detail in a later section. You may also wish to change the appearance or contents of some or all of the screens.) The first time you log in to a new host installation, QCom Host will assume you are the System Operator (SYSOP) and assign you the Sysop's security level. This information is stored in a file called USERS.DAT. All user information stored in this file can be viewed or modified with the utility provided called QCUSER.EXE (see the section Host Utilities for more info). +--------------------------- QCom Host Menu -----------------------------+ | | | +----------- Main ------------+ +-------- File -------+ + Message -+ | | | | | | | | | | | <C>olor On <Y>ell for Sysop | | <A>reas <U>pload | | <E>nter | | | | | | | | | | | | <P>rofile <L>ist Users | | <F>iles <D>ownload | | <R>ead | | | | | | | | | | | | <H>elp <G>oodbye | | <S>earch <V>iew | | | | | +-----------------------------+ +---------------------+ +----------+ | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ Area : New User Files 59 Min. Left : After logging in, try out the various Menu choices. Note that File transfer functions will not work in Local Mode since there is no one else is actually connected to transfer files to or from. Configuring QCom HOST: QCom Host uses control files to handle its various aspects. All control files are stored in the CONTROL directory. Configuring QCom Host --------------------- QCom Host operates largely through its control files. Each control file performs a specific major function. The control files are: (These interact with the caller) LOGIN.CTL - controls caller logins. NEWUSER.CTL - controls logging new users. MENU.CTL - controls Main Menu commands. AREA.CTL - sets download File Areas. DOWNLOAD.CTL - controls file downloads. UPLOAD.CTL - controls file uploads. BYE.CTL - handles caller log offs. Page 32 C H A P T E R 9 QCom Host ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (These are non-interactive) SYSTEM.CTL - establishes Host system settings. SECURITY.CTL - controls security levels. Each control file contains KEYWORDS which tell QCom Host what to do next. Some Keywords are commands, that is, they tell Host to do something. Others contain information which control decisions made during operation. Some perform both functions. Keywords are read by QCom Host in the sequence in which they appear in a control file. Actions occur in the same sequence. To change the behaviour of some aspect of Host, edit the Control file which handles it. All control files are stored in the CONTROL directory. Editing Control Files --------------------- Control files are text files which can be edited with any text editor. When editing, remember these rules: - Keywords must be UPPER CASE. - All keywords are followed by one or more parameters. Each parameter is delimited by a semi-colon. - Comments are allowed and should be on a separate line, and must be prefixed with a semi-colon. Most keywords are specific to their control file and cannot be used in other control files. There are some generic keywords which can be used in the "interactive" control files and they are: SENDFILE - displays a text file to the caller SENDLINE - displays a line of text to the caller Each Control file supplied with QCom Host contains comments describing the how each keyword is used. Setting Up File Areas --------------------- Refer to the Files.CTL file. It will need to be edited to reflect the actual file directories you wish to set up. You may have up to 99 file areas with this release. All file directories contained in this file will have to be created. Copy all the desired files to the directories you have set up. Each file area directory must contain a file (called "FILES.LST") listing all the files to which callers may have access. You may create this file using the utility provided called QCFM.EXE. Using QCFM, tag the desired files and press F10. This will create a FILES.LST. Next, edit the file descriptions contained in Files.LST using a text editor. Repeat for all file areas. System Security --------------- Access to Host features is defined in Security.CTL and Menu.CTL Using security levels you may restrict callers' activities as you see fit. Default security levels are set in Security.CTL. When a new user is added, he is assigned the default security level. You may modify a caller's security level with the program called QCUSER.EXE. Page 33 C H A P T E R 9 QCom Host ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Since your whole Host system is under the control of anyone with a Sysop security level, be careful when selecting your password. To prevent someone from logging in under your name, use a password which cannot easily be guessed and change it regularly. Use QCUSER.EXE to change your password or change your password while running Host in Local mode. System Login ------------ When Users are added to the database, the level of information you require of them is set from within the NEWUSER.CTL file. By default callers will be prompted to fill in all but two of the available fields. If you wish to remove one or more lines from the login, simply "comment out" the unwanted line with a semi-colon. Two blank fields are provided, USERDEF1 and USERDEF2. To use one of these fields, add it into the NEWUSER.CTL file. See the examples shown in that file. Menus ----- Provided are two sets of menus: one for the sysop(s) and one for everyone else. You may use the menus as they are, or redesign them. The MENU.CTL file shows the available menu commands. If you wish to disable a menu command, use a semi-colon at the beginning of the line. To change the Keystroke used to activate a choice, edit the letter for that command in MENU.CTL. Security levels can also be changed to control access to menu functions. Note that some commands are set to security level 9. These choices are set for the Sysop. Remote Shell to DOS ------------------- It is possible for the Sysop to dial into his host and shell to DOS. Provided is a batch file (SHELL.BAT) which executes the DOS CTTY command when the Sysop shells out. The CTTY command redirects screen and keyboard input/output to the active com port which means you can execute some DOS commands remotely. This redirection will work providing the commands being run use DOS to perform their input/output. Commands or programs which use direct hardware control for input/output will NOT be redirected to the com port and you will not be able to see (and possibly not control) the application. As a result, many applications will not work properly when run through a remote shell and may appear to lock up the host. There are several shareware remote DOS shell programs available which attempt to address these problems. If you wish to use one of them, edit the SHELL.BAT to run it instead of the CTTY command. Page 34 C H A P T E R 9 QCom Host ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Using SENDFILE -------------- The SendFile control file command is used for displaying a text file on the caller's screen. The syntax for the command is: SENDFILE;filename -or- SENDFILE;mono filename|color filename In the latter example, QCom Host will send either the ansi-encoded file or the straight text file depending on whether the caller has enabled ANSI colors. QCom Host expects these files to be located in the SYSTEM directory. If you need to pause the display at any time, use the "<PAUSE>" keyword in the text file where you wish the pause to occur. For an example, see the file "WelcomeM.BLT" which comes with QCom Host. At the "<PAUSE>", QCom Host waits until the caller presses ENTER. Host Utilities --------- QCUSER.EXE is used to modify existing entries in the user data file. If you need to add a new user, log into Host as the user in Local mode. When prompted, enter the user's information. MSGPACK.EXE will compress the message file by removing all deleted messages. Messages may be deleted from within the Mail reader. Users may delete their own messages and the Sysop may delete any message. Page 35 C H A P T E R 10 QCom Mail Processor ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Introduction ------------ QMP stands for QCom Mail Processor. It allows you to read and respond to mail from QWK formatted mail systems while offline. To use QMP, you must first download one or more mail packets from a host which supports the QWK mail format. Different mail systems are in use but generally speaking they allow you to select messages from a wide range of "Conferences" dealing with all sorts of topics. You will need to select the Conferences you're interested in and download the mail contained there. Once you've obtained a mail packet or two, you're ready to try QMP. For assistance in using a particular mail system contact the System Operator (Sysop) of that host. First Time Setup and Configuration ---------------------------------- First time execution of QMP puts you into the Configuration screen. Edit the filenames and paths to suit your needs. Note: Decompression utility should include the switches to extract and overwrite. Compression utility should include the switch to add or update files to the packet. Recommended settings are shown using PKZIP and PKUNZIP as examples at initial startup. All configuration data is stored in the text file called QMP.CFG. If you wish, you can edit the file with any text editor providing these rules are adhered to: a)The sequence and number of items in the file must not be altered. b)Each line should be no longer than 80 characters. Longer lines are truncated to 80 characters. c)Comments, if used, must be kept behind semicolons. d)The editor must not insert any hidden formatting or control characters into the text. If in doubt about your editor, edit it within QMP by selecting "C" (Configure) at the first screen. e)Pathnames MUST end with a "\". Signature File: This is simply a text file created with a text editor that would contain any closing statement that you would normally want to appear in all your messages. After creating and saving your signature file, insert its' filename into QMP.CFG on the same line as the editor filename. eg. "C:\UTIL\TED.COM SIGNATUR.TXT" Page 36 C H A P T E R 10 QCom Mail Processor ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Program Features ---------------- Browsing :To advance to the next message press ENTER, SPACE or the grey plus key. To go to previous message use the grey minus key. Cursor keys allow scrolling long messages. Ansi :Use A to display messages containing ANSI codes. "Ansi" music is supported. Index :Press I to show a sorted (by subject) index of all messages in the current conference. Reply :Press R to reply to the message currently on screen. QMP will insert the current message text and append your signature file if one is present into a file called REPLY.TXT and then call the editor specified in QMP.CFG. When finished editing this text, exit and save. At this point if the To, From, Subject fields, etc. are acceptable, press F10. Replies will be compressed into any existing reply packet for the appropriate BBS. Be sure to erase any old reply packets (files with REP extension). DOS :Press D to shell out to DOS temporarily. Enter :Press E to create a new message. QMP will create a new blank message appending your signature file is one is present. After exiting the editor you can fill the Subject field and the To field. QMP will fill the From field and the Conference fields. Note:If you wish to send the message to a different conference, edit the Conference number to the one you want. The conference name is not sent in the reply so it is not necessary to edit it. Print :Use P to print the current message. Order :Press O to change the order in which messages are sorted. By default, they are sorted by subject. Save :Use S to save the current message to disk. TagLines :Press B. Taglines can be "Borrowed" (saved in a file call QMPTAGS.TXT) for future use. Search :Use F to find messages containing specific text or messages To or From specific people. When text is found, pressing any key continues searching, ESC aborts the search. Currently, this function will only search one conference at a time. Page 37 C H A P T E R 11 Trouble Shooting ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Trouble Shooting ---------------- Symptom: Modem returns "ERROR" when initializing. Cause: One or more commands in the modem initialization string is not understood by the modem. Solution: The modem initialization string is located in the Options screen. Refer to your modem instruction manual to compare the modem commands against those contained in the initialization string and delete those that your modem doesn't understand. To test the string press ALT-M to reinitialize the modem in the terminal screen. Symptom: "Cannot initialize Com Port x" error message. (x = 1 to 4) Causes: 1. Com port specified in Options is incorrect. Solution: Change to correct port. 2. Hardware problem. Two or more devices are configured for the same Com port. Solution: Run MSD.EXE supplied with DOS to verify if there is a conflict. If so, remove the conflicting IRQ or get your hardware vendor to assist. If two serial devices attempt to use the same Interrupt (IRQ) setting chances are, neither will work. Typical settings would be: Com1 using IRQ 4, at I/O 3F8h Com2 using IRQ 3, at I/O 2F8h Com3 using IRQ 4, at I/O 3E8h Com4 using IRQ 3, at I/O 2E8h 3. Software conflict. A memory resident program (TSR) that ties up the Com port has been previously executed and has not been deinstalled. Solution: Remove the offending TSR. Symptom: Modem does not dial out. Modem does not receive some/all commands sent by QCom. Causes: 1. Baud rate specified in the configuration file is too high for the modem. Solution: Set the default baud rate to your modem's fastest speed. The modem will send back an "OK" when you initialize the modem (Alt-M) if it's communicating properly. 2. External modem is not powered up or not connected properly. Solution: Check connections, power. Trouble Shooting Continued 3. Modem initialization or dialing prefix strings incorrect or missing. Solution: Refer to your modem instruction manual for the correct strings for your modem. Dialing prefix for touch tone phones is usually "ATDT". Page 38 C H A P T E R 11 Trouble Shooting ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Trouble Shooting Continued -------------------------- 4. Modem is incorrectly configured. Solution: Refer to modem manual and set modem dip switches or NVRam for the following: a) Modem must track the actual state of DCD (Carrier) and not be forced. b) Modem should track DTR and not be forced. c) Modem MUST send back verbal result codes. e.g. "OK", "CONNECT", etc. Symptom: QCom status line says "Online" even when not. Cause: Modem Carrier Detect line is forced on. Solution: Toggle the modem carrier detect dip-switch if your modem uses dip-switches. If your modem uses NVRam to store settings, make sure your modem Initialization string contains the command "&C1" . Edit the initialization string if necessary and use Alt-M to manually send the string to the modem. The Carrier Detect MUST toggle on and off depending on the actual Carrier state. Symptom: Always get a fast busy signal after dialing. Cause: a) "Call Waiting" string ("*70") in Options is enabled when the feature is not present on the phone line. Solution: Remove the "Call Waiting" string. b) Call waiting is present on phone but still get busy signal. Solution: A pause character may need to be added after the "Call Waiting" string. Most modems recognize a comma as a half second pause. Use "*70,," in the "Call Waiting" string. Technical Support ----------------- NOTE: Technical support priority is given to registered users. We will attempt to help non-registered users as time permits. To obtain help, or for the latest update of Qcom, call the RTFM BBS on your modem. RTFM Software BBS Phone: 1-204-632-5675 When calling in, log in with your full name and password of your choice. You will have 30 minutes to send or receive messages and download the latest version of QCom. All messages relating to Qcom should be directed to the author, Richard Turenne. If you prefer, you can also send Email via Internet. We make every attempt to respond to email promptly. With questions requiring technical support, first priority is given to registered users. Email Address: rtfm@xpressnet.com