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1994-01-25
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SHAREWARE
from
WALU SOFTWARE
WALU Software presents HoloQWk
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
What A Lovely Utility Software.
Copyright & Distribution
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Copyright of this document and the program and files to
which it relates remains with WALU Software.
The product is Shareware and may be distributed via Public
Domain Libraries, and non-commercial Bulletin Board Systems,
but not be included in any bundled or packaged software
including cover discs or other value added packages without
the written consent of the copyright holders.
The source code, executable program and all associated files
remain the property of the author. Reverse engineering or
modifying executable program files is strictly prohibited
without the prior written consent of the copyright holders.
Licence for Use
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HoloQwk is distributed as SHAREWARE and as such if you wish
to use it you should register with WALU Software within
a period of 30 days. Registration costs 10 UK pounds in
return for which you will receive notification of updates
and other WALU Software products along with a the latest
version of HoloQwk.
The use of this product for commercial purposes at any time
is prohibited without the prior written consent of the
copyright holders.
For further details write to WALU Software at the address
given at the end of this document.
Disclaimer
~~~~~~~~~~
The author specifically disclaims all warranties, expressed
or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties
of merchantability and fitness for any particular purpose
with respect to defects in the software and documentation.
In no event shall the author be liable for any loss of
profit, or other damage, commercial or otherwise, whether
caused directly or indirectly by use of this product.
What is it?
~~~~~~~~~~~
HoloQwk is a QWK compatible mail packer for use with QBBS ST
to allow users to either pack and download online or to have
it batch packed overnight for download next day.
The format of the HoloQwk mail packets is compatible with
QWK mailers including IMHO and Mountain Quick on a range of
different computer platforms.
No longer is it necessary for users to spend hours online
reading the message bases, they can now download packets
read them offline, generate thier replies and call back to
upload thier reply packets,spending alot less time and money
actually online.
Its many features include :
o Select conferences to read.
o Pack online or batch mode.
o Limit download packet size.
o Limit number of messages to pack.
o Rescan conferences.
o Set last read pointers.
o Supports the use of control messages within reply
packets.
Brief & Basic Instructions for HoloQWK Installation & Operation.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Installation
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When unarchived, certain folders are created, these folders are an
example of one way of setting up Hqwk, the only major point to note
is that the TEMP folder must be exclusive to Holoqwk, during normal
operation this folder has it's contents erased, including any write
protected files.
In this archive you will find a program 'CONFIG.PRG' - Use this to
install HoloQWK, filling in ALL the required details, any non-vital
information missing will cause your users problems, any information
that is vital for HoloQWK to operate that is not present will
prevent HoloQWK from operating at all.
The CONFIG.PRG has a built in HELP feature, simply click on the help
button for a particular function, clicking on the Fsel button where
available will bring up a fileselector to aid you in the selection
of files and paths.
HoloQWK ALWAYS expects a copy of your AREAS.BBS file to be present
within the QBBS folder - if it is not then HoloQWK will fail to run
up correctly in both local and online modes.
A program called 'NEWFILES.PRG' is used to generate a text file of
new files for a user to peruse offline - this program was written by
Robert Darling - Frequestable from his BBS system 'Folkestone QBBS'
telephone +44-303-249306.
Both example TOMSHELL.BAT files and also .DOR files can be found
within this archive in order to help you install the program with
as little effort as possible - Should you have installation
problems then please either contact Dave on The Holodeck (+44-454-
317047), or Martin on The Chameleon (+44-454-881095), please make
sure that you have executed the CONFIG.PRG and filled in all the
necessary details before thinking you have a problem - and always
examine the LOG file produced !
Once installed you should run the program twice to initiate all the
control files used by HoloQWK, once this is done HoloQWK is mainly
self maintaining.
Disc Space Requirements
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The TEMP folder is where .QWK packets are initially created, the .QWK
packets contain numerous ASCII and binary files which can take up a
lot of storage space, especially if you have a lot of mail areas and
your users pack plenty of mail.
Likewise, the HOLD folder can also take huge amounts of space
depending on the number of users who have packets being held for them,
and also how long you are willing to allow the system to pack messages
for users without them having to pick it up.
So how much ? - Well, if you have a quiet system, not many users using
the HoloQWK then lets start with a guesstimate of approx. 1M, and then
build up from there - If there are any memory or disc limitations found
during the use of HoloQWK it will be reported in the log file so if you
are worried about disc space then consult your log file often !
Operating Systems
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HoloQWK has been tested on both STE's and STFM's, with TOS 2.06 and
also TOS 1.4 with no adverse effects, it also has been tested in
conjunction with PDOS and so no problems are expected with any other
'Multitasking' systems.
Memory Requirements
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HoloQWK has been tested on 1M machines upwards, although it is expected
operate on 0.5M machines as well, memory is used as and when needed and
it is not hogged, no limiting is required for 'Multitasking' systems.
System Protection
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BBS System
----------
Full carrier detection is employed, carrier is expected at all times
unless run in local mode which is detected by use of the DORINFO1.DEF
file that is expected to be in the QBBS folder.
A sleep timer ensures that a user does not tie up your system due to
inactivity - it prompts the user for some input before exiting so that
they get a last chance to do something before being returned to the BBS
Mail System
-----------
Uploaded reply packets are checked to ensure that they are correctly
destined for the system they have been sent to - if they were generated
for another system then they are not processed.
Operation
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HoloQWK is designed to operated via the 'Exit with Errorlevel' command
of QBBS. This is because not only does it update the users 'Lastread'
pointers, but it also credits them with entered messages - using Hqwk
via an 'Exec' command from a .DOR file can be done, but it is not
recommended.
Exiting QBBS with an error level writes a DORINFO1.DEF file within the
QBBS folder, this file is required for normal operation.
Mail Areas
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mail areas 2-200 can be accessed from HoloQWK, area names are read from
BOARDS.BBS within QBBS\CONF\, the path to each mail area is read from
the AREAS.BBS file.
All three security levels are utilised, allowing users access only to
those areas for which they have security access - the flags are NOT
used when accessing mail areas.
Messages destined for private only areas are marked as private and any
messages destined for non-private areas are marked as public.
Niceties
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Messages are formatted before being saved into thier destination area
to a line length of 72 characters, this includes any messages sent to
the monitor area.
The 'from' field of the message is capitalised using the normal QBBS
standard, no more names in CAPITOL LETTERS ONLY !
Should some fool upload a reply packet with a write protected file
within it it still gets deleted from the temporary area.
A DOOR.ID file is written into the QWK packets that inform the user of
what control messages are available within HoloQWK - these control
messages are expected to be the next major upgrade to HoloQWK, perhaps
even allowing the requesting and uploading of files !
Memory permitting, in local mode when the fileselector is used a tidy
screen is kept when the fileselector is removed.
Should a user drop carrier when packing online, the packing is halted
although the users lastread pointers will have been adjusted by then.
Should a user drop carrier when packing online, the twirly is disabled
when archiving - this prevents garbage being sent to the modem when the
archiver is busy and there is no user.
Within the CONFIG.PRG you are given the option to monitor any mail
uploaded this copies any messages sent via HoloQWK into a mail area of
your choice, this must of course be a non-echomail area, usually private
to the SysOp.
Control Messages
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALL control messages should be addressed to HOLOQWK and are sent as
normally uploaded messages within the users .REP packet.
CONTROLTYPE = ADD
-----------------
When a control message has this on it's subject line then the area in
which this message was written is added to the users profile and is
included in any future packing.
Issuing this command in an already connected area will have no effect.
CONTROLTYPE = DROP
------------------
When a control message has this on it's subject line then the area in
which this message was written is removed from the users profile and
no further packing of this area will occur.
Issuing this command in a disconnected area will have no effect.
CONTROLTYPE = SETMAX
--------------------
When a control message has this on it's subject line the lastread
pointer for this area will be adjusted so that any mail currently
available in this area will be regarded as already read.
Issuing this command in a disconnected area will cause the area to
be added to the users profile as well as adjusting the lastread
pointer for the area.
CONTROLTYPE = RESCAN
--------------------
When a control message has this on it's subject line the lastread
pointer for this area will be adjusted so that any mail currently
available for this area will be regarded as unread - that is, during
the next packing operation all messages will be included
Issuing this command in a disconnected area will cause the area to
be added to the users profile as well as adjusting the lastread
pointer for the area.
CONTROLTYPE = MAXPACK
---------------------
When a control message has this on it's subject line followed by a
decimal number from 10 to 32767 then the MAXPACK value will be set for
the user accordingly.
Setting a value of less than 10 or greater than 32767 will disable the
feature.
The area in which this message is issued is not important and is
ignored.
CONTROLTYPE = MAXMSGS
---------------------
When a control message has this on it's subject line followed by a
decimal number from 1 to 32767 then the LOCKMESSAGES value will be set
for the user accordingly.
Setting a value of less than 1 or greater than 32767 will disable the
feature.
The area in which this message is issued is not important and is
ignored.
Defaults
--------
Should a control message be detected that does not follow the rules for
the particular function, or is not a recognised function, then the
message is simply ignored - should this occur then the user is informed
and also it is logged. Continual logging of this nature should prompt
you to have a word with the user as to the error of his/her ways !
Online Menu Options
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ H ] Help
----------
This displays a text file 'HOLOQWK.HLP' if present within the
same folder as HoloQWK - if the text file is not present then
this option is not shown to the user.
[ P ] Preferences
-----------------
This sub-menu allows a user to select the archiver. protocol
as well as which files to be included in the QWK packets.
Each selection 'rotates' when the corresponding key is pressed,
this is also where 'batch' packing is enabled/disabled
[ C ] Conferences
-----------------
This displays pages of areas that are available to the user, of
which there is three methods of (de)selecting active areas.
1 - Simply enter the number of the area to (de)select
2 - Enter more than one area, separated by commas
i.e. 2,3,6,10,23 etc
3 - Enter a range of areas, separated by a minus
i.e. 123-134 etc
[ O ] Online Pack
-----------------
This starts the packing process and then archives and sends the
QWK packet according to the preferences for the user.
Packing can be aborted between areas by pressing ESC
[ D ] Download Packet
---------------------
Should an attempt to download a packet fail then further
attempts can be made by use of this menu option.
[ U ] Upload reply packet
--------------------------
Packed replies are uploaded with this option, the protocol and
archiver used is as set up by the user in the preferences menu
Messages are dearchived and processed online
[ S ] Set Lastread
------------------
This sub-menu allows a user to (re)set the mail pointers for
any areas available to HoloQWK.
There are four methods available :
1 - Reset pointers - all messages are considered unread
2 - Set pointers - all messages are considered read
3 - Set the number of unread messages (minimum of 6 per area)
4 - Set the last date of read messages - effectively rescan an
area
[ L ] Lock Messages
-------------------
This allows a user to set the maximum number of messages that
will be packed from each area, by knowing how many areas the
user has selected along with this value, a maximum message
count per packet can be calculated.
[ M ] Maximum packet size
-------------------------
This function only operates on batch packed packets.
When a user has batch mode enabled and the system starts to
pack mail it first checks the existing size of any packets
already on hold for the user - if the size of the packet is
greater than this value then batch mode is disabled for this
user, the user will have re-enable batch mode whilst online.
Batch Pack Mode
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To operate HoloQWK in Batch Pack Mode it is simply a matter of passing
a command line of BATCH to the program, any users with batch mode
enabled will have mail packed for them, unless the packet size exceeds
thier preset limit or the age of the packet exceeds your preset limit
- in either case batch mode is disabled for the user - although any
existing mail packets will remain on hold until collected or manually
deleted.
Local Operation
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Local operation is performed when the connect rate of the user as told
in the DORINFO1.DEF file is '0' - The only differences between this
mode of operation and the normal 'online' mode is that uploads and also
downloads are performed using a fileselector - this enables you to test
both packing and depacking.
Newfiles Setup
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When setting up the NEWFILES.PRG, dont forget to ensure that the data
file NEWFILES.DAT is written to where you have told HoloQWK it will be
written to.
Future Support
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HoloQWK is an ongoing project with updates expected to include many new
features, many of which will be breaking new ground as far as QWK
packers are concerned for the QBBS system.
This version is released as Shareware and although support will be
given to anyone wishing to operate this system, no updates will be
supplied unless the registration fee has been paid.
Registration
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This version of HoloQWK has not been crippled or otherwise limited,
this is a complete QWK packer system designed for QBBS BBS's, if you
wish to be able to attain any new releases then you must register.
Registration costs 10 U.K. Pounds, for which you will receive a copy of
HoloQWK with your own ID, and also make you eligible for upgrades, and
of course your voice will count for more should you want extra features
or changes made in later versions.
Editor
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Users who register will receive the Editor program which
will allow you to edit users settings without having to log
on as them.
Payment
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Registration payments should be made to :
HoloQWK Registrations
c/o Martin Stacey
37, Sandy Lodge
Yate, Avon.
BS17 4HE
England, U.K.
Fax +44 (0)454 881095
Please include your full address, name of your BBS, hours etc.
Other WALU Software Programs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Filesyst An alternative file system for use with QBBS
Getspeed for use with Semper and Tomshell
CheckJek For use with Jekyll and QBBS
RunJek For use with Jekyll and QBBS
Netmail For use with networked BBS's
Support BBS's
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Holodeck Sbbs Chameleon BBS
NeST 90:106/151.0 90:106/153.0
Atarinet 50:501/151.0 50:501/153.0
Fido 2:444/43.0 2:444/102.0
Fishnet 777:777/0.0 777:200/0.0
+44 (0)454 317047 +44 (0)454 881095
V32 bis 24 Hours
------------------------------------------------------------------------