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1989-09-10
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Ease-Up A Shareware Product
V1.7 10-Sep-1989 from
CompuServe Version Simple Solutions, Inc.
P.O. Box 640189
Kenner, LA 70064
(504) 464-5748
Copyright (C) 1989 by Simple Solutions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
_______
Written by ____|__ | (tm)
Mark W. Geisinger --| | |-------------------
| ____|__ | Association of
CIS 76440,76 | | |_| Shareware
GEnie M.GEISINGER |__| o | Professionals
BIX mgeisinger -----| | |---------------------
|___|___| MEMBER
This program is produced by a member of the Association of
Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the
shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a
shareware-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 P.O. Box 5786, Bellevue, WA 98006
or send a Compuserve message via easyplex to ASP Ombudsman
70007,3536
Simple Solutions, Inc.
SHAREWARE SOFTWARE LICENSE
Ease-Up and this documentation file are copyrighted works and
have been released for distribution as SHAREWARE. You are
granted a nonexclusive limited license to use Ease-Up for an
evaluation period of 30 days. If, after this time, you find the
program useful and continue to use it, you are required to
register the program with Simple Solutions, Inc. (SSI). If you
decide not to register Ease-Up, please pass it on to a friend or
your local bulletin boards.
This license entitles you to use Ease-Up for your own personal
use during the evaluation period on any computer you own or use.
You may make as many backup copies of Ease-Up as you like. You
may use Ease-Up on as many computers as you like, so long as no
two copies of Ease-Up are being used at the same time. We
encourage you to allow your friends or associates to evaluate
Ease-Up by passing on a copy of the unregistered version of
Ease-Up.
Proper registration of Ease-Up with SSI entitles you to continue
to use Ease-Up. In addition, as a registered user you will
receive the most recent version of Ease-Up on disk, you will be
entitled to technical support, and you will be notified of
program updates as soon as they become available. You will find
a registration form at the end of this document that outlines the
procedures for registering your copy of the program.
Disk vendors or those that distribute shareware programs on disk
see the document "VENDOR.DOC", incorporated herein by reference.
Operators of electronic bulletin boards (Sysops) are encouraged
to post Ease-Up for downloading by their users. Those copying,
sharing, and/or electronically transmitting the program are
required not to modify in any way the program file(s) and the
accompanying documentation.
If you are passing this program on to others, uploading it to a
bulletin board system, or including it in a users group library,
please do not separate the files contained in this ARC or ZIP
file. Please pass the ARC or ZIP file on intact. This ensures
that those who receive the program will have all the correct
program files and documentation necessary to use Ease-Up.
This is a single user license. Businesses are welcome to evaluate
Ease-Up. If your business is interested in registering Ease-Up
and requires a multi user license, please contact SSI for
information regarding our unlimited use site license.
Simple Solutions, Inc. is not affiliated with any other company
mentioned in this document or supported by the program Ease-Up.
Ease-Up V1.7 CompuServe Version Documentation Page 2
DISCLAIMER
This software is provided as is. Ease-Up is inherently complex
and may not be completely free of errors. SSI will not be
responsible for any costs or damage associated with loss of use
of Ease-Up or any other resources, loss of business or profits,
any loss of data, any third party claims, or costs of substitute
programs. IN NO EVENT WILL SSI BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL,
INDIRECT, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES SUFFERED BY
THE LICENSEE OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY, WHETHER FROM THE USE
OF THE Ease-Up, ANY FAILURE THEREOF, OR OTHERWISE EVEN IF SSI OR
ITS DEALERS OR AGENTS ARE AWARE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGES. THIS CONSTITUTES SSI'S SOLE WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, AND LICENSEE WAIVES ALL OTHER WARRANTIES INCLUDING
WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
THIS AGREEMENT IS THE ENTIRE AGREEMENT BETWEEN SIMPLE SOLUTIONS,
INC. AND YOU RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT,
WHICH SUPERSEDES ANY PRIOR PROPOSAL STATEMENTS, UNDERSTANDINGS,
OR AGREEMENTS.
Ease-Up V1.7 CompuServe Version Documentation Page 3
Ease-Up Documentation
CompuServe Version
Overview
--------
As with most computer software, Ease-Up was born of a need. In
this case, that was my need to eliminate the aggravation of
trying to edit an upload description while online. About 2 a.m.
one morning I was uploading a file to one of the commercial
services and made some mistakes in the description. It took me
three tries to get the description right. Well, no more! Ease-Up
has solved that problem.
Ease-Up is intended as a front end to the script languages of
several popular telecom. programs for the specific purpose of
generating a script that will automatically upload a file for you
once you are online. More importantly, all the online
descriptions are entered for you by the script.
Ease-Up was originally developed to support Qmodem and GEnie and
GEnie subscribers are welcome to inquire about that version.
Ease-Up V1.7 now supports the following terminal programs in the
CIS version:
CROSSTALK Mk.4 V1.1
PROCOMM PLUS
Qmodem V4.0
TAPCIS V5.2
CROSSTALK Mk.4 will be referred to as XTALK4 throughout the
remainder of the documentation.
Features
--------
The great benefit to using Ease-Up is that you allow yourself the
convenience of composing the file description information off
line, free of connect charges.
You also have at your disposal:
A sophisticated environment which includes data validation (as
far as it makes sense).
Full editing capabilities for the long description.
Pop up choice lists for easy entry of file name extensions,
forum names, forum libraries for many forums, terminal
Ease-Up V1.7 CompuServe Version Documentation Page 4
programs, and file transfer protocols. I believe that you will
find this one feature of Ease Up one of it's most time saving
when composing a new script.
Ease-Up includes a list of many of the forum names on CIS for
you to choose from (you have to tell Ease-Up what forum to
upload the file to). You may never have to manually enter a
forum name unless you want to.
Ease-Up will read an ASCII text file into the long description
using a command line switch.
You may create as many scripts as you like, reusing the
description information or changing it as needed.
You may distinguish between local and host filenames. This
eases the task of uploading several files with different names
on your system to different CIS forums, using the same file
name on CIS.
Two layers of context sensitive help are offered while using
Ease-Up.
Our intention is to make Ease-Up as easy for you to use as
possible. After selecting the forum you want to upload to, you
need to know what library number to put the file into. You
certainly can't remember all the libraries for each forum, so
for selected forums a list of all the forum libraries with
their descriptions is included. All you need to do is scroll
through the list and select the library of your choice from the
list.
This release of Ease-Up includes the following Forum Libraries
in its library list:
IBMAPP TAPCIS CONSULT PCM:PROGRAMMING
IBMBBS FANS SPACEFORUM PCM:UTILFORUM
IBMCOM BPROGA DDJFORUM ASTROFORUM
IBMHW BPROGB MSSYS COMIC
IBMPRO PCVENA NANFORUM SCUBA
IBMSYS PCVENB XTALK PHOTOFORUM
IBMSPEC ASHFORUM SAFETY NOVSOFT
IBMJR BORAPP USEN BPFORUM
IBMNEW CLM RPGAMES STUFO
Best of all, Ease-Up is easy to use!
Installation
------------
If you are one that likes to jump right in, go ahead. Ease-Up
really needs little more explanation to allow you to begin
creating upload scripts. A quick word on paths and such first
though. Ease-Up needs to have access to its two data files,
EUP.CFM and EUPC.HLP, in order for it to operate properly.
Ease-Up will look in two places for the data files. It first
checks the current DOS path (where you are when you execute
Ease-Up) for the file. If it's not found, Ease-Up then checks
Ease-Up V1.7 CompuServe Version Documentation Page 5
the path where it resides (where you have Ease-Up on your drive).
Make sure that the data files are in one of these two places
before using Ease-Up.
Script files are saved to the current working directory. You may
want to install Ease-Up in a directory on your DOS PATH and
change to the directory where you want your script file saved
before running the program.
Installing Ease Up is simple. In the packed file that you
downloaded were this DOC file, the program and, its data files.
The files included are:
EUPC.EXE Ease-Up program file
EUP.CFM External forum list
EUPC.HLP Help data
EUPC.DOC This documentation file
XTEUPC1.XTS XTALK4 include file #1
XTEUPC2.XTS XTALK4 include file #2
VENDOR.DOC Note for shareware vendors
The file EUP.CFM contains a list of many of the CIS forums. This
list is used in one of several pop up choice lists in the
program. The EUPC.HLP file is the data for the context sensitive
help system. Ease-Up will function properly without the EUPC.HLP
file, although no help will be available when using the program.
Ease-Up expects to find both data files in the format they were
released in, so tamper with them at your own risk.
You may install the program file, EUPC.EXE, anywhere you like as
long as DOS can find it when you execute it. This means that you
should install it in a directory in your DOS PATH or change to
the drive and directory where it is located before you use it.
Using the PATH option is certainly more convenient and should be
used if you are using Ease-Up with more than one terminal
program.
The data files EUP.CFM and EUPC.HLP may either reside with
EUPC.EXE or be in the current directory when you execute EUP.
You will probably want to keep EUPC.EXE and the data files
together and change to the directory you keep your script files
in before using Ease-Up.
XTEUPC1.XTS & XTEUPC2.XTS:
-------------------------
These two files are required to use Ease-Up with XTALK4. They are
referred to as "include" files as they are 'included' into the
script generated by Ease-Up when it is compiled by XTALK4. In
order to make these files available to XTALK4 when compiling your
script, simply copy them to either the subdirectory where your
script resides, or any subdirectory on the XTPATH. (XTPATH is an
environment variable used by XTALK4. Refer to your XTALK4 manuals
for details.)
Refer to the section "XTALK4 Scripts" below for further details
on using include files.
Ease-Up V1.7 CompuServe Version Documentation Page 6
Using Ease-Up
-------------
Command Line Use
----------------
Usage:
EUPC [-p upload path] [-d long descr. file] [-e] [-b]
All command line flags are optional and may be used in any
order. Those with arguments (-p & -d) require a space
between the flag and the argument.
-b Enables audible tones used with certain message and warning
windows. Default is quiet operation.
-p upload path
Ease-Up allows you to specify the path to the file you are
uploading. This is intended for TAPCIS, PROCOMM PLUS and
XTALK4 users, and is editable in the program. This option is
not used with scripts generated for Qmodem, as Ease-Up assumes
that you are using Qmodem's internal upload path. The path
entered must be a complete DOS path (no file name though).
Example: EUPC -p D:\UPLOADS
-d long descr. file
Ease Up will read an ASCII text file into the long description
field for you using this option. A maximum of 456 characters
are allowed in the file. The maximum line length in this file
is 76 characters. A maximum of 6 lines is allowed.
Example: EUPC -d upload.des
-e
ENQ switch used only for PROCOMM PLUS. PROCOMM PLUS allows you
to set an Enquiry parameter (CISB) in its setup or from an
ASPECT script which allows CIS to tell PROCOMM PLUS to begin
an upload. Ease-Up's default assumes that you have set ENQ to
CISB in either your PROCOMM PLUS setup or the linked script
that dials CIS. If you have PROCOMM PLUS's Enquiry option set
to something other than CISB, you may use this command line
switch and Ease-Up will generate the additional script
commands to explicitly begin a CIS B Protocol upload.
Ease-Up Can Help
----------------
Context Sensitive Help
----------------------
At all times when entering data with Ease-Up, you have a
Ease-Up V1.7 CompuServe Version Documentation Page 7
comprehensive, context sensitive, help system available at a key
press. There are two "layers" of help available as you will see.
The first is the context sensitive level. That is, the first
information displayed to assist you is relevant to your location
or task at that time. The second layer is more general and is
meant as a guide to using the program in general.
Pressing the <F1> key will open a help window across the bottom
of your screen. You may resize, or "zoom", this window at any
time by pressing <ALT-F1>. Pressing <ALT-F1> a second time will
return the window to its previous state. Ease-Up will remember
the "zoom" status when you exit the help window and size it
accordingly on its next use.
The first information displayed in the help window relates to
your current task. For instance, if you are entering the protocol
to use when uploading your file, you would have available
information on what is required or expected for that entry.
Pressing <F1> a second time will bring you to the second level of
help. This is a more general guide to using Ease-Up and provides
information useful throughout the program.
You may press the <ESC> or <RETURN> keys to exit the help system
at any time.
Navigating Help
---------------
Most of the Help in the first level is one screen or window.
There are some areas that are several screen "pages". Much of the
second level help will span several screens. Ease-Up provides you
with a simple method of reading the Help text.
In those areas where the Help text is more than one screen you
will see the following message in either the top or bottom right
corner of your screen:
<PgDwn> for [MORE]
There are actually several keys that will page up and down for
you.
PgUp Pages Up one screen
Up Arrow Pages Up one screen
Left Arrow Pages Up one screen
PgDwn Pages Down one screen
Down Arrow Pages Down one screen
Right Arrow Pages Down one screen
For those first level Help items that are one screen, or when you
have reached the end of a longer Help item, the following message
is used to remind you that a second press of <F1> brings you to
the second level (more general) of Help:
<F1> for [MORE]
To exit Help at any time, simply press <ESC> or <RETURN>. In the
Ease-Up V1.7 CompuServe Version Documentation Page 8
second level of Help you will have to press these keys twice,
first to return to the first level then again to exit Help.
Other Messages to Assist You
----------------------------
Check the bottom two screen lines for informative prompts
throughout the use of Ease-Up. These will vary from brief
prompting as to field contents, to the function keys available
when editing the long description.
There are several places in the program where you may see a pop
up window containing a message. These windows all behave in the
same manner. The window will present itself and with no further
action on your part, will remain on the screen for several
seconds to allow you to read the message. The window will then
close and return you to data entry. At any time while a message
window is on the screen, you may close the window yourself by
pressing any keyboard character key (the spacebar for instance).
These windowed messages are meant to inform you of possible
errors (typing an invalid file name for instance) or warnings
before overwriting existing script files.
Entering Data
-------------
Ease-Up needs to know several things about your upload in order
to generate a script for you. You'll find that the information is
well organized and that Ease-Up does as much of the work for you
as it can.
There are certain differences in the data entry that are specific
to the terminal program you are generating a script for. These
are intended as an added convenience for you and should be
understood when using Ease-Up.
These differences apply to only two fields at this time. These
are the Protocol and Upload Path fields. Before making an entry
in either of these fields, you are asked to choose a terminal
program from a list of supported programs (Qmodem, TAPCIS,
PROCOMM PLUS or XTALK4 in this version).
Choosing TAPCIS or XTALK4 as the terminal program will
automatically set the Protocol field to 'B', indicating that the
Compuserve B Protocol will be used. The protocol field is then
skipped, as there is no need for you to use it.
When Qmodem or PROCOMM PLUS are chosen as the terminal program,
the Protocol field acts normally. That is, entering that field
for the first time causes a choice list to pop up presenting you
with the available protocols to choose from.
Also, when generating a script for TAPCIS, PROCOMM PLUS or
XTALK4, the Upload Path field is available for your use. You may
specify the path to the file you are uploading using the -p
Ease-Up V1.7 CompuServe Version Documentation Page 9
command line option (see Usage above) or enter the path manually.
Qmodem scripts do not use the Upload Path field, as Qmodem
provides its own method for you to set the upload path in its
configuration.
Using the Choice Lists
----------------------
The several popup choice lists that Ease-Up uses are one of the
keys to its ease of use. They allow you to have certain items
entered into your script for you, based on your choice from the
list.
Each choice list attempts to act "intelligently", in that when
you enter an empty field that uses a choice list it will present
itself and allow you to make a selection. Once there an entry has
been made, the choice list will not irritate you by popping up
each time you pass through a field. It is always available with
the <F2> if you would like to reselect an item.
In all but one choice list, you may make your selection using a
single key search. For instance, to select the forum IBMCOM from
the forum choice list press the letter 'I'. The cursor will move
to the first item in the forum list beginning with that letter.
You may then select that item by pressing <RETURN>, scroll
through the list, or make another single key selection. All this
make easy work of entering forum names and other items, and
assures you that typos and other common mistakes won't happen.
The exception to this is the list for the forum LIBs. Use the
arrows or spacebar to make your selection from this list.
When using any choice list you may move through the list with the
following keys:
PgUp Pages Up one screen
PgDwn Pages Down one screen
Arrows Up or Down one item
Home/End Top/Bottom
Spacebar Down one item
Ease-Up V1.7 CompuServe Version Documentation Page 10
An explanation of each field follows.
Those flagged as required will not allow a blank entry.
Local File -- Name and Ext
--------------------------
The first thing that you are asked for is the name of a local
file to upload. Simply enter your file name, without the
extension.
You may use this to make uploading several different files from
your system (local files) to several CIS forums, all using the
same in the forums. It is also useful for avoiding the
restrictions that CIS puts on a file name (six character max as
opposed to DOS's eight).
For instance, you may have a file on your system named
longname.arc and wish to upload it without renaming it. Enter the
name of the file in the Local File name and extension fields and
choose an appropriate name for CIS for the upload file.
Using this example,
Local File Upload File
Name Ext Name Ext
LONGNAME.ARC SHORTN.ARC
Ease-Up would write a script that would send LONGNAME.ARC from
your system to CIS. The file would be named SHORTN.ARC on CIS.
The entry of a local file name is not required. You may leave the
field empty and Ease-Up will use the file name and extension from
the Upload File field for the name of the local file.
Ease-Up will check the your entries to make sure that they are
legal file and extension names. If your entry contains any
illegal characters, Ease-Up will tell you which character must be
edited and return you to the field. Ease-Up will not accept an
illegal file name, so you should make the corrections when
prompted.
Upload File -- Name and Ext
---------------------------
File Name
---------
<Required>
Enter name that you want CIS to use for your file, without the
extension. This may be a different name from the file on your
system (see Local File above) if you choose. If you leave the
Local File name and extension blank, this entry (Upload File)
will be used for the local file.
Ease-Up V1.7 CompuServe Version Documentation Page 11
File Name Ext
-------------
When you enter the EXT field for the first time you are presented
with a pop of choice list of common filename extensions. You may
choose one of the listed extensions, or press the ESC key to
close the list and enter an extension of your choice.
Ease-Up will check the your entries to make sure that they are
legal file and extension names. If your entry contains any
illegal characters, Ease-Up will tell you which character must be
edited and return you to the field. Ease-Up will not accept an
illegal file name, so you should make the corrections when
prompted.
Forum Name
----------
<Required>
When you first enter the Forum Name field, you will be presented
with a choice list of many of the forum names on CIS. Choosing a
name from the list will automatically enter that forum into the
Forum Name field. The list is not all-inclusive and some listed
services may not in fact have libraries. Be sure you are familiar
with the forum you select. If the forum you are uploading to is
not in the list, simply press the ESC key to close the list and
enter the forum name in the field.
Library Number
--------------
<Required>
With all forums, it is necessary to choose a particular library
in which your file will be uploaded. Ease-Up includes a list of
libraries for several of the popular forums on CIS. If the forum
you chose in the Forum Name field has its library list included
with Ease-Up, you will be presented with this list when you enter
the LIB field. The libraries are listed by number with a short
description of each, as provided by CIS.
If you have chosen a forum which Ease-Up does not have a library
list for, Ease-Up will beep once when you enter this field and
display the message "No choices available". You may then enter
the library number into the field. Be sure to enter a valid
library number for the forum. An invalid library number will
cause the script to fail online.
Ease-Up V1.7 CompuServe Version Documentation Page 12
Terminal Program
----------------
<Required>
When you first enter this field, you will be presented with a
choice list of the terminal programs that Ease-Up supports.
Simply choose the program for which you wish the upload script
generated.
As mentioned above, the Protocol and Upload Path fields will
behave differently, depending on which terminal program you
choose.
If you enter a terminal program not supported by Ease-Up, the
program will abort during when you attempt to save the script
file. No harm is done, but is can be inconvenient. Choosing your
terminal program from the choice list provided will assure that
this will not happen (providing you don't change the name, of
course).
Script Name
-----------
<Required>
Enter the file name for the script you are generating. DON'T
enter an extension. Ease-Up will append the proper extension for
the terminal program you chose to the script name you enter.
Ease-Up will check the your entry to make sure that it is a legal
file name. If your entry contains any illegal characters, Ease-Up
will tell you which character must be edited and return you to
the field. Ease-Up will not accept an illegal file name, so you
should make the corrections when prompted.
Ease-up will check the current directory for a script file with
the same name that you enter. If the file exists, you will be
advised of this by a message window. You may continue and the
existing script file will be overwritten, or you may edit the
Script Name to create a new file.
Protocol
--------
<Required> (depending on terminal program)
Two protocol choices are offered at this time. They are 'B' (CIS
B Protocol) and Xmodem.
If you choose TAPCIS or XTALK4 as the terminal program then this
field defaults to 'B', indicating CIS B Protocol, and is skipped.
Other terminal program choices will cause a choice list to pop
up. You may choose a protocol from the list.
PROCOMM PLUS:
Ease-Up V1.7 CompuServe Version Documentation Page 13
Ease-Up offers two protocol choices for PROCOMM PLUS. They are
'B' and Xmodem. The Xmodem selection for PROCOMM PLUS will use
the RXMODEM (Relaxed Xmodem) offered by that program. Briefly,
the RXMODEM protocol is intended to be used with CIS and
provides relaxed timing constraints sometimes necessary to
avoid timing problems with CIS. Your PROCOMM PLUS manual
explains the RXMODEM protocol more fully.
Qmodem:
Two protocol choices are offered for Qmodem. They are 'B' and
Xmodem. Xmodem uses Qmodem's internal Xmodem CRC protocol.
Qmodem does not provide a built in CIS B Protocol. You must
have an external protocol installed to use the CIS B Protocol
with Qmodem.
As there is no way for me to know exactly how you have
configured Qmodem, I have assumed that you have installed an
external B Protocol and have given it the name 'B' on Qmodem's
protocol list (seems reasonable).
Ease Up has been tested with the OZBEXT external B Protocol
module by Ozarks West Software.
The relationship between Ease Up and an external protocol is
very simple. Qmodem, through your setup of the protocol and
it's batch file, actually controls the execution of the
external protocol module. Your script will simply instruct
Qmodem to use the particular protocol in the file transfer.
Given the assumption above about the name in Qmodem's protocol
list, simply make sure that the protocol module returns to
Qmodem immediately after the transfer has been completed. This
is necessary so that the script generated by Ease Up may
continue and send the upload description to CIS. For instance,
OZBEXT uses a command line switch, -X, that instructs it to
return after completing the transfer.
Replace Existing File
---------------------
Use this option if you are going to replace a file by the same
name that you uploaded previously to the same forum and library.
The default is 'N', and assumes that a file by the same name does
not already exist in the library. You may toggle the entry in
this field with the space bar. Remember, CIS will only allow you
to replace an existing file that you previously uploaded (your
own file).
Upload Path
-----------
This field is only available if you are generating an upload
script for use with TAPCIS, PROCOMM PLUS or XTALK4. You may enter
Ease-Up V1.7 CompuServe Version Documentation Page 14
a value here manually or use the command line option -p (see
Usage above). An upload path entered on the command line is
editable here.
The path should be the complete DOS path to the file you are
uploading, less the file name itself.
Example: D:\UPLOADS
When using the CIS B Protocol, CIS will prompt for the "filename
for your computer". Ease-Up uses the file name and extension you
entered earlier and the upload path you enter here to respond to
that CIS prompt.
Ease-Up will check the your entry to make sure that it is a legal
file path name. If your entry contains any illegal characters,
Ease-Up will tell you which character must be edited and return
you to the field. Ease-Up will not accept an illegal path name,
but will accept one that does not exist, so you should make the
corrections when prompted.
Qmodem Users:
The Upload Path field is not used when generating a script for
Qmodem. Qmodem provides an excellent configuration facility
for setting upload and download paths, among others. It is
assumed that you are using this facility of Qmodem. Ease Up
makes use of a Qmodem variable, $UPLOAD, in the scripts it
generates. This variable contains the upload path as set in
Qmodem's configuration. In order for an Ease-Up generated
script to function properly without editing, you should set the
Qmodem upload path as indicated by the program's manual.
Keywords
--------
Enter the keywords for your upload as you would online.
Ease-Up allows 79 characters for the keywords. When using TAPCIS
this is truncated when uploaded to 78 characters.
Long Description
----------------
Here you may enter the long description of the file you are
uploading. You should follow CIS and forum guidelines for the
information entered here and in the keywords field.
CIS allows a maximum of 465 characters in the long description of
an uploaded file. Ease-Up will allow only 456 characters in the
Long Description field. The 15 character difference is the cost
of providing a full featured editor for the description.
You may use an external ASCII text file for the long description.
Ease-Up will load the text file using the [-d long descr. file]
Ease-Up V1.7 CompuServe Version Documentation Page 15
command line option. A maximum of 6 lines of text is allowed and
no line should exceed 76 characters in length. Exceeding these
limits won't hurt anything, but your description will not be
formatted as it probably was in your file.
For 9 less characters than the CIS maximum, you get many of the
editing features found in popular text editors which include:
F = function key
SHFT = shift key
CTRL = control key
Key Feature
--- -------
F4 paragraph reformatting
INS optional insert or overwrite mode
SHFT-F4 join lines
F5 insert blank line
F6 delete line
SHFT-F6 delete to end of line
CTRL-F6 delete to end of word
HOME goto first column of line
END goto last column of line
CTRL-PGUP goto first column of first row
CTRL-PGDN goto end of text
CTRL-LEFT goto first character of previous word
CTRL-RIGHT goto first character of next word
In addition, there is word wrapping works fine, so long as there
are not enough characters ahead to fill the field. You may insert
a blank line as you normally would, but that carriage return in
the first position on that line will cause the editor to act as
if the line was full. Keep this in mind, as you can't see the
carriage return character and you may believe you have an empty
line.
There is one idiosyncracy in the editor. The TAB key will move
you from the long description to the first field (File Name) and
the Shift-TAB combination will move to the previous field.
Saving a script
---------------
The F10 key will save the information you have entered and
generate your script.
When you press the F10 key you will be asked if you want to save
your script file. If you want to save the data and generate your
script, answer yes. Answering no will return you to your previous
place in the form.
After generating a script, Ease-Up displays a window to inform
you that the script file was successfully saved. This window will
remain on the screen for several seconds to allow you the
opportunity to read the message. You may close the window and
return to the data entry screen at any time by pressing any
Ease-Up V1.7 CompuServe Version Documentation Page 16
character key on the keyboard (the spacebar for instance).
When you return to the data entry screen all your previous
entries are intact with the exception of the script File Name.
This field is cleared for each new script you create. You may
reuse or edit the information and create as many scripts as you
like.
Quitting the program
--------------------
The ESC key will prompt you to quit at any time in the data entry
portion of Ease-Up.
Notes on Ease-Up Generated Scripts
----------------------------------
The script files that Ease-Up generates are fully commented, so
take a look if you're not familiar with script files. If you've
avoided using them until now, this may be a good opportunity to
see that they really don't bite.
Ease-Up makes a few assumptions when generating scripts. You
should be online and at a CIS '!' prompt when the script is
executed. The necessary commands are included in the script to
go to the forum in which the upload will be made, there is no
need for you to be in the forum before executing the script.
Ease-Up assumes that you are uploading a binary file, as opposed
to one of the other file types supported by CIS. This will be the
most common case and should present little problem. If you have a
need to let CIS know your upload is of another type (the file
types have nothing to do with the file name extension you use),
you may edit the line in the script file containing the 'UPL'
command for CIS. Locate the file type, 'BIN', and change it to
the type you desire.
No fancy footwork is done in the scripts. I have kept them as
simple as possible. You are, of course, free to edit them as you
desire.
PROCOMM PLUS and TAPCIS users should be aware that the scripts
for these programs assume that the forum options are set to
'Prompt' with the initial prompt as 'Forum !'. TAPCIS does this
automatically for you by default and will present no problem is
you use its defaults.
Qmodem and XTALK4 scripts are designed to handle the various
possibilities in forum options as their languages provide the
facilities to accomplish this.
XTALK4 Scripts
--------------
Unlike the other terminal programs supported in this release
of Ease-Up, CROSSTALK Mk.4 has the capability to compile its
Ease-Up V1.7 CompuServe Version Documentation Page 17
scripts. There are many advantages to this method for the
user, the most noticeable being script execution speed. The
one disadvantage (if you view it as one) is the extra step of
compiling the script.
I mention this as a reminder that XTALK4 will compile the
scrips generated by Ease-Up. You may compile the script
before logging on to CIS and avoid any delays while XTALK4
compiles the script online (a few seconds is all). I would
recommend this as the preferred method and as a good habit to
have when using compiled scripts.
You should refer to your CROSSTALK Mk.4 User Guide and
Reference Manual for complete information regarding the CASL
Programming Language.
XTALK4 Include Files
--------------------
XTALK4 offers another feature taken advantage of by Ease-Up.
It supports the "include" statement, similar to the
preprocessor directive by the same name in the C language. In
our case, this affords us the opportunity to provide certain
common code without the overhead of having to reproduce it
each time a script is generated.
The file, XTEUPC1.XTS, and its companion file XTEUPC2.XTS are
include files used by the scripts generated by Ease-Up V1.7
and are required for the proper operation of those scripts.
These files are included into and compiled with the Ease-Up
generated scripts. Their location in the generated script
file is important, so if for some reason you decide to make
any changes to the generated code keep this in mind.
The XTALK4 Reference Manual states in its notes on the
INCLUDE statement that the XTPATH path is not searched for
include files. I've found that this is not the case, and
source files on the XTPATH are included. In any case, these
files must be available to XTALK4 in order for the generated
scripts to compile. Keeping the generated scripts and the
include files together in the same subdirectory will take
care of it. You should refer to your XTALKK4 manuals for the
details of how include files are handled.
Questions and Support:
----------------------
There is no extra charge or fee for technical support provided to
registered users of Ease-Up. SSI will provide technical support
for Ease-Up free of charge for the life of the product. Please be
sure that we have your correct mailing address and online service
ID on file. Our preference is to provide support via one of the
online services. U.S. mail may be used if you like, but usually
takes a bit longer. You are welcome to call us, but please
understand that given the cost of long distance telephone calls
Ease-Up V1.7 CompuServe Version Documentation Page 18
it would much easier on both our wallets to use one of the online
services.
Upgrade / Update Policy
-----------------------
In general, I don't think you should have to pay for minor
revisions or enhancements. Updates or upgrades which are
maintenance releases will be offered to registered users free of
charge (other than that incurred by you to download the file).
There may be a nominal fee if you wish your revision sent to you
on disk (see below).
A major revision or enhancement of the program may certainly make
it worth a few dollars to gain the added features. For instance,
I've been considering merging the CIS and GEnie versions and
incorporating database functions for storage and retrieval of
previously generated scripts.
You will be notified of any updates to the program via email (ie.
EasyPlex on CIS) and offered the option of receiving an updated
version by the same means (most services provide the means to
email a binary or program file). This is the least expensive
method for both of us.
If you prefer to have your update sent to you on disk, there will
be a nominal charge to cover the cost of duplication and
shipping. The charge should be around $5.00. Your upgrade notice
will include the exact amount required at the time the upgrade is
issued and you may indicate your preference for an upgrade method
at that time.
I believe that you will find Ease-Up very easy to use. If you do
experience any problems, or have a question or comment, please
let me hear from you. I can be contacted as indicated below.
Mail: Mark W. Geisinger
Simple Solutions, Inc.
P.O. Box 640189
Kenner, LA 70064
Phone: (504) 464-5748
CompuServe: 76440,76
GEnie: M.GEISINGER
BIX: mgeisinger
Ease-Up V1.7 CompuServe Version Documentation Page 19
Revision Notes
______________
V1.51:
Maintenance release to make minor change in TAPCIS scripts
to take into account special message received by sysops when
entering their forum. This change has no effect on regular
users. Thanks to the guys in the TAPCIS forum for letting
me know about this.
V1.60:
PROCOMM PLUS support added. The CIS and GEnie version EXE
files each were given a unique name. EUPC.EXE for the CIS
version and EUPG.EXE for the GEnie version.
V1.61:
Maintenance release to fix a minor bug introduced in V1.6.
The bug had no adverse effect of program function, but
failed to display "B" protocol in that field when TAPCIS
chosen as terminal program.
V1.62:
Entering the Upload Path Name no longer requires that you
enter the trailing delimiter ('\'). Ease-Up takes care of
this for you.
After saving a script file, a window is now displayed that
informs you that the file was successfully saved before
returning to the data entry screen.
V1.63:
Validation of path name, file name, file name extension, and
script name for legal DOS names is now done. Appropriate
messages are displayed when illegal characters are entered.
Warning is now given is a script file of the same name
exists.
V1.64:
Context sensitive help incorporated into the program. Minor
modifications to the interface (mostly cosmetic) were done.
V1.70:
A few more cosmetic changes took place.
A bug introduced when the help was added has been fixed.
Handling the condition of a nonexisting help file improved.
Keywords are now editable with a subset of the functions
available for the long description.
Initial support for XTALK4 is now in place. Thanks to Shel
Hall and the guys at DCA for pointing me in the right
direction. I think I'm going to like the CASL language.
Some improvements in the scripts were made:
Qmodem scripts now attempt to deal with the variations
possible in user forum option settings, in addition to
Ease-Up V1.7 CompuServe Version Documentation Page 20
several exceptions to normal operations.
With TAPCIS this is not necessary as the program takes
care to see that these options are set at known values.
XTALK4 scripts should handle all this quite well.
PROCOMM PLUS scripts should accomplish this in the next
release. I suspect that given the tools in their script
language, forum options may have to be known before
script generation.
Some last minute changes...
(thanks to Tom Rawson for catching these as just as this was
going to be released)
The local file was added to ease the uploading of different
files with a common name on the host.
An omission in the documentation that failed to note the
maximum line length for the external description file has
been corrected.
Ease-Up V1.7 CompuServe Version Documentation Page 21
REGISTRATION FORM
Send To: Simple Solutions, Inc.
P.O. Box 640189
Kenner, LA 70064
(504) 464-5748
Please make checks payable to Simple Solutions, Inc. Checks must
be is U.S. Funds, drawn on a U.S. bank. Please do not send cash
or currency.
Name: ___________________________________________
Company: ___________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________
City: __________________________
State: ____ Zip:____________
Phone: ( ) -
CIS: _______________ GEnie: _______________ Other: ______________
Comments:
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Ease-Up V1.7 CompuServe Version Documentation Page 22
Registration of Ease-Up - Individual use, single user, Latest
version, registered to you, send to you on disk....$20.00 U.S.
Funds
Select Version: GEnie ( ) CompuServe ( )
Number of copies __________ @ $20.00 ea. SUBTOTAL __________
Special Offer! Ease-Up Combination - Order both the CompuServe
and GEnie versions and save 25% off one program. $35.00 U.S.
Funds
CIS & GEnie versions may differ in features and
terminal programs supported.
YES! send both the CIS and GEnie versions for $35.00 ( )
Number of Ease-Up Combos __________ @ $35.00 ea. SUBTOTAL __________
Disk Format: 5.25" 360K ( ) 1.22M ( ) 3.5" 720K ( )
Wait! Why overburden the US Postal Service and wait for Ease-Up
to be mailed to you. This is the 21st. century, right?
If you like, your registered version(s) of Ease-Up can be sent to
you electronically, via email (CIS EasyPlex for instance), and
you can save an additional $5.00 in the process.
Simply check the box below and specify which service you wish to
receive your registered version on (please make sure that your ID
for that service is listed above) then deduct $5.00 from your
order. Within one working day of receiving your payment (I
pretty much work 7 days a week...), your registered version will
be sent to you via the service you select below.
YES! I want to save the $5.00 it cost to ship Ease-Up ( )
email my registered version(s) on:
CompuServe ( )
GEnie ( )
BIX ( )
LA residents add 4% sales tax.......... ___________
TOTAL ___________
NOTE: For information on corporate/commercial, redistribution or
site licenses for multiple copies, please contact SSI.
Ease-Up V1.7 CompuServe Version Documentation Page 23
Trademark Information:
BIX is a registered trademark of McGraw-Hill, Inc.
CompuServe is a registered trademark of CompuServe Incorporated
EasyPlex is a service mark of CompuServe Incorporated
B Protocol is a service mark of CompuServe Incorporated
GEnie is a trademark of General Electric, U.S.A.
Qmodem is a trademark of The Forbin Project, Inc.
TAPCIS is a trademark of OMNI Information Resources, Inc.
PROCOMM PLUS and ASPECT are trademarks of DATASTORM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
CROSSTALK and DCA are registered trademarks of Digital
Communications Associates, Inc.
CASL is a trademark of Digital Communications Associates, Inc.
Ease-Up V1.7 CompuServe Version Documentation Page 24
