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TIMELOCK THE TIME MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR BBS DOORS AND PROGRAMS INTRODUCTION ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── TimeLock is a simple, yet powerful BBS, Time Management Program. It enables Sysops to restrict access to BBS Nodes, HUB mail doors, game doors or, any other BBS door/utility program during specific times of the day or night. Only designated callers (or groups) can access a BBS node or door program during a Sysop defined time slot when the correct caller ID or password is provided. FOR NETMAIL HUBS NetMail HUB Sysops! You can now be sure that only designated nodes and hubs will access your BBS or Mail doors during the Time Slots you assign. No longer will you see your nodes and hubs calling outside their designated time slots bumping someone else out of their time slot. Now you can truly offer PROTECTED TIME SLOTS to your nodes and hubs. HOW TIMELOCK WORKS TimeLock.EXE can be placed in your board.bat, logon door (if your BBS provides this feature) or in any batch file that calls a door or utility program. When a caller attempts to open a TimeLock Protected NODE, DOOR, or PROGRAM, TimeLock is executed first and determines whether the caller will be allowed access based on the time slot assigned to them. If in their timeslot, TimeLock returns an error level of zero. If the caller is not in their timeslot, TimeLock returns an error level of 255 (user definable error level or DTR to disconnect in Registered Version). Based on these errorlevels you can allow the caller to continue, return the to the board (or even log them off). SUMMARY OF TIMELOCK FEATURES * Allows BBS Sysops to restrict access to a BBS NODE, DOOR or PROGRAM to designated callers and time periods. * Written for PC Board, GAP, Wildcat and any other broad capable of producing a DOOR.SYS file. * Prints schedule to Screen, File or Printer. Supports both ASCII and ANSI Schedule Bulletin or News File (sysop definable). * Allows for overlapping time slots permitting access to GROUPS of callers. * Validate callers time slot using PASSWORD or CALLERID (username). * Detailed Usage Log (* Registered Version). * Multi-Node Operation (* Registered Version). * User Definable Default Time Increments when establishing schedule database (* Registered Version). * Sysop definable errorlevel if caller is not in their timeslot. (* Registered Version). * Can retrieve PASSWORD or CALLER ID without user intervention. (* Registered Version). ( -1- ) OVERVIEW OF TIMELOCK OPERATION ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── The TimeLock system consists of two parts. TIMEDATA.EXE, that allows you to establish a schedule of callers and their time slots. And TIMELOCK.EXE, that checks whether the caller is authorized to access the BBS or program during the time period called. The TIMEDATA.EXE Program TimeData allows you to create a database containing a starting and ending time (a Time Slot), a caller name or ID (this can be a HUB or Node ID or a users name), and a password as shown below. Remember the "open" time slots are defined by those times for which no TimeData record covers and they are open to all users. Sample TimeData screen: | START | END | Caller ID | Password | 20:00 20:15 HUBWOCKY XYZ123 20:15 20:30 THDOOR WEBSTER 20:30 21:00 HUBNY ALPHA The TIMELOCK.EXE Program TimeLock checks the database when the caller tries to open a door or execute a program protected by TimeLock. If the password or callerid provided (either thru entry or from the system file) is valid for the current timeslot, then TimeLock returns an errorlevel of 0. If it is not valid for the current timeslot, TimeLock returns errorlevel 255, or the exit errorlevel as established in the configuration file. By testing for these errorlevels in your door batch files, you can grant or deny access to the program or door. (REGISTERED USERS! When selecting your exit errorlevel, remember that some BBS software allows activation of various features when an errorlevel is returned. For example, in GAP, an errorlevel of 62 (twit key) causes the carrier to be dropped, disconnecting the user and recycling the board.) EXAMPLE: USING TIMELOCK FOR A HUB MAIL DOOR REM HUBRIME.BAT echo off TimeLock TimeLock.CNF If errorlevel = 255 goto end F: cd F:\RIME\HUB rem run the HUB with the proper configuration file HUB CONFIG3.HUB REMOTE :end In the above example, when the Node or HUB calls and opens your Mail Door, TimeLock either requests or retrieves a password or a caller ID. If the password/caller id is correct for the current timeslot, an errorlevel of 0 is returned and the batch file allows the caller to open the mail door. If it is incorrect, TimeLock returns an errorlevel of 255. The caller is not permitted to open the mail door and is returned to the BBS. ( -2- ) INSTALLING & USING TIMELOCK: ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── TIMLOKxx.ZIP contains the following files: TIMELOCK.EXE - Program that requests and verifies the password entered. TIMELOCK.CNF - Sample configuration file for TimeLock. TIMEDATA.EXE - Program that maintains the list of time slots and their passwords. TIMEDATA.CNF - Sample configuration file for TimeData. WHATS.NEW - History of enhancements and corrections. FILE_ID.DIZ - Breif description file. TIMELOCK.DOC - This file. REGISTER.DOC - Registration form To install TimeLock, follow the steps listed below. STEP 1. Make a directory for the TimeLock programs and files. If you are using the Shareware version, and running multi-node, you will want to place TimeLock in each nodes default directory. Registered users may make one area regardless of the number of nodes. STEP 2. Make configuration files. You may use the sample files (TIMELOCK.CNF & TIMEDATA.CNF) for this purpose. Each TimeLock configuration file will contain seven (7) lines as follows. e:\node4 <== Path to system files The Door <== BBS Name 0 <== 0=Gap/1=PC Board & Everything else N <== Maintain Usage file? Y/N Y <== Get password from DOOR.SYS? Y/N 62 <== Exit errorlevel or "DTR" for bad timeslot PASSWORD <== Validate PASSWORD or CALLERID e:\node4\good <== Full path to screen for valid callers e:\node4\bad <== Full path to screen for invalid callers e:\node4\open <== Full path to screen for callers in open slot 100 <== Exempt Security Level The TIMEDATA.CNF file will contain three (3) lines as follows. 5 <== Default Time Increment in Minutes e:\node4\timedatg. <== Path for ANSI bulletin/news file e:\node4\timedat. <== Path for ASCII bulletin/news file For more information about the configuration files, please view the sample TIMELOCK.CNF and TIMEDATA.CNF files provided. STEP 3: Establish your time slot database using the TimeData program. See page 4 for helpful hints on running this program. STEP 4: Change the batch files used to run the doors you wish to protect with TimeLock. (See the previous example.) Note that if you are a registered user you may pass the configuration file name that you wish to use on the command line. If this configuration name is omitted the TimeLock program will use the TIMELOCK.CNF file.) ( -3- ) USING TIMEDATA ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── The TimeData program allows you to establish the database of time slots and which callerids or passwords will activate them. Note that you may enter the User Name, Hub Name, or Node ID in the Caller ID field. Remember, if you are a registered user and you wish to establish default time increments, then view and modify the TIMEDATA.CNF file accordingly. Also, you must establish your paths and filenames for printing your schedule to a bulletin or newsfile. The TimeData program is very straight forward and easy to use. However, a few helpful hints never hurt. 1. To select a menu item you may use your arrow keys, or press the first letter of the item. Note that PAGE UP will function as Previous, PAGE DOWN will function as Next and ESC will function as Quit. The ESC key will also abort the Adding & Changing functions and return to the menu. 2. When the program requests a Yes or No response, the default answer will appear in uppercase. For example, by pressing Enter at the "Is this Correct? Y/n" prompt you would be selecting the uppercase response, or "Y". 3. Your arrow keys work in moving around the screen and the menu, but do not work well in editing. So when you are changing a field, use your backspace key. 4. Times will be entered as hhmm, with no colon, it will be added for you. Make sure you pad your entries with zeros (i.e. 0500) and use a 24 hour clock. 5. If you established a default time slot length, you will not need to enter an Ending Time, just press enter and TimeData will enter it for you. 6. When you pRint to a file, remember that it will use the file names that you established in the TIMEDATA.CNF file. ( -4- ) LEGALITIES ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── DISTRIBUTION TimeLock (Tm) is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with your friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of another system. The essence of "user-supported" software is to provide personal computer users with quality software without high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to continue to develop new products. If you find this program useful and you continue to use it after a trial period of 20 days, you must make a registration payment of $15.00 to Peiman & Associates Inc. The $15.00 registration fee will license one copy for use on any one computer at any one time. Commercial or business users of this package must register and pay for their copies of this package within 10 days of first use or their license is withdrawn. Site-License arrangements may be made by contacting Peiman & Associates, Inc.. You are encouraged to pass a copy of this package along to others for for evaluation. Please encourage them to register their copy if they find that they can use it. Peiman & Associates, Inc. SUPPORT BBS 629 Peachwood Drive The DOOR BBS & Information Network Altamonte Springs, FL. 32714 5-Nodes US Robotics DS/V.32bis/HST U.S.A. 407-682-3132 (Compuserve 76630,2177) COPYRIGHT NOTICE AND TRADEMARKS Distribute this program intact! This software and accompanying documentation are Copyright (c) 1991 by Peiman & Associates, Inc.. All rights are reserved. All PAI Software products are trademarks or registered trademarks of Peiman & Associates, Inc.. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY Users of this package must accept this disclaimer of warranty: "The TimeLock program is supplied as is. Peiman & Associates disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use of these software programs." REPORTING PROBLEMS If you encounter any problems with TimeLock which you think might be a bug, please report it to us at the address above, or contact us on the DOOR BBS. ( -5- ) DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE SHAREWARE AND REGISTERED VERSIONS ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── While the shareware version of TimeLock is not crippled in any way, registration enables additional features and functions. As a registered user, you will receive: o The right to continue using TimeLock o The latest version of TimeLock o Updates for 1 Year o Additional Program Features o Technical support via The DOOR BBS, (407-682-3132) SHAREWARE REGISTERED VERSION Allows Sysops to restrict Allows Sysops to restrict caller access. caller access. Written for any BBS able Written for any BBS able to produce a DOOR.SYS file. to produce a DOOR.SYS file. Prints Schedule to Screen, Prints Schedule to Screen, Printer or File (ASCII and Printer of File (ASCII and ANSI news files). ANSI news files). Allows overlapping time Allows overlapping time slots. slots with warning. Validates callers time Validates callers time slot using PASSWORD or slot using PASSWORD or CALLERID (username). CALLERID (username). Multi-Node operations Multi-Node operation from separate directories. from one directory No Usage Log Detailed Usage Log No Default Time Increments User Definable Default Time Increments (for quick schedule entry.) Returns errorlevel of 255 Returns Sysop definable if caller is not in their errorlevel if caller is not timeslot. in their timeslot. Requires user entry for Can retrieve PASSWORD or PASSWORD or CALLER ID. CALLER ID without user intervention. ( -6- )