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1991-03-25
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* SEDITOR v1.0 *
An Online Message Editor
Written by Michael Gillum
Last Updated: 03-13-91
SEDITOR is an easy to use, highly functional editor for the creation
of short messages either while online, or offline. SEDITOR is compact,
compared to using an external editor from TELIX simply to create a
message. Designed specifically for small messages, SEDITOR is limited
in the size of message it creates to 18 lines, of 60 characters each.
Because SEDITOR was written in TELIX's own scripting language, the
scope of providing a more complex, full-scale editor was redundant. If
you need to compose a lengthy document then obviously you need the
full capabilities of a more sophisticated editor - one that offers
such features as margin; tab; and paragraph settings; as well as the
ability to move large chunks of text. That was not the purpose in
design of SEDITOR. Think of SEDITOR as an "On-The-Fly" message
creator.
Some of the things SEDITOR will provide, however, that the broader
text processor won't:
1) The ability to upload your message for you when you finish.
2) An "online-time" checker (if you choose to activate it) to
make sure you don't get kicked off line while you are
working on your message.
3) A "hold and view" (if a carrier is detected) feature that
temporarily suspends the editor, in the current session,
and returns you online to review the message you are
responding to, or view other messages and online areas.
4) A "Pause" feature (if you activate the online checker) for
when you need to step away from the keyboard for a short
period. The online checker continues to "hold" you online.
All of this, without the overhead of a bulky editor, right from inside
TELIX. If you choose not to upload at the time of creation, SEDITOR
will save the message for you, automatically putting it in the
directory TELIX uses to upload from (either choosen by you when you
install TELIX, or by default).
Using SEDITOR:
--------------
Using SEDITOR is easy. You simply call it as you do any script, (I
recommend you install it in one of your function keys so it's
accessable anytime, anywhere).
Once in the editor, you will see additional cursor movement
instructions at the bottom of the screen. SEDITOR is a "full-screen"
editor, so you have full control over cursor movement within the
editor. This exemplifies the precise reason for SEDITOR's creation.
Most online services offer very basic, limited, line by line editors.
You enter your message a line at a time, and if mistakes are made, you
have to redo the entire line, sometimes more if you leave out a word
or phrase. This is very time consuming, and frustrating.
The Online Checker
------------------
As soon as you start SEDITOR, (if a carrier is detected - otherwise
this function is by-passed) you are asked if you want to "Retain
Online Status." Answering yes will activate a timer (preset to 2
minutes) that will automatically signal to the host, your presence
online, while you are creating a message. This prevents you from
losing your connection while writing.
If the online timer is activated you will see, in the top right corner
the present time, and when the next "check time" is due. Answering no
simply bypasses this feature.
*Note*
if your keyboard is idle, the check does not occur and could result in
your being disconnected anyway. The check is made ONLY if you are at
the keyboard and actually typing - or, if you need to be away from
your keyboard for over two minutes, then select F2-Pause. This
maintains the online checker regardless of keyboard idle time. (If you
do not choose the online checker function, or a carrier was not
detected at start-up, F2-Pause will not show as a choice on your
screen)
Hold and View
-------------
A feature of SEDITOR, while you are creating your message, is the
ability to drop you back online, for review of other messages, or
perhaps, to look again at the message you are responding to. To
activate, simply press F1 while in the editor. The editor window will
temporarily fold, and you will have full keyboard control online. When
you want to return to the editor, simply press Esc. If no carrier was
detected at start-up of Seditor, F1 will not be available as an
option.
Loading a file
--------------
You can load a file into Seditor by pressing F3 from the editor. Keep
in mind that Seditor only supports 18 lines of 60 characters each. If
you attempt to load a file not created in Seditor, lines will be
chopped at 60 characters, and only the first 18 lines will get loaded.
Basically, this funtion is to reload files created through Seditor,
but it is not limited to that.
Another possibility of usage of the "loader" is for messages you may
have created, and saved, but did not upload. By loading these back in
Seditor, you now have the capabilities of not only editing, but can
upload it directly from seditor.
Erasing the Session
-------------------
If while typing, you decide you want to start over again, with a
"clean slate" you have two choices. Either "Exit and Abort" the
message, then select "Enter another" or, a quicker method is to simply
choose F4-Erase. This selection clears the present session completely,
and gives you a "clean window" so you can begin again. Be careful,
however, pressing F3 does not give you the option to save, and
immediately destroys what you have already typed.
To Exit SEDITOR
---------------
To exit SEDITOR, simply press Esc. If there is text entered, you will
be asked if you want to UpLoad it now, Save it for later UpLoading, or
Abort alltogether. That simple!
Uploading: The Immediate Dispatcher
-----------------------------------
If you choose to UpLoad it now, SEDITOR will drop you online while you
navigate to the proper section for "sending" your message. In the
lower left corner of the editor window, you will see instructions
flashing. When you are ready, and positioned, pressing F1 will send
your message. Pressing Esc will abort that session, not sending your
message. If you do decide not to send the message immediately, SEDITOR
will again, give you the option of saving messages for later
uploading.
Appendix 1
----------
Just because SEDITOR is limited to 18 lines, 60 characters does not
necessarily hinder the creation of larger messages. With the ability
of SEDITOR to upload immediately, also allowing you the freedom of
moving around online even while you are creating messages, you have
the capability to upload the "first 18 lines" and continue with the
message in a new window then "add" the second 18 lines to the
previously uploaded message while still online. By doing this you can
essentialliy create as large a message as you need.
Appendix 2
----------
The online checker maintains your presence online line by periodically
(every two minutes) sending a Space character, then a Backspace
character (retaining your original cursor position online) to emulate
a "keystroke" to the host system.