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1995-06-04
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---===>>> THE SOFTCOM GRAPHIX TERMINAL V-2.0 <<<===---
This version of the SOFTCOM GRAPHIX TERMINAL was developed by Glen Billings
for Cognitive Training Association (CTA) of Waxahachie, Texas and is
distributed under the Registered name 'Chalkboard'. Although we retain the
right to distribute it under the name SOFTCOM GRAPHIX TERMINAL, it is
commercial software and as such, can not be distributed as Shareware or
Freeware.
We have made arrangements to distribute a Crippled version as a DEMO.
Certain functions such as uploading and downloading will not be available in
the DEMO version. Other features may also be disabled in future updates.
If you are currently using the DEMO version of the terminal and wish to
upgrade to the REGISTERED version contact MASTER BBS SERVICES, or log on to
our system 'THE SMORGAS BOARD' for more information. Addresses, Fax and Data
numbers are located at the end of this document.
Although this terminal has been in BETA for some time and this version is
considered a release version, the terminal will be updated on a regular
basis. Many of the updates will be the result of changes made to satisfy the
needs of CTA and others will result from our desire to make this a truly
first class and competitive graphics terminal.
Great care has been taken to make the terminal intuitive and self
documenting. It is designed so that the average user can by following
instructions, load, initialize and be BBSING without the need to pore
through reams of documentation. In spite of this care, there are always
certain functions that may require a more in depth explanation. It is hoped
that we can keep the numbers down to a minimum, but in the event you have
problems with the terminal please contact us, so that we can determine
whether it is case of understanding (in which case we will attempt to
document it more clearly), or a bug that needs squashed. Please send all
questions and comments to either the SYSOP where you acquired this terminal
or to the address at the bottom of this document.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:
The terminal requires a 386 or better to operate. Although it can actually
operate from a floppy disk (a bit slow), it contains overlays which
function much better in EMS memory.
This version supports several SVGA cards but because it is a DOS based
graphics environment, many will be limited to VGA. This limitation will be
removed when the WINDOWS version becomes available.
In the event that after setting the display to SVGA and the display is
distorted or only covers a part of the screen press ALT+N, this will allow
you to reconfigure your initialization file.
Although you can view both NAPLPS and JPEG with older modems (even those
old 300 baud jobbies), ones needs at least 9600 or faster to get the full
benefit of these graphic systems.
Because line noise can seriously distort on-line graphics and can even lock
up your system during the display of JPEGS, it is suggested that you always
attempt to connect using one of the error checking protocols for reliable
data transfer.
Most systems that support NAPLPS/JPEG send codes which the terminal is
capable of recognizing. These turn on and off the NAPLPS/JPEG decoder as
required. This means for the most part you really don't need to know a
whole lot about the environment because the SYSOP has set things up so when
you need to be viewing ANSI or ASCII code the terminal recognizes this and
changes modes automatically. The same holds true for both NAPLPS and JPEG
frames.
In the event the terminal becomes confused (displaying NAPLPS or JPEG code
in ANSI mode or Vice Versa), press ALT+F9 to toggle the NAPLPS/JPEG decoder
off or on!
INSTALLATION:
Installation requires only that you create a directory for the terminal and
it's related files (such as C:\SOFT\). Copy the distribution package to
this directory and UNZIP it. A Batch file called SOFT.BAT is included in
the package. Just type SOFT and the terminal should load and be prepared
for you to enter the requested information.
You will need to know which COM port is available on your system and the
BAUD speed your modem is limited to. Other than that the defaults should
work fine.
NAPLPS/JPEG:
Both NAPLPS and JPEG are ANSI (American National Standards Institute)
standards. As such they remain constant and can not be changed at the whim
of some software manufacturer. They are both in the public domain and there
is considerable Freeware and Shareware that supports them. NAPLPS has been
used by many commercial entities such as PRODIGY, CTA and the Broadcast
industry in general.
One of the reasons why many are not familiar with NAPLPS is that most of
the commercial software available has been quite expensive, most of which
was never really designed for the BBS community. This is specially true for
terminal programs supporting NAPLPS.
The advantage of JPEG is the ability to squeeze very large graphic files
into much smaller *.jpg files with minimal loss of detail. We have
successfully taken a 300k *.gif and compressed it into a 20k *.jpg and still
had a good quality high resolution graphic that we can transmit to the user
in under 10 seconds at 14.4 Bps.
COMPATIBILITY:
As mentioned both NAPLPS and JPEG are ANSI standards and the SOFTCOM
GRAPHIX terminal supports both those standards fully.
The terminal also supports a compiled version of these protocols which
allow the transmission of both via BBS's who use some of the ASCII character
set as control characters. This means that both NAPLPS and JPEG can be
transmitted directly without the need of transparent download protocols such
as Zmodem etc.
THE FUTURE:
When compared to the major terminal packages available, THE SOFTCOM
GRAPHIX'S TERMINAL still has a long ways to go. We plan to implement many
features available in these packages. Many of these features will wait for
the WINDOWS VERSION. But here's a short list of coming attractions.
1. Programmable Function Keys.
2. Expanded Dialer.
3. Script support.
4. JPEG/NAPLPS file viewer.
5. WINDOWS version....
And much more. Much of what we will be implementing will be at the
suggestions of users such as yourself. We hope you all take the time to help
us make this the best graphics terminal found anywhere.
You can leave suggestions and comments to:
BBS:
The Smorgas Board
1 (602) 925-0086
FAX:
1 (602) 925-1150
Or write:
Master BBS Services
Box 976
Goodyear AZ 85338
Glen(Looking to here from you all)Elenor