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Text File | 1995-06-28 | 23KB | 393 lines

LOCATHA INDUSTRIES, INC. ------------------------ ┌──────┐ ┌─────┐ ┌──────┐ ┌──────┐ ┌─────┐ ┌─┐ ┌─┐ ┌───┐ ┌─────┐ ┌─┐ ┌─┐ │ ┌──┐ │ │ ┌───┘ │ ┌──┐ │ └┐ ┌─┐ │ └─┐ ┌─┘ │ │ │ │ └┐ ┌┘ │ ┌───┘ │ │ │ │ │ └──┘ │ │ └─┐ │ └──┘ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ └─┘ │ │ │ │ └───┐ │ │ │ │ │ ┌─┐ ┌┘ │ ┌─┘ │ ┌──┐ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ ┌─┐ │ │ │ └───┐ │ └─┘ └─┘ │ │ │ └┐ │ └───┐ │ │ │ │ ┌┘ └─┘ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ ┌┘ └┐ ┌───┘ │ ┌─┐ ┌─┐ └─┘ └──┘ └─────┘ └─┘ └─┘ └──────┘ └─┘ └─┘ └─┘ └───┘ └─────┘ └─┘ └─┘ THIS DOCUMENT SHOULD BE READ BY SYSOPS BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO INSTALL OR RUN THE GRAPHIC ONLINE GAME THAT THIS DOCUMENT IS ACCOMPIANIED WITH. EACH OF OUR GRAPHIC ONLINE GAMES HAVE SIMILIAR CHARACTERISTICS. ALSO, OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS SINCE WE'VE BEGUN WRITTING THESE KINDS OF GAMES, WE HAVE COME TO UNDERSTAND THE AREAS THAT CONFUSE SYSOPS THE MOST. NONE OF WHICH ARE GAME SPECIFIC, SO THIS FILE WILL BE THE SAME FOR EACH GAME. HOWEVER, CHECK THE DATE BELOW TO SEE IF THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN UPDATED OR CHANGED. LAST CHANGED DATE: <NEVER> CURRENT DOC DATE : 05-30-1995 With that out of the way, lets return to normal case letters and get to the business at hand. I'm going to break the document into catagories. Some of these catagories may not pertain to you, however, please read through all other catagories. Even if you are not sure if it will pertain to you it couldn't hurt. I understand, that as adults, we have launched a nation wide campaign against reading docs (Unless we have to, ofcourse). By all means I wouldn't want to run against the grain of things. However, the time you spend reading this document (And I'll do my best to keep it short) will save you time 10 fold rather than attempting to proceed without knowing what lies herein. Before I scare you off, let me say this, The games are no different for installation than your typical Ansi door. However, due to the graphic nature of the games their are certain considerations which must be taken in order to make them work after installation. (These catagories have been listed in priority of occurance. The ) (listings at the top are the catagories that sysops have had the ) (most problems with, and as you get further down the list, these are) (the problems we rarely hear anything about. ) CATAGORIES 0) INSTALLATION-------------------------------------------------- 1) LOCKUPS, FREEZES, CRASHES ------------------------------------ 2) DESQVIEW------------------------------------------------------ 3) USERS--------------------------------------------------------- 4) CLOSING------------------------------------------------------- 5) HINTS--------------------------------------------------------- 6) WINDOWS '95--------------------------------------------------- 0) INSTALLATION --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Installation isn't one of our more common problems, however, for sake of order of events, I thought I'd mention a couple of things here first. Once you've unzipped this package (And are hopefully reading this immediately) the program to run is HINSTALL.EXE. Currently you will see three options available: PCBOARD, WILDCAT, and MANUAL INSTALL. If you do not see your BBS software listed, then select MANUAL INSTALL. This will break up the archive for you, place it in a desired directory, and create an example batch file that will show you the necessities of the Batch file and mention the suggested requirements. This batch file will be what you use to execute the game when called from your BBS. Simply add this batch file to your DOORS menu like you would any other door. However, keep in mind that this batch file is Not Ready To GO, and requires some editing on your part. PCBOARD: The installation for Pcboard is complete. Save to say we don't add it to your Doors Ansi menu, but all other functions are completed for you. Simply answer the questions, and select the settings as they are presented to you, and your installed. LARGE PCBOARD systes of many many nodes may wish to consider the Manual Installation option. WHY? because of Pcboards limiteless configurability it was impossible for use to find the Batch file that boots up your Board (i.e. Board.bat) for each of your nodes. Their for we have to prompt for them. If you are running a 100 node BBS this could be time consuming, and perhaps a procedure best done manually. However, for the Novice Pcboard users such as myself, this is a very welcome installation feature. WILDCAT: The installation for Wildcat is the MOST complete of them all. Because of wildcat's consolidated nature, and structured format of directories and filenames it was easy to write an installation program that did everything for the sysop. A true TURN KEY operation. (however, we still do not add the door to the Ansi menu's <G>). The Wildcat author simply has to answer a couple of questions, select a few options from a menu, and then sit back and let it do the work. HOWEVER!!!!!!!!!!! the single most frustrating problem with Wildcat is the infamous NODE 0 (local node). This is not a problem, IF! the Wildcat sysop does not wish to play the game from that node. However, if he wishes to participate, he will have to select a different node. WHY? Well, wildcat first of all does not drop a door.sys when in NODE 0. Also, because of the nature of our .CFG a node zero is impossible to account for. (We could have gone the extra mile to code around this in our .CFG file, yet, since NODE 0 doesn't drop a DOOR.SYS whats the point??) 1) LOCKUPS, FREEZES, CRASHES: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- If after you install the games, go through the configuration file, and set things to the way you want them on your BBS; and it then locks up when you attempt to play, here are the most common reasons for this. MEMORY: These games consume a great deal of Conventional memory. All of which are in the 510k and up regions. If you want to view graphics in local mode then you can be certain that you will require 560-580k free of CONVENTIONAL memory. Many sysops have had a difficult time grasping the low memory concept. We have heard time and time again: "But I have 8 megs of ram? How could I be out of memory". The answer is simple. These games are REAL MODE, which means they are not capable of taking full advantage of all the Extra Ram Available. Therefore, to get an accurate messurement of the memory available you need to type MEM at a dos prompt and see how much Conventional memory you have left. Some of the Higher versions of dos will tell you what the Largest Executable Size is. This also is the information you're looking for. Now, just knowing this information isn't enough. When your BBS executes the door, it may be using some of this memory while it attempts to execute the door. To find out how much memory the GAME ACTUALLY HAS TO USE, edit the game batch file, which will be found inside the directory you selected for installation, and place these two lines at the top. MEM PAUSE This will allow you to logon locally to your BBS as you normally would and select the Door (like any other door). Then once it attempts to execute the door. It will display the memory you have available just before running the game, and pause. You will have to press a key to get by this, so be sure to remove it after this test is done. WHAT DO I DO IF I DONT HAVE ENOUGH MEMORY? Their are a number of things you can do, however, I don't want to leave the scope of this document, therefore, I'll just hint at a few and say to call 'TECH SUPPORT'. The first thing you should try is TURNING GRAPHICS OFF. In the Graphics OFF State the games only require about 490-515k (depending on the game). This could do the trick for you. QEMM has a feature which will allow you to OPTIMIZE your memory configuration. This tends to help a great number of sysops. Search through your BBS manual, and make sure that your BBS is 'SHRINKING' or 'SWAPPING' out of memory before running the door. This too is a most common problem amung sysops. If your BBS permits complete exiting of the BBS software to run a door then by all means do this. PCBOARD is such a BBS software. The Best solution to this, because of the large number of options, would be to call our TECH SUPPORT LINES. When you call you will be asked to leave your Name, Phone Number, Brief explanation of your problem, and a convenient time that a Tech. Rep. could return your call. Please include your Time Zone information as well. AS INSENTIVE TO CALL TECH SUPPORT, let me say that their hasn't been a single BBS system todate, that we have been compatible with, that we haven't been able to get up and running. Your Phone call to us shouldn't be more than just a minute or two to leave the information. TECH SUPPORT #1-904-387-9796 24hrs a day. BATCH FILE: The second most common problem is an error within the BATCH FILE which executes the game. The concepts of this batch file are simple, however, because of the number of possibilites in which this could be set up...error's tend to occure. If the Batch file created for your system doesn't work or, the Example batch file doesn't account for something specific on your BBS, then please look over it carefully and see what it is trying to do...and see if you can alter it to meet the same ends without comprimising the goal of the original Batch File. Also because of the limitless possibilities I urge you to CALL TECH SUPPORT as mentioned above in the MEMORY Section of the LOCKUPS, FREEZES, & CRASHES. UNSYNCING : As the game and term connect to play online, they Synchronize to one another so that data can be sent back and forth between them. From time to time, you will get a user that complains of Lockups, inwhich his only alternative is to reboot his system to get out. (Note: he could also be suffering from the first problem MEMORY which I discuss in more detail in the HELPUSR.DOC file for the user...You may refer him to that section for details). The first thing to ask him would be this. Did you have to hit the reset button on your computer or did you use the CTRL-ALT-DELETE. This may ofcourse sound petty, but is a very important clue in determining what kind of error it was. If he had to reset the computer via the RESET BUTTON, then it was most likely a MEMORY problem. If he hit CTRL-ALT-DELETE then it was most likely a Synchronization problem. Today in the world of High speed modems, the concepts of line errors, error correction, and the like are becoming more and more of a reality. The faster our modems go the more sensitive they become to line errors. The fact that most users have their ports locked at 57.6 or 38.4 doesn't help matters much. Their are two solutions, and one cause. First have the user set his Port Lock rate down to say 19.2, This will elliminate any over flowing of the output buffer if he should run into line noise. Ofcourse the Higher Locking rates work well if he has a clean line, but as the modem attempts to correct the line errors, the internal buffers will quickly become filled while the modem is working on the error correction. So it's best to set it down to 19.2 for the best performance of both worlds. The second is the old solution, and thats to hang-up and call back in the attempt to get a cleaner line. We have at the begining of our programs a Line quality test which attempts to test the quality of the line. Now because of the advent of Error Correcting modems, this test is difficult since the modem tries to correct the errors as they come in. However, this will catch those users who's line noise is such that the modem can't correct it..and all in all those are the users we want to turn away before they get locked into the game. Line noise could be a problem from time to time. However, should not be a consistant neusance. If it becomes such, then perhaps a call to your local phone company would be in order. However, NONE! of the users possible problems will cause any problem for your BBS. If you have sufficient memory to play then you have nothing to Fear. Even if the user has to drop carrier because of Unsyncronization or because of a MEMORY problem on his side, the HOST will recycle back to the BBS as it should and you will not suffer any down time. Refer the User to the HELPUSR.DOC or Tech support if he continually has problems. Line noise will always be a problem from time to time. Storms and other conditions produce it....But this should be nothing more than a temporary neusance. These games really shine, when the sysop has sufficient memory to play, and Users have sufficient memory to play. All in all the other two problems are rare indeed. The installation pretty much manufactures a Batch file compatible with 99% of all BBS's. The Line noise problem is also easily corrected by having the users drop their lock ports to 19.2 for the gaming session. Although it is recommended for over all best performance. How many times have you seen your High Speed callers unexpectedly Drop Carrier while on the BBS. This is due to line noise, and the modem can't correct it. DESQVIEW ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- One of the Most mistifying and misunderstood programs in the Computer Industry today is Desqview. Let me say now that it is very possible to get upwards of 560k per Desqview window if you have atleast 1 Meg of ram per window. This hinges on the kind of EMM Memory Manager you use. By far the most sofisticated and reliable Extended Memory Manager is QEMM from the makers of Desqview. Their are only two things to consider when running the games under Desqview. 1). TURN GRAPHICS OFF!!! We realize that Desqview is capable of Graphics, but thats streaching things a bit. Capable is about the best description you could give it. For best performance under your BBS you will want to turn graphics off. Not to mention in the Graphics OFF state you'll save about 60-90k of memory. 2). MEMORY Basically, this is the most common problem by far. We however, have very knowledgable Desqview Tech Reps. On staff available to help you walk through your setups and explain everything to you. They will give you all the information you need to achieve the memory mentioned above. Their are, however, few circumstances where the above memory simply can't be achieved on your current system...However, they will know that too and be able to explain why. In short: CALL TECH SUPPORT. VOICE 24hrs a day 1-904-387-9796. USERS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- It's kind of ironic that we would list USERS as one of the more common problems. However, many users are novice's in this realm of telecommunications and have limited knowledge of even their own terminal package. This section is to help you, the sysop, sift through information and help your users get online and playing. But let me say first, that once the users have 1 of our games set up, the rest will be automatically installed and should work with no problems from then on. (providing they do not switch platforms). The terminal program for the games interact directly with whatever terminal software they use to call your BBS through a special protocol. Also, an Interface link has been implemented via a TSR which is installed to the users Autoexec.BAT file. This TSR is how LIMODEM protocol is activated. Once LIMODEM is activated, it acts as a traffic cop, and will determine which game the user is wanting to play, sift through the correct version matching to insure the user has the correct version, and finally load it up for them to play. If they did not have the correct version, it will prompt them to download it..and automatically install it. Once they're done playing the game, it will automatically return them to their terminal software to continue with normal BBS activity. Once a Single Locatha Industries game has been installed successfully on their system, then any future games will be done automatically for them while they're online. Here are some of the things we suggest for you the sysop to do, in order to help your users enjoy these fine games. 1) Take your favorit terminal package, call into your BBS and walk through the installation procedures that your users will have to walk through. This will make you better prepared for questions as they are made. Also, if you have available a second game from Locatha Industries, try that one also, so that you can see how the LIMODEM protocol will update and install new games for the users in the future. Only the first game they install will have to be installed manually. All future games and updates will be handled through the protocol. 2) The installation procedures for the terms are identical from one game to the next, and from one terminal package to the next (save the fact of selecting the specific terminal package). This should allow you to get a grasp of any question that may be put to you. If it worked for your terminal software, it should work for any of the other supported terminal software packages. Their realistically is no significant difference other than an ID CODE number passed to LITECK. CLOSING ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thats it. Basically it comes down to this. If your BBS system is set up for best performance, and optimum memory you should have 0 problems installing and getting the games to work. These games streach the demands of a BBS to their limits. However, as you can see through the above document that their are only 3 things to consider. Memory, Mistakes, & Tech Support.<g> Which ever your problem, just give us a call..and we'd be happy to help walk you through the installation and get you running. Our Tech Support offices are open to your Users as well, so if they have any problems we'll be here to walk them through them. Thanks for reading this far...Below are a few hints picked up from Sysop's like you that have made these games the center point of their BBS. Thank you, Evan Schwartz HINTS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here are some Hints that Sysops have passed on to us, and a few that we have discovered that you may wish to use on your BBS. 1) FOSSIL DRIVER : If you know what a fossil driver is, and you aren't using one..then you may wish to consider using one. When you use a fossil driver with our games instead of standard uart communications you will save about 25k of memory that the game could use. This is very helpful if you are a little low on memory. Possibly more uncommon, for users to consider using, however, they would benefit also from the 25k bonus if they installed a fossil driver on their system. This bonus of 25k includes the memory the FOSSIL would take up.. so it is a True Bonus of 25k. 2) In the Game directories you will find files that end with 'T' and have the extension '.DAT'. For example you will find in the Slot-Tris directory SLOTT.DAT, or in the Battle Gird Directory BGRIDT.DAT, or in the Fields of Battle Directory FOBT.DAT, and so on through out the games. These files are actually the Terminal Packages ZIPPED simply renamed .DAT files. They MUST remain in the Game directories, and they MUST be named with the .DAT extension. However, you may make copies of these files and then rename the COPIES of these file to .ZIP and place them up on your BBS for download as normal. But BE CERTIAN TO LEAVE THE ORIGINAL '.DAT' FILES IN THE GAME DIRECTORIES. Many users are afraid of something they are not familiar with. So by placing the terminal packages in a familiar setting for download, Sysops have found them to be more likely to download them and check them out. This is not the same for all BBS's ofcourse, however, may help you if you find the users are being skidish about downloading the terms from inside the games. 6) WINDOWS '95 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- When operating the games Under Windows '95, It is recommended to play with graphics turned off for preformance purposes. Also, you will notice that the Music and Sound F/X will not function while under Windows '95. Also, when these games are running under Windows '95 be sure to turn the SCREEN SAVER OFF. The Screen Saver is too big a Drag on the system, and will cause a preformance problem.