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1995-06-01
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727 lines
***** SWAP v4.0 *****
(01 June 1995)
GOODBYE/HELLO/HOLIDAY Screen Rotator for Wildcat!
Written By: Terry Atkinson
Adsum Wildcat! BBS
Dartmouth, NS
NODE 1 902-434-3121 (must be verified)
NODE 2 902-435-2455 (must be verified)
NODE 3 902-434-2350 (Donors Only)
VOICE: 902-434-1346
USR DS V.34
What it does:
============
SWAP is designed to be used on a Wildcat! (or any other) BBS for rotation
of HELLO and/or GOODBYE ANSI/ASCII/RIP screens and MUSIC clips during events
and/or postcall. Special HOLIDAY screens can be rotated by specifying the
appropriate information in .CFG file(s). It also has the capability of
prepending .MUSic files to a file of your choice. Even if you are NOT running
a BBS, you may find a use for it. Provision was made for rotating screens based
on variable date holidays or special events such as Mother's Day, which falls
on a different DATE each year.
How it does it:
==============
When executed, SWAP looks for a configuration file in the current
directory (default called SWAP.CFG). The .CFG is read for information
on filenames and pathnames of various lists maintained and created by
you, the user. A BATch file is produced which does the work of copying
files from directories to files in other directories. Terse logging is
accomplished through an environment variable if desired and an
alternate .CFG file may be specified on the command line.
What it will not do:
===================
It will not PRODUCE a screen for you. Although example screens are
included, it is designed for YOU to use your OWN screens.
File listing:
============
The NAME of this archive should be SWAP40.ZIP or .ARJ etc.
SysOps - Please ensure this is name on YOUR BBS. Help stamp out DUPES!
Suggested keywords: SWAP ROTATE ANSI/ASCII BBS/SCR RIP/MUSIC
Contents: Purpose:
======== =======
SWAP.EXE - Executable. You may rename it if you wish.
SWAP.CFG - Sample Configuration file. May be renamed on a
command line as described below. In whatever form,
a .CFG is REQUIRED.
SWAP.DOC - This file.
SWAP.FAQ - Frequently asked questions about SWAP.
HELLO1.LST - Sample listing of SCR/BBS files to swap to a
HELLOx.xxx screen. Filename may be defined by user.
May be deleted or renamed. Matches the files in the ZIP.
GOODBYE.LST - Sample listing of SCR/BBS files to swap to a
GOODBYE.xxx screen. Filename may be defined by user.
May be deleted or renamed. Matches the files in the ZIP.
HOLIDAYF.LST - Sample listing of SCR/BBS files to swap to a
HELLOx.xxx screen on user specified FIXED DATE
holidays and/or special events. Filename may be
defined by user.
May be deleted or renamed. Matches the files in the ZIP.
HOLIDAYF.TXT - A listing of some of the major FIXED holidays
throughout the world. This is NOT an all-inclusive
listing. Use your own judgement. May be deleted.
HOLIDAYV.LST - Sample listing of SCR/BBS files to swap to a
HELLOx.xxx screen on user specified VARIABLE DATE
holidays and/or special events. Filename may be
defined by user.
May be deleted or renamed. Matches the files in the ZIP.
HOLIDAYV.TXT - A listing of some of the major VARIABLE DATE
holidays throughout the world. Same notes as above.
HOLIDAYV.DOC - Details on setting up a VARIABLE DATE holiday
list. Separated from main documentation for readability.
May be deleted once you understand the process.
RIP.LST - Sample listing of RIP files to swap to HELLOx.RIP
and/or GOODBYE.RIP for your RIP callers.
May be deleted or renamed. Matches the files in the ZIP.
MUSIC.LST - Listing of .MUSic files which you may want to
prepend to a given file (ie. your DOORS.SCR file)
which will play ANSI music when a user goes into
the [D]oor menu.
May be deleted or renamed. Matches the files in the ZIP.
COPYIT.BAT - Batch file which performs the work. Filename
defined by user. This will be created/replaced
each time you run SWAP. May be deleted.
DESC.SDI - File description for WILDCAT! BBSs. May be deleted.
FILE_ID.DIZ - File description for other BBSs. May be deleted.
EXAMPLES.TXT - File with examples and explanations. Read if you
are still confused after reading these docs. May be
deleted once you understand the process.
MUSIC.ZIP - Sample music files for use with the music option.
Matches MUSIC.LST.
HELLOSCN.ZIP - Sample HELLO .SCR/BBS screens. Matches HELLO1.LST
GDBYESCN.ZIP - Sample GOODBYE .SCR/BBS screens. Matches GOODBYE.LST
RIPSCNS.ZIP - Sample HELLO and GOODBYE .RIP screens. Matches RIP.LST
BBSCRHOL.ZIP - Sample FIXED and VARIABLE date .BBS/SCR holiday screens.
Matches HOLIDAYF.LST and HOLIDAYV.LST
RIPHOL.ZIP - Sample FIXED and VARIABLE date .RIP holiday screens.
Matches HOLIDAYF.LST and HOLIDAYV.LST
Please put the contents of the ZIP files in separate directories as
recommended in these documents. Set up your config file to reflect those
directories and all other items. RUN the .EXE a few times and view the
batch file which is produced to ensure it meets your requirements. You
may replace these sample graphics with those of your own. The included
graphics were produced by various artists.
This ZIP file was -AV stamped. If there is no indication that the file
has an AV stamp as shown below, it may have been tampered with. Get a
new file. If a "hacked" notice comes up, get a new file.
# OBH709
ADSUM Wildcat! BBS
Note that I think putting your own advert within someone else's file is CRASS
to say the least.
Quick start
===========
To get started, all you have to do is run SWAP.EXE. You may
safely do this at any time as NO CHANGES are made to ANY files
whatsoever. Ensure you have a backup copy of all the files in this
archive BEFORE you make any modifications. All this program does is
create a .BAT file in the same directory from which SWAP.EXE is run.
The Configuration file (default = SWAP.CFG)
======================
The DEFAULT configuration file is "SWAP.CFG". You may change this
to anything you want, but you must then use a command line as follows:
SWAP MYCONFIG.TXT
where MYCONFIG.TXT is your own configuration filename vice SWAP.CFG.
Given the ability for a command line .CFG file, you can obviously
have as many different configs as you wish, and can rotate many
different files depending on your system. (ie. HELLO1N.xxx, HELLO1.xxx,
HELLO2.xxx, ad infinitum). With judicious use of a command line config file
you could even get this program to swap holiday screens to a GOODBYE.BBS
screen.
The 35 configuration items specified below MUST be syntactically
correct, although they need not exist at all - in which case a BLANK
LINE is required except where noted. Also, the INPUT paths, if used,
MUST be terminated with a "\" or the program will record an error and
halt with a prompt for you to fix the .CFG file (lines 1-12). The
error will let you know which line is at fault. You may leave the
COMMENTS in the file(s) as long as they are separated from the
configuration items by at least ONE space as shown below.
CONFIGURATION ITEM COMMENT
================== =======
C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE\HELLO\ 1'INPUT Path to HELLO.BBS screen (ASCII)
C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE\HELLO\ 2'INPUT Path to HELLO.SCR screen (ANSI)
C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE\RIP\ 3'INPUT Path to HELLO.RIP screen (RIP)
C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE\GOODBYE\ 4'INPUT Path to GOODBYE.BBS screen (ASCII)
C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE\GOODBYE\ 5'INPUT Path to GOODBYE.SCR screen (ANSI)
C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE\RIP\ 6'INPUT Path to GOODBYE.RIP screen (RIP)
C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE\HOLIDAYS\ 7'INPUT Path to HOLIDAY.BBS screen (ASCII)
C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE\HOLIDAYS\ 8'INPUT Path to HOLIDAY.SCR screen (ANSI)
C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE\RIP\ 9'INPUT Path to HOLIDAY.RIP screen (RIP)
C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE\HOLIDAYS\ 10'INPUT Path to HOLIDAYV.BBS screen (ASCII)
C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE\HOLIDAYS\ 11'INPUT Path to HOLIDAYV.SCR screen (ANSI)
C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE\RIP\ 12'INPUT Path to HOLIDAYV.RIP screen (RIP)
C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE\MUSIC\ 13'INPUT Path to MUSIC.MUS files
C:\WILDCAT\DISP\HELLO1.BBS 14'Output Path/Filename for HELLO (ASCII)
C:\WILDCAT\DISP\HELLO1.SCR 15'Output Path/Filename for HELLO (ANSI)
C:\WILDCAT\DISP\HELLO1.RIP 16'Output Path/Filename for HELLO (RIP)
C:\WILDCAT\DISP\GOODBYE.BBS 17'Output Path/Filename for GOODBYE (ASCII)
C:\WILDCAT\DISP\GOODBYE.SCR 18'Output Path/Filename for GOODBYE (ANSI)
C:\WILDCAT\DISP\GOODBYE.RIP 19'Output Path/Filename for GOODBYE (RIP)
C:\WILDCAT\DISP\HELLO1.BBS 20'Output Path/Filename for HOLIDAY F (ASCII)
C:\WILDCAT\DISP\HELLO1.SCR 21'Output Path/Filename for HOLIDAY F (ANSI)
C:\WILDCAT\DISP\HELLO1.RIP 22'Output Path/Filename for HOLIDAY F (RIP)
C:\WILDCAT\DISP\HELLO1.BBS 23'Output Path/Filename for HOLIDAY V (ASCII)
C:\WILDCAT\DISP\HELLO1.SCR 24'Output Path/Filename for HOLIDAY V (ANSI)
C:\WILDCAT\DISP\HELLO1.RIP 25'Output Path/Filename for HOLIDAY V (RIP)
C:\WILDCAT\DISP\DOORS.SCR 26'Output Path/Filename for MUSIC file
HELLO1.LST 27'List of HELLO screens (BBS/SCR)
GOODBYE.LST 28'List of GOODBYE screens (BBS/SCR)
RIP.LST 29'List of RIP files (hello,goodbye)
HOLIDAYF.LST 30'List of fixed date holiday screens (BBS/SCR/RIP)
HOLIDAYV.LST 31'List of variable holiday screens (BBS/SCR/RIP)
MUSIC.LST 32'List of MUSIC files
DOORSSCR.BAK 33'File to PREpend .MUS to
COPYIT.BAT 34'Batch file to create.
SWAP.LOG 35'LOG file or NONE if no logging is required.
Once you have the SWAP.CFG set up to point to the appropriate
files and file areas, the next step is to create your own listings for
files to rotate.
Example HOLIDAY (FIXED) rotation list (default - HOLIDAYF.LST)
=====================================
DATE SCREENS COMMENT
==== ======= =======
0101,NEWYEAR.BBS,NEWYEAR.SCR,NEWYEAR.RIP For New Years day.
0401,APRFOOL.BBS,APRFOOL.SCR,APRFOOL.RIP For April Fools day
0601,CDNFLAG.BBS,CDNFLAG.SCR,CDNFLAG.RIP For Canada Day
0604,USFLAG.BBS,USFLAG.SCR,USFLAG.RIP For US Independence Day
1224,XMASEVE.BBS,XMASEVE.SCR,XMASEVE.RIP For Christmas Eve
1225,XMASDAY.BBS,XMASDAY.SCR,XMASDAY.RIP For Christmas Day
The dates (ie. 1225 above) must be in the format MMDD. This
program will not work if not in this format. It does not affect the
remainder of the program. Your DOS must also return the date in the
standardized format of MM-DD-YYYY. You may put comments in the .LST
files providing they are separated from the file listing by at least
ONE space as shown above. This is handy for those who wish to NUMBER
their screens. i.e. 1.BBS, 2.BBS, 3.SCR, 109A44.BBS. Note that the
dates do NOT have to be in chronological order as the ENTIRE file is
read and checked for a date coincident with your system date. The
FIRST CORRECT DATE encountered will be used, and the program will exit.
0101,NEWYEAR.BBS,NEWYEAR.SCR,NEWYEAR.RIP
0401,APRFOOL.BBS,APRFOOL.SCR,APRFOOL.RIP
0601,CDNFLAG.BBS,CDNFLAG.SCR,CDNFLAG.RIP
0604,USFLAG.BBS,USFLAG.SCR,USFLAG.RIP
1224,XMASEVE.BBS,XMASEVE.SCR,XMASEVE.RIP
1225,XMASDAY.BBS,XMASDAY.SCR,XMASDAY.RIP
The DATE and the BBS filename MUST be separated by a comma.
Likewise the BBS filename and the SCR filename. If either is not used,
put a comma in anyway. ie. [See example .LST files]
0101,,NEWYEAR.SCR,NEWYEAR.RIP or
0101,NEWYEAR.BBS,,NEWYEAR.RIP or
0101,,,NEWYEAR.RIP
Those using only .BBS screens with "@" codes on a WC3.x system
will find this feature handy. You may have as many holiday screens as
you wish. The BBS filename and the SCR filename do not have to match, ie.
0101,NEWYEAR.BBS,PICTURE.SCR,RIPPIC.RIP
You do not have to put dates before the files if you want to
maintain a list of available files for later assignment. See the
enclosed HOLIDAY.LST for examples.
SWAP also has the capability of recognizing dates and days of the
week. See the HOLIDAYV.DOC file for more information.
Example HELLO rotation list (default = HELLO1.LST)
===========================
SCREENS COMMENTS
======= ========
55CHEV.BBS,55CHEV.SCR Picture of a 55 Chevy
ODIE.BBS,ODIE.SCR Odie doing his nut
YIKES!.BBS,YIKES!.SCR Displays YIKES here comes @FIRST@
WELCOME.BBS,WELCOME.SCR ADSUM's own welcome screen
This list has only two fields separated by a mandatory comma. The
comma must be used even if you are not using both filenames, ie.
55CHEV.BBS,
,ODIE.SCR
In the event a HELLO screen and a HOLIDAY screen have the same
destination pathname AND filename, the HOLIDAY screen will be copied
but the HELLO screen will not. The HOLIDAY always takes precedence and
a FIXED Holiday takes precedence over the VARIABLE DATE Holiday.
Hence, it is always best to either:
1. Make your HELLO screens as HELLO1.x and your HOLIDAY screens as
HELLO2.x. Using this method, the program will delete the HELLO2.x
screens for each consecutive time it is run to prevent the HELLO2.x
files from showing on non-holidays.
2. Make your HELLO screens and HOLIDAY screens as HELLO1.x. This
way, the HOLIDAY file will be overwritten, either by another
HOLIDAY screen or a standard HELLOx screen the next time it is run.
This is the best option in either case. Too many HELLO screens make
for a boring BBS.
The item at the TOP of the list is the NEXT screen to be copied.
Each time SWAP is run, this list is rotated to put the TOP line at the
bottom of the list. In other words, the HELLO list, after running SWAP
will now be:
ODIE.BBS,ODIE.SCR
YIKES!.BBS,YIKES!.SCR
WELCOME.BBS,WELCOME.SCR
55CHEV.BBS,55CHEV.SCR
You may have up to 365 of these files, one for each day of the
year if you are so inclined. The list is rotated EVERY TIME SWAP.EXE
is run.
Example GOODBYE rotation list (default = GOODBYE.LST)
=============================
SCREENS COMMENT
======= =======
STATS.BBS,STATS.SCR General User Stats at logoff.
GOODBYE4.BBS,GOODBYE4.SCR Picture of computer and modem
GOODBYE1.BBS,GOODBYE1.SCR Tradewar 2000 scenes
GOODBYE2.BBS,GOODBYE2.SCR User biography shown at logoff
The GOODBYE.LST is functionally identical to the HELLO1.LST. This
is designed to rotate GOODBYE.BBS/SCR screens daily. There are NO
HOLIDAY GOODBYE SCREENS, however, with judicious use of a command line
configuration file, this is entirely possible to do. I will leave it
to your imagination. Like the other lists, you may have COMMENTS in
the .LST. However, ensure you separate the screen names from the
comments by at least ONE space.
This list has only two fields separated by a mandatory comma. The
comma must be used even if you are not using both filenames, ie.
STATS.BBS,
,GOODBYE2.SCR
Note that if you use the STATS.BBS as shown above, it is ASSUMED to be
a file with @ codes. As such, the previous day's .SCR file will be deleted.
This is will allow the STATS.BBS (@ codes) to be shown to both ANSI and
ASCII callers. If you do NOT want the .SCR file to be deleted, merely put
it in a 2nd time behind the STATS.BBS (ie. STATS.BBS,OTHER.SCR)
Music
=====
If desired, you may have a file with music placed at the front of it.
Several .MUS files are included. These are not my files, but were part of
another public domain package. I include them here for completeness.
My DOORS.SCR file is the target file. Initially, this entails
copying your DOORS.SCR to your \ROTATE directory (or where SWAP.EXE
resides) and renaming it to any other filename. I use the filename of
DOORSSCR.MUS - let's call this the "dummy" file.
When SWAP runs, it reads the MUSIC.LST to get the filename in the top
position. The appropriate .MUS file is then copied along with DOORSSCR.MUS to a
temporary file called MUSIC.MUS. Note that MUSIC.MUS is merely DOORSSCR.MUS
(DOORS.SCR) with ANSI music as a header. DOORS.SCR is not modified directly.
MUSIC.MUS is then copied to the path and filename you specified in
SWAP.CFG (on my system, it is copied to C:\WC30\DISP\DOORS.SCR). Because
MUSIC.MUS is no longer required, it is deleted to keep the system "clean". Now,
whenever someone goes into the [D]oor menu, and IF they have a terminal program
capable of hearing ANSI music (ie. QModemPro) and IF they have their colour
turned on -- they will hear the selected "tune of the day".
You might note that DOORSSCR.MUS is not altered in any way. This is in
case you wish to restore DOORS.SCR without music. It is, in fact, a backup.
RIP Screens.
===========
This program has a provision to rotate RIP screens. As more and more of
these screens are available, you might want to take advantage of them by
providing them for your RIP users. The syntax of the RIP.LST file is similar to
the HELLO/GOODBYE lists, except the HELLO.RIP and GOODBYE.RIP are combined. ie.
HELLO1.RIP,GOODBYE1.RIP hello is 1st, goodbye 2nd.
,GOODBYE2.RIP hello not replaced, goodbye rotated
HELLO2.RIP, hello rotated, goodbye not replaced
WILDCAT2.RIP,LOGCABIN.RIP hello is Wildcat2, goodbye is Logcabin
LOG FILE
========
IN THE CONFIGURATION FILE (LINE 35)
=========================
Line 35 specifies the full path and filename of a LOG file of
your choosing. Optionally, you may put "NONE" on this line, ie:
NONE No log file specified in the CFG.
..or..
C:\WILDCAT\ACTIVITY.1 Terse log to Activity.1 file.
This is a TERSE log, opened in the append mode with file locking
in case you wish to log to activity logs or other files which may be
used by other programs on a multitasking system. Since it only takes a
second to write the information, this should not pose a problem anyway.
Via an ENVIRONMENT VARIABLE: (SET SWAPLOG=)
===========================
If you wish to log to a file using an environment variable:
"SET SWAPLOG=" and then the FULL PATH AND FILENAME FOR THE LOG. ie.
SET SWAPLOG=C:\WC30\ACTIVITY.3
...or...
SET SWAPLOG=D:\SYSTEM\SWAPLOG.LOG
Try it from the DOS prompt. If you get an "out of environment space"
error, you may have to temporarily remove something from your environment and
put it back again. This can easily be accomplished from within the batch file
which calls SWAP.
For example, I have a "SET QMPRO=C:\QMPRO". A batch file to temporarily
remove/reinstall it might look like:
@ECHO OFF Not necessary
SET QMPRO= removes QMODEM from the environment
SET SWAPLOG=C:\WILDCAT\ACTIVITY.3 puts swaplog into the environment
SWAP executes SWAP.EXE
CALL COPYIT BAT copies the files
SET SWAPLOG= removes swaplog from environment
SET QMPRO=C:\QMPRO reinstalls QMODEM to environment
NODE2 runs batch for the BBS (if necessary)
Note: You may have a log specified in the .CFG file and at the
same time, have one specified in the ENVIRONMENT. However, the
ENVIRONMENT log will take precedence and the .CFG log will be ignored.
Suggested setup
===============
The "standard" setup is to have a subdirectory hanging off your Wildcat! home
directory (normally C:\WILDCAT). Lets assume you name this directory ROTATE
(C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE). Put SWAP.EXE, SWAP.CFG, MUSIC.LST, HOLIDAYF.LST,
HOLIDAYV.LST, HELLO1.LST, GOODBYE.LST, RIP.LST (or your specified .LSTs and
.CFGs) in this directory. COPYIT.BAT (or your specified filename) will be
created in this directory when SWAP.EXE is run successfully.
Put all HOLIDAY (.BBS/.SCR/.RIP) screens in a subdir of the ROTATE directory
(ie. C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE\HOLIDAY).
Put the HELLO screens in a subdirectory of the ROTATE directory
(ie. C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE\HELLO).
Put the GOODBYE screens in a subdirectory of the ROTATE directory
(ie. C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE\GOODBYE).
Put the RIP hello/goodbye screens in a subdirectory of the ROTATE directory:
(ie. C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE\RIP)
Put the .MUS files into a subdirectory of the ROTATE directory
(ie. C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE\MUSIC).
Note: The above is NOT necessary. You may have them anywhere you want as
long as you point the .CFG to the proper directory for the files. You may even
have them in the \ROTATE directory if you wish. However, this will make it
quite cluttered if you have a lot of display files. Also, the INPUT paths to
files may be eliminated from the .CFG file if they are in the same directory as
the SWAP.EXE file - and provided you leave a blank line in the .CFG file. You
can make it simple or make it hard ... your choice.
Event or Postcall BATCH file
============================
When SWAP is run, it creates a batch file based on your configuration.
The batch file will magically appear in the same directory as SWAP.EXE.
Default batch file is COPYIT.BAT.
Your EVENT.BAT must then CALL COPYIT.BAT file.
Again, you could even use it in a POSTCALL.BAT file to rotate screens
between calls although this would be highly redundant.
An example of an EVENT batch file to accomplish this is might be:
@ECHO OFF Not necessary
WCPRO NEWUSERS Run a Wildcat! PRO utility
FLOP Run Michael Conley's FLOP program
CD C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE Change to ROTATE DIRECTORY (where SWAP.EXE lives)
ECHO:
SET SWAPLOG=C:\WILDCAT\ACTIVITY.1 Log details to a file
SWAP Execute SWAP
SET SWAPLOG= Remove swaplog from environment
CALL COPYIT.BAT Execute the BAT file to copy the .BBS/.SCR files
ECHO:
CD C:\WILDCAT Go back to WC Home directory
WCPRO NEWFILES Run a Wildcat! PRO utility
NODE1 Return to Wildcat. This line is required only if
a. your batch file to run wildcat is NODE1.BAT; AND
b. you are terminating for events (vice shelling).
Using the supplied SWAP.CFG program, the BATch file might be as
shown below. This is a sample only. You can run the SWAP.EXE program
AT ANY TIME to produce your own batch file based on your configuration.
This is ideal for testing your setup.
COPY BLAST.MUS + DOORSSCR.MUS MUSIC.MUS
COPY MUSIC.MUS C:\WC30\DISP\DOORS.SCR
DEL MUSIC.MUS
COPY C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE\GOODBYE\GOODBYE2.BBS C:\WC30\DISP\GOODBYE.BBS
COPY C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE\GOODBYE\GOODBYE2.SCR C:\WC30\DISP\GOODBYE.SCR
COPY C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE\HOLIDAYS\LABOUR.BBS C:\WC30\DISP\HELLO1.BBS
COPY C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE\HOLIDAYS\LABOUR.SCR C:\WC30\DISP\HELLO1.SCR
COPY C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE\RIP\WILDCAT.RIP C:\WC30\DISP\HELLO1.RIP
COPY C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE\RIP\SOLONG.RIP C:\WC30\DISP\GOODBYE.RIP
Note the hierarchy.
The GOODBYE screens are copied first. The HELLO1 screens are then
copied provided there is not a holiday AND the path/filenames are the
same. In the example above, there *IS* a holiday. Therefore the HELLO1
files will not be copied because on my system, they are directed to
the same output path/filename as the HOLIDAY screens. Note also that the
holiday list did NOT contain a .RIP file. Hence, the NORMAL hello .RIP
file is used.
As an added note here; if there happens to be a VARIABLE HOLIDAY
falling on the SAME DAY as a FIXED HOLIDAY, the FIXED HOLIDAY screen
will be rotated UNLESS the VARIABLE HOLIDAY and the FIXED HOLIDAY
output paths are different.
A reminder that if the HOLIDAYs are going to a DIFFERENT filename
than the HELLO files, they will both be produced. Also, don't forget,
if you are using DIFFERENT filenames for the HOLIDAY screens (i.e.
HELLO2.BBS) then the program will DELETE the destination holiday files
(ie. HELLO2.x) EACH EVENING to ensure they are not carried over to the
next day.
┌────────────┐
│Almost done!│
└────────────┘
Just one more example.
Here is an example of a nightly EVENT batch file with a command line
specified configuration file:
@ECHO OFF
WCPRO NEWUSERS
FLOP
CD C:\WILDCAT\ROTATE
ECHO:
SET SWAPLOG=D:\SWAP.LOG
SWAP 1STNAME.CFG Swap executed with specific items in 1STMAME.CFG
CALL MY1STBAT.BAT Call the batch file (instead of COPYIT.BAT)
SWAP 2NDNAME.CFG Swap executed with specific items in 2NDNAME.CFG
CALL MY2NDBAT.BAT Call another batch file (instead of COPYIT.BAT)
SWAP Swap executed with default .CFG (SWAP.CFG)
SET SWAPLOG=
CALL COPYIT.BAT Call the default batch file
ECHO:
CD C:\WILDCAT
WCPRO NEWFILES
(Note: the .BAT files above are specified in the different .CFG
files as explained earlier)
If you are still confused, see the file called EXAMPLES.TXT for
further examples of .CFG, .LST and other files.
Support:
=======
If you have a suggestion, feel free to drop me a message in MSI's
"3rd Party" conference or on Wildnet/Compulink in an appropriate conference.
If you have a question, please ensure you have read this wordy documentation
carefully and noted all the hazard areas (ie. no comma delimiters, missing
lines in .CFG files, etc). If you are convinced you cannot solve the problem,
ZIP me your .LST files and .CFG file and a[t]tach it to a message for me. I
will have a look at the files and get back to you. If you intend using VARIABLE
HOLIDAY lists, then PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE read the HOLIDAYV.DOC file CAREFULLY.
I can't stress this enough.
ERRORS
======
1. Non-fatal errors and other comments, such as no HELLO.LST file
(blank line instead), are logged directly to the BATCH file. Read
the BATCH file after you have run the program to get an idea of
what I am talking about.
2. The SWAP.EXE program will HALT if there is:
a. an INVALID filename specified for the .LST files (you need
not have a .LST file, but you must have a blank line
instead)
b. an INVALID or NO batch file specified, or SWAP can't find it
in the directory from which SWAP was run.
c. an Illegal DOS filename for the .LST or .BAT file.
This allows debugging a .CFG file BEFORE installation. If you
don't get anything else right -- make sure you set up the config
file(s) properly.
Beg for $$$
===========
This program _will_ run as defined in the documents. I have been running it
on my own BBS for quite a number of months. I make no claim that this program
is the "ultimate" or the "best" as so many egoistic authors are prone to
claim, nor is there any indication of who wrote the program visible to your
callers as so many egomaniacs feel the necessity to do. It is not crippled
in any way and no "delays" will be encountered while the author begs for $$$.
This program, as in all others I have written and put out as shareware, is
fully functional. If you find this program useful, I would appreciate (who
wouldn't) a donation of a Ten dollars and 32 cents ($10.32) in ANY currency.
Other Programs by the author:
============================
SWAP - A program to swap .BBS, .SCR, .RIP HELLO/GOODBYE files on a
daily basis, with swapping of specifically named files on
holidays. Also, it will prepend any .MUS(ic) file to a file
you specify (i.e. DOORS.SCR) so that when someone enters the
DOOR menu, music will play on the remote console if the user's
terminal program is capable.
POSTSWAP - Frame rotator for Wildcat BBSs. Provide variety to your RIP
users. Rotates YOUR frame to replace POSTRIP.RIP on a daily
(or more often) basis. Sample frames included.
COPYRIP - Companion to POSTSWAP designed such that after POSTSWAP is
run, the COPYRIP will then copy specified .BBS files along
with the *NEW* POSTRIP.RIP file so that files such as
HELLO1.BBS will have a RIP header and will scroll properly
to your RIP users.
CONSTATS - Produces a text file after reading ACTIVITY.x files to give
a breakdown of connection types (ANSI/ASCII/RIP) along with
number using MNP and a breakdown of all connect speeds from
300-28.8k along with whether V.34 or V.FC.
PALOG - Logs batch activity to a file you specify. Supports multi-
node and WCNODEID= environment variable. Designed for a
Wildcat! BBS but will work on any BBS. In fact, it can be
used anywhere batch files are used.
Enjoy....
The author may be contacted at:
Terry Atkinson
28 Savona Court
Dartmouth, NS Canada
B2W 4R1
Charlatan's Cabin BBS
MSI HQ BBS
nstn1175@fox.nstn.ca
Terry.Atkinson@cabin.com
75376.1277@compuserve.com
or the author's BBS -
Adsum Wildcat! BBS
Node 1: 902-434-3121
Node 2: 902-435-2455
Node 3: 902-434-2350 (Donor line only)
Users must be VERIFIED to gain full access, including messages and files.
You may leave a message as a COMMENT only, and you may look at the files
but you cannot download or upload.
****NOTE****
SysOps: Help stamp out duplicates. The proper filename for this file is
SWAP40.xxx (where xxx = ZIP ARJ LZH or other compression identifier).
Short Description:
SWAP v4.0: 6/95. Versatile screen swapper for Wildcat! BBSs
Long Description:
SWAP v4.0: 6/95. Screen swapper for Wildcat!
or --for any BBS needing different display
screens for every day. Designed for Wildcat!,
SWAP is highly configurable. It runs from
a default CFG filename or you may specify your
own on a command line. SWAP creates a batch
file which actually does the rotation of
screens. This allows running the program many
times for CFG debugging. Probably the only screen
swapper you will ever need. Swaps ASCII, ANSI,
.MUSic, RIP. You name it.
Keywords:
ROTATE SWAP HOLIDAYS SCRBBSRIP HELLO GOODBYE
LIMITED WARRANTY
================
THIS SOFTWARE AND DOCUMENTS ARE PROVIDED FOR EVALUATION ONLY, ON AN
"AS IS" BASIS. TERRY ATKINSON AND/OR ADSUM BBS DISCLAIM(S) ALL WARRANTIES
RELATING TO THIS SOFTWARE, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. NEITHER TERRY ATKINSON NOR ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN
INVOLVED IN THE CREATION, PRODUCTION, OR DELIVERY OF THIS SOFTWARE WILL
BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES ARISING
OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE SUCH SOFTWARE, EVEN IF THE AUTHOR HAS
BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR CLAIMS. THE INDIVIDUAL
USING THE SOFTWARE BEARS ALL RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF
THE SOFTWARE.
TRIAL USE LICENCE
=================
This is NOT a public domain program. It is copyrighted by Terry
Atkinson and distributed under the shareware concept. This software
and accompanying documentation are protected by copyright laws of
various countries and international treaty provisions.
You are granted a limited license to use this software for evaluation
purposes for a period not to exceed sixty days. If you continue using
this software after the sixty-day evaluation period, you MUST make a
registration payment as described in the documents submitted to the
address specified in the documents.
You may not use, copy, rent, lease, sell, modify, decompile,
disassemble, otherwise reverse engineer, or transfer the licensed
program except as provided in this agreement. All rights not
expressly granted here are reserved to Terry Atkinson.
DISTRIBUTION
============
You may make this file available for downloading from your BBS or you may
upload it to any BBS of your choice, provided that you do not make any
changes to the contents of the archive (ZIP file). The archive and its
individual contents may not be used by any service that charges any money
whatsoever, without the written permission of the author.
SHAREWARE: Describes a marketing method in which copyright programs
circulate among users for purposes of evaluation. This gives you the option
to "Try Before You Buy". Using this system, the author of a program typically
allows you to try the program for a specified period before payment is
required. The exact terms of evaluation vary from author to author, so be
sure to check the documentation of the programs you evaluate.
Any fee you pay to a disk vendor is simply a distribution fee, and does
not cover the cost of the program itself. Programs which are used beyond
the author's prescribed evaluation period require separate payment to the
author. By making payment to the author you obtain a legal right to use the
software, and encourage the continued development of quality software
within the Shareware system.
The process of paying for the software is called "registration". The
exact benefits of registration vary from author to author, but many authors
will offer one or more of the following: a current version, technical
support, a printed manual, free or discounted upgrades, bonus utilities or
special offers. More often than not, registration is for your peace of mind.
Consult the registration information included with each program for specific
details.