ftp.wwiv.com/ftp.wwiv.com.zip/ftp.wwiv.com/pub/DOOR/1STDEAL.ZIP/1ST-112.ZIP/WHATS.NEW

Text File | 1994-09-01 | 17KB | 350 lines

        ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
        What's new with 1stReader 1.12?             September 1st, 1994
        ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

         ■   This is an interim release of 1stReader that provides
             support for the new Sparkware DEALER system.

         ■   Incorporated a new SuperShell routine that is much more
             friendly with Windows.

        ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
        What's new with 1stReader 1.11?                  May 23rd, 1993
        ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

         ■   1stReader 1.10 would not recognize a DeLuxe² DELUXE2.KEY
             file preventing our 15,000+ registered DeLuxe owners from
             registering 1stReader electronically for only $5.00.
             Fixed.

         ■   If you tried to use the telecommunication section without
             turning on your modem then 1stReader would hang - waiting
             for the modem to return an "OK".  Now the reader will not
             attempt to transmit data if your modem isn't turned ON.

         ■   If you had turned on the "4DOS" switch then 1stReader
             would not translate @variables inside .BTM files.  Fixed.

         ■   If you replied to a FIDO-sourced message 1stReader would
             not leave a 100% compliant FIDO tagline.  Fixed.

         ■   Go into the tagline management section and press SHIFT+I
             to insert a new tagline.  The system would hang requiring
             a reset.  Fixed.

         ■   Added a new command line switch "/DAY:".  This switch will
             let you run 1stReader on certain days of the week (1=Sun,
             2=Mon, etc).  For example, the command "1ST /DAY:135" would
             execute 1stReader on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.  Great
             for sysops who use 1stReader to make their nightly mail
             runs.

        ■    Fixed various minor bugs in NEWFILES.EXE.  For example, if
             you viewed a new files list from a KMAIL or MARKMAIL door
             then you would see the list of new files twice.  Also, if
             you selected the "HELP" button from the "Manual tags"
             section the help would not be displayed.  Fixed.

        ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
        What's new with 1stReader 1.10?                  May 15th, 1993
        ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

         ■   Toll-free online ordering for 1stReader is now available
             from The United States of America and Canada!  Just use
             the ordering system provided at the end of the program.
             And you can download your keyfile and begin using
             1stReader tonite.  No waiting!!!

             Our registration fee is still only $25 (US funds).
             Compare the features list below to any other offline mail
             system available today.  Most mail readers require you
             to register other utilities (like terminal programs and
             file archivers) in order to use their systems.  Not with
             1stReader!  We give you EVERYTHING you need.  With other
             readers, it could cost over $200 to match what we provide
             with 1stReader for only $25...compare!

         ■   Our INSTALL language and utility allows anyone to
             create 'add-in' applications for 1stReader.  We provide
             an online help module for PCBoard bulletin board systems
             as an example of just how powerful INSTALL is for you.
             (offline help for other bulletin board systems will
             be available shortly).

             And besides, if you need even MORE power, you've got it!
             We have the most flexible API (Applications Program
             Interface) in the business.  Just write your application
             so it can read our API and you're set.  We'll even help
             you out!!

         ■   1stReader supports up to 7,700 conferences per mail
             packet and up to 32,767 messages per conference.  This
             little statistic means 1stReader can manage a mail
             packet that contains up to 252,305,900 messages.  Need
             any more room?????

         ■   User defineable folders can now support up to 32,767
             messages per folder and you can have as many folders
             as you wish.  Unlimited!!!

         ■   You can easily view messages in folders and enter your
             own replies to them at any time.  You can even have
             1stReader automatically save your own replies into a
             folder for future reference - without one keystroke
             required by you.

         ■   1stReader now allows you to forward a message to another
             user (and you can attach your own personal comments).

         ■   Fast bookmarks!  If you access a mail packet that was
             received from a Qmail Door system, PCBoard 15.0's new
             internal QWK module, or eSoft's QSO module for TBBS (or
             any mail system taking advantage of our QWK/2 packet
             format), then inserting a bookmark is a breeze!

         ■   1stReader saves your bulletins and new files lists so you
             can consult them at any time, even without having mail
             packets on file.

         ■   The 1stReader system provides you with an easy to use
             terminal communications system.  There is no need to use
             other communications products to transfer your messages
             and files.  Everything is built into the system and is
             seamless.  A full scripting language is available too.

         ■   With 1stReader, you can call your favorite bulletin board
             systems in the middle of the night (when rates are lowest)
             ...all from the DOS command line.  When you wake up, your
             messages are waiting for you.  We even support PC-Pursuit!!

         ■   Our QSZ file transfer engine provides support for the best
             file transfer protocol in our industry today, Zmodem.  QSZ
             also supports Xmodem, Ymodem and Ymodem/G too (if needed).
             It's fast and quite pretty to look at!

         ■   We provide our own ZIP compatible archiving programs for
             your use.  And our QUNZIP module is 100% compatible with
             the brand new PKZIP 2.04g system in use today (nobody else
             supports 2.04g (yet)).  This means you do not need to go
             out and register yet another utility (and spend even more
             money) in order to use 1stReader (unlike some other mail
             readers out there today).  We've got it all...

         ■   Our internal editor is fast and easy.  You can import files
             into your replies, quick and easy quoting is available, and
             even accents are provided (by pressing ALT+A).  But if you
             don't like our own editor, use your favorite text editor
             with 1stReader.  We support up to 100 external editors at
             one time from within 1stReader!

         ■   Internal file viewers and ANSI file viewers are included.
             The BEST ANSI reader on the market (sez Joe Malacria, Da
             ANSI Phreak).  1stReader features auto-ANSIART detection
             and 43/50 line ANSI art modes.  We even tries to 'sniff
             out' those ANSI messages that do not include the [ANSIART]
             label...

         ■   1stReader now supports .GIF and .NAP (NAPLPS) graphics
             formats.  You can view a .GIF or .NAP file from within
             1stReader's file manager by simply selecting the file.
             We also allow sysops to use .GIF and .NAP files as their
             welcome/news/bulletins files within 1stReader too.

         ■   Sound Blaster support!  1stReader fully supports multimedia
             through a Sound Blaster (or compatible) sound card.  Now
             you can hear voices, music or sound effects.  Sound support
             included for .VOC, .CMF and .MID files.  All of these files
             will play through your sound card (.CMF and .MID files are
             supported through 'AdLib' or compatible cards).

             More than just a gimmick, some bulletin board systems can
             put 1stReader's multimedia (MME) support to very good use.

         ■   Did someone say MIDI?!!!   You bet we did!!!!  1stReader
             also includes a MPU401 MIDI sequencer.  Now, instead of
             hearing tones through your sound card, you can *play* any
             .MID file through your professional sound system with full
             orchestration and clarity!  Get out that baton!!!

         ■   An easy to use external spelling checker is provided.
             Again, you can use your own spelling checker if you like.

         ■   1stReader supports The Language Translation Pack series
             from MicroTac Software.  This means that you can receive
             messages in one language, translate them into English and
             even translate your own replies into another language.
             French, German, Spanish, Italian and Russian language packs
             are available at $99 per language.

         ■   We provide a 'virtual' mouse keyboard for disabled users.
             Either click the LEFT and RIGHT mouse buttons at the SAME
             time or move your mouse cursor to the top left corner of
             your screen and click the LEFT button to access the
             keyboard.  Only our products offer this unique feature.

         ■   1stReader can manage up to 1,000 taglines internally.  And
             as always, we provide seamless support for the master of
             taglines, 'John Hancock' from The Silicon Frog, Inc.

         ■   No offline mail reader supports the Internet like 1stReader
             does.  1stReader can display a single message that is up
             to 32,767 lines long.  And our 'Auto-stitch' feature lets
             1stReader automatically rebuild Internet messages that have
             been 'chopped up' by BBS gateways into smaller messages (a
             feature that works with Merlin Systems' PCB-UUCP for
             PCBoard systems).

             When 1stReader finds an Internet message it automatically
             use the RFC-822 'To', 'From' and 'Subject' fields in the
             message header.  And the reader also provides DOS shell
             command modifiers that make UUDECODE easier.

         ■   1stReader supports PostLink(tm) routing and will
             automatically use a FIDO-compliant tagline if you reply to
             a FIDOnet-sourced message.  1stReader even strips out the
             high ASCII values for you...

         ■   1stReader supports PCBoard 15.0, eSoft TBBS/QSO and
             Wildcat! file attachments.  You can even request that an
             attached file be sent to you the next time you call the
             BBS.  This feature puts 1stReader's internal file
             management system to VERY good use too.

         ■   Zippy scans.  Now you can locate messages that contain
             keywords fast and easy.  You can even read complete threads
             of a discussion when one message was found in the thread
             that contained the keyword!

         ■   You can ignore users with 1stReader (if you wish).  Just
             enter their names once and you'll never see another message
             from them again!

         ■   We're DESQview aware.  And tested under OS/2 and Windows.
             1stReader is extremely mouseable.  Use the Microsoft Mouse
             Driver 8.20 (or higher) to use your mouse in 1stReader
             while running under Windows.

         ■   Online, context-sensitive help is always available by
             pressing the [F1] key.  You can even customize your own
             help screens (if you wish).

         ■   A full tutorial is included for beginners.  Just click on
             the '1stTutor' button from the opening menu to find out
             more...

        ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
        Here are some brief 'specific' items added to 1stReader in
        this release that are not discussed above...
        ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

        · A scrollback buffer has been added in terminal mode.

        · ALT+"-" and ALT+"+" keys will take you to the previous or
           next UNREAD message in your mail packet.

        · Added support for the LIST.$$$ file in a DOS shell.  If the
           program being shelled to by 1stReader creates a file named
           LIST.$$$, 1stReader will view it after exiting the SHELL.

        · You can use the DOS shell modifier /LIST: <filename> to tell
           1stReader to look for a different filename other than
           LIST.$$$.

        · 1stReader automatically switches into and out of 'Doorway
           mode' (this feature requires Doorway 2.21 (or higher)).

        · 1stReader supports the new internal QWK module found in
           PCBoard 15.0.  We also support PCBoard 15.0's extended
           message headers too.

        · 1stReader is fully TBBS/QSO compatible.  1stReader even
           interprets TBBS' %X color codes.

        · You can now request files for downloading from PCBoard
           systems that use the Qmail or Rosemail door systems.

        · 1stReader can now load EGA/VGA FONT files from startup
            or from the internal file manager.  Just select a
            .FNT file and 1stReader will load the font for you.

        · 1stReader now supports two dialing prefix strings

        · Added support for "Px <telephone number>" for different
           dialing prefixes for different telephone numbers.

        · Added support for accessing 8088 interrupts (interrupts
           80h - E9h).

        · Commonly used command line switches can now be stored in
           the file "SWITCHES.1ST"

        · Added support for the $$SHELL.BAT batch file.  This file
           lets you use your own external file manager instead of
           1stReader's internal file manager.

        · Added support for the $$TERM.BAT batch file.  This batch
           file lets you use your favorite terminal program from
           within 1stReader.

        · Added a 'confirmation' field for bulletin board systems.

        · Much faster terminal mode and ANSI displays are available.

        · The .COPY command in replies copies 'header' information
           into multiple messages automatically.

        · Added the /DEBUG command line switch.

        · You can now scroll 100 lines at a time inside a message
           by holding down [CTRL] and the PgUp or PgDn keys.

        · Added a new DOS shell modifier "/MSGTEXT:<filename>".

        · Added an "Extra features" button to both opening screen
           and Read messages screens.  This button allows seamless
           integration of 3rd party utilities into 1stReader.

        · The message headers display is now PCBoard 15.0 compatible.

        · 1stReader can now show mail packet names instead of the
           date/times of each mail packet in the mail packet menu.

        · You can now tag multiple systems from the opening menu to
           call at one time.  Or call at a later time.

        · You can now lock your serial port speed in 1stReader.

        · CTRL+PGUP / CTRL+PGDN will log you off immediately after
           a file transfer has been completed.

        · You can now swap 1stReader's memory in a DOS shell into a
           RAM disk.

        · Added the "/SILENT" DOS command line switch that turns off
           all beeps and noises.

        · 1stReader can now display four additional lines of text (by
           not displaying the list of commands at the bottom of the
           screen).

        · Added 'auto sensing' alias support.

        · Added support for additional 'phone books' and the "/FON:"
           DOS command line switch to load phone books from startup.

        · Added support for the $$CHECK.BAT virus checking batch file.

        · Support is provided for accessing 1stReader internals with
           "FEATURE" commands in .CMD menus.

        · Plus these new script commands:

                BREAK
                CALL <scriptname>
                DISCONNECT <baud rate>
                LOCATE row,col
                TERSE (for switching into and out of PCBoard TERSE
                       mode for more accurate scripting).

        · And MUCH, MUCH more!!!