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1990-09-15
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┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ │
│ █▄ ▄█ ▄▀▄ ▀▄ ▄▀ ▀█▀ █ █ ▄▀▀▄ ▄▀▀▀ ▀█▀ │
│ █ ▀ █ █▄▄▄█ █ █ █▄▄█ █ █ ▀▀▄ █ │
│ █ █ █ █ ▄▀ ▀▄ ▄█▄ █ █ ▀▄▄▀ ▄▄▄▀ █ │
│ │
│ Copyright (c) 1990 by Don Mankin │
│ 231 Market Place #353 │
│ San Ramon, CA 94583 │
│ Support BBS Number 209-836-2402 │
│ Orders/Registration (only) 415-831-2370 │
│ │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ This is a user supported product. We encourage you │
│ to pass is along to others. If you find MAXIHOST │
│ of value, please register it with us. If used │
│ commercially or for commercial purposes, a │
│ registration fee of $50 (US Dollars) is required. │
│ Otherwise, registration would be just $25. │
│ │
│ Please send your registration to the above address, │
│ or, call the above registration number for VISA or │
│ MasterCard orders. Sorry, but the answering service │
│ at the order desk can not provide technical │
│ assistance. Support of this product is provided │
│ exclusively through the Support BBS at the number │
│ provided above. │
│ │
│ Thanks for supporting MAXIHOST! │
│ │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
--- Maxihost User Guide: Table of Contents
┌─────────┐
┌─────┴───┐ │ (tm)
──│ │o │──────────────────
│ ┌─────┴╨──┐ │ Association of
│ │ │─┘ Shareware
└───│ o │ Professionals
──────│ ║ │────────────────────
└────╨────┘ MEMBER
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...............................................1
Why Another BBS?.......................................1
The Small Print........................................1
MFS Means Message File System......................2
MDS Means Message Database System..................2
CHANGES FROM MINIHOST......................................2
Acknowledgements.......................................3
Hardware Requirements..................................3
Files..................................................3
INSTALLATION...............................................6
Modem..................................................6
Directory structure....................................6
Clearance Level........................................7
IN AND OUT OF MAXIHOST.....................................8
Starting Up MAXIHOST...................................8
Using MAXIHOST in Local Mode...........................8
Directory Status Line..............................8
Quitting MAXIHOST and Exiting to DOS...............8
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION.......................................9
CONFIGURATION FILE.....................................9
ALLOW300=..........................................9
ANSIDELAY=.........................................9
ANSWERSTRING=......................................9
BATCHLOG=..........................................9
BBSNAME=..........................................10
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page ii ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Table of Contents
BAUD=.............................................10
BIOS=.............................................10
CALLBACK=.........................................10
CLOSEDSYSTEM=.....................................10
COLOR=............................................11
COSYSOP=..........................................11
COMn_BASE=........................................11
COMn_INT=.........................................11
COMn_IRQ=.........................................11
CONFERENCE=.......................................11
CTSCHECK=.........................................12
DATAPATH=.........................................12
DEBUG=............................................12
DEFAULTS=.........................................13
DIALSTRING=.......................................13
DIRECT=...........................................13
DIRECTORY=........................................13
DIRPW=............................................13
DOORSYS=..........................................14
EVENT=............................................14
EXECSWAP=.........................................14
HOURS=............................................14
INITSTRING=.......................................15
KBDTIMER=.........................................15
LOCKBAUD=.........................................16
LOGFILE=..........................................16
MATCHLEVEL=.......................................16
MDM300=...........................................17
MDM1200=..........................................17
MDM2400=..........................................17
MDM4800=..........................................17
MDM9600=..........................................17
MDM19200=.........................................17
MENU (general)....................................17
MENU=ANSI.........................................17
MENU=BUZZBACK.....................................17
MENU=CHANGEDIR....................................18
MENU=DOWNLOAD.....................................18
MENU=ENTERMSG.....................................18
MENU=FILES........................................18
MENU=HELP.........................................18
MENU=INDUCTION....................................18
MENU=LOGDRIVE.....................................18
MENU=MSGTOSYSOP...................................18
MENU=OPERATOR.....................................19
MENU=PROGRAM......................................19
MENU=QUESTIONAIRE.................................19
MENU=READLOG......................................19
MENU=READMSG......................................19
MENU=SEARCH.......................................19
MENU=TRAPDOOR.....................................20
MENU=UPLOAD.......................................20
MENU=VIEWBULL.....................................20
MENU=YOURMAIL.....................................20
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page iii ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Table of Contents
MODEMDELAY=.......................................20
MSGLINES=.........................................20
MSGRECS=..........................................21
NEWUSER=..........................................21
NOTIMERS=.........................................21
OFFHOOK=..........................................21
PORT=.............................................21
PRINTER=..........................................21
PROTECT (general).................................21
PROTOCOL=SEND.....................................22
PROTOCOL=RECEIVE..................................22
RESETSTRING=......................................22
RETRIES=..........................................22
REVMSGFILE=.......................................23
RINGBACK=.........................................23
RINGPIN=..........................................23
SAVESCRN=.........................................23
START=............................................23
SWAPTOEMS=........................................24
SYSOP=............................................24
TDSTRING=.........................................24
TIMELIMIT=........................................24
TRAPDOOR=.........................................24
UPLOAD=...........................................24
USER=.............................................25
USERLOCK=.........................................25
USERLOG=..........................................25
XONXOFF=..........................................25
BULLETINS.................................................26
CALLER MENU OPTIONS.......................................27
GENERAL OPTIONS.......................................27
(A)NSI Color - on/off.............................27
(B)uzz Back.......................................27
(C)hange Directory................................27
(D)ownload File...................................27
(F)ile Directory..................................28
(G)oodbye Logoff..................................28
(H)elp with MHOST.................................28
(I)nduction to MH.................................28
(L)og New Drive...................................29
(O)perator Chat...................................29
(P)rogram Descripts...............................29
(Q)uestionaire....................................29
(S)earch for File.................................29
(U)pload File.....................................29
(V)iew Bulletins..................................29
(+)-Trap DOOR(s)..................................29
(*)-Read Log File.................................30
(&)-Add Prog Desc. (SysOp Only)..................30
Message File System Options (MFS).....................30
(E)nter Message...................................30
(M)essage to SysOp................................30
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page iv ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Table of Contents
(R)ead Messages...................................30
(Y)our Private Mail...............................31
(%)-Read Pvt Mail (SysOp Only)...................31
Message Database System Options (MDS).................31
(M)essage System..................................31
(B)ackward Read...............................31
(E)nter Message...............................31
(F)orward Read................................31
(G)oodbye Logoff..............................31
(M)essage Area................................31
(N)ew Messages................................32
(P)ause Toggle................................32
(Q)uit Mail...................................32
(R)ebuild Database............................32
(S)earch Messages.............................32
(Y)our Mail...................................32
FUNCTION KEYS.............................................33
MODEM DIP SWITCH AND OTHER EQUIPMENT SETTINGS.............35
Hayes 1200 External Settings..........................35
Hayes 1200B Internal Modem (Early Model)..............35
Hayes 1200B Internal Modem Switch Settings............35
Hayes 1200B Model 07/00043 Internal Modem.............36
US Robotics 2400 and 9600.............................36
AST Six Pack..........................................36
AT cable configuration................................36
KNOWN COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS..............................37
MISCELLANEOUS TIPS AND SETTINGS...........................38
More on INITSTRING....................................38
Hayes 1200 baud modems............................38
Hayes 2400 baud modems............................39
Multi-Tech 2400 baud modems.......................39
US Robotics Courier HST 9600......................39
Everex Evercom 24 modems..........................39
BuzzBack Info.........................................40
MiniHost to MaxiHost Conversion.......................40
Running DOS (Or a Program) from a Remote..............40
Using MaxiHost with Doorway...........................41
Testimonials..........................................42
Definition Of Shareware...............................42
Disclaimer - Agreement................................43
Omsbudsman............................................44
Registration Information..............................45
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page v ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Introduction
───────────────────────────────────────
INTRODUCTION
───────────────────────────────────────
WHY ANOTHER BBS?
───────────────────────────────────────
The original purpose of MAXIHOST was to allow the consultant or
programmer to call his office from elsewhere and retrieve
programs he had forgotten to bring along. It was to be a simple
program with only a few features. But, as happens with programs
of this kind, I kept wondering what it would be like if I did
just changed this, added that . . . so it grew into what you see:
a powerful host program, or compact BBS.
THE SMALL PRINT
───────────────────────────────────────
This program is not public domain; it is a copyright work
protected by US and international law. Registration is required
when used on a regular basis (more than a few times). Read
opening screen for details.
You are welcome to make copies and pass these on to others, but:
* you should distribute the entire package, complete with all
documentation and other files;
* you may charge no more than $10 per disk for copying, and
if you do charge you must make it clear that this payment
is for copying only and does not cover the cost of the
MAXIHOST registration.
* you may not distribute MAXIHOST together with any product
that you sell.
No exception to these conditions may be made without my specific
written permission.
When you use MAXIHOST, you assume full responsibility for it; in
no event shall I be responsible for any damages whatsoever that
may be due to errors in the program or documentation, or your
failure to read, understand, or follow instructions in the
latter.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 1 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Introduction
This file mentions the names of various commercial products; many
of these names are trademarks or registered trademarks.
Source code is not available, so please don't ask for it.
Throughout the documentation I will be using these acronyms:
* MFS Means Message File System
* MDS Means Message Database System
CHANGES FROM MINIHOST
───────────────────────────────────────
MaxiHost has the following enhancements over MiniHost:
* Improved Message System database
* Message System printing
* Support for 9600 and 19200 bps modems
* Support for Multi-taskers
* Event Scheduling
* Questionnaire facility
* Operator Chat hours.
* Trap DOOR menuing system
* Menu driven DIRECTORY changes
* Supports up to fifteen external file transfer protocols
* Releases all but 30k when in a door or a DOS shell.
* Program description updates in any directory
* Data files may be in a separate directory
* Twenty five character CONFERENCE descriptions
* ANSI graphics new user, help, and goodbye screens
* Two INITSTRINGS
* Creation of DOOR.SYS file
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 2 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Introduction
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
───────────────────────────────────────
I want to thank Rod Cole, Jimmy Nord, Matt Wakeley, Ted DeCastro,
Chuck Childers, Lyle Eddy, Andy Walsh, Peter Evans, and many
others for the help they have provided. This has included
suggestions, coding, and system documentation. It is truly
appreciated.
I use PIBASYNC routines from: Philip Burns (PIB).
HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
───────────────────────────────────────
This program is written to run on an IBM PC (or PC clone) with
256K RAM and PC-DOS 3.X or higher. It can be used with floppies,
but is written with a hard drive in mind. It needs a Hayes (or
compatible) modem, although information is supplied below for use
with certain alternatives. It should be used at 8 data bits, no
parity, and 1 stop bit to enable Xmodem transfers, but will
operate at 7 data bits, even parity. A printer may be used to log
calls. Enter ANSI.SYS into the CONFIG.SYS file as follows:
DEVICE=A:\ANSI.SYS
or
DEVICE=C:\DOS\ANSI.SYS
FILES
───────────────────────────────────────
The following files are used by MAXIHOST. An * means created by
MaxiHost.
????????.$$$ * Temporary file
????????.MSG * Public message files (MFS Only)
????????.MH * Private " " " "
MAXIMAIL.DAT * Message data file (MDS Only)
MAXIMAIL.NAM * " index " " "
MAXIMAIL.DTE * " " " " "
MAXIMAIL.THR * " " " " "
MAXIUSRS.DAT * Userlog data file when USERLOG=Y
MAXIUSRS.NAM * " index " " "
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 3 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Introduction
BADUSER.DAT * List of locked out users - See USERLOCK=
BATCH1.BAT Tests BATCHLOG front end - See BATCHLOG=
BATCH2.BAT Sample BATCHLOG.BAT file - See BATCHLOG=
BATCHLOG.BAT Used for alternative logon front end
BATCHLOG.DAT * Created when BATCHLOG=Y
BULLETIN.G00 ANSI color bulletin menu
BULLETIN.T00 Non-ANSI bulletin menu
BULLETIN.T?? Non-ANSI bulletin where ?? is a number 01- 99
BULLETIN.G?? ANSI color bulletin where ?? is a number 01-99
INDUCT.MH * Created by the (I)nduction module for new users and
kept as registration information for new users
HELP.G01 ANSI color help file (edit to suit) displayed to
caller by the '(H)elp with MHost' menu option
HELP.T01 Non-ANSI color help file (edit to suit) displayed to
caller by the '(H)elp with MHost' menu option
GOODBYE.G01 ANSI color text file (edit to suit) displayed upon
logging off the system
GOODBYE.T01 Non-ANSI color text file (edit to suit) displayed
upon logging off the system
MAXIHOST.CNF Configures MAXIHOST (described below)
MAXIHOST.EXE Main executable program
MAXIHOST.DOC This file
MAXIHOST.LOG * Created for caller log and comments
WELCOME.G01 ANSI color file displayed after carrier
WELCOME.T01 Non-ANSI color file displayed after carrier
NEWUSER.G01 ANSI color file displayed for new users
NEWUSER.T01 Non-ANSI color file displayed for new users
PASSWORD.MH * Created by the (I)nduction module for new users
and merged by you with MAXIHOST.CNF using your
favorite editor
READ.ME Last-minute news
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 4 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Introduction
REGISTER.TXT Invoice for registration fee
TRAPDOOR.BAT Provides a 'trapdoor' to a program or batch file
that you select
TRAPDOO?.BAT Same as above where ? would be a number 1 - 9
and there is at least one TRAPDOOR= keyword in the
.CNF file. See below.
UPLDDIR.BBS * Created by system for upload files where 'UPLDDIR' is
the directory represented by the UPLOAD= keyword
USERNAME.MH Displayed for caller where 'USERNAME' is the first 8
characters of first + lastname. (MFS Only)
WATCHDG1.COM Public domain program to monitor carrier detect:
Port 1 version
WATCHDG2.COM Port 2 version
The files ending with the .MH extention created by MaxiHost will
grow dynamically and should be purged occasionally. The data from
the UPLDDIR.BBS file can be moved to the proper download
directory and placed in a file there: these might be DNLDDIR and
DNLDDIR.BBS respectively, or for games, GAMES and GAMES.BBS. That
part of the filename preceding the extension must be the same as
the name of the directory.
A word on updates: Although I will try and provide compatibility
between different versions of MAXIHOST, I cannot guarantee it.
You should use and where necessary modify the files provided with
each new version (particularly MAXIHOST.CNF) rather than use
those from its predecessors.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 5 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Installation
───────────────────────────────────────
INSTALLATION
───────────────────────────────────────
MODEM
───────────────────────────────────────
MAXIHOST is supplied configured for a 'Hayes-compatible' modem.
If your modem is not Hayes compatible, see 'MODEM SETTINGS',
below.
DIRECTORY STRUCTURE
───────────────────────────────────────
The suggested implementation is to make a subdirectory MAXIHOST
off the root (if you use the DOS internal command for this, MD
\MAXIHOST). All files accompanying this within the bundled
archive file should be placed within this subdirectory. A path
should be set to this subdirectory in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file
BEFORE running MAXIHOST, or it will not work correctly. This is
accomplished by the line PATH=C:\MAXIHOST.
Also, make sure the COMSPEC includes the drive specifier. I use
SET COMSPEC=C:\DOS\COMMAND.COM but if COMMAND.COM is in the root,
use SET COMSPEC=C:\COMMAND.COM. If COMSPEC is already pointing at
COMMAND.COM, you need not include the SET command in your
AUTOEXEC.BAT. Some problems involving COMSPEC have been resolved
either by placing a path to COMMAND.COM, or by placing
COMMAND.COM within the \MAXIHOST directory (which should still
have a path set to it). I suggest the upload directory be
installed as MD C:\UPLD. The keyword UPLOAD=C:\UPLD should then
be specified, as explained below.
NOTE: Data Files may now be placed in a separate drive/directory
then the executables. See DATAPATH= below. Floppy users may also
use subdirectories as described above.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 6 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Installation
CLEARANCE LEVEL
───────────────────────────────────────
This concept is essential to MAXIHOST, and its generous
implementation is one of the program's main features. As the
SysOp (System Operator) you determine the level of security for
just about any aspect of your own MAXIHOST -- notably, each item
that appears on the menu that a caller sees -- and specify these
levels in MAXIHOST.CNF. This file determines the clearance level
a caller must have in order to select the option, download a
file, log onto a subdirectory, etc. The higher the number, the
higher the level: if something requires a clearance level of 9,
say, a user with a clearance level of 8 or less cannot do it.
(For details, see 'CONFIGURATION FILE' below.)
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 7 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: In and Out of Maxihost
───────────────────────────────────────
IN AND OUT OF MAXIHOST
───────────────────────────────────────
STARTING UP MAXIHOST
───────────────────────────────────────
Once you have configured the program, to use it you will simply
log onto the subdirectory in which you have installed it, and
call it up. MAXIHOST will briefly show you a copyright /
registration screen while it is reading the configuration file
and then will wait for a caller.
USING MAXIHOST IN LOCAL MODE
───────────────────────────────────────
To use the program in local mode, press ESC any time you see the
'Waiting for Call' screen. You will then need to answer the
'First & Last Name:' and 'Password:' prompts just as if you had
called from somewhere else (a remote system). You MUST have
placed an entry with your name and password in the configuration
file beforehand.
Directory Status Line
─────────────────────
The current directory, maximum time allowed, and time left are
shown here. The format is:
drive:\directory hours:minutes-timeleft.
e.g. C:\PUBLIC\DONS 00:37-23
where C:\PUBLIC\DONS is the current directory, 00:37 is the time
elapsed, in hours and minutes, and 23 is the number of minutes
remaining before disconnection. In this example, the program is
configured with TIMELIMIT=60; if TIMELIMIT=0 then there is no
limit and the time left (the '-23' here) will not be displayed.
Quitting MAXIHOST and Exiting to DOS
────────────────────────────────────
To quit, you must press ESC at the 'Waiting for Call' screen,
then press Enter at the 'First & Last Name:' prompt. MAXIHOST
will then terminate and you will be back at the DOS prompt. This
can only be done from local mode (while at the keyboard).
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 8 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration
───────────────────────────────────────
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
───────────────────────────────────────
CONFIGURATION FILE
───────────────────────────────────────
System configuration is determined by the following switches
within the configuration file MAXIHOST.CNF. You can edit this
file with the editor of your choice. (If you use a word
processor, make sure to use it in ASCII mode. If unsure about
this, look in the manual for advice on how to use the word
processor to write source code or messages for upload to remote
systems.)
ALLOW300=Y
"Y" allows 300 Baud modems to use the system. "N" would
prohibit 300 baud modems from coming on.
ANSIDELAY=Y
Setting this to 'N' eliminates a short pause added when
displaying ANSI output that causes some high speed modems to
miss ANSI escape sequences which displays garbage on the
display screen.
ANSWERSTRING=ATA
This string causes the modem to answer.
BATCHLOG=N
If BATCHLOG=Y, MAXIHOST selects an alternate, user-written,
batch logon routine; it is up to the SysOp to provide one
that is CTTY compatible (INT 21). After the carrier is
detected, the file BATCHLOG.BAT is invoked by MAXIHOST. The
batch file would call your logon routine. This can provide a
custom front end for a business to tailor to its
requirements. The user program must create an ASCII file,
BATCHLOG.DAT, containing the following information:
USER=FIRST LAST
SECURITY=9
TIMELIMIT=60
KBDTIMER=3
BUZZBACK=836-2402
ANSI=Y
(The above keywords should not have leading spaces in the
file; they are only shown this way here for clarity)
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 9 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration
BATCHLOG.DAT is read by MAXIHOST upon return. If
BATCHLOG.DAT is not found, the caller's clearance defaults
to 0. If SECURITY=NEWUSER then NEWUSER.?00 will be
displayed. If SECURITY is a negative number the user is
logged off. The USER field length is 25 characters.
If BATCHLOG=Y you must toggle Batchlog OFF by pressing
SHIFT-F7 from the Configuration Screen before pressing ESC
to exit MaxiHost.
BBSNAME=MAXIHOST Support BBS
Replace 'MAXIHOST Support BBS' with your system's name. You
have up to 25 characters.
BAUD=1200
Selects initial baud rate. Usually this is set to the
highest allowed by the modem, which at connection moves down
to that of the caller if necessary. For example, if you are
using a 9600 baud modem, you would normally set this switch
to 9600.
NOTE: To the best of my knowledge the Multi Tech 2400
should be set to 300 as it moves UP to the correct speed.
BIOS=Y
This prevents the program from writing directly to the
screen. It is MUCH faster to set BIOS=N. Under the supported
multitaskers DesqView, TaskView, TopView, DoubleDos, and
Microsoft Windows, BIOS may be set to N and direct screen
writes will occur correctly within the proper window
CALLBACK=N
If set to Y, mandatory BUZZBACK is invoked. This provides a
great deal of security. A user places a call to MAXIHOST.
After his password is confirmed, MAXIHOST hangs up and
returns a call to the telephone number placed in the
BuzzBack field in the .CNF file for that caller. The user
gives his first name, last name and password again and is
then able to log on.
CLOSEDSYSTEM=Y
If set to Y (for Yes), anybody giving a name not found in
the MAXIHOST.CNF file will have NO access -- he'll be
disconnected.
If set to N (No -- an OPEN system), then a new caller will
have the security level set by NEWUSER= in this file.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 10 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration
COLOR=Y
Selects color mode. Select Y if you are using a color
monitor with a color graphics adapter, N otherwise.
COSYSOP=DON MANKIN
Replace 'DON MANKIN' with your co-SysOp's name. The co-SysOp
has certain privileges normal callers do not. Comment out
this line (put a ; in the first character position of this
entry in the MAXIHOST.CNF file) if no co-SysOp is wanted!
COMn_BASE= and COMn_INT= and COMn_IRQ=
The following are default values, Procomm compatible:
COM1_BASE=$3F8 COM1_INT=$0C COM1_IRQ=$04
COM2_BASE=$2F8 COM2_INT=$0B COM2_IRQ=$03
COM3_BASE=$3E8 COM3_INT=$0C COM3_IRQ=$04
COM4_BASE=$2E8 COM4_INT=$0B COM4_IRQ=$03
They establish the port addresses, the interrupt lines, and
the IRQ's for the UART. You should specify any changes in
the .CNF file -- if you know what you are doing!
CONFERENCE=1;GENERAL;0;Miscellaneous Topics
CONFERENCE=2;BETATEST;9;Beta Test Conference
You may have up to ten conference entries. Each conference
entries should begin with a unique id number 1 - 32767. This
number is used by the (M)essage System to associate a
message with a conference. Once established, you must not
change a conference's id number. Doing so would get your
conferences mixed up. You may, however, delete conferences,
and sort them. For instance, suppose you wanted to add a
conference between:
CONFERENCE=1;CATS;0;Cat Stuff
and
CONFERENCE=2;ZEBRAS;0;Zebra Stuff.
You could do the following:
CONFERENCE=1;CATS;0;Cat Stuff
CONFERENCE=3;DOGS;0;Dog Stuff
and
CONFERENCE=2;ZEBRAS;0;Zebra Stuff.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 11 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration
Later you could even delete a conference as in
CONFERENCE=3;DOGS;0;Dog Stuff
and
CONFERENCE=2;ZEBRAS;0;Zebra Stuff.
As long as the id's have not been changed the message
database will be intact. If you do decide to delete a
conference entry, make sure you delete the associated
messages from the message database first.
The identifier following the id would be the conference
name, followed by the security level, followed by the
description. Your conference name and description may
contain up to 25 characters. If you do not specify at least
one conference in the configuration file, one GENERAL
conference will be the default.
Each conference entry should be xx characters or less. If
using the Message File System (MFS), the conference name
should consist of valid file name characters.
CTSCHECK=N
MaxiHost defaults to CTS checking off. A 'Y' argument here
will enable it. CTS checking is required to support higher
baud rate modems. Note that some external file tranfer
protocols will not operate correctly with CTS checking on.
DATAPATH=C:\MAXIHOST\DATA
You may store your data files on a separate drive and
directory by stating it here. Your data files include
bulletins, welcome, newuser, messages, and user files.
Executables would be kept in the directory Maxihost would be
run from. C:\MAXIHOST for instance. Executables would
include .EXE, .BAT, and .COM files. The configuration file
must also exist in the executable directory. I keep
MAXHOST.EXE, MAXIHOST.CNF, TRAPDOOR.BAT, and all my external
file transfer programs together in my executable directory.
DEBUG=N
Changing this (DEBUG=Y) may be helpful in determining
whether or not the INITSTRING is correct, and what's wrong
with it if it isn't. If the modem cannot digest the string,
its response is sent to MAXIHOST.LOG. Also, the WELCOME,
NEWUSER, and GOODBYE text files will be displayed when the
SysOp logs on locally.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 12 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration
DEFAULTS=9
This works with PROTECT= to let you decide which of your
users can go where on your system; it sets protection
defaults for drives and directories not named in a PROTECT=
line. Regardless of a DEFAULTS=9 setting, a caller with
security level 5, say, would be able to access drives or
directories having PROTECT= set at 5 or less, e.g.
PROTECT=A:;5 or PROTECT=C:\GAMES;5 -- however, that user
could not change to a directory not so listed as it would
default to a security level of 9.
In short, PROTECT= takes precedence over DEFAULTS=.
DIALSTRING=ATDP
This string tells MAXIHOST to use ATDP as the dialing
prefix, for a dial (pulse) telephone line. Use ATDT for
touch tone. This configures the modem for use with the Buzz
Back and Call Back features explained later.
DIRECT=N (Replaces LAN=)
If DIRECT=Y then MAXIHOST infers it is connected to another
computer via a 'null modem' serial connection instead of via
modem. Carrier detect must be forced on. This method has
been used to transfer files between two machines connected
via a null modem cable. MAXIHOST has also been tested in
this configuration with limited success on an Ungermann-Bass
broadband LAN. Flow control may prevent Xmodem file
transfer. Experiment with this if you wish.
DIRECTORY=C:\MAXIHOST\UPLOADS;0;MaxiHost Programs
This allows for programmatic change of directories within a
list. You may have up to 10 of these entries. The directory
is first, followed by the security level, then the
description. If the caller selects a menu choice here, the
security level is determined by the level in DIRECTORY=. If
the caller enters the directory name manually, the security
level is determined first by a DIRPW= entry, and if not
found, then a PROTECT= entry, and if a PROTECT= entry is not
found, the DEFAULTS= security level is used. See DEFAULTS
above, DIRPW and PROTECT below.
DIRPW=C:\SECRET;PASSWORD
This allows password protection of directories. In the
above example, the directory SECRET on drive C: would
require the password of PASSWORD. You may have up to 5
DIRPW entries. Directory security precedence is determined
in the following order: DIRECTORY=, DIRPW=, PROT=, and
finally DEFAULTS=.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 13 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration
DOORSYS=0
Setting this to 1 creates a small version of DOOR.SYS file
in the directory pointed to by DATAPATH=. This file is for
the benefit of Doorway and is defined in the documentation
provided with it. Setting it to a '2' creates a
DORINFO1.DEF file as required by Door programs written for
QuickBBS and others.
EVENT=Y;24
Setting event to Y enables event scheduling. The event will
be triggered, in the above example, at 12 midnight. Should a
caller be on the system at midnight, the caller will be
logged off. The batch file EVENT.BAT, created by the SysOp,
will then be executed by MaxiHost. As in HOURS=, MaxiHost
accepts only 24 hour increments. Allowable hours are 01 -
24. Half hour increments are ignored. For instance, 2330
would set off the event at 11pm.
NOTE: If a caller is transferring files using an external
file transfer protocol, and is on during the event time, the
event COULD BE MISSED!
EXECSWAP=N
If EXECSWAP=Y then the amount of memory MaxiHost leaves
resident in memory while executing external programs is
approximately 30k. Most of MaxiHost is swapped out to EMS or
disk if EMS is not available. This leaves almost all of your
system's memory available to your programs called from (+)-
Trap Door! One note of caution using this feature. It is
never a good idea to run a TSR from within a child process.
MiniHost permitted the use of WATCHDOG, a TSR carrier
detection program, from within it's DOS shell. This MAY NOT
BE DONE under MaxiHost when EXECSWAP=N unless you first run
MARK before WATCHDOG, then RELEASE the TSR from memory
before MaxiHost regains control.
HOURS=18;08
This would make (O)perator Chat available to those callers
with the proper security level (See MENU=OPERATOR below)
between, in the example above, the hours of 6pm through 8am.
As in EVENT=, MaxiHost accepts only 24 hour increments.
Allowable hours are 01 - 24. Half hour increments are
ignored. For instance, 2330 would be recognized as 11pm. The
HOURS= availability may be forced on via SHIFT-F10 in the F1
Configuration Screen.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 14 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration
INITSTRING=ATE0M0Q0V1X1S0=0S1=0
This is the INITSTRING for Hayes 1200 baud modems. Your
communications program (e.g. Procomm, Qmodem, etc) must be
responsible for resetting the modem.
Hayes 2400 baud modems:
INITSTRING=AT&D2V1Q0E0S0=0&C1&T5L3B1M1
Multi-Tech 2400 baud modems:
INITSTRING=ATE0M0Q0V1X1S0=0S1=0&Q1
US Robotics Courier HST 9600:
INITSTRING=ATE0M0Q0V1X1S0=0S1=0&B0&H0&I0&N0
Racal Vadic 1200/2400/9600 modems:
INITSTRING=AT&C1&D2E0M0Q0V1X4S0=0S1=0
Everex Evercom 24 modems:
INITSTRING=ATE0Q0V1X4L3S7=60
Adding S7=60 increases to 60 seconds the time the modem is
to wait for a carrier after dialing. This may be necessary
for BuzzBack to work.
You may have two INITSTRING= entries each consisting of 40
characters or less. If you can fit all of your commands into
one INITSTRING= you should do so. Using two strings
lengthens the time required for resets.
See 'MORE ON INITSTRING' below for further information,
particularly on troublesome modems.
KBDTIMER=0
KBDTIMER=3 limits a caller to three minutes of keyboard
inactivity before the program cuts him off. By setting
KBDTIMER to 0, keyboard timeout is deactivated. Setting
KBDTIMER to 0 disables keyboard checking and causes ASCII
uploads to be quicker. Some laptops that experienced
truncation of the first characters of each line during
uploads work much better without keyboard checking on.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 15 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration
LOCKBAUD=N
This option was introduced in an attempt to support US
Robotics 9600 and 14400 modems. If LOCKBAUD=Y then your
modem will communicate to the UART at the speed specified by
the BAUD= keyword in your MAXIHOST.CNF file instead of the
baud rate your caller has connected with. This feature is
UNSUPPORTED! I have yet to be able to get MAXIHOST using a
HST modem to connect with 'BOTH' 9600 and 19200 callers! If
you have some solid advice along these lines, please feel
free to pass it along.
LOGFILE=Y
Directs tracking output and comments to a disk file. If you
specify Y then MAXIHOST creates a file MAXIHOST.LOG, records
in it everything a user does, and appends to it records of
subsequent activity. This is an especially good idea for
OPEN systems; it enables the SysOp to see who
uploaded/downloaded what and when. (PRINTER=Y also directs
this output to the printer.)
MATCHLEVEL=N
If set to Y a user is only allowed to change to a
subdirectory that has exactly the same security level as his
own. This can be used to provide users with their own
subdirectories. Normally, a user with a security level of 5
can access any subdirectory with a security protection of 5
OR LESS. The 'OR LESS' is eliminated with this option set to
Y.
Given the following entries in the .CNF:
MENU=BUZZBACK;255
MENU=OPERATOR;100
MENU=TRAPDOOR;350
PROTECT=C:\FRED;100
PROTECT=C:\TOM;200
PROTECT=C:\JAN;300
PROTECT=C:\PAT;400
USER=FRED FREDRICKSON ;FRED ;Y;100;;
USER=TOM THOMASON ;TOM ;Y;200;;
USER=JAN JANSON ;JAN ;Y;300;;
USER=PAT PATSON ;PAT ;Y;400;;
If MATCHLEVEL=Y then
1) Fred, Tom, Jan, and Pat could not change into each
other's directory, only the one that exactly matched their
own security level.
2) Pat could Buzzback, Operator Chat, and TrapDoor.
Jan could BuzzBack and Operator Chat. Tom and Fred could
only BuzzBack.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 16 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration
If MATCHLEVEL=Y then
1) Pat could change to Pat's, Jan's, Tom's, and Fred's
directory. Jan could change to Jan's, Tom's, and Fred's.
Tom could change to Tom's, and Fred's. And Fred could only
change to Fred's.
2) Pat could Buzzback, Operator Chat, and TrapDoor.
Jan could BuzzBack and Operator Chat. Tom and Fred could
only BuzzBack.
MDM300=CONNECT;1
MDM1200=CONNECT 1200;5
MDM2400=CONNECT 2400;10
MDM4800=CONNECT 4800;11
MDM9600=CONNECT 9600;12
MDM19200=CONNECT 19200;14
The above defaults configure MaxiHost to be compatible with
Hayes V Series Modems. These should not have to be modified
unless you have a modem that supports baud rates of 9600 or
greater and is not a Hayes V Series compatible modem. First,
you have the keyword, a semicolon, the verbal connect
string, a colon, and then the numeric connect string. If
your modem does not support a particular baud rate, set the
numeric result code to -1. An example of a US Robotics
Courier HST follows:
MDM300=CONNECT;1
MDM1200=CONNECT 1200;5
MDM2400=CONNECT 2400;10
MDM4800=CONNECT 4800;-1
MDM9600=CONNECT 9600;13
MDM19200=CONNECT 19200;-1
MENU (general)
If you wish to disable a particular feature, simply specify
a higher security level for it than you give any user. For
example, to prevent anyone from jumping to DOS, you can set
MENU=TRAPDOOR;50 where users have a levels between 0 and 10.
MENU=ANSI;1
A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to get (A)NSI
Color.
MENU=BUZZBACK;9
A user needs a clearance level of 9 or higher to request a
(B)uzz Back. Selecting this option will instruct MAXIHOST to
call the user back at the number placed in the configuration
file.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 17 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration
MENU=CHANGEDIR;1
A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to (C)hange
Directory (i.e. subdirectory).
MENU=DOWNLOAD;1
A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to (D)ownload
a File.
MENU=ENTERMSG;1
A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to leave
messages to other users.
MENU=FILES;1
A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to see the
(F)ile Directory. This specifies whether he can get a
listing of the filenames and sizes of the subdirectory or
drive where he is located.
MENU=HELP;1
A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to get (H)elp
with MAXIHOST, i.e. to view HELP.?01. This should be low if
you are running an OPEN system and let new users have
access.
MENU=INDUCTION;0
A user needs a clearance level of 0 or above to use the
induction/registration option. This option updates two
files, INDUCT.MH containing registration information, and
PASSWORD.MH, to be merged with the MAXIHOST.CNF file for
USER password addition. If a caller's security equals
NEWUSER then security is increased by one after Induction.
MENU=LOGDRIVE;1
A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to (L)og New
Drive (for instance to change from drive C: to drive D: or
E:).
MENU=MSGTOSYSOP;0
A user needs a security level of 0 or higher to leave a
(M)essage to SysOp.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 18 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration
MENU=OPERATOR;1
A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to attempt an
(O)perator Chat. The caller will get a 'not available'
message if the request is outside the hours specified by the
keyword HOURS=.
MENU=PROGRAM;1
A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to get
(P)rogram Descripts. Selecting this option displays the file
created by uploads or the & command.
MENU=QUESTIONAIRE;1
Given a security level of 1 or more, MaxiHost will read the
file QUESTION.IN, display a line of it, allow the caller to
respond, read another line, etc, until the end of the file
is reached. The caller's responses are then written out to a
file QUESTION.OUT. This is a very simple questionnaire
procedure and no field type checking of any kind is done.
MENU=READLOG;9
A user needs a clearance level of 9 or higher to be able to
read the log containing private messages to the SysOp and
caller statistics.
MENU=READMSG;1
A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to be able to
read public messages. (MFS Only)
MENU=SEARCH;1
A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to (S)earch
for File. Protected files and directories are not listed
during the search.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 19 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration
MENU=TRAPDOOR;9;Door Description
A user needs a clearance level of 9 or higher to 'go out of
the trap door'. Selecting (T)rap Door runs the batch file
TRAPDOOR.BAT. Replace the line COMMAND in the batch file
with the program of your choice. Just remember that the DOS
CTTY command only provides INT 21 I/O, and anything poking
to the screen or directly reading the keyboard will be lost.
See TRAPDOOR.BAT or TRAPDOOR= for the command line arguments
provided. If there is more than one TRAPDOOR= entry (up to
nine) MaxiHost will display a menu of available doors from
which to choose. If the third choice were selected, then the
batch file TRAPDOO3.BAT would be called. If the second were
selected, TRAPDOO2.BAT would be called, etc. Only one
TRAPDOOR= entry would call TRAPDOOR.BAT. The first selection
from more than one would call TRAPDOO1.BAT for consistency.
This enhancement replaces the (J)ump to DOS function in
MiniHost. A DOS shell could be an item off the list. Read
'Running DOS from a Remote' below for more details.
MENU=UPLOAD;0
A user needs a clearance level of 0 or higher to (U)pload a
File. A request to upload will be denied if space is not
available.
MENU=VIEWBULL;0
A user needs a clearance level of 0 or higher to view the
bulletins.
MENU=YOURMAIL;1
A user needs a clearance level of 1 or higher to select menu
option (Y)our Private Mail. (MFS Only)
MODEMDELAY=1
This integer value constitutes a pause inserted between
characters when AT command strings are sent to the modem.
Most modems should work well with this set to 1. (Replaces
SLOWMODEM=)
MSGLINES=19 (MFS Only)
This indicates that Messages to the SysOp and Mail can
contain a maximum of 19 lines. (75 is the maximum setting.)
If using the Message Database System (MDS) then a fixed
length record is used for each message locking MSGLINES at
25.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 20 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration
MSGRECS=50 (MDS/MFS Switch)
Setting this to anything greater than zero enables the
Message Database System (MDS) and disables the Message File
System (MFS). This number sets the maximum number of
messages available to the MDS. Once this number is reached,
messages must be deleted before new ones can be added. You
may always increase this number if you run out of room. You
may NOT reduce the size of the database any smaller than the
highest message number. You may, however, delete all
MAXIMAIL.* files and start over if necessary. Each message
in the MDS requires approximately 2k. If MDS is enabled then
MSGLINES (the number of lines allowed per message) is
limited to 25.
NEWUSER=0
Sets the clearance level for new users.
NOTIMERS=10
Callers with a security level of 10 or above will NOT be
logged off when they have been on the system longer than
TIMELIMIT or when they have waited longer than KBDTIMER
seconds between keystrokes.
OFFHOOK=N
Setting to Y takes your modem off hook when in local mode.
This encourages your callers to believe your system is in
use, and not off line.
PORT=1
Selects serial port 1. If you are using serial port 2, this
number should be 2. I have attempted to support ports 3
(1000/3E8, irq4) and 4 (2E8/744, irq3); try either at your
own risk, as I have no way of testing it.
PRINTER=N
Changed to Y, this directs tracking output and comments to
the printer. (To direct it to disk, use LOGFILE=Y.)
PROTECT (general)
Only 50 PROTECT entries are allowed. Here are some examples
as to how they can be used:
PROTECT=A:;9
A user cannot select drive A: without a clearance level of 9
or higher. (NOTE that there is no colon following the drive
letter.)
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 21 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration
PROTECT=*.CFG;9
No file with the extension .CFG can be downloaded without a
clearance level of 9 or above. (Batch file transfer will
disable this protection.)
PROTECT=C:\MAXIHOST\GAMES;3
A user could not select directory C:\MAXIHOST\GAMES without
a security level of 3 or above.
PROTOCOL=SEND;Ymodem;dsz port %PORT% speed %BAUD% sb
-k %FILENAME%
PROTOCOL=RECEIVE;Ymodem;dsz port %PORT% speed %BAUD% rb;
Maxihost includes two basic file transfer protocols, Xmodem
and Xmodem-1k. Other file transfer protocols are available
from various BBS's. MaxiHost allows for SysOp configuration
of any of these external protocols up to a total of ten
SEND/RECEIVE sets. MaxiHost's implementation of these
protocols require them to be batch protocols. No prompt is
given for received files. The PROTOCOL=SEND/RECEIVE
indicates which menu, the upload or the download, will
display and execute the protocol. The next item between the
semicolons indicate how the item will be displayed on the
menu. Finally, the command line as it will be sent to the
external file transfer program. %PORT% will be replaced by
your port number, %BAUD% will be replaced by the connected
baud rate, and %FILENAME% will be replaced by the
filename(s). The above configuration calls DSZ requesting a
Ymodem Batch file transfer. The sample MAXIHOST.CNF
configuration file also includes configurations for Zmodem
Ymodem-G, PCKermit, SEAlink, Lynx, and MegaLink. Be sure to
set a path to the directory containing these file PRIOR to
running MaxiHost. The programs required for these protocols
are not bundled with MaxiHost but may be obtained from the
MaxiHost Support BBS or your local board.
RESETSTRING=ATZ
This string is sent to the modem during initialization and
after each call.
RETRIES=2
If set to 2, the caller may attempt 2 tries each at the
'First & Last Name:' and 'Password:' prompts before MaxiHost
logs you off. You may set this to 1, 3, 4, etc. See
USERLOCK=.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 22 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration
REVMSGFILE=N
Normally MAXIHOST appends a new data to the bottom of the
data file. This requires reading all the old data before
getting to the new ones at the bottom. The technique is
simple and requires little disk space. If REVMSGFILE=Y, on
the other hand, MAXIHOST creates a temporary file: the new
data is sent to it first, and the old data file is appended
to the end of it. If this process is successful, the old
data file is erased and the temporary file given its name.
Descriptions for uploads and messages in the Message File
System (MFS) are handled in this manner. This method takes a
little longer to add update it's files.
RINGBACK=N
Changed to Y, this allows you to use MAXIHOST on your
dedicated voice or FAX line. To trigger MAXIHOST, a second
call must be received between 10 and 60 seconds after a
first call. (The first call would not be answered; the
would-be MAXIHOST user would hang up once he hears the
ringing tone.) Ringback requires that the MAXIHOST system
be call again within 60 seconds before it will answer the
phone. If you have an answering recorder on the same line
make sure it is set up to answer on the 3rd or 4th ring.
This will enable you to call in from a remote, call MaxiHost
once, hang up, and call right back. Also see BUZZBACK and
RINGBACK.
RINGPIN=N
MAXIHOST normally detects an incoming ring via a '2' or
'RING' from the modem. IF RINGPIN=Y, it will not get it's
ring indication from the modem, but directly from the serial
card. Enabling this option will require pin 22 be available
on the RS-232C cable.
SAVESCRN=Y
If set to Y the 'WAITING FOR CALL' screen will move on the
screen at various intervals to avoid screen burn-in.
START=C:\PUBLIC
Directory where MAXIHOST will start from. This allows you to
invoke the program from one directory, and start callers off
in another. For example, you may not allow users to have
access to the directory or drive that contains the MAXIHOST
program files. You might put these in \MAXIHOST but have the
START line change to \PUBLIC once the program has started
up. Another option would be to boot from drive C: but have
the START line switch to drive D: (START=D:\).
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 23 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration
SWAPTOEMS=Y
If set to N then EMS is not utilized during an ExecSwap.
See EXECSWAP= for more details.
SYSOP=DON MANKIN
Replace 'DON MANKIN' with your own name. The SysOp has
certain privileges over any other user.
TDSTRING=Jump to DOS
This determines how the Trap Door option will appear in the
menu. For instance, if the external program you wish to run
is the editor EDLIN, you could set TDSTRING=Editor. See
TRAPDOOR= below.
TIMELIMIT=0
Set to 60, this will disconnect callers after 60 minutes. If
it is set to 0, there is no time limit. See also NOTIMER=.
TRAPDOOR=DOS Shell;9;Command Line Interpreter
You may have up to nine "TRAPDOOR= entries. In the above
example, "DOS Shell" would be the menu item, "9" would be
the security level for that item, and "Command Line
Interpreter" would be the description of the item.
Selecting a 1 from the (+)-Trap Door menu would execute
TRAPDOO1.BAT, selecting a 2 would execute TRAPDOO2.BAT, etc
through 9. If there are no TRAPDOOR= entries, then
selecting (+) from the menu would automatically execute
TRAPDOOR.BAT, and no menu would be presented.
MENU=JUMPTODOS;n, available in MiniHost, goes away.
MaxiHost passes the following command line parameters:
%0 = name ofprogram called (.bat, .exe, .com)
%1 = port number
%2 = baud rate
%3 = first name
%4 = last name
%5 = security level
%6 = ANSI (Y or N)
%7 = directory MaxiHost was to started from
%8 = CARRIER or LOCAL
UPLOAD=C:\PUBLIC\UPLD
Drive and directory where you want uploaded files to go.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 24 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration
USER=DON MANKIN
Username,Password,ANSIcolor(YN),Security level,BuzzBack #
<------------25-chars-------->;<-12-chars->;1;2 ;<12 chars>
USER=DON MANKIN ;ZAXXON ;Y;9 ;622-4300
USER=GEORGE JETSON ;GJ ;N;5 ;987-6543
Above are typical user entries. (Although the first is that
of the sysop, you will notice that it takes exactly the same
form as that of others.) Field lengths are delimited by
semicolons, and entries must be formatted EXACTLY as above,
except that they should have no leading spaces. The best way
to be sure of this is to follow exactly the examples in the
MAXIHOST.CNF file as you receive it; do not delete these
examples until you have entered your own and your users'
names and passwords.
You may have up to 500 USER entries.
USERLOCK=N
If equal to Y then MAXIHOST tracks unsuccessful logon
attempts. If a user makes many unsuccessful logon attempts,
twice that set by RETRIES=, MAXIHOST creates a BADUSER.DAT
file and puts the user's name in it. This file is read for
each attempted logon, and if the caller's name is found in
it, he is denied access. The USERLOCK feature should only be
used where security is most important as a cracker could
lock out a legitimate user. It is therefore not suitable for
normal BBS operations.
USERLOG=Y
Turning on this option has no effect unless you are using
the Message Database System (MDS). If enabled, a record is
kept of the time and date of each caller listed as a USER in
the MAXIHOST.CNF file. Selected (N)ew Messages from the
(M)essage System will accurately display messages left since
the last logon. If USERLOG=N then selecting new messages
will display all messages left one month prior to the
current date. This allows one to have the MDS enabled and
the userlog feature disabled. Those with limited disk space
may prefer this option.
Deleting the MAXIUSRS.* files will cause MaxiHost to
recreate new user files upon next (M)essage System request.
XONXOFF=Y
MaxiHost, by default, supports Xon (ctl-s) Xoff (ctl-q) for
character pausing. This can be disabled by setting XONXOFF
equal to N.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 25 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: System Configuration
───────────────────────────────────────
BULLETINS
───────────────────────────────────────
After logon, MAXIHOST checks to see if the caller has specified
(A)NSI Color. If so, MAXIHOST looks for the bulletin menu file
BULLETIN.G00 and displays it. If the caller does not specify ANSI
or if it does not find this file, it looks for BULLETIN.T00, the
equivalent non-ANSI file, and displays it if it finds it. If the
caller then presses 3, say, for the third bulletin, MAXIHOST
looks for the file BULLETIN.G03 (or BULLETIN.T03 for non-ANSI
graphics). Two sets of bulletin files may then be kept: files
with and without ANSI graphics, named with extensions starting
with G and B respectively. In each case, if the ANSI file is not
found, the non-ANSI file is looked for.
Bulletin With Without
number ANSI graphics ANSI graphics
────────────────────────────────────────────────────
[menu of bulletins] BULLETIN.G00 BULLETIN.T00
1 BULLETIN.G01 BULLETIN.T01
2 BULLETIN.G02 BULLETIN.T02
3 BULLETIN.G03 BULLETIN.T03
4 BULLETIN.G04 BULLETIN.T04
5 BULLETIN.G05 BULLETIN.T05
- - - - - - [et cetera, to:] - - - - -
99 BULLETIN.G99 BULLETIN.T99
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 26 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Caller Menu Options
───────────────────────────────────────
CALLER MENU OPTIONS
───────────────────────────────────────
The following menu options can be available to a caller. You use
MAXIHOST.CNF to set the security level of each -- and, if you
wish, to disable some completely.
GENERAL OPTIONS
───────────────────────────────────────
(A)NSI Color - on/off
This command, when enabled, will allow color on those
systems properly configured. There are three requirements
for this. First, the caller must have set his communication
parameters to 8 bits, no parity. Secondly, he must be
running a program that supports it: Qmodem, Procomm, and
Pibterm are three that do. (Most require that ANSI.SYS be
installed on the home system, by putting the line
DEVICE=ANSI.SYS in the CONFIG.SYS file.) Thirdly, of
course, he must have a color monitor.
(B)uzz Back
This command instructs MAXIHOST to buzz the caller back at
the number in the configuration file. The SysOp will be
billed for any long distance charges.
(C)hange Directory
This command allows the caller to move within the hard (or
other) drive, using DOS rules for doing so, or by a SysOp
provided menu. By pressing (F)ile Directory while the caller
is in a given directory, he sees the available
subdirectories; these have the filename extension '.DIR'.
The caller may neither enter a drive specifier here nor
change to the directory containing the MAXIHOST run-time
files.
(D)ownload File
Entering 'D' from the menu will allow the caller to download
(receive) a file. Xmodem (checksum & CRC), Ymodem (CRC), and
ASCII protocols are supported. The caller may NOT enter a
directory or drive specifier here, but instead must have
specified the appropriate path beforehand. The system will
prompt for the filename, look for the file, and if it finds
it then prompt for the protocol. The caller will see:
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 27 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Caller Menu Options
1 - ASCII. This is for the ASCII protocol. This should ONLY
be used for text files, not for compiled programs,
source code, or compressed or archived files (.ARC,
.ZIP, .LZH, etc.) where error correction is necessary.
2 - XMODEM CHECKSUM. The plainest error-correcting
protocol, useful for downloading to old computers or
those running antiquated communications software.
Blocks are 128 bytes long.
3 - XMODEM CRC. Xmodem with slightly superior (CRC) error
checking. Most programs written in the last few years
can download using this.
4 - XMODEM-1k CRC. This protocol is used more frequently at
baud rates of 2400 or higher, or over fairly clean
telephone lines. As blocks are 1024 bytes long, less
time is spent error checking. Ymodem allows faster file
transfer when used under packet switched networks such
as PC Pursuit.
External File Transfer Protocols:
The SysOp may, at his/her option, enable a number of
external file transfer protocols.
If someone calls in at 7 data bits, even parity, MAXIHOST
switches to 8 data bits, no parity before file transfer, and
after the transfer returns to 7 data bits, even parity.
(F)ile Directory
This option will list the various files and directories on
the system. The file size will follow the directory entry.
Size is rounded to the nearest 'K' (1024 bytes).
Directories will end with DIR, DBASE. . . . DIR would be a
valid directory.
(G)oodbye Logoff
Self explanatory: logs the caller off.
(H)elp with MHOST
Displays one of the help text files edited by the SysOp.
(I)nduction to MH
A registration process that provides the SysOp with some
information about his/her callers. See (Q)uestionnaire.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 28 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Caller Menu Options
(L)og New Drive
Changes the default logged drive. Your average BBS type
caller is unlikely to have enough security to access this
option.
(O)perator Chat
Selecting this option enables both the caller and the SysOp
to chat real-time via their keyboards. To exit chat mode,
either party simply presses ESC.
(P)rogram Descripts
If the caller is in a directory containing a .BBS file of
file descriptions, this option displays that file. A .BBS
file is one either created by the system, or by the SysOp
giving descriptions of files available for download.
(Q)uestionaire
Prompts callers with a series of questions, and collects
answers for SysOp.
(S)earch for File
Search within the directory for the filename specified and
gives the path if found. DOS wild cards can be used.
Protected files and/or directories are not displayed.
(U)pload File
The caller sends a file to the host system and is asked to
describe it. Entering a '/' as the first character in the
description places a '*' next to the filename and then only
the SysOp can display it via the (P)rogram Descripts
command. Removing the asterisk makes it displayable to all.
End the description with a blank line when done.
(V)iew Bulletins
Brings up a menu of bulletins to be read. The caller can
read the bulletin by entering its number, redisplay the menu
by entering 'M', or exit the bulletin function by pressing
the Enter key.
(+)-Trap DOOR(s)
Access to external programs provided by the SysOp. May
include access to DOS itself. The verbage is configured by
the SysOp and may say something other than 'TRAP Door(s)'.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 29 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Caller Menu Options
(*)-Read Log File
Allows a caller with the proper security level to read
private messages to the SysOp and see what other users have
done while on the system and what files they have uploaded
or downloaded. May include messages from other callers as
well.
(&)-Add Prog Desc. (SysOp Only)
This allows you to add file descriptions to the .BBS file
existing in the current directory. If the file does not
exist, it is created. MAXIHOST asks for the filename to
add. It then finds the size of the file, asks for a
description, and adds this to the .BBS file. The .BBS file
would be DIRNAME.BBS where DIRNAME would be the name of the
directory you are in. For instance, in the directory
C:\MAXI\UPLD, the .BBS name would be UPLD.BBS. If you are
in the root directory, the name would be FILES.BBS.
MESSAGE FILE SYSTEM OPTIONS (MFS)
───────────────────────────────────────
(E)nter Message
This allows the caller to enter a public message, or a
private message to a fellow user. You determine the maximum
number of lines. The caller is asked which conference he
wants his message in, writes it, and must hit Enter twice to
end it. This will re-display it and ask if he wants to
(A)bort the message, (D)elete a line, (E)dit a line,
(I)nsert a line, (L)ist the message, or (S)ave the message
as is. The (E)dit option will ask for the line number to
edit, and then display it and ask for the text to be
changed; he must enter the string exactly as shown ('xerox'
is not the same as 'Xerox'). MAXIHOST then asks for the
replacement string. When the named user calls in, he sees
the message right after log-on. The writer may use (P) to
pause the display/playback of the message or (S) to stop the
display and have MAXIHOST resume normal operation.
(M)essage to SysOp
Allows the caller to enters a message to the SysOp. This
message is inserted into the log file.
(R)ead Messages
The caller can read public messages. He will be asked to
select the conference.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 30 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Caller Menu Options
(Y)our Private Mail
Any mail addressed to the caller is displayed auto-magically
just after log on. If he hasn't deleted it, he may use this
option to re-read it.
(%)-Read Pvt Mail (SysOp Only)
Reads the directory for all .MH files and displays them
accordingly. To abort this function requires repeated 'S'
key presses.
MESSAGE DATABASE SYSTEM OPTIONS (MDS)
───────────────────────────────────────
(M)essage System
Displays Message System menu as follows:
(B)ackward Read
Asks caller for starting a message number. If ENTER is
pressed MaxiHost will start with the last message. The
message database is then traversed backwards.
(E)nter Message
Allows caller to enter a message in the message
database. You may leave both public and private
messages. A conference must then be specified. Refer
to (E)NTER MESSAGE in Caller Menu Options for editing
options
(F)orward Read
Asks caller for starting a message number. If ENTER is
pressed MaxiHost will start with the first message.
The message database is then traversed forwards.
(G)oodbye Logoff
Asks you if you really want to log off. If you say no,
you will find yourself out of the Message System.
(M)essage Area
Selecting any conference other than ALL will limit the
viewing of messages to the chosen conference.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 31 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Caller Menu Options
(N)ew Messages
If the UserLog facility has been enabled and the caller
is recognized by the system (he has an entry in the
.CNF file) then (N)ew Messages will start forward
displaying messages left since the last time he was on.
If not, (N)ew Messages will start forward displaying
messages one month prior to the current date.
(P)ause Toggle
With (P)ause ON the caller may be able to (A)nswer,
(D)elete, and (E)dit messages depending upon the
callers security. These choices are given after each
message is displayed. If the caller wishes to capture
messages very quickly the (P)ause should be toggled
OFF. This mode is read-only as there is no provision
for the above choices.
(Q)uit Mail
Returns caller to main menu.
(R)ebuild Database
Enables the SysOp to rebuild all of the index files.
(S)earch Messages
Allows caller to search the To, From, and Subject
fields of the message database. Wildcard are NOT
permitted.
(Y)our Mail
Displays messages that are either From you or To you
starting with the first message.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 32 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Function Keys
───────────────────────────────────────
FUNCTION KEYS
───────────────────────────────────────
Function keys are available from the WAITING FOR CALL and the
Main Menu.
If the SysOp presses F1, he will see the system status: a listing
on screen of how the system is configured and what the security
levels are for the menu items.
Pressing the following function keys will do the following:
F1 Toggles Debug mode. Displays ANSI screens during logon,
logoff and reports various errors to the log
F2 Sets Ringback status toggle
F3 Toggles log (turns user log on or off)
F4 Toggles printer (turns printer log on or off)
F5 Toggles closed system (makes Closed or Open system)
F6 Sets Off Hook Toggle
F7 Toggles color on and off
F8 Initial baud rate toggle
F9 Security -1 Each press of the F9 key drops by one the
security level of the user while he is connected.
F10 Security +1 Each press of the F10 key raises by one the
security level of the user online, so that he will have
temporary access to functions not otherwise available to
him.
SHIFT + Function Key
────────────────────
SF1 Toggles XONXOFF state
SF2 Toggles MATCHLEVEL state
SF3 Toggles BIOS state
SF4 Toggles DIRECT state
SF5 Toggles EXECSWAP state
SF6 Toggles ALLOW300 state
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 33 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Function Keys
SF7 Toggles BATCHLOG state
SF8 Toggles CALLBACK state
SF9 Toggles USERLOCK state
SF0 If set to TRUE then Operator HOURS are bypassed and
Sysop is available
CTRL + Function Key
───────────────────
CF1 Toggles SAVESCRN state
CF2 Toggles RINGPIN state
CF3 Briefly drops DTR to disconnect the caller
Changing the above switches does not update the MAXIHOST.CNF
configuration file. If you exit MAXIHOST and return, all items
are as configured by MAXIHOST.CNF.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 34 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Equipment Settings
───────────────────────────────────────────────
MODEM DIP SWITCH and OTHER EQUIPMENT SETTINGS
───────────────────────────────────────────────
HAYES 1200 EXTERNAL SETTINGS
───────────────────────────────────────
UUDDDUUD, where:
1 UP. DTR controlled by pin 20. Required.
2 DN. Numeric messages. Optional.
Set by MAXIHOST software.
3 DN. No result code display. Optional.
Set by MAXIHOST software.
4 DN. Modem does not echo. Optional.
Set by MAXIHOST software.
5 DN. Auto Answer suppressed. Optional.
Set by MAXIHOST software.
6 UP. CD controlled by pin 8. Required.
7 UP. Single line connection. Required.
8 DN. AT command recognition. Required.
I use the above switch settings for ALL the communications
software I use: Qmodem, Procomm, etc.
It is most important that Carrier Detect and Data Terminal Ready
not be forced on.
HAYES 1200B INTERNAL MODEM (EARLY MODEL)
────────────────────────────────────────
Early model Hayes 1200B modems may require modification to work
with MAXIHOST; read HAYESFIX.DOC.
HAYES 1200B INTERNAL MODEM SWITCH SETTINGS
───────────────────────────────────────
You must set the three switches on the board from A-B to B-C, the
alternate position. This jumper is not documented in the manual.
MAXIHOST will now work with the factory set switch settings.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 35 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Equipment Settings
HAYES 1200B MODEL 07/00043 INTERNAL MODEM SWITCH SETTINGS
───────────────────────────────────────
Switch:
1 Either Select COM1: or COM2:
2 Up Select single line
3 Down Detect carrier
4 Up Monitor DTR status
5 Up Select Bell 212A
6 Up US/Canada
US ROBOTICS 2400 AND 9600
───────────────────────────────────────
Use Hayes 1200 external switch settings. (Early ROM versions of
the 9600 seem to ignore the V setting and respond only to switch
2.)
AST SIX PACK
───────────────────────────────────────
MAXIHOST requires monitoring both Data Terminal Ready (DTR) and
Carrier Detect (CD). Apparently some versions of the AST Six Pack
force these signals true. Please see the AST manual for more
information.
AT CABLE CONFIGURATION
───────────────────────────────────────
AT nine pin DB 15
───────────────────────
1----------CD---------8
2----------RD---------3
3----------TD---------2
4----------DTR-------20
5----------SG---------7
6----------DSR--------6
7----------RTS--------4
8----------CTS--------5
9----------RI--------22
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 36 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Compatibility Problems
───────────────────────────────────────
KNOWN COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS
───────────────────────────────────────
MAXIHOST does not function correctly when certain memory resident
(TSR) programs are loaded. DOSEDIT, a DOS editor, does strange
things at times, especially after a Jump to DOS.Could it mess
things up at other times? Those spiffy clock programs interfere
with binary file transfers. If you are having problems, remove
ALL resident programs from memory and see if this helps. TSR's
should not be invoked from a DOS shell! (TRAPDOOR)
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 37 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Miscellaneous
───────────────────────────────────────
MISCELLANEOUS TIPS AND SETTINGS
───────────────────────────────────────
MORE ON INITSTRING
───────────────────────────────────────
The examples of INITSTRING below use V1. This sets the modems to
verbal result codes. These can also use V0 for numeric result
codes, but V1 maintains software compatibility with other
communications programs. Some users have been unsuccessful
setting Hayes clones to use V1 (verbal result codes) but
successful using V0 (numeric result codes), while for others it
has been the other way around. If you have difficulty with one
mode, try switching to the other.
Any INITSTRING sent to a Hayes modem MUST be 40 characters or
less! If the string contains a command not recognized by the
modem, the entire string is ignored, and MAXIHOST will not
operate correctly.
Hayes 1200 baud modems───────────
INITSTRING=ATE0M0Q0V1X1S0=0S1=0
This is the initialization string sent to the modem. It breaks
down as follows:
AT Attention
X1 Extended result code
E0 Echo off
S0=0 Do not auto answer
M0 Speaker off ( DO NOT CHANGE )
Q0 Send result codes
S1=0 Count 0 rings
V1 verbal result codes
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 38 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Miscellaneous
Hayes 2400 baud modems───────────
INITSTRING=AT&D2V1Q0E0S0=0&C1&T5L3B1M1
This is the initialization string sent to the modem. It breaks
down as follows:
AT Attention
&J0 Single-line connection
&D2 Follow DTR
&T5 RDL disabled
V1 Verbal result codes
L3 High speaker volume
Q0 Result codes enabled
B1 Select Bell 212A
E0 Characters not echoed
M1 Modem on until carrier
S0=0 Disable auto answer
&C1 Detect carrier (not forced on)
Multi-Tech 2400 baud modems───────────
INITSTRING=ATE0M0Q0V1X1S0=0S1=0&Q1
This string is the same as that for the Hayes 1200 with the
exception of the &Q1, which instructs the Multi-Tech to emulate
the Hayes 1200 modem.
US Robotics Courier HST 9600───────────
INITSTRING=ATE0M0Q0V1X1S0=0S1=0&B0&H0&I0&N0
This modem uses the same INITSTRING as the Hayes 1200, plus:
&B0 DTE rate follows connection rate
&H0 Flow control disabled
&I0 Flow control disabled
&N0 Normal link operations
The result code expected from the modem is 13 for a 9600 baud
connect.
Everex Evercom 24 modems───────────
INITSTRING=ATE0Q0V1X4L3S7=60
Some Everex modems require the contents of registers S3 & S4 to
be reversed, i.e. S3=10 S4=13.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 39 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Miscellaneous
BUZZBACK INFO
───────────────────────────────────────
Adding S7=60 increases to 60 seconds the time the modem is to
wait for a carrier after dialing. This may be necessary for
BuzzBack to work.
MINIHOST TO MAXIHOST CONVERSION
───────────────────────────────────────
Delete MINIHOST.00?
Rename MINIHOST.* MAXIHOST.*
Rename *.B?? to .T??
Rename MAXIHOST.?00 to WELCOME.?01
Rename MAXIHOST.?01 to NEWUSER.?01
Add a unique identifier in front of each conference entry:
CONFERENCE=1;GENERAL;0;Miscellanious Topics
CONFERENCE=2;PROBLEMS;0;Problem Resolution
CONFERENCE=3;BETA_TEST;5;Beta Test Versions
RUNNING DOS (OR A PROGRAM) FROM A REMOTE
───────────────────────────────────────
A batch file, TRAPDOOR, is executed from MaxiHost. A path MUST BE
SET to point to TRAPDOOR.BAT if the call is to be successful!
One version of TRAPDOOR.BAT is provided with this package; as
written, it enables WATCHDOG, a public domain program that
monitors carrier detect at DOS level.
MAXIHOST sends TRAPDOOR.BAT a parameter to inform it which port
is selected, so it may run the proper version of WATCHDOG. You
might do well to use this file as is. You could change the line
with COMMAND to the name of the program of your choice; this
would not allow DOS access, but would execute the program and
then return to MAXIHOST. Keep in mind that very many programs
write directly to the screen, or intercept the keyboard directly.
These programs will not operate correctly under the DOS shell,
and may hang up the system. If you have called in DOS then type
EXIT at the DOS command line to return to MAXIHOST. A great
shareware program, available on the MaxiHost Support BBS, is
available for handling difficult programs from a remote. Download
the latest version of Doorway, and be sure to register it. It is
well worth the money!
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 40 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Miscellaneous
USING MAXIHOST WITH DOORWAY
───────────────────────────────────────
MaxiHost passes the following command line parameters:
%0 = name of program called (batch, exe, com)
%1 = port number
%2 = baud rate
%3 = first name
%4 = last name
%5 = security level
%6 = ANSI (Y or N)
%7 = directory MaxiHost was to start from
%8 = CARRIER or LOCAL
The following TRAPDOOR.BAT file is an example of using DOORWAY
from a DOS shell.
echo off
cls
if .%8. == .LOCAL. goto local
c:\rundir\doorway COM%1: /VD^U /OT /GON /M32767 /AON
/BMS /S* /CDOS
goto end
:local
c:\rundir\doorway local /OT /GON /M32767 /AON /BMS /S*
/CDOS
:end
The following TRAPDOOR.BAT file is an example of using DOORWAY to
call in an external program. Rundir would be the directory
MaxiHost was invoked from, and Startdir would be the directory
specified by START=.
@echo off
cd\doors
if .%8. == .LOCAL. goto local
if .%6. == .N. goto nonansi
c:\rundir\doorway com%1: /VD^U /AON /OT /S* /GON
/M30 /kV255 /PC:\doors\users.exe
%1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9
goto end
:nonansi
c:\rundir\doorway com%1: /VD^U /AON /OT /S* /GOFF
/M30 /kV255 /PC:\doors\users.exe
%1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9
goto end
:local
c:\rundir\doorway LOCAL /T:^C /O:T /S:* /G:ON
/M32767 /PC:\doors\users.exe
%1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9
:end
cd\startdir
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 41 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Miscellaneous
TESTIMONIALS
───────────────────────────────────────
PC World MAY 1990 says "MAXIHOST, a versatile shareware BBS that
almost anyone can use. MAXIHOST's ample security features and
easy setup make it ideal" and "A MAXIHOST BBS is easy to maintain
as it is to set up"
Micro Cornucopia NOV-DEV 1989 says "MINIHOST has amazing low
maintenance requirements", "is very flexible", and "after years
of reliable use Mankin's little BBS is a gem of a system"
American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education Vol 53, Summer 89
says "Because of the extensive documentation... I have never a
need to call for help" and "a file shareware BBS which ever
college of pharmacy should try"
Personal Computer Communications, The bible of the online World,
by Alfred Glossbrenner (of the New York Times) says "For new
users we recommend Don Mankin's MINIHOST. Simple to setup and
use" and "for anyone willing to tap an office or home computer
from a distant location"
DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE
───────────────────────────────────────
Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software
before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue
using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs
differ on details -- some request registration while others
require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With
registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue
using the software to an updated program with printed manual.
Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software,
and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific
exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished
programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are
of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs
and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of
distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy
and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a
specific group. For example, some authors require written
permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their
Shareware.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 42 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Miscellaneous
Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You
should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook,
whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes
fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy.
And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware
has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the
product, you don't pay for it.
DISCLAIMER - AGREEMENT
───────────────────────────────────────
Users of MAXIHOST must accept this disclaimer of warranty:
"MAXIHOST is supplied as is. The author disclaims all
warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation,
the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose.
The author assumes no liability for damages, direct or
consequential, which may result from the use of MAXIHOST."
MAXIHOST is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to
the user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with your
friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of
another system. The essence of "user-supported" software is to
provide personal computer users with quality software without
high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 43 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Miscellaneous
continue to develop new products. If you find this program
useful and find that you are using MAXIHOST and continue to use
MAXIHOST after a reasonable trial period, you must make a
registration payment of $25-$50 (see REGISTRATION INFORMATION) to
ASCII Computer Enterprises. The $25-$50 registration fee will
license one copy for use on any one computer at any one time.
You must treat this software just like a book. An example is
that this software may be used by any number of people and may be
freely moved from one computer location to another, so long as
there is no possibility of it being used at one location while
it's being used at another. Just as a book cannot be read by two
different persons at the same time.
Commercial users of MAXIHOST must register and pay for their
copies of MAXIHOST within 30 days of first use or their license
is withdrawn. Site-License arrangements may be made by
contacting ASCII Computer Enterprises.
Anyone distributing MAXIHOST for any kind of remuneration must
first contact ASCII Computer Enterprises at the address below for
authorization. This authorization will be automatically granted
to distributors recognized by the (ASP) as adhering to its
guidelines for shareware distributors, and such distributors may
begin offering MAXIHOST immediately (However ASCII Computer
Enterprises must still be advised so that the distributor can be
kept up-to-date with the latestversion of MAXIHOST.).
You are encouraged to pass a copy of MAXIHOST along to your
friends for evaluation. Please encourage them to register their
copy if they find that they can use it. All registered users
will receive a copy of the latest version of the MAXIHOST system.
OMSBUDSMAN
───────────────────────────────────────
This program is produced by a member of the Association of
Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the
shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a
shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the
member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can
help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but
does not provide technical support for members' products. Please
write to the ASP Ombudsman at P.O. Box 5786, Bellevue, WA 98006
or send a Compuserve message via easyplex to ASP Ombudsman
70007,3536.
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 44 ---
--- Maxihost User Guide: Miscellaneous
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
───────────────────────────────────────
Purchased from: Don Mankin
231 Market Place #353
San Ramon, CA 94583
Purchases of 10 copies or more constitutes a Site License.
DATE: / / Invoice No. 031590
----------------------------------------------------------------
PRODUCT QTY HOBBY COMMERCIAL MINI/MAXI UPGRADE
---------- --- ----- ---------- ----------------------
"MAXIHOST" 1 $25 $50 $15
California SALES TAX 6.5%
----------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE PAY THIS AMOUNT $
Enter the following registration information:
First & Last Name :
Address :
City :
State :
Zip Code :
Phone Number :
Business Name :
Password :
The above password is to be used to gain access to the MAXIHOST
Support BBS at 209-836-2402.
Register under your Name or Business? (Business option for
Commercial registrants only) < U / B >
Please make check payable in US Dollars to :DON MANKIN
--- MAXIHOST Copyright 1990 - by Don Mankin - Page 45 ---