Night Owl 8

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ Night Owl 8 / Night Owl CD-ROM (NOPV8) (Night Owl Publisher) (1993).ISO / 013a / toc4_0.arj / MANUAL.DOC < prev next >

Wrap

Text File | 1992-10-11 | 32KB | 676 lines

Time of Chaos Version 4_0 Copyright (c) 1989, 1992 Brian Cain SysOp's Manual/Table of Contents What is Toc? · Page 1_0 Files Included in TOC4_0.ARJ · Page 2_0 Mandatory System Requirements · Page 4_0 First-Time Installation · Page 4_5 Updating from a previous Version · Page 5_5 The Configuration Editor · Page 6_5 Ways to run Toc/Chaos.Exe · Page 8_0 Online SysOp Commands · Page 10_0 Registration Information · Page 14_0 External Programs Information · Page 15_0 Running As A Door (Reference Guide) · Page 17_0 TroubleShooting Section · Page 21_0 3_5 to 4_0 Changes and Mods · Page 22_0 Credits · Page 24_0 [What is Toc?] [Page 1_0] Some people ask, "What is Toc?" Toc is an abbreviation for the actual name, Time of Chaos. 'Chaos', on the other hand, is the slang, and commonly-used name for this game. Time of Chaos is bas- ically a futuristic, demographical, role-playing type of game, or simulation, which leans mainly towards scientific theory and fact, wherein a group of individuals (which may be anywhere from five to 100) are, over a long term, tested on how they interact with one another, given certain items and abilities. Technological advanta- ges and advancements are made throughout the game's evolutionary cycle, based on players' accomplishments of course, as people evolve from a state of barbarianism, which includes the conquest of mere parts of land, to an eventual form of modern, or post- modern logic, reason, and management, and total, overall control. A large-scale system of communication has been included, such as public message areas, electronic (private) mail, and two different forms of private, multiple-mail. The game's cycle, from beginning to end, which may be indefinate, may last anywhere from three weeks to one year, being the type of simulation it is. [Files Included in ARJ] [Page 2_0] Here is a brief list of the files included in the TOC4_0.ARJ file: ∙ MISC.ARJ · Manual.Doc - This SysOp Manual/Documentation File · Install.Bat - Installation Batch file · UpDate.Bat - Update/UpGrade Version Batch File · SMode.Bat - Batch file for repetitive StandAlone Mode · Player.Doc - Player Documentation File · Mark.Com - TSR Memory Manager/Memory Marking File · Release.Exe - TSR Memory Manager/Memory Flushing File ∙ EXES.ARJ · Chaos.Exe - Main Executable File · Chaos.Ovr - Main Overlay File · Config.Exe - Configuration Editor · ReRoll.Exe - Game Reset Utility File · Setup.Exe - Raw Data File Creator · TocScan.Exe - Diagnostic Utility/Missing-File Creator · Edit.Exe - Enemy Editor (Ver 4_0 and Up) · Enemies.Cfg - .CFG File containing enemies' stats ∙ MAPS.ARJ · Map*. - 40 Map Files · MapEdit.Exe - Map Editor, written by Mark Doughty. · MapEdit.Doc - Documentation for Map Editor ∙ MENUS.ARJ · Chaos*.Ans - 7 ANSI Menu Files · Chaos*.Men - 7 ASCII Menu Files ∙ TEXT.ARJ · *.Txt - 61 ASCII Text Files · *.Ans - 68 ANSI Files All of these files must be included for Toc to run at its optimum conditions. If your zip/arj does not contain every single file, or if you think you are missing files, or if you think some files may be corrupted, please contact the sender of this arj, or the SysOp of the bbs you may have received this file from. [Mandatory System Requirements] [Page 4_0] Here is the list of items required to successfully run Toc: · 640k Base RAM · Two to Three Megs of drive space · Config.Sys file modifications - Files=30 - Buffers=25 - Device=Ansi.Sys (Or any Ansi driver) · 1 Meg Disk Cache (Highly Recommended for Speed!) [Page 4_5] [First-Time Installation of Toc] First-Time installation of Toc is a breeze. Here's the simple and easy order to perform: ∙ Create your root Toc Directory (Ex: C:\TOC) ∙ Unarj your TOC4_0.ARJ file into your new directory ∙ Run Install.Bat Once Install has begun to run, a number of things will happen. First, Install will unarj two more Arjs (Exes and Misc.) Second, the external program Setup.Exe will be run. A screen will will appear with system requirements, etc. Answer 'YES' at the prompt, and wait. About 20 seconds will pass, as Setup creates all of the raw data and message files required by Toc. After Setup has the been completed, a prompt will appear. Press Enter, or space bar, and proceed. Next, TocScan.Exe will be run, to make sure Setup hasn't missed any files. After TocScan, Config.Exe will be executed. In this portion of Install, you may customize your own Toc's system and game options. Once out of the configuration Editor, Install will proceed to unarj 3 more Arjs (Maps, Menus, and Text.) Once those Arjs are unzipped and sorted into their subdirectories, Install will finish off by deleting the 5 sub-Arjs and run Toc locally. When Toc is run locally (last step of Install), proceed on and create a player under your sysop name. SysOp Access is given to the first user slot in the user file. This will insure that another user will not attain SysOp Access. This newly-created user with SysOp Access does not have to be an actual player. A second user may be created with a handle, which would be your player. [Updating from a Previous Version] [Page 5_5] Updating from a previous version is very simple. Here's the superbrief list of steps taken to upgrade to a newer version: ∙ UnArj your new version of Toc into your current Toc root directory. ∙ Run the batch file UpDate.Bat. UpDate.Bat will perform a number of steps. First, update will delete seven files (Chaos.Exe, Chaos.Ovr, Enemies.Cfg, Config .Exe, Setup.Exe, Manual.Doc, and Player.Doc.). Second, two arjs will be unarjed (Exes.Arj and Misc.Arj.) Next, every existing text, map, and menu file will be deleted, and replaced with the new files included in the arjs Text.Arj, Maps.Arj, and Menus.Arj. Next, the 5 arjs will be deleted. Next, the configuration editor, Config.Exe, will be executed. Lastly, and finally, TocScan.Exe, the missing-file creator, will be ran, to make sure there aren't any missing data or message files. Once Update.Bat has completed its task, Toc should be exe- cuted locally; one, to look for any new game updates; two, to look for any new SysOp changes and such. [The Configuration Editor [Config.Exe]] [Page 6_5] The Configuration Editor is set up in 5 different sections. The Main Menu [A] Edit Matrix Opener [B] Edit Directories/File Paths [C] Edit Map and Map-Related Info [D] Edit System Configuration Page [1] [E] Edit System Configuration Page [2] [A] The Matrix Opener isn't very necessary, but it's a great ope- ner for those SysOps running Toc StandAlone (by itself). This Opener includes options such as Check Mail, Feedback, Ansi Toggle, Etc. [B] This is the setup of the Directories that Toc will use throu- ghout the program. It is important NOT TO CHANGE any of these if the game is already setup. You will be the main cause for thousands of failures, and Run-Time Errors. If you change these, be SURE the actual directories comply with that of the information in the configuration! [C] Contains all of the Map Information, the OutSide map you're using for Earth, and the name of the Safe Zone. Unless you're adventurous, do not edit the X/Y Coordinate information. It is acceptable to change those if you're creating a map (Which is near impossible) or if you feel that a building or object has been located in an unacceptable location. [D],[E] These pages are very important. They contain a large portion of the system's setup. Make sure you go through these pages step-by-step. Page [D] consists of more game-type of options, and Page [E] consists of the more system-type things, such as if you're using the modem (Comm Routines or fossil driver), and if you're running the system as a Door (with a chain file) or in StandAlone Mode. Note - Versions 4_0 and up come with an optional Fossil Driver choice. Due to a consistent (and annoying) problem with the internal communications rout- ines, I've decided to add this fossil support for those SysOps running Toc with a high speed modem. [Ways to Run Toc/Chaos.Exe] [Page 8_0] In this section of the Manual/Reference Guide to TOC4_0, I I shall discuss the many ways to run Toc, or more or less the different types of switches available/run-able by Chaos.Exe. Here's the list of switches: Chaos - (Exe File) - Run Chaos one time. If Serial/Modem Routines are flagged on in Config, this will activate them and try to find a carrier. If the Serial/Modem Routines are disabled, or if the Modem Routines are activated and there isn't a carrier, this command will run Toc locally. Chaos Local - (Exe File) - Will run Chaos locally without any modem options/Skip all modem routines. This will act like a standard DOS Executable file. Chaos NoDoor - (Exe File) - If Time of Chaos is configured to use a chain file, this will skip it. Chaos Check - (Exe File) - Will show existing Registration Information. Chaos Register - (Exe File) - This function allows you to plug in your Actual Registration Number, and register your Toc. For more info, check the section entitled 'Registration Information.' [The Online SysOp Menu] [Page 10_0] The Online SysOp Menu is the set of commands you, The SysOp, can do while online. Next to the Online SysOp Func. and Inlock/ OutLock functions, these commands are completely invisible to a a remote user that may be on at the time. Here's a list of the commands available: Alt·H - Display the Menu of available commands Alt·D - Hangup on the User/Quit Door Mode StandAlone Mode - This will hangup the user. Door Mode - This will exit Toc abruptly and return back to the bbs. Alt·L - Toggle Pager On/Off. Alt·P - View Player's Stats (Game) This command allows you to view the user's actual player status. This one is just like the [!] prompt found throught the game. Alt·M - View Player's Miscellaneous Items (Game) This will view the user's miscellaneous items he currently possesses. Alt·V - View Player's Personal Stats (System) This will allow you to view the personal info of a user. Specifically, this shows their handle, password, sysop access, time left, and calls left. Alt·E - Online SysOp Functions This is the Online SysOp Functions. This will temporarily stop the player's actions with a 'Please Wait' prompt. This menu cons- ists of commands such as editing calls rem- aining for the day, and a special function for the #1 User/SysOp to logoff inside of the Safe Zone that deters others from attac- king a camped SysOp. Alt·C - Engage in Chat Mode This function allows you to talk, or better yet, type to the user that is currently on. Chat Mode can be entered in at any time dur- ing game play. This is only available when not in local. Alt·I - Toggle Typing (Lock/UnLock) This function allows the SysOp to literally turn the remote user's keyboard on and off. Alt·O - Toggle Text (Lock/UnLock) This function allows the SysOp to turn off the remote side's screen, and prevents then from receiving any text that may be sent over. Alt·S - Toggle SysOp Access (On/Off) Allows the SysOp to toggle the current user's SysOp Access (On/Off.) Alt·A - Toggle UsingANSI (On/Off) (This is for SysOps with ANSI configured) This function allows the SysOp to turn ANSI on and off while a player is on. Alt·R - System Report The System Report shows values such as total calls to system, last caller (the current caller), New calls, new feedbacks, and new posts since last local logon, and the time and date. Alt·+ - Add 5 Minutes to Time Limit This function adds 5 minutes to a player's current Time Limit. NOTE : If the user's time left is greater than 240 minutes, the system will automatic- ally hang him up. Do not exceed this limit. Alt·- - Subtract 5 Minutes from Time Limit Subtracts 5 minutes from the current Time Limit of a player. [Registration Information] [Page 14_0] Handling the Registration Information is quick and easy. When first-time installation has been performed, Toc will inter- rupt and ask a series of questions concerning registration. Fill these out, with the correct, and exact information. From then on, until you've sent in your $25 registration fee, and while Toc runs unregistered, your Toc will come up with an ANSI non-resistration screen, which includes bbs names and numbers, phone numbers, and an address to send registration fees. This screen will only pop-up whenever Toc is ran locally, or when there is no remote caller or player logging in. Also, a limit of only eight users is allowed in the game. Once registered, one change will be made - The old, eight user limit will be boosted up to 100 users. Registration includes free updates. All versions from version 1_0 (June, '91) and up are compatible, and each and every one may be updated. Registration ignores these upgrades, or updates. To register, send a $25 Check or Money Order, made out to Brian Cain. In the memo section, you may include a note, such as "Toc Registration." Personally, I prefer receiving money orders. So, if you have a choice, purchase a money order and send it. Plus, money orders are a bit safer than checks. Anyways, the reg. fee is step one. Note - U.S. Currency only, or U.S. Transferrable credit. Step two includes a full copy of your registration infor- mation, which may be accessed easily by executing 'Chaos /D'. Lastly, you must include your First Registration Number. This FRN is very important! Once I receive my registration fee, and the required info I will proceed to make your ARN (Actual Registration Number), which you will plug into your Toc, by executing 'Chaos /R'. Enter your ARN, and, theoretically, if the number is correct, your Toc will be registered, with the full, 100 user capacity. If you enter in the wrong number, your Register.Cfg file will be prompt- ly deleted. Here is the mailing address if you wish to register: Brian Cain #4 Heritage Court Grand Prairie, Tx 75050 [External Programs Information] [Page 15_0] There are a few external programs supplied in this Arj. Here is the list: · Config.Exe - Toc Configuration Editor - This is the main Configuration Editor. Toc/system modifications, along with various Toc/game modif- ications can be made and changed, such as SysOp Password, Enabling Comm Routines, Time Online per Session, etc. This may be customized to your full extent. · ReRoll.Exe - Game Reset Utility File - This small program only does one thing - Resets an entire game. This program will clear all existing user and message data, while yet retain- ing existing system and game configuration. This program requires the SysOp Password, for local- side security. · Setup.Exe - Raw Data File Creator - This is the raw data file and message file maker. This program is loaded during first-time, main installation, and should NEVER be executed again. If executed while a game exists, a Run-Time Error will pop-up, and the program will halt. If you're wishing to reset your current game, run ReRoll. · TocScan.Exe - Diagnostic Utility Missing-File Creator - This program searches for any missing data or message files. If one is found missing, TocScan will create and replace the missing file with a new, blank one. This program is great for instal- lation errors, disk errors, such as out-of-disk- space, etc. · Edit.Exe - Enemy Editor (NEW For 4_0) - This was an idea of a few people from the ON_LINE _GAMES FIDONet Echo. They figured that this would add a whole new "realm" of customization to any Toc game. Note : With this editor, you can, let's just say, throw the game "out-of-whack" if not used properly and responsibly. But, here it is. Have fun! · MapEdit.Exe - Map Editor This handy little utility, which is located in the Maps directory, can modify every single map in the entire game. This editor was written by Mark Doughty, a user on my system. · Mark.Com/Release.Exe - Memory Manager Programs - These nifty little files prevent freezing from occuring while running Toc. Toc execute properly, first run Mark.Com. Then, run Chaos, however you have it setup to run. Lastly, when Chaos is finished, run Release. Mark.Com marks the current position in memory. Release.Exe clears everything from that position marked in memory forward. [Running Toc as a Door/Quick Reference Guide] [Page 17_0] This section of the manual is just a quick reference guide for setting up Toc as a door program under another BBS program. This section also includes support for the two chain files included. Here is a list of things to do for a few types of BBS Programs: ∙ WWIV BBS Program 4.2F (Chain.Txt/Type 1) WWIV BBS Program 4.21 (Chain.Txt/Type 2) Create a batch file in your WWIV Directory: Echo Off cd\(Chaos Directory) Mark Chaos Release WWIV Chain Editor · DOS Interrupt - NOT Used · 300 Baud - NOT Allowed · Shrink BBS - Yes · Using Chain.Txt - Yes · Disable Pause - No » DoorMode/Using Chain.Txt is used in this batch file. Be sure to set this setting in Option [E] in the Configuration Editor. Note - Chain.Txt/Type 1 is used with WWIV Version 4.2F. Chain.Txt/Type 2 is used with WWIV Version 4.21. ∙ Telegard BBS 2.5i/2.5k/2.7 Create a batch file in your main TGard Directory: Echo Off cd\(Chaos Directory) Mark Chaos Release cd\(Telegard Directory) Exit Telegard Configuration/Menu Editor (From Wait Screen) Menu Editor ('#' from Wait Screen) Menu Editor - ONLINE.MNU file 1] Long Description ∙ [T] Time of Chaos (Example) 2] Short Description ∙ [T] Toc (Example) 3] Cmd Letters ∙ T (Menu Key to Execute Toc) 4] ACS Required ∙ (Access Required to Execute) 5] CmdKeys ∙ DD (for DorInfo1.Def) ∙ DC (for Chain.Txt) 6] MString ∙ CHAOS.BAT (Batch File Name) » DoorMode/Using Chain.Txt and DoorMode/Using DorInfo1.Def are both used as examples for this batch file. Be sure to set this setting in Option [E] in the Configuration Editor. ∙ RemoteAccess 1.00/1.10\QuickBBS 2.75 and up Create a batch file in your RA/QBBS Directory: Echo Off cd\(Chaos Directory) Mark Chaos Release cd\(RA/QuickBBS Directory) Menu Editor (Menu that calls Toc) 1] Optional Data ∙ *C /c (Chaos Directory/Batch File) *M 2] Action ∙ Execute Sub Program, Type 7 [TroubleShooting Section] [Page 21_0] This section will (hopefully) fix any types of errors or discrepencies you may encounter while running Toc. Here's the list so far: - Experiencing a "Freeze" Problem? This problem would mainly occur after Time of Chaos has exited and the batch file is attempting to return to the BBS. If you've got this problem, use the memory managers (Mark and Release) that are included in the Time of Chaos ZIP/ARJ (From Versions 2_5 and up). Once exiting the bbs, first run Mark, then run Time of Chaos, then run Release. This should clear any freeze problem you may encounter. If this doesn't work, reset your computer and re-run your bbs entirely. IF THAT doesn''t work, then you may be able to contact me personally. Here's my Tech Support Voice Line ∙ [214] 641-8628 Here's my Tech Support FAX Line ∙ [214] 641-6530 [3_5 to 4_0 Changes and Modifications] [Page 22_0] From Version 3_5 to 4_0, here are the upgraded made: ∙ Release Date · ∙ Added Support for CallInfo.Bbs and Door.Sys Drop Files ∙ Quad-Pulsar Attack System capability weakened from InterStellar to InterPlanetary only. ∙ DorInfo1.Def/Chain.Txt (Types 1,2) only in remote - No drop file used in Local. ∙ 'Re-Vamped' the menus - Thanks Eric Knorowski! ∙ Justified all text files/ANSI text files (Took awhile) ∙ Stupid Brian-made errors here and there fixed... :) ∙ Added Chain.Txt support for WWIV Ver 4.21 in Configuration. ∙ Added 4 more US Beta Testers - Updated all ANSI/Txt Files. ∙ Market Cost Limited dropped. New limit $2 Bil per item. ∙ Infrared Analyzer access commands changed. ∙ Bank Limit lowered to $175,000,000. ∙ Discard Option taken out in Trading Market. ∙ Full Justification for the SysOp Manual ∙ MapEdit.Exe V2_0 (Mark Doughty) Universal Map Editor added ∙ User-Weed for Players Level 1 w/ 200 Exp pts and under ∙ Speedy Installation (Thank you Dustin Nulf) ∙ Gave the game a face lift! Complete modification of Moving, Check Status, Enemy View, and Fight Sequence. ∙ Bug Fixes here and there....Typos fixed here and there... ∙ A few little, barely-noticable modifications, text modificat- ions, etc. ∙ Anything I forgot? Thank You, Brian Cain and Beta Testers For help, support, questions, comments, ideas, etc, please give any of these beta-testing bbses a call: (1:124/6303) Brian Douglas Cain [214] 641-7805 Grand Prairie, TX (1:343/93) Jerry Harris (1:202/632) Greg Attaway [206] 876-8633 Des Moines, WA [619] 426-4651 Chula Vista, CA Gilbert Martines (1:124/8005) Jason Chancellor [808] 949-4942 Honolulu, HI [214] 238-7141 Richardson, TX (1:106/890) Ray Hurst (1:2280/3) Ray Hoffman [713] 890-0025 Houston, TX [906] 346-9770 K.I. Sawyer AFB, MI (1:107/813) Eric Knorowski/Delord (1:104/531) Don Johnson [201] 437-5706 Bayonne, NJ [303] 363-8775 Aurora, CO [Credits] [Page 24_0] I've got a semi-long list of credits, so, if you're that type of person who likes to read 'em (Bret Orrell!), here they are: ∙ The TOC Beta Gang! ∙ Shawn McMahon (1:19/141) (Down) Motivation - Getting me off my rotund - Etc. Bunch of help left and right - Few Ideas. ∙ Dustin Nulf /\ Operation : Overkill ][ (1:124/6304) Mapper Help! Showed me how to get the installation down from 10 minutes to 18 seconds... :) ∙ Bret Orrell & Jeff WeatherFord (And Others) At-home Beta testers! 'Guinea Pigs' ∙ Mike Whitaker Fossil Routines - "Excellentè'.. ∙ Chris Maxim Initial message area product (mid '89) Ideas here and there.. ∙ Chris Weaver (1:124/6302) Exceptional character - Intelligent - 5'7 - 130 lbs. Just kidding - TONS of assistance. Testing with Fossil routines...Thanks a bunch hombre. ∙ Jason Chancellor (1:124/6301) ∙ Eric Sorenson ANSI Work - Help through this and that. ∙ Jared White, Colin McDorman, and Eric Knorowski EXCEPTIONAL ANSI Artists! Great ANSI work. Logon Screen! - Jared's ∙ Joshua Kersey (PHaLaNX) Pascal code optimizer/criticizer - Peace. ∙ Jeffrey Weatherford and Bret Orrell The ultimate guinea pigs. I appreciate everything guys. ∙ Eric Trickel "It'll never go anywhere. You'll never finish." - :) [End of SysOp Manual]