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Text File | 1995-12-22 | 29KB | 624 lines

SFSYSTEM.EXE Version 2.0 Written by Mike Woltz Buffalo Creek Software INTRODUCTION ------------ SFSYSTEM.EXE is a companion utility for SPITFIRE Bulletin Board System software and will allow a number of system configuration options to be set outside the SPITFIRE program. Using SFSYSTEM.EXE's command line parameters, a number of options can now be toggled on or off and values can be changed thru a scheduled event. SFSYSTEM.EXE must reside in your SPITFIRE WORK directory where your SFSYSTEM.DAT exists. If SFSYSTEM.DAT is not found, SFSYSTEM.EXE provides you with the option of creating it. MENU DRIVEN USAGE ----------------- When SFSYSTEM.EXE is executed from the DOS prompt without any of its optional command line parameters, a menu is displayed to the caller showing the available options. The menu will look like this: >>>>>>>> MAIN MENU <<<<<<<< <D>... Display Command Line Usage <N>... Numeric Values <S>... Sysop Data <T>... Toggle Switches <Q>... Quit ENTER COMMAND - [D N S T Q]? After making a selection, except Q to Quit, a window will open up on the screen which displays all the features which can be modified for the option you have selected. As each window opens, the current setting will be shown to you for each feature. Pressing the ESC key will always return to the previous screen. Pressing Q will terminate program execution and you will be returned to the DOS prompt. DISPLAY COMMAND LINE USAGE -------------------------- When this option is selected a window will open up displaying the following command line usage parameters available with SFSYSTEM: /L[x] = Log On Time Limit...................[x] = Number Of Minutes /O[x] = Daily Log On Limit..................[x] = Amount Of Log Ons /T[x] = Daily Time Limit....................[x] = Number Of Minutes /V[x] = U/D Ratio Violation Security........[x] = Altered Security Level /B- = NU Birthdate Not Required /B+ = NU Birthdate Required /D- = Unrequired Door Return Password /D+ = Require Door Password /F- = Test Files Upon Boot Turned Off /F+ = Test Files Upon Boot /P- = NU Default Procotol Off /P+ = NU Default Procotol On /S- = Scan Queued Msg Conferences Only /S+ = Scan All Msg Conferences These options can be used as command line parameters for toggling the selected features ON and OFF via SPITFIRE's scheduled events. More detailed information on how this is accomplished is discussed in the section, Usage As A Scheduled Event. TOGGLE SWITCHES --------------- Selecting Toggle Switches will enable the Sysop to toggle the following SPITFIRE features: <A> U.S. Phone Format This allows the Sysop to set whether the BBS will use a US phone number format (###-###-####) or allow for SPITFIRE to merely accept any 12 character string entered by the caller. The SPITFIRE default is set for the US Phone Number Style. Convert File Description This feature allows the Sysop to toggle SPITFIRE's File Description Conversion On and Off. When this is toggled On, SPITFIRE will automatically convert the first character of each word in the file description to uppercase. All other characters will be lower case. If this feature is toggled Off, SPITFIRE makes no attempt to alter the description entered by the caller. SPITFIRE, by default, sets this feature On. <C> Uploaded By Description This toggle allows the Sysop to configure SPITFIRE to add the name of the caller uploading a file to the file description of the uploaded file. If this is toggled to Yes, a name of the caller uploading a file is added to the file description. <D> Password Failure Comment This option allows you to toggle whether you wish to configure your BBS to allow a caller who has failed their password test to be able to leave you a comment before being logged off. When this is toggled on, SPITFIRE will allow a caller to leave a comment when a caller attempts to log on and is unable to enter the correct password. <E> New Caller Default Protocol This feature is used to determine if a new caller logging on the BBS can select a default file transfer protocol after completing the new caller questionnaire. If this is toggled to Yes, the new caller will be presented with this option. If this feature is set Off, the new caller will not automatically be presented with this option, but may still select a default file transfer protocol from the <Y>...Your Statistics option of the Main Menu. <F> Require New Caller Birthdate This feature allows the Sysop to designate whether a new caller logging onto the BBS for the first time will be required to enter their birthdate. If toggled to Yes, the birthdate will be required and if toggled to No, the caller will not be prompted to enter their birthdate. **NOTE** SPITFIRE uses a caller's birthdate as the second password, when required. It is not possible to require a second password if the BBS does not require the caller to enter their birthdate. Therefore, the SPITFIRE Second Password feature will not be operative if the New Caller Birthdate requirement is turn off. <G> Scan All Msg Conferences This feature allows the Sysop to designate the message scan parameters. When set to Yes, all message conferences are included in the scan. When set to No, only messages in the caller's queued conferences are scanned. This affects both the log-on message scan and the scan done by selecting <Y>...Your Message option from the Message Menu. <H> Comprehensive Upload Search This feature allows the Sysop to configure SPITFIRE to perform a comprehensive file search prior to a caller performing an upload. When this feature is turned SPITFIRE will trim all numeric characters from the end of the file name and compare that file name against all existing file names by trimming the numeric characters from those file names. For example, if the caller told SPITFIRE that DSZ0691.ZIP was going to be uploaded then SPITFIRE would then trim the '0691' from the file and search for DSZ*.*. Now let's say that SPITFIRE finds DSZ0591.ZIP on the drive. The caller would be advised that DSZ0591.ZIP already exists and then asked if DSZ0691.ZIP is still to be uploaded. When this feature is turned off, then SPITFIRE searches only for the exact file name. Test Files Upon Boot This feature allows the Sysop to configure SPITFIRE to perform a comprehensive test of the message base files when booting. This can be somewhat time consuming when the board has a large number of Message Conferences. It is recommended that this feature be turned on. <J> Door Return Passwords This feature allows the Sysop to configure SPITFIRE to require a caller to enter their password when returning to SPITFIRE from a door. When this feature is toggled on, then SPITFIRE will require a caller to enter their password when they return to SPITFIRE from a door. This is for the protection of your board and for your caller's protection. <K> Search CD Rom Area SFFILES This feature allows the Sysop to configure SPITFIRE to search (or not search) File Areas marked as CD-Rom areas. In other words, before SPITFIRE allows a caller to make an upload it tests to determine whether the file to be uploaded already exists. When a CD-Rom(s) is being used, then process can be extremely slow. So, when this switch is turned off, SPITFIRE will not search File Areas marked as CD-Rom areas which will make the search much faster. <L> RIP Graphics This feature allows the Sysop to configure whether RIP Graphics will be made available to callers of the BBS. If toggled to Yes, when a caller logs on the BBS, SPITFIRE will test to determine if the caller is using a RIP terminal program. If the caller is not using a RIP terminal communications program the caller is prompted with: "Do You Want ANSI Graphics? <y/N>". If the caller is using a RIP terminal program, the caller is prompted to select one of the following graphic formats: <A>nsi, <R>ip, or <N>one. If the caller selects RIP Graphics, the *.RIP display files will be displayed to the caller, if found. <M> Use International Characters This option allows the Sysop to configure whether to allow keyboard input of non-English characters, with an ASCII value of 128 to 175. These characters are used in countries outside the United States. <N> Mandatory Message Scan Allows the Sysop to configure whether SPITFIRE will perform the message base scan when a caller logs on the BBS. When toggled On SPITFIRE will automatically scan the message base for new messages the first time a caller logs onto the BBS each day. If the caller makes additional calls to the BBS that day, then the message base scan will be optional. If toggled Off, the caller will be prompted as to whether he/she would like to review the BBS message statistics. <O> Use RIP Command Lines Toggles whether the SPITFIRE command lines will be displayed to callers logging onto the BBS using the RIP Graphic format. If toggled to Yes, SPITFIRE will display the menu command lines after the RIP menus are displayed. If toggled to No, SPITFIRE's menu command lines will not be displayed after the RIP menus are displayed. NUMERIC VALUES -------------- This option will allow modification to be made to any of the following numerical values: <A> Caller Number This gives you the opportunity to set the number of callers. The reason for this is if you are already running an established board, you can enter the the current number of callers, so as not to start the BBS with Caller Number 1. Number Of Calls Today This sets the limit of how many times a caller can call your board per day. If this amount is exceeded, the system will display TOOMANY.BBS and log the caller off. <C> Messages Today This option is used to set the total number of messages left on your BBS for the current day. <D> Uploads Today This option is used to set the total number of files uploaded to your BBS for the current day. <E> Downloads Today This option is used to set the total number of files downloaded from your BBS for the current day. <F> Daily Time Limit Sets the amount of time per day, per caller. <G> Daily Log On Limit Sets the amount of time per call, per caller. <H> Log On Time Limit Sets the amount of time per day a caller is allowed on the board. New Caller Security Allows you to set the default security level for a new caller. <J> New Caller 1st Day Time Allows you to set the amount of time on the board for the new caller's visit. (First day only) <K> # File Description Lines This option can be used to set the number of file description lines allowed. SPITFIRE allows a range of 1 to 20 lines. The name of the caller who uploaded the file is an additional above and beyond this configured value. <L> Maximum Amount Of Callers Determines the amount of callers you will allow to utilize your BBS. (i.e. - If you have this value set at 500 and you already have 500 callers and a new caller (501) tries to log on, the system displays the file MAXUSERS.BBS and logs the caller off.) <M> Number Of Nodes This option allows you to set the number of nodes operating on your SPITFIRE BBS System. <N> No Keystroke Time Limit This option sets the time in minutes that a caller is allowed to elapse without entering any keystrokes on the BBS. Once this time has passed, the caller will automatically be logged off. If available, SFASLEEP.BBS/CLR will be displayed to the caller prior to the automatic log off. <O> U/D Ratio Violation Security This specifies the security level that a caller will be changed to if the upload/download ratio is violated and all other conditions are met. Please refer to the SPITFIRE manual for additional details. Upload Disk Requirement This allows the Sysop to configure the amount of disk space required before SPITFIRE will allow any uploads to be made. The value configured is in K bytes. Additionally, LAKOTA uses this variable to determine whether there is enough disk space avaialable to import/export messages. <Q> Quit This option returns you to the SFSYSTEM Main Menu. <R> New Callers Today Selecting this option allows the Sysop to update the number of new callers which have logged on the BBS today. <S> Default ANSI Color This option allows the Sysop to set the default ANSI color that will be used for new callers to the BBS. Valid options are 31 through 36. The colors associated with the numeric value are 31 Red, 32 Green, 33 Yellow, 34 Blue, 35 Magenta, 36 Cyan, and 37 White. SYSOP DATA ---------- <A> Sysop's Name Allows you to change the name of the System Operator of the BBS. This is the name callers will see credited as the Sysop when first logging onto a SPITFIRE Bulletin Board System. In most incidences, you will want to use your real name here. Pressing the insert key allows you to insert text within the contents of the Sysop's Name field. Sysop Caller Name This option will allow you to change the Sysop Caller Name. Standard practice usually dictates that the "Sysop" be used as the Sysop Caller Name. If any other name is used, callers will be unable to use the Comment To Sysop option from the Main Menu. Pressing the insert key while editing the Sysop Caller Name allows you to insert text within the contents of this field. <C> Drop To DOS Password Sets the password that is needed to drop to DOS from a remote location. The default is blank (nothing). In the event you wish to use the 'Drop To DOS' feature then the Drop To DOS password must be configured. This password is disguised for security purposes. <D> BBS Starting Date This provides an opportunity to set the starting date of your bulletin board. The reason for this is if you are already running an established board, you can enter the original starting date of your BBS rather than the date of your conversion to SPITFIRE. Pressing the insert key while editing the BBS Starting Date allows the Sysop to insert text within the contents of this field. <E> Sysop Security Level This allows you to set the security setting for callers you will grant Sysop status. Callers with a security equal to or greater than the Sysop Security Level have certain privileges not available to most callers. For example, a caller with Sysop status can ..Undelete deleted messages. Refer to the SPITFIRE manual section - Special Commands For Sysop Status - for a more detailed explanation of Sysop status. USAGE AS A SCHEDULED EVENT -------------------------- The inclusion of the command line usage parameters provide some unique opportunities in the configuration of your SPITFIRE BBS. A brief description of each follows. /L[x] = Log On Time Limit..................[x] = Number Of Minutes The /L[x] allows you to configure the maximum number of minutes a caller to your BBS is permitted for each log on. For instance, if you wish to set the limit to 60, you would use /L60. If a caller exceeds this, SFTIMEUP.BBS/CLR will be displayed to the caller and the caller will be logged off the BBS. /O[x] = Daily Log On Limit.................[x] = Amount Of Log Ons The /O[x] allows you to configure the amount of times you will allow callers to access your system each day. For instance, if you wish to limit the number of times a caller can log on your BBS to 5 times per day, you would use /O5. If a caller attempts to exceed the number of allowable daily log ons you have configured, TOOMANY.BBS/CLR will be displayed, if available, and the caller will be logged off. /T[x] = Daily Time Limit...................[x] = Number Of Minutes The /R[x] allows you to configure the total number of minutes a caller will be permitted to use each day on your BBS. For instance, if you wish to set the total number of minutes allowed on your BBS each day to 90, you would use /T90. If a caller is logged on the BBS and exceeds their allotted daily time limit, SFTIMEUP.BBS/CLR (if found) will be displayed to the caller and the caller will be logged off the BBS. If a caller attempts to log onto the BBS after exceeding the allowable daily time limit, SFNOTIME.BBS/CLR (if found) is displayed to the caller and the caller is denied access to the BBS. Previously you could only configure your BBS to allow a set log on time limit. With SFSYSTEM.EXE it is possible to allow, for instance, a 60 minute log on time limit during the less active hours of BBS activity and decrease this amount to 45 minutes when the board is at its busiest. This is one example of the possibilities now available using SFSYSTEM's command line parameters and SPITFIRE's scheduled events. /V[x] = U/D Ratio Violation Security........[x] = Altered Security Level This specifies the security level that a caller will be changed to if the upload/download ratio is violated and all other conditions are met: /B- = NU Birthdate Not Required /B+ = NU Birthdate Required The /B- configures your BBS so new callers will not be required to to provide their birthdate while the /B+ parameter configures your BBS so new callers will be required to provide their birthdate. The second password feature within SPITFIRE will not be operable when the birthdate is not required. /D- = Unrequired Door Return Password /D+ = Require Door Password The /D- configures your BBS so callers will not be required to enter their password when returning from a door while the /D+ configures your BBS so callers will be required to enter their password when returning from a door. /F- = Test Files Upon Boot Turned Off /F+ = Test Files Upon Boot The /F- configures SPITFIRE to avoid performing a comprehensive test of the message base files when booting while the /F+ configures SPITFIRE to perform a comprehensive test of the message base files. /P- = NU Default Procotol Off /P+ = NU Default Procotol On The /P- configures your BBS so new callers will not be given the opportunity to select a default file transfer protocol while the /P+ parameter configures your BBS so new callers will be given the opportunity to select a default file transfer protocol. Regardless of this configuration, callers will still be able to select a default protocol by using the <Y>our Statistics from the SPITFIRE Main Menu. /S- = Scan Queued Msg Conferences Only /S+ = Scan All Msg Conferences The /S- configures your BBS to scan only the caller's queued message conferences when logging on your board and/or when using the <Y>our Messages feature from the Message Menu while the /S+ parameter configures your BBS to scan all message conferences. The procedure for using the command line parameters is the same for each of these options. The syntax for using the SFSYSTEM with the command line parameters is this to enter SFSYSTEM, a blank space and then the command line parameter you wish to use for configuring your system. For instance: SFSYSTEM /R10 (This would establish an upload-download ratio of 1 to 10) This documentation will take you through the steps of toggling the log on time limit from 60 to 45 minutes as a scheduled event. The remaining options can be set up using SPITFIRE's scheduled events in much the same way. To set up the log on time limit of 60 minutes as a scheduled event, you will need to select Create An Event from the Event's Menu (available at the SPITFIRE Ready For Use prompt by pressing ALT+E simultaneously or from the Sysop utilities menu). Next select A as the event to be created. You are then prompted for the time the event will be performed. Let's assume you will enter 01:00. Next, you are prompted for the day the event will be performed. Let's assume you wish to run the event daily, so enter 7. Following the same procedure a second event will need to be created to toggle the log on time limit to 45 minutes during the busiest hours of your BBS. Again, let's assume your BBS gets its busiest around 6 pm. Again, create an event using the Event's Menu, only this time select B as the event to be created. You are then prompted for the time the event will be performed. Enter 18:00. You will want this event to run daily also, so once again, when prompted for the day the event will be performed, enter 7. Now, using your favorite text editor, the SF.BAT file for Event A and Event B will look like this: :EVENT_A REM Place Event Commands Here GOTO LOOP :EVENT_B REM Place Event Commands Here GOTO LOOP What is required next is to include all necessary DOS commands which are needed to toggle the log on time limit from 45 to 60 minutes with the SFSYSTEM utility and enter those in place of the "REM Place Event Commands Here". A completed SF.BAT for Event A and Event B would appear as: :EVENT_A CD\SF\WORK SFSYSTEM /L60 CD\SF GOTO LOOP :EVENT_B CD\SF\WORK SFSYSTEM /L45 CD\SF GOTO LOOP With these events set up in the previously described manner, every morning at 1:00 am, EVENT_A will execute SFSYSTEM to modify your SPITFIRE BBS configuration to allow a log on time limit of 60 minutes. Then each evening at 6:00 pm, EVENT-B will execute SFSYSTEM to modify your BBS configuration to reduce the log on time limit to 45 minutes. IMPORTANT NOTE -------------- SFSYSTEM should NOT be executed by jumping to DOS and modifying parameters will SPITFIRE is in memory. SPITFIRE holds the established settings in memory so before the changes can be effective, SPITFIRE must be re-booted. You MUST exit out of SPITFIRE by pressing F10 or the changes you make will not be effective. DISTRIBUTION ------------ SFSYSTEM is distributed under the shareware concept. You are free to distribute the SFSYSTEM program as long as it remains unmodified and no fee is charged. If you use this program and find it beneficial a fee is required. A $1.00 fee is required of registered SPITFIRE sysops and a $5.00 fee is required of all others. This registration should be mailed to the below listed address. BUFFALO CREEK SOFTWARE ATTN: Mike Woltz 913 - 39th Street West Des Moines, Iowa 50265 DISCLAIMER ---------- Mike Woltz and/or Buffalo Creek Software shall in no way be held responsible for any damage incurred while operating SPITFIRE. All responsibility lies with the user of the software. The documentation for SFSYSTEM is contributed by Jacque Shipley and The Mother Board BBS. The shareware version of SPITFIRE and other SPITFIRE utilities are available for download from: Buffalo Creek's BBS The Mother Board BBS Mike Woltz, Sysop Jacque Shipley, Sysop (515) 225-8496 (515) 986-3464 33600 through 1200 bps 19200/9600/2400/1200 Baud REVISION: SFSYSTEM Version 1.2 - March 20, 1992 SFSYSTEM was altered to comply with SPITFIRE v3.2. REVISION: SFSYSTEM Version 1.3 - March 3, 1993 SFSYSTEM was altered to comply with SPITFIRE v3.3. REVISION: SFSYSTEM Version 1.4 - September 19, 1993 SFSYSTEM was altered to comply with SPITFIRE v3.4. REVISION: SFSYSTEM Version 1.5 - July 9, 1994 SFSYSTEM was altered to include a new field for New Callers Today information and to allow inserting information on some of the data fields. REVISION: SFSYSTEM Version 2.0 - December 22, 1995 SFSYSTEM was altered to include the new fields which are new within SPITFIRE v3.51.