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SyncEdit
The Synchronet Full-Screen Editor
(c) Copyright 1995 Robert D. Bouman
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Robert D. Bouman
94 W Roosevelt Ave.
Zeeland, MI 49464
USA
Fido: 1:2201/11
Internet: bouman@macatawa.org
As this document covers both the freely distributable and registered
versions, not all items apply to the demo version and are identified as
such throughout the document.
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ░▒▓█ Description █▓▒░ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
This product provides an integrated full-screen ANSI message editor for
use with the Synchronet bulletin board package.
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ░▒▓█ Disclaimer █▓▒░ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
The entire SyncEdit package is provided as is and comes with no warranty
of any kind, either expressed or implied. In no event will Robert
Bouman be liable for damage resulting from the direct or indirect use of
this software.
The user of these programs bears all risks as to their quality and
performance.
Users are encouraged to use common sense and back up all important system
files using industry accepted methods before using this or any other
newly obtained application.
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ░▒▓█ Special Thanks █▓▒░ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Special thanks goes to Bill Chronkite who has contributed heavily
thourghout SyncEdit's testing. SyncEdit would not enjoy continued
development without his support.
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ░▒▓█ Included Files █▓▒░ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
HISTORY.TXT Revision history of SyncEdit
REGISTER.FRM Registration form
SYNCEDIT.DOC What you're reading now, the documentation
UPGRADE.DOC Information on upgrading to this version of SyncEdit.
SYNCEDIT.EXE The executable text editor
KEYGEN.EXE Program to generate key file
SYNCEDIT.MAC Example macro file
FEATURES.TXT List of features included in SyncEdit to date
(files included in SYEDTDIC.ZIP)
SYNCEDIT.DIC Dictionary file for spell checker
IMPLIST.EXE Program to import words into main dictionary file
IMPLIST.DOC Instructions for using IMPLIST.EXE
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ░▒▓█ System Requirements █▓▒░ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
An operational Synchronet BBS system, version 2.00 or greater. ANSI
emulation is required for the remote user of course, DOS 3.0+, a fossil
driver may be needed if you are currently using Digiboard or similar
product. SYNCEDIT SUPPORTS FOSSIL AND DIRECT COMPORT I/O ONLY!
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ░▒▓█ Distribution Method █▓▒░ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Freely distributable shareware. This package may be uploaded, placed in
CD-ROM collections, or otherwise be freely disseminated as long as the
archive remains intact. Only reasonable fees may charged for copying or
distributing, and no copyright or ownership may be claimed by parties
other than Robert Bouman. This product is NOT in the "public domain".
The latest version is always available via file request at 1:2201/11 as
SYNCEDIT (or SYEDTDIC for the dictionary files).
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ░▒▓█ Limitations █▓▒░ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
The demo version is a very functional editor, with no time limitations
or restrictions on usage except as noted above under "Distribution
method". The demo contains complete block editing and file functions,
but the spell checker and search/replace functions have a 10 second
delay imbedded in them. Also, the demo does not allow the use of Sysop
definable TAGLINES. There is a three second delay upon entry to the
editor as well.
The key code activates all features and removes all "unregistered"
delays. The tear line will not be added to messages written with a
registered version of SyncEdit.
See "Registration" for specifics on how to obtain a key code.
Both versions of SyncEdit are limited to a maximum of 500 lines of text.
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ░▒▓█ Installation █▓▒░ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
SyncEdit is installed as an external message editor, and if one is
familiar with Synchronet and installing doors, there should be little
difficulty. However, it is assumed that the reader is familiar with
Synchronet and how to configure the BBS software.
Step 1
Decide where you wish to place the external files, ie the SYNCEDIT.DIC,
SYNCEDIT.KEY and TAGLINE files, all of which are only activated by a
registered key code. As mentioned earlier, remember that the dictionary
is distributed as a separate archive.
If you plan on using a different directory from \SBBS\EXEC, create the
directory using any valid DOS name and path, with the DOS "MD"
command.
If used, copy SYNCEDIT.DIC into the directory you just created, and make
a note of the full path and name of this directory as you'll need that
information in a moment. Otherwise, if using the BBS EXEC directory,
copy SYNCEDIT.DIC into \SBBS\EXEC.
Step 2
You must run the program SETUP.EXE before you first use SyncEdit. Be
sure to plug the external directory you created in the first step into
the top menu option. After all the options have been set to your
preference, exit (press <ESC>). SETUP will create a file called
SYNCEDIT.CFG. Be sure to place this file into the same directory as
SYNCEDIT.EXE.
Step 3
SYNCEDIT.EXE may be installed in any convenient directory, though we
suggest the \SBBS\EXEC subdirectory or a directory beneath \SBBS\EXEC
called SYNCEDIT. If you place SYNCEDIT.EXE in a directory that's NOT
in your system path statement, then you must provide the full path to
this directory on the command line with the executable
(C:\SYNCEDIT\SYNCEDIT %l .. .. ).
Step 4
Add SYNCEDIT to your BBS's external on-line programs menu via the
Synchronet configuration utility: External Programs -> External Editors
Before we get to installing SyncEdit, please note the command line used
with SyncEdit:
c:\sbbs\syncedit\syncedit <NUM LINES> [PATH\FILE]
or
%!syncedit <NUM LINES> [PATH\FILE]
A typical command line example might be:
%!syncedit %l %f
Left to right: the name of the executable, maximum number of lines
allowed in the editor, and the optional path\file_name to read into the
editor.
You MUST include the full path and program name when installing SyncEdit
into SBBS. If SYNCEDIT.EXE is in the \sbbs\exec directory, you could
use %!SYNCEDIT ... in the configuration of SyncEdit's command line.
However, if you aren't using the \sbbs\exec directory to hold
SYNCEDIT.EXE, you would have to include the full path as in
"C:\SBBS\SYNCEDIT\SYNCEDIT ...".
The Synchronet parameter %l may be substituted for NUM LINES. This is
handy if you wish the editor to use the default number of lines as
configured within each of your BBS user levels.
We suggest the use of a separate external directory with the
availability of user dictionaries. Otherwise, the \EXEC directory may
become cluttered with dictionary files.
Hit INSERT on a blank line to start the process of adding the editor.
Below is an example intended to show a typical setup for SyncEdit, and
should work for the vast majority of users. Please note, SyncEdit
*requires* the use of the XTRN.DAT drop file so be sure to configure
Synchronet to drop the file as indicated below.
SyncEdit Editor
╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Name SyncEdit ║
║ Internal Code SYNCEDIT ║
║ Local Command Line %!syncedit %l %f ║
║ Remote Command Line %!syncedit %l %f ║
║ Access Requirements ANSI ║
║ Intercept I/O Interrupts No ║
║ Quote Text Prompt User ║
║ QuickBBS Style Editor (MSGTMP) No ║
║ Expand line feeds to CRLF No ║
║ BBS Drop File Type Synchronet XTRN.DAT ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Once again, this example will work if you have the directory where you
placed SYNCEDIT.EXE in your path, and you placed your external files in
\SBBS\EXEC. Otherwise, you will need to modify the above to match
your setup.
If memory is tight, or you experience difficulties, add SyncEdit to your
BBS global swap list. This is accomplished within the Synchronet
configuration utility.
That's it, you and your users should now be able to use the editor!
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ░▒▓█ Using the Editor █▓▒░ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
As SyncEdit contains an extensive built-in help system, we will not go
into great detail here on the commands or how to use the editor.
All functions are available from the menu at the top of the screen by
using CTRL-key combinations. For instance, on-line help is available by
using CTRL-P. There are also several keyboard shortcuts, such as CTRL-O
for quick save, as well as the traditional "slash" commands (/A, /ABT,
/N, /S, /?). Again, be sure to review the help system when you first
use the editor for more detailed information.
The menu bar at the bottom of the editor reflects (left to right):
registration information (who the editor is registered to)
maximum lines allowed
number of lines used
insert/delete mode status
date
time
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ░▒▓█ Sysop File Functions █▓▒░ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
There are two Sysop only commands available from the File menu that are
accessible, and visible, only to user groups 90 and above (co-Sysops and
Sysops). These commands are LoadFile and SaveFile which do exactly what
their names imply.
LoadFile reads a separate text file into the current editing session.
This function does not overwrite existing text, but rather inserts the
file at the current cursor position.
SaveFile saves the current text to a file in ASCII format.
Both LoadFile and SaveFile expect a full DOS path.
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ░▒▓█ Sysop Hot Keys █▓▒░ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Several functions are also available to the sysop both when used locally
and when a remote user is using SyncEdit. They are defined below.
ALT+C - Allows you to chat with the remote user while they are editing a
message. This function is only available when the user is at the main
editing screen. ALT+C again to return to normal screen.
ALT+H - Hang up on user and exit from SyncEdit.
ALT+J - Drop to DOS. This is available when the user is on-line as well
as when the editor is used locally. It is available when the remote
user or local user is in the main editing screen only.
ALT+K - When this key is pressed, SyncEdit will ignore key strokes from
the remote user. Pressing this key again will return the editor to
normal function.
ALT+D - Drops user to BBS without hanging up on them.
F1 - Will display a status bar containing the sysop key information from
above.
F9 - Will return the status bar to the normal user information display.
F10 - Will remove the status bar completly from screen.
ALT-+/- - Increase or decrease the amount of time the user has in
SyncEdit to write or edit a message.
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ░▒▓█ Creating TAGLINE Files (registered version only) █▓▒░ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
The registered version of SyncEdit allows for the use of up to 20
different tag lines. Remember, all the *.TAG files, must be placed in
the external directory pointed to by the first command line argument.
Each TAG file may be up to 600 bytes in length. If these limits are
exceed, the file will be truncated. Tag files may contain both ANSI or
ASCII text and must be named using any valid DOS name, with an extension
of .TAG. These names may be descriptive, as in ANSI.TAG, ASCII.TAG,
simple as in 1.TAG, 2.TAG, or any other scheme you prefer. Use
desecration when using tag lines, particularly those containing ANSI
escape codes as they can quickly become overdone and irritating to
readers of your messages (and network administrators).
If more than one *.TAG file is found, SyncEdit will randomly select
a different *.TAG file each time the editor is called by the BBS.
For example, if you have two *.TAG files, the odds are approximately
50-50 that a particular tag file will be used. If you have three tag
files, the odds are 1 in 3, and so on. If you only wish to have one tag
line added by the editor, only define one tag file, for example 1.TAG.
If you don't want any tag lines added, simply don't define any.
Note, the unregistered "SyncEdit" tear line is not user definable or
modifiable. The tear line is not appended by the registered version.
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ░▒▓█ Sysop (only) Macro Files █▓▒░ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
For the macros, a file named SYNCEDIT.MAC must be in the external
directory. We have included a basic macro file so you have a reference
point for creating your own.
There is a maximum of 40 macros lines allowed. If this number is
exceeded, only 40 will be used. Lines that have a ';' in column one
will be skipped, which is primarily used for adding comments to the
macro file. Blank lines are skipped also. Everything else is
considered a macro line.
Macro lines 1-10 correspond to F1-F10 on the keyboard; 11-20 to
shift+F1-f10; 21-30 to ctrl+F1-F10; and finally 31-40 to alt+F1-F10. For
example, if you have 11 lines that are considered macro lines, then you
can insert those lines into your message by pressing F1-F10 and shift+F1.
If you press shirt+F2, the computer will beep telling you that there isn't
a macro associated with that key.
One common use of a macros as implemented within SyncEdit is to allow
the Sysop to easily use different signatures, depending on the target
audience of the message.
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ░▒▓█ User Dictionaries █▓▒░ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Any user that is allowed to use SyncEdit will be able to create their own
custom dictionary. SyncEdit will provide a menu item entitled ADD when
it encounters a word during a spell checking session that it doesn't
believe is spelled correctly. By simply choosing the add option the
highlighted word will be added to the users personal dictionary (*not*
the master dictionary). Please note, SyncEdit doesn't delete user
dictionaries when there are changes to the BBS database. Consequently,
if a user is deleted from the BBS database, the next person that has
the same user number will inherit the old dictionary.
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ░▒▓█ Registration Cost and Process █▓▒░ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Registration fee is $20.00 (twenty dollars US). That's right, only
twenty dollars. This will get you a key code that will activate all the
editors features.
Please review, complete and return the REGISTER.FRM (enclosed).
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ░▒▓█ Cautions █▓▒░ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
This product was designed specifically to interface with the Synchronet
BBS system, and has not been tested with other BBS packages. Though it
may work with other BBS systems, we make no representation that it will.
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ░▒▓█ Technical Support █▓▒░ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Support is provided by calling the SyncEdit support BBS; The Game Room
(616)786-3650 and either posting a message to "Playster" in the SyncEdit
message section or by sending private e-mail, via FidoNet netmail
(1:2201/11) addressed to Robert Bouman or Internet e-mail addressed to
bouman@macatawa.org.
Please note, we will do everything possible to assist folks in getting
the freely distributable version up and running. However, technical
support is primarily intended for registered users. They are after all,
our paying customers.
Apparent bug reports should be forwarded as identified above. Please
provide as much detail as possible regarding your difficulty, ie hardware
configuration, BBS setup (paths, etc), and a specific description of the
problem.
Suggestions regarding new features, and comments in general are welcome
from all users and should be forwarded as indicated above.
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ░▒▓█ Known "Anomalies" █▓▒░ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
o SyncEdit is limited to a maximum of 500 lines of text. If attempts are
made to use more than 500 lines, the editor will continue to load and
enter into an editing session. However, only the first 500 lines of
text will actually be edited and saved.
o There seems to be some incompatibilities when SyncEdit is used under
Novell DOS v7. In particular, the problem occurs when attempting an
editing session from the WFC screen. Usage of the editor from within
the BBS is not generally affected.
o Due to the spelling library SyncEdit currently uses, there are times
the spell checker will flag words as misspelled when in fact the word
is spelled correctly. This may be most noticeable when adding words to
one's personal dictionary. We are aware of the problem, but due to the
fact that we don't have the source code to the library we can't easily
correct the problem. The solution lies in either writing our own
library from scratch or locating another spelling library. We are
investigating the options are planning to correct this situation in a
future release.
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ░▒▓█ Upgrade Policy █▓▒░ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Registering SyncEdit is a one time ONLY process. By purchasing the
registered version of SyncEdit, you get a life long "subscription" to
all future versions of SyncEdit.
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ░▒▓█ Miscellaneous █▓▒░ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
SyncEdit reads either the INPUT.MSG placed in the node directories by
the BBS, or the file passed to it from the BBS via the %f parameter,
EDITOR.INF, QUOTES.TXT, and Synchronet's drop file XTRN.DAT. No other
files are read from or written to.
If the LoadFile or SaveFile commands are used, SyncEdit will load and
save to the path\file provided by the user. It does not, however,
modify any BBS system files on it's own.
SyncEdit is a trademark of Robert D. Bouman.
Synchronet is a trademark of Digital Dynamics.
All other brands are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.