home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
ComputerTalk Magazine 5
/
CTM9211.ZIP
/
ART3
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1992-10-27
|
7KB
|
132 lines
╓──────────────────╖
║ Qmodem Version 5 ║
║ with OLX ║
╙──────────────────╜
by Tony Curro
For years I have extolled the quality of shareware products. At the
top of my list were the communications programs. ProComm, Telix, Boyan, and
Qmodem were all shareware products. The first and last have since gone
commercial. I have been a Qmodem user since 1989.
In the last quarter of, 1991, Mustang Software Inc. (MSI), makers
of Wildcat! BBS software, acquired two new products: Qmodem and Silly
Little Mail Reader(SLMR). The authors of both of these products have moved
on to MSI to future improve them. SLMR has since become OffLine eXpress
(OLX) and is incorporated with Qmodem into one package.
Qmodem has been vastly improved since the first release that I
used. However, through it all, the screen has basically stayed the same.
There have been some additions, like the NEW batch upload window introduced
in version 4.0, and of course there were other enhancements and
improvements. As always there is online help for ALL the features of the
program. When choosing an option, press F1 to get help about that area or
specific subject.
Qmodem v5.01 is being sold in many popular software stores. This
version has some minor revisions and new packaging. Having OLX as part of
the program makes the product price very attractive. OLX installs as part
of Qmodem. This means that you can just hotkey (ALT-M), into the reader to
read your mail.
I have one quirk about Qmodem v5.01. The opening screen takes
almost 10 seconds to clear. It seems like an extremely long delay. Earlier
version never took that long. However, this should not detract from a fine
product. Qmodem takes you through each step of the installation very
painlessly. QM has a modem configuration file that has setting for most of
the modems on the market. You can also update this, with a call to the MSI
BBS. It supports the 16550 UART chip, which is used mostly on high speed
modems; allow you to use EMS memory (if available) for the overlay file
that will speed up operations.
Many readers and users have asked me how to set up external
protocols, mainly Z modem. Many of the external protocols on the boards
have a .BAT file for use with Qmodem. Qmodem will support any protocol that
is out, even BiModem. However, Qmodem has the most popular already
built-in. Z modem is part of Qmodem, and has caused me to eliminate the
need for the external Z protocol. If you have an MNP modem you also have X
and Ymodem-G available.
Colors are all configurable to your particular taste. There is even
a HOST mode. I have used, and been pleased with, the ease of operation that
Host requires. You invoke it with a hotkey and have no need to do anything
else. You can leave and read messages; change the opening screen
information; upload and download files and more. Of course this is NOT a
full blown BBS program, and is not meant to replace one. But, for those who
have a few friends or associates who need to leave a message, or get an
important document or other information, Qmodem Host mode should fit right
in.
Bath uploads have been added. You can send multiple files to a BBS,
or you can create a file list BEFORE calling the BBS. Then once online
invoking that list will have all the files specified uploaded to that
board. This is good if you are sending the same files to several boards, as
it prevents you from having to select them each time.
Qmodem has always had a built-in text editor. Now they have taken
this a step further. You can use QMEDIT as a stand-alone editor to edit any
text files on your system, even AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS.
Qmodem allows you to program the function keys for oft-used
information. For example, if you prefer to enter you password manually you
can by using an F key. Set the key up to do it for you, and then, by
pressing the corresponding F key, the information will appear as if you
typed it. Using the CTRL, SHIFT and ALT keys in addition to the others, you
have a total of 91 programmable keys.
Creating scripts is also very easy with Qmodem. The scripting
language has been fine tuned and does work better now than it has in the
past.
The OffLine eXpress mail reader is a complete reader. It uses the
same hotkey (ALT-N), as does Qmodem to invoke its setup program. This is
what I like about integrated programs. You do NOT have to remember
different keys for the same functions. OLX allows you to read messages in
different ways. You can have them sorted by subject, or by number. Use a
bookmark to return you to your place. Rename and save a packet when you are
done with it, or just delete it. From OLX main menu you can see how much of
the packet you actually read and if you have replies to that BBS. OLX even
allows you to steal a tagline. It also has it own editor or you can choose
your own. Just like Qmodem.
Both Qmodem and OLX have test-drive versions available on BBSs. The
test-drive version of Qmodem will always be one release behind the
commercial version. In essence V4.5x is currently on the boards. Registered
users of previous versions of Qmodem can register the test-drive version in
the same fashion as they did earlier versions. MSI will give technical
support on both the test-drive and commercial versions. Registered users
can also upgrade to the complete Version 5 package for $35 + 4 s/h.
In speaking with Jim Harrer, President of MSI, I was told that they
are working on future enhancements and a better meshing of Qmodem and OLX.
He wants to see Qmodem be "the best communications program on the market.."
From my use of both Qmodem and OLX I have not come across any
problems with them "meshing," but I know we always want to see things
improve. MSI wants to make a completely integrated system: BBS,
Communcations program, Mail Reader. That would be great. I was reading an
article a few months ago in the N.Y. Times that stated that Wildcat! BBS
was one of the top 4 best-selling BBS programs out. As long as Jim and John
continue in the vein they are in, they do not have to worry about being the
best. You can only improve on quality! Qmodem has always been a quality
program to me.
╓────────────────────────╖
║ Program Information ║
╟────────────────────────╢
║ Qmodem Version 5 ║
║ with OLX ║
╟────────────────────────╢
║ List Price $99.00 ║
║ Upgrade $35 + 4 s/h ║
╟────────────────────────╢
║ Mustang Software, Inc.║
║ P. O. Box 2264 ║
║ Bakersfield, CA 93303 ║
║ 800-999-9619 ║
╙────────────────────────╜