The Pier Shareware 6/The_Pier_Shareware_Number_6_(The_Pier_Exchange)_(1995).iso/030/autont30.zip/WHATS.NEW

Text File | 1994-12-01 | 20KB | 616 lines

          What's new in this version of AutoNet??





=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  3.0  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1.  Added ability to specify PORT, PROVIDER, and SPEED
    inside Autonet.cfg

2.  Improved speed by optimizing code to perform most
    common user actions first, and the others after
    those.  This allows the program to cycle less
    times during important code loops.

3.  Now checks for AUTONET.CFG in same directory, and
    if it's the DEFAULT Autonet config, an error message
    is displayed.

    NOTE: The minutes on AUTONET.CFG are set to 60
    (an invalid value).  This may be flagged as a warning
    in some integrity checking programs.  To solve this,
    simply edit AUTONET.CFG to suit your own needs.

4.  Current command sent to modem is now displayed on
    the title bar

5.  Now has DIRECT CONNECT option for people with direct
    TcpIp access.  AutoNet will allow you to just connect
    immediately, rather than dialing a phone number.

6.  My COMM window and the other windows don't communicate
    with each other, thus causing some leftover garbage
    after certain windows are closed.  I now clear the COMM
    window after all window closes to solve this.

7.  Main menu added.

    IMPORTANT NOTE:  Add /AUTO to command line switches to
                     avoid main menu.

8.  Converted some windows to explosion-style windows.

9.  Add graphical effects to some menus when they close.

10. A LOT of people were using UQWK to compress their mail
    and/or UseNet messages.  AutoNet now provides much better
    support for that.  Please re-read the documentation concerning
    UQWK usage.
    A new sample UQWK.1 agenda is included, showing some pretty
    wild conferences you can get (alt.sex, alt.beer, alt.drugs)
    downloaded in .QWK format.
    You can then read them with BlueWave offline mail reader, or
    any others (I personally toss them into my PCBoard BBS msg base)

11. Finally added UPLOAD capability

12. Added GETMAIL.1 and SENDMAIL.1 agendas, showing how to use
    UQWK for offline mail reading/responding.

13. Have you looked at how many things I have added since version
    1.0?  Geez.  Over 120 additions to this program.. I gotta
    slow down!

14. AutoNet 1.4 has JUST NOW appeared on some major boards in
    America.  Can you guys help me out and upload AutoNet to
    any big bulletin board in your area?  Your help is greatly
    appreciated!

    Also, I need some official "FREQ" sites.  If you carry
    FidoNet, and would like to be an official distribution
    site, please write me a note:  CIS: 71441,2723
    or AntiVirus ROCK: 214-606-1485











=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  2.3  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

AutoNet will be appearing in an Upcoming Internet BOOK
from Que Publishing.  Make sure and look for it!


Most changes in version 2.3 are tweaking and idiot-proofing
the program.  99.999% of my support questions have been
very basic principles that I did not think most people
would ask  ("how do I type AUTONET.exe on the command line?")

If you are an AutoNet guru, make a file called USER.NEW in
the same directory as Autonet.exe to avoid the intro screens.


1.  Fixed the "BYE" before the FTP site.  Only does it when
    actually on a site.  This extra command logs some people
    completely off the Internet (why?!)

2.  UniComp has been having major changes almost weekly, and
    their prompts continue to change, and are unpredictable.
    I altered AutoNet to accomodate their update (get with the program, guys!)

3.  If USER.NEW file doesn't exist, an intro screen appears
    to explain how to use the program (geared for new users)

4.  Testing for valid com port before beginning (configurable)

5.  Allow custom "login successful" strings.  AutoNet looks for
    "Last login", "You have new mail", or "You have mail" strings
    to assume its logged in correctly.

6.  To assure no future problems with providers logging off
    when Auto-Net sends a bye command, I made an alias.
    When Auto-Net first logs on, it does an "alias bye kjlskjdf"
    so that if Auto-Net spits out an extra "bye" command,
    it won't log the user off.

7.  Added FORCE BYE , CHECK COM PORT, and KILL SITE ON BAD TRANSFER
    to the advanced.cfg

8.  Updated and improved the PROBLEMS.DOC with common questions
    and easy answers.

9.  Added OS/2 configuration commands










=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  2.2  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-


!!  Quest sites - get info on new sites without even logging on.
    Obtains vital directory listings, Ftp user messages, Readmes
    and any other faqs you need.  Calls the ENTIRE msdos site
    list within a couple of hours!


!!    My Internet address has changed:  [e-mail]    !!


1. Full customization for everything:

        Log file Type (verbose or just the essentials)
        Type of Log Writing (overwrite current, or just append)
        Action to take when phone Rings
        Handshake Method to use when connecting

        Flush the Cache after saving files
        Backup essential Files before starting
        Use Sounds and alarms when paging you
        Use the Status Window on bottom of screen
        Show Additional Information when quitting
        Check for Receive Errors
        Use customized-defined Sites

        Number of Seconds Between dial attempts
        Hangup String to use


2.  You can now customize your Site info -> Define your
    name/password/timeout value when ftp'ing a site

3.  Scheduling - specify which days of the month
    and/or which weekdays to ftp particular sites

4.  Added ALT-L to open/close log file on demand

5.  Added ALT-C clears terminal window

6.  SITEINFO.ANT contains customized ftp site names/passwords/etc...


7. Added a TON of finger sites:

8.  Newsgroups and usenet groups updates     UPDATE GROUPS
9.  NASA Newsletter                          NASA NEWS
10. ARTS news                                ARTS NEWS
11. NFL schedule, scores, and updates        FOOTBALL NEWS
12. Sexy advertisements and news             SEX UPDATE
13. Trivia of all types                      TRIVIA NEWS
14. Most powerful Computer sites             POWER COMPUTERS

15. During copy, if sizes are equal, or source size=0,
    no backup is done

16. HAMMER RETRIES is now configurable (how many times Auto-Net
    will hammer a site before giving up)

17. HAMMER IF UNREACHABLE/TIMED OUT option in Advanced.cfg
    Hammer sites normally only works if site is "not available",
    but with this, you can tell it to hammer if "unreachable" or
    "connection timed out" message appears.

18. You can now specify different config file on command line (.CFG)

19. You can now specify log file on command line (.LOG)

20. Added PAGE UP/PAGE DOWN to the new file tagger.

21. Added SUBSCRIBE WHITEHOUSE to get the latest political information
    budget changes, speeches, and other great stuff.  If you're into
    politics, get this!

22. Added SUBSCRIBE STOCKS to get the latest stock market information

23. Added SUBSCRIBE MUSIC for all you music fans

24. Questing sites!!








=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  2.1  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-


1.  New FILE MANAGER is out!  View PKZIP/ARC/LHA files, tag new files
    for downloading, edit your config/signatures, delete/edit
    agendas, make brand new agendas, all with a NICE menu interface.


2.  Ftp sensing...
    Auto-Net was having problems when a FTP command was followed
    by another command like ARCHIE, etc....
    Auto-Net didn't realize it was still on the FTP site, and
    therefore, didn't log off.  Fixed.

3.  Added MANUAL LOGIN command.  If Auto-Net is having trouble
    logging onto your provider, manually logging in might be
    an option.  Just include MANUAL LOGIN as the first line of
    your config file.
    You'll be dropped into terminal immediately.  Just type: ALT-Q
    for Auto-Net to start its agenda.

4.  Auto-Net now backs up everything before starting:
    AUTONET.LOG, AUTONET.CFG, AUTONET.SIG, ERROR.LOG, and AGENDA.1
    All backed up files have the .BAK extension...

5.  UQWK packet timeout changed from 200 to regular timeout value.
    This due to people complaining that 200 seconds was not enough
    time for their provider to pack all its messages.

6.  Added /UNICOMP switch for UniComp users (A fantastic Dallas/Fort
    Worth, Texas provider)  The UniComp people were courteous enough
    to let me browse through an account for a week, in order to
    "master" their command lines and prompts.

7.  43 other miscellaneous additions, most minor fixes or improvements
    in speed/accuracy of the program.










=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  2.0  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Hang on to your hat...

!!  TAB moves the info-Window down, SHIFT-TAB moves it up!
    Works even while Auto-Net is running.  This lets you
    see more of the "terminal" screen.  SHIFT-TAB moves
    it back up again, but please be patient - it takes
    time to update and process!

!!  Get binary files to your computer - decoded and everything / from UseNet
    Unlimited downloads await you with good MS-DOS files, .GIFS and more.
    Usage in your agenda:
        usenetdl alt.binaries.pictures.erotica dpg-3724.gif
        usenetdl alt.binaries.pictures.erotica JENN02.JPG

!!  New menu-interface.  Run AUTOFILE.EXE and edit your config file!
    You can edit your config file or signature file.  More features
    will be added later.
    Currently has full mouse support.

1.  If hammering a site, Auto-Net now keeps track of how many times it tried
    to get through - put on info line & in log file.

2.  Fixed help screen occasionally coming up.... took right mouse click out!

3.  Help screen now pauses 4 seconds instead of waiting for keystroke

4.  Fixed leech all to work better (faster)

5.  Enhanced the hammer-site option

6.  Terminal menu changed to left arrow.  Instead of pressing the "up arrow"
    to bring up the menu, just press the LEFT ARROW instead.  The up arrow
    if often used with GOPHER, etc.

7.  NEWFILES.1 is now renamed to higher number if it exists.  Old files will
    look like:  NEWFILES.$2, NEWFILES.$3, etc.

8.  Removed right mouse click

9.  Added pulse dialing for compatibility with older phones

10. Added "MAGNUS NEWS" newsletter

11. Added the EXECUTE command.  You can run DOS programs while Auto-Net is
    running by specifying:     execute dir /p
                               execute pkzip -mex logzip.zip autonet.log    etc....

12. I explained how to post on USENET using mail.cfg
    [e-mail]       - use dashes instead of dots in groupname: alt-binaries-pictures
    [e-mail]

13. Changed colors (obviously) and added UNREGISTERED window section

14. Added "disconnecting..." box

15. Showed you how to fax over the Internet:
    remote.printer.FIRST_LINE/SECOND_LINE@5.5.5.(phone number backward).tpc.int

16. Added WAITFOR function in script commands (and regular agenda commands)

17. Added the character '|' in the SEND commands.  No need to do a "SEND ENTER" any
    longer, just put the '|' character after your command!

Example:  instead of:      SEND mypassword
                           SEND ENTER

          just use:        SEND mypassword|


18. I altered the AUTONET.PIF file to reflect new memory requirements by
    the new windowing library.









=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  1.4  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

First off: YES, there was a problem with "send" command, which
is now fixed.  You can type anything after "send", and it works
great:
Example:   send telnet oak.oakland.edu 3000

!! You gotta register now.  The unregistered version does NOT
   delete files it downloaded.  And you will probably be charged
   for every megabyte you use.

!  You must also re-build your signature file (if you're using
   one) because of some added features.

1.  Added mouse support!
    Accepted mouse keys are discussed in AUTONET.DOC

2.  FINGER support added.  See TOO MANY CONFIG FILES in your docs.

3.  LEECH ALL function added, so you can leech every file in a site,
    without having to type all their names in.

4.  HAMMER SITE added.  If those words exist anywhere in your agenda
    file, then sites that are busy will be re-tried up to 30 times
    until AutoNet gets through.  (Yes.. there is a pause in between)

5.  Custom Zmodem command added to autonet.cfg.  If you don't like the
    zmodem included here, now you can use your own.

6.  YANOFF LIST allows getting yanoff's popular Internet fun list
    by mail.  No need to remember his address, it's hard coded!
    AutoNet goes and gets his list for ya.

7.  TODAY LIST gets the current today in history/sports schedule
    fun stuff list.  Run once a day for two pages of great stuff.
    I use it on my board as a regular feature!

8.  PUT statement added, so you can upload files to various Internet sites

9.  KILL AREA statement erases "*.*" in your user area.  I had one guy
    complain that AutoNet didn't delete his user area files after it
    had completed its tasks...

10. Slight problem with AutoNet processing function keys.. fixed.

11. WHOIS LIST gets the current Who - Is server listing.  This is used
    for looking people up on the Internet.  Since the listing changes
    so often, I thought it useful to update the thing automatically.

12. Zmodem occasionally bombs if running under Windows with 100 other
    applications running.  I fixed it best I could.

13. If a file exists named DEBUG.ME in the current directory,
    AutoNet will put debugging messages in the log.  Use this
    if you are having weird problems.







=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  1.3  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

!! Windows compatible.  Check the enclosed AUTONET.PIF file
   for a great setup under MicroSoft Windows.  Just double
   click on the AutoNet icon, then minimize it, and let it
   run all by itself on your desktop.


1.  Archie support!  (see ARCHIE.CFG)
    Now you can search for files using ARCHIE automatically,
    and capture the output to a file.
    Consult the new section ARCHIE SEARCHES in the documentation.

2.  Mail multiple recipients with one letter (up to 3) (see MAIL.CFG)
    AutoNet lets you mail your friends, or send those important
    business letters without user input!
    Send announcements, newletters, etc. without re-typing it
    or manually sending it to everyone.
    Consult the MAILING PEOPLE section of the documentation.

3.  Added SNAIL speed for Internet providers that are non-responsive
    to anything.  That gives a five minutes timeout period.

4.  UQWK packets now supported.  Read your Internet mail, or
    USENET mail OFFLINE!  Use any offline reader: Blue Wave,
    RoboMail, Offline, Wave Rider for Usenet messages.
    You don't even have to be home to get your mail any longer!

5.  Download files into specific directory, instead of sticking
    everything into the current one.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  You must re-build your signature file using
                 MAKESIG.EXE because I added the new "download directory"
                 field.





=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  1.2  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

!! Cool new feature:

  AutoNet now has a command menu while in terminal mode!
  While in Terminal, just press the UP ARROW and a menu pops
  up, allowing you to pick a command, and send it to your modem.
  This saves typing, and allows you to create "aliases" for your
  favorite Internet sites.

1.  DELETE DOWNLOADED had a bug, where it would Delete the
    downloaded files BEFORE it actually downloaded them.
    Ooops!  Fixed.

2.  Remain Online didn't work.  Fixed.

3.  You can now IMMEDIATELY go to terminal.  Just use:
    AUTONET /TERM to drop into your terminal mode.
    Type ALT-X to exit.

4.  Error messages are now displayed at the end of the
    program, if they actually stopped AutoNet from running.

5.  The status line was enhanced.

6.  You can now change the SPEED of AutoNet while it's running!
    Just type F7 to toggle between FAST/MEDIUM/SLOW.  This helps
    if the Internet is running rather slow, or is quicker than
    you expected.

7.  If the phone rings while AutoNet is dialing out, AutoNet will
    answer the phone, let the modem connect, then HANG UP.
    Yes.. this is rather rude, but many sysops were complaining
    that the phone rang when they started the program, then AutoNet
    just sat there.

8.  Edit COMMANDS.ANT to suit your needs.






=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  1.1  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1.  New config file: AUTONET.SIG that you create with MAKESIG.EXE
    This allows you "privacy" with your config file, so that others
    cannot look at your Internet account information.
    Also, it password protects your AutoNet sessions to ensure
    no one can access your Internet account.

2.  Added a help screen.  Type AUTONET /? for quick preview.

3.  Added the [F7] key, which changes your TIMEOUT value while running.

4.  Added the [PAGE DOWN] key so you can download a file with
    Zmodem while in Terminal mode.

5.  Enhanced Terminal mode, so that you can drop into Terminal mode
    immediately, instead of waiting.  CAUTION!  If you drop into Terminal
    at a weird time, it will mess up AutoNet's processing.

6.  Optimized Zmodem sessions.






=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  1.0  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

               COMPLETE CODE RE-WRITE!

Tons of new stuff:

!!  Added SUPER-ADVANCED message processing engine.  Allows for error
    checking while online at a site, and better modem handling.

!!  Script words added:  DELETE, DOWNLOAD, RUN, SEND, WAIT, GOTO TERM

!!  Added menued interface for choosing Internet sites.

!!  Enhanced SIM2AUTO to encompass different site's directory structure.
    Turns out, you cannot just take the SIMINDEX files literally when they
    say which directory it's in!!

1.  Added a script language, to help people get logged on to the Internet.
    Different providers have radically different approaches to logging on!

2.  Added /INCDIR to include directory names in new file searches.

3.  If user drops carrier, or carrier is lost during processing,
    AutoNet aborts.

4.  Added ability to remain at site, or online after processing.
    This allows user to do tasks when AutoNet is done.
    (You should LOVE the cute sounds when it pages you  :-)  )

5.  Added IMMEDIATE TIMEOUT and BLANK SCREEN options while AutoNet is running.

6.  Added FULL ADDRESS and MAX RETRIES to config file.

7.  Switched to Texas Zmodem instead of Omen's Zmodem (so I can distribute it...)

8.  AutoNet handles DEAD HOSTS better (ftp sites that don't respond, or get bogged down)
    If AutoNet thinks the host is bogged, it will immediately kick itself off, and go
    someplace else.

9.  Enhances terminal mode to look MUCH nicer, and respond better when user aborts
    out of it, and back into the program.

10. Filters user input.  If user presses a key during processing, AutoNet will attempt
    to determine what the hell he's doing.. and compensate.

11. Added cute sounds.  One sounds just like a phone ringing...
    (hehehe - I appeared in a book: TOP 500 WINDOWS SHAREWARE for my sound effects.
    (Dave will stop bragging now))

12. Put to-download file list into a linked list, not a file.  This helps
    speed things up a bit.










=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  .99beta C  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1.  The whole program kept locking up in previous versions
    because a faulty port opening problem.  Fixed.

2.  Added COM3 and COM4 support.

3.  Added some keystrokes, like ALT-H to hang up, etc.

4.  Added a status line to show exactly what's going on.